This is wonderful news! The local Food Parcels team would like to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for us recently on the Co-op Communtiy page! Your votes have helped us to raise £1,171.07 so far, to help feed local families in crisis.
Please keep voting! Every vote for St Mary’s means more funding for the Ash Villages Food Parcels Project. We need as many votes as possible before 24th October 2024, to secure further funding from the Co-op community fund for winter 2024. Please choose us as your local cause here: https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/76829
Community Forum: Would you like to talk to the community team have your say? Co-op is hosting a community forum on 21st March at the Ash Parish Centre. Local people are welcome to join in and share their views. Book your place and join in to find out more by clicking on this link: Your local Coop Community forum for Ash and the surrounding villages (smartsurvey.co.uk)
Duruflé’s Requiem – where Gregorian chant meets the sumptuous sounds of 20th-century France. The contemplative piece is brought to life by Vivace Chorus at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford – the perfect, intimate venue to convey the wonder and power of this music.
Parishioner: Keith, great to meet you – tell us a bit about yourself! Have you been an Ash Vale local for long?
So, until about 13 years ago I had always lived in Farnborough, but since then I’ve moved to Tongham, where I spent most of my years on the roots of my parents and grandparents whilst growing up. Both lived locally, with my mum in Ash and my dad in Tongham, and actually the same street as I live now. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!
Parishioner: What do you like about the area, any highlights you would recommend to a newcomer to check out?
As I’ve never permanently moved too far afield, I know the local area very well and like others, have seen a lot of changes. On the surface there are many visual been and gone’s but underneath all that, it still just about holds itself as a community with the old fashioned spirit that’s few and far between these days.
Parishioner : As a longstanding local business, what services do you offer?
We have now been operating as a sole trader for 16 years, with an overall full time experience exceeding 23 years within the plumbing and heating industry, inheriting the trade by my dad even further back than that. This longevity has been achieved with thanks to yourselves and the repeat custom you have allowed.
Due to various matters over recent years in my personal world it has become increasingly difficult to keep on top of the ever-growing overheads needed to sustain our small business. With this in mind, we see it more important than ever to close some of those intermittent gaps in our diary that had otherwise been disregarded.
With yourselves and Checkatrade on board we can now reach out to a new and wider clientele, yet maintaining the closer proximity in which we operate.
Parishioner: Your business has survived a pandemic and a cost-of-living crisis – what’s the secret, any top tips for fellow entrepreneurs out there?
Our business ethos is to provide a fair and moral service, where our price point reflects the facility we supply and have always aimed to deliver!
Parishioner: Great to meet you today, thanks for talking to us. If people want to get in touch, what are your contact details?
Yes? Congratulations! You’re just the sort of person we need to join the St Mary’s Flower Team! Other characteristics that may be useful: – an hour or so to spare every few months; – sense of humour; – interest in flowers. Of course, if you’re already a skilled flower arranger and would like to use your expertise to create glorious displays, that would be fantastic too! If you’re starting out or just fancy having a go, you won’t be on your own – come and help out for a week or two and see how you get on. It could be the start of something fabulous! Contact Steph Farry for more info. Or text our Project Manager on 07730609446
We are looking for new people to join the Sunday Morning Team. There are various tasks that keep the Sunday service running smoothly and help us to care for each other. Welcoming: Could you greet people as they arrive at Church, all you need is a friendly face and smile. Reading and Intersessions: Reading: All you need is your voice, God has provided the words. Intersessions: Share your unique view of the world and help us to pray for the needs of the world. Share God’s blessings with our Church family. Your prayers will help us all grow in faith. Coffee: Can you make a cup of coffee? Can you do the washing up? These simple acts of kindness are a blessing and valued by us all. If you would like to join the team please contact Rachel parishoffice@ash-vale.org.uk
We are looking for someone to care for the alter linens. This would entail checking the linens once a week and washing and ironing them as and when needed. Alison Shewell who is giving up this role after an incredible 40 years will be able to show you what needs to be done. If you can help please contact us 07730609446 Thank you
Ash Villages Food Parcels Project started out in Covid – April 2020 – and because we are still needed, we are still here! If you would like to donate to help us, we have an information sheet you can print off and pop on the fridge or in your pocket to remind you what we need. The images are below, or you can download the file as a PDF.
Please can we ask you to give us your vote ASAP to help fund our vital Food Parcels Project, which feeds anyone in need in our local community of Ash, Ash Vale, Ash Green and Tongham. To find out more about the co-op community fund and how your vote can help, please click the link. https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/76829
To find out more about the Food Parcels Project and how it all works click here and have a look at all our news and updates https://ash-vale.org.uk/foodparcels-2/
Vote today and please share this so others can vote too!
Thank you for your support – it makes all the difference!
A big ask today… are there any local business out there, who would consider becoming a regular donor and sponsoring one foodbank item each on a weekly basis, so about 25 of the same thing weekly (pick an item that resonates with you – cheese? Veg? Tins of beans? Coffee? Pasta? You could bring us the items to The Chapel each week, or donate the funds and we can do the shopping on your behalf.
In thanks for your generosity, we would be delighted to put your business name on our food parcels news online, and provide a letter of thanks for you to display as you see fit.
If you think you might have a contact who can help us, why not share this blog post with them? Thank you for your support!
If you are struggling to feed yourself and need a parcel you can be referred to us by Citizens Advice, schools, social services, DWP, health visitors, local churches and other agencies. We support anyine in need in Ash, Ash Vale, Ash Green and Tongham.
Hello everyone, who’s up for a party? It’s time to book your tickets for the Candlemass Ceilidh on Saturday 3rd Feb 2024, doors open at 7.30pm here at St Mary’s on Vale Rd GU12 5JE.
To book please text / phone / WhatsApp our Project Manager on 07730 609446 for tickets. Please do book in advance so that we can be sure to cater. (and let us know if you have any dietary requirements!)
We are asking for a suggested donation of £10 a ticket (or give what you can afford) which includes entry, music, dancing, fun and food. (Half price for children.) The amazing Andy Johnson and team will be leading the fun, including dances, music and songs.
We will also have a bar available and a raffle on the night to help fundraise and cover our costs. Any raffle prizes gladly received, donations welcomed. See you at the party!
