The Walking Welcoming Growing

Vol.26 No.1 Newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark February 2021

Green team Vaccine drive A big decade How the Diocese What Southwark Celebrating 10 is working towards clergy are doing to eventful years with Eco status help combat the crisis Christopher See pages 6-7 See page 8 See page 9 Southwark signs historic Covenant with Jerusalem Southwark and Jerusalem made history on 20 January when they signed a Covenant Agreement formally linking the two Dioceses.

Months in the making, the Covenant was signed by Bishop Christopher and Archbishop Suheil Dawani as part of an online service of thanksgiving. Bishop Christopher and Archbishop Suheil Dawani lead a service before the The Covenant, which will now be in pandemic restrictions; a still from the service of thanksgiving (inset). effect for five years, subject to renewal, formalises an already close relationship reconciliation, especially in the land of the communion was, Archbishop Josiah said, between the two Dioceses. Holy One.” “a family which is held together not by treaties, contracts, or constitutions; but Bishop Christopher is regularly invited by Bishop Christopher added: “This is a by bonds of affection – between people, the Roman Catholic Conferences very special moment in the life of our to the Holy Land and Andrew leads between clergy, between bishops and to participate as an Anglican Bishop in the two Dioceses, and it builds on very courses at St George’s College. between whole Dioceses and provinces”. Holy Land Coordination, an international strong connections, links and friendships pilgrimage to the Holy Land. These ties ― both the ones already in ways which we hope will enhance The service concluded with the signing of existing and the ones to come ― were all our understanding of our Christian the Covenant while messages of support In addition, the Very Revd Richard celebrated at the service of thanksgiving. discipleship.” and thanksgiving were shared on screen Sewell, of St George’s College by some of the 100-plus people who Jerusalem, was previously Team Rector at Archbishop Suheil opened proceedings, Archbishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon, watched the event live on YouTube. Barnes Team Ministry. Bishop Christopher saying: “We are looking forward to this Secretary-General of the Anglican and the Very Revd , Dean of partnership between our two Dioceses as Communion, sent a message of support The video is available to view on the Diocesan Southwark, also regularly lead pilgrimages together we work for peace, justice and read by Bishop Richard. The worldwide YouTube channel here: bit.ly/SJCovenant Bishop’s letter pays tribute to parishes’ generous Parish Support Fund response Bishop Christopher sent the Parish Support Fund Christ manifested in our that, despite the financial The impact of the PSF a letter to Incumbents, (PSF) stood at 96.6% in world, I rejoice in the many challenges still to come, their Supporting the mission and ministry of every parish to 2.88 million WOOLWICH EPISCOPA people through… KINGSTON L AREA Parish Support Fund 2021 EPISCOPA Churchwardens, PCC December 2020, well above L AREA ways in which, in spite of the Archdeacons and the Diocesan

Resourcing God’s mission Ministry 535 Licensed clergy; in the Diocese of Southwark 262 clergy with Permission to Officiate; Secretaries and PCC average for other Dioceses. 227 Readers; 166 Southwark Pastoral challenges and pressures, Giving Team would be on hand Auxiliaries; three new Lay Pioneers.

CROYDON Vocations EPISCOPAL AREA Treasurers on 28 January In addition, more than 70% 56 people in training; parishes have, adapted and to help, and also assured them of 100% recommendation rate at Bishops’ Advisory Panels.

Mission expressing his “heartfelt of parishes have maintained 207 Children and Young People’s workers and responded.” his prayers and blessing. volunteers affirmed at Area events; 28 new grants made for projects or training; three children baptised with full immersion at Southwark Splash! thanks” for the generosity or increased their pledges JPIC 87 Southwark churches registered with Eco church plus 10 Bronze and five He added: “People have given in Questions about PSF pledges Silver awards given; 567 children offered healthy meals at Holiday Hunger for 2021. programmes with Together Southwark. of parishes in 2020. Training

1,862 attended 65 courses, including the popular Safeguarding Ground Floor Introduction to the New Testament; many innovative and different or giving more generally can be 53 attended Treasurers’ workshops. 2,060 people attended 93 courses; new matters rose by 32%; 2,244 DBS applications processed. Housing Despite the very difficult financial Bishop Christopher said: Our clergy housed and 380 residential properties ways to spread the light of addressed to Gabby Parikh, Head maintained, with condition surveys completed in Communications nearly 70% of vicarages. 101,150 users and 402,823 page views DAC/Pastoral Department of our Diocesan conditions resulting from the “In this Epiphany season, website. Christ in our neighbourhoods.” of Giving, at gabby.parikh@ 94 formal recommendations made to parishes plus 125 List B items approved by Archdeacons creating inclusive, welcoming places of worship.

pandemic, the collection rate for as we celebrate the light of Walking Welcoming Growing *All figures relate to 2019 southwark.anglican.org Walking Parish Support Fund 2021 Resourcing God’s mission in Southwark Diocese Welcoming Growing 9 The Bishop reassured parishes

More images and local stories online — follow our blog or find us on social media @SouthwarkCofE 2 | The BRIDGE February 2021

A view from ‘Rainbow Granny’ awarded The Lancelot Andrewes medal

BRIDGE There was rejoicing at St Mary Magdalene, Wandsworth As we ponder how the year will During the full lockdown the Finance Common on 14 January as Joan Taylor received the Lancelot unfold before us, wondering when Director and I were signing and Andrewes medal for “Godly we can see loved ones, enjoy a exchanging documents over our service and zeal for the Gospel”. meal with friends and neighbours garden fences for this payment or that or simply browse in a shop, all lease and the Coronavirus Task Group, Joan (right) had received news of set up by Bishop Christopher, of around us nature is waking up the award on All Saints Day, which which I am privileged to be a member, to spring. also happened to be her 90th was even meeting daily at the start of birthday. Joan joined the church in Even in central London, along the pandemic. 1938 and is part of its fabric. She Commonwealth Headquarters, Bankside, I spotted daisies; and In this issue, we celebrate, along served continuously on the PCC during which time she travelled to nodding snowdrops can be seen in with Bishop Christopher, his 10 from 1962 until last year, including the Falkland Islands to support the the parks, pushing their way though years as our Diocesan bishop (see many years as a superbly efficient re-establishment of Girl Guiding after the earth. page 9). I am sure that we are PCC Secretary. She also blazed a trail the war. Life, in abundance, is around us but deeply appreciative of his pastoral in 1976 as St Mary Magdalene’s first Joan’s Guiding connections go back we are all rather weary and most care for all of us, his determination female Churchwarden. to childhood days. She still volunteers of us are feeling the pressure of that the people of South London “Being an active member of the body at her original unit, the Eighth Upper sustained lockdown. Looking ahead and East Surrey should be well of Christ was instilled in Joan through Tooting, where today’s leaders pay is sometimes a challenge in itself but served by ministry and that we can her confirmation as a teenager,” said tribute to her formative influence and we do; rejoicing in simple pleasures, openly rejoice in and celebrate our the Revd Philippa Boardman, Vicar where she is affectionately known as noticing more around us, trying to be diversity. We thank God for Bishop of St Mary Magdalene. “The vicar at “Rainbow Granny”. patient, to be more open to change. Christopher’s leadership and we wish the time told Joan that, having been him continued strength and energy as Speaking of the award, Joan said with In the past year I have had to learn a confirmed, she now had the choice of typical modesty: “I was surprised and he leads us through these challenging singing in the choir or junior church great deal about myself. I’ve also had times, always looking ahead, always honoured to receive this award and to think about changing the patterns leadership. Joan chose junior church not sure you should get an award for mindful of the sacrifices of those who – and hundreds of children and their of working for the staff team. I spent came before us. doing something you love. I’ve been weeks last summer, with colleagues, children after them are so grateful at St Mary Magdalene since 1938 preparing how we should best re- As we approach Lent, we will be she made that choice.” and there have been the usual ups open Trinity House post-COVID, calling to mind all that we have In her career Joan was an ambulance and downs along the way. But I really only to need to go into a form of learned about ourselves and our faith driver and then went on to work enjoy being here and really feel part restrictions very after we had done during these times, thinking about as International Secretary at Guide of the family.” so. The ebb and flow of how we need how we have sought to remain Christ- to manage our lives seems to be centred and outward-focused even constantly jostling for our attention though we have been largely home- in our work as, with urgency, we seek based. to maintain the essential services to Most of us will be at home on Ash Bishop Christopher ordains the Revd Joe Moore our parishes. Wednesday as we reflect on our faith. The Diocese has nearly 400 We will begin this journey of Lent The Revd Joe Moore was residential properties and you can with a sharper sense of what it means ordained to the priesthood at imagine how it must have been for to be alive to serve God, to know St Christopher, Walworth on 20 our clergy families seeking repairs or loss, to appreciate the care of the December 2020. The service had moving when there were virtually no stranger and to be alive to God’s love been postponed because Joe had as each day unfolds. I pray that we are contractors, suppliers and supplies been self-isolating at the time of humbled by the privilege of grace and were scarce, and more than one the Diocese’s other in clergy family was unable to move faith as we see the little snowdrop October. Bishop Christopher said: as there were simply no removal push its way through the earth to life. “So glad to ordain Father Joe to the priesthood at St Christopher’s facilities! Ruth Martin Walworth so close to Christmas!”

The Bridge is produced & published by: Next Issue: Submission deadline and guidance Press and Communications, The Diocese of Southwark, Trinity House, The MARCH edition is due to be published online on 1 March 2021. Material for 4 Chapel Court, Borough High Street, London SE1 1HW that edition must be with Sophia Jones by e-mail by MONDAY 22 FEBRUARY. Tel: 020 7939 9400 E-mail: [email protected] Space limitations mean that we cannot guarantee to publish everything we receive The Editorial Team from Press Editorial Group: and material may be edited. All photographs submitted for publication are assumed to and Communications: Ruth Martin have the necessary permission for printing. So, please ensure that people are happy Commissioning Editor: Jane Steen for their photographs to be submitted before you do so. Sophia Jones Editorial Adviser (vacant) Forms for permission for the use of photographs of children and adults who may be Editor: Abigail Sanderson Sophia Jones vulnerable can be found at southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding/diocesan-policies- Advertising and Distribution: procedures Susana Rojas

The Bridge — in print, in your parish, and online at southwark.anglican.org/thebridge February 2021 The BRIDGE | 3 It’s been a tough year ― but Archbishop Justin marks now we are looking ahead major Becket anniversary Last year was very challenging for all of us, our parishes and churches, Archbishop Justin in and we know that the challenges the pulpit at Southwark will continue into 2021, writes Cathedral. Diocesan Secretary Ruth Martin.

We have all been encouraged by the positivity, support, and hard work shown by clergy and lay leaders in our parishes in enabling worship in new and, especially, online forms, and in supporting their local communities in numerous ways, such as setting up continuing to ensure that they are fit vaccination centres like the one at St for purpose. Paul, Thornton Heath (right). During the year, the Coronovirus Task Growth Group set up by Bishop Christopher We will continue the rollout of the The Most Revd , own. We do know better than him in met sometimes daily, more often weekly, Strategic Development Funding , some areas. But too often his courage is to ensure we could issue guidance as initiatives we have already started in preached at not our own either. Simplicity, humility, it developed. In addition, we issued six different areas of the Diocese. We on 11 December 2020 as part of a boldness must be our virtues as a Church guidance to allow parishes the greatest will also support parishes and deaneries special service marking the 850th that is deeply Christian and that comes, as amount of flexibility over their usual as they emerge from these challenges anniversary since the death of it did with Becket, from a deeply rooted APCM arrangements, seeking to reduce through grants for Fresh Expressions Thomas Becket. love for Jesus Christ.” pressures and enable parishes to focus of Church and pioneering initiatives, on their mission and ministry priorities. and the rollout of the Growing Faith Canon Richard Hearn, the Dean of St Southwark Cathedral has always had a George’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in special connection with Thomas Becket. It The Diocese, too, sought to ensure that Initiative for our children and families. Southwark, and Father Philip Andrews, was the very last place that he preached, enabling ministry across the Diocese with Strategic ministry, vision to the Archbishop of Southwark, on 11 December 1170, before leaving a clear focus on the Southwark Vision and deployment also attended. They brought with them the for Canterbury where he was murdered continued to be the topmost priority relic of St Thomas which was processed 18 days later. last year and now in the year ahead. We have developed a strategic policy in into the Cathedral at the start of the which the diversity and enhancement The Dean, Andrew Nunn, said: “We The 2021 Annual Objectives, which have service. of lay ministries, as well as diversity in wanted to mark this part of Thomas been accepted by Diocesan Synod and ordained ministries, will be underpinned During his sermon, Archbishop Justin Becket’s story with a special service. the Diocesan Council of Trustees, focus by lay and ordained pioneer ministry spoke of the necessity of our Church and We are thrilled that the Archbishop of as we move forwards in the Southwark all those in it, like Thomas Becket, speaking Canterbury is delivering a sermon on the We have all been encouraged Vision. All this will be undergirded by out against injustice regardless of the cost. very same day and in the same place that strong, long-term financial modelling. his predecessor preached 850 years ago.” by the positivity, support, and He said: “Becket’s cause is not our Safeguarding hard work shown by clergy and We will maintain safeguarding as a lay leaders in our parishes priority, with delivery of training and the implementation of any changes Bereavement service launched emerging from reviews such as IICSA on a number of key themes. Central and implementing new national guidance Bishop Christopher’s Officer for to them all is resourcing, supporting as it evolves. Clergy Bereavement, the Revd and enabling our parishes and the Canon Yvonne Tulloch, is urging Marks of Mission communities we serve. clergy to prepare themselves for the Resilience in finances We will focus on the outworking of “tsunami of grief” resulting from and budget the Five Marks of Mission through the COVID-19 deaths. Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Synod and our Trustees approved a Department into our wider Diocese Yvonne (pictured right), who is working budget in 2021 that will not result in as part of our Christ-centred and with partners in the Loss and HOPE a surplus or a balanced budget but a outward-focused mission and ministry certain deficit. This is because we need coalition to equip churches to support the in challenging times. This will include our to enable our parishes to recover. We bereaved, has made available online a six- work towards becoming an Eco Diocese, are also committed to sustaining our session course on supporting those who playing our part in supporting initiatives parishes and retaining the strength of are grieving. to combat serious youth violence, and stipendiary parish clergy, as well as combating food poverty. wanting to continue to innovate. She said: “Whether people have died of to make it easy for any church to run Within these broad areas there are very Coronavirus or another cause in the are available online, with accompanying We will prepare and regularly review specific and target objectives to which last year, bereavement has been a lonely training for volunteers and leaders. our spending and budgets, reporting the Diocese will work, including for experience. We encourage everyone to to each Synod as well as each meeting example the launch of our new website. look out for people who are grieving and Find more information on the Loss and Hope of the Trustees, and carefully managing Further details of the work we are doing website: www.lossandhope.org deployment of our staff for a year of simply get in touch. Even in lockdown we can be found on our website and, as certain deficit and economic uncertainty. can listen and show kindness.” we continue to work as hard as we can We will be looking towards a more Vaccination success stories for our parishes and deaneries, we also The Bereavement Journey, created by settled financial environment from 2022. want to thank you for the tremendous the signposting website Ataloss.org, is a See page 8 for more on how the Last year we reduced the number of work and faith you have given in the six-session ecumenical course of films and Diocese is responding to the posts in Trinity House and in 2021 past year, and to pray for your continued discussion groups led by volunteers. Now, Coronavirus crisis. our priorities will include completing commitment to the Southwark Vision in all the resources and support needed condition surveys on our vicarages and the year to come. 4 | The BRIDGE February 2021

The team bags up the Angels CHRISTMAS ready for ROUND-UP delivery. Meet the ‘Angel ninjas’ spreading the Christmas message in Horley

Tim Hill, Horley Team Ministry’s new Pioneer Worker, reflects on an unusual evangelism initative ― and an evening spent in freezing fog

Creeping around on a dark, damp estate, Mothers’ Union and many others were wrapped up against the freezing fog, a all over it! More than 200 Angels were small group from Horley Team Ministry, knitted and then bagged and tagged at St led by myself and the Revd Sue Bosley, the Bartholomew, Horley with great efficiency. , delivered Angels by stealth. The bags also contained a card with the This wasn’t how evangelism usually looks, Good News on one side and church but getting the good news of Jesus out contact details on the reverse. Tied with to the community can be done in gold ribbon saying “take me home”, many ways. the attractive little packages were left for people to find on We were inspired by fences, trees and bushes. the Angel project in Old Coulsdon the The brave team of Angel ninjas year before and we were Les and Archie Wells, In the morning, excited children found We hoped that the message of joy would knew the knitters Dorothy Lupinda, Penny them on their way to school and their into homes on the Acres Estate in north- of the Horley Parish Lockhead and Naomi delighted mums gave permission for them east Horley and lead to many further could work quickly. The Ngururi. to pluck one and put it in their school bag. conversations.

Comfort eating brings joy at St Anselm, Kennington Delivering the Nativity door to door in Hurst Green

North Lambeth Parish sits right at the heart of inner-city London and benefits from an astonishingly varied community, writes Suzette Aagard. St Anselm’s Church reflects this rich heritage within its congregation. Recognising the struggles that so many of us have faced over the last months, the church team felt that it would be a useful exercise to compile comfort food recipes drawn Angus Aagard and Comfort box. from childhoods in Sierra Leone, Ghana, Eritrea or Yorkshire. reached out to the local community for sponsorship of Christmas boxes The team at St John, Hurst Green knew they wanted to connect with Eventually we put together a book of which we offered to local families families during Advent and Christmas, but how were they to go about more than 70 recipes – and prayers in receipt of free school meals or it with the lockdown restrictions in place? or thoughts ― from parishioners and known to us to be in need of a boost. those close to the church, including The answer was a “Nativity in a Box” (above left). Each box contained Archdeacon and We eventually put together 120 the materials needed to create a Nativity scene, plus an instruction Archbishop Justin and Mrs Caroline Comfort & Joy boxes, filled with booklet, prayers and some sweet treats. Mary and Joseph were crafted luxury Christmassy foods, board Welby. Altogether, 24 different from toilet rolls, the Angel came from a cake case, and a donkey came games, age-appropriate toys for countries were represented. from a cardboard cut-out and pegs. each child, crackers, mince pies, We were extremely grateful to be holding crosses and a miniature The boxes were delivered to 60 families around the parish, who each recipients of a Diocesan COVID Christmas tree. also received an additional box to pass on to a friend. The families then grant to help with producing shared pictures of their creations (above centre and right). the book, and all profits will be The boxes were received with unalloyed pleasure and it was forwarded to FareShare, a charity Among many positive comments, Francesca Gauntlett told the team: fighting food poverty. such a privilege to give out simple offerings of comfort and joy just “I wanted to say a huge thank you for your delivery last week. Comfort As a sister initiative, St Anselm’s also before Christmas. and joy indeed! It brought such light and excitement into our house.” February 2021 The BRIDGE | 5

When Santa takes the toys Arts minister opens doors in instead of giving them... Battersea with Advent windows

The Revd Edd Stock, Incumbent at Holy Trinity, Sydenham and Forest Hill, and Voluntary Services Lewisham (VSL) got some extra help this year from Santa. Instead of delivering presents, “Reverse Santa” collected them from people’s doorsteps, so that the gifts could be passed on to vulnerable families in Lewisham. Over a period of four evenings, “Reverse Santa” visited more than 60 homes, including a nursery, and collected more than 300 presents. Edd said: “Having Father Christmas drop by brought joy to the community, whilst at the same time giving a way for families to help support those who are struggling. It also enabled In what is fast becoming a Christmas tradition, families to receive Christmas Nine Elms in Battersea played host to a multi- presents who would otherwise media Advent Calendar throughout December. would have gone without.” The project is led by the Revd Betsy Blatchley, Pioneer Minister in the Arts in Nine Elms, and showcases the work of local artists in an “Advent trail” around the area. Patron saint of children Pictured above (clockwise from above): Lockdown drops in on St James, Merton Inn, part of the triptych mural at St George’s CE Primary by Felicity Prazak; Dancing in the Starlight by Anna Cowie in collaboration with Melanie Porter, displayed at Scott House; Sam Haynes’ Disco lights in the darkness at Black Cab Coffee Company; Lighthouse, a collaboration between FASTLondon youth group and Signs by Joe, displayed at FASTLondon on the Patmore Estate.

Southwark Cathedral heads out into the community for a new kind of carol service

With so many people unable to visit as usual this Christmas, the team at Southwark Cathedral decided to do a different kind St Nicholas dropped in on St of carol service. The result was James, Merton on Sunday 6 Journey to Bethlehem, an online December, as he does every carol service which interspersed year, to receive and bless gifts singing by the Cathedral choir for the White Lodge in Surrey, with a journey round the local which helps those with a range area, while members of the local of disabilities, their families and community told the Christmas carers to lead fulfilling lives. story, among them Maureen Lynch of Living Bankside and the Bread The Vicar at St James, the Revd Ahead Bakery (right). Canon Dr James Rosenthal, founded the St Nicholas Society Watch the service on the Cathedral’s in 1999. “There is a bit of St YouTube channel at bit.ly/3tzN32O Nicholas in all of us,” he said. 6 | The BRIDGE February 2021

CARE FOR CREATION Why small steps could change

A team from the world St Mary, Lewisham, In the year of the UN Climate Conference, Southwark’s Environment building a Administration Co-ordinator Laura Baggaley looks at how the raised bed in their Diocese is tackling climate change ― and what you can do to help therapeutic garden. It was July 2019 when the Diocese of times of the pandemic, such as the stories Southwark voted unanimously to become on these pages. an Eco Diocese. Six months later, when The pandemic has changed so much but, General Synod voted for the Church to of course, what hasn’t changed is the become carbon neutral by 2030, no one urgency of the climate and ecological had any idea we were about enter the crisis gripping our planet. In November turbulence of a global pandemic. The opportunity offered by the a mandate from their people, without a this year, 12 months later than planned, conference is a vital one. Humankind’s sense that this is what society is calling So, what progress have we made? Despite the UK will host leaders from all over overconsumption and waste of resources, for, they may not recognise the need or the challenges of recent months, there is the world at the United Nations Climate and the corresponding destruction of have the strength to act. Small individual good news to report. In the 18 months Conference, otherwise known as COP26. ecosystems and extinction of plant and actions and international systemic change since the vote at Diocesan Synod, Eco The COP26 summit will bring together animal life, is devastating God’s earth. We are two sides of the same coin. We need Church registrations in Southwark have delegates including heads of state, are destroying not only our children’s them all, in the same way that we need doubled. Almost a third of all Southwark climate experts and negotiators, to agree futures but our own; global heating the Cathedral and Diocesan Offices to churches are now registered with the coordinated action to tackle climate and the decimation of biodiversity are work as wholeheartedly towards carbon A Rocha Eco Church scheme (ecochurch. change and to accelerate movement accelerating and millions of people in the neutrality as the most committed PCC, arocha.org.uk). Of those, 19 have achieved towards the goals of the Paris Agreement Global South are already suffering the individual or Eco Deanery. Bronze Awards, and six have been and the UN Framework Convention on effects of climate change. awarded prestigious Silver Awards. We are Each of us has a part to play. In the run-up Climate Change. well on our way to achieving Bronze Eco What does this have to do with the to COP26, 2021 has been declared the Diocese status and working hard to get As well as the negotiations, countries, Diocese of Southwark? Our pledge to UK’s Year of Climate Action (together-for- there before 2021 is out. international organisations and other become a Bronze Eco Diocese sounds our-planet.ukcop26.org). The Government delegates will showcase climate action, small in the context of planetary disaster. will be “working closely with businesses, These figures are a real testament to highlight diverse climate change issues and But it is small steps such as these, carried civil society groups, schools and people the dedicated efforts being made by so share knowledge. There is a fresh sense out imperfectly by every member of our across the UK as part of our conversation many people in so many churches, and of hope since the new US President, Joe community, that will add up to meaningful on tackling climate change... Many people it is heartening to hear how much is Biden, has committed America to re- change. Yes, the governments of the continuing to be done during the difficult joining the Paris Climate Accord. world must take the lead. But without Continued on page 7

St Mark, North Downham: Eco Church Bronze Award Holder

St Mark’s North Downham, Since becoming Vicar at renewable energy and such as cost in terms of both in Catford, began the Downham, Nick started looking encouraging church members time and finances. “We have process of becoming an into opportunities to teach and to do the same. The vicarage is also found quite a challenge in Eco Church in 2019 and lead the church in this aspect also 100% renewable energy. communicating the importance achieved its bronze award of mission. “When my church of care for creation across “We have been exploring with in April 2020. warden heard about the A cultural differences, and one of our partner charities the Rocha Eco Church Award and generally overcoming the ‘what “I have been passionate about potential of using our garden brought this to the attention of difference does it make’ attitude God’s kingdom extending over to encourage local children to our DCC, this seemed like the that is endemic in society.” the whole of creation for many grow plants. Our sister church ideal and achievable opportunity years. I remember hearing a with whom we share a vicar has His advice to other churches to explore,” he continued. speaker from A Rocha during also partnered with South East thinking about becoming an Eco my undergraduate Much of 2020 saw the church made. However, they switched London Community Energy Church was this: “The A Rocha degree and the passages that buildings out of use, reducing to 100% renewable energy as a (SELCE) to install solar panels Eco Church audit is accessible she highlighted about the the church’s carbon footprint, result of the Eco Church review. to generate renewable energy,” and achievable and could make goodness and redemption of all but it has also been difficult said Nick. a real difference to the impact of creation resonated with me,” to measure the impact its Eco Eco-friendly initiatives have our churches have on our Nick outlined some challenges, said Vicar, the Revd Nick Walsh. Church commitments have included switching to 100% environment, go for it!” February 2021 The BRIDGE | 7

Continued from page 6 The Ascension, Balham Hill: Eco Church Bronze Award holder from all over the UK are already doing their bit on climate change. We want Two years ago, members from The electricity is 100% from renewable to celebrate them and inspire more to Ascension, Balham Hill attended energy, and all their lights are LED. join them.” a conference run by Christian They also use recycled printing It is hard to read the environmental environmental charity A Rocha, and and toilet paper. they haven’t looked back. Today, reports that seem to bring worse news “I recently calculated our energy they’re a Bronze award-winning month by month. The ice is melting faster footprint and our energy emissions Eco Church. than scientists ever predicted, tracking per person hour rating. It is A+. worst-case climate warming scenarios. “The conference was deeply challenging Bearing in mind we have lots One million species are at risk of and also inspiring,” said Dan Francis, of activities in the church extinction in the near future. Around 40% Operations Director at The Ascension. and pre-COVID of plants are considered endangered, and “We felt that we needed to take we easily had insects are disappearing rapidly in many practical action as part of caring for 1,000 people regions. If deforestation of the Amazon creation and being good stewards of this accessing continues at its current rate, the “lungs of planet. “ the church the earth” will become a desert. per month for He added: “A lot of our changes have a variety of It is easy to feel overwhelmed. However, been in response to the recommended activities. So it is not at all difficult to take action! The actions in A Rocha’s Eco Church Survey. that’s pretty best remedy for eco anxiety or stress is It is such a helpful guide. When we good,” said to do something, however small. Here are started thinking about this we didn’t Dan. just a few ideas... know where to start and having a nice • Churches all over the country are helpful guideline really helped us to Dan believes that joining the Climate Sunday initiative, pinpoint those areas.” all churches should “Go for it! It doesn’t happen holding services to explore the After filling in A Rocha’s Eco survey, they overnight. You have to be theological and scientific basis of took a number of small, incremental patient with this.” creation care and action on climate, to steps to change their carbon footprint. pray and to commit to action. He added: “There Initiatives include Parish Refill (see See www.climatesunday.org can be the financial right), where they sell a variety of ethical • Action can take the form of implications, too. So, if products such as vegan animal cruelty campaigning, committing to personal you’re moving from one free shampoo. The Ascension’s coffee lifestyle changes, or working to reduce electricity supplier to shop, Parish Coffee, uses Fairtrade the carbon footprint of your church. another, that can potentially organic coffee in combustible cups. The National Church has a practical be in a higher tariff to spend The furniture is reclaimed wood. Their path to “carbon net zero” including if they are renewable.” guidelines and a downloadable checklist, together with an invaluable series of webinars. See bit.ly/36PUpWo • A group of leading Christian charities Christ Church, South Nutfield: Eco Church Silver Award Holder have collaborated on the Climate Emergency Toolkit, which provides a Christ Church, South Nutfield road map for how to take action in became an Eco-Church from your church or institution. See the first year the scheme www.climateemergencytoolkit.com started. They have achieved both • Hope For The Future is supporting bronze and silver awards and plan churches and faith groups in contacting to work towards the gold when MPs, to encourage and support our COVID-19 allows. political leaders to make the necessary radical environmental commitments “We have cut down on fuel use by at COP26. Clear support from local thermostatic control and encourage faith groups gives a strong mandate for people to wear warm clothes,” said political leadership on climate change, Veronica Hamilton, who runs Christ and our voice as Christians has never Church’s Environment group. “We also been needed more. See www.hftf.org. use a green energy provider. We have uk/faith adopted LED lights where possible and • Finally, the A Rocha Eco Church encourage switching off lights when the scheme provides a framework for sun shines!” action, offering suggestions for eco Other eco-friendly initiatives adopted Attending the mass lobby for Climate, Nature and People in 2019. initiatives large and small, from green by the church include recycled paper, cleaning products to solar panels. The church also conducts an community buildings of the village, Fairtrade coffee and tea, and using china • Within Southwark Diocese, we have a Environment service at least once a year. including the Christ Church Centre. cups and plates. team keen to offer advice and support To achieve the Gold award, they aim Veronica is passionate that others to our clergy and congregations. Our “We encourage the congregation to work with the wider community become Eco Churches, “As Christians Diocesan Environment Officer, Area to make changes in their lifestyle to on the local environmental impact. In we have a responsibility to care for Advisors, Environment Coordinator reduce driving and plastic use, buy 2019, they met with their local MP God’s beautiful creation, and Church Buildings Officer are all on second-hand clothes, shop locally and as a result formed a village-wide and to follow in our Lord’s hand to answer questions, make visits for organic and locally produced organisation called Nutfield’s Greener footsteps in establishing climate or give talks. Visit southwark.anglican. food, eat Animal Friendly food and Future. “We organised public meetings and trade justice, protecting the org/help/jpic/environment fairly traded produce,” said Veronica. and placed several articles in the poor and weak. Unfortunately “Sometimes this has been done with village magazine before we and the for a long time it was a As Christians we have a biblical mandate sermons and through demonstrations magazine were shut down by COVID neglected aspect of Christian and moral imperative to care for God’s as part of the children’s teaching, and restrictions,” recalled Veronica. calling and we need to creation. In caring for the earth we show often we use articles, some in the repent of past inaction and our love for God and the great gift of his village magazine, some in the church One of the aims of the group is to give it full attention now.” Creation. By living simply and speaking out, weekly Seed news.” have solar power installations on the we might change everything for the better. 8 | The BRIDGE February 2021

IN FOCUS... Coronavirus vaccinations

Senior Southwark clergy join vaccination drive

Black clergy in the Diocese of “Fear and mistrust can make a huge Bishop Karowei gets his jab (left); the Southwark have been spearheading difference in a community,” he said. “When Revd Jean Yearwood, who has urged a campaign to overcome reluctance there is fear people can act completely friends and family to get the vaccine among the UKME/BAME community inappropriately and irrationally. So a lot as she herself has done (above). to being vaccinated. of the irrational behaviour we are seeing is being fed by the fear of the unknown, Their efforts came after GPs sounded the designed to bust myths and reassure Leading by example misinformation and lack of trust.” participants. Around 100 people turned alarm over a lack of take-up of the vaccine The Revd Jean Yearwood, a retired Senior up on 28 January to hear Dr Tolullah Oni among UKME/BAME communities, with Rosemarie also has a background in Midwifery Manager and PTO, has also been answer questions. this population 10 times as likely not to medical research, which she said made vocal on her social media channels and to show up for their appointments. At the her confident in the science behind the Dr Oni is an urban epidemiologist at the friends and family about the benefits of same time, a survey of UK households vaccine. “I’m urging anyone who has Medical Research Council Epidemiology the vaccine. She was shocked when people revealed that up to 72% of UKME/BAME doubts about taking it to do the research Unit at the University of Cambridge, and in her community tried to dissuade her people were unlikely to have the jab. for themselves rather than listening to the an expert in viruses as they affect UKME/ from having her jab. conspiracies,” she added. BAME communities. She discussed drug Bishop Karowei, a former GP and hospital “I encourage everyone and anyone trials, efficacy, side effects, and the need doctor, has been vocal in his support for Myth-busting who will listen that it is a lifeline for for everyone to take part. “At the end of vaccination. Together with Rosemarie people around the world to the deadly Woolwich MEACC also took action to the day we all breathe the same air and Mallett, , he counteract disinformation in the Black Coronavirus that is ravaging people,” she has released a video urging the Black this virus is primarily transmitted through community by staging an online event said. “We need to act now.” community to accept the vaccine. aerosol droplets,” she said.

Croydon chaplain Andy Dovey recruits vaccination volunteers GET INVOLVED The Revd Andy Dovey, Lead for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, managed to recruit at least 1,000 Watch our video subjects for vaccination when the roll-out The Diocese of Southwark’s leading began in December 2020. Black clergy, the Rt Revd Dr , , and the Andy reached out to his contacts in churches and the Venerable Dr , local community to identify over-80s who would be Archdeacon of Croydon, have released suitable for the vaccine. In this way, vulnerable people a video urging UKME/BAME people to who might otherwise have had to wait were brought take the vaccine when they are offered early to the attention of medical personnel. it. You can watch the video, which has Andy (pictured right) said: “The response has been been viewed nearly 2,600 times, on amazing. I am really grateful to the community of the Southwark YouTube channel: churches that have pulled together to support our youtu.be/1wtcvdDbIWg congregations in these difficult times.” Find the facts If you or a loved one is concerned about taking the vaccine, the South East London Clinical Commissioning Group has produced a series of helpful St Paul’s vaccination centre hopes to keep community safe myth-busting fact sheets which can be found here: selondonccg.nhs.uk/ what-we-do/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine/ St Paul, Thornton Heath has The NHS website also has a page with further information on the partnered with the NHS to set itself Coronavirus vaccine, including what to expect when having the jab and up as a vaccination centre for the possible side effects. Find out more here: bit.ly/39zY6kU local community. Between 4,500 and 5,000 people have The Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) received their jabs since the programme is planning to bring out a fact sheet on the vaccines, covering everything started in the week beginning 4 from contraindications to expected side effects. The SAGE website is January. Healthcare staff are also taking here: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/scientific-advisory-group-for- the vaccine out to care homes, the emergencies housebound and the clinically vulnerable who have received shielding letters. At St Paul’s vaccination centre. Read a personal story The Revd Derrick Thompson, Incumbent having so many people coming through the The Revd Canon Dr Sue Clarke, retired consultant and PTO in the at St Paul’s, said: “We are very pleased to building will not only help the fight against Diocese, shared her story of becoming a vaccinator with her local GP be partnering with the NHS in such an Coronavirus, but will also increase the surgery. Read more on the Diocese’s Hearts on Fire blog here: important programme, and are hoping that profile of St Paul’s in the local area.” bit.ly/RainbowScrubs February 2021 The BRIDGE | 9

IN FOCUS... Celebrating Bishop Christopher

The 10 years since Bishop Christopher received the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Charge in 2011 have been a time of great change and activity for the Diocese. To celebrate his decade in post, this page shares some highlights, from the reopening of Borough Market after the terrorist attack in 2017 and the Paralympic Torch Relay in 2012, to snapshots from pilgrimages across the globe.

Clockwise from top: Bishop Christopher and Mayor Sadiq Khan at the reopening of Borough Market after the 2017 terrorist attack; the Queen visits Southwark Cathedral in 2013; celebrating 20 years of women in 2014; on pilgrimage in Zimbabwe in 2018; Bishop Christopher visits India in 2014; pilgrims to the Holy Land in 2013; laying the foundations of St Michael and All Angels in 2012; Bishop Christopher stands at his enthronement in 2011 with the Rt Revd Richard Chartres, then ; the Paralympic Torch Relay comes through Southwark in 2012. 10 | The BRIDGE February 2021

DISCIPLESHIP & MINISTRY Bishop’s Lent Call

Why this year’s Lent Call wants us to feed the hungry

Each year the Bishop of Southwark but they might instead have time to offer issues a Lent Call to the people of in prayer or as a volunteer. the Diocese, writes the Revd Canon Wendy Robins. The projects The five food banks in the Diocese all This year, the Lent Call focuses on food A school boy in Zimbabwe (above). Many people are currently struggling to bring much-needed food to those in need. insecurity and projects in this Diocese as get enough to eat there. A volunteer for LewCAS (inset, left). Each of them has found that the need well as in our Link Dioceses in Zimbabwe for their work has increased a great deal and Jerusalem. because of the pandemic. no other means of obtaining the things The project we are supporting is designed The Lent Call materials share information they need to live. The Lunchbox Library to be able to offer $100 (about £74) to Week One looks at the work of St about the work that is being undertaken works to ensure that children have a up to 50 vulnerable families so they can Matthew, Redhill, in the Croydon by five food banks in the Diocese, a food warm meal and a safe space to be during feed themselves for about a month. This Episcopal Area, where the average cost project in Jerusalem, and feeding and the day during school holidays. will enable them to buy basic foodstuffs of a weekly household parcel is £30. They agricultural projects in the four Dioceses and household goods. The main aim of this deliver 100 a week. Our Linked Dioceses with which we are linked in Zimbabwe. project is to ensure food security among In Week Two, two food banks In Zimbabwe there is always concern the families of the parishes of the Diocese. We have also supplied some reflective are featured from the Kingston about whether there is going to be materials and some fundraising ideas Please visit the materials on the website Episcopal Area: the Wandsworth enough rain for the crops will grow. which take account of the need to do and think and pray about what you read, Food Bank and the Norwood Now, there is also a worry about too many things online. Do look at them and consider how you can help the and Brixton Food Bank. Both much rain in the rainy season: when we and use them, both to pray for the projects being supported by the Bishop’s are part of the Trussell Trust last heard from our brothers and sisters work that we are featuring and Lent Call 2021. network which works to in Zimbabwe, they told us that some of to consider how best you provide food to those in the crops had been planted early in the might be able to raise funds need and to tackle the season in the hope of rain and sadly these to support it. Get involved... causes of food insecurity. had been washed away. At this time of challenge for Since the pandemic Many are finding food hard to procure For more information on us all, it is important that they have seen demand because they do not have work and there the projects in this year’s we use Lent as a time to almost double as people is not always a lot in the shops. So, in stop and consider all that are forced into poverty. Lent Call or to download the many of the Dioceses there are feeding resources, visit southwark. God has done for us and programmes, often related to Diocesan Week Three goes to anglican.org/lentcall how we can best respond. the Woolwich Episcopal schools, from which they can feed the Some people might find that Area, and LewCAS and students and surrounding villages. Donate via your church or they are spending less as a Together Southwark: our JustGiving page: www. result of the pandemic and The Diocese of Jerusalem has experienced Lunchbox Library. LewCAS justgiving.com/campaign/ could offer financial support a sharp decline in income because of the works with refugees and lack of tourism, the inability to collect bishopslentcall2021 to the projects. Others may asylum seekers who have have less to give financially school fees and the loss of other income.

A round up of some of the best Lent resources available elsewhere

Reflections for Lent from St Holy Week Voices from the 40 Days with God’s Creatures Live Lent George’s College, Jerusalem Holy Land www.40dayswithgodscreatures.org www.churchofengland.org/livelent

Register at www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/ resources@ shop/lenten-book; £7.99 (funds will go This free, Live Lent: Our story, God’s story,

Reflections for Lent interactive is the Lent sgcjerusalem.org from to the Friends of the Holy Land) St George’s College to receive the Jerusalem course offers campaign for

OF THE This book was GIVING HOPE TO VULNERABLE CHRISTIANS participants 2021, written the course and for A River Through The Desert - A River Through the Desert inspired by the the chance to Revd Stephen A Lenten Pilgrimage queries A Lenten Pilgrimage Six sessions for groups and individuals exploring the experiences reflect on how Hance, a PTO geography of the Holy Land, following Jesus from Galilee to Golgotha. Each session will reßect on the theme with questions Christian faith in the Diocese This six-session for exploration. of a There are links to short Þlms from the Holy Land. Lent Guide Register to receive weekly sessions and for queries: shapes our and the National course for [email protected] going through Creatively exploring Christian groups and Easter during perceptions perceptions of animals Church lead individuals lockdown last of animals for Evangelism explores the geography of the year. It shares and how the and Witness. Holy Land, following Jesus from his poems Gospel message The book and Galilee to Golgotha. The course is imagining the affects all of God’s creatures. accompanying led by the Very Revd Canon Richard experiences Contributors include the Revd Ian daily reflections Sewell, Dean of St George’s and of key players in the First Easter, Tattum, Area Dean of Wandsworth. encourage people to think about formerly Team Rector at Barnes juxtaposed with reflections on The course is also available via a their calling and how to share their Team Ministry. key themes. free, easy-to-use app. faith. There is also an app. February 2021 The BRIDGE | 11 WHAT’S ON St Francis, Selsdon aims to become a one-stop shop Please send details of your next events for MARCH ONWARDS to Trinity House BY MONDAY 22 FEBRUARY

February of Human Geography at Cambridge WEDNESDAY 23 FEBRUARY University. 8.00pm. Free. Register here: bit.ly/3cNNWPA  ONLINE — Questions of our Times We started our Food Stop in pudding, cream, crackers and presents - Truth: Christian Evidence webinars.  ONLINE — Church of England Net October 2019, a few months for all the family. We delivered to In the first of a series of webinars, Zero Carbon Webinars: To replace before the lockdown, writes the more than 50 families, which was a former Cabinet minister and prison or not replace? This webinar, one in Revd Peter Wyatt, Minister-in- mammoth task, but the reaction from chaplain, Revd Jonathan Aitken will be a series from the National Church, Charge at St Francis, Selsdon. members was priceless. discussing the question, “In a world of discusses what to expect when fake news, who can we trust?” 8.00pm, replacing a church’s heat and lighting. A Food Stop is different from a food We are so grateful for the Area Free. Register at christian-evidence. Led by chartered building services bank in the sense that members can Mission Grant which enabled us eventbrite.com engineer Susan Logan from EcoTeric. come every week if needed and pay to buy our first commercial fridge 12.00-1.00pm. Free. Register here: a modest fee of £3.50 a week. As and freezer and certainly got us off bit.ly/3q7IjiI soon as lockdown hit, o ur numbers the ground. March doubled overnight to around 30 to 35 In the future, when the pandemic is families a week. This equates to more TUESDAY 2 MARCH TUESDAY 23 MARCH over, we want to be able to offer more than 100 individuals being fed. services to our members, including  ONLINE — Questions of our Times  ONLINE — Questions of our Times At Christmas, we gave a hamper housing and debt advice, cooking - Health: How can I find wholeness in - Prayer and Spirituality: Is God really to every active member including a classes, and counselling and support a broken world? A Christian Evidence listening? Former Archbishop of turkey joint, vegetables, Christmas for people with mental health issues. webinar led by the Revd Dr Gillian Canterbury the Revd Dr Lord Rowan Straine, Director at the Guild of Health Williams of Oystermouth leads this and St Raphael. 8.00pm. Free. Register Christian Evidence webinar, the last in here: bit.ly/3pUsfB7 the series. 8.00pm. Free. Register here: bit.ly/3tAoT8k Southwark welcomes new Deputy Director of Vocations TUESDAY 9 MARCH  ONLINE — From Biology to Theology: April The Revd Raymond Baudon is How viruses challenge our perception to be the Diocese’s new Deputy of good and evil. Virologist Dr Mirjam SATURDAY 24 APRIL Diocesan Director of Ordinands. Schilling leads this seminar, one in a  series about science and faith from the ONLINE — Modern Slavery webinar Raymond currently serves as Faraday Institute. 1.00-2.00pm. Free. from the Reigate Archdeaconry, which curate at St John the Evangelist, No need to book; click this link at the aims to raise awareness of this issue East Dulwich; he was ordained in appropriate time: faraday.cam.ac.uk/ in the Surrey area. Speakers include 2018. Since 2019, he has been a events/seminars/ Carolyn Thom of Their Voice, Ross Diocesan Vocational Adviser. Spanton of Reigate and Banstead  ONLINE — Questions of our Times - Council, and Chief Superintendent Clive Before ordination, Raymond Race: Which lives matter? A Christian Davies and DC Bex Davies of Surrey (pictured right) had a successful Evidence webinar led by the Revd Joel Police. 9.30am-11.45am. Free. https:// legal career. After qualifying as Edwards CBE, Director of Advocacy at rasjfmodernslavery.eventbrite.co.uk a solicitor, he worked in a law Christian Solidarity Worldwide. 8.00pm. firm in Edinburgh specialising Free. Register here: bit.ly/3rtvDmJ in corporate finance.He moved to London in 2013 and, before WE NEED beginning training, worked as TUESDAY 11 MARCH an assistant in the chaplaincy at YOUR HELP! Raymond said of his appointment:  ONLINE — Church of England Net King’s College London. “I am delighted to have been Zero Carbon Webinars: The Effective The Revd Canon Leanne Roberts, offered the opportunity of this Management of Lighting. This webinar, We want the What’s On page Diocesan Director of Ordinands, new chapter in my ministry. one in a series from the National to reflect what’s happening said: “We are delighted to Although I am sad to be leaving Church, will cover all forms of church across Southwark, but we lighting. 4.00-5.00pm. Free. Register welcome Raymond as Deputy the parish of St John’s, I am need to hear from you. Director of Vocations. He clearly here: bit.ly/39QeBJA looking forward to getting has a great deal to offer the to know our candidates and If you have an event Diocese as we seek to encourage TUESDAY 16 MARCH taking place, either online and enable all those in our ordinands.” or in person, please e-mail parishes to consider the ways  ONLINE — Questions of our Times Raymond takes up his post after [email protected] in which God might be calling - the Environment: Can the future Easter. ever be green? A Christian Evidence Thank you! them.” webinar with Mike Hulme, Professor 12 | The BRIDGE February 2021 SDBE launches ‘Be a Blessing’ IN FOCUS... campaign to recruit governors Schools You will have seen and heard how badly the COVID-19 pandemic “I have been blessed by the is affecting our schools. It’s a big relationships I’ve built” challenge – and one that you Board of Education’s could help with, writes Penny Cox. Francis Neal Right now, the Southwark Diocesan Foundation Board of Education (SDBE) is running Governor, Director retires a campaign across its 105 schools, Holy Trinity nurseries and colleges to recruit CE Primary Christian volunteers to the role of After 13 years of service to the School Foundation Governor. The campaign Southwark Diocese Board of Richmond is called ‘Be a Blessing’ – because a “Being a Governor has been a Education (SDBE), seven of them blessing is exactly what governors are great way to contribute to the life as Director, Colin Powell retired in to a school. December 2020. of the school and help it live out What does a Governor do? its vision of loving learning, each Despite his success in the role, Colin’s other and God. It feels as though I Governors are responsible for move to the SDBE came about almost am supporting the school and staff, overseeing and contributing to the by accident. When he joined in 2007 especially at this difficult time, to leadership of a school. This includes as a Primary Adviser, Colin had been deliver an education to our children the school vision, strategy, budgeting, headteacher of Malden Parochial CE and to be an important part of the staffing and a school’s overall Primary in Worcester Park for a decade. local community.” “Everyone said I was mad,” he said. “I gave effectiveness. Foundation Governors Colin at a meeting of new up a substantive headship post to come are also key to strengthening and Michèle headteachers in 2019. here on a two-year temporary contract maintaining a school’s Christian Marcus and I’ve been here ever since.” character and ethos. Foundation challenge,” Colin acknowledged. “I think Full governing body meetings are Governor The gamble more than paid off. Among that, in this pandemic, all of us have had to held three or four times a year, and Chair of other achievements, Colin oversaw the work in a different way.” introduction of the Diocese’s Multi- and there are also a number of Governors, Yet the way in which his SDBE colleagues Academy Trust three years ago, and the smaller committee meetings. Holy Trinity and teachers in the Diocese responded SDBE’s long-cherished plans to open Governors typically don’t sit on all CE Primary made him proud. “I want to say to all a secondary school in Kingston are the committees, but all governors School Richmond our teachers, our governors and our well underway. During his tenure, too, will be on at least one committee. headteachers that they do an absolutely “School governance has been one the financial position of the SDBE has There will be various papers to read brilliant, superb job and they must never of those unexpected paths that stabilised; the Board now has a surplus in preparation for each meeting. underestimate the difference they make to God led me down. When I first and is financially secure. Governors are also encouraged to young people,” Colin said. get involved in school life, for example became a Foundation Governor Colin added: “One of the things we can I hadn’t a clue what I could offer As for what 2021 will bring, Colin doesn’t by attending assemblies, summer fairs be proud of is that we’re one of the top beyond time and a strong belief yet know. Just as he never planned his and so on. performing Diocesan Boards of Education. in the value of education. Like career ― “it just sort of happened and has We’ve worked very hard with our schools, The SDBE runs an excellent training most things in life, the more you been guided, I think, by God” ― he has no and with our heads and governors, to programme. Skills from the worlds of give the more you gain. Over the definite plans yet for retirement beyond make sure our schools do incredibly well.” finance, business, human resources and years, I have been blessed by the dedicating some time to his family. education are always very useful. But relationships I’ve built with children, A year like no other Whatever he does, he aims to enjoy it, and most important is a commitment to staff and fellow governors. Being a the role, regardless of experience. It has not all been plain sailing; 2020 to continue to live out those principles governor has given me interests, in particular was difficult for those that have sustained him throughout his If you are interested in finding out more, responsibility and joy beyond working in education as much as it was years in education: inspiring young people please contact Penny Cox at Beablessing. anything I expected.” for everyone else. “It has been a unique to learn, to develop and to flourish. [email protected]

ST OLAVE’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND Mini St Mike’s Nursery opens its doors in Wandsworth THE QUEEN’S CHAPEL St Michael’s CE Primary OF THE SAVOY School in Southfields opened its Mini St

WAKEHAM CHORISTERSHIPS Mike’s Nursery on 5 January, ready to Applications are invited from boys whose tenth birthday falls welcome up to 38 three- between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 year-olds into its three classes once pupils are Under the scheme, run jointly by St Olave’s Grammar School and The Duchy of allowed to return. Lancaster, boys commence at The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy in September 2021 and in Year 7 at St Olave’s Grammar School in September 2022 It has been a dream of • Singing in a Chapel Royal Choir St Mike’s headteacher, • Musical training at the highest standard Ann-Marie Grant, to open a nursery at the school for 20 years. • Admission to one of the country’s best state schools Located in the old staff car park, which links to the main school via the hall, it will be overseen by four members of staff. COVID Further details are available to download via www.saintolaves.net restrictions meant the opening (pictured above, with Ann-Marie) was The closing date for applications is Friday, 26 March 2021 low key, but a grander opening is planned when circumstances allow.