On the 25th June, at a licencing service to be held at St. Andrew's church in Heddington at 7.00pm, followed by a "Bring and Share Buffet" in the Village Hall, we will welcome Matthew as our Rector, when he will be formally installed to serve in our parishes. Matthew will be an excellent successor to Philip and will encourage us to renew our commitment to the Benefice.
Arrangements for Matts Licensing.We shall be having a 'bring and share' for the food and at the moment it looks as though we should be catering for between 150 - 180 people. The reception will be standing but with chairs for those unable to stand for long - the idea is to give everyone the opportunity to circulate. There will also be some children present - I'm sure Matt and Nele will be bringing their sons.
In order to ensure we have a spread of different things, we thought it would be easier if we suggested what people should bring! Would you please all be kind enough to tell all those in your parishes who would like to contribute to the reception to do the following-
Would you please ensure that everything is cut up to finger-food size and that your name is on the bottom of the plate/platter it is brought on. I know we have fantastic cooks and bakers in the Benefice! May I also suggest that any questions are directed to their own Church Wardens and you get back to us!
We shall also be having red and white wine and soft drinks. The Village Hall will be open for things to be delivered before the service. May I also encourage everyone to use the loos in the Village Hall, I don’t think our one chemical loo at the church would cope with so many people! Parking will be in the field opposite the church by kind permission of the Tyler family. We are having another meeting next Friday so I shall keep you all informed about any updates.
Let’s pray for a fine evening!
Matthew is at present the curate at St Mark and Laverstock St Andrew in Salisbury. We had an enjoyable evening on 16th January in the relaxed atmosphere of Wellington Barn, when many of us were able to talk with Matthew, his charming wife, Nele (pronounced Naila) who is Austrian, and their youngest son, Samuel. The Earwicker (pronounced Erica) family and Nele, have four sons, Timothy 11 , Jonathan 8, Daniel 6, and Samuel 18 months. As it is now a year since the Bromiley family moved to The Avon Rivers Benefice, it will be good to have a new young leader for our team
We are all very grateful to Linda, Pam, Tony, the retired clergy and our own team of lay people who have worked so hard to keep things going during the vacancy, so a big 'thank you' to all of them. It would be nice to see as many as possible in church for the Licencing and, of course, at services in each of our churches week by week to support Matthew's ministry.
With best wishes to Matthew, Nele, and your family. We hope you will be very happy in Cherhill and we hope that your ministry will be as great a blessing to you as it will surely be to us.Derick Eadon