Parish News

  1. Treasurer’s report
  2. Dates for your Diary
  3. Church Notices
  4. Our 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting.
  5. All Saints’ Summer Fair – Saturday 20th June (Note change of date)
  6. WESTMINSTER ABBEY—CHURCH PASS.
  7. Church Flowers
  8. ANNUAL SPONSORED WALK
  9. FLOWERS IN CHURCH.
  10. Weekly Prayer List
  11. A Warm Welcome
  12. Cake Stall & Sales Table
  13. The All Saints’ Tuesday Drop in.
  14. Open Church
  15. Weekend  Pilgrimage  to  Walsingham,
  16. The Latest News from our School

The latest news from the parish

Treasurer’s report

My sincere thanks go to all those involved in the two recent social events – the Thai evening and the Jazz evening. I am pleased to report that they raised £130 and £388 respectively. A brilliant result ! The Summer Fair is now on the horizon (20th June) and is one of the biggest undertakings of the year. If it is to be a big success, it needs as many of us, as are able, to support the event. Can I please urge you to give it your support in whatever way you can.

I would also like to thank Jenny for her continuing hard work in maintaining our income from hall lettings, which will shortly be boosted by £800 (not reported above as the payment is still awaited) the council having recently hired our hall as a polling station.

Allison Scandrett – Treasurer.

Planned giving

If anyone would like to know more about the Freewill Offering Scheme, or would like to start using Freewill Offering Envelopes, please have a word with me and I will give you a set.

Gift Aid on your Giving

If you pay tax – please also consider filling in a Gift Aid form, if you have not already done so. This enables the church to claim an additional (much needed!) 25p from HMRC for every £1 you give.

Dates for your Diary

There is no Office Hour at present.

Enquiries about baptisms, weddings and banns of marriage should be made by: e-mail to   allsaintschurchSW19@gmail.com – or telephone 020 8542 5514 and leave a clear message.

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Church Notices

! ! CHANGE OF DATE ! !.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the date of the Summer Fair has been changed from the one previously advertised. It will now be held on Saturday 20th June.

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! ! THE JUNE CAKE STALL ! !.

There will not be a Cake Stall after Mass on the Second Sunday in June as the Summer Fair has been moved to the third weekend in June (June 20th) and there will be a Cake Stall at the Fair – so the June Cake Stall will be held after Mass Sunday 21st June.

If anyone would be able to make something to sell on the Cake Stall at the Fair, please have a word with Jenny.

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! ! PLEASE NOTE !!

There will be NO Junior Church on the second Sunday in June.

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CORPUS CHRISTI

We will be celebrating Corpus Christi at the 11 am Mass on Sunday 7th June. Hopefully we will have our traditional Flower Carpet.

If you have never seen it – come to Mass this year, as it doesn’t last for long (sadly, the petals whither and fade.)

If you are able to provide and flower petals, or evergreen fir, please have a word with Chris and Linda and they will let you know when and where to bring them.

(If providing any, please leave the flower heads on their stems, otherwise the petals will be of no use. )

Please also speak to them if you would like to help with laying the flower carpet. The petals have to be laid early on Sunday morning, and the greenery a few days before.

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Please help us by ‘spreading the word’ about two ‘events’ we provide each week for the community:

Our Open Church Coffee Morning is every Friday, now beginning at 8.45.a.m. and running until 12 noon.

Open Church provides somewhere to sit and chat to your friends over a cup of tea or coffee. You may also come in and sit quietly, or light a candle, – and there is a prayer board if you would like us to remember someone in our prayers.

There is no set charge for the Coffee / Tea and biscuits – rather there is a box on the table for donations, which are always welcomed.

Tuesday ‘Drop-In’ in All Saints Church Hall, Norman Road, every Tuesday,

Open: 12.30 – 2.30 pm But come and go when you like.

Food: Soup and Sandwiches etc. will be available – pay for what you eat.

Teas & Coffees available the whole time for a donation.

An opportunity for anyone, especially but not exclusively those who live alone, to meet with others.

A few board games, packs of cards etc. will be made available for anyone would like to make use of them.

All welcome at either – we could do with more support!!

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Rosary on the last Sunday in May.

The month of May is known as “Our Lady’s Month”.

It culminates in the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the 31st.

As 31st May falls on a Sunday this year and will be Trinity Sunday, we will not be able to keep the Visitation at the morning Mass, so we will remember the Visitation by saying the Rosary at 6.00 pm.

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Our 2026 Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

The Vestry Meeting and APCM, took place in the Church Hall after Mass on Sunday 10th May. It was attended by around 21 members of the congregation.

VESTRY MEETING – the election of Church Wardens.

Roger Stanley and Chris Maurice

APCM.

Church Electoral Roll:

Last year, there were 86 on the roll, but one has died and her carer has moved away — so the 2026 roll stands at 84 people, of who 29 live in the parish. The roll is now open, so new members of the congregation may apply at any time.

Election of 3 members to Merton Deanery Synod

The number we have on Church Electoral Roll entitles us to 3 members. There were 4 nominations, but one of those opted to withdraw so those elected were:

Malcolm Ford, Linda Maurice, Shirley Walker Grant.

Election of 3 members to the Parochial Church Council

There are 9 elected members on the PCC, but the PCC operates on a 3-year cycle, so one third of the council (3 members) stand down each year.

Only 3 nomination papers were received, and no-one else wanted to stand at the meeting so those elected were:

Jenny Hardy, Elizabeth Hayter, Tom Wrench.

Reports: The meeting received the Treasurer’s Report and Accounts for 2025, and written reports from the PCC Secretary, and on the Church Fabric and Ornaments, Merton Deanery Synod, All Saints School, and The Walsingham Cell.

If you would like a copy of all the reports, they are still available at the back of the church, so please take one away with you.

A copy of Fr. Christopher’s Annual Report will be found on Fr Christopher’s Letter page of this website.

The Church Officers (namely the Deputy Chairman, the Church Treasure, the PCC Secretary and the Electoral Roll Officer) and members to serve on the committees are appointed at the first meeting of the new PCC.

The new PCC held their first meeting after Mass on Sunday 24th May, and the Church officers for 2026 are:

Vice Chairman – Roger Stanley

Church Treasurer – Allison Scandrett

PCC Secretary – Linda Maurice

Electoral Roll Officer – Jenny Hardy

Parish Safeguarding Officers – PeterScandrett & Linda Maurice

Chair of Social Committee – Elizabeth Hayter.

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All Saints’ Summer Fair – Saturday 20th June (Note change of date)

The Social Committee will be meeting shortly to get the ball rolling – so if you have any thoughts about stalls / things we could do / a  possible theme etc. please let Elizabeth know as soon as possible. (Preferably give them to her in writing – that way they will not get overlooked.)

Lists are now up asking for helpers. Please read them and sign up. And nearer the time, there will be the usual boxes at the back of the church for your donations.

We are still collecting gift bags – so if you have any, please bring them in.

We trust that everyone in the congregation

will feel able  to ‘do their bit’.

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WESTMINSTER ABBEY—CHURCH PASS.

Are you interested in visiting Wesminster Abbey to have a look around, or having visitors who you would like to take on a visit to  Westminster Abbey?

Admission charges are now quite high – but did you know that All Saints’ has a Church Pass for Admission to Westminster Abbey?

The pass admits up to 4 adults, or children over the age of 5 (who must be accompanied by an adult) Free of charge.

Children up to the age of 5 accompanied by an adult are admitted to the Abbey free of charge,

The pass may be used up to 6 times during a 12 month period – so it expires in mid November 2026.

So far it has only be used once, so if You would like to use it any time before it expires, please see Fr. Christopher.

Church Flowers

THANK YOU to those who have volunteered to take care of just one flower arrangement on a regular basis.

Occasional help is always appreciated – so you if you would like to help at any time, or to do an arrangement, please have a word with one of the volunteers:

High Altar:- Allison          

Chapel:- Linda

Mary:- Shirley   

Joseph:- Jenny

Sacred Heart:- Joan

Mary Altar:- Sujananthiny

‘Georges table’ (by Font.):- Eileen

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ANNUAL SPONSORED WALK

August Bank Holiday Monday.

For the past few years, we have had a sponsored walk to raise funds for a specific project rather than for general church funds. This year’s walk will be taking place on Monday 31st August.

We walk at a leisurely pace, and there are usually ‘dropping off’ points for those unable to last the distance. Past walkers have said that it is always ‘an enjoyable social occasion’.

Sponsor forms will be available on the table at the back of church from Sunday 12th July. As usual, we are inviting people to sponsor the group rather than an individual walker, so even if you are unable to walk, please take a form to collect sponsors for those who can.

Information about the walk.

This year, we will be raising money towards repairs to the church organ, and towards a new playground shelter for Key Stage 1 at All Saints School.

We will meet at 10.00 am at the church hall and follow the River Wandle upstream to Carshalton Ponds, 5 miles, or to Wandle Park, Croydon, 7 1/2 miles.

We will have a stop for lunch on the way.

There are buses back from Carshalton to Morden or Tooting Broadway, or a tram back from Wandle Park to Wimbledon.

Full details will be given in next months magazine – which will hopefully be out in church from Sunday 5th July.

If you would like to go, or would like more information before then, please speak to Roger.

FLOWERS IN CHURCH.

There are no flowers in church during Advent and during Lent , but we aim to have  several arrangements around the church for the rest of the year.

We used to have a flower rota, but this dropped off during Covid, and care for the flower arrangements is currently left to chance.

It is a lot of work for one person to undertake so at the start of a new year, we are hoping  to spread the load.

We are looking for people who would be willing to take care of just one arrangement on a regular basis.  It would involve checking on the water (and possibly changing it) once a week, keeping it tidy and getting new flowers as necessary (you wouldn’t have to pay for them each time – (unless you want to – just have a word with Jenny, and you will be reimbursed.

Arrangements are now done in vases – so it would not involve you in giving up a lot of time each week.

If you feel able to help in this way – please write your name against one of the arrangements in the list on the table.

No flower arranging experience necessary – if you are unsure of anything, you only have to ask.

The church is always open on a Wednesday morning for Working Party, on a Friday morning for Open Church and before and after services – but Jenny is often  around at other times, so it should be possible to arrange a mutually convenient time for you to be let in.

If you have any questions – just have a word with Jenny.

Weekly Prayer List

When we are given a name for the prayer list, we tend to leave it  on the list until we hear that, for one reason or another, they no  longer need our prayers.

We realise that some people have conditions that need our prayers long term – so we list those in Special Need, followed by those in long-standing illness / need 

(Those in Special Need are prayed for every week, whereas those on the longstanding list are prayed for once a month.)

Some names have been in the same section on the list for quite  a long time, and as we don’t  remember who gave us the name we are unable to check whether they are still in need of our prayers.

In order to keep the list up to date, we would be grateful if you would look through the list from time to time, – and if you think you may have added one of the names to the list, please let Jenny know, and update her on their condition.

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A Warm Welcome

One of the most important jobs at All Saints is to make sure that we give a warm welcome to people who come to worship with us on a Sunday.

If you think that you could give that warm welcome please add your name to the sheet on the table at the back of the church. If you would like to work with a friend that would be great – just put your names together! Hopefully,  if enough people volunteer then it would only be once a month.

If you have any questions, or would like to know more, please have a word with me.

Many thanks. Linda Maurice

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Cake Stall & Sales Table

We have a Cake Stall on the second Sunday of each month to help boost church funds, and any donations of home made ’goodies’ will be gratefully received.

They can be brought on the day. – but please let Jenny know in advance if you will be bringing something.  Thank you.

Also raising money for Church Funds, the Sales Table at the back has recently been extended.

Items from the old sales table have been condensed into the right hand basket , with the cards on top of the cupboard beside the table. These items are all  priced.

The left hand basket (’Rays Table) will contain a variety of brand new items, which can be bought for a donation. (amounts will be suggested – but nothing is set in stone.) At the moment there are a variety of garden and bird feed items, but contents may vary from week to week.

Money for items from either  basket can be left in the blue tin.

100% of the money raised will  be given to  Church Funds.

The All Saints’ Tuesday Drop in.

Where:      All Saints Church Hall, Norman Road, SW19 1BT

When:       Every Tuesday,  starting 5th September 2023. 

Open:        12.30 – 2.30 pm  But come and go when you like.

Food:           Filled rolls etc. will be available  – pay for what you eat. Teas & Coffees available the whole time for a donation.

An opportunity for anyone, especially but not exclusively those who live alone, to meet with others,

A few board games, packs of cards etc. will be made available for anyone would like to make use of them.

The hall will be ‘a warm space’  when the weather gets cold.

Open Church

Friday Morning Open Church!

All Saints’ Church is open on Friday mornings from 9.00 am – 12 noon. (Starts at 8.45.a.m. from 5th September)

Somewhere dry and warm to sit and chat to your friends over a cup of tea or coffee.

You may also come in and sit quietly, or light a candle, – and there is a prayer board if you would like us to remember someone in our prayers.

The Quiet Garden is also be available for those who would prefer to sit outside. (if the weather permits!)

To ensure good ventilation, the main door will be left open when the weather permits, and the gates will be open and the garden door unlocked for those who require level access.

And if you would be willing to come and make the coffee from time to time, please have a word with Jenny as there may be an occasional Friday when she is unable to be there and having re-opened, it would be a shame to close if this situation arose.

Weekend Pilgrimage to Walsingham – 2026

Weekend  Pilgrimage  to  Walsingham,

Friday 24th  – Monday 27th July 2026.

Our 2026 weekend pilgrimage to Walsingham, led by Fr. Christopher, will take place from  Friday 24th  –  Monday 27th July 2026.

We travel there and back in a comfortable coach. There will probably be 3 joining points – Haydons Road South Wimbledon (outside All Saints School), in the Kingston Road, (near the Nelson Hospital) and outside    St. Andrew’s Church, Ham.

Walsingham has sent their charges:               Adults  £268 – 40              Children (5 – 16)   £161 – 20                Under 5’s   free          

and with transport added the total cost will depend on the number of places taken up  – but it will definitely be no more than £340 a head  – hopefully £10 less – (and  £200 for children under 16), which covers transport there and back, and all meals from Friday supper to Monday breakfast: 8 meals in all.

In a lump sum, this may seem a lot to find, but if you put by £7 a week between now and the end of July, you will have saved almost enough to cover it.

This may seem a long way ahead, but (as with any other holiday) it has to be booked well in advance, and I have already had to pay an initial  (non-returnable) deposit of £500 to secure places on the weekend we want.

So I am asking for names and a £10 deposit per person from those who would like to go. I must have these by the end of January at the latest.

Later this month,  I will send you a form to complete, which must then be returned to me with a further £30 deposit. 

I am happy to receive the rest of the money at any time – either in    installments, or a lump sum. (I keep careful records!)

We have reserved 25 places, so there should be room for all who would like to go – but 22 of these have already been taken, so if you are     interested in going, please don’t leave it too long before expressing an interest.

It will be a question of ‘First Come – First Served’ for the remaining  3 places, as I will not be able to get any more when all 25 places have gone.

If you would like to find out what the Pilgrimage entails, have a word with Fr. Christopher, or with one of those who came on our pilgrimage this year.

If you have never been to Walsingham, why not think about going this year?

If you would like your name added to the list, please have a word with me as soon as possible.

Jenny Hardy (Cell Secretary / Pilgrimage Organiser.)

PILGRIMAGE.

Pilgrimage is an essential part of life and living. Christians see life itself in terms of a journey, coming from God and returning to God. This is true of other world religions where pilgrimage is also important. A   pilgrimage is a symbolic action. It represents the journey of the  Christian life from earth to heaven. The Church is sometimes described as a pilgrim people.

Back in the Middle Ages pilgrimages were very popular. It was not like going on holiday. Pilgrimages often took years. Journeys were long and dangerous and many died on route. They usually travelled in groups and would stay  in monasteries of hostels on the way.

Pilgrims undertook these journeys to holy places because it was     important for their faith.  If they had committed sins, they believed that by going on a pilgrimage  they could show God how sorry they were. Sometimes they were sent on such a journey by a priest as a penance, and sometimes they went for healing of a physical condition.

Today, a pilgrimage to Walsingham is a unique and memorable experience.  It provides the opportunity to step back from the daily pressures of life and to draw nearer to God and to receive his many blessings.  Sharing time in worship, prayer and devotion as well as in fellowship with other pilgrims is rewarding and helps us to become more intently aware of our Blessed Mother’’s work in our lives and to be drawn more deeply into life with her son.

When you come on a pilgrimage you will be given a programme of meal times, and organised devotions – but don’t feel you are expected to go to everything . It’s up to you what you do, and when you      organise ‘free time’  to explore the area. – although due to the total number of pilgrims, the meal times have to be fixed.

Here is a picture of the Pilgrims taken during their pilgrimage this year

Discover more about Walsingham by visiting their website:

www.walsinghamanglican.org.uk

There are also some information books on the Walsingham table you can borrow- but please return them to the table afterwards..

The Latest News from our School

“Growing Stronger Together in God’s Love.”

This month’s ‘News’  from  All  Saints’  School can now be found here

All Saints’ welcomes children . . . .

.… and caters for
them as follows:

  • Junior Church –  2nd Sunday of each month at 10 am
  • A short service for children and their families.

Older children who come are encouraged to take part by reading the prayers.  Everyone welcome! Those
children who come regularly
will be encouraged to consider training as Servers, or to join the Choir.

  Also … .

  • Throughout the year, we support our Church School. We welcome them into church for school services. Apart from the end of each term, they have a service in church on All Saints’ Day and for other special occasions.

Each month, the  ‘Parish News’  includes a write-up, often with photographs, produced by a different class each time. In addition, Art Work from the children is  displayed in church for special occasions throughout the year.

If you would be interested in helping
with any of our children’s activities, or have any suggestions to make about
our work with children, please have a word with Roger.