In June a couple visiting family graves commented that [their relatives] would have loved the wildflowers and grasses in the churchyard!

They are not the only ones – our annual bio-blitz results demonstrate that the churchyard management plan is increasing bio-diversity.  A full list of all we saw forms part of the Nature Notes on the display stand at the back of the church.

 

Thank you very much indeed for your continued generosity.

The up-to-date list of requested items is on the boxes in the church porch.

Next collection – 9th August.

Do you stand on one foot while brushing your teeth?  Dr Michael Mosley says that doing so improves balance and reduces the risk of injury.  For this and many other simple changes to transform your life read his book “Just One Thing” based on the Radio 4 programme.  Informative, interesting and entertaining.

Two twentieth century classics – “A Town Like Alice” by Nevil Shute, based on a true story although relocated from Sumatra to Malaya, the theme of this well written book is never lose heart. I enjoyed reading this one and also Albert Camus’ “The Outsider”, although when reading this I could not help thinking of themes for exam questions – being outside society, refusal to hide true feelings (or lack of them) etc.

To complete this month’s set – another police procedural.  If this had been written by MC Beaton it would have been called death of an accountant but this is by Alex Gray, one of her Detective William Lorimer series based in Glasgow, entitled “The Riverman”. The body count grows…

CHURCH ROTAS
·      Church cleaning: Annie Harvey; Ruth Lees
·      Church flowers: Jacky Morrell; Mary Richardson
·      Front of House Rota: Ruth Lees; Louise and Steven Fox; Annie and David Harvey

 

ECO CHURCH
Good news! Our bid to the National Grid’s Community Matters Fund for a grant to defray the costs of planting a wildflower mini meadow and “pollen bar” on the southern boundary of the churchyard has been successful.  Keep an eye on what is flowering and the insects visiting the pollen rich plants.  If you spot anything unusual don’t forget to let Jacky Morrell know for the monthly nature notes displayed in the church.

 

SONGS OF PRAISE – Sunday, 30th July at 4:00 pm
Is there a hymn that means a lot to you?  One you always like to sing?  Nominate your favourite for our Songs of Praise service on 30th July at 4:00 pm to be led by Rev Jes Salt.

The nomination sheet is in the church porch or alternatively email Debra – debrathatcher@hotmail.com

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Saturday, 9th September marks the day of Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust’s Ride and Stride fundraising event.  We have benefitted from the charity’s grant scheme and support the event by providing refreshments at the church to the “riders and striders”. If you are able to spare an hour on that day to welcome fundraisers please let Debra know.

On the subject of volunteering, it would be remiss not to thank Andy Hoult for his long service on the PCC – Andy has stood down after 15 years.

 

BELL RINGING
You may recall the glorious sound of the church bells being rung on the morning of the Coronation Bank Holiday Monday.  Encouraged by the warm welcome and cake the band of ringers has offered to return from time to time to ring before some of our services.