Dates
* Ladies’ Group – 7th May, 7.30pm, Village Hall
* Fête Meeting – 12th May, 7.30pm
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100 Club Draw Winners
March
1st – Robert Sharman (No. 20)
2nd – Colin Deadman (No. 82)
3rd – John Bruce (No. 3)
April
1st – Michelle (No. 76)
2nd – Maggie Garrett (No. 61)
3rd – Judy Lea (No. 60)
The May draw will take place on 27th May at 7.30pm in The Plough.
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Church News
‘Operation Pigeon’
The saga is over — we hope!
Three hundred kilograms of guano have been removed, apertures re-meshed, and the clock room floor repaired and treated. The ropes have also been replaced, and the bells were rung for the farewell gathering marking the retirement of Revd Canon Jane Baxter.
Around 30 people attended and enjoyed fizz and food, followed by the presentation of a gift from the village collection. Jane will be much missed after nearly 22 years of ministry, but we hope she enjoys a well-earned retirement and treats herself on our behalf.
Bells
We plan to recommence Monday practice sessions approximately every 3–4 weeks. Bells may also be rung occasionally for weddings and funerals, and from time to time visiting ringers request a peal. Anyone interested in learning is very welcome to come along and see what happens.
We have received grants towards the work from the Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust and the Patston Trust, and we are extremely grateful to both organisations.
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
This was held on 8th April and chaired for the final time by Revd J. Baxter. The PCC remains unchanged, with Mary Davidson continuing as Churchwarden.
We would welcome some new members. The PCC meets four times a year to deal with church matters and plan events.
It is hoped that during the vacancy between Rectors, the usual pattern of three services per month will continue, with visiting clergy taking Communion services. Please check noticeboards for dates and times.
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Mowing
Gary and others have already been busy on the Hall Green and in the churchyard. We are extremely grateful to them all and ask dog walkers to please clear up after their pets. The health risks and damage to machinery could otherwise result in a withdrawal of mowing support.
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Fête
Following the positive meeting on 10th March, plans are now underway for the fête on 4th July, which will be opened by this year’s High Sheriff. Her hat is splendid — well worth a look!
The next meeting will be on 12th May at 7.30pm. Any offers of help or new ideas would be very welcome.
(Facebook editor note- as the date for the meeting has passed, if anyone would like to help with the fete, please get in touch with June, Mary, or this page and we will put you in touch!).
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Food Bank
We continue to deliver monthly to the collection point. Donations may be left in church or at 14 Main Street.
