Haslemere Parish Link Magazine - February-March 2020

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

His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.

Matthew Ch 17, vs 2.

February/March 2020 Suggested donation for a printed copy: £2 1

Parish Contacts Rector Rev Chris Bessant 658107 rector@haslemereparish.org Deacon Curate Rev Justin Manley-Cooper revjustin@haslemereparish.org

Youth Minister Vacant Assistant Youth Minister and Sunday School Chloe Adam 07597 565571 First Steps Mondays in St Christopher’s 0-5 Year Olds Liz Hawkins 642445 LLM (Reader) Peter Sellars

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Church Warden Robert Fox 652055 Geoff Martin 641907 Deputy Wardens Howard Body 658762 Nick Beare 609630 PCC Secretary Cathy Moore 07593 814438 Treasurer Andrew Culshaw 658962 Stewardship Secretary Geoff Martin 641907 Outward Giving Dorothea Nattrass 653216 Director of Music & Organist Clive Osgood 07747 785 940 cliveosgood@hotmail.com Choir Director Sarah Young sarah.thomas6092@gmail.com

Parish Office The Link, Derby Road Haslemere GU27 1BS Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 9am-3pm office@haslemereparish.org www.haslemereparish.org 01428 644578 Parish Administrator Bryony Atkinson Verger St Bartholomew’s Carol Skeates 642662 Link Bookings Carol Skeates 642662 skeatMalco@aol.com Magazine Secretary Ann Lear 651570 office@haslemereparish.org Advertisements Manager: Geoff Martin 641907 Electoral Roll Officer Lynn Lemar 651435 Bell-ringers Paul Bagshaw 656129 Friends of the Parish Bernard Coe 651146 Flowers St Bartholomew’s Sarah Mulliner 643504 St Christopher’s Liz Hawkins 642445 Church Care Group Roscelin Rees 651561 Churchyards Philip Hunt 644120 2

Pastoral Visitors Dorothea Nattrass 653216 Peter Sellars 641032 Pastoral Assistant Ruth Pattenden 653033 Ros Webb 648916 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 First off……..welcome to this new edition of The Link.

Some of you may remember my sermon on the first Sunday of January, when I declared that I was well-rested after the New Year and ready to go! Well it’s only a week on as I sit to write to you now, but I’m still full of beans.

The Church, in all its glory and complexity, is often likened to a picture of anatomy - ‘The Body of Christ’. I’m sure you can recall St Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” Also in his letter to the Ephesians: “Christ is the head, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.”

I didn’t take biology at school but I think I know enough to extend Paul’s analogy a little further still when I describe the prayers of the church as being like blood circulating around our bodies. All those veins, arteries and capillaries, and the red juice they carry, can all be likened to a flowing connection of prayer which includes us all.

Each day I take time with God in the morning and evening, more often than not with others according to the weekly pattern of ‘Morning Prayer’. At those times a few gather together at 9:00am in all of our churches across the benefice. I know also that many of you have your own personal prayers at home, work, walking the dog, down the gym, or in the supermarket. Many of us have spiritual books to read and daily Bible notes too. I hear of pastoral visits to homes, schools, nursing homes and hospitals too, all of which carry more prayers. When we worship together, someone is appointed to intercede for us with many prayers for all sorts of things. It’s all good, but there is something missing…….

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It's always been my own work as a parish priest, and indeed in every church I’ve ever known, to have some central role in the prayers of the church. What this means is that I should be able to facilitate a great sharing of prayer across all of our churches and people. Very regularly individuals come to me with requests, often which are then added to the Sunday intercessions. But the gap in our prayer life is that until now there has been no regular means for me to share all that I’m aware of with the whole church, so that we can all continue to bring to God important matters beyond Sundays, but throughout the week in our homes. We need to hold before God many things: those unwell and bereaved, the diverse ministry of the church, new initiatives, and the schools.

From the end of January, I’m making a simple change to the prayer life of the church, which is that I’ll be sending various prayer matters to the person leading intercessions on Sunday. You might expect that to have been happening anyhow, but it hasn’t been! Perhaps most importantly, those matters of prayer will also be placed onto the Sunday notes sheet we are given on Sunday mornings. You have all heard me say many times that we should take the sheet home and read it. Now that call becomes even more of an imperative because I’d like you to use it as a source of prayer material to add into your own private prayers. If we do so, then a link will have been formed from the centre of our worship and ministry out to our streets and homes. It will be like a nervous system, linking us all together in a vital organ of prayer. What this also allows is that if you ask me to add someone to the prayers then they will be held in the hearts of so many before God, by the whole worshipping community.

At some point I’ll be preaching on this, so come to church and listen out!

As a final note, please do look for the article about the Lent course to come and have a think about if you would like to join in.

God bless you all.

Rev Chris Bessant

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Are you getting Five a Day? How about NINE a Day! St Paul taught that as Christians we can produce the 'Fruits of the Holy Spirit' in our lives - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.

We should wish to see these fruits flourish within us, as we look to become more like Jesus Christ. You can read all about it in Paul's Letter to the Galatians. As Christians we take upon ourselves Jesus's charge that we should live in his example of love and care wherever and whoever we are.

Across six Tuesday or Wednesday evenings in Lent, beginning on 3rd March, there is a new course running to explore these Fruits of the Spirit, and how we can nurture them in our lives. Each evening we shall explore two of each of these Fruits of the Spirit, looking to see how Christ lived them himself, and consider what that means for us here today. We shall come together for a short time of worship, teaching, and prayerful commitment. We begin at 7:30pm and finish by 9:00pm (7:45-9pm at Grayswood).

The course will run on Tuesday evening in St Bartholomew’s, and at All Saints Grayswood on Wednesday evenings. The course will cost £10, which will include the course book: ‘Cultivating the Fruits of the Spirit’, by Chris Wright.

Those wishing to join the course could attend whichever venue best suits them. If you wish to attend, please book onto the course as follows:

Contact Rector Chris on 01428 658107 or at: rector@haslemereparish.org Revd Fiona Gwynn and All Saints, Grayswood on 01428 656504 or at: revfigwynn@gmail.com 5

Easter Services in the Parish The days of Easter will shortly be upon us. As we journey through the seasons of our faith, led by Christ, please look to join us across Holy Week and the days of passion.

Palm Sunday 5th April 8:00am Holy Communion – St Bartholomew’s 10:00am Holy Communion – St Christopher’s, with a dramatized reading of the passion. We begin with palm crosses outside on St Christopher’s green.

Wednesday 8th April 7:30pm Passover Supper – St Christopher’s. This is when we remember that special time when Jesus gathered with His disciples for the Last Supper. At St Christopher’s, we hold to an annual tradition where we gather to recreate the Last Supper in worship and sharing around a meal of the same kind that Jesus hosted.

Maundy Thursday 9th April 8:00pm A service of Holy Communion, with foot washing and the stripping of the altars – St Bartholomew’s, followed by the Watch of the Passion until Midnight.

Good Friday 10th April 10:45am – We begin Good Friday with hot cross buns, coffee and children’s craft activities in St Bartholomew’s Link, before carrying the cross down to the town for a short service of witness at 12:00 noon with other churches in Haslemere.

2:00pm – Service at the Foot of the Cross – St Bartholomew’s. This is a reflective and penitential service to venerate the cross as we approach the hour of Jesus death.

Easter Day 12th April 5:45am Sunrise Holy Communion – St Bartholomew’s, and lighting of the Easter Fire.

8:00am Holy Communion – St Christopher’s, Book of Common Prayer 9:30am Family Communion – St Bartholomew’s 11:00am Holy Communion – St Christopher’s 6

Coming up… at St Christopher’s and St Bartholomew’s FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020

February Sat 1st

11.00am

ORGAN RECITAL by David Thomas, Llandaff Cathedral at St, Bartholomew’s. Refreshments from 10.30 am 7.30pm HHH CONCERT at St. Christopher’s nd Sun 2 1.30-3.30pm LUNCH, GAMES AND CHAT for ages 11 plus at The Link Sat 8th 2pm HMS ‘COME AND SING’. St. Christopher’s th Sun 9 1.30-3.30pm LUNCH, GAMES AND CHAT for ages 11 plus. The Link.

Sun 16th “ “ LUNCH, GAMES AND CHAT for ages 11 plus. The Link nd Sat 22 7.30pm MASTER CLASSICS ARTISTS CONCERT at St. Christopher’s rd Sun 23 1.30-3.30pm LUNCH, GAMES AND CHAT for ages 11 plus. The Link

March Sun 1st 1.30-3.30pm LUNCH, GAMES AND CHAT for ages 11 plus at The Link Sat 7th 11.00am ORGAN RECITAL by Helen Bendall at St, Bartholomew’s. Refreshments from 10.30 am Sat 7th 7.30pm HHH Concert at St. Christopher’s th Sun 8 1.30-3.30pm LUNCH, GAMES AND CHAT for 11 years plus. At The Link Sat 14th 7.30pm EXCELSIS CHOIR CONCERT at St. Christopher’s th Sun 15 1.30-3.30pm LUNCH, GAMES AND CHAT for ages 11 plus. The Link Sat 21st 7.30pm WAVERLEY ENSEMBLE CONCERT at St. Christopher’s nd Sun 22 1.30-3.30pm LUNCH, GAMES AND CHAT for ages 11 plus at The Link Weds 25th 2.00pm HHH CONCERT (free plus tea) at St. Christopher’s Sat 28th 7.30pm MASTER CLASSICS CONCERT at St. Christopher’s th Sun 29 1.30-3.30pm LUNCH, GAMES AND CHAT for ages 11 plus at The Link

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EVERYONE WELCOME TO THESE EVENTS 7

Christmas at St Christopher’s Like at every other church, Christmas was a busy time.

The Carol Service, when the church was entirely lit by candles, featured an augmented choir and the most magnificent Christmas tree (left), donated by John Worlidge, and a large congregation. The window sills and archway outside were decorated with greenery, white flowers and lights. Justin Manley-Cooper took the service - a first for him.

First Steps finished the term with a party, a visit from Father Christmas (right) and Christingles.

The Crib Service on Christmas Eve (left), taken by Rector Chris, had the small children bringing forward the little knitted figures to place in the crib as he told the story.

(Photos from the top by: Lucy Manley-Cooper, Liz Cook, and Clive Hawkins) 8

Bubbles and birthday cake and many friends celebrated Chris’s 50th birthday the day before the actual day and on Christmas Day all the spare chairs had to be put out for the vast number of friends and visitors. Justin sported his silver sparkly dog-collar before inviting everyone who was wearing a Christmas jumper to come to the front to show them off. Maybe 40 (mostly adults) joined in, from BAA HUMBUG to OH DEER and flashing light sweaters. It was altogether a happy start to Christmas Day.

Some photos taken at Chris’ 50th birthday celebration on Sunday, December 22nd. AL

Frankie Gaiter 9

Spotlight on...

Revd. Justin Manley-Cooper Now that Justin is back amongst us in the parish - and how we welcome him perhaps it is the right time to say something about him.

He and Lucy met in 1983 and were married three years later. They lived in East Sheen but moved to New York where Justin worked as a stockbroker.

Three years passed before returning to UK for a couple of years. Another threeyear spell in NY followed.

In 1996 they and their three children, Lydia, Isabelle and Henry moved to Haslemere, and became regular members of the parish, mainly worshipping at St. Christopher’s.

Lydia was married at St. C’s last spring, a wedding memorable for the piper and the proliferation of tartan trews and kilts (and Lucy’s wonderful shocking pink boots).

Isabelle lives and teaches in Hong Kong and Henry enjoys life working in property finance in London.

Justin says that Christmas has an extra special meaning for him. It was at Christmas 1989 when the family had returned to England for Lydia’s baptism, that he had his first intimation of God’s plans for his future. His father was very ill, and died the day after the baptism and three days before Christmas Day. Justin was alone with him when he died but far from feeling totally 10

bereft, Justin had a very strange experience. He felt that a spirit was filling the room saying that everything was fine, leaving him feeling wonderful. What did this mean?

Forward to Christmas Day 2004 and Justin was administering the chalice at Holy Communion at St. Christopher’s when he had an overwhelming experience. He was moved to look at the figure of Christ on the altar piece which seemed to be calling him to ordination. At that point Justin promised that he would find out what ordination might mean for him.

In the days before Christmas 2013 Justin met a group of friends, one of whom said to him, “My wife wants to know if you’re a vicar yet”, which surprised him.

The following day a different friend said to him “Don’t you think you’ve kept Him waiting long enough?” The result is, here he is, the curate in Haslemere.

Justin trained for three years in Guildford and was ordained last year at the Cathedral. He has recently returned from five months at St. Alban’s, Hindhead, where he learned a lot - and really enjoyed his time there under the support and guidance of Richard Noble and Derek Holbird.

During all his time of training, and throughout their marriage, Justin recognises, and is very thankful for, the incredibly strong support of Lucy, his wife. She is amazing, his ‘Rock’ he says.

With the children independent, Lucy practises reflexology and more than pulls her weight at St. Christopher’s - she’s a flower arranger (her speciality being the flowers entwining the 1904 metal arch entrance to the church) and she is now a pastoral visitor. Justin plays golf at Cowdray Park and paints landscapes.

And the future for them? In the short term Justin hopes to help the parish clergy team to embed the church into the local community. Longer term? He and Lucy are here until, or if, they get the call to go elsewhere.

We are delighted that you are now back in Haslemere, Justin, and hope you are with us for many years to come.

Frankie Gaiter

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Just a Thought…

Evelyn Hughes Some years ago I scribbled some notes as David Suchet (aka Hercule Poirot) spoke about his conversion in 1986. He had read St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans in a hotel bedroom, and suddenly saw a way of life to which he wished to adhere - something he had been looking for all his life. ‘I read it as a letter that had been sent to me through the post’, he said. He had found ‘an anchor, a bedrock’ for his life.

Recently, when I saw that he was to give the address on Radio 4’s Sunday Worship, I made sure to listen to it: yes, for that wonderful voice and perfect enunciation, but especially to hear what he had to say. I was not disappointed.

The Service came from the Tower of London's chapel, dedicated to St. Peter, where David is a church member.

The occasion was a celebration of the church's foundation 500 years ago, and the address focused on its patron saint - his faith and failures, and his transformation after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Here, David threw out something of a challenge. The gift of the Holy Spirit, he said, is given to all who are baptised, and that same Spirit can transform us. Having in mind the Lord’s calling Peter to come to him on the water, it was time for us, said David, to step out of the safety of our boat. This was more than an address: it was a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking sermon.

When David stopped being Poirot in 2013, he had another project in hand - the recording of the entire Bible. ‘As a performer I wanted to record all the various writings in the Bible in the hope that others might read them’, he says. In preparation for the recordings he would read the scriptures aloud and was surprised at the difference this made.

Although I have always prepared in this way before reading in church, I haven’t, as yet, applied the technique to my daily reading at home. However, I’m thinking of giving it a go.

You might like to try it too!

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Reflection on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land (September 2019) About four years ago, Mary Bowden led a party from Haslemere on a McCabe Pilgrimage to Israel. Sadly, we could not go, but we went on the same trip last year with fellow Christians from St John’s Church, Merrow. The purpose of this article is to share some impressions of the positive and negative aspects of the experience, hoping that it will stimulate memories for some, and encourage others to make the journey themselves.

Our first three nights were at the Ron Beach Hotel overlooking the Sea of Galilee. After only four hours’ sleep following a long outward journey from Heathrow, we were awakened by cock crow about 6.30 am. The sunrise was spectacular and made us appreciate the same beauty that our Lord and His disciples must have experienced twenty centuries ago. We breakfasted early before a hectic day’s sight-seeing of places around the lake where Jesus carried out his ministry. It felt special to paddle in the lake at the place where Jesus stood on the shore after the Resurrection, calling to the disciples as they fished before cooking them fish for breakfast. Later in the week we had our own Eucharist outdoors by the lake where the miracle of the loaves and fishes took place.

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We had a packed programme of visits over our week, going to Nazareth, Mount Tabor, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Stall-holders in Nazareth sat out in the sun chatting and many knew our guide and greeted him warmly. I could see how everyone would have known Jesus, and news of his teaching and healing would have spread like wildfire amongst such small, close communities. One of the most interesting sites was Nazareth Village, an open air museum showing rural life at the time of Jesus (see https://www.nazarethvillage.com).

The tools in the carpenters’ workshop were not much different from hand used tools today, and Joseph’s business would be more to do with building construction rather than making smaller items like furniture. On the river Jordan, there was a site where many pilgrims underwent baptism by total immersion. Sad to say, the water was rather muddy, probably due to large scale extraction of water from the river in recent years, so we declined the experience.

I may describe our feelings on Jerusalem at a later date, but will comment on one of the more disturbing aspects of our visit: Between Galilee in the North and Jerusalem, we travelled via Bethlehem, in territory occupied by Palestinians rather than Jews, not far from the biblical region of Samaria. This picture of the “Walled Off Hotel” in the outskirts of Bethlehem shows where a thirty foot concrete barrier separates two communities. This high wall had been built by the Israelis separating Arab and Christian communities from Jews to avoid violence in 2000, and shows no sign of being removed. NonJews are not allowed to travel into Jewish territories via army check points, resulting in two divided populations. The street artist “Banksy” has donated many murals to soften the visual impact of the dividing wall imposed on the local population.

This North-South division started in the 10th century BCE. Samaria and Galilee to the North, had once comprised the northern Israelite kingdom which 14

separated from Judah (with a temple in Jerusalem in the South) in order to establish a rival monarchy. So this distrust between Jewish and Palestinian communities has been going on for thirty centuries! In the late 1940’s, Israel was keen to establish itself as a home for all Jews from across the globe post holocaust, but the hidden agenda was seen by many as favouring Jewish immigrants over Muslim and Christian Palestinians regarding prioritising land for housing. No wonder tension continues to this day, just like the “Peace Wall” between Protestant and Republican communities in Belfast.

We made many new friendships during our stay and ate a lot of delicious Middle Eastern food - served al-fresco, as seen, left.

We are so glad we joined the pilgrimage - it was an unforgettable experience and has helped us visualise the context of many New Testament accounts of Jesus’ ministry, passion and resurrection, not to mention gaining an understanding of 21st century middleeastern politics.

Merrow are planning another trip for 2021. If you might be interested in going, let me know or keep an eye on the web site www.mccabe-travel.co.uk.

Peter & Shelagh Sellars

Did you come across any of these in your Christmas crackers?

Q: What athlete is warmest in winter?

A: A long jumper!

Q.: What goes Ho Ho Whoosh, Ho Ho Whoosh?

A: Santa going through a revolving door!

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Restoration of St Christopher’s Organ As I write this article we have £24,500 already committed to our target of £30,000, including £7,500 pledged by The Friends. We are also grateful to the individuals who have already donated to the organ fund.

The organ is well worth restoring, described by our diocesan organ adviser as ‘a cut above the average’!

The original organ was installed in 1905, shortly after completion of the building, and was a fairly small instrument. It was rebuilt in its current form in 1933, to create what was effectively a new organ, by Roger Yates of Nottingham. The organ is largely unchanged since then, apart from renewal of the electrics in 1988, which were described by our adviser as a ‘cheap and nasty effort’. Yates was particularly interested in French romantic organs and this is reflected in the tonality of our organ. He was somewhat counter-cultural in his approach and attained a middling sort of fame in the evolution of organ building in the mid 20th century, which makes our organ of interest, particularly that it is ‘as built’.

Whilst the organ still sounds good, the electrical control systems are in poor shape and unreliable. The proposed work will overhaul the keyboard and pedal boards, replace the electronic control system and overhaul all related electrical components. The result will be a reliable and much more playable instrument. That leaves the ‘wind’ system - the pipes, sound boards, wind chests etc., which have been untouched for nearly 90 years and will undoubtedly also need attention in the future. However, we felt it better to prioritise the work and undertake it in manageable and affordable chunks, rather than in one £100,000 hit. I hope you agree - our organists do!

Please help us reach our target by making a donation to the fund and be reassured that if we exceed our target, the monies will be put aside for the ongoing repair and maintenance of the organ.

Please makes cheques payable to ‘Haslemere PCC’ and mark the envelope ‘Organ’ or make a direct payment to Haslemere PCC 30-93-94 00070529 Ref Organ.

If you have any questions please get in touch with me.

Andrew Culshaw 16

A prayer to share

When you feel that no one understands you I do feel different Sometimes in a good way a ‘proud to be me’ way Sometimes in a ‘I’m a bit of a freak’ way I would like to blend in more Be more like ‘them’ Be accepted I know this begins with accepting myself And knowing that God really does love me But I seem to find this hard to do Help me, I pray, to accept who I am To rejoice in my uniqueness And to know that, if they pray at all, Most of ‘them’ will be praying the same prayer.

Author unknown Contributed by Jane Slevin

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Star of Wonder I hope some of you were able to attend the ‘Star of Wonder’ experience at Guildford th Cathedral on 15 to 18th January. It was celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas in a stunning star-themed light and sound show. It really was breath -taking and memorable, created by the team who created Poppy Fields last year.

Do look at ‘What’s On’ at the Cathedral and drop in for a visit, a service, an open day or a special event. The Refectory is a good meeting place to enjoy coffee or lunch with a friend and the shop has an interesting selection of merchandise.

It is ‘OUR’ Cathedral yet most of the visitors are from outside the diocese. Many people say it looks like a crematorium from the outside or a power station and are astonished by its magnificence when they walk through the doors. It certainly is a powerful place, powerful prayers, nurturing preaching and encouragement. You will be assured of a warm welcome.

Tessa Trollope

National Garden Scheme

Local Gardens Open in February / March Sunday February 16th / Sunday March 22nd: Manor of Dean, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 9AP Traditional English garden, approx. 3 acres, with a variety of early flowering Spring bulbs, snowdrops, walled kitchen with views of the South Downs.

Open 2pm - 4pm. Home-made Teas.

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In My Garden Philip Duly Spring now beckons as our gardens slowly emerge from Winter with assorted bulbs clearly visible, the buds of many shrubs beginning to emerge and some early shoots of long-absent herbaceous perennials peeping above the soil.

Among the latter, and emerging in midto late February, is the first foliage of Pulmanaria officianalis, more commonly known as the Lungwort and derived from the Latin pulmo (lung). Since the Middle Ages, this rhizomatous perennial's spotted oval leaves were thought to symbolize diseased, ulcerated lungs. The plant was used for its Pulmanaria Blue Ensign medicinal properties primarily to treat pulmonary infections, including coughs and diseases of the chest, based on the doctrine of signatures whereby Christian doctors believed that plants that resemble a body part could be used to treat illnesses in this part, since God put his signature in the plant to guide mankind.

In the herbaceous border, Pulmanaria can easily be grown as an effective contrast with Spring bulbs.

Probably the most common cultivar is the dazzling Blue Ensign, which spreads well and can reach 30cm tall, with broad, dark green leaves and compact clusters of large, violetblue flowers. Diana Clare is similar but with silvery green foliage but Blue Ensign with daffodils other popular contrasting varieties are Sissinghurst White which bears clusters of pure white flowers, opening from pink buds, and Vera May, which has larger, soft pink flowers with pale green calyces. Pulmanaria, this month's star plant, are a commendable, pliable and wholly reliable addition to every garden in Springtime.

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Mussels with Tarragon Sauce Contributed by Linda Donaldson

I have become a fan of mussels which we were introduced to by our daughter. They are very quick to cook and make a fabulous, cheap and lowcalorie meal, yet high in protein. You can buy them at Waitrose on the fish counter, and they are wonderful served with brown wholegrain bread.

Serves 2 1kg fresh, live mussels 1 tbsp olive oil 1 medium leek, trimmed and thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced 100 ml dry white wine 75g full-fat crème fraiche 3-4 tarragon stalks, leaves picked and roughly chopped Tip the mussels into the sink, scrub under cold running water and remove the ‘beards’. Discard any mussels with damaged shells or those that don’t close immediately when tapped on the side of the sink. Put the good ones into a colander.

Heat the oil in a wide-based, lidded saucepan or frying pan over a low heat. Add the leek and garlic and gently fry for 2-3 minutes, or until softened but not brown, stirring. Add the white wine, crème fraiche and tarragon and season generously. Increase the heat under the pan and bring the wine to the simmer.

Stir in the mussels, cover tightly with a lid and cook for about 4 minutes or until most of the mussels have steamed open. Stir well, then cover and cook for a further 1-2 minutes or until the rest are cooked. Divide the mussels between two bowls, removing any that have not opened, and pour the tarragon broth over the top.

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HASLEMERE

For a small town, Haslemere has been associated with some remarkable people.

Among those whose names come to mind, General James Edward Oglethorpe must surely rank as one of the more flamboyant and indeed worthy .

General James Oglethorpe

James Edward Oglethorpe was born in Surrey in 1696, the son of Sir Theophilus Oglethorpe and his wife Eleanor Lady Oglethorpe. Lady Eleanor was a seamstress to Mary of Modena, the wife of James ll.

The Oglethorpes lived at Westbrook Place, Godalming, a fine house, now The Meath Home. (It is visible from the train, set back from the railway line.)

James Oglethorpe was educated at Eton and went up to Oxford in 1714 where he studied, quite briefly, at Corpus Christi College, but in the same year left to join the army of Prince Eugene of Savoy, the Franco-Austrian general. Through the recommendation of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, James Oglethorpe became aide-de-camp to the prince and during the Austro-Turkish War of 1716-18 served with distinction in the campaign against the Turks.

He returned to England and in 1722 was elected Member of Parliament for Haslemere, a position he retained for thirty years. His martial spirit led to his running his sword through the stomach of an opponent in a duel in Haslemere High Street just after the election.

In fact he was involved in another fracas in London a month later when he killed a man who had stolen a guinea from him. Neither event appears to have caused any great upset as he took his seat in parliament without further ado.

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James had five older brothers who all pre-deceased him, and following the death of his father, and with his four sisters barred from inheriting the estate, he inherited Westbrook at the age of twenty two.

In 1727 after the next election, he took an interest in prison reform. He had become a great humanitarian, possibly as a result of his friendship with Dr Samuel Johnson, the famous writer, moralist, playwright and lexicographer.

James Oglethorpe's concern for the underdogs of society resulted in a committee of the House of Commons being set up under his chairmanship and in 1728 it made recommendations to remedy the many abuses by those in charge of prisons. He went on to advocate reform of the inhumane conditions experienced by sailors in the British Royal Navy by publishing an anonymous pamphlet, The Sailors' Advocate. Many of the sailors at the time would have been 'pressed men', i.e. victims of press gangs whose job it was to find men to crew the ships of the British Navy. Injury and incapacity resulted in a recurring need for manpower and the continual discharge of men with no means of support. Many were eventually sent to debtors' prisons and upon release became involved in criminal activity.

James Oglethorpe and his associates considered that many of the problems which stemmed from dire prison conditions could be ameliorated by founding a penal colony, and in 1732 he obtained a charter for settling the colony of Georgia as a refuge for paupers and as a barrier against Spanish aggression.

Later that year he sailed for the New World with more than 100 colonists on the ship Anne. They arrived in South Carolina and settled near the site of what is now Savannah. They had brought cotton seeds with them and their success in growing these helped to establish a profitable industry. The wide range of skills the colonists possessed also equipped them to farm the land and to create a thriving community. James Oglethorpe successfully defended Georgia after the outbreak of war with Spain in 1739 and ensured that the new colony grew and prospered.

Returning to England in 1743 he fought against the Jacobite insurrection in 1745 and shortly afterwards resigned his commission. During all this time James Oglethorpe had remained MP for Haslemere. He lost his seat in 1754 to Messrs Molyneux and Webb as a consequence of the infamous vote rigging scandal of The Red Cow Inn on Cow Street, now Petworth Road, which led eventually to the passing of to the Great Reform Act of 1832.

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How well he represented Haslemere is not recorded. Indeed there is no record of James Oglethorpe ever having lived in Haslemere, although in 1747 John Tanner, one of his local supporters, sold him The Town House, the early Georgian building in the High Street in the photograph which features the elaborate front door casing. A complete photo would show the three story facade which is misleading for the time, as the third storey was added later.

James Oglethorpe died in 1785 and so lived to see the colony he founded become part of the United States of America.

Robert Serman

Make a Mother's Day Mothers' Union Mothering Sunday Appeal This year the theme for the fundraising by ethical gifts is

Gifts that Grow By buying a gift for your mother, or in her memory, you can make a difference in communities which have experienced conflict, like Rwanda, South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo. Mothers' Union has a presence in these countries and members are supported in becoming economically independent and are also offered trauma healing workshops.

Mother’s Union has many projects in the UK as well.

For more information, please talk to Dorothea Nattrass (01428 653216) or Sue Davis (01428 661115) 23

Elizabeth Boniface Elizabeth’s funeral took place on 16th December at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Although I was in New Zealand, her nephew had ‘streamed’ the funeral, so that all those who could not be there were able to watch it online. The wonders of modern technology!

At the good age of 92 Elizabeth had had a wonderfully fulfilling life. Very much a Haslemere person, she had lived here nearly all her life, having been one of the first babies born in the new Haslemere Hospital in 1927, and was baptised in St. Bartholomew’s Church. She and her sister, Joy, both attended Guildford High School, as did her life-long friends, the Bayliss sisters, who still live in College Terrace.

She trained as a nursery nurse and most of her professional life was spent working as a live-in nanny for wealthy families. She stayed with some of them for many years and was very much a part of the family. Many of her ‘children’ were at the funeral, which is a great tribute to her.

She retired at the end of the 1980’s and took part in many church activities.

When, in 1995, we decided to start making kneelers for the church, Elizabeth was one of the first to volunteer. We started with just four people sewing four angels but, by the end, with Elizabeth leading the way, having sewed nearly 60 kneelers, we had a total of 250 kneelers sewn by 80 people. However, as Elizabeth herself said, “If we had known it would take us ten years, we might never have started”.

At her funeral, all the kneelers she had made were laid out in the Link for everyone to see. It was a wonderful tribute to her. I know she would have been thrilled that everyone could see her contribution, although I can just hear her saying to Screen at funeral showing me, “What a lot of nonsense!”

photo of Elizabeth with one of her kneelers

Linda Donaldson 24

Legally Blonde 24th to 28th March The Haslemere Players are staging Legally Blonde, the musical, in the Haslemere Hall at the end of March.

Elle, our bubbly blonde heroine, is dumped by her boyfriend, Warner, who is studying Law and doesn’t want a ‘dumb blonde’ as a girlfriend. Elle decides to chase Warner to Harvard Law School to show him that she can be serious. She finds herself out of her comfort zone but is encouraged by Emmett, one of the tutors. Professor Callaghan, the senior tutor, although initially unimpressed, hires Elle to join his law firm as an ‘intern’ (trainee) together with Warner and Warner’s new girlfriend Vivienne. They are going to help defend Brooke, a fitness queen, who is accused of murdering her billionaire husband. The trial has its ups and downs but finally Callaghan is sacked and Elle leads a brilliant defence which wins the day. Warner now proposes to Elle, having been dumped by Vivienne, but Elle kindly refuses.

We end the show with a ‘where they are now’ on graduation day.

The Haslemere Players have again assembled a strong cast for this fun comedy musical. The West End production (which ran for 974 performances) won three Laurence Olivier Awards in 2011 including 'Best New Musical'. Tickets from the Haslemere Hall box office www.haslemerehall.co.uk, 01428 642161 or in person (9 to 1 on weekdays and 10 to 12 on Saturdays)

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Coffee Morning at Islamabad Tilford Imagine my surprise when Sandy Clarke invited me to a coffee morning at Islamabad in Tilford.

The Ahmadiyya Women’s Association were organising a coffee morning to help build bridges with their local communities. The sun was shining and the gentlemen at the gates just waved us through. After parking, a kind and friendly lady showed me where the main hall was and immediately I felt welcome and relaxed.

As we arrived we were individually welcomed and asked if we would like to visit the Mosque. A very lovely young woman escorted me across the path to the Mosque next to the main hall. We removed our shoes and shared our experiences of worship in a quiet and beautiful environment.

My new friend and I returned to the hall where tables were set up laden with sandwiches and cakes. Coffee, tea and soft drinks were all readily available.

Hospitality is a very important part of Muslim culture and our hosts held back until they were sure their guests had had first choice.

As we shared food and drink I learned that my young friend was married with two children and would be looking forward to returning to work when the 26

children were old enough. She was not only a linguist, but also a driving instructor. She currently lives at the Islamabad complex and her husband is training to be a missionary at the Jamia Ahmadiyya here in Haslemere.

The Ahmadiyya motto is “Love for all, hatred for none” and they are led by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, whose title is Khalifatul Masih V. He lives at the Tilford complex and is the head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim community.

The peaceful message of the community has seen its worldwide following increase significantly; it is now in the tens of millions and is increasing every day.

Its members are loyal to the country in which they live, as required by their faith, and work to promote respect and understanding between followers of different faiths and to engender social harmony.

We were given presentations from various members of the women’s association, one of which provided us with their key aims: • To improve and enhance knowledge, whilst being focussed on achieving high morals and spirituality • To serve the community using pre-existing skills, including fund raising for local charities • To focus on the upbringing of children, training and preparing them to spend their lives in accordance with the teachings of Islam • To promote unity and work together with patience and forbearance, overlooking each other’s shortcomings • To strive hard in the face of difficulties and challenges with fortitude and bravery • To plan to help the poor in a practical manner It was a very worthwhile experience and I learnt much that heartened me, most importantly, finding that as a Christian, I could comfortably sit alongside my Muslim sisters, knowing we both worship God and wish to bring peace and harmony to the world by following our own spiritual paths.

Jane Slevin

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The Haslemere Farmers’ Market Invites you to a Charity Breakfast at The Hunter Centre Grayswood Road Gu27 2BW

Saturday 29th February 09.30 - 11.30.

In support of:

Menu provided by The Haslemere Farmers’ Market: Fresh Porridge, Bircher Muesli, ‘The Haslemere English’ (Egg, Bacon & Sausage), Kedgeree, Toast, Tea, Coffee, Croissant, Marmalade & Honey.

TICKETS £12.50 pp.

Tickets must be booked in advance.

Breakfast at 09.30 or 10.30 - tickets from: The Hunter Centre - 01428 654710 Imbhams Farm Granary - 01428 644088 The Hunter Centre, Marjorie Gray Hall, Grayswood Road, Haslemere, GU27 2BW

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Introduction to Beekeeping

Saturday March 14th 2020 at Rudgwick Village Hall Have you or anyone you know ever thought of keeping bees, but needed to know more? This one day course will provide enough information to answer these questions..........

• • • • •

•

How much time do I need?

What equipment do I need?

How much does it cost?

Is my property large enough to keep bees on?

Can I look inside a beehive to judge whether or not beekeeping is “for me”?

Is help available if I need it? ………...and much, much more.

Come along and find out without obligation. This is a popular annual event, now in its fifteenth year, organised by the Wisborough Green Beekeepers Association, whose members live in West Sussex, South Surrey, and beyond.

This day makes a good grounding for the practical “Preliminary Sessions” that we will be running at our teaching apiary near Wisborough Green next Spring.

We have vouchers for those who want to give the course as an unusual but worthwhile present..

Further information for beekeepers and non-beekeepers, including our Preliminary Sessions which provide the opportunity to handle bees, can be found on www.wgbka.org.uk For course details contact Roger Patterson on 01403 790637 or 07976 306492, or email roger-patterson@btconnect.com 29

What’s On at Haslemere Museum February & March 2020 ~ Exhibitions Contemporary Abstract Expressionism - Jenny Thompson Feb 8th - Feb 29th Jenny’s work is an eclectic mix of acrylic, oil, mixed media and, more recently, cold wax. Some paintings are subtle, others more vibrant. The ambiguity of abstraction inspires her!

As I went walking… - Carol Barden Feb 8th - Feb 29th A lot of Carol’s work is influenced by the seascapes of Kent and the woodlands of Hampshire; her interest in gardening also plays a part in her painting.

Haslemere Peasant Arts Collection - March 5th - May 2nd A compelling display of some of our most treasured collection pieces from the Haslemere Peasant Arts Movement, which was so famous in the local area in the 1900s.

~ Creative Workshops Art and Well-being Workshop - A Look at Haslemere Peasant Arts - Thursday 26th March | 2.30-4.30pm & 7-9pm A wonderful afternoon or evening of arts and crafts with professional artist Diana Burch, linked to our exhibition on Haslemere’s Peasant Arts history.

Members £6 Non-members £9 | Book in advance

~ Talks

and Lectures

Haslemere Natural History Society Lecture - Saturday 8th February| 2:15pm The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust: Sir Peter Scott’s legacy | Members Free | Non -Members £4 | No need to book.

Haslemere Natural History Society Lecture - Saturday 14th March| 2:15pm Introduced Invasive Species: Increased Biodiversity or conservation nightmare? | Members Free | Non-Members £4 | No need to book.

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Tea and Talk - Tuesday 31st March | 2.30pm Join our textiles expert Freda Chapman to explore some of the items in our amazing Haslemere Peasant Arts Collection. | Members free | Non-Members £3 | No need to book

~ Family Events and Workshops Early Years (under 5’s with parents/carers) Fascinating Fossils - Friday 7th February | 10:30am - 11:30am Travel back into the past to discover a time long ago through looking at our fascinating fossils. | Adults £1 | Children £2 | No need to book Toys from the Past - Friday 6th March | 1.30 pm - 2.30 pm How do your toys differ from those in the past? Come to the Museum and find out! | 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.

Beautiful Bird Boxes - Saturday 1st February | 10:30am - 12midday As part of national Bird Box Week come along and get hands on to make a bird box to take away for your garden (one box per family)| Members £5 | Nonmembers £7 | Booking in advance.

~ Family Events Perfect Puppets -Tuesday 18th February | 10:30am - 1pm Join us for a fun morning of puppet making to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Disney’s Pinocchio.

Keep up to date with everything that is going on at the Museum - visit www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk

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World Day of Prayer (Formerly ‘Womens’ World Day of Prayer’) Friday, 6th March 2020, 10.30am Haslemere Methodist Church, Lion Green, GU27 1LD Service of one hour, prepared by Women of Zimbabwe All are welcome. A good opportunity to worship and pray with members of other churches in Haslemere

From the Registers Baptisms: Georgia Wilson – 28 November 2019 Gus Johnston Stewart – 15 December 2019

Funerals: Elizabeth Boniface – 16 December 2019

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

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FALLS PREVENTION CLASS Exercises to music, held at the Link on Tuesday afternoon.

For more details please contact Sophie Patrick on 07748 845931

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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

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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 35

Sunday Services

1 Feb Candlemas

1 Mar First Sunday of Lent

19:15 Candlemas Evensong | St Bartholomew’s

2 Feb Candlemas

08:00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Parish Eucharist | St Bartholomew’s 18:00 Ecumenical Taizé Service | Lady of Lourdes

08:00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Parish Eucharist | St Bartholomew’s

8 Mar Second Sunday of Lent 08:00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Parish Eucharist | St Christopher’s 11.30 Matins | St Bartholomew’s 16.00 Families@4 | St Bartholomew’s

9 Feb Third Sunday before Lent 08:00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 United Benefice & Licencing Service for Fiona Gwynn | All Saints Grayswood 11.30 Matins | St Bartholomew’s 16.00 Families@4 | St Bartholomew’s

15 Mar Third Sunday of Lent 08.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10:00 All Age with Baptism | St Bartholomew’s 11.30 Praying on Sunday | St Christopher’s

16 Feb Second Sunday before Lent 08.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10:00 All Age with Baptism | St Bartholomew’s 11.30 Praying on Sunday | St Christopher’s

22 Mar Mothering Sunday 08:00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Parish Eucharist | St Christopher’s 18:00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s

23 Feb Sunday next before Lent 08:00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Parish Eucharist | St Christopher’s 18:00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s

29 Mar Fifth Sunday of Lent 08:00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 United Benefice | St Bartholomew’s

26 Feb Ash Wednesday 10:00 Communion with Ashing | St Bartholomew’s 20.00 United Benefice Communion with Ashing | St Christopher’s 36

haslemereparish.org