Dear Friends,
In the light of the unrest and rioting in some of our cities recently perhaps we need to be reminded of the values that have stood in the Scriptures over many years, values and attitudes that are only borne from the way others treat us, borne from experience and a feeling of being valued, respected and cherished ourselves.
Parental and family love, tenderness, compassion, gentleness, understanding, sympathy and patience are the elements we all need.
Perhaps there is a book that points us in the right direction…it’s the book of the Gospels….in which Jesus exercises all of the aspects of human nature that I have just spoken of and there is the church here to put them into practice through the actions and example of those of us who are part of it. Faith isn’t just a cosy personal thing; it has to be exercised in order to affect people and places for love’s sake. Remembering of course that the greatest lover of souls is Our Lord who experienced the mob, hatred and death but who through the love of resurrection is STILL here amidst us to offer his compassion and to lead his church out into neighbourhoods and schools.
A bible passage to consider is I Corinthians
“Love is patient; love is kind
and envies no one.
Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude;
never selfish, not quick to take offense.
There is nothing love cannot face,
there is no limit to its faith,
its hope, and endurance.
In a word, there are three things
that last forever: faith, hope, and love,
but the greatest of them all is love.”
Prayer of St Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
when there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand,
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying [to ourselves] that we are born to eternal life.
Yours in Christ
Roger
Cross Morecambe Bay: Arnside - Kent's Bank
Cross the Bay with the Queen's Guide and raise money for
Blackburn Cathedral Appeal on Saturday 24 September
Blackburn Cathedral invites you to join this iconic walk across Morecambe Bay; enjoy the walk, beautiful scenery and the pleasure of Cedric's experience, humour and stories.
The Queen's Guide to the Sands is the royally appointed guide to crossing the sands of Morecambe Bay, which is an ancient and potentially dangerous tidal crossing. Cedric Robinson MBE became the 25th guide in 1963 and is unpaid; but the Guide has the use of the 700-year-old Guide's Cottage at Kent’s Bank, which is owned by the Crown and managed by the Duchy of Lancaster. Until the building of the railway in 1857, the cross sands route had been a major transport route in the area, with Guides appointed royally since the 16th century. Before that, the monks of Furness at Cartmel Priory had provided guides for crossing the sands. Crossing of the sands has become a popular challenge walk for charity fundraisers, with Cedric often leading groups of up to 500 people.
Registration required
(£10 to include tee-shirt, tea and biscuits at end of walk and official certificate)
Coach service available from Blackburn and points en route
If you cannot walk but would like to sponsor a walker or would like to offer help or support, or just for more information please contact:
Mrs Louise Hicks, Appeal Office 01254 503090
or e-mail: appeal@blackburncathedral.co.uk
M.U. News
Our last meeting was a get together for a Jacob’s Join and a special silent auction of beautiful pieces of cut glass items donated by Christine and Alan Seddon. A downsizing house move to a bungalow on Milton Close meant lots of treasured items just had to go. From wine glasses to vases perfect for summer Sweet Pea flowers we enjoyed writing our bids and waiting to see if we were the lucky ones who would take home an item to be treasured.
Our techniques didn’t compare with Paul Martin and the auctioneers of “Flog It” fame but we did have some fun and raised £200 for the MU charity. Thanks to Christine and Alan’s generosity we are able to help many in need. Together with a previously raised £100 the money has been split, £150 to the Wheels Appeal and the rest will be decided at our next meeting.
In July 23 Toilet Bags were delivered and received most gratefully by Royal Blackburn Hospital.
We meet next on the 13th September for Corporate Communion in Church at 7.30pm then retire to the hall for a Jacob’s Join and our annual Bring & Buy. The funds raised will be used for next year’s speakers. Everyone is welcome to the service and the meeting after. Our Literature Rep. Marion will be with us with a selection of cards and MU items. All members wanting a M.U. Diary with an Olive Green cover please let me know.
September is a very special time for two of our ladies.
Happy Birthday to Faith Whittaker of Westbourne 80years young on the 9th September.
Happy Birthday to Betty Johnston 80 years young on the 23rd September.
Love and Congratulations to you both from all the MU members.
Summer 2011
From being close to a hose pipe ban by the end of April, Rossendale’s weather took a turn for the worse and down came the rain, low clouds and grey skies.
On Gala Day it didn’t stop the uniformed organisations’ young people and Pre School Children and lots of friends from parading as Little Misses, Mr. Men, Egyptians and odd looking bandaged Mummies, Chariot Drivers and their slaves plus the beautiful Cleopatra. Circus Clowns and Strong Men added to the fun as we walked the avenues of Helmshore before arriving at the Lych Gate and into Church.
As the Church filled up with children, mums and dads, aunts and uncles and grandparents our retiring Rose Queen Alice with her retinue were able to look back on a year of events and occasions when they have represented our Church in the community and our area and have been ambassadors of goodwill.
New Rose Queen Hannah Shatliff and her three train holders, brother Lucas plus Ethan and Oliver and with Alexander Fellowes as Cushion Bearer, will hopefully continue the tradition and enjoy the experience.
The event was a true family affair with Hannah being crowned by Grandma Kay, and Dad, Phil as an accomplished trumpet player sounding the fanfare.
We were fortunate in having St. James Rose Queen and her retinue join us for the afternoon. After lots of prizes being awarded, everyone converged on the hall for fun and games.
Apple bobbing, Chocolate Bingo, Thomas’ Express game, a know your marble game, and win some sweets picking a Disney character card provided great entertainment for the youngsters, whilst mums and dads could have a go on the Tombola, buy summer bedding plants, fashionable knits, or cards and cake.
The following weekend the Church bells rang out magnificently, (a select band of Lancashire Association ringers rang a quarter peal) when Deacon Judith Balkwell and Deacon David Allsop were ordained Priests in the Church where they have worshipped for many years.
Their vocation and Love of God and years of hard study had brought them to this moment.
Judith and David - Congratulations and God Bless in your future Ministry.
Fr. Roger presided with help from Fr. Stephen and Gerald. A full Church witnessed the Bishop of Lancaster, the Rt. Rev. Geoff Pearson ordain Judith and David. The whole service was a joy and the preacher was the Archdeacon of Lancaster, the Venerable Michael Everitt.
After the service, on a beautiful summer afternoon, Judith and David joined everyone for lots of congratulations and a Strawberry Cream Tea in the hall. Fr. Roger praised and congratulated the new Priests as they cut the beautifully decorated celebration cake, made by Maggi and expertly cut up by Hazel.
A day to remember and cherish in the life of St. Thomas’ Church.
On the 6th July 2011 Rev. Judith and Rev. David celebrated their first Communion. Members from all three churches attended a very special occasion made even more special as Fr. Roger told us, that for the very first time since St. Thomas’ was consecrated in 1852 a woman was the celebrant.
It was a privilege to be part of the service and to look forward to Judith and David’s role in the life of St. Thomas Ministry in the community.
The rain couldn‘t stay away for very long and came pouring down just as many may have been getting ready for the concert at St. James on the 22nd July. If the down pour stopped you attending, you missed a treat, but more of that from Wendy on page 23.
The following Sunday the 24th was happily glorious as Cynthia Moore prepared to sell some lovely plants which for the second year running had been given to us after a disastrous sale the previous week due to torrential rain at Pendleside Hospice. In total Cynthia raised £70 which was added to the Car Boot Stall the following Saturday.
An inside stall at St. James’ Car Boot means you can set up on the Friday afternoon so with willing helper David Belshaw, our two cars were loaded up then unloaded and goods arranged to draw the crowds the following day.
Arriving at 8.00am. we had already done some business and due to a steady stream of shoppers did very well. By 9.00am we felt it should be dinner time but were refreshed with a brew from the café. Later in the morning Sandra Beddows arrived to help and brought more items for the stall. A good lunch served in the café put new life into us and by the time we were packing up not many items remained. With goods previously sold, the car boot money and the plant money, £300 has been passed on for the Tower Fund.
A huge thank you to everyone.
M.U. Prayer Diary 25th August - Today reflect on the communities of which you are a part. Thank God for the good within them and pray for solutions to be found where problems exist.
Carole Barlow
Congratulations to Simon on gaining a First Class Honours Degree in Computer Science
from Manchester University. Mum and Dad are so proud of you.
Elizabeth and Ian Hazelwood
Would like to thank members of the congregation for their prayers, cards, messages and support on the occasion of their marriage in May.
It made our wedding service memorable and special.
With good wishes to you all, Elizabeth and Ian.
A Visit to Manchester Art Gallery
What do you do on a wet August day when you need diversion without too much effort? One answer is to visit an art gallery or museum and that is just what we did recently. Things didn’t start off too auspiciously when the X41 failed to arrive and we spent ages getting a soaking on the windy corner of Broadway but once on our way things soon looked up.
Set out on three floors and with 21 rooms filled with art and design Manchester Art Gallery is a treasure trove with something for everyone. You can borrow a new audioguide for £2, pick up a free leaflet and follow a short trail or just collect a floor plan and wander round at your leisure. That’s what we did and found so much of interest.
Leaving the permanent exhibits initially we looked at the beautiful art pots and tiles made by Pilkington’s Tile and Pottery Company between 1893 and 1938. We had seen several on the television but to be able to see them in the flesh and admire the shapes, glazes and intricacy of the designs at close hand was a treat. These are on display until October 2012.
An even bigger treat, for me at least, was to see the work of Grayson Perry who was awarded the Turner prize in 2003. I have long been intrigued by this eccentric British artist who, whilst a transvestite who often features his alter-ego Claire in his work, is married and has a 21 year-old daughter. He is chiefly known for his ceramic vases using classical forms in bright colours, although his subject matter is mainly autobiographical and can be very disturbing.
You can see the influence of Greek classical tradition and folk art in his work with complex glazing, incision embossing and photographic transfers. He sometimes adds little sculpted figures to his pots. In Manchester two enormous vases in the Chinese style are on display, but whereas Chinese works of this type are purely decorative Grayson Perry’s work is very challenging and disquieting. The Gallery has also bought a striking vase ‘Jane Austin in E17’ and ‘Print for a Politician’ thanks to grant funding.
There are plenty of staff on hand to answer any queries you might have at the gallery and all seemed to be delighted to share their knowledge. The place was buzzing with people and there was lots going on. At two o’clock a free guided tour was announced but we were still happy doing our own thing. The room devoted to the work of Valette and Lowry was of particular interest. With atmospheric scenes of a very foggy Manchester you could just imagine being there at that time.
Adolphe Valette (1876-1942) known as the Manchester Impressionist, was born in the industrial town of St. Etienne in France. He came to England in 1904 and studied at the Manchester School of Art where he later taught from 1906-1920. One of his students was LS Lowry. When Valette returned to France in 1928 the Manchester Art Gallery acquired nine of his distinctive works, the most ambitious being ‘Albert Square’ which shows the Town Hall and Albert Memorial bathed in fog.
The most glorious display for me though was the work of the Pre-Raphaelites, bought for the city by Victorian collectors. Some were breathtaking. The Gallery has embarked on a year-long project to find out what they mean to today’s Mancunians. As work continues on the Pre-Raphaelite Experiment until May 2012, taking in activities with schools, local groups and families, the display now in Gallery 6 will evolve and there will be postings on the Gallery blog about what is discovered.
Because of the special interest in the Pre-Raphaelites the first major exhibition of Ford Maddox Brown’s work since 1964 is due to be exhibited from 24th September until 29th January 2012. The show will bring together 140 paintings and drawings and is definitely something I look forward to. Entry will cost £8, free to the under 18s and Manchester Art Gallery Friends and Patrons.
On the second floor we visited an exhibition of wonderful artefacts so diverse that it was hard to take it all in. From silver to glass, ceramics to textiles there was so much to see. We were particularly taken by a smaller version of ‘Ollie the Owl’ which caused such a sensation on the Antiques Road Show years ago and close up you could see what all the fuss was about.
Children were very well catered for and there is a family art club for parents and their 6-11 year olds and a mini art club for parents and 0-5 year olds. There are drop-in events in the school holidays and this October half-term they will be making Mini me mobiles. However there are activities available anytime. There is an interactive gallery which is a hands-on introduction to real art. Children can pick up a story bag, borrow an explorer belt or ask for a Heroes and Monsters pack from the information desk and set off on an arty adventure.
‘Myth, Dream and Reality: The Human Form 1700-1920, is a new permanent display which has been installed in response to requests from the public to see works exhibited in the entrance space. I have to admit that in our haste to get out of the rain we charged straight in and this will have to be a pleasure for another occasion. Apparently the display was inspired by the casts from the Parthenon frieze, given by George IV, specifically to decorate the gallery’s entrance hall. You can take a virtual tour of the entrance hall via a new touch-screen at ground floor level.
There are lots of ways to explore the gallery besides a casual drop-in visit like ours. You can join a free Highlights tour which focuses on some of the most popular artworks, or join a more in depth look at the collection on a themed Focus tour. You can follow local musician Black Jack Barnet round the gallery to the tune of songs inspired by works of art or hear what other people think at a relaxed Art bites chat in the galleries.
This season there is a free audio described tour of Eleven Rooms for visually impaired visitors and guided tours of the exhibition Ford Maddox Brown: Pre-Raphaelite Pioneer. I think this is a great place to bring a group and tours for groups can be tailored to individual interests for £5 per person. You can book on 0161 235 8855 or email magevents@manchester.gov.uk To check the events calendar visit the website www.manchestergalleries.org sign up for the e-newsletter or call0161 235 8888 The gallery is bang in the centre of Manchester on the corner of Mosely Street. It is open Tuesday-Sunday and has a friendly cafe and self-service restaurant. The shop is well worth a visit too. Best of all it is free although donations are welcome. Enjoy!
Joan Malvern
Oh, the love of my Lord is the essence
During a joint service held at St Peter’s Church last year one of the hymns was unfamiliar to me so instead of trying to join in I listened to others singing, read the words and noticed that the hymn was written by a woman, Estelle White, born in 1925. I wondered what sort of life this woman had lived and so got onto the internet to see if I could find out anything about her. I was disappointed to find there was little information about her apart from mentioning the hymns she had written, in particular “Oh, the love of my Lord is the essence” which was the hymn we had sung at St Peters.
Recently I put another search into the internet and got more of a response because Estelle died earlier this year in February aged 85. An obituary by the Yorkshire Evening Post gave details of her varied life including the fact that she wrote more than 160 hymns.
Elizabeth Estelle White was born and brought up on Tyneside in a family which, despite not being able to read music, all played musical instruments. She played the piano, guitar, clarinet and tenor saxophone. At 17, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, and when the base she was stationed at was entertained by a visiting band, it just happened that the lead saxophonist became ill. Being in the right place at the right time, Estelle was drafted in to replace her, performing the very same day.
She played with the HQ band on many ceremonial occasions, including football internationals and the 1946 Victory Parade. She was also a member of the ATS strict tempo dance band and travelled extensively, entertaining the troops in the Central Mediterranean Force in Palestine and Egypt
On leaving the Army, she trained as a physiotherapist, working in hospitals in the North East. She was also involved with the People’s Theatre in Newcastle where she acted, directed, painted scenery and composed.
Estelle then went to Canada, setting up a department in Cornwall Hospital, Ontario, for children with cerebral palsy which became a benchmark across the state. While she was in Canada, she was received into the Roman Catholic Church.
Returning to England and the North East, in 1965 she joined the Congregation of Corpus Christi Carmelite Sisters taking temporary vows, and after her novitiate, she specialised in music at Digby Stuart College, Roehampton, qualifying as a teacher of theology and music.
Estelle left the order owing to ill health and spent her time teaching in various Roman Catholic secondary schools in the North of England until her retirement. She even turned her hand to journalism, writing for the Guardian women’s page and women’s magazines.
Settling in Dewsbury in the early 1980s, she was director of the St Joseph’s church choir from Christmas 1984 until Christmas 1991.
Estelle continued to study Hebrew and Greek in retirement and in 1989 was awarded an MA with Distinction from Leeds University. To her family, she was a fun, feisty figure, and to the younger members of the family always exotic, sweeping into the house from her peacock blue sports car brandishing a long cigarette holder and enveloped in a cloud of Chanel No.5.
What an amazing life Estelle lived. I’m only sorry that I couldn’t find out more about her before she died. If you have a hymn that interests you we would be pleased to hear about it. Alternatively if you have been somewhere of interest during the summer, perhaps a town or cathedral you have visited that would be of interest to other people please let us know.
Christine Haworth
Film Review - The Way
The Way is a recent film starring Martin Sheen. It has not been on general release unfortunately, so you might have to wait for the DVD. While the plot is fairly minimal and predictable it is still a film worth seeing. It tells the story of a father whose son has died while walking El Camino de Santiago, across Northern Spain.
Martin Sheen's character goes to Europe to bring back the body, but ends up hiking the route himself. Inevitably he meets up with others who all have their own problems and issues, and while he is not looking for companionship it is hard to avoid them as they are all heading the same way along the pilgrim's route. The film is especially poignant when you consider the crisis Martin Sheen's own son, Charlie, is going through. The film is written and directed by his other son, Emilio Estevez, who also plays the son in flashback. The scenery as they travel through Spain is fantastic. I found it a thoroughly absorbing film and recommend it. Joan Atkinson
Rushbearing in Grasmere
Recently Alan and I spent a few days in the Lake District and as usual, whenever we are there, we visited the lovely village of Grasmere. This being one of the places that tourists come to see the home of William Wordsworth, known as Dove Cottage and in particular the church of St. Oswald’s, where he worshipped and where he and his family are buried in the churchyard. On a previous visit we were fortunate to visit in springtime when the churchyard was a mass of daffodils and hence the paving stone at the start of the church path bears an inscription ‘I wondered lonely as a cloud’.
Just a few weeks ago we again visited Grasmere when it was the time of what is known as the Rushbearing Ceremony. Apparently long ago the floors of churches were simply of earth covered in rushes and it was a common place to bury bodies of parishioners within the church as well as in the churchyard. In ancient times parishioners brought sweet smelling rushes at the Feast of Dedication to strew within the church to purify the air and help insulate the worshipers from the cold. (Perhaps this is what we should do at St. Thomas if we get another winter like last year!) So the festivity gained the name of ‘Rushbearing’.
Today the Rushbearing ceremony takes place when the children of the parish parade round the village carrying crosses made of rushes or flowers lead by the clergy and the band, and ends with hymns and prayers in the church. Traditionally afterwards the children are given a piece of Grasmere Gingerbread stamped with St. Oswald’s names. Incidentally the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop is right next to the church. After the procession round the village and the church service, the rushes and rushbearings are placed on the shelves and floor of the church for a few days and so we were fortunate to witness this most wonderful ancient ceremony.
Jean Papworth
Back to Church Sunday 2011
This year, for the first time, St Thomas ,St James and St. Peters will be holding a “Back to Church Sunday”, an event which has been happening at hundreds of churches across the world with great success.
What is Back to Church Sunday?
Back to Church Sunday is now the largest single local-church invitational initiative in the world. It is based on the simplest and shortest step in evangelism - that we should invite someone we already know to something we love; invite our friends to our church. The initial focus was to invite ‘back’ those who used to attend, but we want to ensure that anyone who doesn’t currently attend can be guaranteed an especially warm welcome
When did it start?
Back to Church Sunday began in 2004 in the Church of England and now takes place in churches across denominations in countries around the world. Our partners include Churches Together in Scotland; the Church in Wales; United Reformed Church; Methodist Church; the Baptist Union of Great Britain; Elim Pentecostal Churches and the Salvation Army. BTCS now operates in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Argentina and continental Europe.
What success has it had?
In 2009 Back to Church Sunday mobilised around 6,000 churches across the world (4,650 in the UK) to invite their friends to church. As a result over 80,000 extra people attended church on Back to Church Sunday in the UK alone, with a long-term result of around 10,000 people added to the church in one day.
This is one person’s story of how they “came back to Church”.
My name is Gillian and I am a journalist by training and I’m part of the team who are trying to get the message out to the media letting people know that they are welcome back to church on this particular Sunday. My own story is of someone who moved house, who really wanted to go back to church but didn’t know how. One day when I was cycling past the church and I saw it was open I was stood dithering outside when some lady said to me “Come in, come in” and I said “No, no”. She said “Yes come on in”. Secretly I wanted to come back to church as so many people do. I was glad that someone who I didn’t even know had asked me.
Many people lose touch with church for all sorts of different reasons but are probably deep down ready to come back.
An unusual way of inviting people was used in Margate where they handed out sticks of rock engraved with “come back to church” however at St Thomas we will be handing out ordinary invitations. We hope to invite back people who have brought children for baptism as well as people who have been married in Church over the last few years. Is a neighbour or yours someone who used to come to Church?
If you are reading this and you haven’t been to Church in a while this is your official invitation. We would love to see you and if you need a lift please ask someone. We really want you there.
More information will be given out over the next few weeks but I’ve already invited two people who have often said to me, “I really mean to come to Church but never get round to it”. They have promised to come on the 25th September.
Christine Haworth
Litterol
One evening in early June with an indigo sky threatening rain yet again, a group of us trudged through the long wet grass to a willow plantation near Turn village. We were lucky, the rain held off and we spent a fascinating evening learning about this community project from our hosts Ian and Joan, who are members of the environmental arts group called Litterol, which is responsible for the site.
You may remember Rossendale Groundwork, which in the past worked with a number of schools on willow weaving projects, constructing a maze and even a replica of Stevenson's Rocket. It developed into Litterol and works similarly with schools and on various arts and crafts schemes. Most of us thought the name was an acronym, but it is actually a term that refers to the area of shoreline between the high and low tide. It is unstable and fragile, and therefore ever changing, as is their work, which exposed to the elements is transient, and unfortunately doesn't last.
Apparently Lancashire is the biggest producer of willow. Historically, willow baskets were used by fisherman on the coast, in the cotton industry and for the protection of carboys. These days it is still used in basket making, for cricket bats, aspirin and is in high demand as a biomass fuel. It grows so quickly it can be harvested every two years.
The willow plant is cut off at ground level so that instead of forming a thick trunk a number of shoots grow from the base. If it is to be used as a fuel it is allowed to grow thicker, but for basket work it needs to be thin. It can be cut and used straight away as 'green willow' or kept until needed, in which case it needs to be soaked in water to make it pliable again.
There are many types of willow and a lot of varieties are grown on the site. The different kinds can be woven together to make patterns as they vary in shade and thickness. We tried our hand at some weaving but the skill involved in just making a hoop made us appreciate how much practise and expertise is needed to make a decent basket!
After a visit to the maze, we were ready to repair to Ian's house for a cup of tea and a slide show of their work. This included some shots of the 'Rocket' and a willow model of Concorde, which was sited at Manchester airport, but which, sadly, is no more. We were also impressed by examples of some of Joan's baskets.
We were all given a short length of willow to take home, all keen to start growing our own and set up in basket making! I must confess mine hung around for quite a few weeks before I got around to putting it in water, but amazingly it started to grow and now has shoots and a tangle of roots, but I think that's probably as far as it will get!
Joan Atkinson
Ringer’s Ramble ~ Sculptures and Turbines
Saturday 3 September 2011
Start: 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas, Helmshore for 30 minutes ringing
Distance: 11 miles
Height Ascended: 450 metres
Terrain: Reasonable footpaths and tracks, but can be muddy
Route: A circular walk from Helmshore to Chatterton, then onto Scout Moor, and back via Cowpe Lowe
Equipment: Warm clothing, waterproofs, walking boots, packed lunch and water
Contact: If you require any further information, then please contact Derek at derek.tate007@gmail.com
200 Club Winners
Winners for June 2011
4 - Jill Walton.
30 - Roy McDonald
196 – Sue & Dave Moore
£32.75 each
Winners for July 2011
57 - Gerald & Val Higham
140 - Joan Taylor
161 – Alison Faulkner
£32.75 each.
Congratulations to the winners of the annual prize, number 157, who won £388.50.
Thank you to everyone who supports the 200 club. If you pay annually please pass your money to either Sue Moore or Barbara Grieves.
Thank you to Sue and Barbara who continue to keep the 200 Club running. It is an important part of our annual fundraising.
SUMMER CONCERT
St James and St Thomas joined together for a wonderful concert on a very hot but rather wet Friday night in July. The choir were in evening dress and looked very professional which brought a sense of occasion to the evening.
Adrian began with a piece called Rigaudon which I recognised but had never known what it was called. Both choirs then sang Panis Angelicus which I always find very moving, and also various other arrangements during the evening including the ‘Vicar of Dibley’ version of The Lord is my Shepherd, and 2 different versions of God Be In My Head.
We were also treated to some poetry by Margaret Whittaker, including “These I have Loved” by Rupert Brooke and Desiderata, and Faure’s Sicilienne (known to me as Jonathan Creek) on the flute and clarinet from Laura and Emily Charnley.
Following a short break and a chance to mingle and have a glass of wine, there was a very unusual recorder solo followed by Kay Brewer doing her impersonation of Joyce Grenfell in her best school-marm voice. Lowri then played 2 lovely pieces on her harp – she makes it look so easy but I know it has taken years of practice.
The evening was rounded off nicely with a rousing Jerusalem sung by all.
Father Roger often says that one of the best changes to come from the joining of the Parishes has been the chance for the two choirs to sing together. I have been very privileged to hear most of their joint public performances and would recommend them to everyone as they are very polished and professional. Wendy Papworth
September 29 - Michaelmas
Feast Day of St Michael the Archangel
The name Michael signifies "Who is like to God?" and was the war-cry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against Satan and his followers. Holy Scripture describes St. Michael as "one of the chief princes," and leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been especially honoured and invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles.
Although he is always called "the Archangel," the Greek Fathers and many others place him over all the angels - as Prince of the Seraphim. St. Michael is the patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police and sickness.
Michaelmas is also one of the traditional times of Ordination and I remember being ordained Deacon on Michaelmas Day 1980…following Archbishop Robert Runcie in through the great West Doors of Canterbury Cathedral as the hymn St Patrick’s Breastplate rang out….’I bind unto myself this day..the great name of the Trinity’..a prayer which I always say on waking every morning.
The night before Ordination Day we were taken into the Cathedral for the Archbishop’s Charge which he delivered to the five of us who were to be ordained just in the same place as Thomas Becket was slain…it was food for deep thought!! RS
Music at St James and St Thomas
As the autumn begins so we hope that everything will get back to normal with our choirs.
It was good to hear them at the summer concert when they sang a variety of anthems including the version of the 23rd Psalm which we associate with the theme Music from the vicar of Dibley. Solos by Emily and Laura Charnley , Lowri Cope, Kaye Heathcote and Adrian our Organist enlivened a programme in which also Margaret Whittaker read some splendid poetry and prose.
We now face the programme for the next three months and hope to provide some music and poetry for the season of Remembrance before the Christmas Season arrives when there will be the Carol Service at St Thomas (its St Thomas’ turn even though we have cancelled 2 Carol Services due to snow in 2009 and 2010!!!)…and a concert of music and poetry at St James sometime before to celebrate the season.
We always welcome new choir members so please come along and volunteer before rehearsals really get underway.
We have some other possibilities for the autumn and will test them out as the weeks ahead unfold….meanwhile do feel free to ask for favourite hymns for a special occasion or to ask about some of the exciting organ music we often hear.
RS
Grateful thanks to the stalwarts of our church who gave up their time during the Summer Holidays to give the Sunday school a "good bottoming".
Armed with ladders, brushes, dusters and mops, Eileen and David Smith, Christine and Colin Whittaker, Carol Barlow and Linda Doody really went to town on the walls and floor of our well used school room. It looks much cleaner and tidier now. So a big Thanks to you all.
THANK YOU
Charities Benefit
Three charities benefitted to the tune of nearly £200 from the literary lunches which we publicised in Musbury Matters. Air Ambulance Appeal gained from the Jane Austin lunch held at Sykeside House. The Millennium Theatre, Waterfoot, received funding from the Thomas Hardy lunch at the Woolpack and Rossendale Hospice was the recipient of funds raised at the lunch at the Victorian Tearooms, Haslingden, which celebrated the work of Charlotte Bronte. Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding the Elizabeth Gaskell lunch planned to be held at Helmshore Museum had to be cancelled and organiser Anne Clarke wishes to express her apologies to those who were disappointed. Anne is planning a lunch in honour of Charles Dickens to be held at Sykeside house in December. More details will be available nearer the time.
I love this poem because it is very short but, for me, gives a brilliant word picture of a little incident. You have to think of it said in a Scots accent; MacCaig was born in Edinburgh in 1910. Kay Brewer
Country Cameo
Norman MacCaig
Talking (like crows) of crows
Three old men by a wall
In interesting attitudes.
The minister passes. He greets them.
They greet him
like doves.
When he’s gone, they fall into
new interesting attitudes
and talk (like crows) of the minister.
Calendars
This year we have published a St Thomas’ Church calendar and two cards (in packs of 5) which will be on sale mid September.
The design is from water colours by Carole Pooley, second daughter of George Oldham, who was architect to the Parish. George did a lot of work for our Church, both paid and unpaid, and was always available for advice.
Carole, his daughter, was forced to take early retirement from teaching for health reasons. As a therapeutic exercise her art teacher (and mine) set her the task of coming up with these designs – I think they are great and Carole enjoyed doing them.
We are now inspired to continue the work and hope to produce a 2013 calendar, the theme to be “All aspects of Church life”. This is where you come in. Between now and next summer we would like you to submit photographs for our selection - Harvest, Christmas, Easter, Christenings, Weddings, Flowers, MU (fully clothed please!), Choir, British Legion, Rose Queen, the choice is endless. Happy and joyous, quiet and contemplative, get snapping – you have until next summer.
Sheila Conway
Diary September 2011
Sunday 4 September 9.15 am
6.00 pm Sung Eucharist
Said Eucharist BCP
Wednesday 7 September 1.30 pm Helmshore over 50’s Social Group
Saturday 10 September 11.00am
12 noon Public Bible Reading in Accrington
Sunday 11 September 9.15 am
6.00 pm Sung Eucharist
Said Eucharist BCP
Tuesday 13 September 7.30 pm Mothers Union
Sunday 18 September 9.15 am
6.00 pm Sung Eucharist
Said Eucharist BCP
Wednesday 21 September 1.30 pm Hofsog
Sunday 25 September
Back to Church Sunday 9.15 am
6.00 pm Sung Eucharist
Said Eucharist BCP
ADVANCE NOTICES
6/7 October Archbishop of York visits Diocese
9 October Harvest Sunday
30 October Group Service 10.30 am at St Thomas
St James Tuesday Lunchtime Concert Series
Lunch and organ recital £5
4 and 18 October
1, 15 and 29 November
13 December