Monthly Archives: January 2020

Free SmartWater for all households in the Parish of Billingsley serving the villages of Glazeley, Duexhill and Middleton Scriven

Distribution of SmartWater 

The Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, John Campion has invited Parish Councils to join a scheme to supply SmartWater to every household in the Parish.

SmartWater contains a unique forensic code, which, once applied, enables equipment to be traced back to the owner. It is easy to apply and needs only a spot the size of a pinhead to identify property, it is almost impossible to remove and is guaranteed for 5 years.

The SmartWater has been purchased by the Parish Councils and will be supplied free of charge to Parishioners, who will be able to collect and register their pack as follows –

CHETTON VILLAGE HALL

MONDAY 24TH FEBRUARY

BETWEEN 3.30PM AND 7PM

SmartWater, a water-based solution that is unique to each individual, allows property to be marked and enables the police to identify the owner of the property, and convict the offender if caught with it.

Telford-based SmartWater manufactures and supplies cutting-edge forensic marking products which can be used to protect all manner of valuables, business assets and vehicles. Every bottle of the liquid carries a unique forensic code which is registered to a specific address. Once applied it is almost impossible to remove and can only be seen under ultraviolet (UV) light.

SmartWater is extremely robust has been independently tested to last the equivalent of 5 years in external weather conditions.

Garden Bird Watch – Sunday 26th January

On Sunday 26th January at 11 am volunteers will be completing the RSPB Great Garden Bird Watch in the church yard at St Mary’s. One hour will be spent recording the type and numbers of birds that visit the grounds surrounding the church. Not only will this contribute to the nationwide survey organised by the RSPB but it will provide valuable baseline information for bird life at the church. Wildlife is under threat throughout the British Isles, not least of all our birds. By contributing to the larger survey we will be helping the RSPB in their monitoring and conservation work. It is hoped that over the coming year the grounds of St Mary’s will be further enhanced as a wildlife haven as part of St Mary’s drive to become more environmentally compassionate. The information we gather as part of this survey will assist in measuring the effectiveness of future habitat work.

Everyone is very welcome to come along on the 26th. Do look out for more opportunities to become involved in the habitat management of St Mary’s church over the coming weeks. If you have any particular skills, interests or knowledge that you think will be helpful we would also be delighted to hear from you.

You can read more about the environmental work taking place at St Mary’s and that of Caring for God’s Acre on the ‘Green Church’ page of this website.

A New Year begins…

We had good attendances at our services over Christmas; take a look at the photo section on our Facebook page to see how the church looked. On Sunday 22nd we held our carol service, with traditional carols and readings to mark Christmas. Mulled wine and various refreshments were served afterwards and it was good that people stayed to chat. Then on Christmas Day we had short service at 9.30 am following a similar pattern. I was particularly pleased that 14 people attended this; there is clearly demand for a service on Christmas Day! Perhaps next year we might hold it as a communion service. It was nice to see a good turnout from the village at both services. On Sunday 29th we hosted a service for the entire benefice at 10.00 am, when our rector, Mike Harris preached. I would like to thank all those who worked so hard to decorate the church and to serve refreshments. We have also received a number of generous gifts, ranging from money, the Christmas tree, central heating oil and two new vases to replace those stolen. Visitors may also note that we have finally sorted out our disabled access ramp!

In January and February we will revert to a single service of Holy Communion at 8.00 am on the 4th Sunday of the month. Evening services are planned to start again on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 6.00 pm from March.