I was re-visiting an anthology of prayers and reflections compiled by Donald Hilton, entitled 'Flowing Streams' (1993). One of the poems is called 'Like a Strong Wind by Lilian Cox', and its words and imagery spoke to me about God and how we can know God’s presence with us in the everyday experiences of our lives.
Dear God
I am thinking about the wind, And about you.
I can’t see the wind, But it’s very real. I can feel the wind And I can see what it does, Ruffling my hair, Moving the leaves on the trees, Blowing into the sails to carry a boat along.
Dear God,
I don’t understand all about you, but I know you are real. I know you can touch my inside thoughts, I know you are always there. I can’t see you, But you are real. And you love me. You understand all about me; I can talk to you, And listen to you inside my thoughts. I’m like a small boat with a sail, And you can move me along To try things with you and for you, To adventure with you and for you.
Thank you, God For being God.
It won’t be long now before we begin our ‘Advent-ure’ through Advent when we prepare for the birth of Jesus once again in our lives and in the world. As we think about what God is like, we only need to look to Jesus, his life, his example and his teaching.
As part of our Advent preparation, we can reflect upon Jesus as he ‘mirrors’ the will, nature and purpose of God, and how we are called to reflect this in our own lives as Jesus’ disciples today.
In Christian love, Mike
TREE OF ANGELS
This year we will have a Tree of Angels in our church. The tree will start Advent simply with lights and a star You are invited to come into the church and write the name of the person you wish to remember, or a message about them, on an angel and hang it on our tree.
Our church will be open on Saturday and Sunday mornings, or drop into our church during one of our open events. Alternatively, there will be angels by our pray post box in our doorway; you can come along at any time, write on an angel and post it into our prayer post box. They will be collected and added to our Tree of Angels.
By Christmas morning the tree will be filled with memories and messages for loved one's no longer with us. These will be included in our prayers throughout the Christmas period.
Blank angels will be available at the back of the church after our All Souls’ service. If you would like to write on one, please leave it with us we will keep it safe and add it to the Tree of Angels at the end of November.
MAGAZINE DEADLINE
Material for December 2025 to be submitted by 5pm (latest) on Thursday, 20 November 2025 Please email to abbeyurcnews@gmail.com
Alternatively, you could call Carole C, pop it in her letter box, or leave in the pigeon-hole at the back of the church. Thank you.
ZOOM BIBLE STUDY
We will again be holding an Advent bible study and discussion group which is open to all. This will take place during Advent on the 7, 14 and 21 December at 6.30pm on Zoom (ID 864 1780 6994 PC learning).
On the first Sunday of Advent (30 November, 3 pm) we will join together at Abbey URC, Romsey for the Advent Carols Service – all welcome!
PRAYER FOR DECEMBER
I always think of November as the month for remembering those now safe in the arms of our Lord, away from the evils of this world.
We start the month with All Souls when we remember loved ones no longer with us on this earth, giving thanks for their lives and all that they mean to us. Then mid-month we remember those who have given their lives in defence of their country many of whom offered their lives as a sacrifice for a better life for others. We end the month with Advent as we prepare once again for the coming of the Christ Child, in anticipation of His birth, life of example, service and sacrifice for humanity.
At the time of writing our current world seems to be engulfed in extremes of sacrifice when many wish to see the end of unjust and unjustifiable wars. We long for a time of heaven on earth as we pray “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.
Within these wars we see hunger and lingering hatred on both sides as we pray “give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”
The words of the Lord’s Prayer trip off our tongues so easily; do we stop to really consider what we are saying, or rather reciting? So I offer this prayer to say aloud with pauses for reflection.
Our Father - the one who guides us and who we worship in Mother church; who nurtures us, who gives us life, both physical and spiritual
Who art in heaven – but also here on earth, not remote but real and living through our lives
hallowed be thy name; - for you are God, creator of all, ever to be praised thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. – may we be the channels of your work here on earth, showing love to give a taste of your heavenly kingdom
Give us this day our daily bread, - the nourishment for our lives, helping us to grow closer to you as we seek out your word and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; - may we always be willing to forgive no matter what evil has been done to us, for it is only by such forgiveness we can bring peace and reconciliation and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil – there are so many distractions fighting for our attention, may your Holy Spirit empower us to see them for what they really are
For thine is the kingdom, - both now and throughout eternity, yesterday, today and tomorrow the power – through the Holy Spirit helping us to lead our Christian lives and the glory, - that through our lives your glorious light may shine for ever and ever – in your eternal kingdom
Amen. – so be it.
Andy Bevan
CHURCH NEWS
Wishing Angela F a very happy 80th birthday, we hope you have an absolutely amazing day!
Joy Parker sends her good wishes to all at Abbey URC.
Romsey Ladies Choir invite you to join them for their Christmas Concert on Sunday, 7 December at 2.30pm in Abbey URC. A lovely blend of familiar and new Christmas music – and their guest artiste is Kirsty!
Dear friends at Abbey URC Romsey, thank you so much for the wonderful warm welcome at your Battle of Britain commemoration, and for asking me to lead such a special service. I wish you well and will continue to pray for you. With warmest wishes
Michael Hopkins, Moderator, URC Wessex Synod
CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
We will be running a children’s drop-in Christmas craft activity on Saturday, 6 December from 2– 4pm. There will be an opportunity to make Christmas decorations and cards or just come along and be inventive using the materials we have to hand. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
OPENING OF CHURCH FOR ROMSEY CHRISTMAS EVENTS
The Outreach Group decided it would be good to have the church open when the town centre is full of people for the switching on of the Christmas lights, the lantern parade, the December Makers’ Market and Carols in the Market Place, etc. To have the church lit up and welcoming in the corner of the Market Place will be witness to our presence in the town centre.
During these events, people may welcome somewhere where they can come in to warm up and be on their own for a few minutes.
We will be serving mince pies and mulled apple juice at some of these events; please check the website, Facebook or our order of service for full details. If you would like to help steward during any of these events, please contact Carole.
RAFFLE
There will be Christmas Hamper raffle at Abbey URC during December, in aid of church funds. It will be full of tasty treats for the Christmas period, to be enjoyed or to be shared with friends and family.
Tickets on sale during December at £1 each, and the raffle will be drawn before the Carols by Candlelight service on Saturday, 20 December at 6.30pm.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICES
We will again be joining in the Civic Remembrance community events for Remembrance Sunday, therefore there will be no service at Abbey URC on 9 November.
The parade, representing military and veteran personnel and local organisations, assembles at Love Lane at 9.15am and parades to Romsey Abbey for the 9.45am service.
After the service the parade will continue to the War Memorial Park for a further commemorative service, including the traditional 2 minutes silence at 11am. After this the parade will continue past the Town Hall, where the dignitaries will take the salute.
The Mayor of Romsey Cllr Russell Theron writes "Remembrance Day remains a cornerstone of our civic calendar. It is a solemn and dignified occasion on which the town unites to honour the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, past and present."
Please do support this if you are able to do so.
REVD MIKE’S PREACHING ROTA FOR NOVEMBER
9 Joint Remembrance Service at Romsey Abbey and Procession 16 10.00am
THE SOCIAL CUP
Every Thursday morning between 10am and 11.30am you are invited to join us for coffee in Abbey Hall Lounge. This social get-together has been renamed The Social Cup and is registered with The Warm Welcome Campaign and the Chatty Café scheme. This is what Alexandra Hoskyn, the founder of the latter, says.
“The scheme was created on a wet and windy day when I was in a supermarket café with my four month old son. He wasn’t great company and I was feeling fed up. I looked round the café and saw an elderly lady who looked just as down as me and, on another table, sat a young guy with additional needs and his support worker both looking like they had run out of conversation! I started to think about the positive impact we could have had on each other if we had sat together. I know from experience that when you are feeling lonely, a short conversation with another human can really brighten your day and I realised that you can be out of the house all day yet have no interaction with another person. It was right there and then that the ‘Chatter & Natter’ table began (in my head and dreams to start!) but now it’s a reality. There are now over 900 cafes!”
If you know anyone who would benefit from coming somewhere warm, and spending time with friendly welcoming people, let them know we are here in Abbey Hall Lounge, every Thursday between 10am and 11.30am.
MORNING PRAYERS
If you would like to take the opportunity to reflect upon God’s word and to pray for the needs of the world, and the Church, in your own time during the week, here are the readings for November.
November 2
Psalm 32:1-7
Luke 19:1-10
9 Psalm 17:1-9 Luke 20:27-38
16 Psalm 98
23 Psalm 46
30 Psalm 122
Luke 21:5-19
Luke 23:33-43
Matthew 24:36-44
SKITTLES EVENING
The annual skittles evening at Wellow Golf club was another huge success, gathering Church friends together for fun and a catch up. Lots of laughs, as we did our best competing to take down as many skittles as we could in two rounds. Congratulations to the winners – and to those who didn’t do quite so well!
A lovely meal suiting all tastes was enjoyed in between the two skittle rounds. The fund raising raffle sported a groaning table of prizes with everyone enjoying a win, courtesy of generous winners.
A huge thank you to Carole for organising a wonderful evening.
TOY SERVICE SUNDAY, 30 NOVEMBER
On Sunday, 30 November help bring the joy of Christmas to children who may otherwise do without.
Donations of 'as new' toys that need a new home, or brand-new toys, would all be welcomed at the Abbey United Reformed Church’s annual Toy Service. The service starts at 10.30am and everyone is welcome Donated toys go to Southampton Social Services for young people in the area who would otherwise not know the joy of Christmas.
“Our annual Toy Service is very special,” said Revd Mike Perrott. “By donating a toy, you provide a child with a present on Christmas day who would otherwise not receive a gift. It is important to remember at this special time of year that a little bit of kindness goes a long way.”
Anna A
ADVENT CAROL SERVICE 30 NOVEMBER
This year we have extended an invitation to the other five churches within the Southern Fellowship Group to join us for our Advent Carol Service starting at 3pm on Sunday, 30 November.
In the shops Christmas seems already to have arrived and no reference can be found to Advent. However, Advent is the season to prepare for the coming of our Lord and this service gives us an opportunity to start our preparation in praises and in prayer.
We are delighted that the Hampshire Teachers’ Choir will be sharing in this event helping us to raise our voices in song. The service will be led by our Minister Revd Mike, and will be followed by tea and cake.
We hope to see you there, together with friends and family.
CHURCH MEETING 16 NOVEMBER 2025
Our final Church Meeting for 2025 will be held after our morning worship on 16 November.
Church Meetings are an important part of our heritage giving an opportunity for all who attend the church to offer a contribution to the various discussions, whether they are members or not. The agenda will include important recommendations from the Eldership, a decision on who should be the beneficiaries of our church Christmas donations, future dates and events for your diary and updates on different aspects of our church life.
As friends and members of Abbey United Reformed Church, this is your ideal opportunity to take part in its family life – please don’t miss that opportunity. We look forward to you joining us.
CHRISTMAS JUMPERS
Thank you to everyone who donated their Christmas jumpers at the start of this year. Chris L was kind enough to launder them, and they have now been passed to Romsey Methodist Church for their Christmas Jumper Swap on Saturday, 22 November from 4pm-7pm.
Pop along and browse their selection of pre-loved festive clothing and enjoy their Christmas café.
ANGELS ASSEMBLE
Angels are flocking to Abbey URC ready to be blessed on 14 December, before they venture out with our love and prayers for their new homes within our community. They are all so different, as unique as every person who will choose them to take them home – and they are all so beautiful!
If you have been crafting angels for us, please could you drop them to church by the end of November? Our church is open Saturdays from 10am-12.30pm or Sundays 10am-10.30am or 11.30am-12noon; alternatively, they could wait in our prayer post box, outside our front door, until we are next at church.
Any type of angel is welcome – thank you so much!
10 -11.30am
CALENDAR
Social Cup in Abbey Hall Lounge, open to all
Remembrance Sunday Romsey town event, no service at Abbey URC
6.30pm Bible Study on Zoom, ID: 864 1780 6994 PW: learning
10-11.30am The Social Cup in Abbey Hall Lounge open to all
7.30pm Outreach and Youth Group on Zoom, ID: 851 4528 3637 PW: business
10.30am Advent Sunday Morning Worship led by Howard Coulson, Amber and Southampton Social Services will join this service to accept our gifts 30 3pm
Advent Carol Service for Southern Fellowship, followed by refreshments, led by Revd Mike
October 2025
A MESSAGE FROM REVD SARAH
Dear members and friends of the Southern Fellowship
It's nearly a year since officially we became a fellowship of churchesthough of course we were working together in various combinations long before then. I have really appreciated being with you on both Sundays and weekdays, and starting to get to know you, in spite of managing to get something wrong in each of your usual orders of service!
One thing I would really like you all to know is that though your Elders are the people working their socks off at pew level to guide and support you, part of my work is also to be with you in times of difficulty or uncertainty. I can only do that, though, if I'm told where your need may be. So, though I can't be everywhere for everyone - and God makes a pretty good job of that, anyway! - please do ask me if I may be able to help, either through one of your Elders, your Church Secretary or directly. Some of you will remember my last sabbatical, in summer 2016. I looked at different ways of exercising, since then as now I'm not a sporty person, and wanted to find something I did enjoy to do on a regular basis. I'm happy to report that I'm still doing one of the many forms of exercise I tried then - it's called Nia, if you're interested - and am also still making a walk a regular part of my day.
Sabbaticals come every ten years (though from General Assembly this year, it's been decided that they're every seven years) and my next sabbatical is due in 2026. I have arranged the preaching plan so that my absence in July-September 2026 will cause the least possible inconvenience. As the main theme of my sabbatical, I plan to undertake a month's silent retreat in North Wales. My attention generally gets focussed outwards, as I have to look in so many directions at once. Prayers of concern I find easy; prayers of thanksgiving also regularly come to mind; but my ongoing relationship with God as a follower of Jesus is not something I find it easy to focus on. This is bad in itself; it is also apt to damage the external work I can do for God and you, and potentially it's a cause of burnout; so, through this sabbatical topic I am taking steps to address it. And as well as this, I will also be resting and renewing important friendships.
Please pray for me, in my work and my sabbatical preparations, as I continue to pray for you all!
Rev Dr Sarah Hall
Braishfield United Reformed Church
Minister: The Reverend Mike Perrott, MA 01794 512163 e-mail: revd.mike13@gmail.com
Day off: Mondays
The Reverend Doctor Sarah Hall e-mail: sarah.hall.swhg@gmail.com 02380 768004
Day off: Thursdays
Secretary: Shirley Smith 01794 368447
Treasurer: Sharon Whitfield 01794 328853
Serving Elders: Shirley Smith 01794 368447
Allison Symes 02380 262803
Sharon Whitfield 01794 328853
November
2 9.30
Holy Communion led by Revd Dr Sarah Hall 9 Remembrance Sunday: no service at Braishfield URC
9 10.50 Remembrance Service at the Village War Memorial to include the Two Minutes Silence at 11am and the reading of the Memorial names.
16 10.00 Memory Service to be led by Revd Mike Perrott. The names of loved ones to be read during the service. A list will be put out at the back of the church.
23 10.00 Family Worship led by Rev Mary Thomas, Jars of Coins for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, are to be brought back to church for this service.
30 10.00 Family Worship, including Toy Service, led by Andy Bevan December 7 9.30 Holy Communion led by Rev Bernie Collins
14 10.00 Family Worship led by Daniel Symes
21 No morning service, join us in the afternoon instead
21 3.00 Carols by Candlelight led by Revd Mike Perrott
25 9.30 Christmas Day service at Braishfield URC; a joint service with Abbey URC, including Holy Communion led by Revd Dr Sarah Hall
28 No service at Braishfield URC, all are welcome to join the service at Abbey URC at 10.30 am.
Please note that the third Sunday of the month is the time to bring in tinned goods etc for the food bank collection.
News from Braishfield
Many thanks for all who helped decorate and undecorate the church for our Harvest Festival service in late September. The church looked wonderful.
Many thanks to Sharon Whitfield for taking the harvest food down to the Romsey Food Bank. The church has received a lovely letter from them saying 21.85kgs of food was collected by Braishfield, which is an amazing achievement. Well done, all!
Just to flag up a few things for your diaries. There will be no service at Braishfield on 9 November as we will join the village at the War Memorial for the Remembrance Sunday service, starting at 10.50am. This service will include the Two Minutes Silence and the reading of the names on the War Memorial.
On Sunday, 16 November we will be holding our annual Memory Service. This will be led by the Revd Mike. A list will be put at the back of the church for people to add the names of those they would like to be remembered during the service. There will also be an opportunity to light a candle in memory of loved ones.
On 23 November, when we have the Reverend Mary Thomas with us, please bring back your jars of coins. This money will go to our charity project, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, a very worthy cause. If you’re thinking that’s great - but I don’t have many coins, notes are welcome!
Rounding off November, we will be holding our Toy Service, which will be led by Andy Bevan. Please bring in new toys (in their boxes) in gift bags. These will be brought to the front of the church during the service. The toys will be collected by Southampton Social Services and distributed to those most in need. The toys are always appreciated.
Going into December, please note we are having our Carols by Candlelight at 3pm on Sunday, 21 December. There will be no morning service due to this as we have found the afternoon works far better for this, we do hope you can join us. There will be favourite carols, readings, cracker jokes, and tea, coffee and mince pies to follow. It is always a lovely occasion and we hope to see you there.
On Christmas Day, we will have a short thirty minutes service, which will include Holy Communion. This will be led by the Revd Sarah. I understand there is no service at Romsey on that morning so do please come and join us at Braishfield if you can.
I also hope some of us from Braishfield will join Romsey URC for their service on Sunday, 28 December starting at 10.30am, as we will not be holding a service then.
Allison Symes
ROUND THE SOUTHERN FELLOWSHIP OF UNITED REFORMED CHURCHES
Bitterne Park
Christmas Fayre 11am-2pm Saturday, 22 November: it’s nearly time for this year’s Christmas Fayre! Where have the months gone? There will be all the usual stalls and donations will be very gratefully received. The Fayre is always one of our major fundraising activities, so please put the date in your diary and come along to enjoy the fun, pick up a bargain, have some lunch and maybe win a prize. See you there. Stalls are:- Household and Cakes, Lucky Numbers, Bargain Basement (including Toys), Books, Christmas Goods, Raffle, Lucky Dip, Hot and Cold Refreshments, Competitions and more!
Bitterne
Jigsaw Puzzle Festival from Tuesday, 28 October to Saturday, 1 November 10am to 3pm hundreds of puzzles both new and completed for sale and refreshments will be available. Admission £1 (free return during the week), accompanied children free.
Outreach Community Worker: After a superb presentation at interview and Church Meeting it was wonderful to see hands raised so eagerly, accompanied with lots of smiles, agreeing to the appointment of Nikki Fisher as Outreach Community Worker. We look forward to supporting Nikki in her work and give thanks to God for blessing us in this way and guiding Nikki along this pathway.
Green IT search engines: Did you know not all search engines are created equal? ECOSIA.ORG use all their profits for climate action, with the majority going into tree planting across the world. When you open the Ecosia tab, you are shown their current figures. As they publish financial reports every month, you can see exactly how much money they made, how it is spent, and how many trees were planted. At the time of writing, Ecosia.org have planted 240,030,715 trees and dedicated €96,286,715 to climate action. There are now 200 million people using Ecosia, and the company have planted more than 900 species of trees in more than 35 countries. Their solar panels produce enough energy to power our searches twice over, meaning more renewables (and fewer fossil fuels) in the energy grid. It’s a little different to using Google, but well worth the swap.
A JANE AUSTEN CHRISTMAS
Join us as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with an enchanting afternoonof Regency festive cheer. Taking place just days before her actual birth date on 16 December, this event will pay tribute to one of England’s most beloved authors in true Austen style.
The celebration will be held at Abbey Hall, Romsey, at 4pm on Saturday, 13 December 2025. Guests will be treated to a delightful programme of Christmas carols, classical music, poetry and readings inspired by Jane Austen’s life and works. Seasonal refreshments will include mince pies, Yule log, and the traditional Twelfth Cake it will be a feast for all the senses!
Regency finery and period costume are optional - though not required, as we gather to honour Jane Austen’s enduring legacy.
Tickets are £10 for adults and £6 for under 16s; with all proceeds going to church funds. Please book your ticket with Carole on carole.cox@btinternet.com or on 07787
We look forward to welcoming a goodly number of kindred spirits to this Yuletide Celebration of Jane Austen a most agreeable occasion indeed!
COUNTDOWN TO ADVENT
This November, we will once again be supporting Amber, a charity working with women involved in street work in Southampton, many of whom are now facing or experiencing homelessness.
As shared in the September magazine, Amber has seen a rise in the number of women they support, and the need is greater than ever. Some of the most welcome items we’ve provided in the past include handy wipes, body sprays, chocolate bars, and individual drinks cartons.
This year, we invite you to donate - if you are able - small, thoughtful items to help create gift packs that remind each woman she is seen, valued, and loved. Please place your donations in the box at the back of the church during November.
We’re collecting (choose as many as you like, or are able):
Handy wipes
Body spray
Toothpaste Hand cream
Emery boards
Hair ties
Socks Gloves
Bar of chocolate Something sparkly!
You’re also invited to include an unsealed Christmas card with a message of hope and encouragement. There is no obligation to take part, and anything you can give will be gratefully received.
We’re delighted that Sue Holt from Amber will join our service on 30 November to collect our gifts.
As we journey towards Advent, let’s bring light and love to those women by filling our donation box with care and kindness. Thank you.
LIVING WELL WITH DEMENTIA IN ROMSEY
Romsey Dementia Action Group (ROMDAG) is dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and their families in Romsey and the surrounding areas. We believe that a dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean life stops—it simply calls for new ways to connect, create, and enjoy life. Each week, ROMDAG offers a variety of activities designed to stimulate, engage, and uplift. Music, singing, pub quiz and memory sessions spark conversation and laughter. These social gatherings provide peersupport and a safe, welcoming space for people to share experiences, make friends, and feel less isolated.
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, helping run sessions and offer companionship. We warmly welcome anyone affected by dementia, whether newly diagnosed or living with it for years, as well as carers and family members. Refreshments are including and we only ask for a donation of £2.50 per session.
ROMDAG is more than just activities it’s a community, a place to feel supported, empowered, and connected. We encourage anyone interested to join us, volunteer, or simply learn more. Visit www.romdag.co.uk, email romseydementiaactiongroup@gmail.com, or call 07857 881913. Together, we can make each week meaningful, joyful, and full of connection.
Save the date for Demfest next year, join us at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.
PILGRIMAGE FROM READING TO SOUTHAMPTON
A friend and I recently completed the St James Way, a 70-mile section of the Camino route from Reading to Southampton. This historic path links Reading Abbey — once home to the medieval relic known as the “hand of St James” — with the port of Southampton, where pilgrims would embark for France or Spain to continue their journey to Santiago de Compostela.
Along the way, we had great fun collecting stamps in our pilgrim passports at churches, cafés, and even pubs. The route led us beside the Rivers Kennet and Itchen, through the Roman walls and amphitheatre at Silchester, and — in less ancient fashion — across the M3, M4, and M27.
We were warmly welcomed at several churches. Some offered us shelter from the cold for a picnic or hot cups of tea; others thoughtfully left out bottles of water and snacks for passing pilgrims. Our most memorable stop was Sulhamstead Abbots, where we were blessed and even invited to ring the church bells ourselves.
The journey gave us moments of quiet healing, balanced with plenty of shared laughter and companionship. Walking through fields and villages provided time to slow down and simply enjoy the world around us. One of the most magical sights was a flash of brilliant blue as a kingfisher darted along the River Itchen a rare and beautiful gift.
By the time we reached Southampton, we were tired but deeply content. The pilgrimage proved to be far more than a long walk: it was a reminder of the joy of friendship, the kindness of strangers, and the restorative power of travelling at a walking pace.
Thérèse
DR MARION SCHOFIELD
15 November 1931 – 13 August 2025
The Service of Thanksgiving to God for Marion’s life took place at Abbey URC on Thursday 16 October, following the Committal Service. The ‘motto’ on the front cover of the Order of Service, beneath a lovely characterful photograph of Marion, read “A life of Ambition and Adventure” which summarised her life very appropriately! The following is a shortened version (edited by Revd Mike) of the Tribute prepared by Marion’s eldest Nephew, Michael. If you would like a full copy please contact Revd Mike. --------------------
We are very glad to see so many of you here today to celebrate a life lived to the full. Aunty Marion thought there would be very few of her friends left to attend her funeral, but how wrong she was.
We would like to say a special thank you to her close friends who visited her often in her flat, the hospital and at the Abbotswood Court Care Home where she enjoyed a very happy short time with very friendly and caring staff.
Her life was so eventful that our son Matthew chose to write her biography as a school project when he was about 12. He starts off by saying “As the subject of this biography I have chosen my Great Aunt. When I say Great Aunt, I mean it in both senses.”
I am going to blow Marion’s trumpet because I know she would like me to. I will try not to go on too long but she did lead a VERY full life!!
Aunty Marion was born in Oldham on 15th November 1931. Her parents and her parents’ parents all worked in the cotton mills. Her father became a Baker and they bought a Bakery shop in Cleveleys near Blackpool.
Marion passed the Scholarship Examination and went to Fleetwood Grammar School when she was 11. She nearly got expelled for being noisy in the playground, losing her hat and then her belt. She told the Head she wanted to be a farmer and was transferred from the Arts side to Science. During the war they went to school part time. The desks had padlocks, and Marion became known for being able to pick the locks!
After Fleetwood Grammar, Marion applied to do Agriculture at Wye College (University of London) in Kent as she wanted to work with animals but she found out Wye College were not taking any girls for the
Agriculture course but they offered her a place studying for a BSc Degree in Horticulture which she accepted.
1953 was an important year because her brother Donald went out with the London Missionary Society to Madagascar and Marion became responsible for her parents and us kids. This was when she started preaching – her Lay Preaching spanned 50 years.
She debated with the Archbishop of Canterbury about Capital Punishment and in the summer of 1955, she spent 2 months at the Agriculture and Horticulture College of Oslo University in Norway. Back in the UK She was chosen to attend the Queen Mother’s installation as Chancellor of London University at the Royal Festival Hall and later met and talked with her at Wye College. Aunty Marion also received her BSc Horticulture Degree from her at the Royal Albert Hall in 1956. On the way out she got talking to Mrs Indra Ghandi – as you do! Meeting the Royals featured prominently in Marion’s life. She was a self-confessed Royalist on the grounds that they represented the Christian values of the nation.
Marion visited at least 29 countries and gave many talks here in Hampshire about her travels. She visited India, Nepal, Papua NG, USA, Madagascar, Peru, Colombia, S Africa, Canada, Equador, Australia, NZ, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Germany (Oberammergau), Holland, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Ibiza, Greece. Albania, USSR, Belgium, Luxemburg, Monaco and France.
In 1974 Marion applied for and got the job of Warden at Southampton University along with lecturing. The University was 10 times bigger than others she had worked in, and she found it hard to come to terms with the comparatively impersonal atmosphere. She was responsible for introducing men to the Hall and opened a licensed bar downstairs.
In 1978 the University built a purpose-built hall (Clarkson House) for disabled people with all the specialised equipment. At the eleventh hour they realised they had no one to get it ready for students and run it as a hall. She was asked to be warden of the house on top of all her other work.
On the subject of interesting people Marion met and talked with, members of the royal family, leaders from the 1953 Everest expedition Sir Charles Evans and John Hunt, Archbishops Desmond Tutu, Lord Donald Coggan and Geoffrey Fisher, Lord Denning Master of the Rolls, George Formby, Roy Castle, Cyril Fletcher, Danny La Rue, David Bellamy and local celebrity Charlie Dimmock! She did make a list of these so presumably she wanted us all to know!!
In 1994, in retirement, Marion moved to Sand Close in West Wellow to a house and garden she loved and where she had nice, caring neighbours. Eventually the time came for her to downsize to a small flat at Fleur de Lys. She made some good friends there.
She was very Ecumenical and in addition to being a member of Abbey URC, attended a number of different churches including Quaker meetings and Anglican and Methodist churches.
She had a long retirement - 31 - years if I’m not mistaken, during which she did a lot of travelling and giving talks, Lay Preaching, painting – she was a member of the Romsey Art Group, helping the Liberal Democrats, gardening, enjoying special times with family, 8 great-great nephews and nieces Eva, Oliver, Sofia, Jonas, Lily, Isla, Finn and Amaya. She had a special bond with the oldest, Eva, because Eva was the first female Schofield in the family to be born for 78 years after Marion. All of us enjoyed time with Marion in the beautiful countryside of the New Forest. Finally! I have Marion’s Sixth Form School Report, which we found amongst a sea of memorabilia. It says, “Capable of better results” and “Could do better.” I think we would all agree she did just that.
