May

The Risen Lord is among us and we must respond with enthusiasm. There are exciting happenings in both villages to tell you about.

Boyton have been given substantial grants to enable work to be carried out on the tower and the roof at St Andrews. The stairs leading up to the tower are very unusual, but need work to allow others to appreciate them. The outer roof was repaired a while ago, but it is the lathes of the inside roof that will be improved. This work is in its early stages but watch for more news.

Hollesley is hosting a Flower Festival, after a lapse of a few years. It will take place at All Saints during the month of May, 29^th, 30^th and 31^st. There is still time to offer your help to my husband, Les. Lots of us are totting up the years and our ears are not quite what they used to be. The money raised from the Flower Festival will be put towards the installation of a Loop System to enable those with hearing aids to "tune in". We may also be able to provide a microphone system for visiting clergy and Readers with voices not so used to projecting their voice to reach Helen, the organist. I think Geoff and I have mastered that with practice in the seven churches in the group.

For services this month click on May Services

You are welcome to join with any of the following:
Every 2^nd Monday of the month 7.30pm Prayer Group at the Corner House, Bushy Lane, Hollesley
Every Wednesday at 7.30pm at Hollesley + Midday at Sutton
Every 4^th Friday Communion at Mary Warner Homes 2pm
Every 1^st Thursday Evensong at Glebe House, Hollesley 3pm
Every 3^rd Thursday Holy Communion at Glebe House 10.30am

After many years of trying we have had a positive response from English Heritage towards the urgent repairs to Boyton Church. We have been given a grant of £15,000 towards eligible costs of £20,560. We have 12 months from 26^th March 2004 to spend this and indeed 12 months to raise the balance of £5,560. On completion we will be offered another grant of £90,000 towards eligible work of £103,253, which again requires the raising of a further £13,253. Some congratulations are due to the endeavours of our architect Arthur Paxton.

The Wilford Singers present a May Day concert conducted by Jeremy Wilford with Nick Parry, cello and Geraldine Taylor, piano. Admission is free, with a retiring collection for church funds. Refreshments will be available during the interval and after the concert.

Christian Aid helps some of the worlds poorest people, of all faiths or none, in over 50 countries to make better lives for themselves. If you think poverty is a scandal we do not have to accept, please support:

during Christian Aid Week - May 9^th to 15^th

You can:

Cabaraid takes place at Hollesley Church, May 8^th at 7pm.
Thank you - your gifts will change lives. Diana Barnard Tel. 01394 411079

The Revd Michael Hamilton Sharp kindly officiated in the act of worship and later shared his thoughts about the family life of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. As the 25^th March, Lady Day, is especially significant to the Mothers Union in their concern for family life Father Michaels talk was particularly appropriate. It was proposed that the next meeting should be held at Bawdsey Village Hall. Kay Raffe

Having completed my placement amongst the members of Hollesley Church and village community, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your welcome and support. Your forbearance in my questioning, your hospitality and friendship have in no small measure encouraged me enormously and consequently enabled me to complete this phase of my Ministerial studies within the Diocesan Ministry Course.

I would especially like to thank Geoffrey for all his encouragement and help. What a caring Priest you have in him, treasure him greatly. Also to Judith who gave so freely of her precious time, thank you both. The friendships formed with many from Hollesley and beyond, will be always valued and certainly be remembered in my thoughts and prayers. May God richly bless you and all your endeavours in His name.
With my love Helen (Davy)

FOR REGULAR ACTIVITIES - Click on February 2004

Jubilee is set in modern times and gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of a village amateur theatrical group - the Sandling Players. The play starts immediately after the AGM and the new committee is facing the decision as to what plays to put on to mark the groups Silver Jubilee.

There is a "kitchen cabinet"of long established members who have done it all and seen it all. Set against this is a newer membership that questions established precedents leading to friction within the committee.

The producer becomes increasingly frustrated with the casts inability to learn its lines and follow directions. He is also challenged by an able and inscrutable stage manager. As first night approaches a desperate measure is sought to save the play from impending doom.

Jubilee is an amusing social comment on the interaction of a mixed village community both on and off the stage.

HOLLESLEY VILLAGE HALL 7.30pm
Thursday 13th, Friday 14th and Saturday 15th May
Tickets £5.00 and £1.50 (children under 12)
Tickets available from the Box Office on Tel. 01394 411079.
Also Alderton Post Office Stores & Hollesley Village Stores or any member of the cast
www.hollesleyplayers.org.uk

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:
Hollesley Fete - There will be a fete! - Saturday July 17^th 2.00pm.

FOR PARISH INFORMATION CLICK ON: February 2003