News: Calverleigh July Update 2025

At the time of writing, we’re having our first blast of Summer. By the time that you are reading this we will have passed the longest day and hopefully the Summer weather is continuing. Gardens are blooming, the bees are busy, crops look as though they are doing well, and fruit trees appear to be producing a good crop. The fields had a well needed good soaking mid-June so that should help our farmers and growers as well.

We send our very best wishes to Rev’d Steph for a good recovery and a return to better health. To anyone else who has been in hospital, waiting for or recovering from treatment at this time, we hope you will be feeling much better soon too. Our thoughts and especially our prayers are with you.

The funeral of Robert Butler took place on 11 April at Calverleigh, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad and difficult time. Our prayers are also with all those who have lost a loved one either recently or longer ago, remembering the Pilkington family on the loss of Rupert. If you’d like prayer for anything, whether publicly or privately, do contact our PCC - or put a note in the prayer box in the church.

Our APCM was held after the service on 13 April where Rev’d Steph chaired the meeting. Mr A Goldsworthy and Miss J Herniman were nominated and returned as Churchwardens for another year. We are extremely grateful for all they have done through the past year to help keep St. Mary’s available for services and visitors alike. J Herniman also continues as Treasurer and J Goldsworthy as PCC Secretary and Safeguarding Officer. Members of the PCC are D Burton, P & M Furneaux, S Goldsworthy, L Thomas, J Goldsworthy.

S Greenslade decided in February that she would like to step down from the PCC and thanks were given to her at the APCM for all she had contributed to the PCC, church life and fundraising over many, many years. We would like to thank you once again and we look forward to your continued support at church events. A Goldsworthy is the Deanery Synod Rep. Rev’d Steph gave thanks to all, which also includes everyone on cleaning, flower and mowing rotas, for all that they give of time and energy towards the running of the church.

During Holy week a number of activities and services were available around the Mission Community; Agape was at Cruwys Morchard where we heard the stories of some of the women who were witnesses of the final week of Jesus life. Very touching and thought provoking. Thank you to the different villages who provided a lovely meal and thank you Steph for a well thought through service.

On Good Friday there was a reflection service at Templeton again giving plenty to think and pray about.

On Easter Saturday an Easter Vigil was held at Calverleigh church. This was the first time that we had held a service of this type, and it was very good. The service started outside beside a fire pit where words were said, and candles lit before making our way into the building to continue. During the service Rev’d Tim sprinkled water over the congregation, as a renewal of baptism vows, using Rosemary. Thank you, Tim we didn’t really know what to expect but it was a lovely service.

Easter Sunday saw a large congregation come together to celebrate our Risen Lord at a Family Easter service, led by Tash and Nik. During the service the children were invited to come forward to don unusual glasses that gave the ability to see something around the church that the rest of the congregation couldn’t. They saw ‘stars, hearts and rainbows’ which contributed to the theme of the service ‘Do you see what I see?’. Three children took in turns to bring the Easter Sunday reading to us. Well done to Francis, Lauchlan and Tilly. At the end of the service all children were treated to an egg hunt along the church paths and there was a little chocolate treat for the adults as well. Thank you, Nik and Tash, for a lovely service.

During Lent a sizeable collection of tinned and dried goods along with toiletries was made for CHAT and delivered to their office just after Easter. Thank you to all who donated. We will be collecting again leading up to our harvest celebrations.

Saturday 3 May was our Annual Day of Prayer from 9am - 9pm. Over 30 people took part with half hour prayer slots throughout the 12 hours. We are extremely grateful to all who took part in what has become an important day in our church year along with our two-hour prayer time on the first Saturday of each month.

A coffee morning was held on 10 May to raise money towards the Restore the Floor fund. A huge thank you to all who attended and helped to raise £385.00. Thank you also to all who helped in any way to set up, provide cakes, bring and buy items, give donations, serve the refreshments and pack away.

On 1 June we welcomed Woody, family and friends to St Mary’s for his baptism and the beginning of his faith journey. Rev’d Steph brought a ‘friend’, in the form of Bluey to the service and gave a talk about family life in the Bluey household. It was quite surprising how many adults also knew about the antics of this well loved and very entertaining cartoon canine family.

To all those children who are leaving primary/secondary school or further education, we wish you well for the future and hope that you have a safe and fun summer break as the end of the school year approaches. For those of you who work in any way in education we wish you a restful, relaxing time to re-charge your batteries.

Many happy returns to those who have celebrated a birthday recently and congratulations go to those who have been celebrating a birth in the family or special anniversary. Please get in contact with Dave Burton if you would like to share any news with the parish or advertise an event, or to add a birthday or anniversary message.

Forthcoming Events

Please see the events page for more forthcoming events in calverleigh

On Sunday 6 July there will be an Afternoon Tea at the village hall from 2.30pm - 5.30pm with a Bring and Share tea and fun for all the family. All welcome.

On 20 July we will be holding our Open-air service, hopefully in the churchyard, which will begin at 3.00pm. This is a change to the date stated in the last edition. If the weather is unkind to us, we will be inside. All are welcome to come and join us. Chairs are provided for outside but if you prefer you can bring your own. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

The annual Calverleigh Produce Show: We would just like to remind you that schedules are available online or from Paul and Maureen (07967 989724), entries need to be in by Friday 8 August, and on the day (Saturday 23 Aug) all exhibits need to be in place by 11am. Doors will open for viewing at 2:30pm. Any donations for a Bring and Buy stall or draw prizes would be very gratefully received, and refreshments will be available on the day.

More Dates for your diary:

Harvest Thanksgiving:
Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 Sept

Autumn Fayre:
Saturday 15 Nov, 10.30am - 2.00pm

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News: Calverleigh July Update 2025: News: Calverleigh July Update 2025