DECEMBER 2012 and JANUARY 2013

Visit us at www.stpeterschurchedgmond.org and www.edgmondparishcouncil.co.uk

RECTOR (usual day off: Monday) The Revd Prebendary Edward Ward, Edgmond Rectory 820217

RESIDENT MINISTER (part time; usual day off: Saturday) The Revd David Stokes-Harrison, Tibberton Rectory 551117

LAY MINISTER Ken Warren-Smith 282060

LICENSED READER Paul Benton 603071

CHURCHWARDENS John Ingram, Lovatt Cottage, 5 Turners Lane, Edgmond 810337 Chris Taylor, Provost’s House, High Street, Edgmond 810880

PCC SECRETARY Jane Gill 811201

TREASURER AND STEWARDSHIP RECORDER Rodney Bunyan 810957

ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER Dr Colin Brown 550164

TOWER CAPTAIN and RINGING MASTER Edric Broom 825851

TOWER SECRETARY Mark Adams 810471

PUBLICITY c/o Penny Westgate 812920

MOTHERS’ UNION Margaret Matthews 825976

MAGAZINE EDITOR Sara Taylor, Provost’s House, Edgmond, TF10 8JY 810880 Email: [email protected]

MAGAZINE ADVERTISING Chris Taylor, Provost’s House, Edgmond, TF10 8JY 810880 Email: [email protected]

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION Penny Hughes 813017

2 Dear Friends,

“How far is it to Bethlehem? Not very far. Shall we find the stable room Lit by a star?”

So goes the well known carol. Perhaps some of you remember singing it when you were children. Certainly at this time of year it seems that all roads lead to Bethlehem. And Bethlehem is not very far, because we can go there in spirit to that little town, following in the steps of the shepherds, to that stable and see for ourselves the great thing God has done.

The central point of the Christmas story is the birth of a child. It is something which we all can understand, because here we all begin; the miracle of new life; a birth attended by no pomp or ceremony. Almost by luck, or so it seems, a place is found for the young mother, in a stable at the back of a country inn, for the birth of her first child. It is a human story reflecting all too clearly the human stories of refugees of today; and yet on the other hand, it is the glorious incarnation of God’s son.

The Christmas celebration is not merely a celebration of a birth of a child. It is a celebration of the incarnation of Almighty God as a vulnerable baby. To the human mother and father, a gift of a son, but to all mankind the gift of God’s only-begotten Son, with all that that entails. If this isn’t true, then the Christmas story is nothing more than a pretty fairy tale, and we are worse off than ever.

Christmas tells us that God has intervened in human affairs by being born as a baby and growing into a man, and showing us the best way to live our lives and so bring his kingdom into existence in this world. The shepherds came to the stable and knelt before the mother and the baby which lay in the manger. Unfortunately these days we seem to prefer to worship at other shrines rather than at the shrine of our Saviour.

Yet despite all this, the star of Bethlehem still shines, the voices of the angels still ring out around the world. At Christmas, regardless of where we live, Bethlehem is not very far, and we can get there. And we can still, as the children’s carol puts it, “lift the wooden latch and go in” and there see the real reason for Christmas, “God in his mother’s arms”, and worship and adore.

May I, on behalf of Jane and myself and all our family, wish you all a very happy, peaceful and blessed Christmas.

May God bless you all. Your priest and friend, Edward Ward

3 SERVICES IN THE

DECEMBER

DATE EDGMOND KYNNERSLEY PRESTON SUNDAY 2nd 7.45 am 10.30 am 9.00 am Advent Sunday Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion 10.30 am Family Communion 6.30 pm From Darkness to Light Thursday 6th 9.30 am Holy Communion SUNDAY 9th 7.45 am 10.30 am 3.30 pm Advent 2 Holy Communion Holy Communion Christingle 10.30 am Sung Eucharist 6.30 pm Healing Service Thursday 13th 9.30 am Holy Communion SUNDAY 16th 7.45 am 6.00 pm 9.00 am Advent 3 Holy Communion Carol Service Holy Communion 10.30 am Family Service 3.00 pm Masons’ Carol Service Wednesday 19th 7.30 pm Carol Service Thursday 20th 9.30 am Holy Communion 7.00 pm Carol Service SUNDAY 23rd 7.45 am 10.30 am 9.00 am Advent 4 Holy Communion Family Service Holy Communion 10.30 am Sung Eucharist Monday 24th 3 . 00 pm 10.30 am CHRISTMAS EVE Christingle Christingle 11.30 pm 11.30 pm Midnight Mass Midnight Mass Tuesday 25th 7.45 am No Service 9.00 am CHRISTMAS DAY Holy Communion Holy Communion 10.30 am Sung Eucharist SUNDAY 30th 10.30 am Christmas 1 Holy Communion for the six parishes at St Peter’s, Edgmond

4 SIX PARISHES

2012

DATE TIBBERTON GREAT BOLAS WATERS UPTON SUNDAY 2nd 10 . 30 am 10.30 am 9.15 am Advent Sunday Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion

Thursday 6th

SUNDAY 9th 9.00 am 10.30 am 9.15 am Advent 2 Holy Communion Holy Communion Said Communion

Thursday 13th

SUNDAY 16th 6.30 pm 10.30 am 9.15 am Advent 3 Evensong Holy Communion Holy Communion

Wednesday 19th

Thursday 20th

SUNDAY 23rd 4 .00 pm 10.30 am 9.15 am Advent 4 Joint Carol Service Holy Communion/ Holy Communion/ Carol Service Carol Service

Monday 24th 3.00 pm 11.30 pm CHRISTMAS EVE Christingle Midnight Mass

Tuesday 25th 10.30 am No Service 9.15 am CHRISTMAS DAY Holy Communion Holy Communion

SUNDAY 30th 10.30 am Christmas 1 Holy Communion for the six parishes at St Peter’s, Edgmond

5 SERVICES IN THE

JANUARY

DATE EDGMOND KYNNERSLEY PRESTON Thursday 3rd 9.30 am Holy Communion SUNDAY 6th 7.45 am 10.30 am 9.00 am Epiphany Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion 10.30 am Family Communion Thursday 10th 9.30 am Holy Communion SUNDAY 13th 7.45 am 10.30 am 10.15 am Baptism of Christ Holy Communion Holy Communion Plough Sunday 10.30 am Family Service Sung Eucharist 6.30 pm Healing Service Thursday 17th 9.30 am Holy Communion SUNDAY 20th 7.45 am 10.30 am 9.00 am Epiphany 2 Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion 10.30 am Plough Sunday Service at Harper Adams University College Thursday 24th 9.30 am Holy Communion Friday 25th 9.30 am Conversion of Holy Communion St Paul SUNDAY 27th 7.45 am 10.30 am 9.00 am Epiphany 3 Holy Communion Plough Sunday Holy Communion 10.30 am Family Service Sung Eucharist Thursday 31st 9.30 am Holy Communion

SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

On the Sunday after Christmas (December 30th) there will only be one service in the six parishes and that will be a Eucharist at 10.30 am in St Peter’s, Edgmond.

6 SIX PARISHES

2013

DATE TIBBERTON GREAT BOLAS WATERS UPTON Thursday 3rd

SUNDAY 6th 10 . 30 am 10.30 am 9.15 am Epiphany Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion

Thursday 10th

SUNDAY 13th 9.00 am 10.30 am 9.15 am Baptism of Christ Holy Communion Holy Communion Said Communion

Thursday 17th

SUNDAY 20th 6.30 pm 10.30 am 9.15 am Epiphany 2 Evensong Holy Communion Holy Communion

Thursday 24th

Friday 25th Conversion of St Paul SUNDAY 27th 9 . 00 am 10.30 am 9.15 am Epiphany 3 Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion

Thursday 31st

RING OUT THE OLD! RING IN THE NEW!

Once more St Peter’s Ringers will be performing this ancient tradition of ringing out the old year and ringing in the new one on New Year’s Eve, Monday December 31st at 11.30 pm. Why not join us for the short service and mark the start of a New Year. 7 FROM THE REGISTERS

HOLY BAPTISM 28th October at St Peter’s, Edgmond – Joseph Luke, son of Drew Sutton and Aimee Beetlestone. 3rd November at St Lawrence’s, Preston – Thomas John Ryan, son of Ryan Coombes and Rachel Gilsenan.

HOLY MATRIMONY 27th October at St Peter’s, Edgmond – Simon Holland and Sinead Roche. 1st November at St Peter’s, Edgmond – Paul Mortimer and Sarah Ross.

CREMATIONS 6th November at Telford Crematorium – Thomas Briggs of Edgmond. 9th November at Telford Crematorium – Brian Williams of Edgmond.

BURIAL OF ASHES 29th October at St Peter’s, Edgmond – Dorothy Haycock. 4th November at St Peter’s, Edgmond – Anna Yarwood.

MEMORIAL SERVICE 9th November at St Peter’s, Edgmond – Brian Williams.

FROM THE EDITOR

Congratulations and thank you to Izzy Dale for her cover design for this special Christmas and New Year edition of our magazine.

The next edition of the Parish Magazine and Village News will be for the month of February 2013 and the deadline for contributions is Sunday, January 6th. Please deliver your copy in good time to me at the address on the inside front cover – or you can email it to me at [email protected]. More photos would also be very welcome, especially ones of people and places in and around the village.

May I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

ADVENT SUNDAY - DECEMBER 2nd

This year Advent Sunday, which marks the start of the Church’s year, falls on Sunday December 2nd.

As is our custom we shall mark the day with our special Advent Service “From Darkness to Light” at 6.30 pm in St Peter’s Church, Edgmond. The service prepares us for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. The service starts off in darkness which symbolises the world before the coming of Jesus, and as we hear various readings from the Old Testament prophesying the coming of the Messiah, and the singing of well loved Advent hymns, so the church becomes filled with light, until at the reading of the Annunciation the whole church is ablaze with light. Everyone is welcome at this service.

CAROL SERVICE

The Carol Service at St Peter’s, Edgmond will be held on Thursday, December 20th at 7.00 pm. Please come along and join us in singing the well-known and much loved carols. Everyone welcome.

HOME COMMUNION AT CHRISTMAS-TIME

If anyone is unable to attend Church at Christmas because of illness or age or any other reason, and would like to receive Holy Communion at home, please get in contact with The Rector (820217) and he will be delighted to arrange a time for Communion to be brought to you.

THE KINGDOM SEASON

The more observant amongst you will have noticed that from All Saints Day until Advent Sunday the predominant colour in the church was red and not green, as it used to be for all those Sundays after Trinity. This is because under the new rules and regulations which govern the Church’s Year and the Lectionary, the time from All Saints to the eve of Advent is now called The Kingdom Season and its colour is red. This is meant to be a time for us to celebrate and reflect upon the reign of Jesus in heaven and upon the earth, and to remind ourselves that he reigns through humility, service, sacrifice and love.

9 ST PETER’S CHURCH, EDGMOND

SUNDAY SERVICES

7.45 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Morning Service (as announced) 6.30 pm Healing Service (2nd Sundays)

10.30 am SUNDAY SERVICES AND BIBLE READINGS DECEMBER 2012 and JANUARY 2013 December 2nd Family Communion Advent Sunday Gospel Luke 21: 25-36 December 9th Sung Eucharist Advent 2 Old Testament Lesson: Malachi 3: 1-4 Epistle: Philippians 1: 3-11 Gospel Luke 3: 1 - 6 December 16th Family Service December 23rd Sung Eucharist Advent 4 Old Testament Lesson: Micah 5: 2-5a Epistle: Hebrews 10: 5-10 Gospel: Luke 1: 39-45 December 30th Holy Communion for the six parishes at St Peter’s Christmas 1 Old Testament Lesson: 1 Samuel 2: 18-20, 26 Epistle: Colossians 3: 12-17 Gospel: Luke 2: 41-end January 6th Family Communion Epiphany Gospel Matthew 2: 1-12 January 13th Sung Eucharist Baptism of Christ Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 43: 1-7 New Testament Lesson: Acts 8: 14-17 Gospel: Luke 3: 15 - 17, 21-22 January 20th Plough Sunday Service at Harper Adams University College January 27th Sung Eucharist Epiphany 3 Old Testament Lesson: Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31a Gospel: Luke 4: 14-21

NEW ALTAR FRONTAL

St Peter’s has gained a new red altar frontal for the Children’s Altar thanks to the hard work and expertise of Margaret Humphreys. Margaret re-used some embroidery which was on an older and damaged altar frontal. The frontal looks splendid and we offer our grateful thanks to Margaret. 10 THANK YOU FROM MRS MADGE ROBERTS

I would like to thank Drs Julia and Colin Brown for the reason that I am now going to see quite well. Julia especially, because she refused to believe the previous surgeons I had visited when they said that my cataract was inoperable, and so she took me to her colleagues in the Ophthalmic Dept. of Aston University. From there I was referred to Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley. The result was that a successful operation was performed by Mr I. S. Barry, and I was told that I am not now going blind. Both Drs Julia and Colin gave hours of their time to stay with me as did the Rector and his wife after the operation (taking me into their home and giving me lunch). Mrs Beryl Ingram has given me some valuable and useful advice on choosing my next pair of glasses. I would like to thank all these Christian people publicly for the kindness and care given to me. Madge Roberts

THE MIDLANDS CHORALE IN CONCERT WITH CONDUCTOR OLIVER WALKER

SATURDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2012 ST PETER’S CHURCH, EDGMOND AT 7.30 pm

TICKETS £7; CHILDREN, OAP, STUDENTS £5 – PAY AT THE DOOR

CONCERT WILL INCLUDE MUSIC BY MENDELSSOHN, BRAHMS, RHEINBERGER AND SCHUBERT’S MASS IN G.

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED DURING THE INTERVAL AND THERE WILL BE A RAFFLE.

PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARDS THE COST OF A WATER SUPPLY TO THE LOWER CHURCHYARD AND THEREFORE BENEFIT THE WHOLE PARISH.

SHROPSHIRE HISTORIC TRUST CALENDAR 2013

SHCT has produced a calendar for 2013, following the popular 2012 edition. A sample is pinned up in the church for you to examine and a notice is provided for you to write down your requirements. The price is £5 of which £1 will be donated to St Peter’s funds. The calendar is nicely produced and features 56 Shropshire churches in full colour.

11 CHRISTINGLE SERVICE - December 24th

The Christingle Service will take place on Christmas Eve at 3.00 pm in St Peter’s Church, Edgmond. At the service, the crib will be blessed, the nativity story will be told through carols, readings and prayers, and the Christingles will be distributed and lit. If you would like to order a Christingle, special envelopes will be distributed through the school including Edgmond Owls from the beginning of December, and will be also available from the Village Shop. Please return the envelopes, indicating the number of Christingles required, to the Village Shop or the addresses below, by Tuesday 18th December so that sufficient oranges can be prepared. We are very grateful to Greenfields Farm Shop who have offered again this year to donate the oranges for the Christingle. This is very much appreciated.

All proceeds from the service, including the collection, will go to The Children’s Society, which helps vulnerable children and young people who are in great need, and runs family centres and community projects in deprived areas. Your generosity this Christmas can help to shine light into the darkness of lives that are overshadowed by homelessness and despair.

Once again, we will be donating presents to local families and children in need just before Christmas. In past years, your gifts have been much appreciated by the young people who receive them, many of whom experience social deprivation or find themselves in tragic circumstances at Christmas time. If you would like to join us in sending a gift which needs to be new, please bring it to the Village Shop or the addresses below by Tuesday 18th December and please attach a label to your gift stating what is inside and the age range it would be suitable for so that it can be distributed before Christmas. Any gifts which arrive after this, or which you may like to bring to the Christingle Service on Christmas Eve, will be distributed after Christmas Day.

Please note: All those who have attended this service in previous years will know how crowded the Church becomes. Health and Safety Regulations advise that –

No prams or pushchairs are brought into Church for this service so that the aisles and exits can be kept clear in case of emergency. It is strongly advised that long hair is tied back, and non-flammable clothes are worn. We also ask that you explain to your children the importance of standing very still when their Christingle candle is lit, and that they hold their Christingle orange carefully with both hands. Please encourage older children to set a good example to little ones.

Please help us to keep all our children safe.

Suzanne Bruce Stephanie Egleston Holly House, Rock Lane, Edgmond Hill House, Pipers Lane, Edgmond 01952 811646 01952 820457 12

On Thursday 13th December at 2.15 pm in Edgmond Village Hall our speaker will be the Revd Prebendary Edward Ward on “Advent Thoughts”.

The Epiphany Party will be held on Thursday 10th January at 2.15 pm in Edgmond Village Hall.

For further information and/or help with transport please contact Margaret Matthews on 825976. Everyone welcome.

EDGMOND W.I.

At the beginning of our September meeting, Sue Jones, for Edgmond Parish Council, showed us Edgmond’s own 2013 calendar of photos, and told us where we could purchase them. President Pat took apologies, and thanked Dianne Renshaw for her pretty top table flowers and posy she had arranged. In her report, Treasurer Beryl reminded us that our subs would be £33 for the coming year; and WI diaries and calendars are to be ordered now. Our Secretary Diana told us of various SFWI events to come – one being a December visit to Arley House, which would be full of wonderful floral decorations; and also an evening’s shopping in Lakeland in Shrewsbury. We’d also received an invitation from the Tern Group to their fashion show.

Future Events: Pat said that the committee hoped to re-arrange a visit to a Museum of Costume that we had had to postpone previously. Also, that as we were arranging our Wrekin Group Carol Service to be held in St Peter’s Church on Saturday December 8th at 2.30 pm, of course we would be providing tea and mince pies, so all hands to the pastry board! Lilleshall Handbell Ringers had offered to come and perform at the service.

Norma Whittington was asked to run us through the procedures we must follow at our Annual Meeting to be held in November; and finally, Faith Atkinson was presented with her birthday posy.

Then speaker Gillian Hales and her husband Peter were introduced. She told us of their collection of owls, with accompanying slide show. Owls being the evocative, iconic creatures they are, the “aah” factor was never far away. Gillian had bought four owls for herself, the rest were/are rescue birds she’d nursed back to health. But then, while we drank tea, Gillian and Peter quietly produced nine beautiful live birds, and put them on their perches. They had been very well acclimatised to

13 strange places, people and noises and we were thrilled to be in such close proximity to them. We were even allowed to stroke very gently the top of their heads. It seemed such a privilege. A terrific experience! Our competition, “An Owl in any Medium” was won by Ann Parton.

Our December 19th meeting should be an entertaining evening when Bob Bradley will be attempting to get us to have a “hands on” go with hand bells – even produce a recognisable carol! He hopes to start at 8 pm. We meet in Room 2 of Edgmond Village Hall.

We start the New Year meetings with our January 16th date when Keith Pritchard will be telling us about “The Home front in WW1”. Same time, same place as above. Further details from Pat on 820036 or Diana on 811561. Visitors are welcome at any of our meetings. Margaret Bradley

TAI CHI CHUAN

At the highest level, tai chi is very extreme. Masters are able to channel their chi or energy to any part of their body. For example, while holding an uncooked egg in his hand, the Master can smash a block of wood in half without breaking the egg. Or he can focus his chi into his hands and greet a much larger man with a nudge that sends the larger man flying across the room - this is called a ‘double explosion’. The Master humbly avers that ‘everything can be explained by body mechanics and physics - there are no mysteries’.

Tai Chi Chuan, often referred to as Tai Chi is a series of choreographed, gentle movements which, when repeated over time, can benefit the entire body physiology; including tendons, joint, spine and internal organs.

Tai Chi is one of the few exercises that are appropriate for virtually any person or condition. Although not a substitute for medical treatment, Tai Chi can improve the quality of life for people dealing with health problems such as poor circulation, arthritis, back pain, respiratory disease, digestive disorders and many others.

You may be intrigued by the prospect of controlling your chi to smash a block of wood or run up a wall, but initially you may be attracted to the chance of a more healthy flexible body and stress free life.

A New BEGINNER CLASS commences at Edgmond Village Hall on Tuesday 29th January 2013 from 1.30 - 2.30 pm. Further information can be obtained from Dilys on 01952 588838.

ST PETER’S SCHOOL NEWS

Diamond Jubilee Oak Tree

On 19th October an oak tree from the Queen's Sandringham Estate was planted in St Peter's school grounds in commemoration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The tree had been kindly donated by Jessica Sahota and the commemorative plaque was paid for from the profit from the Diamond Jubilee Garden Walk and Treasure Trail back in June. It was a great shame that Jessica was unable to come along to the planting, so her mum Pam helped instead.

Pictured above left: Planting the Queen’s Oak with the children are Pam Sahota (left), Jessica’s mother, and Anne Green (right), member of the Diamond Jubilee Group which organised the summer event.

Christmas Designs

Year 6 children were asked to provide pencil drawings on a Christmassy theme. Thank you to all those boys and girls who contributed their designs. The following seven youngsters have been selected for special mention:

December Magazine Cover: Izzy Dale

Rector’s Christmas Card: Darci Allcock

Carol Service Sheet: Ruairi Roman

Pew Sheets: 1: Isabelle Hughes 2: Christopher Bayliss 3: Harriette Hughes 4: Charlotte Longland

PARISH WARDEN’S REPORT

Thanks to our Rural Beat Officer, WPC Tracey Tonks, I am able to advise you the crime statistics for the Edgmond Area for October.

If the figures for Harper Adams University College are excluded (as is usual), there were two crimes reported. One was a further theft of diesel fuel from Adeney. The other was an overnight burglary on a metal container in the Birch Moor Lane Area

You are reminded that shed security is currently important, as most of your garden implements will now be stored for the winter. Also, as this is the December issue of the magazine, take care of your Christmas gifts. They should never be left in full view in the car (lock them out of sight in the boot). In the home, it is best that they are again not in full view from the window, so the location of your Christmas tree could be a decisive factor.

Have a happy and crime free Christmas and New Year, and report any suspicious activities/incidents you see. John Keeping (813125)

News from Edgmond Parish Council www.edgmondparishcouncil.co.uk The next Full Council Meeting will be held at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall on 14th January - all are welcome to attend.

There are still some 2013 Edgmond Calendars available. They can be bought from the village shop or by contacting the Chairman - Gwyn Jones 813433.

The community website has a good deal of information about local events and activities and you can use it to follow links to other useful websites. If you register with the website you will then receive the emailed news-flashes that circulate from time to time.

If you want more information about the Parish Council or the website please contact the Parish Clerk, Katrina Baker:

The Oaklands’, Waters Upton, TF9 6NP 01952 541939 [email protected]

December 2012 & January 2013 Village Hall Diary of Regular Activities Dates & times subject to change - check with the Secretary (813520) or website: www.edgmondparishcouncil.co.uk

December Mon 03 Brownies 16.45 – 18.00; Guides 19.00 - 20.30; Karate 19.00 - 20.30 Tue 04 Tai Chi 13.30 - 14.30; Fighting Fit Club 18.00 - 21.00 Wed 05 Creative Writing 17.30 - 18.30 Thu 06 Toddlers 10.00 – 11.30; Karate 18.30 – 20.30; French 19.00 - 20.30 Fri 07 Zumba 09.30 - 10.30; Scout Group 17.30 – 21.30 Mon 10 Brownies 16.45 – 18.00; Guides 19.00 - 20.30; Karate 19.00 - 20.30 Tue 11 Tai Chi 13.30 - 14.30; Fighting Fit Club 18.00 - 21.00 Thu 13 Toddlers 10.00 – 11.30; MU 13.45 - 15.45; Karate 18.30 – 20.30 Fri 14 Zumba 09.30 - 10.30; Scout Group 17.30 – 21.30 Mon 17 Karate 19.00 – 20.30 Tue 18 Tai Chi 13.30 - 14.30; Fighting Fit Club 18.00 - 21.00 Wed 19 Creative Writing 17.30 - 18.30; WI 19.00 - 22.00 Thu 20 Toddlers 10.00 – 11.30; Karate 18.30 – 20.30

January MANY DATES TO BE CONFIRMED Fri 04 Zumba 09.30 - 10.30 Mon 07 Brownies 16.45 – 18.00; Karate 19.00 – 20.30 Tue 08 Tai Chi 13.30 - 14.30; Fighting Fit Club 18.00 - 21.00 Wed 09 Creative Writing 17.30 - 18.30? Thu 10 Toddlers 10.00 – 11.30; MU 13.45 – 15.45; Karate 18.30 – 20.30; French 19.00 – 20.30? Fri 11 Zumba 09.30 - 10.30; Scout Group 17.30 – 21.30 Mon 14 Brownies 16.45 – 18.00; Karate 19.00 – 20.30; Guides 19.00 – 20.30; PC 19.30 – 21.00 Tue 15 Tai Chi 13.30 - 14.30; Fighting Fit Club 18.00 - 21.00 Wed 16 WI 19.00 – 22.00? Thu 17 Toddlers 10.00 – 11.30; Karate 18.30 – 20.30; French 19.00 – 20.30 Fri 18 Zumba 09.30 - 10.30; Scout Group 17.30 – 21.30 Mon 21 Brownies 16.45 – 18.00; Karate 19.00 – 20.30; Guides 19.00 – 20.30 Tue 22 Tai Chi 13.30 - 14.30; Fighting Fit Club 18.00 - 21.00 Wed 23 Creative Writing 17.30 - 18.30? Thu 24 Toddlers 10.00 – 11.30; Karate 18.30 – 20.30; French 19.00 – 20.30 Fri 25 Zumba 09.30 - 10.30 Mon 28 Brownies 16.45 – 18.00; Karate 19.00 – 20.30; Guides 19.00 – 20.30 Tue 29 Tai Chi 13.30 - 14.30; Fighting Fit Club 18.00 - 21.00 Thu 31 Toddlers 10.00 – 11.30; Karate 18.30 – 20.30; French 19.00 – 20.30

17 EDGMOND VILLAGE HALL NEWS

We had a most entertaining evening in late October when the Shawbury Village Players joined us for another Murder Mystery event - Murder in the Cloisters. There were fish and chips in the interval (thanks to Jones’ in Newport) and plenty of ale on tap (thanks to Rowton Brewery). Many thanks also to the Village Stores for providing the wine and cans. We all hope that you enjoyed the evening and will come back again next year - please tell your friends! We will probably have made about £700 which will be split equally between the Village Hall and the Shawbury Players. If you have a good idea for a Village Social Event please give me a ring and we’ll see what we can do - I promise you won’t be roped-in to organise!

We already have a Tai Chi class on Tuesday afternoons but watch out for a new beginners’ class starting in the New Year. Tai Chi is a very controlled form of exercise that will stretch and strengthen you - Dilys is a lovely teacher - why not try it!

Zumba Gold is another exercise-class regular at the Village Hall. Nikki will put you through your paces first thing on a Friday - so why not come along and give it a go!

Paula Doherty (Secretary) [email protected] or 813520

18 EDGMOND METHODIST CHURCH

Minister: Mrs Denice Morgan 88 Doddington, Hollinswood, Telford, TF3 2DQ, tel: 01952 210234

SERVICES in DECEMBER 2012 and JANUARY 2013

2nd December 10.30 am Mrs Denice Morgan – Advent 1 9th December 10.30 am The Revd N Rogers – Advent 2 16th December 10.30 am Local Appointment – Advent 3 6.30 pm Carol Service 23rd December 10.30 am Mrs Denice Morgan – Advent 4 30th December 10.30 am Local Appointment 6th January 10.30 am Details to be announced 13th January 10.30 am Details to be announced 20th January 10.30 am United Ecumenical Service with St Peter’s for Plough Sunday at Harper Adams U.C. 27th January 10.30 am Details to be announced

The following carol was written by two little girls in the Sunday School at Seaton Methodist Church, Leeds. Seaton is a very bleak, deprived area.

Oh! An angel came to Mary, and his name was Gabriel. He said “You’ll have a baby, and name him Immanuel”. The next day Mary and Joseph set off for Bethlehem. They found no room in the hostel, so a stable was found for them. The shepherds came with the wise men to see the new baby King, Then fell on their knees to worship. Of this we have come to sing.

by Sarah Butler and Loise Miller, aged 8.

NEW ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

The Queen has approved the nomination of the Right Reverend Justin Welby for election as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury. He will succeed Dr Rowan Williams who is retiring at the end of December after ten years as Archbishop. The Right Reverend Justin Welby, aged 56, is currently Bishop of Durham. He will be enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury in Canterbury Cathedral on 21st March 2013. More information about Bishop Welby and this appointment is available at www.archbishopofcanterbury.org.

19 ST LAWRENCE’S CHURCH, PRESTON

Churchwardens: Dr D Nurse, 1 Manor Barns 608455 Mr D Brown, The Conifers 676671

PCC Secretary: Mrs P Jones, The Rockery, Wheat Leasowes 603612

DECEMBER 2012 and JANUARY 2013 Sunday December 2nd Epistle 1 Thessalonians 3: 9 -end Mr M Brothwood Advent Sunday Gospel Luke 21: 25-36 Mrs J Brothwood 9.00 am – Family Communion Sidesman Mrs B Vickers Sunday December 9th – Advent 2 3.30 pm – Christingle Service Sunday December 16th Epistle Philippians 4: 4 - 7 Dr T Goode Advent 3 Gospel Luke 3: 7-18 Mrs A Jones 9.00 am – Holy Communion Sidesman Mr N Burn Wednesday December 19th 7.30 pm – Carols by Candlelight Sunday December 23rd Epistle Hebrews 10: 5 - 10 Dr D Nurse Advent 4 Gospel Luke 1: 39-45 Mr D Brown 9.00 am – Holy Communion Sidesman Mrs J Walters Tuesday December 25th O T Lesson Isaiah 52: 7 - 10 Mrs P Jones Christmas Day Gospel John 1: 1-14 Mrs T Gale 9.00 am – Holy Communion Sidesman Dr D Nurse Sunday December 30th – Christmas 1 10.30 am – Holy Communion for the six parishes at St Peter’s, Edgmond Sunday January 6th Epistle Ephesians 3: 1 - 12 Mr M Brothwood Epiphany Gospel Matthew 2: 1-12 Mrs J Brothwood 9.00 am – Family Communion Sidesman Mrs T Gale Sunday January 13th – Baptism of Christ 10.15 am – Plough Sunday Family Service Sunday January 20th Epistle 1 Corinthians 12: 1 - 11 Dr D Nurse Epiphany 2 Gospel John 2: 1-11 Mr D Brown 9.00 am – Holy Communion Sidesman Mrs J Shore Sunday January 27th Epistle 1 Corinthians 12: 12 - 31a Dr T Goode Epiphany 3 Gospel Luke 4: 14-21 Mrs A Smith 9.00 am – Holy Communion Sidesman Mr D Brown

On behalf of everybody at St Lawrence we would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

20 RIDE AND STRIDE

Pat and Peter would like to thank relatives, neighbours and friends who kindly sponsored them to take part in the Ride and Stride in September. Our Church has received a cheque for £120.50 representing 50% of the proceeds. We really enjoyed our ride, particularly as the weather was very kind. Our driving force was to be a ‘chip butty’ and a shandy when we got to Tibberton – only to be disappointed (still owe you Pete) however the refreshments we received in the Churches we visited was very welcome – the Welsh cakes were particularly delicious!! Thank you to everyone involved.

ST CHAD’S CHURCH, KYNNERSLEY

Churchwardens: Mrs Stephanie Dobson 603648 Mr David Mitchell 603039 PCC Secretary: Helen Mitchell 07789 268461

SERVICES in DECEMBER 2012 and JANUARY 2013 2nd December 10.30 am Holy Communion 9th December 10.30 am Holy Communion 16th December 6.00 pm Carol Service 23rd December 10.30 am Family Service Christmas Eve 10.30 am Christingle 11.30 pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day No Service 30th December 10.30 am Holy Communion for the 6 parishes at Edgmond 6th January 10.30 am Holy Communion 13th January 10.30 am Holy Communion 20th January 10.30 am Holy Communion 27th January 10.30 am Plough Sunday Family Service

It’s Skittles Night! At Kynnersley Village Hall, 24th November, 7 – 11 pm, knock 'em in the aisles at just £5 for a great night out with plated supper and licensed bar. Tickets for grown-ups (accompanied kids free) available from 8A Kynnersley and Brook Lodge.

The seasonal festive fun starts with the annual Kynnersley Village Hall Children’s Christmas Party on 8th December from 2 - 4 pm – free, but see posters for booking details so we know numbers.

Then the village rings in 2013 in style with our New Year Party on 31st December 8.30 pm – 12.30 pm (Kids’ Disco 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm). Advance tickets only at £5 per person - bring your own food and drink, we provide the dancing.

Paul Heritage-Redpath, Kynnersley Village Hall Committee

21 KYNNERSLEY GARDENING CLUB

Kynnersley Gardening Club met on Friday 12th October for an excellent talk on Abutilons and Salvias by Leila Jackson and in November we had a talk by Derek Higgot on the creation of his secret garden over 25 years at Little Haywood in Staffordshire.

In December we shall hold our Christmas Dinner in Kynnersley Village Hall with a slide show of events and visits over the past year.

On the 11th January will be our AGM and Quiz by Mark Hall.

Kynnersley Gardening Club meets monthly at Kynnersley Village Hall or local places of interest. Members come from Edgmond, Kynnersley, Tibberton and all surrounding areas. There are trips, tips, speakers, demonstrations, annual show and much more for gardening enthusiasts. Contact Hannah – 01952 606898.

AND FINALLY ...

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

On the first day of Christmas … My darling Alice, Thank you very much for your lovely gift of a partridge in a pear tree. It bit me at first but we are friends now and we’re keeping the pear tree in a bucket inside. Your loving Brian xx

The second day of Christmas: Dearest Alice, I was surprised to receive your lovely present of two turtle doves, although they had a terrible go at the partridge when they arrived. We had to call the vet whose bill was £80, but the doves and the partridge are watching the telly from the pear tree now. Yours affectionately, Brian.

The third day of Christmas: Dear Alice, I must be constantly on your mind because 3 French hens arrived this morning via the postman! The doves sided with the partridge against the newcomers so the vet had to come to attend to the hens. His bill rose to £100. The bird droppings that keep falling on our heads don’t help. Yours ever, Brian.

The fourth day of Christmas: Dear Alice, I sent you a letter which you seem not to have received because today we received 4 calling birds. There was pandemonium in the pear tree and the vet’s bill rose to £120. Brian.

The fifth day of Christmas: Dear Alice, 5 gold rings! You are so generous! How kind of you – although I was concerned there might be more birds in the parcel because the smell in the living room was unbearable. But thank you for the rings. Your loving friend, Brian.

The sixth day of Christmas: Alice, What are you doing? I appreciate your generosity but the 6 geese-a-laying were almost killing the calling birds and the vet’s bill is now £160. Please keep your feelings for me in check! Brian. 22 The seventh day of Christmas: Alice. I am not amused. Seven swans-a-swimming is romantic, but not in the bath. I can’t use it now because they attack anyone entering the bathroom. Please stop.

The eighth day of Christmas: Alice. Who gave you the right to send me 8 maids-a- milking to eat me out of house and home? Their cows have trampled all over the lawn and rose beds. The swans have invaded the living room. I’m very annoyed with you. Brian.

The ninth day of Christmas: You louse! There are now 9 ladies dancing with the 8 maids-a-milking. You are making me furious. Brian.

The tenth day of Christmas: For goodness sake, stop! It was bad enough having 8 maids-a-milking and 9 ladies dancing around the place all day, but they have now been joined by their friends, the 10 lords-a-leaping! I’ll get you yet!

The eleventh day of Christmas: The noise of the 11 pipers piping is driving me round the bend. I have just finished my third bottle of whisky.

The twelfth day of Christmas: You have ruined my life. The 12 drummers drumming and the 11 pipers piping have given me a monumental headache. The 9 ladies dancing have beaten the living daylights out of the 8 maids-a-milking because they found them carrying on with the 10 lords-a-leaping. The swans got out of the living room, having attacked all the other birds. There were 8 ambulances and the RSPCA here. I’m sitting up to my neck in birds’ droppings, empty whisky bottles, blood and feathers, and the cows have eaten the pear tree. I never want to see you again! We’re finished!!