HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Bradford on Avon Benefice of Bradford on Avon Holy Trinity, Westwood and Wingfield Parish News October 2014 1 DIRECTORY FOR HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Rector The Revd Joanna Abecassis, 18A Woolley St, BoA BA15 1AF [email protected] 864444 Associate Priest The Revd Dr Ali Green, 36 Budbury Close, BoA BA15 1QG [email protected] 0785 547 0069 Churchwardens Trevor Ford 25 Downavon, BA15 1JH 862240 Judith Holland 23 Avonfield Avenue, BA15 1JD 866215 Benefice Administrator Sally Palmer-Walton [email protected] Admin Assistant Aylene Clack [email protected] Assistant Wardens David Emerson, David Milne, Brian Netley, Val Payne, John Woods Retired Clergy Canon Richard Askew, The Ven John Burgess, Canon David Driscoll, The Revd Alun Glyn-Jones, Canon Peter Hardman, The Revd Jim Hill, The Rt Revd Bill Ind, The Ven Ian Stanes, The Revd Karl Wiggins. Benefice Lay Ministers Graham Dove (licensed) 868654 Andrew Desmond (licensed) 862168 Dr Malcolm Walsh (retired) Director of Music Thomas Pelham 07922 849982 Times of Services Sundays (Check Bulletins and notices or Church web site) 8am Eucharist (Traditional language) 9.30am Sung Eucharist (coffee afterwards) 6pm Evensong, Compline, etc Weekday Eucharist 10am Wednesdays 12 noon Fridays (Traditional language) with lunch out afterwards Daily (not Sundays) Morning and Evening Prayer at 8.30am and 5.30pm (please enter via the north door opposite the Saxon Church. Church opening times April to September: the church is usually open to visitors on weekdays from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Times of Meetings Choir Practice Team Trinity Mothers’ Union Saxon Club Bell Practice Benefice web-site Weekly Bulletin 6.30pm Church, Tuesdays 9.30am Guide HQ (1st and 2nd Sundays in the month, September to July, except Easter) 7.30pm 3rd Thursday, Cedar Court, Berryfield Road, BoA. 2–4pm Every Tuesday except August, United Church Hall 7.30–9pm 2nd and 4th Mondays www.brad-avon-ht.org.uk Notices to Sally Palmer-Walton not later than Wednesday for the following Sunday. Please let the Rector, an LLM, or any other member of the Pastoral Care Team know if someone needs visiting at home or in hospital. 2 DIARY FOR OCTOBER 2 Thursday 4 Friday 8pm 2pm 5 SUNDAY THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 9.30am Sung Eucharist 6pm Compline 7pm St Laurence School concert 8 Wednesday 12 SUNDAY 16 Thursday 17 Friday Contemplative Hour St Mary Tory Marriage of Grant Chivers & Polly Little THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 9.30am Sung Eucharist 6pm Evensong Christ Church 7.30pm Mothers’ Union Meeting Cedar Court ‘Falkland Island Adventure’ Helen Bell 7.30pm Friends of Holy Trinity Skittles Winsley Social Club 19 SUNDAY THE EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 9.30am ‘Sing Hosanna’ Eucharist 2.30pm Holy Baptism of Alaska Violet Harvey 6pm Evensong (BCP) Westwood 26 SUNDAY LAST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 9.30am Sung Eucharist 2.30pm Holy Baptism of Beatrice Susan & Claudia Anne Dossett 6pm Evensong WEEKLY GROUPS Monday 7.30pm ‘Faith Explored’ (fortnightly) (for venue ring 07989 930950 ) Tuesday 10.30am mainly music (a group for young children—school term only) Thursday 11am ‘Faith Explored’ (Vicarage, 18A, Woolley Street) NB No meeting on 16th or 23rd October Parish News copy date for November is 17th October 3 Holy Trinity as a charity? I t might have escaped those of you who are not PCC members that Holy Trinity PCC is actually a registered charity. As such it is, rightly, subject to the law of the land which is closely monitored by the Charity Commissioners. And so, a result, I’ve just found myself completing a detailed report for them of our activities as a charity. It was an interesting process, and gave me plenty of food for thought as I contemplated our life together as a church. But what jumps out loud and clear is that we actually have a real responsibility to ensure that we always carry out our charitable objective as stated year by year in our Annual Report: ‘promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.’ It’s good to be reminded of that! The preservation and enhancement of our ancient church building is certainly a part of that, but it certainly knocks on the head any notion that we are merely some cosy club or preservation society for a historic faith. So we need to be constantly challenged – and constantly looking outwards in our service to others. I referred to the Diocesan Clergy Conference in my last letter. One of the ‘after dinner’ speakers was James Jones, recently retired as Bishop of Liverpool. His topic was an intriguing one: ‘what I know now that I wished I had known then’! And so he was reflecting on what had been most important to him in his ministry, and what he needed to learn from that. And his overriding point was that in retirement, indeed for the rest of his life, he wanted to keep learning and growing. This has to be key to our mission: a life of learning, to enable us to share… And so with one eye to the Charity Commissioners and the other to James Jones, it seemed an appropriate moment to re-commend to you two very important aspects of our mission and ministry at Holy Trinity. The first is our two ‘Faith Explored’ groups – each having developed in slightly different ways, with one meeting weekly in the morning and the other fortnightly in the evening. But the great thing they have in common - and really the only organised opportunity we 4 have at present – is that they give us the chance to explore our faith together, and to learn from one another. So a rather sedate way of ‘going to the gym’! The other is our Pastoral Care Team (see names inside the back cover) who are here – trained and supported – to reach out into our community in love and care. Please do always feel free to talk to them, and do always let us know of anyone who might appreciate our care. With my love and prayers and every blessing FROM THE REGISTERS Baptisms 10th August 10th August 31st August 7th September 21st September Florence Jemima Prior Mangum Francis Lawrence Penney Oliver Freddie Colin Johnson April Iris Joyce Caroline Cox Rosie Thelma Benjamin Marriages David Hardwick and Rebecca Baker William Clarke and Sherday Ryder Tim Phillips and Hayley Jones Stephen Foster and Alison Westwood Matthew Bryant and Charlotte Freestone Benjamin Hogg and Jennifer Saletes Sebastian Nye and Laura Tisdall 2nd August 4th August 15th August 18th August 13th September 13th September 13th September Funerals Albert Francis Harry Benning 26th August 5 A Continuity and change... s this is the first editorial of your new team of Editors of Parish News we thought we ought to introduce ourselves – though we hope that in general we need no introduction. Stoke and now here in Bradford on Avon, since June 2013. He was on the editorial board of the house magazine of an Association of Heads for a number of years and contributed to the magazine of his last parish. Alison Green – Ali moved here nearly a year ago and soon got involved in the Benefice. For ten years she produced a parishbased community magazine for a readership of about 6000 in Bath. During her time in Monmouth she made regular contributions to her parish magazine, serving five churches, and as Chair of Monmouth Women’s Festival produced the programme for the annual ten-day run of events across the town each March. She is the author of several theological books and articles. Ronald Dell – Ron, a former scientist, came to live in Bradford in August 2012. Before that he had lived for 43 years in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire where he was an active member of the village church, serving on the PCC in various capacities. For 13 years he was the Treasurer of Abingdon Deanery. As the author of several technical books Ron has experience of writing and proofreading, which should prove useful attributes for magazine editing. We like the idea of continuity and change. Parish News is well established and widely read and we hope that will continue. It will come out each month as before. We are very fortunate that Aylene Clack has agreed to extend her service to the Parish by taking responsibility for printing and publication. We value greatly the Hugh Wright – after a career in Education as teacher and Headmaster which began in Essex and ended in Birmingham, via Gloucestershire, Cheshire and Norfolk he retired to this area where he and his sons were at school, first living in Limpley 6 way so many in the parish write for it. We hope this too will continue. As well as being the journal of record and a way of publicising the activities of the Parish it will be shared with the other parishes in the Benefice and we will try to see that it is even more widely read in the communities that we serve. We believe strongly that it should contribute to the spiritual life and the prayers of the parish. We hope also to include articles of general interest, book reviews and indeed anything that you its readers tell us you would like to find in it. Bryan Harris will be a hard act to follow. We trust you will enjoy this first edition in a new series and look forward to receiving your articles, comments and suggestions. The Dream Team: Ron, Ali and Hugh Contact the editorial team on: [email protected] Next issue copy deadline 17th October 2014 Ali Green, Ronald Dell, Hugh Wright A THOUGHT FOR OCTOBER Acquire the habit of speaking to God as if you were alone with Him, familiarly and with confidence and love, as to the dearest and most loving friends. Speak to him often of your business, your plans, your troubles, your fears – of everything that concerns you. Converse with Him confidently and frankly; for God is not wont to speak to a soul that does not speak to Him. St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) 7 D the better. As the distances are huge and the roads in poor condition, transport is vital. In this country branches have been capitalising on events such as the Olympics and the Tour de France to raise funds. In Yorkshire they held a flower festival based on a bicycle theme, and a cricket match with the fielders all on bicycles. Cakes have been a major item in fund raising for Wheels and Marlene had some snappy phrases to link baking to transport (e.g. “cakes for brakes” and “yolks for spokes”). It was altogether an inspiring evening; learning about what influence the MU is having in Africa and how much our support is needed. Jonquil gave the vote of thanks and Marlene won the plant brought by Janet. Joy, Evelyn and Dawn served our refreshments including “cakes” provided by Marlene. Joanna celebrated our pre meeting communion and Trevor lead the prayers. Our next meeting will be at Cedar Court on October 16th when Helen Bell will be speaking on her Falkland Island Adventure. We look forward to seeing you! Ian and Sylvia espite the “so called” summer break, the Mothers Union has been very busy. A number of us went down to Wilton for the visit of the World Wide President, to mark the end of the Walk a Week project by our own Diocesan President. After various presentations the day ended with a service in the parish church. £7,500 was raised for various charities. Some of our members enjoyed the cream tea at St. James, Trowbridge in early August and also the communion and lunch to celebrate Mary Sumner day at Holy Trinity. Our autumn season got off to a flying start with a lively presentation by Marlene on the Wheels Appeal. As the name suggests it has to do with providing transport in Africa to the Mothers’ Union workers known as Community Development Coordinators. We heard three personal stories from Co-ordinators whose work involved empowering women, literacy, supporting new businesses, caring for the sick, savings groups and many other things which have all helped to bring about change for 8 O ur end of term outing in July was a great success! We had a boat trip with Pulteney Cruisers on the River Avon from Pulteney Bridge, Bath, to Bathampton on a beautiful sunny day. We are grateful to Sue & Jeremy Lavis for enabling us to do this. Some families went by car to Bath, most of us caught the 265 bus just after 9 o'clock and several of the families were due to catch the 9.20 train from Bradford on Avon. Unfortunately, the train didn’t arrive in Bradford until 10 0'clock, but a small park nearby kept the families already waiting in Bath occupied and we had fruit and biscuits to sustain them. The 'train families' arrived in time for the next boat and we all had a super trip to Bathampton and an ice-cream stop at The Boathouse on the way back. The following week, the MM team met to sort and clean the toys and equipment we use. It was great team work as all the different jobs were willingly taken by each one of us. When asked for what they liked about MM, one of the mums said 'everything is lovely and clean' so we are keen to keep up this standard! Five of our children are starting school but we only lose one family as the other four children have siblings still attending Mainly Music. We started our new term on 9th September with two new families joining us and everyone seemed to be so pleased to meet up again. However, our laptop was not pleased as it would not work for us. On inspection, it has been discovered that it is beyond repair so we are looking for another laptop. We need one that will enable us to input a CD or memory stick so that with our data projector we can display the words of our songs onto a screen for all the parents to see. If anyone has one that is not being used and would like to donate it to Mainly Music, please contact me by telephone, 01225 864412/07717 834698 or email, [email protected] Marlene & The Team 9 TOUR OF BRITAIN PAYS A LIGHTENING VISIT he excitement was intense, the anticipation almost unbearable as Bradfordon-Avon turned out in droves to cheer on the Tour of Britain cycle race. Friday 12th September was the big day for locals as people of all ages, including hundreds of school children, lined the streets. They waved and shouted as over a hundred top cyclists whizzed through the main roads en route from Winsley to Trowbridge, Devizes and Pewsey. The 67.5km Wiltshire route formed stage 6 of a demanding race over eight days. As the crowds waited patiently on the pavements, expectation heightened as police outriders sped past on motorcycles. Then a roar went up as a mass of cycles flashed by with astonishing speed. The whole race through the town had come and gone in minutes, buoyed up by the enthusiasm of so many onlookers. T OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD… nyone who would like once again to fill a Christmas box which gives immense joy to the underprivileged children each year can still bring them as usual to church; leaflets will be available soon. Although the warehouse in Melksham which was the distribution centre is closed, a branch of O C C at Westbury will be collecting the boxes some time in November. Contact Evelyn Humphrey tel. 867398 A CRAZY ABOUT KNITTING elksham Baptist Church hosts a marvellous 'Crazy about Knitting' group on the first Wednesday in the month, 10.00 til 12.00. It raises money for lots of charities by knitting a variety of items - they do a wonderful job. Anyone can join them each month. Contact Evelyn Humphrey tel. 867398 M 10 WOMEN OF WORLD WAR ONE Women of World War One gan Jones and Peter Hardman St Nicholas' Church, Winsley narrate. Saturday, 4th October, 7.30pm Women of all ages and backTickets £10 / £8 concessions grounds tell their experiences of (students, disabled, OAPs), availaliving through the events of ble from Ex Libris bookshop and World War One. Their varied stoBradford on Avon TIC (865797) ries, drawn from letters, diaries, poems and biographies, are omen of World War brought vividly to life with music One is a portrait of womfor piano and strings written by en's lives, performed by Trio Parafemale composers of the era, dis (Jacquelyn Bevan - piano, Jaamong them Lili and Nadia Boumie Hughes - violin & Cressida langer, Rebecca Clarke, Dame Nash - cello). For the Winsley Ethel Smyth, Alma Mahler, Mel performance, Sybil Mitchell, MeBonis and Muriel Herbert. W COINS HELP WATER AID FOR AFRICA recent count of the coins provided and essential training donated to our “Water Aid” given in water filtration. This collection jar at the crossing has helps to prevent typhoid and surprised us once again. many other terrible diseases We are happy to say that with caused by drinking untreated thanks to your kind and generous water. donations we have been able to So please, please keep dropsend off a cheque to Samaritan’s ping your spare coins in the jar if Purse for £65.00. The need for you can, supporting Samaritan’s clean water is always very great Purse who are doing amazing as we are reminded so often in things to help provide essential the media, and every little cerlife giving clean water to those in tainly does help. need in Africa. With many Many communities in Africa thanks for your continued genhave greatly benefited, especially erous donations. where water filters have been Celia Milne A 11 A LUNDY JOURNEY ext June there is an opportunity to join a small group and enjoy the natural beauty, rich wildlife, quiet and stillness of Lundy Island, the remote granite outcrop in the Bristol Channel. There are two twin rooms currently available for a 4-night stay on the island, June 16th-20th. We will be based in the splendid Millcombe House, built in 1836 for the island’s owner, and overlooking the coast and sea. It is managed by the Landmark Trust. We will allow the inspiring features of the island to help us explore an inner path of self-awareness and personal growth, including opportunities for solitude and for community. Come prepared to walk, meditate, sing, eat together and enjoy the creativity of a shared retreat. For further information please email Ali Green: [email protected] N SKITTLES EVENING Friday 17th October 7.30pm At Winsley Social Club Admission by ticket only at £10.00 per head (£10.50 for non-Friends) including a Ploughman’s Supper T he Friends of Holy Trinity, Bradford-on-Avon present a skittles evening! Numbers limited to a first-come-first-served basisIf you would like to come, please sign the form on the table at the crossing or contact Angela Onions (01225) 309001 Crossword solutions Across 1 Dare, 3 Cherubim, 9 Son Tohu, 10 Yield, 11 Ranch, 12 Enlist, 14 Baalah of Judah, 17 Edward, 19 Sheol, 22 Media, 23 Open air, 24 Apostasy,25 Eton Down 1 Describe, 2 Run in, 4 Household gods, 5 Royal, 6 Blessed, 7 MIDI, 8 Joshua, 13 Children, 15 Added to, 16 Jasper, 18 Await, 20 Exalt ,21 YMCA 12 Ride AND stride DATE: Saturday 13th September EVENT: Ride and Stride. Edward Shaw, PN’s very own super cycling correspondent, reports... T he first important consideration:- the weather forecast! "Quiet with sunny intervals." Well it was dry but quite cool and not kind to start with on bare hands and knees! The home team were Ron and Sylvia Dell who manned Holy Trinity all day despite a very disappointing number of visiting Riders and Striders they had to contend with 3 weddings as well! The road team consisted of Tom and Sarah on the tandem and Simon and Edward. We did miss Brian Wickham's presence this year as he had to withdraw - shame! I confess to visiting the usual 15 churches within the Bradford Deanery but the tandem team struck out and went North East to Devizes. After 4 hours on the bike I felt that I had earned the sponsor money! Many thanks for your continued support and encouragement. Friday 12th September the National Bike Race came through our town with all the associated glamour and excitement, but the following day we modestly and unnoticed soldiered around the lanes on our bikes for a worthy cause - The Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, "High fives to the 4 of us!" that's what cyclists do! It's too early to tell you how much we raised, but I promise to report again! Edward Shaw Tandem team: Tom and Sarah poised ready to race 13 Prayer paths—inspired by nature W hen the 19th century poet John Keats first came across Fingal’s Cave, a short boat trip from Iona, he wrote a poem entitled Staffa, The Island, comparing the ancient cave to heavenly churches. Ever since the celebrated English naturalist Sir Joseph Banks wrote about the tiny island in the 18th century, thousands of people have visited it, among them Queen Victoria, the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, Romantic painter JMW Turner and composer Felix Mendlessohn, whose Hebrides Overture is a favourite of music lovers today. Novelist Sir Walter Scott described Fingal's Cave as "one of the most extraordinary places I ever beheld”, and it leant its name to one of Pink Floyd’s early songs. I saw it recently when I stayed on Iona for a few days. Visitors are still awed by the beauty and majesty of the cave’s hexagonally jointed columns, its arched roof and the eerie sounds its cathedral -like shape produces as it is battered by surging waves. NATURAL WONDER Breathtaking natural wonders such as Fingal’s Cave readily lead us to meditate on the beauty and power of nature and of its Creator, and we are often led to offer a response in the form of words or music or images. But an outpouring of awe and wonder doesn’t have to be prompted by something so spectacular and monumental as Staffa. The poet Thomas Traherne, born in Herefordshire in the 17th century, resolved to lead a simple Cave: Ali dares Fingal’s Cave 14 life where he could reflect on our relationship with God as he saw it in nature. He spoke of the glory of creation, and how we can discover God’s love and goodness in every created thing, even a grain of sand or a blade of grass: “O, what a treasure is every sand when truly understood! Who can love any thing that God hath made too much? His infinite goodness and wisdom and power and glory are in it”. “Every spire of grass is the work of his hand – and I in a world where everything is mine”; and how much better, he thinks, than silver, gold or diamonds (though these are good enough, he concedes, in their place!) Extraordinary place: Formed from cooling lava during the during Palaocene, Fingal’s Cave was named after the hero of an epic poem by 18th century poet James Macpherson HAZELNUTS The medieval contemplative Dame Julian of Norwich understood how all things have their being in God when she held a humble hazelnut: “It needeth us to have knowing of the littleness of creatures and to hold as nought all-thing that is made, for to love and have God that is unmade.” We are blessed through generations of artists, musicians, writers and scientists who give us fresh ways of seeing and understanding the natural world and how it points to the God of love. They offer us paths of expression that we can turn to in our prayers of thanks and praise, confession and intercession. The Revd Dr Ali Green 15 Book review: What Clergy Do W hen going on retreat I invariably packed ‘The Christian Priest Today’ by Archbishop Michael Ramsey which is full of spiritual wisdom and common sense. I only wished I’d been able to take Emma Percy’s book too because, by a long way, it’s the best description I have come across of a vicar’s ministry. I vividly recall, in my first incumbency during the early 1980s, doing lots of things by trial and error. If I’d had the chance to read this book then I’m sure I’d have avoided many mistakes. I was always grateful for a very understanding congregation when they happened. Percy covers an enormous amount of ground in such a relatively short book, for example, the need to maintain the right balance between serving and leading, giving proper attention to the congregation by cherishing their gifts, attending to the needs of the stranger, especially taking proper care in the ministry of baptism, marriage and conducting funerals. She also points out the necessity of understanding the parish context, collaborative ministry with the congrega- tion and other clergy, the management of time with constant interruptions, and importantly the art of managing change. Percy is well aware of the contemporary pressures that are placed on clergy with church discussions on reaching targets and ticking boxes, and shows that ideas borrowed from business aren’t always appropriate when applied to the ordained ministry. Ministry is much more about the people we are than the things we do. Percy rightly stresses the importance of prayer and spirituality undergirding every activity of ministry. Do buy this book; if you are interested in learning much about ministry, especially the parish context in which vicars live and work, and the pressures they face each day. I guess there will be people in congregations lending it to their vicars. The only problem is that they might not get it back! David Driscoll 16 Reordering Project: Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on Avon Progress Report for September Over the summer you will have noticed much burrowing activity around and inside the church; it’s been a continual round of archaeological investigation and trial pitting! You may see some stripes appearing on various items of stonework where cleaning trials have been carried out. The windows have been surveyed for necessary repairs or replacement to ensure their proper functioning. Inside and to the south of the church we have broadly found what we expected to find with no real issues. The area to the north west where we are considering the extension is proving more difficult to understand so please bear with us if you keep seeing further holes being dug. Chedburn Dudley and BuroHappold Engineering apologise for any inconvenience while the investigation works have been carried out. Back in our offices we have continued to investigate alternative nave floor finishes, develop initial details for the new floor in the tower and take on board the comments from the DAC’s Organ Adviser. 17 M tian aid work is dearly required. Mongolia is a prime example. MAF’s LuAnne Cadd recently reported on her first visit to MAF’s Mongolia programme – an encounter of true determination, hope and love. ission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is an international Christian aviation organisation serving around 25 developing countries to reach people living in some of the worlds most isolated communities. Operating more than 130 light aircraft, MAF flies into 1,800 remote destinations, transporting essential medical care, food and water supplies, relief teams and church workers. While we may tend to relate the work of MAF to countries like Africa and India, there are many other countries, not necessarily of the third world, where vital Chris- VAST EMPTY SPACES Mongolia is the 19th. largest country in the world – 600,000 sq. miles of vast, empty space. The approach to the capital, Ulaanbaatar seems like arriving in a foreign land after being at sea for days. About 45% of the entire population come to live here, many of them are traditional Empty: Mongolia from the air on a trip to Altai in the far west 18 nomads forced from the desolate countryside by crippling winters which have killed 16 million livestock in recent years. The freezing grasslands that sprawl from the edge of the city are becoming ever more deserted. By contrast, Ulaanbaatar is a strange and crowded place. Evidence of Soviet oppression is scattered through the soaring concrete apartment blocks and gigantic, elevated gas and water pipelines. So many people have moved here that it has become the most polluted capital in the world. Despite this, the country averages 257 cloudless days a year, and is known as ‘the land of the eternal blue sky’. Nomad: Pilot Ryan Van Geest and his family drive to the countryside to visit a nomad family that has 700 animals, and move 4 times a year. With the help of the Van Geests and Samaritan’s purse, the mother, Odnaa, and her 2year old son, Amaraa, travelled to Canada in the beginning of 2013 for heart surgery on the boy. They stayed with Ryan’s aunt in Canada during the operation and recovery. Amaraa appears to be fully recovered. FOLLOWING THE CALL The collapse of the Mongolian economy after the Soviet withdrawal in the early 1990s triggered widespread poverty and unemployment. The very poor internal 19 Medical Aid: Pilot Ryan Van Geest and co-pilot Badaa land in Tosotsengal, the coldest town in Mongolia, to pick up a stroke victim for a medivac. The pilots stayed over night with a missionary couple, Tom and Lisa Phillips and their daughter Ahnya. The flight left early the following morning with a full plane of doctors, the man's wife, and two extra passengers who also needed medical attention in Ulaanbaatar. aviation service rendered transportation to the remote regions almost impossible, so there was a clear call for MAF to begin a programme here. After extensive surveys, MAF launched a joint venture with a local Christian partner under the name of Blue Sky Aviation (BSA), and began flying in 2001 operating as a one pilot/one plane charter service to missionaries, churches and commercial customers. MAF pilot Ryan Van Geest holds a personal ambition to help those people most affected in this desolate region. He has helped to initiate pivotal relationships with important companies to make flying for Mongolia’s poorest people possible. He is one of the most determined and optimistic men out there – an expert networker who wears a permanent smile. His passion to transform lives through MAF/BSA impacts on everyone he meets, and there is 20 Aid: MAF responds to the Philippines crisis always something extraordinary that can be achieved through his nine aircraft seats and his pair of wings. One day, two injured men staggered desperately towards his aircraft while it was preparing to leave an outlying area. Did we have any extra space? They were bruised, scratched, and clearly in great pain. Sadly there was only one spare seat and Ryan’s face was a picture of frustration as he watched one broken man turn and limp away. ’Wait’ he shouted, ‘come back!’ Ryan would not be defeated. He proceeded to rearrange seats, passengers and cargo so that there was space for one extra person to travel, rather awkwardly, on a portable stretcher. So when we safely took off, one passenger was strapped down horizontally – that passenger was me, and I saw many such acts of selflessness during my stay. Dr Andrew Steele September 2014 FANTASTIC FUNDS A total of £215 (including a £100 donation by the PCC from its charity budget) was raised at the retiring collection, following the excellent presentation by our MAF Regional Representative, Dr. Andrew Steele in church on Sunday July 20th. Joanna has received a letter from Andrew, thanking the Parish and the PCC for their generosity. If you’d like to find out more about MAF and the wonderful work taking place visit: www.maf-uk.org Pictures and captions used with kind permission of MAF UK. 21 Visit to Verona C day arrangements, including the fact that the first opera – Butterfly – would be on the Friday night, starting at 8.40pm, and finishing about 2 hours later. Aida would be on Sunday, and would go on until well past midnight. As there was a half hour walk to the coach from the Arena, and then a half hour journey to the hotel, we were going to be in for some late nights, not my scene, I’m afraid! Our music host, Peter Grevatt, took us through the writing of Butterfly to the story of the opera the next morning and, with a most beautiful Bass-baritone voice, sang some of the arias. He was a delight to listen to, and the hour was not nearly long enough. Lunch was provided in the hotel as we’d be missing dinner that night. On the coach to Verona at 4.30pm for a tour of the outside of the city, (coaches not allowed inside), before walking to our meeting place in Piazza Bra, where the Arena is. We went to a restaurant recommended by Sally before reaching the arena by 8.30. Our seats were above the height of the stage, and tiered, so hris Hodge relives her momentous visit to Verona and shares her joy of watching opera I haven’t seen much opera since I was a teenager, when I attended every one that was put on in the Cardiff theatre. Unfortunately, my husband Gerald was not a music lover, so we went very infrequently. Then an invitation arrived from Saga concerning a visit to the opera in Verona, Italy., I pondered who I could ask to go with me. Margaret Harkcom sprang to mind immediately, and after thinking about it, she agreed to come. Even when we couldn’t get single rooms, she agreed to share, so we booked it for the two operas we both wanted to see – “Madame Butterfly” and “Aida”. I had never seen Aida, but had wanted to since the 1950’s! Off we set at 3am on Thursday st 21 August. On arrival at the hotel outside Verona, we were shown to a double room that was comfortable, and on the same level as the dining room and lounge, which saved on steps and lifts! At a 6pm meeting, Sally, our tour guide, told us about the holi- 22 we had a very clear view, but a long way off. We thoroughly enjoyed the performance – Cio Cio San, (Oksana Dyka) had a lovely voice. Pinkerton (Roberto Aronica) wasn’t quite as good, but it was all very well done, with cliffs moving on stage to bring out the home they had rented. The costumes were superb. A number of tissues were used during the last act, which was very emotional. It didn’t finish until 11.30, and it was 1.15 before we got to bed. Fortunately, we had a free day on Saturday, and decided to go on the shuttle bus to the local village of Peschiera. We found the little village was probably as big as Bradford-On-Avon, certainly with many more shops to look at! After an hour of rain, we went into the church, before finding a restaurant in a side street, and stayed there for over an hour, enjoying a real Italian pizza while the rain came down in stair-rods outside! It stopped at 2 pm and we explored the side of the river in watery sunshine, before going back to catch the shuttle bus. Gorgeous sunshine by then and, back at the hotel, the pool was well-patronised. On Sunday we had our talk from Peter about Aida. As we had no idea about the story, it was wonderful to be so well primed beforehand. We learnt that Verdi had not wanted to write it, despite being offered a huge sum of money. He gave in eventually, but ruled the librettist with a rod of iron, even instructing him what words he should write! Peter sang the part of Aida’s father that morning, better than the singer did that night! I decided to christen my bathing costume that afternoon. The 23 off-putting, and we couldn’t understand why one girl would love him, never mind two! However, ignoring his size, his voice was good, the scenery and costumes, superb. Some of the choral singing was wonderful, reminiscent of a Russian choir. Unfortunately, it didn’t finish until 12.30, probably due to so much applause, and we didn’t get to bed until 2.15. The holiday included a trip on Lake Garda on Monday, leaving at 9.45. Despite so little sleep, we were determined to enjoy it, as it was another lovely day. We got off at Sirmione for coffee before catching the next ferry to Garda. Arriving at 1.30, it was obviously time for lunch, so we spent a pleasant hour eating lovely food. Our waiter was great fun, and insisted on having photos taken with Margaret & I. Next day we had an optional excursion to Mantua. Sally told us about the places we should see, and we all wanted pool was quite deep, and I’m not that good a swimmer these days, so didn’t stay in long, ending up in the Jacuzzi. Then off to Verona where we found a delightful restaurant, and sat in the garden to eat. Although the seats at the opera were 10 euros cheaper, we were much nearer the stage, and could see the actors clearly. Amneris, the princess (Anita Rachvelishvili) had the most beautiful mezzo soprano, but Aida, her slave (Amarilli Nizza) started off with a vibrato, I didn’t like. However, it cleared quickly, and she was a lovely soprano. An American, Stuart Neill played Radames, with whom they were both in love. He was as broad as he was high, and fairly waddled around the stage, a bit 24 to see the restored church of St. Laurence. They had been bulldozing the area a few years ago to make way for a new shopping area, and found some ruins, which turned out to be a small round 12th century church. Of course, it had to be saved, restored, and now is one of the sights of the town. Early afternoon we left for Sigurta Gardens, which cover 50 hectares of land, with splendid collections of flowers, especially tulips, roses and irises. Fortunately they use a Noddy train, which saves your legs, and takes you over most of the estate in a 30 minute ride. On Wednesday, we returned to Verona, to the Opera Museum, which told the story of its l00 years history. We saw costumes, videos of some of the operas, with wonderful singing, and read about the stars who have sung there. The church of St. Anastasia is a fine example of Italian Gothic architecture, begun in 1290, and not finished until early 16th century. It contains many works of the art Masters, including a well-known fresco of St. George and the Princess by Pisanello. We would have liked to spend more time there too, but needed to get to Romeo’s house (which I couldn’t find) and Juliet’s (which I did - as did hundreds of others!). The balcony is a stone coffin fixed to the wall, to give the house authenticity, I suppose. I had to wait a while to take a photo of the statue of Juliet, whose right breast (of brass) is bright, while the other is dull. If you touch her right breast you get a new lover! It was very hot back at the hotel, so we went down to the pool, where I got my last bite from the not-very-friendly mosquitos who had been plaguing us for 6 days. One night Margaret had about 10 bites on her upper arm! A farewell dinner that night, presented no choice, all Italian. And so back to England on Thursday, having thoroughly enjoyed the trip, and the company. Although the group had been large, 49 of us, it had been a very happy, friendly group, and we said goodbye at Gatwick, pleased to be coming home to have a decent cup of tea! I don’t think they have cows in Italy, they only seem to have UHT milk! Chris Hodge 25 Diary of a Boat Cat A pened back at home. My keepers started redecorating rooms and doing maintenance jobs that had been put off for years. Then strangers started coming round and looking over the house and garden. I made myself scarce most of the time, but it was all a little disconcerting. It now turns out that my keepers had put the house on the market and very soon it was sold. I was then informed that we would be moving out and going to live on the boat. Imagine my horror at hearing this news! So one day in August all the furniture disappeared and then I was put into the car and driven off to the boat in a marina near Devizes. However to my surprise I was let out almost immediately, with no harness, and allowed to roam the marina as I liked, day or night. Suddenly the situation had changed for the better and I was so happy I even brought my new little playmates back to the boat to show my keepers. Though they did not seem that pleased to s you may recall from last year, my keepers have an annoying habit of spending the summer months on board their long thin steel boat (otherwise called a narrowboat). Not only that but they insist on bringing me along for the journey. And, as if that is not punishment enough, they then insist I wear a harness attached to a lead when going outside the boat in case I run off and get lost! All because one time last year I did run off, though in my defence I did come back three hours later when hungry. So you can imagine my feelings of dread as the summer months drew near. Fortunately the beginning of this year had been quite wet, so initial plans to go away in May had to be postponed. Then a strange thing hap- 26 see them. So from fearing the worse I now have a much better life patrolling the hedges around the marina and generally being much admired. It's strange how life turns out! Mind you I have heard talk of a trip to Bristol… CO Graham and Elaine (who are currently living on their boat – Ed) Jacks x THE FAITH GROUP TAKES TO THE WATER iving in Bradford-on-Avon for over 30 years I have walked along the canal towpath so many times and noticed that the number of narrow-boats has increased considerably. They are all unique in their individuality and one tries not to look through the windows to catch a glimpse of the homely furnishings inside. So it was an enormous pleasure to be invited to visit Graham and Elaine on their narrow-boat and to experience travelling on the Kennett and Avon canal from Devizes to Seend. It was a special treat for the Faith Group which has met regularly over the past two years. Never having been on a narrow-boat I was surprised how well appointed “Travelling Throw” was with its panelled interior and beautiful fitments.. We passed through the marina and, with a warning hoot, found ourselves gliding gracefully along the canal proper, with hardly a sound from the engine, into a world of greenery. Skilful navigating and hard work from Brian and Elaine took us through four locks leading to our destination, a lock-side pub where we met up with the other half of the Faith Group. Lunch was most welcome and well-earned by those who had done all the hard work. It was a grand day out for us all and a big “thank you” goes to Graham and Elaine for this special treat. Muriel Freeborn L 27 St Laurence has a new timetable this academic year. It goes over two weeks and lunch times are now longer than before. Change is challenging but students and teachers have adapted well so far. THE SOUND OF MUSIC Auditions are being held for actors, singers and dancers. The production will be in February - another sell-out we hope. THE LAKES Year 8 are compiling their project on the Lake District. All of their subjects are involved and the students are engaged in putting together lots of information about the Lakes. They will be visiting the Lake District on a residential trip in October. Thereafter they will produce a piece of artistic work, which will be exhibited in the town library. CASHLESS CATERING St Laurence has joined the new technological age. Cash has been banished from the restaurant. Each student and teacher is identified, with either a pin number or thumb print, which is used when they choose their meals. There is a special machine which accepts cash in advance and which also uses identification. Parents can also pay online for their children’s meals in advance. NEW HOMEWORK SYSTEM Students are also getting used to a new online homework system which students can consult from home. It gives an idea of how much time the homework should take and allows students more control. Parents will be given a log-in number too so that they can monitor students’ homework. As we look forward to the times ahead, change and tradition intertwined mark the start of our school year. Lorraine Marlow Be Spirited Co-Ordinator 28 2 From the Tower—Birthday Bells 014 sees a significant pair of birthdays for two of our bells at Holy Trinity. The fifth and seventh are the oldest bells in the ring of eight bells we have now and were cast by John Wallis of Salisbury in 1614, making this their 400th birthday. They were probably cast as part of a larger number of bells Wallis supplied to the church that year. It is likely that they were installed towards the end of some major repair work to the tower and spire which had been significantly damaged in storms three years earlier. When cast our 7th would have been heavier than it is today. Over the intervening years the bell has been heavily chip tuned to align it with the current tenor and it has had its canons removed, (the loopy bits which were cast on the top of the bell and from which it was hung). Despite this, it is one of John Wallis’ best sounding bells and is not far off modern tuning standards. Its sister quad centenarian, the 5th, weighs in at just over 11cwt, but it too would have been a little heavier when cast as it has also been tuned and lost its canons. PROSPERITY Although we do not have any records of the exact date of their casting, nor how many bells there were at that time, we can surmise that Bradford was a prosperous town. The larger of the surviving Wallis bells weighs in at just over 19cwt and is the third largest Wallis bell still in existence, the others being the 28 cwt tenor of Great Bedwyn, Wilts and the 26cwt tenor of the Curfew Tower, Windsor Castle, this bell also being cast in 1614. INCUMBENTS What has happened in 400 years? The vicar of Holy Trinity in 1614 was Thomas Reade and there have been a total of 23 incumbents from him to Joanna today. There have been 20 monarchs and the period of the Commonwealth, and thirty Archbishops of Canterbury. Locally the town thrived because of the textile industry; the town bridge was widened; and many of the cottages we see today were built. Transport to the … continued 29 town changed with the K&A canal and later the railway. The church itself has been altered and restored and the bells themselves have been repaired, added to and restored on a number of occasions. So 400 years after their casting we would like to take this opportunity in wishing our grand old Wallis bells many happy returns, and that they will continue to sound out as part of the Church’s external voice to the town for centuries to come. David Godwin WILTSHIRE BUTTERFLIES, AUGUST D uring the first three weeks of August the so-called garden butterflies became much more common. Small Tortoiseshells far out-numbered all other species on the buddleias. Peacocks were common early in the month but entered into their long hibernation stage after the first week and only occasional ones and twos were subsequently reported. I had reports of three instances of groups hibernating in buildings on - 32 in a disused outbuilding in Trowbridge Park on 3rd, on 4th, 10 in a disused coal bunker at East Grimstead and on 13th at Chittoe, 17 in a bedroom wardrobe! A few Commas and Red Admirals were also present on the buddleias, along with the two ‘cabbage’ whites – the Large and Small Whites. Painted Ladies remained surprisingly scarce whereas the other immigrant, the Clouded Yellow, was widely reported in the countryside in small numbers. For several species, late July/early August marks the end 30 of their flight periods although the Speckled Wood and Adonis Blue numbers continue to increase and can be seen until late September. Chris Hodge sent me two lovely pictures of butterflies, photographed during her Canadian holiday. I was able to identify both of them for her. One was the Silvery Blue and the other was the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail. Both are stated to be common and widespread throughout southern Canada. Canada has 293 butterfly species compared with 60 for the UK (45 in Wiltshire). We have just a single Swallowtail, confined to the Norfolk Broads, Canada has 14 and we have 9 ‘blue’ species compared with Canada’s 19. I wish the Canadian butterfly Garden sighting: Small Tortoiseshell recorders good luck, trying to identify and record so many species. I find 45 quite sufficient! Thank you Chris for the pictures and allowing me to use one of them in this article. Mike Fuller Wiltshire Butterfly Recorder 30th August 2014 Canadian Cracker: A Canadian Tiger Swallowtail sips nectar 31 The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren, I was interested to hear that from this academic year, your vicar has asked you to take his place as a school governor. Naturally, you will have been told that the governors only meet three times a year. You will probably not have been told that you will also be expected to be on at least two sub-committees, where you will be immediately asked to become secretary. Add on training days, parents’ evenings, sports days, school socials, end of term services, charity events and accompanying classes on days out and you will begin to realise that your vicar’s suggestion was not as innocent as you may have thought. Remember, too, that all meetings require you sit on chairs designed for 5 year-olds. You will then spend countless hours going through a 40 item agenda, trying to look dignified with your knees somewhere round your ears while drawing up school plans as if they were the Normandy landing. Be prepared to receive paperwork measured by the hundredweight; entire rainforests have been obliterated by your education authority sending what they seem to think is vital information; it does, however, make good cat litter. Most meetings will be so full of acronyms that for the first few years you will have the feeling that conversation is taking place in a language that may bear a passing resemblance to English, but isn’t. Your computer abilities will be expected to be far beyond what anyone over the age of 30 could ever be expected to achieve; if you sink without trace, ask a seven year-old, who will soon put you right. You will also be encouraged to attend training days; I strongly suggest you select all-day events, as at least you will get a lunch out of it. You needn’t bother to arrive on time, since the first hour will be spent with everyone introducing themselves and you can leave early, as the final hour will go on filling in evaluation forms. Just keep reminding yourself that your term of office is a mere five years; you may even get remission for good behaviour. Your loving uncle, Eustace 32 For Prayer in October We pray for: Our farmers The ringers The PCC The new Parish News Committee The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Westwood Churchwardens: Jonathan Azis [email protected] David Chalmers [email protected] PCC Secretary Julie Adcock [email protected] The Parish Church of St Mary, Wingfield Churchwardens: David Robinson [email protected] Sue Phillips [email protected] PCC Secretary Sue Phillips [email protected] 33 Quick Crossword The Bible version is the NIV Clues across Clues down 1 ‘Those who were standing near Paul said, “You — to insult God’s high priest?”’ (Acts 23:4) (4) 3 They were assigned to guard the tree of life (Genesis 3:24) (8) 9 ‘Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the — of — , the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite’ (1 Samuel 1:1) (3,4) 10 Surrender (Joshua 24:23) (5) 11 Where American livestock can be reared (5) 12 Listen (anag.) (6) 14 Alternative name for Kiriath Jearim (2 Samuel 6:2) (6,2,5) 17 He founded Westminster Abbey, — the Confessor (6) 19 Hebrew word for the place of the dead (5) 22 Allies of Persia in the fifth century BC (Esther 1:3) (5) 23 Where John Wesley was forced to preach a lot (4,3) 24 Rebellion against God; abandonment of religious belief (8) 25 Note (anag.) (4) 1 Give an account of (Mark 4:30) (8) 2 ‘I — — the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free’ (Psalm 119:32) (3,2) 4 ‘He took the ephod, the other — — and the carved image’ (Judges 18:20) (9,4) 5 You are a chosen people, a — priesthood’ (1 Peter 2:9) (5) 6 The meek, the merciful and the mourners are all this (Matthew 5:4–5, 7) (7) 7 Musical Instrument Digital Interface (1,1,1,1) 8 He was the son of Nun (Deuteronomy 34:9) (6) 13 ‘Let the little — come to me’ (Matthew 19:14) (8) 15 ‘About three thousand were — — their number that day’ (Acts 2:41) (5,2) 16 In John’s vision, the wall of the new Jerusalem was made of this (Revelation 21:18) (6) 18 ‘Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly — a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ’ (Philippians 3:20) (5) 20 ‘Glorify the Lord with me: let us — his name together’ (Psalm 34:3) (5) 21 Young Men’s Christian Association (1,1,1,1) Solutions on page 12. 34 Source: Parish Pump PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Officers The Revd Joanna Abecassis, Chairman Judith Holland (Churchwarden), Vice Chairman Trevor Ford (Churchwarden) Members Alison Cook Elaine Crabbe Ron Dell Graham Dove Joan Finch Ali Green Marlene Haffenden Jeremy Lavis* (Treasurer†) Thomas Pelham Bette Riddle Erin Shields-Pett Malcolm Walsh Anne Willis* Hugh Wright Chris Hodge (coopted) PCC Secretary * Deanery Synod representatives THE STANDING COMMITTEE Chairman, Churchwardens, the Revd Ali Green, LLM and Treasurer CHURCHWARDENS EMERITI Jeremy Lavis, Mike Fuller, Anne Carter, Tony Haffenden, Joan Finch. THE PASTORAL CARE TEAM Joanna, Graham, Anne Carter, Joan Finch, Marlene Haffenden, Tony Haffenden, Chris Hodge, Evelyn Humphrey, Heather Knight, Sue Lavis, Val Payne, David Rawstron, Hazel Rawstron, Sylvia Stanes. THE FRIENDS OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Chairman: John Cox Secretaries: Mike and Jenny Fuller Treasurer: John Woods Committee: Anne Carter, Tony Haffenden, Chris Hodge, Jeremy Lavis, Revd Angela Onions, Raymond Winrow Ex officio: Judith Holland, Trevor Ford BRADFORD GROUP MINISTRY This is a longstanding body which now comprises the two benefices of North Bradford on Avon and Villages and our own. We look forward to establishing a much closer bond and to this end joint meetings and services have recently been held, and the Group clergy meet regularly. PARISH NEWS Email copy to: Distribution: [email protected] John and Beryl Cox (864270) 35 OTHER OFFICERS AND ORGANIZERS PCC Secretary Chris Hodge 869357 email: [email protected] PCC Treasurer Jeremy Lavis 863600 Benefice Administrator Sally Palmer-Walton [email protected] Benefice Admin Assistant Aylene Clack [email protected] Bellringers Sarah Quintin 869469 Bookstall Brass Cleaning Chris Hodge 869357 Coffee on Sunday Janet Brown and 862188 Malcolm Walsh 862702 Church Stewards David Milne 864341 Director of Music Thomas Pelham 07922 849982 Electoral Roll Officer Alan Knight 860991 Flowers Jonquil Burgess 868905 Food Bank Heather and Alan Knight 860991 BACT foodbank contact Frank Turner 309102 Guides & Brownies Bryony Green 865820 email: [email protected] Mothers’ Union Ian & Sylvia Stanes 309036 MU Prayer Circle Chris Hodge 869357 Servers Mary Ford 862240 Saxon Club David Driscoll 865314 Saxon Church and St Mary Tory Trustees: Chairman Anna Tanfield (all bookings) 863819 Secretary Diana Shaw Stewart 863253 Treasurer Jeremy Lavis 863600 Sidesmen Rota Judith Holland 866215 Stewardship Secretary Pam Harman 635193 Street Market: Community Stalls John Cox 864270 Church Stalls John Woods 863298 Communications Deborah Robinson 866552 Team Trinity June Harrison 863745 Parish Representatives on other organisations: Bradford Group Council: The Churchwardens Children’s Society: Anne Carter Christian Aid: Jonquil Burgess Deanery Synod: Jeremy Lavis and Anne Willis BoA Churches Together: David Rawstron St Laurence School: The Revd Joanna Abecassis and Lindsay Driscoll (Foundation Governors) Printed at the Parish Office, 18A Woolley Street, Bradford on Avon. Parish News also appears (in colour) on the Holy Trinity web site: www.brad-avon-ht.org.uk/. Previous issues of the magazine can also be found in the magazine archive on the church web site. 36
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