Author: thorntonvillage

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)

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.

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

The three new bells were delivered to the church today and hoisted into the tower.

Contact Eric Roberts (Tower Captain) if you are interested in learning how to the ring the bells – we now have 6 in total. ericroberts1@btinternet.com

The three additional bells will arrive at the church next Tuesday 3rd December at 11.30am where they will be on display for all to see. However in the afternoon they will be individually hoisted up into the bell chamber for hanging.

This will be the only opportunity to view the bells so please make a note in your diaries.

Some may wish to stay on to watch the interesting and somewhat dangerous way in which they are manpowered from ground floor through the first floor trapdoor into the bell chamber! Eric Roberts – Tower Captain

The story so far from … John Taylor & Co Bell Foundry, Loughborough

St Peter’s parish church houses a ringable three, with a tenor bell weighing 8 cwts. The bells were last rehung in a new cast iron and steel bellframe by Taylor’s in 1939, when two of the bells were recast. The parish placed an order to augment the ring to six, with a new treble in memory of John Jelley, and two ex-Keltek bells. All new fittings will be provided and the bellframe will be extended to accommodate the new bells. A new rope guide will be manufactured and installed to make the bells easier to handle. The new treble bell’s mould is complete and it has been cast. This bell is being presented by the Keltek Trust in memory of John Jelley.
The extension bell frame is being manufactured, and new iron lowside frame castings have been founded and fettled prior to construction.
The two Keltek bells and the newly cast treble have been tuned and fitted with their headstocks.

Less than two weeks to go to Thornton’s ever popular, village quiz night.

Over 60 places already booked – but we can squeeze a few more in to the hall. Don’t miss the opportunity for fish & chips in Thornton, courtesy of Ellistown Fish & Chip shop.

7pm (for a 7.30pm start) Friday 6th December at Thornton Community Centre.

£10 per person.

100 questions including a picture round, a connections (interval) round and 2 audio rounds. The questions will not be too difficult (I am writing them over the next few nights!)

Cash prizes for the top two teams (shared in the event of a tie). One round of card bingo for cash prizes.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a full team – we can sort teams on the night.

Interested??

Then contact Gill Tapping – gilltevents@aol.com – as soon as possible.

Live on BBC Radio Leicester 7pm Monday 23 December 2019 Sing along with the broadcast at: The Bricklayers Arms, Main St, Thornton.