2
CONTENTS
Hope, love, joy and peace to you 5
- Revd Kelvin Price
We hope that the snowman on our Introducing - Arts&StLaurence 7
cover has put a smile on your face and team (Part 1)
that you find more inside this month’s Former glories - St Peter’s 11
Ludlow Tower to generate the good Chapel, Ludlow Castle
cheer we associate with this time of From the registers 11
year. After all the upheaval and
uncertainty of the last 20 months and Notes from St John’s 13
the very different Christmas we Rainbow to the future 13
celebrated in 2020 many of us would Partnerships around the World 15
welcome a return to the familiar. Keeping watch over their flocks 17
It has been a particular pleasure for When someone you loved is 19
many to hear live music once again so dead (Part 2)
we take this opportunity to meet some Sunday services in Ludlow 20
of those who run the Arts@StLaurence Ludlow local listing - small ads 21
programme (p7). We have plenty of What’s on at St Laurence’s in 25
information about the services and December
events which mark a ‘proper Ludlow
Christmas’ (p25, p27 and p38). We look Celebrating Christmas in Ludlow 27
into the background of the very first News from the Ludlow Palmers 29
people to hear of the birth of Christ Book Review - Cecily by Annie 29
(p17) as well as the origins of some of Garthwaite
the traditional trappings of a British PCC meeting summary - 31
Christmas (p37). We offer you a new October
carol (p39) which you can sing to Janet’s Story 33
several of your favourite tunes. And we
join our Rector, Kelvin, (p5) in wishing With the advent of Advent 35
you all a joyful Christmas and hopeful Arts@StLaurence in December 36
New Year. Where did that come from? 37
Lesley Harling (Editor) Rotary Tree of Light 2021 38
01584 318309 Carol for the world 39
This month’s cover: Children’s page 40
Uncle Eustace - On the perils of 41
Photograph: Richard Orttewell choosing new kneelers
Whitcliffe Snowman Parish directory & copy deadline 42
Graphic design: Nicky Luck
Nickyluck@nannolica.co.uk Opinions expressed in contributed articles in this
magazine are those of the contributor and do not
Printing : Signature Signs & Print necessarily represent the position or opinions of
Moreton-on-Lugg, Herefordshire the PCC or Editorial Committee.
3
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4
Hope, LOVE, JOY AND PEACE to you
Dear Ludlow, hope, and we give thanks that Jesus is
As we turn our thoughts to Advent our true hope. Advent looks both
and Christmas normally most of us back to the first coming of Christ at
are filled with overwhelming joy and Bethlehem and forward to the time
hope. Celebrating these two seasons when Christ will come again. Living
means packed churches, beautiful between these two events we find
music, joyous singing and candlelight. meaning for our life as Christians in
With all that has happened in the last seeking to make the world the place it
two years, however, some of us are should be - a world filled with love,
still cautious about interacting with joy and peace.
others at public events. Our prime example of how to do this
The last year has been an opportunity is Jesus' incarnation. The story of his
to re-think and re-imagine many of birth is the beginning of his mediation
our long-standing Christmas to the world by being fully-God but
traditions. This is often difficult to do also fully-human. Jesus came to show
as we hold strong desires to continue us what life can and should be. Jesus
the Christmas traditions we know and knew that the human heart could not
love. Nevertheless, we recognise that live in isolation. He formed the
we can create new approaches to Church around the concept of a
celebrating these seasons, arising from people held together by love. In that
our pandemic-caused limitations. community we discover unlimited
possibilities and meaning.
2020 and 2021 will live long in the
memory as the years of the Alone we can do nothing. Together
coronavirus pandemic when daily life we find deeper meaning in life, and in
changed dramatically for us all. For God. Advent is our time to become
many, the lockdown brought an acute more involved, more caught up in the
sense of loneliness and isolation. meaning and the possibilities of life as
Being separated from the people we a Christian community. We need to
love, unable to do the things we love stand together as a church
to do together, has been extremely community, supporting and loving
difficult. It is not how life should be, each other as God loves us.
and not how we were made to be. Christmas and Advent are the time to
We all need hope of a better 2022; celebrate Christ with others, our
we need to know that God's love has relatives and church families. This
never left us, whether that comes to year more than ever, let us be united
us through family, friends, or local together as a church family, as a
community. community and as a country.
On the first Sunday of Advent (28 From all at St Laurence's and St John's
November) we light our first candle we wish you a joyful Christmas and
of Advent in church, the candle of hopeful New Year.
Revd Kelvin Price
5
6
INTRODUCING ...
This month represents a new departure
in our ‘Introducing’ series. Having
notched up more than 50 profiles of
individuals, and the occasional couple,
within the St Laurence community we
feature here a group. The return of live
concerts and recitals has been one of
the highlights of the church’s emergence
from Covid-19 restrictions so we
wanted to meet the team behind the
hugely popular Arts@StLaurence events.
The group’s very first venture, organised Back LtoR : Peter Nield, Alistair Barton, Ewart Carson
as part of the 2014 Ludlow Festival, was Front LtoR: Mike Coulson , Lyn Jones, Val Hardwick
a two-week classical music 'Minifest'. Inset: Jane Allsopp, Michael Oakley
From 2015 to 2018 it was known as the
Summer Arts Festival at St Laurence and Lyn Jones is the administrator, who
since 2019 it has been developed into an turns the group’s planning for the
Arts@StLaurence summer season season into reality. She liaises with the
extending from April (the English Song artistes to agree details such as staging,
Weekend) through to October. seating and timings and with the church
to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Ewart Carson chairs the committee She also creates the Arts@StLaurence
which runs Arts@StLaurence and has publicity posters. Originally from Wales,
been a key figure in the development of Lyn moved to Ludlow area in 2001 to
St Laurence as a regional arts centre take (very early) retirement. She
hosting world-class performance for worked on the Ludlow Festival every
many years. After a working life spent in year until it closed. After a break she
south east England, much of it at City was waylaid at a wine tasting and has
University where he headed a research been closely involved ever since. Her
centre developing systems to support other interests include her family
clinical decision-making, his move to (husband, two daughters and three
Ludlow in retirement gave him a chance grandchildren) and gardening and she
to harness his love of music to drive the thinks we might be surprised that she
creation of the Space@StLaurence as once played Snow White in pantomime.
well as the Vision project for the future
of the church building. That in turn has (Continued on p9)
led to very many hours of work In addition to events organised by
preparing a bid for lottery funding. Arts@StLaurence events The Space is
Unusually, Ewart first set foot in Italy by available for hire by orchestras, choirs,
bicycle, having cycled from Avignon to ensembles etc. Visit stlaurences.org.uk/
Pisa, over the Alps. booking-the-space to learn more.
7
Expensive Mistakes
Nestled in the heart of Ludlow,
specialising in selling pre-loved,
top-name designer and
superior high street fashion at
affordable prices.
11 Market Street, Ludlow SY8 1BP
tel: 01584 877911
email:
expensive.mistakes@live.co.uk
website:
www.expensivemistakes.co.uk
Proud to have built The Shop at St Laurence’s
8
INTRODUCING …
(Continued from p7)
Alistair Barton is the newest recruit throughout Worcestershire and has been
to the team although he too has lots of very active at St Laurence’s since 2009,
experience from the Ludlow Festival, as PCC member, PCC Secretary and
which he joined as a house manager churchwarden, among many other roles.
soon after moving into Ludlow in 1997. In her spare time she reads, cooks, goes
Like Lyn he stayed with the Festival to to WI and enjoys relaxing TV. Val’s
the end, running many huge events. ‘surprise’ is that she trained at Sadler’s
When the two of them met recently and Wells, until a knee injury ended her
reminisced he found himself agreeing, at career as a ballet dancer.
the second time of asking, to take on the Mike Coulson is another new member
role of house manager for to the team, recruited after a casual
Arts@StLaurence, putting together and offer, over a cup of coffee, of his IT
managing a team of stewards for each expertise. He supports the publicity
event. Born and raised in London effort, working closely with Ludlow Arts
Alistair worked there in banking, Classical, and is the first point of contact
financing international trade and for all things computer-related. Although
travelling all over the word but moved brought up in Scotland (Kirkintilloch) he
to this area, originally for a better quality spent much of his working life in the
of life for his family, and to be closer to Midlands as a civil servant, focussing on
his parents. Most of us would be education in government. From there he
astonished, never mind surprised, to was a keen attender of Festival events
learn that he has a 9½ stone (60kg) and helped with the fund-raising for the
Great Dane and that his grandfather Steinway. Mike’s has 5½ acres of
bred kangaroos in Lincolnshire. woodland and fields as well as a garden
Val Hardwick assists Alistair as house to keep him active and enjoys rambling.
manager for some events, in addition to He was a founder member of Ludlow
her chief responsibility for publicity and Croquet Club and now finds himself as
promotion of ‘The Space’ at St mower-in-chief of the croquet lawns -
Laurence’s as a venue which can be using a £6,000 lawnmower. He may well
booked for all sorts of events. She has be the only person in Ludlow to have
been part of the group since its played croquet in New Zealand.
inception when its main aims were to
provide a focus for music in the town We shall complete our introductions to
after the demise of the Festival and to the Arts@StLaurence team next month
acquire a top-rate concert piano, finally when we feature Jane Allsopp who
achieved with the arrival of the Steinway runs the organ recital programme,
grand in 2018. Val describes herself as a Peter Nield, St Laurence’s finance
‘Brummie born and bred’. She trained as director, and Michael Oakley,
a nurse and midwife, later being St Laurence’s Director of Music.
responsible for community midwifery
9
10
Saint Peter's Chapel, Ludlow Castle
Not everyone knows that Ludlow Castle
has not one chapel, but two. Standing
against the curtain wall on the furthest
right ahead of you as you enter the
castle's outer bailey through the gateway,
St Peter's chapel is in the south west
corner, close to Mortimer's Tower
(originally the west gate to the castle). Copyright Fabian Musto.
Although now barely noticeable, the Reproduced under Creative Commons licence)
chapel was originally a free-standing
rectangular structure, founded by Roger When the Council was dissolved in
Mortimer in 1328 as a thankoffering for 1689, the chapel fell into decay, and a
his escape from the Tower of London sketch of the inner bailey by the
five years earlier, following the antiquarian William Stukeley in 1721
unsuccessful uprising against Edward II. shows it in a less well preserved state
The original dedication may have been than it is today.
to Saint Peter Ad Vincula (St Peter in The south-east corner of the chapel is
chains), commemorating Saint Peter's now attached to a wall which completes
miraculous escape from prison told in the enclosure of the outer bailey’s south
Acts 12:7 - and perhaps also, in this case, -west corner. In the north wall of the
commemorating the chapel in the Tower chapel is a blocked two-light window,
of London where Roger may well have which was enlarged at the bottom when
made his vow. It measured 21.5 feet by a floor was inserted for the court house;
52 feet. From the mid sixteenth century a second original window towards the
the chapel served as the court house of eastern end now contains a first-floor
the Council of the Marches. The west blocked doorway.
wall was demolished when the chapel The exterior of the chapel can also be
was decommissioned, extended seen from the footpath outside the
westwards and divided into two storeys. curtain wall.
The upper storey served as the
courthouse, while the lower was used Nick Ford
for storing court records.
FROM THE REGISTERS
FUNERALS
29 October Ivy May Sutton (Hereford crematorium)
10 November Marnie Natasha Ingram
11
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wishes to buy
Piano Lessons Antiques, Bric à brac,
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All ages and abilities welcome
and
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Deceaseds’ Effects
Member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians
Tel: 01584 823706
Mobile: 07858963523 Please call
Email: pte@btinternet.com 01584 892128 07508 809710
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12
Notes from
st john’s
It was good to have a large contingent
from St Laurence for the Benefice
service on 31 October. The interior of
St John’s was warm, colourful and
welcoming, and although the furniture Rainbow to the
was set out in accordance with Covid
regulations, the arrangement was Future
homely. Through October to
December we have three Baptism St Laurence’s flower team is running a
services, each drawing a large flower festival, under the title of
congregation including many children. Rainbow to the Future, in July next year
In every case the children were to celebrate how Ludlow is coming
impeccably behaved and a good many through the pandemic. Ahead of the
people took communion. A memorial event the team needs to raise money to
service celebrating the life of Don buy good-quality flowers to decorate
Millington was held on 22 October. It the whole church.
was very moving to recall the life and The first steps in this fundraising effort
times of this dear friend who meant so are a Cake and Christmas Fare table at
much to St John’s, taking as he did a the Mediaeval Bazaar on Saturday 27
quiet lead through his example and November, followed by a cake stall in
generosity which also touched life the porch on the four Saturdays (4, 11
across the spectrum of Ludlow & 18 December) up to Christmas.
churches. We are appealing for your help. If you
Music is re-awakening in St John’s after can contribute by making cakes for the
being among the forbidden elements of team to sell, please bring your cakes to
worship for so long, and the church the church on any of the dates above.
choir and Ludlow Concert Band are Please include a list of all the
again practising, one of the aims being ingredients used.
to stage a Christmas service of Or why not come along and buy a cake?
lessons and carols on Sunday 19
December at 3pm when a warm If you have any queries contact Sue
welcome awaits all who come. 01584 872292
sueandalistair@gmailc.om
John French
13
14
Partnerships around the world
St Laurence’s takes an active interest in supporting and fostering links with the
Diocese of Hereford’s two World Partnerships - with Tanzania and with Nuremberg.
Train-a-priest Congratulations ...
For some years now the parishes of to our Partners and friends at Paul
Ludlow Deanery have supported a se- Gerhart Lutheran Church. The church,
ries of ordinands in training at St Mark’s built in contemporary style, was
College, Dar es Salaam through the consecrated on the First Sunday in
Train-a-Priest Fund. Advent 1961. The glass windows in the
altar wall represent scenes from the
Passion and Easter stories; on the altar
is the figure of the Blessing Christ. All
the works were created by Nuremberg
artists.
Hereford-sponsored ordinands outside St
Mark’s chapel
On Sunday 5 December the visiting
preacher at the 10am Parish Eucharist
in St Laurence’s will be Bishop Michael
Westall,, assistant bishop in Hereford
diocese who was principal of St Mark’s Paul Gerhart Church
from 1984 to 1992 and later Bishop of The church has a good musical tradition
South West Tanganyika. and an excellent modern pipe organ. It
There will be a special retiring collec- also features a Link banner, companion
tion on 5 December which will all go to to the banner in St Laurence’s.
support Noel Chigamba, the ordinand
currently being sponsored by Ludlow
Deanery.
Revd Kelvin Price with Pastor Jörg Gunsenheimer
Noel Chigamba in Langwasser in 2018
15
LUDLOW CAR CLUB
SAFE AFFORDABLE
TRAVEL
Our club is a community run,
not-for-profit enterprise
We operate low emission Toyota
hybrid cars
Cars cleaned regularly using a
powerful anti-bacterial product
Hire a car for as long as you need
from 30 mins to several days
Personal or business use
Smart card technology - book
online or by phone
You pay only an hourly charge
plus mileage
Rates include fuel, insurance, road
tax and breakdown cover
Students, under 21s and older
drivers welcome
Join at:
http://www.co-wheels.org.uk/
shropshire
3 Parkway, Off Corve Street, Ludlow, Local contacts: 01584 875017
Sy8 2PG
16
Keeping Watch over their flocks
In the Old Testament shepherds were In this scene, we see the human details:
greatly valued and treated with respect. two shepherds huddled by the fireside
Patriarchs, prophets and kings had all with their dog, all three looking up to
tended sheep. Job, a rich man, owned see the angel, and a spear by the side to
14,000 sheep. David was tending sheep ward off thieves and predators. The
when he was called by God and sheep are safely in their pen, black and
anointed by Samuel. white fleeces huddled together for
However as the warmth. In the
Israelites settled sky the angel
in towns and bears in one hand
cities and turned an olive branch, a
to farming, symbol of peace
attitudes towards to reinforce the
shepherds angelic message
changed. As the of peace in the
New Testament birth of the
opens, Saviour.. The
shepherding had other hand points
become a dirty, ‘The Annunciation to the Shepherds’ to Bethlehem in
lonely life, away by Sano di Pietro. the distance.
from civilisation. Shepherds could not Jesus in His teaching often turned to the
observe the daily rituals of their faith, theme of sheep and shepherds, with
and so they had a low status in society, parables about lost sheep, gates to the
looked down upon by orthodox Jews. fold, and hireling shepherds. Just as the
St Luke tells us that it was out in the faithful shepherds were prepared to give
countryside with just the hills and the their lives to protect the flock, so Jesus
plains and the open air that God’s the Good Shepherd gave His life for the
message was proclaimed and heard. world – a death that would bring the
Cities and towns had walls and barriers, peace and reconciliation shown in that
as Bethlehem has today. But in the fields olive branch held by the angel.
at night, the shepherds were watching Luke tells how Jesus brought new
and alert, ready for any eventuality. And meaning and peace to all those like the
so, they were the first to hear of the shepherds who were nobody in the eyes
birth of a Saviour. of people, but everything to the eyes
We know little about Sano di Pietro and heart of God. At Christmas time
who painted ‘The Annunciation to the we rejoice with the heavenly host to
Shepherds’ which now hangs in the proclaim the birth of this Prince of
Vatican except that he was born in Siena Peace and we commit ourselves to that
in 1406 and died there in 1481. work of peace and shepherding.
Revd Michael Burgess
17
Barbershop Opening Times R I B A
Trevor Hewett
Tues-Fri 9.30 - 5.00
Saturday 9.30 - 2.00
A R C H I T E C T
▪ Planning applications ▪
▪ Listed building consent ▪
▪ Building regulations ▪
▪ Alterations and extensions ▪
▪ Church inspections ▪
▪ Green building ▪
“Professional, comfortable and
very relaxing.” The Architecture Studio
NO 135 Corve Street Ludlow SY8 2PG
APPOINTMENT
REQUIRED Tel: 01584 877992
18
When someone you loved is dead
We complete Tony Horsfall’s two-port series written after his wife died last year from
cancer. You can find the first part in the November issue of the Ludlow Tower.
Following on from last month, other 18. That hope will rise again within you.
lessons I learned from my wife’s death The human spirit, in combination
were: with God’s grace, has its own
remarkable resilience.
11. That it helps to talk about your loss
and the person you have lost. 19. Don’t be afraid to live again. God
Sharing helps you to put things has a good purpose for you, and a
together in your mind and can be plan for your life.
healing in itself. 20. That your faith is an asset, not a
12. Don’t be afraid of pain, and don’t liability. When you are tempted to
anaesthetise it or avoid it – be angry with God, remember that
acknowledge it, face it, and you will He is an ever-present help in time
heal more quickly. of need. Lean on Him.
13. That crying is normal, even for men, 21. That you have a part to play in your
and it is a healing part of the grief grief journey, so don’t be passive
process. Don’t be afraid of this, and allow it to overwhelm you –
even in public. begin to do what you can to rebuild
your life.
14. It may surprise you, to discover
which people draw near to you in Tony Horsfall
your grief, and who steps away.
Appreciate those who come closer,
without judging those who hold
back.
15. Not everything people say to you
about grief and your response will
be helpful. Decide for yourself
what is important for you, and let Do all the good you can
the rest go. By all the means you can
16. That grief may expose some of In all the ways you can
your inner fault-lines, but don’t be
afraid of this – learning more about In all the places you can
yourself is a gift that comes with At all the times you can
grieving. To all the people you can
17. No-one grieves perfectly. Following As long as ever you can.
the death of your loved one, you
will make mistakes, bad choices, and
errors of judgment. This is normal, John Wesley
so forgive yourself.
19
SUNDAY SERVICES in Ludlow
Anglican Ludlow Baptist Church
St Laurence, College Street 10.30am Sunday worship
8.30am Holy Communion (BCP) Contact
church@ludlowbaptistchurch.org.uk
10am Parish Eucharist
For livestream/recording - link at Ludlow Elim
https://stlaurences.org.uk/live-stream 10.30am Service at Elim
11.30am Choral Matins 11.30am Online.
3rd Sunday only Contact
3.30pm Choral Evensong www.ludlowelim.com 07791 483284
1st Sunday only dainpritchard@googlemail.com
6pm Celtic Prayer - evening liturgy
3rd Sunday only Living Waters
10pm Compline (on Zoom) No services at present.
For details contact Contact
wayne.davies@hereford.anglican.org benwalters@gmail.com
5th Sun Joint benefice service
with St John’s Ludlow Methodist Church
Contact 10.30am Sunday worship
office@stlaurences.org.uk Contact
ludlowmethodist@outlook.com
01584 872073
St John, Gravel Hill Ludlow Quakers
9.45am 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays 10.30am Meeting for worship
Holy Communion Contact
2nd & 4th Sundays Cynthia Prior 01584 831855
Morning Prayer
5th Sun Joint benefice service St Peter's Roman Catholic Church
with St Laurence’s Mass 11.00am Sunday
Contact 9.30pm Monday-Friday
lawrence.gittins@stlaurences.org.uk 6.00pm Saturday (Sunday Vigil )
07786 625565 Morning prayer
9.15am Monday-Friday
St Giles, Ludford
11.15am 1st Sunday 9.45am Saturday
Contact
Family Worship st.peters.ludlow@talktalk.net
2nd & 4th Sundays
CW Holy Communion
3rd Sunday
Lay-led Worship
Contact
ashfordspa@outlook.com
20
LUDLOW LOCAL LISTING
You can advertise in this listing for one We also accept advertising from clubs,
year (12 issues) for just £30. societies and social groups - perfect for
With 600 copies circulating in Ludlow publicising your group’s activities and
every month, free of charge, this is an attracting new members.
ideal way of publicising your business, All entries must fit the standard 4-line
shop or service. box (approximately 40 words).
To discuss details or to place an advertisement please contact the parish office on
01584 872073 or email office@stlaurences.org.
Artwork
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 Info@ludlowcastlegallery.co.uk www.ludlowcastlegallery.co.uk
Books & Stationery
Castle Bookshop
5 Castle Street Ludlow
Booksellers and Stationers Free ordering service
01584 872562 castlebookshop@btconnect.com
Picture Framing
Frames by Sebastian
Bespoke picture framing
6a Pepper Lane
Tel: 07815 111554
IT Services
Matthew Lenthall IT Services
Computers, phones and all things technical. Support and maintenance.
12a Corve Street, Ludlow 07828 081163 or 01584 877946
matthew@matthewlenthall.co.uk
21
Property services and maintenance
General Maintenance
M. Davies & Son, Property Maintenance Service
Flooring, Glazed tiles, Painting, Decorating & General repairs.
5 Bitterley Close, Ludlow, SY8 1XP
Call: 01584 873907
Steve Wilson Painting and Decorating
Internal and external work carried out.
Please telephone Steve on: 07818 400764
Email address: steve.decorating@yahoo.com
Carpentry
James Mackenzie Carpentry & Joinery
Reliable / High Quality Work.
Building Services, Gosford Cottage, Little Hereford, Ludlow SY8 4AR
Call 01584 711326 or 07870428948. Email j.mackenzie590@btinternet.com
Chimneys & Stoves
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
Ludlow Stoves www.ludlowstoves.co.uk 01584 878552
Showroom with over 50 stoves & cookers, fireplaces, flue systems, electric & gas stoves.
Boilers, biomass & full central heating systems installed. Chimney sweeps. Stove
maintenance. Fully insured inhouse local engineers, reliable. Hetas & Gas Safe registered.
Cleaning
Hydroclean Services
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 paulisaacs@ymail.com
22
Electrical
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 ian.gf.mackay@gmail.com
Gardening
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.
Floral services
Twigs
Flowers and gifts for all occasions
4 Old Street, Ludlow Call in or telephone 07522139928
Local home consultation also available
Food
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 info@paulsfish.co.uk
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.
Fitness and Sport
Ludlow Runners www.ludlowrunners.org
A small friendly running club catering for all running abilities; meets every Thursday at 7pm
at Ludlow Leisure Centre; regular ‘Walk to Run’ courses; respected races; teams in county
Cross Country leagues; new and visiting runners always welcome; regular social events.
Pearce Cycles
Friendly, knowledgeable and experienced - your local bike shop for all your cycling needs.
Fishmore Road, Ludlow, SY8 3DP. Tel. 01584 879288; shop@pearcecycles.co.uk;
www.pearcecycles.co.uk. Open Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm. Bike sales - repair - hire.
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Insurance Services
Teme Valley Insurance Brokers
For your Home, Car, Business or Farm quote
Call Mark or Sue on 01584 290055
Medical 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.
Wanted
Reynolds of Ludlow furniture
Wanted by local collector and researcher; any condition considered; will collect.
Good prices offered.
Tel: 07967 134116.
Send those special greetings to your
loved one HERE for just £7.50.
To book email
office@stlaurences.org.uk
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS, CLUB OR SOCIETY
HERE
Contact the Parish Office on 01584 872073 or
office@stlaurences.co.uk
ADVERTISING RATES 2021-22 (for 12 issues)
Full page - £280 Quarter page - £90
Half page - £170 Eighth page - £55
Classified - £30
Rates for part-year available on request
See above for contact details.
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DECEMBER AT ST LAURENCE’S
CHRISTMAS SERVICES Saturday 4
Ludlow Choral Society 7.00pm
We are preparing for ‘Christmas as A Winter Day
(nearly) normal’ at St Laurence’s this
year. We shall be holding all the familiar Sunday 7
services. However to avoid over- Choral Evensong 3.30pm
crowding they will be all-seater events Monday 6
so numbers may be reduced. Open tea 3.00pm
In most cases you can just turn up. Tuesday 14
Doors will open 40 minutes before the Ludlow Primary School 1.30pm
service starts and you are asked to be Christmas service
seated 5 minutes before the start time. Wednesday 15
Tickets will be required, however, for Ludlow CE School 2.00pm
the Christingle service at 4pm on carol service
Christmas Eve, Free tickets will be Thursday 16
available from 29 November at https:// Bedstone College 11.00am
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christingle carol service
-service-tickets-208027003367
St Laurence CE Primary 1.30pm
• Carols in the Castle School carol service
7pm Wednesday 22 December
Saturday 18 7.00pm
• Nine Lessons and Carols Service of Light for the bereaved
7pm Thursday 23 December
Saturday 20
• Christingle (ticket required) Ludlow orchestra 7.30pm
4pm Friday 24 December
Sunday 19
• Midnight Eucharist Choral Matins 11.30am
11.15pm Friday 24 December Celtic Prayer 6.00pm
• Family-focussed Christmas Thursday 23
Eucharist Nine Lessons and Carols 7.00pm
10am Saturday 25 December
Friday 24
Arrangements continue to be subject Christingle service 4pm
to change at short notice in the event Midnight Eucharist 11.15pm
of any change in the Covid-19 situation.
Saturday 25
Check the news page of our website:
BCP Holy Communion 8.30am
Family-focussed 10.00am
Christmas Eucharist
Sunday 26
BCP Holy Communion 8.30am
www.stlaurences.org.uk
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Celebrating Christmas in Ludlow
In addition to services at St Laurence’s Another, very popular, re-telling of the
(see p25) there are many other Christmas story takes place in the
opportunities to celebrate the best centre of town where the Living
news the world has ever known - that Nativity recreates the journey of Joseph
God sent his Son into the world to die and Mary, riding on a live donkey, to
for us, so that we could call God our Bethlehem, the announcement to the
Father too. shepherds of the birth of Jesus and the
arrival of the three kings to worship
St John’s Church Him.
Sunday 19 December at 3pm The event starts at 6pm in the Castle
Service of lessons and carols with Square ending at the Castle with hot
Ludlow Concert Band chocolate and mince pies while the
Ludlow Town Band plays carols.
St Peter's RC Church
Friday 24 December at 12,00am
Blessing of the crib and Solemn Mass
(tickets required)
Saturday 25 December at 11.00am
Solemn Mass
Methodist Church
December Thursdays (2,9,16) at 10.30
Advent Reflections
Sunday 19 December at 6.30pm
Carols
Friday 24 December at 9.30pm
Holy Communion
Saturday 25 December at 10.30am
Christmas Service
Sunday 26 December at 10.30am
Sunday Worship
Elim Church
Sunday 19 December at 6.00pm The Living Nativity is organised by
Carol Service
CTAL (Churches Together Around
Saturday 25 December at 10.30am Ludlow).
Christmas Service
Sunday 26 December - no service
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PERFECT PRESENT NEWS FROM the
Stuck for ideas for LUDLOW Palmers
Christmas books?
Look no further than The Hot Club Collective is promising
‘Cecily’, the debut the Palmers flapper songs and gypsy
novel of local author jazz for our Christmas Celebration at
Annie Garthwaite, 6.00pm on Wednesday 15 December.
available in The Shop The group will provide a background
at St Laurence’s. trio of violin, ukulele and bass (with
voice) to set the mood for an occasion
This is a well-researched, highly of seasonal conviviality. And there will
readable historical novel that tells the be wine and canapes. We are much
story of strong women of late medieval looking forward to this joint reception
times through the eyes of the period’s with the Ludlow Civic Society.
greatest unseen protagonist, Cecily
Neville, wife of Richard Plantagenet, the If you don’t already have a ticket, try
Duke of York, and one time resident of mike.beazley@hotmail.co.uk or Karen
Ludlow castle. The book covers a thirty Blake on 07887710140 in case there
-year period from 1431, when with her are still some available.
husband, the teenage Cecily witnesses In a recent survey
the death of Joan of Arc and the the feature
coronation of England’s boy king Henry mentioned most
IV as king of France and finishes when often by visitors to St
her eldest son is crowned Edward IV of Laurence’s were the
England in 1461. stained glass
Reading the book plunges you into the windows. followed by
blood and exhilaration of late mediaeval the misericords This
politics and the early years of the Wars sits well with the
of the Roses, as fought by women, in Trust’s support for
particular Cecily, but also her friends the restoration work
Jacquetta, wife of Richard Woodville the included in the PCC’s
first Earl Rivers and Marguerite of Lottery Heritage
Anjou, later wife of Henry VI. Anne Fund bid, which will
Garthwaite’s novel brings to life the be re-submitted early
realities of Cecily’s political influence, next year.
marriage and life as a mother – she had Dr Dominique Ten Commandments
window
12 children, although only seven Shembry, National ‘Thou shalt not steal’
survived. The Yorks’ tale is one of love Trust House Manager
and talk as they navigate the at the Vyne in Hampshire will now give
treacherous waters of the mid fifteenth her talk ‘Let the Light In’ (Covid-
century. As the prologue says: together, cancelled in October) in February.
Cecily believes, they can do anything.
Ian Marshall
Jemima Lord
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PCC MEETING A Quiet Space in
Advent
MONDAY 18 OCTOBER
Seven members of the PCC attended. Take half an hour out from the busy
lead-up to Christmas to join us
Summary of main points at noon on Fridays in Advent in
Resolutions: : to support a flower St Catherine’s Chapel
festival in July 2022; to reduce for a time of silent reflection.
scheduled PCC meetings from 11 pa All are warmly welcomed on
to 8 pa; to erect a new boiler house Friday 3, 10 and 17 December.
Finance: considered and approved
draft budget for 2022
Discussions: Deanery Synod
representation; Christmas service
arrangements; new pastoral care
scheme
Policies: Digital and recording policy
amended to clarify responsibility of
external hirers for implementation, Compline on Zoom
then adopted An ancient and beautiful way to close
Reports received and noted: out the day with God and each other.
from Churchwardens, Safeguarding Sundays 10pm for approx 20 minutes
Officer, Liturgy committee and For Zoom details email:
Arts@StLaurence’s committee wayne.davies@hereford.anglican.org
Dates of next meetings:
Monday 29 November (Away Day)
Monday 13 December
Celtic Prayer
A copy of the latest set of confirmed
PCC minutes is available on the An Evening Liturgy
noticeboard in church. All previous St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow
minutes can be viewed in the church Third Sunday of the month
office, by arrangement.
6pm
A simple service in a style
used by the Iona Community
Call Pat Helm 01584 877683
Helen Blyth 01584 875041
Sunday 19 December
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Victoria Allen
Funeral Services
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Pre- Paid Funeral Plans
Home Visits Always Available
24 Hour Service
01584 879035
K & J Davies Gas Services
NATURAL AND LPG GAS BOILERS &
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RADIATORS AND HEATING INSTALLATIONS
AND SMALL PLUMBING WORK UNDERTAKEN
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Janet’s Story
‘Janet had reached rock bottom. Her Christian Aid can only help communities
family had lost everything they owned - to the extent that we support them. To
their home, their land, the source of start again, Janet joined the Makande
their income and their women's group, a collective of local
livestock’ (Christian Aid magazine women standing together to change
Autumn /Winter 2021/2). Janet's family their lives. This is a project supported
in Malawi was in a desperate fight for by Christian Aid and its local partner,
survival, only able to eat once a day. Eagle Relief and Development. The
I saw on television the recent flooding in group learned to make and sell baobab
Kerala State, India which has led to juice (a fuzzy green fruit grown on
thousands of deaths. I watched a house trees). Soon they were making up to
fell into a raging river - terrifying to 6,000 bottles a month. Their monthly
watch, even more terrifying to think of income increased tenfold as the
the consequences for those affected. programme developed and grew. Janet
Experts believe the destructive power has transformed her family's life,
of such storms will get worse because enabling them to start again, with a new
of the climate crisis. home, a reliable source of income and
her own market stall.
We can help make a difference to the
millions affected by climate change. We
can do this in two ways - individually by
recycling etc and through our
commitment to Christian Aid. We can
help make a real difference, however
small.
We are all equal in the eyes of God and Thank you for your support and
we must stand in solidarity with our continued generosity during the past
global neighbours of all faiths and none. year. We must never give up.
Fighting climate change is one of
Christian Aid's main priorities, and its Claire 01584 877199
views, shared with other International
Aid agencies, will be prominent at SATURDAY 18 DECEMBER
COP26. The conference will be over
when you read this, but the crisis will be Subject to Covid restrictions on the day
far from over. We must support the we will hold our annual street
Janets of this world. Resolutions will collection. Please give as generously as
have been made and statements of you can - either spending an hour in the
intent delivered. What part can we play street with a tin or putting as much as
in taking them forward? you can into the tin.
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with the advent of advent
Advent is here and the Shop at St However the main event in the run up
Laurence is greeting it with a wonderful to Christmas in Sweden is Santa Lucia, a
selection of advent calendars, cards, gifts huge festival of light which predates
and decorations. We have battery- Christianity, but now celebrates Lucia, a
operated advent candles which require young Christian girl martyred for her
no naked flame required and lots of faith in 304.
other advent Young girls carry
candles that do headdresses of lit
need to be lit. candles in a
We are excited to procession … and
stock a new this is where our
Swedish brand wonderful battery-
called Pluto who powered candles
have created really do come into
wonderfully their own.
distinctive candle See the stylish black
holders in varying advent candle
sizes, shapes and holders, four
colours, including illustrations combining to encompass
spinning angels and tree toppers. the nativity scene, available in two sizes,
Sweden is a land of candlelight at this and to liven up the table spinning candle
time of year, unsurprising given their decorations include angels who whizz
very dark winters. The Swedes start around driven by the heat of the lit
Advent by lighting a single candle on the candle below.
fourth Sunday from Christmas and Light up your festive season with our
displaying it in the window of their unrivalled selection of candles and
home, adding another candle each candle paraphernalia (including
subsequent Sunday – just like St snuffers!).
Laurence’s Advent wreath.
The Shop at St Laurence
Mobile: 07833 866485
www.theshopatstlaurence.co.uk
Mistletoe’s smelly history
Did you know that the word ‘mistletoe’ means dung on a tree? The
Anglo-Saxons thought that mistletoe grew in trees where birds had
left their droppings. Mistel means dung, and tan means twig.
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Where did that come from?
We explore the origins of some of the Where did Christmas stockings
traditional trappings of Christmas. come from?
Where do Christmas trees come No one is really
from? sure, but a story is
There are two early told of St Nicholas,
stories that mention fir a bishop who lived
trees. The first in the 4th century,
involves St Boniface, who may have
who went to Germany started the custom by accident. St
in the 8th century as a Nicholas was of a wealthy family, and of a
missionary and found generous heart. As Christmas
people sacrificing a approached one year, he wanted to help
child to their god under an oak tree. a poor family whom he knew, but he did
Boniface was appalled and rescued the not want them to know it was him. So
child. He chopped down the oak tree he climbed up on their roof on
and found a tiny fir tree growing nearby. Christmas Eve and dropped some coins
He gave this to the people and said, down the chimney.
“This is a symbol of life. Whenever you The next morning the coins, to the great
look at this tree, remember the Christ- surprise of the family, were found in the
child who is the One who will give you stockings of the ladies, who had hung
life, because He gave His life for you.” them to dry by the fire the night before.
The second early fir tree story involves Every year after that they put their
Martin Luther in the 16th century. It is stockings out, hoping that more money
said that one year he decided to drag a would fall into them. They told the story
fir tree into his home and to decorate it to their friends and neighbours, and the
with candles. He used it as a visual aid, custom caught on.
telling people that the candles Mince pies
symbolised Jesus as the light of the Did you know that
world, and the evergreen tree mince pies have
symbolised the eternal life that Jesus been traditional
gives to us. Many of the people who English Christmas
followed Luther were struck by the idea fare since the Middle
and took up the custom. Ages, when meat was a key ingredient?
A tradition which began in Germany is The addition of spices, suet and alcohol
generally believed to have been brought to meat came about because it was an
to Britain by Prince Albert, although alternative to salting and smoking in
George III’s German consort Queen order to preserve the food. Mince pies
Charlotte may actually have introduced used to be a different shape - cradle-
the idea in the 18th century. shaped with a pastry baby Jesus on top.
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Rotary Tree of CAROL FOR THE WORLD
Light 2021 The carol which appears on the page
opposite was written for Christmas
The proceeds from 2001 by Sue Gilmurray, a retired
this year’s Rotary university librarian who has written, and
Tree of Light will go recorded, many songs and hymns. It
Ludlow Young appears with her permission.
Health (75%) and Hands Together The words will fit the tunes of: several
Ludlow (25%). carols or hymns including:
Ludlow Young Health O little town of Bethlehem (Forest
is a wellbeing and Green)
mental health advice It came upon the midnight clear
drop-in service, (Noel)
launched in February
2019 but sadly forced to close due to I heard the voice of Jesus say
Covid restrictions. However Cllr Robin
Pote has made support for the mental
health of young people the focus of this
year’s Mayor’s charity enabling it to run
every Tuesday from 4 to 5pm for 10- to
16-year-olds and from 5 to 6pm for the
17 to 25 age group at Ludlow Youth
Centre. For further information
contact Erica Garner on 07974001310.
Hands Together
Ludlow works,
through a
network of
volunteers, with agencies, charitable
organisations, local businesses and
churches, to identify and provide relief
to people in need and find community
building solutions in Ludlow and the
surrounding villages.
You can collect a Rotary Tree of Light
dedication form, to celebrate,
remember or give thanks, from St
Laurence’s church and from Wesley’s
Café. Or you can download it from
https://ludlowrotaryclub.org.uk/ludlow-
tree-of-light-2021.
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CAROL FOR THE WORLD
The northern world grows dark and cold,
the southern bright and warm,
as we prepare to celebrate
our God in human form:
the word that powers the universe
was born a baby here,
in human sight, one holy night
about this time of year.
The eastern world grows dark with hate,
the western world with rage,
and battle fires and funeral pyres
illuminate the stage,
where leaders stalk in pride and power
while people shrink in fear:
what is it worth, a saviour’s birth
about this time of year?
We know it was for peace he came
when angels filled the skies;
can we sing still about goodwill
with wars before our eyes?
We need forgiveness, mercy, grace
and love so strong and clear
as he would show, so long ago,
about this time of year.
No fire from heaven struck Herod down,
or Judas in his day;
no angels killed to save the Christ
when Pilate held his sway.
His victory came through love alone,
and not from sword or spear,
and we are his, whose feast it is
about this time of year.
Though north and south and east and west
the world may call us fools,
we follow him whose life and death
proclaim that his love rules.
It’s hard to fight with love alone
for all that we hold dear.
God says: That’s true: I was there too,
about this time of year.
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THE PERILS OF CHOOSING NEW KNEELERS
The latest letter from Rev Dr Gary So, we have decided to have a
Bowness ‘s ‘Uncle Eustace’ ... completely new set – and therein lies
The Rectory the problem. Who makes them? What
St James the Least of All will be the designs? Who co-ordinates
the whole project? There is enough
My dear Nephew Darren here to occupy the combined minds of
our Church Council for the next
After all these years, I now understand millennium and there will be enough
why the non-conformist denominations scheming, manoeuvring, signing of non-
sit down, rather than kneel, to say their aggression pacts and formation of
prayers. That way, no decisions have to tactical truces to make the United
be taken over the number, size, shape, Nations look like amateurs.
colour, material and design of kneelers in Unfortunately, we do not have the
church. ecclesiastical equivalents of the blue
berets to enforce peace.
Our present set was donated by a
retired Major General in 1899 to The more patriotic members of the
celebrate the Relief of Mafeking, and congregation have suggested they all
more than a century of use by the pious show the Union Flag – presumably so
and not-so-devout has taken its toll. they can be waved at appropriate
Like certain members of our moments in our services; one belligerent
congregation, they now look a little the individual wants to see depictions of St
worse for wear. Many have sprung leaks, Michael slaughtering the dragon, John
so that when they are used, a jet of the Baptist’s head on a platter and other
flocking is emitted all over the clothes of such tasteful scenes; on the other hand,
their neighbours, who then leaves Matins dear Miss Timmins wants them all to
looking like a Yeti. depict doves or small fluffy creatures,
Other kneelers have been occupied by which would make the church look
grateful mice, who find them most more like pets corner.
congenial for nesting and who leave in Cutting through these vital issues, I have
high umbrage, creating chaos as Miss suggested that the entire congregation
Mapp chases them down the aisle with converts to Roman Catholicism ... and
her umbrella; that this provides her with then we could stand for our prayers and
the perfect excuse to leave before the do without kneelers entirely.
sermon is, I am sure, entirely
coincidental. The final straw came when
my own, by some quirk in its design, Your loving uncle,
started to sound like a whoopee cushion
every time I kneel. It may cause the Eustace
choirboys much amusement, but it lends
nothing to the dignity of our worship.
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PARISH DIRECTORY
Ludlow St Laurence Parish Office, 2 College Street, Ludlow, Shropshire. SY8 1AN
Telephone: 01584 872073
e-mail: office@stlaurences.org.uk 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 (available Sunday-Friday) 07799 243867
Curate Revd Lawrence Gittins (available Sunday-Friday) 07786 625565
Pioneer Curate & Intergenerational Missioner Revd Wayne Davies 07545 438892
Ludlow St Laurence Ludlow St John
Parish Office 01584 872073 Parish Office Nicky Luck (temp) 872073
Office Administrator Nicky Luck Churchwardens Mike Beazley 873570
Finance Manager Peter Nield Anthony Sibcy 874331
Gift Aid Secretary Michael Hunt Treasurer Peter Phelps 873179
Director of Music Michael Oakley PCC Secretary John French 876142
Custodian Matthew Lenthall Electoral Roll John French 876142
Conservation Trust Chair Ian Marshall Organist Colin Reeves 875608
PCC Ashfords Benefice
Churchwardens Dick Franks 892019 Rector Revd Lynn Money
Lesley Harling 318309 Parish Office Clare Bicker-Caarten
Assistant Churchwarden 01584 831585
Michael Davies 07970 434822 Bromfield Benefice
Electoral Roll Officer Dick Franks 892019 Rector Revd Justin Parker
Safeguarding Officer Dick Franks 892019 Parish Office Grace Johnson 07493 247184
PCC Secretary Nicky Luck 872073
Bible Reading Penelope Bridstrup
Fellowship 876992
Flowers Sue Thornley 872292 COPY DEADLINE FOR THE
Monthly Prayer Group Sandi Burley 873155 NEXT ISSUE
The Table Sandi Burley 873155
Tower Captain Richard Bracher 811514 TUESDAY 30 NOVEMBER
Ludlow Tower editor Lesley Harling 318309 There is no guarantee that material
Find this and previous issues submitted will be included.
of the Ludlow Tower on line at Please send articles by email to
www.stlaurences.org.uk office@stlaurences.org.uk
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
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