The second half of 2010 proved a busy one for The Friends

BOOK SWAP

On October 2nd we held a very successful Book Swap. Books came covering all subjects and ages, some published as far back as 1950. From the kitchen we could hear a buzz of conversation and laughter. It was an afternoon for selecting a new book, meeting friends while enjoying one of Margaret’s sumptuous teas. This is just what The Friends is for, not just fund raising, but for building friendships.

WESTONBIRT

On December 11th a very enjoyable afternoon was spent at Westonbirt Arboretum ‘Enchanted Christmas.’ The first fall of snow had gone, leaving it wet underfoot; however, the lights more than made up for this. So much imagination went into them. At one tree one could look into a box and the rest of the visitors could see your face on a tree trunk. Another display required us to sing for the lights to come on, the louder we sang the brighter the lights. Fascinating. Halfway round we came across a caravan selling a very welcome hot chocolate, among other things. We heard carols sung, saw Father Christmas, dressed in green, and a very tall Christmas tree. Felt ready for Christmas after this.

CHRISTMAS

We are pleased to say our Christmas Cards were very successful again this year, especially the Madonna and Child. Thank you. However don’t forget our 2011 Diaries are only 50p and a few are still available. Postcards, notelets and jotters are always available, from our stand at the back of the church.

FRIENDS' SERVICE

Held this year on February 6th. The service was dedicated to Peter Illiffe, who brought the idea, to us, from Salisbury Cathedral. It was his drive that saw The Friends set up in December 1999 as our contribution to the Millennium celebrations.

The service was well received. David Isher read the lesson, and Don Sherwell led the Intercessions while Margaret and Derrick Walker presented the Bread and Wine. The sermon by Jean Huckett, who was a founder member, outlined the history and purpose of today’s Friends, stressing the social benefits as well as the fundraising.

After the service it was lovely to see so many people stay to share coffee/tea and a piece of Margaret Walker’s wonderful Friendship cake – very apt. All in all a lovely morning.

DIARY

NOTICES

Please note that there are three ‘Friends of St Mary’s’ in Cheltenham so please make cheques payable to ‘Friends of St Mary’s Charlton Kings’

As postage is going up again in April, if you have an email address can we PLEASE use it? Please email friends@stmarysck.org.uk and you can receive your newsletter this way. Thank you

For those with access to the internet you can help us fundraise in two ways.

a) Log onto www.easyfundraising.org.uk and....

1. Register and search for ‘Friends of St Mary’s Charlton Kings’ in the search box and nominate this as your charity
2. Search for your retailer, there is an A-Z index of all registered shops e.g. Tesco, Gardening Direct etc...
3. Buy your items, and if you wish to keep a track of how much you raise for us, keep a log.

OR

b) If you search online – forget Google
Log onto www.easysearch.org.uk
Register as above and, just by searching the net, you can fundraise!!

EASY ISN’T, IT