Enjoying the Summer Scene
It is quite an eerie sound as the wind whistles around the masts of yachts moored up in a marina. It seems almost as though the wind is tormenting the boats and at the same time these sailing vessels are crying out to be set free to enjoy the wide open spaces of the ocean. These yachts were never designed to be tied up in some harbour, but with their sails down and wind filling them, to glide effortlessly through the ocean waters. Indeed there is nothing better than the sound of a yacht under sail, the water lapping against the side of the boat and the gentle ripple of the wind in the sails.
June is a lovely time of year as spring turns to early summer, and nature is teeming with life and activity. There is much we associate with this time of year, such as the sound of leather on willow coming from the village cricket ground; the sight of strawberries and cream at Wimbledon and other special occasions; then there is the joyful sound of children playing in the park, perhaps on the swings and roundabout or in hot weather, in the paddling pool.
I wonder what your favourite summer ‘scene’ might be; what is it that draws your attention at this time of year and invites you to actively participate? Just like the sailboats are not designed for the harbour but for adventures at sea, so we are called to be active and to enjoy whatever this season has to offer and embrace the gift of life and all that it offers.
Rev. Tony Rindl, Vicar of St. Leonard’s
ECO CHURCH - June
Why not consider planting more bee-friendly flowers this month? For example; Sunflowers, Cornflowers, Lavender, Asters, Hydrangeas, Fuchsia, Marigolds and Borage. Your garden will certainly look colourful and the bees will be very happy!
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, June 7 | 10.15 am | United Service at the Baptist Free Church |
| Sunday, June 14 | 10 am | Parish Communion |
| Sunday, June 21 | 10 am | Parish Communion |
| Sunday, June 28 | 10 am | Parish Communion |
OUR FOLK
Please pray for those who are sick, housebound, or in care facilities: Lesley Farndon, Patricia Musgrove, Vicki Spedding, Ann Thomason, Beryl Robinson, Marie Hateley, Shirley Mellish. RIP:
- John Halton: funeral June 5, 11.0 am at St Mary’s church Temple Balsall.
- Jim Campbell (Elmdon Lane): funeral June 19, 11.0 am at Woodlands crematorium.
Special Birthdays: Lily Hewitt (18), Sister Margaret Angela, Mary Swindell, Elspeth Martin, Fred Griffiths, Roger Griffiths. Happy birthday everyone!
Community News
Weddings: Best wishes for the future to: Katie Braker and Jack Rheaston (June 6); Stacey Bonnie and David Hammond (June 27).
A book recommendation by Sister Christine of The Community of St John the Divine recommends ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’ by Bear Grylls. A modern retelling of the Gospels. An audible version is also available.
Fundraising Updates:
- Wednesday Welcome: Raised £100 for Midlands Air Ambulance.
- Margaret Walton: Raised £850 for Parish Hall refurbishment via a sponsored ‘10,000 steps’ walk.
Future fundraising events at the Parish Hall:
- June 5: Supper & Beer Evening (£5)
- June 11: 40s Night with shared supper (£5)
- June 13: Afternoon Tea
Clubs & Groups
MARSTON GREEN 50-PLUS
- Monday June 8: Rachel Chopra-Smith on Edith Holden’s ‘Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady’.
- June 22: Evening walk and supper at The Lakes, Barston.
LITERARY GROUP
- Monday, June 19, 7.30 pm (Elmdon Lounge): Literature from a non-human point of view. Bring your own drinks.
THE GARDENING CLUB
- Monday, June 15, 7.30 pm: ‘Summer Burst of Colour’ with Justin Harrison.
- Competition: One rose, any colour.
MARSTON GREEN LIBRARY
Under 5's Storytime: 2.30 - 3.00 pm every Monday (June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29).
- June 4: Reminiscence Group (2.15 - 3.15 pm)
- June 11: Reading Cafe (10.15 am - 12.15 pm). Topic: ‘excursions and days out’.
- June 13: Knit & Natter (10.00 am - 12 noon)
- June 18: Writers’ Group (2.00 - 3.30 pm)
- June 20: Police Surgery with Hussain (11.0 am - 12.30 pm)
- June 27: Knit & Natter (10.00 am - 12 noon)
SOLIHULL COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Elected representatives for this Ward:
- David Paul Hoey (Reform)
- Catherine Price (Conservative)
- Jane Lamden (Conservative)
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