Many congratulations to Les and Jackie Warr who renewed their wedding vows in Etton church on Saturday 17th August. All went smoothly and the couple celebrated with family and friends afterwards.
By contrast our thoughts are with Bernie and Tania Diehm and family from Rectory Lane, who suffered a catastrophic house fire on Friday 6th September. Luckily, no-one was hurt, but sadly, they have had to move temporarily out of the village whilst the house is renovated. We wish them luck with the clean-up and rebuilding.
Our Etton volunteer Handy village jobs team (Andrew Curwen, Fred Morton, Steve Watson, Tony Dean and Kevin Fordham) have been busy around the village. Alongside the excellent work they do maintaining the churchyard, they have been helping sand and re-stain tables at the Pheasant, doing pub garden maintenance and have also recently renovated the bus stop. Please do show your appreciation to these kind residents who willingly give their time to improve our village environment.
The weekend of 4th-6th October was the inaugural Charity Nine Bridges Beer Festival. With 15 ales,1 lager, 2 ciders and the pub offering fantastic food and drink, we were set for a great weekend. There was excellent live music from Lee Clingan on Friday and Paul Lake on the Saturday night. The marquee was rocking as we helped Roy and Desiree celebrate their new ‘civilised’ partnership! Special thanks to the Pheasant for hosting and supporting the event, our amazing sponsors and to Kevin and Jackie Fordham who organised most of the beer and sponsorship. It was a great success, with around £2800 before costs to be donated equally to Little Miracles and the church.
Thank you for all your recent Harvest donations for the Deeping food bank. During the next few weeks until 8thNovember, we will be collecting items for the Ukraine appeal. Details of items needed are on the poster at the church, on the village notice board and Facebook. The collection point is in the church.
On Sunday 10th November there will be a simple ceremony of Remembrance at 10.45am on the village green. By the time you are reading this, the poppy display and soldier will be in place and Graham is booked to bring ‘Ike’ on the day. All welcome.
After the great success of these events last year, on November 18th we will be holding a Christmas card making workshop at the Coach House from 2.30pm to 5pm or 5.30pm to 8pm. The cost is £15, and places can be booked by messaging Andrew on 07836213406. On Monday 2nd December there will be wreath making workshops in the church. Cost £30, same booking arrangements as above.
It’s a long way off, but our usual switching on of the Christmas tree lights will take place on the village green at 5pm on Sunday 1st December and the Nativity service will be held on the Village green on Christmas eve at 5pm…..
Next year will be the 800th anniversary of Etton church, that means that the current building was consecrated during the reign of Henry III and in the same year the Magna Carta was confirmed! We would like to mark the occasion with a weekend of celebrations. Details are still to be agreed but the chosen weekend to note in your diaries is 27th to 29th June 2025. If you would like to be involved in organising the event, please do let me know- I’d love some help!!
Finally, some of you will already know that our oldest resident, Maurice Wright aged 96 has had to move to a care home in Orton Longueville. He is being kept comfortable and is very appreciative of visitors.
It’s far too early for Seasons greetings!!
Anne Curwen
