Groups

The Music Group - the church is blessed by the solid commitment of our all-year-round musicians - Peter M ably leading the 9am music and putting up with Rick playing the trumpet in his ear, also occasionally John B and those who carry the eleven o'clock music outside university terms; they know who they are!

We are always on the lookout for more musicians - we have space for everyone who wants to contribute. Find Peter after the 9am service if you want to help with the organ music, or if you're interested in joining the later crew, who practice immediately before the 11am service, just catch someone before or after the service. We already have an unusual mix of instruments and voices. The title of 'instrument you're least likely to see in another church' now officially belongs to Jonny's cor anglais, which always sounds fantactic. Whether you're a sousaphone player or an expert on the spoons, you'll have a place.______Rick Taylor

Mothers' Union meets on the third Thursday of each month in the meeting room (2.00 pm in winter and 7.30 pm in summer) with a varied programme of speakers. In summer there is an outing in July and a Christmas lunch in December. They also meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 9.30am for a corporate Communion in the Church followed by Bible study. The Branch, attached to the York Deanery, welcomes everyone and supports overseas members and local charities. Contact person: Grace Allen 01904 413485.

Flowers The church is very appreciative of the beautiful flower arrangements produced each week. They are usually done by Rosabelle Lonsborough, Deirdre Hopwood and Pat Beckwith with back-up from Margaret Cummings and Marjorie Gollop. Other members of the congregation usually help at the bigger celebrations. We welcome anyone who might be interested in doing flowers, perhaps to celebrate an anniversary or in memory of a loved one. Please contact one of us.

Wedding flowers are usually organised by the people concerned but we are more than happy to do them for our regular members if they wish.

We try to be self-funding but rely on generous donations from our church members throughout the year for buying flowers and oasis.

Look at the examples of beautiful flower arrangements in the pictures and click on any of them to see the enlargement.

The Banner Group's main focus recently was on the new banner for the 2008 birthday celebrations. So many people were involved it is impossible to name them all – but our grateful thanks to all who have picked up a needle (some for the first time in many years) to embroider panels. We even managed to get it all done in time for the party (just!). Look at the result in the picture and click on it to see the enlargement. Plans are now being made for two new banners with a Christmas theme - contact Deirdre Hopwood to get involved.______Deirdre Hopwood

The Prayer Group meets fortnightly on a Tuesday morning at 10.00 am in the Community Room at Heslington Court. Members take it in turns to lead the meeting, each person doing it in their own way. Our prayers are far ranging and include the clergy, people and events in the parish and the world. This is followed by coffee and fellowship. Please join us if you can.

The Church Walking Group meets at Heslington Vicarage at 9.30 am, usually on the third Saturday of the month, for walks in the Howardian Hills, the Wolds or the North York Moors. Historical or religious interest is often part of the planning. The distance is normally about 10 miles, with a shorter route of about 5 miles for those who prefer it. The walks are most ably led by our trusty leader, Ruth Ellison. Bring your own lunch and don't be put off by the nettles, brambles and mud that are a guaranteed feature of every walk. You don't have to be super-fit to join us - walkers of all levels of experience and age are welcome. Numbers involved have ranged from three to twenty-four and ages from two to over 70.

Let us know if you are coming (so we can arrange transport) either by signing the notice in the church or by ringing Ruth at 01904 412368.

See the pictures taken by our enthusiastic photographer on a walk to explore the countyside around Bugthorpe and Kirby Underdale - look out for the badger sett and the field full of molehills.

John Eckersley, our previous leader, has written several excellent walking guides. Find out about John's books by going to his website. His latest book on "Alphabetting in East Yorkshire" is now on sale and the group which he led on its inauguration is shown below. He has just completed a Land's End to John O'Groats walk with his wife, our retired vicar, Nancy, to raise money for Christian Aid.