Trinity Trumpet Summer 2015 by Trinity Trumpet

The Magazine of The Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal Vol.101: Summer 2015

Photograph by Ian Bain Despite the bunting it is not Shifnal Carnival Day. Had it been, I think this â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;floatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; might have been in the running for a prize. As the congregation came out of church on Sunday they were met with the unusual sight of a VC10 taxiing down Victoria Road. VC10 serial number XR808 to be exact; on the last leg of its trip to the museum at RAF Cosford following a successful dismantling process carried out at Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire. The process has taken a team of 8 over 7 months. The VC10 will be positioned on the airfield at RAF Cosford whilst the wings, fuselage and landing gears are reassembled. The aircraft will then make the final few steps onto the Museum site to allow the fitment of the rear fuselage fin, tail plane and engines. Later in the summer it will go on permanent display to visitors outside next to the Lockheed Hercules C130K Mk3. You might recall a similar scene when a Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R.1 XV249 fuselage was brought through Shifnal to the RAF Cosford Museum in March, 2012 .

(Methodist Church News Service)

You may have read or heard about this issue in the media. Here is the church's press release. The British media received the news positively and in some cases even praised the Methodist church for its action. The Methodist Church in Britain has published the report of an independent review of past safeguarding cases related to the Church from 1950 to 2014. Speaking on behalf of the Church, the Secretary of the Methodist Conference and General Secretary the Revd Dr Martyn Atkins in response has issued a full and unreserved apology to survivors and victims of abuse identified. "On behalf of the Methodist Church in Britain I want to express an unreserved apology for the failure of its current and earlier processes fully to protect children, young people and adults from physical and sexual abuse inflicted by some ministers in Full Connexion and members of the Methodist Church. That abuse has been inflicted by some Methodists on children, young people and adults is and will remain a deep source of grief and shame to the Church. "We have not always listened properly to those abused or cared for them, and this is deeply regrettable. In respect of these things we have, as a Christian Church, clearly failed to live in ways that glorify God and honour Christ. "I am certain that the Methodist Conference will want to resolve to do all in its power to improve its systems to protect children, young people and adults from abuse within the life of the Church and on Church premises, and to review them diligently on a regular basis." The aim of conducting the review and writing the report has been to learn the lessons of the past so that safeguarding work within the Methodist Church is of the highest possible standard and the Church is safe for all. The independent Past Cases Review considered all safeguarding cases for which there were written records and those recalled from memory by ministers and members of the Church going back to 1950. These included cases that occurred within a church context as well as those which were reported to the church as a matter of pastoral concern but which occurred away from the church. In each identified case, the Church's response was reviewed on whether it had been safe, pastorally appropriate and compliant with current legislation and policy. Where possible and appropriate cases have been referred to the police or other remedial action has been taken. The review identified 1,885 past cases, which included sexual, physical, emotional and domestic abuse as well as cases of neglect. In approximately one quarter of these cases, church ministers or lay employees were identified as the perpetrators or alleged perpetrators. In 61 of these cases there was contact with the police and there are 6 ongoing police investigations as a result. The review, which has taken three years, was led by former Deputy Chief Executive of Barnardo's Jane Stacey, who has had a long career in senior management of organisations in the child welfare field. "It was a courageous act for the Methodist Church to launch such a comprehensive Past Cases Review. Even more courageous was the response from the survivors or victims who relived very difficult experiences to contribute to the review, either directly or through a third party. However thorough the review has been, there are undoubtedly cases that have not been reported and the Church would encourage survivors and victims and those with any information to contact the Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@methodistchurch.org.uk. They will be listened to and support will be offered. "There are many lessons to be learnt, but the most challenging are those that require a significant culture change throughout the church, and particularly for ministers and church leaders. The Church will need further courage to implement the review's recommendations, which are far-reaching and call for major changes in both practice and culture. The Methodist Church has already taken measures to improve safeguarding across the Connexion and implementing the learning from this review will be the next step to ensuring that the Church can be a safe place for all." This year's Methodist Conference, meeting in Southport will discuss the findings of the Past Cases Review and will be invited to establish an implementation group to take forward the report's 23 recommendations. The full report is available from the Methodist website. 2

Dear Friends, I can’t imagine that it has already been a year since we moved to Shifnal. It all seems as though, it was just a few weeks ago we visited the church and had our Welcome Service. I have already been the minister of Trinity for a year. Last week, I attended the invitation of a new minister to join our circuit which means I am no more the new kid on the block. The District Chairman gave a very challenging message on hope and moving forward. As a church, it is time for us to examine ourselves to see where we are heading. The first year of observation and honeymoon is over and it is time for us to focus on specific ministry. I would like to draw some insight from the churches in Malaysia. Two years ago, I visited the churches in Malaysia for my sabbatical. It was truly exciting to see the development and church growth in my home church. The church has grown from 150 members to about 280 members. The problem they were having was to cope with such immense church growth. There were more people sitting outside the church than in the church. They have just completed a new church building with can accommodate 600 people. I guess this is a good problem to have. We always hear of big church buildings with small membership here. Malaysia is a Muslim country and the government imposes quite a lot of restrictions on church ministries and buildings. Looking at the church growth in that country, I asked them for the secret of their church growth. Their instant responds was PRAYER. We know that we can’t turn to anybody but only GOD. “When we pray, we expect things to happen”, was their answer. I believe the lesson which we can learn from the churches in Malaysia is to be actively involved in the prayer ministry. Let this year be a year of prayer focus. Ministry without prayer is like a bomb without a detonator. LET US BECOME PRAYER WARRIORS! God Bless Your Prayer Life.

Hendry Ponniah 3

Edgar Page Stites preferred to be known simply as Edgar Page. He was born in in New Jersey in 1836. He was a lifelong Methodist and frequently attended the Cape May chapel in his home town for 60 years. He also frequented the camp meetings in Ocean Grove. These camp meetings were evangelical events originating in Britain, the most significant in English Methodism was at Mow Cop and began a new church, but in America they were often held where there was not a regular preacher. Their beginnings were particularly in frontier towns. They often included a lot of singing and other music, dancing and went on for many hours. One speaker often being replaced by many others, this continuous worship could go on for days. It was a sort of fired up Green Belt out in the sticks. They were meetings of great joy and emotion where all of the outpourings characteristic of the Toronto Blessing some 150 or so years later were quite normal. These meetings were a significant component in what was known as the Second Great Awakening led by the Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian churches of the early 19th century, the different churches being active in different areas. A group of Methodists began the one in Ocean Grove in 1869. The site of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting is today a huge church something of the size of the Albert Hall holding thousands of worshippers. The historic site is “God's Square Mile”; today it has a permanent “tent community” and a beach! A sort of permanent Spring Harvest only bigger, much bigger.

Simply trusting every day; Trusting through a stormy way; Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus, that is all. Trusting as the moments fly, Trusting as the days go by, Trusting Him, what 'er befall, Trusting Jesus, that is all. Brightly doth His Spirit shine Into this poor heart of mine; While He leads I cannot fall, Trusting Jesus, that is all. Singing if my way be clear, Praying if the path be drear; If in danger, for Him call, Trusting Jesus, that is all. Trusting Him while life shall last, Trusting Him till earth is past, Till His gracious advent call, Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Edgar served in the provision department of the Union Army in Philadelphia during the American Civil War. He became a riverboat pilot on the Delaware River part of a huge commercial operation with hundreds of steam ships bringing goods from the rest of the world into the heart of the Chesapeake Bay and hence into Maryland and Pennsylvania. For a while he was a home missionary in the Dakota Territory. He is known to have written 51 hymns: his most popular was Beulah Land, for me this one runs it a close second. The tune was written by Ira David Sankey, one of the 19th centuries' best loved American hymnologists. Another Methodist, at the age of 16 he was converted at King's Chapel United Methodist 3 miles from his home in Edinburg, Pennsylvania. After serving in the Civil War he entered the government revenue service. His gospel singing came to the attention of Dwight Moody at a YMCA convention, one might say the rest is history. He gave up his government post and joined Moody in his evangelistic work, coming to England in 1872. Their achievements require a book and justice cannot be done in a few words but many thousands of people owe their faith to these two men.

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

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On a recent holiday to Jersey we set off by bus to visit “The Devil’s Hole” (a blowhole in the rocks which fills up with water twice a day). The path started off in a wooded area then suddenly we emerged into the open and a wonderful view of the north jersey coast. We were then faced with over 100 steps to reach the hole. It was a pity there was no water when we got to the hole but it was worth going for the view. Charles’ knees were hurting after climbing back up so we cancelled our planned cliff top walk and thought we would take a connecting bus on the way back to another bay. We asked the driver where to get the other bus. “Just across the road”, he said “But you can walk . It’s not far down that way.” We started walking but soon regretted it. It got really steep and my man with the bad knees was complaining. When we reached the bay it was a bit worrying that there wasn’t a bus stop. I asked the man in the café! He pointed to a red marker some distance back up the road. Then we discovered there wasn’t another bus due for 1¾ hours. It was, however, a lovely day and a beautiful spot, a small quiet harbour with some sand, one café, toilets and a car park. A man was painting on the beach and I wished I had brought my paints with me. Two bench seats looked out across the sea and I was at peace among the wild flowers and butterflies. Eventually we began our uphill struggle and with much huffing and puffing arrived at the bus stop. The bus came in and everyone got on board. Unfortunately the bus wouldn’t start. The driver contacted the depot who suggested various things. The driver examined the disabled platform and kept stamping it down. I couldn’t think how that would help and it didn’t. “You may have to get another bus,” said the driver. Well, there wasn’t another bus due for hours and it was already late. One woman said “Shall we have to stay the night?” By coincidence the place was called “Bon Nuit Bay”. There followed lots of jokes among the passengers. In the end they sent out another bus and a mechanic. For some reason after we had all got on the relief bus the driver managed to get the original bus going. Well, remember if you are in Jersey and should think of going to Bon Nuit Bay it is probably best to get a car! Linda Carsberg 5

Malcolm and Doreen Brown got mail recently from Brendan and Sharyn in Australia including a school mailing that included this lovely photograph of grandson Riley (6) and this prayer for all those affected by the earthquake in Nepal that they would like to share

Loving God, May those who are paralysed by fear … Be strong and take heart May those who have lost or are still searching for loved ones … Be strong and take heart May those who remain trapped under rubble … Be strong and take heart May those rescue workers who provide relief and recovery … Be strong and take heart May those who are moved with compassion to help … Be strong and take heart God, whose love knows no bounds, fill all those who suffer with your comfort and peace. We ask all this through Christ, our Lord. Amen

Malcolm and Doreen are careful not show favouritism so here is their other grandson Arthur (7) who lives a bit closer to home in Folkestone with Mom, Manya and Dad, Rob. Here he is in Beaver uniform showing off his badges.

(Methodist news service) That bullying or harassment might take place in churches may come as a bit of a surprise, but since our churches are made up of human beings perhaps we should not be too taken aback. In any case the Methodist Council seems to see it as sufficiently significant to tackle the problem: maybe it might even provide some pointers for the rest of society to follow. Their pledge is to tackle issues of bullying and harassment within the Church. The move is a response to concerns raised about the vulnerability

of churches to destructive patterns of behaviour and affirms the desire for the Church to be a safe and inclusive community for all. "It is uncomfortable and difficult to admit that bullying and harassment do sometimes occur in our churches," said Tony Tidey, Connexional Wellbeing Adviser. “By clearly stating our commitment to addressing this issue,” they say, “we are calling everyone in our churches to a standard of behaviour that should reflect our calling as Christians to treat one another with dignity and respect at all times."

The Council will make a number of recommendations to the Methodist Conference which, if passed in July, will see £140,000 earmarked for developing further work on this matter. The recommendations include the promotion of the guidelines throughout the Church and the regular provision of training and support to District Reconciliation Groups to ensure that they are well equipped to deal with bullying and harassment issues.

A large number of people were early visitors to the exhibition at Trinity on the evening of Friday 12th June to view and comment on proposals written for new Shifnal Neighbourhood Plan. The Shifnal Town Council is the body responsible for the development of the Plan on behalf of all the residents who live in the designated area. The Shifnal Town Council decided to look seriously at the possibility of developing a Neighbourhood Plan in early 2014. To achieve this task it was recognized that there needed to be a Steering Group to manage and deliver the project and because the plan must be `community led` the Steering Group needed to have a majority of members drawn from the community and be chaired by one of those community members. It was decided that a small Steering Group be established. Neighbourhood Plans must reflect national planning policy and the strategic policies of Shropshire Council but, the A Neighbourhood Plan is a new type of Planning docupeople can say which local sites they want to see develment introduced by the Localism Act oped or protected from development. (2011) .Neighbourhood Plans are intended to give local people a greater say in the future of the development of The Neighbourhood Plan allows the people of the town to their communities. say how they would like Shifnal to develop over the next 10 to15 years. It can include policies on any developThis statutory status gives the Neighbourhood Plan far ments (e.g. a new health centre) but also on improvemore weight than other local documents or plans which ments to infrastructure that have a land use implication have been produced in the past, which are not undersuch as the roads, pedestrian routes into and around the pinned by this legal backing. town . The Neighbourhood Plan will set out a vision for the future of Shifnal up to 2026. It will form part of Shropshire Council`s planning documents and will have to be referred to before any decisions involving Shifnal are made.

“Methodist website” Ethical investment has again been in the news with The Anglican Church making adjustments to its investments. The following item is a statement from the Methodist Church about their investments. The complete statement can be found on the Methodist web site together with the JACEI 2015 report to conference.

From their base in the City of London, the CFB is a Christian witness in the investment community. By acting as shareholders of major companies, including some listed on the FTSE100, they can influence decisions and vote in shareholder meetings. This provides Methodists with a powerful voice at the heart of economic life in one of the world's most important financial centres. Recently the CFB have been working with BP, Coca-Cola and Rio Tinto about environment and human rights issues, and with Vodafone and the supply of pornography via mobile phones.

Around £1billion of Methodist money is invested in stocks, shares, bonds and other schemes. This money comes from individual churches and circuits, as well as national funds. All the money is invested in line with ethical principles. As a belt and braces approach the Methodist Conference set up the Joint Methodists have their own investment Advisory Committee on the Ethics on agency, the Central Finance Board. It Investment. Its job is to make sure is the job of the CFB to manage the that the CFB are working to the funds and get good returns on their highest ethical standards. It is made investments whilst making sure that up of five people nominated by the the investments are in line with the CFB and five by the Methodist Counmoral and ethical teaching of the cil. The Revd John Howard - Chair of Church - such as not investing in the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury companies that profit from alcohol, District - is the Chair of JACEI. Its gambling, pornography or the arms most publicised recommendations trade. were regarding Nestlés in 2006. 7

The Revd John Howard This is work well worth remembering in our prayers. Often we complain about practices of financial bodies but here our church is actively at work in this field, they need our prayer support.

The saint this issue is, like most of those we write about, no longer alive and in the eyes of many people would never qualify for the title of “saint”. However, he was chosen to show how God can use the most unlikely people to do his work even if they themselves are not really aware that that is what they are doing.

Michel Gérard Joseph Colucci, better known as Coluche, was born on October 28, 1944 in Paris, France and died in a motorbike accident on June 19, 1986 in Opio, Alpes-Maritimes. He was a French comedian and actor, famous for his irreverent sense of humour. Colucci adopted "Coluche" as a stage name at 26, when he began his entertainment career. He became known for his irreverent attitude towards politics and the establishment, and he incorporated this into much of his material. He was one of the first major comedians to regularly use profanities as a source of humour on French television, and was twice fired because of this. On October 30, 1980, Coluche organised a pressconference in the theatre where he was performing a oneman show and announced his candidacy for the French presidential elections in 1981. At first he was not taken seriously until the day the Sunday newspaper, Le Journal du Dimanche, published a poll on 14 December 1980, crediting Coluche with 16% of voting intentions. Needless to say he was not elected, but he had moved into the political arena. In 1984 he was awarded the César (French equivalent of the Oscars) for Best Actor for his role in the film Tchao Pantin(1983) directed by Claude Berri. In September 1985 he won the world speed record for a 750cc motorbike, achieving 252.087 km/h. Restaurants du Cœur (literally Restaurants of the Heart but meaning Restaurants of Love), commonly and familiarly known as the Restos du Cœur. The charity was created in 1985 (it now has 40,000 volunteers in almost 2,500 Restos, which welcome 600,000 beneficiaries a day) and was launched by Coluche when he made a speech on September 26 on the radio station Europe 1. This speech is very famous and begins with the words "I have a little idea, a bit like this... If there are people who would be interested in sponsoring a free soup Trinity Arts Weekend Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal 30th-31st October 2015 10.00am - 4.00pm each day The Trinity Arts Weekend at Trinity Methodist Church, Shifnal will be an opportunity for artists to display and

kitchen, we'd start first in Paris and then spread to France's big cities.". The charity collects food, money and clothes for the needy and the homeless. Each year, a fund-raising concert series is presented by various singers and celebrities, collectively known as les Enfoirés. The first of the Restos opened on 21 December and soon multiplied all over the country. The goal of the founders was to give away 2,000 to 3,000 meals per day; 8.5 million were distributed in the first winter alone. The initiative was supported by a song written by the songwriter and singer JeanJacques Goldman called 'Les Restos du Cœur', which included some of the lyrics being sung or read out by other celebrities (some of you will have seen this video recently in a service at Trinity). A televised show allowed the organization to collect several million francs. Coluche pleaded for the Restos' cause at the European Parliament in February 1986 after learning that surplus products cost more to store than to distribute for free to the poor; his plea was heard and the surplus was opened in 1987 to four organizations. The charity's main activity is to distribute food packages and hot meals to the needy. Recognised as being of public interest, its goal is to help the neediest and to fight social marginalisation with various programmes including those intended to help people re-enter society. Its aims are to carry out food aid, lodging, workshops (such as the Jardins du Cœur - "Gardens of the Heart"), and cultural activities. All these reinsertion programmes exist to help make beneficiaries become like anyone else. Under the heading of "reinsertion into society", one finds several different kinds of activities whose scope goes from workshops to gardens, from trucks doing nightly rounds in the big cities to longterm lodging solutions, and from cultural activities to picnics. Though the soup kitchens remain the most visible face of the Restos, they alone cannot ease the exclusion of those benefiting from their existence. Reinsertion is therefore considered top priority. The "Les Restos demain" ("The Restos, Tomorrow") survey, which polled more than 13,000 beneficiaries and volunteers from 1998-1999, confirmed the need to evolve and reinforced the will to go farther with the beneficiaryvolunteer partnership. France has a huge housing problem and it is charitable organizations like this that stop hundreds of homeless people dying each winter. So Coluche, a comedian whose humour was often too near the mark for some, has become the face of a multi-national organisation which helps the homeless and desperate to become valued members of a society which previously might have written them off as worthless scroungers.

sell their paintings or sculptures and for musicians to participate with live, quiet music. There will be art displayed by some of the groups who use our church for their meetings. There will also be a number of craft stalls. 8

Art materials will be available for both children and adults to try their hand at drawing, painting or both. Any sale of art work will include a 20% donation divided between Alzheimer’s Research and Trinity.

“If one part of the body suffers ......” The trial of Rev. Yat Michael and Rev. Peter Reith, the South Sudanese clergymen facing six serious criminal charges, began on 19 May at the Khartoum Bahri Criminal Court in Khartoum.

the Attorney General, where they were given access to legal representation and family visits. Rev. Yat Michael was arrested shortly after making a speech at the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SEPC) Khartoum Bahri congregation. The church has been in a land dispute with private investors who are being supported by the government. At the time of his arrest, NISS agents reportedly stated that they were offended by Rev. Michael’s speech encouraging the church to continue standing firm through the trials they were experiencing. At the opening of the trial on 19 May, the prosecutor played a video of Rev. Yat Michael’s speech at the Khartoum Bahri Church, confirming that NISS agents were filming church services during the land dispute.

CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, “We remain gravely concerned by the trial of Rev. Michael and Rev. Reith. After enduring an extended period of detention without charge, these men now face extreme and unwarranted charges that could lead to the death penalty or life imprisonment. We are particularly concerned by the revelation that NISS agents have been recording services at the Khartoum Bahri Evangelical Church. Given the context, such action amounts to intimidation and is not conducive to the full enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief. We call upon the authorities to respect the right of religious minorities to freedom of religion or belief, as guaranteed by the Constitution and by international human rights treaties to which the Sudan is a signatory. We also urge the international community, in particular the UN Independent Expert on Sudan, Mr. Aristide Nononsi, who is currently visiting the country, and the delegation of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights due to visit later (that) month, to raise this case with the relevant Sudanese authorities in order to ensure justice for the two clergymen.

According to CSW these clergymen from the South Sudan Evangelical Presbyterian Church (SSEPC), are jointly charged with undermining the constitutional system (Article 50 of the Sudanese Penal Code); waging war against the state (Article 51); disclosure and receipt of official information or documents (Article 55); arousing feelings of discontent among regular forces (Article 62); breach of public peace (Article 69); and offences relating to insulting religious beliefs (Article125). Of the six charges, Articles 50 and 51 carry the death penalty or life imprisonment in the event of a The Sudanese authorities have also guilty verdict attempted to illegally sell other properties belonging to the SEPC. In At the hearing on the 19 of May, the December 2014, lawyers lodged a prosecutor presented his opening constitutional appeal after the Ministry statement and the second trial date of Justice issued a one week eviction was set for 31 May, when two notice to the church’s tenants. The prosecution witnesses will give chairman of the SEPC council responevidence. sible for church buildings and land, Rafat Obid, has faced a campaign of Rev. Yat Michael has been in deten- harassment by the NISS as a result of Please pray for the Sudan, its leaders tion since 14 December 2014, while his work on the committee. and people, and the witness of the Rev. Peter Reith has been detained church. since 11 January 2015. The National The severe charges levelled against Intelligence and Security Services Rev. Michael and Rev. Reith are the (NISS) detained both men without latest development in a series of recharges or access to a lawyer or their pressive official actions targeting families until 1 March 2015. The men Christians in Sudan. were then transferred to the custody of

The last Saturday of the month means 'Bread Church' at Trinity and last month was no exception. Marcelle and her helpers were gathered early to get the ovens up to temperature and the tables and boards all ready for the willing bakers both young and ... not so young. It is difficult to judge who gets most pleasure from the bread making as everyone seems to be so engrossed in what they are doing but by the sound of chatter and laughter that greets you it is obvious that everyone is enjoying themselves. The baking itself is an outstanding success and more importantly the opportunity for sharing fellowship is there for all to see. Come along on the last Saturday morning of the month and join in. The coffee bar is running for the morning and at the end of the baking there is the opportunity to stay for lunch and share is some of the bread baked that morning. See you there. 9

where they can have fun and stay safe during the holiday period while their parents are at work. Some camps provide residential facilities for the children, while others provide only a day time programme. The camp I worked at was a day camp, but we still made a lot of amazing memories. American’s are very sincere in their faith, yet so diverse. In fact, on the same road that Camp Sonshine lies, there are over 200 different churches! Camp Sonshine was established over 30 years ago and is still growing. The name of the camp came from Jesus, the Son, and shine, representing the light of the world. I arrived in America, early one June afternoon last year and was greeted with an abundance of energy and smiles. We took our 50 minute drive out of the city centre and were washed away by the welcome and uplifting presence of the people who were even more ecstatic than we were! We began our first week of training, mainly focusing on finding your inner child, which needless to say wasn’t very hard but was great fun! Then, 9 solid weeks of entertaining, ministering, loving, guiding and playing games with the children got under way. During my first season, I worked with a group of 4th grade boys (close to 100 over the whole summer to be exact) who were aged 9 and 10. It was hard work but so rewarding. A normal day at camp would look like this: 5:30- Wake up and get ready for the day 6:15- Leave for camp 7:00-Start the camp day 7:30- Action teams 8:30- Arrival Last year Ian, the grandson of Bill Handley, was 9:20- Assembly blessed with an incredible opportunity to travel 10:05- Activity 1 3,500 miles across the ‘pond’ to the shores of 10:50- Activity 2 Washington D.C. to minister and work with the 11:35- Lunch children of Camp Sonshine, Maryland. Read 12:20- Activity 3 more of Ian’s adventure below. 1:05- Activity 4 1:50- Activity 5 The story I want to tell you is one that I will hold 2:35- Activity 6 with me forever and why I wish to share it with 3:20- Bus departures you. Last year in summer 2014, I departed the 4:10- Parent pick-up U.K. to begin working my first season at Camp Sonshine- a Christian summer day camp for 4-16 4:30- Action teams year olds. I had never travelled on my own before 6:00- Dinner nor had I been to America, so working away for 3 7:00- Evening meetings 8:00- Depart Home months was extremely exciting yet one of the most nerve-wracking things I had ever done. Activities would range from arts and crafts, outdoor cooking, pond activities, water fights, goFor those who don’t know, most American children spend their time off school at summer camp karts, eco exploring, swimming, field trips and so many more.

Christianity, American Style! Have you ever wondered where your faith can take you? From our own congregations, we often think about our world and where else our religion is important.

During some of the weekends, we would camp out at night with our campers, playing games and ministering the word or God. Myself and the other counsellors spent our time acting half our ages, getting messy, laughing, playing and making Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores all to ensure these children had the best summer of their lives and to be an anchor of love to them that Christ could work though. Before I knew it, we had reached the end of camp and saying goodbye to some incredible campers was equally has hard as the ones I left my family with. Some of the children had no intention of having fun, while others were shy and reserved, but over the summer, I became their rock and they started to grow and open up to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work.

The love the people have for God is as overpowering as the love they have for the English. While meeting fellow counsellors from America or out in public, the shear thrill of meeting someone from the U.K. would simply stop them in their tracks; they were mesmerised. It was intriguing to discover their passion and devotion to their faith, brothers and sister and their country. Every Sunday churches are full, some offering more than one service, the roofs are lifted off in praise and the Holy Spirit is let in. Independence Day on July the 4th is also a show of faith. Despite the day being a celebration of being free, it is often God they thank. Seeing this myself opened my eyes to the loyalty they have for their saviour. Going to camp completely changed me. It gave me a chance to be free, so I could grow (but not in height as I am already 6 foot 1!), but as an individual, understanding life values, becoming more independent, confident, mature, outgoing and by the time I returned home, God had turned me into a man. I sure had an incredible experience; I decided to return for my second season, which beBefore I headed home, I had an awesome oppor- gan on June 5th 2015. I would thoroughly recomtunity to travel. My friends and I left Washington, mend anybody to work at a summer camp in visited Virginia, North and South Carolina, Geor- America as it will blow you away and the memories will stick with you for the rest of your life. gia and Florida to our destination, Miami. With New York City just a short flight away, we agreed We hope to hear more from Ian when he returns to make a stop and explore the Big Apple. We from his latest trip to USA and Camp Sonshine . had such an inspiring time, seeing all of these beautiful places and meeting so many different people.

The spring programme began in March with ‘A Whistle-Stop Tour of Jordon’ presented by local pilot George Ross. With the use of video footage taken during his trips to Jordan, George showed what a fascinating and diverse country it is. Our April meeting saw the return of an old favourite, Mac Joseph, with ‘Do You Remember?’ – a nostalgic look back at the ‘50s and ‘60s, the era of spangles, sherbet dips, ‘Two Way Family Favourites’ and much more.

Len Powell with George Ross

David Carrington processing an apple

There will be two summer visits during July. On 1st July, members will be visiting Kidderminster for a guided tour of the Museum of Carpet and on 27th July there will be an outing to Walcot Hall. Evening talks will recommence on 24th September, when Alan Rose will speak on ‘Inn Signs of Great Britain’. For further details of these or any other matters pertaining to The Shifnal Society, please contact 01952 463348 or visit our website on http://www.2shrop.net/

In May, David Carrington provided a most enlightening insight into ‘The History of The Humble Apple and its Varieties’. We were all very surprised to learn that China is the biggest grower of apples in the world. Unfortunately, there do not appear to be any varieties of apple local to this area, with the Tettenhall Dick (a pear!) being the nearest contender.

Members John Bailey, Ken Brazier and Mac Joseph

Are you bothered and bitten by midges in the summer? Try this tip that works for me - carry a tumble drier softener sheet about your person. I split mine in two and put one half in the top of my walking socks or under the strap of my walking sandals and the other half just tucked under my top. It really 12

does repel the midges. We walk a lot in Attingham and have regularly come home with loads of bites but with this tip I see them flying towards me but then they part and go round and I don’t get bitten - Wonderful. Judy Foster

Once again Shifnal has had a very successful visit by our Twinning Partners from Machecoul. They arrived on schedule at the Youth Club, having visited Bath en-route from Portsmouth. After the usual welcomes and cakes and wine, hosts and their guests made their way home for the evening. A free day on Sunday with families ended with a most enjoyable evening at The Village Hall, with a sharing buffet, music, singing and the ‘Frogs’ which were a big hit. On Monday our visitors went to Daniel’s Mill which everyone enjoyed as there was plenty of interest to see. Much Wenlock was another high point, especially the Guildhall. The Dinner Dance in the evening was tremendous fun with a good mix of music by our DJ. Attingham Park, House and Garden was yet another hit, a beautiful sunny day helped too! We enjoyed lunch at The Myton and Mermaid before making our way back to Shifnal via a short stop in Ironbridge. Many thanks to our bakers for the cakes at the reception, our organisers for the varied trips and meals and especially to the hosts, new and old, without you there could be no visit.

It only seems like yesterday that someone suggested that we run a reading group at Trinity. After a few enquiries we decided to give it a go. The first task was to decide on a reading list for the coming year . There was never going to be universal agreement so we mulled over the seemingly neverâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;ending list provided by Shropshire Libraries during a Wednesday Coffee Morning. We voted for our individual likes and then agreed to take those most popular. Very civilised. One by one we went through the list . Some books met with universal approval, some werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so popular but by and large we enjoyed the books. The discussions that we have after reading the books are good fun. There is often varied interpretations of events in the books and discussions regularly branch off in all sorts of directions as members relate episodes in the books to real life happenings. If you are interested in joining do get in touch. (460729 or via the Trinity Trumpet website) Our next meeting Monday 20th July would be a good time to join as we will be selecting our books for the coming year. 14

We often do recipes for the carni- and omnivores among us, so here’s one for the rest! Adaptation for special diets should be fairly simple, I think. To serve 4 people you need: 3 cups cooked brown rice plus 1 cup uncooked 4 sliced sticks celery 2 thinly sliced medium parsnips 1 small sliced leek or onion 60g butter 250g sliced mushrooms 3tbs plain flour ¾ cup milk 1 cup grated tasty cheese

Spread all the rice into a casserole dish. Cook celery, parsnips and leek/onion in salted water for 5 minutes till just tender and drain, keeping 1 cup of the liquid. Arrange the vegetable over the rice. Heat the butter in a pan, toss in the mushrooms until soft and then lower the heat and stir in the flour. Cook for 1 minute. Combine reserve water from the veg with the milk and stir this in: continue stirring until the mix is smooth and thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper and spoon over the veg in the dish. Sprinkle with the cheese and bake in a pre-heated oven at 200⁰C for 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese has melted. Serve with crusty bread (if you can) and a green salad. NB: I have never tried this recipe myself but am assured it’s good.

As everyone is aware there is no charge for coffee nor tea at Trinity’s Wednesday Morning Coffee group. There is, however, a collection dish at the door and people often show their appreciation of both the food and drink and the fellowship by dropping some change in the dish. This mounts up and the group regularly make donations to all sorts of different good causes. Here you see Doreen Brown presenting a cheque for £50 to SAYYES organiser Angela Chatham and the staff to support their work in Shifnal and Albrighton. If you are interested in helping in the activities of the group please do get in touch. Mrs Angela Chatham - 07771707912 angiechatham@hotmail.com 15

Dear Friends I hope to take a trip to India next year and would like to invite anyone who is interested to join me. We will go to West Bengal, more specifically Kolkata, Durgapur and Sarenga where we will visit churches, schools and a hospital plus other sites and projects. India is an amazing country and West Bengal is only a part of it but you will experience things that you have never experienced before and I would wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. I don't proclaim to be an expert but I've been three times before so do have some experience. Places are limited, I will only be taking 9 people, so please have a think and pray about this and let me know if you would like to go. More information is attached and if you are interested in just having a chat about what would be involved I'd like to invite you to a meeting at my home, 14 Chichester Drive, Apley TF1 6YS, 7.30pm on Monday 6th July. If you can't make that date but are still interested then please get in touch and we can have a chat on another occasion. Many thanks and blessings Julie Julie Morton Probationer Deacon Telford Methodist Circuit (H) 01952 640079 (M) 07841 428302

(Methodist news service) An unprecedented 107 nations have signed a pledge to "stigmatise, prohibit and eliminate nuclear weapons in light of their unacceptable humanitarian consequences and associated risks" at the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York. UK and other nuclear weapons states continue opposition. Four major UK Churches have welcomed the news, but called on the UK Government to unblock discussion of new multilateral disarmament initiatives. The 107 governments who have signed the humanitarian pledge call for new legally binding treaties to prohibit the use and threat of use of nuclear weapons. As we approach the 70th anniversary of the devastation of Hiroshima (6 August), governments supporting the humanitarian pledge have affirmed "that it is in the interest of the very survival of humanity that nuclear weapons are never used again, under any circumstances". The 2015 NPT Review Conference has failed to agree an outcome document due to a lack of consensus on how to move forward on a Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone in the Middle East. But the conference also

revealed the depth of divisions in Europe over approaches to disarmament: France and the UK previously boycotted a conference hosted by the government of Norway on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons. Ireland and Austria insist that there must be a new legally binding treaty to place nuclear weapons on a par with biological and chemical weapons; however, this position is opposed by the UK. Several European states have joined 159 other countries in urging that the humanitarian agenda should underpin all efforts to achieve disarmament and that all states share the responsibility of preventing the modernisation of nuclear arsenals, whilst the UK proposes spending ÂŁ25 billion on upgrading Trident. Speaking on behalf of the four UK churches, policy adviser Steve Hucklesby said: "Faith groups in the UK are united in their conviction that any use of nuclear weapons would violate the sanctity of life and the principle of dignity core to our faith traditions. To address the security challenges that we face today, we must build relationships based on mutual cooperation rather than the threat of mutual destruction. We now have a serious division in Eu-

rope on nuclear weapons. Ireland and Austria insist that we must have new legal treaties to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons, and other states in Europe may be willing to join the call. Sadly the UK remains intransigent, boycotting or blocking any effective forum for the discussion of new multilateral disarmament initiatives. This further risks undermining trust in the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The UK must act to restore confidence in the direction of travel on nuclear disarmament." In March of this year, senior leaders of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church, the Church of Scotland and the United Reformed Church were among 26 UK faith leaders to call on the UK Government to support a robust plan of action on nuclear disarmament. Churches across the UK are being encouraged to pray for and write to their MPs in response.

100 years ago From the middle of February to the middle of March Britain with the aid of France, Russia and Australia began a campaign against the Ottoman empire in the Dardanelles. It was an area Britain had long had an interest in but Germany had been more successful. When the war began Britain had confiscated two battleships which were in British shipyards; in response Germany had given them two of their own: SMSs Goeben and Breslau which became the heart of the Ottoman navy.

20,000 men from Australia, New Zealand, France and Britain attacked on 5th May: by the end of the 7th they had gained 600yds at the cost of 1000 men! The attack was suspended then came a counter attack by 42000 Ottoman troops against 17000 Anzac troops. This time the Ottomans lost 13000 troops (3000 killed) against 628 (160 dead) Anzac troops. How cheap life becomes! However a truce was held to bury the dead. There were months more of this to come!

The Ottomans were initially un-allied but were influenced to close the Dardanelle Straits into the Black Sea when Britain captured a gunboat. They then attacked Russian property on the Black Sea, the aim being to destroy the Russian fleet. Meanwhile another attack was made on Russia through the Caucasus mountains at which point Russia called for the help of the British. Winston Churchill (1st Lord of the Admiralty) had given Prime Minister Asquith two options to open new fronts against Germany, one of which was to take the Dardanelles and give Russia supplies through the Black Sea. That's the history, what happened next? After various attacks and other encounters on March 18th,

20 warships attacked the land defences, but insufficient reconnaissance failed to detect the extent of a minefield laid in Eran Koy Bay. Although the attack took out a significant part of the defence artillery, the ships were turning around in that bay. Six were lost: sunk or severely damaged, others received lesser damage. With only 118 Ottoman casualties as against the loss of ships and 700 casualties it was an Ottoman victory but pressure continued to for a sea approach. One admiral is claimed to have said that this is what happens when politicians get involved! Churchill's view was that such losses were inevitable and the attacks should have continued.

Meanwhile the war was becoming a reality to families in Shifnal to which our war memorials bear witness. Ypres was one of the first to take its Shifnal sacrifices. The first major battle in 1914 saw the use of mustard gas; the second began with the release by the Germans of chlorine gas which turns into hydrochloric acid in the lungs. Shifnal's first victim from Ypres seems to have been John Beech of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry: he died on 15th March during the “lull” between the 1st and 2nd major battles; he was about 23. The son of Lady Wilhemina Brooke of Haughton Hall was our next some six or seven weeks later. Captain George Townshend Brooke died at Ypres on 5th May 1915, he was 38. He had married Ida and she was living in Cheltenham at the time. He was a member of the Royal Engineers, 1st (North Midland) Field Company. Gathering information 100 years later is not always easy and leaves gaps and confusion. One such is private H Johnson who may have been Harry or Horace and can be found on Trinity's memorial. Depending upon who he really was, it seems that he was probably and an early victim of the 2nd Battle of Ypres falling on 26th April 1915 serving with the King's Shropshire Light Infantry; he was just 17. If anyone has information it would help in terms of accuracy but they all gave their lives in terrible circumstances and deserve to be remembered. Three days later another of his possible comrades in the KSLI, also on the Shifnal memorials, Private W Edge lost his life. He may have been about 28 yrs old .Yet another private, G Hall of the KSLI, seems to have lost his life in the same area on 27th July, again details are unclear, he may have been about 25. The day before that, Samuel Burgoyne joined our list; since the battle is not recorded I assume he came home wounded while serving in the Army Service Corps A company and died later of those wounds. The Army Service Corps are regarded as the unsung heroes of the war, getting essential supplies to the front line using both horse-drawn as well as the new motorised vehicles: their website reports that they performed “prodigious feats of logistics.” His memorial is in St Andrews churchyard. This seems to be a huge number in such a short time for a small community like Shifnal. The reality of war had reached Shifnal.

And so came the Gallipoli campaign, launched on 25th April: a land based assault which was destined to be the Ottoman's greatest victory of the war and 100 years later is regarded as a defining moment in Turkish history. It is also regarded as the day of national consciousness in Australia and New Zealand, being remembered as Anzac day which surpasses Remembrance Day for them.

Sitting at the front of this group are (left to right) Barbara Bushell, Judy Owen and Alison Harris Three members of the Guild who attended the AGM in Glasgow:in June. Shifnal Townswomen’s Guild has been as busy as usual over the last few months. At its April meeting, ‘a right royal feast’ was served up when Nick Trustram Eve came to speak on ‘Tudor Banqueting’. Dressed as a cook of the time, Nick was a lively and enthusiastic speaker. With a mixture of pictures and documents from the past and modern copies of various objects, he showed the implements employed for eating and drinking and how a table would have been laid. He emphasised the table manners then in use, described the courses, the foods and the wines and stressed the interesting usage of a wide range of spices. At the end of his presentation, Nick passed round some gingerbread – very different from that of today, but with lovely, subtle flavours – and hippocras (a spiced wine) and these were much enjoyed. Only a couple of days later, on St George’s Day, more than 20 from the Guild gathered in a member’s home for a

fund-raising coffee morning. There was much cake and chat and some fun with raffles, and the beautiful sunshine meant the garden could be enjoyed as well. On May 2nd, four members visited the National TG Roadshow at Burton-on-Trent. They enjoyed meeting members of the Derbyshire Guilds, seeing various displays, having makeovers by Boots and watching an M&S fashion show. On the 12th, a larger group went to Broseley for a Federation One-Day School and were treated to a very warm welcome as well as delicious cakes by Broseley Guild members. Ladies from all over Shropshire heard three excellent talks, one on Broseley’s history and interesting buildings, one on the clay pipe industry that thrived in the area and one on the Haycop Conservation Area. At the May monthly meeting, members gathered to discuss the two mandates to be debated at the National AGM on June 10th, one concerning the long-term care of the severely disabled and the other about the huge increase in recent years of the advertising of gambling, the latter having been sent to TGHQ by Shifnal Guild. Three members of the Guild will be attending the AGM in Glasgow: Chairman Barbara Bushell goes as delegate to represent Shifnal in the voting, while Alison Harris and Judy Owen go as proposer and seconder respectively for the second mandate. Should the mandates be approved, they will be adopted as national campaigns. All very exciting – and Judy and Alison will even get to meet Princess Anne! Coming up in July and August: the Guild’s Birthday Lunch, a Garden Party at a member’s home and a visit to Shifnal’s Walled Garden Project. For more information, please contact shifnaltg@hotmail.co.uk or 01952 460782. And follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shifnaltg .

Barbara Bushell, Nick Trustram Eve and Cath Donovan 18

Now here’s an interesting photograph that we thought we would like to share with you. Shifnal Trinity obviously. The date is less obvious. Does the gas lamp lighting in the street help to date the photograph? The church has gas lamps at its front too. Railings run across the entrance to the Church. When were they removed? One suggestion is that the photograph is of repair work to the Church following a lightening strike. Do you have any information? We would love to hear from you. You can contact us through the website www.trinitytrumpet.co.uk by clicking on “Contact the Editor” at the bottom of any page.

The Sudoku puzzle can be found on page 4.

Well, it may not be the result anyone expected but it leaves Mr Cameron and his government with a huge task; to create a unified nation! That is the task he has set himself and no doubt will be judged on. To be fair that has always been a huge task for government and one which some may say has been a singular failure or simply been ignored. What he means by “one nation” may not be what you and I mean: it could be that everyone accepts what the paternal government decides is best for the nation and gets on with it. On the other hand some will see it as everyone bearing a fair share of the load since we've been told “we are all in it together”! The first challenge was always going to be the SNP demanding a fair share of the wealth of the nation for Scotland, (which actually means more cash) and a reduction in austerity, which they see as hitting the poor unfairly. If they are saying “don't cut benefits further for people who depend upon them” that is going to require an open and honest debate about poverty and who's to blame. When you hear of a company whose directors move their personal investment abroad, running the company down until it fails - at which point they are discovered to be living abroad and the workers and private pension scheme abandoned – a case which I must emphasise is only hearsay and not something I can substantiate – then you begin to

wonder just how any government with all the will in the world can possibly pass legislation to deal with it, especially if such people are those who are going to vote for you! Whether that story is true or not in one way is not the point; its perception affects both sides of the argument and fits what many believe is two worlds, even two nations: London and the rest.

and made supplication for funds for whatever their need: an elderly parent in need of care, finance to develop a business, essential repairs to a building, educational development, a new well. If the sheik deemed the request worthy, the money was granted. This is not democracy, but does it meet the needs of ordinary people?

The Northern Ireland Assembly has emphasised the same point with a deep disagreement over benefit cuts and the weight of austerity falling disproportionately on the poor. Ireland since Norman times has been seen as a country to be exploited and controlled, not so different from the peasant Celts and Anglo Saxons of “mainland” England and Wales; Scotland had the Vikings to deal with and a very different history. But somehow this perception of a work force to be exploited for gain by another ruling class persists even now, and it's not just here in Britain but something that seems to run through human nature everywhere. Yet I find that idea challenged by the sheik we saw in Kate Humble's series on the “Frankincense Trail”. This wealthy Muslim saw it as his responsibility to care for the people in his sheikdom. The millions he raised through world commerce he saw as a commodity to be shared. The TV cameras were allowed to view what was a normal occasion for him, his people came

When a democratically elected government cares for its people the temptation is to make sure that your voting base is cared for and those who do not vote or not for you under any circumstances are neglected. This is not government, this is politics where people are pawns in the game! To do what is best for the country, one nation, demands something special. David Cameron has set himself this challenge, is he up to it? I'm not sure any human is, even the much vaunted kings David and Solomon were, and still are, much criticised for their rule. Whether he acknowledges it or not our human leader needs help from elsewhere, he needs our prayers, he needs aid from the Almighty God whose wisdom is somewhat greater than ours. So whether he is your man or not, pray for him!