Festival 2008 - Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd June

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Festival '08 Scores Success - Article from July's Herald

Here’s one man’s toast to everyone who made the St. John’s Festival possible this year. From what I saw, heard, tasted and felt, the varied programme this year was carried along with loads of enthusiasm and good humour among the organisers, the talent and volunteers who made every visitor feel welcome. Every event had its team of stars but, while I have no hope of naming them all, let’s offer special thanks to the Festival ‘Champ’ Kate Weller, Christine Bartlett (Programme Scheduling), Brian Bartlett (Finance), Carol Toombs (Catering), Louise Moran and Liz’ Wilkins (Publicity), Brenda Thomas and Barbara Hosier (Garden Party): specialists all and Planning Committee members to boot. Plus help from the Ministry Team (Revds Rob, Elizabeth and George), and a host of support helpers.

For the gorgeous floral displays in church we have Evelyn Tinsley and her Flower Guild friends to thank as true treasures of our church. ‘Words and Music’ - introduced as a Wednesday lunchtime feature a couple of years ago by Peter Barber and Christine Bartlett – offered two programmes of music, poetry, prose and theatre on 15th (following ‘Come and Go’ worship plus a Teddy Bears Picnic and Parachute Jumps) and 18th June in the midst of a Local Walk, Crafty Knitters, Scrabble Tournament and one of a series of ‘Lunch Box’ events offering a light meal every weekday of the festival . My two lunches were delicious and all the tables were full both times.

13th June had rung in the Festival 08 with a traditional peal of bells followed by the ‘Green Experience’ Exhibition on Natural Living; Family Quiz Trail; Fairtrade Stall; afternoon Music Recital; Teas; Table-Top Sale; and ‘Music on a Summer Evening’. Each weekday also offered a relaxing start with stories, conversation, prayers and discovery from 9am. There was Friendship Circle on Monday afternoon and Christ-Centred Meditation on the evening of 16th June. Jazz with George and Friends took over lunchtime 17th June followed by ‘Funky Festival’ Stories and Music for Toddlers’ plus Table Tennis Tournament (afternoon) and the St. John’s Jazz Band (evening). Fancy Dress ‘ Party Night’, Lyric Police (rock, folk and ballads) and Vine Pub Quiz Night were presented on 19th June. Friday offered Jazz from Tony, Bob, Pete, Tony and Jim; St. John’s Flower Guild presentation; and ‘Music by Candlelight.’ Saturday 21st June had its Dog Show (am) with an afternoon Garden Party (Vicarage garden) and a Murder Mystery Quiz Night (Revd’s George and Beverley Pinnell, Beryl Rowles, Iris Culcheth, John Woodland, Rosemary Blackbee and a villain who shall be nameless with boo/hiss support from Pete and Mary Hughes) and a fish ‘n’ chip supper in the Church Hall.

Sunday gave us a Festival Songs of Praise for a capacity congregation representative of all the ‘Come & Go’ services as well as St. John’s Violet Avenue initiative (now meeting at Wyevale Garden Centre every 2nd and 4th Sunday morning) and new visitors. Revd’s Rob and Elizabeth darted around with microphones (like a latter- day Fife Robertson or Kate Adie) to persuade a number of us to choose a hymn or piece of scripture. The interviewees included Margaret Newton, Ife Ogbonna, Jackie Hebron, Rosemary Blackbee, Sharon Ide and family, Lucy Pike and family, Ross and Pippa, Mark and Sue Robson, Jane Upchurch and (with a moving prayer from her encounter at Violet Avenue) Sylvia Green who chose “The Day Thou Gav’est Lord Has Ended.” The words for us to sing and read were conjured onto a big screen from Graeme Moran’s laptop.

At the time of writing (25th June) the Festival 08 appears to have raised over £4000 for St. Johns and its charities (with some donations still to come and some expenses still to pay). “The Planning Committee and a host of supporters worked hard on the Festival since last September – but it was worth every minute,” commented Kate Weller. “We aimed to attract Hillingdon people to take part and to have fun together at St. Johns. Fund- raising came second. True thanks to everyone who helped us.”

Doug Kelly


From our Clergy... Festival fun and frustrations

What was your festival highlight? There was so much varied, good and exciting stuff happening at and around St.John’s during last month’s Festival that you’ll probably find it hard to decide what comes out on top!

I enjoyed playing table-tennis, singing hymns, listening to stories of local murder and lunching together, but what left the most lasting impression on me was a conversation I had with someone early on in the week. She said what she loved about the festival was the way in which it threw up situations where we inevitably find ourselves treading on each others toes and liable to rub each other up the wrong way, because in those situations there is the opportunity for genuine relationship. As someone who hates conflict and like most of us doesn’t want to fall out with anyone, it is precisely those aspects of the Festival I find hardest! I went away from the conversation determined to view the inevitable from a different perspective!

It is unrealistic to think that we are all going to get along smoothly together all of the time, without any hitches. Despite our best intentions a fundamental part of being human is making mistakes, getting on each others’ nerves, winding each other up. God knows this and I think is ok with it, particularly when we accept it as our starting point. When we accept the inevitable we can lay aside our striving for perfection and our anxiety about upsetting others. In their place we take up the dynamics of forgiveness, patience, graciousness, because it is only these and similar qualities which will hold us together and see us safely through; and so frustrations are expressed and for the most part resolved; niggles are ironed out.

When the bunting is back in the garden shed, the cakes consumed, the publicity in the recycling bin and Festival ’08 is well and truly over, we’re left with something more valuable than all we consciously worked for. We find ourselves in a different place with one another because of all that we’ve shared. We’ve discovered a little more of the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. It’s a phenomenal thing that God desires not just to be with us, but to make his home with us. This is the promise of full and permanent occupancy, not a short-term rental agreement! Through all the highs and what we might have experienced as the lows of Festival ’08, God has been at work, to shape us as his people a little bit more into his likeness and so more fully settling into his home.

Elizabeth Moore-Bick


Archive - 2008 Events Programme

I'm leaving the events programme for 2008 on the website incase people want to see the sort of things we do at St John's during our festival week.

Friday 13th and Saturday 14th June

Friday 13th June


Retail Therapy Evening

Time - 8.00pm - 10.00pm
Location - Church.
Admission - £2.00

  • Enjoy a relaxed evening of shopping in beautiful surroundings. Stalls to include candles, cards, jewellery, cosmetics and photos. 10% of all sales to festival fund.


Saturday 14th June


Festival Peal

Time - 9.30am - 2.00pm
Location - church tower

  • A traditional peal of bells, ringing in Festival 2008.


Church Open

Time - 1.00pm


The Green Experience

Time - 1.00pm - 5.00pm
Location - church

  • An interactive display about green issues, the environment and natural living.


Family Quiz Trail

Time - from 2.00pm
Location - church.
Tickets - £2.50 per family group (max 6 people). Advanced booking not required.

  • A simple, fun-filled family quiz exploring St John’s and the local area.

  • Register at St John’s Church between 2.00pm - 2.30pm, prize giving at 5.00pm.


Traidcraft Stall and Fair Trade display

Time - 1.00pm - 5.00pm
Location - in church

  • An opportunity to buy Fair Trade products and find out more about the Fair Trade movement.


Music Recital

Time - 3.00pm – 4.00pm
Location - Church

  • Bach – Beethoven – Chopin – Rachmaninoff – Mozart – Duke Ellington.

  • Local piano students and Hillingdon’s very own Concert Pianist Jeremy Jones, plus George Arnold, Jazz Pianist / Compere.

  • Donations welcome.


Tea served in church

Time - 4.00pm - 5.00pm


Table Top Sale

Time - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Location - Church hall

  • To book a table please phone Peter Hughes on 07900 084 759
  • 9’ table £10, 6’ table £8. Set up from 1.00pm.


Music on a Summer Evening

Time - 7.30pm
Location - Church
Tickets - £10, to include a glass of wine and light refreshments. Booking advisable.
Contact - Kate Weller on 01895 259 636.

  • Relax and enjoy an evening of live music and song in this beautiful and ancient church setting.

 


Sunday 15th June

Come and Go

  • 8.00am - Morning Prayer - The traditional 'Prayer Book' service.

  • 8.30am - Traditional Communion

  • 9.00am - Breakfast & Conversation

  • 9.30am - Songs of Praise - Hymns & songs, a short Bible reading and 'thought for the day', and time for prayer.

  • 10.00am - Understanding our Faith

  • 10.30am - Family Communion

  • 11.00am - Refreshments

  • 11.30am – Festival Praise & Worship - Contemporary all age worship with the Junior Church families.


Teddy Bears Picnic

Time - 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Location - in and around church

  • Bring your Teddy Bear and a picnic to church and join in the fun. Grown-ups can bring their favourite teddy too!


Teddy Bear Parachuting

Time - 1.30pm – 3.00pm
Location - in and around church
Entry - £2.00 per bear. No advanced booking required.

  • Bring your Teddy Bear to parachute down from the top of the church tower.
  • Bearamy from Build-a-Bear Workshop, Uxbridge, will be on hand to encourage his bear friends in their adventure.
  • All bears successfully completing the parachute drop will be awarded a certificate.


Words and Music

Time - 3.00pm-4.00pm
Location - Church

  • ‘Our Favourite Things’ – a selection of readings, poetry and music.


Cream Teas served

Time - 4.00pm
Location - Church


Evening prayer

Time - 5.00pm
Location - Church.

  • A calm and relaxing end to the day using the beautiful and simple service of Evensong.


Monday 16th June

Discover

Time - 9.00am
Location - Church

  • Story, conversation and quiet. A relaxed and inspiring way to start the day. An opportunity to chat about things that matter, with time to think or pray.


Journey of Discovery

Time - anytime you like between 10.00am and 11.00am (activity finishes at 11:30am)
Location - Church

  • Enjoy wandering around this ancient building, filled with opportunities for reflection, quiet, conversation, prayer, activity and refreshments. Who knows what you might discover?


Local Walk

Time - 11.00am
Location - Outside church
Cost - Each walker to pay £2 on the day

  • Each walk is approx 2.5 – 3miles. Easy pace, start and finish at church. Optional ploughman’s lunch available afterwards. Sturdy footwear advised.


The Lunch Box

Time - 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Location - Church.

  • Light lunches served in church.


Friendship Circle

Time - 2.00pm-4.30pm
Location - Church

  • The St John’s Bereavement Group invite members and friends to a relaxed and informal afternoon of tea, cake and chat!


Meditation

Time - 6.00pm - 7.00pm
Location - Church
Contact - Katharine Harrison on 01895 461 945 for more information.

  • Home-grown, low cringe Christ centred meditation. Relaxation, breathing, prayer, imagination, silence and music. Holistic, inclusive and undemanding.


Tuesday 17th June

Discover

Time - 9.00am
Location - Church

  • Story, conversation and quiet. A relaxed and inspiring way to start the day. An opportunity to chat about things that matter, with time to think or pray.


Journey of Discovery

Time - anytime you like between 10.00am and 11.00am (activity finishes at 11:30am)
Location - Church

  • Enjoy wandering around this ancient building, filled with opportunities for reflection, quiet, conversation, prayer, activity and refreshments. Who knows what you might discover?


Jazz with George and Friends

Time - Noon till 2.00pm
Location - Church

  • ‘Keep Music Live!’ – instead of piped music. You can do this at this informal gathering (JAM) of jazz musicians. Dance in the aisles, sing or play.

  • Donations welcome.


The Lunch Box

Time - 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Location - Church

  • Light lunches served in church.


Funky Festival

Time - 2.15 - 2.45pm
Location - Church

  • A chance for toddlers to join in the fun with songs, dance, instruments and story-time. Why not bring your little one for a child-friendly lunch at The Lunch Box beforehand? 3 years and under.

  • Parental supervision required throughout the session please


Table Tennis Tournament

Time - 8.00pm – 10.00pm
Location - Church hall

  • Fun knockout competition in doubles table tennis. Teams to be chosen on the night.


All That Jazz!

Time - From 8,00pm
Location - Church

  • St John’s Jazz band playing exciting swing, intoxicating Latin and dreamy ballads with composers ranging from Cole Porter to Miles Davis and Antonio Carlos Jobim.


Wednesday 18th June

Discover

Time - 9.00am
Location - Church

  • Story, conversation and quiet. A relaxed and inspiring way to start the day. An opportunity to chat about things that matter, with time to think or pray.


Journey of Discovery

Time - anytime you like between 10.00am and 11.00am (activity finishes at 11:30am)
Location - Church

  • Enjoy wandering around this ancient building, filled with opportunities for reflection, quiet, conversation, prayer, activity and refreshments. Who knows what you might discover?


Local Walk

Time - 11.00am
Location - Outside church
Cost - Each walker to pay £2 on the day

  • Each walk is approx 2.5 – 3miles. Easy pace, start and finish at church. Optional ploughman’s lunch available afterwards. Sturdy footwear advised.


Festival Words and Music – ‘Summertime’

Time - Noon till 1.00pm
Location - Church.

  • A seasonal selection of poetry, prose and music.


The Lunch Box

Time - 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Location - Church

  • Light lunches served in church.


Crafty Knitters

Time - 2.00pm – 3.30pm
Location - Church Refectory

  • If you enjoy a craft, or would like to learn a craft, drop in and join us. All levels welcome – learn or pass on your skills.


Scrabble Tournament

Time - 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Location - Church
Entry - £2.00
Contact - Pam on 01895 469 926. to book your place


Murder in Middlesex

Time - 7.00pm - 8.00pm
Location - Church

  • This talk, by local author Jonathan Oates, discusses several murders which took place in nineteenth century Middlesex. One victim was buried in St John’s churchyard!


Beer and Hymns

Time - from 8.30pm
Location - Church

  • Choose your favourite hymns, sing them with a beer in your hand, and enjoy one or two of the Bible stories that they never dared teach you at school!


Thursday 19th June

Discover

Time - 9.00am
Location - Church

  • Story, conversation and quiet. A relaxed and inspiring way to start the day. An opportunity to chat about things that matter, with time to think or pray.


Journey of Discovery

Time - Start - anytime you like between 10.00am and 11.00am (activity finishes at 11:30am)
Location - Church

  • Enjoy wandering around this ancient building, filled with opportunities for reflection, quiet, conversation, prayer, activity and refreshments. Who knows what you might discover?


Meditation

Time - Noon till 1.00pm
Location - Church
Contact - Katharine Harrison on 01895 461 945 for more information.

  • Home-grown, low cringe Christ centered Meditation. Relaxation, breathing, prayer, imagination, silence and music. Holistic, inclusive and undemanding.


The Lunch Box

Time - 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Location - Church.

  • Light lunches served in church.


Church open for peace and quiet

Time - 2.30pm – 4.00pm.


Party Night

Time - from 7.30pm
Location - Church hall
Tickets - £5, £3 concession.

  • An evening playing games, doing silly stuff, dancing and jigging around. Please wear fancy dress / something funny, buffet and soft drinks provided. Bring your own alcohol.

  • Booking advisable – reserve a place on 01895 237 590.


Lyric Police

Time - from 8.00pm
Location - Church.

  • Evening all, we are back on the case! Musical group playing an eclectic mix of rock, contemporary folk and original ballads.

  • No ticket needed. Donations welcome.


Quiz Night

Time - 9.00pm
Location - The Vine Pub

  • The Vine Pub, opposite the Church, top of Vine Lane. Just turn up, on your own or in a ready-made team!


Friday 20th June

Discover

Time - 9.00am
Location - Church

  • Story, conversation and quiet. A relaxed and inspiring way to start the day. An opportunity to chat about things that matter, with time to think or pray.


Journey of Discovery

Time - Start - anytime you like between 10.00am and 11.00am (activity finishes at 11:30am)
Location - Church

  • Enjoy wandering around this ancient building, filled with opportunities for reflection, quiet, conversation, prayer, activity and refreshments. Who knows what you might discover?


Jazz with Tony

Time - Noon till 2.30pm
Location - Church.

  • Bob, Geoff, Pete and Tony play jazz renditions of music by composers ranging from Cole Porter to Miles David to Jobim, with ‘Sinatra-style’ vocals from Jim.


The Lunch Box

Time - 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Location - Church.

  • Light lunches served in church.


Flower Guild

Time - Friday afternoon
Location - Church.

  • Our Flower Guild prepare the displays for tomorrow’s weddings.


Music By Candlelight

Time - 8.00pm
Location - Church
Tickets - £5, to include a glass of wine. Booking advisable.
Contact - Ray Weller on 01895 259 636

  • An evening of popular classical music on CD, with something for everyone.

 


Saturday 21st June

Discover

Time - 9.00am
Location - Church

  • Story, conversation and quiet. A relaxed and inspiring way to start the day. An opportunity to chat about things that matter, with time to think or pray.


Dog Show

Time - 10.00am - 12.30pm
Location - Church grounds.
Entry - £1.00 per dog
Contact - Rosemary on 01895 233 142 to book a place

  • 6 classes: Best Small Dog, Best Large Dog, Happiest Dog, Best Kept Dog, Best Behaved Dog and Best Puppy.


Garden Party

Time - 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Location - Vicarage Garden, Royal Lane
Admission - £1.00, children 20p.

  • Enjoy live music, cream teas, homemade cakes and produce. Have fun on the train, trampoline and zip wire. Marvel at the magician. Games, stalls, plants and lots more!


Murder Mystery Quiz Night

Time - 7.30pm
Location - Church hall
Tickets - £8.00 adults, £6.00 children. Booking advisable.
Contact - George Pinnell on 07951 124 976,
or Peter and Mary Hughes on 07899 714 602.

  • An evening of murder and mystery. Fish and chip supper with a ‘who-done-it’ quiz. Bring your own drinks.


Sunday 22nd June

Journey of Discovery

Time - Start - anytime you like between 10.00am and 11.00am
Location - Church

  • Enjoy wandering around this ancient building, filled with opportunities for reflection, quiet, conversation, prayer, activity and refreshments. Who knows what you might discover?


Festival Songs of Praise

Time - 4.00pm
Location - Church

  • A celebration of the life and work of St John's, with favourite hymns and personal interviews, ending with a celebratory communion.


Festival Tea

Time - 5.30pm
Location - Church


Other events

Tuesday 10th June

Time - 7.00pm
Tickets - £5.00, booking required
Contact - Christine on 01895 231 202

  • “American Community School” Tour


Man for Hire

  • More information available in church.