Update from the Rev Tim Starling: As promised I attach a summary of the conversation, which I hope reflects the themes of the discussions we had. A copy of the notes that I gave out are also available on the village website via this link.
At the meeting on 14th October we agreed to meet again in a couple of months. The Bishopswood Village Hall Committee have kindly agreed that we can piggy-back there coffee morning at 11.30am on Saturday 10th February 2024.
Monica Edmunds and Jill Pitkeathleyat Hereford Cathedral
Jackie Smith, Monica Edmunds and Jill Pitkeathley at Hereford Cathedral
Following on from last weeks article on Monica’s celebration at Bishopswood Village Hall we have received the following correspondence:
“It was a privilege to be in the congregation in Hereford Cathedral on October 22nd to see Monica Edmunds receive the Order of St Ethelbert from the Bishop of Hereford. The medal and certificate are presented for long and exceptional service to church and community and Monica joined about 40 other recipients from all over the diocese at the ceremony which was part of a Choral Evensong service.
Monica’s service to Bishopswood has certainly been exceptional : as postmistress, organiser, fundraiser and general ‘go to ‘person. It was good to see her recognised beyond our immediate community for the exceptional contribution she has made over so many years.
Jill Pitkeathley”
Jackie Smith who played the organ at Bishopswood on occasion also received the Order of St Ethelbert.
Residents of Bishopswood old and new turned out in numbers on Sunday 15th October to afternoon tea and cakes accompanied by The wonderful music of the Lydbrook Training Band in combined celebration of the contribution of Mrs Monica Edmunds to our community and also her 80th Birthday on November 9th.
The Ven Derek Chedzey, Archdeacon of Hereford announced that Monica has been invited to become a member of The Order of St Ethelbert. The Order was established in 2015 and since then, seven cohorts of recipients have been honoured – men and women from across the diocese and from all walks of life who have given generous and selfless Christian service in many ways.
The presentation will be held on: Sunday 22nd October at 3.30 pm during Evensong at Hereford Cathedral.
During breaks from the band and enjoying the tea and cakes several attendees, Rev Tim Starling, Stephen Hoskins, Christine Puzey, Margaret Duberley, Don Bent and Robert Morgan (conductor of the Lydbrook Band) recollected tales of Monica’s good deeds in our community.
Stephen Hoskins, Chair of the Bishopswood Village Hall Trustees presented an engraved crystal vase and flowers to Monica on behalf of the community.
Our thanks to all of the volunteers that made this event possible.
It’s fun, you’ll meet new people, and get some light exercise as well. Anyone can play, there is no age limit! We are looking for new players.
How much does it cost?
A years membership is £10 plus £3 per session of 2.5 hours. A drinks and biscuits break occurs half-way through each session.
What will I need?
We can provide bowls for you to try out. All you will require are some flat soled shoes (slippers will do). Coaching is available.
Where and When?
We meet every Monday and Thursday afternoon 2:00pm to 4:30pm from the beginning of September to the end of April, and on Thursdays only from 1st May until the end of July.
We play at Bishopswood Village Hall, Kerne Bridge, HR9 5QT. What3words location: worker.pupils.button
Simply turn up for a session or contact either Bob on 01594 530003 or Glo on 01600 890087 to find out more.
All Saints Church, Bishopswood is struggling with both numbers of attendees and finances. The document below, which was presented to a small group at Bishopswood Village Hall by Rev Tim Starling sets out the many issues that the church faces. A further meeting will take place in the near future to decide on what action to take. If you have some input that may assist the decision making Rev Tim can be contacted through the Wye reaches website.
