THE NEWSLETTER AT THE ROOTS OF THE GRAND UNION BENEFICE
OF BLISWORTH AND STOKE BRUERNE/ SHUTLANGER,
WITH GRAFTON REGIS, ALDERTON AND MILTON MALSOR
Message from our Curate, Sue Cooper
Dear Reader,
Hello everyone, and I hope you are enjoying a restful Easter season. The beautiful sunshine that we had for some of April gave
us all a much needed lift. Springtime is a wonderful reminder of God’s promise of new life and His promise to make all things
new. Easter season in the Church cycle of seasons begins on Easter day and continues right through to the Church festival of
Ascension Day 40 days later. This is the time we remember the events of Jesus’s life during the days between His resurrection
and the day He was taken up to heaven 40 days later, a time during which Jesus appeared to his disciples on a number of
occasions.
Jesus told His disciples He had to go so that the Holy Spirit could come to them and that they should go to Jerusalem and wait for
this to happen. 10 days after His ascension, the disciples were all together in a room in Jerusalem and living in fear of their own
lives, when the Holy Spirit came and filled them. This resulted in a powerful experience which transformed these frightened men
into fearless messengers of the good news of God’s love, His saving grace, His power over death, and the power of God to
transform people’s lives. This experience is called Pentecost in the Church and it is the time the Church celebrates the birth of the
Christian Church by the Coming of the Holy Spirit to breathe God’s life into the disciples and to all who would commit their lives
to follow Jesus. Over two thousand years later, the Church has spread to every corner of the globe and Jesus has millions of
followers worldwide; but it all began in a small room with a group of frightened men. The Holy Spirit is still transforming
people’s lives today and dwells within anyone who follows Jesus Christ. If you need your life to change, I encourage you to turn
to Jesus and invite Him into your life, and you will start learning from Him a new way to live. Ask God to fill you with His Holy
Spirit to guide you and help you. Ask this every day, because this is not a once in a lifetime experience; it is an ongoing journey,
because we need to be continually filled with God’s Spirit to learn and grow. This is all very simple; it’s as simple as just sitting
down every day and saying, ‘I need you Lord, please help me’. And He will.
God bless you, with love Sue Cooper. (Rev’d)
Pentecost: Thy Kingdom Come Event 25 May to 5 June
To celebrate Pentecost, and following on from its success last year, the Archbishop of Canterbury has called the Church of
England to a week of prayer for the nation during the 10 days leading up to, and including Pentecost.
Using ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ as the foundation, we are encouraged to give special time and consideration to praying for God’s
Kingdom to come in our own lives, in our own communities and in our nation as a whole.
As a Benefice we will be opening Blisworth Church and Milton Malsor Church every day for the duration of the prayer week and
will be hosting the event called ‘Experience Pentecost’ in both churches. This is a series of prayer stations that help us to focus
on the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church, and to help us in our prayers. Morning and evening prayer will be
said every weekday, at 8.00 a m and 7.00 p m, except Bank Holiday Monday, throughout the 10 day event in Milton Church.
This is a wonderful opportunity to be involved in something bigger than ourselves and to join with hundreds of other churches
across the nation to call on God for a fresh outpouring of His Holy Spirit in our lives, in our communities, in our nation and in our
churches. Speak to Rev’d Andrea or Rev’d Sue for more information.
Streetchurch
I have had the following message from the Streetchurch Co-ordinator asking for help in what we donate to Streetchurch as follows:We have two dedicated volunteers who almost every week sort the donations, sifting out what will be the most useful for our guests.
We really need your help to make their job easier and this can be done in two ways.
1)
2)
By sifting any donations before they get to Streetchurch. This will save their time in Streetchurch receiving items which are not
useful.
Sharing the following list of donations needed. The ONLY items which are needed are as follows:-
Jeans, t shirts, hoodies, shirts, sweatshirts, underwear (clean and good condition or preferably new), new socks, footwear and coats.
The room for storage for Streetchurch at Mount Pleasant is limited to a ‘cupboard under the stairs’ and there is very low headroom and not a lot
of space once the boxes holding the Streetchurch catering stores are in place. Many thanks to you all for your continued support and
understanding.
Our next time on duty is Sunday 16 July.
Doris Knights.
May 2017
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Volume 37, Issue 5
Service Schedule for May 2017
Sunday 21 May
8.00 a m: Holy Communion, BCP, Blisworth
9.30 a m: Holy Communion, CW, Milton Malsor
11.00 a m: Holy Communion, CW, Grafton Regis
11.00 a m: Morning Worship, Blisworth
Sunday 28 May
9.30 a m: Holy Communion, CW, Alderton
9.30 a m: Morning Worship, Milton Malsor
11.00 a m: Holy Communion, CW, Blisworth
Every Wednesday: 9.30 a m, Morning Prayer, Blisworth and Milton Malsor
Sunday 7 May
9.30 a m: Morning Worship, Shutlanger
9.30 a m: Holy Communion, BCP, Milton Malsor
11.00 a m: Word and Worship, Blisworth
Sunday 14 May
9.30 a m: Holy Communion, CW, Stoke Bruerne
9.30 a m: Morning Worship, Milton Malsor
11.00 a m: Holy Communion, CW, Blisworth
Useful Telephone Numbers for the United Benefice of Blisworth and Stoke Bruerne with Grafton Regis, Alderton and Milton Malsor
Rector: Revd Andrea Watkins, tel 01604 857619
Curate: Rev’d Sue Cooper, tel 01604 764243
Churchwarden of Blisworth: Mrs Fiona McKenzie, tel 01604 859541
Churchwardens of Stoke Bruerne: Mrs Christine Frost, tel 01604-862561 and Mr Lee Arnfield, tel 01604 864553
Churchwardens of Grafton Regis: Mrs Jean Glanville, tel 01908 543463 and Mrs Judy Kendrick-Simonsen, tel 01908 542535
Churchwarden of Alderton: Mrs Amanda Selvey, tel 01327 811380.
Churchwardens of Milton Malsor: Mrs Jane Treharne, tel 01604 858323 and Mrs Susan Bell, tel 01327 351043
The Julian Group for Silent Prayer
The Julian Group for Silent Prayer – making space for God. The group meets on the second Monday of the month (8 May) from 5.00 p m to
6.00 pm, usually at 2 Towcester Road, Blisworth. You are welcome to join us to ‘taste and see’ or on a regular basis. Contact Sue Cutts or
Hilary Spurrier for more information.
VILLAGE NEWS
STOKE BRUERNE
The 800th Anniversary of worship at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church for the Villages of both Stoke Bruerne and
Shutlanger, Friday 24 to Sunday 26 March, 2017
We started our celebrations on Friday evening with a concert by the Blisworth Community Choir. Members come mainly
from the Benefice villages, performing five or six concerts each year in aid of charity. The songs are varied with many light
hearted and well known pieces.
On Saturday, our coffee morning saw the church buzzing the whole time. Many visitors enjoyed walking along the timeline of 8 centuries and
reading the history and changing aspects of the local area. Along with coffee, there were lots of gorgeous cakes to choose from. In the
afternoon we were again open for visitors to view the exhibition and enjoy tea and more cakes.
On Sunday, which was also Mothering Sunday, we were delighted to have the Bishop of
Peterborough, the Rt Rev’d Donald Allister attend our service, assisting both Rev’d
Andrea and Rev’d Sue. The sun shone, the church was packed, Martyn Warsop came
along to play the organ, a small choir sang during communion, accompanied by Helen
Thorman, and ladies were presented with a bunch of daffodils. Plenty of people stayed
afterwards to enjoy our shared lunch and chat with the Bishop. We were extremely
grateful to our bell ringers who rang a quarter peal for the occasion under rather difficult
conditions (a bell stay had just broken!).
Afterwards, our Churchwarden, Christine Frost, wrote that “Bishop Donald asked me to
thank everyone for all the hard work that we do to keep our church in such lovely
condition and so welcoming. He was very impressed”.
“How interesting”. “Very impressed”. “What a lot of work went into that presentation”.
“How long will it be displayed, as I want to bring a friend?” These were just some of the
comments and enthusiasm made by visitors during this celebratory weekend.
Whilst we appreciate that there would have been some form of church building on that
site for many years beforehand, it wasn’t until 1217 that we have a record of the
appointment of a Rector. And so it was fitting that we should celebrate this magnificent
anniversary this year. How many people have entered that church over those 800 years,
and what stories the church walls could tell!
With the help of many books and information accumulated by the late David Blagrove, British History on Line and much research herself,
Lynne Wild had worked extremely hard compiling 8 century boards together with many boards dedicated to births, marriages and local people.
An incredible amount of information was presented, complemented by lovely photographs including some large old views of the village and the
interior of the church taken at harvest time.
In addition, the school had a wonderful display of old records and photographs
including those of staff and pupils. The old punishment book created quite a lot of
humour from visitors as did a coloured print of the whole school, as many were
featured on it. With our grateful thanks to Kelly Lea for the time and hard work
spent gathering and presenting the information.
Louise Stockwin from the canal museum also provided a splendid display of
information, photographs and artefacts giving the visitor so much to see and learn
about their local history and how, of course, the introduction of the canal in the 1790s
changed the whole focus of the village from the area around the church down to the
canal side.
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Volume 37, Issue 5
We have been asked by many people if the contents of this exhibition can be gathered together into a special book to commemorate the 800th
anniversary.
Hopefully this will be something we can work towards in the near future but before we do, we would like to make sure we have gathered as
much information as possible about our two villages and in particular the people who have lived here. Are you a member of a long established
local family? Would you like to write a short piece about your family that we can include, do you have any old photographs we could use?
The exhibition is to remain in church at least until 4 June and if you missed it, do come along on the days the church is open. Details are listed
in the accompanying article. Jackie Evans
St Mary the Virgin Parish Church for Stoke Bruerne and Shutlanger
Lilies in Memory of Loved Ones
Every year we display lilies in the church with a scroll listing the names of deceased loved ones. If you would like your loved ones to be
remembered in this way, please contact Lynne Wild on 01604 830279 or Jackie Evans on 01604 862473. Many thanks to those of you who have
already donated to this. Names on the list are not dependant on a donation being made, but all donations are gratefully received. The lilies will
be on display when the church is open for a further viewing of our 800th anniversary exhibition on
Saturday 29 April between 2.00 p m and 4.00 p m, on Sunday 30 April between 10.00 a m and 4.00 p m and on Monday 1 May between 10.00
a m and 4.00 p m. There will also be another opportunity to see them at our coffee morning on 13 May and at our 9.30 a m church service on 14
May.
Coffee Morning
We hope you will be able to join us at our next coffee morning, on Saturday 13 May between 10.00 a m and 12.00 noon. As usual, we shall be
offering delicious cakes to accompany your choice of beverages. Liz Hargreaves is kindly organising a plant stall, which is always very popular.
If you can spare any plants for the stall, Liz would be very grateful. We look forward to seeing you.
St. Mary’s PCC
Stoke Bruerne Village Hall Summer Fete
The Stoke Bruerne village hall summer fete will be held on 3 June at 12.00 noon; we will have plants for sale, also toys, stationery, bric a brac
and collectables, refreshments and a raffle. There are tables available for tabletop sales at £5 - please ring 01604 862825 or 01604 864275 to
book. Donations of bric brac would be welcome on the morning from 10.00 a m.
Stoke Bruerne Village Hall Management Committee.
Bellringing at Stoke Bruerne
Congratulations St. Mary's on their 800th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the Grand Union Benefice ringers were asked to ring a special
quarter peal. This was a challenge we readily accepted. So with the co-operation of our friends at Pattishall, it was decided to ring the quarter
after the service with the GU ringers providing the call to service. Unfortunately, during the first ring, the stay (a very important part of the bell)
broke. This put the 2nd bell out of action and the quarter in doubt.
It is with great respect to Margaret for ringing the bell without the stay and to Chris for conducting the quarter peal that was successfully
completed in 44 minutes. Stays are made of ash and can be costly to replace; our sincere thanks go to Robert Frost for providing, shaping and
fitting the new stay in time for the wedding on 1 April.
The band was:
1 Elizabeth Woodrow
4 Mark Rogers
2 Margaret Bulleid
5 Chris Bulleid
3 Diane Rogers
If anyone would like to come and learn to ring the church bells, we would be very pleased to teach you. Just speak to one of the ringers for
further information about this very British tradition.
Diane Rogers
St Mary the Virgin Parish Church of Stoke Bruerne & Shutlanger
The Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting was held in church after the service on Sunday 12 March 2017. Rev’d Andrea thanked the
Churchwardens and committee for all their help during the year. The Churchwardens and committee all agreed to remain on the committee:
Churchwardens: Christine Frost and Lee Arnfield, Treasurer: Andrew Blakeman, Secretary: Liz Hargreaves, Committee members: John
Brough, Amy Grimshaw and Lynne Wild.
As I am sure many of you are aware, there is a Building and Maintenance Working Party consisting of Jackie Evans, Margaret Fitzhugh and
Robert Frost. Much progress has been made and the toilet and servery will be completed later in the year. A church path will also be laid from
the car park to the church door, which will be invaluable, especially in the bad weather. 800 year celebrations were due to be held over the
weekend of 24-26 March. Coffee mornings are held quarterly and we would like to thank everyone for their support during the year.
Stoke Bruerne with Shutlanger PCC
Stoke Bruerne Community Cinema at The Navigation Pub
Due to popular interest, it has been decided to continue cinema screenings through the summer and not just the winter months as originally
planned. We don't currently have blackout facilities but Julian at the Navigation has used the projection facilities during the day and is happy
with the results.
May's film, which will be shown at 8.00 p m on Tuesday 30 May, will be La La Land (12A). The film for June will be Arrivals (12A). Do come
early, join us for a meal and make an evening of it.
If you would like to be put on our database to receive regular updates please e-mail [email protected] or message us via Facebook.
GRAFTON REGIS
Another busy month: the last of the season’s winter lunches, a trial run of the meu for the ‘Food Through the Ages’ fund raising
event and our monthly church service fell on Easter Sunday this year.
Heartfelt thanks to Kathy Harry for decorating the church with flowers, Louisa for creating an Easter garden and to Barry for
creating a cross from offcuts left over from the gate posts in the churchyard that have just been standing around for the last few
years.
By the time you read this we will have held the ‘Food Through the Ages’ event and raised some funds for the church and
May 2017
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Volume 37, Issue 5
village hall. We will then start on our summer season of walk and talk events, now renamed ‘1,000 years in 100 minutes’ events. All dates and
contact information are on the village website, www.grafton-regis.co.uk.
Our next event on the agenda is the churchyard tidy up day on 27 May, followed by the open churchyard weekend of the 10 and 11 June. This is
followed by the MKHA (Milton Keynes Heritage Association) event at Campbell Park on 17 and 18 June; Grafton Regis will have an
information stand there along with other heritage associations from the area.
In between these events, the construction of the conservatory at the village hall should be completed and we will be planning an opening event.
Churchyard Tidy up – 27 May 2017
The tidy up will start at 10.00 a m - we need people with all levels, from novice to expert, of gardening skills. Refreshments will be served
during the day. If you cannot make it on the 27th but would like to help out at some other time just let me know. You will need to bring your
own tools with you be it strimmers, spades, forks, rakes, wheelbarrows etc. Jean Glanville
Lunch Club
The last lunch of the season took place on 13 April and was very well attended. Those who regularly go to these events are very grateful for
them and know how much hard work goes on behind the scenes. The lunches are always delicious and a huge amount of fun. So many thanks
to the primary cooks, Jean, Kathy and Cathy and to those behind the scenes, particularly Barry and Keith. There are many more people who
deserve thanks, for setting out the hall and clearing away, and to some ancillary cooks who provide soup, bread and desserts. We look forward
to the lunches starting again in the autumn.
SHUTLANGER
The 800th Anniversary of Worship at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church for the Villages of both Stoke Bruerne and
Shutlanger, Friday 24 to Sunday 26 March, 2017
See article under Stoke Bruerne.
BLISWORTH
Coffee Morning: Time to Celebrate a Birthday!
The monthly coffee morning is held on the 4th Friday of each month at the home of Dr and Mrs Derek Bull, in Little
Lane, from 10.00 a m to 12.00 noon.
This is a regular feature of our fundraising efforts for the church in Blisworth, and as such the great work done by Shirley and Derek, and other
helpers, over the years has reached a point where it is almost taken for granted, which really does not truly reflect the true appreciation by not
only everybody who regularly attends, but also the wider church community.
So, it is with no small measure of thanks that we are delighted to announce that this month’s coffee morning will be the 200th event to be staged
at Little Lane and in that time, over £22,000 has been raised for church funds. This is a truly remarkable performance of both longevity and
generosity by all involved in this tremendous community event.
So the next big date is Friday 28 April. As always there will be a friendly gathering to chat, partake
of refreshment, and buy tasty cakes and other produce. But hopefully attendance will be increased to
record levels as many gather to celebrate the 200th event and to look forward to many more in future.
Stained Glass Cleaning
Following our quinquennial inspection completed earlier this year, (107 issues of which 21 are
considered high priority!!) one of the tasks we decided to tackle was the cleaning of our stained and
clear glass windows around the church, both inside and out. Quotes were received and the work was
eventually carried out by Rachel Aldridge of Aldridge Glass in Walgrave, Northamptonshire. The
work took 3 days and the results were considerably better than expected, as it was originally thought
that algae had, over the many years of non-cleaning, ingrained itself within the glass and would not be
removable. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find that Rachel could “work her magic” on the
glass and clean everything off. So now it is a pleasure to walk inside the church and be able to see out
easily, and to see the sunshine streaming through the windows without hindrance.
We recommend that you come and see for yourself at any time.
Thanks to everybody who contributed donations to having the work done and to Rachel for her great
efforts in brightening up our church.
Tile Cleaning
Following on from our window cleaning project, our generous congregation members contributed
slightly more than was necessary to pay for the work, so we have decided to use the additional funds to commence a project to clean up the tiles
all around the floor of the Church. Initial quotations have been received and it is likely we will need further funding to complete the project. So
if anyone feels able to help the cause and make a contribution to brighten up the church even more, please ring John Smith on 01604 859361 to
find out how your contribution can be gift aided and add a further 25% on to your donation.
Mean Bean Challenge Update
Oh boy, it was tough! However, Dave and I managed on only rice and beans and water for 5 days. How millions of people do this as their
“normal” diet I don’t know. Obviously, they have no choice.
There were a few surprises in the experience. We didn’t feel as hungry as we expected; in fact we found we couldn’t eat all our allowance and
had to skip some meals. It was so difficult to chew and swallow because there was no flavour and it was so very dry. I even had to throw some
food away as I’d reheated it too many times!
We also had headaches and our bodies ached tremendously. Nevertheless, we managed for several reasons. We felt very supported by prayer
and positive messages from many people. Every message gave us a smile.
We were excited by the amount of money we were raising for Tearfund to help these people who exist on a diet like this all the time. Last and
not least, we were very happy that it was only for 5 days and we had our eyes on that first cup of tea and bacon butty! Thank you for all the
support and for helping us raise £1,350. Tearfund will update us in June but they say so far they’ve raised £150,000. If anyone would still like to
make a contribution they can give it to us or go to our justgiving page, http://www.justgiving.com/dave-n-hilarys-mean-bean-challenge.
Dave & Hilary Bull
May 2017
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Volume 37, Issue 5
ALDERTON
Mothering Sunday
We did not hold our usual Communion service
on 26 March, which was also Mothering Sunday,
as Stoke Bruerne were celebrating their 800th
anniversary with a Benefice service, led by the Bishop. We decided to
hold a tea in the church in the afternoon, to celebrate important women
in our lives. The back of the church was set up with tables; we were
absolutely delighted that so many people joined us and we spent a really
lovely afternoon enjoying delicious cakes and tea, and each others’
company. Everyone was invited to make a flower from pipe cleaners
and ‘leaves’ and to write on the individual leaves the names of important
women in our lives. These ‘flowers’ were gathered together into two
vases, a prayer was said, and the vases were placed on the altar. It was a
very special afternoon and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves.
Our Beautiful New Tree
We were all very upset when the cherry tree at the top of Church Lane
was blown down by Storm Doris earlier in the year but we were more
than happy to accept Neill Taylor’s offer of a replacement tree. He
invited Margaret, Jackie and Linda to go to his premises and choose a
new tree. We were all in agreement as to which tree was the best one for
the site, and Neill agreed to come and plant it. On the relevant day, he
arrived at the site with a massively impressive machine which held the
tree aloft. In a matter of seconds, the tree was placed in the hole that had
been prepared earlier in the day, and the tree was planted. The tree is
now being cared for by being watered regularly, and snowdrops have
been planted around it. There was also an area that needed seeding with
grass seed, and some wild flowers have been incorporated into this. The
tree is now coming into flower and looks absolutely lovely. We are very
grateful to Neill for his generosity.
David Receives his OBE at Buckingham Palace
On 26 March 2017, I accompanied my husband, David, to Buckingham Palace for him to
receive his OBE, which was awarded for services to the British Antarctic Survey. One of
the exciting things about going to the Investiture is that you actually get to park in the inner
quadrant of the Palace. David was allowed to bring three guests and as, unfortunately as
they would have been extremely proud, his parents have both passed away, my parents
accompanied us.
Prince Charles presented the honours; he was attended by two Ghurkhas and five Yeomen
of the Guard. We then went for a celebratory lunch at The Goring, which was lovely.
It was a real honour to be able to go into Buckingham Palace to see David receiving his
OBE and it is day none of us will ever forget.
Easter in Alderton
On the evening of Maundy Thursday Reverend Sue conducted a service of Holy Communion, during which she washed the feet of those
present. The Washing of Feet is part of a sequence of services throughout Holy Week and Easter in which Christians share in Christ’s own
journey, from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the empty tomb on Easter morning. When clergy wash their congregants’
feet on Maundy Thursday night, they are following the example of Christ. Saint John's Gospel records that, during the Last Supper, Christ
washed His disciple’s feet and told them they must do this for each other. With this act He presented a powerful challenge to His disciples'
notions of hierarchy, and an eternal example of the dignity inherent in humbly serving others. On Maundy Thursday, when Christians remember
the Last Supper, many churches repeat this ritual, with priests, bishops and archbishops alike kneeling to wash the feet of congregation
members. This service also celebrates the institution of the Eucharist, as the Last Supper provides the scriptural basis for this sacrament, also
known as Holy Communion. At the end of the service the altar was stripped, reminding us that the altar symbolizes the human Body of Christ,
which was stripped of its garments. At the end of the service the congregation departed
in silence.
At 12.00 noon on Good Friday we were again in church for a prayer service and
Communion with the reserved sacrament from the previous evening, again conducted by
Reverend Sue. This was a moving service during which we walked symbolically with
Jesus on His journey to death on the cross. Seven short statements spoken by Jesus were
read aloud, followed by a prayer and time of quiet reflection. Again the ministers and
congregation departed in silence.
On Easter Sunday morning there was a short lay-led service in church, conducted by
Amanda, when through various symbols we thought again about the events that had
brought us to this point and then we lit the Paschal candle and redressed the altar as we
celebrated the joy of the resurrection. After the service we enjoyed refreshments in the
church, provided by Doris, before heading down to the bottom of Spring Lane for the
usual egg & spoon races and Easter bonnet parade. It was then back to church for an
Easter egg hunt in the churchyard. Thanks go, as always, to our very own Easter Bunny, Jackie, for organising these activities and providing the
eggs and prizes.
It was a joy to welcome so many and varied people from the village, across the Benefice and beyond into our church for the various services and
activities that took place over the Easter period.
Alderton PCC
May 2017
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Volume 37, Issue 5
MILTON MALSOR
Milton Malsor WI
On Thursday 11 May, we have a WI adviser attending to take us through the two resolutions chosen for this year's
National Annual Meeting in Liverpool. There will be plenty of social time after the discussions. Just a reminder - If
you are joining our Henley coach outing on 10 June, the balance of £13 is due by our meeting night on 11 May - cash
or cheques written to Milton Malsor and Collingtree WI. Please note the coach leaves the village hall at 8.00 a m on 10 June.
Scripture Inspired Art & Craft Sessions at Holy Cross, Milton Malsor
Each month we shall listen to a Bible passage and then you can explore how it speaks to you by creating your own piece of artwork to take
home. Materials will be available such as paint, canvas, pens, clay etc, or you can bring along your own supplies.
No experience is needed, just willingness to have fun exploring the Bible in a new way. Sessions will be held on the first Wednesday of the
month from 10.30 a m until 2.30 p m. Tea and coffee is provided; please bring your own packed lunch.
Session dates are: 3 May, 7 June, 5 July, 5 August and 6 September
Mums and Tots
This takes place every Friday morning through term time at Milton Malsor Village Hall from 9.30 a m until 11.30 a m. All mums and tots
welcome.
Easter
Easter Day at Holy Cross was a particularly happy time starting with the Easter morning breakfast followed by a Communion service led by the
Rector, Rev’d Andrea, and attended by a large congregation. Holy Week had commenced with the Weston Favell Singers presenting Olivet to
Calvary on Palm Sunday evening, a powerful musical telling of the last days of Jesus on earth. The Maundy Thursday supper at the Baptist
Church was also well attended and a very moving experience.
Art and Craft
The first of the art and craft sessions was held at Holy Cross on 5 April; it was, a successful occasion and well-supported. The next session will
be on Wednesday 3 May from 10.30 a m to 2.30 p m. The theme will be creation, and a variety of art materials is provided free of charge. Just
bring a packed lunch. All are welcome.
Meeting Regarding Proposed Developments
At the time of going to press Milton Malsor Parish Council is urging villagers to attend a meeting on 28 April at 7.00 p m in the village hall
regarding the rail freight development proposals which threaten the whole rural nature of the environment around us. The guest speaker is Chris
Heaton-Harris MP. Two national infrastructure development proposals in the parish cast a huge shadow over our lives and opposition is
growing to the threat they impose.
Film Club
The Milton Malsor Film Club will be holding its last session for the season on Friday 5 May at 7.30 p m at the village hall. Admission is £5 and
refreshments are available.
Coffee Morning
The next coffee morning at Holy Cross will be held on Saturday 6 May from 10.00 a m to 12.00 noon. The coffee mornings have become an
important feature of village life providing a useful and happy meeting point.
Milton Malsor History Society
On 18 May the Milton Malsor History Society will meet at 7.30 pm, the subject of the talk being “Royal Mistresses”.
GENERAL NEWS
Community Choir
Please note that the community choir are rehearsing at Blisworth church until September. May dates are Thursdays 4, 11,18 & 25, 7.30 p m to
9.00 p m
Pilates in Paulerspury
Pilates in Paulerspury: we still have spaces on Mondays, either 10.45 a m to 11.45 a m or 11.55 a m – 12.55 p m. Contact Sue 01327 811 596.
How to Contact the Police
999 – for a crime or incident in progress
101 – you will be asked with which police station you would like to be connected
03000 111 222 – direct dial Northamptonshire police
Email for Towcester: [email protected].
Your local officers are as follows:
Alderton: PCSO 7018, Peter Firth, tel 101 ext 343971
Stoke Bruerne: PCSO 7018, Peter Firth, tel 101 ext 343971
Shutlanger: PCSO 7018, Peter Firth, tel 101 ext 343971
Grafton Regis: PCSO 7018, Peter Firth, tel 101 ext 343971
Blisworth: PCSO 7012 Tara Cooksammy
Milton Malsor: PCSO 7012 Tara Cooksammy
You can contact them by calling 101, or you can email them at [email protected]
For more local SCT information, visit the local policing pages at www.northants.police.uk
May 2017
www.grassnews.co.uk
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Volume 37, Issue 5
May 2017
www.grassnews.co.uk
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Volume 37, Issue 5
United Benefice Calendar for 2017
All groups and organisations within the community are warmly invited to include events here.
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
1
3
5
6
6
6
10
11
11
11
13
13
18
25
25
26
27
30
3
7
8
10
10
17
17
27
29
5
13
16
27
5
10
31
6
13
14
28
12
17
26
5
8
9
30
14
21
Stoke Bruerne church open 10.00 a m to 4.00 p m
Scripture inspired art & craft session, Milton Malsor, 10.30 a m – 2.30 p m
Milton Malsor film club, 7.30 p m
Coffee Morning, Milton Malsor Church, 10.00 a m to 12.00 noon
Grafton Regis walk and talk, 2.30 p m
Yardley Gobion & District art exhibition, St Leonard’s Church, 10.00 a m – 5.00 p m
Shutlanger & Stoke Bruerne Flower Club, 7.30 p m, Roade village hall
Blisworth WI meeting, 7.30 p m, Blisworth village hall – resolutions & social evening
Milton Malsor WI meeting, 7.30 p m
Shutlanger annual village meeting, 7.30 p m
Stoke Bruerne coffee morning, 10.00 a m to 12.00 noon, St Mary’s Church
Yardley Gobion grand garage sale, 10.00 a m – 1.30 p m
Milton Malsor History Society, 7.30 p m
Blisworth heritage afternoon
Film showing, Blisworth Village Hall, 7.30 p m, A Street Cat Called Bob
Coffee morning, Candlebridge, Blisworth, 10.00 a m to 12.00 noon
Grafton Regis churchyard tidy up, 10.00 a m
Film club, Stoke Bruerne, La La Land, 8.00 p m
Stoke Bruerne Village Hall summer fete, 12.00 noon
Scripture inspired art & craft session, Milton Malsor, 10.30 a m – 2.30 p m
Blisworth WI meeting, 7.30 p m, Blisworth village hall – Elizabeth – a Tudor housewife
Milton Malsor WI summer outing to Henley-on-Thames
Oompah evening, Paulerspury, 8.00 p m
Yoga morning, 10.00 a m – 1.00 p m, Paulerspury village hall
Grafton Regis walk and talk, 2.30 p m
Film Club, Stoke Bruerne, 8.00 p m, Arrivals (12A)
Film showing, Blisworth Village Hall, 7.30 p m, A United Kingdom
Scripture inspired art & craft session, Milton Malsor, 10.30 a m – 2.30 p m
Blisworth WI meeting, 7.30 p m, Blisworth village hall – barbecue in the park
Benefice team on duty at Streetchurch
Film showing, Blisworth Village Hall, 7.30 p m, La La Land
Scripture inspired art & craft session, Milton Malsor, 10.30 a m – 2.30 p m
Blisworth WI meeting, 7.30 p m, Blisworth village hall – trip – Northampton’s Guildhall
Film showing, Blisworth Village Hall, 7.30 p m, I Daniel Blake
Scripture inspired art & craft session, Milton Malsor, 10.30 a m – 2.30 p m
Shutlanger & Stoke Bruerne Flower Club, 7.30 p m, Roade village hall
Blisworth WI meeting, 7.30 p m, Blisworth village hall – maintaining Britain’s historic buildings
Film showing, Blisworth Village Hall, 7.30 p m, Lion
Blisworth WI meeting, 7.30 p m, Blisworth village hall – annual meeting & light bites
Grafton Regis walk and talk, 2.30 p m
Film showing, Blisworth Village Hall, 7.30 p m, the Viceroy’s House
Benefice team on duty at Streetchurch
Shutlanger & Stoke Bruerne Flower Club, 7.30 p m, Roade village hall
Blisworth WI meeting, 7.30 p m, Blisworth village hall – over to the members
Film showing, Blisworth Village Hall, 7.30 p m, film tba
Blisworth WI meeting, 7.30 p m, Blisworth village hall – Christmas party
Film showing, Blisworth Village Hall, 7.30 p m, film tba – family film, children welcome
Mums & Tots: Every Friday morning through term time at Milton Malsor Village Hall from 9.30 a m till 11.30 a m. All mums and tots
welcome.
Community choir: Come along and join the community choir who are meeting every Thursday night from 7.30 p m till 9.00 p m in
Blisworth Church. All are welcome to swell the ranks and subscriptions are only £2 per person.
The Julian Group for silent prayer – making space for God. The group meets on the second Monday of the month, between 5.00 p
m and 6.00 p m, usually at 2 Towcester Road, Blisworth. You are welcome to join us to ‘taste and see’ or on a regular basis.
Contact Sue Cutts or Hilary Spurrier for more information.
SNIPPETS:
There are always flowers for those
who want to see them.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF GRASS is 19 May 2017
thanks to Jackie Grundon for proof reading
If you can get any copy to us earlier than that it would be very much appreciated
Please send any copy to: Linda Dards, Moorend, Spring Lane, Alderton NN12 7LW tel 01327 811265, e-mail: [email protected]. Could you
please include your name & phone number with entries in case we have any problems. If you would like to add photographs or drawings to
your text these are welcome and can be supplied via email or as photos, and returned after scanning. Contributions by email are most welcome,
we can accept most formats; please request a response from us on receipt – so you are sure that we have your submission. Word (any version) is
preferred.
May 2017
www.grassnews.co.uk
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Volume 37, Issue 5