22-01-10 Coffee Club
| Our venue this month was the Zest Restaurant at West Suffolk College. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, well prepared and served by the young trainees on their respective catering courses. This outing really cheered us up and chased away our winter blues! |
11-12-09 Coffee Club
| It was a foggy day in Hargrave, however undaunted, a small party of ladies set off for Gainsboroughs’ House in Sudbury to view an exhibition of paintings by Hogarth. We admired his artistry and after some quick refreshment we travelled back home before it got too dark. |
13-11-09 Coffee Club.
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November Meeting: A very special occasion. We gathered at Freiston Lodge to help Mr and Mrs Bushell celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Phew 60 years married—what an achievement! We all enjoyed a wonderful party, hosted by an amazing couple. Many, many congratulations Jean and Graeme.
 
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31-10-09 Halloween Quiz Night.
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We would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who attended or helped in any way at our Quiz, particularly to Kath and Mary and their willing band of helpers for feeding us all so well and to Catherine and David Williams and Martin for setting the questions, keeping everyone informed of the scores and marking all the papers.
There were some fantastic and a little scary!! costumes on display—well done to everyone who dressed up. The prize went to the Vampires—David and Henry Upton.
We raised an amazing £597.12 for Village Hall funds.
It was a great night with lots of laughter and fun.
Watch this space—we may do another one next year!!!
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16-10-09 Coffee Club.
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October Meeting: A party of ladies set off to visit Risby Barns and here to wander around the antiques and antiquities of yesteryear. We admired some clothing from the early 50’s and 60’s and also some beautiful pure silk ladies undergarments from a slightly earlier era! One or two of us also visited the garden centre on site and finally finished up with refreshments in the café, also on site. A very enjoyable afternoon. |
11-10-09 Harvest Lunch.
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Following the harvest service at St Edmunds we headed for the village hall, where approximately 60 people were treated to a wonderful three course lunch prepared and served by Kath and her team of helpers. What a feast—warming soup followed by roast beef or gammon and then the table full of luscious puds. Needless to say no one went home hungry and we all agreed that it had been a lovely lunch and a wonderful opportunity to catch up with fellow villagers.
There was a raffle with tempting prizes and the event raised in excess of £500 for Church Funds.
A big thank you once again to Kath for co-ordinating this event. |
18-09-09 Coffee Club.
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It was a sunny Autumn afternoon for a leisurely walk around Nowton Park for six of us. Same ladies collected pine cones along the way, to make decorations for the festive season. We then met up with two more ladies for tea at the garden centre. We made good use of the outdoor tables under a perfectly blue sky. Perhaps that was our Indian summer!
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12-09-09 Sponsored Cycle Ride.
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SUFFOLK HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST.
We were blessed with a perfect day for this yearly event.
Six cyclists pedalled for Hargrave plus two walkers.
Sixteen visitors signed in at the Church, mostly local cyclists, but there was one intrepid biker who set out from Newmarket to cycle to Woodbridge!
The Church was open from 9-5pm and was “manned” by four recorders who welcomed visitors with cold drinks and biscuits. |
21-08-09 Coffee Club.
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Our Cheese and Wine party at the home of Ann, Frank and Sue. Thirty five Coffee Club members, partners and guests enjoyed a very successful evening with a raffle and presentations of Aloe Vera and Bioflow Magnotherapy products. During the evening we were entertained by Sallie Walrond who played the accordion and had us all guessing and racking our brains to remember the names of some lovely old songs—great fun! The evening raised £250 for The St Nicholas Hospice in Bury St Edmunds. MANY THANKS, EVERYONE.
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17-07-09 Coffee Club.
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Well, we had arranged to take a leisurely walk around the Abbey Gardens followed by tea in the Refectory—however rain stopped play (as they say in cricket). Sigrid kindly suggested that we could gather in her conservatory so amid all the lovely plants we supped some tea and ate some delicious cakes (thanks Jackie) and discussed our forthcoming attractions.
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27-06-09 Hargrave Summer BBQ.
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Following a really lovely spell of hot, dry weather, we wondered if we would be lucky again with our BBQ date but true to form, the sun shone and it was a perfect evening for sitting, relaxing, dancing, eating and drinking.
A wonderful array of food was ready and waiting for us and our thanks go to the team of cooks and all who helped with salads and deserts. Once again a big thank you to Kath for co-ordinating it all.
The event raised the fabulous sum of £1,092 for the Church Fabric Fund and we would like to thank everyone for attending and helping us to make this event such a success.
The various games and tombola were a great success and the music really got the party going, with encores being requested at the end of the evening. No one wanted to go home!!!
It was unfortunate that we had an accident at the event with the Paramedics making an appearance. I am pleased to report that Charlie is now on his way to recovery after spending a couple of days in hospital and coming home sporting a rather fetching plastered arm. Get well soon Charlie.
A big thank you also to those who helped with setting up and taking down (always the less attractive job) of marquees etc.
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19-06-09 Coffee Club.
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Our annual Strawberry Tea at Kath Berrills home. A good party of ladies attended as usual but this year the weather was somewhat cold and blustery, so instead of wearing pretty summer dresses we were huddled up in coats and thick ‘cardys’. Nevertheless, we enjoyed strawberries and tea and finished the afternoon in Kath’s conservatory where we chatted and laughed about the various happenings! Many thanks again Kath.
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12-06-09 Coffee Morning.
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The Coffee Morning in aid of St Nicholas Hospice held 0n 12th June raised £433.
A letter of thanks has been received from the Hospice expressing their congratulations to everyone involved for their efforts. The Hospice are extremely grateful for the contribution in the current financial climate.
Well done Hargrave! |
15-05-09 Coffee Club.
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Several of us visited Scotsdale Garden Centre at Gt Shelford—a real ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ for anything to do with horticulture, leisure and giftware.
After a good look around, we ladies then found the restaurant to partake of tea and cake and to deliberate over our choice of plants etc, from the veritable plethora set before our very eyes. The challenge was how to get it all in the cars for our journey home! A very enjoyable afternoon. |
03-05-09 Village Walk & Treasure Hunt.
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The weather shone on us for our tea and treasure hunt. Forty of us walked across the fields to the church where we were challenged to an excellent treasure hunt of questions about the church and graveyard. Several of us had never visited the church before so finding this treasure was a great surprise. The walk back was rewarded by a very satisfying village tea, noted for the cakes on offer, and we raised £125 for the church fabric fund.
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17-04-09 Coffee Club.
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Easter Bonnet Tea:
Two ladies attended wearing millinery creations, other ladies couldn’t find theirs! Although we were only a small group we had a lively couple of hours. We would have welcomed more ladies from the village to join us for a ‘cuppa and cake’ but maybe next time, eh
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20-03-09 Coffee Club.
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Our meeting this month took the form of lunch at West Suffolk College Restaurant. 12 ladies gathered on a beautiful sunny, spring afternoon for a most enjoyable and rather special lunch. Three of our members celebrated their birthdays on that day, so with glasses raised and a chorus of Happy Birthday a lovely birthday cake was presented with candles for them to blow out and make their wishes. Many thanks to Jackie for the cake. We all enjoyed a wonderful meal and lively conversation along with a specially written poem and posies for our birthday girls. |
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13-02-09 Coffee Club.
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Unfortunately our trip to Anglesey Abbey had to be cancelled due to further snowfall and icy conditions. A small group of ladies did meet at Eileen's for a lively coffee morning. |
25-01-09 Children's Xmas Party.
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Excited faces arrived at the Village Hall on Sunday 25th January. Not only those of the children and grandchildren but the parents and grandparents too.
Soon the games began. First paper fish were flipped around the floor causing much merriment. This was followed by pass the hat where everyone joined in.
We were then introduced to “Mr Sammy” our professional entertainer. Dressed in an amazing clowns outfit he enthralled the children with his humour and magic. First he introduced us to his friend who turned out to be very naughty and was swiftly put back in his suitcase. Then, with the assistance of a very able helper he endeavoured to make a chicken sandwich from feathers and a flower!! We watched as he carried out a number of other tricks all with the help of a captivated audience. We had some lovely recitations of nursery rhymes and soon it was time to have tea.
Plates filled all the children sat down and enjoyed a well earned rest whilst the adults were treated to a very refreshing cup of tea.
Then it was time to start the games again. Musical bumps and O’Grady says and various other games all participated with great enthusiasm. As the afternoon came to an end Mr Sammy made every child a balloon hat, animal or sword.
At the end of the afternoon we all said goodbye to our new and old friends, paid a hearty thank you to Mr Sammy and the people who had organised the event and made our way home clutching our precious balloons and gifts.
A big thank you to everyone, especially Kath and Helen for a lovely afternoon. |
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23-01-09 January Coffee Club. What a day for our ‘post Christmas Party’. In the morning we had snow showers, high winds and lashing rain but by the afternoon the sun had appeared and the weather had calmed down somewhat. However, we had a lively meeting with several of our partners joining us, making a total of at least 20 people. The table groaned with delicious cakes and delicacies and that together with copious amounts of tea and coffee resulted in a very enjoyable afternoon.
Much chat and laughter ensued and we all left feeling bright and lively after discussing our plans for the next couple of months.
Who said January was a miserable month?
21-11-08 November Coffee Club.
Oh! The greyness and the dreariness of November, but we ladies at Coffee Club were not fazed by this at all as we gathered at Jackie’s house. Inevitably thoughts and chats about Christmas took place and then we moved on to discuss (over delicious refreshments!) plans and ideas for the forthcoming year.
Watch this space!
17-10-08 October Coffee Club.
Ten ladies set off for Clare where we strolled through part of the town and then wandered into the Country Park and of course, no visit to Clare would be complete without a little time spent in the Antiques Warehouse where one or two ladies made a small purchase of something to delight our eyes! Then onto the tea shop for refreshment and a little culinary delicacy. Wonderful!
11-10-08 Harvest Supper.
70 people sat down to enjoy a three course meal using the produce from the Harvest Festival. It was absolutely delicious and everyone had a great time. You could say the hall was buzzing!
The event was masterminded by Kath Berrill and her team and raised £533.29 for the Church Roof fund.
Thank you to everyone who helped and supported the event.
26-09-08 MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING
This event was again well attended, thanks to those who turned out to support the worlds largest coffee morning. Stalls included 'guess how many sweets in a basket', tombola, raffle, plants, cakes, bring and buy etc. Money made on the day was £467 but further donations are bringing the final total to almost £500.
Shirley would like to thank all those who helped on the day or donated prizes, produce or money to help make this event such a great success.
19-09-08 COFFEE CLUB
On a warm and mellow Indian Summer afternoon, we gathered at Lorna’s for tea in the garden. Not a cloud in the sky—brilliant and as one lady said, what a pity we cannot put this beautiful day in a bottle, so that we could bring it out to cheer us up and chase away the ‘winter blues’!
15-08-08 VILLAGE HALL QUIZ NIGHT
12 teams assembled in the newly redecorated Village Hall to pit their wits against each other. We were all impressed with the new décor and the new kitchen looked superb.
Catherine and David Williams set us all thinking from the first round with some very taxing and varied questions. Something for everyone!
A wonderful supper prepared by Kath Berrill and her team gave us a respite from competition half way through the evening. The raffle was also drawn at this time.
We all enjoyed the evening and the sum of £629 was made towards village hall funds.
Well done to everyone who arranged a superb evening and we look forward to the next quiz night.
15-08-08 COFFEE CLUB
A perfect day, sunny and warm and NO WIND!. Just the weather for a cycle ride, but where were all the cyclists?
The recorders at the Church signed in 17 cyclists—9 from Hargrave, 10 from Chevington and 2 from Wickhambrook.
The sponsored ride is now in its 27th year and during the first few years cyclists came from far and wide. Perhaps the long, uphill lane from the main road is daunting, but recorders are there with a refreshing drink, chocolate biscuits and crispy apples.
The Chevington riders cycled in a group and there were several younger cyclists enjoying the outing. They visited all the churches in the Benefice, Hawkedon, Rede, Chedburgh, Depden and Hargrave and they have the photos to prove it! Perhaps next year we can persuade more groups to join in.
Sponsored for Hargrave were Graeme Bushell, Eileen Clarke, Terry Hasted, Kath Patterson, Justin Rabett, Peter Reddick, Richard Moxon and Ben Hallifax.
Congratulations to Terry who visited 47 churches!
The riders are still collecting their sponsorship money and it is not too late to support them.
15-08-08 COFFEE CLUB
This took the form of a nature walk around West Stow Country Park. We set off and on the way we observed the flora and fauna around us—we saw lots of small brown butterflies, long tailed tits and watched briefly the mating habits of the blue damsel fly. We also met a friendly fisherman who accompanied us ladies on part of the walk, showing us where several large mirror carp (or was it common carp) were lying in the shallows under the trees. So engrossed were we by all this wonderful nature that we were too late for our customary ‘cuppa’. Never mind eh!
25-07-08 COFFEE CLUB STRAWBERRY TEA
For the fourth year running, the sun shone for our Strawberry Tea in Kath Berrill’s charming garden. Scrumptious scones with jam and lashings of cream, helped down by refreshing tea and coffee made this another very enjoyable afternoon, finished off by our usual poetic recitation.
19-07-08 50/50 AUCTION
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The village hall was bulging with all the items for auction and a total of 312 lots were ready to go under the hammer. Our auctioneer, David Pettitt aided by his assistant Vic Turner worked their way round the hall, lot by lot. The crowd waited in anticipation for their lot to come round and then enjoyed the bidding. Many a bargain was bagged on the day. Meanwhile, outside the catering team were working miracles with their outdoor kitchen. A mouthwatering BBQ along with filled rolls, sumptuous cakes and liquid refreshment made the day complete. There was certainly something for everyone and the event raised a magnificent £1,466.50 for the Village Hall Fund. Thanks to everyone for their donations for the auction and for their support on the day. |
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28-06-07 HARGRAVE VILLAGE BAR-B-Q
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20-06-08 COFFEE CLUB JUNE MEETING
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A Cheese and Wine evening at Ann and Frank Rolinson’s lovely bungalow. Once again we invited our men folk and partners to this soiree. Ann showed several of us around their delightful garden, whilst we enjoyed their hospitality of good wine and nibbles. A lot of chatter and laughter ensued throughout the evening and a good time was had by all. The raffle from the event was very well supported and we raised the magnificent sum of £105, which was forwarded to St Nicholas Hospice. A very nice thank you letter has been received from St Nicholas.
Well done Ann, Frank and Sue. |
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16-05-08 COFFEE CLUB MAY MEETING
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Our day trip to Saffron Walden. We took off amid grey skies, which persisted all day but we were not downhearted. Coffee at the Rooftop Restaurant in Eaden Lilley’s was first on the agenda followed by a very pleasant walk through Bridge End Garden, where we were all ‘amazed’ trundling around The Maze—great fun and much laughing with Sigrid (who was the first to reach the centre) directing some of us “first timers” from the control tower!! After a visit to the church we had lunch at the aptly named bistro—Nibbles. We then wandered off in separate groups, some to visit the Museum and others to explore the many delightful individual shops.
A most enjoyable day was had by all. |
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04-05-08 HARGRAVE VILLAGE WALK/RUN
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People came out of the woodwork to take part in this years village walk. Visitors came from neighbouring villages to swell the numbers to around 100 to walk the 2.5 mile or the short cut 1.75 mile circular routes starting and finishing at the Village Hall. People of all ages from a few months old to those not so young all took the chance of seeing some normally unseen parts of our village. When they returned everyone was treated to a superb afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes. All funds raised go towards the Church Roof fund. Thanks to Justin for organising this excellent event once again and to all of those who helped to either prepare or to serve the refreshments. |
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The crowds gather outside the Village Hall ready for the off ! |
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En-route across the fields. |
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Back at the bun fight. |
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No room left inside, but these people were happy to have their refreshments out in the open air. |
18-04-08 COFFEE CLUB APRIL MEETING
This month we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the start of the Coffee Club with a special party where several of the original “first ladies” attended. We also invited our menfolk and quite a few graced us with their presence, bless ‘em!.
More cause for celebrations as it was one gentleman’s birthday that very day and we finished the afternoon with ‘bubbly’ and cake and a spirited rendering of Happy Birthday!
14-03-08 COFFEE CLUB MARCH MEETING
A party of ladies enjoyed a Spring outing to Moyses Hall Museum. Here we viewed the Changing Shape of Women 1800 to present day exhibition. We marvelled at the dress design, the intricate needlework and many other features and oh what tiny waists the ladies had in the Victorian era! However, undeterred, we sallied forth from there to take tea and cakes in town to finish off a very enjoyable afternoon.
15-02-08 COFFEE CLUB FEBRUARY MEETING
At Rectory Cottage, Depden—the home of Eileen Williamson, our genial hostess for the AFternoon. Apparently some time ago, and before extension and modernisation, Rectory Cottage used to be the Reading Room for Depden Church, which as many of us know is situated way back across the fields! Ah well—back to reality and many thanks Eileen for your hospitality.
18-01-08 COFFEE CLUB JANUARY MEETING
At the home of Jackie Gidney. It was a wet and windy afternoon but who worries about the weather when us ladies get together. Tongues wagged with stories about Christmas and numerous other topics. Jackie kept our throats from drying out with plenty of tea and delicious cakes and we proceeded to discuss venues and ideas for the next few months.
14-12-07 COFFEE CLUB DECEMBER MEETING
At the home of Susan Painter, Grove Farm Barn, which was beautifully decorated ready for Christmas. Susan kindly showed everyone around the lovely barn conversion and then offered us all a magnificent spread of food and drink. It was a great start to the festive period getting us all in the mood for the coming weeks.
16-11-07 COFFEE CLUB NOVEMBER MEETING
November Meeting, held at Swallow Barn and our “hostess with the mostest” Brenda! Lively chat, lovely cakes, thoughts and plans for the forthcoming meetings.
19-10-07 COFFEE CLUB OCTOBER MEETING
October Meeting, a good turnout of ladies enjoyed Ann & Sue’s excellent hospitality. A nice surprise was a guessing game which was won by the previous month’s host, Yvonne. As it was a wonderfully clear and sunny autumn afternoon, we had a tour of the lovely garden rounding off this most enjoyable meeting.
13-10-07 HARVEST SUPPER
This event again brought in an excellent crowd. We were greeted by a beautifully decorated hall in autumnal tones.
Everyone took their places around the tables and the banquet began. Delicious soup, followed by roast pork with all the trimmings and to round it off the usual array of deserts all prepared and organised by Kath Berrill and her army of volunteers.
The sound of laughter and merriment resounded throughout the evening and eventually we all made our way home, replete and contented with our evening.
The event raised a magnificent £450 for the Church Roof fund.
21-09-07 COFFEE CLUB SEPTEMBER MEETING
September Meeting, held at the home of Yvonne, where we looked at the ornamental pond and garden but quickly went into the conservatory, the wind was quite strong and the leaves were beginning to fall. Autumn will soon be here.
08-09-07 SUFFOLK HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST SPONSORED CYCLE RIDE
A perfect day for cycling—warm and dry with very little wind! Six cyclists pedalled for Hargrave Church. Many thanks to our energetic sextet:
Cathy, Eileen, Peter, Justin, Graeme and Terry. Terry was the star visiting 46 churches between 10am and 6pm.
Many thanks also to our recorders who sat at the church to sign in and offer refreshment to the valiant few who toiled up the hill. This year only 10 signed in, half as many as some years. Our recorders were Hazel, Yvonne, Andrew, Sue, Colin, Kath and Justin.
Our energetic village team raised £847.50.
Half of this is returned to the Village Church. This is the best effort since the rides began 26 years ago.
05-09-07 LOCAL BURGLARIES
Between 9am and 2pm Wednesday 5 September offenders have attempted to break into a barn in Hargrave by forcing a door but no entry was gained. Meanwhile, between 11am and 3pm the same day at The Hill Ousden offenders have broken into a shed by forcing a lock and have stolen a Husqvana chain saw, a Husqvana hedge trimmer and a Honda self-propelled lawn mower.
01-09-07 ARRIVAL OF NEW MINISTER
On 1st September I became the new Minister for the Methodist Church.
I look forward to being involved in the village activities and supporting the members and friends of the Church. We had a lovely time of worship and fellowship on Monday 10th September to celebrate our Harvest Weekend and we would like to invite you to any and all future events praising our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sheila MacInally.
24-08-07 COFFEE CLUB AUGUST MEETING
August Meeting - We invited our men folk to join us at an evening barbecue at The Willows. Our excellent “chef de barbecue” was Paul, and we all wined and dined in great style with plenty of laughter to “season” it all.
Many thanks to Shirley and Paul.
20-08-07 CAT SHOT WITH AIR GUN
My name is Pauline Prior and I live at Gilgara on the Ousden Road. On Monday 20th August we found our poor cat had been shot with an air gun. We rushed her to the vets where she underwent major surgery to remove the pellet. To our knowledge she does not stray far from our garden.
I think that everyone should be aware that this has happened.
The police have been informed.
NB: The cat is now home and is expected to make a full recovery.
31-07-07 CHANGE OF MINISTER
Members and friends of the Church are sorry to say goodbye to our Minister, Rev. Alan Ashton, who after 9 years with us, retires on 31st July 2007. We will miss him and wish him a long and happy retirement.
With effect from 1st September we give a warm welcome to our new Minister, Rev. Sheila MacInally. At the same time we welcome our new Superintendant Minister at Ely, Rev. Steve Watts.
20-07-07 HARGRAVE COFFEE CLUB JULY MEETING
The July Meeting, our annual Strawberry Tea hosted by Kath B, saw some blooming awful weather. However we were all dry indoors and thoroughly enjoyed our strawberries in quite a few different ways! Would you believe it - the sun came out as we were all about to go home! Oh, the vagaries of the English weather.
07-07-07 HARGRAVE VILLAGE BAR-B-Q
Hargrave Village BBQ and everyone had fingers crossed that the weather would improve for this great event—come the day and yippee! The sun shone on us all!
Friends and relations came from far and wide to join in the fun—we tried to splat the rat and if luck was not with us on that one, there were many other games to try. The beer tent was well stocked with plenty of wine on offer too. Soon the barbeque was ready and what “a good feed” that was, super salads, beef burgers, sausages and chicken and to follow yummy puds and plenty of second helpings for any one.
During the evening we were entertained by the best band in Hagrave, "Collage", who played great music for toe tapping or for some of us to jive around to.
There were plenty of willing helpers on the Sunday morning to clear up and take down the tents etc—so once again the “barbie” was fired up and they were treated to a “fry-up”.
Eileen Clarke
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Click here to visit the Collage Website
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“Thank you to everyone with the planning, cooking, setting up, working that evening, and dismantling and clearing up on Sunday morning. I say dismantling because, after a week of particularly wet weather, the village rallied and set up extra tents in case of more rain, which was a huge relief to us. This year we raised £1,402, a huge amount including several donations which off-set some of our costs. This means we're doing well raising money for the urgent repairs to our church, as identified in our Quinquennial report. Our thanks also to the Boys Brigade, the Village Hall committee, and Chevington Church. We hope you'll be able to join us at the Hargrave Harvest Supper on 13 October. This year, we'll be using the produce from Harvest Festival to shape the supper, so, if you have any favourites, you could always bring along the fruit or vegetable ingredients to the Harvest Festival on 7 October at 3 pm!”
Justin Rabett
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HARGRAVE COFFEE CLUB JUNE MEETING
Due to illness and holidays the planned trip to the Lavender Fields was cancelled.
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