Thursday Morning Toddler Group

Gathering from 9:30am in the Methodist Church Halls we enjoy a time of fun and friendship for children aged between 0 and 5 years old and their adult carer (mum, dad, grandparents, friends etc). Tea, coffee, juice, fruit and healthy snacks await and flow throughout, and even more important a warm welcome is guaranteed.

This is manned by an enthusiastic, loving and committed team made up of ladies from both Richmond Methodist Church and St Mary’s Church. We could do with more helpers to make it easier when there is the inevitable outside commitments or illness. You don’t need to help all session or even every session.

Free flow play with a variety of toys for a variety of ages is followed by singing, stories, action games and fun.

Numbers vary between 10 children and 25 depending on the weather and time of year, and special gatherings have included celebrating Christmas and Easter with seasonal food, summer in the park and cake when it is children’s birthdays. There are also invitations given and (taken up by our families) to all our services at church especially Easter, Crib, Christingle and Christmas.

The time spent with each other, enjoying each other’s company, encouragement and the space to do it in such a friendly way is invaluable. We know the children gain lots, but so too the adults as they find people with similar concerns, joys and thoughts as each other.

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The Happy Bodgers 

Over the last few months a few of our gentlemen have been looking at how they can work together to help others who may be in need of a practical assistance.  As a result they have formed a group called “The Happy Bodgers”.  Happily they are far more skilled than their title suggests and they are able to offer a variety of help free of charge.

They write - “We realise that, as people grow older or disabled, they may need help with odd jobs. They may be perfectly capable of changing a light bulb, but can't safely climb onto a chair to do it. Or climb into the loft to retrieve stored items.  So we offer to do such simple tasks on a voluntary basis provided they are within our own abilities. These are DIY jobs which may require simple skills, not the sorts of job that would need a 'white van man'.  We have different skill sets and could allocate tasks accordingly.  We could operate in pairs if necessary, eg to move heavy furniture in order to clean.  We might be able to help with some joinery, simple repairs, electric fittings, small jobs in the garden, minor computer problems and advice on using software, internet, email etc. We might be able to clear gutters and take things to the dump. Try us - we can say no if we don't feel capable.  We could probably not take on regular tasks such as lawn mowing, weeding, shopping etc.   Why not give us a call on 07866 325843 and Keith Robson  will see if the Happy Bodgers can help, and take it from there.”  

We look forward to helping you. 

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Flower Guild 

The Guild is a friendly and inclusive group of people who decorate the church for services, weddings, festivals and special occasions. The welcome is equally warm for anyone who is interested, from those with particular skills to those who have little or no experience or even think they have no aptitude for such things. You are invited to come along and 'have a go'. 

Occasional workshops are held and many people have been surprised to discover skills they were not aware of. Tea/coffee makers are always welcome and needed.  Information about Flower Guild activities can be found on the church website, in the Parish Magazine and the weekly Pewsheet. 

 

 

 

 

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The Friends of St Mary's 

Membership of the Friends of St Mary’s is open to all those who are on the Electoral Roll, and help to raise money for the needs of all aspects of the Church, including purchasing banners to advertise seasonal services, as well as helping with renovation works. 

The Friends of St Mary's also organise a summer BBQ, and have held a very enjoyable Quiz and Pie and Pea Supper at the Cricket Club.

Please speak to Peter Trewby (Chair) on 07885 347736, email trewbyp@gmail.com if you have any ideas for fundraising or general social events. The committee will always give support but would love someone to come forward as a main organiser for an event. In this way we will be able to continue to assist with the general upkeep and maintenance of the church, its activities and services and to bind together in common fellowship all those who love the Parish Church.

 

 

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Yarns 

A friendly, welcoming group of crafters encompassing all ages and abilities, who meet weekly in a local café to knit, crochet, sew and enjoy each other’s company. Participants bring their own creative projects or do charity projects, although many people in the community drop by to join in simply for a chat. It is a very fluid group, with approximately 15-17 women and men attending most weeks. New members are always welcome and friendships are forged, which continue with people meeting outside the group. If you would like to join us or would simply like more information, please contact Anne Clarke on 07982 658991

 

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 St Mary's Church Richmond Mothers' Union

 

The Mothers' Union is a worldwide Christian membership organisation that demonstrates the Christian faith in action through the transformation of communities. Our four million members work with people of all faiths and none across 83 countries to promote stable marriage, family life and the protection of children through praying, enabling and campaigning. 

The Mothers' Union has a Vision Statement -
The Mothers' Union in the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales, through the love of God and in partnership with the Church, seeks to reach out creatively and actively to support stable family relationships and to promote a more just society. 

Our branch welcomes all to our branch - we have men, women, mums, dads, grandparents, single people and people without children - everyone is most welcome. 

Our banner was designed by Ann McDonald and lovingly and painstakingly stitched by Susan Scrafton and backed by Margaret Clayson and Christine Stedman. Seven years in the making it was dedicated by Bishop James on the 6th September 2015.

 We meet on the last Tuesday of most months and details are available from -

 

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