19th July: Mothers’ Union Garden Party.

The annual MU Garden Party was relocated to the Church Hall as the weather had been so unreliable.

As usual, guests had been invited for afternoon tea, served from a long table at one end of the hall. We had a bring and buy table, a selection of books, a scarf stall, MU Merchandise and a raffle; also “Guess the Name of the Rabbit”, “Number of Sweets” and a Treasure Hunt.

15th August: Film Club: Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont

A film about the relationship between a lonely, elderly lady, rather neglected by her busy family, and an equally lonely young man.

A fall outside his flat brings them together and they “adopt” each other, each bringing happiness into the other’s life.

A sad ending (when the lady dies) but a beautiful, gentle film.

2nd September: Farewell to Fr Timon

St George’s bid an emotional farewell to Fr Timon Singh.

In a service prepared by Fr Timon himself, using a tree symbolising his growing experience at St George’s, we added leaves to indicate the many ways in which he has helped to enrich the ministry here.

The Singh family (Fr Timon, Noreen, Rachel, Tabitha and Ben) together with members of the Mothers’ Union, sang a reprise of Psalm 145 (in Punjabi) which was part of the Bollywood Evening from the 2011 Waterlooville Music Festival. After the service there was wine and a special cake, followed by a “bring and share” lunch in the Church Hall.

12th September: Film Club: Love me or Leave Me

This 1955 film starred Doris Day as a young singer destined for stardom, with James Cagney as her manipulative manager who, in true “gangster” style, seemed to believe that if you can’t get your own way you start shouting and if that doesn’t work you hit someone!

For some inexplicable reason she married him, although she was clearly smitten by the handsome piano player who she later re-met while making her film debut.

Her husband, wild with jealousy, shot this “other man”, who survived to love our heroine.

At the end of the film she saved her husband from financial ruin, even the “baddie” turned into a “lesser-baddie”, and everyone lived happily ever after.

20th September: MU presentation by Two Saints Centre

The speaker at the September meeting was Karen Ward, a manager of the Two Saints Centre. She was presented with blankets, hats and gloves made by Sue Andrews, her mum and other MU members.

The Two Saints Centre helps homeless people by providing meals, washing facilities, changes of clothes and accommodation. This can be for just overnight or for up to two years. They help people to prepare to live independently and also advise on rehousing and returning to work.

The Two Saints Centre is always happy to receive donations of bedding, toiletries etc to help them continue with this most worthwhile cause.

Janet Johnson

Autumn Edition 2012

St George’s News from the Pews

Jennefer Higginbottom presenting gifts to the Two Saints Centre