Grapevine 64

GrapevineTHE VOICE OF HOPE FOR HASTINGS
SUMMER 2019 NO 64 PPLRAEAESANASSDDEO N

• FREEDOM Project Update. A New Season
• Careering into Faith. for Grapevine
• Focus on Mental Health.

• A Climate of Change –.
How Should We Respond??

• Faith Takes Centre Stage.

Image by Gerhard Bögner from Pixabay

G RDA PISE TVFIRONIREBUF1TRIOENE

A New Season for Grapevine

Welcome to the summer issue of Grapevine. New Editor, Lizzie May is pictured
A big thank you goes to Editor, Wallace Boulton here with her faith-inspired artwork
from everyone at Loaf Project, as he steps at Crowhurst Healing Centre.
down after 22 impressive years at the helm.
Read on to hear Wallace talking about his inspiring
Christian journey and worklife. As the new Editor, I am
delighted to be able to share news about the amazing
support for our DRC FREEDOM Appeal, and the many
exciting things that local Christians are doing together
as one big ‘church’. We also take an in-depth look at
mental health and put climate change in the spotlight to
see how Christians can better caretake God’s world.
Lizzie May, Editor

ONLINE HOTLINE You can email your feedback and
keep us posted about any exciting Christian initiatives
that you are involved in at [email protected]

Sonrise Church Hosts Visionary AGMs

Sonrise Church hosted the joint Church Together and Pastor Cathy Khan from Sonrise Church hands over a cheque for Loaf
Loaf Project Annual General Meetings in May. Both Project’s 2019 FREEDOM Appeal – go to page 4 to find out how Sir Bob
organisations are in a time of transition, with a sense Geldof inspired her to get fundraising…
of renewed energy and vision. Cathy Khan, Vice Chair,
shared a prayer of encouragement, “The harvest is Treasurer, Christine Boulton-Lane gave a report, thanking all
ready… a time of giving; a time to stir up the hearts of the local churches for helping Loaf Project and their partner,
the young.” Eben-Ezer International to get closer to their £15,000 target for
the DRC FREEDOM Appeal and encouraged others to come on
After 9 years as Chair of Church Together, John board. More on page 4-5.
Lyttle has moved into the role of Secretary and said,
“Jeremiah 29 refers to God’s heart for a future full of Church Together unites local churches
hope – at an important time of change for us all.” He and Christians through learning and
thanked churches (27) for their ongoing help to fund encouragement - upcoming event
important partnership work, including the successful topics include: bereavement; Christian
Unity Service, Global Day of Prayer and Easter Festival. mindfulness and listening prayer. Info at
Other highlights included: www.hastingschurches.org.uk

• 103 Mailchimp news items have been shared
• A GDPR-compliant mailing list refresh completed
• 15% more emails are being opened by recipients
• Nearly 70 events organised eg domestic violence
• Plans are to engage more with younger people.

After many dedicated years, John Geater stepped
down as Chair of Loaf Project and welcomed interim
successor, Roger Mitchell, affirming the need for new,
energetic people and ideas. He said, “We need more
churches to unite through revival – to reflect how Jesus
prayed that ‘all might be one’,” and shared:

• Over £500,000 raised for world’s poorest
• 63 issues of Grapevine published to date
• Nearly £5,800 raised towards £15k FREEDOM Appeal
• New, young people are joining Loaf team

2 GRAPEVINE

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The feeding of the
TWO thousand!

Firefighters aim Medical mission
to raise £40,000 comes ‘home’
Dilemmas of a
The faith of a Christian MP
business broker

Issue 1 The magazine of HOPE for Hastings and St Leonards FREE - Issue 40

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Issue 36

Grapevine Editor Steps Down

After 22 years, Grapevine Issue 36 Church members of all ages flooded the
Editor, Wallace Boulton has streets during the three-day ‘On the Move’ event in
stood down and reflects, “At 2007. Joyful worship filled the streets as bands came
the age of 88 I felt the time in and out of earshot. Barbecue volunteers were hard-
had come. I am not giving up pressed to serve 2400 lunches in Wellington Square.
my ministry, only reducing Many people openly shared their needs and were open
my commitments – a card in to prayer.
front of me reads: ‘God give Issue 40 Street Pastors came to Hastings in 2009
me work till my life shall end and one of their members said, ‘A Street Pastor is a
and life till my work is done.’ committed Christian; a fully trained volunteer who patrols
Dr John Geater has been a big encouragement to me as the streets of the town centre at night to offer help to
anyone who needs it.’ They provide a reassuring peaceful
Editor. I have enjoyed working well with our designer, John presence amidst throngs of young people, often the
worse for wear.
Hawkins and I am pleased that he is continuing in his role.
The Loaf team would like to thank Wallace for his
I welcome my successor, Lizzie May, who brings her own many years of hard work and outstanding service
to Grapevine.
creative giftings and experience.
Grapevine was launched to encourage local Christians Hastings Healing Rooms

to help people in the neediest parts of the world. The Free, Confidential Prayer for healing in
the Name of Jesus Christ
magazine promotes strong Christian unity as one ‘church’ in
God said “I am the Lord who heals you”
Hastings and St Leonards. Grassroots stories about Christians
Part of Healing Rooms England & Wales. www.healingrooms.org.uk Charity no: 1125094
working together, including Hope Kitchen, Night Church,
GRAPEVINE 3
Snowflake and the Easter Festival, have all featured.”
Grapevine hosts lunches to develop closer ties between

church leaders across the whole church, and promotes the

latest Loaf fundraising projects – here, Wallace chooses

three of his favourite covers:
Issue 1 In 1997, Loaf secured the future of Mango Tree
House, a Christian centre in the Philippines which rescued,

fed, clothed, educated and, above all, loved orphaned,

abandoned and abused children. Many of these children

had been sleeping on the streets and scavenging on

stinking rubbish tips.

FREEDOM PROJECT UPDATE

Help Give FREEDOM to DRC Children

With your help we can raise £15,000 to relieve the suffering of

hundreds of girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo:

• Provide 450 free femcare kits • Re-train teachers in 300 schools
• Stop taboos around menstruation • Skill up and empower local women
• Enable young girls to stay in school • Teach young people key life skills
• Set up local kit-making businesses

A Big A ‘Bob Geldof’ Cathy Khan says:
Thank You Moment “Mother Teresa

Everyone at Loaf £9200 Cathy Khan from Sonrise famously said, ‘Not
Project would like to go Church handed over a large all of us can do great
to thank all of our cheque at our AGM, and things, but we can
friends, local people Nearly shared, “I had what I call do small things with
and churches, for the £5800 a ‘Bob Geldof moment’ – when
fantastic enthusiasm raised great love’.”
and support you have
given to our DRC he saw images of starving children
Project, and here
we share your stories in Africa that moved him, and Live Aid
to inspire others
to come on board… was birthed. My ‘moment’ was when listening to the

FREEDOM presentation and putting myself in the place of

these young Congolese women who don’t have access to

the most basic personal care items.” Cathy and her Church

ladies raised money by knitting and selling fun bunnies and

chicken egg cosies at their Easter Service.

Thanks for Giving

Kytes’ Gig Raises The Roof The Magdalen & Lasher Charity held their annual
Thanksgiving Service at beautiful All Saints’ Church in July,
The popular opening the doors to members, friends and family for
Kytes band raised shared worship through delightful hymns of praise. The
over £500 for Charity kindly dedicated their ‘retiring collection’ and coffee
our appeal at morning takings to Loaf’s Appeal. Church Warden, Gareth
their lively free Bendon told us, “Our Thanksgiving Service seemed like the
performance at perfect time to invite everyone to give something back, and
Sedlescombe we’re pleased to help to get your project off the ground.”
Village Hall in May.
They covered big- Small Church Thinks Big
time favourites
from bands like Salvation Army Hastings Citadel is a small church that has
Oasis and the really gone the extra mile… dedicating one entire week’s
Beatles, getting everyone up dancing. Kytes member, subs and collections to FREEDOM. Everyone took part, from
Andy Knight said, “All our band members have the Luncheon Club and Coffee Club, to the ‘Wriggletots’
children, so it was a pleasure to raise badly-needed group who sold home-baked goodies. The Over 60’s Club
funds to help the DRC girls, and boys.” Watch out for also had an inspiring quiz to see how many countries
more fundraising events on Facebook at they could name in Africa. Rebecca Zund from Citadel
www.facebook.com/LoafprojectHastings said, “What a great week – we got to talk about women,
education, poverty and privilege, and I am blown away by
4 GRAPEVINE the big hearts of the people in this Church and town.”

Collective Gets Creative john hawkins design

The Church family at Halton Baptist Church really graphic design
got behind our cause. Ladies raised funds as they book design and typography
discussed ‘body image’ at their She Shines meet-up, magazine design
and at the weekly Friday Fellowship meeting (pictured self publishing consultancy
right). Everyone came up with creative fundraisers like 07780 502417
a tasty cake sale, a fun ‘Bring & Buy’ sale held at Clive [email protected]
Vale Church, and a collection at the Toddler Group. www.jhbd.co.uk
Christina Carter from Halton Baptist Church said, “As
women, we have all been very moved by the plight GRAPEVINE 5
of these young girls, and are delighted that together,
we have been able to get fundraising, whilst having
some fun too.”

Artists Make a Splash

St Helen’s gave part of their annual ‘tithe’ (8% of all
income) to the appeal. They also raised money at their
joint summer exhibition with St Barnabas where the
Brushstrokes art group shared their lovely artworks,
handicrafts and moving poetry with local people.
Canon Penny Avann told us, “We regularly focus
on our bodies and minds, but creativity often gets
forgotten. We live in a very creative world, given to us
by God our Creator, so it was fitting that our attempts
at being creative should go towards helping others.”
To join Brushstrokes art group, email:
[email protected]

PLEASE DONATE NOW
Email: [email protected]
for details or check out our
suggested fundraising ideas at:
www.loafproject.co.uk/freedomproject

His Place Art Café
& Community Centre

Robertson Street,
Hastings, TN34 1HL

Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri, Sat
10am–3pm

www.hisplaceartcafe.co.uk Tel: 01424 423501

Supported by Sussex Community Foundation

Taking Care of Mental Health

Taking care of our emotional wellbeing Mindful Healing
is as important as looking after our
bodies. Around one in four people will Steve Gendall, Senior Chaplain at Crowhurst Healing Centre said,
suffer from mental health challenges “In life, it’s easy to neglect our spiritual needs and end up burning
during their lives, which can badly affect out. Sadly, time and again we hear from those in Christian
their self-belief, ability to function well, Ministry who are struggling under the pressures of the job. The
personal relationships and work lives. reasons for this classically include isolation, blurred boundaries,
The good news is that we can turn to taking on too much and simply not taking enough time off. In
God at this time, and there are also some August, Crowhurst is having a bespoke ‘Festival Recovery’ retreat
excellent local support services available for those working with children, youth and/or families, providing
to local people and church leaders. space to refill and reflect on the promises of God. For our
exclusive readers’ Festival Recovery offer, 28th-31th August
quote ‘Grapevine’ to book 3-night, full-board stay at £180 – call
01424 830204.” Info at: www.crowhursthealing.org.uk  

Your Mind Matters Altered Images

Canon Penny Avann told us, “Mental health is To mark the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the
rightly on many groups’ agendas, brought to the Mental Health Foundation released the findings of a survey of
fore by the Royal Family and the media. It’s a burning 4500 UK adults about how they relate to their body image:
issue in our time, affecting families and communities • 1 in 8 adults (13%) experienced suicidal thoughts
right here in Hastings and St Leonards. So, a group • 1 in 4 (25%) men are concerned about body image
of local Christian leaders and health specialists, • Over a third (33%) have felt anxious or depressed
Professor Shakil Malik and Dr John Geater from • Nearly 1 in 5 (20%) adults are ‘disgusted’
Prime International got together and created a new • 1 in 10 (10%) of women have ‘self-harmed’.
short mental health training programme. Primarily Foundation Chief Executive, Mark Rowland said: “Our survey
aimed at church leaders, four short sessions look at underscores how commercial, social media and advertising
the key issues around mental health this Autumn, pressures on body image are contributing to mental health
to enable participants to offer appropriate care and problems.” Free advice and info at: www.mentalhealthorg.uk/
support to those who need help.” publications

A Christian ‘Listener’ tutor and mental health
practitioners will facilitate the course, supported
by prayer and reflection. The programme covers:
Christian listening skills; understanding neuroses
and psychoses; depression; anxiety and stress; how
to spot abuse and the need for forgiveness. Also
in the pipeline is a half-day seminar for charity and
church workers in pastoral and caring roles. Rachel
Creighton from Church-in-the-Wood and St Anne’s
(Course Co-Leader) said, “People in crisis or with
ongoing mental health issues often turn to the
church for help, so to be able to better support them
is invaluable.” For more info and bookings email:
[email protected] or call 01424 435756.

6 GRAPEVINE

Your Bexhill Evangelical
local
Book Centre
Christian
Book Established since 1986.
Wide selection of cards
Shop available and good

selection of new and
secondhand books.
• Christian Books Orders taken if we don’t

• Cards have what you want.
Cash or cheques
Local MIND worker and Christian, Jacky Youldon • Small Gifts (no cards). Local
welcomes anyone affected by mental health to join • Bibles deliveries undertaken.
her positive weekly RunningSpace groups, and offers • Stationery Discounts for bulk
safeTALK suicide-awareness training. Jacky told
us, “Many of the runners, including myself, have • Children’s Books orders. We look forward
tried to take our lives or have lost someone close to to serving you.
suicide. Others live with problems like anxiety and • Bible Notes
schizophrenia.” More info at: www.runningspace.org
and www.mind.org.uk/information-support/local-minds/ • Second hand Opening hours: 10am to 3.45pm
TAKE ACTION 24/7: If you are having a mental books Tuesday, Thursday,
health crisis or suicidal thoughts, you can call Friday, Saturday
The Samaritans helpline on 116 123 or go to your
nearest hospital A & E department for help. Also Mondays and Wednesdays
11am to 2pm
A Trouble Shared…
Contact:  Unit 4, The Mall,
If you are struggling with your mental health, sharing Ann Mouland, 01424 722083 Western Road,
your troubles could be the key to recovery. As Christians, [email protected] Bexhill TN40 1DX
we can talk to God through prayer. It is also a good idea stpaulsfreechurchbexhill.org.uk
to visit your GP who might prescribe medication or refer
you to a counsellor. You may prefer to see a private
Emma and Tim Bell Christian-based counsellor like those trained by Waverley
Abbey College. Men find it hard to ask for help. To
encourage others, Rev Tim Bell, Curate at Holy Trinity
Hastings (HTH) shared how his faith was important in his
journey of recovery from depression:

“I worked for the Fire Service when I gave my life to
Christ. A few years after this, things started to fall apart.
Witnessing trauma at work and not dealing with the
past were starting to spill over. My wife Emma, a mental
health nurse, saw the warning signs and convinced me
to speak to my GP who spotted that I was suffering from
depression. I took time out from work for 5 months.
It took nearly 2 years to totally come out of this dark
space. The key thing that got me through this tough
time was that I was open about it from the start.

Mental health should not be something to be
ashamed of – talking to friends and family really
helped. Playing worship songs on my guitar really
helped to lift me too. I needed to forgive things from
my past and handed it all over to God, which took that
weight off me. What I have learnt is that if you need
help, talk about it early on. Keep reading your Bible.
Keep going to church. Surround yourself with people
who will pray for you.”
Hear Tim and his wife Emma telling the whole story at:
www.hthchurch.org/talks

GRAPEVINE 7

A Climate of Change – How

Ed and Barbara Echlin

Never before have we had such catastrophic,
irreversible changes in our weather and eco-
systems. The evidence about the damage we
are causing is very sobering… Worldwide
religious leaders and charities like Christian
Aid and Tearfund are calling individuals,
organisations and politicians to take urgent
action. Psalm 24 in the Bible tells us, ‘The Earth
is the Lord’s’ – that we are his stewards, with a
responsibility to be ‘greener’ and to look after
the planet. Read on and be inspired…

Good News in the Good Book Christian Eco Warriors

Isaiah 65: “I am creating new heavens and a new Ruth Jarman from Green Christian said, “We seek to
earth. Be glad and rejoice.” The Bible does refer live gently on earth, through discipleship which accepts
to the demise of our planet, but also the ‘good our impact on God’s creation as a whole.” The charity
news’ that after a tumultuous period of changes encourages Christians to adopt daily prayer, a simpler
in the ‘sun, moon and stars’, God will create a lifestyle, public witness and peaceful campaigning,
new heaven and earth for everyone who has advising them through a magazine, groups, retreats and
given their life to Jesus. conferences. More info at: www.greenchristian.org.uk

Local environmentalist, Barbara Echlin said, “As a
Trustee and Vice Chair of Green Christian, I encourage all
denominations to care for God’s creation. I write a regular
‘green’ spot for my church magazine and my husband,
Edward, has recently written a book entitled The Cosmic
Circle, Jesus and Ecology. Our own garden is full of organic
vegetables and fruit trees, and we helped to plant seven
fruit trees at St Edward’s to reduce the carbon emissions. We
also installed solar thermal roof panels to generate our own
electricity. Society and Government need to act now; cutting
energy use is vital to limiting the damage on our climate.”

Sustainable energy charity worker, Mike Pepler (front left), supports the non-violent ‘actions’ of
green global movement, Extinction Rebellion (XR) and said, “God created a beautiful world with
a balanced eco-system, and we’re privileged to be a part of it. We’ve been bad tenants and it’s
time to start making amends.” I, your Editor, helped to make a willow boat to get XR’s message
heard by thousands of people at Pirate Day. More info at: www.xrhsl.org

8 GRAPEVINE

w Should We Respond?

GO GREEN – The Facts GO GREEN

Some say that we can reduce carbon emissions Know-How, Films
within 12 years, keeping average global temperatures and Publications
below 2°C but, according to UN Secretary General
Antonio Guterres, this is unrealistic without concrete www.greenchristian.org.uk
commitment from world leaders. UN Climate Action information, free e-news magazine and ‘how-to’ guide
Summit 2019 findings revealed: www.christianclimateaction.org Green non-violent
• Highest ever global emissions currently ‘direct action’ group
• Last 4 years were hottest on record www.arocha.org.uk Ideas, resources and events
• Arctic winters are getting warmer www.operationnoah.org Action on climate change
• Sea levels rising; coral reefs are dying Live Green by Jen Chillingsworth – 52 steps to
• 1m of 8.5m species face extinction greener lifestyle
• Air pollution is affecting health Visions of the End? by Revd Prof T J Gorringe
• Food security is at real risk. (Operation Noah)
Tearfund charity, its partners and Sir David The Green Bible by Mark Tauber: sustainability and
Attenborough are calling big companies to take stewardship
responsibility for their contribution to the global L is For Lifestyle by Ruth Valerio: threats to people
waste – causing a death every 30 seconds, as says the and the planet
charity’s ‘No Time to Waste’ Report. You can show Salote Operation Noah’s animated all-age Christian film
your support – sign their petition at Faith in Action Christian Aid film on caring for Creation.
www.tearfund.org/en/about_you/action/  
Some Good News Accolades for Green Churches
You can reduce your ‘carbon footprint’ by switching
to: solar or green energy; natural fibre clothing; Christian charity, A Rocha protects the natural world
organic cleaning products; natural cosmetics/ through conservation projects, research, campaigning
toiletries; locally-produced foods; reusable shopping on biodiversity and engaging with churches, schools and
bags; second hand products; recycling; organic communities. Their Eco Church 3-Level Award Scheme
gardening; and walking or cycling. encourages UK churches to change their behaviour – find
out if your Church qualifies for a prestigious award at
Hot Dates – 21-29 September www.arocha.org/en

Climate change group, Transition Town in Hastings, Church Tackles Divestment
is inviting businesses and the community to their
Sustainability on Sea Festival 2019 and Big Green Fair St John the Evangelist in St Leonards
with stalls, talks and kids’ activities. Info at: has signed up to the ‘Easter
www.sustainabilityonsea.org.uk Declaration’ in support of ditching
investments in fossil fuel (oil, coal and
gas) companies in favour of cleaner
alternatives. United Nations last year warned that rapid
cuts in fossil use are necessary to avoid devastating climate
change. More info at www.brightnow.org.uk and
www.divesteastsussex.wordpress.com

Act Local, Think Global

Hastings Council is committing to being carbon-neutral
by 2030. The Council is developing a Climate Change
Strategy and Policy, and is working with Energise South
Coast to install solar panels on their buildings and public
parking ticket machines.

GRAPEVINE 9

Faith Takes Centre Stage

Now in its third year, the Hastings Easter The Easter Festival organisers would like to thank the
Festival at the Stade Open Space attracted volunteers, FreshOnline and Near2Me, and sponsors
over 1000 people to celebrate Easter for their support: Hastings Youth Trust, local church
through music on a sunny day. The main fellowships, Church Together, and Hastings 24/7 Prayer.
event had a great line-up of vibrant For info visit: www.easterfestival.net or Instagram/
performers with gospel rappers Guvna B Facebook: @hastingseasterfestival
and Triple O, and DJ Galactus Jack. Soul
band ECHO got everyone dancing to their “We wanted to reveal Easter’s real meaning through local creative
trademark, ‘Love Train’, and Feed’Em, talent and reflective spaces… my own artwork was born through
accompanied by Unique Creation, and prayer, bringing the living power of God’s truth to everyone in this
Pestalozzi Choir also delighted the crowds. troubled world.” Carole Dreeling, exhibition organiser.

A Festival organiser told us, “On the day before

Resurrection Sunday, the main music day celebrates the

eternal significance of the cross of Jesus, and His rising

from the dead. Our vision was to have a community

celebration, and to share the meaning of Easter.”

Visitors were also invited to an art exhibition at the

Stade Hall, displaying spiritually-inspired works by local

artists over the Easter weekend where many were

moved by their experience. Families and kids had fun

too at a showing of the Narnia film and the ‘Heavenly

Hastings’ creative workshop.

Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9NF

Set in 220 acres of beautiful grounds
and gardens, Ashburnham Place
is a Christian conference, retreat
and event centre.
• The Orangery Tea Room
• Be The Word Bookshop
• Prayer Centre

For more information, please go to
www.ashburnham.org.uk
or call

01424 892244

10 GRAPEVINE

Photos by
©KunikoKamioka2019

GRAPEVINE 11

Careering into faith THE DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE…

Guest Reporter Vanessa Alves met up with James I can’t quite explain, but I felt so heavy and then
Bacon, Deputy Mayor and a Teaching Assistant, released; so light and I burst into tears. I decided to
for a cup of chai after a busy day at work. Here’s follow Jesus.
what James shared about his Christian journey.
But I still went out drinking and I wasn’t always
Leap of Faith following the right path. So, I decided to get baptised
“From a young age, I have attended the local church at Sonrise Church and have been a Christian for
– although they didn’t stay themselves, my parents 7 years. I do feel that God has been guiding me
wanted to bring me up with a Christian ethos. throughout my life – even as a child when I belonged to
Listening to Biblical stories and singing spiritual songs, groups like the Boys Brigade.
was a really good basis for my faith.
Affairs of the Heart
I got involved in my Uni Methodist Society too, but My faith is right at the heart of my career choices.
much later surrendered my life to Jesus. I drove to I think I have always felt a calling to politics. As a
Hastings Country Park unsure of what to do with my child, a couple of councillors and an MP went to
life; whether to go into teaching or Law, and said, my church, so I have always felt a political influence
‘Lord, I’m just going to give you everything now.’ – even amongst the Christian community. I have
always believed in helping others – especially the less
12 GRAPEVINE fortunate, and so I decided to join the Labour Party.

I was elected to the local Council three years ago
and from there, was chosen as Deputy Mayor. I wasn’t
sure it was for me, and I was quite nervous, but I seem
to be doing ok! There are so many local people who
give up so much of their time and money, and it’s an
honour to be able to go out and thank them. I also
enjoy helping local charities to make a difference to the
lives of our local communities.  It’s the same with my
work in a school - it’s really important to show care and
compassion to our young people.

Final Reflections 
I get to do some really exciting things like giving
the opening prayer and sharing my testimony at the
Hastings Easter Festival – a fantastic way for God to
reach young people. I’ve also lent a hand at Alpha
groups at Sonrise Church and Holy Trinity Hastings,
where I saw my own friend becoming a Christian.

I recently got engaged and my partner is a Christian
which is very important in our relationship. I am a
much happier person now – if I hadn’t got to know
Jesus, I would not like to think where I would be. So
many of us could go down the wrong path, but he is
right there waiting, arms open-wide. I think following
Jesus really allows you to empathise with people; to be
compassionate and loving.”

‘Everyone should have the chance to explore the
Christian faith and ask questions’ – Alpha.
To find out more about exploring Christianity at an
Alpha course, visit www.alpha.org

NEWSROUND

Circle of Friends

Hastings Sierra Leone Friendship Link (HSLFL)’s Sussex
Brass concert in May, blew away the audience with
their ‘Land of the Free’ Sierra Leone National Anthem,
and raised £900 to provide vital clean water to
‘partner’ schools. Teachers from Sierra Leone recently
worked in local schools to alert students to the impact
of global waste.

There was lots of action at the charity’s Football
Tournament for local schools, and their ‘Twin Town’
schools in Sierra Leone, and in her last year, organiser,
Teresa Bennett received a Mayoral presentation. Local
schoolchildren took part in the Link’s inspirational ‘Zero
Waste’ beach and street-clean and Cllr Glenna Favell,
Mayor of Battle said, “It is a privilege to join with so
many youngsters, keenly involved in community service”.

Foodbank’s Big Birthday

Launched by King’s and other local churches, Hastings
Foodbank recently celebrated its seven-year anniversary and
has distributed 370,000 meals since 2012 – almost 40% to
local children living in poverty. Foodbank Manager Jon Wales
said, “Anyone can find themselves needing the Foodbank.
Numbers of referrals has particularly risen amongst those on
low incomes or waiting for Universal Credit.”
For info visit: www.hastings.foodbank.org.uk

Nine-Year Old Helps Homeless

Romy Edwards, aged nine, was so saddened by the numbers of
local people sleeping rough that she helped to organise a 12-
hour ‘skate-a-thon’ for herself and her friends at The Source
Park in Hastings. Generous donations from the Park, the Stella
Dore art gallery and sponsors raised a fantastic £2000 for
Snowflake Night Shelter, and when churches open their doors
to the homeless during winter.
Info at: www.snowflake-nightshelter.org.uk

GRAPEVINE 13

Friends Walking
the Walk

Everyone – including doggy friends (on leads) –
is welcome to join the popular, relaxing 3-4 mile
monthly First Sunday Walks organised by
Loaf Project and Church Together. Routes take
in stunning countryside like the bluebell woods
at Guestling, and Brede Woods and Powder
Mill Reservoir (pictured here in June). Meeting
times, places and dates (no August walk):
Sunday 1st September 2.30pm, Battle Great
Wood Car Park, Marley Lane

Sunday 6th October 2.30pm, Combe Valley
Country Park (Car Park), Bexhill Rd. by Garden
Centre

Sunday 3rd November 2pm, Powder Mill Lane
Car Park up hill past Powder Mill Hotel

Sunday 1st December 2pm, Car Park at
Icklesham Recreation Ground.

To join the Walks WhatsApp group,
call or text Roger Mitchell
on 07870 411076.

Couple Create
Heavenly Music

Local couple, Josh and Bethanna from Holy
Trinity Hastings have released ‘Take Heart’ – an
album featuring their own Faith-inspired lyrics.
Josh told us, “We believe in the power of the
prophetic in worship. We would love everyone
to connect with our songs, and to have an
encounter with Jesus.” Check out their tunes
and downloads at:
www.joshandbethanna.com

Owned and run by the Towner family since 1875

2 - 4 Norman Road, St Leonards 436386

Audley House, 1 Albert Road, Bexhill 733700

43 High Street, Battle 775515

www.towners.co.uk

14 GRAPEVINE

NEWSROUND

Shady Comedies Storm and Richard Hann retired after
Coming Soon 15 years and in June, welcomed Nicci
Gagel and Joanna Legg-Bagg who took
Shades Theatre Company delighted over as the new Leaders at the Penhurst
everyone with their three sketches at Rev Retreat Centre who offer creative
Robert Mulford’s retirement at John the Baptist stays, spiritual breaks and prayer days.
Church in June. They tread the boards again
with two one-act comedies: Last Tango in Little Give Them Hope
Grimley and The Flesh Game. David Henty
from Shades said, “We share the Gospel in Charity, Hope Kitchen needs more volunteers
a very accessible way to reach people at all to help marginalised local people in our area. If
stages of Faith.” Full performance details at: you would like to help, call 07931 587349 or
www.shadestheatre.com To audition, email: email [email protected]
[email protected]. Info at www.hopekitchenhastings.org.uk

News in Brief Take the Challenge

Ashburnham Place hosted Hastings & Golfers and Sponsors are invited to
Rother Refuge Buddy Project’s fundraising Street Pastors’ Golfing fundraiser to
Picnic by the Lake as part of Refugee Week. help the local night-time community:
A sunny day was packed with delightful 7th September at Wellshurst Golf and
globally-inspired music, spoken word and talks. Country Club, Hellingly, £48 per person
(18-hole course, coffee/tea, bacon/sausage
The Interfaith Forum is holding its Garden brunch and sit-down ‘prize-presentation’
of Cultural Delights at 1-5pm in St Leonard’s meal.) Info and registration – contact
Gardens on 11th August. A fun-filled day will Martin West on 07964 167870 or
showcase talented local performers alongside a [email protected]
traditional fete. More events at:
www.hastingsinterfaith.org/event-calendar We Welcome Your
Support

The Loaf Team would like to thank
advertisers, churches and individuals for
their generous donations towards the
£1500 production cost for 3800 copies of
each Grapevine. To make an online
donation, visit: www.loafproject.co.uk
or email: [email protected]
for standing orders and transfers.

Grapevine is published by Loaf Project (reg charity no 293855) in
association with Church Together in Hastings and St Leonards to
encourage action for the relief of poverty and distress in the local
community and overseas.

Grapevine team Advertising and distribution
Richard Keep 852131
Loaf chairman
Dr John Geater MBE Treasurer
Christine Lane, who is pleased to receive
Editor Lizzie May donations at: 151 Old Roar Road,
St Leonards TN37 7HH Tel 754608
Design
John Hawkins Printed by Scantech
jhbd.co.uk
07780 502417 Web www.loafproject.co.uk

GRAPEVINE 15

The Manor House, Penhurst, Nr. Battle, 7/9 Wellington Square
East Sussex TN33 9QP Hastings
tel: 0845 458 0602
E. Sussex TN34 1PD
email: [email protected]
web www.penhurst.org.uk Tel: (01424) 721700
Fax: (01424) 433755
Open to all who wish to seek God’s peace.
This Christian retreat centre offers a welcoming family e-mail: [email protected]

home environment in a setting that is remarkable, Accounts preparation Taxation
peaceful and beautiful. The house can sleep up to 12
Business planning VAT
guests and cater for day groups of up to 25.
Auditing Inheritance tax planning
An excellent venue for individual or small group
residential retreats, individual quiet days, group away Computer consultancy Independent financial

days etc. We also have a programme of led retreats and training advice
and workshops available.
Also serving clients from offices at:
Contact the wardens for further details or to book. Battle, Heathfield, & Hove

S E R V I C E   D E PA RT M E N T
• Free collection and delivery • Body repairs
• Cost-effective prices on all • Vauxhall and Land Rover

parts and labour specialists

• Electrical work • MOTs
• Brakes and clutches • Highly-trained technicians

ASK FOR DETAILS NOW OR CALL:

01424 425599