Mondays – January/February – Pulloxhill Warm Hub
All are welcome to come and spend a couple of hours enjoying the warm space, company and light refreshments at the Pulloxhill Warm Hub at the Shelter in Orchard Road Pulloxhill.
It will be open between 12.30pm and 2.30pm every Monday from 9th January until the end of February. The Warm Hub is being hosted by Pulloxhill Church and Pulloxhill Parish Council and is free to anyone who would like to pop in during the cold and dark months after Christmas.
If you need more information, please contact liz.coulson@btinternet.com
20 January 2023 - Bible Book Club
Friday 20 January 2pm to 3:30pm at Silsoe Vicarage
The first meeting of the Bible Book Club will be on Friday 20th January at 2pm-3.30pm approx, at Silsoe Vicarage.
Please read or listen to Mark’s gospel (about 1.5 hours to read it all) and come with thoughts, questions and insights to share.
All are welcome.
If you want to look at some background please look at the Bible
Society website
Saturday 21 January 2023
12:00 Noon to 1:30pm at Flitton Church Hall
Soup and a Pud
An Update from Margaret
The Soup and Pud lunch on Saturday 21st was a great success. Lots of you came and everyone said how delicious the food was. Thank you if you came and/or helped in some way. We will do it again as it was such a nice community event.
Join us at Flitton for a bowl of warming home-made soup
followed by a delicious dessert.
There’ll be a choice of 5 homemade soups with bread & butter,
plus 5 desserts.
Just £5.00
There’ll be tea and coffee available as well – £1.
Please come along and join us for a delicious lunch and good company
Contact Jo Holt for more details – jo_holt@sky.com
Come along to Silsoe Church, High Street, MK45 4DR on Saturday 1st April between 10am and 4pm and enjoy our Easter Craft Fair.
Rev Simon and Rev Louise will be leading FREE children’s activities in the Chancel and we will have lots of Craft Stalls around the Church.
There’ll be refreshments available all day, so why not pop in for a browse and a coffee? Entrance to the Fair is FREE.
SOME OF OUR STALL HOLDERS
SILSOE HOBBIES GROUP
Selling:
Knitted/Crochet animals
Fridge Magnets
Easter Card & Gifts
Lap Blankets
Scarves & Shawls
The Hobbies Group meets in Silsoe Village Hall on Thursdays at 2pm for a couple of hours. Contact Anne Govier on annegovier1a@gmail.com for more details
CREATIVE CRAFTS
Decoupage – jars, vases, stones, candle holders, wreaths, plant holders, small upcycled drawers, etc.
www.facebook.com/creativecraftsbylynndougan/
DIAMOND MELTS
Handmade soy wax melts, candles, room sprays, car diffusers and more
KAT’S GIFTS
Flower bouquets, Easter Egg Baskets, etc.
ARTWORK BY ABIGAIL
Hand decorated gifts, bags, t-shirts plus lino prints and more
artworkbyabigail@btinternet.com
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/artworkbyabigailGb
MADE BY GURVINDER
Pet portraits, card designs, coasters, candle holders and more.
JIM PIKE STAINED GLASS ART
07790 005616
Saturday 4 February 2023 – 12 Noon to 1:30pm
Winter Warmer at Pulloxhill Church Hall
Come and join us for homemade soups, jacket potatoes, cakes, tea and coffee.
There will also be a raffle and Liz’s Quiz.
Starting 19 February for 6 weeks
LENT OPPORTUNITY FOR ENCOURAGEMENT
For a one to one conversation with the either of the Vicars or members of the Ministry Team to encourage you in your spiritual journey. Let us know if you’d like a visit or a phone call during the next 6 weeks, to chat about how you’re doing and to be prayed for.
Please contact us to organise a visit or call – RevSimon@3churches.uk or RevLouise@3churches.uk or 01525 643478
Starting 19 February for 6 weeks
LENT OPPORTUNITY FOR ENCOURAGEMENT
For a one to one conversation with the either of the Vicars or members of the Ministry Team to encourage you in your spiritual journey. Let us know if you’d like a visit or a phone call during the next 6 weeks, to chat about how you’re doing and to be prayed for.
Please contact us to organise a visit or call – RevSimon@3churches.uk or RevLouise@3churches.uk or 01525 643478
Sunday 19 February 2023 at 4pm
Pulloxhill Church Hall
Messy Sunday
A lively fun and creative time together for families, children and people of all ages.
Songs, stories, puppets, crafts and prayers.
Numbers Limited so book on revsimon@3churches.uk
24 February 2023 – Bible Book Club
Friday 24 February 2pm to 3:30pm at Silsoe Vicarage
The next meeting of the Bible Book Club will be on Friday 24 February from 2pm to 3.30pm approx, at Silsoe Vicarage.
Please read or listen to Jonah and come with thoughts, questions and insights to share.
All are welcome.
If you want to look at some background please look at the Bible Society website
Starting Wednesday 1 March at Silsoe Vicarage
2pm to 3:30pm and 7:30pm to 9pm
LENT GROUPS
The Lent Groups this year will focus on Prayer, and have a particular relationship to the prayer in the last days of Jesus’ life. If you have ever struggled with the mystery of seemingly unanswered prayer, or prayer that is answered, but not in the way you’d hoped for, this could be very good for you.
The groups will take place on Wednesdays in Lent beginning 1st March. One group in the afternoons 2-3.30pm, and one in the evenings 7.30-9pm. Both will take place at the Vicarage, and will cover the same material so you can come to either.
All are welcome. Please let us know if you’d like to attend – RevSimon@3churches.uk or RevLouise@3churches.uk or 01525 643478
Sunday 12 March 2023 at 4pm at Silsoe Church
Messy Sunday
A lively fun and creative time together for families, children and people of all ages.
Songs, stories, puppets, crafts and prayers.
Numbers Limited so book on revsimon@3churches.uk
Saturday 18 March 2023 - 10am to 12:30pm
Please join us for our second Church Vision Morning. This time it will be held from 10am to 12:30pm in Pulloxhill Church Hall.
In preparation for the Vision Morning Rev Simon and Rev Louise have asked us to think about (both for the Benefice and our individual churches):
1. What is good to celebrate in the last few years?
2. What should be our priorities?
3. What do we need to do in the future (be as specific as you can)?
4. If you could travel 10 years into the future, what would you like the churches to be doing and to be like?
If you can’t make the morning but would like to give Rev Simon and Rev Louise your responses please email RevSimon@3churches.uk or RevLouise@3churches.uk or drop a note through The Vicarage door.
Saturday 25 March 2023
10:30am to 12:30pm
Coffee Morning
The Friends of Flitton Church are holding a coffee morning on Saturday 25 March.
Come along for delicious homemade cakes, a cup of tea or coffee and a some friendly chat.
25 March 2023 - Silsoe Churchyard
Spring Clean Up
Can you spare an hour or so to help with the Spring Clean Up of Silsoe Churchyard?
If so, please come along and join us between 9:30am and 12:30pm on Saturday 25 March. We don’t have much in the way of gardening tools, so please bring your own.
There’ll be tea or coffee and biscuits to keep you going.
Thank you.
31 March 2023 - Bible Book Club
Friday 31 March 2pm to 3:30pm at Silsoe Vicarage
The next meeting of the Bible Book Club will be on Friday 31 March from 2pm to 3.30pm approx, at Silsoe Vicarage.
Please read or listen to the book of Philippians and come with thoughts, questions and insights to share.
All are welcome.
If you want to look at some background please look at the Bible Society website
Friday 31 March 2023
Artists, Architects, Sculptors
An illustrated talk by Margaret Butt featuring local artisans.
7:30pm in Flitton Church Hall – Tickets £10
For more information, contact Margaret on mkatebutt@yahoo.co.uk
Raising funds for Flitton Church
SILSOE EASTER CRAFT FAIR
Saturday 1 April 2023 10am to 4pm at Silsoe Church
We’ve got a great mix of stalls with all sorts of crafts on display and for sale. Plus FREE children’s Easter activities with Rev Simon and Rev Louise.
There’ll be light refreshments available all day and entry is FREE
For more details of the stalls, etc click here
1 April 2023 - Pulloxhill Easter Coffee Morning
Join us in Pulloxhill Church Hall between 10:30am and 12 noon for our Easter Coffee Morning.
There’ll be sausage/bacon baps, cakes, tea and coffee as well as our Easter Tombola and Raffle.
1 April 2023 at 6pm
Living in Love and Faith Course – Sept/Oct 2023
This short 5 session course is an opportunity to explore important issues relating to relationships, identity, marriage and civil partnerships from a faith perspective. Conversations have been ongoing in the Church of England over recent years, and we are invited to engage at parish level with study, prayer and reflection.
The Ministry Team, PCCs and all church members are encouraged to attend, and everyone is welcome. The course will involve watching videos about real life stories and experiences, with Bible study and discussion in small groups.
The dates are – Wednesday 6th, 13th, 27th Sept, 11th and 25th Oct at 7.30pm at The Vicarage.
Thank you so much, Louise and Simon
The Christmas Journey 2023
Silsoe Church was transformed into 1st Century Palestine from 14 – 16 December for children from Silsoe and Greenfield Schools to come along and visit Joseph, Mary, one of the shepherds and the wise woman who was helping the wise men prepare for their journey. On Saturday the Journey was open to everyone and we were delighted when some of the children came back with family and friends to take them on the journey.
You can click on any photo to see a larger image.
Candles for the Ukraine
THANK YOU to everybody who donated old used or new candles to be melted down and made into new candles which will be sent to Ukraine.
Your generous donations which are now on their way to help the people of Ukraine are much appreciated and will make a small difference of light in a dark time.
21 December 2023 – Christmas Carols around the Flitton Christmas Tree
Join us at 7:00pm around our new crocheted Christmas Tree outside Flitton Church. The Salvation Army Band leads us in singing and there’ll be mince pies and mulled wine. Please bring a torch.
All welcome.
Wednesday 20 December – Carol Singing for Keech
Do you enjoy singing carols? The why not join Rev Louise, Rev Simon, Jackie Williams and others as they sing carols around Silsoe to raise funds for Keech Hospice.
Meet up at Silsoe Church at 6:30pm and finish at the Star and Garter at 7:30pm.
We need a dozen people to make a difference, so please let us know if you are coming along:
RevLouise@3churches.uk RevSimon@3churches.uk
01525 643478
Friday 8 December – Flitton Christmas Concert
Flitton Church PCC invite you to our
Christmas Concert
featuring The Ampthill Town Band and The 3 Churches Choir
The perfect way to get into the festive spirit
7:30pm at Flitton Church – Tickets £10
For further information and tickets, contact Jo Holt – jo_holt@sky.com
Prayers for the Season
10am – 11am Saturday 2 December
Rev Simon and Rev Louise would love you to come to at the Vicarage for an hour of prayer as we enter the precious season of Advent. Many opportunities to share the good news of Jesus lie ahead and we want to seek God’s blessing on all the activities, services and gatherings.
All are welcome, mince pies and coffee included!
Friday 1 December 7:30pm – Christmas Carol Concert
With the Pulloxhill Singers
Come along and enjoy an evening of carols, festive turns and, as always, the 12 Days of Christmas
Tickets are £10 to include refreshments, available on the door or from Hilary on 01525 861215
In aid of St James Church Pulloxhill
Sunday 26 November – Flitton Christmas Market
CHRISTMAS IS COMING!
Join us in Flitton Church Hall for our Christmas Market – 2:30pm to 5pm.
Stalls, mulled wine, food, games
AND Santa will be there in his Grotto
Remembered with Love – Silsoe – 26 November
Our Remembered with Love service at Silsoe is on 26 November this year at 3pm.
There will be space for prayer and reflection. Names will be read aloud, and candles lit in remembrance.
There is no need to give us names in advance. Cards will be provided on arrival for you to write the names you want to be included.
We do hope that you will be able to attend. However, if you are unable to be with us, please be assured that you remain in our prayers.
Refreshments will be served after the service.
Children are very welcome. In order to provide appropriate resources for them, it would help us to know the ages of any children who are attending with you so please email revsimon@3churches.uk if with the ages of any children are coming with you
Our 2023 Winners Slideshow
and a picture gallery of the day further down the page
Watson - a 4 year old German Short-Haired Pointer with owner Charlie
Maude, a 2 year old Golden Retriever - with Joanne
Maxi, the 6 month old Cockapoo, with owner Steven & family
Maude, a 2 year old Golden Retriever, shown by & Ellie
Zebby - a 12 year old Mastiff/Akita cross - winner of Most Gorgeous Golden Oldie and 3rd in Best Fancy Dress - shown by Anneliese and Boe
Rosie, the 4 year old Labrador, with owner Paul
Watson - a 4 year old German Short Haired Pointer, with owner Charlie
10 year old Rosie won with her 3 year old Collie/Labrador cross Luna
Milo, a 1 year old English Cocker Spaniel, with owner Isabella
Kiwi, Maggie's 5 year old Jack Russell/Collie Cross, shown by Gabriella in matching costumes!
We had over 60 dogs and 100 entries in the 8 classes of the Dog Show this year – all the dogs were very well behaved (as were their owners!). We hope everybody had fun.
See you next year – 6 July 2024!
Thanks to everyone who entered, who had a go on our doggie tombola and to our sponsors, we managed to raise enough money to pay the Church gas and electricity bills for the next 2 -3 months.
OUR PICTURE GALLERY
from the day
More photos are available on Katrina Wilson’s website where you can purchase un-watermarked copies of any of her images from the Show.
We are very grateful to all our sponsors for their support
Boness Vets – Main Show Sponsor, Most Gorgeous Golden Oldie & Certificates, Rosettes & Trophies.
125 Bedford Road, Barton-le-Clay, MK45 4LP
01582 612604 reception@boness-vets.co.uk
2 Steppingley Road, Flitwick MK45 1AJ
01525 888677 freception@boness-vets.co.uk
Out of hours (Vets Now) : 01582 867089
Sophistipaws Dog Grooming – Yummiest Youngster
Chestnut Avenue, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4GP
Ultimate Skin – Prettiest Girl
51 West End Road, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4DU
01525 794536/ 07811 903317 info@ultimate-skin.com
Bark and Bounce – Handsomest Boy
Clover Road, Flitwick, MK45 1PH
07951 882988
barkandbounce@mail.com
Flitwick Pet Services – Best Young Handler
Hilldene Close, Flitwick, MK45 1AQ
07379 690825 flitwickpetservices@post.com
Waggly – Waggiest Tail
25 Ash Tree Covert, Silsoe, MK45 4GN
07765 000715 info@gowaggly.co.uk
The Star & Garter, Silsoe – Best Fancy Dress
14 – 16 High Street, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4DR
01525 860250 info@starandgartersilsoepub.co.uk
Katrina Wilson Pet Photographer – Show Photography & Best in Show
14 Kings Road, Maulden, Bedfordshire, MK45 2DT
07967 676131
info@katrinawilsonphotography.co.uk
Thanks also to the businesses which donated tombola prizes
Co-Op, Silsoe
Mander Farm Road, Barton Way, Silsoe, MK45 4DS
01525 862289
www.coop.co.uk
Jollyes
Alban Retail Park, London Road, Bedford, MK42 0NW
01234 349591
help@jollyes.co.uk
www.jollyes.co.uk
Poplars Garden Centre
Harlington Road, Toddington
LU5 6HE
0800 026 8664
www.poplars.co.uk
Washawoofa
Marston Moretaine
Washawoofagroomers@gmail.com
07739 668192
www.washawoofa.co.uk
Hilldene Close, Flitwick, MK45 1AQ
07379 690825 flitwickpetservices@post.com
www.flitwickpetservices.co.uk
Nuyard Garden Centre
Flitwick Road, Westoning, MK45 5AA
01525 712484
info@nuyard.com
www.nuyardwestoning.co.uk
Waitrose, Ampthill
25 Bedford Street, Ampthill, MK45 2LU
01525 402277
www.waitrose.com
Wilko
Unit B Interchange Retail Park, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7AZ
0333 005 2187
www.wilko.com
7 October 2023 – Silsoe Photography Exhibition
Thank you to everybody who entered this year’s Photography Competition on the theme “Friendship” and to everybody who came along to the Exhibition – we raised enough money between the entry fees, refreshment stall and donations to cover most of the cost of keeping the Silsoe Church Clock and Organ serviced for the rest of the year.
Congratulations to Alyth who won the 17 & under class and to Rachel B who won the 18 & over class. Congratulations also to Paul J who won the People’s Choice vote on the day.
26/27 August – Pulloxhill Art Show
An opportunity to see works from local artists, some of which will be for sale.
Saturday 26 10am -5pm
Sunday 27 10am – 4pm
Refreshments available throughout the weekend.
Evening Services in August
During the summer holidays, we will be holding services in each church in turn at 8pm on Wednesday evenings. These services will be short (30 mins) , quiet, prayerful and a chance to end the day well in the company of God and each other.
Weds 2nd August 8pm Pulloxhill
Weds 9th August 8pm Flitton
Weds 16th August 8pm Silsoe
Weds 23rd August 8pm Pulloxhill
Weds 30th August 8pm Flitton
13 August 2023 – Benefice Tea Party
Rev Simon and Rev Louise would love to invite you to a Tea Party at the Vicarage on Sunday 13th August between 3pm and 5pm.
If you can help out on the day or with cakes, please let Rev Louise know – RevLouise@3churches.uk
13 August 2023 – Songs of Praise – Silsoe
Join us in Silsoe Church for Songs of Praise on 13th August at 9.30am.
It’s an opportunity to choose your favourite hymn/song and say a little about it, and why you have chosen it. Ideally, it would be good if you could say something about it yourself. If you prefer not to speak you can write a little about your choice and we will read it for you.
Interested? Then please contact Rev Louise on 01525 643478 or revlouise@3churches.uk
Healing Service – 06/08/2023 at 6pm in Silsoe Church
On Sunday 6 August at 6pm we have a Healing Service in Silsoe Church to which everyone is welcome.
It will be a simple service of Holy Communion with a theme of healing in the talk and the reading and prayers. We come to God to ask him for wholeness, well-being and healing for ourselves, for those we love and those we are concerned about. It is to be remembered the minister does not do the healing, God does, but acts as a channel
During the service people may ask for prayers for themselves or for someone else. They will be asked if they wish to be anointed.
When someone is anointed, we pray that as we are outwardly anointed with oil, we shall be inwardly anointed with the Holy Spirit. The minister will anoint a person using his/her thumb or forefinger, making the sign of the cross with a small amount of oil on the forehead.
What form that healing will take we cannot tell. It may help carry us through a prolonged illness or disability or a recovery more rapid than expected. We may experience our fear of death being driven out by God’s love or there may be a healing which is so unexpected that we immediately want to thank God.
Our healing service is held for parishioners, friends of parishioners who do not normally attend a church service and of course is open to any visitors.
We look forward to seeing you – all are very welcome
Desert Island Hymns – Pulloxhill – 23 July 2023
Please do come and be part of Desert Island Hymns at Pulloxhill Church on the evening of Sunday 23rd July 2023.
A glass of bubbly will be served from 5.30pm and at 6pm we will hear the stories, sing the favourite hymns and hear readings from two members of our church family before they are sent off to be marooned on a desert island along with The Bible, the complete works of Shakespeare and their luxury item.
Everyone welcome!
22 July 2023 – Pulloxhill Wine Tasting
Join the Friends of Pulloxhill Church for an evening of wine tasting – Italy from Top to Toe.
On 22 July at 5:30pm in the garden of 38 Church Road, Pulloxhill – a glass of wine and light refreshments on arrival. Wine tasting starts at 6pm – presented by Cambridge Wine Merchants. Fish & chips will be available to purchase later in the evening.
Tickets are £20 and are available from:
William Butterworth – 07768 663431 wobutterworth@gmail.com
David Forrester – 01525 718233 davidforrester6@gmail.com
30 September 2023 – Silsoe Harvest Supper
A warm welcome awaits you at the Silsoe Harvest Supper at 7:30pm on Saturday 30 September in Silsoe Village Hall.
Tickets are £12.50 per person for a Traditional Ham, Cheese & Pork Pie Ploughman’s Supper followed by Fruit Pie and Cream. Apple juice will be provided or you are welcome to bring your own drinks, if you prefer.
There’ll be two table quizzes – so get your thinking caps on!
Tickets are available from:
Jill – 01525 860117
Jan – 01525 860550
Alan – 01525 864805
(When buying your tickets, please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements or would like a vegetarian option)
Closing date: 30 September 2023
(20 September for digital photos)
Click here for entry form
Click here if you want us to print your images
SILSOE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Our Photographic Competition is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your creativity and photographic skills.
The theme for our 2023 competition is FRIENDSHIP
There are 3 age groups in the Competition:
12 years and under
13 years to 17 years
18 years and over
All photos will be on display at the Photography Exhibition in Silsoe Church on Saturday 7 October, when the winners will be announced and trophies presented. Rev Simon and Rev Louise are our judges.
Click here for the full details
2022 News & Events
2022 News & Events
Until 31 August 2022 – Silsoe Greetings Card Project
Until 31 August – The Silsoe Greetings Card Project Silsoe PCC is creating a pack of blank greetings cards featuring scenes from Silsoe to help raise funds for the upkeep
27 & 28 August 2022 Pulloxhill Art Exhibition & Sale
Organised by the Friends of Pulloxhill Church Saturday/Sunday 27/28 August – Pulloxhill Art Exhibition & Sale The weather was perfect, the artwork was beautiful and the food and beverages were
20 August 2022 – A concert for the Ukraine
Saturday 20 August – A concert for the Ukraine in Silsoe Church The Rotary Club of Barton Le Clay has organised a concert of live music by two Ukrainian musicians
Night Prayers (Compline) in August
Night Prayers (Compline) in August During August we will be having a service of Night Prayers (Compline) in each of our Churches: Thursday 11 August – 8pm at Flitton Thursday
31 July 2022 – Silsoe Pet Service
31 July – Pet Service at Silsoe Daisy the Dachshund meeting one of Rev Louise’s guinea pigs at the Pet Service at Silsoe. We had dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits
Benefice Tea Party – 24 July 2022
24 July 2022 – Afternoon Tea at the Vicarage Thanks to Revs Simon and Louise for hosting afternoon tea at the Vicarage. It was a lovely afternoon with a surfeit
2021 News & Events
Resignation Announcement
To the church family at Silsoe, Flitton & Pulloxhill, Over the past few weeks Jo and I have had the opportunity to draw breath and reflect on the past year
AFGHAN REFUGEES – LOCAL APPEAL – UPDATED 11/09/2021
Updated 11/09/2021. Rev David is organising a collection for the people who have fled the Taliban and have managed to get to England. Several families are in Luton. They need basic toiletries and food which can be used with limited cooking facilities If you are able to help, please take your items to The Vicarage in Silsoe as soon as possible or contact Jo Payne on 01525 864858 to arrange collection.
Silsoe Harvest Supper – Friday 17 September
Silsoe Harvest Supper – Friday 17 September at 7:30 pm. Tickets £10 per person. Available from Jill – 01525 860117, Alan – 01525 864805 or Katie – 07949 156341
Virtual Harvest Service – help needed
We are looking at recording a service to celebrate Harvest. If you’d be interested in contributing to in any way (by offering to read, contribute musically, offer technical talents or
The De Grey Mausoleum – opening 2 days in September
English Heritage are planning to open the De Grey Mausoleum in Flitton Church on two dates in September. This is your opportunity to have a look round this historic Mausoleum
Historic Churches Trust – Bike ‘n Hike
The annual Bike ‘n Hike organised by the Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust is on 11 September. This is a sponsored event with 50% of all monies raised returned