,

BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS!

First, a post-apocalyptic novel “The Day of the Triffids” by John Wyndham. I read this first as a teenager, but I enjoyed it more this time round.

Another re-read, Muriel Spark’s “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” – I could hear Dame Maggie Smith’s voice loud and clear. A great book with complex characters displaying a host of human imperfections.

Talking of hearing voices, I could not help but enjoy the wonderfully warm tribute to F1 commentator Murray Walker in “Incredible” by Maurice Hamilton  and… finally, “A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole – a cult classic, the story of a modern day Don Quixote, Ignatius J. Reilly, written in the first person as if autobiographical – good fun!

 

,

RSPB BIRD WATCH 2025

If you have a spare daylight hour in the weekend of January 24-26th why not participate in some citizen science?

The RSPB’s Big Garden Bird Watch is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey – see –  https://www.rspb.org.uk/

As well as in your own garden, you can count on the Churchyard and/or Playing Field.

,

THE LONGEST YARN – MARCH 16TH 2025

 

We are organising a trip to Peterborough to see the Longest Yarn, an 80 metre long knitted and crocheted artwork made to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in 1944.  It is a free exhibition.

We thought it would round off the trip to have a meal at Cote restaurant which is near the Cathedral Precinct.

Depending on numbers, we could car share.

If interested, please let Debra Thatcher know.

,

CHURCH NEWS

CHURCH SERVICES IN JANUARY
January 5th:   Morning Prayer to celebrate Epiphany/Three Kings Day
January 12th: Morning Prayer – cancelled
January 26th: Morning Prayer

Please see the Church noticeboard for further details or contact Debra Thatcher

 

CHURCH FLOWERS
Happy New Year to everyone on the flower rota and many thanks for your continued support.
Thanks go to Louise Fox & Debra Thatcher for the altar flowers in January.

 

VILLAGE CHRISTMAS CARD
Grateful thanks to everyone who participated in the scheme. Monies donated are divided equally between the Church, Village Hall and Playing Field.

LOOKING BACK ON 2024

Dear All,

As we look back on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible spirit, dedication, and kindness that define our community. Together, we have shared moments of joy, overcome challenges, and supported one another in ways that truly make Ridlington so special.

Thank you to each and every one of you for your contributions – whether big or small – towards making our village such a wonderful place to call home. Your efforts, generosity, and togetherness are the heartbeat of our community, and they do not go unnoticed.

As we welcome the New Year, our wish for us all is that 2025 brings good health, happiness and continued unity. May our bonds grow stronger, and may our collective efforts lead to an even brighter future for everyone in Ridlington.

Here’s to celebrating our shared successes and embracing the opportunities ahead. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous New Year!

 

,

TWO WALKS FOR THIS MONTH

Walk off those mince pies! A short walk has been organised for December 9th.

And another walk has been organised for January 1st.

Both start at 10:00 from the church porch.

Please let Debra Thatcher know if you will attend.

,

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR BIN COLLECTIONS

 

According to the Rutland County Council website our

black bins will be collected on Tuesday, 24th December (a day earlier) and the

grey bins will be collected on Thursday, 2nd January (a day later).

,

CHRISTMAS ACROSTIC

CHRISTMAS ACROSTIC – just for fun.

Write a poem where the first letter of each line spells a word for example,

Praise from
Everyone
Across the World
Christ Child
Embraces us All