SIX PARISHES NEWSLETTER

for

St Giles’ Church. Badger

St Milburga’s Church.

St Andrew’s Church. Ryton

Rector: Rev’d Keith Hodson tel 01952 750774

Email: [email protected]

Web Site: www.churches.lichfield.anglican.org/shifnal/beckbury/

Rota of Services in the 6 Parishes – July 2013 Badger Beckbury Ryton Stockton Sutton Sunday Maddock 9.30 am 11 am 11 am July 7th Communion Morning Communion 9.30 am 11 am July 14th Matins Morning

9.30 am 5.30 pm 11 am 6.30 pm July 21st Communion Evening Communion Evensong

Worship KH 9.30 am 6.30 pm 11 am July 28th Communion Evensong Communion

Aug 4th 9.30 am 11 am Communion LAMMAS

Abbreviation: KH = Revd Keith Hodson; TD = Tina Dalton; LT = Local Team;

PRAYER OF THE MONTH All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all. So give us eyes to see them and lips that we might tell How great is God Almighty, who has made all things well. Amen

Next Newsletter Contributions for next month’s newsletter to either – David Tooth at Havenside, Beckbury – 01952 750324. Email – [email protected] Or Ruth Ferguson at Tarltons, Beckbury – 01952 750267 not later than 14th of this month, please.

FROM THE RECTORY

Photo Martyn Farnell

Dear Friends, I suspect that some of you have come across The Gardener’s Hymn. It is a ‘revised’ version of All things bright and beautiful the traditional hymn which many people enjoy and choose for their weddings or funerals. Indeed, I believe that Syd Dyde formerly of Badger who passed away very recently, had it at his funeral service.

Like All things there are many verses and we haven’t the room to print them all here. But here a couple about the other things in creation:

The midges and mosquitoes, the nettles and the weeds The pigeons in the green stuff the sparrows on the seeds

The fly that gets the carrots, the wasps that eat the plums How black the gardeners outlook, though green may be his thumbs!

I was at a clergy meeting in June where the service followed what is called the Celtic Tradition (no not Scottish football) which uses images and symbols of creation and countryside to represent characteristics and activities of God. But as someone pointed out, this can be a rosy view of creation and gardens, ignoring “nature red in tooth and claw” (Tennyson) and all the insect battles that rage in our lovely flower borders.

Gardeners and farmers know the battle against aphids and slugs and birds in protecting vegetables and crops. The recent wet winter allowed slugs to revel in the conditions, and the pigeons fed well on farmers uncovered autumn seed. We wait till our harvest services in September and October to see how sad or happy the farmers and gardeners faces are. I enjoy gardening and growing soft fruit and vegetables at the rectory but I am aware of what I call ‘Adam’s curse’ as outlined in The Gardener’s Hymn. Adam and Eve are ejected from the idyllic Garden of Eden with the words “in toil you shall eat of the ground all days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you”

All of us in our modern society are sheltered from this reality because we go along to the supermarket with its huge choice and special offers, and complain only if prices have nudged up a penny. It is the growers however at the start of the food production line who know the battles, not just with supermarkets but with nature.

While we can smile at The Gardener’s Hymn we probably prefer the romantic view of creation penned by Mrs Alexander who wrote All things bright and beautiful for her Sunday School children, and not think too much about the other elements in our countryside. I wonder what she would have made of the alternative verses?

Happy gardening! Keith Hodson

DIARY DATES FOR JULY

Every Monday to Friday Oasis Christian Shop in Shifnal open 11am - 3pm Every Saturday Oasis Christian Shop in Shifnal open 11am - 1pm

Tuesday 2nd 3.15pm Beckbury Acorns Summer Tea Party Wednesday 3rd 7.30pm Beckbury Parish Council meeting in Beckbury Village Hall Saturday 6th 12 noon National Road Rally, Motorcycling Event at Sutton Maddock Sunday 7th 11am - 4pm Teas at Badger Cottage Sunday 7th Craft Fair at Apley Farm Shop Tuesday 9th 2pm Friendship Club meeting in Beckbury Village Hall Wednesday 10th 7.30pm Ryton Parish Council meeting at St Andrews Church Saturday 27th 7.30pm Concert by Shifnal Male Voice Choir at Kemberton Church Sunday 28th Classic Car Fun Day at Apley Park

CHURCH NEWS

There are ‘TEAS’ at Badger Cottage by the pool on Sunday 7th July 11 am - 4 pm (see full details on another page in this newsletter). Money raised will go to repair work on the church building.

The Six Parishes Lammas Service will be at Sutton Maddock Church at 11 am 4th August. After the service there will be a bring and share picnic in the garden of Sutton Hall next to the Church by kind invitation of Ed and Jacky Butlin. Bring any games you wish to play.

Kemberton Church have a concert by the Shifnal Male Voice Choir Saturday 27th July at 7.30 pm. Tickets £6.00 including light refreshments available from church members or at the door.

FOSACRAG (Friends of St Andrew’s Church, Ryton and Grindle) have been successfully fund raising with a variety of events in the last year for Ryton Church Roof Appeal. With a grant from Heritage Lottery Funding and quotations from builders, we hope to start the three month repairs project this summer. Ryton residents have been very generous with time, energy, ideas and money for the project and we thank very much the committee for their work, and residents for their support. Church yards often prove difficult to keep well maintained because of their size and headstones, pots and flowers on graves which can make mowing a challenging job. We wish to thank all those who cut and strim the grass in the church yards of our six churches and ask relatives to consider their task when placing flowers or pot plants on family graves.

Chris Johnson was ordained at Hereford Cathedral on 30th June and will be the curate of the Weobley and Staunton Group of Parishes west of Hereford. Chris played the organ for our Easter and Christmas services when he was back home between training college terms, and his father Revd John Johnson helped cover services in the Six Parishes. We wish Chris God’s blessing in his ministry in the seven rural parishes in Herefordshire.

BAPTISMS

Congratulations to Maxwell Tivey, son of Rob and Carley, who was baptized on 9th June 2013 at Kemberton Church.

Congratulations also to Edward Pigg, son of Andrew and Lisa, who was baptized on 9th June 2013 at Stockton Church.

- 3 - WEDDINGS

Congratulations to Daniel Parkes and Ellie Stokes who were married on 25th May 2013 at Beckbury Church.

Congratulations to Gareth Collett and Hannah Phaisey who were married on 25th May 2013 at Sutton Maddock Church.

Congratulations to Steve and Wendy Painting whose marriage was blessed on 25th May 2013 at Kemberton Church.

Also congratulations to Christopher Holt and Katie Burslem who were married on 1st June 2013 at Kemberton Church.

Congratulations also to James Horne and Sarah Page who were married on 15th June 2013 at Badger Church. CONDOLENCES

We extend our sympathies to the family of the late Brian Jones, aged 74, of Highley whose funeral was held at Stockton Church on 25th May 2013.

We extend our sympathies to the family of the late Margaret Bennett (nee Walker), aged 88, of Harley, who was buried at Badger Cemetery on 25th May 2013.

We also extend our sympathies to the family of the late Peter Harris, aged 85, of Stableford whose ashes were interred at Badger Cemetery on 10th June 2013.

We also extend our sympathies to the family of the late Sydney Dyde, aged 84 of Badger, whose funeral service was held at Crematorium on 24th June 2013.

SYDNEY CHARLES DYDE Age 84 Previously of The Crescent, Badger and Heath House Farm, Beckbury died peacefully on 9th June. His Cremation Service took place at Emstrey Crematorium, Shrewsbury on 24th June 2013.

Syd leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Enid, and only son Andrew who would like him to be remembered for his character, wit and humour. Syd’s favourite hymn was “All things bright and beautiful”, and perhaps that is how he would like us to remember him.

Donations in memory of Syd to be sent c/o The Headmaster, Church Street, Broadway. WR12 7PN (Syd’s village school in Broadway for school history and garden project).

- 4 - PAT AND GRANVILLE GODBERT INVITE YOU TO TEA AND CAKE IN THE GARDEN OF THE COTTAGE, BADGER From 11am to 4pm on Sunday 7th July Adults £2.50 entry, children free Plant Stall and Raffle All proceeds to Badger Church

SIX PARISHES FRIENDSHIP CLUB

On 11th June the club visited the Bell Inn at Trysull where we enjoyed a very satisfying lunch in pleasant surroundings. Several members commented on the absence of club secretary Anne Hodgins and it was explained that Anne’s husband Bob had been rushed into hospital over the weekend and that Anne was obviously concerned about him, all members asked that our good wishes and hopes for a quick recovery were passed to Anne and Bob.

For our next meeting on 9th July we are meeting in Beckbury Village Hall for a game of Quingo (the quiz with a difference) with question master John Whitham, starting at 2pm.

RYTON AND GRINDLE PARISH COUNCIL

The Council met on Wednesday 15th May. 4 Councillors had previously been elected unopposed on 2nd May. Mike Bozman (chairman 750343), Julie Bedward (vice Chair and LJC Rep 750244), Allan Amey (Treasurer 750884) and Ann Dukes (new to the council 750369). The Annual Audit Return was approved. The bank balance stood at £1,500. The Parish Plan would be reviewed shortly, with new responsibilities for Councillors, and subsequently relaunched to parishioners. There was considerable discussion around the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee bench, but no decisions were taken. Follow the council at www.wordpress.com. (where all minutes of meetings are posted) or come along to the next meeting on Wednesday 10th July.

Countryside Volunteers - Countryside volunteers help to maintain and improve public rights of way across the 5,500 kms of public rights of way within the county. Their activities include: surveying paths, planning and leading guided and promoted walks, clearing overgrown paths, and repairing and installing new stiles and gates. There is something for everyone to get involved with - whatever your age, ability and background, no matter what skills you have to offer or how much time you can commit - call Council’s outdoor recreation service on 01743 255058 or email [email protected].

Family Information Service launches new Kindle and smartphone ebook - Shropshire Council’s Family Information Service has launched its first Kindle, tablet and smartphone-compatible ebook for families of children with disabilities. The Rainbow Pack is available to download to your Kindle, iPhone or iPad, from Amazon for around £0.77p which covers the cost of posting the ebook on Amazon. Research shows that parents of children with a disability face additional barriers to accessing accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive information to support them in their role as a parent. With this in mind, the Family Information Service are keen to make information available through as many routes as possible to make it easy for parents to access the information they need. The Rainbow Pack also includes information about local and voluntary agencies, and is divided into seven main sections: People you may meet; Benefits and money; Having fun; Early years and childcare; Education; Rights and responsibilities; Organisations that can help. Shropshire’s Family Information Service is a free and confidential service providing impartial information, advice and guidance on a wide range of subjects relating to children and young people aged 0 to 19, and covering all aspects of family life. If you don’t have access to Kindle or an iPad or iPhone, hard copies of The Rainbow Pack are still available free of charge. To obtain a copy, please call the Shropshire Family Information Service on 01743 2544oo or email [email protected].

- 5 - BECKBURY ACORNS NURSERY Invite you to a Summer Tea Party on Tuesday 2nd July at 3.15pm Cream Teas, fun and games Cakes and Sandwiches served by the children, a great way to spend an afternoon with friends.

Please come and support your local nursery. Everyone welcome.

BECKBURY DEFIBRILLATOR If someone has collapsed and appears to be unconscious you should first of all DIAL 999 and get the ambulance service on its way. Tell the operator that you are going to contact the local De-fib operator right away.

Phone one from the list below and they will bring the De-fib to you urgently. The current operators are: Beckbury - Heather Thomas 01952 750334 Ann Evans 01952 750347 Di Rawthenstall 01952 750208 Roy Sutcliffe 01952 750358 Badger - Rick Cattell 01746 783942 Ryton - Louise & Neil Dunn 01952 750413 Why not pin this list in a prominent position so that you can refer to it quickly.

This extended newsletter is sponsored by the Beckbury Show which has raised many thousands of pounds over the past few years for local good causes. The Show Committee wish to convey their grateful thanks to their sponsors for their generous contribution towards making the show such a remarkable success. - 6 -