August weather was with us today as quite a number of hardy people set off around the village footpaths. Five dogs dragged their owners round too. Steve led us around the village past the lamas who came out to see who was passing. The walkers also found a rather overgrown path which needed nettles pushing back to get the intrepid rambles through. We made it safely back to the BBQ successfully manned by Phil and backed up by Pauline who between them cooked and prepared the food thank you. The evening service was led by Rev Ian Howarth. Thirty four collectors went round the villages of Lea, Lea Marston , Nether Whitacre and Over Whitacre for this year's Christian Aid Week. We are very grateful to them and those who gave so generously. Every bit helped to make the grand total of £1233. Thank you. Twenty five hardy souls braved the cold but fortunately dry evening to come and sing their hearts out raising money for Action for Children and St. Basils Homeless Centre in Birmingham. The group tackled a new area down Station Road at the Station Stores and Water works end of the village. A number of households were pleasantly surprised to have possibly for the first time carol singers on their door and we all ended up in a lovely garden chalet complete with a coal fire which warmed us all up. Afterwards the choir retired to the Railway Inn to further swell the collection tins. A total of £400 has been raised which will be split between our charities for this year; Action for Children and St Basils homeless centre in Birmingham
A grand total of 83 shoeboxes were taken today for onward transportation. This year they have gone to Romania. This massive total consisted of 46 boxes from our community and a further 37 via a member from Walmley Junior school. Our thanks to all who have contributed to make someone else Christmas just that little bit brighter.
Around 45 people celebrated the Women's World Day of Prayer on Friday March 4th at the Methodist Church. Wil had decorated the church beautifully with knitted Cuban banners and pictures of children. The theme was chosen by Cuban women and was Receive children, Receive Me. Jessica Smith and Hannah Hall, two of our younger worshippers took part. Gill Noble was the leader and Marjorie Walton led the reflections. Many of the hymns were new to us but the choir led the singing and the music was enjoyed by all.
As we entered the church we were asked to write our name on a paper lily and then these flowers were taken home by members of the congregation who were to pray for the person named on their flower. Over a cup of tea afterwards you could identify the person, if you did not know them. It led to a positive period of contact and we hope too, you will notice the power of prayer in your life as a result. £127.10 was sent off to the nominated Womens World Day in Prayer charities. Despite the wet weather (it could have been a lot worse like this afternoon!) a hardy bunch of all ages met at the Chapel to go around the village to sing carols. We were raising money tonight for EmbraceME (a charity which works in deprived areas mainly in the Middle East.) The carol singers ended their village tour by singing in the Railway. Many thanks to all those who sang as well as all our supporters. We raised a grand total of £254 for EmbraceME
Our secret santa hamper went to Hawksley Church this morning. We met members of the community at their chat and coffee morning.Both the Methodist and Anglican ministers were there along with 16 or so members. Some had never heard of Nether Whitacre but one lady was the Aunt of Joanne Johnson and knew the place well.They made us very welcome and we felt that we had carried out the spirit of the challenge by taking the gift to them personally. Thanks to all who contributed to the hamper.
We in return did very well with secret santa gifts. Cheswick Green Church sent us some lovely puppets with a story book, for our Messy church which will be very useful thank you. Today we were very pleased to deliver a wonderful total of forty five shoeboxes which are now wending their way to Swaziland in Africa. Many thanks to all our contributors on managing to increase our contribution once again. This has now risen to a grand total of fifty boxes in all.
Another successful evening despite the fact that the rain eventually came down quite hard. We were raising money this year for Beeline Community Transport, operating in North Warwickshire, who provide transport for disabled or the elderly to attend appointments at hospitals or clinics which they would not otherwise be able to get to. A good number of singers turned out to tour the streets and serenade the villagers with a variety of traditional carols. We even ventured into both the Swan Public House and retired to "The Railway to finish with a little concert. It was lovely to be met with warm mince pies and wine at a few houses which made the cold elements seem more bearable. A total of £208 was raised to help Beeline in their work. A further visit by the Choir to "The Dog" raised separately £162 which was sent to Acacia in Sutton Coldfield - a group which supports pre and post natal depression.
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