We shall celebrate Harvest Festival this year on Sunday 12th October, most fittingly after a week when we have thought about generosity. This year we shall again be supporting Epsom & Ewell Foodbank, who not only hold a Foodbank in Banstead Community Centre but have also now opened a ‘Pantry’ in the High Street which helps people move towards self-support. They tell us: “You will no doubt be aware that demand continues for our food bank and pantries. Many are struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis and feel overwhelmed and hopeless about their situation. However, we believe that there is hope. With the right support, we know that people can increase their emotional and financial resilience. “We also have a list of items we are in need of, which is below. Please ensure donations are well in date, do not contain any alcohol and are sealed. We cannot accept refrigerated or frozen items.” Here’s the list of their most needed items: 1. UHT semi-skimmed or full fat milk 2. Powdered milk 3. Jars of cooking sauces 4. Tinned meat – meatballs, minced beef, stewing steak, etc. 5. Long-life juice 6. Long-life sponge puddings 7. Pasta sauce 8. Tinned fish 9. Tinned fruit 10. Tinned sweetcorn 11. Tinned vegetables 12. Rice/ Micro Rice 13. Pasta 14. Noodles 15. Tinned tomatoes 16. Baked beans 17. Instant mash 18. Cereal (not porridge) 19. Weetabix 20. Rice pudding 21. Custard 22. Instant coffee 23. Tea Bags 24. Biscuits 25. Jam / Honey / Marmalade 26. Ketchup / Brown sauce / Mayo 27. Peanut butter / Chocolate spread 28. Shampoo / Conditioner 29. Deodorant 30. Shower gel 31. Sanitary towels/Tampons 32. Chocolate/ sweet treats
THE BIBLE COURSE: Revd Kate is offering a course giving an overview of the Bible as a whole, on Saturday 25th October and Saturday 15th November at St Columba’s Retreat House in Woking. The cost depends on numbers, but will be about £20 for both days plus £10 for lunch each day. Please sign the list on the church table if you’d like to come.
A church in Banstead was mentioned in Domesday book, but the present building seems to date from the late 12th century, with many changes since. With unusual nave arcades, some ancient stonework, interesting monuments and windows, it repays exploration. On 13th September there will be pictorial displays, a display of historic books and paintings, an illustrated talk about the church's history, and guides will be on hand to provide more information on the windows and memorials. At midday our bell-ringers will tell us about the art of ringing. An Arts Society (previously NADFAS) Church Trail is available for children and the Banstead History Group will have a stall outside. In the afternoon there will be a tour of the extensive ancient churchyard, which includes listed chest tombs and a listed war memorial. A timetable of the day's events will be downloadable from this site from August.
‘Sing for Joy’ takes place in church at 11.00am, on the third Wednesday of each month except in August and September. It welcomes everybody, of any age, from across the village and beyond. Its aim is to lift the spirits and revive the memories and to encourage friendship, through hospitality and a sing-along of popular songs and hymns following seasonal themes. It is especially popular with people affected by dementia and their friends. ‘Sing for Joy’ is free, including refreshments, with a retiring collection, usually for the Alzheimer’s Society. No special musical ability is required, just join in and enjoy. The next meeting will be on 22nd October 2025 (not the 3rd Wednesday for a change, because the pianist is unavailable then).
