O n the last Sunday in November the Church celebrates Advent. In popular thought this is seen as the start of the Christmas

season. Advent Calendars are on sale in the supermarkets. Christmas, our annual festival of excess, is just a few weeks away. Good old Advent!

I yield to no one in my enjoyment of Christmas, with all the trimmings, but where Advent is concerned I have to be a bit of a party-pooper.

It’s not the start of the “run-up to Christmas”, whatever the shops think. In any case, they’ve been “running up” since September. Advent is a solemn but exciting reminder that Christmas is not the

end of the Christian story, but the beginning.

The end, with which Advent is concerned, is the ultimate triumph of love and goodness over evil and cruelty. The final loving purpose of God will be achieved.

The kingdom of heaven will lie before us, its gates permanently open. “Death will be no more, mourning and crying and pain will be no more”. God says, “I am making everything new”.

“Advent” simply means “Coming”. The first Advent was Christmas, the second Advent will be when all that the coming of Jesus promised will be fulfilled.

Yes, it’s a bit more complicated than a cattle shed and a manger, but it’s a wonderful prospect. Good old Advent!

South Croxton Churches The parishes of Ashby Folville & Barsby, Gaddesby, South Croxton with Beeby

and Twyford, Thorpe Satchville & John O’Gaunt

Newsletter November 2016

Contacts and church services – Page 7 & Back Page

Good old Advent . . .

The vicar got a little carried away with the church’s new state-of-the-

art PA system.

Canon David Winter looks forward to the church’s new year

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Church notices The South Croxton Benefice is part of the South West Framland (SWF) Group which operates an office. For all baptism and wedding enquiries please contact the Administrator Canon Vic Allsop at the SWF Group Office, 29 Main Street, Great Dalby, LE14 2ET (561909) or clusteradmin@btinternet.com.

Community Lunch: The Par ish Community Hub held its most recent get -together at Sysonby Knoll, Melton Mowbray. The next event is our Christmas lunch on Monday November 28, 12.00 pm for a 12.30 pm start. If you would like to come along please contact Annette Piper (840627); Davina Bates (454201; Vic Allsop (434697), Maureen Coleman (434120) or Janet Norburn (0116 269 5295). A big ‘thank you’ to every one of our many valuable volunteers, in particular those who volunteer to drive and collect people . We are always looking out for new volunteer drivers, so do please get in touch with one of the committee if you could help from time to time. Do come and join us. We have again submitted an application to Ragdale Hall/Melton Times “Make It Happen”. We will let everybody know how we get on. The Community Lunch Team.

Ven Hughie Jones FULSOME tributes to the life of the Venerable Hughie Jones were given at his funeral and service of thanksgiving at the church of St Peter, Church Langton, on Wednesday October 12. Hughie had a tremendous impact on the church in Leicestershire since arriv-ing in 1955 to take up the position of religious education specialist in Leicester and Leicestershire schools. He became rector of the Langtons and Stonton Wyville, was made an honorary canon of Leicester Cathedral and was elected chairman of the House of Clergy. In 1986 he was appointed Archdeacon of Loughborough, a position he held until his retirement in 1992. He and his late wife, Beryl, will be particularly remembered in the South Croxton Benefice from the years they spent in retirement at Thorpe Satch-ville, although Hughie retired only in theory. He kept busy with many church concerns and frequently demonstrated his ability to give memorable sermons without any written notes in the churches of our benefice. In his funeral address the Very Rev Dr Derek Hole said: “With a life and ministry rooted in Christian theology, Hughie’s faith shone from him. He had a great sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye, always greeting everyone with a lovely smile. Never once did I hear him criticise anyone or lose his cool.”

You can read the full tribute at: http://www.leicester.anglican.org/blogs/details/funeral-address-for-hughie-jones

Marriage: Thomas Gee and Philippa Gamble, September 10, at Ashby Folville. Steven Owen and Karen Wiffen, October 23, at Gaddesby. We wish these couples every happiness.

Baptisms: Charlie Richard Clay, September 18, at Twyford. We welcome Charlie into the church family.

Funerals: Hazel Musson, September 2, at Thorpe Satchville. Flora Johnson, September 27, at Thorpe Satchville. Elaine Whait, October 13, at Gaddesby We offer our sympathy to their families and friends.

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Armistice Day: There will be a shor t service at the Gaddesby war memor ial on Friday November 11 at 10.50 am and a Remembrance Service at Ashby Folville on Sun-day November 13 at 10.45 am.

Parish councils Gaddesby, Barsby & Ashby Folville Parish Council: The next meeting is at Gaddes-by Village Hall on Monday November 14. The following meeting is at Ashby and Bars-by Village Hall on Monday December 12. All meetings start at 6.45 pm. At the begin-ning of each meeting there is a timeslot during which people living in the parish can raise matters of concern. If you wish to take advantage of this opportunity please contact the clerk, Trudy Toon (840490) email: gaddesbypc@hotmail.co.uk. Minutes of meetings and dates for future meetings can be found on the Gaddesby village website: http://www.gaddesby.org.uk/village-organisations/parish-council/

South Croxton Parish Council: The next meeting will be on Thur sday November 3. The following meeting will be on Thursday December 1. All meetings, in the village hall, start at 6.30 pm.

Twyford and Thorpe Satchville Parish Council: The next meeting is on Tuesday November 15 at 7.30 pm in Twyford Village Hall.

Newsletter online If you have far flung friends or relatives who would like to see an electronic ver-sion of our newsletter – or would like to download your own copy – search for “newsletter” at www.gaddesby.org.uk (with thanks to Simon Hargrave). If you would like a copy emailed to you please send your email address to the editor, Glyn Tucker, at churchmaged@gmail.com. You will still get a paper copy and there is no intention of changing this for the foreseeable fu-ture. Copies will be sent as “blind” car-bons so others will not see your email address. If you have asked for an online copy and not received it, please send me a reminder. Editor The treasurer still had a trick up his sleeve.

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Mothers’ Union The group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 2.30 pm. Further information from Annette Piper (840627). New members welcome.

Women’s Institutes Barsby and Ashby Folville: Members had a busy evening making Christmas decora-tions. The materials and tuition were provided by Sandra Smith and everyone had a love-ly item to take home. RH James Coles of Coles Nurseries is the speaker on Wednesday November 9. The competition is “The biggest conker”. Gaddesby: At the October meeting we enjoyed a craft session led by two of our members. There were three activities on offer – making decorations for the tree to be entered in the annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s, Melton Mowbray, terracotta bead making and mosaics. A big thank you to Gill and Helen for their guidance. On Wednesday November 9 we hold our annual meeting with a “bring and buy”. The com-petition country is America . . . very topical!

South Croxton: The annual meeting on Thursday November 17 will be followed by Christmas cake decorating. Get ahead for Christmas with sugar paste cake decorations. Guests are very welcome; the cost is £5, which includes food and a cuppa.

Ashby Folville and Barsby Harvest festival: The service was well attended and the church beautifully decorat-ed. Many thanks to those who provided the refreshments and to Barry Preston, who took the produce to LOROS. The collection of £87 was for the farmers’ charity. RH Clear-up: The undergrowth has been cleared from the south east area, providing extra space in the churchyard, and the path repaired. The arch and lantern are being re-stored. Thanks to those involved. RH Fashion show: Ladies, a chance to buy quality clothes! Ashby and Barsby Village Hall. Thursday November 3. £5 per ticket includes glass of wine/non alcohol drink. Admission by ticket only from Sandra Smith (840151) or Ann Troop (840056). Proceeds in aid of Ashby Folville Village Hall and Barsby Village Charity

Macmillan Cancer Support: A big “thank you” to everyone who helped and supported the very successful coffee morning at Walnut Tree Farm, Barsby, on October7. The event has raised an incredible £1,200.00 to date. Ann and Kevin Troop

Gaddesby Carols by Candlelight: Our annual candlelight carol service at St. Luke’s Church will be held on Thursday December 15 at 7.00 pm. Put the date in your diary now. This year we will be WARM because the new heating and lighting is fully installed and is proving very effective. Huge thanks to David Wyrko. Daphne Tucker

Gallop: The Gaddesby Gallop on Saturday December17 is a 5.4 mile cross-country fun run across ploughed fields, brooks, ponds and through a drainage pipe. Registration from 9.30 am at the village hall, for an 11.00 am start, £10 entry fee with a free Santa Hat included. The Gaddesby Gallop Facebook page has all the details and up to date information. Marshalls would be welcome. For more information contact Lance Shaw on 840550/07966 015851 or Sam Burdett on 840626/07748 084529.

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Village hall

Yoga, Tuesdays, 7.30—9.00 pm, contact Di Angrave (840013); Aerobics, Thursdays, 7.00—8.00 pm, contact Justine Hunt (840435); Why Not Come Dancing (WNCD) Sat-urdays, 7.00—11.00 pm. The new season started on October 1 – contact Barry Preston (840381). The Gaddesby Women’s Institute meets on second Wednesday of the month, 7.30—10.00 pm, contact Daphne Tucker (841184).

Contact Sue Evans (840305) for hall bookings.

South Croxton Christmas Fayre: An evening of shopping at Ashby and Barsby Village Hall in aid of Wings for Life and the South Croxton Bell Fund Wednesday November 2 from 7.00 pm. The £3 entry includes a glass of mulled wine. Lovely gifts, clothing, jewellery, cards, and Christmas treats. All welcome. Call Sally (840644) for more information

Lottery: Anyone wishing to join the monthly lottery can contact Tracy Campbell (840042), Ann Crawford (840231) or Angela Wood (840620).

Village hall:

Fireworks: Bonfire night Saturday November 5. Fireworks from 6.30 pm. There will be a break halfway through the fireworks for refreshments.

Christmas Craft Fair: Chr istmas shopping made easy! Get your Chr istmas all wrapped up at our festive craft fair on Saturday November 19, 11.00—4.00 pm. There will be lots of stalls, where you can find inspiring presents that you’ll love to give as well as receive. Stay for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. You can enjoy a deli-cious hog roast followed by homemade cakes and mince pies. Crafty Chatter: Tea/coffee, chat and craft, alternate Wednesdays at the village hall, November 2, 16 and 30; December 14 and January 11, 2.00—4.00 .

Big Brunch Walk: Thanks to the 26 walkers who suppor ted our walk on October 8, which raised £73.

The hall is available for events, parties and classes. Contact Caroline (840272) to make your booking.

Thorpe Satchville Harvest auction: Thanks to everyone who attended and par ticipated in our village harvest auction and pub night in September. There was a wonderful array of produce to be auctioned off by Mr David Gulley and the money raised went towards the upkeep of our church.

Funeral: Clarence Johnson and family would like to thank everybody for their sup-port, cards and donations at Flora’s funeral on September 27. We were pleased to see so many people in church. Your donations raised £ 1,150 for Flora’s charities.

Village Hall

Coffee mornings : Drop in for a coffee, cake and a chat on Thursday November 10 and Thursday December 10. Everyone welcome.

Pub night: Friday November 25 – come on down and make some new friends. The village hall committee would welcome any volunteers to run one of our pub nights, eve-rything would be in place ready for you to host the evening. Contact Annie Jones if you would like to be landlords for an evening!

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Carol singing: Thur sday December 15, 6.30pm – Christmas Carol singing around the tree on the village green. Mulled wine and mince pies to help get you in the mood!

Boot camp: An exper ienced trainer , Michelle Kent, is running exercise sessions in the grounds of the village hall, Wednesdays 9.30—10.30 am,

whatever the weather! Come and have some fun and get fit, £20 for 4 consecutive ses-sions . All welcome.

The village hall can be hired for £10 an hour before 6.00pm and £15 per after 6.00 pm It is extremely well maintained and has an excellent catering kitchen, fridges & freezer. It is attached to a large village playing field and play area, which makes it an ideal venue for children’s parties .For any further information or to book the hall please contact Annie Jones (07871277177)/(840470). Alternatively visit www.thorpesatchville.co.uk where you will find all the relevant information.

Scout groups: The beavers meet every Thur sday evening 5.30—6.30 pm at the vil-lage hall and the cubs every other week 6.45—8.15 pm. Contact 1thorpescouts@gmail.com or come along at 5.30 pm onwards for beavers and 6.45 on-wards for cubs. Simon Hargrave, Beaver Scout Leader (07795 281332) or Tim Ashton, Cub Scout Leader (07976 378795).

Twyford Bonfire night: Twyford recreation ground, Saturday November 5, 7.00 pm, adults £5, junior £2 (pre-bought adult tickets £4 from the Saddle Inn or Twyford shop). Barbe-cue and drinks for sale. Please do not bring your own fireworks – not even sparklers – insurance requirement!

Village hall:

Karate: Sundays, 10.00 am, November 6, 13, 20, 27; Wednesdays, 6.00 pm, Novem-ber 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.

Carpet bowls: Mondays, 8.00 pm, November 7, 21.

Whist drives: Fr iday, 7.00 pm, November 11, 25.

Drop In: Fr idays, 10.30 am, November 11, 25.

Yoga: Mixed ability, Mondays, 11.00 am, November 7, 14, 21, 28; men ’s, Thursdays, 7.00 pm, November 3, 10, 17, 24.

Woolly Days: Knitting, spinning, crochet, weaving . . . br ing your work with you and enjoy a day with like-minded people, everyone welcome, £5 and something for a shared lunch, Saturday November 12, 10.30—3.30 pm. Contact Lizzie (07754 497004).

Inns and Outs: Tuesday November 8,Twyford Village Hall, 7.30 pm. “My Vulcan Days.” Life as a navigator on Vulcan bomber squadrons, by Mike Setterfield (Squadron Leader, Retired.). Bring a plate of food for the supper table and your own drink. £2.50. Book and Film Club: Saturday November 19, 7.30 pm. Welcome to a bar , buffet and an evening of entertainment on the cruise ship HMS Twyford! Contact 840992 for tickets and details Charity Christmas Drop-In: Fr iday November 25, 10.30 am. Suppor t local and in-ternational charities and buy some great Christmas gifts. Have a coffee and a cake too! Village hall bookings: Twyford Village Hall is available for booking for your par ty, wedding, meeting or other event. Regular activities or ‘one off’ events can also be adver-

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Who’s who in the South Croxton Benefice

Priest in Charge (Area Dean): Revd Dr Peter Hooper: The Rectory, 2 Church Lane, Asfordby, Melton Mowbray LE14 3RU (812191) e-mail: peter@hoopers.orangehome.co.uk

Readers: Canon Malcolm Britton: 34 Hall Orchard Lane, Frisby-on-the-Wreake. (434490), mrbritton1946@gmail.com; Mr David Perril: Somerby (452117), davidperril@btinternet.com

The South Croxton Benefice is part of the South West Framland (SWF) Group which operates an office. For all baptism and wedding enquiries please contact the Administrator Canon Vic Allsop at the SWF Group Office, 29 Main Street, Great Dalby, LE14 2ET (561909) or clusteradmin@btinternet.com.

During Parish Vacancy: For funerals, visits to those who are ill and home communions contact Malcolm Britton (see above) and/or your churchwarden. General enquiries about the local churches – any of the churchwardens or contacts. If the services of a priest are required contact Revd Dr Peter Hooper (see above).

Churchwardens (all numbers preceded by area code 01664)

Ashby Folville & Barsby: Rosemary Holt (840783)

South Croxton with Beeby: Ann Crawford (840231); Brian Piper (840627)

Twyford & John O’Gaunt: Dorothy Edwards (840591); Stephen Hardcastle (840733)

Gaddesby contacts: David Wyrko (840385), building; Daphne Tucker (841184)

Thorpe Satchville contacts: Jane Smith (840876); Judith Randell (840249).

Newsletter Editor: Glyn Tucker (841184) Contributions, news, events and notices may be emailed to churchmaged@gmail.com or left at/posted to 18 Ashby Road, Gaddesby, LE7 4WF (next to the village hall car park).

The deadline for the November edition is November 22

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