St Michael & All Angels, Haven

St Winwaloe, Our Lady & St Anne, Widemouth Bay

St Mary the Virgin,

St Marwenne, Marhamchurch

St Anne, MAY Free 2021

MAIN CONTACTS FOR OUR BENEFICE: Please contact any of the following for information or enquiries about Anglican Church life in the Benefice: Our Parish Priest & Rural Dean: Father David Barnes,The Rectory, The Glebe, Week St Mary,

EX22 6UY Tel: 01288 341670 [email protected]

Our Churchwardens: St Anne’s, Whitstone: Mervyn Collins: 01288 341598 Phyllis Walter: 01288 341699 St Marwenne’s, Marhamchurch:

Rob Corney: 01288 359754 Angela Grills: 01288 361247 St Mary the Virgin, Week St Mary: Lesley Booker: 01288 341221 Dick Sowerby: 01288 341348 St Michael’s, Bude Haven:

Our Lady & St Anne’s, Widemouth Bay: Judy MacDonald: 01288 362254 St Winwaloe’s, Poundstock: Hilary Kenny: 01288 361504 Barry Smith: 01288 361716

Stratton Deanery website: www.strattondeanery.co.uk/

Editor of Voices Together: Clare Hicks, Trelowen, Lynstone, Bude EX23 0LR. 01288 352726; [email protected] Copy deadline for June 2021 issue— by Friday 21st May please

ELECTRONIC COPIES OF VOICES TOGETHER If you would like to receive a copy of this magazine please email Lesley Booker: [email protected]

2 PARISH NEWSLETTER Dear Friends, In one of the departments of the Natural History museum in London there once stood a giant piece of rock which must have been at least 2 metres square. At the side of this monolith was a sign which reads, “there is only one thing that is certain in the natural world, that is all things must change”. Robert Gallagher wrote, “Change is inevitable”. He went on to say, “except from a vending machine”. The truth is, as the world around us changes so do we. We only have to look back at the last 12 months to realise what changes we have all been through during the pandemic. The Church at large has never been immune to change. From the very begin- ning, the Church’s roots were firmly entrenched in Judaism and the Jewish Law. As the gospel spread throughout Europe it had to change to enable others to embrace the Christian message. Over the past 50 years or so there have been many changes in the Church, both in the buildings and in the liturgy, some for the good others have just been lost in the fullness of time. It was only some 30 years ago that the first woman was ordained within the church and that seems as though it happened an age ago. However, as time marches on, so the Church will continually change so that it might spread the Good News with- in the context it finds itself. The 23rd of May is a special day in the life of the Church because it is the day we celebrate the feast of Pentecost (Whitsun in old money), the Church’s birthday. It is the day that the early followers of Jesus were empowered with the Holy Spirit to do God’s work here on earth. The gift of the Holy Spirit changed Jesus’s disciples from being timid people locked away behind closed doors into courageous witnesses and preachers of the Good News. The same gift of the Holy spirit is offered to us today. It costs nothing! It’s free! All we have to do is accept it and use it for the furtherance of God’s love here on earth. Yours in Christ’s service David 3 This month’s magazine has been kindly sponsored by Christine Willey Remembering Eric in his birthday month

St Marwenne’s House Group

The aim of the group is about growing in discipleship. It meets every Wednesday evening, currently on Zoom. Contact Janet Ward on 01409 255759 or email her at [email protected] for more details and a zoom invitation.

Sponsoring Voices Together Please would you consider sponsoring our magazine? It is partly through the generosity of our readers that we are able to keep the magazine free of charge. Any amount, small or large, will be grateful- ly received. For more information please contact Heather Whitlock on 07771 964672 or Clare Hicks on 01288 352726.

Advertising in Voices Together If you run a business and would like to advertise in this magazine, please contact Heather Whitlock on 07771 964672. If you are a not-for-profit local group or organisation and would like to put a one-off advert in for an event or similar, please contact Heather as above or the Editor (contact details p 2). We would ask for a small donation, depending on the size required. Adverts accepted at Editor’s discretion. Thank you.

4 Not ready to return to church yet?

As our churches gradually return to hosting live congregations once more, there will be people who are still unable to attend church at this time. Also, there may not be a service every week in your local church just yet. In order to ensure that everyone still has the opportunity to worship on a Sunday we will continue to provide a Zoom service every week for the time being. The time will necessarily have to be varied sometimes but those who wish to remain on the email circula- tion list will be reminded of each week's time a day or so before and will also receive the zoom link then. At the moment, the Zoom will be from Week St Mary Church when there is a service there and from a home when there is not, the exception possibly being when we have a fifth Sunday United Benefice Service when I may be able to travel to Zoom from other churches (unless they get their own equipment set up in due course). The timetable for the next few months will probably look like this (but may be subject to change or additions): 1st Sunday Zoom from WSM Family Service @ 10am 2nd Sunday Zoom from home Morning Prayer @ 10am 3rd Sunday Zoom from WSM Holy Communion @ 11.15 4th Sunday Zoom from home Morning Prayer @ 10am 5th Sunday Zoom from a Church - Benefice Communion @10am

Every Wednesday: Morning Prayer on zoom at 9 am.

Zoom Holy Communion will be clergy led and the Family services or Morning Prayers will usually be led by Worship Leaders from across the Benefice.

Please let me know if you want to join the mailing list— [email protected]

Voices Together during the Coronavirus pandemic As the churches still have limited opening, there are various places where you will be able to collect your magazine. David Williams has kindly offered his house, Rock Haven, Upton, as a collection point and you can also collect one from the Crescent PO and shop in Bude, the Beach House shop at Widemouth and usually in the village shops. The magazine will also be available on the Voices Together facebook page and St Michael’s facebook page and also on the Stratton Deanery website. Lesley Booker will also send out as a pdf attachment to emails (see bottom of page 2 for Lesley’s details). Any problems with obtaining a copy please contact either Heather Whit- lock (07771 964672) or Clare Hicks (01288 352726)

5 MOTHER* & CAMEO TODDLER COFFEE POT CLUB Come And Meets every Tuesday 10am— Meet Each 12pm in Other Week St Mary Parish Hall. Contact Emma Woolfe or Kathy Jef- Next meeting: frey 2-4– pm (Search for Coffee Pots in Fa- Contact: cebook Groups) Sue Dickenson (*Grannies, Grandads, Carers etc) All Welcome 01288 341016

Widemouth Bay Summerhouse Activities We meet on the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month Join us and off load any prob- lems, have a cup of tea and cake. Some- times we play a game. Whatever we do it get us out of our house to enjoy time with friends. Ring Hilda on 01288 361323 for more details

6 Meet ’n’ Eat STRATTON Next Soup and Sweet DEANERY Lunches BOOK CLUB We are reading:

'WHY' writ- Held in WSM Par- ten by ish Hall at Russell Stannard. 12.30pm on the First Monday of each month first Mon- day of 14 Monterey Close, Bude, each month (not EX23 8DX at 7.30pm August) Gail Brace: 01288 352412 Everyone is very New members always welcome

Locally reared, pasture fed beef and lamb Restaurant quality, rare breed beef and traditional lamb. Low food miles, supporting local jobs, local delivery available. 10 or 15Kg Beef boxes, mixed joints, steaks & mince etc. !/2 Lamb packs approx 10 Kg Email [email protected] or phone 01288 361 666 to order

7 REMEMBERING REVEREND CANON CHRISTOPHER SCOTT Clare Hicks writes: We were all saddened to hear recently of the death of Father Christopher who was Rector of St Michael’s and St Marwenne’s from 1998 until he retired in 2008. We send our condolences to Linda and all the family. With their help and permission I have written the following about Christopher’s very full life: Christopher was born on the 9th April 1944 at Henley. He attended school at St Edward’s Oxford where he twice won the Organ Prize. After leaving school he taught in Raipur, India for 9 months before returning to to study Theology at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. In 1966 he trained for the priesthood at Cuddesdon Theological College in Oxford. He was ordained in 1968 at Canter- bury Cathedral by Archbishop Michael Ramsey and took up the post of Curate at St Edward’s, New Addington, near Croydon. In 1969 he was priested at Trinity tide. 1971 saw him becoming Priest-in-Charge of St George’s, New Addington, the daughter church of St Edward’s. During this time he also taught regularly in both primary and secondary school. Chris- topher and Linda were married in 1973 and in the same year he became Curate of St Stephen’s, Rochester Row, Westminster. He also became a part-time Chaplain at Westminster hospital and taught a student group at Imperial college whilst also teaching in a church school. During this period, Christopher and Linda’s first son, David, was born in 1976. Christopher became Vicar of St Michael’s, Enfield in the Diocese of London in 1978, and in 1979 second son Michael was born. The family moved to the Guildford area in 1981 for Christopher to take up the post of Vicar at St Lawrence’s, Effingham with Little Bookham. Daughter Clare arrived during Christopher’s ministry here, completing the family. In 1987 another move took the family to Esher where Christopher became Rector of Christ Church. Alongside his work as a parish priest, Christopher was also involved with a variety of local CofE schools as Chair of School Governors. During his time at Esher he was part-time Chaplain at the Princess Alice Hospice and Chair of Churches Together in Esher and district. He also became Rural Dean of Emly in 1991. Christopher was a tutor for Post-Ordination Training in the

8 Guildford Diocese from 1985 to 1991 and whilst at Esher trained 2 Curates. In 1992 he attended a “Rome Summer School” organised by the Anglican Centre in Rome and in 1995 he took a 4 month sabbatical at Tantur in Jerusalem. From 1982 he became an Asso- ciate of the Community of the Servants of the Will of God. In 1998 Christopher and his family moved to Bude as Rector of St Michael’s with St Marwenne’s, Marhamchurch. During his ministry here he was training priest for Rev Peter Judson. In 2003 he became an Honorary Canon of Cathedral. On his retirement in 2008, he and Linda moved to Poughill. Christopher was a published author: in 1983 he published an article Rethinking the Family Service, and in 1985 another article The Uncertainty of Faith. More recently he published his book Unknowing and Astonishment, Meditations on Faith for the Long Haul. He loved the arts in general and in particular music—he was a very talented pianist and organist. Christopher was also a keen watercolour artist and exhibited his work at local exhibitions. He enjoyed helping out local parishes during his retirement. Walking on the coast was another favourite and he also enjoyed travelling, especially to Italy and to see his eldest son David in Cambodia. He was a devoted Papa to seven grandchildren. Christopher passed away on 8 April, one day short of his 77th birthday. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let your light perpetual shine upon him

Poundstock Gildhouse is delighted to be resuming its usual Wednesday openings, within current covid restrictions. The Gildhouse will be open every Wednes- day from 10 am to 4 pm, with volunteer guides on hand to show you round and answer any questions.

At the moment we aren’t able to run our usual summer programme of events and talks, but as soon as it’s possible to do so, we will! Do come and spend an hour or two in the tranquil surroundings of St Winwaloe’s Churchyard and remind yourself of how lovely the Gild- house is. Everyone is more than welcome. Liz Jones

9 MOTHERS’ UNION ~ KLEDH KERNOW

We start May with a new name and are now officially “Kledh Kernow”, Kledh pronounced Cleth, meaning northern or north; Kernow, . It was put to the trustees and they all liked and agreed to it. Meetings will still only commence when safe to do so. Then there will be interesting speakers, an update on the Clewer Initiative and a workshop for making everything and anything in a relaxed atmosphere! Learning crafts, knitting, playing games, catching up and of course, tea, cake and biscuits! The St Swithin’s Craft Fayre will hopefully be in September, so anything you make or give will be gratefully received. I think Johnny Cohen has promised some pickles!? We will have two box pews, one for anything edible plus home grown produce and flowers etc. The other will display, knitted or crochet items, toys, needlework, bric a brac, cards, anything you can think of that will raise funds for our branch to help MU charities. It will be fun! More donated items for premature babies, thanks Gill and Barbara Cole xx

Our new venture is this little fellow “Teddy Vean” to be knitted

10 for school reception classes, the message being “we are all different but all loved by God”. When presented to the children What If We Were All The Same will be read in person or via zoom, also a copy will given to the school. The Lady Day Service on the 25th March was held via Zoom. What a delight it was to see Mary and Peter Judson on our screens. They send their love to all of you, promising that if possible, they will join us in the cathedral next year.

Love and best wishes, Sandy xxx Branch Leader ~ 01288 382958 ~ [email protected]

PADER AGAN ARLOEDH: THE LORD’S PRAYER IN CORNISH (Modern form in Kernewek Kemmyn)

Agan Tas ni, usi yn nev, bennigys re bo dha hanow, re dheffo dha wlaskor, re bo gwrys dha volonjedh yn nor kepar hag yn nev. Ro dhyn ni hedhyw agan bara pub dydh, ha gav dhyn agan kendonyow par dell evyn dhe’n re yw agan kendonoryon ni; ha na wra agan dri dhe demptyans, mes salw ni dhiworth drog. Rag dhiso jy yw an wlaskor, ha’n galloes ha’n gordhyans, bys vykken ha bynari Amen

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13 Zoom services: for details of zoom services scheduled for May in the Benefice, please see page 5. Every Wednesday at 9 am there will be Morning Prayer on zoom. If you would like to join in by zoom and are not already on the list, please contact Lesley Booker: [email protected]

SERVICES FOR MAY

DATE READINGS TIME SERVICE CHURCH LEADER Sunday 2nd Acts 8: 26-end OR 9.30 am Holy Communion BH 5th Sunday of Genesis 22: 1—18 10.00 am Family Service WSM LWL Easter Psalm 22: 25-31 1 John 4:7-end OR Acts 8: 26—end John 15: 1—8 Wednesday 5th 10.00 am Holy Communion WB Sunday 9th Acts 10: 44-end OR 9.30 am Holy Communion M 6th Sunday of Isaiah 55: 1—11 9.30 am Morning Prayer P LWL Easter Psalm 98 11.15 am Holy Communion W 1 John 5: 1-6 OR Acts 10: 44—end John 15: 9-17 Wednesday 12th 10.00 am Holy Communion BH

Sunday 16th Acts 1: 15—17. 9.30 am Holy Communion BH 21—end OR 7th Sunday of 11.15 am Holy Communion WSM Easter Ezekiel 36: 24—28 Psalm 1 1 John 5:9-13 OR Acts 1:15—17. 21—end John 17: 6—19 Wednesday 19th 10.00 am Holy Communion WB

14 SERVICES FOR MAY continued DATE READINGS TIME SERVICE CHURCH LEADER Sunday 23rd Acts 2: 1—21 OR 9.30 am Holy Communion P Ezekiel 37: 1-14 Pentecost 9.30 am Morning Prayer W LWL Psalm 104: 25— 35. 37 11.15 am Holy Communion M Romans 8:22-27 OR Acts 2:1-21 John 15: 26-27; 16: 4b-15 Wednesday 26th 10.00 am Holy Communion BH Sunday 30th Isaiah 6: 1—8 10.00 am Benefice WSM Eucharist Trinity Sunday Psalm 29 Romans 8: 12—17 John 3: 1—17

KEY: CHURCHES: BH = Bude Haven LEADERS: DB = Rev David Barnes M = Marhamchurch JC = Rev John Cotton P = Poundstock RD = Rev Rob Dickenson WSM = Week St Mary LWL = Local Worship Leader W = Whitstone MM = Methodist Minister WB = Widemouth Bay

Week St Mary HUBS House Group This group is now meeting on Thursday mornings at 9.30 on zoom. Everyone is most welcome to join us. Please call Sue Dickenson on 01288 341016 if you would like to receive the zoom connection.

Why not lend your copy of this magazine to a neighbour or friend when you have finished with it?

15 Come to us BUDE DOG TRAINING/AGILITY GROUP for all your TEL: 01566 86500/01288 321922

Christian Resources HELPING LOCAL DOGS AND OWNERS FOR 26 YEARS THE ARK ANGEL CHRISTIAN BOOKSHOP PUPPIES, PET DOG TRAINING, PROBLEM DOGS, FUN AGILITY, Large range of Bibles CLICKER TRAINING, ONGOING Wide selection of Christian books CLASSES

CDs Gifts & Cards ALL PROFITS TO CHARITY “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path”

o Reg. Charity N . 294313 01288 356886 Mon – Sat 10am – 4pm (5pm BST) Lansdown Mews, Bude [email protected] www.arkangeltrust.org.uk

R. J. BROWN PAINTING AND DECORATING Tel: 01288 354701 Rob Mobile 07970 969297 Matt Mobile 07875 748035 Established 1982

Congdon’s Hospital Road, Stratton Carpet and Furniture Centre Large stocks of carpets, divans and furniture Tel: 01288 354575 Tel & Fax: 01288 354111 email: [email protected] www.congdons.co.uk

16 P & B Interior Design 2 Lansdown Mews, Lansdown Road, Bude EX23 8BN 01288 356303 For all your soft furnishing requirements Blinds ~ Curtains ~ Tracks & Poles Haberdashery ~ DMC Threads Farrow & Ball Paints & Wallpapers Fabrics Nets & Voiles from £1.99 per metre

THE CRESCENT POST OFFICE & STORES, BUDE Newspapers, Magazines, Groceries, Tobacconists, Stationers Greetings Cards, Fresh Bread and Cakes Daily Off Licence Post Office Tel: 01288 352048

17 GREENFINGERS— in the garden in May May is a busy month in the garden. Daffodils and Tulips need dead-heading, and if these are in the border the leaves must be left to die before removing. Harden-off seedlings and plant out your Sweet Peas. "Earth up" the seed potatoes. If grown in bags, cover the emerging green shoots with compost and continue this practice until there is no more space left. Sow beet, cauliflowers and peas. Sow salad leaves in small pots for the window sill. Cover with a plastic bag and they will be through in three days. (Resurrection comes to mind). Continue weeding, and any nettles can be added to the compost bin. They also make good herb tea which is rich in iron, magnesium and calcium.

Cut back any unwieldy hardy perennials, which will promote new and bushy growth. Frost is still possible, although we usually escape it here in the south-west. Have cloches and fleece to hand for emergency and resist the urge to hang the floral baskets until the end of the month. One hard frost could destroy all your hard work.

Readers of the excellent Garden News will have seen Monty Don's article concerning grass. He feels that many gardeners are obsessed with mowing their lawns far too short. Letting it grow is the most effective thing you can do, as it helps the pollinators and invertebrates. Many will disagree, but Greenfingers does not. Who needs a bowling green!

Finally, UK nurseries are busy propagating our flowers and shrubs. Imported plants can bring disease with them, including [potentially] the dreaded Corona virus. Please buy UK-grown plants whenever possible. We have lost so much of our heritage and horticulture must not be part of this.

Enjoy your May gardening!

"...... bees at the dawning of summer through flowery meads toil at their task in the sunlight”

Virgil—The Aeneid

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Postcard from Hayling Island

Welcome to, hopefully, more normal life, if a little premature!

I didn’t expect to be writing this whilst waiting for funeral arrangements to be announced for the Duke of Edinburgh. He played quite a large part of Peter’s time in the Royal Navy, and Peter met him several times. That was 27 years! A part was at Whale Island in Portsmouth where the gun carriage used for State Funerals was kept. Regular practices were held, in order for constant readiness. However, Prince Philip did not want fuss, and because of Covid his wishes will be recognised!

Very happy memories of those 27 years, but also several visits to Bude by Prince Philip whilst Peter was Town Clerk, when Peter met him once more. How time has flown by and now it is time to say goodbye.

We are also so very sorry to be saying goodbye to Fr Christopher Scott, Peter’s training priest and our condolences go to Linda and their family. Rest in peace, Prince Philip and Fr Christopher.

As we all prepare for summer and going out, there is so much to see. Beautiful blossoms, rapidly greening hedges, the local donkeys at the sanctuary playfully trotting about and lambs skittishly skipping! Peter loves to see them. We look forward to visiting our motor home and taking it out. More of that next time.

With love to all, Peter & Mary

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE PLEASE CONTACT HEATHER WHITLOCK ON 07771 964672

19 Persecuted Christians in Somalia

Somalia, situated on the Horn of Africa, is one of the most danger- ous places in the world to be a Christian. A population of about 16 million is rigidly Muslim, with at best around 1,000 Christians.

So dangerous is it to be a Christian, that those who come to Christ can only meet in great secrecy, if at all, and no display of their faith can be shown.

Islam is considered a crucial part of Somali identity. To leave it is considered a betrayal of family, clan and community, as well as country and religion. Any one found or even suspected of doing so is in great danger. Harassment and intimidation by the family is normal, and even killing can follow. Women may be raped and forcibly married off.

If they escape family sanctions, they face even greater danger from the terrorist group al-Shabab who virtually run the country. Advocating an extreme and violent form of Shariah Law they carry out frequent house searches, and any Christian material found can lead to summary execution, often on the spot.

If a Christian man is killed or abducted, the whole family suffers. Not only do they lose the main breadwinner, but they are then ostracised by the whole community, and left unprotected.

To be a Christian in Somalia is to invite persecution and death. Under Sharia Law, Christianity is outlawed in an attempt to rid the country of any sign of the faith. The Bible is banned along with any other Christian material. There are no above ground churches. There are no Christian communities.

On top of this there is a civil war going on between the govern- ment, backed by the African Union, and al-Shabab, for control of the southern half of the country, where they want to establish an Islamic caliphate covering Somalia, and parts of neighbouring countries.

Prayers:

Pray for stability and peace in Somalia, and for religious freedom for all.

20 Pray for protection for the secret believers in Somalia, and for wisdom in knowing who to trust. Give thanks for these faithful believers, that the Lord will strength- en their faith and give them safe opportunities for fellowship and worship. Praise God that some evangelism is still taking place in Somalia. Pray that God will guide the use of radio and electronic evangelism to reach those who are seeking to know him. Pray for Christians in Somalia as they turn and follow Christ, that they are aware that to do so may cost them their lives. Pray that God will bring peace to conflict-torn Somalia, and free- dom for its people.

Michael Davey

News from St Marwenne’s Our respect and gratitude go to Prince Philip for his devotion to our Queen and the country, our bell was rung 99 times at 9am on Sunday 11th April as a mark of respect. It was with great sadness we heard of the death of Rev. Christopher Scott, condolences to his family, colleagues and friends. April showers and changing weather and temperatures have certainly been with us this last month, but the Spring flowers have given us all a boost, and a chance to thank God for the wonders of our world. How lovely it was to be able to go back into church and hear the organ played for us even if we can’t sing at the moment. A sincere thank you to everyone for their hard work in making it safe to attend. Our new chairs were installed on Monday 12th April, and we hope they will prove comfortable, but not so comfortable that we fall asleep. Now restrictions are beginning to lift slightly we hope we can plan some different services over the coming months, that we’ve had to forego over the last year, such as Pet Service etc. Wishing you all a safe and happy May and look forward to summer with hope and anticipation. Janet Ward

21 After Easter Island, Ascension Island November 2003 “Discovered” on Ascension Day 1501 and lying in the mid- Atlantic, virtually on the equator, Ascension Island has forty four volcanic peaks in an area of just 34 square miles. Permission to visit has to be granted by the RAF and flights leave Brize Norton for the island’s Wideawake Airfield, which is named after the Wideawake terns. My accommodation at Clarence House, part of Obsidian Hotel, was basic to put it kindly. On arrival, there was no water or electricity, though these were restored eventually. Eating was a communal affair, rather like school dinners, and the washroom was down the corridor. A notice was proud to announce “on our island of fun and sun, we do not flush for ‘number one’”! Exploration during my brief stay on this burnt volcanic isle made me realise how scarce water was. Georgetown, the small capital, was fascinating. Next to a friendly little café named “Reflections” was a blue and white church, whose doors were closed, to keep out the wild donkeys. The prison nearby seemed like a friendly cottage, with not a prisoner in sight. On the gold- en sands of the surf-swept beach were turtle ponds and in the surf, dozens of green turtles, getting up to all sorts of tricks. Near the shore was Obsidian Laundry, with seven long clothes lines, and the football ground with two ramshackle, small stands, but, of course, no grass. Focal points in town were the post office, store and clock-towered barracks. Two Boats Village was the other settlement—the RAF base. The American base was at Cat Hill. There was One Boat as well, just an upended boat used as a shelter complete with two alarm clocks, next to a bus stop. Walking over bleak cindery areas to Pyramid Point, with its huge Moonbase satellite ‘golf balls’ and “no public admittance”, I found the track down to Comfortless Cove—a lovely little inlet of golden sand and turquoise sea, despite its sombre name. After a refreshing swim, I discovered the very unusual Bonetta cemetery—resting place of many yellow fever victims of about 1830. Hence the cove’s name. Most memorable of my Ascension adventures though, was the 22 hike to the very top, at 2,817 feet. Johnny, the island’s den- tist, scout leader and hotel manager had promised me a lift at about 7 am as far as the road went—to the former barracks, now cowshed, adorned with its impressive coat of arms. Beyond here, to the dew pond at Green Mountain’s summit, is by far the island’s most difficult walk. After a reasonable start, the path slopes upwards in slippery, muddy squelch. Mercifully there is a rope to hang on to for most of the way through this jungle of bamboo, bananas and ginger plants. At the top the reward is a picturesque dew pond, with lilac water lilies and, by the side, a letter box with visitors’ book, stamp pad and rubber stamp. I slithered my way down again, feet and legs plastered in mud, and walked to Farm Cottage, where I was invited to breakfast by a couple staying there. Later we walked through a 900 feet long tunnel, constructed to take water from huge rain -water catching concrete slopes, through the mountain. Ascension was full of surprises and I really liked it. One of my last sights, on leaving from Wideawake was the ambiguous sign announcing “Terminal Drinks Kiosk”! David T Williams

The stamp at the top of Green Mountain

23 May 2021 Red Letter Days On the 1st it is Philip and James Apostles; the 13th is Ascension Day and on the 14th Matthias the Apostle. Sunday the 23rd is Whit Sunday and the 30th is Trinity Sunday. We hear about visual aids and how necessary they are in teaching. The Church has been using visual aids for generations: Red letter days remind us of something special; altar frontals—white when it is very special, purple when it is a sad time, red for saints and green when it is ordinary time. There is the Paschal candle which is lit at Easter and extin- guished at Ascension (blown out so that the smoke rises as Jesus did). We have the bells to ring out and tell people that there is a service and some Churches ring a bell at the elevation of the host during Communion when we should be watching the Priest and also so that any one who was unable to be there could make a ‘Spiritual Communion’. It has been a long time in the wilderness; I hope we can all return to regular services soon. If we read the account for Whit Sunday Acts 2 v 17-18 we read I will pour out my spirit on every one. Not just on ordained ministry but those of us who are ordinary, who clean the Church and do the flowers, the doctors and nurses, the shopkeepers, the lifeguards, the men and women who have kept our food supplies going in this hard period. Also the retired people walking their dogs on the downs. Every one of us has been promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to enable us to bring the Spirit of Christ into all that we do and to pass on His love to all we meet. I missed the last Lent lecture as it was my daughter’s 60th birthday so I wanted to spend time with her. I did look at the video which was an interview with a woman Bishop. She told us how she had been involved as a child with the Church, then she mentioned the Holy Spirit and that she has been reading the Mystics. The interview was immedi- ately finished, just when I came to life, and we went back to Sunday school. It is no wonder that so many of our children that can see the good in all religions fail to use the road Jesus showed us. Prayer: God give us grace to stand by the teaching of Jesus. Help us day by day to understand what you would have us do, that we may be enabled to play our part in the coming of Thy Kingdom. Send us out in Thy Spirit. ( M.U. Prayer leaflet 1987) Hilda Walter

24 Archdeacons Visitation 14th June 2021

This year's Archdeacon's Visitations are planned to go ahead in churches across the DIocese and the churches that were in line to host before last year's cancellations will host this year. Churchwardens will be introduced to the new Archdeacon Revd. Kelly Betteridge and sworn in at these meetings which will take place as shown on the Diocesan website. If Churchwardens cannot join our own visitation on 14th June 7.30-9pm at Week St Mary, you are welcome to attend those planned for other deaneries and if attendance is impossible, you parish priest may swear you in on a separate occasion. All services will be Zoomed as well.

Deanery Synod

Our first Deanery Synod since the onset of the pandemic will take place at 7pm on 11th May on Zoom. Deanery Reps will be sent the Zoom link in time for the meeting which will include discussion of the ‘On the Way’ initiative which will help us to plan the way forward for our Deanery taking account of our Deanery Plan from 2020 and the necessary changes that the crisis has highlighted.

Do please try to attend so that we can begin to get back on track as soon as possible.

Elections for Diocesan Synod 2021

Deanery Reps and Stipendiary Clergy are entitled to vote at the forthcom- ing Diocesan Synod Elections. Nominations for Diocesan Synod open on 26th April and run until 20th May. The Lay Members of the Deanery Synod nominate and if necessary vote for Lay representatives of Diocesan Synod and the Clergy vote for Clergy Representatives to Diocesan Synod. Nomination papers will be sent by email to eligible reps by 26th April and must be completed and returned to the Presiding Officer by 20th May. If there are more nominations than places available on Diocesan Synod, (Stratton Deanery has 3 lay places available and 3 Clergy places) we have to hold an election. The current Diocesan Synod Reps from our Deanery are Sue Dickenson, Jackie Adams, Micheline Smith and Rev David Barnes, Rev Heather Aston and Rev Teresa Folland. Lesley Booker (Deanery Secretary) will be the Presiding Officer for the elections if necessary. When you receive nomination forms, please consider carefully if there is any- one that you think could represent the Deanery on Diocesan Synod and find out if they are willing to commit to this before you make a nomination. Remember also that eligible candidates for nomination must be over 16, Communicants and on the Electoral Roll of a parish in the Deanery

Thank you

Lesley Booker

25 Pentecost Pentecost is on Sunday May 23rd this year and it is when we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples and the birthday of the Christian church. The bible story tells us that the disciples were together wait- ing for the present that Jesus had promised. Suddenly they heard a noise like a great whooshing wind then they saw what looked like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them but did not burn them. The spirit of God had come and was filling each one of them. They began to celebrate and praise God but in a very surprising way. The spirit enabled them to praise God in many different languages. Many, many people heard about Jesus for the first time, and lots and lots of people decided that they too wanted to start following God. So, God's special message spread The story can be found in the bible (Acts chapter 2) and on You Tube.

Our Crafts: (see next page) reflect the coming of the Holy Spirit and the Churches Birthday: 1. Individual birthday cakes 2. Windmills 3. Candles 4. Blow painting 5. Kites 6. Calligraphy 7. Flame crowns

Prayer: Lord, thank you that through your Holy Spirit you are with your people throughout the world and throughout history. Help us to live as one family by caring for and loving each other. AMEN

Messy Grace: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ And the love of God And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit Be with us all, now and for ever. AMEN

Mary Tilzey

26 27 OUR DEANERY PRAYER O generous God, You invite your people to discover the Kingdom And grow the church; Give us, then, the courage, the strength and the vision To share in the mission and ministry Of your Son That with the Lord of the Church We may be, truly, the Church of the Lord. Amen

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