CHURCHWARDENS INTRODUCE OUR NEW RECTOR
The Churchwardens of St. Peter & St. Paul’s, Shiplake and All Saints, Dunsden are pleased to announce that Revd Paul Bradish is to be the new Rector of Shiplake with Dunsden and Harpsden.
Paul, 48, is currently Associate Priest in the Upper Kennet Benefice - a rural benefice of 5 parishes and 7 churches - in north Wiltshire, in the Diocese of Salisbury, where he has day-to-day responsibility.
Paul has been married to Helen for almost 27 years and they have five children, aged between 17 and 25.
Paul and Helen met when they were both undergraduates at the University of Reading and they were married after their graduation in 1983. They spent the next year living in York, Paul’s home town, before moving back to the Reading area when Paul’s career took him to work in the City of London and subsequently beyond. They lived in Reading until the time Paul started to train for the ministry, so know the area well and have spent many pleasant afternoons walking by the Thames.
Their 5 children were born and raised in Reading/Wokingham area although nowadays all have left home: two of them, Christopher, 25 and Laura, 24, are married and live in London with their respective spouses; a second daughter, Jocelyn, 22 is due to be married in September and will live in the Reading area; Jonathan, 20, has just finished his first year at University and Ben, 17, has just entered his Upper VIth year at boarding school.
They also have two golden retrievers – Rosie & Mollie, Daphne the cat and 2 hens – all of whom will be joining them at their new home in the Benefice.
Paul read law at University and his career in commerce saw him hold a number of director level appointments within Information Technology, Strategy, and Management Consultancy companies prior to being selected to train for ministry by the Church of England. Paul trained for the ministry at Ripon College, Cuddesdon as a full-time Ordinand, reading for an MA degree amongst other things during his time there.
Paul and Helen have asked us to say how delighted they are to have been invited to the position here at Shiplake with Dunsden and Harpsden and how much they and the family are looking forward to meeting everyone and getting to know us as they live and work among us.
Please pray for Paul as he completes his responsibilities in the Diocese of Salisbury and for Paul, Helen and the wider family as they prepare to join us in the autumn.
Hugo Gamble - Shiplake
Alan Mitchell - Shiplake
Christine Bland - Dunsden
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES AND ALL WHO LIKE
A MORE INFORMAL APPROACH TO WORSHIP
Sunday 1st August 09.30 Sung Eucharist and Sunday Club at Shiplake Church
Sunday 8th August 10.00 Parish Family Service at Dunsden Church
Sunday 15th August 09.30 Sunday Club at Shiplake Church (no service)
Sorry, no Five O’Clock slot this month
Preacher for 29th August at Shiplake
The visiting priest who is due to be taking the 9.30 service at Shipake on Sunday 29th August is the Rev Martin Peppiatt. Martin was for many years the vicar at St Stephen's Twickenham which he built into a very large and flourishing church. He is now retired and living in north Oxfordshire. Do please try to come and hear him as he is an inspiring and very wise priest and speaker.
DEANERY CHURCHWARDENS GATHER AT HENLEY
Churchwardens are addressed by either the Archdeacon or the Bishop each year at a Visitation during which they are formally and legally admitted to serve as Churchwardens in their respective parishes. Bishop Colin officiated at St. Mary’s, Henley in May this year when all our churchwardens were present. The Bishop’s address was quite long, and it would seem appropriate to pick out just one or two points that he made which will be of interest to a wider audience.
The Bishop pointed out that the Dorchester Episcopal Area had seen changes. In 2000 church electoral roll numbers stood at 11,780. Today they stand at 10,725. Likewise, in common with the rest of the country, we have fewer stipendiary parish clergy than we had ten years ago. Then there were 77 in the Dorchester Area (excluding Curates). Now there are 64. Though there are fewer stipendiary clergy now, there are more self-financing clergy (61) and many retired clergy who contribute so much to our life.
One church has been made redundant, but five new ones have opened, using schools and halls on new housing estates. In 2000 the Parish Share for the Dorchester Area stood at £2,068,362, of which 96.7% was actually paid. In 2010 the figure is £3,302.486.
Jesus’ great statement about his mission (John 10.10) says “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly”. That is a good motto to judge what we are doing. Is this, or that, church activity being a channel through which abundant life can flow both to ourselves and to others? Is it doing that now? Or has it got clogged? Or is it something that has simply had its day? All too often the image of God that the world sees is of a God and a Church autocratically making life as constricted, guilt-ridden and miserable as possible. What a contrast with Jesus, who speaks of life in all its fullness.
Finally, the subject of demography. Talk to any councillor or MP at the moment and they will tell you about the demographic time bomb that is hitting us. Our population is getting older. 80-year-olds are growing in numbers, as are those older still. For many, sadly, that is seen simply in terms of being a problem. Yet the elderly have much to give to others, as well as to receive from them. Our church congregations are, on average, older than those of the people who live in their villages and towns. Now, either we can label that purely as a failure, or we can take it both as a challenge and as something to celebrate. If, as is true, we are working at our best with the fastest-growing population group by age in the country, then that is a mission opportunity to capitalise on, not to bemoan.
Likewise, at the other end of the age scale, there is currently a mushrooming of toddler groups, after school clubs, and, most recently, Messy Church. Gone are the days when the only organised activities for children on Sundays were the Sunday Schools. We need to be more flexible in recognising that Christian Worship does not need to be tied to a particular hour on a Sunday morning, and it is good to see many of our churches exercising that flexibility.
FROM THE REGISTERS
Holy Matrimony – We congratulate ANDREW JAMES STRONG and LEIGHANNE GREEN who were married at Dunsden on 26th June.
In Memoriam – We offer the sympathy and the assurance of our prayers to the relatives and friends of the following, whose funerals took place at Shiplake.
5th July ELSIE READINGS, aged 97 years
13th July EILEEN SIMMONDS
22nd July THOMAS HOWARD SUTTON, aged 90 years
Interment of Ashes
13th July MARJORIE WILSON Shiplake
PROPOSED AUTUMN TRIP TO CANTERBURY
There has been a good response to the suggestion made last month that a coach trip might be arranged to visit Robert Prance in Canterbury and see St. Edmund’s School, where he is now Chaplain, and the Cathedral. This would, of course, be a Benefice outing, and if any Harpsden people would like to put down their names they would be most welcome.
The trip is most likely to take place in October, and once John Bodman has an idea of numbers he will be fixing a date. Please let Christine Bland know if you would like to be included (947 5826).
Ordination of Claire Alcock
As we joined the crowds already gathered in the sunshine in front of Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford, few of us had any idea what to expect from the Ordination of Deacons service. In the welcome we were warned ‘Ordination services are not short!’ In the event it was so full of interest and different elements that the 2 hours seemed to pass quite quickly.
The cathedral was full, and since the nave is given over to choir stalls (some of the ordinands’ guests were seated here, including Claire’s husband Chris and their children Tom, Eve and Kit) the congregation therefore sat on the sides. Thanks to modern technology the entire proceedings were relayed onto TV screens so that everybody could see the action.
Excited chatter dropped to a hush as the 16 ordinands and their supporting clergy processed to the altar. (Interestingly this was the first of three ordination services that day.) The service was led by the Bishop of Oxford and Rev John Lee from Lambeth Palace.
After declaring their vows each of the 16 ordinands was presented individually and the Bishop laid his hands on their head and prayed for them. The new deacons were then given a New Testament and were invited to put on their stole, a symbol of their new position.
There were readings from 1 Samuel 3 (Hearing God’s calling), Romans 12 (Life in God’s service), and John 13 (Jesus washing his disciples’ feet) and glorious worship songs both traditional and modern.
The first duty of the newly ordained deacons was to assist with the celebration of communion at the several communion stations around the cathedral. After the blessing we all filed back out into the beautiful quad to congratulate our new Reverend Claire Alcock with the college buildings as a beautiful backdrop. What a joyous occasion!
Later on there was a reception in Shiplake College for Claire’s guests so that we all joined in celebrating with her this wonderful occasion, which she has likened to getting married. I am sure you will all wish Claire well in her new parish and you may like to use this prayer which is from the ordination service.
Through your Spirit Heavenly Father, give these servants grace and power to fulfil their ministry. Make them faithful to serve and constant in advancing your gospel in the world. May they follow the example of Jesus Christ your Son, who washed the feet of his disciples and set the needs of others before his own.
May their life be disciplined and holy, their words declare your love, and their actions reveal your glory, that your people may walk with them in the way of truth and be made ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and your Holy Spirit belong glory and honour, worship and praise now and for ever. Amen
Anne Wyatt
Thomas Howard Sutton
Thomas Howard Sutton died peacefully on June 24th at Lashbrook Nursing Home, Shiplake, where he had lived for nearly three years. He was 90.
Tom was born in Hampstead, London on August 21st 1919, the only child of Thomas and Nancy Sutton. He attended Hampstead Parish Church, where his father was verger, and was an outstanding choirboy. He was also a keen member of the Hampstead Parish Church Youth Group and the Scout Movement, and it was here that he met his future wife Edith. He was a King’s Scout and she was a Queen’s Guide.
After completing his schooling in Hampstead, Tom joined the National Provincial Bank in 1935. His career was interrupted by war service from 1939 -1945, during which time he ultimately became Instructor of Signals at the Royal Artillery School of Signals. During this period he and Edith were married at Hampstead Parish Church on September 5th 1942. They enjoyed 60 wonderful years of married life together before Edith sadly died in January 2003 following complications after a heart operation at the age of 81.
Post war, he climbed the banking ladder, and enjoyed a very successful and rewarding career spanning 43 years before retiring in 1978, when, in recognition of his work in banking, he was honoured with the Freedom of the City of London.
Despite career moves, Tom and Edith remained in their home in Shiplake, the scene of many happy gatherings with family and friends. They both loved their house and garden, and Tom especially grew a large variety of vegetables. Tom continued to live there after Edith’s death until, following failing health, he moved to Lashbrook House in October 2007.
Tom enjoyed his banking career, but he also had another real passion - rowing. He joined the National Provincial Bank Rowing Club a year after starting in the bank, and after the war he devoted his considerable energy and enthusiasm to getting NP rowing back on the map. His efforts were rewarded when an NP crew returned to Henley Royal Regatta in 1952, and in 1957 were selected to represent Great Britain in the European Championships, with Tom as crew manager. The crowing glory was when the crew represented England in the Commonwealth Games in North Wales in 1958 and won a gold medal in the coxless fours.
Tom continued to support rowing on the Thames. He became a member of the Stewards Enclosure in 1953, qualified as an umpire in 1964 and was elected as a member of Leander Club in the same year, subsequently becoming a life member. He was also a regular rowing broadcaster for BBC radio and television. For 30 years from 1959 he assisted John Snagge and, latterly, Brian Johnston with the Boat Race commentary, From 1961-1965, he commentated on television at the Serpentine Regatta, and at Henley, when the BBC televised the Henley Royal Regatta for 5 years from 1964-1968. Following that he continued with umpiring duties at regattas on the Thames, and served on the organising committee for events such as the Henley Town and Visitors Regatta from 1964-2004; 40 years!
Tom and Edith are survived by their three daughters, Jennifer, Angela and Claire. All three were married at Shiplake Church, and produced four grandchildren. Two of the grandchildren are now married, and Tom was delighted to be a proud great grandfather to two boys and a little girl.
Tom was a man of great energy and enthusiasm. Supported by Edith, he was respected and admired both in the field of business and by friends too. To his family he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered for his fun and laughter, making any event a memorable occasion.
Tom’s funeral was held at Shiplake Parish Church on Thursday 22nd July. Donations may be given, in his memory to Diabetes UK through Tomalin and Son, funeral directors, 38 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1AG.
USING REST TO PRAY
Most of us think of prayer as a very demanding activity, but do you know it can be extremely restful?
One of the great verses in the Bible says this: ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10). It suggests we experience God most fully when we are still. When we cease rushing around, pausing for a moment of thought and recollection, we are becoming prayerful and God is very near. Even a break for morning coffee can be a moment of prayer if we slow ourselves down and allow our thought to turn towards God.
An essential part of resting is to breathe slowly. Christian tradition has always made a connection between prayer and breathing. You can learn to pray to the rhythm of your breathing, using chosen prayer words to focus. As you breathe in, you might say ‘Abba’, and then as you breathe out, add the word ‘Father’. Choose words which are meaningful to you, deliberately slowing your breathing so you become relaxed and peaceful.
Perhaps you have a favourite chair where you are able to unwind easily. For a few moments sit and do nothing. Simply become aware of the present moment, reminding yourself you are in the presence of God. As you feel yourself relax, bask in the knowledge of God’s love and acceptance of you. Sense his smile of approval upon you. You don’t have to do anything, just ‘be’ for a moment. This too is prayer.
Sometimes we are forced to rest by circumstances – illness, disability, growing older and so on, slow us down and we can’t rush around like we used to do. Never mind. Don’t fight against your circumstances. Enter in to the place of rest that God is giving you. He loves you for who you are, not for what you do. Turn your thoughts into prayer and offer them to God. You don’t need to advise God as to what He should do; simply hold people before Him, leaving the outcome to Him.
Prayer should be a natural expression of our relationship with God. Sometimes we have words, sometimes silence is enough. We don’t need to impress God with our fervour. We can relax and be rested, even as we pray.
Tony Horsfall
Bible Reading Fellowship
HOW TO FIND AN ORGANIST IN THE U.S.A.
Recently my American friend Ann wrote to tell me about the search they are making for a new organist for St. John’s Episcopalian Church in West Hartford, which is very similar to the CoE. (Some people at Dunsden will remember my American friends, Ann and Dick Knapp. I first met Ann on a singing course at Salisbury Cathedral in 2000 and she later married Dick, an organist and choirmaster in her home city of Hartford, Connecticut). It really does underline how different things are in the States and how much more talent they have to draw on.
Hartford is a city of some 124,000 people (compare with Reading which has 143,000). The previous organist at St. John’s, Ralph Valentine, had been there an amazing 34 years. Their website states “The chancel is quite full on most Sunday mornings, with 25 adults and close to 20 members of the youth choir negotiating for a seat”.. Mentioning the Youth Choir in particular, it says …”the Youth Choir sings great music of the church from several centuries, in French, German, Italian, Polish, Hebrew, Spanish, and even English. They sing solos, they sing in two parts, sometimes three. They sing with the adult choir, with guest tenor soloists, with residents of the Hughes Home, with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. In the spring they presented John Rutter’s Mass of the Children, together with the Adult Choir and professional orchestra in concert.”
Ralph Valentine has just retired and the church is looking for his successor. Ann writes: “Many fine applicants. The Search Committee is large and the Rector soon decided that a sub-committee of the Chairman, Dick, and he would meet frequently for winnowing sessions and make regular presentations of the “survivors” to the whole on a regular basis.
Dick has assumed a rather technical role and has taken over designing evaluation forms and other systems matters. One particularly interesting point. All agreed that the new person must develop several children’s choirs and use the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) “Voice for Life” program in particular. In fact, candidates are rated on whether they already belong to RSCM. We have done quite a bit of Sunday travelling in order to hear some of the candidates in their churches, and there will be more of this. We have hired an interim organist for at least 3 months.”
Well, well, well. A bit different from our desperate search for anybody, just anybody, who can and will play the organ! And to think that all that repertoire and training skills came originally from Europe and our own great tradition of English church music. Where has it all gone?
Christine Bland
Nettlebed’s 58thArt and Craft Show
This will be held at Nettlebed School and Community Centre over the weekend of 21st-22nd August from 12.00 – 21.00 (Saturday) and 12.00 – 17.00 (Sunday).
A variety of works from local Artists will be on display, including: oils, watercolours, sculptures, crafts. Refreshments will be available plus free parking and disabled access.
LOOKING AHEAD
Saturday 5th September – Benefice Eucharist at Dunsden with Bishop of Oxford
Sunday 3rd October – Harvest Festival for Shiplake with Dunsden
Tuesday 5th October - Harvest Supper at Shiplake Memorial Hall
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Dunsden Village Hall
At the AGM held on 22nd June, George Englefield was elected Chairman of Dunsden Village Hall Management Committee. Grateful thanks were expressed to the retiring chairman, Chris Jensen, and retiring treasurer, Vi Jensen. Chris had served on the committee for more than 20 years and both he and his wife, Vi, will be much missed. The Hall is flourishing under the new caretakers and bookings are increasing. New members for the committee would be most welcome. Please contact the Secretary, Susan Spiers, on pands.spiers@btinternet.com or phone George on 947 6830.
Christian Aid 2010 Collection
It was reported in July “Belfry” that the total collection for Christian Aid of over £6,990 was sent to Oxfam by Churches Together in Henley – it should of course read that this sum was sent to Christian Aid. Many apologies for this error.
Cream Teas in Aid of Sunday Club Building
Wendy and Paul Robinson raised £300 as a result of opening their garden and selling cream teas on the afternoon of 4th July. Many thanks to them and to their helpers and supporters, who enjoyed a most pleasant afternoon with delicious food in lovely surroundings.
Next Month’s “Belfry”
The September edition will be available on Saturday 28th August. Contributions please to Christine Bland, 296 Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, RG4 6LS (Phone 947 5826, e-mail blandmn@aol.com) by no later than noon on Sunday 15th August.
What is “Parish Pump” ?
A reader has asked what the significance is of the attribution “Parish Pump” at the end of some articles that appear in “Belfry”. The answer is that it is a website provided by a Midlands-based UK company for the use of editors of church magazines. Each month a subscriber can download material intended for use in the following month, and may reprint it without charge. The material released on 1st July 2010, for example, consisted of 49 pages of articles, quotations, jokes and poems that are relevant to the month of August.
There is also a ‘chat’ forum for church magazine editors to write to each other. Some say they dare not edit their Vicar’s offerings, others say it is really difficult to get their Vicar to write anything at all! The subscription costs £35 p.a. and is well worth the money as it broadens one’s perspective of the church as a whole.
SHIPLAKE COLLEGE AND KIKUNDUKU PRIMARY SCHOOL
Shiplake College’s association with Kenyan schools started 15 years ago with a broken down expedition bus and an act of local kindness that got the show back on the road, or track as it then was!
This chance meeting at Kikunduku primary school, essentially just a tree shading the children and their teacher, led to a collaboration and friendship that now includes six schools within the Kibwezi District. Kikunduku, Kisiio, Kyaani, Nzouni and Utithi (primary and secondary).
Since that first visit, with the help of Shiplake College and several other very generous contributors, the schools have grown and changed enormously; buildings, uniforms, books, water tanks and even medication have been funded with the money raised.
Visiting for the first time in July 2008, I was thrilled to see recognition of this everywhere, from stamps in the text books to painted signs on classroom walls. However, the most significant recognition is in the huge respect that both teachers and pupils have for their schools and facilities. Conditions are still very hard, with several of the schools still having no direct access to clean water, many children walking more than 20k to get to school, in some cases over volcanic rock without shoes and yet, even with what we might deem unacceptable adversity, the children are, without exception, the most joyous and hardworking I have ever met.
This July we are taking another expedition to Kenya and to work at the schools. The team from Shiplake College consists of myself and, In year 13, Andrew Galligan and Brough Downey, in year 12, James Warren and in year 11, Dub Brady, James Cam, Arthur Law, Andrew Lloyd and Alex Turton. We will be ably led, as always, by Marcel and Sally Wagner and are joined by several other expedition members from the local community along the way. Amongst these is Pat Jordan Evans, owner of the Bohun Gallery in Henley. Pat is amongst a growing number of people who are sponsoring children through local secondary schools and university in Kenya.
Whilst out there, we will be building desks and painting some of the classrooms. We will also be taking the schools textbooks and classroom equipment that we buy and collect in Nairobi; these have been paid for with money raised and by generous donations.
In exchange for their hard work the boys also get the opportunity to climb Mount Kenya, be part of an unsupported rafting expedition down the Athi river and experience close up the beauty of Kenya and its wildlife. With less than two weeks to go at time of writing we are all packed, re-packed and very excited! We look forward to being able to report back in September!
Emma Arnold,
Shiplake College Expedition Society
SHIPLAKE CoE PRIMARY SCHOOL
As I near completing my second term of being Headteacher at Shiplake Primary School, I can’t quite believe how much we have done since January. It ranges from installing a new door in the Reception Classroom to allow continual access to the outside learning space, installing new outside storage areas in the school grounds to free up much needed space in school, developing community links, especially with Shiplake College, welcoming new staff, to doing various trips, activities and learning experiences with the children. I have to say I feel very privileged to be Headteacher of such a caring and supportive school community.
Our involvement in the local community is an area of school life which we are developing. I would like to thank all the people from the Bell Ringing Team who welcomed the Year 6 children for a morning of fun activities in Church recently. It was such a well organised event and one which the children gained so much from. The following quotes from the children show the impact their visit had:
“I loved doing the patterns with ringing the little bells. I never knew there was a pattern” (Isodora, Year 6)
“I loved playing the organ in Church and watching all the different levels and buttons being used.” (Isabella Year 6)
“I loved playing the big bells. I might take it up one day!” (Chloe, Year 6)
On a personal note, as we head towards the summer holidays, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Shiplake Primary School, and indeed our local community, for making me feel so welcome. I am beginning to learn my way around and am enjoying completing many ‘firsts’ of doing things. However, my enjoyment is complemented by working with such a lovely group of people – children and adults alike. I look forward to meeting many more of you and wish you all a very happy and safe summer!
Katherine Page
THE ROSEMARY CLUB
Once again it is time to report on progress of the Rosemary Club – a social club for the elderly residents of Sidney Harrison House and surrounding area of Shiplake. The club meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month (except August) in the lounge of Sidney Harrison House at 14.00 and new members are very welcome. Phone 940 3936 or 940 2268 for more details.
Since our last report in Belfry last September we have had a very busy year full of enjoyable activities, including a May trip to the Kenton Theatre and another theatre outing to London planned for the autumn. Other activities have been a river boat trip on the Thames combined with lunch at the River and Rowing Museum and a coach outing to Wicksteed Park.
Local speakers and entertainers have included a lady who, through the puppets, told us the history of Punch & Judy which many members remembered from their days at the seaside. There was the colourful barrel organ man with his music and ditties; we learnt about the life of magistrates in our community; enjoyed tea at Hilary’s home by the river; have taken part in musical chairs keep fit; had a holiday in Russia with Helen and also enjoyed fun and games, bingo and quizzes, cups of tea, cake and raffles, chat and laughter.
In the pipeline yet to come are meetings when we’ll learn more about Shiplake area local history, be given an update on the new Shiplake Church bells, and have a chance to do some flower arranging. As usual our pub Christmas lunch has been arranged and in December we’ll sing carols and munch mince pies. Our Spring Bring & Buy was very successful thanks to help from our members and support of the village, and this, combined with our annual Christmas Fair, boosts our funds for running the Club.
Very many thanks to everyone who has helped with the Rosemary Club over the past year and without whom we could not function. Especial thanks to the local volunteer drivers who make all this possible.
Last of all thanks to the following for their support – Sidney Harrison House and South Oxfordshire Housing Association, Shiplake Village Community Club, Shiplake Parish Council, Shiplake Parochial Church Council, Oxfordshire Community Foundation, Michael Shanly Charitable Trust and Oxfordshire County Council.
Jackie Bryant
Free Swimming Lessons for over 50s
Starting in September at Henley Leisure Centre, free swimming lessons will be offered over an 8-week period to those aged 50+. To register your interest, please call Hendriette Thorn on 01491 823175 or email hendriette.thorn@southoxon.gov.uk.
These lessons will also be available in Berinsfield, Didcot and Thame.
Singing Day for Children
Shiplake College is the venue for the annual Singing Day for children organised by the Royal School of Church Music and held on Saturday 4th September (the wrong date was given in the July “Belfry”). Any child aged from seven to fifteen will be welcome. The event was greatly enjoyed last year, and anyone interested is asked to book through Philip Bowcock (954 3481) or pbowcock@ntlworld.com.
Royal British Legion 50/50 Sale
Donors of items for sale at the Royal British Legion’s stall at Binfield Heath Flower Show on Saturday 28th August are asked to get in touch with Rosemary Jones on 948 1517. The donor can retain 50 per cent of the sale price or donate the whole amount to the Royal British Legion.
The Art of Writing a Sermon
A boy was watching his father, a clergyman, write a sermon. “How do you know what to say?”, he asked.
“Why, God tells me”, replied his father contentedly.
“Oh, then, why do you keep crossing things out?”