St. Wilfrid’s Church, Egginton (DE65 6HP) enjoys a joint benefice with St. Helen’s, Etwall.  Rector - Stewart Rayner Licensed Lay-Readers - John Cowdery, Peter Jackson Choir Master - John Cowdery Churchwardens - Kay Marples, Derek Price The Rector and Churchwardens are assisted in their responsibilities for the upkeep of the Church (its buildings, contents and community) by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and many members who give freely of their time and talents for the church they love. Please take some time to read My Confidence in God (a meditation on Psalm 139), and A Letter from God. St. Wilfrid’s possesses a lovely warm and peaceful atmosphere, like many ancient places of worship.  This is attributable, in no small part, to the synthesis of many centuries of devotion and worship by those who have gone before. Today we seek to continue that tradition and, because of the help of so many people, we feel that our human efforts are blessed by God.  However, like all great work, there is always room for more helpers! Do you have talents and abilities which you would like to employ in the services of God and his community here in Egginton?  Here are just a few of the ways in which you could help:  St. Wilfrid’s Choir will always welcome new voices – in all departments. Administrative and financial skills will greatly benefit the work of the PCC and its sub-committees. Bell ringers (experienced or novice) are always welcome. Invaluable is the work we undertake with children – are you a leader, or do you just enjoy working with, and encouraging, young people? Flower decorations are a tradition here – do you have particular gifts in this direction? St. Wilfrid’s is blessed with a beautiful, well-kept churchyard – but there is always more to do: gardening, clearing, tending. Our annual cleaning rota guarantees a warm and fresh welcome to all – friends and visitors alike – and there’s always room for an extra helper. Needless to say we always have a deficit in meeting our financial commitments to a building of this nature.  Any gifts you are able to make – a living contribution or a legacy – will always be very greatly appreciated.  And, if you simply wish to join us for worship, then you can be assured of a special Egginton welcome at any of our services. The usual pattern is as follows, although these can change depending on the season. 9.30 am Afternoon/Evening 1st Sunday of month Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong 2nd Sunday Family Communion 3pm Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Holy Communion No service 4th Sunday Morning Worship or Holy Communion 3pm Evensong 5th Sunday 3pm Evensong Other activities associated with St. Wilfrid’s include:  Monthly bible-study meetings on the 1st Monday at 7.30pm; Occasional mid-week services and prayer meetings (30 minutes of prayer and meditation in church 10am on the 2nd Wednesday of the month) Monday Club Brown Bear Club Communion Club Sales of books, Fairtrade produce, village maps and souvenir tea-towels Annual St. Wilfrid’s night concert (Saturday nearest to 12th October) Annual fête (usually the 1st Saturday in July) Egginton Willow Festival Osier growing used to be a local industry in Egginton, supplying local basket and besom makers. The osiers were cut, boiled and stripped in April and May, when women and children were employed to do much of the vast amount of work involved. On completion of the stripping, the village celebrated with an Osier Feast. It is thought this tradition died out at the end of the 19th century as the willow industry declined. Some remnants of the old osier beds remain in the local fields, and cricket bat willows still grow near the River Dove. Renewed interest in this past tradition resulted in the revival of a Willow Festival in May 2005.  A second Willow Festival took place on 21/22 April 2007. A hired marquee in the Memorial Hall grounds, funded by a Big Lottery Grant, provided an excellent venue for craft activities, cake, and garden produce stalls, cards and gifts, National Forest information stand and a barn dance in the evening. Cream teas were offered during the day and roast pork cobs in the evening.  A mysterious Green Man opened the event and Lisa Brown judged the best dressed Willow Wands. A Scots piper led the parade of the Green Man and villagers holding willow wands, to Mabel’s Lodge where Professor Rainer Goldsmith recounted the traditions and history of willow growing. During the afternoon he also led a ghost walk around the village.  In the church there was a history display covering mainly the last century’s happenings. A St George’s Day service took place in the church on the Sunday and refreshments were served throughout the day for people visiting the history display. The proceeds from this event were added to a Breathing Places grant for the creation of Wilf’s Haven. This is an area at the far end of the churchyard where visitors can enjoy the peace and solitude of a wildlife area. Donations were given by BIFFA, for hand rails, and the Horticultural Association and Toyota for seating. There will be an official opening of Wilf’s Haven on 2 May 2008. Come and admire our two new stained glass windows, complementing the medieval glass that is so much a part of our heritage. Whether a parishioner or a visitor you can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome when you come to St. Wilfrid’s. Unfortunately, like most other churches, we find it necessary to keep St. Wilfrid’s locked. For access, please apply to one of the Church Wardens. However, the church is open on the first Wednesday of every month, between 2pm and 4pm. Why not come along for a cup of tea, a look through the parish records, a chat with friends, or simply for a time of quiet away from the day's noise and busyness. We look forward to meeting you at St. Wilfrid’s Church, Egginton.