Month: December 2019

After the disappointment of having to call off the proposed carol singing in Thornton on Tuesday 10th December because of bad weather, a group of villagers and two guests from Bagworth came together at the Bricklayers Arms last night to set off around the village. Freezing fog did not deter them as they sang their way along Main Street and Hawthorne Drive. But after an hour and a half, with fingers too numb to turn the song sheet pages, and every breath freezing in the air, it was time to decamp back to the pub to count the ‘spoils’. Ben, the landlord, soon thawed everyone out with glasses of mulled wine.

£104.50 was raised towards the Seniors Christmas party 2020.

Thank you Helen for organising, and to all those who turned out on a cold, dark, dank night, and especially to Colin and Lis for leading the vocals.

This year’s theme was ‘Christmas critters’ and there were entries from village groups, adults and children. The winners were:

The Christmas Tree festival proved popular and attracted nearly 150 people to come and view the trees on display. Visitors voted on the trees without knowing whose they were, and the results were announced at the 6pm Carol service The trees were beautful and all had worked hard. Well done and thank you to all who took part.

Martin Foster has played the organ at St Peter’s church, Thornton as the resident organist and then voluntarily for many, many years.

I think we have all really enjoyed and appreciated his playing for church services, weddings, funerals and concerts, and would like to say a huge thank you on everyone’s behalf for all the pleasure he has given us over the years and to his unfailing commitment.

However, Martin would really like to ‘stand down’ now. So we are seeking an organist to play for Sunday services at St Peter’s. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this post, please do put them in touch with me ~ Shirley Garlick ~ Church Warden

YOU’RE INVITED TO SPEND AN AFTERNOON WITH US!

On Thursday , 9th January, we will be meeting in Thornton Community Centre at 2.00 p.m.  to be entertained and, possibly, quite shocked!

Jo Golby will speak on the subject “The Price of Vanity”. Jo, much in demand as a speaker and a guide at Warwick Castle, has a wealth of knowledge which she shares in a lively, interesting and informative way. An unappreciated cost of vanity is that maintaining a desired social image can lead us to do things which bring us harm! For example, in the past, it was not uncommon for a rich lady to have a couple of ribs removed in order to attain the desired eighteen-inch waist! I’m sure that we will be scandalised by some of Jo’s revelations and amused by others!

From 2020, we are going to meet in the afternoon, instead of in the evening. We hope that this new timing may be more convenient to anyone interested in joining us. There will no longer be any need to drive home on dark nights! Also, by starting our meetings at 2.00 p.m., we will easily accommodate those who have to collect children from school at the end of the afternoon.

The WI was first established in the UK in 1915, to educate rural women, and to encourage countrywomen to get involved in growing and preserving food to help to increase the supply of food to the war-torn nation.  

Much has changed since then, and it’s no longer all “Jam and Jerusalem”! But education and the sharing of skills have always been at the heart of the organisation, and this remains true today. Women join  to meet new friends, to play a part in their communities, and to make a difference on matters that are important to them now.

The WI celebrated its centenary in 2015 and currently has almost 220,000 members in approximately 6,300 WI’s. So, we do have a powerful voice!

If you would like to come along to any of our meetings, then please do! We always meet on the second Thursday in each month, (except for in August), and have a full and varied programme planned for 2020.

I am reminded of the old adage, “If you never try, you’ll never know!” So why not treat yourself to an afternoon out in good company?  You will be made very welcome. We do have our serious side, but there’s also laughter and fun to be had. Come and see!

There is a Visitor’s Fee of £3.

Muriel Walker (Thornton WI’s President)

Sunday 15th at 6pm at St Peter’s Thornton. Nine lessons and carols by candlelight followed by mulled wine and mince pies. All very welcome!

Another very successful quiz night was held at the community centre on Friday 6th December. Fourteen teams (77 ‘quizzers’) turned up for a fish and chip supper . Lis and Paul Muller’s team (the Kingfishers) won the first prize of £36 after scoring a whopping 97 out of a 100; second place, and a prize of £24 went to the Robins, led by Pauline Johnson of Newbold Verdon – they scored 93. Cash prizes of £30 went to the first and second places in the card bingo round. £272 was raised towards improving facilities at the community centre.

Huge thanks to Ellistown Fish & Chip shop for providing 77 portions of delicious fish and chips, hot, tasty and on time.

Due to the popularity of these quiz nights I am sure there will be another one soon.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Thornton-primary-outdoor-area?utm_term=aXpxQA2K2&fbclid=IwAR2ehP7zepzwmxaF3VBYWtRL267rSEriUlOF7YJL25zxIcJrOgkwo5IQ2lc

Fourteen members of the Thornton Ladies ‘Nosh & Natter’ group met at the Bricklayers Arms to enjoy a Christmas lunch together today. They normally meet on the last Wednesday of the month, if you are interested in joining the group contact Helen Robinson. Email:- helenrobinson214@aol.co.uk