More than 20 years ago the Labour Party under Tony Blair had its second election victory – “The End of the Party” by acclaimed political commentator Andrew Rawnsley recounts the triumphs and tribulations as well as the personal feuds and reconciliations between key players in the party.  How many of the events can you recall?  An excellently written book and recommended.

Praise from this quarter for “Burnt Norton” by Caroline Sandon is not so forthcoming.  An interesting premise – a once grand house, reduced to ruin – but, in my opinion, not well executed.

M.C.Beaton’s “Death of a Cad” follows the standard and much loved pattern and the genre is supported this month by two Agatha Christie’s – “The Mysterious Affair at Styles” where the world is introduced to Hercule Poirot and “Murder at the Vicarage”, a Miss Marple mystery – who shot the churchwarden in the head? (I’m saying nothing!)

 

Thank you to those of you who have donated to the Peterborough homeless in the last few weeks. Your warm clothing was so necessary in that pre – Christmas icy cold patch. The organisers were particularly grateful for the 4 donated tents which we delivered to them at speed! We have been really touched by the number of very concerned folk who have arrived on our doorstep with donations. If you are having a post – Christmas clear out please bear the homeless in mind.

Items needed:

Sleeping bags and 2-person tents (not pop-up as these are not weatherproof and they blow away); Yoga/camping mats

Torches and anything camping related

Warm jumpers/sweatshirts S/M/L

Trainers/ boots with good soles sizes 8 – 10

Men’s jeans 30” – 32” waist; M/L joggers or similar

Winter/waterproof coats M/L

New/unused boxers S/M; New or used socks with wear left in them

Dog food – self-opening cans or dried food

Homeless people are rarely XL so please no bigger than large size. Neither duvets nor pillows can be accepted.

Many thanks for your generous donations and for your continuing support.

Margie & Martin Wall
8 East Lane, Ridlington
Contact – 07928378668/01572 821397

CHURCH ROTAS  (subject to change as new rotas for 2023 are confirmed).
Thank you this month to:

Church cleaning rota:  Debra Thatcher; Julie Hoult; Annie Harvey; Ruth Lees
Church flowers: Debra Thatcher
Front of House Rota: Annie and David Harvey; Ruth Lees

 

COST OF LIVING
It will come as no surprise to be told that the costs of both the electric and insurance for the church have increased this year.  If any of the many generous donors who already support the maintenance of the church building are able to increase their regular giving or if you have not contributed before and would like to do so, please contact Debra Thatcher for the appropriate form.

I had forgotten what a great storyteller Stephen King is and would recommend “11.22.63”.  A time traveller attempts to prevent the assassination of President Kennedy – can one man make a difference?  What really happened and what might have been otherwise…

An intriguing title, “Daisy Dies and Sees Naples”  by David Lamb, and as thoughts in January often turn to holiday planning, what better way to cheer up in the depths of winter than reading the former journalist’s description of travelling by motor home in Europe – took a few pages to get into his sense of humour but an enjoyable book.

This month’s M C Beaton –  “Death of a Kingfisher”  – a high body count in this one.