Archive for the ‘Church’ Category

Christmas shoe-box full of smiles – Please help.

Posted in Church on Monday November 3, 2008| Leave a Comment »

A shoebox full of gifts means such a lot to the children and families – not only the presents inside but the thought behind it.  Often this will be the only present the child has ever been given and they are greatly treasured, even the box and wrappers. Every contribution makes for another happy child.

What to do

* Cover a shoebox with wrapping paper, covering the lid separately.  Please do not wrap individual items. (There are spare boxes in Parwich Church)
* Fill with Gifts – New & Unused small toys, crayons, pens, notepads, toiletries, gloves, hat, socks, toothpaste, brush, comb, soap, flannel etc.  Don’t include anything with batteries, monster characters, military toys, makeup, books or breakables.
* Secure the Lid with 2 elastic bands.
* Label boy or girl and the age range.

The boxes will go to children in villages, schools, orphanages, refugee centres and Roma camps in the Balkans. Any donations towards transports costs are appreciated, it costs almost £3,000 to send a 40 ton truck to the Balkans.

Please send your boxes to Andrew R (202) at Church Farm by this Saturday, November 8th.

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REMEMBRANCE DAY

Posted in 2008, British Legion, Church, Posts of Note on Sunday November 2, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Thank you to Ben B for this article.

The first national act of Remembrance was held at Whitehall on November 11th 1920, when the new Cenotaph was unveiled to commemorate the passing of the Unknown Warrior on its way to Westminster Abbey. The Cenotaph, designed by Edwin Lutyens has become the focal point for the Nation’s Remembrance, with the reigning monarch laying a poppy wreath as a mark of the nation’s respect for the fallen of the two world wars, and all subsequent and ongoing conflicts. The following year, 1921, marked the first National Remembrance Day, then called Armistice Day, when the now familiar two minutes silence was first observed.

The Poppy – the symbol of Remembrance (more…)

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Stepping Stones Fund Raiser

Posted in Church, Events, Pre-school on Saturday November 1, 2008| Leave a Comment »


click on poster to enlarge

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Parish magazine now online

Posted in Church on Friday October 31, 2008| 2 Comments »

The November magazine for the parishes of Parwich, Alsop, Fenny Bentley, Thorpe and Tissington has just been printed – and for the first time it is now available online by clicking here.

There are usually a few spare copies of each month’s magazine in the respective parish churches, and in the Sycamore Inn in Parwich – or to have it delivered to your door each month (cost £5 per annum) contact Andrew Robinson on 390202.

 

The magazine covers both church and general community matters for the five parishes and is well worth reading regularly.  Contributions are welcome and can be emailed to me by 20th November for the December/January issue.

 

For a number of years Professor Young very ably edited the magazine, and when he stepped down I took over on what was always intended to be a temporary basis.  Obviously a new editor will now be needed – any offers?  The work is now made much easier by the fact that the great majority of contributions are sent by email.  The editor has a certain amount of scope for creative input, under the general oversight of a committee of people from the various churches (which, however, has not met for a very long time!).  Contact me if you would like to know more and could perhaps help in this way.

 

Christopher Harrison

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2008 Poppy Appeal

Posted in British Legion, Church on Thursday October 23, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Today sees the launch of the Royal British Legion’s 2008 Poppy Appeal:

The Royal British Legion provides financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their dependants. Currently, nearly 10.5 million people are eligible for our support and we receive thousands of calls for help every year.

The Legion was founded in 1921 as a voice for the ex-Service community and over 380,000 members continue to ensure that this voice does not go unheard. Although the needs of ex-Service people have changed over the years, we are still there to safeguard their welfare, interests and memory. British service people are in action around the world every day of the year.

Locally you can get your poppies at the Parwich Legion Club or the Sycamore Inn.  Alternatively you can click here to make a donation online.  (more…)

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Alsop en le Dale and India – historic photos

Posted in 2008, Alsop, Church, People, Photography, Posts of Note on Thursday October 23, 2008| 1 Comment »

Jean Allen, of Croft Avenue, who lived for many years at Woodeaves, just outside Fenny Bentley, has shown me some splendid photos of people from Alsop en le Dale dating back to the 1920s. Her father, Charlie Allen, was stationmaster at Alsop when the trains still ran on that line. These provide a remarkable glimpse of Alsop church and parish, from a time when there was a Sunday School and choir!

See them below, or click here (which includes a full screen option) –

I have also uploaded onto Youtube some photos from our link diocese in India, Patna, which date from the late 1800s. These were shown to me earlier this month by the Bishop of Patna, Philip Marandih, and show scenes from the early years of the Christian missionaries among the Santal tribe in the village of Taljhari. Click here to see them.

Christopher Harrison

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Ashbourne-Patna partnership: Vicar’s visit to India

Posted in 2008, Church, Posts of Note on Friday October 17, 2008| 1 Comment »

The Bishop of Patna, the Rt. Rev’d Philip Marandih, has long been trying to get me to visit his diocese.   So when the director of schools for Derby Diocese suggested that I join a trip to India, designed to set up and develop links between schools in Derbyshire and in India, including Patna diocese, I readily accepted her invitation.  A few days ago I returned from a tour which took me through the flooded areas of Bihar state, one of the poorest parts of India, to some tribal villages which have been left virtually untouched by India’s recent economic growth. 

Christianity was first brought to these peoples – the Santali tribe – in the 1860s, and the first church was built there, in the village of Taljhari, at about the same  time as St. Peter’s church in Parwich was being rebuilt.  Fenny Bentley school is making links with two schools in this area, one in the tribal village of Barharwa, where it costs only £800 to build a new classroom, and one in the city of Patna, where email links are likely to be better.  My tasks during the visit included speaking and preaching on several occasions, and giving three talks to a conference on the Church’s engagement in society in another tribal area, this time in the diocese of Eastern Himalaya. 

This is a video clip of the welcome shown to us by the Santali tribespeople of Barharwa –

 

Other video clips of the visit, and of my visit to Assam earlier this year, may be seen here.

 

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Best wishes to Christopher, Isobel and the boys

Posted in Church, People on Monday October 13, 2008| 4 Comments »

The rest of the Blog Team would like to congratulate Christopher and give our very best wishes to him and his family.  Not only are we losing a repected vicar, but also a valued member of the Blog Team, though our loss is Nottingham City Centre Church Group‘s gain:

       

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Vicar to move to Nottingham

Posted in 2008, Church, News, People, Posts of Note on Monday October 13, 2008| 1 Comment »

It is with much sadness that I have announced that we will be moving from Parwich in February – I have been asked to be priest in charge of three churches in the centre of Nottingham. 

St. Mary’s is situated in the Lace Market; St. Peter’s is in the heart of the shopping area, next to Marks and Spencer’s, and All Saints is near to the Arboretum and to Trent University.  Our years in Parwich have been wonderful in so many ways, but working in the heart of a major city will also offer some splendid opportunities.  

I expect that we will leave Parwich in early February – my licensing service in Nottingham is on Sunday 22nd February at 3.00 pm.   The process of finding a new vicar for Parwich will involve the drawing up of a profile of the group of five parishes, which will be put to possible applicants.  This will be overseen by the bishop and his colleagues, but the main work on the profile needs to be done here.

At least it’s not too far from here – do come and visit!   Details of the parish are at www.nottinghamchurches.org

Christopher

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The kneeler project so far.

Posted in 2008, Church, Posts of Note on Thursday October 2, 2008| Leave a Comment »

The kneelers in St Peters Church are in a rather sorry state, so Irene Wilton kindly sponsored the purchase of the first 13 replacement embroidered kneelers in memory of Ambrose– these are in the process of being sewn up.

We now have a further kits each waiting for a sponsor. Would you like to sponsor a kneeler? Each kit costs £35.

We can customise the kneeler to include your own dedication – for example someone you wish to remember, a special date or anniversary, a christening, a village group etc. If you choose to sponsor a kneeler, you can either make it up yourself, or our team of embroiderers can do it for you.

If there is sufficient demand further kneelers can be commissioned and it may also be possible to incorporate your own design.

If you are interested, please speak to the churchwardens – Helen Pitts (362) or Martin (529)
More Photos
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A successful night

Posted in 2008, Church, Events, Posts of Note on Tuesday September 23, 2008| 1 Comment »

Harvest Supper on Monday night was an evening enjoyed by almost 60 people, there was good food, good wine (as long as you brought your own) and good company.  A lot of work had been put into the event and we were very grateful to all those who donated salads, jacket potatoes & crumbles and those who helped in any other way.  There was as always a very successful and entertaining auction, once we know how much was raised we will update this blog.

(more…)

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Harvest

Posted in 2008, Church, Events, Posts of Note on Sunday September 21, 2008| Leave a Comment »

What a delightful service it was today at the Harvest Festival, a joint event with St Peter’s Church and Parwich Methodists.  The church was beautifully decorated, every window sill full of autumn fruits and vegetables. 

Harvest Supper.  The produce will be auctioned tomorrow night at the Harvest Supper.  We are delighted that all the tickets have been sold.  We look forward to seeing you at 6.30pm in the Memorial Hall.  Any further produce, fruit, veg, flowers and cakes will be gratefully received because we are a little short of things for the auction.

Thank you to Martin C for sending in these photos.
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£170 raised at Coffee Morning

Posted in Church, Events on Saturday September 20, 2008| Leave a Comment »

An amazing £170 was raised at the Church Kneeler Coffee Morning today, this also included the sale one of the kneelers.  It was disappointing to see so few people supporting a village event, but for those there it was a lovely opportunity to catch  up with friends.  Thank you especially to Helen & Ian who opened their home up despite the damage caused by the floods, and thank you to all who donated, supported and helped.

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Harvest Supper – now only 6 tickets available

Posted in Church, Events on Wednesday September 17, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Just a quick reminder about the Harvest Supper on Monday 22nd at 6.30pm in the Memorial Hall.  Demand has been very high and there are only 6 tickets left.  If you would like to go please ring Andrew or Rachel on 202.  Please remember to tell us if you are vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements.  Don’t forget to bring your own glasses & drink!

Harvest Festival will be a joint service with the Parwich Methodists this Sunday at 10am – Everyone is welcome.

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Coffee Morning – This Saturday

Posted in Church, Events on Monday September 15, 2008| Leave a Comment »

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On sale now – Harvest Supper Tickets

Posted in Church, Events on Tuesday September 9, 2008| Leave a Comment »

We would like to invite you to the annual harvest supper – only 70 tickets available – so hurry & get your tickets now.

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Dates for your diary

Posted in Church, Events on Friday August 29, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Saturday 20th September – 10am-noon – Coffee Morning at Dam Farm (Helen P’s house) – Come for a natter & opportunity to catch up with friends & neighbours & help us to raise some money for the Church Kneeler project.

Sunday 21st – Harvest Festival at St Peter’s with Parwich Methodist’s.

Monday 22nd September – 6.30pm – Harvest Supper at the Memorial Hall followed by an auction of harvest produce.

More details to follow.

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The reopening of Alsop church in 1883

Posted in 2008, Church, History, Posts of Note on Saturday August 23, 2008| Leave a Comment »

A splendid article from the Derby Mercury of May 23rd, 1883, has recently been drawn to our attention, describing the reopening of Alsop church following the major rebuilding programme which resulted in the church as we know it today.  Ten clergy, including the Archdeacon of Derby, and a large number of gentry including “the misses FitzHerbert”, were present at what appears to have been an event of great celebration and considerable conviviality. 

The Archdeacon compared the previous building to “something like a lumber room”, also commenting that “the material fabric of a church was designed in order that people might seek in the worship of God the means of building up their own spiritual life”.  The Rev. E. H. May, vicar of Parwich and Alsop, referred to a book by Thomas Becon, chaplain to Archbishop Cranmer, who had sought refuge in Alsop in the late 1500s; Becon was pleasantly surprised to find the area much less “barbarous, rude and barren” than he had expected. 

In some concluding remarks, Mr S. C. Allsopp MP, who had business connections with Burton on Trent, said that “in the old days of the Meynell Hounds, the only persons who followed the hunt were Peak parsons and Burton brewers.  He hoped that in years to come the Peak parsons and Burton brewers would not only follow the fox together, but join in every good work which was needed in the parish”.

Read the full article on the web pages for Alsop church – and don’t forget the Bank Holiday teas this Monday -11am-4pm!

Christopher Harrison

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Two special dedications at tomorrow’s Methodist Service.

Posted in 2008, Church, People, Posts of Note on Saturday August 23, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Tomorrow at the Methodist Service held in Parwich Church at 2.30pm sees the dedication of the lectern in memory of Minnie Smith and the glass cross in memory of John Lees. Everyone is welcome to the service.

Minnie Smith by her daughter Jan Smith.
We are dedicating a new lectern in memory of my Mum, Minnie Smith. Minnie was born in a cottage on Alsop Road in 1912 and spent her early years in the village, attending the Methodist chapel and the local school. She often used to talk to me about the headmaster, Booth Hampson, who she always had a great deal of respect for. I gather that she wasn’t always a model pupil, as Mr Hampson was known to throw his keys across the desk to attract her attention during lessons.

Mum left Parwich to work first at Bradbourne Hall and later for Dr Madge in Ashbourne, before marrying Jim Smith in 1941. They spent 55 happy years together before my Dad died in 1996. My Mum always retained her deep affection for Parwich and I was brought to the village from a very early age. I am told I learned to walk at Flatts Stiles, then the home of Mum’s cousin, Mrs Mabson, on my first birthday. I know that Mum always felt that she was coming home when she came to Parwich and until her death in 2000 regularly attended the chapel services. I know that she would have been thrilled that our friend Colin has made this beautiful lectern in her memory.

John Lees by his daughter Janice Wigley.
Myself, and indeed all the family, especially my Mum, Peggy Lees are delighted that the cross in the Lady Chapel at Parwich Church is to be dedicated to Dad, John Lees. Dad was born in Ballidon in 1919 and ’emigrated’ to Parwich when he married Mum, he attended Parwich Chapel from then on. He loved chapel and I also have happy memories from childhood of new dress & gloves for Easter Sunday & Anniversary Services when the chapel would be full to bursting- even the balcony!

Thank goodness the ‘Chapel’ remains here and thanks, good luck & best wishes to all who have helped to achieve this.

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Sponsored Ride or Stride for the Church

Posted in Church, People on Monday August 18, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Why not join in the sponsored Ride and Stride
Saturday 13th September
10am until 6pm
in aid of Derbyshire Churches & Chapels Preservation Trust

We need people to either walk or cycle around the local churches (approximately 11miles) or to help out by acting as recorders for the participants when they arrive at Parwich Church. 

Another way to help out is to sponsor us!  Even the recorders who sit in the Church can be sponsored –  how many participants they see or how long they spend in the church.

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Day out to Worcester Cathedral & Witley Court.

Posted in Church, Events on Monday August 11, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Why not enjoy a day out to Worcester Cathedral & Witley Court?  This trip is being organised by the churches of Parwich, Alsop, Fenny Bentley, Thorpe & Tissington on Saturday 6th September.

The coach trip to Worcester will be £8 for adults and £5 for children.  Entrance into Witley Court is £5.50 for adults and £4.40 for concessions & £2.80 for children.  A family ticket is £13.80.  English Heritage members-free.

We will attend choral evensong at 5.30pm before returning home.

Please sign the form in the Church or email parwich@hotmail.co.uk by Sunday 17th August if you wish to come on the trip.

A hundred years ago, Witley Court was one of England’s great country houses, hosting many extravagant parties. Today it is a spectacular ruin, the result of a disastrous fire in 1937. Restoration work to the West Wing has made several new rooms accessible to the public.

The vast and rambling remains of the palatial 19th-century mansion are surrounded by magnificent landscaped gardens. Attached to Witley Court is Great Witley Church, which has an amazing Italianate Baroque interior (not managed by English Heritage). The church has a tearoom just 100 metres away serving morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon tea. 

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Tympanum leaflets in Church

Posted in 2008, Church, History, Posts of Note on Thursday August 7, 2008| 2 Comments »

The printing for the Tympanum Project arrived at St. Peter’s Church in Parwich today.  Following the dedication of the replica tympanum, this completes the Project, as all the Heritage Lottery Fund paperwork is now completed.

There are leaflets in the Church for people to take away.  They contain a brief history of the carved stone focusing on the evidence for dating it, complementing the interpretation of the symbols on the display board.

There is also a reference booklet that can be seen in the Church or downloaded as a pdf via the Church website.  The downloads are available in two formats, firstly the complete illustrated version (this may take a couple of minutes to download) and secondly a text-only version to print out.  This has the full background information on: the arrival of Christianity in our area; how reglious stone carving developed locally in the centuries leading up to the Norman Conquest; the history of our tympanum; and details of related carved stones in other local churches.

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Harvest Supper – reserve this date

Posted in Church on Wednesday August 6, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Monday 22nd September will see the annual Harvest Supper in the Memorial Hall at 6.30pm. Book this date in your diary – further details will be available later this month.

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Sunday’s Service of Dedication

Posted in 2008, Church, History, People, Posts of Note on Tuesday July 8, 2008| 4 Comments »

St Peter’s Church in Parwich saw a good sized congregation to welcome the Bishop of Repton, The Rt. Rev’d Humphrey Southern, who dedicated the Annunciation or ‘Graham’ window and the replica tympanum and turned the first sod for the Garden of Remembrance.

The Service began in the churchyard beside the tympanum.

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Kneeler Get Together

Posted in Church on Sunday July 6, 2008| Leave a Comment »

We are having a kneeler meeting tomorrow at Marion F-S, so come along for a coffee, sew and natter.  Pop in anytime between 4-6pm.

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Flower Power

Posted in 2008, Church, Photography, Posts of Note on Saturday July 5, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Here is Marion F-S’s comment on the Parwich Flower Festival together with some of John’s photos to give you a taste.  Do take the opportunity to go tomorrow afternoon 1pm to 5pm (Sunday 6th June):

I have just come back from the flower festival in the church, completely bowled over by the beautiful displays, the wonderful scent of roses, soothing background music and – of course – the welcoming coffee and delicious home made cakes.

The first surprise is the porch, complete with garden gate and hastily abandoned galoshes – obviously some keen gardener (someone looking for an allotment, perhaps?) has taken it over. They’ve been suddenly called away, but doubtless will soon be back…

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Dedication Service at St. Peter’s

Posted in Arts, Church, Events, History on Saturday July 5, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Sunday evening sees a special service when the Bishop of Repton will dedicate the new stained-glass Annunciation window in memory of Mrs & Miss Graham and the replica Tympanum.  The theme of the service is one thousand years of Christian art.

6pm St Peter’s Church, Parwich
Dedication Service
All are welcome.

This is for all the community, not just the regular church attenders, and it is hoped that as many as possible will come to remember the Grahams, to enjoy the flowers and the history of our parish church, and to support the future of this fine building.

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Concert next week.

Posted in Alsop, Arts, Church, Events on Friday July 4, 2008| Leave a Comment »

click on poster to enlarge

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Tympanum Display Board Arrives

Posted in 2008, Church, History, News, Posts of Note on Friday July 4, 2008| 2 Comments »

In time for (most of) the Flower Festival and the Dedication Service on Sunday, the new information/display board on the Parwich Tympanum arrived this lunchtime (Friday 4th July).  Made by Caliba of Nottingham it has images of the carved stone before the weathering made it difficult to decipher and an explanation of the animal symbols depicted:

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Parwich Flower Festival starts today

Posted in Church, Events on Friday July 4, 2008| 1 Comment »

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Getting St Peter’s Ready

Posted in 2008, Church, Events, Posts of Note on Thursday July 3, 2008| Leave a Comment »

The various local groups are working hard getting Parwich Church ready for tomorrow’s start to the Flower Festival.

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Spot the mistake

Posted in Arts, Church, History on Thursday July 3, 2008| 2 Comments »

When Roger Graham visited Parwich Church last week to see our fine new stained-glass window, he spotted a mistake.  Has anyone else noticed it?  If not go to the Church (or check out our earlier post) to see if you can.

Fortunately the error does not impair the beauty of the window, and so far Roger is the only person we know of that has spotted it.  We do not know if the window is to remain as it is or have the mistake corrected.

In Islamic art there should always be an imperfection, so as not to rival the perfection of the Divine.

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Chapel auction is today

Posted in Church, Events on Thursday July 3, 2008| 9 Comments »

Parwich Methodist Chapel is due to be auctioned by Fidler & Taylor this evening (Thursday 3rd July) at 7pm at the Green Man Hotel in Ashbourne, unless sold before by private negotiation.

We understand the guide price is £40,000, though interested parties are advised to discuss any possible change of use with the Peak District National Park Authority’s planing service in advance.

(Note added Friday 4th July:  the Chapel was sold for £76,000.)

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Flower Festival in the Church

Posted in Church, Events, Gardens on Wednesday July 2, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Friday 4th July to Sunday 6th July
Flower Festival
St Peter’s Church, Parwich

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Concert in Parwich Church

Posted in Church, Events, Young people on Monday June 30, 2008| 1 Comment »

The date of St Anselm’s school concert has been changed.  The details are now as follows:

St Anselm’s School Concert
7-15pm Tuesday 8th July
St Peter’s Church, Parwich
(tickets at £5 are available on the door)

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Campsite Songs of Praise

Posted in Church, Wakes on Monday June 30, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Following a short sharp shower the weather held dry for the Campsite Service.  Thank you to all the Notts Caravan Club who put in the work setting up, providing the music and especially drying all the chairs.  The congregation of campers and Parwich folk was swelled by those coming for Amy Isabel’s christening later.  The Vicar led a rousing service with some joyful singing.  It was great to celebrate the feast of St Peter and St Paul in the outdoors, and a stimulating reminder that celebrating this feast day is the origin of our Wakes and has been taking place here for perhaps a thousand years.  (more…)

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Calling all kneelers!

Posted in Church on Friday June 27, 2008| Leave a Comment »

If you have any spare wool from the kneeler you are working on can you keep it safely because some people are running short of certain colours.  If you have any of the dark blue wool spare (about 8″) can you ring Jean on 529.

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Replica Tympanum arrives

Posted in 2008, Church, News, Posts of Note on Thursday June 26, 2008| 1 Comment »

The replica tympanum arrived at Parwich Church today and was fitted to the wall inside the tower.  The original carved stone is deteriorating significantly, but English Heritage felt the risk of moving it was too great.  In order to create a permanent record before the carving disappeared completely this replica was made.

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Flower Festival Helpers wanted

Posted in Church, Classified adverts, Events on Tuesday June 24, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Can you help during the Flower Festival in Parwich Church (Friday 4th to Sunday 6th July)?  The Church will be open from 11am to 6pm (Friday and Saturday) and from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday with refreshments served.

Volunteers are needed for one or two hour slots to act as stewards in the Church or to help with refreshments.

Also we are looking to borrow a number of largish glass carboys or demijohns to put in the church to collect visitors’ donations.  Can you help, or do you have any suitable alternatives?

If the answer to any of the above is yes, please contact Rachel R on tel. 202.

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Colouring in for Flower Festival

Posted in Church, Events, Young people on Monday June 23, 2008| 1 Comment »

The Flower Festival (4th to 6th July) will also be to launch a display on Parwich’s oldest man-made object.  This is the carved stone over the west door of St Peter’s Church.

Children of all ages are invited to colour in the above sketches of the carvings to help decorate the church over that weekend.  Copies of the animals will be available in the village, or print them yourself by going to a printer friendly pdf version by clicking on the above image or clicking here.

Please leave your coloured in versions in the box in Church by Wednesday 2nd July.  If you have any questions please contact Andrew Robinson.

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