Summer wedding

Congratulations to Abi and Chris on their marriage. Abi, our choir mistress was married on Saturday, 19th to Chris at All Saints' Church, Sawley. Members of the congregation were invited to the happy event and the weather even managed to be breezy and sunny for such a happy day.

Everyone wishes them both a very happy future together.

End of term - Here comes Summer!

School might have ended but the events and planning for future events goes on. September and October look to be very exciting months, so keep watching.

St Mary's Women's Group will have their Annual Dinner on Monday 21st July at The Oaks in Loughborough.

The Mothers Union July 24th evening meeting will be hosted by St Paul's West Bridgford. Please contact Pauline on 218614 if you would like to go.
West Leake Country Fayre will be held on the 'Green' at 2.00pm on 27th July. Enjoy an English Summer afternoon, preferably without any rain! Any help will be gratefully received at 10.30am to set up the stalls.

Last Sunday, Lydia, Youth Worker for the Cluster gave a short presentation and video on the trip to Uganda last year. Plans are being made to start a young people's service, 'Sunday Sanctuary' at St Mary's on Sunday evenings, for young people from different churches and denominations, starting in September. Keep watch for more information in September's Compass and here on the blog.

If you've passed the park in East Leake on Thursday evenings, 6.30-9.30pm and seen young people gathering, it could be Lydia and some of the young people who meet there informally.

N.B. You can now see our website on www.east-leake.co.uk/stmarys.html including some new features.

Progress on the Bley tomb

Phase I is now completed in the restoration of the 250 yr old Bley Tomb in St Mary's churchyard. The supporting ties for the tomb sides have been replaced, and the reconstruction is finished. The stonework around the tomb has also been refitted where needed and prepared for the new metal railings, including a gate as before. This will complete the second Phase.






The Pet Service was held in St John The Baptist Church, Stanford on Soar on Sunday, by Rev Glynis accompanied by Claire, the new Curate. I wonder if any unusual animals were brought to the service?

Is anyone growing the tallest sunflower or the largest marrow? Stanford children have been given the seeds and are competing against each other. We look forward to hearing in September at a special service who has won.

We wish Abi, our Choirmistress and Chris our best wishes on their marriage on Saturday, 19th at All Saints' Church, Sawley. Let's hope the weather is fine for them.

Summer fun

Approximately 15 toddlers, plus the adults, attended the Acorns' Teddy Bear's Picnic, which was held in St Mary's Hall, instead of the Rectory garden because of the inclement weather. Everyone had lots of fun and so did the teddies, I'm told.

The Big Toddle last week had much better weather and was a beautiful day for toddling around the village. Acorns walked all the way from the Hall, around Brookside School to Potters Lane and back down Salisbury Road to Main St. The money raised for Barnardos is still being counted at this time.

St Mary's Women's Group will be having their Annual Dinner on Monday 21st July at The Oaks in Loughborough. Anyone wishing to go must give their names to Carole on 820598 and return their menu choice before then.
N.B. There is no meeting in August and the first meeting of the new programme will be on 15th September, so please put this in your diary now.

Don't forget it's Rempstone Steam Rally this weekend, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July, all being well. If you have a contribution for the stalls or the Tombola.

See future events in the column on the right.

Ringing the handbells

A BBQ was held in Normanton on Soar on Saturday in aid of church funds and was attended by St Mary's Handbell Ringers. However, there were sunny spells and showers and those who braved the weather were rewarded with burgers, sausages and chicken expertly cooked. The Handbell Ringers played their repertoire, then allowed the audience to participate.
It certainly takes a lot of concentration to be a handbell ringer.

Acorns events

Mothers and toddlers from Acorns - did you go on the 'Big Toddle'? Follow the blog for more information and how much money was raised for Barnados.

And there's more... on Tues 8th July at 1.30pm Acorns will have their annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic in the Rectory Garden (weather permitting). Don't forget to bring your teddy bear!

Claire's Ordination at Southwell Minster

Many of the congregation attended Claire Goode's Ordination on Sunday, and even the weather was sunny and warm.

It was a great opportunity for everyone to meet Claire and her family.