Haslemere Link Magazine - December 2019 January 2020

Haslemere LINK THE PARISH MAGAZINE OF ST BARTHOLOMEW’S AND ST CHRISTOPHER’S

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John Ch1, vs 5.

December 2019/ January 2020 Suggested donation for a printed copy: £2 1

Parish Contacts Rector Rev Chris Bessant 658107 rector@haslemereparish.org

Parish Office The Link, Derby Road Haslemere GU27 1BS Youth Minister Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 9am-3pm Vacant office@haslemereparish.org www.haslemereparish.org Assistant Youth Minister and 01428 644578 Sunday School Chloe Adam 07597 565571 Parish Administrator First Steps Bryony Atkinson Mondays in St Christopher’s 0-5 Year Olds Verger Liz Hawkins 642445 St Bartholomew’s Carol Skeates 642662 LLM (Reader) Link Bookings Peter Sellars 641032 Carol Skeates 642662 skeatMalco@aol.com Church Warden Robert Fox 652055 Magazine Secretary Geoff Martin 641907 Ann Lear 651570 Deputy Wardens office@haslemereparish.org Howard Body 658762 Advertisements Manager: Nick Beare 609630 Geoff Martin 641907 PCC Secretary Cathy Moore 07593 814438 Electoral Roll Officer Lynn Lemar 651435 Treasurer Andrew Culshaw 658962 Bell-ringers Stewardship Secretary Paul Bagshaw 656129 Geoff Martin 641907 Friends of the Parish Outward Giving Bernard Coe 651146 Dorothea Nattrass 653216 Flowers St Bartholomew’s Director of Music & Organist Sarah Mulliner 643504 Clive Osgood 07747 785 940 St Christopher’s cliveosgood@hotmail.com Liz Hawkins 642445 Choir Director Church Care Group Sarah Young Roscelin Rees 651561 sarah.thomas6092@gmail.com Churchyards Philip Hunt 644120 2

Pastoral Visitors Dorothea Nattrass 653216 Peter Sellars 641032 Pastoral Assistant Ruth Pattenden 653033 Bereavement Visitors Linda Donaldson 644473 Frances Gaiter 648843 Sarah Mulliner 643504 Homegroups: Vacant

Safeguarding Officer Cathy Moore 07593 814438 Mothers' Union Treasurer Sue Davis 661115 BRF Representative Sarah Mulliner 643504 Facilities for the disabled Both churches and The Link at St Bartholomew’s have ramped access and space for wheelchairs. Toilets suitable for use by the disabled are available in The Link and at St Christopher’s.

Facilities for the hard of hearing Both churches and The Link have sound amplification and hearing loops.

Facilities for the visually impaired Both churches have good interior lighting and large print weekly notice sheets and service sheets.

Dear Friends Sophie and I have now been here in the parish for a few months, and it’s been a pleasure for us both to get to know you well. Welcome and hospitality have been at the centre for us, as we have also tried to share our own hearts with you.

If you are a clergyperson then your life is also governed by the seasons of the church - such as Advent, Epiphany, Lent and Easter to name just a few. Of course, across these phases of the ecclesiastical calendar we recognise many of the traditions of our common life, of which perhaps Christmas is the most accessible for those who are not regular worshippers. For us all, that same welcome which embraced Sophie and I must now increase - except now it’s all towards the many visitors we shall meet over the season. As Christ’s family here in Haslemere, let’s set our hearts and minds to be a precious gift to all the people of the parish - a gift of the good news of Jesus Christ who comes to offer his peace to every home.

Whilst those of you who are making a Christmas cake may have been pouring on the brandy for months, I can also claim to have begun looking ahead to Christmas since August. That might be a slightly depressing thought in the height of summer, but it’s entirely necessary when one considers the sheer volume of what must be arranged. Just spare a thought for Almighty God, who might have been planning Christmas for 700 years!

Indeed, 700BC was round about the time the prophet Isaiah foresaw that God’s servant would come to ‘take up our pain and bear our suffering’ (Isa 53:4). We know there are a great many prophecies that inform us of God’s actions to come, and the arrival of a child who we would call Immanuel - God with us: ‘to us a child is born, a son is given’ (Isa 9:6). However, if we merely consider Jesus as a great man who achieved remarkable things, just as any of us might, then you shall miss the point of Christmas altogether. The arrival of Jesus as a baby is 3

commonly and rightly termed ‘The Incarnation’, and here is the key point of it all. The Incarnation is that God came to us in human form, to live amongst us, teach us the better way, and then to eventually die for us - and of course in human terms that all begins with a baby.

At Christmas we celebrate the beginning of this great chain of events and formations that are still with us today and growing ever more. I’m not talking here merely about our social traditions of Christmas that have built up over time, but rather more importantly about the way in which God remains with us and amongst us through his Holy Spirit. Nothing else we celebrate in our lives has such a depth of history and longevity.

You will find that our churches and communities have much to offer all through December and into the Christmas season, as the articles in this magazine will testify. The Incarnation is not simply an event for us to remember - it’s a present reality to witness into the future. Our Lord celebrates Christmas right beside us, not as a distant memory.

For some visitors, a good Christmas welcome from us could mark the beginning of a new faith journey in their own lives. My message to you all - please come into our churches and be ready to share a welcome, helping others to see how God is amongst us always, and can be with them too.

When I say everyone is welcome, I really mean it. Let that be our watchword for the whole of the season.

Rev Chris Bessant

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To all our friends at St Bartholomew’s & St Christopher’s Wishing you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year !!!

We would like to share our gratitude and love, for all the support and kindness shown towards us these last five months since arriving in Haslemere back in July. It has been a very busy and exciting time and looks positive for the New Year to come. We are looking forward to sharing the growth for our churches with the community together.

Each year Chris and I donate to a charity instead of sending out Christmas cards.

So have a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year with your family & friends

Love Chris, Sophie & Gracie.

You are invited to celebrate Chris’s 50th birthday with cake and bubbles on Sunday December 22nd after the 10am service at St. Christopher’s.

Everyone is welcome Sophie .

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Harvest Festival 2019 Harvest Festival this year was celebrated at the Parish Church when a full congregation of both our churches met to celebrate God’s goodness to us. Rector Chris illustrated his talk using the new overhead screen to emphasise our need to share our good fortune with others.

With that in mind, gifts of mostly tinned and packeted food were taken up to the Nave Altar to join the dozens of carrier bags full of food given by St. Bartholomew’s and St. Ives schools.

These were joined the following day by donations from the First Steps children. Later in the week everything was gratefully welcomed at the local food bank.

And after the service, what else but a Bring and Share Lunch in the Link. This wonderful occasion was organised by the Donaldsons, Tessa Trollope and their army of volunteers. It’s difficult to assess the numbers for lunch, somewhere between 80 and 100, but like the Feeding of the Five Thousand there was enough for all and more.

On behalf of all who went, may I thank everyone who helped make this a marvellous event, from organisers, setters-up, cooks, clearers-up and washers-up. These happy occasions only occur when everyone helps.

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Frankie Gaiter Photos: Liz Cook & AL

From Harvest to some Christmas quotes...

‘Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!’– Theodor Seuss Geisel ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’

This most tremendous tale of all, Seen in a stained-glass window’s hue, A Baby in an ox’s stall. - John Betjeman’s ‘Christmas’ ‘I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.’– Shirley Temple ‘Peace on earth will come to stay, When we live Christmas every day.’ – Helen

Steiner Rice 7

‘We Will Remember Them’

Remembrance arrangement at St Christopher’s Church November 2019 Photo: Liz Cook

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New Pastoral Assistant Licensed On Saturday 9th of November, thirty Pastoral Assistants (PAs) across the Diocese were authorised by Bishop Andrew at an inspiring service in the cathedral. Eight of the thirty were men and one parish (St John’s, Merrow) had three ladies coming forward for this important ministry. All had completed a six-month training course.

A number from Haslemere came to support Rosalyn Webb (pictured above with Bishop Andrew). She will specialise in working with older people. This is in addition to Ruth Pattenden who ministers to both young families at “First Steps” and to older people.

There is always a need for more pastoral visitors from both churches, especially for men. There will not be a diocesan course for PAs next year, but short courses over three Saturdays will be available for those seeking the role of “Parish Befrienders”.

Details are available on: https://www.cofeguildford.org.uk/about/dvm/pastoral-assistants.

Please speak to our Rector Chris if you would like sponsorship, or informally to our PAs or myself about Parish Visiting.

Peter Sellars

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(The following is based on a homily delivered by Ros Webb on November 17, 2019 at St Christopher’s Church’s ‘Praying on Sunday’ Service. )

A Pastoral Assistant Course and a new role for me How do we listen?

What do we listen to?

How do we respond?

I wrestled with these listening-related questions during my 11-month training to be a Pastoral Assistant with Guildford Diocese. And now the first thing I find myself doing after being authorised by Bishop Andrew last weekend is speaking and writing about it!

The intention is that I will now be involved with: • helping and developing Home Communion for housebound people.

• developing a Prayer Group for those who can’t attend services, keeping them in touch with the Parish and enabling them to continue to support the parish in prayer • researching the church-related needs of those in local care homes and developing links with other organisations to help these needs to be met.

It was a chance remark to Justin Manley-Cooper 18 months ago that set off a chain of application forms and interviews. It wasn’t really a total chance remark - I had been thinking about it for quite a while!

The course was hard work but truly excellent. It centred around the topic of listening.

There were four main sections: Listening to self

How did Jesus listen?

Listening to others

Listening to the structures 10

Listening to Self We produced: 1 - a time line autobiography - for some of us it was quite long……

2 - a spiritual autobiography 3 - an analysis of the times in our lives when we felt near to God and distant from God Then we put all three together. Some of us felt God distant in times of sadness, for others it was in times of joy. For me I feel closer to God in the highs and lows of life, and more distant in the in-between parts.

Listening to others This focused on developing our listening skills, using conversations, games, and the dreaded role play.

We were encouraged to analyse our interactions.

• Do we interrupt too often?

• Do we ask open or closed questions, and what is the difference between them?

• Do we jump in with our own story?

• If so, why?

• What happens after listening?

• Do we feel that we have to have answers?

• Whose answers are they?

This section led onto supervised pastoral visits in our parishes.

How did Jesus listen?

Jesus had times of quiet and prayer and withdrawal, and other times of much activity, sometimes with solitude in the centre.

We looked at the miracle stories, and saw how Jesus related to the ‘back story’, responding to the whole person and not just to the presenting question or illness.

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Listening to the structures This was an unexpected component for me.

We focused on our parishes and drew maps of all ‘services’ offered by churches, statutory and voluntary organisations, and then looked at the gaps.

We were encouraged to ask questions: Are our parishes supportive to all?

Is our community supportive to all?

The focus was on using our ears, eyes, heart and mind, on being a listening Church.

What Next?

I’ve agreed to take part in the areas of work shown at the beginning of this piece, focussing on the homebound and those in care homes as a start.

If you know of anyone who may like home communion please speak with Chris, the parish office or me.

The Pastoral Assistants’ course I went on isn’t available this year, but there are some short courses available. The parish needs more help, so speak to Chris if you are interested.

Thank you so much for all the support I received and continue to receive - and a special mention to Rev Fiona Gwynn for supervising me, and the PCC for funding me to do the course.

Ros Webb

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Just a Thought…

Evelyn Hughes Have you noticed that any expression of hopefulness is likely to be topped off with ‘fingers crossed’? Like ‘touch wood’, it’s meant to bring good luck. I knew someone who brought God in on the act, ‘Please God, touch wood’ she used to say!

For Bible writers it was sufficient to trust in God. The Psalmist (Ps.130) placed his hope in the Lord, and urged others to do the same, ‘for with the Lord there is steadfast love’. In a time of sorrow and depression (Ps.43:5) he told himself: ‘Hope in God, for I shall again praise him who is my help and my God.’ St. Paul urged his readers: ‘Rejoice in hope.’ (Ro. 12:12). For him, hope lasted forever, along with faith and love (1 Cor.13:13). We may include ourselves in the prayer he made for his readers: ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace In believing, so that you may abound in hope.’ (Ro. 15:13) In one way and another today’s world is a dark place. Can humankind be saved from itself? An Advent hymn looks to Jesus - ‘the hope of all the earth’. Hymn No. 677 in our book sees Jesus as ‘the Daystar, scattering our night’. The chorus runs: ‘For the light is stronger than the darkness/and the day will overcome the night,/though the shadows linger all around us,/let us turn our faces to the light’.

The last verse runs: ‘Let us light a candle in the darkness, In the face of death a sign of life; As a sign of hope, where all seemed hopeless, As a sign of peace in place of strife’.

Perhaps we could say a prayer for our troubled world as we light our candles this Christmas, and look forward in hope - please God! - for a better year.

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Spotlight on…

Sophie Bessant I have never met anyone quite like Sophie - her Christian faith is so strong that it shines and is evident in her every word and action.

Sophie was born in Kent in 1971. She excelled at sport and was a striker in her primary school’s football team, even being named Player of the Year at one time. She also represented Kent Under 18s at county hockey level.

Sophie was a Brownie and a Guide until aged 14 when she joined the Sea Cadets, playing the drums and bugle. She later became the Drum Major. She joined the Cadets hoping to pursue a career nursing in the Royal Navy, but chronic health problems prevented this, so she enrolled at Canterbury University Hospital to train as a State Enrolled Nurse specialising in children’s nursing.

Sophie’s first position was as a live-in nurse for a disabled child in Kingston in 1991, during which time she gained a diploma in child psychology. In her spare time she raised funds for children’s charities and offered childcare for families with disabled children. Did she ever have any time for herself?

Just a bit. She part-owned a horse and loved riding in Richmond Park.

Sophie settled down as wife and mother, caring for Chris, her husband, and their three children, Ben, Charlotte and Luke, and, like many other wives, balancing this 14

with part-time work.

Sophie and Chris had previously met at a youth camp on the Isle of Wight and it soon became clear that they were meant to be together.

Sophie’s grandmother, of whom she was very fond, was also a committed Christian. Sophie herself would not have called herself a Christian until, by chance, she was invited by friends for coffee, only to find herself attending an Alpha course. At the end she invited God into her life, and ever since He has been with her. Without Him, she says, she’d be in her grave.

In 2010 life took an unpleasant turn for Sophie. Arising from her chronic health problems, she needed multiple rounds of surgery over several years and had to completely re-evaluate her life. This over, she and Chris continued to work with young people, until Chris felt called to enter training for ordained ministry. For two years Chris commuted weekly to Cambridge to study, which was a big strain on the family. They became, says Sophie, a bachelor and a single mother during those years. Sophie continued to work for the NHS until her health difficulties put an end to her nursing career in 2014, something she misses very much.

But another passion then entered her life: well-being or assistance dogs. Sophie has trained two previous dogs before her present Boston Terrier, Gracie. They are specially trained to help comfort the lonely, patients in hospital, those with physical disabilities or dementia. Gracie has been with the Bessant family now for nearly a year and she knows she’s ‘on duty’ when she’s wearing her special jacket. Sophie helps at First Steps and Gracie also goes along to join in. The children love her and she loves the children. Best of all, Sophie showed how, when Gracie is wearing her jacket, she responds to commands and is rewarded with a treat. The children were Gracie fascinated - if only it was as easy to teach small children to become social beings! Without her jacket Gracie is off playing with her favourite furry toy. When she’s had enough she retreats to her little kennel and hides from the children’s attention.

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Just a year ago, in November 2018, Sophie had three very close calls with death due to sepsis and meningitis. She and Chris were told she had only a 20% chance of surviving. She planned her funeral, but survive she did. Sophie knows that God was with her all the way and she was sure that He had something planned for her. This, she believes, was the move to Haslemere. She and Chris are now with us here where they believe the Lord wants them to be.

Sophie has great compassion for the grieving and the lonely; she identifies with the broken and hurt and she wants to show God’s love by helping them - as, despite everything, God has helped her. Sophie and Gracie have much in common - isn’t it strange?

We have welcomed Chris and Sophie into the parish. They have eagerly responded to our welcome - and it is a multi-way relationship. We hope and pray they will be with us for a very long time - with them supporting us and we doing our very best to support them.

Frankie Gaiter

Open Mike ‘The Magazine team, is very keen, To see more contributions, from younger generations.

We need poetry, prayer, image, idea.

Reach out and share, however you dare.

Now we’re online, we need you to shine.

Rachel Duke shows the way, with a proverb today.’

Our first contribution from our youth (right) is from Rachel Email ideas for consideration to office@haslemereparish.org, with email subject “Open Mike”.

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We are Growing to be like Jesus Planting and nurturing faith within the family led us to examine the parable of the sower at the Families@4 service on 10th November.

Highlighting the need for strong roots to support healthy growth leads onto our own understanding that developing faith requires a supportive environment, one which we all need to provide for each other.

I like Families@4 because it is a great way to meet other children

We planted seeds and also learned about what we need to do to grow

Families@4 is fun! We also pray with prayer balls and throw them up to God and shout Amen!

I like Families@4 because you get to make different things to go with the story. I also like the tea with yummy cakes!

Families@4

is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month. This is a short service aimed at families of all ages with crafts, stories and singing and is followed by tea in the Link. It is a great informal way to meet, worship and celebrate together.

We would love to hear from our youth and families about their activities in the church. If you would like to contribute to the magazine, please contact the office for further details (office@haslemereparish.org).

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St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School It is with a great sense of pride and fulfilment that I write about our achievements over the Autumn Term at St Bart’s and extend a warm welcome to all of the new children and their families who joined us this academic year.

At the start of the term we have appointed sports leaders, playground buddies, a collective worship team, a pupil parliament and a Year 6 leadership team each group is supporting our school community in their own way to enable pupils and adults to flourish.

Our new Rector, Chris Bessant has led us in a number of acts of collective worship and we thank him for his guidance and support. I would also like to take this opportunity to share our vision with you:-

Our Vision Inspired by Jesus’ promise in the Bible (John 10:10) “that they shall have life; Life in all its fullness”, we provide a caring, learning community to enable everyone to live happy, fulfilling lives and make positive contributions to our world. Our vision for St Bart’s is to be an excellent school where outstanding practice, personalised learning, social development and spiritual growth are nurtured through a rich and dynamic curriculum which inspires every child to achieve success.

Lots of classes have been going on trips and visits at the beginning of the term, as part of our engage stage of learning. It has been lovely to hear about the children’s experiences on these trips and it is clear that they are enjoying the developments we are making to our curriculum. Year 1 visited Marwell Zoo, Year 2 went to West Wittering, Year 3 learnt about the Stone Age 18

at Ufton Court and Year 6 have spent a week at PGL in France practising their French, visiting markets, a chateau, war graves and doing all kinds of fun outdoor adventurous activities.

We are also delighted to have been awarded a BRONZE AWARD from the Surrey Wildlife Trust in recognition of our wonderful wildlife garden which could not have been achieved without the help and support of all the staff and parents who have been involved with all the wonderful improvements.

We very much look forward to the end of the Autumn Term when all the children at school take part in their Christmas productions, reminding their families of the true meaning of Christmas.

All these wonderful events and learning opportunities for the children would not take place without a dedicated team of teachers, learning support assistants and parents, along with the support we receive from the church. We are, as always, very grateful to them all for the work that they do.

Charles Beckerson, Headteacher Headteacher 19

The Friends of the Parish Annual Meeting The Friends had their Annual Meeting on May 16th to review last year and to discuss current projects.

The Chairman (Bernard Coe) welcomed those present including the Rector. He told the twenty or so present that the past year had seen no major items of expenditure, but a number of smaller items were dealt with. These included the pew runners, the St Christopher’s flagpole and help to get the completed document of the church recording of St Bartholomew’s properly bound. One copy of the latter has now joined the copy of St Christopher’s recording in the library of the Haslemere Museum, as a document of record.

Discussion turned to current events. Hamish Donaldson spoke of the considerable progress being made with the future placement of the Flemish Glass in the Prayer chapel. After four years of stagnation there is at last movement on all fronts. The other current item is the refurbishment of the St Christopher’s organ. A cost estimate for this of approx. £25,000 is seen as reasonable and, with considerable help from the Friends, more than half of this is pledged and there is confidence the remainder will be found.

Geoff Martin, the Treasurer, outlined the healthy state of the Friends’ funds, which are adequate to cover anticipated costs for the Flemish Glass and our pledge on the St Christopher’s organ.

The Chairman, in closing, made a plea for some younger blood on the committee. Three of the committee are already well into their eighties and replacements are needed urgently. A general call was out for volunteers.

A welcome change to past meetings was an illustrated and very informative concluding lecture by Justin Luke (one of our Saturday organists). He talked of the range and flexibility of our organ, giving us demonstrations of the great range of the sounds that could be produced. It was a most interesting finish to the meeting which was rounded off with refreshments.

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Dementia

By Tony Benson This poem was written by Tony in the earlier stages of dementia. Tony succumbed to the disease in September 2019 and this poem was read at his funeral service and celebration for his life on October 10th this year.

Dementia itself is not unfair, Its sting lies in its name That hideous use of a word suggesting lunacy Because once it simply meant insane This chosen term weighs heavily on those Who once had been capable at work and home No longer perceived as contributors But rather as incapable drones Consequential sufferers oft include our families Spouses, children and the rest Whose labours and assumed responsibilities Are hence more oft resented than blessed And we, brutally defined May now resent our new degraded role Protected, cared for - no longer in control What value have we now, to those we love?

Zero, we feel, simply a burden now.

With naught to offer to repay our care: To come to terms with this Oft leads to bitterness, and final fear Our past is gone, not happily recalled, The present seems but a warning of the future: Going, going, gone - a stimulus of fear Expressed by our embittered lives and fury.

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Final Flight: A Poem for Winter

The Bible says a lot about resurrection and heaven, but how many people accept death when it comes? Sheila’s poem reminds us all of the transience of our possessions, and our relationships with friends and family. Our earthly journeys are usually planned well in advance to ensure we have the correct paperwork and wardrobe. However, in death we Christians need to have hope and personal faith in the promises of Jesus, our redeemer.

Peter Sellars

No suitcase? Surely a small hold all with my best jacket, smart shoes?

No footwear? What of my family photo in the silver frame? My certificates?

How do I prove my worth? Passport, bank statement, title deeds?

No sharp objects, nothing flammable, no textiles, nothing practical, no paper, card or plastic, no money, no jewels, not even a wedding ring, no liquids or solids, no laptop, phone or sweets; just follow the light.

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Leave memories behind but take humility, take firm belief.

With empty hands to nurture prayer, seek the pearly glow at take-off.

Sheila Grundy, quoted in David Winter’s book “Heaven’s Morning, Rethinking the Destination” (BRF).

Supporting Older People Whatever happens as we get older, we all want to remain independent and live life on our own terms. That’s why, as well as offering regular friendly contact and a strong campaigning voice, Independent Age can provide you and your family with clear, free and impartial advice on the issues that matter: care and support, money and benefits, health and mobility. A charity founded over 150 years ago, we are independent so you can be. All our services are free.

You might also like to get involved. So whatever your talents, you can use them to help improve the lives of older people. We have a number of volunteer roles available to suit you, from regular visiting or phoning older people to helping support our new recruits. We’ll give you all the training necessary and also cover your expenses.

For more information please see our website www.independentage.org , give me a ring or just send me an email.

John Maguire (Wellbeing Officer Project Surrey & Sussex) 01428 656284 / 07525 767510 john.maguire@independentage.org Contributed by Elizabeth Harvey

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Visit to Sue and Norman Jones Roger and I have recently returned from one of our biannual trips to Thailand to visit our son and his family.

Whilst we were there, we took the opportunity to catch up with Norman and Sue over lunch at Christ Church vicarage in Bangkok.

As you all know from Sue’s article in the August/September issue of the Link, Norman has taken up a post as Interim Vicar for a year at the Anglican Church of Christ Church which is within the Diocese of Singapore.

Norman in his study

Norman and Sue are very busy and not just at the Sunday services when numbers can reach up to 400. More typically there are around 250 regulars at the Parish Eucharist which is followed each week by a lunch for the congregation.

On a daily basis they are working with Christian refugee and asylum seekers who have fled persecution from countries such as Myanmar, Iran and Pakistan.

Sue is very involved with writing policies (such as child protection) and prison visiting - prison sentences in Thailand are severe and conditions very poor. By the time you are reading this Norman will have officiated at three Remembrance Services. Two of these are in Kanchanaburi (one in the cemetery and one on the bridge over the River Kwai) and one is at the British Christ Church, Bangkok Club in Bangkok.

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Both Norman and Sue were eager to hear news from Haslemere Parish and send their love and prayers to everyone.

Sue Davis

HASLEMERE How Haslemere's Town Centre Evolved In common with many people, I have always found the detail shown on maps and plans fascinating. So much history of a place's evolution is revealed. The Haslemere Society's black and white aerial photographs provide an insight into the changes to Haslemere since the 1940s.

The earliest layout of the town dates from the Norman Conquest. The illustration I have included shows part of Surveyor Morley's plan of 1756. It shows the burgage plots clearly (more information below). The houses lining the High Street and some in Lower Street and what was once East Street, (now Petworth Road) were all part of the original plan. The leased building plots belonged to the lord of the manor and he fitted in as many as possible!

Many towns were laid out during those 300 years until the Black Death of 1350.

Such towns are often called 'planted towns' and only a very few were 'planted' after 1350.

Back in Norman times - the period from 1066 to 1154 - Haslemere appears first as the Chapel of Piperham and in 1180 was said to belong to the Church of Chiddingfold. Forty years later the Sheriff of Surrey received the royal command to grant the Manor of Godalming and the Market of Haslemere to Richard, Bishop of Salisbury. Such a grant originally meant a town endowed by royal charter, but later it included any town entitled to send representatives to parliament.

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Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, during his brief 'rule' of less than one year in 1265 (he was killed at the battle of Evesham in 1265), decreed that two citizens of each city and two burgesses from each borough should sit with the knights of the shires. During his rule, de Montfort called two famous parliaments: The first stripped the king of unlimited authority, while the second included ordinary citizens from the towns. De Montfort therefore played a significant role in the constitutional development of England.

The right to hold a market influenced the first stages for the town's layout, as space was required for stalls to be set up and for livestock to be penned. The present town hall dates from 1814 and was built on the site of the medieval market house which had fallen into a ruinous state and had been pulled down some years before.

The lord of the manor benefitted from the holding of a regular market as tolls were charged. The monarch also gained, as the grant of the right to hold a market was subject to payment. Not much has changed.

Land, a 'tenement', was granted to inhabitants of the town, or borough as it then was, and the more significant residents: craftsmen, guild members etc. would be accorded the distinction of being a burgess. These held their property as a tenant of the king or other great lord. In the case of Haslemere, this was the Bishop of Salisbury.

The original town layout was, as now, a T shape. East Street was, in the local dialect 'Ayste' Street and over time that led to it being Haste Street (hence Haste Hill). The plots of land were laid out quite precisely and the unit of measurement was the rod, pole or perch, all being 5 ½ yards. That somewhat idiosyncratic unit was probably based on the practical limits of usable structural timber lengths, about 16 ½ feet. If you wish to see a fine working example of this you need go no further than Lloyds Pharmacy shop in the High Street which dates from about 1450. Having passed through the modern shop front, pause and look up: the open space is formed from three bays each of about 16 ft width. Remarkably the inscription is still there "The Sleepy mind......etc.

Behind nearly every building along the High Street is a strip of land stretching back for several yards or so to the open fields, the limit of the town's development. Most of them have acquired an assortment of old buildings and outhouses, converted barns and stables and extensions onto the main houses.

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Each burgess, as well as his burgage plot, had additional land in one of the common fields beyond. Many plots have since been subdivided, although the basic plan is still apparent as my copy of the present plan shows.

Under the feudal system of government, life for the residents of the ancient borough of Haslemere was subject to the whim of the Bishop of Salisbury, Lord of the Manor of Godalming. Of course he was not greatly involved with the day to day matters as he left his steward to oversee the work of the courts, while other officials had subordinate responsibilities for the manorial lands. Among these officials was the Reeve, the man (yes, they were all men) who, as one of the more competent farmers, supervised the other local farm tenants. One of the duties of the bailiff, or reeve, was the collection of the burgage or rent for the borough. Officers were elected at a Court Leet in April or May: a bailiff, a constable, searchers and sealers of leather and an ale taster.

The town had been granted borough status as long ago as 1394 when King Richard ll granted a licence to John Waltham, Bishop of Salisbury, to allow Haslemere a five-day fair and weekly market. In an account of rents received in Godalming Manor, dated 1543, the burgesses of the borough of Haslemere are said to owe 12s. 2d. rent, le Burgage Rent.

In 1596, the Crown held Godalming Manor, and Queen Elizabeth 1 re-granted the market and fairs, which had fallen into disuse, to the bailiff and inhabitants of the borough. In the preamble to this grant she confirmed their future rights and further recited the charter of Richard II. According to the inscription on the almshouses on the common near Lythe Hill, James Gresham, MP for Haslemere in the Parliament of 1678–9, by his 'care and oversight' caused the almshouses to be built in 1676 out of the profits of the market, for the habitation of decayed inhabitants of the borough. The incentive to grant such requests was financial, as while the town benefitted, so did the royal exchequer.

Haslemere ceased to send two MPs after the great reform act of 1832 which did away with rotten boroughs such as Haslemere. Perhaps another article beckons?

Robert Serman 27

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Morley plan of town centre 1756

Print of present high street

Gala 20th Anniversary Christmas Show Twenty years ago Hamish Donaldson and others responsible for Haslemere’s Millennium celebrations decided to stage a community concert to bring together performers from all over the town and beyond. The Christmas Cracker was born and, each Christmas since, has been entertaining full houses of enthusiastic local people who consider the show an integral part of the festive scene in Haslemere.

As usual, this year’s event features seasonal carols, songs, readings, comic verse and a mini pantomime, with lots of audience participation. Singers come from church choirs (including St Bart’s), and operatic and music societies around the town who are joined by children from St Bartholomew’s School. Local actors provide the comedy slots. This year we also have a return visit from a superb local violinist who will be joined by a fellow Royal Academy Master’s student to perform a couple of pieces.

The event takes place at the Haslemere Hall on Saturday 21st December at 7.30 pm. Tickets, costing £12 or £10 for adults or £5 for children under 12, will be available from the hall box office (01428 642161) or online after Monday 7th October.

As it is usually a sell-out, do get your tickets early and come along and enjoy the fun with all the family.

Fay Foster

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In My Garden Philip Duly Winter gardens can impress as much and sometimes more than spring, summer or autumn gardens. I understand that this controversial sentiment may shock many keen gardeners. How can I make such a statement and which winter gardens am I referring to? There are many wonderful winter gardens dotted around and about although, sadly, few privately owned gardens are open to the public in winter. Where then am I referring to? And what do I mean by "winter" gardens?

The answer is I am not referring to any particular garden or garden types or, indeed, any specific place or period of the meteorological winter which runs from December to the end of February. I am referring more generally to gardens in winter which may possess great beauty and charm and proffer abundant joyfulness and serenity at this wonderful time of year. At its simplest, my message is to consider autumn as the finale of the gardening year and be inspired to ensure your planting takes full consideration of everything this often neglected gardening season can provide in terms of colour, shape, structure and style.

One such plant is this month's star Viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’, a deciduous upright shrub with clusters of small scented pink flowers which open in December and may flower continuously through the year's darkest months, dependent on the intensity of rainfall which can damage the delicate blooms.

The name derives from the spectacular Bodnant Garden in Snowdonia, where the plants Viburnum grandiflorum and Viburnum farreri were cross bred in 1935 by Charles Puddle, head gardener to Lord Aberconway. If you are looking for a great winter garden, Bodnant is a perfect example!

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It’s a Small World…!

I met Claude at an Adult Education Cookery class in Farnham - some years ago now. The inevitable bits of personal information emerged over the weeks - I was from Argentina, he had lived in Peru while his father held a position in the French embassy there. Ah! I’d lived in Lima for a couple of years in the late fifties while working as an air hostess for Panagra - an airline owned by Pan American Airways and Grace Shipping Lines.

Oh yes, he had used them regularly. He particularly remembered one flight when an Anglo-Argentine hostess had tipped a plate of spaghetti bolognese over him. ‘Anglo-Argentine? That must have been you then!’, he shot at me.

I protested my innocence (either in good faith or had I conveniently erased it from my memory, as something best forgotten?).

It turned out that we both had records of our flights during that time - mine as part of my working schedule, drawn up by the airline and kept as a memento.

His - maybe the result of an incredibly organised and meticulous nature? He even knew on which flight the unfortunate incident had taken place! Was I the culprit?

Phew. The records showed that I wasn’t! But we did find one flight we’d both been on…

It’s a small world, isn’t it?

Ann Lear

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Health and Safety at Christmas While Shepherds Watched While shepherds watched Their flocks by night All seated on the ground The angel of the Lord came down And glory shone around The union of Shepherd's has complained that it breaches health and safety regulations to insist that shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available. Shepherds have also requested that due to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year that they should watch their flocks via cctv cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts.

Please note, the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his / her glory all around she / he must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and Glory.

Jingle Bells Dashing through the snow In a one horse open sleigh O'er the fields we go Laughing all the way A risk assessment must be submitted before an open sleigh is considered safe for members of the public to travel on. The risk assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly if passengers are of larger proportions. Please note, permission must be gained from landowners before entering their fields. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.

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Coming up… at St Christopher’s and St Bartholomew’s DECEMBER ‘19 and JANUARY ‘20

December Weds 4th 7.00pm

HUNTER CENTRE CAROL CONCERT, St. Bartholomew's including mince pies and mulled wine

Sat 7th

10.30am

FRIENDS OF THE PARISH COFFEE CONCERT. Baroque Sonatas with Catherine Lett (violin), Anna Hunt (cello) and Clive Osgood (piano)

Sat 7th

11.00am

ALL SAINTS CHRISTMAS FAYRE. Grayswood Village Hall

Mon 16th 10.30am

FIRST STEPS CHRISTMAS PARTY and end of term

Sun 22nd

RECTOR CHRIS'S BIRTHDAY CAKE AND BUBBLES. After 10.00am service at St. Christopher’s.

January No FRIENDS COFFEE CONCERT in January.

Mon 13th Sat 25th

FIRST STEPS REOPENS for Spring term.

7.30pm

MASTER CLASSICS ARTISTS CONCERT at St Christopher’s

EVERYONE WELCOME TO THESE EVENTS

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What’s on at Haslemere Museum In December: ~ Exhibitions Winter Fiesta - Helen Wellington December 2 - 24 ‘Winter Fiesta’ will be an explosion of colour and expressive artworks from artists Helen Wellington BA (hons) and Mine Zabci BA (hons).

Helen is a mixed media artist and enjoys using strong colour and threads in her work to express the line continuum as in ‘Threads of Thought’ She studied at the University for Creative Arts (UCA) in Farnham Surrey and lives and works on a farm in Dogmersfield Hampshire.

Mine Zabci BA (hons) also studied at the UCA Farnham and is an expressive spontaneous artist. She uses ‘The Moment’ as her inspiration. Mine fills her canvasses with exciting and energetic colour, using emotion and mark-making to deliver her vibrant and heart-felt feelings.

~ Family Events and Workshops Early Years (under 5’s with parents/carers) Gruffalo Friday 6 December | 10:30am – 11:30am Listen to this modern classic story together and make your own charming Gruffalo picture to take home. Will you draw Mouse, Owl, Snake or Fox? Adults £1 | Children £2 | No need to book Christmas Decorations Friday 20 December | 10:30am – 11:30am Listen to a festive story and get crafty and creative to make your very own Christmas decoration to take home and place on your tree!

Adults £1 | Children £2 | No need to book

Museum Explorers (5-11 years) – Parents may stay, or leave their children in our care for the session.

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The Birth of Abstract Art Saturday 7 December | 10:30 am – 12.00 noon 75 years after Kandinsky’s death, discover why he is credited as the pioneer of abstract art and then spend some time creating your own piece of abstract artwork to take home.

Members £5 | Non-members £7 | Booking in advance Christmas Crafts Saturday 21 December | 10:30 am – 12.00 noon Enjoy a fun filled morning at the Museum making a variety a creative Christmas crafts to take home for your family!

Members £5 | Non-members £7 | Booking in advance

~ Special Events Visit Santa at the Museum Sunday 1 December| 11am – 3pm Santa will be paying a surprise visit to the Museum as part of the Haslemere Christmas Market. So bring your little ones along to meet Santa where they can tell him all their special Christmas wishes and request the entire contents of the Argos catalogue! Each child will receive a gift to take home. The tea room will be open for tasty seasonal treats too. £3 per child for Santa visit | No need to book Santa’s Victorian Parlour Friday 20 December | 11.30am-4pm Saturday 21 December | 10.30am–4.30pm Monday 23 December | 11.am–3.00pm Tuesday 24 December | 10.30am – 12.30pm Come and visit Santa as he takes time out before his busiest night of the year to relax in his Victorian Parlour. Your little ones can tell him what they’re hoping for on the big day and each child will receive a gift to take home with them.

Members £4 | Non Members £5 | No need to book Haslemere Mummers Saturday 21 December | 11am Come along to a performance of this traditional English folk play, full of colourful characters and comic drama, providing 20 minutes of fun for everyone!

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In January 2020 ~ Exhibitions Coastlines – Sam Fairbairn and Philippa Jane January 11 – February 1 An exhibition exploring our magical & mercurial coasts.

Contemporary artists Philippa Jane (BA Illustration, Falmouth) and Sam Fairbairn (Photography HND, Salisbury & BA Fine Art, UCA) met as art teachers at Woolmer Hill School. Both are drawn to the sea, with a fascination for the changing light and impact of the elements on land, ocean and sky. Working largely in oil on canvas, mark-making is key to both, as their paintings seek to capture a sense of the spectacular and varied seascapes that surrounds us whether depicting gathering storms or still waters.

Please join us for a ‘meet the artist’ day on Saturday 10th January from 11-2 where they will be delighted to chat about their work and answer any questions.

History of Haslemere During January An exhibition which reveals the fascinating history of Haslemere told through beautifully illustrated story boards where visitors will be taken on a journey about the history of the town. For anyone interested in local history, this exhibition is a must!

~ Family Events and Workshops Early Years (under 5’s with parents/carers) No Place like Home Friday 10 January | 10:30am – 11:30am Come and see our amazing dolls’ house, listen to a lovely story and make your own creative collage of a house to take away with you.

Adults £1 | Children £2 | No need to book Space Explorers Friday 24 January | 1:30pm – 2:30pm Come to the museum to learn all about the wonders of space, listen to a 36

captivating story and even create your very own universe!

Adults £1 | Children £2 | No need to book Museum Explorers (5-11 years) – Parents may stay, or leave their children in our care for the session.

Rationing Reality Saturday 11 January| 10:30 am – 12.00 noon 80 years on from the introduction of rationing in WWII we take a look at what items were rationed and consider how we would cope today!

Members £5 | Non-members £7 | Booking in advance Family Drop-in Event Big Garden Bird Watch Saturday 25 January | 10:30am – 1:00pm A delightful chance for children and adults to have fun together making bird cakes, doing craft activities and discovering the birds in both the Museum grounds and galleries. Gather up your family and come and join us for a great event! FREE EVENT | No need to book

~ Talks and Lectures Haslemere Natural History Society Lecture – The Wildlife and Natural History of Coastal British Columbia Saturday 11 January | 2:15pm Join Lee Morgan, keen wildlife traveller, photographer and tour leader as he explores the rich coastal waters and rugged, rocky shores of Vancouver Island and venture deep into the remote wilderness of The Great Bear Rainforest in search of some of British Columbia’s most iconic species. From epic seasonal migrations, to some of the world’s most vulnerable animal populations, we will take a look at some of the more diminutive species that fuel these unique coastal communities and discuss a few of the conservation challenges that lie ahead for these fragile ecosystems.

Keep up to date with everything that is going at the Museum throughout January, visit www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk

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Chocolate Roulade with Brandy Cream Filling Contributed by Annabella Lai-Burke In Linda Donaldson’s absence Serves 8 -10 Preparation time 35-45 mins Cooking time 20-25 mins

Ingredients For the cake A little butter for greasing tray 6 eggs, separated 200g caster sugar 50g cocoa powder, plus plenty for dusting A little icing sugar for dusting For the filling 150g dark chocolate (preferably 70% cocoa solids) plus extra for squiggling 250ml brandy double cream or double cream with 2 tbsp of brandy added 50g icing sugar Preheat the oven to 180C, 350F or Gas 4 and line a 30 x 20 x 5cm high-side baking tray with greaseproof paper, then butter the greaseproof paper.

Whisk the egg yolks and all but 1 tbsp of caster sugar until pale, then sift in cocoa powder.

In a spare bowl, whisk the egg whites and, once fluffy, add the last tbsp of caster sugar and whisk again until firm.

Fold the whites into the cocoa base in 3 stages: the first will loosen the mixture, the second will lighten it further and the third will make it airy. Be careful not to overwork the mix and knock out the air.

Tip the mixture evenly into a prepared tray and bake for 20-22 mins until cooked and still springy. Meanwhile tear off a second sheet of greaseproof paper, about 5cm bigger than the sponge, and dust it lightly with cocoa powder and icing sugar.

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Cool the cake in the tray for 6-8mins and turn the cake out onto the dusted greaseproof paper. Peel the old greaseproof paper off the sponge. Position the cake with one of its long sides closest to you and fold the border of the paper over this long side and use it to help you to roll the cake up tightly, like a swiss roll. Leave it rolled up with paper while you make the filling.

Melt 130g of chocolate with 50ml of double cream in a bain-marie or microwave.

Whip the rest of the cream with icing sugar until smooth but firm. Unroll the sponge and spread the chocolate mixture on the sponge leaving a gap of about 2cm at both short ends.

Once the chocolate layer is completely cool, cover it with the whipped cream, making sure the gap is not covered. Using the greaseproof paper again to guide you, roll it up and remove the paper. Don’t worry if there are cracks.

Once completed, dust the whole roll with a copious amount of cocoa powder and, finally, melt the remaining chocolate and squiggle it on top.

Milk chocolate can be used instead of dark chocolate if preferred.

From the Registers Baptisms: Henry Christian – 20 October 2019 Charles Chudley – 17 November 2019

Funerals: Anthony Benson – 10 October 2019

Responsibility for opinions and accuracy in statements expressed in articles and in advertisements in this magazine rests solely with the individual contributors

39

Please send us your items for the February / March 2020 issue of the magazine by Tuesday, January 14th.

By email to : office@haslemereparish.org Or to The Link Magazine c/o St Bartholomew’s Church Office, Derby Road, Haslemere, GU27 1BP, Tel. 01428 644578

Cards for Good Causes Thursday 17th October through to Saturday 14th December & Sunday 1st December Haslemere Cards for Good Causes is a multi-charity Christmas card shop selling cards (many with a religious theme) on behalf of 30 national and local charities. Charities include GUTS, Phyllis Tuckwell and the Fountain Centre.

Helped by the support of local volunteers we are able to give a very high return to these charities.

Venue: Haslemere Educational Museum Time: Monday - Saturday, 10am - 4.30pm Sunday 1 December, 11am - 4pm Contact: 01428 642112

Venite Adoremus 40

The Merry Harriers , Hambledon Road, GU8 4DR 01428 682883 enquiries@merryharriers.com

Opening times: Monday: 17:30—23:00 Tuesday—Saturday: 11:30— 23:00 Sunday: 12:00—20:00

41

Bluebells Cancer Support Centre at Harry Edwards Healing Sanctuary Burrows Lea, Hook Lane, Shere, GU5 9AL Bluebells is a friendly, sharing group for anyone affected by cancer.

We laugh a lot, cry a little, share experiences and support each other.

Do come along one Thursday to see for yourself!

We meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 11am— 1pm ending with a relaxation session.

We like to keep in touch and know how you are at other times too, so please feel free to contact Carolyn Low on 01483 203540 or email Carolyn.graeme@hotmail.co.uk

ROBERT MOODIE Master upholsterer Since 1973

If you would like to advertise with us please contact

Is your sofa or perhaps your favourite chair In need of a little loving care?

Don’t push it aside or take to the ‘tip’ Just give us a ring and we’ll mend it.

Geoff Martin on

Loose covers or fitted, or down to the frame We will restore it, elaborate or plain Fabrics and braids for us to enhance Our craftsmanship’s shown if given the chance.

01429 641907 or email:

Specialists in re-upholstery & loose covers

martin_g6@sky.com

The Old Milking Parlour, Mellow Farm Dockenfield.

01428 712886 hello@arfordupholstery.co.uk 42

Issue 1: Dec 2018

Sunday Sunday Services Services At St Bartholomew’s & St Christopher’s 1 Dec Advent Sunday

5 Jan The Epiphany

08.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Parish Eucharist | St Bartholomew’s 18.00 Darkness to Light Advent Carol Service | St Bartholomew’s

08.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Parish Eucharist | St Bartholomew’s

12 Jan Baptism of Christ 08.00 10.00 11.30 16.00

8 Dec Advent 2 08.00 10.00 11.30 16.00

Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s Parish Eucharist | St Christopher’s Matins | St Bartholomew’s Families@4 | St Bartholomew’s

19 Jan Epiphany 3

15 Dec Advent 3 08.00 10.00 16.00 18.00

08.00 Holy Communion, St Christopher’s 10.00 All Age | St Bartholomew’s 11.30 Praying on Sunday | St Christopher’s

Holy Communion, St Christopher’s All Age | St Bartholomew’s Carol Service | St Christopher’s Carol Service | St Bartholomew’s

26 Jan Epiphany 4 08.00 Holy Communion, St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Parish Eucharist | St Christopher’s 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s

22 Dec Advent 4 08.00 Holy Communion, St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Parish Eucharist | St Christopher’s

Christmas Services

haslemereparish.org

Tuesday 24 & Wednesday 25 Dec - listed separately

29 Dec 1st Sunday of Christmas 08.00 Holy Communion | All Saints 10.00 United Benefice Service | St Christopher’s

Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s Parish Eucharist | St Christopher’s Matins | St Bartholomew’s Families@4 | St Bartholomew’s

FOR CHILDREN Sunday School meets during the 10am Parish Eucharist In the Link on 1st Sundays at St Bartholomew’s In St Christopher’s Lady Chapel on 4th Sundays Children leave the service after the welcome, and return for communion.

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Join us for Christmas Carol Services on Sunday 15 December 4pm St Christopher’s | 6pm St Bartholomew’s

Christmas Eve 11am Crib Service | St Christopher’s (all welcome, especially under 5s)

3pm & 4:30pm Nativity & Christingle |

St Bartholomew’s (2 opportunities to join in with our Nativity Service, collection in aid of the Children’s Society)

11:30pm Midnight Communion | St Bartholomew’s

Christmas Day Family Communion 9:30am St Bartholomew’s | 11am St Christopher’s 44