Blessing the Community at Easter

On Holy Saturday, a team of four gave out over 150 hot cross buns and 75 Gift of Easter booklets to passers by Liversage Square. We had some good conversations with neighbours and those walking between the train station and city centre. It was also a good chance to meet those working in a couple of the nearby shops who came to find out what we were up to.
This is just one of the ways we are seeking to bless our local community and we are already thinking about how we can bless people at other times of year. We hope to make the most of Christian festivals including Pentecost, Harvest and Christmas, as well as other times of year such as Remembrance Day and Mother’s and Father’s Days.

Spring Spectacular 2018

Come along and join us for a night to remember as Chellaston Methodist Church hosts our Spring Spectacular Charity event!

When:- Saturday 19th May 2018

Where:- Mickleover Court Hotel, Derby

Why:- Raising money for Chellaston Methodist Church and Stroke Services at The Royal Derby Hospital.

What:- The event will include a luxury buffet, entertainment throughout the evening and a silent auction with some fabulous prizes donated by local companies and people.

Who:- The event is open to everyone! We would love to see as many people there as possible. Tickets are £35 for adults with children’s tickets available on request.

Get your formal attire on, bring your partners, friends and family along and join us for an event like no other! Get in touch now to book your tickets by using our contact form on the website or by contacting 07790831178 or email 

Knitting Project News: Nov 2017

I am pleased to report that Aquabox has resumed normal operations recently. However, because of the occurrence of hurricanes, floods and earthquakes lately, they have often had requests for boxes of water filters only, reflecting the shortage of clean water in these disaster situations. Unfortunately, they have been unable to send any humanitarian goods in these cases, which include the knitted articles we supply.

Thank you to everyone for continuing to knit while Aquabox was closed down, and I hope you have managed to send any knitted goods to other charities, if this proved necessary. We shall be glad to receive any knitted articles which have been saved, but if these are in large amounts, please send them in smaller instalments.

Mrs. Mary Neville of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church took a large quantity of our small jumpers, and sent them to orphanages in Romania. The people there were impressed by the quality of the garments, and were pleased to receive them.

I was also able to take about a dozen oversized blankets, which Aquabox was unable to pack, to the Bluebell Park Residential Home in Chellaston for use of the people living there, which were also gratefully accepted. These blankets can also be

used by the Romanian orphanages (see photo).

I have been given a donation of £20 from a knitting group in Ashby de la Zouch towards transport costs of the Aquaboxes, which I have forwarded to Aquabox – many thanks to Bronwen and her group. I know that some groups have held fund-raising events for Aquabox in the past, and if anyone would like to have such an event, with a speaker from Aquabox, the person to contact is Mr. David Rawson, Aquabox, P.O. Box 5398, Matlock, DE4 4ZP, or Telephone 01629 825178. He gives a most interesting and informative talk, and he and his wife Tina regularly visit The Gambia with Aquaboxes.

May the knitting flourish, now the dark nights are here, and all best wishes for a blessed Christmas

Many thanks for your help and support

Every blessing

Dorothy Robinson (Co-ordinator)

All We Can News Nov 2017

Harvest Appeal for Zimbabwe.

This year the Appeal was in aid of providing chickens for poorer people in Zimbabwe to set up small chicken farms to improve their incomes. Chickens were therefore a feature at the All We Can Stall at Synod under the slogan ‘Chirp for Joy’. This brought a response from Heather Simm of the South Derbyshire Circuit , who has been knitting chickens (see photo) to fundraise for the Harvest Appeal. At present , she has raised £55, and is to be congratulated for her imaginative and skilful efforts. Many thanks to all our members who also contributed to the Harvest Appeal. Zimbabwe is also one of the African countries exposed to the threat of Climate Change. Two thirds of the population live in rural areas, living off the land, and are vulnerable to droughts, floods, rising temperatures, and changing patterns of rainfall, affecting agricultural production, and livelihoods. The son of a Methodist minister, Clever Tabiza leads and supports local actions to help those who are vulnerable to the effects of impending Climate Change.

Rohingya Refugee Crisis Appeal.

All We Can and the Methodist Church in Britain are calling for support for this urgent appeal to help refugees displaced by recent violence in Myanmar. The majority fleeing to camps in Bangladesh are women and children. There is desperate need for water, food, shelter, and access to medical care. Recent heavy rains have exacerbated the situation, where available shelter is sub-standard or make-shift. Many people are traumatised, having witnessed, or suffered, atrocities, and may need psychological support. Donations may be sent to me, or to All We Can at 25 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR, or call 020 7224 4814.

Extraordinary Christmas.

A catalogue entitled Extraordinary Gifts is available from All We Can either on-line, or by post, and I have a few copies available. The catalogue lists gifts of practical presents which help people in some of the world’s poorest communities. The gifts may be bought by individuals, churches, or groups. All We Can has also produced a resource called ‘Extraordinary Christmas’, which gives reflections and prayers suitable for use during the lighting of Advent candles, and also during Christmas worship. Fundraising ideas are also included. This resource is available at allwecan.org.uk/christmas , or call 020 7224 4814. There is also an order form in the gift catalogue.

DOROTHY ROBINSON

Derby Circuit Rep. ‘All We Can’