Category Archives: Royal British Legion

Ups and Downs at St Mary’s – November 2019

It has been a month of ups and downs at Billingsley. On the up side, on Remembrance Sunday we had around 30 people from the village attend a service in Lincoln Fields; and around half of those came back to church for refreshments, a chance to ring the bells and to admire the beautiful display of knitted and crocheted poppies around the altar, which was a collaborative work. Tamsin, one our youngest residents, with her grandmother Gwen read an account of the very first Remembrance Day. So far we have raised £50 for the Royal British Legion.  On the down side, a pair of brass vases and candle sticks have been stolen from the altar, following on from the theft of heating oil from our storage tank a few months ago.

We are now making plans for Christmas; there will be a carol service before Christmas, possibly 11th December but this is to be confirmed. There will also be a service in church on Christmas Day at 9.30am and again on Sunday 29th at 10.00am. This will be a benefice service.

So, is it glass half empty or half full? We seem to have had a lot more visitors to the church over the last few months, perhaps because of the fantastic efforts of those who look after the websites and Facebook pages. There is always the risk that amongst these visitors, there will be people who are looking to do harm. But, Jesus had quite a lot to say about making ourselves vulnerable for the sake of the Kingdom of God. An open church is risky, but any act of love is risky; for Jesus, it ended up with a cross. We will do all that we can so that the church remains open; that is our act of love to those who visit it. If just one person finds peace in it, then it will be worth altar fittings and heating oil. And, I pray we might also help those who, for whatever reason, have turned away from their humanity with acts of wrong-doing, to find it again. That would be glass overflowing!

David Poyner, Assistant Curate

Billingsley Remembers – November 2019

There will be an Act of Remembrance on the grass between the main road and Lincoln Fields to remember all those who have given their lives in the service of this country since 1914. It will begin at 10.45am, with readings, music and prayers, ending just after the two minute silence at 11.00am. If the weather is bad, we will hold the service in church.

 

Remembering your own. Have you a relative or someone close to you who served in the First or Second World War who you wish to remember? Or who has been killed or suffered in conflicts since those times? If you wish, write down their names and bring them along to the Act of Remembrance. We will collect the names, collectively pray for them and display them in church.

 

Throughout November we are having a display of knitted poppies in the church. Please join us in church after out act of remembrance for tea and cake, and a short prayer to dedicate our display. We will also be ringing the church bells; all welcome to have a go! The entries for our competition for a photo of Billingsley Church will also be on display. All money we collect in November will be split between the church and the Royal British Legion.

Cheque Presentation to the Bridgnorth Royal British Legion

On Thursday 21st August, Churchwardens Rebecca and Zoe were invited to the Branch meeting of the Bridgnorth Royal British Legion. After the meeting, Zoe and Rebecca presented a cheque for £320 to Mr John Whitty (Branch Chairman). This was the funds raised at the recent WW1 Centenary Commemoration Event which was held at St Mary’s.

British Legion Presentation

Pictured are Rebecca and Zoe presenting John with the cheque

Coffee Morning in aid of the Royal British Legion

We are delighted to announce that our Coffee Morning held at the church to raise funds for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal raised £132.70.

A big thank you to everyone who came along and supported the event especially to the representatives of the Bridgnorth Branch of the British Legion who were also in attendance; their Standard Bearer Jim Hall Gough and their President Chris Beck.

Bridgnorth Branch of The British Legion

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Coffee Morning in aid of the Royal British Legion

Royal British legionTuesday 5th November
10.30 – 11.30am
St Mary’s Church, Billingsley

Donations to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal

The Bridgnorth Branch of the British Legion will be represented by their Standard Bearer Jim Hall Gough and their President Chris Beck.

Babies and Children welcome
(We have a dedicated play area inside the Church)

Come and have a get-together with your neighbours, have a drink, eat some delicious cakes, and raise money for this worthwhile cause.

Please contact Zoe Baggott on 07974 808817 or zoe.baggott@hotmail.com if you want more information or need assistance with transport etc.