2
CONTENTS
A challenge for Christians 5
Just two minutes 7
Marian Haslam RIP 9
November is often described as the Former glories - Rock Lane Old 11
melancholy month – the skies are grey, Baptist Church
fallen leaves mingle with mud, the days Harvest Home 13
seem featureless and the nights grow
ever longer and colder. And of course Introducing - Octavia Shaw 15
November is synonymous with Medieval Bazaar 26-27 November 16
Remembrance-tide, inevitably Christmas is coming 17
encouraging our tendency to look back. Operation Warm Welcome 19
In this issue of the Ludlow Tower we do Sunday services in Ludlow 20
that in recalling the suffering and Ludlow local listing - small ads 21
sacrifices of many millions of people we What’s on at St Laurence’s in 25
never knew in the World Wars (p7) and November
pay tribute to someone many of us did
know personally (p9). We acknowledge From the registers 25
the importance of remembering the All you who pass this way, look 27
those Afghan refugees who filled our and see
screens in the autumn but have now Books for Christmas presents 29
faded from the headlines (p19). The Emerging Church of England 31
If we look back just a year to last
November we were living in lockdown PCC meeting summary - 31
September
unsure when we might emerge and
what life would be like when we did. ‘Tis the season ... to buy your 33
The pandemic is far from over but we cards
are pleased to look forward to the Arts@StLaurence in November 34
return of some of the familiar features When someone you loved is 35
of Christmas in Ludlow (p16 and p17). dead
Lesley Harling (Editor) A grain of sand at a time 35
01584 318309 News from Ludlow Palmers 37
Children’s page 38
This month’s cover: What is more frightening than 41
Photograph: Paul Kemp bishops?
View from Whitcliffe Common 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
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 Expensive Mistakes
You pay only an hourly charge Nestled in the heart of Ludlow,
plus mileage specialising in selling pre-loved,
top-name designer and
Rates include fuel, insurance, road superior high street fashion at
tax and breakdown cover affordable prices.
Students, under 21s and older 11 Market Street, Ludlow SY8 1BP
drivers welcome
tel: 01584 877911
Join at: email:
http://www.co-wheels.org.uk/ expensive.mistakes@live.co.uk
shropshire
Local contacts: 01584 875017 website:
www.expensivemistakes.co.uk
4
A challenge for Christians
Radio and TV have many programmes too should be grafted into the
where people express their opinions. possibilities that Jesus had opened up by
Often those considered to be ‘experts’ the cross. In his book on St Paul Tom
and holding positions of responsibility Wright describes Jesus’ earthly ministry
are involved. They always have a lot to as beginning the task of colonizing earth
say but they agree about only two things. with heaven. ‘Our task is to be image
Much is wrong with our world today bearers of Jesus’.
and it’s always someone else’s fault. The fact that the church survived shows
What an opportunity for the church; that Paul had some success. Enough
not in this context to suggest solutions people were attracted to the Christian
– that belongs elsewhere - but to show way of life to want to know more. The
how to endure and make the best of a atmosphere in the church was uplifting
bad situation. Through food banks and enough for some of those on the
charity appeals that is already happening outside to turn their backs on the greed,
and not just in the church. self-centredness and destruction around
Much more can be done. We should be them. They found in the Christian
encouraged by what the New Testament community a sense of belonging and
says. In the world of the first century mutual support with resilience in
we see a society based on violence, adversity. Through Jesus they found
oppression and fear. The powerful kept values that were eternal and deeply
their position through murder and satisfying. The challenge for us is both
bribery. That was the world Christianity to follow their example and also to be
was born into and learnt to survive in. worthy of being taken seriously by those
around us.
Those who responded to the Apostles’
teaching and became Christians had the
same faults as everyone else with an
important difference. They believed that
through divine Grace they could change.
In Rome there was not just one church
to which they all belonged. There were
lots of small house churches all fiercely
independent. Each a gathering place for
those united by country of origin, wealth
or occupation. St Paul urged those
churches to be of one mind and to work
together. His vision was for there to be
a worldwide spiritual unity. On his
travels he always went to the Jews of a
city first because his aim was that they Photo by Quang Nguyen
Vinh from Pexels
5
6
Just two minutes
Schoolgirls in 1918 were warned that Stands to Attention. From the Indian
they might never be married. So many jungles to Alaska, on the trains, on the
prospective husbands had been killed in ships at sea, in every part of the globe
World War 1, that their chances could where a few British were gathered
be slim. It’s hard for us to imagine the together, the Two-Minute pause was
slaughter. observed.’
The total number of The Great War was said
both civilian and to be ‘the war to end all
military casualties is wars’. But it wasn’t.
estimated at around 37 About three per cent of
million people, ending the world population
only when the were to die in World
Armistice took effect War 2. Today’s 11
on the eleventh hour of November
the eleventh day of the commemoration,
eleventh month in repeated on the nearest
1918. Sunday, now
The idea of a ‘Two incorporates all wars.
Minute Silence’ originated in South The Royal British Legion describes the
Africa. The first minute was to be a time Act of Remembrance as a deeply
of thanksgiving for those who had personal act available to everyone,
returned alive, and the second minute acknowledging the service and sacrifice
was to remember the fallen. It was of the Armed Forces and their families,
taken up by King George V, who wrote, across all conflicts.
‘It is my desire and hope that at the In keeping the Two Minute Silence, many
hour when the Armistice came into will long for the day when, in the words
force, there may be for the brief space of the prophet Isaiah, ‘They shall not
of two minutes a complete suspension hurt nor destroy in all my holy
of all our normal activities.’ mountain: for the earth shall be full of
It had an immediate impact. An the knowledge of the Lord, as the
observer wrote, “The whole World waters cover the sea.’
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 14 NOVEMBER
Ludlow’s Civic Service for Remembrance Sunday will begin at the Peace Memorial
in Castle Square. The public is invited to gather from 10.40am. After a parade from
the Castle the service will begin at 10.50am with a two-minute silence at 11am
followed by wreath laying at the memorial and a church service at St Laurence’s
starting at approximately 11.15am.
7
Proud to have built The Shop at St Laurence’s
8
MARIAN HASLAM RIP
Her radiant smile said it all. Her eyes
shone and those who met with Marian
felt the better for it. Even in her last
weeks as she faced death with such
courage and a sense of wonder for what
lay ahead she remained concerned for
others. Her life and faith were of a
piece. In so many ways she led a life of
loving service – nurse, probation officer,
churchwarden, Shropshire Historic
Churches Trust, church dusting and a
welcoming hostess to her home with
John. back after thirty years of remission. She
There was a graciousness and dignity in never complained or burdened others.
all she did. Her marriage to John She was determined to make eighty and
brought their two families together and her last wish was to paddle in the sea at
what delight she took in the children Aberdovey. She just made it. Ludlow –
and grandchildren which was reflected especially Mill Street - is poorer for her
in the tributes and joy of her funeral passing and we mourn with John and the
service. family but she stays with us as an
example of Christian witness and care
Marian had a tough time in that last year who selflessly enriched our lives.
of treatment for the cancer which came
Michael Day
9
10
rock lane old Baptist church
Although Baptists were meeting record a membership of 38.
somewhere in Ludlow as early as 1812, With the pending development of
almost nothing is known of the further housing around the church, in
community before the building of the 1944 its members felt that a settled
chapel in Rock Lane. All that now pastorate was necessary. A permanent
remains of it, the commemorative stone minister was appointed and a church
that was set over the main entrance to manse purchased in Gravel Hill.
the old chapel bearing the inscription
‘Ebenezer 1868’ can now be found in As the neighbourhood became more
the sanctuary of the present church in densely populated during the 1970s and
nearby Sandford Road, as it awaits 80s, the old chapel building became
inclusion in a new porch entrance at more and more a target for local
some future date. vandals. As its problems increased,
however, a new
The earliest mention of opportunity came
the chapel is of a forward to the
‘Record of Belief’ of the congregation through
Church based on Baptist the former South
principles and dated 24 Shropshire District
June 1874 with the Council which, as part of
signatures of 18 an emphasis for change
members. on the then depressed
In 1877 the premises were transferred estate surrounding the old church, asked
from the ownership of the incumbent the membership to consider being
minister to a board of trustees carrying incorporated into a new community
out the wishes of the church's principal centre building (and its work) that they
beneficiary, a Mrs Ann Bennet, to place were considering for the Sandpits estate.
the chapel in trust for ‘the use of Initial building and contractual problems
Christians in public worship’ who held caused some delay and due to continued
the belief in adult baptism by immersion. vandalism and safety concerns the old
On 16 June 1880 a foundation stone building was boarded up and abandoned
was laid for a new adjacent schoolroom for worship. The small but growing
to accommodate 100 scholars. The day membership used a local school for
started at 6.30am with an hour’s prayer worship until moving into their new and
meeting and included convert baptism present sanctuary, at the combined
services and a public tea. Speakers came centre, in October 1994. The old chapel
from as far afield as Chester. was demolished and the site handed
In 1937 the Sandpits housing estate over to the council in December 1994.
began to be developed around the It is now occupied by 'The Codfather'
church and a further schoolroom was fish and chip shop.
added. By 1938 the church was able to Nick Ford
11
12
Harvest home
Much of the produce on display in St
Laurence’s for Harvest Festival was
passed on to the Ludlow Food Bank
and Hands Together Ludlow.
According to its latest quarterly
report the Food Bank is still giving
out parcels to feed more people than
St Laurence’s before the Covid-19 pandemic began,
flower arrangers demonstrated 94 people a month so far in 2021 just
what a talented group they are at a little down from the 2020 average
Harvest Festival this year. of 100 people.
None of them has any floristry
training - they just enjoy flowers. If The parcels are now more extensive
you would like to join them call thanks to generous donations and
Sue on 01584 872292. grants. Each parcel now includes £25
worth of vouchers to spend in local
independent butchers, greengrocers
and bakers which give people more
choice and the dignity to choose what
they like.
There are also homecooked frozen
ready meals, prepared by two of the
regular Food Bank volunteers
working with Di from Hands Together
Ludlow.
Any keen cooks who would like to
help with this should
call 07896 706189
or
email foodparcelsatlbc@gmail.com.
13
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
14
INTRODUCING ...
Please tell us about What was your first
yourself. impression of the
My name is Octavia Shaw. I church?
grew up on the west coast The calm, serene
of Scotland, near Oban atmosphere. I have always
(well, 40 minutes’ drive been interested in history,
away but for us that’s near). especially the Tudors, and I
I did a cooking course at read a lot of historical
Leiths Cookery School in novels. Since I started at
my gap year and my school the Shop I have enjoyed
holidays and university learning more about the
vacations were spent as an à la carte Wars of the Roses.
chef in restaurant kitchens so after How do you like to spend your
completing my MA in Divinity at spare time?
Aberdeen I went to Switzerland to
work as a five-star chalet manager and Skiing, Covid and time permitting.
Walking especially in the hills with my
chef – and to ski. Back in the UK I
worked in the property industry in dog. I do miss foreign travel - I love
London for a few years then started visiting different countries. We were
actually about to move to Switzerland
teacher training which I had to give up
because my first daughter was on her when Covid struck but I’m so grateful
now that we didn’t go.
way. Soon afterwards we moved to
Shropshire and we have lived in Which is your most memorable
Knowbury since 2013. holiday experience?
What brought you to Shropshire? Four months backpacking with James in
We were thinking about moving out of South America. We travelled the length
of the continent – from Punta Arenas,
London when we visited friends in
Great Whitley and fell in love with the via the Amazon and Cuzco sacred valley
countryside. Luckily James was able to to Central America.
work from his firm’s Birmingham office, What might we be surprised to
know about you?
And to St Laurence's?
After eight years at home managing our My grandfather, Douglas Service, was
holiday let and looking after our two one of the subjects of a book about
girls I was ready for something else, ‘Great Eccentrics of the Twentieth
Century’ while James’ great great great
outside the home. Now I work in the
Shop two days a week and I love it. I grandfather, William Buckland, features in
Fergus Butler-Gallie’s Field Guide to the
enjoy chatting to customers and I’ve
met lots of new people. I’m really English Clergy.
excited about the new coffee shop and I Editor’s note: Ian Barge has drawn inspiration for
have volunteered to train as a barista. several amusing pieces in the Ludlow Tower from
the Field Guide which is on sale in the Shop.
15
16
HELP A Quiet Space in
Advent
St Laurence’s needs you!!
At the Mediaeval Bazaar The lead-up to Christmas can be busy
and frantic but there will be an
on Saturday 27 November opportunity on Fridays through Advent
on the refreshments stall to stop for half an hour to be
Two-hour slots during the day quiet and still.
If you can help please contact All are warmly welcomed to join us in
St Catherine’s Chapel at noon on
Val Hardwick
Friday 3, 10 and 17 December for a
email: hardwick@sparchford.com or time of silent reflection.
01584 861658
LIVING NATIVITY
Tuesday 14 December
6pm in the Market Square
(In St Laurence's Church if wet)
CHRISTIAN AID Ludlow
Christian Aid’s annual street collection Rotary
will be held on Saturday 18 December Club
with volunteers from St Laurence’s
collecting between 1pm and 3pm. The 2021 Tree of Light in Castle
Do please join us for the Gardens will be switched on by Deputy
traditional carol-singing Mayor Viv Parry immediately after the
around the Buttercross main switch-on at 5.00pm on Saturday
on the same day November 27 by Mayor Robin Pote.
between 11am and Many thanks to Ludlow Town Council
12noon. for their continued support
If you can help call Claire For further details please email
on 01584 877199 treeoflight@ludlowrotaryclub.org.uk
17
18
Operation Warm Welcome
We were all appalled in the summer by responded instantly. The plight of the
images of terrified people struggling to Afghans has been keenly felt in this
get through the gates of Kabul airport country, partly no doubt because of the
and onto flights out of Afghanistan to link with the British Army – these
escape the Taliban. Many of you people helped ‘our boys’ when they
responded to the plight of the Afghan were living and working under difficult
refugees arriving virtually empty-handed circumstances thousands of miles from
in the UK and did what you could to home. The result was a tsunami of
provide them with the warm welcome donations peaking over a Bank Holiday
promised by the government. Local weekend and storage facilities were
agencies and individuals working to overwhelmed.
support the new arrivals were soon Nicola advised those of us feeling
overwhelmed by your generous powerless to help to hold on to our
donations, forcing them to halt the flow. donations. She suggested items which
One such would be especially welcome, reminding
volunteer is us that styles in Afghanistan are very
Nicola North, different from the UK, that there is no
pictured here by culture of ‘charity shops’ or second-hand
a shed clothes and that it is important to allow
overflowing with people the dignity to make choices and
bags of to dress in a way that gives them self-
donations yet to confidence and hope.
be sorted. For women: warm, long-sleeved,
Nicola has been conservative dark-coloured clothing;
involved in long dark skirts and dresses; new tights,
supporting socks, comfortable flat or small-heeled
refugees here and abroad since 2015. In court shoes; cosmetics (suitable for a
the past she has worked in Calais and darker skin tone), sanitary products (not
the Greek islands as well as helping Tampax or Dr Whites) deodorant, (dark)
Syrians who were settled in Shropshire hair dye, nail clippers/scissors
and the Wirral. For men: more traditional Muslim
Nicola reports that only a few of the dress in medium and small sizes; shoes
recent Afghan refugees have come to (size 42-44); jackets, suits, blazers; shirts,
Shropshire and none to Ludlow. She fleeces, jeans chinos; belts.
attributes this to the lack here of either For children: clothing for ages 8 up,
suitable housing or a Job Centre. The especially boys trousers; football tops;
situation this time is different from past avoid clothing with slogans especially if
cases, such as Syrians coming from they are cheeky or ‘cute’.
camps in Libya. The crisis developed To contact Nicola call 01584 878528 or
quickly and unexpectedly and the public
email nicjnorth@aol.com.
19
SUNDAY SERVICES in Ludlow
All arrangements are subject to change depending on
the current regulations, guidance and risk assessments
Anglican Ludlow Baptist Church
St Laurence, College Street 10.30am Sunday worship on Zoom
8.30am Holy Communion (BCP) Contact
church@ludlowbaptistchurch.org.uk
10am Parish Eucharist
For livestream/recording - link at
https://stlaurences.org.uk/live-stream Ludlow Elim
11.30am Choral Matins 10.30am Service at Elim - please book
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 (10am) Ludlow Methodist Church
Contact 10.30am Sunday worship
office@stlaurences.org.uk Contact
01584 872073 ludlowmethodist@outlook.com
St John, Gravel Hill
9.45am 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays Ludlow Quakers
10.30am Meeting for worship
Holy Communion
2nd & 4th Sundays Contact
Cynthia Prior 01584 831855
Private prayer until 12 noon
5th Sun Joint benefice service St Peter's Roman Catholic Church
with St Laurence’s (9.45am) Resuming normal services
Contact Mass 11.00am Sunday
lawrence.gittins@stlaurences.org.uk 9.30pm Monday-Friday
07786 625565 6.00pm Saturday (Sunday Vigil )
Morning prayer
St Giles, Ludford 9.15am Monday-Friday
11.15am Sunday services 9.45am Saturday
Contact Contact
ashfordspa@outlook.com st.peters.ludlow@talktalk.net
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.
23
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.
24
WHAT’S ON AT ST LAURENCE’S IN NOVEMBER
UPDATE Monday 1 3.00pm
Open tea
Most services at St Laurence’s have
returned broadly to their pre-pandemic Tuesday 2
formats, although congregational singing Solemn Requiem Mass 7.00pm
is limited and we continue to encourage for All Souls (with incense)
the congregation to wear masks and Saturday 6 7.00pm
practise social distancing as they feel Cory Band concert
appropriate.
Sunday 7
We are hoping to hold all the usual Choral Evensong 3.30pm
Christmas services, starting this month
with the Advent Carol Service and Thursday 11 10.45am
including Carols in the Castle (on 22 Service of Remembrance in
December), Nine Lessons and Carols St Leonard’s churchyard
(23 December), Christingle and Sunday 14 Remembrance Sunday
Midnight Mass (24 December) and an Holy Communion BCP 8.30am
All-Age Eucharist on Christmas Day. Said Eucharist 9.30am
Seating will be limited but tickets will Civic Service 11.15am
not be required. Preacher - Ven Fiona Gibson
All arrangements continue to be subject Archdeacon of Ludlow
to change at short notice in the event Saturday 20 7.30pm
of any change in government or CofE Ludlow orchestra
advice in relation to Covid-19. You can Mozart, Weber, Beethoven
find the latest position on social media
or on the St Laurence’s website. Sunday 21
Choral Matins 11.30am
Celtic Prayer 6.00pm
Thursday 25
Monthly prayer meeting 10.30am
Friday 26
Mediaeval Bazaar 5pm-9pm
www.stlaurences.org.u
Saturday 27
Mediaeval Bazaar 10am-6pm
FROM THE Sunday 28 7.00pm
REGISTERS Advent Carol Service
FUNERAL
24 September Robert John Jones
25
26
All you who pass this way,
look and see
The philosopher Wittgenstein advised In his early years in Crete El Greco
people visiting an art gallery or trained as an icon painter, and that is
exhibition: never try to rush through all much in evidence in this half-length
the paintings on show, but instead figure of Christ looking out at us, right
choose just one painting. Sit in front of hand raised to bless us and this world,
it for twenty minutes. Then get up and while the left holds that same world in
leave the gallery. It is difficult advice to His care. We see in the eyes an inner
follow because we feel we want our strength, but also the poignant sadness
money’s worth from an of longing. This is a Saviour
exhibition and we feel who has come through
overawed by the number of suffering and death to bring
paintings and the pressure of us new life.
the crowd so we go quickly As we look and see, we find
from one canvas to the next. here a Christ-calmed
Rushing around a gallery is steadiness amid the spinning
part and parcel of the way we world of rush and busyness.
meet each day. We rush out The nearer we draw to this
of habit, and we rush because Jesus, the slower we find
everyone else is rushing. Our ourselves spinning. The
world seems set in the fast El Greco, Public domain, duties and responsibilities that
lane. via Wikimedia demand so much from us take
If we want to take Wittgenstein’s advice their place in the wider perspective of
seriously and find ourselves in the the Saviour’s grace and love. Then we
National Gallery in Edinburgh, we could can begin to experience that peace
do no better than sit in front of this which the world cannot offer, but which
painting: El Greco’s ‘The Saviour.’ El Christ can bring.
Greco was born in 1541 in Crete, The first step is to stop and look. The
travelling to Venice, Rome and finally to Curé d’Ars, a parish priest in France in
Toledo in Spain where he died in 1614. the early 19 century, noticed an old
th
His art is a fusion of eastern and man who sat at the back of his church
western traditions, given extra fervour every day. He didn’t seem to be doing
by the Counter-Reformation and anything, just sitting looking towards the
resulting in a unique style of painting. Blessed Sacrament on the High Altar.
His canvases are peopled by elongated Eventually the priest became suspicious.
figures who seem always to be straining He asked what he was doing. ‘I’m
upwards, just as the Counter- praying,’ came the reply.’ ‘Yes, but what
Reformation was exhorting the faithful exactly is it you do?’ enquired the priest.
to set their sights on heaven as they ‘Well, I look at Him and He looks at me.’
journeyed through life. Rev Michael Burgess
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books for CHRISTMAS PRESENTS
Mima Lord has been scanning the shelves
in the Shop at St Laurence’s for the perfect
Christmas presents for children.
This month there are two particularly
lovely Christmas books in the church
shop just right for your children (or
grandchildren). Both sell at just £7.99.
The first is a beautiful board book for
younger children – The Christmas Story.
The perfect way to bring the classic
story to life, this book is packed with
colourful illustrations and engaging text For slightly older children – and for you
for you to read to a child. They will love – there’s a republishing of Graham
pointing out details in the pictures of Oakley’s beautifully illustrated classic
Nazareth and Bethlehem, naming all the The Church Mice at Christmas to curl up
animals and even opening the doors of with. The Church Mice stories focus on
the stable where the baby Jesus was the adventures of a hapless group of
born. church mice who live in an old Gothic
church in the fictional town of
Wortlethorpe, England, along with their
guardian, Sampson the cat. In this
adventure, after a series of failed
attempts to raise money for a Christmas
party, two of the mice, Arthur and
Humphrey, and Sampson decide to raise
the other mice’s spirits by dressing up as
Father Christmas and his reindeer. Little
do they know that their actions will lead
to the capture of a burglar and a reward
hamper filled with everything the mice
could ever dream of!
Family tree satisfaction. She turned to a second
woman, who was new to the club, and
At a drinks party at a wealthy golf club, asked, “What about you dear? Can you
the conversation turned to the subject go back very far?”
of ancestry. “Of course, we trace our “Not very far,” came the reply. “You see,
family back to coming over with William all the early family records were lost in
the Conqueror,” observed one lady with the Flood.”
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EMERGING church PCC meeting
of England MONDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
When the newly-elected General Eight members of the PCC attended.
Synod meets this month it will discuss
the first report to emerge from the Summary of main points
Emerging Church of England initiative, Resolutions: to instal two more
This programme of work was launched swift boxes in tower; to authorise
before the coronavirus pandemic but Openreach work in Church Walk; to
has adapted to changing circumstances. approve Benefice Mission Action
It aims to help leaders in every diocese Plan; to require donation to
to discern the shape, life and activity of churchyard maintenance budget
the Church of England in the 2020s. when reserving Garden of
There are four working groups: Remembrance plot; to approve
The Recovery Group looking at the coffee shop concession agreement
response to changing government Finance: stable; Parish Offer
advice on church buildings and payments on track; visitor numbers
services, support for churches and visitor giving improving; shop
making increased use of digital income good; tower visits still
resources, the Church’s response to limited by Covid-19 restrictions
social need and the wellbeing of Discussions: PCC responsibility for
church and communities. St Leonard’s churchyard); delayed
The Vision and Strategy Group completion of St Leonard’s Arch
looking at how best to use available repair; proposal for flower festival in
resources, abilities and time to July 2022; PCC meeting frequency
decide priorities Sub-committees: reports received
The Governance Group reviewing from National Lottery Heritage Fund
the effectiveness of the national group and Arts@StLaurences
governance structures and functions
of the Church of England Date of next meeting:
The Transforming Effectiveness Monday 15 November
Group focusing on the practical
ways the Church is organised and A copy of the latest set of confirmed
gets things done - what should PCC minutes is available on the
continue as is, what should be noticeboard in church. All previous
changed, and what should just stop. minutes can be viewed in the church
The Governance Group chief office, by arrangement.
recommendation of the report is to
reduce the number of the national
governance entities by merging the
oversight of most of the Church’s
national activities into a single body.
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’tis the season to .. buy your cards
The Shop at St Laurence is delighted to
announce that our Christmas cards are
now in stock and already proving very
popular. As last year, we are offering a
fabulous selection of charity cards, with
a percentage of each sale going to the
chosen charity.
However, our main focus is to raise as
much as possible for St Laurence; just as
with every other item in the shop, 20%
of the purchase price of all cards sold, … Briggs has used a little artistic licence
whether in packs or singly, goes to the in his beautiful paintings to produce
church. lovely images of our stunning church, on
We also have our very cards raising funds for Just Rifles, as well
own St Laurence as St Laurence.
Christmas cards, with Initial reactions to our range of cards
images taken from the has been extremely favourable. Despite
Weyman window the complications of Covid the new
(which you can see in arrangements for Christmas card sales
the shop area in the introduced last year raised substantially
southwest corner) and more money for the church, all of which
the icon of St Laurence goes to straight to the Rector’s
which was written Discretionary Fund which is dedicated
especially for us (in the exclusively to supporting the local
northwest corner). community.
These cards are again raising funds for
Hope House and Severn Hospice, local
charities which were very pleased to
receive substantial payments after last
Christmas. We hope to increase that
this year with our new cards, including
our jaunty drawing of Father Christmas
over the tower!
The Shop at St Laurence
Mobile: 07833 866485
www.theshopatstlaurence.co.uk
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When someone you loved is dead
Tony Horsfall lost his wife last year to cancer. He is a former missionary in East Malaysia
and former retreat leader based in West Yorkshire. This is part one of a two-part series.
Since my wife passed away in July 2020, I 5. That your experience of grief and
have often been asked, ‘What are you your response to loss is unique and
learning from your grief journey?’ Here personal, so don’t compare your
are a few standout lessons: journey to that of others.
1. That grief takes longer than you 6. That good friends can make the
think to work itself through, and it journey so much easier. Be prepared
can’t be rushed. It is a journey you to ask for help.
must take slowly. 7. That you will be ambushed by grief.
2. That when you lose your spouse, Some things will take you by
you lose not only the person you surprise, especially the little things.
loved, but the person who loved you. 8. That the loss of a spouse will leave
This second loss leaves a hole in you feeling very lonely, even when
your heart, making you very you are surrounded by family and
vulnerable to new relationships. friends. This is not a weakness, just a
3. That you will need to re-discover sign of what you have lost.
your identity as God’s deeply loved 9. That loneliness is not a mental
child in this season of your life, as if illness, just a natural response to
you had never known it before. being bereaved, and it will get better.
4. That God can be trusted to help you 10. That moving forward is not a sign
rebuild your life, but trust may not that you didn’t care, but that there is
come easily. It is better to focus on still a life to be lived and not wasted.
God’s trustworthiness than on your
ability to trust, which may be shaky. Tony Horsfall
A grain of sand at a time
As we start to move towards In the morning, there are hundreds of
Christmas, do you feel tasks we feel we must accomplish
overwhelmed with all the things that day. But unless we take them
that you think you need to get one at a time letting them pass
done? Then think of your life as through the day slowly and evenly,
an hourglass. There are thousands as do the grains of sand passing
of grains of sand in the top of the through the narrow neck of the
hourglass; and they all pass slowly hourglass we are bound to break
and evenly through the narrow our own fragile physical and
neck in the middle. mental structure. Do not attempt
We are like that hourglass. more than God designed you to do.
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NEWS FROM LUDLOW Palmers
A new Palmers’ Christmas card is now Planning is under way for our joint
on sale (see details below). I hope it will Christmas Celebration and Reception,
prove, as in previous years, an attractive with the Ludlow Civic Society, at 6p.00m
way of helping to support the on Wednesday 15 December in St
Conservation Trust. for St Laurence’s. Laurence’s. Please save this date and
The Trust has agreed to make a grant to join us then.
the PCC to enable further roof repairs Do join us, also, for November’s
to ensure a water-tight Christmas in the Thursday afternoon talk by Bernard
th
church, in the short term, and to avoid O’Connor (on the 18 at 4.00pm).
the need for more expensive Come and hear about the Clee Hills’
conservation work on the roof timbers record as the site of more air crashes
in the future. than any other highland area of Britain
We have also agreed, in principle, to help and how, in wartime, experienced
support local funding (by grants towards automobile engineers shadowed aircraft
specific costed works in due course) in engineers, to learn their skills and
connection with the National Lottery increase the national aircraft
Heritage fund bid being prepared by the manufacturing capacity, at a factory at
PCC. Diddlebury.
Ian Marshall
This view of St Laurence’s famous tower may be
unfamiliar to some (the photograph is taken from
Tinker’s Hill on the Steventon Road) but it bears all of
the hallmarks of one of Ludlow’s best known
photographers, Gareth Thomas, and is the Ludlow
Palmers choice for this year’s Christmas card.
The cards are available to buy from The Shop at St
Laurence and at Castle Bookshop at a cost of £5 per
pack of five. But we are offering Palmers a discount –
for orders placed and paid for by 10 November.
Palmers advance order rate: £4 • Return to:
To place your order, to be paid for by 10 CTSLL Xmas cards,
November please: 2 College Street, Ludlow SY8 1AN.
• Indicate the number of packs required If you would like us to post the cards to
you please add £2.50 for post and
• Enclose a cheque made payable to packing.
CTSLL
• Give your name, address, telephone
and email address
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Celtic Prayer
An Evening Liturgy
St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow
Join us for Third Sunday of the month
evening compline 6pm
via Zoom A simple service in a style
used by the Iona Community
An ancient and beautiful way to close
All welcome
out the day with God and each other. Call Pat Helm 01584 877683
Open to all Helen Blyth 01584 875041
Sundays 10pm for approx 20 minutes for more information
For Zoom details email: Sunday 21 November
wayne.davies@hereford.anglican.org
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40
More frightening than bishops ...
The Revd Dr Gary Bowness continues his A colleague offended his own ladies and
tongue-in-cheek letters from ‘Uncle arrived to find that the contents of the
Eustace’… safe had been removed and replaced
The Rectory with those exotic pieces of equipment
St James the Least of All that seem to be indispensable for
arranging flowers. He was obliged to
My dear Nephew Darren administer Communion using a small
vase until peace was re-established and
You really should not worry about his chalice returned to him.
having reversed your car into the
bishop’s gatepost, knocking it over and Similarly, organists are a delicate breed.
destroying his rose-beds. It gives him an Congratulate him on the anthem, and if
opportunity to exercise Christian it happened to be unaccompanied, he
forgiveness. Your real mistake was would assume you were implying that
scribbling a note of apology and pushing the services were better without his
it through his letterbox. Far better playing. Offend your organist and you
would have been to have sent an can be guaranteed that hymns will be
anonymous letter (and to have written it played at either half or double speed,
on lined notepaper in capital letters, stopping one verse short and that the
preferably in green ink, to make it look final piece of music as you process out
truly authentic) saying that you had seen will stop, leaving you and the choir
the archdeacon do it, and then you had stranded halfway down the aisle.
watched him drive off without stopping.
That would have taken the minds of the And finally, never, ever upset your verger.
senior clergy away from parish matters One forgotten Christmas present and
for quite some time. you can be sure you will get half-way
through a baptism to find he hasn’t put
No, never worry about the wrath of water in the font; at marriage services,
bishops; dangers lurk much nearer the sheets for last week’s funeral will
home. For a start, never incur the have been accidentally put out and when
displeasure of your flower arrangers. I you sit in your stall you will discover
only crossed their path once – and where he now stores the mop and
arrived in church the following Sunday bucket.
to see a ten-foot-high floral arrangement
at the front of church. I assumed it was No, bishops are warm, fluffy bunnies; real
by way of making amends, until I dangers lurk much nearer home.
discovered it had been placed in front of Your loving uncle,
the pulpit. I was obliged to preach,
hidden behind a large multicoloured Eustace
hedge, while the congregation listened
to what were apparently talking
chrysanthemums.
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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 2 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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