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THE PARISH MAGAZINE OF ST LAURENCE CHURCH ALVECHURCH

Online at www.alvechurch-stlaurence.org

St Laurence Church Alvechurch

SUNDAY SERVICES

8.00.am Holy Communion 9.30.am Family Service

with Holy Communion on the 1st Sunday and Baptisms on the 4th Sunday

11.00.am Parish Eucharist 6.00.pm Evensong

At Rowney Green Shared Church 9.30.am Methodist/Anglican Service

with Holy Communion on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month

DAILY SERVICE

9.00.am Monday to Friday In St Laurence Church

ORGANISATIONS

Sunday Club Sundays at 9.30.am in the church and Ark (445 1854)

Choir Thursdays at 7.45.pm in church (445 3569)

Bellringers Sundays at 10.30.am and 5.30.pm Tuesday Practice at 7.30.pm (01527 64077)

Women’s Fellowship 4th Wednesday of the month at 2.00.pm in Tanyard Lane Community Centre (445 2125)

Mum’s the Word Thursdays at 9.30.am in The Ark (07773509390)

Ark Café Thursdays during term time at 12.15.pm (447 7017)

Home Group Thursday, 7.30.pm at the Coach House (445 2547)

Messy Church Quarterly on a Saturday in The Ark (445 1985)

THE ARK Enquiries to Ian Price 0121 447 7955

Registered as a Charity in England and Wales: Charity Number 1131783

Pat Booth writes... Letter to Alvechurch Hello to people of faith, no faith and those

looking for faith…… Life for you is hectic, busy and time is a

valuable commodity. Sunday is a catch-up day when sports fixtures, children’s activities and visiting family and friends as well as the week’s shopping, crowd in to prepare us for the next week.

With this in mind VILLAGE MESSY CHURCH is

a church that happens at a different time and day to a Sunday. It gives us all the opportunity to worship, share and learn about God’s teachings through the stories Jesus told, as well as a social venue to meet our neighbours and enjoy a hot meal. It is not only a children’s church but is inclusive of all ages and people on any stage in their journey in faith. Messy Churches have grown rapidly in this country and are spreading worldwide. So we belong to a large group of Christian people.

On a Saturday afternoon in September we

shared the amazing joy and enthusiasm of 105 people (give or take a few) in a crowded hall. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Family, friends and neighbours of all ages, joined in making craft items, shared a Bible Story about Jesus’ first Messy Church and then sat down to a cooked meal. Laughter, Joy and friendship were evident in abundance as well as a degree of chaos! We ran out of food and could have done with the boy who had 5 loaves and two fishes, however we did have the Co-op!

When I think of Alvechurch I think of a

Christian community. People who have a faith and practice it in their daily lives. Yes, I meet this love in children’s eyes, in the kindness of neighbours, in the friendly word when out shopping. Not everyone we meet worships

God in the traditional churches but they still feel able to practice their beliefs in their homes and communities.

We live in a ‘messed up’ world. At our

Village Messy Church we asked God’s Blessing on the children and families in Syria. God can use our messiness to create the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work in His creation by reaching out to the vulnerable and powerless.

We all come together as an ecumenical

family on many occasions. Village Messy Church brings Roman Catholics, Baptists, Anglicans, people with faith and those with no faith together, to offer the opportunity to learn and work as one community. We all have a choice in the way we serve Our Lord.

Jesus gave us two rules: LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR

HEART, ALL YOUR MIND AND ALL YOUR SOUL.

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF. Come to our next Village Messy Church on

30th November 2013 and also check out the churches websites to get a flavour of what to expect from the numerous pictures.

Turn out Your loft For Where Next?

We would be most grateful if you are able to help us find the following:

Games for the Where Next Hub. For example, Ludo,

Backgammon, Hungry Hippos, Kerplunk, simple card games, Dominoes, Chinese Checkers, Pick-up Sticks, Snakes and Ladders, Tiddly Winks, Jenga to name a few. Please take to any of our units or ring Nikki on 01527 69330.

Second-hand books to sell through Where Next Spernal in

Studley. If anyone has any books they would like to offload please take them to any of our Where Next units or ring Russell on 01527 857189. Thank you all for your help.

Huntleys

Funeral Services

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The Midland Sinfonia Quiz And Supper

Saturday 16th November 2013, 7 for 7.30 start, in The Ark, St Laurence Church, Alvechurch.

Teams of up to six, with singles and couples happily accommodated. £8pp which includes fish and chips. Bar available for wines, beer and soft drinks. Booking is essential for this very popular annual TMS fundraising event – so secure your table now! Please contact Marian Barwell on 0121 447 7040 or 07889 147861 or e-mail [email protected]

All Souls

The annual All Souls’ Tide Service, at which those who have recently died are remembered by name, is taking place in St Laurence Church on SUNDAY 3rd NOVEMBER at 11.00.am.

Invitations have been sent to those who have experienced a bereavement during the past twelve months, but, if anyone has inadvertently been omitted, please contact the Churchwardens as soon as possible.

28 Years Old

This month, the Family Service at St Laurence Church celebrates its twenty-eight anniversary. Started in 1987 by the Revd Alan Hayward, the service has provided a means for families with young children to worship together on a Sunday for nearly three decades

To celebrate the twenty-eighth anniversary there will be a special service at 9.30.am on SUNDAY 17th NOVEMBER. Past, present and future members of the Family Service are cordially invited to join in the Celebrations.

Alvechurch Village Society

Alvechurch Village Society will be holding their next talk on Wednesday 27th November at 7.45pm in the village hall. the speaker will be Julie Manzoni a worldwide sailor speaking on ''what a way to retire''.

The November walk will be led by Charlie Simmonds (0121 445 3447 ) at 2.30pm on Sunday 3rd November, starting in the Tanyard Lane car park, and is described as 'A Mysterious Ambulation?''

The December walk will be led by Adrian Smith (07941 508881 ) at 2.30pm on Sunday 1st December and is a ''Church Hill walk taking in Moons Moat and the Roman Road'' meeting at Rickyard Lane car park Redditch, off Moons Moat Drive, Church Hill South Redditch B98 9JG.

mailto:[email protected]

News And Events From Alvechurch Library

On the afternoon of Monday 2nd December 2013 from 2.00pm until 4.00pm, Alvechurch library will be holding a sale of fantastically creative Christmas presents. Following the ethos of reduce, reuse and recycle, our talented craft and sewing group (who meet every Monday 11.00am till 1.00pm) have been busy hand-making gorgeous and highly original gifts. Also the library staff and the volunteer Eco Committee have done their bit too. Beautiful handmade Christmas decorations, jewellery, bunting, lavender hearts, teddies, ornaments, pot holders, aprons and many more lovely gifts will be for sale.

All of these gifts have been made or "up cycled" from items begged, borrowed but definitely not stolen!! Broken jewellery has been given a new lease of life, bits of fabric and material have been re-used and what we can do with an old book is nobody's business.

The Christmas Eco Sale is a cost neutral event and playing a part in our village community we are thrilled that monies raised will be going towards the refurbishment of the Baptist church and back into the Library service.

Talking of Christmas, we have availability in our Christmas bauble making class, Friday 29th November 10.00am until 12.00 noon, costing £5.00, and for the little ones we are taking bookings for our really popular Christmas Bedtime Stories. £1.00 per child, 5.45pm-6.15 and 6.45–7.15pm on Monday 23rd December; we are hoping a very special visitor may have time to call in to see the children. Don’t forget to wear your pyjamas and dressing gowns!!

We will also be having an Eco Family Christmas Event on Saturday 7th December at 11.00am where we will be making some fabulous Christmas Decorations.

On Tuesday the 3rd of December, Rev Fiona Lee, from the Baptist Church will be visiting the library to play Christmas carols on her lovely harp and looking at the meaning behind the Christmas festivities.

The Country Market will be visiting the library at 2.00pm on Tuesday 10th of December. A chance to stock up on lots of edible Christmas goodies. A mince pie or two!!

Please give us a call on 01905 822722 for further details or to book a space at any of the above events and activities.

Kathryn Collinson BA Hons, BEd Hons, ALCM

Lessons

from 20 minutes

to 1 hour

Music tuition – All Styles Classical, Bass and Electric Guitar

Piano and Keyboard

For exams or just for fun

Maths and English Tuition SATS / confidence building

Special needs

Ages from 5-11 years

Tel: 0121 445 3523

The Leys Residential Home

Old Birmingham Road

Alvechurch B48 7TQ

Offering a warm, welcoming and caring

environment for later years.

For further information, or to arrange

a visit, please call

0121 445 5587

James Giles

& Sons A FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL DIRECTORS

ESTABLISHED 1916

Serving all communities with dignity and understanding

Private Chapel of Rest

Day and Night Service

Woodland Burial

Golden Charter and Help the Aged Funeral Plans

Catering and Floral Tributes

Telephone 01527 872318 24 Stourbridge Road

Bromsgrove, Worcs, B61 0AE

My Favourite Bible Story THE HEALING OF THE PARALYTIC MAN Mark 2: 1-11 and Luke 5: 17-26 chosen by Jill Woolley One of my favourite bible stories is

the healing of the Paralytic Man. I imagine the four friends hearing

that Jesus – this man who has performed miraculous healings and is coming to nearby Capernaum – making plans to carry their friend, who is sick, to him. Struggling with an improvised stretcher to the house where Jesus is, they find it is crowded with no way in.

Then, with great ingenuity and effort, they get him onto the

roof and lower him down to the feet of Jesus. Jesus, surprised to find this man at his feet, looks up and sees the anxious faces looking down full of love for their friend, and faith that he will be healed. So Jesus says, “Your sins are forgiven.” Knowing these words would upset his critics, he added “Get up. Take your mat and go home.” Immediately he got up, picked up his mat and went home rejoicing with his friends whose love and faith had helped to restore his health. “This amazed everyone who was there and they praised God saying ‘We have never seen anything like this’”

I find this a wonderful story of love, faith and friendship. To

me it is the essence of the Christian faith. The other message –

Your sins are forgiven – is a constant encouragement to make a

fresh start.

Rowney Green Horticulture Society

Rowney Green Horticultural Society next meets at the Peace Hall on 14th November, 7.30pm for7.45pm , for AGM followed by cheese and wine.

On December7th the Christmas Party will be held,

members £12, non members £14. Priority will be given to members as there is a limited capacity.

More information from Janet tel 01527 69399.

Burcot Grange Residential

Care Setting for the Elderly

A unique blend of luxury country house living and quality forward thinking care, Burcot Grange is the perfect place for retirement living.

Long term care

Individua lly designed independent liv ing

suites

Short stay convalescent and holiday

accommodation

For more information or to arrange a visit go to www.burcotgrange.com

Burcot Grange, 23 Greenhill, Burcot, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 1BJ.

0121 445 5552 [email protected]

Book Your Event At The Ark

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A LOCAL VENUE FOR YOUR EVENT?

THE ARK is a modern award winning building adjoining the historic St Laurence Church in Alvechurch, Worcestershire. The ideal venue for Children’s Parties, Baptism Parties, Wedding Receptions, Funeral Wakes, Anniversary Celebrations, Exhibitions, Conferences, Training Days and much more....

To book the Ark or to discuss your event requirements contact: Ian Price (Parish Administrator & Event Organiser), The Ark, St Laurence Church, School Lane, Alvechurch, B48 7SB

Telephone: 0121 447 7955 (9am - 1pm) e-mail – [email protected] Website – www.thearkalvechurch.co.uk

More Skiffle In The Lounge There will be another skiffle afternoon at The Lounge Internet Cafe (in the Square) on 18th November 2pm to 4pm. Tickets cost £4 which includes sandwiches, cakes, coffee and teas plus a raffle and hearing the 6-5 Specials skiffle band. All profits will go to support The Lounge’s youth work. Tickets are limited, and will be sold at The Lounge on a first come, first served basis.

Christmas Lunches At The Ark Café

The Café continues with hot meals on the first three Thursdays in November and on the following Thursdays we will be holding our traditional Christmas lunches.

The details are as follows - NOVEMBER 7TH ROAST LAMB NOVEMBER 14TH SOMERSET CHICKEN NOVEMBER 21ST GLAZED GAMMON NOVEMBER 28TH CHRISTMAS LUNCH - TICKET ONLY DECEMBER 5TH CHRISTMAS LUNCH - TICKET ONLY Tickets for the Christmas Lunches will cost £12 and are

available from Ian Price at The Ark, Mon to Fri 9am to 1pm 0121 447 7955 or on any Thursday at the Ark Café.

We look forward to your continued support at all the above

lunches.

St Laurence Women’s Fellowship

We have our regular monthly meetings on the 4th Wednesday in the month in the Tanyard Centre meeting at 2pm. Our speaker for November 27th will be Peter Preece who will talk about “Birds, Butterflies and Mammals”.

Another date for your diary is Wednesday 18th December

at 2pm with Tony Braden's Showtime featuring keyboard carols and songs. Looking for friendship and fellowship? Come and join us.

Showroom and Workshop 338 Alcester Road, Burcot,

Bromsgrove B60 1BH

Tel: (01527) 876200 07710976744

All Work is to the Highest

Standard

D SEELEY AND

COMPANY

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS AND

REGISTERED AUDITOR

40 BEAR HILL, ALVECHURCH

TELEPHONE 0121 445 2445

Email: [email protected]

We offer a comprehensive service

including book-keeping, payroll, VAT,

accounts and taxation for sole traders,

partnerships, charities and

limited companies

Contact David or Susan Seeley to discuss

how we can help you

Registered to carry out Audit work by the

Institute of Chartered Accountants in

England & Wales

THOMAS

BROTHERS

Funeral Directors

Prepayment Plan,

Private Chapels,

"Woodland Burial" 24 hour Personal Service

A family-owned funeral directors offering a friendly, dignified service,

paying attention to detail.

Tel: 01527 547777 494 Evesham Road

Crabbs Cross, Redditch S.A.I.F.

12A Red Lion Street Alvechurch B48 7LF

0121 445 3422 S.A.I.F.

A Great Success Celia Hitch writes… A Macmillan Coffee Morning was

held at Rectory Cottage, Alvechurch to raise money for this fantastic charity.

Many thanks to everyone who helped and supported me at my coffee morning on 27th September. It was a huge success and raised an amazing £1,058. A further big thank you to the two kind people who gave generous donations.

Little Pebbles Wednesdays At The Ark

Regular Events At The Ark

Mondays - Pilates with Jenny. The two very popular classes

start at 6pm and 7pm. Contact Jenny on 07968363529.

Mondays - Forget-Me-Not is our very own informal bereavement group running once a fortnight at 2pm.

Mondays - Our very own monthly Ark Angels W.I. Group. Meeting on the 2nd Monday of the month at 7.30pm.

Tuesdays - Zumba with Stephanie. This fab fun fitness class starts at 7pm. Contact Stephanie on 07738059567.

Wednesdays - Little Pebbles children’s group starting at 10am. Run by the charity Action For Children.

Thursdays - Our very own children's play group ‘Mums The Word’ starting at 9.30am. It’s free, just pop along.

Thursdays - The ever popular Ark Café serving from 12.15pm.

Thursdays - Latin & Ballroom dance classes starting at 7.30pm. Run by Clive from Invitation to Dance. Clive also runs a monthly social dance at 8pm on the second Saturday of every month. Contact Clive on 07871170016.

Fridays - Yes even more Pilates with Jenny. Classes start at 9.30am and 10.30am. Contact Jenny on 07968363529.

Saturdays - Children’s dance classes run by Jo from Kicks School of Dance. Contact Jo on 07944916501.

For more details of any events at the Ark call Ian Price on 0121 447 7955 or e-mail [email protected]

Garden Centre Opening hours

Mon-Fri 9 to 5, Sat 10 to 4

Woodwork

Packing / assembly

Landscaping / maintenance

Support your local cha rity which offers peop le

with special needs the opportunity to

experience the real world of work.

Wellesbourne Close Easemore Road, Redditch B98 8ER 01527 69955

WHERE NEXT

ASSOCIATION

"Rectory Cottage Bed and Breakfast"

Old Rectory Lane, Alvechurch

offers warm and welcoming accommodation, with super breakfasts and attractive,

spacious bedrooms.

Contact Celia on

0121 445 4824, or visit our website

www. rectorycottage-alvechurch.co.uk

Kids Corner

Children’s Bible Quiz

Answers on page 19

Advanced Christmas Notice

There will be a traditional children's carol service at St Laurence Church on Christmas Eve, in place of the usual play. With performances at 4.30pm and 6pm. You are all warmly invited to come and join in with the children.

Are There Stars Out Tonight?

Well, if you are talking about 1st December there will be, because that is the day when we will be illuminating the stars on the top of the tower.

To mark the start of the Christmas season and the beginning of the church’s year there will

be a special service at 9.30am on that Sunday morning with particular activities for the younger members.

During this service the children of the church will turn on the stars which will shine across

the village throughout December proclaiming the good news that Jesus is coming! Why don’t you come and join us and start your Christmas in the right spirit.

Children In Need Charity Dance There is a FREE tango taster class for anyone, with or

without a partner, on Friday, 15 November from 7-8pm. Argentine Tango is an improvised partner dance which

relies on a connection with your partner and a feeling for the music of tango. It isn’t about ‘steps’ or ‘figures’ and the class will introduce this wonderful dance to anyone who would like to try it.

After the class, there is a Milonga (a tango social dance),

where tango, milonga and vals will be danced, and anyone attending the class is welcome to stay on for a while (or all night), to dance or just listen and watch. The evening is raising funds for Children in Need.

War Time Memories Barbara Waller writes...

I was working in London when war broke out in 1939 and remember vividly the journey on the 'tube' from Highgate to London Bridge Station. On the journey home in the evening the underground stations would be packed with people and their 'bedding'. They were settling down and preparing for the night, safe from the German bombers.

Living in North London, I experienced less bombing, but on one occasion an unexploded

bomb fell in a nearby garden. I was forced to evacuate. Having to walk a mile or more to new accommodation in the early hours of the morning, with shrapnel falling, was quite terrifying.

Having survived the 'blitz' in London, I was transferred to Birmingham. For a few months

I worked on the shipment of goods for 'Special War Communications'. The Civil Service was then required to release a percentage of girls aged between 18 and 24 to go in the forces or into nursing.

I had taken the Civil Service Exam as my father wished - and you did what you were told in those days! and was now able to volunteer for nursing. I was released and spent 4 years nursing, mainly at Barnsley Hall Emergency Hospital. We often worked long hours with the Red Cross Nurses. On several occasions, I remember having to work all day and then all night in the Plaster Theatre. This happened when a convoy of injured soldiers arrived and needed immediate treatment.

I have many happy memories, but some very sad ones. One which will live with me until I

die, is of the soldiers who had been Prisoners of War in Japan. They had marched for days, were ill-nourished and desperately thin. Due to their poor condition, they were only capable of shuffling.

All in all, they were happy and fulfilling years for which l am so thankful...... By Barbara Waller aged 92

Lest We Forget

As Remembrance Day draws near, it brings to mind some of the amazing things that have happened in one's lifetime...

This particular incident occurred

during World War II. In 1942 I was transferred from my Company in the Royal Engineers to join another unit in Egypt, which was based in Suez in readiness for the 8th Army Campaign in the Desert.

Eventually l and 5 other soldiers

were called into the C.O.'s Office and told we had to go on a special mission to Iraq.

On the journey we had to pass the

village of Nazareth, which we fully explored, then on to Galilee and Jordan and finally to a small village called Rutba, which was half way to Bagdad.

After working there for several

months, I was given a period of leave and asked where l wished to spend it.

My reply was, of course Jerusalem

and booked my stay at the YMCA Hostel which was situated on a road parallel to the City Wall.

The next morning l decided to visit the Old City inside the Wall, and as l walked down the

road, l could not believe what l was seeing. Walking towards me was my brother Jack, who was in the Royal Tank Regiment.

We hadn't seen each other since joining up and l had absolutely no idea where in the world

he was! We celebrated the reunion at the King George V Hotel nearby and had our photograph taken as a souvenir of this very special day…

By Robert Jones, aged 95

Full Steam Ahead Again The second Railway Exhibition of the year will be taking

place in St Laurence Church on SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER from 10.30.am to 3.00.pm.

There will be at least five railway layouts on display plus

traders and demonstrators together with a book and table top sale. Refreshments will be available in The Ark. The entrance fee is just £1.

Spring Clean! …. In Autumn?? Yes, we are going to have a spring clean in autumn. There must have been lots of other things

going on in the spring time because we forgot our annual tidy up and major clean of the church. So we are going to do it in time for Christmas. If you can spare a couple of hours on the morning of Saturday November 23rd you will be more than welcome. If you can bring your own cleaning equipment (dusters, mop, feather duster polish etc) you’ll be even more welcome.

We have a list of tasks which will suit all ages and genders so everyone can help. You may not be able to do everything but everyone can do something. Please come and join us to make the church look sparkling for Christmas.

News from the Tower Geoff Franklin writes…

It has been an uneventful summer in the tower with no major activities but our next outing will be our book stall and table top sale at the Railway Exhibition in the church on 16th November at 10.30am. If you've any unwanted books or any other items then talk to a bell ringer and we'll come and collect them. Have a good clear out before Christmas.

We'll be training a couple of new ringers over the winter but there's space for a couple more if you'd like to learn. Several people showed an interest at the dedication and when the tower was open last month and we'd be pleased to see you in the tower at 7:30pm on a Tuesday night.

Diversity In Stitch Several of the St Laurence Church Embroidery Group belong to Forge Mill Embroiderers who, as

their name suggests, were founded at the Needle Museum, Redditch. The group now meets at Beoley Village Hall but they still maintain a link with the museum and will be staging an exhibition there from Friday 18th October to Sunday 24th November. The exhibition reflects the wide range of styles and techniques used by the group members and will show traditional and modern skills worked by hand and machine. Techniques shown range from creating a fabric or surface to work into through a full spectrum of embroidery techniques to embellishing the finished surface to create a work of art.

The group aims to develop and extend the abilities of its members so the exhibition will include pieces which were the result of classes using outside tutors and also classes where the members shared their own skills. We hope some of you will find a little time to call in at the Needle Museum to see what we have created. Forge Mill Embroiderers held their own one day exhibition at Beoley Village Hall earlier this year. This was also entitled ‘Diversity In Stitch’, and some of the same pieces will be available for a second viewing but many new pieces have been included. At the one day exhibition we held a cushion tombola which raised £125 for Alzheimer’s Research. A friendship quilt started by Barbara Parsons and completed by the group was raffled and raised £80 for Cancer Research. Thanks to all those who supported us on that occasion and we hope to be so well supported for this new exhibition.

On the subject of exhibitions, if you haven’t already been to see ‘Creation – A Celebration’ by Sue Symons at the Ecumenical Centre in Redditch you have until 5th November. This amazing 42 panel book depicts an interpretation of Genesis in paint and embroidery and should not be missed even if you don’t think you are interested in embroidery. Hope you will all be inspired.

Janet Wright

Alvechurch Grand Christmas Craft Fayre

Saturday 16th November Doors open 2.00pm until 4.30pm

Alvechurch Village Hall

Proceeds for Maintenance of the Village Hall

Christmas Cards & Paper, Christmas Decorations,

Christmas Gifts, Handbags, Plants, Woodturning, Baby Items

& Clothing, Silver & Beaded Jewellery.

Tombola, Raffle & Home Made Cake Stall

Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Hot Mince Pies,

Sausage Rolls and Mulled Wine on sale

POST YOUR LETTER TO SANTA AND

VISIT HIM IN HIS GROTTO AT 3PM

Entrance Fee 50p

Shoe Box Appeal Once again Alvechurch is participating in the

Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal.

An abstract from the website

www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk says

it all:-

Operation Christmas Child is the world's

largest children's Christmas project, run by

the Christian charity Samaritan's Purse. We

have been sending gift-filled shoeboxes

around the world since 1990, bringing joy

and the hope of Jesus Christ into the lives of

over 100 million underprivileged children.

Last year, children and adults from across

the UK got involved - including many

churches, schools and workplaces -

wrapping, packing and sending nearly 1 million shoeboxes full

of gifts to disadvantaged children in Africa, Eastern Europe and

Central Asia.

From your hands into theirs... Giving a shoebox gift is really quite simple. You wrap and pack

it, we check and send it, and our in-country partners deliver it.

It starts in your hands and ends up in theirs

Please help us to bring a smile to the face of a underprivileged

child this Christmas. Bring your gifts to St Laurence church by

Sunday November 24th and we will see that they are sent on.

Just Talk To Me Prayer

Don't pretend to be happy if you are not Don't be overwhelmed if you’re feeling hopeless Don't worry if l'll do what you ask JUST TALK TO ME Don't feel you have to take all day or all night Don't feel the need to be serious or sombre or stressed Don't even think about wearing your fancy clothes JUST TALK TO ME Don't worry if you're pleasing me Don't think you have to have all the answers Don't try to feel anything different at all JUST TALK TO ME.....

Quiz answers - Across 3) Night, 7) Accept, 9) New, 10) Rewarded / Down 1) Church, 2) Light, 4) Gates, 5) Tears, 6) Gold, 8) Forever

Continuation of the Prayer from

Lee Abbey Community

Devon

Obituaries

Hazel Doreen Tindall

Hazel Tindall, well known by many for her enthusiastic contribution to Cookhill WI died on 15th August aged 82 years. Hazel’s life had been an active one. As a mother she was always busy providing in one way or another for her family. Whether it was producing rock cakes for Sallie, Jane Robert and Simon to take to school in their lunch box, or working in the strawberry fields, Hazel was committed to her family.

Others will remember her years as cook and lollipop lady for her local school, her years as a comptometer operator at Marsh and Baxters or as catering assistant at BT. Her sherry trifles were a legend among her children and grandchildren.

Hazel had a wonderful sense of humour and remained young at heart to the end. As a keen supporter of the Royal Family it was fitting that on the day before her sudden death she was on a trip to Allthorpe Hall, whilst her visit to Buckingham Palace delighted her and the family in many ways, not the least being that as a wheelchair user she was directed towards the very lift installed for the Queen Mother.

Her funeral took place on September the 5th at St Laurence church, the church in which she had been married 59 years ago, and her body was laid to rest alongside her late husband in the Woodland burial site at Westall Park.

David John Willmott

Dick Russell, LLM (Reader), writes:

David John Willmott, whose funeral took place in St Laurence Church on 17th September, followed by burial in the Churchyard, was born into a plumbing family in Kings Norton in 1937, but when he was only 9 months old the family moved to Alvechurch, This has led to three generations of Willmott plumbing in the village. David attended the village school, where there was also a girl called Sandra; and yes, their friendship became what novelists and song-writers delight their readers with, namely

childhood sweet-hearts.

David later began his working life under his father's tutelage which was interrupted by being called up for National Service. This was at the time that the Suez Canal was nationalised by Colonel Nasser, and, with what seemed like the imminence of war, he was drafted to Cyprus. However the incident was later defused, and Cyprus became recognised as one of the better places to be posted, in spite of the Eoka terrorism which erupted there at around this time.

On returning to civilian life, David undertook a vocational course at Hall Green Technical College. He married Sandra in 1960, and they set up home in a flat above Ernst Rassmussen's farmhouse in Radford Road. In 1963 he started his own business and they moved to 65 Old Rectory Lane.

Always a promising sportsman, having been called up for a trial for the England Schoolboys' Squad, which because of an injury he had sustained he was unable to take up, he nevertheless played for Alvechurch F. C. during its glory-days.

When the children were young David and Sandra acquired a cottage just over the Welsh Border near Hay-on-Wye, and had many memorable holiday times there. These gave way to occasional holidays abroad, but this property is still rented out as 'holiday lets'.

Their three children all attended the village schools, following in their parents' footsteps.

Like all people who work for themselves, David worked long hours in his business. He had always enjoyed the delights of a garden, and living in the country, but had little opportunity to make of it what he has since 'officially' retiring, and 'letting the young ones take over', though I am told he never entirely 'let go of the tiller', as it were. But at the age of 70 he and Sandra moved into their new family home, the old farmhouse on Scarfield Hill, and the attention to detail that pervaded his working life has obviously been transferred to this house and garden.

David died suddenly from two consecutive strokes following a busy day in the garden on the 6th September, thus ending a life of service to the community, bringing up a happy family, appreciative of children and grandchildren who have loved him in return, and whose days on earth have been in harmony with God's created world around him.

Elizabeth (Bettie) Goulding

6.8.1914 – 4.10.2013 Passed away peacefully at Tutnall Hall Nursing

Home aged 99 years. Bettie was a much loved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. In the past she was a very active and involved member of Hopwood and Alvechurch village life, particularly through her connections with the Church and Women's Institute. She will be very sadly missed.

(from the family via Thomas Brothers)

Eileen Dawn Middleton

A talented local artist, tap-dancer, and choreographer who obtained a BA degree at the age of sixty-five and who lived out her Christian faith through helping others, died on 26 September at the age of 83.

Eileen Dawn Middleton was one of two girls born to James and Lilian MacCracken of Moorpark Road, Northfield. She is survived by her sister, Valerie.

After attending St Laurence School, Northfield and Kings Norton Girls Grammar School she worked as a secretary for Boxfoldia in Selly Oak. Further employment was with Lesser Bros (now Dolland Aitchinson), Archbishop Masterson’s RC Boys School (where she was School Secretary) and Birmingham University Medical Centre (where she was a medical secretary).

In 1950 she married Jack Middleton and they shared thirty-six years together before his death in 1987. She was the mother of two children – David and Judith – grandmother to six – Rebecca, Laura, Emily, Naomi, Thomas and Leah – and great-grandmother to Sophie and Poppy. She loved her family dearly.

For many years she was a member of the Northfield Institute where she practised and developed her artistic talents. She was also a member of Northfield Operatic Society for thirty-years, both singing, dancing, choreographing and working backstage. Later in life she took up tap-dancing and attained Gold Bar standard. At the age of 60 she embarked upon an Open University degree course and obtained a BA degree in Fine Art. Not only did she study at home but she undertook overseas visits to see for herself the art works she was studying.

After living in Coley’s Lane, Northfield she moved to Blythesway, Alvechurch in 1992. She joined St Laurence Church and was a regular worshipper at the Family Service. She read lessons, acted as a Sidesperson and served coffee after services. She also became an indispensable helper with the weekly Wednesday Clubs run by Bekka New, Gareth Howles and Mark Isgrove. Having been a Sunday School teacher at St John the Baptist’s Church, Longbridge in her earlier days, she brought her artistic talents to the various Alvechurch children’s groups and produced imaginative art and craft work for the children to do. She was a founder of the Tuesday Coffee Shop that meets in the Village Hall and she undertook weekly visits to the housebound and those in need.

In December 2012 she moved to The Lawns Residential Home where she was well cared for and contented.

She will be remembered as a person who loved life, loved her family, was modest and unassuming, helpful and generous. She was a lady of faith who put her Christian beliefs into practice through a lifetime of service.

Her funeral took place in St Laurence Church on Wednesday 9 October and was conducted by the former Rector, The Reverend David Martin. The hymns sung were All things bright and beautiful and William Blake’s Jerusalem. The Committal followed at Redditch Crematorium.

From The Registers

Funerals and Cremations May they rest in the peace of Christ

September 5 Hazel Doreen Tindall aged 82 October 4 Elizabeth (Bettie) Goulding aged 99 October 9 Eileen Middleton aged 83 October 18 Cynthia Payne aged 81

Marriages Those whom God has joined together

October 12 Christopher Lamb and Laura Klette

Baptisms We welcome you into the Lord’s family

Photographs of the newly-baptized can be found on the church website - www.alvechurch-stlaurence.org

September 22 Beatrice Iles Emily Groocock Hazel Vernon

3rd November 10th November 17th November 24th November

Sanctuary Virginia Davis Remembrance

Lady Chapel Virginia Davis Remembrance

In Memory of Mr G Catley

Flowers For November

I am most grateful to Lynda Wolstencroft, Elizabeth Clement, Brenda Davies and Helen Jones for taking over the Harvest Festival flowers in church. Although I ordered the flowers I was unable to be part of the group due to a procedure on my spine that I had in hospital a few days prior to harvest. I saw photographs and I don't think I was missed - the church looked wonderful! They tell me that Betty Bushell came along to help and made them all coffee. Thank you all once again. Dorothy Davenport will be responsible as usual for the poppy arrangements for Remembrance Sunday. I did not have any offers of help as requested for the rest of October but am hoping that some help will be forthcoming for the 17th and 24th November, after which we will be in the season of Advent - yes really so soon! Many thanks Ann Thurrell 0121 447 7668.

Rector To be confirmed, The Rectory, School Lane 445 1087

[email protected] Licensed Lay Ministers Mr Dick Russell, 2 Gothic Cottages, Radford Rd 445 3083

Ms Sue Phillips Withybed Green 445 3620 Authorised Lay Ministers Mrs Helena Allen, 117 Birmingham road 445 5605

Mr Phil Burgess Highlands, School Lane, 447 7468

Mr Graham Clark, The Coach House, School Lane, 445 2547

Ms Gloria Wilson, 11 Bear Hill Drive 445 1854

Mrs Philippa Brakes, 56 Callow Hill Road 445 3983 Mrs Lynne Clark, The Coach House, School Lane 445 2547 Mrs Jayne Burgess, Highlands, School Lane 447 7468 Mrs Annette Thomas 8 Snake Lane 445 5180

Churchwardens Mr Graham Clark, The Coach House, School Lane. 445 2547

Mr Mick Fletcher , 52 Callow Hill Road 445 6431

Deputy Wardens Mr Colin Bennett, 122 Redditch Road, 01527 64077 Mr Andy Humphries, Sunnymead, Station Road 445 5955

Mr David Richmond, The Ferns, Chapel Lane 445 3569 Mrs Alison Smith, 12 Hollington Road 447 7293

PCC Secretary Mrs Enid Brumsen 32 Callow Hill Road 445 0663 PCC Treasurer Mr Graham Clark, The Coach House, School Lane 445 2547

Organist & Choirmaster Mr David Richmond, The Ferns, Chapel Lane 445 3569

Electoral Roll Officer Mrs Janet Wright, 28 Callow Hill Road 445 4335 Tower Captain Mr Colin Bennett, 122 Redditch Road 01527 64077 Singing Group Mrs Lynda Wolstencroft 49 Hinton Avenue Tel: 445 3212

Mum’s the Word Mrs Kate Grove - 07773509390 Flower Co-ordinator Mrs Ann Thurrell, Top Barn, Scarfield Hill 447 7668

Women’s Fellowship Mrs Jill Woolley, 111 Birmingham Road 445 2125 Ark Booking Secretary ) Mr Ian Price, the Ark School Lane, 447 7955

& Grapevine advertising ) [email protected]

Grapevine Editor)

Finance and Standing Committee Task Committee

Graham Clark Mike Fletcher Alison Smith Jeremy Roberts Alison Smith Bob Dale Lynne Clark Sue Phillips

Jeremy Roberts Bob Dale

Children and Youth Churchyard Martin Allen Mike Fletcher Bob Dale Andy Humphries Pat Booth Mike Fletcher Peru and Missionary

Buildings and Fabric Sue Phillips Dick Russell Mick Fletcher Colin Bennett Sue Brotherton Margaret Haste

David Richmond Jill Woolley Worship Janet Wright Barbara Scane Martin Allen Graham Clark Enid Brumsen David Richmond

PCC Special Responsibilities

Who’s who

mailto:[email protected]

Calendar

NOVEMBER

Sunday 3rd 2.30pm Alvechurch Village Society Walk: meet at Tanyard Lane car park Thursday 7th 9.30am Mums The Word: The Ark 12.15pm Ark Café: Roast Lamb Monday 11th 2.00pm Forget-Me-Not group: The Ark Thursday 14th 9.30am Mums The Word: The Ark 12.15pm Ark Café: Somerset Chicken Friday 15th 7.00pm Invitation To Dance: Children In Need charity dance: The Ark FREE Tango class 7-8pm followed by Tango social evening Saturday 16th 10.30am Railway Exhibition & table top sale & book stall: St Laurence Church 2.00pm Christmas Craft Fayre: Alvechurch Village Hall 7.00pm The Midland Sinfonia Quiz and Supper : The Ark 7.00pm Proms At The Bridge: Evesham Road, Headless Cross, Redditch DECEMBER GRAPEVINE GOES TO PRESS

Monday 18th 2.00pm Skiffle afternoon: The Lounge in The Square Thursday 21st 9.30am Mums The Word: The Ark 12.15pm Ark Café: Glazed Gammon Saturday 23rd 7.00pm Inspirational Women Awards: The Ark Monday 25th 2.00pm Forget-Me-Not group: The Ark Wednesday 27th 2.00pm St Laurence Women’s Fellowship: Peter Preece talk on Birds, Butterflies and Mammals 7.45pm Alvechurch Village Society: Worldwide sailor talk: Village hall Thursday 28th 9.30am Mums The Word: The Ark 12.15pm Ark Café: Christmas Lunch: Ticket only £12 Friday 29th 10.00am Christmas bauble making class: Alvechurch Library Saturday 30th 2.30pm Messy Church: St Laurence Church and The Ark

HARLEQUIN PRINT LTD, 26 Castle Road, Kings Norton Business Park, Birmingham, B30 3HZ. Tel: 0121 459 3454 FAX: 0121 458 3089 Email: [email protected]

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