Thornton St.Peter’s Church Spot As I write this in the early days of September, when the Met Office has reminded us that we have experienced the driest summer since 1976, and the tail end of hurricane Katya has passed us by, it is perhaps opportune for us to take stock of our own position at St Peter’s. For many months we have been aware of the undulating nature of the tarmacadam path to the church, which has caused no little concern to the less sure-footed among us. I am happy to report that a contractor has been engaged to do the work of smoothing out the humps and bumps before the dark nights of Autumn are upon us. This damage is of course caused by the roots of the trees which line the path to the church. It concerns me also that, together with the effect of the dry summer months we have experienced, these same trees are responsible for some shrinkage of the ground under the tower, evidence of which can be seen within the building. It is hoped that Autumn rain and winter snow will redress the problem, but it does leave us with the question of the effect on the church of ever-growing trees. It saddens me also to report that ‘visitors’ - or more accurately ‘vandals’ - to the church have stripped the lightning conductor out of its clips, all the way from ground to battlements - an expensive repair job for us when so many other things have a claim on our resources. More happily I can report of a successful Heritage Weekend when the church opened its doors to visitors and Peter Leadbetter gave two most interesting and informative talks on the history of the village - we learned, for instance, of the many skirmishes that villagers had been involved in at the behest of their ‘lords’. Why did they always seem to be on the losing side? Harvest followed on the next weekend with the Area Dean Rev Canon John Sharpe preaching at our service. The church was beautifully decorated as usual and was filled with that characteristic smell of flowers, fruit and vegetables. The Notice Board at the bottom of the churchyard has been replaced and splendidly announces our presence, as it welcomes visitors to our doors - my thanks are due to our Ratby Church friends who gave us help and advice in this venture. Finally can I appeal once again for any ‘props’ you may have to lend us for the Murder Mystery at the Club on October 22nd. Offers please to Katherine on 01530 230372.
Martin Foster Churchwarden
Muldoon lived alone in the Irish countryside with only a pet dog for company. One day the dog died, and Muldoon went to the parish priest and asked, ‘Father, my dog is dead. Could ya’ be saying’ a mass for the poor creature?’ Father Patrick replied, ‘I’m afraid not; we cannot have services for an animal in the church. But there are some Baptists down the lane, and there’s no tellin’ what they believe. Maybe they’ll do something for the creature.’ Muldoon said, ‘I’ll go right away Father. Do ya’ think 5,000 euros is enough to donate to them for the service?’ Father Patrick exclaimed, ‘Sweet Mary! Why didn’t ya tell me the dog was Catholic?’
Drive carefully - we need every taxpayer we can get.