Trinity Trumpet Harvest 2015

The Magazine of The Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal Vol.102: Harvest 2015

It’s that time of year.

It’s not only the farmers who are busy reaping the crops from the fields.

Mr Ian Salter of Brimstree is busy collecting the crab apples from Mrs Morris’s tree.

He is looking forward to the crab apple jelly that Mrs Salter will make.

I expect Mrs Morris will get a jar or two.

Married at Holy Trinity Church, Wolverhampton in 1950, George and June Gee celebrated their blue sapphire wedding anniversary this month with a gathering of family and friends.

First of all the cards to arrive on the day was a very special card from Her Majesty The Queen.

Everyone at Trinity joins in sending George and June our congratulations and best wishes for the future.

Their Tibetan Spaniel, Joseph, so named because of his coat of many colours, still expects his regular walk each morning. Card from the queen not withstanding.

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Dear Friends, This quarter we will be observing our Remembrance Sunday on the 8th November 2015 which is the closest Sunday to 11th November. For many, this is just another day on the calendar but for those who have lost a loved one in the war or have a living person in the service, this day becomes truly special.

We need to recognise and observe this day out of our patriotic duty to our country and in honour of those who spilled their blood to make Britain what it is today. So we have the right to pursue freedom, peace and harmony. Praise God for those who gave their lives to set us free which is often taken for granted. There are evil forces which are challenging our way of life and our values. Let us pray and break these evil forces which are working against Christ and His body.

Praise God for all our servicemen who are serving in the various countries at war and let us uphold them and their families in our prayers. Let us also remember and honour all the retired service personals in our midst.

Since the end of Second World War, 66 years have passed. Only in 1968, were no British serviceman killed in active service.

More than 13,000 British service lives have been lost since 1945. If we don’t let the weapons rust in peace, they will see to it that we rest in peace.

Remembrance Sunday comes once a year but let us remember that every Sunday Service is a Remembrance Service of CHRIST in sacrament. Christ sacrificed Himself to set us free from all sorts of bondages. He has come as the Prince of PEACE and He shed His blood for the world to make it a better place. He gave His life so that we can have eternal life.

Let us continue to pray for world peace.

Shalom

Hendry Ponniah 3

What a wonderful turnout there was at Shifnal Trinity Methodist Church on Wednesday September 9th for the special coffee morning in support of Oasis

and all sorts of goods from the finest baking to some whacky bric-a-brac had been brought along to sell. The coffee bar area of the church was heaving with the numbers of people who came along, bought stuff, had a People had made a tremendous effort chat and generally spent a pleasant

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morning - so pleasant that some were still there well after closing time! We raised ÂŁ351.50, which we think was a fantastic amount, and we'd like to thank everyone who came. Why not pop in to Oasis sometime if you're in Shifnal and see what's on offer?

No matter where you turn in Shifnal it seems that you are faced with change.

Here is one of the latest scenes of change . The fields off Coppice Green Lane beyond Idsall School and the Shifnal Football ground which will soon see two hundred homes built.

The pace and amount of change is of concern to many and it is reassuring that Shifnal Forward are active on behalf of everyone to air the concerns of all.

A recent meeting of Shifnal Forward on Thursday 10th September at Trinity Methodist Church Hall featured a talk from Phil Wilson ,the Shropshire Council Learning and Skills Service Delivery Manager, regarding the provision of additional school places and the role of CIL monies in providing these.

rooms is £1.9 - £2.1 million. A detailed discussion about provision of funding for the classrooms followed with unanimous agreement on the importance of providing for the future education of our children.

However, there was little agreement on the source of funding for that provision.

Mr Wilson’s responsibilities include pupil place planning and capital funding. He said that due to the rapid growth of Shifnal through housing developments in the coming years, pupil forecasting has identified the need for between 150 and 180 extra primary school places requiring 5 or 6 extra classrooms (with their attendant infrastructure such as extra toilets, corridors etc) between now and 2026.

He advised that there is, however, no pressure on Idsall Academy in the foreseeable future as “out of area” provision will be phased out.

The projected cost of the class-

Following lobbying and negotiations from the Shifnal Forward Transport Action Group, the new December 2015 train timetable will show that the 0655 express train from Shrewsbury to Birmingham will, from December on, stop at Shifnal at 0720 to pick up passengers for Wolverhampton and Birmingham (arriving at Birmingham at 0753). This should help to alleviate some of the overcrowding on rush-hour trains.

Bridgnorth Road at 7.00 pm, to discuss the Security of the expanding Shifnal, post the closure of Shifnal Police Station.

A Consultation period has started running from 14 September 2015 to 26 October 2015 on the future delivery of the Shifnal library service, Customer Service Point, the management of public open spaces and the management of the public car parks. This consultation outlines proposals concerning the proposed transfer of certain assets – library service, customer service point, allotment, public open spaces and car parks – from Shropshire Council to Shifnal Town Council.

http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/getinvolved/shifnal-library-customerservice-point-open-spaces-and-car -parks Follow this link for more information and if you wish, to participate in a survey. Alternatively paper copies The Town Council are facilitating a can be obtained from Shifnal LiPublic Meeting on the 28th Sep- brary, Shifnal Town Council and tember 2015 in the Youth Club, Katrina’s.

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Godfrey Thring was born into an academic and dare I say ambitious family: one of his brothers, Edward, became headmaster of Uppingham school whilst another brother John became a master at the same school and was responsible for the so called Uppingham Rules for that new game of football called the Simplest Game. The FA had just been created and was compiling a set of standard rules some of which came from brother John's Simplest Game. His other brother, Henry became Lord Thring, and was a Parliamentary Counsel to the Treasury; as for his two sisters little is recorded. Their country seat was in Alford, near Glastonbury in Somerset where Godfrey was born in 1823.

He was sent to Shrewsbury School. From there he went to Baliol College, Oxford, graduating with a BA in 1845 and following in his father's footsteps he was ordained an Anglican priest. In 1858 his father amalgamated two benefices by an Act of Parliament known as the “Thrings Estate Bill”. At this point Godfrey became his father's curate. His father had a rectory built at Hornblotten for him, then Godfrey himself commissioned Thomas Jackson to build two churches. One of the churches was rich in Arts and Crafts style features and notably received sgraffito decoration - a type of art work which uses a kind of scratching on successive layers revealing the colour of the one below. He eventually was made prebendary of Wells cathedral. So what was Godfrey's claim to fame? He wrote a lot of verses and hymns; over 60 are recorded but most seem to have been forgotten, the one notable exception being this one.

Fierce raged the tempest o’er the deep, Watch did Thine anxious servants keep But Thou wast wrapped in guileless sleep, Calm and still.

Save, Lord, we perish, was their cry, O save us in our agony!

Thy word above the storm rose high, Peace, be still.

The wild winds hushed; the angry deep Sank, like a little child, to sleep; The sullen billows ceased to leap, At Thy will.

In Hymns and Psalms it is set to St Aëlred (see Saints Alive) by John Bacchus Dyke. By the age of 12 he was already assistant organist at St John's church in Hull. His grandfather was vicar there, but his music accomplishments were earned: he mastered organ and piano, violin and horn. He was educated in Wakefield, then at St Catharine's, Cambridge where he became president of the musical society. After obtaining his BA in Classics he became curate at Malton in Yorkshire, then canon of Durham Cathedral, and later precentor, preparing worship services. In his last years he became vicar of St Oswald's, Durham. And what was his claim to fame? Over 300 hymn tunes! Melita is probably his best known, usually accompanying “Eternal father strong to save.” He seemed drawn to Rivaulx Abbey naming another of his hymn tunes by that name, which in Hymns and Psalms is set to “Father of heaven, whose love profound”.

He died in Sussex in 1776 but was buried in Durham.

If you get stuck the Sudoku solution can be found on page 19.

Citric mousse Ingredients 1 lemon jelly ¼ pint of water 3 eggs (stale eggs best) 4 oz castor sugar 2 lemons

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Method Dissolve the jelly in the water in a saucepan then cool.

Separate the eggs. Cream the egg yolks with the sugar.

Zest 1 lemon and add the zest to the jelly. Add the juice from both lemons into the jelly, then add this mixture to the egg yolks. Whisk the egg whites until stiff. Fold into jelly mixture and chill well.

Also good with orange jelly: haven’t tried it with anything else.

Went down a storm with my grandchildren.

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5 6 2 5

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9 8 7 7

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8 9 2 6 5 5 6 2 3 3 6 4 4 3 2 9

(Methodist Conference Report) In addition to encouraging its own churches to do more, the Conference has urged the Government to accept those seeking asylum on a much larger scale, commensurate with Britain's size and resources.

Following on from a Notice of Motion presented to this year's Methodist Conference, all Methodist churches are being encouraged to provide support to at least one individual or family crossing Europe from the Mediterranean fleeing from conflict.

Praising the enormous contribution that migrants and refugees make in The Revd Olufemi R W Cole-Njie, who Britain, the Conference welcomed the proposed the motion, said "Social ac- recent Statement by the Conference of tion is at the heart of Methodism. European Churches that encouraged When people are in need it is our role European Churches and Institutions to as the Church to step-up and help the support refugees, and applauded the hungry, the weak, the stranger. Thou- ongoing efforts of the Churches in sands of people are fleeing their Greece and Italy, particularly for the homes in fear for their lives. How can 'Mediterranean Hope' project. we on one hand say that we welcome Jesus into our lives, and yet on the The Revd Stephen J Burgess, Chair of other not welcome those in need?" the York & Hull District, added "What

this practically looks like will be different in each community and for each church. But in putting this forward, we are encouraging and reminding our churches to fulfil the words of Wesley: 'Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all places you can.'"

Notes: The Conference of European Churches is an ecumenical fellowship of Churches in Europe. The statement regarding those fleeing war can be read on their website.

The Mediterranean Hope Project is the Mediterranean observatory on migration based in Lampedusa, the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy

Sunday October 18th 2015 5.00pm - Ecumenical Town Service at St Andrew’s Church, Shifnal Monday 21st October 2015 Teaching on prayer ministry 1, led by Hendry Monday 28th October 2015 Teaching on prayer ministry 2 Saturday 31st October 2015 Bread Church at Trinity Tuesday 3rd November 2015 Fireworks and supper at Tredustan Sunday 8th November 2015 No service at Trinity. United service for Remembrance Day at St Andrew’s Church.

Wednesday 18th November 2015 Teaching on prayer ministry 3 Saturday 21st November 2015 Asylum Seekers’ Day at Broad Street church, Wolverhampton (by the car park).

How your church can help and support asylum seekers. £5 waged, free for unwaged.

To book contact Rev Andy Smith at andysmith@telfordchristiancouncil.co.uk.

Saturday 28th November 2015 Bread Church Monday 7th December 2015 2.00pm-4.30 “Open Doors” Christmas party at Trinity Sunday 13th December 2015 6.00pm Carol service at Trinity Monday 14th December 2014 Chorale Concert at Trinity Thursday 24th December 2015 6.45pm Christmas Eve worship at Trinity Friday 25th December 2015 11.00 am Christmas celebration at Trinity Sunday 27th December 2015 No service at Trinity

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Ray was born in Ruyton XI Towns in 1940. He was the youngest of four sons of whom Ted is still alive. The family moved to live in World’s End in 1945. A very isolated spot.

In those days there were very few luxuries to be had. Despite the hardships- no electricity nor running water - according to Ray – he and Ted enjoyed themselves in many ways.

One incident was when he and Ted (Ray reckoned it was Ted’s idea) lit a small fire around a tree and in the hollow of the trunk only to find on the next day on their way to school the tree was lying on the ground. The boys admitted to P.C. Basnet they were responsible and were given a stern warning by him and another by their father. Ray’s later comment was that the tree was falling down as it was so old so they just hurried the process up!

Ray started to work in 1955 at Birch Park Farm and was there for sixteen and a half years and at Hall Farm Ruyton for seven and a half years.

In 1980 Ray spent six months as a circus strong man in the west country. During this time he appeared on Granada T.V. pulling a bus with his teeth along Southport promenade. He was billed as “The Man With The Iron Jaws”.

Ray met Edna in 1983. She was already confined to a wheelchair suffering from M.S. They were married in 1989 at The Methodist Chapel, Shifnal. Ray tended for Edna for twenty five years until she died. Ray , Edna and the wheelchair were dressed up every year for the Shifnal Carnival, twenty three years in all – a popular entry for all to see.

Over the years Ray made thousands of pounds for various charities with his marathon walks and strongman acts.

In 1986 he walked one thousand miles in thirty days ; thirty four miles a day on the Shifnal by-roads. He pushed Edna for one hundred miles of that feat.

In 1996 he pushed and pulled Edna to the top of The Wrekin In 2002 he ran The London Marathon in his wellies at the age of sixty one!

There are far too many challenges Ray carried out to mention but he was a real “Showman” and loved what he did.

Despite struggling to cope with the pain over the last two years Ray was still determined to to take his daily country walk. This he did until he could go on no longer and was admitted to hospital . He lived up to his name as “Willpower Ray”.

I hope you rest in peace Ray with your Edna.

Jill Davies

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announce it otherwise we would not have had enough room; even so exactly 100 children turned up for club that night.

Shifnal has lost one of its true characters - not that Ray was really Shifnal born and bred; he came to us from Ruyton-11-Towns where unconsciously as a youth he had met his Edna his wife to be. But it wasn't until his time in Shifnal that they were married. It was through Edna, who had ME, that you saw his great love and devotion.

Imagine their open mouthed astonishment as they were allowed in through the front doors, unusual as that was, to see all the bright TV lights and cameras and Ray at the front with the TV presenter. Part of the idea was to get the children to ask some of the questions. To say that they were overawed was an understatement. After the half hour filming the TV crew joined the children in the back and the cellar and was so taken with the club that they wanted to make another programme on Bridge Builder. In the end TV budgets didn't allow it.

I was introduced to Ray by Max Owen who suggested that he might perform some of what we thought were his circus acts for the children at Bridge Builder Club, although Ray told me later that he had never been anywhere near a circus! His presentation was of the “don't try this at home children” quality, for example holding a sharp dagger between his teeth and balancing an equally sharp sword on its blade. The children didn't dare sneeze or But the weekend wasn't over because Ray was out to cough! beat the Guinness Book of Records for the distance pushIt was his teeth that created his fame. With the encour- ing a peanut by his nose. The venue was the footpath in agement of Edna his most famous feat was to pull a dou- front of the shops in the centre of Shifnal. Many hours ble decker bus by his teeth. OK, his teeth were not on the later - with a very bloody nose I believe - he was successbus but a rope. Much of what he did in these sorts of ven- ful, for charity of course. ture was for charity: he ran, worked and performed for many charities, one being Shifnal's own carnival, the mon- This is how Ray got involved in the community but there ey from which has gone to many causes, even Trinity' was one other way he made his mark: a regular letter writyouth work. He and Edna always made a unique float of er to the Shropshire Star: he supported and argued the their own, Edna in her wheelchair and Ray suitably attired case for many a cause. Some of this material I believe is as they depicted some role, even wining first prize. After now in Shifnal archives in the old fire station.

Edna's death he even managed to find a substitute for this Up until his final entrance into hospital he took upon himevent. self the duty of putting out Trinity's bins and boxes for the Ray caught the attention of an ITV producer and became dustbin collectors each week, a menial task with no rethe subject of one of their programmes. According to Ray ward or honour, but that was the man: Ray “Willpower” the crew spent the week in and out of their house, but Williams.

Ray asked for the main interview to be in Trinity with an Sandy Hughes audience of Bridge Builder children. We didn't dare

They're there somewhere!

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St Aëlred was a scholar with political leanings. Born in 1110 he was one of three sons of Eilaf, a Saxon priest of St Andrews in Hexham. One assumes, correctly I suppose, that he had a mother but her name is not recorded. He was educated in the Scottish capital of the time, Roxburgh, and was credited with the prophesying the death of a bad archbishop of York. Being in the capital Aëlred moved in royal circles and when he was about 14 he became a steward to King David I, becoming master of the household. When he was 24 he left to enter the Cistercian Abbey of Rievaulx. If you have your National Trust cards at the ready you can explore his haunts to your leisure. The Cistercians, or White Monks (because of their white habits) laid an emphasis on manual labour and self-sufficiency, which generally centred around agriculture and brewing.

So I imagine that this was quite a change from the Scottish Royal Court, but his success continued. He became novice master being responsible for those entering the Cistercian priesthood in Rievaulx, encouraging them in prayer and meditation, studying the lives of Jesus and the saints. He would have prepared reports for the superiors in the Abbey. When Rievaulx developed a sister abbey in Revesbury in Lincolnshire, he became its first abbot, returning as abbot of Rievaulx in 1147 when he was about 37 and remaining in post until his death in 1167. Under his administration the abbey flourished.

But that was only part of his life. He wrote many books, some of which have been translated into English, all of them into French! “A life of David King of Scots”, a “Genealogy of the Kings of England” (to then!), “A life of Edward the Confessor”, “Jesus as a boy of 12”, “Spiritual Friendship”, “Pastoral Prayer”, to name but a few.

His political involvement began when he accompanied Walter Espec, one of the Abbey's patrons, to the Scottish border to negotiate the transfer of his castle at Wark, near Berwick on Tweed, to King David of Scotland. Later, when King Stephen's nephew, William, was to be installed as Archbishop of York, Aëlred travelled to Rome with Walter, Archdeacon of York to oppose this appointment before Pope Innocent II. This led to a further representation by Aëlred the following March to argue a deposition in correct canonical form. The negotiations took a couple of years.

His influence reached the top of English royalty. Three of his written works concerned Henry II, instructing him on

(Methodist News Service)

how to be a good king as well as establishing him as a true Anglo-Saxon king. Interesting because he was a Plantagenet, son of the 4th son of William the Conqueror and Matilda of Scotland. Oh well!

He was never formally canonised but became the centre of a cult in northern England and as such was venerated as a saint. He became the patron saint of bladder stone sufferers. I wonder why?……. it could have been arthritis sufferers.

"De Speculo Caritatis" by Elredo de Rieval, posiblemente Croped from http://www.valyermo.com/ chronicle/2006_03/2006_03.html. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/ wiki/File:De_Speculo_Caritatis.jpeg#/media/ File:De_Speculo_Caritatis.jpeg

rently the Chair of the West Yorkshire Methodist District and the Methodist The Methodist Conference has elected representative to the General Synod of the Revd Dr Roger Walton to be Presi- the Church of England. "This is a wondent of the Conference in 2016/17, derful gift from the Church and I am and Ms Rachel Lampard to be Vicedeeply honoured," said Roger. "I owe President. Both will start their year of so much to the Methodist people and office when the Conference meets in have learned the way of Jesus in this London on 2 July 2016. They will suc- church. I hope to encourage us to conceed the current President and Vicetinue be a learning, loving and outward President, the Revd Steve Wild and Dr looking community for transformation Jill Barber. of the world."

For ten years Roger was the Director Rachel is the leader of the Joint Public of the Open Learning Centre, and for Issues Team, which has for many eleven years the Director of the Wes- years been at the forefront of camley Study Centre in Durham. He is cur10

paigns about UK poverty, nuclear weapons and climate change. She has been a Commissioner with the Gambling Commission since 2006 and is an active member of Winchester Road Methodist church in Walthamstow. "I feel humbled and very excited," she said. "I am looking forward to meeting with Methodist people around the Connexion, celebrating together our shared Christian commitment to justice as we explore what it means to follow Jesus today. I would ask you to pray for Roger and me as we take on this responsibility."

(Methodist news service)

are being applied to the wrong people for often trivial reasons and are the cause of the increased use of foodbanks. Only an independent review can get to the truth of what is actually happening so that government policy can be based on evidence and not seen as merely punitive."

In July churches and charities issued a statement remarking that it had been 100 days since the Work and Pensions Select Committee called for a full independent review of the benefit sanctions system, but the Government has not indicated any intention to conduct a "The case has been made," said Paul review. They called urgently for the Government to heed the Committee's Morrison, Public Issues Policy Adviser report and act on its recommendations. for the Methodist Church. "The sanctions system requires fundamental reIn the same 100 day period last year, view and we call upon the new Parlia346,256 people who were on Jobseek- ment to respond positively to the recer's Allowance and 35,554 people on ommendations of the Select CommitEmployment Support Allowance were tee. Churches and charities are backreferred for sanctions. 92,558 of those ing this call because we see day by referrals were the result of bureaucrat- day the harm that benefit sanctions ic error. These resulted in 175,177 cause in the communities we serve. sanctions for jobseekers and 11,129 We recognise the hiatus caused by the for those out of work due to ill health.

General Election, but hope that the The call for a review is supported by new Parliament will recognise the urthe Baptist Union of Great Britain, the gency of this matter and announce a Church of Scotland, the Church in full independent inquiry as soon as Wales, the Methodist Church, the Unit- possible." ed Reformed Church and by charities In March this year the Churches called Church Action on Poverty, Gingerfor such a review in their report “Time bread and Mind. to Rethink Benefit Sanctions� which "The implementation of the present cited new evidence about the negative sanction regime is controversial with impact of the current regime. The rethe government claiming it is effective port revealed that around 100,000 chilin helping people into work while many dren were affected by sanctions in others say sanctions are causing real 2013/14. The data, obtained under the distress to families and are actually Freedom of Information Act, also acting as a barrier to participation," shows that people who receive the said Dame Anne Begg, MP for Abersickness and disability benefit Employdeen South from 1997 to 2015, who ment and Support Allowance (ESA) chaired the Select Committee. "If sanc- because of a long-term mental health tions work as a deterrent, why are so problem are being sanctioned at a rate many people still facing multiple sancof more than 100 per day. tions? As there are so many questions about the effects on people who have The Archbishop of Wales Dr Barry been sanctioned, it is time the govern- Morgan said: "Since 2012, the rate at which sanctions have been applied to ment implemented the recommendation of my Select Committee in the last vulnerable people claiming Job Seekers Allowance and Employment SupParliament to carry out a full, indeport Allowance in Wales has increased pendent review of the whole sanction even faster than in England or Scotregime. Many believe that sanctions

land. Many claimants, who are already suffering from mental or physical health problems and living in poverty, are threatened with sanctions because of administrative errors. For the sake of human dignity, fairness and compassion, the system must be changed."

Paul Farmer, CEO of Mind, said: "Far too many people with mental health problems are having their benefits cut for not meeting the requirements placed on them, which are often inappropriate in the first place. The use of sanctions is causing financial hardship and is based on the assumption that people claiming out-of-work benefits lack motivation and willingness to find and keep a job, which couldn't be further from the truth for the people Mind represents.

"The vast majority of people who are out of work due to their mental health want to work. But the constant threat of sanctions causes a great deal of distress, making people more unwell and a return to work less likely. We support the Churches' call for the Government to commission an independent review into sanctions policy."

"In working with churches across the North West, I am increasingly hearing stories of individuals whose lives are being blighted by the impact of benefit sanctions," added the Revd Phil Jump, Regional Minister for the North Western Baptist Association. "There is clear evidence of the need for our government to take serious account of the concerns and recommendations of a committee which itself is part of our parliamentary system."

The Churches are asking people to write to their MPs.

A short while ago travelling from Sherrifhales towards the A41 Newport Road you would have got a glimpse of the colour that was thousands of flowers in bloom, looking a bit like a layer cake. These have been picked and dried now and likleyhood is that some brides and grooms have been showered with them following their wedding services. There are many thankful clergymen who no longer have to worry about clearing paper confetti!

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Have you ever been to the Vendée? Have you ever been to Spring Harvest and found it too big or too frenetic? Well, now you can get the best of both – the beautiful west coast of France and the teaching and worship on a smaller, more relaxed scale.

We’ve just come back from 2 weeks at Le Pas Opton, Spring Harvest’s holiday camp in the Vendée. We had mixed weather (27 hours of rain followed by 37 degrees of heat) and, to be fair, mixed teaching – but the worship was great: all-age (which didn’t mean “just for kids” although they were there and took part) lasting one hour – except for the communion on Sunday morning which obviously took a little longer. In our first day there more people smiled at or spoke to me than ever happened at Skegness or Minehead – we had time to smile and chat and generally relax. With kids’ clubs for 2 hours every morning there was time for a quiet coffee or chocolate, to soak up a bit of teaching (the letters to the churches the first week and the beatitudes the second) and then get another coffee before fetching the youngsters back from their clubs. There were activities most afternoons but they tended to be sporty or crafty, so we didn’t go to many of those, but (surprise! surprise!) we did go to the quiz. We didn’t win because the people we dragged in to make up our team didn’t know enough about obscure film music or sport, but it was fun.

We also managed to get out and about a bit.

Monday is change-over day and nothing is arranged for then except a welcome meeting, so on our second Monday we all went to the Puy 12

du Fou. At an international conference in America this has been voted 2 years running as the best theme park in the world – and there isn’t a single ride! Instead there are spectacular shows, ranging from a bird flying display (it threw it down with rain for us) through the Vikings and King Arthur

to a Roman arena complete with gladiators, lions – yes, real ones – and a chariot race.

All were not simply displays but were part of a story. The day ended with a wonderful display

of fountains and fire to music – mind-blowing.

It’s impossible to convey just how fantastic it was – you need to look it up on the web and even then you’ll only get a taster. The children – aged 3 and 7 – were spellbound, and even the adults were amazed at some of the effects: there was a constant stream of “How on earth did they do that?”

So next time you’re looking for a holiday that’s a bit different, check out Le Pas Opton.

Good pool, excellent bakery, nice caravans or well fitted tents, shade when you needed it – oh: and some refreshing teaching and worship if you want it. I learnt some new songs which I think will last (one – “10,000 reasons” - has been voted the best worship song ever and I’ll Go on – give it a go! We’ll definitely go again never forget Nathaniel singing “My some time: how about a church Lighthouse”). holiday??????

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Zena Brown pictured with some members of the congregation who had just received their Webb Ivory fund raising catalogues.

Zena has been selling gifts and cards from catalogues for 35 years in Shifnal.

In that time she has raised almost £21,000 for charity by this method.

A retired Barclays employee Zena is raising money to help to pay towards the updating of the central heating system in the Church area to allow for even more community use. The Bank

(Methodist Conference Report) Following on from a Notice of Motion presented to this year's Methodist Conference, all Methodist churches are being encouraged to provide support to at least one individual or family crossing Europe from the Mediterranean fleeing from conflict.

In addition to encouraging its own churches to do more, the Conference has urged the Government to accept those seeking asylum on a much larger scale, commensurate with Britain's size and resources.

has generously agreed to match what she makes on a £1 for £1 basis so please give it your whole-hearted support.

"What this practically looks like will be different in each community and for each church. But in putting this forward, we are encouraging and reminding our churches to fulfil the words of Wesley: 'Do all the good you Praising the enormous contribution can, by all the means you can, in all that migrants and refugees make in places you can.'"

Britain, the Conference welcomed the Notes: recent Statement by the Conference • The Conference of European Churches is an ecumenical fellowof European Churches that encourship of Churches in Europe. The aged European Churches and Institustatement regarding those fleeing tions to support refugees, and apwar can be read on their website. plauded the ongoing efforts of the Churches in Greece and Italy, particuThe Mediterranean Hope Project is larly for the 'Mediterranean Hope' pro- • the Mediterranean observatory on ject. migration based in Lampedusa, the

The Revd Olufemi R W Cole-Njie, who proposed the motion, said "Social action is at the heart of Methodism.

When people are in need it is our role as the Church to step-up and help the hungry, the weak, the stranger. Thousands of people are fleeing their homes in fear for their lives. How can we on one hand say that we welcome Jesus into our lives, and yet on the The Revd Stephen J Burgess, Chair other not welcome those in need?" of the York & Hull District, added 14

Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy

A joint statement on the situation in Calais from the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church (Methodist News Service) Dr Jill Barber Vice-President of the Methodist Conference The Revd Lynn Green General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain The Revd David Grosch-Miller Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church The Rt Revd Angus Morrison Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland The Revd Steve Wild President of the Methodist Conference As churches with members directly involved in assisting the people in Calais seeking sanctuary in the UK, we believe it is important that public debate is grounded in values of compassion and that decisions are made on the basis of facts. In recent weeks discussion has increasingly appeared to be based on the principle of selfinterest. Our faith instructs us not to fear the stranger, but to love our neighbour. We view the situation with growing alarm and anger.

We are compelled to speak out on this issue. As Christian churches we follow One who was himself a refugee and who demonstrated that all people have an inherent, God-given dignity.

Our Scriptures teach the importance of love and compassion for all who are destitute, including people of other nationalities who come to live in our communities.

We do not speak out as detached, comfortable observers but as leaders of churches who are actively ministering to those involved. In east Kent our churches have publicly offered practical support and help to teenage asylum seekers due to be housed in their towns. Through our international links with Baptists in France, we are also supporting work amongst unaccompanied children in Calais. St Andrew’s Scots Church in Malta, a joint Methodist-Church of Scotland congregation in Valletta, runs the Out of Africa into Malta project to assist migrants. However we cannot play our part effectively without a political backdrop that seeks a sustainable and just solution in the longer term.

And we stand in solidarity with the remarks made recently by the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott, the Bishop of Dover,

the Jewish Council for Racial Equality and in support of the pioneering work of the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe.

We welcome the affirmation by the Home Secretary that Europe will ‘always provide protection for those genuinely fleeing conflict or persecution’.

However, the language in which the Calais situation is being discussed tends too often to demonise, denigrate or dehumanise the individuals seeking refuge in Britain.

To talk of those gathering at Calais as a ‘swarm’, or ‘marauding around the area’ encourages people to see those in desperation as less than human, and so less deserving of sympathy, respect or dignity. To incite fear that by offering the hand of friendship and welcome we may damage our own standard of living implies that British lives and well-being are somehow more valuable than those of others.

We share the concern of all involved to see a peaceful and humane solution to this particular expression of a far broader catastrophe. While we recognise the need for security to be increased at Calais, to better ensure the safety of all involved, we cannot see that more guards, sniffer dogs and fencing will alone bring such a solution.

We therefore call on the Government to promote a more informed and higher level of debate on the issue – one which acknowledges, for example, that: • many of the migrants congregating at Calais are people genuinely fleeing repression who have real stories of suffering and hardship to tell – and that some are unaccompanied children • the numbers involved do not warrant talk of an ‘invasion’ or ‘flood’ of migrants • the people at Calais represent a tiny fraction of the overall number of migrants who have entered the EU in the past year • in 2014 Germany took three times more asylum seekers than the UK’s 14,000, and Sweden twice as many; France, Italy and even Switzerland also granted asylum to more people than the UK • the disruption caused to travellers is also a consequence of issues unconnected with the situation in Calais, including industrial action by ferry workers • historically the UK has welcomed people fleeing persecution, including Jews escaping from Germany during the Second World War • the UK has been militarily involved in some of the situations that have given rise to the persecutions from which people are fleeing 15

• contributions to this debate should always adopt language which better reflects the British values of compassion, hospitality and respect for human dignity.

• We also call on the Government, in its response to this emergency, to: • recognise that most migrants cannot be returned to their country of origin: in many cases it is not even possible to be certain of an individual’s country of origin due to a lack of documentation • promote the establishment of proper, EU -run processing centres at key entry points in Europe (such as southern Italy and Greece) • accept the need for the UK to take its share of migrants as other European countries are already doing.

And we ask all our congregations and members to respond to an urgent call to prayer, to remember in our churches the importance and equal value God places on every human life, and to seek wisdom that we can challenge injustice and work for peace for the whole world. Let us seek direction and discernment for ourselves and for our leaders for solutions to this ongoing crisis, for the sake of all peoples.

Prayer: God of all humanity, when your people were enslaved and displaced, You led them to a land that they could call home; when your people were in exile, Your promise was that one day they would live in streets of play and laughter. When your disciples were afraid and uncertain, You spoke of a Father’s House with mansions and places prepared.

We pray today for all those who have no place to call home, hearing the heart-cry of your word for those who are without refuge. Where shelter is ours to offer grant us the will and resolve to reflect the generosity of our Creator. Where others stand in the way of those who need safe haven may our cry for justice never falter. May the idols of self-interest and economic gain never deflect us from the ways of your Kingdom.

Through Christ our Lord. AMEN

On Saturday evening (26th July) the Trinity Hall was laid out for dining.

This was to be no 'ordinary' meal for this was a 'Pampered Chef' evening where all that was to be eaten was prepared before the diners using 'Pampered chef' products.

everyone was agreed that they had done a really good job.

The evening was rounded off with people placing orders for some of the utensils demonstrated and a few who were lucky in the draw went away with 'Pampered Chef' products for prizes.

Lucky prize winners Some of the profits from the evening will go to help pay for the installation of the new radiators in church and all in all it was a very successful evening.

Sara Butler demonstrates There to demonstrate and guide was Sara Butler for the preparation of the food was to be done by three teams selected from the audience.

Following Sara's demonstrations the teams set about preparing the food while the others watched on and inspected the utensils being used.

The teams made the preparation look really easy and when it came to tasting

Many hands...

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Some of the team who helped stage Carnival Teas. There were others busy washing up at the time!

It seems a long time ago but just after our last edition of the Trumpet there was a brief glimpse of summer and that was Shifnal Carnival day.

Kathy and Malcolm Insall had decided not to organise the ever popular Carnival Teas but when it was discovered that the church had to raise funds to improve the heating they decided to once again stage the event.

As always everyone rallied round and to date a total of £540.77p has been raised towards the cost of the church heating upgrade. This includes money raised by the Carnival Teas and a number of donations for which we thank you very much.

Kathy and Malcolm are quick to point out that there were many people in the team who contributed by helping set up the garden, cooking, serving, washing up and clearing up without whom the event would not succeed.

The church heating has been upgraded thanks to John Fallows who worked quickly and efficiently.

The other photos show Shifnal’s King of the Carnival, Les Cherrington, indulging in his passion for steam traction engines driving ‘The Chief ‘ at Beckbury Show.

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Shifnal Trinity Reading Group has celebrated it’s first year with the time honoured tradition of a birthday cake.

The group were asked to select there favourite book read during the year and the vote placed ‘The Help’ by Katherine Stockett in first place.

Last year we were very lucky and got to read the first twelve books off the list that we submitted.

If you would like to join us you will be made very welcome.

We meet on the third Monday of every month at Trinity at 2.00pm to share refreshments, talk about the book we have read and collect the new book for the next month. If you are at all interested do come along and see what we are all about. We have plenty of cups and can soon arrange for an extra book or two.

Look forward to meeting you!

This year we have managed to be allocated the first nine.

Our first read of the year was ‘The Snow Child’. It was in 18th position on our list. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and we are looking forward to many more good reads.

(Methodist Church News Service) Comic Relief is supporting a new initiative by The Arthur Rank Centre, The Plunkett Foundation and The Church of England's Mission and Public Affairs Division to extend access and use of rural credit unions. This innovative project is backed by the Association of British Credit Unions, and the Methodist and United Reformed Churches, and is likely to see new credit union service points created in rural churches and community buildings nationwide.

rienced project manager with over 15 years' experience in the financial services sector. She will be helping the six credit unions increase their rural membership and develop products suitable for rural people. Her findings will then be shared to enable other groups to establish their own rural service points.

"I'm really excited to be part of this programme," says Janet. "It has the potential to extend the help Credit Unions give to communities and individuals throughout the UK through collaborative partnerships, spreading the word Project Consultant, Janet Wilkinson, about local and community based fiwill be taking the lead on this initiative nance". and working directly with six credit unions across the UK. Janet is the Direc- Many imagine rural life to be idyllic, but tor of Bristol Credit Union and an expe- over 1.3 million people live in poverty, 18

often hidden within predominately wealthy areas, and financial exclusion is commonplace. The latest official research found that around 200,000 rural residents do not have access to a bank account and only one in eight banks or building societies are present in village communities.

The decline in mainstream banking facilities, and the low number of free cash points, has created 'financial service deserts' in many rural areas with residents often turning to payday loans and high-cost credit to fund everyday needs.

For more information call 024 7685 3060 or email info@germinate.net

Graham Podmore, Daphne Wiggett and Sue Podmore outside the tin chapel at Walcot Hall.

Members enjoyed two very successful outings during July.

The first was a visit to the Museum of Carpet in Kidderminster. The museum is staffed mainly by volunteers, who are dedicated to bringing the history of the carpet industry in Kidderminster back to life. We were fortunate in seeing several old looms in action, including two hand looms, which are still in operation from the Victorian era, when tens of thousands of people were employed in the carpet industry in Kidderminster.

Dorothy Nicolle who will speak on ‘Shropshire in the Great War’. All evening meetings take place at Trinity Methodist Church, Victoria Road, Shifnal and begin at 8 pm. Visitors are always most welcome to join us. Further details can be found on http://www.2shrop.net/shifnalsociety/ or by ringing 01952 463348.

Our second trip was to Walcot Hall, which overlooks the village of Lydbury North in South Shropshire. This beautiful Georgian house was home to Lord Clive of India. Set in spectacular surroundings and overlooking a mile-long fishing lake, the house offers magnificent views of the Shropshire hills. The gardens hold much of interest, including a reconstructed tin chapel, tucked away in the arboretum.

Walcot Hall is still a much loved family home, as was evident from our fascinating guided tour of the house. Thanks go to Programme Secretary, Len Powell, ably assisted by Graham and Sue Podmore, for organising two most interesting visits for the Society.

The programme of evening talks will recommence on Thursday, 24th September, when Alan Rose will talk on ‘Inn Signs of Great Britain’. On 22nd October, Alan Lewis will provide us with local insight into ‘Charles II and the Legacy of the Royal Oak’ and on 26th November, we welcome back

A group of members watching a demonstration of one of the looms. At the Museum of Carpet, Kidderminster.

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ACROSS 1 Mostly training and skill show how easily something can be done (14) 9 Admires new weapon (7) 10 Company chief ordered to get a small house (7) 11 A fool rejected Turner perhaps (4) 12 Transaction includes black fur (5) 13 Endlessly show respect by going down on one? (4) 16 Cut head off...cut head off exotic flower first (7) 17 Get together for prayer (7) 18 A very short dance? (3-4) 21 The weather worried Tim and Alec (7) 23 Transport for vagrant mostly (4) 24 Embargo on nobleman (5) 25 Greek god whose reflection is seen in canal (4) 28 Spoke but spoke indistinctly first off (7) 29 He worked with vicar to keep records (7) 30 Deborah started changing act (5,3,6) DOWN 1 Launch sailing vessel and celebrate lavishly (4,3,4,3) 2 Composition by an Italian poet (7) 3 Melt some of the path away (4) 4 Announcer on the radio for match (7) 5 Rustic leaders of British union get tummy ache (7) 6 Permit takes time for Latvian (4) 7 Apprentice from Aintree messed up (7) 8 Again advanced smaller sum to head, showing persistence (14) 14 Damp has to destroy finally (5) 15 The King lives – that’s crazy! (5) 19 One demands former thespian (7) 20 I put lad off with praise (7) 21 Piece of music for choir at end of performance (7) 22 Studio is refurbished late – that’s right (7) 26 River associated with a waste product (4) 27 Copy Spain and Switzerland, love (4) 20

King's Shropshire Light Infantry on 21st January. What was the KSLI doing in India? Answer: The 2nd battalion had been serving in India since 1903 to guard against an Afghan uprising. At the outbreak of the World War, these regulars were needed in the Ypres salient. They were relieved by 4th (Territorial) battalion, who were originally the County Volunteer Rifles. Their function was to take over routine garrison duty, obviously not so routine. Later in 1915 they were moved further east serving in Hong Kong, Singapore and the Andaman Islands. Some of them escorted prisoners to Australia; they were from the German ship Emden which had been captured by the Australian ship Sydney in 1914, whilst others were involved in putting down the 1915 “Singapore Mutiny”, somethings I guess we never heard about. An officer was sending diary notes to the Shrewsbury Chronicle, he describes passing the time cormorant shooting or more accurately: missing. When they arrived in But despite obsession with the war other things were going Singapore he mentions officiating at executions and being on, some perhaps trivial, others with more far reaching re- thrashed by 69 runs Singapore:118 all out, KLSI: 49 runs sults. Houdini escaped from a strait jacket, while Joseph all out. Well that's war for you!

Carberry reached an altitude of 11,690 ft in a fixed wing aircraft. The US refused to give women the right to vote Meanwhile the 2nd battalion was moved to the Somme, while Denmark and Iceland introduced it. Japan made de- then in December 1915 to Salonika to fight the Bulgarians mands on the weakened Chinese Government greatly in- who incidentally had declared war on both Russia and the creasing their control of Manchuria and the Chinese econo- UK! Another battalion: 8th (service), landed in France on my, but lost the trust of the UK and US. Georges Claude the 28th October and headed for Amiens, but by 6th Novempatented the neon discharge tube which now illuminates so ber they were rerouted and sent to Macedonia where the much of the night sky in its use in advertising. The Rocky battalion stayed for the rest of the war. I suppose it gives Mountains were declared a National Park. In Palestine a some idea of the complexity of the conflict and the mass locust infestation lasted most of the year, prices of food- movement of huge numbers of men, like some nightmarish stuffs rising 5-fold or more. Pluto was photographed for the chess game! However wherever the KSLI went so did men first time but not classified as a planet. Charlie Chaplin's from Shifnal. film “The tramp” was released. Babe Ruth hit his first home run. The British Women's Institute was founded in Llanfair- Saturday October 2nd was to be a big recruiting day with pwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, on bands of the KSLI and Cheshire regiment visiting towns Anglesey. The British army tested its first tank. In October and villages throughout Shropshire, including Shifnal, to Edith Cavell was executed after helping allied soldiers from attract many more men to the cause.

Shifnal losses during the autumn included lieutenant corBelgium. Einstein formulated his theory of Relativity.

100 years ago The war that was to be over by Christmas was entering its 2nd year. Shipping losses did not reach the headlines as much as the gruelling massacre of the western front, but it must have been quite significant in the overall picture. In just one month, August 1915, the allies lost 137 vessels the majority British shipping, 107 of which 18 were Royal Navy and HMT Royal Edward a troopship on its way to Gallipoli with a loss of 935 lives. Norway had the second highest losses. Of these losses 96 were victims of U-boats, U38 claiming 29 itself, sinking 10 ships in one day in the St Georges Channel between South Wales and Devon and Cornwall! However 4 U-boats had been sunk in the month amongst the 13 vessels lost by Germany, Austro-Hungary and Turkey altogether. What is amazing is that in the majority of cases no crew were lost.

1915 was an eventful year: I guess few in Europe and elsewhere could see through the smoke of war, but life had to continue. Buying and selling of land in Shifnal: Woodgreen Farm and cottages, the home of Mr T Jones (79 ½ acres and 5 acres of woodland) were being auctioned by E.J.Castilione Sons and Scott at Shifnal Town Hall. Much of the Hawkestone estate was also up for auction. Cattle, sheep and pigs were raised and sold for a little more than the previous year. But the government had raised taxes: sugar duty up to 9s/6d from 1s/10d per cwt. Super tax was up for £8000 - £9000 to 2s/10d, £9000 - £10000 to 3s/7d and above £10000 3s/6d which was to raise another £1,000,000 compared with 10 years ago.

poral Charles Chapman who joined the South Staffordshire Regiment in Wolverhampton. He died in October at Sullysur-la-Lys, Flanders. He was 20 yrs old. On 13th October Corporal J Brown also in the South Staffs, died in the Pas de Calais. Meanwhile in a sermon in All Saints, Liverpool, However you look at, it these were dark days as the Shifnal the preacher described what he claimed were authenticatcasualty toll continued to rise. One I missed earlier seems ed sightings of angels at the battle of Mons. so out of place that some explanation seems in order. H (This story has passed into folklore: any more details would Ward who seems to be Herbert Ward died in Dehli in the be appreciated).

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Federation banners at the National AGM Shropshire and Mid-Wales in front, centre.

Trinity Trumpet readers might (or might not!) remember that in the last issue it was reported that several Shifnal TG members would be attending the TG National AGM. Barbara Bushell, Judy Owen and Alison Harris duly travelled to Glasgow and had a wonderful time in lovely weather. The venue of The Royal Concert Hall proved to be a splendid setting and all three enjoyed seeing the banner parade, meeting other members from around the country and listening to some excellent speakers, including TG’s Patron, HRH Princess Anne.

Alison and Judy proposed and seconded the mandate asking for the advertising of gambling to be banned and were pleased that the mandate was passed, meaning that the issue has now been adopted as a national campaign. They were also privileged to meet Princess Anne during the lunch period as she was introduced to all the speakers.

The day was over all too soon, but there were many happy memories to take away of both the event and the friendly city of Glasgow.

Since then there have been a number of events for Shifnal ladies. The June meeting saw Ken Ballantyne come to talk about ‘Our Finest Hour’. Ken related anecdotes about groups and individuals in the period 1914 - 1945 who had all shown courage and ingenuity in some way, often receiving medals for their bravery. Members much enjoyed this well-presented talk, seeing Ken’s collection of memorabilia and identifying the wartime entertainers of whom he showed pictures.

His fee for the evening was donated to Severn Hospice and Bomber Memorial Command. flowers, glass and programme at Birthday Lunch (flower arrangements made by committee)

Various Federation events have taken place in the last few months. A number of Shifnal members went to a Craft Day to explore the therapeutic practice of Zentangle; some joined a trip to the Royal Museum of Worcester; some had a go at crown green bowling at a Fun Bowls Day at Norton; and some went to a Skittles Evening at the White Horse in Wrockwardine Wood where they enjoyed an excellent basket meal and had great fun in the skittles competition.

Shifnal TG had two social events of its own during the summer. Its 48th Birthday was celebrated in July with a delicious lunch at Shifnal Golf Club. The splendid cake was made by Sadie Jones and cut by long-standing members Eileen Shervey and Tricia Mitchell. In August, Tricia opened up her home for a ‘Lunch in the Garden’. Fortunately, the weather allowed all to enjoy the beautiful garden and to listen to Rozz Crockford talking about what is happening with The Walled Garden Project.

Finally, some readers may have seen the stall run by Guild members at the Craft Fair in Shifnal on August 22nd, selling cakes and publicising TG. Hopefully, the stall or articles like this one may have sparked your interest – so, do come and join us!

Contact shifnaltg@hotmail.co.uk or 01952 460782 for more information. You’ll be made very welcome, and the first visit is free!

Eileen Shervey and Tricia Mitchell cutting the cake

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SHOE BOX APPEAL Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest Christmas project run by the Christian relief and development organisation Samaritan’s Purse.

As part of churches together Trinity has supported this charity for several years and we hope, with your help, to do so again this year.

If you would like to support by donating a shoes box full of goodies, or by offering items that could be put into a shoe box, or by giving a donation towards postage please see Dot Greatorex who has some pamphlets with information regarding the sort of thing we are allowed to send. The last day for donating will be Sunday 25th October. Thank you.

SHOEBOX WORLD 2014: FROM VIRTUAL TO VITAL With a few clicks of your mouse or swipes on your touchscreen, you can build a shoebox online. Make it your own by choosing from a list of gifts by dragging and dropping them into your box, then add a personal letter and photo.

Operation Christmas Child will pack your shoebox and send it for you, for a suggested donation of just £15 + £3 shipping per box. Go online to https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/shoebox-world-2014/ 1

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Back in June illegal immigration hit the headlines again this time because “Carry-me� intended to sell 3 of their ships to DFDS with consequent loss of jobs. A strike followed which left lorries lined up nose to tail, too big an opportunity for stowaways. Hundreds were caught but some were filmed jumping off lorries in Kent. Since then many other stories have hit the headlines.

There are reportedly 5,000 immigrants camping around Calais in what is known as the Jungle. French police have caught over 18,000 trying to cross this year. However, if we are not careful we see this as purely a domestic problem so hold on a moment.

According to government figures more than 60,000 immigrants have crossed into Hungary illegally already in 2015.

Germany is expecting 300,000 to seek asylum this year, there were 200,000 last year. France has returned 6,000 immigrants to Italy so far this year, out of at least 170,000 (last year's figures, probably more this year) arriving in Italy. 155,000 have reached Greece by sea, 23,000 Serbia. But the issue is far wider than Europe: Canada receives 250,000 a year. The US believes that it has 11.4 million illegal immigrants in the country, most from the south but 20% are from Asia, Africa and Europe.

Australia was receiving over 10,000 a year but has imposed strict border control and has not received an illegal boat in 7 months.

All this goes to show that what seems to be a huge crisis for Britain is a very small part of a massive world crisis.

The root problems are not going to be corrected at the drop of a hat. Economics is an obvious cause with millions wanting a better life style, an escape from poverty, a desire to rise above the bread-line; release from starvation, totally inadequate living conditions, disease, squalor.

oppressive regimes, bringing fear and a struggle to survive as well as more economic pressures and local overpopulation as people seek safety.

Then we see earth movements, volcanic activity and normal climatic variation bringing droughts and floods, leaving whole populations starving and homeless without basic necessities.

And that's without heeding the climatic change doom-mongers warnings, who, if they are to be believed, see nations disappearing beneath the sea: whole populations of millions are at risk.

The problem will continue to grow.

When I was young we were taught that the world population would double in every 30 years or so. The US census bureau estimated that on 12 March 2012 the world population passed 7 billion, so in 2032 you can expect 14 billion. Under natural conditions any population has to spread, the pressures on land will continue to grow; we cannot afford to use prime agricultural land anywhere for housing however ephemeral or lavish, yet it is already happening.

And the world as a whole doesn't want to know - thank you very much. When they turn up at your door they are some one else's fault and someone else's problem. What is the answer?

This has been going on since humans were created. Is it actually something we can stop? It seems to me to be pure science, the theory of diffusion.

As long as there is less poverty in one place the poor from elsewhere will seek refuge there. As long as there is better medical care, many will seek refuge there for better health. As long as there is less social unrest fear will drive peoples to those shores. Once the concentrations of problems have equalled themselves out, then migration in and out become roughly equal, but then we don't want that do we? We want increasing standards of living and the gap will become greater and the migration pressure will increase.

Coupled with poverty you have overpopulation: with this come water shortage, pollution, disease , hunger. Then along come wars, power struggles and We pray for the hungry, but we don't

want them here. We pray for peace in strife ridden areas but we don't want to give peace to the oppressed here. We pray for and support health work in desperate countries but we won't let them in here. We pray for the poor of the world but won't allow them to share our prosperity within our shores.

What are we to do?

Angela Merkel has declared her position on closing European borders to prevent free movement: she probably has more reason to speak than most since Germany is the second destination for immigrants in the world after the US. 11 million, that's 1/5 of the population is of non-German origin.

David Cameron has given way a little and agreed to receive more immigrants. But what is the long term answer? Charities are at work trying to help these thousands in their stateless condition. Sara, our daughter, is in contact with one of the French charities who received her enquiry with great enthusiasm and she is now planning to take a multi-faith party of young people to Calais to help this charity distribute much needed support to the Calais Jungle. How that will affect their understanding and attitude who knows ,but at least it is a move towards understanding and recognising them as humans in need.

But come on! This is a huge problem.

Governments, the people, the UN even, are going to have to be far more imaginative and plan differently. We need people of intellect and integrity, honest and above manipulation by other powers. So let's think bigger, lots bigger. Every one of us probably has immigrant blood in us to a lesser or greater degree, these people are human beings like you and me. So where do we go from here? Humanly speaking I have no idea. But surely prayer is where we start, but we need to listen as well to what God is saying to us.

We need to pray and listen for his answer!

Hello Trinity, Just to say thank you to the folks at Trinity for the donation they gave to Malcolm.

I will put the ÂŁ75 towards a cow for a womens' HIV/Aids group that are farming a banana plantation. The cow will provide dung for the plantation and milk for the families of the women.

They were delighted when we said we would provide them with the cow.

I will send a photo when I have one.

Yvonne Gough (PHARP) 24

Malcolm and colleagues on a previous visit to Rwanda.