The Parish Magazine
November '24
BERWICK ST JAMES
Goodbye and good luck in the future to Genevieve and Peter Shaughnessy. They generously took part in village events, especially with book club and we’ll miss the cakes at Tea and Chat. They have left to be closer to family in Gosport.
CHURCH NEWS
Firstly, many thanks to Yvonne Allen for taking our Harvest Festival service on 6th October. It was lovely to see the church so very beautifully decorated and with so much produce, which was donated to the Women’s Refuge in Salisbury, which is always very appreciative.
Our thanks to everyone who gave the produce and their time.
There was added excitement as we tried the heating system and our trusty boiler, thought to have been irreparable, worked perfectly. Long may it continue.
November is scheduled to be a quieter month before the build-up to Christmas. On 3rd November we have Holy Communion at 09.30a.m and on 17th November we have Matins at the new normal time of 11.00a.m. All are welcome.
Finally a message from Maggie Metcalfe to all the residents of Berwick St James.
Very many thanks for the wonderful gifts you have given me. Both materially in the hugely generous leaving gifts – a beautiful Home Communion set and a garden centre voucher – and for the gift of getting to know you. I have loved it, and am so grateful for your hospitality, and for the way you have shared your lives with me – the joy and laughter as well as the sadnesses and tears. It has been a great privilege. It is a time of transition for us all as I await my licensing as associate priest in the Chalke Valley where I will be ministering near our home.
Thank you for all you have taught me and for the fun we have had. Christmas Candlelit Carols, the Jubilee, Coronation, pet services as well as regular Sunday and unique family services. All have been very special in many ways.
I will miss you but know that God will be with you and continue to hold us all in the palm of His hand. With my love and blessing.
Maggie.
TEA and CAKE and CHAT in the READING ROOM
The November chats are on 5th and 19th November. 2.30 – 4pm, lovely to see everyone. There is no charge, cakes are welcome too!
EARLY CHRISTMAS SALE with TEA and CAKE in the READING ROOM
SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER. 2.30pm to 4.30pm RAFFLE will be drawn at 4pm.
Come along to the Early Christmas Sale on Saturday Afternoon. Free Tea and Coffee.
Produce and Home-bakes stall, Gifts and Christmas items. Tombola. Grand Raffle.
And lots more! Free Quiz (wait and find out!).
We welcome donations of Bottles and Biscuits, Chocolate and Cakes, Gifts and Goodies, Raffle and Tombola prizes and items for the Christmas Hamper.
Donations can be left at The Clock House Porch, by the eggs in Berwick Farm Yard (at the back of the Dairy House) or to the Reading Room on Friday 15th between 2pm and 4pm.
Small toys and gifts for children especially welcome as we would like to offer more for children.
For collection, or for more information contact Nicky [email protected], The Dairy House, WhatsApp or text 07989 722112.
ART APPRECIATION in Berwick-St-James
Loving Vincent
Following the Rembrandt presentations, and artist that Van Gogh revered, on Thursday 21st November, we focus on Vincent himself. I use the title advisedly, as without doubt, the enigmatic Dutchman is the most universally loved of modern artists across the generations. This presentation will be an opportunity for us to share many of his most renowned paintings, to complement the ground-breaking and highly recommended exhibition at the National Gallery, “Poets and Lovers”.
Meetings take place in the Berwick-St-James Reading Room (opposite the Boot Inn), commencing 7pm, with doors open at 6.45. Entry on the evening £5/person to include a glass of wine, with all proceeds donated to the Reading Room Fund. For further information, see the Berwick-St-James web-site, contact Brian Armstrong on 07999 325804, or email brianarm100icloud.com
CHRISTMAS CRAFT AFTERNOON
Christmas Crafts in The Reading Room
Come and join us to make Christmas crafts to take home or decorate our village.
Saturday 23rd November 2.30pm – 4.30pm, The Reading Room. Berwick St James. Crafts suitable for ages 1-100. There will be tea and cake too. Everyone welcome.
VILLAGE MEETING
Berwick St James village Meeting was held on Thursday 3rd October: Thank you to all who attended, especially our guest Peter Smith, Chair of Winterbourne Stoke PC who provided a comprehensive history and case for addressing the problems caused by the A303 here in Wiltshire. We are looking for volunteers for “Fundraising event/s in 2025” and those willing to help with the “Safe Footpath Project” to contact Julian and Carolyn.
The minutes of the Village Meeting are on the website under “Parish Meetings 3 October 2024”. Click here to view.
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