Upton St Leonards Church News

June 2007

June  Diary

            3.         SUN.   TRINITY SUNDAY

                                    Holy Communion       8.00a.m.

                                    All Age Communion 11.00a.m.

                                    Evening Service        6.00p.m.

            4.         MON.  Upton W.I. Village Hall 7.30p.m.

            10.       SUN.   TRINITY 1.

                                    Holy Communion       8.00a.m. & 6.00p.m.

                                    All Age Communion and Traidcraft Stall    11.00a.m.

            11.       MON.  ST. BARNABAS

                                    Twyver W.I. Village Hall 7.30p.m.

            17.       SUN.   TRINITY 2.

                                    Holy Communion       8.00a.m.

                                    All Age Communion  11.00a.m.

                                    Evening Service        6.00p.m.

21.             THURS. M.U. Meeting. Church Room. 2.00p.m.

24.       SUN.   TRINITY 3.

                                    Holy Communion       8.00a.m.

                                    All Age Communion  11.00a.m.

                                    Evening Service        6.00p.m.

25.       MON.  ST. JOHN the BAPTIST

                        Ladies Group meet for compline at Prinknash Abbey.

28.             THURS. Get to-gether Club. Village Hall 2.30p.m.

 

Contributions for the July edition of Church News should reach Mrs. Rumsey, 16 Perry Orchard by 10th June please.

 

June

After the hectic period from Christmas through to Pentecost we enter into Trinity Season, which is also known as 'Ordinary Time'. This feels like a period when we can catch our breath a little and begin after all the festivals of Easter to focus on the God of the mundane, the ordinary things in life and to reflect on the fact that this is where we should be expecting to encounter God. Easter is a great season of reflection on the resurrection and Pentecost we remember the coming of the Spirit in power to the Church ~ both big, spectacular events.

Our lives, however are made up not of a series of spectacular events, but of little ordinary things, and it is in these that the Gospel teaches us we need to recognize the presence of God. This is seen in God becoming an ordinary human being and living in an ordinary, if anything, poor family, rather than living the life of a King or wealthy and 'important' man, showing us the importance of an ordinary life lived well. In living our lives well we, like Jesus put others before ourselves, trust in God for all our material needs to be met and so sit light to possessions and money ~ willing to share for the good of others and, more importantly to do those little things which make a difference to others so that the ordinary every day things become opportunities for us to serve God throughout our lives.

 

Paul

If you would appreciate a visit from the Parish Priest or someone from the Church please let us know, either in person at one of the Services, in writing to The Rectory, 12 Bondend Road, Upton St Leonards, GL4 8AG or by phone (01452 627828) or e-mail: rev_leckey@blueyonder.co.uk

 

 

From the Churchwardens:

 

 

St Leonards APCM took place just over a week ago at the time of writing this article. At this meeting a new Churchwarden was elected.

I am sure you all know Wendy Edgington & that you will all make her feel very welcome and offer her all the support that you have shown to both Jenny and myself in the past. Thank you Wendy for agreeing to take on this vital and important role.

 

We are also entering into a new venture for Upton Church in the coming year as we now have 2 Deputy Churchwardens. May I take this opportunity to introduce Paul Black and Jenny Davies. Both names are no doubt familiar to you all as they have both played a large part of the Church at Upton for many years. By becoming Deputy Churchwardens both Paul and Jenny will have a prominent role in continuing to help develop and support the future of the Church at Upton.

The Churchwarden Team is in its early days yet but we are all very confident that we will work hard together to make the coming year at St Leonards a successful one. This will only be possible with your support, so please do continue to come to Church and join in with the social functions planned for the coming months.

 

The first 11am Communion Service took place last weekend and was well attended. It is hoped that many people find this later start easier to attend as it may be less hectic to be able to ‘get to the church on time’.

 

I am happy to report that a couple of people have kindly stepped forward and agreed to form part of a team that will take on board the Quinquennial Inspection. We will hopefully meet shortly to start reviewing the report and start to oversee the implementation of the recommendations and necessary works. More to follow in due course.

 

Please continue to make use of the Church News, Noticeboards and Pew News for information of Services and things happening in the Church. I am sure you are all aware that sometimes, due to unforeseen circumstances, things do change. Please remember that due to printing restrictions necessary to enable distribution of the Church News the deadline of Church News can be over 6 weeks before an event was scheduled to happen. We have only so much resource and ability at our disposal to communicate changes to every person who attends Church so if you are aware of something ‘out of the ordinary’ happening please communicate this to others as well. To coin an old BT advert – ‘It’s good to talk’.

 

In the meantime, take care and keep well and healthy and see you all soon.

Matthew Gibbs and Wendy Edgington – Churchwardens.

 

Don’t forget to check out the Upton St Leonards Parish Church Website at www.uptonstleonardschurch.co.uk

All comments on its contents are appreciated.

 

Upton St Leonards Parish Church Tower Flood Lighting

Tower Sponsorship Details

 

May

 

Marc and Lorraine Stubbs have kindly sponsored the Tower Lights on Sunday 6th May to celebrate the baptism of their son, Ewan. The date is also sponsored in celebration of their wedding – a special surprise for their families.

June

 

The lights are sponsored on the 6th June by Matthew Gibbs in celebration of Zoe and his 9th wedding anniversary.

 

 

Thank you to all those who have kindly made a donation or sponsored the lights at St Leonards. Your gifts are gratefully received.

 

If you or your family wish to have the lights sponsored in celebration of a birthday or anniversary or for a loved ones life then please contact Matthew.

 

There is no set amount for this, just what you would like to gift to the Church in order to help cover running costs. If you are able to gift aid any donation this will help us too.

 

If you would like to sponsor the Church Tower Flood Lights then please contact Matthew Gibbs on 01452 618127 or email matthewgibbs@uptonstleonardschurch.co.uk for more details.

 

Faith in Practice

Have you ever wanted to find a way of living out your faith more fully on a daily basis?

The Word of Life provides an opportunity to do just that. Each month, it suggests a different phrase from Scripture and, through a

short commentary, both challenges us and helps us to put it into practice throughout the month. For example, in March the phrase

was "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy" (Psalm 126:5), and in April it was "I am among you as one who serves" (Luke 22:27).

In May, the Word of Life will be "If there is this love among you, then everyone will know that you are my disciples" (John 13:35). To

encourage one another, small groups meet together to share their experiences and to see how God has worked through each person in

their attempts to put the Gospel into practise.

The Word of Life is produced by the Focolare, which is an international movement, inspired by the gospel, working for unity in all spheres of life. For over sixty years it has drawn together people of all Christian traditions and from many of the world's religions, alongside people with no formal faith, who share the aim of building a more united world. There are currently over 180 countries in which groups of people try to live out their faith through the Word of Life, each with the same phrase translated into their own language each month.

A Word of Life group meets in Abbeymead each month and would welcome others who would like to try living out the life of Scripture

in this way. If you would like to know more, please contact Penny Thornton on 01452 627253 or pennythornton@dsl.pipex.com

 

Upton St Leonards Mothers Union

Dates for May

 

14th      Holy Communion 2.00p.m.

21st      Meeting in the Church Room 2.00p.m.

            Speaker:      Mrs. Pat Chase

            Subject:        Supporting Children orphaned by Aids Virus

25th      Ladies Group meet for compline at Prinknash Abbey.

 

WASTE PAPER COLLECTION.

We are advised by Severnside Recycling that

they will now take “Glossie magazines” .

For the benefit of newcomers to the Village

the waste paper depot is at the Farm Shop,

Portway Farm.

Please ensure that all bundles are securely

tied and not too heavy.

Thank you for your contributions and

co-operation.

TREVOR HALL.

 

USCAN'S PLANTS &CUTTINGS HUNT!

As our organisation is entirely voluntary, we need to boost our funds for all the work that

we do in and around the village, with planting tidying borders, maintaining Cud Hill Common and

our 22 miles of footpaths.

We would like to ask you all whether you have any spare cuttings or plants that you could

donate to our fundraising table at the Flower Show on 8th September?

If you think that you could help us, then - please contact Kathryn on 01452 612775.

THANK YOU.

 

 

As far as the Editor knows the Mobile Library will be in Upton St. Leonards on  Monday 4th and 18th June at the Village Hall between 1.40p.m.2.10p.m.

 

TWYVER W I

14TH MAY, 2007 at 7.30 pm. in the Village Hall.

The meeting was opened by Jo, our President, and we sang Jerusalem.

Apologies were noted and Minutes taken as read.

Jo introduced our Speaker, Peter Hickman, MBE., and his team, and assured him we were waiting expectantly for his talk.

Pam was thanked for organising the trip to Tyntesfield. It happened to be a beautiful summery day and everyone enjoyed themselves - even those who discovered joints they never knew they had!. A few of our members would be going on the Evesham outing on the 30th May and the next trip after that would be to Westwood Hay, on the 16th June. There were still places free.

The WI is campaigning for fairer payments to dairy farmers for their milk and we discussed various things that could be done to support this.

The Newsletter this month offered exciting new possibilities; we could visit the Courts of Law, go Clay pigeon shooting; join a flower arranging competition; attend the Staunton Garden Party; leam how to do sugarcraft, digital photos, leaf weaving or DIY; and we could enjoy a country walk and pub lunch at Apperley.

At last Peter Hickman began his session on Hair and we were fascinated by what he had to say as he worked to create hair in a style which would flatter and please. Tips were gleaned and imagination set on fire. Irene Steer thanked Peter and his team for their most instructive demonstration and the helpful tips which would allow us all to aspire to perfect hair in future.

The meeting was brought to a close after Jo had congratulated and given out gifts for those who had birthdays, and reminded us to place our bulb orders with Pauline Sugden without delay.

Our subject for the next meeting, on Monday 11th June at 7.30pm, will be '"Teddy Bears" by Margaret Shepherd. Please come and bring a friend!

Jane Swann.

 

UPTON ST. LEONARDS W.I. REPORT. 7th MAY..

May Day was a ‘Resolution’ but also a 'Fun' evening as Judy Eaketts, President, welcomed a good number of members.  Only one resolution was read that urges 'Her Majestys' Government to stop the closure of community hospitals which provide essential services to local people. Everyone present was in agreement  to stop these closures, leaving the final decision on voting to our W.I. representative.   Asked why only one

resolution, Glenda Ford said N.F.W.I, have big campaigns still outstanding,for example the milk debate, extra packaging on goods, which is gaining daily the support of the public, particularly the T.V. and media.

Glenda Ford, a member of the executive committee gave us an insight into W.I.matters, saying lots of courses and projects are on offer, always advertised in the 'County News' 'Lets Cook' is a set of 8 courses for 6 weeks, aimed at young mothers to cook wholesome food for their children. W.I. tutors provide aprons, bags etc., 40 federation tutors are taking part in areas at Hesters Way, Cinderford and later Podsmead costing £400 for food and Hall. After cooking they sit and eat with their children - if it gets them off junk food it will be money well spent.

Denman College, our Jewel in the Crown is having a major refit and building programme extending to our own Gloucestershire block where bedrooms will all be ensuite.  Memorial money from the late Barbara Gill's fund is being used. One building is a new Cookery training school and cook shop.  Next year they celebrate 60 years of tutoring and a competition is designed to prepare and cook a 3 course dinner for 4 people.  The cook off is in January. A warm round of applause followed by a vote of thanks by Kathy Quant.

Diane, David and Jane presented a 'Rose Bowl' inscribed to Upton St. Leonards W.I. in remembrance of their late Mother, Gwyneth Cannon who was a member for 60 years.

The  Group Rally at Hucclecote was made up of 3 Institutes was much enjoyed with the speaker Edward Gillespie entertaining us in his usual way.

Our skittles team won the first match by 41 against Avening - Congratulations.

The competition 'My favourite W.I. Moment was won by Ethel Fry.

Please join us at Upton St. Leonards Village Hall on Monday 4th June at 7.30p.m. for a fun evening of 'Belly Dancing' with Yvette Cowles.

The competition 'Piece of Jewellery' you wish you had never bought!

Everyone is very welcome.

 

KATHY QUANT.

 

GET TOGETHER CLUB.

A summer meeting - with a quiz or two,

and time to chat and enjoy each other's

company on a warm summer's afternoon

BUT

admission to this fine gathering is subject

to those attending wearing a garment or

accessory

THAT IS PINK...

We have a fine pink prize for the most

original pink 'person' at the meeting

Afternoon tea and cakes (with pink icing???)

follows   We do hope  you will join us -

2.30p.m. in the Village Hall, Thursday 28th

June .

MEG JAMES

 

JOINING THE W.I.

Ladies of Upton St. Leonards - what are you doing on the first Monday evening of each

month?

We have been transported by plane or ship to other lands, been on horseback along the Silk

Road, enjoyed walks around our own beautiful countryside.  We have learnt about the history

of chocolate, how to arrange flowers and how people have overcome the most disastrous

drawbacks.   All of this without leaving our seats in the Village Hall, and because we belong

to Upton St. Leonards W.I.

I know your first thought on reading this will be "It's all Jam and Jerusalem"! Yes, we do sing

Jerusalem at the start of the meeting and many of us make jam, but it is much more than that.

It's a friendly organization where we go to be entertained by very informative speakers, and

conclude with a cup of tea, biscuit and catch up on all the news with the many friends we

make at WI.  This year our challenge is to send as many filled shoeboxes as we can for the

shoebox appeal.  We are also hoping to organize trips to the theatre, garden centres and

historic buildings.  We have a walking group which meet on a regular basis.

Gloucestershire Federation of WI's also organize many trips including holidays abroad.

You can go to our own WI Denman College, at Marcham near Abingdon and learn many crafts,

some new and some old.

The cost of joining WI is only £26 per year and this includes a magazine, WI Life, delivered to

your door.  Where else can you go for just over £2 an evening and be so entertained?

We meet on the first Monday of each Month at Upton St.Leonards Village Hall at 7.30p.m.

Please come along for a taster evening, you will be made very welcome.

 

USCAN NEWS

Upton'S Community Action Network (USCAN) has arranged our first village walk this summer on Saturday 9th June at 2 PM from the village hall in Bondend road which will be led by Mike Blanch.

The walk is an easy route to Prinknash Park (3 miles) where we will visit the re-constructed Orpheus Roman Pavement at a reduced rate of £2.25 (£1.00 children) with a minimum of 10 people.

Walking boots or strong shoes should be worn Should anyone wish to drive we will meet at the cafe at about 3.00 pm

In order to boost USCAN dwindling funds an entirely voluntary collection will be taken during this and future walks.

Further walks -

Saturday 21st July at 2.00 pm. A very easy short walk (1 mile) without stiles including a guided tour of St Leonards church and churchyard. The walk will be led by Andrew Samuel- Gibbon

Saturday 11th August at 2.00pm. A more challenging walk to Painswick Beacon (5 miles) including a visit to the Kites Hill nature reserve. This walk will be led by Mike Blanch

 

A DATE TO REMEMBER !!!

SATURDAY   2nd JUNE   2007

GLOUCESTERSHIRE KEEP FIT ASSOCIATION

ARE HOLDING THEIR ANNUAL

GARDEN PARTY

AT

'WYNDEL', THE STANLEY

UPTON ST. LEONARDS

IN AID OF

COUNTY AIR AMBULANCE

GATES OPEN AT 10. a.m.

Entry: 50p to include a coffee

Children 1Op

STALLS

RAFFLE

LUNCHES AT COMPETITIVE PRICES

 

 

 

Upton St Leonards Flower Show Committee

A note for your diary

The next flower show is to be held on Saturday:-

 8th September 2007 at the Village Hall

SECTION "C" - FLOWER ARRANGEMENT - OPEN

NOTES:

1.    Fresh flowers and foliage to be used in all classes in this section unless otherwise stated.

2.    Arrangements will be on white covered table with tent backcloth.

3.   Accessories may be used in any class.

Class

90. A CORSAGE FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

91. HARVEST FESTIVAL

An arrangement of any plant or garden material

Open stage 24" x 24" (610mm x 610mm)

92. ALL GREEN

An arrangement of foliage, or foliage and flowers

Open stage 24" x 24" (610mm x 610mm)

93. "THE NEW ARRIVAL"

An exhibit to celebrate the arrival of a baby (may include suitable accessories),

Open stage 24" x 24" (610mm x 610mm)

94. A TABLE DECORATION - NOVICES ONLY

To be viewed all round

NB - a novice is a person who has never won 1st prize for flower arranging in any show.

Open stage 24”x 24” (610mm x 610mm)

 

 

THE PORTWAY GROUP

Under the auspices of he Stroud Valleys

VISUAL ARTS FESTIVAL

Will be exhibiting painting, prints and drawings at

PAINSWICK TOWN HALL

From

Friday 8th June to Sunday 10th June 2007

Open daily from 10..00am to 6.00pm

Admisssion free

 

Collaborating in this show are:

Barbara Swindin, Adele Lambert,

David Hunt, Sue Gage, Audrey Howell,

Keith Gage, David Lambert

and Claire Wimeris

 

The Excelsior Brass Band

Present

‘BRASS ON THE GRASS’

on the lawn behind

Upton St. Leonards Village Hall

(inside if wet)

Bring a picnic and listen to the band

Saturday 7th July, 7.00pm start

Gate open 6.30pm

Entrance fee £3.00 per person (all ages)

Raffle

Drinks available from the BMI

Proceeds to be divided between

the Village Hall & Excelsior Brass Band

 

A Murder Mystery Evening

Including a 3 course dinner

In a spooky Edwardian manor,

(otherwise known as Upton St. Leonards Village Hall)

on

Saturday 29th September 2007

at

6.30pm for 7.00pm start

£15.00 per head - Bring your friends

Edwardian costumes encouraged,

prize for best dressed couple

Bar available

Tickets available from Jackie Lord on 01452 613246

Book early please and avoid the last minute rush

(it also helps the caterers)

All proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the Village Hall.