Broad Town News-Feb 2009

Feb 2009 BROAD TOWN NEWS Published by Christ Church

Sponsored this month by The Big Gig

REVEREND ALISON WAY

Listen up!

Surrounding us are many competing voices, noises and pressures, but in our lives it is really important to listen to those around us and to God. We all know how good, liberating and comforting it feels when we are listened to properly, and how difficult and distressing it can be when we know we are not being listened to. Someone much wiser than me once said that ‘To talk without listening is like leaving your guests waiting on the door step’. Listening is a way of showing people we care about them and love them. Being listened to in itself is really affirming to someone, and is typical of the love God so wants us to show our neighbours.

Listening is also important in our relationship with God. To listen for the stirrings of the Holy Spirit moving in and transforming our hearts – as the hymn-writer so eloquently puts it, when describing how God communicates with us: - ‘Breathe through the heats of our desire, thy coolness and thy balm; Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire; Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire, O still small voice of calm’.

In our prayers there will also be times when talking and listening must have their place. For example, our prayers will include sharing the concerns of our hearts day by day, but must also allow room and space for God through the power of his ever-present Spirit to speak to us. In our busy, rushing world, it is too easy to overlook the profound power of listening to one another and listening to God. Taking the time to really listen is time really well spent. With love in Christ, Alison.

BROAD TOWN SCHOOL

School are collecting the Times Books For Schools Tokens. Any donations from the village would be gratefully received and put to good use. Thank you in anticipation.

On Wednesday 28th January Jez and Rue from GWR are visiting the school to take assembly. The children will also be singing a song which should be broadcast the following morning.

BROAD TOWN WI

The Broad Town WI have an exciting and varied programme of speakers for the coming year. We also have outings, rambles and competitive skittles. We meet in the Village Hall on the 3rd Wednesday of each month (2nd Wed in December). Visitors are welcome to come and try us out - hopefully you will find us a friendly and relaxed group. Membership for the year is £29. At our next meeting on February 18th at 7.30pm, the speaker will be Dr Tracey Rich talking on wild life encounters around the world.

Broad Town WI has an open meeting on 18th March at 7.30 pm. Prof. Gordon Turnbull will be speaking on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - The Black Hole of Trauma.
A collection and raffle will be held to raise money for Help for Heroes. Visitors most welcome. Contact Kate 01793 731816 or Jenni 01793 731716

THE BROAD TOWN BIG GIG

After three very successful years during which the Big Gig raised £5,400 for village organisations and doubled the coffers in the bank, three of your committee will stand down at the AGM to take a well deserved break. This means we need fresh blood to help organise this year's show. The remaining members cannot put on an event matching the scale of previous Big Gigs without your help! Alternatively, a much smaller event may be appropriate given the current economic climate! Our aim is not only to raise money, but also to get the village together. However, we will still need help. To join this small but dedicated band of volunteers, or to tell us what type of event you would like this year, either come to the AGM on Wednesday 11th February 8:00pm in the Village Hall, or email us with your ideas to chairman@broadtownshow.co.uk.

FUTURE DATES

Scarecrow competition May 2009 around the village

Art Exhibition June 2009 in Christ Church

Deanery Confirmation Service 25^th June in our Benefice

TROTTING HORSE BUSHTON

Meal deals – we have decided to continue with the 2 meals for £10 through February, Tuesday – Friday from 6pm. There have been a couple of changes made to the deal choices but still absolutely no compromise made on the quality. Deal is only available on meals from the yellow menu card. In addition we will also be starting from Sunday 1^st February a Sunday Roast deal, only £8.50 for a roast dinner & desert, if that’s too much for you we are holding our roast only price at £5.95.

Valentines Dinner Saturday 14^th February. 3 course dinner, including a complementary glass of bubbly for only £25ph. Already taking bookings so call 01793 731338 to secure your table, as spaces are limited. Some dates for your diaries – March Curry night TBC. 22^nd Mothering Sunday. June 5^th & 6^th 3^rd Bushton Beer & Bangers Bash.

THE GUILD OF WILTSHIRE ARTISTS

Run workshops at the Village Hall on every third Saturday of the month from 10am to 4pm. All are welcome including painters who are beginners. Tea and Coffee provided but do bring a packed lunch. Help will be given to those who request it.

Contact telephone numbers 731154, 731519.

MARCH 09 EDITION

Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the March edition please note that items must be submitted to Mrs M Green, 1 Broadacres, Broad Town, BY 6pm FRIDAY 20^th February. It is regretted that submissions after that time can not be included.