Wimborne Minster

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WIMBORNE MINSTER

REPORTS PRESENTED FOR THE

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

CHURCH HOUSE

SUNDAY 22nd APRIL 2018, 11.30 a.m.

Contents

Contents ...... 2 Proceedings of the PCC ...... 3 Committee Reports ...... 4 Synod Reports ...... 12 Minster Organisations ...... 14 Minster Charities ...... 27 Home Groups ...... 34 Friends of Wimborne Minster ...... 36 St. Margaret’s Chapel ...... 37 Aspects of Spirituality ...... 38 Church House ...... 38

Proceedings of the PCC

The PCC met seven times during the year, each meeting beginning with the lighting of the Diocesan candle and prayer. The first meeting of the “new year”, in May, was preceded by a service of Holy Communion in the Minster. Some guests were welcomed to address the PCC during their meetings: Alison Francis and Mike Lunt (MEG); Lesley Shucksmith (CMS). Regular reports were received from the sub-committees, and Mr. Richard Knott, Hon. Treasurer, kept the PCC up-to-date on financial matters. Among the other subjects discussed at PCC meetings were: Safeguarding, Breakfast Church, Committee structure, Wimborne BID, CMS new link, Interregnum matters, Fair trade; Sunday parking charges; Minster finances. Members of the PCC participated in two “reflection sessions”, led by Revd. Charles Burgess, during which detailed consideration was given to the current status and future hopes for the Minster, and the qualities of a new Rector. The PCC said its farewells to the Rector, Revd. Canon Vanessa Herrick, during the year. Chairmanship of the PCC has been under the able direction of Mr. Francis Vine. The PCC also appreciated the interest of Archdeacon Antony MacRow- Wood, who attended one meeting and gave the benefit of his advice.

Trudy Davies, Hon. Secretary, PCC Safeguarding There have been no safeguarding enquiries during the past 12 months.

The process for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks has been greatly improved. Jane Davidson, Parish Safeguarding Representative (PSR) is present at Church House on a regular basis to complete the checks, these are now returned within two days.

Safeguarding Training in CO and C1 are offered on line by Salisbury Diocese on https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org There is an option for face to face with Jane Davidson, (PSR) throughout the year in Church House, Wimborne Minster. These are also available for parishioners from the Northern Villages.

We are working towards all PCC members and volunteers completing the C0 trainings, all LPA’s and those with leadership responsibilities to complete C1 and C2 trainings. 3

Lone Worker Training has been developed and provided for Minster and Northern Villages staff and volunteers.

Jane is available on most Thursday mornings, 10.00 -12.00 in the Church Lounge for enquiries, DBS checks and verification, support with online training. De Ashton, Church Warden is acting as Deputy Parish Safeguarding Representative (DPSR) in the event of Jane’s absence.

General Data Protection Regulation compliance is underway to safeguard information held within the Minster and Minster organisations. Barry Glazier, Jane Davidson and Donna Gosney are the working towards this compliance by May 2018.

Jane Davidson, Parish Safeguarding representative

Committee Reports Outreach

Our aim is to support people both locally and throughout the World. Core/regular activities  Weekly Lunch and Chat in Church House on Fridays (except for Good Friday and the whole of August) in aid of Sudan Medical Link. Where there are months that have five Fridays a donation is given instead to the Wimborne Deanery Yambio South Sudan Link.  Quarterly Holy Communion for the Housebound followed by lunch/tea  Production of cards detailing services at Easter and Christmas, and distribution throughout the parish  Refreshments for the Minster Fair  Support of Wimborne Food Bank. Sue Slydel, an Outreach committee member, is the Minster link person. Minster food collection taken weekly to the Wimborne Food Bank collection depot.  Regular Outreach committee meetings are held (seven in 2017)

Highlights of 2017  Average of 30 people attending Housebound events. These occasions are extremely popular and very much appreciated by all who attend.  £3031 raised at Lunch and Chat for Sudan Medical Link  £189 raised at Lunch and Chat to support Wimborne Deanery Yambio link. 4

 Provision of refreshments at the Minster Fair – (£536 raised)  Grant of £500 received from the Digby Trust for the elderly of the parish. This is to be used on two occasions – lunch at the King’s Head (January 2018) and an afternoon tea at the Model Town (April 2018).

Tourism

The Tourism Committee includes members associated with the Shop, Welcomers, Chained Library and the Guides as well as being a member of the Town’s Tourist Attractions Group which, in addition to the Minster, includes the Priest House Museum and Garden, the Model Town and the Walford Mill Craft Centre, with the likelihood of it being joined in 2018 by the Tivoli Theatre. The Committee met on three occasions in 2017.

Discussions during the year have included how we might attract more visitors to the Minster, our advertising, whether we should have an “outside firm” to distribute our publicity leaflets, carrying out a survey of our visitors and looking at whether the committee should be amalgamated with the group looking at the Heritage Lottery Fund application.

As Chairman of the Tourism Committee I am very much aware of the work carried out by the members of the group and I have asked each to write a short piece on their own areas.

Anthony Oliver, Chairman, Tourism Committee

Minster Shop Report:

The aim of our shop is to offer a service to visitors and locals alike, enabling them to purchase goods such as cards and souvenirs that relate to the Minster, along with Biblical literature that they may find difficult to source elsewhere. By achieving this we are able to generate a profitable income, which is contributed solely towards the up keep of the Minster.

Our opening hours are 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday. The shop is run solely by volunteers. We are very fortunate to have such reliable, and supportive volunteers but we are always looking for new people to join our team.

We are very pleased with the feedback we have received from our customers during the past year, as a result of our renewed efforts to keep the shop looking very seasonal. Hopefully in the next few months the layout of the shop will 5 change, and this will enable us to re-vamp the shop and reduce slow moving stock, which in turn will increase the profits!

Donna Gosney, Wimborne Minster Shop Manager

Chained Library:

It has been a very exciting time in the Library this year. Some of you may know of the Governors’ Charter which hangs in the Library. We had been made aware that there was mould inside the box which holds it. If this had been left it would have destroyed some of the writing of the Charles I Document. I am happy to report that it has now been restored. It was not thought necessary to replace the outer cover, but everything looks brighter and cleaner and more readable than before. A new cover has been made as the old one was rather moth- eaten. No light at all can get into it now, so it will be safe for another 400 years or so.

As you will know, lots of things are happening in the Minster as well as the Restoration of the Charter. Norma Jackson is making a new cover for the Display Case. The old cover will continue to be used underneath the new one. We defy any light to get in once this is done. We also plan (as advised by Tobit Curteis) to have some curtains made of the same material for the window looking onto King Street.

Sadly, several members of our team have had to retire because of ill health, so if you know of anyone who could give two hours once a fortnight to the Library, we would love to meet them.

Judith Monds, Head Librarian

Minster Tour Guides: 2017 was an interesting year for the Tourist Guides. We had many booked tours ranging from groups of twelve to the largest group of fifty and we enjoyed dealing with several languages – German, French and Chinese!

Adult groups paid a fee and around £1,000 was raised towards the upkeep of the Minster. We do not charge children, as their tours are part of the education for schools, Cubs, Brownies etc. Our list is expanding as behind the scenes plans are being made for history tours, observation (treasure hunts), Christian tours etc. 6

The Team of Guides also volunteered to cover two-hour stints each weekday during the season and these have been much appreciated by the many visitors.

We look forward to starting the new season beginning at Easter and making use of our winter studies and homework.

Christine Oliver, Head Guide

Fund-Raising and Events

The Committee’s aims and objectives are fairly straightforward: to oversee the regular fundraising activities of the Minster, to develop a balanced calendar of events, and to extend the Minster’s fundraising capacity, particularly to include, and benefit from, visitors and the wider civic community.

We organised Minster Tales Mk 2, with 5 new story-tellers, with very considerable help from Christine Oliver, who devoted much time and energy into producing backgrounds for the speakers, and then rehearsing them. Sheila Soper and her ever-willing team of helpers worked hard in providing the refreshments. The event was kindly sponsored by Charles Stanley, stockbrokers, and £670 was raised for the Minster’s general funds.

This was followed by a Life, Love and Fun concert in the Minster, given by Liz Curtis, who sang quite beautifully a lovely piece by Schumann, and then, in complete contrast, songs by Gilbert & Sullivan and Flanders & Swann. Liz, her accompanist Richard Godfrey, as well as Leonie Thurlow, all gave their services for free, as a result of which we made a profit of £473. Once again, Sheila Soper and her team provided the refreshments, aided by Sheila’s smiling grandchildren.

The autumn saw the Harvest Supper and Ceilidh at Queen Elizabeth’s School. Financially, it was successful, thanks to an anonymous donor who paid for the delightful band, and to the auction, raising £880. A large table was taken by our Methodist friends, and another by a party who were intrigued by the posters, and the youngsters in this party were a real joy. Sheila Soper acted as an excellent ring-master to her team who provided a very tasty two course supper.

We had some failures. The Cascade Lunches and Teas really did not take off, but we hope to re-vitalise this. We had hoped to put on an entrancing two-man play, with young musicians, entitled the Mozart Question, based on Michael Morpurgo’s short story, but were eventually thwarted by copyright difficulties.

We will be conducting a survey among the congregation in 2018, to establish what events will really tickle their fancy. The Minster needs to increase its income, and this Committee tries very hard to make raising money a good deal of fun. Finally, I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to members of the Committee for their enthusiastic support and encouragement, and for the time and effort they unstintingly put into fundraising in an entertaining way: De Ashton, Donna Gosney, Ian Grimbly, Rosalind Jensen, Jackie Leevers, Sheila Soper, Sarah Steele and Bill Tongue. It would be lovely if we had some more volunteers to help prepare for and attend the exciting events we are planning – we really do have fun!

Barry Glazier, Chairman

Education

The PCC Education Committee was formed after the 2017 APCM. Its principle aim is to encourage and support all members of the Minster congregation in the development of their faith and discipleship. It is an expansion of the previous Youth and Children’s Committee and, in addition to those groups, it now covers activities such as Home Groups and Aspects of Spirituality talks. The first year is necessarily one of exploration, but we have been encouraged to see some new developments as well as the continuation of our previously successful groups and events. Our targets for this year have either been met or are underway:

 Produce terms of reference and budget  Review and co-ordinate the work of the Minster Home Groups  Support the introduction of educational trails and accompanying signage  Produce an audit of Minster educational groups and activities for review at PCC  Continue to support educational groups and activities as the need arises.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the leaders of the various groups and the huge number of dedicated volunteers who make this work possible.

Tricia Knott (Chair)

Minster Green Fair

The 2017 Minster Fair was blessed with good weather, which brought large crowds into the streets of Wimborne for the Folk Festival. It also encouraged plenty of people to spend time looking round the stalls on the Green. The official Fair opener for 2017 was Paula Jones, who is the Director of Operations at PRAMA, which is one of the charities regularly supported by the Minster. Eleven stalls were raising funds for the core Minster charities, and managed to take more than £4,600 during the six hours of trading. To this can be added generous donations totalling £455 from traders selling ice creams and burgers on the periphery of the Green during the Fair. Our most successful stall, was, as always, Books and Puzzles, which yet again broke the £1,000 barrier. Mention should also be made of the Children’s Society and Minstead Plants stalls, which both took more than £600, and of the Outreach team serving tea and cakes in the Church House lounge who took in excess of £500.

Nine Minster charities received donations from the Fair proceeds totalling £4,271.25. In addition, £425 was given later in the year to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Bangladesh Appeal. At Christmas the Sunday School made a donation of £378.90 to Wimborne Foodbank, this money being the proceeds of their Minster Fair coconut shy and of their autumn Cake Sale.

The Minster Fair wouldn’t be the same without the many stalls run by outside organisations and their enthusiastic volunteers. In 2016 we had bid farewell to Colehill Methodists, who had decided to call it a day after many highly successful Fairs, but in 2017 we were pleased to welcome back the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Mayor’s Charities after a brief absence.

Much of the credit for the success of the 2017 Fair must go to Rosalind Jensen, who once again was stallholders’ co-ordinator. She has now handed over the reins to the capable hands of Ian Grimbly, but will still be heavily involved with the Fair, having now taken over the running of the bookstall from Donald Fromow, who has decided to step down after ten years at the helm. Thanks too to Peter Gibson for once again co-ordinating the counting of the Fair proceeds and to his team of counters – Bruce Jensen, Lisa Kristin and Jackie Leevers.

Mike Dodds

MEG

The Minster Environmental Group (MEG) monitors Minster activities with the aim of improving and reducing the church’s environmental impact. The members of the group are: Alison Francis, Derrick Powell, Elfie Mills, Linda Bunting, Mary Allen, Mike Lunt, Robert Pearce. (We welcome anyone who would like to join us). We met five times during the year.

Activities in 2017

 Putting up a notice board in the Children’s Corner to display the GreenTimeline showing dates of events during the year.  Giving ‘Seeds for Harvest’ in the spring for people to produce flowers and vegetables for Harvest aiming to decorate with as much home grown produce as possible.  Promoting ‘The Big Switch’ – encouraging as many people as possible and the Minster itself to buy ‘green’ energy.  Promoting Creationtide emails sent by EcoChurch Southwest.  Working with Franciscans to plan the Hilfield weekend in October (see Companions of St Francis report)  Setting up a link with Fabric Committee to assist in implementation of the Environmental report.  Creating an Advent Prayer Station in the Crypt ‘Star of Wonder, Star of Light’  Waste and recycling are hot topics and MEG has worked hard in this area during the year. This includes: o Conducting a survey of Minster recycling and procuring new clearly labelled bins for the Minster and Church House. o Working with local groups, including South West Waste Minimisation Group, Win on Waste, Wimborne, War on Waste, & Keep, Litter Free Coast and Sea, DonateIT (recycling computers etc.)

Alison Francis

Worship and Music

A mixture of clergy, PCC members and co-options, the Committee shares with the Rector in keeping an overview of all the worship activities in the Minster, both regular and special services.

Meeting three times a year, it reviews worship activities that have taken place, looks at the forthcoming special services, and keeps an eye on the spread of special events across the year. Some matters of detail also come to the Committee for discussion: examples include how best to administer Communion on the Sundays when there are prayers for healing, and a new format for the Minster Carol Service booklet. Other matters may be discussed in Committee and then referred to the Standing Committee: for example, the date of the Minster Christmas Carol Service, and the need to drop Saints' Day celebrations in Christmas week 2017, because of the lack of available clergy.

Brenda Gibson

Fabric

The Churchwardens are pleased to report that the Fabric of the Minster is in very good condition and we shall offer the Inventory to be presented at the Archdeacon’s Visitation.

Most of the work relating to the Fabric of our Minster Church is dealt with by the Fabric Committee. We are grateful to the members of the Fabric Committee for the time, thought and commitment which they give to the task. After last year’s APCM, Colin Feltham stood down as Chair. Particularly thanks are due to Colin who has worked tirelessly to ensure that the building is in good order and that all rules and regulations are followed. We would also like to thank Donna Gosney, Minster Health and Safety Officer, who has ensured compliance for insurance purposes, and the vergers, who often deal with day-to-day maintenance and facilitate the work of contractors.

During 2017, further work resulting from the 2015 Quinquennial Inspection took place. We are fortunate to have charitable trusts which support the fabric of the Minster and enable work to be done as and when necessary, without the need for fundraising or use of general funds. We are grateful to The Friends, the Trustees of Wimborne Minster Church Estate and the Wimborne Minster Preservation Trust for their continued generous support. In 2018, the Preservation Trust will be wound down and residual funds transferred to the new 11

Charitable Incorporated Organisation under the name The Friends of Wimborne Minster. Funds will be ring-fenced, however, to meet the aims and objectives of the Preservation Trust. Janet Day has stepped down as a trustee of the Preservation Trust and we are grateful to her for many years of conscientious service. Her place has been taken by Deirdre Ashton.

Responsibility for the Churchyard also falls to the Churchwardens. Improvements to this area continue, particularly in the inspection of benches with a view to replacement and repair. We are grateful to the God’s Acre team who continue to make an appreciable difference to that area and to those who create a floral display beneath the yews and adjacent to Church House. We congratulate the God’s Acre team for continued success in the Churchyard scheme. Much of this work is funded from trust income. The Churchwardens are in the process of applying for permission to plant two new trees and to replace and increase signs around the churchyard and Minster Green.

Whilst the Car Park area has been improved, anti-terrorism best practice advised by central government and the terms of our insurance cover have necessitated the closure of the gravel area adjacent to God’s Acre, but for exceptional circumstances and emergency vehicle access.

Plans are being made for the temporary removal of the pews to the West of the crossing. Ideas are being discussed on how to enhance the shop and children’s/family corner and explore how hospitality might be provided. Creative ideas are welcome.

Francis Vine, Deirdre Ashton

Synod Reports

Diocesan

SALISBURY DIOCESAN SYNOD - I attended meetings as a co-opted member representing the Wimborne Deanery. A brief summary of the main matters dealt with is set out below.

14 JUNE 2017 Bishop Nicholas reflected on recent terrorist attacks, Grenfell Tower fire and Jo Cox’s murder, and observed that there is something about the way we respond to tragedy which shows we were made for goodness. 12

The Bishop marked the departure of Dean June to become Bishop of Llandaff. Diocesan Discipleship Co-ordinator Sr Orriss outlined her initial plans to promote the deepening of discipleship in the Diocese. Share increase of 2.5% for 2018 was approved. Synod congratulated Revd. Vanessa Herrick on her appointment as Archdeacon of Harlow.

18 NOVEMBER 2017 Bishop Nicholas reflected on Christianity as an evangelising religion that changes relationships and walks alongside people in difficult circumstances. National Rural Officer Jill Hopkinson presented the findings and implications of recent research relevant to rural multi – church groups. Noted that (1) over 10,000 C of E churches are rural, representing two thirds of the total whereas only 9% of national population live in rural areas and (2) that, contrary to what many assume, the greatest decline in church membership is in urban areas. Synod split into groups to discuss possible development of rural churches and better use of church buildings. Diocesan Policy for Mission to Areas of New Housing in the Diocese was presented and approved. Cathedral annual report presented. Diocesan Board of Education report Transforming Leadership, Transforming Lives introduced and formally received.

If anyone wants further information about the above matters please contact me, and I will do what I can to assist.

David Steele

Deanery

Deanery Plan – Majoring on our outreach to new communities. A detailed power point presentation highlighted the present housing development numbers and expected completion dates. Areas include Wimborne, West parley, Verwood, Corfe Mullen, Merley and Bearwood. Deanery development interests/boundary overlap with Poole and E. Dorset. Practical action requires connection, mailings/cards/news in parish magazines/adverts/welcome packs/outreach working in new places such as pubs, schools, coffee shops. Maybe a house move to encourage a Christian ‘plant’ in a new development area. We need to be aware of what is going on at local council level and endeavour to engage with developers to get provision for meeting places. No contact is ever too early.

Discipleship – a display of prayer resources from Debbie Orris was available, including recommendation for the 2018 Lent Prayer booklets studying St. mark’s Gospel. Eco church – A firm plea was made for unregistered parishes to please register on line for this. Bible Society – Revd. Sandra Tebbutt gave an excellent presentation and brought a mobile display of free handouts. She Impressed us with information on ‘Black Box’ gospel run on solar/battery or electric changing lives in many countries. The Bible course, an updated 8-week course starting in January 2018; LYFE - small group resources, Bible read, reflect, respond; suggestion for a Bible book club – group, book- monthly meet up; Open the Book; Journey to Bethlehem; Mission engaging; Overseas Bibles need interpreting into7,000 languages. She concluded with a short film. Safeguarding – Revd. Andrew Rowland reminded us of a standing issue that policies must always be kept updated. There are new policies and guidelines coming from National Church through the Diocese – so remind incumbents and PCC’s to keep safeguarding review. Rural Dean’s Matters – Revd. Andrew Rowland – Information from the Commissioner’s Office that Audit information on people permission must be sought from government. Again, PCC’s must ensure they follow latest Diocesan Guidelines which involves auditing what information they keep and how it is stored. Parishes may have to register with the ICO.

Sheila Soper

Minster Organisations God’s Acre

The small but enthusiastic team have continued to work hard in the wild life garden. Their efforts were rewarded when, after the visit from the Dorset Wildlife Trust judges, we were awarded our 3rd gold certificate. Advice was given by the visiting experts and the notice board in the Minster was much admired. For the excellence of the notice board much thanks to Mollie Bush and Laurie Turner for the photographs.

As a result of the Gold certificate award this year Anthony Oliver contacted Rebecca Parker, the producer/presenter of the Kitchen Garden programme on Radio Solent, and she arranged for an interview to take place. Mollie Bush and Margaret Turner were interviewed and showed Rebecca round the garden. The experience was much enjoyed and was transmitted on the 12th November 2017 14 at 12.00 noon. The team also received a letter of congratulation from M.P. Michael Tomlinson.

God’s Acre hosted a Big Garden Bird Watch. Just before Christmas the whole team celebrated with a lovely tea at Stewarts Garden Centre at Broomhill.

The D.W.T. have discontinued the judging of churchyards but the Living Churchyard Scheme lives on and the Trust are always ready to give advice if needed. The team look forward to another good year and hope the garden gives pleasure to many people. We are always happy to welcome new members.

Margaret Turner

Mothers’ Union

Mothers’ Union has continued to meet for a Corporate Communion Service in St. George’s Chapel on the 1st Thursday morning of each month and for their main meeting on the 3rd Thursday afternoon every month. In 2017 we had a variety of interesting speakers on topics such as Icons, The Missionary Aviation Fellowship, The Priest’s House Museum, Victoria Hospital and The Role of a Verger. We continued to support the 14 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence and donated items such as nightwear, toiletries and cleaning materials to the Women’s Refuge in Salisbury. A few members prepared and cleaned the Mothers’ Union caravan at Rockley Sands ready for families coming to stay for a holiday. We continued to raise money for various Mothers’ Union projects, local and overseas.

Fellowship with each other is important and we enjoyed a New Year party, a Vintage Tea and Christmas Lunch together as well as (of course!) tea, biscuits and a chat after each meeting!

We supported the clergy in the Marriage Preparation courses by serving the lunches and coffee. Members also put flowers in St George’s Chapel each week and regularly dust and sweep it.

At the beginning of 2017 we had a membership of 30. Vanessa Herrick moved on to her new post as Archdeacon of Harlow and sadly Margaret Lewis died. Three of our members are now in care homes and several are finding it increasingly difficult to get about. Supporting them will continue to be important.

Our Mothers’ Union Diocesan theme for 2018 is “In Mary Sumner’s Footsteps.” (Mary founded the Mothers’ Union) and like our founder we will be ready to see where God will lead us next year. Di Hiscock

Mums Today

Mums Today is an opportunity for mums of children of 0-18 years to get together informally over a cup of coffee and to give support to each other through the ups and downs of everyday family life! We usually have a theme for each meeting, ranging from discussions about “Children and time management”, “Treasures” (bring something they treasure) and “What colour are you?” (to aid choosing the best colour for you wear), to craft activities such as Teddies for tragedies and Christmas tree decorations. Often much of the evening is spent catching up on family news and giving each other tips, ideas and information about all sorts of things, usually connected with families.

Unfortunately, we haven’t always met as the mums’ work commitments and dads working away from home have made it difficult to get a group together. We thank Sarah for welcoming us into her home when we meet on the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. We have a programme planned for 2018 and hopefully we can invite and encourage some new members so that the group can grow and more mums can enjoy getting together. Di Hiscock, Irene Burnett-Thomas Two by Two

Two by Two the Minster Toddler group has continued to meet on Thursdays 9.30- 11.00am in the Church House hall. After a ‘wobbly’ start to the year when our numbers had dropped to 4 or 5 families we now welcome between 10 and 14 families each week and have reached 25 children on occasion.

A change to our regular pattern of termly services was made last spring when we celebrated Mothering Sunday rather than Easter (this was because clergy depart to Salisbury on Maundy Thursday). This was received well by the families and we shall do the same next year.

As usual we give thanks for the dedication of our coffee ladies and the clergy who take our termly services in church. Ruth Edgar 16

Greenbelt Group

The Greenbelt Group meets monthly to explore questions of social justice and ways of life in our changing world. Our name comes from the Christian based annual Greenbelt Festival which is a celebration of the arts, faith and social justice. Meetings often take up some of these themes, using a recording of one of the festival’s talks or panel discussions. In this way, during 2017, we have explored issues of race, fair trade, on-line dating, poverty, challenges facing large churches, and the post-truth era.

In the summer, members of the Dorset Equality Group led a workshop on Income Inequalities and before Christmas we held an Amnesty International ‘Write for Rights’ session in the Minster, writing letters to the authorities for those whose basic human rights are being attacked.

If you would like to explore contemporary issues like this in an informal, open- minded forum you would be welcome to join us. Details of meetings are publicised in the Minster newsletter. Rosemary & Mike Lunt Lay Pastoral Assistants

The Lay Pastoral Assistants have continued to assist the clergy in the pastoral matters of the Minster, throughout the year. Visits are made regularly to those unable to attend Church, the sick and housebound, and new members to the Minster. We are very grateful and value the help of the congregation in advising us when someone has not been to Church for a while and a visit or contact can be made. Home Communion is taken to those, who for one reason or another cannot not come to Church: this is a great privilege for us.

LPAs run the bereavement group, Oasis, which has reached out to so many, not only from the Minster, but others who do not attend Church: this is tremendous outreach. This venture helps so many at a time when there is nowhere to turn, and this dedicated group provide one to one visits and also a monthly meeting with lunch in Church House.

Communion is taken to the hospital with a member of clergy on a fortnightly basis and on a monthly visit to Streets Meadow and Stoneleigh Rest Home.

We have been so grateful for all the help and support we have received from Revd. Suzie Allen and Revd. Heather Waldsax and express our thanks to them. Anne Pollard 17

Oasis

We continue to meet over a Bring and Share lunch on the first Thursday of each month, followed by a talk and discussion relating to bereavement, or a social activity or outing. Our average attendance is usually about 12 members, with a possibility of 18. Members find they benefit from mutual support, and recently some have arranged Sunday lunches at different venues, and outings to the Tivoli. Last September we again stayed for two nights at Hilfield in the self- catering houses, enabling members to get to know each other better over shared meals, discussions and walks. For several people this was their first time away since their loss.

If anyone would like more information about Oasis, do pick up a leaflet from the office or the Minster. We like to visit people before they come to a meeting and if appropriate after that, to arrange for them to meet a small number of others.

Carol Jarvis and Sue Hatherley, LPAs, Oasis Leaders

Servers

Once again I should like to record my thanks to our loyal servers who assist at services throughout the year. At present we have a total of 17, but whereas that may seem to be a good number, it has to be remembered that with three services on most Sundays and the need for additional services at festival times, it can often be difficult to meet this need without asking members to serve twice in a day or on successive Sundays. It also has to be remembered that availability can be reduced, since many also have other occasional duties quite apart from family commitments and holidays. I am grateful to Val Nicholson who has recently retired after many years’ service especially at Evensong and also to Neil Davies who kept a watchful eye on things during my recovery from a broken hip and wrist.

New team members will be very welcome. Training, which includes an explanation of why we do things in certain ways, is always given. If you are interested, please contact me either at the Minster after a service, or on 01202 526368.

Chris Feltham, Head Server

Sidespersons

The 2017 Annual Meeting saw the three-yearly complete revision of the list of Sidespersons. Thanks were expressed for their many years of faithful service to Veronica King, Margaret James, Judith McConnell, Phyllis Wood and Colin and Christine Feltham, all of whom were not seeking re-election. We welcomed new Sidespersons Jackie Leevers and Michael Dodds, bringing our numbers to 52.

Since the Annual Meeting Joan Hawkins has retired and we thank her for her faithful duty at Evensong over many years. Cathy Thompson has had to step down, hopefully only on a temporary basis.

Although we still have a good complement of Sidespersons to undertake the various duties on a Sunday, more would be welcome, particularly for the 8 o’clock Holy Communion service and 6.30 pm Evensong, as this would avoid people having to be on duty too often. There is a real need for more help with the 11.15 am service of Matins on the second Sunday of each month and the Informal services on both the first and third Sundays of the month. If you feel you might like to be a part of this important side of the Minster’s ministry, you only have to get in touch. The only requirement is you need to be on the Minster’s Electoral Roll. If you would like to be one of those who take up the Elements at the 9.45 am Parish Eucharist, again you only have to speak to me or one of the Churchwardens. Thank you to everyone who assists with Sidespersons’ duties both on Sundays and at other times of the year when the need arises – the warm and friendly welcome given is so important, as so often it is the first person seen as people, whether regular members of the congregation or newcomers/visitors, come into the Minster.

It is, as I have said on many occasions, one of those “jobs” which I feel the Minster does do well.

Anthony Oliver, Head Sidesman Minster Flower Arrangers

A good and reliable team of arrangers made sure a fresh arrangement of flowers was placed in Jimmy’s Pot throughout the season. Brides’ choices of colours were used when requested.

Special requests from parishioners has enabled the team to place fresh flowers at the High Altar almost every week. These are placed in memory or celebrating an anniversary or special family occasion. Thanks are expressed to those who paid for these flowers and this will continue throughout this year for £25; requests should be made through the Parish Office.

The Festivals, Christmas, Easter and Harvest, always involves a lot of extra help. For each of the Festivals at least a dozen people joined the usual team and although insisting they “couldn’t arrange flowers” managed to produce very pleasing decorations.

St. George’s Chapel is looked after throughout the year by the Mothers’ Union and they always provide extra for the Festivals.

In Trinity Chapel can be found a vase of flowers quietly supplied by a parishioner most weeks. Anyone else who would like to fill in one or two weeks, please do speak to me. (01202 888703)

May I take this opportunity of thanking all those who help with the flowers in our ancient Minster.

Christine Oliver

The Wimborne Companions of St. Francis

The time since our last report has been an extremely flourishing one manifesting great joy. On 18th May 2017 fourteen of us who had decided to become Companions of the Society of St. Francis were duly admitted by Brother Sam at Hilfield Friary. The Society consists of a religious community of men and women within the Church of England. Its rule is based on that of St. Francis of Assisi: poverty, love and service to all of creation. A Companion of the Society is obliged to pray regularly for the Society and to support it through alms-giving; to aim at simplicity of life; to help those in need and to strive to bring others to the life of Christ. The day at Hilfield was one of great peace and serenity and also of greater celebration.

The recognition of the group is bearing fruit in many ways, one of which is the work of Jenny and John Spatchet to increase the awareness of St. Francis’s way of life at St. Michael’s, Colehill. John is now the official representative for the Colehill PCC for the Environment, charged with investigating the idea of an Eco- Church. 20

A further manifestation of the group’s positive contribution was at the October weekend entitled “Care for our Common Home” where thanks to the outstanding collaboration of MEG and the wonderful contribution of Brother Sam, we were able to raise £1,257.69 for Hilfield Friary. Even more significant was the now ongoing support from the community as a whole over these issues.

Our regular meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 2.30 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Leper Chapel have continued and prospered. Under the benevolent guidance of the Revd. Alan Davies, we have considered Franciscan Principles for the Guidance of the Companions: Humility; Simplicity; Poverty; Peace-making; Thankfulness; Joy; Prayer.

We also enjoyed a social event at our December meeting. The hospitality offered to us by John Old at our meetings is always heart-warming. Our farewell presentation to Vanessa was also followed by a delightful strawberries and cream event hosted by her and David at the Rectory.

We welcome all comers in the true spirit of Pax et Bonum.

Beryl Balinas

Open the Book

“Open the Book presents the Bible in primary schools in an accessible and enjoyable way, which helps schools meet their statutory collective worship obligations. We equip, encourage and enable volunteers from churches to deliver good quality assemblies.”

So... let’s Open the Book at our story this week……

There is anticipation around Wimborne First School’s assembly hall as the children look around as the story begins to unfold – adults and pupils dressed up in costume – the Year 4 pupils are always eager to volunteer to participate.

The Open the Book Team are in action again as they do each Monday in term time – one Monday rehearsing at St John’s Church with our friends there, and the following week presenting our Bible story to the pupils at Wimborne First School. We observe the reaction of the pupils with interest – the

21 last time, there was a boy eager to pay no attention and create a distraction until we started and he became totally absorbed in the story – such a joy to see.

We have a marvellous team from St John’s, Lytchett Minster and Wimborne Minster who work so well together and the rehearsals always have hoots of laughter over some bloomer or other! We would warmly welcome some new volunteers to ensure we have sufficient “actors” when people go on holiday etc. We have now completed four years of the programme and are very pleased to have been asked to continue for a fifth year. It has been a very successful project developing a very strong relationship with Wimborne First School and also deepening growing the relationships of the volunteers between St John’s and the Minster. It has also led to encouraging Wimborne First School to join us in the Minster for other occasions. It is great to be greeted in the town and other places by pupils who recognise us as OTB people. And now, our relationship is flourishing between this team and the team from St Michael’s Church, Colehill. Several members from each team meet once each half term to go into Beaucroft School and again, we have been warmly welcomed and many of the pupils there are eager to dress up and be part of the story. We will be presenting the Easter story again just before Easter.

Grateful thanks go to the volunteers who meet week by week and also to those who have made costumes, painted scenery and to those who have prayed for us. Thanks also to those who have taken their turn to lead the group. We are looking forward to our next year.

Sheila Soper

Wimborne Minster Society of Church Bellringers

The Wimborne Minster Band of Ringers has continued to keep Sunday Service ringing at the heart of its activities during the past year, ringing all twelve bells for every Parish Eucharist and Evensong. Morning ringing has been general ringing for the twenty or so members of the band, whereas evening ringing has frequently been specially organised quarter peals, twenty-three of which were successfully completed. Two of our recent learners have progressed sufficiently to be elected as full members of the band, now contributing to the Sunday ringing. Sadly, we have had to say farewell to Jim Sexton who retired from the Minster band in 2017, having been a regular Sunday Service ringer at the Minster for 47 years. He joined the band when he moved to Wimborne with his wife Beryl in 1970 and served as Secretary and Treasurer as well as freely giving of his time 22 and expertise as craftsman in making boxes, stays and other essential features of the ringing chamber. Only last year he repaired the model bell. As well as being a guide in the Minster, Jim has been a friend and source of wisdom to ringers in the band for nearly half a century and a great support for ringing within the worship of the Minster. A tea party was held in May to celebrate Jim’s contribution to the work of our society.

Neil Garrard came to Wimborne following the reorganisation of local government in 1974, bringing with him, in due course, Mary and his two daughters Hilary and Alison. Neil was an experienced method ringer and did much to help foster the resurgence of Surprise Royal ringing at the Minster during the 1970s and 1980s. He acted as an officer for the newly-formed Dorset County Association and was an enthusiastic and committed teacher of learners who all benefitted from his quiet and kindly guidance. He rang five peals at the Minster as well as countless Sunday evening quarter peals. Neil is no longer able to ring with us, but we are pleased that he is still occasionally joining us for post-ringing refreshment on Tuesday nights and other social occasions.

Our practice nights have been well attended by a regular nucleus of around fifteen to twenty local ringers, and we have welcomed many visitors to our practices. All members of the band have had the opportunity to progress in their method ringing, and the band as a whole has worked hard on improving the quality of its striking. On the third Tuesday in every month we have held a special advanced practice and with the help of some regular visitors from further afield we have managed to ring more advanced methods. The Allenbourn Club from the previous year has morphed into the Queen Elizabeth Bell Club, now ringing on Wednesday afternoons after school. Six year 9 and 10 pupils regularly come to these practices, and we hope that some will help to form the next generation of ringers at the Minster. Our current band has also been active in helping ringers at towers in the wider area, including Brownsea Island, Lytchett Matravers, Tarrant Keyneston, Tollard Royal and Witchampton. We opened the tower for visits to the ringing chamber as usual on Minster Fair Day.

Five peals were scored during the year, two by visiting bands and three by the local ringers, although unfortunately the one to bid farewell to Vanessa and David in the summer was unsuccessful. In September, six members of the band joined with six members of the Chelmsford Cathedral band to ring for Vanessa’s Collation at the Cathedral.

The Wimborne Minster team once again won both the six-bell and the eight-bell Salisbury Guild Striking Competitions in 2017, and six members of the Wimborne ringers were part of the team which won the national Tewkesbury Shield ten-bell competition, for the second year running, in May. In 2018, Wimborne will be entering the National 12 - bell competition for the first time.

The ringing chamber has been well kept through a regular cleaning rota amongst the band members, and maintenance has been given to the bells, fittings and ropes. The scheme to improve the access to the bells through the middle floor is still ongoing.

Social events have included a Pancake party, a summer barbecue, an outing to the Guildford towers, a skittles’ match against the Churchwardens, and a New Year’s Eve party.

David Warwick (Tower Captain)

Minster Strollers

The “Strollers” exists to provide a companionable monthly stroll between spring and autumn, exploring local countryside not too far out from Wimborne. Walks are usually on the last day of the month, with variations. The number of “strollers” varied between 4 and 16 in 2017.

Over 2017 we have done 6 walks of around 3 – 5 miles apiece: Queens Copse and Horton; Longham Lakes and the Stour Valley; along the River Stour from Canford; around Martin Down National Nature Reserve; Corfe Mullen and Ashington; and a circular walk around Broadstone including Delph Woods.

The first walk of 2018 should hopefully take place on 29th April. We are always pleased to see new or occasional strollers, particularly with suggestions for walks and maybe the willingness to lead one!

Sandra Thompson

Sunday School

This year has seen the Sunday School continuing to use the Roots on the Web Children and Young People materials for our weekly sessions which run during school term time. We now have two older boys who regularly take Communion and some younger children attending regularly who receive Blessings. We also

24 have our regular “visitors” and it’s always enjoyable to see them when they are here visiting family and friends. Since January we have included the Junior Choir in our sessions, but we are still trying to fine tune the balance between the two halves of the group. We hope that this can be mastered and become a permanent arrangement. We will never have hordes of children, quality not quantity, but the children we do have in Sunday School are confident members of the congregation who love to show off the crafts that they’ve made and we receive many compliments. At the end of this year, we will be having our biannual prize giving and look forward to presenting each child with a specially chosen book in recognition of their attendance with us. We are, as always, grateful to the wider congregation for the love and support that they give our group and we hope to continue for a while yet.

Stephanie Shimmons

New Horizon Prayers

New Horizon Prayers is held every Saturday morning in the Minster Crypt from approximately 9.15 a.m. until 10.00 a.m. We start with an opening prayer, followed either by a text from the Bible or short discussion of topics of interest.

Alan Davies emphasises that New Horizon Prayers is an important weekly contribution to the overall prayer life of the Minster.

 It is an on-going reminder to our community of the vital spiritual work that must lie at the very heart of church life.  Since the decision to install a candle stand in the Minster, the number of weekly prayer requests left in the prayer box by visitors has increased significantly.  The work of the New Horizon Prayer Group in offering these prayers individually to God has become increasingly important. We warmly invite members of the Minster congregation and others who wish to share with us in this important task. No-one can claim to be an expert in prayer – just come and see and God will do the rest.

Elfie Mills

Music

A wide range of singers and musicians have contributed to the musical life of the Minster in both liturgy and concert over the past year. The Special Music Fund continues to support particular events, especially the Passiontide Music, which brings many visitors into our church, and hopefully sees them leave spiritually refreshed.

The Friends have generously bought a fine new piano for the hall in Church House. It has already had good use, and a professional recital series is in the planning. It will be good to see the hall used for this purpose, for which it is well suited.

Finding choristers continues to be a challenge, especially when so few young people in the town have a connection with the Minster. In addition, due to financial constraints, Faye Eldret's contract was not renewed after her maternity leave, which has put extra strain on this vital area of our outreach. Hopefully a way will be found in the future to support this important work.

Much work has gone into a proposal to secure the future of the choir and organ. At the time of writing the direction of this has yet to be agreed, but it may prove vital to continuing our strong tradition.

Thanks as ever go to all of the musical team, and in particular this year to Sean Tucker and Sam Hanson who kept the ship afloat during my parental leave.

David Gostick

Victoria Hospital

The clergy along with valued LPA support continue to visit Victoria Hospital fortnightly offering a simple communion service and a supportive ‘listening ear’ to patients and staff alike. Sadly this last year we said a farewell to one of our regular LPA supporters, Sue Tipping, as she began studying for her MA degree. She has left a Sue-shaped hole. Thanks as always, however, goes to Alison Watkins who is the regular Lay Pastoral Assistant helping to minister within the hospital, without whom this ministry depends at present. (Anyone interested in supporting Alison and the clergy please get in touch with either Suzie or Alison).

Revd. Suzie Allen

Minster Charities

PRAMA

In May 2017, Prama celebrated thirty-five years with a Thanksgiving Service in the Minster, taken by our then Rector Vanessa, and Bishop Karen gave the address and final blessing. This was followed by the cutting of the cake in church – suggested by the Bishop – so that all could see it being cut, as the following tea in Church House was set out in the downstairs lounge and upstairs hall. The service and following tea was well attended.

In June 2017, Paula from Prama opened the Minster Fair and we had our stall with a ‘pink and purple’ theme and £215.08 was taken – almost double the previous year. Thank you to all who contributed items and Prama staff who helped. This year, we shall be having a pink and purple stall again.

In December 2017, the annual carol service was held at St Michael’s Church, Colehill – followed by tea in the church hall.

PramaLIFE have a Memory Lane Group that meets at The Reef, Colehill on Thursday afternoons from 2pm till 4pm. It’s not just for people living with dementia, but anyone who would enjoy reminiscing about the past. It is a lovely, fun afternoon, where people can make friends and feel part of a community group. The cost is £2 per session. PramaLIFE run about 25 groups altogether. For more details, go to our website www.pramacare.org.uk. Our support workers are as busy as ever caring for people in their own homes with various needs. Should you or anyone you know need care, phone 01202 207300. Our shops are all doing well and we welcome furniture, bric a brac and clothes. Large items can be collected if you’re unable to take them yourselves – telephone number 01202 896860. Prama relies on the income from its shops to provide PramaLIFE activities in the local community.

Prama Head Office – 01202 207300

Rita Harris – Minster – Prama link

Mission to Seafarers

The Mission to Seafarers, which runs centres in ports around the world, is very very grateful for the contribution that we made to their funds last summer. We had our special weekend with a coffee morning and John Attenborough speaking 27 at the 9.45 a.m. service on the Sunday in June known as “Sea Sunday”. The congregation were very generous and we raised over £300.00. If you would like to continue donating to this very worthwhile cause, please go to JustGiving themissiontoseafarers. Many thanks for your support.

Mary Allen

MARS

The MARS Trust is a Minster charity. MARS stands for Modelling Active Relationship Skills. Almost half of today’s 16 years olds have experienced family breakdown. Changes in family structures and in technology can leave children vulnerable and ill-equipped to build sustainable and fulfilling relationships at home, at work, on the sports field, and in their communities. Changes in the curriculum leave little time to focus on activities that help young people with interpersonal skills. MARS was set up to try and help. It runs multi-media workshops for students from ages 12 to 16. These cover Friendship and Relationship Skills, Communication, Conflict Management, and Commitment and Choice. Led by accredited presenters, and facilitated by volunteer small group leaders from the local Christian community, the workshops are expertly designed to equip young people with basic understanding of what good relationships involve, and how to build and sustain them. Key messages of the workshops are that young people should choose their relationships, not just drift, and that they should learn to say “no” in an assertive way where necessary.

The response MARS has from students is very positive. Teenagers tell us that we focus on things that are really important to them but which they hardly ever get the chance to talk about. Sometimes we have been very surprised by what students have said, for example, that they did not realise that they could say “no” without losing their friends.

Small Group Leaders are trained by MARS, so that they are fully prepared to facilitate the workshops in schools. We held a training session in Church House on 13th February, led by the Operations Manager, Ian Shears, and Emma Helyen, in preparation for the term ahead.

MARS currently works in QE, Poole Grammar, Ferndown Upper and Carter Community Schools. In the academic year 2016/2017 MARS was involved with:  3105 individual students  6210 student sessions

 90 Volunteer Small group leaders from  32 churches To help MARS reach more students, we need more Small Group Leaders. Often, at QE, for example, MARS will run a workshop with a whole year group which means that up to 25 Small Group Leaders are needed. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and need only commit to two sessions per term. We are always looking for volunteers, so if you can help or know someone else who can, please contact Hilda Butler on 01202 848859 or Anne King on 01202 881019, or you can contact Ian Shears, or Michelle Dorning on 07720 345214 or visit www.themarstrust.co.uk

Hilda Butler

Botswana Orphans: Both Revd. Andrew Mudereri and his wife Gladys have had to stand down. She feels unable to run the St Peter’s Day Care Centre without Andrew’s physical input. There have always been tribal tensions. Although the Church building is not yet complete, nor Alan’s bell hung, the Bishop has suspended Andrew and forbidden him to take any Services in the Diocese. We started supporting them after Alan and I spent our 40th Anniversary 2004 in Botswana. On visiting the Mudereries (having known them for 12yrs – they were from Zimbabwe), we found they had taken in 12 HIV orphans and were planning to start up a whole new children’s work. Sharing this with the Wednesday Prayer Group on our return, June Fuller suggested we start up a fund and that then graduated to donating the after Church coffee donations. We averaged £1,200.00 a year including the Minster Fair takings from the Toy Stall. They are very grateful for all the help we gave and many children benefited these last 13 years - amazing! and we thank you and praise the Lord for your generosity, time, and energy especially to those who help serving, running the stall and making biscuits. The funds will now go to The Mars Trust, helping young people here through Q.E. School and others. Please continue supporting our after Church Coffee gatherings.

Hilda Butler – MARS Minster rep.

Bible Society

The Bible Society is known for its work in aiming to provide bibles in their own languages for people across the world. At the last meeting of the Deanery Synod, Sandra Tebbutt, a Bible Society speaker, showed us some very interesting and entertaining videos of the impact of this work on more remote

29 peoples, including a scene where the whole population of an area turned out to meet the plane delivering their bibles.

Alongside its global mission, the Society also provides extensive teaching resources for example for the Open Book programme. They are looking for teams to go into local schools and, using their resources, teach our children about the bibles. Many of these teams go into schools attended by children of other faiths, as they think it important that those growing up in Britain should understand and respect our faith as we understand and respect theirs. So much of our culture, language and sayings are taken from the bible that it helps those growing up here to understand these sources.

There are also lots of multi-media resources for reading and understanding the bible, and introducing it to others through the website www.biblesociety.org.uk, and they are happy to provide speakers for events or Services on request.

Until I took over from Jane Caley as Link person last year, I had no idea of the quality and spread of the resources available from the Society. I have been particularly impressed with the material for young people, and the programmes to help people learn and understand the bible together through local reading and discussion groups.

Anne King – Minster – Bible Society link

MAF

Prayers before flight in South Sudan...

Sam Johnston talks about what it’s like living in South Sudan and what it would mean to have peace in the country.

“South Sudan can be challenging at times. It is an unstable country. I personally haven’t felt threatened or insecure, I think you just operate on a level of awareness that comes with how the country is. But it’s a very rewarding country. The South Sudanese people are beautiful. They daily show you how to be content with very little. It’s a very poor country, you can’t escape that, in Juba and throughout the country. You get to see a lot of humanitarian projects going on and what the church is doing and that is quite exciting. It’s a big reason why the flying is so enjoyable there. The need in South Sudan is vast. Since 1956 that area of Sudan or South Sudan has been at war, civil war, all but ten of those years 30 and that has basically led to the area of South Sudan being totally under developed. Pray for peace in South Sudan. Pray for a spirit of forgiveness. The people need to learn to forgive their neighbour. That spirit of forgiveness from a grass roots level is what will make the difference. It’s hard to do; coming from Northern Ireland I am no stranger to it, but it comes with the gospel. There’s a lot of hope in the gospel in that context that breaks down that barrier of holding things against people. Pray that MAF can be a part of that.

If something happens to their tribe, if the neighbouring tribe comes in and raids their cattle, they need to forgive, that’s hard to do but that’s the only way, but for the last X amount of years they would just retaliate and then it just goes on for generation after generation.

Pray for the church in South Sudan. There are a lot of locally ordained ministers which is great to see and they can reach their communities on a level that is more challenging for MAF. Pray they would be led by the spirit of truth and bring that into their communities as an example of good leadership leading with honesty and integrity and with a desire to see the common man benefit from decisions that are made.

If you would like to support this life changing organisation or just to read about its work, go to https://www.maf-uk.org Sheila Soper Minstead

Most of you who follow the Minstead charity in the New Forest - which supports young adults with learning difficulties - will know that Furzey Gardens are now included under the general umbrella of The Minstead Trust. www.minsteadtrust.org.uk

Pam Adams now runs the Plant Stall at the June Fair and with Minstead’s Head Gardener Pete White, his wife Penny and their splendid truck of quality plants plus a bumper contribution of plants from the congregation we made a record breaking total in 2017. Thanks to everyone and please sow/plant extra again this spring! Funding for residential students has been drastically cut in recent years so the Trust has responded by developing their community support over a wide area while continuing to operate from The Lodge. Day Services are now available in the New Forest and Portsmouth with Drop In Clubs in Tottenham, Hythe, 31

Eastleigh and another planned for Romsey. The focus is always on offering Work and Life Skills and improving general health and wellbeing for young adults with learning difficulties. The Trust has also teamed up with New Forest Mencap to start a much-needed Group for parent carers offering support and fellowship.

Pam and I visited Furzey Gardens in November to admire the autumn colours which were spectacular and well worth the journey. Excellent lunches there too, and lots to see in the gallery. There is always a great atmosphere with students working in the garden, cafe and gallery, so do take advantage of the monthly guided walks at 11am on the first Tuesday of each month. It is a good idea to ring first to check if a walk is still on! I am writing this in February in Melbourne Australia during your very cold spell - but surely Spring cannot be far away? Sue Hatherley South Sudan Yambio In 2017, South Sudan’s civil war entered its fourth year, spreading across the country with new fighting in Greater Upper Nile, Western Bahr al Ghazal, and the Equatorias, featuring highly abusive government counterinsurgency operations. The government continued to restrict media, suppress critics, and unlawfully detain people for perceived opposition.

Since the start of the conflict, almost 2 million people have been internally displaced, and another 2 million have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, with 1 million in Uganda alone. More than 230,000 people are sheltering in six United Nations bases in towns across the country.

The situation in Yambio, part of Western Equatoria, is varied. The schools are open and the Salisbury Sudan’s Committee financially support the Bible college in Yambio and the Salisbury Medical Link support them with drugs when they can. Travel is still a danger as the poverty there drives people to theft. I have recently sent money via Archbishop Peter to the people there and will report on how it is spent when I hear back. This money is from donations and the sale of greeting cards made by Jill Beech and a team from St Michael’s Church, Colehill. With the election of the new Archbishop of South Sudan, Bishop Justin from Maridi, we are praying that there will be a renewed fellowship with Salisbury Diocese.

I am still planning to return there maybe in 2019 if the situation calms down. There is so much need for our prayers and humanitarian aid as so many are very

32 hungry because even though Yambio is a fertile place, if they go into the fields to farm, they are in danger from the rebels. Sheila Soper

Christian Aid

It has been quite an eventful year for the Wimborne Christian Aid group. The group is ecumenical and meets four times a year in the homes of different members of the group. The group has eleven members, of which the Minster is represented by Robert Pearce, Mike Lunt and myself. The aim of the group is to raise money for the Christian Aid charity and to increase awareness of the humanitarian and relief work undertaken by the charity in different parts of the world.

The principal fund-raising events this year will be Christian Aid Week (13th – 19th May 2018) and the Lent Lunches. In 2017 the Wimborne Christian Aid Group raised £7, 207, of which the Minster’s contribution was £1,950, during Christian Aid Week. By far the largest contribution was from the house-to-house collections. The Lent Lunches, which are held weekly during Lent at Wimborne Methodist Church, raised £2,063. In addition, a total of £896 was raised during the Christmas period from three separate events. These were the collections outside Waitrose about a week before Christmas, the simple lunch provided in Church House on Christmas Eve and the annual quiz which is held in January at Wimborne Methodist Church.

The Wimborne Christian Aid Group also organises the occasional talk to describe the work undertaken by Christian Aid in different parts of the world.

Bill Dewhurst, Minster Christian Aid representative

CMS

This past year has been a time of reflection, transition and renewal. As a result, we feel very blessed to develop a new mission partnership link with Phil and Sylvie Good, as they complete a comprehensive CMS training programme and prepare to move to Lebanon in April 2018. There they will be managing the busy multicultural “Life Center” in Beirut which provides services and support for refugees, including many from war torn Syria. This will enable some current specialist workers to engage in much needed outreach activity and ministry. We plan to remain in regular contact with Phil and Sylvie in Beirut and hope to develop a link with their Mission Group at Blandford Evangelical Church. 33

I would like to record my thanks to everyone who has enabled and assisted me in such positive ways throughout the development of our partnership link to date; I also thank Rosalind Jensen for her enthusiasm in sharing the co-ordination role with me for our Focus Weekend, and in an ongoing capacity.

Please keep Phil and Sylvie Good in your prayers during their time away from home, as they travel from the known to the unknown and separated from family and friends. We entrust them all into our Lord’s care.

Lesley Shucksmith (CMS Link Co-ordinator)

Children’s Society – no report available

Home Groups

The Peter Housegroup

We continue to meet in each other’s homes on Thursday evenings, approximately fortnightly, during term time. At some sessions this past year we have looked at the readings for the following Sundays. More recently our study has focussed on The Acts of the Apostles, which has proved interesting and enlightening.

David and Margaret Lewis were loyal members of our group until Margaret became ill. Her death last year saddened us all and we very much miss her ready smile, her perceptive contributions and her lovely sense of humour.

Housegroups are a very important part of Minster life, and we were delighted that a meeting was held in the Autumn, where representatives from all the groups were able to share views about the appointment of a new Rector. We very much hope that further joint meetings will be possible in the future.

Liz Watson

The Refresh Housegroup

The Refresh Home Group meets on alternate Wednesdays afternoons. We were formed in September 2017 and currently have 7 members.

We tend to use bible study notes as the basis for our discussions and have studied series on Encounters with Jesus, Women of the Old Testament and, currently, the Fruit of the Spirit. Sometimes our studies take us to unexpected places and we 34 enjoy the chance to get to know unfamiliar Bible passages as well as taking a fresh look at some familiar ones. In addition, we always have a short time of prayer and this has enabled our fellowship to grow and strengthen. Social events have included a bluebell walk, tea at Pamphill and a lunch outing is planned.

New members would be welcome.

Tricia Knott and Jane Davidson

The Emmaus Housegroup

This group has been going now for 14 years. We meet on alternate Monday evenings, number ten people, meet in homes and share the leadership between us. During the last year we have studied the whole of Mark’s Gospel using a commentary by Tom Wright, then moved to look at Joshua and now on Philippians.

We took part in the Nationwide initiative which the Archbishop of Canterbury instigated last summer. This involved putting up displays in the crypt, using the Lord’s Prayer as a basis for a week of prayer and we were pleased with the results. All the groups took part in this. In the autumn we shared communion together. At the start of December/Advent many of us attended the Advent Day at Hilfield Friary, led by Jonathan Herbert and seven of us booked Bernard House and stayed for the weekend. A time of reflection, fellowship and fun was enjoyed by us all.

In the group we try and support the Open Doors Organisation and in the future, along with the Minster as a whole, our new CMS partners Phil and Sylvie Good.

We thank God for His continued grace and protection for us and look forward to learning more of Him as together we study His word and support and encourage one another in our Christian walk.

Wanda Winchester

The Barclay Housegroup – no report available

Friends of Wimborne Minster (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) The Friends of Wimborne Minster is a registered charity originally set up in 1945 to support the Minster. Its current aims, as stated in its constitution are:

The objects of the Charity are the furtherance of any charitable purpose or purposes in connection with the Minster Church of St. Cuthburga at Wimborne Minster and in particular:

1. The preservation, improvement, development, construction and repair of: The Minster Church of St. Cuthburga at Wimborne Minster in Dorset and its precincts and any associated buildings (together called the Minster buildings), and the fixtures and fittings, equipment, ornaments and chattels (including the Chained Library) of the Minster buildings.

2. The advancement of the education of the public in the history of the Minster Church and the preservation of its history, including historical records.

3. The pursuit of such charitable objectives, with particular regard to the residents of Wimborne Minster, as the Charity trustees shall decide will benefit the Minster buildings and/or the mission of the Minster Church.

During 2017 grants were made to the Minster for:  God’s Acre (New bins – this is still in progress)  Church House (Upper Hall) refurbishment*  New grand piano for Church House Upper Hall  Broderers

*New curtains, lighting, chairs & tables

2017 has been another active year for the Friends. The Valentine’s Coffee Morning in February was very successful and once again raised a substantial amount. Unfortunately, a visit to the American Museum at Bath had to be cancelled due to lack of support. The Cuthburga Lecture however, given by Sir William Hanham was the most successful to date and much enjoyed by those attending. Sir William joined the audience afterwards for drinks and further discussion. The November Tea party featured music from Sam Hanson who christened the new piano. During the year the Friends also provided tea for “Laudemus” and the visit of the Greater Churches Conference delegates. 36

Our goals for the future include sponsoring a series of recitals using the new piano in Church House and to continue and develop the work of the Friends further with regard to fundraising and legacies. We are actively seeking new members and we are also seeking volunteers who may wish to become trustees of the charity at the AGM on 17th June. The Secretary (Peter Cook) will be happy to discuss membership or trustee duties of the Friends with anyone who is interested after Parish Eucharist on Sunday 29th April or can be contacted via the Parish Office.

Peter Cook

St. Margaret’s Chapel

As we have no PCC member representing St. Margaret's Chapel, this is an update of the use and events during the year 2017 - every Friday throughout the year we have BCP Holy Communion - exceptions are no service for Good Friday or when Christmas Day or Eve is a Friday. A rota of Minster Clergy take the services which are always sung with 3 hymns. After sharing the PEACE we have coffee/tea and cookies. We observe the Lectionary for the church seasons. Lent, Rogation, the Harvest Thanksgiving may be observed with some changes to reflect the occasion. We also have 'Service of Remembrance’ each year with a wreath given annually by 'The Friends of St Margaret's'. The wreath is taken and laid later by an ex-paratrooper at the Minster Service of Remembrance. At this time of year, autumn, we are also busy putting together our 'Link to Hope Shoeboxes' for the Christmas appeal in Rumania, Bulgaria, Albania etc. We average about 40 boxes each year. During December music students of one of our congregation give an evening of music inviting parents and grandparents.

The 'Wimborne Companions of St. Francis' meet every second Tuesday each month at 2.30pm and Wimborne Area 3rd Order SSF meets the first Monday each month at 2.30pm - The East Dorset 3rd Order of Franciscans have an annual service usually in late May or June one evening usually followed by sharing strawberries cream and cake. Such an appropriate place to have such gatherings being a Leper Chapel which has been in use since St. Francis time when he worked with lepers.

We have had the whole building repainted during the last months of 2017, the beams treated and the outer doors, hinges refurbished. New LED lighting has been installed throughout and is hidden giving the lovely roof and beams when on 'light to the best'. The old wooden plaque on the entrance way by the 37 gate has been completely refurbished and newly mounted on the wall. The central heating has been worked on with new thermostat controls. What is so nice we have had a slowly growing congregation during the year. The residents of the Almshouses have their Christmas celebration during each December and a summer gathering.

John Old (Custodian Verger) Pax-et-Bonum

Aspects of Spirituality

This year was perhaps the highlight of the seven series we have hosted at the Minster so far. All four speakers were excellent, with perhaps Professor George Smith eliciting highest praise! From 2018, with Penny’s retirement, ‘Aspects’ will of necessity run in a slightly different way, but will hopefully continue to be a valued part of our calendar here at the Minster. 2018 speakers are already in place!

Church House

The long-awaited new furniture is now in place, the improved lighting and the splendid piano, thanks to the generosity of The Friends. We have already received a number of appreciative comments from our regular users, and an increase in music-related events has already begun to happen. Bookings generally remain buoyant, with new occasionals and a small but steady increase in regulars. The day-to-day problems of careless use remain, but are largely dealt with as they arise.

Penny Baxter