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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
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
chat!
Look out for a new range of sweets coming soon!
It is your shop and PO, so please support it either as a volunteer or as a customer,
but preferably both! The opening hours are:
Shop – 9am – noon Monday to Saturday and 10.00am to noon on Sunday,
PO – 9am – noon Monday to Friday
BLADEN SOCIAL CLUB
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
show, an increase of 30 exhibits from the last year’s show. Considering the very
changeable weather this year and the consequent adverse effect on flowers and
vegetables a fine turnout.
Despite the prevailing situation there were a large number of prize winners, only
six entrants didn’t receive a prize, and it was very pleasing to see old and some
new entrants supporting the show.
The Horticultural show is now in its 52 year for which the organisers thank all who
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helped on the day to make this year’s show a success:
The Bladen Social Club Cup
Most points in section 2 (vegetables) – Bert Jeanes
The Norman Read Rose Bowl
Most points in section 3 (flowers) – Jenny Lightfoot
The Kayll Cup
Most points in section 4 (flower arrangements) – Jenny Murphy
The Martin Debenham Cup
Most points in section 6 (homecraft) – Jean McGrorty
The Ron Jones Cup
Most points in section 7 (photography) – Pete Harrison
The Novelty Cup
Section 8 (Best animal made from fruit and vegetables) – Jenny Murphy
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FROM THE AFFPUDDLE CHURCHWARDEN
The End of the Holidays
We had some visitors to the church last Sunday whom we only see occasionally. I
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
opportunity of conducting the service of the second Sunday each month. Then,
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.
And if someone is called away or struck ill, I will do their duty. I look after the
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
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
records of interments. And just lately to apply for planning permission and a
faculty for a lavatory to be installed outside the church. So, on Sunday I was
reading the lesson and banking the takings, weeding graves on Monday, writing
planning application on Tuesday, visiting parishioners and repairing the mower on
Wednesday, mowing the churchyard and clearing blocked drains on Thursday,
preparing Sunday’s service on Friday. But Saturday is my Grandson’s party.
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
Jethro responds, “What you are doing is not good.” He goes on to advise Moses
to delegate to trustworthy people.
Well, I am pleased to say there are lots of people who have contacted me
offering to do this, that, or the other – mowing the churchyard (thank you James),
preparing the rotas, organising the refreshments …
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
going to be. Furthermore, I am actually going away for a few days in November –
to a training course on Woodland Management. We have a few acres of
woodland in the North of the county and I look forward to spending some more
time there with my grandson.
So, what are you going to do to help someone else? Are you the busiest person in
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?
Mike Menzies michael.menzies@talk21.com
Church Warden, Lay Worship Leader, St Laurence Church, Affpuddle
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