Congratulations to Alan Connolly and Catherine Helm; Jason Sheriston and Sally Finney; Richard Smith and Julia Bennett on their marriages. We wish them much health and happiness in their lives.

On May 9^th, Brenda and I went to Southwell Minster to be sworn in as Churchwardens for the next year. You don’t become a warden until you’ve been installed by the Archdeacon.

In the last month, several members have been off sick. We wish you all a speedy recovery.

On Sunday 8th May, Angela spoke about her new life in Wales, most interesting. She seems to be enjoying herself.

On Sunday 22nd May, 7 members of the congregation had communion with the Clifton choir, we did sing the three hymns, but they sang the responses. It was most enjoyable. Come and listen sometime.

I shall be on holiday for 2 weeks, one of them with Angela at Criccieth. I will let you know how we got on when I get back.

Herbert

1 Elections

• Churchwardens

Thanks from the Rector and P.C.C. were given to our outgoing Churchwardens, Herbert and Brenda, for their hard work over the past 12 months and their willingness to continue for the next year. They were duly elected.

It was agreed that the 6 year limitation on the office of Churchwarden be not applied.

• Deputy Churchwardens

Colin Wightman and Elizabeth Brackenbury were both nominated and were willing to stand. They were duly elected.

• Election of Deanery Synod Representatives

Nominations were received for E. Brackenbury and B. Stevenson who agreed to stand and were duly elected.

• Election of PCC

Ex-Officio members: – Rev. R. Breckles, H. Wakefield, E. Brackenbury and B. Stevenson.

Nominated

I. Godson                                          I. Hughes

C. Stacey                                          R. Cumberland

S. Wakefield                                     C. Toft

J. Wightman                                     M. Hodgkinson

C. Wightman                                    R. Cumberland

2          Church Officers’ Reports

The Main points of the various reports were:

• Weddings continued with 29 being celebrated during 2010 together with 7 baptisms and 4 funerals.

• There was a successful day trip to Bury St Edmund’s in June and thanks were given to Sylvia and Herbert Wakefield for arranging it.

• The Coffee Morning was again a great success, raising £1027.

• In May, Angela’s Criccieth trip was enjoyed by the participants.

• On the 2^nd April, David Butterworth gave an Inaugural recital for the restored organ. His music was enjoyed by a large audience.

• On the 13^th February, a St Valentine’s Day Songs of Praise service was followed by the February Feast. This was a very successful occasion when a dozen newly-weds returned to church. They all stayed for a glass of wine and 40 people sat down to enjoy the February Feast.

• Colin Wightman, our Treasurer, presented the audited accounts. All the accounts are looking healthy.

• Grass cutting – Brian Duffin is continuing the grass cutting and thanks were given to the Parish Council for funding this.

• H.L.F. Grant – The three major elements of the project – monuments, storage and organ had been completed. We were awaiting the portable notice boards for inside the church, two new ones for either side of the porch (now installed). There now remain the printing of Church Brochures, photographs, and the purchase of barriers to protect the Pierrepont memorials.

• Churchyard notice board – We have received a Faculty for a replacement churchyard notice board, which is now on order.

• Quinquennial Review – This was carried out by our architect, Bruce Bradley, who only identified some minor problems.

• Trees – 4 yew trees along the path had been pruned and lowered together with other trees in the churchyard.

• In September, Aileen Foster started to clean the church on a weekly basis. What an improvement!

• Thanks to the team of bell ringers for their efforts in the Crawford Cup competition.

2 Rector’s Report

The Revd Robert Breckles gave an overview of the year making mention of:

The big event of the year had been the move to Wales of our dedicated and long-serving Reader Angela Harrington. A service in her honour was attended by past and present congregation and friends. Angela’s move necessitated a reordering of our service pattern, for the implementation of which we have relied heavily on the Revd. George Punshon, whose service to our church is hugely appreciated. Robert also thanked Jeremy Stanton for his help in preparing for the themed services.

Following the death of her husband Robin, came the resignation of Reader Ann Tyler, who led the family Praise services. We send her best wishes for the future.

We suffered the loss of two regular attenders, George Watts and Mary Goulding, both greatly missed.

Evening congregations have held steady in number, but the morning worshipers are often outnumbered by wedding couple and their families. For the first four months of the year, we had been experimenting with the modern ‘Common Worship’ communion service on Sunday mornings. A questionnaire responded to by mainly regular morning worshippers, preferred the BCP service, while most were graciously of the opinion that the modern service may be better for the future of the morning congregation. There was also agreement on the use of the traditional Lord’s Prayer. These matters will be addressed soon by the Rector and the new PCC.

We are looking forward to the Confirmation service on Sunday 16^th October 2011.

4          Any Other Business

• Flaxman monuments – Elizabeth Brackenbury will obtain quotations for the cleaning of the Chancel monuments. (First report now received).

• Memorial Book – Jane Purdy was willing to do the calligraphy in the memorial book. A sample of her writing was shown to the meeting.

IG

First, we wish all who wed in April – Matthew and Brigit, 22^nd; Duncan and Samantha, 29^th; and also William and Kate, 29^th; – health, wealth and happiness for many years to come.

The Organ recital by David Butterworth, to celebrate the re-dedication of the renovated organ was wonderful: well attended and a great success – our thanks to David. (Come and hear his choir – the Clifton Choir – as they lead us through Evensong, (usually on the fifth Sunday of the month. However, this month it is the fourth Sunday, 22^nd May, when they will treat us to Choral Eucharist).

Mothering Sunday was disappointing as there were no children present to receive the traditional posies of flowers, but it was great to see Angela again to take the service. (She hopes to be back on 8^th May).

The Easter services were well attended and it was nice to see several of our friends back.

The Book of Remembrance is still being compiled, but there’s still time for new entries to be taken. We are still looking for someone who can write calligraphy. If you can, please phone me on 01949 850699.

There is still room on the coach if you wish to join the St Edmund’s trip to Wales – 10^th June till 13^th – a bargain at £210 each – half board!

Watch out for the date of the BBQ at a date to be fixed.

We look forward to seeing you in church, no appointments needed, every Sunday at 11.00 and 6.30!

Have a look at our website (st-edmunds.org.uk) for details of what is happening at St Edmund’s. If you sign up with your e-mail address, we will automatically send you updates, when any new information is added!

Herbert

(and a plug for the website from Ian!)

EASTER – THE FACTS

A lot of time has been spent debating what happened or didn’t happen on Easter morning. At this distance in time, there isn’t sufficient evidence to either prove or disprove why Jesus’ tomb was empty, or what had become of his earthly body. The disciples who testified to seeing him aren’t around to be cross-questioned. So those who want ‘the facts’ so they can make up their minds whether to believe that ‘Christ is Risen’ are bound to be disappointed.

And they have missed the point anyway. Which is that faith is an adventure, not a ‘whodunnit’ story. That the resurrection is a basic choice between living life in all its fullness, with optimism about the universe, its creator, and human destiny; or with pessimism and resignation to there being nothing beyond death. Jesus offered ‘life in all its fullness’ during his ministry; and in the days and weeks after Easter his followers believed his very body as well as his spirit were still with them and bearing witness to the truth of his offer.

The full facts will remain a mystery this side of heaven. But the facts of the disciples’ beliefs and choices are plain enough; and we meet each Sunday, but specially Easter Sunday, to celebrate and witness that we share those beliefs and choices, find they bring fullness of life; and bring us close to our Risen Lord.

Happy Easter, Robert.

The INAUGURAL RECITAL on the restored  historic Lloyd & Dudgeon Organ (1865) was given by  David Butterworth on Saturday, 2^nd April, to around 50 people. The recital was preceded by prayers of re-dedication by Revd Robert Breckles, our Rector.

The choice of pieces was varied to illustrate the versatility of the organ. at 7.30 p.m. It was really enjoyed by those lucky enough to be present. As ever, the ladies had prepared wonderful refreshments for us, washed down with a glass of wine or fruit juice. The fact that so many stayed on afterwards was a testament to a most enjoyable evening!

The  restoration was undertaken by Henry Groves & Son, and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, as part of the £50,000 grant awarded last year.

IG

Coffee Morning

On March 12^th we had our annual coffee morning at the Hall. It was very well attended, with 9 stalls and 130 bargain hunters. Our grateful  thanks must go to the Brackenbury family for the use of their home and also to their  young helpers. Last, but not least, thank you to everyone who helped us make over £1000  for the church.

The Book Of Remembrance

We now have The Book Of Remembrance waiting for entries, it will go away from time to time to be updated. If you would like a loved one remembered, please send details to me at: 1 Lombard Street, Orston, Notts, NG 13 9NF, stating Full Name,  Date of Birth and Date of Death, with a cheque for £15.

Herbert

A church bursting at the seams for the service of thanksgiving for the life of Mary Goulding proved how popular she was. We send our heartfelt condolences to Brian and his family

February 13^th saw another full church: this time for a St Valentine’s Songs of Praise and the February Feast, when several newlyweds returned to church. Those who did not stay for the Feast of cottage pie, carrots and peas followed by many different puddings, had a glass of wine and a chat, although 40 people did sit down to eat. Our thanks must go to all those who helped make it possible and to John and June Meredith for running the Raffle.

Don’t forget the Coffee Morning on March 12^th at The Hall; 10.00 am until 1230 pm. As always, Cynthia is looking for cakes for the cake stall, Mary for raffle prizes, and I’m wanting bottles either full or empty it. It doesn’t matter what’s in them

On April 2^nd a concert to mark the restoration of the organ is being arranged by David Butterworth; more details later.

There’s still room on the coach for our Parish Holiday to Criccieth – June 10^th until 13^th. See me for details.

Herbert

This year  the trip will be from the 10th to 13th June 2011, staying at the 3* Lion Hotel, Criccieth, as usual. The hotel website is at: http://www.lionhotelcriccieth.co.uk/ , and says, “dating back to the 18th century, the ‘Inn on the Green’ is the ideal base for touring both Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula. With stunning views  of mountains, coast and castle this 46 bedroom, fully licensed hotel  offers the perfect retreat for all ages”. The cost is £210, which includes half-board accommodation, and luxury coach travel. Pick-up places are Orston, Whatton, Bingham (if necessary), Radcliffe and Lady Bay.Trips include a ride on the newly completed Welsh Highland Railway from Porthmadog to Caernarfon.

Places are limited, and so are offered on a “first come, first served basis”.

If you require any further information, or to book,  please contact Herbert on 01949 850699.

IG

We at St Edmund’s would like to wish all our readers a happy and healthy New Year. We had a very busy Christmas and New Year, starting with the Christingle Service on 5th December, when we had a congregation of around 50! We thank Rita Pratt for buying the oranges, and turning them into Christingles for us. The following Sunday was our festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. This time we thank the Grosvenor School for the children who sang and read so very ably for us… another good turnout! On Sunday 19th, our evening worshippers joined the congregation of St Peter & St Paul, at Shelford, for their festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Our First Communion of Christmas on Christmas Eve was again well supported, and on Christmas Morning Jo Stanton’s unaccompanied rendering of Maria Ave was beautifully sung.

January 1st saw the church full again, for the annual Bell Ringers’ service, after which everyone went along to Jean and Colin’s to enjoy their legendary hospitality!

The work on the organ is almost complete, thanks to the skill of Jonathan Wallace and his team from Henry Groves & Son. Even to the untrained ear it sounds so much better and more powerful! A celebratory concert is planned by Ian Hepburn and David Butterworth for 2nd April. Details have yet to be finalised, but in the meantime, pencil it in your diaries. It should be a good night!

We are having our traditional February Feast on Sunday, 13th February, when Angela will join us – but at 1230 pm this year – after the morning service. Please put your names in Herbert’s RED Book at the West End of the church, to book yourself in. The cost will be £7.00 each, to include a drink.

The annual Coffee Morning will be held on 12th March at Holme Pierrepont Hall, thanks to the kindness of the Brackenbury family. Do join us and help us have another record year!

Angela is again organising a trip to North Wales from 10th to 13th  June.

Finally, thank you to the organists who have held the fort over recent weeks – Richard Hunt, Paul Bracken, and Ed Hodgkinson. Your efforts have been really appreciated!

PS      Keep an eye on our diary section for further details of events.