Local interest

The Tin Tabernacle in Turbulent Times

~ BAACA

The Tin Tabernacle Church in Bellingdon has grown over the last 120 years to become an important part of village life. But now in the strange times of 2020 the building stands unused (though not unloved) and we share worship on YouTube. 

We all know it’s not the same as meeting together, but it does allow us to continue to be a community and to be a Christian presence in the village. And we can share pictures of the church in times past (and occasionally present) to remind us of the past and the future.

Some of the pictures remind us that in June or July there would be a flower festival or exhibition in the church. Whilst it is not possible to hold such an event, we are planning a taster of what we hope will be allowed later in the year. 

To do this we’re asking those who would have arranged flowers in church to arrange flowers at home and take a picture of them. We’ll put these together as a video and upload it to YouTube for all to see alongside our service on 5th July 2020.

We’re very grateful to all who for contribute to our services, to those from the parish who help with talks, and for the links to them on the village website. But we do look forward to the time when we can give the mice notice to quit and set about getting back into the Tin Tabernacle.

Tim Yates, Minister for St John’s Bellingdon

St John’s Bellingdon – Sunday Service 28th June 2020

~ BAACA

Dear all

It’s Saturday again and so time to uploaded the service for St John’s Bellingdon for Sunday 28th June onto YouTube. This week we’re on the ninth and final week of our series on the Beatitudes!

This week’s readings (read by Eileen) are:

Acts 5:17-42

Matthew 5:1-12 (hopefully you know it by now)

and our psalm is Psalm 119 verses 153-160

Our intercessions are led by Jane, and we have a video from Edward Bowes-Smith who is to be our new rector.

It is on the Parish YouTube channel as usual – and this link should take you there https://youtu.be/rjEiroHiY8k

but it may be as quick to look for the same place as usual and hopefully you’ll find it!

As before the service is available after 09.45 tomorrow when it goes public (and live)!

Attached are the Parish Notice Sheet and the St Mary’s Notice Sheet. With prayers and best wishes to you all

Parish-Notices-28-June-2020Download
st-marys-notices-28-june-2020Download

Tim

Hort Soc – lockdown plant sale

~ BAACA

Committee members had started growing from both plugs and seed before the lockdown started so had expended a fair amount of time and effort in the growing. 

We decided, therefore, to circulate a list of plants via email to members that we had emails for, with instructions to pay either by direct transfer or cheque/cash though my door. We took over £160 after our costs, so not bad at all.

Social distancing was observed of course when delivering plants and the various growers delivered their own to minimise committee members’ contact too, so a good effort by all concerned.

Huge thanks to our members for your continued support in these difficult times.

Tracey Ryan 

The Village Nursery

~ BAACA

I recently had the pleasure of a (socially distanced) guided tour around the new Village Nursery that is finally able to open its doors to children from the beginning of June, and what an amazing place it is!

Enough has been said about the sustainability of the construction but I should mention the extreme quality of the workmanship and the thought that has gone into every little detail to make it a place of wonder and stimulation for young minds.

The exterior, too, will eventually add much to the experience, blending in both with this unique building and its natural surroundings, offering ‘living’ outdoor play areas, raised beds for vegetable growing and even fruit trees to encourage a connection with nature that few nurseries are able to offer.

Now for phase two of the development – the refurbishment and extension to bring the old pub back to life. Watch this space!   

Andrew Barratt