From Fr Nicholas Walsingham 2013 had heard about the priests and their families I Marian sanctuaries of go past on their way to Walsingham several times their “premium” rooms, in these last few years, on the other side you have but I had never paid a the street, with people visit. Therefore, it was passing by, my windows at with great pleasure that the height of their waist. I accepted the invitation That meant you had to to join the Parish in its keep your curtains drawn annual pilgrimage to the day and night unless you shrine. However, it did fancied someone smiling not take me long to realize at you while you brushed the enormity of what your teeth… Apart from I had done: “Have you that, a very comfortable just accepted to LEAD a An essential stop room. pilgrimage to Walsingham, at the Slipper Chapel Café And then the even though you do not know these people, programme started… “No rest for the you are not yet their priest, and you have pilgrim” at Walsingham, to paraphrase no clue even of what Walsingham looks Isaiah 57: I was rushed from one Mass like, let alone of how to LEAD others on to another, one prayer to the next, and a pilgrimage there?!” I asked myself. And there wasn’t any “leading” required of me, soon doubt turned into trepidation and really. If anything, the priests running the trepidation into panic, and so I went… place were leading me and other colleagues Is it far! I believe it took us more than telling us all the time what to do. Which six hours to arrive, although Chris at the was something that I actually welcomed, wheel of the car, and Rachel in the back don’t get me wrong, because I did feel seat — they had so kindly invited me to rather clueless about rituals involving the travel with them — did not have to put up passing of a ladle of water to the pilgrims with me for that long because soon enough or about the ornate plans for the entry I nodded off… “So much for leading the and exit of the clergy at the concelebrated pilgrimage…” I think I managed to say to functions. myself before losing consciousness… When the priests relented and left me One of the perks of being a member of alone for a while, it was Edward’s turn to the clergy at the Shrine is that you get to sleep tell me what to do, and again I welcomed in the apparently much coveted “College” that. Actually I soon realized how much quarters. One of the shortcomings of being time and work Edward and Maureen must considered a “rookie” at the Pilgrimage have put into preparing the whole thing. is that you get a room with windows on And yet they kept smiling at my evident opposite sides of the walls: on one side hopelessness and at my naïve questions, you have the inside corridor where other for instance when I was supposed to lead

1 everybody on a labyrinthine Way of the of the Church, in the expression of Cross while desperately trying to figure ancient rituals and texts, some dating back out where the next station was… Their to the first centuries of Christianity, and reassuring and supportive smile was telling sharing the same doctrinal approach to of the love that motivates them in doing the Eucharistic presence and to a healthy this every year for the benefit of those Marian devotion, that informed me as taking part. I was growing up as a young Catholic in Two other things I came to appreciate at Italy, and that I had not realized how much the pilgrimage. First of all the opportunity I had missed over the last 15 years or so. to get to know some of my fellow Until I found it again at the Walsingham parishioners of St Alban’s, now that I sanctuary and in the people who like have joined their ranks with my family, as me had travelled there to recharge their I welcomed every chance to exchange at spiritual batteries and to be immersed in least a few words with everyone, and share the spirituality that nurtured and motivated the meals, or a beer in the evening, or the the founders of our Parish. It was nurtured journey to and from Walsingham (on the and motivated by this spirituality that the way back it was Philip’s turn to kindly give Pollock brothers had endeavoured to bring me a lift). “the beauty of holiness” (as Peter has The other thing that I really valued of recently reminded us in his latest book) to the whole experience was the unexpected the tired streets of Highgate in the service sense of a “coming home” when suddenly of its people and in the name of the I found myself surrounded by so many Incarnate Christ. people sharing the same view on what it Yours in Him, means to be inheritors of the apostolicity

The Licensing of the Revd Dr Nicholas lo Polito as Priest-in-Charge at Saint Alban’s by The Rt Revd David Urquhart, will take place on Monday June 10th 2013 7.30 p.m. During a Celebration of Holy Communion. There will be a reception afterwards in Saint Alban’s Academy All members on the electoral roll of Saint Alban’s should have received an invitation, and we ask that replies are given to the Churchwardens in order to help determine catering requirements.

2 On Pilgrimage

or to obtain answers to their questions. A STORY — Back in the Middle Ages, one devotee making such a journey we call a day, a pilgrim, tired of his long journey pilgrim. but aware that his destination was now In his short book “To Be a Pilgrim” approaching, saw an old man sitting along (1984) Cardinal Basil Hume said that we the dusty road, his hands on his staff, are pilgrims in life because we are restless. quietly enjoying the shade of a large tree. In fact, even in secular terms many of us “Good man — asked the pilgrim — how would agree with the statement that we long would it take me to reach the Holy are all pilgrims in life and that life itself Place from here?” But the old man did is a journey. Pilgrimage, in this secular not reply. Once more the pilgrim asked understanding of the term, is more than the same question, but again received no anything else about the journey, not about reply. Then he shrugged and resumed his the destination; and whether and when we journey. He was already quite far when he will ever get somewhere will depend much heard the old man shouting, “At sunset!” on how we walk along the journey, as the “What did you say?” the pilgrim shouted old man said to the pilgrim in the story back. And the old man replied, “You will above. arrive at sunset!” “Why did you not tell me Pope John Paul II expanded on this that before, when I asked you?” asked the in the document Incarnationis Mysterium pilgrim. And the old man replied, “First I (1998), the bull of indiction of the great had to see how fast you walk…” Jubilee of the year 2000, where he says The Oxford Dictionary defines that [in Christianity there are] “signs that pilgrimage as “A journey to a place attest to the faith and foster the devotion of particular interest or significance”. of the Christian people. Among these, the Typically, we understand pilgrimage to first is the notion of pilgrimage, which is be the journey to a shrine or other sacred linked to the situation of man who readily location. describes his life as a journey. From birth Since time immemorial people of all to death, the condition of each individual religious persuasions have often attached is that of the homo viator. Sacred Scripture, spiritual importance to particular places: for its part, often attests to the special the place of birth or death of founders significance of setting out to go to sacred or saintly figures, or the place of their places. There was a tradition that the “calling” or spiritual awakening, or of Israelite go on pilgrimage to the city where their connection with the divine, or where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, or visit miracles were performed or witnessed, or the shrine at Bethel (cf Jg 20: 18), or the where a deity was said to dwell, or any site one at Shiloh where the prayer of Samuel’s having special spiritual powers associated mother, Hannah, was heard (cf 1 Sam 1: to it. Such locations would often be marked 3). Willingly subjecting himself to the Law, by commemorative temples or shrines that Jesus too went with Mary and Joseph as a devotees would be encouraged to visit for pilgrim to the Holy City of Jerusalem (cf. their own spiritual benefit, or to be healed Lk 2: 41). The history of the Church is the

3 living account of an unfinished pilgrimage. from the cross are first “Father forgive To journey to the city of Saints Peter and them for they do not know what they are Paul, to the Holy Land, or to the old doing” (23: 34) — when He prayed for you and new shrines dedicated to the Virgin and me and for all human beings capable Mary and the Saints: this is the goal of of so much evil — and then, “‘Father, into countless members of the faithful who find Your hands I commit My spirit’ and with nourishment for their devotion in this way. these words He breathed His last” (46). “Pilgrimages have always been In Christianity the concept of pilgrimage a significant part of the life of the has always resonated very meaningfully faithful, assuming different cultural with the believers, embracing a legacy forms in different ages. A pilgrimage inherited from our corporate Jewish evokes the believer’s personal journey ancestors. There were times in our in the footsteps of the Redeemer: it is Christian history when pilgrimages were an exercise of practical asceticism, of very popular: think of the Middle Ages, repentance for human weaknesses, of for instance, and the pilgrims’ journeys to constant vigilance over one’s own frailty, Rome, to the Holy Land, to Tours (France), of interior preparation for a change of to Compostela (Spain). heart. Through vigils, fasting and prayer, Today we may be witnessing a re- the pilgrim progresses along the path of awakening of this ancient practice even Christian perfection, striving to attain, in Europe. Every year Christian and non- with the support of God’s grace, “the state Christian throngs of pilgrims are on the of the perfect man, to the measure of move heading for the traditional mediæval the full maturity of Christ” (Eph 4: 13).” destinations, but also for more recent (Section 7.) ones, such as Walsingham and Iona in this Jesus Himself gave us the example. Country, Lourdes and Taizé in France, The Gospel of Luke, from chapter 9: not to mention World Wars cemeteries, 51 when He “resolutely turned towards concentration camps and the Ground Jerusalem”, is about Jesus’ own journey to Zero sites of Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Jerusalem healing the sick and possessed, New York. preaching the good news of God’s mercy I will end this simple reflection with the and forgiveness, enjoying the company of words of Psalm 84, a pilgrimage song, friends: the Apostles and, in chapter 10, sung by pilgrims approaching Zion for the Lazarus, Martha and Mary, eventually feast of Tabernacles: experiencing opposition, failure, betrayal, pain and death (a conclusion to His journey How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O very similar to that of every human being Lord of hosts! on earth). On His earthly pilgrimage Jesus 2. My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for was never alone, being always nourished the courts of the Lord: my heart and and sustained by His faith in God, Whom my flesh crieth out for the living God. He called “Father” several times, including 3. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, in His last words on the cross: not the and the swallow a nest for herself, desperate cry found in Matthew and Mark where she may lay her young, even (“God why have you forsaken Me?”). thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, Instead in the Gospel of Luke His words and my God. 4 4. Blessed are they that dwell in Thy 10. For a day in Thy courts is better than a house: they will be still praising Thee. thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper 5. Blessed is the man whose strength is in the house of my God, than to dwell in Thee; in whose heart are the ways of in the tents of wickedness. them. 11. For the Lord God is a sun and shield: 6. Who passing through the valley of the Lord will give grace and glory: no Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth good thing will he withhold from them the pools. that walk uprightly. 7. They go from strength to strength, 12. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man every one of them in Zion appeareth that trusteth in Thee. before God. (KJV) 8. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: Yours in Christ, give ear, O God of Jacob. Fr Nicholas 9. Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of Thine anointed. Saint Alban’s Patronal Festival Saturday June 22nd 11.00 a.m. Choral Mass followed by buffet lunch in S Patrick’s room

S Romuald June 19th Saint Romuald was born at Ravenna the beginning of his about the year 956. In spite of an infinite spiritual life he was desire for virtue and sanctity, his early life strongly assailed was wasted in the service of the world by numerous and its pleasures. Then one day, obliged temptations, which by his father, Sergius, to be present at a he conquered by duel fought by him, he beheld him slay vigilance and prayer. his adversary. The crime made such an More than one attempt was made on impression upon him that he determined his life, but Divine Providence enabled to expiate it for forty days, as though it him to escape from the danger. Like many were entirely his own. For this purpose servants of God, he also became the victim he retired to the Benedictine monastery of calumny, which he bore in patience and of St Apollinare, near Ravenna, where silence. In his old age, he increased his he became Abbot. After founding several austerities instead of diminishing them. monasteries, he laid the foundations of the After a long life of merit, he died in the austere Order of Camaldoli in Tuscany. monastery of Castro, which he founded in Like all the saints, he fought a lifelong battle Marquisate of Ancona. His death occurred against the assaults of devils and men. In on June 19th, about the year 1027.

5 S Barnabas’ at a Time of Transition (1980 - 1981) ather Bill Lowndes resigned as memorial for a man so single-minded in his FVicar of S Barnabas’ due to a rapid devotion to his calling. deterioration in his health and said his last The (Gerald Mass at the church at 8.00 a.m. on Friday Hollis) attended said Mass at S Barnabas’ at November 7th 1980 (Father Lowndes had 8.00 a.m. on November 9th (Remembrance suffered a heart attack in 1977 and a stroke Sunday) when he made it clear that it was in 1979 which had left him speechless for unlikely that a new incumbent would be a time). After his stroke he had lodged an appointed to S Barnabas’ Parish — the advance notice of resignation with the options were to close, or ‘join up’ with Bishop of Birmingham so that proceedings either S Agatha’s or S Paul’s. Nevertheless, could be put in hand for the appointment the Archdeacon requested the views of the of a successor should he become PCC as to the kind of priest we would like incapacitated in the future and not be in the event of it being possible to appoint a able to resign voluntarily. Father Lowndes successor to Father Lowndes. ‘The Church and his wife, Audrie, vacated the vicarage Council thought that an active man would at 36 Woodstock Road, Moseley, shortly be ideal, one who would be present in the after Christmas 1980 and went to live in parish as much as possible — it was thought Blandford Forum, Dorset, where Father to be a challenging parish, rough and ready, Lowndes helped at the parish church. ideal for the missionary type activity. A high Tributes were paid to Father and Mrs church man would be preferred.’ However, Lowndes at subsequent PCC meetings and at the December PCC Meeting, whilst being the 1981 AGM. ‘It is with a real sense of sympathetic towards the church’s wish for loss that the PCC received this news’ (of the its own priest, a sharing arrangement with vicar’s resignation), ‘The PCC thought a either S Agatha’s or S Paul’s was the more gift might help to express our deep gratitude likely outcome of the Bishop’s deliberations. for their selfless devotion to the church of The Archdeacon also said that it would S Barnabas’ (November 1980), ‘The church be difficult to get a priest for an inner city was indeed fortunate to have so dedicated parish. And so it was that, on the advice of a priest for such a long period’ (nearly 15 his Pastoral Committee, the Bishop decided years in fact) (1981 AGM) and ‘A truly that the priest-in-charge of S Agatha’s, remarkable man’ (October 1981). Sadly, Sparkbrook (Father Leonard Boyd), should Father Lowndes was not able to enjoy a also be appointed priest-in-charge of S lengthy retirement for he died on October Barnabas’, Balsall Heath. ‘The Pastoral 19th 1981, and a Requiem Mass was held Committee took note of the fact that the at S Barnabas’ on October 26th, the day Parochial Church Council of S Barnabas’ of his funeral in Blandford. The figures of had expressed the hope that a new Our Lady and S John were restored to their incumbent would be appointed to succeed positions on either side of the sanctuary Bill Lowndes. We much wish that we could crucifix in memory of Father Lowndes. The have done this, but do feel that we must rood was re-dedicated by Father Cooper, take note of the size of both congregations, , on February 13th and the large populations of non-Christian 1983 and a plaque commemorating this origin in both parishes.’ Further, the parish event was put up in the church — a small of S Barnabas’ should be transferred from

6 the Moseley Deanery to the for urgent repair work — the Bordesley Deanery. Father oil storage tank was leaking Boyd was licensed as priest- and needed to be replaced, in-charge of S Barnabas’ by the boiler house chimney was the Bishop of Birmingham swept, the heating system was in the chapel at Bishop’s causing problems, a sheet Croft on March 19th setting out details of current 1981. The churchwardens services and cards advertising were present. The legal Christmas services were formalities attendant produced. Chesterton upon these decisions were Builders Ltd, which leased subsequently completed. S a piece of land from the Agatha’s, Sparkbrook, and Fr Leonard Boyd church in Chesterton Road, S Barnabas’, Balsall Heath, 1947 - 1989 went into liquidation. The became a united benefice loss of rental income had a (ie two parishes sharing one incumbent) detrimental effect on the church’s financial on March 1st 1983 (they became a united position which was as bad then as it has ever parish on November 1st 1990). S Barnabas’ been. was transferred to Bordesley Deanery in Father Boyd celebrated his first Mass as November 1981. Priest-in-Charge of S Barnabas’ on March In the comparatively short interregnum 22nd 1981 (Lent III) at 9.00 a.m. There between the resignation of Father Lowndes were 18 communicants. The following and the licensing of Father Boyd, services Sunday the PCC passed a resolution to were maintained by local clergy, mainly from sell S Barnabas’ vicarage at 36 Woodstock the Moseley Deanery. We were especially Road, Moseley, which had become surplus grateful to the Rural Dean, Canon Stephen to requirements since Father Boyd lived Beck, the vicar of Moseley, Lorys Davies, at S Agatha’s Presbytery in Merton Road, and to Father John Cooper of S Paul’s, Moseley. Somewhat to the surprise of Balsall Heath, who with his curate, Father the PCC Father Boyd discovered that 36 Ward, looked after Mass on Wednesday Woodstock Road was owned by the parish mornings. During the interregnum the and not the diocese. After a number of PCC, under the chairmanship of Winston abortive sales and vandalism the vicarage Bennett, one of the churchwardens, met in was sold to Copec Housing Trust for the choir vestry. The usual attendance was £16,000, completion of the sale taking six. The choir vestry was gloomy and very place in January 1983. After the church cold (it still is!) which seemed in keeping had repaid some £3,400 to the Diocesan with the mood of members whose church Board of Finance in respect of repairs faced an uncertain future. However, the carried out to the vicarage in 1976, all rates, PCC set about attending to all the usual and professional charges, there was about mundane matters of business that PCCs £11,500 available to invest. are called upon to attend to, not knowing At the 1981 Annual General Meeting when, or indeed if, a new incumbent would Father Boyd thanked church members for be appointed. A Quinquennial Report had their welcome and support, but said that just been received from our architect and a he would like to see larger attendances at copy was sent to our builder for a quotation weekday services. The secretary reported

7 that the PCC was pleased to see that the to his character, and not many people at Roshven Residents’ Association, which church could claim to have known him met in the church hall, was flourishing. It well. He was not, though, lacking a sense provided a useful link between the church of humour, and had a disarming smile and the local, largely non-churchgoing, which he could use effectively to defuse community. The area caretaker had an awkward situation as if to say ‘I’m proved most helpful in carrying out small sorry, but I cannot quite bring myself to repairing jobs at the church. say so’. He was a fierce defender of the Soon, Father Boyd set about Catholic faith and did not mind who knew reorganising the administration of the it at the risk of putting up people’s backs. church (he had trained as a civil servant He was above all things a priest of high before his ordination). Parish expenses distinction and a gentle confessor who (telephone bills, rates, etc) would be shared spoke with authority. He was a strong with S Agatha’s in agreed proportions, minded man, and a faithful servant to the electoral roll was ‘pruned’, the signing his people. Although quite prepared to of cheques was simplified, parish papers perform administrative, caretaking and were lodged at the Birmingham Central other chores (as most priests are) he did not Library, and the position of Parish Clerk lose sight of what a priest was meant to do. was suspended. Father Boyd would do all Worship conducted by Father Boyd was necessary work in future. Father Boyd also always dignified, relevant and absorbing. brought forward the Lady Chapel Altar in S Agatha’s and S Barnabas’ were treated accordance with the latest liturgical trend. by Father Boyd with an even hand, but he Father Boyd favoured sharing church seemed to have a particular affection for facilities with other Christian groups. A S Barnabas’. At the AGM at S Barnabas’ local Pentecostal group used the church in March 1989 (two months before his hall on a regular basis on Sundays, and death) he said ‘Although our numbers members of the Coptic Orthodox Church may be small, the thing most noticeable had use of the church and hall, although about this congregation is its loyalty and they found the church rather too cold for friendliness. You support this church most their liking and suspended use during the faithfully in a manner quite unique in my winter months. experience. There is no back-biting, no At the outset of his ministry Father unkind comments about each other. In Boyd made it clear that he wished to be other words, although our numbers may be addressed as ‘Father Boyd’ and not ‘Mr small, the family of S Barnabas seems an Boyd’ or ‘Father Leonard’ or in any other almost perfect Christian community and way. He said ‘I am not Father Lowndes’, whether I am here for a long or short time perhaps thinking of Father Lowndes’ I will always remember with happiness my humility. Even Father Boyd’s greatest time here. It has been my delight to serve admirers would not call him a man with you as your priest and for that I thank you a sense of humility! He could be rude and most sincerely.’ He will be remembered impatient, but he was essentially kind and with affection and respect — and sadness, considerate. He was certainly reserved. for he died by his own hand in May 1989. You thought that you were getting to know For once his faith had deserted him. Graham R. McDonald, S Barnabas’ him, but he was a man with many layers To be concluded next month.

10 Below is the announcement from the Archdeacon of Aston about the appointment and Licensing of the Revd Roger Sheppard to the Church of Emmanuel, Wylde Green. Roger has come quite a long way since he was a member of the choir here at S Alban’s, and he is a very good friend to this church. During our relatively short interregnum which ends on June 10th, he has willingly come along each week to celebrate our Saturday morning Mass, and we are most grateful to him. We wish him well in his new post, and extend our love and prayers to him.

New Ministries For Emmanuel With the goodwill of the Churchwardens, you are seeking and of the ways in which the Bishop of Birmingham is delighted to development is needed for this parish announce new arrangements for ministry church in its mission. John will be fully at Emmanuel, Wylde Green. There will supported with training opportunities. He be two priests to license and the Bishop is has degrees in geography and in theology looking forward to coming on the evening and trained for the ministry at Cuddesdon of Tuesday July 2nd to license them both Theological College in Oxford. He brings at Emmanuel. Please encourage a good a good background of managerial and attendance for this celebration of new administrative experience from the retail ministries at Emmanuel. trade from his time as a lay person when First, the Revd Roger Sheppard has he worshipped in our diocese at S Mary, accepted the Bishop’s invitation to be Acocks Green. He will be the mainstay Priest-in-Charge at Emmanuel. Roger of ministry here in terms of teaching, Sheppard is a self-supporting priest who preaching, pastoral care and spiritual has been seconded to here from All Saints nurture and organisation, for which he Church in Four Oaks and has come to will carry significant responsibility. know and value the congregation. He John will move into the vicarage at believes fully in its potential for growth Emmanuel at the end of June, ready for through mission here in the future. the licensing. He is married to Sioban and Roger will chair the PCC and guide you they have a young son, Bradley. in your decisions. However, he is a self- Together, Roger and John are supporting priest who has very full-time committed to leading worship which is commitments as a senior solicitor. He will in sympathy with the Anglican Catholic also need to provide assistance at Four tradition now in place at Emmanuel. Oaks on some Sundays. Both will support and seek to maintain Second, the Revd John Bridge has Emmanuel as a centre for excellence for accepted the Bishop’s invitation to be a the Anglican choral tradition in north full-time stipendiary Assistant Priest at Birmingham. Emmanuel, working collaboratively with The presentation to the benefice is Roger. For the last four years John has suspended until November 23rd 2016 been stipendiary curate at All Saints, Four and so the next three years will provide Oaks, in this deanery where he has come a period of development in strengthening to know Roger well. John has a strong and carrying forward the ministry sense of vocation and calling to serve at and outreach of Emmanuel. The Emmanuel and has a good grasp of what arrangements will be reviewed in three

11 years, in readiness for November 2016. In hopes that the licensing will be a fitting the meantime, please give your two clergy climax to the Emmanuel Festival in the last your full support, prayer, encouragement, two weeks of June. active sevice and Christian love. I look forward myself to coming on July The Bishop is most grateful for all the 2nd and installing your two newly licensed prayer and consideration that has been priests. given to arriving at this new point in the The Venerable Dr life of Emmanuel Church. The Bishop May 5th 2013

The Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme From April 6th an at the price of a more complex means additional Gift Aid of recording collections and the contents scheme, called the Small of envelopes, it is well worth having. In Donations Scheme order to make as much of our income as (GASDS), has come into possible eligible for this scheme, please force. bear in mind that to be eligible for GASDS Put simply, this scheme means that we donations must be: can claim an extra 25p per pound given • Made in cash — donations made by both on anonymous cash donations in cheque are not eligible; the collection and on donations made in • Not more than £20 each — envelopes planned giving envelopes not covered by containing more than £20, £50 notes Gift Aid declarations. This extra money in the collection (rare!) and notes folded will be funded from general taxation, from or clipped together totalling more than the income or capital gains tax paid by the £20 are not eligible; nor are donations individual donor. in two or more planned giving envelopes from the same donor placed in the Under this scheme charities are allowed collection on the same day and totalling to reclaim tax on up to £5,000 per year of more than £20. (But there is probably additional small donations not covered by nothing to prevent a donor who will be Gift Aid declarations, provided that: away depositing several envelopes with Individual donations are not more than • instructions as to when they should be £20 and are made in cash; placed in the collection on their behalf.); The charity has already been reclaiming • • Made at a public service or other or under the Gift Aid scheme on donations other charitable activity when there covered by Gift Aid declarations for two were more than 10 people attending. years; Of course, these restrictions do not • The charity receives at least matching apply to donations covered by Gift Aid donations covered by Gift Aid Declarations, whether in planned giving declarations. envelopes from donors who have signed Based on last year’s income, I calculate continuing Gift Aid declarations or in that we should be able to claim on between envelopes carrying individual Gift Aid £2,500 and £3,000, giving the church an declarations. We can still claim on larger extra income of £625 to £750 for the donations, whether in cash or by cheque. tax year 2013/14. Although this comes Chris Smith, PCC Treasurer

12 The Friends of Saint Alban and Saint Patrick Have arranged a Visit to HARTLEBURY CASTLE On Thursday June 6th 2013 artlebury Castle, near as what I suppose we have to call a major H Stourport, is not really a castle, heritage project. The phrase might be but a late mediæval manor house, hackneyed but the vision is, surely, a good elegantly enlarged and remodelled in the one. eighteenth century with a substantial nod In order to further their vision and toward Strawberry Hill Gothick. It is best cause, the Trust has permission to known for housing the Worcester County conduct parties around the episcopal part Museum. of the building while it is still possible. So Ultimately, however, the castle belongs we will visit the bishop’s study, bedrooms, to the Church Commissioners and until state rooms and chapel. And we will visit 2006 also housed the great glory of the See House of the house, the Hurd the Diocese of Library, designed Worcester — the and furnished to Bishop of Worcester’s house the book residence until it was collection of the decided that such bibliophile Richard a grand building Hurd, Bishop 1781- was no longer in 1808. His collection keeping with the incorporates the whizzy image of library of both the modern Church Hurd Library Alexander Pope and of England. So Ralph Allen, the the Commissioners are currently in man responsible for the building of Bath. negotiation with interested parties in order It is full of treasures both literary and advantageously to divest themselves of historical. the historic building. If these negotiations Having spent a good part of my cannot be finalised to the satisfaction of working life among antiquarian books the Commissioners the building will be I am probably more blasé than I should put up for sale and will face an uncertain be about old calf and tooled vellum but future as far as preservation and public the library itself is a particularly beautiful access is concerned. and evocative room with the books Hartlebury Castle Preservation in their elegant bays on one side and Trust is now working to preserve intact the windows looking out over trees and the formerly episcopal wing of the building, castle moat on the other. It is one of the together with its historically important few really important libraries still housed gardens, and to give an integrated future in its intended historical setting, which to the whole site including the museum, seems to be absolutely the right home for

13 this particular collection. Our group visit Other Attractions might help to raise the awareness needed Hartlebury Castle also houses, as a to raise funds in order to keep the room separate entity, Worcester County and the books together — and, if that is Museum, which is open from 10 to 5 (last not possible — we have the chance to see admission 4.30). There are permanent the library as a whole while we still can! social history displays, displays of toys and games and a nationally important Arrangements collection of gypsy caravans. There is a We will travel independently (it might special exhibition this year on coinage — not certainly — be possible to arrange and coin hoards, including a full display lifts) and gather outside the County of the recently unearthed Bredon Hill Museum shop and ticket office (if wet Hoard. Admission to the Museum is £5 or cold in the entrance hall) and meet but concessionary admission only £2.50. our guide Mary Arden-Davies at 1.30 There is a gift shop and café open during p.m. She will take us over to the bishop’s museum hours (free entry). house for a comprehensive tour. We will then meet Christine Penney, now Directions the Hurd Librarian, whom some of us The easiest route from Birmingham know as the enthusiastic former Special is probably along the A456 to West Collections Librarian of the University of Hagley, then the A450 toward Worcester. Birmingham, She will talk about Bishop Hartlebury and the County Museum Hurd and his books, and show us some are well sign-posted and I can give more of the library’s particularly remarkable detailed directions if they are needed. volumes. The post code is DY11 7XZ. Cost: £8 per person, of which All are welcome. Sorry about the £6 will go the HCPT and £2 to the short notice (my fault!) but please Friends. We have been asked to say sign the sheet in S Patrick’s Room or that the Hurd Library and two of the let me know on 0121 550 0732 if you rooms we visit are up some stairs. would like to come. Stephen Wycherley

14 The Church of Saint Alban the Martyr Parish of Saint Alban and Saint Patrick, Highgate)

To celebrate the season in which we will see, on June 10th, the Licensing of our new Priest-in-Charge, The Revd Nicholas lo Polito, the Churchwardens present in 2013 a further series of

Saint Alban’s Summer Evening Lectures

The Revd Dr Andrew Lenox-Conyngham and Dr Andrew Harvey on

“Three Pillars of Our Church”

The Second Lecture Tuesday June 4th — Andrew Lenox-Conyngham on Saint Ambrose of Milan (334 - 397), Doctor of the Church

The Third Lecture Tuesday July 2nd — Andrew Harvey on Jeremy Taylor (1613 - 1667), Caroline Bishop and Divine

Remembering that the True End of Knowledge is Understanding, our speakers will talk not only on their chosen subjects — on which they are acknowledged authorities — but on the rôle that they have played in their own spiritual development.

7.30 p.m. each day (refreshments from 7.00 p.m.)

Admission is Free and All are Welcome

Saint Alban’s is at the corner of Conybere Street and Stanhope Street, Highgate, Birmingham B12 0XB

The church is spectacular and parking is easy.

Enquiries: Edward Fellows. 0121 777 1120. [email protected] Stephen Wycherley. 0121 550 0732

15 Saint Alban’s Music uring the third week of May would cost in the region of £1,000. Our Da group from the Birmingham music team have ideas about how to raise Conservatoire made a professional this sum. recording in the church, taking advantage If at any time we wished to dispose of the fine acoustics which lends itself so of the instrument the family would, of well to early music. In order to do this course, take it back without question. they brought in a full sized harpsichord It has been suggested that it be placed and pipe chamber organ. in Saint Patrick’s Chapel against Now, Saint Alban’s has the inner gated archway, which been given the opportunity of cannot now be opened because obtaining an original chamber of the obstruction caused by organ dating from the turn of the Saint Alban’s Chapel altar the century 1780 to 1820. platform. A family living on the south The PCC have expressed coast wish to find a good home an interest in the instrument for an organ which had been subject to further investigation, restored by their late father, and and there have been discussions wished it to be cherished and with our organ tuner, and a used. Because they value the former organist of Saint Alban’s instrument so highly they are who is a music adviser, and the giving it to us on permanent Archdeacon of Birmingham. loan for as long as we wish to use it, so the Although it can be considered as a piece cost to us will be only the transportation of furniture, it nevertheless will require a and assembly on site expenses. Faculty to be kept in the church. Although manually blown at present, We do hope that this will be a great our organ tuner suggests that we obtain asset to the church, and we await further a professional electric blower for it, which developments.

Saint Alban’s on Radio WM On Sunday April 21st, our Assistant Choirmaster, Peter Boswell, was interviewed by Carl Chinn on Radio WM. Peter stated our hopes and aspirations for assembling a reasonably large and proficient choir to support our dramatic form of liturgy at Saint Alban’s, and our desire to build up the choir with members who were committed to regular worship at the church. Yet another initiative for S Alban’s.

16