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3 September and the start of the school year are generally seen as the end of summer but why does the school year start in September rather than January? It is in fact a ploy to reduce truancy. When primary education was made compulsory in 1880 parents were horrified at the idea that their children had to be in school in the long hot summer days when they should be … working hard in the fields to earn money to feed the family. Fortunately few children in this country now spend their summers that way. After a summer singularly lacking in long hot days we strive to keep the holiday spirit alive by recounting two holiday experiences - a French family’s delight at visiting St Laurence’s (p7) and an archdeacon’s satisfaction on realising a long-held ambition (p5). At the same time we suggest the ideal gift for any child returning reluctantly to the classroom (p37), we welcome back our informal family service, the Living Room (p18) and we herald our new Auction of Gifts and Promises (p17). Lesley Harling (Editor) 01584 318309 This month’s cover: Photograph: Harry Webb Chancel tomb - Edmund Walter Graphic design: Nicky Luck Nickyluck@nannolica.co.uk 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. Achievement 5 Une visite de Verdun 7 Introducing … Ann and John Stocker 9 From the registers 11 Arts@StLaurence in September 12 Notes from St John’s 13 Kasthuri’s story 15 Auction of Gifts and Promises 16 News from the PCC 17 ASAP 17 Notes from an eco-warrior 19 Sunday services in Ludlow 20 Ludlow local listing - small ads 21 What’s on in September 25 Coffee is good for you 27 Ride + Stride 2023 27 What is under our mediaeval choir stalls? 29 Having your cake and eating it 31 The beauty of the Lord 32 Poet’s Corner - Love by George Herbert 33 Harvest Festival 35 Grave matters - Leading Seaman Henry Thomas Hill 35 The Little Book of Joy - review 37 Ticking all the right boxes 39 Children’s page 40 On the absurdity of a vicar ever retiring 41 Parish directory & copy deadline 42
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5 A SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT As part of my study leave I walked the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, something I have wanted to do since my late teens. I have done different parts of it but, after walking for 16 days, I can now say that I have completed all 186 miles and enjoyed every moment of it! It may not sound so challenging but the guide book says the ascents and descents are the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest – 35,000 feet! I also lost weight and raised, with my sister-in-law, £3,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. It feels like I have achieved something and it got me thinking about the idea of success. Today we are often measured by how successful we are, but doing our best and working hard does not always lead to success. It is so easy to try to emulate others or to search out the golden bullet that will change our fortunes but chasing after superficial success will not help us spiritually. The same is true in our churches. It is far too easy to compare ourselves with others or think that there is a clever solution to our problems. The reality is there is no one way to grow our churches or to be successful because it is God who grows the church not us. When we chase after clever tools and copy other peoples’ strategies we miss the point completely. As James, writing to the early church, put it ‘You ought to say,‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that’. Grand plans that don’t include God are fruitless. When we chase success for success’s sake we miss what God is about and fool ourselves. So often, we create plans and then invite God to bless them rather than asking God in prayer what he would have us do. James wants the church to be a place that is faithful to the gospel and listens to God, not chasing after success and achievement so that we can boast about ourselves. When we put God first in our lives we see achievement in a different light. Nor does achievement come without cost. Generosity and hospitality are core parts of our faith and yet we often fail to share what God has given us with others. If we truly want to see our churches grow and flourish we have to live out the values of our faith and not allow ourselves to become inward looking. The good news is that we can all achieve things for God if we put our minds to it and he has given us all the resources we need if we put our trust in him. It doesn’t matter if we are part of a church with six members or sixty we all have a part in God’s plan if we ask him and listen for the whispers of the Holy Spirit to guide us. Instead of trying to be successful, we need to learn to be faithful and obedient to the call of God to serve our communities. I love the words of the missionary teacher William Carey: Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God. Archdeacon Derek
LUDLOW CAR SHARE Cut your travel costs and help beat climate change Our club is a community run, not-forprofit enterprise We operate low emission, automatic Toyota hybrid cars Book a car for as long as you need from 30 mins to several days Smart card technology - book online or by phone You pay only an hourly charge plus mileage We pay fuel, insurance, road tax and breakdown cover As a member you can book Co-wheels cars across the UK No age limit with valid licence – introductory teach-in if required Join at: http://www.co-wheels.org.uk/ shropshire Local contacts: 01584 875017 or 875501 or 01584 875501
7 Une Visite de Verdun Worldwide, there are 39 places which are, in one way or another, called Verdun. It is one of the oldest and most illustrious family names in France and indeed, England. References to the name, 'de Verdun', can be found the length and breadth of Britain, as exampled by the stained-glass cinquefoil (five-lobed) window in the north wall of St Laurence's church. It was this window, displaying its heraldic ecu d'or fretté de gueules that caused great excitement among four young boys one Wednesday afternoon in August when they entered the church with their parents, Antoine and Laude. Their joy at finding the window, which dates from 1315 and is amongst the oldest glass in the church, was palpable ... so the stewards on duty just had to find out why. Antoine is a descendant of Bertram de Verdun with links to La Crenne in the Département de la Manche, where part of the family lived from the 13th Century. He and his family were on holiday from France, touring parts of Britain and seeking familial links. After failing to find anything in Windsor they were ecstatic in Ludlow. The first Bertram de Verdun, the founder of the 'English' house, was reputedly granted the manor of Farnham Royal in Buckinghamshire by William I after supporting his right arm as he held the sceptre during his 1066 coronation. The family history is long and complex and to make it more so, there were several Bertrams. One, the son of Norman de Verdun and Lasceline, was Richard I’s castellan (constable) and married Rohesia of Windsor. Their son, Nicholas, fathered Rohese de Verdun, who kept her maiden name even after marrying Theodore Boteler. In turn their son, John, also kept the name de Verdun and married Margaret de Lacey of Trim and Ludlow. Their son, Theobald, married Margery de Bohun and they were blessed with Theobald, Lord of Verdun (1278-1316), who first married Maud de Mortimer and later, Elizabeth de Clare. It is the coats of arms of these three that form the three cinquefoil windows in the north wall. We are very proud of those windows in St Laurence's just as Antoine and his family can be very proud of their heritage, which has played a part in the history of both our countries. It was a pleasure to meet them and we wish them every success in their ancestry journey. For more information go to: de Verdun / de Verdon (de-verdon.uk) Eric Griffiths
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9 INTRODUCING ... Tell us a bit about yourselves. We are Ann and John Stocker. We were both born in Liverpool. Ann – I lived in Liverpool, went to an allgirls school and trained there to become a State Registered Nurse (SRN), then worked as a staff nurse in haematology, radiotherapy and oncology. Later I worked at St John’s Hospice. John – I was brought up on the Wirral. After school, where I was captain of rugby teams and captain of chess as well as playing soccer and cricket, I went to Coventry University graduating with a BSc degree in maths and physics. I worked in a tax office before moving to Sheffield where I trained as a Secondary School teacher, eventually moving to North Wales as head of maths. We met through church, although we don’t agree on exactly how that happened! But within six months we were married and building a new blended family which has grown into a happy tribe of four children (two boys, two girls) and nine grandchildren now aged 8-21 (five girls, four boys). We moved to Presteigne when John became deputy head (later head) of John Beddoes School while Ann worked in Builth Wells visiting the over-75s in their homes and setting up a carer support group. J - in 1992 I had a heart attack on the squash court, went into cardiac arrest and was revived in the ambulance with a brand new defibrillator installed just the day before. That was the end of squash and other sporting activities but in six months I was back at work. In 2000 I started part-time ordination training based at St. Michael’s theology college in Cardiff. I was ordained as a priest in 2004. I retired from teaching on medical grounds in 2004 and in 2006 we moved to the vicarage in Llanwrtyd Wells where I served as an NSM housefor-duty priest. I continued to suffer with arrhythmia, eventually having an ICD (my very own implanted defibrillator) but went on taking services until the year before moving to Ludlow A – it was a lively little town and I was involved in community as well as church activities, taking home communions and running a luncheon club among others What brought you to Ludlow? We wanted to downsize. Our daughter, Rachael, who had been in Ludlow for 10 years, suggested we take a look at the Ledwyche Brook development and it was just perfect, especially for access to town. We moved in 2021, determined to keep a low profile. And to St Laurence's? It seemed obvious to take a look first at the main parish church (maybe with that low profile in mind). We came. We loved it. It was the first service at which Wayne presided after his ordination and we just looked at each other and agreed this was the place for us.
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11 (Introducing - cont from p9) First impressions of St Laurence's? Very welcoming. We liked the churchmanship, the openness of the clergy, the music, everything really. What is your role at St Laurence's? J – I have just put my toe in the water, reading the lesson and becoming deanery synod representative. A – I am more of a practical than a ‘meetings person’. I am on the local pastoral visitor team, taking services at Four Rivers, and I lead a team providing refreshments for events at church. I also attend the contemplation group and help out at the Hands Together Ludlow café, mainly washing up. Is there one feature of St Laurence which is special for you? The building is lovely of course, bigger than churches we have known but it has a ‘buzz’ and a welcoming, inclusive feel. How do you spend any spare time? A – walking especially up to Whitcliffe. We walked a lot in the Lake District (as well as taking boats out on the water). J – improving my Spanish through U3A and gardening. It has been a treat to create a garden from scratch with raised beds making it easier for me. A memorable holiday experience? Taking our two youngest all around Europe in a caravan in 1992. We had a series of caravans, motorhomes and tents but now we rent cottages. What might we be surprised to know about you? We were ‘trapped’ on the Costa Blanca by Covid. And nearly stayed when John was offered a chaplaincy there. FROM THE REGISTERS BAPTISM 6 August Riley Thomas Gartell-Marston FUNERALS 20 July Sheila Ann Adams 26 July Barry Mills (Gornal Wood crematorium) 1 August Carol Ann Lewis (Garden of Remembrance) 4 August Roy Johnson 4 August Dorothy Joyce Johnson VOLUNTEERS WANTED Arts@StLaurence organises and promotes a wide range of music events each year in the church (The Space at St Laurence) which are a major part of the vibrant music scene in Ludlow. We have a small team of enthusiastic volunteers supported by stewards for the events. We are looking for one or two people to assist with the administration and some additional stewards. Please contact Lyn Jones (artsstlaurence@btinternet.com) or Ewart Carson (ewart.carson@btinternet.com)
12 5 The Angel, Broad Street, Ludlow, Sy8 2PG
13 NOTES FROM ST JOHN’S St John’s Summer Tea Party went ahead despite the wet weather; tables were moved from Peter and Carla’s beautiful garden into St John’s Church. The congregation and friends provided a large selection of delicious sandwiches and cakes and there was a wonderful atmosphere, with people sitting, chatting and laughing with many they knew as well as those who just dropped in to join the occasion. Lectures are good for you At least the Arts Society lectures are - thanks to the knowledge and enthusiasm of the nationally recognised lecturers. They make their talks, on subjects ranging from Caravaggio to Banksy and post-war fashion, enjoyable and mentally stimulating. Lectures are on Wednesdays starting at 2.15pm in Ludlow Assembly Rooms. Visitors are welcome for £8 paid at the door. So you can come and see what we are like without committing to membership. After the lecture enjoy tea or coffee and cake with a chat. What’s not to like? Please do come. See www.artssocietytemevalley.org.uk or tel 0780178846 for more information. FROM THE REGISTERS BAPTISMS 30 July Sadie Louise Hodnett Mika Molly Lewis Lucy Ann-Marie Lewis FUNERALS 11 August Terry Lane 16 August Douglas Jennings
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15 KASTHURI’s STORY As I went round Tesco this morning, I was shocked to find that an item I always buy had shot up in price by 45p. How much more shocking for a family. Yet compared with most in the ‘Global South’ we are rich. Take Kasthuri. At 22 this young mother from the Indian underclasses was rejected by her family when she married without their consent and deserted by her husband when she was pregnant and she was left alone. Kasthuri found a place for herself and her son, living and working on a farm cooperative as part of Christian Aid's EcoVeg project. This project plugs into the growing demand in India for natural nutritious food, showing people from excluded communities how to build a better future for themselves. Women are trained in natural farming and provided with the marketing and logistics to get them started running their businesses. Kasthuri lives on the farm with other women excluded from society, cultivating vegetables, collecting tuberose flowers and taking care of livestock. For the first time Kasthuri has a sense of control over her life. ‘As a lone woman I couldn't do this,’ she said, ‘but together we can be successful. I have no words to explain how happy I am to be here with my son’. This is an inspiring story to encourage us in our efforts to raise funds to start similar projects; £95 pays for seeds and training for 50 women who are part of a mother-to-mother support group. In the Sahel region of west Africa (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal) Christian Aid workers: ensure that local leaders have the knowledge and skills to pass on all they have learnt plan the implementation of soil and water conservation activities to mitigate the effects of climate change help communities to identify sources of income such as market gardens, which reduce poverty while boosting feelings of dignity and self-worth run interactive, educational sessions focusing on issues such as malnutrition, family planning, breastfeeding, health during pregnancy and hygiene. Thank you everyone who supported the Ludlow Christian Aid coffee morning in August with special thanks and much appreciation for Broadmill and the Icon Coffee team, who not only gave us the coffee, but served it and washed up as well. Marvellous! ClaireWilcox Kasthuri with her son
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17 ASAP We probably all use the abbreviation ASAP (as soon as possible)? Generally, it brings even more hurry and stress into our lives. Yet there is another way to think of ASAP, a way which might help us deal with those difficult times in our daily lives. When there’s work to do, and deadlines to meet, and your colleagues are rushing around, here’s what you can do to help: ASAP – Always Say a Prayer. When your worries mount up and you don’t know how you are ever going to cope with what is coming at you: ASAP – Always Say a Prayer. God knows how stressful our lives can be, and He wants to ease our cares. In the Bible He promises to respond to our calls for help. So – call Him! ASAP! Meeting - 17 July 2023 9 members of the PCC attended Resolutions: to approve updated PCC committee membership; to agree travel expenses for Director (Strategy & Finance) fact-finding trip Finance: higher visitor numbers; visitor donations down although tower income healthy; new 2-year contract for electricity signed (£10k saving) Fabric: quinquennial works progressing; boiler project scheduled for completion by end September; Stephen House work progressing; improved access to cellar abandoned (technically impossible) Policies: Safer Recruiting reviewed and adopted Discussions: baptisms outside Sunday services Reports: received from Pastoral and Arts@StLaurence, committees, NLHF and Auction of Gifts and Promises working groups Benefice PCC Away Day (with St John’s PCC) to discuss Benefice Mission Action Plan - 2 September Date of next meeting: Monday 11 September 2023 A copy of the latest confirmed PCC minutes is available on the noticeboard by the south door of the church. All confirmed minutes can be viewed via the parish office. pcc News What’s your bid? It’s not too late to be a part of this exciting event, raising funds to support St Laurence’s mission to help those in need in our community. To make a Gift or a Promise, or to book a place for yourself (or a table for four, six and eight) contact Richard richardjwilkins@aol.com 07901 658737
18 Open tea at st laurence First Monday in the month at 3pm. All welcome. Monday 4 SEPTEMBER Wednesdays at St John’s There is always a warm welcome at St John’s Church on Gravel Hill on Wednesday mornings. Why not come along, meet the clergy and see for yourself? 9.30am Daily Prayer 10.00am Tea & Toast Open house for anyone in the community to drop in for a chat and a cuppa 11.30am Holy Communion Informal service We would love to see you for the whole morning or just a part. Celtic Prayer An Evening Liturgy St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow Third Sunday of the month 6pm A simple service in a style used by the Iona Community Call Pat Helm 01584 877683 Helen Blyth 01584 875041 Sunday 17 September All-age informal worship Hot dogs, pool table, air hockey football table, Mario Cart and more Conversation, play, food and a simple sharing of bread and wine 10 September 3.30pm
19 notes from an eco-worrier When I was a child certain words were not heard in polite society - words such as ‘global warming’, ‘greenhouse gases’ and ‘climate change’. Now these words are in our everyday conversation – as they should be. However, familiarity with the words does not make them easy to address. As time goes on I, for one, feel under greater pressure to be greener but I have a fear of getting things wrong. Recycling is a perfect example. In days gone by no one looked at packets to see if they could be recycled at home or had to be taken to special recycling points. I felt a certain sense of pride and achievement when my children were small when I took glass bottles to the bottle bank. Now that my children are grown up with children of their own, recycling is fraught with uncertainty. Does this item go in paper, plastic or general rubbish? I know it’s made of plastic but is it the right kind of plastic for recycling in this part of the country? What happens if I get it wrong? At home the refuse collectors seem to be reasonably forgiving, though we once had four houses’ recycling rejected because something was placed in the wrong bag, and at the tip – sorry, recycling centre – there are people to guide you. But when it comes to organisations such as coffee shops and churches it is even more important that we all use the correct recycling bins. One wrong item and it is all rejected, never to be recycled. Why is this important? We were given stewardship of this earth by God. We have a responsibility to look after it and the people who live on it. Generations have neglected this responsibility, mainly through ignorance. We no longer have an excuse. It’s important therefore that we continue to battle through the confusion and recycle to the best of our ability. I know that there are many among you have been eco-warriors for years. Hats off to you. Please help those of us who long for the simpler days when just being tidy seemed to be enough. Let’s move on together to help this God-given earth on which we live. Hilary Walters So please take care when disposing of rubbish in the church. Make sure that everything you put in the chest by the coffee shop can be recycled - and use the appropriate slot. If it can’t be recycled put it in the general bin.
20 Anglican St Laurence, College Street 8.15am Holy Communion (BCP) 10am Parish Eucharist For livestream/recording - link at https://stlaurences.org.uk/live-stream 11.30am Choral Matins 3rd Sunday only 3.30pm The Living Room 2nd Sunday only 3.30pm Choral Evensong 1st Sunday only 6pm Celtic Prayer - evening liturgy 3rd Sunday only 5th Sun Joint benefice service with St John’s Contact office@stlaurences.org.uk 01584 872073 St John, Gravel Hill 10am 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays Holy Communion 2nd & 4th Sundays Morning Prayer 5th Sun Joint benefice service with St Laurence’s Contact wayne.davies@stlaurences.org.uk 07545 438892 St Giles, Ludford 11.15am 1st Sunday Family Worship 2nd & 4th Sundays CW Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Lay-led Worship Contact ashfordspa@outlook.com Ludlow Baptist Church 10.30am Sunday worship Contact church@ludlowbaptistchurch.org.uk Ludlow Elim 10.30am Service at Elim 11.30am Online. Contact www.ludlowelim.com 07791 483284 dainpritchard@googlemail.com Ludlow Methodist Church 10.30am Sunday worship Contact Ludlowmethodist@outlook.com 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 st.peters.ludlow@talktalk.net 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 office@stlaurences.org. 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 Info@ludlowcastlegallery.co.uk www.ludlowcastlegallery.co.uk Artwork Books & Stationery Castle Bookshop 5 Castle Street Ludlow Booksellers and Stationers Free ordering service 01584 872562 castlebookshop@btconnect.com Myriad Organics 22 Corve Street 01584 879373 myriad-organics.co.uk Ludlow's widest range of organic produce: fruit & veg, wholefoods, groceries, meat & dairy, vegan & vegetarian, natural cleaning products, bodycare & cosmetics. Waste-free shopping options & refills for cleaning products. Local delivery and our popular organic box scheme. Firenze Catering Jackie Thomas - Catering for all occasions. 07526 212176 / 01584 877190 firenzecatering66@gmail.com 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; shop@pearcecycles.co.uk; www.pearcecycles.co.uk. Open Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm. Bike sales - repair - hire. Reynolds of Ludlow furniture Wanted by local collector and researcher; any condition considered; will collect. Good prices offered. Tel: 07967 134116. Reynolds Furniture Wanted Frames by Sebastian Bespoke picture framing 6a Pepper Lane Tel: 07815 111554 Picture Framing Matthew Lenthall IT Services Computers, phones and all things technical. Support and maintenance. 12a Corve Street, Ludlow 07828 081163 or 01584 877946 matthew@matthewlenthall.co.uk IT Services Teme Valley Insurance Brokers For your Home, Car, Business or Farm quote Call Mark or Sue on 01584 290055 enquiries@temevalleyinsurance.co.uk Insurance Services William Griffin Memorials erected in marble, stone and granite. House name plates – Doorsteps & windowsills. 33A Corve Street, Ludlow SY8 1DL. Tel: (01584) 872893 (01584) 877422 evenings Mobile 07967 126451 Monumental Sculptor
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 j.mackenzie590@btinternet.com Carpentry Cleaning Hydroclean Services carl@hydrocleanservices.co.uk Carpet & Upholstery cleaning : Leather cleaning : Hard floor cleaning and stone polishing : Gutter cleaning : Fully insured, fast response, reliable and local. Members of the National Carpet Cleaning Association. www.hydrocleanservices.co.uk 01568 630000 Ken Dodd & Son Chimney Sweep Rotary sweep and vacuum-assisted. Cowls/bird guards supplied and fitted. Woodburners serviced and bricks supplied and fitted. Fully insured and certificates issued. Available for weddings. 01584 873178 • 07702 102044 www.kendoddandsonchimneysweep.co.uk Chimneys & Stoves General Maintenance Steve Wilson Painting and Decorating Internal and external work carried out. Please telephone Steve on: 07818 400764 Email address: steve.decorating@yahoo.com R Aimson Property Services Carpentry, Home Improvement, Painting & Decorating Mobile: 07864 015086 email:rapropserv@gmail.com Property Services
24 ADVERTISING RATES 2022-23 (for 12 issues) Full page - £325 Half page - £200 Quarter page - £105 Eighth page - £65 Classified - £36 Rates for part-year available on request See above for contact details. ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS, CLUB OR SOCIETY HERE Contact the Parish Office on 01584 872073 or office@stlaurences.co.uk 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 ian.gf.mackay@gmail.com 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 marie.yapp@outlook.com www.mariesofludlow.co.uk Alterations Send those special greetings to your loved one HERE for just £7.50. To book email office@stlaurences.org.uk
25 Saturday 2 7.00pm Organ concert - Jonathan Scott Monday 7 10.00am Winnie the Pooh Exhibition (until Sunday 17) Open tea 3.00pm Sunday 10 Full peal for Food Festival 3.00pm Living Room service 3.30pm Saturday 16 1.00pm Concert Junction Saxophone Quartet Sunday 17 Choral Matins 11.30am Celtic Prayer 6.00pm Saturday 23 Wedding 2.30pm Harriet Lord and Septimus Knox Sunday 24 4.00pm Concert Trovatori Opera Duo Thursday 28 10.30am Intercessory prayer meeting Friday 29 7.00pm Auction of Gifts and Promises Saturday 30 1.00pm Organ recital Nicholas Freestone MIDWEEK Daily prayer Mondays 9.30am Holy Communion Wednesdays 6.00pm Intercessory Prayers 10.30am Fourth Thursday in month Tower bells practice Mondays 7.30-9.00pm Handbells practice Tuesdays 6.00-7.15pm Choir practice Thursdays 6.00-8.30pm AND AT ST JOHN’S Daily prayer Wednesdays 9.30am Fridays 9.30am Tea and toast Wednesdays 10.00am Holy Communion Wednesdays 11.30am Live streaming of the 10am Eucharist resumes when the choir returns after its summer break, on Sunday 10 September. Join us live for the service of watch later on You Tube. WHAT’S ON AT ST LAURENCE’S IN SEPTEMBER For the latest news go to https:// stlaurences.org.uk/google-calendar/
26 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 Ludlow Curtain Company The Stables, Station Drive, Ludlow SY8 2PQ Tel 01584 875533 ludlowcurtains@hotmail.co.uk 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. Victoria Allen Funeral Services An Independent Family Business Pre- Paid Funeral Plans Home Visits Always Available 24 Hour Service 01584 879035 141A Vintage & Retro Collectables Centre Open Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat 10am - 5pm Closed Tues & Sun 141A Corve Street, Ludlow SY82PG 01584 877 572 /141A @godsellmark Proud to be the architect for the Stephen House Project Creating a mission space for St Laurence’s
27 Ride + stride Shropshire Historic Churches Trust makes grants for renovations and repairs. As a beneficiary of grants St Laurence’s wants to play our part in raising funds for SHCT so we are promoting this year’s Ride+Stride event. You are invited to seek sponsorship and then ride (on a bicycle, on a horse or even in a car) or stride round the area visiting as many churches/chapels as you can in a day. Half the money you raise goes to St Laurence, the rest to SHCT. Pick up a sponsorship form from the church and start planning your route. For more details: 01584 872073 office@stlaurences.or.uk Coffee is good for you - and for Christian Aid This year’s Christian Aid Coffee morning was a massive success, raising well over £1,000 to support Christian Aid’s work to end poverty and injustice worldwide. This increase of more than 25% over the 2022 figure was due in very large part to the generosity of Icon Coffee who provided hot drinks free of charge. The Icon staff were working at full stretch to make and serve nearly 100 cups of coffee (and two teas!) in the two hours and the west end of the church was buzzing with happy chatter. And the good news for coffee lovers is that studies suggest that coffee is good for you! It seems that it contains chemicals called polyphenols, which protect against inflammation in the body and repair cell damage. Those who drank more coffee were found to be less vulnerable to a range of chronic illnesses. It can also help prevent a toxic protein called tau from clumping together – which might help in fighting Alzheimer’s. Coffee drinkers have also been found to have different species of bacteria in their gut microbiomes, than non-coffee drinkers, which is believed to be one of the strongest protective factors against colorectal cancers. Harvard University recommends two to five cups of coffee daily, and the NHS recommends no more than two and a half cups of coffee in one sitting, and no more than five a day.
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29 Have you ever wondered why our old choir stalls are so much higher than the floor of the chancel? Have you noticed the gaps underneath the misericords, now covered with metal grilles? What is under our mediaeval choir stalls? What about the row of enigmatic quatrefoil openings, usually hidden behind the movable benches? They’re actually all part of an ancient system to make prayers, readings and music resonate throughout the church. Over 2000 years ago, the Roman architect Vitruvius placed differently-tuned bronze vases at several points within a theatre to amplify the sound. His idea reappeared in the Middle Ages, but this time using ceramic jars. Evidence of them has been found at about 200 churches, many of them in France where they are often placed within the wall of the church, about 3 metres above the floor. By contrast, the position of the monks’ stalls at Whalley abbey in Lancashire, is still marked by a deep trench which held the acoustic jars, and the same arrangement can be seen under the choirstalls at the church of St Peter Parmentergate in Norwich. Here the acoustic jars are set horizontally into the inside wall of the trench. There is no such trench at St Laurence’s, so the choirstalls had to be raised to create a suitable acoustic chamber under them. Since the Reformation little effort seems to have been made to maintain the chancel, but when the Victorians renovated the church, they discovered fragments of the original ceramic jars. Hugh Wood
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31 When it comes to cake I am a strong supporter of cakeism. The idea that you could not have your cake and eat it has always seemed to me rather silly. After all what is the point of cake if you can’t eat it? And eat it you will at Icon Coffee where the cakes are 'exceedingly good' (to coin a phrase). I find it so hard to choose that I have had to take the plunge and try them all! Every single one is delicious … so I’ll go into them in more detail soon. As an added bonus they are all available to ‘take away’, at no extra cost, as are the coffees and other beverages as well as the wonderful Icon lunches. Icon has great packaging too—it’s sturdy, recyclable and guaranteed to keep your takeaway intact, fresh and really tasty So even if you haven’t time to sit and enjoy the peaceful ambience of St Laurence’s you can still enjoy the outstanding coffee anywhere you please. In addition to a great take-away service Icon offers caffè sospeso’. This is the option of ‘buying forward’, paying for a coffee for another (unspecified) person and leaving a record of it behind the bar. Described as ‘a simple and anonymous act of generosity’ it is a practice strongly encouraged by the clergy who can then offer it to anyone they encounter who is in need of a pick-me-up, be that spiritual, psychological or liquid. The practice originated in Naples, Italy. In translation sospeso means ‘suspended’ or ‘hanging’. Traditionally those with good fortune would celebrate with a coffee and buy another for someone who could not afford such a luxury. These gifted coffees were left ‘suspended’ at the café until claimed. Luciano De Crescenzo wrote about it in his book called simply Caffè Sospeso: Daily wisdom in small sips, dedicated to a custom of the city at the foot of Vesuvius is also a philosophy of life. The book brings together the best of the writer’s articles published in newspapers and magazines from 1977 to 2007. Inside its covers we find Greek philosophy applied to everyday life, as well as ironic anecdotes and stories of common life in Italy. Having your cake and eating it Open 10am — 4.30pm Closed Sundays
32 Flowers – the beauty of the Lord In this month of September, we give thanks for God’s blessings in all that the earth yields us, exemplified in this wonderful painting by Jan Davidsz de Heem. De Heem was born in Utrecht in Holland in 1606 and spent most his life in Antwerp where he created paintings of such beauty and depth that one of them – a portrait of Prince William III surrounded by blossoms and fruits - received the highest price ever paid for a painting at the time. In the ‘Vase of Flowers’ de Heem has gathered together a bouquet of variegated flowers and plants for our delight. Time stands still in his painting in two ways. First, these thirty-one blooms could never have flowered at the same time, but through the magical touch of the artist, they do for us. Caught on canvas, they are as fresh and vibrant as the day they were painted in 1645. But look closely and you will see signs that the gifts of nature do wither and die: the snail on the marble slab; the salamander eyeing his next meal as a spider hangs on a thread from; and another snail in the centre looking at his food, the beautiful and rare red and white tulips. Yet look again and we see signs of new life: the reeds of wheat are symbols of the Eucharistic bread; the caterpillar and butterfly on the striking white poppy at the top are signs of resurrection; and the peas in their pod and the blackberries mark out the fruitfulness of creation. The artist shows us a glorious range of flowers - some wellknown, others more exotic, brought back to Holland through the colonial expansion of the 16th century. Tulips and poppies dominate, but to the left are some smallscented roses. Each is a testimony to the beauty and goodness of the world we live in. A hundred years later Christopher Smart described flowers as ‘great blessings … glorifying God … peculiarly the poetry of Christ.’ 200 years later Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote; ‘I do not think I have ever seen anything more beautiful than the bluebell I have been looking at. I know the beauty of our Lord by it.’ And we, 400 years later, can echo poet and painter as we praise God, the author of such flowers and plants that make up a world of ‘all things bright and beautiful.’ Michael Burgess Vase of Flower, Jan Davidsz de Heem via Wikimedia Commons
33 Love - George Herbert Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back Guilty of dust and sin But quick-eyed Love observing me grow slack From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning, If I lacked anything. 'A guest', I answered, 'worthy to be here'. Love said, 'you shall be he'. 'I the unkind, ungrateful? 'Ah, my dear, I cannot look on thee.' Love took my hand, and smiling did reply, 'Who made the eyes but I? 'Truth, Lord, but I have marred them; let my shame Go where it doth deserve.' 'And know you not' says Love, 'who bore the blame? My dear, then I will serve.' 'You must sit down' says Love, 'and taste my meat.' So I did sit and eat. Poets’ corner George Herbert, one of the leading metaphysical poets of the 16th century was born in Wales but was educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge where he was a brilliant scholar. He served as MP for Montgomery in 1624-5 but then became a priest in Wiltshire. He wrote religious poetry, which was not published until after his death from consumption in 1633, as well as a book of advice for rural priests, The Country Parson. St Laurence’s Harvest Festival Sunday 1 October 2022 We are looking for donations of fruit and vegetables for the Harvest Festival display. Any allotment users wishing to donate produce can do so at the church any time during the week beforehand, and donated flowers and greenery would be very welcome on Friday 29 September when the church will be decorated. Thank you for your support. Sue Thornley, Flower Team Co-ordinator
34 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 - diamondlife@btconnect.com Website - www.diamondlifehealthcare.co.uk
35 GRAVE MATTERS: BURIALS IN ST LEONARD’S CHURCHYARD Henry Thomas Hill 26 September 1899 - 29 January 1921 Henry was born in Ludlow to Edward and Ellen Mary Hill, of 9 Chapel Row, East Hamlet, the second of five children. His older brother, William Edward, served with the King's Shropshire Light Infantry and was killed in France in 1915. Aged 16 Henry joined HMS Impregnable in August 1916 as a Boy Second Class. Why did he join the Navy? From a sense of adventure, patriotism, or hatred of the Germans who had killed his brother? The Battle of Jutland, probably the Royal Navy's most significant action since Trafalgar, had taken place barely two months previously. But Navy training ships were often used as reformatories for delinquent teenagers, who could be ordered to serve on them by magistrates sometimes at the request of their own parents. Royal Naval training vessels at the time were usually superannuated fighting ships decommissioned from active service. The Impregnable, launched in 1861, was originally HMS Howe, the very last wooden battleship of the line ever to built for the Navy. In Henry's time, she was anchored at Devonport and served as a torpedo training school. On his 18th birthday Henry enlisted for a further 12 years, as was usual at that time, being rated Ordinary Seaman, in HMS Malaya, a newly-built fast battleship that had been in the thick of the fighting at Jutland. From 1917 to 1919 Henry progressed from Ordinary to Able Seaman, and then Leading Seaman. After Jutland, the Malaya routinely patrolled the North Sea, ensuring that the German fleet did not again attempt to break out from its base at Kiel. In November 1918 the boredom was relieved when she was in a collision with the destroyer HMS Penn. After the war ended the Malaya visited Cherbourg for the Peace Celebrations in April 1919 and in 1920 carried the Allied Disarmament Commission to inspect German ports. By then Henry had, surprisingly, married a Frances Turner, of Hereford, although the marriage was to be very short-lived. On 1 October 1920 Henry returned to his old training ship, now renamed HMS Defiance, but was later admitted to the Stonehouse Royal Naval Hospital. Whatever the reason, his death three months later is recorded as encephalitis which, in the days before antivirals and antibiotics, was far more common than it is today. It is ironic to think that, had he not been in uniform when he died, as a labourer's son his family would hardly have afforded a gravestone and so he would not be remembered today. HMS Impregnable in the 1890s
36 We specialise in all aspects of building, from new construction to work on scheduled monuments to the restoration of Georgian and half-timbered houses. The company employs 40 time-served craftsmen and has worked recently at: Warwick Castle, Kenilworth Castle, St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury and many private houses in the West Midlands and border areas. The company is delighted to be working with Ludlow St Laurence and the family and friends of Stephen Treasure on the Stephen House Project transforming 2 College Street into a mission space to support those in need or distress in the community he loved.
37 THE LITTLE BOOK OF JOY The perfect back to school present In 2015, two extraordinary friends, spiritual leaders and Nobel Peace Prize winners - the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama - had a five-day conversation that took place at the home of the Dalai Lama. The result was the highly acclaimed Book of Joy – lasting happiness in a changing world, which sets out a clear path for everyone to show that joy is possible even in the most difficult circumstances. Now the two friends have collaborated to bring their message to children in this beautiful book – The Little Book of Joy – illustrated by award-winning Rafael López. It tells the story of the two friends, once two lonely boys who lived on opposite sides of the world in different circumstances, who both grew up to discover joy in everyday life and spread their joy with the people around them. Their message for every child is that joy is never far away and appears in unexpected ways. Even in hard times, it never truly disappears, and when it’s shared, it grows inside us. It’s a lovely book full of the humour, friendship, and deep affection between two spiritual leaders. In these challenging times, this is a timely reminder to all children (and their parents) that joy is all around, if only we know where to look. This is a great present for any child, especially for anyone starting a new school, or a new class in school in the Autumn term. Did you know - ‘Joy is the warm tingly feeling of the sun tickling your toes in the morning. It's the giggly, squiggly feeling when you are doing something silly. Even when you wake to the rain and your joy is washed away, it's waiting at the bottom of the puddle.’ Jemima Lord Like all the other books Jemima reviews for us The Little Book of Joy is available now in the Shop at Laurence.
388 Skip Hire, Waste Management & Recycling Tenbury Wells, Ludlow, Leominster, Craven Arms and LOCAL MAN wishes to buy Antiques, Bric à brac, Collectables and Deceaseds’ Effects Please call 01584 892128 07508 809710 Garden maintenance Michael Doyle Plantsman Over 30 years’ experience 07855 930641 doylemj@hotmail.co.uk Come and SEE our Mediaeval stained glass Mediaeval misericords View from the Tower Bells and Carillon Icon Coffee shop Snetzler organ Gift shop
39 Ticking all the right boxes Oh yes, these beautiful boxes really do tick them all: they are fairly traded, handmade in Kashmir; they use waste and off-cuts that would otherwise be burnt; and are very attractive too. The red box is an example of traditional papier mâché while the rectangular box is made from reclaimed wood from the Kashmiri forestry industry. They are supplied to the Shop by an outfit called Fair to Trade, who take their name very seriously. They travel to Kashmir to source their products (or as close as is safe) and have worked with the same papier mâché producer for 15 years. Papier mâché in Kashmir dates back to the 14th century and is a highly regarded and skilled craft that even appears on the curriculum in Kashmiri schools. Fair to Trade are members of BAFTS (British Association of Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers) who are dedicated to promoting Fair Trade retail in the UK. BAFTS members sign up to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade as set out by the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO). We may all have happy childhood memories of simple papier mâché, soggy paper and sloppy glue, but it is in fact an ancient craft originating in China and used to make all manner of items from cups to helmets! The hard finish on the products, achieved by lacquering and painting, makes the items both decorative and durable. The Shop has a selection of sizes, shapes and colours, all ideal as gifts and for just about anybody. Who wouldn’t want a pretty little box for trinkets? The Shop at St Laurence Mobile: 07833 866485 www.theshopatstlaurence.co.uk When stewarding in St Laurence’s recently I explained to a visitor (not a native-speaker but with excellent English that the church was built in 1199. He looked at me in surprise and said, ‘That is what I should pay to come into the church?’ I reassured him that we do not charge for admission. Jean How much?!
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41 The latest tongue-in-cheek letter from Revd Dr Gary Bowness’s Uncle Eustace… The Rectory St James the Least My dear Nephew Darren Beware of being invited by bishops to drop round for a chat. My first mistake was to answer the phone when he rang; what are answerphones for, but to avoid having to talk to anyone - ever. My second mistake was not to be able to think of a meeting I had to attend - preferably on another planet - on the day he suggested. I therefore found myself in his study this morning, waiting for the point of the meeting while we negotiated the obligatory five minutes discussing the weather and his summer holiday in France. I made it quite clear that I had been far too busy to swan off to foreign parts – although I suspect the implication of what I said passed him by. We then got to the point. He was toying with the thought of my retirement and linking us with the adjoining parish of St Agatha’s. I patiently explained, using simple words and speaking slowly for his benefit, that at 85 and with 40 years at St James the Least of All behind me, I was just getting into my stride and that the vicar of St Agatha’s, a stripling at 63, had nowhere near enough experience to organise the hymn list, let alone two parishes. This, too, seemed to drift somewhere above his head. He had clearly done his homework. There were already plans for my Queen Anne rectory to be sold and my five acres of garden be turned into a housing estate. This news would be received by our parishioners with as much equanimity as if they were told that Buckingham Palace was to be converted into a sports centre. The matter, I was told, was confidential – which meant that I only relayed the news to one parishioner at a time. By the end of the day everyone in the village knew, and a counter-attack was being planned. Inevitably, the most outraged were those who never attend church. People do so love having a church not to go to. Congregations have soared, gardeners are being brought in to tidy the rectory grounds, and the church council is now well attended. The latter is a mixed blessing, as I always think that the time to get worried is when people start to turn up to meetings. It may surprise our bishop, but the threat of a merger has been the greatest impetus to mission outreach we’ve had in years. Retirement indeed! I’m sure Zadok was never asked about his pension plans. Your loving uncle, Eustace On the absurdity of a vicar ever retiring
42 Ludlow St Laurence Parish Office 01584 872073 Office Administrator Nicky Luck Finance Manager Peter Nield Gift Aid Secretary Michael Hunt Director of Music Michael Oakley Custodian Matthew Lenthall Conservation Trust Chair Ian Marshall PCC Churchwardens Dick Franks 892019 Lesley Harling 318309 Assistant Churchwarden Michael Davies 07970 434822 Electoral Roll Officer Dick Franks 892019 Safeguarding Officer Dick Franks 892019 PCC Minutes Secretary Jacs Higgs 872073 Bible Reading Penelope Bridstrup 876992 Fellowship Flowers Sue Thornley 872292 Monthly Prayer Group Sandi Burley 873155 Tower Captain Richard Bracher 811514 Ludlow Tower editor Lesley Harling 318309 Find this and previous issues of the Ludlow Tower on line at www.stlaurences.org.uk Ludlow St John Parish Office Nicky Luck 872073 Churchwarden Mike Beazley 873570 Treasurer Mike Beazley 873570 PCC Secretary Mike Beazley 873570 Electoral Roll Sue Thomas 0792990671 Ashfords Benefice Rector Revd Lynn Money Parish Office Sarah Davies 01584 319381 Bromfield Benefice Rector Revd Justin Parker Parish Office Martin Scott 07493 247184 COPY DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE TUESDAY 29 AUGUST There is no guarantee that material submitted will be included. Please send articles by email to 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 PARISH DIRECTORY Ludlow St Laurence Parish Office, 2 College Street, Ludlow, Shropshire. SY8 1AN (currently closed for refurbishment) e-mail: office@stlaurences.org.uk website: www.stlaurences.org.uk For appointments (Monday or Thursday 9.30am-12.30pm at Hands Together Ludlow (Lower Galdeford) call 01584 872073 Rector: Revd Preb Kelvin Price 07799 243867 Pioneer Curate & Intergenerational Missioner: Revd Wayne Davies 07545 438892
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