NOVEMBER 2009

Your loss—our gain! Volume 47 No 9 “Goodbye Eddie, even I will miss you.” Boris (see my Cata- torial)

Magazine of South Parish Church

Above: Eddie receives a farewell gift from The Guild at their opening meeting. Left: Presentations (and a kiss) at the Farewell Social on Friday 23rd October. See page 2

Giffnock South BB old boys parade

The future

The cake The (march) past

The 254 BB 75th Jubilee celebrations took place at the Red- The 254th BB Company hurst and at the church. See article on Page 3. Page 2 Yes, you’ve guessed it. A.P. got what he deserved after that fi- asco last month. Fancy no colour! And all that harvest thanks- giving display just crying out for colour. And it was dull black and white. So he’s gone and good riddance, I say. I told you last month his coat was on a shooglie nail. Well, it shoogled for the last time an’cam oot. It’s left to me to apologise most profusely for the lack of colour in October’s issue, so sorry, sorry, sorry, and I’ll try and make sure it doesn’t happen again. Boris

And it’s goodbye to him.....I know for a fact that Eddie wasn’t terribly keen on us moggies though I must admit he never did me any harm probably because I don’t think he ever met me which is maybe just as well! But he’ll be missed - he had a huge fan club - it’s a wonder he didn’t get big-headed - and now he’s gone (to the donkeys, I hear) we’ll have his replacement to look forward to. The question is, what’s happening and when? I am wondering and I guess you’ll be wondering too, so I got Tony to tell me and all your questions are, I hope, answered . See ‘What’s Happening’ on page 3. Boris

CONTRIBUTIONS FOR DECEMBER ‘SENTINEL’ TO THE OFFICE BY 22nd NOVEMBER PLEASE OR EMAIL [email protected]

My Dear Friends The (LAST) With Betty who has shared every day of these years of minis- Minister’s My entire ministry I have try with me, I wish you Grace, Mercy and Peace, from God been indebted to others for Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Letter their help, not least to you the good folk of Giffnock South. But I leave you with this little prayer of another minister but one there have also been many others, too numerous too mention, that I have no difficulty praying myself as I take my leave of and many of them forgotten, whose words and example have you. been an inspiration to me, and through me I trust, also to you. O Lord God, merciful and mighty: Help those whom I have neglected to help, Now that I come to this final letter there is so much I could Set aright those whom I have caused to stumble; Visit those say but once again I find that others have said it better and I whom I have neglected to visit; Bring back those whom I will simply share their words with you, as I have done so have led astray; Cheer the hearts of those whom I have made many times over the years that I have been your minister at sad; Giffnock South. Draw with the cords of your love those for whom my love has

Before I do, let me say that Betty and I will always bless grown cold. God for the day we were invited to come to Giffnock South. Save them all, 0 Lord, and have mercy upon me the chief of Mere words could never express the love and friendship we sinners, have known with you all over these 26 years. We will never lest after I have preached to others, I myself should be a forget the support, encouragement and wonderful kindnesses castaway. you have shown to us since the day we arrived with our Hear me, 0 Father, for the sake of young family at Langtree Avenue. It has been an immense Christ my Lord. Amen privilege to be the minister of Giffnock South and, in the words of a recent sermon, we feel we have received far more Your friend and Minister than we ever achieved. This is not false modesty but a genu- Eddie ine feeling that we owe to you a debt we will never be able to discharge. CELEBRATIONS AT

We are not discomforted in the least by this feeling, how- THE SOCIAL IN ever, for what after all is Grace, if not to receive at the hands of God what we could never deserve or ever repay. EDDIE’S HONOUR on Friday 23rd October “The RAVE at the ROUNDABOUT” said Hugh Smith. There was a ‘full house’ to say ‘goodbye’ to Eddie and the line-up of talent, ably compered by David Richmond, included Pauline Adams, Eddie’s niece, William A Simpson, his brother and Alastair Symington who knew Eddie from university days. Further entertainment was provided by Charlotte McKechnie and the choir while Hugh Smith, the former church officer and now ‘bard of Islay’ was his usual witty self. Commenting on the family he said: ”There was an eruption of Simpsons” and they were all there to enjoy and enhance the occasion. There was a presentation of a portrait of Eddie by the Art Club and the congregation’s gift of an acer tree and garden bench was combined with a generous cheque. Betty and the family also received gifts and Betty made a charming speech of thanks followed by a ‘tour de force’ by Eddie which had the audience in stitches as they were regaled with memories of his 26 years. It was indeed a privilege to have attended this evening of first class entertainment and it will remain in the memory for many a year. PHOTOS ON FRONT AND BACK PAGES The lunch– page 4 NEWSNEWSNEWNEWSNEWS 254th Page 3 Company The Boys’ Brigade This is what’s happening. 75th Anniversary weekend, th th As the November magazine goes to print va- 17 & 18 October 2009. cancy procedures should have commenced. The The Company welcomed 80 “Old Boys” on Saturday 17th plan is that on Sunday 1st November immediately October to a dinner in the Redhurst to celebrate the 75th after Eddie`s last Sunday at Giffnock South, the Anniversary of the Company which was founded by Alec Rev George Mackay, the interim moderator and Turnbull in 1934. The present Captain, Hugh Campbell, minister of Stamperland Church, will lead our welcomed past and present members and officers of the Company and Ken Bruce then reminisced on his days in service to “preach the Church vacant” and to in- the 254th. The Chaplain, Eddie Simpson, in his penulti- troduce himself to the congregation. Our good th mate weekend as minister of Giffnock South, said grace friend Iain Campbell will lead our services on 8 , and all present enjoyed their meal and caught up with th nd 15 & 22 November and will assist with pas- friends they hadn’t seen for many years. toral cover until the arrival of our locum minister the Rev Eric McLachlan who will remain with us The last revellers left at 1.00 a.m. to reconvene on Sun- from 29th November until we can call a new min- day morning at an excellent and very meaningful service ister. conducted by Mr Simpson. The Company Colours were The Presbytery will be present at the Kirk Ses- on parade and there was a short March Past at the end of sion meeting in November in the form of a three the service which was well received by the congregation who applauded as 30 “Old Boys” showed that they could person committee from Parish Support & Devel- still “strut their stuff”. opment to start the necessary Presbytery rou- tines. It will only be after their visit that steps will A truly memorable weekend. Here’s to the next reunion be taken to form the Nominating Committee, which we hope will be held in five year’s time to mark the chosen by the congregation, who will represent 80th anniversary of the Company. us in our search for a new minister. As a first step we will shortly be publishing a list of all our SEE PHOTOS ON FRONT PAGE members so that folk can verify that the current Roll of the church is accurate. Keep up to date WITH MORE NEXT MONTH each month with the sensational ‘Sentinel’……… You read it first here !! Tony Ladies Golf Outing The photographs taken at the outing will be displayed in the halls area Maria during November. Watch for the announce- REAPPRAISAL UPDATE Praisal ment in the Order of Service. Meanwhile a ‘taster’ to remind you of that happy occasion is As Finance Convener, I would like to express my shown on EGAP. thanks to the Congregation for the generous re- sponse to this year’s Reappraisal against the back- The FWO envelopes for 2010 will be available for uplift- ground of the current financial climate. ing on Sundays 6th,13th and 20th December at the main At the time of writing, we have banked just short of door of the Church. If you have changed to paying by £32,000 which should enable us to claim a Gift Aid Standing Order or if you wish to change from weekly to tax rebate in the order of £6,500. It is also possible, monthly or vice versa could you please telephone the from past experience, that some further donations FWO Treasurer, William H Walker at 0141 638 4257 in may yet still be received It is pleasing also to report the evening. that there has been another positive response to our requests concerning giving by Standing Order and NEWS FROM EASTWOODHILL Gift Aid authorisations. The fashion show held in the We are indebted to our Elders, Blair Alston and his church in aid of Reappraisal Committee, Jim Cameron, our Gift Aid Eastwoodhill on Treasurer and Jackie in the Office, without whom this th the 27 August pleasing result would not have been possible. was, by all ac- Douglas Turnbull counts, a very successful event and The MANSE As recorded last month, the manse in raised £946 for Friends’ funds. All who Langtree Avenue has been sold and helped are most warmly thanked and it has now been announced that a replacement has the models highly praised. been purchased at 174 Ayr Road with an entry date of 15th December to allow tradesmen access for nec- essary interior work to ensure it conforms to Presby- THOUGHT FOR the MONTH I don’t know what your tery requirements. destiny will be, but one thing I know: the ones among you who will be really ADVERTISEMENT happy are those who will have sought and found how to Carpenter from Nazareth requires joiners. serve. (Albert Schweitzer 1875-1965) Page 4 Your comments…... We went round the congregation to get the pre- We are always delighted to receive feedback from readers, vailing feeling about Eddie’s departure and some of which we print and some we don’t for various rea- these (unexpurgated) comments are the ones sons: it may be that there is just no room or perhaps they we felt able to print. The rest can be obtained are not appropriate. But what we will never print are anony- on signing a ‘no comeback’ clause in case mous letters. We welcome and applaud other peoples’ they’re libellous. points of view but we will only print these if the authors ap- pend their name—which doesn’t need to be printed if they "I’ll miss his brilliant sermons" said Ann. don’t wish. So, please add your name to any correspon- "Those thought-provoking sermons certainly kept me awake." dence though it can be withheld from publication if re- "I’ll remember his spontaneous laughter!" Sheila . quested. "He always made you so welcome and so important!” RT “Who but Eddie could make board meetings a pleasure to at- But what’s this? A letter from Katy tend!" - B (Catty Katy?) saying that since I‘m a “He’s brill.” (A teenager). “Not made like that anymore.” worried Moggie (see last month’s issue) “He packs a mean carrot,” said the one donkey to the other. a committee should be set up to look into my expenses. What a cheek! She Ken’s memories: “Eddie will be missed for his sermons and his goes on to criticise my choice of diet, i.e. ‘Whiskas’, ‘good to see you’. He also started the session hymns in the which she thinks too expensive and my hot milk correct key without a piano! Quite a feat!” (chance’d be a fine thing-it’s always cold) is not in tune with energy conservation. Bob sends these memories...his sermons.. The one about the wedding party, the water into wine story which, given his year She redeems herself a tad by saying I’m not stupid with three weddings so far, makes it so apt. He often talked and reckons I’m looking around for a new home ‘just about this miracle and the sheer quantity of wine involved: (gallons!) - can you imagine what a party (shindig!) it was! in case’ but spoils it by suggesting I might try ‘flipping’ to boost my expenses claim. This is actionable! I’m off to see my lawyer. Bar L and his nickname of ‘Big Man’ and all his tales from that big hotel in the East End. The final insult however is that she expects me to re- His love of Motherwell Football Team—the ‘Claret and Amber’ pay all my (genuine, I’ll have you know) expenses team and the cup-winning year of 1991 with the draping of the when I get my advancement (got it!). I warn you all team scarf over the pulpit. NOW. I’ll fight tooth and nail any committee set up to make retrospective rules to claw(!) back what’s right- ‘A slippery stane outside everybody’s door’ - what a great auld fully mine. Surely an editor deserves a bite of salmon Scots saying meaning none of us are sheltered from the world now and then. So there, Catty Katy do your worst and and it’s so easy to fall or trip up. see where it gets you! Yours (with hackles raised), Boris David Palmer writes… Elders’ Districts never stay the same— there are always ‘comings and goings’. As Langtree Avenue is in my District it was my pleasure, 26 years ago, to welcome the The SUNDAY LUNCH Simpson family to the new manse. When I now pass no5 I After the fully shall be thinking of all my visits to deliver Communion Cards and attended morning service on Sunday 25th October, of the welcome I always received at the door—and of the cups there was a mass exodus to the Carmichael Hall for of tea and home-baked shortbread. May God bless Eddie ands lunch, being the final act in the ‘Farewell to Eddie’ Betty in their new home in lovely Ayrshire and grant them a long, programme. And what healthy and happy retirement. an occasion! The hall was full and a toast WHAT’S YOUR MEMORY OF was drunk to Eddie EDDIE? TELL US AND WE’LL and Betty as they cut the magnificent cake PRINT THE BEST NEXT and, after grace, all MONTH. The cake enjoyed the lunch of Next year’s congregation? soup and chicken followed by GREAT THINGS ABOUT coffee and tablet. It was a wonderful opportunity to GETTING OLDER meet and chat with so many 1.You know how to write a lovely condo- friends and also a chance for all lence note. to say their ‘goodbyes’ to Eddie 2.You can judge clothing mainly on its and Betty as they leave after 26 elastic content. glorious years of dedicated ser- 3.It doesn’t take so long for summer to vice to Giff- come again. The man with the nock South. 4.When you scan the obituaries and your camera… name’s not there. James Hardie 5.Oh, the joys of nostalgia!. FORTHCOMING EVENTS The Page 5 Guild REMEMBRANCE The Guild Guest Night is on th Sunday 8th November is Wednesday 4 November at 7.30pm. Guests Remembrance Sunday. are invited from about a dozen local churches but Giffnock South Please note that our guests are always welcome too. Just tell the secretary (638 1352) if you are coming to enable us to feed you! Morning Worship will be- gin at the earlier time of Our speakers will give an illustrated talk on Scottish 10.55am and that there will be a short International Rescue. This group featured promi- Act of Remembrance at the War Me- nently during the recent Indonesian earthquake when morial in Greenhill Avenue immedi- they were responsible for saving many lives. They go ately following the Ser- all over the world where and when disaster strikes. vice. The topic should appeal to men so don’t be shy, The Session has indi- boys, about coming. cated that it is happy to encourage those who On 18th November also at 7.30pm, Mr Tom Merchant will tell us all have medals to wear about Glasgow Cinema City, another topic of interest to many and them on this occasion if they so wish. you know that you will be welcome to come and enjoy this nostalgic evening. REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR POPPY! December 2nd is the date for the annual Christmas Fayre which is from 2pm to 4pm and gives you the opportunity to enjoy good com- CHRISTMAS FAYRE pany while purchasing Christmas gifts. As this is our main fundraising event of the year for the Church of outreach to the very Don’t don’t don’t don’t needy, we need lots of support from our friends. miss it! It’s the event of Eastwood Court The emphasis in our 30 minute ser- the year: it’s the world vices is always on celebration. In Octo- famous, not-to-be- ber we celebrated the joy of love and friendship. On Tuesday 17th November at 6.30pm, as usual, we will have our remembrance Ser- missed, giffnock south vice, a more solemn theme and one which rings a bell in the hearts guild FAYRE of our worshippers.. They all have their own wartime memories and are glad to share them in this special service. All members of the DECEMBER 2ND 2-4PM congregation are welcome to join in this act of worship along with members of the choir and the outreach committee. Due to a Roman Holiday, Margaret Whyte’s news Allan Gillon will be playing Kelvingrove’s wonderful organ again next month on the 2nd from Pollokshaws has and 17th of December both at 1pm giving one been delayed and will and all another chance to hear this magnificent appear next month. instrument played with verve and talent.

NOVEMBER DATES AT A GLANCE KENDERANA COVENANT The Kwenderana Covenant Sun 1st 11am: Morning Service taken by the Interim Moderator, the Rev binding the four churches George MacKay 2pm: Open Day at Pollokshaws Parish Church (Busby, Greenbank, William- wood and ourselves) and the Wed 4th 7.30pm: Guild Annual Guest Night: Scottish International Rescue Ekwendeni church to a part- Sun 8th 10.55am: Remembrance Service taken by the Rev Iain Campbell. nership for a period of three years will be signed, probably Wed 11th 7.30pm: Session Meeting at the end of the service, on Sun 15th 11am: Signing of the Kwenderana Covenant at the Morning Sunday 15 November, which Service will be conducted by Iain Tue 17th 6.30pm Remembrance Service at Eastwood Court Campbell. A good turnout is requested for this important Wed 18th 7.30pm: Guild: Tom Merchant of Glasgow Cinema City ceremony. Sun 29th 11am: Service conducted by the Rev Eric McLachlan

ENGAGEMENT: We are de- DECEMBER DATES lighted to announce the engage- Wed 2nd 1pm: Allan Gillon on the organ at Kelvingrove ment of Caroline Black to Peter 2pm: Guild Christmas Fayre Dale. Wed 17th 1pm: Allan Gillon on the organ at Kelvingrove Page 6 With kind permission of the author FROM THE we have printed the words of the ORGAN LOFT Ode sung by the choir at the Fare- well Social. An Ode to Eddie Simpson The Simpsons came to Giffnock, At Eastwood Court and Eastwoodhill Oh how the members cheered; Oh how the people love you. To leave the town of Girvan The homes you visit, folk you meet, It must have seemed quite weird. Knowing names you’re good at too; But soon the Giffnock folk could see You’ve little time to call your own, A winner’s come our way; The phone is seldom silent; With a leader here like Eddie, How could one man crowd in so GOOD REASONS FOR BUYING There dawned a happy day. much, LHM CHRISTMAS CARDS: We all admire your talent! 1 NEW ATRACTIVE DESIGNS

When Betty came with Eddie 2 EASY TO PURCHASE Oh how the heads did turn; But oh there is a dark side, 3 IT HELPS LHM Being slim and blond and beautiful, It’s sad, but we must tell! With charm and fun to burn! A fan of football - but, oh dear Purchasing Christmas cards and A teacher at the prim’ry school, Not Rangers -MOTH - ER - WELL; notelets from LHM’s 2009 range, re- Young family to nurture; They win the odd game, truth to tell, freshed with some new attractive de- Oh how she did it no one knows, Which truly is a real feat; signs, is a practical way of providing To Eddie such a treasure. But next time out they get fair beat support as 50% of sales go directly to And Eddie’s fit to greet! helping their work with the homeless. The Simpson home could ne’er be To avoid the cost of postage (if pur- quiet, At holidays St Andrews calls, chasing directly, a minimum of £3 extra With Mum, Dad and the ‘Five’; The caravan’s a haven; postage is levied on 10 packs, each No shrinking violets - all have style, Grandchildren, family love to come, with 10 cards and envelopes) an order The disagreements live! There’s sand and sea to bathe in; sheet is posted on our notice board There’s Fiona - she’s the first in line, No church concerns or meetings long, outside the Winton Hall. Orders should Then David next and Colin; Just reading, rest and watch the rain! be accompanied by a cheque in favour Then Mhairi, Emma - charming twins Relax with wind and sea and sand, of LHM and left in the envelope pro- To make a round ‘Five All In’. It helps to keep you sane. vided. JNS

A preacher, Oh par excellence, Oh what a final year you’ve had, FLOWER CONVENER HANGS UP With ne’er a wasted word; Three daughters getting wed; When brother David makes plans too HER SCISSORS After over 23 And preparations aye well done, dedicated years which she made col- Great thoughts to send us homeward. Bank balance nears the red! But think of all the bonuses, ourful and beautiful, Margaret Allan has No notes distract or mumbling voice, decided to retire from this most onerous A message clear and deep; Perhaps more young ones pending; And now retired you’ll have the time and demanding job. Her weekly artistic With points made clear, yea forcibly, display was wondrous to behold and There’s ne’er a one dare sleep! For pleasures never ending. last month’s harvest thanksgiving ser- vice featured a magnificent show which Your children’s talks can be a wow, We’ve loved you all dear family And wish that you could stay; everybody has said was the finest ever They’re such a lively lot; seen and brought her long stint to a With answers not all quite what’s But all good things must end some day, climactic finish. Many are the sick and meant, grieving who have been cheered im- You worry not a jot! You’ll soon be on your way. We wish you all that’s best for you measurably by the bouquets delivered But oh, how well you know them all, by her willing band each Sunday and The B.B., Guides and young ones; In Ayrshire’s sunny climes: God bless you both and family uplifted by the colour and beauty of the They look to you as guiding friend, floral displays. Margaret deserves the Their love of you in tons. With health and happy times DMcL heartfelt thanks of all the congregation as she takes a well-deserved back pew On weekday morns it’s off to jail, at the end of the year, puts aside her Barlinne’s in your diary; oasis and rests from her many years of The Bar L boys look up to you labour. Though things are sometimes fiery. The lads attend your services, It’s a hard act to follow but we are confident that (It gets them out their cell) Mora Kerr will prove a worthy successor and, like But Big Man as your fondly known her mother before her, put her artistic skills to ex- Soon has them listening well. cellent use in beautifying the sanctuary. She is to be thanked most gratefully for ac- The Last Word “Good music is cepting this onerous task and we that which penetrates the ear with facility look forward to admiring her handi- and quits the memory with difficulty.” work in the new year. Sir Thomas Beecham Parish Register Page 7 Prayer for Baptisms November th 27 September Franco William Stewart, 8 Robslee Drive We pray for those 27th September Charlie Benjamin Clark, 23 Craigflower Road who perished in or 11th October Faye Roberta Sutherland, 51 Paisley Road, Renfrew who suffered bereave- 11th October Katie Elizabeth Grant, 23 Ailsa Drive ment in the two World Wars and th 25th October Oscar Woodside Kerr Emery , Flat 02, 45 Grant Street other conflicts of the 20 Century. 25th October Freddie Semple Scott, 16 Barnhill Drive, Mearnskirk We pray for the success of all those who strive to bring peace to the Wedding world. We would also pray that organisa- 3rd October Irene Balfour, 21b Greenhill Avenue to: James Marshall tions such as Erskine, Poppy Scot- land and Combat Stress, who care for those still suffering as a result of Funerals their war service, may receive gener- 3rd October Stewart Clark, 3 Kirkvale Crescent, ous financial support. 14th October Gordon Stewart, Eastwood Court, Giffnock Change of Address Name Previous Address Dis New Address Dis Lee Ann Sliman 51 Inverewe Gardens, 69 6 Worsley Crescent, 56 Newton Mearns Susan Lamont 9 Torburn Avenue, Giffnock 9 13 Manse Road, Carmunnock 41

Mhairi McAllister 16c Buchanan Drive, 53 32 Regent park Square, Shawlands 49 Newton Mearns

Your Understanding When Mr Simpson retires and is no longer the minister of Giffnock South, the Interim Moderator the Rev George MacKay (tel. 637 4976) effectively becomes the minister of Giffnock South until a successor to Mr Simpson is appointed. Please understand that Mr Simpson is not permitted by Presbytery to exercise any ministerial function at Giffnock South after that date. This is as difficult for him as it is for you who may need the services of a minister during this time but we know you will understand. His formal date of retirement is 27th November but since Sunday 25th October is Mr Simpson’s final Service at Giffnock South and he will be on holiday during November, his effective date of retirement is Sunday 25th Octo- ber. Anyone who needs a minister during November, should contact the Rev Margaret Whyte of Pollokshaws who will provide pastoral cover during that period. Her telephone number is 649 0458. If you have any difficulty please contact our Session Clerk, Tony Ireland on 639 6532.

DUTIES

Date 8 November 15 November 22 November 29 November 6 December

Office Bearers Team 5 Team 6 Team 7 Team 8 Team 9

Reading 1 Romans 8: 31 – 35 Hebrews 10: 11 – 14 & Revelation 1: 4b - 8 Jeremiah 33: 14 – 16 Malachi 3: 1 – 4 19 – 25

Reading 2 St John 15: 9 – 17 St Mark 13: 1 – 8 St John 18: 33 – 37 St Luke 12: 25 – 36 St Luke 3: 1 – 6

Tape Recording Neil Grimmond Tony Ireland Charlie Hunter Bill Spalding Alastair Campbell

Creche Jennifer Stewart Louise Orr Melanie Spencer Elaine Crawford Karen Taylor Lorna Murray Lindsay Young Alison Stewart Vicki Bryce Laura Amner

Café Rota Sue Harvey Beth Allan Helen Black Grace Bodie/ Ann Park Ena Campbell Guild farewell to Eddie Simpson PRIZE GIVING Ken Bruce Tony with the ‘Best Team’, Anne Gilchrist, TIME for Jean Carson and Doreen Rogerson. speaking at the lady the BB Re- golfers union and below the parade out- side the church on Sunday 18th October. Aren’t his carrots yummy!

ABOVE:Bill Simpson, Eddie’s brother and Eddie enjoying a joke (his LEFT: Hugh Smith at own) at the social evening the Farewell Social Paisley Philharmonic Choir and pupils from Williamwood School entertain an appreciative audience at Giffnock South which raised over £1500 for Kwenderama’s work at Ekwendeni.