Dear All,
Maurice George Gardiner (1953-2024)
Margaret and Gordon Gardiner wish to let it be known that their brother Maurice “George” Gardiner passed away, peacefully at Gloucester Royal Hospital on Tuesday 24th September 2024 after a short illness. He was 71.
George lived most of his life in Shipton Moyne, in fact he had lived in the same house on Southside since 1958, firstly with his parents, and since their passing, has lived there alone since 1999.
George will have an unattended funeral (Cremation) in the coming weeks. However, an informal gathering will take place in Shipton Moyne Village Hall on Sunday 20th October at 1pm. This will be an opportunity for the family and those who knew George to come together and pay their respects.
The family are currently in the process of identifying a local caterer to provide a cold buffet and tea coffee etc for the event. It would be helpful therefore, If those wishing to attend would contact either Margaret Hill (01666 503082) or Doreen Gibbings (01666 880205) in order to provide a reasonable estimate of numbers for the caterer.
Margaret and Gordon wish to thank everyone who has been in touch to offer their condolences. They really appreciate it.
St John the Baptist
Just a quick reminder that there is no service this Sunday 6th October. There is a Benefice service at St Marys’ Tetbury at 10.30am.
Next Sunday 13th October is the Harvest Festival at 11.15am at St John the Baptist.
Harvest Festival Sunday 13th October 11.15am
As with many traditions in the Church, the history of the harvest festival in the UK can be traced back to ancient Britain and pagan times when people celebrated the successful harvest. Farmers gathered outside, or later in churches, to give thanks for a good harvest during the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. It is believed that the first Harvest Festival in church took place in Cornwall in 1843, when the Reverend Robert Hawker invited parishioners to a special thanksgiving service at his church in Morwenstow. This was not a calling to the faithful to come to church, rather an invitation to the whole community, regardless of belief or creed, to come together to give thanks for the bountiful crops, the good gifts of the land, and the long hours worked by farmers in gathering in the harvest.
Times may have changed but it seems to me that this is still a time of year to celebrate and give thanks. Whether it is your tradition to give thanks to God, or to give thanks for the land and nature in other ways is, in a sense, immaterial. What I believe is important, is the opportunity harvest presents for a community to come together in thankfulness for the crops and fruits of the harvest, for all those who strive to provide food and sustenance to others and for the sharing of gifts.
It is with this in mind that I welcome each and everyone in the village to our Harvest Thanksgiving on 13th October. The short family friendly service will reflect the many different traditions of ‘harvest’, a few traditional hymns, an opportunity to donate produce to a local foodbank, and at the end of the service, to meet and mingle with others over a glass of wine. Please do not let a lack of faith or belief put you off, harvest is for everyone and everyone is welcome.
If you would like to come and need a lift, please let me or someone else know.
Julie Nicholson
General Service Info.
A gentle reminder that there is a rota for all services from now until the beginning of February. All people on the rota should have received a copy over the summer. However, spare paper copies are on the table at the back of the church. It is helpful if you could arrange to swop with someone else to cover if you are unavailable to make a service for any reason. Any last-minute unavailability, please let a churchwarden know.
Remembrance Weekend 9th/10th November 2024
I am delighted to announce two wonderful events for Remembrance in the village this year.
Saturday 9th November at 6pm
The evening will be led by Celestia Music, a professional group of singers, organist, and conductor joining us from London. Music will be in the choral tradition, with a programme of beautiful music, appropriate to Remembrance. Music will be supported by poetry and prose reflecting the two world wars as well as other world conflicts and the narrative of human suffering, resilience, and hope.
Tickets £10 to include a glass of wine on arrival. Tickets are available from Annemarie Tierney in person from May Cottage, Church Lane, Shipton Moyne (opposite Village Hall car park. Cash or cheque (cheques made payable to Friends of Shipton Moyne Parish).
Sunday 10th November at 10.45am
A special service for Remembrance, where we will again welcome Celestia Music. This service will include, words by war poet Lawrence Binyon, the laying of a poppy wreath, names of the fallen of Shipton Moyne, and the national two-minute silence at 11am.
A Greeting From Celestia Music
Celestia Music is delighted to be back in Shipton Moyne, turning their attention on this occasion to bespoke music for the village Remembrance weekend. Celestia Music will be singing some absolute classics from the English Choral tradition by Parry, Finzi, Ireland, Harris and Bainton, all specially chosen and appropriate for Remembrance. Founded by Joya Logan, Celestia Music specialises in the provision of beautiful music for concerts as well as weddings, funerals and thanksgiving services. This is sure to be an unforgettable Remembrance experience. www.celestiamusic.com
Shipton Moyne Panto – A Message from Julie Nicholson
First rehearsal and script workshop Sunday 13th October 4-7pm.
Members of the cast should will shortly receive a letter with details of their parts.
If you have not received a letter or would like to be part of a chorus, please just turn up on the 13th.
A full rehearsal schedule will be available at the first rehearsal.
A decision was made recently to change the date and venue of the panto. This was mainly due to cast changes and availability, and time needed to organise a backstage and production team. New date is 14th/15th February.
The panto will now be staged in the Church, which will be transformed into a performance space for the purpose of the panto and, crucially, has an effective new heating system. I hope everyone agrees that this is a very exciting village venture which will use the church building in a creative and inclusive way.
It isn’t too late to get involved. Whether you are interested in performance, being part of a creative team, helping back stage, front of house, or (especially) prepared to come along to rehearsals and make tea and coffee, just get in touch or come along on the 13th.
Julie Nicholson Director
julieshiptonmoyne@gmail.com
07850367779
Jacqui Harden Production Manager
Jacqui.harden2@btopenworld.com
07816070765
Knead Bakery on Wheels
There will be a Knead-bakery on wheels coming to Shipton Moyne on the 1st Saturday of every month starting 2nd November at 10.45 till 11.30 in the village hall car park. Details to follow. Homemade goodies cakes and bread rolls and lovely coffee.
Christmas Bazaar – a date for your diary
The Shipton Moyne Christmas Bazaar will be on Saturday 23rd November. If you would like to run a stall please contact Pauline Curthoys. 01666 880515.
Any more news let me know,
Beth
Village Website: www.shiptonmoynevillage.co.uk
