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September 2023 September 2023
prices for their goods will be slightly higher. However, by using the shop and PO
you are using a service which is convenient to your home and so can save you FROM THE AFFPUDDLE CHURCHWARDEN
time and also money by cutting down on the use of your car. Just as importantly,
by supporting the shop and PO you are playing a part in the welfare of some of
the more vulnerable members of our community. It’s also a good place to have a The End of the Holidays
chat! We had some visitors to the church last Sunday whom we only see occasionally. I

Look out for a new range of sweets coming soon! was asked if I was going on holiday? “No, not this year.” So what I had been
doing since last time we met? Well, as the LWL, I have been given the great
It is your shop and PO, so please support it either as a volunteer or as a customer, opportunity of conducting the service of the second Sunday each month. Then,
but preferably both! The opening hours are: as the church warden, I have various duties and tasks which seem to take up
most of my time. I organise the rota for churchyard maintenance – mowing etc.
Shop – 9am – noon Monday to Saturday and 10.00am to noon on Sunday,
And if someone is called away or struck ill, I will do their duty. I look after the
PO – 9am – noon Monday to Friday organising of those members of the congregation who contribute to the service
and do their task if they are not available.
Then there are functions to organise e.g. Harvest Thanksgiving. I also get told of
BLADEN SOCIAL CLUB faults around the church and church yard, such as blocked drains. And some
responding to correspondence, e.g. training requirements. Joining with the PCC
in duties such as repairs and maintenance. Preparing for new graves and keeping
This year’s Horticultural Show, and the supper and quiz night that followed, were
well supported. There were 41 entrants who displayed 283 exhibits in this year’s records of interments. And just lately to apply for planning permission and a
show, an increase of 30 exhibits from the last year’s show. Considering the very faculty for a lavatory to be installed outside the church. So, on Sunday I was
changeable weather this year and the consequent adverse effect on flowers and reading the lesson and banking the takings, weeding graves on Monday, writing
planning application on Tuesday, visiting parishioners and repairing the mower on
vegetables a fine turnout.
Wednesday, mowing the churchyard and clearing blocked drains on Thursday,
Despite the prevailing situation there were a large number of prize winners, only preparing Sunday’s service on Friday. But Saturday is my Grandson’s party.
six entrants didn’t receive a prize, and it was very pleasing to see old and some
new entrants supporting the show. In Exodus Chapter 18 we read Jethro say to Moses “What is this you are doing?”
and Moses replies “Whenever the people have a problem it is brought to me.” But
The Horticultural show is now in its 52 year for which the organisers thank all who Jethro responds, “What you are doing is not good.” He goes on to advise Moses
nd
helped on the day to make this year’s show a success: to delegate to trustworthy people.
The Bladen Social Club Cup Well, I am pleased to say there are lots of people who have contacted me
Most points in section 2 (vegetables) – Bert Jeanes offering to do this, that, or the other – mowing the churchyard (thank you James),
preparing the rotas, organising the refreshments …
The Norman Read Rose Bowl
Most points in section 3 (flowers) – Jenny Lightfoot So, it might be the end of your holidays but not mine. To help my son prepare for
his son’s party (my grandson) I have been working in the woods where the party is
The Kayll Cup going to be. Furthermore, I am actually going away for a few days in November –
Most points in section 4 (flower arrangements) – Jenny Murphy to a training course on Woodland Management. We have a few acres of
The Martin Debenham Cup woodland in the North of the county and I look forward to spending some more
Most points in section 6 (homecraft) – Jean McGrorty time there with my grandson.
The Ron Jones Cup So, what are you going to do to help someone else? Are you the busiest person in
Most points in section 7 (photography) – Pete Harrison the village or can you spare some time to share with someone? Have you got a
skill which you can share? Can you make someone happy?
The Novelty Cup
Section 8 (Best animal made from fruit and vegetables) – Jenny Murphy Mike Menzies michael.menzies@talk21.com
Church Warden, Lay Worship Leader, St Laurence Church, Affpuddle

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