Opportunities for Worship in The Cannings and Redhorn Team NOVEMBER 2013
1st Friday 9 am Marden Communion - Traditional
3rd All Saints’ 8 am Bishop’s Cannings Communion - Traditional 8 am Urchfont Communion - Modern 10 am All Cannings Communion - Modern 10 am Bishop’s Cannings Informal Worship 10.30 am Urchfont Communion - Informal 6 pm Chirton Remembering Service
6th Wednesday 10 am Urchfont Communion - Modern
8th Friday 9 am Marden Communion - Traditional
10th 3rd before Advent 8 am Bishop’s Cannings Communion - Traditional 8 am Urchfont Communion - Traditional 8.45 am All Cannings School `Breakfast Service` Remembrance 10 am Bishop’s Cannings Remembrance Service Sunday 10.45 am All Cannings Remembrance Service 10.50 am Marden Remembrance Service 10.50 am Stert Remembrance Service 10.50 am Urchfont Remembrance Service 10.50 am Wilsford Remembrance Service
13th Wednesday 2.30 pm All Cannings Communion – Traditional
15th Friday 9 am Marden Communion - Traditional
17th 2nd before Advent8 am Bishop’s Cannings Communion - Traditional 8 am Urchfont Communion - Traditional 9.30 am Stert Communion - Traditional 9.45 for 10 am Urchfont `Sunday Half Hour` 10 am All Cannings Communion - Informal 10 am Bishop’s Cannings Communion - Informal 6 pm Urchfont Evensong – Traditional
25th Friday 9 am Marden Communion - Traditional
24th Christ the King 8 am Bishop’s Cannings Communion - Traditional 8 am Urchfont Communion - Traditional 10 am Bishop’s Cannings Communion - Modern 10 am Etchilhampton Communion - Informal 10 am Marden Communion - Modern 10.30 am Urchfont Communion - Modern 6 pm All Cannings Songs of Praise 6 pm Wilsford Evensong - Traditional
29th Friday 9 am Marden Communion – Traditional
All Cannings Community Store November 2013 01380 862913
This has been a good Summer for our shop, for which the staff and committee would like to thank our customers and wonderful band of volunteers. Increased sales has helped us to replace a freezer, smarten up the exterior and make plans to further improve our service.
Here are some of our weekend events for the next two months:-
1st/3rd November: WINE TASTING WEEKEND
8th/10th November: Half price sale of ALL CANNINGS FUCHSIA RANGE TOILETRIES 15th/17th and 22/24th November: All Cannings Shop 2014 CALENDARS/ Local craft stall
30th November: HOT BACON ROLLS cooking from 9 – 11am
14TH December: CHRISTMAS FOOD AND MULLED WINE Food and craft stalls with drinks and seasonal foods to sample 9am – noon
20/22Nnd December: Christmas WINE TASTING WEEKEND
DON’T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR FRESH LOCAL TURKEY/GOOSE
SALISBURY CATHEDRAL The Advent Procession – From Darkness to Light Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November at 7.00pm (doors open 6.00pm), Sunday 1 December at 5.00pm (doors open 4.00pm)
This is one of the most popular services of the year. It begins with the Cathedral in total darkness and silence before the Advent Candle is lit. The service is a mix of beautiful music and readings during which two great processions move around the different spaces in the building which is, by the end, illuminated by almost 1300 candles.
Admission is free but entry on Friday 29th November is by ticket only. Tickets are available from Friday 1 November. On the 1 November reserve them (maximum 6 per application) from http:// www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/special.events.intro.php; print your confirmation which you will need to bring to the Cathedral on the night. If you have no access to the internet, written applications (from 1 November) can be made to Mrs Joanne Pike, Advent Tickets, The Chapter Office, 6 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EF. Please provide a stamped addressed envelope and indicate the number of tickets requested (maximum 6).
ETCHILHAMPTON VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday November 12th at 8pm at Etchilhampton Village Hall.
All welcome! Come an enjoy a free glass of wine.
New committee members always welcome Ride and Stride Saturday 14th September.
We at All Saints, All Cannings had another good day, although the weather changed and it was definitely colder. The numbers of people riding was 13 sponsored groups with a total of 18 individuals taking part. The number of under 15’s was 10 in total with Molly Holder this year raising a magnificent 3 figure sum followed closely by Luke Bullock and Monty Yates. Luke Bullock spent several days planning a route that he and Monty Yates would take, with their route covered 16 churches and 17 miles was cycled.. The youngest group of riders were the England’s made up of Ben, Harry and Ollie aged 3,7 and 11. They visited 5 Churches starting at St Marys Upavon at 14.33 and finishing at All Saints at 17.40. So we had a range of riders from 70 years young to 3 years old, and in total we raised £803.01 for Wiltshire Historic Churches of which our Church, All Saints gets half of the total raised by our group. Next year perhaps we could do a Character theme for riders resembling a famous character? Well done and thank you to all participants for a great effort. See you next year and please tell your friends, it would great to be able to win the Team Challenge in 2014.Thank you all including all of the teams behind the scenes, the people who manned the Church, proud Mums and Dads
Family Breakfast Service
Scott lead the service on the theme of Harvest. He encouraged to think about the origins of Harvest thanksgiving by considering the historical context of the Israelites fleeing from the Egyptians and arriving, after forty years of wandering, in the Promised Land. The reading from Deuteronomy gave an account of the first thanksgiving for a successful harvest. Thank you Scott for a very interesting talk and thank you to Gill for providing the breakfast and the music. The next FBS is on Remembrance Sunday - November 10th at 8.45 a.m.
CANNINGS MARKET PLACE
SPOTTED THIS? SO WILL OTHERS.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL OR TO DONATE TO A GOOD HOME, SEND THE DETAILS TO ADDRESS BELOW.
SMALL AD Terms: 25 words maximum including contact details for publication. Send small ads in writing including name, postal address and telephone number to: [email protected] Or mail to: Cannings Small Ads Editor, Wayside Farm, Etchilhampton, Devizes, SN10 3JT . Free to residents in All Cannings, Bishops Cannings and Etchilhampton. DEADLINE: 12TH OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH Preparations are well under way for our second Community Christmas Fayre to be held in the village on Saturday, 7th December between 9 am – 1 pm. The Fayre is being organised by volunteers from The Youth Action Group, St Mary’s church, the Crown Inn and the primary school and pre-school. Once again they will be selling Nordman Fir Christmas Trees in the car park of The Crown Inn and holding a Christmas Market inside St Mary’s church. The Christmas Fayre Committee has been meeting regularly since July to finalise plans for next month’s event. “We had such a wonderful time last year working together, planning and preparing the Fayre” said organiser Caroline Martin. “and this time round we have lots of new volunteers from the village too! We hope families from throughout the parish will come along and support us again by buying their Christmas Tree locally. Our Christmas Market in the church will include even more festive stalls, craft activities for the children, choir singing, tours of the Bell Tower, Santa’s Grotto and a new event – the Bishops Cannings Christmas Bear Zip Wire descent!” Christmas Trees will be on sale in the car park of The Crown Inn for one morning only and a free delivery service will again be available to households within the parish. “According to our research, Nordman Fir is still one of the most popular Christmas tree varieties” said Debbie Tibbert, newly appointed Chair of the Friends of Bishops Cannings Primary School. “They have a classic Christmas tree shape and excellent needle holding properties – so we hope people will come along and buy one at a very competitive price”. Parents will be selling the trees and Year 6 pupils will be helping to net the trees for delivery. If you’re ready for breakfast after purchasing your tree – the Youth Action Group will have their BBQ nearby “We’ll be serving bacon rolls to keep our customers fortified whilst they choose their tree” said Kathy Crossfield from Bishops Cannings YAG. “and if you come along at lunchtime we’ll have burgers and hot dogs to keep you going”. Refreshments will also be available inside the church where the Christmas Market will include a range of festive stalls and Christmas gifts to tempt visitors. There will be local artists and craft stalls and plenty for the youngsters too. “We’ll have our popular Craft Corner where children can make a Christmas wreath or decoration” said Emma Stoneham, Chair of the Pre-School PTA “and we’re especially grateful to Santa Claus for popping in to see the children too!” The church will also be full of festive musical magic with performances by members of the church and school choir singing well known Christmas Carols and songs. “Rehearsals are going well” said Church Choirmaster Alan Stonell “and we hope as last year that visitors to the Fayre will join in too”. Tours of the Bell Tower were very popular last time and this year you can not only visit our very own church bells but have a go on a “practice bell” as well! Parking for the event will be at the Village Hall car park, the yard at The Old Manor House (by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Sheppard) and on the playground and staff car park at the Primary School. Please follow signs and stewards will help to find you a space. Proceeds from the event will go to St Mary’s church, Bishops Cannings Youth Action Group and the Primary and Pre-School PTA. We look forward to seeing you all. Winter Take-Away-Quiz Mind teasing quiz to do in the comfort of your own home Copies available from St Mary’s Church on Sundays, William Allen 01380 860555, Caroline Cutting 07920163055 and the Christmas Fayre 7 December 2013 £1.00 a copy in aid of the fabric of St Mary’s Church Bishop’s Cannings
Friends of All Saints’ Church AGM. The AGM for the Friends of All Saints’ Church is being held in the village hall on Thursday 7th November starting at 7.30pm. Drinks and Light refreshments will be served and a guest speaker will give a talk on how music festivals, like the one held in the village, are organised. Non-members most welcome. St Mary’s, Bishop’s Cannings Floodlighting for November
Alan & Sarah Padwick
David and Rachel for Ann Horton
Jackson Birthday’s & Combe Birthday’s
Good Neighbour News - Are you ready for Winter?
I am pleased to announce the launch of : The Kings Arms Pub Lunch Club, All Cannings All are most welcome Wednesday 13th November at 12 for 12.30 Menu : Cottage pie and vegetables Macaroni cheese with garlic bread Fruit crumble and custard Crème brulee with shortbread Price : £7.50 To book your place, with your menu choice call Caroline on 07557 922027 by Mon 11 November (Please leave a message)
Same time for a different menu on:- Wednesday 11th December
Wiltshire Good Neighbours can provide free information on transport, benefits, healthcare and more. Call Caroline for more information
A Money Saver! The last heating oil order placed in October, by the Horton and All Cannings Heating Oil Group, made savings of between 3p and 6p for every litre delivered at a price of 53.97p/ltr + VAT. If you wish to join with us please contact William on 860555 for Bishops Cannings and Horton and Peter on 862925 for All Cannings and Etchilhampton. There is no membership charge, our next order is being placed on 2nd December!
Could you make the world a friendlier place by offering an invitation to an international student at a UK university, for just a day, a weekend, or 3 days at Christmas? Young adults from many countries would love to have a homely break and discover the real life of this country. HOST is a well-established charity which takes care in linking students with volunteer hosts. www.hostuk.org or call Frances Good 01934 712606. Diary Dates
NOVEMBER AT A GLANCE
2 Firework Display from 6.30pm The Crown Inn, B.C. 4 Good Neighbour Lunch Club 12.30pm The Crown Inn, B.C. 6 All Saints’ Coffee Morning 10.30am Cliff Farm (Sally Hues) 7 All Saints’ Church AGM 7.30pm All Cannings Village Hall 9 Children’s Society Coffee Morning 10am-12noon Lynden, Bishop’s Cannings 9 Brew and Browse 3-5pm All Cannings Village Hall 12 Etchilhampton V Hall AGM 8pm Etchilhampton Village Hall 13 Good Neighbour Lunch 12noon King’s Arms, All Cannings 16 Christmas Victorian Dinner 6.30pm for 7pm Bishop’s Cannings V Hall 19 Tuesday Club Trip to Portsmouth From 9am Starting at B.C. Village Hall 22 A. Cannings School Xmas Market 5-7.30pm All Cannings School 23 Murder Mystery Supper 7pm All Cannings School 27 Mothers’ Union 2.15pm Bishop’s Cannings V. Hall
COMING IN DECEMBER
5 All Saints’ Christmas Tea Afternoon 3pm All Cannings Village Hall 7 B. Cannings Community Fayre 9am-1pm Bishop’s Cannings 10 Tuesday Club Christmas Party 2.30pm Bishop’s Cannings V Hall 20 B Cannings School Carol Concert St Mary’s Church
To contact the Cannings & Redhorn Team Admin Office please use details below:
, Tracey Heppleston - Old School House - Chirton Tel: 840998
Open ; Mon / Wed / Thurs 10 am to 2 pm
e-mail: [email protected]
To contact Rev William Lang 01380 840672 Email:[email protected]
Entries for the Magazine should be sent directly to [email protected]
Mobility Aids
We have a wheelchair and a three wheeled walker for use within the Benefice.
The idea is that these could be used by local organisations/clubs or by individuals for such things as church services, shopping trips, weekend use etc. For more details please contact Revd Liz (860400) or Peter Griffin (862925)
The October Coffee Morning was held at the lovely home of Brian and Eileen Osborne, who made everyone very welcome. The Bring and Buy table was full of tempting items with lovely cakes, cheese scones and some freshly picked Damsons and much more - something for everyone.
The next Coffee Morning will be on the 6th November at the home of Sally Hues, Cliff Farm, All Cannings at 10.30 am. Everyone welcome.
On THURSDAY the 5th December we shall be having our special Christmas Tea Afternoon at All Cannings Village Hall starting at 3 pm with lots of bargains to buy for Christmas and some delicious home made Mince Pies to go with a nice cup of tea or coffee. Do come and join us, everyone welcome.
BREW AND BROWSE Saturday 9th November 3 - 5 pm at All Cannings Village Hall Come for your Afternoon Tea, with delicious homemade sandwiches and cakes and then buy a large cake to take home for Sunday tea. There will also be lots of Nearly New items, Bric-a-brac and some good books for sale at bargain prices. Please come and support All Cannings Hand Bell group raise the final amount to purchase a set of Hand Bells. Everyone welcome. Children’s Society Coffee Morning
Saturday 9th November 10am - 12noon
Lynden, Bishop’s Cannings by kind invitation of Liz & Norman Bailey
Raffle***Cakes***Bring & Buy
Please bring along any home collection boxes that you would like emptied. Any queries please contact Crystal on 860459 In aid of All Saints Church and Atticus Pantos Come and solve the crime! Sat 23rd November at All Cannings School. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £10 from the Village Shop which includes the play and a 2 course meal
THE CANNINGS AND REDHORN TEAM OF CHURCHES All would be most welcome at our annual Thanksgiving and Remembering service for All Souls Day, to be held this year at Chirton Church at 6pm on Sunday November 3rd. This is a service of quiet reflection, the recalling of memories, a time for prayer and the opportunity to light a candle as a sign of love and hope, as we name before God those from our Team whose funerals have taken place this year. If there are others whose names you would like read out, please add those names to the lists to be found in each of our churches, or leave a message with Elizabeth: 01380 840071 St Mary the Virgin 100 CLUB St Andrew’s Bishop’s Cannings In Aid of Church Funds Etchilhampton
Annual Subscription £15 Prizes of £100 & £50 drawn every three months
New members welcomed. Please contact Jill White on 01380 860401
Bishops Cannings Fireworks Display Saturday 2nd November 2013 BBQ starts 6.30pm Display starts at 7.00pm Behind the Crown Inn Bishops Cannings
Admission Free
Donations collected on the night will go to Bishops Cannings Youth Action Group
Wednesday 25th September 2013
We do tend to take things for granted don't we? In this country education is considered as part of our life – whether we like it or not !? But this is not the case in some other parts of the world. Liz Bailey told us that 57 million children worldwide do not have access to education. In Kenya for instance comparatively few children go to school. It is generally understood that education is extremely important in the development of economic success, international trade and provision of jobs for young people who can then contribute further to the development of their society. However this requires money and education may not always be the priority.
Even when the decision to provide a school has been taken there is still a building to be found. Liz told us how, following a visit to Africa a few years ago, she and her husband felt that the buildings their construction company produced for housing accommodation might also be suitable for schools. This idea proved to be very popular and the buildings are now being used in South Africa for schools and clinics. Orders have been placed in other regions to provide more of these buildings for schools. . Once in school the children need equipment – pencils, books, etc. Again, these are all items that our children take for granted. At our June meeting Mr Nott of “Tools with a Mission” (TWAM) had explained that “Scholar Packs” containing basic school equipment, pencils, crayons, rubbers, pencil sharpeners, small calculators, notepads, rulers etc. could be assembled and sent out to Africa, where they were very much appreciated.
This then was the main activity of our September meeting – filling the “Scholar Packs” provided by Mr Nott, with the items we had collected. He will collect the filled packs and see that they are dispatched to his contacts in Kenya who will then distribute them to the schools where they are needed..
Liz pointed out that not all the parents want their children to go to school, they prefer that they do some work to support the family – especially the girls, who, even if they do go to school, may be expected to leave early to look after the family or go to work often in harsh conditions for very little; unfortunately, without education the young people may ultimately turn to crime or begging.
We do hope that the Packs we send may help some children in Africa to benefit from their time at school.
At our October branch meeting Anji Scofield told us about her trip to Oberammergau, a report of that meeting will be in the December newsletter.
Friday 22nd November 5-7.30pm at All Cannings School
All Cannings School PTFA present
(For the adults) A Christmas Market Stalls including The Body Shop, Healthy Life Shop, Essentially For You, The Toy Tree, Ginnell Gifts, Bratton Bags, Spotty Pottery, Twilight Candles, Phoenix Cards, Wooden Reindeer, Brolli Jewellery and Educational Learning Mats Cocktail bar**Food**Refreshments & (For the children) Arts, Crafts and Games followed by a film at 6pm
Changes to your magazine
After several years of putting together the Church Magazine, both as part of my job in the Parish Office and from the comfort of home for the past 12 months I have finally run out of hours in the month to continue helping with it! Luckily I have had the offer of a replacement. Adrian Gray , who lives in All Cannings, has volunteered to produce the magazine with some help from his daughter, Abby. From next month all entries for the magazine will need to be sent to the new email address
Thank you for all your help, support and entries. Sarah Sarum Link
Oh Happy Day!
Wedding day is special for any couple. But it was an extra special day when Sarah Joy Thompson and Daniel Drayton tied the knot in Canford Magna Parish Church. Sarah grew up going to the Church with Mum and Dad, John and Lesley. Sarah was special because she has Down’s Syndrome and loved to come up to the mic to sing. Sarah had met a new friend, Daniel, who has Autism, at her Day Centre. Daniel and Sarah started attending the Breakfast@9 informal service together. Soon, their friendship blossomed into romance, and they got engaged. This happy news was followed by the reality of what they were proposing. Did Sarah have the legal capacity to marry? Were there any precedents, or Church of England guidance? Their Rector, Canon Chris Tebbutt, sprang into action. After complex discussions with the Diocese’s legal advisors, social services and the Bishop, Chris decided that Sarah and Daniel did have the capacity to marry. Sarah’s Mum, Lesley, leads a professional freelance orchestra, so the joyful service was full of music and celebration. Social Services are now looking to house Daniel and Sarah Joy in their own flat close enough to walk to their church.
Bishop’s Letter, from The Right Revd Dr Graham Kings, Bishop of Sherborne
The Archbishop of Canterbury has told the story of his first meeting with Pope Francis in Rome. The Pope greeted him with the words, ‘I’m more senior than you.’ This rather surprised Archbishop Justin, who smiled and replied, ‘Yes, your Holiness.’ Pope Francis went on, ‘By two days.’ Centuries of angst were punctured by humanity and humour. Pope Francis, with his openness to other traditions in Argentina, has been described as an ‘evangelical Catholic’. Archbishop Justin, with his Catholic spiritual director and links with a French charismatic renewal movement, could be seen as a ‘catholic Evangelical’. Two of my favourite places of retreat and renewal reflect these nuances. Hilfield, the centre for Anglican Franciscans near Cerne Abbas in Dorset, seems to me to be evangelical Catholic. I have regular quiet days there and drink from the deep wells of silence, simplicity and delight in ecology. Brother Sam has gathered an extraordinary community, which includes young lay people and couples as well as Brothers. Hilfield is the lungs of Dorset, and last month we blessed the beautiful new Canticle Garden. Lee Abbey, a conference, retreat and holiday centre on the north coast of Devon, has links with Hilfield through one of its founders, Jack Winslow. It has an international community of about 90 young people. With its emphasis on wide-ranging renewal and mission, it seems to me to be catholic Evangelical. Annie Naish, Lee Abbey missioner, with community members, leads celebration weeks in multi parish rural benefices in various dioceses. How about exploring God’s refreshing Spirit at Hilfield or Lee Abbey?
A Wheely Great Idea
Four boys from All Saints School in Netheravon cycled 20 miles to Salisbury Cathedral to raise money for a school in Afghanistan. The idea came from 10 year old Matthew Bradley, after Dr Mohammad from Helmand visited All Saints to talk about his work with the Afghan Appeal Fund. Matthew teamed up with brother James and friends Vaughn Covil and Max Harper to think about how to help. With their parents, and teacher Ross Nashwalder, they planned a route and fundraising. They made it over the hills to Salisbury in three hours and raised £600. Matthew said “We really enjoyed the cycle and are proud we raised so much money.”
Journeying at Hilfield
Almost 50 young people visited Hilfield Franciscan Friary this summer for the annual Youth Camp. This year’s theme was journeys. The camp provides a chance for youth to explore their faith journey and meet other young people of faith. Campers spoke of feeling closer to God, helping each other, and making friends for life. One said a previous camp is what made her confident enough to volunteer in her own church for the first time. Living in community in the unique friary atmosphere provides an opportunity to try out different expressions of faith. One camper said, ‘Taking part in Compline and just having a chance to be quiet is great’.
WHO’S WHO Rector Team Vicar The Revd William Lang 840672 Canon Robert Bailey 840587 Email:[email protected] Email:[email protected]
Associate Priests Lay Pastoral Assistants The Revd Sue Ascough 860059 John & Barbara Gunnell 860062 Elizabeth Lort-Phillips 840071 Judith Gay 860701 Elizabeth Currie 860309 Licensed Lay Readers Scott Hulland 725206 Mothers’ Union Elizabeth Lang 840672 Elizabeth Currie 860309 Bishop’s Cannings Village Hall Children’s Society Susan Holt 07941 435080 Crystal Naughton 860459 Etchilhampton Village Hall Junior Chorister & RSCM Co-ordinator Rory Fackrell 860029 Alan Stonell 728089 All Cannings Village Hall St. Mary’s & St. Andrew’s (BC and E) Isobel Lane 860231 Churchwardens Lewis Cobb MBE 726043(BC) All Saints (AC) Robert Smith 729939(BC) Churchwardens Vacant (E) Peter Griffin 862925 Treasurer Vacant John Williams 01249 816541 Treasurer PCC Secretary Francine Coles 862962 Rachael Williams 01249 816541 PCC Secretary Electoral Roll Officer Vacant Rob Smith 729939 Electoral Roll Officer Deanery Synod Representatives Angela Vaughan 860069 Jenny Combe 860356 Deanery Synod Representatives Peter Griffin 862925 Gift Aid Officer Judith Gay 860701 Ann Jarvis 860640 Gift Aid Officer Organist Francine Coles 862962 Peter Madeley 723509 Organist Flowers Simon Chadwick 860345 Pat Brown 860249(BC) Flowers Sue Cowdry 860336€ Sheila Moss 860922 Captain of the Tower Captain of the Tower Ken Chivers 860325 John Mead 860348 Tower Correspondent Tower Correspondent Lewis Cobb MBE 726043 Rosie Lock 860302 Friends of St. Mary’s Friends of All Saints’ Caroline Cutting 723338 Peter Griffin 862925
Newsletter Editor: Sue Cowdry 860336 Newsletter Treasurer Tony Cowdry 860336
To sponsor ST MARY’S CHURCH FLOODLIGHTING to celebrate a special occasion at £10 per week please contact:Jenny Combe on 01380 860356 or e-mail [email protected] Please note entries should reach Jenny by the 12th of the previous month. If you wish, a written message may also be printed in this Newsletter at no extra charge! ************************************** To ADVERTISE in this Newsletter, please contact Sue or Tony Cowdry. Tel: 01380 860336 ************************************** Deadline for the next edition of the Newsletter is the 18th of the month. Please send your Articles and Dates for the Diary to: The Rectory, Urchfont, Devizes or e-mail: [email protected] The Editorial Team reserves the right to edit material sent in for publication in this newsletter. Ponderings from Patney
Recently, a vicar from the city of Salisbury, the Revd. David Lineker, devised a new award to join the South Wiltshire Business of the Year awards. It was called ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’, to reward the under 25s who had taken the risk of starting their own business, and then brought their own experience to help others. In the newspaper, with an account of the presentation, was a picture of David, with the winner, Amy Almond, and her employee, Denise Coates. David, as part of his post at St Thomas Beckett’s Church, is Chaplain to and Director on the board of the Chamber of Commerce. You, particularly those of you in business, may wonder why the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce needs a chaplain? David described how he himself had wondered this very thing and offered to resign without any bad feeling. However his offer was always refused: his presence was wanted though they could not always explain why. David wrote, as part of his thoughts about the evening when the various awards were presented: The Church can be sniffy about the business community. We can struggle, as followers of Christ, who urged us to give all we have to the poor, to affirm business people who are committed to the profit motive. Yet these amazing people celebrate Kingdom values by risking high stakes to build creative and worthwhile businesses, in the teeth of a recession. There is much talk in Christian circles about ‘engaging with culture’ at the moment. I wonder how we understand this (and here I really don’t mean engaging with Twitter, Facebook, and social media!). Many people, if you are anything like me, will feel a familiar feeling of inadequacy start to creep over us at the very mention of engaging with anything we don’t understand. Are we prepared to be challenged and changed by advances in business, or are we stuck with the idea that our culture is deficient and needs Christianising? Maybe we should be more prepared to listen to and then encourage the movers and shakers (and especially the young and enterprising ones) in our society before speaking. Perhaps a Young Entrepreneur in our Villages Award would be an exciting idea? Speaking of words, I am still reeling and lost for words at the size of several pumpkins which turned up at Marden Village Hall at their recent Harvest Supper. These two would have bent the tables, so were comfortably nestled in wheelbarrows. I know that there are many horses in the village which may have had something to do with it, but these were enormous, and reminded me more of James and the Giant Peach (the children’s book by Roahl Dahl) than any normal pumpkin. As October passes into November, and as you receive this magazine, I would recommend a visit to Marden to see them, in their glory by the village telephone box. With best wishes,
The Revd Elizabeth Lort-Phillips, Cottage on the Green, Patney
From the Parish Records………...
Baptisms – we welcome into the Church: Toby Stephen James Smith 13th October Bishop’s Cannings Marriages – we congratulate: Andrew Pottinger & Olivia Eley 5th October Urchfont