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 9.30-11am 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
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 ChurchUpcoming 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 HallAugustArt and Craft Fun Days from 10am Wilkinson Hall 7, 21 and 28th AugustScarecrow Festival Sunday afternoon August 25th and all day Bank Holiday Monday 26thHave a good week.. and let’s pray for some sunshine to lighten and warm the summer months.God blessLindaRev 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
