November 2011
RECTOR’S LETTER
Dear Parishioner,
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Remembrance Sunday is traditionally observed on the second Sunday of November each year. On Sunday, 13th November, we will come to church wearing our poppies to remember those who gave their lives in war and conflict in the defence of our freedom, as these words of introduction to the Act of Remembrance remind us: We meet in the presence of God. We commit ourselves to work in penitence and faith for reconciliation between the nations, that all people may, together, live in freedom, justice and peace. We pray for all who in bereavement, disability and pain continue to suffer the consequences of fighting and terror. We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives, in world wars and conflicts past and present, have been given and taken away. Remembrance Sunday has a particular significance for us in St. Columba’s as we also remember the names of those brave young men from our Parish who served in the First World War and in the Second World War. Their names are inscribed in the wartime Roll of Honour on the two front pillars of the Nave. This year, I will include the reading of their names in the Act of Remembrance. The Churchwardens will then place the poppy wreaths on those two pillars which bear their names. The loose cash collection at that service will be given to the Royal British Legion which this year celebrates its 90th anniversary. PARISH PRAYER CHAIN The ministry provided through our Parish Prayer Chain continues to offer support and comfort to those who ask for prayers. The names are prayed for individually by the members of the Prayer Chain in their homes each day and also at the Thursday morning Holy Communion Service. A new prayer list is started on the first Sunday of each month. It is therefore essential that you: • Write the names of the people who have requested prayer on the A4 sheet beside the Prayer Box on the first Sunday of each month. • Amendments can be made to the Prayer Chain throughout the month by writing the details on the cards provided on the table and placing them in the Prayer Box. Yours in His service,
SERVICES IN NOVEMBER Thursday 3rd 10.30am
All Saints (Transferred) (White) Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry
Sunday 6th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Third Sunday before Advent (Green) Holy Communion Reader Elizabeth Miller 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 Gospel Clergy Matthew 25: 1-13 All Age Worship and Holy Baptisms followed by refreshments Reader Rebecca Burns Matthew 25: 1-13 Choral Evensong Reader Clare Best Judges 7: 2-22 Reader Clare Best John 15: 9-17 Occasional Karen McAlpine Prayers
Thursday 10th (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 13th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
Remembrance Sunday (Green) Holy Communion Reader Muriel Arndell 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11 Gospel Clergy Matthew 25: 14-30 Morning Prayer with Act of Remembrance Reader Robin Haldane Isaiah 2: 2-5 Reader Jennifer Johnston Ephesians 6: 10-17 Occasional Clergy Prayers Late Evening Office Reader Tony Greeves Luke 9: 1-6
Thursday 17th (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 20th 8.15am 9.30am 10.30am 7.00pm
The Kingship of Christ The Sunday before Advent Holy Communion Reader Carol Willis Gospel Clergy Family Communion Gospel Karen McAlpine Morning Prayer Reader Brian Gillespie Reader Liz McCaughey Occasional Clergy Prayers Holy Communion Reader Patrick Wilson Gospel Karen McAlpine
(White) Ephesians 1: 15-23 Matthew 26: 31-46 Matthew 26: 31-46 Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24 Matthew 26: 31-46
2 Samuel 23: 1-7 Matthew 28: 16-20
Thursday 24th (Green) 10.30am Holy Communion followed by refreshments in the Choir Vestry Sunday 27th 8.15am 10.30am 7.00pm
The First Sunday of Advent (Purple) Holy Communion Reader Paul Stewart 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9 Gospel Clergy Mark: 13: 24-37 Holy Communion and the lighting of the first advent candle Reader Eileen Gibson 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9 Gospel Karen McAlpine Mark: 13: 24-37 Intercessions Gina Greeves Belmont and District Council of Churches United Advent Carol Service in Belmont Presbyterian Church No Service in St. Columba’s
Readers and Intercessors: If you cannot read or lead the prayers on the appointed day, please arrange a swap with someone else on the rota and let the Churchwardens know. We are always delighted to add new names to the Rota of Readers and Intercessors. If you would wish to serve your church in this way, please contact Muriel Arndell (028 90655500). The readings are from Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary and are printed on our parish website:
www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org
PARISH PRAYER God, our Heavenly Father, make the door of our Church wide enough to welcome all who need human love, fellowship and a Father’s care; but narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and hatred. Here may the tempted find help, the sorrowing receive comfort and the penitent be assured of your mercy; and here may all your children renew their strength and go on their way in hope and joy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Bishop Thomas Ken 1637-1711
NOVEMBER SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA Sunday 6th.............................................. Jennifer Johnston and Nan Armstrong Sunday 13th............................................ Jenny and Morris Corrin Sunday 20th............................................ Brian Gillespie and Walter Peake Sunday 27th............................................ Kathleen and Alex Acheson
CLERGY PARISH VISITING It is always a great privilege for the Clergy to visit parishioners in their homes. If you would like to request a Clergy Visit please telephone the Rector (028 90471514) or the Curate (028 90653370). In addition to requested Parish Visiting, the Clergy will be visiting parishioners in the following districts during November: Rector: Ashmount Park Castle Grange, Ballygowan Road Glenannesley Park, Bangor Lord Warden’s Glade, Bangor Meadow Way, Crawfordsburn Seacourt Lane, Bangor
Curate: Movilla Mews The Homestead, Lisburn Pommern Parade Old Mill Rise, Dundonald Limewood Grove Kirkliston Park
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES Sunday 6th November
10.30am All age Worship
Sunday 13th November
10.30am Sunday School
Sunday 20th November
9.30am Family Communion
Sunday 27th November
10.30am Sunday School
Our numbers continue to remain healthy but there are still some children in the congregation who do not attend Sunday school and we would really encourage them to join in. Our Sunday School teachers attended a training course in the Church Hall organised by the Diocesan Children’s Officer to show the resources available to teachers, and to allow teachers in the Area Deanery to exchange ideas. This proved an excellent night and our teachers now have additional resources which should make the Sunday sessions even more fun. As there will no Sunday School on 30th October the children will not be singing at the November All Age Worship, but will instead be practicing hard for the December (Advent) one. Beth Cairnduff
LADIES BOWLING We are now well back into the indoor season and are enjoying friendly play each Monday afternoon. It is good to have the Rector and the Curate call in with us now and again. We are looking forward to our visit to Kirkpatrick Presbyterian later this month. Phyllis Newton, Bowls Secretary.
KNOCK KNOCK, IT’S THE CURATE! I am writing this article just after visiting many houses, delivering the harvest produce around to our house bound parishioners. The green machine became a florist van and a fruit and vegetable dispensary for a couple of days! It was a great privilege to visit parishioners and bring them greetings and tokens of love from others in the Parish. It is wonderful to see a community coming together and sharing resources with each other. One of the major Parish projects this year is the forthcoming trip to Zambia in summer 2012 - you will see on page 8 how preparations for this are coming along. This will involve around 12 people but we also hope to mobilize as many others as possible in prayer for the team, and for our partners. It will also mean assisting with fundraising both for the individuals concerned as well as for the communities we will encounter. I am very excited about the possibilities this link will bring both to us here in St. Columba’s, and to our partners in Northern Zambia. Also underway is our E100 Bible Challenge. I would encourage everyone to lift one of the leaflets in church and if you are free on a Wednesday night to pop along and see what we do at Bible Study. Even though we have started, simply look at the Pew News to see what we are studying on a particular week and come along! There is no pressure in the discussions, just individuals chatting about what they are reading. All are very welcome - if you would like more information, please don’t hesitate to ask me. Every Blessing Robert
CHURCH SERVICE RECORDINGS Over the past month, we have provided some of those who are housebound recordings of our services which are proving to be very popular for those who cannot get out to church. If you would like one or more service recordings issued to you, please contact the Parish Office on 028 9065 6891 on Wednesdays or Fridays from 8.30am to 1.30pm. Alternatively, if you are housebound and have a computer you can view services by clicking on to: www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org/ audio. To gain access to our recordings you either need a password or contact the Curate on 028 9065 3370 who will set up your access for you. Robert
ST. COLUMBA’S CRÈCHE UPDATE The Crèche continues to be well used by our younger parishioners although we always like to see new faces. We have received positive feedback from parents who appreciate the ‘time out’ provided by the service, and are open to any suggestions as to how we may improve. Robert has kindly set up a new online rota system which is very user friendly and enables our volunteers to enter in real time the dates that suit them to help with the Crèche. Existing volunteers who have not yet received the login details should contact me (see below). Any new volunteers would also be very welcome – we have a seal of approval from the Duke of Edinburgh! Please contact either the Rector or myself for details. The Crèche toy box has been well stocked thanks to the generosity of our parishioners. However, we would very much appreciate any donations of toys suitable for boys aged 2 to 3 years – there is a box at the back of church where toys may be left. Finally, we would like to wish our ‘founding member’, Daphne Nelson, all the best for her continued recovery. Suzanne Allen, 07770 653028 suzanne.m.allen@uk.pwc.com Hello Ladies, On Tuesday, 4th October, we had our annual Mother’s Union Service led by John, our Rector, and Robert, our Curate. A sincere thank you to Gina Greeves who played the organ for the beautiful hymns. Just a few dates for your diary: the Young Families Advent Service will take place on Monday, 5th December, in St John’s COI, Newcastle. All members wishing to attend, please contact Irene Grey. Hopefully a bus will be provided and cost will depend on numbers. Our Christmas activity will be Carols in the Folk Museum, Cultra on Wednesday, 14th December, and the cost will be £12 per head, including a lovely supper. We have 40 places in total so if you are interested in attending, please let me have your names as places are filling up. This is an exciting venue and something to look forward to. Finally, we hope to hold our next Mother’s Union meeting in the Church Hall on Tuesday, 1st November, and have a cinema night with all the trimmings. I have heard that the film ‘Ladies in Lavender’ is most enjoyable and I would encourage everyone to come. See you there. Sandra
ZAMBIA 2012 Application and Team Selection As you will have read in the October edition of The Columban, St. Columba’s is hoping to send out a team to visit and work alongside the church in Northern Zambia. We have made contact with Archbishop Albert Chama, Diocesan Bishop of Northern Zambia and Primate of Central Africa, which includes the National Anglican Churches of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana. We will be centered around Kitwe in Northern Zambia. Much more information is available in our booklet that was circulated at the information evening in October - spare copies are available at the back of church - please do take one. If you are interested in participating but do not have an application form please contact the Curate before Wednesday, 2nd November. At time of publishing, we are awaiting application forms to be submitted to Church Mission Society Ireland by 5pm on Thursday, 3rd November. Once forms have been submitted candidates will be asked to attend an informal interview at specified individual times on the evening of Wednesday, 9th November, in the Parish Hall. The interviews will be conducted by CMSI personnel but places are necessarily limited because of accommodation and transport. Results of the interview process will be made known to candidates individually as soon as possible after all the interviews have taken place. It would be wonderful to take all applicants which, unfortunately, for practical reasons, we cannot do. We therefore want to make sure that all applicants are aware that although they may not be selected on this occasion, further opportunities to participate in mission teams and work can be provided through Parish, Diocese, CMSI and other organisations. The application process will be strictly confidential and managed by CMSI. The first meeting of the team selected will be in the Choir Vestry on Sunday, 20th November, from 3:30 to 4:30pm when we will get together to firm up details and chat about future meetings. Zambia Prayer Focus It would be greatly appreciated if parishioners would pray for the CMSI Interview team, that God may guide them in their questions, deliberations and eventual decisions. Please also pray for those contemplating submitting application forms that they might be encouraged to do so. More information is available on our website: www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org/go Robert
THE ESSENTIAL 100: WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY On Sunday, 16th October, we launched E100 ... 100 Bible passages which, as a Parish, we are studying over the next few months. Take a look at the Pew News for the headings of the five readings (linked to the free E100 card) which we are studying on a Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 9:00pm, and come down and discuss them. We also have an email Bible Study for anyone who would like to find out more about the particular readings. Simply send me an email with E100 in the subject line. If you have never been at Bible Study before, we promise no pressure to read and we presume no prior knowledge! Just bring your Bible (we even have spare ones), a pen and a note book. There is a guide which we can provide costing £7.00. Please contact me if you have any questions. Robert
MEN’S CLUB
I am happy to report that our season has got off to a good start and our numbers continue to match previous years, though we still have room to welcome a few more! At the time of going to press we are looking forward to the first of our Inter Church matches. We visit St. Donard’s on Monday, 17th October, and Stormont Presbyterian Church on Monday, 24th October. I shall post results in the December magazine. We were pleased to welcome back some members who have been ill and we continue to keep Alva in our thoughts and prayers. Anyone wishing to know more about the Men’s Club, please contact me on 90281204 at any time. Geoff Launchbury
H2O
H2O is back once again and already we have had a few exciting outings to Pirates Golf and the Ozone for a competitive game of laser quest! Robert showed that, despite his height, he could worm his way into lots of different nooks and crannies, proving to be quite the assassin. Possible career move? However, not all of our nights have been spent on trips as we have spent many a good night in the hall, were we have had a variety of games, football or ‘Grog’ to keep us busy. Although we do have a small group of loyal attendees, numbers are still quite low and we would love to see as many young people as possible! So, if you find yourself bored on a Friday night, come along to the Church Hall and see what it’s like! Aaron Wilson
CHURCH VISITORS’ BOOK From the farthest ends of earth, Patagonia to Perth, San Francisco, Singapore, Berlin, Bognor, Bangalore.
M.U. ACTIVITY GROUP It is lovely to be back in the hall and settled into our usual evening routine of badminton and scrabble. On Tuesday, 27th September, we celebrated Nan’s special birthday by having a party. The evening started as normal, then the Rector and Robert arrived followed by Nan’s daughter, Helen, and so the party began. The candles on the cake were duly blown out and lots of lovely food consumed! The Rector, while chatting to Nan, took her on a trip down memory lane then wished her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Friday which she would be celebrating with all her family. Maureen
“Lovely church, a happy hour Sheltered from a summer shower. Felt that God was all around; Moved by Him to leave a pound.” “Had a cuddle in a pew. Worth a dollar. Sol and Sue.” “Like to help, but stony-broke. Bob and Betty, Basingstoke.” “Heavily beset by sin, Drawn by open door, came in. Prayers were answered on the spot. Plate was full, thanks! Took the lot.” Tony Greeves
PAUSE During November, we will continue to encourage parishioners to ‘pause’ for lunch or coffee. These events are open to all and it would be great to see you there ... no need to book ... simply turn up! Tuesday 8th November 1.00pm – ‘pause’ for lunch at the Spinning Wheel, Donegal Square West Wednesday 30th November 10.30am - ‘pause’ for coffee at Belmont Tower Coffee Shop Robert 10
HERITAGE CHURCHES OF IRELAND ST. GEORGE’S, HIGH STREET, BELFAST Belfast’s city centre has undergone enormous change in recent years but one building remains as a sanctuary for worship and a testimony to tradition – the parish church of St. George, in High Street. The church is fascinating in so many ways – not least the fact that, at first glance, it resembles a Georgian house or a onetime ‘gentleman’s residence’. There are none of the traditional church features such as a bell tower or spire. Instead, the church entrance comprises an elegant portico that would serve equally well at a concert hall or museum. Once inside, the interior provides for serenity amid the hubbub of a city centre that is rapidly embracing a new modernity. St. George’s is a quietly understated and dignified place that fits in wonderfully with its ever changing surroundings. The impressively renovated Albert Clock is just across the road and the glass edifice of Belfast’s tallest building – the new Obel Tower – presides over the whole area. The church is of the late Georgian period, having been dedicated in 1816, the year following Napoleon’s final defeat by the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. However, its origins go back many centuries as there have been indications of a church on the site since as early as the 10th century, when Belfast was little more than a marshy hollow at the mouth of the nearby River Lagan. There has been extensive and tasteful renovation in recent years to preserve and protect its function and character for the present age, and, indeed, for future generations. Thirty years ago the overnight Heysham ferry moored just up the street from the church at Queen’s Quay. Others bound nightly for Liverpool and Glasgow occupied berths further along the waterfront. The ‘cross-channel boats’, as they were often called, have long since vanished to be replaced by the new Lagan Weir and, beyond, the still emerging skyline of the city’s Titanic quarter. St. George’s remains a cherished landmark in the centre of Belfast and it has a very active programme of both worship and music. It is a particularly atmospheric place during Christmas which will be with us once more next month. So there will be few more fitting churches in which to sing out those carols this festive season! Ivan Maginnis
Dear Ladies,
LADIES GUILD NOTES
Our first meeting of the New Year was a great success with a large turnout of members, including several new ones, and everyone seemed to enjoy out speaker, Keith Burnside, from the BBC. This month on Wednesday, 16th November, at 7.45pm we are having a speaker from Age NI which is an amalgamation of Age Concern and Help the Aged. The talk is called Spreading the Warmth and our speaker, Roisin Kerr, is looking forward to telling us all about the developments and initiatives involved in this particular charity. Please bring a mug for your supper! Lilias Smith (Hon. Sec.) 11
LEST WE FORGET During the First World War, forty eight parishioners from St. Columba’s of all ranks served in H M Forces, the vast majority in the Army and of whom sadly twelve did not return, a truly horrific rate of attrition. The names of both the fallen and the survivors are shown on the memorial plaque in the south transept where, in 1919, the beautiful memorial window was erected to their eternal glory. No less than three MC’s, one MM and one DFC were awarded for gallantry. In the Second World War, reflecting its far greater global reach, one hundred and twenty parishioners from St. Columba’s served in H M Forces, not only in the Army but also in the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, the Merchant Navy, the Women’s Royal Naval Service, the Auxiliary Territorial Service and the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. Tragically, twelve also did not return, eight from the ranks of the Royal Air Force, as high a rate of attrition as that suffered by the Army during the First World War. In more recent times, Constable Mark Evans was killed whilst serving with the RUC in Pomeroy on 7th September, 1981, and his name is displayed on a memorial glass case towards the rear of the Church. St. Columba’s wartime Roll of Honour, inscribed on the front two pillars of the Nave, reads as follows:
1914-1918
1939-1945
J. Burke A. D. Deane T. B. Elliot H. Hooton I. C. McCormick H. McCormick R. Nelson W. Nelson J. Purvis A. Rodgers W. H. Unsworth G. W. Webb
A. S. Craig R. A. A. Doherty M. D. Green J. C. Harris A. R. Hill M. C. Hind H.G. Montgomery R. N. Morgan C. McConnell A. McFarland J. H. Rice N. Turner
“Pro Deo, Pro Rege, Pro Patria” (For God, King and Country) Mindful also of the ongoing war in Afghanistan and other military operations, in this year of the Royal British Legion’s 90th anniversary, let us pause on Remembrance Sunday to remember all those men and women who, in endless conflicts, chose to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for our freedom; as well as all innocent victims of war, brutality, terror and oppression. Let us pray especially for those valiant young men who set forth from this Parish in those dark and storm filled days never to return to their homeland, nor see their loved ones again. They knew their duty and they died for it.
LET US HONOUR THEIR MEMORY 12
TWO DIARIES Wife’s Diary: ‘Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a nice restaurant for dinner. I was shopping with my friends all day long so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it. Conversation wasn’t flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn’t say much. I asked him what was wrong. He said, “Nothing.” I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said he wasn’t upset, that it had nothing to do with me and not to worry about it. On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly, and kept driving. I can’t explain his behaviour, I don’t know why he didn’t say, “I love you, too.” When we got home I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent all evening, and with silence all around us, I sobbed quietly to myself. I just don’t know what to do. I’m almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster.’ Husband’s Diary: ‘A four putt. Who four putts?’
PARISH HARVEST SUNDAY This year St. Columba’s celebrated Harvest Sunday in a new way, with Morning Service postponed by half an hour to 11.00am to allow an informal recital by the Music Group to take place first at 10.30am. This, in turn, provided an excellent opportunity for parishioners simply to sit and enjoy the music or to wander round the church and admire the beautiful decorations that were in evidence everywhere. No less than 252 parishioners turned out to support the Music Group, the lovely Harvest decorations as well as the All Age Harvest Service itself, including the children’s anthem sung after the presentation of Harvest gifts. The visiting preacher, the Revd Jonathan Pierce, Rector of St. Finnian’s, Cregagh, shared with the congregation some experiences of his visit to Cambodia last year on behalf of Bishop’s Appeal in partnership with Tearfund, as well as teaching them to say ‘thank you’ in Swedish, Portuguese, Lugandan and Irish! Following the service, a record number of parishioners gathered in the Church Hall at midday to enjoy the traditional Harvest Lunch of soup and apple pie against a backdrop of chatter, laughter, fellowship and striking images of Cambodia played out on screen. Sincerest thanks are due to Roberta and her excellent team of willing helpers, as well as to those who so kindly provided the delicious nourishment, for all their hard work and most efficient serving. Choral Evensong took place at 7.00pm attended by a sizeable congregation. The visiting preacher, the Ven. Scott Harte, Rector of Dunfanaghy and Archdeacon of Raphoe, explored the early meaning of Harvest Sunday in the context of the differing liturgical seasons of the Church. He also brought a magnificent wooden replica of a traditional plough to join the other Harvest decorations on view. With record attendances throughout the day and voluntary donations towards the Church Building Fund and Cambodia Project amounting to a most generous £1006, there can be no doubt that parishioners have given a resounding endorsement to the new Harvest Sunday arrangements. 13
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BROWNIE NOTES It is great to see that our numbers have increased and we now have 14 girls attending most weeks. This is allowing us to take part in more varied games and activities. Beth was helping out at the Autumnfest in Stormont a couple of weeks ago and one advantage of the dreadful weather in the afternoon was that there was craft material left over from the Guiding stand. This was kindly divided among the leaders present, and already the girls have used it to make bracelets and novelty tops for their pencils. We have recently completed our Home skills badge and according to Mums, bedrooms are now looking much neater, beds are being made every day and tables are being set. Some girls are even helping with the washing! So Brownies certainly are having an impact. Last Friday, we began our Brownie traditions badge and discovered how to tie a Brownie tie from a triangular scarf from the ‘old days’ when Beth was a Brownie, and found out that it could be turned into a sling, if necessary. Some of the congregation must remember those days too! With our Hallowe’en party to look forward to and lots of other activities in the programme, the increase in numbers is certainly making an impact. But remember we still have more room! Beth Cairnduff PS. I would really like to thank Patricia Wilson who volunteers in the Guide shop on a Monday for obtaining the Brownie badges, which means the Brownies receive them much more quickly after they have completed them.
A Taste of Christmas Wine Tasting Evening Venue: St Columba’s Church Hall Venue: St Columba’s Church Hall Date: Friday 18 November 2011 Time: 8.00pm Time: 8.00pm Presented by: Presented by: Winemark Winemark
Date: Friday 18th November 2011
Cost: at Back backof ofChurch) Church) Cost: £10 £10 (Tickets (Tickets available available at In aid aid of of Church Church Building Building Fund In Fund
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We are deeply grateful to Tommy McClimonds, uncle of Robert our Curate, for researching and providing this unique account of four brothers, parishioners of St. Columba’s, who all served their country in the armed forces during the First World War, one of them tragically making the supreme sacrifice.
THE STORY OF A HIP FLASK AND AN AVIATOR A couple of years ago at Seapatrick Parish Fête a parishioner drew my attention to an inscription on a silver hip flask which read: “Presented to R. R. Webb Esq. by the girls in the stitching room Ards Weaving Company on the occasion of him leaving for the front – September 14th 1914”. Having a keen interest in military history it immediately aroused my curiosity and I agreed to see what I could turn up on the mystery soldier. Over the next few weeks and after a few preliminary enquiries I was able to confirm that the hip flask had once belonged to a Richard Randall Webb, one of four brothers who in 1911 were all living at Rath House, Knock, Belfast. Little did I realise at that time what an interesting but ultimately sad family story would eventually emerge. Richard was born on 14th November, 1884, the son of Richard T. Webb who owned the Ards Weaving Company. Shortly after the outbreak of war, Richard enlisted in the Royal Engineers, arriving in France on 30th September, 1914. In a list published in the Newtownards Chronicle on 26th September, 1914, there is a R. R. Webb listed under the Motor Cyclists Despatch Corps. Interestingly, it also listed Lieutenant H. W. Webb, MB, Royal Army Medical Corps, 2nd Lieutenant G. W. Webb, 3rd Royal Irish Rifles and 2nd Lieutenant K. W. Webb, Royal Garrison Artillery, who, after some further research, turned out to be Richard’s three brothers, Herman, Gilbert and Karl. Very little detail can be obtained about Richard’s military service in France as no army service record for him survives. However, from his medal index card I did discover he was awarded the Military Medal. This was recorded in the London Gazette on 11th October, 1916, as ‘28295, Corporal R.R. Webb, Royal Engineers’. He was subsequently commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant at some stage in mid 1917. During a period of leave on Friday, 14th December, 1917, Richard was entertained by his employees and during the evening made reference to the hip flask by saying, “I can tell you it was a very valuable instrument, many a time it made me warm when I was cold, especially on the nights that I had to go out and ride on the motor bike”. He also mentions a fine pair of field glasses he had received from the other employees of the factory. Of these he said, “They were of great assistance to me. I spied the Germans, I spied the Colonel and was generally able to keep out of the way of everyone I did not want to meet.” At the same event, and in recognition of his recent commission as well as the award of the Military Medal, Richard was presented with a valuable gold wristlet watch with the dates of the two events engraved on the back. All were subsequently entertained to tea in the Orange Hall, Mary Street, Newtownards. I was able to confirm that Richard, in fact, survived the war, went on 18
to become a successful director of the family linen business and settled down in Donaghadee, later becoming a JP for County Down. Before the war all four brothers, Herman, Karl, Richard and Gilbert had attended Campbell College. It was only when I started to research them further, especially Richard’s brother, Gilbert Watson Webb, that a tragic story started to emerge. At the outbreak of war Gilbert had been in Canada but returned immediately, and on 9th October, 1914, was commissioned into the Royal Irish Rifles. He arrived in France on 19th February, 1915, and joined the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles shortly Captain Gilbert Webb afterwards. His time in the trenches was to be short as he was wounded in action on 8th May, 1915. After his recovery, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, receiving his flying certificate on a Maurice Farman biplane at the Military School, Norwich, on 14th March, 1916, and on 4th May that year took his plane to France. Captain Webb was subsequently reported missing on the first day of the Somme offensive on 1st July, 1916. One can only imagine the anguish suffered by his family, and indeed so many families across Ulster, as news of the casualties started to filter back over the next few days. Gilbert had been flying that morning with a Lieutenant W. O. Tudor-Hart and in a letter written by the latter from a German POW camp on 6th July he explains the circumstances of Captain Webb’s death. They were flying on reconnaissance six miles behind the German lines for about an hour when they were attacked by a number of German aircraft. Captain Webb was hit by a bullet, dying almost immediately. Lieutenant TudorHart had great difficulty landing and in so doing wrecked the aircraft. Lieutenant Tudor-Hart was badly knocked about, suffering a broken ankle and other injuries. Captain Gilbert Captain Gilbert Webb’s gravestone Webb was buried by the Germans with full military honours. On 11th November, 2009, I visited his final resting place in Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension. He is commemorated not only in St. Columba’s, Knock, but also on War Memorials at Campbell College, Queen’s University and the North of Ireland Football Club. Like Richard, both Captain Herman Watson Webb who served from 1914 in France with the Royal Army Medical Corps, and Captain Karl Watson Webb who served in Salonika in 1917 with the Royal Garrison Artillery, mercifully survived the war. I had just completed most of this research when my newly ordained nephew, Robert, announced that he was to become Curate in St Columba’s, Knock, Belfast. Well, you can imagine my surprise but after all they do say that “God works in mysterious ways”. Herman Watson, Karl Watson, Richard Randall and Gilbert Watson Webb, “We Will Remember Them All” Tommy McClimonds 19
AFTERNOON GROUP So November is upon us and it’s probably wet, But we’ll be entertained well, don’t forget. Kim will be here on the 14th day, Do come and hear what she has to say. On the 5th of December to the cinema we go, The name of the film we do not yet know. If you wish to come, please tell us soon, To have a full coach would indeed be a boon. Nan
CHURCH GROUNDS MAINTENANCE In 2009, the Select Vestry gave every parishioner the opportunity to “adopt” their little piece of St. Columba’s. The church grounds were divided up into sixteen areas (as per adjacent plan) and volunteers came forward to take on responsibility for the regular maintenance of each. The results are plain to see – we are managing to keep our grounds up to a very neat-and-tidy state. The Church Grounds Maintenance Plan is overseen by the Select Vestry Property sub-committee consisting of the Rector, the Glebe Wardens and Brian Acheson. Some volunteers have retired and others have asked for a change of area. As a result, a number of areas are now vacant and we are seeking new volunteers to come forward to fill them. If you would be willing to support your church in this way, please fill in your name in an available space on the sheet at the back of the church. For your information, a plan of the church grounds identifying each area is also sited on the notice board. On behalf of the Select Vestry, and Property sub-committee, I would like to extend thanks to all those who have worked so hard over the last year. If you have any questions, please call me on 90 424892 or 07766 057473. Many thanks Brian CHURCH
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE PLAN GUIDELINES
The Church Grounds Maintenance Plan operates with a few simple guidelines: • The list of volunteers will be refreshed regularly (so you don’t need to commit for more than a year); • Volunteers will be expected to look over their area regularly and undertake maintenance work, as required; • If heavier work is necessary, volunteers may seek the assistance of others through the Property sub-committee; and • Volunteers should maintain their area in its current state and not seek to change its character, without the involvement of the Property sub-committee. 20
Church Grounds Maintenance Plan
Ref
Description
Tasks
1
Front hedge/lawn
Cutting hedge, maintaining lawn edges
2
Front small bed
Pruning shrubs, weeding
3
Left hedge/bed - 1st Section
Cutting hedge, pruning shrubs, weeding
4
Left hedge/bed - 2nd Section
Cutting hedge, pruning shrubs, weeding
5
Left hedge/bed - 3rd Section
Cutting hedge, pruning shrubs, weeding
6
Paving at front of Church
Weed killing, sweeping, cleaning
7
Car park
Weed killing, sweeping, cleaning
8
Paths/stones at rear of church
Weed killing, sweeping, cleaning
9
Hedges at car park
Cutting hedge
10
Paths and planters around church lawn
Weed killing, sweeping, cleaning paths. Bedding plants in planters
11
Bed at rear of church
Pruning shrubs and weeding
12
Signs and gates
Washing gates and frame of church signage
13
Large bed at rear of Choir Vestry
Pruning shrubs, weeding
14
Path, steps and ramp to Hall
Weed killing, sweeping, cleaning
15
Steps at left side of Hall
Weed killing, sweeping, cleaning
16
Path and steps at right side of Hall
Weed killing, sweeping, cleaning 21
St Columba’s Kids
Film &Christmas Party Saturday 10th December 3pm – 5pm More details to follow! ST. COLUMBA’S ART CLUB RETURN TO FERMANAGH Last year’s art break in the beautiful Fermanagh Lakeland was immensely enjoyable. So much so that, as promised, ten members of St. C’s art club and two guest artists paid a lovely return visit from Tuesday 6th to Thursday 8th September. Travelling plans worked out well as we had no stops en route. Coffee and scones awaited us in the Erne conference room which was set aside for our use. Following coffee, Bob had devised a set of one minute exercises designed to help us work in a fast and loose way. We sat around two tables and were given a plant or flower to draw by having a flower in one hand and pen in the other - then drawing quickly in an effort to beat the clock, or should I say stopwatch? All of which was timed and orchestrated by a punctilious Bob (will he ever change? Such a hard task master!). Thankfully a delicious lunch beckoned after which we settled down to paint our own masterpieces, fired up with enthusiasm. Time flew and so day one ended with yet another lovely evening meal in the hotel. Day two dawned with a few members having a swim in the pool before an early breakfast. We quickly started working with a flourish on our paintings. The weather had progressed by this stage to the tail-end of Hurricane Irene... raining cats and dogs which appeared to inspire Billy and Vivien who (guess what?) painted cats and dogs! Bob did a lovely demonstration painting using a limited palette of colours. This inspired us to paint again until evening when we had a delicious evening meal at the Café Merlot restaurant. On arrival back at our hotel we were straight into the inevitable ‘Bob Quiz’. This was a source of hilarity as he immediately disqualified two teams for flouting his rules. The quiz was won by the bubbly Judy and Vivien, by just one point. Well done, gals! Thursday morning, alas, was spent packing up and saying goodbye to yet another very successful art break. Our warmest thanks again to the very helpful staff at the Killyhevlin Hotel, also to Bob for his patience, guidance and humour, to Esther for the beautiful collage of photographs and to Judy for liaising with the hotel and the Café Merlot restaurant. Gladys 22
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s ’ G a o b t m T u l a o le C An array of unique skills and services go up for auction at our special
SUMMER DINNER and AUCTION of TALENTS On Friday, 8th June 2012, In the Stormont Hotel WHAT is an AUCTION of TALENTS? Here are some suggested skills and services you may consider offering:-
Gardening | Music Lessons | Baby Sitting | Ironing Computer Lessons | Dog Walking | Chauffeuring to/from Airport Bridge Lessons | Holiday Home/Caravan Letting Baking | Language (French/German) Tuition | Flower Arranging Making a Will | Painting and many, many more… All talents offered will be catalogued with an agreed reserve price and our celebrity auctioneer, Noel Thompson, will host the fun, fellowship and frenzy of the bidding on the night! Ask not what your parish can do for you but what your talents can do for your parish!
START THINKING NOW… WHAT CAN YOU OFFER??? 24
DECEMBER/JANUARY MAGAZINE Please note, any articles or photographs for publication in the December/January parish magazine should be handed or e-mailed to the editor by 6.00pm at latest on Sunday, 13th November. Many thanks
FLOWER ROTA FOR NOVEMBER Sunday 6th. ................................................ Sunday 13th ...............................................Remembrance Poppies Sunday 20th ...............................................Helen and John Proctor Sunday 27th............................................... -
FROM THE REGISTER Our Sorrows Christian Burial Thomas McNeill Wednesday 21st September 35 Knockwood Crescent Saturday 1st October James Murray 2 Pine Grove, Holywood
HOSPITAL VISITING The Clergy would appreciate being informed if parishioners are in hospital, going into hospital, are being transferred or if they have been discharged, and will be pleased to offer them pastoral support. Do not assume they already know the information as situations have occurred recently when they have not been informed. Please telephone the Rector (028 90471514) or the Curate (028 90653370) to enable them to take careful note of the details. 25
PARISH ORGANISATIONS SOMETHING FOR YOU? SUNDAY 10.30am Sunday School (2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays) Bubbles (3-5 years) Louise Craig 90472512 Patricia Wilson 90401066 Splash (5-8 years) Joyce Stephenson 90583381 X-treme (8-11 years) Alan Boyd 07833 391945 The Grid (11 years +) Beth Cairnduff 90874047 8.00pm Beatitudes Choir David Beattie 90797125 MONDAY 2.00pm Ladies Bowling Phyllis Newton 90482113 2.30p.m. Afternoon Group (2nd Monday) May Preston 90489884 7.30pm Men’s Club Geoff Launchbury 90281204 TUESDAY 10.30am Ladies Badminton Eithne Hobson 90797793
WEDNESDAY 7.30pm Bible Study Group Trevor Buchanan 90657697 7.45pm Ladies Guild (3rd Wednesday) Lilias Smith 90592039 8.00pm Senior Badminton Club Jill Spratt 07754 405511 THURSDAY 9.30am Art Club Bob Killen
90790210
7.30pm Senior Badminton Club Jill Spratt 07754 405511 7.45pm Choir Practice Gerald Hill 90422101 FRIDAY 9.45am Mums & Tots Anne Clarke 90651412 3.45-5pm Toddler Mini Soccer 3-5yrs Tim Wareing 07740 120788 6.30pm Doves Karen McAlpine
90424390
2.00pm Ladies Badminton Kyleen Clarke 90797155
6.30pm Brownies Beth Cairnduff
90874047
8.00pm Mothers’ Union (1st Tuesday) Sandra Lowe 90808755
8.30pm H2O Mark Wilson
90761040
8.00pm Activity Group (except 1st Tuesday) Maureen Irwin 90795155
Young Families Group (Social events as arranged) The Rector 90471514
Please note, requests for the occasional use of Church premises must first be submitted to the Premises Convenor, Alan Rogers, on 90656183 26
WHO’S WHO IN ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH WEBSITE: www.stcolumbas.down.anglican.org
RECTOR The Revd John R. Auchmuty St. Columba’s Rectory 29 King’s Road BT5 6JG Tel 028 90471514 Email johnauchmuty@btinternet.com
PEOPLE’S GLEBEWARDEN John Proctor 13 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 90870526 Mob 07989 469773
CURATE The Revd Robert Ferris The Curatage 3 Sandown Park South BT5 6HE Tel 028 90653370 Email rferris281@gmail.com robert@stcolumbasyouth.org
SELECT VESTRY Rector, Curate, Churchwardens, Glebewardens, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Asst. Hon. Treasurer, Brian Acheson, Helen Donaghy, Victor Dukelow, Patrick Good, Jennifer Johnston, Elizabeth Leonard, Moranne Noad, Roberta Rogers, Linda Wilson
PARISH READER Karen McAlpine 10 Old Quay Court Holywood BT18 OHT Tel 028 90424390
HON. SECRETARY & PREMISES CONVENOR Alan Rogers 50 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AQ Tel 028 90656183 Email alanrogers53@gmail.com
DIOCESAN LAY READER (EMERITUS) Bryn Harris 22 Dalton Glade Glen Road Comber BT23 5SZ Tel 028 91878816
HON. TREASURER Gillian Sadlier 70 Kensington Road BT5 6NG Tel 028 90403278
RECTOR’S CHURCHWARDEN Jill Gillespie 2 Cairnburn Crescent BT4 2HU Tel 028 90769508
ASST. HON. TREASURER/GIFT AID SECRETARY/FREE WILL OFFERING Murray Hunter 13 Knockdarragh Park BT4 2LE Tel 028 90761295
PEOPLE’S CHURCHWARDEN Ronny Martin 12 Cyprus Gardens BT5 6FB Tel 028 90654301
PAROCHIAL NOMINATORS Trevor Buchanan Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad
RECTOR’S GLEBEWARDEN Jim Stevenson 44 Casaeldona Rise BT6 9RA Tel 028 90583381 Mob 07973 392448
DIOCESAN SYNOD MEMBERS Victor Dukelow Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard Moranne Noad Ross Thompson 27
ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER Gerald Hill 6 The Coaches Brown’s Brae, Croft Road Holywood BT18 OLE Tel 028 90422101
MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTOR CO-ORDINATOR John Holland Greengraves Cottage 8 Ballyrogan Park, Newtownards BT23 4SD Tel 028 91814036 PARISH WEBMASTER Ivan Roche 49 Richhill Park BT5 6HG Tel 028 95140141 Email ivan.roche@me.com
ASSISTANT ORGANIST Brian Clements 150 Sandown Road BT5 6GX Tel 028 90793641
C of I GAZETTE DISTRIBUTOR Ruth Pugh 147A King’s Road BT5 7EG Tel 028 90483459
READERS & INTERCESSORS CO-ORDINATOR Muriel Arndell 18 Kinedar Crescent BT4 3LY Tel 028 90655500
BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP NOTES Evan Preston 12 Carrowreagh Gardens Dundonald BT16 ITW Tel 028 90489884
SIDESPERSONS’ ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Rosemary Coffey 44 Thornyhill Road Killinchy BT23 6SJ Tel 028 97542198
CHURCH FLOWERS Paddy Nesbitt 30 Knockhill Park BT5 6HY Tel 028 90650716
CRÈCHE ROTA CO-ORDINATOR Suzanne Allen 9 Cabin Hill Gardens BT5 7AP Tel 028 90653511
ST. COLUMBA’S PARISH OFFICE Office Hours Wednesday & Friday 8.30am – 1.30pm Parish Secretary: Janet Johnston Tel 028 90656891
MAGAZINE EDITOR Ian Noad 36 Shandon Park BT5 6NX Tel 028 90793704 Email noadfamily@hotmail.com
Email office.knock@down.anglican.org
SAFEGUARDING TRUST The Rector, Select Vestry and Parish Leaders are committed to upholding good practice in the parish’s ministry with children and young people. Should you have cause for concern or suspicion regarding child welfare in the parish, please contact a member of the Parish Panel below, or any of the statutory agencies.
The Rector Patrick Good Elizabeth Leonard 28
028 9047 1514 028 9065 6908 028 9065 3162