AS I write my notes this week, the weather feels more autumnal than summery so let us hope for a dramatic improvement for the second week of July particularly as tomorrow, Minsteracres summer fair takes place between 11am and 4 pm. Activities include children’s games on the lawn, craft demonstrations, a bottle tombola, plant sale, grand draw, books stall, prize bingo and home baking. Live music will be provided by the popular Ukes of Northumberland, as well as a harpist and an organ recital in the chapel.

This year, there will be two cafes serving some of the best scones in the county, as well as light lunches, cakes and ice cream. This fund-raising event is organised by the parishioners at St Elizabeth’s, at Minsteracres. Last year they raised around £2,000 which was used to install new showers in the retreat house. The organisers hope to match the figure again this year and money raised will go towards refurbishment of the bedrooms at the retreat house.

TO help prepare for the coming of their new priest, the Rev. Lesley Chapman, who will be installed on Monday, July 18, the parochial church council members of St James’ will be holding a short reflective service of evening prayer at 6pm on Sunday. The service will be led by readers Dorothy Dryden and Peter Ryder, and will include a time of prayer with silences in which the congregation can pray for their own preparation for this new chapter in the life of St James and for the community of Riding Mill as a whole. Everyone is welcome.

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