Contact - July/August 2012

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Magazine of Erdington Methodist Church Station Road - July/August 2012 1

Contents Editor’s Letter If you were to pray for something today, what would it be?

Feedback from 40th Anniversary Celebrations Family news Vision Can you spell?

Action for Children Sunday July 8th 2012 The Coronation and the Conquest of Everest Stop blaming the poor for poverty, say Churches Potpourri of Poetry Children’s Pages Rambling Coffee Morning St Cuthbert’s Gospel The Bible in Cockney - well bits of it anyway Annual MacMillan Coffee Morning Urgent News of the Boiler in June 2012 Harvest Supper & Revue The day the Torch passed by Visit to the house of Lords The Florist Polio 2012 Methodist Conference Ray Bradbury Texting is more honest than talking July/August 2012 Regular Meetings Sunday Worship Weekly Church Activities __________________________

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Editor’s Letter As our Minister is on Sabbatical I thought I’d be cheeky and sneak in some thoughts of my own about recent events at Church.

What a marvellous weekend our 40th Celebrations were. Margaret Curzon had worked very hard to arrange numerous displays and projected images of church life over the period. I was particularly fascinated to see images of the church being built (I only joined the church once the new building was up though my connection was made long before that with Scouts). The displays went up on Saturday and during the weekend there always seemed to be someone examining the displays or watching the slide show. I hope we get another chance to see them when we aren’t all running around.

Sunday morning worship, led by Dick Jones and ably assisted by Kath, was a wonderful event - I think I’d say the occasion was electric and the singing was excellent - it was good to hear the church filled with music once more.

Most certainly a highlight for me.

The following meal was excellent, served quickly and tasted wonderful admittedly I was one of the waiters, so maybe a little biased, but feedback later in this magazine expresses how people enjoyed it and how much they enjoyed sharing with each other.

Without doubt our thanks have to go to the whole organising team for all their planning, hard work and enthusiasm.

Get togethers like these are most certainly ‘good for the soul’. It is good to ‘catch up’ with people we have not seen for many years and reminds us that God is Good!

As I am typing, the words of the following hymn comes to mind - which sums up all my thoughts and joys with regard to the weekend.

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This, this is the God we adore, Our faithful, unchangeable Friend; Whose love is as great as his power, And neither knows measure nor end.

'Tis Jesus, the First and the Last, Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home; We'll praise him for all that is past, And trust him for all that's to come.

Nick Riley Magazine Editor & Church Steward

If you were to pray for something today, what would it be?

When the Church of England recently asked just that question, a survey found that 85% of us have things we would indeed pray for. The ICM survey discovered that the most popular responses involved praying for other people: 26% said they would pray for 'a family member', 25% said 'peace in the world', and 20% said 'healing for another'.

The other as yet 'unprayed prayers' were: 'less stress in my life' (17%), 'an end to world poverty' (16%), 'guidance' (15%), 'thankfulness' (15%), 'my partner' (14%), 'prosperity' (14%), 'a friend' (13%), 'healing for myself' (12%), 'marriage or relationship' (11%), 'forgiveness' (10%), 'work' (8%), 'my spiritual life' (7%), 'my studies' (4%), 'my church' (4%), 'something else' (6%), 'don't know' (7%). Only 15% said 'I would never pray for anything'.

The prayers posted on the website www.prayoneforme.org/, and its accompanying Facebook page at www.facebook.com/prayoneforme, are prayed through by church groups and prayer communities across the Church of England. The site includes guidance on how to pray, and information on the people who hold the contributions before God in prayer. from the Parish Pump website

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Feedback from 40th Anniversary Celebrations I just wanted to congratulate you and the whole kitchen team, those who prepared and planned, organised and operated for the Anniversary Celebrations. What an achievement! A great success and very much appreciated by everyone attending.

The service led by Richard was absolutely the right key for the occasion, as it would be with Richard, followed by a wonderful time of renewing acquaintances and friendships.

Margaret went to a great deal of trouble and effort, putting in a tremendous amount of time on research to produce her super booklet about the history of the church in Erdington and well worth the read.

Please pass on my congratulations to all involved.

Ann Tomes What a wonderful Anniversary Weekend we have had, praising God, worshiping, meeting friends, making new friends, sharing food and fellowship, looking back, enjoying the present, looking forward in the sure knowledge that God is with us always. It was a case of, ‘Many cooks make light work’, so whether you washed one cup, cleaned and polished the church, cooked some part of that delicious meal or performed another one of 1001 jobs, THANK YOU. Margaret Curzon We very much enjoyed yesterday; it was good to renew so many old acquaintances. Credit and thanks to all who organised and worked for the day.

Steve and Anne Share

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It was a delight to return to Erdington for the 40th Anniversary, particularly since my last visit was a sad occasion – the funeral of my father Norman Tomes. That day passed in a blur and so did this one, but with rather more pleasure and time to talk to people I hadn’t seen for many years.

Rev Dick Jones and his wife Kath led a wonderful and uplifting service. As a storyteller myself, I was delighted with the way Kath told us about her daughter’s involvement with the Torch Relay from Devon to Cornwall – in a wetsuit! (Stephanie Jones that is, not Kath) Dick’s sermon was so inspiring I can still remember the main points a week later, helped by having them on Powerpoint with beautiful illustrations. The congregation joined in sharing Communion, which seemed so appropriate and brought back memories of my confirmation service and the many times I have received Communion at that rail, including the Easter we announced our engagement and our own wedding service.

What else stood out? The effort that had gone into the displays of photos and memorabilia as well as the slides of old photos on the screen after service (it would be a good thing to see those again, everyone was talking at that point!) The wonderful 3 course lunch (thank you, Marion and all the kitchen staff). Above all else, the people, for a church is its members and friends, not the bricks and mortar.

It was a question of “Ooh, there’s So-and-so, I haven’t seen him for years” and “That’s never her” and even “Who’s that? It never is!”

I caught up on babies I remember being born, now studying for PH.D’s, (Nick’s nephew), people who had moved away, (Stephen and Anne Share, whose marriage celebrated the union of Station Road and High Street) and people asked after my own family (Rev Nigel Bibbings my husband of 24 years, and our son Jonathan – picture with this article.)

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If anyone had missed out on being included, during lunch Nichola Jones appeared at each table and made absolutely sure everyone was welcomed and talked with as many as she could.

Thank you to all at Erdington for inviting me – and here’s to the next 40 years (and more!)

Now, what are we going to do for the Golden Anniversary . . .

Elisabeth Bibbings It was lovely to receive an invitation to The 40th Anniversary Service and Lunch. I was looking forward to it but at the same time felt quite nervous when the day arrived. I shouldn’t have been though because as usual I received a really warm welcome from everyone. It was great to see all the old faces from years ago and spend time talking and reminiscing with some of them.

The funniest thing was that nobody recognised me. I have obviously changed a great deal over the years. I don’t know whether that’s a good or bad thing. Ha Ha! The meal was beautiful and the company at the table was great. The best part was that I sat next to Jean Harris who was one of Mom’s closest friends.

We spoke about how much Mom would have enjoyed the day.

I thoroughly enjoyed the day and will endeavour not to leave it so long before I visit again.

Judith Giffney (nee Riley) I enjoyed the Anniversary day very much and it was lovely to see everyone.

Thank you to all who made the day so enjoyable and made me feel welcome.

The meal was lovely and I especially enjoyed hearing the organ and singing the hymns.

Thanks again, Gwen Rowe.

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Family news Well Done!

We offer congratulations to Margaret Gamwell on gaining a ‘Highly Commended’ for her painting of Old New St Station, a truly amazing achievement which was painted in sepia. The drawing quality and incredible accuracy of Margaret’s work is remarkable not only of the old trains waiting in the station, but the construction of the building with all its girders and structures supporting the glass roof. It’s a great credit to Margaret’s observation and skill.

The Mervin Peake Awards 2012 Exhibition celebrates the creativity of people with Parkinsons. There are three categories, Art, Photography and Poetry, and it aims to encourage creativity in memory of Mervin Peake, a much admired artist and writer. His most famous creations include “Secrets of The Gormenghast Novels” and his illustrations for “Alice in Wonderland”.

Three of the judges of the competition are members of the Peake family.

I first met Margaret and Doug when they joined my Watercolour Class about twenty years ago, and it very soon became obvious to me that Margaret had that ‘special something’ which goes to make an artist.

Ann Tomes Pam and David’s Golden Wedding As our open day celebration approached we wondered if we should have built an ark rather than buy a gazebo. As it turned out the day was fine and by late afternoon the children got out into the garden and everyone piled out for the obligatory photographs.

We had a wonderful day largely because so many friends came and shared it with us – which is perhaps the story of our very happy marriage. The house was filled with your flowers and cards and our photographs and there was much chatter, much looking back and much wondering where the last 50 8

years had gone! We thank God for friends old and new who over the years have shared our joys and our sorrows and who brought much joy to our special day.

And – of course the day could not have been possible without the love and the support of our family who rallied round as they always do to produce a garden facelift and lay on the most excellent buffet.

And the day would not have been complete without the children – all girls!!

They are as every grandparent knows a source of great happiness and pride.

By five o'clock the last of our visitors had gone – we sank exhausted into the nearest chair not knowing that a family weekend away in Derbyshire was being planed. Life is full of wonderful surprises.

Thank you for your love and friendship.

David Hewitt Thanks I am very grateful for all the prayers, cards and flowers which I received while recently in Good Hope Hospital and also afterwards at PerryTree.

Kate Wharton Saturday 14th July 2012 Birmingham and District Carnation Society is holding its ‘Annual Show‘.

It is hoped that the competitors will have a good variety of Perpetual and Border Carnations as well as garden pinks and some of the Alpine varieties.

The Show will be open to visitors from 10.00 am till 2.30 pm. Admission is FREE and there will be some plants for sale.

Margaret Curzon 9

Vision Where are we now? We have raised £1403.50 At the moment the group is putting together a proposal to put forward to various organisations for grants. In order to stand any chance of being given a grant there is information that we have to provide:1. Demography of the church 2. Reasons for putting this project forward.

3. What are we doing for ourselves? This is very important. Most agencies want to know how much money we have raised for ourselves already, and our future plans and costs.

We have, or are getting quotes for…

• All round double glazing • Glass screen at back of worship area • Carpeting- front of church, foyer and corridor • Refurbishing toilets • Revamping outside frontage • Noticeboards • Pollarding trees • Chairs • Advice and cost of repainting large cross at front Whatever we get, all major decisions will be the responsibility of the church council.

We do continue to need your help in whatever ways you can, in particular by helping at any of our fund-raising efforts - running a raffle, in the kitchen, or on a stall. This help is invaluable and we don’t want to keep asking the same people to do this. Encourage your friends and family to come to some of the varied events.

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Coming up: July 21st

10.00

Coffee morning with gifts donated by the quilting group

August 18th

2.30

Poetry Potpourri - tickets £3.00

October 6th

7.30

Ladies’ Fashion Show tickets £5.00 Tickets are available now. We do need to sell a minimum of 60 beforehand for the event to take place

Please take a savings box if you don't already have one. There are plenty left.

Anything you can do or any expertise you can offer please speak to one of the group.

Thank you to all who have helped in any way so far.

Gerald Peel, Hilary Price, Jacky Scott, Lesley Morgan, Jan Payne

Can you spell?

There’s a good chance that you are not very good at it. It seems that the use of computers with word spell-checkers has left many of us unable to spell words as simple as ‘necessary’ and ‘definitely’. Researchers carrying out the research for Mencap concluded that the UK has produced an ‘auto-correct’ generation.

Despite our failings, 96 percent of us say that correct spelling is important, especially when it comes to finding work. One expert advises: “Poor spelling on a CV is fatal, as it says that an individual cannot produce work to a given standard, no matter how highly qualified they might be.” from the Parish Pump Website 11

Action for Children Sunday July 8th 2012 History Shocked by the plight of homeless children on the streets of London in 1869, Methodist minister Thomas Bowman Stephenson decided to take action. With the help of two Methodist friends, Alfred Mager and Francis Horner, he converted a disused stable block into a Children's Home.

Stephenson's vision was of a family-style system of childcare which would be disciplined but loving, a contrast to the hated workhouses of the time.

Professional from the start, Stephenson's recognition of the importance of professional training was a significant contribution to the development of childcare in the UK. Over time, the work of AFC has shifted away from children's homes towards community-based projects like children's centres, supporting vulnerable families and trying to prevent potential problems as it faces the challenge of a very different society.

Some things don't change Previously known as the National Children's Home (NCH) the name was changed to Action for Children a few years ago to better describe what they do. Today AFC is one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, committed to helping the most vulnerable children and young people break through injustice, deprivation and inequality, so that they can achieve their full potential. They are still guided by Stephenson's legacy, but face the challenges of a very different society. The goal is always the same: to ensure all children and young people get the best start in life and achieve their full potential. But the world is changing and the needs of children and young people are becoming more complex.

Their service ethos A belief in and commitment to early intervention. To catch problems early, stopping them from getting worse and preventing them from happening in the first place whenever possible.

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A use of an inclusive approach, no matter the service. To help ensure every child and young person gets the support they need, when they need it.

A recognition of the value of participation with all children, families, and communities with which they work in order to offer a bespoke approach, no matter what the need.

Most of all, it's about putting the child at the centre of everything they do and being there for as long as it takes.

AFC offer a range of services throughout the country which are very briefly referred to here: Adoption, fostering and children in care; some children and young people cannot grow up with their birth family for a number of different reasons. AFC are in the forefront of provide services to support these children and provide loving, secure homes for them in which to develop and achieve their full potential.

Young People: are supported by AFC in a number of different ways depending on their individual needs these include help with accommodation, leaving care, learning, education and employment, alcohol and substance misuse, money management and teenage pregnancy.

Our schools: Through their 4 schools AFC demonstrate an innovative and unique approach to teaching and caring for children and young people with the most profound and challenging needs.

Disabled children: AFC works with disabled children, young people and their families to help them live the life they choose by providing inclusive and flexible support. Their services include short break care, helping families deal with challenging behavior, providing specialist education and leisure opportunities, and offer innovative programes such as the Access to IT project, which uses information technology to enhance disabled children's confidence and their educational and social inclusion.

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Family support: All families need help at critical times and AFC support with the most difficult problems. Families under stress are often trapped in situations which can ultimately put children at risk. Our children's and family centres give parenting advice, a safe space for families to play and the chance to learn new skills, subjects and information. The centres also help practically, with things like debt and housing difficulties, and offer self-help or family therapy for problems such as sexual abuse, domestic violence and anti-social behavior.

Policy & Research: AFC also maintains a high profile in development of policy and research. They campaign and lobby to make sure that vulnerable children are a priority for policy makers and work in partnership with other leading child care related organisations and Government bodies with the aim of making a greater and broader impact.

Methodist principles: Action for Children's ethos is deeply rooted in Methodist principles. The famous words of John Wesley to 'go not only to those who need you but to those who need you most' eloquently and simply describe AFC’s vision and values today. They maintain close links with the Methodist Church in Britain. The Council of Trustees is appointed by the Methodist Conference - to which they report annually. A number of Methodists are trustees and all of the national committees in England, Scotland and Wales have at least one Methodist representative.

There is a wealth of information about the specific units and groups which are operating throughout the country on the Action for Children web site. It also tells you how you can make regular or one off donations. www.actionforchildren.org.uk The Methodist Church has set aside Sunday 8th July 2012 as ‘Action for Children' Sunday when envelopes will be distributed during worship for donations. The coffee morning at Erdington Methodist Church on Saturday 7th July will also be to raise funds to support this valuable work.

Christine Rankin 14

The Coronation and the Conquest of Everest What a year 1953 was! On 29th May, 38 year old Tenzing Norgay, a Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer, and 34 year old Edmund Hillary, a bee keeper from New Zealand, became the first two men to reach the summit of Everest. The peak is 29,028 feet (8,847 m) above sea level. Edmund Hillary described it as "a symmetrical, beautiful snow cone summit".

The fact that the Coronation Service was held on June 2nd, the day that the news of the Conquest of Everest was announced, was nothing short of sensational. Coronation mania coupled with the first successful ascent of Everest had well and truly gripped the world. The Press had field day!

Photographs of both events were splashed over the front pages of newspapers far and wide.

When the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey began, my parents considered it important that my brother, sister and I should view the proceedings as they unfolded. We were fortunate to have a television (a 10/11 inch screen ‘Cossor’) purchased only a few weeks before the Coronation. Now I am grateful that I was one of the millions of people worldwide who viewed the proceedings while listening to Richard Dimbledy’s cogent, well-delivered commentary. History in the making! My sharpest memories are of the fairy tale glittering, golden coach transporting a radiant young queen and her consort through the streets of London. The blaze of the crowd’s excitement spilled out into a torrent of cheering, clapping and flag waving. People from all over the world joined together in a day of boundless joy and harmony. Unforgettable!

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During the Coronation Service the Queen received a Bible from the Dean of Westminster; as he passed it to her the Archbishop of Canterbury said, “We present you with this book, the most valuable thing this world affords.” Few words … massive significance!

Yes, what a year 1953 was! To this day, many people remember June 2nd with pride, amazement and a touch of romance.

Barbara Rawson

Stop blaming the poor for poverty, say Churches New government proposals seek to measure the faults of the poor, rather than poverty. In response the Methodist Church, Baptist Union of Great Britain and United Reformed Church are accusing the government of continuing a trend of blaming the poor as new proposals to redefine poverty are announced.

“These proposals risk further stigmatising the poor in the eyes of voters and the media,” said Paul Morrison, public issues adviser for the Methodist Church. “It is universally acknowledged that poverty is a relative concept.

These proposals seek to undermine the idea that relative poverty matters, by focusing on other issues. At its worst it will seek to measure the 'faults' of the poor, further blaming them for poverty."

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Rambling Eight members of the rambling group enjoyed a visit to Stourton - a leisurely canal walk, with no stiles.

We parked our cars in a lay-by beside the A458 Stourbridge to Bridgnorth Road, opposite a remnant of an old road leading to the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal. Stourton Castle on the left could be seen over the fields.

By this time fine raining had began to fall, also a few cyclists were out using the canal path. I think someone should have ‘gone to Specsavers’ as we came off the canal path at the third bridge instead of the second (we did not know this at the time).

We stopped on the bridge watching a narrowboat, flying two Union Jack flags, working it’s way through the lock. We continued on along a path but soon found out we were on a tarmac road, which led onto the A449.

The traffic on this road was very fast and noisy. We knew we were on the wrong road, but it was better to carry on even though there was no footpath, 20

so we had to walk in single file on the narrow grass verge for about 2 miles.

We were very relieved when we came to a sign pointing to the canal once again.

We did not have to go far to find a suitable spot to sit and have our lunch, which we were all in need of. After half an hour’s rest, we got going again.

We were only about 10 minutes from where the cars were parked. We all agreed that we would like to do the walk again, as we had missed out all the interesting field paths for fear of retracing our steps and making the walk too long.

Maybe you would like to join us next time. We meet on the first Saturday in each month at Church at 9.30 am.

Margaret Hillman

Coffee Morning Please come along and support the Coffee Morning on Saturday 7th July 10.00 am ‘till 12.00 am. There will be the usual stalls, raffle, quiz and refreshments including

Bacon Baps The Carnation Society are also sharing the coffee morning with us & Please give as generously as you can using the envelopes which will be distributed on Sunday 8th July.

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St Cuthbert’s Gospel The British Library announced, in April, that it had succeeded in raising the £9 million necessary to complete the purchase of the ‘St Cuthbert Gospel of St John’. The book is 5.4 x 3.6in and consists of 94 velum pages on which is written, in Latin, St John’s Gospel. The Library has described it as the earliest surviving intact European book and one of the world’s most significant books.

St Cuthbert lived c. 634-687 and was an Anglo-Saxon monk, bishop and hermit. He was associated with the monasteries of Melrose and Lindisfarne.

After his death he became a cult figure, based on Durham Cathedral, probably because he was the most popular saint in England prior to the death of St Thomas Beckett in 1170. The miracles attributed to him included the fact that when his sarcophagus was opened eleven years after his death, his body was recorded as being perfectly preserved.

The Gospel was placed in his tomb some years after his death, probably being a gift from the Monkwearmouth-Jarrow Abbey. Soon after this the Danish pillaging and invasion of England began and Cuthbert’s coffin was spirited around northern England to avoid discovery and presumably desecration, finally coming to rest in Durham in 1104 when the Gospel was discovered.

One final legend suggests that prior to the arrival of Henry VIII commissioners had his body removed and replaced with another more recently dead monk. The real body was reburied in the ground of Crayke Abby at a location know only to 12 monks. The knowledge of this secret is rumoured to continuing to this day, with the location being past to a new brother from a deathbed. Shades of the Da Vinci Code?

You can find out more about this remarkable little book at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Cuthbert_Gospel and view the digitised pages at 22

www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=add_ms_89000 Peter Farley

The Bible in Cockney - well bits of it anyway

By Mike Coles, Bible Reading Fellowship, £5.99 Read how Adam and Eve make a bloomin’ big mistake, how God is not ’appy with Jonah, how David gives a giant geezer a good kicking and why Noah built a bloomin’ massive nanny. In Mark’s Gospel discover how God’s own currant makes a Jim Skinner for five thousand geezers with five loaves of Uncle Fred and two Lilian Gish. And how he heals Simon’s finger and thumb in law when she was Tom and Dick in Uncle Ned. Great fun and perfect fer all real an' adopted Londoners in 2012 yeah?

Author Mike Coles hated RE when he was at school, and vowed that he would never make the children suffer as he had to! When he moved to the East End, he immediately fell in love with Cockney rhyming slang and started to use it in his secondary school lessons. The children loved it; he decided to write down some of his stories and they appear in this book. from the Parish Pump Website

Annual MacMillan Coffee Morning Jean Harris has organised this for many years, but now feels that she is unable to undertake this again.

Would anyone be prepared to take this on - it is usually around the last Friday in September, but if more convenient, it can be run on a Saturday.

Speak to Jean, or one of the stewards, if you want more information about registering for this.

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Urgent News of the Boiler in June 2012 Unfortunately at a recent Finance/Property meeting, the boiler which has heated our building for 17 years, was reluctantly declared defunct. The only way we could get it going each day in the last 6 months of its life was for one of us to come to church early and usually had to resort to tapping it with a hammer in the right place. Despite having a variety of boiler engineers to minister to it in its final days nobody was able to say exactly what was wrong with it or able to source a part which would get it going. A mysterious intermittent electrical fault seems to be the most likely culprit. We decided we had done everything reasonable to get it repaired but now was the time to investigate its replacement. This is not going to be cheap and, of course, time will be of the essence.

It is doubly unfortunate when we have just started on the Vision Project. We will shortly be getting estimates but of course we are going to have to raise the money quickly so that we can have the work done by September if at all possible. We have some money in hand but the rest will need to be raised as soon as possible.

We are thinking initially: • That we ask the church members and friends for gifts of money (Gift Aided where possible) • Interest free loans to the church so that we can cover the need for the total cost all at the beginning. These would be repaid in as short a time as possible over the next few years. If we can raise what we require by these two methods it should not interfere too much with the Vision Project As soon as we know the estimated costs we will let everyone know.

John Price (Treasurer) on behalf of the Finance/Property Committee

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40th Anniversary

Harvest Supper & ‘Revue’ Saturday - September 15th 2012 This will include a light supper And An evening of entertainment Look out for Further information in the weekly notices and on the notice boards. tickets will be Available during august.

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The day the Torch passed by Annie and I both travelled down to our second home in Cornwall to see the olympic torch. We got to stenalleese, near St Austell on the Friday evening.

On Saturday we went running around St Austell looking for everything red white and blue. We decorated our house and garden with union flags and bunting.

We knew the Olympic Torch Relay was going past the house but what we hadn’t realised was that the torchbearers were changing over outside our house.

At 4:50 everyone gathered outside the house and the atmosphere was electric.

There were cameras, bunting, balloons and London 2012 officials everywhere!

Torchbearer 095 was dropped off outside the house and that's when everyone cheered.

Simon (torchbearer) posed with everyone for a photo with the torch.

At 5:20 the relay came down the road and that's when the torches were changed over. We all felt very proud to be British! Â Then, as quickly as it arrived the entourage was gone and our small village in Cornwall went back to its normal peace and quiet.

Matt and Annie 26

Visit to the house of Lords At the invitation of the Veolia Trust, Nichola, Fitzroy Brown and myself travelled, on a very wet and cold Wednesday, 25th April to the House of Lords for a reception on the Terrace, overlooking the Thames. Fortunately it was within a marquee that was heated.

Veolia Environmental Trust gave a large grant towards the cost of Stockland Green’s Cafe development and they wanted us to meet their President together with representatives of their four regional committees that vet the applications, and other people like ourselves from developments around the country. It was also good to again meet the staff of the Trust who came along and helped us with our work last June.

Nichola had arranged that before we went into the Veolia gathering we should go into the Chamber of the House of Lords and so we were met by Baroness Calow, The Revd Kathleen Richardson OBE, who was the first Lady President of the Methodist Church, a most wonderful lady who could not do enough to make our visit a memorable one. Having been photographed and cleared by security we proceeded to the Chamber of the House of Lords where the seating was red and the carpet blue, as against Green seating in the House of Commons.

Work was starting for the visit of the Queen when she will open the next parliament year and we saw the magnificent throne where she will sit, and its grand ornamental setting reaching high and wide, all in gold leaf finish. Not far in front was the ‘Woolsack’ where the Speaker is seated and we were told that it contains wool from the sheep of all the Commonwealth Nations.

In the Commons the Speaker maintains the discipline of the members but in the Lords they are expected to each maintain their own personal discipline.

The visitors’ gallery, overlooking the chamber, was fronted by the ornamental safety railing compared with the House of Commons where fairly recently a protective glass screen has been introduced to prevent missiles being aimed at the MPs. Whereas in the House of Commons people can queue for a place in the gallery, in the House of Lords you can 27

only be permitted to enter by invitation of one of its members who are then responsible for your behaviour.

Via a corridor from the Chamber we passed into the ‘Robing Room‘ and this is where the Queen puts on her ceremonial robes and Imperial State Crown and it is said that in a corner there is a small room complete with a mirror, entered by a door in the panelling, where she puts on her crown.

The 19th century Chair of State is provided for her use, beneath a canopy carved with the rose of England, the thistle of Scotland, the shamrock of Ireland and Queen Victoria’s monogram.

Set high on two walls are paintings by William Dyce and they depict Hospitality, Generosity, Mercy, Religion and Courtesy as represented through scenes from the legend of King Arthur and his court. Two other frescoes, illustrating Fidelity and Courage were originally intended but were never carried out.

Before our tour ended we were able to visit the gift shop for our momentoes.

We were tremendously grateful to Nichola’s friend Kathleen Richardson (Baroness Calow, named after the village from which she came) and to Nichola who looked after Fitzroy and myself and photographed us in the rain against the historic buildings.

Back to the main purpose of our visit, the Veolia Environmental Trust reception, we listened with great interest to the President, Lord Lewis, who has a scientific background, the treasurer who explained the use of the funds and a dynamic lady guest speaker. A buffet meal was provided and during this period we were able to speak with those around us and show them photograph albums that Nichola had prepared of the ‘as it was’ and ‘how it is now’. I managed to speak to Lord Lewis and Veolia’s chief executive and show them too what had been achieved. Like everyone else they were amazed and delighted, no one else had thought to bring photographs.

Fitzroy was also busy with his album as was Nichola with her own copy.

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Whilst our event was taking place we saw vast sheets of rain sweeping across the Thames but amidst it all, appeared a special long craft with its cabin finished in bright gold, it was the Queen’s new barge on its way to Greenwich to be named by her majesty that same day.

It was a very full day and one to stay firmly in the memory.

Harold Jones Stockland Green Methodist

The Florist The florist, whose skills With flower and bloom, Bring brightness that fills The gloomiest room.

She takes of God’s art, And makes it her own; The joy of her heart In colour is shown.

The breath of the moment Is captured and tied; Brings comfort in torment Or tears to a bride.

A gift for a friend, A sister or mother A token to mend The heart of a lover.

O Floral Elation Of colour and form!

She’s gilding creation, And makes our hearts warm!

By Nigel Beeton 29

Polio The British Polio Fellowship-1930’s: Patricia Carey, an eight year old living in India where her father was a Brigadier in the army, fell ill and was diagnosed with poliomyelitis (then called infantile paralysis). She eventually returned to Britain but her early adulthood proved a time of great frustration for the young disabled woman so she turned to the study of languages as a means of widening her horizons. Her physiotherapist knew of another person, Frederick Morena, who had also been disabled by polio who was a language teacher so it made sense to bring these two together. Together with Frederick’s wife Mimi, they did little studying but simply enjoyed being with like minded people and it occurred to them that there may be others who also felt isolated and frustrated by their disability. So the notion of starting an organisation for polio victims began to slowly grow in their minds.

Able-bodied friends and family members could see the value of this new fellowship and a collection was taken to help with expenses. £5.00 was raised, enough to be going on with at that time. The suggestion of a subscription of two shillings and sixpence (12.5pence) for polio-disabled and five shillings for able-bodied associate members and with this bit of organisation, a new era began in the lives people affected by polio in Britain.

The idea was to give support to enable sufferers to help themselves to live independent and useful lives. From these small beginnings a national organisation began and within a couple of years it was estimated that four hundred attended an event organised by and for the victims of poliomyelitis.

In 1938 when the murmurings of war were growing and the horizon seemed dark, Patricia and Frederick’s eyes gleamed with new hope as they set about planning. They contacted as many people as possible who might have connections with the polio-disabled and as 1939 dawned, rented a small room in Bloomsbury for an evening in the hope that a few would attend.

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They came in ones and twos and eventually a group of thirty people with polio could band together to support each other and provide ‘something to lean on’. And so the suggestion that an organisation be formed was upheld.

1945: As the nation adjusted itself to peace-time the vision that Patricia and Frederick had back in 1938 was pursued with renewed vigour. The Fellowship had become the main organisation speaking for polio-disabled people in Britain and had great plans for the future, expanding membership across the country. It was at this time that The Bulletin’, the Fellowship’s informative magazine was launched. Going to the cinema was a regular treat for most people at this time, but for wheelchair users it was out of the question as by law seats had to be fixed and there were no designated spaces for wheelchairs plus the sloping floors made access difficult. Michael Flanders, himself a polio-wheelchair user, was asked to campaign on the Fellowship’s behalf which he did over many months. It meant changing the law, but with his dogged persistence the desired outcome was achieved, thus bringing awareness to the Government.

The Fellowship grew from strength to strength with groups meeting nationwide, helped with the support and sponsorship of many well-known personalities, such as ‘Wee’ Georgie Wood, Jimmy Edwards, Sir Harry Secombe, Dame Vera Lynn to name but a few.

Today there are choral festivals, swimming galas, drama groups and pantomimes, sports events and Christmas parties, all run by polio people, throughout the country. Bungalow holiday homes at the sea were eventually provided for polio-disabled and their families and caravan holidays too.

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For polio victims, later life comes with a sting in its tail, in the way of post polio syndrome. The sufferer becomes more aware of pain, muscle atrophy and fatigue and each has to learn how to ‘pace’ himself/herself so as to not overdo it on any one day, which is difficult when one has a ‘good’ day.

Another challenge is cold weather. All polio people suffer from cold and affected limbs usually have poor circulation. The Fellowship helps out with cold weather payments for those too young to qualify for the Government’s cold weather scheme. It is good to know that we have the support of the British Polio Fellowship, always there on the end of the telephone to listen, answering queries, offering advice and issuing leaflets on particular aspects of the affects of polio. Advice is available on orthotics and orthopaedic footwear, Community Care grants, employment or how to apply for benefits and transport guides. And all this comes through the generosity of fundraisers, sponsors and members of the public who support the Fellowship.

After all, POLIO IS FOR LIFE. Ann Tomes

2012 Methodist Conference By the time you receive this magazine the Methodist Conference will be underway at Plymouth Pavilions (Thursday 28 June to Thursday 5 July).

The reports from the Conference agenda are online.

Live video of the main Conference debates will be streamed online and people can watch the debates later through the Conference website too.

There will also be regular Conference updates on Twitter (#methconf) and Facebook.

You log on to the Conference blog at http://methodistchurch.tumblr.com/ and people can use it to ask questions ahead of Conference and to contribute their Conference experiences during and after.

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Key events and issues for debate include: Saturday 30 June Induction of the president and vice-president of the Conference Inaugural address of the president of the Conference, the Revd Dr Mark Wakelin.

Report by the general secretary, the Revd Dr Martyn Atkins - driving forward the vision of world-changing discipleship Sunday 1 July Inaugural address of the vice-president of the Conference, Mr Michael King Ordination of Methodist ministers in venues across the South West Monday 2 July Report by the Church's Education Commission - with far-reaching recommendations to enhance the Church's engagement with the sector Tuesday 3 July Report from the Church's Children's and Youth Assembly.

The Fruitful Field report - a major overhaul of the Church's learning and development structures and pathways Rural work celebration - celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Arthur Rank Centre Wednesday 4 July Report of the Fresh Ways Working Group on fresh expressions of Church Thursday 5 July Debate on the ethical dilemmas on the use of unmanned drones in warfare (Note: This timetable is subject to change.)

For more details, look on the Methodist Conference Website.

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Ray Bradbury Summer is coming and that means holidays. Someone else on the Contact team may well write about holiday reading but I thought that I would slip in an extra suggestion. The death of Ray Bradbury was reported on 5th June and it was that which prompts my recommendation.

Ray Bradbury was born in Illinois in 1920 and at the age of 12, after a chance meeting with a fairground quack who made his hair stand on end with static electricity and a sword, claims to have written something every day. He was a product of the depression. Having insufficient money for college, he spent three days a week in his local library and hired a typewriter for 10 cents for half an hour on which he wrote his most famous book Fahrenheit 451. If you haven’t read it make it one of your choices for the summer, if you can find a copy now that he has died.

And, oh yes, it’s a novel, not Sci-Fi, about a future where books are banned by the government, any that are found are publicly burned and the story is centred around people who are resisting such cultural desecration.

Fahrenheit 451 apparently is the temperature at which paper burns.

Texting is more honest than talking Perhaps we should have more respect for texting. A recent study in the USA has found that when people send a text, they tend to be more honest and exact than they are when talking on a phone.

People will disclose more sensitive information by text than by voice, as well, it seems. The researchers at the University of Michigan concluded that the key must be that texting makes people slow down, and they cannot rattle off the first thing that comes into their head. from the Parish Pump Website

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July/August 2012 Regular Meetings Coffee Mornings Each Saturday 10.00 am to 12.00 noon

Tuesday Club Every 4th Tuesday in the month at 2.30 pm

Sunday Worship All worship starts at 10.30 am unless stated otherwise below July 1st

Bob Dauncey

8th

ACTION FOR CHILDREN SUNDAY - Angela Constantine

15th

ALL AGE WORSHIP - Mrs M Gardner

22nd

Local Arrangement - Songs of Praise

29th

John Rutherford

August 5th Lynette Jones 12th

WORSHIP GROUP - David Hewitt

19th

HOLY COMMUNION - Rev Jane Ashplant

26th

UNITED SERVICE - Rev Keith Webster

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Weekly Church Activities Sunday

10.30 am

MORNING WORSHIP and Young Church

Tuesday

9.30 - 11.30 am 9.30 - 12.30 pm 2.00 pm

Stay and Play Pre-School : Karen Homer Tuesday Afternoon Meeting : Ann Tomes (4th)

Wednesday

9.30 - 11.30 am 9.30 - 12.30 pm 12.30 pm

Stay and Play Pre-School : Karen Homer Luncheon Club - (1st and 3rd)

Thursday

9.30 - 12.30 pm

Pre-School : Karen Homer

Friday

9.30 - 12.30 pm 5.00 - 6.15 pm 6.15 - 7.45 pm 7.45 - 9.15 pm 7.45 - 9.15 pm 5.30 - 6.30 pm 5.00 - 6.30 pm 7.30 - 9.00 pm

Pre-School : Karen Homer Beavers : Lynn Turner Cubs : Elizabeth Baizon Scouts : Lisa Porter Explorers : Caroline Joyce Rainbows : Louise Rawson Brownies : Lesley Carter Guides : Helen Rainsford

Saturday

10.00 - 12.00 noon Coffee Morning : Lesley Morgan 10.30 - 11.30 am Church open for prayer : Margaret Curzon

Please hand any items for the September CONTACT to any of the Editorial Team (Elizabeth Baizon, Peter Farley, Christine Rankin, Ann Tomes & Nick Riley) by 15th August 2012 at the latest please or alternatively email me: nickriley@blueyonder.co.uk

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