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3 The all-too-common tendency to exaggerate and dramatise may have devalued the expression ‘once in a lifetime’ but we do seem to live in an age of events the likes of which we never have and never will again experience. In general usage it is usually a positive term deployed in a moment of euphoria – the equivalent of ‘best ever’ or ‘unbeatable’. By contrast the genuinely ‘once in a lifetime’ events through which we have lived recently, from the global pandemic and lockdowns to the death of the only monarch the vast majority of us had ever known, have been more sombre, scary even. So we make no apologies for marking a happier ‘once in a lifetime’ occasion this month as we mark the coronation of Charles III on our front cover. Inside we invite all of Ludlow to join us to watch the ceremony together (p9) and on p15 we look at the royal arms of previous King Charleses. We launch a new series (p27) introducing some of the remarkable people whose graves are found in St Leonard’s churchyard, and we bid farewell to our curate (p.7). Lesley Harling (Editor) 01584 318309 This month’s cover: Graphic design: Nicky Luck [email protected] Printing : Signworx Hereford Moreton-on-Lugg, Herefordshire CONTENTS Opinions expressed in contributed articles in this magazine are those of the contributor and do not necessarily represent the position or opinions of the PCC or Editorial Committee. Standing up for our faith 5 Farewell to Lawrence Gittins 7 Coronation Big Screen 9 Diplomats, not citizens 11 Mothering Sunday at St John’s 13 The arms of King Charles 15 Popular health myths debunked 17 From the registers 19 PCC meeting summary - March 19 Lifesavers 19 Sunday services in Ludlow 20 Ludlow local listing - small ads 21 What’s on in May 25 Celtic Prayer, Living Room 26 Grave matters: Robert Lightbody 27 BRACT - Building resilience 29 Ludlow Palmers 31 A voice from a distant cell 33 Arts at St Laurence 34 Calling all dog lovers 35 May bee just bee happy 37 The Fire of Pentecost 38 An equestrian rural dean 39 Children’s page 40 Beware modern choruses 41 Parish directory & copy deadline 42
4 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
5 STANDING UP FOR OUR FAITH Acquiring information is not what it used to be. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are famous for speed of communication, not always for accuracy. Anyone with any sense knows it is wise to check out facts, not to take things at face value. This should apply equally to our faith. We should not believe something just because someone says we should. Would faith be genuine if accepted without question? It's perfectly sensible to ask for supporting evidence, even about things that are more subjective than objective. The Church often seems to struggle, playing into the hands of challenges to our beliefs, often because we cannot say what and why we believe. It is of course unsurprising that we cannot explain everything when we are dealing with mysteries, miracles and God's omnipotence. Some things are simply beyond the scope of human proof. One such is the resurrection of Jesus. We cannot prove it any more than others can disprove it. Nevertheless, I believe we can produce good evidence that it did happen. How could the Church have even survived relying solely on human effort? Yet it has endured two millennia of challenges, internal and external, and continues to grow world-wide. Surely this has to be because its main message for the world is about the love of God, bringing people to know the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and to know his presence, not just as a theological idea, but as a real life experience. Nor should we be tricked into seeing stepping out in faith as the opposite of sound reason. The New Testament tells us that faith is not the opposite of doubt, but of fear. How about the teachings we follow,such as the Sermon on the Mount: has anyone ever improved on it? To paraphrase Sir Winston Churchill, 'If everyone in the world followed these teachings all its problems would be fixed.' Asking questions about important issues in life, and being honest and open to the answers, will make us more confident and clearer when we need to stand up for our faith and for what we believe when challenged. Jesus and the apostles lived and died as they did because of the clarity and confidence with which they spoke about and lived out the love of God. None of us is likely to be martyred for discussing our faith with others. So what's the worry? The world needs more truth and it seems that the tide is turning, with more and more people looking for a deeper meaning to their lives. Those of us who make up the Church need to be ready with the reasons and evidence for believing in Jesus Christ, and why it is so important now for us as individuals and for the wider world in which we live. A post-Easter challenge for everyone! Yours in Christ, Kelvin
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7 FAREWELL TO LAWRENCE Our curate Lawrence Gittins prepares to leave St Laurence’s and St John’s. How does it feel to be moving on? The overwhelming feeling is that the time is right. My time here has been the perfect preparation and now I’m ready to move into my own parish ministry. When I arrived three years ago I felt quite uncertain – I didn’t know what to expect and despite all the discernment and training I didn’t know if I would be any good at ministry. My biggest worry was maybe preaching. I was very aware of the expectations - that I would speak God’s word and speak with an authority which I was not sure I had. It took a while to adjust to how people saw me. Now I understand my role as an enabling one – curating a space in which God can work. What was the greatest challenge? Inevitably, time management, giving people enough time and space. Also, strangely, the music. After years of leading services and singing in the Quindici chamber choir I had to extract myself from the music and take on a different role as an ordained minister’ And of course the pandemic was a difficult time for everyone. And the highlights? Firstly, the many genuine, important and close ministerial relationships forged here. Then, exploring funeral ministry; it is a privilege to walk into people’s lives at such a difficult time and be able to make a difference by offering comfort and professional help. And finally, overhauling and strengthening the pastoral care systems in our churches. And what comes next? I am going to be Priest in Charge of the Tenbury team. It is not far away but it feels like a significant step on the path which began at 5am on 27 November 2015 when I said ‘yes’ to God’s call. Now I’ll be doing what I was called to do. It seems presumptuous but I’ll be leading a team of one stipendiary priest and a number of active retired clergy as well as several lay readers, looking after ten scattered, mainly rural churches. I am really excited to be moving into a new community (moving house for the first time in 26 years) and getting to know lots of new people, as is my wife, Ruth. And Eleri, our youngest, is looking forward to not living out in the sticks. Though we will be going back to the Clun valley on my day off to spend time with our first grandchild, expected at the end of May. I don’t really know what I am walking into. Dealing with the Environment Agency’s plans new flood defences, which may impinge on the churchyard at St Mary’s in Tenbury will be interesting. What will you miss most? The people, who have been so welcoming; the set-piece services which are very special; and the building – it has been a real privilege to come in early on Sundays for the BCP service and be in this space on my own.
108 Join us for Ludlow’s unique MAY FAIR SERVICE Sunday 30 April 11.30am On the dodgems
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11 As we celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee a year ago probably none of us could have imagined how quickly national celebration would turn to national mourning as we marked her funeral so shortly afterwards. I was struck when, in the midst of the period of mourning, we suddenly had a day of proclamation of King Charles and a new King took the throne. At the Coronation this month King Charles III will be crowned very publicly with great pomp and ceremony. As a nation we seem to excel at these state occasions, moments of national pride and celebration. And the Church of England and faith are at their heart. As Christians it is right and proper that we should pay respect to those who rule over us while remembering that we belong to another Kingdom and our ultimate allegiance is to another King. In Jesus’ trial before Pilate we see this tension between the kingdoms of our world and the Kingdom of God in stark contrast. When asked specifically whether he is a King, Jesus makes the point to Pilate that his is not an earthly political kingdom but instead he is the King over and above all earthly realms and kingdoms. We no longer believe in the divine right of kings to rule over us but as people of faith we recognise that we follow an eternal King who will one day return to rule over our whole world. The New Testament writers recognised this. Paul in his letters reminds us that as people of faith we are ambassadors of Jesus’ Kingdom. Ambassadors are not citizens of the country in which they live but representatives of another kingdom. In that sense our churches are embassies of the Kingdom of Heaven and we are its diplomats, pointing others to our kingdom and its values. Writing to the early church Peter tells us that we are strangers and foreigners in this world because we have become citizens of another country. I particularly like the way the Message puts it: ‘Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves too comfortable in it. Don’t indulge yourself at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life in your neighbourhood so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they will be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when Jesus arrives.’ 1 Peter 2:11-12 As Christians we are called to a life of service and this will be mirrored in the Coronation, as the King not only promises to rule his earthly nation but submits himself to the values of God’s Kingdom. We too are called to joyfully serve our communities and one another. My prayer is that through the words of the Coronation service we might all be reminded to commit ourselves in Christian service to Jesus and to each another. We are reminded too that at Jesus’ name every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Him as lord. Derek Chidzey Archdeacon of Hereford DIPLOMATS, not citizenS
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13 Mothering Sunday at St John’s This year Mothering Sunday was celebrated with an informal ‘café communion’ service, designed to be accessible for people of all ages. We were blessed with nearly 40 people who attended on the day, ranging in age from one to over 90 years old. Everyone who came reported that they really enjoyed the service which included opportunities to make flowers, to act out the gospel with simple puppets, well known songs and an opportunity to pray creatively. Communion was distributed to each table group in a way that was informal but spiritually moving. Following the success of this service we are planning something very similar to mark the King’s Coronation on Sunday 7 May at 10.00am. Time change Please note that Sunday morning services at St John’s now start at 10am.
R I B A Trevor Hewett A R C H I T E C T ▪ Planning applications ▪ ▪ Listed building consent ▪ ▪ Building regulations ▪ ▪ Alterations and extensions ▪ ▪ Church inspections ▪ ▪ Green building ▪ The Architecture Studio 135 Corve Street Ludlow SY8 2PG Tel: 01584 877992 5 The Angel, Broad Street, Ludlow, Sy8 2PG
15 The arms of King Charles A painting depicting the arms of King Charles II hangs in the north aisle of St Laurence’s. It is dated 1674 and in the lower right hand corner a monogram of the letters T and F can be seen, presumably the artist's signature. When Henry VIII declared himself the head of the Church in England, it became customary to display the royal arms as a symbol of the sovereign's rulership of both Church and State. Commonly they were originally hung on the rood screen in place of the crucifix that formerly hung there. In 1660 an Act of Parliament ordered that all royal arms in churches that had been overpainted with the arms of Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth, which had temporarily abolished the monarchy, should be replaced. Ludlow had always been a strongly Royalist town during the Civil Wars, and it is recorded that the Royal Arms (of the then king, Charles I) were first painted and displayed here in 1628. These were ‘washt out’, as required by law, in the Commonwealth period and possibly overpainted with the arms of the Commonwealth. In 1660 a payment was made for ‘new lyming’ the arms, that is obliterating what was on the board with limewash for re-painting. In 1667 colours and gold leaf was purchased but it was not until 1674 that the work was finished. Ludlow suffered badly during the Civil Wars, particularly during the siege of 1646, and it took the town some years to recover economically — so it is not surprising that this show of loyalty to the Crown was not completed until 14 years after the monarchy was restored. It has been conjectured that the arms we see today might be a reworking of the original arms of Charles I which were almost identical. There is no evidence of this but an X-ray examination of the painting, to see what is underneath, would reveal the truth. What is particularly unusual about the painting is that it shows the sovereign's helm in silver, and not all in gold, as became the rule from the time of Elizabeth I's accession in 1558. James Caird Charles I Charles II Charles III
16 LUDLOW CAR SHARE Join at: http://www.co-wheels.org.uk/ shropshire Local contacts: 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 Garden maintenance Michael Doyle Plantsman Over 30 years’ experience 07855 930641 [email protected]
17 popular health myths debunked Some of the most commonly repeated maxims about how to stay fit and healthy turn out to be based more on marketing than on science. Walk 10,000 steps a day This mantra has been popular for years, and even been adopted by the World Health Organisation. But 10,000 is an arbitrary figure dreamt up by the Japanese company, Yamasa, to promote the world’s first step counter, before the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. But recent studies have found that a daily target of just 6,000 and 8,000 steps may be fine. And even if you take far fewer, just adding an extra 500 steps a day will bring significant health benefits. Research does suggest it is not a great idea to take less than 5,000 steps a day. Five a day: This encouragement to eat daily fruit and veg came from the UK government in the late 1980s and may be the bestknown piece of public health advice. But recent studies suggest five a day is unlikely to be enough. Scientists at Imperial College London suggest it is more like 7 -10 helpings a day, to get all the nutrients and fibre you need. One scientist at the University of Leeds advocates a push for people to make dietary fibre, rather than processed foods, the majority of their daily diet. You need eight hours’ sleep: This idea goes back to Victorian times! During the industrial revolution, it was thought that the best daily regime was eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, and eight hours rest. But in fact, modern studies have found that the amount of sleep you need is highly individualised. Some people get along fine on less than six hours, while others need ten hours. Two litres of water a day: For decades, we have been told to drink two litres of water a day, or about eight glasses. But fluid requirements vary, depending on exercise, weather, climate and age. You may need as many as six, or as few as one. In any case much of your water comes from the food you eat. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day: This advice first emerged in the 1920s, when cereal companies were running marketing campaigns to get people to eat their products for breakfast. But nutritionists point out that breakfast is only good for you if you eat the right kind of foods. Highly processed foods and a high sugar content are likely to do you more harm than good. 2,000 calories a day: The NHS recommends a daily calorie intake of 2,000 calories a day for women and 2,500 for men. But your actual calorie needs depend on your age, gender, height, weight and physical activity levels. Some of us need to eat much less, and some of us need to eat more.
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19 PCC update MEETING 6 MARCH 2023 9 members of the PCC attended Resolutions: to authorise churchwardens to seek retrospective PCC approval of minor amendments to inventory; to approve latest amendments to licence for LTC CCTV relay on church tower; to seek permission for permanent disposal of redundant nave altar rails; to approve procedure for handling safeguarding complaints; to approve Terms of Reference for Auction of Promises Working Group Finance: situation stable Policies: reviewed Health & Safety Decisions: Stephen House project; Winter Festival 2023; updated job description for Director of Finance and Strategy; Reports: received from Church Wardens, Electoral Roll Officer, Safeguarding Officer, Arts, Liturgy, Outward Concern, and Pastoral Committees, Auction of Promises Working Group Date of next meeting: Monday 5 June 2023 (provisional) A copy of the latest confirmed PCC minutes is available on the noticeboard above the pigeonholes at the back of the church. All confirmed minutes can be viewed in the parish office. FROM THE REGISTERS FUNERALS 12 March Joy Lewis (Garden of Remembrance) 4 April Nathan Alan Hardisty (Wyre Forest crematorium) Revd Wayne Davies hands over a new AED to Church Inn manager, Darren Dixon, on behalf of St Laurence Church Ludlow Defib4You is grateful to the Church Inn and the other 11 sites in Ludlow which have an Automated External Defibrillator on their premises and invites you to its Annual General Meeting to be held at Ludlow Brewery on Wednesday 24 May at 7pm where you can learn more about this local life-saving community scheme. LIFESAVERs
20 Anglican St Laurence, College Street 8.30am Holy Communion (BCP) 10am Parish Eucharist For livestream/recording - link at https://stlaurences.org.uk/live-stream 11.30am Choral Matins 3rd Sunday only 3.30pm The Living Room 2nd Sunday only 3.30pm Choral Evensong 1st Sunday only 6pm Celtic Prayer - evening liturgy 3rd Sunday only 5th Sun Joint benefice service with St John’s Contact [email protected] 01584 872073 St John, Gravel Hill 10am 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays Holy Communion 2nd & 4th Sundays Morning Prayer 5th Sun Joint benefice service with St Laurence’s Contact [email protected] 07786 625565 St Giles, Ludford 11.15am 1st Sunday Family Worship 2nd & 4th Sundays CW Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Lay-led Worship Contact [email protected] Ludlow Baptist Church 10.30am Sunday worship Contact c [email protected] Ludlow Elim 10.30am Service at Elim 11.30am Online. Contact www.ludlowelim.com 07791 483284 [email protected] Ludlow Methodist Church 10.30am Sunday worship Contact [email protected] Ludlow Quakers 10.30am Meeting for worship Contact Cynthia Prior 01584 831855 St Peter's Roman Catholic Church Mass 11.00am Sunday 9.30pm Monday-Friday 6.00pm Saturday (Sunday Vigil ) Morning prayer 9.15am Monday-Friday 9.45am Saturday Contact [email protected] SUNDAY SERVICES in Ludlow
21 You can advertise in this listing for one year (12 issues) for just £30. With 600 copies circulating in Ludlow every month, free of charge, this is an ideal way of publicising your business, shop or service. We also accept advertising from clubs, societies and social groups - perfect for publicising your group’s activities and attracting new members. All entries must fit the standard 4-line box (approximately 40 words). To discuss details or to place an advertisement please contact the parish office on 01584 872073 or email [email protected]. LUDLOW LOCAL LISTING Ludlow Castle Gallery Quality affordable picture framing & original objects. Fast friendly service. Gifts & cards by local artisans. Find us just before the Castle Café or contact on 01584 878527 [email protected] www.ludlowcastlegallery.co.uk Artwork Books & Stationery Castle Bookshop 5 Castle Street Ludlow Booksellers and Stationers Free ordering service 01584 872562 [email protected] Myriad Organics 22 Corve Street 01584 879373 myriad-organics.co.uk Ludlow's widest range of organic produce: fruit & veg, wholefoods, groceries, meat & dairy, vegan & vegetarian, natural cleaning products, bodycare & cosmetics. Waste-free shopping options & refills for cleaning products. Local delivery and our popular organic box scheme. Firenze Catering Jackie Thomas - Catering for all occasions. 07526 212176 / 01584 877190 [email protected] Food If you use the services of any of our advertisers please mention that you found their details in the Ludlow Tower.
22 Fitness and Sport Pearce Cycles Friendly, knowledgeable and experienced - your local bike shop for all your cycling needs. Fishmore Road, Ludlow, SY8 3DP. Tel. 01584 879288; [email protected]; www.pearcecycles.co.uk. Open Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm. Bike sales - repair - hire. Reynolds of Ludlow furniture Wanted by local collector and researcher; any condition considered; will collect. Good prices offered. Tel: 07967 134116. Reynolds Furniture Wanted Frames by Sebastian Bespoke picture framing 6a Pepper Lane Tel: 07815 111554 Picture Framing Matthew Lenthall IT Services Computers, phones and all things technical. Support and maintenance. 12a Corve Street, Ludlow 07828 081163 or 01584 877946 [email protected] IT Services Teme Valley Insurance Brokers For your Home, Car, Business or Farm quote Call Mark or Sue on 01584 290055 [email protected] Insurance Services William Griffin Memorials erected in marble, stone and granite. House name plates – Doorsteps & windowsills. 33A Corve Street, Ludlow SY8 1DL. Tel: (01584) 872893 (01584) 877422 evenings Mobile 07967 126451 Monumental Sculptor
23 Property services and maintenance James Mackenzie Carpentry & Joinery Reliable / High Quality Work. Building Services, Gosford Cottage, Little Hereford, Ludlow SY8 4AR Call 01584 711326 or 07870428948. Email [email protected] Carpentry Cleaning Hydroclean Services [email protected] Carpet & Upholstery cleaning : Leather cleaning : Hard floor cleaning and stone polishing : Gutter cleaning : Fully insured, fast response, reliable and local. Members of the National Carpet Cleaning Association. www.hydrocleanservices.co.uk 01568 630000 Ken Dodd & Son Chimney Sweep Rotary sweep and vacuum-assisted. Cowls/bird guards supplied and fitted. Woodburners serviced and bricks supplied and fitted. Fully insured and certificates issued. Available for weddings. 01584 873178 • 07702 102044 www.kendoddandsonchimneysweep.co.uk Chimneys & Stoves General Maintenance Steve Wilson Painting and Decorating Internal and external work carried out. Please telephone Steve on: 07818 400764 Email address: [email protected] R Aimson Property Services Carpentry, Home Improvement, Painting & Decorating Mobile: 07864 015086 email:[email protected] Property Services
24 ADVERTISING RATES 2021-22 (for 12 issues) Full page - £280 Half page - £170 Quarter page - £90 Eighth page - £55 Classified - £30 Rates for part-year available on request See above for contact details. ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS, CLUB OR SOCIETY HERE Contact the Parish Office on 01584 872073 or [email protected] Dan Pritchard Garden Services Fully insured - reliable - experienced - competitive. Lawn mowing / hedge cutting / tree surgery / pruning / turfing / planting / landscaping. Call Dan on 07779182636. Covers Ludlow and surrounding areas. Gardening Ian Mackay Quick response, local and reliable. No-obligation fixed quotes. Domestic installation and repairs. Landlord & homeowner safety inspections. Condition reports for house sales. Contact Ian Mackay on 07736 303297 or email [email protected] Electrical Marie’s Alterations and Repairs Well-established Ludlow business. We can shorten or alter most items, new or old. Open: 9am- 5pmTuesday to Friday. Now in new premises so contact us for details 01584 318185 07967 447935 [email protected] www.mariesofludlow.co.uk Alterations Send those special greetings to your loved one HERE for just £7.50. To book email [email protected]
25 MAY Monday 1 Open Tea 3.00pm Ludlow Art Society ends 5.00pm Wednesday 3 - Sunday 14 Coronation Display (Lady Chapel) Friday 5 1.00pm Sheldon Singers Concert Saturday 6 Coronation Big Screen Sunday 7 3.30pm Choral Evensong Sunday 14 3.30pm The Living Room Tuesday 16 10.00am Ludlow Piano Festival Schools concert Thursday 18 7.00pm Solemn Eucharist for Ascension Day Saturday 20 9.30am Annual Parish Meeting and Annual Parochial Church Meeting Ludlow Orchestra Concert 7.30pm Sunday 21 Choral Matins 11.30am Conservation Trust for 2.00pm St Laurence’s Annual Meeting Celtic Prayer 6.00pm Wednesday 24 Ludlow Piano Festival 7.30pm Celebrity Concert Thursday 25 Intercessory Prayer Group 10.30am Ludlow Piano Festival 7.45pm Concert - Paul Roberts Friday 26 Ludlow Piano Festival 7.30pm Concert - James Lisney Saturday 27 Ludlow Piano Festival 7.30pm Concert - Charles Owen Ludlow Piano Festival 10.00pm Candlelight Concert Sunday 28 Ludlow Piano Festival 6.30pm Concert - Joanna McGregor MIDWEEK Daily prayer Mondays 9.30am Tuesdays 9.30am Thursdays 9.30am Holy Communion Wednesdays 6.00pm Intercessory Prayers 10.30am Fourth Thursday in month Tower bells practice Mondays 7.30-9.00pm Handbells practice Tuesdays 6.00-7.15pm Choir practice Thursdays 6.00-8.30pm And at st JOHN’S Daily prayer Wednesdays 9.30am Fridays 9.30am Tea and toast Wednesdays 10.00am Holy Communion Wednesdays 11.30am WHAT’S ON AT ST LAURENCE’S For the latest news go to https:// stlaurences.org.uk/google-calendar/
26 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 21 May Sharing food, fun and conversation and breaking bread together Contact [email protected] 14 May 3.30pm
27 Editor’s note: Nick Ford’s new series will be featuring some of the more interesting burials in St Leonard's Churchyard. Robert Lightbody (22 January 1802 – 5 July 1874) was a British amateur geologist and member of the Ludlow Natural History Society. A native of Liverpool, he moved to Ludlow in 1852 at Castle Square House, where he lived until his death. In 1866 he was involved in a legal dispute with one of his neighbours, Chaplin Hodges, whom he accused of attempting to undermine his property using explosives. Robert’s house was a good thirty feet above Hodges', being built at the top of a cliff whereas Hodges' plot sat at its foot. The rock face was in fact a part of the old town walls. The complaint reads: ‘the Defendant without any previous notice or application to the Plaintiff commenced to blast a portion of the said wall of rock at a height of 12 or 15 feet from the level of his own land and at a part of the rock immediately under’. Robert’s principal objection to these proceedings was the threat they posed to his summerhouse, a solid brick construction situated within a foot of the cliff. The following day Robert, accompanied by his solicitor, approached Hodges in his garden at the base of the cliff. He ‘informed him that he the Defendant [Hodges] had no right to interfere with the face of the said rock and requested that he desist at once.’ Despite Hodges having promised thereafter that his workmen would use only pickaxes, later the same day, ‘another blast was fired in the face of the rock immediately under the summerhouse.’ Hodges cannot have been popular with other residents of Castle Square and Upper Linney, and presumably Lightbody won his case as the summerhouse is still standing. Many prominent geologists of the day corresponded with Mr Lightbody and credited him with the discovery of specimens upon which they based their theories. As a member of the Ludlow Natural History Society (the parent foundation of the Ludlow Museum), he was generous with his time, expertise and specimens. Without such dedicated enthusiasts, Ludlow Museum - one of the first of its kind - might not have survived, and our knowledge of the geology of Shropshire, and most particularly of the important Ludlow Beds, would be much less. The Friends of St Leonard's Churchyard need your support: if you would like to adopt a grave in St Leonard's Churchyard to look after, or to fund its upkeep, or to help in some other way, please contact Nick at: [email protected] GRAVE MATTERS - Robert lightbody Robert Lightbody’s grave
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29 BRACT - BUILDING RESILIENCE When we receive callers be they on business, invited friends or unexpected visitors, we invariably offer them a cup of tea, and at hand we have a variety of options - loose, bags, a range of herbals or ‘builders’. As with so much, we take this for granted. It is not so in many parts of the world. In Zimbabwe, many farmers grow a native bush called the resurrection to produce herbal teas. When drought hits, the bush resembles a bunch of dead red twigs, but with watering, if water is available, it springs back to life. Agnes likens this bush to our lives: ‘sometimes life is difficult and at other times it is OK. But during times of difficulty do not lose hope. At any time, life can become good again’. Agnes has survived the hardest of times. When she was breastfeeding her first baby there was severe drought in her region. She struggled to grow food and to care for her son; ‘We went from three meals a day to just one ... it was so painful and affected me a lot’. Agnes did not give up. She joined a Christian Aid BRACT programme (Building Resilience through improving the Absorptive and Adapting Capacity for Transformation of at risk communities in Mutoko and Mudzi districts of Zimbabwe). This programme helps farmers to help each other and to stand strong against the changing climate. With her new expert knowledge, Agnes now grows food and herbs that thrive, even in the driest conditions. She loves playing her part in working in the community garden. Alongside women in her community, she uses a solar-powered pump to water beans and fresh tomatoes to sell. She says that through her gardens. ‘I'm able to farm food so that my family is nourished all the time’. This has uplifted the community and Agnes can now send her child to a better school. (Does that ambition ring a bell with anyone?). She is proud to have built a dignified life for her family. And she looks outward to supporting women who have faced the same struggles such as a neighbour whose husband had died leaving her and her children facing hunger. Thanks to Agnes she too is growing vegetables to feed her family and friends. And they can now anticipate long term change. This is an example of how Christian Aid projects can help small communities to help themselves through supplying essential equipment. We are one global family united by hope. We must never give up but pray and work for a world where we can all live a full life free from poverty. Please remember Christian Aid Week, from 15 to 21 May. There will be a retiring collection at St Laurence’s on Sunday 21 May. Claire Wilcox
30 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.
31 Open tea at st laurence First Monday in the month at 3pm. All welcome. Monday 1 May an amble of discovery A lovely guided walk overWhitcliffe Common taking in some historic aspects, photographic spots and artistic locations on Thursday 4 May Meet at 2pm at the top of Ludford steps and return there at 4pm, approximately a 1 mile stroll with frequent stops and seating on route. A free event organised jointly by the Ludlow Palmers and the Friends of Whitcliffe Common. Donations will be appreciated and shared equally. To reserve your place please contact Roy 07967 134116. PALMERS ANNUAL MEETING - 21 MAY The Conservation Trust for St Laurence Ludlow is holding its annual meeting on Sunday 21 May at 2pm in St John’s Chapel in St Laurence’s. All supporters and friends are invited to join us for the meeting and afterwards for a talk given by Mike Beazley, at about 2.30pm The Palmers' Window and then for tea and cake. You will find a pair of binoculars, or similar, very helpful in appreciating the detail of the window.
32 Ludlow Curtain Company The Stables, Station Drive, Ludlow SY8 2PQ Tel 01584 875533 [email protected] Here for all your soft furnishing needs, from curtains and all types of blinds to cushions, upholstery and curtain poles. Fabrics now available on the roll. LOCAL MAN wishes to buy Antiques, Bric à brac, Collectables and Deceaseds’ Effects Please call 01584 892128 07508 809710 Victoria Allen Funeral Services An Independent Family Business Pre- Paid Funeral Plans Home Visits Always Available 24 Hour Service 01584 879035 Skip Hire, Waste Management & Recycling Tenbury Wells, Ludlow, Leominster, Craven Arms and Proud to be the architect for the Stephen Treasure Memorial Project
33 Many years ago, studying English literature at university, I was intrigued to be introduced to the work of Julian of Norwich. She was writing at the end of the 14th century, when our modern English language was slowly emerging from its origins in Anglo-Saxon and Middle English. Our lecturer was mainly concerned with her importance in the history of the language (she was the first woman, and the first significant writer, to write in English). But I was more intrigued by the ideas she was expressing. Julian was probably born in 1342 or 1343 and died after 1416. She was an anchoress – someone who had committed herself to a life of solitude, giving herself to prayer and fasting. She was sealed into a ‘cell’ attached to the church of St Julian’s, Norwich some time in the 1390s. Her masterpiece, Revelations of Divine Love, reveals a mystic of such depth and insight that today up and down Britain there are hundreds, possibly thousands, of ‘Julian Groups’ who meet regularly to study her writings and try to put them into practice. We honour Julian on 8 May, although despite being held in high regard by many Roman Catholics, her own Church never recognised her as a ‘saint’, probably because she spoke of God as embracing both male and female qualities. Revelations is an account of the visions she received in her tiny room, which thousands of pilgrims visit every year. Her most famous saying, quoted by T S Eliot in one of his poems, is ‘All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.’ These words have brought comfort and strength to many a soul in distress. Canon David Winter a voice from a distant cell Julian of Norwich statue, Norwich Cathedral The perils of poor proof-reading The following genuine headlines found in local newspapers make you wonder if proofreading is a dying art? Man kills self before shooting wife and daughter Something went wrong in plane crash, expert says Panda mating fails; vet takes over Miners refuse to work after death Juvenile court to try shooting defendant War dims hope for peace If strike isn’t settled quickly, it may last a while Cold wave linked to temperatures
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35 The dog in photography: 1839–today Raymond Merritt, Taschen, £20 Stuck for ideas for a present for a dog lover who is interested in art/history/ people? You need look no further than the Shop at St Laurence for this book, produced by the German publishers Taschen who have a reputation for stunning high-quality art books. Billed as a unique history of dogs in photography, its more than 680 pages are packed with over 400 incredible canine portraits. It demonstrates that over time the camera has been a key witness to dogs in all their diversity, character and friendship, from pensive pooch portraits to fourpawed action shots. There are photographs from the world’s greatest photographers Làzló MoholyNagy, Robert Capa, Man Ray, Jacques Henri Lartigue, Henri Cartier Bresson, David Bailey and Helmut Newton to name but a few, as well as many you will have never heard of. There are famous names with their beloved dogs – the young Princess Elizabeth, Bob Hope, Shirley Temple, Helen Keller, Jackie and J F Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor and Clark Gable, Jean Simmonds and Joan Collins – even John Steinbeck and his infamous dog Charley. But there are also dogs at play and at work, in war, with children and with unknown individuals -– in essence dogs doing just what they do best … being loyal, loveable friends. As intellectually as it is visually stimulating, the book also includes captivating essays and quotes (in English, French and German – so you can practise your languages …) that trace dogs’ relationship with humans across the decades. The same publisher also has a book called the History of photography from 1839–today, which just proves that dogs have been inspiring photographers since the beginning of photography ... This is the perfect book from a town that welcomes the world’s favourite animal – the dog – everywhere. As Snoopy says: ‘Yesterday I was a dog. Today I am a dog. Tomorrow I will probably be a dog. There’s so little hope of advancement ...’ Charles M Schulz Jemima Lord CALLING ALL DOG LOVERS
36 Alexandra House Diamond Life Healthcare Fully trained carers provide high-quality personalised care We provide Domiciliary Care 24-hour Live-in Care Domestic Care We are always looking for reliable caring staff Please ring and speak to our friendly team 01584 872233 Email - [email protected] Website - www.diamondlifehealthcare.co.uk
37 It becomes apparent that spring has well and truly arrived when bumblebees are out in our gardens and hedgerows, buzzing around in their busy-bee fashion. So much is written about the decline of the bee, particularly in Britain, one of the least forested areas in Europe (just 12% of the country compared with over 60% in Finland and Sweden. According to the Natural History Museum’s Josh Davis, ‘Centuries of farming, building and industry have made the UK one of the most naturedepleted countries in Europe’. Little fluff balls buzzing about from flower to flower in Britain’s summer are a glorious sight and something that must be protected. This month has been promoted in a national awareness campaign as ‘No Mow May’, a simple but very effective way to encourage our bee population. (Find more info on: Countryfile.com) Bees have been revered for centuries. The ancient Egyptians believed that bees were messengers from the gods. Rather closer to home in Celtic mythology they were also known as messengers between our world and the spirit realm. Evidently, humanity has always known the importance of the bee to our survival. Even modern-day Manchester uses a worker bee as their symbol to illustrate the hardworking ethic of the city and the image of the city as a ‘hive of activity’. There are countless legends about bees and tales about them and about bee-keeping in religion and folklore are too numerous to list here. Fittingly, the Shop at St Laurence stocks many different bee-related items: necklaces with bee charms, beautiful hand-stitched beaded bees, candles made by Beefayre (a firm actively supporting bee conservation) and this happy bee craft kit by Corrinne LaPierre. There is no sting at the end of this tale but do pop in and find our bee collection just buzzing for your attention. MAY BEE JUST BEE HAPPY? Open daily 10am-5pm Sunday 11am-5pm The Shop at St Laurence Mobile: 07833 866485 www.theshopatstlaurence.co.uk
38 The fire of Pentecost ‘You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth’ Acts 1:8 We all get tired and battle weary sometimes. The disciples of Jesus had just been through a three-year long roller coaster adventure with Jesus that had culminated in His death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. The range of emotions would have been hugely taxing in the days leading up to Pentecost, as they remembered Jesus weeping in the garden of Gethsemane, betrayed by Judas, brutally beaten and crucified, and then dead and buried. Then there had been the shock and awe of finding out that He was alive again! But then He had left them again, to return to His Father. By the time the day of Pentecost arrived, the disciples would indeed have welcomed some fresh spiritual fire! Today, many of us have felt emotionally drained with the uncertainties caused by Covid 19, the worry of prices rising at an alarming rate and the pain and uncertainty of what will happen in the war in Ukraine. So, what better day to pray for fresh spiritual fire for each of us? As we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and birth of the Church, let us thank God that He will never leave us or forsake us. Pentecost (or Whitsunday) this year falls on Sunday 28 May. Today, many of us have felt emotionally drained with the uncertainties caused by
39 AN equestrian rural dean The most engaging clerical maverick in Fergus Butler-Gallie's ‘Field Guide to the English Clergy’ is, perhaps, the Rector of Barton-le-Clay, Revd Ian Henry Gaunt Grahame-Orlebar, a glorious practical joker. Author’s note: Fergus Butler-Gallie has just published a new book, ‘Touching the Cloth’, a clerical response to ‘This is Going to Hurt’. There's a very fine dividing line 'twixt fame and notoriety, Or, in the case of clerics, between mischief and impiety. A case in point, a cause celèbre, a tale of yesterday, Is the clerical career of the Rector of Barton-le-Clay. To give him his full name: Ian Henry Gaunt Grahame-Orlebar Might go some way to explaining how his forenames so bizarre Persuaded ‘Nin’ (his family name) to skip a century or two, And live like a vicar from 'Mansfield Park' at the time of Waterloo. His rectory was a moated grange, not brick but solid rock, Stabled, and open to all his pastoral parochial flock. Contemptuous of the motor car, he rode a Suffolk Punch When visiting parishioners for a hand of bridge or lunch. In fact he kept two horses with the most intriguing names … ‘To keep the Bishop off my back!’ said Nin, ‘He always claims I'm never where I should be, so I've formed a cunning plan To safeguard my stipend and frustrate the meddlesome man! One horse I've christened ‘Ministry’, ‘Sabbatical’ the other; (As a matter of interest, my Suffolk Punch is my gelding's elder brother). So when the Bishop rings the office at Barton-le-Clay, My treasured secretary, Janet, can in truthfulness just say: 'He's exercising his Ministry , as he always does, my lord, Except when he's on Sabbatical, which he can seldom, if ever afford’. Où sont les neiges d'antan? Where are such rogues today? Has clerical conformity drained all colour into grey? Far from it, dear reader, for our equestrian Rural Dean Died very, very recently, in fact, two thousand and sixteen! A credit to the cloth, I think ... A maverick? ... Yes, but GREEN! Ian Barge
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41 Revd Dr Gary Bowness continues his tongue -in-cheek letters from ‘Uncle Eustace’ The Rectory St James the Least My dear Nephew Darren I am afraid we shall have to agree to disagree on yet another topic – although I suspect the list of items that we agree to agree on would be considerably shorter. I like to think my appreciation of hymns resembles a connoisseur of fine wines savouring a grand cru claret; yours seems to resemble a Russian female tractor driver who is a Hero of the Nation. We at St James the Least are more than happy with Hymns Ancient & Modern – the original 1861 edition, naturally - the later editions display a dangerous tendency towards modernism. Sadly, St Paul was not able to sing Onward, Christian soldiers, but I am sure he regretted the fact that it had yet to be written. The hymns our grandparents pretended to sing when they were in church are quite good enough for us to pretend to sing when we sit in the same pews. At least when we come to the last verse, we know that we can then sit down, mission accomplished. The last time I attended your church, just as I saw the last words and therefore the finishing line of one of your choruses coming into sight, we were told it would be splendid to sing the thing another three times. At least it gave me another analogy to use when I next preached on eternity in hell. And your method of singing would plunge our congregation into an existential crisis. What do they do with their hands when they don’t have books to hold and are obliged to look at a screen? To be deprived of being able to hold a book in church is like a smoker who is trying to give up being unable to grasp a cigarette when in the pub. The ladies do not know whether to clasp their handbags, which then makes it look as if they suspect the rest of the congregation of theft, or to hold some flowers, which looks a little too matrimonial. The men experiment with putting hands in pockets, which they then realise looks scruffy, so they try to hold on to the pew in front, which is inevitably too low, so they have to adopt some form of half crouch, which makes them look as if they have recently had hernia operations. Your choral tradition – if I can flatter it with such a description – also seems to require half an hour before the service spent singing. For our congregation, that time is more usefully spent discussing Government incompetence, livestock prices and why Miss Threlfall always wears a red felt hat with her tangerine coat. Should we ever have a joint service, I can’t imagine how we’ll all get through the first hymn together. Your loving uncle, Eustace Beware those modern choruses
42 Ludlow St Laurence Parish Office 01584 872073 Office Administrator Nicky Luck Finance Manager Peter Nield Gift Aid Secretary Michael Hunt Director of Music Michael Oakley Custodian Matthew Lenthall Conservation Trust Chair Ian Marshall PCC Churchwardens Dick Franks 892019 Lesley Harling 318309 Assistant Churchwarden Michael Davies 07970 434822 Electoral Roll Officer Dick Franks 892019 Safeguarding Officer Dick Franks 892019 PCC Minutes Secretary Jacs Higgs 872073 Bible Reading Penelope Bridstrup 876992 Fellowship Flowers Sue Thornley 872292 Monthly Prayer Group Sandi Burley 873155 Tower Captain Richard Bracher 811514 Ludlow Tower editor Lesley Harling 318309 Find this and previous issues of the Ludlow Tower on line at www.stlaurences.org.uk Ludlow St John Parish Office Nicky Luck 872073 Churchwardens Mike Beazley 873570 Treasurer Mike Beazley 873570 PCC Secretary Mike Beazley 873570 Electoral Roll Sue Thomas 0792990671 Ashfords Benefice Rector Revd Lynn Money Parish Office Sarah Davies 01584 319381 Bromfield Benefice Rector Revd Justin Parker Parish Office Martin Scott 07493 247184 COPY DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE TUESDAY 2 MAY There is no guarantee that material submitted will be included. Please send articles by email to [email protected] We are happy to receive contributions and suggestions for inclusion in the magazine. Please limit items to no more than 400 words, except by prior agreement with the editor. Parish of Ludlow Saint Laurence Registered Charity No 1132703 PARISH DIRECTORY Ludlow St Laurence Parish Office, 2 College Street, Ludlow, Shropshire. SY8 1AN (currently closed for refurbishment) e-mail: [email protected] website: www.stlaurences.org.uk For appointments (Monday or Thursday 9.30am-12.30pm at Hands Together Ludlow (Lower Galdeford) call 01584 872073 Rector: Revd Preb Kelvin Price 07799 243867 Curate: Revd Lawrence Gittins 07786 625565 (available Sunday-Friday) Pioneer Curate & Intergenerational Missioner: Revd Wayne Davies 07545 438892
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