Firstly can we take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy, healthy, hopeful and peaceful 2023.
As we write the Church has been transformed into a theatre, ready for the village pantomime ‘Snow White and some Dwarves’, it is a reminder what a great space our church is.
There have been 2 funerals since our last news, Les Pask, who lived in the village for many years before moving to Steyning; he had served as a member of the PCC. It was lovely to welcome back his family with his grandchildren who have fond memories of always being allowed to ring the church bells and indeed as he left the church, they rang the bells once more. We then heard the sad news of Malcolm Glover’s sudden death. Nikki arranged a beautiful service with many from the village attending.
Our normal services have taken place on the 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month, many have commented how they are enjoying the bells ringing as they arrive, with many thanks to the Tonkin family. In October we had a wonderful harvest collection which was delivered to The Family Support Work team for their food bank and in November, held a very moving All Souls Service. Also in November we were pleased to welcome visitors from Church House in November to enjoy our new warm pews.
Maintaining our church remains a challenge and we have noticed damp/a possible leak between the Tower and the roof so have enquiries out for someone to come and have a look. If there is anyone in the village who has skills or contacts that might help us with our maintenance do get in touch!
The All Age Services continue to be well attended and these will now be on alternate 3rd Sundays, starting in January with a Christingle.
Thanks to Rushfields for our beautiful Christmas tree and to the teamwork of Mike Airey, David Hope, Mark Lee, Mack and Chelsea Lee and Michael Poyntz for erecting the tree with a cherry picker & wrapping it in 2,000 twinkling lights. Despite the World Cup a good gathering sang carols and enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies as the lights were turned on. It is lovely to be able to enjoy the tree until the end of Candlemass (beginning of February). The church was busy on Christmas Eve for our Christmas Nativity .
In October we held a ‘Friends of Poynings’ meeting and discussed upcoming events, future events in the church and also Mid Downland Fundraising events, maintenance of the Church and could we find a way to have a toilet? Any ideas or benefactors for the last item, do let us know!
So many help with maintaining the church, daily checking, cleaning, flowers the comments in the visitors book remind us how many find our church a welcoming, peaceful and respectful space – thanks to all who do!
Parish fundraising events have continued with the Edburton Quiz and The Christmas Fair many helped, took part, Thanks.
This Year the planned date for the Fete is Saturday June 24th.
We were very sad to hear that our Reader, Patrick Pollicott-Reid died on Tuesday January 3rd 2023. Patrick and Sheelagh have been so committed to Holy Trinity and The Mid Downland Parish and we have been so blessed by their time, wisdom, continuity, service to the Parish and especially during the period of interregnum. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Sheelagh and the family at this time.
We would love to see you at any of our services in the Parish which are held at 10am:
1st Sunday – St Andrews Edburton
2nd Sunday – St John the Evangelist, Newtimber
3rd Sunday – Holy Trinity,Poynings
4th Sunday – Church of the Transfiguration, Pyecombe
5th Sunday – Holy Trinity, Poynings
Or just pop in and enjoy the silence and peace of our churches.
Do get in touch with any queries or offers of help …
Nigs Digby – 07595255427
Anna Brookes – 01273 500686
