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| Reports |
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| July Vintage Tea Party, Men's Breakfast, School Service, Songs of Praise |
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| Songs of Praise | |||||||||||||||||
 The 'All-Age' Family Service this month took the format of a 'Songs of Praise'. The Service began with the ladies of the choir singing the first verse of Amazing Grace as a solo before we all joined in. (Return to Top)
The reading from St Matthew's Gospel about those who look after others (separation of the sheep and goats) was reflected in the hymn The Ink is Black, led by Sue Coombes on the guitar, and we sang Kum Ba Ya before the intercessions, with the final verse 'Someone's Praying Lord' sung after those prayers. (Return to Top) During the Service, Shiela Bennett told us why she chose Living Lord, Roger Parker explained his choice Seek Ye First The Kingdom of God, David Clowes explained his choice Lord for The Years and a member of the congregation withour prior notice chose O Jesus I have Promised. Ruth Clowes ended the Service by choosing and explaining I, The Lord of Sea and Sky as well as leading the final prayers and the Blessing. (Return to Top) |
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| End of Term School Service | |||||||||||||||||
 July 21st saw Ann Cam School's annual 'End of Term' Service in Dymock Church which celebrates the achievements of all the pupils, but especially those leaving to go on to Senior School (Year 6). This year there were 20 leavers. The whole school attended (105 pupils), together with around 100 parents and family members. (Return to Top)
Merit awards were given to three or four children in each year from Reception to Year 5, who had achieved something special during the year - a certificate and pin badge. Photos were projected of each leaver from when they were babies through to now, enough to make even the strongest heart embarrassed, before each leaver was presented with a photo record of their time at the school and a hooded sweatshirt with 'Leaver 11' in large letters on the back, plus a Bible each given by the church. (Return to Top) Each leavers' friend read a eulogy about them before the leavers entertained us with a song. The whole event being set in the context of Worship, beginning with the hymn 'Colours of Day' and ending with 'I The Lord of Sea and Sky', prayer, and a blessing from our House for Duty priest, Michael Bennett. (Return to Top) |
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| Men's Breakfast | |||||||||||||||||
 16 men gathered in the Beauchamp Arms Pub on 9th July for the usual full English Breakfast, followed by a briefing and discussion with our guest Margaret Edwards, the President of the Gloucestershire Mothers' Union. Margaret told us how the 'MU' came about and something of what they do. She said they're often mistaken for the Women's Institute (WI) but that's a completely separate organisation. The MU has just over 4 million members in 81 countries world-wide. Around 97% of the membership is outside the UK, mainly in Africa, but 98% of the funds are raised here. (Return to Top)
Local branch meetings meet to socialise, but also to raise funds to support their 'projects' - each country runs it's own 'projects' matched to the needs of the country such as HIV/AIDS education and relief for very poor families. In the UK the main projects are AFIA ("Away From It All" holidays) for deprived families, Prison Work including taking babies out to acclimatise them to the outside world and taking children to visit their parent in prison, and a Money Advice Service for those with financial problems. (Return to Top) In the UK anyone who supports the aims of 'Christian Care for Families' can join (of either sex) but in Africa you have to be a Mother. In the UK they'd like to change the name to something more general but the more conservative African members won't allow this, which many here feel is a hindrance to their work in this country. (Return to Top) |
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| Vintage Afternoon Tea Party | |||||||||||||||||
 Music, relaxed conversation and a splendid tea was enjoyed by many in the May's Garden at Harmony Cottage on Saturday 2nd of July. Graced with fine weather, the Tea Party also featured local man Horace Dudfield’s choice of "Dymock Island Discs." As well as choosing his 10 favourite pieces of music, Horace entertaining us with explanations behind his choices, including anecdotes from his (mis-spent?) youth in Dymock village! (Return to Top)
The 'Vintage Tea' comprised a range of delicious homemade sandwiches, including cucumber squares with the crusts cut off, and a wide range of homemade cakes on cake stands, plus scones with jam and whipped cream, whilst every table had their own pot of tea. (Return to Top) Several people entered the spirit of the event and dressed up in period clothes and stylish hats. For pictures, click here. (Return to Top) A total of £403 was raised in support of St Mary’s Church Restoration Appeal. Thanks to all! |
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