The Wey Dec 2015 - Jan 2016

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The newspaper from the Church of England for everyone in the Diocese of Guildford December 2015 / January 2016 - Issue 87

Whose birthday is it anyway?

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2,000 help shape Common Purpose Nearly 2,000 people around the Diocese of Guildford have already taken part in a short online survey to have their say in shaping priorities for the diocese in the coming years.

Bishop Andrew launched the survey in early October, encouraging as many people as possible to take part, adding: “The results of the survey will form a key part of the review of Common Purpose – our diocesan mission strategy.”

A short video introduces the survey which will be closing soon, so don’t miss out on having your say online here www.cofeguildford.org. uk/survey

FREE resources – including posters (like this one), Christmas starts with Christ logos for service sheets and parish magazines, gift tags, web banners, and radio ads - for churches and individuals to use in support of the campaign are available from www.premier.org.uk/ ChristmasStarts

Recent independent research reveals that more than one in three children don’t know whose birthday we celebrate at Christmas and that two in three don’t know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. And with more than half of over 2,000 adults also surveyed by ComRes saying that the birth of Jesus is irrelevant to their Christmas, what can Christians do to help reverse the trend of Christ being written out of Christmas?

Premier - the largest Christian media

organisation in the UK - is leading this year’s Christmas starts with Christ campaign, helping churches and individuals to make an impact and demonstrate to the wider population that, in amongst the noise, the fun and the festive jumpers, Christmas is about something far more meaningful.

The Christmas starts with Christ campaign has been running for over five years and is aimed at helping churches to make the amazing story of Christ’s birth the real focus of the nation’s favourite time of year. Each year, more churches have joined the campaign and used the

At a time when many don’t know even the basics of the one whose birth we’re celebrating … the Christmas starts with Christ campaign is extremely timely.

-Bishop Andrew

produced radio adverts are available FREE for use on websites or even local radio if funding allows – reminding people in a contemporary but meaningful way of the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

In previous years, church groups have often pooled resources to raise a budget to run a radio campaign, encouraging new people to church over the Christmas period message Christmas starts with Christ in and beyond. the run up to the big day.

Premier are hoping that thousands of “Christmas offers us the easiest possible people across the UK will get involved opportunity to invite our communities to and support the campaign again this ‘come, let us adore Him’,” adds Bishop year, either through their churches or as Andrew. “At a time when many don’t individuals, by simply signing up to receive know even the basics of the one whose the FREE resource pack and for access birth we’re celebrating - let alone the to the online resources including the radio life-changing significance of that birth - the adverts, posters, gift tags and more.

Christmas starts with Christ campaign is Visit www.premier.org.uk/christmas extremely timely. Do make the most of the starts to find out more and sign up. More many free resources on offer to spread the FREE resources are available online at message far and wide!” www.christmasstartswithchrist.org Resources including professionally

Could your parish join the ‘Knitivity’ tour during Advent?

Knitting needles were hard at work across Badshot Lea and Hale as the parish’s first ever Knitivity scene took shape ready for Advent.

Mary and Joseph, kings, shepherds and a multitude of sheep were created for the set which will tour homes, offices, schools and shops in the run up to Christmas.

The creative project is being co-ordinated by member of St George’s Church, Badshot Lea, Kris Lawrence (right), who appealed to both knitters and hosts to step forward and make the Knitivity a truly community-based project.

She explained: “Knitivity is all about the journey as we move through Advent towards the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

“Our knitted Mary, Joseph, donkey and other characters will begin their travels from St George’s Church on Advent Sunday. From there they will travel around the parish, staying in a different home each night. One of the sheep will be left each time.

“We hope that during the day they will turn up in some of the more public places within the parish, such as shops, schools and offices. We will chart their journey with pictures on our Facebook page so that everyone can be part of the journey and prepare for Christmas with us.

“Finally, all the sheep will be re-united at the Christmas Day services in church – 9.30am at St John’s, 10am at St George’s and 11am at St Mark’s.”

The Revd Lesley Crawley, a priest in the parish commented: “I hope we will have great fun with Knitivity this Advent. When the nativity set is passed from one to another there is a prayer of giving and a prayer of receiving.

“It’s a wonderful way of binding us together as a community, as we reflect on the real meaning of Christmas and share hospitality with one another in our homes.” llIf you would like to be involved, contact Kris on 01252 327832 / 07876 204665 or krislawr@aol.com

Inside: New Canons - P2 • Refugee update - P4 • Schools’ Focus - P8/9 • New ‘man at the helm’ - P10

News

Five new honorary Canons installed at our Cathedral During a service of evensong at Guildford Cathedral i​n October ​ Bishop Andrew carried out his first installation of canons since his appointment as Bishop of Guildford.

The new canons installed were the Revd Judith Allford (recently retired chaplain to St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey, who is to be honorary priest vicar, Guildford Cathedral), the Revd Robert Jenkins (rector of Cobham and Stoke D’Abernon and formerly rural dean of

Leatherhead), the Revd Martyn Neale (vicar of Hawley and Minley), Mary Morris, PA to three successive Bishops of Guildford, and Mike Bishop, former deputy diocesan secretary, who has regularly come out of retirement to help with various projects.

Bishop Andrew said: “All five are people of deep faith and Christian conviction.

They will bring blessings to this cathedral church and further afield too.”

According to tradition, each new canon was presented with their deed of

institution and installed in their cathedral seat.

Preaching ​on the feast of St Luke the Evangelist, Bishop Andrew spoke about Luke’s modest yet essential ministry as an apostle and as the author of a gospel and the book of Acts. Bishop Andrew drew comparison between St Luke and the five new canons, “men and women who quietly bring health to the body of Christ and strength to the mission of his Church – they all fully deserve recognition for their faithful and humble service.”

Recognised for their dedicated service (Back L to R): the Revd Martyn Neale, the Revd Robert Jenkins, Mike Bishop. (Front L to R): the Revd Judith Allford, Mary Morris, Bishop Andrew

Faiths combine in response to crisis

READY, STEADY, BAKE: Over 300 people packed St Paul’s Church, Dorking for their Great British Bake-Off-inspired harvest festival. Bakers of all ages, ranging from the 2nd Dorking Brownie group to the ‘over 21s’ category, entered the contest with jams, cakes, and bread containing fairly-traded ingredients.

The entries were judged by the Revd Ruth Bushyager and church member Tim McEntire, pictured (in Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood masks), with

Jim Tucker – a local artist and bread-maker. The event raised nearly £500 for Traidcraft and the congregation also gave food donations for Hampers for East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services.

“Our Bake-Off Sunday gave a great modern twist to an ancient festival of thanking God for our food,” said Revd Ruth. “With our Traidcraft and ESDAS links, it was great to raise awareness and pray for food producers globally, and those locally who are in need.”

SLUMMING IT: Four intrepid members of St Peter’s Farnborough’s youth congregation braved two nights in the church grounds in a homemade ‘slum’ to help them connect with the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.

Rebecca and Rachel Hodges were two who built their ‘slum’ from tarpaulins, crates and cardboard boxes. “It was harder to build a slum than I expected,” said Rachel, “and even then ours leaked.”

The group then had to survive with only the clothes they were wearing, and a sleeping bag. They even had to walk to collect water in a bucket.

The idea, devised by Christian youth organisation ‘Soul Survivor’, is that spending a few days living in a temporary shelter, eating a limited diet and facing challenges can raise awareness of the poverty and conditions in which a billion people spend a lifetime.

Church youth groups can organise their own Slum Survivor weekends using the information and resources on the Slum Survivor website: www.soulaction.org/resources/slumsurvivor

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Children and grandchildren of refugees from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths were among those who joined together at the University of Surrey for a collection of money and food for refugees.

The Revd Katie Thomas of Holy Trinity Church, Guildford came together with the University of Surrey Jewish Society (Jsoc) and Islamic Society for the event which took place at the conclusion of the Jewish festival of Succot and was held in collaboration with Guildford: People to People. It was inspired

by Jsoc’s pop-up Succah, a tent which reminded the representatives of different faiths of the makeshift tents in Calais.

Over £300 was raised for the provision

of tents in Calais and to support refugees on the Greek island of Kos. £400 in food donations was also collected and will be delivered by volunteers from Woking Mosque.

Katie said: “It was a real privilege to work with the Jewish and Islamic societies. We were delighted with what we were able to collect for refugees – both in terms of food and money – but it was much more than just a collection – it was a profound witness to the university campus that people of all faiths can work (and laugh) together. It was both incredibly fun and deeply moving – we’d love to work together for charity again.”

The three faith-based groups are now planning future joint action for refugees, including a Refugee Fundraising Dinner.

llSee page 4 for a report on the diocese’s PEACE event – responding to the refugee crisis

Cranleigh tea-room embraces ‘pop-up’ trend A church in Cranleigh has embraced the ‘pop-up’ shop trend with a one day transformation. St Nicolas’ Church was made over to become its very own traditional tea-room on October 18, attracting over 100 visitors and raising over £600 for the preservation of the parish church.

Temporary or ‘pop-up’ style shops and cafés are an ever-popular feature of life on the British high street, and bring an estimated £2.3bn to the economy each year. Now, churches like St Nicolas’, Cranleigh are finding that getting on board with the trend can be of benefit to their parish too.

Indeed, with the tea-room at St Nicolas’ only open for one special day, an extra effort was made to deliver a magical experience for all. Tables were adorned with vintage tea-sets, tea cups were hung in the windows, and table lamps created a cosy atmosphere. Members of the local Mothers’ Union became the waiting staff for the day, getting into character by dressing in long skirts, blouses and traditional aprons.

Rector of St Nicolas’, the Revd Roy Woodhams said: “The team was absolutely amazing throughout the afternoon, serving delicious cream teas and cakes to more than 100 customers from the local community and beyond.

“It was such a wonderful way to spend The team of waitresses from the a Sunday afternoon. Like having tea at the Mothers’ Union got into the spirit of Ritz without even leaving the village!” the occasion.

St Mark’s enjoys its first ‘Apple Day’ St Mark’s Church, Upper Hale, Farnham hosted its inaugural ‘community apple day’ this autumn, celebrating the first fruits of the church’s community orchard planted last December.

About fifty people aged from a few months to 70 came to join in the event, bringing with them bags of their own apples to be juiced, to add to those grown in the churchyard. They then enjoyed a truly apple-filled hour of apple pancakes, apple bobbing, apple juice and even singing apple-themed songs!

The Revd Lesley Crawley, joint rector, said: “It was such a lovely event; the sun shone, the

The Wey December 2015 / January 2016

apple juice was delicious, the children played and everyone had a good time. I owe a great debt of gratitude to John Ely who manned the juicer for two hours and has been such a supporter of all we have done in the churchyard at St Mark’s.”

Paul Sowden, who oversees the community orchard and wildflower garden added: “This event was a huge success, the atmosphere was brilliant and it brought the community together.

We will definitely run this again next year and I’m sure that, like the apples, it will grow and grow.”

John Ely juiced the apples from the orchard’s 11 young apple trees during the first ‘community apple day’

News Could you be part of something starkly different this Advent?

This Advent, communities across England will be giving up a night of comfort as part of the Advent Sleepout Challenge.

It is hoped that through this unique act of empathy towards people struggling with homelessness, isolation and addiction, groups will raise funds for the Church Urban Fund (CUF), who support people with such issues.

In 2014 an estimated 2,744 people were sleeping rough on any one night in England, a rise of 55 per cent since 2010. As well as this, there are 8.8 million people who are struggling with problem debt.

To help tackle these issues, groups are being encouraged to get imaginative in the run up to Christmas as they turn spaces in their communities into would-be ‘stables’.

Church halls, back gardens, sheds and

garages will receive the Christmas treatment so that they can host the sleepouts.

Paul Hackwood, CUF executive chair, said “Advent is a unique time for Christians as we remember that God chose to walk among us in the most truly humble of circumstances. The Advent Sleepout Challenge is a way for us to respond to that by placing ourselves in our very own ‘stables’ so that we can support the most vulnerable in our country.

“On top of this, we imagine this will be a really fun way to do something special in the run up to Christmas. We’re looking forward to seeing how people decide to make this their own.”

You can find out how you

can take up the challenge at the CUF Advent Sleepout Challenge website, www.cuf.org. uk/sleepoutchallenge/, which contains personal video testimonies from people who have benefited from church projects supported by CUF. On the website you can also find information about how to organise an event in your community.

PUTTING THE VE INTO HARVEST: The VE was put into HarVEst supper when St Peter’s, Newdigate commemorated 70 years since the end of the Second World War this October. The joint celebration of Harvest Festival and the 70th Anniversary of VE Day saw the village hall bedecked with bunting, Union Jacks adorning the tables, and guests looking as if they had stepped straight off the ‘Dad’s Army’ set.

Despite the warning diners received about the ongoing rationing, a hearty cottage pie was enjoyed by all and the local hedgerows were scoured for fruit to supplement the delicious desserts.

Classic war-time songs also kept spirits high, as did a 1940s quiz, for which the lucky winner received a giant tin of Spam!

A great time was had by all involved, and the proceeds of the evening were generously donated to Tearfund.

Group committee since it started, commented on Simon’s talk: “We have had many fascinating speakers over the years but listening to Simon was particularly moving. I was really touched by his apparent lack of bitterness about what had happened to him and the way he had turned personal adversity into something positive through his charity work and inspiring public speaking.”

The Newark Group was established in 1990, and aims to provide a forum for fellowship for all men in the parish. It meets monthly between October and May for a dinner with a guest speaker.

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A Cheshire Cat mask, part of the children’s activities

E H Shepard archive.

This activity day forms part of the work of the People’s Cathedral Project, an ambitious 30-month initiative, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, combining urgent building repairs with an exciting community engagement programme.

Free family fun days will be run during 2016 and 2017. To keep up-to-date with the People’s Cathedral Project visit www. guildford-cathedral.org/about/ the-peoples-cathedral.

Falklands War veteran is guest of honour at local men’s group’s 25th anniversary dinner Falklands war veteran Simon Weston OBE was guest of honour at the Wisley with Pyrford black tie dinner celebrating 25 years of its men’s group, the Newark Group.

Over 100 attended the dinner and Simon’s talk, which was held in the Good Shepherd Hall at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Pyrford in early October.

Simon, who was serving in the Welsh Guards, was badly injured on board the RFA Sir Galahad when it was bombed by Argentinian aircraft. Simon’s road to physical, spiritual and mental recovery saw him active for a number of charities which earned him an OBE in 2002.

Eldon Sandys, who has been on the Newark

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Fun for all the family in the canvas cathedral Guildford Cathedral’s huge marquee was transformed into a hive of crafts and story-telling activity for a recent action-packed Guildford Book Festival event.

Families enjoyed performances of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by actors from Guildford Shakespeare Company and listened to tales from Giles Abbot, a traditional storyteller.

The cathedral’s artists in residence, Caroline Collinge and Edmond Salter from Cabinet of Curiosity Studio, involved children in the creation of shadow puppet theatre characters, and a team of volunteers helped families to make everything from pop-up moles to Cheshire Cat grins.

The event was completed by an exhibition of drawings by Ernest Howard Shepard, one of the 20th century’s best-known illustrators of children’s books. The exhibition was provided courtesy of the University of Surrey, which houses the

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(L-R) Peter Austin, Newark Group chairman, Simon Weston OBE, Rev Canon Nicholas Aiken, rector of Wisley with Pyrford and Cliff Butler, Newark Group committee member

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Focus on the Refugee Crisis

Hundreds attend refugee crisis PEACE event Over 300 people gathered at Guildford Cathedral in October to attend the Diocese’s PEACE event – a morning designed to help parishes and interested groups learn how to respond effectively to the refugee crisis.

Bishop Andrew welcomed everyone to the event and recognised the UK’s long history of welcoming refugees

ww Expert speakers advised on approaching the to make the judgement as to who and how many w.c Se Miss ofe e th ed ongoing situation in Europe and the Middle East, refugees are allowed to settle in this country. But t gu e ildf vide he ev including Maurice Wren, chief executive of the meanwhile it’s up to all of us to promote PEACE ord o o en t? .or n Refugee Council. He spoke about the charity’s work – that is to Pray, Educate, Act, Campaign and g.u line a k / assisting the safe resettlement of refugees in the UK Engage.” ref t ug ees and urged parishes to let it be known that the majority Mary Burguieres, policy and strategic of local people want to do more to help, for example partnerships lead manager for Surrey County by writing to a local MP. Council represented a Surrey-wide team of local Maurice also commented: “I think the Government authorities, while Christine Elliott, director of has got it wrong, I think they have miscalculated. The Churches Together, spoke vividly about her recent UK should do more because it can do more! Refugees experience visiting Greece and seeing the impact of are an asset, they are keen to contribute to the the refugee crisis. Martin Kettle, home affairs policy country that helps them adviser for the Church – that has always been of England was also on the case. hand to talk about work “The powerful principle parishes are already that helped me start my doing. work with the Refugee Staff from the Council many years ago Diocese of Guildford and the one that still then spoke, including gets me out of bed in the safeguarding officer morning is that ‘Refugee Jane Huttly and Canon rights are our rights’.”

Chris Rich, director Bishop Andrew of the Communities welcomed those involved Engagement Team. and gave recognition Jane talked of practical to the UK’s long history implications of housing Hundreds attending the refugee crisis event at the cathedral on October 20 of welcoming refugees, and safeguarding including his own vulnerable refugees, grandparents who took and Chris gave advice on what you can do next in the ‘Moving German Jewish refugees encouragement to forward’ box below. into their home during parishes, local authorities The Revd Canon Dr Andrew Bishop summed up World War Two. He and aid agencies to the morning by reminding everyone to “go forward and concluded: “In the end work together to make a respond to the crisis with PEACE: Prayer, Education, Maurice Wren, Refugee Council Chief it’s up to the Government Executive ‘Refugee rights are our rights’ difference. See Chris’s Action, Campaigning and Engagement.”

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“The refugee story is about people and requires a spiritually mature response.

That is why so many people of faith want to inform themselves about the crisis and why we set up the PEACE event.

“One of the key messages that came out of the event was the necessity for a coordinated response to the refugee crisis, both now and when refugees actually arrive in the UK. With this in mind, the Communities Engagement Team (CET) at the Diocese of Guildford will act as coordinator for parish interaction across the diocese, informing church and faith networks when refugees are expected and working with Hampshire and Surrey local authorities in the meantime to ensure the diocese can respond in the most useful way.

“CET has established links with Hampshire and Surrey’s boroughs and districts, health, social care, housing and education authorities. A strategic coordinating group from these agencies has been set up for both counties.”

Chris will be faiths representative for this group. He explained: “When refugees arrive in the UK, this group will match the varying needs of refugees to local resources. They are likely to have a great deal of medical needs resulting from their journeys. They may be abused and traumatised, or survivors of torture, so psychologically their needs will be complex. They will be very vulnerable, so our offers of help need to be sensitively offered, linked to specialist services and sustainable.

This is not for the short term. The diocesan safeguarding team can offer advice as required.

“Until refugees arrive in the diocese, financial support is welcomed. See the Diocese of Guildford

The Wey December 2015 / January 2016

website for suggestions of relevant charities.

Clothing and food donations can also be sent to the camps, but it is essential to work through the established networks, which have professional and experienced teams and access to camps, and to check what is most needed.

“Your time is also very valuable. Many people in parishes across the diocese are already supporting refugees by volunteering in a variety of ways.

Please let us know if you would like to help too and a little about what you feel you could offer. Diane Peters, who is working with the CET team, and has experience of refugee and asylum work, can be contacted on: cet@cofeguildford.org.uk.

“Finally, you could also write to your MP or the Prime Minister to show your support for increasing the allocation of refugees taken into the UK. To paraphrase Maurice Wren, “Never underestimate the power of writing a letter.”

“For updates and resources on responding to the refugee crisis please visit www.cofeguildford.org. uk/refugees, where you can also post questions or comments. Our intention is to use these questions to create a bank of FAQs and more resources to help you offer the best support.”

-Chris Rich, Director of Communities Engagement Team

Community Matters

BGF funds creative youth video project A grant of just over £1,000 has been made from money donated to the Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation for an imaginative youth project at All Saints’ Church, Weston.

Following the unexpected gift of an Apple Mac and video-editing software, the parish decided to undertake a project focused on giving young people the opportunity to learn photography and video skills, while at the same time fulfilling a worthwhile social purpose.

The Revd Phillip Johnson, vicar of All Saints’, explains: “Our parish has two very distinct areas – one an area of significant need and the other an area of affluence and more in the traditional image of Esher.

“The aim is to bring these two together, develop young people’s teamwork and planning skills, and highlight what it is like being a young person of faith in the community today.

We are very grateful to the Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation for their help in getting this exciting project off the ground.”

About 40 young people will be directly involved in the project; they will make trips to record life in the community and will interview other young people about the experience of growing up in Elmbridge – particularly in Weston and Lower Green.

These will be edited into a series of short films telling their individual stories as well as more general stories of the community in which

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Members of the Open Minded Youth Group at All Saints’ Weston jump for joy upon hearing of their grant from the Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation

they live. They will also interview community leaders, including the MP for Esher and Walton Dominic Raab, the chief executive of Elmbridge Borough Council Robert Moran and the Bishop of Guildford.

At the end of the project an exhibition and gala screening of the films will be staged at All Saints’ Church. Local

schools will be invited and encouraged to take photos in response to those on display and the youth groups will run two workshops for children on photography and video skills.

The project will be led by the parish youth worker, Becs Gregg, who is also a professional photographer.

Grant-making by the BGF is

managed through the Community Foundation for Surrey (CFS), an independent trust which is part of the national network of community foundations. By making grants through CFS, the Foundation is able to keep its costs to a minimum. To donate to the BGF go to www.bgf.org.uk and click on ‘donate to the foundation’.

50 free tree festival – have you arranged yours?

Following the success of last year’s Christmas Tree Festival at St Nicolas’ Church, Cranleigh, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Village children’s groups, the WI, other local churches, businesses, families and

individuals will all come together on Thursday December 10 to assemble their entries which will be on display until Monday December 14 when the winners will be judged.

Michael Wild from Cranleigh Church, commented: “We are very grateful to local firm Santa Fir who are supporting this year’s

event and have generously donated 50 trees to those who register and apply to take part.

They also provide one of the Prime Minister’s trees, placed outside the door to Number 10 Downing Street.”

For more information about the festival go to www.stnicolascranleigh.org.uk

A bright new take on carol services Like many parishes this December, the parish of Cove will be holding a carol service. But theirs, at 6.30pm on Sunday December 13, will be lit by laser light, making it the first of its kind in the diocese.

With Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson bringing the Christmas message, the Ignite band and special guests ‘The Reaper’s Gospel Choir’ (BBC Songs of Praise Gospel finalists 2014) leading the carol singing, and the stellar sound and tech team providing a special laser and light show, this carol service promises to be a Christmas event to remember.

Cove parish’s curate Gareth Dicks explains, “The Ignite Carols by laser light service is

going to be an immensely fun, vibrant and exciting Christmas event for anyone and everyone – regardless of whether you go to church or not, Christmas is a time for fun and celebration!”

The laser light carol service concept comes off the back of the parish’s really successful monthly Ignite contemporary church services, which have been running since February 2015 and were established to provide a platform for modern Christian music.

Ignite offers an extended time of worship and a guest speaker each month, as well as a chance to sing, dance, praise and meet with Christ in an energetic, exciting and uplifting setting.

For more details about Ignite Carols by Laser Light and future Ignite services at St Christopher’s, see www.ignitecoveparish.org

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Page 5

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Growing in the Wey General Synod The General Synod unpacked elections: The results are in …

Eight people have now been elected to represent the Diocese of Guildford in the General Synod for the next five years.

Four of those elected in the recent vote will sit in the House of Clergy, and four will sit in the House of Laity.

They join representatives from the other 41 dioceses of the Church of England represented on the General Synod.

The General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England, often referred to as the Church’s parliament. It comprises a House of Bishops and elected Houses of Clergy and Laity. Members consider and approve legislation affecting the Church of England, authorise new forms of worship, debate matters of religious and public interest, and approve the annual budget for the Church at national level.

The Synod has 468 voting members of whom 59 (including the 42 diocesan bishops) are ex-officio and 409 have been elected this autumn (nine suffragan bishops, 200 clergy, 200 laity). The House of Bishops has 53 members, the House of Clergy 202 and the

House of Laity 213.

53% of the 409 elected members were not members of the last Synod when it was dissolved in July. The percentage of women on General Synod has increased from 28% in 2005 to 35% in 2010 and 37% in 2015.

The male / female balance has changed from 69/31 in 2005 to 58/42 now. For the first time there are slightly more elected women than men in the House of Laity – 50.5% to 49.5%. In the House of Clergy, the number of women elected has increased to 32% from 22% in 2005. Three of the 53 members of the House of Bishops are women.

The average age of the 378 lay and clergy members elected by the dioceses is slightly lower – 51 among clergy and 56 among laity.

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The Ven Paul Bryer is a newly-elected member of General Synod. He was a parish priest for 23 years and for the past two years has served the diocese as Archdeacon of Dorking, visiting, preaching, teaching and working with deanery synods and chapters in more than 50 parishes. He is keen to promote reform and renewal in the Church, to resource mission, grow the Church younger, and simplify structures to help enable new mission initiatives.

The Revd Canon Robert Cotton is rector of Holy Trinity and St Mary’s, Guildford. He has been a member of the General Synod since 2004 and in 2011 he was elected to serve on the Archbishops’ Council, where he has been involved in designing the reform and renewal programme.

Robert has ministered in the diocese since 1987 and is keen to encourage creative discipleship, prayer, and confidence for people to speak of their faith.

The Revd Canon Karen Hutchinson is vicar of the united benefice of The Bourne and Tilford. She was first elected to the General Synod in November 2012 and has served on diocesan and deanery synods since 2006.

She is diocesan advisor on women’s ministry. Karen has now ministered in the Diocese of Guildford for nine years.

The Revd Dr Philip Plyming is vicar of Holy Trinity, Claygate and rural dean of Emly.

He has represented the diocese on General Synod for the past six years, serving as secretary of its evangelical group. He has sought to take the perspective of a parish priest working on the front line, participating in debates and sitting on the remuneration and conditions of service committee of the Archbishop’s Council. He would like to encourage a more flexible vocation model to increase the number of ordinands.

House of Laity Us Advent Appeal 2015 Canon Peter Bruinvels has been involved in synodical government for many years, having served the House of Laity since 1985. He is also the longest serving (23 years) Church Commissioner. Professionally, Peter is civilian-military liaison adviser to Surrey County Council, regional fundraiser South East for ABF, the Soldiers’ Charity, and owns a media management, community integration and public affairs consultancy. He lives in Dorking with his wife, Alison and worships at St Martin’s, Dorking.

Carolyn Graham is an active member of deanery synod and deanery synod standing committee, and also sits on the PCC of her parish church, Holy Trinity, Guildford. She is involved in practical outreach initiatives, such as fundraisers for local charities in church. In her working life, Carolyn is a solicitor for the Electoral Commission. She lives in Merrow with her husband and is a former churchwarden of Holy Trinity, Guildford.

James Lee has not been a member of the General Synod before. He works as parliamentary officer for the Bible Society, based in the Houses of Parliament.

His academic background is in theology and politics, and he holds a certificate in Christian apologetics from Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. James is a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Farnborough and lives nearby with his wife, Bethan, and their three young sons.

Anne Martin has represented the Diocese of Guildford in the House of Laity in the last two General Synods. Within the diocese she has also served on Bishop’s Council, the Diocesan Board of Education, diocesan and deanery synods and represented the diocese on the Crown Nominations Committee. Anne taught as a specialist music teacher for 30 years and now works as a peripatetic recorder teacher.

She lives in Chiddingfold with her husband, Alan and worships at St Mary’s, Chiddingfold.

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Bishop praises school improvements Brand new facilities at three of the diocese’s church schools have been commended by Bishop Andrew who visited them this autumn.

Bishop Andrew unveiled the new wing of Bisley CofE Primary, toured Esher CofE High School’s state-of-the-art science block and new library and even played the bassoon at the opening of a community space at All Saints CofE Junior School, Fleet.

Bisley CofE Primary welcomed Bishop Andrew for the official opening of two new classrooms. He was given the opportunity to cut the ribbon across the doors to the new wing and blessed the new classrooms. Head girl Jasmine and head boy Adam led him on a meet-and-greet tour of the school after which pupils read out a letter of thanks to the Bishop.

Accompanying Bishop Andrew was diocesan director of education, Derek Holbird, who said: “It was a great delight to be able to visit Bisley with Bishop Andrew to celebrate the opening of

Bishop Andrew opens the new wing of Bisley School

buildings in one of our schools. The children are clearly both proud of and thrilled by their beautiful new rooms.”

Bishop Andrew also visited All Saints CofE Junior School, Fleet for a triple celebration of the school’s 150th anniversary, harvest festival, and the opening of the EdmundJones Community Room. During proceedings, the Bishop played bassoon in the school’s assembly band, much to the delight of the audience of pupils, parents, and staff.

Two visitors from All Saints’ link in Gambia were also present. Bachary Baldeh, teacher at the Soma Proper Lower Basic School and Lamin Kinteh, manager of the Kaira Konko Scout Lodge in Gambia joined Bishop his bassoon Andrew at the school to participate in The All Saints assembly band are joined by Bishop Andrew and the superb new classrooms, staff room, library, and other facilities. Rarely have I seen such well-designed and finished

the day’s events.

Bishop Andrew (@BishopGuildford) later tweeted: “What a great event! 150th anniversary of All Saints School in Fleet coinciding with harvest & new community hall.”

g w

w C t h

There’s clearly a lot of energy around, and a sense of growing momentum.

-Bishop Andrew

The final visit brought Bishop Andrew to Esher CofE High School, where he was given a first look at its new library, learning development department and

Biggest intake of new head teachers welcomed

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 1 (ESV)

It was a register call with new to headship, with intensive a difference when 14 new training on both leading a church head teachers at diocesan school and ensuring that their church schools gathered schools are distinctively Christian, together for a day of with Christian values and virtues welcome, training and emphasised throughout the sharing at the diocese’s curriculum.

Education Centre.

The day, led by the diocese’s As well as extending a warm education department, drew head welcome to the diocese, the day teachers from right across the provided the head teachers, all diocese, from Kingston, Surrey

The schools and their new head teachers are: All Saints’ Infants, Tilford Bramley Infants Crookham Infants Holy Trinity Junior, Pewley Down Newdigate Infants Rowledge Primary, Farnham Royal Kent Primary, Oxshott Shere Infants St Andrew’s, Farnham St John’s Academy Primary, Dorking St Mark’s Primary, Farnborough St Mary’s Primary, Chessington St Mary’s Infants, Frensham St Peter’s Junior, Farnborough

Sara Bedford Elaine Spick Katharine Bowen Clare Brunet Paula Bliss Sarah Oliver Katie Hancock Victoria Voller Monique Clark Mark Richards Annabel Stocchetti Sarah Hodgson Jennifer Downing Alison Good

Photo: www.sxc.hu

Page 8

The Wey December 2015 / January 2016

and Hampshire.

Diocesan director of education, Canon Derek Holbird, said: “We have never had so many appointments in such a short space of time. It is a reflection of the age-profile within the teaching profession, that there is currently an increase in retirements.

“For some it was promotion from within their own school, others had moved from one diocesan church school to another or from another diocese and others from a community school.

For one or two, this is their first experience of being in a church school.

“The role of a head teacher has changed dramatically since my headship in Soho, London, 15 years ago. The pressures and demands are significant, with an expectation from government of ever-rising standards.

“Our schools perform well in comparison with the local authority and

Parishes are urged to pray for their schools as diocesa church schools welcome 14 new heads this term. Pictu back row (left to right) are Mark Richards, Jennifer Dow Sarah Hodgson, diocesan school effectiveness directo Peter Simpson, schools’ Christian distinctiveness offic Jane Whittington, deputy director of education Mike Ha Clare Brunet, Derek Holbird and (left to right) front row schools’ buildings and finance officer Sarah Bourke, P Bliss, Elaine Spick, Katharine Bowen, Alison Good, An Stocchetti, Sara Bedford, Sarah Oliver and Monique Cla

national averages. What our schools provide as an added dimension to high academic standards, is living and learning in a school community where God is at the centre and the spiritual development of each child is nurtured.

“It was exciting to hear of some of the activities they are

already using to enrich the spiritual lives of the children their care. For church schoo parish links through the clerg congregation are a rich sour support.

“We ask each parish to pr their head teachers, whether or not, staff, governors and p as they work together each d

Focus on Schools A colourful, practical junior building at Wonersh and Shamley Green CofE Primary School has won a coveted 2015 design award from Waverley Borough Council.

The four new classrooms, studio, design and technology room, toilets, headteacher’s office and outdoor area are all part of the school’s expansion from an infants to a primary school.

Headteacher Tess Trewinnard said

state-of-the-art science block.

He spoke to pupils from a variety of year groups, including Year 11 GCSE photography students Nikola Wojcik and Rachel Johns, who took photos of the tour.

They were delighted to have been given this role, saying it was “a great opportunity to get to take photos of someone well known.”

Bishop Andrew said: “It was wonderful to visit Esher CofE High School and to have the opportunity to meet the headmaster, staff and pupils alike. There’s clearly a lot of energy around, and a sense of growing momentum. The new science and sports facilities are fantastic, and mark yet another exciting development in the school’s life.”

an ured wning, or cer all, w– Paula nnabel ark

in ols, gy and rce of

ray for r new pupils day.”

the award was a great achievement after what had been a true team effort.

She said: “We were delighted when we were given the go ahead to become an all-through primary school. With the support of Surrey County Council and the diocese, a fantastic building team and a governing body and school business manager who were prepared to work extremely hard, the whole project has been an amazing experience.

“Winning a Waverley Design Award

is a great achievement for all who were involved.”

The school currently has six classes for children aged four to ten and by September 2016 will be a full primary educating 210 children from Reception to Year 6. In November 2014 the school was judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors.

PlanA architects involved staff and children in the project from the start, so they could express their vision for the new Key Stage 2 building. Thanks to Patrick West from project managers Isosceles and a team of builders from O&D Construction led by Trevor O’Brien, the building came in on budget and on time for a September opening.

Tess continued: “The children love the colour choices designed to create a calm and purposeful atmosphere.

“The decking allows for outdoor learning, which is important as we are a forest school, so learning outdoors is part of our school ethos. The two extra rooms; one for practical subjects such as cookery, science and design technology and one for the performing arts, music, dance and drama, have added an extra dimension to learning across the whole school.

“We are very excited about the new possibilities for our school as we continue to expand.”

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Bishop Andrew and head teacher Mike Boddington outside the entrance to the school

Teacher Jenny Amy with Sujeen, Julian and Maddie

Fleet school’s ‘awesome’ programme gains national recognition when All Saints Church was A programme to embed destroyed by fire, yet in the ‘character development’ in face of adversity both the the curriculum at a Fleet children and their parents ised recogn been has school displayed the virtues we are nationally for the role it seeking to promote, writing plays in helping to develop messages and prayers of d rounde confident and encouragement and support children. to the church community as All Saints CofE Junior School well as raising large sums for ness’ runs a ‘Steps to Awesome the rebuilding project.” the instil to designed e programm The programme’s eight values of kindness, appreciation, to Awesomeness’ ‘Steps positivity, courage, goals, exercise, built on a been have into service and ion participat Christian world-view that pupils. Such is its success that the sees each child as made in programme features in the recent God’s image, but are also designed The n, publicatio Church of England to resonate with those of other faiths Fruits of the Spirit, which underlines and none. Exercises include writing the importance of schools looking a thank you note to demonstrate nce beyond academic performa appreciation or keeping a positive on emphasis equal applying and diary to demonstrate positivity. When pupils’ spiritual, moral and physical pupils complete all steps, they receive development. a ‘badge of awesomeness’ to wear received has ’ education r ‘Characte proudly on their school uniform. greater governmental and media The programme is evaluated and attention in the wake of fears of annually to ensure that all refreshed amongst extremism radicalisation and young people. The Fruits of the Spirit staff are happy to deliver it and to encourage improvements. The school is a Church of England discussion is also presently exploring ways to and stimulus paper written to provide maximise the benefits of the initiative debate. national the into feed to their most vulnerable children by All Saints’ head teacher Alison developing joint approaches with their Wyld, who spoke at the paper’s emotional literacy support assistants. said: October in London launch in According to Fruits of the Spirit: “We are very pleased to have curriculum is consistently “The our ‘Awesomeness’ programme d by a strong head teacher, reinforce way. recognised in this “It faced a major test in the summer Alison Wyld, who makes it very

‘Awesome’ pupils at All Saints sit outside for their Harvest show

clear to all members of the school community (including parents) that this whole-school approach to character is ‘non-negotiable’. The development of the children’s nonacademic gifts enables them to ‘let their light shine’ for the benefit of others, as well as themselves.”

Deputy diocesan director of education Michael Hall who was also at the London launch said: “It was an inspiring event. Several other church schools across the diocese also have measures in place to help pupils’ character development and we will use the case studies and themes in the paper to look at how we can help schools develop this important area further.

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Meet the Diocesan Secretary Peter opens the door to his new role Gilead Foundations is a Therapeutic Community, offering a residential rehabilitation programme, called KEY, for people with life-controlling addictions, such as drug or alcohol abuse, homelessness, gambling, eating disorders, self harm, and other addictive behaviours.

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Peter Coles is the new ‘man at the helm’ at Diocesan House, the Diocese’s administrative hub. A few months into his role, The Wey caught up with him to find out how he’s finding things.

1. You’ve been Diocesan Secretary for four months now, what does your role entail?

I know that Bishop Andrew would say of my role that if he is the chief executive, then my role is to support him as chief operating officer – that means looking after all our finances, resources and staff to ensure they are organised to support our priorities effectively for mission and growth. So in reality my role, like those in my team, is all about supporting and serving others – those on the ground who deliver mission and engagement in the many communities we have the privilege of serving.

On a day-to-day basis I work very closely with Bishop Andrew, directors and archdeacons while keeping connected with local stakeholders; what’s going on in the national church; and also with colleagues in other dioceses.

To be honest I am still learning all that the role entails, it seems to be pretty broad and involves a number of formal functions such as being company secretary to the Diocesan Board of Finance.

2. What are your first impressions of our diocese?

I am really enjoying getting to know more about this area, which I didn’t know before I started working here. I am struck by the diversity across the diocese, from some of the quite metropolitan areas in the north, through a broad range of large commuter and market towns, to many small and beautiful villages where it seems everyone plays cricket! That diversity I know is also true in terms of the very real needs and opportunities that exist across those communities.

My first introduction to the diocese was at the clergy conference, where there was an overwhelming sense of optimism – so I am really enthused by the work to develop our strategy for Common Purpose. I am sure with a greater sense of focus, priority and strategic planning there is much more we could do together to help meet those needs and opportunities for mission and growth.

3. You’ve come to us following a distinguished career with the BBC – how does working for the diocese compare?

What is similar / different?

I like that what I do now is more contained than

Peter Coles joined as diocesan secretary in July 2015

at the BBC, that there is a strong focus on valuing people and also that the 24/7 demands aren’t quite as unrelenting – not yet anyway! But I guess as an organisation many of the challenges are similar – a need to remain relevant and connected in a rapidly changing society without losing sight of our core values and purpose.

In terms of role it’s certainly quite different to the many operational jobs I had at the BBC, but much of the experience in running business areas, organising and prioritising resources especially at times of change is very applicable and transferable.

I have always seen my work as part of the outworking of my Christian life...I felt really excited by the role and perhaps even a sense of calling. The rest is history.

4. What drove you to want to work for the diocese?

I have always seen my work as part of the outworking of my Christian life, I was increasingly feeling restless in my job at the BBC, and challenged as to how I might use this next stage of my career to more directly relate my skills and experience to the outworking of my faith. My ideal was to find some sort of leadership role in an organisation involved in the third sector and ideally Christian mission.

I came to the conclusion that my last role in the BBC, as interim chief technology officer, was a good jumping off point, so in faith I turned down offers to stay – which felt pretty scary at the time – so I started

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www.gilead.org.uk Peter at his sound desk in his early years at the BBC where he became chief technology officer.

Page 10

The Wey December 2015 / January 2016

to look around for new opportunities. One thing led to another and several people suggested I might be interested in the role at Guildford. The job spec looked really interesting, and after I’d met with Bishop Andrew, I felt really excited by the role and perhaps even a sense of calling. The rest is history.

5. It’s early days, but where would you like the Diocese of Guildford to be in five years’ time?

I think we have such a tremendous opportunity here in this diocese. When I hear of the challenges that other dioceses face with their finances and sustaining parish ministry, we have so many plusses here in this diocese. But the trends of a declining and ageing congregation and fewer people coming into the ministry are the same, even if not so critical for us yet – so we do need to take action. That’s why the work on the strategy behind Common Purpose is so important, as it will help us determine more clearly what God is blessing, and how by prioritising what we have available and what God might release we can be even more effective in growth and mission across this diocese and beyond.

So my prayer is that in five years’ time we will have a greater sense of those priorities – and that we will have worked out how we can best be organised to support them. As a result we will be able to look around us and point to real signs of growth: more people who have come to know Christ; new developing worshipping communities; more individuals sensing the call to ministry and engaging in training; and above all a real sense that the spiritual temperature across the diocese is rising. Is that too big? Is it achievable? I don’t know, but it is worth a try!

6. What about the man outside the job – Your family? Your interests? Where do you worship?

Our family home is in High Wycombe. My wife Jane and I have been members of St Peter’s Church, Loudwater for 30 years and I am a churchwarden there. We have two daughters, Abby and Lucy who are both happily married, living in Sutton Coldfied and Sale, Manchester, respectively. We have two lovely grand-daughters (aged one and four) who we love spending time with – even though we don’t feel old enough to be grandparents yet!

I spend many weekends doing DIY and gardening, with much teasing from friends about my obsession for stripes on my lawn, and there seems to be an ever increasing list of requests to support my sons-in-law in fulfilling their wives’ grand designs! I still enjoy the practicalities of sound engineering, from my early days at the BBC, though in reality this most often means tinkering with the sound desk at church or helping plan a change to the system. When we get a chance, Jane and I enjoy spending time away, with some favourite haunts in South Devon, Menorca and the Lake District.

Focus on Music Music to their ears: Council helps fund St Paul’s organ renovation

SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD IDEA: worshippers at Ruxley Church in Ewell were taken by surprise during their All Saints’ service in November when members of its music group ‘Emmaus’ all put aside their usual instruments and produced a ukulele each to accompany the congregation in a rendition of When the saints go marching in!

Vicar the Revd Dr Mark Borley takes up the story: “It all began when one member of Emmaus was given a ukulele for his birthday last July. The rest of the group decided to buy their own and, since September, they have been preparing for their debut.

“The most exciting thing is that a few people who don’t normally worship here have been tempted to join the group. We enjoy this kind of variety and creativity at Ruxley, and look forward to the ukulele group contributing to further services and concerts.”

The congregation at St Paul’s Church, East Molesey can’t fail to be aware of the refurbishment of their organ. “It sounds a bit loud at the moment,” says organist Colin Mason, “because every pipe has been individually cleaned, blowing 55 years’ worth of dust and debris out of them, and on top of that, the sound deflectors – which direct sound up into the rafters – are not yet in place.”

The renovation has given the church a state-ofthe-art instrument with a number of improvements – including the addition of a ‘sequencer’. This enables any organist to allot themselves a

number and pre-select their own stop combinations, instead of going round the back of the organ and flicking switches.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to the renovation of our organ – whether they attend church regularly or not,”

continues Colin. “We’d particularly like to thank Surrey County Council for its generous donations by way of the discretionary funds of our two hard-working councillors – Ernest Mallett and Stuart Sellick.

Everyone is welcome to come and hear our ‘new’ instrument!”

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The Wey December 2015 / January 2016

To advertise in this newspaper, contact Glenda or Michelle on

01752 225623

or email glenda@cornerstonevision.com

Unlocking people, Releasing Potential Since 1991, we have developed a clear mission at Gilead: To unlock people from addiction, fear and pain, and release them into their true potential, by teaching them to understand why they do things they don’t want to do and how to do only what will bring real success and fulfilment, so that relapse is a thing of the past.

85% of people who complete the programme at Gilead remain drug free, in employment and with a healthy support network when reviewed 1 and 2 years after they leave. We are extending our facilities to make that a reality for more people, and we have built the first of three purposedesigned bungalows.

Since 2013, ‘Grace Lodge’, as we’ve named it, has become a safe home for male Clients, house parents and key support workers, who live in an extended family environment. Already, 18 men have stayed at

Grace Lodge during their rehabilitation, so it’s having a massive impact on people’s lives and families. Gary (whose story is on this page) often spends valuable time with our Clients at Grace Lodge when he comes to volunteer on the farm.

Plans are underway to complete the next bungalow, ‘Faith Lodge’, to provide purpose-built accommodation for up to 8 female Clients at a time, plus support workers and house parents.

If we had all the money right now, we could build it in 7 months; but we realise it will take a little longer as we have to fundraise £500,000.

We are approaching grant funders, who are more willing to help now that we can show them the results from Grace Lodge. We know from experience that we will also need the support of the many generous people who read stories like Gary’s, and want to use their finances to make a significant difference.

At Gilead, we do as much as we can to be selfsupporting (including using ground-source heating and solar energy in the new bungalows, opening up a bore hole for our own water supply, and using farmgenerated profits to help pay for rehab services). But we cannot complete this next bungalow without financial help. Would you please consider supporting us as we build Faith Lodge, to expand the work and enhance the Staff and Community members outside Grace Lodge quality of rehab for our female Clients?

Please use the donation coupon on this page, or donate online at www.gilead. org.uk. If you would like to offer an interest free loan, or discuss making a donation, please call our Trustee Chris Cole on 07957 433973. With Gary Spedding spent his adult life was tough, but I worked through it over your help, we can provide between prison, rehabs and the streets. 16 months. The final step was to forgive skilled support in a secure Now he is married, with two lovely and ask forgiveness. I never thought I’d environment with family daughters, and holding down a steady be able to do that. I’d filled the void inside values, enabling people to job. Something happened … Gary tells us my hardness with drugs and alcohol – rebuild shattered lives and what … forgiveness broke down the walls and families, like Gary has. Thank “At the age of three, I went into care released the hate. It was like I’d been you. with my sisters and brother, due to family carrying around a dead horse on my violence. Then at the age of 7, my sisters shoulders and it was lifted. Something Any gift you give will be used for the work of and me were fostered. It was the start of a happened that day.

Gilead Foundations. If you wish to restrict this PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING GILEAD “Me and Kate stayed on staff, and much worse time for us all, especially the for the building fund, please tick this box A gift towards our building costs helps us ‘set the lonely in I learned from watching Ian and Bron girls. a family’ where they can receive help as they restructure “I was encouraged by my foster how to give God control of my life. I tell their lives for freedom. Grace Lodge could not have been I enclose a one-off gift of £ built without the financial help of donors just like you. parents to steal; things like milk and bread the students my story, I find that’s really Please make cheques payble to Gilead Foundations If you would prefer to become a regular financial Partner, from outside shops on delivery mornings; rewarding. Saying ‘your way isn’t the right we welcome donations of any amount but would suggest I would like to become a Partner £20 per month. coal from neighbours; gas bottles from way’ – people don’t like that, but it’s right.”

Please fill in this form If you have any questions about our work, please contact Gary and Kate are now establishing beach huts. My foster Dad was a criminal Lois Samuel on 01837 851240. If you have questions with a reputation. I idolised him and tried their family home, with their daughters. about making a larger donation or interest free loan to the ministry, please contact Chris Cole (Trustee) on 07957 to live up to that, as he gave us ‘jobs’ to They volunteer to work at Gilead for Name 433973. weekends when the farm manager do.

You can also visit www.gilead.org.uk to find out more needs a break. Until recently, Gary had a “I started smoking and taking drugs about us and donate online.

Name of your bank from the age of 11, as an escape. My supervisory job in a quarry, with 12 men emotions were numb, apart from anger. I working for him, which he has just left Bank address didn’t like myself at all, and never felt like (with great references!) to start a new role I am a UK taxpayer and I agree to Gilead Foundations Charity (GFC) claiming tax on all past, present and future I belonged. At 15 I fell out with my foster supervising over 80 part time workers, donations I make to the charity. Please treat my donations Postcode dad when he punched me in my face, and some of whom may have stories like his. as Gift Aid donations. I confirm that I am paying or will pay “I tell people my story. If you put your left home. By 17 I was in jail for the first an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover time. When I came out, I met a girl, she heart into it at Gilead, you can become a Account No. Sort Code the amount GFC and any other charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) will reclaim for the tax year introduced me to heroin. To begin with, it functioning part of society again. But we (6 April one year to 5 April the next year). Council Tax and Instruction to your bank: Please deduct £ seemed to be everything I was looking for. have free will to choose it.”

VAT do not qualify towards Gift Aid. GFC will reclaim 25 from my account on (dd/mm/yy) / / “We had a child, but the drugs Then monthly until further notice. Pay this sum to Gilead pence of tax for every £1 that has been given. multiplied my insecurities, and I treated Foundations Account No: 05651441 Sort Code: 54-21-14 Nat West Bank, 40 Fore Street, Okehampton, EX20 1EY my girlfriend and son really badly. I had Signed Date a job away from home, laying cables. It Signed Date Please add my details to the Gilead mailing list was good money, but I spent most of it on drugs. We split up. In the end I lost the job Title (Mr, Mrs, Rev, other) because I kept letting people down.

“Then I spent years living on the First Name Surname streets; going to prison; going to rehabs.

I noticed that Christians always seemed Address different, either in night shelters or rehab.

They were happy, you had to be blind not Postcode to notice. “I want some of that,” I thought.

“I got a directory of rehabs and found Gilead.

In 2009 I was accepted and really Organisation / company (if applicable) liked the farm work and the people. I didn’t put up a wall to Christianity, but the Telephone Number rehab was, for me, a break from addiction.

In that time I noticed the kindness and Email grace and love of Ian and Bron and the Please return this form to Gilead Foundations, Risdon Farm, Jacobstowe, Okehampton, EX20 3AJ staff. I’d never seen it like that before. It Tel: 01837 851240 Fax: 01837 851520 Email: admin@gilead.org.uk www.gilead.org.uk was honest, no faking it. I could easily spot a fake.

Registered in England No: 2608644 Limited by Guarantee Registered Charity No: 1002909 “Then I met Kate at Gilead, and in DIO1215 2010 we made a decision to leave before were really ready. That ended badly, with Kate very depressed and both of us using heroin again. A year later, we both decided to commit fully to Gilead.

“This time I did it with my heart, not just my head. The Genesis 10 step process Gary at work on the farm

Forgiveness was the Key for Gary

01837 851240 www.gilead.org.uk

The Wey December 2015 / January 2016

Page 13

Noticeboard

Give an organ pipe this Christmas!

Are you looking for a novel and worthwhile gift for someone this Christmas? Then Guildford Cathedral may have just the thing for you.

As part of its Sponsor a Pipe initiative to fund the refurbishment of the organ, Guildford Cathedral has launched a new gift card which enables anyone to make a gift of an organ pipe to friends and family from as little as £5. These will make ideal stocking fillers, or can be posted to friends around the world. As a way of saying thank you, sponsors’ names will be recorded in the MAKE YOUR MARK manuscript which will become part of the cathedral archives.

Sian Newton, the cathedral’s director of fundraising, said “There are 4,398 pipes and nearly 50 miles of wiring in the organ.

The renovation requires the work of skilled craftsmen which inevitably is expensive.

We are encouraged by the tremendous support we have had which has so far raised £260,000, but there is still some way to go to reach our target of £450,000.

“We hope that many readers of The Wey will recognise the importance of this project and help us by making a gift, especially at Christmas time when organ music plays such an important role at so many places of worship within the diocese.

“There are over a hundred 4ft pipes which

still require sponsorship at £15 each, some 4ft stops at £1,000 that need funding and many 2ft pipes which need sponsors at £5 each.”

To find out more about sponsoring a pipe or a stop, visit www. guildfordcathedral. mym.com. £5 Sponsor a Pipe gift cards can be purchased at the cathedral shop or by contacting the appeal office on 01483 547884.

More Christmas ideas …

Parish Collection date for Feb issue: from January 19 Don’t forget to visit the the Diocesan website: www.cofeguildford.org.uk for the latest news.

EDITORIAL

Tidings of Comfort and Joy would make an ideal Christmas present this year.

Pam Rhodes is best known as the familiar face of the BBC’s Songs of Praise, and here she brings together her personal selection of carols, poems, Bible readings and other inspirational passages from a wide range of sources. As well as the usual old favourites – from Hark the Herald Angels Sing to the stories of the shepherds and the wise men

The Wey is compiled at Diocesan House by editors David Green and Kate Jamieson. If you have items for inclusion, or ideas for stories, please send them to:

‘Make Your Mark’ recipe book Following its successful launch in 2014, Guildford Cathedral’s Make Your Mark Recipe Book is available this Christmas too. For anyone who missed out last time, now is your chance to purchase one! Full of exciting and interesting recipes from around the diocese, it makes an ideal Christmas present. At only £5 a copy it is very good value and proceeds go to the MAKE YOUR MARK Cathedral Fund. Contact Sheila Kirkland on 01483 829508 or s.kirkland4@ntlworld.com to purchase a copy.

editorial@cofeguildford.org.uk Diocesan House, Quarry Street Guildford GU1 3XG. Tel: 01483 790347 Editorial deadline for the Feb edition: January 4 (but ideally as soon as possible!)

E-mail copy is preferred.

Please ensure that photographs are sent as JPG attachments and are not embedded in a Word document.

JPGs need to be at least 500KB file size, but preferably larger.

Please limit any letters submitted to 200 words.

Unsigned letters will not be published.

DISTRIBUTION THE WEY is distributed through Deanery Centres and we are grateful for those who give their time to sort papers and enable individual parishes to receive their supplies. If you need advice on distribution of this newspaper, please call the Communications office on 01483 790345 or email ‘editorial’ as above.

ADVERTISING For advertising information in THE WEY please contact Glenda Charitos at Cornerstone Vision: 28 Old Park Rd, Peverell, Plymouth, PL3 4PY Devon Tel: 01752 225623 Fax:01752 673441 Email: glenda@cornerstonevision.com

The Wey is published by Cornerstone Vision on behalf of the Guildford Diocesan Board of Finance

Page 14

visiting the baby Jesus – there are plenty of lighter moments, with excerpts from Gervase Phinn’s memoirs and funny poems by modern writers. Alongside the items themselves, Pam shares some of her own Christmas reminiscences and explores the resonance of the Christmas story for all our lives in her trademark inviting and heartwarming style. There is something here for everyone, from those wanting to enjoy dipping in for a taste of Christmas to those needing a sourcebook to inspire selections for Christmas services. Enjoy!

Tidings of Comfort and Joy is available at the discounted priced To order call 08453 679676 of £11.99 each (delivery free) or email customerservices@ from ASLAN Christian Books. aslanchristianbooks.com.

Stories of hope from Nigeria’s front line Vital work saving mothers and children from the devastating effects of malaria in Nigeria will be brought to life in Guildford this December when St Mary’s Church, Quarry St, welcomes healthworker Dasu Yakubu from Nigeria.

Dasu, who works for Christian Aid partner organisation Aguata Diocesan Community Human Services (AD-CHUS), will share his experiences of working on the frontline in Nigeria where an estimated 250,000 children under five die as a result of the disease every year.

Everyone is welcome to hear him speak and enjoy carols and mince pies at the Advent Hope

Service on Friday December 4, which will also feature moving stories and memories to mark Christian Aid’s 70th anniversary.

As featured on the front page of last month’s The Wey, the UK Government will match every pound raised in Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal (between November 6 and February 5) with its contribution going directly to fund health projects in the diocese’s link country, Nigeria.

Worldwide, a child dies of malaria every sixty seconds and

The Wey December 2015 / January 2016

malaria cases in Nigeria account for a quarter of all cases in Africa.

The evening begins at 6.30pm for 7pm and entry is free. For more information email Laura Mead at lmead@christian-aid.org llSt Nicolas’ Church, Guildford, will be holding a town centre street collection for Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal on December 9. Volunteers welcome - please contact David Greenwood via parishoffice@stnicolasguildford.fsnet.co.uk

Letter Sir, With reference to your ‘Google a grave at St John’s Hale’ article (The Wey, November 2015, page 2), I have done a similar project for St Michael & All Angels, Pirbright.

I have photographed every headstone and kerbstone within the churchyard and wrote a short biography of most of the inhabitants. The kerbstones have been removed from graves in the past and still have valuable information on them, hence my including them.

Our churchyard was transcribed in 1951 by Revd Whitehead and the local schoolchildren and again in 1975 by West Surrey Family History Society. I have used these transcriptions if the stones have become illegible.

The more modern ones I have not done a biography for; they just have the photograph and the inscription.

It is updated as soon as I’m alerted to a new headstone being put up. During my last photographic session workmen arrived to install a new headstone. Once they had completed the task I took a photograph and it was on my website that evening!!

The site is www.pirbright.info/Pirbright%20 Graveyard.html Shirley Forster Pirbright Historian llThank you for letting us know Shirley – great work! Ed

New resource for children’s learning about the environment The charity Caring for God’s Acre, which champions the conservation of churchyards and burial sites across the British Isles, has created a new resource to help teachers and youth leaders to make use of these sites for study.

This newly produced pack offers lots of activities and ideas to support the exploration of burial grounds of all kinds, from old church and chapel yards to Victorian cemeteries and more recent burial sites.

The pack supports learning through five topics – Precious Places, What’s the Story?, Marvellous Monuments, Wildlife Safari and Art and Architecture.

Each topic has several activities and ideas covering a range of subjects relevant to learning in Key Stages 1 and 2 and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). There are notes for teachers and a pack of photographs, worksheets, templates and writing frames to support the activities. The pack is available via CGA’s website: www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk.

Guiding and scouting groups including Rainbows, Beavers, Cubs and Brownies, Scouts and Guides are supported through the Education Pack with activities and ideas for work towards various badges and challenges.

Churchyards have become known as ‘Living Sanctuaries’ for the wealth of wildlife they contain, as well as the man-made structures such as monuments and memorials. This mix of natural and built heritage together with their traditions and folklore make them inspirational places for learning.

For further Information contact Sue Cooper: 01588 673041 or email sue@cfga.org.uk.

Noticeboard GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL

RECITAL 30 November, 12.40pm Christ Church, Town Square, Woking GU21 6YG Richard Piliner (organ) Suggested donation £3

For services, concerts and events at the Cathedral please see the cathedral website www.guildford-cathedral.org or contact the events assistant at 01483 547860 or email events@guildfordcathedral.org.

NOVEMBER CHARITY CHRISTMAS FAIR 21 November, 10am-2pm, Village Hall, King’s Road, GU4 8JU Organised by St Mary’s Church, Shalford. Refreshments, deli, cakes, gifts, greetings cards, DVD’s, jewellery, Santa’s sack, children’s activities, children’s books, hampers, etc. From 11am12noon children’s author Ciaran Murtagh will sign copies of his books which will be available to buy. All proceeds from the day to charities.

CHRISTMAS FAIR 21 November, 11am-3pm, Church House, St Martin’s Church, Church Street Epsom KT17 4PX Tombola, raffle, games, facepainting, cakes, preserves, Christmas cards and gifts, bric-abrac stall All welcome - free admission, refreshments and light lunch available, lift to first floor.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR 21 November, 2-4pm, St John’s Centre, 222 Epsom Road, Merrow, GU4 7AA Many stalls offering gifts and home produce, games for all ages, teas.

In support of CMS and the Church Urban Fund.

CONCERT 28 November, 7.30pm, St Nicolas’ Church, Guildford GU2 4AB Mozart, Vesperae de Confessore;

Haydn, Nelson Mass - the Chantry Singers conducted by Roy Rashbrook.

Tickets: £12 (under 16s, £2) from: 01483 852493. Further info: chantrysingers@gmail.com. (Choir now recruiting new members) CONCERT 28 November, 7.30pm, St Lawrence Church, High Street, Chobham GU24 8AA A gala trumpet and organ recital in aid of the repair of the church tower. Crispian Steele-Perkins (trumpet) and Ian le Grice (organ) play Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Howard Goodall and Burt Bacharach Tickets: £15 from laurachatwin@ gmail.com QUIET DAY: A JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM 30 November, 10am-4pm, St Columba’s House, Maybury Hill, Woking GU22 8AB What can we learn from the land we call ‘Holy’ and the current plight of the people there, which might help us on our Advent journey towards the manger? Drawing on the experience of pilgrimage and stories from Israel/Palestine, the Chaplain leads a quiet day to help us on our way. Led by the Revd Gillaine Holland. Cost £25, lunch included. Tel 01483 766498 or email retreats@stcolumbashouse. org.uk

DECEMBER CHILDREN’S CONCERT 4 December, 4pm, St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Road West, Dorking A concert aimed at primary school aged children and their parents/ carers. Children are invited to bring a teddy. Lots of fun and mayhem, with music from classic to cool. Tickets £5, under 2s free provided they do not occupy a seat from 01306 743378 or email info@stpaulsdorking.org.uk.

CONCERT 4 December, 7.45pm, St Paul’s Church, St Paul’s Road West, Dorking A concert entitled: ‘Silent Night’ - a musical journey through time and space searching for the real Christmas. Tickets - Adults: £10, under 16s: £5 from 01306 743378 or email info@stpaulsdorking. org.uk CELTIC CHRISTMAS: AN ADVENT RETREAT 4-6 December, St Columba’s House, Maybury Hill, Woking GU22 8AB Frustrated and disillusioned by the materialism of Christmas? The Celts had much to celebrate in the depths of winter, not only the birth of Christ. Come and join us for traditional Celtic Christmas stories and music (with maybe some mead). Full board, £185 single, £210 twin. Tel 01483 766498 or email retreats@stcolumbashouse. org.uk

Appointments, retirements and resignations Appointments within the diocese Name

Parish or institution

Position

Date of licensing, institution or appointment

Revd Vicky Burrows

Vicar

Bramley & Grafham

26 January 2016

Revd Jeremy Haswell

Associate minister

Grayshott

4 November

Revd Willam Cahusac

Permission to officiate

-

30 September

Revd John Watts

Permission to officiate

-

29 September

Revd Tim Sudworth

Permission to officiate

-

14 October

Leavers Name

From

To

Date

Revd David Bendell

Permission to officiate

Retirement

7 October

Revd Canon Jeremy Cresswell

Vicar, Oxshott

Retirement

6 December

Deaths Name Revd Derek Tilston

Date 23 August

Latest clergy vacancies online at www.cofeguildford.org.uk

FESTAL EVENSONG 6 December, 6pm, St Mary’s Church, Shackleford Road, Norney, Shackleford GU8 6AE A festal evensong with the Bishop of Guildford and the choir of Guildford Cathedral to mark the 150th anniversary of the consecration of St Mary’s Church, designed by the noted Victorian architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, who designed the Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras station and the Albert Memorial in Kensington, as well as many other churches.

All welcome.

RECITAL 7 December, 12.40pm Christ Church, Town Square, Woking GU21 6YG Plaegon piano trio Suggested donation £3 ORGAN RECITAL 9 December, 13.10pm, St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford GU1 3TY Phillip Scriven, Cranleigh School.

Admission free – donations invited QUIET DAY 10 December, 10am - 4pm Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, Bordon Led by the Revd Elizabeth Knifton.

Theme ‘Joy to the World’.

Cost £35 incl refreshments & lunch. To book contact 01420 478121 or email info@ acornchristian.org PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE 14 December, 6.30pm – 10pm, St Nicolas’ Church Hall, Bury Street, Guildford Join members of Guildford Amnesty Group at their annual social event for a glass of festive cheer and to sign greetings cards to people suffering human rights abuse all over the world. Messages of friendship and solidarity give hope and encouragement to victims of imprisonment and torture. Drop in for 15 minutes or an hour: all welcome. (Parking beside pub opposite for £1) Further info: Marilyn Jarrett, secretary AI Guildford, ai@1square.org CONCERT 19 December, 6.30pm, St Nicolas’ Church, Bury St, Guildford A Child is Born – Christmas music from the Occam Singers, conducted by David Gibson, followed by refreshments. Cost £12.50 in advance from TIC Guildford or Record Corner, Godalming or £15 on the door (students £6). In aid of Guildford Action.

CAROL CONCERT 19 December, 7.30pm, St Martin’s Church, Church Street, Epsom, KT17 4PX Popular carols for both choir and congregation. Epsom Choral Society, conductor Julian Collings.

Retiring collection for Price Alice

Hospice, Esher.

Tickets: £12 (under 18s, £6) to include a complimentary drink from 01372 727078 or www. epsomchoral.org.uk or on the door.

RECITAL 18 January, 12.40pm Christ Church, Town Square, Woking GU21 6YG Wellington College music scholars Suggested donation £3

JANUARY

QUIET DAY 28 January, 10am - 4pm Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, Bordon Led by the Revd Elizabeth Knifton.

Theme to be confirmed.

Cost £40 incl refreshments & lunch. To book contact 01420 478121 or email info@ acornchristian.org

RECITAL 11 January, 12.40pm Christ Church, Town Square, Woking GU21 6YG Gillian Lloyd, organ Suggested donation £3 HEARING & SIGHT SUPPORT 13 January, 10am -12 Noon, The Fairfield Centre, Leret Way, Leatherhead, KT22 8AH Mobile sight and hearing support clinic. Advice, information and demonstration of equipment for those experiencing hearing loss, vision impairment or combined sensory loss.

STARTING THE NEW YEAR WITH RUTH 16 January, Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, Bordon A retreat day led by Jennie Fylche for all women who would like to reflect on their journey with God. Cost: £40 per person (To include lunch, refreshments available throughout the day). To book contact 01420 478121 or email info@acornchristian.org

RECITAL 28 January, 12.40pm Christ Church, Town Square, Woking GU21 6YG Dr Anthony Gritten Suggested donation £3 HEALING & WHOLENESS COURSE 30 January, 10am - 4pm Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, Bordon Led by the Revd Wes Sutton. This course examines the nature of Christian ministry and explores the different arenas in which it is exercised.

Cost £35 incl refreshments & lunch. To book contact 01420 478121 or email info@ acornchristian.org

the

The newspaper from the Church of England for everyone in the Diocese of Guildford

The Wey – 2016 key dates February issue

Copy deadline: January 4 At collection points from January 19

March/April issue

Copy deadline: February 5 At collection points from February 23

May issue

Copy deadline: April 4 At collection points from April 19

June/July issue

Copy deadline: May 6 At collection points from May 24

August issue

Copy deadline: July 4 At collection points from July 19

September/October issue Copy deadline: August 8 At collection points from August 23

November issue

Copy deadline: October 3 At collection points from October 18

December/January issue Copy deadline: November 7 At collection points from November 22

The Wey December 2015 / January 2016

Page 15

Fellow Travellers

Education director to retire after 14 years’ service The Diocese of Guildford’s Director of Education has announced that he will stand down at the end of the Academic Year 2015/16.

Canon Derek Holbird came to the role in January 2002, following a career in teaching, and many years in church leadership. This included 13 years as head of Soho Parish School, Westminster, and posts in primary and secondary schools in Surrey.

“It was important to announce this early to allow plenty of time to find a successor,” said Derek.

“But there will be no let up on energy as we push further into the huge opportunities we have in serving our 22,000 children and young people in Church Schools in the Diocese, as well as many thousands more in schools benefiting from links with their local churches.”

The Bishop of Guildford, The Rt Revd Andrew Watson, said: “‘Derek has given and continues to

give outstanding service to the diocese, consistently seeing his work as a calling from God and not just a job.

“I have much enjoyed his wise, friendly, godly presence on my senior staff team, and am quite sure that he has fruitful ministry ahead of him, and not just in the past. Watch this space!”

The advertisement for Derek’s successor may be found at www.cofeguildford.org.uk/vacancies. This closing date for applications is 1 December 2015.

Mollie celebrates 80 years in St Peter’s choir!

A celebration was recently held at St Peter’s, Newdigate to mark Mollie Posner’s 80 years of service to the church choir. The choir sang some of Mollie’s favourite hymns and she was presented with a gift basket and framed certificate.

Mollie became a chorister at St Peter’s soon after her family moved to Newdigate when she was just seven years old. She continued as a loyal member of the choir until only recently, when she moved to her new home in Banstead. Nevertheless, Mollie remains central to community life in Newdigate, making regular visits to St Peter’s and attending the monthly Mothers’ Union.

The Revd Andrew Coe, team rector of Newdigate, said: “It has been great to celebrate Mollie’s astonishing achievement and to show our gratitude for her hard work and dedication over the past 80 years! Mollie is a fantastic lady and is held in high regard by all at St Peter’s.”

Mollie Posner, Newdigate choir’s longest-serving member

New intern in comms Beth Park has been appointed as the communications intern at Diocesan House, as part of the yearly internship scheme in operation for new graduates. In this role, Beth will help manage the diocese’s social media pages, and will produce content for both their website and The Wey. Beth has embarked on this first step in her career following her graduation from the University of Sheffield in 2014, where she studied politics, and her recent completion of an MSc in politics and communication at the London School of Economics. She is looking to develop her knowledge of communications in a workplace environment, to build her career in the sector.

Beth has made the move from Carlisle, to Stoughton, Guildford. Beth said, “I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to gain some valuable experience working in communications, especially in an area where church life is so vibrant. In particular, I would like to help the diocese’s social media presence grow over the next year, which I think has great potential to breathe new life into the church.”

Beth Park, new intern in the communications team

Sarah joins education team

BE SEEN Page 16

To advertise in this newspaper, contact Glenda or Michelle on

01752 225623

or email glenda@cornerstonevision.com

Sarah Tickner has joined the Diocese of Guildford’s education team as personal assistant to Canon Derek Holbird, the director of education. Sarah has joined the diocese after being PA to the matron and general manager of a private hospital in Hertfordshire, where she also held responsibilities for HR. Her latest appointment will build on 25 years of experience working as a PA in a variety of different sectors.

Sarah grew up in Surrey and moved to Hertfordshire in 2002, when her late husband was appointed as priest-in-Charge at Stevenage. A few months ago she decided to move back to Surrey to be closer to family and friends, and jumped at the opportunity to join the education team at the Diocese of Guildford.

Sarah said: “It’s great to be back living in Surrey again and I feel especially blessed to be working for the diocese. I am thoroughly enjoying the variety in my role and I have been made to feel very welcome by the team.”

Sarah Tickner, new personal assistant to Sarah can be contacted on 01483 484900 or Derek Holbird sarah.tickner@cofeguildford.org.uk.

The Wey December 2015 / January 2016