Is it Waitrose, Tesco, Bobby’s, even Marks and Spencers, this week?  Yes, of course many of us go to none of those or only occasionally.   One thing for sure we shall not be going to where our food is produced, unless to the occasional farm shop on the way past.  Neither will be we be visiting factories where clothes, furniture or other goods are made.  The fact is we are very distant from the means of production which makes it difficult to appreciate the highs and lows that come with making things and growing things on a larger scale than gardens.  In the countryside most years Harvest is truly something to celebrate. As a country vicar for over twenty years I presided at many services of thanksgiving and have eaten more harvest suppers than most, also have been close to many families in the countryside.  In the town Harvest Thanksgiving seems a bit of a damp squib.

This year the message from the countryside seems dire.  Drought, and rain at the wrong time, has made a huge difference to the amount and quality of grain, fruit and vegetables, grass produced.  For us here that will eventually flow through to higher prices in shop and supermarket.  For farmers and those who work the land the results can be more than a temporary blip.   Less or poorer produce means less money and this means increasing anxiety in farmhouses and villages across the land. Stress at any time is bad enough, but when you add the relative isolation of many who work on the land it can be a big problem.  The work does seem relentless as nature waits for no man: animals to feed, the unending care of fields and hedgerows.

In Norfolk, at least, they used to ask, “Have you ever seen a farmer riding a bike?”   The impression was that farming was the good life.   Also that many farmers simply exploited the land and their livestock, maybe their workers too, and took their rewards.   That has not been my experience.  If farming is a relentless occupation, it is a way of life.  Those who work the land know best of all how productivity is so dependent on the actual care of what they and their descendants will rely upon – the land.  It is responding to external factors, which you can do nothing about, that causes the problems – the weather of course. Factors such as rent, government regulation, taxes, subsidies, costs of seed and necessary equipment, changing demands, all play a part in decision-making on the farm.

This harvest time, beyond complaining about increasing prices, if you are inclined to feel a tinge of gratitude as you wander among the shelves of the shop wondering what to buy, do give a thought to and sympathise with those who, perhaps far away, make such choice possible.  Also, please, with thanksgiving, say a prayer for people who work in our countryside.

Saturday 27 September at 7:00 pm
Lasagne evening

A sumptuous Italian feast of home-made lasagne awaits you in the Court House tomorrow! Please bring your own drinks. Do come and support our fundraising effort and enjoy a sociable evening with great company and fabulous food! There will also be another raffle with super prizes, including a chance to win a limited-edition artwork by Jim Moir (aka. Vic Reeves!). The meal is £15 a head, all proceeds towards the St Peter's Renovation Appeal, helping us to make urgent repairs to our leaking roof and to maintain this historic building.

Contact:

 Send an email to: Carolynne Charman

 07503 156 751

Saturday 4 October at 9:15 am
Awareness of Domestic Abuse training

We are running a face-to-face, group safeguarding training course on Awareness of Domestic Abuse, in the Court house on Saturday 4th October at 9:15. We will send e-mails to those who now need to do this course. You may do it online if you prefer but do let us know when you have completed the course. 

Please let us know if you would like to attend. There will be coffee and biscuits!!

Contact:

 Send an email to: Hilary and Rachel, Safeguarding Officers

Sunday 5 October at 9:30 am
Confirmation service

Bishop Richard, acting Bishop of St Albans, will be joining us for our Parish Mass on Sunday 5th October to confirm those who have been prepared. Everyone is welcome to share in this celebration as the confirmation candidates are admitted fully into the Body of Christ. We join in prayer for all those taking this important step in the journey of faith.

Sunday 5 October at 12:30 pm
Sundays Together Lunch October

Sundays Together Lunches are a friendly social group for our older friends in the parish who may be on their own at a certain age. Luncheon is laid on every 1st Sunday of every month in the Court House. Guests receive a welcome drink when they arrive, followed by two-course meal, all for a handsome £6. If you would like to take part, or if you know someone who might benefit from this lovely social event, please get in touch:

Contact:

 Send an email to: Carolynne Charman

 07503 156 751

 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/groups/sundays-toge

Sunday 12 October at 11:15 am
Harvest Promises Auction

We'll mark Harvest Festival with a Promises Auction at 11.15am on Sunday 12th October. The origins of Harvest Festival lie in people giving directly of their gifts in the form of crops they'd grown or livestock they'd nurtured, and so in marking Harvest Festival with a Promises Auction, we're encouraging people to give of their gifts in that same direct way. This year we are supporting the Bishops' Harvest Appeal, "Rewrite Their Future", which is raising money to increase access to education for children in Uganda and Zambia. 

If anyone would like to offer a promise, please contact Fr Stuart (It helps to be as specific as possible: e.g. 'Four hours gardening' is preferable to 'Doing some gardening').

Video:

Contact:

 Send an email to: Stuart Owen

 01442 8797 39

 www.stalbansdiocese.org/parishsupport/growing-comm

Music list

The music list up to Advent Sunday is now available on the parish website. Music for the Advent Carol Service will be published later.

 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/music/list

Safeguarding: Best Practice Guidelines

Unsure about Safeguarding? Remember that we have copies of the Diocesan Best Practice Guidelines for Safeguarding available at the back of church. The leaflet is a handy reminder for everyone working or volunteering in the church, and is designed to help everyone. It's also got contact numbers if you have any questions or concerns. You can pick up a copy any time, or download it from our website.

Contact:

 Send an email to: Hilary and Rachel, Safeguarding Officers

 www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/safeguarding

No Little Fishes today

Little Fishes Parent and Toddler Group will not be meeting this Friday - unfortunately Tracy is temporarily incapacitated. We wish her well for a speedy recovery!

Festival of Light: coordinator needed

On Sunday 23 November the town celebrates the Festival of Light with a street fair and entertainments. St Peter's plays a major part in this event when we open our doors to the public with a magnificent display of candles filling the church. It's one of the highlights of the year and a significant part of St Peter's community outreach, when we welcome thousands of visitors into our historic building. We have a team of willing volunteers on standby to set up the candles in the church but importantly, we need someone to coordinate this effort this year. This involves preparing a roster of helpers, delegating all sorts of jobs such as lighting candles, health and safety, welcoming visitors and so on. (Last year we didn't run a mulled wine stall, in order to simplify the effort, but you may or may not wish to organise that this year.) Previous coordinators are very happy to advise and help you to get started, so it just needs a willing person to step forward. If we can't organise this year's event, it will not go ahead, and this will be a wasted opportunity for St Peter's to participate in this wonderful community event. 

Contact:

 Send an email to: Parish Office

Victoria creates a Bible timeline

This week we had our RE theme day across the school. Each class looked at a piece of artwork that shows the big ideas in the Bible. Each idea takes a story from the Bible, including Creation, The Fall, Salvation and Incarnation. The children then looked at their piece in detail and created a replica of the section. The idea was for the children to explore the timeline of the Bible in more depth and see how the stories link over time. Once each class has finished their panel, we are going to display it in school to be referred to through the year.

Having just welcomed our children back to school, we are already thinking about our new starters for September 2026. If you have a child or know of someone who has a child looking for a Reception place for September 2026, please come and see our school by booking on one of our tours. Book online at:

 www.victoria.herts.sch.uk

Wednesday 1 October at 8:00 pm
Abbey by Night

Be transported back in time to the medieval abbey at these special candlelit experiences at St Albans Cathedral. As darkness descends, visitors meet medieval characters and hear inspiring tales of the ancient abbey's history, with monastic music and incense. Tickets £22 (includes a glass of wine on arrival). Additional dates on Wednesday 22 October and Wednesday 12 November.

 www.stalbanscathedral.org/Event/abbey-by-night

Thursday 9 October - Friday 10 October at 7:30 pm
George Michael by Candlelight

We Knew You Were Waiting for this incredible night of George Michael Hits, performed live by one of the UK's leading tribute acts in St Albans Cathedral. The programme will feature smash-hit songs including Faith, Club Tropicana, Fast Love, Freedom and Wake Me Up Before You Go. So Have Faith and book your tickets now:

 www.stalbanscathedral.org/Event/george-michael-by-

Sunday 28 September
Berkhamsted Fire Station Open Day

Berkhamsted Fire Station on Castle Street will be open to the public 11am-2pm. Come and explore a fire engine, meet the men and women of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, meet the fire investigation dog, and watch a fire demonstration. There will also be an opportunity to get fire safety advice for the home, and there will be stalls, food and entertainment. 

Thursday 2 October at 10:30 am
Thursday Communion at Potten End

Beginning on Thursday 2 October, Holy Trinity Potten End are launching a new short, reflective service with Holy Communion on Thursday mornings at 10.30am. This will be a gentle and unhurried time of prayer, scripture, and the sacrament-ideal for anyone who appreciates a peaceful pause in the middle of the week. The service will last around 25-30 minutes, with an opportunity to stay for a chat afterwards for those who wish. All are warmly welcome, and an invitation is extended to anyone living at Castle Village or Annett House.

Contact:

 Send an email to: Rev Ben Brady

 www.holytrinitypottenend.org.uk

Saturday 4 October at 7:30 pm
Music of Love and Longing

An evening of music for voice and piano at St Mary the Virgin Church in Old Amersham, with baritone Thomas Isherwood, accompanied by Fei Ren on piano. Advance tickets £17, £20 on the door, under-16s £10.

 www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/old-amersham

Sunday 5 October
Berkhamsted Antiques & Vintage Market

October's antiques fair and street market will be on Berkhamsted High Street and in the Civic Centre. Come and browse antiques and vintage items from silver, jewellery and glass to furniture, vintage clothing and collectibles.

Sunday 5 October
Books in the Woods

During October, Books in the Woods Outdoor Playgroup are running lovely autumn story reading sessions for children aged 5 and under in Rectory Lane Cemetery and in Ashridge. Children read a book together and then enjoy fun nature-filled activities. Just bring a ground sheet/ blanket, your own snacks and weather-appropriate clothing. Prebooking required - family tickets (for up to 6 people) only £3. Show your ticket for 20% off at Dowerhouse Coffee!

 www.booksinthewoods.org

Sunday 5 October at 4:00 pm
Alexander Ardakov Piano Recital

Celebrated pianist Alexander Ardakov will return to St Peter's for another exhilarating recital in October. He will present a programme of works by the master of piano music himself, Frederick Chopin (1810-1849), including a selection of nocturnes, mazurkas, impromptus and Chopin's Sonata No. 3 in B minor. Tickets are just £12 (pay on the door).

It is a privilege and a delight for us to enjoy performances by musicians of this calibre. We are most fortunate to enjoy such events here at St Peter's, so do please show your support and come along!

Saturday 11 October
Tring Apple Fayre

Tring's annual Apple Fayre is back, with an Apple Cart parade through the town at 10.30am, and a farmers' market in Brook Street.9am - 2pm, plus a scarecrow competition, Morris dancing, a Maypole and family fun. In the run-up to the parade day there are fruity events all over Tring, including open gardens, an open day at Ford End Watermill, apple pressing and a Harvest Festival service in Tring Parish Church. Download the Apple Faure programme:

 www.tringtogether.org.uk/apple-fayre

Sunday 12 October
Berkhamsted Artisan & Makers Market

A brand new market - an Artisan and Makers' Market is to run on the second Sunday of the month from March next year, with 2 launch markets on Sunday 12th October and the Sunday 30th November. The Market will be a regular show case for local creative talent, and brings another exciting event to the High Street. We hope it will ultimately achieve the same success as the popular Antiques and Vintage market in adding to the High Street bBuzz, and attracting visitors to the town.

The Market is being organised by FoSP ( The Friends of St Peters), a charity that fundraises to ensure that our other iconic High Street building, St Peters Church, will still be gracing our High St in the next millennium; it also supports the reimagined Rectory Lane Cemetery which, following its £1.25m makeover from ?Dead Space to Living Place', requires funds to sustain its beautiful landscape and community green space.

 www.berkhamstedartisanmarket.co.uk

Sunday 2 November
BerkoFest Book Festival

BerkoFest Book Festival is returning for its sixth year, with a diverse range of guest speakers, including Shaparak Khorsandi, Nigel Planer, Robin Ince, and many more top-selling writers, musicians, comedians and sports people. The event in Berkhamsted's historic Town Hall usually sells out, so book your tickets!

 bookfestival.berkofest.com

Artists & makers wanted!

Back in May we had a super successful Arts & Crafts Fair in the Court House. Local creatives sold works of art and raised £1000s for the St Peter's Renovation Appeal. We're planning to run another fair on Saturday 22 November and we're putting the call out for artists and makers to take part. You sell works and we just ask for a % donation towards church funds. It's a fun community day, you'll meet lots of people, and you'll also help St Peter's to fix its leaking roof! Want to book a stall? Give us a call!

Contact:

 Send an email to: Carolynne Charman

 07503 156 751

Berko Repair Café

Berko Repair Café has a new home! Following the closure of the Open Door Community Space, they are relocating to Northchurch Social Centre (just off the high street). They will be open every first Saturday of the month 9:30am - 12:30pm, starting on Saturday 4 October. Bring along broken items-electricals, clothing, bikes, toys, tools-and their skilled volunteers will do their best to fix them free of charge. Enjoy a cuppa while you wait and feel free to get hands-on to learn repair skills. No need to book-just drop in. Donations welcome to help cover costs and support local charities. They're also looking for volunteers to help with repairs.

Contact:

 Send an email to: Berko Repair Café

 www.ecoberko.uk/repair-cafe

From Ovaltine to Star Wars

Another Heritage Open Days festival was enjoyed by visitors to historic sites all over England last week. Christopher Green led another of his famous tours of St Peter's, there were tours of Rectory Lane Cemetery, Berkhamsted Castle and the historic buildings in our town. St Peter's welcomed quite a lot of visitors who came to see the BLHMS display of Berkhamsted's Lost Buildings. On Sunday in the Civic Centre, Dacorum Heritage and the BFI held a fascinating join exhibition about advertising. It featured a display of historic advertising from the Ovaltine Factory in King's Langley, and a display of posters from the BFI's archive of films that were shot in Hertfordshire, including Star Wars, Brighton Rock, Goldeneye and Johnny English. We are thankful to all our heritage groups who have worked so hard to bring our local history to life, and look forward to the 2026 Heritage Open Days!

Musical delight in the Lady Chapel

Our local chamber music ensemble Behind the Mirror delighted us with an intimate concert in the Lady Chapel last Sunday afternoon. Claire O'Connell (cello) and Sarah Thurlow (clarinet) were accompanied by the celebrated pianist Iain Farrington in a magnificent performance of pieces by Fanny Mendelssohn and Brahms, plus an instrumental arrangement of selected songs from Schumann's Dichterliebe. Behind the Mirror's next concert is a programme of Baroque music at Berkhamsted Town Hall on Sunday 26 October.

 www.behindthemirror.org

A message from the Trustees of the Way Inn Christian Centre Trust

Dear Ministers and Congregations,

It is with very heavy hearts we are sad to say goodbye to Open Door which has now closed @ 360 High Street Berkhamsted, with the exception of the community pantry and the Community Fridge. We hope to keep the pantry outside of Open Door stocked for those in need as before, (any contributions to the pantry will still be gratefully accepted) and operate the Community Fridge on a Tuesday (after next week) until December when we hope a new venue will have been found for them.

Thank you all so much for the support and help to grow over the years since we opened in 2017, by both yourselves and your congregations, either in the form of monetary donations or gifts as well as really appreciated gifts of time and energy, by those volunteering and without whom there would have been no Open Door. Others are looking to find new venues in which to continue the many community activities that have been taking place within that space and to keep the hospitality, warmth and care for the community of Berkhamsted.

With Blessings and Thanks

The Trustees
(The Way Inn Christian Centre Trust /Open Door Berkhamsted)

 thewayinn.wixsite.com/thewayinn/about

Rectory Lane Cemetery news

This month's Rectory Lane Cemetery newsletter from the Friends of St Peter's has lovely photos of the cemetery in the September sunshine after the annual pressure wash clean of the paths. You can also read about the Heritage Open Days tour of Berkhamsted's Buried Builders, with links to the memorials to local architects, town planners, builders and others who have shaped this town.  Honey from the cemetery beehives will be on sale at the Berkhamsted Artisan Markets on Sunday 12th October. And the Friends are appealing urgently for more volunteers on their Wednesday afternoon work parties for the lawnmowing team, and for grave adopters.

 us17.campaign-archive.com