If you go down to the woods today…

…you’re sure of possibly the most bizarre Amicus evening so far.

Tonight was our first (and possibly last?) Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Everyone was encouraged to bring along their Teddy Bear and a contribution to the picnic. The Teddy’s played a quick game of “pass the parcel” – the anticipation was high each round as Flic had regularly forgotten to include sweets at each layer. Then it was the turn of the “owners” to play the chocolate dressing up game (yeah, you know the one). Not everyone participated as a number of people had given up chocolate for Lent. We then had a teddy bear treasure hunt, before enjoying the picnic and Steph and Alex fought head to head in the music quiz. Pictures from this evening have been uploaded – head over to Flickr and take a look.

Petra brought along Miriam, a guest who had been staying with the Churchills, and I can only imagine what she thought of us and the evening. Let’s hope she doesn’t return to Germany with an image of english Youth Groups being totally mad.

James closed by reading the account of Jesus feeding the 5000. Quite appropriate given the amount of food left at the end of the evening.

A number of people mentioned the Teddy Bear’s Picnic song this evening. I’m pleased that we weren’t forced to sing it, but I did manage to find this excellent video of Uncle Alistair playing it on his yamaha. Watch out for the big finish and the nervous nose-pick at the end.

Caption Competition

Here’s a photo for the caption competition. Add your short, snappy, witty caption in the comments below:

We’ve swapped the programme around a little. James is unable to make it as he’s performing in his school production of “Joseph”. Good luck with it! So…

Next week: Steph will be organising Face-painting, with Flic trying to lead devotions on the same theme )

Seedy Pomegranate and Technophobic Cucumber

Another good evening – thanks to Alex for her efforts. It was just a shame so few people turned up. Congratulations to James for making the most “fancy dress” effort. We started by writing up a short profile of our character for the evening before we settling into the “speed dating”.

Name: Rev Bumpkin

Why you’re here: The vicarage gets very lonely and I want a companion to aid me in my work for God. I’d also like children to start a decent Church choir.

Relationship History: I have steered well clear of men as they are evil and relationships can lead to sin. I have 7 cats called Gabriel, Mary, Jesus, Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

Name: Chris Kringle

Why you’re here: To find a new wife (Mrs Claus)

Relationship History: One wife since theage of twenty. Broke up on 1st Jan this year. Can’t cope with all the women I watch each year.

Name: Steph Dungate

Why you’re here: To find a boyfriend and experience being in love and to do the things couples do.

Relationship History: I have had one boyfriend at Summer Camp but it didn’t last. I had a fling with Patrick.

Name: Phoebe Buffay

Why you’re here: To find someone.

Relationship History: <full details here>

Name: Lauren Ain’t-Bovvered

Why you’re here: Shut up!

Relationship History: I ain’t tellin’ you!

Name: Trevor Bore

Why you’re here: Because women don’t like it when I approach them in the street.

Relationship History: Single and lonely.

With such a limited number of participants we didn’t really expect to get a very good match – but we were surprised. Not only did Rev Bumpkin and Chris Kringle score each other highly, their marks for all the other participants were exactly the same. Watch this space – there may be a wedding in the Summer too! All of tonight’s pictures [slideshow] are available in the new gallery – including the pictures of the mishap with the fire!

Sarah closed the evening by leading devotions around the theme of “love” and read the start of 1 Corinthians 13, before playing an instrumental version of “Thy Word” for us to listen to. Following devotions we had a few quick games of hide-and-seek – even though Steph is scared of being alone! Afterwards we sat around chatting and drinking coffee – very civilised.

I hope you’re enjoying the new website. Following on from the move of the site there will also be some changes to the weekly email. Everything will be much more flexible, more automatic, and will mean that others can update the site in my absence. There may be some teething troubles, but I’ll try to keep them to a minimum. I will be doing a private test of the new mail system this week, in parallel with the old manual method, then next week I hope it will all be automatic.

I’ve created a group on Flickr which you can join and add your own Amicus-related photos to the collection. You can view a map containing the pictures (ie, where the pictures were taken) and the system has the capability for discussions too. Those of you who are already Flickr members have been invited. If anyone else wishes to join us over there, just let me know.

Next Week: Teddy Bears Picnic organised by Flic, and devotions led by James

Finger Carving?

This evening was supposed to be organised by Tim, however James stepped-in and took over to ensure everything went ahead (thanks James). We were also supposed to be “finger painting and vegetable printing” but I didn’t spot anyone brave enough to get their fingers dirty. Steph started by carving a carrot into the shape of a pencil and used it to draw instead. Some of the vegetables were carved and used to print patterns, and some were just carved in order to make a mess. Everyone was slightly distracted tonight by the attendance of Steph’s friends Andy and Rachel (who will be remembered by those to came to H3 last year). Andy was determined to lose his fingers whilst carving vegetables and not concentrating – I didn’t think I’d have to do a risk assessment for painting!

We were also joined this evening by Rob Ciantar, Development Officer for the West Anglia Battalion, who decided to drop in for a surprise flying visit (along with his fiance, Michelle).

Steph cleverly linked devotions in with the theme of the evening, reminding us that whatever picture we paint of ourselves to our friends and family God sees through it. We listened to a worship song and were encouraged to reflect on what she’d said.

We closed the evening with a game of French Cricket – but it didn’t quite go to plan. Andy was too interested in Flic and couldn’t really catch the ball (or do much else really). There was some disasterously dangeous bowling at times, and James played a few lethal (but perfectly legal) shots which sent Ali screaming into the corner of the hall. Perhaps we should try Unihoc again next week.

Those of you who have been here before and are even remotely observant will realise that the website has changed. It is in fact a completely new website with newer and better technology [the old site is still available here]. I won’t bore you with all the details (unless you ask), but you can now comment on each of the weekly updates (if you so desire). I have transferred all the updates from September 2006. There are still some minor techie bits to be worked out (e.g. how to manage the caption competitions) but I’m sure you’ll be patient. You don’t need to update your bookmarks as the old address will forward you here.

I have created an Amicus Flickr account to store the future photos. If you’re a member of Flickr, add “Amicus Bletchley” as a contact to keep up to date with the latest pictures. If you own a digital camera or cameraphone and you’re not yet a Flickr member, why not?!

Next Week: February 14th – Valentines Day – come to Amicus for a special evening of Fancy Dress Speed-Dating. Invent your own character and dress up accordingly, then be “in character” for an evening of speed-dating. Come along and see how Flic and Andy are getting on ;o) Contact Ali for details…