LUNCH CLUB.
Don’t forget about joining the lunch club for the new year. If you have just retired and would like to lunch with others once a month, join us at Sutton Bonington Village Hall. It’s always the second Thursday of the month so the next lunches are January 13 and February 10. Please ring Sue (673460) for more details and to book your place.
QUIET SPACES AT ST JAMES’, NORMANTON ON SOAR. On January 25, we will be holding a Taizé-style service to welcome the new year at 6:30pm. You are very welcome to come along to this short service using some of the lovely Taizé music with readings and quiet stillness.
NORMANTON ON SOAR MEN’S ASSOCIATION. The Annual Quiz, preceded by a short AGM, will be held on Monday January 31, in the Kings Head, Sutton Bonington, and will include a Fish & Chip Supper.
For more information, and to book your supper, please call John Herrington (01509 646240) by Monday, January 24.
CHRISTMAS IN NORMANTON ON SOAR. It was good to be able to hold a number of events over the Christmas period despite the restrictions due to Covid. Firstly, there was an excellent turn-out for the switching-on of the Normanton on Soar Christmas Lights with carols sung at the old conker tree and mulled wine and mince pies being enjoyed by all.
A couple of weeks later, the Candlelit Christmas Concert was held in St James Church and the following day, the Village and Soar Boating Club Carol Service took place led by The Revd Canon Michael Knight. At this service, a cheque was presented to Judith Spence, Executive Director of The Carpenter’s Arms, which was St James Charity of the Year 2021. On Christmas Eve, Jan Bonser led a contemplative service of music, readings and poetry with Christmas Day Holy Communion once again led by The Revd Canon Michael Knight.
CHARITY OF THE YEAR.
Each year, St James Church supports a local Charity and over the years, we have donated £12,500 to local causes.
Last year, we were happy to donate to The Carpenter’s Arms, based in Loughborough, a Christian abstinence-based residential programme for people aged 18-65 and challenged with homelessness due to an addictive lifestyle.
For 2022, we have received two nominations to support Wenlo Riding for the Disabled Group, which is based at Bowleys Barn Farm, Normanton on Soar. Wenlo RDA offers adults and children with physical and/or learning difficulties an opportunity to ride, carriage drive and look after horses to help their health, confidence and self-esteem.
They aim to teach new skills and promote independence by encouraging their riders to take charge of their horse in a safe and secure environment.
Their riders can enjoy a variety of activities in addition to lessons. Some may want to compete in regional and national events organised by RDA UK, others can enjoy riding in the beautiful countryside right on our doorstep, some riders just long to be around horses, stroking, grooming and exploring the sensory experience at their pace.
We are pleased that St James Church PCC has agreed to support this charity in 2022.