2016 02 03 feb mar

The Ismere Messenger The magazine of The Parish of Kidderminster Ismere www.ismere.co.uk www.facebook.com/kidderminsterismere

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

50p

Kidderminster Ismere Team Ministry Team Rector Revd. Canon Rose Lawley (Day off – Saturday) 186 Birmingham Road, DY10 2SJ email: rosemarylawley@gmail.com Tel: 01562 748274 Team Clergy Revd. Jan Ashton (Day off – Friday) 50 Nursery Grove, Franche, DY11 5BG email: jan@janashton.co.uk

Tel: 01562 741381

Revd. Nigel Taylor (Day off - Monday) 42 Woodlands Road, Cookley, DY10 3TL email: revnrt@icloud.com

Tel: 01562 851744

Revd. Alex Vaccaro (Day off – Monday) 18 Batham Road, DY10 2TN email: alexvaccaro@fsmail.net

Tel: 01562 515894

Readers Sue Bullock 7 Kings Road, DY11 6YU email: suebullock08@gmail.com

Tel: 01562 744250

Ian Strongman 9 Benton Court, DY11 6YY email: ianstrongman@sky.com

Tel: 01562 66267

PARISH OFFICE Arrangements for Baptisms. Marriages, reading Banns, interviews and other enquiries can be made at:St Mary’s Chantry: each Tuesday and Thursday between 6.30 and 7.15pm or contact The Parish Office: St Mary’s Chantry, Churchfields, Kidderminster, DY10 2JN Tuesdays - Fridays 10.00am – 12 noon.

Tel: 01562 751923 or email: office@ismere.co.uk The Ismere Messenger, page 2

Letter from Alex February/March 2016 Dear Friends, A New Year always starts with good intentions and lots of enthusiasm. But by the end of January we’re probably flagging a little. Resolutions have been broken or forgotten, excuses made, old habits maintained. The dark, grey days of January are enough to try our resolve to breaking point.

But we don’t have to make resolutions only at the beginning of the year. Perhaps as the days grow lighter and the first signs of spring become visible we might just be inspired to have another try at making a new start.

Each year brings its challenges; and it’s no different in the church. We read that church attendance is still falling, we hear the criticisms that the church is boring or irrelevant, we see divisions in the church itself over the making of rules or decisions, and we wonder how it can ever be possible to reach the many people who still search to fill the spiritual emptiness in their lives.

So perhaps we do have to face the fact that we need to do things differently.

Recently we spent some time at St. Oswald’s and St Peter’s Cookley thinking about those people in the story of Jesus who were challenged to say “Yes” to God, and the consequences that those “Yes” responses brought about – and what might have happened if the answer had been “No”. What if Mary had said no when God asked her to bear his son? What if Joseph had said no to standing by this unmarried mother and the child that was not his? How could our world and our lives have been changed forever if they had not said a brave and daring “Yes” to the things God asked them to do?

This year, God might ask us to do some new things, some uncomfortable or difficult things. Will we say yes?

He might ask us to welcome different people into our church buildings, at different times. He might ask us to be willing to try new liturgy, new music, new styles of worship. He might ask us to go out and meet people where they are, rather than expecting them to come to us. He might ask us to break some old habits and learn some new ways.

God might ask us to turn our focus away from buildings and finance and think more instead of spirituality and mission. He might ask us to face up to the fact that we cannot always cling to the old. This can be especially true of our buildings and some of our practices. What other building would we want to remain exactly as it was a hundred or two hundred years ago? Would we want to be treated in a Victorian hospital or live in the homes that our forebears had, with no modern comforts? While it is right that we preserve the best of our heritage and tradition,

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our churches need to be comfortable, adaptable spaces that welcome people in, rather than scare them away.

Facing change is always difficult; but the world does change and the church must change with it. And if we change our own attitudes so that we see the new as an opportunity, as something fresh and exciting to inspire us and others instead of something frightening and dangerous, we may find that we can lead the way instead of tagging along behind.

God will ask much of us this year. But he will do much for us as well. And saying yes to him will enable us to rejoice in his company as we meet all that 2016 will bring.

Yours in Christ,

Alex Bishop Graham's reflections on Peru 11th January 2016; the Bishop of Dudley has just returned from spending a week in our partner diocese of Peru.

The link between the Diocese of Worcester and the Diocese of Peru is one that is strong. For nearly 25 years there has been much sharing of ideas and resources, as well as a joint journey of prayer and service to God’s Church. Very often this has been focused on the poorest, with Worcester supporting projects working with vulnerable and disabled children, women in prison learning sewing skills, and the missionary expansion of the diocese in creating new places of worship where other denominations fear to go.

The link has also enabled people in both dioceses to understand something of the breadth and diversity of the Anglican Communion. For me, the Anglican Communion helps to enrich my faith by seeing a bigger picture of God and seeing God at work in cultures very different from my own. We mustn’t forget that the world’s average Anglican is aged under 30, is living in acute poverty, serving the poor, often in places of conflict or natural disaster, yet living with great joy and hope.

At a time when there is much in the news that speaks of division within our worldwide communion, our link with Peru should be rightly celebrated.

The Diocese of Peru is going through a time of great change. In 2014 the first three Peruvian suffragan bishops were consecrated and the current diocesan bishop, Bishop Bill Godfrey, returns to the UK in the next few months after 18 years in Lima. Bishops Jorge, Alejandro and Juan Carlos are learning their new roles as pastors and shepherds of their flock. They exude great warmth and are natural

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evangelists. They recognise that they have much to learn and they are often working in isolated situations.

The latest visit from Worcester to Peru was a small team. My companions have been Phil Bradford, who knows the country well and speaks Spanish, and Margaret Rutter. The purpose of the visit has been to support the new Peruvian bishops in their roles and build relationships with them.

Last year I was privileged to attend the course for new bishops from across the Anglican Communion which is held each year at Canterbury Cathedral. I learnt much from this experience of dialogue and sharing with 37 other bishops from 24 countries. So, in a small way, I have been able to pass on this learning to my Peruvian brother bishops during an intensive short course during our visit. This has covered the role of the bishop, sharing our God given gifts, collaborative ministry, communication, the place of the Anglican Communion, and companion links.

It has been a very special time of sharing and learning. The Peruvian bishops generously said, “We thank God for this time together. We have been encouraged, learnt much and we don’t feel so alone. We feel we can now be better bishops. It’s good to be part of this family.”

As always when engaging with others there is a shared learning and I feel privileged to have heard a variety of stories from my brother bishops in Peru about what it is to be a missionary bishop. They go to new places, make disciples, baptise and teach.

In all of this they are daily living out Jesus’ Great Commission that we read about in Matthew’s Gospel.

It is sometimes said that the Anglican Communion is composed of bonds of affection. In the context of our work in Peru the word ‘affection’ seems a bit limp.

Between Worcester and Peru there are deeps bonds, I would suggest, of love, care and charity.

This is why I’m praying for the Primates gathering in Canterbury this week - that their vision of our Communion may also be one that, like mine, is continually enriched and refreshed as we each see the face of Christ in the other and in the stranger in our midst.

Gracias a Dios +Graham

Shrove Tuesday: Pancakes and Peru Tuesday 9th February at 6.30 pm St Mary’s Chantry, Kidderminster.

All are welcome to share in pancakes – including a Peruvian cinnamon version.

Pancakes will be prepared from 6.30 and served with sugar, chocolate, lemon, and / or maple syrup to suit your taste, plus tea or coffee, The Ismere Messenger, page 5

Jill Gramann will be giving a short slide presentation on the Worcester-Peru Diocesan links, to introduce you (virtually) to the student that we are sponsoring through the Ismere team for 2016.

So please come and share; no need to pre-book, just turn up and join us!

Did you know?

Did you know that in our Team two of the Priests as part of their ministry also do something quite different? Both Rose and Nigel are also Workplace Chaplains, or as they used to be called Industrial Chaplains.

Kidderminster has quite a long history of Industrial Chaplains visiting and supporting people in their places of work and although there are no full time Chaplains anymore, the role continues through Rose and Nigel who both give 25% of their time to chaplaincy.

Although some Industrial Mission was happening before the Second World War, it emerged more after it.

Experiments took place in Scotland, Sheffield and London, but by 1960 it had actually become well established throughout England, Scotland and Wales and as Julian Reindorp says in his little book ‘Equipping Christians at Work’ - ‘a new generation of chaplains was facing a changing industrial and commercial scene….

We are now in the fourth era of industrial Mission.’

He continues (but it’s a bit more than the fourth era now since he wrote his book): ‘Workplace visiting continues - but has become more difficult to do and to negotiate.’

So what is an Industrial or workplace Chaplain? - well they are people who ‘have time to listen - Are particularly interested in the pressure and stress of work and the workplace - Who offer individual support on personal, family or work related issues – Are there in times of crisis – Who keep conversations confidential - and Offer support to businesses, shops and other places where people work and study.

This information can be found in the leaflets they give out to people in the places when we first visit them.

So what is the future for Industrial/Workplace Chaplains? The Revd Malcom Torry wrote a book in 2010 called ‘Bridgebuilders’.

He begins his book by making this statement - ‘Since the Second World War workplace chaplaincy has been the Churches’ most important piece of work. This might appear to be rather a bold claim, but I can justify it.

Secularization is the most important issue facing the Church in the longer term; work place chaplaincy has tackled more varieties of secularization than any other mission activity of the Church has done; and therefore workplace chaplaincy is the Church’s most important piece of work… workplace chaplaincy has been a highly The Ismere Messenger, page 6

significant mission activity, that its lessons need to be learnt, and that it needs to continue to be a priority.

Then on his final chapter on ‘Chaplains for everyone, he writes – ‘The pattern now emerging is of sizable teams of part-time volunteer chaplains coordinated by full-time or half-time chaplains who still do some workplace visiting.

This is surely right.

There will never again be large numbers of paid posts, but neither should groups of committed volunteers be co-ordinated by people who aren’t themselves active in workplace chaplaincy.

The Methodist Church’s stated policy is to equip the Church at large for work-place chaplaincy; to encourage laypeople, deacons and ministers into part-time chaplaincy; and to focus central resources on providing training for the Church generally and for chaplains appointed locally (Methodist Church 2003).

It would be no bad thing for all of the denominations to adopt similar policies……

Secularization impoverishes all of us.

We still need the bridges: we all need the bridges, so that the churches don’t become ghettos and the world doesn’t lose a transcendent reference-point.’

In Kidderminster at the moment we only have one Associate Chaplain, however, in Stourport we have another team of about eight people, both Methodist and Anglicans. There are other teams in Redditch and Worcester, but we are always looking for new people who may feel called to this ministry. If you would like to know more speak to Nigel or Rose.

Canon Rose Lawley Workplace Chaplain – Faith at Work in Worcestershire

Situation still Vacant The Kidderminster Ismere Parish are still looking for a Secretary for their Parochial Church Council. This is a voluntary position.

If you think that this might interest you and would like to know more of what the position entails, please contact the Team Rector; Rose Lawley by ‘phone on 01562 748274 or email: rosemarylawley@gmail.com

Thank you.

Lent 2016 Last year we asked for your observations on what had been made available across our Team during Lent. One of the comments was that there was ‘too much!’ So this year we are simplifying what is being offered.

During Lent there will be no Sunday evening services. Instead a Lent Course on ‘Developing our Faith’ will take place at 6.30pm in the Chantry at St Mary’s The Ismere Messenger, page 7

Church in Kidderminster, except for 28th February which will be held in St Oswald’s Church Centre, Broadwaters. The sessions will last for 90 minutes and be repeated the following Wednesday at 2pm, again in the Chantry.

Further information will be posted in the ‘Messenger Extra’ available weekly in all our churches.

We do hope that you will come along as we journey through Lent together.

Rose Team Rector; Kidderminster Ismere Parish

Diary for February (please check “Messenger Xtra” for any last-minute changes) 3rd 4th 5th

10.00am 10.30am 8.30am

7th

Sunday next before Lent 8.00am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s 9.30-11.00am Youth Alpha meeting at Holy Trinity 9.30am Morning Prayer at St. Oswald’s 9.30am Family Service & Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley 9.30am All Age service at St. Barnabas 10.30am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s 11.00am Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley 11.00am Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Upper Arley 6.30pm Praise Service at Trinity Methodist Church

9th 10th

3.30-5.00pm Ash Wednesday 10.00am 10.30am 8.30am

th

11 12th 14th

Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley Holy Communion at St. Mary’s

“Jam and Bread” in Arley Memorial Hall Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley Holy Communion at St. Mary’s

1st Sunday of Lent 8.00am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s 9.30am Holy Communion at Holy Trinity 9.30am Morning Prayer at St. Peter’s, Cookley 9.30am Holy Communion at St. Oswald’s 9.30am Holy Communion at St. Barnabas 10.30am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s 11.00am Worship4All at St. John’s, Wolverley 11.00am Morning Prayer at St. Peter’s, Upper Arley 6.30pm “Developing our Faith” at St. Mary’s Chantry The Ismere Messenger, page 8

16th 17th 18th 19th

10.00am 10.00am 2.00pm 10.30am 8.30am

Mothers’ Union Corporate Communion at St. Barnabas Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley “Developing our Faith” at St. Mary’s Chantry Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley Holy Communion at St. Mary’s

21st

2nd Sunday of Lent 8.00am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s 9.30am All Age service at Holy Trinity 9.30am Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley 9.30am Holy Communion at St. Oswald’s 9.30am Morning Prayer at St. Barnabas 10.30am All Age Morning Prayer at St. Mary’s 11.00am Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley 11.00am Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Upper Arley 6.30pm “Developing our Faith” at St. Mary’s Chantry

24th

10.00am 2.00pm 10.30am 8.30am

25th 26th 28th

Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley “Developing our Faith” at St. Mary’s Chantry Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley Holy Communion at St. Mary’s

3rd Sunday of Lent 8.00am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s 9.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity 9.30am Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley 9.30am Holy Communion at St. Oswald’s 9.30am Holy Communion at St. Barnabas 10.30am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s 11.00am Morning Prayer at St. John’s, Wolverley 11.00am Morning Prayer at St. Peter’s, Upper Arley 6.30pm “Developing our Faith” at St. Oswald’s Church Centre

Diary for March (please check “Messenger Xtra” for any last-minute changes) 2nd 3rd 4th 6th

10.00am 2.00pm 10.30am 8.30am

Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley “Developing our Faith” at St. Mary’s Chantry Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley Holy Communion at St. Mary’s

4th Sunday of Lent [Mothering Sunday] 8.00am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s The Ismere Messenger, page 9

9.30-11.00am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 10.30am 11.00am 11.00am 6.30pm 8th 9th 10th 11th

Youth Alpha meeting at Holy Trinity Family Service & Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley Morning Prayer at St. Oswald’s All Age service at St. Barnabas Holy Communion at St. Mary’s Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Upper Arley “Developing our Faith” at St. Mary’s Chantry

3.30-5.00pm “Jam and Bread” in Arley Memorial Hall 10.00am Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley 2.00pm “Developing our Faith” at St. Mary’s Chantry 10.30am Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley 8.30am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s Deadline for next edition of “The Messenger”

13th

5th Sunday of Lent [Passion Sunday] 8.00am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s 9.30am Holy Communion at Holy Trinity 9.30am Morning Prayer at St. Peter’s, Cookley 9.30am Holy Communion at St. Oswald’s 9.30am Holy Communion at St. Barnabas 10.30am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s 11.00am Worship4All at St. John’s, Wolverley 11.00am Morning Prayer at St. Peter’s, Upper Arley 6.30pm “Developing our Faith” at St. Mary’s Chantry

15th 16th

10.00am Mothers’ Union Corporate Communion at St. Barnabas 10.00am Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley 2.00pm “Developing our Faith” at St. Mary’s Chantry 10.30am Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley 8.30am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s Joseph of Nazareth

17th 18th 19th 20th

Palm Sunday 8.00am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 10.30am 11.00am

Holy Communion at St. Mary’s All Age service at Holy Trinity Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley Blessing of Palms at St. Oswald’s then process to Broadwaters Methodist Church Morning Prayer at St. Barnabas All Age Morning Prayer at St. Mary’s Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley The Ismere Messenger, page 10

11.00am 6.30pm 6.30pm 21st 22nd 23rd 24th

25th

Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Upper Arley “Stations of the Cross” at St. Barnabas “Olivet to Calvary” at St. Mary’s (combined choirs of St. Mary’s, St. George’s, & St. John’s Kidderminster)

11.00am

Chrism Eucharist and Blessing of Oils at Worcester Cathedral 7.30pm Taize/Iona style service for Holy Week at St. Barnabas 10.00am Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley Maundy Thursday 10.30am Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley 7.30pm Team Eucharist of the Last Supper at St. Mary’s with Watch until 10.00pm Good Friday 8.30am

Liturgy of Good Friday with Holy Communion at St. Mary’s 2.00pm One Hour Meditation at St. Mary’s 2.00pm Service for Good Friday at St. Peter’s, Cookley 3.00pm Churches together in Kidderminster service at Weavers Wharf 4.30pm “A Good Good Friday” service at St. John’s, Wolverley 7.30pm “Churches Together” United service at Baxter Church Next edition of “The Messenger” published 26th

Easter Eve 4.30pm 5.00pm 8.00pm

All Age Service at St. Barnabas Children’s Service at St. Mary’s Easter Vigil at St. Barnabas

27th

Easter Day Time to be arranged Churches from across Kidderminster unite for a “Sonrise” service at St. Peter’s, Birchen Coppice 8.00am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s 9.30am Holy Communion at Holy Trinity 9.30am Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley 9.30am Holy Communion at St. Oswald’s 9.30am Holy Communion at St. Barnabas 10.30am Holy Communion at St. Mary’s 11.00am Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley 11.00am Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Upper Arley No Evening Service

30th 31st

10.00am 10.30am

Holy Communion at St. John’s, Wolverley Holy Communion at St. Peter’s, Cookley The Ismere Messenger, page 11

From the Parish Registers Baptisms 1st November 1st November 1st November 1st November 8th November 15th November 15th November 15th November 15th November 15th November 15th November 18th November 22nd November 22nd November 22nd November 22nd November 29th November 29th November 29th November 29th November 6th December 6th December 6th December 13th December 13th December

Sarah Louise CAVE at St. Mary’s Abigale Hannah CAVE at St. Mary’s Niamh Alexandra Olive JELFS at St. Barnabas Alivia-Rose Michelle COOK at St. Oswald’s Millie Leah RUDD at St. John’s, Wolverley Rory Anthony Roy HEMMING at St. Mary’s Miley Ann Kelsea HEMMING at St. Mary’s Mikey Ray Charles HEMMING at St. Mary’s Effie Elizabeth DEAKIN at St. John’s, Wolverley Alicia Elizabeth TURNER at St. Mary’s Morgan Elizabeth LEITH at St. John’s, Wolverley Grace Elizabeth BRINDLEY at St. Mary’s Isabelle Louise WATKISS at St. Mary’s Chester Stuart David HESELTINE at St. Peter’s, Cookley Chanan-Rae DAVIS-MILLS at St. Mary’s Harrison Robert Alan CHURCHILL at St. Mary’s Elliott Trevor HAMMOND at St. Mary’s William George HOPKINS at St. John’s, Wolverley Harrison Owen PRINCE at St. Mary’s Elsie Grace MOLD at St. Barnabas Daniel John WARWICK at St. Mary’s Edith Louise TAYLOR at St John’s, Wolverley Jacob HOBBISS at St Peters Upper Arley Belle Aurelia PAYTON at St Mary’s Imogen Pearl FLAVELL at St Mary’s

Weddings 5th December George Michael BLANCHARD and Keri KRUCKOW at St. Peter’s, Cookley

Funerals 3rd November 3rd November 5th November 6th November 10th November 17th November 18th November

Michael HAWKER (80) burial at St. John’s, Wolverley Peter Dennis PAGE (76) at St. Marys Nathan HANNON (90) at Wyre Forest Crematorium John Wilfred BIRCH (88) at Wyre Forest Crematorium William Mortimer LAWLEY (88) at St. John’s, Wolverley James CLARKE (80) at St. Mary’s Joyce Ellen BRADLEY (89) at Wyre Forest Crematorium The Ismere Messenger, page 12

18th November 19th November 20th November 24th November 25th November 27th November 2nd December 2nd December 4th December 8th December 15th December 17th December 18th December 18th December 18th December 21st December 21st December 22nd December 23rd December

Rachel Elizabeth TROW (92) at St. John’s, Wolverley Beryl THOMPSON (86) at St. John’s, Wolverley Karen Lesley VIVASH at Stourbridge Crematorium John William WALL (67) at St. Peter’s, Cookley Edward David MARKHAM (86) at Wyre Forest Crematorium Lesley WICKS (71) at Wyre Forest Crematorium Brian GILSON (84) at St. Mary’s Hazel Doreen OWEN (89) at St. Mary’s Helen ROBERTS at St. Ambrose Hilda Joan WILLIAMS (83) at Wyre Forest Crematorium Dorothy Ann GRAY (77) at Wyre Forest Crematorium Eric Gordon ORCHARD (87) at Wyre Forest Crematorium Kenneth Alfred DAVIES (84) at Wyre Forest Crematorium Ann FOLWELL (86) at Holy Trinity, Trimpley Stuart John CALDWELL(81) at St. Mary’s Eric ADAMS (84) at Wyre Forest Crematorium Margaret Rose BILL (79) at Stourbridge Crematorium Joan Winifred TUDGE at Wyre Forest Crematorium Edith Eileen SUTTON (77) at Stourbridge Crematorium

Interment of Ashes 26th November Roger David HADLEY at St. Peter’s, Cookley 29th November Blanche Winifred GRUMBRIDGE at St. Peter’s, Cookley 29th November Samantha Claire KNIGHT at Kidderminster Cemetery

Teddies for Tragedies

A

RESIDENT OF Knight Court, Wolverley has asked if it would be possible to put an appeal in the Church Magazine for any donations of wool which will greatly help this very worthwhile cause. We are told that they also have some lovely baby jackets, hats, mittens and boots for sale and would very much like to sell some to buy more wool to send teddies all over the world to those in need. Please read the following information, plus some extracts from their latest newsletter.

LET US EXPLAIN - We are not a registered charity. Teddies for Tragedies are knitted teddies intended to bring comfort and hope to children around the world.

HOW IT BEGAN – In 1986 in Somerset, “Superted”, a washable knitted teddy, was added to a consignment of medicines going to a refugee camp in Sudan. The doctor replied “For some children, these teddies do more good than medicines, giving them hope”. The teddy knitting began, and a bag was added, increasing the The Ismere Messenger, page 13

play value. In 1991, when the pattern came to Guildford, Surrey, “Teddies for Tragedies” began. Now there are a number of branches around the country.

BRANCHES collect, check and pack Teddies, then find locally supported missionaries or aid groups working with children in tragic circumstances overseas.

We hope for information back, with photographs when possible.

WHERE DO THEY GO? To refugee camps, orphanages and hospitals in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America, wherever we hear of a need for Teddies.

We know that this Teddy is often the first thing a child owns. It encourages use of imagination, manipulative skills, learning of colours, etc., while the bag stores their treasures, gives a home for the teddy, or is sometimes used to store school items!

PACKING – Each Teddy is checked, put into its own bag with arms and head showing, the drawstring pulled up around the waist and tucked in so they will stay together on the journey. Like this they can go into a suitcase, or for larger consignments can be packed into clear plastic sacks. They travel as accompanied luggage by air, or in a lorry or container.

CUSTOMS – We ask that Teddies be knitted to the standard pattern as variations can cause whole consignments to be confiscated by suspicious customs officials looking for drugs.

KNITTERS – Many people of all ages and abilities knit Teddies. For some, knitting gives a purpose in times of bereavement or illness. Also, it is a joy to teach grandchildren to knit.

SEWERS make bags by hand or by machine for the Teddies to be kept in. Some people will knit a Teddy and sew a bag too.

FINANCE – We do not collect money, everything is voluntary. Any donations are used to send Teddies to any destination where they are desperately needed, but we have no-one to act as courier.

Hello everyone, (from the November 2015 newsletter) It seems a long time since I last wrote, & a lot of knitting has gone out around the world since then, but also some closer to home. Back in the Spring, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch & Birmingham Women’s Hospital have received lots of baby cardigans, vests, hats & waistcoats, some neonatal size & some for full term babies. “The staff on Neonatal Unit at Russells Hall Hospital would like to say a big thank you for the donation of knitted baby clothes you have kindly taken the time to make. These items are greatly appreciated not just by the staff but also by the parents of the babies under our care.” I’m hoping to take more again soon, along with small blankets for incubators, & some tiny teddies as Christmas presents for the babies.

I have sent three parcels of hats (72) & neck warmers (44) to the Sailors’ Society in Southampton for distribution by port chaplains around the world, & received this The Ismere Messenger, page 14

reply – “Thank you for sending in your knitted hats, balaclavas and neck warmers.

We are extremely grateful to you for your kindness and our seafarers appreciate having warm, hand-knitted items when out on the cold and sometimes frozen seas.”

Thanks to all of you who took up the challenge to supply these neck warmers – they are obviously much appreciated.

In May the Women’s Missionary Fellowship in London took 60 teddies (+ bags), 150 assorted puppets, 18 blankets & some cardigans for distribution overseas.

The local MU also took 100 teddies & 60 puppets for diocesan projects they support in Tanzania & Belarus. (I even managed to persuade my brother to take a few puppets when he climbed Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, too!)

In September I was contacted by a lady in Cornwall who was going to Cambodia to teach & who wanted a selection of toys to take with her. 90 teddies, 150 puppets & 21 short sleeved jumpers are now bringing joy to needy children there.

It’s great when knitters can find their own outlets. A group in Felixstowe told me – “Last summer we sent a suitcase full of teddies to Zambia; a considerable number went to Uganda & Rwanda in November, & more went there this March. We’re also expecting to send more to Uganda in October via some people going on missions from our church. We feel very much a part of your work.” A lady in Preston sent me this photo and message – “A local clergyman, Rev Passmore visits Moldova and takes Teddies and woollies. They are always well received as it is one of the poorest countries in Europe. People often ask me where the comforts go and it is nice to show a photo taken by someone they know.” Fantastic work, ladies!

Our annual visit in October to see family in Colorado (6 year old twin grandchildren!) meant that I could take my biggest suitcase full of teddies, puppets & baby clothes for onward posting to a lady in Boston who will then take them all to a midwives clinic up in the mountains of Guatemala. A bit of a tortuous journey but well worth it, & much appreciated there, as you can see from this message – ”What a spectacular collection! Many thanks to all who gave so generously of their time and talent.”

Before setting off for the USA, we took a car packed to the roof with a huge variety of knitting, including 50 teddies & lots of hat, scarf & mitten sets, as well as donated items such as bedding, towels, pillows, kids’ shoes & clothes, all for the Yorkshire Aid Convoy in Leeds. Squeezed in among it all were another 120 teddies & 130 puppets for the Smiles Foundation charity. Both these deliveries are destined for Romania, hopefully in time for Christmas. Lots more blankets & bedding, jumpers & cardigans were taken to a local church who were going to get it all to a distribution centre for Syrian refugees.

Finally, on my return from holiday, I gave 100 assorted puppets & 50 scarves (some with matching mittens) to another local church for their Christmas shoebox appeal.

The Ismere Messenger, page 15

I shall soon be taking more puppets, as well as hats scarves & mittens, to the warehouse which co-ordinates the shoebox appeal, as they always need extra items to fill the boxes.

As always - very many thanks for all your hard work & support. I am in particular need of puppets at the moment, as my stocks are very low. If you can help, it would be much appreciated.

Best wishes, Chris PS. I thought you’d like this poem written by a Teddy knitter:1. I’m a knitted Teddy About nine inches tall Please don’t call me Pixie Although I’m rather small.

2. I’m knitted in one piece, From my head down to my feet.

I’ve got blue trousers “knitted in”, And a jumper striped a treat.

3. Lots of people knit Teds To send to girls and boys In far off lands, where it is hot And there aren’t many toys.

4. God bless all the children Who need tender loving care And bless the kind and loving souls Whose prayers are knitted bears.

If you would like more information, please contact: Mrs Chris Doncaster 67 Honeybrook Lane Kidderminster DY11 5QS Telephone: 01562 745550 or email: chris.doncaster@btinternet.com

Ann Folwell 1929-2015 Ann Bentley was born in 1929 in Westcliffe-on-Sea, the daughter of Violet and Henry Bentley. She was a war child, and was evacuated during this period. It was during the war that she developed her first interest in history, making a comprehensive scrap book of war events.

On returning to the family home in Leigh-on-Sea, Ann expressed an interest in studying archaeology at university. However, this was deemed unsuitable by her father so she developed her shorthand and typing skills. The job she subsequently ended up with was to shape her life and fuel her love of travel. She found herself working for Freddie Laker, an entrepreneur in the aircraft industry (who was a pioneer in cheap air travel many years later).

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Starting as Freddie Laker's PA she was offered the opportunity to travel, working next as an air hostess and travelling to many exciting places. It was during this time that she met Bill Liverton, an aircraft engineer, who became her husband and father of two children; Debby and Graham. Sadness was to strike in 1959 when the plane on which Bill was a crew member, crashed into a mountain, and she became a widow.

The next few years were hard, as Ann struggled to bring up her children as a single parent. During this time, she met Eric Folwell. They married and Eric's four children, Julie, Martin, Verity and Peter and Ann's two children became a family unit. As the children grew up and dispersed, her love of travel continued; extensively exploring most of the British countryside in gentle caravan holidays with Eric, their great friends Connie and Alec and not forgetting their beloved dogs Barney and Sam. Life in Thanet gave Ann an opportunity to pursue her passion for history and she was an active member of the Thanet Archaeological Society, taking part in 'digs' and acting as its secretary. Ann was a keen flower arranger with a modern, artistic style and an acute attention to detail. Sometimes spending hours, in her words "fiddling" until she was satisfied with the result and she achieved many awards and accolades in local competitions.

On Eric's retirement, the couple moved to Tarnwood in Bewdley, a house and neighbourhood they loved, where they shared their passion for gardening, enjoying the challenge of creating what was to become a beautiful garden and where they met people who were to become very close and loved friends. Bewdley was to be their home for the rest of their lives. Ann became involved as a volunteer at Kemp, a parishioner and churchwarden in Trimpley. After Eric's death, travel beckoned once again and she was to share many exotic adventures in faraway places.

Ann had a sharp intellect and a thirst for life. She employed her talents in many and varied ways and was, in many respects, a woman born ahead of her time. She will be sadly missed.

Memories of Ann by Canon Owain Bell Ann and I got on famously.

She had already enjoyed a full and adventurous life by the time we met and was continuing to enjoy regular adventures, often abroad, usually with her best friend Barbara Naylor.

But the lady who, as Debbie reminded me, had "looped the loop" and swum with sea otters was also adventurous when it came to things of the spirit.

She was very ready to engage with some of the most radical and controversial theological thinkers of our time. She had strong and trenchant views. And how The Ismere Messenger, page 17

refreshing and how exciting that was for me! We had many long discussions though, maybe, we were both a bit more guarded when we met, as we so often did, at her home for Lent Courses and Bible Studies!

One of the things we shared was a passion for archaeology.

In earlier life she had "dug" in Thanet and I had taken part in a "dig" on a small islet off the coast of Gower. We exchanged notes! And, when Kim and I planned to visit to Ireland, she came up with brilliant ideas of prehistoric sites we MUST visit in the Boyne Valley: Knowth, Dowth and Newgrange. She gave us books to read. And, wow! We were not disappointed! A real highlight of our holiday.

Later we had another good chat over coffee sharing our impressions.

So I remember and thank God, not only for a loyal and supportive parishioner and familiar presence at Trimpley Church, but as someone much closer than that: a lady I admired, whose stories I loved to hear, whose hospitality and whose company I greatly enjoyed. An independent thinker. And a wonderful friend to Barbara Naylor and Jim Samuel among others - and to me.

It goes without saying that I shall be adding my prayers (most of thanksgiving) to those of the people gathered at her service.

Owain Bell

Thank You

T

HANKS TO ALL you who gave so generously towards the repairs after the floods in Todmorden on Boxing Day. Lots of people have been made homeless or are living upstairs. My daughter, Alice Leadbitter, who is deputy head of the Church primary school in Todmorden thought it was hard for them having had flooding in the nursery and reception classes until she heard of another church school further along the valley where the whole school was flooded.

We raised ÂŁ1,086 - thanks.

Jan

Smile Lines - The new generation!

NUDITY I was driving with my three young children one warm summer evening when a woman in the convertible ahead of us stood up and waved.

She was stark naked!

As I was reeling from the shock, I heard my 5-year-old shout from the back seat, 'Mom, that lady isn't wearing a seat belt!'

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News & Views From Wolverley Parish Church of St. John the Baptist

Wolverley Church Hall All enquiries should be made to: Richard Thomas on 01562 742768 Risen Indeed

A

T EASTER, it is interesting to contemplate that in every church around the world the same cry goes up in very many differing languages. Here a just a few.

“Christ is risen – He is risen indeed” will be our shout but the Welsh may use “Atgyfododd Crist! Yn wir atgyfododd!”

The old Roman Catholics shout “Christus resurrexit! Resurrexit vere!”, the old Latin words In France, most will say “Le Christ est ressuscité! Vraiment il est ressuscité! “but the Bretons will say “Dassoret eo Krist! E wirionez dassoret eo!”

Orthodox Greeks will cry “Khristós Anésti! Alithós Anésti!” and the Russians “Christos voskres! Voistinu voskres!”

Our German friends will be saying “Christus ist auferstanden! Er ist wahrhaftig auferstanden!” and our many Spanish speaking fellow Christian churches may be exclaiming “¡Cristo ha resucitado! ¡En verdad ha resucitado!”

Some Africans may be saying “Kristo Ajukkide! Kweli Ajukkide!” and some Chinese shouting “Jidu fuhuo-le! Ta queshi fuhuo-le!”

Millions of people; hundreds of languages but only one message. How wonderful is it that so many diverse peoples can agree on a single statement.

David Alexander

Oft Wondered “No need for Christian”

T

O BE CHRISTIAN is an all embracing thing. It is not that we can be just a bit Christian or selectively Christian. So, to me, lots of people who use the word as an adjective or to qualify something else must be wrong. For example, there are many people in Europe who say that politically they are The Ismere Messenger, page 19

Christian Democrat. But do we need the two words? Democracy means “A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives” or “Government of the People by the People” in a fair way. Surely that is a Christian way.

Then we have Christian Socialists. If socialism is as the Christian reformers defined it; a fair and caring society where money is shared for the benefit of people, then that is basic Christian doctrine. Political socialism tends to deviate from the Christian roots but, at heart Social behaviour is synonymous with Christian teaching.

With Christian Humanists, a similar argument applies. Humanists believe that; “Every human should be treated with respect and allowed to have dignity. If all people act with respect for others, then people will live in peace and trust. People should all be able to decide how they want to live their lives. They should use reasoning to make decisions and solve problems. Humanists decide what choices are good by whether those choices will help make human life better” That sounds like Christianity to me.

And as for Christian Scientists; we need to understand that a Scientist is a seeker after truth and proof of how creation works and the Laws of Nature. Surely it is our duty to understand God’s creation and an essential use for our brains.

So, as Christians, we are naturally Humanistic Scientific Democratic Socialistic.

There have been long periods of time in Christian history when the church did not work that way. It has been at times cruel; undemocratic and unscientific and illogical. It has taken 2000 years of evolution, understanding and enlightenment for our Christian church to have understood the meaning of the teachings of Jesus to this degree. We can also see that the Democrats, Socialists, Humanists and Scientists who have to put “Christian” in front of their name are either creating a tautology or misusing the name to give some legitimacy to their narrow/distorted views of Christianity.

David Alexander

St. John the Baptist, Wolverley

LIGHT UP THE CHURCH [See page 21]

We illuminate the Church at Wolverley every night to form a focal point for the village. We give everyone the opportunity to sponsor the lighting. YOU can celebrate a birthday, a wedding anniversary, or the memory of a loved one. In fact – any reason. This is available to everyone, even if we don’t see you in church often, although that would be nice too!

Enquiries to Shirley 07817 731023 The Ismere Messenger, page 20

CHURCH FLOODLIGHTING SPONSORSHIP Last year, the scheme raised £440 for church funds FEBRUARY 1st In loving memory of Graham Smith 10th 22

Shirley Lacey Birthday

nd

Birthday memories of Maud Duckett

MARCH 18th Christopher Pugh Birthday Sincere thanks to all who have contributed (and continue to contribute).

Your support is so much appreciated, Shirley.

Wolverley Parish Church 100 Club – winning numbers November 1st Prize Number 11 2nd Prize Number 40 rd 3 Prize Number 47 December 1st Prize Number 5 2nd Prize Number 49 rd 3 Prize Number 21 Congratulations to all winners.

£25.00 £15.00 £10.00 £22.50 £13.50 £9.00

Wolverley Ladies Fellowship UR MEETING on Monday 22nd February will be a talk by Marlene Watson about “Black Country Humour” (some of us will understand it!) in the Church Hall at 7.30pm with coffee and biscuits afterwards.

On Saturday 27th February there will be a Jumble Sale in the Church Hall at 2.00pm with a cake stall.

At the March meeting on WEDNESDAY 30th March (not Monday due to Easter) Melvin Thompson, of the Museum of Carpet will be talking about the “Mills and Tall Chimneys” of Kidderminster, again in the Church Hall at 7.30pm, so do come along and join us for these meetings.

Mary

O

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From Kidderminster Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints Christmas Tree Thank You NCE AGAIN the Christmas tree at St Mary’s looked wonderful this year decked in glorious red, gold and silver and doubling as a Tree of Remembrance. A big thank you to everyone who gave up their time to help decorate it and enjoy refreshments together in a lovely warm and friendly atmosphere.

Sue Coombes

O

St. Mary’s Ladies Fellowship

W

E ENDED 2015 on a high note with our Memories of Christmas Past evening at the end of November with tasty treats and a visit with presents for everyone from one of Santa’s elves - Santa himself was, of course, too busy to make a personal appearance! We also took this opportunity to celebrate Maureen Wyer’s recent significant birthday.

This meeting was followed at the beginning of December by our Christmas Lunch attended by 18 ladies at La Brasserie - a very enjoyable occasion.

We now look forward to continuing our programme during March and April as follows: 9th March Talk: Rarities of Witley Court with Richard & Lesley Betts 16th March Theatre Trip - “42nd Street” at The Rose Theatre th 13 April Beetle Drive with Kath Elliott 27th April Talk: Harvington Hall with Pat Green The period before Christmas was an excellent opportunity for us all to make contact with, or even visit, members who are not always able to attend meetings on a regular basis, are currently unable to join us for whatever reason, or those who have moved away. It was lovely to catch up with others’ news and to exchange best wishes for the season and 2016.

We are very grateful to everyone who contributed to the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal. Thanks to your help, we were able to hand over bags and bags of items which we are sure will have brought many, many smiles to lots and lots of children.

One of our members has now asked us to pass on to her used stamps for Macmillan Cancer Care - if you don’t currently have a use for yours, would you let us have them? It’s a really good cause and your help would be appreciated. Stamps can be handed to Sue Coombes, Kath Elliott or any member of the Fellowship.

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If you would like further information regarding St Mary’s Ladies Fellowship, please contact either myself on 01384 896798 or our Programme Secretary, Ann Stephenson on 01562 639535.

Sue Coombes; Chairman

Would you be willing to help?

S

T MARY'S ARE LOOKING for at least two people to help with Stewarding the church for the new season when it opens, beginning of May to the beginning of October.

A session is for two hours a fortnight either morning or afternoon with another steward.

If you are interested, please either contact Canon Rose Lawley (01562 748274) or Mrs Peggy Guest (01562 823530).

Thank you.

St Mary’s Get Together Group

T

HE LAST EVENT of the year was held again by popular demand at Wharton Park when 33 people joined us including The Rev Rose & John.

We were all made to feel very welcome and it was a good start to the Christmas season.

The week before Christmas 2 Santa Clauses went visiting several of our members who are not now able to come to the events we hold during the year. It was a delight to see Kath Bartelles coming to the door of her house and also to see Marian Lea sat amidst all her lovely Christmas decorations. Kath actually with the help of her son managed to attend the Christmas Morning Eucharist at St Mary’s; quite an achievement. Well done Kath! It was lovely to see all these people and to let them know that they are still in our thoughts & prayers although they are unable to be with us during the year.

We are in the process of planning events for 2016 but the first one will be Coffee & Hot Cross Buns - date to be announced shortly.

Peggy

In Memorium - Helen Roberts

I

T WAS WITH SADNESS that in November 2015 we learnt of the death of Helen Roberts who had worshipped at St Mary’s church for many years although she was educated at the Holy Trinity Covent School and brought up in the Roman\Catholic church, her Grandmother being House Keeper to the then Priest at St Ambrose church.

Helen was a very gifted musician specialising in Pianoforte & studied for the The Ismere Messenger, page 23

degrees LRAM & ARCM at the Birmingham School of Music; now the Birmingham Conservatoire. For many years she taught Pianoforte at the Alice Otley School in Worcester and ran a Private Practice from her home in Birmingham Road.

During these years many hundreds of pupils from this area & beyond will have benefited from the devotion & enthusiasm she always gave them.

Helen had been to St Mary’s Get Together Group since its inauguration in 2005 & always enjoyed being taken to the coffee mornings. She will be sadly missed at our church & in the music profession.

May she now rest in peace.

Peggy Guest

From Upper Arley Parish Church of St. Peter Conversations with the Grandson Thomas: Me: Thomas:

Does Jesus wear underpants?

Slightly puzzled. I’m not sure.

Well, when you go to church on Sunday, ask Him!!

If anybody has any insider information could you please let me know?

Thomas: Me: Thomas:

Nanna, I’m going to find you a boyfriend!

Are you darling? Well, good luck with that one.

No Nanna, seriously, I think you old folks should stick together!!

I don’t know whether to be flattered or mortified.

Overheard by a friend who goes to Trinity Methodist Church. Her grandson was sitting next to a very elderly lady and noticing that she was not wearing any rings, he asked her if she had lost her wedding ring! “No,” replied the lady, “I’ve never had one.” “Well,” said the little boy, “You need to get yourself on Match.com.”

There you have it, two nine-year-old dating professionals.

Anita Perkins

Jam and Bread second Tuesday of every month 3:30pm at Arley Memorial Hall

O

UR JAM AND BREAD sessions are proving a real hit. We now have 5 families coming together to join us for stories, games, singing, craft and tea! Louvain has organized some wonderful craft sessions as well as sharing bible stories with the children. We have Charles, Eunice and Alma providing tea and also clearing up. Vital work - anyone can join in!

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Services of Comfort and Hope

T

HESE SERVICES have been held across the team and ours was a wonderful time of sharing love, comfort and hope. There weren’t as many people as we would have liked but those who were there were very appreciative of the warmth, friendship and calm atmosphere of the service. This will be a permanent fixture at St. Peter’s.

Christmas S WE BECAME more and more involved in the ‘mad’ season, we tried not to lose sight of the fact that there were many people out there who would have loved to celebrate the birth of Christ but were not able to through no fault of their own. Some through oppression, war, poverty or illness.

Please, please don’t let us forget them. We say prayers for them every week but what do we actually do? Look around, one act of kindness by one person to another spreads. Also, a smile is a very powerful tool. We, at St. Peter’s, Upper Arley, send you a smile and a heart full of love as we all celebrate the birth of our Lord.

Anita Perkins

A

From Trimpley Church of The Holy Trinity

O

UR YEAR ENDED with 3 Christmas services that were well-attended.

Money is coming in for our church roof, but more is needed; we hope that work will be able to start in February. We have had a cheque from one of our evacuees and another is coming – they say they loved attending our church.

With people leaving the village we could do with some more “Flower Arrangers”.

This doesn’t mean that you have to have a degree in it; just 2 vases on the altar for 2 weeks. If you can help, please give me a ring on 01299 861019.

It’s a bit late I know, but A Happy & especially Healthy New Year to you all.

Val Corfield

Smile Lines - The new generation!

MORE NUDITY A little boy got lost at the YMCA and found himself in the women's locker room.

When he was spotted, the room burst into shrieks, with ladies grabbing towels and running for cover.

The little boy watched in amazement and then asked, 'What's the matter, haven't you ever seen a little boy before?'

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From Franche Church of St. Barnabas

St. Barnabas Community Hall is available for hire; short term or long term.

It has parking, large hall, kitchen and accessible toilets.

Telephone Polly for more details: 01562 755425 (after 6pm) St. Barnabas Community Hall

D

ON’T FORGET that an excellent resource in Franche is open and available for use either on a one off or for a series of events.

The St Barnabas Community Hall has a number of vacant slots available now so check availability and prices with Polly by telephoning 07505 361564 (after 6pm please) to see if there is a space available to meet your needs.

In particular there are a variety of times available during the day and weekends starting on a Friday evening.

Make contact without delay and set up that social or business event with an easy and quick telephone call.

Polly

St. Barnabas Mother’s Union N 3RD FEBRUARY we will be holding our AGM 2 o’clock at Freda’s - 14 Woodland Avenue.

We have a Deanery lunch on the 9th February 12.30 for 1.00p.m. at the Three Crowns; if you would like to join us please let Chris Lewis know on 01562 631616.

On 2nd March our speaker will be Barrie Lewis on what inspired him to become an ALM worship leader.

Corporate communion will be on Tuesday 26th February and Tuesday 15th March; 10 o’clock St Barnabas church followed by coffee and biscuits.

All are welcome to join us at the monthly meetings and corporate communion.

Chris Lewis

O

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From Broadwaters Church of St. Oswald

St. Oswald’s Church Centre For Parties, Wedding Receptions, Anniversaries, etc.

Further information from: Mrs. Ros Page on 01562 751265 Broadwaters Ladies’ Club N 17TH FEBRUARY David Tyler will give a talk entitled “From Workhouse to Council House” and on 16th March Liz Leck will talk about “The History of Birmingham Hippodrome”.

Both dates are Wednesday evenings – 7.30pm in St. Oswald’s Church Centre. Any visitors will be most welcome.

Pam Hopkins

O

St. Oswald’s News

W

E ALL ENJOYED our praise and worship at the Christmas Services; many thanks to Stephen for our wonderful Nativity and to Rita and Frances for the beautiful flowers.

Some of us went to the Advent Study Group - very thought provoking; our thanks to Nigel for leading these.

Our LEP is in its ninth year and Nigel led the Carol Service at Broadwaters Methodist Church, with mince pies to follow. We all renewed our promises at the Covenant Service on 17th January.

Future Dates: Our Patronal Festival is on 28th February, which is actually St. Oswald’s Saints Day this year; this is also an LEP Service. It will be followed by a meal - venue to be confirmed.

Sheila Mason

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Photos: Above – Bishop Graham with Peruvian Bishops Left – Flooding at Todmorden Below – St. Mary’s Christmas Tree decorating

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Photo: St. Mary’s Ladies Fellowship with presents from Santa’s Elf

Photos: Helen Roberts

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From Cookley Parish Church of St. Peter Cookley Community Choir HE CHOIR GAVE a very enjoyable concert on 19th December. The church was packed and everyone seemed to delight in the evening.

The programme was a mixture of carols and other songs with the audience being encouraged to join in the carols.

The musical director’s son played the drums in appropriate numbers; the ukulele players helped to augment the music and a very gifted violinist and a beautiful flautist added to a most successful pre-Christmas treat.

The church would like to thank all concerned.

Dot Lowe (Churchwarden)

T

New Year’s Day N A FROSTY 1st January morning our intrepid walkers appeared in church at around 10 o’clock. After a warming drink of punch they set off for a healthy walk led by Andy. Nigel and his family joined the throng and we were glad to welcome them on their first New Year with us.

Returning in time to miss the threatening rain, coffee and mince pies were enjoyed with a friendly chat. Jean (Mander) was on hand to prepare the refreshments and clear away afterwards – “Thank You” Jean.

So, one more new year begins. We, at St. Peter’s, have so many good friends like Jean. Dave, Jean, Mark and Julie over the road, who take responsibility for locking and unlocking the gate EVERY day. Peter and Sharon who ALWAYS dress the Christmas Tree and also clear it all away by Twelfth Night. The Oliver family who ALWAYS prepare the Christingle oranges. The Dredge family who provide the Tombola prizes for our Fetes. These unsung heroes work alongside our own committees to make the life of our church possible and pleasant. We thank them wholeheartedly.

A happy and healthy 2016 to everyone.

Dot Lowe (Churchwarden)

O

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The Friends of St. Peter's Church

I

WOULD LIKE TO START this report by thanking everyone who helped and supported our events during last year, we could not do it without you, so a very Happy New Year to you all and long may you continue to support us.

Our knitters worked very hard and we raised £1,200.00 during the year with our knitted goodies and sales of pens and key ring torches. Watch out for the invasion of Easter bunnies and chicks soon, the knitters are already at work! My thanks go to Westley Court who sold £252.26 worth of goodies prior to Christmas; they also sold most of the key ring torches too. My thanks also to David Anthony and Hilary Tilt who also sold lots of our goodies. The knitters can keep on knitting but it is just as important to find people who will sell them for us. The sales from the Webb Ivory catalogue last year resulted in £200 commission; this will be the last time I do the Webb Ivory catalogue as it is becoming difficult to find new customers as items are cheaper in the shops.

The last event of the year for 'The Friends' was our Christmas shopping trip to Nottingham which was enjoyed by all. It was quite a cold day but with the Christmas Market there we were able to keep warm with hot chocolate or gluwein for the more adventurous. When everyone returned to the coach for the homeward journey they were laden down with bags so I guess a good shopping trip was had by all. My thanks to Pam Poxon who organises both our coach trips each year and also the raffles on the coaches which people look forward to. The Christmas shopping trip this year will be to Bristol by popular request. As we have not been there before it will be quite a change for us. We do not yet have a date for this but I will put it in the magazine as soon as details are finalised.

We do have two dates for future events, our 'Spring Fayre' will be held in the Village Hall on 19th March from 2pm to 4pm I know this is early this year but Easter falls the following week as that is also earlier this year. The other date we have finalised is our Summer coach trip to Llandudno on 16th July, the cost is still £11 per person and reservations can be made by ringing Pam Poxon on 01562 850971.

Again many thanks to all our helpers and supporters; please continue to help during 2016 as all the money raised goes to the upkeep of St Peter's Church.

Marlene Broomhead (01562 824743) Fuller's Funnies.

The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the Church building. Therefore he was slightly annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been The Ismere Messenger, page 31

bought in at the last moment. The substitute wanted to know what to play. "here's a copy of the service" the Minister said, rather ungratefully, but you will have to think of something to play after I have made my announcement about the finances.

During the service the Minister paused and said" Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty, the roof repairs cost twice as much as expected and we need to raise $4,000 more, any of you who can pledge $100 or more please stand up".

At that moment the substitute organist played "The Star Spangled Banner" and that is how the substitute organist became the regular organist.

Eileen

A visit to St Peter’s Church, Cookley.

T

HE YEAR ONE children from Cookley Sebright Primary School had a guided tour of St Peter’s Church led and organised by local historian Mrs Betty Caswell. The Reverend Nigel gave a talk and helped the children learn about the features of a church. Mrs Caswell guided the children on a stained glass window spotting tour and helped them interpret the symbols. Mr Gray, a bell ringer at the church then gave a talk and each child had a turn at ringing the church bells. A few of the children reflect on their visit.

I liked it when we rang the bells because it was easy. I liked it when we looked at the stained glass windows because they were beautiful.

They were designed by William Wailes. Whoever made them must

Thomas Wright age 5.

have worked hard.

I rang the church bells. I spotted stained glass windows. We wore the scarves and pretended that we were the vicar. We talked about God.

Bethany Greenwood age 6.

I enjoyed looking at the stained glass windows with Mrs Caswell and ringing the church bells with Mr Gray. The best bit of going to the church was ringing the bells and seeing Reverend Nigel. When I’m at the church I like looking at the stained glass windows.

Jaime Howarth age 6 I liked ringing the church bell. I loved it very much. I also liked the stained glass windows. I wish I could come with my Mum and Dad.

Mary Timmins age 5 The Ismere Messenger, page 32

The bell ringer, Mr Gray told us the heaviest bell weighed about a quarter of a car. I liked ringing the bells but it hurt my hand a little bit because the rope was a bit rough for me.

Seth Kennedy age 6

We rang the bells and looked at stained glass windows. I learnt more about the church. Next time I visit with the school I am going to find out more about what happened after Mary had her baby, what happened to Joseph and what the family were like and where

William Watkins age 6.

they went.

and finally …

First; good news from “Parish Pump”!!

When the Rev Dr Gary Bowness finally ‘retired’ his Uncle Eustace at the end of last year, many wrote to “Parish Pump” saying how much Eustace would be missed. We thought about this, and realised that Uncle Eustace has over 10 years of letters to his nephew Darren. And so we have decided to offer you a ‘re-run’ of them all, beginning with the first one that appeared in May of 2005. We are sure you will enjoy them just as much, the second time through!

Historically, the Church of England has had its share of eccentric clergy.

Even nowadays, hiding away in remote parishes, there are still some colourful clergy about. Clergy such as the elderly, Anglo-Catholic Uncle Eustace, who is incumbent in the small parish of St James-the-Least-of All, somewhere in Very Rural England. Eustace despairs of his nephew, Darren, who has become an Evangelical curate in a busy urban parish… and so he writes letters, to try and properly ‘educate’ Darren in parish life.

(Letter from) The Rectory, St. James the Least of All

On the art of drinking well My dear Nephew Darren, You closed your last letter with the remark that it was time to retire to bed with a cup of cocoa. That may be all very well for the pious intensity of a theological college - although a stiff whisky was always acceptable in my day - but it is not a style to continue once in the parish. I do feel obliged to give you a few hints about what should and should not be drunk in public as a parish priest.

Morning visits are to be discouraged, but if one is unavoidable, and you are invited to have a drink, then it has to be coffee. It is the only time of day when a mug is The Ismere Messenger, page 33

acceptable - provided, of course, that it is china. In the afternoons one changes to tea, but only from cups. Blended varieties may be all very well for Curates in their first year, but it should be Darjeeling for an incumbent. Fruit teas are for Quakers only.

If an inappropriate vessel is offered, then the drink should be accepted, but left untouched. Since the visit will be discussed in the finest detail throughout the parish the moment you have left, your host will soon learn why and not make the same error a second time. It is for the same reason that if you ever want to circulate a piece of news round the parish as quickly as possible, never put it in the parish magazine, just mention it casually during one of your visits. Everyone will know by tea time.

Alcoholic drinks must be carefully judged. A sherry - dry, naturally - is probably best if you are invited to lunch. In the early evening a gin and tonic would be the drink of choice. To ask for whisky would indicate that you are about to go over to Rome, and a mineral water that you have your roots in non-conformity. Beer is never drunk in someone’s house unless you suffer from some personal tragedy, such as being the diocesan youth chaplain.

However an occasional beer in the pub with the bell-ringers (who will be real ale fanatics to a man) or after choir practice - which seems to be the real purpose of holding practices anyway - or as a treat for the sacristan, will show you are a man of the people. It is some years since I visited the pub.

Understanding wine should be taught at every theological college as an essential part of the ministry. Develop a taste for claret, dear boy, and you will be starting your journey towards high office.

And perhaps you should give that tin of cocoa to the verger.

Your loving uncle, Eustace (Rev Dr Gary Bowness) th

Leap Year – 29 February

2

016 BRINGS us a Leap Year. We need to add this extra day every four years in order to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth’s revolutions around the Sun. The problem is very simple: our calendar has 365 days, but it actually takes 365.242199 days (a tropical year) to circle once around the Sun. That means we are ‘out’ by nearly six hours a year. Four times six hours is 24 hours hence an extra day every four years.

Adding the extra day in February goes back to Julius Caesar in 45 BC. In his Julian Calendar, February was the last month of the year, and 24th February was Leap Year Day. The Ismere Messenger, page 34

29th February; Oswald - the saint for Leap Year

T

HERE IS A SAINT for Leap Year: St Oswald of Worcester, who died on 29th February 992. His family story was extraordinary, and full of some surprising ‘leaps’, all by itself. It provides a tantalising glimpse of what happened to at least one of those pagan Viking warriors who settled in Anglo-Saxon Britain.

For Oswald’s great-uncle had come to England c 865, as part of the ‘Great Heathen Army’ of Viking invaders. But his son, Oswald’s uncle, Oda, forsook paganism, and not only converted to Christianity, but actually ended up as Archbishop of Canterbury. From there, Oda was in a position to help his nephew, Oswald, which he did.

Oda sent young Oswald to be educated at the abbey of Fleury, then a great centre of learning. There Oswald absorbed the Benedictine ideals which would guide his later life and work. Back in England, he became bishop of Worcester in 961, and with the support of King Edgar, eagerly joined in major reforms of the Anglo-Saxon church. In 972 Oswald was made Archbishop of York, and seems to have taken a great interest in renewing the church in the Danelaw. He founded Ramsey Abbey, which became one of the great Fenland monasteries.

Oswald was a popular Archbishop, who was in the habit of washing the feet of the poor every day in Lent. On the 29th February 992 he had just completed this service at Worcester, when he collapsed and died. Later Oswald and his successor at Worcester, Wulfstan came to be the two chief saints of Worcester. You can see them together, for instance, flanking the tomb of King John before the high altar of the cathedral.

Lent: Stay watchful; expect much!

“A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea” (1 Kings 18:44)

I

N ALL HISTORY was there ever a more colourful prophet than Elijah? In the power of God, he halted the deadly drift to Baal-worship in a single day. Earlier he had pronounced upon the land a divine judgment of three and a half years of drought. Now that dry period was about to end.

1. Confidence in God’s power. Praying people need to know that they are called and sent, no matter the set-backs. Elijah tells King Ahab, “Rain is coming!” But the skies looked like brass. That’s real confidence!

2. Watchfulness for God’s signals. The prophet now prays – for the promised rain.

He sends for his weather-watching aide: “How is it looking, now?” The report comes back - “It’s a beautiful sunny day out there!” Elijah prays on. Christian

The Ismere Messenger, page 35

colleagues – can we do the same, when the work – or future prospects- looks limited and unpromising? To pray is to stay alert to what GOD may do!

3. Involvement in God’s actions. A seventh time the aide returns. The weather?

“Er, blazing sun actually…. well, except for one tiny cloud!” But that’s enough for Elijah. “Into your chariot!” he orders Ahab, “and ride before the rain stops you!”

The skies go black, the wind rises…. and the drought is over. See Elijah, caught up in the excitement as he runs ahead of Ahab – on a seventeen mile stretch to Jezreel in the drenching, refreshing rain of God. Did he have to do that? No, but he wanted to be involved up to the last! Read James 5:17,18; Elijah was no super-hero. He was like any one of us.

Allow your Lent to be a time of watchful expectation!

Preb. Richard Bewes

Flame of a Candle See the candle flame a-burning See its flick’ring, dancing light; See how it, the darkness spurning Burns throughout the darkest night.

Light of faith, of God reminding As His Spirit, long ago Lit the first apostles, finding Faith within the Spirit’s glow.

Light of life – God’s life eternal Won through Christ’s atoning death Sparing us from Hell, infernal Granting us His living breath!

Light of hope, in God victorious For we know that He will win When we’ll see His flames of glorious Vict’ry o’er the pow’r of sin!

Light your candle, kneel and praise Him Kneel and praise the Lord of Hosts; Let your prayers and praises raise Him Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

By Nigel Beeton

The Ismere Messenger, page 36

For the Mathematically minded ‌

Simple

Not so simple

The Ismere Messenger, page 37

Crossword February/March Crossword Clues (Answers in next edition) Across 1 Success or wealth (Deuteronomy 28:11) (10) 7 Forbidden fruit for Nazirites (Numbers 6:3) (7) 8 Concede (Job 27:5) (5) 10 Look at (Psalm 48:13) (4) 11 Much in evidence after weddings (8) 13 Condense (Job 36:27) (6) 15 Breakwater (6) 17 Give a tan (anag.) (8) 18 More usually now called Pentecost, — Sunday (4) 21 After living for 365 years, it was said of him that ‘he walked with God’ (Genesis 5:23–24) (5) 22 Trampled (Judges 9:27) (7) 23 For example, Miriam, Deborah (Exodus 15:20; Judges 4:4) (10) Down 1 Arrogance (Proverbs 8:13) (5) 2 Roman poet from first century BC (4) 3 So rapt (anag.) (6) 4 Declare again (2 Corinthians 2:8) (8) 5 Paul’s ‘fellow worker’, to whom he sent two epistles (Romans 16:21) (7) 6 God’s foreseeing care and protection (Job 10:12) (10) 9 Traditional form of Roman Catholic Mass (10) 12 ‘The Lord... has given the — of Israel to David and his descendants for ever’ (2 Chronicles 13:5) (8) 14 ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my — ’ (Luke 1:46– 47) (7) 16 The central element in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, identified and interpreted by Daniel (Daniel 2:31) (6) 19 ‘On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of — will not overcome it’ (Matthew 16:18) (5) 20 City where Paul was under house arrest for two years (Acts 28:16) (4) The Ismere Messenger, page 38

Answers to December/January Crossword Across 1, Depend. 4, Canopy. 7, Beak. 8, Irritate. 9, Zedekiah. 13, Ate. 16, Job’s comforter.

17, NAE. 19, Lang Syne. 24, Blockade. 25, Five. 26, Enigma. 27, Drench.

Down 1, Debt. 2, Peaceable. 3, Drink. 4, Curia. 5, Nuts. 6, Put it. 10, Excel. 11, Is man. 12, Hoofs. 13, Attention. 14, Ezra. 15, Ijon. 18, Aslan. 20, Abana. 21, Greed. 22, GCMG. 23, Leah.

February Wordsearch.

February is the month of romance. Millions of Valentine cards will be sent in the next week or two, as we celebrate our romantic love for that special person in our lives. But there are other kinds of love to celebrate: and on Candlemas we remember Mary and Joseph taking their baby son to the temple to present him to God. Jesus’ whole life was a loving present to us from God. Through his death for us on the cross, and his resurrection, his love can now transform anyone’s life.

Romances can die, but God’s love for us is always there. But it won’t do us much good – unless we accept it!

Valentine

Rose

Romance

Love

Present

Restaurant

Hearts

Kiss

Hug

girlfriend

Boyfriend

fiancé

Worship

repentance

Angels

baby

Temple

Mary

Candlemas

presentation

The Ismere Messenger, page 39

February in the Forest I wrote this article fairly early in January, with the result that my news is old news and my projections about what may be happening in the forest in February may be way off the mark. All I can say is that flooding has been of disastrous proportions this winter, caused by rains brought by warm air over the warm Atlantic Ocean. The minor personal inconvenience of encountering mud on every possible path through the forest is insignificant compared to the miserable job of clearing out a home flooded by filthy water, and competing with friends to observe the most unseasonal natural phenomenon hides a deeper worry about the future chances of the wildlife whose existence becomes increasingly precarious with each deviation from ‘normal’ weather.

How do wild creatures and plants respond to these events? Flooding along the forest’s Dowles Brook and its tiny tributaries will sweep away many plants and small aquatic animals from their habitats, drown burrowing beasts, and render the waters of the brook too silty for others to fish. If the flood happens in winter it is less damaging than in the summer, when many invertebrates are present in the form of eggs, larvae or nymphs. However, summer droughts are probably more damaging to populations of aquatic creatures. ‘The Nature of Wyre’, recently published by the Wyre Forest Study Group, mentions this as a threat to the endangered native whiteclawed crayfish, which holds on in four of the Dowles’ tributaries but is up against pollution, damage to its habitat, and a parasitic fungus carried by the alien American signal crayfish. In a situation like this the resilience of a population is already low and a catastrophic event can be the last straw.

Early appearances of leaves, blossoms, frogspawn, nest-building and the like bring the risk of all being destroyed by ice or snow if the weather reverts to a more normal pattern and the organism concerned may be unable to ‘do it all over again’.

What can any of us do to counteract such powerful forces as the weather? The human-induced change in the climate is due to the sum of the actions of individuals, and the first step is to recognise our share of the responsibility for this. The similarity with the philosophical question, ‘How can an individual change the world for good?’ is no surprise, and both are nicely answered by Gandhi’s, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’. Our energy consumption (for transport, heating, electricity for gadgets etc.) has a direct effect on the climate in terms of CO2 production. What we eat and throw away is also part of the problem: beef and milk come from cattle which produce lots of methane, a greenhouse gas also emitted from landfill sites when we throw food into our bins. I could go on (and often do) but will limit myself to adding that we need to take this very seriously and be willing to take actions that won’t be comfortable.

Linda Iles The Ismere Messenger, page 40

Organisations St. Mary's Musical Director James Bradley; email james@jamesb.org St. Mary's Bellringers - David Struckett; Ringing Master Thursdays 7.45pm St. Mary's Church; Tel. 01299 878461 St. Mary's Ladies' Fellowship; Sue Coombes 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 7.30 pm at The Chantry; Tel. 01384 896798 Friends of St. Mary's - Mrs. Iris Baggott; Tel. 01562 66219 St. Mary's Flower Rota - Mrs. Barbara Preece; Tel. 01562 66113 St. Peter's, Upper Arley Bellringers; Mrs. C. Wood; Tel. 01299 861537 Arley Women's Institute - Third Monday; Sports & Social Club, Arley.

Contact Mrs. Louvain Beer; 01299 861847 Trimpley Green Women’s Institute – 3rd Wednesday; 7.30pm in Village Hall St. Barnabas' Musical Director - Miss Jessica Hignell; Tel. 01562 741510 St. Barnabas' Mothers' Union - Mrs. Christine Lewis; Tel. 01562 631616 1st Wednesday, 2.00pm; 3rd Tuesday, Holy Communion at St. Barnabas' 10.00am.

Franche Women's Institute – 1st Tuesday; 7.30 pm at St Barnabas' Comm. Hall.

Contact Mrs. Pat Charles; Tel. 01284 396470 Broadwaters Ladies' Club - Mrs. Pam Hopkins; 3rd Wednesday, 7.30 pm at St Oswald's Church Centre Baby Fellowship - Thursdays, 10.00 am to 11.30 am at St Oswald's Church Centre.

Contact Joan Lambert; 07792 724909 St. Oswald's Flower Rota - Mrs. R. Hutchinson St. John’s, Wolverley Bellringers – Dave Andrews: Tel. 07867 977389 St. John’s, Wolverley Organist & Choir – Ian Thompson: Tel. 07855 609758 Wolverley Ladies Fellowship – Mary Waldron: Tel. 01562 851405 St. Peter’s, Cookley Bellringers – Andy Gray: Tel. 01562 850130 St. Peter’s, Cookley Organist & Choir - Paul Blackham: Tel. 01562 829352 Friends of St. Peter’s, Cookley – Marlene Broomhead: 01562 824743 Parish Web Site www.ismere.co.uk – email: office@ismere.co.uk

The Ismere Messenger, page 41

Readers are invited to submit articles, letters and interesting discussion topics for possible inclusion in “The Messenger”. Please send your contributions to the compositor, or via the parish office.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of the Ismere Messenger, the editor and committee cannot take responsibility for any errors .

Editor in Chief Editorial Committee

The Rector Sheila Mason

Compositor (Compo)

Don Gilbert Kath L'Enfant Margaret Lillis Paul Blackham

01562 752268 e-mail sfmason1939@me.com 07919 837631

email: theismeremessenger@outlook.com

Pete Wall   

Services

Waste Carrier Licence : CB/CN5410KP www.petewallservices.co.uk

Rubbish Removal & Recycling Specialist Tree and Hedge Pruning Fencing A Quick, Efficient Service Guaranteed !

Get in touch or a FREE QUOTE on 01299 405477 or 07956 172825 or email : petewallrecycling@talktalk.net

LKA Cleaning Our services include:

HR Precision Performance “Prosperity through Negotiation” We tailor our HR Service to meet your needs and budget Call 01299 871272 today and book a free 30-minute HR Health-Check karen@hrprecisionperformance.co.uk

Rachel Clark Chiropodist Fully qualified and registered with the Health Professions Council CH17310 Visiting Chiropodist – professional footcare in the comfort of your home – 20 years experience For an appointment call

      

Furniture Fitting Mopping & Vacuuming Kitchen Units & Worktops Cookers & Microwaves Refrigerators Windows (inside) Ironing

(£10 per hour) Nancy: 07837 675388 Paulina: 07909 441078 email: husseyp@sky.com

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GCSE Science and Maths Tuition.

Qualified teacher £28/hr KS2 subjects Younger tutor £15/hr

Phone: 07771 602651 or email: Flying.Tutor@outlook.com

01384 873938 or 07860 771442 The Ismere Messenger, page 42

Kidderminster

Bridgnorth

01562 821600

01746 763336

www.doolittle-dalley.co.uk Estate House, Proud Cross Ringway, Kidderminster, DY11 6AE

www.doolittle-dalley.co.uk 46 West Castle Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 4AD

Partners: David Hall FRICS, Richard Hall FRICS, John Andrews FRICS. Associate: Tracy Hall MARLA.

The Ismere Messenger, page 43

Selling fresh home grown & locally sourced fruit & veg, tipples, plants, cut flowers, meats, pies and cheeses.

Open 7 days a week

Evesons Fuels can keep you warm throughout the year whilst providing local, expert knowledge about heating oil and your heating oil needs.

• Friendly, prompt service • Emergency deliveries • Competitive prices • Budget payment plans • Boiler servicing • Tank replacement For a local, fast, friendly service call our team on

01562 822058 www.hodgehill-ltd.co.uk Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, DY10 3NR

GTC Counselling www.gtccounselling.co.uk

Geoff T Cox MA MBACP (Accred)

47 Castle Road. Cookley, Kidderminster. DY10 3TE

01562 852145 Mob: 07949 326972 Face to Face, Email or Skype Counselling I am a person centred counsellor therefore non-judgmental offering unconditional positive regard and acceptance. Clients are appreciated as individuals, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or age. I work with individuals, couples and young people.

Specialist areas: Addictive behaviours, Anger, Anxiety, Bereavement, Bullying, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/M.E., Depression, Eating disorders, Emotional difficulties, Fears, Loss Low self esteem, Low confidence, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Personal Development, Phobias, Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Self-awareness, Stress, Trauma, Work related issues, Relationships.

Relationship Issues: Partner/spouse, Family, Work (line managers/colleagues) I am a Prepare/Enrich practitioner (http://www.prepare-enrich.co.uk/) The Prepare Enrich programme helps couples prepare for marriage or enrich their relationship by taking stock of their strengths and weaknesses. With the help of trained facilitators they develop skills which are key to any relationship.

The Ismere Messenger, page 44

The Ismere Messenger, page 45

Watertight Plumbing Services All plumbing jobs undertaken, free quotes no call out charge Contact Miles Bethell Mobile: 07941 479713 Home: 01562 750344 email: watertightplumbing09@ymail.com

Sue Marston Lic.Ac., Dip.SM., M.F.H.T.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE ACUPUNCTURE & STRESS MANAGEMENT Professional and caring help for a wide range of conditions.

For further information or an appointment

Tel 01562 742628 www.suemarston.co.uk 189 Chester Road North, Kidderminster, DY10 1TN

The Ismere Messenger, page 46

The Ismere Messenger, page 47

Sarah's Mobile Hairdressing Senior Citizens Only!

Fully Qualified....

If interested please call The Cottage, Low Hill, Torton, Hartlebury, Worcs DY10 4HT office@catkinscattery.net www.catkinscattery.net Purpose Built Luxury Boarding Cattery for special guests

Tel: 01299 250472

07940 275533 Take part in shows, festival and medals

Full equity member as seen on TV shows such as Torchwood and Casualty

STAR PERFORMERS Dance * Drama Wolverley Church Hall (St. John the Baptist), Every Friday during Term Time Star Performers: Ages 7 and up (£5.00) - 4:45pm – 6:00pm Starlights: Ages 3 to 6 (£3.50) - 4:00pm – 4:45pm For more information and bookings

Contact: Lucy-Charlotte

Tel: (01562) 67203 Mobile: 07581 087030 email: lucydancingqueen@yahoo.co.uk

PILATES WITH BEV I currently run classes at:

Wolverley Church Hall.

Thursdays @ 9.30am beginners and 7.00pm beginners

Auraveda, Kinver High Street Tuesdays @ 10.30am, 2.15pm & 7.30pm beginners Wednesdays @10.30am & 7.15pm beginners

Foley School, Fairfield Drive, Kinver Wednesdays @ 4.30pm improvers and 5.45pm intermediate

Wall Heath Community Centre Mondays @ 6.00pm beginners and 7.15pm improvers

bevlockett@btinternet.com Website www.bevpilates.co.uk Or call 0778 777 5768 (please leave a message and I will return your call)

The Ismere Messenger, page 48

Edwin Harris & Sons Ltd

The Therapy Room Wolverley

FUNERAL DIRECTORS We are a well-established independent family run business Circa 1897 giving personal attention, serving you quietly, efficiently, professionally at 1, Crane Street, Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 6XT Kidderminster Office:

01562 822625 / 823570 Bewdley & Stourport on Severn:

01299 829873 email: contactus@edwinharris.co.uk or visit our website: www.edwinharris.co.uk

Customer Care Award Winners 2011 & 2013

... your local Village Store ...

37 SEBRIGHT ROAD WOLVERLEY KIDDERMINSTER DY11 5UA Tel: 01562 852288 PAINTERS and DECORATORS

PHILL and SUE Both Professional Painters and Decorators Interiors or Exteriors

Over 46 years experience between us

Phone 01562 747313 Mobile 07753 408578 Mobile 07853 206032

Psychotherapy, Counselling, Mindfulness and Reiki.

Bereaved, separated, redundant, depressed, anxious, stressed?

Kate Spohrer MEd, NLP Master can help you go from where you are to where you want to be, putting you back in control and feeling empowered.

Initial discussion completely free of charge Call Kate on 07806 301328 or email katespohrer@hotmail.com www.attwood-bereavement.co.uk UKCP Trainee Psychotherapist Member

B. INCE FUNERAL DIRECTORS (Incorporating G. Thomas & Son) 24 hour personal service

BANK HOUSE, BEWDLEY Tel: 01299 403105 and Kidderminster 822716 Member of SAIF Golden Charter Pre-paid funerals

The Ismere Messenger, page 49

Phil Connolly

VM

Local Electrician living in Wolverley.

30 years experience.

City and Guilds qualified.

All work guaranteed and certified to part P regulations.

No job too big or small.

For a free no obligation quotation

Contact Phil on

01562 851361 or 07926 596308.

TAX RETURNS, ACCOUNTS, & REPAYMENT CLAIMS

Fast efficient service – Competitive rate – 30 years experience – Local Call Vicky Deakin on Office 01562 777410 Mobile 07989 377848

Wolverley Sebright Cygnets Nursery

Based within Wolverley Sebright Primary School Flexible Half and Full Day Sessions Funding available for Three and Four Year Olds.

Two Year Olds also welcome Before and After School care

Call us on: 01562 851851 email on;

nursery@wolverleysebright.worcs.sch.uk

Look on website;

www.sebrightcygnetsnursery.co.uk Judged “Good” by Ofsted The Ismere Messenger, page 50

Nightingales Residential Home  Highest quality residential/long-term care, rehabilitation or respite care  Core philosophy values of; Privacy - Dignity - Independence - Choice      

Fulfilment - Security - Respect – Equality

Magnificent 18th Century Grade II listed home situated in over 6 acres of beautifully maintained gardens and woodland All of our rooms offer either a private wash basin and toilet or full en-suite bathroom to ensure a level of independence and privacy.

Residents enjoy regular entertainment designed to bring fun in to every day life at the home A whole range of complementary services are available catering for the personal requirements of our residents Residents are encouraged to retain their individuality and to personalise their own rooms with their own belongings Caters for residents with special dietary requirements

For more information about the home, please call

01562 850201

Nightingales Homecare  Established first class reputation for providing exemplary domiciliary care throughout the local community  Highly trained, reliable staff offer continuity of care which is so important to elderly and vulnerable people  Tailor-made packages to address the needs of the client who may be an older person, an adult with learning and physical disabilities or someone with a degenerative or terminal condition  Care can include help with personal hygiene; medication; getting up and going to bed; assistance in meal preparation and feeding; accompanied shopping trips and appointments; even pet care  Experienced and enthusiastic staff adhere to strict standards of care. They are all “enhanced CRB” checked, friendly and motivated and undergo both in-house and external training To find out how Nightingales Homecare can help enrich your life, ring

01562 851738 for an informal, confidential chat.

Wolverley Court, Wolverley, Nr. Kidderminster, DY10 3RP www.nightingalesrh.co.uk Registered in England 5657952

The Ismere Messenger, page 51

Emma Coley An Independent Family Business at 41 The Old Woodyard, Hagley Hall, Hagley, DY9 9LQ

Eye Examinations Contact Lens Clinic Sunglasses Other optician’s prescriptions welcome Over 1000 frames on display; designer and budget.

Free NHS Spectacles Free NHS Sight Tests Private Sight Tests £22.50 Easy Parking

Home Visits Available www.hagleyeyecarestudio.co.uk

BSc (Hons), M.Ch.S Health Professional Council Registered

Friendly and Professional Visiting Chiropodist For Complete Care of Your Feet Home Visiting Practice

Tel: 01562 862495 Mobile: 07976 242096 270 Stourbridge Road, Kidderminster, Worcs, DY10 2XJ

Tel: 01562 887138

The Weavers shop CUSTOMERS OR BROWSERS ALWAYS WELCOME COME AND SEE

A fine selection of competitively priced carpets roll ends – discontinued colours and lines The Greenhill Trading Estate (Unit F), off Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, DY10 2RN

Tel: 01562 820680 Open 9-5 Monday – Friday - Own Car Park

KEEP UP WITH THE LOCAL NEWS! For People with Sight Loss Audio edition produced Weekly and Posted

FREE to our Listeners

Call 0758 189 9977 www.wftn.org.uk Charity No. 509869 The Ismere Messenger, page 52

MOT Testing Station Diesel Testing Catalyst Testing

VICARAGE SERVICE GARAGE LTD ESTABLISHED 40 YEARS QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS

MOT Testing Station Diesel Testing Catalyst Testing

SPECIAL FOR COOKLEY & SURROUNDING AREAS

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FOR ALL YOUR MOTS ONLY £35.00 MOTS £30.00 (WITH A FULL SERVICE) SERVICING (FROM £49.95 + VAT) REPAIRS DIAGNOSTICS

PLEASE PHONE FOR FRIENDLY SERVICE ON 0121 559 1860 DAYTIME 0779 353 5988 ANYTIME

MOT Testing Station Diesel Testing Catalyst Testing

MOT Testing Station Diesel Testing Catalyst Testing

The Ismere Messenger, page 53

Charles A. Sherrey F.C.A. Your Local Chartered Accountant Self-Assessment Tax Returns Sole Trader, Partnership & Company Accounts

The Lock Inn and Tearoom www.thelockwolverley.co.uk Relaxed Friendly Atmosphere Unwind in the Beautiful Tearoom Garden Quality Ales Regularly changing Home cooked Food Menu To enquire about individual parties/meetings etc

Tel: 01562 850581

VAT & Payrolls

e-mail:andrew-bishop@hotmail.co.uk

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

MARK WILLIAMS MIPW PROFESSIONAL WILLWRITER

COMPETITIVE FEES

Tel: 01562 850903 Falcons Rest, Fairfield Lane, Wolverley, DY11 5QJ

Hagley Clock Clinic Ltd

“35 years legal experience as a retired Detective Superintendent and now a Private Client Lawyer, means you can definitely trust Mark to write your Will”.

Instructions taken in the comfort of your home – Trading Standards Approved.

Est: 1978

Repairs, restoration & servicing of antique & modern clocks and other mechanical devices.

Telephone: 01562 885080 www.hagleyclockclinic.co.uk

Wills from £69 per person Also Powers of Attorney, Probate & Care Home Fee Avoidance

Telephone: 01299 251442 Mobile: 07966 053887

TG Hardwicks, Wolverley, Nr. Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 3RW Tel: (01562) 850447 - Fax: (01562) 852257 www.hardwicks-landscape.co.uk The Ismere Messenger, page 54

What’s on & when – at a glance See inside for full details when available 2nd February

Cookley DCC

3rd February

St. Mary’s DCC

3rd February

St. Barnabas Mother’s Union AGM

9th February

St. Barnabas Mother’s Union Deanery Lunch

17th February

Broadwaters Ladies’ Club

22nd February

Wolverley Ladies Fellowship (Church Hall)

27th February

Wolverley Ladies Fellowship Jumble Sale (Hall)

28th February

St. Oswald’s Patronal Festival

2nd March

St. Barnabas Mother’s Union

9th March

St. Mary’s Ladies Fellowship

16th March

Broadwaters Ladies’ Club

16th March

St. Mary’s Ladies Fellowship Theatre Trip

17th March

Wolverley DCC

19th March

Friends “Spring Fayre” (Village Hall)

30th March

Wolverley Ladies Fellowship (Church Hall)

To assist in the timely publication of “The Messenger”, please submit any contributions by the date which will always be indicated in the preceding edition (although last-minute alterations will always try to be accommodated) preferably by email to : theismeremessenger@outlook.com or via the Parish Office.

(April/May deadline is 11th March) Your co-operation will be greatly appreciated.

The Ismere Messenger, page 55

The Ismere Messenger is published by Kidderminster Ismere Parochial Church Council Printed by Imprint Colour Limited, Aldershot, Hampshire 01252 330683 The Ismere Messenger, page 56