A MESSAGE FROM REVD MIKE
Dear friends in Christ,
September 2025
As you may know, Marie and I are keen mariners and, over the years, we have enjoyed our voyages to many different parts of the world. One year a navigation officer on board Queen Mary 2 gave a talk on how to use a sextant, The first sextant was made in 1759 by John Bird, one of the most famous craftsmen of mathematical instruments, which enables the user to find out where their ship is when in the middle of the ocean, and no landmarks can be seen.
Celestial Navigation using a sextant is a skill needed for any ocean voyager. Compasses can be inaccurate, electronic equipment can fail, but the stars will always be there! Yes, a cloudy day or night will obscure your view of the stars, but at some point, something will become visible in the sky and, if you know how to use it, you can get a bearing on where you are.
The easiest way to find your position is to take a ‘noon sight’. This will give you your latitude and your longitude. All you need to get your noon sight is a sextant and a clock (which is set at UTC Coordinated Universal Time).
When you take your noon sight, you receive two pieces of information that you can convert into coordinates on a marine chart. First you have the time, which gives you your longitude. Second, you have your sextant measurement, which will give you your latitude. So, longitude is a factor of time, latitude is a factor of the sun at noon with some minor addition or subtraction. With this, you can figure out where you are in the ocean!
It is easy for us to feel lost sometimes, in the world in which we live. How do we find direction, which way should we go, when ‘navigating’ our way through the complexities and problems of life and in the world? When I was thinking about the use of the sextant, and focusing on the sun, the words of an old hymn came to mind, the chorus of which says:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.
(words & music: Helen Howarth Lemmel (1863-1961))
For us, the teaching and example of Jesus is the sun for us to focus upon for our direction, whether through the flat calm when all is going smoothly, or in the storms of life we encounter.
Marie and I wish you a very good remainder of the summer! God bless you all.
In Christian love, Mike
MAGAZINE DEADLINE
Material for October 2025 to be submitted by 5pm (latest) on Thursday, 18 September 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.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN SERVICE
The 15 September 1940 saw the largest air battle ever fought and this year commemorates its 85th anniversary. On Sunday, 20 September we are pleased to host both the Romsey branch of the Royal Air Force Association and 1391 (Romsey) Squadron RAF Air Cadets at our 10.30am morning service.
The service will be led by Wessex Synod Moderator Revd Dr Michael Hopkins. If you know of anyone who has connections with the RAF, please do invite them along to this service.
SKITTLES EVENING
We have hired the skittle alley at Wellow Golf Club for 11 October 2025. The menu choices and other information will be at the back of the church from the middle of September. It is a lovely, sociable evening so put the date in your diary and let your friends and family know as everyone is very welcome. If you don’t fancy playing skittles, come along for a fun evening with other members of our church family. For more information contact Carole.
’Seeing Christ in others’, edited by Geoffrey Duncan, is a collection of prayers, poems, meditations and worship material from all over the world. Although published many years ago, the material continues to be relevant and the book is still available to buy. I have a copy if anyone is interested.
The idea of seeing or being seen, especially God seeing us, is not new. In Psalm 139, verses 15-16 we read: ’My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.’
The words in Isaiah chapter 49.16 show how precious each one of us is to God: ’See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.’
Throughout the Bible we find references relating to how God sees us, and guidance relating to how we are to love ourselves and others. These also challenge us in how we see ourselves and others around us, whether they are near or far.
It is easier to agree with, love and like people who have similar views and attitudes and those with whom we have much in common. But how about those who are different or disagree with us and take us out of our comfort zone?
As we return after the summer months to our daily routines, some of us may feel refreshed after a break, or maybe there has not been anything different. Maybe this summer has been especially difficult because of illness or bereavement.
We can trust that God knows our past and present and knows us intimately, better than we know ourselves.
We pray that God would truly help us to see Christ in others; to hear and see the needs of those around us, especially those who are suffering.
Thank you, God, that each day you choose to walk beside us, helping us to be channels of your love and peace.
Leena
ABBEY HALL WORKS
We’re delighted to share that the installation of new LED lighting in the church hall has now been completed. The updated system has greatly improved both the brightness and energy efficiency of the space for all who use it. Whether it's for coffee mornings, community events, or evening meetings, the improved lighting makes a real difference. The foyer and toilet lights now have movement sensors, so they will turn on and off automatically. This, along with the LED bulbs, will reduce the electricity bills – and Abbey URC’s carbon footprint!
With thanks once again for the generous donations from the National Lottery Community Fund, Test Valley Borough Council, Hampshire Council, Rotary Club of Romsey Test, the Syder Foundation and the Benefact Trust which made this possible.
At last, the leaks in the roof of Abbey Hall and Abbey Halll lounge have been sealed. We look forward to a dry and bright future!
We are very grateful to Thérèse for her hard work in obtaining grants to cover all this work which means that we have not needed to use any of our reserves to pay for these repairs and improvements.
Andy
THURSDAY MORNING COFFEE
Our coffee morning in Abbey Hall Lounge will resume in September, after a short summer break. Drop in on a Thursday morning between 10am-11.30am; with free refreshments, it's a place to read a book, meet friends, sit quietly - or there's always someone to chat with. No pressure, no obligation. Everyone is very welcome.
THANKS TO THE ROMSEY MEN’S SHED!
Earlier this year, our prayer tree was looking a little worse for wear. Romsey Men’s Shed kindly took it away and gave it a refresh. You can now see the improved prayer tree in our front garden – a huge thank you, it looks amazing!
Anyone can come and tie a ribbon on the tree as a way of saying a silent prayer to God - whether in thanks, to ask for help or support, to say sorry, pray for peace or in memory of a loved one. In addition, hopefully, it will brighten the day for all who pass by and encourage them to do likewise.
Thérèse
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 September.
September 7 Psalm 1
14 Psalm 51:1-10
21 Psalm 113
28 Psalm 146
Luke 14:25-33
Luke 15:1-10
Luke 16:1-13
Luke 16:19-31
ZOOM BIBLE STUDY
Our Bible study and discussion group will take place on 7 September at 6.30pm on Zoom (ID 864 1780 6994; PC learning) when we will look more closely at the Bible verses from the morning service at Abbey URC. All welcome!
HARVEST CELEBRATIONS
This year our Harvest Festival service is being held on 14 September and will be led by Revd Sarah.
All produce will again be given to Romsey Community Pantry to use in their work from their base in Duke’s Mill, Romsey.
The principle of the pantry is to give those in need the opportunity to have a “helping hand” by getting food at a reduced rate. The pantry offers fresh, frozen and general foods, the range of which varies on a weekly basis. Members are charged a nominal fee of £5 per shop and receive a minimum of £15 worth of goods.
Our Harvest Supper will be held on the following Saturday, 20 September starting at 3pm with some sing-along entertainment, followed by Harvest Supper. This will consist of a simple ploughman’s followed by dessert; cost £5 each or £15 per family of four or more.
Book the date in your diary now and we hope to see you there. A list is available at the back of church to sign if you wish to come; alternatively, you can email me with your choice of ham or cheese ploughman. If you need a lift or can offer a lift to others this can be indicated on the list or by emailing me.
14 SEPTEMBER CHURCH MEETING
Our next Church meeting will follow our Harvest Festival service on Sunday 14 September.
Everyone at the meeting is welcome to share in the discussions or bring items of interest to the meeting although only Church Members can vote. The United Reformed Church believes that all members should participate in the life of the Church and Church Meeting gives the Holy Spirit an opportunity to help us discuss all aspects of our future in a spirit of love and respect for all.
Whether a Church Member or not, we hope you will share with us in the meeting to learn more about the life of Abbey URC and offer your thoughts on its work.
Andy B
Andy B
CHURCH
We celebrate with Issac and his family as he was baptised in our church on 9 August by Revd Mike. It was lovely to welcome back Martin, Annie with their family and friends. Welcome into our church family, Isaac.
We send our best wishes to Alexander and Anna-Marie who were married at Abbey URC on 23 August. Love is the greatest blessing and we wish you years of joy and happiness in your marriage.
Thank you for the beautiful flowers brought to me by Angela F. I am hoping to be able to make it to church using the bus. For the last few weeks, it has either been too hot or too wet, hopefully I shall make it soon. Thank you. Angela P
Ruby and all the family are so grateful for all your prayers and support since Derek passed away, peacefully at home. It was a great comfort to see so many of you at the Thanksgiving Service and thank you so much for all your cards, messages and flowers.
Congratulations to Henry on achieving the A-level results needed to attend his preferred university, sending love and congratulations from us all. Exciting times ahead!
Well done to Freddie in his GCSE exams. Good luck on the exciting next chapter of your journey!
It was with sadness that we heard of the deaths of both Vi Brinkworth and Dr Marion Schofield during August. Our prayers are with their family and friends.
Thank you to Sylv, who held a wonderful garden party earlier in the summer. The rain held off, the cakes were delicious, as always, and everyone enjoyed the social get-together. The garden party raised nearly £500 for church funds. Thank you!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Church is not an organisation you join. It is a family where you belong, a home where you are loved and a hospital where you find healing!
GROUP
Abbey URC has enjoyeda very close friendship and no little collaboration with St Joseph’s RC over many years in Romsey. How can we enhance and deepen that relationship?
Since 2006, there has been a dialogue group made up of ordained and lay people from both the Roman Catholic Church and the URC, on a denominational level, to discuss and share how greater mutual understanding and working together could be achieved. After fifteen years of dialogue an exciting development has now come about; the possibility of dialogue groups being formed between local Roman Catholics and URC members and friends, for which purpose a resource has been created jointly by the two denominations to help strengthen links and relationship.
To begin with, there are several themes to explore together. The first of which focuses on ‘Friendship’: “Given the historical prejudices of each church against the other, friendship has been necessary for the trust needed to move from theory to practice.”
The second theme is ‘Saints’, something “that our two traditions view very differently and, through the secular lens of celebrity, has tried to explain each tradition to the other.”
The third is ‘Communion’, “to help people at the local level to understand the issues involved” in the different approaches each denomination has which, historically, has divided us.
The fourth theme is that of ‘Citizenship’ which “challenges us to look more outwardly, as well as to pray together for the coming of God’s kingdom, through our interaction with the wider society in which God has placed us.
The next one is that of ‘Journeying Together’ which celebrated “a rich variety of ways in which we can legitimately work together, described in the final section ‘What can we do together?’” The resource material is a first stage to enable further dialogue and cooperation into the future.
If you would like to be part of our local dialogue group between St Joseph’s and Abbey URC, please do let Andy or myself know.
Revd Mike
(Quotations taken from the Roman Catholic and United Reformed Church dialogue group resource: see 025/05/2025-5-20-RC-URC-Resources-FINAL-web.pdf)
AMBER CELEBRATING THEIR 30 YEAR JOURNEY
In July, we celebrated 30 years of offering love and support for women involved in selling sex on the streets of Southampton — what an incredible journey it's been!
It all began with a group of church ladies prayer-walking the area, then progressed to handing out gift bags through car windows. Today, we’re so thankful to have our very own outreach van a safe, welcoming space where women can talk, be prayed for, get signposted for support, and enjoy a hot drink or pot noodle away from the street.
We are deeply grateful for our amazing volunteers, who show up week after week, because of a compassion and desire to bless some of the city’s most vulnerable women. Just recently, one of our team was moved to tears when a woman she’s been praying for over many years quietly asked, “Please pray for my safety.” That moment reminds us just how much being present and available really matters.
Over the past few months, we’ve seen a rise in the number of women we see, many of whom are facing or experiencing homelessness. We're currently aiming to run outreach three evenings a week — Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as long we can gather a team.
Some of the most welcome items we give out include handy wipes, body sprays, chocolate bars, and individual drink cartons — and we’re always in need of more supplies. A huge thank you goes to Mauries, the sandwich shop in London Road, for generously donating their amazing surplus sandwiches and cakes for our Monday outreach nights.
If you’d like to find out more or make a donation — whether practical or financial please email: contact@amberchaplains.org.uk.
God bless,
This November we will again be supporting Amber. In the October magazine, there will be a list of suggested items to donate; if you are able, we invite you to place items from the list into the box provided at the back of the church during November. A representative from Amber will join our service on 30 November to collect our gifts. Please remember, anything will be gratefully received and there is no obligation to take part.
Sue
NEOCLASSICAL PIANO CONCERT
Abbey URC are excited to welcome Yaroslav Oliinyk to perform in our church. A composer, pianist, and improviser whose work is defined by a synthesis of neoclassicism, minimalism, and contemporary piano; his artistic language is grounded in classical tradition and developed through a modern compositional approach.
A graduate of the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy in Kyiv, he is a prize-winner of international competitions held in Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and the Czech Republic. As a performer, he is known for his virtuosity; as a composer, for his distinctive style and cinematic sensitivity. He is the creator of large-scale projects, including the Grand Rock Piano Show, where he brought over 70 musicians together on a single stage, shaping the concept, music, and direction. His works have also been featured in film productions.
Since 2023, he has been based in the United Kingdom, where he has performed solo concerts in London and across the country. He holds a Global Talent Visa, endorsed by Arts Council England. His discography includes two solo albums and over a dozen singles. Alongside his solo work, Yaroslav collaborates with fellow artists, composing original music for stage and visual projects.
Each of his live performances blends structured composition with improvisation, making every concert a one-of-a-kind experience.
A sneak peak of his rehearsals has been heard, and it is a concert not to be missed. Early start time of 6pm.
CHILL OUT TUESDAY
Join us for Chill Out Tuesday on 16 September from 8pm-9:30pm in the Abbey Hall Lounge. Escape for an hour and chat with friends over tea or coffee. All welcome!
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
Safeguarding training is an important aspect of our ministry, and any church member in face-to-face contact with others on behalf of the church must be kept up-to-date on the training. The last training for many of us was back in 2021, so now needs renewing. The training is very important, providing an understanding of how safeguarding is part of so many aspects of church life, not just being aware of the vulnerable and the possibility of abusive situations, but ensuring the church environment is a safe space for all.
If you need to update your Safeguarding skills the next training day is at Bitterne URC on Saturday, 4 October 2025. This also provides an opportunity to meet others from within our Southern Fellowship Group of Churches during the day as well as sharing in discussions and ideas.
Please book your place by emailing development@urcwessex.org.uk. If you would like to request or offer a lift share, please contact Andy at andybevan1@btinternet.com. Any further questions, please contact Ruth Page, Andy Bevan or Revd Sarah.
If this date is not convenient there are places available to attend other courses as follows;
Tuesdays, 16 and 23 September 2025 from 6.30pm–8pm: online refresher safeguarding training. Participants must attend both sessions to complete the course and gain a certificate.
Saturday, 20 September 2025 from 10am–4pm: in person safeguarding foundation and intermediate training at Fareham URC.
Saturday, 27 September 2025 from 9.30am–1.30pm: in person refresher safeguarding training at Woking URC.
Thursdays, 9 and 16 October 2025 from 6.30pm–8.30pm: online advanced safeguarding training online. Participants must attend both sessions to complete the course and gain a certificate.
Thank you.
Ruth P
BEGGARS FAIR, ROMSEY
What a busy, musical, fun-filled day – our church and hall were filled with happy people, music and song!
Abbey Hall felt the floor vibrate with clog dancers (one in sandals because she had forgotten her clogs!!!), Morris dancers and even belly dancers. There was the chance to singalong to sea shanties and 19th century traditional folk, and the opportunity to enjoy the tunes of bagpipes and ukeleles. All whilst enjoying the tempting refreshments served by our wonderful catering team.
Our church echoed to the sounds of an accordion band, a trio of saxophonist, a guitar soloist, a jazz trio and a contemporary pop choir.
The Sing Now Choir said “We had the pleasure of performing at Abbey United Reformed Church on Saturday as part of Beggars Fair and absolutely loved it!” and look forward to come back to your church to perform on 12 December.
Nina Rideout performed again in our church; it is always a pleasure to welcome her back and to continue to be part of her musical journey (photos taken by Keith Bamber). If you missed her concert, catch her final piece on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6JAnCpryw4
Something for everyone and great to see the church premises enjoyed as part of this annual community event.
Thank you to everyone who performed, attended and stewarded, and also to Gwen and her team for providing refreshments in the Abbey Hall – which were much needed on the hot sunny day!
KEEP CRAFTING….
Can you (or a friend!) knit, crochet or craft some angels by the end of November? Do you know a craft group who would like to get involved? If you would like to help, but would like some company – why not pop into a Thursday coffee morning in the Abbey Hall and bring your knitting, crochet, etc with you?
People in Romsey have started crafting – but the more the merrier! Any type of angel is welcome – let your imagination run wild.
In November we will collect your crafted angels at church, bless them and then send them out into the local community for people to find. Finding these angels, who are looking for a new home, is a small piece of magic for young people, support for people struggling, or on their own, and shares some seasonal Christian love. Thank you!
CHRISTIAN AID – 80 YEARS ON
2025 sees the 80th anniversary of Christian Aid. During those 80 years Christian Aid has been fighting poverty and injustice whilst offering hope to communities who need it most. The charity’s goal is to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty.
Right now, Christian Aid says, the power of hope is needed more than ever. As tragic events continue to unfold across the world the help they offer, working with local agencies on the ground, is ever more in demand. Working with the most vulnerable communities, Christian Aid workers can be found working in 29 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. These include areas of poverty in war zones, places of natural disasters and countries of great social and gender divide.
To mark this milestone in their work, Christian Aid is holding a special service in Cardiff on Wednesday 17 September with special addresses by Patrick Watt, Christian Aid CEO, Bishop Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London and Jane Hutt, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice. Further details of the service and all Christian Aid activities can be found on their web site www.christianaid.org.uk.
CALENDAR
open for quiet reflection and prayer
10.30am Morning Worship, including Holy Communion led by Revd Wendy White
6.30pm Bible Study on Zoom ID 864 1780 6994 PW learning
10.30am BALM not meeting in Abbey Hall Lounge please speak to Christine Thomas for details
10.30am Harvest service led by Revd Sarah Hall followed at 11.30am by Church meeting.
8-9.30pm Chill Out Tuesday in Abbey Hall Lounge
2.30pm Church Table Tennis in Abbey Hall
10.30am Battle of Britain commemoration service led by the Synod Moderator Revd Dr Michael Hopkins
10am-12.30pm Church open for quiet reflection and prayer
6pm Back to the Future Piano Concert by Yaroslav Oliinyk, special guest Alex Smirnov
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:
Serving
Sharon Whitfield 01794 328853
September
9.30 Holy Communion led by Andy Bevan 14 10.00 Family Worship led by Revd Wendy White
10.00 Family Worship led by Chris Noyce
10.00 Harvest Festival led by Revd Dr Sarah Hall
October 5 9.30 Holy Communion led by Revd Mike Perrott 12 10.00 Family Worship led by Pat Oliver 19 10.00 Family Worship led by Revd Mike Perrott. This will be a short service followed at 10.30am by Church meeting. Coffee and tea will be served. 26 10.00 Family Worship led by David Stone November 2 9.30
Communion led by Revd Dr Sarah Hall
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 nearer the time.
Please note that the third Sunday of the month is the time to bring in tinned goods etc for the food bank collection.
I hope you all enjoyed the summer, heatwave, rain and all!
Firstly, may I say many thanks for the support shown to me as I officiated at Holy Communion for the first time on Sunday, 3 August.
Secondly, I would also like to give encouragement for us all to be in fine voice for our Favourite Hymns Service on Sunday, 31 August. Many thanks go to Sharon Whitfield for organising this, and to Adrian and Daniel Symes for organising the music for us all.
I hope to confirm the exact number for the next magazine, however this year, we will once again manage to sing a grand number of hymns and I look forward to joining in with so many old favourites.
Our Harvest Festival will be on Sunday, 28 September when the Revd Sarah will be with us. Asever, tinned and packet foods etc will be donated to the Romsey Food Bank. Many thanks in advance to Sharon Whitfield for being willing to take the items down to them for us.
Please do help with decorating the church on Saturday, 27 September and with undecorating it again on Monday, 29 September. The church will be open from 10am to 12noon and all help is greatly appreciated. You are welcome to bring your food donations along then. Equally, do bring them along for the Sunday service itself, as food will be brought up to the front as usual then.
I also want to flag up our second church meeting of the year will be on Sunday, 19 October following a short service led by the Revd Mike. All are welcome to attend the church meeting and tea and coffee will be served. It does give you a chance to have your say as we look ahead to, dare I say it this early, the Christmas events and the early part of the New Year.
The Braishfield Elders will have their own meeting a little ahead of this. The date for this is yet to be confirmed as this goes to print.
Allison Symes
DEREK HISCOCKS
From the number of family and friends who attended the thanksgiving service, it was obvious to see, Derek Albert Hiscocks was a highly respected man and very much loved. He was a True Gentleman, AND a Gentle-Man..... as so many of the cards and messages received by Ruby and family, have borne testament.
Derek was born in Plymouth on 17 January 1938 to Albert and Winifred Hiscocks. Two and a half years down the line his brother Colin was born, followed by his sister Margaret 5 years later.
Derek was educated at Sutton High School for Boys in Plymouth and subsequently Exeter University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree. He was an enthusiastic member of the rowing crew and spent many an hour training on Exeter Canal. Having completed his degree, he accepted a post at Enfield Grammar School for Boys where he commenced his career teaching Mathematics.
Ruby and Derek were in the same reception class at the tender age of 5 in Camelshead Primary School and met again much later at St Thomas’s Church Youth Club aged 17. On one particular evening, Derek rocked up on his old motorbike to offer Ruby a lift home - but managed to accelerate away at speed, resulting in Ruby flying off the back and being left sitting in the middle of the road!
Incredibly even after this incident, they married at the same church on the 8 April 1961 and following their wedding Ruby joined Derek in North London. For context, they just recently celebrated 64 years of marriage!!! In 1963 they moved from Enfield to Hampshire for Derek to take up a further teaching post at Totton Grammar School, which later became Totton 6th Form College. In 1965 they moved to their current home in Whitenap Romsey, where they welcomed both their daughters.
After 20 years of enjoying being a teacher, Derek took up a 6-month secondment at Esso Petroleum in Fawley. Subsequently he became a School Industry Liaison Officer, arranging for teachers to widen their knowledge within the business world, and as part of this role he made it possible for business personnel to visit education establishments, encouraging young people to develop their skills for future employment. This fitted in brilliantly with his role as Chairman of Young Enterprise and Governor of Cricklade College. Following this period he became the Education Manager for the Hampshire Training and Enterprise Council
and he retired in 1998 becoming a consultant for Investors in People, a role he thoroughly enjoyed.
Derek participated in an extensive range of hobbies which included bird watching, fly and coarse fishing, photography, art, music, gardening, reading and he loved singing with the Romsey Male Voice Choir and latterly Octavius. Being a proud Devonian, he was a keen member of the West Country Association and President on several occasions. He very much enjoyed the camaraderie with friends, who suffice to say, actually spoke the same language!
Derek’s first love was his family, and he was unconditionally proud of both his daughters (not always deserved I have to say!) and he very much welcomed his two sons-in-law, Warren and Kevan to the family enjoying a very close relationship with them both. He loved nothing more than spending time with his 5 grandchildren and more recently welcomed Lauren and Poppy to the family as well as his great-grandson, Arli. Derek was extremely proud of them all and their many achievements.
Suffice to say, Derek was a man of great faith and took a very active part in Abbey United Reformed Church. He was involved in many different areas of church life – pastoral, worship, fabric, social and eldership; When the previous minister Terry Hinks suggested he should follow the lay preacher’s course at Sarum College, he was keen to do so and subsequently gained the necessary qualification to enable him to take services.
In 2009, Julia and Warren announced that they were emigrating to Australia; as you would expect they were fully supportive even though they knew they would miss them greatly. On the plus side they took several trips to hotter climes and got to experience the Australian way of life encompassing the family’s new lifestyle and hobbies.
Ultimately, Derek was just the best husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, brother, uncle, godfather, friend, teacher, colleague and confidant ANYONE could wish for. He was a superhero to all of his grandchildren - Elliott, Alannah, Kara, Konnor and Orlaigh. The best part, in their eyes, was if “Grandad couldn’t make it, fix it or solve it, there was no-one else in this world who could.” He was known as a LEGEND by them all.
Derek ended his days peacefully at home with Ruby, which is exactly where he wanted to be. One of the last things left to say, is a phrase that the family will always treasure and associate with Derek and that is..... “Go Well”.
ROMSEY’S DEMFEST RETURNS
Romsey’s much-loved Demfest returns on Sunday, 31 August 2025, taking place from 11am-4pm at the beautiful Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. Organised by the Romsey Dementia Action Group (ROMDAG), this free community festival celebrates Romsey’s ongoing commitment to being a dementia-friendly town - and this year’s event is set to be more memorable than ever. We are thrilled to welcome Susan Hampshire, the acclaimed English actress and advocate for dementia awareness. Susan will be joining attendees throughout the day, helping to shine a light on the importance of community support and understanding for those affected by dementia.
Demfest brings together families, carers, health professionals and the wider public for a day that is both uplifting and informative. We welcome back the amazing team at Outreach Radio. This year’s entertainment will include performances from local favourites such as the Romsey Ukulele Group, The Memory Choir and Cinnamon Jazz, just to name a few. Visitors can also enjoy interactive activities, demonstrations, and many information stands offering practical support, resources and guidance.
We are also delighted to share that ROMDAG is now a registered charity – a milestone that reflects our long-term commitment to supporting people affected by dementia in Romsey and surrounding areas.
We extend our sincere thanks to Clare Goddard and the team at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens for generously hosting Demfest and supporting this special community event.
“Our goal is to create a day that is welcoming, supportive and full of joy,” said ROMDAG committee chair Janet Pratly. “Demfest is about bringing people together - whether they are living with dementia, supporting someone who is, or simply part of our caring community. We want families to know they are not alone, and that ROMDAG is here to help.”
Admission is free, and all are welcome. Whether you are seeking information, hoping to connect with others, or just looking for a great day out, Demfest 2025 has something for everyone.
For more information visit www.romdag.co.uk or follow us on Facebook @romdag.
(Does anyone in our congregation recognise someone in the photo above?!)
WILLIE MCKENNA
Willie was born in Glasgow in 1938 into a large family and placed in a children’s home at a young age. He was eventually put into foster care in a small village on the Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides. Willie always spoke of his foster parents, Donald and Flora, with deep affection and respect and in later life would return to stay with them and help with work on their small croft, fishing, planting potatoes and cutting peat for fuel. Gaelic was the first language of most of the population and Gaelic songs and poetry featured largely in island life. Willie once won a gold medal for his Gaelic singing and developed a deep love of the poetry of Robert Burns.
At 15 Willie left the island to start work at the BBC in Glasgow, still under the care of the children’s department. He attended the James Watt college for a year, where he earned his radio officer’s certificate. Once qualified he sailed on cargo and passenger ships and in 1962 came ashore to work for STC in Cardiff. He later worked on the Royal Yacht, Britannia and at the naval base at Faslane.
In 1963 Willie met Jean at a dance in Cardiff; she was about to begin her final year at teacher training college. The stereotype of the Scots being mean was a running joke amongst friends further south - Willie forgot his wallet on their first date! However, throughout their life together Jean knew him to be generous of spirit, often looking for ways to help those in need. Willie was transferred to Southampton two months after they had met and they visited one another whenever they could. They married in 1966 at Rumney Methodist church in Cardiff and settled on Waterside, Southampton. Their daughters, Alison (born in 1968) and Maggie (1970) both married and have families of their own.
Willie established his own business in the early 1990s and always ensured that everything he did was honestly done with sound business ethics. As a family they attended Fawley Methodist church, Cadnam Methodist church and later Jean and Willie attended the Abbey United Reformed Church. They hosted international students through the Christian organisation ‘Friends International.’ Willie had visited many of the home countries of the students during his working life.
Willie always took a keen interest in the studies and activities of their five grandchildren and introduced them to fishing, sharing his love of quiet, open-air places. He was adored for his humour and practical jokes.
Willie was always thankful for what he had received in life, never feeling sorry for himself. He appreciated humility and loyalty in others and quite recently told Jean that he knew God had guided him throughout his life. He often said he was far from perfect - none of us is of course - but he was protective, trustworthy, loyal and deeply loving as a husband, father, grandfather and friend.
The poetical work of Willie Mckenna
Ode to the False Teeth
Goodnight, my little sparklers
In the glass beside my bed.
You grin so very happily when taken from my head. It’s strange when we are separate,
My gums they feel so dead!
My mouth is like a cavern every night.
These gnashers need relaxing at the end of every day.
They’ve ope’d and shut so many times
No wonder that they fray!
When I think of all the beef & pork & chicken that they’ve chewed –
My mouth’s a silent factory every night.
The light is out – just like my teeth!
I gape up at the ceiling.
I’m sure that in the dark they frown
No lips to hide their feelings.
Tomorrow is another day, to sleep perchance to dream
Of all the tales my teeth can tell, when they are nice and clean!
The poem above was written by Willie for a church social in Cadnam, and shows Willie’s cheeky sense of humour. Willie took part in Abbey URC Burns suppers; during his memorial service one of Willie’s favourite Burns poems was read out ‘O Wert Thou in the Cauld Blast’ which he used to recite to Jean from memory.
2026
PRAYER
HANDBOOK AND URC DIARY
Orders are now being taken for both the 2026 URC Prayer Handbook and the 2026 URC diary. The Prayer Handbook is a wonderful aid to prayer, offering prayers based on the readings set for use in the Sunday services, as well as prayers based on common themes about which you might wish to pray. An ideal stocking filler for a friend or just a useful prayer aid for yourself, it costs only £6.99 The URC Diary is great value at £9 for a standard slim line pocket version and is available in red or blue. Not only does it give you a week at a view for all your important engagements, but it continues with a fortnight at a view through to June 2027 and then a month at a view through to December 2027, making it far easier to manage the following year’s diary as the year end approaches.
Added features include important dates within the Christian and the URC calendar, future years’ calendars and festive dates plus a daily Bible reading throughout the year, a great complement to the Prayer Handbook.
If you wish to place an order, please let me know by the end of September, either by signing the list at the back of the church or by sendingan email to andybevan1@btinternet.com giving details of the publications you wish to order.
Andy
ROUND THE SOUTHERN FELLOWSHIP OF UNITED REFORMED CHURCHES
Bitterne
Why not visit Bring and Buy Community Café at Bitterne Station Community Hub, Macnaghten Road, SO18 1GG. Held on the 1st Saturday of each month 11am-2pm.
It includes the Art House Community Pantry with “pay as you can” groceries; they are grateful for donations of canned food and unopened toiletries for those less fortunate. Free entrance, refreshments available as well as bring and buy and seed swap tables. Supported by donations from the local community and the National Lottery Community fund.
I went along to the June event - they were very friendly and doing the local community a good service, and have also made Bitterne railway station look beautiful! Please support them!
Maria B
RIDE & STRIDE
On 13 September Abbey URC will be open from 10am-4pm to welcome participants of the Hampshire and the islands Historic Churches Trust sponsored Ride and Stride annual fundraising event.
This event is the major fundraising source for Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust (HIHCT), their funds being made available to older churches to help in their maintenance and repair. Our church benefitted from a grant from HIHCT when our Lounge and Rainbow Rooms were built and with major church repairs being required in the future, we may need to ask again for such assistance. In the meantime, we are pleased to support them in this way.
However, if you feel like a challenge, would you like to visit some of the local churches and collect sponsors for your efforts. 50% of the sponsorship raised can then be donated to Abbey URC, with the balance being given to HIHCT. You can travel by car, bike, on foot or by public transport and you choose the number of churches you visit and their location. For further details speak to Andy Bevan or visit the Ride and Stride website at https://hihct.org.uk/
CHRIS ROLES
After a sudden short illness, Chris Roles died, aged 63, on 25 May 2025. He was son-in-law to Jen and Geoff, sister to Liz, husband to me and father to Miranda, Sam and Ollie. It is a devastating loss.
Chris was due to preach three times at Abbey URC this year and he managed the first on Mothering Sunday, when he was already experiencing some of the symptoms of brain cancer. He enjoyed leading services for you, particularly as there was a long-standing link to the church; Chris was grandson to life-time church members Chrissie and John Roles; also, his architect/builder great grandfather William Comley Roles built the manse and some other buildings in Romsey.
Chris' funeral service was held at United Church Winchester on 9 June attended by 250 people, and more online. 185 people had lunch in the hall afterwards before close friends and family said final farewells at Test Valley Crematorium.
Chris was brought up attending St James Road (SJR) Methodist Church in Southampton; church members took him as a boy to both Hampshire cricket and Southampton football club, setting life time interests in place. Youth club friends from SJR were at the funeral.
Between school and university, he lived with Pam and Rev Bill Johnston, the then Dean of the cathedral in Zululand, South Africa. The experience of living as part of a community under apartheid rule for 8 months set the direction of his career in international development. Pam and Bill were present at the funeral.
As a student, Chris attended Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in Oxford and the John Wesley Society; again, many friends met at this time were present at the funeral.
Moving to London to work for Action Aid and then Christian Aid, Chris, and later I, attended Hinde Street Methodist Church. One of our ministers and friends from those years, Leao (R.F. Leao-Neto, Secretary of World Methodist Council) led the funeral service. It is from Hinde Street that Chris became a local preacher, following in his grandfather's footsteps who had preached in the Salisbury Circuit.
Moving to Winchester in 2008, Penny and Chris attended United Church. At the funeral Helen Popova brought a tribute to Chris on behalf of the Ukrainian community, and Neil Messer was back from America and able to preach on the Emmaus story (Luke 24 13-36).
Chris joined Chapter at Winchester Cathedral in October 2023 and, to symbolise the connection, the cathedral verger brought candles for the communion table and Tess Kuin Lawton led some of the prayers.
From St James Road, Southampton to the United Church and Winchester Cathedral via Zululand, Wesley Memorial and Hinde Street, Chris appreciated the different fellowships and ministries as he grew up, reflected on his faith in the light of life and work, and later navigated the demands of bringing up 3 children, alongside those of being Managing Director of Y-Care International and then Age International.
There was be a Thanksgiving Service at Hinde Street Methodist W1 at midday on Monday, 28 July and we gathered for lunch afterwards.
We are collecting money in memory of Chris for Christian Aid and Hospice UK on this page https://christopherroles.muchloved.com/
Penny Prestage-Roles
A LETTER OF GRATITUDE AND HOPE
To all members and adherents of United Reformed Churches and our Local Ecumenical Partnerships
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Grace and peace to you all.
Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the faithfulness and generosity you have shown to God's work through your local churches. Your contributions - whether through time, talents, or treasure - have been a beautiful expression of discipleship and community.
Celebrating Faithful Stewardship: In these challenging times, when many families have faced difficult decisions about household budgets, rising energy costs, and the ongoing cost of living pressures, your continued commitment to supporting God's work has been truly remarkable. We have witnessed the church at its best: caring for one another, maintaining mission and ministry, and trusting in God's provision.
Your financial contributions through the Ministry & Mission Fund have enabled us to continue our shared calling across England, Scotland, and Wales. Through this Fund, we support ministers' stipends, theological training, Assembly gatherings, and the vital central services that strengthen our witness and ministry in every community we serve.
God's Provision in Action: We rejoice that in 2024, despite significant economic challenges, your collective giving to the M&M Fund reached £16.2m - slightly behind our budget, but late contributions in early 2025 would have taken us over the budget, hadthe auditors allowed us to bring them in. This achievement reflects not just financial commitment, but spiritual resilience and trust in God's faithfulness.
We are particularly grateful for the additional support from our Synods, who contributed approx. £2m of the amount noted above, demonstrating the interconnectedness of our church family. Total income for 2024, including investment income and grants etc. was £18.5m.
While our expenditure of £20m resulted in a deficit of £1.5m for 2024, we remain committed to balancing our budget over the next 4-6 years through difficult, but necessary reductions in central costs and continued partnership between local churches and Synods.
Looking Forward with Hope: As we move through 2025, we recognise that challenges remain. Economic pressures continue to affect both
individuals and churches. Yet we face the future with confidence, knowing that God's call to faithful stewardship remains constant, and that together we can continue to serve Christ's mission in our communities.
We have a clear plan: Synods have committed to maintaining their enhanced support, and we are implementing careful budget reductions of an average of 3-5% annually in our central costs. This balanced approach ensures we remain good stewards while maintaining our essential ministries.
A Call to Continued Faithfulness: In the spirit of 2 Corinthians 9:7, your giving has been a source of joy and strength to the whole church. As we move forward, we invite you to continue this journey of faithful stewardship, giving "as the Spirit directs and as our means allow." We understand that every church's situation is unique, and we celebrate with those who have been able to meet their full commitments, while also deeply appreciating those who, facing their own challenges, have continued to prioritise the M&M Fund within their means.
Partnership in Ministry: As officers of our denomination, we treasure our roots in local URC congregations and LEPs. We understand firsthand the joys and challenges of local church life, including the financial pressures you face. Thisshared experience strengthens our commitment to wise stewardship of the resources you entrust to us. Your local church treasurer has received detailed financial information and can answer specific questions about our accounts. If further assistance is needed, our finance team at Church House stands ready to help.
Our Deepest Thanks: To every member who has contributed to their local church, to every congregation that has supported the M&M Fund, and to all who have made this work a priority even in difficult times— thank you. Your faithfulness enables ministry to continue, training to be provided, and the gospel to be proclaimed across our three nations.
May God bless you abundantly as you continue to be faithful stewards of all that He has entrusted to you. Together, we participate in God's wonderful work of transformation, both in our own lives and in the world around us.
In Christ's service, Alan Yates, URC Treasurer and Vaughan Griffiths, URC Deputy Treasurer
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7
