Page 11 - Bere Regis November 2023

November 2023 November 2023
MIKE MENZIES

For those who haven’t yet heard the news - it was with great sadness that
we heard of Mike’s sudden death on 20th October. He has been a very
hardworking member of both the Affpuddle Church community and the
Briantspuddle and Throop community.
We send our deepest condolences to Hilly, Emma, Andrew, Tom and Milo
and all Mike’s family and friends.
Rev Sandra

CHURCH & CHURCHYARD – TIDY & DECORATE

October the 8 was the Harvest Festival service at St
th
Laurence Church, in Affpuddle. But before that …
First, the church was spring cleaned from top to
bottom. Elizabeth Whatley and Susan Wood send
their sincere thanks to all those who worked so hard.
Everywhere was dusted, floors were polished,
cobwebs taken down, a huge effort.

But that wasn’t all. Outside in the churchyard there
were more volunteers – digging up weeds, spreading
mole hills, creosoting the railings, edging the paths,
and mowing the grass. Another huge combined
effort.
Meanwhile, more volunteers were cutting foliage, cleaning vases, and trimming
blooms. They brought all their flower arrangements to the church and allocated a
windowsill each. The colour and the perfume were just stunning. The skill comes
with age. You have to be at least forty to be able to create such a beautiful
pedestal.
Hang on, there’s more. Fresh fruit and veg, and even tinned produce, were set up
alongside. (These have now gone to the food bank, but the flowers have stayed in
the church for a couple of Sundays.)
And then at the Harvest Service itself, all the farmers and growers reported to us
how the season has been. Global warming has produced a rather unusual season
and therefore “average” crop yield despite all the efforts. But overall, the year has
been bad because of the high inflation and exceptional fuel costs reflected in
commodities such as fertiliser.
It has been confirmed that Emma will be going ahead with this So please keep the farmers in your prayers, and say a special thank you to all the
volunteers maintaining the harvest tradition in this ancient church.
presentation despite the family’s recent bereavement. For
more information visit the website: www.briantspuddle.info
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