October 2026 (taken from The Link Magazine)

Well, I am back from a very restful week away – far too much sleeping and eating if I am honest but the break away set my mind off on lots of things.  The main one is not to be so silly and to book at least 10 days away!! But hey ho.

First thought was ……..how to improve on Harvest Lunch and to make it a real treat.  Things that don’t work well is serving at the tables – my fault totally for either not having 10 pairs of arms or a lack of organizing help on the day.  And you know how I loathe the cafeteria system of a long queue of friends waiting patiently.  So for those who remember our dear friend Margaret Phillips and her amazing gourmet lunches/suppers, am going down that route.  A buffet – all homemade (salmon, gammon, beef, veggie options, salads, new potatoes etc) and then the puddings.  £12.50 a head but please bring your own booze – I cannot do this cheaper and supply the wine/beer.  Happy to do soft drinks though.  Simon has kindly sorted an online booking system which he is happy to do for you.  I just need to know the gluten free options.  There will be information in the grapevines each week onwards.  BUT I do need help – one or two persons to assist with the final preps in the kitchen beforehand and a team to help clear up afterwards please – washer uppers, putter awayers etc.  By then I am flagging well and truly.  If you can help please see me. Someone to run a raffle would be appreciated, and dear Anthony will be doing a Harvest Quiz.  I really hope you can all come along and support this lovely, happy, coming together as a parish event. 

Whilst on the theme of Harvest – what to bring?  The Foodbank are short of Custard, rice pudding, pasta, 500g bags rice, jam, crisps, cereals, soup,  tinned veg, No coffee, tea or pet food. Please, every jar or tin makes a difference.

Second thoughts were to get the Organ Fund at the top of the agenda.  Fletching raised 100,000 in a year and I know Tim and Simon have been picking their brains on how to do it.  My thought was to gently put some decorated envelopes in the pews for odd change.  There is now a go-fund-me page  with the running totals and I am getting some really good ideas through.  Do you remember Jack Hindmarsh doing a Last Night of the Proms style event or Father Martin Onions singing Joseph? Please check out the website if you can help with a donation. Our music is such a wonderful way of celebrating our faith in such a joyful way.

Then we move on towards the Christmas Fayre!!! Do you have any quirky food items that are in date but you are unlikely to use suitable for the Hampers?  Baskets always welcome or interesting boxes.  I think I am alright now for Jam Jars as this year it will be on a reduced basis. 

Our Jumble sale eventually came in at about £505 – the books raised an extra £52 and I am kinda thinking of seeing about an extra Jumble if the hall is available in half term …watch this space.  We do have a lot of expenses on the horizon and stretching that pound till it hollers is a work of art for any treasurer! 

I think that is it for now.

Thank you to Simon for organizing an Evensong Banner for outside on the railings.  Certainly at our Patronal Evensong, I am sure we had 22 in the congregation plus the choir (well done, you sang beautifully). 

Chat next month.

Love Dee xx