Newsletter

For the parishes of Claverley and Tuck Hill

November 2008
Rev. Simon Cawdell, The Vicarage, Lodge Park, Claverley,
Wolverhampton, WV5 7DP. Tel 01746 710268
www.claverley.net
From The Vicarage

As I write I am looking forward to leading a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, including

a number of members of the parish, and Bridgnorth Deanery It will be the second
time I have been there, and I have little doubt that the visit will be profound. I
remember how on my last visit I found it so comforting and inspiring to see the
places where the events described in the Bible took place, the places where Jesus
would have stood, and the sites, where for almost two thousand years worshippers
have recognised the events of Jesus’ life taking place. I also understood far more
much of the imagery that is used in the Bible, and the way in which Jesus used the
scenery, landscape, and issues of everyday life to shape his parables and teachings.
He drew on customs and certainties that his hearers would have found familiar,
perhaps even comforting, before often turning them around to demonstrate some
new truth about the Kingdom of God that he wished them to understand.

At the moment there is much that seems uncertain that we have been used to for the
last decade, the nation has been relatively prosperous, and many have benefited
from the easy credit markets, and rising house prices. Over the last two months these
apparent certainties have been swept away, possibly not to return for some time, and
there will be numbers of people who fear for their livelihoods, and the security of
their homes, even in our parishes. Older members of the parish will remember what
recession is like, whether of the early nineties, or the mid seventies or earlier in the
century, and we will need to remember that there will be many, indeed any who are
still at school, or even university at present who have no idea what it means. They
do not have the experience of having lived through the belt tightening worries over
employment, or the possibility that pensions or wages will not keep pace with
inflation.

In uncertain times people often return to old ‘certainties’ in which they may find
comfort. Some are more real than others. Here is where faith comes into its own, for
in the midst of the present tribulation is a truth often overlooked in a God who loves
us all, and who loves us so much that He was prepared to risk the life of His Son to
enable us to know Him. That is the truth that I will be constantly reminded of in
Israel and Palestine next week. And this is where the value of the visit comes, for it
will be a reminder that this faith I own is no fairy story, built upon false tales and
illusion, but faith based upon real happening and history. But more than that, it is a
faith I understand and know through a living relationship I have with God who loves
me, and whose love, tentatively, imperfectly I try to return in worship, and in daily
life.

And as I know Him more, and understand more the certainty that is that love He
gives.

Simon Cawdell
November 2008
Letter from the Bishop of Ludlow

It may seem strange to be making an appeal in Advent especially since recently there has
been such turbulence in the world’s financial markets. The ‘credit crunch’ means that we
shall all suffer. However the poorest in the world will suffer most and this is a time when
we can reach out to them with generosity. Those of us who have visited our link Dioceses
know the wonderful hospitality which is given to us and how people out of very little give
their all.
.
There is a tremendous spirit of generosity in our Diocese through the links which have
been established and after consultation with the Tanzanian Bishops we want to put
forward 3 projects, one in each link Diocese for our Advent appeal. There may be people
who are not involved in overseas links who would like to respond to this appeal and there
may be others who have already given who would like to think about it.

A Food Security Programme in the Masasi Diocese which is in a very poor area in the
south of Tanzania. Most of the people in the Diocese are subsistence farmers heavily
dependent on climatic conditions. In some years the rains fail and crops are seen to
wither and die in the ground; in other years the rains are too heavy and wash seeds and
plants out of the ground. In some years there is famine in parts of the Diocese.

One of the projects in the Tanga Diocese is a Vocational Training Centre for HIV/Aids
orphans and unemployed young people. Many leave the area and end up as street children
in places like Dar es Salaam. Bishop Philip Baji wants to expand and develop the Centre
to accommodate many more young people so that they can learn practical skills and be
given hope for the future.

“Education for Liberation” is the motto of the new Church Secondary School in Dar es
Salaam which opened in 2004 but which needs a lot of money for new buildings,
facilities, books and educational materials. Archbishop Valentino Mokiwa wants to see
the school offer the best possible education to young people so that they may in turn
provide Christian leadership in their country and play an important part in reducing
poverty in this, the 7th poorest country in the world.

As we look forward to celebrating the birth of Christ we shall remember the outpouring of
God’s generosity by coming in Jesus and the giving of himself. We shall want to identify
with God’s generosity by reaching out to others especially our friends in Tanzania.

The Appeal will be launched during the first week of November when the Archbishop of
Tanzania will be visiting the Diocese. Cheques should be made payable to the Hereford
Diocesan Board of Finance and sent to Gordon Powell at the Diocesan Office, The
Palace, Hereford HR4 9BL with a note saying it is for Tanzanian Advent Appeal
 FANTASTIC 70S BAND

ARE COMING TO CLAVERLEY VILLAGE

HALL
SATURDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 8.30pm TILL
MIDNIGHT

Tickets £10 Include Light Supper. Licenced Bar

Tickets Available From Carolyn Cook 01746 710098
Claverley Post Office and Rudge Heath Stores
Proceeds to Shropshire junior cricket tour. South Africa 2009
 Claverley Tennis Club
Black Country Night

Starring Tommy Mundon, Maggie O’Hara and Ken Wood

At Claverley Village Hall on Saturday 22nd November

7.30pm for 8pm

Tickets £12.50 (includes fish and chip supper) Licensed Bar

Tickets Available From Claverley Post Office, Rudge Heath Stores

Or Any Tennis Club Committee Member

All Saints Christmas Barn Dance

On Friday 5th December we will be holding a family Barn Dance, at which the Grand
Christmas Raffle will be drawn, and Father Christmas may be persuaded to put in a
guest appearance. We are sure this will be a lively occasion for everyone with food,
music and dancing for all!

Christmas Lights and Advent Service

We are looking forward to the grand switch on of the Christmas lights in Claverley at
6.15pm on Sunday 30th November. Mince Pies and Mulled Wine will accompany the
Advent service which follows, and all are welcome.

CLAVERLEY VILLAGE HALL

Dates for your diary:-

10th Nov. Monday dress show. More details next month

20th Nov. Thursday ‘Edge of Love’. Flicks in the Sticks film
changed from last month. Keira Knightley, Mathew Rhys and
Sienna Miller
4th Dec. Thursday. Flicks in the Sticks extra film ‘Mama Mia’
12th Dec. Friday Carol Supper. Hot supper. Tickets £8.00.
17th Jan. Saturday. Tettenhall Singers. Tickets £9.00

The next meeting of the Village Hall Committee will be 6th November.

Betty Pearson-Fenn
 PARISH COUNCIL NEWS
Items from the Parish Council Meeting held on 13th October 2008

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday, 10th November. Please
check the notice boards for the venue as there is a possibility the meeting will be
held in the School Hall but at the time of writing this has not been confirmed.
The public session will commence at 7.15 p.m. so please come along and tell us about
any matters you wish to raise. We are hoping Inspector James Dunn will be present to
discuss the levels of policing and other matters relating to the police.

Two members of the public attended the October meeting to raise concerns about
overgrown public rights of way. These concerns will be taken up with the County
Council.

Claverley Parish Plan

Councillor Mrs. Dawes reported that work on the Security and Safety Pack was nearly
completed. An approach to security firms will be made to seek sponsorship.

Wolverhampton Airport
Councillor Collings reported that efforts were continuing to reconstitute the Airport’s
Consultative Committee.

Claverley in Bloom
Claverley in Bloom and all those who helped were congratulated on achieving a Silver
award in the Heart of Britain In Bloom competition. Planning for next year’s
competition has started and feedback from the judges will be of great benefit.

Free Trees
Councillor Pickerill, the Tree Warden, informed the meeting that small native trees
(approx. 2 ft.) were available to landowners. Anyone interested in obtaining some of
these free trees should contact Paul by telephoning 01746 710037 or by email to
paul.pickerill@ tesco.net. Applications should be made before the end of November.

Christmas Lights
Contrary to some rumours, the Parish Council is intending to have the lights this year and
they will be switched on prior to the evening Advent service on Sunday, 30th November.
We hope to see you in the Bull Ring.

Rubbish Collection
A letter of complaint has been sent to Shropshire Waste Partnership concerning the
change in arrangements for the collection of household rubbish. This led to considerable
confusion and some households had to wait 3 weeks for their black bins to be emptied.
Other parishes have also been affected.

Gill Price
Clerk to the Council
(tel. 710394)
 Claverley Memories
Following our recent successful trip to Bantock House we are now
organising a guided tour of Shrewsbury Castle and Shropshire
Regimental Museum for the evening of Tuesday 25th November. This is
open to non members and anyone interested in joining us for what
should be a very interesting and enjoyable visit should contact John
Burns.

*******************************************************************************

An Idea for Christmas !!

Thinking of Christmas presents yet? Our Guide to Claverley Church

and Village was first printed in 1906. We painstakingly and faithfully
reproduced this professionally in its original form from parts of two
original copies using modern scanning and printing techniques. It gives
a fascinating insight to the village as it was then and it is surprising how
little has changed! At £2 each this would be an inexpensive little
stocking filler. Buy a dozen and send them out to friends, relatives and
business associates to show them what a lovely old village we have
(please).

Next Meeting is our trip to Shrewsbury (see above).

New members welcome. Please come along and find out what we are
about.

For Queries contact Sue Burns 710154 or Patricia Lee 710239

 Coffee Morning Thanks
The coffee morning for MacMillan Cancer Support held in Hopstone on
23rd September raised £140.00. Grateful thanks to members of Monday
Craft, Rev. Simon Cawdell and Sarah also to neighbours for their
donations.

We would like to say many thanks to all our friends and neighbours who
sent and expressed congratulations and good wishes to us on the occasion
of our Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

Thank you Simon for the prayers and ringing the bell.

Love to all

Sandy and Margaret.

TUCK HILL NEWS

Thanks

Mr Harold Smith sends his grateful thanks to Simon Cawdell, friends and
neighbours for their prayers and the cards he has received during his recent
illness. He is glad to say he is starting to feel a little better.

Willing Neighbours

Please try and come to Bridgnorth Charity Fair on Saturday 29th November at
the Castle Hall between 10 am and 1 pm, when Willing Neighbours will have
a stall to raise funds for the running costs. We will be grateful for cakes and
preserves or anything which could be sold. We are also seeking donations or
contributions of items to go into a Christmas hamper which will be raffled at
this event.

Contact Nos: Gloria Swash 710528 or Pearl Bryan 780394

Whist Drive

The next Tuck Hill whist drive will be on Thursday 13th November at 8 pm
 Claverley Indoor Bowls
If anyone would like to join Claverley Indoor Bowls Club they would be very
welcome to attend the 5 00pm Session every Wednesday.

Please contact Chris Nock 710371 or John Cotham 710340

CLAVERLEY FLOWER
GUILD
A CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP

By Sally Beaman

Saturday 22nd November 2008

Claverley Village Hall
10am – 3.30pm

TO INCLUDE

Tea / Coffee, Cake & Biscuits (Morning & Afternoon)

Flower Demonstration
2 Course Luncheon Including Wine
2 Flower Arrangements To Take Home Inclusive Of All Costs

£30 Per Person

To obtain tickets or for further information please contact Sally on 01746

710259 or Sandra 01902 374802 or Jane 01746 710403.

Please book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited.

CONTRIBUTIONS DEADLINE
All material for publication in the December Newsletter should be submitted to
The Vicarage or Broad Lanes Farm, Six Ashes (contact Pearl Bryan) by Saturday
16th November.

Thank you
What, you ask, is 'Butt dust?' Read on and learn....

These have to be original and genuine. No adult is this

creative!!

MELANIE (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was.

Granny replied she was so old she didn't remember any
more. Melanie said, 'If you don't remember you must look
in the back of your panties. Mine say five to six.'

BRITTANY (age 4) had an earache and wanted a pain killer. She tried in vain to take
the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a child-proof cap
and she'd have to open it for her. Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: 'How does
it know it's me?'

DJ (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked: 'How much do I cost?'

CLINTON (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried. When his Mom asked what
was troubling him, he replied, 'I don't know what'll happen with this bed when I get
married. How will my wife fit in?'

JAMES (age 4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: 'The man named Lot was
warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned
to salt.' Concerned, James asked: 'What happened to the flea?'

The Sermon I think this Mom will never forget....'Dear Lord,' the minister began, with
arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. 'Without you,
we are but dust...' He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient
daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little
four year old girl voice, 'Mom, what is butt dust?'

CLAVERLEY PENSIONERS 2008

It was with regret that the committee had to cancel the ‘Skittles Evening’ planned for
10th October due to lack of support.

On previous occasions it has been well supported and it is hoped that we may be able to
re-instate the event at some future date.

We shall hopefull be arranging our annual supper in 2009, in the meantime we wish
everyone a warm and healthy winter.

The Committee for the Pensioners.

Mrs Eileen Jones
Mrs Yvonne Evans
Mrs Anne Simmonds
Mrs Elsie Spiller
Mrs Lee Chancellor
 CLAVERLEY LADIES LUNCHEON CLUB
Janet Brittain welcomed members and guestst o our October
meeting.

Betty Pearson Fenn said that the coach outing on January 6th will
be to Chester leaving the Plough at 9.15am and returning at about
6.00pm. Anyone wishing to go please contact Betty on 710468.

Our speaker Mr Ryan Davies told us of his “Adventures in Veterinary Medicine”

from a school boy who spent his holidays helping on farms, and then getting GCSE
A grades went on to veterinary school in Glasgow for 5 years and now practices
general surgery and medicine with Hollybush Veterinary Services in Bridgnorth.

The vote of thanks was given by Yvonne Evans.

Our next meeting on November 6th, speaker Mr P Suddock “Chief Executive of

Dudley Zoo”.

Elaine Blower

A Stranger for Christmas

Visits from strangers at Christmas began with shepherds turning up at a Bethlehem

stable, and continued with the arrival of wise men from a foreign land. You could
carry on this tradition, by inviting an international student to spend Christmas in your
home. HOST is a well-established charity, backed by the Foreign Office and many
universities, which links adults studying in the UK with hospitable volunteers
throughout Britain. Guests come from all over the world, including many from China.
They speak English, are keen to share their own culture, while longing to know more
about our way of life. Welcoming a student who might otherwise spend Christmas on
a deserted campus, fosters international understanding, and will make Christmas
special. See www.hostuk.org or call 0207 254 3039, for more information. HOST
arranges visits throughout the year, so if your 'inn' is full this Christmas, you can still
offer an invitation at another time.

Derek, Darren and Caroline King would like to thank everyone that attended
and sent their condolences at Betty’s funeral. The sum raised for our chosen
charity, ‘The County Air Ambulance’ was £1265.00.

God bless you all.

ALL SAINT’S CHURCH CLAVERLEY SUNDAY ROTAS
Sunday 2 November (All Saints Sunday)
10am Family Service
Sidesman James Cawdell
Coffee Jane Mottram
6.30pm
First Reading Peter Davis Isaiah 65:17-end
Second Reading Norah Glass Hebrews 11:32-12:2
Sidesman George Spibey
Sunday 9 November (Remembrance Sunday)
10.50am Remembrance Sunday
Reading Royal British Legion Matthew 25:1-13
Intercessions Royal British Legion
Sidesmen Royal British Legion

6.30pm
First Reading Eileen Brown Judges 7:2–22
Second Reading Dennis Loat John 15:9–17
Sidesman Rosemary Gannon
Sunday 16 November (2nd Sunday Before Advent)
10am
First Reading Gloria Swash 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Gospel Reading Ken Swash Matthew 25:14–30
Intercessions Francis Palmer
Assistant Mary Palmer
Coffee Ian Fallon
Sidesman Gordon Drury
6.30pm
First Reading David Raby 1 Kings 1:15-40
Second Reading Peggy White Revelation 1:4–18
Sidesman Geoff Wenlock
Sunday 23 November (Sunday Before Advent)
10am
First Reading Mary Palmer Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
Gospel Reading Val Smith Matthew 25:31–46
Intercessions Eileen Jones
Assistant Colin Bailey
Coffee Margot Stevens
Sidesman Jim Holland
6.30pm
First Reading Denis Loat 2 Samuel 23:1–7
Second Reading Eileen Brown Matthew 28:16–20
Sidesman Kathleen White
Sunday 30 November (Advent Sunday)
10am At Tuck
Hill
6.30pm
Sidesman John & Janet Cotham Advent Service
A reminder to all organizations in the parishes, please submit your dates to go in the diary
separately, or they may be missed. The diary section is co-ordinated by Stephanie Perks
Details as for the ads section, Many Thanks.

FOR YOUR DIARY – NOVEMBER 2008

3rd Monday 10.30 am Toddlers Village Hall
2.00 pm Craft Club Village Hall
6th Thursday 1.00 pm Ladies’ Luncheon Club Worfield Golf Club

7.45 pm Book Club The Old Vicarage

8.00 pm Village Hall Committee Village Hall
Meeting
8th Saturday 6.00 pm – Claverley School PTA School Field
8.00 pm Bonfire & Fireworks Display
10th Monday 10.30 am Toddlers Village Hall
2.00 pm Craft Club Village Hall
11th Tuesday 8.00pm Church Home Group The Vicarage
13th Thursday 7.45 pm Supper Club King’s Arms
17th Monday 10.30 am Toddlers Village Hall
2.00 pm Craft Club Village Hall
20th Thursday 7.30 pm Flicks in the Sticks Village Hall
for 8.00
pm
22nd Saturday 10.00 am Claverley Flower Guild Village Hall
– 3.30 pm Christmas Workshop
7.30 pm Black Country Night Village Hall
for 8.00
pm
24th Monday 10.30 am Toddlers Village Hall
2.00 pm Craft Club Village Hall
25th Tuesday 8.00 pm Claverley Memories King’s Arms
8.00pm Church Home Group The Vicarage
27th Thursday 7.30 pm Ladies’ Fellowship Village Hall
29th Saturday 8.30 pm – “The Hype” 70s Band Village Hall
midnight & Light Supper
FOR YOUR DIARY – DECEMBER 2008
5th Friday Family Barn Dance Village Hall
 Church Services

Church Services Claverley Tuck Hill

2nd November 8.00am Holy Communion 11.00 am Matins
10am Family Service
6.30pm Evensong
9th November 8am Holy Communion
Remembrance 10.50am Remembrance service 8am Holy Communion
Sunday 10am Holy Communion
6.30 Evensong
16th November 8am Holy Communion
10am Holy Communion 11am Family Service
6.30 Evensong
23rd November 8am Holy Communion
10am Family Service 11am Holy Communion
6.30pm Evensong
30th November 11am Holy Communion
6.30pm Advent Service followed
by mince pies and mulled wine

Holy Communion is celebrated every Wednesday, 9am at Claverley.

Sunday School - For children from two and a half years to eleven. Sunday at 10.00 am
during term time (Claverley). For details contact The Vicarage on 710268

Parish Registers
Funerals 9th October Brian Ewart Elcock, 78, of Pound Street, Claverley. Service and
burial at Claverley.

Claverley Church Sidesmen's Rota

Full rotas for services are now contained inside the magazine