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3 The ‘summer that never was’ is very definitely behind us now as we move into, Keats’ season of mists and mellow fruitfulness and this month’s issue of the Ludlow Tower reflects some of the same themes as his famous poem Ode to Autumn. While preparing to celebrate the harvest (p17) we share Uncle Eustace’s wry comments on some of its pitfalls (p41) and learn how Dean Sarah turns one of its frustrations into an opportunity for reflection (p13). Alongside this appreciation of the autumnal riches of nature lies a more melancholy awareness of the passage of time and the cycle of life and death. Another great English poet offers solace to those remembering a lost loved one (p33) and we have news of two special services at St Laurence’s to remember loved ones (p 27 and p29). We will never forget those dear to us who are no longer with us but it seems that our memories are shorter when it comes to catastrophic events which affect the lives of people we do not know in countries far away (p39) Lesley Harling (Editor) 01584 318309 This month’s cover: Photograph: Lesley Harling Autumn fruit Graphic design: Nicky Luck [email protected] Printing: Signworx Hereford Moreton-on-Lugg, Herefordshire CONTENTS Opinions expressed in contributed articles in this magazine are those of the contributor and do not necessarily represent the position or opinions of the PCC or Editorial Committee. What’s happening to courtesy? 5 Why and how to read the Bible 7 Introducing … Wendy and Eric Griffiths 9 From the registers 11 ASAP - Always Say A Prayer 11 On being stuck behind a tractor 13 John French RIP 15 Book review - A Shropshire Lad 17 Harvest Festival - 1 October 17 Cakes that really deliver 19 Wayne pulls a pint 19 Sunday services in Ludlow 20 Ludlow local listing - small ads 21 What’s on in October 25 Remembering loved ones 27 Baby Loss Awareness Week 29 Walk to end polio 29 Letter to the editor 31 News from the PCC 31 Poet’s Corner - Remember (Christina Rossetti) 33 Eco Tip for October 33 Finding bones in the churchyard 35 Notes from an eco-warrior 37 An Autumn Church Amble 37 The domino effect 38 Names we will never forget 39 Children’s page 40 On the perils of harvest 41 Parish directory & copy deadline 42
4 5 The Angel, Broad Street, Ludlow, Sy8 2PG R I B A Trevor Hewett A R C H I T E C T ▪ Planning applications ▪ ▪ Listed building consent ▪ ▪ Building regulations ▪ ▪ Alterations and extensions ▪ ▪ Church inspections ▪ ▪ Green building ▪ The Architecture Studio 135 Corve Street Ludlow SY8 2PG Tel: 01584 877992
5 What’s happening to courtesy? How often do you find yourself saying, ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say that. I expressed myself badly.’? Sigmund Freud taught us to see that such ‘slips of the tongue’, far from being innocent, may reveal what is really going on in our heart and mind below the civilised surface. Beware of the little words which we use so often that we don’t notice them! Consider how we address other people in writing. Until recently we all began a letter with Dear so-and-so and concluded with Yours sincerely. This custom was even used in messages of complaint or rebuke: Dear Sir, I must protest strongly against your appalling insult to my reputation in your recent broadcast, and I demand a public apology. Yours sincerely…” We smile at the inconsistency between the politeness of the introduction and the anger of the content. Surely, it would be better to avoid such hypocrisy by restricting words like Dear to those for whom we feel genuine affection? It is striking that the greeting Dear has almost disappeared from emails and the social media in favour of Hi, Hello or Good morning. This spontaneous change may appear to represent a shift from outward politeness to honesty. But is there something else, something more ‘Freudian’, going on beneath the surface? Many of the traditional words of greeting and parting have their roots in the Christian faith: think of the German Grüss Gott (God greet you), the French Adieu (to God), the English Goodbye (God be with you). The use of Dear at the beginning of a message comes into the same category and is borrowed from the affectionate greetings in the Letters of the New Testament. Dear is not restricted to those closest to us, because in God’s sight everyone is a dear person worthy of love and respect. Whatever our feelings towards others, these little words remind us of our common humanity, and unconsciously reset our negative attitudes. By contrast, greetings like Hi and Hello suggest neutrality towards other people. Instead of warmth they convey distancing, wariness and a lack of trust. Let’s resist this new fashion, and campaign for courtesy and love in the way we address (and treat!) one another, electronically or otherwise. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son for us all. Michael Bourke
6 We specialise in all aspects of building, from new construction to work on scheduled monuments to the restoration of Georgian and half-timbered houses. The company employs 40 time-served craftsmen and has worked recently at: Warwick Castle, Kenilworth Castle, St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury and many private houses in the West Midlands and border areas. The company is delighted to be working with Ludlow St Laurence and the family and friends of Stephen Treasure on the Stephen House Project transforming 2 College Street into a mission space to support those in need or distress in the community he loved.
7 At the coronation service in May the King was given a Bible with the words ‘the most valuable thing that this world affords’. As Bible Sunday is celebrated this month (on 29 October), let’s ask why we should read the Bible? The Bible is not actually a single book, but a library of 66 books, composed by some 44 writers over 1500 years in a range of styles including history, poetry, prophecy, letters and apocalyptic writing (looking at the end times). Despite its numerous different writers, it claims one authority - God Himself! ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is inspired (‘the word of God in the words of men’) and equips us to live for God in every aspect of our lives. We also have the promise of the Holy Spirit to guide us when we read: ‘when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth’ (John 16:13). So how should we read the Bible? Here are some useful guidelines: At the right time: We need a regular routine, which will meet our needs. This will vary according to an individual’s circumstances, whether they are a mum at home with young children, somebody with a demanding job or a retired person. In the right place: We need to find a space where we can be undisturbed (which could be the lounge, the bedroom, a train or the kitchen). In the right version: We need a version of the Bible which we can readily understand and use. A number of alternative versions are available (NIV, The Message), as well as Bible apps we can access on our phones. With the right help: Reading notes also help us to understand a passage and apply it to our lives or we can join a bible study group. Canon Paul Hardingham Why and how should we read the Bible?
8 Victoria Allen Funeral Services An Independent Family Business Pre- Paid Funeral Plans Home Visits Always Available 24 Hour Service 01584 879035 Ludlow Curtain Company The Stables, Station Drive, Ludlow SY8 2PQ Tel 01584 875533 [email protected] Here for all your soft furnishing needs, from curtains and all types of blinds to cushions, upholstery and curtain poles. Fabrics now available on the roll.
9 INTRODUCING ... Tell us a bit about yourselves. I’m Wendy Griffiths. I grew up in Worthing and worked in a bank before following a family tradition by joining Sussex Police, which is where I met Eric. Eric - I came from Southend but always wanted to get out of Essex. I joined the Sussex police because I had fallen in love with Hastings on holiday because of the castle. Instead of Hastings, I was sent to Worthing where one of the first officers I met was Wendy’s Dad, who refused my request for a lift in a police car back to the station. Wendy - I left the police when we got married and were joined by Eric’s children, then 3 and 5. Later I was involved in adult training and career guidance for many years, in Sussex and then Cumbria. Eric - I did my 30 years in the police - in CID and the Regional Crime Squad, then back into uniform as a licensing inspector, a prosecutions inspector and in professional standards - and stayed on for five years as a civilian representing the police at pensions appeal tribunals. We were planning to retire to the Brecon/Hay area but were persuaded by our son to join him in Cumbria. He promptly returned south but we stayed on in Brampton near Carlisle for 14 years. That was where we started going to church, drawn in by an invitation from a fellow dog-walker to try bellringing. We went on to be confirmed and were very engaged, both with the church - Wendy was on the PCC and deanery and diocesan synod secretary - and with the community - Eric set up and chaired a film club named Best Newcomer Film Club by the British Film Institute. We moved back south to be nearer Wendy’s parents and our children and grandchildren, nearly moving to Clee Hill but ending up on the Isle of Wight - - for more affordable house prices though we only stayed for 15 months.. So what brought you to Ludlow? The Orvis shop many years ago (Eric was a fly-fisher) and Right Move in 2022. And to St Laurence's? We had visited the church, on that Orvis trip, and were struck by the warm welcome from the stewards. What was your first impression of St Laurence's? Wendy - friendly with chatty people. Eric - welcoming and forward-looking. We just feel comfortable here and we wanted a church we could get stuck into after not being very involved on the Isle of Wight. What is your role at St Laurence's? We make coffee on Sundays, welcome visitors during the week and are learning to ring handbells. (cont on p11)
10 Alexandra House Diamond Life Healthcare Fully trained carers provide high-quality personalised care We provide Domiciliary Care 24-hour Live-in Care Domestic Care We are always looking for reliable caring staff Please ring and speak to our friendly team 01584 872233 Email - [email protected] Website - www.diamondlifehealthcare.co.uk
11 FROM THE REGISTERS BAPTISM 3 September Imogen Marie Rosa Hints WEDDING 23 September Septimus Knox & Harriet Lord (Introducing … cont from p9) Eric - and I’m a trainee church guide and a trainee verger. How do you like to spend your spare time? Wendy - I like sewing, crocheting and doing patchwork. I’m a volunteer sewer for the National Trust at Berrington. Eric - I’m a keen gardener. In fact I brought our garden with us when we moved to Ludlow. It came from the Isle of Wight via Worthing. Some of it even came from Cumbria. I am also a volunteer gardener at Berrington, I fish when I have the time and I whittle. I taught our grand daughter to whittle for her Guide badge. What is your most memorable holiday experience? Taking a double-decker bus to Krakow in 1994: it took 36 hours, only stopping for people to get on and off (and for a loo breaks) and we hadn’t taken any food; ,all the other passengers were Polish, as were all the instructions and on the way back we broke an axle outside Hanover, arriving back 12 hours late. What might we be surprised to know about you? Wendy - after my father died I found a book he had written about the Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, which I re-edited and published. He also had pieces of the plane in which von Richthofen died in 1918. Eric - I am descended from a 17C Huguenot brush maker. And our dog, Kipper, appeared on the Antiques Road Show with Philip Serrell. Always say a prayer Have you ever considered the abbreviation ASAP (as soon as possible)? Generally, it brings even more hurry and stress into our lives. Yet there is another way to think of ASAP, a way which might help us deal with difficult times in our daily lives. When there’s work to do, and deadlines to meet, and your colleagues are rushing around, here’s what you can do to help: ASAP – Always Say a Prayer. When your worries mount up and you don’t know how you are ever going to cope with what is coming at you: ASAP – Always Say a Prayer. God knows how stressful our lives can be, and He wants to ease our cares. In the Bible He promises to respond to our calls for help. So – call Him! ASAP!
12 Wednesdays at St John’s There is always a warm welcome at St John’s Church on Gravel Hill on Wednesday mornings. Why not come along, meet the clergy and see for yourself? 9.30am Daily Prayer 10.00am Tea & Toast Open house for anyone in the community to drop in for a chat and a cuppa 11.30am Holy Communion Informal service We would love to see you for the whole morning or just a part. Celtic Prayer An Evening Liturgy St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow Third Sunday of the month 6pm A simple service in a style used by the Iona Community Call Pat Helm 01584 877683 Helen Blyth 01584 875041 None in October All-age informal worship Hot dogs, pool table, air hockey football table, Mario Cart and more Conversation, play, food and a simple sharing of bread and wine 8 October 3.30pm MONTHLY PRAYER GROUP The group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (apart from December) for half an hour at 10.30am, usually in the Lady Chapel. We are primarily an intercessory group, praying about requests that people leave, or that members of the group know of. The group is open to all who feel called to this ministry, so do join us, or just come and try it out. To learn more or pass on a prayer request do contact me. Sandi Burley 01584 873155
Hoorah!! It is harvest time again!! There you are, hurtling through the lanes in your car on some mission of huge national importance, muttering venomously at cyclists in helmets shaped like wasps’ bottoms, inconsiderate enough to want a bit of your road, rounding a bend and coming up behind the ponderous majesty of a tractor and trailer. On closer inspection over the next ten minutes you conclude that it is actually a convoy of three tractors and two trailers and the glory of the aforementioned ponderous majesty begins to wear a bit thin! Hoorah. It is harvest time again. And I would wager a considerable sum that most of you do not at this point start singing songs of everlasting thanks and praise to our great God for his generous provision, or blessing the farmers for the work they do to put food on our plates! So here is your challenge for harvest and beyond. I’ve learned to do it and if I can manage it anyone can. If you get stuck on your travels behind a tractor or combine or plough or any other mysteriously shaped implement of the sod, (by which I mean, of course, the soil!) take it as an opportunity for reflection, thanksgiving and praise. Why should you bother? Firstly, because praising God for what he gives us should become a matter of habit in all of us and secondly because as a nation we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the farmers who are taken for granted by most of us who have become emotionally and practically detached from the source of our food We cannot and must not take national food security as a given. Climate change and population growth mean that it is more difficult to produce enough grain for the world’s needs. The situation in Ukraine is calamitous for the food security of millions in vulnerable nations. Global markets will sell to the highest bidder regardless of need. Political mismanagement and the power of global enterprise in the inherently local business of food production are putting countless family farms out of business. So when you get stuck behind that tractor take a deep breath, smile and wave at the farmer, even if he does stare back at you with blank amazement and ask for God’s blessing on his family and work. Reflect on our corporate relationship to food and the land as the God-given source of all our well-being and praise God from whom all blessings flow. And if the vicar rushes in late to take your service on a Sunday morning you will understand why! Happy harvest to you all. Dean Sarah ON BEING STUCK BEHIND A TRACTOR!
14 LUDLOW CAR SHARE Cut your travel costs and help beat climate change Our club is a community run, not-forprofit enterprise We operate low emission, automatic Toyota hybrid cars Book a car for as long as you need from 30 mins to several days Smart card technology - book online or by phone You pay only an hourly charge plus mileage We pay fuel, insurance, road tax and breakdown cover As a member you can book Co-wheels cars across the UK No age limit with valid licence – introductory teach-in if required Join at: http://www.co-wheels.org.uk/ shropshire Local contacts: 01584 875017 or 875501 or 01584 875501 141A Vintage & Retro Collectables Centre Open Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat 10am - 5pm Closed Tues & Sun 141A Corve Street, Ludlow SY82PG 01584 877 572 /141A @godsellmark Proud to be the architect for the Stephen House Project Creating a mission space for St Laurence’s Skip Hire, Waste Management & Recycling Tenbury Wells, Ludlow, Leominster, Craven Arms and Garden maintenance Michael Doyle Plantsman Over 30 years’ experience 07855 930641 [email protected]
15 JOHN Leslie FRENCH 1936—2023 John was born in Plumstead, South London, showing an early talent at art and design. He greatly enjoyed his national service as an education instructor and combined the two to build a successful career in art education, culminating at Sussex University where he was head of department in art and design. He and Sheila met at Bournemouth College of Art, a meeting engineered by Sheila, and were married for 62 years. After an initial period of retirement in Brighton, they moved to Ludlow to be closer to family. They were involved in many community organisations including (appropriately) the French and Italian twinning associations and the church Langwasser German exchange group. John was a governor of the Ludlow Church of England School. They were enthusiastic members of Ludlow Choral Society and sang in the smaller very gifted ‘Simply Singers’ group as well as St John’s Church choir. John never went far without his sketchbook, producing exquisite drawings and paintings throughout his life, especially in watercolour. It is a testimony to the peace he carried in his heart that he continued with his art right through to his last days. The source of that peace was of course his firm Christian faith. Sheila and John have been active, indeed key, members of St Johns, both members of the PCC, and while Sheila served her years as churchwarden John was church secretary. They were also keen participants in various discussion groups. FROM ST JOHN’S REGISTERS WEDDING 9 September Graeme Roe & Sophie Pitt FUNERALS 1 September Valerie Kathleen Williams 5 September John Leslie French
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17 Come ye back to ludlow St Laurence’s church has long had a special association with A Shropshire Lad’s author A E Housman whose ashes were laid to rest in the church grounds, and the Housman cherry tree is planted by the west door. The enduring appeal of this lyrical English poem, first published in 1896, lies in its exploration of the universal themes of loss, nostalgia and love. Certainly its international popularity today is undiminished. A completely new, full colour photographic edition of A Shropshire Lad from Ludlow publishers Merlin Unwin Books will coincide with the 50th anniversary year of the Housman Society. With another local connection, the rural landscape of the beautiful Shropshire countryside to which Housman alludes throughout the poem, from the bucolic Clun valley to the bleak hills of Stiperstones, is sympathetically captured throughout the new book by one of Shropshire’s finest photographers, John Hayward. This is the only photographic edition of A Shropshire Lad in which the county's stunning landscapes, which have scarcely altered since Housman’s day, have been matched with each stanzas. John Hayward has a huge following for his photographs via his agency Shropshire and Beyond. He can be spotted by early-rising Salopians before first light carrying his heavy cameras up Shropshire hills, towers and battlements in all the remote corners of the county to get the best images. A Shropshire Lad, A E Housman published by Merlin Unwin Books £20 Copies of this new edition of A Shropshire Lad signed by the photographer John Hayward are on sale now in the Shop at Laurence. Harvest: Sunday 1 October The flower arrangers are preparing to decorate St Laurence’s for the harvest celebrations. Sue and her team will be grateful for any donations for their displays. * Produce can be brought to the church any time during the week beforehand * Flowers and greenery would be welcome on Friday 29 September when the team will be at work in the church.
18 We are delighted to be open in Ludlow, and believe that our store will be a valuable addition to the local business community. We offer: wines and spirits from around the world prices to support all budgets miniatures and gift packs - ideal presents friendly staff under Ben Templeman always on hand tasting events - to be announced via notice boards dog-friendly environment Special opening offer: 10% discount on production of this advertisement up to 31 December 2023 Open Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 10am-4pm 17 King Street, Ludlow SY8 1AQ Tel: 01584 547433
19 Cakes that really deliver If, like me, you frequent Icon Coffee you may have tasted the cakes. I must confess that I take the ‘tasting’ quite seriously and do ensure I try everything they have to offer – not on the same day, although have been known to have more than one a day! Their incomparable cakes are baked by a local lady, whom I will introduce another time, and an outfit called Cakesmiths. The latter are a brother and sister duo, Tom and George, who started out twenty years ago running Bristol’s oldest coffee shop. The coffee was good, but the cake was better and, with a long list of coffee shop owners keen to get hold of George’s delicious handmade cakes for themselves - Cakesmiths was born. The top seller in their range of cakes at Icon is the Ultimate Carrot Cake: a deliciously moist and lightly spiced carrot and orange sponge, dotted with juicy sultanas, coconut, and large walnut pieces throughout, topped with Vegan cream cheese. So not only scrumptious but perfect for vegans. The cakes are delivered daily, baked and frozen in portions, so that they travel safely and arrive in Ludlow in the same condition they left the oven in Bristol. They take only an hour to defrost and be ready for us all to enjoy. Thanks to clever packaging in insulated, recycled cardboard the cakes’ journey from oven to Icon is dependable and the result is yummy! Cakesmiths are committed to high quality with the best ingredients, which means no benzoates, no sorbates, no preservatives and no nasties! I find it best not to know the calorie content (although this is available on their website www.cakesmiths.com). Knowing that the ingredients are 100% natural and carefully sourced and remembering the mantra of five a day, think of it as a healthy indulgence to fuel your day. After all a cake a day (with fruit) keeps the doctor at bay! Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4.30apm Wayne pulls a pint Wayne Davies, our Pioneer Curate, was delighted to be invited to pulling the first pint when The George re-opened on Market Square in August, a change from his role as barista in Icon Coffee at St Laurence’s.
20 Anglican St Laurence, College Street 8.15am Holy Communion (BCP) 10am Parish Eucharist For livestream/recording - link at https://stlaurences.org.uk/live-stream 11.30am Choral Matins 3rd Sunday only 3.30pm The Living Room 2nd Sunday only 3.30pm Choral Evensong 1st Sunday only 6pm Celtic Prayer - evening liturgy 3rd Sunday only 5th Sun Joint benefice service with St John’s Contact [email protected] 01584 872073 St John, Gravel Hill 10am 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays Holy Communion 2nd & 4th Sundays Morning Prayer 5th Sun Joint benefice service with St Laurence’s Contact [email protected] 07545 438892 St Giles, Ludford 11.15am 1st Sunday Family Worship 2nd & 4th Sundays CW Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Lay-led Worship Contact [email protected] Ludlow Baptist Church 10.30am Sunday worship Contact [email protected] Ludlow Elim 10.30am Service at Elim 11.30am Online. Contact www.ludlowelim.com 07791 483284 [email protected] Ludlow Methodist Church 10.30am Sunday worship Contact [email protected] Ludlow Quakers 10.30am Meeting for worship Contact Cynthia Prior 01584 831855 St Peter's Roman Catholic Church Mass 11.00am Sunday 9.30pm Monday-Friday 6.00pm Saturday (Sunday Vigil ) Morning prayer 9.15am Monday-Friday 9.45am Saturday Contact [email protected] SUNDAY SERVICES in Ludlow
21 You can advertise in this listing for one year (12 issues) for just £30. With 600 copies circulating in Ludlow every month, free of charge, this is an ideal way of publicising your business, shop or service. We also accept advertising from clubs, societies and social groups - perfect for publicising your group’s activities and attracting new members. All entries must fit the standard 4-line box (approximately 40 words). To discuss details or to place an advertisement please contact the parish office on 01584 872073 or email [email protected]. LUDLOW LOCAL LISTING Ludlow Castle Gallery Quality affordable picture framing & original objects. Fast friendly service. Gifts & cards by local artisans. Find us just before the Castle Café or contact on 01584 878527 [email protected] www.ludlowcastlegallery.co.uk Artwork Books & Stationery Castle Bookshop 5 Castle Street Ludlow Booksellers and Stationers Free ordering service 01584 872562 [email protected] Myriad Organics 22 Corve Street 01584 879373 myriad-organics.co.uk Ludlow's widest range of organic produce: fruit & veg, wholefoods, groceries, meat & dairy, vegan & vegetarian, natural cleaning products, bodycare & cosmetics. Waste-free shopping options & refills for cleaning products. Local delivery and our popular organic box scheme. Firenze Catering Jackie Thomas - Catering for all occasions. 07526 212176 / 01584 877190 [email protected] Food If you use the services of any of our advertisers please mention that you found their details in the Ludlow Tower.
22 Fitness and Sport Pearce Cycles Friendly, knowledgeable and experienced - your local bike shop for all your cycling needs. Fishmore Road, Ludlow, SY8 3DP. Tel. 01584 879288; [email protected]; www.pearcecycles.co.uk. Open Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm. Bike sales - repair - hire. Reynolds of Ludlow furniture Wanted by local collector and researcher; any condition considered; will collect. Good prices offered. Tel: 07967 134116. Reynolds Furniture Wanted Frames by Sebastian Bespoke picture framing 6a Pepper Lane Tel: 07815 111554 Picture Framing Matthew Lenthall IT Services Computers, phones and all things technical. Support and maintenance. 12a Corve Street, Ludlow 07828 081163 or 01584 877946 [email protected] IT Services Teme Valley Insurance Brokers For your Home, Car, Business or Farm quote Call Mark or Sue on 01584 290055 [email protected] Insurance Services William Griffin Memorials erected in marble, stone and granite. House name plates – Doorsteps & windowsills. 33A Corve Street, Ludlow SY8 1DL. Tel: (01584) 872893 (01584) 877422 evenings Mobile 07967 126451 Monumental Sculptor Silver Swan Adult Ballet Royal Academy of Dance Silver Swan. Weekly adult ballet classes in Ludlow. For more information go to www.Pointworksdance.co.uk or email Debbie at [email protected], mobile 07887 856182.
23 Property services and maintenance James Mackenzie Carpentry & Joinery Reliable / High Quality Work. Building Services, Gosford Cottage, Little Hereford, Ludlow SY8 4AR Call 01584 711326 or 07870428948. Email [email protected] Carpentry Cleaning Hydroclean Services [email protected] Carpet & Upholstery cleaning : Leather cleaning : Hard floor cleaning and stone polishing : Gutter cleaning : Fully insured, fast response, reliable and local. Members of the National Carpet Cleaning Association. www.hydrocleanservices.co.uk 01568 630000 Ken Dodd & Son Chimney Sweep Rotary sweep and vacuum-assisted. Cowls/bird guards supplied and fitted. Woodburners serviced and bricks supplied and fitted. Fully insured and certificates issued. Available for weddings. 01584 873178 • 07702 102044 www.kendoddandsonchimneysweep.co.uk Chimneys & Stoves General Maintenance Steve Wilson Painting and Decorating Internal and external work carried out. Please telephone Steve on: 07818 400764 Email address: [email protected] R Aimson Property Services Carpentry, Home Improvement, Painting & Decorating Mobile: 07864 015086 email:[email protected] Property Services
24 ADVERTISING RATES 2022-23 (for 12 issues) Full page - £325 Half page - £200 Quarter page - £105 Eighth page - £65 Classified - £36 Rates for part-year available on request See above for contact details. ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS, CLUB OR SOCIETY HERE Contact the Parish Office on 01584 872073 or [email protected] Dan Pritchard Garden Services Fully insured - reliable - experienced - competitive. Lawn mowing / hedge cutting / tree surgery / pruning / turfing / planting / landscaping. Call Dan on 07779182636. Covers Ludlow and surrounding areas. Gardening Ian Mackay Quick response, local and reliable. No-obligation fixed quotes. Domestic installation and repairs. Landlord & homeowner safety inspections. Condition reports for house sales. Contact Ian Mackay on 07736 303297 or email [email protected] Electrical Marie’s Alterations and Repairs Well-established Ludlow business. We can shorten or alter most items, new or old. Open: 9am- 5pmTuesday to Friday. Now in new premises so contact us for details 01584 318185 07967 447935 [email protected] www.mariesofludlow.co.uk Alterations Send those special greetings to your loved one HERE for just £7.50. To book email [email protected]
25 WHAT’S ON AT ST LAURENCE’S IN OCTOBER Sunday 1 Harvest Festival 10.00am Choral Evensong 3.30pm Monday 2 3.00pm Open tea Saturday 7 1.00pm Piano concert -Tyler Hay Sunday 8 3.30pm Living Room informal service Monday 9 4.00pm Prayers for Baby Loss Awareness Week Sunday 15 Choral Matins 11.30am Baby Loss Awareness 7.00pm Service Monday 16 PCC meeting 5.30pm Wednesday 25 10.30am St Laurence’s Primary School Harvest Festival Thursday 26 10.30am Intercessory prayer meeting Sunday 29 10.00am Benefice Eucharist at St John’s MIDWEEK Daily prayer Mondays 9.30am Holy Communion Wednesdays 6.00pm Intercessory Prayers 10.30am Fourth Thursday in month Tower bells practice Mondays 7.30-9.00pm Handbells practice Tuesdays 6.00-7.15pm Choir practice Thursdays 6.00-8.30pm AND AT ST JOHN’S Daily prayer Wednesdays 9.30am Tea and toast Wednesdays 10.00am Holy Communion Wednesdays 11.30am For the latest news go to https:// stlaurences.org.uk/google-calendar/ Don’t forget the end of British Summer Time Clocks go back at 2am on Sunday 29 October
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27 Remembering loved ones ALL SOULS DAY -THURSDAY 2 NOVEMBER One of the most moving services of the year happens on Thursday 2 November 2 at 7.00 pm. Probably the fact that it is All Souls Day passes most people by. Every week in the Communion services we are reminded in some words or other that we are worshipping not only with those in church, but with ‘all who stand before you in earth and heaven’. But on All Souls Day that is at the heart of what we do. Ever since Odilo the Abbot of Cluny fixed that date in 998, Christians have gathered on 2 November to remember those who have died, and to thank God for his eternal love for them. Here we invite all those who have had a funeral service in the last year to take part. But obviously there are far more people in Ludlow who have been to a funeral elsewhere for a family member or friend. This service is just as much for them. What is more, it is not just for people who have had a recent bereavement. Grieving is a long process – indeed maybe we never completely ‘get over it’. Elizabeth Jennings wrote this little verse, which captures the real truth about grief: Time does not heal, It only makes a half-stitched scar That can be broken and you feel Grief as total as in its first hour. So if you want to use this opportunity to remember loved ones, whether they died recently or long ago, do come and join us. If you would like to have their names read out in the service, pop into church sometime in October and add the names to the list you will find at the back of church. Or if you prefer, just come and remember them silently. We are fortunate in having a wonderful choir, and they help us tremendously on All Souls Day by singing one of the great settings of the Requiem Mass. The last part of that sums up what our prayers are about: May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs receive you as you arrive, and bring you into the holy city of Jerusalem. May the choir of angels receive you, and with Lazarus, once a beggar, may you have eternal rest. I will have the privilege of leading that service, and look forward to welcoming you. Andrew Body
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29 On Monday 10 October at 4 pm there will be a short time of prayer at St Laurence’s, followed by an opportunity for those affected by pregnancy or baby loss to tie ribbons onto the railings on the north side of the church. Ribbons will be available throughout the week at the railings site for people to help themselves. Anyone who wishes to add a ribbon is welcome to do so at any time during the week. In addition Revd Wayne Davies will be offering prayers daily at 4 pm in the church to which all are welcome, and on Sunday 15 October at 7 pm candles will be lit for the Global Wave of Light following an act of worship in church. Remembering loved ones BABY LOSS AWARENESS WEEK 9 -15 OCTOBER Ludlow Rotary Club is inviting local residents, young and old, to ‘walk a mile for polio’. When Rotary International launched its campaign to eradicate polio from the world almost 40 years ago more than 350,000 children were being paralysed every year in 125 countries. An intensive immunisation programme has reduced the incidence of polio by 99.9%. The wild virus is now endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan with fewer than 10 cases identified so far this year. Rotary International and other agencies continue to raise funds to bring this devastating, sometimes deadly, crippling disease to a world-wide end. Ludlow Rotary invites all to join them in ‘walking a mile for polio’ any time between 10am and 12 noon on Sunday 22 October. Register by the entrance to Ludlow Castle, select the route which suits your level of fitness, donate £1 and set off. Nobody will be asked to give more than £1 - but as many pounds as possible will be welcomed! Every donation will be trebled by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, so every £1 will become £3. Please help Rotary to make polio the second human disease ever to be eradicated, after smallpox. For further information,see www.ludlowrotaryclub.org.uk Walk a mile to end polio
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31 NEWS FROM THE PCC After a short break the PCC has resumed its approximately monthly meetings. A report of the September meeting will appear in the next issue of the Ludlow Tower. Earlier in September the PCC held a productive joint Away Day with the PCC of St John’s to discuss the Benefice Mission Action Plan. The MAP is designed to help churches grow by focusing on their priorities, outlining their vision for the future and the practical steps church communities need to take to achieve their goals. At the Away Day the PCC identified the importance of sharing its vision with the wider church community and involving everyone in the process of achieving it. As a result three or four times a year Kelvin will hold an open forum session for all St Laurence’s congregations, focusing on the life, mission and outreach of St Laurence’s. The session will take the form of an hour’s conversation after the Sunday Eucharist with opportunities for questions and answers. The first two dates are: Sunday 24 September 11.30-12.30 Sunday 28 January 11.30-12.30 Letter to the editor We think it should be known that Kelvin should be rated as an ecclesiastical superstar. Imagine the pride John and I felt when we travelled to a funeral in Cheltenham and found Kelvin was taking the service. Not many would choose a vicar from this distance to carry out a funeral and the fact it was the showman Wynn family who asked him was a great honour as well as a brilliant choice. The service could not have been conducted better and I know, since I have a brother in the church, how much preparation and thought goes into it beforehand. It was an Oscar-winning performance and we think Ludlow should be noted for its Rector rather than all the festivals. Please share this with the parish. With best wishes and all sincerity, Juliet and John Diamond Editor’s note Kelvin comments that he was very happy to accept the invitation to take this funeral service, which he and Wayne prepared together (even though it came during his summer holiday). It may come as a surprise to some that their roles quite often take our clergy well beyond Ludlow, travelling in the past as far afield as Edinburgh and London, as well as closer to home making pastoral visits to places such as Birmingham and Cheltenham.
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33 Poets’ corner Remember Remember me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land; When you can no more hold me by the hand Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay. Remember me when no more day by day You tell me of our future that you plann'd Only remember me; you understand It will be late to counsel then or pray, Yet if you should forget me for a while And afterwards remember, do not grieve; For if the darkness and corruption leave A vestige of the thoughts that once I had Better by far you should forget and smile Than that you should remember and be sad. Christina Rossetti 1830-1894 Christina was the younger sister of Pre-Raphaelite artist and poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti. She never married, lived with her mother virtually all her life and died of breast cancer after suffering from Grave’s disease for many years. She was a prolific poet, writing sonnets, ballads, lyrical and narrative poems as well as nursery rhymes and carols (In the Bleak Midwinter and Love Came Down at Christmas). Many of her poems draw on her strong Christian faith and she was influenced heavily by the high church Oxford Movement of the 1840s. A Rocha UK’s Easy Eco Tip for October Provide food and shelter for wildlife, now and in preparation for next year. Clean all your bird feeders to avoid the spread of disease to winter migrants and put up a nest box well in advance of breeding season. A nest box could also prove a cosy spot for small birds to spend the night on particularly cold winter evenings ahead. For more eco-tips, sign up to A Rocha UK’s Wild Christian email at: arocha.org.uk/wild-Christian. Chris Potter RIP Former churchwarden and dear friend of St Laurence’s, died suddenly in August at his home in Crete.
34 LOCAL MAN wishes to buy Antiques, Bric à brac, Collectables and Deceaseds’ Effects Please call 01584 892128 07508 809710 Come and SEE our Mediaeval stained glass Mediaeval misericords View from the Tower Bells and Carillon Icon Coffee shop Snetzler organ Gift shop Open tea at st laurence First Monday in the month at 3pm. All welcome. Monday 2 octoBER
35 Ludlow churchyard sealed off after bones found An area of Ludlow was today sealed off after human remains were discovered by a member of the public. Police were alerted to the discovery shortly after 6am today and called in forensic experts to examine the bones. The discovery was made in the 14th century grounds of the former St Leonard's Church, in Corve Street. A police cordon has been placed around the churchyard. But officers today said they believed the bones were likely to be very old. Maria Wilkinson, spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, said, ‘Police are currently in attendance at an old churchyard in Corve Street, Ludlow, after a woman reported she had found what appears to be human remains. The church closed for worship in the 1970s and its yard has since fallen into a bad state of repair, with a lot of animal activity present. At this stage we believe the bones, which appear to be very old, have been disturbed by an animal. ‘An area has been cordoned off while police establish who is responsible for the site’. Ben Burford, who works at St Leonards Press which is now based inside the church building, said, ‘A forensics team has been here today’. The Shropshire Star, 18 April 2011 April, of course, is when badgers start to be out and about after the winter. The cubs emerge from their sett for the first time and their parents engage in some serious spring cleaning and home improvement. If you've ever seen a badger do this, you'll know that they work backwards out of the sett, hauling last year's bedding and any other detritus behind them. It's amazing how much a single adult badger can shift in this way, and in a churchyard it can often include human bones. It happens more often in Britain than you would think. The setts at St Leonard’s are long empty, the badgers having moved elsewhere since a couple in an adjoining property who used to feed them, moved on. It's not impossible that an urban fox may decide to use of an old sett, but they are not great excavators, any more than the rabbits who live there, so the chances of this happening again are very small. But in the unlikely event that you should come across more bones in your walk through the churchyard, please don't panic and call the police - murderers do not normally bury their victims in urban churchyards, any more than among archaeological excavations, and ghouls are a rarity these days. In the first instance you should contact the Parish Office at St Laurence's, or the Friends of St Leonard's Churchyard, who will arrange for a respectful reinterment of the bones and prayers from the Anglican burial service will be read over them. Nick Ford GRAVE MATTERS: finding bones IN the CHURCHYARD
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37 Autumn Church Amble Tuesday 17 October Leintwardine Leintwardine History Society, including display and coffee St Mary Magdalene including misericords and Art Hub Lion Inn - lunch Brampton Bryan St Barnabas, including Lottery Heritage Fund project Aardvark Books - tea Speakers on the tour: Mike Dugdale, Lottery Heritage Fund project; Viv Simkins, Leintwardine Primary School churchyard activities project Andy Pearson, misericord carver Mike Rix, LHS events and walks Paul Cooper Jones, St Mary Magdalene Arts Hub Coach from Ludlow Assembly Rooms - 9.30am, returning by 4.30pm £30.00 including lunch and tea Cheques (payee ‘CTSLL’) to Francesca Bingham, 19 Watling Street, Leintwardine, SY7 0LW BACS (ref Autumn Church Amble) to Nat West Account CTSLL 82517193, sort code: 53-81-18 Queries: Francesca Bingham 07810 277728 notes from an eco-worrier I read recently that DEFRA says the number of single-use plastic carrier bags used by the average shopper in England has dropped from 140 in 2014 to just three a year. This is, of course, good news for the planet. I myself have used cotton bags for many years. However, there are drawbacks to this. Firstly, what do I use to line the small bins in my house? Do I buy bin liners? Are they compostable? Secondly, it now turns out that cotton bags are not as environmentally friendly as first thought, though still better than single use plastic bags. The important thing seems to be how much use we can get out of each item. The use of plastic generally is not good for the environment and therefore not to be encouraged. We need to keep reminding ourselves that we are stewards of this earth. What is best for God’s creation? I no longer line my small bins, thus solving that dilemma. And if you are followers of The Great British Sewing Bee you will have seen them use cotton bags to make clothes. I’ll leave that thought with you. Hilary Walters
38 Cascading tiles are one of the most commonly-seen images of dominoes. The dominoes are laid out standing on edge, either sideways or upright, carefully spaced out at equal distances. When the end one is tipped they fall in a wonderful arc (or a straight line). Called domino toppling, this is a world-wide activity often involving large numbers of tiles. Indeed the world record is nearly 4.5 million tiles! It is a fun way to entertain young children before embarking on an actual game of dominoes which is perhaps more complex, but intensely enjoyable with little expertise required. The game of dominoes appears to have originated in China but isn’t an ancient game such as chess or Go. The first recorded reference to dominoes in China dates to the early 13th century. The glossary of domino terms is extensive with at least one word, but in many cases several, for every letter of the alphabet from Ace to Zero. P offers perhaps the best term: Pigeon, the name for a rookie who constantly loses. Don’t be a pigeon - get started on dominoes and become an Ace (also another term for the end of a tile with one spot). There are also lots of different games you can play with dominoes, the most commonly played being Block, where players place their tiles to match the ends, the object being to be the first to use all your tiles or block the other player so that they cannot place a tile. The Shop at St Laurence stocks two sets of dominoes: a simple black and white set and the Frank Lloyd Wright Wood Domino Set which contains 28 double-sided wood dominoes with Wright’s famous patterns and designs to give a twist to the classic game. A truly beautiful set and a great addition to a games night! The domino effect Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm The Shop at St Laurence Mobile: 07833 866485 www.theshopatstlaurence.co.uk
39 nameS we will never forget ... The phrase ‘a name we will never forget’ echoed through the news in August. Yet, whisper it, those names may well fade from our memories. So it is with world disasters such as hurricanes, floods, typhoons, earthquakes, explosions, wildfires. Try recalling the names of some of the more recent catastrophic events. If your score is as low as mine, I have made my point! It happens to us all. Christian Aid's mission is not just to respond to emergencies and disasters but to undertake ongoing work helping communities to claim their rights and access services, such as health care and education, and to become more resilient to shocks and disasters such as droughts, climate change and hurricanes. In other words, working with communities, after the journalists have departed. Ukraine has never been out of the news over the past 18 months. Russia's recent decision to pull out of the Black Sea grain deal allowing food and fertiliser exports from three Ukrainian ports will put millions in Africa at risk of food shortages and consequent rising food prices. In the West food prices are beginning to fall but food insecurity, climate change and the rising cost of living are pushing more countries in the global south into hunger. South Sudan no longer hits the headlines but fighting continues, with thousands fleeing across its borders. Humanitarian agencies such as Christian Aid fear being overwhelmed if the situation worsens. Already up to 120,000 people, South Sudanese returnees, Sudanese refugees and third-country nationals are in desperate straits. Food, clean water, shelter and sanitation facilities are stretched to breaking point and the risk of disease is rising. The fragile peace process is threatened by disrupted cross -border trade. And the country is dependent on Sudan's oil infrastructure for its exports. Climate change and conflict have become increasingly common bedfellows over the past 50 years as temperatures rise and rainfall drops. According to the UN South Sudan is one of the five countries in the world most vulnerable to climate change. Humanitarian agencies work relentlessly to help those living in unbelievably difficult situations, which are ongoing, yet don't count as ‘news’ in the journalistic sense. How to help? We must always hold these ‘forgotten’ communities in our prayers and our contributions help enable Christian Aid workers to carry out this work. We can all play our part, however small. Thank you. Claire
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41 The latest tongue-in-cheek letter from Revd Dr Gary Bowness’s Uncle Eustace… The Rectory St James the Least My dear Nephew Darren In the unlikely event of ever being put in charge of designing the course for those being trained for ordination, I would make a few significant changes. Modules on doctrine, church history and Greek would all be dropped as unnecessary. Instead I would add courses on running a tight jumble sale, keeping your PCC in order and, especially close to my heart at present, how to negotiate harvest. The first skirmish starts in early summer when it becomes clear that the flower arrangers’ plans mean that the choir will disappear behind a huge array of chrysanthemums. The choir retaliates by announcing that their harvest anthem must be sung just when the Sunday School intends to re-enact the parable of the Good Samaritan. They, in turn, raise the stakes by insisting that a stage will be needed for their performance, thus ensuring that I will be separated from the congregation by an impenetrable barricade. So September brings the traditional meeting to iron out all these little difficulties, resulting inevitably in the annual ritual of the verger handing in his notice, the bell ringers threatening a mass walk-out and those who organise coffee after the service demanding that my sermon lasts no more than three minutes, so there will be plenty of time for socialising afterwards. I greet all suggestions with a spontaneous burst of indifference, smile, agree with it all – and do nothing. This, incidentally, is a good policy for all decision-making. Inevitably, everything goes ahead exactly as it always has done for the last century. Come the day, there will be the usual arrangement of eggs around the font, with the strategically-placed card saying ‘Given anonymously by Elsie Jones’ and the pyramid of apples temptingly near the choirboys, so designed that when one of them tries to pinch one during the sermon, the whole pile disintegrates as they roll all over the chancel. The following Friday all will leave after the Harvest Supper saying that the entertainment was worse than the previous year and that the absence of red cabbage had quite ruined the hot pot. Everyone therefore has had an enjoyable evening. My harvest training course would be compulsory and a pass mark of 90% would be needed before ordination could be considered. Your loving uncle, Eustace On the perils of harvest
42 Ludlow St Laurence Parish Office 01584 872073 Office Administrator Nicky Luck Finance Manager Peter Nield Gift Aid Secretary Michael Hunt Director of Music Michael Oakley Custodian Matthew Lenthall Conservation Trust Chair Ian Marshall PCC Churchwardens Dick Franks 892019 Lesley Harling 318309 Assistant Churchwarden Michael Davies 07970 434822 Electoral Roll Officer Dick Franks 892019 Safeguarding Officer Dick Franks 892019 PCC Minutes Secretary Jacs Higgs 872073 Bible Reading Penelope Bridstrup 876992 Fellowship Flowers Sue Thornley 872292 Monthly Prayer Group Sandi Burley 873155 Tower Captain Richard Bracher 811514 Ludlow Tower editor Lesley Harling 318309 Find this and previous issues of the Ludlow Tower on line at www.stlaurences.org.uk Ludlow St John Parish Office Nicky Luck 872073 Churchwarden Mike Beazley 873570 Treasurer Mike Beazley 873570 PCC Secretary Mike Beazley 873570 Electoral Roll Sue Thomas 0792990671 Ashfords Benefice Rector Revd Lynn Money Parish Office Sarah Davies 01584 319381 Bromfield Benefice Rector Revd Justin Parker Parish Office Martin Scott 07493 247184 COPY DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE TUESDAY 3 OCTOBER There is no guarantee that material submitted will be included. Please send articles by email to [email protected] We are happy to receive contributions and suggestions for inclusion in the magazine. Please limit items to no more than 400 words, except by prior agreement with the editor. Parish of Ludlow Saint Laurence Registered Charity No 1132703 PARISH DIRECTORy Ludlow St Laurence Parish Office, 2 College Street, Ludlow, Shropshire. SY8 1AN (currently closed for refurbishment) e-mail: [email protected] website: www.stlaurences.org.uk For appointments (Monday or Thursday 9.30am-12.30pm at Hands Together Ludlow (Lower Galdeford) call 01584 872073 Rector: Revd Preb Kelvin Price 07799 243867 Pioneer Curate & Intergenerational Missioner: Revd Wayne Davies 07545 438892
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