The service was excellent and the three course meal gave a good choice of different menus. The atmosphere was lovely, with friendly chatter throughout and everyone seemed to be having a lovely time. A collection was taken for the staff as a reward for their swift, prompt service. Fortunately, our coach returned in time to take everyone back to Stonnall safely. A collection was also taken for the driver, who is becoming a friend, after taking us to so many places. That should have been the final meeting of the Club for 2018, but the pre-school, Little Fishes, have asked to visit the Club to present small gifts, probably mince-pies, and entertain the members, so the final meeting will now be on Wednesday 12th.
After that celebration, there was another on Saturday 8th, when Stonnall Singers presented their Christmas concert in church. The concert was entitled, ‘Villagers All’, which was also the title of the final carol they sang. This concert was a celebration because it was the 30th Anniversary of the founding of the choir. A beautiful cake bearing the numbers 30 as candles, was presented during the interval and cut by the founder of the choir, now known as the President, who made a short speech and was then presented with a beautiful bouquet. There were several solos and monologues as well as a selection of carols for audience participation, mingled with the songs from the choir. Altogether, the evening went extremely well and the President amongst other things, thanked Bob Share, from Shenstone, for taking over the Singers and keeping it going, so far, for another five years. Incidentally, they are looking for new members, so if you are interested, go along to a rehearsal on a Thursday evening and give it a try. Rehearsals take place in the Youth and Community Centre, at the bottom of Main Street, Stonnall. Wait until the New Year, now, though.
The current week began, on Sunday, with the Christingle Service in St Peter’s Church at 4.00 pm. This was quite well attended, with lots of small children as well as members of the Guides, present. The service was conducted by the Vicar, assisted by Tina Powell, who has always been involved with this service, and at one point a large, human-size orange suddenly appeared, which caused a great deal of merriment. The organist, who was a pianist this time, was accompanied for one of the hymns, by a young lad, her grandson, on his guitar. This was much appreciated. The whole event went well and was enjoyed by the adults as well as the children.
Continuing with the current week, the W.I. enjoyed their party on Monday and no doubt will enjoy their Social Afternoon, when they meet again on Monday, 14th January. Shenstone Parish Council met on Tuesday, in Shenstone Village Hall, and on Thursday evening, Stonnall Singers met for their social evening, no doubt to relax after their concert.
As we draw nearer to Christmas, there will be a Dress-up Nativity on Sunday 23rd. The service begins at 10.45. On Monday, Christmas Eve, a service of Hope and Remembrance takes place at 2.00 pm and Midnight Communion is at 11.30 pm. The Christmas Day Service is at 10.00 am at St John’s Church, Shenstone.