roots down walls down
Pop the kettle on and enjoy!
We love to receive your letters, riddles, poems and funnies. We love this poem sent in by one of our lovely readers. Could this be a perfect start to an eco Christmas, or perhaps even the inspiration for a New Year’s resolution?
Decluttering!
I’m trying to declutter, but oh what a lot
Of things I’ve collected all these years, in this plot.
Continue reading “Poets Corner”The Parishioner interviewed Graham Thomas, Treasurer of the Shawfield School Association
Great to meet you Graham, tell us about yourself and how you feel about the local area. How would you describe Ash Vale?
A well connected, friendly village. It has that lovely village feel, yet at the same time, it’s very easy to get to the nearby towns, and even jump on the train to London. I also love the fact you don’t have far to get before you’re either in the middle of various army lands, or in the countryside.
Continue reading “Meet the Local”By Alex Sanderson (Chapel Project Manager)
As most locals will already know, the Chapel Project on Wharf Rd is all about sharing Christ’s love through creativity, hospitality and worship. We welcome everyone, of all faiths and none. The Chapel is a joint initiative between the Hants Surrey Border Methodist Circuit, and St Marys Church in Ash Vale (more on our website here: www.ashvalechapel.com and Facebook @ashvalechapel). Now you can help us do more in 2022, through the Co-op ‘Local Causes’ scheme! https://www.coop.co.uk/local-causes
Continue reading “Cast your Votes at the Co-op to support Food Projects at The Chapel!”By Val Hoppichler (nee Val Bianco-Martinez)
Dear Parishioner readers: This new column will bring you different recipes from all the Grandmothers, La Nona, Die Oma, La Abuela, La Grand-mère, in the world. In this first edition I share my Nona’s Panettone recipe. A beautiful Italian woman who emigrated to Argentina when she was young. I had the pleasure to enjoy every Sunday at her home, cooking or eating all kind of fresh pasta, sauces and sweets Italians pastries… all day long. In every Italian family you reunite every Sunday at lunch time and chat and eat until dinner with no less than 14 family members or closer friends. I grew up with this feeling of “belonging” that a family/friends gives you, where you are always welcome. And as all the Italian families sing in Argentina: Lo primero es la familia! Family comes first!
Merry Christmas!
Continue reading “From my Nona, with love”By Val Hoppichler
It is the most beautiful time of the year, or at least this is how I feel. I remember when we were young my mom put up the Christmas tree and decorations on 8th December for the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, and this was when the road to Christmas and New Year’s Eve started.
Continue reading “Jesus and his Manger”What’s on in the New Year, Jan. 2022
Mondays:
Keep fit: HIIT at 7.45pm with Janet Thomas Fitness at St Mary’s https://www.facebook.com/JanetThomasFitness
Tuesdays:
Babies at St Mary’s Support Group 10am—11.30am : A support group for 0-12mth olds and their parents and carers. Tea, coffee, chat, and we have song time at the end. All welcome. Text or call for details 07730 609446 (St Mary’s, Vale Rd) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/996685097487498
Continue reading “Weekly Diary – January 2022”Your local Churches Together & community events at a glance
Events during Advent:
Sat 27 Nov: Christmas Cards drop-in Workshop, 1-4pm Visit Ash Fantasia and then pop over to the Chapel on Wharf Rd to make a Christmas card. No need to book, just pop in. (The Chapel)
Sat 27th Nov: Ash Christmas Fantasia. Contact to book a stall: events@ashpcsurrey.gov.uk. Market opens 12:00, carols at 16:30 and lights switch on by 5pm. (The Ash Centre, Ash Hill Rd)
Continue reading “What’s On this Christmas? 2021”By Helen Lambert
As we draw near to Christmas, and so much vies for our limited attention, energy and resources, this letter penned by the apostle Paul whilst in prison provides a timely reminder of how we might approach this season whilst remaining mindful of the “reason”…
The central theme is captured in verses 6-11, which takes the form of a poem or hymn, and expands on what we might think of as our core Christmas message – that God himself was born as a baby and shared our human life with us.
Continue reading “A Bible Study for Christmas (Philippians 2:1-16)”By Steph Farry
Why not make your own ‘stained glass’ paper lantern, to help bring a cosy atmosphere to a winter’s night? You can even bring it with you on the St Nicholas Lantern Walk on the 6th December, to help light the way!
You will need:
Continue reading “St Nicholas Day Lantern Craft”By Fr Robin, Holy Angels Catholic Church in Ash
As I was celebrating mass on the evening of All Saints Day, there were the ubiquitous fireworks whizzing and blazing outside. It struck me powerfully how these simple celebrations draw us in. My children rush to the window every year to gaze in wonder at the spectacle.
Continue reading “A Place of Welcome”