Clergy letter
“You can’t make an omelette without breaking an egg”
So said the walk leader as we trudged across a very muddy Sussex field one March afternoon, heading for the South Downs, i.e. we wouldn’t reach the viewpoint over the English Channel without incurring a cost of some sort. Ankle-deep mud seems a distant memory after the sunny, dry summer we’ve enjoyed in SW14, but the omelette maxim is for all seasons. Although we usually think of eggs and chicks at Easter time, as children and families prepare for the start of a new school year, as students prepare perhaps to leave home or start work, and as retirees look forward to having more leisure (or work) time, it is undeniable that in order for the new to emerge the shell of the old has to give way. Jesus’ words, "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (John 12:24) anticipate his own death and the life that his resurrection would bring to many, yet it is a sequence that Christians recognise from our own lives – sometimes, it may be necessary to let go of a cherished idea or plan, and in the letting go space is opened up for God to enter and transform. The mild autumn months have as much potential for growth as spring, and as I prepare to leave the parish in October and continue my curacy in West Dulwich, I give thanks for all that I have received in this place, for all of the people I have met, for the times shared, and I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless and guide the congregations, ministers and people here. Gareth Davies
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Contents of Interest
Clergy Letter 1 You can’t make an omelette ….. St Mary’s Day – 9 September 3
Service on 9th September Barnes Green Centre Mission Giving by the Parish 5 2018 - 2020 Church Road Parish Christmas Day lunch/tea 6 Barnes SW13 9HE Could you help? th Parish Harvest Services 7 4 Sept: Dr Paul Fox
Where our gifts will go King Arthur & his Knights
John Dee of Mortlake Society 9 th AGM and Play 11 Sept: Julia Hamilton Holiday at Home 10 - 11 Motivations of Collecting: A wonderland of fun King & Courtier in 17th Century
First Saturday of the month 14 th What goes on at St Mary’s? 18 Sept: Met Police & Barclays Bk Friends of Barnes Hospital 15 Scam Prevention – includes They need your memories lunch – booking essential nd 2 Mortlake Scout Group 16 25 th Sept: Tim Millett Celebrating 100 years in 2019 Convict Love Tokens Mozart’s classic comedy 17 ------Dulwich Opera Company 2nd Oct: Elizabeth Handley Guitars … in church?? 19 42 years on Chopin: Poet of the Piano
Riding Lights Theatre Company 21 9th Oct: John Lawrence Attending their summer school Wildlife of the Falklands & N ew Kings Cross quarter 23 A parish guided tour South Georgia
th 16 Oct: NO TALK What’s on …. rd 23 Oct: David Wright FiSH talks 2 St Mary’s Day - 9th September 3 The History of Wine
th Jazz Supper at All Saints – 13 Oct 4 30 Oct: Helen Deaton St Mary’s Quiz Night 8 Crime & Punishment in SEPT/OCTOBER CALENDAR 12 – 13 Barnes & Mortlake
Mother’s Union – WW1 talk – 5 Oct 18 th A Seasonal Soiree – 18 November 20 Coffee from 10.30am and finally… Talks begin at 11.00am and last approximately 40 mins Songs & Stories 22 Registers 24 All Welcome
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Come and celebrate
St Mary’s Day
Sunday 9th September at 6.30pm
Parish Festival Eucharist
with joint Parish Choir
Preacher: Canon Ann Nickson
All Welcome
Followed by light refreshments
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Mission Giving by the Parish 2018 – 20
The Mission, Peace and Justice Committee met to decide which charities suggested by the members of the congregation we should support for the three years, 2018–20. We received three nominations for overseas charities and eight for home ones.
As is parish policy, we shall continue to support FiSH, Richmond Welcare and the Kingston–Matabeleland link as our core charities. We shall also support the Omoyo Project and The Nehemiah Project for this year and the BigKid Foundation and Tree Aid for this year and next.
We looked into all the suggestions we received and had a useful and lengthy discussion. Two clear recommendations emerged which were subsequently approved by the PCC.
‘Home-Start Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow is a family charity giving a supportive start to struggling families with children in those critical early years under the age of 5.
Volunteers visit families at home to offer emotional and practical support to parents, guiding them through and building their resilience to the demands and stresses that parenting brings. Ultimately helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown. Volunteers undergo a rigorous training course, which is part of the cost of abut £1200 to support each family.
e-NABLE Medellin provides free 3D-printed prosthetic limbs to children and adults in Colombia. Over 11,400 people in Colombia have been victims of landmines, 1,124 of whom are children. It remains the second most mine- affected country in the world. Mine-clearing operations are underway, meanwhile e-NABLE Medellín is working to help some of those affected most tangibly by the civil war. Their work means people regain their independence, their confidence is boosted and they feel able to start reintegrating into wider society. Mission, Peace and Justice Group
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CHRISTMAS DAY – 2018 Parish Christmas Day Lunch and Tea
Christmas Day is coming – 16 weeks to go in fact! – and so is the Parish Christmas Day lunch and tea at St Mary’s.
We will soon be making plans for this annual event. If you can help in any way – before the day and on the day with:
Cooking
serving
raffle gifts
driving
entertaining
socialising or lending equipment such as hot plates, microwaves, do please contact me:
Tel: 8392 1467 or
Email: [email protected]
Sarah Coggins
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PARISH HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES
St Mary’s – Sunday 30 September 10.00am Worship for All followed by a barbecue
Christ Church – Sunday 16 September 10.00am Family Eucharist at Christ Church
All Saints – Sunday 23 September 10.00am All Age Eucharist 12 noon Harvest Late Service
St Mary’s harvest gifts are going to Glass Door, a church-based charity providing shelter for homeless people in Richmond and three neighbouring boroughs. We hope to host Glass Door at Christ Church and All Saints again this year. Our donations will provide the guests with breakfast and food to take away with them.
Christ Church’s harvest collection is for Christ Church Brixton Road, an Urban Priority Area parish in Kennington. Christ Church supports local people living on low incomes, on the streets or in hostels, through their weekly food cupboard.
All Saints is giving its harvest collection to the Richmond Food Bank at the Vineyard Community Centre, which provides emergency food for local people in crisis. Foodbanks nationwide rely on harvest collections to boost their stocks as approximately one third of the food given out in a year is collected over the harvest period.
All three charities need non-perishable food items such as long life milk and fruit juice, sugar, packets of mashed potato, rice, 400g tins of meat, vegetables, soup, fruit and puddings, coffee, jam, marmalade, cereals, biscuits. The Foodbank has plenty of pasta, baked beans and pulses, soup and tins of tomatoes so doesn’t need these. You can check each website for any recent requests.
Toiletries for both women and men, men’s underwear and socks, and towels are also welcome by all three charities who give these items to their guests.
Mission, Peace and Justice Group
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? ST MARY’S QUIZ NIGHT ? with Fish ‘n’ Chip supper
Come and enjoy yourself!
Saturday, 13 October at St Mary’s
7.00pm for 7.30pm start
Tickets – STILL only £10 to include fish & chip supper, coffee, and a fantastic (not too difficult) quiz
Special - £25 ticket for 2 adults and 2 children
Wine, beer and soft drinks will be available to purchase during the evening
Tickets from: Sarah Coggins in church on Sundays or email: [email protected] - tel: 8392 1467
booking essential!
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John Dee of Mortlake Society
Two events not to be missed this autumn focusing on the links between Dr John Dee and Prospero from Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Tuesday 16 October 7.30pm at St Mary’s John Dee and Prospero: Dee as a model for literary characters
An illustrated talk by Malcolm Hebron, author of Prospero: a Renaissance Magus. While keeping Prospero as the focus, Dr Hebron will look at other characters in drama he may have influenced – Marlowe's Dr Faustus, for example.
The talk will be preceded by a short annual general meeting to discuss the future of the Society.
Friday 26 October 7.30pm at St Mary’s Doctor Prospero: the rough magic of John Dee by Stephen Davies
This play for one actor, with musical interludes, interweaves reminiscences of John Dee with scenes from The Tempest and songs of Ariel. It explores the many parallels between Dr Dee and Shakespeare's Prospero.
Doctor Prospero was originally presented at Salisbury Playhouse, and had a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe with 5-star reviews. ‘Impressively researched and beautifully written’, ‘Armstrong’s mesmerising performance illuminates one of the most complex characters of Renaissance England with clarity and sympathy, truly bringing history to life’.
Stephen is preparing a new production to be premiered at St Mary's, with Gareth Armstrong, the original performer, in the part of Dee/Prospero. The production will then go on a national tour.
Tickets £10 (including a glass of wine) from [email protected] or 07985 719 031. Kate Woodhouse
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Holiday at Home - a Wonderland of Fun
“This is how it should be: people talking to each other.”
For some of us on the new organising committee for Holiday at Home, the prospect of producing a whole week of activities which would keep everyone happy was daunting, even with the blueprint from previous years. Our guests had no such worries; from the moment they arrived and settled down for coffee and biscuits they were determined to enjoy themselves.
Revd David Guest, who was host for the week, set the tone by appearing every day in a different and more astonishing costume for the Alice in Wonderland theme. There were many special moments. On Monday Penny and Peter entertained with poems and readings about royal weddings. Charlie came to play the piano and the guests broke spontaneously into song. They were given a second chance in the afternoon when Alison Wilson came to play folk songs. Halfway through The Lonely Ash Grove a rich and powerful tenor voice joined in from the jigsaw table. Patrick had signed up for one day and came for three, joining in fully with the Songs From The Shows session on Thursday. At the end of the week someone said, “I’ve enjoyed everything, especially the music. Music every day next year please.”
On Tuesday Rebecca led the Creative Writing Session. She began by reading ‘I remember, I remember the house where I was born’ and suggested that people should start with ‘I remember,’ and see where it led them. One guest wrote about going to Paris for the first time and saying goodbye to her mother on Victoria Station, another wrote about being able to see colour before macular degeneration dimmed her sight. Pat wrote a poem of praise to past and present Holidays at Home and at the end Betty Rainbow closed her eyes and recited the whole of ‘Earth hath not anything to show more fair.’
On Wednesday David brought out hidden talent from both guests and volunteers in play readings based on Alice in Wonderland. Later the Earl of Trumpington paid a surprise visit and, while other guests were making flower decorations with Kathy and Margaret, settled down on Freda’s feet
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Frieda was delighted: “We always had animals but I haven’t had a dog since my husband died.” In the afternoon Perry played his guitar and his daughter Rowan filled the church with her glorious soprano voice.
On Thursday Charlotte and Amber helped guests make scones and jam tarts for the Mad Hatter’s tea party the next day. Eating and talking were almost the most important activities of the week. The lunches cooked by Verena were greatly appreciated. The cakes for tea were made by volunteers. “The food was lovely. It’s so good to have real home cooking made by someone else.”
On Friday John and Caroline, who have produced quizzes and prizes for every day of Holiday at Home for each of its five years, ran their final quiz before retiring. They will be greatly missed. After lunch Pamela led a second session of chair exercises. Father Alex could be seen waving a scarf above his head. A guest said that after the exercises and Pamela’s massage her back pain had completely disappeared. Barbara and Juliet had also soothed and relaxed guests with hand massages throughout the week.
Meanwhile the volunteers were preparing the table for tea with top-hat vases of roses made by the All Saints flower team, a dormouse in a teapot, a magnificent cake from Madeleine’s. A cheer went up from the jigsaw table – the fiendishly difficult Alice jigsaw had been completed just in time for tea. Guests and volunteers donned hats, David presided as a magnificent Mad Hatter and no-one will forget Charlotte dancing around in her blue dress as Alice.
Guests took their roses home as well as the prints and paper flowers made with Melanie in the craft session. Many guests asked to sign up for next year straight away. With so many enthusiastic volunteers how could we ever have doubted that the week would be a success? The guests gave back much more than we could give: “I feel as if I have come alive again.”
Particular thanks must go to our sponsors: Waitrose, The Friends of Barnes Hospital, The Kew Rotary Club, the Kay Pemberton Trust, Madeleine’s Cake Boutique and Bella del Gelato. Celia Catchpole 11
September Calendar
Saturday 1st 12.30pm Parish Circle Dancing at St Mary’s
Sunday 2nd 14th Sunday after Trinity
Monday 3rd 9.30am Tiddlywinks at St Mary’s Tuesday 4th 6.00pm Julian Group meeting at St Mary’s 8.00pm St Mary’s Consultative meeting at St Mary’s Wednesday 5th 10.30am Alexander House Service 8.00pm Finance & Property meeting
th th Sunday 9 15 Sunday after Trinity 6.30pm St Mary’s Day Service at St Mary’s
Monday 10th 9.30pm Tiddlywinks at St Mary’s 8.00pm PCC meeting at St Mary’s Wednesday 12th 10.00am Songs and Stories at All Saints 8.00om Christ Church Consultative meet - Christ Church Thursday 13th 10.00am Songs and Stories at Christ Church 6.30pm Contemplative Prayer Group meeting at 21 Model Cottages Friday 14th 11.00am Sheen Lane Day Centre Service
Sunday 16th 16th Sunday after Trinity 6.30pm Harvest Songs of Praise at Christ Church
Monday 17th 9.30am Tiddlywinks at St Mary’s th Wednesday 19 10.00am Songs and Stories at All Saints 10.30am Oxford House Service Thursday 20th 10.00am Songs and Stories at Christ Church Friday 21st 3.00pm Active Retired meeting at All Saints Saturday 22nd 11.30-2pm Messy Church Harvest & lunch at Christ Church
Sunday 23rd 17th Sunday after Trinity 10.00am Harvest Service at All Saints
Monday 24th 9.30am Tiddlywinks at St Mary’s Wednesday 26th 10.00am Songs and Stories at All Saints T hursday 27th 10.00am Songs & Stories at Christ Church
Sunday 30th 18th Sunday after Trinity 10.00am Harvest Service and BBQ at St Mary’s
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October Calendar
Monday 1st 9.30am Tiddlywinks at St Mary’s Tuesday 2nd 6.00pm Julian meeting at St Mary’s Wednesday 3rd 10.00am Songs and Stories at All Saints 10.30am Alexander House Service Thursday 4th 10.00am Songs and Stories at Christ Church 6.30pm Contemplative Prayer meeting at 18 Deanhill Rd th Friday 5 2.00pm Mothers’ Union meeting and talk at St Mary’s Saturday 6th 12.30pm Parish Circle Dancing at St Mary’s 7.00pm Dulwich Opera at All Saints
Sunday 7th 19th Sunday after Trinity
Monday 8th 9.30am Tiddlywinks at St Mary’s Wednesday 10th 10.00am Songs and Stories at All Saints Thursday 11th 10.00am Songs and Stories at Christ Church Friday 12th 11.00am Sheen Lane Day Centre Service Saturday 13th 7.00pm Fish ‘n Chip Supper & Quiz at St Mary’s 7.30pm Jazz Supper at All Saints
Sunday 14th 20th Sunday after Trinity
Monday 15th 9.30am Tiddlywinks at St Mary’s Tuesday 16th 7.30pm John Dee of Mortlake Society AGM at St Mary’s th Wednesday 17 10.00am Songs and Stories at All Saints 10.30am Oxford House Service Thursday 18th 10.30am Songs and Stories at Christ Church Friday 19th 3.00pm Active Retired meeting qat All Saints Saturday 20th 10 - 4.00pm Circle Dancing day event at St Mary’s
Sunday 21st 21st Sunday after Trinity 12.30pm Richmond Churches (Vineyard) lunch at C hrist Church13
Monday 22nd 9.30am NO Tiddlywinks (Half term) Wednesday 24th 10.00am NO Songs and Stories (Half term) 6.30pm Mortlake Almshouse Trustees meet – 209 Upper Richmond Road West Thursday 25th 10.00am NO Songs and Stories (Half term) Friday 26th 7.30pm Doctor Prospero: the rough magic of John Dee at St Mary’s
Sunday 28 th Last Sunday after Trinity 3.00pm Memorial Service at All Saints
Monday 29th 9.30am Tiddly winks at St Mary’s Wednesday 31st 10.30am Songs and Stories at All Saints
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Do you know what goes on at St Mary’s each first Saturday of the month?
Well.. firstly there is the coffee shop from 10am with coffee and delicious home- made cakes; then ...
there is the opportunity to help keep the Churchyard looking good. At the AGM it was decided rather than have just two working parties each year having regular monthly sessions might be better. Turn up any time between
10 and 12.30pm and earn yourself some coffee and cake!
Last but not least there is the monthly Parish Circle Dancing from 12.30pm to 2.30 pm also with coffee and cake if there is any left!!
Further details contact Caroline Timbrell email [email protected] or tel: 8878 1390
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The Friends of Barnes Hospital need your memories!
Many years ago, on two separate occasions, I met ladies who told me they were born at Barnes Hospital during the last world war! Do you know how the hospital was used during the first and second world war years?
Why am I asking this now? With change and demolition fast approaching we feel it’s important to put together a history of the hospital and the Friends from 1889 until the current day. So we’ve commissioned local medical journalist and author, Sandra Hempel to undertake this important piece of work for us.
And this is where we would appreciate your help
If you have a story to tell from your own experiences or what you’ve heard from others, or even read about in old documents or letters, please do contact Sandra at - [email protected] - or leave a message on our office phone - 3513 3630.
Do you use the Old Mortlake Burial Ground (adjacent to the hospital) as a pedestrian route from the Upper years the gates have been locked from 4 or 6pm until 10am the next day. Earlier this year I wrote to Richmond Council to suggest that the gates remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Extending the opening hours will mean that people can use it for getting to schools, nurseries, busses and Barnes Hospital before 10am rather than going down nearby roads, often blocked by pavement parking. I’m very pleased that the Council agreed to keep the cemetery open 24/7 for a six month trial period from June until November. Interestingly officials told Councillors that there is less vandalism in unlocked sites than in in those which are locked! If you would like to comment write to Rhona Thompsell, Head of Registrars and Cemeteries, East Sheen Cemetery Office, Sheen Road, Richmond TW1058J.
As many of you already know the Mental Health Trust will temporarily relocate Richmond Royal Adult Services and staff to the south side of the Barnes Hospital site in January. Details will follow when the plans are finalised. The Trust will hold a public exhibition at the end of September to display their revised plans for the whole site.
Kathy Sheldon, Chair
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2nd Mortlake Scout Group celebrates 100 years in 1919
The 2nd Mortlake Scout Group is a thriving local Scout group in Mortlake. The Group has over 90 young members in the Beavers, Cubs, Scout and Explorer Scout sections and around 25 volunteers who give their time for free, it was set up on St Barnabas Day – 11th June, 1919 when nine boys transferred over from the Mortlake Church Lads Brigade.
A Birthday Party is held every year to celebrate the anniversary of the Groups foundation; and the annual photograph is taken. Anyone interested in local history will be fascinated to know that a photo has been taken of the Scout Group every year since 1919. The first photo from 1919 sadly shows few adult men as so many were killed and the ones that came back were not keen to put on uniform again after five years of fighting. They are displayed around the hut and are a priceless social and demographic record of those years, from the dark days after the Great War, though the 1940’s and showing the glory years of Scouting (1960’s-70’s) which are returning again! The 2018 photo boasts 100 members - Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts as well as 20 Adult leaders and 25 Adult supporters.
The HQ - a building of townscape merit - was last summer refurbished after many years of fundraising, at a cost of £120,000, with a new roof, windows, repainted exterior and railings with modern materials whilst retaining its historic features and is now fit to serve the local community and the Scouting movement for the long term.
2ND Mortlake is now approaching its Centenary 1974 Year and a family Group camp in Cobham, over the late May Day Bank holiday weekend, is planned. Many other celebrations are taking place and it would be really great if anyone who may remember appearing in the annual photographs could contact Keith Wincott, the current Group Scout Leader, via email on - [email protected] or mobile - 07931902010.
An updated Group website has lots of information and photos please take a look - www.2ndmortlakescouts.org.uk. It would be great to hear from anyone with memories of great times and camps from the past - take a look at the photos and see if you recognise yourself? Keith Wincott 16
Mozart's classic comedy comes to All Saints, East Sheen
Dulwich Opera Company present Mozart's Così fan tutte
Dulwich Opera Company are making their debut at All Saints Church, East Sheen, on Saturday, 6th October, at 7.00pm, with Mozart's classic tale of love and deception. Awarded 4 stars by The Stage, which described it as having ‘pace and panache’ and being ‘lively and convincingly detailed’ This production presents an elegant take on the comedy, set to some of Mozart's most glorious music.
Featuring a cast of young professional singers, the opera is performed in the original Italian with English surtitles. The creative team is headed by international opera director, Ptolemy Christie, and designer Leah Sams, and lighting designer, Nigel A. Lewis.
Premièred in 1790, Mozart's Così fan tutte remains one of the most loved and performed of all operas around the world, and includes the famous arias “Come scoglio” and “Un’aura amorosa”, as well as the divine trio “Soave sia il vento”. Also known as “The school for lovers”, the opera tells a wry and light- hearted tale of love, fidelity, and human infallibility.
Described by Opera Today as “compulsive and enjoyable”, this young and vibrant company look forward to bringing their acclaimed production of Mozart's comedy to a new audience in East Sheen.
Tickets are available in advance from - www.dulwichoperacompany.org.uk/box- office - or
on the door on the night subject to availability. £23 / £21 concessions / Under 16's - £10
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Guitars….in church..?? And new music??!
Actually St Mary’s received us very kindly. 42 years ago our music was firmly rooted in the beautiful Anglican tradition: robed choir, organ, Ancient & Modern; so it was with a little trepidation that in 1976 a group who had met at a Young Adults event asked about playing in church. But Richard Frith was very encouraging, gave us a spot, and to our relief the response from St Mary’s congregation was positive and welcoming.
The group began to play every couple of months or so at morning services, raiding evangelical songbooks for well-known toe-tappers like “This little light of mine”, as well as more thoughtful songs such as “Jesus, take me as I am”. Members included Tony Patching, Janet and Brian Rook, Jill Frith, Gilly Everett, Stella Houlder, Melanie Maclaine and Perry Kitchen. And we adopted the name Omega, probably because it was Greek and sounded vaguely New Testament.
In 1984, new Rector Bruce Saunders put together a band to play for the whole of the monthly family service, including some from Omega: Jan (vocals), Brian (guitar), Stella (flute) and Perry (bass). Nigel Condry emerged from the organ loft to play keyboard and with Richard Saunders on trombone the St Mary’s band was born. Omega continued to make occasional appearances, and in 1986 made a cassette of songs, with Bruce on keyboard: but Tony, Jan and Brian soon moved away, so this was a farewell. By now the band was picking up on the wave of great new hymns sweeping through the Church, such as “God’s spirit is in my heart”, and the joyous Caribbean “Let us talents and tongues employ”. Some of us played for “Songs of Praise” in 1987. Two years later Bruce went on sabbatical and handed temporary control of the band to Perry, who hasn’t yet managed to hand it back.
Many people have come and gone, and the band still thrives. We have a wide range of orchestral instruments and play a mix of traditional and modern hymns, with an instrumental piece (usually an anthem arrangement) during communion. A fairly recent addition has been our children’s choir, who sing tunefully with enthusiasm and joy.
For many of us, music is a gateway to spirituality, whether through Bach, Stanford or Howells; or a new hymn in a popular idiom; or the theological insights captured in a children’s lyric. At St Mary’s we try to offer a broad range: to quote one of our songs, “All are welcome”. Perry Kitchen
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We are people with good news to tell but in the world in which we live telling it in the language of the 17th century doesn’t seem to make an impact. St Francis is said to have told his followers to preach the Gospel at all times, but only using words when they had to! He himself set them an example kissing a man with leprosy.
And drama... Drama can be fun, flippant and unforgettable - like a parable! Dark, tragic and soul searching. Opening our eyes to see the world in a new light. The Riding Lights Theatre Company, as well as performing in theatres and churches (they have been several times to this Parish) goes schools, prisons, community centres and engages with people on the edges of society.
Attending their summer school, we experienced a week of workshops, devising sessions and rehearsals culminating in 7 hours of performances. In between there was worship - but not as you know it! Morning prayer began with a song from a modern musical including The Lion King, the Hunchback of Norte Dame and Matilda. Sunday’s Eucharist gave us a presentation of the healing of the centurion’s servant complete with selfie-taking undercover agents. Midweek our intercessions were collected in pillowcase. The overwhelming commitment to God and one another expressed in worship was wonderful.
Our play took the form of immersive theatre where actors and audience become active participants, shaping and filling out the story and making it real. Our story was clash between Antigonus - the Hasmonean king descended from the Maccabees and the new king on the block, Herod, the King of the Jews designated by the Roman Senate. Antigonus was inside Jerusalem; Herod outside - with a Roman Legion. Participants joined either the Hasmoneans, Herodians, or Romans, or a non combative role such as medic or Temple officials. The skill required of the actors was in creating stories in which the audience could participate and enabling that participation so everyone becomes immersed in story. Through the actors the audience gains a truly live experience.
Is that not something we could be doing in telling the good news?
Judith Russenberger
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For under 5s Songs and Stories
for pre-school children and carers
Wednesday at 10am at All Saints (during term time)
Thursday at 10am at Christ Church Mondays from 9.30 - 11.00am with music and singing 10.40- (during term time)
11.00am please contact: during term time at St Mary’s. Sarah McLaughlin Drop in for pre-school children [email protected] and their carers. (All Saints)
£3 per child – refreshments free. Brenda Morris - 8876 2037 (Christ Church) All welcome
Sheen Lane Centre
Wednesdays & Thursdays 10.30am – 12.30pm
Fridays 10.30am – 12.30pm (not first Friday in the month)
Pop in and visit us
All Welcome
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Guided tour of the New King’s Cross quarter
22 people from our parish opted to go on a guided tour of the New King’s Cross quarter. We met outside King’s Cross Station.
In recent decades, the impressive Victorian station has become visible again when other buildings in front of it were demolished. The inside of the station has received a beautiful upgrade with a stylish glazed rood which allows light to flood into it. Next to it is the delightful German Gymnasium, which recalls an early wave of German émigrés settling in London. Behind them opens up a brand new quarter spreading over 67 acres. Handsomely designed buildings are artfully set around several gardens and green areas. Fountains and streams and small scale playgrounds are discovered behind the wide avenues with high end stores. The once derelict and ill-famed canal area has been transformed into an attractive walk. The recent commercial and industrial past of the site is being preserved cleverly. The granary building where millions of sacks of wheat were once stored, now houses the St Martin’s School of Art, while some of the old gasholders have been transformed into glorious city park or luxury housing.
We left the newly minted world by a small bridge past one of the last lockkeepers’ cottages and crossed into St Pancras’s churchyard. The graves of the residents of the churchyard, some of them French Catholics- (another wave of émigrés!)- were disturbed to make way for the Victorian railway works and their headstones gathered respectfully around a sapling which has grown into a venerable elm tree enveloping them among its roots.
Pauline Lake did a splendid job of guiding us through the wonderful fusion of old and new. We enjoyed a superb outing, and we hope to arrange further adventures together. Watch this space!
Mireille Stanton
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From the Registers
Baptisms:
29th July: Ralph Lockie, of Vernon Road 5th August: Harry Widdowson, of Vernon Road (St Mary’s)
5th August: Charlotte Holcomb, of Isleworth (Christ Church) Myles and Noah Wylie, of Derby Road
12th August: Theodore Coffey, of Kingsway (All Saints)
Wedding
25th August: Sean Downing and Harriet Tabley at Christ Church
Funerals:
28th June: Lorna Scherzinger, formerly of Vicarage Road 11th July: Julie Cordell, of Palewell Park 19th July: Roger Baggaley, of Epsom 25th July: Valerie Dennis, of Palewell Park 1st August: Kay Lewin-Drew, of Hounslow 9th August: Ted Clow, of Oaklands Road Eileen Johnson, of Alder Road 20th August: Jean Croydon, of Twickenham 21st August: Patricia Dean, of Grosvenor Gardens
PARISH LINK
The next edition – covering November and December - will be in church - Sunday, 28th October
If you have any items you would like included please send to Anne Reeves by weekend of 19th October
email: [email protected] or hard copy to the Parish Office
or speak to Kate Woodhouse (St Mary’s), Prudie Mennell (Christ Church), Kathy Sheldon (All Saints) or a Churchwarden
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