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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
The main entrance to our Albert Street office is open again and we would like to thank you for bearing with us whilst the work has been in progress on our reception and front office.
We just have a few additions/adjustments to make and phase one will be complete. Here are a few before and after photos.
Banbury United are hosting a big FA Cup 2nd qualifying round game next Saturday, 22nd, at home to Bath City from the Conference South and as proud sponsors we’d like to wish them luck! Why not pop along to cheer them on.
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.
If anyone with a stall at an event would like some extra protection from the sun please do get in touch about borrowing our gazebo.
It is 3m square and can easily be erected by two people.
