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Sunday Services

St George, Fordington, Dorchester, DT1 1LB St Simon & St Jude, Winterborne Monkton, DT2 9PT Every Sun 8am Holy Communion 1st Sun 11.15am Holy Communion 1st, 2nd, 4th, 3rd Sun 11.15am Matins and 5th Sun 10.15am Parish Communion St Martin, Winterborne St Martin, DT2 9JR 3rd Sun 10.15am Come and Worship 2nd, 4th Sun 4.30pm Evensong currently postponed 2nd Sunday 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 1st, 2nd, 4th Sun 6.30pm Evensong currently postponed 1st, 3rd, and 4th Sun 11am Holy Communion St Mary the Virgin, Dorchester, DT1 2HL Every Sun 8am Holy Eucharist (said) St Mary, Winterbourne Abbas, DT2 9L Every Sun 9.45am Holy Eucharist (sung) 1st, 3rd Sun 10am Holy Communion 1st Sun 6pm Taize Service 5th Sun 6pm Eucharist for Healing St Michael, Winterbourne Steepleton, DT2 9LG 2nd Sunday 11am Holy Communion St Peter, Dorchester, DT1 1XA Every Sun 9am Holy Communion (BCP) St Thomas a Beckett, Compton Valence, DT2 9ER Every Sun 10.30am Sung Eucharist 2nd Sun 9.30am Holy Communion

St Andrew, West Stafford, DT2 8AB 1st, 3rd, 5th Sun 10am Parish Communion 2nd Sun 10am Morning Prayer For mid-week services and more information 4th Sun 10am Come and Worship/said Holy about worship see church pages. Communion O2 alternate months

The Benefice Network

Office Secretary St Andrew June Jenkins 250719 St Mary [email protected] Verger Cynthia Fry 573076 Organist Gerry Sweetman Benefice Website Organist Geoff Greenhough 267723 Flowers Jill Shepherd 264222 www.dorchesteranglican.info Sunday School Church Committee Secretary Steve Ryder Teresa Stewart-Sykes 319662 Felicity Murray [email protected] Flowers Margaret Morrissey 250366 Treasurer Kaye Kerridge 268641 Dorchester PCC Secretary Janet Cooper Church Committee Secretary Envelopes Kaye Kerridge 268641 Robert Potter 262041 260259 [email protected] Electoral Roll Jill Shepherd 264222 Dorchester PCC Treasurer Treasurer Jono Parvin 319662 Beryl Shuttleworth 266616 Envelopes Michael Bains 265530 Magazine Editor Electoral Roll Trudy Tabone 246126 St Simon & St Jude Margaret Morrissey 250366 Servers Peter Vojak 265994 Organist Duncan Honeybourne 761881 [email protected] Safeguarding Peter Vojak 265994 Flowers Rota of PCC members Magazine Advertising Social Groups Church Committee Secretary Liz Green 269610 Olive Branch Joyce Potter 262041 Wendy Grassby 263762 Monday Club Rosemary Bassett 262615 [email protected] Treasurer Hilary Hoskin 251085 Email [email protected] and Hall Bookings Electoral Roll Wendy Frost 889510 your message will be sent to someone from John Williams [email protected] the Magazine, Pews News, the Parish Magazine Circulation Cynthia Fry Safeguarding Peter Vojak 265994 office or the Team Website. St Peter Benefice House/Prayer Groups St George Verger Val Potter 264416 Friday Prayer Group Meets at St Peter’s Verger Tony Archer 07796 243430 Organist David Fawcett 07740818107 Friday 10.30am Penny Blaby 753556 Organist Evelyn Kingman 265741 Bellringers Will Haydock 07976 276066 Dorcas MU Bible Study Group Meets on Sunday School Maggie Carter 266072 Flowers Kate Chapman 756069 and Weds 10am Janet Cooper 260259 Bellringers Tony Spiller 262442 Rosalind Thorpe 259659 St Peter’s MU Penny Blaby 753556 Flowers Helen Pickhard Church Committee Secretary Emmaus House Group Meets on 3rd Church Committee Secretary June Jenkins 250719 Monday of the month. Robin Bunce 250456 Cheryl Taylor 269564 Treasurer Beryl Shuttleworth 266616 Treasurer Michael Neely 262869 Envelopes Beryl Shuttleworth 266616 Christian Meditation Group Wednesdays, Electoral Roll Dorothy Maggs 262436 Electoral Roll Jim Mclean 260126 5pm at St. Mary’s. Rosemary Bassett Social Events Maggie Carter 266072 Social Events Rosalind Thorpe 259659 262615 Servers Safeguarding Jane Pryce 269937 Home Bible Study Group Monday 7.30pm Safeguarding Mark Green 269320 Hall Bookings Pat Davies 267745 30 Grosvenor Rd Celia Robertson 257621 Hall Bookings Meriel Dunham 268551 [email protected] Brownies Becki Munro 457181 Magazine Circulation Val Scriven Magazine Circulation Mark Dyer Rangers Lisa Upward 265574

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Revd Jane Culliford

The Team Remembrance Team Rector November is a month of remembrances which begins with Revd Canon Thomas Woodhouse All Saints and All Souls days, but this year the focus of our with responsibility for St Mary the Virgin remembrance is the 100th anniversary of the end of the and St Simon & St Jude 01305 267944 First World War. The armistice, signed at 11o’clock on the Team Vicars eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 ended, what Revd Fiona Hall was then called, the Great War, thought then to be the war with responsibility for St George to end all wars. 01305 262394 Revd Jean Saddington As we reflect on the great loss of life and limb, loss of with responsibility for healthy bodies and quiet minds and often a loss of hope, The Winterbournes & Compton Valence we wonder how the nation and all the local communities 01305 889992 managed to carry on with the loss of so many husbands Revd Claire McClelland with responsibility for St Peter’s and sons, brothers and friends. One hundred years ago a 01305 570733 greater proportion of the nation worshiped in church week Associate Clergy by week and many found comfort through their faith in Revd Jane Culliford Christ who suffered and died yet brought hope through his with responsibility for St Andrew 01305 264360 resurrection. Their faith in God’s love from which nothing Revd Joanna Lacy-Smith can separate us was strengthened and we can have such 01305 889476 faith in the very different world of 2018. Others, however, Revd Teresa Stewart-Sykes 01305 319662 seeing the suffering and senseless carnage questioned God’s Licensed Lay Ministers love and such questions remain. David Bowen 01305 263584 So, as we read the names on war memorials in town and Allen Knott 01305 267217 villages, how are we to remember without becoming over Katherine Marr 01305 263358 Robert Potter 01305 262041 sentimental about those we did not know or cynical and agnostic in the face of the horrors of war? Perhaps the best Churchwardens St George tribute to all those who died is to work for peace and vacant justice with contrition for the times when our thoughts, vacant words and actions have been tinged with the hate that leads St Mary the Virgin Trudy Tabone 01305 246126 to war, working for the healing of past wrongs, while Ellie Stephens 01305 263391 seeking peace and reconciliation in our homes and St Peter communities, in our nation and across the globe. Even Val Potter 01305 264416 vacant though a hundred years have passed since the end of WW1 St Andrew it is right to remember not only those who died, but the Esther Brown 01305 757377 tragedy that war is for everyone and remember Christ who St Simon & St Jude Charles Norman 01305 262719 is the prince of peace in God’s coming Kingdom. Judy Norman 01305 262719 St Martin Dick Corbett-Winder 01305 889410 St Mary Joy Parsons 01305 889611 St Michael Ellie Sturrock 07980 089470 St Thomas Peter Steel 01308 482782 Jeremy Russell 01308 482227 Chaplaincy at Dorset County Hospital. Reverend Ron Martin (CofE) Dorchester Benefice Magazine Please submit copy for the Lead Hospital Chaplain December/January issue by 12th November email [email protected] Editor: Margaret Morrissey OBE 9 Hessary St., Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3SF at the latest. Reverend Richard Betts (CofE) Chaplain [email protected] 01305 250366 All new articles please submit by email [email protected]. 8th November or give notice of intention to Father Barry Hallett (RC) Chaplain Advertising Manager: Liz Green the Editor at [email protected] Contactable via Ron or Richard [email protected] 01305 269610 Printed by Parish Mag Printers

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Dorchester Benefice Diary

Mondays (except the 3rd Monday in the Wednesday 14th November at 7pm Hilary Lancashire story of her latest month) 2–4pm An Evening with Terry Waite CBE. cycling trip. The Roger Thomas Craft Group in the choir vestry. Just St Peter’s Church Dorchester Tickets: Conference Room bring along anything you are doing, adults £8 under 18 £4. Available (cash at AgeUK, 4 Prince of Wales Road, knitting, sewing, painting, drawing, etc. only) from the Shire Hall Historic Dorchester DT1 1PW. For further and come and have a cuppa and natter. Courthouse Museum. Proceeds from the information please phone Robin Howes Contact Cynthia Fry on 01305 5730762 evening will be shared between charities on 01305 854025. for further details. nominated by Terry Waite and St Peter’s Church. Seats are unreserved, doors Wednesday 21st November 2018 at 10am First Monday of each month 2–4pm open at 6.30pm. Wine and soft drinks may Information Event at Rowan Cottage, Dorchester Stitchers. In United Church be purchased during the interval. 4 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, (the main hall), South St, Dorchester. DT1 1PW. Lasting Powers of Attorney Expertise is shared and occasional Thursday 15th, Friday 16th, Saturday 17th Age UK Dorchester is holding an workshops arranged as are visits to November at 7.30pm, also Saturday 17th Information Event to de-mystify the exhibitions. Annual subscription £5 plus at 2.30pm. subject of Lasting Powers of Attorney. If £1 per meeting to cover costs. Dorchester Drama present you wish to understand whether you need Noel Coward’s Present Laughter in a Lasting Power of Attorney, Kelly Payne, Wednesdays at 5pm The Corn Exchange, Dorchester. Tickets Associate Solicitor, and Chris Keenan, The Contemplative prayer group meets from box office 01305 268692. £10 (£7 Partner, at Humphries Kirk solicitors, will each Wednesday at 5pm in the Blessed under 18s). be providing a talk on the subject. Please Sacrament Chapel at St Mary’s and at the confirm your attendance and telephone Quiet Space every Thursday at 6.30pm. Saturday 17th November at 9.30am 01305 269444. All are welcome. Ladies Breakfast. Third Saturday of each month excepting for the month of Thursday 22nd November from 10am Saturday November 3rd 9.30am to 12.30pm December. The November breakfast will Brass Cleaning morning until noon in Dorchester Rotary Autumn Fair be held at Carluccios, Dorchester. Contact the vestry St Mary’s Church. This is a Corn Exchange Dorchester. Maureen Shaw 01305 261771. social occasion with tea/coffee - and sometimes doughnuts! Saturday 10th November from 10.30am Saturday 17th November at 7.30pm Quiet Day at the Quiet Space in Autumn Concert by Dorset County Sunday 25th November 2018 at 3pm Poundbury refreshments from 10.30am. Orchestra will take place at the Dorford Advent Concert given by The Occasional The short talks will be led by Maggie on Centre, Dorchester under the baton of the Singers, St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, ‘Commissioned to be a light to our talented and enthusiastic Venezuelan/ Dorchester DT1 2HL. Admission is free communities’. End of day Refreshments British conductor Arturo Serna. The and there will be a retiring collection in aid 3.30pm. Please bring a Bible, notebook, orchestra will be joined by Joe Pritchard a of Alzheimer’s Society. pen and packed lunch. Please let Caroline BBC Young Musician of the Year Finalist, know by email on graduate of the Yehudi Menuhin School Wednesday 28th November at 10am [email protected] or ring and former Principal Cellist with the Dorcas MU Bible Study group meet at 01305 459622 for numbers for catering National Youth Orchestra. Tickets £12 are 2 Maumbury Square. In Mary Sumner’s and photocopying. No charge for the Quiet available at the door or in advance from footsteps – Journeying with God. Exodus Day but donations towards costs are Shoetrees, 6 Trinity Street, Dorchester. 13:17-18, 20-22. Acts 13:1-3, 15:36-41. gratefully received on the day. Newcomers and visitors welcome. Details Monday 19th November at 2.30pm 260259. Saturday 10th November at 9am The Monday Club meet in St Mary’s Hall. Before Christmas Men’s Breakfast will be held at Café on Nigel Culliford talking to us about the Shire Halll Historic Courthouse the Green, 7 Dinham Walk, Poundbury history of the Fleet Air Arm. Come and join Museum in Dorchester will be opening its DT1 3WU. They normally start 30 minutes us for an interesting afternoon, with café and the spectacular Grand Jury later, but are happy to open earlier for us. refreshments and a raffle included in the cost of £2.50. For further details please Room after visiting hours for parties. The There is ample free parking adjacent to spacious and airy café can host up to 200 the venue. For further details please contact either Rosemary (262615) or Jill (263757). people, with wine and canapes starting at contact David Elliott on 01305 259236, just £10 per head, or why not get into the 07776 256537 or by email at Tuesday 20th November at 7.30pm festive spirit with mulled wine and mince [email protected]. The Dorchester French Circle pies, for more information please visit Wednesday 14th November at 10am Dorcas MU Bible Study group meet at 4 Kingsbere Crescent. Food for the Soul. Psalm 23:5, Isaiah55:2, Psalm 119:103. Newcomers and visitors welcome. Details 260259. Headstones by Nigel Beeton

Wednesday 14 November at 7.30pm The rows of headstones silent stand So, think upon those rows of stones Quiz Night – another of the popular quiz nights in St George’s Church Hall, Their message clear, though mute; Be silent, still as they Fordington, in aid of The Children’s That we, in Britain’s peaceful land Remind us of those silent homes Society. Come as a team of 6 or turn up Must silently salute. From when they went away. and join with others. Ploughman’s supper included. Bring what you wish to drink. Our peace was bought at dreadful price Yes, spare a while to think of them Tickets £8 from the committee or phone Through rain and fear and mud – It’s just two minutes’ time; Dorothy Maggs on 262436. World conflict fought not once but twice And say aloud, just once again Wednesday 14th November at7.30pm So twice the cost in blood. That well-remembered rhyme: Archaeological Dowsing Hunt for the Dorchester Roman Fort, a slide Each headstone bears a single name They grow not old as we grow old, presentation by Peter Emery, at Dorford A single husband, son, Nor do the years condemn; Centre, Dorchester, DT1 1RR (Top o’town and Trinity car parks free after 6pm) £3 at Who, when the call to duty came But as the days and nights unfold, the door – all proceeds to the charity “Little They did what must be done. We will remember them. Hearts Matter”. Did it Exist? and Where?

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New canons for Dorchester and The Winterbournes Team Ministry Salisbury Cathedral Remembrance Sunday 2018

Team MinistryServices Five new canons for Salisbury St Mary’s Dorchester Cathedral from Education, armed 9am Sung Eucharist with an services and law enforcement: the Act of Remembrance. new canons will join the St Peter’s, Dorchester Cathedral’s College of Canons this 9.30am Holy Communion month, by invitation of the Bishop St George’s, Fordington, Dorchester of Salisbury. 9.45am Holy Communion. The new canons come from St Andrew’s, West Stafford across the diocese, and have 10am Morning Prayer followed by an worked on the frontline, overseas Act of Remembrance. and close to home. St Mary’s, Winterbourne Abbas They will be the first new 10am Act of Remembrance followed canons to be installed during the a service of reflection and silence. tenure of the new Dean of Martinstown Salisbury, the Very Revd 10.45am Act of Remembrance on the Nicholas Papadopulos, and were Green followed by a commemoration admitted to the College of Canons in church to mark the end of the war. in a special service at Salisbury Cathedral on Tuesday 9 October. Faure Requiem and The New Canons are: Holy Eucharist • The Revd Jonathan Still, who has recently completed Officer St Mary’s, Dorchester 4pm Training at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. The Bishop of Salisbury Alongside his duties as Rural Dean of Dorchester, Jonathan is a to preside and preach Chaplain in the Royal Naval Reserve. joins the College of Canons as a Non-Residentiary Canon. • The Ven Clinton Langston, Deputy Chaplain General and The Town Services Archdeacon to the Army has lived in Germany, been deployed Act of Remembrance in Bosnia and done a two-year tour in Northern Ireland and 10.55am at the War Memorial spent two years in London as the Senior Chaplain of the Guards’ Chapel and Household Division joins the College of Act of Remembrance 12.30pm at the German War Memorial Canons as a Non-Residentiary Canon. Beacon Lighting • The Revd Jenny Taylor ordained in 2001, whilst working as a 6.45pm on Salisbury Fields Lay Chaplain at Salisbury Cathedral School and Head of Religious Education. Based in the Chalke Valley Benefice, Jenny oversees and trains the Chalke Valley Lay Pastoral Assistants. • Rosemary Stiven, who will be admitted as a Lay Canon, was an officer in the WRAC (Women’s Royal Army Corps), serving Died in the services in Germany and Northern Ireland. She came to live in Salisbury 25 years ago and established a second career working Little Alex was staring up at the large brass as an administrator in state and independent schools. plaque that hung on the side wall of the church. The plaque was covered with names, • Former police officer Martyn Underhill, who becomes a Lay and they seemed to fascinate the seven-year Canon, joined the Metropolitan Police in 1979, transferring to old. ‘All those names,’ he said to the minister. Sussex police in 1984 rising through the ranks to Detective ‘Who are they?’ ‘Well, they were people who Chief Inspector. He was second in charge of the Sarah Payne used to go to this church,’ explained the minister. ‘This is a memorial to all the young murder investigation, men and women who died in the services.’ On admission each canon will be allocated a stall in the Soberly, they stood together, staring at the Cathedral Quire and, together with other members of the large plaque. Little Alex’s voice was barely College of Canons, meet twice yearly to advise and provide audible when he asked, ‘Which service, the 9 o’clock, or the 11 o’clock?’ feedback on Cathedral activities and policy decisions made by Chapter, the Cathedral’s governing body.

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St George’s Church Fordington, Dorchester

Weekday Services Every Thurs 10am Holy Communion and coffee. Sunday services see inside cover First Saturday of each month Coffee and Company 10am–12noon followed by Lunch Club at 1pm.

Harvest Supper A very special Harvest Supper was enjoyed last month, The Rev Anita Thorne opened the supper with prayers for God’s harvests, for the people providing the food (which was excellent) and the fellowship at St George’s. Each table was asked to make a corn dolly with lots of equipement provide by Yvonne it was great fun.

Dolly with Pink Lips was the winner of a delicious box of chocolates . Future Events Coach shopping trip to Bath Saturday 3rd November, departs 8.30am £12 per person. Booking essential. For more info contact Maggie Carter: [email protected]. Carols on the Green Friday 30th November 6–7pm. Christmas Tree Festival Friday 30th November to Monday 3rd December. Theme this year is ‘magic of the musicals’. To take part, please contact Maggie Carter ([email protected]) or Yvonne Lee ([email protected]) Christingle Service Sunday 2nd December 4.30pm in aid of The Children’s Society. Artificial christmas trees wanted Some of the artificial Christmas trees we use for the festival have seen better days! If you have a tree between 3-5ft that you no longer want and are willing to donate, After supper Evelyn Kingman entertained us with her please contact Maggie ([email protected]) or piano playing of rousing WW1 songs to which we all Yvonne ([email protected]). Alternatively, if you are sang along. Ending with a raffle of harvest food, drink willing to make a financial donation to help us buy and smellies. Well done to all involved to Hilary, Lisa, some new trees we would be very grateful. Val, Paul, Tony, Yvonne and their team of workers Thank you. Yvonne Lee Events Committee

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Message from the A Tribute to the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, Dorset Regiment: Bishop of Salisbury 1914 - 1918 Devina Symes A thriving Christian presence in every community is one of the aims of the Church of England. It happens in a When the call went out in 1914, number of ways with church buildings, From all over Dorset our good men came committed Christians, schools and And volunteered for their King and country, community projects contributing a great Landowners and labourers, all did the same. deal to the good of our communities, where Numbers of the Dorset Regiment swelled we live for others in the way of Jesus Christ. And were known as ‘The Do’sets’ locally, A few weeks ago I took the new Proudly they marched in their uniforms, Archbishop of South Sudan to some of our As the local bands played, rousingly! churches – the licensing of a Team Vicar in Most farm workers could have stayed home, Tisbury, a community environmental day Though some did join if the farmer agreed, for a Greener Bradford on Avon, Sunday And many a labourer laid down his tools morning at St Thomas’s in Salisbury, To fight for his country in its hour of need. followed by the installation of the new Dean in the cathedral. How could they know of the ‘hell hole’ The Archbishop spoke about the priorities of his church in a They would soon be living in? country where people have been killing each other and there are That existed in France and Gallipoli, millions of refugees. His was a very different context to ours, yet in Mespot, Egypt and Belguim. South Sudan they too were seeking to create a flourishing Orders were given to ‘go over the top’ Christian presence in every community that is good for all in the Which was crazy and barbaric, way of Jesus Christ. They lived in trenches with rats and lice In Devizes we met with other partners from the Lutheran Many became very sick. Church in Latvia. They had a different story again. A small Such brave, courageous souls were they, country, they emerged from behind the iron curtain. They Determined to work through their pain, confidently sit on the border with Russia partly because they are Some came home very badly wounded members of the EU. It is a bit more complicated for the Latvian Then ‘patched up’ were sent back again. church to find its place in the worldwide Church. They face the same challenges as the rest of us with different understandings of 4,500 of ‘The Do’sets’ were killed, what it is to be human and how we live the Gospel faithfully in our Leaving wives and mothers distraught; deprived, After armistice, many injured could not get work different contexts – men and women, gay and straight and as Some slept in ditches, where they died. people with varied political views. To some extent, where you stand determines what you can see. Many of the homeless became tramps, We are challenged by Christians from different contexts who see And with tea-can in hand would ask a villager things differently. Being part of the worldwide Church we see what For some hot water to make a ‘brew’ it means for the Church to be local everywhere. As they walked from one workhouse to another. Those who returned to work on the land Never spoke of their horrendous ordeal But at times were seen with a pocket knife Easing out the embedded shrapnel.

‘Non dubious of the cause, non murmering’ Words from Hardy’s poem, ‘Embarcation’ Grapevine is the Diocese's newsletter, sharing stories of lives Are apt to those Dorset men in World War One, transformed in Christ from around Dorset and Wiltshire. Produced Who fought for the freedom of our Nation. ten times per year, it aims to help worshippers in parishes across the Diocese share their stories of transforming lives and building God’s And now as we mark this centenary kingdom. The focus is on ordinary people doing extraordinary Many memories and thoughts will abide things in Christ, changing their communities and the world for the As we gather on the 11th of November better. At just four A5 or two A4 pages, Grapevine is direct and to To honour them all with love and pride. the point, giving you the information you need in one easy read. Various formats available! The stories in this poem are all true, and were More here: https://www.salisbury.anglican.org/whos- told to me by my father, Leslie Burt, and a who/contacts/communications/grapevine family friend, Jane Cox, who was born in 1875.

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New nuisance calls measures

Rogue companies making unsolicited calls related to personal injury claims could now be fined up to £500,000. New powers which came into force on 8 September give consumers the choice to ‘opt-in’ to receive these calls and people being harassed by nuisance calls now have new powers to stop them. Cold calls offering to help claim compensation for emails being made to every member of the adult mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI) will be population. banned if the claimant has not chosen to ‘opt-in’ to Individuals can opt-in to receiving these calls by receive them. consenting to be contacted by claims companies when Previously people had to ‘opt-out’ of receiving such enquiring about settling a claim, or when seeking calls by registering with the free Telephone Preference claims advice. Service or withdraw their consent while on the call. These new measures together with the strengthened However, the new powers will force the caller to make Data Protection Act, will curb the number of nuisance the necessary checks to make sure they have the calls received by consumers. recipient's consent before calling. If you receive nuisance calls you can report it to the Those offering unwanted claims management ICO who may investigate and take action against those services could be fined as much as half a million responsible. The Government has already made it easier pounds by the Information Commissioner’s Office for regulators to fine those breaching direct marketing (ICO) if they breach the rules. rules, by forcing companies to display their number The Financial Conduct Authority highlighted that in when calling customers and there are increased fines for the last 12 months approximately 2.7 billion unsolicited wrongdoers. calls, texts and emails were made to the UK's adult Anyone who thinks they have been the victim of a population offering to help them make a claim. This scam or would like advice about their consumer rights includes calls about recent accidents or mis-sold PPI. please contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline This is equivalent to approximately 50 calls, texts or on 03454 040506.

immune system, help patients cope remains at the top of the Open with chronic pain and enables Doors World Watch List as the DID YOU children with hearing difficulties to country where it is most difficult to hear better." be a Christian. The sanctions imposed on North Korea were as • In Victorian times there was a much to do with human rights as KNOW Hospital for Bad Legs, while the their nuclear programme. word “barmy” came from a mental • A Girl’s World is a weekly • The BBC has promised to do hospital at Barming village, near interactive programme for girls better religious broadcasting. After Maidstone. Until the 1960s there aged 8 to 15, shown across the conducting a review of its faith-based was a Home for Incurables in South Middle East and North Africa by programming, the network said it London, while the first youth the Christian television station, wants to raise its game across all detention centre was near Rochester, Sat-7. The show is pioneering new religious output, reach as many at the village called Borstal. ground – no other Persian people as possible and portray the • Mother Teresa once said: ‘In this television show focuses on girls, or diversity of beliefs and society. life we cannot do great things. We gives the chance to discuss ‘taboo’ can only do small things with great • Singing is good for your body and topics such as body image, sexual love.’ mind. A number of research projects abuse and gender discrimination. have found that even short bursts of • It is estimated that around 70,000 Many girls have sent in good regular singing help with lung Christian believers are in North feedback, excited there is finally a problems, relieve stress, boost the Korean prison camps. North Korea show they can relate to.

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St Mary the Virgin Church Correspondent Robert Potter

The Contemplative prayer group meets each Wednesday at 5pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and at the Quiet Space every Thursday at 6.30pm. All are welcome was promoted to staff sergeant. The rivers here are tidal Healing services – The next Meditative Communion with and the unit was experimenting with amphibious tanks, prayers for wholeness and healing and anointing will be on using Shermans and Valentines (an account of where and Sunday 18th November at 6pm when our preacher will be how these tanks were used is in Wikepedia) in Revd Canon Thomas Woodhouse. All are welcome. preparation for the anticipated beach landings in Rosemary Bassett Normandy and so it seems that Robert’s role was important and interesting. Christmas Card delivery In the village which housed the REME camp (Burton We shall once again be delivering Christmas cards to Stathe) there was a canteen for the troops and serving our neighbours in Victoria Park. The date for the group there was a young lady called Marjorie, a teacher at the delivery is Sunday 2nd Dec at 2pm followed by tea, cake village school. After the first meeting there was a and fellowship at the Rectory. If you cannot make this whirlwind courtship (including trips to the ‘pictures’ in date but could help at another time I would be very nearby Scunny), approval by Marjorie’s parents and a grateful as it definitely lightens the load at a busy time wedding in the registry office; Marjorie didn’t want a of year. Kath Joslin churchful of her pupils! After the invasion of Europe, Robert was drafted to India as part of a backup force for troops still fighting in Burma but fortunately he wasn’t Angels called on to go o the battle zone. A local Salvation Army If you are making a Christmas angel (patterns are helper posted letters home for him. available at the back of the church) and would like to After demob, Robert returned to the school in Hull bring it to St Mary’s we would be very happy to give her a for a while until both he and Marjorie got jobs in good home! But if you want to keep your angel to give to different schools in the southern suburbs of someone you know, then that is fine. Kath Joslin Birmingham, buying a house in Solihull. In 1984 Robert and Marjorie moved to Dorchester – moving from the land-locked Midlands to be near the The Man in the Back Row. sea. Marjorie continued to exercise her skills in We see people regularly in St Mary’s Sunday by Sunday, needlework and for St Mary’s she made the kneeler perhaps commenting if they’re missing from their usual cushions for the Calvary, with Robert making the seat, but what do we know about them? Almost all have wooden kneelers. For the Millenium she produced the lead interesting lives but often we only hear about them 2000 tapestry which now hangs in the Blessed Sacrament at funeral services. chapel. Robert and Marjorie celebrated their diamond Robert (Bob) Walker sits in the back row of the wedding (plus 2 or 3 years) before Marjorie became ill cantoris side (the north side), being brought in from and died in 2014 and shortly afterwards Robert moved to Charminster, usually by Peter Vojak. Robert was born in Wolfeton Manor in Charminster. 1920 (yes, he’s 98) in Eltham where he went to school Like so many people’s lives you may consider this to be learning, amongst all the usual subjects, woodwork and fairly routine (except for the challenging experimental metalwork. It was his skill at these that earned him, at work on tanks and a couple of years in India) but I think the age of 14, a place on a 4 year course at a specialist knowing something about our fellow worshippers helps college in Shoreditch in the heart of what was then a to make them real rather than just regular Sunday furniture making area. To get there meant a daily train morning acquaintances. Robert Potter journey to London Bridge followed by a considerable cross-city walk. His qualifications there gained him a place in what were then known as teacher training Sanctuary Candles for November colleges. He started teaching in Hull but after a year he 4th Given by Cyril Treviss in memory of his wife Joan whose was conscripted into the army where he served for 6 year’s mind falls on 2nd. 11th Given by Ellie Stephens in memory of Irene Keir, Tom Baker years. He was a lance-corporal instructor in the Royal (priest) and Marie Baker whose year’s minds fall at this time. Armoured Corps when his particular metalwork skills 18th Given by Janet Comley to mark family birthdays. And by were discovered and he was quickly transferred to Sue Allen in loving memory of her husband Richard. REME, to a secret specialist unit on the bank of the 25th Given by Di House in memory of her brother Martin whose Trent close to its confluence with the Humber; there he year’s mind falls now.

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Fear

Fear always springs from ignorance. - Emerson

Revd Richard Press

It had been a long, hard walk, made all the more difficult through the night and keep him safe as he huddled close by the searing heat of the afternoon sun. His pack, which by. Now, as he looked down on the valley and on the had not bothered him when he had set off those few incandescent waters of the lake, he remembered how, as short hours ago’ now weighed him down and the straps the sounds had grown louder and more raucous through cut into his shoulders. He stopped briefly on the rock- the night, he had been gripped by a fear which had left strewn path and gasped yet his whole body cold, despite again at the majesty of the view the warmth of the fire he was as he removed the near empty lying beside. water canteen from his pack He had had no idea which and put it to his lips. He was animal might be making entranced by the sheer beauty which noise, but he had of the valley from which he had known that at least some of set out earlier in the day and them would harm him if they which now lay stretched out came near. Everyone knew beneath him. The brilliant that, despite what the green of the meadow grass stranger had said about their contrasted spectacularly with rights. He’d had a morbid the browns and oranges of the and irrational fear of bears trees, now wearing their since childhood. The man's autumn colours. body was convulsed by a There, far below him, he sudden and involuntary could just make out in the late afternoon sunlight, the shivering as he averted his gaze from the valley and his silhouettes of the big black and white birds as they mind from the events of the previous night and turned hovered above and then dived into the placid waters of his attention to the rocky track ahead of him and to the the lake, often reappearing with a thrashing shape need to find a suitable place to rest for the night. As he between their beaks. The man knew the shapes to be the looked toward the track he realised just how long he same delicious species of local fish as he had dined upon must have stood there, looking back into the valley, for the previous evening when he had set up camp by the the light was now fading and the track ahead lakeside. A meal he had sat down to eat by himself but a disappeared into the gathering gloom. meal which he had ended up sharing with the stranger Suddenly he was transfixed as the solitary howling who had appeared from nowhere and had walked into sound cut through the gathering gloom. Fear gripped the light and warmth of his campfire. him. The cold clammy fear he had experienced the night The stranger who he had asked a little nervously to before engulfed him as the howling was answered by yet join him in the meal and who, after they had eaten their more howls which seemed to crowd in on him from all fill of the wood-smoked fish and the flat, local bread he directions. He couldn’t stay on the track, it was too had bought the previous day, had warned him of the exposed, he must find somewhere safer, and he needed dangers involved in back-packing alone in this part of the to protect himself, but how? He remembered the knives high country. The hills, he said, were full of wildlife, he carried in his pack. One, a survival knife, had a long much of it potentially unfriendly though, thankfully, and pointed blade. Another was shorter but no less most of it nocturnal; but there were a few species which sharp. might pose a threat during the day. In particular, the Driven on by the rising cacophony of sound, he stranger had said, he should watch out for signs of the rummaged through his pack and removed both knives black bears which roamed the hills and which, and a reel of twine. Like a man possessed, he set about occasionally, even came down to the lake in the twilight hacking down a suitable branch from a nearby tree, to drink and to fish. He should also remember, the trimming it and tying the survival knife to it to make a stranger had said, that these animals had been here long primitive axe. He looked at the axe, unsure of its before man and deserved our respect. Then, while the potential, and then in a sudden burst of explosive energy man was clearing away the plates, the stranger had swung it around and above his head and brought it disappeared as quickly and as silently as he had arrived. down into the jagged tree stump which lay nearby. The man had thought about their conversation as he So hard had he wielded the axe that it took him washed the plates in the lake. Then, spurred on by the almost a minute to retrieve the blade from the stump, rich variety of sounds which assaulted his ears, he had and all the while, the noise around him increased. built up the campfire so that it would burn brightly Sweating, but satisfied with his efforts, he slung his pack

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over one shoulder, stuck the smaller knife into his coming towards him, was the dark and menacing shape. waistband and gripped the trusty axe tightly. Warily he True, it didn't seem quite so large as before, but the made his way forward, as quietly as he could, into the chorus of animal cries from the blackness of the woods gathering gloom. Then he saw it. Saw the huge black seemed to be warning him of the danger, or laughing at shape looming out of the darkness up ahead. him. He hid behind the trunk again and waited. The light was fading fast, but there was no mistaking He could hear the footsteps now though the ever- the enormity of the shape. It must be a bear, a huge black increasing noise from the woods made it difficult. bear. The very animal the stranger had warned him to be Sweating with fear and apprehension, he silently lifted particularly wary about. The very animal he had feared the improvised axe high above and behind his head, his intensely since he was a boy. Suddenly it seemed as arms locked, waiting to unleash it with all the force he though all the sounds which had pressed in on him on could muster. The footsteps padded nearer and nearer. every side had stopped. Now he could hear only one. With every nerve in his body straining, he closed his The thumping sound of his heart as it pounded in his eyes as he summoned up the deep reserves of his courage chest. He knew he was afraid, he knew he was alone, and and his strength. The footsteps passed by the trunk. The he could see the huge shape moving toward him. man prepared to bring down the axe as he had on the Gripped by panic, he darted behind the trunk of the tree trunk a few minutes earlier. Driven on by sheer huge tree just ahead of him to the side of the track. As panic, his arms started their upward arc from behind his silently as he could, he laid down his pack, took the knife head. Terrified, he opened his eyes to confront his own from his waistband and gripped it between his teeth. Axe worst nightmare. There, looking straight at him, were in hand, he peered cautiously around the tree and up the the deep blue eyes of the stranger with whom he had track. It was almost completely dark now but there, still broken bread the previous evening.

Wilfred Owen – 1st World War Poet and Hero The young man whose poetry told the truth about the War.

By Tim Lenton.

British poet and soldier Wilfred Owen was killed 100 1893 in Shropshire. On years ago this month, on 4th Nov 1918. He died leading leaving school he became a his troops across a canal in Northern France exactly a teaching assistant and in week before the war ended. He was 25. 1913 went to France for two Owen, who was noted for his shockingly realistic years to work as a language poetry about the horrors of trench warfare, was born in tutor, but in 1915 he returned to England to join the army. After harrowing experiences Anthem For Doomed Youth in the trenches he suffered from shell What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? shock and went for Only the monstrous anger of the guns. treatment at Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle Craiglockhart War Can patter out their hasty orisons. Hospital, near No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells; Edinburgh, where he Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, met fellow poet Siegfried Sassoon. The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells; Owen went back to France despite Sassoon’s pleas And bugles calling for them from sad shires. and was awarded the Military Cross for bravery after What candles may be held to speed them all? capturing a machine-gun post almost single-handed. Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes Brought up according to his mother's strong beliefs, Shall shine the holy glimmers of good-byes. Owen had thought of becoming a priest. For a while he The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall; was lay assistant to the vicar of the Oxfordshire parish Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds, of Dunsden. And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds. His only volume of poems, edited by Sassoon and published in 1920, contains some of the most By Wilfred Owen poignant English war poetry, including Dulce et Decorum Est and Anthem for Doomed Youth.

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Forgiveness – A Powerful Testimony Mike and Angie Stear

Angie and I returned to the UK at the end of August Mike will remember for the rest of his life. Stephen, after another three week visit to Rwanda, where we led who was then a young priest, had been threatened two conferences and then a retreat for senior clergy and independently and was able to flee to Burundi. He only their wives in Cyangugu Diocese in the south west. discovered what had happened to his family on his After our first conference we visited Nyamata return. He also found his home had been destroyed. genocide memorial, about 45 minutes drive south east Stephen has a powerful testimony of forgiveness and of the capital Kigali. reconciliation, a witness to the power of the Gospel and 45,000 Tutsi’s were the work of the Holy Spirit. He spoke of being slaughtered there, traumatised for a year. Then he saw a cross with the nearly all in one words “Father forgive them” written over the top. At day – 14th April that moment God met with him in a powerful new way. 1994. The former He was healed from trauma and delivered from Roman Catholic bitterness and the longing for vengeance. When Church has been preaching in a left as a memorial, prison he came face with clothes of to face with the victims spread out man who had on the benches. Nyamata Genocide Memorial wanted to kill him Damage from and who destroyed grenades and from a bomb used to blast through the his house. He had iron gates of the church has been left just as it was, the joy of seeing together with bullet holes all round the church and this man come to even in the roof. The victims were mainly women and faith in Jesus children – killed by machetes, bullets, shrapnel and Christ. For 23 years clubs. There is a mass grave outside the church where Archdeacon Stephen Gahigi and his wife Stephen has shelves of hundreds of coffins in tile lined air- preached forgiveness and reconciliation in the power of conditioned vaults contain the bones of victims. Some the Holy Spirit. What a brother in Christ! of the coffins contain the bones of members of a single Stephen told us that amongst the people who had family. attended the conference we had just finished, there Archdeacon Stephen Gahigi took us there and led were both victims and perpetrators of the genocide Mike down steep steps (too steep for Angie) and stood sitting together, worshipping and praying together. This by a coffin containing the bones his parents and is the very down to earth power of the Gospel we brothers and sisters, seven people, who were believe and share – forgiveness and reconciliation slaughtered on 14th April 1994. That was a moment through Christ crucified and risen from the dead.

Christingle Services St George’s Church Sunday 2nd December at 4.30pm St Mary’s Church Sunday 9th December at 4pm St Peter’s Church Saturday 22nd at 11am St Andrew’s Church Monday 24th at 4.30pm

These services celebrate the work of the Children’s Society

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Diary of a Momentous Year November 1918

Canon David Winter

1918 was the final year of the Great War. This year, Canon did come home, but tens of thousands didn’t. We have David Winter has been looking back on highlights of those tended to judge the first World War by the numbers critical 11 months, when the very shape of modern world involved – and they are appalling, but each casualty was history was being hammered out on the battlefields. also someone’s personal loss, as I learnt in my first parish. It was a rural village near Oxford. Each month I took When the Boys Came Home Communion to an elderly woman known to everyone By Autumn 1918 it was obvious that the war was as Kim. She was in her nineties and had been a coming to an end, Germany was clearly beaten, but no teenager during the Great War. Her two brothers were one had actually won. The front line was more or less serving on the Western Front. A few days before the as it had been for years, but after Amiens the Germans Armistice the post office motor-cyclist delivered the knew that this was a conflict they could never win. telegram they had been dreading, one of the boys had High level discussions took place, while in Britain the been killed in action. A week or so later, after the public mood was surprisingly optimistic. ‘There’s a fighting had stopped, the same messenger returned, silver lining’, the songs said. ‘Keep the home fires with the same message about her other brother. As she burning till the boys come home’. When an ‘Armistice’ told me of it, 70 years after the event, her eyes filled was announced, there was euphoria. No more killing, with tears. That was the true price of war and when I the guns silenced. Peace at last! share the silence on Remembrance Day it is her and ‘Armistice’ was a new word for most people – not a those two young men I think of, not the million others peace treaty or settlement (that would follow a from many nations who fell in that terrible conflict. conference in Paris the following January), but simply a My father enlisted to join in ‘the war to end all wars’. laying down of arms, but for many that was enough for It didn’t, of course. Twenty-one years later it all started now. ‘No more killing’, they declared. Most of the boys again. War doesn’t end wars. True peace does.

11 At even ... the sun was set, the sick, O Lord, around thee lay (3) November Crossword 13 A descendant of Gad (Numbers 26:16) (4) 16 Do not leave Jerusalem, but ... for the gift my Father promised (Acts 1:4) (4) 17 Clambers (Jeremiah 48:44) (6) 18 Peter's response to questioning by the Sanhedrin: We must ...God rather than men! (Acts 5:29) (4) 20 Christian paraplegic author, artist and campaigner, ... Eareckson Tada (4) 21 Bird partial to the nests of other birds (6) 22 Such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat ...... (Matthew 13:2) (2,2) 23 Infectious tropical disease (4) 25 Tree (3) 28 No fear of me should ... you, nor should my hand be heavy upon you(Job 33:7) (5) 29 For example, to Titus, Timothy or Philemon (7) 30 Week beginning with Pentecost Sunday, according to the Church's calendar (11) Down 2 O Jerusalem, how ... I have longed to gather your children together (Matthew 23:37) (5) 3 Way out (4) 4 Exhort (Romans 12:1) (4) 5 Done (anag.) (4) 6 Highest of the four voice-parts in a choir (7) 7 Concerning the study of God (11) 8 Uniquely, it has Abbey, Cathedral and Chapel (11) 12 Admonish (Matthew 16:22) (6) 14 Frozen (3) 15 Established form of religious ceremony (6) Across 19 Inscription often found on gravestones (7) 1 and 20 Down Lord of all ..., Lord of all..., whose trust, ever child-like, no 20 See 1 Across cares could destroy (11,3) 24 Behaved (Joshua 7:1) (5) 9 Moses' question to a fighting Hebrew labourer: Why are you ... your fellow 25 Time (anag.) (4) Hebrew? (Exodus 2:13) (7) 26 Lists choice of meals (4) 10 Acclaimed cellist who contracted multiple sclerosis at the height of her fame, 27 For the wages of sin is death, but the ... of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus Jacqueline ...(2,3) (Romans 6:23) (4)

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A few random thoughts of a retired Verger/Sacristan David Guy

I recently retired as verger/sacristan of St Peters much more than just a job of Church; not after a lifetime of service but after enough work, for many it soon time to have gained a wide insight into life ‘behind the becomes a way of life and the scenes’ and a deeper understanding of the inner church becomes ‘theirs’. workings of the church, the liturgy and the clergy. What Rumour has it that some an interesting experience. individuals are, or have been, Now I can look back and enjoy many happy somewhat dictatorial and memories and reflect on what was once, for me, the dogmatic over the way things dark and mysterious world of church vergers. are done in ‘their’ church. Many people might still remember one of my That may be the case, it is predecessors at St Peter’s, Richard Duke. Richard was only their attempt to ensure verger there for hundreds of years (or so it seemed). He high standards and to have was a big man in every respect and with a countenance everything correct and ‘just which un-nerved some people, but he was a kindly right’, always based, of man, dedicated and knowledgeable in the extreme. course, on a sound At his funeral St Peter’s was packed and the understanding of church law incumbent Rector – Rev Robin Johnson (yes the Rector (Canon Law), church was based at St Peter’s in those days) – commenced his tradition and the needs of tribute to Richard this way. the congregations. Robin said he was standing on the pavement outside The office of verger is an the South door of St Peter’s a few days after Richard’s ancient one and has its David at his farewell presentation in St Peter’s death when a man approached him and said “I beginnings in the earliest understand your verger has died.” Robin confirmed days of the Christian that sadly, that was the case. “Don’t worry, said the Church. The rewards of being a verger are many, not in man, look on the bright side. You can have your church financial terms I hasten to add, but in terms of great back now.” pride and satisfaction to have been entrusted to care for We thought that was an odd comment to make but such valuable buildings, and their priceless artefacts. we sniggered politely and the address continued. However the greatest reward of all is the privilege of On reflection I now realise that the man on the working in very close partnership with the clergy on all pavement was right in what he said and it was quite in aspects of church life. That is a privilege indeed. It is order for Robin to mention it. perhaps one that few others of the laity ever experience. That brief exchange summed up much of what we The verger is often the first person a member of the vergers are about. We are entrusted to care for some of public might meet on entering a church. A few of those the most important buildings in the land and we tend visitors might be in some type of distress, perhaps to take those duties very seriously. This responsibility is looking for reassurance and help, or perhaps just a sympathetic ear. Others are keen to learn more about the ancient building and the great history surrounding it. The verger must be well informed and ready to help. Then there is the satisfaction of developing a deep knowledge of the liturgy and the intricate workings of the church calendar; to have the church prepared and absolutely ready for the priest to preside and then to assist in the running of those Services so that perfect and reverent worship is provided at all times. Vergers are unique to the Church of England – and to some Anglican churches in the USA – but surprisingly, not one verger is employed by the Church of England. All are employed individually by each church on whatever terms suits that post and the duties and responsibilities vary enormously. Both men and women are employed in equal status and fall into two categories. First, there are the I thought David might enjoy this cartoon – Editor professional, career vergers. These good folks work and

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reside in our great cathedrals and major parish clearing a path for the priest and protecting him from churches in full time employment, with all normal the hordes. I never had cause to use my verge in working conditions and expectations. Housing is earnest. I have obviously missed out on a great deal of normally provided. excitement. The remainder of our churches are looked after by And what a blessing St Peter’s no longer needs a part time volunteer vergers, or those in receipt of small sexton! Digging graves can be very back breaking. honorariums. Many are in retirement from other walks Thankfully for all vergers that duty has evolved into a of life. new profession for mechanised experts. There is no animosity between the two groups. All Some churches no longer have a place for a verger, intermingle and all are eligible to undertake the three those duties very often being shared among the or four year study course with a view to obtaining the congregation and clergy or not done at all. The professional qualification of “The Diploma of the worship in those churches can often be more informal Church of England Guild of Vergers” , which covers a and that suits many. It is right and good that very wide range of practical, liturgical and legal duties everyone is catered for. and responsibilities. Most people still prefer the formal structured Service, The duties of vergers today are an amalgam of tasks, and I have come to hold those traditions and the which in the distant past would have been carried out ancient office of verger in very high regard. I am so glad by a range of people such as the lamplighter, sacristan, I volunteered and played my small part. doorkeeper, clerk, beadle, constable, altarist, sexton and Anyone with a Christian belief, a compassion for protector of the Priest. The verge, (virge, wand, rod or others and a need to be of service to their “fellow men” staff), is the stick carried in procession by the verger. would undoubtedly find this calling as deeply rewarding Now merely symbolic, it was formerly put to good use as I did.

The perils of the Harvest Supper The Rev Dr Gary Bowness continues his letters from ‘Uncle Eustace’…

THE RECTORY, ST JAMES THE LEAST OF ALL

My dear Nephew Darren Colonel Hetherington imagines that the Plans for our Harvest Supper always start several consumption of a bottle of claret over the meal months in advance, with the annual argument about improves his intonation as he gives his annual rendition whether we dare increase the price of tickets by 20p to of “The Lost Chord”. I can only assume the lost chords £1.50. After endless wrangling we compromise on 15p, he refers to are the vocal ones he once possessed. Miss with several warning that this will sound the death knell Simpson’s jokes have been repeated so often that the of Harvest. That every member of the committee audience enthusiastically joins in with every punch line. cheerfully pays £50 a head to dine out elsewhere seems Miss Sprocker makes her annual (failed) attempt to irrelevant. hand around paper and pencils and hold ‘a nice little Hotpots are provided by the ladies of the parish. It is quiz’ – she was a primary teacher. always interesting to speculate on who has made which: Meanwhile the ladies in the kitchen provide a some are robust and meaty, while others are wan and musical accompaniment of crashing crockery and watery. Having sampled these dishes for the past 30 cutlery, which sadly drowns out all but the most years, I can match each offering with the personalities tantalising snippets of their gossip about the rest of us. of their creators. It is also amusing to watch how the The evening always ends with the Major’s recitation cooks manoeuvre to make sure the correct people of “The boy stood on the burning deck”. Before he can receive their own dishes. Mrs Ffrench positively chases commence an un-requested encore I surge up to the Lady Masterson with her hotpot. stage, thank all the performers and wish everyone a safe After the meal we proceed to what parishioners journey home. The Major is left looking like a boy who optimistically call the entertainment. I settle myself on had just had his lollipop stolen by the school bully. On the back row, smile, applaud – and think of the large reflection, that is quite an accurate analogy. gin awaiting me back at the Rectory. Your loving uncle, Eustace

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St Peter’s Church High West Street, Dorchester

Church Correspondent: Jill Bryant

Weekday Services Mon & Thurs 9.15am Morning Prayer Hardy Chapel (15 min) Thur 10am Said Eucharist with coffee afterwards in the hall until 11.30am

November Dates for your Diary: and enjoying refreshments, raised a total of £236 for St Peter’s Church. Grateful thanks to all who came and Sun 4th 3pm All Souls Service to those who organised this event. Sun 11th 9am Sung Eucharist followed by Act of Remembrance at WW1 Memorial Sun 18th 6pm Choral Evensong Gift Day Sat 1st Dec. 10am – 1pm Christmas Market Many thanks to all who contributed to Gift Day, we Sun 2nd Dec. 6pm Darkness to Light Advent Service raised £2460 Theology Group The F Word The final Theology Group for 2018 is on Wednesday 14th Nov at 7pm in St Peter’s Church – An evening with Terry Waite – see below. If you are interested in receiving more details of the Group please email Eileen McLean ([email protected]). St Peter’s Christmas Market Saturday 1st December 2018 A small committee has already begun to make plans for the Christmas Market. This is an important part of the fund raising activities at St Peter’s and is a very enjoyable social event as well with many visitors from the town. Can you help in any of the following ways? • Are you making jam or chutney and could make a few extra jars to donate to the produce stall. Marmalade is particularly popular. We were told by the project organisers that some of the • Perhaps cakes, biscuits. sweets and other delicious stories of Forgiveness would be harrowing. During the things to eat are your speciality, look out for ideas in exhibition, we received over six hundred visitors and a magazines and newspapers. complete spectrum of reactions and conversations. It • Prizes both big and small for the draw will be most was a really excellent way of bringing so many people welcome. into St Peter’s. Deep … difficult … distressing … and as • We would also like to invite any local crafts people to one person shared, “This is about me too.” The come and rent a table for a small fee to display their exhibition and the multi-faith forum also left feelings goods, perhaps you know someone and could put that were uplifting … worthwhile … moving … and them in touch with us. challenging. For more information or any queries contact So many people who came to see the exhibition also Rosalind Thorpe Tel: 01305 259659 commented on the beauty and the peaceful atmosphere email [email protected] within the church. “It’s a sanctuary; somewhere where the historic past links to the complexities of life today.” Come & Sing Hymns We are so fortunate to follow up the exhibition with An afternoon of hymn singing with St Peter’s Choir ‘An Evening with Terry Waite’ at 7pm on Wednesday accompanied by Philip Lange and compered by 14th November at St Peter’s Church. Tickets are Revd. Richard Franklin. This afternoon, dedicated to available now from the Shire Hall Historic Courthouse the pure pleasure of singing chosen favourite hymns Museum. Paul Vittle

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Powys family connections to Dorset Richard Betts

On 4 November 1881 Mary Cowper Powys wrote from Mary and Charles had eleven children. Five were Dorchester to her sister Dora in Norfolk: born at Shirley : John, Littleton, Theodore, Gertrude and Eleanor (Nelly). The family grew larger during the On Monday the people have a great procession in the town time in Dorchester, welcoming Albert, Marian and and a tremendous bonfire at Poundbury. Saturday is market Llewellyn. Most people would have called it a day day so the people wait till Monday for their fun. It is strange then, but Montacute witnessed the arrival of another how they keep up this old custom and make the day like a trio, Catherine (Katie), William and Lucy. great carnival. John, or John Cowper as he was and is known, Mary was the wife of Charles Francis Powys. The lectured in the United States for many years, and 1881 census records that Charles was curate of from his late 50s through to very old age produced St. Peter’s Church Dorchester and that he lived with magnificent novels which included Wolf Solent, A his wife and family, and 4 servants, at Rothesay House Glastonbury Romance, Weymouth Sands, Maiden Castle and Porius. JCP has been compared with Dostoevsky, but my proselytising has met with a muted response. Those who enjoy his novels really enjoy them. Those who don’t get on with him resist my efforts to convert them, dismissing my “He’s like Dostoevsky” with “I don’t like Dostoevsky,” or saying they can’t abide Miles Davis or Thelonius Monk or Jelly Roll Morton when I suggest that perhaps JCP, like jazz, is an acquired taste. Theodore wrote a whole series of novels, much shorter than those of his older brother, and in an entirely different style. He made his name with Mr. Weston’s Good Wine, an extraordinary, brilliantly clever allegory in which two men arrive in a small Dorset village to sell their wine. Mr. Weston represents God and his assistant Michael is the archangel of that same

. . . . two men arrive in a small Dorset village to sell their wine.

name. The story works on a number of levels, with humour, horror, the victory of Good over Evil and, unfortunately, a gender-biased role for some women in the story which was not at all uncharacteristic of Charles Francis Powys Theodore Powys. All his novels include at least one on South Walks. Charles had previously served at C of E vicar, and the clerical role model average score St. Michael and all Angels in Shirley, Derbyshire, and out of 10 is no greater than 4.5. For that reason, and after St. Peter’s would spend his remaining years to others, the stories are engaging. retirement at Montacute, before a final move to Littleton was headmaster at Sherborne Preparatory Weymouth. Mary died in 1914, Charles in 1923. Why School and a prominent educationalist. Gertrude Charles was designated as curate I don’t know, given farmed in Dorset and was also a talented artist who that he was then aged nearly 40 and had served exhibited her work in London and in Paris. Tragically, elsewhere. Perhaps the word curate had a different Nelly died in her early teens. Albert was a respected emphasis then. The Rector of St. Peter’s during architect. Marian was a world authority on lace and Charles’s time there was Thomas Wenham Knipe, lace-making. Katie wrote the novel The Blackthorn who succeeded Edmund Ward Pears in 1878 and was Winter (published under the author name of Philippa: himself followed in 1886 by William Hind. You will she was Catherine Edith Philippa Powys), and was a find these names listed in St. Peter’s, but not Charles poet too. Llewellyn was a writer married to Alyse Francis Powys, unless I have missed it. Gregory, who had left her position as editor of The

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Dial, a literary journal based in New York and in faith from Roman Catholicism to the Society of which TS Eliot’s momentous The Waste Land first saw Friends, dying of cancer in 1969. Both Valentine and light of day. Llewellyn had an affair with the Sylvia are buried in the churchyard at East Chaldon, American poet Gamel Woolsey, but the latter left him though neither of them died there. for the writer Gerald Brenan, whose book on Spanish Other notables who had at least some passing social and political history (as background to the connection with East Chaldon included the sculptors Spanish Civil War) is still regarded as an authority. Elizabeth Muntz and Stephen Tomalin, and the William farmed in Africa but I regret that as yet I writers David Garnett and Liam O’Flaherty. Garnett’s know nothing of Lucy. Perhaps she was just Lucy. The Sailor’s Return takes its name from the pub which How nice if she was. still stands in East Chaldon, and is a powerful story of Theodore lived for many years at East Chaldon, unredeemed hypocrisy and racial prejudice. otherwise known as Chaldon Herring. It is near O’Flaherty’s The Informer is a gripping tale set in Winfrith. The village was something of a Bohemian Dublin around the time of the Irish Civil War. The lure for writers and other artists, several of whom informer is Gypo Nolan, an anti-hero to outdo any moved there or visited because it was where Theodore anti-hero, but such is O’Flaherty’s genius that it’s hard Powys lived. These included Sylvia Townsend Warner not to end up admiring and respecting Gypo as he and her partner Valentine Acland. Sylvia is much the careers towards his inevitable destruction. Garnett and better known, producing several very fine novels, O’Flaherty greatly admired Theodore Powys and which include Lolly Willowes. Lolly finds herself visited him in Chaldon. stereotyped as a maiden aunt and decides on something a bit different. She becomes a witch. To find out more look up the Powys Society and Beneath the humour are various challenging issues the Sylvia Townsend Warner Society on line, or try to which make it the great story it is. Valentine deserves get hold of Chaldon Herring/Writers in a Dorset to be much more widely known than she is. She was a Landscape by Judith Stimpson, published by Black Dog very fine poet (so was Sylvia), shy, deep, moving in Books and which, if is not still in print, ought to be.

Hot and cold A member of a certain church, who had previously attended services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the minister decided to visit him. He found the man at home all alone, sitting by a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his minister's visit, the man welcomed him awkwardly, and led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The minister made himself at home, but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, he took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting, but now the minister chose this time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead bit of coal and placed it back in the middle We hear that our erstwhile editor, Margaret Morrissey, and her husband, of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once Patrick, celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary in September. more, with the light and warmth of the burning Our congratulations and very best wishes to the happy couple. coals around it. With that, the minister smiled at his host, and quietly let himself out. Margaret thinks a cartoon appears in this space. We wonder what she will say when she sees a printed copy!!!!!!!

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Christmas – the Gift and the talents Stephanie Buchanan

Bearing in mind that Christmas will soon be upon us, you The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) may want to use this as part of your preparation for the reminds us that God knows us and trusts us. He has coming season. given each one of us gifts and talents according to our The well-known words from Handel’s Messiah – ‘Unto ability, character, and circumstances. Talents grow and us a child is born, unto us a son is given’ (Isaiah 9:6) develop with use. As we use them we find fulfilment remind us that God has given us the most amazing and others are blessed. Christmas present ever; the gift of His Son, Jesus, born as ‘What experience, talents, and interests could I a baby in Bethlehem. The gift of Jesus changes offer to God, to my church, to my community?’ This everything. Christians are people who have been found is a question we could each reflect on. We could then by Jesus, given a new quality of life and a whole new sense ask ourselves: How do I already use my talents in of direction in life. God’s service – in my workplace? My home? My This has implications for how we live our lives now. network of relationships? In church or in the wider Irenaeus, a Christian leader from the second century, community? Are there ways I could put my talents to wrote that:‘ The glory of God is a human being fully work for God here where I live which I haven’t alive.’ We know that the glory of God is revealed in realised until now? Some of us feel that we can no Jesus, but the idea that God’s glory can be seen in us is longer use our talents as our life circumstances have a surprising one! changed. I hope this exercise will encourage us to Just think for a moment – what makes you feel fully recognise that the life experience we have gained is a alive? When and where do you sense that you are living huge resource for others. So is the gift of prayer. Some out of the truest centre of your being? What really of us may wonder if we have any talents at all. We interests you? What is most fulfilling for you in your life? may need others to encourage us by telling us the What creative gifts do you have? Do you like designing or God-given talents they recognise in us. Let us give making things or mending broken things? Has it ever thanks for the great wealth and diversity of gifts God occurred to you that, by letting these interests and talents has entrusted to us as a Church. grow, God’s glory can be revealed in you? Wishing you a joyful and peaceful Christmas.

All in the month of November

400 years ago on 29th Oct 1618 Also 100 years ago on 11th Nov 1918 won the 1948 Nobel Prize for Sir Walter Raleigh died. This famous English Armistice Day saw the end of World War 1. Literature. explorer, writer, poet and courtier was a 80 years ago on 9th Nov 1938 the Also 70 years ago on 14th Nov 1948 favourite of Queen Elizabeth 1. Well known Kristallnacht (the night of broken glass) Charles, Prince of Wales, was born. for popularising tobacco in England. began when the Nazis burned synagogues 65 years ago on 9th Nov 1953 Dylan Executed for treason by King James 1 and destroyed thousands of Jewish homes Thomas, Welsh poet, playwright and short (mainly to appease the Spanish). and businesses in Germany and Austria. story writer, died. Best known for his play 300 years ago on 3rd Nov 1718 John More than 30,000 Jews were transported Under Milk Wood, and his hard-drinking Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, was to concentration camps. lifestyle. born. He may have been Postmaster 75 years ago from 28th Nov – 1st Dec 50 years ago on 28th Nov 1968, Enid General and First Lord of the Admiralty, but 1943 WW2’s Tehran Conference took Blyton, British children’s writer, died. One we remember him today as the inventor of place. US President Franklin D Roosevelt, of the most successful children’s writers the sandwich, which he ordered from his British Prime Minister Winston Churchill of the 20th century, she wrote more chef to sustain him at the gambling table. and Soviet Leader Joseph Stalin met to than 762 books. Best known for Noddy 100 years ago on 4th Nov 1918 Wilfred discuss plans for a second front against and the Famous Five series. Owen, British poet and soldier, was killed. Nazi Germany. This led to the D-Day 25 years ago on 1st Nov 1993 the One of the leading poets of WW1, he was assault on Normandy and the Allied Maastricht Treaty came into effect, noted for his shocking realistic poetry invasion of occupied Europe, beginning in establishing the European Union. about the horrors of trench warfare. Killed June 1944. 15 years ago on 22nd Nov 2003 England in action a week before the war ended, 70 years ago on 4th Nov 1948 American- won the Rugby World Cup for the first aged 25. born British poet and playwright T. S. Eliot time.

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St Andrew’s Church West Stafford

Church Correspondent: Revd Jane Culliford

For Sunday Services see inside front cover

Remembrance using the pews as well as the space at the back of the church. Simon Letcher played for us on the keyboard Remembrance Sunday this year falls on 11th November and everyone enjoyed themselves. which is exactly 100 years since the Armistice ending the First World War. This will be the focus of the10am Service of Morning Prayer on that day. The Service will Fourth Sunday conclude with an Act of Remembrance when those There is now only one service on the 4th Sunday of named on the War memorial who died in WW1 each month at 10am. The service on 25th November William Fowler, William Fry, Robert Burney and Frank will be said Holy Communion. Barter will be particularly remembered along with Robert Corbett-Winder who died in WW2. Coffee and Chat Ride and Stride This month’s Coffee and Chat will be held on 24th November from 10am -12noon Everyone, not only The final sum raised by Esther and Paul for this year’s those living in West Stafford is welcome to pop in or Ride and Stride was £363 for the Dorset Historic stay all morning Churches Trust of which half will be returned to there is usually cake benefit St. Andrew’s church. as well as coffee and biscuits. Harvest Lunch At the last minute the Village Hall was unavailable for the Harvest Supper so a Harvest lunch was held in the church after the Harvest Thanksgiving service

Enjoying the Harvest Lunch in the Church and the harvest display of flowers

November Crossword Gift. 27, Menu. 26, Emit. 25, Acted. 24, Joy. 20, Epitaph. 19, Ritual. 15, Icy. 14, Rebuke. DOWN: 2, Often. 3, Exit. 4, Urge. 5, Node. 6, Soprano. 7, Theological. 8, Westminster. 12, Westminster. 8, Theological. 7, Soprano. 6, Node. 5, Urge. 4, Exit. 3, Often. 2, DOWN:

Answers Whitsuntide. 30, Epistle. 29, Alarm. 28, Elm. 25, Yaws. 23, it. In 22, Cuckoo. 21, Joni. 20, Obey. ACROSS: 1, Hopefulness. 9, Hitting. 10, du Pre. 11, Ere. 13, Ozni. 16. Wait. 17, Climbs. 18, Climbs. 17, Wait. 16. Ozni. 13, Ere. 11, Pre. du 10, Hitting. 9, Hopefulness. 1, ACROSS:

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William Temple Archbishop of Canterbury

During the Second World War, Winston Churchill was Britain’s Prime Minister. At the same time, William Temple was Archbishop of Canterbury. While Churchill led the country against Germany, Temple encouraged the British people to trust the Lord for their deliverance and strength. Like Churchill, Temple (1929-40) was a popular one. His influence also led to was a great leader, a gifted orator and a prolific writer. the formation of the British Council of Churches and He was also a theologian and social activist. the World Council of Churches. During the 2nd World Temple was born on 15th October 1881 in Exeter, War he jointly founded the Council of Christians and Devon. He was educated at Rugby School and Balliol Jews to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of College, Oxford, from 1900 to1904. He loved the music prejudice in Britain. of Bach; the poetry of Browning and Shelley, and As Archbishop of Canterbury (1942-44) Temple Shakespeare. He was an avid reader and possessed a became an outspoken advocate of social reform and near-photographic memory. became involved in the campaign against He became president of the Oxford Union and after unemployment, poverty and poor housing. He believed graduation, was a lecturer in philosophy at Queen's in the rights of all people, whether rich or poor, and College, Oxford. He was a member of the debating was a leading force for social justice. He was grounded society and was a skilled and balanced debater. in the problems of the working man and in his book Following his ordination in 1909, and priesting in 1910, Christianity and Social Order (1942) he shared his Temple was headmaster of Repton School for four vision for all to have access to healthcare, education and years. He married Frances Anson in 1916. They were decent housing. His radical thinking and activism childless. played a foundational role in the formation of the From 1921-29 Temple was Bishop of Manchester. British Welfare State. During this time he was seen as a pioneer of the Temple died aged 63 at Westgate-on-Sea, Kent on Ecumenical Movement and gradually became a national 26th October 1944. He was the first Primate of All figure. In 1926 he urged the British government to seek England to be cremated and his ashes were buried in a negotiated agreement to the General Strike. the cloister garden of Canterbury Cathedral. He is the Temple excelled as a moderator; a teacher and a last Archbishop of Canterbury to have died while in preacher and his appointment as Archbishop of York office.

Remembering Enid Blyton Tim Lenton

Enid Blyton, one of the most successful children’s husband, and one of her daughters wrote harshly of her writers of the 20th century, died 50 years ago this as a mother. month, on 28th November 1968. She wrote more than Her work became controversial from the 1950s, being 760 books. banned by some libraries and schools and the BBC She was born in 1897 and as a baby nearly died of because of a perceived lack of literary merit – as well as whooping cough. Although best known for her Noddy accusations of elitism, sexism and racism. But they books and the Famous Five series, she also wrote poetry continue to be best-sellers: Blyton herself said she was not and longer stories and articles of various kinds. interested in the views of any critics over the age of 12. A trained teacher, she felt she had to provide readers She wrote The Children’s Life of Christ and The Land of with a strong moral framework, though her own family Far-Beyond, an adaptation for children of John Bunyan’s relationships were not straightforward. She cut off The Pilgrim’s Progress. There have been several adaptations contact with her parents and divorced her first of her books for stage, screen and television.

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St Simon & St Jude Church Correspondent: Celia Robertson

Christening at Monkton Our journey started with Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Poperinge which is a province of West Anthony Michael O’Rourke was christened on 25th Flanders. September. The family don’t live in the village, but his We visited the grave of Nellie Spindler a British Staff mother has provided an historical connection with the Nurse killed at Passchendaele, the only woman buried church, village and Herringston. In the 19th century with full military honours William and Elizabeth (nee Pope) lived in Dorchester That evening we stood at the Menin Gate memorial with a large family. For a time they then moved to to listen to the buglers play the Last Post. Monkton Toll Gate cottage then on the main road, The second day was a German cemetery at whilst a cottage was being built to house them on the Langemark much darker and more solemn.Then to Herrings Estate.William’s job was estate carpenter, their Tyne Cot War Graves Cemetary and Memorial to the new house, now Grooms’ Cottage was called by his wife missing for WW1 which is the largest in the world for Buckingham House. One of their sons Harry, was any war. wounded in Gallipoli whilst serving in the “Y” Battery On to the Pool of Peace a water filled mine crater at of the Royal House Artillery. He subsequently died of Spranbrokmolen the site of the largest of 19 mines his wounds. Elizabeth his sister was married in blown by the British Army on 7th June 1917 signalling Monkton. The Hudson brothers Arther, William and the launch of the Battle of Messines. John pumped the bellows of the organ and scratched Day 3 to Serre and Sheffield Memorial Park to the their names in the wooden framework. Pals battalion men who enlisted to be near their Anthony aged 10 having been told the history chose friends. to be baptised at Monkton and he was well supported Then to St Quinten which is where Uncle Charlie by his 5 Godparents and other members of the was killed at Cepy Farm. The Farm does not now exist. extended family. Susan finishes her account thus Finally to The Thiepval Memorial in Picardy. A “Thank you once again. We felt that the church made beautiful sunny day the Memorial stood tall and grand, us welcome and that we belonged. We will definitely be it was here we paid our respect to Lance Corporal back for other services.” We would love to see you back Charles John Samways our Uncle killed 14th April again Susan and the rest of your family. 1917. We laid our crosses and had a few quiet, tearful but proud moments below his name. Proud that he was awarded the Military Medal which is safely kept in Battlefield Trip 2018 Dorchester Military Museum. On the 9th of August my daughter and I along with our It was an emotional and memorable trip and one we cousin travelled to Northern France and Belgium to the are so pleased we made. What struck us the most was Battlefields of the WW1 and to pay our respect to our how beautifully kept all the war graves are and that we Uncle Charles John Samway who was killed there. will remember them. Yvonne Doble, Helen Didon.

Niece Great nieces and Great Nephew of Charles Samway

WW1 Military Medal

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Dorchester Churches Together Compiled by Val Potter 264416

Making History in Tolpuddle Together Nationally 13th October 2108 was the 200th anniversary of the In Swanwick in September over 300 people gathered for opening of Tolpuddle Old Chapel. The chapel had the triennial Forum of Churches Together in England. been built and used They represented the 47 member churches, county by the Tolpuddle Churches Together bodies and the wide range of co- Martyrs and their ordinating groups and associated organisations. As families from County Ecumenical Officer I attended many of these 1818–1834 for inspiring gatherings, which enabled us to expand our worship and own understandings of God through listening to others. studying the Bible. It The current County Ecumenical Officer, remained in use Katja Babei, reported: The title ‘I Am With You until a new Always: Together in God’s Mission’ points to the Tolpuddle Old Chapel today Methodist chapel theme of the Forum: Christ’s enduring presence in all was built in the aspects of life, which enables us to grow together in village in 1862–63 and it then became an agricultural our faith and work. building and store. Disused for many years, it became ‘Only by working together can we alleviate the pain dilapidated and was purchased by a dedicated Trust in suffered by so many’, said His Eminence Archbishop 2013. Refurbishment is well underway to create a Angaelos, one of the six CTE Presidents. Revd Canon ‘quiet place in the heart of this historic Dorset Billy Kennedy, representing the New Churches, village’, for visitors and to provide the location for Quakers and Lutheran churches said that in a ‘very activities, exhibitions and community use’. fragmented world the Church needs to rediscover its On Monday 3rd September, Wessex Morris danced confidence’, and whilst language and culture change, in the street outside the Old Chapel. After dancing, ‘the need in human hearts hasn’t changed.’ Cardinal the performers and followers went into the old chapel Vincent Nichols used the image of a rose window as a and sang the first hymn to be sung there in 174 years picture of the Church, ‘which always has Jesus at the – ‘Men plough the fields and scatter’ (1782 centre’. translation). The Forum marked the retirement of CTE General A very special service Secretary, Revd Dr David Cornick, and a very enjoyable to mark the 200th farewell party was held for him later at Lambeth Palace. anniversary of the It was good to meet up with friends and colleagues chapel was held in the again, including Bishop Tim Thornton who sent his present Methodist good wishes to you all. Chapel on 14th October, with Revd Dr Andrew Wood (Chair Quakers Serving Others of Southampton As we mark the Centenary of the ending of the First Artist’s impression of chapel project Methodist District) and World War it was good to welcome the recent Bishop Karen Gorham, Anglican Bishop of exhibition of Quaker service. They were Conscientious Sherborne. It was a deeply significant occasion, Objectors but many served in the Friends’ Ambulance marking reconciliation and ecumenical friendship, Service and Friends’ Relief Service to help those which was markedly absent 200 years ago when stones wounded or displaced in war and they continue their were thrown at the opening of the new chapel and efforts today. the Anglican priest later supported the judiciary in convicting the ‘martyrs’. Participants in the service were given a small ‘stone’, symbolic of the rocks Ecology Matters thrown 200 years ago. These new stones were taken Representatives of the Churches’ Ecology Group down the road to the Old Chapel and presented as a recently met our MP, Sir Oliver Letwin, to urge the sign of reconciliation, ecumenism and moving forward Government to retain the high environmental together as a village community. Later they will be standards of the EU after Brexit and to support further incorporated in the renovation of the cob structure of development of renewable energy, rather than the this unique little building. controversial fracking for more oil.

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Thoughts from the Editor — We will remember them

“One of the gratifications of being older and working my train of thought wanders everywhere over the years for yourself is you sit and wait and slowly and many of of my life, I can remember, too many to mention but the issues you have fought for and have been told you looking at the copy for this magazine it inevitably went are wrong are proved right, sad but true. Some of this to my Uncle George. research is just plain common sense and the rest is I never knew him but he played a big part in my early life. George was 18 when he was taken from a very small village in North Notts and landed in Salonika, Greece. I cannot even imagine the shock, excitement and then terror he went through. George never made 21, the time when today most are leaving University, he died in the dreadful conditions of Greece where the troops were hot, filthy, living in rat infested conditions with no medics to tend any wounds or dysentery, conditions we cannot comprehend. All that was returned to my Grandmother was a postcard his sweetheart had sent to him, a card he never saw. My Father, his brother, and history. Unfortunately all the family never really got over Governments continue down its it so when I see students etc crash road and make it worse in the marching and protesting I name of progress. Leave teachers and actually cannot sympathise, we children alone to work with parents all have so much and such free and all will be resolved. Our lives, lives made possible by the children will hopefully then be in the top ten happiest bravery of boys like my Uncle in two world wars. I look and not 25 out of 29 in the world of misery.” at my Grandsons Rocco, Harvey and Frank and thank Trawling through my many memory sticks I found the Lord and pray please never again. this quote I wrote for the press a good few years ago Yet all over the world boys are still dying in mindless now. The world around us gets more pressurised and wars and disputes, we humans never learn but a patient stressful every year for them. As I sit at the computer God somehow sees us through.

Dorian memorial Salonika, Greece

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Bookworm Jean Lang

“To eat with great content” Hungry Empire” each chapter looks at one meal taken at a different time and place but showing how the The British have a sweet tooth! In the 19th century a colonisation by the British Isles influenced and spread family of iron workers dissolved 4lb of sugar in their food round the world. It starts with fish day on the ½ lb of tea each week. It had not always been the case. Mary Rose in harbour on 18th July 1545 with the Beer was the original drink of the working man and his history of the trade in Newfoundland salt cod. Then to family but the enclosure of land and Maize bread and salt beef in New the gradual change from small holder England, back to London with the to wage earner left the labourer Pepys with pepper, calicoes and tea dependent on buying his food rather and ends with an Empire Plum than growing it and therefore Pudding (24 December 1850) and a dependent on the cost of that food. New year’s curry buffet courtesy of The wars at the end of the 19th Bridget Jones Diary (I January century sent food prices spiralling. 1996). Beer itself became more expensive I found this book an easy but and the poor could no longer afford stimulating read. With so many to brew their own turning instead to interesting facts and links which sweetened tea. Beer was nutritious were crying out to be shared. By containing protein and vitamin B 1939 the Empire supplied more and providing some 350 calories a than half of Britain’s agricultural pint. Tea contained neither vitamins imports, 50% of its meat, 70% of nor protein and even with sugar in its sugar and cheese and 90% of its large quantities provided little in the fats and cereals and the German way of calories, but tea felt good. The blockage never seriously threatened sugar gave an immediate (but not these imports during the war. After long lasting) burst of energy. It the war the country turned away warmed and comforted, but it failed from the Empire (now the to supply the energy and sustenance Commonwealth) and 84% of meat that heavy labourers needed and by the mid nineteenth and grain is produced by British agriculture while we century adolescent boys in Manchester were on average have increasingly looked to Europe for our extras so 10 inches shorter than boys from privileged that we import 28% of our food from the European backgrounds! Union. Lizzie Collingham doesn’t look to the future to Sugar was originally grown in the north of India and consider what our meals might be like in 50 years’ time the Levant moving to Cyprus and Sicily in the 15th but what this entertaining, well researched and readable century. From there the Portuguese first took its book does is to make clear how much every country’s cultivation to Madeira and the Azores and then to present taste in food is the product of its past trade and Brazil. The Dutch then seized the Portuguese colonies its use of subservient peoples. and it was a Dutchman who encouraged an English planter, Drax, to try sugar cane in Barbados! Drax “The Hungry Empire” visited Brazil in 1640 and by the end of the 1640s the How Britain’s quest for food shaped the world colony was exporting £3mn of sugar. The history of sugar is only one commodity that By Lizzie Collingham Lizzie Collingham follows round the globe in “The Vintage £9.99

Please submit copy for the December/January issue by 12th November at the latest to the Editor at [email protected]

Dorchester Benefice Magazine has made a constant care to make sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions and are not necessarily the views of the publisher and editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in a good faith. Dorchester Benefice Magazine cannot guarantee and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by and errors for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.

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