We are often heard, but may not always be seen!

We are a group (smaller than we used to be!) of all ages who regularly ring twice each Sunday to call people to services. The eight bells can also be heard ringing for other special occasions such as: weddings; in memory of those who have died; national celebrations (you may have heard them during 2005 for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar or the Queen’s 80th birthday).

Although it takes a while to learn safely and correctly, it is a most rewarding pastime and, without going into too much technical detail, there is always something new and challenging to learn, although you can also be very happy ringing at a basic level. However all ringing has to be done with others, it is very much a team effort and we also socialise together: meals out, parties, coffee mornings, outings to other churches…

We practise on a Monday evening from 6:30 – 8:30pm and always welcome newcomers, who would like to learn to ring, or ringers who are visiting the area or lapsed ringers who would like to have another go!

Enjoy listening to the bells at St Giles and contact Colin Reed 01636 703585 if you would like to find out more.

Bible Sturdy Group is for anyone who wants to know and understand the Bible better, and learn about it with others. We have some very lively discussions! Come and join us on the first and third Thursdays in the month at 7.30pm in the choir vestry. Refreshments provided. Contact Anna Cahira for further details ( Tel 01636 701128)

Resources

A number of resources for regular Bible reading exist and a range can be bought from local Christian book shops. Here at St Giles we have an account with the Bible Reading Fellowship. You can order the BRF Bible Reading notes through the church representative Anna Cahira (Tel: 01636 701128)

The choir is open to everyone who wishes to sing – there is no age restriction! We meet most Fridays from 7.00pm to 8.15pmish at St. Giles (but not usually in school holidays).

We like to sing a wide range of music, not just hymns and service music; we like to sing the best of anthems old and new as well as explore world music and modern psalm settings etc.

We are currently developing a musical instrument group, which will sometimes rehearse with singers at choir practices. This group may be used particularly for children’s and youth services as well as healing and other special services.

If you are interested in joining us, please ring Lyn Morris (Musical Director) on 01636 812719

St. Giles Mothers' Union is part of a worldwide organisation of 3 million members. Balderton has 46 members and 6 Indoor Member’s Prayer Circles. (IMPC)

We believe in the Aim and Objects of the MU, which anyone considering membership should understand. - “The Aim of the Mothers’ Union is the advancement of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family life.” - Our meetings are always lively, thought provoking and fun. We always finish with tea and cake but the MU is so much more. We meet the first Tuesday of the month at 2.30pm in the Church Hall, occasional meetings are held in church.

For further details please contact Deborah Pollard, Branch Leader of St Giles MU 01636 672923

St Giles has two well established Mums & Toddler groups

A Monday morning group begins at 9.15am and finishes at 10.45am. We have mostly young mums attending, some grandparents with their grandchildren and a number of Registered Child minders and carers who come to enjoy a chat and coffee, whilst their children, all under 5’s, play safely in a large hall with carpeted area and toys varied and many. Our coffee bar is manned by a friendly team of ladies from our church who are Mothers Union members.

The Thursday afternoon session begins at 1.15pm and finishes at 2.45pm with singing games, just in time to do the school run. The afternoon group is run largely the same as the Monday one, but we do have a bigger number of older 3 and 4 year olds attending with their mums. There is still a carpeted area where young toddlers can play safely and we have a large play house, kitchen and slide, and sit and ride bikes etc. Mums and carers can enjoy a cup of tea in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It is our 16th birthday year this year, and the small committee who have run the group from the beginning, will be pleased to welcome any new mums who have just moved into the area.

Contact Mrs Christine Lathlane for further details Tel: 01636 686928

Sunday Club meets every Sunday morning (during school termtime) in St.Giles Church Hall at 9.30am. We welcome children of age 3 to 11 and provide different activities based on biblical teaching. This includes games, drama, making collages, drawing & painting and the children often make things which are displayed either in the church hall or the church itself. Sunday Club has a relaxed atmosphere and is an important part of the church family. The club runs at the same time as the Eucharist at St. Giles with the children being brought to church at the end of the service.

Sometimes the children take part in special services at church such as a Nativity Play at Christmas, Harvest Festival and Mothering Sunday. Also during the year the children are involved in All Age Worship services which they especially enjoy.

There are a number of occasions when we join with our Methodist friends such as the New Year party and the Palm Sunday joint service.

The club year ends with an outing for the children and their families.

Any children would be most welcome to join us. If you would like further details please contact Alison Wilson on 01636 673298.

The Wives & Friends Group meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the Church Hall at 7.30pm. We number about 25 members and apart from our meeting we help at all the church activities.

Recently we’ve had talks about British Waterways, The Life of a Vet, Across America By Tandem, also an annual Christmas party with the Methodist Wives & Friends Group – we alternate at their Church and ours. We have an annual outing in the summer and hope to visit the Retreat House at Southwell this year. We are an informal group and meet for friendship and chat as well as enjoying a variety of talks.

Youth Fellowship is a group of youngsters who meet on the second an fourth Sundays in the church hall from 7:00 -9:00pm. It is for young people of secondary school age (Year 7 upwards) and at present there are about 9 members and 2 leaders, aided by the vicar and Rev Daniel.

Each time we meet, there are various games and sports (e.g. table tennis, darts, and snooker) available with time to socialise, but we also organise specific activities on occasions. Examples of these since the group started up again last year:
Bowling; theatre visits; hand bell ringing; cooking and craft activities (we are at present making some figures for an Easter garden display in church).

Current members have had this to say about the group:
“Coz it gives u something to do on a Sunday nite when nothing is on”
“because it’s fun and you get 2 play games”
“super-duper, happy, exciting, amazing, good fun”

Each sessions cost 50p and we are always looking to welcome new members and people with particular talents or skills that could lead some of the special activities. Anyone interested or able to help should contact John Dodd (01636 679000) or Cathy Cross (01636 702118)