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ADRIAN MARTIN-POPE REMEMBERED

Adrian Martin-Pope sadly passed away in the early hours of Friday, 7th January 2022, following a long period of ill health. A highly respected resident of Ridlington for 15 years, Adrian leaves behind his wife, Val to whom he had been married for 65 years. Before moving to Ridlington, he and Val lived and worshipped in Wing for 30 years.

Adrian was a conservative man, a kind and gentle soul of many talents; he served in the RAF for 25 years retiring as a Squadron Leader. Previous to that, he had worked in a team to develop the Olympus engine for both the Tornado and Concorde. During his retirement, he enjoyed travelling and took his wife to Singapore, where he had once served.

Adrian’s funeral was held at St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church, Wing and was also available to be streamed by friends and family across the globe, including Australia and New Zealand. He will be sadly missed – may he rest in peace.

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BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS!

The first of this month’s reviews is of AJ Finn’s “The Woman in the Window” which was recently made into a film.  It tells the story of a recluse who spends her time drinking, watching old films, recalling happier times and spying on her neighbours.  I thought it a good thriller with a well crafted plot and imagine that it might have appealed to Hitchcock.

“Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline was a different kettle of fish.  I don’t often read sci-fi novels so it made a change and to my surprise I thoroughly enjoyed it.  The book is set in a dystopian future in 2045 and the main character is on a treasure hunt  for a fortune and the ability to control the virtual universe in a worldwide virtual reality game.  Full of references to culture and music from the 1980’s (probably why it appealed so much to me), and worth a try.  Made into a Spielberg directed film in 2018.

“Thunder on the Right” written in the late 1950’s  by Mary Stewart is a page-turner dressed up as a romantic suspense novel.  Set in the French Pyrenees a young English woman goes to visit her cousin who is planning to enter a convent.  She is told at the convent that the cousin was injured in a car crash and has died but the heroine starts to suspect that all is not as it seems…Enjoyable enough.

All three books are available to borrow from the church.  If you would like to purchase any book please leave a donation in the offertory box which is underneath the visitors book.

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BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS!

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions?

Eat more healthily? “Skinny Pasta” – recipes of less than 500 calories or Mitch Tonks “Fish” might encourage you.  Learn something new?  “Sportographica” or “Football Oddities” might be just the thing.

Want some laughter? “Five go on a Strategy Away Day” and “Five on Brexit Island” – spoof Famous Fives could strike the right note or a compendium of “Where’s Wally”.

If it is beauty you are after – the coffee table book “Horses” has wonderful photography of equine life.  For a comedian’s life try “Spectacles” a memoir of Sue Perkins, part of the original Bake Off presenting team.

Light reading can be found in the novels “Every Woman for Herself” and “Secrets Under the Sun” or, if something darker is desired, Kate Ellis’ “An Unhallowed Grave” might fit the bill.

Feel free to borrow from the church or, if you want to buy, please make a donation.

Thank you.
Debra Thatcher

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FOODBANK COLLECTIONS – JANUARY 2022

My heartfelt thanks to everyone in the village who donated items for the FoodBank last year – unfortunately, the need for support continues.  Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to an unexpected bill on a low income.  Please continue to give generously.  Please place donations in the two plastic boxes in the church porch. Collections will only be once a month.

The collection date for January is – Wednesday, 26th

Urgently needed items include – tinned fruit; tinned potatoes or smash; tinned meat pies; long life sponge puddings; UHT milk, blue or green; plain rice, particularly the microwaveable sachets; loo rolls; shower gel; shaving foam or gel; deodorants and non-bio washing pods.

Thank you.
Debra Thatcher

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CHOCOLATE YULE LOG COMPETITION

The results of the Chocolate Yule Log Competition are out!! And what an array of expertise was shown.

As you can see from the photograph, it was a very difficult competition to judge as they were all delightful and tasty….

There were 9 participants who demonstrated their excellent  decorative skills but in the end it came down to taste.

The winner was Ella Chandler, Second came Janet Horwood, a joint Third was Jan Powley and Jacqueline Ike.

The entry fee and donations raised £85.00 towards the Church funds.

Congratulations to all who participated and thank you for your support.

Richard & Karen Baines

 

 

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CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE – 19 DECEMBER @ 6:00 PM

We hope that you will join us at the village Carol Service being held this Sunday evening at 6:00 pm.

Due to the COVID pandemic please:

  • Do not attend if you are exhibiting any COVID symptoms;
  • Take a lateral flow test (kits available at the back of the church) and only attend if you have a negative result;
  • Wear a mask unless leading the service, giving a reading, or performing;
  • Use the hand sanitiser on arrival;
  • Sit in family/household “bubbles”;
  • Wear warm clothes because although the heating will be on, the door will be open.

Thank You
Debra Thatcher

 

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PETERBOROUGH HOMELESS COLLECTION

Life returns slowly to a sort of normal which means that the streets are once again home for many people. Lockdown de-cluttering helped to build up store of clothing and camping items, but these are now being depleted once more. My Peterborough contact has been in touch with a list of the present requirements, and she has also stressed how grateful the organisation is for the donations they receive from Ridlington.

There are many calls on us for help from many different directions I know, but if you can spare any of the listed items, they will be gratefully received and put to very good use.

Thank you for your continued support.

SLEEPING BAGS
2-PERSON TENTS (not pop-up as these are not weatherproof and they blow away)
YOGA/CAMPING MATS
TRAINERS WITH GOOD SOLES   SIZES 8 – 10
TORCHES
STOVES
ANYTHING CAMPING RELATED

 

CLOTHING
Men’s jeans 30” – 32” waist
M/L joggers or similar
Winter/waterproof coats M/L
New/unused boxers medium
New/ unused socks
Neither duvets nor pillows can be accepted I’m afraid

 

Margie & Martin Wall
8 East Lane
Ridlington
Mobile – 07928378668
Tel.:  01572 821397

 

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BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS!

Probably best known for his book “Atonement” Ian McEwen won the Booker Prize in 1998 for “Amsterdam” – a fast paced novel, well planned and executed, although I found the ending predictable.  He also wrote “The Innocent”, a mid Cold War espionage drama.  Some scenes/chapters will not be to everyone’s liking – graphic detail of sex and violence.

Also, this month, “The Black Violin”, a translation of Maxence Fermine’s second novel, dealing with the trials and tribulations of finding inspiration for music – the perfect opera.  Critics are divided over the book – some decry its simplicity, but I enjoyed it although found the occasional typo took the shine off my enjoyment.

Books are available to borrow from the back of the church.  If you would like to buy any, please make a donation to church funds.

Many thanks,
Debra Thatcher.