APRIL & MAY 2019 EASTER ISSUE

HAMPTON HILL’S PARISH MAGAZINE YOUR FREE COPY

stjames-hamptonhill.org.uk or find us on WELCOME Meet the clergy Letter from the Editor VICAR Rev Derek Winterburn Derek was born in Orpington, Kent, and ordained in 1986. He pring is my favourite time of the year with lighter served in several diverse London parishes before becoming evenings and all the flowers and trees bursting back vicar here in 2016. He is married to Sandra, a teacher, and has S into life. This year everything has had a bit of a shock two children. A keen photographer, he posts a picture online with the sharp contrasts in the weather, but nevertheless it every day, combining it with a daily walk or cycle ride. He can raises our spirits when we see things beginning to grow. be contacted at any time other than on Mondays (his day off). The centrespread this month is written by Gwynneth Tel: 020 8241 5904 Lloyd, our churchwarden, who fulfilled a lifetime ambition Email: [email protected] of seeing polar bears in the Arctic. David Taylor has written about his 10 favourite CURATE Rev Jacky Cammidge paintings in the National Gallery – a mix of well-known Jacky was born in Abertillery, South Wales, and ordained in paintings and several religious ones. David’s passion 2015. She is a self-supporting minister and has been at for the arts really comes through in this article. St James’s since starting her ordination training. Jacky is Easter will soon be with us and we are planning the married to Alan, and has three children. During term-time she usual Holy Week and Easter services, leading up to runs Hampton Hill Nursery School, based in the church hall, the celebrations on Easter Day (details on Page 3). with her family. Music plays a big part in the Easter services and Tel: 074 9677 0505 the choir are looking forward to working with Thom, Email: [email protected] our new organist. You will be most welcome at any of our services in Holy Week and on Easter Sunday. ASSISTANT PRIEST Canon Julian Reindorp Julian was born in Durban, South Africa, and ordained in 1969. Best Wishes He has worked in parishes in East London, Chatham and Milton Keynes, and was Team Rector in Richmond until retirement in Janet 2009. He continues to lead a busy life, often out and about on his trademark red scooter. Julian is married to Louise and has four children, three stepchildren and nine grandchildren. Cover photo: The Easter message brings the joyful news of the resurrection of Jesus Tel: 020 8614 6800 The Spire is published nine times a year for the Parochial Church Email: [email protected] Council of St James. We make no charge for this magazine, but if you CHURCH OFFICE Church Cleaning Team are a regular reader we hope that you will contribute towards printing costs to enable us to Nick Bagge Debbie Nunn 020 8979 3078 expand our outreach across the parish. Cheques should be made payable to the PCC of St James, Hampton Hill and sent to Spire Appeal c/o the church office. The administrator deals with Church Flowers Team enquiries, and manages all 020 8941 6003 STORIES FOR THE SPIRE PRODUCTION church hall bookings. If you have a story idea or would like to make a Design Nick Bagge Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Churches Together Around Hampton comment, contact Janet Nunn, the editor. Proofreaders Susan Horner and Dick Wilde Fri 0930-1230; and Tue, Thu 1230-1530. Ann Peterken 020 8891 5862 Telephone: 020 8979 6325 PUBLISHING Tel: 020 8941 6003 Churchyard Records Email: [email protected] Printer Peter James Printing Limited Email: Janet Nunn 020 8979 6325 Telephone: 01932 244 665 Address: Church Office, 46 St James’s E-SPIRE / WEBSITE CMS Mission Partner Link Email: [email protected] Road, Hampton Hill TW12 1DQ. To receive the magazine by email, please Liz Wilmot 020 8977 9434 The Spire is printed on paper that is sourced contact Prill Hinckley. CHILDREN & FAMILIES from well-managed forests. Connections Email: [email protected] Dani Robertson Coryn Robinson 020 8979 6786 © St James’s Church 2019. Reproduction CIRCULATION Tel: 074 7110 1487 in whole or part is prohibited without written Deanery Synod Representatives The Spire is available in church and shops. It is Email: danielle.robertson@ permission from the editor. Manuscripts, Clive Beaumont 020 8943 4336 also delivered across the parish and posted stjames-hamptonhill.org.uk photographs and artwork are accepted on the Eco-Church Derek 020 8241 5904 further afield. Further information from Susan basis that the Spire does not accept liability for

CHURCHWARDEN Horner, 5 St James’s Avenue, TW12 1HH. loss or damage to them. We cannot print Gwynneth Lloyd Electoral Roll 020 8941 6003 Telephone: 020 8979 9380 anything subject to copyright. Views Tel: 020 8943 0709 Finance Team Don Barrett 020 8979 3331 Email: [email protected] expressed in the Spire are not necessarily

Email: gwynneth.lloyd@ those of the PCC of St James. Hall Bookings 020 8941 6003 NEXT ISSUE / COPY DATE stjames-hamptonhill.org.uk The June Spire is published on Fri 31 May. Please recycle this PCC Secretary TREASURER Copy deadline: Tue 7 May. magazine after use Dawn Miller Planned Giving Carol Bailey 020 8783 0633 Tel: 020 8941 6508 Finding us Email: dawn.miller@ Properties Team Clerical Capers Bryan Basdell 020 8979 2040 stjames-hamptonhill.org.uk Safeguarding Officer Jane Newman 020 8979 6154

Thom Stanbury Scouts Richard Moody 020 8286 6918 Email: thom.stanbury@ Servers Lesley Mortimer 020 8941 2345 stjames-hamptonhill.org.uk The church is on the corner of Shell Seekers via Derek 020 8241 5904 St James’s Road and Park Road. The ALMA Laurence Sewell 020 8977 2844 hall is next to the church and vicarage. Ark Playgroup Social Team 020 8941 6003 There is ample parking. Buses include Debbie Nunn 020 8979 3078 R68, R70 and 285. Bell Ringers Susan Horner 020 8979 9380 Follow us St James’s Players Book of Remembrance Recorder Martin Hinckley 020 8979 0528 For the very latest news go to our Janet Nunn 020 8979 6325 website or follow us on social media: Traidcraft Ann Peterken 020 8891 5862 Brownies via 0800 1 69 59 01 stjames-hamptonhill.org.uk TWAM Janet Nunn 020 8979 6325 Charity Support Team @stjames-hamptonhill Dennis Wilmot 020 8977 9434 Visitors’ Team Derek 020 8241 5904 @stjameshamphill Children’s Champion Welcome Team The vicar had assured the administrator that the Lou Coaker 020 8979 2040 Janet Taylor 020 8979 0046 @stjameshamptonhill clock repairers were coming as soon as possible 2 YOURS FAITHFULLY Turning hate into love is a powerful message

Sundays Holy Communion (said) 8-8:30am (not 21 Apr)

Parish Communion 9:30-10:30am

Together at Eleven 11-11:35am (not 14, 21, 28 Apr)

followed by crafts and refreshments

Compline (Night Prayer) 8-8:15pm 10, 17, 24, 31 March; 7, 14 April

Easter Palm Sunday 14 Apr 9:30am

Compline in Holy Week Monday-Wednesday 15-17 Apr 8-8:15pm

Maundy Thursday 18 Apr 8pm Holy Communion, including the Washing of the Feet, followed by The Watch

Good Friday 19 Apr 9:30am All Age Service

11am Open Air Service near Clarence House Preparatory School, Hampton Hill High Street

2pm An Hour at the Cross

Easter Day Sunday 21 Apr However I was heartened that Rabbi pretending that this never happened to a 6am Dawn Service, followed by breakfast Jonathan Sacks, while describing flesh and blood man, but by remembering centuries of antisemitism, writes that that this was not the end of the story. As 9:30am Parish Communion, followed by an DEREK Christianity itself is not antisemitic, the Orthodox Church teaches so firmly, it Easter Egg Hunt in the vicarage garden WINTERBURN evidencing that Christians have on many is the King who is triumphing over death that occasions been friends and defenders of is on the cross. Good Friday — apparent Jews, and that in fact Christians are the defeat — is followed by Easter — evident Mon-Fri adly antisemitism is too greatest victims of religious violence. (Not victory. In Protestant churches the same (but not Tuesdays) often in the news. Most In My Name, Hodder & Stoughton). truth is represented by the cross being Morning Prayer 9:15-9:40am

recently the focus has been plain and empty - he is risen! on Westminster. But last “We are all children of Abraham. But there are people around the cross: Tuesdays And whether we are Isaac or year the UN reported that some have conspired to put Jesus there, 2, 16, 23, 30 Apr; 7, 21, 28 May 28% of Jews had Ishmael, Jacob or Esau, Leah or some have abused him physically and Holy Communion 9:30-10:15am Sexperienced some form of harassment for Rachel, Joseph or his brothers, we some insult him even when he is cruelly 9 Apr, 14 May being Jewish. One would have thought dying. It is a mistake to call them ‘the are precious in the sight of God. Holy Communion and Coffee 10-11:30am Jews’ and see them as ‘the other’. It is true that, with the horrors of the Holocaust We are blessed. And to be blessed, familiar to the majority (witness the no one has to be cursed. God’s there were people who were natives of number of novels and films recently) there Judea and Samaria, but then at least there Ark Playgroup would be no place for hatred on the base love does not work that way. were Romans — probably Europeans, even Mondays 1, 29 Apr; 13, 20 May 10:15am-12:15pm Today God is calling us, Jew, Weekly playgroup for toddlers. £2 per family of race or faith. possibly Britons and there were Africans Of course the political tangle that is the Christian and Muslim, to let go of too. The truth of that scene is that it was Christian Icons conflict between Israel and Palestine in hate and the preaching of hate, not one people who turned against God’s Thursdays 4, 11 Apr at 7:30pm the Middle East fuels the hatreds. I have and live at last as brothers and Son, but the whole world. Preceded by soup, bread and cheese at 7pm seen and felt both sides. I have wept in a sisters, true to our faith and a Palestinian orphanage, and I have blessing to others regardless of Our sin put Jesus on the cross Fairtrade Stall rejoiced on a Sabbath with a Jewish A song has a line, It was my sin that held their faith, Sundays 7 Apr & 5 May 10.30am family. In a coach, I have been shouted at him there. That seems to me partly right. I honouring Stock up on Traidcraft goods by ultra-orthodox Jews and had stones am one of the human race, represented by thrown at us by Palestinians. I have God’s name the crowd around the cross, letting the Connections by honouring visited the Holocaust memorials at Yad horror happen. But I think it was also his Tuesdays 2 April, 7 May 11am-12:30pm Vashem and witnessed the refugee his image, love that held him there. Jesus, a Jew as Our drop-in session with games and exercises camps and ‘Security Wall.’ Surely neither humankind.” God planned it, endured the worst that the

side is without sin. Rabbi world could do to him, died forgiving us all Life Groups Jonathan Sacks — and then entering the darkness, overcame Tuesdays 7, 21 May, Thursdays 9, 23 May, 8pm Church is not without fault death and rose to new life on Easter Day. The fortnightly home groups resume Britons need to tread carefully. There is To the distaste of many, ‘religious no doubt that the way our government violence’ is at the centre of Holy Week oly Week and Easter encom- Alistair Griffin in Concert acted a century ago contributed to the and Easter. Many churches in the West passes a wide range of tones — Saturday 18 May 8pm current situation. And Christians need to have at their focal point a tortured man on H triumph, opposition, friendship, The York-based singer returns. Book your be humble for the Church’s record is not a cross: a painting, a window, a statue. betrayal, judicial murder and victory. Join tickets online at: alistairgriffin.eventbrite.co.uk unblemished. We are not without fault Some find this rather ghoulish. I think us as we spend the week with Christ, and most either. believers should cope with this, not by wonderfully celebrate the Resurrection Day. CINEMA LISTINGS ARE ON PAGE SEVEN 3 FEATURE: MY ARCTIC ADVENTURE This icy wilderness is

GWYNNETH LLOYD

found myself getting itchy feet in September 2017 – it had been some time since I had travelled somewhere remote! My destination was going to be Svarlbard. This is an archipelago belonging to Norway and situated 70° INorth. The largest island is Spitsbergen and it is the only one permanently inhabited. My journey began there when I joined the ship Ocean Nova. Spitsbergen was named by the Dutch after all the peaks they could see from their ship when sailing around it in 1596. It was uninhabited but became a stopping point to collect water and later to kill whales for oil. Their numbers The Arctic skyline was constantly changing dropped drastically as whaling increased and it is only now that whale numbers are recovering. This archipelago became The Arctic occupies one sixth of the Earth’s surface, part of Norway in 1920. There are extending across eight countries. It is almost entirely three towns on the island: one a port, Longyearbyen, Ny Alesund, a covered by water, much of it frozen, yet below scientific centre, and Barentsburg, the ice is an abundance of sea life, which in turn built by the Russians for coal mining. There is also a global seed vault, supports mammals, many unique to the region. built into the side of a mountain to store seeds from all over the world. But global warming is now threatening its very This will protect against natural and existence. Gwynneth Lloyd went to explore it human disasters destroying the seeds we use. boats, called Zodiacs, to explore and there are glaciers spilling into they could definitely see some part of the island. We saw the sea in almost every bay. the effects of global warming. Time aboard or exploring many migrating birds, polar bears, We were to see many of these, Temperature records from Some of the other islands in the reindeer, arctic fox, seals and walrus but did not actually walk on a Svarlbard show the largest archipelago have research huts, but as well as the flowers of the island. glacier. We were all surprised at average seasonal rises of these are only visited in the summer. History was also important and how little ice there was in the sea. anywhere on the planet, 4 degrees ice free. We went north-east as far It is illegal to remove any mementos we visited islands with battle sites, I spoke to Laurence Sewell over the past 50 years. as 80°, but were in open seas. from the island, including flowers and mines and evidence of whaling. It about my trip as he had been there It should be remembered that the animal remains. was the Arctic summer so was light in 1968. At that time it was not West Spitsbergen Current, a Birds and polar bears The Ocean Nova was home for the most of the time except for the possible to sail around Spitsbergen branch of the Gulf Stream, brings I am fairly sure that most of us next 13 days. Days were spent on middle of the night. because of the ice. We had no warm water north helping to keep went on this trip because we board or going ashore in inflatable Spitsbergen has a large icecap such difficulties and the crew said the western shores relatively wanted to see polar bears, but many others were ‘birders’. At an introductory talk on our first full day on board we were assured we would see migrating birds, but we were not guaranteed whales, dolphins or polar bears. The possibility of bears was taken very seriously and staff on the bridge were always on the lookout. Crew members went ashore to check out the wildlife before we even boarded the boats. Ashore, we were always accompanied by a lookout carrying a gun. Shooting a polar bear is a last resort and has to be investigated by the police.

Lucky 13 sightings It wasn’t always easy to see the polar bears, but I was fortunate to see 13 in all, with three of the mothers having cubs with them. The Ocean Nova was home, but we made frequent trips in Zodiacs, inflatables that took us to shore or closer to animals We watched them from boats, with 4

under threat everyone’s cameras clicking away. Sometimes we were looking at Have your say about them through binoculars, at other times they were close by. We our church’s future mostly saw them on land, but one afternoon the boat stopped and we THIS YEAR’S Annual Parochial watched three sets of bears on the Church Meeting will be on Sunday only stretch of sea ice we saw. One 28 April at 11am in the church hall. of the bears was eating a seal, but it Similar to a company AGM, was too far away to photograph. there will be reports from the The crew saw far more than most various groups responsible for of the passengers because of their running the church. strong binoculars. In all they spotted The main address will come from 30 bears during the cruise! Many of Derek, our vicar, who will review these were quite far away. Once we our successes in 2018 as well as saw a bear swimming across a looking to the future. large area of open water. This will be a key year as the My wish was granted when I saw this mother and baby polar bear church begins to decide on Sunbathing walrus options to modernise the We also saw walrus and spent The growing season is very short. the Brasvellbreen glacier one sunny building to meet our one beautiful morning watching Purple saxifrage is very beautiful as afternoon. It is on the island of changing needs as we them as they enjoyed the sunshine is the Svalbard poppy. Reindeer Nordaustlandet and the sun was look to grow. on the ‘beach’. This is an example survive on the short grass which warm enough for the ice to be Those discussions began of the barren polar desert. There grows everywhere, as does moss. melting, with waterfalls tumbling off in February when we were also walrus in the water. We There are a lot of areas of scree the ice, seen below. At 190km long consulted the whole church. counted at least 110 altogether. and others resemble desert, where this glacier was a breath-taking Next the Parochial Church Council PCC members can serve up to The birdlife was prolific. Most of stones have been crumbled by ice. experience that no one wanted to end. (PCC) will ask three architects to two consecutive three-year terms. the birds were summer visitors and Large areas look like jigsaw puzzle produce plans based on our They meet eight times a year. they came to nest and hatch their pieces where the ground has frozen requirements. Derek said, ‘St James’s is only as eggs. We sailed past cliffs full of and thawed and then frozen again. Further consultations with the strong as its members. I urge all of guillemots with glaucous gulls and We had one day of total mist, but wider church will follow, but final you to consider standing for the great skuas waiting to eat any there was plenty to do on board and decisions will be taken by the PCC. PCC or serving in some other chicks or eggs that fell from nests. excellent lectures to attend. We capacity, such as part of a group. There were little auks nesting on visited several old research huts as Will you stand for the PCC? ‘We can only grow if we all play scree slopes and arctic terns and well as a disused mine. There are also three positions on our part in welcoming and eider ducks on grassy slopes. The the PCC to fill as well as finding a encouraging others to find or arctic terns fly from the Antarctic to Huge frozen waterfalls second churchwarden to support strengthen their faith.’ the Arctic and spend the summer at I have left glaciers till last. We Gwynneth. Nomination papers are in church. each end of the world. Having seen saw them from the ship or the boats them in the Antarctic too that was a daily. We also saw, or rather, heard, Easter story retold New parish for special moment. We also saw one calving; that is when a huge former vicar puffins, kittiwakes, sandpipers and chunk of ice breaks off a glacier. On our last morning we had a CHILDREN FROM Carlisle Infant School will glaucous gull chicks. We took to the Zodiacs to get champagne breakfast before going be told the Easter story anew when they PETER VANNOZZI, The flora on these islands is close to the Hambergbreen glacier. ashore at Alkhornet. We walked on visit St James’s for an Easter Experience in vicar of St James’s minimal. This is because there is It is like looking at a huge frozen the tundra and saw kittiwakes and April. Through hands-on storytelling, visual from 2007-2015, is only a thin layer of soil above the waterfall and the colours of the ice guillemots, reindeer and two arctic displays and prayer stations, children from moving parishes. permafrost. It is like walking on a change all the time, depending on foxes. We admired the flowers and Carlisle will learn about Jesus’s last week After 3½ years at miniature garden. No trees, but the amount of light and sun. saw walrus and seals in the water. and be given opportunities to respond St Augustine’s, maybe a couple of stunted bushes. We cruised along the ice cliffs of The end to a wonderful trip. creatively. Year 1 are visiting St James’s Highgate, Peter will one class at a time at the beginning of become vicar of April. The Experience will be laid out again St Francis of Assisi, in Holy Week (Mon 15-Fri 19 April) for any- Isleworth, at a one in the community to visit and explore service on Tuesday for themselves during office hours (see p2). 2 April at 7.30pm. Alistair back for concert ALISTAIR GRIFFIN, the York musician who performed at St James’s Church last November, is making a return visit as part of his Spring tour. His music regularly features on TV and radio and this year he wrote the music for Iron and Steel, a stage musical about Middlesbrough. The concert, on Saturday 18 May at 8pm, promises new material, some covers and a few surprises. There will also be a fresh batch of Alistair’s prize-winning lemon curd on sale (it sold out last year!) Tickets £18 can be bought online We watched walrus sleepily sunbathing on this Arctic ‘beach’ from: alistairgriffin.eventbrite.co.uk 5 YOUNG SPIRE EASTER FOR CHILDREN RE A life-changing message! Rich pickings for some

The empty tomb: telling the Easter story to children

Craft activities after the Together at Eleven service

entrance and guards placed outside. Three money is made only when the product is days later two women found an empty tomb processed and marketed. and the Angel of the Lord told them that Three international companies dominate DANI Jesus had risen, and they should tell LAURENCE the cocoa chain, with almost 40 per cent of ROBERTSON everyone! SEWELL the world cocoa market. They are Cargill, Jesus appeared to his disciples and many Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Barry more people before he was taken up to Callebaut. Chocolate companies have largely he Easter season is nearly upon us! heaven. He urged his followers to tell ocoa is much in the news at this time phased out cocoa processing by using sub- For Christians, Easter celebrations everyone in all nations that he loves them, of year, not just because of the peak contractors, thereby strengthening the major are the most important of the died to pay the price for their sin, and is very demand for our chocolate Easter suppliers. The world’s largest producers of year. It is our time to remember much alive in heaven and active in their lives eggs (highlighted in the Spire article chocolate, in order of size, are: Mars, and share that Jesus died for us today. last month urging us to purchase Mondelez (originally part of Kraft Foods Tand was raised on the third day. Cthe Fairtrade Real Easter Egg), but also which bought Cadburys in 2010), Nestle, It is this love and amazing truth that we We would hope that this is something that have the opportunity to share with children because of the campaign launched by the Ferrero and Hershey. All will be well-known people are familiar with, but the sad truth is and families this Easter season. Fairtrade Foundation for a living wage for millions of to chocolate lovers in Europe and the US. that many children today may not have heard cocoa farmers in the developing world. about the true meaning of Easter. Easter Experience for schools Ann Peterken drew our attention to this as Addressing issues in the cocoa sector We must compete with tales of large St James’s Church will convey the true part of the Fairtrade Fortnight in the February There are many agencies and non- rabbits hopping to children’s homes every meaning of Easter in a variety of ways this issue of the Spire. So what is the governmental organisations working to year to deliver baskets full of sweet treats. year. Before Easter, we’ll be hosting local background to all this? address the injustices in the sector to ensure For some, it may be easier, or at least more schools in our church for an Easter the sustainability of cocoa, e.g. work in familiar, to believe a story of a huge animal Experience. What is it and where does it come from? Ghana on a traceability system; improving who waits all year to bring them chocolate Children will go back in time as they travel Cocoa originates from the Amazon and the the prosperity of cocoa farmers around the eggs, or to think of hot cross buns, than of a through the church, stopping to experience Orinoco river basins in South America where world; and to maintain viable ecosystems. man who lived over 2,000 years ago, was different scenes from Jesus’ final days. They the indigenous people used it as a beverage. The World Cocoa Foundation, with over 100 killed because of the bad things people did, will hear the story of Jesus’s ministry, death, Its botanical name, Theobroma cocao, members - covering farmer co-operatives, and came back to life. and resurrection from our volunteers. meaning ‘food of the gods’, was given to the farm-level input providers, financial institutions, St James’s will have a Good Friday tree by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. cocoa processors, chocolate makers and Betrayed by a friend service at 9:30am and on Easter Day It is a small evergreen tree growing in manufacturers, cocoa trading companies and The Easter story was the beginning of the families can hear the story at our Sunday equatorial regions to some 12-26 feet high retailers - represents 80% of the global cocoa end for the life and ministry of Jesus. He morning services. The 9:30am service will be that produces flowers and a fruit called the and chocolate market, and provides a uniquely knew that he would soon be killed for the followed by an Easter Egg Hunt and photo cacao pod. The seeds within this pod, usually informed perspective on the interconnected message he brought and who he claimed to booth. known as ‘beans’, are used to produce nature and needs of the cocoa industry. be. He shared one last meal with his closest chocolate, and also, given their significant fat It seeks to work for the prosperity of all in friends, the twelve disciples, one of whom Easter Holiday Club for INSET day content, cocoa butter, used in production of the sector supporting sustainable livelihoods would betray him. St James’s will also be hosting an Easter- cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. to raise farmers out of poverty, to increase Judas led the soldiers to Jesus and themed INSET day Holiday Club for the first Cocoa was introduced into Europe in the production, and business alignment with all identified him with a kiss. Jesus never time. It will run for Years 1-6 from 10:30am- 15th century as an exotic drink consumed by players in the industry. resisted, but willingly went through with the 12:30pm on Tuesday 23 April in church. the wealthy. Cadbury’s launch of the There is still much to be done, and as we arrest, trial, and torturous death. He endured Easter egg hunts, photo booths and crafts chocolate bar in 1842 sparked greater indulge our passion for chocolate (hopefully a crown of thorns on his head, nails through are great fun, but the important thing is that demand for chocolate, which led to the wrapped with the Fairtrade accredited his hands, and a spear through his side. they are only tools to share an amazing story gradual expansion of cocoa production, symbol!) let us remember all those less After his death, Jesus’s body was put in a that many children may not have heard or especially when it was introduced into Africa fortunate than ourselves who have grown the tomb with a large stone rolled against the realised the significance of in their own lives. in 1870. Today West Africa is the largest supplier beans in the first place. It’s exciting to share the story of the of cocoa, with Ivory Coast (33%) and Ghana (19%) resurrection in creative ways but the how accounting for over half of global production of Cocoa pods isn’t more important than the what. around 4.5 million tons of cocoa beans per year. What we share is the love of Jesus through the story of His sacrifice and what that The cocoa and chocolate supply chain means for each person today. Cocoa trees are overwhelmingly grown by It means that we are all given freedom smallholder farmers and for many it is their from the sin that separates us from God. In primary source of income, especially in West the sight of God, we don’t have to pay a price Africa. However, in a largely unregulated for the wrong things we do because Jesus production system, farmers and workers are paid it for us. beset by problems of low prices and wages, All that’s left is for us to accept the free gift child labour, poor health and safety of forgiveness that God offers us. measures, and exploitation by governments and buyers which has tended to blight the industry. As with many global commodities Left: Eager collectors at last year’s egg hunt much of the added value and therefore 6 CHARITIES WE SUPPORT CHRISTIAN AID WEEK Help put an end to Opinion avoidable deaths

THE POPE AND ISLAM Earlier this year Pope Francis visited the United Arab Emirates, his first visit to the Arabian Peninsular, the birthplace of Islam. In a LINDA joint declaration with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhur, the senior WEBB religious authority in Sunni Islam, they declared, ‘Faith leads a believer to see in the other a brother or sister to be supported and enneh plays with her precious loved.’ And more controversially, ‘The pluralism and the diversity of baby Ansumana. He’s a happy, religions, colour, sex, race and language are willed by God in his bouncy baby who brings her joy. wisdom through which he created human beings.’ But Tenneh lost another baby. The joint statement also supported human rights and rights for When Tenneh’s labour started women. Pope Francis is building on the 1990 encyclical of Pope Tduring her first pregnancy, there was no John Paul II, ‘The Holy Spirit while manifested in a special way in health centre in the village. Her mum took her the church and her members, its presence and activity are to a traditional birth attendant. During two universal… and affects not only individuals but also society, days of agonising labour, Tenneh fell history, people, cultures and religions.’ unconscious and was bleeding heavily. With very little medical training, the birth COMMANDMENTS CUT attendant was way out of her depth. In the Members of a registered Three-Self church in China’s Henan days and months after her labour, Tenneh felt Tenneh and baby Ansumana with nurse Judith at the clinic province were ordered to erase the First Commandment from very weak and her baby wouldn’t breastfeed. display during an inspection by government officials. In an unusual Tragically, he died when he was three months old. ‘I need help,’ she says. ‘Women are dying from childbirth, intervention in a state-approved church, an official ordered the children are dying because of poverty. Please help us.’ First Commandment, ‘You shall have no other Gods before me’, New hope With your support during Christian Aid Week, a bigger, be removed from the Ten Commandments displayed in front of the Christian Aid saw how difficult the situation in Sawula better health centre could be built. pulpit, saying it was ‘national policy’. Later that day, the church village was. The charity's aid partner Rehabilitation and took down all of them under pressure from the authorities. Development Agency has been helping vulnerable women Doorstep collections end, but you can still help Earlier last year the communist government’s White Paper on access healthcare and improve hygiene with simple After many years of envelope delivering, St James’s has religion announced new policies on ‘sinicisation’ (making Chinese), interventions like handwashing. decided to end house-to-house collections. We are with the intention of selectively reinterpreting Christianity and Thankfully, when Tenneh was pregnant a second time, extremely grateful to our many collectors who have given Scripture. (Source: Barnabas Aid). things had changed. This time, she had nurse Judith by their time over the years to Christian Aid Week. This year her side to deliver her baby safely. we’d like everyone to take some envelopes from church WESTMINSTER & HOMELESS and give them to immediate neighbours, friends and family. Westminster’s wealthy households paid £603,000 in voluntary A health centre for all We will also be hosting a Talent Auction on Saturday Council Tax to help people off the street. The capital’s wealthiest The community in Sawula dream of having a health 11 May, where you will be able to bid for a variety of lots, borough has the country’s lowest Council Tax, but also the most centre that can meet their needs. The current building is including birthday cake-making, dishwasher cleaning or rough sleepers of any London borough. The council asked the the size of a small bedroom. Operations, deliveries and maybe some decorating! most expensive Band H homes to pay double their Council Tax, an check-ups all happen there with just two delivery beds. On Sunday 12 May, Brian Marin and Justice Onwuka extra £833. Since last year, 604 Band H homes have given to the Nurse Judith works around the clock, but the need is from Christian Aid will be speaking during the 9:30am scheme, with some offering up to £10,000. But this voluntary tax great, and sometimes she’s forced to send people away. service. Brian is an experienced former Christian Aid staff illustrates the growing gap between rich and poor, with Council Judith sees diseases like malaria and typhoid, especially in member who has worked overseas. Please come along Tax bands last revised more than 30 years ago. children, yet the clinic often runs out of medicines. and hear his inspiring message for yourselves.

BUSHY PARK RUNS Last January’s poll by London National Park City voted Bushy Park Pop-up Cinema presents REGISTERS as the favourite green space in London. The park runs, started FEBRUARY here in Bushy Park in 2004, must have contributed to this choice. FUNERALS On Christmas Day over 2,000 people ran in a huge variety of 4 Yvonne Joy de Silva, 65, Whitton outfits. The 5k runs are now held in 587 locations worldwide in 20 12 Madeline Joan Sykes, 94, Hampton Hill countries, with about 200 people on average taking part. 15 Roger Geoffrey Godwin, 71, Hampton Worldwide it attracts nearly two million people. The average time 19 Peter William Ives, 90, Whitton for running 5k is 28 minutes. The whole enterprise is free and run 28 Beryl Violet Ravenscroft, 93, Hampton entirely by volunteers. The coloured T-shirts also come free: red for 50 runs, black for 100, green for 250, and blue for 500. INTERMENT OF ASHES At a recent run the oldest runner was 84, the youngest 4. In 2017 15 Bernard William Wigginton, 73, Hampton Hill the first run was held in a Cumbrian prison, and prison runs are spreading round the UK. Now the Government, through Sport The April-June season of films on the big screen in the

England, is putting in money to create 200 further park runs. church has been announced. Started with13 runners and 4 volunteers, as one commentator Saturday 27 April Ralph Breaks the Internet (PG) 3.30pm says, ‘Everyday lives are being changed by park runs.’ Ralph and Vanellope travel to save Sugar Rush Arcade. Sunday 5 May Paul, Apostle of Christ (15) 4.30pm Paul and BUBBLE WRAP FOR STRESS his friend Luke struggle against Nero in order to live out the Students at Bristol University are being offered bubble wrap to help Gospel of Jesus and tell the world. soothe their nerves before exams. The wrap is included in ‘stress- Saturday 25 May A Private War (15) 6.30pm The true story of relief’ packs. The packets come with instructions saying, ‘For Marie Colvin, one of the most celebrated war correspondents. immediate stress relief, pop three capsules every 4-6 hours, or as Saturday 22 June Christopher Robin (PG) 3.30pm (pictured) needed.’ The Students’ Union said, ‘We thought the bubble wrap The adult Christopher helps Winnie find all his old friends. packs would catch people’s attention, encourage them to take a Free entry — no need to book. Doors open 30 mins before break or brighten their day.’ film starts. Snacks available to buy. 7 MY FAVOURITE PAINTINGS Portraits of a gallery Virgin of the Rocks, 1491-1507, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) Stratford Mill, 1820, John Constable (1776-1837) The Virgin is seen with Jesus and John the Baptist (both as small children) and an angel. The picture is in a dark DAVID room in the gallery with TAYLOR one of his cartoons. Its impact is enhanced by the strong contrast between the figures in e are fortunate that The National Gallery light against the dark is easy to reach from Hampton Hill — background. Also and with no entry fee. It houses an delicate painting of the outstanding collection of European shadows defines the paintings dating from the 13th century to figures. the 19th century. The building was opened Originally part of an Most of Constable’s paintings centred on the River Stour in Win 1838 and over the years it has been extended to house the altarpiece in a Milanese Suffolk, showing everyday life with mills, locks and barges. growing collection, the most recent extension being the church, it was finally He was interested in the effect of light, the weather and opening of the Sainsbury Wing in 1991. New pictures are finished by 1507. clouds. Historical paintings were in vogue so it took time for acquired by a mixture of gifts, bequests and government grants. It was bought by the him to become established. He sold pictures in France and Gallery in 1880. influenced the Impressionists, especially Monet. The Arnolfini Portrait, 1434, Jan van Eyck (1422-1441) This is a wedding portrait The Tribute Money, 1560-8, Titian (1473-1576) The Fighting Temeraire, 1839, J W M Turner (1775-1851) of Giovanni Arnolfini, a This illustrates a scene merchant from Lucca, in the New Testament living in Bruges. His wife, (Matthew 22: 15) and Giovanna, was religious, shows Christ answering and the mirror behind a Pharisee’s question them has scenes of about paying taxes to Christ’s Passion on the the Romans in a serene rim. In the mirror are two and authoritative men standing in the manner. The superb doorway, one perhaps is use of colour (often the painter. It was expensive) was a painted in 1434 using hallmark of the Venetian newly introduced oils, style of which Titian was which is why the colours the most well-known. His portraits were famous throughout have not faded. It was owned by one or two European royal Europe and his output was large over his long life. The painting families and eventually sold to the National Gallery in 1842. was sent to Philip II of Spain and acquired for the Gallery in 1852. Here, a ship that was prominent at the Battle of Trafalgar is being towed to the breakers’ yard. It shows a glorious sunset, Virgin and Child, 1426, Le Chapeau de Paille, 1622-25, Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) a ghostly image of the ship and a dirty and unattractive tug Masaccio (1401-1428) Rubens was an heir of the towing her away, harbinger of the era of steam. Turner first The Virgin and Child are Italian Renaissance and as a exhibited at The Royal Academy at the age of 15. He painted seated on an architectural young man spent eight years in scenes, especially those at sea, and recorded the moods of throne with two angels playing Italy. He was an outstanding nature, such that subject is only seen vaguely. He worked in lutes. What is remarkable is artist with an enormous output, the UK, France and Italy, notably Venice. The painting was that both the Virgin and Child though with so many paintings he acquired as part of the Turner bequest in 1856. look solid and we feel that the employed assistants and would Virgin could stand up and walk only paint the sensitive parts. Snow Scene at Argenteuil, 1875, Claude Monet (1840-1926) towards us. Up until then He was also a man of learning pictures had been beautiful but and a diplomat. This painting is like cardboard cut-outs. of Susanna Fourment, the sister Masaccio was a genius, but of his second wife. It shows his output was small because brilliance and subtlety of tone, of his early death, probably catching the sunlight on the from the plague. The painting figure. It was bought in 1871, originally in the collection of was bought in 1916. former prime minister Sir Robert Peel.

The Baptism of Christ, 1437, Piero della Francessa (1420-1492) Self Portrait at the age of 63, 1669, Rembrandt (1606-1669) The picture shows the majestic and Rembrandt produced two solemn figure of Christ, with John self-portraits a year over his the Baptist anointing him, and a working life. They bear close dove above his head (the Holy examination and show his Spirit). Next to him are three down-to personal evolution, with a -earth angels. The water represents certain defiance of the world. The scene is of a road with trees and buildings each side and the River Jordan. There are other His works were much in a few pedestrians. Details are sacrificed for the atmosphere figures and the foliage is realistically demand and he produced of a grey winter’s day. The Frenchman paints exactly what he painted. The artist carefully uses hundreds of paintings, sees which gives the painting great immediacy. Monet was a perspective (he was also a etchings and drawings. This leading Impressionist, a movement which broke away from mathematician) to give believable portrait, painted in the year historical paintings favoured by the Salon, as happened figures. He was influential in the he died, shows vitality. It was earlier with Constable. This school became very popular. Early Renaissance. Bought in 1860. bought for £430 in 1851. The painting was bequeathed in 2006 by Simon Sainsbury. 8 IN THE JUNE ISSUE: Life at university, Youth Group’s weekend away, Favourite Music Festivals Janet