In this Issue...p3 Good Governmentp8 St Martin’s House - Yes We Can!p9 Learning Church, School of Ministry special

1www.leicester.anglican.org

news and view

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May 10

The next Diocesan Assembly - an opportunity for everyone, clergy and lay people to meet together - will be taking place in September.There will be speakers, workshops, fun, fellowship and food all designed to encourage you and help our churches move forward into the next decade. Bring a party from your church and share the experience!You’ll be able to book places soon, so watch Diomail, the Diocesan website, News and Views and your church notice board for more information.

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May 2010

This Month

3. Good Government4. Lent and Easter Events6. Shaped by God7. Making Good Society8. St Martins House begins10. Learning Church: School for Ministry Special13. Ride and Stride15. Comings and Goings16. Diary Dates

Material should be sent to:The Editor, News and Views Church House St Martin’s East Leicester LE1 5FX T: 0116 248 7402/3 E: keith.cousins@leccofe.org

All items for inclusion in the May edition must arrive before 3rd May 2010. No charge will be made for Diary Dates for churches. Inclusion is dependent on space available. All Diary Dates submitted will appear on the Diocesan website and on Diomail. (See backpage for contact details). Commercial advertisers are invited to call for current rates. The inclusion of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute any endorsement of a product or service by either the editors or the Diocese of Leicester.

news and view

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Diocesan Assembly 2010Saturday 25th SeptemberSamworth AcademyLeicester

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Good GovernmentA General Election is a good time to think again about the limits and character of good gove rnmen t , and how

the Christian tradition informs us. In ‘God and Government’ (SPCK 2009) Jonathan Chaplin in his conclusion to a helpful collection of essays identifies four ‘affirmations’ that build on the ‘longstanding Christian view that government is an institution authorized by God’, even if particular governments or governmental acts may not be legitimate.

They are:Government’s legitimate authority 1. extends only so far as its divinely assigned purpose – God doesn’t hand out blank cheques to those in power.Government is to be held accountable 2. for the discharge of its authority – Caesar is not Lord of the world, Jesus is.In the divine ordering of society many 3. other centres of legitimate authority exist which circumscribe the authority of government – the excessive concentration of power is dangerous.Government must be representative 4. of its citizens – deliberation for the common good is a corporate responsibility.

It is a vision of government that is responsible for and to its people, where the temptation to accrue to itself excessive power and control is recognised for the falsehood it is; a vision of government that sadly we have moved away from

in England. In contrast the devolved institutions, not least the Scottish Parliament, remain closer to this goal.

It is an ethos of accountability and integrity that must run through the whole of government, and which has been so offended recently by the scandal of parliamentary expenses; at its worst what appears to be fraud, and across the board a system that has lost touch with the core purpose of enabling our elected representatives to do their work effectively.

Good government requires good politicians! I have been privileged to work with several MPs over the years who are dedicated servants of their constituencies and for them I give thanks to God. However there is a real danger at the present that we have ended up devaluing the political calling. A proper sense of accountability that revealed a warped system, is now itself corrupted and taken to excess. Some of the revisions to the expenses regime are wise whilst others seem vindictively tight. None of us, nor good government, will be helped by being under-resourced.

God wants there to be good government and the church …. must bear public witness to that fact in every way possible. That, after all, is what Christians are doing when they pray, as Jesus himself taught us, for God’s kingdom to come on earth as in heaven. (Tom Wright) Let us pray for our new government that we and they may know our limits under God.

Ven. Richard Atkinsonrichard.atkinson@leccofe.org

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During Lent, Mothering Sunday was celebrated at Brooksby with a Lambing Service.

On the Wednesday before Easter, Bishop Tim Stevens and a small gathering of local Christians were in Leicester Market Square at lunchtime giving away Hot Cross Buns as a way of telling the story of Easter to shoppers and passers by.

1,500 hot cross buns were given away in 2 hours to people from all over the city, county and

world, including Taiwan, Latvia, Afghanistan, Japan and Jamaica. Each hot cross bun was wrapped in a napkin which explained a little of the Easter story. This free gift was a reminder that Jesus’ gift of grace is both beyond what we could ever afford and yet still offered free, by God, to everyone. Churches in Melton too, gathered on Good Friday to hand out hot cross buns to shoppers, together with a short leaflet explaining why they were doing it.

On Maundy Thursday Leicester Cathedral was packed with clergy and laity for this year’s Chrism service. Priests, Deacons, Lay Ministers and Church Officers and the congregation were, in turn, asked to renew their commitment to Ministry and this was followed by the Blessing of the Oils of healing and baptism that will be taken back to the Parishes of Leicestershire.

On Good Friday, Christ in the Centre once again took the the streets of Leicester City Centre. Many thousands were in attendance to watch the event, many moved to tears by the drama played out before them.

A look back at Lent and Easter Events

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stories of everyday life as well as those that hit the headlines. He suggested that Easter provided the big story to which all these other stories must relate. But he also warned the newly baptised and confirmed that although they and we had now glimpsed and understood something of the big story, that this actually needed to lead us to a greater humility rather than an arrogant attitude.

After plenty of spiritual food, the congregation were also rewarded with bacon butties – including alternatives for the vegetarians! The congregation left the building to be greeted by a flower filled Easter garden in the cathedral precincts made by adults and children on Holy Saturday.

On Easter Sunday Bishop Tim joined early risers for the 6.00am dawn service at Leicester Cathedral. Twenty candidates for baptism and confirmation from a number of churches joined around 400 family and friends, visitors and regular worshippers to greet the new light of Easter Day. The service began outside with lighting the new fire and blessing the Easter candle and thankfully the heavy rain of the night had passed. Worshippers then entered the darkened cathedral and as Canon Stephen Foster sang ‘The light of Christ’, so new light was passed around with candles being lit, bells being rung and everyone singing ‘Jesus Christ is risen today’.

Bishop Tim spoke about stories – the little

For bookings or further information please contact Carol Gibbons, carol.gibbons@leccofe.org or 0116 248 7435

or download a leaflet with more information from the Shaped by God blog: http://sbg.dioceseofleicester.com/

the diocesan vision for mission

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A day conference on Rural MissionSaturday 10th July, 10am-4pmBroughton Astley Village Hall (just south of the city) This one off conference is an opportunity to explore key themes in rural mission. With keynote presentations, plus the opportunity for questions and answers, with rural mission specialist and new Bishop of Shrewsbury, Rt Revd. Mark Rylands, the day also includes:

An encouragement in rural mission with Bishop Christopher Boyle;• ‘Resourcing Mission’ seminar with Archdeacon David Newman;• Rural Children, Rural Church’ seminar with RE Adviser & Cathedral Education • Officer, Janet Ingram & Children’s Work Advisor, John Fryer;‘Fresh Expressions in a Rural Context’ seminar with Tim Shaw, lay leader of • Cafeplus+, a Fresh Expression in a rural Buckinghamshire village;‘Church Tourism & Mission: making effective use of our buildings’ seminar with • member of the Rural Action Group & rural Team Rector, Peter Hooper;‘Fruitful rural Mission Partnerships’ seminar with Mission Enabler, Barry Hill;• Good local food and drink!•

Everyone interested in rural mission is welcome, but especially applicable for a group from the same church to attend. The heavily subsidised day costs only £5 per a person (including lunch). When four people book from the same church, a fifth can come for free! Booking details at the bottom of the page. Places limited to 150 so book soon to be sure of your places!

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St Martin’s House – Yes we can!

The Bishop of Leicester achieved the dream of every young boy – and doubtless not a few young girls – as he took to the controls of a large digger and broke the ground to mark the beginning of work on the new St Martin’s House.

In that way the first part of the Cathedral Square project got under way, in the presence of Lady Jenny Gretton, Lord

Lieutenant of Leicestershire, and Councillor Roger Blackmore, Lord Mayor of Leicester, both of whom spoke warmly of what the project will bring to county and city.

The total cost of the St Martin’s House project will be just under £7m, none of which has come from the parish share. In his remarks Bishop Tim special paid tribute to the generosity of local businessmen, Mr David Wilson and Sir David Samworth, whose support has made possible the

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work which St Martin’s House will carry out with young people, especially in the current very challenging economic times.Refurbishment work is due to complete before Christmas, and St Martin’s House will open early in 2011 as the base for a combination of social outreach, new offices and a central meeting place for the Church of England in the Diocese of Leicester. Also represented at the event were two local businesses which have been integrally involved in the project, Pick Everard who have developed the plans, and Hallams who are carrying out the work.

At the same time Bishop Tim unveiled the logo for St Martin’s House, which will incorporate the new unifying image for the Diocese representing the welcoming Christ, and inspired by the statue from the grounds of Launde Abbey, so bringing together these two major projects for the life of our diocese. In the words of both Bob and Barack – “Yes, we can.”To follow the progress of the work and for

all the latest visit the Cathedral Square website at www.cathedralsquare.org.uk

Pictured, left to right, Bishop Tim, Andrew Granger, Lord Mayor Councillor Roger Blackmore, Lord Lieutenant Lady Gretton, Duncan Green, David Wilson and John Hallam.

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One of the joys of being a Christian is learning more about God, our faith,

and the Church. We are a Church that

is continually learning eternal truths, emerging contexts and new ways to communicate the Gospel.

A Learning Church develops faith collectively and individually. Within our diocese we are seeking to be a Learning Church in many ways. We have courses through the School for Ministry, St Philip’s Centre, YP4L, and Shaped by God. We have networks for implementing Fresh Expressions and opportunities for exploring Mission in your local context.

A Learning Church helps people identify their gifts, and releases people into ministry and vocation. This year we are training Readers, Evangelists, Pastoral Assistants and Youthworkers. We are looking to create new material for Children’s workers and Interfaith engagement, and continue to develop our ministerial training.

One of the successes in recent years has been the Certificate in Christian Discipleship. Because of changes in government funding, and regional commitments CCD has got to change. Whilst this is unfortunate, it does bring new opportunities. Briefly - CCD has been cut in half to make two new courses!One of these courses will be a Foundation Degree in Ministry, accredited through Lincoln School of Theology. This will be a 3 year course, vocationally based, in ministry and mission.

The other will be Journey in Faith - an Open-Access adult discipleship course, which will run yearly.

We will also still be running DISCOVERY – a two year course designed for non-book learners.

If you would like further information about any of the courses on offer, or of any of the Lay Ministries mentioned, then please get in touch. It’s never too late to learn!

Contact claire.stapleton@leccofe.org

As well as traditional courses, for the last two years we have offered a web based discipleship course. Natalie Andrews began this course with questions about her call and vocation. Next September she will start her ordination training! In the spirit of E-Learning, I conducted an email interview.

Q1. Hi Natalie, thanks for being willing to be interviewed via email. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?Hi Stuart, yes sure. I’m married and currently a full time mum of a four and nearly six year old. Until 2007, I had a career as a Speech and Language Therapist, but to cut a long story short, I was called out of this! As well as my vocation as a wife and mother,I knew God was calling me to something else. I started the E-CCD (Sept 2008) course to explore this further and deepen my discipleship. I have loved doing the E-CCD. To cut another very long story short, I have just been recommended for training for Ordained Ministry, I am so elated and am really looking forward to training in Sept!

Q2. Taking a course of learning sounds hard enough, but E-CCD sounds even more complicated. Can you briefly tell us what it involved?The E-CCD itself is the same Certificate in Christian Discipleship that is taught at various locations within the diocese, the only difference is that it’s all done online.

A Learning Church

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A Learning ChurchOur tutor sets tasks online within a virtual classroom, we (the students) then respond to the questions/tasks in writing, we have discussions just as you would in a ‘real’ classroom. As students aren’t always online at the same time you may have to wait a while for someone to respond to your comment. I’m a reflective person so it has enabled me time to think about my responses. The other beauty of it is that you can go online when you have time, rather than committing to a whole evening out, the work can be spread out throughout the week. It’s very flexible. This has suited me as my husband works nights, so once my children are in bed, I have been able settle down with some chocolate and my laptop!

Q3. Some people are wary of taking on a course of study - they may feel that they aren’t ‘academic’ or are worried about the time commitment for example. What was your biggest fear in starting the course, and how did this work out in practice?I guess that I was concerned that the study would be too difficult. However, the great thing about E-CCD is that you can take it as deep as you like. For example, you can join in the conversations and do the tasks set, or you can take it to another level by completing assignments at the end of each module. I was surprised at how much I was able to contribute and really enjoyed doing the assignments, so really my fears were unfounded. I’m really glad I took the step to start the course. Also, because the E-CCD is such a safe environment, you are encouraged to ask questions and there is mutual respect and openness, so it doesn’t matter if you’re not academic. With regards to the time commitment, you do need to commit time to the course, but it depends on what you want to get out of it as to how much time you commit.

Q4. If that was the biggest fear, then what was your b i g g e s t ‘gain’ from the whole experience?I think the biggest ‘gain’ is the door it has opened. For example, the course has given me a joy and more confidence in learning about different facets of my discipleship and it has proven to be an important stepping stone in the discovery of my future vocation.

Q5. You are going to begin college with ‘live’ students in October. What are you most looking forward to, and how will you cope without being able to ‘Shut down’ students if you disagree with their point of view?I’m looking forward to having the luxury to be able to study ‘full time’ the most, so that I can fully focus, rather than popping on and offline when it suits. It may be a transition to learning with real students and may take time to adjust, but I think it will be good training for the world I will eventually be working in, where inevitably there will be disagreements in which I will have to respond.

Thanks Natalie! It has been a pleasure and a privilege seeing your calling to ministry develop – and how you have enjoyed the course. All the best! Stuart

Anyone interested in pursuing a similar Web based course of study, emailstuart.burns@leccofe.orgStuart Burns, Head of School for Ministry.

Photo by Rob Marsh

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mission shaped ministry equipping you to plant and sustainfresh expressions of church.

You are invited to share an 18-month learning journey in a supportive community to be equipped for a lifetime of good practice and learning in growing fresh expressions of church.

Who is it for?Those exploring ideas for fresh expressions of church;Experienced pioneers who want to reflect on what they are doing;Christians who want their churches to be more effective in mission;All denominations, traditions and ages;Urban, suburban and rural contexts.

What will you learn?How to begin, sustain and grow a fresh expression of church;Qualities of Christian ministry;Listening to God in your context.

Features of the course:Designed for busy Christians;Delivered ecumenically;Local and national teachers;Reflection on your context and story;Varied learning styles and resources;Coaching, mentoring, learning networks; An online guide to fresh expressions.

Taking the Next Step in your discipleship

Journey in Faith (JiF) is a three term Christian D i s c i p l e s h i p course. It is taught using a set of course manuals, in small, local groups, in sessions of two hours.

Anyone can join – no previous qualifications are necessary, just an eagerness to learn.

Term 1 Exploring FaithSessions include an opportunity to consider our own faith journeys and an introduction to Theological Reflection.

Term 2 God’s Call and Our ResponseSessions include an introduction to the Old Testament.

Term 3 Development of the ChurchSessions include an introduction to the New Testament and Church Doctrine - what we say we believe.

Running through all 3 terms will be evenings entitled Ministry, Mission and Vocation when we will consider how we discern our gifts, hear God’s call and make our response to God.

Folders of study material will be provided. Written work (or equivalent) is not obligatory but there will be the option of completing one small project or essay each term. For those wanting to progress to further study we will ask for a least one essay in the course of the year. The total cost of the course will be £120. Contact claire.stapleton@leccofe.org for more.

Courses will run in areas subject to demand. Ideal for Mission Partnerships or Deaneries

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As we prepare to enter the summer months it’s once again time for churches to sign up for one of the biggest events in the fundraising Christian calendar, Ride+Stride. It sees people from across Leicestershire walking or cycling around as many of the county’s beautiful places as worship as they can and being sponsored for doing so.

The money raised is then split two ways; half goes straight to the churches of those taking part. The other half goes to the Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust to give to churches and chapels around 100 years old in desperate need of repair.Those people welcoming others into churches and recording how many people have visited can also be sponsored: an increasing source of sponsorship

Ride+Stride turns 21 this year, so we’re hoping to see more churches and chapels open across the city and county than any previous year. Let’s be record breakers and history makers!

Last year, very nearly £50,000 was raised, an incredible amount, including the highest sums ever raised by individual and by a single church, and this year we’re pushing to break the £50,000 barrier!

Rosemary Conley, the Leicestershire

based exercise and fitness expert, backs Ride and Stride. She says, “Ride+Stride is a brilliant concept. I love the idea of thousands of people, of all ages, walking or cycling and raising funds to maintain our world-class heritage of church and chapel buildings. As an active Christian with a strong belief also in the value of exercise and fitness, I really hope you will join in.”

Ride+Stride truly is an event for young and old. Last year a six year old boy called Archie visited seven churches on the day and raised £83!

Ride+Stride day is also a brilliant opportunity for churches not only to open but also to put on other events to help attract people to their local church, such as a flower festival or a guided tour.

So, come on, let’s rise to the challenge and make this truly the best Ride+Stride day yet.

Registration forms and information packs will be mailed to churches after Easter but to find more please visit the website of the Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust at: www.lhct.org.uk or contact County Co-ordinator, David Knowles 01509 268354. You can also take a look at the national event site at: www.rideandstrideuk.org

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The Bishop announces...

...the appointment of the Revd Michael Broadley, Team Vicar, St Mark’s Church, Horsham in the Diocese of Chichester as Team Rector for the Parish of Emmanuel, Loughborough and St Mary-in-Charnwood, Nanpantan in the Akeley East Deanery.

...the appointment of the Revd Dr Mark Smith, Vicar of St Paul’s, Scotforth in the Diocese of Blackburn as Team Rector (Priest in Charge) of the Benefice of the Vale of Belvoir Parishes in the Framland Deanery with particular responsibility for the Parish of Bottesford and ministry to local schools.

...that Revd Paula Hollingsworth, Priest in Charge, Benefice of Houghton-on-the-Hill, Keyham, Hungarton has been appointed as Priest in Charge of Westbury sub Mendip, Easton and Priddy in the Diocese of Bath and Wells. It is anticipated that Paula will be licensed in her new role on Saturday 24 July.

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...the appointment of the Revd Canon Dr Stephen Foster, Canon Residentiary and Precentor, Leicester Cathedral as Co-ordinating and Anglican Chaplain, University of Leicester.

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Diary Dates

This newsletter was printed by AVS Print Services, University of Leicester using vegetable based inks on FSC certified stock

‘News and Views’ is c Diocese of Leicester 2010 www.leicester.anglican.org printed by AVS Prin Services University of Leicester . www.le.ac.uk/av/

To receive Diary Dates and other news by email subcribe to Diomail by emailing diomail@leccofe.org

Mary Magdalene – A Roger Jones MusicalEvent Date: Friday 30th AprilPresented at 7.30 p.m. by the Churches of Ibstock and Heather. Tickets £3.00 – includes light refreshments. Also at Christ Church Coalville on Thursday 6th May.

Top Oxford College Choir Sing in KibworthEvent Date: Saturday 1st May At 7.30 pm, St Wilfrid’s Church in Kibworth will be the venue for a concert by the prestigious choir of Merton College, Oxford. Tickets, price £7.50 unreserved, or £10 for reserved premium tickets, available at Kibworth Post Office, Ireland and Longhill or by telephoning (0116) 2792493 for them to be posted free.

Open Church – All Saints, KimcoteEvent Date: Sunday 2nd MayOpen Church – All Saints, Kimcote, Lutterworth, between 2.00pm – 5.00pm. Books and bric a brack, exhibition of quilting, tea, coffee and home-made cakes.

May Day Stalls in the Stable YardEvent Date: Monday 3rd MaySt Mary’s, Barkby. May Day Stalls in the Stable Yard of Barkby Hall LE7 3QG 10am to 12 noon. Many stalls.Tea/coffee will be available. In aid of the St Mary’s Fundraising Committee.

Lancaster Community ChoirEvent Date: Thursday 6th Mayand all Thursday’s during term time. New and old classic pop songs, world music and a dash of opera, songs from the shows. For fun, friendship and supporting local charities. Rehearsals are between 7.00pm -8.45pm, Main Hall, Lancaster School, Knighton Lane. For more contact Martin Wadd on 0116 270 5988

The Fernley-Hartley Lecture 2010Event Date: Friday 7th MayAdventures in Affective Space: The Reconstruction of Piety in an Age of Entertainment. Dr. Clive Marsh, University of Leicester. Ken Edwards Lecture Theatre 3, Main campus of the University of Leicester at 7.00pm.

An evening on the Trichy Diocese linkEvent Date: Saturday 8th Mayat 7.30pm. The Church of the Nativity, Aylestone Park. A presentation and display of the Church of South India. Refreshments available. Donations in aid of the work of Christian Aid. Contact patricia.ewen@ntlworld.com or on 0116 2994732

Village Fete, StoughtonEvent Date: Saturday 8th MaySt Mary and all Saints’ Church, Stoughton. From 12 noon onwards. Bbq and Teas, Brass Band, Amusements & Stalls. Free Admission.

Candlelit concert, EastwellEvent Date: Sunday, 9th MaySt Michael & All Angels, Eastwell, 7.00pm. A performance of sacred Russian Orthodox and folk music in a medieval country church, by the Lyra Vocal Ensemble, graduates of the St Petersburg Conservatoire. Buffet supper, including drinks and meet the singers. Tickets £10. Email jennybarnes04@btinternet.com, tel 01949 860206.

Holy Rood Church Ladies Group Fashion ShowEvent Date: Wednesday 12th MayFashion Show by ‘Fair 2 All’ Ashby on in Packington Memorial Hall, 7.45pm – doors open 7.15pm. Tickets £5 include coffee & biscuits plus a £2 voucher to be spent on goods over £10.00. For more information contact Doreen Gasson 01530 412012 or Mandy McIntosh, fair2all, 17 The Green, North St. Ashby.

Flower Festival, KegworthEvent Date: Friday 21st Mayto the Monday 24th May, St Andrew’s Church, Kegworth – ‘The Restoration in flowers and foliage’. Fri & Sat 10–6, Sun 12–6 and Mon 10–4. Refreshments, plants, prize draw. Concert on Saturday at 7.30pm. For further details ring Andrew Chester 01509 672867

Prayer Book Society meetingEvent Date: Saturday 22nd MayDerek Lewin’s annual coffee morning in aid of the local branch of the Prayer Book Society. The Firs, Mill Hill, Arnesby, 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m., with coffee, a raffle and bring and buy stall.

Lubenham Art Group displayEvent Date: Sunday 23rd May2.30-5.00pm. For the third successive year, Lubenham Art Group will be displaying their paintings and drawings in the medieval All Saints Church this summer.Exhibition is free, but sales of any original paintings or drawings will also benefit church funds.

Singalong with the CBSO: Brahms’s German RequiemEvent Date: Sunday 23rd May7pm at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Conducted by Simon Halsey, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Spend a day with the CBSO, its director, Simon Halsey, and professional soloists. This annual singalong attracts over 1000 singers. If you are singing, please call in advance 0121 780 3333 and tell the Box Office your voice type. For all details visit www.cbso.co.uk.

Pentecost in the ParkEvent Date: Sunday 23rd May11.30am-3.00pm. St Denys Church Evington are again presenting ”Pentecost in the Park” on Evington Park. BBQ – bouncy castle – puppets – worship – face painting – fun & games. ALL FREE. Tel 2415153 for more details.

Oaks Country FairEvent Date: Monday 31st May11.30am until 5.00pm at Oaks-in-Charnwood, Oaks Road, nr. Whitwick. ‘Something for all the Family,’ in a beautiful part of Charnwood Forest. Entrance £2.50 {concessions £1.50}. Ample free car-parking. More information and booking forms form Anne Wightman 01509 502736. Proceeds for the Parish Funds of Shepshed and Oaks-in-Charnwood.

Diary Dates in full can be read athttp://diomail.dioceseofleicester.com