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Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Finedon.

Parish Magazine

April 2013 50p

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Finedon Parish Church: St Mary The Virgin

Vicar: The Revd Richard Coles, Parish Priest,

St Mary the Virgin Finedon, The Vicarage,

Church Hill, Finedon, Northants, NN9 5NR

01933 681 786, Mobile 07885 967 960

email: revdrichardcoles@yahoo.co.uk

Assistant Honorary Priest Fr Peter Baden,01832 733186

email: p.baden36@btinternet.com

Parish Clerk Mrs Gill Foster Tel: 680364 (To whom first

contact for Baptisms and weddings must be

made).

Churchwardens: Mrs Jane Read Tel: 680522

Mr Neil Forster Tel: 682177

PCC Secretary: Mrs Gill Foster Tel: 680364

Treasurer: Mr Andrew Weatherill Tel: 682212

Magazine Editor: Mrs Janet Millington, Tel: 681161.

E-mail: millingtonjanet@aol.com

(to whom all copy should addressed by

the 15th of the month prior to publication)

Director of Music Mr Jonathan Harris Tel: 01604 881182

Email: Hjonathan83@aol.com

Deputy Organists Mrs. Kathy Roberts

Mr Oliver Grigg

Choirmaster: Mr. Bryan Chapman Tel: 398818

Tower Captain Mr Bryan Chapman, Tel 398818

Web Site www.finedonphotographs.org.uk/

bellringers.html

Archivist Mr John Bailey Tel 680747

St Michael’s Mission Room: Mrs Helen Watts Tel: 01933 398073

Times Of Services: Sundays

8.00 am Holy Eucharist

9.30 am Parish Eucharist.

6.00 pm Evensong (1st Sunday of the

Month)

Visit us on the Web at www.stmarysfinedon.co.uk

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From the Vicarage

Easter 2013.

Spring has – finally – sprung. From the humble municipal crocus to the

wildest frothiest blackthorn the signs of rebirth are all around us. Not

only in nature, but also in the Church with a new Pope in Rome and a

new Archbishop in Canterbury.

Their message coincides with nature’s: renewal. Lambs, if you can find

any, jumping around the fresh lushness of fields, the almost

overwhelming tune-up of the dawn chorus and the spring in all our

steps with the lengthening of days give a sort of multi-media back up

to the wonderful story we read in the Bible, of Mary Magdalene going

to the tomb to grieve for Jesus and finding instead a figure she

mistakes for the gardener.

Of course she did, because the truth, standing there in front of her

was so unexpected, so wonderful, she couldn’t see who he really was.

Not the gardener – a nice touch that she thinks he’s the one who

tends the cemetery flower beds – but the Son of God, risen from the

grave for her, and for us all. In fact she only recognises who he is when

he says her name; and then as she reaches out to him, he tells her

something very important: “do not cling to me”. Why? Because he

has places to go, people to see, his ascension to the right hand of

God.

His return is not to business as usual, but to new life, which transforms

fear into hope, and darkness into light, and death into life.

Alleluia!

Yours in the risen Christ,

Fr Richard.

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Our Worship in April

Year C 7th – 2nd Sunday of Easter Acts 5: 27-32 Psalm 118: 14-end Revelation 1: 4-8 John 20: 19-31

Hymns 136 Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord 153 Now the green blade riseth 166 Crown him with many crowns Anthem: This joyful Eastertide (161) 543 (Tune 1) O praise ye the Lord! 7th – 2nd Sunday of Easter Evensong 148 Jesus lives! Responses: Smith Psalm 66 (v1-11) 141 (Tune Orientis Partibus) Christ the Lord is risen again! Canticles: Turle / Baker (Set A) Anthem: Good Joseph had a garden (146) 172 The head that once was crowned with thorns 14th – 3rd Sunday of Easter Acts 9: 1-6 Psalm 30 Revelation 5: 11-14 John 21: 1-19

Hymns 362 Tell out, my soul 612 We have a gospel to proclaim 137 Alleluia! hearts to heaven and voices raise Anthem: Good Christians all, rejoice and sing (145) 162 Ye choirs of new Jerusalem

21st – 4th Sunday of Easter Acts 9: 36-end Psalm 23 Revelation 7: 9-end John 10: 22-30

Hymns 163 All hail the power of Jesus’ name 416 (Tune 2) Father, hear the prayer we offer 589 (Tune 2) The King of love my shepherd is Anthem: Bruckner Locus Iste 54 I cannot tell

28th - 5th Sunday of Easter Acts 11: 1-18 Psalm 148: 1-6 Revelation 21: 1-6 John 13: 31-35

Hymns 311 Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour 158 The Lord is risen indeed 468 I danced in the morning Anthem: Christ is alive! Let Christians sing (140) 555 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven* Organ Voluntaries following the 9.30am services

7th April – Malcolm Archer: Festival Fanfare 14th April – G.F.Handel : The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Solomon 21st April – J.C.Simon: Praeludium et fuga ex c-moll 28th April - J.S.Bach: Prelude and Fugue in C minor BWV 549 Organ Voluntaries following evensong 7th April – Jacques van Oortmerssen: Chorale Prelude Nun ruhen alle Wälder

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Floodlight Sponsorship 3rd March Carole Heywood - to celebrate her mum Alice Smith's 90th Birthday by Rosemary Nicholls & Elizabeth Garrod- in memory of their dad Walter George (Brock) Nicholls on his 60th Years Mind Memorial Jean, Margaret & Shirley in memory of their mother, Dorothy Harris Charles & Linda Mustard - in memory of Mike Wild of Alcossebre in Spain, who is sadly missed

10th March Alice Smith - in memory of her husband, Ronald Walter Smith Nancy Bollard - in memory of her son, Michael Bollard Janet & all the Family - in memory of Alan Maclean

17th March

David Bailey & Janet Millington - in memory of Roy Bailey Valerie Richardson, Jane & David - in memory Derek on 18th March (Which would have been his birthday) John Bedford - in memory of Fr Bryan Matthews.

24th March

Rod & Jan Lawman - to wish Elliot a happy 20th birthday and good luck with his job in Cambodia. Glyn, Eileen, George & Jan - happy memories of Kenny Ball And All That Jazz

Parochial Church

Council

A reminder that people wishing to serve on the PCC, will need to complete your forms by Sunday 7th April.

They are the green forms which can be found on the wooden box near the service books at the back of Church.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Fr Richard who has been our Parish Priest for 2 years in April. His first Sunday was Palm Sunday, 2011. Thank you Fr Richard for coming to Finedon - from his Parishioners.

Organ Restoration

Update

A grant application has now been submitted to SITA for the organ restoration and we shall soon be meeting with an officer from the Heritage Lottery who have expressed an initial interest in supporting the project. The result of the grant application to Church Care will be known by 19th April and the application to The Pilgrim Trust within 3 months.

Church Children's

Choir

The choir rehearses at school on a Friday morning at 8.15am. There are currently ten children in the choir; they are all making good progress towards their White Level RSCM Singing Award. Hopefully it won't be long before we will hear them singing as a choir one Sunday in church.

Evensong Choral Evensong will be held in St Mary’s Church on Sunday 7th April at 6.00 pm. This will be followed by light refreshments.

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Flower Festival Open

Meeting

An open meeting regarding this year's Flower Festival will be held in church on Monday 22 April at 8.00 pm If you are not able to attend the meeting but would be interested in doing an arrangement please contact either Chris Chapman or Muriel Brooks

The Bonkers Band Tea

Party

The band will be holding a tea/coffee/cakes and sing-a-long afternoon at Finedon Bowls Club on Tuesday 23rd April from 2.00 - 4.00 pm to raise money for the Hannah Payne Riding School for Blind and Disabled Children. We hope that the funds already raised, and this afternoon, will be enough to buy the school a new pony. The Band has seen the difference that riding makes to these children. Please come along and support this worthy cause. Tickets are £3.00 and are available from Joyce Williams on 01933 398767

Women’s World Day of

Prayer The Women’s World Day of Prayer on Friday 1st March was held this year in the Chapel. It was well supported by the ladies from the Church and Chapel most of whom had a significant part to play in the service. So thank you to all who gave up their time to take part in ‘ I

was a stranger and you welcomed me’ written by women of France. We even sang a hymn in French, responses in Latin and Taize responses to the Intercessions. After the service we were treated to a French gateau, usually made for special occasions, which had been made by Thomas Gauvrit and was delicious. Everyone commented on the very enjoyable service and afternoon spent with the Chapel ladies. Next year it is the Church’s turn and the service is being written by the ladies of Egypt so all come.

Lyra Ensemble The Lyra singers will be visiting the church again this year on Wednesday 22nd May. Tickets available soon.

Oriana Singers The Oriana Singers are holding a concert on Friday 19th April entitled 'Crocks of Gold' at St Leonards Church, Hardwick at 7.30pm. Tickets £8 to include a glass of wine and canapes from Jackie on 01933 677677.

Ladies of the WI Group

The ladies of the Women’s Institute group are meeting at the Mission Room, Well Street, at 7.30pm on Monday 8th April. We will be making Greetings Cards, so please bring some old cards with you, we will supply the rest. No charge for this meeting, just a small charge for tea/coffee and biscuits.

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Boobs & Brass

In 2006, two friends – Jane and Margaret - who both play the cornet in a brass band, sat talking over a cup of tea when Jane revealed it had always been a dream of hers to form an "all ladies" band but had only ever got round to 'thinking' about it.Margaret decided it was time Jane did something about it and volunteered to help her. Within six weeks they had enough volunteers to form the brass band and to perform a

concert and it was decided that any proceeds from this concert would be donated to charity. The charities chosen were the Ophthalmic Dept of Kettering General Hospital (where Jane works) and Breast Cancer Campaign – Researching the Cure, which they thought to be very appropriate. 40 female musicians – hence the name of the band. They have built a network of female players now from Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire Leicestershire, Hertfordshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Hampshire and Yorkshire - who want to be part of this concept – many of them having had close relatives or friends suffer from breast cancer. Since their first concert they have raised £105,692 for charity. £92,472 of this has been donated to Breast Cancer Campaign.

Church of St Mary the Virgin

Meat Bingo

on

Friday 12th April

at the

Mulso School Wellingborough Road

at 7.30 pm

Admission Free Refreshments available

Raffle

Everyone Welcome

Transport is available. For details please telephone

Andrew Weatherill on 682212

Boobs & Brass

Concert

(in aid of Breast Cancer &

St Mary’s Church)

on

Saturday 18th May

2013 at

St Mary’s Church,

Church Hill, Finedon

at

7.30 pm

Tickets £10.00

Available from

01933 681161 &

01933 680522

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Townswomen’s Guild

The meeting this month will be held on Thursday 4th April at 7.30pm in the Town Hall. Our speaker will be Denise Legge who will come dressed as Elizabeth , a Tudor Housewife and will tell us about life in her time. There will be a plant sale during the ‘Social Half Hour’ run by the Flower Group. Any spare plants from members gardens will be gratefully accepted. The competition will be for a posy and there will be time for a chat and catch up during the coffee break. This is the start of a new year so ladies why not come and join us and find out more. visitors are always welcome for a small sum of £3.

Finedon Local History

Society The next meeting of the History Society will be held on Monday 22nd April 2013 in the Mission Room, Well Street at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Professor Jon Stobart who will give a talk on ‘Consumption and the Georgian Country House’, showing how the penchant of the Georgian landed gentry for spending vast sums of money marked out the behaviour of the aristocracy as a consuming rather than a productive class. Admission is £2.50 for members and £3.50 for non-members including light refreshments.

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Finedon Townswomen’s Guild Drama Group

will be presenting

Two One-Act Plays on

Tuesday 23rd April 2013 at 7.30pm

in Finedon Town Hall

Tickets: £6.50 (including Refreshments)

(Contact: 01933 680364)

A donation to charity will be made from the proceeds

Finedon Local History Society

will be holding a

Quiz Night with

Fish/Chicken & Chip Supper

at 7.15pm

on Thursday 18th April

at the Bowls Club,

Wellingborough Road

Tickets are £6.00 per person

Entries for teams are invited.

Please phone Malcolm Peet on 680773

or Jeremy Millington on 681161

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In My Day

the ramblings of Hubert James In my day it was about this time of year that the Tickle

Season would begin. Competitive tickling was very popular for a few years back then. You’ll remember that the aim of the competition was to see who could survive the longest tickle without laughing. Course, if you was naturally glum you had an head start. If you were a sorrowfully sullen spouse you could have an international career. Now I know what you’re thinking, the time is right for a revival. As I wandered about the town this weekend, I spotted a dozen potential world champions. But the thing is; tickling has pretty well died out. When was the last time you were in the Co-op comparing quality teas when someone crept up behind you and gave you surprise tickling? In my day, competitive tickling peaked when it was included in the Commonwealth Games. And we had our own tickling star Morose Mary from Mulso Road. When Mary was in training you’d be taking your laugh in your hand just walking along Wellingborough Road. Mary would lie in wait with her honed digits flexed. Laughter echoed all the way to Bell Hill as she leapt out and let her fingers ripple up the sides of her victim. None of us were surprised when she was picked for the English Team, at the Games. Tickling was a game of strategy and at those games it was played on a

knock-out basis. Mary spent the winter in the Star Hall trying to control the natural urge to laugh at the pantomime. Her control was fantastic and she had to be led from the auditorium when her lack of guffaw undermined the confidence of the actors. In fact she had only one weak area, or more specifically two. The backs of her knees. These were highly sensitive. If an opponent experimented with a low blow she would collapse in fits of giggles. Course, most ticklers never went anywhere near the knee so she quickly reached the Games semi-final. She had high hopes but had no answer to the Fijian champion who it later turned out had cheated his way into the final by secreting a feather in the palm of his hand. The scandal put an end to the international version of the sport. Mary treasured her bronze medal which she displayed on her mantelpiece. This backfired because looking at it always brought a smile to her face. Happiness scuppered her career. She did retain another memory from the Games. Her supporters came up with a specific chant whenever an opponent attacked her upper body or arms. You’ll recall; It’s the wrong way to tickle Mary.

Church Monthly Draw

Total receipts of £290.00 are divided equally between the winners and the church funds. Winning numbers for the March monthly draw are: 1st prize 35 £72.50 2nd prize 13 £43.50 3rd prize 220 £29.00 If you would like to join the monthly draw (£1.00 per share per month) which takes place in the church on the first Sunday of the month, please contact Kathy Hobbs on 01933 398794.

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Reports for 2013 PCC

AGM

St Mary the Virgin Choir &

Music Report for the year to

March 2013 In April 2012 the choir was successful in achieving a merit in the RSCM Bishops’ Award for Choir. In late April the choir was joined by members of St Mary’s, Higham Ferrers choir to sing at the Confirmation Service led by the Bishop of Brixworth held here in Finedon; the anthem was S.S.Wesley’s Blessed be God the Father. In June, the Finedon Festival Chorus was formed to sing at the Festal Evensong to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee; music included Parry’s I Was Glad complete with the Vivats. In July, when the church hosted the County Council Civic Service, the choir sang Handel’s Halleluiah Chorus with Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor performed on the organ during the service. In September the Festival Chorus sang for the Flower Festival Evensong; music included a soloist singing Hildegard de Bingen’s Ave Generosa, Stanford’s Bb canticles and Gorecki’s Totus Tuus. In October the choir joined other choirs from the Diocese to sing in Peterborough Cathedral at the annual Diocesan Choral Festival, where the choir was presented the RSCM Bishop’s Award and Joanne Needle (alto) was presented the RSCM Dean’s Award.

Winter months continued to be busy; well attended special services included the annual All Souls’ remembrance evensong, Advent Carol Service, Christmas Carol Service which included the school choir, Midnight Mass and Epiphany Carol Service. In December 2012 the anthem Hear my cry, O God written by Jonathan Harris for the Induction of Fr Richard in 2011, was performed in Lambeth Palace at one of the final services led by Archbishop Rowan Williams. February started with our monthly choral evensong attended by the Bishop of Brixworth. On Saturday 23

rd

February we sang for the first time as a Visiting Choir at Peterborough Cathedral. 25 singers performed with Jonathan directing and Nathan Lam (18 year old Senior Organ Scholar at All Saints’ Northampton) playing the organ. Music included: Responses by Smith; Canticles by Daniel Purcell; Introit - Farrant Lord, for thy tender mercies’ sake and the anthem Evening Hymn by Balfour Gardiner. Following this the choir started preparing for a complete performance of Stainer’s Crucifixion on Good Friday. In addition the choir has sung a wide repertoire of music in monthly Choral Evensong and weekly morning services, as well as at weddings and in regular visits to Rosewood Court residential home.

Following a meeting in September with the RSCM Regional Officer, Jon Payne, a five year music plan has been created (see below). This includes starting a Church Children’s Choir; this choir was formed in February, rehearsing in the Junior

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School on Friday mornings before school, led by Jonathan Harris with the support of Joanne Needle. We have started with ten children in the choir and hope they will come and sing at a church service soon.

During the year, one of our members, Gill Dunn, took on the role of Publicity Officer to the local Peterborough & Northampton RSCM Branch. This, along with Jonathan Harris being Treasurer and Website officer for the Northampton & District Organists’ Association, has helped publicise events and promote our choir in the area. In April 2012, our choir website was launched www.choirofstmarythevirginfinedon.com, which has been a useful place to put information about the choir, and recordings of the choir and organ have been put on the church website (www.stmarysfinedon.co.uk).

Numbers in the choir have increased over the year and now regularly includes 4 children, 5 sopranos, 3 altos, 4 tenors and 4 basses. For special services and evensongs the choir is reinforced with other occasional members. The Festal evensongs have had around 35 in the choir each time singing as part of the Finedon Festival Chorus; these have been conducted by Robert Page, with Jonathan Harris playing the organ.

In February 2013 we changed hymn books to Common Praise. In addition, we have invested in the New Church Anthem books, Carols for Choirs books, new folders for the choir, additional Psalters, morning service music booklets and various booklets such as those containing responses and canticles.

The church has been proactive in raising funds for the Organ Fund. The DAC approved the Faculty for the work to the organ (January 2013) and grant applications are currently being processed. The estimated cost of the restoration is £51450. As soon as the money is raised we will be able to sign the contract and start work soon after. The organ restorers will be Holmes & Swift, with the art work on the front pipes being restored by Jenny Duffy. John Norman, an Independent Organ Advisor, will oversee the project.

We have welcomed several visiting organists throughout the year who have been interested in the historical importance of the instrument. Michael Needle, our new Junior Organ Scholar, performed in a morning service for the first time in February 2013. In November 2012, shelving was put up behind the organ console to house the Stanley Vann collection of organ music.

Future plans include: Developing the Church Children’s Choir Holding a Come & Sing Choral Evensong as part of the RSCM 50:50 Sunday on 23

rd June

Festal Evensong as part of September’s Flower Festival weekend Continued effort to raise funds for the organ restoration Hosting a Northampton & District Organists’ Association event (Saturday 18

th May at 3pm). This is a

talk by Revd Richard Coles on The relationship between Church Musicians and the Clergy Jonathan Harris Director of Music, St Mary the Virgin, Finedon

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Music Vision 2013-2017

ORGAN – a) complete restoration of the organ b) promote learning the organ by being open to organists to practise or learn the organ; offer organ scholarship and lessons on the organ. c) to welcome any visiting organists or Organ Associations to try the organ. d) to celebrate the completion of the Organ Restoration with an Organ Recital and include article in local and national music journals. CHILDREN a) to increase the number of children in the choir, both Junior and Secondary School age b) to start a children’s choir aimed at Junior School age children (when too old, the children will be encouraged to join the main choir if they’re not already members) CHOIR a) increase numbers within each part for regular Sunday morning services (target: one additional adult per part each year i.e. minimum 4 new adult members per year); b) increase the amount of singers who will join us on occasion e.g. for monthly Choral Evensongs or Carol services c) Finedon Festival Chorus – aim for 2 major services each year 1. Flower Festival Choral Evensong 2. One other service during the year d) Cathedral Visit – establish singing ‘Choral Evensong’ as an annual occasion at Peterborough Cathedral e) Continue supporting local events such as Deanery services, local RSCM events and the annual Diocesan Choral Festival

CONCERTS – a) continue to be open to visiting choirs or musicians to use the church as a performance venue b) to arrange two major concerts with a visiting choir and/or visiting organist – one concert for the completion of the restoration of the organ; one for the 300

th anniversary

of the installation of the organ (17th

May 1717) COMMUNICATION – a) build up a network of connections regarding music at St Mary’s through social media, the choir website, local RSCM contacts, Northampton & District Organists’ Association, local schools and word-of-mouth b) Include regular music updates in the Sunday Sheet and Parish Magazines

Mothers’ Union ‘Christian Care for Families’ This past year most of our fundraising efforts have gone towards the work of the Mothers’ Union Worldwide. A successful strawberry tea raised £150 for the Mothers’ Union ‘Wheels Appeal’, enabling MU workers to reach remote areas of their diocese. Over £70 was given to the ‘Relief Fund’ which received calls for help from the Sudan and the refugee camps in Somalia. Our own church benefited by £120 raised at our Bring and Buy sale. During the course of the year we’ve had speakers about ‘Remembering College’ to the ‘Improbable Saints’ As a small group we would welcome anyone who would like to join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 2.30 pm in the Mission Room to hear about the work of the Mothers’ Union. Mary Shipton

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Flower Festival Report

It was another good year for the Flower Festival 2012. The theme was ‘Live to Work – Work to Live’ and we began our fundraising in January with a jumble sale. In June we prepared and served teas, when Mary Hendry opened up her garden for the NGS. From the profit made a donation is given to NGS. We were asked to decorate the church for a few weddings. Payment for wedding flowers is the cost of the flowers plus a 40% donation to our funds. All fund raising goes to cover the expenses at the Flower Festival. We are very lucky to have many organisations that very generously pay the costs of their own arrangements which cuts down our expenses. The Flower Festival Committee would like to thank all those organisations and individuals who work so hard to ensure the continued success of the Flower Festival.

Parish Magazine The church magazine continues to reach over 300 homes (including complimentary issues to the advertisers and disbributors). Each year our subscription rate increases slightly. I would like to thank the dedicated team of helpers who distribute the magazines monthly throughout the year whatever the weather! The advertising space continues to be filled with an assortment of businesses. Two advertising payments were received too late for 2012 accounts so will be reflected in 2013 records.. This year we were able to hand over

to the church funds £3,000.00. This has resulted in a balance below £1,000.00 to start 2013. At the time of writing we are on target for paying the printers and the balance is rising steadily. Joan D Cale, treasurer

Saint Michael’s Mission

Room Report For 2012

The sub-committee continued meet throughout the year to ensure that the hall was adequately maintained. Mrs Helen Watts has continued to be responsible for bookings and the accounts with the support of her husband The hall continues to be well used, on many days at least two groups use the room. The old wooden door at the rear of the building has been replaced with a new white plastic door at a cost of £635. A new thermostat has been fitted to ensure that the temperature of the room can be more easily controlled by users. In addition members of the sub-committee undertook a number of maintenance jobs including sealing of the floor and painting the lower half of the walls. The committee are continuing to explore the possibility of refurbishing the toilets. It is also planned to upgrade the emergency lighting. The policies for Lettings, Conditions of Hire, Health and Safety and Fire protection have been monitored during the year and the necessary safety checks undertaken. The income in 2012 was £4943.82 and the expenditure £3855.54 resulting in an end of year balance of £4208.54. Malcolm Peet

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Archivist’s Report for 2012

Search fees of £58 were paid into the Church Funds. I have supplied information to a descendant of Thomas Burton, one of our intruding incumbents. £48.10 was taken in admission fees to the Monk’s Cell at the Flower Festival. As usual, I was assisted by Jamie Smith, who for the first time gave some of the talks. I am hopeful that Jamie may eventually succeed me as Archivist. I have amended the List of Incumbents to add the name of the Revd. Richard Coles. I have written a new edition of the Church Guide to replace the previous edition, which I wrote in 1977. At Philip Powis’s instigation, I have rewritten the information panel for the triple portrait of Fell, Dolben, and Allestree, which Philip generously paid to have framed. I have provided information to the P.C.C. regarding the unlikely existence of a Lay Rector, or any other person, likely to be responsible for the maintenance of the chancel.

2012 Annual Report : Church

Floodlighting

2012 saw a continuation in the practice of funding the floodlighting of our beautiful church by weekly sponsorship, as had commenced in February 2010 at the instigation of the local “Buffs”. We continued the established format whereby members of the congregation / villagers / friends (near and far) sponsor the lights for a week at a time to mark a special occasion or anniversary or make a dedication

in memory of a loved one, all for a suggested donation of £10 per week. As part of the sponsorship, the donor’s name and dedication are displayed on the church notice-board and included on the Sunday Sheet and Church Magazine (unless anonymity is requested). We like to aim for two dedications per week to cover costs and generally our sponsors have not let us down. By comparison with 2011, 2012 saw a slight drop in the value collected for sponsorship, the total being £1,380 (as opposed to £1,655). Proportionally higher than last year, within the £1,380 banked in 2012, a total of £380 was specifically “gift-aided” hence enabling us to reclaim the tax back from H. M. Revenue & Customs on these donations as a top-up to the floodlighting fund. There had been 5 advance 2012 dedications brought forward from 2011-bankings. In addition 2012’s bankings included £20 related to 2 advance dedications for 2013 and £125 came from anonymous donations for no specific week which are used as a “top-up” on weeks when we receive less than 2 specific dedications. There have been 53 weeks in 2012 (Sunday to Saturday) for which dedications could be made. Counting only specific dedications (and given that we hoped for 2 dedications per week to keep the lights on daily) the details are : 2 weeks with no-specific-dedications / 12 weeks with 1 dedication / 16 weeks with 2 dedications / 14 weeks with 3 dedications / 4 weeks with 4 dedications / 3 weeks with 5 dedications / 1 week with 6 dedications /

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1 week with 7 dedications. Hence only 14 weeks fell short of our “target” and we had more than enough anonymous, non-specific dedications to cover. Not including the various anonymous donations, there were a total of 91 different individuals / pairs / groups of people who sponsored the lights during 2012. Admittedly the overall value of monies raised in 2012 was a little lower than in the previous year, but in the current economic climate that is perhaps not too surprising. Nonetheless the “Floodlighting Project” can be deemed successful – not only did it provide enjoyment for the people of Finedon who like to see the church lit up but it also helped to raise funds for the church. Together during the year we celebrated and commiserated a variety of events together. We remain grateful to all the sponsors (openly and anonymous) who have given so generously to this cause as well as to Mick Webb and the Buffs for their initial inspiration which led to the inception of this project in the first place. Carole Heywood

Monthly Church Draw

The Monthly Church Draw continues to be a regular income for the church funds. During 2012 a total of £1,737.50 was given to the church funds and £1,737.50 to prize money. The numbers are drawn on the 1st Sunday of each month at the 9.30 Eucharist service. If anyone would like to join the Monthly Church Draw, please contact Kathy Hobbs on 01933 398794. Kathy Hobbs

Social Committee

The Social Committee had a very successful fund raising year in 2012. We started the year off with the Crowning of the May Queen at the Vicarage with music provided by The Bonkers Band. On 17th June we held a Jazz Lunch at the Vicarage with music by Tangent Jazz Band and Wellingborough Music and Arts Centre Trad Youth Jazz Band Following this on 30th June we were entertained by the Belcanto Choir. We held our annual Wine Walkabout on 7th July when over 70 people visited 5 different countries during the evening ending up with coffee and a sing-song at the Vicarage. September saw the moving production of Jesus Christ Superstar performed in the church with proceeds being shared between the Community Centre and St Mary’s Church. On 20th October, the Friends of St Mary’s held a very successful Race Night run by Malcolm Harris and his team at the Gladstone Club. We concluded our fund raising year with our annual Wassail Evening and Grand Christmas Draw at the Mulso School with almost 90 people enthusiastically singing carols accompanied by a brass band and feasting on fish and chips. We also continued to hold our monthly Meat Bingo evenings on the 2nd Friday of each month. Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout the year and we are pleased to report that we were able to give just over £6,000 to church funds. We have a packed year ahead of us and look forward to your continued support.

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The Dean of Peterborough

writes

We’re all under holy orders

Some 56 years ago, when my father

was the parish priest of two villages in

the Staffordshire Moorlands, he

received a phone call from his Bishop.

“Taylor”, (that’s how bishops used to

address their clergy), “I want you to go

to the parish of xxxxxxx.”

At the time, my mother was expecting

my younger sister, and the prospect of

moving a young family to an estate of

20,000 folk in the Black Country was

not immediately conducive. The Bishop

continued, “I’ll give you a week to make

up your mind – and I’ll Institute you on

such-and-such a date.” Not much

option!

Today there is much wider consultation

and more people “have a say” in

parochial and other appointments. As it

so happened, when I came to

Peterborough six years ago, I was

amongst the last of deans to be

appointed out of the blue by means of a

letter from the Prime Minister, Tony

Blair. Not surprisingly, Gordon Brown

soon changed the system!

Like most parochial and other posts,

vacant deaneries are now advertised,

inviting applicants to be appointed by

“competitive interview.” I’m not sure

how many of the original twelve

disciples would have made it – possibly

only Judas Iscariot! But, being content

where I was at the time; and being

neither an enthusiastic form-filler nor a

well-rehearsed interviewee, I doubt if I

would have thought of applying for

Peterborough; and even if I had, I’m

pretty certain I wouldn’t have got the

job.

However, during Eastertide some of the

resurrection stories, including the

Restoration of Peter and the Great

Commission to the Apostles, remind us

that Christian vocation is not merely

another life-style choice, but rather that

the call to discipleship, mission and

ministry places us all under holy orders.

Jesus did not say to his disciples, “Fill in

an application form, write a personal

statement and come for interview”; but,

simply and directly, “Follow me” and

“Go, make disciples of all nations” –

even if it means venturing where we

have no wish to go. Not much option!

Happy Easter!

Yours in the risen Christ,

Charles Taylor

Dean of Peterborough

23

Around the diocese

Food for thought as food banks

expand

The increase in the number of food

banks across the UK has been widely

reported, as demand grows for the

basic food boxes they give to people

waiting for benefits, or caught out by

difficulties. In our diocese some

existing food banks have expanded

whilst others, like those at Towcester

and Peterborough have been set up for

the first time.

Bishop’s Chaplain, Julie Hutchinson, is

one of the team that started the

Peterborough Food Bank. It opened in

October and fed over 500 people in its

first four months. Julie became aware

of the need as a Trustee of the local

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). “CABs

are like prophets,” she said, “they can

see problems coming and were clear

that a food bank was needed in the

city.”

Working with Juliet Welch, Community

Action Manager at KingsGate

Community Church (now seconded to

manage the food bank), the Revd Linda

Elliott and others, they set up the food

bank with help from The Trussell Trust,

a Christian charity specialising in this

work.

In Northampton and Daventry the food

banks are run by The Vineyard Church

and supported by many other churches

in the area. The one in Northampton

has been going for some time, but in

September decided to open extra

distribution centres. One of these is at

Emmanuel Church in Northampton.

“We now have three roles,” says

Emmanuel’s Administrator, Linda

Withers. “We are ideally placed in the

shopping centre to receive donated

food; people can collect food boxes

here; and our Coffee Shop Care

Manager, Jenny Cole, can issue

vouchers to people in need.”

A voucher is needed before anyone can

collect a food box, and these are given

out by agencies ranging from children’s

centres to housing associations and

schools. The food boxes are designed

to fill a short-term gap, with care taken

to ensure that people are in touch with

other sources of help in the long term,

if they need it.

This is a very important part of the

work, and volunteers are trained not

just to give out the boxes, but to

befriend people, to listen, and talk over

a cup of tea.

The Towcester food bank, also

connected with The Trussell Trust, was

set up by Churches Together in the

town and in the five months since it

opened in October last year has fed

404 people. Like other food banks they

are expecting changes to the welfare

system to increase demand, and are

very aware of their role in collecting

evidence and speaking out on behalf of

those in food poverty.

For more information see:

www.trusselltrust.org

www.northamptonfoodbank.org.uk

24

Around the diocese Jan dared to Stand Up for Comic

Relief

Corby priest, Jan

Collins (right), is

one of 20 brave

souls from this

region to take up a

BBC Red Nose Day

challenge to

perform five

minutes of “stand-

up” comedy in front

of 300 people.

Jan saw the challenge advertised on TV

and thought she would have a go. “I

have given amusing talks to the WI

before but never anything like this!” The

show was staged on the night before

Red Nose Day, at Colchester Arts

Centre. There were ten similar events

happening around the country, all of

them filmed by the BBC so that clips

could be shown during their Red Nose

Day programme on 15th March.

Jan and her fellow volunteer comedians

were invited to a “boot-camp” training

day at the Key Theatre in Peterborough,

where comedy professionals put them

through their paces. “They taught us

how to find comedy in unlikely

situations, and how often the audience

should laugh during our routine. Some

of those taking part were young people

hoping for a career in comedy and they

were very good,” said Jan.

Most of her material is inspired by funny

things that have happened to her during

the normal course of life.

“I’ve found that those who have the

most robust sense of humour are often

those who deal with the most sadness,

like funeral directors and crematorium

staff. It’s a safety valve,” she said.

You can still sponsor Jan by making a

donation via the Red Nose Day website:

www.rednoseday.com/sponsor-and-

donate

April events Tues 2, A Poet's Year, lecture by poet in residence Pete Cox at St John the Baptist, Peterborough. 1pm-1.45pm. http://stjohnscic.wordpress.com Thurs 4, Organ Recital 1.10pm-2pm at All Saints Church, Northampton. www.allsaintsnorthampton.co.uk Mon 8, Riding Lights Theatre Company present A Different Drum. 7.30pm at Park Road Baptist Church, Peterborough. Box Office: 01904 613000. www.ridinglights.org/drum Sat 13 & Sun 14, Cowslip and Fritillary Days. 2-4pm at St Peter’s Church, Newton Bromswold. Plants and teas. Sat 13, The Wihan Quartet. 7.30pm at St Andrew’s Church, Lyddington LE15 9LR. www.musicinlyddington.co.uk Sun 14, Miscarriage, Still-birth and Infant Loss Baby Remembrance Service. 3.30pm at St Mary's, Easton Neston NN12 6YY. Tel: 01327 350459. Sat 20, Organ Recital by Thomas Heywood. Music for all tastes. 7.30pm at St Mary the Virgin Church, Higham Ferrers, NN10 8BT. Tickets £10 from 01933 276433. Sunday 21, Oakham School Big Band, 7pm at St Mary’s, Ketton PE9 3RD. Tickets £9, 01780 761996 or on door.

25

Available for hire weekdays and Saturdays. Suitable for most social functions, charitable events, children's parties (no late

discos)

All enquiries and information

Mrs Helen Watts Tel: 01933 398073

(Between 6 pm & 8 pm or by letter to 46 Well Street, Finedon)

St Michael’s Mission Room, Well Street, Finedon

April

2nd 9.45 Coffee morning, Bowls Club

4th 7.30 TG Town Hall, Denise Legge "Elizabeth Tudor".

7th 6pm Evensong, St Mary’s Church

9th 10am Coffee Morning, Football Club

12th 7.30 Church meat bingo, Mulso School

16th 9.45 Coffee morning, Bowls Club

18th 7.15 History Society Quiz night, Bowls Club

22nd 7.30 History Society, Mission Room, con-sumption & the Georgian Country House 8.00 Flower Festival Open Meeting in Church

23rd 10am Coffee Morning, Football Club 7.30 TG, one act plays, Town Hall

27th Bell Ringers outing to Worcester.

28th Crowning of the May Queen in Church

May

18th 3pm Northampton & District Organists' Association to visit St Mary’s Church 7.30 ‘Boobs & Brass’ St Mary’s Church

20th History Society Rive Trip

22nd Lyra Ensemble, St Mary’s Church

June

2nd 2-6p NGS Open Gardens

6th 5-830 NGS Open Garden 67-69 High Street

13th 5-830 NGS Open Garden 67-69 High Street

20th 5-830 NGS Open Garden 67-69 High Street

27th 5-830 NGS Open Garden 67-69 High Street

22nd St Mary’s Church Fete on The Green.

24th 7.30 History Society, Mission Road, Treshams: A family of mysteries

30th 4pm Song of Praise on the Green 2-6 pm NGS Open Gardens

Town Dairy

26