1

CONTACT

Magazine of Erdington Methodist ChurchStation Road - July/August 2009

Contents

Minister’s Letter 3In CONTACT this month 6Family News & August Ramble & ‘Cash & Carry‘ 7Girlguiding Birmingham 8Chief Cub Scout Silver Award 9Volunteering 9Joseph Lawrence Dodd 10Flying the flag 11I Would Like to write a Poem 12National Parks Week 13The Yorkshire Dales and The North Yorkshire Moors 14The Peak District 15Snowdonia National Park 17Dates for your Diary 18Children’s Summer Fun Pages 20PIP & POP 22The Sermon 26Baby Peter 27What I read as a child 28A Concert for a Summer Evening 29St Swithin’s Day - 15th July 30Pilgrimage 31Kennel Club 32One of Life’s Experiences 33Community Impact 35Methodist Conference comes to Wolverhampton 36Details of some Conference Reports 36Churches’ steadfast message: God loves all, racism is a ‘sin’ 37Latest Methodist Church Podcast 38Children’s Pages Answers 38July/August 2009 Regular Meetings 39Weekly Church Activities 40

2

Minister’s Letter

Dear FriendsHoliday time is getting near: packing, lists and luggage everywhere! You may be the “capsule” wardrobe type who has 3 white tee shirts, 1 smart black tee shirt, a pair of shorts and flipflops and you can cope for 7 days. Or you may be the “throw-everything-into-a-big-bag and just cope when you get there” kind of holiday packer. Maybe you’re off to a gite “en France” or a caravan in Filey; or you’re an adventure type, travelling to the far reaches of the globe on a yak; or maybe you’re staying at home, working hard whilst school is out and saving up for a few days away later in the year.

Planning a holiday can be fun and having a holiday can be restful and refreshing, but packing your case is simply a necessity.

So, if you were given 15 minutes to leave your house, collect your children and other valuables, what would you throw into a bag? Armed soldiers are getting closer, gunshots and bombs can be heard in the distance and you know if you don’t escape quickly, you and your family will be caught and killed, or worse.

People say that they would grab bits of jewellery, food and blankets, maybe clothes; people who’ve thought about it say they’d take their passports, money and certificates showing who they are and what qualifications they have. This scenario happens every day all round the world – because of war, rebellion, persecution; unjust, oppressive regimes who hound people from their homes because of differences in political opinion, race or tribe, nationality or religion.

Today there are over 16 million people who are refugees from their own home and country. Over a quarter of the world’s refugees are Palestinians, both Muslims and Christians who have fled their own homes and land, or been driven off them. Here in the UK we take only a tiny minority of refugees, far less than other European countries like Germany. You wouldn’t think that if you believed what some British newspapers tell us, who constantly write lurid headlines, shouting about “bogus” refugees, or asylum

3

seekers, “flooding” the country. The papers often use words which stir up fear, making people feel overwhelmed.

The facts are very different to the myths promulgated by some media. So, here are some interesting true facts!

91% of the population of England and Wales were born in the UK and only 7.9% of the total population of the UK comes from a non-white ethnic group.

There are 60.6 million people living in the UK and at the beginning of April 2008 there were about 49,370 government-supported asylum seekers living in the UK. That’s only 0.08% of the UK’s population!!

An “asylum seeker” is someone who flees their homeland and arrives in another country, making themselves known to the authorities and exercising their legal right to apply for protection and safety.

A “refugee” is a person who has proved they would face persecution back home and has had a successful asylum application for safety and protection, allowed now by the authorities to stay in this country.

Most refugees would love to go back home – to their own country, people who speak their language, understand them, share their customs and traditions. But if returning home means jail, torture or death, then staying here is preferable.

Many refugees are skilled and highly qualified: accountants, nurses, doctors, teachers etc who would love to work here but whose qualifications aren’t always transferable and who face great wariness from potential employers –just because they are refugees.

Once settled into British life, refugees can bring many skills and innovations – just look at the Mini, fish and chips, Marks and Spencer – all brought to you by refugees!

4

In hard economic terms, government figures for 2001 show that the foreign-born population accounted for 10% of UK’s GDP. That means they contributed to the wealth of our country five times as much as North Sea oil does.

Selima is a tall, strikingly beautiful young woman from a minority ethnic group who were being persecuted by another tribe in Somalia’s bitterly intense civil war. Her father was taken away and murdered. She was forced to watch her aunt being raped in her own home and she herself lived in fear of being raped. Her mother told her she had to escape and get away, saying it was better for her to die than Selima. Her uncle helped her flee to the UK.

It was a very difficult and traumatic time. When she got here it was like “being dropped into an ocean.” She is often very depressed and sad, far from her family and friends.

When we talked about refugees in the morning worship at Erdington, it was astonishing how many people lived near refugee families and spoke warmly about their courage, determination and how glad they were of a friend. And there were 2 or 3 refugees in church sharing fellowship with us which encourages us to keep our doors open wide, welcoming everyone in Christ’s name!

“God bless our eyes …… so we recognise injustice. God bless our ears ……..so we hear the cry of the stranger. God bless our mouths …. so we speak words of welcome to the newcomer. God bless our shoulders …… to bear the weight of struggling for justice. God bless our hands ……… so we work together to build peace.”

Refugee Week was marked in June with special services all round the country. It gave much food for thought, for every day we have freedom and health is a day of rejoicing. May you enjoy your July and August, whether you go away or stay here and every time you use a carrier bag, spare a thought for those who have all their worldly possessions in just one carrier bag and who will never again see home or family. Yours in Christ’s name, Nichola

5

In CONTACT this monthWelcome to our July/August edition of CONTACT. As an experiment I wondered whether it might be an idea to give a brief synopsis of this month’s content before you get ‘stuck in’ to the body of the magazine. If you like this idea then please tell me.

So - in this month’s magazine

We have a five page section with material from our Uniformed Organisations. The Guides are inviting us to support their fundraising. Carly Porter tells us of her magnificent award, Gerald Peel says a little about why he volunteers and Lesley Champken from Pype Hayes URC tells us about her inspiration.

As we are now well into summer we have a six page section in which some of our church members tell us about why they love their particular National Park. (and if there is a particular one you love why not write us an article for a future magazine)

We have our usual children’s pages (for children of all ages!)

We have a wonderful article from Margaret Gamwell about their remarkable grandson Sebastian.

We have a tale of murder and intrigue!

We have a tale of a potential romance in someone’s past!

and we have news from the wider Methodist Church

All of life is here . . . . .

Hope you enjoy it, and maybe find something that challenges and uplifts you

The editor

6

Family NewsCarol Shone and family wish to thank friends and members of Erdington Methodist Church for all their kind messages, cards and flowers on the recent sad loss of Connie Thomas.

Carol Shone

August Ramble – Saturday August 6th We are hoping that people might be interested in joining the regular ramblers on this occasion as it offers the opportunity to walk as far as you want or not at all, as there are other facilities which might interest you. The suggested route for the regulars is 5 1/2 miles in a ‘figure of eight’ fashion which returns to the start after 3 miles and then continues for a further 2 ½ bringing you back to the beginning.

We are going to Staunton Harold which is along the M42 just beyond Ashby de la Zouch. It is a large estate, privately owned with a variety of walks of different lengths both flat or a little more hilly. If walking isn’t your thing, then you may like to wander around the Ferrers Centre which is a Craft Village, the Garden Centre or the Church which is owned by the National Trust. There is a coffee shop which serves snacks, sandwiches, cakes, drinks and a few hot meals. There are also toilets – always very welcome on our walks. We arrive at church for a 9.30 am departure. There are plenty of car drivers and we always try to minimise the number of cars we take, so don’t worry if you do not drive, there is always a lift.

Look forward to seeing you.

Christine Rankin

Cash & CarryIf you are organising an event on the church premises then please be aware that the church has access to a ‘Booker Cash & Carry’ card. Please speak to a steward if you think it may be of use.

7

Birmingham

As part of our ‘Change the World Project’ the 174th Girl Guidesare sponsoring Lazarus Girls Home in Bethany, Palestine and supporting

Save the Children Fund.

On Saturday 11th July from 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm we are running

A POP-UP-SHOPin aid of Save the Children Fund

There will be various items on sale such as crafts produced by the girls; a second hand stall and tea and coffee plus nibbles.

Please come and support us.

………………………………..

On Sunday 12th July after the Church Service we are selling our

Friendship Recipe Book (£1.00 each)

plus

Home-made cakes made by the Guides in aid of the Lazarus Girls Home.

Please come and support us

Thankyou

8

Chief Cub Scout Silver AwardOn Friday 12th June 2009 I got my Chief Cub Scout Silver Award at church. Before you get your chief scout silver you have to collect all of your challenge badges which are: outdoor, creative, fitness and so on!

To get these challenge badges you have to do all sorts of things like go camping and work at home. I have got all my challenge badges, that’s why I have got my chief scout silver award. We also had a special visitor to present it to me, his name was Mark and he was a police officer. He showed us what he did to catch the criminals and how he found their finger prints and foot prints. I have got a certificate in a frame and another badge for mum to sew on! Carly Porter 177th cubs

VolunteeringAs I approach another milestone in my Scouting volunteer role (one where only a few years ago I would have been ‘sacked’ for being too old!) and having read earlier articles in “Contact” on the subject of volunteering I was again considering why I continue to take an active role in Scouting.

Fortunately I did not have to think either hard or long for in the current Scouting magazine there is an article by our new Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, who takes over from Peter Duncan in late summer and I have taken the liberty to reproduce a small part of it.

9

“Every child has a right to have an adventure. Life is about grabbing opportunities and that’s a valuable lesson. The prizes don’t always go to the biggest, the best and the strongest – they go to those who persevere. These are the simple life lessons that Scouting teaches people.”

If in some small way we as Leaders can pass that message on, the ‘volunteering’ will continue to be ‘worth it’.

Gerald Peel

Joseph Lawrence DoddFrom Lesley Champken, 210th Birmingham1st Pype Hayes Scout Group, Pype Hayes United Reformed Church.

Elizabeth has shared Contact with me for many years and asked me to contribute an article after I asked if I could have some copies to share with the congregation here.

What can I write about? I pondered and pondered and then had an idea.

Joseph Lawrence Dodd (better known to us as Skipper or Skip) will be 100 years old on July 19th 2009. Today is the 7th June 2009 and even though Skip is in hospital with an infection he is still being an inspiration, as he always has been. All his adult life he has worked with the Scout movement inspiring the young. He also worked in the Junior Church for many years, sharing his love of God. What is his inspiration today? Well, he is writing poems. Last week he wrote three, all on different subjects. Many of his poems are about his Scouting days as a young man and his childhood, but he has also written a poem for the nurses at Good Hope Hospital. Over the last twelve months or so he has written many poems, so many that the Reverend Bob Ash has collected them together and put them into a book to celebrate his 100th birthday and life. This will be sold in aid of church funds. I would like to share with you one of Joe’s poems and one he inspired me to write.

10

Flying the flag Our flag flown upside down,An insult to the crown But sometimes flown at seaFor another ship to see.

It would send an S.O.S.A ship was in distress.It needs instant help,Pending disaster felt.

We fly the flag with pride,Not a symbol we should hide.Shows we are British throughOur flag of red, white and blue.

The pole, in right orderShown white on the top border.The English cross of red,Might be flown instead.

When Scouting first began A test was in the plan. The flag to know about, A must for every Scout.

Joined three flags together into one A union was done England, with plus red signThe others a diagonal line

Some people have not knownJust how the flag was flownSome buildings in the townHave flown it upside down. Joseph L Dodd

11

I Would Like to write a Poem A poem I would like to write,But what could be my muse?The birds, the bees; a summer’s dayWhich one shall I choose?

The love of my life, the life I loveCould they bring words to mind?Or maybe a sound or song I hear,Are they the words I’ll find?

Children laughing, as they playNow that I think sounds really goodTo write a poem I need good wordsThat describe a picture as it should

My time is up I must now go,My muse has not been clear,It comes and goes but never stays“May be I’ll stay one day; my dear.”

Lesley Champken 2009

  Don't evaluate your life in terms of achievements, trivial or monumental, along the way..... Instead wake up and appreciate everything you encounter along your path.  Enjoy the flowers that are there for your pleasure.  Tune in to the sunrise, the little children, the laughter, the rain, and the birds.  Drink it all in... there is no way to happiness; happiness is the way.

Dr. Wayne W Dyer

12

National Parks Week – 27th July to 2nd August.This year celebrates the 60th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act which set up the National Parks in 1949. This act of Parliament established National Parks to preserve and enhance their natural beauty and provide recreational opportunities for the public. The 1950’s saw 10 parks established, the first being the Peak District, closely followed by The Lake District, Snowdonia, Dartmoor, Pembrokeshire Coast, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Exmoor, Northumberland and Brecon Beacons. The 1980’s saw the addition of Norfolk and Suffolk Broads and in 2003/2004, two Scottish Parks – The Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs joined the list. The New Forest came on board 2005 leaving the South Downs as the remaining undesignated area of the original 12 proposed. The UK’s National Parks are part of a global family of over 113,000 protected areas, covering 149 million square kilometres or 6% of the Earth’s surface.

During National Parks week there are numerous special activities going on to enjoy the past, present and future in each of the parks but all the time there is beautiful scenery, exciting cycle routes, walking trails and open, fresh air just a stone’s throw from our cities and towns.

Here are some of what our readers had to say about their special areas of natural beauty.

13

The Yorkshire Dales and The North Yorkshire MoorsI know I go on a bit about Yorkshire but I really am very proud of the fact that I am a Yorkshire lass. In fact, having explored my family tree quite extensively, it appears that my brother and I are the first generation of Abbotts to ‘emigrate’ from Yorkshire. Having traced one family line back to the mid 1600s just about all my ancestors have farmed the Yorkshire land, in one way or another.

Growing up in the outskirts of Hull, many of our school trips, Sunday school outings and family days out involved visits to either the Yorkshire Moors or the Dales. What magnificent areas of beauty right on our doorstep.

The Moors really are a very special place with a great variety of outstanding natural beauty and diversity of landscape. Once known as ‘Blackamore’ it had a reputation for being bleak and awe-inspiring, even frightening, but visitors of today have a different view, visiting to enjoy the tranquillity and isolation. The Moors boast the largest acreage of heather moorland in the country, in summer displaying a carpet of purple as far as the eye can see, spectacular coastal scenery with towering sea cliffs and a clutch of picturesque villages, the houses built of honey sandstone, still unspoilt despite the tourist trade.

All around there are signs of the past generations, historic abbeys, embattled castles, churches, crosses and ancient routes. But the reason why the North Yorkshire Moors is so very special is probably summed up best by Aelred, Abbot of Rievaulx Abbey (1142 – 1167): “Everywhere peace, everywhere serenity and a marvellous freedom from the tumult of the world.”

Moving in a westerly direction from the Moors, we arrive at The Yorkshire Dales. I spent a lot of time here in the Dales in my late teens. My friend’s cousin was a dairy farmer in Kettlewell and we often helped out with milking and in the spring at lambing time. Also, when I worked for Action for

14

Children (formerly NCH) in Bramhope, we often took the children to stay in the cottage owned by the organisation which was located in Grassington. There we went for long walks, hill climbs and picnics, hoping to tire out the youngsters so that they would sleep – it never worked, we were worn out though! The Dales is an area of hills and valleys, of waterfalls and rivers, of caves, country shows and sheep on the hills. Long before it was designated as a National Park, visitors, artists and writers sought out the Dales for its unspoilt, breathtaking and dramatic scenery. The essential Yorkshire Dales includes the following: Climb one of the Three Peaks: Whernside, Pen-y-ghent or Ingelborough or delve underground at the White Scar Caves.... See the waterfalls at Aysgarth, Hardraw or Keld...Walk to Malham Cove...Indulge in afternoon tea at Betty’s tea rooms in Harrogate...Drive along the moorland road from Leyburn to Grinton, where James Herriot fell in love with the Dales... Sample Wensleydale the favourite cheese of Wallace & Grommit... Contemplate the tranquillity and grandeur of the ruins at Fountains Abbey...Escape to your own special dale, where you can find peace and make the place your own.

Christine Rankin

The Peak DistrictWhen I was a young adult there existed a fellowship group which was a combination of young adults from St Barnabas Parish Church and Erdington Methodist Church. We used to meet in each others’ homes and once a year we would go and stay for the weekend at the Hollow.

15

The Hollow was a property owned by Mary Jeffcot (a member of St Barnabas) in the little village of Alstonfield (just on the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire). She invited many people to use the Hollow and often she would join us and most importantly cook the most wonderful meals for us - I’m salivating just thinking about it!

We would arrive on the Friday night and unpack our cars and get settled into our rooms - lots of bunk beds and there was nearly always one event during the weekend which would set us off giggling. Like the evening that Graham Randell discovered the 432 zips in his newly purchased sleeping bag and had to try them all out!! Mary would provide us with a hot supper and we would often talk until the early hours.

The next day we were up bright and early because we were off walking in Derbyshire. These were often glorious days regardless of the weather and we would all arrive back at the Hollow tired but having basked in the glorious rolling countryside that is the Peak District.

Mary would have prepared an incredible evening meal which was placed on the large round table where we all sat eagerly waiting for the arrival of the huge soup tureen, which we fondly called the 'more- more pot' for obvious reasons.

On Sunday we would try and find a small local church that had a service and we would quadruple the congregation and because there were Methodists in the group and they were often parish churches we would quadruple the volume of the hymns too.

They were very happy occasions and I look back on them fondly but the highlight of the weekend was always that wonderful Derbyshire scenery and great company.

Happy days!

Nick Riley

16

Snowdonia National ParkIt’s amazing what you can pick up at the Supermarket these days. Ten years ago this month, on a warm Friday night in June 1999, I was shopping in my local Asda when I saw a lady whose face I instantly recognised. It was the lady that I had remembered for previously being so kind to my family whilst acting as my father’s Social Worker at Good Hope Hospital. I remembered her name but she only knew me as Mr Rossiter! I was very shy but, after a short chat, nervously asked her if she would like to go out somewhere together at sometime. I was really surprised when she said that she would like to.

I liked Christine very much right from when I first met her and wanted to take her somewhere special for our first date. It was a hard decision but I was really pleased when she accepted my invitation to take her to the Snowdonia National Park. So, early one Saturday morning in July 1999 we set off for North Wales.

I had not been to Snowdonia since I was 18 and I was now nearly 43. When we first got a glimpse of the mountainous scenery the memories came flooding back to me and I knew that I had made the right choice. Snowdonia National Park has well over 100 summits of varying heights and difficulties to test the most experienced of climbers, but I drove straight to the awesome Mount Snowdon, reaching 1085 metres / 3,560 feet. It is the highest British mountain outside Scotland.

I enjoy walking very much but am not a serious climber, so I thought that a trip on the Snowdon Mountain Railway would definitely be the best option. We caught the train at Llanberis Station and, in a tremendous feat of engineering, and uniquely in Britain, the rack and pinion railway hauled us to within 66ft of the summit.

17

The views from the train as we were carried along were truly breathtaking. It was a very clear day and at the Summit we could see a spectacular panorama as far as the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland and the Isle of Man. This is one of the great railway journeys of the world - an unforgettable experience with a lady that I was really beginning to be very fond of. At the summit I even plucked up the nerve to ask for a kiss!!

We have been back to Snowdonia a few times since then and always marvel at the spectacular scenery. Some of the attractions that we have enjoyed include Conway Castle, Caernarfon Castle and King Arthur’s Labyrinth. Another favourite spot is the beautiful Bala Lake, the largest body of water in Wales, being four miles long and a mile wide. Local legend states that the lake is inhabited by a monster which is known as 'Teggie' and it is claimed that on moonlit nights towers and buildings can be seen under the waters of Bala Lake.

Earlier this year we marvelled at the views from Anglesey over the Menai Straits with the mountains of Snowdonia as the backdrop. Of course, it brought back many happy memories of our first date and will always be a special place for both of us.

Ian Rossiter

Dates for your Diary

Saturday 4th July 2.00 pm Methodist Conference opening service at Wolverhampton Civic Hall

Sunday 5th July 10.30 am Morning Worship 4.00 pm Ordination services being held at Worcester, Coventry, Solihull, Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton Penn. Please pray for newly ordained Presbyters and Deacons.

18

Sunday 12th July 10.30 am Action for Children Sunday Sunday 2nd August 6.00 pm Circuit Farewell Service for Revd Neil Adams at South Parade. This service will also recognise David Hewitt's 50 years as a Local Preacher Saturday 8th August Nechell's Street Party at which Erdington will12 noon to 6.00 pm have a stall Tuesday 11th Aug 7.30 pm "New Hymnbook Evening" at Stockland Green Methodist Saturday 15th August "Buy a Chair for Stockland Green" - will cost you £89 but you can have your name on a plaque at no extra charge! Sunday 6th Sept 6.00 pm Circuit Welcome Service for Revd Shirlyn Toppin at Four Oaks Saturday 19th September Evening Harvest Festival Supper and Quiz Sunday 20th September 10.30 am Morning Worship celebrating Harvest Festival Saturday 3rd October 7.00 pm Police Concert at Stockland Green Saturday 14th November Concert given by Jo Dwyer and (Provisional date) friends

19

CHILDREN’S SUMMER FUN PAGESCrack the Code

D K Q Y V Z C F J R M P U L A W I S X G T E N O B H1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

23,24 __ 18,7,26,24,24,14 __ 25,22,7,15,13,18,22 __17,21 __ 17,18 __ 26,24,14,17,1,15,4 __ 21,17,11,22!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Can you name the story book that these quotes come from?

1. "Help! Help! A Heffalump!" _________________________

2. Mrs. Darling put her hand to her heart and cried, "Oh, why can't you remain like this forever?" ____________________

3. "Now, my dears, you may go into the fields or down the lane, but don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden: your father had an accident there." ___________________________________

4. At that moment they heard from behind them a loud noise—a great cracking, deafening noise as if a giant had broken a giant's plate.... The Stone Table was broken into two pieces by a great crack that ran down it from end to end; _______________________________________________

5. “I worry about Fern. Did you hear the way she rambled on about the animals, pretending that they talked?" Mr Arable chuckled. "Maybe they do talk," he said. _________________

6. Violet, you're turning violet! ________________________

20

Optical Illusion . . . Can you see an old or a young woman?

Do this in your head as quickly as possibleWHAT IS

2+24+48+8

16+16 ?Pick a number between 12 and 5 . . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• What falls but never breaks? _____________ • What occurs once in a second, once in a minute, twice in a

millennium, but never in the course of a lifetime? _______

• What does everyone have that goes up, but never comes

down? _______________

All answers can be found on page 38 21

PIP & POP

PIP - Passing in ParadeJuly 21st 2008 was one of the very important days in the life of our grandson Sebastian. For ten years he had dreamed of this day.

It began when he lived in Birmingham when together with his Dad he joined the sailing club in Sutton Coldfield and then the Sea Cadets based in the park. From that time he seemed to focus on joining the Royal Navy and not only was he keen to be a sailor but to go to the Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth and become a naval officer.

What an ambition!. When the family went to live on the coast in Devon, school work became the priority. On leaving school he started to make the appropriate enquiries from various careers officers and thus began the process. What a process it was too! First there was the fitness to achieve; much road training; long swimming sessions and cycle rides of about 40 miles round trip each time. Then the effort of attending various courses at places as far away as Lincolnshire and Portsmouth to pass selection boards to judge his abilities and commitment to his hoped for career. Grandad and

22

I were over the moon when he rang to tell us he had passed the Admiralty Interview Board and was on his way!

This was the beginning. PIP, or more correctly the ‘Passing in Parade’ was the next big day in our young mans life. Mom and Dad, sister and girl friend and of course Grandma and Grandad got out our best bib and tucker and presented ourselves at the BRNC on 21st July at, I might add, a very early hour to watch a good number of young men and women begin the procedure to become naval officers. The weather was appalling. It rained and it rained for the two hours that we were standing watching (but we did have umbrellas). The cadets did not and they had to stand very still for the whole period. Sebastian told us over lunch that he knew exactly the number of windows and bricks there were along the front of this very large building - he had counted them! The Band of the Royal Marines was supplying the music for the occasion and the inspection was conducted by a senior officer of the Navy who spoke individually to those cadets who were passing out that day.

During the last 10 months since that eventful day, Sebastian has experienced, and I should say endured, a very great deal in so short a time. Apart from the daily discipline of the college which is tough to say the least (when entering they are told that they will be fed 5000 calories per day and that they will use it all) he has been training with the Marines out on Dartmoor - going almost without sleep for 100 hours, has served on HMS Illustrious out at sea - bunking in with the ratings, has done rescue at sea from a downed helicopter and also a short stint with the Special Boat Service. But all good things come to an end and we come to the next most exciting day this family has experienced.

POP - Passing Out ParadeOn April 9th 2009 Doug and I were at Axmouth together with our son Philip and daughter-in-law Kate at 5.00 am once again. We were dressed in our best bib and tucker to collect granddaughter Harriet and Shelley, Seb’s girlfriend, our other son and his partner in order to reach Dartmouth by 9.00 am. Yes, we made it very promptly - we were not going to miss a moment of this day! When we arrived at the gates and after being checked in by very

23

strict security we were greeted by a very smart young naval officer complete with dress sword at his side - and this was our grandson. We were so proud!

After a welcome cup of coffee, everyone attended a service in the college chapel, more correctly the Passers Out Service of Dedication, The Lord High Admirals Divisions. Then we made our way outdoors to watch the ceremony. Having found a place on the correct side of the parade ground we opened our umbrellas and settled down (of course it was raining again and blowing and cold!!) The band of the Royal Marines preceded the cadets onto the parade ground and then the dignitaries came out of the college and settled under their canopy and the ceremony began.

Admiral Sir Jonathon Band GCB. ADC. The First Sea Lord, Chief of Naval Staff inspected all officers on parade and indeed spoke to every one of them individually. This took approximately two hours by which time everyone was ready to get out of the cold wet wind and head for the Senior Gun Room and a good hot lunch. Before lunch was served Sir Jonathon and Lady Band and their entourage circulated the room speaking to all the families.

As there was a Ball during the evening Sebastian and Shelley were of course staying behind, and the rest of the family made our way home to Axmouth, very tired and very happy. But our day did not end quite so peacefully.

At around 11.30 pm when we were all tucked up in bed the telephone rang. It was an almost incoherent Shelley saying that Seb had stood on a chair during dinner after calling for everyone’s attention and then got down on one knee and proposed - with ring at the ready - and held his breath until she grabbed him because she just couldn’t speak. When she got her breath she said Yes!!

So, what a character is our young man!!

Margaret Gamwell

24

Family History StoryThis drawing, by an artist, well-known for her musical talent (but with hidden depths!) is of my 2 x great grandfather Richard Benger.

WANTED

He lived a lifetime of petty crime and drunkenness which culminated in the manslaughter of his wife Hannah in 1857. The inquest and trial were well documented in the local Somerset papers. Interestingly, he was acquitted because his defence counsel convinced the jury that he had been provoked by his wife--- an interesting social statement of the times! Not only are the newspaper reports of this event fascinating, but there is also a long article about the ‘demon drink’ and its adverse effect on the human condition. Here is an account of the description circulated when Richard made a get-away from his home in the middle of the night.

25

Report from the Somerset and Wilts Journal on October 29th. 1857.

MURDER OF A WOMAN AT FROMEInformation has been received by the police authorities at Bath, of the murder of a woman at Frome, and the absconding of her husband, who is supposed to have committed the murder. The following is the information received:

“Absconded from Frome, this morning (29th) at half-past three o’clock, charged with the wilful murder of his wife, Richard Benger, about 50 or 55 years of age, about five feet five inches high, dark brown hair, bald on the top of the head, fresh complexion, high cheek bones, scratched on the right cheek by finger nails, large features, long sharp nose, front teeth of upper jaw out, hollow cheeks, stoutly built, low crown black hat, or light cloth cap, cotton handkerchief, a spot of blood inside, size of a shilling, black frock coat, light stuff waistcoat, double-breasted, with two rows of brass buttons, brown cord breeches with white horn buttons down the side, lace up boots and white stockings. Had in his possession a bundle containing a four pound loaf, a bit of cheese, a new shirt with blood on it, torn at the neck and a pair of cord breeches tied up in a coloured cotton pocket-handkerchief. The prisoner stated his intention to go to Southampton or Guernsey and work his way out to some foreign country.”

If you want to read more, buy the September Family History Monthly magazine!

What about hearing tales of your ancestors, notorious or famous, in future editions of Contact?

Hilary Price

The SermonA boy was watching his father, a minister, writing a sermon. “How do you know what to say?”, he asked. “Well, God tells me”, replied his father contentedly. “Oh! Then why do you keep crossing things out?” asked the boy!

26

Baby PeterIt seems that the Baby P affair has appalled everyone. How could anyone do or allow such things to happen, to such a small child? It is, though, only the latest in an ongoing catalogue of such events and I doubt that it will be the last. Unfortunately, I suspect that there are no more and no less now than there were 30, 50 or even 100 years ago. It’s just that, because of modern investigative media, we hear more about them.

Such media attention, though, has at least one unintended consequence. It makes it more difficult to recruit Social Workers and Paediatricians who, as part of their role, endeavour to prevent such events happening again. As a result of the investigations into the death of Baby P all of those professionals who are involved with the safely of children appear to have been attempting to be more decisive. This has resulted in an increase in the number of applications for children to be removed from their family and placed with foster parents or put into care. Unfortunately, state care for children in the UK has a poor reputation and appears to fail many of those that it is set up to assist. For example in 2008 one in eight (13%) of children in care achieved 5 A* to C grade GCSEs compared with almost two in three (62%) of all children. The percentages for the previous year were 12% and 59%.

On the same day that the abusers of Baby P were sentenced Dr Southall, a paediatrician who specialised in child abuse work, had his appeal against the removal of his name from the Medical Register by the General Medical Council dismissed. Dr David Southall, like each one of us probably, had his faults but he had made a career in the field of child protection and I suspect that the lives of some children are less safe because he is no longer able to practise medicine.

All of this makes me think, unfortunately, that as a society we are giving out mixed messages. We punish and take away the livelihood of the people involved when Child Protection fails whether they exercised too little or too much decisiveness. But do we start with a simple message to all those involved that the safety of the child should be paramount? Because if it is then we should be ashamed the educational achievement of children we put

27

into care for their own safety as well as the way we treat those who take on the onerous responsibility of attempting to identify those situations where there is real risk to the safely of a child.

I suspect that child abuse will always be with us. Humanity has all sorts of failings. Our veneer of civilisation is very thin. We can be brutal, manipulative and self-centred and until we are able to train social workers to see through such machinations then the ill treatment of children will continue. But as Christians we have a head start. We believe that through sin all people have fallen, all have a tendency to sin. As all die in Adam, so in Christ all will be brought to life (1 Corinthians 15:22). Who can know what brutality we each would be capable of doing under the right circumstances; similarly with the strength given to us by God who can know what goodness we can achieve.

Peter Farley

What I read as a childI thought I would respond to an article in last month’s magazine inviting people to say what they had read as a child. Whenever this topic is mentioned the book that first comes to mind is Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Just So Stories’ which I was introduced to at an early age. My favourite story was ‘How the Elephant got His Trunk’ ‘down by the banks of the great, green, greasy Limpopo river---‘ and so on ! There was Charles Kingsley’s ‘The Water Babies’, an old classic but I remember nothing about it, and I wonder how many younger people have even heard of it? I also had ‘Uncle Mac’s Children’s Hour Book’ which was a collection of stories, real life and fiction, originally used in that BBC programme. Then, of course, there was Enid Blyton, once famous for her adventures, then becoming notorious, and I am not sure where she is now. All I know is that I read all the Fives books, the Adventure books and Mallory Towers stories avidly, and far from doing me harm, they established my lifelong love of reading. I have a lot of my old books and wouldn’t part with them. Nicola has the same love of books and still has most of her childish books including all her Mr. Men ones!

Hilary Price28

Presents

A Concert for a Summer Evening

Extracts from Mendelssohn’s Elijah Short seasonal pieces by

Mozart, Elgar, Sondheim, Pitoni, Farmer Piano Solo by Nigel Morley

Conductor: David Lawrence Accompanist: Nigel Morley

Saturday 4th July 2009

St George’s Church Edgbaston

7.30 pm

Tickets: £9 including refreshments Contact Janet Webley: Tel - 01527 877 086, Email - webleytayla@aol.com

or any choir member Available on the night at St George’s Church

29

St Swithin’s Day – 15th JulyCould this celebrated (or berated) day be a contributing factor to the British pre-occupation with the weather? Most of our conversations and interactions with one another involved some reference to the weather, be it good or bad. The 15th July, St Swithin’s Day, is a day on which people watch the weather, for tradition says that whatever the weather is like on St Swithin’s Day, it will continue so for the next forty days.

The well known Elizabethan rhyme :

‘St Swithin’s Day, if it does rainFull forty days, it will remainSt Swithin’s Day, if it be fair

For forty days, t’will rain no more’

St Swithin’s – or more properly, Swithun – was a Saxon Bishop of Winchester. He was born in the kingdom of Wessex and educated in its capital Winchester. He was famous for charitable gifts and building churches.

A legend says that as the Bishop lay on his deathbed, he asked to be buried out of doors, where he would be trodden on and rained on. For nine years, his wishes were followed, but then, the monks of Winchester attempted to remove his remains to a splendid shrine inside the cathedral on 15th July 971. According to legend there was a heavy rain storm either during the ceremony or on its anniversary. This led to the old wives’ tale that if it rains on St Swithin’s Day it will rain for the next 40 days in succession, and a fine 15th July will be followed by 40 days of fine weather.

Not surprisingly, according to the Met. Office, this old wives’ tale is nothing other than a myth. It has been put to the test on 55 occasions when it was wet on St Swithin’s day and 40 days of rain did not follow. Christine Rankin

30

PilgrimageLooking through my bookcase recently for some bedtime reading, I discovered The Little Yellow Book of Church Articles produced by Bill Hayston who compiled this little book from articles produced for Four Oaks Messenger which he began writing in 1994. Some are humorous, some are historical and factual and some are quotes, eg. taken from gravestones. Here is one of his articles.

PilgrimageGoing on a Pilgrimage to a Religious Site was once a common religious experience. Some pilgrims made their long, difficult and dangerous journey for the atonement of a particular sin; others to gain indulgences, including what they thought would give them a shorter period in purgatory before being admitted to Heaven.

Usually they would walk or go on horseback, with a group of other pilgrims and thus ensure a safer journey. Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales’ describes such a group, going in the springtime to visit Thomas Becket’s shrine. Travelling together gave supportive fellowship and strengthening of their faith. The church at that time had various reasons for encouraging pilgrims, including the financial support the pilgrim sites received by gifts, plus the sale of momentos.

The large medieval Cathedrals were built starting with the chancel containing the altar in which were placed holy relics. Other relics might be kept in a crypt below the chancel. Pilgrims began arriving as soon as the chancel was complete in order to see or be close to the relics, and these pilgrims helped to pay for the building of the rest of the Cathedral. Many holy relics would today be thought to have doubtful authenticity: thus a church in Kent claimed to have the block of wood used in the beheading of John the Baptist. Lichfield Cathedral had many relics including a stone on which Jesus stood when he wept! Lichfield’s income from pilgrims would have a present day value of about £400,000 a year. (Remember, this was published in 1994 so values have changed considerably!) Many relics were ejected at the Reformation and pilgrimage was banned by Edward VI.

31

Today Pilgrimage is mainly to visit historical places with their special atmosphere – they can be places for quiet reflection – to ‘be still and know’ (Psalm 46). It was written by the late Cardinal Basil Hume that ‘we have a small and limited understanding, but we must keep moving on. The finding is in the seeking’ (Matthew 7v7).

Even if we are unable to travel we can still be pilgrims, as we search for, and find, deeper trust in God.

Compiled from original article by Ann Tomes

Kennel ClubThe other day the news reported that the number of cases of Measles in Wales had reached 250. So what is the problem I hear you say? The death rate from Measles is very low (3 in 1,000). But it can have severe complications - pneumonia, corneal scarring, deafness and encephalitis to name but a few. The solution though is simple, MMR vaccine. If we could get uptake rates for vaccination above 95% then Measles really would be a thing of the past. At which point though some will no doubt cross their two forefingers and hiss, autism. This is the health scare that was originally raised a number of years ago by Dr Andrew Wakefield and which subsequent research has demonstrated conclusively was unfounded. Uptake rates for the vaccine though still remain at best four in five, currently well below the 95% needed to stop the Measles virus circulating in the population.

But here is an idea from around the world. The former chairman of the British Medical Association, Sir Sandy Macara has submitted a motion to the annual conference of the BMA that Britain should follow the example of the US, Spain, Greece, most of Australia and make childhood vaccination compulsory. He is suggesting that access to state funded schooling should be conditional on being able to show a full card of vaccinations. Indeed, because the uptake of all childhood vaccinations in London is so low, in some boroughs below 50%, the Health Authority there has already asked the Government if they have the power to introduce such a measure.

32

Radical indeed but I can just imagine the outcry that would follow such a suggestion. One only has to look to the recent past to be reminded. Whenever there is there is the suggestion of compulsion the reaction of some is to say no, as a matter of principal. The list that comes to mind includes seatbelts, fluoridation, smoking in public places, driving under the influence of alcohol, owning a handgun. On the other hand, though, imagine having to live with the guilt of caring for a child who has developed one of the complications of Measles as a result of a refusal to accept vaccination.

It occurs to me that if anyone goes out to buy a puppy the first thing that is asked or the breeder will state, is their vaccination status. If we are so concerned about the health of a pet why do we find it so hard to protect our children who should be much more precious to us.

A child is life, not just a companion.

Peter Farley

One of Life’s ExperiencesThis anecdote tells of an experience which remains clear in my memory. It happened when I was at college (not so very long ago!!). I was walking through Alsager village with two of my friends when a couple of drop dead gorgeous young men engaged us in conversation. It transpired that they were Mormons who were promoting their faith. As these handsome American ‘Elders’ chatted on about their faith, we were quite happy to agree to meeting them one evening to learn more about The Church of Latter - Day Saints which was founded by Joseph Smith. Now I must be totally honest and admit that for my part, I was going for one reason only and it most certainly was not to learn more about becoming a Mormon. I really fancied one of these young men!

So, one meeting led to another and every time we met, I endeavoured to make myself look as alluring as possible. We listened to explanations, we looked at photographs, we read passages from the Book of Mormon and we

33

‘played with’ flannel graphs. I can’t imagine how flannel graphs played a part, although, having said that, delving into the far reaches of my mind I seem to remember that we used them to locate significant places such as Salt Lake City. We attended one of the church services where we remained seated throughout – Mormons do not stand to sing hymns. The Book of Mormon, translated by Joseph Smith from Golden Plates with the aid of two ‘miraculous stones’, (more commonly referred to as ‘the magic spectacles’), claims to tell of Christ's appearance to American Indians after His resurrection. Mormons consider Jesus Christ as our Saviour and they use the Book of Mormon alongside the Bible in teaching and study. Reading the Book of Nephi seemed to me very much like reading one of the Books in the Bible, even though names were different. I readily recall that Mormons are not supposed to smoke tobacco, drink tea, coffee, alcohol and drugs. I can remember asking myself if I could possibly manage without my cups of coffee. The answer was a resounding ‘No’!

But back to the man of my dreams! Our two American friends insisted that they should come to our college one Sunday afternoon to elaborate more on Mormonism. We agreed rather reluctantly, wondering where we could meet them. Men were not allowed in the girls’ rooms and vice versa. This meant the students’ Common Room was the only place where we could meet, but none of us was completely comfortable with this idea. After all, the room was always full of students and we couldn’t help wondering what they would make of it all. That soon became apparent! The ambience in the room was anything other than conducive to prayer and deep discussion. The meeting was nothing short of disastrous and it proved to be our last rendezvous with the two elders.

Although I learned a lot during the weeks that we met, too much to mention here, I knew that membership of The Church of Latter - Day Saints was not for me. For one thing, Joseph Smith, the founder, had been imprisoned for inciting a riot. He was not charged guilty, however, because before he could be tried he was killed by a gang who broke into his prison cell. In addition, I was unable to accept the very foundation of the Mormon faith, i.e. an Angel named Moroni was sent by God to visit Joseph Smith with a view to

34

explaining to him that there was a book written on Golden Plates which contained the missing parts of the gospel. God had chosen Joseph Smith to translate them and had provided the ‘miraculous stones’ called the Urim and Thummim to enable him to do this.

So, a Methodist I remain and glad of it! Finally, and rather regrettably, my hopes of a budding romance failed miserably. Ah well … as they say in France: C’est la vie!

Barbara Rawson

COMMUNITY IMPACTThe Food BankAre your neighbours going to bed hungry? The ELIM CHURCH at Kingstanding has started a FOOD BANK to help provide people with emergency food parcels when they are in need and ‘before other parts of our social infrastructure can come into play.’

They need donations of basic tinned and packets of food, as well as soap, toothpaste, nappies and baby food. The Kingstanding Citizen’s Advice Bureau has welcomed this project and invited their volunteers and clients to bring contributions. A volunteer from the project will collect from the bureau on a regular basis. Clients in need have already been directed to them. The more items they collect the more people can be helped. If you could collect some items and deliver them to the Elim Church they would be most grateful. Alternatively you can ring them to come and collect when you have a significant amount, perhaps involving you friends and neighbours.

Details of contact are as follows:-The Food Bank is open at the church, Warren Road, Kingstanding, (opp the Co-op) on Tuesdays from 12.00 - 2.00 pm and Fridays 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm or ring the Community Impact team tel. 0121 350 9650

Maybe we could consider this as outreach from our church?

Hilary Price35

Methodist Conference comes to WolverhamptonThe Methodist Conference meets in Wolverhampton this year. The Conference is the governing body of the Methodist Church and is also a festival of celebration, worship and friendship. More than 300 representatives from across British Methodism will gather at the Civic Hall from 2 to 9 July, as well as hundreds of visitors.

The Conference is the time when the new President The Revd David Gamble and Vice-President Dr Richard Vautrey begin their year in office. Their induction will open the main Conference on the afternoon of 4 July.

You can follow the main debates of Conference through Methodist Web Radio in conjunction with Premier Christian Radio.

There is a comprehensive Conference website complete with a Twitter feed and a daily blog update.

Details of some Conference reportsHope in God’s future (Christian discipleship in the context of climate change) - a comprehensive report which tackles one of the great issues of our age. It includes scientific and biblical material to provide a theological response, before making recommendations of responses by churches and individuals.

Singing the faith - Hymns are close to Methodists’ hearts as they express doctrine and theology through words and music. The Music Resource Group has chosen hymns for a new authorised collection. This list was opened for consultation at the beginning of the year. This report gives results of the consultation, with costings for the project and publications.

36

The use of internet banking for the management of church accounts - With internet banking becoming increasingly popular and easier, this report considers how churches can use this facility. It includes guidelines for good practice following advice from the Charity Commission, preserves the need for authorisation of payments by two individuals and makes use of the experience of bodies in the Methodist Church already using internet banking.The complete text of all the Conference reports can be found on the website.

Churches’ steadfast message: God loves all, racism is a 'sin' Disappointment and concern have been expressed by Churches following gains made by the British National Party (BNP) in this month’s European Parliament Elections. In the elections held on 4 June, the BNP won two seats in the European Parliament and three seats in local councils around the UK. Rachel Lampard, Public Issues Policy Adviser for the Methodist Church, said, “The limited success of the BNP does not change our steadfast message: God loves all. Racism is a sin. The campaigning work of the churches and other grass-roots organisations has helped to highlight the need for people to vote positively, especially at a time when public confidence in politics has been shaken.”

37

Latest Methodist Church PodcastStories of peaceful protest, social justice and supported independence make up the latest Methodist podcast.

Karen Burke discovers what King Canute has to do with climate change in conversation with Methodist minister Simon Topping while Anna Drew learns about life as an ecumenical accompanier in Israel and Palestine through the eyes of Enid Gordon and Elizabeth Boroughs.

Karen also catches a few words with President Designate The Revd David Gamble before he flies out to celebrate the independence of the Methodist Church in The Gambia.

Find all this at http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.webradio

Children’s Pages answersCrack the Code - No school because it is holiday time

The story books are 1. Winnie the Pooh by A.A.Milne 2. Peter Pan by J.M.Barrie3. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter4. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S.Lewis5. Charlotte’s Web by E.B.White6. Charlie and the Chocolate factory by Roald Dahl

Pick a number between 5 and 12 – Bet you picked 7!Night falls but never breaksThe letter ‘n’ never occurs in the course of a lifetimeAge goes up but never comes down

38

July/August 2009 Regular Meetings

Coffee Mornings Every Saturday 10.00 am to 12.00 noon

Women’s Hour Meetings Meetings on Mondays at 2.00 pm each month

Tuesday Club Every 4th Tuesday in the month at 2.00 pm

Sunday Worship All worship starts at 10.30 am unless stated otherwise below

JULY5th CONFERENCE SUNDAY - John Harrison12th ACTION FOR CHILDREN SUNDAY - Rev Nichola Jones including HOLY COMMUNION19th ALL AGE WORSHIP - Mrs N Murcott26th Alison Gee

AUGUST2nd Rev Richard Jones Circuit Farewell Service for Rev Neil Adams & Family at South Parade - 6.00 pm9th HOLY COMMUNION - Rev Nichola Jones16th Godfrey Higgins23rd David Hewitt30th Lynn Crowe

39

Weekly Church ActivitiesSunday 10.30 am MORNING WORSHIP and

Young Church (with crèche : Margaret Hillman)

7.30 pm House Group : Hilary Price - (3rd Sunday)

Monday 2.00 pm Women’s Hour :

Tuesday 9.30 - 11.30 am9.30 - 12.00 noon2.30 pm

Stay and PlayPre-School : Karen HomerTuesday Afternoon Meeting : Valerie Long (4th)

Wednesday 9.30 - 11.30 am9.30 - 12.00 noon12.30 pm

Stay and PlayPre-School : Karen HomerLuncheon Club - (1st and 3rd)

Thursday 9.30 - 12.00 noon Pre-School : Karen Homer

Friday 5.00 - 6.15 pm6.15 - 7.45 pm7.45 - 9.15 pm7.45 - 9.15 pm5.30 - 6.30 pm5.00 - 6.30 pm7.30 - 9.00 pm

Beavers : Lynn TurnerCubs : Elizabeth BaizonScouts : Lisa PorterExplorers : Caroline JoyceRainbows : Louise RawsonBrownies : Lesley CarterGuides : Helen Rainsford

Saturday 10.00 - 12.00 noon10.30 - 11.30 am

Coffee Morning : Lesley MorganChurch open for prayer : Margaret Curzon

Please hand any items for the September CONTACT to any of the Editorial Team (Elizabeth Baizon, Peter Farley, Nichola Jones, Christine Rankin & Nick Riley)by 15th August 2009 at the latest please or alternatively email me - nickriley@blueyonder.co.uk

40