The Pancake Party proved to be another great family evening: craft activities followed by lots of pancakes. Afterwards the adults struggled with the quiz which was won by John & Betty Boocker's table.
Whereas the young and energetic had a pancake tossing competition, raced with the pancakes and concluded the evening with dancing. Thanks to everyone who made this such a happy occasion.
A Snapshot of the past . . .
Bunty & George Nightingale celebrating 56 years of Marriage
The Rev John M. Syson conducted the wedding ceremony of Margaret (Bunty) Browitt & George Nightingale, on 1st March l952 at Christ Church, Cinderhill.
George's memories.
Meeting Bunty changed my life.
I came home from work as usual, washed changed into my cycling clothes and set off to the cycling club which was held at the Bentinck Road School. On entering the hall I noticed that we had a new member, introduced myself to "Bunty", my chat up line was, "do you want me to show you how to play Snooker". This led to a three year courtship, after seeing off the other contender's. Bunty was only 16 at the time we met and 19 when we were married. I'd lived on Broxtowe Lane from the age of six. There were all open fields to the front of us, none of the huge housing estate there is today.
The reception was being held at the Church Hall. The night before we were married I had to go round to Bunty's with my wheelbarrow to collect Trifles, Cakes and the Sherry for the toast. Food was still short in those days, so everyone helped out with things as best they could. Just as I was about to set off for home with a full barrow for about a mile and a half journey from Monkton Drive in Bilborough to Broxtowe Lane, it started to pour with rain, all the food was well covered, but I was minus a hat so I borrowed Bunty's Blue Cord hat, I must have looked strange.
Whilst walking past the shops on the corner of Strelley Road and Broxtowe Lane, a voice called to me from a shop doorway, "what have you got in that Barrow my lad", it was the local policeman on his beat, I explained it was food for my wedding reception the next morning, he inspected my goods saying, "on your way and Good Luck", then muttered, "you will need it".
The following morning my brother and I set off for the Church Hall where was to hand over the food to Bunty's Granny and Auntie who were responsible for the buffet lunch, it was Bunty's Grans wedding present to us. Their bus was late owing to fog. I've no idea where the bottles of Sherry came from, but we only had a small glass each, I was so excited I never ate any of the meal. But it all turned out very well, and after the service the sun came and we managed to get some good photographs.
Three o'clock the Bus picked us up outside the church to take us to Blackpool for our Honeymoon.
Bunty's memories.
We moved house, so had no friends. I left school at the age of 15, finishing on Friday and started work as a tailors apprentice on Monday morning, this is how it was in those days. I'd no friends in Bilborough and was grateful when our grocers delivery lad introduced me to a cycling club, no way did I realise how my life was to alter, for me to cycle 4 miles to Nottingham was quite an achievement, but on my first ride with the club (with my new racing bike) mum lent me the money, and I had to pay it back out of my wages each week. 22 lads and 3 lasses in the club, that first ride, starting from Trent Bridge at 6.30am, with packed lunch and bottle of glucose. I rode 70 miles and could hardly stand when I got off at the cycle at the end of the day, the longest cycle ride in one day was l79 miles. They were good times.
George asked me to marry him when I was 16, my first sweetheart, but being interested in athletics, boy friends were plentiful, we girls have to show the boys we could climb a tree higher or challenge them at every opportunity.
When we met I was an only child, George was 23, and had just got back from India where he'd served three years in the Army. My mother was not used to having all these hairy men in shorts calling at our home, it worried her greatly at first, thankfully she got on very well with my intended. One day mum asked George if he was serious and what his intentions were, don't remember the reply given, but mum suggested he put his name on the council house list asap, oh dear mother!
I'm still on cloud 9, The Rev Joan and George had organised a special surprise for me, on the 1st March at 10.30am being the day of our 56th anniversary. The four ladies and one gentleman preparing the little posies for Mothering Sunday joined us for a Blessing, it was very emotional, one lady made us smile by saying, "I've never been a Bridesmaid before", so actually we had four bridesmaid's and one Pageboy, where as before I had two Bridesmaids!
. . . We are both blessed with a good sense of humour, as are our Daughter Jane and Son Ian, we've two grandson's and two granddaughters. They say the best things in life are free - there have been sad times but what lovely memories we have.
On the 1st March l992 it was our Ruby Wedding, we wanted to be at Christ Church on this day, we casually mentioned when entering the church of our marriage 40 years previously, how thrilled we were to hear the Minister explaining to the congregation, and the icing on the cake was when the Rev. Charles Knowles opened the book we had signed all those years ago, all our parents had moved to higher places, so there were a few tears, some people in the congregation remembered us, that was quite special.
There have been many ups and downs during our marriage, but we have never forgotten the day we made our Wedding Vows at Christ Church, and we hope to see you one coffee morning soon.
Love and God's Blessings to you all.
Bunty and George
Are you Receiving me?
Have you ever thought about prayer? We did just that one Saturday in April.
There were opportunities to explore prayer through the senses. We had various crosses for holding, candles, water and pebbles and some crafts to help us relax. We even planted some seeds.
The vestry was transformed into a room for silent reflection which was appreciated by all who sat there. There were opportunities to pray for the parish and for world affairs by ourselves. Together, we explored the Psalms, learned about answered prayer and asked for help with our building project. Some of the things we looked at are still in church.
Some of the words used to describe the day were 'wonderful', 'lovely' and 'overwhelming'.
We hope to have more prayer days in the future, so why not put aside an hour or so to spend time with God? Come and expand your knowledge and understanding of prayer and develop your relationship with God. The dates will be advertised through the usual channels - the magazine, the pew sheet and the notices.
Baptism Party
Sunday 18th May dawned with the promise of sunshine and indeed it was on a sunny church lawn that we were to be found playing football, baseball and parachute games during our Baptism Party in the afternoon.
Families who had celebrated a baptism at Christ Church and church members enjoyed craft activities, games and singing in church until we had to ‘find’ Joan’s lost sheep. By the time we’d rounded up a full flock of 100 we were tired and thirsty so we shared party food and drinks before going out for games.
What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, watching children, who until recently had seemed to be babies in arms, laughing with and chasing each other around their ‘family’ church. I personally look forward to the next one so I can catch up how they’ve all grown.
Celebrating St George's Day - Tea Dance
The Aspley Bells Lane Partnership organised St Georges Day Celebrations at the Sports Centre in Aspley
The tea dance was a great success - the hall was wonderfully decorated and we were served by elegant waitresses with some great food. We were soon on the floor remembering old time dances. It was so well received that we hope to repeat it again.
The day concluded with a Children's' street Party with entertainment.
A really good day for the old and young alike.
Olympic Fair
Photo by permision Peter Jordan
It was a lovely summer day at the end of June, all the bunting was up and every one was attired in different colours representing the countries taking part in the Beijing Olympics. The fair was started by a relay race around the church with The Olympic torch and the festivities began.
There were games and stalls from plants to bottles, balloons to 'knock em down'. Food to suit all tastes was on offer and a 'high tech' game of Wii was inside Church, which attracted lots of youngsters. Outside on the grassy bank children's races took place and attracted lots of entrants, many receiving medals for their efforts. Twice during the afternoon we were entertained by E.&N. School of Dance, who looked lovely in their outfits and drew lots of applause for their performance.
Exercise bikes had been borrowed for our grand sponsored bike ride to Beijing every mile being counted as 10 miles on the road. We didn't quite manage the 5000 miles but it proved to be lots of fun with people hopping on and off all afternoon.
As I said there were too many stalls and games to mention them all but THANK YOU to everyone who played their part, it made for a lovely day raising £1180 will go towards the refurbishment of the Church.
Well done to ALL who had any part in the day from putting up gazebos to selling and buying and for just showing your support by being there.
Sylvia Brotherhood
It was a glorious day for our picnic at Shipley Country Park
There was food, games, ice creams and lots of lazing about in the Sun.
Harvest Weekend
Church was transformed last week week when 16 scarecrows
invaded the church for our Harvest Weekend.
The scarecrows entered by groups and members of the local community came in all shapes and sizes. The Competition was judged by Councillor Graham Chapman aided by green watch Stockhill firemen.
The winners were Sylvia Brotherhood and Celia Pilgrim with their entry "Spice Girl" above. Second prize went to Cynthia & Malcolm Howard with their more traditional scarecrow "Harry Harvest Tyme".
The children's section was won by "Happy Tots" and second prize went to the Sunday Club with their recycled Kid.
Other competitions included cake baking, flower arranging, writing an autumn poem and miniature gardens for the children. We also had a range of craft activities as well as stalls and refreshments. Thank you to everyone who helped to make it a great community event.
In the evening we were entertained by the Bluecoat Singers
On Sunday our Harvest Celebration Service reminded us to thank God for all our blessings and encouraged us to remember to give to the less fortunate.
Afterwards we shared a harvest meal together, puzzled over a quiz and John, Anne and Cynthia led us in some entertainment
A Musical Journey
Our Harvest Thanksgiving took on a whole new look this year
and this was no less obvious than in our
Saturday evening concert.
The Church was resplendent with scarecrows, flowers and fruit, the chatter and laughter of happy expectant people filled the air.
We were about to be transported on a magic carpet of music, courtesy of ‘Nottingham Bluecoat Singers’ and what a musical journey it turned out to be, as we listened to songs from Hollywood, Musicals such as Oklahoma and Guys and Doll’s. The music and words of Ivor Novello blended perfectly with “Fields of Gold”. One of Pam Ayres poems sat perfectly alongside a John Rutter song.
The pianist who accompanied the Choir, was excellent and we were in for a further treat when he left the keyboard and sang for us the most exquisite rendering of ‘A Nightingale sang in Berkeley Square’.
‘Mad Dogs and Englishmen’ and a selection from ‘Showboat’ bridged the gap between England and the deep south of America.
In the interval we had wine and nibbles, and mingled and talked, the atmosphere was positively delightful and I can only say to those who did not join us on this musical journey that they missed an unique treat and I hope that they will accompany us next time we have such an occasion
The confirmation at Southwell Minster on 13th September was full to overflowing for the rousing yet reflective service when four members of our congregation were confirmed
Sonia Ward, Gina Smith, Margaret Oakes and Andy Davenport-Young all felt that it was a very memorable occasion. About 30 members of the Congregation came to support our candidates and afterwards we all shared a meal together.
Nottinghamshire historic churches trust Sponsored ride and stride
On Saturday the 13th of September we set out with our friends on the Sponsored Ride and Stride in aid of the Historic Churches Trust. We couldn't believe our luck, the weather was glorious.
There was a warm welcome awaiting at each church, with an endless supply of tea and cakes, a special mention must go to Kimberley Church for the wonderful banana cake and also to the best cup of tea from Christ Church. We managed to visit 9 churches in all and cycled about 15 miles. A very enjoyable day.
Our alternative Halloween was again a great success. With opportunities for craft, games and food.
We also looked at where the word Halloween came from. The day after Halloween - the 1st November is All Saints Day which is a holy day. In earlier days Hallow was another word for holy. So the 31st October was the evening before or - All Hallow's eve - later shortened to Halloween.
A year in the life of
a Vicar at work, rest and play . . .
"Caught in the Act"
. . . by a "Snappy" friend!
Remembrance Sunday
I want to thank Joan for the most thoughtful memorable and moving service for Remembrance Day I have attended for many years. From the beginning when Councillor Arnold and the Fire Officers arrived in full dress uniform I knew we had something special in store. The overhead projector was used to great effect showing pictures, names and graves of young men from Cinderhill who had lost their lives for their country, for us. Then we were shown a picture of a beautiful young woman who served in the WRENs in the 2nd world war and still worships at Christ Church, who is she?... We were honoured to have others in our congregation who had served in that war too, but we also had Andy who spoke and showed slides of his time serving his country in both Northern Ireland and Bosnia. He completed many tours of duty, making and losing friends to enemy fire - it was very moving. This young man who worships here with his wife and young family is the reason we must never forget and always mark 11th November, because wars go on and brave young men and women like him fight and die.
Our Sunday Club children made their mark too they made their own poppies and when the wreaths were laid at the memorial, the children planted theirs along side of them. I think that they and we who were there will remember.
We will remember them. Sylvia Brotherhood
Church Gardening Day
The Church at Christ Church is like a family, we work together for the good of other people and the Church. On our gardening day we filled 45 bags with leaves!
Thanks to Don for the bacon butties.
Christmas Revisited
We had a great Christmas Craft day this year where adults and children alike enjoyed making things together ready for Christmas.
Christmas Eve saw our Nativity Play led by our teenagers. “The angel who couldn’t sing” traced her journey to the shepherds and the manger where she sang to the Baby Jesus.
Our services were all well attended including our informal Sunday Afternoon Family Carol Service when two of our smaller children volunteered to be Mary & Joseph
