tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30566948271807317542024-02-29T12:09:51.718+00:00Virtual Christmas Tree FestivalTwinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-13637792629967575132020-12-02T20:00:00.014+00:002020-12-02T20:29:57.365+00:00Seasons' Greetings from everyone at St. Mary le Tower<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OfE23wQ1eSM" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OfE23wQ1eSM/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVlhkBJzkmCJ3AIKvhmXnCy1GOE9yf9EqREcbYIFTSDPccSwaMds-jLua3vqRReTJ9CEX9OhKih7a23zUkIB10cEKYj7ZDOPJ_n4JgX_eicgxbIz_ek_JpSiysSkYXlQZNQUp2y2YkjU/s2048/90821677_3254461144617848_4398711848782790656_o.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVlhkBJzkmCJ3AIKvhmXnCy1GOE9yf9EqREcbYIFTSDPccSwaMds-jLua3vqRReTJ9CEX9OhKih7a23zUkIB10cEKYj7ZDOPJ_n4JgX_eicgxbIz_ek_JpSiysSkYXlQZNQUp2y2YkjU/s600/90821677_3254461144617848_4398711848782790656_o.png" width="600" /></a>
<audio autoplay="" controls="" src="http://www.stmaryletower.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Adam-lay-ybounden-Ben-Parry.mp3"></audio></div><div style="text-align: center;">Click to hear the full version of this arrangement by Ben Parry.</div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-19452679582866982692020-12-02T19:00:00.033+00:002020-12-02T19:00:00.335+00:00Upcoming services<p>To maintain social distancing, the following services will be ticketed via Eventbrite. (Tickets are FREE and solely for the purpose of adhering to COVID-safe regulations.) </p><p>Tickets for each service will be available approximately two weeks before each event, either via our <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/st-mary-le-tower-church-community-31493893783" target="_blank">Eventbrite page directly</a>, or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SMLTCC" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. There is also a link from <a href="http://www.stmaryletower.org.uk" target="_blank">our website</a>. </p><p>(<i>To offer as many seats as possible most important services are offered twice this year.)</i></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXokYlkJNAfgms5CU6bNv0kCnXf-paYjrx_6qythD5FVZ7BpqPSRYkZO-q0-KLyWlrYuuBDls3htDAeQPtjqgG483PRIn_ywQ2v9B0ySZq-rFEbV0uWO5FGGBZB9FsgeTw0sQlwcaDcA/s2048/XmasServicesFinal.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXokYlkJNAfgms5CU6bNv0kCnXf-paYjrx_6qythD5FVZ7BpqPSRYkZO-q0-KLyWlrYuuBDls3htDAeQPtjqgG483PRIn_ywQ2v9B0ySZq-rFEbV0uWO5FGGBZB9FsgeTw0sQlwcaDcA/w640-h428/XmasServicesFinal.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click the picture to see a larger version<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Please contact our churchwarden or the vicar via the contacts page on our website if you know of someone who does not have internet access, but would like to attend. Only a limited number of tickets will be available on the day and seating cannot be guaranteed.</p><p></p>The <span style="color: red;">RSCM</span> is offering an open invitation to join in with our unique, participative Big Christmas Carol Service on Saturday 12th December, in partnership with the Churches Conservation Trust. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0_V4MZ_FXHX_ihGFvAvGoa3zMjjHq6iBiqsDIOy7stbrhFkklZOARpkGNr4kPwMJiVW1CTQqMlJhYcEavk9sidm3bNNUEfkI9XcYtQjJUuVUWcZSL0AG1X8yKzcQQS4cIg0zzjNvu98/s752/Outlook-Text%250A%250ADesc.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="752" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0_V4MZ_FXHX_ihGFvAvGoa3zMjjHq6iBiqsDIOy7stbrhFkklZOARpkGNr4kPwMJiVW1CTQqMlJhYcEavk9sidm3bNNUEfkI9XcYtQjJUuVUWcZSL0AG1X8yKzcQQS4cIg0zzjNvu98/w640-h182/Outlook-Text%250A%250ADesc.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div>Download the <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/lxm9c6btgk3osnw/Join%20us%20to%20Sing%20for%20Christmas.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">letter with all the details here</a> and join in!</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, here are our choral scholars from Framlingham College singing "O come all ye faithful"!</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O1qoKVeKiAk" width="480"></iframe></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-15418814024617654122020-12-02T18:00:00.036+00:002020-12-02T18:00:00.336+00:00Prayer for the Nation - Wednesday<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci0wtjCTYBRurB3xaXrogoGk-oY88bEcs4DzeVvD1MW9uIbnGOVkJxpagtnJyqbLheGHfT6iIZ3e8aIJtw5UzMQTX7BsZ1JLCn6cmV3b_eMx3SEzJ8GzLil3DeQvMN09GE0A7cw3qgrw/s1688/Screenshot+2020-11-08+at+19.17.11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1688" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci0wtjCTYBRurB3xaXrogoGk-oY88bEcs4DzeVvD1MW9uIbnGOVkJxpagtnJyqbLheGHfT6iIZ3e8aIJtw5UzMQTX7BsZ1JLCn6cmV3b_eMx3SEzJ8GzLil3DeQvMN09GE0A7cw3qgrw/w640-h438/Screenshot+2020-11-08+at+19.17.11.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Continuing our lockdown month of <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/call-prayer-nation" target="_blank">Prayer for the Nation</a>, on Wednesday we pray for businesses, the workplace and economic wellbeing.</p><div style="text-align: left;">In this time of great challenge,
we pray for the economic
wellbeing of the country. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We remember before God those
who face great uncertainty in
their work. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We lift before God those who
have lost their jobs and face
an uncertain and difficult
future. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We pray for a renewed
commitment to our common
life together.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Amen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>We conclude the month of prayer with the following:-<div><br /></div><div><b>A Grace </b></div><div>Dear God
We are grateful for all that you have given to us – this food, each
other and our health. </div><div>We pray for those who lack these things we enjoy. </div><div>Give us thank full hearts and opportunities to share your gifts
with others. </div><div>We lift before you this country in these difficult days – and pray
you would protect us, encourage us and keep us.</div><div>Amen.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>We have a number of community interest businesses based at Tower House:-<span><a name='more'></a></span></b></div><div><a href="https://www.towerstprintproject.org.uk/" target="_blank"><u>The Tower Street Print Project / Oyster Community Press</u> </a></div><div>This is a Community Interest Company (CIC) which is a community enterprise that wants to use its profits and assets for the public good. It offers courses in the various techniques of printmaking ranging from beginner to Diploma level. Their aim is to boost wellbeing by reaching out to people who may not otherwise have access to the arts and teaching them various techniques of printmaking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.towerstprintproject.org.uk/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="336" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMYZQ42ZuE1faMI9cTAV1DGyUqz8xe2hRMqBKkHY1gcRSlYZPtUcbnooIZa4qc2oyg4PhYtEPwu8-N_DvZZLeCPIMsU2vRH02Ic-mLjrm8qL3Tujjk4IKV2Ef37ELn31swxF8v3d6DAo/s320/Screenshot+2020-11-27+at+10.04.50.png" /></a></div><br /><div>Their community arts projects are usually funded by combinations of the Arts Council, Local Authorities, Schools, Local and Borough Councillors and Charities. They provide free printmaking workshops to volunteers to help them relax and unwind and they are also providing free videos and a small supply of printmaking kits to anyone finding lockdown a struggle financially. For full details and the YouTube link to the video, visit our website; https://www.towerstprintproject.org.uk/</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://radiuscomputing.co.uk" target="_blank">Radius Computing</a> is based at Tower House. It was founded with the sole purpose of delivering affordable IT Training and Solutions throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://radiuscomputing.co.uk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGj2QqpztYEJjbla2ycQbmz-UT6ks7Z9mCpQnewxpUMjDzL1MSs0hQ5dmmacp6qVPh-vRBp9-x0-DhoRNB0xztZeAf2ZADPRyhaQz6emkG_Phd18aE_tc5hskoDW_XhzfIb56NbF6F_ao/s320/Screenshot+2020-11-27+at+09.30.29.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>Regardless of a client’s location, all contracts shall be considered.
We aim to empower individuals to develop core IT skills within the workplace or in preparation for IT-related employment opportunities.
</div><div><br /></div><div>Learners who complete one of our programmes will be supported towards being able to work in an office environment with excellent knowledge of IT or to use this opportunity to explore and to work towards getting into the IT Industry.
</div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-9589661115901590562020-12-02T16:00:00.055+00:002020-12-02T16:00:00.449+00:00Nativity Plays<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Most people will have memories of the annual school nativity play, whether it is of their own role in one, or watching their children or grandchildren perform. (Or even producing one as a teacher!) This year school productions will be very limited and are unlikely to be offered to a live audience in the same way. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Our Nativity Play" by Eric Finney </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">It went pretty well, our Nativity play, </div><div style="text-align: center;">In front of the mums in the hall. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Though it wasn’t quite perfect,our teacher Miss May </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Said that slip -ups weren’t noticed at all. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It’s a pity the innkeeper’s wife is away </div><div style="text-align: center;">With pains in her head and her turn; </div><div style="text-align: center;">Sally Ann took the part and forgot what to say- </div><div style="text-align: center;">She stood there just sucking her thumb. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Still,it wasn’t too bad our nativity show: </div><div style="text-align: center;">Our mum seemed to like it a lot </div><div style="text-align: center;">When a king dropped his casket on Josephs big toe, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and he called them a clumsy great clot! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All the angels were great;in the whitest attire </div><div style="text-align: center;">They came on in a great ghostly group, </div><div style="text-align: center;">But Sandra’s right wing fluttered clean off it’s wire </div><div style="text-align: center;">And her other wing started to droop. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The boss of the shepherds was Christopher Powell: </div><div style="text-align: center;">His costume was tight ‘cos he’s fat, </div><div style="text-align: center;">So he cut a great slit in his mum’s stripy towel - </div><div style="text-align: center;">I bet he got walloped for that. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All the audience clapped our Nativity play; </div><div style="text-align: center;">I don’t know what that kid in the choir meant </div><div style="text-align: center;">When he said that he thought our teacher Miss May </div><div style="text-align: center;">Ought to think about early retirement. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well there were a few slip- ups perhaps on the day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But they just didn’t matter at all </div><div style="text-align: center;">When mary sang Jesus asleep on the hay </div><div style="text-align: center;">And we all gathered round in the stall.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyeUnG7AiMai7tAzGTi9B4I0kkMG-x9AX9I9H80G5Rc_6Pzybo6APbjOpAnz6yVp5ai2rGIXWfle2Tqi4E9hCN26nhOMB775bc_8umF7Ri2EBBuGre-VvOXrIpeBKjzTfkNhdBKGVpB4/s2048/IMG_4130_4152653573_o.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyeUnG7AiMai7tAzGTi9B4I0kkMG-x9AX9I9H80G5Rc_6Pzybo6APbjOpAnz6yVp5ai2rGIXWfle2Tqi4E9hCN26nhOMB775bc_8umF7Ri2EBBuGre-VvOXrIpeBKjzTfkNhdBKGVpB4/w640-h480/IMG_4130_4152653573_o.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>History of Nativity Plays</b></p><p>Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The word nativity comes from the latin word 'natal' which means birth (and is also where we get the word 'native' from). </p><p>The first Nativity Play was performed in a cave by monks in Italy by St. Francis of Assisi and his followers in 1223 to remind the local population that Jesus was born for them, as he was born into a poor family like theirs and not to a rich family.
St. Francis told the part of each character in the story himself using wooden figures in the play. After a couple of years, the play had become so popular that real people played the parts of the characters in the story and songs were sung by the people taking part which eventually became what we call Christmas carols today! </p><p>Wooden figures are now used in crib scenes in many churches, and also in people's homes to tell the story of the birth of Jesus. Our Christmas Tree Festival even has it's own nativity, and it has become a tradition for visiting children to find the characters for the nativity amongst the trees in the church. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMwowH5mzVdxbhII-Z3V1-JBbL8Jg7dTIg3LTDyajmHjd03rV5lKRU9iXxCKZSfOrKehay2gLqLuwWND2s0o9B290cgiWbCqvYdM4LTRtuRdW9AgMoYbWvlq-ZIprfhHHx1RL1ZSqhFk/s920/Screenshot+2020-11-11+at+10.49.24.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="690" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMwowH5mzVdxbhII-Z3V1-JBbL8Jg7dTIg3LTDyajmHjd03rV5lKRU9iXxCKZSfOrKehay2gLqLuwWND2s0o9B290cgiWbCqvYdM4LTRtuRdW9AgMoYbWvlq-ZIprfhHHx1RL1ZSqhFk/s320/Screenshot+2020-11-11+at+10.49.24.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Here are our choral scholars from Framlingham College singing "O little town of Bethlehem". Hopefully next year you can enjoy carols and Christmas trees in the church!</p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DnPIMiy2SdU" width="480"></iframe></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-74436815630591700452020-12-02T14:00:00.002+00:002020-12-02T14:00:00.132+00:00Mince Pie Brownies<p>Another recipe for you to try! For a tea time treat these brownies are a lovely Christmassy version of the traditional favourite. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKk3iMvi4QF9bLUO444HGTfX7AqYWILqcNUhPM2jxxqzhdaVszGef_gRhquqIdPxSWuMO6l53n8hBu9bGeU7HwlezdQ21egElbrBWt60FOhf6ZDyOsMYGV9UmhZOthGzRpb7ZhOnWP8jc/s2048/michelle-tsang-1rqk6XVnw44-unsplash.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKk3iMvi4QF9bLUO444HGTfX7AqYWILqcNUhPM2jxxqzhdaVszGef_gRhquqIdPxSWuMO6l53n8hBu9bGeU7HwlezdQ21egElbrBWt60FOhf6ZDyOsMYGV9UmhZOthGzRpb7ZhOnWP8jc/w438-h640/michelle-tsang-1rqk6XVnw44-unsplash.png" width="438" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and grease and line a 8x8 inch square baking tray. </p><p><b>Ingredients </b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>4 mince pies, crushed. (Homemade or store bought!) </li><li>113g unsalted butter </li><li>100g dark chocolate 100g white/caster sugar </li><li>100g light brown sugar </li><li>2 large eggs
1/4 tsp vanilla extract </li><li>70g)plain flour </li><li>25g cocoa powder</li><li>1/4 tsp ground mixed spice </li><li>1/2 tsp baking powder</li></ul><div><b>Method</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Place the butter and dark chocolate into a heat proof bowl and microwave in 20 second increments, stirring in between until the chocolate and butter are all melted together. </li><li>Place the sugars, eggs and vanilla extract into a large bowl and whisk until combined and slightly frothy. </li><li>Pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and whisk briefly to combine. </li><li>Add in the flour, cocoa powder, mixed spice and baking powder and whisk until everything comes together and there are no lumps of flour. </li><li>Tip in the crushed mince pies and fold in gently with a spoon. </li><li>Pour the brownie mixture into your prepared pan and spread into an even layer. </li><li>Place in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top looks matte in the oven light and an inserted skewer into the centre comes out with a few crumbs on, not liquid mixture. A skewer into the edges should come out clean. </li><li>Leave the brownies to cool completely in the pan before transferring to a chopping board and slicing into 9-12 squares. </li><li>The brownies will keep in an airtight container, at room temperature, for 5 days.</li></ul><div>Mincemeat/pie filling is so versatile. We also enjoy it in baked apples. Simply core the Bramley apply, fill with mincemeat and microwave covered. A childhood favourite of mine! </div></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-50322757313238717882020-12-02T12:00:00.000+00:002020-12-02T12:00:04.308+00:00Parousia - AdventThe term "<b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parousia" target="_blank">parousia</a></b>" has been used since ancient times to describe the arrival or visit of a king or emperor. The Greek word parousia here corresponded to the Latin word "advent", or <i>coming</i>. For example, in memory of the visit of Emperor Nero to the cities of Patras and Corinth, advent coins were struck that carried the legend Adventus Augusti Corinth. The numerous journeyings of the Emperor Hadrian were celebrated by many advent coins, and often new eras were reckoned from date of the parousia. <div><br /></div><div>Parousia is Greek for ‘presence’, interchangeable with "arrival" or "coming", and is used in the New Testament to refer to the coming of Christ within an eschatological context regarding judgement and resurrection. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkODnlIL3t_GsGVJ0pP7sRAtW1-6cY7sdbdRienJvujqoJXLxm6InYWzenWp6dwG0HkE6mFgAala63zRR6Sb6N8pOlpiumN7YlCYjlVFB5NPPADr_wSNVEmuREb94d1o4gPVhP1SxMoE/s2048/greyson-joralemon-dDvR7eD6pf8-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkODnlIL3t_GsGVJ0pP7sRAtW1-6cY7sdbdRienJvujqoJXLxm6InYWzenWp6dwG0HkE6mFgAala63zRR6Sb6N8pOlpiumN7YlCYjlVFB5NPPADr_wSNVEmuREb94d1o4gPVhP1SxMoE/w400-h225/greyson-joralemon-dDvR7eD6pf8-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@greysonjoralemon?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Greyson Joralemon</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/advent?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>The early Christian church believed the main elements of the coming of the kingdom of God had already been realised in the life of Jesus and in his death, which had been vindicated by the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15: 23–4). Jesus also foretold the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (Mark 13: 2), which was necessary for the fulfilment of the coming of the kingdom if God. When it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, its place was taken by the crucified and risen Son of Man, who became the new focus of divine presence. This was what St Paul and his contemporaries were waiting for, a kingdom of peace, justice, and love (Romans 14: 17) and for the early Church the most important part of the process had already occurred with Jesus' resurrection. The timing of the remainder was unimportant. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Parousia can have several interpretations in the context of Advent. It is mainly used in Christian theology to refer to the second coming of Christ, but some scholars use the word to refer to Christ's spiritual presence in a church. The season of Advent is a time of waiting as we prepare to welcome Christ on Christmas Day, so parousia might therefore be interpreted as the coming of Christ into our hearts, our lives, and our community. </div><div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeMZu4GfS2sLGcJEFYfDjG9qC1G7cQEDS312QlJHDOYIw5WkUfFlYHU1ws1Iwjy3XwOEX_-gdvznoTiCo_ozcSHGt4GzwLqdM-dzzUSX88nYUzQzL9-fXn8HPglQJRKpTfKKVuMus6d4/s2048/gareth-harper-dABKxsPTAEk-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeMZu4GfS2sLGcJEFYfDjG9qC1G7cQEDS312QlJHDOYIw5WkUfFlYHU1ws1Iwjy3XwOEX_-gdvznoTiCo_ozcSHGt4GzwLqdM-dzzUSX88nYUzQzL9-fXn8HPglQJRKpTfKKVuMus6d4/w400-h266/gareth-harper-dABKxsPTAEk-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@garethharper?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Gareth Harper</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/advent?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-82516841837817142322020-12-02T10:00:00.001+00:002020-12-02T10:00:05.621+00:00Tree of the Day - SMLT Festival trees<p> For our final "Tree of the Day" post, I wanted to include some photos of our fabulous Festival trees, which we will all miss this year. Here's to a better 2021, and ever MORE Christmas trees next year! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5iP3N18RPbIziTwKXQ8vnnn8o6D7sOeVe585WMWibzJreTTIIvnc0QcBIB4vxh5po0O1ma5nfIgu5CIn0vmLShG1sKVKwNDi0S36Qgp2St5-g-VctOOw9ZQrpGqNtuVuUdknOjp8ZqI/s1824/47478031_1258910730928488_3123700710466650112_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="1360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5iP3N18RPbIziTwKXQ8vnnn8o6D7sOeVe585WMWibzJreTTIIvnc0QcBIB4vxh5po0O1ma5nfIgu5CIn0vmLShG1sKVKwNDi0S36Qgp2St5-g-VctOOw9ZQrpGqNtuVuUdknOjp8ZqI/w478-h640/47478031_1258910730928488_3123700710466650112_o.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A personal favourite, this simple tree is absolutely stunning.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxN0Hs5yUWSVXz9MCXqSOaECjmV8Lnjx-UBn-kuI5pFZ4QkQFHQUHkM3XKoIWG2YN-XobBTY_Z4ivkTmUKeqxgDJicrPy_X_DN85bA3wuKOcvBDuO3g4XVUiTd6efLzRd5lMcWVV6eiY/s2048/Screenshot+2020-11-09+at+21.34.55.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="2048" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxN0Hs5yUWSVXz9MCXqSOaECjmV8Lnjx-UBn-kuI5pFZ4QkQFHQUHkM3XKoIWG2YN-XobBTY_Z4ivkTmUKeqxgDJicrPy_X_DN85bA3wuKOcvBDuO3g4XVUiTd6efLzRd5lMcWVV6eiY/w640-h474/Screenshot+2020-11-09+at+21.34.55.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY8ZLTND5IYCYLWd2kP7J150ugmhxCLZ7rSRSUBmD9p7IKhHchTxii44MVcmyopWfWFzP1_ZADShRUJI7BdqR2jWIVbHomgGr4t_EJt-uDSuEkaqjOFlV418ox4ACu_8OexSMFRSXYrE/s2048/24785301_988215217998042_4504866922024406147_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY8ZLTND5IYCYLWd2kP7J150ugmhxCLZ7rSRSUBmD9p7IKhHchTxii44MVcmyopWfWFzP1_ZADShRUJI7BdqR2jWIVbHomgGr4t_EJt-uDSuEkaqjOFlV418ox4ACu_8OexSMFRSXYrE/w426-h640/24785301_988215217998042_4504866922024406147_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The popular bird tree in the children's corner - watch out for a new Adam and Eve tree next year!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm9eAxPYImlSeW27TXAGXbbCQg4Fylc8X0aIB9psr04LHzqDo4K4QLOqB9p49iIgoc6zuIxCkjcXIPYveMCaOsT5YOXB2bc73Ho6AmEeYnnz-g4DTYTlWWLldU9kZXHnAU36pZ5yUr88/s2048/79175651_1551796464973245_8623309889504018432_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm9eAxPYImlSeW27TXAGXbbCQg4Fylc8X0aIB9psr04LHzqDo4K4QLOqB9p49iIgoc6zuIxCkjcXIPYveMCaOsT5YOXB2bc73Ho6AmEeYnnz-g4DTYTlWWLldU9kZXHnAU36pZ5yUr88/w480-h640/79175651_1551796464973245_8623309889504018432_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Westgate "Rainbows" group tree.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LxsdFsoHMwn_SUI6CQ3nPqE17OonMEHrIuE97fhBTb7FkDuX1BBoyr_iYOXhgqZgTvIboLeYU0EuDaJUsNPmF-pgxGlFuxaxnUz3ZaKXWlHcGpykudT_8bQ5fuplqzGmlS0vyDg_ijM/s2048/78991110_1551882104964681_1282167335515324416_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LxsdFsoHMwn_SUI6CQ3nPqE17OonMEHrIuE97fhBTb7FkDuX1BBoyr_iYOXhgqZgTvIboLeYU0EuDaJUsNPmF-pgxGlFuxaxnUz3ZaKXWlHcGpykudT_8bQ5fuplqzGmlS0vyDg_ijM/w640-h480/78991110_1551882104964681_1282167335515324416_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-20318032816144636752020-12-02T08:00:00.000+00:002020-12-02T08:00:04.380+00:00Star of Wonder/ Christmas Giving<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUKSdbKz1YYhyEAEP7_zMo2J3LqwuMrCoa1rseiUKtzxwwERW__5mS5xkNYKwof3nUBLuXrU00-5G6sLHH9RFPersS-5VtqCaGVj-ag_Qtp-T5egt0WKkMjUPTMkInbzOW0mLU2Acc-w/s2048/debby-hudson-zOhmI5JvZho-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUKSdbKz1YYhyEAEP7_zMo2J3LqwuMrCoa1rseiUKtzxwwERW__5mS5xkNYKwof3nUBLuXrU00-5G6sLHH9RFPersS-5VtqCaGVj-ag_Qtp-T5egt0WKkMjUPTMkInbzOW0mLU2Acc-w/w445-h295/debby-hudson-zOhmI5JvZho-unsplash.jpg" width="445" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@hudsoncrafted?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Debby Hudson</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/nativity-star?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The Star of Bethlehem appears only in the nativity story of the Gospel of Matthew where "wise men from the East" are inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem. There, they meet King Herod of Judea, and ask him: </p><p></p><blockquote><i> "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."</i></blockquote><p></p><p>Herod calls his scribes and priests who quote to him a verse from the Book of Micah which states that the Jewish Messiah would be born in Bethlehem to the south of Jerusalem. The star leads them to Jesus' home in the town, where they worship him and give him gifts. </p><p>The Greek word, generally translated as 'star' (αστερα - astera/astra from which we get 'astronomy') can also mean planet, or could refer to other objects such as a comet.
There is no mention that the star is particularly bright, and it doesn’t have significance for anyone other than the Magi.
However, over the years there have been many possible explanations suggested for this element of the Christmas story, including a comet, supernova, conjunction of planets... but the Star of Bethlehem has become a symbol used across the world.</p><p><b>Make your own Christmas Star decoration</b></p><p>For this you will need to <b><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ncbcywiq1ndpf4g/The%20Wise%20Men.png?dl=0" target="_blank">download and print this template</a></b>. You can then trace around the template on card, and decorate with anything of your choice. The small slits enable the star to be slotted together to make a 3D star.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsO6oAeiVtXI2sLe4VmRL1e6ZLMqrzGT0A3HgPN-f680nMfKKqEK-BAB9qHNQMLL3rsv1VTawpKykwH_ZRgB1fVFlTztGhTt5vhZnK4w9qpraShglASj4SjqGxkCZCiImuH4MGdRqOw0/s438/The+Party+Aisle+Awards+Night+3-D+Star+Sculpture+%257C+Wayfair_ca.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="438" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsO6oAeiVtXI2sLe4VmRL1e6ZLMqrzGT0A3HgPN-f680nMfKKqEK-BAB9qHNQMLL3rsv1VTawpKykwH_ZRgB1fVFlTztGhTt5vhZnK4w9qpraShglASj4SjqGxkCZCiImuH4MGdRqOw0/s320/The+Party+Aisle+Awards+Night+3-D+Star+Sculpture+%257C+Wayfair_ca.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can find many more <a href="https://hubpages.com/art/making-star-crafts" target="_blank">star craft ideas here</a> on Hub Pages. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hubpages.com/art/making-star-crafts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRQ84xLpiI-a6dHrxvnahKkx2us6vNpxE61C6N0M_TN4Gjn6p-EBiVE-fh0CMv1Kv34qq1hyphenhyphenju4CR9yfLhj7zMar9mFzVG_l0qV-LN-WtOyTMmYURDP4rv0Tr-jeoSnd_9TKZSL7PK1g/s320/Screenshot+2020-10-26+at+20.04.27.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Giving gifts at Christmas</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the reasons we have the custom of giving and receiving presents at Christmas is to remind us of the presents given to Jesus by the Wise Men: Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh. Whilst it is really exciting receiving gifts, thinking of presents to give others can be extremely rewarding, and doesn't need to cost much more than your time. Make some Christmas star biscuits, have fun decorating them and give them to a loved one or friend? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An even more important reason for giving presents is that we should remember God's gift to us at Christmas. God's gift to humanity was the ultimate gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, and it came in the simplest and humblest of wrappings. One of the most famous Bible verse says: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">"God loved the world so much, that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him may not be lost but have eternal life." </span>John 3:16</h3><p>Giving should be so much more than an exchange of gifts, and gratitude is such an important part of Christmas.</p><p>You can <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/bkloy0ilmm8r3iu/Christmas-Poem.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">download this template</a> here to create a Gratitude Acrostic - think of all the things you have to be grateful for, and either list them - one for each letter of the word "Christmas"; or write a gratitude poem starting each line with a letter from "Christmas". </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/bkloy0ilmm8r3iu/Christmas-Poem.pdf?dl=0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="376" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznKUvVx0cWbNU3y3Q37th2MyYCoezYQy5j-ejxmuJAPNkxRHOCfIUn2TDNdr66MUiXlY-QiXprKNH53c2TTQlkucaTvkJDBHTxYd9R_B1DGGTfP_3MR07QZoKhaxAXj_9AGW6WfQlNtA/w394-h469/Screenshot+2020-10-26+at+20.21.56.png" width="394" /></a></div><p>Do send us pictures of your star creations and your poems, we would love to see what you have been doing and share your efforts with our community! Please send them to <a href="socialmedia@stmaryletower.org.uk ">socialmedia@stmaryletower.org.uk </a></p></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-23531000339088819992020-12-01T20:00:00.002+00:002020-12-01T20:00:03.392+00:00Being an Organ Scholar at St Mary le Tower <div>In addition to several choral scholarships St Mary le Tower offers an Organ Scholarship annually. You can <a href="http://www.stmaryletower.org.uk/choir/organ-scholarships/" target="_blank">find out more here</a>. An Organ Scholarship provides an excellent opportunity to participate in traditional liturgical music as well as offering accompanying and solo performance experience. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our most recent organ scholar, Adam Chillingworth writes about his experiences:-</div><div><br /></div><i>"I took up the organ scholarship at the beginning of Year 9, and started off by turning pages for William, who was extremely helpful in teaching me what sounds to make and how to support the fantastic choirs at the Tower. After a short time I took on a portion of the playing and it was a great opportunity to learn all the staples of the choral repertoire, as well as some less well-known music on such a fine organ. Chris was always very supportive and encouraging, and was an ideal leader. During lockdown I enjoyed recording hymns for the virtual services and then being allowed back into the church to support Charles and Chris. The outside-of-services experiences that St Mary-le-Tower provided will be remembered for many years to come, notably the annual Messiah concert, and the Oxford Tour in 2019. I would thoroughly recommend the St Mary-le-Tower organ scholarship to any aspiring organist or church musician!"</i><div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F2w5bO2-bjdtfJlQ9NBwR5z_vbGlSJdPe98vctZTfJ5oX2EOjT2ZGMIh7rOJ2Ol1c79BLLnzMoRy2iCKXAR6hYoxSt7kElVmLTBNCLOaVVYiRva-6v5IjJgPsrnyJj-wyxWG4X-Y3vA/s1000/Adam+at+SMLT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F2w5bO2-bjdtfJlQ9NBwR5z_vbGlSJdPe98vctZTfJ5oX2EOjT2ZGMIh7rOJ2Ol1c79BLLnzMoRy2iCKXAR6hYoxSt7kElVmLTBNCLOaVVYiRva-6v5IjJgPsrnyJj-wyxWG4X-Y3vA/w300-h400/Adam+at+SMLT.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam playing the continuo organ at our 2018 performance of Handel's "Messiah"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Adam is a talented young man who has gone on to win the Advanced Organ category of the Suffolk Festival in 2020, having won "Most Promising Organist" in 2019. A pupil at Norwich School he is now working with Norwich Cathedral. Definitely one to watch for the future!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1iuNXzjLE4vTldqvpg8W-c27YkOgS8HDBNhJ9KPzZaqcq8BcaHhj5YgoXeSpUOFlA4jaVh4x_woCZcwWIx8sYprSi2SJ0vPm83Zx3Fk0Gf7jLircoDKgDkAGB7J0BhsjELizn99yzAA/s601/st-mary-le-tower-ipswich.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="601" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1iuNXzjLE4vTldqvpg8W-c27YkOgS8HDBNhJ9KPzZaqcq8BcaHhj5YgoXeSpUOFlA4jaVh4x_woCZcwWIx8sYprSi2SJ0vPm83Zx3Fk0Gf7jLircoDKgDkAGB7J0BhsjELizn99yzAA/w400-h266/st-mary-le-tower-ipswich.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>The St. Mary le Tower Organ</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The organ at St. Mary le Tower is a 3-manuel Willis organ. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The famous 17th century organ builder, Renatus Harris, installed an instrument in the Tower at the West end. This was taken down from a gallery around the middle of the 19th century and broken up some 10 years later. This formed part of a wider rebuilding and restoration programme in the church, including the addition of the tower. Pinned to the North aisle wall is a fragment of the case, giving an impression of the scale of the instrument. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">‘Father’ Henry Willis was commissioned to build a new instrument in the north aisle of the new Chancel. This three-manual, 32 stop instrument forms the heart of the organ used today. In 1931, the organ was rebuilt by Spurden Rutt. This work included some revoicing, the installation of pneumatic action and some layout changes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1964 saw a return to the Willis firm. Henry Willis IV converted the action to electric and replaced the console in the style of the firm. The organ grew in size to one of some 42 stops. The 1985 overhaul was undertaken by Bishop & Son, a local firm. Further revoicing of the reeds and mixtures and the addition of some small-scale upper work took place; the action was converted to “Solid State” switching. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Work in the 21st century has included the refitting of keys and the replacement of the pedal board in 2006 by Bower & Company of Norwich. The organ presently has 46 speaking stops and 2713 pipes. </div><p></p></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-68016918951184957832020-12-01T18:00:00.002+00:002020-12-01T18:00:03.658+00:00Prayer for the Nation - Tuesday<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci0wtjCTYBRurB3xaXrogoGk-oY88bEcs4DzeVvD1MW9uIbnGOVkJxpagtnJyqbLheGHfT6iIZ3e8aIJtw5UzMQTX7BsZ1JLCn6cmV3b_eMx3SEzJ8GzLil3DeQvMN09GE0A7cw3qgrw/s1688/Screenshot+2020-11-08+at+19.17.11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1688" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci0wtjCTYBRurB3xaXrogoGk-oY88bEcs4DzeVvD1MW9uIbnGOVkJxpagtnJyqbLheGHfT6iIZ3e8aIJtw5UzMQTX7BsZ1JLCn6cmV3b_eMx3SEzJ8GzLil3DeQvMN09GE0A7cw3qgrw/w640-h438/Screenshot+2020-11-08+at+19.17.11.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Continuing our lockdown month of <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/call-prayer-nation" target="_blank">Prayer for the Nation</a>, on Tuesday we pray for the elderly, isolated and vulnerable.</p>We echo God’s commitment to
those most at risk of this virus
by praying today for those who
are particularly vulnerable
and isolated: <div>praying for their
deliverance, protection and
comfort. </div><div>We hold before God those
who care for them – </div><div>that they
would be strengthened and
encouraged in this work.<div>Amen.</div></div><div><br /></div>Lord Jesus Christ,
in these dark and difficult days, we turn our hearts to you. <div>In ages past, you have delivered our nation from disaster. </div><div>Do it again, we pray. </div><div>Give wisdom beyond human wisdom to our leaders, </div><div>Give strength beyond human strength to the NHS and all our frontline workers. </div><div>Give comfort beyond human comfort to the elderly and all who grieve. </div><div>Lord Jesus Christ,
in these dark and difficult days,
turn your face towards us,
have mercy upon us,
and heal our land, we pray. </div><div>Amen.</div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-17133498810767415872020-12-01T16:00:00.006+00:002020-12-01T16:00:00.296+00:00Tales of the past<p>You might have heard of "The Hold", near Ipswich waterfront. Predominantly funded by a £10.3m National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, when fully open it will house the majority of Suffolk Archive's collections, as well as providing facilities for the University of Suffolk, which contributed to the project, and other public spaces including a café, shop and exhibition gallery. The Hold will replace Suffolk Archives Ipswich branch on Gatacre Road in west Ipswich. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.uos.ac.uk/content/thehold" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2046" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvdl2dAZt2cAwbTsUm7YH-C_ht__KE_cKtufUQl8-B7TS9yR2tmlqmCMmIMhXbI2nKj3v42mTR0rufgliHTekwDkIMOZKjhaEIEAMLW-ntbu9hwTCn_e7ATDAbOVD9K7lWMs-KgrQa1g/w400-h268/Screenshot+2020-11-05+at+09.12.25.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>As the <a href="https://www.uos.ac.uk/content/thehold" target="_blank">University website</a> says:- </p><p></p><blockquote>"The Hold is the flagship new heritage facility for Suffolk located on the University of Suffolk Ipswich campus.
With more than 900 years of the county's rich and diverse history to discover, this exciting new building will allow people of all ages and backgrounds to step inside and discover more about where they live and their own heritage.
The Hold will be open to everyone, offering not only archives specific services in the searchroom, library, and education room, but also state-of-the-art public facilities and teaching spaces for staff and students from the University of Suffolk. An exhibition gallery, café, shop and garden will complete the visitor experience. "</blockquote><p>The Hold is the home of the <a href="https://www.suffolkarchives.co.uk" target="_blank">Suffolk Archives</a>, Ipswich branch and is also where our very own Bridget Hanley works! Suffolk Archives have some lockdown activity suggestions for young and old <a href="https://www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/life-in-lockdown/" target="_blank">here</a>. One particularly interesting suggestion is <a href="https://www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/life-in-lockdown/recording/" target="_blank">recording life in lockdown</a>. We have such a good understanding of the recent past because there is a wealth of information available to study. The further you go back in time, the more challenging it is to research and gain a real "feel" for past times. Recording our struggles in lockdown today is literally creating History - your account will contribute to future generations understanding of the pandemic and how it affected ordinary people.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5rr8r8pzEHC-e6QLR38jh3vx3Jb4O5WmwAf1HfrEy1gIQV2kyxA4OlAJuE1P6BoXJSUrbRzU0rRiTB1-A9ijBldXT8NObUKTetBD7-900eLskeyGCzN5vRZTwH1IanRjwO_ks_jnkO8/s2048/green-chameleon-s9CC2SKySJM-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5rr8r8pzEHC-e6QLR38jh3vx3Jb4O5WmwAf1HfrEy1gIQV2kyxA4OlAJuE1P6BoXJSUrbRzU0rRiTB1-A9ijBldXT8NObUKTetBD7-900eLskeyGCzN5vRZTwH1IanRjwO_ks_jnkO8/w400-h266/green-chameleon-s9CC2SKySJM-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@craftedbygc?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Green Chameleon</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/writing?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>History at St Mary le Tower</b></p><p>Here at the Tower we had a lady make contact with us last month, regarding a framed picture she had bought at a jumble sale near Birmingham, Alabama, USA. The picture was of a brass from a church, and the label on the back of the frame said it was of a lawyer, 1475, from St Mary le Tower in Ipswich. It turned out this was a brass of a Robert Wimbell, a "notary public". He commissioned the memorial brass with a prayer to the Trinity across his breast. <a href="http://www.stmaryletower.org.uk/church-building/" target="_blank">It is in our chancel</a>, currently underneath the chancel carpet. How bizarre that the picture should end up on the other side of the Atlantic!</p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqy_UO9zFlnVB18e6WXXvH8HF3QVBePJ8UFkVHSu9-pwdM8e-R6De4Df2vEnS8O_2T16Ml0R7OKxrNQB6MAK-iYYChav7obKR-4Zqaeb5RVTCRu3fEUFwYy6dqB5NgmGcVWw020wwvTA/s640/121965617_379483879854221_4980997746258894113_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqy_UO9zFlnVB18e6WXXvH8HF3QVBePJ8UFkVHSu9-pwdM8e-R6De4Df2vEnS8O_2T16Ml0R7OKxrNQB6MAK-iYYChav7obKR-4Zqaeb5RVTCRu3fEUFwYy6dqB5NgmGcVWw020wwvTA/s320/121965617_379483879854221_4980997746258894113_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div> <p></p><p></p><p></p></div></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-41994751794567710272020-12-01T14:00:00.011+00:002020-12-01T14:00:03.605+00:00Non alcoholic Christmas drinksChristmas time is the time to eat, drink and be merry. However not everyone wants, or is able to drink alcohol. There is no need to miss out on festive beverages however, these 3 alcohol free drinks have the flavour and fun of a festive drink without the alcohol!<div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><u>1) Spiced Apple syrup with clementine and cloves</u></b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/spiced-apple-syrup-clementine-and-clove" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="440" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH86Ff_ZBRLL3a4lq3VpE9TV4CyQC60b_j3Vw4Rv9mZp1p6UK9-AswIWLBfRiD49TkryoR96KcA2l90oGP-BjSgbUy8eWVxMqM9tr7Jy4BsJMiBHNVq2dCNblZTnAU8KQCo9jROPubXM/w400-h364/syrup-71f8425.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/spiced-apple-syrup-clementine-and-clove" target="_blank">This is a recipe from BBC Good Food magazine.</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients </span></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">200ml apple juice </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cinnamon stick </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp whole allspice </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 mace blade </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 whole cloves </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">small strip fresh ginger </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 clementine </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">zest finely peeled with a vegetable peeler </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">100g golden caster sugar</span></li></ul></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Method</span></b></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heat the apple juice with the whole spices, ginger, zest and sugar. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 mins. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remove from the heat and leave to cool, then strain the syrup into small bottles.</span></li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><u>2) Eggnog</u></b></h3><div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.melskitchencafe.com/homemade-eggnog/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ub_XXqB6scFuW3eV30c9SONFZ1QJYVN23K8_utkP3wYT7zDZV6O0dH9BpvsQCqQiF4kNoUVNtAqap2apNdtWqIV9goH_bzF7GQUtt3JhfDQEm_8zNnFyNr0W8apoo90ZqiLTbO2At9I/w223-h320/eggnog2.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Eggnog from "Mel's Kitchen"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><i><b>NB </b>this recipe does not include raw eggs and is safe for children. </i></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>It's definitely advisable to grate your own nutmeg, which gives a significantly better flavour!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b>Ingredients</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>6 large egg yolks </li><li>4 oz/115 grams granulated sugar </li><li>240 mls double cream </li><li>500 mls milk </li><li>1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg </li><li>Pinch of salt </li><li>1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Method</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. </li><li>In a saucepan, bring the cream, milk, nutmeg and salt to a bare simmer, stirring often. </li><li>Slowly ladle in half of the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking vigorously to avoid little bits of cooked egg. </li><li>Ladle in the rest of the milk, whisking vigorously the entire time. Do this until all the hot milk has been added to the eggs and the mixture is well combined. </li><li>Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan of milk on the hob, whisking quickly, and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches 70 degrees C on a thermometer. </li><li>Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. </li><li>Pour the eggnog into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. </li><li>Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.</li></ul><div><b>Tip</b>:- <i>This recipe is a little more challenging, since you have to avoid the egg cooking in lumps.</i></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><u>3. Non alcoholic mulled wine</u></b></h3><div>This is another BBC Good Food recipe, and very easy.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVitnayowq8MLMh1CWqvzrsBnMxwfykMjrS-4ibCdGjIOvVJt7rZK6UG1LzgwsK3aenR0i4oafP0oIqA44NGpGi9w4bGYgLEyq_nCQBWONcePYoKyvTdNpTm9LHhPV1geBiwnAUsFYME/s2048/edward-howell-wFuaWIYhFCI-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVitnayowq8MLMh1CWqvzrsBnMxwfykMjrS-4ibCdGjIOvVJt7rZK6UG1LzgwsK3aenR0i4oafP0oIqA44NGpGi9w4bGYgLEyq_nCQBWONcePYoKyvTdNpTm9LHhPV1geBiwnAUsFYME/w273-h400/edward-howell-wFuaWIYhFCI-unsplash.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@edwardhowellphotography?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Edward Howell</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/mulled-wine?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div></div><b>Ingredients</b><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>500ml pomegranate juice </li><li>25g golden caster sugar </li><li>handful of frozen blackberries </li><li>250ml apple juice </li><li>1 cinnamon stick </li><li>1 star anise </li><li>4 cloves </li><li>3 black peppercorns
1</li><li> orange, quartered</li></ul><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Method</b></div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Put the pomegranate juice, sugar, blackberries and apple juice in a saucepan. Add the cinnamon, star anise, cloves, peppercorns and orange. Heat gently until simmering. Taste for sweetness, then strain into heatproof glasses.</li></ul>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-73792985138396046152020-12-01T12:00:00.001+00:002020-12-01T12:00:00.137+00:00Gaudete or Refreshment SundayThe third Sunday in Advent is "Refreshment Sunday", also known as Gaudete Sunday, and this year it falls on 13th December. <div><br /></div><div>"The season of Advent originated as a fast of 40 days in preparation for Christmas, commencing on the day after the feast of Saint Martin (11 November), and was originally called Saint Martin's Lent, a name by which it was known as early as the fifth century. In the ninth century, the duration of Advent was reduced to four weeks (a period starting four Sundays before Christmas), and Advent preserved most of the characteristics of a penitential season, which made it a kind of counterpart to Lent. Gaudete Sunday is a counterpart to Laetare Sunday, and provides a similar break about midway through a season which is otherwise of a penitential character, and signifies the nearness of the Lord's coming." (Wikipedia) </div><div><br /></div><div>On Gaudete Sunday rose-coloured vestments may be worn instead of violet which is otherwise prescribed for every day in the season of Advent, and it is therefore also known as "Rose Sunday". Rose is the liturgical colour for joy. In churches that have an Advent wreath, the rose-coloured candle is lit in addition to two of the violet candles, which represent the first two Sundays of Advent. Despite the otherwise sombre readings of the season of Advent, which recognises the need for penitence in anticipation, the readings on the third Sunday emphasises the joyous anticipation of the Lord's coming.<div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb721iWiEhGCEXP2kCACNxdNVC_8Rt7ud00rexYPTfOExVeAtQrOrV80yAE7hz7oDylj57yKZYeoDLc-_qGZteY1W-RC8QzUjc_0rAmBpHmakvVGlhxuMkhkMsuFN2ASSTGCc-jvUh0M/s2048/Screenshot+2020-10-17+at+12.36.32.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb721iWiEhGCEXP2kCACNxdNVC_8Rt7ud00rexYPTfOExVeAtQrOrV80yAE7hz7oDylj57yKZYeoDLc-_qGZteY1W-RC8QzUjc_0rAmBpHmakvVGlhxuMkhkMsuFN2ASSTGCc-jvUh0M/w640-h414/Screenshot+2020-10-17+at+12.36.32.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An advent wreath with three purple candles and the rose coloured candle to represent joy.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Gaudete means “rejoice”. and it is a reminder that the Advent season is a season of joy because our salvation is already at hand. To have a Sunday of rejoicing in the midst of the traditional Advent fast is not simply a concession to human weakness. It serves to correct spiritual pride, reminding those who fast that the whole of the Christian life is a matter of grace. John the Baptist reminds us that salvation is a gift of grace, it is not bestowed on us in return for penitence. Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved, it requires no external conditions, unlike happiness. </div><div><blockquote><b><i>“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.” Philippians 4:4-5</i></b></blockquote></div><div>Advent is a time of watching, waiting and listening, remembering and anticipating, renewal and wonder. On Gaudete Sunday we should rejoice in the unconditional love of God, as we anticipate the fulfilment of his gift of love at Christmas.</div></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-31830019202027405992020-12-01T10:00:00.004+00:002020-12-01T10:00:03.277+00:00Tree of the Day - Cats in Christmas Trees!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's well known that many cats find Christmas trees irresistible! Two choir families in our community own ginger cat brothers Leo and Sunny. Both are fascinated with Christmas trees, although Leo is probably too big to sit IN the tree this year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5Zk4SjbopfnlgLThLPcxm1oEaZtms40Tfnvvzdnav18fPVbuYBJ3vE2_3lYmS6RJaCK9ZfFKJeiAiWxjlVyJ4ZHR0MiZxAvVpy2kfehyphenhyphenOI3z8hyphenhyphenVWcBPaZlV0fMnWznb1GBwim-kxXg/s1600/87f05a35-0a53-4ded-b4be-a957de06a95a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1216" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5Zk4SjbopfnlgLThLPcxm1oEaZtms40Tfnvvzdnav18fPVbuYBJ3vE2_3lYmS6RJaCK9ZfFKJeiAiWxjlVyJ4ZHR0MiZxAvVpy2kfehyphenhyphenOI3z8hyphenhyphenVWcBPaZlV0fMnWznb1GBwim-kxXg/w486-h640/87f05a35-0a53-4ded-b4be-a957de06a95a.jpeg" width="486" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above is Sunny, owned by Matilda and Veronica Cutting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below is Leo, his long-haired brother, owned by Kitty and Archie Thompson. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNEhFBhr6W2WZT4JV0s0yW0aKfWzk_k3IXD9tWwDmLFaeyCNlPPXQgtq06ZmkZdegFbH6mZ2cvIAE_VvJvAvED6-1_z8e4l3pHImB84BwYFbiZe6CdPrahaw7HSunXi-ibXaZw8Sv3uI/s2048/IMG_2771.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNEhFBhr6W2WZT4JV0s0yW0aKfWzk_k3IXD9tWwDmLFaeyCNlPPXQgtq06ZmkZdegFbH6mZ2cvIAE_VvJvAvED6-1_z8e4l3pHImB84BwYFbiZe6CdPrahaw7HSunXi-ibXaZw8Sv3uI/w480-h640/IMG_2771.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It seems cats in Christmas Trees is a "thing" on the internet, so if you fancy viewing more, click the cat below!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=cats+in+christmas+trees&safe=strict&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjn9eibrvbsAhVrQRUIHVWWDwIQ_AUoAXoECBsQAw&biw=1893&bih=1218&dpr=2#imgrc=yuJTHCQpoTId5M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvyU7MtUAWWaFSLh_nrFodKIahhdEOTUBMX2Yo2W7-oW03QmqWU0i_T3UFGURzhRYd_7HP2bzqus3Ie8VgecT0V_K5Arae3n__Vp02OHsOcMuqHai9q75q5yQny6tgx-KmOGuEV81L_k/s320/jessica-lewis-xz1ZYspQ9Ts-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On thing is certain, those of us with cats get to put up the Christmas tree more than once a year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most mornings in fact....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLGbbrI-M60VFRNErxYRM5qgTQESqHpVfLiI5ZqhzeT_V4k-QdYPamdyoLo9Uuq1wbfeJP77Acy0YgxgMfqfWExKhWRj8ShzDKRZH30zm31M450GsB2iaTdLtgwfJj7fp-AB1OSyDNBc/s1006/IMG_4967.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLGbbrI-M60VFRNErxYRM5qgTQESqHpVfLiI5ZqhzeT_V4k-QdYPamdyoLo9Uuq1wbfeJP77Acy0YgxgMfqfWExKhWRj8ShzDKRZH30zm31M450GsB2iaTdLtgwfJj7fp-AB1OSyDNBc/w526-h640/IMG_4967.jpeg" width="526" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-58874251029101694972020-12-01T08:00:00.023+00:002020-12-01T08:00:00.376+00:00The Nativity Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE0M67rPm6VVIqTBSiGMR3gsUIPaY6mn29DcQD0UOM3ATTadFYc8Y4R667eYbWBfs3rRwkM-NMtbJYRoNizrO_ky0YauXxJR9mBmzaG8t7xhT9AML_7IzCkz9NhdqahwQGoGQ8t-1r7U/s2048/walter-chavez-TEFSPAaoKlA-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE0M67rPm6VVIqTBSiGMR3gsUIPaY6mn29DcQD0UOM3ATTadFYc8Y4R667eYbWBfs3rRwkM-NMtbJYRoNizrO_ky0YauXxJR9mBmzaG8t7xhT9AML_7IzCkz9NhdqahwQGoGQ8t-1r7U/w400-h266/walter-chavez-TEFSPAaoKlA-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Advent is a time of preparation, of remembering and of hope. It is a time of traditions, as is Christmas. Of story telling and connecting. Traditions and stories are really important ways that people remain connected to a community, because they are a means of sharing the past, living together in the present and considering the future. They are a bit like the "glue" that holds everyone together! You are no doubt familiar with the Nativity Story, of the journey Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem and the birth of the infant Jesus in the stable. The story of Jesus' life is the story which holds Christianity together and connects Christians all over the world.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.topmarks.co.uk/christmas/nativitystory.aspx" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1704" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sI76EfmyzdhxNm59qJWk2n06ty_t1PR5BlftS1sJmDEFqF2-y5_WWwNcHh4xnoVWW_R0c0sfY-dYNicgG3mrDEFBgrlry84Rhv8iwRY9Pet8crGuNaCjfKDOOh0NjPatLk5ANrBH_Cs/w400-h264/Screenshot+2020-10-21+at+10.01.18.png" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.topmarks.co.uk/christmas/nativitystory.aspx" target="_blank">The Nativity Story on the "Topmarks" blog. </a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>There are many ways to share the nativity story during Advent and Christmas. The link above is to an online version. I have also linked to another version on the <a href="https://www.whychristmas.com/story/the_christmas_story.shtml" target="_blank">"Why Christmas"</a> site in previous posts. <div><i>(Both are suitable for children but it's always recommended to be with your child whilst they are online. </i></div><div><i>In any case, it's always lovely to share stories!)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span style="color: red;">Below is another Christmas Story to share, and at the end a game to make your own!</span></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b><u>"The Quietest Time of the Year" by Karl Heinrich Waggerl (<i>Austrian poet, 1897 – 1973</i>) </u></b></div><div><i>This traditional German story has been kindly translated by Isolde Cutting, a member of the Ladies' Choir and former Choir Assistant.</i><b><u><br /></u></b><div><br /></div><div>When I was a boy, Advent began for me with my mother getting me out of bed one morning, far earlier than usual. The verger was always ringing the quarter bell already, when I finally, half dreaming, stumbled to the church. Nowhere a light in the bitterly cold darkness, and often I had to fight my way through the snow with my hands and feet, as, of course, not a soul had been out before me. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the vestry the verger was kneeling in front of the oven and was blowing into the embers, so that at least the Holy Water would thaw in its kettle. But of course there was no time for me to warm my fingers, the priest was already waiting for me to put my cassock and surplice on, so that I could process in front of him with the bell. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the church it was bitterly cold too. The flames of the altar candles stood motionless as if frozen, and only when the door opened and wind and snow burst in, the lights flickered, startled. The church folk quickly pressed the door shut again, they shuffled laboriously into the pews. Then they stuck their Advent candle on the shelf in front and folded their hands around the warming light. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime I lugged the mass book back and forth and rang the bell at the appropriate time. And when I was required to kneel for a bit longer, I may have fallen asleep again. Then, the priest would audibly clear his throat, to wake me up. </div><div><br /></div><div>He alone was undeterred by any discomfort. “Rorate coeli” he prayed loudly and fervently. "Thaw, oh heaven, the just." </div><div><br /></div><div>And then, suddenly, everything was deeply moving again, and beautiful and festive, the shimmering twilight in the nave, the white steam of breath from the mouths of the people, when they answered the priest, and he himself steadfast in the dignity of the good shepherd. </div><div><br /></div><div>Afterwards, the three of us would stand behind the oven in the vestry. The verger rattled the cast iron pan and lifted the lid and fed us all with roasted chestnuts. I hopped from one foot to another, and even the priest rolled the hot chestnuts around in his mouth for a while. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe it was no sin, if I meanwhile quickly calculated, how long it would take, until, at Christmas, the priest would press my wages into my hand, one whole guilder.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTGiwe6LMA3yvYJPHVJQ5nVP8U1xhW_6ofBYcd3hdCMO0pLxeqCMPj21t7QoleOZbUpI_AO6CnBwSaO04KZyvApTtDm1fUMsqr6GABd8fjRJGqYk3SHj16G0m7Fd2C88DX52YJT7oQ5Y/s2048/mike-kotsch-9wTWFyInJ4Y-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTGiwe6LMA3yvYJPHVJQ5nVP8U1xhW_6ofBYcd3hdCMO0pLxeqCMPj21t7QoleOZbUpI_AO6CnBwSaO04KZyvApTtDm1fUMsqr6GABd8fjRJGqYk3SHj16G0m7Fd2C88DX52YJT7oQ5Y/w400-h266/mike-kotsch-9wTWFyInJ4Y-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps you would like to make your own Christmas story? For this activity you need a die, or 3 dice if you want to do all three rolls in one go! Click on the picture below to find the <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ltr6wzuki753z98/Create%20a%20Christmas%20Story%20Writing%20Activity%20Sheet.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">download link</a> and instructions. We would love to read your stories once they are finished, send them to <a href="mailto:socialmedia@stmaryletower.org.uk">socialmedia@stmaryletower.org.uk</a> .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ltr6wzuki753z98/Create%20a%20Christmas%20Story%20Writing%20Activity%20Sheet.pdf?dl=0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1710" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E7GXePHgWmnXfw7Sn19RoEmfkRXRqUw-SN0E_igtYd40brpqcf_2ZFOLc7oO8Coss2SOsYMZNspZiyFJxwm0CIeUaygUsEmwa-CvGkMlEr9M4YLY3kouseXc000an2QbAJBrQ9-cbec/w534-h640/Screenshot+2020-10-21+at+09.59.31.png" width="534" /></a></div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div><br /></div><p><br /></p></div></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-8318469617536940532020-11-30T20:00:00.028+00:002020-11-30T20:00:00.313+00:00Charles Villiers Stanford<span style="font-family: inherit;">This term our choir have been getting used to singing in a socially distanced way, and to facilitate this in the first half of the term we sung music which was mostly already familiar to help acclimatise us to singing spread apart. One of the best known musicians of his generation is Charles Villiers Stanford, and we have sung several of his morning and evening settings recently. </span><div><br /></div><div>This coming Sunday, our choir will sing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-kYDR70Z-4" target="_blank">Stanford's Benedictus in C</a> in our Advent Vigil. The Benedictus was the song of thanksgiving uttered by Zechariah on the occasion of the circumcision of his son, John the Baptist. It's wonderfully appropriate as we consider the Kingdom of God as part of our Advent worship. The second part of the canticle is an address by Zechariah to his own son, who was to take so important a part in the scheme of the Redemption; for he was to be a prophet, and to preach the remission of sins before the coming or the Dawn from on high. The prophecy that he was to "go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways" (v. 76) was of course an allusion to the well-known words of Isaiah 40:3. (<i>Wikipedia</i>)<div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Below is an article on Stanford taken from the blog "<a href="https://viralsacredmusic.blogspot.com/2020/04/charles-villiers-stanford.html" target="_blank">Viral Music</a>".</span><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Biography</b><br />
Much has been written about Stanford, undoubtedly one of the leading musicians of his generation who had a profound effect on the development and history of English music as a performer, conductor, composer, teacher and writer.<br />
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Sir Charles Villiers Stanford (30 September 1852 – 29 March 1924) was an Irish composer, music teacher, and conductor. Born and raised in Dublin, he was the only son of a prosperous Protestant lawyer. Stanford was educated at the University of Cambridge, initially as an organ scholar at Queen's College, before studying music in Leipzig and Berlin. While still an undergraduate, Stanford was appointed organist of Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1882, aged 29, he was one of the founding professors of the Royal College of Music, where he taught composition for the rest of his life. From 1887 he was also Professor of Music at Cambridge. You can read more on the pages of the <a href="https://www.thestanfordsociety.org/">Stanford Society here</a>.<br />
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As a teacher Stanford was sceptical about modernism, and based his instruction predominantly on classical principles as exemplified in the music of Brahms. (Brahms' music is firmly rooted in the structures and compositional techniques of the Classical masters. The diligent, highly constructed nature of his works was a starting point and an inspiration for a generation of composers. Embedded within his meticulous structures, however, are deeply romantic motifs.)<br />
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Stanford was a traditionalist during his teaching career. Ironically though his own rejection of conservatism in his youth in favour of Brahms' style was precisely the route adopted by many of his pupils, who diverged from the path he instructed them on and with considerable success. Surely this is the fundamental role of the teacher though, to provide a secure foundation for pupils from which to launch their own careers? This was certainly the view of George Dyson.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"In a certain sense the very rebellion he fought was the most obvious fruit of his methods. And in view of what some of these rebels have since achieved, one is tempted to wonder whether there is really anything better a teacher can do for his pupils than drive them into various forms of revolution."</span></i></blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0W8pXao8BPfDXytUGgN6ap6iLYN9AAMso2ePzc8S_fyP-X9QiQ2N0xFjU1Wlr8RLGE_5nypBKboMnC05RokHT8uQAbxjwQPW59zoQSBuOUxXm_1cQumlhwNTuT6bYbREElB0KkV4x5rF/s1600/Screenshot+2020-04-06+at+16.43.40.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="352" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0W8pXao8BPfDXytUGgN6ap6iLYN9AAMso2ePzc8S_fyP-X9QiQ2N0xFjU1Wlr8RLGE_5nypBKboMnC05RokHT8uQAbxjwQPW59zoQSBuOUxXm_1cQumlhwNTuT6bYbREElB0KkV4x5rF/s200/Screenshot+2020-04-06+at+16.43.40.png" width="195" /></a><br />
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Among his pupils were rising composers whose fame went on to surpass his own, such as Herbert Brewer, George Dyson, Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Charles Wood. (The latter succeeded him as Professor of Music at Cambridge University.) As Professor at the Royal College of Music Stanford taught Herbert Howells, and also Ivor Gurney and George Butterworth, both casualties of the Great War. His legacy in my view is as the grandfather of twentieth century Anglican music.<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>Music</b><br />
Stanford's best-remembered pieces are his choral works for church performance, composed in the Anglican tradition. (Choral Wiki has a <a href="http://www2.cpdl.org/wiki/index.php/Charles_Villiers_Stanford">list here</a>. )He was a prolific composer, although many of his non-ecclesiastical works declined in popularity after his death this was not true of his church compositions. Anthems such as "<a href="https://youtu.be/mxHUSCFDJrk">Beati Quorum Via</a>", "<a href="https://youtu.be/SxPtpCt6gr0">Justorum Animae</a>", "<a href="https://youtu.be/8maeFdlpyvw">Coelos Ascendit Hodie</a>" and "<a href="https://youtu.be/cXhHpWgZkVs">For lo I raise up</a>" are staples in the repertoire of many churches and cathedrals. Who hasn't sung his Evening Canticles in B flat, C and G? <span style="text-align: center;">His services in A (1880), F (one whilst at Queen's, Cambridge and known as the "Queen's Service" (1872), a second in F Op36 (1889) and C (1909) are less well known to me, although considered the most important and enduring according to historical musicologist Nicholas Temperley. His second Magnificat in F is beautiful, <a href="https://youtu.be/a9ZI9LL6cag">listen to it here</a> . </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">As with all composer's, Stanford's style did change over time - no matter how conservative his stylistic views. Compare his Queen's Service Magnificat in F (Op2) written in 1889 here :-</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qfuhETQtWUk" width="480"></iframe><span style="text-align: left;">
</span></div></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: center;">With his well known Magnificat in B flat written in here :-</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qsbWHMfQXzE" width="459"></iframe><span style="text-align: left;">
</span></div></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-60195696149298992022020-11-30T18:00:00.025+00:002020-11-30T18:00:00.340+00:00Prayer for the Nation - Monday<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci0wtjCTYBRurB3xaXrogoGk-oY88bEcs4DzeVvD1MW9uIbnGOVkJxpagtnJyqbLheGHfT6iIZ3e8aIJtw5UzMQTX7BsZ1JLCn6cmV3b_eMx3SEzJ8GzLil3DeQvMN09GE0A7cw3qgrw/s1688/Screenshot+2020-11-08+at+19.17.11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1688" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci0wtjCTYBRurB3xaXrogoGk-oY88bEcs4DzeVvD1MW9uIbnGOVkJxpagtnJyqbLheGHfT6iIZ3e8aIJtw5UzMQTX7BsZ1JLCn6cmV3b_eMx3SEzJ8GzLil3DeQvMN09GE0A7cw3qgrw/w640-h438/Screenshot+2020-11-08+at+19.17.11.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Continuing our <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/call-prayer-nation" target="_blank">lockdown month of prayer,</a> on Monday we pray for schools, colleges, children and young people. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">We pray for all those involved
in the shaping of young lives. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We give God thanks for the
sacrifice and commitment of
teachers and </div><div style="text-align: left;">all those involved
in serving children and young
people in education. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We pray that all might be
nurtured and cared for </div><div style="text-align: left;">and
that every needful resource would be made available – </div><div style="text-align: left;">that
all lives can flourish even in
these difficult times and that
no-one would be overlooked.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Amen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Loving Father God,
be with us in our distress; <div>be with our families, friends, and neighbours,
our country and our world. </div><div> Give health to the sick,
hope to the fearful,
and comfort to mourners. </div><div>Give wisdom to our frontline and key workers,
insight to our Government,
and patience to us all.
Overcome disease with the power of your new life,
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. </div><div>Amen.</div><div><br /></div><div><u><a href="https://outreachyouth.org.uk" target="_blank">Outreach Youth</a></u></div><div>Outreach Youth is a small but dynamic youth work charity based at Tower House which supports and works with young people aged under 25 across Suffolk. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOqR6xPEIGCf8QyJakqy51mJN4F5GfFE1JRSq12S0IsKokH1mIIH5kblJKo0uvsNoVLvaV3GwKdPt6iL7uOOFZvf0uu_nJ8qK88ZKeycU0Hccc9_Wdy-UOjRaT_pEJcxoMnfz4VVb9Qk/s310/Screenshot+2020-11-27+at+09.33.55.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOqR6xPEIGCf8QyJakqy51mJN4F5GfFE1JRSq12S0IsKokH1mIIH5kblJKo0uvsNoVLvaV3GwKdPt6iL7uOOFZvf0uu_nJ8qK88ZKeycU0Hccc9_Wdy-UOjRaT_pEJcxoMnfz4VVb9Qk/s0/Screenshot+2020-11-27+at+09.33.55.png" /></a></div><br /><div>For over 10 years, we have been supporting and working, with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer and Questioning (LGBT*Q+) young people, their friends and families across Suffolk. The strength and resilience of all the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer and Questioning (LGBT*Q+) young people that we are and have been in contact with inspires us.
Outreach youth also provides other Youth Work projects, with our partners, that support and work with other young people, who are often regarded as “hard to reach”, to make Suffolk a better place to live. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-36114356938852754012020-11-30T16:00:00.001+00:002020-11-30T17:45:12.938+00:00Christmas Jokes!Nothing brings the family together at Christmas quite like a good (or terrible) Christmas joke. Whether you’re sharing a laugh or a groan, silly Christmas jokes from out of your crackers (or passed down from your Uncle after too much sherry ) are an undeniable tradition. Here are a few of the best!<div><br /><div><br /></div>Q: What do you call an elf wearing ear muffs? <div>A: Anything you want. He can’t hear you! <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2KzNDhFdNgjLGlD-xOigaODLviDaWYbCS8qGj9E9q6sJjwXCBT4iqkwOoy44S2NyiyLoo0kz4v3AL71RTHBHYvQ_XxoCSKOuqJ7a1bEUA54cTH7YISV3Ufdu_BOh2Abf3Iaq89VMh1I/s258/Screenshot+2020-11-07+at+11.22.48.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="208" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2KzNDhFdNgjLGlD-xOigaODLviDaWYbCS8qGj9E9q6sJjwXCBT4iqkwOoy44S2NyiyLoo0kz4v3AL71RTHBHYvQ_XxoCSKOuqJ7a1bEUA54cTH7YISV3Ufdu_BOh2Abf3Iaq89VMh1I/w94-h117/Screenshot+2020-11-07+at+11.22.48.png" width="94" /></a></div></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Q: What do you call Santa when he takes a break? </div><div>A: Santa Pause </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Q: Why do Christmas trees like the past so much? </div><div>A: Because the present’s beneath them </div><div><br /></div><div>Q: What do you get when you mix a Christmas tree and an iPad? </div><div>A: A pineapple! </div><div><br /></div><div>Q: How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas? </div><div>A: Deep pan, crisp and even! </div><div><br /></div><div>Q: How do sheep in Mexico greet Merry Christmas? </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWxVK6ZJyUm6-DoX4LVGeFhfuq29EVGS1OXg8KyYT70JWXJ0phOWPr4p-40fHDU1JWplCjzrZZAWeszcVTrY-EV0wN5aHdO3nY86OxbjcSp_cZfODQ-eogV2IaoTF-gcf6rT4h2T94nM/s302/Screenshot+2020-11-07+at+11.23.05.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="244" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWxVK6ZJyUm6-DoX4LVGeFhfuq29EVGS1OXg8KyYT70JWXJ0phOWPr4p-40fHDU1JWplCjzrZZAWeszcVTrY-EV0wN5aHdO3nY86OxbjcSp_cZfODQ-eogV2IaoTF-gcf6rT4h2T94nM/w132-h163/Screenshot+2020-11-07+at+11.23.05.png" width="132" /></a>A: Fleece Navidad! </div><div><br /></div><div>Q: Where would a reindeer go to find her lost tail? </div><div>A: "Re-tail" store. </div><div><br /></div><div>Q: What do donkeys send out near Christmas? </div><div>A: Mule-tide greetings. </div><div><br /></div><div>Q: What do you call a blind reindeer?
A: No-eye deer. </div><div>Q: What do you call a blind reindeer with no legs?
A: Still no-eye deer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? </div><div>A: Frostbite. </div><div><br /></div><div>Q: Did you hear about the man who stole an advent calendar? </div><div>A: He got 25 days. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-NNkfBq9jz-Ksm0saLBOcaB2NOiTM8E7xelcQF6xStWzrGfzdCF69F2dcLMCdh1g07DCwMh91DuXMJg4wgyu3nMSun1KnQb2Y8SHofdB_hY1jAHZ6plsGsXv_PUBHELLCBzuX8Veh5M/s318/Screenshot+2020-11-07+at+11.23.19.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="286" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-NNkfBq9jz-Ksm0saLBOcaB2NOiTM8E7xelcQF6xStWzrGfzdCF69F2dcLMCdh1g07DCwMh91DuXMJg4wgyu3nMSun1KnQb2Y8SHofdB_hY1jAHZ6plsGsXv_PUBHELLCBzuX8Veh5M/w124-h137/Screenshot+2020-11-07+at+11.23.19.png" width="124" /></a><br /></div><div>Q: What could you call an elf who has just won the lottery? <br />A: Welfy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Q: Why did Mrs. Claus insist Santa take an umbrella? </div><div>A: “Because of the rain, dear.”</div></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-18461640999699725032020-11-30T14:00:00.004+00:002020-11-30T14:00:02.920+00:00Christmas Truffles<p>This is a slight variation on a standard truffle recipe I've had for a while. They make great Christmas presents for relatives, friends and teachers!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGUdUtPl9iPsvukXsq5ZXAjOebdZLRpmZKINb3X2hAy75TJZdiNanfLKfaCRecy5JGS3qzhFC4MyX4633qOmf6nqCClbYTF8pxZQ8QQYEWWqs4qeZ-IzXBLpP0j7Si9gHHLRAtjDHD14/s2048/sheri-silver-szibfrjPEdA-unsplash.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="2048" height="455" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGUdUtPl9iPsvukXsq5ZXAjOebdZLRpmZKINb3X2hAy75TJZdiNanfLKfaCRecy5JGS3qzhFC4MyX4633qOmf6nqCClbYTF8pxZQ8QQYEWWqs4qeZ-IzXBLpP0j7Si9gHHLRAtjDHD14/w569-h455/sheri-silver-szibfrjPEdA-unsplash.png" width="569" /></a></div><div><b>Ingredients</b><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>200g 70% dark chocolate </li><li>200g
white chocolate </li><li>300ml double cream (split this into 200ml and 100ml) </li><li>35g unsalted butter </li><li>2tbsp Baileys or supermarket equivalent</li><li>2 tbsp
vanilla extract </li><li>1 tsp
cocoa powder and chopped almonds to coat</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><b>Method</b> </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Break both types of chocolate into small pieces and put into two separate bowls. </li><li>Pour 200ml of the cream into one small pan and 100ml into another. Add 25g of butter to the 200ml and 10g of butter to the 100ml. Heat both pans gently until the butter melts and the creams reach simmering point. Pour the 200ml onto the dark chocolate and the 100ml onto the white chocolate. </li><li>Stir the chocolates into the creams until smooth. Stir 1 tbsp of Baileys and ½ tsp vanilla into each mixture. <b>Chill for 4 hours or overnight if possible.</b> </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>To make the truffles, dip a melon baller (or teaspoon) in hot water and scoop out a small ball of the truffle mix. Put the ball on a tray lined with baking paper and repeat, dipping the baller into the water each time to keep it warm so the mixture slides off easily. </li><li>Put the cocoa powder and chopped almonds into separate bowls. Drop the dark truffles into the cocoa one by one and roll until they are completely coated. Do the same with the white truffles and the almonds, pushing them in, if needed, to stick. </li><li>Put the chocolate truffles on a clean sheet of baking paper in an airtight container and keep them chilled until ready to serve. They will keep for 4-5 days in the fridge.</li></ul></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br />Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-26706344138404327682020-11-30T12:00:00.110+00:002020-11-30T13:11:07.480+00:00Things to do in Suffolk this Christmas<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Many group and family activities are not possible this winter, but that doesn't meant we need to miss out entirely!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibF_9736tQbvP4zv2sqkt3WJecnJtWN1KfVIDlEOXR4a_aFOfgcPjD2ayqKq5GUls_PH6N_a13hGI2o7V_Zqeydm_GnGvauik2az4Q2soTJEgkw8VJGWc4S8Ejh96m6pVwUDLvESZXeg8/s1834/Screenshot+2020-10-30+at+16.40.29.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1834" data-original-width="1498" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibF_9736tQbvP4zv2sqkt3WJecnJtWN1KfVIDlEOXR4a_aFOfgcPjD2ayqKq5GUls_PH6N_a13hGI2o7V_Zqeydm_GnGvauik2az4Q2soTJEgkw8VJGWc4S8Ejh96m6pVwUDLvESZXeg8/w522-h640/Screenshot+2020-10-30+at+16.40.29.png" width="522" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@splashabout?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Nareeta Martin</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/christmas-quotes?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Below are a few suggestions to keep you busy over the coming weeks. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">(NB Do check the local lockdown regulations before making a journey.)</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>1.English Heritage</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="428" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRX8emBvGhepE7GU7lg9p6PHYOsFbuXG0BIqIHRhiJ9IQDZxMZLcBV7v4WIwXufdsoWJuTSH0jouqmPi3QyfU8SA3jUBzDB7Kxb1KBgOlgihelt7sCtWsHxrs617zIhRqlmE3Jrsm6i8/w231-h93/Screenshot+2020-10-30+at+16.28.03.png" width="231" /></a></div><p></p></div>"Celebrate the festive season with family and friends at historic places- find an event near you and learn about the history of some of your favourite Christmas traditions.
Plan a refreshing winter walk in England's historic landscapes with our walking guides."<div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>26th December - 3rd January : <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/framlingham-castle-christmas-adventure-quest-26-dec-2020---3-jan-2021/" target="_blank">Christmas Adventure Quest at Framlingham Castle</a></li><li>26th December - 3rd January : <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/audley-end-christmas-adventure-quest-26-dec---3-jan-2021/" target="_blank">Christmas Adventure Quest at Audley End</a></li><li>26th December - 3rd January : <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/eltham-palace-christmas-adventure-quest-26-dec---3-jan-2021/" target="_blank">Christmas Adventure Quest at Eltham Palace</a></li></ul><div>English Heritage also have a wealth of <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/christmas/christmas-recipes-crafts/" target="_blank">craft and recipe ideas</a> here!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>2. The National Trust </u></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVd8kFuOBCWH12n7XTH4wMiFpnh_SOTE78-M7P6oNME-u4ya26JwuUP-H4RbtwzhA4KPU87zXzzl1xbDWrcPsHBwLs3VrhyL43yHBgdSjV9E78WPPZHc_rssAREeBW5A2tLr6UkMYEpeY/s142/Screenshot+2020-10-30+at+16.44.58.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVd8kFuOBCWH12n7XTH4wMiFpnh_SOTE78-M7P6oNME-u4ya26JwuUP-H4RbtwzhA4KPU87zXzzl1xbDWrcPsHBwLs3VrhyL43yHBgdSjV9E78WPPZHc_rssAREeBW5A2tLr6UkMYEpeY/s0/Screenshot+2020-10-30+at+16.44.58.png" /></a></div><br /> The National Trust also has plans for activities this winter. You can check their <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/days-out/christmas-in-the-east-of-england" target="_blank">page for the East of England here.</a> Their illuminated gardens project is a wonderful outside activity, Ickworth House is part of this - you can book tickets <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth/features/celebrating-a-new-winter-exhibition-" target="_blank">from this page</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span><a name='more'></a></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>3. Kentwell Hall</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Whilst they are unable to hold their usual Dickensian Christmas event this year, Kentwell have a "Twelve Days of Christmas" trail running Saturday 19, Sunday 20 and Monday 21 December, from 10am. You can take your family to explore the fun, festive trail around Kentwell's Gardens and Grounds, and enjoy entertainment and a visit to Father Christmas. <b style="font-style: italic;">This event is by ticket only, with no on the day entry to maintain safe numbers. </b>Find out more, and <a href="https://www.kentwell.co.uk/events/christmas-at-kentwell" target="_blank">book your tickets here </a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.kentwell.co.uk/events/christmas-at-kentwell" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="996" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihREt5_uq3P_7Pd01xoPYaNg04A6FOSVJsVV0bYCrSyoLmc_uVOoYFa6ME2iA2Jk9GaZjfvCfJs5y7rmSiXueFnqympkdk6tU6g7BaO6L4Zo7IrDk1tanAg3g4BeFLxFuPnmaQPWN7GnE/s320/Screenshot+2020-11-16+at+17.09.02.png" /></a></div><br /><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>4. Mid-Suffolk Light Railway</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Santa Specials will still be running at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, Stowmarket. The EADT has <a href="https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/christmas-events-suffolk-2020-1-6889338" target="_blank">further information here</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe9qBhWQajlfH2BYluqJoj3iC9teUqTfMirm9ABqP0y8SKvxZAdef09QljapZ-pQOOQZTcII_xHwNYitZ69f3ad-tP4oZnBi1UVS3bjxyWEfwxWP56fU6W2XzwB7H8n1ladyzOCUdmPQ/s440/Screenshot+2020-10-30+at+16.53.53.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="440" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe9qBhWQajlfH2BYluqJoj3iC9teUqTfMirm9ABqP0y8SKvxZAdef09QljapZ-pQOOQZTcII_xHwNYitZ69f3ad-tP4oZnBi1UVS3bjxyWEfwxWP56fU6W2XzwB7H8n1ladyzOCUdmPQ/w200-h89/Screenshot+2020-10-30+at+16.53.53.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe9qBhWQajlfH2BYluqJoj3iC9teUqTfMirm9ABqP0y8SKvxZAdef09QljapZ-pQOOQZTcII_xHwNYitZ69f3ad-tP4oZnBi1UVS3bjxyWEfwxWP56fU6W2XzwB7H8n1ladyzOCUdmPQ/s440/Screenshot+2020-10-30+at+16.53.53.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div></div><div><b><u>5. Visit Suffolk</u></b></div><div>"Visit Suffolk" has a long list of <a href="https://www.visitsuffolk.com/whats-on/thedms.aspx?pvieflag=E&dms=12&rgn=Suffolk" target="_blank">events here</a>. <br /></div><div><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div><b><u>6. New Wolsey Christmas Panto</u></b></div><div>This year the New Wolsey Theatre are going ahead with their rock 'n' roll panto, and streaming it! More <a href="https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/what-s-on/new-wolsey-will-stage-rock-and-roll-panto-as-online-event-1-6915835" target="_blank">info here</a> .</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wolseytheatre.co.uk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1572" data-original-width="1076" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjByW9UN7IHdnwz9B5xsem3HpwFdmrPoLlkUh4lFvkb_3WaBqzp6gZ5y40jeDEgVKfb-DDMpK-ul1kRXEvP_gzwf-17fhu2Ty1VKAijrMNlD8tcmHI4yxWAc3KW7352xgWLEMvUAoHpk/w274-h400/Screenshot+2020-11-25+at+13.55.06.png" width="274" /></a></div><br /><div><b><u>7. A Christmas Carol</u></b></div><div>In Bury St Edmunds the <a href="https://theatreroyal.org" target="_blank">Theatre Royal </a>is staging its production of "A Christmas Carol" outside, on Angel Hill in December. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://theatreroyal.org" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="998" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGi_MUlJSvSRspf77sE3DsKHftGoCR0F0pB4O3U2nA_BiFo2wc_yvgnGtuexDXnAiinc2kOk3LODFXtBHeY9SM-3mofoJJqDXi_gtAk6aV3KD0I3OzDsCdhDOCSuUnWf4aWTk6XV49Yw/w400-h279/Screenshot+2020-11-25+at+13.57.15.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>8. Ipswich Regent events</u></b></div><div>The Ipswich Regent are streaming a series of "nights in" with famous faces. Visit <a href="https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/" target="_blank">their website here</a> to find out more.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2iZnZplj3WmJvSBtnOAe1aFGwlIzashpjm3O43QiQCU0cLHadBp7D5PYVyfnEcTYcwaIDwfJ7porYvRqj2dDifHkhG1sPI4FG_M4oGcyvBZ62ilB2Qp3lQzmF01qqb3aVcUnaSAmJco/s2048/Screenshot+2020-11-25+at+13.59.48.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="2048" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2iZnZplj3WmJvSBtnOAe1aFGwlIzashpjm3O43QiQCU0cLHadBp7D5PYVyfnEcTYcwaIDwfJ7porYvRqj2dDifHkhG1sPI4FG_M4oGcyvBZ62ilB2Qp3lQzmF01qqb3aVcUnaSAmJco/w400-h254/Screenshot+2020-11-25+at+13.59.48.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red;">PLEASE DO CHECK AS SOME OF THESE WILL BE CANCELLED DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS.</span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-38881135270576465872020-11-30T10:00:00.019+00:002020-11-30T13:10:43.282+00:00Famous Christmas Trees!<b>1</b><b>. Rockefeller Center Christmas tree — New York City, New York</b><div>When it comes to Christmas decorations, you just can’t beat New York City. Perhaps the most famous Christmas tree in the world, the Norway spruce at Rockefeller Center usually has a height between 70 to 100 feet and is a sight to behold each year. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuI96Iwj7RB-ItVEvNlg9yNIFlE_vg4Cl7RCp1HmeRoeDBwCkjtjR9ezMXUxB1MiADArZGkRLEy1vfCC2eut8UOloXvFe_f8uNY2zo2qjU_zpguqzPOv9SQjinWbFGQsfcBKRWzsSPVc/s2048/alex-haney-xhLpQmQEZ8s-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuI96Iwj7RB-ItVEvNlg9yNIFlE_vg4Cl7RCp1HmeRoeDBwCkjtjR9ezMXUxB1MiADArZGkRLEy1vfCC2eut8UOloXvFe_f8uNY2zo2qjU_zpguqzPOv9SQjinWbFGQsfcBKRWzsSPVc/w640-h426/alex-haney-xhLpQmQEZ8s-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@alexhaney?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Alex Haney</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/rockefeller-center-christmas-tree?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><b>2. Sandi — West Palm Beach, Florida</b></div><div>Florida doesn’t get any snow during the holidays (or ever), so it makes do with what it has in abundance: sand. Beginning in early November, sand is delivered by the truckload to the West Palm Beach waterfront, where sculptors begin shaping the massive pile into a 35-foot Christmas tree. West Palm Beach’s Sandi tree is the world’s only 700-ton sand tree and is illuminated with choreographed light and music shows nightly throughout the holiday season. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zu2x7WEokIxHan0ivLG_6h8jXt-1HsD9mGPmlSAu9sqkx7EWRz17umjlGPeQgzhDYieFDY_EHJu7CBxlZYlGW9H6HIkg1DX7l8-c-inbknbdZHIWXY_6FrJZIdTZ7M75bcQqtzLP4aM/s1280/Christmas-tree-Florida.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zu2x7WEokIxHan0ivLG_6h8jXt-1HsD9mGPmlSAu9sqkx7EWRz17umjlGPeQgzhDYieFDY_EHJu7CBxlZYlGW9H6HIkg1DX7l8-c-inbknbdZHIWXY_6FrJZIdTZ7M75bcQqtzLP4aM/w640-h430/Christmas-tree-Florida.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Floating Christmas tree — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil</b></div><div>Revelers like to do it big in Brazil, and Christmas time is no exception. Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon in Rio de Janeiro is home to a floating Christmas tree that stretches over 270 feet into the sky, a tradition that began alongside a dazzling fireworks display in 2014. The tree has to be constructed on a barge each year and is lit up with more than three million lights, attracting around 200,000 visitors. </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ZPmR8p-mZ4" width="480"></iframe></div></div><div><br /><b><span><a name='more'></a></span>4. Galeries Lafayette Christmas tree — Paris, France</b></div><div>A stunning four-story Christmas tree is placed inside the Galeries Lafayette department store each year in Paris, France, and it always has a different theme to surprise and delight shoppers. Past themes have included “From another planet,” complete with meteoric decorations; “Arctic,” which was made entirely of paper by French artist Lorenzo Papace; and “Spectacular Spectacular,” from the film Moulin Rouge.</div><div>Here is last year's tree, the "Beehive".</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p0YUhQoaBgc" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b>5. </b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gubbio Christmas tree — Gubbio, Italy</span></div><div>The Mount Ingino Christmas Tree is a lighting illumination in the shape of a Christmas tree that is installed annually on the slopes of Mount Ingino outside the city of Gubbio, in the Umbria region in Italy. Composed of about 4000 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire, the ‘tree’ is a modern marvel for an ancient city . The tree is also called the Gubbio Christmas Tree or the biggest Christmas tree in the world, and has its own <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Ingino_Christmas_Tree" target="_blank">Wikipedia page</a>! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJsEY0vxciPVjfAH_-am7C_mwZlyzLFUjN9iltjBvOZ_75mHxo-jHuSKoy0PKPBZhE4Q_zqzNYZ3O5Whjop0HAPQ2Eq7auIDfL3_jqAnQypc8k38iE8yrPokaqcWhvL9sW9Jxz_2ptg4/s720/47254484_769789956692217_4618265766590939136_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJsEY0vxciPVjfAH_-am7C_mwZlyzLFUjN9iltjBvOZ_75mHxo-jHuSKoy0PKPBZhE4Q_zqzNYZ3O5Whjop0HAPQ2Eq7auIDfL3_jqAnQypc8k38iE8yrPokaqcWhvL9sW9Jxz_2ptg4/w640-h426/47254484_769789956692217_4618265766590939136_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b>6. Trafalgar Square, London</b></div>The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is usually a Norwegian spruce over 20 metres high and 50-60 years old. It is selected from the forests surrounding Oslo several months, even years, in advance. The Norwegian foresters who look after it describe it fondly as 'the queen of the forest'.
The tree is felled in November during a ceremony in which the Lord Mayor of Westminster, the British ambassador to Norway and the Mayor of Oslo participate. It too has its own <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trafalgar_Square_Christmas_tree" target="_blank">Wikipedia page </a>here. <div><b><br /></b></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf6ZTridzAi9Rm-xnxlGLXRA9zh0qcdV83f8g6ShcDPMabfz6VZDoBRf5CEJzixFcR-dNRNkX5jLXIGDRJjC-vyd2IO9RELbgjGuC6tdGIjeGuo6Sube0UpR5hrmiUXx6F2ttPbSv0no/s1618/Trafalgar_Square_Christmas_Carols_-_Dec_2006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1618" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXf6ZTridzAi9Rm-xnxlGLXRA9zh0qcdV83f8g6ShcDPMabfz6VZDoBRf5CEJzixFcR-dNRNkX5jLXIGDRJjC-vyd2IO9RELbgjGuC6tdGIjeGuo6Sube0UpR5hrmiUXx6F2ttPbSv0no/w640-h412/Trafalgar_Square_Christmas_Carols_-_Dec_2006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree in 2006<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-89406576534500457282020-11-30T08:00:00.002+00:002020-11-30T08:00:02.287+00:00Christmas Paper ChainsTraditionally flowers and branches have been used for decorations both inside and out at important festivals, and Christian festivals have been no different. Flower garlands have been made since Roman times, and tinsel garlands in Germany in about 1610, and paper chains were first seen in the UK in the 1850s, when they were used on Christmas trees. This was a time when many of our festive traditions came over to England from Germany in Victorian times. <p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/i0eap3flf4redpp/Christmas%20Mindfulness%20Coloring%20Paper%20Chain%20Activity.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank"> Download and print </a>the template below several times, and get colouring! You can then join your loops together to make a paper chain! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/i0eap3flf4redpp/Christmas%20Mindfulness%20Coloring%20Paper%20Chain%20Activity.pdf?dl=0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1502" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAR88gMfp0hydBCsMuFQAySoP26y1hfjg0mhfzViUAu1H2ZwUzXxAuQEBJS5SAixPfUFMvNAiMM4uEw6cyWENvQa4sKvgn9KBZpHlgmEGmfbbVt6zd_bfoWatVJBV7Gri9HoFu8NE52Q/w470-h640/Screenshot+2020-10-17+at+13.45.37.png" width="470" /></a></div>If you have some green and red paper, you could try making this clever paper chain Christmas Tree from <a href="https://www.makeandtakes.com/weekend-make-and-takes-advents">"Makes and Takes" </a> . Instructions are on their website.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.makeandtakes.com/weekend-make-and-takes-advents" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjb2Rb2dgj7WrOqRYH5vcyiYiOMpzbOcPt0ypn8RKgkiuELNeY0jdtKoh0yY_Da0oaWkVq8s2na4gU1n_RSTqy9PTkHP4OAmW55xIjrprkzraceG9aJwv6fjSFk26MKiCwURhChzeqUc/w381-h400/Screenshot+2020-10-15+at+18.09.21.png" width="381" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-19972288047383628282020-11-29T18:00:00.053+00:002020-11-29T18:00:00.183+00:00Prayer for the Nation - Sunday<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci0wtjCTYBRurB3xaXrogoGk-oY88bEcs4DzeVvD1MW9uIbnGOVkJxpagtnJyqbLheGHfT6iIZ3e8aIJtw5UzMQTX7BsZ1JLCn6cmV3b_eMx3SEzJ8GzLil3DeQvMN09GE0A7cw3qgrw/s1688/Screenshot+2020-11-08+at+19.17.11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1688" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci0wtjCTYBRurB3xaXrogoGk-oY88bEcs4DzeVvD1MW9uIbnGOVkJxpagtnJyqbLheGHfT6iIZ3e8aIJtw5UzMQTX7BsZ1JLCn6cmV3b_eMx3SEzJ8GzLil3DeQvMN09GE0A7cw3qgrw/w640-h438/Screenshot+2020-11-08+at+19.17.11.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>On Sunday we pray for for our families and friends, continuing the <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/call-prayer-nation" target="_blank">lockdown month of prayer</a>.</p><div style="text-align: center;">We lift to God those we hold in
our hearts – </div><div style="text-align: center;">praying for their
health, their well-being and
their sense of hope. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We pray that even when loved
ones cannot physically be
together they would not feel
apart. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We ask for God’s help in
our communicating, our
connecting and our caring.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-_dtBhUgbmhLuGhjjOfSHstIGtnpKPqnW-ajykFrwVwlVEb5hxZ8E-1bfpomsMyDJstbB_wvfnOTSvJoOZWAG9-rVNq_dKDlh2vGjbUKd9xUE2QKxeuwAoS-_ZWF64G_q3VV8j1vsU8/s928/Screenshot+2020-11-10+at+09.12.21.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="928" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-_dtBhUgbmhLuGhjjOfSHstIGtnpKPqnW-ajykFrwVwlVEb5hxZ8E-1bfpomsMyDJstbB_wvfnOTSvJoOZWAG9-rVNq_dKDlh2vGjbUKd9xUE2QKxeuwAoS-_ZWF64G_q3VV8j1vsU8/w400-h318/Screenshot+2020-11-10+at+09.12.21.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We have a number of charities and projects based at Tower House which support families:-</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><a href="https://www.bscmulticulturalservices.org.uk" target="_blank">BSC Multicultural Services</a></u> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Formerly known as Bangladeshi Support Centre and set up 20 years ago BSC Multicultural Services is now a multi-award-winning registered charity and limited company supporting local people from over 50 different nationalities and from all faiths, cultures and backgrounds. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBb0KXTvMB3iNDrLG-CUZ38JHcuyZLnkD0cB6JXQsxEiZnai8iz2KaBwyISGuTiEoksX3DJMzfQGg_RQbq1T5zqLGm4XiniW4fGKoQgJSQbwzO3zKANiIHYSqWIpkAK4Ki-qPJzlPhxE/s1140/Screenshot+2020-11-27+at+09.41.56.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="1140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBb0KXTvMB3iNDrLG-CUZ38JHcuyZLnkD0cB6JXQsxEiZnai8iz2KaBwyISGuTiEoksX3DJMzfQGg_RQbq1T5zqLGm4XiniW4fGKoQgJSQbwzO3zKANiIHYSqWIpkAK4Ki-qPJzlPhxE/s320/Screenshot+2020-11-27+at+09.41.56.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Operating from No. 19 Tower Street the BSC works to advance education and empower individuals and communities. It provides services ranging from supplementary school runs for disadvantaged young people and the befriending scheme which supports vulnerable elderly people to stay fit, healthy and independent, to delivering food parcels and administering hardship funds in partnership with Suffolk Community Foundation. BSC are using one of the rooms at Tower House to store their food parcels.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://cachsf.org" target="_blank">The Caribbean and African Community Health Support Forum</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This charity has been in operation for 10 years. Its main objectives are to address the health and wellbeing issues which impact disproportionately on the Caribbean and African community living in Suffolk. They enable people from these communities access culturally appropriate health and wellbeing information via seminars, health awareness courses, projects and community events. They try to reach the more vulnerable and isolated members of the community living in Suffolk.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOJPo5il2IYMUNtLsRmQZMmg4rKOevGcJlyOMaqRIMStMz7zCXs-3zJs-W8Au3ykw8iCr6BTIOC-8P3ba8GGpQOIkCZ0m0YTLcn1eO75nBCG3P_3x8vN9PR6JtvCWW81tVoTTx6QpSn8/s478/Screenshot+2020-11-27+at+09.43.48.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOJPo5il2IYMUNtLsRmQZMmg4rKOevGcJlyOMaqRIMStMz7zCXs-3zJs-W8Au3ykw8iCr6BTIOC-8P3ba8GGpQOIkCZ0m0YTLcn1eO75nBCG3P_3x8vN9PR6JtvCWW81tVoTTx6QpSn8/s320/Screenshot+2020-11-27+at+09.43.48.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><u><a href="https://www.gottoread.org.uk" target="_blank">Got to Read</a></u></div><div style="text-align: left;">This charity has been in operation for nearly 10 years and staffed wholly by volunteers. They provide one-to-one support to adults who would like to be more confident in their reading, writing and speaking skills.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gf5UUtL2cLuVPwsjoCkeBq3YNgIshCBR5aXflJbUBAbwxZA_r2DvTM4-7rfp4gXTAKePk4GqZB4MfFet8CDZLuo6TgqIVfl6Zv1_j2NVbL0WE-TQhIzfaNknuxf7IGy6UAZPmrwG-EM/s570/Screenshot+2020-11-27+at+09.37.49.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gf5UUtL2cLuVPwsjoCkeBq3YNgIshCBR5aXflJbUBAbwxZA_r2DvTM4-7rfp4gXTAKePk4GqZB4MfFet8CDZLuo6TgqIVfl6Zv1_j2NVbL0WE-TQhIzfaNknuxf7IGy6UAZPmrwG-EM/s320/Screenshot+2020-11-27+at+09.37.49.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">One of six adults in this county struggle with reading and writing and GtR provide their clients with the practical skills and the confidence in reading with their children, shopping in supermarkets, reading recipes, completing forms, job applications and reading leaflets and information about health.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bmesuffolk.org" target="_blank">BME Suffolk</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">BME Suffolk provides practical support for black and minority ethnic families and individuals, helping to achieve social integration and well-being. They signpost families and individuals to mainstream services for social and mental well-being and supporting them with accessing specialist organisations.
They provide assistance to minority families in crisis and help them integrate by organising social events and trips workshops and awareness.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPQ0j_E0apibho2VfhA-_pCGocfuFnm_mD6STO9t1mhLhIuEtTeIPY9-tznlwMNXxi_9Vq1IAVc4YSBo_SnaqF_DvqwFhFpXU2fMZdbIXVyD5xOAZa8BoLRp_SIX-TnLyZWwXZcLue2I/s464/Screenshot+2020-11-27+at+09.48.33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPQ0j_E0apibho2VfhA-_pCGocfuFnm_mD6STO9t1mhLhIuEtTeIPY9-tznlwMNXxi_9Vq1IAVc4YSBo_SnaqF_DvqwFhFpXU2fMZdbIXVyD5xOAZa8BoLRp_SIX-TnLyZWwXZcLue2I/s320/Screenshot+2020-11-27+at+09.48.33.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-91520907732519981402020-11-29T18:00:00.004+00:002020-11-29T18:00:03.297+00:00The Ringing World - George Pipe's biography<p>George Pipe came from a well-known ringing family, and was one of the most well-known, capable, and respected ringers in the UK. A lifelong bell-ringer and Churchwarden twice at St. Mary le Tower, George started ringing from a very young age. Born in Suffolk, he spent most of his life in the area and was well known in the bell ringing world. Instrumental in establishing the great ringing tradition at St. Mary le Tower, George was active in the Tower belfry and community until ill-health caught up with him a couple of years ago. His widow, Diana, is still an active ringer and a member of our congregation and community.</p><p>In the 1950s George and his wife Diana moved to Australia, where he was instrumental in establishing 'English' change ringing in Australia and New Zealand. Back in Suffolk George and Diana worshipped at the Tower, and George was heavily involved in the leadership of the church. (He was also employed as the Bishop’s chaplain for a time.) </p><p>As well as bellringing he was a talented artist. He painted the picture of St. Mary le Tower which has been used on the front of the printed Church Paper and the china mugs we use for hot drinks at church. He excelled at calligraphy and his work can be found in the belfry. He was even an excellent flower arranger! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ringingworld.co.uk/purchase/shop/george-pipe-biography.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="1004" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxf6FQ8ySCkGMedHl5P49Z3HtEpcRGENdMK1LXY1AJzDEX7mu9CBduvrrwtzuw4xqxDsUIR9cLjqf9OB-PFRrbiFEIXKPwndrrN2EVewZSJsu0uzglghBEbAYodC6jy_TbupjpiuObhXk/w454-h640/Screenshot+2020-11-07+at+13.45.11.png" width="454" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Pipe's Biography, published 6th November 2020<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Stephen Cheek, Tower Secretary says "George was one of Suffolks 'great characters', a great supporter of SMLT and the Cathedral, and someone whom once met was never forgotten." </p><p>Sadly we are still waiting for an opportunity to have a memorial service at the church for him, as his funeral in March could only be attended by a few. You can <a href="https://www.ringingworld.co.uk/purchase/shop/george-pipe-biography.html" target="_blank">read more here,</a> and order a copy of his biography.</p><p><b>The History of Change Ringing</b></p><p>Change ringing, the traditional English method of sounding bells swinging full circle, evolved during the 17th century. The basis of the art is that having started from ’rounds’ (ringing down the scale), each bell follows a pre-determined path amongst the others, so that the bells ring in a different order each time until they return again to rounds. Fully developed, this becomes an intricate and exacting science which today is keenly pursued by over forty thousand men and women of all ages. They form a well organised and important part of the Church and social life of England and indeed many other countries where campanology has taken root.</p><b>The Bells at St Mary le Tower</b><div><b><br /></b><div>The bells St Mary-le-Tower are amongst the best known in Britain. There were five bells and a Sanctus in 1553 of which Miles Graye I of Colchester recast the Treble in 1607 and the Tenor in 1610. In 1671 John Darbie of Ipswich recast the 2nd and 4th and added a Treble to make a ring of six. By the addition of two trebles by Christopher Hodson in 1688 this ring became the second octave in Suffolk (Horham in 1672, and Framlingham and Bungay in 1718). The first full peal recorded on the bells is Grandsire Triples on 12th December 1735. </div><div><br /></div><div>Two more Trebles to make ten were cast by Taylor in 1844/5. Then with the great Victorian rebuilding of 1865, the opportunity was taken to provide Suffolk with its only ring of twelve, for in the following year a new Treble and Tenor were added. In 1976, a full scale restoration took place with the recasting of eight of the bells by Taylor of Loughborough, including a fine new Tenor of 35cwt. in the key of Dflat, retuning the remainder and rehanging with all new fittings. </div><div><br /></div><div>A sharp 2nd was added in 1980. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 1999 following the generous bequest by Dr Ronald Jones the 5th was recast, and the 8th retuned. Bells 9, 10 & 11 were replaced with bells cast to a heavier weight. The old 9th is going to Australia to form the Tenor of a ring of 8 in the key of F#. The old 10th is hung in the Tower as the ‘passing’ bell and the old 11th is also hung in the Tower as the Sanctus bell.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.smltscr.org.uk/hawkear/SMLTbells20200315.mp3" target="_blank">You can listen to the bells here</a>.</div>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056694827180731754.post-43953581301692889642020-11-29T16:00:00.093+00:002020-11-29T16:00:02.443+00:00Community Focus : Founding Futures<p>St Mary le Tower Choir draws its membership from around the county of Suffolk. We have choristers and choral scholars from many local state schools, and have contacts with most of the Independent Schools in the region. Ipswich School is one of our nearest neighbours, and regularly holds concerts and services at our church. </p><p>Recently their "Founding Futures" bursary scheme made the local press with the story of Tekle, an Eritrean refugee who fled war and famine to reach England four years ago. After a perilous journey over land and sea he reached our shores as a refugee. Having been placed in foster care in Grays, Essex, Tekle came to settle independently in Ipswich and studied GCSEs at Northgate High School. While studying for his GCSEs, he attended Suffolk Refugee Support’s Homework Club, which provides support to refugees who need more one-to-one help because English is not their first language. The Homework Club was initially held at Volunteering Matters, but moved to Ipswich School where students could take advantage of the facilities, and this is where Tekle was spotted by one of the school staff who volunteers at the club. In fact, the school was so impressed by his hard work and progress, that they offered him a full Founding Futures bursary to study A levels in Chemistry, Maths and Physics.</p><p>You can read the <a href="https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/refugee-tekle-ipswch-school-scholarship-1-6889390?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social_Icon&utm_campaign=in_article_social_icons&fbclid=IwAR1Te-ZGhuh6OzYPafmDqGou_l2tEOLkSWzngEaDd3XPQwgF911stXGVZuM" target="_blank">full story here</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAL8lG2YoDZ0mpwFyLhrDrykgtqi6kCYVng04ozprvDyRiEvLx09wpxxki8LQrOITdAhyphenhyphenab-42FEh7ZasmSBGSNo-au7oQzuYriSKhhf2uMUQdWCde9GE_t7n5u9GuHGrnnRRr4fucXg/s769/Founding+Futures+Logo+-+Navy+and+Light+Blue+no+line.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="769" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAL8lG2YoDZ0mpwFyLhrDrykgtqi6kCYVng04ozprvDyRiEvLx09wpxxki8LQrOITdAhyphenhyphenab-42FEh7ZasmSBGSNo-au7oQzuYriSKhhf2uMUQdWCde9GE_t7n5u9GuHGrnnRRr4fucXg/w400-h129/Founding+Futures+Logo+-+Navy+and+Light+Blue+no+line.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Unlike many other Independent schools, Ipswich does not have a large endowment providing bursaries to support children in the School. Through the Founding Futures Bursary Campaign Ipswich School wants to open up access to any pupil, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. </p><p>You can read more about the <a href="https://www.ipswich.school/founding-futures/" target="_blank">Founding Futures Campaign here</a>. </p><p></p><blockquote><i>“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving the community and world better than you found it” </i><i> </i> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span> </blockquote><blockquote>
Marian Wright Edelman </blockquote><p></p>Twinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.com0Ipswich, UK52.056736 1.1482223.746502163821155 -34.00803 80.366969836178839 36.30447