HELLO FROM CANON WILLIAM Dear Everyone, I am writing this Letter just after the Harvest Service at Beeston Regis. We take this occasion to give thanks to God for his creation, for the care he gives us and for the food and other resources whereby he sustains us in our lives. The Harvest comes at the end of the main corn reaping season though the next crop here is sugar beet which finishes at the end of January. In the Old Testament there is, instead of Harvest, the First Fruits where the people of God gave back to him the best from the provisions he gave to them. We recall Cain slaying Abel; here God received Abel’s offering but not Cain’s because this had not been from the best. I like the idea of offering part of what God gives us back to him as well as thanking him as well. We are custodians of his creation. The Sunday before, 4th October, was St. Francis of Assisi’s day. He is celebrated for several reasons including bringing a new vision to the Church at that time – around 1200. He also had an understanding of the nature and creation made by God including both animals and plant growth. God has provided everything, this is for people to use wisely and to respect it and care for it. His date ties in well with Harvest and shows again God’s Creation. St. Francis is a man of our time. With his awareness and sensitivity of the sanctity of nature he would have had a lot to say about our world. He would be with those who are concerned about our Environment and are conscious of climate change. He brought an awareness of a creation that all should respect and not misuse. Francis was a popular saint who inspired many over the centuries. However, in today’s society his concerns and inspirations are sadly increasingly unknown. When I was Diocesan Rural Officer I was part of the Diocesan Environmental Group for several years. We discussed different areas of concern and how we could encourage those within the Diocese to take these on board. There were discussions on changes but often it was smaller things individuals could do, such as long-life lamp bulbs (now standard.) Climate change is another issue and puzzles me. I keep daily weather records and know that in our country weather has always been variable. I wonder if the variations are wider than they used to be; is it a temporary or long term change. Either way can we do anything to help this? Does our use of cars make this worse? I read that for public transport different types of fuel are being tested. I find this encouraging and hope this continues to make this a safer world. We need to use the world’s resources wisely both for us and for future generations. St Francis would have had things to say about these issues. Other Saints have dealt with different issues and problems. At the start of November we think of All Saints – those who made a major contribution to the Church and the world but also for all who have been quietly faithful to God. This applies to everyone – including us. With my good wishes, Canon William
NEWS FROM AROUND THE BENEFICE
AYLMERTON Unfortunately, the planned cake stall which was to have taken place at St John the Baptist, Aylmerton was cancelled due to the weather (as the cake stall was planned to be outside). However, Connie did take 6 large carrier bags to the food bank and she did receive some cash donations, so all was not lost!
BEESTON REGIS Norfolk Churches Bike Ride – Congratulations to 11-year-old William Rawlings and his father, Ed, who cycled 58 miles and visited 35 churches on behalf of All Saints in the annual bike ride on 12 September. They raised an excellent £175 and would like to thank everyone who sponsored them.
FRIENDS OF ALL SANTS GRESHAM Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, work continues steadily on All Saints Church with a new drainage system created, soakaways built and connected, and new gutters and downpipes installed. Scaffolding has been erected to repair the north chancel roof. Inside the choir stall floor has been relaid and work has begun on the tower. In order to try to continue to fundraise, The Friends will be selling home-made Christmas cakes during November. They will be of fruit, small, medium or large, iced or not as you choose. Prices are available on our website. For further details, price etc., and/or to order, please telephone Julia on 01263 577794. Delivery will be included in the price. Julia Drury, Chair, The Friends of All Saints Gresham
WEST RUNTON Food Bank — We continue to collect for the food bank and your donations can be brought along whenever there is a service at Holy Trinity. All non-perishable donations will be gratefully received.
LOCAL EVENTS
Aylmerton Film Club – The Film Club is still unable to meet at the Village Hall due to the restrictions in numbers and the practical difficulties and cost in providing an effective cleansing programme for each hirer. The Village Hall Management Committee are keeping the situation under review and will notify us of any developments.
West Runton Social Club – You can now pre-book a table at the Social Club (maximum 6 people) to eat your Pepperpot takeaway meal. Cutlery and plates will be supplied, drinks are at club prices and a minimum of one round of drinks per table must be purchased. Available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 7.00pm–9.00pm. There are new extended weekend opening hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 2.30pm–10.00pm. Current events are-- Sundays: Socially distanced Quiz at 7.30pm Wednesdays: Bingo at 8.00pm
Runton Parish Council - Meetings will be held on the fourth Tuesday of the month – 24th November except for December when the meeting will be on the third Tuesday (15th December). Until further notice the meetings are being held virtually by the online client “Zoom”. Members of the public are welcome to join the meeting but if you wish to speak then please contact the Clerk not less than 24 hours before the meeting to register your intention to do so. The Clerk can be contacted on 01263 512214 or by email runtonpc@aol.com to receive a link to the meeting.
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