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
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The Flower Ladies are a happy band who meet every week, to arrange flowers in
our beautiful church.
For more information, contact Pauline Mallett on 01636 671239.
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The Men’s group consists mainly (but not exclusively!) of men from the
congregation of St. Giles church. We meet usually at 7.30 p.m. on the 4th
Tuesday of the month in the Church Hall in Main Street, Balderton. The meetings
start with a short prayer and we have guest speakers, or a quiz. The subjects
are wide and varied including a talk each year by John Meredith about Trains.
We also have a coffee/tea break during the evening.
One of the highlights of the year is a skittles competition v the Wednesday
Club ladies, held at the “Rose and Crown”.
Contact Numbers:
Brian Mallett(Chairman) 01636 671239
Robin Clarke(Secretary) 01636 659427
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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.
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Wednesday Group is a lively, dynamic group who meet every second Wednesday of
each month at 8.00pm in the Church Hall. Our programme is varied and includes
outings to the theatre or bowling etc. We also have speakers on various topics
and evenings of friendship which often include wine and food!
We are always looking for new members and they would be made most welcome.
Further information from Heather Boddy 01636 671145
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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)