Fifteen new "Singing the Faith" hymn books were dedicated this morning as part of the service by Farai. These have been donated by family in the memory of Mavis Coggins (1922-2019), who was a member of our chapel for over sixty years.
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A great start to our 2020 charity coffee mornings as we met right at the start of the New Year to raise £120 for ‘Mind’, who offer support and campaign to provide better provision for those suffering from mental health issues. We had a full house this morning and lots of chat as everyone shared their Christmas news. Many thanks to Fiona, Jane and Mary, who provided us with our drinks and cakes and to all who attended. Once again a busy evening of carols, choir and readings all by traditional candle light. Derek led the service which included a tableau by the young people of the church based on the nativity scene, whilst the choir sang John Rutter's "Star Carol" and "Mary's Boy Child" which included a solo. Afterwards there were refreshments including two lovely gingerbread creations hand made by Gill Walley. Almost a shame to start them but lovely once we did. A dry evening whilst cold but a happy band of about 18 adults and 4 children entertained households around the village. The merry band finished in the Railway pub and sang some more in the warm. With the previous singing in the Church End Brewery the Dog Inn the grand total for all is £501. This will be split between Methodist Homes for the Aged and Ronald Mc Donald charities. the Methodist Schoolroom was awash with paint, glue, cardboard and masses of glitter and most important of all, a crowd of happy Children. Snowmen were made using polystyrene balls, Angels and gift-tags painted, created felt and button Christmas trees created and both stockings and large stars were decorated. Then Jackie and our Minister, Farai took the children into the Chapel to talk about the Birth in Bethlehem. The event ended, as it always does with sandwiches, cakes, biscuits and crisps. We hope everyone enjoyed the occasion as much as we did. Our thanks to all the helpers who are always so kind and enthusiastic. A happy Christmas to everyone. New front gates have been erected outside the chapel. The new gates are the third to grace the frontage with the last set dating from after the second world war. The plaque for the war memorial is being retained on the post but the other post despite being replaced about fifteen years ago had rotten at the base and needed replacement.  A busy festive morning raising £140 for Coventry Open Christmas. Much talk about Mavis who will be much missed by many at the chapel, and we can't believe that she was with us as usual at the November coffee morning, chatting to people and having her hair done! The stollen cake was lovely and there was a big raffle.  Ready for the festive rush Really lovely evening. Everybody joining in with singing and Brian’s humour creating laughs. He sang a tribute to Mavis, who loved these evenings and ended the event with Christmas carols and festive songs. A total of £195 was made for church funds.  Mavis Coggins 1922 - 2019 It is with deep regret that we record the passing of our longest serving member, Mrs Mavis Coggins.
She was born Mavis Webb at Kingsbury in August 1922 and had a twin brother Maurice. When she was 21 she married Jack Coggins ,a miner ,at Kingsbury Methodist Church in August 1943. Jack had to get his Father’s permission to marry as he was not 21 until the September. They lived with Jack’s family in Dosthill for their first year together and in 1944 moved to Station Road Whitacre. Using their tandem they continued to attend Kingsbury Methodist Church until the birth of their children Valerie and then Vincent. Finally they crossed over the road to worship here. The minister at that time was Rev.Hodges and the organist Harry Hill. There were over twenty members and Mr & Mrs Dryden ran a flourishing afternoon Sunday school, supported by Mr.Shaw. Every year there were anniversary celebrations when the children sang and were presented with attendance certificates. Annual outings were organised. The other main activity at the chapel was the Women’s Social Hour, which Mavis joined of course. She became a dinner lady at Nether Whitacre school and when her children were bigger, went to work at Woolworths in Birmingham. She cycled to Nether Whitacre station and when it closed used Water Orton until 1982 when she retired. That gave her a year with Jack because he died in 1983. She has worked tirelessly for our chapel in many capacities and told me she particularly relished the many friendships she had made and the hymn singing at services. One of her favourite hymns was "O Jesus I have promised to serve Thee to the end." This she most certainly did! We shall miss her so much. Lovely evening being treated to a traditional Romanian Christmas meal by the group who use our church on a Friday evening to celebrate in their own language Romanian style. Our main course of food was sarmale (a cabbage wrapped meal ball) with a mămăliga (polenta) and goat cheese side. This was topped with cişcă (a hot pepper) which many found rather hot indeed! Second course was cotonac (a fruity nut and turkish delight bread) and turtă dulce (ginger bread biscuits) all washed down with fruit and tea to finish. We all experienced a lovely sociable evening talking and finding out about each others traditions and life experiences. We thank our hosts for a really memorable evening. |
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