Hello all

The school holidays have officially started, and the weather has warmed up, at last! Well done to all teachers, staff and pupils for easing successfully to the finishing line. How you coped with all you have tackled and achieved this term I don't know - and you were still smiling! (although exhausted!). The Summer Term is always a busy term, and this one has been no exception. Dee and I joined the leaver's assembly on Friday afternoon, along with year 4 parents, to hear a review of the special memories and achievements from the children who will be moving up to Middle school in September. There were some lovely light-hearted memories and some more serious, and there was a mix of emotion too at the prospect of the new adventure ahead, and of leaving the security of a special school with friendships and special teachers. It brought back memories of my own teaching days. Dee and I were very pleased to hand a Youth Bible to each leaving student which have been gifted by Chalgrave and Toddington Parish Churches. Now, let’s hope everyone at school gets a well-deserved rest, and a time of restoration as a reward for all their hard work, dedication and commitment.

This morning at Toddington we launched the first pop-up Toddington Community Fridge in Wilkinson Hall and were delighted with the wonderful range of fresh and long-life produce supplied by Flitwick Community Fridge and local suppliers like Tescos, Waitrose and other local stores - organised by Cllr Andy Snape. It is an exciting extension of their work in Flitwick, reaching out to other neighbouring areas to share produce that may otherwise go to landfill or waste but helping folks when the cost of living is a challenge. We are trialling the pop up over the Summer and hope that they will be weekly on Saturdays 9.30 - 11.00 am at Wilkinson Hall. Do come along, with a bag. The food is free, and each person can take 3kg of produce - subject to availability. Toddington and neighbouring villagers can also visit the Flitwick Community Fridge in the Reception area of Rufus Centre, where there is a regular supply of incoming food (but best to get there in the morning)

Tomorrow we are looking forward to Songs and Scones concert at Chalgrave Church with Richard playing his acoustic guitar, entertaining us with contemporary songs (eg Beatles numbers and other memorable songs). Cream teas are available with entry £7.50 per adult (phone or text Alison on 07771897451 to pre-book). Or tickets for the concert are £3 on the door and there will be a good range of cakes to tempt you during the interval. Please see attached poster.

Chalgrave Pop Up Tea room returns on Wednesday at Tebworth Memorial Hall. The next one will be in September. The ladies are having a well-deserved rest in August. See poster.

Next Sunday 28th, we are spoilt with opportunities as the Hymns and Pimms at Toddington Church 6pm offers another great opportunity for a sing along with your favourite hymns. Poster attached. No entry charge, but donations invited as you leave. See attached poster.

During the Summer holidays we are also offering Art and Craft fun days for children (with their accompanying adult) on 7th, 21st and 28th August. Poster attached. No charge.. just come along and enjoy, and bring a picnic lunch. Starts 10am at Wilkinson Hall.

I have attached a photo of places that are offering meal deals for Children and families during the summer holidays. The local libraries offer a range of activities during the Summer for families and so do Central Bedfordshire. Do look up on the Central Beds web pages for more information.

We plan to arrange some dates for youth group to meet during the summer holidays and are looking to start a Youth Alpha course. Do let me know if you would like to join us. (Next tentative date to meet is the afternoon of Tuesday 30th July but we’ll be in touch to confirm).

The ‘Bible Course’ session 2 (a Bible Society course which explains how the Bible came to be, with an explanation of the books and information it contains) is on Tuesday 30th July at 7pm at the Rectory.

The Funeral of John Ware will take place on Monday 22nd July at 2pm at Toddington Church and we hold his family in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

Finally, please see attached ‘What’s On’ for July with the other weekly events listed.

Please note that the Scarecrow Festival will be on Sunday 25 August and Monday 26 August. Do please let Dee know if you can create a scarecrow for the festival

This Sunday’s Services: 21st July 2024

9.30am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church, led by Linda and Nigel

11am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church, led by Linda and Nigel

6pm Evensong Service, Toddington Church led by Malcolm

Have a good week. Thank you for all your support, and for all that you do to help the life and activities of the church.

I hope you manage to get some rest and restorative sunshine during these summer months.

God bless

Linda

Rector

Toddington and Chalgrave