Haslemere Parish Link Magazine - June / July 2021

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

“Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

Mark Ch 4, vs 40.

June / July 2021 Suggested donation for a printed copy: £2 1

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

Assistant Youth Minister Vacancy

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

Children & Families Worker Victoria Martin Verger families@haslemereparish.org St Bartholomew’s Carol Skeates 642662 First Steps Mondays in St Christopher’s Link Bookings 0-5 Year Olds Carol Skeates 642662 Sophie Bessant & Victoria skeatMalco@aol.com Martin (email as above)

LLM (Reader) Peter Sellars: midsummer4peter@gmail.com'

Church Warden Robert Fox Geoff Martin

652055 641907

Deputy Wardens Howard Body Nick Beare

658762 609630

PCC Secretary Cathy Moore 07593 814438 Treasurer Andrew Culshaw

658962

Stewardship Secretary Geoff Martin 641907 Outward Giving Vacant Director of Music & Organist Clive Osgood 07747 785 940 cliveosgood@hotmail.com

Magazine Secretary Ann Lear 651570 office@haslemereparish.org Advertisements Manager: Geoff Martin 641907 Electoral Roll Officer Bryony Atkinson 644578 Bell-ringers Paul Bagshaw

656129

Friends of the Parish Bernard Coe 651146 Flowers St Bartholomew’s Sarah Mulliner 643504 St Christopher’s Frances Reincke 607206 Church Care Group Roscelin Rees 651561

Churchyards Philip Hunt

644120 2

Pastoral Visitors Church Office

644578

Pastoral Assistants 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 From time to time those in the public gaze make embarrassing mistakes. Have you seen the one where the BBC news presenter was standing in the wrong place as the 10pm news began? You had a shot of them running across the studio and sitting down all in a fluster! Or how about the one where Michael Gove falls flat on his backside full in the gaze of the 10 Downing Street cameras?

We are supposed to laugh and say something like, “there but for the grace of God go I”. You might not have noticed when I once stood in the pulpit and preached a sermon on completely the wrong gospel reading from the lesson that was read. What? You don’t remember all my sermons? I can’t believe it.

One thing I would like you to recall from a sermon is a few lines from what I said at the APCM on Sunday 25th April. Just a reminder: “Throughout this pandemic we have all been hit with the same fear, the same risks, the same rules, the same feelings, the same frustrations, the same sense of loss at Christmas, the same concern for others, the same options for worship, the same prayers for those suffering, and the same tears for those we have lost. You have been led by the same team of clergy, staff and pastoral team, the same Standing Committee and PCC who represent you all. And if you look above, you will find the same God who sent his one Son to know what suffering, isolation and death look like - just the same as us. But within all of this is the strange paradox that after the pandemic nothing will ever be quite the same again.”

It’s worth thinking about this for both the church and the community (and the whole country too). These are all intertwined. What has been created is a memory the like of which we have not had since the end of WWII. In the years to come we shall all invoke our memories in support of ‘better times’. Strangely, it will be the best parts which come out on top. We shall of course remember the many whose lives have been lost, but the cherished memories 3

will also include our changed attitude, patience and fortitude. Practically speaking, we all got to know internet live-streaming, how to avoid infections, the great value of simple caring, the strength of connection with our local shops, and that we can quickly react as a whole church to community needs.

There are a lot more good things besides these - please add your own thoughts.

To my mind, we can claim a ‘can-do’ attitude to the future. How often have churches, in fact any organisation it seems, felt it difficult to change? Usually concerns over change are more likely to be concerns over what the change actually is. But I know from here that we can do the right things well.

I’d like to have a quiet summer if I’m honest, but I don’t think it will work out quite like that. If anything, I’m feeling a bit of space and stability to work on new projects, so I’d better get busy! I can’t even begin to tell you how positive I am about the future of our parish. Do you remember how I’d asked on several occasions if someone knew a word to encapsulate the benefits of a disaster? I never did get a word or phrase, but perhaps I can coin one – ‘chipperchurch’!

Ok, it’s a terrible word, but I’m being both serious and silly here. If you know me you will understand. In all honesty, we have nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. As God’s people we were in the right place at the right time and we did the right thing, and we didn’t fall on our backside.

God bless you all.

COPY DATE For the August/September issue is

Tuesday, July 13th We’d love to hear from you Please take or send your contributions to the Parish Office office@haslemereparish.org 4

Annual Parochial Church Meeting On Sunday 25thApril the APCM was held. Following Covid-19 restrictions, the meeting was chaired by Rector Chris taking a seat at a table in St Bartholomew’s, and he was joined by Bryony, myself and Andrew Culshaw to support on some items. The meeting was live-streamed using Zoom, so that those with an internet connection could see and hear the reports and we in turn could see people raising their hands to vote. It was far from a traditional annual meeting, but next year we do hope to be all together again.

Copies of the Parish Annual Report are available on the parish website and also through the parish office, and I do encourage you to read this. A summary here really would not do it justice. During a very difficult year, we have achieved so much as a parish, and set the foundation for more good things to come.

For those who could not view the meeting, here are the results of the elections and also a list of all members of the PCC. We are delighted to welcome Gareth, John, Geraldine and Katie who are all serving on Haslemere PCC for the first time and bring with them many talents and much enthusiasm.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about what we discuss at PCC, our roles and responsibilities, please do contact me. If you don’t know me by sight, I am sure the churchwardens can point me out.

Churchwarden Elections Robert Fox Geoff Martin Deputy Churchwarden Elections

Nick Beare Howard Body 5

PCC The following are the lay members of the PCC, with new members identified Andrew Culshaw (Treasurer, Deanery Synod) Gareth David * Hamish Donaldson (Deanery Synod) Linda Donaldson John Harvey* Geraldine Lambrechts** Bridget Leary* Cathy Moore* (Secretary) Alistair Morgan Katie Morgan** Sarah Mulliner Stephen Vaughan * **

– elected (or re-elected) – newly co-opted

The new PCC will meet for the first time in May, and I am sure that we would all appreciate your support and prayers for the coming year.

Cathy Moore PCC Secretary

From the Registers Baptisms: Henry Martin - 18th April 2021 Scarlett Martin - 18th April 2021 Victoria Martin - 18th April 2021

Weddings: Natalie Waller & Ashley Gosling, St Bartholomew’s - 16th April 2021 Jemima Davis & James Carpenter, St Bartholomew’s - 22nd May 2021

Funerals: Michael John Ware - 13th April 2021 Ursula Carter - 14th April 2021 6

150th Anniversary of rebuilding of St Bartholomew’s ‘The New Haslemere’ For hundreds of years the small hill-town of Haslemere had slumbered more or less peacefully, with only the occasional interruption to its quiet way of life. By 1870 however, it was becoming clear that, with the coming of the railway, its population of a thousand souls was growing, yet essential services were few.

An early watercolour of the church (1860) Schooling was poor, medical facilities were non-existent, and the parish church of St Bartholomew’s was too small, with a cluttered interior of pulpits, galleries and box pews. Even the curate, the Reverend Hesse was gently mocked by Sir Jonathan Hutchinson (the founder of the Educational Museum) in a private doggerel rhyme: ‘Long had stood the old church building Old and dreary, dark and mouldy, And an old man droned within it, And the old man droned responses And a droning people followed.’

Clearly something had to be done, and in the offer of the living of Haslemere to its first Rector, the youthful Rev. Sanders Etheridge, the Bishop of Winchester was hoping for a complete renewal of the church in Haslemere, that was to begin with the destruction of its parish church.

Etheridge had had his doubts. He had not heard of Haslemere, and on looking round the parish in October 1868, felt there was so much to be done he could not undertake the task. But he was encouraged by Stewart Rev. Sanders Etheridge 7

Hodgson, of Barings Bank, whose country home it was, to take up the challenge. ‘There was not the wealth in Haslemere there now is,’ remembered Etheridge in 1899, ‘and, on my expressing doubt as to whether the money could be collected for all there was to do, he encouraged me by saying “I’ll see you through”’. William Sillick, writing in 1950 in his short history of the parish was to state: “It would not be too much to say that it was Mr Etheridge and Mr Hodgson who laid the foundations of the New Haslemere”.

The local architect J. W. Penfold drew up his plans and soon the quaint 15th century church with its domestic-style dormer windows and squat tower was razed to the ground. The nave was extended into the base of the old tower and the north aisle extended at both ends with a high west window. A chancel was built to almost the height of the church. It was not a comfortable transition, and services took place in the old school house behind the church. When the prime minister William Gladstone attended a service there it was observed that he did not kneel but ‘hid his face with his hat’. The new church, built with exemplary speed, was reconsecrated on July 28th 1871 by Bishop Wilberforce (‘Soapy Sam’), the dignitaries forming a ‘grave procession,’ marching round the wider boundaries of the graveyard, through the door, and round the new chancel before the opening ceremony.

The cost of the neo-Gothic church was £2,200.

Stewart Hodgson contributed £500 to the fund, later supplying many of the stained-glass windows, the organ and organ screen, font and Lych Gate.

Very little of the old church survived. The bells, the oldest dating from the sixteenth century, were recast, and hung in the rebuilt tower, the Flemish

The church as rebuilt in 1870 From a drawing by J.W. Penfold 8

Glass was removed from its situation in the east end and placed in the tower and the new west window, and the weather vane was renovated. But initially there was nothing in the building at all, and one of Etheridge’s children remembered candlesticks having to be brought from the rectory to light the church at Christmas.

Over the years the church was transformed into the interesting and attractive interior we find today. The embroidered organ screen was created in 1905 and many commemorative windows were placed, including the two important memorials to the major poets Tennyson and Hopkins. In 1888 the south aisle was built to accommodate the still-growing congregation but an over-ambitious plan in 1913 by the second Rector, Aitken, to enlarge the church still further, was dismissed by a dissenting party, headed by Sir Robert Hunter (first Chairman of the National Trust) ‘until further development in the parish had occurred’. Thus irreversible destruction of the character of this essentially rural church was averted. Today restoration and refurbishment of St Bartholomew’s is on-going.

The Flemish Glass is being restored and placed in the prayer chapel, and the embroidered screen was renovated at its centenary. In 1995 the kneelers in the church were replaced with 250 kneelers worked by the parishioners and local institutions - a fine example of late-20th century needlework. These works are now directed and funded by the Friends of the Parish of Haslemere, an important guardian of the fabric of the church.

In 1897 the Rev. Etheridge announced his retirement. His achievements had been immense; apart from the new church, welfare had been introduced, including the installation of the first parish nurse, a coal club, a parish magazine and the enlargement of Haslemere’s schools, among many innovations and reforms. How amazed our forebears would have been to know that now, in the 2020s, pandemic, church services can be relayed to every home in Haslemere.

It was a long time since the former church had stood ‘ Old and dreary, dark and mouldy’. The New Haslemere, under the Rev. Aitken, was to lead on to many more achievements (including a new church, St Christopher’s, in Wey Hill and a new church school) but the achievement in creating the parish church of St Bartholomew’s was that of two of Haslemere’s greatest men - Rev. Sanders Etheridge and Stewart Hodgson. It is right that on this 150th anniversary we remember them.

Katherine Jessel 9

St Christopher’s ‘Happenings’

and looking down from the tower

The Bishop, prior to his ascent...

Haslemere Festivalinspired Antics As a way of supporting the Haslemere Festival cause (and the Rotary Club and their charities in particular), members of St Christopher’s created this ’scarecrow’ scene, with ‘His Grace’ looking down from the Church’s tower (perhaps overseeing the vaccination proceedings?) and Astra, the nurse, giving an injection to Zeneca, the patient!

Apparently St Christopher’s is the only church in the diocese to provide such a facility.

‘Astra’ and ‘Zeneca’ 10

Drinks and Nibbles make a comeback Sunday, May 16th, found members of the ‘Praying on Sunday’ service thoroughly enjoying Covid-regulated drinks outside after the service, despite the wet weather conditions!

And at the same time a wedding anniversary was celebrated…. (see next page)

Frances Reincke and Lynn Lemar 11

Mavis & Roger Edge 68th Wedding Anniversary Sunday the 16th May was our 68th Wedding Anniversary. To celebrate, we decided to join the streamed 10am service from St Bart’s led by Justin, and afterwards the 11:30am Praying on Sunday service taken by Peter Sellars at St Christopher’s.

Both Justin’s and Peter’s talks were based on St John 17 v.6-19 bringing us the thought provoking message that, ‘we are not human beings in search of a spiritual experience, but spiritual beings immersed in a human experience’.

After the St Christopher’s service we had a lovely surprise celebration when we were congratulated on our anniversary and invited to a ‘gazebo’ picnic in the church garden. It was pouring with rain! This was fun and it was good to be with everyone again (in a distanced way!) after a very long Covid pandemic lockdown.

We thoroughly enjoyed our anniversary and would love to thank all our friends for their kindness and for making the picnic possible, despite the weather.

Mavis & Roger Edge x x 12

St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School All the pupils at St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School took part in an 'Easter Walkthrough' to think and reflect upon each stage of the Easter story, from Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday where he rose from the dead.

Garden of Gethsemane

Road of praise and prayers

How many crosses

Waiting in faith

He is Risen

The children thoroughly engaged with and enjoyed the ‘Easter Walkthrough’ where every class visited various stations in the school grounds, the churchyard and also the cemetery to experience different aspects of the story, discovering the Christian values associated with each station of the cross.

Mr Beckerson, Headteacher 13

Prince Philip: a Servant in the Shadows

I confess to having followed the life of Prince Philip with some interest. After all, we both started life as Greeks, were born on islands, brought up in the Orthodox Church and ended up as very British Anglicans.

In fact, trying to add anything meaningful to the mountain of material generated by the passing of Prince Philip is a daunting task. Nevertheless, I think one aspect that has not been considered adequately is his extraordinary role as a servant. In Christian circles we frequently pay lip service to the idea of being a servant. Although it’s a concept that is easy to embrace in an age and culture where most of us are unfamiliar with the practice of being a servant, I do wonder whether we understand the reality. To be a servant demands two things: first, you must make the needs of someone else your priority; second, you put yourself in a subordinate position. To make your well-being second to someone else’s is a tough call.

Prince Philip became a servant and played the role well. And let me remind you, it’s not a task he was born to. With his origins within Europe’s noble families, his outstanding education and his natural gifts of courage and intelligence, he was born to be a leader not a follower. In another time and place one can well imagine him as the respected monarch of some European kingdom. To be forced to walk ‘two steps behind’ was never his natural position 14

in life. Indeed, he may well have had some expectations of not having to play the role of consort to Her Majesty until much later in life: after all, George VI was only fifty-six when he died. The result was, however, that within five years of his marriage Prince Philip found himself thrust not so much into the limelight as into the shadows. And there he stayed, loyal and supportive, for nearly seventy years.

We don’t need the imaginations of The Crown to know that being consort to the Queen was not an easy role to play. The press has made much of Prince Philip’s occasional gaffe, but there must have been countless occasions when he was forced to bite his tongue. I do wonder how often when, safe in the privacy of Balmoral or Buckingham Palace, he let off a steam of frustration at all that he had been forced to endure. Convention demands that the monarch is above criticism; there is no such protection for her spouse and Prince Philip took a lot of abuse. To choose to be a servant is to offer yourself as a sacrifice.

Prince Philip’s life reminds us that as Christians we are to be servants. In an age of celebrity culture, taking a step back does not come easily. The Greek word for servant or slave, doulos - Prince Philip would have known it well - occurs over a hundred times across the New Testament. It has three great focal points: Christ, the King above all who became the servant for all (Philippians 2:7), the way that we who follow him are to reciprocate by being his servants and the way in which we are to be the servants of others.

One of the glories of Christianity - unknown and unsung in this life but not, we are promised, in the next - are those men and women who have given up their own pleasures, priorities and power in order to loyally serve Christ or each other. In practice, as Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40, to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ is to serve him.

Prince Philip bore the burden of servanthood to serve an earthly monarch. Well done! But his life is a reminder that, whether it be at home, at work or in church, we should do likewise. After all, the wonder of Christian service is that we do it for the greatest of monarchs, the greatest of causes and, ultimately, for the greatest of all rewards.

J.John Reverend Canon Philo Trust (www.canonjjohn.com) 15

Just a Thought…

Evelyn Hughes Water is a precious commodity, and I often thank God for easy access to it. I’m always glad when I hear that charities I support are digging wells for people less fortunate.

Wells feature quite a bit in the Bible. I’ve always felt sorry for Hagar who, on account of his wife’s jealousy, Abraham dispatched to the wilderness. When her water supply ran out, Hagar prepared for death. But God ‘opened her eyes’ - to see a well of water, and she and her son were saved.

Wells were a point of contact for livestock owners. You could get information there. Saul, in search of his father’s asses, was told that the prophet Samuel would be able to help him. Samuel not only told him the asses were safe, he revealed to Saul his destiny - to become ruler of Israel. Sometimes there was romance in the air! A well might serve as the place for arranging marriages.

Perhaps the most-loved scene is that found in John’s Gospel, Chapter 4. There we find Jesus at Jacob’s Well - hot, tired and thirsty. A Samaritan woman comes to draw water, and he asks for a drink. In a deep conversation, Jesus’ most memorable words are those found in verse 13: “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water that I will give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water that I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

‘Water’ is often used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes my ‘water’ level drops. At such times I feel with the writer of Psalm 42: “My soul is heavy within me”. I know what he means when he says: “My soul is athirst for God.” Here is a lovely prayer, which comes from one of my books:

Come creator Spirit, source of life; Sustain us when our hearts are heavy and our wells have run dry, For you are the Father’s gift, With him who is our living water, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Jesus at Jacob’s Well 16

Happy Easter from the Font at St Christopher’s

… and now the church is handed back to the vaccination team. (as posted on ‘Next Door Haslemere’) Contributed by Marion Thomas

-0-

Another glimpse into the past with St Christopher’s Choir - but who and when?

17

A Picture for Summertime The Blind Girl: John Everett Millais (1854-56) Millais means the viewer immediately to recognize both the intense beauty of the scenery and the intense unfairness of the melancholic situation of its central figure, the blind beggar girl.

Despite her handicap, this girl struggles on in life and even appears responsible for her younger, seeing companion, who grasps her hand tightly while in her lap and leans back into her chest with familiarity. In the older girl's lap lies the accordion that most likely provides the two girls' only form of income. Millais similarly presents both of these two girls' dresses as tattered, worn, and somewhat dull in comparison with the brightlycoloured environment around them. They are resting by the roadside after a rainstorm, before travelling to the town of Winchelsea, visible in the background.

Millais integrates the figures and their background with double rainbows and vivid natural colours. He intends the viewer to experience a sense of awe at the intense and brilliant grandeur of the setting through this choice of colour and through depiction of exaggerated natural phenomena. Significant tragedy lies in the fact that the principal figure of this work has no conception of the sublime beauty that surrounds her. We, as viewers, may experience this along with the girl in her lap and even the goats and crows, but she cannot. Perhaps Millais best represents this misfortune by placing a butterfly on the girl's shawl.

A certain sense of rarity and specialness in this occurrence leads us to recognize 18

the terrible situation of the girl's blindness. The butterfly lies close to her, yet she cannot appreciate or even have awareness of its presence and beauty. This tiny detail represents the theme and emotions implied in Millais's painting.

Sublime splendour surrounds this girl and is even embodied by her physical attractiveness yet, for her, all of this will remain beyond conception.

Does Millais make a social comment here? How much does he criticize the situation of the poor in his own time? Could he simply be attempting to invoke his viewer's sense of tragedy in general and appealing to their emotions in order to gain quick and easy, sentimental favour? One hundred and seventy years later, with many children going hungry over the summer break in schools, do we treat the poor any better today?

Why do you think Millais decided to depict the dark skies of what appears to be an oncoming storm here? Could the impending tempest be symbolic? Or, could it simply be present only to highlight the supernatural quality of the rainbows?

On our summer travels, do we sometimes ignore nature’s beauty all around us in the long drive on busy dual carriageways towards our summer resorts?

Jesus healed a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, in Jericho (Mark 10: 46-52). He asked Jesus to let him see again, and Jesus replied “Go, your faith has made you well”.

In the final miracle of Mark’s Gospel, Bartimaeus throws off his cloak, seen by some as symbolic of putting off his old life for a new one, and follows Jesus in the way. This healing becomes a symbol of Christian conversion and following in the way of the Cross, a message that the other disciples were resisting. This summer, do we have the vision to see God’s redeeming work in the world around us both at home and away?

Peter Sellars

HASLEMERE Robert Serman would love to hear from anyone with a suggestion of a place or aspect of life in Haslemere or surroundings which he could ‘uncover’. Please contact him through the Parish Office.

19

St Alban’s Day 22nd June St Alban, helping a stranger in need Alban should be the patron saint of anyone who impulsively offers to help a stranger in need… and finds their own life turned upside down as a result.

The story goes that Alban was a Roman citizen quietly living in England in the third century. Then, miles away in Rome, the emperor, Diocletian ordered a persecution of the Christians. Nothing to do with Alban… except that suddenly he found a desperate priest on his doorstep, being hunted down by local soldiers. Alban decided to give the priest shelter, and within days was converted to Christianity himself, and then baptised.

As if this was not brave enough, when the soldiers arrived, Alban decided to take the priest’s place. He dressed up in the priest’s clothes to enable the priest to escape. Not surprisingly, the soldiers then arrested Alban himself.

Now a Christian, Alban refused to offer sacrifice to the Roman gods, and so was condemned to death.

But the story doesn’t end there, for Alban went to his execution with such holiness and serenity that one of the executioners was converted, and the other executioner’s eyes fell out (or so the story goes). Alban was buried nearby, and the shrine built to his memory was soon known for its healing powers. Alban’s cult extended all over England, and nine ancient English churches were dedicated to him.

From the Parish Pump

20

Test Your Knowledge (Answers on page 24 ) 1.

Whose tomb was discovered nearly 100 years ago by Howard Carter’s team?

2. Who is the current Lord Lieutenant of Surrey?

3. Which opera includes the characters Tamino and Pamina?

4. Who painted the picture, shown bottom left, in 1937?

5. In which year did the partition of India take place?

6. How many books make up The Chronicles of Narnia?

7. Who makes his debut in Steamboat Willie?

8. Where would you find the oldest living pot plant in the world, arriving at its current home in 1775?

9. How many times have the UK won the Eurovision Song Contest?

10. Who is associated with the phrase “It’s all done in the best possible taste”?

11. How many times has England won the rugby union “Triple Crown”?

12. Who sculpted the statue pictured bottom right?

13. Which is the longest running TV soap opera?

14. Which children's programme included the characters Ermintrude, Brian, Florence and Mr Rusty?

15. What did the Romans call Scotland?

16. In bowling, what is the term given for three consecutive strikes?

17. Which meat is used for Glamorgan sausages?

18. What does the Swahili phrase “hakuna matata” mean?

19. By what name is Robert Allen Zimmerman better known.

21

In My Garden Philip Duly The lasting impact of the lingering, deep frosts of mid-February has been felt by most gardeners, albeit dependent on the altitude and precise location or position of the garden and the hardiness of the plants within it.

My garden experienced damage to many flowering shrubs. This was primarily restricted to a few random leaves or branches here and there and tempered by whether the shrub benefitted from the warmth of the house or the protection of an adjoining wall or shrub.

I have lost a wonderful deep-blue, flowering ceanothus that I had nurtured, protected and shaped over many years and a twenty-five year old azalea that I would never have considered half-hardy. Also severely damaged are my numerous mahonias and even some everlasting wallflowers which are considered among the most hardy winter plants.

Yet among the wreckage of Winter are my collection of English shrub roses which seem set for an especially plentiful season ahead. Their foliage looks healthier and more abundant than usual in Spring and their buds, which are now beginning to form, seem to be at least as timely or even a little ahead of their usual flowering season.

This month's star plant must therefore be the old-fashioned rose. I have selected four favourite varieties (there are hundreds of others that I love) for special commendation and ease of growing. These are reliably fragrant and beautiful, each with contrasting foliage. They are: Lady of Shalott, which has rich orange-red buds with 22

outer petals that are salmon-pink; Darcey Bussell, with deep, rich crimson-pink petals, taking on a tinge of mauve just before the petals drop; the very popular Graham Thomas, which has an unusually rich, pure yellow colour and a light, tea fragrance contrasted against attractive, smooth, green foliage and the wonderfully-scented Gertrude Jekyll, which is a repeat flowering, diseaseresistant, deep-pink rose and one of the earliest flowering, usually from late May.

Gardeners’ Questions Q:

I have been attempting to grow cosmos from seed during this latest lockdown, without a greenhouse. The instructions on the packet say ‘When large enough to handle transplant, 5 cm. apart into small pots or module trays.

Grow on in a minimum temperature of 10 degrees C.’ What is ‘large enough to handle’? I’ve been guessing and don’t think I’ve killed any yet. The seedlings are now about 5cm tall and, having no greenhouse, I move them between the kitchen table and the cool conservatory, whichever is warm and sunny. Some of them won’t stand up straight - will they right themselves? What do I do next? Any advice would be very welcome.

(Next year I’ll buy them fully grown from the Garden Centre!)

Frankie Gaiter

A:

Cosmos are half-hardy annuals meaning they are likely to flower this year, set seed and die within the same year. If next Winter is mild, some or all of them might just survive but low temperatures (especially below freezing) will almost certainly kill them unless they are afforded some additional protection.

That said, my advice would be don't buy them from the garden centre - unless you have to - as half the fun is growing your plants from seed and these should be relatively easy.

23

They are generally quick and easy to grow from seed, sometimes flowering in as little as 12 weeks, and can then be transplanted and added to borders or pots for a burst of showy colour. To provide cosmos with the maximum possible flowering season, try sowing the seeds early, indoors, in March or April. Once they’ve sprouted and have two pairs of leaves, they are easily handled to transplant into individual pots and grow on. Usually during May, it is safe to harden them off for a week by placing the pots in a cold frame or on a patio, before planting them out where they are to flower for the summer.

They may look a little weak at first, which probably explains why some are leaning, but they will gradually gain strength and stand tall and upright for a good display during the summer months, before fading away again from the middle of October.

Philip Duly

Send your questions to Philip via The Church Office - he is happy to tackle them.

Test Your Knowledge - Answers 1.KingTutankhamun 2.Michael More-Molyneux 3.The Magic Flute 4.Pablo Picasso 5.1947 6.Seven 7.Mickey Mouse 8.Kew Gardens 9.Five 10.Kenny Everett 11.Twenty Six 12.Michelangelo Buonarroti 13.Coronation Street 14.The Magic Roundabout 15.Caledonia 16.A turkey 17.None, they are made from cheese 18.“no trouble” or “no problems” 19.Bob Dylan.

24

Save the Date - from All Saints Church Grayswood

GRAYSWOOD OPEN GARDENS DAY

Sunday 13th June, 2021 This will be our fifth gardens event so we are looking forward to seeing you again to stroll around the gardens, visit the Village Green for plant sale bargains and enjoy delicious tea and homemade cake served from the Village Club. And on the main road, Grayswood Cars will host a classic car display.

Ten Open Gardens are planned, ranging from a wonderful mature garden with varied planting, a pond and woodland walk, one undergoing patient development and a highly creative organic garden. AppArt is a real treat with lovely planting and wonderful sculptures and the Grayswood allotments are home to a thriving community of allotmenteers and the Haslemere Town Orchard.

The Day is organised by the Friends of All Saints Church, who raise funds for the repair and maintenance of the church and grounds, and at the close of the day there will be a service of Evensong at 6.30pm. You can book for this when purchasing your ticket, or on our website: allsaintsgrayswood.org Tickets, sold on the Green, will be £5 each including programme and parking.

Under 14s come free. For further information email: pjlamb4@gmail.com (Photos were taken at a previous Open Gardens event) 25

Churchyard Jottings

Philip Hunt It was a pleasure to see such a good band of people at the churchyard working party on Saturday 24 April. We were blessed with a sunny day and much was achieved including, for the first time, some grave clearance work in Derby Road churchyard. This sort of activity, apart from improving the appearance of the churchyard, is also appreciated by Waverley Borough Council (WBC) who are responsible for the maintenance of the grass and verges. It has served us well in the past in obtaining the odd extra piece of work from the contractor.

A very useful meeting was held with WBC on 12 May to discuss the performance of the grass cutting contract and plan the way forward. WBC explained that the new rolling contract also allowed for incentive payments, both at company and employee level, if performance exceeded targets in terms of quality and the volume of work carried out. The new contractor is fortunate in that almost all of the permanent staff have transferred over from the previous contractor. The first bonuses have recently been paid. This new approach has already borne fruit and it is hoped that this will lead to more flexibility and innovative working in the future.

WBC signed up to the “No Mow May” initiative which means that all three churchyards would not be cut again until the due dates in June. This is seen as a worthwhile venture nationwide and should result in an increase in biodiversity. During May the contractors were tasked with weeding and path/ verge tidying across the borough.

Who can forget the red and white tape that adorned a number of the graves in both the main churchyard and Derby Road some three or four years ago. WBC have now advised that the next health and safety inspection of the memorials is due in 2022. Following the previous inspection, monuments that failed the stress test were either laid down, or earmarked for repair. We are fortunate that the PCC at the time agreed to fund the repair of around fifteen memorials in the main churchyard and thus rid us of the dreaded tape! It is to be hoped that the consequences of the next inspection will be more limited.

26

A Sign of the Times…

Seen in South Creake Church, Norfolk…

27

by Andrew Culshaw

Psalm 121 A Song of degrees.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

28

29

Have Your Say . . .

Rita Bicknell, who has been a member of St. Christopher’s for over 60 years has replied to our query ‘Do you recognise anyone?’ in the 60s/70s photo of St. Christopher’s congregation. Here is her list: Revd. David Kendrew (priest) Vera Moorey (organist) and her husband Ron (formerly a chorister and later Verger) Carol and Peter Boxall and their children Gwen Odell Lena and Len Miller (sometime Churchwarden) Shirley and Francis Lipscomb (sometime Churchwarden) Mary and Eric Drew Mary Kirkman (who ran the choir for many, many years and wrote plays) Hugh and Joan Workman and their son Tony and Jean Parker Winifred Harwood and Sarah Apio (from Keffolds) Betty Twist Joan Chandler (from Inval) Rita doesn’t remember why she wasn’t included.

Of all these people, only Mary Kirkman (who will be 100 on June 18th) and the Boxalls are still members of the church.

For the larger version of this photograph please see our April May 2021 issue 30

Tea Bread I have been looking for a recipe for a good old-fashioned tea bread and this one

by Mary Berry seems to fit the bill. - Linda Donaldson Makes 1 loaf 175g (6 oz) dried cranberries 175g (6 oz) sultanas 300 ml. strong Earl Grey tea Butter, for greasing 275g (10 oz) self-raising flour 225g (8oz) light muscovado sugar 1 large egg, beaten Measure the dried fruits and tea into a bowl, then stir and cover the bowl with cling film. Leave to soak overnight or until all the liquid has been absorbed into the fruit.

You will need a 900g (2lb) loaf tin. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees/140 fan/ Gas 3. Grease the tin with butter and line with baking paper.

Add the flour, sugar and egg to the bowl of fruit and mix well with a wooden spoon. Spoon the mixture into the loaf tin and level the top. Bake in the oven for about 1 hour and 40 minutes, until pale golden and firm to touch.

Run a palette knife around the edge of the loaf, then leave to cool slightly. Remove from the tin and place on a wire rack to cool completely. To serve, slice and spread with butter.

31

What’s on at Haslemere Museum June and July Exhibitions GladRags Exhibition 17 May - 31 August Devised by Artist Diana Burch and Haslemere Museum, a community patchwork has been created that shows our community's resilience and creativity. This is an opportunity to see many of the glorious creations that were submitted.

Georgina Ling Paintings 5 June - 3 July Georgina moved to Haslemere in 1976 where she had a studio. Her timing could not have been better. With the increased wealth during the 80s she found a market for local and foreign views and house portraits. Her main exhibitions were held locally both at Haslemere Museum and Haslemere Hall.

New Horizons by Lauren Baker 12 June – 26 June This exhibition is the culmination of a body of work created as a form of therapy after Lauren suffered a personal trauma in 2019. The exhibition is dedicated to Lauren’s mentor Caroline Musson, and a percentage of profits will be donated to the fountain centre RSCH - supporting all those affected by cancer.

Heath Robinson Exhibition 2 July - 31 August William Heath Robinson is an artist whose work, whether in his well-known humorous drawings or his illustrations for Kipling, Shakespeare or children’s stories, is integral to British cultural heritage.

32

Special Events Tea and Talk: Honey Bees in the Local Landscape Wednesday 30 June 2:30pm Join our Beekeeper Guy Thompson to hear about honey bees in the local landscape and how the Museum bees fit into this picture.

Growing for Wellbeing Wednesday 9 June 2:30pm – 4:30pm and 7pm – 9pm Join professional Artist Diana Burch for some creative wellbeing time. Looking at watercolour painting and the subject of growing plants and flowers, these sessions are self-care at its best.

Open Air Theatre: The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company Saturday 12 June 7:30pm The gardens of the museum provide the perfect setting for an evening picnic with friends, so why not get a group together and come to delight in the Rudes Production ‘Little Lily Harley’. Postponed from last year, the show is about Charlie Chaplin’s childhood in Lambeth.

Doors open at 6:30pm for picnics, show starts at 7:30pm. Tickets from £10 www.therudemechanicaltheatre.co.uk

Family Events Early Years (under 5’s) Harry & the Dinosaurs at the Museum Friday 11 June 10:30am – 11:30am Join us for this popular story, take a look at some of the fossils in the geology gallery and get creative with some dinosaur related colouring.

Where’s My Teddy Friday 25 June 1:30pm – 2:30pm Listen to this lovely story and then take part in a craft activity. Then you can explore the galleries to find our cheeky hidden teddies!

33

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Friday 2 July 1:30pm – 2:30pm Listen closely to the tale of one special caterpillar and then explore the gardens and galleries to see if you can find anymore caterpillars or butterflies.

Museum Explorers (5-11 years) Pond Dipping Tuesday 1 June 10:30am – 12noon Come along to a pond dipping session at the museum and explore the underwater world of the Museum’s wonderful pond. What fascinating creatures can you find?

Historical Hindhead Murder Saturday 5 June 10:30am – 12noon Learn about this dastardly deed and how it has been recorded. Consider how to record a story of your own.

Poster Art Saturday 3 July 10:30am - 12noon To coincide with the opening of our Summer Exhibition ‘Brick Flicks’ and Children’s Art Week, we will take a look at the exhibition and then make our own film poster.

Family Drop-Ins Thursday 3 June 11am – 3pm Meet a selection of very friendly farm animals to feed, groom and stroke in the Museum's beautiful gardens. There will also be a range of arts and crafts activities to enjoy inside the Education Room.

Early Birds (under 16s) Wednesday 2 June 9am – 10am Special opening for families with children who have an Autism Spectrum Condition to come along and enjoy the Museum free from the hustle and bustle of the general public.

For prices and booking, please go to https://haslemeremuseum.arttickets.org.uk/ 34

35

36

Needs volunteers to staff the office or drive clients to medical and dental appointments.

Mileage allowance paid.

Please call 01428 652505 www.careinhaslemere.org.uk

37

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

For more details please contact Sophie Patrick on If you would like to advertise with us please contact Geoff Martin on 01428 641907 or email: martin_g6@sky.com

07748 845931

38

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 at Clare Laughland Interiors Master Upholsterer Since 1973

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.

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.

Specialists in re-upholstery of antique and contemporary furniture The Old Milking Parlour, Mellow Farm Dockenfield, Surrey, GU10 4HH - 01428 712886

robertmoodie@clarelaughland.co.uk 39

Sunday Services 6 June First Sunday of Trinity

4 July Fifth Sunday of Trinity

10.00 Parish Eucharist | St Bartholomew’s 8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 11.30 Praying on Sunday | St Christopher’s 10.00 Parish Eucharist | St Bartholomew’s 11.30 Praying on Sunday | St Christopher’s

13 June Second Sunday of Trinity

8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 11 July Sixth Sunday of Trinity 10:00 Parish Eucharist | St Bartholomew’s 8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 16.00 Families@4 | The Link 10:00 Parish Eucharist | St Bartholomew’s 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s 16.00 Families@4 | The Link 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s

20 June Third Sunday of Trinity

10.00 Parish Eucharist | St Bartholomew’s 18 July Seventh Sunday of Trinity 11.30 Praying on Sunday | St Christopher’s 8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Parish Eucharist | St Bartholomew’s 27 June Fourth Sunday of Trinity 11.30 Praying on Sunday | St Christopher’s 8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10:00 Parish Eucharist | St Bartholomew’s 25 July Eighth Sunday of Trinity 16.00 Families@4 | The Link 8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s 10:00 Parish Eucharist | St Bartholomew’s 16.00 Families@4 Picnic | The Link 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s All services must be booked in advance. The 10am services are also livestreamed via the Parish youtube channel.

Livestream services: www.haslemereparish.org/stay-at-home/live-service-streaming/ Service booking: www.haslemereparish.org/worship/worship-service-booking/

Please note that all services are dependent on Government guidance at the time.

Check the website for latest service dates and times: www.haslemereparish.org 40