Hello Everyone
Yesterday, schools closed for their Summer holiday break, and everyone will be pleased, I am sure, to have a breather after a busy year. Year 4 children and staff at the Lower school reflected back over the past year at the Leavers' assembly, giving thanks and celebration for all that has been achieved, but with not a little sadness at the end of the season, as children and certain staff move on to new pastures. Tributes were made to learning and personal achievements during the year and there was no doubt that the residential stay this year had been a highlight with several children mentioning their sense of pride at having tackled something new. Awards were given out for a wide range of achievements and personal qualities. Mrs Lamb the Headteacher is one of several staff leaving at the end of the year. She, like all her staff, has worked so incredibly hard this year to offer a good standard of provision for the children in school. Mrs Stringer retired after an impressive teaching career at Toddington St George School and they, with other staff leavers, will be sadly missed. What a privilege teaching and working in school, is.. sowing seeds of knowledge, personal awareness, encouragement and development into young lives. I remember well, fom my teaching career, how moving it is at the end of the year, to say farewell to children, and staff, who have been such an important part of life. Thank you to the children and staff who have welcomed me into school this year. It has been a pleasure, and I look forward to working with Mr Darlington, the new Headteacher from September.
My interest in gardens continues.. inspired by Toddington Open Gardens and Hampton Court flower show. With certain pictures of floral displays in my mind, and a sense of a new season, moving forward from dried tired shrubs to new growth and flowers, I am enjoying planting out certain perennial plants and watching them start to flourish. Thank goodness for the recent rains which have watered the soil. How good it is to be in cooler temperatures in this country at the moment.. but my heart goes out to all experiencing extreme heat temperatures abroad. Climate change is becoming very worrying and this encourages us as church to play our part and become more environmentally aware. I have noticed several churches displaying a wooden plaque from A Rocha.. marking the church's achievement as a bronze or silver award achiever. Toddington Church is keen to join the bronze club too and are almost there. I think the hazardous effects of climate change are calling us all to improve our environmental footprint.
The week ahead at church is calmer but we are looking ahead to see what provision we can offer for our young people during the holidays, with thoughts of Creative Fun times for families.. children and adults, on a few Wednesdays during August (2, 9, and 16 - dates to be confirmed) from 10-1.30pm at Wilkinson Hall. If you would be interested to come along to one of these, or are able to offer to help, please let me or Dee know... and look out for posters later next week with details.
This Sunday's Services:
9.30 am Holy Communion, Chalgrave Church - Linda
11.00 am Morning Praise Service Toddington Church - Malcolm
Events this week:
Monday 24th July
9.30 am Morning Prayer, Toddington Church
Tuesday 25th July
10.30 am Knitting Group, Wilkinson Hall
Wednesday 26th July
9.30 am Church Cleaning working party, Toddington Church
11.00 am – 1.00 pm Pop Up Tea Room, Tebworth Memorial Hall, with refreshments served by Chalgrave Church
Thursday 27th July
a rest day!
Friday 28th July
10.30 am Painting for Pleasure group, Wilkinson Hall
Saturday 29th July
another rest day!
Sunday Services 30 July
9.30 am Holy Communion Service, Chalgrave
11.00 am Holy Communion Service, Toddington
Wishing you a peaceful, restful week and happy holidays!
with best wishes
Linda
Rector
Toddington and Chalgrave
Contact number 07715 603557