Grapevine The THE PARISH MAGAZINE OF ST LAURENCE CHURCH ALVECHURCH
November 2014
Online at www.alvechurch-stlaurence.org Page 1 St Laurence Church Alvechurch
SUNDAY SERVICES
8.00.am Holy Communion 9.30.am Family Service with Holy Communion on the 1st Sunday and Baptisms on the 4th Sunday 11.00.am Parish Eucharist 6.00.pm Evensong
At Rowney Green Shared Church 9.30.am Methodist/Anglican Service with Holy Communion on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month
DAILY SERVICE
9.00.am Monday to Friday In St Laurence Church
ORGANISATIONS
Sunday Club Sundays at 9.30.am in the Church and Ark (445 1854)
Choir Thursdays at 7.45.pm in Church (445 3569)
Bellringers Sundays at 10.30.am and 5.30.pm Tuesday Practice at 7.30.pm (01527 64077)
Women’s Fellowship 4th Wednesday of the month at 2.00.pm in Tanyard Lane Community Centre (445 2125)
Mum’s the Word Thursdays at 9.30.am in The Ark (07773509390) Tiny Tots Service 10.15.am 2nd Thursday of the month
Ark Café Thursdays during term time at 12.15.pm (447 7017)
Home Group Thursdays, 7.30.pm at the Coach House (445 2547)
Messy Church Quarterly on a Saturday in The Ark (445 1985)
THE ARK Enquiries to Ian Price 0121 447 7955
Registered as a Charity in England and Wales: Charity Number 1131783
Page 2 Philippa Brakes Writes... churches and elsewhere to comfort and strengthen each other.
We may not be facing a world war now, but
each of us faces times of loss, pain, regret
and grief. We still have active and caring
communities here in Alvechurch and Remembrance – November; time to look elsewhere. The church still continues to offer back over the year. What has happened to support, love, acceptance and a place for us and to those around us? What have we reflection and healing. It also offers a place done well and what could we have done and time when we can celebrate all that is better? wonderful in life; love and marriage, How must people have looked back 96 christenings, a chance to say thank you for years ago after four years of fighting a the good things we have and share. terrible war? So many had lost sons, Above all we have God who understands husbands, fathers and friends – seen sights everything we have been through – who they would never be able to talk about – rejoices when we are celebrating and wraps perhaps done things they would never have us in loving care when we weep. We do not believed themselves capable of; heroic acts, need to conceal or deny our failings and things demanding huge endurance, or sufferings, but simply to lay them at the feet perhaps unspeakable things that would of someone who accepts us just as we are fester in hearts and minds for years to come. and then fills us with his love and joy and Yet what seemed to come out of that war forgiveness. and out of so many wars since was a genuine desire for peace and reconciliation and for the dead to be remembered in a positive way. In our village, a grieving family gave the land we know as the Meadows to the village so that local people could gather and St Laurence’s Annual children play in perpetuity. What a lovely way to remember a boy who must have All Souls Service will be played there before the war cut short his brief life. held on Sunday
I think part of what made the healing of the dreadful wounds possible for everyone November 2nd at affected by World War One was the sense of 11:00am. community spirit. Men from every background had volunteered and suffered All are invited to our traditional service for together in the trenches and women at remembering the recently departed. home found themselves pulling together and doing jobs no one had previously thought A form for those wishing to have the name they could or should. When it was all over of their loved on read out during the service people were able to draw together at the will be available at the back of the church from Sunday 19th October.
Page 3 A Very Special Announcement Huntleys Funeral Services Dear friends, as a piece of “stop press” news you may have Serving your community for 130 years already head this “on the grapevine” but its important you Your local family orientated funeral directors read it officially in ”The Grapevine”! of distinction, offering a traditional and caring service with attention to detail On Wednesday 8th October an interview panel with Faith at FOR 24 HOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION Work representatives, Jill Woolley, myself and Reverend Nikki 01527 892900 Groarke (Archdeacon of Dudley), met to interview for our Priest in Charge/Workplace Chaplain post. We were successful 12 Feckenham Road in the applicant being suitable and he has accepted the post. Astwood Bank Branch also at The official notice via Reverend Nikki Groarke from the Bishop 58 Ipsley Street , Redditch is as follows:- 01527 62106 Providers of the Perfect Choice Funeral Plan An Announcement from the Archdeacon
The Bishop of Worcester is pleased to announce that he has
offered the post of Priest in Charge of St Laurence, Alvechurch and Workplace Chaplain, Faith at Work in Worcestershire to the Revd Richard Bubbers, and the offer has been formally accepted.
Richard is currently an Assistant Curate in the Ipsley Team. He is married to Sally, a sensorimotor psychotherapist, and they have four grown-up sons.
Prior to ordination, Richard was senior partner in a firm of solicitors in Hertfordshire, and practised as a civil litigation and family solicitor.
It is expected that Richard’s Licensing will take place in early 2015.
Many thanks for all the support and prayers for the team taking part. We now turn our prayers to focus on Richard as he leaves Ipsley and moves here. With our recent experience of an interregnum I’m sure we can use those insights to pray for the church at Ipsley.
More details hopefully in The Grapevine soon! Martin Allen and Jill Woolley PCC interview panel representatives.
Macmillan Coffee Morning Thank You From Rectory Cottage
Many thanks to all the lovely people who came along and supported our coffee morning on the 26th September. Also a big thank you to our many hard working helpers, they did a wonderful job! We raised a total of £685, a great result. Thanks to all of you. Celia and family (Rectory Cottage, Old rectory Lane, Alvechurch. Page 4 "Rectory Cottage Bed and Breakfast" Old Rectory Lane, Hopwood Village Hall 1914-2014 Alvechurch
offers The Trustees of Hopwood Village Hall invite you to celebrate warm and welcoming accommodation, with us the Centenary of the village hall with a 'bring and share' with super breakfasts and attractive, spacious bedrooms. supper at the hall on 28th November at 7.30pm.
Local band Hopwood Junction will be entertaining us with their music, and we hope to have memorabilia on show as well. If you have any old photographs of the hall or events that have taken place there over the years, please get in touch with us.
The event is free but please obtain your FREE ticket from
Hopwood Garden Centre, Ash Lane. Please bring your own drinks to the event. Any more information from Ann Thurrell Contact Celia on 0121 445 4824, or visit our website on 0121 4477668. www. rectorycottage-alvechurch.co.uk
WHERE NEXT ASSOCIATION
Garden Centre Opening hours Mon-Fri 9 to 5, Sat 10 to 4
Woodwork Packing / assembly Landscaping / maintenance
Support your local cha rity which offers peop le with special needs the opportunity to experience the real wo rld of wo rk.
Wellesbourne Close Easemore Road, Redditch B98 8ER 01527 69955
Page 5 The Grateful And The Grumblers A poem by Gordon Parsons.
God calls the Grateful and the Grumblers, Opens the mouths of mutes and mumblers, That they may think, and speak and say Those words the Master taught us to pray, As seventy times seven we beg to forgive, With grace our lives to fervently live We ponder not the how or where, We know that God is always there, On His throne in the celestial sea Ready to welcome your good self and me. His love for us is extra traditional, For though we sin, it's unconditional. Parent-like he tends and spares us, Comforts us through all our woes. While he may chide us with a frown His loving care is of renown. Alvechurch Village Society Ray Yarnell AVS Chairperson writes...
The November walk will be at 2.30pm on Sunday 2nd November, and will be '' Up Hill and Down Dale'' which is another of a series of my favourite local walks. The walk will start at the Tanyard Lane car park and will be led by Anne and Andy Humphries (0121 445 5955).
The November social event would normally be held on Wednesday 26th November, but we have given up our booking of the hall to allow an extra performance of the Pantomime ''Orphan belle & the Last Circus'' by The Alvechurch Dramatic
Society. Kathryn Collinson BA Hons, BEd Hons, ALCM Tickets for the event are on sale as usual throughout the village and we would recommend and support this event Lessons from 20 minutes Rowney Green Horticultural Society to 1 hour The Rowney Green Horticultural Society meets at the Peace Hall on the second Thursday each month at 7.30pm. The meeting on 13th November 2014 will be the AGM followed by Cheese & Music tuition – All Styles Classical, Bass and Electric Guitar Wine. Piano and Keyboard For exams or just for fun All members are most welcome on this evening re. the election
Maths and English Tuition of the Committee. Perhaps you are even thinking of putting SATS / confidence building your own name forward? The Committee would very much Special needs appreciate more volunteers to come along and join the Ages from 5-11 years Committee. For more information please telephone Janet on Tel: 0121 445 3523 01527 69399.
Page 6 Free Energy Checks For Local Elderly James Giles Age UK Bromsgrove have secured funding to complete 50 Energy & Sons A FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL DIRECTORS ESTABLISHED 1916 Checks between now and March 2015. The aim is to make homes as Serving all communities with dignity and energy efficient as possible. understanding
We are able to install up to £40 worth of equipment per Private Chapel of Rest Day and Night Service household at NO COST to the home owner. Home owners Woodland Burial Golden Charter and Help must pay their council tax to Bromsgrove and be over the the Aged Funeral Plans age of 65 to qualify. Catering and Floral Tributes
Equipment available includes, radiator panels, draught Telephone 01527 872318 excluder, energy saving light bulbs, cylinder jackets, chimney 24 Stourbridge Road pillows, night lights, letter box covers etc. Bromsgrove, Worcs, B61 0AE
For more information contact Mandy Quine, Age UK Bromsgrove & District, 51 Windsor Street, Bromsgrove B60 2BJ or telephone 01527 871840.
The Midland Sinfonia
General Knowledge Fundraising Quiz and The Leys Residential Home Supper Evening Old Birmingham Road Alvechurch B48 7TQ
Saturday 15th November 2014, 7 for 7.30 start Offering a warm, welcoming and caring The Ark, St Laurence Church, Alvechurch environment for later years. For further information, or to arrange a visit, please call Teams of up to six, with singles and couples happily 0121 445 5587 accommodated. £8 pp which includes supper. Bar available for wines and soft drinks.
Booking is essential for this very popular annual TMS fundraising event – so secure your table now!
Please contact Marian Barwell on [email protected] or 0121 447 7040.
For more details on TMS then do have a look at our website www.midlandsinfonia.co.uk
Page 7 Auction For Stained Glass Windows
Barbara Griffiths writes…
Last month’s Grapevine contained an article stating that the beautiful stained glass windows at St Laurence are in urgent need of repair and that fundraising would be taking place. I have now agreed the date for the Auction. This will take place on Saturday 21st February 2015 at 2.30pm in The Ark. I have tried to ensure that this does not clash with any other events taking place. This may seem rather an early notifi- cation, but it will give everyone plenty of time to look around their homes, in the attics, wherever; to use the opportunity to dispose of items that are no longer required – perhaps even unwanted Christmas presents!
I am hoping this will appeal not only to people who regularly attend church but to the community as a whole – I already have the promise of a cordless hedge cutter with extension, a 6’x4’ rectangular paddling pool, items suitable for the coming spring and summer, plus a manicure voucher – just a taste of things to come. Collection and storage of items can be ar- ranged; just telephone me on 0121 445 3041.
Weekly Prayers For Our Neighbours
For a number of years St Laurence Church has been including each road in the parish in turn in our weekly prayers. There are 80 roads on the list so the residents of each road are remem-
bered in our prayers about every 18 months.
Burcot Grange Up until now the road has only been published on the back of Residential Care Setting for the weekly pew leaflet given out at each Sunday service. It was the Elderly thought people might like to know in advance which road will be included in each Sunday’s prayers, so a list will appear in A unique blend of luxury country house living and quality forward thinking care, the Grapevine, which is delivered to almost every home in the Burcot Grange is the perfect place for retirement living. parish.
Long term care Parish Prayer List for November 2014 Individually designed independent living 2nd November - Robins Hill Drive suites 9th November - Rockwell Lane Short stay convalescent and holiday accommodation 16th November - Rose Avenue
For more information or to arrange a visit 23rd November - Rowney Green Lane go to www.burcotgrange.com Burcot Grange, 23 Greenhill, Burcot, 30th November - Sandhills Green Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 1BJ. 0121 445 5552 [email protected]
Page 8 “No Ordinary Life”
Shoot First - talk by John Williams at Alvechurch Baptist Church, 21st November 2014 at 7.00pm.
The BBC Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham, long gone thanks to the Corporation’s restructuring and great leap forward to Salford, was the place where I spent my BBC career as a film cameraman and director. Since I gave a talk to help raise money to refurbish the sanctuary of Alvechurch Baptist Church, people in the village continue to comment on what a wonderful career I must have had. And it’s true; I pinch myself when I think how fortunate I was to find myself travelling the world meeting kings and paupers and visiting some of the most beautiful places seen and unseen.
I’ve been asked to tell more of this life, of those places and people, and this time I will take a look at the challenging aspects of my work as a cameraman. How we filmed down coal mines unable to use lights because of the risk of gas, flew with the RAF Red Pelicans aerobatic team, the forerunners to the Red Arrows. How we found the Marroon people at their village hidden for centuries high up in the Blue Mountains in Jamaica, a refuge for those who managed to escape the British in Kingston and the atrocities of the slave trade. We will hear the lovely voice of Topol showing us his Israel, and revisit old favourites like Howard's Way and Antarctica. Filming is glamorous but not always so. Come and see for yourself. I will do my best to answer questions.
Tickets are £8 to include refreshments. You can get your tickets from The Post Office, The Lounge or call Lloyd on 07769700645 or John on 01527 66897.
Page 9 Wedding Bells
A former pupil of Alvechurch Middle School, Lawrence Anthony Wood, married his fiancée, Sarah Rachel Clarkson, on Saturday 20th September 2014 at St Laurence Parish Church.
Sarah and Lawrence have two beautiful girls, Lily and Sophia.
Sarah, who is the eldest daughter of Ralph and Christine Clarkson of Solihull, was escorted into church on her father's arm.
Sarah wore an ivory Mori Lee floor length dress with full length veil and crystal tiara, and carried an ivory rose bou- quet. She was accompanied by her five bridesmaids; daugh- THOMAS ter Lily as flower girl, dressed in an ivory diamante dress with mini ivory rose bouquet, chief bridesmaid Daniella Gause, BROTHERS Emma Dovey (sister) and Anna Clarkson (sister) and Hannah Beck (groom's niece). The adult bridesmaids wore hot pink Funeral Directors satin knee-length dresses with matching shoes, and carried Prepayment Plan, cream gerbera bouquets. Private Chapels, "Woodland Burial" The groom chose his close friend, Steve Lanckham, as best 24 hour Personal Service man and the Usher was Adrian Wood (brother).
A family-owned funeral directors After a reception held at The Moat House, Dorsington near offering a friendly, dignified service, paying attention to detail. Stratford Upon Avon, the couple left for a honeymoon in Mi- ami and the Florida Keys. The bride, who works as an energy 12ATel: Red01527 Lion 547777 Street Alvechurch494 Evesham B48 Road 7LF consultant, and the groom, who is a commercial banker, will Crabb0121s Cross, 445 3422Redditch S.A.I.F.S.A.I.F. be making their married home in Dellow Grove Alvechurch.
All Work is to the Highest Standard
Showroom and Workshop 338 Alcester Road, Burcot, Bromsgrove B60 1BH Tel: (01527) 876200 07710976744
Page 10 St Laurence Women’s Fellowship
Jill Woolley writes…
At our meeting in September Mark Wilkins, an experienced helicopter pilot who works in The County Air Ambulance Service, gave us an interesting and informative talk about the helicopters and personnel who ensure that the vital emergency service is available everyday. He was pleased to receive a cheque for £350 the proceeds of our Charity Tea in August.
At our meeting on November 26th we will welcome Jessica Lindon who will demonstrate the art of Rag Rugging, with hands-on practice for members who are interested.
Despite the rigours of parking we continue to meet at The Tanyard Centre on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 2pm.
Page 11 Kids Corner
Answers on page 14
Page 12 Winter 2014 in Alvechurch Library give us a ring to express your interest. The Country Market continues to visit We have two Christmas craft activities on offer Alvechurch Library on the afternoon of the where we will see the return of the very second Tuesday in the month. A lovely selection talented Jacky. Please join us on Friday 28th of handmade items and home grown produce. November, for a morning of glitter and glue Stuffed, pickled and preserved, no not the from 10.00am - 12 noon, to make a selection of sellers but the goodies on sale!! wooden and paper Christmas decorations. On Tuesday 4th December from 2.30pm – 4.30pm As many of you already know we hold a very Jacky will be here again, this time running a two popular Baby Bounce and Rhyme group that hour workshop where you will be decorating a meet here every Monday morning at 10am. As Christmas gift box. The cost of these sessions this is such a popular and fun filled half an hour are £10 each, please come in and pay in we have now started to run this session on a advance to save your place. Friday morning at 10am too. No charge, just turn up for lots of singing, bouncing and Don’t buy all of your Christmas presents too rhyming. early as we are holding our Christmas Craft Sale on Monday 1st December 10.00am - 12.30pm, For any of our workshops, sessions or activities 2.00pm - 4.30pm. Our very talented "Crafty please call 01905 822722 to book a place. Ladies" have been hard at work making a fabulous selection of handmade gifts such as Christmas stockings, bags and bunting, Can You Hear Me? beautiful handmade soft toys, Christmas Are you finding it difficult to join in decorations, homemade cakes and sweet conversations? Do you continually miss smelling lavender houses. To continue with the important information? Is it easier to opt out fund raising activities that have already than persist in trying to communicate ?...... benefited Alvechurch Library and two local charities, we will be selling raffle tickets to give the lucky winner the opportunity of owning a stunning hand decorated Christmas tablecloth, which has been made with love and laughs by the "Crafty Ladies".
Please put Friday 5th December in your diaries. Then ‘Can you Hear Me?’ is the place for you. The Reverend Fiona Lee will be paying us We get together in an understanding another visit this year along with her harp. Join environment and enjoy each other’s company. us for Christmas Carols, festive thoughts, good We share our experiences and have informed wishes and mince pies. Reverend Fiona will be speakers to help us with devices to make our hearing loss less frustrating. here between 11.00am – 12noon and 2.00pm and 3.00pm. You will be very welcome at Alvechurch Cricket Club, Birmingham Road Alvechurch on the 3rd We have a Writers Group that meet in Wednesday each month( an unusual venue but Alvechurch Library once a month, the last very comfortable with good parking) Our next Friday of the month and we also host a Readers session is 19th November. For further Group that meet in the afternoon of the last information please contact Pat 01527 875722. Tuesday in the month. The formation of Poetry Hope to see you! Group is also something that we would like to host. Any interested poets out there, please Can you hear me? (Communication Forum)
Page 13 The Ark Café
Our menu for November and December is as follows - NOVEMBER 6TH ROAST PORK NOVEMBER 13TH SOMERSET CHICKEN NOVEMBER 20TH ROAST LAMB NOVEMBER 27TH CHRISTMAS LUNCH - TICKET ONLY £12 DECEMBER 4TH CHRISTMAS LUNCH - TICKET ONLY £12
The Christmas Lunch Tickets are very good value at £12 for an excellent three course lunch, with good company. They are available any Thursday lunchtime at the Ark, or from Ian Price any weekday 9am - 2pm on 447 7955 in the Ark.
The Ark Café is also taking this opportunity to support the STAINED GLASS WINDOWS APPEAL in the church. The surplus proceeds and raffle funds from the Christmas Lunch on November 27th will go to the Appeal.
David Richmond will be providing the usual festive music for both lunches but in addition for the lunch on 27th November there will be SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT provided by GRAHAM CLARK and MICK FLETCHER - so we look forward to your support for all these events so we can help the Window Appeal. We look forward to seeing you there.
Remembrance Day Anagram Answers -
War / Bravery / Courage / Freedom / Peace / Poppies / Army / November / Veteran / Soldier / Wreath
Hidden Word circled words spell - REMEMBRANCE
Page 14 Progress On Medical Services they have been told that they cannot attend the Alexandra. Community health equipment For Alvechurch Patients should now come from Worcestershire.
Most Alvechurch residents are patients of the Thanks are due to the practice and the CCG local surgery, the larger half of Northwood for this. However, the PPG needs to hear from and Alvechurch practice. Though this surgery patients whether the solutions are taking gives a very good service, there are problems affect. It also believes that there are still for patients because it is technically based in many more anomalies to be solved. There is its Kings Norton centre, and thus part of a usually no problem with referrals to Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group. consultants at hospitals, where patients These groups make all the connections with nationally have choice about where they go. other medical and care services outside the But the anomalies may become even more practice itself. apparent as plans are made to integrate health and social care (local authorities, acute Most of these connected services for this hospital trusts and GPs) for patients to receive practice are therefore based in Birmingham a community-based package of care such as even though there may well be equivalent "hospital at home". It’s difficult if you find services based more locally in Worcestershire. your “community” is deemed to be in This has been causing some problems for Birmingham rather that Worcestershire. patients who are referred to Birmingham rather than Worcestershire. The local Patient The PPG would love to hear from you if you Participation Group has been working with are with the Alvechurch surgery and you’ve both the relevant Birmingham CCG and the encountered this sort of issue. Patient local Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG to try to feedback is the only way we can be sure that resolve these. The Parish Council has also any new arrangements are working properly. taken part in these discussions. You can join the Facebook Forum by pressing on the Facebook link on the practice website The Patient Participation Group (PPG) at the at practice has established a Patient Forum on www.northwoodandalvechurch.gpsurgery.net Facebook. This has uncovered a long list of , or email [email protected], or leave a anomalies faced by patients. These include message in the new suggestion box, soon to being referred to a centre in Selly Oak for out be installed, at the surgery. Look out for the -of-hours care, or to a “community hospital” PPG’s new newsletter. Any other comments in Moseley for admissions and other care, no and suggestions about the practice are longer being able to use the Princess of Wales welcomed. hospital for breast screening, problems with accessing medical equipment, and being Northwood and Alvechurch PPG referred to Birmingham-based mental health services. Thank You
Ann Thurrell writes… Some progress has been made. If you ring the out of hours service now, you should be My thanks to Lynda referred to the nearby Alexandra Hospital, Wolstencroft and team though the message seems to be taking a long for the absolutely time to get through to the operators of the beautiful Harvest displays service as some patients have reported that In the church.
Page 15
We Will Remember Them Harold attended Bancroft’s School in Anne Humphries writes… Woodford Green, Essex and ex- pupils are
currently researching the 167 boys and Have you ever noticed a plaque on the masters from the school who appear on their North wall of the Church to the left of the World War 1 Memorial. They also plan to visit window next to the Ark door? It reads “To the graves and memorials and restore any in poor Glory of God and in loving memory of Harold condition. Stanley Underwood Died 11th March 1918 and Elsie Janet Underwood his wife, died 21st The Underwoods are not listed on our October 1918. Both gave their lives for their Church War Memorial and their names have country”. Despite having researched many of not been read out on Remembrance Sunday, the men from Alvechurch who died in World however they were read on August 3 at the War 1, I have only recently become aware of Commemoration Service for the start of this couple and decided to try to find out World War 1 and rosemary sprigs were laid in something about them. their memory along with those listed on the
memorial and some others. Elsie Janet Boulton was born 3 April 1885, the daughter of Harry William and Ellen Photographs of Harold’s grave and the wall Boulton of The Leys, Alvechurch. Harry plaque can be seen on the website Boulton was Churchwarden from 1888-1911. ‘Buckinghamshire Remembers’. A similar In the 1891 census Elsie is living at home with website, Remember the Fallen her parents, in 1901 at school in Kings Norton (www.rememberthefallen.co.uk), has been and in 1911 teaching in Bristol. She married developed for Worcestershire and Harold Stanley Underwood on 22 December photographs of the St Laurence War 1914 at St Laurence, Alvechurch. Harold, born Memorial, the one from the old school and 1879 was the son of a London tea merchant. the Underwood plaque have all been added to He was a mining engineer who had earlier this site with information on those whose military service and had enlisted to serve in names are listed on the memorials. the Army Service Corps in November 1914.
Research on the Alvechurch fallen is Sadly he contracted TB and pneumonia and continuing and if you have any information was unfit for further service by 1916, on, or photographs of, the Alvechurch men convalescing for a time at the Moat House in (and woman) please contact me (0121 445 Alvechurch but died at his home in 5955 or [email protected]). Beaconsfield on 11 March 1918, aged 39. He is buried in Shepherds Lane Cemetery, Beaconsfield. After Harold’s death Elsie enlisted as an orderly at the Scottish Women’s Hospital in Sallanches, France. Her fate was similar to her husband’s in that she developed influenza followed by double pneumonia and died on 21 October 1918. Her name is inscribed on the other side of Harold’s gravestone but it is assumed that she is actually buried in France.
Page 16 greatly missed especially by his nephew John Obituaries who visited him regularly throughout his illness, and by his niece Sandra. Mary Ann Burnett Ewart last lived in Tanyard Close. He was a quiet and private man who remained single Mary Ann Burnett lived all 85 years of her throughout his life. After National Service and life in Alvechurch, and ended her days in service in the Royal Artillery he worked for Latimer Road. She married Norman whom she many years at Flexible Springs. In his leisure met in the army and together they had four time he played snooker at Alvechurch children John, Sandra, Angie and son Norman Working Men’s club, his collection of trophies who sadly passed away a couple of years ago shows just how often he won competitions, at the age of 56. Husband Norman died 12 and back in the ‘50’s he played for Alvechurch years ago and Mary missed him greatly. Football club.
She was a caring person who had nursed her He loved collecting stamps and coins and own mother for many years, and she was also enjoyed listening to Acker Bilk. He kept a hard worker, known to many from her post several birds over the years and is outlived by office work days when she cycled round on his much loved cockatiel who has now gone to her bike delivering the post, and by others live with a close friend. He also liked to have a from her days at Flexible Springs. flutter on the horses, and even won from time to time. Mary was a person of strong character with equally strong views. On the day she died at At his funeral led by Rev Ian Firmstone at St home in Latimer Road there was a double Laurence church on 9th September, the rainbow in the sky over Alvechurch, and at her organist played Stranger on the Shore, and funeral a soloist sang Eva Cassidy's the congregation sang Make me a channel of Somewhere over the rainbow. your peace, and Morning has broken. He was buried in the churchyard near other members She will be missed greatly by her family, of his family. especially Sandra, John and Angie and grandchildren Emma, Charlotte, Clare, Tonia ,Richard, great grandchildren Phoebe and Finlay.
Mary passed away on July 16th and her funeral was taken at St Laurence church on 25th July by Rev Ian Firmstone and her body was laid to rest in the churchyard.
Ewart Roy Williams
Ewart Roy Williams, brother of Mary Ann
Burnett, and the last of seven children died peacefully at the age of 80 at Wayside in Bromsgrove, after a short illness. He will be
Page 17 Flowers for November 2014
2 November 9 November 16 November 23 November 30 November
Sanctuary Virginia Remembrance Rosina No Flowers Davis Spreckley during Advent
Lady Chapel Virginia Remembrance Rosina No Flowers Davis Spreckley during Advent
In memory of Mr G Catley Pat Spreckley
Lynda would like to thank Monica Clark, Elizabeth Clement ,Helen Jones and Ann Thurrell for their help in decorating the Church for Harvest. Thanks also to Caroline Hopcraft for the flowers from her garden that enriched our displays.
Why Do We Wear poppies To We are the Dead. Short days ago
Remember? We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie Poppies grew in the mud of the First World In Flanders fields. War battlefields, churned up by years of heavy fighting. Here is a poem by John McCrae (May 1915). Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw In Flanders Fields The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields the poppies blow In Flanders fields. Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. From The Registers Baptisms We welcome you into the Lord’s family
October 26 Sophia & Lily Anna-Martha Florence Gapper
Page 18 Who’s who Rector To be confirmed, The Rectory, School Lane, 445 1087 [email protected] Licensed Lay Ministers Mr Dick Russell, 2 Gothic Cottages, Radford Rd, 445 3083 Ms Sue Phillips, Withybed Green, 445 3620 Authorised Lay Ministers Mrs Helena Allen, 117 Birmingham Road, 445 5605 Mr Phil Burgess, Highlands, School Lane, 447 7468 Mr Graham Clark, The Coach House, School Lane, 445 2547 Ms Gloria Wilson, 11 Bear Hill Drive, 445 1854 Mrs Philippa Brakes, 56 Callow Hill Road, 445 3983 Mrs Lynne Clark, The Coach House, School Lane, 445 2547 Mrs Jayne Burgess, Highlands, School Lane, 447 7468 Mrs Annette Thomas, 8 Snake Lane, 445 5180 Churchwardens Mr Graham Clark, The Coach House, School Lane, 445 2547 Mr Mick Fletcher, 13 Red Lion Street, 447 8451 Deputy Wardens Mr Colin Bennett, 122 Redditch Road, 01527 64077 Mr Andy Humphries, Sunnymead, Station Road, 445 5955 Mr David Richmond, The Ferns, Chapel Lane, 445 3569 Mrs Alison Smith, 12 Hollington Road, 447 7293 PCC Secretary Mrs Enid Brumsen, 32 Callow Hill Road, 445 0663 PCC Treasurer Mr Graham Clark, The Coach House, School Lane, 445 2547 Organist & Choirmaster Mr David Richmond, The Ferns, Chapel Lane,445 3569 Electoral Roll Officer Mrs Janet Wright, 28 Callow Hill Road, 445 4335 Tower Captain Mr Colin Bennett, 122 Redditch Road ,01527 64077 Singing Group Mrs Lynda Wolstencroft, 49 Hinton Avenue, 445 3212 Mum’s the Word Mrs Kate Grove, 07773509390 Flower Co-ordinator Mrs Ann Thurrell, Top Barn, Scarfield Hill, 447 7668 Women’s Fellowship Mrs Jill Woolley, 111 Birmingham Road, 445 2125 Ark Booking Secretary ) Mr Ian Price, The Ark, School Lane, 447 7955 & Grapevine advertising ) [email protected] Grapevine Editor)
PCC Special Responsibilities
Finance and Standing Committee Task Committee Graham Clark Mick Fletcher Jill Woolley Bob Dale Alison Smith Bob Dale Alison Smith Sue Phillips Janet Wright Martin Allen Children and Youth Committee Peru and Missionary Committee Martin Allen Mick Fletcher Sue Phillips Dick Russell Thomas Birchall Lynne Clark Gordon Parsons Margaret Haste
Buildings, Fabric and Churchyard Committee Mick Fletcher Colin Bennett David Richmond Jill Woolley Janet Wright Andy Humphries
Page 19 Calendar for NOVEMBER
Sunday 2 2.30pm Alvechurch Village Society: Walk “Up Hill and Down Dale'' : led by Anne and Andy Humphries: meet at Tanyard Lane car park
Monday 3 2.00pm Forget-Me-Nots: The Ark
Wednesday 5 7.30pm Hillside WI Group: The Ark
Thursday 6 9.30am Mums The Word: The Ark 12.15pm Ark Café: Roast Pork
Saturday 8 8.00pm Ballroom & Latin Social Dance evening: The Ark: Call Clive on 07871 170016 e-mail [email protected]
Monday 10 7.30pm Ark Angels W.I. Group: The Ark:
Thursday 13 9.30am Mums The Word: The Ark 10.15am Tiny Tots Service: Church 12.15pm Ark Café: Somerset Chicken 7.30pm Rowney Green Horticultural Society: AGM / Cheese & Wine
Saturday 15 2.00pm Grand Christmas Craft Fayre: Alvechurch Village Hall 7.30pm The Midland Sinfonia Quiz night: The Ark
Sunday 16 12.30pm Shared Lunch: The Ark December GRAPEVINE GOES TO PRESS articles to [email protected]
Monday 17 2.00pm Forget-Me-Nots: The Ark
Wednesday 19 10.30am ‘Can You Hear Me’? Communication Forum: Alvechurch Cricket Club, Birmingham Road, Alvechurch
Thursday 20 9.30am Mums The Word: The Ark 12.15pm Ark Café: Roast Lamb
Friday 21 7.00pm “No Ordinary Life”: Talk by John Williams: Alvechurch Baptist Church: Tickets are £8 to include refreshments.
Wednesday 26 2.00pm St Laurence Women’s Fellowship: Rag Rugging hands on practice for members (includes materials) : Tanyard Centre
Thursday 27 9.30am Mums The Word: The Ark 12.15pm Ark Café: Christmas Lunch: Ticket only £12
Friday 28 10.00am Glitter & Glue Christmas Craft activities: Alvechurch Library 7.30pm The Trustees of Hopwood Village Hall Centenary ‘Bring and Share’ Supper: FREE ticket from Hopwood Garden Centre
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