Haslemere Parish Contacts
Rector: Rev Chris Bessant 01428 658107
rector@haslemereparish.org
Assc. Minister: Rev Justin 01428 608881
Manley-Cooper revjustin@haslemereparish.org
Verger: St Bartholomew’s
Carol Skeates 01428 642662
Parish Office
The Link, Derby Road 01428 644578
Haslemere GU27 1BS
Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 9am-3pm office@haslemereparish.org www.haslemereparish.org
Parish Administrator, Electoral Roll Officer and Link Bookings:
Kari Hayden
Contact Parish Office see above.
Safeguarding Officer
Kari Hayden
07762 737309
Safeguarding@haslemereparish.org
Church Wardens
Howard Body
07900 914155
Gareth David 01428 643617
Deputy Warden
David Simmons 01428 644826
LLM (Reader)
Peter Sellars
midsummer4peter@gmail.com
Director of Music & Organist
Clive Osgood 07747 785940
Older Children’s Worker
Verity Sutherland children@haslemereparish.org
Children & Families Worker
Victoria Martin families@haslemereparish.org
First Steps
Mondays in St Christopher’s
0-5 Year Olds
Sophie Bessant & Victoria Martin families@haslemereparish.org
Treasurer
Andrew Culshaw: 07889 855239
Gift Aid Secretary
Geoff Martin 01428 641907
PCC Secretary
Katie Morgan 07794 149111 secretary@haslemereparish.org
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.
Please recycle this magazine when you have read it - either by putting it into a paper recycling bin or, better still, by passing it onto a friend.
Bell-ringers
Paul Bagshaw 01428 656129
Friends of the Parish
Chris Lemar 01428 651435
Flowers
St Bartholomew’s
Sarah Mulliner 01428 643504
St Christopher’s
Frances Reincke 01428 607206
Church Care Group
Roscelin Rees 01428 651561
Churchyards
Philip Hunt 01428 644120
Pastoral Visitors
Church Office 01428 644578
Pastoral Assistants
Ruth Pattenden 01428 653033
Wendy Neate 01428 656320
Bereavement Visitors
Linda Donaldson 01428 644473
Sarah Mulliner 01428 643504
Wendy Neate 01428 656320
Mothers’Union Treasurer
Sue Davis 01428 661115
Bible Reading Fellowship Rep.
Sarah Mulliner 01428 643504
Magazine Secretary
Jane Slevin 07949 633979 office@haslemereparish.org
Magazine Advertisements Manager:
Geoff Martin 01428 641907
Wider Safeguarding Contacts:
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor is:
Jackie Broadfoot 07918 559387 jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk
Safe Spaces, an independent service supporting survivors of church-related abuse. Telephone: 0300 303 1056 Email safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk WebChat via the Safe Spaces website
For all emergencies call 999
The Single Point of Access (SPA)
Children and Adult Service social workers. Direct information, advice and guidance about where and how to find appropriate support for children and families:
Surrey 0300 470 9100 (children) cspa@surreycc.gov.uk (adult) acsmash@surreycc.gov.uk
Domestic Abuse
Surrey - YourSanctuary 01483 776822
24hr National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247
DeafHope (BSL) text: 07970 350366
Childline 0800 1111
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
NSPCC 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk
NSPCC Sign Video link nspcc.org.uk/aboutus/contact-us
Samaritans 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org
Modern Day Slavery Helpline
0800 0121 700
Mental Health Crisis Helpline
0300 5000 101
Open 5.00pm - 9.00am Monday to Friday 24 hours cover at weekends inc Bank
Holidays
SMS texting facility for people who are deaf or hard of hearing: 07717 989024
Stop it Now! 0808 1000 900 www.stopitnow.org.uk
Dear Friends
On several occasions in recent months, I’ve been involved with the process of interviewing candidates for new roles as local vicars. It’s a task which comes with the territory of being the Area Dean of Godalming. At the beginning of 2025 there are three vacancies for parish priests in my deanery - Godalming, Witley and Milford. From the initial point of a minister leaving or retiring, until the eventual arrival of a new person, can take quite a long time. It’s not unusual for vacancies to last more than a year. What I describe as ‘process’ is actually a very spiritual season where much care is taken by the parish and senior officials of the diocese, to discern God’s will for all concerned. As a parish priest I’ve been on the other side of the interviewing process numerous times myself.
Discerning and encouraging a call in people’s lives is the kind of work I dearly love. Spiritually, it feels like standing with God and looking into the future. I’m not overplaying it at all when I say that the work of appointments in church is when God’s will can be heard most clearly. Huge possibilities in direction can be realised in the parish when key leaders change. I’m in my sixth year in Haslemere Parish, and on plenty of occasions we ourselves have had to look to God to show us his chosen servants. In all cases it’s been wonderful to see the Holy Spirit at work. Happily, the good folk at All Saints Witley will be welcoming their new Vicar around Easter time, and I’ve no doubt that we shall soon hear God’s call for the parishes of Milford and Godalming.
January always brings my mind very much towards the journey of the year to come. We are blessed with so much talent as God works through the lives of so many people here in the parish. Just look at some of the amazing things which go on - sometimes new ideas and sometimes the continuation of what has been established for many years. Being the kind of person I am, there are numerous lists and plans on my desk as I write. How shall we achieve all this? Well, I don’t have all the answers but I know God does - that is the best way to be sure. Change is not something we should fear, even though at times it feels unknown or unstable. Most of all it needs people, indeed new people, but most especially God in the middle of it all.
Part of God’s wisdom in leadership, which I’m constantly learning myself, is not to over-manage when there is the temptation to do so. Being a guarantor of all things is a heavy burden to bear, with the eventual result of something breakingdown in the life of the leader. It’s a well-worn path to illness, experienced by too many rectors and vicars - in fact anyone who carries any responsibility. Another frequent fallacy amongst leaders is the wish to project a constant impression of invulnerability. Our pervasive culture of middle-England allows that to happen all too easily as we try to keep up appearances. When interviewing for new vicars I look for traits such as good self-understanding which keep temptations of indispensability firmly in check.
So, I go into the New Year, the early parts of 2025 with many hopes, some fears, but an openness to God that He will be the only guarantor we need. Everyone else (that’s me and you) is just doing their best in the tasks to which God has called us. Somehow altogether, it always seems to be enough to work out well. There will of course be plenty of opportunity to get involved in the ministry of the parish in new ways. So, if you find me tapping you on the shoulder, with an encouraging twinkle in my eye, then be sure that I’m searching for God working through your life. We can all make a huge difference.
Finally, it’s good to share important progress on the Link Community Hub project. You will find a project update article elsewhere in the magazine. Beginning very soon, I’ll be working with the various ministry groups of the Link and St Bart’s to discuss the effects on normal arrangements, and how we can adapt to the space and facilities available during the building work.
God bless you all, Rector Chris.
Our Church Opening Times:
St Bartholomew's is open for private prayer each day, from 9:00am until 4:00pm.
St Christopher's Church is open for private prayer on Tuesdays-Fridays from 10:00am until 4:00pm.
The above may be adjusted should there be other events taking place.
Anyone who has listened to the Bible in church, or read it for themselves, will appreciate how diverse and different it can all be. Across 66 books, there are many styles and genres of text. How these books became their current shape, and how they were transferred through history is a story all of its own.
For Lent 2025, Rector Chris and Revd Justin are going to host six evenings, with each session focussed upon one such kind of biblical genre. Across all the law and prophets, four gospels and many letters, the narrative and wisdom of the Bible is laid open to us, with some guidance to help read it and learn from it.
The course begins on Tuesday 11th March, and on each Tuesday until finishing on 15th April in Holy Week. We shall gather together in St Bartholomew’s, to both learn, pray and worship together.
There will also be guided reading to partner the course, for those who would like the chance to read and reflect at home.
Please keep a look-out on the parish website and the Sunday notes sheet for sign-up details 2-3 weeks before the course begins.
Rector Chris and Revd Justin
Children and Families
Christingle Services
Much fun was had on Christmas Eve, in St Bartholomew’s Church, during the two Christingle services. Around 500 people attended across the two services which was amazingthe church was buzzing!
To prepare the 275 Christingles and service packs, a wonderful team gathered in the Link, on Monday 23rd December. We set up two separate production lines, each full of keen workers, then once fuelled with coffee and mince pies the ‘pop up’ Christingle factory was ready to assemble and pack the Christingles and service packs.
On Christmas Eve, after a wonderful welcome from Rev Chris, the concept of Christingles was explained, along with the importance of the Children’s Society. A lively re-telling of the Nativity Story followed, at which point the children were asked to open their service packs and find out which character they would be playing in the Nativity Story. Each character had their own ‘line’ to shout out when they were mentioned in the story; for example if you were a King you needed to point upwards and shout ‘superstar’! An added element this year came in the guise of children volunteering to come out to the front and don a suitable headdress for their character and act as a character representative, thus spurring on everyone else. Interspersed between the action, many Christmas carols were enthusiastically sung by all.
After the fun of the Nativity Story the lights were turned down and the Christingles were lit. At that point we all held our oranges high and sang, ‘Away in a Manger’ together, which was a lovely ending to the Christingle Service.
Sunday Morning Families
Thank you to everyone involved in this service. It was a big team effort not least the handing out of the Christingles to all of the children, which was expertly managed as shown below.
During our November group we held a mini ‘Light Party’ teaching the children about how Jesus is the light of the world, bringing hope and light to even the darkest of places.
For our Christmas Special on Sunday 1st December, we talked about the meaning of Advent, including the lighting of the advent candles, as well as discussing what each part of a Christingle represents. This was followed by an array of crafts, the most notable being Karen’s superb pen
holders decorated with scenes from the Nativity. I believe that Rev Chris now has one of these pen pots proudly holding pens on his desk!
This group has now been running for two years. On Sunday 5th January our wonderful new Children’s and Families’ Worker, Karen Bardens, took up the reins for this group and I’m sure you’ll all join with me in wishing her every success. Our faithful group of parent volunteers continue to help regularly at this group for which I am extremely grateful, as are the children.
First Steps Christmas Party
On Monday 16th December, after our usual hour of playtime, St Christopher’s Church was transported to Bethlehem as we retold the Nativity Story using the
wonderful knitted figures and stable scene. Each child was given a different figure and asked to bring their figure up and place it in the stable scene at the appropriate point in the story. After Circle Time we all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas party together - parents and carers had each generously brought along a plate (or in some cases many plates!) of food to share which made up quite a feast.
We then took a break, returning on Monday the 6th January when we started back with our annual session on Epiphany - I especially look forward to this session as a number of the First Steps ladies dress up as Magi! A big thank you to all First Steps helpers for your continued support and enthusiasm. Since September 24 we have also had a number of new volunteers joining the team. They have all settled in extremely well and are already invaluable members of our First Steps crew.
Written by Victoria Martin - photos by Verity Sutherland
A musical start to Christmas Celebrations from The Hunter Centre
St. Christopher’s Church in Haslemere was at capacity on Thursday 5th December for The Hunter Centre’s annual Christmas Celebration held in aid of their work supporting those living with dementia.
The congregation was treated to a magnificent programme of sacred and secular music as well as some seasonal poetry.
To start the proceedings, Joanna Chapman sang the opening verse of Once in Royal David’s City beautifully and later joined the rest of the Junior Choir from St. Bartholomew’s Church in spirited singing of songs from ‘Home Alone’. The Hindhead Music Centre Children’s String Orchestra impressed us all with arrangements of Vivaldi and Mozart including wonderful solos on cello and violin from Eliska Hartmann and Alec Lindsay respectively and the orchestra rounded off their performance on a Christmassy note with Jingle Bells. The Winterbourne Singers, regular supporters of The Hunter Centre’s Christmas
Concert, once again pulled out all the stops with a marvellous and varied selection from Justitiae Domini to Rockin’ Robin. The congregation was in particularly fine and strong voice too for the carols accompanied by organist and choirmaster Clive Osgood, allowing us all to enjoy the amazing acoustics of St Christopher’s church. We heard joyful Christmas readings from one of the charity’s Ambassadors Margaret Barlow and supporter Amanda Townsend read us the poignant poem about dementia ‘Two Mothers Remembered’ reminding us why we were all there.
Rev. Chris Bessant closed out the service with a blessing and thanks and appreciation were then delivered by The Hunter Centre’s recently appointed Patron Greg Stafford MP. Rounding off the evening Mayor Oliver Leach delivered a personal and moving story about his Nan, again reminding us all about those who live with dementia.
Before heading off into the somewhat stormy evening, everyone enjoyed catching up over mulled wine and mince pies.
The Hunter Centre would like to thank each and every person who supported the evening which raised over £1000.
THE ISLAND OF LINDISFARNE AND ST CUTHBERT
(Feast Day 20th March)
A HOLIDAY OR POTENTIAL PILGRIMAGE
This time of year, we tend to think about holidays and plans for the summer. I would recommend the Island of Lindisfarne on the Northumberland coast, representing a spiritual holiday unique in the UK for refreshment and an opportunity to commune with the natural world. It is located about eight miles south of Berwick on Tweed. There is an abbey, a castle and an interesting village on the island. It is possible to escape modern life in a few days of rest, visiting in an atmosphere of relaxation and enquiring about our early Christian heritage. The entry is by a causeway to the shore at low tide, and can be crossed during the six hour periods between tides.
Cuthbert was born around 633-635 near Lauderdale in the Scottish Borders. When he was about 16, he was looking after sheep in the hills and saw a vision of angels guiding a shining soul to heaven. He later learned that this happened at the exact moment that Aidan, Bishop of Lindisfarne (Holy Island), died. Cuthbert realised this was a sign from God and decided to become a monk. Cuthbert travelled around Northumbria preaching and became known for miracles of healing. He spent his days working and his nights at prayer, and his reputation as a holy man grew. In 664 Cuthbert was made Prior of the monastery on Lindisfarne.
According to David Cole in his book ‘40 Days with the Celtic Saints’ (BRF 2017), although he was a man of action and mission, he desired the quiet stillness of contemplative time with God. He built a small cell on the nearby Farne Islands a few miles down the coast. The locals said he would have to engage in spiritual warfare with demons, which he did, and soon the islands were clear of all spiritual influences other than God. Cuthbert was also famed for preaching and miracle working.
St Cuthbert was buried on the island of Lindisfarne when he died in 687. In the 9th century, a new resting place for St Cuthbert was needed, following the threat of Viking invasion. Legend has it, whilst the community were looking for a new home for the relics of St Cuthbert, the cart bearing his coffin became stuck in the ground. Cuthbert came to a monk in a dream, telling him to take them to Dun Holm. The wheels of the cart suddenly became unstuck, and Cuthbert has since remained on the Durham peninsula.
In late 1539, King Henry VIII's commissioners were ordered to dismantle Cuthbert’s shrine. The space was stripped of old gold, silver, and jewels, and was levelled to the ground. The commissioners uncovered Cuthbert’s coffin, and found not dust and bones, but an unconsumed body in priestly vestments. Taking this as a sign of Cuthbert’s holiness, the grave was reinterred. In 1827, Cuthbert’s grave was opened up once again, and some of the precious artefacts were removed. These are the Treasures of St Cuthbert, which are on display today in the Cathedral Museum.
A Prayer for a St Cuthbert pilgrimage (or even a Lent course based on David Cole’s book)
In true faith may we remain; in Jesus may we find hope; against exploitation of the poor may we help. Against our faults may we fight, our bad habits abandon; the name of our neighbour may we defend.
In the work of mercy may we advance; those in misery may we help; every danger of sin may we avoid.
In holy charity may we grow strong; may we deserve the help of the saints, the friendship of our brother Cuthbert win.
Amen Peter Sellars
Useful websites
www.visitlindisfarne.com for details of attractions and accommodation on the Holy Island.
https://visitlindisfarne.com/listings/lindisfarne-shopping/lindisfarne-scriptorium/ www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/lindisfarne-priory/ for the priory and museum
www.durhamcatherral.co.uk for details of the shrine and visitor facilities. https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/ncldd-delta-hotels-durham-royalcounty/overview/ for a comfortable stay with parking for Cathedral.
The Parish in Pictures
Justin made a very fine Father Christmas for the Montessori Christmas service
Photo credit Verity
Sutherland & Carol Skeates
The Haslemere Christmas market was wet again this year but our spirits weren’t dampened!
Photo Credit– Sophie Bessant
The Christmas carol service at St Christopher’s was well supported, with standing room only at the back!
Photo credit– Kari Hayden
St Bartholomew’s Choir singing carols at the Haslemere Hospital, men’s and women’s wards.
Photo credit - Clive Osgood.
VE Day Preparations
Richard Reincke
After the huge success of the D Day commemorations, just as we thought we could give our creative juices a rest and draw breath, it was time to think about the 80th anniversary of VE day.
Enter stage left Community Ken and all his enthusiasm and energy. The plan. The wonderful poppy cascades which were originally used to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and were up on the tower for a considerable time (and were re-hoisted to commemorate all the Remembrance Sundays since and of course D Day last year) the poppies were going rather pink and faded. We therefore decided we would put them into honourable and well deserved retirement. As the giant poppy wreath inside the church has been such a success we decided that it was time to make two more for the outside of the church.
Thanks to the efforts of Jim Edwards of Royal British Legion fame, he has persuaded Coomers to donate the hardwood ply for this project which is wonderful and Paul Mills of Prestwick Farm, best known for providing Christmas turkeys, has offered his workshop and his attendant skills – currently slightly limited by his having one arm in a sling - to help and supervise the making the new wreaths.
Ken’s characteristic dynamism has meant that 11 local schools have agreed to make up to 2,000 more poppies which will be fixed to the two new wreaths before being hoisted up onto the tower. There will also be an 8ft cross, which will be constructed by our esteemed rector Chris, and onto which schools, parishioners and the whole community will be given the opportunity to pin a poppy in St Christopher’s churchyard before it is moved up to Lion Green which is the main focal point in Haslemere on 10th May this year.
So you guessed! We will be looking for volunteers to fix the poppies onto the new wreaths. These should be ready in early March. We will be removing many of the old poppies from the nets and the schools will use the recycled buttons from these to make the new poppies.
Spotlight on … Lucy Manley–Cooper
Growing up in a religious family, attempting to become a successful ballerina, raising a family in New York, and supporting husband Justin in his faith journey are key facets in the life of Lucy Manley-Cooper
By Gareth David
Early life
“I was born in Exeter to a very Catholic family, as one of six children. I had a perfectly lovely childhood that was dominated by religion. My father, Donald Hay, ran a church supplies business. He converted to Catholicism in his late teens therefore was frightfully keen on it. We were all sent to convents. When not at school and around the kitchen table religion was endlessly chatted about.
“Faith has popped in and out of my life, now obviously in! Through home and my father’s shop, which we all worked in, and were definitely paid less than the minimum wage, we met a complete variety of people, from Monseigneurs to the local homeless. It gave me a sense that we all deserve kindness, to give is as good as to receive.
Ballet and anorexia
“In my teenage years I became obsessed by ballet dancing and probably didn’t think about faith at that time. But then I got the inevitable ballerina’s disease, anorexia, and was hospitalised at the age of 15, thankfully not put into the local mentally vulnerable home.
“I’m completely over it now but it was a massive thing at the time and my parents were very aware of a problem that was only just being recognised by the medical profession. I was never force fed, but was kept in hospital until I reached a weight of six stone. In a way it worked, because I was never sent back to hospital again.
“I was then sent to a mediocre ballet school in Marylebone High Street at the age of 17, where everybody loved you being thin. I was there for two and a half years and realised that I was good, but not that good, and was one of the great many who would never make it. I am eternally grateful that my parents let me try, but have no regrets at not making it.
Life and love in London
“For my first year in London I lived in a hostel run by Catholic nuns in Bolton Gardens and then moved out to live with friends. Once I left ballet school, in my early 20s I completely closed the chapter on theatre, ballet and dance. I found it easier to just ignore, that I was no longer going to be part of that world. I had spent years trying to be this great ballerina and then suddenly had to accept that I was not getting anywhere.
“I then went to work for a company called Sacha Shoes in its mail order division. This was a fashionable brand in the 1980s, I was in the buying department, based in South Molton Street. I had a fun few years in the footwear world, thinking footwear was the most important thing in the world!
“Then at the age of 23 I bumped into Justin (also aged 23) at a restaurant called Borshtch n Tears in Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge. We quickly became involved and worked hard as well as playing hard, a very typical lifestyle of the 80’s. We got married at 26 (in 1986) and moved to East Sheen, where I carried on working while Justin was working for Morgan Grenfell.
A move to New York
“The next big moment in my life was when Justin switched from fund management to stockbroking and was posted to New York in 1988. We were given a lovely flat just behind Bloomingdale’s and it was a remarkably exciting time. What I had not taken on board was that I didn’t know anybody in New York, I was not allowed a working visa, I didn’t have a baby, and Justin was working flat out.
“So I had a bit of a tricky time, because it was quite lonely at first. But in 1989 I had baby (Lydia) in Manhattan and it was fabulous. Despite what people in England had told me, it was the perfect place to have a baby, because you walked everywhere, and could order in food and have dry cleaning delivered. Having had one baby, I then had another (Isabelle) because it was so easy!
“We did three years in New York then returned to England for 18 months. But then Justin was sent out to New York again, because the firm could not get anyone else to go there. By this time we had three children (the two girls plus Henry) and that is when we started going to church.
Home again, Haslemere and the church
“After another three years in New York we returned to East Sheen and then moved to Haslemere in 1998 and have been in the same house ever since. We could not afford to buy a house in Barnes, my dream place, so did the inevitable trip down the A3.
“We both liked Haslemere, and I was mainly focused on bringing up children, while Justin was travelling to London on the 06.09 every day. This is when Justin started considering faith more seriously. It was on Christmas Day at St Christopher’s, 2003, that Justin had a light bulb moment. He suddenly realised that he should try for ordination.
“He tried to begin the training in 2004 but found it too much, so opted out, then opted in many years later. We had to go through various interviews, people would come to the house and discuss whether I felt comfortable with faith, was Justin ready for it and did I feel embarrassed by it? Coming from a family dominated by faith I had no problem talking about it!
“The children grew up and I did reflexology for ten years, but my life has been based largely around the family. Now Justin has been ordained it is family and the church. As Justin has become more involved in the church it has been nothing but a bonus for me - I don’t feel I am working for the Parish, just that I have met people who are friends. I see it as an inclusive way of life, rather than saying I am supporting Justin and the church.
A growing family
“Lydia (aged 35) has two girls, works in the press department at the Home Office and is just returning to work after maternity leave. Isabelle (33) is a teacher living at Kelso in the Scottish Borders and also has two children (one girl and one boy) while Henry (30) is working in property finance in London and is single, but seems happy and plays a lot of golf and tennis.”
Churchyard Jottings
At a quiet time of the year in the gardening calendar, one could be forgiven for suggesting that there must be nothing to report regarding activity in the churchyards. But how wrong one can be! Although there are no working parties planned as yet, they will resume in the Spring, so please check on the weekly news sheet for details - probably towards the end of March.
Before then, however, winter weather has not stopped Peter Clarke from embarking on an intriguing project in Derby Road churchyard. Working along the western boundary, bordering St Bartholomew’s Primary School, Peter is constructing a ‘Southern Counties’ style hedge in the traditional manner. Keeping this ancient craft alive has been something that volunteers from the Wey & Arun Canal Trust have been doing since 2002. Peter has honed his own skills on a section of hedge along the canal at Loxwood (see Peter’s photo – his section is at the end). The craft differs slightly from region to region to accommodate climate variations, the variety of trees and shrubs and different farming practices. The technique involves first removing brambles and excess growth. Stems (or pleaches) are then cut towards ground level and arched over at an angle of 60 degrees. This is to encourage new shoots to grow straight upwards. The pleaching is finished by weaving it in and out of hazel stakes with the help of binders.
Peter made a start to this work in the churchyard at the turn of the year and hopes to carry on, as time permits, until the end of February. The end result will hopefully be a line which the eye can follow and the aim is to create a healthy habitat, providing both food and a refuge for wildlife.
Philip Hunt
Peter should be congratulated for his initiative in undertaking this work and it should be a considerable improvement on the current, rather untidy boundary. Two photos taken by Peter show the work that has been carried out so far. The hazel stakes have yet to be sourced along with the binders.
The other good news concerns the restoration of the grave of the Revd Sanders Etheridge, which has been referred to on and off in this column seemingly for ever.
In the last issue, I explained that the Celtic cross had been finished and all cut by hand by the stonemason. At that stage the inscription was yet to be added. I have now been sent a photo of the finished cross (see right) which I hope all will agree is a credit to the stonemason. When installed in the main churchyard, I hope it will serve as a fitting memorial to a former Rector of this Parish and one who was key to the rebuilding of the church in 1870/71. Our sincere thanks must go to the Friends of the Parish who are funding this work. I hope to be able to report in more detail in the next issue.
I have constantly highlighted the general condition of Derby Road churchyard for quite some time. Everyone is agreed that it has to be ‘reclaimed’ in order to provide access to graves, manage growth and generally improve its appearance. I am pleased to report that a contractor has been appointed to carry out some major clearance work and to concentrate, in particular, on our priority areas. This work is likely to take place at the end of January. Ideally, a plan for ongoing maintenance needs to be drawn up in conjunction with Waverley Borough Council. The last meeting with WBC took place on 12th November when some of this was discussed. A further meeting will be scheduled for March or early April.
Church Youth Groups
Happy New Year from us all at The Den and Summit!
Last term was very exciting, and we had some memorable sessions.
For the Christmas Window competition The Den was allocated the Laundry Assistant shop in Weyhill. Before we got going with our creations, we discussed Advent and talked about Christmas traditions. Yasmin told us about Jesse Trees, which are a very old Christmas tradition beginning in medieval times. They are used to help tell the story of the Bible from the Creation to the Christmas Story. The name comes from Jesse who was the father of the great Jewish King David. We at The Den decided to create our own Jesse Tree Advent Calendar for the Window Display which included a hand painted wooden tree and clay decorations telling stories from the Bible.
For the final get together of the year we had a Christmasthemed progressive supper like the one we had at Harvest in 2023. We divided the children into three groups, and they took turns visiting the homes of three hosts on Haslemere High Street. At each house they either received a starter, main or dessert but not necessarily in the normal order! At Katie Morgan’s home they received a starter and played a festive-themed version of Pictionary and 60 Seconds.
At Cathy Moore’s, they had to sing a Christmas Carol at the door before being let inside where they received their main - pigs in blankets in rolls and veg. Here they pulled crackers with hats, jokes and fun glasses inside and each had part of the nativity story they had to piece together and read. The children also enjoyed a quick game of blindfolded nativity scene drawing, which was fun. At Anna Gribbin’s home they were treated to homemade mince pies and gingerbread men for dessert. They also made a gift to keep or give to someone else and played a three wise men toilet roll race game. It was a wonderful end to 2024 and was enjoyed by all! Thank you to the hosts and volunteers.
Summit also had a successful term ending with two very special events. One session was mainly focused on helping the young people prepare for their take-over service on Advent Sunday. Before the prepping began, they enjoyed making their own pizzas, complete with a range of toppings. Just like the pizzas, there are some base elements that go into our church services but there are also elements like the toppings that they can be a part of choosing and making their own, e.g. the sermon and intercession prayers. We suggested roles for each of them to prepare for and then broke into smaller groups depending on what they were doing for the service. Some members of the church were allocated to these groups to support and guide them (Rev. Chris, Jane Slevin, Cathy Moore, Robert Fox and David Simmons). David kindly recorded the rehearsals so that the young people could watch themselves back at the end which they enjoyed.
On Advent Sunday, Summit undertook their ‘take-over’ service and did a great job. Tilly and Lucy delivered the sermon, Maclaren and Anna read the intercession prayers and Anna also read the Advent prayer with Maclaren handling the offering.
Phoebe and Yasmin were acolytes and led the service with Rev Chris, and Jessica and Felix did the readings, elements and were the welcoming party as the congregation arrived.
The term ended on a real high with the Advent Sleep Out Challenge, a fundraising event where they slept outside for the night to raise awareness and funds for the homeless. An amazing £1626 (over three times the original target) was raised for the Church Urban Fund who together with their partners, support people experiencing homelessness. Before any attempts at sleeping were made, the group got involved with some fun activities in and outside the church. There were crafts that focused on light and hope, such as night-light jar decorating, Christingle and gift making. Over pizza (most of which was kindly donated by Ask in Haslemere) we watched a video about the Church Urban Fund Advent Sleepout and discussed the trials of people facing homelessness and the shockingly high numbers of people in this situation across the UK. The young people were challenged to help film a video about their experience over the sleep out, followed by some silly games. Next shelters were enthusiastically constructed from cardboard boxes. With their shelters ready and under the marquee there was time for marshmallow-toasting and a game of ‘Where’s Wally?’ outside, with Justin playing Wally, being appropriately dressed in a red and white ski suit! Before settling down for bed they watched the film Elf and warmed up with hot soup. At long last they headed outside, got into their cardboard shelters and were tucked up ready for bed, even though actual sleep didn’t really happen before 11:30pm. It was bitterly cold and wet (thank goodness for the marquee!) but they made it through the night and the leaders took turns on watch. The leaders didn’t get much sleep, and Chris even
began the night trying to sleep outside the marquee but got rained on! The next morning Robert Fox and Cathy Moore kindly made everyone a warm breakfast. The members of Summit all agreed it was a very cold night, but it had made them think about how hard it would be for people experiencing homelessness to do that all the time. Overall, they really enjoyed the experience and are keen to do it again next year! You can watch the film about their experience here:
https://www.haslemereparish.org/Groups/432419/Advent_Sleepout_Challenge.aspx
Massive thanks to Sue Davis, Lucy Manley-Cooper, Lara Butler, Bryony Atkinson, Rev. Justin, Rev. Chris, Robert Fox and Cathy Moore for their help during the event and everyone who assisted getting the marquee up and down again, and to all who donated!
Both groups have an action-packed line up for the New Year which we will report on in due course.
& Verity
For more details of The Den and Summit contact: Verity Sutherland, Children & Families Worker (Older Children) Email: Children@haslemereparish.org
Wonderful Church Bulletins
These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:
For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
Next Thursday there will be try outs for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24th in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
Sue
Photos by Verity
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be ‘What Is Hell?’ Come early and listen to our choir practice.
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some of the older ones.
Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
Past and Present Ray’s Picture
Jane Slevin
This water colour was given to Ray Harris many years ago.
We remember Ray very fondly, a man never short of conversation and stories. He was also the editor of our Parish Magazine in his day. At which time he was given the above painting.
Linda is now needing to find a home for this picture and wondered if anyone would like to have it.
Unfortunately it isn’t dated and it would need a new frame. There is a similar picture on the cover of the history book of local churches, including Haslemere, written by Alan Bott, which is by Henry Petrie dated c1800.
If you are interested please contact Linda Harris by email: harrismeadway@aol.com
In My Garden
Philip Duly
I have always loved winter gardens, with or without snow. Ensuring your garden looks its best in winter is largely the result of the work you put in during the preceding autumn. The structure, shapes and proportions created by your late summer and autumn garden tidying will pay handsome dividends as you enjoy your garden, either on foot or from the warmth of the windows. By late January and certainly into February, the garden is already moving out of its short -lived winter dormancy. The garden will become very interesting by mid-February as the Snowdrops begin to reach their peak flowering. I have added a lot of Snowdrops in my garden over the past few years, mainly thanks to some generous friends, but also by dividing existing clumps. The great thing about Snowdrops is you cannot go wrong with their planting. They look good and will thrive almost anywhere, will provide long-lasting joy and will multiply over the years.
I have also become a big fan of Hellebores and have been busy adding different varieties to the garden. I adore them all so much that I have taken to giving them as Christmas giftswhen invited to lunches or parties in December I think they make a much more enduring present than bottles!
I also have a slowly expanding group of Crocus that are another favourite staple of the February garden. I find them a little less tolerant of any late snowfall or severe frost but their beautiful colours are a wonderful reminder that spring is very much on the way with my first February Gold Daffodils usually in flower just before the first of March.
The Link Community Hub
The last couple of months have involved the project team engaging with an enormous amount of detail around the design and the tender documents. We went out to tender before Christmas and as we write this in early January, contractors are planning to visit the site and will send their tender returns back in early February. We have 97% of the funding required (contingent on the tender returns coming in close to the cost plan). By the middle of this year we expect builders to be on site. All of this activity has been underpinned by prayer and we know and are very grateful that so many in the Parish have been and are continuing to hold the project and those involved in the project in their prayers as well as raising money in so many ways.
We have some new drawings and architects’ impressions which show the building as it will be. There will be a new entrance from the car park on Derby Road with an accessible lift and a light welcoming entrance porch into the building.
The lobby includes a WC and to one side there is a large open hall and to the other the Parish office with space for hot desking and a drinks station.
The kitchen will have a hatch into the main room and access from the car park for deliveries. The link from the Church will have a more attractive pitched roof and an interesting door into the Hub. The entrance will open into a lobby with the toilets to one side, a staircase up to the first floor, an opening into the main hall, some seating and access to the lift to the first floor which will sit in front of the double height choir vestry.
Upstairs, there is another WC, more seating for those waiting for counselling or advice in the upstairs rooms and a door into a second large hall. Off this there are three small soundproofed rooms, and two store rooms. The hall itself has a drinks station and benches around the edge.
Whilst the external appearance will be quite similar, the space inside will be transformed into a versatile and welcoming space for Church, charities, community groups and individuals looked for affordable space. 2025 will be an exciting year. Andrew, Cathy and Debbie
Electoral Roll
As you may be aware, the Electoral Roll is completely renewed every 6 years and the next new roll is due in 2025. This means that everyone is removed from the electoral roll and must re-join. The process of removing everyone from the list will begin soon.
To re-join the electoral roll, a new form must be filled out for every person wishing to join, even if they have been on the electoral roll previously. These forms will be available two months before the APCM online, within the churches and from the Parish office.
There is no need to do anything yet. Notices will be given out within the services and in the newsletter when it is time to re-join.
Kari Hayden Electoral Roll Officer
Flower Festival at St Christopher’s Church
June 12th – 15th Frances Reincke
Some of you may remember the last Flower Festival at St Christopher’s in 2018. We are delighted to announce that we are putting on another one in June of this year.
This time all the proceeds will go towards the Link Project and as such, each arrangement will illustrate poems on Courage, Wisdom and Spirit which we feel reflect the use of the new Link by Crossways Counselling, the CAB and the Church.
This time the festival will be as sustainable as possible; no floral foam will be used and we aim to source the majority of the flowers and greenery from local gardens and flower farms.
Churches, community groups and florists from all over Haslemere will be coming together to decorate the Church and it will be open to the public from Thursday 12th June until Sunday 15th June and of course there will be a café too.
Do please put the dates in your diary and if you would like to join in or know more then please contact either Sarah Mulliner on 01428 4643504 or Frances Reincke on 01428 607206.
Postcard to the Parish
Greetings From Lapland
It’s honestly difficult to find the words to describe how magical our trip to Lapland was. It started with letters for the children from Santa inviting them to visit him. Once they realised that it meant getting on a plane and travelling over to Finland and then getting on what the elves call a metal reindeer (coach) to travel across the Arctic circle and into Lapland, the excitement was incredible. Even when we had to get up at 4am to get to the airport, the excitement level never dipped!
The plane was full of children going to visit Santa and the staff made the flight loads of fun with songs and games for everyone to join in. If you’re looking to get away with not joining in, then this is not the holiday for you. All the adults are expected to participate as I learnt when an elf caught me chatting to someone and made me do a snow angel as a forfeit!
Once we were there, we settled into our cabin and then went off for dinner followed by an early night ready for a full day of searching for Santa the next day.
We started our first full day with an early morning (or it felt early as the sun didn’t rise until late) husky ride. We got to meet the puppies before being taken on a trek through the forest being pulled by huskies (and trusting Joe to steer!). This was absolutely magical and I think it was all of our favourite thing of the whole trip.
After that we went sledging with the elves, over to Santa’s post office and then to Mrs Claus’ bakehouse to help her decorate (and eat) cookies. But we didn’t find Santa!
The next day we started with an amazing sleigh ride pulled by Santa’s reindeer (not the A team - they were off training for the big day) and afterwards we got to feed some of the younger ones. Then we were taken to the middle of nowhere to meet a group of elves with Skidoos (or skidoo-bedoos as the elves called them) and we rode up into the woods where we found a beautiful cabin - would this be where we find Santa? YES!! We were invited in one family at a time to search the house and, after finding a hidden door behind a bookcase in Santa’s library, we finally found the big man himself! He greeted the children by name and sat down and talked to them about what they’ve been up to this year. The children were amazed he knew so much about them and that he had the letters they had written! He gave them both a present from their list and I shed a tear or two at how magical it all was.
After that it was party time. Santa’s special elves hosted a wonderful party with mulled wine or hot berry juice and played loads of games with the children before we sledged our way back to our cabin. Home time came far too soon and there were tears (from us all) when it was time to leave.
Love from,
The Hayden Family
Outward Giving
Giving to our wonderful local charities has been at the heart of our mission for many years. This year we will be changing how they will be supported, with a Charity of the Month being identified for each month. Please support these charities through the Donate button on the parish website, the link in the weekly newsletter or by leaving cash in the special baskets in church.
Haslemere Food Bank
(January and September)
Haslemere Food Bank, established in 2013, aims to support individuals and families facing food insecurity, particularly during the ongoing cost-of -living crisis. The charity provides emergency food and essential household supplies to those in need within the Haslemere area, ensuring that community members can access vital resources during challenging times.
Citizens Advice Waverley (February
and July)
Citizens Advice Waverley provides high-quality, impartial advice and advocacy to all community members facing various issues, such as housing, benefits, and employment. Their mission focuses on empowering individuals, addressing inequalities, and enhancing access to support for marginalised groups.
The Stroke Club
(March and August)
Haslemere Stroke Club is a welcoming community group that provides chair-bound physiotherapy sessions accompanied by live piano music. Participants enjoy tea, cake, and engaging social activities. The club aims to create a supportive atmosphere for stroke survivors and their carers.
Crossway Counselling
(April and October)
Crossways Counselling in Haslemere offers professional counselling services for individuals, couples, and young people facing various challenges, including anxiety and depression. With a team of qualified counsellors adhering to ethical standards, this local charity aims to provide a supportive environment for personal growth and emotional healing.
A Place to Be Youth Group
(May and November)
A Place to Be Youth Group in Haslemere focuses on creating a supportive environment for young people. It promotes friendship, personal development, and mental well-being through engaging activities. The group aims to empower youth, helping them build life skills while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
The Hunter Centre
(June and December)
The Hunter Centre in Haslemere is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals living with dementia and their families. It offers a safe, welcoming day care environment where clients engage in various activities designed to enhance well-being and reduce isolation.
Christmas Windows Competition
Well done to all the retailers who took part in our Christmas Window Competition this year. The standard was very high again and the judges, Rev. Chris Bessant, Rev. Fiona Gwynn, Lucy Radcliffe and town crier, Christian Ashdown, had a hard time choosing the winners.
This year we had a total of 19 local schools and youth groups joining in including local Beavers, Cubs, Rainbows and Brownies. They really helped to make the town look so beautiful and it really felt like a community destination over the festive period. Six of the schools joining in this year featured amongst the judges’ picks.
As I’m sure you already know the community vote was won by the Hair Chair, a very worthy winner but only justOlivers were incredibly close behind.
The most Festive was judged as R.T. Mechanics with the runner up being The Bakehouse and Undershaw School.
The most stylish winner was The Sewing Room, with Seymours and the Royal School in second spot.
Finally, the winners for the most complementary to the shops underlying business, went to Dylans followed by the Haslemere Railway Station.
There were also another five windows highly commended by the judges: Henry Adams and Camelsdale school, The Lion’s Den and Shottermill Junior, Little Locks and Shottermill Infants, Collingwood Bachelor and St. Bartholomew's and finally R Miles & Son.
Photo Credit– Gareth David, Kari Hayden, Justin Manley-Cooper & Frances Reincke
Removal of Leylandii from St Christopher’s Churchyard
Richard Reincke
Late last year it was decided that the leylandii on the eastern boundary of the St Christopher’s churchyard should be cut down as they served no purpose and prevented the view of the church from St Christopher’s Green and Weyhill. Following St Christopher’s committee and PCC approval the rector obtained a faculty from the archdeacon, and we were “good to go”. However, the trees had been allowed to grow too much and in doing so grew around the iron railings of the fence thus making it impossible to cut them down to the ground. Hence the stumps are about 7 – 8 feet tall. Those with creative minds please provide your ideas as what to do with these stumps!
This was a massive task as each tree having grown from being a small sapling to a large tree blocked the view of the whole church. The tree surgeons had the challenging task of using a cherry picker to allow the chief in charge of the chain saw to strip the trunk of its branches and then cut and lower the trunk in manageable sections by chain and rope. The whole project took three full days and disposing of all the wood involved the use of a large chipper. The yew tree was trimmed on the road side and the large beech has been given a short back and sides to placate the neighbours. This is a vast improvement as the southern aspect of St Christopher’s is clearly visible from Weyhill and St Christopher’s Green.
Book Review by Charlotte & Emily
We’re starting off 2025 with a non-fiction review for a change. As booksellers we try to read as broadly as possible, and we all have our areas of preference outside of fiction, for Sue it’s poetry and for Charlotte it’s art. Ever since I read a book called ‘Trespass’ by Nick Hayes a few years ago I’ve been very interested in the slightly niche genre of Natural History meets Current Affairs! ‘The Lie of the Land’ by Guy Shrubsole is a timely and thought-provoking look at land ownership in the UK and what it ultimately means for the countryside and the environment as a whole.
The book starts by exploring the horrific destruction of the River Lugg by John Price. Price was sentenced to 12 months in prison in 2023 for grand-scale vandalism including ripping out trees and taking gravel from the riverbed to create a horse exercise yard. Shrubsole moves from case-study to case-study, illustrating his message in a very concise way. I found the chapter on the historic pillaging and destruction of The Fens particularly eye opening. While I could bombard you with some of the shocking statistics (half of England is owned by less than 1% of its population and even our National Parks are made up of largely privately owned land) the real skill of this book is how it shines a spotlight on the people and places behind the numbers. There has been a long time assumption that the small group of elites that own huge swathes of the countryside have its best interests at heart. Guy Shrubsole proves time and time again that this is not the case. Intensive farming, major deforestation and polluting of fragile ecosystems have happened on their watch and often in pursuit of selfish gains.
The book does have some more hopeful moments. Shrubsole spends time with community groups who are working hard to reverse the damage, even though they often don’t own the land they are fighting to protect. The book also ends with a positive manifesto for what needs to change and leaves the reader feeling hopeful. This is a brilliant book that asks some difficult questions and a must read for anyone who cares for the countryside which we’re so lucky to be surrounded by in Haslemere. The Lie of the Land by Guy Shrubsole is available in hardback at £22 from The Haslemere Bookshop
Serves 3 - 4
Ingredients:
½ lb.sausages
1 large onion
2-3 carrots
tblsp. Tomato ketchup
tblsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tblsp. Golden syrup
Beef stock cube
Method:
Golden Sausages
Linda Donaldson
Preheat the oven to Fan 150 degrees or 170 degrees electric. Flour the sausages and put in casserole dish. Chop up a large onion and several carrots. Add to the casserole with the sausages. Add tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and Golden Syrup. Add salt and pepper. Pour over enough stock to cover. Cook for about 1½ hours.
Two Fundraisers for Haslemere Museum
www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk
Haslemere Museum has provided countless visitors, students, teachers and researchers with a deeper understanding of our world since 1888. Every year around 40,000 people come to the Museum, free of charge, to learn, to enjoy and to be inspired. Your support is essential in ensuring this continues. We are an independent registered charity responsible for raising all our own funds.
Please support our planned fundraising activities
Adopt a Pane
Haslemere Museum has launched a new appeal to help fund the maintenance of its listed Georgian building on Haslemere High Street. The Museum is asking supporters to adopt one of its window panes. There is a choice of windows at different prices and adopters will receive a picture showing where on the building their window is. If you would like to help, please visit the Museum's website where you'll be directed to the Adopt a Pane page. From there, you can select your window pane and pay online.
Skittles Evening
The Museum will also be holding a fundraising skittles evening on Friday 21st February at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to join in for a fun evening of indoor skittles at the Museum, with a bar for beer, wine and snacks. Tickets are £10 and all proceeds go to the Museum. Players can make up a team of six for the ‘serious’ skittles game and there’ll also be a chance to try bar skittles, bagatelle and shove ha’penny. You can find out more and book your tickets via the What’s On page of the Museum’s website at haslemeremuseum.co.uk.
KINGS WORLD TRUST FOR CHILDREN (INDIA)
PARENTS’ TALENT SHOW
ONE ROOF, ENDLESS TALENT
On November 16, 2024, Kings CBSE School proudly hosted a spectacular Talent Show, featuring the impressive skills and talents of our esteemed parents.
The show featured a diverse range of acts, including singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, cooking, painting & art. The participants displayed remarkable confidence and poise on stage. The program commenced with the welcome address by Dr Felix, Principal, Kings CBSE. An instrumental performance set the rhythm for the day.
The programme featured a wide range of talents, from singing and dancing to instrumental performances, culinary arts, and visual arts. The participants' confidence and stage presence were noteworthy. Our parents delighted the audience with their wonderful performances, featuring graceful dancing, melodious singing, and dramatic poetry presentations. The highlight of the program was the Principal's fantastic dance performance with his family, which got everyone on their feet cheering! Our energetic compering team kept the stage buzzing! Outstanding performers received prizes, with unique costumes.
We were honoured by the presence of Sir Navamani James, our Correspondent, and Mrs. Jaya Agnes, our Director, whose distinguished presence enhanced the grandeur of the show. The audience was deeply moved by the heartfelt feedback shared by the participants, who expressed their gratitude for the platform to showcase their hidden talents and abilities.
The Talent Show was a resounding success, celebrating the impressive creativity, passion, and dedication of our parents. We are deeply proud of each participant and look forward to future events that will continue to showcase their remarkable talents.
What a day to remember! Kings CBSE School's Parent’s Talent Show on November 16, 2024, was an unforgettable celebration of our parents' incredible talents!
KINGS SCHOOL OPENS NEW KINDERGARTEN BLOCK
Mr. Appavu, honourable Speaker of Tamilnadu inaugurated the New Kindergarten block at Kings School on 21st November.
The function was headed by Uncle Colin Wagstaff, Founder & Chairman of Kings Schools. Other dignitaries included Co-founder/Correspondent Mr Navamani, Mr. Appavu, Mrs Radha, President of Vallioor Panchayat Union Office, along with Trustees Dr. Bindhu & Dr. Kumara Murugan, Director Mrs. Jeya Agnes, Mr. Asan, Anaikulam Panchayat President, Trustee Mr. Rajendrasingh, Reporter Mr. Arivarasu, this distinguished group together did the lamp lighting.
Further, Mr. Navamani, Correspondent welcomed all the dignatories and in his welcome speech informed us how supportive Mr. Appavu has been to the school over the past 30 years, since the opening of Kings World Trust for Children.
Mrs. Chandra, Principal of Kings Matric School gave a special speech about the school activities and the hospitality given by the Management. Mr. Appavu in his speech to the audience informed that Kings School has not only been educating children but also supporting children below the poverty line to improve their
standard of life. Kings School follows a holistic education and he outlined how Kings School has been a firm pillar to many students in the area, motivating them in building up their career. He emphasized that the school has produced more than 20 doctors, pilots, Army officers, teachers and much more. Every individual student who has passed their journey through Kings School has gone on to succeed in their future. He also told us how the ‘New Kindergarten Block has been designed in such a way that it gives a feeling of being both in Tamil Nadu or some where abroad’. Every individual class has well furnished smart boards.
Mr. Appavu went on to tell us the top rank holder of the School in the Board exam was Nanda Arini who scored 498/500, this is also a student who studied under Scholarship and appreciated Mr. Navamani for his tireless work. He appreciated Uncle Colin for his work and Mr Navamani for his commitment and sincerity.
All the dignitaries were honoured by the Management and the vote of thanks was finally given by Mr. Pradap Felix, who thanked all the dignitaries, Parents, dedicated teachers and students for making the programme a great success. The programme came to an end with everyone standing and singing the National Anthem with pride.
Pearl Jubilee Celebration of KWTC
On Saturday, 23rd November 2024, Kings World Trust for Children celebrated their Pearl Jubilee with all the remarkable achievements over the past 30 years. This prestigious event packed a day full of memories with joy.
The day started with a welcome Classical dance, where the students performance was expressive and colourful in their classical costumes. This was followed with a celebration to enjoy the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Uncle Colin – Anne Marie by Uncle cutting a delicious cake, which falls on the same day.
First Steps is the place to be on a Monday morning!
Mr Rajendra Singh, Trustee, Mrs Jeya Agnes Daniel Trustee – Director of Kings School were also present and made the day more special. Mr Micheal Prakash, ex- Manager was also present. More than 200 members were present in the A K Hall to celebrate this special occasion. All the old trust students reunion was the highlight of the day. Uncle Colin shared his experiences on how it all began and also shared a few special moments through these ages that he had come through. Further, Mr Navamani, Co-Founder and Correspondent of Kings School further shared in detail about the 30 years of Journey of KWTC through a power point presentation where each photos had so many things to say and share. The pictures bought the old memories back to all students and foster mothers. This was followed by a fold dance, Western dance where the students performed with full energy and adding to this, the choir team gave a wonderful song. Ex-students –Charles, Venkatesh came forward to say about how they could support the students in addition to sharing their days at KWTC. Every individual student had so much to share and all were grateful to what they are today and how KWTC has changed their life to make them physiotherapists, Nursing Sisters, Teachers, Captain, Entrepreneurship, and much more.
There was a wonderful musical performance played by a team as well. The day came to an end with a delicious lunch and every student was gifted with a memento.
King’s World Trust for Children, 1 Stonehill Cottage, Wilsons Road, Headley Down, Hampshire GU35 8JE Tel: 01428 712365 Email: kwtc@haslemere.com
What’s on at Haslemere Museum
Birds in Focus – the Beauty of
24 January-15 March
Observation
In conjuction with the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, the Museum presents an exquisite exhibition of historic cased taxidermy birds, highlighting species found in local gardens and areas throughout the seasons. Discover various species, their habitats, and their survival or decline in the modern world. Entry by donation. Open Tue-Sat, 10am-4.30pm.
Paper Quilling Workshop
Tuesday 4 February, 7-9pm
Inspired by the Museum’s Birds in Focus exhibition, join artist Diana Burch at the Museum to create some bird-based pictures from thin strips of coiled paper. £15 – book via haslemeremuseum.co.uk/whatson
HNHS talk: Gardening for Wildlife
Saturday 8 February, 2.15pm
Haslemere Natural History Society talk. Michael Joseph will describe how to create and improve wildlife habitats in gardens to increase diversity and abundance. £4. Book via haslemeremuseum.co.uk/whatson
Magnificent Masks – Half term family activity
Tuesday 18 February, 10.30am-1.30pm.
Go along to the Museum with the children for a morning of mask making. Children £4 each and adults £1 each. Book via haslemeremuseum.co.uk/whatson
Magical Marbling – Half term children’s activity
Thursday 20 February, 10.30am-12pm
A Museum Explorers event for ages 5-11. Parents can stay but don’t have to. Be inspired by the Museum’s Geikie marbled boxes and make your own amazing patterns. £7 per child and £1 per adult. Book via haslemeremuseum.co.uk/ whatson
Family Skittles afternoon
Friday 21 February, 2-4pm
Go along to the Museum with the children to have a go at indoor skittles as well as traditional bar skittles, bagatelle and shove ha’penny games. £5 per person. Book via haslemeremuseum.co.uk/whatson
Fundraising Skittles Evening
Friday 21 February, 7pm
A fun evening of indoor skittles to raise funds for the Museum. Make up a team of 6 for the ‘serious’ skittles game, and try your hand at bar skittles, bagatelle and shove ha’penny too. With bar. £10 per person. Book via haslemeremuseum.co.uk/whatson
Early Years activities for under 5s
There’s a programme of Friday sessions during February and March involving stories and craft activities. Children £2.50 and accompanying adults £1.50. Find out more and book a session via haslemeremuseum.co.uk/whatson.
Petworth House and Park News for February
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth
Free Laser Light Show & Community Day
Saturday 15th February
Two colourful laser light shows will be coming to Petworth House for the first time thanks to a collaboration between Chichester District Council and The National Trust designed to bring a new and free experience to the local community. The free shows - each lasting approximately 20 minutes - will kick off February half term, taking place on Saturday 15 February at 5.30pm and 6.45pm. The beautiful Petworth House will be lit up with lasers, with music synchronised to the lights. During the day, Petworth House will be open for free from 10.30am until 3.30pm. From 12noon until 4.30pm there will be a special workshop in The Battery House where children will be able to make a paper lantern to take to the shows. In addition, there will also be live music in The Courtyard from local musicians, with performances running 3.30pm - 5.15pm and 6pm - 6.30pm plus local vendors providing food and drink.
The music and lasers are being provided by Showmen Events based in Chichester and are being funded using grants from the UK Government secured by Chichester District Council.
Little Antlers. Join us for hands-on fun with Wild Wednesdays, and Story Time sessions for pre-schoolers at Petworth.
Wild Wednesdays:
Roll up your sleeves for our crafts and activities, specially designed to offer a closer look at Petworth House and Park for our littlest visitors. These activities include ‘make and take crafts’, and occasionally take place outdoors, so come prepared!
10.30 - 11.30 on the following dates:
5 February, 5 March, 2 April, 7 May, 4 June
Story Time:
A special story time at Petworth Park, specifically for toddlers aged 2 to 4 and their caregivers. Learn new stories or enjoy some classics, and afterwards take part in a ‘make and take’ crafting activity based on the book.
10.30 - 11.30 on the following dates:
7 February, 7 March, 4 April, 9 May, 6 June
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. These sessions are free but normal admission applies.
SUPPORTING THOSE “LIVING WITH CANCER AND BEYOND” - FROM A RELATIVE’S PERSPECTIVE
Led by Daphne Bleach
Saturday 15th March 2025
10 am – 12.30 pm
(Coffee available from 9.30 am) at Godalming Baptist Church, Queen Street, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1BA
* Do you know what to say, and not to say, when someone says “I have cancer”?
* How does a diagnosis of cancer affect someone?
* How we can encourage someone to “live well with cancer”?
* What help and support is available to patients and their relatives?
* Living beyond treatment - the “elephant in the room”
* Who is there for those when no further treatment is available’?
Daphne is a Care Companion, offering help and support to families and those who are dying as they approach end of life.
Following her talk in 2024, Daphne will lead another informative and sensitive talk about how to come alongside and support those living with cancer, to help all of us make the best of the precious time we have together.
Daphne Bleach is a Christian, whose nursing career spans over 40 years.
Please reserve a place, with payment of £7, by contacting Sally Pollard email: pollard3@hotmail.co.uk, tel: 01483 428646 by Friday 28th February
A FREE service for people with NHS hearing aids includes:
Basic Maintenance, Battery Supply, Cleaning & Re-Tubing, Trouble-Shooting and Advice
Sessions will be held at The Link (St Bartholomew’s Church) on:
10:00am – 11.30am, every 2nd and 4th Thursday
Our NHS volunteers are trained by the audiology department of the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Visiting the Hear Here clinic may save travelling long distances or the difficulties of access to the hospital.
The Hear Here scheme was launched in March 2013 as a partnership between Guildford Diocese and the NHS. There are now over 200 people trained in hearing aid maintenance. Hear Here was successful in winning the Faith Action & Health Award in 2018 for continuing to provide support for those with hearing loss across Surrey and North-East Hampshire.
Enquiries to: Hearingchampion@haslemereparish.org
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
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From the Registers
Baptisms
Elijah & Benjamin de Brett-Yates - 19th January at St Bartholomew’s
Riggs Wilson - 25th January at St Bartholomew’s
Alfred & Molly Booth– 26th January at St Bartholomew’s Funerals
Peter Boxall - 11th December at St Christopher’s
Miriam Brown– 12th December at St Bartholomew’s
Mary (Bunty) Tuke -16th December at St Christopher’s
Doris Eames- 23rd January at Guildford Crematorium
Mary Worgan- 28th January at St Bartholomew’s
Margery Saunders- 30th January at Guildford Crematorium Interments
Bernard Coe—14th December at St Bartholomew’s
This magazine is also available online from the parish website, www.haslemereparish.org,
Responsibility for opinions and accuracy in statements expressed in articles and in advertisements in this magazine rests solely with the individual contributors COPY
For the Apr/May issue of the magazine Is Friday March 7th 2025 We’d love to hear from you
2 Feb Candlemas
8.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s Sunday Morning Families 18.00 Candlemas Evensong | St Christopher’s
9 Feb 4th Sunday before Lent
8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s
16 Feb 3rd Sunday before Lent
8.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 11.30 Praying on Sunday | St Christopher’s
23 Feb 2nd Sunday before Lent
8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s
Sunday Services
2 Mar Last Sunday before Lent 8.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s Sunday Morning Families
5 Mar Ash Wednesday 19.00 Imposition of Ashes | St Bartholomew’s
9 Mar 1st Sunday of Lent 8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Holy Communion |St Christopher’s 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s
16 Mar 2nd Sunday of Lent
8.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 11.30 Praying on Sunday | St Christopher’s
23 Mar 3rd Sunday of Lent
8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Holy Communion| St Christopher’s 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s
30 Mar Mothering Sunday
8.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10am services are live streamed via the Parish Youtube channel.
