I’ve just started reading a book called The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana by Umberto Eco (who wrote The Name of the Rose). It’s about a man, Yambo, who has lost part, but not all of his memory. He can remember things, facts, books that he has read and can quote large chunks from them. But the memory he has lost is his own story. He doesn’t recognise his wife of over 30, or his daughters and grandchildren. He can’t remember anything about his history, his childhood, his work, his favourite foods. In many ways he can function, but he’s not a full person. In one part of the book he describes it as walking through fog. In another he reflects on it as being like a song you start humming unconsciously, but as soon as you start to focus on what you’re singing the song goes from your mind:

“I’m holding a long note, like a stuck record, and since I can’t remember the opening notes, I can’t finish the song… Without the first notes we won’t make it to the last one, we’ll come untuned, and we’ll succeed in getting from start to finish only if we somehow contain the whole song within us.”

Yambo has lost his song, the song of his life. Without it he feels frightened and confused, he doesn’t really know who, or what, he is. So he goes on an interior journey, trying to piece together his story, for he comes to recognise that his story, his memory is what gives him his life.

In the Church’s year, November seems to be the month of remembering. It’s a word that often seems to be about looking back into the past, into our memories, but perhaps we’re better off thinking about it as being a putting back together, of recognising and articulating what’s important to us. As Yambo discovers, without our memories, we get lost. By remembering and honouring the memories we recognise and come to know ourselves.

So we remember, at All Saints (celebrated in St Mary’s on November 5th) those who have been recognised throughout the Church’s history as giving us an insight into ways of being a Christian. We honour their memory, we look to them for inspiration in living out our daily life. On November 2nd we remember All Souls, all those who have been important in our lives, who have taught us, guided us, shaped us into the people we are today. On November 11th we remember all those who have been killed in wars throughout human history. As we do so, we remember our human history of inhumanity, but also amazing tales of courage and generosity in soldier and civilian.

It is only by remembering, but putting together again that we can discover the notes of the tune that we have sung, and only by knowing that can we go on into the future.

Justine

What’s on in November?
Wed	1	All Saints Day. Rev Patrick Grant will preside at the morning Eucharist St Mary’s Guild meeting. A talk by Pam Vernon on ’Visiting’	10.30 am 2.30 pm
Thu	2	All Souls Day. Sung Eucharist	7.30 pm
Sat	4	‘Stop the Traffik’. Churches Together event about slavery - past and present. Holy Trinity, Clapham
SUN	5	ALL SAINTS DAY
Wed	8	Magazine Panel meets at 35 Vanguard Way	11.15 am
Thu “	9 “	‘A Sense of Place’ poetry group meeting. The Centre Social Committee meets at 2 Caraway Place	7.30 pm 7.30 pm
SUN	12	THIRD BEFORE ADVENT/REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Baptisms	11.30 am
Tue	14	Friends of Beddington Park meet at The Grange	7.30 pm
Wed	15	MU Corporate Eucharist	10.30 am
Thu	16	MU&OG. ‘Christmas Flowers’ with Laura Carver. The Centre	7.30 pm
SUN	19	SECOND BEFORE ADVENT
Tue	21	PCC meeting. The Centre	8.00 pm
SUN	26	CHRIST THE KING

December/Christmas Service Dates for your Diary

2 December - Christmas Fair - 11.30 am - 3.30 pm

3 December - Advent Carol Service 6.30 pm

10 December - ‘Families’ Christmas Party 1.45 - 3.45 pm

10 December - Christingle & Toy Service 4.00 pm*

22 December - Christmas Carol Service 7.30 pm

24 December - Normal Sunday morning services will take place

Family Carol and Crib Service 6.30 pm

Midnight Mass of Christmas 11.30 pm

25 December - Said Eucharist with Carols. 9.00 am

* The Christingles will be made in the Centre on the 9th December. If you would like to come and get sticky let me know! Emma

Saints, Commemorations & Feast Days in November

Thu 2 ALL SOULS DAY

Fri 3 Richard Hooker, Priest, Anglican Apologist, Teacher, 1600

“ “ Martin of Porres, Friar, 1639

Sun 5 ALL SAINTS DAY

Mon 6 Leonard, Hermit, 6th century

“ “ William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury

Tue 7 Willibrord of York, Bishop, Apostle of Fresia, 739

Wed 8 The Saints and Martyrs of England

Thu 9 Margery Kempe, Mystic, c1440

Fri 10 Leo the Great, Bishop of Rome, Teacher, 461

Sat 11 Martin, Bishop of Tours, c397

Sun 12 REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Mon 13 Charles Simeon, Priest, Evangelical Divine, 1836

Tue 14 Samuel Seabury, first Anglican Bishop in North America, 1796

Thu 16 Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Philanthropist, Reformer of the Church, 1093

“ “ Edmund Rich of Abingdon, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1240

Fri 17 Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, 1200

Sat 18 Elizabeth of Hungary, Princess of Thuringia, Philanthropist, 1231

Mon 20 Edmund, King of the East Angles, Martyr, 870

“ “ Priscilla Lydia Sellon, a Restorer of the Religious Life in the

Church of England, 1876

Wed 22 Cecilia, Martyr at Rome, c230

Thu 23 Clement, Bishop of Rome, Martyr, c.100

Sat 25 Catherine of Alexandria, Martyr, 4th century

“ “ Isaac Watts, Hymn Writer, 1748

Sun 26 CHRIST THE KING

Wed 29 Day of Intercession and Thanksgiving for the Missionary Work of the Church

Thu 30 ANDREW THE APOSTLE

Readings for Sundays and Festivals in November

Thursday, 2 November

All Souls Day

Lamentations 3 : 18, 22-25

Romans 5 : 5-11

John 5 : 19-25

Sunday, 5 November

All Saints Day

Isaiah 25 : 6-9

Revelation 21 : 1-6a

John 11 : 32-44

Sunday, 12 November

Remembrance Sunday

Micah 4 : 1-4

Romans 8 : 32-39

Matthew 5 : 5-12

Sunday, 19 November

Second before Advent

Daniel 12 : 1-3

Hebrews 10 : 1-14, 19-25

Mark 13 : 1-8

Sunday, 26 November

Christ the King

Daniel 7 : 9-10, 13-14

Revelation 1 : 4b-8

John 18 : 33b-37

Thinking of you

Every Sunday we pray for people living and working in two or three roads

in the parish. The roads in November will be:

Sunday 5 November

Lytton Gardens and Evelyn Way

Sunday 12 November

Ferrers Avenue and Geenleaf Avenue

Sunday 19 November

Dell Close and Demesne Road

Sunday 26 November

Raleigh Avenue

Do you want to understand your faith better?

Do you want to know more?

On the last Saturday in September I joined 44 other graduates and their supporters from parishes all over the Southwark diocese and beyond (one graduate coming from Norwich) at the cathedral for an Evensong celebrating our completion of the Southwark Diocesan Certificate course in Biblical and Theological studies.

The Bishop’s certificates were presented by Bishop Christopher of Woolwich, who in his sermon congratulated the graduates on their achievement and encouraged us all in the furtherance of our studies.

This service was the culmination of a course of study covering five modules on the subjects of The Old Testament, The New Testament, Doctrine, Ethics, Worship and Spirituality. The modules were taught by some of Southwark’s finest scholars and teachers, who have been joined this term by our own Justine who is lecturing on the Old Testament module.

Over the course of a year, at three centres - Croydon Parish Church, Trinity House near London Bridge and St Mary’s, Putney - on Wednesday evenings or Thursday at Putney, people from many different backgrounds and traditions, inspired by a desire to understand their faith better, grappled with questions like: What is the Bible? How do I understand God? What is the Trinity all about? Do you have to be a Christian to be good? What is really going on in Baptism?

My own group had a good mix of people from different ethnic and church backgrounds, ages and career backgrounds including the civil service, banking, teaching, the police, the NHS, to mention a few. This mix gave scope for a broad range of views and experience which made discussion lively and interesting, challenging both students and tutors, especially during the group work in the ethics module. Our tutors’ teaching styles varied from straight lecture, lecture with PowerPoint presentation, to group work with discussion. Although all our tutors’ methods of teaching were different and some we found easier to relate to than others, what they shared in common was an infectious passion for their subjects and for the common faith that we all share.

Although many in my group completed the course in a year, we welcomed new group members at the beginning of each term as it is not compulsory to do the whole course in one go. Students are requested to make a minimum commitment to attend one complete term at a time, the cost per term being £30.00 which goes towards the running of the course. This fee is waived in cases of hardship.

Although our tutors set four short assignments in the form of essays, one for each of the first four modules these were not compulsory. Personally I enjoyed the challenge of these assignments having not written an essay since “A” levels and I gained a lot from the suggestions and comments made by my tutors when the essays were marked and returned. Others however were equally happy just to attend the lectures.

Having completed both the certificate course in Discipleship, which is now in a new format, and the certificate in Biblical and Theological studies, I can fully commend them to anyone wanting to understand and know more about their Christian faith. Igained an insight into aspects of my faith that I hadn’t considered before, a thirst to read a growing pile of recommended books and some wonderful new friendships.

The majority of students embark on courses both in parishes and at diocesan level out of a pure desire to know more and grow in faith. Only a few in my group had any real notion when they started the course of what further study they would undertake afterwards, mainly because they were preparing for selection conferences for ordained ministry. One of my friends had no idea when we first travelled to Croydon together that she would by now have started her training for SPA ministry. My friend is one of the exceptions although I know there are others in my group who are wondering whether their way to further organised study is via a vocational guidance unit.

With Bishop Christopher’s challenging encouragement to continue studying ringing in my ears, like many I see the immediate way forward in the commending of my experience of the various courses to others, hence this article. I hope that others may be inspired in wanting to understand their faith more. If this is you and you want more information about the courses that the diocese runs, please do not hesitate in speaking to Justine. Alternatively further information can be obtained from The Diocesan Training Administrator, Sue Maree, who from my own experience is only too happy to answer any questions and help in any way she can. She is based at Trinity House. Tel 020 7939 9475. Email: sue.maree@southwark.anglican.org.

Finally, I would like to thank you all for your love and support over the last two years while I have been studying on the certificate courses, this has meant a great deal. To thank Selwyn for initially encouraging me to attend the Discipleship course, to thank Justine for her support and encouragement especially at the assignment stages of the Biblical studies course and to thank all who lent me books.

Linda

Remembrance Sunday

12 November

High Streets everywhere will blossom with red poppies this month: everyone from toddlers in prams to grannies will be wearing one. By Remembrance Day more than 33 million are expected to be sold around the county by an army of many thousands of volunteers. The money raised will help our ex-Service people and their dependants. To achieve all that takes more than flower power.

We have recently completed the bloodiest century that the world has ever known. More people died in wars last century than ever before in the history of mankind. How many will die this coming year?

The story behind the Poppy Appeal

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, the First World War ended. Civilians wanted to remember the people who had given their lives for peace and freedom. An American War Secretary, Moina Michael, inspired by John McCrae's poem, began selling poppies to friends to raise money for the ex-Service community. And so the tradition began.

Raising money through poppies is an easy way to do your bit for those who have served and are currently serving in the British Armed Forces, and their dependants. The money you raise will go towards supporting those who have been prepared to make a personal sacrifice through serving in the Forces.

The Poppy Poem

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders' fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place: and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders' fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high,

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders' fields

John McCrae

MU Family Fun Day at Southwark Cathedral

On Saturday 23rd September, Samuel, Joseph and I, together with my sister and her three children, trooped up to Southwark Cathedral by train for a day of Family Fun!

We were attending the Mothers’ Union Family Fun Day – a day of varied activities for all ages – all provided for free – in the beautiful setting of Southwark Cathedral. Throughout the day, from 10am to 3pm, the MU had forty Workshops, all taking place in or around the cathedral.

After a brief registration period and coffee, Revd. Robert Titley welcomed us to Southwark, and a short Opening Worship followed. We then split up and headed to all corners of the cathedral for the first workshop session.

Samuel, Lexie (my niece) and I had chosen ‘Handbells’ for our first stop. We entered the Desmond Tutu Room, and found before us the beautiful handbells arranged neatly on their padded tables in size order, with music stands at the ready. Daniel Pelling, leading the workshop, had the unenviable task of getting our group of twelve, (all of us never having so much as touched a handbell before, and ranging from the age of 6 to adult), to play ‘Immortal Invisible’ in 45 minutes. Impossible, you might think! But, I have to say that after a few run throughs, and with Daniel’s expert guidance and patience, we were making a very passable sound, and we absolutely loved it! (Samuel so much so, that he went back for more later!)

All too soon, our first workshop finished, and we joined a lively procession marching and singing round the cathedral, enthusiastically led by the Spinnaker Trust, followed by simple prayers which the children could all relate to. I quickly had time to catch up with my sister, Eleanor, who had taken Joseph (5) and Joshua (6) to a workshop called Godly Play led by Revd. Mary Hawes-Allen. They had been exploring our faith using stories, signs and symbols on the theme of the Good Shepherd, and had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Despite their young ages, they added their ideas and benefited from the experience. Sophie, my 11 year old niece, had also enjoyed her drama workshop led by Revd. Lisa Wright, where she had played the part of God (on the telephone!) in a short improvised play.

We had all opted for the same second Workshop. A ‘Noah’ collage was being created throughout the day, and we all enjoyed decorating animals with scraps of materials, and placing them on the Ark. We also had the opportunity to make animal masks – monkeys, elephants and lions. Eleanor and I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere in this workshop, and had a thoroughly good laugh with the MU workshop team!!

Near our workshop, some very talented face-painters were teaching the art of face-painting to a group of parents and their children. Also, in an adjoining room, another workshop of older children and adults were creating an amazing montage of the famous painting “The Light of the World” by Holman Hunt.

We broke for lunch at 12.30, and sat in the busy grounds of the cathedral eating our sandwiches. At 1.30pm, we regrouped, and found our third and final workshop venues. This time, I took Joseph, Joshua and Lexie to a workshop entitled ‘Make a Joyful Noise’ led by Mick and Julia Elfred. We sang fun songs such as ‘Hallelui’, and the children used musical instruments and joined in with actions.

After this workshop, we all came together for a Closing Worship session. Our group were back early, so we were able to watch as other groups finished their activities – such as ‘Circus Skills’ and the story of Daniel creatively told in a workshop called ‘Who’s the Lion King?’

As part of the final Worship session, we were able to share some of our activities and creations with the rest of the Fun Day. Our ‘Make a Joyful Noise’ group sang (with actions!) ‘You Gotta Move When the Spirit Says Move’. Eleanor, Samuel and Sophie, who all did handbells as their final workshop, performed their newly learned ‘Immortal Invisible’, as we all hummed along. The Gospel Singing for Children workshop sang for us, and other groups presented their drama and artwork.

I’m thankful that Pam Vernon gave me the information about this brilliant activity day, and also for the very warm and friendly welcome provided by all the MU volunteers at the cathedral. The children really enjoyed themselves, and I thoroughly recommend that all families at St. Mary’s attend next year. We certainly intend to!

Lizzie Atkins

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London Bridges Walk

This year's walk took place on the 16th September. St Mary's was represented by myself, Oliver, Finley, Grandma, Linda Wood and for the first time Erica (Sunday School lady), her husband Pete and her kids, Charlotte and Matthew.

It was a glorious day. After meeting at Carshalton station we soon arrived outside the Tate to commence our walk. Oliver was thrilled that Scooby Doo was there to wave us off and along with all the other children had his picture taken. To my surprise we were walking towards Canary Wharf instead of the Houses of Parliament. This made Finley's journey a bit tricky as we had to climb up and down a few flights of stairs. This however did not put us off. The weather was shining on us and spirits were high. We walked past the Cutty Sark, HMS Belfast, St Paul’s and a fascinating little jail ‘The Clink’! We completed the five mile walk in quite good time and only stopping once for lunch. Linda did us proud as she went on to complete another five miles.

This year's walk was the 25th Anniversary of the Children's Society which made for a fantastic atmosphere and a tremendous turnout. On behalf of "Team St Mary's" I would like to say a huge Thank You for continued support and sponsoring us. As yet we are still collecting sponsorship money and will let you know our final figure in the next issue.

If you would like to join us next year please do not hesitate to speak to one of us and you will be more than welcome.

Emma Thompson

Harvest Weekend

September 30 and October 1

The weekend started on the evening of the Saturday with the Harvest Supper. As we entered the Centre we were greeted by Dee Hyatt (St Mary’s hostess with the mostest!) presiding over a buffet table laden with an array of meats, cheeses, salads, fruit and cake, etc. On another table there were bottles of wine and fruit juices. So, we were not going to go hungry or thirsty!

After the meal was finished, we repaired to the church where having had our taste-buds tickled we were about to have our auditory senses stimulated too. This is where St Mary’s choir men and boys displayed talents other than vocal. The versatility of these boys (young and old) is truly amazing. We were entertained by James Pedrick on not one instrument but two - cello and piano. The Crozier family was very well represented - there was young David with his drum kit; Michael on the piano; and then their father, Hugh. Hugh’s jazz piano playing was truly wonderful (Scott Joplin eat your heart out!) and please Hugh, can we have ‘Alligator Crawl’ next time? Back to the vocal side of the concert, we heard a delightful Italian duet performed by Paul Bransome and Lorna Nunn - one of our two lady choir members. Not necessarily in this order, we had a delightful violin solo from Henry Birke and Kevin Winstone made his recorder really sing to us. Interestingly we then heard Lorna Nunn again, accompanying herself on the mandolin - a very sweet sound. Guy Middlemiss played for us as well - a toccata of formidable difficulty. Then for something completely different. Pam and Ian Akhurst and Kevin appeared, giving us an hilarious rendition of ‘Triplets’ - Pam complete with bow in her hair, Ian and Kevin suitably decorated. This was a great item and we all had a jolly good laugh. So, there you have it - all in all an excellent evening of entertainment.

And so to Sunday morning and a church that looked absolutely stunning. The flower arrangers as usual had done us proud and the local schools had provided some innovative and delightful displays. We sang good traditional harvest hymns, and again Andrew and the choir gave us lovely music. Then it was back to the Centre where our ‘weekend’ had begun - but this time for a very welcome cup of coffee.

So, another year’s harvest safely gathered in and all the gifts we brought to church safely stored ready for distribution to WelCare and Croydon Nightwatch. We sincerely hope that some of our harvest joy will be conveyed to the recipients of our gifts to them.

Mary Tapp

Christmas Fair

Saturday, 2 December 2006

11.00 am to 3.00 pm

Crafts Gifts Cakes Tombola Raffle Refreshments

Entrance: 50p Adults 20p Children

Come and Join Us

PCC Notes

18 SEPTEMBER 2006

After the opening prayer and approval of the minutes from July's meeting, Justine invited the PCC to the Carew Chapel to sample a selection of chairs, one of which may be chosen to replace the present ones. The scene was reminiscent of children's parties during a game of Musical Chairs as each member tried each chair in turn – indeed, some members had to be cajoled into moving on from chairs that they found the most comfortable! However, order was eventually restored and we returned to the Centre to carry on with the rest of the meeting.

The PCC again expressed thanks to Dee Hyatt for her continued lobbying on our behalf to get something done about the council's lych gate opposite ours. Plans proceed for the Garden of Remembrance in our churchyard; Justine, Pat and Ian had visited Limpsfield and Titsey parishes to inspect their methods for the pouring of ashes and for recording the position of each. We need to buy an auger and to finish planting the hedge. The remains will be recorded on a grid in a book of remembrance.

Justine reported that our Fairer Shares interview had resulted in there being no change in our category of contribution. Our high rate of response (86%) to the questionnaire was commended – thank you to everyone who completed and returned their forms. JM also wished to thank all who had helped organise the celebration barbecue after her induction as Rector, all who had helped with the Big Clean Up at the end of August and everyone who had manned the church or the kitchen or had baked cakes for the Open House weekend.

Our Treasurer, Hugh Crozier, reported that, while we have some funds in reserve at present, there are a number of projects coming up which will need attention, including the boiler and the heating system for the church and repairs to the roof of the Carew Chapel. Day to day running expenses are also a concern; when the budget was set it was thought that a little over £400 per week was a reasonable income target but it is not being achieved. To date our target was £14,642 but the amount received was £5, 947. The PCC was asked to encourage everyone to give everything through Gift Aid so that the church can reclaim the tax.

Under AOB, the PCC approved a safety procedure, produced by the ringers, to be implemented in case of fire. Delight was expressed that three of our local schools, Beddington Infants, Carew Manor and The Link would each be decorating a window in the North Aisle for our Harvest Festival. We also learned that CES had sent 2 men to replace broken light bulbs (so now we know the answer to that question!) and that JM now finds it much easier to read the services. A plea was made for full black bin bags to be removed from the vestry. They may be taken home or put into the bin at the Rectory – by anyone – no special training needed!

The PCC was pleased to receive a report from Pat Kingsbury on a conference she had attended, organised by Prospects, a charity concerned with adults and children who have learning difficulties. Her report concluded with the reminder, given by a lecturer at the conference, that we have all been made in God's image and that the weak and the strong both need each other.

The meeting concluded at 10.05pm. with The Grace.

Pam Akhurst

Secretary to the PCC

Families at St Mary’s

Christmas Party

Families are having their Christmas Party on 10 December and are looking for raffle prizes or selection boxes/festive chocs and sweets. If anyone is having a ‘make room for this year’s pressies’ sort out, please pass stuff our way. Many thanks.

Funtime Sundays

We Need your Skills!

Families are looking to run ‘Funtime Sundays’ during the school holidays and are looking to find volunteers who have various skills that could help us.

We need musical people – come in and do some singing, play the piano (or any instrument); we need arty people – photographers, painters, craft skills, florists; we need hidden talents – are you a nurse, paramedic, did you/do you do something unusual for a living that would be fun to share; we need sporty people – footballers, rugby players, tennis or any sport that you could share.

Commitment is one off and it would be great if we could offer a really fun experience for our children when they are not in Sunday School.

I will be co-ordinating the staff cover and the volunteers so please stop me in church during coffee. Many thanks.

As an aside – Emma and Erica are looking for volunteers to occasionally come into Sunday school and provide musical accompaniment to their songs – please speak directly to them.

Kith, Kin & Kanine Koffee Mornings

I am looking to run an open church coffee morning on the last Friday of every month – a couple of fresh cakes for sale with tea, coffee, biccies, a toy corner for littlies, some doggie biccies and a bowl or two of water outside for the dogs!

I thought this would attract a wide variety of people into the church and add to the chance for the church to be open for a look around (access would only be via the coffee area).

Please stop me at coffee if you would like to help with either making a monthly cake, serving refreshments, setting up the hall, showing people around the church or keeping the children entertained.

If we can get enough people to be involved then I can go ahead with co-ordinating the rotas etc.

Carolyn

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Margery Kempe

9 November

Margery Brunham was born about 1373 in King’s Lynn, then called Bishop’s Lynn. Her father was a merchant and five times Mayor of Lynn. When she was 20, she married John Kempe and gave birth to 14 children. It is not known how many survived to adulthood.

When she was about 35, she had a visionary experience and felt she had been called to an ascetic life. It took her five years but eventually her husband agreed that they could to live a platonic life together.

In 1413 she began the travels that, together with her ongoing visionary experiences, make up her “Book”. Her trips were pilgrimages, either to spots considered holy or to people who would confirm her way of life - that her apparently uncontrollable need to pray and weep aloud, was in fact pleasing to God, if not to her neighbours or the clergy of Lynn.

She visited the Bishop of Lincoln, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the anchorite, Julian of Norwich. She went on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Rome, Santiago de Compostella, Norway, Germany, York and Rome, which were amazing feats for a woman in those times.

All these travels were recorded in two books, Book 1 having 89 chapters and Book 2 having 10. Although from a wealthy family, Margery was uneducated and the books were written down by scribes as Margery told them the stories.

Sources give her death as 1438, which would make her over 100 years old. She remains a mystery because of the unknown truth about her spiritual hysterias but she was certainly a significant woman of medieval times.

Jean Kimber

Twenty Years Ago

(November 1986)

As ever, music was in the forefront of the November magazine, Carousel reported that the appeal for St Raphael’s Hospice was to benefit yet again from our young musicians, when Nick and Chris Kimber played for a Charity Ball for them on November 7. Chris, together with seven other young people, had been confirmed by Bishop Wilfrid the previous month.

There was an appreciation of the life of Roger Lane, who had been a staunch member of the choir for over 70 years. He had also been a member of the Croydon Bach Choir.

An article entitled “Swell to Great”, revealed the life of the organist, John Sharples. Not only was he organist and choirmaster, but it had been at his instigation that SMYF had sprung back to life. His hobby was organ-building and he had recently helped to restore one in the church at Gatton. He was very keen to get the restoration of our own organ under way.

Another article, entitled “(W)RINGING WET”, was an interesting account by June Fenn of her adventures on the Ringers’ Outing. It was the only time they had ever had a coach break down and it was thanks to the youngsters pushing it - in pouring rain - that it actually got going again!

The Guides and Brownies had been active in Revels, netball and swimming. They were particularly successful in the latter, with both 5th Company and 5th Pack Brownies bringing back trophies.

Betty Walker was collecting medicine bottles, not because she was a hypochondriac but because they contained money for USPG.

There was a short article describing the work of SPAs and encouraging people to consider taking up the challenge.

Aidan (Richardson) says thank you for our prayers. He has had an operation on the top of his spine, he is home and says he does a little more each day – his last text said the highlight of the day was that he had loaded the dishwasher! How successful the operation was or what comes next he waits to discover.

Daily prayer topics in November

Wed 1 All who are leading dedicated lives

Thu 2 All the faithful departed

Fri 3 Ambulance and fire brigade workers

Sat 4 A Safe and Happy Firework Night

Sun 5 Thanksgiving for the lives and examples of the Saints

Mon 6 All who care for the outcasts and needy

Tue 7 All Relief organisations

Wed 8 The saints and martyrs of England

Thu 9 Workers in industry, shops and hotels

Fri 10 Social workers and The Samaritans

Sat 11 Youth workers and the young they work with

Sun 12 All who have given their lives in services of their country

Mon 13 The General Synod

Tue 14 The Anglican Church in North America

Wed 15 Our local clergy fraternity

Thu 16 The Army, Air Force and the Navy

Fri 17 Lincoln Cathedral, Dean and Chapter

Sat 18 The people of Hungary and Poland

Sun 19 Prisoners and all who care for them

Mon 20 Anglican religious communities

Tue 21 Prisoners’ families and those who work to help them

Wed 22 All musicians, composers and conductors

Thu 23 That we may learn to live in harmony and peace

Fri 24 The war-torn areas of the world

Sat 25 The Christian Church in Egypt

Sun 26 Praise God for Christ our Heavenly King

Mon 27 That God’s Kingdom may come on earth

Tue 28 That we may be watchful and faithful as we await the Second Coming of our Lord

Wed 29 Thanksgiving for the missionary work of the Church

Thu 30 Our Link Diocese in Zimbabwe, their clergy and people