The new Weeping Cross in Bodicote

 

On Saturday 10th November Martin Moss, Memorial Manager at Humphris Funerals attended the unveiling by Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, Nigel Buttler, of the new Weeping Cross in Bodicote. Martin had project managed throughout the planning and construction of the cross.

The replica, consisting of 6 steps and a round shaft with a sundial, has an inscribed bronze plaque and a capsule inserted in the cylindrical column which contains a scroll listing the names of donors and local people who have made a contribution to the project in one way or another.

The new Weeping Cross was erected after the Government asked parish councils in 2016 to give consideration to providing a landmark or other means to commemorate the 100 years since the end of the First World War. The Parish Council decided to investigate the possibility of replacing the Weeping Cross memorial in Bodicote by providing a replica, and for this purpose sought details of the original weeping cross, its history and estimated construction costs.

Fund raising began with local businesses and residents, along with a village appeal. The appeals raised nearly £4,000. This sum includes a donation of £1,000 from Banbury Historical Society, £1,000 from Banbury Charities and a promised £1,000 from the County Councillor’s Priority Fund.

The original Weeping Cross, erected in the 15th century and removed in 1803,was a place of public penance for those who had broken canonical law, implying that it was a place of grief, remorse or penance. Other known weeping crosses across the country include Stafford, Shrewsbury and Ripley in Yorkshire which is thought to have the only known surviving weeping cross; the others were removed and abolished at the time of the Reformation.

Well done to all involved in raising money and replacing part of Bodicote’s history for all to see for many years to come.

 

Phase 3 of Redecoration Underway

The 3rd and final phase of our redecoration works are underway! The aim is to have them completed in time for our Christmas Carol service on Thursday 13th December which will take place in our service chapel at 7pm. We will post more photos once the work has finished so you will be able to see the difference.

 

Visit to the Banbury Museum

On Tuesday 6th November Martin Humphris attended Banbury Museum to see how the new Pye Gallery is progressing.

This new gallery gives 40% more floor space and therefore will enable Banbury Museum to hosts exhibitions from the larger museums, with the first being pop art from The Victoria and Albert Museum, and each exhibition will run for approximately 4 months.

The changes to the museum are much more than just the enlarged floor space, there will be greater visibility on the first floor where the permanent exhibition is found in the Banbury Gallery. The redecoration and lighting give the whole museum a vibrant exciting feeling.

It’s always good to support local places of interest and the staff at Humphris’ are looking forward to visiting once the museum doors open for business again.

Remembrance Display

We are very conscious how poignant Remembrance Day is and the time leading up to that special day.

This is a time to remember all those who lost their lives because of war, hostilities and conflicts; particularly this year we mark the 100-year anniversary since the cessation of fighting on the Western Front which saw the end of World War 1. During the war 16 million people died. Almost 7 million civilians and 10 million military personnel.

To commemorate all those who have lost their lives we have in our office reception a table on which there are 3 candles, the Union flag, poppies (for remembrance) and a special World War 1 centenary wreath. If anyone is calling or passing please take the opportunity to look at the display.

We feel that the time of remembrance is very special, but not the only time we should remember all those who have died because of war, hostiles and conflict. With this very much in mind for the last couple of years with every Golden Charter Funeral Plan we sell we give a donation of £25 to the Royal British Legion.

        

Simon Collier’s wedding

September saw Simon Collier, Funeral Director with Humphris funerals for 24 years, marry in Adderbury Church. His wife Moira arrived looking lovely in a 1936 Rolls Royce open top tourer, thankfully the weather was fine, and local pipers played as they left the church. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon cruising around the Mediterranean.

We wish them a long, happy married life together!

 

Would you like to borrow a Gazebo?

If you would like to borrow our 3m square gazebo for Canal Day on 14th October, or any other local event, please call us on 01295 265424.

It can be easily erected by two people and hopefully will be needed more to offer shade from some beautiful October sunshine than shelter from the rain!

Reverend Carole Peters-King moves on to pastures new

Sunday 23rd September 10.30 am was the Farewell Service for the Reverend Carole Peters-King at St Mary Magdalen Church, Helmdon before Carole moves on to pastures new at Salisbury Cathedral. Martin and Matthew Humphris were privileged to attend the service to join the packed congregation with representatives from all of the six churches that make up the Astwell Benefice.

It was clearly a very emotional time for Carole and many of those in the church. During the five years that Carole has been in the benefice, she has achieved much, what was repeated may times was the way Carole had developed very close links between each of the six churches. They are now working much closer together and continue to do so for the benefit of the whole of the benefice. Such has been the success that this model is being used by more and more rural benefices.

Besides receiving many cards and well wishes, Carole also received from her parishioners the Holy Thorn Tree of Glastonbury which will be delivered to her new home in Salisbury. The tree has sacred status; the original being planted on Wearyall Hill in Glastonbury, from this cuttings have been taken. Legend says that it sprang from the wooden staff of Joseph of Arimathea (the man who helped Jesus carry his cross at Calvary). The tree is very unusual in that it flowers twice a year, once at Christmas and once at Easter. Carole said that this would not only be a reminder to her of those in the benefice at these times, but also throughout the year.

Redecorating Work

We are currently redecorating our reception areas so the main entrance is inaccessible, possibly until the middle of September.

Please use the side door which is on the left just through the gated driveway. We are open as usual from 8:30am to 5:30pm and apologise for any inconvenience caused. Thank you for bearing with us.