The Transplant Games 2023, and why it is mentioned here!
I’m back from a short holiday break during which time we spent five days on the campus of the University of Warwick, in Coventry. A strange place for a holiday some may say but it was all for a very good cause! This year’s British Transplant Games were held at this lovely facility, and we were there to support “Team Papworth” in the games, our daughter Paula Evetts being one of the team members. Paula was given a new heart at the old Papworth site in 2016, almost on our 50th Wedding Anniversary, indeed we cut our special cake in the visitors lounge at the hospital, but Paula was not allowed to watch, or have a piece of cake! We kept a slice for her when she came home 20 days later. This year’s games were the second time Paula had competed and we were very pleased to spend those days in Coventry supporting Team Papworth, and all the other teams from all over Britain and parts of Ireland. It really was an amazing few days and this time Paula won two Bronze medals for badminton and ten pin bowling. Next year's games will be held in Nottingham. Now, this doesn’t sound much like Church News the reader may think, but I have included it this week as St Mary’s Church have always followed Paula with much love and support during her heart failure days and really ever since, something we as a family, have been very proud to have had this support. Please consider becoming a DONOR if you do not hold a Donor card, it's very easy to join, but it's very important if you want to help someone have an extended life!
Last week’s visit also gave us the time to go to Coventry Cathedral "bombed out" of course in WW2, but now turned into a magnificent “Shrine” to those who lost their lives at that time, and to those that have developed the new Cathedral and merging much of the ruined building into the new site, a quite remarkable feat!
A view from inside Coventry Cathedral, through a huge window which shows some of the stonework
The service next Sunday, August 13th, will be our Annual Patronal Festival service, a service of Communion and Celebration. This will start at the usual time of 10.30am and will be conducted by the Rector, the Revd Alex Wheatley. Following the service, we are holding a Patronal BBQ in the church field and we are pleased that our colleagues from the Salvation Army will be joining us. Tickets are £5 and can be booked with Rosemary Kimber on 01767 261206.
Summer events. Just a reminder about several events on over the next few weeks, at various venues around the Benefice, mostly involving outdoor drama performances and food! Some of these will need a ticket so check the details on our website or our weekly Sunday Link newsletter.
A new event has been sent to us this week and here are the details: Our Hearts for Moggerhanger and Friends Group, are holding a Garden Tea Party on Friday August 11th, 2pm – 4.30pm. The venue is 44 Judith Gardens. Refreshments for adults will be £5 and for children over 5, £1. All proceeds go to St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger and the FarmAbility Charity. If it is a wet afternoon, the event will be held in St Mary’s Church Hall.
The next day, August 12th, in Sutton, we have the big outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” performed by “This is My Theatre” Open Air Theatre Company, held in the Old Rectory Gardens. Call 01767 261910 to book and there is still time to get your tickets! Proceeds go to Sutton Church. Coming early next month, "Percussive Vibes" the next concert given by Red Kite Concerts at St John's Church, Cockayne Hatley. Date: September 3rd. More details soon.
Services for Next Sunday August 13th, Trinity 10
10.30am St Mary’s Church, Potton, Holy Communion, a combined service with all our Benefice member churches to celebrate St Mary’s Church Patronal Festival.
7.15pm St Mary’s Church, Potton, NightLight, see our Sunday Link newsletter or
for full details or contact s.e.banks@btinternet.com.
