G R APEVINE
Our fellowship is with Christ and one with another
Summer 2021 No. 204 • We are an organisation for Christian Women linked in our belief in marriage and family life • Our activities are spiritual, intellectual and social • We meet in local branches, regions and nationally • We become friends with shared interests and common values, supporting and encouraging one another • We are ecumenical, and span all ages • Every member matters
Alternative Fellowship Prayer Lord we ask you to watch over our Fellowship and to direct its purposes, Women To be at the centre of all its activities in Fellowship and to fulfil its prayers. welcome you Make it outward looking, compassionate and caring, and enable its members to be united in its aims. www.womeninfellowship.org.uk May the Holy Spirit’s power guide and sustain us and His energy renew and inspire us. For Christ’s sake. Amen CONTENTS
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Central Chairman’s Letter ...... 2 Executive Committee ...... 3 New Members of Executive ...... 5 Editor’s Message ...... 6 National Events and Diary...... 7 Donations/Insurance ...... 10 Treasurer’s Report ...... 11 Financial Statement ...... 12 PAGE 24 Fellowship Retreat ...... 14 National Prayer Hour ...... 15 Cheltenham I St Christopher’s Report ...... 17 Dame Cicely Saunders ...... 19 Branch reports ...... 20-36 From the Grapevine Archive ...... 37 Branch Chairmen ...... 38 Branch Secretaries ...... 40 Scattered Branch List ...... 42 Scattered Branch Report ...... 43 In Memoriam ...... 44 Prayer Sheet...... 45 Out of Lockdown Poem ...... 47 PAGE 23 Literature ...... 48 Bristol III
1 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 CENTRAL CHAIRMAN’S LETTER
Dear Members, organisation? I This has been a year of ups and downs for everyone. sincerely hope Challenge, excitement, emotional times, but above so. The leaflets all, it has meant we have had time to think. which come with this copy I have thought long and hard about what Women in of Grapevine Fellowship means to me and I have come to the give you a way conclusion it makes me feel comfortable and safe. I to think out of know I can ring any of the members in my own the box, branch and I will get the same response. They are all challenge friends, we share a lot... news, gossip, chats about yourself. Who grandchildren and of course those things that happen can you invite in families: tragedies, celebrations and unexpected to join your changes of circumstances. own branch, This week, as I write, starts with ‘International or more importantly, another branch in the country? Women’s Day’ and ends with ‘Mothering Sunday’. Someone who has moved house, a new retiree, a The former states ‘A challenged world is an alert relative or friend. Give or send the leaflet to someone, world and from challenge comes change.’ or put it on your church noticeboard. Are we challenged as an organisation? Some of us If you wish, you can use the white box on the leaflet don’t want to change what we have, but is that fair to to add your local branch name and contact details. our founders who started WF all those years ago? Use it as an opportunity to seek out potential Some may say they didn’t mean us to last over 100 members. (More leaflets are available from the years. Why not? Our predecessors over the decades Literature Secretary should you require them.) have worked hard to sustain and fulfil our brief of This is the time to come up with plans for the future. Spiritual, Intellectual and Social interaction. We are a Over the past year we have realised what the heart of caring Fellowship providing loving and supportive the Fellowship is. Please don’t let me or the friendship which each one of us has enjoyed, Committee down. It is time we all made a particularly this last year. commitment to change. It is extraordinary how Mothering Sunday has been celebrated by the church previous Chairmen over the years have pleaded that since the Middle Ages. Those young people who left branches try to recruit. I realise it’s not easy, but the home to work in service were allowed to go back to buck stops now. We lose two or three groups a year their churches and families on the mid-Sunday in and consequently our numbers are dropping. Lent. The word ‘mothering’ refers to the mother The past year has also been a way for me to church, and this certainly ties in with our own idea of understand the workings of the Executive Committee. Fellowship and taking care of our members within the We wouldn’t have our Grapevine magazine, our Christian family. National Events and our Hospice link without the I have spoken to many branches over the past year dedicated work of my colleagues. Our Scattered and it has been obvious that all have benefitted by Branch members are linked and the finance of the belonging to Women in Fellowship. From the Zoom organisation is carefully controlled. It has been a meetings, the phone calls, the emailing and the challenging time for them too, coping with changes friendship that members have experienced, we have in working and moving diary dates. A huge thank you all enjoyed the care in a challenging time. to all on the Executive Committee and to those in the So can challenge become change? Can we really use background who support us. the last year to reassess what we are as an With love, Emily
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 2 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Central Chairman More information is only available to members of (2020)
Central Treasurer WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP (2020)
Central Secretary (2021)
Editor (2019)
St Christopher’s Charity Representative (2021)
Scattered Branch Secretary (2020)
3 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Vice Chairman (2021) National Events Secretary (2019)
Minutes and Literature Secretary (2019)
Our Website Manager can be contacted via: [email protected]
Please note that any amendments to the membership list for receipt of Grapevine should be sent by email to: [email protected]
Women in Fellowship Statement
Our Fellowship is with Christ and one with another
Women in Fellowship is an interdenominational Christian women’s fellowship. It was founded in 1916 within the Church of England and holds no collective views on political or controversial matters.
The aim is for Christian women to meet together to uphold and share the Christian ideals of fellowship, marriage and family life. The Fellowship is intended to be a source of spiritual strength and refreshment. There shall be a balance between spiritual, social and intellectual activities.
The Fellowship is not a registered charity nor is it a fund-raising organisation.
The Fellowship supports one specific charity, currently national and international education and research at St Christopher’s Hospice in Sydenham, London.
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 4 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
New Members of Executive
Patricia Eveson (Solihull) Central Secretary (2021) I joined Wives’ Fellowship in 1972 and was introduced by my mother-in-law so I have been a member for nearly 50 years. I have held the roles of Secretary and more recently Chairman of Solihull Branch. WF has been a very important part of my life. I am married and have two sons and three grandchildren. I am chair of our local District Residents’ Association and regional fundraiser for The Motor Neurone Disease Association, as I sadly lost my sister to this disease. I am a trained Medical Secretary and still work part-time. I also volunteer at a local foodbank. I am interested in foreign languages and speak French and am studying to speak Spanish. I have passed my RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Skipper theory and practical, as we have our own sailing boat. My hobbies are sailing, playing Bridge and going to the ballet, theatre and concerts.
Frances Farrer-Brown (West Sussex) St Christopher’s Charity Representative (2021) I was born and brought up on the family farm in Oxfordshire. In 1970, I moved to London where I met a gorgeous medical student called David – we married in 1975. After several moves, 42 years ago we ended up in Littlehampton, Sussex, where David was a GP in a nearby village. Ann Bush, the senior partner’s wife promptly signed me up for Wives’ Fellowship. Since then, I have done every job on the committee; even treasurer! Many years ago I was on Wives Executive as the Scattered Members’ Secretary. More recently I wrote the script and helped to organise our Regional Centenary celebrations. Since moving to Sussex I have run a successful Bed and Breakfast business plus a holiday cottage. I’ve been a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for over 20 years, qualified for the South East of England plus Salisbury, Windsor and the East End of London for the Olympics. I’m a trainer and examiner for the Guild of Registered Tourist Guides. Another sideline is giving talks to various groups on a variety of different topics. In our church community I’ve been churchwarden and been heavily involved with fundraising. Our two children and four grandchildren are a constant joy (almost)! David and I enjoy reading, gardening, the theatre, his MG club and walking. Our greatest walking achievement was walking the South West Coast Path with Ann and Peter Bush. It took five years but was well worth it. 1000 Kilometres!
5 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 FELLOWSHIP MATTERS Editor’s Message
I have just looked back at the Editor’s Message ‘Despite all this our Fellowship has continued and has in the last Grapevine and note that I wrote that I been strengthened.’ hoped to see many of you at the Autumn ‘We have learnt much about each other during this Conference that year. Who knew we would still isolation period and look forward to meeting together be under restrictions over a year later? again in the near future.’ We have all had our own experiences of lockdown, ‘Awful as this pandemic has been, our Fellowship for some the chance to slow down was strangely maintains its core values with prayer, support and welcomed. For others who lost loved ones, friendship.’ livelihoods and liberty it was very different. Periods of So after more than a year of Zoom meetings and teas, anxiety and intense loneliness have been experienced virtual church services, the joy of last summer’s by too many for too long. garden get-togethers, and more walks than a normal However, I have been heartened by reading your person would ever take, we can finally begin to look branch reports as it is obvious that members have forward to face to face meetings. I hope you all enjoy done everything they can to sustain our Fellowship, a super summer with family and friends. and your positivity is truly wonderful: Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this ‘Even though we haven’t been able to meet each edition. other as much as we would have liked we still have much to be thankful for.’ ‘The war time spirit was in evidence with a cheerful Carolyn Mills attitude throughout.’ Editor
Branch Reports for Winter Grapevine 2021 Wimbledon, Winchester II, Winchester III, Copy date 30th September 2021 Woldingham, Worcester and Woodbridge. I would like to invite the following branches to send Please include the numbers of members at the top of in their annual report for the next edition of your report and note their category: Members, Grapevine: Honorary or Associate. Photographs should be sent as separate attachments in order that we have the Abergavenny, Bristol II, Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Cheltenham II, Coventry, best possible resolution. Copy should be sent to: East Anglia Scats, Eastbourne, East Cheshire, Epsom, [email protected] Guildford, Harrogate, Herts, Leamington Spa & by 30th September 2021. Thank you. Warwick II, London, Middle Thames, North Cheshire, Please note that any amendments to the North London, Northampton, Rugby I & II, Salisbury membership list for receipt of Grapevine should Plain, Sanderstead, Sherborne, Shrewsbury, South be sent by email to: Trent, Trent, Twickenham, Walton on Thames, [email protected]
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 6 NATIONAL EVENTS/DIARY National Events 2021/2022
Here are the latest updates and dates for your To read the latest news story, click on ‘News’. (The diary. All are subject to alteration. big blue box, third on the top row of boxes.) Due to the ever changing situation, please 3. Or to go to ‘What’s On’. (A big blue box at the check the website for the latest base of the Members’ blue boxes.) information. Click on Events: You need to log in first to be able to read • Look for Find events: View as items for Members’ e.g. News, and more • Change the drop down menu from Month to List about events! • Scroll down to see all Events. www.womeninfellowship.org.uk 4. Choose the event you are interested in, click on it to read about it then follow any links for further 1. On the home page/ first page, scroll down to information. Are you a Women in Fellowship Member? How to book Then log in to the Members’ section by using the Please support your Fellowship: look out for booking following: details on the Women in Fellowship website, and Username: invitations coming to your Branch Secretaries. Password: All on a first come first served basis! 2. Once you are logged in, you can read everything Any queries contact: that is in the Members’ section. [email protected]
Founders’ Meeting – Epsom 18 May 2021 Kindly hosted by Epsom WF at St George’s Church, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 2DA
Epsom WF are hosting Founders’ Meeting speak on ‘Climate change, plastics and other 2021 which is a celebration of our Founders’ human impacts on the planet.’ Day. Epsom WF is very much looking forward to The Meeting will start with a church service at St welcoming you either virtually, or in person (there George’s Church, Ashtead. This event had to be are very limited numbers). postponed last year and the 2021 version will be We are extremely grateful to Epsom WF for different from what had originally been planned offering this opportunity to join together across by Epsom WF. The theme is ’Concern for our our Fellowship, especially in these difficult times Planet,’ and following the service, there will be a with certain restrictions still in place. talk by Dr Colin Summerhayes, who is a well- You can find more information, how to book, known Climate Scientist. Dr Summerhayes will and any updates on the WF website.
7 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 NATIONAL EVENTS/DIARY
Autumn Conference The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Alfreton, Derbyshire 6-7 October 2021
Women in Fellowship are looking forward to Bletchley Park and about the Enigma machine; welcoming you to Autumn Conference 2021, Lesley Smith, Curator of Tutbury Castle, who is which was postponed from 2020. well known for her highly entertaining and This year we are trialling a new way of running this informative costumed portrayals of a variety of conference, as it will all be at one venue. historical characters – this time as Peggy Knight, a The 2 day conference will include accommodation, 1940’s WWII Special Operations Executive: an a service, speakers and all meals from afternoon extraordinary woman whose story of immense tea on day 1 to afternoon tea on day 2. courage and dignity in the face of the most The Hayes Christian Conference Centre is set in dangerous situations is both breath-taking and beautiful Derbyshire countryside and is a peaceful remarkable. rural retreat set in 100 acres. Professor Rosalie David OBE who is Emeritus The conference is being organised by the Women Professor of Egyptology at The University of in Fellowship Executive Committee along with the Manchester. The focus of her career has been the Northern group of branches, to which we are establishment of a new university specialization- extremely grateful indeed. (Northumbria, biomedical research within the field of Egyptology. Lancaster, Sheffield, East Cheshire and North She will be revealing some mysteries of Egyptian Cheshire.). Mummies as revealed through Modern Science. The theme is “Mysteries revealed”. More about the speakers and the conference can Our speakers include: be found on the website. Look out for updates on Dr Mark Baldwin, also known as Dr Enigma: an this event and when the booking will be open. All international and professional speaker, who will be events are dependent on Covid secure revealing some of the mysteries on the work of restrictions/regulations.
Women in Fellowship Diary
2021 20th May Founders’ Meeting Epsom and online 6-7th October Autumn Conference The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick 2022 23-25th March Fellowship Retreat Launde Abbey 27th April AGM Benn Hall, Rugby 25th May Founders’ Meeting Shrewsbury WF 14-21st September Oberammergau Pilgrimage Austria
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 8 NATIONAL EVENTS/DIARY
UPDATE: Oberammergau Passion Play In connection with the play organisers, McCabe, the trip to see the Passion Play has been rescheduled to September 14 – 21st 2022
Thirty-one from the forty-five booked on our original trip have signed up again. I am in the process of filling further places from those on my waiting list. I reckon I have about 8-10 places still available at time of writing. The cost of the trip is £1,730 per person sharing double or twin room. You can fly from either Manchester or Heathrow. Please note: there are no single rooms left at the Inntalerhof Hotel in Mosern where we stay for the rest of the time. Everyone has to share a room the night after the play when we stay in the village. All details are in the brochure posted on the WF website.
www.bavaria-oberammergau-passion-play www.mccabe-travel.co.uk
AGM – 27th April 2022 at Benn Hall, Rugby Note for your diary
9 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 DONATIONS/INSURANCE Donations Requests
The following statement from WF Executive seeks As the Fellowship supports St Christopher’s Hospice to clarify the position regarding donation requests we are very aware that the application of the above from speakers. rule can create difficulties when inviting speakers Donation Requests from other charities to give a presentation at a Fellowship meeting. Extract from the Fellowship Statement Collections at such events would be at odds with this The Fellowship is not a registered charity nor is it a rule that designates the Fellowship as non- fund-raising organisation. fundraising under its Constitution. The Fellowship supports one specific charity, currently The speaker should be made fully aware beforehand national and international education and research at St of the above extract from the Constitution so that no Christopher’s Hospice in Sydenham, London. confusion arises. It is open to the branch to offer a Our Constitution states: speakers fee. 9.1. Women in Fellowship is not a registered charity, Whilst the speaker can be available should an nor is it a fund-raising organisation. individual member of the audience wish to discuss 9.2. Women in Fellowship supports one specific the work and funding of the charity at the conclusion charity: St. Christopher’s Hospice in Sydenham, of the talk, and literature can be provided, there London. should be no direct request for funding.
Women in Fellowship Insurance Policy
The renewal of this policy was due in March When hiring a hall you should check that this is the 2021. As this policy is only for public liability in a case. case of negligence by a member of WF, in the • Meetings in member’s homes would usually be current situation, it was deemed a non-essential covered by household insurance. WF liability was expense. This decision will be reviewed in confined to third parties i.e. a member of the public, September. or a public building. WF was not liable for injury to If you are intending to meet before September the its own members or members’ homes as neither is in following will apply: the public domain. • All responsible public places, which can be hired, will have their own public liability insurance and will also be insured against fire etc.
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 10 TREASURER’S REPORT
General Fund set-aside for any designated purpose. The 2020 surplus on General Fund was £4,628 The Executive Committee continues to consider this (2019 deficit £8,532). carefully and have agreed that there will be no charge to branches for the 2022 quota. The change on the previous year has arisen due to: Designated Fund (BOC Fund) £28,000 • The cancellation of the national AGM and therefore no travel costs for delegates. The Executive Committee recommend that this fund is used to pay the quota charge for 2022; this will • Due to the pandemic, the Executive Committee include any extra copies of Grapevine. The use of the has not met in person since March 2020 and so fund in this manner would be of benefit to every travel costs and event expenses have been greatly member of the Fellowship. reduced. This would leave approximately £8,000 in the fund to With the pandemic extending well into 2021 there be decided on at a future date. will also be a surplus for this year. It was expected, in normal circumstances, that due to falling Branch Accounts membership numbers and higher costs, there would The Executive Committee has decided that it is no have been a deficit over the next few years. longer necessary for branches to have their accounts We therefore expect that the accumulated General independently examined. Some branches may prefer to continue to do this and we will amend the Branch Fund, which is currently £70,920, to have increased Treasurer Guidelines to reflect this. by the end of 2021. This is a substantial amount of money for an Rosarii Sabido organisation to be holding and which has not been Central Treasurer, April 2021
Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received – only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage
St Francis of Assisi
11 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 FINANCIAL STATEMENT for the year ended 31 December 2020
Income and expenditure
2020 2019
General Fund £ £ £ £ Income Quotas 19,808 21,291 Advertising 87 Sale of literature (net) 108 882 Decrease in value of stock held - (247) Magazine sales for honorary members 511 476 Autumn Conference 2020 (1,019) - Founders’ Meeting 2019 (net) - 189 Founders’ Meeting 2020 (net) 650 - Retreat 2019 (net) - 165 Retreat 2020 (net) (1,186) - St. Christopher's Bursary Day (net) - 71 Bank interest 436 787
19,308 23,701
Less: Expenditure AGM expenses (net) (60) 43 AGM travel expenses delegates - 3,891 Event expenses – Executive Committee 1,175 2,039 Travel expenses - Executive Committee 917 6,852 Sundry expenses - Executive Committee 171 660 2,263 9,551 Postage and stationery 579 677 Website and hosting fees 864 3,734 Magazine costs 8,428 7,322 Independent examiner's fee 1,080 1,020 Insurance 936 712 Sundry expenses 116 50 Donation to St Christopher’s 474 5,233
14,680 32,233
Surplus/(deficit) on General Fund 4,628 (8,532)
Total surplus/(deficit) 4,628 (8,532)
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 12 FINANCIAL STATEMENT for the year ended 31 December 2020
Balance Sheet
2020 2019
Note £ £ £ £ Current assets Stock 3 1,257 871 Debtors and prepayments 4 4,039 10,688 Cash at bank and in hand 5 96,989 106,199 102,285 117,758
Current liabilities Accruals 6 1,080 1,020 Creditors 6 1,667 21,828 2,747 22,848
Net current assets 99,538 94,910
Net assets 99,538 94,910
Funds General fund 7 70,920 66,292 Branch officers' conference fund 7 28,618 28,618
Total Funds 99,538 94,910
13 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 FELLOWSHIP RETREAT Fellowship Retreat at Home – Tuesday 16th March 2021
This year, the Fellowship Retreat took place via complement with a nominated person from each Zoom. group giving a synopsis of the discussion. There were The Rev Pamela Soult, a member of Cambridge three breakout groups during the day and one of the WF, led the Retreat with 41 members taking part. questions in the final session was ’Why do you think Pamela said she had done a course on how to that Mary of Magdala has excited so much interest operate Zoom and she certainly appeared cool and attention from secular people in our culture?’ and calm and very well able to cope with this now Another question was ‘Mary recognised Jesus when well-known computer meeting room! he spoke her name - do you ever have the sense that The Theme was ‘Women in the bible and their God knows your name and is aware of your influence on others.’ Jesus drew a large number of concerns?’ women to his gatherings and those particularly Lively discussion took place in each of the breakout singled out, such as Mary Magdalene, the sisters sessions; we could have gone on a lot longer had Mary and Martha of Bethany etc, were discussed in there been time. The day was split into three three break-out groups during the day. Other women sessions, interspersed with a coffee break and chat in who appear in the gospels were mentioned, for the morning, an hour’s lunch break when we had time instance the woman in the crowd who touched Jesus to go for a quick walk round the block or have lunch knowing that he would heal her. Some of the women in the garden (it was a lovely sunny day in north about whom we talked appear to have had money and Worcestershire!), and a general chat before starting status, running their own businesses and trading. The session three in the afternoon. Rev Pamela referred to a book by Trevor Dennis, ‘The The final part of the day was an Act of Worship led by Gospel beyond the Gospels’ indicating how much the Rev Pamela. Having attended Zoom services run influence some women played during Jesus’s time, by my local church for the past 12 months, I found it travelling around and preaching. Joanna, wife of very moving to attend this WF Retreat service, being Chusa, who appeared to have her own money, was amongst good friends/fellow members and sharing mentioned. Much is made today and, indeed, over our thoughts together. Memories of past WF Retreats many years, of Mary Magdalene possibly being a were strongly in mind, and I look forward very much prostitute, but is this really the case? There is no hint to being able to see everyone again in the flesh. in the bible of her being such a woman, and it was suggested that she may have been rather a lost soul Very many thanks to Ann Constable for making this who was looking for genuine love and understanding, Retreat possible, and a big thank-you to Rev Pamela which she found in Jesus. Mary, Martha and Lazarus Soult for leading it so thoughtfully. were also discussed at length. Their household is an Mita Johnson interesting one in which it appears that Mary is the head of the household, but where did her money and status come from? How was she able to hold banquets and be a host to all and sundry while her sister, Martha, complained that she herself was left to do all the preparations and wash the dishes. We were asked to think who we thought we might be of the two of them, a Martha or a Mary? During the breakout groups, a series of questions were posed, after which we came back to our full
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 14 NATIONAL PRAYER HOUR National Prayer Hour – February 3rd 2021
Hundreds of WF members joined together in the first WF National Prayer Hour, with over 40 branches taking part in one way or another. It is possibly the largest ‘Fellowship gathering’ since the 2016 Centenary event. This was a historic moment in which our Fellowship came together to pray in these challenging times. The significant difference to previous large events was that this time everyone was in their own home. Together on Zoom was just one part of this very special and uplifting hour, which Members at prayer helped us feel more connected across our are some quotes from members which sum up the Fellowship. Prayers were submitted by branches, with event: many written by members. Readers from branches • ‘It drew us together and helped us to feel took part with a total of 84 people on screen and connected in prayer and fellowship.’ some individual branches held their own Prayer Hour • ‘A wonderful idea...and such lovely, inspiring texts via Zoom using the prayer sheet. Other branches held and music, just what we all need. And how lovely to remote meetings, when they prayed together at the be able to keep re-reading such carefully chosen allotted time. For many members they chose to pray words and verses. I am sure the whole membership individually at that hour. Members were invited to must have appreciated it as much as I did.’ light a candle at the end of the hour. • ‘It was so refreshing and powerful to be alongside The video of the hour can be viewed on our website. all our WF members with a common purpose at a (The ‘Watch the WF National Prayer Hour video’ news common time. What a wonderful collection of story can be found using the search box at top right of heartfelt prayers, it was a truly uplifting experience.’ screen.) We are delighted that many prayers have • ‘It was heart-warming to see so many taking part been shared and continue to be used. Madeleine across the country in an hour of prayer for our Tattersall (London WF) who first thought of using our nation. The prayers were an excellent mix of praise WF combined praying power in these difficult times and prayer and, in the difficult days we find ourselves commented that ‘It worked beyond my expectations!’ in, it was good to join together as a Fellowship to The Prayer Hour was led by Jill Bell from hand our concerns and petitions to Almighty God.’ Haywards Heath WF with Zoom technical assistance • ‘What a wonderful occasion, immensely moving – from Chris Bell. We are very grateful to them both our Fellowship at its best. And lovely to see the faces indeed and to Jackie Heaton who collated all the of some dear friends on Zoom.’ prayers, as I could not have done this by myself. The music was provided by Belle Voci who kindly gave • ‘What an uplifting morning of prayer! It was permission for their version of ’The Lord Bless you wonderful and powerful to see and hear so many of and Keep you’ to be included. us women all praying together on Zoom and to think of those praying in their branches as well. Some very I was delighted that the event was so well received beautiful and moving prayers. Please pass on my and it proved to be an amazing hour. I do not need to heartfelt thanks; it was a privilege to be a part of this write anymore in my report as the words of members event as it is to be a member of the Fellowship.’ say it all for me. Thank you for the feedback and here
15 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 NATIONAL PRAYER HOUR
• ‘What a morning! Amazing. Very uplifting indeed! Fab, fab, fab.’ • ‘It was lovely and I found it very moving. And it was so nice to see faces again!’ • ’That was a wonderful occasion. The shared Faith. The Trust. The Love. We are truly blessed.’ • ‘It was a truly refreshing event away from home schooling and daily chores. The power of prayer was most certainly stronger with us altogether.’ • ‘It has been a special time of fellowship with you all as I thought of each branch and their needs as we prayed.’ Emily Hutchings at Prayer Hour • ‘The time together was refreshing and one of peace peace descended. Thank you for providing us all with and being uplifted. A time to stop and appreciate all this wonderful opportunity to join together on our we have around us and pray for others at this time.’ spiritual journey and to offer hope, encouragement • ‘I just want to say how moving the Prayer Hour and reaffirmation of some of the most important was. The choice of readings was excellent and I tenets of Women in Fellowship for all to share. I found it quite moving.’ suspect that there will be many who took their • ‘Just to say thank you very much for this morning’s invisible places at the altar and felt the virtual loving meeting. From a snowy North Yorkshire, I loved comfort of the thoughts of members far and wide. As hearing and seeing members from afar who I would is so often the case the answers to prayer are seldom never see at a meeting. The whole session was tangible but no less valuable for that.’ beautifully arranged and I appreciate how much The final quotes are ‘Can we do it again one day!?’ thought had gone into it. It was quite moving to think that WF was started in similar circumstances. Thank ‘Maybe a couple of extra national events? Because of you.’ the introduction of Zoom, this would allow those members who don't or can't travel to stay overnight to • ‘I just thought I should write to let you know that as experience the wider Fellowship.’ someone who did not choose to join the actual Zoom gathering last Wednesday, I found the structure of the This sentiment has been shared by many and at the event and the wonderful prayers were a real tonic. As time of writing planning for future ‘on line’ events is I sat quietly at my kitchen table with the prayer sheet taking place. in front of me, the feeling of a great togetherness with Ann Constable the whole Fellowship seemed palpable and a great National Events Secretary
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WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 16 ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOSPICE St Christopher’s Hospice Report
Normally, I would be providing a report on the Research annual WF visit to St Christopher’s but, due to The bulk of donations, £35K to £40K, is spent on Covid-19, it had to be cancelled. We hope that the research. Each year St Christopher’s put forward 2021 visit will be able to take place in the autumn. costed proposals for research which is generally Instead, this report, concentrates on the use of carried out in partnership with others. Dissemination the donations from branches to St Christopher’s. of the findings of the research across the UK is taken In addition to this report, there is an article in very seriously. The need for the research to be Grapevine written by Jenny Fogarty who leads the St relevant across the UK is an essential criterion when Christopher’s CARE team. That article gives an considering whether to fund a research project overview of how St Christopher’s has succeeded in proposed by St Christopher’s. carrying out its work in spite of the pandemic. £13K of the 2017/18 funding was allocated to It is perhaps important to make clear that WF is not support the ECHO project which aimed to build skills involved with all St Christopher’s activities. Our across primary care and hospice staff around end of funding only supports training and research which life care and system wide improvement. The ECHO relates directly to the whole UK and/or overseas. It is network has been of great value during the past year not contributing to the care of patients at St (See Jane Fogarty’s article). Christopher’s or capital projects. The other project to which £22k of the 2017/18 Donations usually amount to around £40K to £50K donations were allocated was designed to improve each year. However, the donations for 2020 the end of life for people living in social housing with amounted to £53,200, which is an excellent outcome care needs. It is being run in conjunction with at this difficult time. The WF donations are split Octavia Housing which provides accommodation for between Bursary Students and Research Projects. people with dementia and complex health needs. Part Bursary Students of this project has been completed but it was paused The funding for Bursary students amounts to £10K to due to Covid-19. There is some final evaluation to be £15K each year. In a normal year, between 3 and 5 undertaken and a conference with a publication is students from poorer countries are fully funded for a planned to complete this project. This will be done one-week Multi-Professional course followed by one as soon as all the Covid restrictions are lifted. week working with St Christopher’s staff from their The 2018/19 funding is supporting two research own discipline. The Multi-Professional Week projects as well as bursaries. £15,000 was allocated concentrates on the principles and practice in to a project which is developing an app which palliative care. It is attended by a wide range of provides a virtual tour of St Christopher’s. This students from many countries but WF only funds a project will complete by April 2021. The remaining small number who would otherwise not be able to funding was allocated to the initial work on a major attend. In 2020, no students attended in person but care project. Over the next three years, WF donations online teaching and learning was provided. It is will be providing support for this project which will hoped that these students will visit St Christopher’s be investigating the needs of carers, developing a when it is safe to do so. A report on the outcomes has learning and education programme for carers and been promised. rolling it out across the UK.
17 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOSPICE
Read about how St Christopher’s developed its teaching and learning programmes during the pandemic An update on education for Women in Fellowship
This year has provided health and social care professionals globally, with unprecedented challenges. The response of clinicians around the world to the Covid-19 pandemic has been extraordinary. When in March it became clear we would no longer be able to provide face to face learning, we quickly pivoted to virtual learning, appreciating the huge demand and need for support. Since March, we’ve delivered 20 webinars and learning sessions for audiences both here in south east London as well as The Education Leadership Team' internationally, all in line with our mission to promote that other homes are experiencing the same thing.” end of life care of the highest standard. Hundreds of Marie Rose Ntigura, Head of Palliative Care at GPs, nurses and healthcare assistants have all been Mazabuka General Hospital in Zambia, says: “St able to benefit from the practical, accessible and Christopher’s Multiprofessional Academy course was tailored webinars and bitesize learning packages. The a great opportunity which not only improved my pandemic placed professionals in a position where conception of palliative care but also provided me they were dealing with death and dying on a scale with new skills, knowledge and confidence through they had never experienced before. Our online educational meetings with a variety of passionate offering, including sessions on advance care palliative care providers with various expertise from planning, identifying and managing terminal all over the world.” agitation, and wellbeing, resilience and self- care, provided them with skills, knowledge, confidence and To coincide with the opening of the new education strength to deliver the very best care they could in centre, known as St Christopher’s CARE (the Centre these most challenging of circumstances. for Awareness and Response into End-of-life), we’ll launch the app funded by Women in Fellowship that As we look to develop and build further on our will provide access to the past, present and future of portfolio of virtual learning content, we’ve now St Christopher’s. Users can learn about our history introduced a subscription model for GPs and nurses, and that of the modern hospice movement as well as giving them access to the existing library as well as take a tour of the hospice’s most notable features. future sessions. We’ll also be starting the three-year project for Our monthly ECHO sessions for care homes have Carers, funded by Women in Fellowship, designed to been particularly appreciated. Throughout the support and best equip those caring for people pandemic 530 people from 103 care homes have approaching the end of life. accessed 25 sessions and benefited from the unique The end goal of this project is to develop and mix of expert clinical knowledge, hands-on, practical establish a Carers’ Learning and Education problem-solving and the reassurance that they’re not Programme that can be delivered and shared locally facing the pandemic alone. Gemma Weldon, and nationally, both face to face and virtually. Manager of Park Avenue Care Home in Bromley, said: “The ECHO sessions have been amazing, especially And finally, as we look to the future and the next during Covid when they’ve been a fantastic support generation of healthcare professionals, in July 2020, for the home. It’s so easy to feel alone and not realise 31 school leavers and young people, keen to
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 18 ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOSPICE discover more about job opportunities in health and We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the social care in the community, completed our Focus Women in Fellowship for your ongoing support – on End of Life Care programme (previously known as both financial and your belief in us. We really the Summer School), and will receive a City & Guilds couldn’t do it without you. accredited certificate. Jenny Fogarty St Christopher’s CARE Lead Dame Cicely Saunders
St Christopher’s Hospice, founded by The next big step came when she was told Cicely Saunders, has been supported that she could not influence people with by Wives’ Fellowship, Senior Wives’ her developing ideas unless she and now Women in Fellowship since qualified as a doctor. So, in spite of her 1975. Although many WF members lack of a scientific background, she know a great deal about Cicely was eventually accepted as a student Saunders and indeed some met her at St Thomas’s. In her clinical years, during her life, others have only a she came into contact with cancer vague understanding about her life, patients and developed insights into work and her Christian faith. This their needs, building on her experience note is intended to fill in some of the as a nurse, an almoner, a doctor and a gaps. Christian. She developed an interest in Cicely Saunders was born in 1918 into an writing and research with her first publication upper middle class family of considerable means. in 1957. She later worked at St Joseph’s, a Catholic She attended Roedean and went on to Oxford, but left Home which was to influence her religious outlook. to train as a nurse at St Thomas’s at the beginning of She expanded her research work as well as caring for the war. The physical work she undertook led to a patients. She introduced methods which would be seriously bad back problem and eventually she had to adopted for St Christopher’s. She remained there accept that she would not be able to pursue her until 1965 by which time she had developed wide career as a nurse. She returned to Oxford and and influential connections which enabled her to find completed her degree. It was here that her Christian funding and support for the establishment of St faith developed through her membership of the Christopher’s in 1967. Socratic Club of which CS Lewis was the president. There were problems both financial and After Oxford she decided to train as an Almoner. organisational in the early years of the hospice but During that time, she had a group of friends who drew her rather unconventional approach seemed to work. her into the Evangelical wing of the church. She was She ran the hospice at the same time as carrying out a firm follower of this tradition for the next 15 years. considerable research. She eventually met and Her work as an almoner led her to close contact with married a Polish artist who became a central part of those who were dying and particularly to a Polish her life. man to whom she became much attached while The nature of palliative care has developed greatly caring for him (beyond her duties as an almoner) since then. St Christopher’s has thrived, providing during his final months. This seems to have greatly both in-patient and out-patient hospice care and affected her approach to the care of the dying. She extending out into the community. It is recognised as became a volunteer with the Salvation Army, regularly a centre of excellence in multi-disciplinary care and visiting patients at St Luke’s home (a terminal care for its wide range of education, training and research, home) for the next 7 years. Here she learnt about not only in South East London but also across the UK pain control. and overseas.
19 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 BRANCH REPORTS
BATH – 25 Members,2 Honorary Members and 2 Associate Member
‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it quizzes, sharing encouragements and recently Zoom was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness. lectures. Now while celebrating vaccinations we look It was the epoch of belief; it was the epoch of forward to reality meetings. incredulity’. (Dickens) This last year has been difficult to sum up as we have had to adapt our meetings and fellowship to incorporate the changes forced upon us. However in true WF style we rose to the challenge. In May we had our first meeting by Zoom, congratulations to all who mastered the technology. We shared experiences of neighbourhood VE Day celebrations with Robina baking gingerbread for her neighbours, Shirley sharing a two minute silence on her community green and Jill with her husband dancing on their terrace to 40’s music. For Ascension we shared a virtual service so proving that worship can take place on social media. We Poetry recipes continued with various Zoom meetings, a book quiz guessing the source of the chosen reading. Then sharing favourite recipes. This proved to be our triumph as we combined the recipes with a poetry challenge to create a book. Most members contributed with recipes and original poetry. So with pictures of our summer garden lunch parties and group tea party, we printed a book! So everyone now has a copy of our achievements. (We used our subscriptions to pay for the printing). Thus proving in times of adversity we pull together. We continue our fellowship with amusing Zoom Summer lunch party
BIRMINGHAM – 65 Members, 8 Honorary Members and 1 Associate Member
I am going to begin by stating the obvious; we have then turned our thoughts to organising our Pancake had a quiet year! The good news is that although we Party, which was enjoyed by many of our members, sadly lost an honorary member (Anne Kenrick) during and we even allowed some husbands to attend. 2020, the membership is still largely healthy, As it turned out the next event was to be our last from buoyant and moving in the right direction. the official programme; but I am happy to report that We began the year with a well attended coffee we did go out on a high note. Our Lenten talk was morning; always a popular, relaxing event after the given by a local priest, associated with Edgbaston rigours of Christmas. The AGM followed and all Old Church, the Reverend Saskia Barnden, and it was attending appreciated a short film on the newly a wonderful talk. It incorporated all her journeys canonised Cardinal John Henry Newman, which was through life to date, and was presented with humour narrated by the husband of one of our members. We and additional poetry; we were spoilt. Then of course
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 20 BRANCH REPORTS came ‘Lockdown 1’ as we now know it. During that more events would have to go. Slowly, one by lockdown we kept in touch with each other as best we one, we abandoned our programme; we held out could by email and phone, the committee even held a hope for our annual Carol concert, but sadly that had committee meeting via Google! As soon as we could, to go too. So even though we haven’t been able to we arranged a Garden Coffee Morning for a small meet each other as much as we would have liked we group of members and this was so successful we still have much to be thankful for. Best of all we have arranged more, and many thanks to everyone who lent a pre-arranged programme ready and waiting to be their gardens. rolled out. During the summer people were able to meet up to play golf or bridge, and we switched our internet committee meeting to a garden meeting on a lovely sunny morning in August. We looked at the programme and started to think about when we could pick it up again and what extra measures might we need in place. As it turned out, as the American novelist Michael Chabon said, ‘Man makes plans ... and God laughs.’ By the time we hit September and our Garden Coffee morning had to be cancelled due to the entirely foul weather, the committee realised Pancake party
BLACKHEATH I – 37 Members
The past year has changed us all in a number of Our first morning meeting was well attended and different ways. Many of our members have strictly there was much exchange of Christmas and New Year followed the government’s guidance on self-isolation Activities. At our next meeting, we invited an and have remained indoors. The absence of visitors inspirational and incredible speaker, a man of devout and little or no change in scenery has caused severe faith. He spoke of the severe liver problems and loneliness. We have tried to remedy this by telephone transplant he had had and how they had influenced and internet contact with every member. Each week, a his spirituality and approach to life. different member circulates a prayer, adding any The Reminiscence Centre in the village reaches out to personal news of local information, to all members. schools, homes for the elderly, hosts the local library In addition, each committee member has a group of and sells refreshments. One of our members members to be contacted on a regular basis. arranged a visit and talk on the Centre’s current work Members also forward interesting pieces of music, and future projects. poetry, jokes, local information etc, to all. Two Our last meeting before lockdown was a joint Lenten members, who are not on the internet, are contacted Church Service with Blackheath II. We were uplifted by phone or post. by a rousing homily and enormously enjoyed the We are fortunate that members have kept well during following luncheon. these difficult days, with the exception of two ladies Alas the proposed dinner in aid of St Christopher’s who had a short stay in hospital. Hospice had to be cancelled as had the remaining We look back nostalgically to January 2020. A drinks year’s programme. party for partners and friends was hugely enjoyed at We have learnt much about each other during this Stone House. Good wishes for the coming year were isolation period and look forward to meeting together exchanged. again in the near future.
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BLACKHEATH II – 19 Members
This last year has certainly been challenging for all of us and has, of course, meant that we have had to approach our everyday lives in a totally different way. Our Lenten programme of events continued as planned until the second half of March. It began with the ever-lively AGM accompanied by a delicious lunch provided by 3 of our members. This was followed by a trip to the Mary Quant exhibition at the V&A museum which took us on a trip down memory lane to admire the style and fashions of the 1960s created by the Blackheath born fashion icon. The 11th February saw us meeting on a cold, blustery day for a guided walk of the south side of Blackheath, kindly led by Jonathan Causer. A consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Graeme Groom, Garden lunch talked to us about his Middle Eastern project, eloquently guiding us through the complex a little, bring and share lunches in three gardens took manoeuvres required in reaching and teaching young place, where we all kept our social distance! A fund- doctors in Gaza. raising meal in aid of St Christopher’s Hospice, again We were grateful to have been able to meet with for 6 outdoors, took place in the Martin’s garden. A Blackheath I at St Alphège’s in Greenwich for our veritable feast! joint Lenten service and to share lunch afterwards We were able to meet for our joint autumn service which they kindly provided. This was just before the held at St Mary's Cresswell Park. lockdown, which meant that the programme planned Jonathan Causer nobly guided us around Greenwich for the summer could not go ahead, with the Park for our second meeting, undaunted by the restrictions imposed. challenging weather conditions! On 27th October, Once the ‘normality’ had set in, Zoom calls were set and just before the 2nd lockdown, we enjoyed a up initially for an informal catch-up, and then guided visit to the fascinating Wernher Collection at followed by a talk by John Heath on D-Day landings the Ranger's House by Greenwich Park. in June 1944 based on the recollections of his father; And so our year came to an abrupt halt. Our usual John Martin as quizmaster on our local knowledge Christmas gathering with Blackheath I was not able to and then another on sharing good books that had take place, and we hope that meeting in person will been read in lockdown. When restrictions were lifted soon become the norm again.
Rule of six Yummy puds
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 22 BRANCH REPORTS
BRISTOL III – 39 Members and 1 Honorary Member 2020 started with an inspirational joint talk with charity is advising the script writers of the Archers on Bristol I and II about the Jessie May Children’s their modern day slavery storyline. A meeting entitled Hospice at Home Charity, offering children and ‘Bring a glove and tell a story about its history’ parents support and practical help. This was followed resulted in an intimate meeting. We were invited to a by a thought provoking joint Lent meeting given by virtual joint service with WF II. Our Christmas Canon Bruce Saunders entitled ‘The Threefulness of meeting also took place on Zoom with members God.’ Then as Covid restrictions took hold, our reading various seasonal poems and extracts and planned programme had to be adapted or postponed listening to recorded carols. and our future meetings took place virtually, A couple of times during the year we were able, when organised by our Chairman Caroline Wynne-Willson, the rules were relaxed, to meet outside for a socially who quickly and ably, got to grips with the delights of distanced coffee, but thank goodness for Zoom, Zoom! emails and the telephone, all have helped us to keep One of our members, Jane Gill, who is an author, aka in touch and support each other. Jane Schemilt, talked very interestingly about Our hope is that during 2021 we may once again be ‘Characterisation in Novels,’ where we learnt how able to meet up in person. authors weave around 8 stereotypical characters into a novel. We watched a video from magician Jamie Balfour-Paul, who let us into the secret of some of his magic tricks for Syrian child refugees. We took part in a workshop on Origami given by Smiley Origami. David Stephenson gave us his postponed Lent talk ‘Praying, believing and living in an age of climate and ecological emergency,’ outlining the proposition that lockdown has shown that we have a capacity to adapt and live at a slower pace. There was a talk by ‘Unseen’ which is a South West charity which supports victims of trafficking and modern slavery; they gave us some shocking statistics. We learnt the Zoom meeting
CANTERBURY – 32 Members and 2 Honorary Members Well! We started the year with a wonderful programme planned - anticipating a year of fun, food and fellowship but, as we all know, that wasn’t to be! In February however, we did manage an informal meeting when members shared their wedding memories – their own or of family or friends – and much laughter and fun was had looking at photos of special family days in the past. We always find that our informal meetings are a way of tying ourselves together by sharing our life experiences. After that we had to cancel meeting after meeting and our contact during that time was through telephone Tea party
23 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 BRANCH REPORTS calls and emails. With the slight relaxing of us able to meet together online and have some fun, restrictions in the summer months we enjoyed small chatter and fellowship. It was a real morale booster! tea parties of 6 – socially distanced - in various Our committees meeting were also held on Zoom – it committee members’ gardens on a glorious sunny was great to be able to keep in touch in this way. We afternoon. How lovely it was to see each other and plan more meetings on Zoom in the coming months catch up with our news. As the year went on we and hopefully as the year progresses we shall be able joined the wonderful world of Zoom meetings. We to resume our meetings and see each other face to managed to have a branch coffee morning with 22 of face. What a joy that will be!!
CHELTENHAM I – 42 Members, 3 Honorary Members
What a year! I don’t know if it is a year to remember despite our age profile. Fortune shined on us in the or a year to forget but definitely the year of the shape of the husband of our Programme Secretary Pandemic. It started much as usual with our normal who had a Zoom licence and very kindly set up our AGM with planning all set out for the year ahead. We full schedule of Zoom meetings. These meetings were entertained in February with talks on the work of were surprisingly well attended and it enabled even a Lady Almoner followed by ‘The Gardens of China elderly members to take part. The war time spirit was Ancient and Modern.’ Our sister group, Cheltenham in evidence with a cheerful attitude throughout. II, hosted an entertaining joint meeting with a talk on the subject of ‘Fortitude and Fancy.’ Then the bombshell of Covid-19 hit us and we were forced into lockdown. All meetings were cancelled and we embarked on a journey using technology. The cohesive spirit of the group came to the fore and the Committee, through their dedicated efforts, kept in touch by various means: telephone, email, letter and walks. When government restrictions allowed, we met in small groups, for socially distanced get-togethers outside. Our small walking groups flourished. We held our first Zoom Committee meeting on 4th of June, and we went from strength to strength using Zoom with almost every member engaged online Tea party
Socially distanced Zooming
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 24 BRANCH REPORTS
CHELTENHAM III – 44 Members and 1 Honorary Member For Cheltenham III, the year began with great expectations. We had a new programme full of promise. We managed to hold three meetings before the first lock-down. One talk by Prof Colin Terrell on Brain Research, informed us of six findings on how to increase or maintain a healthy blood supply to the brain: A good night’s sleep (don’t eat 4 hrs before bedtime; lower the lights 30 minutes before sleep; get up at same time each day) Physical exercise (try to walk 2.5 hours a week; walk just a bit faster than normal; swimming; dancing; Pittville Pump Room golf; sport in general) wives. During a short hiatus at the end of summer, 17 Social activity (dancing; join a choir; gardening club; of us managed to meet up in Pittville Park for a play bridge) socially-distanced lunch, just before restrictions were Brain exercise (doing crosswords, Sudoku etc. Only tightened again. Our November meeting, via Zoom, good when done with others. Avoid isolating attended by 27 members, informed us about activities) Cheltenham’s ‘Open Door’, a charity for the homeless Volunteering (everyone feels good) and/or unemployed, which provides meals in a safe Drink tea (at least twice per day) environment with caring support. In December, our Next, we were treated to ‘Adventures in Nepal’, a Committee worked hard to present a Christmas Zoom spectacular slideshow presented by one of our meeting of carols, a Christmas quiz, poetry, and a members. Then we joined Cheltenham II for a Christmas floral demonstration. Despite all the odds, meeting about Henry VIII and his more significant attendance in 2020 was excellent.
CHICHESTER – 27 Members, 2 Honorary Members and 1 Associate Member The ‘Lockdown’ of 2020/21 could not have come at a ourselves out and find a way forward. We have kept in more difficult time for us in Chichester. We find touch with each other by email; we held two garden ourselves without a chairman, secretary and tea parties last year and have produced three branch committee; we are geographically widespread and do newsletters. We live in a beautiful part of the country, not have the expertise to zoom or hold virtual have the sea and the cathedral on our doorstep and meetings. However, it is not all gloom and doom, feel confident our members will step up, so that our and as soon as we can, we will meet to sort next branch report will be more positive.
COTSWOLD – 39 Members The age and vulnerability of much of our membership line AGM. has made this last year one in which we have had to We are planning a farewell garden party in July and it be circumspect in our planning. is a testament to the affection in which Women in It became apparent, part way through the year, that Fellowship is held that some of our members intend with no new members able to take on key committee to join one of the Cheltenham branches or become roles, with great reluctance, we would need to close Scattered Branch Members. the branch and this decision was formalised at our on
25 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 BRANCH REPORTS
HAYWARDS HEATH – 46 Members and 2 Honorary Members
Along with the whole of the UK, our Fellowship has had an unexpected and very difficult year due to the COVID -19 pandemic. We have been lucky in that our membership has stayed relatively healthy despite the eye watering numbers of people dying from the virus. We did, however, very sadly lose Lucie Richards, Audrey Caisley and Ann Tillard who were all members for many years. Four other members decided not to renew their membership. Despite the hard work of Sara Crichton and Anita From November, on most Monday afternoons, we Charles with the interesting programme, we only have organised a successful telephone rota so that we managed to hold three Zoom meetings in the year are all keeping in touch with each other. thanks to the pandemic. These were contributions On 14th September we held our Autumn Service at St from our members on their interesting ancestors, a Margaret’s Church, Ifield and for those members who fascinating talk on The Crystal Palace by Ian Gledhill, did not feel able to attend, it was recorded. We have and talks from four members on special moments in also held two well produced Zoom Services for their lives. Despite the lack of meetings, the Remembrance, and Nine Lessons and Carols, which Committee worked hard to keep in touch with all our were well received. members and help anyone that was in need. We Our committee is still struggling to find new organised various Flock coffee/tea meetings outside members. To help, we no longer have a deputy in our gardens which were well received. A walk Chairman, have a paid Treasurer, and members are around Chailey Common with a socially distanced taking on responsibilities from the committee to ease lunch outside at the Cock Inn, at the end of their load, including being flock leaders, organising September was also enjoyed by several members. reflections and hostesses.
LANCASTER – 53 Members and 1 Honorary Member
What a different year 2020 was for us all. Early March was our last organised meeting when we It started well with our AGM and we even managed met for our Lenten Quiet Hour, the theme of which some of our ‘small group’ lunches where two groups was ‘Hands and Feet’ and using them in God’s join at a member’s home for lunch and fellowship. At service. the beginning of February we had our first speaker of A busy programme came to an abrupt end as the the year who was the manager of a local food bank. country went into lockdown. To many of our members She told us that support is usually short-term it brought isolation from family and friends. Once the emergency help, until benefits are paid or a crisis is first lockdown was relaxed in July, we tried to arrange resolved. How little did we know then how important our annual garden meeting into groups of six in food banks were going to become during 2020 for so members’ gardens. We of course had to be outside to many families. It was humbling to have an insight. keep to the rules and Lancaster does share much of
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 26 BRANCH REPORTS the Lake District’s rain. After a few rearrangements, Inuits was given by a member’s husband via Zoom. members who felt comfortable attended an afternoon Unfortunately those without computer access could of tea, cake and chat. For those who were shielding a not join. One member attended the Fellowship Zoom ‘Garden meeting’ was also held. By Retreat at Hothorpe Hall in March. September, with the increasing Covid-19 infections, Meetings have not cost much during 2020, so we regular changes with Tiers, and who could meet have been able to make a donation to St where and how many, a decision was made to Christopher’s. Members’ subscriptions will be abandon the remaining programme for 2020. reduced for 2021. We tried to keep in contact with our groups by email, We look forward to the roll out of the vaccine and a letters and telephone calls. Our Discussion Groups cautious optimism that we can meet in person during met monthly via Zoom. A very informative talk on the 2021.
LEAMINGTON SPA AND WARWICK I – 60 members, 5 Honorary & 1 Associate Member
We started the year full of optimism. We had a new walking group kept walking when rules and mud chairman and a programme of interesting talks and allowed and our committee worked hard to keep in activities but then, as we know, everything stopped. touch with their contact groups. We had two fascinating talks on ‘Heirlooms in the On the minus side, we didn’t get to see many of our Attic’ and the ‘Magic of Ribbons’ and a Lent Talk, but friends or families, we didn’t manage to hug our that was it. grandchildren, many of us had periods of feeling On the plus side, during 2020 we did some or all of lonely and anxious, and those who were ill or the following...... gardening, spring cleaning, sorting bereaved had no friends to come and help. out the attic, knitting, sewing, painting (on paper or Despite all this our fellowship has continued and on the back door), enjoying the sunshine, exploring been strengthened by means of email, telephone local walks and our programme secretary has a calls and small tea and coffee parties. So, fully collection of good but unused talks up her sleeve. vaccinated, we are looking forward to the rest of Our two book groups met each month on Zoom, our 2021.
MEDWAY TOWNS – 29 members and 5 Honorary Members
It has been a difficult year for all Women in and a chat in members’ gardens. In September some Fellowship Groups. We started our year in January of us met at Great Comp Garden, near Sevenoaks, 2020 with our AGM, full of hope, with many Kent, which is famed for its extensive collection of interesting talks and outings on our Programme. We salvias as well as many other plants, in particular managed our February meeting with a talk on ‘The some rather unusual hydrangeas. Work of the Medway Archives’ which was of particular In October we held our Church Service at St Peter and interest to anyone researching local history. In March Paul Church in Upper Stoke which was beautifully we held our ‘Quiet Morning’ at Foords Almshouses in decorated following its Harvest Festival on the Rochester, when Canon Sue Brewer talked about previous Sunday. The Reverend Gill Wright took the ‘Being a Christian in the 21st Century.’ This was service. Unfortunately because of Covid restrictions followed by a lively discussion amongst our we were not able to hold our usual tea afterwards. members and then followed by communion. Sadly we have not been able to get together since After that, Covid and lockdown interrupted our and are not hopeful of holding anymore meetings in meetings for nearly 6 months. Once the restrictions the near future, but as soon as we are allowed we look were eased members did meet in small groups for tea forward to meeting up again.
27 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 BRANCH REPORTS
NEWBURY – 31 Members and 2 Honorary Members
2020 – A year of challenge and disruption, or one place in April, when the committee discussed where resilience and creativity kept our Fellowship cancelling future speakers and venues, such as our united in spirit – if not in body! summer outing to Ashton Pottery and our Summer The year started so well, with a well-attended AGM Party. Our programme, now suspended, would have and the promise of a full, entertaining and thought- included talks on Adapting Equipment for People with provoking programme to look forward to. Indeed, our Disabilities, Prague, Skin Camouflage, Walking the very first meeting was bursting with colour and Canal and Citizen Advocacy. beauty, as a well-known local amateur photographer In late May, we invited all Members to a Zoom Tea delighted and inspired us with an illustrated talk ‘Kew and Chat meeting. Eleven members attended, Gardens through the Seasons’, capturing their enjoying seeing one another again and relishing the grandeur, beauty and history. opportunity for an animated chat. During the summer February saw members marking the beginning of Lent months, as restrictions were lifted, Inga – our Pastoral with a pancake lunch event, providing the opportunity Support committee member – hosted small groups to donate to St Christopher’s charity. of members in her garden to small lunch parties. But, as Lent proceeded in March, so did the first Continuing this theme, in July the Committee whispers of a Covid pandemic. Members would later Members invited members to simultaneous Tea and be eternally grateful that we took this opportunity to Cake events in their gardens. come together – our last as a Fellowship – for a Lent Church re-openings gave us renewed hope of holding Service on the theme of Fellowship. Later, members an Autumn Service, under strict, socially-distanced lunched at a local pub and came to the awful and sanitized regulations – and so we did! The realisation that life as we had known it was starting to sermon, on ‘Faith and Hope,’ was memorable and change through social restrictions and our next resonated with us all in our journey through this meeting – ‘Five Generations of the British Raj’ with pandemic, and we felt blessed to have had the invited guests from nine Regional Branches – was at opportunity to experience real Fellowship once more. risk. On this sombre note, the event was cancelled Sadly, this small window of ‘normality’ closed all too and within days a national lockdown was in place and quickly and, in late October, the pandemic tightened our programme was suspended. its grip and our autumn and winter programme was A Chairman’s Mothering Sunday letter, containing a cancelled: Egypt, A Ride around England, ’Lockdown’ poem composed by Fr Richard Hendrick Oberammergau Feedback and In the Footsteps of OFM, inspired hope and Shackleton and Scott. However, Inga came to the courage, despite the isolation and fear felt by many. Sadly, during following months, we were to lose valued Members of our Fellowship: Brenda Corbett, Margaret Howlett and Jean Heaton – and we mourned with Margaret Ferguson the death of her husband Archie. Our first venture into the world of online Zoom meetings took Zoom meeting
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 28 BRANCH REPORTS rescue once more by finding a way in early December modern technology! to host small groups for festive fare around a blazing What 2021 holds in store is unknown, but with hope log fire in her garden. and the promise of a vaccine, we can look forward to So, we say goodbye to 2020 – an unprecedented a return to our normal lives and, more especially, to time in which we have all had to learn new habits, meeting regularly together once more in a Fellowship forgo social events and yearn for contact with family that has hopefully managed to support and sustain its and friends… not forgetting learning how to use members during a difficult year.
NORTHUMBRIA – 22 Members
We managed to have our first three meetings as members is the church organist and she devised a planned in 2020, before everything changed. ‘Name that Carol quiz’ to end our service. (I was able Traditionally we start our year with two in-house to sing the line she played – but remembering which meetings, and we began with a session to share carol it was from was less than easy!) Everyone left favourite sweet treats, tell why we had chosen that the church with a smile on their face. We do our best particular recipe, and taste the goodies. The stories to keep in touch, but it is not quite the same as were very varied, and recipes were swopped and meeting together. Time will tell what will be the next enjoyed. The February meeting was all about several chapter in our branch history, and we hope the hymn writers and included some singing. March was friendly feelings of fellowship can continue without a time of reflection in a Newcastle church, with lunch masks sometime in 2021. and a session lead by the curate on mindfulness and prayer, a cup of tea…. and that was the year that was !! A beautiful spring, a little relaxation in the rules in the summer, but it was September before we met up again for a Covid secure service in the country church at Milbourne, a little village near the airport. It was wonderful to be together again, and the little church was perfect as we each got a pew to ourselves. The service was voted a success and could we have another if this was the only way we could meet up? We managed to do this with a service in another church, St Andrews in Heddon-on-the- Wall at the beginning of December. One of our Milbourne Church
NOTTINGHAM – 53 Members and 7 Honorary Members
After two meetings in members’ homes in early husband of one of our members on a health topic, 2020, one on the history of the Theatre Royal followed by Jane Hill of South Trent on her Car Nottingham hosted by our Chairman, Maggie Allen, Museum in Norfolk, and Beccy Speight on the RSPB. and one sharing books that we have enjoyed, we We invited friends to join us. At Christmas we had a turned to Zoom meetings aided by our Zoom expert Zoom Service and have just had a Lent Service, when Amanda. we tried break-out rooms for the first time. We have Most members quickly grasped the new technology. had a member-led meeting on holidays and we have We have had a series of speakers starting with the enjoyed a ‘Different Kind of Christmas’ meeting,’
29 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 BRANCH REPORTS which included sharing recipes, crafts, traditions and able to celebrate our Centenary which had to be readings. postponed from last May due to the Covid For those not able to navigate Zoom and to keep us restrictions. all in touch, we have shared on-line news letters or poems. We have managed one coffee morning in a In the future we still think there will be a place for marquee and are looking forward to more in-person occasional on-line meetings, perhaps in the winter meetings when we are allowed and we hope to be and for those living at a distance.
SHEFFIELD – 25 Members and 5 Honorary Members
At the beginning of 2020 we were all looking forward to a full and varied programme, and especially to our February theatre visit, which was to see our own 'Everyone's talking about Jamie', which was tremendous. Unfortunately our Lent Reflection, followed by lunch, was to be the last time we all met together. Just before the first lockdown, and as we are six, the committee met outdoors and tried to plan ways in which we might still keep in touch. One member volunteered to put together an occasional Newsletter on line if members would send contributions, articles, photos and recipes etc. This has proved very popular, and is posted out to those members without Sheffield Christmas Reflection and Celebration a computer. Our bumper Christmas edition was posted to everyone so they could dip into it over the Sadly, one of our founding members, Anita McVittie, Festive Season. died in the Autumn, soon after her 90th birthday. She We began to hold a fortnightly Zoom Tea & Chat, remained closely involved with the Branch despite which then became monthly with a Zoom Book ill-health latterly. Meeting in between. We held our Advent Reflection The committee has agreed to stay on and telephone again on Zoom with hard copies being sent to those one another regularly and also keep in touch with members not able to join in. Of course not everyone their flocks for any news updates. We hold Zoom is comfortable with Zoom and for those members, we meetings and the Chairman writes to members every keep in touch by telephone, and during the Summer couple of months. Many of our members are elderly months when we came out of lockdown, some did and vulnerable and as we cannot give lifts and meet manage to meet in gardens for coffee and a chat, or a in larger numbers, this way of communicating and socially distanced walk. keeping in touch will be with us for some time.
SOLIHULL – 43 Members, 9 Honorary Members and 4 Associate Members Before we went into lockdown we did manage two epidemic it was equally relevant to our current talks and our Ash Wednesday service at a local situation. church. Then we kept in contact with newsletters, one During the summer months we had ‘Tea in the of which included a poem that a member had found Garden’ at a number of members’ homes. This helped chalked on a footpath. Written about the Spanish Flu so many of the branch to maintain contact with one
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 30 BRANCH REPORTS another. We were blessed with fine weather on each occasion and it gave us all an opportunity to appreciate our Fellowship. For the last meeting, we had 5 venues with 30 members attending. Sadly none of us took any photos! One of our senior members has discovered a number of WF photographs dating back to the sixties. The earliest one was taken on an outing to the Potteries with some ladies wearing hats! These have been enjoyed by all our members – lovely memories! One of our members has been out walking every day Solihull WF in the sixties! and sending a report of her rambles with photographs to the local newspaper. It has been a wonderful chronicle throughout the pandemic, of the changing seasons in Warwickshire. A lot of us have found solace and peace in the nature that surrounds us. Our branch has traditionally always included walks in our programme, from guided city walks to countryside rambles. More than ever we have felt the need to arrange socially distanced small group walks throughout the last few months. Our knowledge of the local countryside has definitely been widened as we discover new footpaths on our doorstep. We are also discovering that we are able to organise such walks at relatively short notice, depending on the weather, as we all seem to have time available! Those of us on our last walk were able to enjoy beautiful autumn colours. Walking in the sunshine We have now become Zoom experts and although catch up on news. We are lucky everyone has kept everyone might not have a chance to chat, it is just well and look forward to meeting up, even if only in good to see other faces, hear different voices and small groups, later in the year.
STOUR VALLEY I – 37 Members, 3 Honorary Members and 1 Associate Member Like all branches, this last year has brought challenges that none of us could have foreseen and we have all had to find new ways of meeting. We count ourselves fortunate that we are largely relatively rural and our members have mostly had ready access to our wonderful countryside. There have even been added bonuses, in that Gwenyth, our Chairman, has remained in post despite moving to Yorkshire! We did manage 2 meetings at the start of the year – our AGM, which is always well-attended, and a Socially distanced tea with Fiona Devaux
31 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 BRANCH REPORTS
Tea at Jane Collier's Tuddenham morning catch-up talk from a physiotherapist and Pilates teacher. At one the extra time afforded at these get-togethers, to just point she had us all standing on one leg, as she talk to each other and get to know each other even impressed on us the importance of balance as we get better. older. We then got to grips with Zoom, initially using it to Following lockdown, we arranged lots of small ‘meet’ each other, before organising a meeting with a gatherings of the permitted 6 in members’ gardens, speaker. Our highlight was our Zoom Carol Service sometimes even taking shelter in a shed! We were with member participation. Someone even found determined not to let the weather get the better of us. various versions of carols for us all to enjoy, ranging In a strange way I think we have all benefitted from from Harry Secombe to Cliff Richard via All Angels!
STOUR VALLEY II – 25 Members We are very much hoping for better times ahead, as the vaccination roll-out gathers increasing numbers of our membership into its net, and we can look forward to meeting in person later this Spring. In the meantime, we are keeping in touch using Zoom, having ‘Coffee Mornings’ and listening to speakers along with Stour Valley I. Last summer our first meeting took the form of ‘Cluster’ Strawberry Teas, as only six members could gather outside at any one venue. These were held on July 14th and we were blessed with glorious weather. Autumn walk at Ewarton We had sumptuous teas and plenty to talk about! The nature of this, not to mention the improved singing. same gathering in small groups applied when we met Stour Valley I, who share our service, was much more at several consecutive Chairman’s Brunches in enterprising and conducted their service on Zoom. August. Autumn saw us walking in our lovely Suffolk Throughout the months of lockdown, whether the countryside in groups of six, until curtailed by stricter balmy weeks of an unseasonably warm Spring or the guidelines. Our Christmas Carol Service could not dark days of Winter, we kept contact going by email take place but we lit a candle at the appointed time as this does not intrude on a person’s day quite like a and followed a prepared service with pictures and phone call. Every time we reached a date in our music. Several members enjoyed the contemplative programme when we should have had a meeting, the
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 32 BRANCH REPORTS
Chairman sent garden photos and a cheering committee members have generously continued in message. Members were looking out for each other post as though last year did not happen, as this throughout, as we do in any case. This has been seemed the simplest way to proceed. We have walks particularly important as the year 2020 and early in the diary and have reinstated our 2020 programme, 2021 have brought difficult times for several with some revisions. We are benefitting from those members. who have had inspirational trips to exotic places and The heart-warming messages from our Central are happy to share their insights and anecdotes with Executive have given us much encouragement. We us all, some via Zoom and later on in person with a particularly appreciated the uplifting atmosphere and sharing supper or lunch, as we were wont to do. sense of peace engendered by the Prayer Hour in Awful as this pandemic has been, our Fellowship February. maintains its core values with prayer, support and We are pleased to report that all officers and friendship.
TRURO – 22 Members and 1 Honorary Member We have become a small, elderly branch who are very occasions there was a huge amount of conversation fortunate to have a young, energetic member as our and laughter reminding us of the importance of our Chair and Secretary, Judy Beadel, who is up to speed Fellowship and the friendship it brings. We look with modern technology. She has been marvellous at forward to the re-emergence of our group and the new keeping us in touch with each of us and with the programme for the rest of the year. Executive Committee. Thank you Judy. Lastly, Brenda Done, one of our members and past The Pandemic has changed our lives and has been an Chair of our branch, sadly died recently at the age of endurance test for us all. We especially mourn the 96. She joined Guildford branch initially, before lives lost and those who are having to cope with long- moving to Cornwall. Brenda had led a very interesting Covid. During last summer, when we had a window and full life, serving during the war at Bletchley Park of semi-normality, we met twice. Once we had a and was later involved with the development of what lunch in the marquee of a restaurant, where seven of became Disability Benefit payments. She was a us ventured and the second time was when we were bright, intelligent lady with many friends and a loving allowed to be six people in a member’s house and family. there we discussed recently read books. On both
TUNBRIDGE WELLS – 53 Members and 2 Honorary Members What an unprecedented year we have all encountered. annual quiz. Then it all came to an end just before we We started 2020 after the AGM in January, full of were due to hold our Lent meeting. Little did we hope and looking forward to an exciting programme of realise we would still be in lockdown a year later. talks, outings, coffee mornings, our annual service Women in Fellowship is a resilient organisation and and of course parties so ably arranged by our two Tunbridge Wells rose to the challenge. We arranged programme secretaries. In the two months before committee meetings via Zoom and after the first lockdown, we were able to enjoy talks on The Jewels lockdown ended at the end of June, the Committee arranged coffee mornings, lunch and tea parties with and Wardrobe of the Duchess of Windsor, the Unsung their ‘families’ in groups of six, and most of our Contributions of the Chinese to the First World War, members were able to attend these. We were and Oxford and Christ Church Cathedral and our
33 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 BRANCH REPORTS able to communicate with each other by email and another occasion. telephone and even by letter. At this time, we were We are now all becoming expert at joining Zoom still hoping that we would be able to return to a near- meetings so we decided to hold a Zoom AGM on the normal existence by the autumn. We carried on with scheduled date in January. It was a huge success and our scheduled autumn walk and were delighted that one of our members even managed to organise Emily Hutchings was able to join us for coffee in our online voting. Maybe it is the way forward in the groups of six and a lovely walk, around the beautiful future. grounds of Penshurst Place. Sadly, our annual We continue to support each other remotely through meeting in November, when we invite six local bereavements and illness as well as to celebrate branches to join us for a soup and sandwich lunch birthdays, news of grandchildren and anniversaries. and a talk, was not able to take place, so we hope to We were very sad to lose two very long-standing see everyone this year. members last summer, Sheila Curtis and Diana Zoom has been a lifesaver for many of us. We Williamson. They were both such loyal and rearranged the ‘families’ in October so that everyone enthusiastic supporters of WF - Diana had been had a chance to see other members via Zoom, as chairman of Tunbridge Wells WF twice during her meeting together was not possible. We had a many years of membership. We miss them both. Christmas Zoom meeting when more than 40 of us As I write this, we now know that the schools will be joined together to wish each other a happy returning, we will be able to meet up again, outside Christmas. Then when Christmas came, the in groups of six, and by the end of June we should be opportunity for families to get together was cancelled able to meet again as a branch and hopefully will be at short notice; so many turkeys which should have able to celebrate our return to near normality with our been consumed then are now in the freezer awaiting annual Summer Lunch in July.
WELLS – 30 Members and 2 Associate Members We have missed each other and catching up as a group. Our Advent service was socially distanced (bringing our own mince pies and coffee) in St Thomas’ in Wells. One of our members who has the facilities, deep cleaned the church afterwards. However in 2021, Zoom has been our meeting place so far. Many of us turned up on our AGM Zoom in Zoom AGM January and since then our meetings have been being Mayor. Our Chairman, Margaret Wilson has technological. At our Lent meeting, the Reverend been a wonderful leader, keeping our spirits up; our Clare Cowlin who led us in our Advent service led us programme secretaries have been manfully again and stayed with us afterwards to join our (womanfully) planning monthly meetings for the year chatting. In March a former Mayor of Wells, Celia and we are looking forward very much to seeing one Wride, spoke to us of the joys and ups and downs of another.
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 34 BRANCH REPORTS
WEST SUSSEX – 28 Members and 1 Honorary Member
Hmm! What to say about our year of lockdown? It has been challenging for all of us and it is a tribute to the spirit of WF that we are still standing and still enthusiastic about keeping the Branch going. In fact we have recruited one member and have another recruit on the cusp of joining, so we are pleased to have survived thus far. We have not been unscathed however, with illnesses and operations, but we have all hunkered down and are now looking Walk around Bosham Harbour forward to more freedom once all the vaccinations August. 2020 was a voyage into the unknown, but kick in. just before we went into the first lockdown we started Our Programme Secretaries have been sorely tried, doing circular emails about the coming storm: to but have skilfully adapted to the new normal, so keep everyone in the loop, engender a feeling of Zoom meetings, of which most of us knew zilch in solidarity, help allay the sense of isolation, and to 2019, have become a lifeline for the group. We have make sure we could help anyone in need. Reading all wrestled with the technology but have more or back over these News from the Bunker bulletins it less mastered things, with fewer people having reminds us of all that we missed during the year: telephone conversations, discussing shopping with a Mothering Sunday, Easter, VE Day, Ascension Day, spouse or walking off to brew up whilst our speaker Trinity Sunday, Corpus Christi, Midsummer Day, nobly talks on. The mute button has been a great Remembrance Sunday, Advent, Christmas, the New asset! Year. What a year – or rather what an absence of a We managed three meetings at the beginning of year! 2020, plus a New Year’s party, where we could all be We are now looking forward to recommencing our corporally present. Since then we have Zoomed all meetings proper in June, and if all goes well, our our meetings, including our Advent Service and next Grapevine report will surely be filled with all the AGM, but there was the exception of a socially usual WF activities and, most importantly, with the distanced summer walk round Bosham Harbour in joy of being together again.
WEYBRIDGE – 37 Members and 1 Honorary Member
Like most Branches, our Programme Secretaries had some time, she will be greatly missed. On a happier organised a wonderful and varied programme for note, we welcomed back Beverley Guest, who after 2020 and, due to the pandemic, we were only able to several years has moved back to our area. have two meetings with speakers in February as well What a strange year it has been. As many of our as our annual Joint Lent meeting with Walton in members do not have the necessary skills or March. Sadly we lost Sally Login just before equipment to participate in Zoom meetings we have Christmas, one of our oldest members at age 95, and only been able to meet up in small groups, as even though she was not able to attend meetings for
35 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 BRANCH REPORTS and when we were allowed. Many a morning coffee are hopeful that our joint Lent Service will take place or afternoon tea get-together took place and even in the same way. Committee Meetings - otherwise there have been We have organised a provisional programme for this numerous Bridge Base Online games between year, re-booking some of the speakers from last year, members! but we will have to wait and see as to when it may Walton-on-Thames very kindly asked us to join them become possible for us to actually meet up and pray for their virtual Advent Service in December and we together again.
WINCHESTER I – 40 Members and 3 Honorary Members
Our major challenge during this very strange time of Autumn was ushered in with the Joint Annual service confinement due to Covid-19 has been the relayed on Zoom, shared by all three Winchester maintenance of the Fellowship and the support of branches. There followed an excellent talk on ‘The members. New chairman Carole, in her very first Life and Times of John Betjeman’ on 24th September term, was faced with a branch that couldn’t meet and to which we were invited by WWF III. Then while we a cancelled programme, but with great ingenuity and were reorganising our programme and installing regular Zoom Committee Meetings, she has skilfully Zoom Pro, they kindly invited us to several more held us all together, organised a revision of the outstanding lectures, one of which included a programme and with the help of a newly acquired thought-provoking overview entitled ‘The Implications Zoom Pro, enabled our Fellowship to survive. Indeed, of Covid-19 for Geopolitics and Britain’s place in the it has broadened as we now share talks as well as world post Brexit.’ Services with our friends in the other two Winchester In December we were able in our turn, to invite the branches. others to another interesting talk, this time given by We are fortunate that several of our members have one of our own members, entitled ‘Gardens of Venice very large gardens, ideal for big meetings of and the Veneto.’ Two joint Services for Advent and distanced people. Bringing our own chairs, tea and Lent organised by us, were well attended on Zoom. cake - umbrellas, just in case! –we met on a beautiful The dismay with which we viewed the loss of our day in August 2020 when the rules were temporarily programme and social events has been dispelled by relaxed. At other times, different groups and flocks the success of our virtual activities. While we wait for met in members’ gardens and during autumn and life to return to normal, our Fellowship is being winter there have been coffee and tea parties on maintained and interest sustained by engaging Zoom hosted by Carole. With telephone calls and speakers - a tribute to the leadership of our Chairman emails, flock leaders have maintained contact with and the friendship that we share with the other their groups. Winchester branches.
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 36 FROM THE ARCHIVE From the Grapevine Archive
A few snippets from post-war times. I hope you 1949 enjoy reading them. Hospitality Editor Many of our sons are now doing their National 1946 Service and probably may be at camps a long way A reminder that we no longer have to retire at 45! from home. The Executive Committee feels that this can be an opportunity of extending the friendship we From the information page – have with each other to each other’s children. Short Senior Wives’ Fellowship was formed in 1934 in leave may not be long enough to get home, but if order that those members who have reached the members are living near camps then a WF family retiring age of 45 may carry on with its spirits and could provide a substitute. continue to feel the bonds of its Fellowship. 1951 1947 Extracts from Lady Milford’s address to An extract from the retiring Chairman’s letter Conference This will be my last letter to you as I shall be retiring ‘I joined the Fellowship in 1926, when living in after four very happy years. Hertfordshire. We met once a month and we used to It has been wonderful to find in full growth, when pack into each other’s cars and go flying around the visiting branches, the indefinable spirit which we all country to lovely houses where a butler or parlour know so well in WF. maid opened the door and later a flutter of maids What exact it is none of us can quite explain; we only gave us tea. And there I would like to pause to say know it keeps us at our best, inspires us, and that it seems to me that the Fellowship has gained influences us profoundly. rather than lost by the change which has taken place. 1948 It was so easy to go to meetings and be a hostess with Nanny sat snug in the nursery rather glad to get A one day Conference for Husbands and Wives us out of the way. Now when it is a matter of planning This will be held in the Apothecaries Hall, Blackfriars. and arranging and fitting in to be able to leave the The subject will be Emigration. Colonel Ponsonby family, the whole thing takes on a deeper, lovelier MP will take the chair. The cost will be 8/6d for one meaning. And the planning of the tea when you have and 15/- for a couple. to do it yourself seems to me much more truly an N.B. A WF branch is being formed in Wimbledon. offering of friendship and fellowship than the pull of a Please contact the Central Secretary if interested. bell cord used to be.’
37 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 BRANCH CHAIRMEN Branch Chairmen
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WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 38 BRANCH CHAIRMEN
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39 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 BRANCH SECRETARIES Branch Secretaries
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WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 40 BRANCH SECRETARIES
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41 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 SCATTERED BRANCH UK Members 2021
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WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 42 SCATTERED BRANCH REPORT
Overseas Members 2021
A report from our Scattered Branch Secretary
The Scattered Branch Members of Women in Fellowship have carried on much as usual in lockdown, as we are on the whole too far away from a branch to attend meetings regularly. However, as we all know, nothing has been normal in 2020/2021. Usually some of the Scattered Branch Members manage to meet with other members on an occasional basis, and the Scattered Branch Secretary has been able to get out and about to meet with little clusters of scattered members, or meet some at National Events, but none of that has been possible this last year. That doesn’t mean that there has been no contact and nothing has happened, far from it. The members have responded well to monthly emails from me, and I have kept in touch with those who do not use email with occasional phone calls and letters. We have even had a meeting on Zoom. A number of the Scattered Branch Members responded to the National WF Prayer Hour that took place at the beginning of February, and that inspired me to try a Zoom just for the Scattered Branch Members, and so we met for the first time at the end of February. There were only six of us at the first meeting, but two others had hoped to join and were not able to at the last minute and a few others would have liked to but couldn’t make that meeting. The next one will be a different day and time, and it will hopefully become a regular part of a programme for Scattered Branch Members. As the year goes on and the lockdown eases, let’s hope that we can start to meet together again in person, both at National Events and in little regional get-togethers...onwards and upwards as the saying goes. Jackie Heaton
43 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 IN MEMORIAM
In Memoriam
Birmingham Anne Kenrick April 2020 Rosemary Prosser February 2021 Cambridge Katy Auty 6th November 2020 Janet Burden 28th November 2020 Jean Peacey 23rd January 2021 Canterbury Margaret Marsh 18th November 2020 Peggy Wareham 11th January 2021 Cheltenham I Marjorie Imlah OBE 14th December 2020 Sidsel Parker 5th February 2021 Eastbourne Ruth Pool 7th December 2020 Guildford Muriel Derry 27th October 2020 Haywards Heath Ann Tillard 19th February 2021 Sheila Wheeler 17th April 2021 Lancaster Dorothy McCracken February 2021 Newbury Margaret Howlett 6th April 2020 Nottingham Anne Whitty March 2020 Oxford Val Gray January 2021 Pam Williams October 2020 Scattered Margaret Grant (Oxted) December 2020 Sheffield Anita McVittie September 2020 Sherborne Pam McClean October 2020 (Previously Sheffield WF) Truro Brenda Done 23rd February 2021 Tunbridge Wells Sheila Curtis June 2020 Diana Williamson August 2020 Twickenham Penny Munkenbeck Oct 2020 Helen Guest November 2020 Weybridge Sally Login 23rd December 2020
Don’t ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance or my kindness for weakness. Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength
Dalai Lama
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 44 PRAYER SHEET Prayer Sheet
A selection of prayers from our National Prayer Hour. Prayers were submitted by branches from all over the country and many members have said how comforting you find them. A few are printed below. A Prayer for the New Year The Prayer of St John Henry Newman Suggested by Tunbridge Wells WF Suggested by London WF
Lord, You are alpha and omega, the beginning and the My God, you have created me to do you some end. definite service. Our world has tilted on its axis and thrown us off our You have given some work to me which you have not feet; given to any other. As this year turns, our hearts are muddled with I have my place in your plan. I may never know what anxiety and hope; faith and fear. it is in this life, but I will know it in the next. Settle us as you calmed the raging storm on Galilee, Therefore, I will trust you in all things. If I am sick, my that we may share this peace with those who are sickness will serve you. If I am worried, my worry will swamped. serve you. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow will serve you. May our communities find healing and unity, and our You do nothing in vain; you know what you are doing. nation be shaped more fully in the character of Jesus, You may take away my friends; You may put me as we find our strength and purpose again. among strangers; You may make me feel forgotten; You may make my spirits sink; You may hide my For His glory we pray. future from me. Still, you know what you are doing, Amen and I trust you. Amen By Bishop Simon Burton-Jones, Bishop of Tonbridge. Used with kind permission. A Prayer from Sherborne WF
Written by Pauline Walker A Prayer of St Augustine
Suggested by Bristol III WF Direct, O Lord, and guide and influence all that is happening Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, in our hearts and minds during this time of prayer; or watch, or work or weep tonight, all our thinking and longing and fears; and give your angels charge over those who sleep. our moods and feelings and ever-changing attitudes; Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ. our rememberings and hopes and desires; Rest your weary ones. our repugnances and resistances; Bless your dying ones. our sense of depression and boredom – or joy – or Soothe your suffering ones. helplessness. Pity your afflicted ones. Direct and influence all this to your great service Shield your joyous ones, and to our growth in the spirit. for your love's sake. Amen Amen
45 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 PRAYER SHEET
Success The Prayer Of St. Francis Of Assisi Suggested by Wimbledon WF Suggested by Weybridge WF
Success is speaking words of praise Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. In cheering other people’s ways Where there is hatred, let me sow love; In doing just the best you can Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, With every task and every plan faith; It’s silence when your speech would hurt Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Politeness when your neighbour’s curt Where there is sadness, joy. It’s deafness when scandal flows
And sympathy with others’ woes O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek to It’s loyalty when duty calls be consoled, as to console; It’s courage when disaster falls To be understood, as to understand; To be loved as to It’s found in laughter and in song love. It’s in the silent time of prayer For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning In happiness and in despair that we are pardoned; In all of life and nothing less And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. We find the thing we call success. Amen Author- Unknown.
Pandemic Pilgrimage Written by Geraldine McIllmurray, Lancaster WF
Lord show me the best route to walk this stony path of I am headstrong. I want my own way. life. I find it hard to submit my will to Yours even when I I have more time now to contemplate, to listen to your have the desire to be different. voice With Your love shown through the kindness of friends To see the beauty and suffering in our world and family To understand that my comfort zone and material I pray for the strength to do this. trappings can be the distraction which blocks my way Please God help me. forward. Amen
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 46 OUT OF LOCKDOWN POEM Out of Lockdown
Some years ago one of our members developed Dementia and has been living in a care home for the past two years. Sheila was a long-time member of Eastbourne WF and served for some years as our secretary. Her husband Tony is a poet and has written for several magazines and most recently for the Alzheimer's Society. He recently wrote a poem titled 'Out of Lockdown' which several of us have found quite moving and uplifting. Most of us have personal experience with Dementia and I suspect many WF members are separated from their loved ones due to this cruel disease and Covid. Tony’s poem was inspired by a whole series of happy events over the last few days; not least the long-awaited ‘hug’. Tony has kindly given his permission for the poem to be published in the Grapevine. Dinah Taylor, Eastbourne WF
Out of Lockdown By Tony Ward
Once more the Winter Solstice, Too overcast to see the Star, shortest day, longest night, a tour of Christmas lights. no Christmas cheer, no end in sight, Then come the Spring, if Covid-clear, but there, amid the gloom, a visit to the park, appeared the Star of Bethlehem, once more, we’ll feed the birds - doves, planets conjoined - new light. gulls, pigeons, ducks, perhaps a swan. The fast-flow test, the half-hour wait, the hoped-for negative. Out of lockdown, at last, a new normal, new memories, Out of lockdown, no Covid screen, two lives re-joined, new light. soon lost, no matter. Each moment lived afresh. Golden days. Out the door, into the car, but … “Who is this gentleman?”
Did my wife no longer know me? Her laugh, her hug, gave answer.
47 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 PUBLICATIONS
All items available from the Literature Secretary
New Anthology of Prayer £3.00 Notelets (Sold in packs of 5 of one design) £3.00 Spirit of Wives (free to new members) £5.00 Passionflower (by Susan Walker, Sherborne WF) (see illustration right) New Members’ Pack £6.00 Fuchsia (ditto) (see illustration right) (Information for New Members, brief history Hellebore (ditto) (see illustration right) and St Christopher's leaflets, Service Book, Wives at Tea (by Liz Taylor-Webb, East Cheshire WF) revised History of WF, Anthology of Prayer (see illustration right) and WF Information card) Wives at Church (ditto) (see illustration right) Service Book £1.40 Garden of Delight (by Ros Plumley, Tunbridge Wells WF) (see illustration below) History of WF £2.50 (Revised March 2019) Mixed pack of 6 notelets (one of each design) £3.50 Grapevine Magazine £1.50 Pack for Visiting Priests £2.40 WF Information Card 20p (Brief History, Service Book and Information Card) Prayer Card 20p WF Pin Badges £2.00 Alternative Prayer Card 20p
Recruitment Leaflets are available free of charge The WF prayer can be found on the website, in service books and in Grapevine.
Branches are asked not to send money when ordering literature The Secretary will send a bill with the order which covers the cost of the literature as well as P&P and instructions for payment. The Literature Secretary has a stand at Founders' Meeting, Autumn Conference and the AGM where literature can be bought or orders placed. Please preorder by email at least 3 days before an event and the literature will be ready for collection and payment at Founders’ Meeting, Autumn Conference or the AGM.You can email the Literature Secretary with your order: [email protected]
Garden of Delight
WOMEN IN FELLOWSHIP 48 PUBLICATIONS
Notelet Designs
Wives at Church
Wives at Tea
49 GRAPEVINE – Summer 2021 Milbourne Church, Northumberland