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Home , Thomas Cromwell

Edition 268

“The Church in the Park – Growing in Faith, Hope and Love”

AUGUST 2021 [email protected] A MESSAGE FROM CARYS

Let’s start with a short quiz…. Who do you think said:

‘The dog is the most faithful of animals and would be much esteemed were it not so common. Our Lord God has made His greatest gifts the commonest.’

It may surprise you to know that it was Martin Luther – the firebrand, radical theologian, whose fury over the practice of selling and buying one’s way into heaven so enraged him in the early 16th century, that his actions triggered the beginning of the Protestant . Known for his commitment to faithful, inner transformation, and his fierce opposition to abuses of power within his beloved Roman Catholic Church, Luther, it seemed was also a dog lover.

But perhaps this isn’t that surprising at all. For Luther, the depth of God’s grace and love were messages to be shouted aloud and celebrated in a world caught up in greed and financial soul-selling – and what better picture of God’s grace than the love of a dog?

If you’re not a dog lover, you may be dubious about this. And yet, even non-dog lovers might acknowledge that there is something remarkable about the relationship between dogs and humanity. Stretching back thousands of years, this is a bond rooted in deep mutual affection, faithfulness, companionship. Over the millennia, dogs have helped us survive, shared their warmth, saved us from isolation, brought healing, and enriched countless lives. And while we humans have the capacity for cruelty to these most faithful of creatures, they, it seems, simply and unquestioningly, offer us love, in a reminder of the love which is always available to us with God: unstinting, reaching deeply into the soul, and reminding us that we are beloved. They can call us into the present moment when we are caught in fear of the future, and can remind us of the healing power of simply being greeted and made welcome. And yet, for all that dogs might orientate themselves around us, they remain gloriously themselves: mercurial, loud, hilarious, touching, curious, surprising and life-affirming. Here is the dance of love between humanity and dogs, and here is a glimpse of the great and wonderful choreography of God’s love, winding through our lives, directing our steps and calling us on in endless, undeserving love.

Carys’ new puppy Madge (with pointy ears) and Misty.

The Christian Chronicle The Pace of Reform!

There’s so much change all over Europe that I can see, for the next few reports, I’m going to move forward just a few years at a time, otherwise I’m going to miss something! So, we’re now in 1541 as a reasonable point to stop and draw breath. I’ll start with Europe but there’s so much change in England, I’ll need to update you about that specifically too. Whilst others churned the mix before, it’s increasingly looking like things have really started to change since Martin Luther nailed those theses in 1517. Roman Catholics have responded: Luther’s had an academic battle on the issue of free will vs predestination with the Dutch catholic priest and theologian Desiderius Erasmus. In other developments, a further strict conservative movement, generally titled “Radical Reformation”, has started with views contrary to both Protestants and Catholics. These consider baptism as only valid when candidates can freely profess their faith in Christ and dedicate to living in the way Christ did; therefore, infant baptism is out! Commentary by those opposed to radical reformers has titled these groups as Anabaptists. Lutheranism has spread rapidly and by 1528, Denmark, Norway and Holstein in northern Europe formally converted from Catholicism with acceptance as the formal state religion just a few years later. Luther’s been writing a number of statements explaining the particular aspects of faith from his perspective. In 1530, following an Imperial Diet, the Augsburg confession was issued setting out 28 Articles of Faith. In France a former Catholic priest, Jean Calvin, has written a statement “Institutes of the Christian Religions”. France has largely remained Catholic and there’s been violent outbursts against Protestant Christians - Calvin fled across the border to Switzerland to publish his work. Already Calvin has become a major contributor to the Reformation in central Europe and especially in Switzerland since the death of Zwingli in 1531. Within the Roman Catholic church there’s been the formation of the ‘Society of Jesus’, initiated by Ignatius of Loyola, to engage in evangelism and apostolic ministry around the world; members are known as Jesuits. In Rome, the artist Michelangelo has just completed a huge mural on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel known as the ‘Last Judgement’, it’s taken almost as long as the ceiling he painted at the beginning of the century. That’s quite a bit of news from Europe but change in England has been even more significant with church politics closely tied to state. Last time we left King Henry VIII frustrated over the Catholic church and his marital desires. Sir became Henry’s Lord High Chancellor in 1529. More had become well known following his book ‘Utopia’ describing the political system of an imaginary island state and had been in since 1504. A good friend of Erasmus, and a devout Catholic, More was increasingly challenged by Henry’s feud with the church and its refusal of Henry’s appeal for of his marriage to . A Cambridge University academic theologian and priest, , had assisted in the preparation of Henry’s case for an annulment. Cramer’s career progressed and he became ambassador at the court of Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V. Travelling across Europe, Cranmer encountered reformers and became increasingly drawn to the reformation perspective. When William Warham, , died in 1532, Henry appointed Cranmer as the new Archbishop which gained papal approval from Clement VII who was unaware of the political changes afoot. Henry secured around himself the support of various politicians, most notably Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell orchestrated various Acts of Parliament enabling Henry to assume control of the Church in England. Henry married , first in secret in November 1532 and then publicly in January the following year. Parliament passed an Act excluding any appeal to Rome; Cranmer who was installed as Archbishop of Canterbury in March 1533; and promptly convened an ecclesiastical review and declared Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon as ‘null and void’ being against the law of God on 23rd May. On 28th May, Cranmer formally validated Henry’s marriage to Anne and on 1st June, Anne was crowned Queen. Clement VII was furious, promptly excommunicating Henry and Cranmer. Anne was already pregnant and gave birth to Elizabeth on 7th September, who Cranmer baptised almost immediately. Links between England and Rome were clearly at breaking point and in 1534 Cromwell put further items through Parliament formally severing the Church in England from Rome. Henry became the Supreme Head of the with Cranmer continuing as Archbishop of Canterbury. As Cranmer started to fill ecclesiastical posts with reformers, Henry made Cromwell Vicar-General (a sort of Archdeacon) and Visitor General of the Monasteries. In these roles Cromwell streamlined churches finances, tightened rules regarding absent priests, and instituted a system of clear parish records for baptisms, marriages, and funerals. He’s also the primary agent in a series of events being collectively called the “Dissolution of the Monasteries”, whereby these previous Catholic establishments are being closed and lands, buildings and assets confiscated. In 3 years, Queen Anne had provided Henry with a daughter but also lost a male baby in pregnancy. She was never popular at court and Henry was already eyeing a young . Accusations of adultery with 5 men were levelled and, in May 1536, Anne stood trial along with her alleged suitors. All were convicted; Cranmer declared Henry’s marriage to Anne as invalid, meaning, also, that Princess Elizabeth was no longer a legitimate heir; and Anne and her suitors were quickly executed. On 30th May, Henry married Jane; Cromwell was promoted shortly afterwards. As a means of bringing formality, Cromwell tabled a document of ‘10 Articles’ as a first attempt to define the new Church of England; by July 1536 these had been revised from draft into an agreed statement. Many incumbent clergy, and laity, remained loyal to Rome. First, there was a “ Rising” starting from Louth in early October, that was quickly suppressed with the Vicar of Louth hanged. Almost immediately, a series of popular uprisings began throughout northern England that have been titled the Pilgrimage of Grace. By mid-1537 the uprisings had been suppressed and various leaders tried and executed. The pilgrimage failed to return England to the Catholic Church and lands and assets are still being seized from Monasteries, but minor concessions were achieved including retention of all 7 sacraments in the new church Articles. Wycliffe’s 14th century English Bible had been outlawed but a combination of Protestant Reformation and the advent of printing, led to working on a new English translation. His first New Testament translation appeared in 1526 with additional parts of the Old Testament following. Tyndale spent much of his time in Europe and was eventually betrayed to agents of the Holy Roman Empire, resulting in his trial and execution in 1536. Cromwell commissioned to produce “one book of the Bible of the largest volume in English” such to be read in churches. Coverdale used Tyndale’s work, completed the Old Testament translation, and produced “The ” in 1539. The bible was indeed placed in churches for all to read; and chained to prevent removal! Henry married Jane Seymour in May 1536; by Christmas she was pregnant but then lost the child. Within a month she was pregnant again and delivered Henry his much-coveted male heir, Edward, in October 1537. The labour was prolonged and difficult: Jane died less than 2 weeks later. Following a period of mourning, Henry was looking for a 4th wife. On the short-list were and her younger sister Amalia from Germany. Henry had not met either of them and this was to be a political allegiance as well as a marriage. As his right-hand man, Cromwell was given the job of negotiating the marriage treaty. The finest portrait painter of this time was dispatched to paint the sisters with instructions to be as accurate as possible – no flattery. Holbein completed his work and Henry decided on the older sister, Anne but the two didn’t meet until New Year’s Day, 1540, just 5 days before the wedding. Henry was far from impressed with Anne’s appearance and he’s stated as saying she failed to inspire him to consummate the marriage! The marriage lasted just 6 months and was annulled. The only benefit to Henry, seemingly, was introduction to teenager, Katherine Howard, from Anne’s household - Henry married Katherine in less than 3 weeks! Henry blamed Cromwell for the disaster - he was attained (convicted without trial) for and executed on the same day of Henry’s wedding. Clearly there’s still a lot of water to pass under this bridge, I’ll take another short step forward in time and update you on my findings. _ _ _ _ VIRTUAL HOUSE GROUP BY ZOOM

Sorry no House Group in August.

Summary of PCC meeting July 2021

Welcome - Clare Glover, Curate was in attendance for the first time as an ex officio member. 13 people present and 7 apologies for absence.

Clavinova - Two members of the congregation had offered a donation to replace this following certain operational problems. It was agreed to purchase the replacement when it became necessary.

Stewardship Envelopes - Stock of envelopes have been adjusted for use.

Sunday Services under Covid Restrictions - Appreciation had been shown for the reopening of the Men's toilet.

Occasional Departures from Lectionary Provision in Ordinary Time - A request from David to do this to facilitate the use of teaching series, one of which is planned for early Autumn. Agreed.

Request for Licensing of Lay Ministers to include both Parishes - David explained this would be of mutual benefit. New Licensees would be admitted to both Parishes and, at the time of their licence renewal, existing Licensed Lay Ministers would be offered a similar opportunity without any obligation. Agreed.

South Korea Link with the Anglican Church in Osan - It was agreed that All Saints should be included in this link. In view of her experience with the International Church, Jenny Loasby was proposed for and accepted the role of All Saints Representative on the Korean Link Group.

Licensing of Jane Burns as Assistant Priest in the Parish - Jane sees her role as being available to assist in the wider Deanery but having St Peter and St Paul as a base. It was agreed that she should be licensed in All Saints Parish.

Sunday Services under/post Covid restrictions & Passing of the Peace – see Alan’s article later in this magazine. To Do List - This remains unchanged (Angela has this)

All Saints Community Events - (i) Strawberries and ice cream to be sold from Church for season of bands in the park commencing 25th July. (Volunteers to Angela please). (ii) A Table Top/Car Boot sale would be piloted on the 7th August respecting social distancing and stallholders to wear masks unless exempt and have hand gel available. (iii) Cream Teas raised £120 (thanks Lyn).

Correspondence - A letter of thanks had been sent to Jinny's family and an invitation to the Requiem extended.

Finance & Stewardship - Financial statements for 6 months to 30th June 2021 circulated prior to the meeting by the Treasurer. Treasurer not in attendance.

Hall Matters - 15 enquiries to rent the hall but nothing substantial.

Fabric - Repairs to the tower become increasingly urgent and the Diocesan Architect had recommended the use of a drone to photographically determine the state of the roof and bell tower. Cost £250 to include a report. This expenditure was agreed.

NEWS FROM MARIE MORRISON

I am so pleased to let you know that Keely has graduated from Royal Holloway University of London with a Bachelors of Music degree. From the minute we arrived at Royal Holloway University of London to have a look around 4 years ago, Keely looked at the building and said “I’m going here". I said let's have a look around first and see what it’s like!! As a huge teenage Harry Potter fan, this was Keely’s Hogwarts! And it certainly looked the part. Keely then received an unconditional offer to study music there. Thankfully it lived up to everything she imagined, she was privileged to live her first year in the beautiful Founders Building, which you can see in the pictures, which is even more like Hogwarts on the inside!! And it is there at Royal Holloway that she certainly found her magic. Now she has graduated after three happy years, she found her people there, especially in the Savoy Opera society, her main "instrument" is her voice, she sings soprano, and we were lucky enough to be able to see her perform many times in many roles. One time in the lead role of Yum-Yum in The Mikado, and she has recently performed the lead role of Patience in “Patience.” I am so sad that Covid impacted her university experience so much. And we are gutted we can't have a graduation ceremony this year. But now we look forward, her next year will be spent at Reading University studying PGCE in secondary school music teaching, to then hopefully follow her dream on becoming a secondary school music teacher. Keely has had to overcome so much the last 10 years, but that's a story for anther day. However, despite everything, she did it, we are so, so proud of her. She currently lives happily in with her beautiful partner Zoe, whom we adore. She is also an active member of her local Quaker church.

Marie Morrison

PROUD MUM ALERT FROM DONNA

Congratulations to Lewis Oram who is now a Bachelor of Engineering, gaining a 2.1 degree after a difficult three years at University with Covid and his hospitalisation at the end of year one - through no fault of his own, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time! It’s amazing to think in the past four years, four of our former young altar servers have achieved University degrees. Dominic Oram and Amy Taylor (Michael Trumans’ granddaughter) in 2017, and now Keely and Lewis. Well done the Fab Four!! Donna Oram

Derrick Smiths’ Research on Land at the North End of Kettering

The area around where Derrick lives was originally owned by a farmer, . In 1813 Charles Tibbitts bought the 40-acre farm which was named Upper Field Farm. There was no other ownership of the land other than his son John Borelase Tibbitts who then sold the area covering Kingsley, Neale and Blandford to Kettering Co-operative. The owners at that time then became four: John Borelase Tibbitts and his wife “The Right Honourable Mary Isabella Tibbitts of Barton Seagrave Hall”. The other two were Rev Frederick Manners Stopford Rector of Titchmarsh and Walter James Stopford of St Georges Square London. The latter was a captain in Queen Victoria's army.

The Tibbitts were a very wealthy bunch who had Capability Brown and Humphry Repton design the garden at Barton Hall and according to research were big landowners in Cheshire. All the land that the Co-op bought was subdivided into plots costing approx £200 each which meant that they intended to build a lot of houses. John Borlase Tibbitts was born John Borlase Maunsell at Rushton Hall. In his baptism record at All Saints Rushton on 11.1.1820 his parents were named Thomas Philip and Caroline Eliza Maunsell. He had his name changed to Tibbitts in 1858 by Royal Licence. He had a career in the army and attained Captain in 1st Dragoon Guards and became a Justice of the Peace and magistrate. John married a widow, Viscount Mary Isabella Hood (whose father was Richard John Tibbits) at Thorpe Malsor on 17.6.1858. Mary was born at Barton Hall in 1818. John Borlase Tibbits died in 1902 and was buried at Thorpe Malsor on 21.7.1902. Probate was granted to Rev Frederick Manners Stopford (clerk) and Henry Wortley Lamb (solicitor) £44,934 4s 11d. Charles Tibbits that bought the original farm, was a relation of Mary Isabella Tibbitts. She was mentioned throughout his will.

When Mary Isabell Hood died in 1904 her eldest son Francis Wheler Hood 4th Viscount Hood (1838-1907) inherited the estate. When he died in 1907 his son Grosvenor Arthur Frederick Hood 5th Viscount Hood (1868-1933) became the owner. In 1911 he decided to sell the whole estate which at that time was 1800 acres. Charles Wicksteed bought a portion in 1913, Viscount Hood kept some of the farms and land and George Edward Stringer (1853-1937) bought the Hall with about 65 acres. In 1882 he married Edith Emily Harrison (1853-1922). Shortly after she died George put Barton Hall on the market. In 1928 Charles Wicksteed bought the house and added it to his established Wicksteed Village Trust. Under the Trust, the Hall was used as a hotel and event venue. In 1949 it became a nursing home for the elderly. In 2012 it was purchased from the Trust and converted back to the hotel it is today. Covid and All Saints – Health and Safety Update. Now that the Government has removed all legal restrictions, there are considerations of how we should proceed with services at All Saints’ so this is provided as an update as to where we are. Whilst the legal framework has been removed there has been an emphasis placed on individual responsibility. The Church of England has released new guidance to churches, but the final decisions remain with incumbents and Parochial Church Councils. The tone within both this general Church of England guidance and communication from our diocese is one of common sense, caution, and consideration for all. The PCC started to discuss how things should change, or not, at its last meeting on 12th July. There are many aspects to consider: Social distancing and how this translates into seating Booking of seats and checking in The wearing of masks Singing Sharing the Peace The use of sanitiser The shared cup at Eucharist After- service socialising and refreshments At the time of the meeting, we were still operating under restrictions and guidance from the Church of England had not been released, however, given the continuing trend of recent infection increases, it was felt that we should continue as at present and proceed cautiously in making changes; some members of the congregation will naturally be more anxious about any changes than others. The PCC will continue to keep all of these points under consideration and advise you of changes as they are decided but please be assured that there will be a full health and safety risk assessment and consideration of the impact on all members of the congregation. So, for now, please continue to use our QR code as you check in, we will continue to have seats in bubbles but the distance between may well be the first aspect to be relaxed. We encourage you to continue with face coverings and we are not re-introducing singing just yet. We will continue to use sanitiser and the Eucharist will be in the form of bread only for the time being. We will continue to share the Peace in the socially distanced way we have been doing and will not be re-introducing post-service refreshments just yet. We all wish to “get back to normal” but it is important that we do this sensibly and gently for all. Please feel free to discuss any of the above with your churchwardens or myself. Alan Ridley, Health and Safety Officer.

Drive/Walk/Ride or Stride

Taking place on 11th September 2021 - For several years I have been the All Saints point of contact for the Ride and Stride fund raising event organised by the Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust but have never yet taken part. I have decided this is going to be the year when I do something about breaking my “duck”. It is my intention to visit all the CofE churches within the Kettering deanery. It should take me about 4 hours in the car rather than 4 weeks if I were to opt for pedal power. From August 8th there will be a sponsor form at the back of the church. You will be asked to guess the mileage I shall cover on my journey. There will be a prize of £25.00 to the person who comes closest to that mileage, I shall be asking for a minimum donation of £2.00 per guess but there will be no upper limit!! A copy of my intended route and a list of the churches in the deanery will be with the sponsor form. Half of what I raise in sponsorship will be given to All Saints Church with the other 50% going to NHCT. Please support me, Please also consider this yourself, it could be a really good fundraiser for us to recoup the money we have lost over the last 18months. You could enjoy a look at Historic Churches in and around Kettering and be sponsored, and All Saints will benefit from half of the sponsorship. Taking part also enables us to be eligible for grants for the church.

A GARDEN OF PEACE

In a garden of peace where a sunflower grows Love is the answer to all of life’s woes When summer is here on a bright hemisphere With the birds and the bees and a sweet English rose

When I’m with you I could never be blue For life is a hope and a dream made for two When summer is here on a bright hemisphere In a garden of peace with the sun shining through

The sweet scent of roses floats by on the breeze Under the boughs of the red cherry trees When summer is here on a bright hemisphere In fields and meadows with wild flower seeds Down by the streams and the trickling brooks With grasshoppers green and trees full of rooks When summer is here on a bright hemisphere We sit in the cool of a tree’s shady nooks

On cold winter days in the ice and the snow We yearned to see flowers and blue skies aglow Now summer is here on a bright hemisphere We long for the breath of a cool breeze to blow Seasons soon change as the days roll on by Gone in the wink of a twinkling eye When summer is here on a bright hemisphere With swallows and swifts in a warm sunny sky

The wind in the willows it whispers a tune Down by the pond where the white lilies bloom When summer is here on a bright hemisphere Under the stars and the midsummer moon

In a garden of peace where a sunflower grows Love is the answer to all of life’s woes When summer is here on a bright hemisphere With the birds and the bees and a sweet English rose All rights reserved – Steve Howkins (from Rothwell)

PRAYER REQUESTS Bishop Stopford School faith | justice | responsibility | truth | compassion

Please pray for;

• Ms Silverthorne and the Senior Leadership team • The Governors • The Pastoral care team • The Chaplaincy, Sally • The new teachers and staff • The new form tutors • The students in every year group with various challenges • Year 6s joining the school • The Christians at the school • The parents and families

BANDS IN THE PARK

We will be selling tea/coffees and ice-cream and strawberries from church again this year. They start on Sunday July 25th until September 12th (Covid restrictions permitting). Keep praying for good weather! We usually get a good income from this and really need to get back into the swing of things on the fundraising front. Volunteers are needed please!!

DEADLINE FOR COPY - Please send in your snippets, news, prayers etc to Angela. The deadline for the next edition of Saints Alive! is the 24th August. The September edition will be ready from Sunday 29th August 2021. The following months are still available to sponsor: September onwards.

WHO’S WHO AT ALL SAINTS PARISH CHURCH

Priest-in-charge Rev. David Walsh Reader John Stapleton 520342 Lay Minister Alan Ridley 529426 Churchwardens: Richard Lewis 513703 Angela Brett 522158 Safeguarding: Julie Loake 07743400812 Hall Manager: Lyn Ridley 529426 Secretary: John Sockett 501851 Treasurer: Marie Morrison 725219 Saints Alive! Angela Brett 522158

Email: [email protected]

Website Address: https://kettallsaintschurch.chessck.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/allsaintsparishchurchkettering/

Or follow us on Twitter @AllSaintsKett We have 214 people checking our events page on: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Ketteringallsaintsevents

Sue and John Owen

sponsor Saints Alive! in loving memory of Sue’s Mum, Joan Allen.

15th August 2005.

This edition of Saints Alive! is in memory of Barry Vasey.

Loved and remembered always by Nina and all his family.