Vicar's Notes

I must begin this letter by glancing back to the big event in June where we held an absolutely amazing Family Fun Day, organised jointly between our Salvation Army colleagues, Richard and Kathryn Reynolds and outselves, at Bishopton Community Church.  It came under the auspices of the national Hope08 iniative.

Over 400 people came to enjoy themselves and all were fed with freshly made sandwiches, home-made cakes and other delights and went away contented. We met existing friends and made new ones, we put meaning into the word "community" and one person was heard to exclaim:   "it's as if we are a village!" with a degree of astonishment in their voice.  We saw adults and children taking part in the activities with obvious enjoyment;  we were surrounded by glorious music from Larry's Band, Coventry Accordions, the Salvation Army and the children from St. Andrew's School danced for our entertainment.  Joyce Taylor, the Mayor of Stratford, gave out medals to delighted winners;  people ate ice creams and took tea;  children bounced on a colourful Bouncing Castle and had their faces painted;  and the mobile police station and St. John's Ambulance were there to support us.  The Prayer Tent provided a haven for peace.

The largest marquee was full of interesting information and included displays and stalls from Mothers Union and AFIA, Brownies from Bishopton and Shottery, St. Andrew's Church and Bishopton Community Church; Bishopton Camera Club, Springfield Mind and The Children's Society.  It also quickly filled up for the demonstrations of flower arranging, craft including  beautiful cards and who can forget the children's presentation with the puppets. Added to all of this was a series of outdoor activities;  Toddler sports, Primary Sports and Welly Wanging, and the Tug of War.  Throughout it all Pete Cubitt, our compere, did a magnificent job in keeping us well informed.

Our day came to a conclusion with outdoor worship and how blessed we were to enjoy a talk from Karen Berry and her furry friend "Leon", who told us about his horticultural experiments!  The skies remained blue and the First Aid Tent remained mercifully free of "customers". What a truly hope-filled and exciting day it was.

There are always many tasks and it is easy to overlook;  administration of a large commitee for a year;  booking equipment and arranging insurance; publicity and information;  leaflet delivery to 1,800 homes;  site planning and control;  Health and Safety issues and doing the Risk Assessment;  Public Address systems;  creating signs, car park management; welcome on the gate; van driving;  collecting home-made cakes;  video and photographs "for the record" and, at the end, tidying the site and litter picking.  Nor should we forget the faithfulness of many in both churches who kept the whole thing covered in prayer - and to stunning effect!

So, to all of you who contributed to the Fun Day many, many thanks.

Now, I want to look forwards to September to what will be our second year of taking part in another national scheme called "Heritage Open Days" (HODS).  This year the emphasis will be "Shottery Village 1870 - 1900."   On Friday 12th we are holding a concert in the evening, a mix of sacred and secular music with readings, and we look forward to hearing them read by Jeffrey Dench.  On Saturday in the afternoon we start with lunches, then a short talk at 1pm on vestments, followed at 2pm with games Victorian children played,    3-4pm Choir and soloists sing songs from Gilbert and Sullivan. On Sunday the sermon will pick up the village theme at 10am and then in the afternoon from 2-5pm the Heritage Trail will be open, including Eileen Bidwell and members of the Mothers' Union demonstrating how to make Victorian cards.  There will also be a table for children to have a go.  More details and publicity will appear over the summer but with this advance notice I would ask you to put the Heritage Weekend in your diary now.

In the more immediate term it is good to see imaginative ideas for raising money for Church Funds pouring in, and I would  like to encourage you to come and enjoy a Parish Tea at 5pm on Sunday 20th July in the Parish Centre.  Do come and then stay on for Evensong, where we shall indulge in some "proper" hymns from Ancient and Modern and be accompanied by full choir who will sing an Anthem. There are also other "summer" events to enjoy - on 24th July at 7pm a BBQ and Croquet at Mary Holmes' house;  on 8th August at 7pm a Safari Supper (details from Parish Office) and on 21st August an Evening Live Race Meeting at Kay Sillitoe's house.

I am on duty throughout the summer months and will not be getting away but if you go on holiday it is always very nice to receive a postcard from you to put on my mantlepiece. Some of you now ask for the Travellers Prayer on a Tuesday evening Eucharist before taking a holiday and it is very wise to seek God's blessing on any journeys we might make.  Please ask me in advance and I will happily oblige.

Have a good summer and come back refreshed for a full programme already being planned for the autumn.

With every blessing in Jesus.

James