Summer is drawing to a close and the colours of Autumn will soon be in our gardens, and in the countryside.

It may not have been the warmest, driest, summer, but we are fortunate to have water in abundance, and ample clean water to drink. I thank you all for contributing to the 'Turn on the Tap - Water Aid' in the bottles in the Church. When I send off each contribution I am thankful that cheerfully and quietly you have put your money in the bottles, so that others can benefit from being able to drink safe water.

There is much work and silent giving that goes on in and around St. Mary's, and this contributes to us all having a lovely Church to visit for prayer, whether alone, or within a congregation.

We are very privileged to be able to visit our Church, on any day, and find it open, when so many are closed.

Just sometimes we witness an outward display of the talents of local people, when we have a Flower Festival, or have a lovely Service with the Choir, and we hear the wonderful music accompanying them. The recent Flower Festival was amazing and will be remembered always for the variety of colour, and talent of the flower arrangers in interpreting the designs. It reminds us all that as each flower is of a different colour or shape for varying purpose, that we, as children of God have a purpose too, whatever or whoever we are.

There are many groups within the village that all have people using their skills each week, and they contribute to the Broughton Community. Apart from this we all probably feel that St. Mary's Church is the centre of the village, and we all look at the clock to check the time whenever we pass by.

So as Summer closes and Autumn is approaching, it is a time to give thanks for all our blessings in this village. And remember that whether you quietly visit the Church alone for prayer, give a coin to Water Aid, visit a Flower Festival, belong to a Church organisation or club, or just come to share one of the many Services in St. Mary’s, or the other Churches in the Benefice, that you have a purpose, and be encouraged that although you may come quietly it does not go unnoticed, and you will probably leave with joyfulness and love in your heart.

Come and see for yourself this Autumn.

ANN RIDOUT