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2nd July 2017

The Guides Go to Durham Having Michael Sadgrove, Dean Emeritus of Durham, among newly recruited Abbey Guides has proved useful. Using Michael’s contacts at Durham, a group of fifteen Abbey Guides and Stewards visited the Cathedral on Tuesday 20th June. After elevenses in the Undercroft Restaurant, the group toured the Cathedral and the Chapter House (normally closed to visitors) with Cathedral Guide Ruth whose knowledge of the Cathedral and expertise in avoiding other groups was masterly. The effective use of a laser pen to point out remote features, especially roof details, was seen as an aid which could work well in the Abbey.

After lunch the group visited the Open Treasure exhibition, including a dozen carved stones from Hexham, and in the new Collections Gallery the exhibition on ‘Magna Carta and the Forest Charters’ which had opened the previous evening. Exhibits include the only surviving copy of the 1216 document, that accepted by Henry III, after his father, King John, had renounced the original almost before the ink was dry. Thanks to our hosts and to the excellent arrangements made by Jane Musto the group had a most interesting, informative and enjoyable visit. We look forward to welcoming a group of Guides from Durham. By Hugh Dixon

CONSERVATION NOTES No. 3: Who left their mark on the Abbey? Dedicated to Saint Andrew, the diagonal cross on which the apostle was crucified has a prominent place at Hexham. In several places the two arms of the cross are cleverly interlinked, one being slotted through the other. Taking a closer look it can be seen that they are different, the arm from the top left having a slightly bent top giving it the appearance of an elongated letter ‘R’ while that from the top right forms a similarly elongated letter ‘L’. These are the initials of Rowland Leschman, Prior at Hexham from 1480 to 1491, who took every opportunity to leave his mark. How many can you find? By Chris Tolan-Smith

Who’s Who at Hexham Abbey?

This week we meet Hexham Abbey Revealed Day Organiser Chris Tolan-Smith How long have you been involved with the Abbey? I have been a regular visitor to the Abbey since moving to the North East in 1983 but I joined the Abbey team in the autumn of 2014. I am a steward, an Abbey Guide and part of the Conservation Team.

What is your favourite thing about your role? Meeting and chatting with visitors. What do you do outside the Abbey? Walking and bird watching with my wife, and working as a cook on a sail training ship. What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a sailor. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? Newbrough, because we are very happy there. A bit unimaginative but it’s the best place. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? The one that I didn’t have to cook. What is your favourite book or film? T.S.Eliot’s ‘Four Quartets’ What is your favourite childhood memory? Flying a kite with my father.

Chris Tolan-Smith

News

Farewell to Marcus Director of Music, Marcus Wibberley’s last Sunday will be 16th July. Be ready for cake after the service at 10am, and you are invited to contribute to a collection for him. Please bring your gift to the Parish Centre in an envelope marked “Marcus Wibberley Farewell”. Cheques can be made payable to “Hexham Abbey PCC”.

Beaumont Street Closure Beaumont Street will be closed certainly in the earlier part of the morning of Sunday 16th July due to the Hexham Half Marathon. More details to follow. Good luck to Matthew and Dagmar who are running that day.

Choir Trip to Lindisfarne

The Abbey Choir’s trip to sing Choral Evensong on Lindisfarne on Sunday 18th June was a great success. The many visitors who heard them were thrilled, and the choristers’ football session afterwards was all but drowned out by the sounds of thousands of seals that were lining the shores!

Marcus Wibberley and the Choir at Lindisfarne

Congregation News

THE HEXHAM DEBATES: Justice, Peace and Democracy, Saturday 8th July 11.00am-12.30pm Guy Opperman, MP for Hexham Constituency, will be giving a talk on 'Reforming Prisons’ at The St Mary's Centre, St Mary's RC Church. Admission Free, Retiring Collection. Sponsored by Hexham Quaker Meeting.

BIBLE SOCIETY ’OPEN THE BOOK’, Thursday 13th July 11.00 am -12.00pm Currently 1,000s of children in schools around the UK are hearing Bible stories each week in a fun, interactive and memorable way. Come and find out how our local ecumenical team engages with one school in Hexham. The children love it and other schools are now requesting visits too. See how the stories are told, listen to the experience of the team and find out if this is something that you might like to get involved with. No one is too young or too old to be a part of this! Join us in The Great Hall, Priory Buildings, refreshments provided. For more info contact Jane: T: 01434 611906 or E: halo@hexhamabbey.org.uk

Upcoming Events

THIS WEEK: HEXHAM ABBEY REVEALED, Saturday 8th July, 10.00-4.00pm Join our team of knowledgeable experts in a series of workshops to explore the rich heritage of the Abbey buildings and its treasures. The event will be accompanied by a book covering the exciting findings of the ambitious Abbey Project. £30 to include the book. Contact Toni to book a place: T: 01434 611905 or E: education@hexhamabbey.org.uk.

THIS WEEK: PHELPS ORGAN SERIES begins Saturday 8th July, 6.00pm The first recital in the Phelps Organ Summer Series will be by Colin Andrews on Saturday 8th July. Performances continue every other Saturday throughout the Summer. Look forward to music from Marcus Wibberley (22nd July), Roger Judd (5th August), Michael Haynes (19th August), Peter King (2nd September) and Stephen Farr (16th September). Free entry, retiring collection.

HEXHAM ABBEY FLOWER FESTIVAL, Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd July Come along over this long weekend of floral family fun at Hexham Abbey. There will be over 40 amazing flower displays in the Abbey and family activities on the Cloister lawn, plus a marquee with workshops, talks and demonstrations on all manner of flower related themes going on everyday. Music, food, craft, entertainment and flowers, what better way to begin the Summer holidays. For more information visit our website, or email events@hexhamabbey.org.uk. Free to attend.

LUNCHTIME CONCERT Altrincham Choral Society Concert, Sunday 30th July, 1pm Enjoy a 45 minute lunchtime recital of choral favourites in the tranquil setting of the Abbey. Free entry, retiring collection. Everyone welcome.

TAPAS NIGHT at the Refectory Café Every Friday the Refectory Café will be running Tapas nights featuring authentic dishes and weekly drinks offers. Come along for a relaxing atmosphere, great food, and good company. For more information contact Owen Mills: T: 01434 611908, or E: gm@hexhamabbey.org.uk

AFTER SCHOOL MEAL DEAL at The Refectory Café Every Wednesday between 3pm and 5pm the Refectory Café offers a NEW 2 course children’s menu with a FREE filter coffee/tea for one adult. £4.95 per child. For more information contact Owen Mills: T: 01434 611908, or E: gm@hexhamabbey.org.uk

For Your Prayers

We pray for those who are unwell or who have asked for our prayers: Edna O’Neil, Stan Batey, Sheila Jackson, Yvonne Roberts, Doreen Beniams.

We pray for those who have died and all those who mourn: Rosalie Chapman, Dorothy Smith (Linda Thornton’s mother), Ethel (Pam) Priest, John McIntyre

A Note to all Readers, Intercessor and Lay Assistants The rota for July, August and September are now up in the outer vestry. I have also emailed everyone a

copy. If you have NOT received my email please could you get in touch via the Parish Office so I can update your contact information. Many thanks, Emily.

Contact the Parish Office T: 01434 602031 / E: admin@hexhamabbey.org.uk or visit the website: www.hexhamabbey.co.uk

Sunday 2nd July Third Sunday After Trinity—Green

8.30am Holy Communion (Matthew Hunter)

10.00am Abbey Praise with the Flower Team (President & Preacher Dagmar Winter)

Voluntary Lídon Sonata on the 1st tone

11.45am Holy Communion Book of Common Prayer (Officiant Matthew Hunter)

6.30pm Choral Evensong (Officiant Nigel Warner, Preacher Mary Warner & Reader Keith Lombard)

Canticles Howells The Gloucester Service Readings

1 Samuel 28:3–19

Luke 17:20–end Anthem Tallis If ye love me

Voluntary De Grigny Cromorne en Taille à2 (Livre

d’Orgue) Hymns

Psalm

86, 19

Ayleward Responses

50.1-15

Abbey Services Diary

9.00am Morning Prayer and 5.00pm Evening Prayer (Unless Choral Evensong)

Tuesday 4th June 12.00m Holy Communion (Matthew Hunter)

Wednesday 5th June 9.30am

10.15am

6.30pm

Holy Communion (Dagmar Winter)

Tots’ Praise

Choral Evensong (Dagmar Winter)

Thursday 6th June

9.30am

9.30am

6.30pm

Holy Communion (Matthew Hunter)

Prayer Group (Elizabeth Fish tel.01434 601142)

Choral Evensong (Dagmar Winter)

Sunday 9th July Fourth Sunday After Trinity—Green

8.30am Holy Communion (Matthew Hunter)

10.00am Parish Eucharist (President Mary Warner & Preacher Matthew Hunter)

Reader Rosemarie Herdman Intercessor Judi Cornforth

6.30pm Choral Evensong (Officiant & Preacher Nigel Warner & Reader Raymond Dance)