Churches and Village Newsletter September 2019

Walking Group 4th & 26th September November 2014 8th September – Cricket Club Open Day

10th September - YOUTH CLUB MEETING

10th September Parish Council meeting

13th September - Litchborough Ladies

14th September

Any articles, information, 15thSeptember –Litchborough Gardening Club - Visit notices, personal messages etc you would like in the 22nd September – 6.00p.m. newsletter, please send to HARVEST FESTIVAL St MARTINS me by email by the 20th of the month to:- 28th September Coffee Morning [email protected] or Note earlier Time 10.00am – 11.30a.m. telephone 830077 to have hard copy collected Litchborough Playtime - Village Hall Thank You Every Tuesday 9.30 am – 11.30 am from September 10th

Sandy Aked-Walker See inside for more information Printed by G.T Print Litchborough 07889-948005

RECTOR’S RAMBLINGS I am sitting writing these having just conducted the funeral of Barrie Osborne, long time member of our community, churchwarden and stalwart supporter of the village and the church. So it seems appropriate that these ramblings are dedicated to Barrie’s memory. At his funeral we had as the biblical reading the Parable of the Good Samaritan- you know the one a man going from Jerusalem to Jericho falls amongst thieves etc.- Jesus told the parable in answer to a question which was posed to him by a member of the Jewish legal tradition. ‘Who is my neighbour?’ Now as I remarked in my address Barrie would never have needed to ask that question, for Barrie was a good friend and a good neighbour to all who he came into contact with, and his passing will leave a void not just for his immediate family, nor his extended family of the church at but the whole of the Blakeley community. Barrie, Blakesley born and bred touched many parts of that community over his 85 years. He was a school governor, one of the founding members of the Blakesley Tennis Club, member of the Blakesley agricultural society, choirboy, and adult chorister with a fine baritone voice, and of course Barrie, with Dorothy at his side, farmed School Farm on the Road for nearly 60 years, no mean achievement in this day and age. So today was, as all funerals are, a sad event in one respect; but it was also a celebration of a life well lived, and the life of a man who gave much to the community in which he lived- so the sadness of the event was lifted by the joy of the life which we celebrated. At the end of the service in church, Barrie’s grandson Peter read the following poem which is so poignant and so Barrie, and of all the words which we used in that service perhaps the most fitting tribute to a remarkable man who was, as I say, a friend and good neighbour to all. ‘Close the gate’ Nancy Kraayenhof For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head, your time has been and struggles enough; put the tractor in the shed. Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended. Put away your tools and sleep in peace; the fences have all been mended. You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the Son; hang up your shovel inside of the barn your work here on earth is done. A faith few possess led your journey through life, often a jagged and stony way. The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day. Cont: page 2

Rector’s Ramblings Cont: from page 1 Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine Litchborough Walking Group wine; wash off your work boots in the puddle left by blessed rain one final Our walks are fairly local and varied. They take up a morning and are time. You always believed that the good Lord would provide and He always usually 4 to 5 miles in length. Please come and give us a try, you will be had somehow; take off your gloves and made very welcome put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now. Your labour is done, We have such a varied repertoire of 4 - 5 ish mile walks and it is so nice your home now is heaven; no more must you wait, your legacy lives on, - that there are quite a few from our own doorstep with no need to use your love of the land;-and we will close the gate. cars at all. It was great to step out from the village hall earlier in August ‘May he rest in peace and rise in glory!’ using a familiar route towards Maidford but moving away from our known Fr Tim. walks to explore unknown territory from Maidford towards Seawell Valley and Foxley. We all agreed it was a pretty walk on a very pleasant morning. ******* Walking dates for September

Wednesday September 4th St Martin’s Brass Cleaning & Flower Rota for September st th 1 September - Val Hartley Thursday September 26 th th 8 & 15 September Sandy Aked-Walker - we will be leaving the village hall at 9.45 am as usual 22nd & 29th September Harvest Team Walk details to be confirmed. Transport will probably be needed for the short drive to the starting ********* point for the walk. If some walkers are happy to bring cars to the hall, we can, as usual, share transport as required. For walk information and War Memorial Flowers – for September any questions please get in touch with Bernard or Lindsey. 31st August - Carol Gunter Lindsey 01327 830318 or e mail [email protected] 7th September – Sandy Aked-Walker Bernard 01327 830932 or e mail on [email protected] 14th September – Carol Hakin ********** 21st September – Chris Coade

29th September - Poppy Rickerd

Stuart Moore Plastering Church Cleaning September 2nd & 9th September Val Hartley & Christine Rodhouse Local based plasterer 16th & 23rd September – Juliet O’Neil and Catherine Cook All Aspects of plasterwork completed 30th September & 7th October- Susie Heygate & Sarah Skinner Specialist in restoration and conservation of lime plaster and ornate plasterwork ********* Contact Stuart on 07841-021802 email:[email protected] Youth Club – 11th September Don’t forget Tuesday 11th September 7.00pm -8.30pm come along bring a friend and enjoy a fun evening after a hard day at school!! **********

th Litchborough Gardening Club - 15 September From St Martins Church We are looking forward to visiting Kelmarsh House and Gardens in There was no Benefice Service this month. th on the 15 September. A Palladian style country house There are to be two in September, one at Maidford on Sunday 1st and historic gardens with a unique walled garden at the heart. On September, the other at Blakesley on Sunday 29th September for November 24th we will be visiting Waddesdon Manor (Buckinghamshire) Michelmas. which in addition to the beautiful, house, gardens and aviary will have We have had a variety of services and have heard about the helter their lovely Christmas market at that time. Please get in touch with Sue skelter in Norwich Cathedral as well as the crazy golf in Rochester, and Brunning on 01327-831545 or Teresa Cox on 07962925709 for details of whether or not they are a good way of attracting people into the church. timings and any other information. The church was due to have its 5 year inspection in August, but ******** unfortunately the Architect had picked the day the heavens opened and going on the roof was impossible and being outside not at all pleasant so that will now happen in September. th Litchborough Ladies – 13 September Thank you to everyone who supports the church in whatever way. We The next Litchborough Ladies meeting will be at the home of Vanessa appreciate really do appreciate your help. th Lowrey, 41 Road on Friday 13 September from 10.30a.m. – Christine Rodhouse 12.00 noon. Many thanks to Sue Brass for hosting our August get together where we enjoyed a delicious strawberry flan, scones and cakes. Newcomers to Litchborough are welcome, come along and make new friends Jan Hutchings 01327-830877 *********

Village Lottery The August winner was David Rogers again, the Lottery draw on Saturday had the Bonus Ball of no 3 which is David’s lucky number and he wins another cheque for £25. If you want to join the village lottery which supports the Church Building phone Ian lowery on 01327 830823. Your lucky number will cost you £1 per week for your chance to win a £25 cheque.

Gardener Wanted The Village Hall is looking for a gardener to carry out some general tidying up and weeding. Please contact

David Aked-Walker for more details -01327-830077

Benefice Service Times for September

Sept 1st Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 10:00am Benefice Communion by Extension Maidford

Sept 3rd 9:30am Morning Prayer Blakesley (Book of Common Prayer)

Sept 8th Twelfth Sunday after Trinity 9:00am Holy Communion 9:00am Matins Maidford 10:30am Family Eucharist Blakesley 10:30am Family Service Litchborough

Sept 10th 9:30am Holy Communion Woodend (Book of Common Prayer)

Sept 15th Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity 9:00am Holy Communion Maidford 10:30am Holy Communion Litchborough 4:00pm Harvest Festival

Sept 17th 9:30 Holy Communion Blakesley (Common Worship Sept 22nd Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity 9:00am Holy Communion Adstone 9:00am Matins Maidford 10:30am Harvest Festival Blakesley 6:00pm Harvest Festival Litchborough 6:00pm Evensong Farthingstone

Sept 24th 9:30am Holy Communion Blakesley (Common Worship)

Sept 29th Michaelmas 10:00am Benefice Eucharist Blakesley

nd The Old Red Lion 2 Club

Hello Everyone, Your Village Local Sadly it has been decided to call it a day on our monthly meetings. The club was started some years ago, around 2012. During those years we've Join friends for a drink anytime had a great variety of topics, great fun and great friendships.

Enjoy Our Menu We're planning a 'bit of a do' on December 9th, when we also have a speaker lined up. So watch this space, I shall keep you posted of course! of daily specials Everybody who kindly joined last March will get a full refund. Your support over the years has been invaluable.

Many thanks, Carol and The Team. ************

Treat yourself to a special St Martin’s Church September Services

: Sept 1st Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 10:00am Benefice Communion by Extension Maidford

Sunday Roast Sept 8th Twelfth Sunday after Trinity

10:30am Family Service Coffee: Liz Robinson

Sept 15th Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity 10:30am Holy Communion Coffee: Val Hartley Sidesmen: Carol Hakin & John Robinson QUIZ NIGHT is the last Wednesday of the month Readers: Liz Robinson –Jeremiah4 vs. 11-12, 22-28 TBC - 1 Timothy vs.12-17

nd Watch our board for any other Sept 22 Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity 6:00pm Harvest Festival Special Events Sidesmen: Matthew Rodhouse & Ian Lowery Readers: tbc Got a special occasion any other time then telephone Sept 29th Michaelmas The Old Red Lion Tel: 01327 830064 10:00am Benefice Eucharist Blakesley or email: [email protected] to arrange your booking ********

DIARY DATE: BADBY & FARTHINGSTONE CRICKET CLUB DAY (Sunday Sept 8) Parish Council Don’t forget the cricket club’s open day early next month (Sept 8, 1pm Notes from the Parish Council meeting in July start).  It was requested that the village web address be out in the This is a chance to get to know our newly-formed club who are planning a newsletter. www.litchborough.org.uk day of fun with a bbq, salads, cakes, refreshments, tombola ………. and even  A new speed sign has been purchased and will be installed by the some cricket. playing field in the near future. There will be a mouth-watering selection of burgers, sausages, salads,  Youth group to meet every 2nd Tuesday a quiz night is planned for cakes with wine, beer and soft drinks to wash it all down as well as a the autumn for young people and families. chance to play in the club’s infamous Seniors v Juniors match. Food costs  In future the Parish Council meetings will start at 7pm £5 a head. The next meeting is on Tuesday 10th September- Any items you may wish So come along to Long Roods near Badby Woods and enjoy the fun. Hope to raise must be sent to the clerk by the 2nd September to see you there. ********* On the playing front, it has been a disappointing August with narrow away losses to Blakesley and the Open University followed by a heavier defeat at home to Northampton Eaglets. Blakesley’s strong batting line-up was again the main difference between the sides, as they raced away in the early overs of the 20/20 match, the fifth over going for 18 runs. The visitors hit back after that opening We deliver daily newspapers and flurry with three wickets for Andy Alsworth and two for captain Charlie magazines to the village.

Ashmore. In reply to the home side’s mammoth 216, initially all went well Any combination of days per week catered for. with a scoring rate of ten an over, Stephen Nelligan continuing his fine run of form with 46, closely followed by Jude Dyke, 36, and an unbeaten 30 by Paul Picton. But with rain intervening and the match reduced to 18 Ring us on 01295 268499 overs, the task proved too much as the visitors finished on 138, still a or e-mail creditable performance.The Eaglet’s match was notable for the fact we [email protected] played almost half the match with ten men, despite a 12th man being at the ground and ready to play. The Eaglets scored an impressive 217 in their allotted 30 overs leaving the home side with a pretty much impossible task although there were several good efforts, notably from WANTED stand-in captain Stephen Nelligan who made a quickfire 25 and juniors Banbury Road Needs YOU George and Alfie Dicks who stopped a mid-order collapse with a solid After many years Juliet is retiring from delivering the village partnership.The August 11 match at Pattishall was unfortunately called newsletter to Banbury Road - So if you fancy a stroll once a month to off but will hopefully be re-arranged for September. deliver the newsletter to the houses in Banbury Road please contact Fixtures me on 01327-830077 or email: [email protected] th Sunday August 25 : SNCC (home, 2pm start) With very many thanks to Juliet for all her years of strolling and with Sunday September 1: Blakesley (home, 2pm start) thanks from the residents who have received their newsletter Sunday September 8: Club Day (1pm start) Sandy Aked-Walker

SUNDAY AFTERNOON TEAS in St MARTIN's

Hello and thanks to everyone who is supporting the summer teas this year. SPONSORED RIDE AND STRIDE – SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER Each week brings a variety of changes, both in you brilliantly kind folks If you would like to take part or to sponsor me, please contact Val who are 'running the show' on that particular Sunday, (thank you so very Hartley, 01327 831162 [email protected] 12 Towcester Road much) and lovely people who are coming along for a cuppa and cake. We Money raised for St Martin’s will be used by the Fabric Trust on the could not manage without any of you. church building. So, the good news is, we're continuing on into September ... and ... if I am compiling a rota of people to sit in the church and welcome you've not managed to find the time to lend a hand yet, there seem to be participants between 10am and 6pm on Saturday 14th September. Please five Sundays going begging now for helpers and we'd love you to join us. contact me if you are able to spare an hour or two. You can also get Just speak to myself, or Val, or write it on the 'rough' working rota sponsored for sitting in the church if you wish! that's at the back of the church. ************ It is great to see the church being used for such a sociable activity, long The Church Wardens may it continue. By Nigel Beeton Best wishes, Carol Churches stand in ev’ry parish Of this green and pleasant land Some are small, yet so historic Litchborough Village Hall Some are large, ornate, and grand. Got a special occasion and don’t want to travel far? Then have your celebration party in the Village Hall. Well equipped kitchen facilities, Some have roofs that need repairing tables, chairs, crockery and cutlery. Guaranteed warm in winter! Very Some have other wear and tear reasonable rates. There is also a small meeting room perhaps for a more Some have beetles, rot or woodworm formal type business meeting. But they all need loving care! Contact Carol Hakin 830517 or Sandy 830077 for more information . Thousands, then, of ancient churches Being kept up to their prime Save the date for the return of : In the care of all those wardens ‘Eight in a Bar’ Giving freely of their time. After an absence of several years the talented choir ‘Eight in a Bar’ will be Yet much more than just the buildings returning to St Peter and St Paul Church, Maidford on the evening Occupy these sterling folk! of Saturday Rotas, meetings, service duties 21st September at 7.00 pm. Yet you’ll hear them laugh and joke! Refreshments will be served.

So, to all these lovely people Tickets are not yet on sale but notices will appear, as if by magic, in all the Who have so much work to do churches in the Pew Sheets. And do it all without complaining So come and enjoy a really good evening. From our hearts, we say “Thank you!” (But be advised – do not attempt to buy tickets at exorbitant

FREE TASTER EVENING GREENS NORTON COMMUNITY CHOIR with their new Musical Director Ian Riley FRIDAY 6th SEPTEMBER, 7.30pm GREENS NORTON COMMUNITY CENTRE Towcester Road, Greens Norton ALL AGES WELCOME NO AUDITIONS Singing is fun and good for your health!

28th September- MacMillan Coffee Morning Litchborough Village Hall Working in the week and cannot make the big Friday coffee morning – then come enjoy coffee and cakes at the MacMillan Coffee morning from 10.00am. – 11.30a.m on Saturday 28th September in Litchborough Village Hall Bring and Buy stall and lots of cakes and coffee and pleasant company.

We never know if we will need their help but lots of families do.

Litchborough Youth Club

FUN GAMES ON A MONTHLY BASIS If you are aged 10 -16 years along

TUESDAY 10th

September Harvest Festival Sunday 22nd September at 6.00pm.

7.00pm - 8.30pm The church will be open all day Saturday to allow Litchborough Village Hall decoration and delivery of any harvest produce. All of the donations will be sold after the service. There will be a buffet supper after the service with perhaps some cake left over from tea in the afternoon. We look forward to seeing you there.