Mr Jones had recently become the father of triplets. The minister stopped him in the street to congratulate him.

“Well Mr Jones,” he said, “I hear the Lord has smiled on you.”

“Smiled on me!” repeated Mr Jones, “He laughed out loud.”

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Harassed woman to very deaf husband: “Oh I do wish you would wear your hearing aid!”

“But I do lass,” he replied, “I wear it many a time when I’m by myself.”

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And now to the news items:

Thanks for things past: the sponsored walk and tea in May raised £1,480, and the Sunday School Anniversary in June, led by Mrs Susan Watson and her puppets, raised £975. A coffee morning at the home of Mrs Jessie Breeze raised £150, of which half went to the Forget-me-not Trust, the rest being used for chapel funds. Many thanks to everyone who supported these events.

Looking ahead: The new Methodist minister, Mrs Christine Perry, will be leading the Chapel Anniversary and Gift Day on Sunday, 13 October, at 10.45am.

On Monday, 14 October, at 2.30pm, there will be a Ladies’ Evening in the Sunday School, with speaker Leah Coneron on her visit to China. Gifts for the stall should begin with E or F.

Sunday 10 November will be the Village Rememberance Service at the Methodist Chapel with superintendent minister Rev Alistair Newton.

Monday, 12 November, 2.30pm, Ladies Evening in the Sunday School. Gifts for the stall should being with G.

Saturday, 23 November, 11.30pm. Kick off the Christmas fun at the Fair in the Sunday School, many things for children, various stalls, lunch served from 12.30pm.

Sunday, 15 December, 3pm, Christingle Service at St Thomas’.

Sunday, 22 December, 10.45am, Nativity Service in the Methodist Chapel. Children from the village and school are invited to take part in this enjoyable event. We also need a baby to play Jesus – contact Margaret Coupe on 01422 842550 if you want to put your baby on the road to stardom.

Sunday 22 December 6.30pm, Village Carol Service at St Thomas.

Wednesday, 25 December, 9.30am, Joint Christmas Day Service at the Methodist Chapel.

Sunday, 5 January, 10.45am, Covenant Service at the Methodist Chapel.

Looking even further ahead: It is the chapel’s 250th birthday next year and we are hoping to have a number of events to celebrate this.