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EVENTS WE ENJOYED IN 2011
We had a busy 2011 at St Mary
Magdalene Church with lots of community and fund-raising events.
We'd like to share the following reviews with you so you can relive the
memories if you were there, or see what you missed, and perhaps think
about joining us for future events.
Murder Mystery
Souper Lunch
May
Fayre Raft Race
Summer Ball Flower Festival
Barn Dance
Pet Service
Murder Mystery 2011
A Review
Mysterious happenings were afoot at Littleton School on 12
March. A brutal murder took place at the Hotel Strange, but who
was the murderer or murderers?
Was it the endearing Mrs Mopp, the hotel cleaning lady, determined to sort things out “the old way”? Was it one or both of the shifty hotel managers, Mrs Summerfield and Jenks, who seemed to be plotting something using an ad in The Times?
Was it Imelda Argos, used to the high life, with a flamboyant choice of clothes and an obsession with shoe-shopping? Was it Colonel Manning, who had left his regiment under a cloud, with rumours of financial skulduggery? Was it hotel entertainer Bianca Belle, who gained a round of applause for an admirable burst of “The Floral Dance”? Or was it her manager Cliff, complete with a Modravian accent and a hat that commanded the stage?
The mystery deepened when further evidence was given out during the interval, but thankfully matters were resolved with a sure hand in the second half by Inspector Wright, reprising his role from last year’s murder mystery, with the help of a secret agent known only as “H”, clearly a 007 in waiting.
All of the actors did a splendid job, and were applauded warmly by two enthusiastic audiences, as were the producer and the author. A special mention is also due for the sound, which was excellent, including music, doorbells, and thunderclaps.
In an innovation this year, there was a matinee at 4pm as well as the evening performance at 7.30pm. Audiences were treated to a scrumptious high tea in the afternoon, and a lovely two-course meal in the evening. A table-quiz and a raffle added to the fun. Great credit is due for the many people who worked behind the scenes to make this occasion possible!
By our roving arts reporter
Extract from Littleton Life April 2011
MAY FAYRE MAGNIFICENCE
7th May
The gazebo rose like a phoenix, soared
beyond the grasping hands, and flung itself over the reservoir
railings to crash in a welter of bent struts and broken legs.
Willing helpers rushed to help and with some inspired “boy
scout” lashings the Refreshment Stall stood again, triumphant
against the wind.
All around The Green a vast range of stalls were rising. If you
could bounce on it, throw it, hit it, stick a pin in it, plant
it, read it, eat it or raffle it…then you could find it here. A
vast range of Bric a Brac and an indoor refreshment area, laden
with delicious homemade cakes awaited our visitors. The Dog Show
was awash with eager owners queuing to enter their canine
friends, who were behaving impeccably.
Then we were off .The Fayre opened, the Dog Show began with a
flourish of best puppies…. and the sun came out to bless the
afternoon.
We would like to thank everyone who gave of their time and
effort to support the Fayre, and all those in the community who
came to take part and who gave so generously on the day. In
particular we would like to thank all those local businesses who
made donations, or sponsored activities. Without your
contributions the Fayre would not have been such a wonderful
success, both in fostering a lively community spirit and raising
over £3700 for your local church.
See you again next year!
Extract from Littleton Life June 2011
SHEPPERTON FAIR - RAFTING DOWN THE RIVER
Shepperton Fair on Saturday 11th
June saw the sun shine brightly on the annual Raft Race with
more than 30 teams of intrepid paddlers battling their way
along the river.
Most of them comprised four strapping adults, the male St
Trinians schoolgirls being a great example, but half a dozen
were made up of under 16s, building their biceps in their
struggle to become this year’s champions.
Our very own Maggies Youth Cub created the unlikely sight of
the giant shark, JAWS, cruising up the Thames complete with
scary theme tune blasting from the front. They encountered
stiff opposition from other youth teams including Alice in
Wonderland, The African Queen, Scooby Doo, Harry Potter and
Back to The Future, all artistically decorated.
Among the adult teams Saving Private Ryan complete with
gunfire, smoke and loud explosions, provided great
excitement. Ironically the Army capsized crossing the finish
line and one of three Batmen had to be hauled out after
falling off her raft…a far cry from saving the world but it
gave the watching thousands plenty to smile about!.
Paddle on next year!
Extract from Littleton Life July 2011
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SUMMER
BALL
2nd JULY
Charity Balls don’t bounce my way
too often so the chance to attend the St Mary Magdalene
Summer Ball was a fantastic opportunity to get excited about
a new experience, sort out a seriously glamorous frock, hunt
down some serious ‘bling’ and scrub up for a night to
remember!
On Saturday 2nd July, the Summer Ball kicked off with a fine
champagne reception; an ideal venue to chat with old friends
(hardly recognisable in their stylish coiffured and
sparkling elegance), meet new ones and work up an appetite.
The evening was gloriously sunny and as we sat on the
terrace at the All England Rugby Stadium, Twickenham,
overlooking the famous turf, we shared our hopes for a
successful evening.
While we waited to be guided to our tables the Ball
Committee hosted a top notch tombola serenaded by a singer.
Lots of lovingly presented prizes wrapped and tied up with
oodles of panache and furnished with lavish goodies.
Fine Dining for the 180 guests was executed with assured
professionalism. Each of the four courses was delicious, and
both cooked and served to perfection. Wine flowed and a
convivial time was spent getting to know one another in the
relaxed and happy surroundings.
The geniality continued as our Charity Auction began. It
was, for the 3rd year running, a phenomenal success. Donated
prizes ranged from framed photographs to a round of golf at
Wentworth, a year’s membership of a Hotel Gym to the
Committee Ladies coming to the highest bidder to cook a
three course meal for 16 people. The bidding was fast-paced,
hilarious, slightly surreal but delightfully amusing
entertainment.
The remainder of the evening passed to the ‘Sounds of the
60’s’ and the live band, The Merseybeats, (Remember Freddie
and the Dreamers, The Tremeloes, Jerry and the Pacemakers?)
who did a sterling job of rousing everyone off their seats
and onto the dance floor, before we finally staggered out to
our waiting carriages at 12.30am.
Everyone agreed it had been another runaway success. On the
night an amazing £6,000 was raised to support the life of
Littleton Church and keep it serving this community.
When St. Mary Magdalene announces the date for their 4th
Annual Summer Ball in 2012 – it’s going straight into my
diary!
Sue Dean
Extract from Littleton Life Oct 2011
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FLOWER FESTIVAL, STRAWBERRY TEAS
AND PARISH BARBEQUE
22nd to 25th July
Speedwells,Strawberries and Sausages
The enticing aroma of fish and chips mingled with the fragrance of the flowers, and filled the church. It was Thursday evening 21st July and preparations were in full swing for the Flower Festival due to start the next day. Many of the arrangements were done but a few latecomers were still arriving to assemble their masterpieces . In the vestry a small group were sorting raffle prizes for Saturday afternoon when the Fundraising Committee would host the annual strawberry cream tea event in the Rectory garden. Despite the long day and exhausting effort the sense of anticipation was palpable and all thoughts were on the forthcoming weekend.
Over the following four days a steady stream of visitors came to St Mary Magdalene church to admire and be amazed by the inspired creations on the theme of “Stories from the Bible”. Talented minds and fingers had depicted many well-known stories including Jonah and the whale, the Burning Bush, Noah’s Ark, and Jesus turning the water into wine.
Saturday afternoon brought a constant demand for the delicious Strawberry Cream Teas which kept the servers and a cheerful team in the kitchen busy for several hours. The raffle delighted with its multitude of prizes, whilst the book stall tempted many to add to their overflowing bookshelves.
On Sunday Revd. Alison and Alan hosted a splendid parish barbeque. The superbly cooked sausages and generous glasses of wine were only outdone by the astounding array of donated desserts. Sighs of contentment testified that it had been a wonderfully successful weekend.
Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make all the events such delightful and enjoyable occasions.
Extract from Littleton Life Sept 2011
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PET SERVICE
18th September
Possibly for the first time in its
history, our church heard not only the sounds of footsteps
and tiny feet enter its doors, but also the patter of many
tiny paws as it was host to the furry, feathered and
shell-encased varieties of God’s creatures who are treasured
as our pets.
The service was ‘Pet Orientated’ with well known hymns and
songs about God’s creatures including “All Things Bright and
Beautiful”. The children demonstrated the actions to “If I
Were a Butterfly” to the delight of one dog at the back of
the church who barked his way through the song!
Revd Alison told us the story of
"St Francis of Assisi and
the Hungry Wolf" who terrorized a village —when fed and
treated with kindness it ceased to be a threat.
Every pet was taken up for a blessing. Some were represented
by a soft toy or a photograph. In total there were 38
blessings, with 23 pets in the congregation. These included
9 dogs, 1 cat, 2 budgies (in a cage!), 2 hamsters, 1 ferret,
and a giant African snail still eating his breakfast.
What a success! Nothing was eaten, no fur or feathers flew!
Afterwards, mops at the ready, the sidespersons prepared to
clean up. ..but there were no puddles or calling cards left!
The church had been full with 81 adults and 36 children —
many of whom had been so proud and
excited to bring their beloved pets — could this be an
annual event?
Gillian E Keller
Extract from Littleton Life Oct 2011
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BARN DANCE
Honour your partner. Honour your
corner. Circle Left, Circle Right! Promenade your partner
back home again. It was Saturday evening 10th September at
the Charlton Village Hall and the St Mary Magdalene Barn
Dance was in full swing. To the accompaniment of much mirth,
and a great deal of huffing and puffing, we threw ourselves
into the dances with enthusiasm and energy.
Swing your corner, swing your partner. Form a right-hand
star…no a RIGHT-HAND star !!! We were
sustained by calls of encouragement from the few spectators
not participating; when, that is, they were able to draw
breath between bouts of laughter.
A delicious buffet mid–evening was welcomed by all, as was
the opportunity to sit for a while, and the licensed bar was
very well patronised throughout, as thirsty dancers reeled
from the dance floor in search of desperately needed
re-hydration.
We are deeply indebted to John and Edna who called the
dances with a clarity and precision, alas totally unmatched
by the grace and agility of the dancing couples, and also to
their friends who endeavoured unceasingly to instruct and
lead our lumbering efforts. We thank them also for a superb
demonstration of line-dancing which we all knew could not
possibly be as easy as they made it appear.
However, as the evening drew to a close there was a
discernible improvement to be seen in our dancing prowess,
and the final dance saw nearly everybody up on the floor,
including a wildly energetic group whirling and spinning in
the kitchen due to a lack of free space elsewhere!
Extract from Littleton Life Nov 2011