Social and Future Events
We enjoy many opportunities to get together for fellowship across the Benefice - in addition to the refreshments we usually share after our services. We look forward to welcoming you to an event soon.
Below is a miscellaneous collection of dates for your diary - collected from many sources, including the newsletter, and may not contain all events, so please also check the individual sections below for any unlisted "regulars". Please read in conjunction with the more detailed "What's On This Week".
There are various categories of repeating events, including: Anna Chaplaincy Events; Boys Brunches; Community Lunches; Cuppa and Chat; Study and Prayer. A full description of each these types of event (and whether an RSVP is required) is given below the list of dates, please do check it to see what you might like to look out for and attend.
Future Events Dates
- Sunday 18th October - Harvest Festival service at St. Margaret’s at 9.30 am followed by Bring and Share Lunch at Harpsden Village Hall at 12.30. Everyone welcome.
Sunday 18th October - 3rd Sunday Harvest Festival at St Peter and St Paul, Shiplake, 15:00, followed by a bring and share afternoon tea. Everyone welcome.
Monday 26th October - fun hand chimes taster, The Ark Shiplake Church, 2.30 - 3.15pm. Ages 7 and above are all welcome (adults included, children must be accompanied). Please see poster.
Wednesday 28th October - Community Lunch at Henley Golf Club, 1pm. All are welcome. Please contact Revd Heather for the menu and details [email protected] - booking is required. Cut off date is Monday 19th or before if we exceed numbers allocated. See below for other Community Lunch details.
Sunday 1st November - Benefice All Souls' Day service, Shiplake, 16:00, followed by refreshments. It will be a peaceful service of music and prayers in which we will be reading the names of loved ones who have died and lighting candles. RSVPs to the Benefice Office (Leigh ) or Vic would be appreciated, if possible, to help with plans for the service and catering. Please look out for postcards about this which will be left at the back of each church and please take one or more to give to anyone who you think may like to come.
Tuesday 3rd November - Joint PCC, The Ark, 10:00
Sunday 8th November - Remembrance Sunday- service details to follow.
Monday 9th November - Boys' Brunch, 10.30am, see below for details.
Thursday 26th November - Talk by Natasha Redina, Beyond the Window, Dunsden 19:00
Sunday 6th December - Tamesis Concert, Shiplake, 16:00
Sunday 13th December - Shiplake Community Choir Concert, Dunsden, 16:00
Tuesday 15th December - Saxophonist Concert, Dunsden
Thursday 17th December - 1662 BCP with mulled wine and mince pies, Dunsden, 14:15
Friday 18th December - Shiplake Primary School Christmas service, Shiplake, 10:00
Friday 18th December - Festive fizz, canapes & carols, Harpsden, 6 - 7.30, please see poster.
2027
- Tuesday 2nd February - Joint PCC, The Ark 10:00
- Sunday 14th February - Snowdrop Sunday, Dunsden
- Sunday 7th March - Mothering Sunday - service details to follow.
- Tuesday 9th March - Pancake Supper and Beetle Drive, Dunsden
Description of the Regular Events
Anna Chaplaincy Events
Anna lunches and teas are open to all in their maturity but we also welcome anyone who would value the social interaction it affords. Revd Heather is the Anna Chaplain, assisted by Anna Friends Paul and Valerie. Please see the Anna Chaplaincy page for more information or contact Revd Heather on [email protected] or 07946352026.
The Anna Tea is free to all that attend, thanks to a very generous donation. However, there is a charity box if you so wish to donate. Please book with Revd Heather (details above). With a slight change to the timings, the get togethers will run from 2.00 - 4.00 pm, with tea being served at 2.30 pm. Please also see below for details of Community Lunches.
PLUS:
On the first Tuesday of the month: 14:30 Prayer Group Holy Communion - Henley Manor cinema room, all welcome
On the first Thursday of the month: 14.15 Singing and Smiles - Henley Manor cafe, singing for fun, all welcome
Boys Brunches
Boys Brunches are hosted by Paul, usually every first Monday of the month, 10.30 am - 12 noon, and are for all mature gentlemen who may, or may not, have recently lost a loved one, live alone and would welcome company, like talking, or listening, or just want to chew the cud with a group of sympathetic blokes. Come and join us for tea/coffee and a bite to eat whilst putting the world to rights.
Please contact Paul for more information (including the venue) and to let him know you are coming, email Paul by clicking here.
Community Lunches
The Community Lunches are usually self-funded, visit a variety of local establishments and are open to anyone who would like to join us. Booking is required - please contact Revd Heather for further details and to book your place on [email protected] or 07946352026.
Cuppa, Chat and Craft
The Cuppa, Chat and Craft sessions at All Saints, Dunsden are every Tuesday afternoon (2.00-4.00) and everyone is welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Yvonne by email.
On Tuesday 15th September, and subsequent weeks, we will be making Christmas bells. There is little sewing involved, all you need to bring with you is a needle and a pair of scissors, all other materials will be supplied. If you don't fancy the craft, just come for the cuppa and chat.
Study and Prayer
While not solely social, like many of the other events listed here, we have several groups that share refreshments and fellowship alongside study and prayer. There are currently no "standalone" study groups running, but they will be described in full here when there is. Please also see the Benefice Bible Study and Benefice Prayer Group pages.