The Forerunner

Calendar for April 2005

Sunday	3rd	Horsley Nailsworth Kingscote Nailsworth CC CC	8.00 am 9.30 am 11.00 am 6.00 pm	Holy Communion BCP Family Communion Parish Communion CW Evening Worship *
Wednesday	6th	Nailsworth	10.00 am	Holy Communion
Sunday	10th	Kingscote Nailsworth Horsley Shortwood	8.00 am 9.30 am 11.00 am 6.00 pm	Holy Communion BCP Family communion Family Service Evensong
Wednesday	13th	Nailsworth	10.00 am	Holy Communion
Sunday	17th	Nailsworth Nailsworth Kingscote Horsley	8.00 am 9.30 am 11.00 am 11.00 am	Holy Communion Family Service Family Service Holy Communion CW
Wednesday	20th	Nailsworth	10.00 am	Holy Communion
Sunday	24th	Shortwood Nailsworth Kingscote Nailsworth	8.00 am 9.30 am 9.30 am 6.00 pm	Holy Communion Family Communion Morning Prayer Songs of Praise
Wednesday	27th	Nailsworth	10.00 am	Holy Communion

Nailsworth CC = service at Christchurch

* = Joint service with Christchurch members

The Little Angels toddlers group meets at Nailsworth Church at 9.30 am on Fridays.

The Annual Parish Church Meeting will take place on Monday 11th April at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. All residents of the parish are warmly invited to attend and contribute.

Diocesan Internet News Site www.glosdioc.org.uk

Forerunner Internet Site www.geocities.com/forerunneruk/

The Vicar’s Letter

Dear Friends,

There is a story which I believe to be true, told of an incident that took place when the Communist Party was at its strongest in Russia. Just after Easter, the people were gathered together in one of the huge churches and harangued for several hours by ‘an official’ of the party who explained why the Lord Jesus whom Christians believe in could not have existed and was not the Son of God, that the Bible was all myth and propaganda and that there was no way that this man could have been crucified and have then risen from the dead. He defied anyone to argue against this, and for several minutes no one moved and the vast church was in silence.

Then all heads turned in one direction as an old man, whose clothes marked him out as a priest in the Russian Orthodox Church, made his way down from the gallery. It seemed an age before he reached the nave of the church, packed with the people of the town gathered in by the soldiers who were stationed on guard outside ready to frogmarch away any dissidents.

His argument was simple. He threw back his head and with a loud voice proclaimed:

“Alleluia ! Christ is risen.”

With one voice the whole church responded with the reply:

“He is risen indeed. Alleluia !”

The official slunk off and took the soldiers with him.

I love shouting this traditional welcome at the beginning of services from Easter to Pentecost and hearing the response shouted (?!) joyfully back. Can you imagine how the news of Jesus’ resurrection was passed from mouth to mouth ? The news spread like wildfire. They knew that somehow he had defeated death, and they soon recalled all his teaching that through his death he would overcome sin and Death - and finally knew what he meant. And their joy knew no bounds !

Bishop Michael has led us wonderfully in the Stonehouse Deanery as we have followed Jesus on the journey to Jerusalem, the Cross and to Easter Sunday. I have been encouraged by the numbers from our Benefice who did accept the Bishop’s invitation to join him. To any who didn’t, it is never too late - but always remember it may be later than you think !

Seize the moment and look for Him with all your heart and join the joyful cry:

“He is risen indeed. Alleluia !”

The Reverend Stephen Earley

Pattern of Services at Kingscote Church

We would welcome any input from parishioners on the service pattern at the church. Obviously it is ultimately controlled by the availability of clergy on Sunday mornings, but there is some flexibility which we can exploit. This month we are reverting to our ‘summer timetable’ with an 8.00 am Holy Communion on the second Sunday in the month, instead of the winter evening service at 6.00 pm.

We have also had considerable debate on the subject of modern (Common Worship) or traditional (Book of Common Prayer) language. One view is that some of the old wording in the BCP may put off younger people, and another is that no-one seriously suggests that the language of Shakespeare is a problem so why should the BCP be a problem ? However there is no doubt that following the BCP service book can be a challenge due its layout.

We do wish even an occasional visit to the church to be an enjoyable and satisfying experience for everybody, so any comments on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

The PCC

Jack Streak

Many parishioners will have fond memories of Jack, whose funeral was held in the church on Tuesday 8th March. With Marjory and a small group of public spirited parishioners, he played a key role in running and maintaining the Church and the Village Hall for many years. The smart church parades, which he organised with local British Legion colleagues for the Remembrance Sunday evening service, have been only a memory for us following his move to Dorset 8 years ago. In recognition of his military service, the Band of the Royal Marines dispatched a bugler who played the Last Post in full dress uniform at the end of the service - a memorable and worthy tribute. Jack’s ashes have been laid in the grave of his son who was killed in 1967 as a 22 year old student in a tragic motorcycle accident. We remember Marjory and Jacquie and hope to see them from time to time when they visit the area.

The Editor

Flower Rota

April 3rd Easter & Wedding

April 10th and 17th

April 24th and May 1

May 8th

Flower team

Mrs C Bennett

Mrs W Ingram

Mrs S Spandler

Jo Spash

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

In March, 27 parish children took over Ashcroft for the afternoon for activities based on the story The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We transformed parts of Ashcroft into Winter, Spring and Summer scenes, and produced a celebration tea. We enjoyed races, making collages, singing and games - especially the parachute game. Thank you to all the adults who helped - especially Ben and Georgina Harford who allowed us to invade their home.

At our children’s club on Sunday 10th April, we will watch the video of the afternoon at Ashcroft, look at the photos taken and do other activities. See you at the Village Hall at 11.00 am.

Janet, Jenny and Elin

Flower and Clean Team

Our next cleaning session will be on Tues. 19 April at the usual time of 2.30 pm.

Vida Sutton

House Group

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 10 May at 7.45 pm at Ashcroft House. We have completed the current study booklet, and will now choose the themes for the next series of meetings. We welcome any newcomers who would like to join in.

Georgina Harford

Grumbolds Ash Group

Only four of us were able to take part in the visit to Bath, but we had a very enjoyable day. First we visited the Abbey which was bright with sunshine, followed by lunch in the Pump Room - delicious food accompanied at the end by piano music. The beautiful weather continued, and we rounded off the day with tea at Jolly’s.

On Friday April 22nd we have planned a trip to the Abbey Gardens in Malmesbury, where we hope to see the lovely tulips. We will meet at the Village Hall at 10.30 am and look forward to taking lunch nearby.

Vida Sutton

Children’s Society

This year’s Box Collection has amounted to £151-21. Thank you to all for your continued support which is much appreciated.

Gill James

BINLEY FARM OPEN DAY

Saturday 16th April from 2.00 to 4.00 pm

Come and see the New Born Lambs

Watch working sheepdogs

Tractor and Trailer rides

(weather permitting)

Parish Council

The next meeting will be the Annual Parish Assembly which will take place on Monday 9 May at 7.00 pm in the Village Hall.

Tony Weedon

Village Hall News

Woodburner: We are pleased to report that Ben Bennett has kindly installed a woodburner in the Village Hall and, at the same time, revealed the original fireplace which looks very attractive. The outside of the stove obviously gets hot and should not be touched; a suitable fireguard has been ordered, with delivery expected in 3 weeks. A very big thank you to Ben and to Cherry who both gave up much of their time to install this for us all.

Evening Event: On Saturday 23rd April we will celebrate St George’s Day with a themed English Evening in the Village Hall at 7.30 pm. Tickets £6 adults/£3 children which will include food. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will on sale at the event. Please call Louise Marsh or Alice Cooper to book your place.

Alice Cooper

MAESTEG MALE VOICE CHOIR

Concert at St Mary’s Church Tetbury

Saturday 30th April - 7.30 pm

Tickets £9.50 including a glass of wine or juice

available at Tetbury Tourist Centre

or contact Marilyn Kirby

(Proceeds in aid of Tetbury Hospital)

Churchyard Mowing

The mowing season has started again, with the ladies from Boxwood Close well in the lead. If any newcomers wish to join the team, perhaps only as occasional helpers, this would be appreciated. Even churchyard mowers like to have holidays ! Also, could we once again ask dog owners to prevent their pets fouling the churchyard.

The PCC

Leighterton School news

Wildlife Quiz: The school team were the winners in a closely fought first round of the County Wildlife Quiz and now go into the semi-finals after Easter.

Cross Country: Representatives of the school took part in the races at Stratford Park on 25 February and four runners - including Lisa Tattersall from Kingscote - will now compete for the Stroud District in the years 5 and 6 area finals. Other schools have at most two runners in the team.

Auction of Promises: This very successful evening raised £1700 which will go towards the refurbishment of the school library. The auction was also a well attended and enjoyable social occasion. The PTFA thank all the people and businesses who offered promises and made donations.

Investors in People: The school was successfully reviewed on 9 March and came through with the accreditation as a Champion IIP Organisation. No other schools in the county yet have IIP accreditation, and no other organisation in the county has been given ‘Champion’ status. This is a recognition of the excellence of the education provided by Jenny Kiss and her teachers and staff.

Vacancy for Midday Supervisor: If you are interested in joining the team and covering lunchtime duty in the hall and playground on 4 days a week, please contact the school office as soon as possible

Philip Kendell

Bus Timetable Enquiries

Ring traveline free of charge on 0870 608 2608.

Mobile Police Station

The Mobile Police Station will visit Kingscote between 1.30 and 2.00 pm on Monday 11th and Friday 29th April. Please give them your support.

Post Office

The Post Office is open on every normal working Tuesday and Thursday :

from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

Mobile Library

The mobile library will be by The Walled Garden from 9.40 am to 10.00 am on Thursdays 14th and 28th of April.

Waste Recycling

The Cotswold District Council have decided with their contractors to maintain a fixed schedule of collections, irrespective of Bank Holidays etc.

The boxes will be emptied as follows:

Newington and Bagpath - Mon 11th and 25th April.

Kingscote - Tues 12th and 26th April.

Magazine

Any material which may be of interest for the next issue of the Forerunner should be sent by 20th April to H. Tubbs, 3 The Walled Garden, Tel. 860 194, e-mail: