Upton St Leonards Church News

October 2007

October Diary

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

6. SAT.             Table Top Sale. Church Room 1-4p.m.

7. SUN.   TRINITY 18.

Holy Communion 8.00a.m.

All Age Communion 11.00a.m.

Evening Service 6.00p.m.

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

11. THURS.       M.U.Holy Communion 2.0p.m.

Upstagers present:

12. FRI.              Tip Toe through the Tombstones

13  SAT.            7.30p.m. Village Hall.

14. SUN.   TRINITY 19.

HARVEST FESTIVAL. ONE SERVICE ONLY at 11.00a.m. in the School.

Traidcraft Stall.

16. TUES.          Toddlers Harvest Service 2.00p.m. in Church.

18. THURS. ST. LUKE

M.U.Meeting in Church Room 2.0p.m.

21  SUN.   TRINITY 20.

Holy Communion 8.00a.m.

All Age Communion 11.00a.m.

Evening Service 6.00p.m.

22. MON.           Ladies Group meet in Church Room 7.45p.m.

25. THURS.       Get-together Club meet Village Hall  12.30 for 1.00p.m. lunch

28. SUN.   LAST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

Holy Communion 8.0a.m.

All Age Communion 11.0a.m.

Evening Service 6.0p.m.

29. MON.   ST SIMON & ST. JUDE. (transferred from 28th)

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

 

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

 

October

  October at Upton tends to be a very busy month as it is when we celebrate the Harvest Festival. As has been our recent custom we will

be held in the school on October 14th at 11 am (A One Service Sunday) and accompanied by a 4 Course Harvest Festival Lunch which will be up to the usual excellent standard of St Leonards Parish Sunday Lunches so book early to avoid disappointment!

The theme of our Harvest Festival this year will be "A Harvest of Talents" and will include an opportunity to give thanks to God and to share our gifts and talents with others. As well as, as usual bringing gifts of food (canned food preferably) for distribution among local charities caring for the homeless, refugees and families, everyone is invited to bring something that represents their own particular talent or gift. This may be something we have produced in our leisure time, such as some artwork, embroidery, or something that represents our use of our talents in the workplace, or school, or club or organization that we are involved in, but something that we are proud of and that we thank God for the talent we have been given and the joy we get from using our talents.

This is a good time too, to reflect on the gifts we have received from God, and on how we use them to benefit others as well as enjoy them

ourselves and to reflect on ways to offer our talents for the building of God's Kingdom here in Gloucester.

I hope this captures your imagination and sets you thinking about what gifts you have and how you can best represent your talent at our

Harvest Festival Service.

 

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

 

 

GLOUCESTERSHIRE CHURCHES TOGETHER

FORUM MEETING

7.30 p.m. Tuesday, 16 October 2007

Christchurch, Abbeydale, Gloucester

Why Care for the Environment?

A Christian Perspective

Chair:

Rt. Rev. John Went, Bishop ofTewkesbury

Audio-visual presentation by

Mary Colwell

BBC Natural History Producer

& Clifton Cathedral Parishioner

A local panel of experts will be present to answer questions

Refreshments available before the meeting

ALL WELCOME

For more information, contact Revd. Dr. Alison Evans, Britannia

Cottage, High Street, King's Stanley, Stonehouse, Glos. GL10 3JD

01453 824034 malcolm.alison@btinternet.com

 

A Special Harvest Festival

 

A Celebration of Talents

 

Displays of your special gift of

 

Painting - Flower Arrangement - Marquetry -Baking – Poems – Knitting - Photography

 

Sunday 14th October 11am

Family Service at the School

 

Plus Sunday Lunch at 12.30 p.m.

Adults £6.50 - under 16 £3.50.    

Please book early.

 

Tickets from Churchwardens or Tel 01452 618037

 

 

 

From the Churchwardens:

 

The St Leonards Parish Funday will have taken place by the time this article is published. I hope that you all had a great day and were able to enjoy at least one part of the day, be it the Church Service, sponsored walk or the various funday activities afterwards. I am sure that many of you did. Many thanks to all that helped out and made the day possible and to all those who took part in the sponsored walk too.

 

In todays modern technological world it is amazing what you can locate on the world wide web. The September edition of the ‘Our Diocese’ - which is a monthly information magazine published by the Cathedral, and copies made available in the Church at Upton – had a very interesting link to an organisation called the ‘British Traditional Mole Catchers’. If you have a mole problem and no one else can help you then log on to www.bristishmolecatchers.co.uk They will be able to put you in touch with local traditional mole catcher who can then assist you with the removal of the lawn/garden/allotment disruptor.

 

The bad weather that happened at the beginning of the school holidays is now a distant memory. The day of the heavy rains and flooding was a Friday and the Church holds a Church Office in the evening at which people are invited to come along to make enquiries about baptisms, weddings and other things too. Rev’d Leckey was regrettably stuck in Bristol after visiting a colleague and could not return to the village. Wendy and myself were able to reach the Church and open up as usual. It was lucky that we did as despite the inclement weather a new mother waded through the flood waters to reach us to book a baptism at the Church. The integrity of the Church building was once again tested above and beyond normal tolerance levels and we are happy to inform you that the main body of the Church remained water tight. Unfortunately the cellar beneath the vestry was not so lucky and flooded to a depth of about 4 feet. Not many people may know that the under floor oil burning furnace and blower system is located in that area. We have had to let the area dry out fully over the past few weeks before work can commence due to the fact that there is electric cables in the area etc. It is hoped that in the coming few days that the system will be cleaned, serviced and tested before the onset of the really chilly days of the autumn arrive and the heating is needed. If, as I hope, the work needed is minimal and the system remains in full working order then no one will notice the difference in the coming weeks. However, if work is required and parts to be ordered, then it may mean a delay and the heating may not be working by the onset of the chilly weather. If this is the case then please be patient and understand that some things are beyond our control. We do of course have the overhead electric heaters that still work so we will not freeze during any delay that may happen.

The St Leonards Harvest Festival Service is being held during the month October on the 14th in the School. The One Service Sunday is starting at 11am and will be followed by yet another fabulous great value meal. Following a suggestion by a PCC member it has been decided to hold a display of works that parishioners have created. This will hopefully mean a visual display for all to enjoy and appreciate. Our thanks go to those who have worked so hard in the background to make this event possible allowing many people to have a sociable and enjoyable time.

 

On a lighter note, it was a beautiful day and a man, an atheist, decided to go for a walk.
His path led him by the side of a stream, with woods growing close to the banks.
"What a beautiful morning," he thought. "The birds are singing, the gentle breeze is moving the leaves and water rippling over the stones in the stream all combine to make a wonderful sound. It is good to be alive."
Then he became aware of footsteps behind him. He turned and saw a great, brown bear following him down the path. The man started to run but the bear was gaining on him. Then he stumbled and fell and the bear was very close, it's paw raised, ready to strike. "Oh my God" cried the man.
Time stood still. No birds sang, no breeze in the trees, no rippling water. But a ray of light shone directly over him and a voice cried: "What do you want of me? You have denied me all your life but now you are desperate you call my name. Do you expect me to help?"
"Lord", said the man. "You are right - I should not ask - but if you can't help me, would you please make the bear a Christian?"
The light vanished. Birds sang. Breeze moved the leaves and the water rippled over the stones in the stream.
The bear lowered his paw, sank to his knees and prayed: .
"Dear Lord, for this food I am about to receive, make me truly thankful."

 

Take care and keep well and healthy,

Matthew Gibbs and Wendy Edgington – Churchwardens.

 

Don’t forget to check out the Upton St Leonards Parish Church Website at www.uptonstleonardschurch.co.uk for more information about things happening at the Church and links to sites of interest.

All comments or thoughts on its contents are appreciated.

 

Upton St Leonards Parish Church

Tower Flood Lighting

Sponsorship Details

September

During the month of September the lights were also sponsored by Ian Crowe to mark the birthdays of he and his wifes 2 children, Sarah Elizabeth and Alexandra Louise, both born during September.

October

During the month of October the Tower lights are being kindly sponsored as follows:

·        On the Thursday the 4th, the lights are sponsored by Zoe Gibbs to celebrate the birthday of both her husband and daughter, Matthew and Megan.

·        On the 6th and 7th, the lights are being sponsored by Gemma Allen and family  in remembrance of William Allen.

·        On Thursday the 11th, the Tower lights are being sponsored by the loving family of Chris Rumsey in remembrance of what would have been her 50th birthday.

 

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  or any other reason 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.

 

Upton St Leonards Mothers Union

Dates for October

 

Thursday 11th October  – 2.00pm

Holy Communion.

Monday 18th October – 2.00pm

Meeting in the Church Room.

Speaker: Mr. Mike Stratford.

Subject: One Woman’s courage and devotion during the First World War.

Monday 22nd October – 7.45pm

Ladies Group meet in the Church Room.

Speaker: Mary Patterson.

Subject: Radio 4 Pilgrim Choir.

 

Contact:

Afternoon Group –

Rachel Hall – 01452 610521

Ladies Group –

Olga Tucker – 01452 618649

 

 

An invitation to Babies, Mums, Dads and Grandprents to the HARVEST SERVICE at St. Leonards Church at 2.00p.m. on Tuesday 16th October 2007.

The Children from Chipmunks Nursery will be entertaining us.

There will be a collection of food etc. for the Family Haven.

 

 

The Mobile Library will be in Upton St. Leonards on Monday 8th and 22nd October at the Village Hall between 1.40p.m. – 2.10p.m.

 

 

 

 

Christmas Spectacular

Sunday 16th December 2007

Upton St Leonards Village Hall

at 7.30pm

Flower Arranging demonstration by Mrs. Judy Jackson.

Readings and Music

Raffle, Mulled Wine and Mince Pies.

Tickets £5                     Children £3

Available from:-

Mrs. Evelyn Rumsey 01452 614175

Mrs. Judy Jackson     01452 533769

Mrs. Rachel Hall         01452 610521

 

Don’t forget to alter your clocks. Summer time finishes on Sunday 28th October.

 

 

THE CHILDRENS SOCIETY AUTUMN FAIR. SATURDAY 20th OCTOBER 2007. 10-12 noon.

NORTHGATE HALL.  ST.JONS LANE, GLOUCESTER.

The Parish of Upton St. Leonards has been asked to supply items suitable to take Hampers

for the Raffle.  Can you spare any tins, cans, bottles (no alcohol please) or anything else

you may think appropriate.  We could even have a 'bath time hamper’ with soap, shower-gel etc. ,

I know I have always had your full support, and would love to be able to take at least 6 hampers to the Fair with me. 

Gifts can be left in Church or 16, Perry Orchard.

If anyone has any large baskets suitable for arranging these gifts in I would be very pleased to have them.

JENNY CUNNINGHAM.  Tel.No. 615858.

 

GET-TOGETHER CLUB.

Our October meeting is one we all look forward to:-

Our Pie 'n Peas Lunch

in the Village Hall at 12.30p.m. for 1.00p.m. on Thursday 25th October 2007.

We look forward to seeing you all on this happy occasion - the cost will be £3.50 per person.

After lunch we will have a game and will end about 3.30p.m.

As this is a most populsr event, I suggest that you contact me (616309) ONLY if you are unable to attend.

MEG JAMES

 

Another Word of Thanks:

Recently I was able to send several black bags full of blankets and jumpers to the local depot of Mother Teresa and I have received the following letter.

“Thank you once again for all your hard work – which I know you enjoyed doing. The jumpers and blankets are lovely – bright cheerful colours which will be much appreciated by people who have next to nothing to call their own. Keep clicking those needles.”

 

Kath and co-workers of Mother Teresa

 

THANK YOU ALL ONCE AGAIN.

EVELYN RUMSEY.

 

 

TABLE TOP SALE

In the CHURCH ROOM & Outside.

Saturday 6th October 1.00-4.00p.m.

IN AID OF CHURCH FUNDS.

REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE.

Tables £5

Ring Ann on 01452 611973

 

REMEMBRANCE A TIME FOR POPPIES

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 11TH NOVEMBER

The usual House to House sale of poppies will be made during the previous fortnight. Please give generously to help our disabled soldiers and their families.

 

Please visit the Church News page of the website and follow the link to the Diocese of Gloucester Vision, Values and Priorities 2007-2011 for information of the way forward article.

 

Thank You:

Our thanks go to everyone who bought raffle tickets for the Upton St. Leonards Flower Show when they were being sold outside the Village Shops.  The kindness of Londis, Dian Longley (Hairstylist) and the Clothes Press in allowing us to sell tickets is much appreciated.

Thanks to Barren for keeping us going with coffee.

VAL DOLL.

 

      A BIG ‘THANK YOU’ from USCAN.

We would like to express our appreciation to everyone who donated plants or supported our stand at the September Flower Show.  We raised a total of £83.54, which will go back into helping to maintain the village and its surrounds.  It was warming to see everyone’s enthusiasm in buying the plants, joining in the Treasure Hunt, entering in the USCAN quiz and generally showing interest in our work within the village and its surrounds.

If anyone would like to purchase a copy of our quiz booklet for 75p then you can get a copy by ringing Kathryn on 01452 612775, or 0774 207 8511.  It remains open until 30th September and 1st prize is a family ticket to Rococo Gardens - 2 adults and 3 children.

We look forward to seeing you all next year!

KATHRYN ALDERMAN.

 

Upton St Leonards

Flower Show Committee

President and the members of the Flower Show Committee we would take this opportunity to thank all those who participated, Lady Downe Trust, all the local business community and the public who came to give their generous support in sponsorship, advertising .donations & gifts., Parish Council and to all those who so generously gave their time to make the show a

success.

In addition we would like to express our appreciation to the Gloucester Brass who entertained us throughout the afternoon, British Red Cross, Gloucester Rabbit Club, Gloucestershire Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers The stalls holders which included Guild Dogs for the Blind, R.S.P.B, Plant Stall, R.N.L.I. Bargain Bar & 2nd  Hand Books.

We mustn't forget all the exhibitors who put on a fine display of their produce & handicrafts,judges & stewards

Ladies who run the refreshments and Ice preams, the U.S.L Scouts Troup who provide the hot dogs, and to the team of stalwarts who sold raffle tickets all afternoon.

Congratulation to all those successful exhibitors

Susan Broady:- U.S.L FLOWER SHOW PERPETUAL CHALLENGE CUP

Norman Broady CHRISTINE RUMSEY MEMORIAL CUP

Andrew Samuel-Gibbon ROBERT WALLACE PERPETUAL CHALENGE CUP

Peter Macey -ROYSTON GARDINER MEMORIAL SALVER & TOP VASE

Paula Quinn:- THE DINKIE GARDINER MEMORIAL TROPHY

Lisa Rogers:- ETHEL EDEY MEMORIAL TROPHY

Anne Hemsley :- RUMSEY MEMORIAL TROPHY

Evelyn Rumsey:- JOAN FINCH MEMORIAL SALVER

Pauline Fairbrother:- ABBEYDALE GARDENING CLUB TROPHY

Andrew Bluett :- JOSEPH T C EDEY SALVER

Max Heather:- THE EVELYN RUMSEY CHILDREN'S CUP

Cedly Tordoff:- THE JUVENILE CUP

James Bluett-ETHEL WALLACE PERPETUAL CHALLENGE CUP

Anne Hemsley:- JOHN MILLARD PERPETUAL CHALLENGE CUP,- STAN HOOTON

MEMORIALTROPHY- BOB AYLAND MEMORIAL SHIELD

GARDEN NEWS TOP TRAY- THE EACOTT PERPETUAL CHALLENGE TROPHY-

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S BANKSIAN

Linda Morley :- FRED BALL MEMORIAL CUP

Top Vase Paula Quinn

U.S.L Parish Council Allotment Trophies

Perry Orchard Allotments Paula Chappell

The Stanley Allotments Sue & Ray Aristeed

 

Village Hall Matters

Plans are progressing regarding the pending changes to the village hall we have now had approved grants from several sources and together with money promised to the Parish Council from the developers of the Brockworth Housing Development, plus our own funds we should be in a position to start the works during Easter next spring.

At that time the hall will be decorated again. New storage cupboards will be erected in the Annexe, hopefully in October, these will be used for storage of chairs and tables for the annexe plus some extra space to replace the store room which will be lost to a disabled toilet after the development.

There has been some disquiet about the removal of the hedge by the BMI between the properties. The trustees were in favour of this for a number of reasons. The hedge was forever in need of maintenance, it made any access to the rear of the Scout hut impossible and that space had just become a rubbish tip. We also feel that once some flowering shrubs have been planted along the new fence line it will look more attractive.

Our Social Committee is a present struggling with numbers so if you can help or know anybody who can please contact Jackie Lord on 613246.

We have also lost our Treasurer Keith Ardron so if there is a financial wizard out there, retired with nothing to do, you may be just the person we are looking for, the task is not too onerous, then give me a call on 617349.

 

Keith Pearson

 

 

GFWI   Upton St Leonards

An exciting evening lay ahead as our 'surprise’ speaker was introduced by President Judy Eaketts, namely Kevin Adcock, his mission to instil in us and everyone the importance of 'Home Fire Safety and Safety' on the roads.  Very impressive was the W.I. logo appearing on the screen!

47, brigades operate in the country,Gloucester being one of the smallest but the third most cost effective.  Only four wholetime stations, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Cirencester and Stroud are manned twenty four hours a day.  Twenty others are retained; working alongsside the Red Cross, St. Andrews, Salvation Army and Police.  Many different appliances are used.

Primary work is rescue and traffic accidents but community safety, talks to schools, groups such as ourselves, charity work are all part of the job.

Fire, what is it?  A 'triangle' of oxygen, heat and fuel.  Take away heat cools the fire, take away fuel starves the fire. smother the fuel, heat and oxygen to extinguish.  Common causes of fire are candles, children playing with matches, clothing near ignition sources, careless handling of cigarettes and pipes, and fires left unattended.  On a lighter side in our talk was Anthea dressing up in Kevin's uniform and a very large fireman's helmet, the whole meeting was in uproar as she staggered around with only her eyes visible!, but being Kevin's Mother she knew she was in for a laugh Kevin also touched on 'Road Traffic Collisions’ and more and more rescues'. 90% of all R.T.C. occur on A/B roads, a small on motorways, 70% of R.T.C. involve vehicles with four wheels, 71% of all R.T.C. involve one casualty. This was such an anspirational talk, so well executed at such short notice.  A very warm round of applause followed by a vote of thanks by Kathy Quant ended an informative evening.

Business was kept to aminimum. Judy announced that everyone enjoyed the August social - helpers were thanked by Dorothy Cridland. The shoe box appeal is nearing completion and a date will be set to finalize packing of boxes.

Belly dancing workshop £15 for 3 hours. Wednesday 24th October our outing to Webbs Garden Centre £10. Open to all friends and family. Monday 29th October. Christmas gifts will be on sale .

Our next meeting in Upton St. Leonards Village Hall is on Monday 1st October when our speaker will be Yvonne Mort and her subject Orchard Flowercraft. The competition is 'Something Pressed'.

Everyone is very welcome.

 

KATHY QUANT

 

The UpStagers proudly present

Tiptoe Through the Tombstones

By Norman Robbins

The sequel to ‘Tomb With a View’,

our hugely popular production in Feb 2006

At Upton St. Leonards Village Hall

on

11th, 12th and 13th October 2007 at 7.30pm

Doors open 7.00pm

Tickets £7.00 and £6.00

Available from 01452 613246