All around the roof of the nave in our Church are carved statues of people, presumably saints. When the scaffolding was up it was fascinating to look at each one closely and to identify who it could be – St Peter was easy as he has keys in his hand. One or two of the figures might be prophets, as one was clearly shown carrying the tablets of the law – he could only be Moses. I suppose Moses might be counted as an ‘honorary saint’ – certainly he gave his life in the service of God. It was great fun and a huge privilege to have chance to examine these figures at close hand during the restoration work on the roof.

It was also a huge privilege to see the craftsmen at work on the wood and on the lead to restore our building to good working order again for the next few hundred years. It is rather an overwhelming thought that by our efforts we have secured at least the main part of the building for future generations.

It seems right, therefore, to give thanks in a special service for the work that has been done – and what better time could there be for that celebration than our Patronal Festival? Of course, our church is dedicated not just to one saint, but to All Saints – so it seems appropriate to have some of their number represented in our roof. All Saints Day is 1^st November, but as that is a Tuesday, we shall keep the festival in our main Sunday service on 30^th October. We hope that those who worked on the roof will be there to share our thanksgiving and to receive our thanks, for the roof both inside and out is a beautiful work of art.

We also need to give thanks for those whose efforts and generosity have ensured that we could pay for the work. We hope as many people from the village as possible will be there to share the day, so spread the word! The service will be followed by a Bring and Share lunch.

The saints who look down on us from our lovely new roof will be a reminder that we celebrate All Saints – those known to us by name and the countless others who have given their lives quietly and conscientiously through the years to ensure that God’s work is done – in this place and throughout the world. We may not all be called to do great things, but the real secret of serving God is to work diligently in the place where he has put us. Thank you and God Bless you all for the work you do here in Turvey.

Jo Spray

All who have helped to restore our roof

All caught up in the devastating floods in the USA

The sick and housebound in the village

By the time this reaches you, our Harvest Festival Services may well be over. However, there is still time to enjoy the Harvest Auction and Harvest Supper. We are delighted that the manager of "Ye Three Fyshes" has offered hospitality on Wednesday 5^th October for our auction. It promises to be an exciting evening with some new and surprising lots up for sale. If you want to eat supper there, you will need to arrive well before 7.30pm. The Auction will start at 8.30pm and very light refreshments will be available – as will drinks from the bar. All proceeds will go to the Bishop’s Harvest for the Hungry Appeal. This is a great initiative by Andy at the Fyshes – do come and support it!

The Harvest Supper will be on Friday 7^th at 7.30pm in the Village Hall with a short quiz to follow. Tickets from Sandra Nightingale. Again this is usually a really good evening and we look forward to seeing you there.

As part of our thanksgiving for the new roof and in celebration of All Saints, we are having a Bring and Share Lunch after the 11:00am service on Sunday 30^th October. If you can help, or if you want to come, please contact Gill Betts (01234 720615) or see the notice at the back of church.

Meeting on Thursday 20^th October at 2:30pm in the Manor Room. A talk by Sister Esther on icons.

The British Legion Band Concert will take place in Church on Saturday 15^th October starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets are £5, including a glass of wine. In aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Fund and All Saints’ Church.

A leaflet giving more details has been delivered around Turvey. If you missed out please contact Jane Brewster on 881484. Further information can be found on the Turvey Mysteries website at www.turveymysteries.org.uk.