Newsletter Number 224 - Spring 2025

It has been a long time since my last Newsletter and I apologise for not keeping in touch with you regularly throughout the last year.

This time of year is always very busy, the weather is getting better and all the spring plants are bouncing back with clusters of colour popping up everywhere. It's lovely to be able to get out into the garden to clear away debris, cut back the deadwood from the winter months and plant out the new spring seedlings.

It's a time for hope for the future, regardless of what is happening in the world at the moment.

You will find attached to this letter, details of the FOCOC AGM. All members are entitled to be nominated to stand for the Committee and to vote at the AGM. If you would like learn more about what this entails please speak to any member of the committee who will be pleased to discuss this with you.

Forthcoming Events

Saturday March 29^th we are holding a Quiz Night at the Parish Centre. Admission is free, there will be teams of 4 to 6, but do come along if you are on your own, it will help to make up full teams It starts at 6.00pm, you are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks. Tea and coffee will be available and there will be a raffle.

Saturday April 12^th is the Friends of Crofton Old Church AGM. The meeting starts at 10.30, everyone is welcome to come and see how and what has been happening over the last year. The AGM calling notice can be found HERE and a nomination form is attached HERE. If you are interested in joining the committee and would like more information, please speak to one of the current committee members.

Saturday May 17^th the Parish Centre is the venue for a Beetle Drive starting at 6.00pm. More details to come.

Saturday June 7^th we have the annual Open Day at St Edmunds running from 10.00am to 4.00pm. There will be the usual Plant stall, Refreshments, Games, Historical Tours and Musical entertainment.

Saturday July 26^th at the Parish Centre from 2.00pm to 4.30pm we have the FOCOC Tea Party.

Monday August 25^th we hope to have a Stall at the Stubbington Fayre.

Saturday September 27^th at the Parish Centre from 6.00pm, we have a Harvest Supper.

Saturday November 22^nd we have the Yuletide Fayre at the Parish Centre from 10.00 to 12.00.

Sunday November 30^th we welcome The Solent Community Choir back to St Edmunds Church for their Advent Concert starting at 4.00pm.

Sunday December 21^st is time for Nine Lessons and Carols starting at 4.00pm at St Edmunds Church.

Wednesday December 24^th at 5.00pm we have the Nativity at St Edmunds Church.

Please put these dates in your diary, more details, including ticket prices and availability, will be given nearer the time.

Thank you all for your support for FOCOC over the last twelve months, it has been lovely to see you enjoying the events over the year and as you can see, we have plenty going on for the rest of 2025.

Services at St Edmunds start at 9.30am every Sunday

The 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of the month are Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer.

Morning Prayer is on the 2^nd and 4^th Sunday, and on the 5^th Sunday there is Common Worship with Communion, tea and coffee is available after these services.

Details of all the services in Holy Rood and St Edmunds are in the weekly Parish Update.

The Church is open on the 18^th of every month, from 10.00 to 12.00, for visitors or for private prayer.

I shall leave you with this.

A very devout gentleman, who had brought up his son to be God-fearing and resourceful, was very disappointed by the lifestyle his son was living as an adult.

Although the son was financially successful, his father did not approve of him living in Monte Carlo where he made his money gambling.

"Don't give up on him," his wife told him, "Stick to your principles, he'll come round you'll see."

So he sent his son an email saying, "I just want to let you know, Holy Week starts on Sunday."”

He was thrilled to see that his son had replied instantly and he quickly opened the email.

But his joy was short-lived as he read the message. "Thanks Dad, I've put £100 on Holy Week to win."

Until next time

Sincerely yours

Peter Gladwell