Winchester Workers Meeting Point Contact Lunch - An Invitation

Christians who work in Winchester are invited to a lunchtime meeting on Wednesday 16th July in Milner Hall, St Peter's Church, Jewry Street. This is an opportunity to meet Christians who work in other local organisations, and encourage each other. 12.30-1.30pm (come and go as you can). Bread and cheese lunch £2.50, or bring your sandwiches. For catering purposes, please email chaplain@winccc.org.uk or leave a message on 07834 540106 if you plan to come. Milner Hall is in the grounds of Peterhouse, at the rear of St Peter's Church.
Howard Rowe, City Centre Chaplain

RYDAL 2009: Saturday 23rd May to Saturday 30th May 2009

The next Benefice holiday will take place in May 2009. All are welcome.

Rydal Hall is set in beautiful grounds with fine views, in the heart of the lakes less than 2 miles from Ambleside and 3 from Grasmere. It is the Carlisle Diocesan Conference Centre and Retreat house. We relax in good company, enjoy super meals and delight in the peace of this lovely setting in whatever way suits best. Each day, walks are arranged for all levels of ability or we can enjoy the many other amenities of the Lake District - boat trips, country houses or drives around the area. Spiritual batteries are re-charged with daily services and reflections for those who wish to join in.

The limit on accommodation is 54 in single, double or triple rooms; 27 beds are in en-suite rooms but all rooms are to a high standard. Details are on the sheets in each church. Take one, read it and consider joining us on this super holiday.
Anne & Ray Wiggle: Eryl & Clive Thompsett

Day Visit to New Wine Conference on Wednesday 30th July

Littleton through the Centuries

Friday Club

There will be a Family Barbecue and Swim at Tara, Dean Lane on Sunday 20th July 2008 from 12 midday. Come with a picnic. RSVP Linda Hodgson 862119

New Email Addresses for the Benefice

• Benefice Office: office@downsbenefice.org.uk
• Revd Juliet Montague: revdjuliet@downsbenefice.org.uk
• Parish Paper: parishpaper@downsbenefice.org.uk

Emails to the old addresses will continue to be routed through for the next few weeks, but please use the new address.

Youth Group BBQ and Swim

Sunday 6th July, 6.30pm onwards at Carol's, 7 Dale Close, Littleton. Invitation is extended to those in current school year 6 who may like to join the group in September. Parents are also invited to share in a drink at 8.00pm. Further information from Carol (883185) or Louise (885400)

Downs Benefice Summer Walk. 18th August to 23rd August 2008

The walk is for the whole community of Chilbolton, Crawley, Littleton, Sparsholt and Wherwell. Families and friends welcome. Over 6 days we circle our Benefice, walking around 70 miles. Come for as many days as you can. And there are 5 half-day walks that dovetail with the longer walks.

There will be optional pub meals on 5 evenings and a BBQ on Sunday 24th August. We also need help from non-walkers to ferry walkers to start points.

Details and application forms are at the back of each church.

Bellringers needed for Sparsholt and Crawley

St. Stephen's, Sparsholt and St. Mary's, Crawley are in great need of more bell ringers. This ancient craft can be learned by any reasonably fit person from about 7 years old up to well beyond retirement age. No great strength is needed, nor any musical ability. At Sparsholt we practise on Monday nights from 7.30pm – 9pm and ring on Sundays from 9.30-10.00am. At Crawley we practise on Tuesday nights from 7.30pm – 9pm and ring on the 2nd and 4th Sundays from 9.30-10.00am. We also ring for occasional special services and for weddings [for which we get paid!]

Bell ringing is a convivial and friendly occupation, and it is excellent exercise for mind and body. Why not give us a try – visit on any practice evening or call us:
Sparsholt: John on 776324, or Jenny on 885181.