Every blessing, Jill (Revd. Canon Dr Jill Tucker, Area Dean of Shipston) PRESTON-ON-STOUR

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1 Vulnerability Wednesday 14 th February! Ash Wednesday and St Valentine s day, on one day! Ash Wednesday sees the start of Lent, the period when Christians remember Jesus in the wilderness at the start of his ministry and work, and the period of preparation for Easter, when Christians remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. St Valentine s day is a day celebrating romantic love, in part on that day as it was reckoned (not necessarily correctly!) that it was on this day that birds chose their mate! Despite St Valentine being one of the best known of the saints, little is known, apart from that he was killed for his faith in the 3 rd century. So what does all this teach us today? Both days speak to me about vulnerability. Romantic love requires us to be vulnerable. It is relatively easy to feel a romance or attraction for someone, the vulnerability comes when loving commitment is made. It is costly to remain in love, and as the wedding vows speak about for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. Ash Wednesday and the Lent season also speaks of vulnerability. The story links to the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness, a period of temptation and vulnerability. For Christians who seek to follow Jesus they live a life that can be vulnerable and costly. Time and again that is what the Christian story is about whether it is about the birth of a baby in Bethlehem as we marked a couple of months ago, or a man nailed on a wooden cross, as we ll mark toward the end of next month on Good Friday. One of the aspects of the church life here I really appreciate is that every church of the six are open every day, and whilst I know people sometimes express surprise at this, I am delighted, so people can visit as tourists, or spend time in these places for stillness or prayer. (thanks to those who open our churches) It might be that through this Lent period you can get a chance to go into these places of vulnerability, or perhaps even visit all six, on a mini-pilgrimage. Chris Goble From the registers Funerals Ellie Johnson, whose funeral was on 5 th January at Oakleywood crematorium Sheila Hughes, whose funeral was on 12 th January at St Mary s, Ilmington Mike Carr, whose funeral was on 19 th January at St Mary s, Ilmington Rev Michael Griffith, whose funeral and thanksgiving service was on 25 th January Rectory Notes If you would like a home visit, or a home communion, please contact Chris Goble. Also there is a weekly ed newsletter if you don t receive this and would like to, please let Chris know. This year marks 100 years since the diocese of Coventry was formed, and there will be various ways to mark this. The Archbishop of Canterbury will be joining in, 16 1

2 and events will be announced soon, from 5-8 May More immediately there is the request that every church could have a model made and put into an exhibition at the Cathedral if you would like to make a model of your church please let Chris Goble know. Confirmation is a service where you confirm the promises that were often made on your behalf at baptism. There is a opportunity for people to be confirmed in mid- April, please contact Chris Goble if you would like to explore if this is for you, or if you would like to explore more fully what is means to be a Christian. Nature notes, with thanks to Ilmington 20/20 Last month I wrote about my 2018 wish list to see I have 12 species on it, and so far have managed to see buzzards, and watched a fox for quite a while. More challenging to see will be the Barn and Tawny Owls, although hearing the Tawny owls is pretty easy! One of the aspects of nature I enjoy is the unpredictability of it. I have gone walking to see foxes and have never seen one, and then you can suddenly see a fox, or last year I pulled my car over to watch a fox and cubs. If you want to engage with nature just keep your eyes (and ears) open! Deanery News for February 2018 The beginning of February sees Candlemas, when we take one last look at Christmas, then turn to face Easter. To mark it, St. George s Church, Brailes, is hosting a Royal School of Church Music Come and Sing Candlemas Eucharist on Saturday, February 3 rd. Anyone who enjoys singing is really welcome to come along and join in, either as an individual or as a choir. All the music will be provided. Rehearsals begin at 2.30, and it will end about 6.00 pm. Everyone is invited to come and join the Eucharist at about 5.15pm. If you would like to come it would be helpful if you could let me know. Just after that, Deanery Synod will be meeting in Pillerton Village Hall on Tuesday, February 6 th at 7.30pm. Our speaker will be Jerry Marshall, Chief Executive of Germinate: The Arthur Rank Centre a organisation committed to helping rural churches and rural communities to flourish. Jerry is a passionate and inspirational advocate of life in small rural churches, and it will be lovely to welcome him. Easter is fairly early this year: Ash Wednesday is Valentine s Day- February 14 th. So the following week see the start of our Deanery Lent Services based on the Cathedral s Lent Course on Reconciliation. As ever, all services begin at 7.30pm. This year we are looking forward to welcoming several of the newcomers to our Deanery to be our speakers. 20 th February Shipston Components of Reconciliation Very Revd. John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry 27 th February Ettington Truth Rev. George Heighton 6 th March Tredington Justice and Peace Rev. Sharon Goble 13 th March Whichford Mercy and Forgiveness Rev. Ben Dyson 20 th March Tysoe Living Reconciliation Rev. Sarah Edmonds 2 15

3 27 th March Newbold Eucharist Rev. Canon Dr. Jill Tucker Finally, a note for your diaries: 2018 is our Centenary Year as a Diocese, and we are delighted that Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, will be visiting Coventry between May 2 nd and 5 th. In particular you might like to note Saturday, May 5 th when there will be a special all-day celebration at the Cathedral, for the whole family, to which everyone is invited. Every blessing, Jill (Revd. Canon Dr Jill Tucker, Area Dean of Shipston) PRESTON-ON-STOUR Preston Village Hall The year got off to the promised delicious start with many thanks to the breakfast team, especially Phil Grellier who spent a great deal of time in the full heat of the cooking front. Thank you,too, to all those who turned up despite the rain. We are sad to report that Bob and Wendy Rands have decided that it s time to hang up their gardening gloves and retire from keeping the village hall flower tubs and plants in such good order. Their quiet efficiency over the past fifteen years has been truly appreciated and we shall miss their green fingers. Many thanks to them both. The Preston Quiz Saturday 3rd February Our next event at the Hall is the ever popular quiz run by Mick Jennings, always a challenge and lots of fun. There is a plateful of sandwiches and nibbles provided at half time, please bring your own liquid refreshments (and glasses). 5 per person, maximum of four to a team booking by phone on , there s still time! March - Film Night Watch this space. We are planning an adult film night. May Day - 7th May It seems a long way off but it s not too early to start thinking about warmer days and a new May Queen. We re looking for girls aged between 6 and 8 years old to be our May Queen and attendants. Please call Margaret on if you have a likely candidate. ILMINGTON Bell ringing St Mary s Ilmington is home to eight bells. Five of them were cast in 1641 during the reign of Charles I. Eight years later Charles was beheaded, aged 48 after reigning for 23 years. In 1921 during the reign of George V a sixth bell was added. George reigned for 25 years until his death in 1936, aged 70. Two more bells were added in 2000 in the reign of our present Queen who is still our monarch after 65 years. Would you like to be part of their history? Come and learn to ring these masterpieces of craftsmanship, and preserve the art of bell ringing for another generation. You do not have to be super-fit. It is more about technique tan strength. We are an active group from all walks of life and ring for most Sunday services, weddings and other notable occasions. You will be assured of a warm welcome and training will be structured to ou ability. Contact Bill Sabin ( ) or Fran Chapman ( ). 14 3

4 Flowers of Ilmington Women s Morris Dance Event: Tuesday 30 January 7pm Do you enjoy dancing? Would like to have a go? Then come along to Ilmington Village Hall and give it a try all you need is enthusiasm. Don t be shy, there s no obligation but we think you ll love it! Flowers of Ilmington are a new, friendly Morris dance group who enjoy learning traditional and local dances whilst having fun, keeping fit and making new friends. For further details contact Nicola or nicola@nicolabaylis.co.uk or just turn up! You will be made very welcome. The Ilmington Music Student Fund This fund is available to give financial help to students learning to play a musical instrument or otherwise engaged in the study of music. The Trustees of the fund are now inviting applications for grants to be made in Applications in writing submitted by or on behalf of the student must be received not later than 31 st March Applicants must be under the age of 25 in secondary or further education and based in the parish of Ilmington or having a connection with Ilmington.Grants not exceeding 250 in total will be made only for specific musical purposes to be set out in the applications.any queries and completed applications are to be submitted to James Lloyd, Hill House, Campden Hill, Ilmington, CV36 4JF (Tel: , sjamesloyd@aol.com). Tony Morris Plumbing Established for over 30 years Bathrooms, Wetrooms, Kitchens, Tiling, Leadwork, Guttering, Decorating, General Building Works. Home Mobile Ilmington Screen on the Green Friday, 23rd February. 'Victoria & Abdul'. (Cert.PG13) Judi Dench and Eddie Izzard star in this historical drama, directed by Stephen Frears, about a friendship between the queen and a young Indian clerk. When Abdul travels to London to deliver a ceremonial coin as part of the great celebrations for Victoria's Golden Jubilee Celebrations, he quickly finds favour with her and is made a personal footman and then one of her trusted allies. Her family and household staff are scandalised. Tickets price 3.50, students 2.50, on sale at Ilmington Community Shop or at the door if available. Refreshments and licensed bar and raffle. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm start. All welcome. Ilmington Community Shop Limited Annual General Meeting. 7.30pm, Thursday, 15 th February at the Village Hall. All Members are welcome so please do join us for our 4 th AGM. We will be discussing the progress of the shop and cafe and providing you with a forecast trading position. Also, we will be able to share with you the latest position on the repair of the bell tower following the lightning strike. Did you know that we can take orders for fresh bread and meat? Forms are available at the shop. Also, if you see any other items you would like to order then please ask a member of staff. We are always on the lookout for volunteers for the shop and cafe. Even if you can only spare an hour or two it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Michele or Jeanette, our shop and cafe managers, who are always available if you wish to have a chat about how you can help. Ilmington Wednesday Club Many thanks to Beverley (for the delicious tea), to Carole (for decorating the village hall with balloons and bunting) and to all the members for their cards, prezzies and charade-playing talents - it was a memorable significant birthday! We meet again 4 13

5 on February 14th at 2 pm in the village hall to be introduced to Chi Gong. No, not an oriental visitor, but a gentle, caring makeover for the mind and body. Followed, of course, by tea and cakes. Cotswold Coven - or has been suggested "Covey" (a small flock of game birds). Our thanks to Linda for organising an excellent start to the year's programme and to the Howard Arms for providing a most enjoyable lunch. We take our appetites to the Lower Clopton Farm Shop and Cafe next month. Meet at the village hall at on February 21st to share transport. Contact is Margaret on lmington Drama Group presents Open All Hours Singing, dancing, romance, Tommy Cooper. all in a day s work at Ilmington Community Shop and Café. Come along and discover what goes on when the volunteers are left unsupervised! Starring Barbie and Ken, Ms Fenella Ponsonby-Smythe, Mr and Mrs Ramsbottom, Signorina Carla Fettuccine and a cast of tens. Tickets are now available from Ilmington Community Shop or can be booked in advance from Susan Brock s.brock9@btinternet.com. Performances on Friday 9 February 7pm: Saturday 10 February 7pm; and Sunday 11 February 2.30pm. Ilmington Bowling Club The bowls club is seeking someone to prepare a simple ploughman's supper for 24 bowlers after summer matches mainly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you are interested in this micro-business opportunity then please contact Gregg Woodall (chairman). The club be holding several events in 2018 where there will be opportunities for everyone to have a go at playing bowls. If you are interested in having a go, or if you are very keen and want to try indoor bowls before the summer season then please contact Gregg Woodall - woodallg@btinternet.com Spring Flower Show: Save the Date Ilmington Village Hall, Saturday 14 April 2018 Exhibits of bulbs, flowering shrubs, hellebores, primulas, house plants, flower arranging are welcome from residents and non-residents at Ilmington Horticultural Society s new spring flower show. As well as the show there will be a plant Bring and Buy so don t forget to sow extra seeds or make more cuttings than you need they will all be useful swaps. There is no charge for entries which will be registered on the day and admission will be only 1. A schedule will be available in the Community Shop and the Red Lion at the end of February. For more information contact Lee Bridges or Susan Brock TREDINGTON Craft and Chatter: Thursday 1 February You are most welcome to join us on Thursday 1 February from 2.00 to 4.00 in the WI Hall for our Craft and Chatter meeting. Do come along, learn a new craft or continue with one you are happy to do and enjoy tea and cake as well. On Thursday 5 April from to 1.00 in the WI Hall, Lucy Cooke will be giving us a workshop on mosaics. There will be a choice of things you can make, all 12 5

6 materials provided. Next month I will give more details including prices, all inclusive it will be under 10, including refreshments - so if you are interested, please contact me. Jenny Plenderleith WI Meeting: Thursday 8 February On Thursday 8 February, Heather Alford will be giving a talk on her Voyage of Discovery to Antarctica - now that's a holiday destination with a difference - have you ever considered it!! The meeting starts at 1.00 with soup and bread (with of course a time to chat) and then Heather will start her talk at approximately We are always pleased to welcome visitors - give us a try - it will be an interesting afternoon. Jenny Plenderleith Pop-up Cafe Our next cafe will be on Friday 23 March to See you then. Village New Year Supper Many thanks to everyone who came and helped with the supper at the beginning of January. As a result of the donations, we were able to give 300 to the Gurkha Welfare Trust in memory of Rev. Michael Griffith. Thanks for your generosity. Jenny Plenderleith. Tredington Garden Club Tredington Garden Club meeting will be on Thursday 15th February at 7.30 p.m. in the W.I. Hall. The speaker will be Ross Barbour about "Roses need friends too". Visitors are welcome for a charge of Refreshments are included. STRETTON Stepping out in faith in Stretton. Bible Study and Fellowship Monday 12th February's at 5 Manor Farm Cottages. From 7.30 till 9 pm. All very welcome. Coffee Morning and Fellowship. Tuesday 13th February. From till 12 noon. At 8 Carson's Close. All very welcome. Stretton Carol Singers Many thanks for all your kind donations to the Stretton carol singers this year. We collected This has been given equally to Shipston Home Nursing and St Peters Church. Thanks also to all the singers, both young and old and those who gave us refreshments on our way! 6 11

7 OUTSIDE THE PARISHES Group rate for LPG Do you use bulk LPG to heat your home and water? We have negotiated a group rate for local villages with a supplier at only 28.5 pence per litre fixed for 12 months plus a 100 credit in your account. me if you are interested at lpg.syndicate@hotmail.co.uk and I can provide further information. Collette Inman 10 7

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