Christian Aid

We welcome our two new curates, Nick Wells who will be based at the Minster and Sharon Boyle who will work in the Villages. Nick and Sharon were licensed on 28th June.

Nick studied theology and youth and community work at Moorlands College, graduating in 2003. He has worked as a professional youth worker in a variety of settings since then, most recently working for Bournemouth YMCA whilst completing a MA in theology at Sarum College in Salisbury after following a call to ordained ministry. Nick is married to Rev Ruth and they have three children Esme, Eden and Etienne. In his spare time Nick enjoys reading, spending time with his family and writing music.

Having you been sorting out old photos in lockdown? Do you have special memories of events and people at the Minster decades ago? We’d love to hear your stories! Sharon says: “I live in Colehill with my husband and two teenage children. Prior to the call to ordained ministry, I worked in adult and paediatric nursing both here and abroad, before moving into health and social care. For the last year, I have worked as a teaching assistant at a school for children with special needs and will continue to do this part time, being passionate about having a ‘foot in the world and a foot in the church’. Following a new rural ministry ordination pathway at Sarum College brought me to the villages two years ago, it is a privilege to continue serving here into my curacy.”

Furzehill Sunday School

There may be a small number of the current Minster Family who remember the Furzehill Sunday School. This was held in what was called the Furzehill Mission Hall, part of the Minster Ecclesiastical parish, and was situated on the right-hand side as you climb the hill into the village of Furzehill, just before the large bend. Sunday School was held there weekly with 20 plus attending and other services were also held on a regular basis. The Sunday School was formed circa 1946 by Mrs Mollie G W Large (no one in the Minster dare call her Mollie) and Mrs Catherine Vine and it continued until the late Sixties. The picture, taken in 1966, show Mrs Large standing to the

rear and Mrs Vine playing the piano. There will be a few more of the Minster family that remember that duo, both somewhat formidable ladies! Regular attendance at Sunday School was not only expected but achieved, with awards given for 100% attendance to many of the young people. A small but important part of the life and history of the Minster a few decades ago.

Francis Vine