Hello Everyone,I'm afraid it is a late email this evening. It has been a very busy week with lots going on and new events before us.Thank you to everyone involved in the Open Gardens event last weekend. Despite the 'changeable weather', visitors to the gardens, refreshments, the Tombola, and the plant stall raised just over £2,000. A wonderful result! Thank you so much to everyone who opened their gardens, met us with a cheery welcome, baked and served refreshments or enticed people to buy tombola prizes or plants. It was a quality experience all round. We have three fundraising social events ahead. Songs and Scones is at Chalgrave Church next Sunday at 2pm (or you can come and listen to the songs without the scones if you wish). This celebration event marks the completion of the latest restoration work and the opening up of the church for social events again. Chalgrave cakes and scones are very enticing.. But so is Richard's playing. Do please join us. (see poster)Pop Up Tea Room is at Tebworth Memorial Hall on Wednesday 24th July 11am.On Sunday 28th July, Friends of Toddington Church host 'Hymns and Pimms' at 6pm with David Warner playing some of our favourite hymns. (see poster)This is a busy week-end in Chalgrave. Today, was fun and games Saturday (with more cakes provided by the Chalgrave ladies!), and tomorrow afternoon is the Vintage Car Show in the afternoon at Tebworth. We also hosted coffee morning at Toddington this morning. What would we do without cakes?! Thank you to our wonderful bakers.On Tuesday, Dee and I met with Councillor Andy Snape from Flitwick to discuss the possible introduction of a 'Toddington Community Fridge' stall at Wilkinson Hall on Saturday mornings 9.30 - 11am. We agreed to offer a pop-up stall next Saturday 20th July at Wilkinson Hall (See attached posters). Community fridges are a simple solution to reducing food waste and sharing good-quality food with local people. The food in the fridge is donated by local businesses and individuals. Our nearest fridge is at The Rufus Centre in Flitwick and is open daily and open to Toddington residents! We will work with the team in Flitwick to try out a pop-up food stall at Toddington, over the Summer, to see if there is demand for us to open a fridge in Toddington. It is an exciting prospect. We will need help to run this facility so would welcome volunteers who would be willing to collect the produce from Flitwick on a Saturday morning and deliver it to Wilkinson Hall for distribution. Offers of help from anyone willing to lift will be very welcome. Until we gather a team of volunteers, we will probably trial this on a fortnightly basis initially. If you would be willing to cover one week.. it would be great so we can gather a rota of volunteers. Please let me know if you can help and do come along next Saturday between 9.30 and 11am to collect some fresh produce.Over the summer, we will be holding three fun Art and Craft Days on 7th, 21st and 28th August, at Wilkinson Hall. See poster. These are instead of Messy Church in July and August. Youth group this Tuesday will be the last with Rebecca leading, as she will be easing back to focus on her roles in Westoning Benefice and some other projects that she is involved in. We will miss her and thank her so much for all the support, leadership and friendship she has offered. Hopefully, she will still visit us occasionally so we can stay in touch. Over the Summer we are looking to start a Youth Alpha course so still have plans to get together. More dates to follow. This Sunday’s Services:9.30am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church11am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church Upcoming Events: Mon 15th JulyMorning Prayer 9.30am Toddington ChurchTues 16th JulyKnitting Group 10.30am – 12.30pm Wilkinson HallYouth Group Yr5 upwards 5.45pm-7.15pm Wilkinson HallThurs 18th JulySt. George’s Fellowship 2pm – 4pm, Wilkinson HallChalgrave PCC Meeting 4pm The CaldersThe Bible Course 7pm The RectoryFri 19th JulyPainting for Pleasure 10.30 am – 12.30pm, Wilkinson HallEnd of Term for SchoolsSat 20 JulyToddington Community Larder 9.30-11am Wilkinson HallSun 21th JulyHoly Communion Service 9.30am Chalgrave ChurchHoly Communion Service 11am Toddington ChurchSongs and Scones concert and cream teas. 2pm, Chalgrave ChurchEvensong 6pm, Toddington ChurchMon 22nd JulyMorning Prayer 9.30am, Toddington ChurchSeated Pilates 2pm – 3pm, Wilkinson HallTues 23rd JulyKnitting Group 10.30 am – 12.30pm Wilkinson HallWed 24th July Pop Up Tea-Room 11-1pm, Tebworth Mem HallFri 26th JulyPainting for Pleasure 10.30am – 12.30pm, Wilkinson HallSun 28th JulyHoly Communion Service 11am, Toddington Church6pm Hymns and Pimms, Toddington ChurchMon 29th JulyMorning Prayer, Toddington ChurchTues 30th JulyKnitting Group 10.30am – 12.30pm, Wilkinson Hall AugustArt and Craft Fun Days from 10am Wilkinson Hall 7, 21 and 28th AugustScarecrow Festival Sunday afternoon August 25th and all day Bank Holiday Monday 26th Have a good week.. and let’s pray for some sunshine to lighten and warm the summer months. God bless LindaRev Linda WashingtonRectorToddington and Chalgrave07715 603557
Hello Everyone Despite the early rains today, it has been a lovely day. People have been out and about visiting the Open Gardens in Toddington, popping into Wilkinson Hall for a cuppa and a chat whilst checking out the plant stall, the delicious cakes and the tombola. Thank you to everyone who opened their gardens this year. I love the inspiration and couldn't resist a quick half hour in our garden, when I got home, to clear space for some new planting. It has been a busy week nationally with so much going on. After Thursday's General Election, the country moved swiftly forward the next morning into a new phase. As one former Prime Minister left a newly appointed one clicked swiftly into action. What a difference a day makes! On Thursday evening Andy Murray played what has now turned out to be his final match at Wimbledon with his brother Jamie. What an inspiration his drive and determination has been over the years and he has thrilled so many of us on the journey. The BBC offered a very moving wonderful tribute to him on Thursday which was well deserved. Sadly today, he learned that he would not be playing a much anticipated mixed doubles match. What a difference a day makes! This evening, England footballers played their way through to a semi-final match, showing steely determination and skill in a penalty shoot-out. What a difference a match makes! Each of the above experiences example people making best use of their gifts and talents - honed, determined and focused. What an inspiration. Jesus was focused and determined. His was a life of self-less service, of dedication and of care. He taught us to push at the boundaries, to try harder, and to think outside the box for the good of others. What a difference he made to so many lives. I have just been reading an article in Premier Christianity with Sir Keir Starmer who spoke about the invaluable knowledge and experience which church communities have to offer and how important a role we have to work together. May Jesus continue to inspire and lead us each day. May we, as followers of Jesus be honed, determined and focused so that we too can make a difference! Sunday's Services 7th July 9.30 am Holy Communion, Chalgrave church 11.00 am Holy Communion with a baptism, Toddington church Events: Sunday afternoon 7th July - Open Gardens 1.00 pm - 6.00 pm Programmes, Refreshments, plant stall and tombola, at Wilkinson Hall (see poster) Mon 8th July - Morning Prayer 9.30am Toddington Church Mon 8th July - Seated Pilates 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm Wilkinson Hall Thurs 11th July - Afternoon with Friends 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm Wilkinson Hall Thurs 11th July - Post-Alpha gathering 7.00 pm The Rectory Fri 12th July - Painting for Pleasure 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Wilkinson Hall Fri 12th July - Funeral of Ryan Cremin 12.30 pm Toddington Church Sat 13th July - Coffee Morning 10.00 am – 12.00 noon Wilkinson Hall See attached poster for What's On events during July at both Chalgrave and Toddington Churches. Have a good week. Best wishes Linda Rector Toddington and Chalgrave 07715 603557
Hello Everyone What wonderful warm sunny weather! Summer has at last arrived. The lawns are becoming parched, and the flowers and vegetables need watering to thrive, but people are smiling, glad of some sunshine, and how special it was last weekend to have such a great Village Fete event on the Green bathed in sunshine. Thank you to everyone involved. Upcoming events include: · Youth Group Tuesday 2nd July and 16th July 5.45 pm · Ploughman’s lunch Thursday 4th July 12.00 noon, Wilkinson Hall · Open Gardens next Saturday 6th July 11.00 – 5.00 pm and Sunday 7th July 1.00 – 6.00 pm with refreshments in Wilkinson Hall, plus plant and book sales. (see poster). · The lower school fete next Saturday (see poster). · Coffee Morning 13th July, Wilkinson Hall. 10.00 am · Scones and Songs at Chalgrave Church on Sunday 21st July from 2.00 pm to celebrate the completion of the restoration work inside the church with live music by Richard on his guitar to entertain us. Tickets from Alison (see attached poster) · Scarecrow Festival 25 and 26 August, Sunday 1.00 – 4.00 pm, Bank Holiday Monday 11.00 am – 4.00 pm. Posters with full details will be available in the village and on Facebook. Everyone is welcome to take part. Queries to Dee Curtis 872649 · Art and craft fun days during the holidays on Wednesday 7th 14th and 28th August, for children aged 4+ years (preferably accompanied by an adult). From 10am at Wilkinson Hall. Please bring a named packed lunch. Forms available St Georges Church /Wilkinson Hall or contact Dee Curtis 872649. Please return forms to Dee. · NB – NO Messy Church during July and August Services this Sunday: 9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church 11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church Events this week: Monday 1st July 9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church Tuesday 2nd July 10.30 am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall 5.45 pm Youth Group, Wilkinson Hall Wednesday 3rd July 10.30 am the funeral of Geoffrey Driver, Toddington Church Thursday 4th July – (Election Day) 12.00 noon, Ploughman’s Lunch, Wilkinson Hall Friday 5th July 10.30 am Painting for Pleasure Group, Wilkinson Hall Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July Open Gardens (See above and the attached poster) 9.30 am Holy Communion service, Chalgrave Church 11.00 am Holy Communion Service with a baptism, Toddington Church We were very sorry to learn of the recent death of John Ware who was a longstanding and much-loved member of our church and community. He will be sadly missed and we hold Margaret and the family in our thoughts and prayers. With love and care to you all Linda Rector Toddington and Chalgrave
Hello Everyone How lovely it has been to see the sunshine this week and I hope that it holds for the Village Fete on the Green at Toddington tomorrow. Events start at 11.00 am with the Dog Show, and from 1.00 pm there will be lots of other fun and competitions, with music from Toddington Band too. The Church will be open tomorrow, and refreshments will be served in Wilkinson Hall, plus there will be a tombola and a Children's 'Garden on a Plate' competition.. And don't forget to look out for the Dragon's picnic! I look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow. Thank you to all involved for your hard work to make this such a special event for the village. On Wednesday, Chalgrave Church will offer their monthly Pop Up Tea room at Tebworth Memorial Hall from 11.00 am until 1.00 pm. Do come along and share time over a cuppa and cake or a savoury. The ladies at Chalgrave and Toddington Churches are wonderful bakers! I'm relieved to be back from 'sick leave' and to be feeling much better.. still coughing slightly... but thankfully, not nearly as much! I look forward to leading services this Sunday at both Toddington and Chalgrave churches and thank Nigel and Malcolm for stepping in to help cover the past two Sundays. Sunday 23rd June - Fourth Sunday after Trinity 9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church 11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church Monday 24th June 9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church 2.00 pm Seated exercise class with Alison, Wilkinson Hall Tuesday 25th June 10.30 am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall 5.45 pm Youth Group, Wilkinson Hall (next 2 sessions 2nd and 16th July) Wednesday 26th June 11.00 am Chalgrave Pop Up Tea Room, Tebworth Memorial Hall Thursday 27th June 4.00 pm Chalgrave PCC Meeting 7.00 pm Post Alpha Group, The Rectory Friday 28th June 10.30 am Painting for Pleasure group, Wilkinson Hall 3.30 pm Messy Church, Wilkinson Hall Sunday 30th June 9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave Church 11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington Church 2.00 pm Baptism service, Toddington Church Wednesday 3rd July 10.30 am - The funeral of Mr Geoffrey Driver, Toddington Church 7.30 pm Dunstable Deanery Synod Meeting, Chalgrave Church Dates for your diary: 6th and 7th July - Toddington 'Open Gardens' weekend. The notices are going up in the village. More information to come. Thankyou to everyone who has agreed to open their garden again this year. It is such a lovely event. See poster. 19th July at 12.00 noon - The funeral of Peggy Gladman will be held at Oakland Gardens Crematorium, Steppingley. Have a good week> Best wishes Linda Rector Toddington and Chalgrave
