50th Anniversary of St Joseph's, Rutland
On the evening of the 20th June, the Right Reverend Patrick McKinney, Bishop of Nottingham, travelled to Oakham to celebrate a very special occasion: the 50th anniversary of the Consecration of St Joseph's Catholic Church here in Oakham, in Rutland - the smallest county of England.
It was a very beautiful, Holy Mass, concelebrated by Bishop Patrick McKinney, past and present parish priests and Deanery priests.
Deacon Raymond Keogh and Deacon Andrew Wakley also assisted along with the Altar servers.
Lord and Lady Anthony Gainsborough were in attendance. Lord Gainsborough gave an encouraging speech during the Tea party. It was Lord Gainsborough's father, Anthony Gerard Edward Noel, 5th Earl of Gainsborough, who helped to gain the ground on which St Joseph's is built.
Invitations were sent to Dr Sarah Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Richard
Chesterfield the High Sheriff of Rutland and Gale Waller Leader of Rutland County Council and Member for Normanton Ward, who all accepted and were present.
The Headmaster of Oakham School sent a letter of congratulations which is now displayed in our Church porch.
We also had members from our neighbouring faiths present.
The parishioners celebrated with a wonderful Tea Party and a very beautiful cake which Bishop Patrick was asked to cut!
Priests present: Canon Peter Vellacott (present Parish Priest), Canon Stephen Dye, Reverend Monsignor Canon Thomas McGovern, Protonotary Apostolic, Monsignor John Hadley, Father Anthony Franey, Father Jonathan Rose, Canon Michael O'Donoghue, Father Simon Gillespie, Bishop's Secretary.
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Making a difference to children’s lives
Once again, our thanks to Jo Cornwall, a member of the SVP, who penned this reflection for our contemplation.
We are in the holiday season with schools closed for the summer; folk will be taking breaks, going away on holiday and recharging batteries for the autumn and winter months. For some it will be a trip abroad to sunnier climes – although the weather at home has been unusually hot! For others it will be a visit to another part of the UK to experience a different coastline, national park or city environment.
There will, however, be some families who may not be able to get away as the pressures of daily life impact on budget, savings and financial capacity. The SVP understands this and works to provide opportunities for young people to enjoy a ‘get-away’ at one of several camps run or organised by the society.
There are nine children’s Vinnie Camps around the country giving supervised activity and fun to children aged between eight and twelve years. They offer a week of fun, excitement and friendship to children who may well be in need of a break away from school and family life.
Vinnie Camps are staffed by dedicated and caring volunteers, offering a high ratio of adult-to-child supervision. This means that each and every child receives a great deal of time and positive attention, perhaps more than some have ever known before. Summer holidays offer, first and foremost, fun and enjoyment. But they also provide an opportunity for respite, new learning experiences and personal growth.
All Camp helpers must undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) against the children's barred list before being allowed to join our SVP camps as well as completing Safeguarding training which is verified by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA).
Activities may include swimming, archery, climbing, football, arts and crafts, and talent shows – depending upon the facilities. The aim is to help build independence, decision-making, social and emotional skills, character building and values - all in an atmosphere of creativity
Frankly Speaking
and enrichment under the supervision of positive adult role models.
Due to financial pressures and the need to cut some costs, the SVP in the Nottingham diocese has lost the use of its camp facility at Mablethorpe. Plans are taking shape to relaunch a camp provision for young people from summer 2026 but a key ingredient is missing. We need to put together a team of willing volunteers to help out at the camp next summer. Can you help?
We are looking for expressions of interest to be a camp helper sometime in August next year. No experience is necessary and you do not have to be a member of the SVP. A commitment to making a difference to young people’s lives is all you need.
If you would like to find out more, please contact Lance Philpott at lance.philpott59@gmail.com for more information.
By Frank Goulding
The month of August is often when many take a holiday break. This year for some it may not be possible to “get away”. There will be a variety of reasons for this. We should never forget those who are caring for loved ones, any who are in a struggle with their finances and all who are grieving or likely to be made homeless.
At the time of writing this article the latest opinion poll reveals that immigration along with the economy are the most important issues that concern a majority of the British public. Illegal immigration especially small unsafe boats crossing the English Channel may have influenced these opinions but there is at least one other factor that can be overlooked.
The plight of some universities is causing great concern. Will they be forced into
making staff redundant? In August many young people await their examination results which can determine a University place and more importantly their employment prospects.
Several Prime Ministers ago the wish was made for half of our young people to attend University, many doubted how realistic this was. Fast forward to 2025 when we know that international students pay higher fees which in turn, helps to finance vital research that makes our universities world leaders in new technology and medical progress.
Well we may get more restrictions on international students but let us remember their fees also boost our local economies. The Department of Education estimated nationally this figure is over £23 billion.
The recent Parliamentary debates on benefits brought home the true state of
affected those in greatest need have been in recent time. One Christian M.P. spoke of her concerns and mentioned equity and justice. Some Primary schools around the country have concentrated a strong ethos on children who need the most help. A recession has not been declared but use of food banks continues to grow and the two child cap looks likely to stay.
In another look at opinion polls, the issues of immigration and poverty will be noticed by our young people as the contemplate their future this August. The survey of a marked increase of young people turning to Christianity and Catholicism must be worked on. Let us also be aware that Blessed Carlo Acutis will be the first millennial Saint next month, he can be an inspiration for this troubled time in which we all live.
A day of Eucharistic reflection
One sunny Saturday earlier this year, forty to fifty parishioners from New Mills, Glossop and Hadfield, came together at the Annunciation church, New Mills, for a Eucharistic retreat. The day began in the Father John Cairns memorial hall with teas and coffees, followed by a talk on the Eucharist as Sacrifice and the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, using art. The group then went into church for a Mass, celebrated by Monseigneur Jonathan Moore, who preached on Saint Francis and the Eucharist. There was then an Adoration of Hope on the theme of the Holy Year, concluding with Benediction and lunch. In the afternoon, the group looked at some of the Eucharistic miracles that have occurred over the past two millennia, as catalogued by Blessed Carlo Acutis on his website: MIRACOLI EUCARISTICIMostra Internazionale Ideata e Realizzata da Carlo Acutis e Nicola Gori and reflected about how the Eucharist has been miraculous in their own lives.
The aim of the retreat was to deepen people’s knowledge of the Eucharist and to
help people to develop their prayer life with the Eucharist. Much of the feedback we have had reflects this:
I found the Eucharistic Retreat at New Mills very inspirational. The art work was thought-provoking and showed how universal the celebration of the Eucharist is. A lovely hour of Adoration, interspersed with prayers and hymns. David Want (St Charles Borromeo, Hadfield).
Great Presentation with various angles of the crucifixion for thought. Dorothy Mar (National Board of Catholic Women Zoom presentation on the Theology of the Eucharist with Art)
I am struggling with faith just now and I found this talk very helpful. Ann Marie Rice (National Board of Catholic Women Zoom presentation on the Theology of the Eucharist with Art)
Ann Neale and Mary Robinson, both experienced in leading days of prayer, would like to offer this retreat to individual
Parishes, organisations and communities across Nottingham diocese. We can offer either a full day or half a day of Eucharistic reflection. If you think this retreat would be useful in your Parish, organisation or community, please speak with your Parish
Priest or person in charge, then contact Mary Robinson: chris.and.mary@talktalk.net (07443 841223) or Ann Neale: ann.neale@dioceseofnottingham.uk (07730 956156)
A creditable third in the award for the “Best Walking Group”
From: Elston Hermitage…….....
In the introduction of his book Humility Rules Augustine Wetta O.S.B. a monk of Saint Louis Abbey says “Everything that Saint Benedict has to say in his rule flies in the face of contemporary pop culture. He is not focused on self-love, self praise, self aggrandizement, or self promotionnot focused on the self at all, but on how to relate to one another and to God”.
And so what is this humility?
Perhaps when we think of a humble person, we might picture a quiet, unassuming person. Maybe we think of a ‘shrinking violet’ someone who does not take risks because he or she lacks confidence. We may think of someone who when complimented protests that they are no good.But is this real humility?
This month on the 15th we celebrate Our Lady’s Assumption into Heaven and so let’s look at Mary. It is true that when the spotlight was on her, she pointed to God. It is also true that she knew all blessings come from God. But none of this made her shrink into the shadows!
Imagine a young woman, early in her pregnancy making a trip by herself on foot and definitely without any of the conveniences of modern day travel to visit her cousin in the rugged hill country of Judah. That is pretty gutsy!
The Gospels however are full of examples of Mary’s active humility, saying Yes to becoming pregnant even before she and Joseph had come together as husband and wife, travelling as an older widow to Jerusalem to be with Jesus during his ministry and at his crucifixion, risking
By
arrest by association with the other disciples after Jesus had ascended into heaven.
Mary was decisive, active and bold, but this did not mean she was proud. She simply chose to do what God called her to do. She knew her strength wasn’t enough to carry out God’s plan, but that did not stop her. Rather than disqualifying herself out of a false sense of modesty, she forged ahead and staked her life on God’s faithfulness.
We have to remember that God is calling each of us to help build his kingdom, and he is asking us to do it in humility. A humble person does not shrink in fear but takes action with faith and with great trust in God.
As we celebrate Mary’s Assumption this month, let’s see her entrance into Heaven as the crowning jewel of her humility.
Yes, God truly has ‘’lifted up the lowly” (Luke 1:52) She who stepped forward in faith is now exalted as queen of heaven and earth.
Chapter Seven of Saint Benedict’s rule reminds his monks that “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” ( Luke 14:11 : 18: 14 ) According to Saint Benedict, “The body and soul are like two sides of a ladder into which God has built various steps.
The ladder becomes your life, and as your heart is humbled, so the Lord will lift you up to Heaven”.
Jesus raised his Mother up to sit with him in heaven because of her humble yet decisive ‘yes’. May God help us to live that same humility.
Fr David + h.d.n. Priest
The 2025 Derbyshire New Mills Carnival on June 7th, with the theme “Animal Kingdom” was considered a great success by the organisers, despite a heavy downpour, which didn’t dampen the spirits. St Mary’s School came a creditable third in the award for the “Best Walking Group”.
Father James (Jim) O'Hanlon honoured on the eve of his 60th Ordination Anniversary
As part of the celebrations with the thirty young adults from around Alfreton and Clay Cross, Bishop Patrick Mc Kinney took the opportunity to commend Fr. James for his sixty years service to the diocese of Nottingham. Fr. James hails from the Kingdom county of Kerry and after six years preparation at All Hallows College in Dublin he has served throughout the large geographical diocese of Nottingham. He spent years in Lincoln, at the cathedral parish and recently retired as parish priest
of Christ the King with St. Patrick's and St. Brigid in Clay Cross.
He is embarking on some weeks of celebration in Ireland and with his immediate family in Milton Keynes. His fellow priests will no doubt be taking him on a few rounds of their fraternal golf playing in these summer months.
Gerry Molumby Alfreton
Visitation of the Scottish Relics at the Cathedral
We are thankful and grateful to the Knights of Columba for organising the tour of the relics of the Scottish Saints: St Margaret, St Columba and St Andrew to the various parishes as well as coming to the Nottingham Cathedral on 4-5July. People were given ample time to venerate these relics following the regular Masses as well as during the day while the Cathedral was open. Many visited and spent time reflecting on these Saints, on their lives and how they too can inspire us today in our spiritual journeys.
Submitted on behalf of the Nottingham Cathedral
Bishop Patrick McKinney presenting Fr James O’Hanlon with a citation of gratitude
Confirmation by Bishop Patrick McKinney at Christ the King on June 19 2025
Scripture Focus
A Puff of Smoke!
By Fr Jeremy Corley
The world we live in is changing fast— many people say this today. Perhaps it was always like this. An ancient Greek philosopher called Heraclitus said that everything is in flux, constantly moving. Nothing stays the same.
In the first reading for the 18th Sunday of the Year (3rd August), the author of Ecclesiastes uses a different expression. Using the Hebrew word HEBEL, he says: “All is vanity!” When we hear the word vanity, we might think of someone admiring themselves in the mirror, but that is not the meaning of HEBEL here.
Instead, a famous professor in the past would illustrate the meaning by lighting a cigar in front of his class. When he blew out the smoke from his mouth, he would explain that HEBEL was really equivalent to a puff of
smoke. So the scriptural text is saying that all life is like a puff of smoke—here one moment and gone the next.
This observation leads the biblical author to ask why we go to such efforts to build up our wealth, when at some point we have to leave it all behind. As they say: “You can’t take it with you.”
These reflections apply even to the richest person in the world. The biblical author impersonates Israel’s richest king (Solomon) to make his point. Someone who has worked wisely all his life will need to leave everything behind for others who may not be so wise. History tells us that King Solomon’s son squandered what his father had built up.
So too, in the gospel for the same Sunday, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool. This man has worked hard all his life and has plans to build bigger barns for all his farm
produce. Now he just wishes to enjoy his wealth in comfort.
But God’s verdict comes to him as a shock: “Fool! This night your soul is required of you! As for the material things you have prepared—whose will they be?”
To be sure, we need to work to earn a living and support our families, but this is not the entire goal of life. As the first reading says: “What does a person have from all the toil and strain with which he toils under the sun?”
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us not to be anxious for material things: “Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” If God cares for the birds of the air and the grass of the field, will he not also care for us?
Hopefully, for many of us, the holiday season can offer us breathing space to step
back from our preoccupation with our work and our worries, and can allow us to see the bigger picture.
The author of Ecclesiastes also tells us that there is nothing better for us than to eat and drink and find enjoyment in our toil. It is OK to enjoy our daily lives, provided we do not forget that we live in a passing world.
That is why St Paul in the second reading encourages the Colossians to look towards heavenly things. If through our baptism we have been raised with Christ and been given a share of eternal life, we are advised to seek the things that are above, where Christ is.
If we trust him and do his will, he will give us our eternal reward. Unlike earthly possessions, a heavenly reward will never perish.
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View from the Pew
By Dr Jay Kettle-Williams
Buying into Artificial Intelligence
Caveat emptor (Lat. ‘Buyer beware’) are words of caution often bandied to and fro by way of alerting those exercising their free will to purchase. But, generally speaking, how free are we to exercise our will? The question can touch on many an area of social intercourse including that of religion.
Animal rights prevent me from throwing a cat amongst the pigeons, so let me gently place a feline among avians and ask: If God is omnipotent, He knows everything, including what I’m going to do. So how can I have free will?
Well, that question was so ably addressed by a priest some years ago that his answer has ever remained with me: ‘We only ever have free will within clearly defined parameters,’ he explained, ‘and within those parameters we are free to act, to develop’. To my mind that’s pretty much the human condition in a nutshell. We have that God-given potential to act within human dimensions and to develop at will, as we see fit within a given scenario. There’ll probably be a parable to that effect somewhere.
But what if our free will is taken, surrendered or given away?
An interesting study has been carried out by academics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, USA (https://www.mit.edu) in which reduced brain activity was detected in students who used AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools for help with writing essays. The suggestion is that using AI tools such as ChatGPT may hurt your long-term ability to think, learn and remember.
The research, using electroencephalogram scans (EEGs), which measure electrical activity in the brain, tracked students who used large language models (LLMs) to help to them write essays. It revealed that the students registered reduced brain activity, poorer memory and weaker engagement than those who wrote essays using other methods.
So I decided to reduce my brain activity, to decommission my memory, to otherwise disengage from the fuller freedom of expression, of composition and to put a question to Copilot, an AI-powered tool.
Here is our exchange:
Q: How has Christianity benefitted human civilisation?
A: Christianity has had a profound and farreaching influence on human civilisation, particularly in shaping the moral, cultural, and institutional foundations of the Western world. Here are some of the key ways it has contributed:
1. Moral and ethical frameworks: Christian teachings—especially those emphasizing love, compassion, forgiveness, and the inherent dignity of every person—have deeply influenced Western moral thought. Concepts like agape (selfless love) helped shape ideas of charity, justice, and human rights.
2. Education and literacy: Monasteries and cathedral schools were among the earliest centers of learning in medieval Europe. Over time, this evolved into the university system, with institutions like Oxford and Paris founded under Christian auspices. Missionaries also promoted literacy to help people read the Bible.
3. Healthcare and social welfare: The Christian emphasis on caring for the sick and poor led to the establishment of hospitals and charitable institutions. By the 4th century, it was common for churches to be built alongside hospitals, a tradition that continues today in many faith-based healthcare systems.
4. Abolition and social justice movements: Christian convictions played a central role in movements to abolish slavery, promote civil rights, and advocate for the poor and marginalized. Figures like William Wilberforce in the UK and Martin Luther King Jr. in the US were driven by their Christian faith.
5. Art, music, and architecture: Christianity inspired some of the world’s most iconic art and architecture—from Gothic cathedrals to Renaissance masterpieces. Sacred music, from Gregorian chant to Bach’s compositions, also flourished under Christian patronage.
6. Legal and political thought: Christian ideas about the sanctity of life, justice, and the moral responsibility of rulers helped shape Western legal systems. The notion of individual rights and the separation of church and state both have roots in Christian theological debates.
Of course, Christianity’s legacy is complex and not without controversy, but its
contributions to civilisation - especially in fostering compassion, learning, and social reform - are undeniably significant. Would you like to explore how these influences compare with those of other major world religions? Or perhaps dive deeper into one of these areas?
Interesting! But that then left me in a quandary: If I condemn AI, am I nothing but a latter-day Luddite? If I embrace AI, such as Copilot’s answer above, am I surrendering my creativity, my humanity and so dehumanising myself?
I turned to a recent article in The Times (June 2025) by Ann Francke, chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute. She wrote about engaging with AI to best effect. I quote: ‘The best managers encourage people to use technology to enhance their productivity. But there need to be safety rails. I call this “freedom within a framework”’.
Now, where have I heard something like that before?
Acknowledgements and Attribution: Accompanying image (Statue with Blowing Horn) after the sculpture Exultate Jubilate by Philip Jackson.Texts/References adapted and/or adopted from http://en.wikipedia.org under the terms of the Creative Commons AttributionShareAlike License 4.0: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bysa/4.0/; Photograph (Unsplash): Replaced by robot? by Andrea Da Santis.
Dr J L Kettle-Williams is an experienced business communications consultant and wordsmith (tutor, writer, translator).
Teaching Assistant to say goodbye to Matlock school community after 41 years
A teaching assistant is saying goodbye to St Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Matlock after 23 years of service.
Nicola Ellis began her career in education at the age of 17 when she started in the nursery at Lilybank Convent School in Matlock, where she worked for 18 years.
Now, 41 years later, Mrs Ellis is finally bidding a fond farewell to the St Joseph’s community where she has made many friends and happy memories.
She said: “I’ve always enjoyed working with everybody and always felt very supported by the governors, who have always supported the school. All of our Headteachers over the years have been wonderful and very supportive.
“The ethos of the school has always remained, so I think that is what has held me here for so long. We are like a family and every day the children are told that they are loved.”
Mrs Ellis shared a few of the many memories of her time in the classroom, conveying the joy she has found at St Joseph’s.
“One of the things I love is listening to the children singing. And as a TA you can talk to the children and the children talk to you. I love the positive play; I’m running a creative club at the moment and I’m loving that. It’s a very special school and a very special place to work.
“A little girl I used to teach, she’s getting married in August. She was 4 at the time when I taught her, but now I’ve been invited to her wedding!”
Further activities she recounted included trips to the seaside, residentials which included various teambuilding activities and visiting the neighbouring convent, Presentation Sisters, with the children.
“We took one child to the seaside in Year 4 and it was her holiday, going to the seaside for the day. She’d never paddled or been on a beach. She was ecstatic.”
Mrs Ellis also spoke about some difficult times whilst working at St Joseph’s.
“Covid was very tricky, and we had a difficult time. But at the end of the day, if you listen to the children and talk to them in a nice way, I think you can break the barriers. It’s just about building trust with them.”
Stacey Carr, Headteacher, said “Nicola Ellis has been a treasured part of St Joseph’s for the past 23 years, and her retirement marks the end of an era. She is one of the most caring and generous people you could ever hope to meet, and her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support have touched the lives of so many. Nicola is deeply loved by children, parents, and staff alike – a true pillar of our school community. We will miss her more than words can say and thank her wholeheartedly for everything she has
done. The impact she’s had on generations of families at St Joseph’s will never be forgotten.”
Hope is source of joy no matter our age
Ahead of the Jubilee Year celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly - which this year falls on July 27 - Pope Leo writes that "hope is a constant source of joy, whatever our age", adding, "when that hope has also been tempered by fire over the course of a long life, it proves a source of deep happiness."
In his Message for the Day, Pope Leo offers a scriptural meditation on old age, beginning with biblical figures such as Abraham and Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth, as well as Moses, all of whom were called in old age to be part of God's saving plan.
"The Jubilee we are now celebrating helps us to realize that hope is a constant source of joy, whatever our age. When that hope has also been tempered by fire over the course of a long life, it proves a source of deep happiness."
The history of salvation recounted in Scripture shows that, in God's eyes, "old age is a time of blessing and grace, and that the elderly are… the first witnesses of hope." Seeing the life of the Church and the world as the passing of generations, Pope Leo says the elderly, even if they need the support of the young, can serve as a witness to the inexperience of youth, helping them "to build the future with wisdom".
The "precious legacy" of the elderly as examples of faith, devotion, civic virtue, social commitment, and more, the Pope says, will always be "a source of gratitude and a summons to perseverance."
"God thus teaches us that, in his eyes, old age is a time of blessing and grace, and that the elderly are, for him, the first witnesses of hope."
At the same time, Pope Leo says the elderly also need hope. Recalling that the Jubilee is traditionally understood as a time of liberation, he says all are called to help the elderly "experience liberation, especially from loneliness and abandonment".
Too often in modern society, the Pope says, the elderly can become marginalized and forgotten. "Given this situation," he explains, "a change of pace is needed that would be readily seen in an assumption of responsibility on the part of the whole Church.
Every parish, he insists is called to support the elderly, "forging relationships that restore hope and dignity to those who feel forgotten". Especially with regard to the elderly, Christian hope "urges us to work for a change that can restore the esteem and affection to which [they] are entitled". In particular, he recalls Pope Francis' desire for elderly persons living alone to be
sought out, and the opportunity created by him for those unable to come to Rome to obtain an indulgence for visiting the elderly during the Jubilee Year.
Pope Leo goes on to encourage the elderly to hope, affirming that even in old age, everyone is able to love and to pray. "Our affection for our loved ones… does not fade when our strength wanes" but instead "revives our energy and brings us hope and comfort."
"We possess a freedom that no difficulty can rob us of: it is the freedom to love and to pray. Everyone, always, can love and pray."
These "signs of hope", he explains, "give us courage" and remind us that despite old age, "our inner self" is continually renewed.
"Especially as we grow older," the Pope says, "let us press forward with confidence in the Lord", renewed through prayer and daily Mass; and "let us lovingly pass on the faith we have lived for so many years", while continuously praising God and fostering union among people.
Pope Leo concludes: "In this way, we will be signs of hope, whatever our age."
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Patronal Feast Day celebration
On Sunday 29th June 2025, Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s in Lincoln celebrated their patronal feast day with an incredibly well attended International Meal. This was a true celebration of the diversity and richness of our parish community! We were grateful to be able to use Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s school hall this year which gave us some much-needed additional space. The Head Teacher, Caroline Hewerdine, welcomed everybody and led us in grace. Everybody then excitedly tucked into a variety of main dishes, sides and desserts from a variety of traditions and cultures. Some parishioners even wore traditional dress which was wonderful to see.
Lucy Wright
Image by Holly Landkammer on Unsplash
St Mary’s CV Academy Derby pupils enjoy Walsingham Pilgrimage
Thirteen children from St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby spent four days on pilgrimage in Walsingham. They stayed at the Anglican Shrine in the village, where the clergy and education department ensured they had an enriching and prayerful experience.
They took part in all the Shrine activitiesthe Rosary, Marian Procession, Sprinkling Service and Stations of the Cross. The children took turns leading evening prayer at night before bedtime.
They visited churches from three different traditions - Methodist, Catholic and Russian Orthodox. Walked the Holy Mile and attended Mass at the Catholic Shrine and Basilica.
They learned about being a Medieval Pilgrim, visited the Abbey ruins, made lots of beautiful crafts and interviewed a Religious Sister.
A particularly memorable moment was when one of the children was allowed to play the organ in the Anglican Shrine Church, everyone was impressed by his confidence and skill.
It was a wonderful experience that the children will treasure.”
Fran Hazel
You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same. CRYPTIC Across
7 Pool, outside Jerusalem, is a store of grain by morning (6)
8 Quiet after drink by the river in the Syrian city (6)
9 Felix's wife needs a doctor, getting sick in America (8)
10 Police officer close to Egypt reportedly finds a Christian sect member (4)
11 Pulls apart sick pun? (7)
14 Biblical prophetess's name for a Scottish town (5)
15 Midlands city cricket captain loses toss in the end (5)
17 One's reflective after transposing Yeats into the church (4-3)
21 Short recording following the appearance of old poet (4)
22 In Persia he, curiously, becomes a Jew (8)
24 Dangerous plant genus, dock, making a comeback in the borders of Asia (6)
25 Partly responsible, ambushing Canaan town (6) CRYPTIC Down
1 Stories he tells sending up type of transport (4)
2 Road on which social climber turned up displaying ornamental shrub (6)
3 A boy king, son of Eliiphaz (6)
4 Native American's upset losing ring, one coming from Indonesia (5)
5 Clergyman's study down under is being curtailed (6)
6 Record at a pub, one New York's supporting, being a January fixture (8)
12 'Birth of a Nation's only half on – at six on telly, either side – at Christmas (8)
13 Top South Australian carnivore's kind of pouch (3)
16 Report Viking retreat in a valley near Jerusalem (6)
18 One killed in Susa is a boy found upset within Ionia's bounds (6)
19 Guard hurled the first of lances to be commandeered (6)
20 ...Lance earl used to break up joust (5)
23 Biblical country's macho overthrow (4) QUICK Across
7 Underground pool; once a major water source for Jerusalem (6)
8 Second city of Syria (6)
9 Wife of procurator Felix who heard Paul's case (8)
10 Member of a Christian sect; one descended from the ancient Egyptians (4)
11 Pulls apart; works out (7)
14 UN Secretary General 1997-2006; Scottish town (5)
15 Add fuel to: keep (a fire) going (5)
17 Middle-of-the-road illumination (4-3)
21 Roman poet remembered for his elegiac verses on love (43 BC - AD 17) (4)
22 Member of a strict sect of Judaism (8)
13 Fluid container; bag (3)
16 Valley separating Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives (6)
24 Genus of the family commonly known as belladonna or deadly nightshade (6)
25 Town of Canaan where Jehu killed Ahaziah (6) QUICK Down
1 Fabricator of the truth; perjurer (4)
2 Japanese dwarf trees and shrubs (6)
3 Grandson of Esau and son of Eliphaz (6)
4 Son of Japheth, father of people who lived in Greece and Asia Minor (5)
5 Position of an ordinand on successful completion of training (6)
6 Day after Twelfth Night (8)
12 Theological doctrine that Jesus Christ had no human father (8)
18 Notable among the enemies killed by the Jews at Ahasuerus' citadel in Susa (6)
19 Protect; ward off (6)
20 Assegai, for example (5)
23 Biblical country in south-west Asia to the east of the Tigris River (4)
Across: 7 Siloam, 8 Aleppo, 9 Drusilla, 10 Copt, 11 Unpicks, 14 Annan, 15 Stoke, 17 Cat's-eye, 21 Ovid, 22 Pharisee,
24 Atropa, 25 Ibleam. Down: 1 Liar, 2 Bonsai, 3 Amalek,
4 Javan, 5 Deacon, 6 Epiphany, 12 Nativity, 13 Sac, 16 Kidron,
18 Adalia, 19 Shield, 20 Spear, 23 Elam.