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Robert Potter Licensed Lay Minister – St Mary’s

The Team ‘What’s Lent?’ Team Rector Revd Keith Magee with responsibility for St Peter’s y the time you read this Lent will be into its second week 07766 645135 but if, in these multi-cultural, multi-faith or no-faith times, Team Vicars Byou mention Lent in general conversation with someone, Revd Cora Yarrien you might well be asked ‘What’s Lent?’ A fair enough question with responsibilty for because if you have friends who are Jews, Muslims or Hindus you St George and St Andrew might ask them ‘what is Ramadan, Hanukkah or Diwali seeking 01305 262421 information about different religious seasons and festivals, all of Vacant – ( contact church wardens) which are important to those of other faiths and about which we with responsibilty for St Mary’s and St Simon & St Jude probably know little. Revd Jean Saddington So, what is Lent? As Christians we know that it is a period of with responsibility for 40 days (plus Sundays) observed as a preparation for our greatest The Winterbournes & Compton Valence festival, Easter, or Resurrection Sunday as it is known by some 01305 889992 churches. Lent is a reminder that Jesus spent 40 days in the Associate Clergy wilderness preparing for his earthly ministry, coming to terms Revd Joanna Lacy-Smith with some of his mortal feelings. It is for us a season of soul 01305 889476 searching, a time for reflection, for taking stock of our spiritual Licensed Lay Ministers lives. What do (or could) we do to shake ourselves from the David Bowen 01305 263584 routine of the remaining 46 weeks of the year? Many will give up Allen Knott 01305 267217 something which seems important – or at least attractive – to Caroline McMeiken 07555 967387 Robert Potter 01305 262041 them; chocolate, alcohol, some television watching for example, doing the same thing every year and going back to our normal Churchwardens routine immediately after Easter. Our Lord isn’t interested in our St George Caroline Taylor 01305 269564 transient sacrifice of life’s trivia but he might look more vacant favourably on our giving up hidden sins, things we probably don’t St Mary the Virgin acknowledge. Are we guilty of hypocrisy perhaps or of duplicity Trudy Tabone 01305 246126 – Christian on Sundays and anything but during the week; or Ellie Stephens 01305 263391 something else? St Peter Val Potter 01305 264416 Lent needn’t be boring; in fact there are a number of Judy Cowling 01305 268721 stimulating features with some special Sundays and then Holy St Andrew Week which offers much to stir our imaginations and faith. It is vacant not a time for being negative; it should be meditative but positive. St Simon & St Jude Charles Norman 01305 262719 When we give up watching Coronation Street or some other time Judy Norman 01305 262719 filler, we need to use that time to refocus our faith, perhaps by St Martin following a Lent course, probably by zoom this year, reading a Dick Corbett-Winder 01305 889410 devotional book or a section of the bible we’re unfamiliar with. St Mary Joy Parsons 01305 889611 Maybe use the time to phone someone who lives alone or who St Michael is unwell. We can’t visit these days but there are many ways of Ellie Sturrock 07980 089470 showing our Christian concern for others. Try to find ways in Roddy Kilpatrick 01305 889238 which this Lent, affected by Covid-19 in its observance, can be St Thomas meaningful for you. Peter Steel 01308 482782 Jeremy Russell 01308 482227 Chaplaincy at Dorset County Hospital Reverend Ron Martin (CofE) Lead Hospital Chaplain Dorchester Benefice Magazine Please submit copy for the April issue email [email protected] Editor: Margaret Morrissey OBE by 15th March at the latest. Revd Jean Saddington (CofE) Chaplain 9 Hessary St., Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3SF All new articles please submit by [email protected] [email protected] 01305 250366 12th March or give notice of intention to the Editor at Father Barry Hallett (RC) Chaplain Advertising Manager: [email protected] Contactable via Ron [email protected] Printed by Sherrens of Weymouth

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Bishop of Salisbury to retire in July 2021

he Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, will retire on the 3rd July 2021, a Tmonth short of his 67th birthday. He will have been Bishop of Salisbury for ten years. “Being the Bishop of Salisbury has been a privilege and a joy”, the Bishop said. “In present circumstances, the timing of my retirement has not been an easy decision but it feels right to me and to those I have consulted. The impact of the pandemic is going to be felt for a long time. The diocese is developing a Mission and Pastoral Plan and we have an agreed financial framework with which to face the future with confidence. We continue to be about Renewing Hope as we Pray, Serve and Grow. “In Bishops Karen and Andrew and the four archdeacons, the Diocese of Salisbury has excellent leadership. Our Diocesan Secretary, David Pain, is well established and Joy Tubbs is an outstanding Director of Education. The Diocesan Board of Finance and the Diocesan Board of Education are people of faith, commitment, skill and expertise. I am enormously grateful to them and to the Diocesan Synod. When the pandemic subsides the scale of what faces us will benefit from a new diocesan bishop with whom to make decisions about the future. “This is a testing time and the life of the Church has have been able to do and I am grateful for her and our never been more important as a witness to Christian family’s support. We look forward to retiring to beliefs and values for the sake of God’s world. In many Brighton to be closer to our children and ways the Diocese of Salisbury is one of God’s small grandchildren.” miracles. The energy, variety and resourcefulness of our churches, chaplaincies and schools are just three of the reasons why being the Bishop is a joy. I am full of admiration for our cathedral, for clergy colleagues and On a personal Note for the people of the diocese who have been Having been a member of Bishop’s Council for the last extraordinarily resilient and creative in the adaptation 5 years I have had the privilege to work closely with of continued ministry and mission. Bishop Nick. It has been a very rewarding time where I “It has been good to welcome the Channel Island have learnt much and been able, through his teaching Deaneries to the diocese in a new relationship for and example, to increase my faith. All done with much which the legalities have still to be finalised. I am sorry laughter and comradeship. Having worked with a not to be able to get to know them better and work selection of Bishops over many years (1969 to 2021 in with them for longer. The diocese is glad to have them Southwark and Salisbury) all who were very worthy with us and we pray the relationship will deepen and men, Bishop Nick is the fairest, kindest of men and a be a blessing to us all. joy to be around. It will be a sad day in July when we “When we came to Salisbury in 2011 Helen had just say goodbye. retired as a Maths teacher. She has supported me At our first Bishop’s Council Zoom meeting he particularly through hospitality and fundraising in The made us all laugh out loud when he announced, “This South Canonry and in the beautiful garden, notably is a momentous day, I can finally Mute Margaret”, running the Sudan fete. She has maintained her which he thought was great fun and I know he will not Quaker membership at Salisbury Quaker Meeting mind me sharing this with you. I know our Past Rector throughout our time here. She established a weekly Thomas and a few others would understand his origami workshop for prisoners at HMP Erlestoke; feelings. selling their cards to raise funds for prisoner May you and Helen enjoy your retirement and your rehabilitation. Helen has been a major part of what I grandchildren for many years to come. Margaret M

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Let’s clap for mothers! The Revd Peter Crumpler

s Motherng Sunday approaches, let’s hear it for experiencing real crisis. Coronavirus has impacted every all the mothers who have been on the frontline area of our lives and The Children’s Society has been Aof helping our country survive the Covid deeply concerned about the impact of this crisis on pandemic! Just as we’ve clapped on our doorsteps for children, especially the most disadvantaged.” the NHS and other heroes, let’s applaud all that He added: “Our survey found a higher proportion of mothers have done – often balancing home and young people experiencing low wellbeing than we are employment – during these long lockdown months. used to seeing. Whilst we know that most children’s Research shows that mums have carried out most of wellbeing will ‘bounce-back’, there will be some who do the home schooling and household tasks – with many not.” also holding down important frontline roles in the Mothers are at the frontline of helping our children NHS and other essential services. cope with – and then recover from – the effects of the Women spent more than twice as much time as men Covid pandemic and the extended lockdowns. on their children’s home schooling and development Many working mothers lost their jobs because of the during the lockdown, according to a study by University pandemic and families will be hard pressed to make up College London. It measured how parents responded for the income lost. Food bank provider, the Trussell while schools and nurseries were closed to most Trust, has warned churches to prepare for a ‘tidal wave’ families. The survey, reported by the Guardian of poverty and to be ready to help their local newspaper, found that women across several age groups communities. took the major share of childcare and home schooling. This Mothering Sunday, daffodils and chocolate may Those with primary school age children “were seem very thin reward for the major contribution of considerably more likely” to have given up working than mums across our nation. fathers with children of the same age. In normal times they have a challenging and The pressure on families was further increased as demanding job to do. Through the pandemic they have many grandparents and other carers were unable to risen to the challenges and sought to ensure children help. Family and friendship networks were put under thrive despite the lockdowns. strain with contacts restricted to online Zoom or As we celebrate Mothering Sunday, let’s recognise the Facetime calls that are often difficult with younger amazing efforts made by mothers in the home with children. their children. Launching The Children’s Society report into Let’s also celebrate the vital roles many also play – as children’s welfare during the lockdown, chief executive do those without children – in the NHS, in education, Mark Russell said: “We are living in unprecedented in the government and civil service, in keeping vital times. Months of national lockdown, only small supplies flowing – and in our pulpits and across our numbers of children in school and many families churches.

We walk towards the young people that abuse, exploitation and neglect. We couldn’t society crosses the road to avoid. These Our impact on do that without the help of our supporters. young people have something within them, Our impact on a young person’s life is that something is hope. Children come to children and all driven by our volunteers and us for help – to talk about their feelings, campaigners, our supporters who run a their trauma. They come to us when their young people marathon or host a Christingle every year. way forward is uncertain, they don’t know No matter how you give your time to us, what choice to make. lend your voice to our campaigns, or They really do want to get back on the support us financially you are helping us right track. These young people have a The fight for the hope that’s within all children huge impact on us – they shine a light on across the country. Through our parts of society that is broken for them, Children’s campaigning and policy work we can and in turn we help them regain their Society improve life for young people up and down hope, even when it’s hanging by a thread. the country. A change at government level We counsel, support and campaign for means that many more young people will the young people whose hopes and benefit from a positive change beyond happiness are the most threatened by those that walk through our doors. Read more and/or donate at www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/our-impact

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St George’s Church Church Correspondent Revd Cora Yarrien

Details of Services and church opening times are on page 2 – this information is updated each Friday on http://www.dorchesteranglican.info/pews-news

esprit de corps that we have at St George’s. Even in lockdown, we members and friends of the church can express the love and care we have for each other with this and similar events. We thank God that we can still communicate the love of Christ through celebrations, like this Burns Night. I would like to thank all those who took part in this Burns Night and in particular the Revd Cora Yarrien for organising this event. It was a great success. Thank you, Cora. Reverend Reji Raj-Singh Lent Reflections 2021 This year in Lockdown I wonder how might Lenten reflections bring growth and hope to dark places. Never has there been a time when this was more poignant. Many lives have taken a battering, experiencing great personal sadness and loss. In fact it might feel for some with impact of Covid 19 and the Global Pandemic that we have been living in Lent for the whole of the past year. Gospel readings tells of Jesus’ journey into the wilderness and his temptation in there. I wonder as we dwell with a saviour who is well aquainted with suffering and sorrows whether we might find Burns Night 2021 companionship and solace. As we reflect on Jesus’ It was the most unusual Burns Night we have ever road of costly self-sacrifice, the route that led to the had; because of Covid19 lockdown we were forced to cross, we might be reminded that his death brought holding our Burns Night via ZOOM around the freedom, hope and new life. We could be reminded of homes in our community. Dozens joined in, both God’s unconditional love for us. Lent whispers of families and individuals. We all made the effort to hope not dispair and points towards the resurrection find something Scottish to wear to help us celebrate joy and freedom of Easter Sunday. Scotland’s great poet. Of course there was no Scottish You are welcome to join us as we #LiveLent and dancing, something Val has always managed in former reflect on God’s story and our story at 7.30pm on years, or a piper to usher in the haggis. Nevertheless, Thursday nights on Zoom. However you practise Lent we still managed to create a suitable setting for the – I pray that you may be reminded of the hope that meal. A great surprise was that a caterer – ‘The Gravy Christ gives to us. May we look to that better future Boat’ from Weymouth – had been found to to and remember that we are made for love and it is this provide the haggis, neaps and the tatties. Hurrah! love which will save us and our world. Amazingly the food arrived in good time, and even at Yours in Christ Rev. Cora, Team Vicar St Georges. the eleventh hour, as in my case, they managed to provide me with a vegetarian option. Thank you, Gravy Boat! More Tea? Everyone felt at ease in their own homes, sitting After the success of our earlier coffee morning we are around their own tables, which reminded me that now starting to meet monthly for Coffee at 4pm on food has a religious dimension and helps to build Zoom starting on Sunday 21st February. For more community. It was all very biblical. There was a lot of information contact Revd. Cora Yarrien or our acting laughter, chatter and banter, a generous sharing of the Churchwarden.

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Football club takes faith to the airwaves The Revd Peter Crumpler, a Church of England priest in St Albans, Herts, and a former communications director for the C of E, has a football story to tell...

housands of BBC local radio listeners across players Billy Clarke, Clayton Donaldson and Richard England recently tuned in to an unusual O’Donnell. The service was streamed across all the Tsporting-themed church service. Yorkshire club’s social media channels. It wasn’t broadcast from a typical place of worship, a A spokesperson for the club explained: “An online church or a cathedral, but from Wycombe Wanderers carol service has been a possibility for a while now and FC – a football club in the Championship, the second 2020 presented the perfect opportunity to do so. “This rung of English soccer. year has been far from straightforward in every sense, Four of the team’s leading players joined the but we hope our service brought some much needed Buckinghamshire club’s chaplain Benedict Musola for festive cheer as we approached a 2021 full of promise the special act of worship broadcast across the country’s and positivity.” 38 BBC local radio stations. Professional footballers The Wycombe Wanderers service is one of a series of Adebayo Akinfenwa, Jason McCarthy, Alex Samuel and Christian acts of worship broadcast on BBC local radio Cameron Yates spoke of their Christian faith during the stations at 8am on Sundays since the onset of the 30 minute service broadcast in January. pandemic last March. The services have included Chaplain Benedict Musola explained how the team speakers and musicians from a wide range of prayed on the pitch before matches and held regular denominations and have won praise for easing feelings Bible studies at their training ground. of loneliness and isolation. The Sunday services have He told listeners: “I am grateful for the opportunity formed part of the important role played by local media to serve God in this role, which uniquely combines my during the series of lockdowns. passion for God and my passion for football”. Callers to BBC local radio stations – often older The service featuring Wycombe Wanderers people – have been expressing their thanks underlined the close links between football and for keeping them in touch and raising faith. their spirits during the pandemic. In ‘Thank God for Football’ (SPCK 2006), Commenting on the church services author Peter Lupson featured chapters on the Chris Burns, Head of Local Radio for the Christian roots of soccer clubs including Aston BBC, said: “We know from personal Villa, Barnsley, Birmingham City, Bolton testament just how important these Wanderers, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, broadcasts have proved to be. They have Manchester City, Queen's Park Rangers, played an important role in bringing Southampton, Swindon Town and Tottenham communities together virtually so Hotspur. no one need feel they are on their Last December League Two side Bradford own. “We expanded our religious City FC hosted an online carol service with Chris Burns, Head of BBC Local Radio programming on the first weekend Bradford Cathedral. It included readings and of lockdown in March and will continue to broadcast contributions from City manager Stuart McCall and services and reflections until life returns to normal.”

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How to gain contentment Jennie Pollock is a writer with London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC).

ejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: to learn from others how to press on towards the goal Rejoice! … Do not be anxious about anything, of becoming more like Him. Rbut in every situation, by prayer and petition, We do it by choosing to rejoice. Paul doesn’t say with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And ‘Rejoice in the Lord when things work out’, or ‘Hang the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, in there; we’ll be able to rejoice one day’. No, he will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. commands us to rejoice in the Lord always. God is (Philippians 4:4,6-7) always good. There are always things to praise him for, I’ve been thinking a lot about contentment in the in our plenty and in our want, in promotion or past couple of years and have been struck by the fact demotion, on a luxury holiday and in a long, lonely that we can choose to be content. lockdown. (Isn’t it interesting that Paul had to learn As Paul says in Philippians 4:12, “I have learned the how to be content with plenty as well as with want? secret of being content in any and every situation ... Even the dream job, ideal home, and perfect partner whether living in plenty or in want.” He doesn’t won’t bring automatic contentment.) explicitly tell us what the secret is – but the word This doesn’t mean denying the reality of our ‘learned’ is significant. situations. We can and should ‘present [our] requests Contentment isn’t something we have to hope we to God’, we just do it in an attitude of thankfulness might be given, or something that would blossom in not anxiousness. As we play our part, God will our lives if only we received or achieved all the things respond by giving us something greater than what we we’re longing for. Contentment isn’t the result of have asked for – He’ll give us His peace, ‘which everything being the way we want. Nor is it a gift transcends all understanding, [to] guard [our] hearts randomly given to some people to enable them to and [our] minds’. bear difficult circumstances. Rather, it is something True contentment is a gift from God – as indeed is we can learn, something we can actively pursue. We everything good in life – but God in His goodness do that by choosing to seek Christ’s glory over our allows us to choose whether to receive it or not. So, own, to emulate His life of grumble-free humility and make the choice: rejoice!

community charge), which had sparked riots, was to be scrapped and replaced by a new All in the month of March property tax (council tax) from April 1993. 25 years ago, on 13th March 1996 the 150 years ago, on 27th March 1871 the first Also 60 years ago, on 8th March 1961 Dunblane Massacre took place in Scotland. A international rugby union football match was Sir Thomas Beecham, British conductor and gunman killed 16 children and a teacher at a held in Edinburgh. Scotland beat England 1- 0. impresario died. He founded several major primary school and wounded several others Also 150 years ago, on 29th March 1871 the orchestras and transformed the operatic and before taking his own life. Royal Albert Hall in London was officially orchestral scene in Britain. Also 25 years ago, on 20th March 1996 the opened by Queen Victoria. 50 years ago, on 8th March 1971 the ‘Fight of British Government reported that 75 years ago, on 5th March 1946 Winston the Century’ took place at Madison Square Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans Churchill gave his famous ‘Iron Curtain’ Garden in New York City. Two undefeated was linked to BSE (mad cow disease) and speech in Fulton, Missouri. He used the term heavyweight boxers fought each other for the could be transmitted to humans who ate to describe the separation between Soviet world title, with Joe Frazier defeating infected beef. Muhammed Ali. and Western countries. 20 years ago, on 8th March 2001 British Also 75 years ago, on 25th March 1946 40 years ago, on 29th March 1981 the first racing driver Donald Campbell’s speedboat London’s Heathrow Airport was opened, as London Marathon was held. Bluebird was recovered from the bottom of London Airport. It was renamed Heathrow in 30 years ago, on 14th March 1991 the Coniston Water in Cumbria. (It had crashed 1966. convictions of the Birmingham Six were and sank during a record attempt in January 65 years ago, on 23rd March 1956 Pakistan quashed by Britain’s Court of Appeal and they 1967 in which he was killed.) became the world’s first Islamic Republic. were released from prison after 16 years. 15 years ago, on 1st March 2006 the Senedd, 60 years ago, on 6th March 1961 George They had been convicted of carrying out pub the National Assembly for Wales’s debating Formby, the ‘ukulele king’ died. A British bombings in Birmingham in 1974. chamber, was officially opened by Queen comedian, singer and actor, he was best Also 30 years ago, on 21st March 1991 the Elizabeth II in Cardiff. known for his comic songs, including ‘When British Government announced that the 10 years ago, on 15th March 2011, the Syrian I’m Cleaning Windows’. controversial poll tax (officially called the Civil War began. It still continues today.

Repentance unravels sin and makes sin not to be. – Thomas Watson

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The Great Daffodil Appeal is more important than ever!

y March throughout the UK, daffodils will be discovered new reaching their peak in parks, gardens, and chemical elements Bwoodlands. In the past some parts of the UK, such as polonium Devon for example, daffodils in bloom have been and radium. spotted on New Year’s Day but as with all flowers they Following Pierre’s depend on the climate. While daffodils are a popular death in 1906 — he choice for St David’s Day (1 March) and Mothering was knocked down Sunday (14 March), you can wear a daffodil every day of by a carriage — the month by supporting the Marie Curie Great Marie continued Daffodil Appeal 2021 (1 – 31 March) which this year is their work and more important than ever. received a second Nobel Prize in 1911. Marie Curie nurses help more than 40,000 Their work led to the development of x-rays and terminally ill people every year and recently this during the First World War Marie drove to the front- demand has increased enormously because of the line in an ambulance equipped with an x-ray machine. pandemic. Marie Curie nurses are working on the She went on to work with The International Red ‘front line’ providing their huge wealth of experience Cross, training medical orderlies and doctors in the developed over 73 years. The Marie Curie Charity was new techniques. Sadly, Marie Curie died on 4 July 1934 founded in 1948, the same year that the National from leukaemia, caused by exposure to high-energy Health Service began. Its roots, however, go back to the radiation from her research. 1930s when a hospital was opened for ‘the radiological Marie Curie nurses are continuing in their treatment of women suffering from cancer and allied namesake’s tradition of working on the front-line of the diseases’. In 1944 an air raid destroyed the hospital and pandemic providing care for the terminally ill. The four years later five members of the hospital team set demand for their work has, like most charities, created about rebuilding it as a separate concern from the a huge drain on their financial resources making the National Health Service. They also decided to annual Great Daffodil Appeal which began in 1986 perpetuate the name of Marie Curie, the Polish-born more important than ever! Please support Marie Curie physicist and chemist who was one of the most famous nurses by donating or organising fund raising events to scientists of her time. help them help not only those dying from the Marie, working with her husband Prof Pierre Curie, pandemic, but those living with other terminally who was also a leading scientist, became the first illnesses that are being overshadowed by Covid. Fund woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in 1903. raising resources and information about donating can Together, the Curies investigated radioactivity and be found at: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

Fairtrade Fortnight 22nd February – 7th March

It has been a terrible year for farmers and workers in the global south. In 2020, on top of the pandemic, they had to deal with the growing impact of climate change: more droughts and crop disease, locusts, floods, fires and heatwaves. No wonder their harvests were shrinking. Yet with the help of Fairtrade many of these producers of food, drinks and cottons can be equipped to meet more everyday needs and to deal with the challenges facing them. This month why not visit www.fairtrade.org.uk and see how you can send some support.

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A year of coronavirus The Ven John Barton considers the sorrows of the past year

he Queen recently spoke for a commonality in Christ, whoever we He’s got to be right. And some of the whole country when she are. Christianity is more ‘us’ than ‘me’. us could begin to apply some of his Tsaid that many are “tinged “Also, we cannot ignore those who ideas right now, even before the with sadness. Some (are) mourning will bear considerable cost arising pandemic is under control. the loss of those dear to them and from the pandemic. People have lost As a direct consequence of other missing friends and family loved ones, businesses, confidence, lockdown, many of us have much members, distanced for safety. When jobs. It is vital that the church more money in the bank than we all they really want … is a simple hug becomes a place of hope – not glib, bargained for. We could send a or a squeeze of the hand.” cliched words – but solid hope drawn substantial sum to our local church We may have become accustomed from Scripture and made real in and some to an overseas charity, to to wearing face masks in public, action. The church could become a make some of those ambitions come keeping our distance from others, real hub of the local community. true. With time on our hands we cutting out social gatherings, and “We have to rethink much of what could earmark an hour or two for attending church services online, but we do and how we say things. The emailing or phoning those in our ‘no touching’ seems the cruellest of money has all but gone now and the address book who live alone. We punishments. church has to refocus on how it could buy extra supplies for a food As one vicar friend of mine said, attracts people, what it says in plain bank on our next visit to the the Church has had to learn a lot English, how it presents itself and supermarket. from lockdown: “That Zoom is no provides a warm welcome to those We must ask God to make our substitute for meeting together, who haven’t a clue what Christianity church more comprehensible to sharing warmth, laughter, tears – and is.... and all this on a very tight those who consider themselves drinking from the same cup. We have budget!” outsiders.

8 The Caesar who was Roman Emperor at the time of Jesus’ birth(Luke 2:1) (8) March Crossword 9 ‘Your — should be the same as that of Christ Jesus’(Philippians 2:5) (8) 13 Jesus said that no one would put a lighted lamp under this (Luke 8:16) (3) 16 Involvement (1 Corinthians 10:16) (13) 17 Armed conflict (2 Chronicles 15:19) (3) 19 Where the Gaderene pigs were feeding (Mark 5:11) (8) 24 What jeering youths called Elisha on the road to Bethel (2 Kings 2:23) (8) 25 The Venerable — , eighth-century Jarrow ecclesiastical scholar (4) 26 8 Across issued a decree that this should take place (Luke 2:1) (6) 27 Come into prominence (Deuteronomy 13:13) (6) Down 1 Where some of the seed scattered by the sower fell (Matthew 13:4) (4) 2 Sexually immoral person whom God will judge (Hebrews 13:4) (9) 3 Gospel leaflet (5) 4 Physical state of the boy brought to Jesus for healing (Mark 9:18) 5 Tugs (anag.) (4) 6 To put forth (5) 10 Nationality associated with St Patrick (5) 11 Leader of the descendants of Kohath (1 Chronicles 15:5) (5) 12 ‘After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping — heel’(Genesis 25:26) (5) 13 At Dothan the Lord struck the Arameans with — at Elisha’srequest (2 Kings 6:18) (9) 14 ‘Peter, before the cock crows today, you will — three times thatyou know me’ (Luke22:34) (4) 15 Spit out (Psalm 59:7) (4) 18 ‘When I — , I am still with you’ (Psalm 139:18) (5) 20 Concepts (Acts 17:20) (5) Across 21 Thyatira’s dealer in purple cloth (Acts 16:14) (5) 1 The earth is one (6) 22 Does (anag.) (4) 4 ‘On a hill far away stood an old — cross’ (6) 23 The second set of seven cows in Pharaoh’s dream were this (Genesis 7 ‘I am the — vine and my Father is the gardener’ (John 15:1) (4) 41:19) (4)

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March is for daffodils, leeks, shamrocks, salt, music, and woodbines!

ost people will monastery of St Peter in Salzburg in the 8th century, be aware that firmly establishing Christianity there. True, it would MMarch begins be another 11 centuries before a certain young Julie with St David’s Day on Andrews wandered about singing of her Favourite the first day of the Things and Something Good, but today Salzburg is month when the Welsh the ‘Sound of Music City’! Not only did the real wear daffodils and Trapp family once live there, the movie was filmed in some still proudly pin and around it. Rupert helped the people by leeks to their chest — developing the local salt mines and his emblem is a leeks were the barrel of salt. traditional emblem but Although not venerated as a ‘Saint’, the Church of today the daffodil seems England remembers on 8 March a WWI hero best more popular. 17 days known today as ‘Woodbine Willie’. He was the later the Irish wear Rev Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy MC, a much-loved shamrocks to celebrate army chaplain who served on the Western Front in St Patrick’s Day and, of WWI. course, there’s Mothering When the war broke out he was vicar of St Paul’s, Sunday. March is also the Worcester and he volunteered to go to the Western time the Church has 14 Front as a chaplain. Life on the other special days, front line in the trenches was a some well-known, desperate affair, but he hit on others not so. a way of bringing a few Among the other moments of relief to the well-known saints stressed soldiers — as well as celebrated by the Church good cheer he handed out this month is Joseph of ‘Woodbines’, the most Nazareth (19 March). Often popular cheap cigarette of overlooked in the early the time. Church, Joseph has become an He once described his icon of the working man. There chaplain’s ministry as are many churches dedicated to taking ‘a box of fags in ‘Joseph the Worker’. He stands in the Church your haversack and a calendar for the ‘ordinary’ person, a straight-forward great deal of love in craftsman who never expected or chose to be in the your heart’. spotlight of history. Joseph did what he could and March is the month he was obedient to everything that he believed God to remember God’s required of him. extraordinary work in Another less well known saint is Rupert (27 our world with simple March). He is the saint for those who like The Sound ‘Favourite Things’ such as daffodils, of Music — or salt with your food! Rupert was bishop leeks, shamrocks, salt, music and even Woodbines – of Worms and Salzburg and he founded the great but not on a No Smoking Day!

Paradise lost? A young mother stood in her kitchen and watched her baby screaming, her sons fighting, her daughter crying, the washing machine leaking, and the dog being sick. She sighed and said to her friend: “I sometimes wish I’d loved and lost.

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St Mary the Virgin Church Correspondent Robert Potter

Details of Services and church opening times are on page 2 – this information is updated each Friday on http://www.dorchesteranglican.info/pews-news

St Mary’s Services hall, for 2 days, culminating with a Good Friday service with a specific theme. In those day Good Friday was It was with great reluctance that we decided that all special, not another shopping day. [For several years services at St Mary’s should cease for the whole of Goulds remained closed while the shops around them February. However, we hope, subject to Government opened for trade]. and C of E guidelines, that we will open again There were various activities in the hall, the children sometime in March. Please look at Pews News for all being helped by adults. One year we made hot cross information including Lent and Easter services. Once buns in the hall kitchen and I made hard boiled eggs to our Sunday services resume then the other weekday be decorated. We also made palm crosses from strips of service and the Contemplative Prayer Group will begin coloured paper and of course there were Easter cards to again. make. At the same time rehearsals of prayer, hymns and During Lent there will be Zoom Stations of the readings for the service. Cross on Tuesdays at 7.30pm and a Lent course, also Clearing up time was at 11.45 while I told the story on Zoom, on Thursdays at 7.30pm. Links for these will of Holy Week in the vestry. The workshop and service be put on Pews news in due course. continued for a few years until the Procession of A reminder that Summer Time starts on March 28th Witness started. – clocks go forward one hour. I still remember some of the parents (now grandparents) who brought their young children and I Social events. wonder if they, too, remember those services. We do have a full diary of social events which we hope One of the themes was The Three Trees – one we will be able to have in the not too distant future. became Jesus’ cradle, one became the boat from which Rosemary Bassett he preached and the last became his Cross. Katharine Marr The Monday Club Open Fire! Sadly due to the pandemic, there is no prospect of the Monday Club being able to meet again until May at the It happened way back in 1983. I was the leader of earliest – and that will depend on both Government St. Mary’s Youth Club, known as the ’62 Club. Most of advice and whether things are improving. We try to the members were between 15 and 18 years old and the keep positive, for we have a full planned programme for average membership numbered around 30. I was keen the year thereafter but as the situation changes so to let these young Christians explore new avenues of rapidly decisions about monthly meetings cannot be worship and to express their faith in exciting ways. Our made very far in advance. Please keep us pencilled into Vicar, Tony Wheeler, was most encouraging and your diaries for the third Monday of each month, and successfully fended off some of the more conservative let us pray that we will be able to meet again at some parishioners who were perhaps not too enthusiastic time during this year. Jill Minchin about letting a hoard of youngsters loose in the church. Anyway, even I took a sharp intake of breath when the members decided that it would be a good idea to Lent Services for Children take the flame from church at midnight on Maundy When I was young there used to be Lent services for Thursday and use it to light a fire outside the building. children at the church I attended. We listened to a story They wanted to keep the flame alive and to keep watch and collected stickers. Some years there were pictures to until the Easter Saturday service. They thought it would put in a book and at other times there were shapes that also be an act of witness. Neither I nor the vicar could fitted together when you had collected them all. On argue with their theology and, in fairness, the wardens Good Friday there was a service for children at 9.30am didn’t object. Mind you they didn’t greet the idea with to which some adults came because it was shorter than undiluted enthusiasm! the 3 hour service. I was so proud of the young people. Some were When I became a Reader at St Mary’s I decided to servers and took part in the Maundy ceremonies. You try something similar, so for 3 years there was a would never have known that underneath their pure children’s and parents’ workshop for the parish, in the white Albs they wore jeans and sweaters. Some had

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turned up much earlier, dug the pit and laid the fire. Good Friday there was a full 3 hour service but in Virtually all of them took part in some way. I think too recent years this has been simplified and shortened. On some parents came and kindly fed them from time to Holy Saturday there was always a lighting of the New time. Fire and Paschal candle but in recent years this has Many of the congregation were quite moved when, in been a benefice service held in different churches. the darkness during the Saturday service, light was Times change but it’s interesting to reflect on what were brought back into the church carried by grubby and once the traditions of St Mary’s. Robert Potter slightly dishevelled young people who had faithfully fulfilled their mission. We never did find out how one part of the hedge got Every cloud...... burnt down. Still, it only took 3 years for it to recover! Storm Bella (a beautiful name!) blew down quite a Allen Knott length of fence in my garden for which I am responsible. It had been there nearly 20 years and the Lent Observations wooden posts went straight into the ground so had Katharine Marr’s description of children’s Lenten rotted at the bottom. Another stretch along the car park services in St Mary’s in the late ‘70s and then Allen had succumbed to a storm last year and had been Knott’s account of the ’62 Club looking after the vigil replaced efficiently using concrete posts and fence and the fire which lit the Easter candles reminded me panels. of the ways in which we have marked the various There is a fence the other side of the garden which is events of Lent and the festival of Easter. Many of the not my responsibility and is in a fairly dilapidated state old traditions have gone but in recent years there have and I am wondering how many more storms will whistle been new observances. through before some of that comes to grief. We know ‘Ashing’ at an evening service on Ash Wednesday that we are living in a time of Climate Emergency. was followed by Lent courses, either at St Mary’s or Everyday in the media we hear of people experiencing joining to support a parish course. There has always extreme weather like flooding, drought, hurricanes, been Stations of the Cross on Tuesday evenings. Until extreme heat etc. My fence blowing down was not an two years ago this involved those present walking from emergency or a danger to my life or my home and was Station to Station to consider each individual theme quickly resolved, but it reminded me of my but latterly the declining and aging congregation has responsibility for the global situation and stiffened my gathered in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel to reflect on resolve to continue to do what I can to use all resources a small number of Stations. sparingly. The 4th Sunday has always been a day of modest The silver lining? I enjoyed the company of the celebration as a change from the solemnity of the rest fencers in my garden for 2 days, socially distanced, of of Lent. It’s Mothering Sunday and rose coloured course! They were happy to have a chat and enjoyed vestments are worn (some incumbents arranging the coffee and cake a couple of times a day. To mix rota to ensure that a lady was presiding at the metaphors, the icing on the cake was they assembled a Eucharist!). large, heavy vegetable planter which had come as a flat Then there is Palm Sunday with its procession and pack. It quite cheered me up as in the absence of family special liturgy. The procession was, for many years, a visits I was not sure how I would manage it. figure of eight, with the congregation following the What I did not ask was where the wood for the fence choir, singing “Ride On, Ride On”, finally moving up panels came from. Mary Foskett the centre aisle and the crucifer knocking on the chancel doors. In more recent years this has been Sanctuary Lamp candles simplified and shortened but we now have a dramatised reading of the gospel. Given this month on 7th by Cyril Treviss in memory Recently Holy Week has had a full complement of of his wife Joan’s birthday on the 2nd; 14th by services, Tenebrae, Agape and then the moving Maundy Ellie Stephens in thanksgiving for her grandson Sam Thursday service. At one time there was an elaborate, whose birthday is the 16th; 21st by Diana Barber in impressive, short procession taking the reserved memory of her mother whose years mind falls today Sacrament to the Altar of Repose, the high altar was and by Evelyn Toogood in memory of her husband stripped, randomly, in silence and the congregation Maurice whose years mind is also today; 28th by melted away, also in silence; all very impressive. The Rosemary Bassett in memory of her father John Lee vigil (until midnight) then started. At one time on whose years mind was on 26th.

I want to ask God why he allows poverty, famine and injustice when he could do something about it; but I’m afraid he might ask me the same question!

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Battling bishop takes on the bookies The Revd Peter Crumpler

hen a grieving family came to see the Bishop of problem gambling and urging him to continue with of St Albans the encounter sparked a the campaign. Wcampaign that could transform the role of Several years on, there is now a coalition of around gambling in British public life.Church of England 150 peers – the largest lobby group in the Lords – bishop Alan Smith was deeply impacted by the visit seeking to lessen the impact of problem gambling. A from a family whose son had taken his life because of report by a Select Committee is calling for widespread his struggle with problem gambling. In his role as a changes to the Gambling Act dating from 2005. member of the House of Lords he has since fought to They want TV advertising of gambling to be combat gambling-related harm. restricted and for the gambling industry to pay levies to Bishops who sit in the Lords are sometimes meet the costs of tackling problem gambling. They themselves reluctant to speak of their role in the House point out that the NHS runs 14 problem gambling – concerned that some churchgoers may wish them to clinics at a time when funds are under desperate devote all their time to their dioceses. The bishop’s pressure. response to the family’s grief demonstrates the positive Bishop Smith is also concerned about what he role that CofE bishops in the Lords can play. describes as the ‘gamblification’ of sport. He explained: In a recent podcast interview with Church Times the “When I was young, we loved watching football and bishop recalled the visit from the family. “They sat in cheering our side on, but you didn’t have to gamble. The my study, they broke down. They said we don’t know gambling industry has persuaded people that the need to what to do. We don’t want this to happen to anyone bet is integral to sport”. The Bishop has called on the else. Can you help? Football Association to lead the way in tackling “I felt very helpless. I listened to them, prayed with gambling, rather than having to respond to mounting them, then I put some questions down in the House of public concern. Lords.” It became clear that the government did not Debates around the bishops’ role in the Lords will no have a lot of statistics about the extraordinary growth in doubt continue, with critics calling for their removal. online gambling and the harm it was having, with Supporters say the bishops maintain strong possibly one or two people taking their lives every day grassroots contacts in their dioceses and bring in the UK. perspectives from local organisations and people. After he raised the issue, Bishop Smith was Many bring insights from their work with charities inundated with people writing to him. Many told him and other non-governmental organisations, as well as about a family member who had taken their life because an important faith perspective.

Saints Day 19th March: St Joseph the C

any people know that Joseph was the father Jesus was born into an unremarkable family, with a of the most famous man who ever lived but doubtless hard-working artisan as His father. There Mbeyond that we know very little about him. would have been few luxuries in that little home at The Gospels name him as the ‘father’ of Jesus, while Nazareth. also asserting that the child was born of a virgin. Even Matthew begins his birth narrative with the bald if he wasn’t what we call the ‘biological’ father, it was statement that Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before important to them that he was a distant descendant of they lived together, she became pregnant ‘with child the great King David - a necessary qualification for the from the Holy Spirit’. Joseph was not apparently privy Messiah. to the divine intervention in her life and so drew the It’s obvious that Joseph (usually described as a obvious conclusion: it was another man’s child. ‘carpenter’) was not wealthy, because he was allowed to However, he was not the sort of man who wished to offer the poor man’s sacrifice of two pigeons or turtle disgrace her publicly, so he resolved to ‘dismiss her doves at the presentation of his infant son. No one quietly’ – end their engagement without fuss, we expected eloquence or wisdom from this man’s son. might say.

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God in the Sciences –What will March bring? Mental health ideas for uncertain times Dr Ruth M Bancewicz Church Engagement Director, The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, Cambridge

e may all have rather mixed feelings on Journaling reaching March this year. On the one hand, it Keep a journal of thoughts, experiences or practices you Wis lovely to see the onset of Spring, and have engaged with during the day. Constructing a vaccinations and better weather may make handling the personal narrative or story is now recognised as a very pandemic a little easier. On the other hand, marking a powerful psychological and spiritual tool for building year from the start of the first UK lockdown will be resilience. It is also a vital learning tool that we can go painful for some, especially as many of us are likely to back to when tough times return in the future. be experiencing restrictions or ongoing hardships for quite some time. We may need to find new ways to Acts of kindness keep going, so here are some suggestions that draw on Helping or encouraging someone else is obviously a both science and Christian theology. good thing to do in itself, but it also has a very positive effect on the giver – spiritually, mentally, emotionally, Getting outside and even physically. Whichever way you look at it, Time outdoors in a natural environment is very good finding new ways to show kindness to others can be a for you – and you can’t argue with the happy hormones very effective way to help ourselves feel better too. produced by exercise. Attending to the details of nature can also inspire awe, which has been linked to positive Gratitude mood, and increased life satisfaction. Enjoying creation Gratitude is another natural drug – in a sense – that can also help us connect with God. can help us feel better. Try keeping a grateful diary, adding a few things each day. Looking outside When you are truly stuck indoors try putting bird Laugh, sing, make music, dance feeders outside your window so creation comes to you. All of these activities are deeply rooted in our physical This is also an act of kindness (see below)! and mental makeup. You may have forgotten how great Lament and praise they feel, especially in times of sadness, but we can learn from children who do them very naturally. The Psalms are a rich resource to help us express both our grief and our thanks to God. Try reading one or I hope these ideas may help bring us closer to God, two each day. each other, and His creation. e Carpenter, gracious descendant of King David

However, at that point Joseph had a dream in the 12-year-old Jesus went missing in Jerusalem, and which he was told by ‘an angel of the Lord’ not to who presumably taught his son the trade of a hesitate to take Mary as his wife, because the child carpenter. conceived in her was ‘from the Holy Spirit’, and that Joseph has become an icon of the working man – the baby was to be named ‘Jesus’ (‘saviour’) because there are many churches nowadays dedicated to He will ‘save His people from their sins’. On waking, ‘Joseph the Worker’. He can stand in the calendar of Joseph did as he had been instructed and took Mary saints for the ‘ordinary’ person, a straight-forward as his wife. craftsman who never expected or chose to be in the So far as Joseph himself is concerned, we can be spotlight of history. He did what he could and he pretty sure of a few things. In human, legal terms he was obedient to everything that he believed God was the father of Jesus, he was a carpenter and he had required of him. To do the ‘ordinary’ thing well, to be probably died before Jesus began his public ministry. kind, caring and open to guidance: these are great The little we are told suggests a devout, decent and gifts, and Joseph seems to have had them in sensitive man, one who shared Mary’s anxiety when abundance.

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General Strike Richard Betts

n old black and white photograph. Black and white in two senses. Armed mounted police in Athe foreground and beyond them men wearing cloth caps making a disorderly retreat after a riot. The location is the Elephant and Castle, with tram lines running alongside a huge edifice of buildings, one of which is the premises of Dunn and Co. Hat Makers. Maybe some of the cloth caps came from there, or from the Co-op. The date is between 3 and 12 May 1926, the period during which a general strike polarised yet further the deep social, economic, political and moral divisions within the country. The Liberal prime minister David Lloyd George had been succeeded by the Conservative Stanley Baldwin, who was followed very soon after by the Labour Party’s Ramsay MacDonald. He didn’t last long either and Baldwin was back at the helm in 1924. In my own lifetime the cost of living has risen every year except in 2009 when prices fell by 0.5%. Between 1921 and 1933 prices fell by over a third. It was a period history undergraduate did maintenance work on the London underground, many volunteered as special constables, the latter usually some way from their own Sir Lewis Casson, husband of homes to avoid the embarrassment of confronting Sybil Thorndike, found a new role friends and neighbours. Some became train drivers with as chauffeur . . . . a bare minimum of training. Sir Lewis Casson, husband of Sybil Thorndike, found a new role as chauffeur to the miners’ leaders Herbert Smith and A J Cook. I of deflation, depression, unemployment and imagine he heard some interesting conversations. widespread hardship for many. In that context the coal With most of the main docks closed, ships unloaded mine owners proposed to cut the miners’ wages and/or instead at Brighton or Margate, Skegness or to increase their hours of work. The shadow of a Scarborough. Volunteers travelled surreptitiously by general strike had hung over the country, on and off, barge down the Thames at night to gain back rather for a number of years, and finally it happened. The than front access to one of the picketed docks. miners came out and, under the auspices of the TUC Alarmingly, they were covered by fully armed Grenadier General Council, many other trades followed in Guards, some of whom had Lewis guns; though support. Emergency Powers were declared by the mercifully this military show was the exception and not government. On the first day of the strike people were the norm. aware of an unusual stillness and calm. There were no A knock came at the door where the Pontypridd buses or trams to be seen or heard. One observer strike committee met. It was the 12 year old daughter of remembered it as a lull before a storm; another noted the committee secretary. She came for food aid (“Mum the “strange clarity of air and sky”. It was not to last wants you to let her have some soup. She is washing long. and can’t make dinner today”). Her father told her to One good reason why the government had avoided take a form, get her mother to fill it in and return the this confrontation previously, and had instead given next day. He later discovered that his wife had made subsidies to the struggling coal industry, was to buy herself ill through giving her share of the family’s food time – to prepare a strategy for battle. Hyde Park to the under nourished children. became a distribution centre crammed with lorries, At the height of the strike less than 3% of the LMS trucks, cars and motorbikes, to transport food and railway staff remained at work. Most regular newspapers other essentials. Volunteer recruitment centres appeared were significantly affected, though The Times kept going across the country and huge numbers of people and was the only regular London newspaper to produce responded. A retail assistant became a tram driver, a a copy on the first day of the strike. Issue number stockbroker unloaded crates from ships, an Oxford 44,263 is thus something of a collector’s item. Convoys

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of food and other items with police escorts made their The Unions lost, though the miners on their own way through the towns and cities. The BBC aimed to be continued the strike for several more months. Perhaps impartial, but inevitably was leant upon by the the union collapse was partly due to the lack of a government. People without a wireless crowded inside specific focus, and certainly it was due in part to the shops which sold them, to get updates. A police football preparedness of the government and volunteer support. team lost two-one to a miners’ team. The game was The end was something of a farce with played in a very good “British” spirit. miscommunication or no communication between the The Parliamentary Labour Party was not comfortable TUC, which called off the strike, and the local groups, with the strike. There was a concern among them that many of whom felt betrayed. The government’s power might shift from elected representatives to radical “revenge” was draconian – The Trade Disputes and union people – this was, after all, less than 9 years after Trade Union Act of 1927 mercilessly crippled the power the revolution in Russia. Besides which, the strike was of the unions and was not repealed until 1946. Union widely perceived in parliament not just as an industrial funds had been decimated and the numbers belonging protest but as an attack on the constitution. An offer of to a union fell. Some employers took advantage of the two million roubles from the All Russian Trade Union situation by taking staff back on again but on reduced Council was politely refused by the TUC General wages and/or in lower positions. Neville Chamberlain Council. The Conservatives showed two distinct faces – observed of the poor that “they ae not within sight of Baldwin’s apparent calm and Chancellor of the starvation, hardly of malnutrition – they are not living Exchequer Winston Churchill’s determination to meet too uncomfortably at the expense of the ratepayer”. force with force. Churchill was editor of the Such insouciant callousness points up obvious answers government’s own newsletter during the strike and its to that question which is often posed – “why wasn’t tone was not conciliatory. David Lloyd George had Mr. Churchill re-elected after the war, after all he’d more sympathy with the strikers and this caused a done for them?” falling out with Herbert Asquith and a subsequent split Memories of the inter war years did not go away but in the Liberal Party. There was a lot of confusion on the Dunn and Co. went from strength to strength and were unions’ side, with the TUC General Council battling to one of the most prominent men’s outfitters for much of keep overall control of local committees, and the latter the twentieth century. They declined from the 1960s. struggling to interpret the rules of the Council; and The company went into receivership and was sold in straining at the leash sometimes, frustrated by their lack 1996, and the buyers Ciroci Citterio themselves went of official autonomy. under in 2005.

The National Register is an national lists. At the time of launch important development in the Register will include those who DID YOU strengthening safeguarding in the are ordained, expanding to include Church and was a recommendation lay ministry in due course. in the 2017 Gibb Review which Further information including KNOW? looked into the Church’s handling FAQs about the Register and of allegations against the late Bishop Crockford’s Clerical Directory can be Peter Ball. found on the National Register page. National Register of All active clergy will now be included by law and have been Clergy contacted individually to ask them 21 March is World The final stages for publishing a to confirm their details. Poetry Day National Register of Clergy, to The Register will show an strengthen safeguarding in the individual’s title and name, how World Poetry Day in a UNESCO Church of England, are now they are engaged with the Church of initiative to honour poets, revive oral underway. England (current post/licence) and traditions of poetry recitals, promote The Church’s 20,000 active clergy the diocese, area or benefice to the reading, writing and teaching of – those who hold a licence or which they are licensed. The Register poetry, foster the convergence Permission to Officiate (PTO) – are will not include contact, between poetry and other arts such as being asked to confirm the biographical or historical theatre, dance, music and painting, information that both the National information. and raise the visibility of poetry in Church Institutions (NCIs) and This information will be publicly the media. As poetry continues to dioceses hold about them is accurate available on the Church of England bring people together across for when the Register goes live in website. The Register can be searched continents, all are invited to join in. May. Currently PTO and licence to verify whether someone has PTO For more background to the day see: details are held in each diocese but or licence to hold office, in much the https://www.un.org/en/observances not published nationally. same way as other professions hold /world-poetry-day

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St Peter’s Church High West Street, Dorchester

Church Correspondent: Jill Bryant

Details of Services and church opening times are on page 2 – this information is updated each Friday on http://www.dorchesteranglican.info/pews-news

Weekday Services, Theology Group and Time to that is well worth taking. However you choose to Mourn are currently suspended. journey this Lent, I hope that it is life changing for you St Peter’s will continue to be open for personal prayer and that God enables you to be a different person who from 10am – 4pm each day. as a result is more godly and loving. William Barnes, our Dorset poet, whose statue stands The Benefice Prayer group is not meeting in person outside St Peter’s was born on 22nd February 1801 and because of the regulations but members are still praying I thought it appropriate that we should celebrate the in their own homes on Friday mornings. Please contact Penny Blaby if you or anyone you know needs prayer and 220th anniversary of his birth and the welcome approach she will pass the requests on. [email protected] or of spring with his poem The Spring. Barnes was greatly 01305 753566. associated with St Peter’s Church. The Spring Keith writes … When wintry weather's all a-done, The season of Lent is a gift from God. It is permission An' brooks do sparkle in the zun, from God to make space for ourselves, for our own An' naisy-builden rooks do vlee spiritual health. It is a time for exercise, hobbies and Wi' sticks toward their elem tree; reading. I shall try to walk more than my daily journey to When birds do zing, an' we can zee church for morning prayer. I shall try to throw myself Upon the boughs the buds o' spring, - more enthusiastically into my bread making, but what of Then I'm as happy as a king, reading, what shall I read during Lent? A-vield wi' health an' zunsheen. Several years ago I met Padraig O Tuama at Greenbelt Festival. I was introduced to him by my Vor then the cowlsip's hangen flower brother Trevor and we hit it off immediately. Padraig A-wetted in the zunny shower, has an engaging personality, a great mind and a twinkle Do grow wi' vi'lets, sweet o' smell, in his eye that always has me guessing what he is Bezide the wood-screened graegle's bell; thinking about. Until recently he was leader of the Where drushes' aggs, wi' sky-blue shell, Corrymeela Community in Northern Ireland. Together Do lie in mossy nest among with Glenn Jordan, Padraig has written a book entitled The thorns, while they do zing their zong “Borders and Belonging” about the Old Testament At evenen in the zunsheen. book of Ruth. In reviewing the book, Nadia Bolz-Weber says, “This book is gorgeous and timely. Warning: if An' God do meake his win' to blow you prefer to remain unchanged, this might not be for An' rain to vall vor high an' low, you”. These words got me hooked on the idea that this An' bid his mornen zun to rise was the book for me to read this coming Lent. Vor all alike, an' groun' an' skies By the time I have journeyed through Lent, I want Ha' colors vor the poor man's eyes: to be a different person. I want to be more loving, An' in our trials He is near, kinder, more generous, to have my prejudices To hear our mwoan an' zee our tear, challenged. I want to be encouraged in times of doubt, An' turn our clouds to zunsheen. to embrace friends and welcome strangers as much as we can in these strange times. I want to break down An' many times when I do vind barriers that I have set up and to challenge the barriers Things all goo wrong, an' v'ok unkind, set up by others. To zee the happy veeden herds, Lent is only a gift from God if we openly receive it An' hear the zingen o' the birds, as such and use it. If we merely smile and say “Thank Do soothe my sorrow mwore than words; you” and put it to one side, then we continue Vor I do zee that 'tis our sin unchanged. To engage with this gift is a risky Do meake woone's soul so dark 'ithin, endeavour, but in God’s hands I think that it is one When God would gi'e woone zunsheen.

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Retired consultant records paediatric history and development at DCH The DCHway Newsletter

retired consultant from Dorset County Hospital Dr Purvis said: “I saw enormous changes during my has published a book recording the 40 years. Right at the beginning there were no special Adevelopment of children’s medical services over services for children. So, starting from the bottom, we the past half-century. saw the services develop into a highly professional and Richard Purvis, 78, and originally from East Lothian well-organised system and I am so pleased to have in Scotland, worked as Dorset County Hospital as a been at the centre of that for so long. Consultant Paediatrician for 40 years, starting in 1973. “The first paediatrician was my former colleague Full of fantastic photos and anecdotes, ‘A History David Vulliamy, who was first appointed in 1955. I of Dorchester Paediatrics’ records the dramatic joined him in 1973 and we started off with very few development of the children’s medical services at nurses and very few doctors. DCH and across West Dorset, highlighting the vital “The first Special Care Baby Unit was in Somerleigh contributions made by working alongside fellow Court, on the old hospital site, and was one of the first professionals in health, education and social services. in the whole country. This was a massive step.” Dr Purvis, who was also the Medical Director at Dr Purvis added: “When I retired about five years DCH – from 1999 to 2003 – has been working for ago my colleagues thought I should write about the the past two years to put the book together after history that I had been such a big part of. discussing the idea with fellow consultants. “When I started putting together my notes to build up the picture it was just such a pleasure – and it went on from there.” Dr Purvis also saw the development of Henchard House on Bridport Road which was used for children with disabilities. It is now used as Trust Headquarters. Joined by Dr Peter Johnston in 1977 Dr Purvis was able to keep the momentum going, with the development of parent support groups and employing the first Consultant Community Paediatrician, Margaret Barker, in 1985, before the Children’s Centre was opened in Damers Road in 1990. The book is available to buy from the Children’s Centre reception on Damers Road or on eBay.

Editors Note:–this book is an interesting insight into the development of children’s medical services at Dorset County Hospital; we sometimes forget how lucky we are, in Richard Purvis with his book Dorchester, to have a major hospital on our doorstep.

Numbers Dorcas Mothers’ Union When the minister announced the Dorcas MU Bible Study group TIME FOR first hymn on Zoom, “Ten thousand meet at 10am individually in our times ten thousand!” the little boy homes, in these socially distanced A SMILE turned anxiously to his father. “Does times, to share in spirit a time of he want us to work that out?” prayer and bible study. Details Driven 260259. Response You never really learn to swear until Wednesday 10 March The mother of a lively youngster was you learn to drive. The Fall. Malachi 3: 6-12. struggling to get him into his You never learn to pray until your (Part 3 USPG course) kids learn to drive. pyjamas one night. “Jamie, lift up Wednesday 24 March your arms!” she said. To which the Cash Salvation. Romans 8: 18-30. child promptly replied: “We lift If money talks, my wallet is (Part 4 USPG course) them up unto the Lord!” whispering.

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Places of Pilgrimage (Dorset) All Saints, Nether Cerne

Jane Pridmore, Dorchester Deanery Synod Secretary

hilst we are told to remain in ‘lockdown’ these Pilgrimages are to places very local and Wworth a visit for prayer or pilgrimage being under the Historic Churches Trust. However details of the church can be undertaken from the computer by searching the church under Historic Churches Trust pages, then scrolling down to ‘historical information’ on the left which provides a guide book with the history of this magnificent building.

find is the 12th century font which is unusual in being oval rather than round and the bowl looks scalloped. The 13th century lancet window in the east wall of the south transept and the ornate tracery window (also 13th century) in the south wall are worth noting, as is the oldest memorial grave. What to look for: The inscription is hard to All Saints Church (SY670982, N50.782493 W2.469504). read but it is in memory of The church is best found NOT by postcode but by John Damer (1685), whose taking the A352 from Dorchester through wife is buried in Charminster towards Cerne Abbas and turning off to Godmanstone Church and the right where a large sign reads Nether Cerne Only. not with him as he was It is approximately 5 miles from Dorchester and recognised as a Dissenter. It provides an idyllic country church setting beside the is also suspected that he was River Cerne and the 17th century manor house. The the great grandfather of the road to Nether Cerne off A352 gradually peters out first Lord Milton who re- but there is parking on the lane by the farm house fashioned Milton Abbey and and a short signposted walk to the church building. built the 18th century ‘model (Beware it can be muddy!) village’ of Milton Abbas. The church itself is built of flint and stone and dates from the late 13th century. It was originally Other places to visit: owned by the Cerne Abbas monks until the As this church is suggested Reformation. Outside the church there are eight for March when Covid restrictions will still apply, carvings of angels on the 15th century tower bearing there is the Abbots Tearooms (7 Longstreet, Cerne Gothic text. Usually such carvings were of grotesque Abbas DT2 7JF which at time of writing is due to re- beasts or demons so this is unusual to see. The tower open mid Feb 2021 and from where you could always holds three bells; the first dated 1607 and the other order a cream tea box to collect and take home – two being put in during the 15th century. www.thecreamteacompany.co.uk ). Walkwise an eight Inside the church there is a tower arch with carvings and three quarter mile stroll can be found at of an owl and unknown beast (all missing heads) and https://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2006/10/the-dorset-walk- again a pair of angels holding shields. The 14th century the-piddle-and-cerne-valleys and would be ideal during south transept to the chapel is dedicated in 1396 to lockdown. However be prepared as it may be damp or Saint Etheldreda. However the churche’s most stunning even icy during this time of year.

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St Andrew’s Church West Stafford

Church Correspondent: Lauretta Kerridge

Details of Services and church opening times are on page 2 – this information is updated each Friday on http://www.dorchesteranglican.info/pews-news

Jan Taylor conversation. One of the obvious beauties of Zoom is that there are no geographical boundaries. Not only It was with great sadness that residents of West Stafford could we welcome friends from across the Benefice but learnt of the recent death of Janet Taylor. Janet, her we were delighted to be joined on screen by former husband Paul, the then Archdeacon of Sherborne, and Churchwarden, Esther Brown, now living in Leamington their sons lived in the village for a number of years and Spa. The event also gave opportunity for members of the were a popular and well regarded family. Janet was a congregation to ‘meet’ Cora for the first time. Through Teaching Assistant at St. Mary’s, Puddletown and last some technological wizardry, Cora then managed to put year her novel ‘The Unpredictability of Frogs’ was us all into different ‘Chat Rooms’ so we could talk in published. Janet passed away peacefully at her home in small groups. Conversations were varied and we Worcestershire at the age of 57 with her family around discussed the range of places people hailed from, the her. She will be remembered with much fondness in assortment of takeaways we’d enjoyed during lockdown West Stafford. and the inevitable question of who’d ‘had their jab’. We caught up with news of families, admired the photographs on Bill’s wall and discovered Cora’s new found love of orange flavoured chocolate finger biscuits. Just a pity the packet couldn’t be passed round but, as we found out when Alan held up a plate of digestives and asked “Does anyone want one?”, there are some ways in which a Zoom version of ‘Coffee & Chat’ doesn’t quite measure up to the real thing. That said, when it comes to Coffee and Chat bringing friends together and “Doing much at the weekend?” sharing a feeling of fellowship The New ‘Coffee and Chat’ someone enquired. I paused certainly this would be an event to momentarily. It’s hard to read facial look forward to on any weekend. expressions when everyone’s wearing masks and New Church Correspondent It is goo whether this was a genuine question or a lockdown It is good to welcome this months correspondent for St Andrews Andrew wisecrack was hard to tell. Like so many I was beginning magazine page. Lauretta is known and loved by many of us, we many of to wonder whether buying a 2021 diary had been a wish her and others who follow her well. Many th worthwhile investment as ‘things to do at weekends’ Many thanks to Tim Dennis who has written the news for some tim seemed few and far between. Saturday 13th February some time now. He kept us informed and interested and deserves deserves a well earned rest but I have no doubt he will be supporting the however would be different. Thanks to new Vicar, Cora support Yarrien, St. Andrew’s were hosting their first ‘Coffee & writers all the way. Editor. Chat’ Coffee Morning since the pandemic began. This

time though, for obvious reasons, it would be on Zoom. March Crossword Answers

On such a cold morning it came as something of a Lean. 23, Odes. 22,

relief not to be heading out to the church to get the urn Lydia. 21, Ideas. 20, Awake. 18, Spew. 15, Deny. 14, on and put the chairs out. Instead, a few steps into the Blindness. 13, Esau’s. 12, Uriel. 11, Irish. 10, Exude. 6,

kitchen for the necessary mug of coffee and over to the Gust. 5, Rigid. 4, Tract. 3, Adulterer. 2, Path. 1, DOWN:

computer to see familiar faces already popping up on the Arisen. 27, Census. 26, Bede. 25, Baldhead. 24,

9, Attitude. 13, Bed. 16, Participation. 17, War. 19, Hillside. 19, War. 17, Participation. 16, Bed. 13, Attitude. 9, screen. Not everyone had been back to St. Andrew’s Augustus. 8, True. 7, Rugged. 4, Planet. 1, ACROSS: since last March and there was an excited buzz to the

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Do they have strikes in the Church of England? Richard Smith

es they do and my late father could tell the tale. one quarter the Parish Council were late paying up. By Let me set the scene for you. On a hill to the east then my father was Head Boy in the choir He decided Yof the town centre of Dorchester, and that action should be taken and a protest was overlooking the water meadows of the River Frome, is appropriate. He persuaded the other eleven boys in the the lovely ancient church of St George at Fordington choir to join him in going on strike! When the five which dates back at least to the 15th century. minute bell rang for the evening service my father led For thirty years from 1906 the vicar there was the the other choir boys down the centre aisle of the church Revd Richard Grosvenor Bartelot M.A. F.S.A., a local and instead of proceeding to the vestry they sat down in historian, author and genealogist – an interesting the front two pews, to the Vicar’s great surprise. He character who changed his surname from Bartlett. came across and in a very loud voice said “If you boys Some stories say it was changed following his family do not go into the vestry at once, then you will all leave history research – my father told the story that it was this church”. Being the choir’s leader, my father noted down to the fame of his younger brother Charles later that at that point his courage failed him in front Vernon Bartlett C.B.E. M.P., a well known early of the congregation, which included his parents, and he broadcaster on BBC radio and later M.P. for meekly led the boys to the vestry as directed. At the Bridgwater. next choir practice they were all sacked – but they did My grandfather Harry Smith was born in Wiltshire get their choir pay – and it seems his parents were not but spent nearly fifty years of his life living in various too hard on him afterwards either. houses that he rented around Dorchester, whilst he Aged 14 my father was apprenticed to the Dorset worked for the High Class Grocers Boons Stores in County Chronicle in Dorchester as a compositor, Cornhill in the town. He was Vicar’s warden at the setting up pages of type for the two newspapers they church in Fordington and was also Superintendent of sold for two old pence each. It started a long and the Sunday school there. distinguished career in the printing industry, so his My father Harry O Smith was born in one of a row adventures in the choir at Fordington did him no long of now demolished cottages just outside Dorchester term harm. Prison and was in the choir at Fordington, which was well thought of. They were invited to afternoon tea by Thomas Hardy, the famous author and poet, at his In the printing industry Harry O Smith was, in the house Max Gate just outside the town, where they sang 1980’s, acknowledged as the “Pioneer and Apostle of and played games before enjoying their tea. Phototypesetting”. Today we take this for granted on When my father was about twelve years of age he had every laptop/phone etc. – Editor the idea of taking anyone brave enough amongst local boys and girls up to the top of the 70 foot high church tower. He charged them a penny a time, for the spectacular views, where they used to fly paper darts over the edge of the tower wall. It seems that to start with the Vicar approved and collected the pennies in a biscuit tin, but eventually local people raised questions about the safety of children leaning over the edge of the tower, with some saying the church should not be treated as a playground. The Vicar’s wife also put pressure on her husband and the fun and games were stopped. Revd Bartelot was well liked by the boys in the choir and he appointed my father as Vicar’s Boy. This meant that five minutes before a service my father in his red cassock and white frill, had to walk across to the Vicarage and then proceed to lead the Vicar into the church via the vestry entrance. The Vicar rewarded my father with a gunmetal wristwatch, the first that he owned. At that time in about 1919, the choir boys were paid Harry O Smith three shillings a quarter, a good sum in those days but

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The Rt Revd Tim Thornton Bishop at Lambeth

any of us will fondly remember Bishop Tim from his days spent in the Salisbury diocese. Known to many Mas the “Boy Bishop” he looked so young and still does. Yet another sad moment, I am sure you will join me in wishing him a long and happy retirement. Knowing Tim he relating to the process leading up to the Conference and in will still work as hard as ever. Thank you Bishop Tim. the years after it. Margaret Morrissey Bishop Tim said: “It has been a tremendous privilege working with Archbishop Justin and the marvellous colleagues in Lambeth and the other aspects of my work and The Rt Revd Tim Thornton is to retire life over the last four years. It has not been dull and I have been challenged and excited by all that I have done. During as Bishop at Lambeth after four years this year I will have been ordained for 41 years and a Bishop for 20 years. Sian and I have both chosen to retire and we in the role. look forward to taking on some new opportunities together Bishop Tim has been Bishop at Lambeth since 2017. in a variety of areas. Previously he was Bishop of Truro and Bishop of Sherborne “I am very pleased to be able to continue to be involved before that. with the process around the Lambeth Conference. I am As Bishop at Lambeth, Bishop Tim has supported the especially grateful to those who have worked closely with me Archbishop of Canterbury’s work in the House of Bishops, for all their hard work and all that we have managed to General Synod and the Archbishops' Council. He has chaired achieve. There is much more work to do as the Church of the Development and Appointments Group overseeing the England faces up to the realities of the current situation. I leadership programmes and development work with senior will keep all concerned in my prayers and look forward to clergy. He has also chaired the review of the Clergy Discipline hearing more about all the plans and following, from slightly Measure and provided advice on areas including safeguarding further away, the moves towards ensuring under Justin’s wise and church renewal. leadership the growing and flourishing of the Church of Acting on the Archbishop’s behalf, Bishop Tim carried England.” out episcopal duties within Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. He Archbishop Justin said: “From the chaplaincies of the had pastoral oversight of Anglican chaplains and the Armed Forces, to congregations of the Falkland Islands, to Anglican church within the Forces. He also served as Bishop the chamber of the General Synod, Bishop Tim has been a for the Falkland Islands. blessing to so many during his time as Bishop at Lambeth. I Bishop Tim has also been closely involved in preparations give thanks for his wisdom, insight, compassion, generosity for the Lambeth Conference, which has been postponed and humour. I will miss him enormously and I will be until 2022 because of the pandemic. He will continue to be praying for him and Sian as they prepare for the next stage of involved as a Trustee of the Lambeth Conference Company. their journeys as faithful followers of Jesus Christ.” At Archbishop Justin’s request he will work on other matters Bishop Tim will leave Lambeth at the end of September.

The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush, Words for today He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals. In the mid 1960s a Japanese woman He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity. named Taki Miyashina wrote a He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind, striking version of Psalm 23. We And His guidance is peace. know the original well; it is frequently quoted at funerals: Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall I will not fret for His presence is here. not want…” but her translation of His timelessness, His all-importance will keep me in balance. this familiar Scripture was fitting He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity. for a world caught up in busyness. By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquility; It suits our world today, too. On My cup of joyous energy overflows. 4th May 1965 Rev Eric Frost broadcast this unique translation. Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours. Let the words speak to you. For I shall walk in the pace of my Lord and dwell in His house forever.

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Dorchester Churches Together Compiled by Val Potter 264416

World Day of Prayer: Friday 5 March the end of March and see if we should continue it or perhaps re-start it next winter. We are called to ‘Build on a strong There was an appeal in the Echo for help to provide foundation’ and live in unity, love computers for students of local schools without the and peace in the context of ethnic equipment or adequate internet access for home schooling. and cultural diversity. The local We worked with Emma Scott at the Town Council to find committee accepts that we cannot out what schools still had this need. Through her research hold a service this year so everyone is the town schools received a generous grant from the Ashley invited to watch the pre-recorded Churchill Trust. video by the women of the Republic of Vanuatu who Financially, we have continued to receive generous have prepared this year’s service; if we watch it together at donations, more than usual at this time of year. We are 10.30 it gives a greater sense of collective worship. about to spend the grant we received from Dorset Resources, including service sheet, are on Community Foundation, specifically to help people www.wwdp.org.uk or from Ellie Stephens 01305 263391 affected by Covid-19, by purchasing another £5,000 worth or Caroline McMeiken 07555 967387. Look out for the of Co-op gift cards. We thought that £10 on each card is YouTube link later. now hardly enough to be helpful so we are increasing it to £15. Margaret Barker Ecology Matters The group agreed to make a group response to the new Churches Together at Easter draft Local Plan, urging greater commitment to Plans for Easter are difficult to make at this time, for incorporating principles from the Climate Emergency churches as well as for those hoping for holidays. It was Strategy. Everyone can make an individual response by agreed that the traditional Good Friday Walk of Witness 15th March and it would be good to let the council know was unwise, even if legal restrictions are lifted. Celebrating your own thoughts on the various sections, new together the Resurrection of Christ is important and it was developments, transport and the environment. agreed to hold a shared service online, sometime in the The group shared information about good new afternoon of Easter Day, so look out for details later. community initiatives, including a Community Fridge to be sited at the Co-op. This will allow people to help themselves to donated food and helps to prevent food Quiet Space waste by giving an outlet to those with excess produce from Support groups are an exception to the rule against their allotments or supermarkets at the end of the day. physical meetings and it was good to welcome the NHS Another is planned for Poundbury. bereavement group for their first session at the Quiet Space. They appreciated the peaceful setting. An unusual News from Dorchester Poverty Action recent booking was for a Poundbury children’s clothing firm for a photoshoot. They appreciated the high room We are seeing a surge in the number of requests for grants, filled with daylight. We are continuing the conversation stimulated by our new fuel grant. This is a £100 grant paid with the Duchy for a short term extension of the lease direct to the person needing it, on referral by a professional. until the future becomes clearer. It is proving to be very necessary. As a small organisation we are often able to respond more quickly than public bodies. We are also reminding people that they may be Chaplaincy eligible for a fuel grant from the Council, via Citizens’ The chaplains are supporting shops and businesses as well Advice, if they have children at home, or if they are over as they can. Chaplains visit the few essential shops that 50, from government funding through Dorset Community remain open, some are making telephone calls or email Foundation. Some local people are coping with very tough contact and cards or messages were left for others. It was situations in this cold, wet time of year in the midst of a noted that this April the chaplaincy service will have been strict lockdown. It is very satisfying to feel that, in a small running for 5 years. A short service in South Street is being way, and because of the tremendous generosity of local planned for later in the year, when it is hoped that the people, we are able to help. We will review the fuel grant at shops will have re-opened.

Jesus walking on earth is far more important than man walking on the moon. – Anon

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Thoughts and Smiles from the Editor

istening to Radio 4 early one morning recently ‘flu like symptoms’. Was this a mild taste of Corona the first passenger Eurostar train was mentioned. Virus – if so, please God I never catch it. It must be LIt was for invited guests, mainly journalists. I was absolute hell and no guarantee of survival. Not afraid to a Press Officer and magazine editor at the time for the meet my maker but rather it was not yet for a while. National PTAs and was invited. Suffering with Under lockdown millions of us who rarely walked claustrophobia I was half excited and half terrified of around our immediate locality are now well acquainted being stuck in a tunnel under the English Channel and with every nearby driveway, every crack in the pavement not being able to get out. Not sure I really appreciated and every pothole in the road. We have developed views the journey despite a good breakfast on the way to Paris on our neighbours’ gardens, on their oddly coloured and a good dinner on the way home. Until the radio garage doors and on their dogs, children and cars. reminded me it had long gone from my memory. When we go out at the same time every day we may Living with Covid has given us time to remember even be saying hello to the same people we don’t know and search back in the corridors of our mind, opening every day. We all enjoyed Robert Potter’s photographs doors which have long been closed; then spending from his walk around Dorchester. Pleased he shared hours going through old photos and papers to find them with the magazine. I do not enjoy walking, forgotten faces and names, certainly sorted a few things certainly not without a purpose and not yet eccentric out. Hoping it would soon be over I trotted along for enough to put the cat on a lead!!!!!!! I know we should my vaccination, only to find the next day the vaccine I make sure we do go for a walk. I am told it improves had was in question for its effectiveness. At the Atrium our mental and physical fitness so can only be a bonus. Centre the organisation was excellent, people to meet Not quite yet, work in progress. you in the car park and all along the way to the Thankfully my grandchildren are not suffering too treatment room. At least four people welcomed me by much, not sure the same can be said for their mothers. name and obviously knew me well but behind large They are enjoying lessons on line and all that goes with masks I have no idea who most of them were. I do life in a village, like take away food from The Old know one was Councillor Les Fry and his wife who, like School Gallery. During recent flooding in Yetminster others, were prepared to stand outside in the extreme Rocco was, just in time, intercepted leaving home with cold to help us. Thank you all, it was just brilliant. I felt bathers and towel to swim, the boy has no sense of fine for 24 hours then my arm went stiff and sore and I danger. felt decidedly unwell, one minute hot then chilly; well, Below a few observations to hopefully make you smile.

SMILE Bendable The vicar was thrilled. “Nobody has ever said I got a package envelope in the mail the anything like that about my preaching before. Tell me TIME other day that had written on the front, why.” The man sighed, “because it endured forever”. “Photographs: Do Not Bend”. Definitions from church life Underneath the postman had written: “Oh yes they do”. AMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows. HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key two Little old lady seeks handsome young man octaves higher than that of the congregation’s An advert appeared in a student newspaper of a range. university: “Sweet little old lady wishes to correspond RECESSIONAL HYMN: The last song at Sunday morning with good-looking university student – especially a six- worship, often sung a little more quietly, since most footer with brown eyes, answering to initials J.A.D”. of the people have already left. It was signed: “his mother”. JONAH: The original ‘Jaws’ story PEW: A medieval torture device still found in some Peace churches. After a very long and boring sermon the parishioners PROCESSION: The ceremonial formation at the glumly filed out of the church past the minister. beginning of a formal Sung Eucharist, consisting of Towards the end of the queue was a thoughtful altar servers, the celebrant, and late parishioners person who always commented on the sermons. looking for seats. “Vicar today your sermon reminded me of the peace SIDESMEN: The only people in the parish who don’t and love of God.” know the seating capacity of a pew.

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Bookworm Jean Lang

Plus ca change and essayist. He stood unsuccessfully as a Democrat for both the House of Representatives and the Senate. As a n electoral candidate outpolls another by 184 to novelist he explored the nature of corruption in public 165 electoral votes with 20 contested seats. The and private life and between 1973 and 2000 wrote 6 ARepublicans in Four states challenge the novels covering American History from Burr to the outcome and an electoral commission declares the final Kennedys. He intended it first as a Trilogy of which 1876 result with the winner gaining 185 electoral seats published in 1976 was the third. Gore Vidal described against the loser’s 184. the period as “probably the low point in out republic’s This is America 1876. The background is the Civil history”. The Novel follows the return of Charley war. In 1860 there were 24 American states of which 15 Schermerhorn Schuyler lawyer and journalist to New were slave states. 11 seceded with four staying in the York after 39 years in France, with him comes his Union. The Democrats dominated the Southern states widowed daughter Emma. He has hopes, if Tilden wins, and organised the struggle to establish white supremacy of becoming America’s ambassador to France. The and disenfranchise the black slaves. It was said that reader is led through the intricacies of state politics, the “while not every Democrat was a rebel, every rebel was corruption of the current administration of Ulysses a Democrat”. Grant, the Whiskey Ring, the naval conspiracy and The Republicans, on the other hand, had emerged in various railroad frauds, to the hustings, the election and 1854 to combat the expansion of slavery and it was the the overturning of the popular vote. Charley is based Republicans who led the fight to destroy the Confederate initially in New York and states. On Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865 his part of the enjoyment of Vice President – Andrew Jackson – a Democrat who had the novel is the run with Lincoln on a National Union ticket – took over descriptions of the only to find himself impeached on his policy of failing to changes that he sees both protect the slaves in the seceded states. He was acquitted in New York and by one vote. Washington. It is however His successor Republican Ulysses Grant declined to the politics and the seek a third term as President and the election in 1876 parallels with the recent was between the Republican compromise candidate American election which Governor Hayes of Ohio and the Democrat Governor makes this a novel worth Samuel Tilden of New York. Tilden won the popular seeking out. Ted Cruz vote by 250,000 votes but 20 electoral seats were in cited the election of 1876 dispute. Tilden was a seat away from a majority. Congress as a rationale for the appointed a bipartisan Electoral commission to settle the overturning of the 2020 controversy on which the Republicans had a one seat US Election during the majority and in a series of votes decided that Hayes had 2021 storming of the won all 20 of the disputed state seats giving him a Capitol and one can see majority of one. The arguments looked set to continue why. but by the 1877 Compromise the Democratic leaders 1876 agreed to accept the Republican Hayes in return for the withdrawal of federal troops from the southern states. Gore Vidal Gore Vidal (1925-2012) was a political commentator Paper Back and Kindle

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