May 2014 Parish Magazine

www.richmondhudswellparish.org.uk We aim to show how God through the Church, with its worship, teaching and service is relevant to modern living.

Sat 3rd

5-6.30pm

AHOY! Sing for the Mary Rose and Sea Shanties at St Marys Church

Wed 7th

9.30 for 10.15 start

Richmond Flower Arranging Club in Hudswell Village Hall

Thurs 8th

7.30pm

Gilling West and District Gardening Society

Sun 11th

After 10am service

Tower Café Cake Stall in aid of Disability Access Toilet Fund

Sun 11thSat 17th

Christian Aid Week

Mon 19th

2pm

Swale Womens Institute in the Scout Hut

Sun 25th

4pm

Fun-Key Church @St Mary’s Richmond (with refreshments and activities from 3.40pm)

Wed 28th

7.30pm

Hudswell Garden Club in Hudswell Village Hall

P1 Calendar and Contents

P9 Homestart, Hutchinson Trust, Storehouse

P2 Contact Details

P10 Christian Aid Week, Vision for Mission Day Out.

P3 Register, Support Group and Car Transport

P11 Mousemakes/All in the month of...

P4 From our Curate

P12 Richmond C Of E Primary

P5 From our Curate, Confirmation

P13 Head Verger, Thank You and Mothers Union

P6 Prayer Diary

P14-25 The Annual Report

P7 What’s On May 2014

P26 Book recommendations, Bible Study

P8 AHOY, Fun-Key Church @ St Mary’s

P27 Church Services P28 Rotas/200 Club

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THE PARISH OF RICHMOND WITH HUDSWELL AND DOWNHOLME AND MARSKE

www.richmondhudswellparish.org.uk

MINISTRY TEAM

RECTOR Rev’d John R Chambers The Rectory, Church Wynd 821241 0787 5348245 j_echambers@btinternet.com CURATE Rev’d Antony Kirby 850349 07594615180 antonykirby01@btinternet.com HONORARY CLERGY

Rev’d Mark Beresford-Peirse

Rev’d Jennifer Williamson

READERS

Mrs Joy Hornsby Mr Scott Lunn Mrs Joan Plowman

Rev’d Bill Simms

2 Olliver Road 2 Hurgill Road 7 White Friars Gardens

PASTORAL ASSISTANT

Mrs Jennifer Patrick

1 Roper Court

ACORN CHRISTIAN LISTENERS

Mrs Jennifer Patrick Mrs Ruth Brown

850693 825270

Dr Sheila Harrisson

826490 826895 822792 850693 822059

CHURCH OFFICERS - THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, RICHMOND Mayor’s Warden Rector’s Warden Assistant Warden Deputy Churchwarden Organist & Choir Director Upbeat & Anacrucis Dir Bell Captain Head Verger Church Booking Secretary and Parish Administrator

Mr David Frankton Mr Roy Morel Mrs Janet Morel Mrs Judith McLeod Mr Colin Hicks Mrs Carol Gedye Mrs Susan Welch Mr Leonard Scrafton Claire Murray

8 Alans Court 22 Olliver Road

823531 823278

7 Flints Terrace 1 Willow Crescent 55 Maison Dieu 8 Maple Road 14 Pilmoor Close

825557 821464 824795 823700 824106

pa.richmondhudswellparish@gmail.com 07737482611

Secretary Treasurer Assistant Treasurer

OFFICERS OF THE PCC AND OTHERS Mrs Jennifer Patrick 1 Roper Court 850693 Mrs Sue Gudgeon 11 Maltby Court, D’ton 01325 462148 Claire Murray 07737482611

FWO Secretaries Magazine Editor Magazine Distribution Magazine Adverts

Mr Don & Mrs Joy Wade 11 Moorside Road Gillian Lunn 2 Hurgill Road Gillian Hardy 11 The Green Mr Frank Gibbon 23 Westfields

Organist

821062 826895 449850 821002

FOR THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS, HUDSWELL Mrs Valerie Strawbridge 15 Boundary Way 821440

FOR THE PARISH OF ST MICHAEL Reader Mr George Alderson Church Warden Mrs Jean Calvert Church Treasurer Mr John Horseman

Reader Church Warden Deputy Warden Organist Treasurer

AND ALL ANGELS, DOWNHOLME 68 Brompton Park, B on Swale 818865 Thorpe Farm, Reeth Road, Richmond 823001 Echlinville, Hudswell, Richmond 826216

FOR THE PARISH OF ST EDMUNDS, MARSKE Mr David Stoneham Ivy Cottage, Marske Mrs Ruth Tindale Skelton Lodge, Marske Mrs Ann Stoneham Ivy Cottage, Marske Mrs Jennifer Wallis 1 School Terrace, Marske

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822418 823371 822418 822930

FROM THE REGISTERS We have baptised 30th March 2014

Issac Davies

Sadly we have laid to rest 25th March 2014 26th March 2014 9th April 2014

Yvonne Woodward Evelyn Mary Western Douglas Malcolm Wheatley

Age 79 Age 95 Age 72

May they rest in peace and rise in glory

AFTER THE CARDS AND VISITORS Bereavement is a very difficult time for the spouse/partners left behind.

Starting again on their own is even more difficult.

Carrie and Anne would like to help with the next step by meeting recently bereaved spouses/partners for coffee at the King’s Head Hotel on the first Tuesday of the month at 10.30am

ST MARY’S PARISH CHURCH PASTORAL CARE TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE

Transport to and from Church (C), Hospital (H), Shopping (S) 26 Whitefields Drive CHS Michael and Margaret Clayson 35 Springfield, Skeeby CH John Dickinson 5 West End Avenue CH Joy and Don Hornsby 2 Olliver Road CH Graham Merlane 1 Gallowfields Road CHS Rosemary Oliver 3 Stanley Grove C Edna Roberts 70 Ronaldshay Drive C Eileen Simms 56 Ronaldshay Drive HS Anne Simpson 56 Gilling Road CHS Pamela Wheatley 32 Whitefields Drive CH Linda Drury 25 Darlington Road H Ruth Brown

825270 822631 826803 826490 826109 823081 822970 821511 822277 822428 850243

More drivers are always welcome and much appreciated so if you wish to volunteer for this very important service, contact this magazine on 826895.

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From Our Curate

May 2014

How many times have you been to church and noticed God’s presence?

“Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matt.

18:20).

Christ promises to us his presence and it is in his presence that we are empowered through the relationship we have with Jesus.

In reality, the once crucified and now risen Christ is forever present. When we meet and speak in the name of Christ, we claim Christ’s own promise. In this way the words that we speak in the name of Christ become sacramental, (sacramental being defined as the means by which God brings home the reality of his redeeming love).

So when we preach in church the task of preaching is not to bring Christ to the church but to find Christ already there and in so recognising his presence bring the church people before the presence God. As we gather together in Church to hear Gods word, we gather as participants in worship, not as individuals but as a congregation drawn together. Worship is our response to God and through that response relationship is enabled as the community of faith gather together, but God’s word must be understood in that gathering, because it is timeless. It must be heard in the contemporary language and experience of God’s people who participate in the worship.

If God’s word is to have meaning today, it must be heard in the context of the day. Times change and the world moves on but God’s word is forever relevant, and speaks to people in the reality of life.

Christopher Columbus discovered the new world of Americas and by so doing shifted from flat earth thinking to the round earth thinking. This new discovery did not hinder our understanding but enabled understanding of a past context, giving us new light into the context of past thinking 4

and also present thinking. Our church life must never be trapped in the past but must always be in the context of the present day, giving faith a reality that is meaningful in our own context .

Throughout history Christianity has struggled to make Christ known and to accept that through Jesus God’s presence becomes a reality. The scriptures therefore point us to God through Jesus, who spoke the word of God in the context of his day. The New Testament is an example of how Jesus and his prophetic preaching gave new insight to the presence of God in the reality of life at the time of Christ.

Jesus’ preaching changed people and preaching today must also have that ability.

The church is called into Jesus’ ministry as ambassadors for Christ, because God is making his appeal today through each one of us. Do we have the courage to step out in faith knowing that where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, that Jesus is there with us?

Christ promises his presence to us and it is in his presence and in his presence only that the church can proclaim the Resurrection.

Alleluia Christ is risen, He is risen indeed.

Alleluia!

Every Blessing, Rev Antony.

CONFIRMATION On Sunday, 23rd November we welcome Bishop James to our 10:00am service which will be Confirmation and Eucharist.

If you are considering confirmation and would like to know more, please contact the Rector.

Preparation classes will commence in June.

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PRAYER DIARY FOR MAY 2014 - we pray …...

THUR

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For our new diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales. We pray for all who are responsible for the changeover - strength, patience and wisdom.

For the Christians Together in Richmond .

For our Mayor, local councillors, for our MP and MEPs, and for all in politics—may they always have integrity and wisdom. For our churchwardens, with thanks For the Girlguiding and Scout Movement. For all who attend and all who lead. Be with all people and groups represented in this magazine - ie our community For Richmond Deanery, may we as churches continue to support each other. We pray today for Area Dean John Richards and Assistant Area Dean John Chambers.

For people in our thoughts today. Be with them.

For our armed forces here and abroad, and their family and friends.

FRI

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MON TUE

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MON TUE WED THUR

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FRI SAT

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SUN MON TUE

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For our neighbours and all in our community, that we as neighbours and members of our community may talk and befriend each other.

FRI

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SAT

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For Mothers throughout the world, and for those who are mothers and family to us.

For the Mothers Union.

With thanks for all God’s blessings that we have been given.

For Andrew Cromarty and his family as he is licensed today to be Priest in Charge of Hipswell with Colburn.

For all who support the Storehouse held at Influence church. Bless all who organise the foodbank and all who need its services.

For the new Dean of Ripon Rev Canon John Richard Dobson, his wife Nicola and their family. May they feel welcome and inspired.

For all who come to our churches for funerals, baptisms and weddings—that they may feel inspired to return to explore their faith more.

For farmers—arable and animal. Good yields, good crops and a steady fair income. For Christian Aid Week.

For the Archbishops of York and Canterbury, their work and their families For Readers throughout the deanery and diocese.

For friends, family, animals, pets, artwork, music, all that inspires us.

For all who provide emergency service relief. For families coping with the increasing financial demands For Traidcraft and the Fairtrade movement. For Swale Womens Institute and HomeStart. For friendships and their importance.

For all who suffer religious persecution, including those in Syria, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia.

We thank God for His creation. We pray for the Green Howards Association as they gather for their service today at St Marys Church.

For the Mayor Making today. We give thanks for the work and time of Bob White and pray for Clive World as he becomes the next Mayor.

For all seeking what next in life - guidance and wisdom.

For all the Tour de France preparations.

For our Royal Family we give thanks. For the Bible Society.

For the new diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales For all who are lonely - may we be there for them. For Fun-Key Church @ St Mary’s Richmond - fun, faith and fellowship for all ages.

For Richmond Meet Weekend.

For childlike enthusiasm and hope. The ability and confidence to make a difference in all whom we are in contact with.

For all attending the Civic Meet service at St Marys Church today.

For space and time to think and contemplate the mystery and wonder of God. For all who are sick in body, mind or spirit, and for all who look after them whether as medical staff or family, friends and carers. Be with them.

For those who have to work unsociable hours. May we not take them for granted.

With thanks for all who use their talents for worship, amongst them musicians, florists, choir, listeners, cleaners, the unseen workers.

WHAT’S ON IN MAY 2014 WEDNESDAY 7TH MAY - RICHMOND FLOWER CLUB IN HUDSWELL VILLAGE HALL - All meetings are held in Hudswell Village Hall on the first Wednesday of each month (except January and August). We have an outing instead of the July Meeting.

Demonstration by Mrs Denise Marmont 'Hints of Colour' Coffee is served from 9.30am and the speaker/demonstrator commences at 10.15am. Enquiries to Judy Farrar on 01748 824514

THURSDAY 8TH MAY - GILLING WEST AND DISTRICT GARDENING SOCIETY This month we have John Foley, the 2012 BBC Young Gardener of the Year coming from Holden Clough Nurseries. He will bring some plants to sell as well as speak. Tickets £2. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month in the Village Hall, and start at 7.30pm, going on until 9.15-9.30pm. For more information please ring Susan Wallis on 01748 518575 www.gillinggardeners.weebly.com

SUNDAY 11TH MAY TOWER CAFÉ CAKE STALL AFTER THE 10AM SERVICE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE DISABILTY ACCESS TOILET FUND. ORDERS CAN BE TAKEN IN ADVANCE BY JOYCE ON 825604.

MONDAY 19TH MAY - SWALE WOMENS INSTITUTE - THE SCOUT HUT ON QUAKER LANE AT 2PM– Swale WI AGM and Social. Visitors are always welcome. Any questions please contact Alayne Saville on 850528.

SUNDAY 25TH MAY, FUN-KEY CHURCH @ ST MARYS RICHMOND COFFEE AND ACTIVITIES 3.40PM, 4PM START OF THE SERVICE. This

is a very relaxed service lasting approximately 45 mins with hymns, songs, stories, prayers, crafts, activities and a warm welcome. Fun, faith and fellowship for all ages. Any queries please call Gillian on 07592016476

TUESDAY 27TH MAY - MOTHERS’ UNION - THERE WILL BE NO MEETING IN MAY WED 28TH MAY - HUDSWELL GARDEN CLUB AT 7.30PM £2 HUDSWELL VILLAGE Wild Flower Walk in Foxglove Covert (for members). £2. Meet at the Village Hall 1.30pmFor more information please contact Babs Walton (Chairman) on 850884.

SUNDAY 1ST JUNE FROM 1PM - CHRISTIANS TOGETHER IN RICHMOND PICNIC IN THE PARK MON 2ND JUNE at 7PM - DEANERY SYNOD OPEN MEETING WITH BISHOP JAMES - everyone is encouraged to attend this meeting at Colburn Hall.

SAT 14TH JUNE 2014 AT 6PM - THE INSTALLATION OF THE REVEREND CANON JOHN DOBSON AS DEAN OF RIPON IN WEST YORKSHIRE AND THE DALES.

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Saturday 3rd May 2014 5 – 6.30pm The Choral Workshop sings: Ahoy! Sing for the Mary Rose and Sea Shanties.

Tickets will go on sale in April £6 Adults, £5 concessions with accompanied under 16s free.

Please contact Sandra Johnson on 01748 821372 to reserve your tickets.

Choral Workshops began taking place at St Marys Church in 2004 when friends, family and the church community gathered to sing together for the Ruth Gedye’s memorial service.

This workshop will once again be led by Musical Director, Carol Gedye.

Our 10th Anniversary Workshop is themed around light hearted sea shanties and a special work ‘Ahoy! Sing for the Mary Rose’ written by Alexander L’Estrange, who also wrote Zimbe, which the workshop performed a number of years ago.

Marking our anniversary, the workshop will also be singing a number of songs that were of particular meaning to Ruth and her family, that we have performed at previous events.

The Workshop will bring together over 80 singers and musicians of all levels. A children’s choir of young people from the schools in Richmond will also be performing some of their own pieces and joining in with Ahoy!

FUN-KEY CHURCH @ ST MARY’S RICHMOND Our April Fun-Key Church service was on Sunday 27th when we looked at Doubting Thomas and it being ok to ask questions and then build up our trust and relationship with God. Fun-Key Church is a very relaxed and informal service, where everyone, whether young or old, on own or with a brood, used to church or never been to church, can come along and take part in the things they feel happy doing and also just sit and be calm and quiet and enjoy the atmosphere with a coffee. It really is fun, faith and fellowship for all ages. See blogs for more images and info http://funkeychurchatstmarysrichmond.wordpress.com/ , find us on Facebook or tweet @fun_keychurch. Gillian 07592016476 Helpers are always welcome, and as Fun-Key Church is for all ages and not just for children, if you are perhaps concerned that you might “not be good with children” then fear not, there are many more adults than children!

NEXT SERVICE IS SUNDAY 25TH MAY 2014 @ 4PM Fun, Faith and Fellowship for All Ages 8

HOME-START RICHMONDSHIRE Perhaps you sometimes wonder about being a volunteer with Home-Start? I will be honest and say being a volunteer with Home-Start is not always easy. The nature of what we do means that we are supporting families, when there are stresses or difficulties in their lives. We offer 2- 3 hours each week of practical and emotional support in the family’s home. We may be supporting a single parent family; or a family with illness, disability or additional needs; or parents who are inexperienced; or where there is poor mental health or isolation. What we are is a parent supporting a parent through a difficult time. What we are not are child development specialists, taxis, cleaners or child minders!

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Home-Start and we hope that we value them highly.

We look for people who are compassionate, recognise that we are not all the same and have a willingness to support others. Each volunteer attends a Preparation Course – a very interesting and thought provoking course that prepares you to be a Home-Start volunteer. Being a Home-Start volunteer means being confidential about everything to do with the family you are supporting. After the training, when supporting a family, the Co-ordinator, Kerry Ellis, meets with you for a one to one support meeting at least every 6 weeks, more if needed and she is always available at the end of the phone to offer support and advice. There are also Volunteer Support groups held every 3 months – these are an opportunity to get together with other volunteers.

One volunteer said recently, “I would just like to say that I think Home Start is a fantastic organisation doing brilliant work to help and support families and I would recommend becoming a volunteer to anyone who can spare the time as it is so rewarding.”

We are recruiting volunteers to start a Preparation Course later in the year. If you are interested in finding out more information or would like to meet Kerry for an informal chat please ring 01748 850079 or 07813 275345 or email Kerry at Kerry@homestartrichmondshire.org.uk.

Hutchinson Richmond and Gilling Trust Did you know that if you live in: Richmond, Gilling West, Eppleby, Eryholme, South Cowton, North Cowton, West Layton, Hutton Magna, Cliffe, or Barton, you may be eligible for a small grant towards:Educational courses, Necessary medical equipment Household appliances, And many other expenses.

For further information, please contact either Mrs C Wiper Gentry (Clerk to the Trusts) 3 Smithson Close, Moulton, Richmond DL10 6QP, or the Rector.

STOREHOUSE Thank you to all who support the Storehouse Foodbank with donations left in the large box at the back of church. Your contributions of in date food are much appreciated.

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Christian Aid Week 11-17 May 2014

This year’s Christian Aid Week theme is peace and reconciliation.

In some of the toughest places in the world, Christian Aid is helping people caught up in conflict to get the basics: medical care, water, food, shelter.

When the fighting stops, Christian Aid is still there, helping communities walk the long road to recovery, from building homes where families can feel safe to making sure people who have lost everything can earn a living again but Christian Aid also works to tackle the causes, not just the consequences of conflict.

Once again we need plenty of volunteers to distribute envelopes and collect them in again between 11 – 17 May. Towards the end of April we will put a list of streets at the back of church and would like people to sign up to collect from a street or streets of their choice during Christian Aid Week. If you haven’t collected before please don’t be shy. Come and speak to Anne Simpson or Judith Barber and we will answer any questions you may have.

Last year the Richmond churches together collected £3,527.19p during Christian Aid Week, of which £1,561.71p was collected by St Mary’s church volunteers, which is an excellent amount to have raised between us. It would be good if we could equal or better this in 2014!

Katherine Hogg, a representative from Christian Aid will be speaking at the 10.00am service at St Mary’s on Sunday 4th May to give us more insight into the valuable work they do – but they need our help and support especially during Christian Aid Week.

Judith Barber, Christian Aid Coordinator for Richmond Anne Simpson, Christian Aid Representative for St Mary’s Church DAYOUT! is a day that everyone linked to a church can enjoy. It will be in Harrogate - a place people really do come to for a good day out! Every church can bring people to be together, have a picnic or lunch out in a café and try out at least one new experience each to reflect on back home. This is a day to share with your family!

Some or all of your day can be spent experiencing Messy Church, Sweaty Church, Café Church, Mission Action Planning, Rural Festival Planning, Forest Church, Flashmob Choir, Interactive Street Art or see the programme on-line!)

Most sessions will be run by over one hundred volunteers just as they are at home in churches from our Diocese. (Please come and say hello to Gillian who will be at St Peter’s holding a Social Media workshop). You choose your own busy or lazy programme! St Peter’s will be a central prayer zone and other church buildings will host other sessions and experiences. As mission comes from the heart of God, the prayer zone is the one place everyone should experience during the day, even if it is just for twenty minutes.

Reservations for individual experiences can be made on Eventbrite from the link on the website www.visionformission.info, so if there is something particular you want to make sure you have a space for, please use that facility. Use Eventbrite to get a general ticket even if you don’t know exactly what you will pop into yet.

See you there!

Karin Shaw Fresh Expressions Adviser, Ripon and Leeds Diocese PS Claire and Gillian are going to this Day. Please contact us for more information.

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All in the month of MAY. It was‌..

50 years ago:- on 28th May 1964 that the Palestine Liberation Organisation was founded.

30 years ago:- on 8th May 1984 that the Thames Flood Barrier in London was officially opened.

Also 30 years ago:- on 19th May 1984 that John Betjeman, British poet laureate, died.

Also 30 years ago:- on 28th May 1984 that Eric Morecambe, British comedian, died.

20 years ago:- on 6th May 1994 that the Channel Tunnel linking England and France was officially opened.

20 years ago:- on 10th May 1994 that Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first black president after more than 300 years of white rule.

15 years ago:- on 1st May 1999 that the body of British mountaineer George Mallory was found on Mount Everest. He had been missing since June 1924.

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March started with us celebrating World Book Day on 6th March with our next DEAR day – drop everything and read.

Everyone came to school dressed as a book character and a number of activities took place – including Year 6 children writing to the author David Walliams to “critique” his writing style!

This is usually the month when parents are officially invited into school to meet with teachers to discuss how their children are getting along. This time our school governors decided to put together a questionnaire to find out parents views and we were delighted at the overwhelmingly positive support we received from parents. We all work together in our school family – children, staff, people at home – and it is good to be able to gauge how we are getting on.

Sporting-wise we have had an extremely successful term with a whole range of events going on.

The school entered a strong term for the gymnastics tournament, who worked incredibly hard to learn some tricky routines. Against some tough opposition, the team put on a great show to finish second in the competition. The year 3 and 4s competed in the first round of Swaledale Football League. The team got off to a difficult start, but dug deep and worked together to turn things around, winning two of their final three games. Consequently, the team now progresses to the next round, which takes place after Easter. Following the success of the hockey teams last term, we progressed to the North Yorkshire finals held at St Olave’s School in York. The team played exceptionally well, finishing second in their group to qualify for the play off. After a tough game, we narrowly missed out on a chance to play in the Northern finals, losing only on penalties to Red House School, Sunderland.

Great thanks go to all the staff who work together and support each other to make all these events possible by training, accompanying children and covering classes while other staff are out.

This month also saw the launch of our new website. Again a number of staff and governors have worked together on this and I think they have done a great job.

Please take a look if you have a moment as it is full of all the things we get up to (as are these articles, of course!), but also include some lovely photographs of activities in school - www.richmondcofe.n-yorks.sch.uk.

Now every article I write seems to have some “baby” news – and this is no exception! Except... I can report the first baby girl born in the last six years! We know you will join with us in congratulating Hannah Melling–Orton and her family on the birth of her baby girl who arrived on 25th March. Mrs Goundry started her maternity leave on the last day of term and I look forward to letting you know about the new addition to her family soon.

On the penultimate day of term we held our Easter Service at St Mary’s church.

Once again it was a lovely, calming end to the term, gathering together as a Church School family to reflect on the Easter story. The children all enjoy contributing their prayers for the Easter Cross and seeing it in church.

With good wishes from everyone at Richmond Church of England Primary School.

Alexa Barber, Assistant Head Teacher

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HEAD VERGER

Congratulations to Leonard Scrafton who has been appointed Head Verger. The many duties can only be done as part of a team. Please contact Leonard if you are interested in being part of that team. A warm thank you to those of you who have already expressed an interest.

The Rector and churchwardens would like to express their thanks to Dennis Stedman, ably assisted by Christine, who has performed this role so efficiently for the past few years.

Say thank you How do you send your thanks to someone?

The traditional handwritten thank-you note has been replaced by an altogether more modern concept – the texted smiley face emoticon, that pictorial representation of a face using punctuation marks. Nowadays, 22 per cent of us express our gratitude in this way, as compared with 18 per cent who send a letter (66 percent send an email).

The survey, by the Cash For Kids charity, also looked in the origin of emoticons. It found that the New York Times published a transcript of an 1862 Abraham Lincoln speech that includes the text “applause and laughter ;)”but there is debate over whether it is a representation of a winking face or just a typing error.

I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the ‘Sponsor-a-Hymn’ event in aid of the Amala children’s home and my work there. I was overwhelmed by your generosity and kindness. Rev John was a superb auctioneer, Colin Hicks did a fantastic job as usual with the choir and Andrew Christer gave two virtuoso performances on the organ.

Thank you also to Susan Scrafton and the Mothers’ Union for the raffle and Dennis and Christine Steadman who organised the refreshments. Special mention goes to Alexe and Jonathan Finlay who very generously provided the most amazing cookies from Angel Share bakery. Special thanks also to Chelsea Morison who sang a duet with me. It was a very enjoyable evening, singing our favourite hymns and listening to our favourite anthems.

Altogether we raised just over £1000 – amazing!!

Sophie

Mothers Union - there will be no meeting in May.

A date for your diary is our annual MU family BBQ which will take place on Friday 4th July at 6-30pm at Susan and Leonard’s home, where every one is most welcome.

Susan Scrafton 13

RECTOR’S REPORT 2014 This year has been another interesting and challenging year in the life of our two communities, Richmond and Hudswell.

During the year your ministry team has continued to work together and the balance of experience, wisdom and energy has been a delight and I am so grateful to all the team.

This year Gillian Lunn has started her training for the reader ministry and we look forward to her joining the ministry team. The links with the CofE Primary school and St Francis Xavier School continue to grow and it has been a pleasure to work closely with the staff of both schools. We take collective worship every Wednesday at the Primary school and it is a joy when the school community comes to St Mary’s for all their major services. At SFX Antony and I lead bi–weekly voluntary worship and bi-monthly year Eucharist services. We also help to lead the major services held in school. Members of the congregation are also involved in many ways in the life of both schools, including being school governors. It is important that the link is not just in word but in action and it is lovely to see so many members of the church involved in significant roles in school.

However, whilst all this is valuable and an opportunity to work in the wider church, I believe that parish ministry is about being involved in the community in God’s name and I have enjoyed becoming involved in many aspects. Being trustee of various local charities, including the YMCA and RCVS has helped me to understand the needs of the community in which we serve. As chaplain to the Richmond Town Mayor and leader of the Richmond District council, I have witnessed the amount of hard work and dedication many of our local councillors give for the benefit of our communities.

Ministry of our churches through Occasional Offices is as busy as ever.

In 2013 we had: Funerals 55 Weddings 16 Baptisms 30 Confirmation 9 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Worship in Richmond Our pattern of services has become established offering the opportunity for all ages and traditions to worship, from BCP to our Fun-Key church.

It is a joy to see so many people coming together on their journey of faith.

The development of a worship pattern which reaches out to the whole community is clearly a continuing challenge to us all. As I wrote last year, there are inevitably differences of approach, demands and working practices involved in such an outgoing parish church as St Mary’s. I thank you and encourage you all to give thanks to God for the way in which the Holy Spirit is enabling us to work together in his name. Let us remember, before we complain about “this, that or the other”, that we are all God’s disciples working for him, with love and grace - not competing but working together.

Worship is key in our church ministry and we are blessed with exceptional musical talent in our robed choir, led by Colin Hicks, and Anacrusis and Upbeat, led by Carol Gedye. Colin and Carol work tirelessly to maintain and develop our singers and instrumentalists.

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There are still many people for whom St Mary’s does not seem a source of spiritual nurture. In 2014 it is hoped to reform a Worship Team whose remit will be to look at the whole pattern of worship which is offered, making appropriate recommendations to the PCC. Worship in Hudswell This year has been increasingly difficult and during the year it was decided to open the parish church for major services only. In addition we launched Fun-Key in the Village Hall. The hope was that after an initial period of concentrated support by our FK team, people in Hudswell would take it forward – their service for their village. This has, sadly, not proved to be the case and despite initial offers of support, only one family has been able to consistently come to the service.

Following Dave Wilkinson’s resignation as churchwarden, after many years of wonderful service to the church, to date, no-one from Hudswell has offered to stand as churchwarden or indeed be part of a team to look after the day to day needs of the church. The future of St Michael & all Angels will have to be discussed and prayed through as we try to discern the best way forward.

I would like to thank Julia Robertson for her efforts to help with the heavy administrative and financial burden of such a busy group. Claire Murray has taken on the role of parish administrator and assistant treasurer and we thank her for her hard work in already tightening things up.

The Churchwardens and Treasurer once again enabled the ministry in our two communities to function and I would like to personally thank them for their hard work.

Finally my thanks to my colleague and friend Rev Antony. We have been blessed by his growing ministry and we pray for him and Debbie as he discerns the next move in his ministry.

I finish my report as I always do, because I feel it is so relevant today. God has blessed us with the gift of so many talents and skills and it really is exciting to look to the future, to discern his will for us and his church. Let us use those gifts to reach out to the community in his name.

John Chambers RECTOR

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT A finance team was appointed to assist the Treasurer with day-to-day tasks.

Claire Murray took over from Julia Robertson as Parish administrator.

Research was undertaken into chancel repair liability, but no properties were found to incur it.

Residents in the Richmond care homes and sheltered accommodation complexes, and patients in the Friary Hospital, were all visited regularly with Holy Communion; bereaved families were visited regularly after the funeral.

An informal bereavement support group in the form of a coffee meeting was 15

inaugurated.

Claire Murray and Julia Robertson attended a Mission Shaped Ministry Course, which aims to support those leading a Fresh Expression of Church.

Gillian Lunn has begun training to be a Reader.

The Fun-Key Church service in Richmond was continued after the previous successful year.

Bi-monthly services in Hudswell Church were discontinued, but Christmas, Mothering Sunday, Easter and Harvest are to be observed, and baptisms, weddings and funerals take place there.

After consultation with the villagers, the Fun-Key Church service in Hudswell was discontinued in favour of a service of All-Age Worship in the village hall.

A much-appreciated exhibition of knitted Bible character tableaux was held, raising £600.

A thanksgiving service took place on the anniversary of the stewardship campaign.

Andy Macey’s generous contribution in time and effort to the appearance of the churchyard was recognized by presenting him with a token of St Mary’s gratitude.

Representations were made to the Richmondshire District Council for an extended period of parking on Sunday mornings at the Station Road car park, but received a negative response.

A more powerful loop system for digital hearing aids, and a new lapel microphone, were installed, funded by grants from the Town Council and the Friends of St Mary’s.

A votive candle stand was obtained as the focus of a prayer area in church.

Additional kneelers were provided for the altar rails.

Repairs were completed to the choir screen friezes.

New ramps were obtained for access to the building for the disabled.

The Diocesan Advisory Committee approved the submitted plans for toilet facilities for the disabled and for a baby-change facility.

A fund-raising drive for the toilet facility was inaugurated.

An exceptional number of services and events took place in church over the Christmas period, welcoming into the building many local people who normally never attend church.

The two-tier wooden framework supporting the bells needs reassessment since it is 118 years old, and the bells urgently require turning to prevent cracking of the metal. A project timescale is being explored by the bell ringers.

Planning is continuing for: A head verger being sought to lead a vergers’ team The Carr family’s wish to commemorate Katherine Carr’s long involvement with St Mary’s Jennifer Patrick PCC Secretary

CHURCHWARDENS’ REPORT Greetings from the Churchwarden team - Wardens Roy Morel and David Frankton, 16

assistant wardens Janet Morel and Judith McLeod.

St Mary’s comes into its own when Richmond uses its parish church. This was particularly true at Christmas when we had a record breaking month of carol services, concerts, weddings and other events.

During this time we met to say a fond farewell to John Blenkiron. John’s many interests and connections were represented by the several hundred people shoehorned into St Mary’s. John served on several occasions as Churchwarden of St Mary’s and at St Michaels building up an encyclopedic fund of information which he was always ready to share. This included initiating yours truly into the gentle art of bow-tie tying. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The increasing use of the church for community activities continues to give the general public the opportunity to use the building and its facilities. This is not without its problems and challenges. Matching the expectations and demands of users and coping with the logistics of staging, seating and catering can be difficult. Turning the building from a concert hall on Saturday evening back into a church again for services on Sunday morning can be hard work. Thank you to all who have helped to make this possible during the past year. It’s certainly appreciated by all concerned.

Giving full access to the building and its facilities by everyone is taken very seriously. This has developed with the plans for the disabled access toilet scheme. Thank you to John Dickinson and his team for setting up this project. Plans have been drawn up, faculties granted and the task of fundraising has begun.

We are moving forward in the appointment of a head verger. The post has been advertised and interviews are about to take place. The first task of the newly appointed person it to recruit and train the members of the vergers team. Ideally we want to ensure that there is a verger on duty at all main services and events in St Mary’s. They have an important role to play in the front of house organization. These volunteers must come from within our congregation. If you feel you can help please speak to the head verger, churchwardens or the Rector. We need your help, please don’t simply rely on others.

Roy and Janet have survived their first year on the team. Thank you for all the time you spend, especially dealing with matters when I’m at work. Recently Judith has joined the members of the choir and has reluctantly decided not to stand for re election at the annual meeting. Thank you for all your hard work, and good luck in the choir stalls.

In May I had an operation which left me with my right arm in a sling for several weeks and a total of three months away from work. Thank you to everyone who helped. Your prayers and practical help and encouragement were very much appreciated. I’m pleased to report that I’m now fully recovered.

We look forward with confidence to next year with its opportunities and challenges.

David Frankton Churchwarden

ESTATES REPORT It’s been another year of continued repairs and maintenance.

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The sound system has been improved and adapted to allow extra equipment to be connected especially during the monthly Fun-Key church meetings. The hearing aid loop has been updated to cope with the requirements of digital hearing aid users. A special thank you to Roy Morel for organizing the work and to Joy Hornsby who patiently tested every pew to ensure that the system is working fully.

The heating system has received attention from our engineers and is now working fully after a delay waiting for spare parts. The three boilers, installed seven years ago, have now officially been christened Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

Repairs to the fretwork above the Easby choir stalls are now completed after careful restoration by a local carpenter. This has greatly improved the appearance of this historic part of the church.

Maintenance of the churchyard is the responsibility of the Town Council. Assisted by Richmond Pride and a visit from the Ghurkhas they continue to work hard to improve the appearance of the area. We are very grateful to all concerned.

Planned work for next year include the installation of gates at the top of the steps into the Green Howards’ Chapel and improving the lighting around the choir stalls and the high altar. The recent boiler service highlighted the need for a full inspection of the gas meter and pipe work much of which is hidden. This will require the removal of a section of floor around the meter at the back of the building.

Outside, the Town Council are planning the removal of a dangerous tree in the Churchyard and urgent repairs to the retaining wall at the end of Church Wynd.

Since its formation the Estates Team has developed several very successful new projects. However, the responsibility for some aspects of ongoing maintenance seem to be unclear. It would be useful to establish areas of responsibility for a planned maintenance system.

David Frankton Churchwarden

BELL TOWER REPORT We have had a number of changes in the belfry over the last year and we have managed to maintain our tradition of Sunday morning ringing. We continue to maintain our busy teaching schedule, with our newest recruits Ollie, Alastair, James and Andrew joining our more experienced band. Many thanks go to Keith for his hard work in making the silencers for the bells that have enabled us to teach the boys. This year we have also welcomed Michael, who is now ringing for services, and Tim P, who learnt to ring before he moved into the area but has rung his first quarter peal with us. Tim H has left us to go to university, and we are privileged to have supplied, in Tim, a ringer for St Paul's Cathedral.

We continue to practice on Tuesday nights and 3 of our ringers have been trained using the new national programme for teaching ringing, the ITTS. Sue M has rung a first quarter peal and a number of our other ringers have completed their own 'firsts'. We continue to be active in ringing in the local area, as Susan has taken over as branch chair, and for a while our tower hosted the rather impressive Yorkshire Association cup, 18

won by a branch team including 3 Richmond ringers. Glenys continues to be an active social secretary. This year's events have included a traditional ringing trip to the Lancashire border and a (less traditional!) film and snooker night.

In addition to our usual activities, we began last year to investigate the condition of the bells and the bell frame. As a result of this we have begun planning a bell project which involves replacing our over 100 years old bell-frame with one that is safer and easier to maintain. Representatives of the ringers have met with the PCC to begin to plan a way forward and we are excited by the prospect of a new ring of 8 bells, with better sound proofing, to protect local residents, and an electronic clock and chiming system. We are also considering what we can do with our oldest bells, one of which is 500 years old and four of which are from the 17th and 18th centuries, and all of which have been as well tuned as is possible. A group of ringers has begun meeting to plan the way forward.

All this has made 2013 an exciting year to be in the bell tower, with 2014 promising to be more of the same. My thanks go to everyone who supports the tower, whether by ringing or in other ways, particularly to Peter who continues as an able and enthusiastic steeple keeper and flag raiser!

Susan Welch Tower Captain

CHRISTIANS TOGETHER IN RICHMOND REPORT John Chambers chaired the group through the year with John Dickinson as Secretary and Roy Bebbington as Treasurer. Rev Keith Bamford departed for a chapel in Derbyshire and was warmly thanked for his contribution.

Lent 2013. A course on ‘Vocation’ was followed in the Lent Study Groups. Daily prayers took place in Holy Trinity in Holy Week with 7-8 people attending per day. The Walk of Witness on Good Friday was well attended and included a street drama “Voices from the Crowd” in the Market Square, which attracted an appreciative audience.22 Food Store. CTIR supported the Influence Church in collecting and distributing food to those in need. Food items were collected and contributed from the various churches without any attempt to ‘compete’.

Poverty in Richmond. Throughout the year there were discussions on this, including a presentation by Cllr Stuart Parsons. Members have been surprised at the extent of poverty locally. There was also a presentation on “Safe and Sound Homes” by Sarah Ware. This highlighted the problem of homelessness and plans are in place for a “Sleepout” at St Mary’s to draw further attention to this.

Christian Aid Week. A total of £3527.19 was collected.

Picnic Lunch. Another successful Picnic Lunch was held on 7 July.

Street Chaplaincy. There were presentations on this from a couple from the Garrison, but further action was not taken after their departure for Scotland. A contact list of people interested in this in our area is available with the Secretary.

Alpha Course. There was no course in September because of Keith Hall’s illness, but 19

a course was begun on 15 Jan 2014. Though with strong backing from CTIR, the course is being run by the King’s Church.

Holy Trinity Church. The meetings at Holy Trinity were curtailed by the renovation works taking place in the building. This meant there were no ‘First Thursday Prayers’ in the New Year, there was no programme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and Holy Week prayers will not be held at HT. Because of structures in the Curtilage, there will not be a street drama this year, though it may well be a feature in the future.

Keswick Convention. There is a plan to arrange a bus for a joint visit to the Convention on 16 July 2014.

John Dickinson Secretary

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM REPORT We remember with gratitude, John Blenkiron, a long-standing and greatly valued member of the Team, who died earlier this year.

The following activities have taken place: In the previous 12 months the full Communication Team met twice. A sub-group was set up and has met twice to consider a number of website development.

Details of Sunday services are published each week in the Darlington & Stockton Times and special events are printed in the monthly What’s On in Richmond. The monthly entries for the national website, A Church Near You continue as usual; uploading items has been problematic for several months but is now resolved.

Special events, e.g. exhibitions and concerts, inter-denominational services and agape, study-groups, the Lent study programme, bellringing and embroiderers’ activities and the more recent Fun-Key Church activities are advertised on the parish website, the Richmond Online website, in the local tourist information office and in the local press.

The magazine team continues to involve a considerable number of the congregation in its various activities: compilation, printing, collating, distribution and advertising. About 400 magazines are printed for distribution every month to homes, care homes, churches, tourist accommodation, hotels, and libraries in the local community.

The Team is pleased to continue its association with the local printing firm, Richmond Print.

Special thanks go to four members of the team: to David Frankton for the major contribution he makes to the church’s ministry behind the scenes by printing in-house the monthly magazine, the weekly pew-sheets, notices and almost all the other printing for special church services and events; to Frank Gibbon for continuing the onerous and time-consuming task of organising magazine advertising; St Mary's parish website is a source of information for the congregation, the local community, and the wider public. It has links to Facebook, Twitter and other websites, is well used and includes: a brief history of our churches; interesting things to see in St Mary’s; details of services; facilities; events; resources; excellent photographs and a location map. For the last nine years the website has been hosted by Andrew Russell 20

whose web design business, Moonburst is very well known.

Parish website address: www.richmondhudswellparish.org.uk The national website ‘A Church Near You ’ lists 217 churches in the Ripon & Leeds diocese including the four in our own benefice (St Mary’s, Richmond; St Michael & All Angels, Hudswell; St Michael & All Angels, Downholme; St Edmund’s, Marske). Details of all weekly and occasional services in the four churches are given on the national website: A Church Near You website address: www.achurcyhnearyou.com Sheila Harrisson Chairman

DEANERY SYNOD REPORT Three meetings were held in Colburn Church Hall and one at St Francis Xavier School in Richmond. The latter, which was addressed by acting Bishop of Pontefract Tony Robinson attracted a large number from local congregations. It was held to explain and answer questions about the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales which will be founded at Easter 2014..

The main topics discussed during the year, and votes taken when appropriate were: Women in the Episcopate; Proposals and progress regarding the configuration of a single Diocese to include the existing Diocese of Ripon & Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield; The Diocesan Council for Commission; Mission Resourcing Team & Rural Task Group, both providing assistance for parishes.

Sheila Harrisson Deanery Synod representative

ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER REPORT Every few years the Roll is ‘scrapped’ and a new one prepared, and this happened in 2013. 169 people registered, which meant we ‘lost’ over 60 people, mostly people we see regularly just not filling in the form! We do accept updates throughout the year – much better than amending a newly printed one after the AGM. This includes changes of name/address/telephone and email. Forms are in the black box on the long table at the back of church, or just email me your amendments. susan.wallis@talktalk.net Susan Wallis Electoral Roll Officer

THE FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S REPORT During the year we have looked at the Constitution and the aims and objectives of the Friends of St Mary’s. Membership is open to all those who are on the Electoral Roll and by assisting with the general upkeep and maintenance of the church, its activities and services, we are seeking to bind together in common fellowship all those who love the Parish Church.

The Friends have been involved over the year with a summer concert by the Military WAGS Catterick, Muker Band, Welcome Christmas and the Cambrai Band concert. We 21

are very grateful for their time, effort and entertainment and for the proceeds they so generously gave to the Friends.

Amongst other things their money has been used to provide cushions around the altar rail, flower pedestals, the Christingle service oranges, candles etc. and to upgrade the loop system.

We once again held a successful BBQ and Margaret Emmerson organised several interesting bus trips. We were able to support the Knitted Bible Exhibition and we have pledged to support the Disability Access Fund. As we said last year the committee is always looking for new members and new ideas so please speak to either Susan Wallis (Secretary) 518575 or Liz Chambers (Chair) 821241.

Liz Chambers Chairman

MONDAY MORNING TODDLER GROUP REPORT Gathering about 10am in the Methodist Church Halls we enjoy a time of fun and friendship for any children aged between 0 and 5 years old and their adult carer. Tea, coffee, juice, fruit and healthy snacks await and flow throughout, and even more important a warm welcome is guaranteed.

Manned by an enthusiastic and loving team made up of ladies from both Richmond Methodist Church and St Mary’s Church, helpers include Joy Hornsby, Freda Dykes, Liz Chambers, Jennifer Patrick, Gillian, Margaret Andrews, Susan Scrafton and Edna Roberts. More helpers would be appreciated to help cover times when we all have the inevitable outside commitment or illness.

Free flow play with a variety of toys for a variety of ages is followed by singing, stories, action games and fun.

Numbers vary between 15 children and 25 depending on the weather and time of year, and special gatherings have included celebrating Christmas and Easter with seasonal parties, summer in the park and cake when it is children’s birthdays.

The time spent with each other, enjoying each other’s company, encouragement and the space to do it in such a friendly way is invaluable. We know the children gain lots, but so too the adults as they find people with similar concerns, joys and thoughts as each other.

Gillian Lunn

ST MARY'S PARISH CHURCH CHOIR REPORT 2013 was another interesting year during which we supported worship at St. Mary’s in all its various forms. The Choir is particularly strong at the moment with the Treble section probably as good as they have ever been. The commitment from all members of the choir continues to amaze me and the dedication, especially of the younger end of the choir, far surpasses that enjoyed by many organisations for young people both within and outside the church family.

The RSCM observation that choirs are often overlooked when work with young people of the church is discussed still mainly holds true, but there is an increasing realisation, if rather late in the day, that the Junior Choir fulfils a very important role socially as well as musically and will most definitely have nurtured members who will be lifelong churchgoers.

Fashions come and go, but the tradition of Evensong stands firm. With 600 years worth of music to choose from, and a universal familiarity (does what it says on the 22

tin, I believe the phrase is). This is always a highlight of our month and gives us, the musicians, a chance to play a full part in the worship through the medium of music.

There are few churches in the area who are able to provide a Cathedral standard evensong on a monthly basis, as recognised by many of the RSCM external personnel. We are proud of this ability and use it to further the musical standards of all those involved.

I would like to recognise all those who assist me in maintaining the musical tradition of the choir and maintaining its high standards, you all know who you are, and thank you. I couldn’t do it without your support week in, week out.

We look forward to another year of music making and to continue to support the worship in whatever way will enrich the experience for all involved.

Colin Hicks Church Music Director

ST MARY’S MOTHERS’ UNION REPORT Mothers’ Union has had a good year, starting as ever with our annual party with entertainment by Dalesfolk.

We are very pleased to have welcomed new members and regular visitors to our meetings. Topics have ranged from updates on the Buy Buy Childhood campaign and Jan Gracey’s work in Cambodia to Bee Keeping and Archery.

We also take our turn in saying the Midday Prayers at Ripon Cathedral and of course this is always followed by a lovely lunch at the Deanery!

We held our annual BBQ which raised £880 and gave donations to the Diocesan holiday home at Filey, Prayer Network and Overseas Mission. We fund the books given to children at their baptism and funded the prayer cubes that are given out on Sunday mornings for use during services. We also support the Make a Mothers Day and help transform lives campaign.

We have earmarked £250 to fund the baby change unit in the disabled access facilities, we have also held a raffle to support Sophie Overin in her forthcoming trip to the Amala children’s project in India.

Thanks must go to Liz Chambers our very able treasurer who keeps our finances in such good order and to Christine Stedman and Margaret Emmerson for their support on the committee.

Margaret Emmerson has been a member of MU for over 40 years and served as Enrolling Member, Branch Leader, Secretary and latterly on the committee. Margaret is now taking a well earned rest and standing down from the committee. We thank Margaret for all her hard work and dedication to Mothers Union and are pleased that she will still be attending meetings and can be called upon for advice.

We also thank our Rector, Rev John Chambers and Rev Antony for their unfailing support and membership of the Mothers Union.

Susan Scrafton

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ST MARY’S WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP REPORT St Mary’s Richmond Women’s Fellowship continues to thrive. We moved to new larger premises with better facilities at the Town Hall where we settled in very happily. The past year has been interesting and varied with a rich variety of speakers. In keeping with our affiliation to St Mary’s we held our traditional service at Easter and the Carol Concert at Christmas.

Last July we were unable to make our annual visit to Marrick. However, we spent a very happy time in glorious sunshine at Eileen’s home in Richmond where we enjoyed the afternoon with tea and cakes in the garden.

We continue to be a happy, relaxed and caring group enjoying good friendship and fellowship together which culminates in our Annual Christmas Party. We welcomed two new members this year.

We meet at 2pm in the Town Hall on the 3rd Wednesday of every month excluding July and August. We are always pleased to welcome new friends and visitors.

Eileen Simms Convenor

STUDY GROUP REPORT Thursday Study Group The Group meets every Thursday throughout the year at 1 Roper Court, Richmond, at 7.30 pm.

This is a relaxed informal and lively group, where everyone is encouraged to contribute, but no one need speak if they would rather not. We learn from each other, from our reading of the Bible, our experiences of God, our doubts and our lives, and we find mutual support in our faith. We also laugh a lot!

At the beginning of last year we discussed ‘Jesus Through Middle-Eastern Eyes’, by Kenneth E.Bailey, which opened our eyes to everyday life in the world of the New Testament, and especially clarified the parables and teaching of Jesus.

Later in 2013, and after the new year, we studied Meet the Holy Spirit and The Fruit of the Spirit, two selections of Bible readings taken from ‘Guidelines’, published by The Bible Reading Fellowship.

New members are always welcome.

Jennifer Patrick

TREASURER'S REPORT The Treasurer's Report will be available in St Mary's Church before the Annual Meeting.

UPBEAT ORCHESTRA AND ANACRUCIS REPORT The Upbeat Orchestra and Anacrusis Choir continue to lead the musical content of the All Age Worship services, which are usually on the third Sunday of each month. In addition, the Christingle and Crib services are highlights of the Advent and Christmas season, along with an annual Carol singing expedition around the town. We rehearse on the Friday evening immediately prior to the service, and several times a year follow this with a social event. These have included pizza parties, fish and chips and games on The Batts, BBQs and meals out in local restaurants.

Three of our really experienced players left Upbeat to go to University last summer, 24

leaving a big hole. However following a recruitment drive we have a few new members, and we are enjoying watching them learn how to play in the orchestra. A couple of these players are above Grade 5 standard, the rest are around about the Grade 1 mark – we all have to start somewhere!

The Pre Grade 4 rehearsal for these players has been reinstated. It is a very happy and relaxed rehearsal, teaching the parts to be learnt and helping with the basics of music reading.

Anacrusis has also been joined by a few new singers who are enjoying the musicianship and friendship of the group.

We continue to take up a lot of space in church, the “Upbeat” corner and now four pews down the South Aisle too. It remains a cramped and cold area for so many to rehearse and then sing or play for the service, but there is a lot of good will in coping with the physical problems. We hope to improve this area over the next year or so.

I am very grateful for the support of so many people both in the musical groups, congregation and clergy. In particular I would like to thank Brett Overin for his excellent piano accompaniment of both ensembles, and Allan Guy for his deputy conductor services from time to time. Their musicianship and commitment is a great asset to these groups.

The strength of the Family Service/ All Age Worship seems to be that it attracts such a wide variety of individuals of different ages and different musical experiences to contribute to our worship in such a worthwhile and uplifting way.

If you would like more information about what we do, or would like to join us, do ask. We are always pleased to have new members.

Carol Gedye Musical Director.

Found On the church noticeboard: Contact lens found in church. See vicar. If you can.

Mistake A mistake is proof that someone was at least trying to accomplish something.

Hims A Cheshire vicar has two cats. Their names are Ancient and Modern – because they are both hims.

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YOU CAN PRAY BY TIM CHESTER, £9.99

If you're easily distracted when praying, you're not alone. In fact, if you struggle to pray in the first place, that's not unusual either. Tim Chester points out: 'The secret of great praying has nothing to do with human effort or skill. Lots of people would like to think that it does, because they want to make prayer an achievement.'

But the secret of great praying is knowing three things about God: that God the Father loves to hear us pray; that God the Son makes every prayer pleasing to God; that God the Holy Spirit helps us as we pray. This book looks at how we pray, the difficulties of prayer, and the arguments and priorities of prayer (what we pray).

Prayer is a child asking her father for help. And that's not beyond any one of us.

THE WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY GROUP MEET AT THE LUNN’S AT 2 HURGILL ROAD @ 7.30pm. please call Scott on 826895 for further details.

Everybody welcome to join us for cake, chat and discussion.

THE THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY GROUP AT JENNIFER PATRICK’S AT 1 ROPER COURT @ 7.30om - This is another very friendly group. Please call Jennifer on 850693 for more information.

MY FAVOURITE BIBLE VERSE - JOY HORNSBY The Book of Psalms holds many beautiful and memorable verses.

Psalm 121 v1 “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills.”

Living as we do at the top end of Richmond, we do this each morning. We can see the hills between Swaledale and Wensleydale; we can look towards the Pennines, and over to the North York Moors. Even when it is foggy, we know they are there.

Why is this verse important? Because it helps to show us something of the grandeur of God. A book by J.B.Phillips called ‘Your God is too small', and a subsequent book by John Young ‘Our God is still too small’ each remind us of the need not to limit God in any way. Yes, he is a personal God, a living presence, but like the Psalmist, Job reminds us of our finiteness compared with the creator of the world “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundations ?...... Who set its corner stone in place when the morning stars sang together?”

I remember climbing one of the lesser peaks in the Lake District. Seeing from the top, the hills laid out.

The glory of the summit Line after peering line of peaks which retreat into the distant haze.

Three valleys open to the eye, Ennerdale, Loweswater Crummock and Buttermere.

The relief map come to life.

Breathtaking, tear-making Absolute in its pure beauty.

No wonder men climb No wonder they return.

No wonder men consider God is to be found On the mountain top. " I will lift up my eyes unto the hills " 26

ST MARY’S

RICHMOND

ST MARY’S

Sunday 4th May 3rd Sunday of Easter

8AM 10AM

HOLY COMMUNION SUNG EUCHARIST

Sunday 11th May 4th Sunday of Easter

8AM 10AM 6.30PM

HOLY COMMUNION SUNG EUCHARIST CHORAL EVENSONG

Sun 18th May Green Howards Day

8am 10AM

HOLY COMMUNION ALL-AGE EUCHARSIT with UPBEAT AND ANACRUSIS GREEN HOWARDS ASSOC SERVICE

12O’CLOCK Sunday 25th May Richmond Meet

8AM 10AM 4PM

HOLY COMMUNION SUNG EUCHARIST FUN-KEY CHURCH (refreshments from 3.40pm)

EVERY WEDNESDAY

9.00AM

HOLY COMMUNION

HOLY TRINITY EVERY THURSDAY

10.30AM

HOLY COMMUNION

ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS

HUDSWELL

ST MICHAEL &ALL ANGELS

ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS

DOWNHOLME

ST MICHAEL &ALL ANGELS

Sunday 11th May

9.30AM

MORNING PRAYER

Sunday 25th May

9.30AM

HOLY COMMUNION

ST EDMUND’S

MARSKE

ST EDMUND’S

Sunday 4th May

11AM

HOLY COMMUNION

Sunday 11th May

11AM

MORNING PRAYER

Sunday 18th May

11AM

HOLY COMMUNION

Sunday 25th May

11AM

HOLY COMMUNION

Loving God, Thank you for our new diocese and the opportunities it brings to serve the people of this region. Open our eyes to its potential and our hearts to each other. In all we do, keep our focus on you, whose ways are surprising and whose welcome is wide. Amen 27

St Mary's SIDES PEOPLE 10.00 am 4TH MAY 11TH MAY 18TH MAY 25TH MAY 1ST JUNE

ACOLYTES 4TH MAY 11TH MAY 18TH MAY 25TH MAY 1ST JUNE

S GUDGEON, R MACAULAY, K ROBSON D MINNICAN, RGAZZARD, R & S WALLIS O HARRISON, C MURRAY, G & J BARBER C & J BILBROUGH, F & M GIBBON J & R MOREL, P WHEATLEY, L COPELAND

TEAM C D A B

200 CLUB WINNER April 2014 No: 189 ANN MACDONALD

FLOWERS DEBBIE KIRBY DEBBIE KIRBY MAVIS DOZEY MAVIS DOZEY JULIA ROBERTSON

COFFEE ROTA 4TH MAY R BROWN, P WHEATLEY, J BROWN 11TH MAY

B BEATHAM, A MCDONALD, C STEDMAN, A BACON

18TH MAY

M EMMERSON, GILLIAN HARDY, J BILBROUGH, J BEAUMONT

25TH MAY

C BLENKIRON, M GIBBON, R MACAULAY

1ST JUNE

J STEELE, B RIDLEY, E CHAMBERS

The deadline for the JUNE 2014 issue is 11TH MAY 2014.

Please forward any contributions to Gillian by hand or gillian.lunn@yahoo.com

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