SPOTLIGHT ISSUE NO. 143 JUNE 2021

The Newsletter of the Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit of the Methodist Church, UK www.hbrmethodists.org.uk Welcome to another packed Elsie, Leslie, Margery, Brenda” and issue of Spotlight magazine and it is it looks like it could have been a lovely to read some really positive jolly church gathering. stories as our churches begin to Elsie is my grandmother (Miller, open up for worship again. nee Wood). Could the chap in the I was particularly struck by the dog-collar be Leslie Lazenby? I exciting developments at Little believe that he served in the circuit Common. Such a scheme requires from 1960 to 1963. And can anyone both vision and commitment, and it identify any of the other ladies? sounds as though both are present Only those with very long in bucket-loads (or should that be memories need respond. wheelbarrows?) along with pleasing Happy reading. support from the local community. I look forward to receiving progress Keith reports for future issues. Starting on page 7, Daisy Wood’s recollections can hardly fail to conjure up images of Dixon of Dock Green (“Evening all”), and I have a little nostalgia of my own to try out on you. As many of you know, my mother passed away in January and, in going through her many photo albums, I came across this one (below). The caption on the back reads “Jean,

Cover Picture Our Circuit Statement

A bird’s-eye view of St Leonards- Our mission is to enjoy and spread on-Sea Methodist Church, taken the good news of the love of God by drone during a survey of the as seen in Jesus Christ. condition of the roof. See page 27. June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143

GROWING THROUGH ADVERSITY

Writing this at the end of May We see, though, that there have means that the Government been some positive signs. guidance as to when restrictions Although the impact of Covid has end is not yet confirmed, although been different for different groups June 21st is still being seen as the in society, we have all been day when this will happen. Over dealing with something together. the past year or so, churches This has led to people helping across the circuit have listened to each other, often showing a the advice given and have acted deeper neighbourliness than on it as we have sought to keep before. But the pandemic has people as safe as possible. also highlighted the divisions that The pandemic has changed many exist within society and asks many things and has had a major impact questions of us as to how we on individuals, families and might do things differently in the communities, so much so that future. As communities, and as a 2020/2021 will be remembered church, we have the opportunity for a long time as the time of to explore what is important to us lockdown across the nation and as a society and to explore ways across the world. We will always of tackling some of the structural look at the last year through the differences that there are in our lens of the pandemic but as we society today. move slowly towards the end of Our faith too has changed and the restrictions, we can look back at way that we do things has what has happened and explore changed. If we had a conversation how we might be able to move together a couple of years ago forward as a community into a about speaking to each other over ‘new normal’ in the future. the internet we would have said, The pandemic has negatively with some certainty, that would affected many, and probably none not happen. After all, getting more so than key workers and together is part of our Church life those who have seen their and we could see no way that that employment prospects harmed. was going to change. We joined

Page 3 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit together in our churches for things may well be different. We worship, or bible study, or prayer, have had a season of waiting and or for coffee and conversation, in that waiting, God continues to and we did not see how that speak. So may we, when we are would change in the immediate able to go back to the familiarity future. Little did we know what of our worship, make time to would change for us and for our explore what is important to us, communities. We got used to to look at what we may set aside phoning each other and coming to and what we may take up, so that terms with internet meetings. we can learn from each other and When we accessed Zoom, we find ways of exploring worship, found ways of getting our video mission and ministry in the new on and telling each other that we landscape which is emerging were ‘on mute’. We were helped around us. greatly by the tech team from Thank you all for your ongoing Calvert and friends who helped us support for your local church and in providing worship for the circuit for the circuit. I look forward to and we got to know people from being able to meet everyone ‘off across the circuit as we got to screen’ but until then may God grips with another new space – continue to guide us into our the breakout room! Getting to future together. know people from across the circuit without leaving home has Every blessing enabled many of us to have Philip conversations together. We will as a circuit need to reflect on how we might continue these Consider it all let endurance conversations in the future. joy, my brethren, have its perfect when you result, so that As we prepare to more fully encounter you may be engage in our worship – and in various trials, perfect and particular be able to sing together knowing that the complete, lacking loudly again – we continue to testing of your in nothing. learn from the events of the last faith produces year or so. When we do go back endurance. And James 1: 2-4 some things will be the same as we remember them, but other Page 4 June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143 DON’T DILLY DALLY ON THE WAY A new manse for our Bexhill minister

A report was given to the Circuit A suitable property was found in meeting in December 2020 Woodlands, Little Common in explaining that a lot of work was January and arrangements were required on the Holmesdale Road put in hand to purchase the manse and that even if this was property which were officially carried out the property would completed on 16 April. In the fall short of the current Methodist meantime, Dave and I began the Church requirements for a manse. process of sorting out and getting It was therefore agreed to find ready for the move which and purchase a replacement happened on 27 April. manse that fully met the criteria The new manse is a large four and to sell Holmesdale Road. bedroomed house with en-suite

Page 5 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit facilities in two of the bedrooms beginning to feel at home in the as well as a family bathroom. new house. We express our There is a large kitchen, with thanks to Alan Hurrell, Circuit space for dining, allowing the Property Secretary, for all the dining room to be converted into work that he did in dealing with the study, and through lounge. the arrangements for the Additional living space is provided purchase of the manse. He also by a conservatory which looks out arranged the installation of the onto a good-sized garden which bookcases and other necessary has been landscaped with large jobs to help us get settled in. We amounts of paving, decking and are also grateful to Ken Hatch pebbles, and a number of well- who assisted us with other established shrubs. necessary moving in jobs. We had It was quite a challenge to sort a bit of a mishap with plumbing in out all our belongings and get the washing machine and had a ready for the move which bit of a flood to deal with, but we happened on 27 April. A lot of the ended up with a very clean floor! packing was done the day before We thank the Circuit for buying by the removal company which the new manse and everyone who meant that when we began to has supported us in the move. We unpack it was sometimes a bit of a look forward to welcoming mystery trying to find things. But visitors in the coming months. we got there in the end and are Tricia and Dave Williams

A PRAYER BY LANCELOT ANDREWES (1555- 1626) Lord, Be within me, to strengthen me, Without me, to keep me; Above me, to protect me; Beneath me, to uphold me; Before me, to direct me; Behind me, to keep me from straying; Round about me, to defend me; Blessed be Thou, O Lord, our Father, For ever and ever. Amen.

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If you ask around, you will find people within our circuit with an interesting story to tell. I am grateful to Drina Hampson, who “tipped me the wink” about a member at Trinity who used to frequent the seedier parts of Soho. Using some rather dubious interrogation techniques, we persuaded Daisy Wood to spill the beans about her secret past. Ed. Daisy Heselwood W.P.C. 212 E. warrant no. 1406.

Those of you who know me, will find this hard to believe. It must have been around 1955 I found myself in a Soho night club, dressed to kill, and perched on a high bar stool with a very nice young man by my side. Yes, it was “all in the line of duty”. I was with a CID officer and we doing a plain clothes observation on one of the Kray twins. Needless to say, I was scared stiff and even more scared when I found out how evil they were. When I was in my early teens and thinking of my career options there was only one job I wanted to do and that was to be a policewoman, but it had to be in Cross Road Police Station. Kings London. After much form filling Cross was a very vibrant area with and a whole day of exams and two railway stations, Sadlers Wells interviews in London, I was Theatre, the Post Office sorting accepted into Peel House, the depot at Mount Pleasant, Metropolitan Police Training Smithfield Meat Market, Chapel School at Westminster. On Street Market (it was like passing out I was posted to Kings Petticoat Lane Market). You could

Page 7 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit have your handbag stolen at one children were always passed on to end of the market and buy it back the women police to sort out. We empty at the other end, to say were always dealing with nothing of its red-light district, but prostitutes. I can remember one it was also a very deprived area. night duty having to go to a posh Big estates of high-rise flats had hotel in Russell Square with a C I D been built after the war, but there Officer. An American man had remained much overcrowding. taken a woman back to his room The large houses had been turned and then later discovered his into flats, sometimes six or seven wallet containing a lot of money flats, and the old Peabody was missing. He made a huge fuss, Buildings often seen on old and the hotel got the police. We television programmes were found the money and the wallet horrendous. Kings Cross was truly hidden behind the lavatory cosmopolitan even in those cistern. Nowadays it would be days.....West Indians, Greeks, drugs. Turks and Cypriots, not to The only time we went patrolling mention Italians and Chinese, and was if there were no enquiries the Londoners, of course. Yes, that needed attention. But you Kings Cross was a busy place, but I never knew what was round the loved it and still do. corner. One such day I was with a Kings Cross Road Police Station colleague who was very was a sub divisional station in E experienced and had worked division with Bow Street as the through the war. We were divisional headquarters. At Kings patrolling through a huge housing Cross we had four WPC’S. Two on estate just off Pentonville Road early turn and two on late. If your when someone came running up colleague was on a day off, you to us and said, “Come quickly, a were on your own. The shifts young woman has just given birth were 8am to 3.30pm and 3.30pm to her baby and the Doctor won’t to 11pm. Night duty was done at come”. Sure enough, the girl had Bow Street and there was only come home from work at one WPC, 11p.m. to 7am. lunchtime and had her baby on Any enquiries that came into the the bathroom floor. Her parents station involving women or had had no idea she was pregnant, nor did the neighbours. Page 8 June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143

I went over to the doctor’s surgery on the estate and, sure enough, he was in no hurry to oblige. So, I took out my pocketbook and pencil and prepared to write - what good I thought that would be I don’t know, but it worked. He immediately decided he would come back with me to the flat. He attended to the girl, she was about 19 years old, and then went back to the surgery to call for an ambulance to take her to hospital. Next to the Police Station was Meanwhile the girl’s father was Clerkenwell Magistrates Court. It dispatched to fetch the boyfriend. was very busy and there were Now, we would have a mobile three court rooms sitting Monday phone in our pocket. Then, only a to Friday, and Saturday was for doctor could order an ambulance family and matrimonial courts. to a private house, and police only Each day a W.P.C had to be if the accident was in the street. I present in court, and it was there recall an incident where a woman my first care or protection case had fallen inside her house and started. At the end of the broken her leg and, in order to get afternoon session, I found two an ambulance, we made out she young children, aged three and had fallen the street. five, on their own. As time went Our work was mainly concerned by, it became obvious that they with women and children, and had been abandoned by their domestic violence. We had mother. They couldn’t tell us specialist training in interviewing their names or where they lived. victims of rape and sexual We discovered that they lived in a offences and also the taking of block of flats off Farringdon Road. fingerprints from women When a P.C. and I broke into the prisoners. flat, I can remember him saying “don’t switch on the light” in case Page 9 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit the mother had put her head in station, so I asked one of the the gas oven and we caused an neighbours to phone the station explosion. However, she wasn’t and ask for the van to come. The there and the conditions they reply was “we haven’t got one lived in were dreadful. There was available, you’ll have to walk him no food at all and hardly any in.” I could see trouble ahead as bedclothes. Certainly not enough we had at least a mile to walk, but to keep them warm, and the place he came with me like a lamb, was filthy. The case went to much to the surprise of the juvenile court and was proved. It station sergeant and front office was three weeks before the staff who thought they were going mother was traced, and she was to have a good laugh. brought before the court for The Metropolitan Women Police abandonment. Service started in 1919 and, in I am writing this on Easter 2019, we celebrated 100 years of Monday and yesterday I watched women police. In 1973 came the boat race on television and integration with men and it was my mind went back to another no longer a specialist service boat race day more than 60 years dedicated to women and children, ago. I was patrolling on my own but that was long after I had left. in Caledonian Road when I came There were times when I thought, across a very drunk, old man “why am I doing this?” I made a hurling out abuse and foul mug of tea for a prisoner when on language like I had never heard, night duty at Bow Street and she and generally causing a real threw it back at me. I was kicked nuisance. He didn’t look as if he’d and scratched many times when had a wash for months, let alone a in struggles with wanted girls. shave. He became quite violent Then you get a “thank you” letter, with the neighbours and kept sent to the police station from trying to walk into the traffic. I can someone you have helped, and a remember seeing the coaches Christmas card from a Chinese heading for the boat race. For his woman who was always up at own safety I knew I would have to court after drinking meths. arrest him and get him to the Daisy Wood. nee Heselwood

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moved to the Ebley Branch, Strood, Action for Children where they stayed for a number of formerly known as National years growing up in care. Once a year Children’s Homes (NCH) is the their mother, Jessie, visited them. children's charity of the Methodist Later on, when Jessie married, the Church. It was founded in 1869 by girls were officially adopted by Jessie Methodist minister Revd Thomas and her husband Mr White and Bowman Stephenson in response to moved to Bromley, Kent. the poverty and danger faced by My mother died in March vulnerable and 2014 and shortly after her destitute children death my father received a and young people letter and a number of living rough on the original documents from streets of London. NCH in response to an Action for Children enquiry he had made about Sunday is held on Hazel’s life in care. The the second Sunday letter explained that Hazel of July to mark the was just 4 ½ and Daphne 5 ¾ when anniversary of the opening of the first they were taken into care in 1937. children’s home and this year it falls Their father had left the family home on 11 July, but churches can hold and was said to be suffering from a their service on any Sunday they like disability and their mother was using the material available on the working long hours with the children Action for Children website. If you having to be left on their own in the have a ‘Local Arrangement’ on the early evenings. The papers showed plan for July it could be an ideal that Jessie agreed, reluctantly, that opportunity to use these resources. the children should be taken into The charity is particularly close to my care as there was no one else who heart as my mother and aunt grew up could help look after them. The in the care of NCH. My Mum, Hazel, ‘Application for the Admission of a always said that one of her earliest Child’ form gave lots of information memories was that she and her sister about my mum and her parents that Daphne were ‘picked up’ from the we had never known – including that streets in Bermondsey where they she was born in Guy’s Hospital, had been found and were taken into baptised as a baby and attended St care. The sisters were initially cared George’s Wesleyan Sunday School. for at the Highbury home and then There were also a number of original

Page 11 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit letters about health issues, 503 services in local communities arrangements for transfer between and schools across the UK. Their homes and for visits by Jessie. nurseries and children's centres Together they gave us a better make sure children get the best understanding of Hazel and start in life while foster, adoptive Daphne’s early life. and modern residential services The work of Action for Children find children and young people continues to be inspired by safe and loving homes. The charity Thomas Stephenson’s compassion also steps in to protect children and determination to protect and from neglect and abuse and help support children and young those who care for others or are people. It does this by providing at risk of homelessness. practical and emotional care and We give thanks for the work of support, making sure their voices Action for Children and the many are heard and campaigning to ways in which it seeks justice, bring lasting improvements to hope and well-being for all their lives. children. Today, Action for Children runs Revd Tricia Williams

Pearl Page writes … “As a child in Sunday School, I remember being given booklets of “Sunny Smiles”, which were photos of children in the care of National Children’s Home. We were asked to sell these photos to our relatives and friends to raise money. This would not be allowed these days! All the money raised was then handed over at a ceremony called the Festival of Queens at The White Rock Pavilion (as it was called then). This was an annual event, and each Sunday School would choose a child to be their Queen. They then paraded on the stage and another child would hand over the money. I believe this was done in conjunction with the local NCH Home, Malmsbury House. Later in life I followed in the family tradition of participating in the Annual House to House street collection. For many years, my aunt was the organiser at Hollington, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather and my mother and I helped as much as we could. She was also responsible for opening the lantern home collecting boxes which I then took over. When it became increasingly difficult to find volunteers, we regretfully had to give up the street collections. I know of at least one other family in the Circuit who spent many hours each year plodding the streets!”

Page 12 June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143 back some of the various community groups, who use our premises. We are indebted to volunteers from our Church family who are keeping the office running and working hard in the grounds. We congratulate Anne and Dick on their platinum wedding anniversary, and Jan and Bev on their golden wedding anniversary. We hope that it will not be too far Battle in the future before we can invite friends from around the circuit to We returned to the Emmanuel visit us in person. We have Centre for regular worship on enjoyed joining the online worship Pentecost Sunday and it was with and extend our thanks to all who great joy that we were together in have made this possible. one place! We marked this new beginning for our Church with an The Apostles did not know where act of thanksgiving. Our personal the Spirit would lead them and written messages of thankfulness neither do we, but we pray that we were shredded and buried in the may be open to new opportunities. quiet space garden that our Mary Collins volunteer gardeners are developing. Leading up to Pentecost, we Calvert celebrated the 'Week of Prayer for Today has been our Church Christian Unity' by joining with Anniversary, celebrated not quite other Churches in Battle for early in the usual manner due to the morning prayer by Zoom. present restrictions, but it did On Trinity Sunday our worship include six members of our choir was led by Charmaine and singing together at the front of the included sketches by Shades Church for the first time since the Theatre Company. 'The Case of original lockdown. I was fortunate the Missing Corpse' had Watson to be one of those singing and it and Holmes pondering the felt SO good. mystery of who rolled the stone The continuing saga of our away! condemned boiler … we were The Centre is coming back to life overwhelmed by the generosity of on weekdays too as we welcome our Church family following an

Page 13 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit appeal, which meant that a loan The Church halls are being used from the circuit was not necessary again with the Girl Guides and the boiler was fitted at the returning and introducing another beginning of March. However, unit to our facilities, and we are with no heating in the Church for looking forward to being able to over three months during the use them again ourselves in the winter and the discovery of a not-too-distant future. leaking roof, the floor in the We, like the rest of the circuit, Church Sanctuary expanded and have met with the leadership team we had a very worrying mound when we discussed how we hope down the centre from the door at to move forward as things reopen. the back to the communion rail! We looked again at previous So, unlike many others in the activities, and how or if we will circuit, we were unable to return to carry them forward, and whether worshipping together on Easter there are new ways of reaching Day, and had to wait until the and helping our local community. floor was sorted. Thank the Lord The warmer weather finally seems for Zoom. Fortunately, a dry April to be arriving, the trees are coming and the insurance company into leaf and the flowers beginning arranging for industrial to blossom in the sunshine after dehumidifiers to be installed what seemed a very elongated meant that we were finally able to nd winter. May we also come out of meet together again on the 2 our enforced semi-hibernation May. Tentatively, approximately reinvigorated, and filled with the half of our congregation returned, Holy Spirit to go out sharing with others continuing to join us God’s love in word and deed. on Zoom. Adela Binns

Social distancing in action at Calvert. A concept which will, hopefully, be as alien to future generations as it, at first, seemed to us. Page 14 June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143 on Wednesday 1st August 1945. Christ Church The afternoon service was What a joy it is that we continue to followed by a Public Meeting and worship in the church – and Organ Recital in the evening. The hopefully it will not be too long programme cost 6d (old money!). before we can even sing hymns! The organ is kept in very good The Powerpoint and CD player are order by Colin Jilks but, sadly, it is being well used to sing out hymns, rarely played. If you know anyone but it is hard to resist a little who would like to just come and singing under the masks! It was a play the organ at any time, I will rather special service recently, led be delighted to let them in to play. by Chris Cox and the Mayor of Perhaps Gerald Witts will play it Bexhill, when we were all taught again at the next Christchurch how to sign. It was a lovely Singers Concert? service and one that even featured in the Methodist Recorder – the Whilst mentioning the organ, we national weekly newspaper of the express grateful thanks to Hazel Methodist Church. We are for all her lovely playing on the famous! Clavinova for our acts of worship. The Church is delighted that the Golden Marigold Club will be using our facilities every Monday (from August) for their activities. The Club has met at our Sackville Road church but, as that has now sadly closed, they have had to relocate. It is a social club where the members share a morning of exercises, games, music etc. and then a light lunch followed by some form of entertainment. The club has special chairs with arms, Friends from around the circuit and these will be accommodated may be aware that we have a in the hall. We wish the club every lovely Father Willis organ at blessing for their gatherings. Christchurch. It came from a large A thought about the weather to house in the north and was end: relocated to our church by Messrs Always plan ahead – it didn’t rain Rushworth and Dreaper Ltd. The when Noah built the ark! total cost was £750 and it was Barry Turnwell dedicated during a special service

Page 15 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit Little Common Wesley room entrance The main lawn at the front of the As part of our mission to the church will remain much as it is, community, we are planning to with the addition of more plants and increase the biodiversity and interest eventually flower beds near the of the church garden. Our three Church Hill Avenue hedge. entrance gates are always open for anyone to pass through and benefit We have been kindly offered help from our garden, which provides a with digging by people belonging to very pleasant green space near the the Bright Lights Theatre Company. centre of Little Common. We are The Company use our hall, and quite close to the primary school, although they are not a Church and many people pass by or through group, they are very supportive and our garden on the way to and from help us in practical ways. Without school. We have a garden bench their help, it would have been where people sometimes come to impossible to realise a lot of the have their lunch or read. Many of ideas. It is good that we can work us have found that a garden has been together on this project. helpful to our well-being during the I have registered our Church with a lockdowns, bringing us closer to charity called Hands of Hope who nature, or God’s creation. The have sent us several packets of practice of growing one’s own food vegetable seeds. They have also has also had a resurgence and sent us a “garden pack” and a somehow has given a greater sense “windowsill pack” both containing of well-being and satisfaction during seeds, plug-plants, pots, and the restrictions. compost. This reminded me of the The plans to develop the church verse, garden were discussed at the Church And God said, “Behold, I have Council meeting on 22nd May. It given you every plant yielding seed was decided the main features are to which is upon the face of all the be: earth, and every tree with seed in its A kitchen garden, three beds each fruit; you shall have them for food.” about 6 feet by 9 feet. Genesis 1 v 29 R.S.V. Our most basic need being fulfilled by God’s A memorial garden at the lawn at provision. the south, Shepherd’s Close, side of the church. Crops this first year may be quite limited but we hope as many people A scented or sensory garden outside as possible will benefit. There are the Wesley room lounge. local charities such as the Bexhill A natural garden with bird nesting Foodbank which we can help. boxes at the shrubbery outside the Church members have been asked if

Page 16 June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143 they have any spare plants, seeds, or describes how certain modern sundries that they would be happy farming methods in the Lake to donate, and a number have District have decimated wild responded with items. grasses, flowers, insects, and birds. Our beech hedges have been It goes on to tell how James is reduced in height to make the adapting his farming methods to church building and garden much bring back such creatures, whilst more visible to passers-by. This still producing food and an income. also means that we will be able to It was possible to see certain trim the hedges ourselves each year parallels, although of course on a rather than having to pay our minute scale, with the Church gardeners. garden. It seemed we could improve our practices in a similar We are now having less work done way. The amazing variety of the by our contract gardeners and more natural world, which as Christians by ourselves so that we can have a we attribute to God, is truly more nature friendly system. We no inspiring. longer have weedkiller applied to A Summer Fair is scheduled to take our lawns and hard-landscaped th areas. This is already allowing place on Saturday 24 July from attractive wildflowers to spread 10am until 1pm. During this, a which attract bees, other insects and “garden tour” will take place hence birds. The inspiration for this weather permitting. If you can, came from reading, during the lock- please come and support us and take down, a book called “English a look at what is happening! Pastoral” by James Rebanks. It David Hobson

Page 17 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit A tribute to John Forster Bognor. He was an MHA chaplain in two of his appointments. (1934 - 2021) John’s full-time appointment at John Forster was born in Carlisle, Hastings Grammar School (later to Cumberland on 28th October 1934. become the William Parker School) Educated in the city, John was to take from 1975 to 1985 allowed him to up a post in Insurance Administration explore with students and staff after his time at school. Just prior to members many aspects of religious this he served his national service and moral education. He held with the Kings Own Regiment in Hong pastoral care and education in high Kong, Korea and Japan. John and regard and showed empathy, a Elaine were married at Rydal Street willingness to listen and give wise Methodist Church, Carlisle, on 14th counsel, good humour and grace. As July 1962. John was accepted as a school Chaplain he was responsible candidate for ordained ministry and for visiting staff and students in was trained at Hartley Victoria hospital and at home – a task which College and Manchester University he was said to have undertaken with where he was awarded a Diploma in great patience and cheerfulness. A Theology. His learning continued as keen footballer in his younger days, he gained a Bachelor of Divinity he took the Saxon House Degree from London University and Intermediate football team under his Diplomas in Education and Religious wing. Staff still remember his hat trick Education from Moray House College for the staff team in a charity match! of Education at Edinburgh University. He enjoyed playing table tennis for Education played a large part in the Civil Service team in the local John’s ministry. He served as a School league. During this time in Hastings, Governor, as Chaplain and Head of John served on the advisory board for Religious Studies at Hastings Religious Education in East Sussex Grammar School, and as Chaplain and and as chairman of the Y.M.C.A. Head of Religious Studies at the Army Executive. He preached regularly at Apprentices College. His ministry services in the circuit, was the Local ranged from rural to new housing Preachers’ Supervisor and Tutor and estates to the city centre. John served took an active part as a member of in the following circuits: Wensleydale, the Circuit Meeting. Carlisle, Edinburgh (Nicholson John and Elaine enjoyed many trips Square), Hastings, Bexhill and Rye, abroad with the highlights being a Canterbury and Chichester and trip to the Holy Land and a sabbatical

Page 18 June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143 spent re-visiting Chine and Hong Kong where John had served. John carried out a study of the changes in Hong Kong following the influx of Chinese immigrants and Vietnamese boat people. In 1996, John and Elaine moved back to Hastings where John continued to act as Chaplain and President of the Sussex Branch of the British Korean Veterans Association. John was married to Elaine for 58 years. They formed a devoted family unit sharing many special happy moments with their two daughters, two grandsons and one great granddaughter. Karen Woods William Parker) as Head of Religious The Editor adds - Studies. In this role, he left a lasting I asked a few people what they impact on many young lives, remembered of John Forster and including Austin Hampton (brother was struck by the similarities in the of Russell), who offered this tribute. descriptions that I received. Many “I suppose the perspective I can described a quiet and gentle contribute is not so much a detailed individual … “kind” was another character reference, but it would be frequently used adjective. Several the encouragement he gave me noted aspects of John’s intellect, when he was chaplain at William that he always spoke very Parker School and teaching me in O thoughtfully, and was very precise level classes – knowing me from in his choice of words. Park Road led to him encouraging Without exception, respondents me both in the potentially daunting remarked about the support and scenario of reading lessons at encouragement that he gave to school carol services and also to others. Nowhere was this more take Religious Studies at A level apparent than in his work at (which of course led me in turn to a Hastings Grammar School (now theology degree at university).”

Page 19 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit

Memories of Rev Derek Brice During his 11 years as a minister in this circuit, and throughout the period of his retirement, Derek made a valuable contribution to many of our church communities. So much so, that it seemed impossible to ask any one person to write a tribute to him. I therefore invited members from across the circuit to share their memories, and this is what they said … Ed.

Trinity - Angela Pepper Derek was a Minister in our Circuit for some years in the nineties and early noughties. I first met him Derek as John Wesley, when he was minister of Calvert celebrating the 300th and he and Topsy came with the anniversary of choir to Beckley on a Good Friday Wesley’s birth in 2003. evening where there was a performance of one of the today. He held joint Bible studies cantatas (The Crucifixion, or Olivet with Beckley and Brede, and we to Calvary). It was then he told me gradually got the idea of working he couldn’t sing!! more closely together. Later on, he was minister of Rye In his quiet way, Derek was and a number of the small exceptionally good at getting churches, Peasmarsh, Beckley, things done, was a good pastoral Brede, Westfield, Three Oaks, minister, interesting to talk to and Pett. We were named the he and Topsy became good Eastenders and there was a friends to many. Before my regular magazine with an article husband Roy died, Derek brought from each church. communion to us in our home, Derek was in fact behind the idea and visited Roy in hospital when of the formation of Trinity as it is Page 20 June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143 he was none too well himself. more recent years becoming one In his retirement he continued of the mainstays of the Rye with Bible study sessions at Methodist Church Guild. We are Trinity, usually in someone’s particularly grateful to Derek, home, and they were much though, for writing and putting appreciated. together a history of Rye Methodist Church, which was Rye - Paul & Marilyn published for our 250th Martin Anniversary. Those of us who worship or who St Leonards on Sea - Win have worshipped at Rye Crouch Methodist Church have fond memories of Derek (and Topsy, of Derek had quite a place in my life. course, as she nearly always My dear brother Albert passed accompanied him). He was mostly away to Glory in 2004, with softly spoken, calm and re- Parkinson’s Disease etc. assured, yet these personal He had an accident and was in the characteristics only ever seemed Conquest Hospital. Derek and to enhance his oratory and to Topsy were there one day when I make what he had to say more arrived, and they said “Here she memorable and meaningful. As is” meaning me. our minister, you always felt When Bert passed away Derek comfortable in approaching and came from Rye to Trinity speaking with him, as you were Methodist Church. The Twins sure that he was carefully (Margaret and Connie Standen) listening and measured in his came with me on the bus to the response to you. He was kind, church. Milly Oliver who lived sympathetic and encouraging in opposite came over and we his pastoral care for his “flock”, scattered Bert’s ashes. We spoke just as the Good Shepherd. He to each other. When I went to and Topsy were always supportive Tesco with my carer (before of the initiatives that the church COVID) he used to be shopping for undertook and made the effort to himself and Topsy. He was a attend as many of the events held CARING and MUCH LEARNED at church as they were able, in man.

Page 21 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit St. Helens - Mike and participated in the Lambourne communion service on the Saturday. The communion service Derek was the minister for St was only held for 3 years but St Helens from 1991 to 1998, and Helens support for the race immediately latched on to the fact continued right through to 2019 that St Helens was a ‘running’ (the most recent race held of church, in that several of us were course). regulars in the Hastings half- Derek brought a unique style to marathon. Derek was a runner ministry at St Helens, and we will himself and so a tradition was for ever be grateful for his time of quickly born that we would host leadership with us. an eve of race communion service, change the time of the Pett – Wendy Hatch Sunday morning service to 10 Derek was not only our minister, o’clock, so that the congregation but he was an original member of would be in time to nip outside the management team for and see the elite runners flash by Activate Youth Club in Fairlight. the church doors about 10 He helped us through all the minutes past 11, and then try and difficult processes of setting up spot church runners and anybody both the club and our own else they knew, as they came by. building. St Helens runners, led by Derek, A few years after his retirement all entered as a non-affiliated club when he and Topsy were living in team. None of us were brilliant Greece several of our youngsters runners but we were usually nd rd (and a few leaders) dropped in on awarded 2 or 3 place in the them in Agistri. Derek helped us team category. Teas and coffees have a great expedition to the were also offered to fellow Greek island. What a wonderful spectators who congregated time we had and what fantastic outside the church to support the memories we came away with. runners. I remember on our first day Derek Derek had runner friends in had set us a treasure hunt around France and a whole group of them the local area, which helped us came for the race, were get to know the village and area. I accommodated by families locally,

Page 22 June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143 even got a ride on the back of would frequently lead worship. Derek’s quad bike! They were both enthusiastic supporters of Messy Church, becoming very involved with our planning groups and leading ‘messy’ activities and the celebration time. Derek got involved in organising a series of topical discussions linked with Christian guidance and Derek and Topsy both looked after our Another day he planned a bus to Pastoral Care visiting. Derek had a take us to a beautiful, secluded keen interest in history, was very place where we could swim, dive involved with the Ninfield Local and have fun and there was the History Group and did a lot of walk across the island through the research to facilitate the woods with views over the bay publication of our ‘Telling the and of course the football match story’ booklet; all about the that he helped us organise against history of NInfield Methodist a few local youths. Church from 1871. Although Derek was an academic He was a lovely inspirational, ‘full and a deep thinker, we saw from of faith,’ gentle man who we our time in Agistri as well as fondly remember and he will be knowing him as a minister, that he greatly missed by us all. was a people person, always easy We loved his thoughtful input and to talk to and ready to roll up caring ways. his sleeves and get involved. Our thoughts, Ninfield- Paul Burson prayers and support reach At Ninfield, we were blessed out to Topsy that following his retirement and their Derek, together with Topsy, family. continued to share their ‘Thanks be to ministry with us. They joined God.’ our fellowship and Derek

Page 23 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit Ninfield We re-opened on Palm Sunday and this enabled us to ‘be ready’ for the celebrations of Easter. On Easter Day, Tricia led a memorable Easter Communion for us. It was lovely to be back together again in Church, worshipping and praising God. We were so pleased that Anne (Topsy and Derek’s daughter) and Graeme were married at th For Anne and Graeme, a very special our Church on April 17 . The weather was lovely moment, shared with Derek, just two weeks and family members came before he was promoted to glory. along. Tricia led the service and uses it for practice. Derek was able to help which was so special. Members of our We have planned an outdoor Messy Church for Wednesday congregation came and watched nd from outside our Church. We June 2 during the school wish Anne and Graeme every holidays. It will be great to meet happiness – it was lovely having up with our younger families and them all at Ninfield. ‘A very catch up on all their news. Our special day’. theme is ‘Treasure Hunt’ and everything will be outdoors It is so encouraging that some of including the celebration time and our local groups are already using picnic. I think a visit into our local our Hall again. The Book Church woods will be on the Exchange is opening every month, programme. and in April and May around twenty people came along. This continues to be an invaluable Ninfield’s 150th Church resource for our local community. Anniversary celebration We hope that they will soon be We are looking forward to able to serve refreshments again. celebrating this key event on We also have weekly exercise Sunday, July 4th. Please come groups, and a small music group along and enjoy an afternoon Page 24 June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143 together. We plan to have a relaxed manner than usual. For service at 10.30am in our Church Pett that is saying something as we and, at 4.00pm, an outdoor are always fairly laid back! We ‘Circuit and Village Celebration’ have no rotas in place yet, but all on the recreation ground (opposite that needs to be done is done for our Church), including good worship and with Covid-19 refreshments. The afternoon restrictions in mind. together will include music, The Although we couldn’t meet until Salvation Army, Messy Church Easter Day, we were able to make songs, thanks for ‘key workers’ Messy Church Take-away Bags and more. Philip and Tricia will for Easter, which were available help keep us all ‘in order’! It will for families in Pett and Fairlight. be helpful if you can bring your Thirty bags were given away! own chair, but not vital as some Easter Sunday also allowed us to seats will be available. meet Philip for the first time “in Our booklet, entitled ‘Telling our the flesh!” Another ‘Hooray!’ Story’, has now been published Sadly, we have not yet managed to and copies will be available on th sort out our work with our July 4 . It tells all about the children but hopefully that will history of our Church over the last soon be done. 150 years and includes lots of We started to decorate our small photographs and stories from local hall before the lockdowns stopped people. Whilst none of us can all that. Now we can finish what remember that far back, the we started. Where are the archives of the Church suggest it paintbrushes? was built in just 5 weeks in 1871. So do come along and enjoy the As we plan for the future in faith, sunshine on our recreation ground our Jonathan Veira concert on July 4th 2021. is now planned for October 22nd. Paul Burson Please put it in your diary and pray that, third time lucky, it will go

ahead. In the meantime, we look Pett forward to our Church Anniversary on June 27th with Like many of you we are back in Philip. Sorry, but it’s got to be the building. Hooray!!!!! We met another ‘HOORAY!’ again on Easter Sunday, which couldn’t have been better. Love to you all from your friends at Pett! So far, most of us at Pett are able to meet and enjoy worshipping Wendy Hatch together again in an even more

Page 25 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit We had our last Church Council Rye Meeting over Zoom in March and Greetings from Rye! Alun, our member who had very Since the last issue of the kindly been visiting our building “Spotlight” magazine was during the lockdown to check that published, we managed to meet all was well, also felt able to take up together for morning worship in our the post of church property steward. building at Rye on Easter Sunday I should also like to praise all our and have so far been able to meet members who, when attending every Sunday since. I should like to morning worship on a Sunday publicly thank all those of our morning, now automatically check circuit staff and local preachers, to see what needs to be done to keep who have felt able and willing to our building clean and ready for travel to Rye on a Sunday to lead worship. Marilyn has produced a our worship, and to all those who check sheet, detailing all the jobs have agreed to do so on the new and cleaning that need to be done, plan starting next month and for the with a space that can be initialled future. Having not been in our once completed. We are very proud building for worship for the best that ownership has been taken for part of four months, it’s easy to see these tasks and that our community how much communal worship has are very much working together for been missed and what a debt we the good of each other. owe to all those who lead our An initiative that started during the services. I should also like to thank more difficult times of the pandemic all those who set up, and those who is continuing by popular demand. participated in, our Zoom worship Every other Saturday morning we in the circuit in the recent months, are meeting together on Zoom for a especially when meeting in our coffee and chat morning and an buildings was not something that hour’s fellowship together, which was possible to do safely. On those now means that we have the occasions, it was good to be able to opportunity to meet together in catch up with folk from across the person, albeit remotely, in addition circuit and to maintain a sense of to gathering together on a Sunday community. morning for worship. This is still I would encourage everyone to important, in that we are meeting continue to pray for our Circuit staff socially, which we are still not and the Leadership Team, as they supposed to do after the service, seek to find the path forward for our while there are some restrictions Circuit. Please pray also for all still in force. I am sure that most, if those who seek to do the same in all not all of us, are looking forward to our Circuit churches. the time when we will again be able Page 26 June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143 to sing as part of our morning meeting monthly for the time being, worship, or indeed, as part of any at 2.00pm, on the first Thursday. act of worship in our buildings. Our July meeting will be hosting the Once we are able to physically ecumenical World Day of Prayer welcome people back into our service. building again, without restrictions, Friday Club, currently meeting it will be good to invite everyone to Tuesdays, started up again on 18th join us again. We are currently able May. Thirteen members attended a to accommodate around 25 people, gossip afternoon, which also whilst maintaining social distancing. celebrated Lillian’s birthday. Please remember that all our friends We are currently interviewing from the circuit are always welcome potential new leaders for the at Rye. Let’s hope that we come out Toddler Group as the previous of this time of trial as better people, leader is now working full time. a better nation and a better world. In Our vestibule roof was replaced at the meantime, take care, stay safe the beginning of the year, and we and well and God bless. had a drone survey done of the main Paul Martin. roof and tower at the front of the building. This found several areas needing attention and the Church St Leonards-on-Sea Council have approved this work to Greetings from St Leonards. We be done. returned to Worship on Easter Dawn Novis. Sunday with about twenty-four attendees. The number has kept to that average but with about thirty- six different people at different services. More are returning now they have had a second ‘jab’. Our Church Anniversary is to be held on 27th June led by the Rev. Malcolm Peach from Canterbury. We have lost five more members since the last Spotlight, two have died and three have moved away to be nearer family. Thursday Fellowship started on 6th May with a dozen members ‘Celebrating Spring’. We will be Drone’s eye view—see front cover

Page 27 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit affected a number of us, and that is St. Helens we have had an outbreak of falling Greetings to all Spotlight readers over. That, in itself, shouldn’t have from the congregation at St Helens. been too much of a problem, but it Our live services restarted on 21st has resulted in a couple of broken March, after the final Covid-19 bones sadly. Thankfully, everyone lockdown, we hope! Now we look has regained their feet, and limbs are forward with great expectation to on the mend, albeit more slowly actually sing the hymns out loud than we would like. during the services, and even have a We are planning to hold a joint cup of tea or coffee after each jumble sale with Ore Centre in July, service, starting at the end of June. Covid restrictions permitting. If this All this is not certain at the end of happens it will be our first May of course, but we are hopeful. opportunity in a while to engage On the 6th June we will have had our with a large number of people. Church Anniversary service with It is good that we can start to think Tricia, celebrating 191 years since so positively again for the future. the first Methodist fellowship met in May God bless us all in the months Ore in 1830, and our Christian ahead. witness within the village is as Mike Lambourne important now as it was all those years ago, perhaps more so since leaving the confines of the old Trinity church building. Greetings from Trinity! Looking forward, the mid-week Prayer Group is planning to restart Our exciting news is that we now at the beginning of August, and have our own website! JUMP Club and the Baby and www.trinitybroadoak.org.uk Toddler Group in early September. went live on 22 May. There, under The Baby and Toddler Group is a NEWS, you would learn that Post joint venture with Ore Centre totally Office services are coming to staffed by the church. Trinity towards the end of June, all We haven’t as yet planned for the being well. This will initially be a first Messy Church post-Covid, but weekly service on Tuesday that should be on Christmas Eve if afternoons, during which time Book not before. Swap will be available, along with refreshments. We also hope to Everyone in the regular restart Knitters and Natters – again, congregation has been double Covid rules permitting. For Open vaccinated against Covid, but there Door we intend to have outdoor has been a new health issue that has sessions in June and July, and return Page 28 June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143 to ‘normal’ in September. Winchelsea Worship continues, of course, with our services on Sunday welcomed (Wesley’s Chapel) by a small but happy band. We recently held a Management Hearing hymns, rather than Committee to discuss a singing, has meant we have been programme, as we come out of the introduced to quite a number of difficult Covid times. In a sense, new hymns. It will be a great day the dates are all subject to when we can freely lift up our Government rules, but we are voices, as well as our hearts, in taking a positive view about the praise. future. With warmer weather, the grounds It is planned to have Open Days to have been a welcome haven to link with Open Gardens and local people coming in to enjoy Flower Shows in the town – so we the peace and the view. The hope to be open on June 19th, July wildlife garden has also been used 3rd and September 11th, the latter as an outdoor ‘classroom’ by the date to link with the National school next door. Heritage Open Days and the Refurbishment continues, with Sussex Historic Churches Trust more interior decorating (see the ‘Ride and Stride’ day. website under Building and The Chapel hopes to celebrate Churchyard for a preview!) and Harvest on 2nd October and our we look forward to the day when Christmas celebration on 4th we can invite all our friends in the December, both at 11am. We Circuit to come and see! would love to see you at any of Drina Hampson these events but do check to ensure that it is permissible to hold them. We also intend to issue our next Newsletter, and this is the time when many people kindly join as Friends of the Chapel and make a donation. It is also necessary to change our website domain although we have yet to finalise the details. Thank you for your continued support of See back cover for more pictures the Methodist Heritage site. from the wildlife garden. Barry Turnwell (Publicity Officer)

Page 29 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit Intercessory Prayer in Israel Memories, by Keith & Valerie Watkins

Israel is often a confusing and Gaza. Most young men and women challenging place, as my wife and I serve in the Israeli Defence Force have discovered during many visits and seem more mature than many there from 2000 through to 2019, of similar age in the UK. However, it twice some years. Most times we is a surprise to see girls in summer were with Intercessors For the frocks with rifles on their shoulders! Restoration of Israel, that draws Many Jewish Israelis are secular or folk from many countries. near, another large group are Not everyone is drawn to go to liberal orthodox, then there are the Israel, but we felt called, not least ultra-orthodox who very much because of the way certain disapprove of Christians scriptures spoke to us, both the (“worshippers of three gods who unfulfilled prophecies in the steal Jewish souls”) and a relatively Hebrew scriptures (Old Testament) small number of Messianic Jews. and many passages in the New So, fervent prayer is a key thing one Testament, such as Romans 9 to 11 can do, and to try to make friends. and perhaps 11:11-13 especially. Our experience is that, once Jewish Also, we had met with Messianic people realise you are for them, not Jews and had seen a deep against them, and respect their awareness in them of God’s plans – culture, you will have a friend for The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, revealed by the Holy Spirit to those who believe in Jesus the Christ, whether Jew or Gentile. Culture is different there, the people are generally more excitable and very creative, but live under the threat of war, the memory of the Holocaust, and the experiences of wars in 1948, 1967, 1973, and smaller conflicts in Lebanon and Praising God and blowing shofars Page 30 June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143 life. The prayer tours we have been community. Their expositions of on involve trips out in the day to how the Hebrew scriptures give strategic sites, with blowing of deeper understanding of the shofarot (rams horns) and banner fulfilment through Christ of God’s waving, mixed with singing, longer purposes were always breath- times of quiet, and declaring taking, and time and time again, scriptures and extemporary one could feel the power of the prayers. Holy Spirit during those evenings.

Valerie interceding with banners

Given the daily bustle of Israeli life, Being in Israel is more experiential and their tolerance of tourists (a than intellectual, whether singing major source of revenue), there hymns on the coach, worshipping were no objections from the locals, and weeping over Jerusalem, or especially when they realised we silently floating on the Sea of were praying for the Israeli people. Galilee. There is a presence in the In the evenings there were worship Promised Land, or perhaps it is us and prayers, and guest speakers, being more able to “tune in” to usually leaders of a Messianic God’s “broadcast”. Page 31 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit

As I write, Easter is not long passed, so I focus on the Garden Tomb and the peace that there is there. The more traditional site is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, but we found no peace within. Although now somewhat eroded, there is a rocky formation near the Garden Tomb that looks like a skull, and which has been associated with Golgotha Skull Hill in 1901 (above) and now (Jn19:17) Having been to the Land about eighteen times, including three when I did logistics and travel for a church-based multimedia/musical troupe, there are just too many events to relate so we’ll close with a couple more photos.

Left: Dancing in the 5th Century Capernaum synagogue, built over the one of Jesus’ time ,and close to St Peter’s home. Below: Plain of Armageddon

Page 32 June 2021 Spotlight Issue 143 Methodist Circuit Lunch Club Women in We have been unable to meet since Britain February 2020 because of all the Coronavirus regulations and many have Firstly, a big thank you to everyone missed meeting together. who contributed to the Easter Offering this year. You raised a fantastic Fairlight Lodge has now been able to re £1527.45 including a collection at the -open, subject to restrictions, and we Circuit Service, kindly hosted at short can think about meeting again. It has notice by Christchurch. This was nearly been decided to recommence in £400 up on the 2019 total, the last we September. had, as 2020 was cancelled due to In the last year, three of our members Coronavirus. The dedication service have passed away, Sue Padgham from was attended by about thirty-six Rye, Rev. Derek Brice from Ninfield, people, and I thank you for attending. and Christine Hanson from Christchurch Also, thanks to those who took part in (formerly at Sackville Road). We will the service, which was led by our miss them when we resume our Superintendent, Rev. Philip Wagstaff. meetings. There has been no change to the The Lunch Club started many years ago, situation since the last Spotlight on any initially as two groups, the men and other matters. Now the lock-down is women meeting separately except at lifting, I will arrange a new date for the Christmas. Due to falling numbers the annual meeting, and I hope many of two groups combined in 2009. Initially you will be able to attend. Please meeting at High Beech, the lunches consider if you can join us on the then transferred to Beauport Park and, committee or if you are called to be its since September 2015, have been held President. A volunteer is better than a at Fairlight Lodge Hotel. pressed man or woman. Members will be contacted when menu Another ‘hat’ I wear is chair of the and cost is known for the new season Hastings World Day of Prayer but if anyone reading this article is Committee. We cancelled the service interested in joining, please speak to which would have been held at the me or phone 01424 423071. beginning of March, and it will now be Dawn held as part of our Thursday Novis. Fellowship programme at St Leonards on 1st July at 2.00pm. All will be welcome, subject to any government or local restrictions. Dawn Novis. Page 33 The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit Consider the birds dove, eagle, sparrows, quails, owls, herons, peacocks and ravens We have been spending much amongst others. more time in the garden and Did you take part in the Big UK outside – mainly due to the Garden birdwatch this year? It was pandemic and also because of the biggest Birdwatch ever, with having to meet others in outside more than 17 million birds counted space only – this has been lovely, and over a million people taking and I have noticed how many birds part. Top spot for 2021 goes to the I am seeing – I am not an ornithologist, but as I have been outside more, I have also been more observant. I have seen many varieties (often some I don’t know the names of) but I do know we are very lucky to get woodpeckers in our gardens. We also have a few birds’ nests in the trees and even one in our gutter which I am having to leave until the birds have flown th their nest! house sparrow. It is the 18 year running that this plucky little bird Did you know that there are nearly has taken the Birdwatch crown! It 300 verses in the bible which has been around a long time as a mention birds? Around 100 of similar race of sparrow gets them use the word “bird” or “fowl” mentioned in the Bible too! so, a bit like me, you may have to guess at a species! I am sure you I was thinking about birds, and I could name some of the species – often think what it would be like to be a bird – to be able to fly many thousands of miles, to feel that freedom of being in the air and, especially in a pandemic, how it would be if we could just fly somewhere and be free of the constraints of lockdown. Although our freedom has been curtailed

Page 34 lately, we are still very lucky to have lessons—that of His care for each the freedom we do – freedom of individual. He cares for you; He thought, freedom of belief and cares for me. Let us put our trust in political freedom. Him, knowing that we are sheltered Jesus used the sparrow to under His wings. emphasize one of His most precious To leave you with a discussion point – Charles Lindbergh said “I realized that if I had to choose, I would rather have birds than air planes. “ I wonder whether you agree with him or not? (I agree – Ed) God bless. Wendy Gorham CENTENARY HOUSE It is early days for users of the facilities to resume, but we are receiving enquiries and for external users the cost remains at £9 per room per hour. For our churches there is no charge so do feel free to give me a call to see if we can help. Barry Turnwell (Bookings Officer) Please note - the next issue of Spotlight is due to be published on 3rd October 2021 Contributions for inclusion in this issue must be received by 5th September 2021 Where possible, please send articles to the Editor, Keith Miller by e-mail at [email protected] Handwritten or typed items should be posted to Pearl Page, 226 Battle Road, St. Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 7BA

And don’t forget to send us your pictures. We will always try to include a selection if they will reproduce satisfactorily.

Spotlight is printed and collated by Hastings Voluntary Action 01424 444010

Pictures from Trinity Methodist Church website - see page 28