St Mary and St Luke ... Featherstone &

Sunday 1st - 10.00 am Parish Communion Monday 2nd Tuesday 3rd - 10.00 -11.30am Coffee, Cake & Chat in the Suite Parish Magazine Wednesday 4th - 10.00 am Holy Communion. 10.00 am Bible Study at Woodberry House Thursday 5th Friday 6th Saturday 7th Sunday 8th - 10.00 am Parish Communion 12.00pm Baptism of Isla Rene Jones Your News For March/April 2020 Monday 9th - Luncheon Club Tuesday 10th - 10.00 -11.30 am Coffee, Cake & Chat in the Saredon Suite Wednesday 11th -10.00 am Holy Communion 10.00 am Bible Study at Woodberry House Thursday 12th Friday 13th Saturday 14th Sunday 15th - 10.00 am Parish Communion Monday 16th - 2.00 pm Solos Group in the Saredon Suite Tuesday 17th - 10.00 -11.30 am Coffee, Cake & Chat in the Saredon Suite Wednesday 18th -10.00am Holy Communion 11.45 am Lunch Bunch 10.00 am Bible Study at Woodberry House Thursday 19th - 7.30pm W.I. Friday 20th Spring Equinox Saturday 21st Sunday 22nd - Mothering Sunday Benefice Sunday at . No service at Shareshill Monday 23rd Tuesday 24th - 10.00 -11.30 am Coffee, Cake & Chat in the Saredon Suite Wednesday 25th -10.00am Holy Communion 10.00 am Bible Study at Woodberry House 11.45 am Lunch Bunch Thursday 26th - 09.30 - 3pm Havergal School in Saredon Suite Friday 27th Saturday 28th Sunday 29th - British Summertime begins (clocks forward 1 hour) 10.00am Prayer & Praise Monday 30th Tuesday 31st - 10.00 am - 11.30am Coffee, Cake & Chat in the Saredon Suite Issue 381 44 1

A.JONES GARDEN CARE

All aspects of ground maintenance considered including:- tree removal, lopping, hedge reduction, grass cutting, The Rev’d Norma Bellamy borders weeded, pruning, patio cleaning, etc [email protected] 01543 876809 All hedge and tree cuttings removed, if required Magazine Editor We’re not really sure! No job too small. FREE no obligation quote. [email protected] FULLY INSURED Readers Christine Shaw ~ 01922 413864 - 94a Church Road, Shareshill - Telephone : 01543 579818 [email protected] Mobile 07966 416862 Karen Peach-Robinson ~ 07827 327403 Church Wardens From whom the church keys can be obtained. Margaret Poole ~ 01922 417667 - Pinfold, Little Saredon Church Room Bookings Pat Faulkner ~ 01922 417806 Churchyard Margaret Poole ~ 01922 417667 Church Cashier Janet Kendall ~ 07926 954307 Neighbourhood Watch, Liaison Officer Vicki Singleton ~ 01785 234216 - victoria.singleton@.pnn.police.uk P.C.C. Secretary Mary-Ann Burke Captain Of Bell Tower John Vincent ~ 01922 413581 Havergal Academy Mr. Paul Mitchell ~ 01922 415342 Shareshill Website http://www.shares.force9.co.uk Deanery Website http://churches.lichfield.anglican.org/penkridge/deanery Front cover: St Valentine 2 43

The bad news is we are without a vicar again. This period is called Interregnum. The good news is that its business as usual!! Together with our churchwarden Margaret and our dedicated church team, church life continues. We have visiting vicars to conduct our Sunday and Wednesday communion services. Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals still take place, as do our weekly clubs. Our Rural Dean Rev Greg Yerbury is ‘in charge’ until we get a new vicar. He can be contacted at St Michaels Penkridge.

We are now joined as a Benefice with Essington which means when we get a vicar we have to share him/her between the two churches.

Lots of meetings will now take place and together with St Johns Essington we shall work towards producing our profile and advertise and choose a new vicar. However, this process can take quite sometime. So we must be patient! Watch this space for more updates…….

42 3 Recommended Tradespeople

Ned a job doing??? Wouldn’t it be great if someone 1st Sunday 10 am Holy Communion could come recommended...... ?? Well they can!!! 2nd Sunday 10 am Holy Communion Those of us who have had a job done recently and are extremely satisfied with their 3rd Sunday 10 am Holy Communion tradesperson and feel that they 4th Sunday 10 am Joint service with St. John the can recommend them, will now Evangelist Essington alternating between have the opportunity to place a Shareshill and Essington card on the notice board in the 5th Sunday 10 am Prayer & Praise Saredon Suite for others to see. For more information please see Ann Legg who has kindly Every Wednesday 10 am Holy Communion offered to oversee this.

Good News About the Notice Board

From the Registers ….. A notice board is now under construction. March 8th Baptism. Isla Rene Jones More details will follow. April 5th Baptism. Ethan Dyke April 12th Baptism. Evelyn Rose Abnett

4 41

Looking for a Church school?

Havergal Church of © Primary Academy is You may find him in the Churchyard, located in the village of Shareshill and we are a But he's far from dead and gone. small, successful primary school which values strong You might glimpse him on his bicycle links between school, home and church. One of his many names is John. All children are supported and encouraged to fulfil He regales us with stories, of the journeys that he makes. their potential within an environment which From historic homes to “Horn dance" promotes care, courtesy and consideration. Each mile enriched with cakes If you would like your child educated in a church school we’d be delighted to hear from you and you Many Churches he will visit, are welcome to visit – simply telephone 01922 with smile upon his face. 415342 or visit our website www.havergal.org.uk Reminding all there gathered, they meet in an "assemblage of Grace". Head-teacher Paul Mitchell In "Cottage gardens" he finds pleasure, In nature he finds joy. Making memories to treasure, for our cycling country boy

He pedals with determination, On each adventure that he makes. Especially when he recalls We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, it ends with smiling ladies, tea and cakes and were judged to be Good

When the weather turns inclement, in our latest report. He's been known to go by car, Funded places for 2*, 3 and 4 year olds. But feel assured, from bike clips, Pump or puncture outfit, he will not be very far. For more information about your local pre-school provision for 2 to 4 year olds phone ODE TO "JOHN THE BIKE" Karen on: 0773 996 0663.

*criteria apply for 2 year olds Dee Cowell Dec: 2019 5

40 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 Here are sweet peas on tiptoe for a flight

With wings of gentle flush o’er delicate 11 12 13 white And taper fingers catching at all things 14 15 16 17 18 To bind them all about with tiny rings 19 20 John Keats

21

HATHERTON AQUATICS & NURSERIES Clues across Clues down

Quality Ornamental Fish, Shrubs and Plants seasonal confections Open 7 days a week 1 (9,4) 1 merciful (13) Watling Street, Hatherton

Cannock, Staffs. 8 legal wig-wearer (5) 2 appoint, consecrate (6) Tel. (Aquatics) 01543 466423 (Nurseries) 01543 503627 9 put, position (5) 3 abhorrent, offensive (13) 10 intestinal pain (5) 11 male offspring (3) 4 junkie (6) We are looking for a new magazine editor and printer 12 personal teacher (5) death by electric shock and so for the foreseeable future and until we get a re- employers' organisation 5 (13) placement, the magazine will only be issued every 2 13 (1,1,1) 6 bulb used in cooking (6) months; Jan/Feb; Mar/Apr; May/June; July/Aug; Sept/ 14 get better (7) 7 self-righteous, smug (13) Oct; Nov/Dec. 17 freight (5) Obviously if we get a new editor then the magazine 19 tell the story (7) 15 dangers (6) 20 bones in the ankle (5) can resume to monthly printing. If you are that person 16 sword (4) 21 seasonal hats (6,7) or know someone who may be interested please uncommon, exceptional contact Karen on 07827-327403 18 (4) 6 39

News of the Shoeboxes I recently received an email from Samaritan’s What a lovely way to start off the New Year. All of our members Purse, maybe some of you have too. If you met at the Dog and Partridge at Calf Heath for our Annual download a barcode from their website and Luncheon. We all received a warm welcome by very obliging include it in your box, they will track your gift and let you know its final staff. Solo group of fifteen members enjoyed a super lunch and destination. My email told me that my shoebox went to a child in lovely atmosphere with everyone enjoying spending time with Belarus. It is quite likely therefore that all 97 boxes that were sent from Shareshill and Featherstone went there too. friends formed in the group. Margaret Beddard thanked the or- ganisers for their hard work behind scenes. Organisers Chris Stella Belarus is located in Eastern Europe to the east of Poland. It has a and Anne find no shortage of helpers within the group, John the population of 9,527,543, with 16% under the age of 15 (source – CIA Bike taking on manual work, Pam as extra chauffeur, Mary and The World Factbook). Thank you for bringing great joy to a child living others help wash up after meetings. in Belarus. Your shoebox gift was one of 56,265 sent to Belarus from Solo are holding an Afternoon Tea event at the Church Saturday 15th February 2-4pm. All of our members will help by providing the UK in 2019. This in turn was part of a global effort that enabled home made cakes and scones and a variety of sandwiches. We 10,569,405 precious children, in over 100 countries, to receive a shoe- would like to extend a warm welcome to all villager’s who box gift this season. haven’t yet viewed our lovely little church and to our many usual

supporters of Church events. Tickets £6 Children £3 available Vil- Thank you for being part of the Operation Christmas Child appeal in lage Shop or telephone as below 2019 and don’t forget that it is never too early to start gathering items Solo welcomes anyone who lives alone to come along to our for the 2020 appeal! There is a short slide show of some of the recipients in Belarus availa- meetings held 3rd Monday of the month from 2-3.30 Next meet- ble on this link ing Monday 17th February in the Church’s Saredon Suite https://www.youtube.com/watch? Enq Tel; Chris 413864 Stella 418163 time_continue=18&v=8FGtTgmGjUo&feature=emb_logo and if you would like to know more about the work of Samaritan’s Purse, try the following link https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation- christmas-child/occ-videos/ The boxes certainly carry with them good news and great joy.

Sally (Feb. 2020) "Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice." Psalm 112:5

38 7 Milk Chocolate Cake for Mothering Sunday Should you know of anyone requiring a magazine please contact Ingredients 200g (7oz) self raising flour Janet Kendall 225g (8oz) caster sugar who will arrange delivery on a regular basis 1x 2.5ml spoon salt (1/2 tsp) 25g (1oz) cocoa powder, sieved Tel: 07926 954307 100g (4oz) margarine 2 medium eggs 5x 15ml spoon (5 tbsp) evaporated milk 5x 15ml spoon (5 tbsp) water Advertising in this Magazine Few drops vanilla essence Costs per annum are :- Full Page = £60.00 Method Half Page = £45.00 1. Heat oven to 180 degrees celcius, 350 degrees Fahrenheit, gas mark 4. Qtr Page = £35.00 Grease 2x 20.5cm (8inch) tins, not loose bottomed as the mixture would run Enquiries to out. [email protected] 2. Mix the flour, sugar, salt and cocoa. 3. Rub in margarine. Beat the eggs with milk. 4. Stir egg mixture, essence and liquids into the dry ingredients and beat well. 5. Place the mixture in prepared tins and bake for about 30-35 minutes. 6. When cold sandwich and top with milk chocolate icing.( see below) Latest entry date for the next magazine: No Later than the 15th of the Month please Milk chocolate icing 60g (2 1/2 oz) margarine Anything received after this date will be held back for a 1x 15ml (1 tbsp) spoon cocoa powder later issue. 250g (9oz) sieved using sugar Thank you for your co-operation 3x 15 ml spoon (3tbsp) hot milk Send to: [email protected] 1x 5ml spoon (1 tbsp) vanilla essence 1. Melt margarine , blending in cocoa, then stir in icing sugar, milk and es- sence. 2. Beat until smooth and thick and apply to cake. All Invoice enquiries to [email protected]

PRINTING / PHOTO COPYING SERVICE

The Church can now offer a printing/photo copying service as below~

electrocution, 6. garlic, 7. sanctimonious, 15. perils, 16. epee, 18. rare rare 18. epee, 16. perils, 15. sanctimonious, 7. garlic, 6. electrocution,

1. compassionate, 2. ordain, 3. objectionable, 4. addict, 5. 5. addict, 4. objectionable, 3. ordain, 2. compassionate, 1.

Down: Down: 100 sheets A4 printed black on white single sided ~ £8.00

14. improve, 17. cargo, 19. narrate, 20. tarsi, 21. Easter bonnets Easter 21. tarsi, 20. narrate, 19. cargo, 17. improve, 14. 100 sheets A4 printed black on white double sided ~ £11.00

CBI, Small Quantities : - A4 black on white single sided ~ 11p per copy/colour 20p per copy

A4 black on white double sided ~ 14p per copy/colour 23pp per copy 1. chocolate eggs, 8. judge, 9. place, 10. colic, 11. son, 12. tutor, 13. 13. tutor, 12. son, 11. colic, 10. place, 9. judge, 8. eggs, chocolate 1.

Across Across Contact Janet as above 8 37

True or False

1.Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the Wednesday 1st -10.00 am Holy Communion in the Saredon Suite morning.. 09.30 am Havergal School Easter Services KS2 2. Alfred Hitchcock didn't have a belly button. 11.00 am Havergal School Easter Service KS1 3. A pack-a-day smoker will lose approximately 2 teeth every 10 years. Thursday 2nd 4. People do not get sick from cold weather; it's from being indoors a Friday 3rd School breaks up for Easter Holidays lot more. Saturday 4th Easter themed Coffee Morning (Alice Bennett) 5. When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop , even your heart! Sunday 5th - Palm Sunday 10.00 am Parish Communion 6. Only 7 per cent of the population are lefties. 12.00 pm Baptism of Ethan Dyke 7. Forty people are sent to the hospital for dog bites every minute. Monday 6th - Luncheon Club 8. Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until they are Tuesday 7th - 10.00 -11.30 am Coffee, Cake & Chat in the Saredon Suite 2-6 years old. No Bible Study Wednesday 8th -10.00 am Holy Communion 9. The average person over 50 will have spent 5 years waiting in lines. Thursday 9th Maundy Thurdsay 10. The toothbrush was invented in 1498. Friday 10th - Good Friday 11. The average housefly lives for one month. Saturday 11th - 12. 40,000 Americans are injured by toilets each year.. Sunday 12th - Easter Sunday 10.00 am Parish Communion 13. A coat hanger is 44 inches long when straightened. 12.00pm Baptism of Evelyn Rose Abnett 14. The average computer user blinks 7 times a minute. Monday 13th - Bank Holiday 15. Your feet are bigger in the afternoon than any other time of day. Tuesday 14th - 10.00 -11.30 am Coffee, Cake & Chat in the Saredon Suite 16. Most of us have eaten a spider in our sleep. No Bible Study 17. The REAL reason ostriches stick their head in the sand is to search Wednesday 15th -10.00 am Holy Communion for water. Thursday 16th - 7.30 pm W.I Friday 17th 18. The only two animals that can see behind themselves without turn- Saturday 18th ing their heads Sunday 19th - 10.00 am Holy Communion are the rabbit and the parrot. Monday 20th - 2pm Solos Group in the Saredon Suite 19. John Travolta turned down the starring roles in 'An Officer and a Tuesday 21st - 10.00 -11.30 am Coffee, Cake & Chat in the Saredon Suite Gentleman' and 'Tootsie..' 10.00 am Bible Study at Woodberry House 20. Michael Jackson owned the rights to the South Carolina State an- Wednesday 22nd - 10.00 am Holy Communion them 11.45am Lunch Bunch Answers on page Thursday 23rd Friday 24th Saturday 25th Sunday 26th - 10.00am Benefice Sunday at Shareshill For Funerals, Baptisms, Weddings or for Monday 27th anyone thinking of exploring the faith, Tuesday 28th - 10.00 -11.30 am Coffee, Cake & Chat in the Saredon Suite 10.00 am Bible Study at Woodberry House please contact Wednesday 29th – 10.00am Holy Communion Thursday 30th Karen Peach-Robinson 07827327403

36 9

A. J. Sellman ..

Est 1870

A ‘Special Level of Care’ From a 6th Generation Family Business Pre-paid Funeral Plans and advice. Bereavement counselling. Local Family business

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Shareshill Post Office & Stores

Church Road, Shareshill www. shares.f9.co.uk STAFFORDSHIRES FIRST COMMUNITY OWNED STORE A REAL VILLAGE SHOP The Shareshill village website has recently been • POST OFFICE FACILITIES INCLUDED PERSONAL BANKING completely revamped and • NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES expanded. (EVENING AND SUNDAY DELIVERED) It includes pages for the • WIDE RANGE OF GROCERIES, FRESH BREAD AND MILK Church, Shareshill Fete, • CONFECTIONARY,CARDS AND local groups such as the FANCY GOODS • DRY CLEANING AGENCY Community Shop, the Offi- • CLEANING MATERIALS cial Village Hall website, the • WINES , BEERS and SPIRITS Council, forth-

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL coming events and links to COMMUNITY STORE TEL 01922 412119 other local community websites. Central to your needs

10 35 SHARESHILL WI A G M MEETING CHEESE & WINE

The Avenue

Featherstone

Millstream Tel: 01902 865525 Pharmacy ❑ Prescriptions collected, Dispensed and delivered th THURSDAY APRIL 16 2020

SHARESHILL VILLAGE HALL ❑ Full selection of Baby AT 7-30pm for 7-45pm Foods, Toiletries and CONTACT ANN SHUTT perfumes 01902 730250 NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

34 11 Desert Island Hymns

Sadly we have had no-one offer their favourite hymn selection as yet. We try to offer variation in the magazine with a little entertainment but un- less readers contribute, this can’t happen.

We would like to start a new feature - Desert Island Hymns. We need you to suggest 4 or 5 of your favourite hymns, with a little explanation of what each

hymn means to you or why its your favourite.

Please send to [email protected] or

pass on to a church member

01922 863563 01922

comb 19. Night, 18. beg, 16. beaker, 14. amiable, 13.

, Twelfth 6. ingrain, 5. wren, 4. hustlers, 3. airship, 2. teller, fortune 1. Down:

reimbursement 22. bling, 21. book, log 20. decision, 17. ebbs 15. banish, 12.

export, 11. Banff, 10. upholds, 9. engine, 8. rarest, 7. featherweight, 1. Across 12 33 A Simnel cake for Easter

Ingredients

175g (7oz) butter or margarine 175g (7oz) soft brown sugar FAMILY, FRIENDLY, INDEPENDENT OPTICIANS 3 medium eggs 3 Surgery House, South Crescent, Featherstone, WV10 7AU 250g (9oz) self rousing flour Pinch salt Email: [email protected] 1x 2.5ml spoon (1/2 tsp) mixed spice 5x 15ml spoon (5tbsp) milk TEL: 01902 306925 2x 5ml spoon (2tsp) golden syrup Opening Times 450g (1lb) currants Monday: 9:30-5pm 50g (2oz) raisins 100g (4oz) sultanas Tuesday: 9:30-1pm 25g (1oz) glacé cherries, quartered Wednesday: 9:30-5pm 100g (4oz) mixed peel, chopped Thursday: 9:30-1pm 450g (1lb) almond paste Friday: 9:30-1pm Apricot jam Saturday: 9:30-1pm Sunday: Closed (optional) Beaten egg to glaze

Method 1. Heat the oven to 180 degrees celcius, 350 degrees Fahrenheit, gas mark 4. Grease and line a 20.5 cm (8inch) round cake tin. 2. Beat fat and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, with a little flour, beating well after each addition. 3. Stir in salt and slice, add milk and syrup with a little more flour. Mix well. 4. Fold in remaining flour and fruit. Place half the mixture into the prepared tins and smooth level. 5. Divide the almond paste in two. Roll out one into a 20.5 cm (8 inch) round on sugared grease proof paper, remove from paper and place on top of cake mixture. Cover the remaining cake mixture. Bake for about 1 hour then reduce the temperature to 140 degrees celcius , 275 degrees Fahrenheit, gas mark 1 and bake for 2 and a half hours. 6. Allow cake to cool, divide the remaining almond paste in two. Roll one half into a 20.5cm (8inch) round, brush cake with apricot jam and place almond paste on top. Roll the remaining paste into eleven small balls. 7. Brush top of cake with beaten egg and place balls of paste round the edge close together, then brush again with egg. 8. Place under a hot grill to brown marzipan. 32 13 Please Note……

In welcoming everyone, especially new member Lynn Williams Shareshill Village Hall has now and three visitors Pat, Chris and Margaret, President Margaret Beddard said it was lovely to hear from so many members how re-opened with a beautiful new much they had enjoyed our January meeting and Caz Bailey’s fully functioning kitchen. hilarious reminisences of her early years in the Police Service. We hope she will come back to us in the future with one of her other It is now available for hire!! talks. We’ve lots of things to look forward to - the County Quiz and Please contact Jean Cox on next month’s Council Meeting on 17th March; Mother’s Day Af- ternoon Tea at “Mims” on 23rd March and the Heathside 01922-418678 Group Meeting hosted by Hates Green WI on 24th March and then of course our own Fashion Show on 9th April. In Secretary Sue Davidson’s absence Julie Cornfield brought us up to date with correspondence and news around the County. Margaret then introduced Richard Winterton – a 6th generation member of the based Auctioneering company found- ed in 1864. The company originally dealt only with agricultural livestock but over the years had expanded to cover all aspects of auctioneering to the present day when auctions are now very much world-wide internet led. Richard told us how his interest in the business started when as a small boy he used to go to the auction house with his father and grandfather and he is now to- tally involved in the day to day running of the business. Mem- bers had brought along various antique items and it was very interesting to hear Richard’s opinion of their various history and value. Margaret thanked Richard for his most interesting insight into the life of an Auctioneer and we will definitely take the op- portunity to arrange a visit to tour the Auction Rooms at some future date. Our next meeting will be on Thursday 19th March when we will

learn about care at St. Giles Hospice. mTea hostesses will be Ni-

They are all TRUE now just go and read number 16 again. 16 number read and go just now TRUE all are They cole Perkins, Ann Legg and Lynn Ruffelle. Visitor are always welcome. 14 31 St Mary & St Luke Church Road, Shareshill

To the church of God that is in Shareshill. Grace to you peace from God our Fa- ther and the Lord Jesus Christ. Pauls first letter to the Corinthians was an appeal for the church there to work together, to be in agreement with each other and that there be no divisions among them and that they be united in the same mind and the same purpose. I think that it is something we should take heed of during the coming months and our time of interregnum. A recent meeting with our Arch- deacon outlined how we should be working together with St Johns Essington to prepare our profile (an article that describes who we are as a church) in order to advertise for a new vicar. This should not just be left for the PCC to decide. This is to be your vicar too!!! Unfortu- nately Rev Craig wasn’t with us for that long and even in that short time some people were whinging that we didn’t see enough of him and finding reasons to criticize. So this time let your feelings be known, express your views and make your desires known during the prepara- tion stages. Lets work together as a community to choose the right vic- ar for our parish and benefice. It will mean that we need to be more adaptable and more flexible if we are to make this work. Decisions such as being willing to change service times could make all the differ- ence as to whether we get applicants for the post or not. Over the next few weeks members of the PCC may be asking for your opinion on matters relating to our profile so please feel free to tell them exactly what you want in a new vicar. It is important that we all pull together over the next few months and endeavour to share the work load and our talents rather than letting those who do most of the work burn themselves out. Praying is the most important thing we can do. Don’t underestimate the power of prayer so if you feel that you cannot help practically then I ask that you pray. Pray for the future of our church, pray for those holding things together and pray that we may get the vicar need rather than the vicar we want.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you Karen 30 15 Room for Hire SHARESHILL SCHOOL 1956/57 Maybe you can identify some of the missing “suspects” in this picture from Shareshill School in 1956/57, Kindly The Saredon Suite at the church in supplied by Paul Adams. Paul’s not sure if all the names Shareshill costs £15 per hour to are correct so any information would be appreciated. include the use of a fully equipped kitchen, tables and chairs. Holds 35-40 people and ideal for meetings, parties, christening celebrations and funeral wakes.

Catering can be arranged at a Front row sitting left to right . very reasonable cost. Stanley Morton. Graham Rainey. Tommy Mason. Second row of pupils Jean Harper. June Burton. ? Daphne Head. Alan Beatlestone Teacher. Sandra Bland. Ann Lindop. For further details please contact: Christine Drake. Christinea Scrattet Elizabeth Adams. Pat on: 01922-417806 or 07762322732 Third row ? ? Paulette Lewis. Christine Craddock — email: [email protected] Murphy. Valerie Crosby. Valerie Matthews. Heather OR Fife. Alan Clayton. Malcolm Griffiths. Karen on: 07827327403 Back row ? Gary Powis. John Nixon. Chris Blythe. Geoffrey email: [email protected] Clifton . William Perry. Paul Wright. Roger Onions.

16 29

Skittle Alley Hire

Why not make your next fundraiser a Skittles Night??

Hire Cost to include local delivery and set up from £75 All profits go to the Church

Contact Karen on 07827-327403

28 17 SHARESHILL WI SHARESHILL WI CARE AT ST GILES HOSPICE COME AND JOIN US FOR AN EVENING WITH "NEXT ONE FASHIONS" FASHION SHOW Next One stock many High Street brands at very reasonable prices, plus offer the chance to try the clothes be- fore you buy.

TICKETS £2 TEA & COFFEE + RAFFLE

THURSDAY APRIL 9th 2020 SHARESHILL VILLAGE HALL THURSDAY MARCH 19TH 2020 AT 7-30pm for 7-45pm SHARESHILL VILLAGE HALL EVERYONE WELCOME AT 7-30pm for 7-45pm CONTACT ANN SHUTT 01902 730250 YOU CAN PAY AT THE DOOR VISITORS WELCOME 18 27 Volunteering in China and Fiji Alice decided last year that she wanted to take a year out between A Levels and University. She had heard about ‘Project Trust’ who send young people out around the world on year-long projects and decid- ed to apply. In August 2019 she attended a selection course on the Hebridean Island of Coll and was assigned to a year long project teaching English in China. That set her on the path of raising £6200 to cover her year’s volunteering beginning in August 2020. As the months have passed Alice has got excited about the idea of living and working in China and so it has been worrying as the news of the Coronavirus outbreak has increased in severity. Project Trust have re- cently brought all 18 China volunteers for this year back to the UK and will be monitoring the situation over the months leading up to August of this year. It is possible that Alice may not be able to go but for the moment the plan is to assume that she will. Should China not get a grip on the virus there are options to take part in other projects, possi- bly in Honduras or South Africa, so we will have to wait and see. Ella is in her second year at the University of Hertfordshire and has de- cided to volunteer for a month with ‘Think Pacific’ who run month- long projects alongside the Fijian Government working in schools on the Islands of Fiji. This will be in June/July 2020 and is a great oppor- tunity to share her artistic and sporting skills. This project also requires fundraising of £1500 plus flight costs and Ella is ambitious to exceed this target and pass on any extra funds raised to NMO Spectrum-UK, the charity for research into the medical condition that she lives with. Hopefully we’ll see you at one of the upcoming fundraising events (for example the coffee morning on 4th April) but if you would like to support these young people directly then they both have online giv- ing pages. You can go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AliceBennett10 for Alice or www.gofundme.com and search for Eleanor Bennett Thanks!

26 19 Cycling on to Croxall Abbey i.e. meaning a projecting piece of land, the church is over yonder in a field of pasture, pleasing the eye. I was alright on a bicycle but in a car it must be left on the roadside. Dear Reader, off we go along the lanes north east of Lichfield. I walked over to a landscape of charm and grace, with wood- This lane is posted a cycle route but I saw no other cyclists in the lands surrounding this church on the north west side. I sat on a time I traversed this single track lane but I did notice in one gar- bench and contemplated and read inscriptions on said tomb- den a hollyhock - “tails instead of heads”. It was flowering a stones of past worshippers, some most poetical. I partook of bloom at the base near the soil and what would have been the some cherry pie and a dollop of water. Refreshed I left the stem was n top. Has anyone observed this wonder? I perused sanctity of past ages gone by - on to Edingale i.e. meaning ‘a with intensity, as if Sherlock Holms, in case it was a foible, no it nook of land of the followers of a man called Edin’. Unknown to was not. I cycled up through Fradley—and old English name me it was Open Garden Day. I popped in to one which was a meaning spring stream Sign outside the church “Do come in for surprise and joy—in It was a cascading fig tree full of fruit with coffee or tea”. I retired to bliss, with biscuits and cakes to please pleasing canopies the like of which I had not seen before. The but no cherry pie—oh well, Victoria sponge will do. For one and sentinels of this wonder had put a descriptive board of events half hours I chatted to the ladies—28 in number. One lady told ….. me about a trick her father used i.e. lay out six clay posts and be October 8th 1898—a late spring had kept the fruit buds back a conductor, tap each pot to obtain a musical score. She said from growing, thus a late summer and autumn, more like Italy the worms resurfaced all round the pots. Have any of our reader than England it was stated, I quote from this board, it would ap- observed this? I was amused but my belly was befinning to look pear that our climate is changing during September 1895 no like “Little Plums” in the Bean or was it the Dandy. I said my fewer than ten days were noted of over 80 degrees in the goodbyes and thanked them profusely, whilst they packed more shade, it would seem autumn is disappearing. Well dear Reader cakes into my saddle bags. I said to the ladies “Not all the saints some things or the weather never change— or do they? are in heaven” and they said “Do come again”. I will and I did. I trust the pedals to Lullington, a splendid church opposite the Three quarters of a mile from Alrewas—the name meaning Allu- cricket ground, the name derives from around 1086—Lulla a lo- via land—place where alders grow. I noticed an orchard full cal landowner. U to the church, a fete was on so I enjoyed my- and stopped to peruse this splendid site. Then I noticed my self on various stalls and attractions, a display of village life in chain was slack and adjusted it just under being tight. Just then September 1910-1914 a gentleman popped up form nowhere and said “Good Morn- Two young ldaides who with kindness of the ages of 11 and ten ing”. I reciprocated said sentiments and commented had taught two sheep to pull a dog cart with themselves in situ, ‘Worcester Pearmains, ‘Rev. Wlkes and some ‘Newton Wonder. trotting down the lanes perfectly happy. Well Readers, what a He ventured some advice, always prune when the leaves drop, revelation from thos photographs. That’s it, a parting cuppa and also crossing branches etc. to aid air circulation or as if cycling I sed off with grace I hope uphill it clears the lungs and the rider is rewarded with a glow of stern exercise. I agreed but my knees complain—we both With a smile and a whisper laughed. Joe said “It’s been a pleasure meeting you just pop in John D. Holder when you can”. I sped away . PS Oh I forgot, not punctures but a wonky valve. 20 25 Maze

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem Join Jesus on the road to Jerusalem.

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen. "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Luke 19:37-38 (NIV)

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