On Sunday 29th August the Benefice choir led the music at the united service at  All Saints Church, Bawdeswell. This was the third time this year the choir has performed since their formation at the beginning of the year and each time they get better and better.

Many thanks to them all for their commitment and working so hard over the last few weeks preparing the music for the service.  All the very complementary remarks and encouragement after the service were very welcome and make it very rewarding and worthwhile.  The format of 'Words & Praise' was new and gave us the opportunity to use some Taize music during the intercessions, as well as the choir singing two anthems before and after the service.  Jane Ewing also played the flute between the readings during a time of contemplation.
Many thanks to Celia Joice for her understanding and sensitive organ accompaniment, which was appreciated by all.

The choir now numbers some 18 members, but we can always do with some more help. It rehearses on a Thursday evenings at 7.30pm at All Saints Bawdeswell, normally six weeks before the next Benefice service. We have plenty of fun, I think, and you would be assured of a very warm welcome.
I would be most happy to discuss with anyone who is interested in joining, my telephone number is shown below.  Also, do you play an instrument and would be willing to take part in one of our joint services.  If so, do let me know.

The choir are now busy preparing for our next joint Benefice service, which will be on Sunday 31st October, 10.30am at  Sparham Church.

See you there !  - James Lilwall  
 

We are very grateful to the Friends of Bawdeswell Church for their continued support. They have recently made us the gift of a fine Yamaha Clavinova which can emulate several musical instruments including a grand piano. It was used to great effect for the Handel concert and as an accompaniment to Jane Ewing’s flute at the last Benefice Service.
Also from the Friends, and one generous friend in particular, the gift of a CCTV system to monitor the comings and goings at the church.  This means we are now able to leave the church unlocked during the day – of great benefit to visitors and parishioners alike.  It is one of the aims of the Friends to encourage villagers to make more use of the church and it is now open for them to visit whenever they feel like a few moments of peace and quiet or prayer.
Please take advantage of this.  Most of the year there are flowers to enjoy too.

On Sunday 29th August it was our turn to host the Benefice Choir with a special service of Words & Praise.   The choir sang two anthems and Taize responses during the prayers.  They were in great form and the 80 or so people who attended the service were enthusiastic in their praise.  Our thanks to them, James Lilwall who led them, Ceila Joice who accompanied them and to Jane Ewing for her contemplative musical interlude on the flute.
The Norfolk Churches Trust Sponsored Cycle Ride took place on Saturday 11th September.  The church was manned all day to sign in the visitors, but sadly there were no cyclists supporting our church this year.

On  Sunday 12 September  Ella Rose Cottrell   was baptised by the Archdeacon of Lynn, The Venerable Martin Gray and welcomed into the wider family of the Church.   Over 30 family and friends attended.  Later in the evening we very much enjoyed a service of Words & Praise led by the Ewing family.  William’s trumpet playing is coming on apace and Katie-Jane says she needs a new oboe.  Take note Dad. 
This year’s  Harvest Festival and Harvest Supper was the weekend of 19/20 September.  Thanks to all who came and all who worked so hard.  The church was lovely and the supper  a great event again.