Music, music, music.

Approximately 150 people gathered to be entertained by a very talented group of musicians on Saturday Night for the 'Music of the Night' concert. We were treated to a number of wonderful saxophone solos by our own Elizabeth (Lizzie) Holland, and a variety of traditional classical and modern classics sung by the beautiful voice of Katy Howarth.

Simon Baker provided the most professional accompaniment on the keyboard. To top the evening off, Lizzie joined Sue Masters, Judy Nicol and Jo Jones as 'Sax Sensation', a saxophone quartet entertaining us with some very lively, entertaining and diverse pieces.

We'd like to say thank you to all these talented musicians who have made use of their wonderful skills and provided us with such a lovely evening. God has truly blessed you all.

Calling all young people!

Sunday Sanctuary is a new informal event for all young people in the East Leake and surrounding areas. They meet at St Mary's Church at 5.00-6.00pm every Sunday evening. Contact Lydia for further information on: 07702 815532 or just come along. You'll be very welcome. The 2009 Bellringers Calendar is now available. Calendars featuring churches from the diocese are available from Andrew (559087) for £4.50. All profits go to the Diocesan Bell Fund.

Back to Church Sunday and Current activities.

The recent Nottingham Male Voice Choir was a great success, as those who attended might testify.

This Saturday, 27th Sept. there will be a concert called 'Music of the Night' in St Mary's Church at 7.30pm. For any last minute tickets, please see Rosemary on 856202.

On Sunday, 28th Sept. St Mary's Harvest Communion combines with a very special service to celebrate 'Back to Church Sunday' to welcome all visitors and those who haven't been for a while. Please bring your friends, family and neighbours for a service with a difference.

AN EVENING OF AFTER-DINNER CABARET WITH CHRYSALIS SATURDAY 11th OCTOBER 2008 is planned for St. Mary’s Church, East Leake too, at 7-30pm. .What’s the Cabaret about: ·Cabaret evening based on West End show “Aspects of Love” ·Presentation includes drama, comedy and songs from the show ·Presented by a professional group of musicians, Chrysalis Arts Trust ·Includes Christian performers who have been in West End productions How much is it? Tickets £10-50 per head to include Dinner which will be served at 7-30pm Soft drinks will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own wine with you if you like. Glasses will be provided. More information and contacts for tickets: Rosemary: Tel: 856202 Avril: Tel: 852238

Busy week and month ahead.

This looks like being a busier week than usual, now the summer holidays are over for some and school is back in.

All our groups are now back meeting in St Mary's Hall as usual.

• Monday, 8th, 2.15pm - the Mothers Union have their first service in church, following the summer break.
• Tuesday, 9th, 1.30pm - Acorns meet in St Mary's Hall
• Wednesday 10th, 10am - Holy Communion
• Thursday, 11th, 7.30pm - Nottingham Male Voice Choir concert in church
• Saturday, 13th, 11am - Abbot Club trip on the canal

And to look forward to this month are:

Saturday, 20th Sept. - Worship Day at Southwell Minster. See Claire for travel arrangements.

• Saturday, 20th Sept. - Exhibition and presentations by A Grundy in the church.
• 27th Sept. 7.30pm - Music of the Night concert in church. Tickets £7 from Rosemary 856202
• 28th Sept, 9.30am - Harvest Thanksgiving combined with 'Back to Church' Sunday. Bring a friend or neighbour. Invitations for distribution, are at the back of church.
• 30th Sept. - Cluster Emmaus course starts in church.

See the website for more details. http://www.stmarys-eastleake.org.uk/

John Bley - Exhibition & Presentations

Who is John Bley, you might ask?

On Saturday 20th September 2008 there will be a display of artefacts associated with East Leake’s greatest benefactor and the opportunity to see his tomb and the window dedicated to his memory in St Mary’s Church and churchyard. There is also a display and talk given at East Leake Public Library on the Thursday, (18th Sept.)

Talks by Tony Grundy, Chair of the East Leake and District History Society, will be given on John Bley and his life.

The church will be open at 2.00pm for visitors to view, followed by the talk at 3.00pm–4.00pm.

The church will be closed between 5.00pm–6.00pm but open again from 6.00pm followed by a repeat of the talk at 7.00pm –8.00pm. All are welcome.

Please note: All tickets have now been sold for the Nottingham Male Voice Choir concert next Thursday, 11th Sept. raising funds for the Burma Disaster Appeal.

One year ago today.

It was Sept 3rd 2007 that work began on the Re-ordering of St Mary's Church. This is how it looked before work began. All the pews were sold to families who had connections to the church. We'd like to hear from anyone who bought one of the pews and tell us how you've used yours. If you'd like to see photos of the process, click on the Blog Archive on the right of the blog, for 2007 Sept-Dec.

September, a fresh start.

Today might be a wet start to September but don't be glum, there's plenty to come and see, join in and learn, and even to be entertained in the next few months. There really was some sun this summer - see the photo. All our groups will be starting their new sessions after the summer holidays. We welcome back the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and Duke of Edinburgh groups. The Hall is also used by our mother and toddler group Acorns, the young people's Infuse group, Mothers Union, St Mary's Womens Group and the busy Compass team, who put your magazine together each month. Other users are the East Leake & District History Group, Slimming World, Twinkle Tots, Jo Jingles and the Sharon Wood School of Dance. This week the schools starts their new year and there is bound to be lots of butterflies and excitement on the first day. We wish all the young people good luck in their studies. The first exciting event is Thursday, 11th September at the church, when the Nottingham Male Voice Choir gives a concert. If you haven't bought your ticket yet, you'd better be quick as extra tickets (£5) were being printed last week. Contact: Mary on 852792, Ann on 853203 or Dianne on 881391. On Saturday 20th Sept. there is a Worship Day at Southwell Minster. Please talk to Claire if you'd like to go.