Category: Church blog

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In loving memory of dear “Scrivener”

St Mary’s church family remembers Tony Fitzpatrick-Brown

As some of you will know, Tony Fitzpatrick-Brown died unexpectedly over the Christmas period. He was a faithful member of St Mary’s, being a contributor to the Parish Magazine as “Scrivener”, a Thursday Cafe visitor, and a staunch supporter of Evensong and previously the 8.00am Sunday service. We will miss his love, care and support very much. We hope you enjoy these memories from his St Mary’s church family.

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From my Abuela…. with Love

Oil Pickled Partridge – Perdiz en escabeche, by Val Hoppichler

The hunting season is over and now is the time to cook delicious recipes with game. I do not remember when was the first time I ate partridge as my grandfather used to go hunting in “The Pampas” in Argentina since my mom was a child. I still remember the smell of the burnt feathers, a particular smell that is impossible not to recognise. In those times 1970’-1990’ it was not possible to eat game if you were not a hunter, at least in South America. My grandmother had so many partridges that she made all kind of meals. One of my favourites is her oil pickled partridge which I cook every year and I share it with you today. It is also the best way to preserve the bird and be able to eat it later. Fortunately in England we can find and buy all kind of birds even in supermarkets.  This recipe also works well with any kind of game or meat of your choice.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Partridges
  • 2 Carrots (or as much as you like)
  • 1 or 2 Onions (or as much as you like)
  • 1 tsp peppercorns
  • 4 Garlic cloves
  • 1000ml White wine
  • 1000ml Vinegar
  • 200 Rapeseed Oil or Sunflower Oil
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • Aromatic herbs (2 bay leaf, 1 tsp of oregano or parsley, fresh or dried)

Cut the partridge into pieces (as you would a chicken). Place the sliced carrots in and the onions cut in quarters into a saucepan, along with the aromatic herbs, peppercorns, garlic cloves, white wine, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. 

Boil for 5 -10 minutes to soften the vegetables, then add the partridge pieces and cook until the partridge is tender. 

If you want to store in sterilised jars, place the hot food into the jar and cool with the lid closed. You can also boil the jars or use any method you are familiar with. Note: As with any preserving recipe, you can freely add more or less vegetables to enjoy with the partridge, and a bit more wine or vinegar. Before eating, place the jar in the fridge and cool, slice some bread, open the wine or your favourite drink, and enjoy!  

Buen Provecho!

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New Year Bible Study: Colossians 3:12-14

By Helen Lambert

“There’s no such thing as bad weather – only unsuitable clothing!”*  If you are someone who loves to be outdoors, you know the importance of being dressed for the season, especially in these winter months.  You understand how the enjoyment and success of your activity depends very much on being properly prepared, dressed and equipped. 

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Tesco Community Grant for Local Project

By Alex Sanderson (Food Parcels Project Team)

Today we would all like to say a huge thank you to everyone who used their blue to tokens and voted for the local food parcels project at Tesco last year.  We are  absolutely delighted to announce that we have now received a Tesco Community Grant of £1000, which will fund 3-6 weeks of much needed food parcel items for local families facing difficult times. Thanks must also go to Tesco and their team who make this all possible.

Every wondered what our weekly shop looks like? Have a look at this photo—this is a fairly typical week, depending on how many families we are supporting. (Usually 20-30 families every week)

If you missed your chance to vote and would like to donate, why not donate online? We have a ‘Give a Little’ fundraising page hosted by St Mary’s where you can even add Gift Aid if you are a tax payer. Of if you prefer to donate food items, why not fill a bag this Lent, one item per day? Contact us for the online giving link or for a list of suggested items Text or call: 07730 609446.

We hugely appreciate your support, as do all our  volunteers and the local families who have benefited from the parcels in their time of need. Our project is only possible thanks to your donations and grants. Your help makes all the difference!  Thank You!

Find out more online about community grants: #CommunityGrants @groundworkuk www.tesco.com/communitygrants

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What’s on in February & March 2022 – Regular Groups

Mondays:
Keep fit:  HIIT at 7.45pm with Janet Thomas Fitness (St Mary’s, Vale Rd)

Tuesdays:
Baby 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 Alex for details 07730 609446  (St Mary’s, Vale Rd)
Choir Practise: 8pm on Tuesday evenings, all welcome (St Mary’s, Vale Rd)
Keep fit:  Fit Steps 7.30pm with Janet Thomas Fitness (St Mary’s, Vale Rd)

Wednesdays:
Chapel Kids 11:30am—1.30pm Come and join our Baby & Toddler group with craft, story and songs at The Chapel. All welcome 0-4yrs and their parents and carers. We eat lunch together too. Bring a picnic or enjoy something from the community fridge! (The Chapel, Wharf Rd)
Chapel Craft 8pm-10pm Bring along your latest craft project and craft  enjoy a  sociable cuppa and chat as we craft. (The Chapel, Wharf Rd)

Thursdays :
Baby Plus (Tongham)  10.30am Baby group for non-walkers at The Old School, Poyle Rd, Tongham. (St Paul’s, Poyle Rd)
** Lent Special ** Thursday Lent Film nights 6.30pm at The Chapel  
Every Thursday in lent—Film, food and discussion. Starts on 3rd March, running for 6 weeks, all welcome. Text to book 07730 609446

Fridays:
Community  Café 10am-12 Noon Please pop in for a cuppa and a chat at the  St Mary’s community café. All are welcome, all faiths and none, all ages and stages. It’s free / by donation (St Mary’s, Vale Rd)

Sundays:
Sunday Services 10:30am at St Mary’s. All are welcome, whether life long Christians or just exploring. We serve refreshments after the service, join us for cuppa & chat. You can also join us via Zoom online.
Sunday School is on too!  Join us on Sundays at 10:30 at St Mary’s while your grownups are in church. The sessions are aimed at school age children.

More on Facebook: @StMarysAshVale @TheParishioner @AshValeChapel