Time to change your clocks back this weekend!

It's that time of year again when we change the clocks back one hour.  Don't forget to move your clocks BACK this Sunday, October 31st.

The Community Choir is coming along nicely after two weeks of practice.  Next Thursday, at 7.30pm in St Mary's Church will be the last week, before rehearsals start for the Christmas services and events.  We hope to continue and encourage anyone from the East Leake community to come and join us, as it's not just for St Mary's people.  Wouldn't it be great if we could have an East Leake Choir?

Next Friday, 5th November might be Bonfire Night but it's also the day when St Mary's will be holding its Annual Christmas Card Fair and Coffee Morning from 10,00-12 noon.  There is a wide choice of Christmas cards, Advent calendars and for those with a sweet tooth, a Cake Sale.  All proceeds of the cake sale will go to St Mary's church funds, so if you're able to bake and contribute a cake to this sale, it would be much appreciated.

Other upcoming events are as follows:

• We welcome a visit from pupils and their teachers from Brookside School to the church on Tuesday morning, 2nd Nov.
• The Banner Group meets at the Catholic Church at 2.00pm on Tuesday, 2nd Nov.
• The Abbot Club meets at the Nags Head on Wednesday, 3rd Nov. at 8.00pm
• On Saturday, 6th Nov from 9.30am onwards, the churchyard teams will gather to combine efforts to clean and tidy up the churchyard for the winter.  If it's wet, they will meet the following week on the 13th Nov.  If you enjoy gardening, the teams will be glad of your help. 
• Sunday, 7th Nov is the 1st Sunday of the month when there is a second service held at 11.15am at St Mary's which is less formal.  If you can't get up early enough but miss the service, come on along.
• Also every 1st Sunday is 'Teatime Sunday' at 4.00pm in St Mary's Hall.
• Sun 7th Commemoration of the Departed. Our annual service to remember our departed loved ones will be held at 6pm in St. Helena’s Church, West Leake.

The week beginning 8th Nov is as follows:

• Mon 8th 2.15pm Mothers’ Union – in St Mary’s Church, Report on York Service
• Tues 9th 1.30pm - Acorns meet in St Mary’s Hall

Service of celebration and thanks for the life of Gill Sprake

On Monday 1st November at 12 noon, there will be a service of celebration and thanks for Gill's life at St Mary's Church, East Leake.

The family will attend a private cremation at Loughborough then arrive at St Mary's for the service. 

It is John's wish that people attending should wear colours, not black.

Making plans for Christmas already?

I know, I know, it's too early to plan for Christmas just yet, but there are some things which DO need thinking about before Advent is upon us. We have received the annual request from HOST, the organisation which tries to help those who are at University and away from home at Christmas. See below:

Home for Christmas
Are you spending Christmas at home this year? Would you consider including an international student from a university in the UK in your plans? There are so many students here from China, India, and many other countries, who are unable to go back at Christmas. They would love to spend two or three days in a real home, rather than an empty hall of residence.

For many, Christmas will be an entirely new experience. Staying with you, they could find out what it is all about, as well as enjoying home-cooked food, joining in with your activities, and seeing a little of the country away from the campus. You do not need to live near a university, as many students are happy to travel to have this opportunity.
Your link with a student will be arranged by one of HOST’s voluntary regional organisers, who do their best to match hosts and guests who will enjoy one another’s company. HOST is a long-established national charity, founded by the British Council. Every HOST visit, whether for Christmas or for a weekend during the year, is a one-off, although sometimes lasting friendships are formed. The cultural exchange, and the contribution to international goodwill, are what make it all worthwhile.
If you would like to know more about volunteering as a host, please see www.hostuk.org or call HOST’s regional organiser Mandy Talbott on 01472 851084.

Sad news.

Gill Sprake.
We have just received some very sad news. During the weekend of 9th/10th October Gill had been taken ill while taking a holiday with John, her husband and the family. On the afternoon of Monday 11th October John telephoned with the sad news that Gill had died.
Gill was a deeply committed Christian and over the years she has helped and encouraged many people in their faith. She served as a Reader in the Benefice and was a much loved and valued member of our staff team. Gill will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with John and the family.

October already and Half Term!

Jewellery-Making Evening at St Mary's Church. Tuesday, 12th, 7.30pm - £5 fee. This is another opportunity to try your hand at making your own jewellery or making some as Christmas gifts. Please contact Cora to book your place on 856435.  Please note that this session takes place in St Mary's Church! Come along for good company and learn how to do it.  All the tools and beads are provided and you will be shown how to do it, if you've never tried before.

Half Term holiday starts next week, 18th Oct. for Leics. schools and Notts. schools the week after, 25th Oct. How time flies!

Would folks please be aware that potted plants, flowers and sometimes with their vases are being taken from St Mary's churchyard?  This has been happening for several weeks now and has been extremely upsetting for those who wish to remember their loved ones with flowers.  Please let the churchwardens or the police know if you see anyone taking flowers from the churchyard.