2 JP Estate Planning Ltd give us the low down on care fee costs... What are the costs? Care fees in the Ludlow area can be as much as £1,750 per week, which is £91,000 a year per person. This means a couple could easily end up paying £182,000 a year in care fees alone. You can see how easily your assets – including your family home – could be swallowed up. Can you give away assets and family home to your children? You can, but they will likely still be included for care fee assessment purposes. There are rules about deliberate deprivation that mean you are not allowed to give away assets to avoid paying for care fees. If you were allowed to do this, then everyone would do it and the government would have to pay for everyone’s care. What can you do to protect your assets? Some people use asset protection trusts, but these can be a dangerous tool in estate planning. The very name of the trust can imply it is there to avoid paying for care fees and where a home is in an asset protection trust, it can miss out on inheritance tax reliefs. Instead, We suggest having a private consultation with one of our fully trained consultants. Is there anything you can do to protect assets? Thankfully, yes! Although you really do have to be careful on which strategy your chosen professional uses. We have often seen certain trusts being set up and used in a way which is not efficient for inheritance tax and do not avoid the deliberate deprivation rules. Unfortunately most people only find this out after someone has died or entered care and they end up losing money which could have been avoided if done correctly. Final thoughts? If you have had trouble with or are concerned about this subject, JP Estate Planning are always happy to help. Give us a call or send an email (see advert below) and we can help you to get the Care Fee Countdown in Ludlow
3 As this issue of the Ludlow Tower was being put together we were enjoying the first hints of spring (carpets of snowdrops, birdsong, lighter mornings and evenings). That positive mood is reflected as we celebrate with our Rector, Kelvin, as he becomes a prebendary of the cathedral of Hereford - and learn what a prebendary actually is (p9). We hear too about the successful completion of a Rotary club project to refurbish an African school (p29) and we focus on prayer on p5. On a more sombre note we learn that some our favourite foods are under threat from a combination of climate change and unfair – and how we can help avert the threat to such basics as bananas and coffee (p31). There are more suggestions of ways we can all make a difference, in fighting global inequality and contributing to the recovery from the recent devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria on p33. And we read some reactions to the General Synod debate and decisions on same-sex marriage (pp15&17). Lesley Harling (Editor) 01584 318309 This month’s cover: Photograph: Lesley Harling Daffodils 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. How to Pray: a personal view 5 Listening to the Flowers 7 From the registers 7 What does it all mean? 9 Notes from St John’s 11 Introducing - Sally NewmanKidd 13 Sexuality and the CofE 15 Eternal values we uphold 17 Time for daffodils 17 Special services 19 Sunday services in Ludlow 20 Ludlow local listing - small ads 21 What’s on in March 25 Mothering Sunday 27 Palmers Quiz and Church Crawl 27 Rotary caring for the community 29 Save your favourite food 31 Let’s play our part 33 Barnabas House and St Mary-inthe-Vale 35 A potpourri of pots 37 Why is the Bible on an eagle? 39 Children’s page 40 On the perils of moving from city to country 41 Parish directory & copy deadline 42
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5 This year our Lent course is all about prayer and, judging by how many people have stopped me to talk about it, this is a subject that we are all keen to discuss and that many of us find difficult. When I was young, I saw prayer as a time for simply asking God for help, and I think for many people this is still their main focus. For me personally though, prayer has increasingly become less about asking God for help and more about being aware of God’s presence as I travel through each day. This awareness then helps me to talk and to listen to God at many different times during each day and night. Prayer thus becomes less about finding the right words and more about being in the right state of mind, less about talking and more about listening, less about doing something special and more about finding special moments during each ordinary day. The main support I find for sustaining this awareness comes from starting each day with a structured time of prayer. I get up early and after reading the lectionary readings for the day, just sit quietly with God with no expectations, just an attempt to be in God’s presence and to give thanks for the new day. Sometimes my thoughts wander; sometimes the world around me intrudes, but usually I manage to find five or ten minutes when all seems to stop and I am at peace. This time is then a resource I can dip into during the day, it helps me to stop, however briefly, to revisit that earlier peace and to listen to what God is saying. This, for me, is one aspect of prayer that sustains me each day and allows me to rest on God’s strength, knowing that Jesus’ loving presence is with me in each and every moment. For me, prayer is the way in which we step outside of the business and worldliness of our daily lives, all that which distracts and prevents us from hearing God. Prayer is the way to open our hearts and minds amid the noise of our daily existence and to hear the voice of God, the voice which is always there and always speaking our name with love. Laurence Gittins The poem on p7 is on the same theme. How to Pray: A personal view HOW TO PRAY LENT COURSE Wednesdays 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 March 1pm St John’s 6.30pm St Laurence’s All are welcome to join this course, based on materials from the 24-7 Prayer Course and the book, ‘How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People’ by Pete Greig. Bishop’s study day Wednesday 29 March 9.30am-3.00pm St Laurence’s With Bishop Richard and Peter and Sammy Grieg Places limited. Book now - https:// www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bishops-studyday-how-to-pray-led-by-pete-griegtickets-477271530997
6 5 The Angel, Broad Street, Ludlow, Sy8 2PG
7 LISTENING TO FLOWERS The flower nods and says its piece, A window reflects a scudding cloud, Water shimmers in the dappled moonlight, and shivers with a resonant sound. I travel on, my destination before me, And on each step my attention consumed. No thought given to the shape of my journey, Moment by moment missed chances flow by. Motion and movement surround our beings, But fail to distract our fixated view. Why stop to question? To listen? To linger? Why pause to consider, hear something new? Just keep on moving, keep going forward, All is in front, the path is so clear. No time to consider, to listen to flowers, No time to realise, our Saviour is near. Here in a glimpse of moonlight on water, Here in a raucous jumble of noise, Here in confusion, in beauty, in silence, Just stop to behold and open your eyes. Moments of stillness are moments to treasure, Moments of joy that sing us our song. Moments of pain, of sickness, or grieving, All shared with our Saviour to whom they belong. So listen to flowers whilst they nod in the sunshine, Watch as the clouds draw patterns above. Swim in the moonlight, in water that ripples, And look for the signs of our dear Saviour’s love. Lawrence Gittins FROM THE REGISTERS FUNERALS 20 January Joy Florence Ann Alban-Davies 23 January Elwyn Evans 24 January Revd John James (Hereford crematorium) 3 February Thurza Anne Sibbons 13 February Jennifer Leyton Purrier (Hereford crematorium) 17 February Nicholas Jeremy Swayne James (Hereford crematorium)
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9 Everyone at St Laurence’s was delighted to learn that our Rector, Kelvin, has been made a prebendary of Hereford Cathedral. Many from the congregation will be in the cathedral on Sunday 5 March to celebrate with Kelvin his collation and installation during the 3.30pm Evensong. Even more are asking, ‘Who are prebendaries? What do they do? Why has Kelvin been made a prebendary? How are new prebendaries ‘installed’ – is it an upgrade? Who? Prebendaries are members of the diocesan clergy selected and appointed by the Bishop to serve on the College of Canons, alongside lay canons and residentiary canons (full-time senior cathedral clergy). The College of Canons has a particular role in the governance of the cathedral. The title derives from the ‘prebend’ a mediaeval term for a parcel of land (often local farms) which provided the prebendary with an income. The stipend has long since gone but the title remains. What? The key responsibilities of a prebendary are: to uphold in prayer and support the work of the cathedral; to preach at Evensong in the cathedral about once a year; to attend the annual meeting of the College of Canons; and to elect a new Bishop, following nomination by the Crown. Why? Prebendary is an honorary title awarded to parish priests by the Bishop on personal merit, often in recognition of long and dedicated service to the diocese. Recipients should then be addressed as The Reverend Prebendary (Kelvin Price). Our dear friend Ann Barge was also a prebendary. How? Prebendaries are welcomed formally into their new role by ‘collation’ (when they are presented publicly) and installation’ (when they are placed in the prebendal stall which has been allocated to them). The number of prebendaries is limited by the number of stalls - Hereford has 21 (including the archdeacons and the residentiary canons). Kelvin’s stall, Cublington, takes its name from an area near Madley, to the west of Hereford, which provided a net income in 1294 of £12 6s 8d. Where? Hereford Cathedral When? 3.30pm on Sunday 5 March Everyone is very welcome to attend. If you would like to come along and would like a lift, or if you are planning to come and can offer lift to others, please contact the churchwardens at [email protected] What does it all mean?
10 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 Sunday 19 March Hot dogs, pool table, air hockey, Mario Cart and more Conversation, play, food and a simple sharing of bread and wine Contact [email protected] 12 March 3:30pm Come and join us @ St Laurences Ludlow Confirmation Service We are pleased to announce that the Bishop of Hereford, Right Reverend Richard Jackson, will take our Confirmation Service at St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow on Sunday 18 June 2023 at 10am. All are welcome. Anyone wishing to be confirmed should email [email protected]
11 NOTES FROM ST JOHN’S Following an early spring clean and tidy up St John’s is looking better than ever and we are all looking forward to the year ahead. We were pleased to welcome so many members of St Laurence’s to our two benefice services in January and look forward to them joining us once again at the end of April. Building on the success of the Wednesday morning communions we are, once again, hosting the daytime Lent group, each week following this service. A simple soup lunch will be served and then we will have our discussion time based on Peter Grieg’s book, ‘How to Pray’. Even if the course has already started, you are still very welcome to come and join us for one or more sessions and don’t forget the exciting allday event in St Laurence’s on 29 March led by Pete and Sammy Grieg in person. On 19 March it will be Mothering Sunday and we are going to celebrate the occasion with a new and exciting service, an informal communion service using some of the ideas and informality of Messy Church. It will be aimed at all ages with activities for everyone to get involved with. To make it easier for families to attend, this service will be held later than normal at 10.30am. There will be flowers for all and after the service you will be invited to join us for cake and biscuits. All are welcome, particularly those who may be new to our church. If you would like more information, please contact Lawrence on 07786 625565 or at [email protected]. God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers. To the world you are a mother. To your family you are the world . The mother of three lively youngsters was asked whether she'd have children if she had it to do over again. ‘Yes, but not the same ones.’
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13 Please tell us a bit about yourself. I am Sally Newman-Kidd. Originally from Stourbridge I went to school in Worcester, did my degree in Birmingham, then taught and worked in various office jobs. I got involved in publishing with my first husband, Graeme, and we worked on magazines in Ludlow, London and Bath. . What brought you to Ludlow? We made a lifestyle choice to come back to Ludlow when our first son was two and I ‘ve lived in the same house ever since. Graeme and I worked in publishing and PR from our home offices - I was a freelance sub-editor on magazines and copy-edited books. Graeme was an originator of the Food Festival so I got involved for many years. He was also town mayor for four years and I was his mayoress. After Graeme died, when the boys were still young, I worked for Premier Medical. And to St Laurence’s? I went to church regularly when I was young but then, for years, only when I needed support. I was pregnant with our second son when we had a serious crash on the M42. We emerged unscathed and I came to St Laurence’s to say thank you. I kept coming and joined the choir, followed by my boys who both became head choristers in their turn. It was through the choir that I met Matthew. First impression of St Laurence's? Someone showed me the masons’ marks and I was pulled in by the history of the building. What is your role at St Laurence’s? I sing in the choir and I lead the handbell ringers. Years ago, when the group was set up, there were lots of members; now there are nine of us - more would be nice! We ring in the vestry on Tuesday evenings and elsewhere when asked - we play at the start do of the Nine Lessons and Carols service. In the past I have been a welcoming steward and a PCC member and I’ve worked in the Parish Office managing weddings, funerals and events. Which one feature of St Laurence's which is special for you? Not just one! For me it’s the people, the music and the incredible space. I love the building. Matthew and I were married and had our reception here, in a packed building. How do you spend any spare time? What is spare time? I run a holiday let and have lots of friends. Any special holiday experiences? I escorted my 80-year old mother to Venice and back on the Orient Express. She fulfilled a life-long wish and took me to carry her bags. What might we surprised to know about you? I was privileged to support and accompany my mother in the Remembrance Day parade past the cenotaph - an incredible experience. INTRODUCING ...
14 LUDLOW CAR SHARE Join at: http://www.co-wheels.org.uk/ shropshire Local contacts: 01584 875017 or 875501 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 Cars parked at Ludlow Foyer close to Train Station Look out for the progress report leaflet in the church to learn what happens next as the church moves the parish office out of 2 College Street and work begins to convert the building into a place of comfort in the heart of Ludlow for those in distress within the community and anyone temporarily in need of immediate help and support.
15 SEXUALITY AND THE C of e Two members of the congregation at St Laurence’s respond to the General Synod approval of the bishops’ decision to offer same-sex couples blessing and prayer in church but not to authorise same-sex marriages in church. ‘Yes, we say. We at St Laurence’s are an Inclusive Church. It says so on our pew sheet and in the entrance to our church’. But not when it comes to same-sex marriage. ‘You can have a blessing but we can’t marry you.’ Can’t or won’t? On hearing news of the latest directive from the Bishops I determined I must leave the Anglican Church. Two days of reflection (angry recrimination) on the Bishops’ decision has led me back to where I was - I stay and ‘fight’. The words of Revd Dr Mark Oakley have been helpful - some of you may have his collected book of poems and will remember his visit to ‘Life and Learning’. Rowan Williams has described Mark Oakley as: ‘One of the most distinctive, intelligent and refreshing voices in the Church of England, always illuminating, never stale or second hand.’ He was talking about literary ability but I reckon it covers his view of the church too! Helen Blyth Compromise is usually the solution when there is conflict of interest as government and unions may soon be forced to accept. But it fails to satisfy those of entrenched views and neither party may be fully satisfied with the outcome. The recent reaction to the Church of England’s statement on samesex marriage and its cautious position on LGBTQI+ issues is a case in point. There is a serious split within the Anglican worldwide community. Archbishop Welby has somehow to satisfy the demands of the more Evangelical wing, particularly strong in Africa, but also recognise that as the Established Church it must take account of a more liberal culture in the community it serves. The claim was made that the bishops' statement followed consultation in parishes and dioceses. I am not aware of that happening locally. But we all need to address the issue because it could well lead to deeper division in the church and with it the prospect of disestablishment, possibly not be to everyone's regret. Mark Oakley - a Shropshire lad, now Dean of St John's College, Cambridge – delivered a moving sermon in January. It is accessible on the link below. Some may remember his talk in our Life and Learning series a few years ago. He has indicated his readiness to return to Ludlow to reflect with us on the challenge we face in our claim to be an Inclusive Church. Michael Day https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/sundayeucharist-sermons-lt23 Revd Mark Oakley Dean of St John’s College Cambridge
16 Garden maintenance Michael Doyle Plantsman Over 30 years’ experience 07855 930641 Skip Hire, Waste Management & Recycling Tenbury Wells, Ludlow, Leominster, Craven Arms and 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. K & J Davies Gas Services NATURAL AND LPG GAS BOILERS & APPLIANCES SERVICED AND INSTALLED RADIATORS AND HEATING INSTALLATIONS AND SMALL PLUMBING WORK UNDERTAKEN 01547 528642 H S Builders EST. over 30 years All aspects of building works Renovations. Conversions. New builds Extensions. Brickwork. Groundworks [email protected] Tel: 07870 883413
17 The General Synod’s decision not to sanction gay marriages reminded Ian Barge of an anonymous letter which appeared on the internet, apparently in response to Dr Laura Schlesinger’s assertion on her radio show that ‘homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstances’. Dear Dr Laura, Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned so much from your principled stance. When someone tries to defend a homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate! However, I do need some advice from you regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighbouring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians ... Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians? Or Russians, come to that? When I burn a bull on the altar of sacrifice, I know it creates an odour ‘pleasing to the Lord’ (Leviticus 1:9). But my neighbours claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them? How? Leviticus 21:20 clearly states that I may not approach the altar of the Lord if I have any defect in my sight. I have to admit to wearing reading-glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here? Are there degrees of abomination? Most of my friends get their hair trimmed, including round the temples (cranial temples, not architectural), even though this is expressly forbidden by Leviticus 19:27. How should they die? Thank you again for reminding us that God's Word is eternal and unchanging. Yours scripturally Hiram K Budweiser Faculty of Comparative Exegesis University of Moosejaw Nebraska 6559 ETERNAL VALUES WE UPHOLD LEST WE LOSE OUR HARPS OF GOLD Time for daffodils The first of March is St David’s Day - time for the Welsh to wear daffodils or leeks. Shakespeare called this custom ‘an honourable tradition begun upon an honourable request’ - but nobody knows the reason. Why should anyone have ever ‘requested’ that the Welsh wear leeks or daffodils to honour their patron saint? It’s a mystery! We do know that David - or Dafydd - of Pembrokeshire was a monk and bishop of the 6th century. Tradition has it that he was austere with himself, and generous with others - living on water and vegetables (leeks, perhaps?!) and devoting himself to works of mercy. He was much loved.
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19 17th Annual General Meeting Friends of St Leonards Churchyard Thursday 16 March at 4.00pm The Friends Meeting House St Mary's Lane, Ludlow For more information contact John Aitken [email protected] 01584 877279 2.30pm Ludlow Methodist Church Broad Street For more information ring Barbara Bell on 01584 872or email: [email protected]
20 Anglican St Laurence, College Street 8.30am 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 (not in March) 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 9.45am 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays Holy Communion 2nd & 4th Sundays Morning Prayer 5th Sun Joint benefice service with St Laurence’s Contact [email protected] 07786 625565 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 c [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. Specialists in vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free food, natural bodycare & natural remedies. Waste-free shopping & refills for your cleaning products. We also offer a free local delivery service and organic box scheme. Paul’s Fresh Fish Ltd Home delivery of fresh and smoked fish from our family fishmongers based in Gloucestershire. Price list available. Tel: 07527 898767 or email [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. Wanted by collector 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 Insurance Services Acupuncture 07816 303742 Are you in pain, not sleeping, or anxious? Don’t ignore it, it can be relieved. Qualified insured therapist, Samuel Jones, offers remedial massages and acupuncture treatments for a variety of conditions. See www.massageludlow.co.uk for details. Medical services
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 Paul’s Window & Gutter Cleaning Service We also clean fascias and soffits if required For a quote call 07891 862744 or email [email protected] 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 M. Davies & Son, Property Maintenance Service Flooring, Glazed tiles, Painting, Decorating & General repairs. 5 Bitterley Close, Ludlow, SY8 1XP Call: 01584 873907 General Maintenance Steve Wilson Painting and Decorating Internal and external work carried out. Please telephone Steve on: 07818 400764 Email address: [email protected]
24 ADVERTISING RATES 2021-22 (for 12 issues) Full page - £280 Half page - £170 Quarter page - £90 Eighth page - £55 Classified - £30 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 MIDWEEK Daily prayer Mondays 9.30am Tuesdays 9.30am Thursdays 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 Fridays 9.30am Tea and toast Wednesdays 10.00am Holy Communion Wednesdays 11.30am MARCH Friday 3 12.00pm Lent Lunch (St Laurence hosting) Monday 6 3.00pm Open Tea Friday 10 Funeral 11.00am (Collette Walsh RIP) Memorial service 2.00pm (Nick James RIP) Sunday 12 Big Brew 11.00am (Fairtrade Fortnight) The Living Room - informal service Friday 17 12.00pm Lent Lunch (Methodists hosting) Saturday 18 7.00pm Foden’s Brass Band Concert Sunday 19 Choral Matins 11.30am Celtic Prayer 6.00pm Thursday 23 Monthly Intercessory Prayers 10.30am Friday 24 1.45pm The Paradise Keeper - 4Front Theatre schools production Monday 27 1.45pm School Easter performance (Ludlow Primary) Wednesday 29 9.30am-3pm Bishop’s Study Day with Pete and Sammy Greig Thursday 30 10.30am School Easter Service (St Laurence’s Primary) WHAT’S ON AT ST LAURENCE’S For the latest news go to https:// stlaurences.org.uk/google-calendar/
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27 MOTHERING SUNDAY - 19 MARCH Mothering Sunday is a day of mixed emotions. For many it’s a happy, joyous day, but for others it’s one of pain and grief. A day to celebrate love, while acknowledging those who cannot have children or have lost them and those who have no relationship with their mother. In the dying moments of His life, Jesus honoured Mary his mother by showing her love and care and entrusting His mother to John’s protection. Jesus reminds us that the love we show on Mothering Sunday is just a token of our continuous appreciation of them. Jesus also creates a new way of being family, marking the beginnings of the church. In the past, people would go back to their ‘mother’ church on this Sunday, to acknowledge its importance in their lives. Jesus invites us into this new family of love and mutual belonging, where we can find a place, irrespective of our own family circumstances. Church is not always an easy place to be, because we are shaped by our own experience of mothering. We may find it hard to give or receive love without ourselves getting in the way. However, God’s help is available to change things, ‘because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.’ (Romans 5:5)
28 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
29 AT HOME ‘Ludlow Rotary Cares’ is the Rotary Club of Ludlow’s scheme giving grants of up to £500 to charities and other organisations supporting community life in and around Ludlow. Over the past eight years the Club has invested over £40,000 in over 85 local projects. After two difficult years for fund raising, the Club is delighted to be investing again in our community. The Club is open to supporting any project that responds to a community need in, or within 15 miles of, Ludlow and meets its grant-giving criteria. The Club will need to understand exactly what the money will be used for, who will benefit from it and how much difference it will make. Fore more information, including the criteria and a simple application form, go to www.ludlowrotaryclub.org.uk. The deadline for applications is 17 April 2023. Those shortlisted will be invited to an evening event in Ashford Carbonell on 23 May to explain their projects to a small panel. Cheques will be handed out very soon afterwards! The Club is keen to hear from a wide range of organisations including those that have applied in the past or have been awarded grants in the past. For further information please email: [email protected] Rotary CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY And abroad Ludlow Rotary Club recently marked the completion of a five-year project in Tanzania, redeveloping a run-down rural school at Msasani at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. With a major grant from Rotary International, topped up from its own funds, the club financed and oversaw the construction of a new classroom block and a new toilet block. The classroom, with disabled access, rainwater harvesting and mains water storage, provides much-needed space for exams, school assemblies and an indoor dining area. As the only school room with electricity, it is also used for IT lessons. Out of school hours it is available for community use, with the income going towards maintenance. Two dry closets for 200 children plus staff have been replaced by separate toilets for girls and boys, staff and disabled, each with washing facilities. Just before Christmas the new facilities were handed over to the school at an event attended by Ludlow Rotarian, Alistair Thornley. As Alistair said on his return, ‘the real success … has been in enhancing the educational opportunities for children in this area of the world suffering from extreme poverty. For that the club can be justly proud’. Morning assembly in the new classroom
30 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
Fairtrade Fortnight is back! Taking place from 27 February to 12 March 2023, Fairtrade Fortnight will spotlight the harmful effect of the climate crisis on the future of our food. Did you know that cocoa, bananas and coffee are at risk? We take these foods for granted, but climate change, combined with deeply unfair trade, means that the communities growing these crops are being pushed to the brink. Through our shopping choices, we can make a difference to these communities and save our favourite foods. Whatever our budget and wherever we shop, we can choose Fairtrade and ensure that farmers have the power to protect their future – and the future of our planet. What’s on in Ludlow Wednesday 1 March: Join Ludlow 21 for a bring-and-share Climate Friendly Supper with a Fairtrade theme. St Peter’s Parish Centre, 6.30pm – 8pm. Contact Kim Holroyd for more information: [email protected] Saturday 11 March: Traidcraft Spring Fair and Big Brew at Ludlow Mascall Centre, 10am – 4pm. Browse and buy beautiful, fairly traded products. Enjoy Fairtrade tea and coffee, as well as delicious cake made using Fairtrade ingredients. Sunday 12 March: Fairtrade theme at Parish Eucharist (10am), followed by Traidcraft stall and Big Brew* (11am – 1pm). Fairtrade Fortnight Special at The Living Room, (3.30pm – 5pm). All at the Parish Church of St Laurence. *Contributions of baked goods, made using Fairtrade ingredients, are welcome for our Big Brew. Please contact Penny for more information: [email protected] 07747025798 Save your fAVOURITE food (and the planet) this fairtrade fortnight For more information on Fairtrade in Ludlow, visit ludlowfairtrade.com. To get involved in wider Fairtrade Fortnight activities such as online Great Big Get Togethers, visit www.fairtrade.org.uk.
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33 According to Oxfam in 2018 the world's richest 1% owned 82% of the wealth, whilst the poorest 50% got nothing. It seems that nothing has changed since then. Indeed levels of inequality are growing. So how does this play out? Floods, cyclones and droughts have killed and displaced millions of people, in countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan which bear the least responsibility for climate crisis. In Brazil tax policies, corporate shortterm profiteering and a global lack of regulation are fuelling the exploitation of the Amazon, and the communities who have sustained it for centuries, through industrial bauxite mining. COP 27 agreed to a loss and damage fund without deciding how to manage and fund it but COP 28 has been and gone with no evidence of any action. We have all experienced that ghastly feeling of utter powerlessness in the face of all this but we must look for every opportunity, however small, be it political or practical to play our part in reducing this desperate crisis. The Lent Lunch hosted by St Laurence is on Friday 3 March from 12 noon to 1.30pm. Please support the team who work so hard to give us an enjoyable hour or so, while raising money to help communities under threat and support responses to natural disasters. If you are not free on 3 March the Methodists will host another lunch in St Laurence’s on Friday 17 March. The climate crisis is not ‘out there’; it is in our midst, and we are all one, wherever we live. STOP PRESS It is 7 February. I wake up and get out of bed and the cold hits me. I turn on the radio. It is also freezing in Turkey and Syria 24 hours after the two most devastating earthquakes in decades. People are sleeping in the streets and eating scraps. Relief is minimal thus far. Voices can be heard under the rubble. It’s a race against time. Christian Aid’s fund for emergencies will swing into action. You can be assured that, by the time you read this, our donations along with those of millions of others will be being put to use round the clock. The rescue phase will be over. Rebuilding will be underway while support is provided to the millions who have lost everything. Many of you will have given generously already through Christian Aid (https:// give.christianaid.org.uk/donate/CAM004766) or the Disasters Emergency Committee (https://www.dec.org.uk/ appeals) but it is not too late to play your part in aiding the recovery of the stricken communities of Turkey and Syria. Please remember them in your prayers and please support the Lent Lunch. Claire Wilcox let’s play our part
34 The History and Antiquities of the Town of Ludlow Thomas Wright states in his book, first published in 1824: ‘From Broad gate, (the gate-way to which is the only one now remaining entire), Barnaby lane passes into the bottom of Mill street. Barnaby lane receives its name from an ancient religious foundation called Barnaby house, famous in the age of pilgrimages, as the temporary resting place of the numerous devotees passing through Ludlow, on their way to the holy well of St. Wenefrede, in North Wales. Adjoining this building, there formerly stood a chapel dedicated to St. Mary of the Vale, on the site of which a silk factory was sometime since erected, which is now converted into a wool warehouse. This vicinity has received the name of Merry Vale, derived from the familiar epithet of Mary Vale, applied to the chapel". (See opposite page for more about Barnaby House and St Mary of the Vale.) LOCAL MAN wishes to buy Antiques, Bric à brac, Collectables and Deceaseds’ Effects Please call 01584 892128 07508 809710 Victoria Allen Funeral Services An Independent Family Business Pre- Paid Funeral Plans Home Visits Always Available 24 Hour Service 01584 879035
35 Barnaby House and Saint Mary-OfThe-Vale, Silk Mill Lane Barnaby House is thought to date from circa 1300. It is a large stone-built twostoried detached range with several features that suggest its mediaeval origins, particularly the Caernarvon arched features on some of the windows. There is no earlier mention, prior to 1824, that it was used to accommodate pilgrims. In the 1400s the building was used by Thomas Whitgreve of Brockleton (died 1461), Receiver of the Earldom of March, whose office was in Ludlow Castle. The property then passed to the descendants of Thomas Barnaby who had married Whitgreve’s only daughter. The Barnabys were a landed gentry family who acquired a number of manors in the area. Either the Whitgreves or the Barnabys may have added the fine timber roof (there are some details that suggest it may have been moved here from another building). The roof is of tie and collar beam construction with fine cusped wind braces and has been dated by dendrochronology to 1450-1451. It was probably Richard Barnaby (died 1594) who made the principal alterations to the house including two small rooms at the Mill Street end. There are wall paintings in the upper room that are a rare surviving example of the internal decoration of gentry houses in the Elizabethan period. At times the house was let to tenants, at least one of whom was an official of the Council of the Marches. By the 1660s ownership passed to the Cornewall family of Burford. In the 1700s the building was converted to a mill for silk spinning and weaving, which gave the lane its current name. It later became a row of cottages that slowly fell into disrepair. In 1874 the Governors of Ludlow Grammar School purchased the property and in 1909 converted it into a gymnasium and library. It continues to be part of Ludlow College and the upstairs room is used to teach computer studies. It is unclear whether the dwelling actually included a chapel dedicated to Saint Barnabas, as has been suggested, or whether the adjacent chapel of Saint Mary served the hospice and the devotional needs of the pilgrims, but the latter seems more likely as explaining the chief purpose of the Chapel of St. Mary in the Vale, which may have stood on the junction with Lower Raven Lane. Nick Ford Editor’s note: Nick assures us that this really is the last in his series of article on ‘lost place of worship’ in Ludlow. Photo: Ludlow Library & Museum Resource Centre
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37 Open daily 10am-5pm The Shop at St Laurence Mobile: 07833 866485 A POTPOURRI OF POTS If you research the word ‘pot’ (to establish its origins, say) the most frequent returns actually refer to ‘weed’ or cannabis. Interestingly that slang term came about from the Spanish word potiguaya, which means ‘the drink of grief’ which referred to the wine in which cannabis seeds have been soaked. You have been warned! To return to the original search, pot is a word that encompasses many things: cooking pots, ornamental pots, teapots and so on. It seems that the word is probably from Old English but could come from the Latin pottus meaning a drink. Whatever, it is an ancient word covering a host of things and appearing in many old adages and phrases including potluck (whatever happens to be in the pot for an unexpected visitor), go to pot (literally, not good enough for anything else but the pot, in general referring to food, meat or vegetables). Pots come in many shapes and forms, as we all know, and as an item so universally used in house and home, they can be simply functional, or ornamental, or better still a combination of the two. The Shop at St Laurence has a selection of pots that fulfil both needs, function and decoration, as exemplified by the magnificent art-deco styled vase in ‘curry’ or ‘pewter’ from Vanilla Fly (a fabulous Danish company) which also supplies these enchanting glass pots with lids - the perfect ‘hold-all’ for trinkets and trifles. Of course, pot can also mean a sum of money. So why not take your pot along to the Shop and invest in a potpourri of new pots? Open tea at st laurence First Monday in the month at 3pm. All welcome. Monday 6 March
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Why is the Holy Bible placed on an Eagle? There are examples of eagles being used as lecterns in churches from well before the Reformation, but the 19th century saw the production of brass eagle lecterns on an industrial scale. There seem to be a number of reasons why the eagle was used in this way, quite apart from the fact that, with its wings outstretched, it makes a very suitable book rest. It was thought that the eagle is the only creature that can look directly into the sun and, because of that, it sees and understands more than we do. It was also believed to fly higher than other birds reaching closer to heaven. So, allegorically, the eagle is the ideal channel by which we might know more about God. With that in mind, it becomes the obvious symbol to associate with the Holy Bible, our main source of information and instruction about the story of Jesus and the Will of God. Hugh Wood On Red Sea crossing: Wetlands tramped in labour strike Pursuing environmentalists killed On the birth of Christ: Stable occupied, animals homeless Animal rights activists enraged by insensitive couple On David vs Goliath Hate crime kills beloved champion Psychologist questions influence of rock On feeding the 5,000: Preacher steals child’s lunch Disciples mystified at leader’s callous behaviour Biblical headlines rewritten
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41 The Rev Dr Gary Bowness continues his tongue-in-cheek letters from the elderly Anglo-Catholic vicar, Eustace, to his nephew Darren, a low-church curate in the city The Rectory St James the Least My dear Nephew Darren Those parishioners of yours who won millions on the Lottery and moved into this parish have created quite a stir. It was perhaps a little unwise of them to tell everyone the reason why they had become so wealthy. While most of our parishioners also do the Lottery, few would ever admit it in public. (Since your friends arrived, the entire PCC is buying ever more lottery tickets, but from the shop in the NEXT village, to try and keep it secret.) However, your family still has much to learn about our country ways. Buying the old Dower House was impressive; and spending a small fortune re-stocking the gardens was certainly commendable. But someone should have told them about installing cattle grids. It must have been quite a shock for them to wake up one morning and find the thirty sheep from the neighbouring field had wandered in for breakfast. Their brand-new purple Ferrari has certainly brightened up the country lanes around here. The noise it makes as it roars up behind you quite quickens the pulse. Mrs Beamish had been suffering with low blood pressure for months; she says she is quite cured now. The Colonel, who is all for the community supporting the church, then asked if the newcomers would drive the bishop around on the day he came to do his tour of the parish. The Colonel thought that an open-topped purple Ferrari would make a great bishopmobile; and the newcomers were so kind to agree. What a shame that they decided to accomplish the several miles of parish lanes in record time: the bishop barely even saw the several farmers that they nearly ran down. His new nickname in this parish is The Purple Peril. The newcomers have installed security lighting, which is understandable. But now I wonder how much sleep they are getting, as the rabbits, foxes, and badgers who live in their grounds keep it floodlit for much of the night. Meanwhile, the Colonel is grumbling about the effect of light pollution on his young pheasants in the woods nearby. But these little inconveniences apart, I am sure they will soon feel quite at home. In fact I feel confident that by the third generation, they will be properly settled in. Your loving uncle, Eustace On the perils of moving from city to country Clocks change Sunday 26 March
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 Churchwardens 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 28 FBRUARY 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 Telephone: 01584 872073 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.stlaurences.org.uk The office is open to the public on Tuesdays between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm. Rector Revd Kelvin Price (on sabbatical January-March) 07799 243867 Curate Revd Lawrence Gittins (available Sunday-Friday) 07786 625565 Pioneer Curate & Intergenerational Missioner Revd Wayne Davies 07545 438892
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