Old Heath Parish and Community Magazine August 2019 50p

Happy Holidays!

My dear Friends, Taking things for granted is a very dangerous thing to do because it can quite easily result in an end to whatever it was you just assumed would always be there. Clearly, taking people for granted is one of the more serious mistakes we can make. People, family and friends, should be cherished and valued. Yes, I know, some people are not nice but most are and most family and genuine friends will stand by you and support you if you let them. However, we in turn must value those friendships and that love because one day we may find that the people we took for granted have either passed away or have given up on us and left our circle or moved away. If all that we do is ‘take’ from a relationship and just assume that the other person will always be at our beck and call without any need for gratitude or reciprocal love, we may well lose them. ‘Sorry’ may be too late. The same applies to things we take for granted in our towns and villages. How often we see great petitions and protest marches. Save this, save that. How dare the council deprive us of this, how dare the railway close our station, how dare the bus company cut out a bus, how dare they close our Post Office, how dare the C of E close our church. The fact is that very few of these protesters ever used the library, ever travelled by train or bus, ever supported the church. The same is true when we hear all these howls of criticism for the decline in the High Street. Most people shop on line or drive to supermarkets, they don’t shop in the High Street anymore. If we want a bustling High Street we need to actually go there to shop. All these things which we ‘take for granted’ cost money and money is generated by those who use the facility. I watch buses drive past empty every day, I know that very few people send letters anymore (I am an exception!), I know that fewer

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people walk in to a library and, of course, I know that the High Street is very rarely packed with shoppers. I am not blaming anyone for making life choices about our habits because I fully understand that we do what is most convenient and most valuable to us. However, I do question the indignation expressed (sometimes quite vociferously) by people who never gave a thought to these things when they were there. In Old Heath we cherish our Wick, our School and (I hope) our Church – no doubt there are other things too- and that is because all these things/institutions are loved by our people and used. However, even they could disappear if future generations don’t cherish them. We must stand up and be counted in trying to protect the Wick for future generations, in ensuring that we continue to have an excellent school for our children and that the Church is always here to care for us in our times of sorrow and joy. My mother once said to me (and I don’t imagine it is unique) if people can’t give me flowers and appreciation when I am alive, I don’t want them when I am dead. Perhaps you have other ways of expressing that same sentiment. The bottom line is that we should treasure and appreciate what we have whilst we have it – whilst we have the people we love. NEVER take people for granted and ALWAYS show appreciation. We can’t always save institutions because of costs and new ways but we can, if we have a will to do so, value our family and friends. I hope that the words ‘TOO LATE’ will never be part of your memory. It will come as no surprise to you that I believe in God and His church. So, even if you don’t like joining others on a Sunday morning, I do hope that those of you who have a sense of gratitude for life and our world (if you attribute this to God) will also find time to show Him appreciation. I asked God for all things, that I may enjoy life. He gave me life that I may enjoy all things. As our balmy summer comes upon us, I hope that you will have happy times together with family and friends. May God bless you all.

Your priest and Vicar, Father Richard

P.S. As I write this letter, I note that there has been a reprieve for the Libraries. Good news however, unless those who protested continue to use the library, this threat will return and there will be no reprieve a second time.

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Daily Prayers in August Thursday 1st Those seeking new work Friday 2nd The faithful housebound Saturday 3rd All parish priests Sunday 4th The parish/fellowship between churches Monday 5th Residents of Heathfields House Tuesday 6th That we may listen to God`s Son Wednesday 7th The Emergency Services Thursday 8th Bishop Norman and the Richborough parishes Friday 9th The Hospital Chaplaincy team Saturday 10th That we may give generously Sunday 11th The parish/readiness to meet the Lord Monday 12th Homeless people and refugees Tuesday 13th Children and teachers on holiday Wednesday 14thReligious communities Thursday 15th Thanksgiving for the witness of Our Lady Friday 16th Grateful hearts Saturday 17th Outreach to young families Sunday 18th The parish/stronger faith Monday 19th Residents of Charles Smith House Tuesday 20th Those who serve our community Wednesday 21st The sick and those who care for them Thursday 22nd The Catholic Societies Friday 23rd Perseverance in our faith Saturday 24th Thanks for the witness of the martyrs Sunday 25th The parish/The conversion of this country Monday 26th Victims of crime Tuesday 27th Our armed forces and their families Wednesday 28th Residents of Hilltop Close Thursday 29th Peace in the world Friday 30th The ripening harvest Saturday 31st Young people preparing to go to college

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Holy Days in August

Tuesday 6th August The Transfiguration of Our Lord Our Lord was wonderfully and mystically “transfigured” with divine light on Mount Tabor. (Luke 9. 28-36) During this time he spoke with Moses and Elijah, an experience which was witnessed by Peter, James and John. The Transfiguration shows how Jesus fulfills the old covenant and also points to his future glory in the Resurrection. Thursday 15th August The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Church commemorates the death of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her entry into heaven, where she is venerated as the Mother of God and the greatest of all the saints. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, this feast is known as the “Dormition” or “Falling Asleep” of the Blessed Virgin. In medieval England, this feast was known as the feast of “Our Lady in Harvest.”

Saturday 24th August St. Bartholomew, apostle One of the twelve apostles about whom not much is certain. He is possibly the same man as Nathaniel, “an Israelite in whom is no guile” as recorded in the Gospel according to St. John ( 1. 45-51) He was martyred in Armenia by beheading, having first been flayed alive.

Daily Prayer Morning prayer is said at 9am on Monday to Thursday, and Saturday. Evening prayer is said at 6pm on Monday to Thursday and at 5pm on Saturday. All welcome.

Weddings If you are thinking of getting married and would like to be married in our beautiful Church, please get in touch with Fr Richard. The total cost of a church wedding at St. Barnabas (which is a legal wedding as well as a church wedding) would be £475 if you both live in the parish, which includes the price of the organist. If you live in a different parish there would be an additional £27 for Banns to be called in the parish. Page | 5

BAPTISM If any of you wish to be baptised (or have your children baptized) and Christened, please get in touch with Father Richard. Those of you who may be asked to be God Parents also need to be Christened, so if you are not Christened and wish to undertake the honour of being a God Parent then please call Father Richard well before the time when you are likely to be invited to be a God parent.

Parish Charities Update February St Helena Hospice £50 March ACS to help training Priests £200 April Royal National Lifeboat Institution £80 May Barnabas Fund for overseas aid £130 June ARC., £50 July East Anglian Children’s Hospice August Winston’s Wish September The Samaritans October BLESMA November Royal British Legion December Women’s Refuge SSAFA – in memory of Ernest Tilbrook £320

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Rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Sometimes my sermons are gentle, comforting and amusing. Sometimes they are powerful and demanding. Not sure where this one sits but it certainly gave rise to favourable comment so I publish it here for a wider reading. Of course, you have to try to read it in the tone of Fr Richard fired up! You will forgive me I am sure, if I sometimes bristle when someone says to me ‘If Jesus was here now, he’d do this or that or he would have changed his mind about this or that.’ When I hear that sort of comment from someone who has no knowledge of Christianity I find it quite understandable. WHY? Well because if they know anything about Jesus it is simply that they have heard that he was a kind and caring man and they assume that –what they think is kind and caring is what he would think kind and caring. In other words ‘I think it, so Jesus must think it.’ If I hear such an expression from a Christian I despair. WHY? Because if you are Christian and you have just attended or are attending Holy Communion and you need to say ‘If Jesus was here now’ then you have not understood at all what this is all about. The Sacrament is our assurance that Jesus IS here now. Christians believe that Jesus IS God made man and that he is ALWAYS with us. If we believe he is God then we believe he is all powerful and all knowing. If Jesus has pronounced on something –revealed to us by scripture and the Apostles –then that is that. He cannot make mistakes –he is GOD. If the teaching of Christ is changed to fit what we have decided is best for us , then we have effectively decided that we can change God’s mind, and if that is true, he can’t be GOD. So, never say ’If Jesus was here now. ‘He is and he has taught us the correct way to live and have our being and he is present in the spirit and in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. As to the Gospel teaching (Luke 10 vs 1-11 you need to read it) what is that getting at? Well, he is preparing the communities to which he will travel for the Good News. Like all great speakers and people of importance, he is sending out 72 people who have heard and believe to prepare the way. No Facebook etc in those days – you sent a herald, a messenger ahead to prepare things. The 72 are not to look for the ‘right sort of people’ but instead to speak to those who show them civility and hospitality. In other words they are to speak to those who are prepared to listen with an open heart and mind. The 72 come back full of excitement. People have listened, miracles have been performed. Jesus is kind and commends them but then makes it clear that they will not receive a reward or great accolade in this life. No portrait in a Gallery that people will look on for ever, no stone monument, no MBE. However, their names will be written in heaven. There will be ups and downs on the journey. Some will win many for Christ, others not so many. There will be places where they fail completely in their mission but they are not judged by their success or failure – they don’t have to earn God’s love and favour by being rich or famous. The fact that they believe and strive to do what God expects is enough. They are known and loved and there is a place for them when the time comes. Of course it is important that we work hard and do our best. It is, however, all too easy to adjust our devotion to God to suit ourselves. To justify in our own minds that what we think is best for us and our families comes before God’s teaching. Or, to decide that’ If Jesus was here today he’d do this’. Most of us will not have our portraits hanging in a gallery for generations to admire. Most of us will not have a great monument proclaiming our glorious achievements, most of us will not have books written about us – but none of that matters if we genuinely believe and earnestly strive Page | 7

to obey the teaching of him who gave his earthly life up for us and who is with us now in bread and wine. If that is how you live your life then you need not worry because your names are written in heaven and your face is known by God. What more could you possibly want? P.S. Of course, if you don’t believe in God then what I have said will not be relevant to you; and that is fine. However, those who claim to be genuine believing Christians do need to pay attention. Many who call themselves Christian may be genuinely very good people but to be a Christian one must also believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, that he is God made man and that he rose from the dead. If you don’t believe this you are not a Christian even if you believe in God. Holiday Lunches for Children We will be offering lunches for children, who would normally have free school meals, on two days a week during the school holidays at the St Barnabas Church Hall. These will be on the following dates:- 30th July 1st August 6th August 8th August 13th August Doors open at 11, food will be served at 12, 15th August and it will finish at 2pm. 20th August 22nd August 27th August 29th August

Attendance at the ‘Old Heath Munch Club’ must be booked in advance. Contact Maureen Powell at [email protected] or call 07974113341.

If you (the reader) know of children who would benefit from this service please let their parents know. There will be some lunchtime activities as well as lunch but I emphasise that this is not a general holiday club. Its purpose is to feed children who might not get a midday meal otherwise. Father Richard

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Books and DVDs If you are short of something to read or watch; there is a wide selection of books and DVDs available on the shelves in the Church Hall entrance. Books are only 25p each. Also available: OLD HEATH MEMORIES £6 HISTORY OF ST.BARNABAS CHURCH £2 DIARIES for 2020 £1 To Make You Smile The Police arrested two boys yesterday.One was drinking battery fluid and the other was eating fireworks. They went to court where the Magistrate charged one and let the other one off!

Summer Sundays Choral Evensong As had become our custom, we shall be sharing Sunday evenings with friends from other local churches as we gather for traditional English Choral Evensong.

The services will begin at 6pm and will be followed by social time and refreshment for those who wish to stay. Everyone is welcome whether or not you are regular church goers and regardless of whether you attend any of the churches where we are meeting.

4th August St Barnabas Old Heath 11th August St Leonard’s Lexden 18th August All Saints Shrub End 25th August St Albright’s Stanway 1st September St.Mary’s Wivenhoe

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A message from Mr Jolliffe The Middlewick will remain green, as God gave it to us. Like most folk in Old Heath, I was saddened to hear that in 2021 the MOD will leave Middlewick and transfer to Fingringhoe , thus our much loved treasure ;the glorious green wick will be considered available for ‘much needed’ homes. How crazy? Colchester , is over populated and over developed now and is already choked with noise, pollutant cars, lorries and buses etc. Much of the time our roads are gridlocked. Thank goodness I can use my bicycle. I have lived in Old Heath for 62 years and I don’t want our delightful Middlewick concreted over. I am very confident that, with God’s help and our prayers, this glorious open space can be saved for decades to come so that future generations can enjoy it as we and our forefathers have. So I trust the Lord that long after I have left this earth , Middlewick will remain for all to admire and enjoy. We have some good things on our side. Firstly, when you receive this wonderful Parish Magazine a new Prime Minister will be in No 10, another Defence Secretary will be in place and after October 31st there may be a new Government, who knows? I know our MP Will Quince and I intend to try to see him and ask him to bring the Minister for Defence to see our Wick and hopefully include our Local Councillors. Hopefully we will then petition the Government and show our strong disapproval of building on the Wick. When I think back to all the thousands of young men who trained on the Wick for hundreds of years in order to protect us and preserve our freedom, I am sure it is our duty ,folks, to keep our Wick free from development in memory of them. God save the Wick!

William Jolliffe, Mersea Road, Old Heath.

NB. Father Richard had a letter published in the Gazette on this same matter. You can read it on line or see it posted In the church.

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The Mountain If the mountain seems too big today then climb a hill instead if the morning brings you sadness it’s ok to stay in bed

If the day ahead weighs heavy and your plans feel like a curse there’s no shame in rearranging don’t make yourself feel worse

If a shower stings like needles and a bath feels like you’ll drown if you haven’t washed your hair for days don’t throw away your crown

A day is not a lifetime a rest is not defeat don’t think of it as failure just a quiet, kind retreat

It’s ok to take a moment from an anxious, fractured mind the world will not stop turning while you get realigned

The mountain will still be there when you want to try again you can climb it in your own time just love yourself til then

With thanks to Daphne

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Macmillan Coffee Morning Our Annual event will be held on Friday 29th September from 10am until 12 noon. Tea, coffee, cakes and a raffle will all be available.

This event helps raise much needed cash to fund the Macmillan Nurses who help to care for Cancer sufferers and their families.

Help in making cakes, providing raffle prizes, helping on the day and supporting the event will be greatly appreciated.

CHURCH HALL 29th SEPTEMBER 10am until 12 noon.

To Make You Smile A man goes into a lawyer’s office and asks the lawyer: “Excuse me, how much do you charge?” The lawyer responds: “I charge £1,000 to answer three questions.” “Bloody hell – That’s a bit expensive isn’t it?” “Yes. What’s your third question?”

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Mick Leatham LOCAL HANDYMAN AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SERVICES Including the following Floor and wall tiling Window and door repairs Clean guttering Replace soffits, fascia’s and guttering Door easing and lock replacement Flat pack assembly Painting and decorating Refurbish tired old furniture Carpentry Willing to take on any DIY or small repairs. Contact me now for a quote on 01206 797725 or 07909598185 email: [email protected]

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What and Where in Colchester? Thanks to Steve Waters for contributing a photograph each month of an item from around Colchester. Where is this doorway? And what does it face? The answer can be found at the back of the magazine.

Confirmation Confirmation is the natural progression for Christian people once they have been baptised (Christened) so if you feel the time is right –even if you haven’t been to church for a long long time, give me a call or come and have a chat. Confirmation involves coming to see me with others 8 times (8 hours) over a period of weeks. Lessons are fun and not demanding. There is no test so you don’t need to worry. After confirmation you may receive the Holy Communion- the bread and wine/ body and blood of Christ. Interested? Young or old –age is not a problem. Probably the youngest is 9 and there is no upper age limit.

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To Make you Smile It is useless to hold a person to anything he says while he is in love,drunk or running for election. Shirley MacLaine. Ceasar Augustus Since this is the month of August, here is some information about the man after whom our month is named. Augustus 23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14) was a Roman statesman and military leader who was the first emperor of the Roman Empire, reigning from 27 BC until his death in AD 14 His status as the founder of the Roman Principate has consolidated an enduring legacy as one of the most effective and controversial leaders in human history The reign of Augustus initiated an era of relative peace known as the Pax Romana. The Roman world was largely free from large-scale conflict for more than two centuries, despite continuous wars of imperial expansion on the Empire's frontiers and the year-long civil war known as the "Year of the Four Emperors" over the imperial succession. Augustus was born Gaius Octavius Thurinus into an old and wealthy equestrian branch of the plebeian gens Octavia. His maternal great-uncle Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC, and Octavius was named in Caesar's will as his adopted son and heir. Along with Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus, he formed the Second Triumvirate to defeat the assassins of Caesar. Following their victory at the Battle of Philippi, the Triumvirate divided the Roman Republic among themselves and ruled as military dictators. The Triumvirate was eventually torn apart by the competing ambitions of its members. Lepidus was driven into exile and stripped of his position, and Antony committed suicide following his defeat at the Battle of Actium by Octavian in 31 BC. After the demise of the Second Triumvirate, Augustus restored the outward façade of the free Republic, with governmental power vested in the Roman

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Senate, the executive magistrates, and the legislative assemblies. In reality, however, he retained his autocratic power over the Republic as a military dictator. By law, Augustus held a collection of powers granted to him for life by the Senate, including supreme military command, and those of tribune and censor. It took several years for Augustus to develop the framework within which a formally republican state could be led under his sole rule. He rejected monarchical titles, and instead called himself Princeps Civitatis ("First Citizen of the State"). The resulting constitutional framework became known as the Principate, the first phase of the Roman Empire. Augustus dramatically enlarged the Empire,annexing Egypt, Dalmatia, Pannonia, Noricum, and Raetia, expanding possessions in Africa, and completing the conquest of Hispania, but suffered a major setback in Germania. Beyond the frontiers, he secured the Empire with a buffer region of client states and made peace with the Parthian Empire through diplomacy. He reformed the Roman system of taxation, developed networks of roads with an official courier system, established a standing army, established the Praetorian Guard, created official police and fire-fighting services for Rome, and rebuilt much of the city during his reign. Augustus died in AD 14 at the age of 75, probably from natural causes. However, there were unconfirmed rumors that his wife Livia poisoned him. He was succeeded as emperor by his adopted son (also stepson and former son-in- law) Tiberius.

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British History Continued Queen Victoria 1837 – 1901 Queen Victoria ruled at the time of the greatest influence of the British Empire. She was the first British Monarch to be called Empress and through her many relatives she effectively influenced every European Monarchy. She was a complex emotional and yet firm and dynamic ruler, loved by her people but impossible to live with for her children. She was determined to be good and different from her spendthrift and immoral relatives. Her first great confident and father figure was Prime Minister Lord Melbourne. Her actual father was the Duke of Kent, 4th son of King George 111. He was despised by the Army because of his ‘bestial severity’ and he was impossibly in debt. He decided the only way to get out of debt was to marry someone of wealth and produce an heir to the throne so the Government would give him a substantial income. He married Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburn and Victoria was the heir he produced. As most will know through TV , Victoria’s mother the Duchess was under the spell of Sir John Conroy. King William Iv despised the Duchess and Sir John and made that very clear. The King held on to life long enough for Victoria to reach 18 and so become Queen without the need of a Regent. The Duchess and Sir John were foiled! The image we have of Queen Victoria as the stern Matriarch of the greatest Empire the world has known should not cloud our knowledge because she was an exciting and imaginative young Queen, full of life and fun in those early days. In 1839 Prince Albert visited the Queen. He was her cousin and was 20 years old. Her life changed for ever. ‘He is beautiful’ she said and five days later she proposed to him. As was her right. This was not to the joy of the British people who were very suspicious of a low ranking German Prince. He was not the most easy of people and lacked certain social skills. Basically he was rather poor at understanding what it was to be sociable and was determined to introduce all manner of ‘ improving’ activities and skills.

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Albert became Master in his houses, even though Victoria was Queen. They loved Balmoral and Osbourne House. They had 9 children. She loved sex, she hated pregnancy, she disliked babies but she did quite like children. Though our Monarchy was by now constitutional, the Queen and the Prince Consort (defacto King) were very influential and often made decisions as to whom they would accept as ministers. They disliked Lord Palmerston who was frequently causing troubles between foreign Monarchs and their peoples. Albert wanted to modernize Britain and through the marriage of his various children to European Monarchies he hoped to liberalise Europe. Alas, his daughter Vicky gave birth to the future Kaiser Wilhelm II and we all know what that led to.

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This is not about Albert but his influence on the Queen and the Nation was immeasurable. When he died , the Queen went in to mourning for the rest of her life. he died in 1861 and so Britain endured 4o years of the Queen’s distress. This, of course, gave rise to the image we all have or her. Such was the frustration of the Government and people that we were almost thrown in to republicanism. She was unrepentant and her reputation plummeted. She was ridiculed for her relationship with John Brown and later her beloved Munchi. She blamed the Government for not recognizing the genius of Albert until along came Benjamin Disraeli. He seemed to know how to encourage the Queen and it was he who had her proclaimed Empress of India, This enlivened her and brought her back in to public life. The British Empire had become the biggest Empire in land mass and she was the sovereign of nearly a third of the population of the world. Eventually Disraeli moved on and was replaced by Gladstone, who she detested. He incurred her greatest wrath when he refused to send an Army to rescue Gordon of Khartoum. Her Golden and later Diamond Jubilees were magnificent and gave the British people a great sense of importance and pride. Her last prime Minister was Lord Salisbury, whom she liked very much.

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Victoria was certainly the most influential and maybe the greatest Monarch we have had (save our own Queen Elizabeth of course) and ,with her husband, she brought about a style of Britishness which has shaped our culture and our way of life to this day. Most of our great institutions, our buildings, our education, our laws, our manners and customs come from the Victorian Era. Salisbury reflected that democracy did not mean an end to Monarchy but instead brought about an alliance between the Monarch and the middle classes. It was her understanding of those who worked and produced the nation’s wealth which won her the unending affection of her people. Write here Sea Cadets A proud day for our Sea Cadet Corps which meets in the Parish, when the local inspecting officer spent the evening with the cadets and was very pleased with the progress made. He commended our Cadets.

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Winston’s Wish Charity. Until about 18 months ago this Charity was unknown to me. David (our youngest) had recently lost one of his closest friends to a fairly uncommon type of Cancer. Gavin was only in his late 30s and left a Widow and 3 small children, the youngest hadn’t even started school. The Family were put in touch with Winston’s Wish who support children who have either lost a Parent or Sibling. Since their initial meeting Gavin’s Family have and still benefit from support from The Charity. David was understandably moved by this Charity and last year decided to forego receiving gifts or cards for his birthday & requested Friends & Family to make donations to Winston’s Wish instead. Consequently he was able to raise almost £1,500 from his requests. He has also competed in Fund raising Triathlons and in May of this year competed in the London to Brighton challenge over the last May Bank holiday weekend. To date he has raised in excess of £2,400 and he still has promises for his next Triatholon in July. Amelia, David’s daughter did a Cake Bake stall at her School the Friday of David’s London to Brighton Challenge & this also raised £111.10. Recently I was in discussion with an ex Army friend who told me that when he was in Army Service that Winston’s Wish frequently supported children of Army personnel who had died on active service. At our PCC Meeting in April it was discussed & agreed that Winston’s Wish would be our chosen charity for this month of August. I hope that many of you will be encouraged to support this Charity particularly as it such a marvellous life line for many youngsters suffering the heartbreak & devastation of bereavement at a young age. Naturally we are very proud of David’s achievements as are Gavin’s family, particularly Lisa Gavin’s widow, who has been quite overwhelmed by how David has still continued to keep Gavin’s memory alive. Jane Collen.

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St Helena Grab your goggles and sign up for St Helena’s brand new event Grab your goggles and take on the thrill of an Open Water Swim for St Helena Hospice this September. This brand new event will take place at Curve Wake Part, St Osyth on Saturday 14th September and swimmers can choose to swim either 1.5km or 3km in aid of their local hospice. The 1.5km is ideal if you’re used to swimming in the confines of your local pool, or have yet to face longer distances, whilst the 3km route will push those looking for a longer challenge and is perfect for people training towards longer distance triathlons. Lisa, St Helena’s Events and Challenges Fundraiser, said: “We’re really excited to launch this new event that will hopefully appeal to regular swimmers as well as those looking for a new or different challenge. “This is the longest distance open water swimming event in north Essex and taking part is a great chance for people to experience the buzz of being part of a fantastic sporting event. “All the money raised through people taking part in this sponsored swim will go towards helping local people face incurable illness and bereavement, supporting them, their families and carers.” Anyone over the age of 14 can sign up and everyone will have to take a short swimming test of the morning of the event before they take on the 1.5km or 3km route. Entry is £25 per person and everyone who signs up will receive a swim hat to wear on the day and a well-earned medal at the end. To sign up, visit sthelena.org.uk/openwaterswim

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An Essex Treat by Pat Rolfe I’ve travelled to many places Wined and dined in them all From Applestrudel in Austria To Peking Duck on the Great China Wall.

I’ve sample fajitas in Mexico Paella and tapas in Spain Hue Crotwurst sausage in Germany And countless meals on planes.

I’ve chomped my way through Pasta In Venice, Florence and Rome Ate dumplings and sawerkraut On a river boat moored up in Cologne

I’ve dined on veal in Marsala wine On the shores of a Corsican bay Ate snails and inky squid in France Brown goat’s cheese in beautiful Norway.

I’ve tried sardines in a Sardinian café Dolmades in the tavernas of Greece Beef Stifado in Malta and Cyprus But there’s something far nicer than these.

Last week we had a fishy treat Which we polished off with glee Plates of whelks, cockles and mussels Down at dear old Leigh on Sea, With thanks to Connie Mercer

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Church Facebook Page Our church has recently acquired a Facebook page. By visiting http://www.facebook.com/StBarnabasOldHeath and liking the page, you can have notices of upcoming events, videos and photos, the latest pew sheet and magazine and much more delivered straight to your Facebook feed. Please go online and ‘Like’ our page and share it with your family and friends. Note: The Facebook page does not replace our website – www.stbarnabaschurcholdheath.wordpress.com

Gift Day – August 10th Do you truly value having your Vicar and your beautiful church in Old Heath? I hope that you all know that our Vicar and church are here to serve you all and that Father Richard does not only help and support those who come to church regularly. However, to have a Vicar, Church and church hall for all of our benefit, if we want them, comes at a cost which it is impossible to cover from the Sunday morning collections. Before we turn on a light, we have to send £2,100 each month to the Diocese of Chelmsford ..On top of that we have to pay electricity, gas, water, insurance (£1,070 per year) candles, fire and electricity checks, painting, decorating, gardener, window cleaner, organ tuning and repairs, organist fees and all the various things needed to keep the place going. The bottom line is that we need over £40,000 per year. SO , here comes the request. Fr Richard will be sitting in church on 10th August from 10am until 4pm. If you value the church and can support it for Old Heath, please come and give him your gift in cash or cheque (St. Barnabas PCC) or you can send a donation or drop a donation through the Vicarage letterbox when passing. If you can’t afford to give, please do pray for our Vicar and the church and pop in when passing to look upon your lovely little church. The PCC.

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What Does It Mean? He wears his heart on his sleeve. We use this expression when talking about people who can’t keep their emotions or affections to themselves. It is clear, we say, that he is in love or keen on this or that-he wears his heart on his sleeve. This comes from the days of Knights in Armour who would wear a token or ribbon of their sweetheart on the sleeve of their armour when they entered a tournament. POT LUCK-GONE TO POT The first means taking a chance and the second usually means something like ‘I don’t know what has happened’ or ‘ it’s all got mixed up’. It comes from the days when a pot hung over the fire into which all scraps of food were thrown and kept hot. Those who sat down to eat had no idea what they would be eating –it was pot luck. Likewise, the expression gone to pot is the same – everything has gone (in) to the pot- all mixed up. SENT TO COVENTRY We know this means that nobody will talk to us if we are sent to Coventry. This came from the days of the English Civil War when Royalist Prisoners were taken to Coventry ( A Parliamentary stronghold) and nobody would have anything to do with the Royalists. They had been sent to Coventry. BUCKSHEE Buckshee means extra rations but acquired a meaning more frequently understood, that is to say that we acquire something ‘buckshee’ or free.It comes from the days of Empire when soldiers picked up Indian and Persian words. Baksheesh means a tip or gratuity and we mispronounce it buckshee.

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Physiotherapy Chartered & State Registered Respiratory & Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Services

General physiotherapy Mobility problems & falls Stroke rehabilitation Weakness after surgery Shortness of breath Trouble clearing phlegm Back & Joint assessments Amputees Chronic conditions (MS, Parkinson’s disease) Home Visits only Treatments in the privacy of your own home Contact: Suzanne Maddison 07958 408825

www.physiotherapychelmsford.co.uk Registered with all major insurance companies

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Jeff and Bev

Ordination The Ordination of the Reverend Neill Stannard on June 29th at Chichester Cathedral. Neil was a pupil of Father Richard at the Davenant Foundation School, and became a school master. He has kept in touch with Father Richard ever since and Father was very proud to be invited to the ordination. Neil has visited St Barnabas on a number of occasions, he will serve his title in Worthing, Sussex.

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The history of the railway system in Britain and its arrival in Colchester (continued) The Hythe Station A line to Hythe Quay was opened on 1 April 1847 by the Colchester, Stour Valley, Sudbury & Halstead Railway, which was worked by the Eastern Union Railway (EUR) and was a freight-only line. Hythe station was opened to passenger services on 8 May 1863 by the Tendring Hundred Railway, which opened to Wivenhoe and was operated by the Great Eastern Railway from the outset.[2][3] There are still sidings present at Hythe but they are no longer in use, and there was once a short branch to Hythe quay which crossed the River Colne adjacent to the station by a small iron bridge. There is no evidence today of the former quayside tracks, but aerial photograph sites clearly show the exact alignments.[4] There was also a spur from the station to Colchester Gas Works, which ran along the street to Hythe quay. This became redundant in 1973 when the United Kingdom switched from town gas to natural gas. Little trace now remains of this, except a small section of trackbed at Hythe, and the piers of the bridge (removed around 2007) over the River Colne.

Colchester Town or St Botolph’s Station The station was opened in 1866 by the Tendring Hundred Railway, a subsidiary of the Great Eastern Railway, with the name St. Botolph's. It was renamed Colchester Town in 1991.

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To Make You Smile A Politician is an animal that can sit on the fence and yet keep both ears to the ground. H Mencken. Economist.

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FUNERALS Raymond SHILLINGFORD RIP 11th June Aged 86 Funeral 9th July Doris RENN RIP 22nd June Aged 94 Funeral 4th July Ivan BEALES RIP 3rd July Aged 90 Funeral 23rd July Cyril Roland Riddett WEBB RIP 27th June aged 92 Funeral 31st July Obituaries Raymond SHILLINGFORD Raymond was born in Enfield in 1932. As soon as he reached 16 he left home and joined the Merchant Navy in which he served for 12 years. On leaving the MN he decided to join the Police Force but this was not to his liking so he took up work in the Hotel Business for a while and then finally settled in his 25 year career as an AA Man He was married to Sheila who passed away in 2008 and they had a family together. He met Jean in 2009 and they soon came to love each other and were married on 27th October 2010. They set up home together in Old Heath Road and have been happy together for 10 years. He was a lovely sociable man and would thoroughly enjoy going out to dine or to take day trips and coach trips all over the UK. Raymond loved his family and loved people. He was kind. He was a gentleman. Susan CLARKE Susan was born in Colchester Maternity Hospital. She was the daughter of Elizabeth and George and brother to Michael who predeceased her. The family lived in Smythies Avenue and she went to St James School. On leaving school she became a Nanny and travelled with the Army family she was Nanny to. She met Gary when they worked together and they soon started walking out together. They set up home on The Australian Estate, later moving to Layer Breton and finally to Layer Road. They had 30 wonderfully happy years together with their wider family; sons Stuart and Andrew ;their families and Grandchildren Lucas and Toby.

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She worked for many years at Sainsbury’s in Stanway and then retired 13 years ago to enjoy Golf, Gardening and reading. Together Gary and Susan they enjoyed travelling , seeing much of the world. Needless to say she loved her family and friends passionately and was the most loving, caring and kind lady. As Gary said to me, she was simply the best. Dolly RENN Doris Lilian (Dolly) was born in Stratford ,East London in 1924, the daughter of Rose & Bill and sister to Jane. Dad worked on the railway and so the family moved around. They moved to Great Yarmouth and then to Braintree. She was a bright and clever girl who passed the scholarship but refused to go to grammar school because none of her friends were going. Clearly independent thought arrived early in her life. More moves from Braintree to Clacton, evacuation to Gloucester in the war years and then to Colchester. She worked in Woolworth’s Tea Bar in Colchester which is where she met her beloved Bill. She then went to work at Marconi in Chelmsford. She married Bill on 27th November 1943 whilst Bill was still in the Army and they were blessed by the arrival of Keith in 1945.Christopher was born in 1951 and the family moved to Stamford Hill. The boys attended Woodberry Down School and Dolly joined the PTA to support the school. She took up work as the boys grew up and went to Our Lady’s Convent School as a kitchen assistant where she remained until retirement . Mind you, she was soon back working and cooking for the Nuns at St Anne’s Convent where she stayed until 2001. In recent years Bill and Dolly enjoyed being in Colchester and attending All Saints Church and its various activities. Bill and Dolly celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in 2003. Sadly Bill passed away in 2012. Ill health eventually took Dolly to Welshwood Manor where she was a breath of fresh air to the place. She was a lovely person who cared about her family and friends/She was very much the Matriarch. Patient, kind and a true friend. She will be sorely missed.

Important Dates in September 1st. Choral Evensong at Wivenhoe. 14.Trip to Rochester 20th MacMillan Coffee Morning 28th Harvest Quiz Night 29th Harvest festival

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August Calendar 1.Garrison & Police Station. Friendship Club 2pm. Mass 7pm 2. 3.Fr Richard preaches at St. Alban’s Romford 12 noon. Feast of the Assumption. 4.SUNDAY Mass 10am. Choral Evensong (Churches together) 6pm with refreshment to follow. 5.Monday Club 10am.Line Dancing 2pm. Mass 6pm. 6.Mass 10am and coffee. Sewing Group 2pm. Dancers 7pm. 7. Fr R celebrates Mass at Rowhedge 10am.Weight watchers 6pm. Appalachian Dancers 8.30pm. 8.Garrison and Police Station .Friendship Club 2pm. Mass 7pm. 9.Trefoil Guild 2pm. 10.GIFT DAY 10am – 4pm. Bingo 7pm. 11.SUNDAY Mass 10am. Choral Evensong Lexden 6pm. 12.Monday Club 10am.Line Dancing 2pm. Mass 6pm. PCC 6.30pm. 13.Mass 10am and coffee. Sewing Group 2pm. Dancers 7pm 14.Weight Watchers 6.30pm. Apalachian Dancers 8.30pm 15.Fr R celebrates Mass at Shrub End 10am. Garrison 11am. Friendship Club 2pm,Mass 7pm.FR R preaches at the Feast of the Assumption, St.Agnes Kennington.7.30pm. 16. 17.Wedding rehearsal 11.30am 18.SUNDAY Mass 10am Choral Evensong All Saints Shrub End (Fr Richard conducting) 19.Monday Club 10am Line Dancing 2pm. Mass 6pm.. 20.Mass 10am and coffee. Sewing Group 2pm.Dancers 7pm 21.Fr R celebrates Mass at Rowhedge 10am. Weight Watchers 6.30pm. Apalachian Dancers 8.30pm 22.Garrison and Police Station . Friendship Club 2pm.Mass 7pm 23.Wedding Rowhedge 11am. 24.Social Committee 10am. Bingo 7pm. 25.Mass 10am. Choral Evensong St Albright’s Stanway 6pm. 26. BANK HOLIDAY Church Closed. 27.Mass 10am and coffee. Sewing Group 2pm. Dancers 7pm 28.Fr R celebrates Mass at Rowhedge 10am. Weight Watchers 6.30pm. Apalachian Dancers 8.30pm 29. Friendship Club 2pm. Mass 7pm. 30. 31.

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St. Barnabas’ Church, Abbott’s Road YOUR Church of England Parish Church www.stbarnabaschurcholdheath.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/StBarnabasOldHeath SUNDAY SERVICES 10.00 am Parish Eucharist and Baptisms 6.30 pm Evening Services The Vicar: The Rev’d R. E. Tillbrook, SSC [email protected] 01206 797481 Parish Reader and Mrs J. Twinn 01206 240313 Safeguarding Officer Church Wardens: Mr C. Burch 01206 572595 Mrs J. Gibbins 01206 628102 PCC Secretary: Mrs L. Burch 01206 572595 PCC Treasurer: Mr D. Bacon 01206 511676 Vicar’s Sacristan: Mr T. Hubbard 01206 795925 Magazine Editors: The Vicar Mr T. Rice Head Teacher: Mrs A. Mitchelson 01206 794334 Zone Wardens: Zoe 07817 297215 Geoff 07852 456821 Samantha 07770 365331 Community Hall Bookings: 01206 870266 Picture Quiz Answer: It is a doorway at the back of the castle, and it faces the obelisk to commemorate the execution of Lucas and Lisle during the English civil war after the Siege of Colchester, because they had broke their word not to take arms again.

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Royal Military Police I think that most of you know that I am Padre to the Royal Military Police based at Goojerat Barracks. I visit the Police Station every week and meet with Officers and men for a chat and to help out where I can. It is a privilege to do so. Each year on 24th June I conduct a service of thanksgiving and remembrance for the six RMP who were murdered in 2003. They were slaughtered by a marauding mob in their Police Station. They were not in battle; they were Police Officers sent to keep the peace. They were all young men doing their duty. We must never forget the sacrifice which our soldiers are called to make. RIP and RIG. The picture shows the memorial benches at the Barracks. Our current RSM is the brother of one of the RMP who was killed. Our thoughts, as always, are with the families who still mourn the loss of their sons, brothers, fathers and friends.

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Perfect Nostalgia

A Great Western Railway steaming across the back of Goodrington Sands in Torbay. The childhood haunt of Father Richard and his Sister. Happy Days.

Learning to ignore certain things is one of the great paths to inner peace. Robert Sawyer, Author.

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