The Beech Tree stood on the corner of the bank on the edge of what is now the car park.  It was a great tree and all the boys used to climb it and then drop down onto the bank and roll down the slope.  Still today the children continue to climb onto the bank and slide or roll down the grassy slope.  Apparently, it is the only way to finish a visit to Chapel!

It was decided the tree had to go.   Wearne Pearse, of Middle Taphouse, was asked to bring his steam engine out to pull it over.  The steam engine pulled with a wire rope but after serveral attempts the rope snapped in 2 and the tree was still standing. Then Clifford Crago pulled with his crawler but finally, as steam and diesel power failed to  move it, the tree was cut down with 2 men working the cross cut saw in the traditional way.

Interestingly, the steam engine is still in working order, still owned by the Pearse family who regularly steam up and attend local rallies with it.

To celebrate the 90th birthday of the Queen, a Big Cream Tea took place on Saturday 18th June.  It was ‘WOW’ when you entered the Old Sunday School and saw a magnificent tea laid out with, sandwiches, big cakes, little cakes, cream cakes, chocolate cakes and a Windsor Castle birthday cake.  Stunning.  Moving on into the New Sunday School there was a choice of activities including, ‘make your own crown’ with colourful pipe cleaners, a lucky dip, bring & buy stall,  encaustic art or hot wax painting which everyone enjoyed, making bookmarks and small pictures especially to give to Dads on Fathers day.

Displayed in the Chapel were paintings done by the children of Braddock School and other local children from Dobwalls and Widegates.  There was face painting and 2 quizes with questions testing your knowledge on the Queen.

The first placed child from each of the 4 classes at Braddock School received a trophy for their artwork.  The highlight of the presentations was Connon Chapel’s gift to Revd Robert Saunders on his retirement this coming August.  He was presented with a pair of candlesticks which had been turned by Tom Bevan of Dobwalls from a piece of pitch pine which was used in the original construction of the Chapel and had been saved when renovations had been carried out in 2000.  Tom had also turned a platter from the wood that had been left over from the candlesticks.

It was a very happy occasion, well attended and there was something for everyone to enjoy and if you are a ‘foodie’ then Connon is the place to come for tea.

Photos to follow

The teacher asked Millie, “Give me a sentence starting with the letter I”

Millie replied “I is………”

“No, Millie, you always say I am”

“OK Miss” came the reply, “I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.”

Family Service on Sunday 14^th June

Following the Family Fun Day, the weekend was rounded off with a Family Service which was very well attended including several children. The highlight was the congregation following Revd Robert out into the graveyard singing One More Step Along the Way, then, with those that were already lying there in mind, For All the Saints Who From Their Labours Rest and we returned singing Oh When the Saints Go Marching In.

Back in the Church over fellowship we celebrated the 90^th birthday of Elizabeth and we send her all our good wishes for many Happy Returns.

Under the Parachute

Singing Outside

Oh When the Saints Go Marching In

Delicious Cake

Amongst Friends

Two services were held on Sunday 17 May to celebrate the 150^th Anniversary of Connon Chapel.

In the morning we were pleased to welcome Revd Steven Wild president elect of the Methodist Conference supported by our own Revd Robert Saunders. It was a joyful service and well supported with a congregation of 67.   Revd Wild is a huge enthusiast for Methodism and if he is ever preaching in your locality, go and listen!

Revd Steven Wild with Jack Tamblyn and Partick Clark

In the afternoon we had a special service celebrating 150 years at Connon. We were bursting at the ‘seams’ with a congregation of 117.

Revd Robert led the service and was supported by our 4 local preachers, Geoff Pearce, David Cole, David Nicholls and Anna-Jane read a message from her father, Clifford Crago. Each had their own individual memories, anecdotes, history to tell and between them they had achieved 300 years of preaching. It passed all too quickly and then we went into the New Sunday School for tea which had been prepared by Sophie Boxall of Pelynt. Such delicious food and it was so lovely to meet up with old friends who had been part of Connon over many years.

The old Band of Hope Banner was displayed which dates from 1866 (see photo).

It was a truly wonderful day.

Don’t forget the Family Fun Day on 13 June 11.00 am to 3.00 pm and there will be something for all ages including bouncy castle with slide, space hoppers, giant dominoes and many more games. A BBQ will be running all day, everything will be free except for the 2^nd / 3^rd and 4^th helpings from the BBQ.

Renewing Old Friendships

Enjoying the Buffet

The Old Band of Hope Banner