The Pillertons Parish News …
The Magazine for All , February– March 2015
Church Services (www.stourdene.org)
Contact details - Rector: The Revd. Cath Vickers
Tel: 01789 748137, email: cath.vickers@stourdene.org
Church News
Writing in January after a very cold spell and with strong winds, rain and snow forecast, it still seems very much like the “bleak mid-winter”, but we are now past the shortest day and the hours of daylight are steadily lengthening even if it is not yet very obvious. A good deal of mild weather has brought out the bulbs and the very earliest signs of spring are there to be seen if we look carefully. Primroses, snowdrops and hellebores are already starting to flower in sheltered corners.
The new spring growth supported by longer days and gradually warmer weather is always a great encouragement to all of us accompanied as it invariably is by increased bird activity in our gardens and in the hedgerows and fields. We are about to enter what often seems to be one of the most encouraging seasons of the year when the death and darkness of winter eventually gives way to the new life and increasing daylight of spring.
The Church’s calendar reflects similar patterns and February sees the start of Lent with Ash Wednesday falling on 18th February this year. We will mark the day with a special service of Holy Communion and ‘ashing’ at 7.30 pm in Halford Church to which everyone is most welcome.
Once Lent followed straight on from Epiphany but today it is associated more with Easter which is “the principal occasion for baptism and for the reconciliation of those who have been excluded from the Church’s fellowship for apostasy or serious faults”. It has historically been a time set aside for “self-examination, penitence, self-denial, study and preparation for Easter”. It was also seen as a time for almsgiving. Ashes have traditionally been a sign of penitence and since the middle ages it has been the custom to use them to mark the sign of the cross on people on Ash Wednesday.
In this Benefice, Wednesdays in Lent have also been an opportunity to support Christian Aid and their important work overseas through our annual ‘Lent Lunches’ held in the different parishes on all five Wednesdays of Lent – it is also a very good opportunity to sample an excellent array of home-made soups! Details of the February and March Lent Lunches will appear elsewhere.
As we all long for the arrival of spring so we can also anticipate the festivities of Easter, early this year, on Sunday 5 April. As in the natural world there is darkness and death, so too spiritually we go through a period of penitence and self-examination reflecting on our own lives and those of Christ who died on the cross before breaking into the light and great joy of Easter and the resurrection. Please don’t look on Lent negatively! It is a time to be positive and embrace all that God has for us, a time for renewal as we approach Easter. John Horton
Jottings from Hersey
Since the beginning of 2015 many more parish records have been available on line. The Pillerton Hersey Church Wardens’ Accounts for 1789 to 1910 make interesting reading. Here are a few extracts; the spelling is their own. Ros Williams
Restoring the Chancel: Miss Fanny Mills having left the sum of £50 towards the restoration of the Chancel, the money was expended in the winter of 1900 and 1901 laying down a new floor of Minton tiles in a bed of concrete. Miss Phoebe Mills carved the altar rails out of the old oak formerly used for hanging the Bells. In the summer of 1900 Messers Bond of Burford put entirely new woodwork & ironwork in the tower and rehung & quarter turned the Bells. The cost was £48 10s.
Pillerton Church Fete 2015
The provisional date for this year’s fete is Saturday, 6 June.
Venerable Citizen Seeks Company!
St Mary’s Church has been at the centre of our community for centuries and the scene of countless happy and sad occasions in the lives of our people. Today, the Church is still the centre of religious life with regular services and especially brings our villages together at Christmas, Easter and other special occasions.
In more recent times, however, this venerable citizen has been living a rather quiet existence, hosting teas in the summer and the odd jazz concert in her splendid gardens but lacking for company most of the time. We feel it is high time for her to expand her social life! In many countries (and indeed here in past times), magnificent churches and their idyllic surroundings were used for many community functions and it makes no sense for a resource like this to be used a few times a month.
So what would you like to see happening at St. Mary’s? Ideas include concerts, film nights, picnics, playgroups and barbeques. We’d like you to come and tell us, so that the Church is used much more for events where everyone can participate.
‘The Friends of St Mary’s’ is a group that aims to support and develop the non-religious aspects of the Church – for instance, raising money for building works as needs arise. (All the day to day running costs of the building and its religious services are already covered by the congregation and other committed donors.) However, we would like to develop this effort into something that can involve – and be of interest to - the whole community. The more the building is used, the easier (and less financially painful) it will be to maintain and improve its facilities.
You are cordially invited to the next Friends of St Mary’s event which is the Quiz Night at the Pillerton Priors Village Hall on Saturday, 21st March at 7.00 for 7.30 pm. Please contact Huw Williams on 01789 740551.
Your Parish Council needs YOU!
Pillerton Hersey and Pillerton Priors Parish Councils both have vacancies from May 2015 and are asking anyone who is interested in becoming a Parish Councillor to contact them. All nominations must be received by Stratford-on-Avon District Council by 4pm on 9 April 2015. Your Parish Council acts on behalf of the community on local issues such as planning and highways and provides a voice for local people to raise matters of concern. Being a Councillor need not be hard work as the clerk takes on most of the administration. Members relish the insight it gives them into the workings of their community, and the chance to influence local decision-making. If you are interested or require any further information please contact your Parish Clerk: Pillerton Hersey Parish Clerk: Tim Newcombe tel: 07970 037325, Pillerton Priors Parish Clerk: Sue Greenall tel: 07513 175168.
Lent lunches
The Pillertons will host the first of this year's Lent Lunches on Wednesday 25 February at Pillerton Priors Village Hall from 12.30-2 pm. Do come and have a bowl (or two, or three!) of delicious soup, and a cup of coffee or tea - all for a donation to Christian Aid. The Lent Lunches are always a lovely way of enjoying food and fellowship while helping those less fortunate at the same time. The lunches will be held on: 25 February - Pillertons (Village Hall), 4 March - Halford (Village Hall), 11 March - Newbold (Village Hall), 18 March - Alderminster (Village Hall) and 25 March - Ettington (Church).
The Saturday before Christmas
The morning of Saturday 20 December found the Church buzzing with activity as several children did a splendid job of decorating the Christmas tree and the Flower Ladies adorned the Church with their Christmas flowers. This was a vibrant example of our twin villages coming together at a social occasion - parents met new neighbours, children made new friends. I was so pleased with how much conversation and children’s laughter there was, and the appreciative comments received. It was interesting to see that the tree decorations were notably higher this year! My thanks to Derrick and Krystina Allen for donating the tree, and thank you all that attended, see you next year? Gill Ison
The Saturday before Easter Day
The Christmas decoration day was so well received that we will try an Easter version! This will entail children and the Flower Ladies decorating the Church on the morning of Easter Saturday (4 April) and “Teas” on Easter Day afternoon so that the “decorators” can show off their skill to family and friends. There will also be an “Easter Egg Hunt“. We are asking children to either make “a garden on a plate” or a small arrangement -- all to be displayed on tables in the Church (the plates should be 8 inches diameter or less, and arrangements should be no taller than 12 inches, and no wider than 8 inches, preferably with an Easter theme). Please bring your contribution along on Easter Saturday between 10.00-noon -- and Flower Ladies, come and join us then if you can. Refreshments will be available. Gill Ison
The Drop In Club
We have an interesting and varied programme for 2015, and as always everybody is welcome to come and enjoy tea and a chat with a short talk or demonstration, or even Lunch and a chat. We meet on the 4th Monday of the month at the Village Hall, usually at 2.30. Hope to see you soon, please just turn up!
Bridge Drive
Monday, 9 March 2015 at 1.45 for 2pm start (until 5pm) – Join us at Blackwell Village Hall for bridge – there will be tables for learners - prizes and a raffle. Tickets £15 to include afternoon tea and a glass of prosecco!
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
22 March - St Mary’s Church APCM will take place after the 11.15am Sunday service on 22 March. All are welcome to come.
The Pillertons
The bells of St Mary’s, open gardens on Sunday 17 May , 2-5 pm - Inspections, quotations and visits of the bells have been done and paperwork completed and sent to the diocese. Our next fundraiser for stopping the rot in the bell tower and for rehanging our bells will be “Open Gardens” with, of course, the essential tea and cake in the Church. Several generous gardeners already have offered to show their gardens, but we would be very pleased to receive 3 or 4 more in both villages. Or, if you would be prepared to help on the day with the issuing of tickets and maps, or by providing refreshments in church, we would be so grateful! Please telephone Krystyna and Derrick on 740243 – soonest!
The Pillertons Village Hall
dates for your diary!
Pillerton Priors Parish Council
Parking on verges- please don’t! Please could we ask residents not to park on the verges especially at the junction of Kiblers Lane and the Kineton Road as it is damaging the grass. The next meetings are the Annual Parish Meeting on Thursday 16 April followed by the Annual Parish Council Meeting on Thursday 14 May. Both meetings commence at 7.30pm in the Village Hall and all parishioners are welcome. The Parish Council will be changing its website address over the next month or so. Instead of www.pillertonpriors-pc.gov.uk the new site will be www.pillertonpriors.com
Bell ringing
Looking for a new interest or challenge? Would you be interested in becoming a bellringer and joining the local Edgehill group of ringers? Ringing is very skilled, requiring physical coordination and exercising both body and brain! It is a team activity that is challenging and fun. Ringers regularly ring in churches in the area and for social events and practice sessions. Following a busy Christmas schedule, the bellringers likely will celebrate in 2015 the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta and the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. Please get in touch with the Teaching Centre at Kineton (01926 641812) and come and have an introductory session. Learn a new skill that will be heard throughout your community
Carol Singing in Hersey
Many thanks to all of you who gave so generously to the Carol singers. We raised £244.20 and this will be divided equally between Shipston Home Nursing and the Kineton Food Bank. A big thank you too, to the singers who turned out in force and to those who provided us with welcome warming drinks on the way round.
Carol Singing in Priors
Many thanks for your generosity in supporting our Carol Singing round the village. A total of £190 was raised and the money shared between The First Responder Scheme and The Shakespeare Hospice. We are very sorry that we could not get to you all on the night. Many thanks also to all the carol singers for turning out. Without your support this tradition could not continue. Susan and John Ingall
Church Services (www.stourdene.org)
- Sun 1 Feb - 8.30 am BCP Communion
- Sun 8 Feb - 10.15 am Morning Worship
- Sun 8 Feb - 11.30 Benefice Family Gathering - P Priors V Hall
- Sun 15 Feb - 10.30 am Benefice United Service – Newbold
- Tues 17 Feb - 9.00am Morning Prayer
- Wed 18 Feb - 7.30am Ash Wednesday Benefice Communion - Halford
- Sun 22 Feb - 11.15am CW Communion
- Sun 1 Mar - 8.30 am BCP Communion
- Sun 8 Mar - 10.15 am Morning Worship
- Sun 8 Mar - 11.30 am Benefice Family Gathering - P Priors V Hall
- Sun 15 Mar - 10.00 am Mothering Sunday - Pillerton Hersey
- Sun 22 Mar - 11.15 am CW Communion
- Sun 29 Mar - 10.30 am Palm Sunday, United Benefice Service, Pillerton
- Tues 31 Mar - 9.00 am Morning Prayer
- Tues 31 Mar - 7.30 pm Service of Prayer and Healing – Pillerton
- Fri 3rd Apr - 2.00 pm Good Friday 'An Hour at the Cross' – Pillerton
Contact details - Rector: The Revd. Cath Vickers
Tel: 01789 748137, email: cath.vickers@stourdene.org
Church News
Writing in January after a very cold spell and with strong winds, rain and snow forecast, it still seems very much like the “bleak mid-winter”, but we are now past the shortest day and the hours of daylight are steadily lengthening even if it is not yet very obvious. A good deal of mild weather has brought out the bulbs and the very earliest signs of spring are there to be seen if we look carefully. Primroses, snowdrops and hellebores are already starting to flower in sheltered corners.
The new spring growth supported by longer days and gradually warmer weather is always a great encouragement to all of us accompanied as it invariably is by increased bird activity in our gardens and in the hedgerows and fields. We are about to enter what often seems to be one of the most encouraging seasons of the year when the death and darkness of winter eventually gives way to the new life and increasing daylight of spring.
The Church’s calendar reflects similar patterns and February sees the start of Lent with Ash Wednesday falling on 18th February this year. We will mark the day with a special service of Holy Communion and ‘ashing’ at 7.30 pm in Halford Church to which everyone is most welcome.
Once Lent followed straight on from Epiphany but today it is associated more with Easter which is “the principal occasion for baptism and for the reconciliation of those who have been excluded from the Church’s fellowship for apostasy or serious faults”. It has historically been a time set aside for “self-examination, penitence, self-denial, study and preparation for Easter”. It was also seen as a time for almsgiving. Ashes have traditionally been a sign of penitence and since the middle ages it has been the custom to use them to mark the sign of the cross on people on Ash Wednesday.
In this Benefice, Wednesdays in Lent have also been an opportunity to support Christian Aid and their important work overseas through our annual ‘Lent Lunches’ held in the different parishes on all five Wednesdays of Lent – it is also a very good opportunity to sample an excellent array of home-made soups! Details of the February and March Lent Lunches will appear elsewhere.
As we all long for the arrival of spring so we can also anticipate the festivities of Easter, early this year, on Sunday 5 April. As in the natural world there is darkness and death, so too spiritually we go through a period of penitence and self-examination reflecting on our own lives and those of Christ who died on the cross before breaking into the light and great joy of Easter and the resurrection. Please don’t look on Lent negatively! It is a time to be positive and embrace all that God has for us, a time for renewal as we approach Easter. John Horton
Jottings from Hersey
Since the beginning of 2015 many more parish records have been available on line. The Pillerton Hersey Church Wardens’ Accounts for 1789 to 1910 make interesting reading. Here are a few extracts; the spelling is their own. Ros Williams
Restoring the Chancel: Miss Fanny Mills having left the sum of £50 towards the restoration of the Chancel, the money was expended in the winter of 1900 and 1901 laying down a new floor of Minton tiles in a bed of concrete. Miss Phoebe Mills carved the altar rails out of the old oak formerly used for hanging the Bells. In the summer of 1900 Messers Bond of Burford put entirely new woodwork & ironwork in the tower and rehung & quarter turned the Bells. The cost was £48 10s.
Pillerton Church Fete 2015
The provisional date for this year’s fete is Saturday, 6 June.
Venerable Citizen Seeks Company!
St Mary’s Church has been at the centre of our community for centuries and the scene of countless happy and sad occasions in the lives of our people. Today, the Church is still the centre of religious life with regular services and especially brings our villages together at Christmas, Easter and other special occasions.
In more recent times, however, this venerable citizen has been living a rather quiet existence, hosting teas in the summer and the odd jazz concert in her splendid gardens but lacking for company most of the time. We feel it is high time for her to expand her social life! In many countries (and indeed here in past times), magnificent churches and their idyllic surroundings were used for many community functions and it makes no sense for a resource like this to be used a few times a month.
So what would you like to see happening at St. Mary’s? Ideas include concerts, film nights, picnics, playgroups and barbeques. We’d like you to come and tell us, so that the Church is used much more for events where everyone can participate.
‘The Friends of St Mary’s’ is a group that aims to support and develop the non-religious aspects of the Church – for instance, raising money for building works as needs arise. (All the day to day running costs of the building and its religious services are already covered by the congregation and other committed donors.) However, we would like to develop this effort into something that can involve – and be of interest to - the whole community. The more the building is used, the easier (and less financially painful) it will be to maintain and improve its facilities.
You are cordially invited to the next Friends of St Mary’s event which is the Quiz Night at the Pillerton Priors Village Hall on Saturday, 21st March at 7.00 for 7.30 pm. Please contact Huw Williams on 01789 740551.
Your Parish Council needs YOU!
Pillerton Hersey and Pillerton Priors Parish Councils both have vacancies from May 2015 and are asking anyone who is interested in becoming a Parish Councillor to contact them. All nominations must be received by Stratford-on-Avon District Council by 4pm on 9 April 2015. Your Parish Council acts on behalf of the community on local issues such as planning and highways and provides a voice for local people to raise matters of concern. Being a Councillor need not be hard work as the clerk takes on most of the administration. Members relish the insight it gives them into the workings of their community, and the chance to influence local decision-making. If you are interested or require any further information please contact your Parish Clerk: Pillerton Hersey Parish Clerk: Tim Newcombe tel: 07970 037325, Pillerton Priors Parish Clerk: Sue Greenall tel: 07513 175168.
Lent lunches
The Pillertons will host the first of this year's Lent Lunches on Wednesday 25 February at Pillerton Priors Village Hall from 12.30-2 pm. Do come and have a bowl (or two, or three!) of delicious soup, and a cup of coffee or tea - all for a donation to Christian Aid. The Lent Lunches are always a lovely way of enjoying food and fellowship while helping those less fortunate at the same time. The lunches will be held on: 25 February - Pillertons (Village Hall), 4 March - Halford (Village Hall), 11 March - Newbold (Village Hall), 18 March - Alderminster (Village Hall) and 25 March - Ettington (Church).
The Saturday before Christmas
The morning of Saturday 20 December found the Church buzzing with activity as several children did a splendid job of decorating the Christmas tree and the Flower Ladies adorned the Church with their Christmas flowers. This was a vibrant example of our twin villages coming together at a social occasion - parents met new neighbours, children made new friends. I was so pleased with how much conversation and children’s laughter there was, and the appreciative comments received. It was interesting to see that the tree decorations were notably higher this year! My thanks to Derrick and Krystina Allen for donating the tree, and thank you all that attended, see you next year? Gill Ison
The Saturday before Easter Day
The Christmas decoration day was so well received that we will try an Easter version! This will entail children and the Flower Ladies decorating the Church on the morning of Easter Saturday (4 April) and “Teas” on Easter Day afternoon so that the “decorators” can show off their skill to family and friends. There will also be an “Easter Egg Hunt“. We are asking children to either make “a garden on a plate” or a small arrangement -- all to be displayed on tables in the Church (the plates should be 8 inches diameter or less, and arrangements should be no taller than 12 inches, and no wider than 8 inches, preferably with an Easter theme). Please bring your contribution along on Easter Saturday between 10.00-noon -- and Flower Ladies, come and join us then if you can. Refreshments will be available. Gill Ison
The Drop In Club
We have an interesting and varied programme for 2015, and as always everybody is welcome to come and enjoy tea and a chat with a short talk or demonstration, or even Lunch and a chat. We meet on the 4th Monday of the month at the Village Hall, usually at 2.30. Hope to see you soon, please just turn up!
- 23 February – “Pancakes and talk on Tai Chi”
- 23 March – Lunch out (venue to be advised), meet at 12.00
- 27 April – Craft Demonstration by Pat Crookes.
Bridge Drive
Monday, 9 March 2015 at 1.45 for 2pm start (until 5pm) – Join us at Blackwell Village Hall for bridge – there will be tables for learners - prizes and a raffle. Tickets £15 to include afternoon tea and a glass of prosecco!
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
22 March - St Mary’s Church APCM will take place after the 11.15am Sunday service on 22 March. All are welcome to come.
The Pillertons
The bells of St Mary’s, open gardens on Sunday 17 May , 2-5 pm - Inspections, quotations and visits of the bells have been done and paperwork completed and sent to the diocese. Our next fundraiser for stopping the rot in the bell tower and for rehanging our bells will be “Open Gardens” with, of course, the essential tea and cake in the Church. Several generous gardeners already have offered to show their gardens, but we would be very pleased to receive 3 or 4 more in both villages. Or, if you would be prepared to help on the day with the issuing of tickets and maps, or by providing refreshments in church, we would be so grateful! Please telephone Krystyna and Derrick on 740243 – soonest!
The Pillertons Village Hall
dates for your diary!
- Saturday 4 July, village barbecue during the afternoon - fun for all the family - small charge for barbecue food - bring your own drinks and chairs . As it is American Independence Day maybe we can dress and celebrate accordingly?
- Saturday/Sunday 5-6 September, Priors Scarecrow Festival - just at the idea at this stage, but it could be a fun weekend with families making a scarecrow for their garden. So please get your thinking caps on and look for forms which will be circulated at a later date.
- May AGM - Please look out for AGM to be held in May and do consider volunteering for the committee so that you can bring new thoughts and ideas and reflect the needs and interests of young families.
Pillerton Priors Parish Council
Parking on verges- please don’t! Please could we ask residents not to park on the verges especially at the junction of Kiblers Lane and the Kineton Road as it is damaging the grass. The next meetings are the Annual Parish Meeting on Thursday 16 April followed by the Annual Parish Council Meeting on Thursday 14 May. Both meetings commence at 7.30pm in the Village Hall and all parishioners are welcome. The Parish Council will be changing its website address over the next month or so. Instead of www.pillertonpriors-pc.gov.uk the new site will be www.pillertonpriors.com
Bell ringing
Looking for a new interest or challenge? Would you be interested in becoming a bellringer and joining the local Edgehill group of ringers? Ringing is very skilled, requiring physical coordination and exercising both body and brain! It is a team activity that is challenging and fun. Ringers regularly ring in churches in the area and for social events and practice sessions. Following a busy Christmas schedule, the bellringers likely will celebrate in 2015 the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta and the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. Please get in touch with the Teaching Centre at Kineton (01926 641812) and come and have an introductory session. Learn a new skill that will be heard throughout your community
Carol Singing in Hersey
Many thanks to all of you who gave so generously to the Carol singers. We raised £244.20 and this will be divided equally between Shipston Home Nursing and the Kineton Food Bank. A big thank you too, to the singers who turned out in force and to those who provided us with welcome warming drinks on the way round.
Carol Singing in Priors
Many thanks for your generosity in supporting our Carol Singing round the village. A total of £190 was raised and the money shared between The First Responder Scheme and The Shakespeare Hospice. We are very sorry that we could not get to you all on the night. Many thanks also to all the carol singers for turning out. Without your support this tradition could not continue. Susan and John Ingall