Haslemere Parish Contacts
Rector: Rev Chris Bessant 01428 658107 rector@haslemereparish.org
Assc. Minister: Rev Justin Manley-Cooper 07798 932843 revjustin@haslemereparish.org
Verger: St Bartholomew’s
Carol Skeates 01428 642662
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, 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 785 940
Older Children’s Worker
Verity Sutherland children@haslemereparish.org
Children & Families Worker
Victoria Martin families@haslemereparish.org
Children and Families Worker - Primary Years
Karen Bardens karen@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
Please recycle this magazine when you have read it. Either into paper recycling, or better still, pass it on to a friend
Bell-ringers
Paul Bagshaw 01428 656129
Friends of the Parish
Chris Lemar
Flowers
St Bartholomew’s
01428 651435
Sarah Mulliner 01428 643504
St Christopher’s
Frances Reincke 01428 607206
Church Care Group
Celia Marshall 01428 652646
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
Mothers’Union Treasurer
Sue Davis 01428 661115
BRF Representative
Sarah Mulliner 01428 643504
Magazine Secretary
Jane Slevin 07949 633979 office@haslemereparish.org
Magazine Advertisements Manager:
Geoff Martin 01428 641907
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 116123 or jo@samaritans.org
Modern Day Slavery Helpline 0800 01210700
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
Do you remember your school days? It all seems like so long ago, but I suspect one or two members of the congregation are older than me. As I’ve often heard myself say to parents, I’d happily go back to the beginning and do it all again. I have been spending quite a lot more time over at St Bartholomew’s School in recent weeks. Under normal runnings, I would host the school for Wednesday services in the church twice each month, with occasional assemblies in the school hall. I also have my School Governor duties, which provide for meetings most months. At our recent BBQ Summer Sizzler children’s event on the school field, I was overjoyed to see such a good attendance, and then also for the School Summer Fair. Looking ahead to Friday 18th July, on that day we shall all say goodbye-and-good-luck to all the Year 6 leavers.
Few things brighten my day more than being surrounded by school children, yet to my mind I’ve always felt that there was something missing between our school and the life of the parish generally. When Karen Bardens joined the team as Children and Families Worker for Early Years back in December, I had set six hours per-week within her role as dedicated to working within the school. From that new focus, I’m hoping to see some fresh ideas come to the surface that can draw the school and church closer together. It will take time because as we all know schools are very busy places, with staff working flat-out. In our regular communications, church displays, prayers and worship, Karen and I would like to include more school themes so that we can know our church school is distinctive in its Christian witness.
On another note, Justin and I are working with the churches across the local area to share in a Week of Prayer, timed for the first week of September. With the initial impetus being from St Stephen’s Shottermill, the plan is to have a person at a church in prayer 24 hours-per-day, for the whole week. More to come on that later, and I hope a chance for others to get involved. The progress of the Link Community Hub is clear for all to see. Whilst the Link Community Hub is a huge project for us, in my own ministry it occupies one of
many places that I carry in my heart and mind. I am very grateful to the core team for what is a very smooth process from my perspective. Since May we have had to adapt in practical ways, some of which have been easy and others less so. While all the work continues, there is a chance for us to contribute by signing up for the Raise the Roof appeal. The whole roof of the Link is to be re-tiled, which offers the chance for us to sponsor individual tiles. Please see the article elsewhere in this magazine.
Also for the autumn is the approach to Confirmation for those who would like to consider making that commitment - young people and adults alike. Once again, there is an article elsewhere in the magazine. Have a think about it and let me know if you would like to have a chat.
Keep the Date
Looking ahead, there are two special dates to put into your diaries. The Macmillan Coffee Morning fundraiser will be on Wednesday 24th September. Also, our traditional fundraiser Parish Quiz Night will be Friday 17th October. Please also keep a look-out for the Friends Concert dates for the autumn, which begins with a special ‘Schubert Day’ on Saturday 4th October in St Christopher’s.
As ever there is plenty to look forward to, and not least some more summer sunshine to come. Praise be to God.
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.
Confirmation 2025
This Autumn, we are making an open invitation to those who would like to be Confirmed - young people and adults alike.
Each year we offer the chance to be confirmed, which is one of the rites of the Christian faith that builds on baptism. Confirmation is where we speak for ourselves, in faith. It reminds us of those promises our parents and godparents made on the day of baptism. That said, even if someone is not baptised it does not stop you from being confirmed! It’s quite normal to have baptism and confirmation on the same day. The bishop calls down God’s Holy Spirit as he lays his hands on each candidate in turn. It’s the moment of a lifetime.
The ceremony of Confirmation is a very special time together, being at St Mary’s Chiddingfold, with the Bishop of Guildford on Sunday 19th October in the afternoon
Here in Haslemere Parish we make every effort to provide good activities and guidance to all the children and young people who join our groups. As they approach and live their teenage years, we know that the challenges and choices of life will bring many questions. Making commitments and taking responsibility for themselves is at the foundation of what we would wish for our children to become - trustworthy, reliable, honest and generous. Many of these good qualities are part of the wider story of faith we try to offer across all of our children and families work.
Over the last few years, we have seen a steady stream of young people from the Summit Group, Junior Choir, and adults of all ages. Confirmation is an invitation for anyone - adults and children alike, who have become closer to church for a whole variety of reasons and may like an opportunity to find out more about the Christian faith. Indeed, many have found that Confirmation is a way of strengthening their life’s foundations, particularly around times of marriage, and when children arrive, and when growing into adulthood. Having a good basis to your life shows consideration, care and concern for others, which is right at the centre of what Christ taught. We ask God to surround us with his Holy Spirit for the whole of our lives.
If you would like to find out more, all you need to do at this stage is to let Rector Chris know.
Springs
The now well-established ‘SPRINGS’ events are designed to be an opportunity for ladies from the different local churches and their friends to come together to enjoy fellowship, drinks and nibbles as well as a Christian-themed talk and worship. The organising committee is made up of members of St Bartholomew’s, St Stephens, All Saints, Grayswood, and Three Counties Vineyard Church.
As part of this year’s programme it was decided to hold three events based on Jesus’ words in John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life - no one comes to the Father except through me”.
The first of these took place at Three Counties Church, Hammer, on March 7th, when Bridget Callaghan spoke on ‘I am The Way’ (which I wasn’t able to attend). The second, ‘I am The Truth’, took place at St Stephens, Shottermill, on Wednesday, May 7th.
We were welcomed by a string of bright lights on the outside of the church building (photo above) and inside by the warm and friendly Springs team. There was a cheerful buzz, as friends greeted each other and newcomers were introduced. Wine and soft drinks were on offer, with attractive cheese platters laid out on serving tables.
When called to order we settled at individual tables on which were laid some tempting sweet treats. Viv Jackson introduced the evening on behalf of the organising committee. She described how the group had started up some 15 years ago with the name ‘Springs’ coming from the passage in John 7:37-38, where Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him”. And, as one of the original team later pointed out, Haslemere is built on water - the noun ‘mere’ meaning a lake or pond!
Mary Sutton, a member of St Alban’s Church, Beacon Hill, was the guest speaker that evening. Author, researcher, champion of the marginalised both abroad and at Gatwick where she has worked with refugees - Mary mentioned
that the subject of ‘Truth’ was one which was very close to her heart as she had been brought up in Australia, where truth is much valued and a spade is clearly called a spade! She went on to share some inspiring thoughts on the subject. We didn’t have long to wait for the third piece of the trilogy. Jesus as ‘The Life’ was the subject of the Springs event held on Thursday, June 26th - once again at St Stephen’s Church. Clare Luther gave us her very lively and helpful take on this subject.
Author of rhyming children’s picture books for 3-8 year olds, Clare runs workshops in schools where she uses her stories to help children explore, understand and manage their emotions. She also offers teacher training, parenting talks and coaching sessions to help them tackle specific challenges on the subject. (right, Clare at a table laden with her books which were available to buy.)
Originally a full time Occupational Therapist - and an agnostic - Clare had a dramatic experience at work which jolted her into eventually becoming a believer. On a busy hospital round where she was due to assess a very disabled elderly patient, she found herself being asked to wait as the patient’s husband was praying with her. Surprised and a little put out, she decided she would come back another time to assess the patient without the husband there. However, that night she had a dream and saw the patient standing next to a throne with a voice clearly saying, “She is now with me.” Clare looked at the clock. It was 11.45pm. Spurred on by the vividness of her dream, she returned to the ward early the next morning, announcing her intention to assess the patient, only to be told that the lady had died in the night. “Oh? Er.. What time did she die?” Clare ventured. “At 11.45pm”, came the reply...
Besides enjoying the inspiring talks, there was plenty of time to chat and sample the tempting nibbles (left). And I must add that the ‘Ladies Only’ rule does sometimes get broken, when we rely on a gentleman to ‘man’ the sound system and another one takes part in one of the excellent music groups.
Talking of which, there is to be a special event open to both men and women on the evening of November 14th when Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance, will be speaking on ‘Having Confidence in the Gospel in our Cultural Landscape’ which will take place at Haslemere Hall. So, ladies and gentlemen, do book the date - and come and join us! Ann Lear
OLD HASLEMERE
FAMILIES -
THE SHUDDS
When in 1816 Betty Shudd died at The Lodge in Haslemere High Street aged 89 years, many must have felt this marked the end of an era. Born in 1727, this remarkable lady had lived through the French Revolution and the rise and fall of Napoleon, the death of Nelson, and indeed the rise and rise of her own family, the delightfully named Shudds - one of the few families perhaps who had made their fortune entirely within Haslemere itself.
Portrait of Miss Betty Shudd Bygone Haslemere Plate IX Courtesy of Haslemere Museum
Interestingly, considering the importance the Shudds were to have on the history of St Bartholomew and the town, we first learn of John Shudd owning land known as the ‘Churchyard of Old Haslemere’, established on ground where Red Court stands today, south of the present town. Here is thought to have stood the original Saxon church and the early settlement of Haslemere. By 1614 this small parcel of land was part of a portfolio of properties that John Shudd bought and sold in and around Haslemere in the early 17th century, including the purchase of a leasehold of The Burgage House, in the High Street.
On his death in 1629 John Shudd left the property to his son William through whose heirs, The Burgage House became the family home for two hundred years. William passed the house to his nephew John, and it was this John Shudd who had felt sufficiently confident to build for himself and his descendants (who are all buried within) the tabular tomb that still stands at the south-east corner of St Bartholomew’s graveyard. This tomb was evidently built in 1680 to receive his wife Mary (aged 45) and he himself was buried there in 1699. A sketch by Petrie of 1808 shows the tomb (with its railing) a comfortable distance from the original church. Only the rebuilding in 1870 of St Bartholomew’s and its 1888 south aisle extension eroded the tomb’s prominent position.
Sketch by Henry Petrie - The Church of St Bartholomew 1808
Bygone Haslemere Plate XIV
Courtesy of Haslemere Museum
John Shudd’s son (also a John) became a highly successful lawyer, and was responsible for some reconstruction of The Burgage House and ‘rectification of boundary’ before his death in 1757 aged 83. Especially, he left three daughters who were to play an important part in the Shudd story: Ann, Mary, and Betty Shudd.
Their father’s Will of 1756 is an interesting document. The initial portfolio of John Shudd of 1629 had enlarged to include land spread wide across Surrey and Sussex, the rentals amassing a large fortune, ‘with which it hath pleased Almighty God to bless me I do order give devise bequeath and dispose. . .’ To his eldest daughter Ann, John Shudd left all his property in Haslemere, which included The Burgage House. To Mary he bequeathed property and lands plus their rents in the Parish of Thursley (then part of Haslemere) including land on ‘Courtshill’, plus outlying properties at Fernhurst and Wisborough Green; the youngest child Betty was given land at Weyshott, Witley and Petworth. In addition, each daughter received £1,000 and an equal share in their father’s goods and chattels (a fortune worth nearly a million pounds in today’s money.) Finally, the poor of Haslemere received £20.00 to be paid a month from his death by his three daughters, his executors.
Mary Shudd was married at the age of 31 in 1755 to the Reverend Thomas Sanderson. Despite having property of his own in Kent the Rev Sanderson rented The Town House in the High Street, Haslemere from General Oglethorpe (sometime Governor General of Georgia) bringing with him a remarkable collection of biblical Flemish painted glass in the domestic genre style. This type of glass - a fashionable collector’s item of the period - was doubtless well-displayed at The Town House. The Sanderson’s only child Mary Ann was born on the 17th January 1757. It is thought further improvements or even total reconstruction was made to The Burgage House between 1735 - 1775 as shown by survey maps of the time, and by 1774 the Sandersons had left The Town House and were presumably living
with sisters Ann and Betty in what may have been a considerably enhanced new home. A respected member of the community, Sanderson opened the parliamentary elections of 1774 voting in support of Colonel Molyneux and Sir Merrick Burrell.
The following years were not happy ones for the Shudds. Ann died in 1775 and her sister Mary only four years later - Mary’s husband Thomas Sanderson dying the following year in 1780. All were buried in The Shudd Tomb. At this point Mary Ann, who had inherited both her mother’s and father’s property, joined with her aunt Betty in the sale of The Burgage House to Sir James Lowther, which gave them a 1000-year lease of the property.
After many years living with her aunt Betty, Mary Ann married in 1798 the Reverend Robert Price, one of the Prebendaries of Durham Cathedral, as his second wife. It was at this point that the Flemish glass Mary Ann had inherited from her father was given to St Bartholomew’s and eventually set into the east end of the church as shown in sketches of the period. At Ann’s marriage her aunt Betty received the sole possession of the lease on The Burgage House for her life. Perhaps around this date The Burgage House became The Lodge. At Betty Shudd’s death in 1816 her Will (longer even than her father’s) demonstrated a strong character, a sound business sense, and a wide acquaintance. Importantly, for Haslemere, she bequeathed £350.00 in ‘Three per cents’ (Bank annuities) in trust, the interest to be applied yearly for ever in distribution to the poor of Haslemere at Christmas. The Betty Shudd Charity is still active today, and is now a linked charity to the Haslemere United Charities. The Shudds did not forget their roots in Haslemere. Mary Ann Price died at Bath in 1818, but was buried at St Bartholomew’s, and following the death of her husband, the Rev Price, The Lodge descended to their son, Uvedale. It seems that her daughter, Mary Ann Elizabeth, was married at St Bartholomew’s in 1823. Eventually, Uvedale sold the lease of The Lodge to Lord Lonsdale in 1828. A relation, Barrington Price, may have lived on a little longer in Haslemere, but effectively the Shudd’s connection with the town had come to an end.
But not their influence. Today we still enjoy the recently restored and displayed Flemish Glass donated to St Bartholomew’s Church by Mary Ann Shudd in 1798; the Betty Shudd Charity is an active source of financial support for the town - and as for The Lodge? That became The Haslemere Educational Museum, looking much today as when Aunt Betty Shudd herself had lived
there more than 200 years ago. And if you should be walking up from the Lytch Gate in St Bartholomew’s churchyard, spare a glance at The Shudd Tomb close to the church at your righthand. All human life is there.
Katherine Jessel
Sources
Bygone Haslemere Swanton and Woods. 1914
Charity Commission ancestry.com
LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN –UNRAVELLING MYSTERIES AND FINDING HOPE
LedbyDrMartinBrunet, GPatBinscombeMedicalPractice
Saturday11thOctober2025
10am–12.30pm
Please reserve a place, by contacting Sally Pollard (Coffeeavailablefrom9.30am) at Godalming Baptist Church, email: pollard3@hotmail.co.uk, tel: 01483 428646 QueenStreet,Godalming,SurreyGU71BA by Friday26thSeptember
During the morning’s session Dr Brunet, will cover the following topics when considering chronic pain: What is the nature of pain? - Why don’t we always heal? - How does being in chronic pain affect us? - The vicious cycle of pain and the fear of pain - How can we find hope, and healing, once pain has set in?
The session will be free of charge, but there will be an opportunity to give a voluntary donation, towards the Farncombe Community Gardensee the link to the garden facebook on https://www.facebook.com/ farncombecommunitygarden
We are also holding our monthly Coffee Stop for a different charity each month at Godalming Baptist Church from 10.00am onwards until 12.00 noon on Saturday 6th September. Please do support if you are shopping in Godalming and join us for delicious homemade cakes and tea/coffee. All donations received are going towards the vital work of Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance.
Sunday Families
A Busy June!
Sunday Morning Families under the gazebo had special sound effects of an earthquake and howling winds to accompany the story of Paul and Silas being freed from prison in Acts 16. We talked about Jesus praying to God for his disciples in John 17. This focuses on the unity of believers - how we are all different, but all sisters and brothers no matter who we are or where in the world we live and are joined together by God’s love. ‘He has the whole world in His hands’ was represented by the children in their beautifully made collages.
Our in-situ Easter Garden was updated for Pentecost with some fiery coloured flowers, doves and flames to represent the Holy Spirit to tie in with the school installation in the Derby Road Cemetery which worked beautifully.
We were fortunate enough to be involved in the wonderful Flower Festival.
Our tissue paper flowers attached to bunting adorned the tea tent and our outdoor table decorations looked wonderful. Thank you for including us Frances and well done children!
Summmer Sizzler BBQ
We ended up with a scorcher for the event on 21st June on the School Field despite a shower just as we started! It was a very well-attended event with 54 children of all ages and their families who set up with picnic rugs under the trees and enjoyed the traditional games and activities.
Ducks were hooked, fish were ‘ponged’, hoops and corn were thrown, rats were smacked, and tin cans were successfully knocked from their alley. Justin instructed goggled throwers on how to launch cricket balls at old plates left over from the Link clear-out in the plate smash and Chris took up his position in the Aunt Sally and was duly soaked with wet sponges. Peter was a good sport and took the full thrust of the wet sponges at other times. We had butterflies, bats, tigers and a deer in our midst all created by our face painters, ice creams decorated at the ice cream station and of course juice, cake, popcorn and jellies on the refreshment stall. Crafts were made and the shaded Toddler Play and Craft Area gave welcome respite from the sun for the little ones.
We were entertained with songs from Seb and Amelia who showed lots of courage, stars of the future! Thank you both for making the day extra special.
We raised £81 on the Tombola for our monthly charity ‘Place to be Youth’ and I understand over £200 was raised for ‘Raise the Roof’ sponsoring Link roof tiles. Children collected mini prizes just for playing the games and left with a larger gift (which had been generously donated) at the end of the day.
Enormous thanks go to Katie and Alistair who not only cooked the BBQ in extreme temperatures throughout the afternoon but generously covered the cost of what they were cooking. There was nothing left by the end of the afternoon so congratulation to the chefs!
Whole families pulled together in the Tug O’ War which showed just how when we work as a team great things can be achieved.
The day exceeded expectations and the feedback from families and helpers alike was amazing which made all the effort worthwhile.
The day was extremely hard work for all those involved with preparation, set up/tidy up and those who volunteered and worked tirelessly on the day and behind the scenes. I could not have put this event together for the children without your support and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your contributions in whatever way they were given. Time to start brainstorming for our next event!
July SMF was all about the sending out of the 72. I had a suitcase packed and the children guessed what was in it for a journey. Pants were needed apparently so I pulled mine out of the case which caused much laughter! We read the story and talked about how the 36 pairs could take nothing with them, imagine how difficult it would have been and how we work better together. Sorting dishes/counters showed how we can reach more people if we work as a team. Traffic Light keychains to display on bags - always green to Go to tell all our friends and share the love of God, and fingerprint dandelions to represent seeds blossoming into flowers were made and enjoyed even by our toddlers. We finished as always with a closing prayer and the bible story printout to take home.
We have been blessed with the weather under the gazebo for SMF and pray that the weather will hold for our last outdoor session in September!
School Update
I recently attended the Leavers Service with Year 6 at Guildford Cathedral, spent time with Reception asking during squabbles what would God think (they knew the answer!) and reminding them of how lucky they are to have each other and remember that in a world where we can be anything we should be ‘kind’! Year 1 made posters in support of ‘Stewardship’ of our world in RE and painted amazing still life seascapes to show our world’s beauty. I was presented with a beautiful painting and a plasticine shell imprint by two children as gifts to keep at home which melted my heart!
The installation for Pentecost in the Derby Road Cemetery was amazing. I spent the day with Reception Class making all the hanging doves, and Year 3 made all the coloured doves that adorned the hanging wreath. The children worked very hard, got to see their work in situ and some parents visited too.
There were several passersby as I was hanging the installation who came in to chat about what was happening! I hope this will be the first of many installations in the cemetery.
Plans and proposals for the Spiritual Garden should be ready before the end of term to be given to Clive for consideration before presenting to the Trustees. It is intended that the garden will be used throughout the year which both the school and I are very excited about as currently the space is uninspiring and underused. I am allocated six hours a week within my role to spend with the school. Currently this equates to 1.5 days fortnightly as timetabled with the school but usually every other Wednesday and then as necessity dictates. Most of the children know me by name and I am often referred to as the ‘Church Teacher’ which is very endearing. My name is regularly called out in supermarkets or out in the community which fills my heart with absolute joy to know they remember me and want to chat. Building relationships and trust is after all what it is all about and long may it continue!
As SMF and school break for the summer enormous thanks go to everyone for continued support and prayers for our Children’s Ministry.
God Bless Karen
Flower Festival in aid of the Link Community Project at St Christopher’s Church
The Flower Festival at St Christopher’s Church for four days in June was such an amazing event and involved so much work by so many people. Here is it how it happened!
The idea started a year ago when Glynis Blake and I were watching our husbands play cricket - I mentioned that the Link Project needed funds and both of us said let’s do a Flower Festival! Glynis’s connection to the idea is that she is a counsellor and had until recently been part of Crossways Counselling and a flower arranger known for her amazing arrangements at St Mary’s Bramshott and elsewhere.
By Christmas 2024 we had a little committee of four - which included Sarah Mulliner and Di Brownrigg both from the extremely talented flower team at St Bart’s. Glynis then came up with the inspired idea that all the arrangements should be based on poems reflecting the three themes of Courage, Wisdom and Spirit. The three main users of the new Link building being illustrated in these poems - Courage to seek counselling from Crossways, Wisdom for the Citizens Advice Bureau and Spirit for the Church and Community. Our main aim, apart from raising money, was to make this flower festival as sustainable as possible. So, no floral foam (Oasis) was used anywhere and where possible most of the creations were done using only local or British grown flowers. We then asked for arrangers from all over the area, some professional, many Churches and other organisations for their contributions and were taken aback by the generosity shown - all the arrangements you saw at the festival were done at no expense to us. There were arrangements from 6 Haslemere Churches, 4 local professional florists, Crossways Counselling, Haslemere Museum, Liphook and
Committee with Deputy Mayor
St Christopher’s
The Random Florists
Summit Youth Group
Liphook & Haslemere Food Banks
St Mary’s Bramshott
Tea Tent Decorated by the Sunday School
Cricketing Crafters
Our Lady Of Lourdes
St Bartholomew’s
Haslemere Food Bank, Summit Youth Group and Haslemere Girl Guides. Haslemere Art Society in collaboration with Gallery 13 also painted a colourful picture of a dragon fly illustrating their poem of the same name. We even had glass sculptures of flowers in the garden on loan from Annie Child’s glass design. Then to really make the event an inviting prospect and make a lot of money we needed a tea tent! A daunting project but thanks to amazing organisation by Lucy Manley Cooper and Sarah Mulliner recruiting the legions of volunteers to man the tea tent, the kitchen, the stewarding of the festival plus the extraordinary enthusiasm of all of cake bakers it made the whole event a pleasure to visit. The number of delicious cakes all baked and donated really was the icing on the cake! Just in case you noticed that the CAB didn’t contribute a flower arrangementthey contributed many volunteers who did hours of work in the kitchen! Even the Sunday school was involved and made some lovely floral themed decorations for the tea tent and tables.
Putting this event on costs money, so we are extremely grateful for the donations from Shottermill Great War Memorial Fund and Frankie Kelly for their kind donations to the expenses of getting the festival off the grounds - as in lighting, advertising and more.
Over 600 people came through the doors of St Christopher’s during the four days the festival was open and well over £8,000 was raised which will be a huge help in making the new Link a comfortable and welcoming space.
We cannot thank everyone involved enough for the fantastic result not just for the extraordinary amount of money raised but for the wonderful community event - over 100 people were involved and so willingly giving their time and skills. Many contacts and new friends were made and so many links made for the Link project.
I just would like to add that I am so thankful for the extremely generous gift card I was given at the service on 6th July and for the very kind words from Rev Chris about my part in the festival - Sarah, Di and Glynis were all the brilliant and it was very much a team effort, but many thanks indeed.
Frances Reincke
Photographs: Kari Hayden, Richard Taylor-Goobie, Frances Reincke
St Bartholomew’s
C of E Primary School
Our time at St Bart’s
Harry O - Head Boy 2024-2025
My time at St Bart’s has been a rollercoaster of emotions, from nervous and hyper, to prideful and love, but most of all, happiness. Happiness is what’s kept me going the whole way. I’ve learnt a lot over my past 7 years here, but in my opinion, the most important thing I’ve learnt is to value others how you would like to be valued. That motto is the most important rule you must follow to be a Christian. I feel proud to have represented the school on various occasions and I’m very sad to leave.
Alice Tate - Head Girl 2024-2025
I have been at St Bart’s school for 7 years and have enjoyed every minute of it; from Marwell Zoo in Year 1 to PGL and SATS in Year 6, Windsor Castle, Muck Mess and Mixture, CYE, and many more unforgettable experiences. The teachers are great. On my first day of school I was made very welcome by Mrs Burton and Mrs Rowland. Mrs Sadler’s learning rhymes still ring in my head when I come across a test and Mr Walton-Harrod’s plays always make me laugh. I love how the school makes you feel safe and secure when you are in it.
Spotlight on Joyce Douglas
BY GARETH DAVID
A familiar face to anyone who attends the 10.00 Sunday services at St. Bart’s and St. Christopher’s churches has just reached her landmark 100th birthday, and reflects on a long and eventful life dominated by family, community, teaching and the Girl Guides
Growing up in Liverpool “I was born in Liverpool on 25 May 1925 and had a very happy childhood. We were fortunate in living in the most pleasant and green part of Liverpool, Mossley Hill. I was 15 minutes older than my identical twin sister, Mollie, and we had a brother Jack who was 2½ years older. My mother didn’t know she was expecting twins and didn’t have a name in mind for a second child and asked the nurse“call her Irish Mollie” she said. The name stuck although she was christened Edith Mary!
“We were born in a House built for Heroes, because my father was badly injured in Northern France at the end of September 1918. He was treated in Chichester at Graylingwell Hospital, just four days after his injury but recovery took many years.
“Mollie and I joined the Brownies in 1933 and then when were 11 we moved up to the Girl Guides. That was the start of a life-time of involvement with the Guide movement, which included many years as a Guide Leader, Camp Adviser, District Commissioner and Vice-President of Merseyside South Guides, and finally a member of the Trefoil Guild.
Teacher training
At the age of 18 we both went to the Cheshire County Teacher Training College in Crewe, where we spent two years [1943-45]. I had always wanted to be a teacher like my father’s sister and never wavered with that ambition. During my time in Crewe I worked in the evening at the NAAFI buffet on Crewe Station. By 1944 there were huge numbers of troops passing through Crewe by train and they would come to us for coffee and food.
Taking part in the 1946 Festival of Youth at Wembley
Mollie and I were always keen on gym so when we returned to Liverpool after finishing our teacher training we joined an evening gym class where someone came to recruit people to take part in the Festival of Youth the following summer.
So in January 1946 we went through a selection process, representing the Girl Guides. There were a lot of people to begin with, but the numbers were gradually reduced and finally, we realised we were in the group from Lancashire that was going to go to London - our first ever visit! 7,000 young people took part and it can be still be viewed on Pathe News (YouTube).
“We went down to London by train on the Friday night before the Festival and spent the night sleeping in what had been the deep-level underground air raid shelter beneath Clapham South tube station. I remember that there were three -tier bunk beds but the top one was horrible as it was so close to the roof, but there was a good canteen there for breakfast. Some years later I stayed there again, while taking a school trip to London and then on to the Isle of Wight!
A career in teaching
“After teacher training I returned to the family home in Mossley Hill and did my probationary year and then moved on to another school in Liverpool, Northway.
“I remember two girls in my class asked if I would like to come to the Brownie concert and I said yes. In the interval the Girl Guide Captain spoke to me and said she had heard I take the girls for country dancing. When I said yes, she asked if I could take the Girl Guides as well, so I did and then became the
Captain for nearly 30 years!
After seven years at Northway I moved to another Liverpool junior school Mosspits Lane where I ran the girls netball team and rounders in the summer, as well as teaching all the academic subjects. Here I taught Edwina Currie (then Edwina Cohen) who has kept in touch until quite recently.
“In 1957 I married the deputy headmaster, Harry Culshaw, who was father to Andrew [our Parish Treasurer]. He was older than me and a widower, with two boys, Kenneth, who was seven when we married and David who was 11. Harry lived in Aintree next to the racecourse and we lived there for 12 years until moving to Maghull in 1969. I always back a horse in The Grand National.
“I gave up teaching when I married, but when Andrew started school I was asked to provide cover for a teacher. We went on a summer camping holiday to Copenhagen with the proceeds, but then heard that she wasn’t coming back, so I returned to the school and stayed until 1973.
“Andrew had moved on to Merchant Taylors’ School and told me that they were looking for a prep school teacher for a new form.
This was a very traditional school and after a few years I became the Head which gave me the opportunity to turn it into a modern 7-11 junior school, taking best practice and experience from the state sector into an independent school!
“I introduced overseas school trips, outdoor activities weeks, as well as school concerts. One of the annual highlights was singing at Corpus Christi at Liverpool Parish Church, which is probably where Andrew acquired his taste for High Church Anglicanism! I spent 13 years there until I retired in 1986.
Travel
Mollie and I enjoyed many holidays together, and in 1948 we travelled to Switzerland which looking back was pretty unusual for young people in those days. We dressed a lot more smartly than today’s travellers! We followed that with a camping trip in Norway in 1950. In 1955 we bought a new Ford Prefect together which I think was pretty
Second marriage and a move to Haslemere
“Harry died in 1980 and after my retirement in 1986 I became active in the National Trust and through that I met Alan Douglas in 1987 and married him two years later. With him I acquired a step daughter, Alison. As well as the National Trust I was also a keen rambler and was a steward at church, and a member of Trefoil Guild, an organisation for retired Girl Guides.
“My son Andrew moved to Haslemere in 2014. His mother-in-Law, Evelyn, had lived at Redcot Residential Care Home [in Three Gates Lane], so I had visited and always thought it was lovely.
“After Mollie died [aged 95 in 2021], and I had a few falls, I chose to move to Haslemere. I feel very comfortable and welcome here and make sure all the Redcot residents attend the excellent monthly service led by Peter, Ruth, Shirley and Michael. I am happy to call Redcot and Haslemere my home, but I do wish the council could do something about the pavements!
A recipe for long life
“Having a happy childhood, with a caring mother and father and a strong faith are a good basis for a long and happy life. I also think it is important to take part in things - the more you join in the more people, especially younger people, you get to know.”
A message from our Police Constables
The other day I met with Police Community Support Officer John Savage and Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Archie Ridley.
It may surprise us to know that the Haslemere beat, is the largest beat in Surrey, in that it covers Milford, Chiddingfold, Elstead, Tilford, Churt, Hindhead, Beacon Hill and anywhere in between. Having said that under normal circumstances, both officers will commit a large amount of their time to Haslemere.
John’s role is to be the approachable and visible police presence in Haslemere and would aim to spend 40% of his on-duty time in the town and Weyhill. PC Archie Ridley, also has a research and data analytical role for the area, but despite that would aim to be in town for 25% of his on-duty hours. Both men are extremely approachable, likeable and charming and would like nothing more than to stop for a chat, but it is no coincidence that there has been a dramatic fall in shoplifting now that their presence is understood. All the retailers I talk to have nothing but good words to say about their policing work in the town.
However, the story does not end there. John and Archie want the whole community to feel safe and for general advice or queries are happy to take emails and phone calls from the general public. It must be stressed, that emergency calls must go via 999 and they won’t respond when off-duty. That said they are happy to share their contact details, see below, for community related issues. These two have made a huge step forward in police visibility, making an immediate contribution and helping all to feel confident and safe, which I’m sure you’ll agree is a very welcome development.
John is happy to take emails or phone calls and can be contacted at john.savage@surrey.police.uk or on 07870 377956. Archie would prefer email and can be contacted at archie.ridley@surrey.police.uk or if preferred 07953 520586
Rev. Justin Manley-Cooper
JOHN SAVAGE
ARCHIE RIDLEY
This caught my eye:
I spotted this in the porch of St. Mary's, the oldest church on Hadrian's Wall at the end of the Solway Firth and just thought it might be of interest!
Thomas Ken 1637 - 1711 was a hymn, prayer and poetry writer, a one-time Bishop of Bath and Wells and a Chaplain to Charles II. Although a 'southerner' apparently he did spend some time at St. Mary's, though this is not mentioned in a history about him on Google. Three of his hymns are still in the Ancient & Modern hymn book, two in the evening section.
Barbara
Goulston
A Picture for August and September
The Communion of Saints
Christ Glorified in the Court of Heaven: Fra Angelico (1423-4)
The inspiration is from Revelation 7 (verses 9-12). Christ, hovering on wispy clouds, is surrounded by angels who sing, dance and play musical instruments. He is shown triumphant over death: his red and white flag was associated with his resurrection; the wound in his right hand, caused when he was crucified, is a reminder of his physical suffering.
This is the central panel of an altarpiece made by Fra Angelico, a painter and friar, for his own convent church of San Domenico in Fiesole, a town just outside Florence. The main part of the altarpiece is still in Fiesole but the predella is now in the National Gallery in London. It is unusual: it shows Christ in glory surrounded by saints and angels, rather than narrative scenes of the lives of the saints.
These traditional images of Heaven depict it containing musical instruments and choirs, and inspired John Donne to express the idea.
“Bring us , O Lord, at our last awakening into the gate of heaven, to enter into that gate and dwell in that house, where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling but one equal light: no noise nor silence, but one equal music”.
A common theme is that everyone is joined in a beautiful dance. We shall be taken out of ourselves with music, and our whole being will move as one with the music. The idea of a mystical dance is taken up in the modern hymn, ‘The Lord of the Dance’ by Sidney Carter, for instance in the final verse: They cut me down and I leapt up high; I am the life that’ll never, never die; I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me -
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
In a novel by Susan Hill, a newly bereaved widow is seen going into a church for her husband’s funeral. What she became aware of was not people sitting around her but of others.
The church was “full of those who had ever prayed in it. The air was crammed and vibrating with their goodness and the freedom and power of their resurrection, and she felt herself to be part of some great living and growing tapestry, every thread of which I joined and belonged to every other, although each one was also entirely and distinctly itself. She heard again the strange music in her head and her ears, and yet somewhere far outside of them.”
(Susan Hill: In the Springtime of the Year : Hamish Hamilton 1974).
Peter Sellars
Hello Friends!
First Steps has enjoyed a busy summer term commencing with a Sermon on the Mount session when Christina utilised some clever role play skits to portray the key messages. This was followed by a wonderful re-telling of the Prodigal Son deftly given by Nick one of our First Steps dads.
At the end of June, we were treated to Zoe giving a hands-on interpretation of the Two Sons with apples galore! As you can see from the photos the children loved it.
Our First Steps craft notice board is literally overflowing with the wonderful crafts created by Rita and Ruth; the children flock to the craft table each week to enjoy these topical crafts.
Fun at the Farm!
As is now a firm First Steps tradition the wonderful farm came to visit us for our last session before the summer break. On Monday 14th July families were greeted with an array of animals ranging from a tortoise, chickens, goats, a donkey, guinea pigs, sheep and a miniature horse which the children (and adults) could groom and feed.
Following the frolics of the farm we all enjoyed a ‘bring and share’ lunch together and the children, who will be leaving us in September, all received a leavers book.
Church Youth Groups
Here is an update on all the things The Den and Summit have done this Summer Term!
On the 22nd May the brilliant Rocksteady music school made its annual visit to The Den, giving the children a taste of different musical instruments and playing together as a band. They were split into two groups and whilst one was with the Rocksteady team, the other went outside to undertake our ‘nightline’ challenge. In pairs, they took turns being blindfolded and following a string line with their hand, that ran through an obstacle course, guided only by the voice of their partner. We discussed how our partner is like the Holy Spirit, guiding and supporting us when we are feeling lost and unsure. God has a bird’s eye view of our lives and will make our paths straight, guiding and supporting us through any tricky obstacles we face. Although we can’t see the Holy Spirit, He is always there to teach, guide and comfort us by working through others as well.
Another session saw the group heading to Imbhams farm to help feed the sheep and lambs and assist Ben Webb (from Surrey Hills & Rivers) sweeping out the bell tents. The latter had been used for a residential camp for Ukrainian families, and another camp was about to begin.
At The Den we like to assist in the local community, and this was a good opportunity for the children to help, whilst also having a lovely evening at the farm. A massive water fight followed as it was extremely hot, and we ended with s’mores around the fire pit.
Discussion time was about how we are looking at healthy minds and bodies this half term and how the mind, body and spirit are all connected, and that we will try to help them look after all these elements for their well-being. Our story was focused on Elijah’s struggles in the bible (despite the amazing things he had just been a part of on Mount Carmel) and how God responded and helped him, and that this bible story can also guide us when we are struggling mentally.
We compared the body to a bucket and discussed how stress can be like little drops of water that eventually fill you up to the point where you can overflow when it all gets too much.
We spoke about what is our ‘tap’, what it is we do to help ourselves when we are overwhelmed and what helps us feel calm again, e.g. taking a nap, nature walks, talking to someone etc. Verity explained that God is an amazing tap too and we can speak to Him anytime about anything and He will be there to help like He helped Elijah.
Continuing our efforts to focus on healthy minds and bodies, during the next session we arranged for the children to sail dinghies at Frensham Great Pond. The weather was perfect, and it was an incredible evening.
For our penultimate session this term we headed to Shottermill Infant School. Firstly, we spent time in the school’s wild garden where we had our discussion and craft. The talk featured on how Jesus cares for our whole being and that He didn’t just help people spiritually, he also helped them mentally and physically. He healed people, fed the hungry, listened, comforted and guided those in need. We also spoke about the body as a temple for the Holy Spirit and how we should care for, honour and respect our bodies. Doing activities such as Judo can help keep our bodies fit and can be great for our mental health as well.
Then we re-capped on the ‘stress bucket’ concept discussed the previous week and did a craft to remind us of our ‘taps’ that help us let out our stress when we feel like we are filling up and ready to overflow. We put pressed dried flowers inside a bottle
and wrote on a label the things we can do to help feel calm again. We had stickers of doves to remind us that God also brings peace and can be our ‘tap’ as well.
We then went into the main hall for our Judo taster session with Fiona Chan who has represented Great Britain at Judo. She started off teaching some Judo commands in Japanese such as ‘stop’ and the moral code for Kinsa Judo - respect, courtesy, courage, selfcontrol etc. Following warmups and playing ‘stuck in the mud’ Fiona taught how to fall safely backwards, forwards and sideways and how to do a break fall. This is one of the most important things in Judo as it means you can fall without hurting yourself. She then showed some basic holds which were practised.
Finally, we would like to thank Claire and Peter Gratton for kindly hosting our end of year pool party in their lovely garden. We have tried to get The Den as active as possible for this last half term and so it seemed like a fitting end to our year. We had garden games, pool time fun and a party food feast to end the evening. We also handed out mugs (with positive affirmations from the bible) to the children moving up to secondary school in September. This is something to inspire them at breakfast each morning and set them up for the day ahead.
Summit did an incredible job creating a flower display on Wednesday 11th June for the Flower Festival at St Christopher's Church. Their arrangement was inspired by a beautiful poem 'Spirit' written by 13-year-old Jessica, a member of the group. The different parts of the arrangement represented the verses in the poem, with the 'Spirit' flowing around all of them. A huge thank you to Cathy Moore for all her efforts to make this arrangement possible and to Sarah Ingram, Rev. Justin, Lara Butler and Sue Davis for their help and support.
For our last session of the school year, Summit went on a kayaking trip with Ben Webb (Surrey Hills and Rivers). We set off from the Wey Kayak Club in Guildford and had a wonderful paddle down the River Wey. The young people enjoyed competing in some races, playing manhunt and taking turns to climb over all the kayaks while forming a raft. Inevitably there was some involuntary swimming resulting from that although they did all opt to jump into the water at the end and have a cooling swim!
We think the photos show the fun the two groups have had over the last few weeks as well as participating in some thought-provoking discussions.
For more details of The Den and Summit contact: Verity Sutherland, Children & Families Worker (Older Children) Email: Children@haslemereparish.org
Sue & Verity
by Verity
Photos
Haslemere Festival and Furnace Place Estate invite you to a VJ 1945 special evening to celebrate the homecoming of our service personnel from the Far East. Tickets are £30 each and should you wish to purchase any, please pay by BACS to Haslemere Festival, sort code 60-10-14, account number 87013002. Quoting homecoming.
I do hope you will be able to join us and if you would like further information, then please do not hesitate to contact me. Ken Griffiths email ken@haslemere.com All profits will be going to the Royal British Legion.
Churchyard Jottings
I mentioned in the last Parish Magazine that we hoped to have another volunteer working party in June to prepare ourselves for the judging in the South and South East in Bloom competition. A group of gardening stalwarts turned up on Saturday 14 June to help tidy the main churchyard and were blessed with fine (but not too hot) weather. Much was achieved and the green waste had been efficiently removed by Waverley’s contractor by the following Tuesday.
The judging took place on Friday 20 June on a pleasant summer’s day. The judge, Phil Newcombe, is the Assistant Parks Manager for the Royal Parks and his visit to a closed churchyard may well have been a different experience for him. The judging itself was quite informal and involved a walk around for about one hour. As last year, we were privileged to have three children from The Den (who also attend St Bartholomew’s Primary School) present for the first part of the judging. Thanks must go to Simon Avenell, Headteacher at the school, for consenting to their release from lessons and to Debbie Rowland from the school who supported them. However, special thanks are due to Verity Sutherland who choreographed this part of the judging perfectly. The children were given the freedom to show the judge all the wild flower planting they had carried out, explain how they did it and answer his questions. He spent a considerable time with them, discussing the seeds they had sown, inspecting the bug hotel and the wood framed miniature garden. All this triggered much interest and led to further discussion with the children. The slate and wooden frame information boards created
Philip Hunt
captions caused genuine amusement. The children’s enthusiasm clearly shone through, as can be seen from the photograph, on page 38, taken by Verity. Rather like having the top of the bill first, the mere adults (David Simmons and myself) were left to spend the remaining time with the judge to explain what else was going on in the churchyard and the role played by the various volunteers, who give up their time to ensure it looks at its best. We were fortunate to be accompanied by Ann Hayward, Waverley BC’s Greenspaces Contract Officer, who has been very supportive of us and who encouraged us to enter into the competition for the first time last year. The judge had a very different style to the judge last year, but his friendliness and general receptiveness as to what we have been trying to achieve, will hopefully stand us in good stead. Results of the judging will be known towards the end of September.
It is hoped that we might be able to increase the seating in the main churchyard to give visitors (and parishioners) an opportunity to rest and perhaps contemplate in the relative quiet. The existing seat, opposite the main door, was fairly recently gifted to the Rector to replace one which had been repaired several times and is now in Derby Road churchyard. Now that distant views over the town have been opened up, as a result of some judicious pruning of low branches on the tree by the wall of Church Hill House, it is an attractive proposition to have a seat to take advantage of the new vista. One suggestion, discussed with David Simmons, as Deputy Churchwarden, is to position the new seat with its back to the bell tower affording a view over the town. Perhaps this is an opportunity for a seat, complete with a commemorative plaque, in memory of a much missed member of the congregation.
I mentioned last time about the planned clean up of the badly tarnished William Luff grave, which sits in a prominent position within the wild flower area of St Bartholomew’s churchyard. I somewhat rashly promised before and after photographs to show the improvement. Fortunately, the use of a specialist cleaning product has delivered a very favourable result as can be seen in the two photos. Further applications may be required in the future, but care needs to be taken with a headstone that is 150 years old.
RECIPE
CORNER
A Simple Salad
This recipe is taken from a New Zealand cook book, delicious!
Linda Donaldson
Ingredients:
8 baby beetroots
1 punnet raspberries (or blackberries)
24 cherry tomatoes (assorted colours)
1 ripe avocado
125g. burrata
Handful of basil leaves
½ tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Method:
Place the beets in a saucepan of water and bring to the boil and cook until soft. Drain the water and allow the beets to cool. When cool, massage the skin, cut into various shapes, such as wedges or chunky and arrange on a serving platter or in a salad bowl. Begin to build the salad by next arranging the fruit over the beets along with the cherry tomatoes.
Peel the avocado and remove the stone. Cut the avocado into wedges, then into chunks and place over the other salad ingredients. Rip the burrata apart, placing chunks on the salad.
Toss the basil leaves over the top of the salad, then drizzle over both the olive oil and some chilli oil (if required) Lastly sprinkle over your favourite flaky seasalt.
Greetings From Gran Canaria
This was not a sightseeing holiday, nor was it an adventure holiday, we just spent a week concentrating on R&R. There is no better place to do this.
We stayed at an adults only hotel at the southern end of Gran Canaria in Maspalomas, with half board (who eats more than 2 meals a day anyway?). Top left is the pool and bar area, drinks switching between cocktails and water for hydration. Poolside we took the time to exert ourselves with travel scrabble, end of week result 3 games to Jane, 2 to Dom. Top right is the view from the hotel (and our own balcony) across the dunes, we decided it was too hot and heavy going for us to walk along them, neither did we take the camel ride.
We did venture out a couple of times to Puerto de Mogan, bottom 2 pictures. The water in the port was clear enough to see plenty of fish. A very pretty small town, with plenty of interesting shops and restaurants, we did have a particularly good Tapas for lunch there.
Everywhere we went was exceptionally clean and tidy, the food was first class and we enjoyed the musical entertainment provided before and after dinner each evening, which was a very pleasant extra. Best wishes Dom and Jane.
In My Garden
Philip Duly
Following what seemed like a reasonably wet winter, the spring and summer’s long drought meant many happy days in the garden but also much concern for various trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials.
By early July I had some very distressed trees, in particular an acer that competes with two other trees for light and moisture. I find droughts fascinating in terms of which plants struggle and which cope well which can, of course, be heavily influenced by their position.
In my garden, some deciduous azaleas looked decidedly unhappy while their evergreen neighbours coped well. Delphiniums and dahlias lapped up the sunshine without a care - and the total absence of snails - yet the rudbeckias and heleniums were surprisingly very unhappy. The stars of the borders were the monardas and Hemerocallis day lilies which flowered for weeks on end and performed better than in previous years. Might they have coped better due to my constant watering however? It is hard to know.
My newly planted herbaceous border has really begun to take shape this summer with some wonderful Euphorbia ulfenii along the fence with shorter perennials at the front creating an agreeable cascade of colour and shape. But that doesn’t mean I have got everything quite right. I am extremely timid about moving plants so it was with some reluctance that I moved some shrub roses that could not possibly remain at the front of the new border. They appear to have mostly survived, just about, but it reminds one to think very carefully when purchasing and planting that the key to successful borders is predicting how they might look in five years time, no simple task but successful planting is never easy.
Delphiniums
Mondardas
Book Review
Contributed by Charlotte & Emily
With hot days increasing and holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time to line up some summer reading! If you’re looking to dip into a Parisian day and be taken on one woman’s journey as she navigates an unsettling predicament, then On the Calculation of Volume by Danish author Solvej Balle may be just the ticket.
What would you do if one morning you realise the day has reset and you are reliving yesterdaythat this is just the start, and in fact you seem to be stuck in an endless time loop, relieving the same 18th of November over and over again? You confide in those that are close to you, but each new day they forget the conversation, and to them, this is their first 18th of November. Time is falling apart but only you are there to witness it.
This is the predicament that antiquarian bookseller, Tara Selter, finds herself in, and is a premise that surprisingly made me hesitant to read On The Calculation of Volume. How can an author write a story set during one repeating day and keep it compelling to its end? But just a few pages in and it’s clear that this is a novel that covers both a surprising expanse of time as well as a welcomed depth, anchored on an introspective narrator as she searches for answers of any shape.
Beautifully written, Solvej Balle tells a story that feels uncomfortably possible, and this is a charming and poignant story that I will think of often!
Charlotte
On the Calculation of Volume is available in paperback at £12.99 at The Haslemere Bookshop.
The Link Community Hub
Dreams are starting to come true - the chimney has gone! As headlined last time work is now underway with the building stripped out and preparations being made to start installing the steel frame (to support the first floor) later in July. We expect all the major structural work and the new roof to be complete by the end of October when fitting out can begin. Completion is still expected around Easter next year.
We are immensely grateful to Frances Reincke and her team for the wonderful Flower Festival which raised £8,500 for the project and also to the retiring Mayor Oliver Leach for £2,500 from his annual Mayor’s charity.
You can also continue to support the project through our Raise the Roof campaign - please buy a tile for a suggested minimum donation of £3 which will also ensure that your name or that of a loved one is entered on a scroll to be embedded in the roof. Please see Kari in the office or go to the parish website to buy your tile(s). www.haslemereparish.org/raisetheroof
Your project team remains busy – looking at chairs, kitchen design, storage needs, booking systems to name just a few of the things we are focussed on. So please don’t give up on your prayers, there is much still to do!
Andrew, Cathy and Debbie
(Progress reports and photos will also be published on the parish website)
The Sound of Music by Rodgers & Hammerstein is a five-time Tony award winning musical, based on the 1949 memoir of Maria Von Trapp. Opening on Broadway in 1959, the musical, set in Austria in 1938 tells the story of Maria, who takes a job as governess to a large family while she decides whether to become a nun. Maria falls in love with the children, and eventually their widowed father, Captain von Trapp. Captain von Trapp is ordered to accept a commission in the German Navy, but he opposes the Nazis. He and Maria decide on a plan to flee Austria with the children.
Building on many successful productions; including, The Wizard of Oz (2024), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2023), and Oliver! (2022), Imagine That Productions (ITP), are proud to bring this fresh production of The Sound of Music to the stage for todays’ audiences with; an exciting, visually immersive experience including, fabulous staging, costumes, and magical lighting and screen projections; designed by Kevin Wright of the Electric Theatre, Guildford.
An all-ages talented cast; featuring 20 children under the age of 16, adult soloists ranging from professionals to semi-professionals, and performing arts students, all the films’ beloved standards including; "Do-Re-Mi", "My Favorite Things", "Edelweiss", "Climb Ev'ry Mountain", and the title song "The Sound of Music".
A professional production team including: Philip O’Brien (Director: operatic tenor and vocal expert), and Reece Millard (Choreographer: Britain's Got Talent, ITV, Elton John's Aids Foundation, and Disney+).
Feedback on previous shows:
"Thank you Imagine That Productions for bringing yet another amazing and professional production to our stage. The Wizard of Oz was spectacular bringing in new audiences to our beautiful building. We can’t wait for you to be back with your innovations and brilliant cast and creatives. Thank you." Haslemere Hall
"This is a great show which I saw last night - fabulous vocals, slick choreography, brilliant acting and the highest production standards. There are some genius touches from the director which I won't spoil. If you can get tickets & get there, go today!" Mr & Mrs A Huggett
"It was slick and spectacular." Mrs S Shorthose .
"Another fabulous production by the team at ITP. Congrats on a fine performance by all, including Patch."
Philip O’Brien Director
Mr K Bunting
Another Imagine That Productions (ITP) show has been a huge hit with its Haslemere audience. There's a saying that you should never work with animals or children in the theatre. This myth was dispelled in the latest ITP production. The Wizard of Oz showcased amazing Haslemere talent young and old and a very well -behaved Patch as Toto! (This is Haslemere)
“I had the pleasure of watching Oliver! at the Haslemere Hall recently. Imagine That productions have to be one of the best Musical Theatre Companies we have in the UK! The residents of Haslemere are lucky to have them. The level of talent and high production values that was clear to see upon that stage was staggering. I’ll definitely be back to see future shows.” Matthew Bearne – Head of Talent Development, Dub Juniors
What’s on at Haslemere Museum
Throughout August - Exhibition
Carved Stories: Treen from the European Peasant Arts Collection
A century ago, Haslemere Museum received a significant collection of European Peasant Art, including woodwork, textiles and ceramics, largely collected by Reverend Gerald Davies, a master at Charterhouse School. This summer, step into history as some of the collection returns to one of the rooms where the objects were exhibited when the Museum opened on the High Street in 1926. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm
Throughout August - Family exhibition
Marvellous Minibeasts
A family-friendly exhibition full of fun facts about invertebrates, with interactive displays for children. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm
Monday 4 August, 11am-1pm - Special opening for ASC: Early Birds
Special opening for families with children who have an Autism Spectrum Condition to enjoy the Museum free from the general public. Children must be accompanied. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Tuesday 5 August, 10.30am-12pm - Museum explorers ages 5-11
Invertebrate Dioramas
Parents can stay but don’t have to. Make a 3D scene inspired by the Museum’s British invertebrate exhibition. What creatures will you add? Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Tuesday 5 August, 1.30-4pm - Family event
Meet the Tortoise
Meet the tortoise and ask the Museum’s expert June Chatfield your questions about tortoises. 25-minute sessions to control numbers. Children must be accompanied. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Thursday 7 August, 11am-3pm - Family event
Backyard Bug Experience
An exciting opportunity to meet, handle and experience incredible creatures up close and think how to create habitats to conserve them. Children must be accompanied. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Tuesday 12 August, 10.30-12pm - Museum explorers ages 5-11
LEGO Challenge
Parents can stay but don’t have to. Join Brilliant Bricks for an exciting morning of Lego linked to the Museum’s summer exhibition about invertebrates. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Wednesday 13 August, 11am - Family event
Climate Dice Storytelling
A playful, hands-on workshop. Children use Climate Dice to (RE)imagine and share hopeful stories for a better future on planet Earth. Children must be accompanied. Book on the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Thursday 14 August, am or pm sessions - Family event
Family LEGO Fun
Join Brilliant Bricks for an exciting morning of Lego linked to the Museum’s summer exhibition of invertebrates. Children must be accompanied. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Tuesday 19 August, 10.30-12pm - Museum explorers ages 5-11
Get Buzzing!
Parents can stay but don’t have to. Learn about the Museum’s bees, visit the observation hive and take part in some bee-related craft activities. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Tuesday 19 August, 12.15-3pm - Family event
Buzzy Bees
Meet the Museum’s beekeeper and learn all about bees, then do some bee-related artwork. Children must be accompanied. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Wednesday 20 August, 10.30-12pm - Museum explorers ages 5-11
Wooden Insects
Parents can stay but don’t have to. A morning of making wooden insects. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Thursday 21 August, 10.30-1pm - Family event
Marvellous Minibeasts
Join us for a fun-filled morning making minibeast-related arts and crafts. Children must be accompanied. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Tuesday 26 August, 10.30-1pm - Family event
Beautiful Butterflies
See some of the beautiful butterflies from the Museum’s education collection and make butterfly art. Children must be accompanied. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Thursday 28 August, 10.30-12pm - Museum explorers ages 5-11
It’s a Bug’s Life
Parents can stay but don’t have to. Learn about the life cycles of some of our invertebrates and make related arts & crafts. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Tuesday 2 September, 2.30pm - Tea & talk
Haslemere During World War II
A talk by local historian Tim Winter that covers money-raising for War Weapons Week, Haslemere's British Restaurant, local casualties and defence measures. With tea and biscuits. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Wednesday 17 September, 10.15-11am - Free Tour of Building
For the Heritage Open Days Festival, the Museum is offering building tours to show some of the rarely seen parts of the building and tell a little of the building’s history. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
Friday 19 September, 10.30-11.30am - Early years activity for under 5s
Seashells on the Seashore
Marvel at the beauty of the shells in the Museum’s handling collection and make a shell picture. Children must be accompanied. Book via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.
SURREYCHURCHES PRESERVATIONTRUST
Ride & Stride
September 13th, 2025
Most counties in England hold an annual 'Ride & Stride', on the second Saturday in September, to raise money for church restoration and repair. The idea is that cyclists and walkers are given a list of churches and chapels in the area of their choice. They map out their own route to pedal or walk to places of Christian worship having arranged to be sponsored by friends for a fixed sum or donation per church visited.
The money that is collected is divided in two. Half goes to the church or chapel of the cyclist's or walker's choice, the other half is retained by the Surrey Churches Preservation Trust for distribution to churches in need. The Trust looks more favourably on applications from supporters of the Ride & Stride event. In the twenty-five years that Ride & Stride has been running in Surrey, over £500,000 has been raised.
We have taken part in every Ride & Stride since its inception in 1997. In return the Trust has supported projects in both our churches - including the West End and Flagpole in St Christopher’s, the St Cecelia Screen, Church Redecoration and Organ Refurb in St Bartholomew’s so they deserve our support.
Ride & Stride is a fun way to spend time on a pleasant Saturday in September while getting to know some Surrey places of Christian worship and raising funds for this worthy cause. Why not make up a group and join in this year! Some suggested routes are available from the SCPT website. A list of participating churches will be available together with sponsorship forms at the back of our churches
Supporters who prefer not to 'ride or stride', please consider sponsoring volunteers involved in this important event. In addition, joining the Trust costs very little and contributes to its vital work.
Contact: donaldson@haslemere.com
Useful websites: www.SurreyChurchesPreservationTrust.org www.Rideandstrideuk.org www.nationalchurchestrust.org
Petworth House & Park: July & August News
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth
Turner’s Vision at Petworth exhibition
21 June – 16 November
A specially curated selection of J.M.W Turner’s artistic studies of the Petworth landscape, exhibited in the very place that inspired him. These rarely seen works give a fascinating insight into Turner’s methods, and celebrate an extraordinary landscape seen through the eyes of Britain’s most renowned artist, to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth. £10 per adult, £5 per child, under 5s go free. No pre-booking required. Normal admission to Petworth House also applies.
Changing Landscape free exhibition
7 July – 17 August
This free exhibition in the Marble Hall tells the 900-year story of the landscape at Petworth through reproductions of paintings and drawings, photographs, finds from our recent archaeological digs and a large model of Petworth Park. Normal admission applies.
Ship Ahoy! Family Trail
19 July – 7 September
Set sail on an artistic adventure through Petworth House and Garden, inspired by J.M.W. Turner’s seascapes. Follow the clues and get ready for some nautical fun. Climb aboard our large wooden ships, imagine braving wild waves, and take part in seafaring games along the way. The trail is free but normal admission applies. No booking required.
Fun Art Fridays
Every Friday from 25 July – 29 August, 10.30am – 3.30pm
This summer, Petworth House invites young artists to Fun Art Fridays - a series of free, handson creative sessions inspired by the legendary painter J.M.W. Turner. Each week, children can explore a different artistic technique. The sessions are free but normal admission applies.
Art Classes inspired by J.M.W. Turner
9 August – 9 October
This series of courses in collaboration with West Dean College will provide an introduction to a variety of mediums, from oil painting to watercolour and charcoal to felting. The courses draw inspiration from Turner’s atmospheric paintings and provide a unique opportunity to learn and create in two historic locations. Check our website for the full programme. Booking essential.
Guided Walks
Archaeology in the Park: Friday 4th July 10.30am-12.30pm, Saturday 5th July 2pm-4pm, Thursday 10th July 10.30am-12.30pm and Friday 11th July 2pm-4pm. £5 per adult. Nocturnal Wildlife and Perseids Meteor Shower: Tues 12th and Weds 13 August, 8pm-10pm. £8 per adult, £4 per child.
Booking essential for both walks. Please call 0344 249 1895, or book through our website.
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 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
The Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) today launched its summer appeal, Wildflowers for Pollinators, with a goal of raising £5,000 to create a dedicated pollinator field at Pierrepont Farm in Frensham, Surrey. To donate, please go to www.thecrt.co.uk/donate/wildflowers-forpollinators-appeal
The £5,000 target will fund:
• Scrub clearance
• Native wildflower seeds and plug plants
• Soil preparation and habitat enhancements
Pollinators are the unsung heroes of our natural world but a national farming charity says not enough is being done to protect their habitat and our own future.
Established in 1993, the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) takes a holistic view of why the countryside matters. Wildlife, food production, employment, economics, and development are all essential. We believe that our future food security, human over-population, and the biodiversity crisis, must be addressed.
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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Baptisms
From the Registers
Willia Walker - 15th June at St Bartholomew’s
Charlotte Cole - 6th July at St Bartholomew’s
Frederick Williams– 20th July at St Bartholomew’s
Funerals
Evelyn Dent - 16th July at St Bartholomew’s
Interments
Donald Cremer 25th June at Weycombe Road
Weddings
William Chesney and Lucy Keith– 7th June 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 DATE
For the Oct/Nov issue of the magazine Is Friday September 12th 2025 We’d love to hear from you
Sunday Services
3 Aug 7th Sunday of Trinity
8.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s
10 Aug 8th Sunday of Trinity
8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s
17 Aug 9th Sunday of Trinity
8.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s
Praying on Sunday | St Christopher’s
24 Aug 10th Sunday of Trinity
8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s
Holy Communion | St Christopher’s
31 Aug 11th Sunday of Trinity
8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 United Benefice Service | St Christopher’s
7 Sept 12th Sunday of Trinity
8.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s Sunday Morning Families
14 Sept 13th Sunday of Trinity
8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s
21 Sept 14th Sunday of Trinity
8.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 11.30 Praying on Sunday | St Christopher’s
28 Sept 15th Sunday of Trinity
8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s 10am services are live streamed via the Parish Youtube channel. www.haslemereparish.org/online www.haslemereparish.org/services
