The Uplands Group of Parishes consists of Guilsborough, Hollowell, Thornby, Cold Ashby, Ravensthorpe, Cottesbrooke, Creaton and Spratton                       

Message from Reverend Caroline Burnett, the Uplands Group of Churches

Uplands Group of Parishes Office (Answerphone): 01604 743444                                

I admit to a little jolt of excitement and pleasure when I see the first picture of each season: blackthorn in flower, a crowded sandy beach, golden decked trees, a bare landscape stripped of greenery or a chilly looking robin.  The changing seasons revive our spirits and mark out our lives with times for rest and times to be active, times to stay close to home and times to explore and travel.  They remind us of birthdays and anniversaries and bring back memories of bonfire parties and cosy winter evenings.  I often wonder what it must be like to live in a climate where there are no seasons – just one long summer or winter.

In church, the seasons we keep allow us time for reflection, growth, remembering, celebrating and for examining our thoughts and behaviours.  As with the seasons dictated by the earth’s orbit of the sun, the church’s seasons allow us to experience life in all its depth and fullness.

In October the church enters a season of remembering; we remember our own loved ones departed and also those who’ve died in wars.  Then we move on towards the seasons of Advent and Christmas.  And so the year turns round again.

Our service for remembering our loved ones will be on Sunday 26th October, 5.00pm at Guilsborough Church.  Do join us and lean into this opportunity to experience the changing scenes of life.

Email: uplandsgroup@btinternet.com

  Facebook has, apparently, become the social medial platform of the old and decrepit – or at least that’s how Gen Z (13 – 28 year olds) or even Gen Alpha (those under 15 years old) probably see those of us who use it.  I’m one of those old and decrepit folks and I enjoy how it allows me to keep up with friends and family.

The idea that it’s older people who use Facebook is borne out, perhaps, by the fact that the page called ‘Ladybird Books Flyaway Home’ has 81,000 followers.  It features illustrations from the famous Ladybird Books going back to the 1950s and earlier, all from an extensive collection owned by an enthusiast called Helen.  She selects a picture every day of the year and posts it on Facebook.  So, in winter we have frosty fields and frozen ponds; in spring, blossoms and billowing sheets on the washing line; in summer, blooming gardens, seaside and sandals, harvest and baked hillsides; and in autumn late berries and fallen leaves; all followed by the December Advent calendar of wintry and Christmassy scenes.  It’s a joy for those of us with a nostalgic heart to have these daily pictures that reflect the changing seasons.

Shoe Boxes 2025

A message from the MMM team

It’s that time again and we need to start putting together Shoe Boxes.

Please have your boxes ready for the end of October.

If you put together a shoe box, please drop at Janet’s.

If you would like to donate items for the boxes we put together there will be a plastic crate with a lid at Janet’s marked shoe boxes - for these items.

There will also be boxes for donations at 3M’s and in
Guilsborough church.

Most needed are: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, sponges, flannels, note pads, pens, pencils, crayons, erasers, pencil sharpeners, rulers, socks, underwear, hats, scarves, gloves & small toys.

Donations towards transport costs are also needed. Please put in an envelope through Janet’s door - do not leave in the crate. Thank you in advance.
Contact number: Janet Minney01604 740640