2
CONTENTS
A prayer for disturbance 5
Ordination images 6
Calling - a poem 7
Due to the vagaries of the Julian
calendar this issue of the Ludlow Tower, Farewell to Stephen Treasure 9
available on the last Sunday of each Introducing - Janet Tuffley 11
month, goes to print on ‘Freedom Day’ Former glories - St Catherine’s 13
as the number of confirmed cases of Chapel
Covid-19 in the UK continues to rise
sharply and the resulting ‘pingdemic’ Notes from St John’s 15
confines hundreds of thousands to their From the registers 15
homes in self-isolation. Living in Love and Faith 17
We seek here to offer you some What had changed in 52 years 19
distraction from the uncertainty and Sunday services in Ludlow 20
anxiety. Archdeacon Derek Chidzey
(p5) urges us to look beyond our Ludlow local listing - small ads 21
present circumstances, we consider the What’s on at St Laurence’s in 25
promise of paradise restored in the August
paintings of Edward Hicks (p35) and we You can help 27
share the joys of ordination with
Lawrence and Wayne (pp 6&7) while Fish and fowl most aromatic 29
remembering with gratitude the life of Fancy a coffee? 29
our dear friend Stephen Treasure (p9). Help us fill the shelves 31
When Uncle Eustace offers his, as ever PCC meeting summary - June 33
trenchant, views on that bugbear of Beriah Botfield 33
modern life the telephone answering
system (p41) it comes as welcome The Peaceable Kingdom 35
relief to hear someone concerned at Munchtime concerts 37
such a minor irritation. Arts@StLaurences in August 38
Lesley Harling (Editor) Ludlow Art Society exhibition 39
01584 318309
New Dean of Hereford 39
This month’s cover: Children’s page 40
Photograph: Alan Harling Uncle Eustace - Press one for 41
Sunset over St Laurence’s vicar
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
4
A PRAYER FOR DISTURBANCE
I have learned in the Christian life to be Disturb us, Lord, when
prepared for surprises. One such was We are too well pleased with ourselves,
discovering that the 1662 Prayer Book When our dreams have come true
language can be both inspiring, deeply Because we have dreamed too little,
moving and have a depth of spirituality When we arrived safely
never revealed when I was taught liturgy Because we sailed too close to the shore.
in my training college and curacy. I Disturb us, Lord, when
accept it will never be everyone’s cup of With the abundance of things we possess
tea and, more importantly, often needs We have lost our thirst
to be explained or translated for our For the waters of life;
modern ears and audiences. Having fallen in love with life,
Cranmer wrote it to provide liturgy in We have ceased to dream of eternity
the language of the people and to make And in our efforts to build a new earth,
worship available and accessible to all, We have allowed our vision
not just a few well-educated people who Of the new Heaven to dim.
understood Latin. He certainly would Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
not expect us to be using those words To venture on wider seas
in the same way just over 350 years Where storms will show your mastery;
later! Worship needs to reflect the time Where losing sight of land,
and context of the people of our own We shall find the stars.
time and we have many creative We ask You to push back
liturgists in our own days who seek to The horizons of our hopes;
make our worship accessible and awe- And to push into the future
inspiring. In strength, courage, hope, and love. Amen
However, one prayer, written originally In a world dominated and shaped by
in sixteenth-century English, is still COVID, it is a timely reminder that as
particularly helpful. It was shared with Christians we have hope beyond present
me by a colleague who died last year circumstances. It also challenges us to
and who sent me this prayer on my put our trust in Jesus and to seek to be
ordination as priest. I found his letter bold in our faith despite our apparent
recently when I was looking for circumstances. As St Paul wrote in
something else and once again I was Romans 8:38-39: In all these things we
reminded of its power. It isn’t actually are more than conquerors through him who
from the Book of Common Prayer and loved us. For I am convinced that neither
it is attributed to Sir Francis Drake death nor life, neither angels nor demons,
although there is doubt that he wrote neither the present nor the future, nor any
the whole thing. It is likely to be based powers, neither height nor depth, nor
on something he wrote in a letter. anything else in all creation, will be able to
Whatever its true pedigree, it struck me separate us from the love of God that is in
as both encouraging and deeply faith- Christ Jesus our Lord.
filled. Derek Chidzey AD
5
ordinations
Lawrence Gittins, our
curate, was ordained
priest at Hereford
cathedral on Saturday
3 July.
Wayne Davies, our
Intergenerational
Missioner, was
ordained deacon
at Hereford
cathedral on
Sunday 4 July.
6
Calling
The Saturday morning before my ordination into the priesthood was an intensely
emotional time during which I reflected on the journey of many years that had led
me to this point in God’s call on my life. I wrote this poem to try to capture some
the feelings from that day.
Lawrence Gittins
That November morning
so many years ago,
was when I finally saw
the way that I should go.
The way that you were calling,
the way that led to you.
The way filled me with longing
that I could tread it true.
Teach me your ways your scripture said,
that I might live your truth.
Teach me your ways is what I read,
and how I ventured forth.
Into a world so full of pain,
a world in desperate need.
A world beyond my powers to heal,
A world to crush my zeal.
Your call rings true within my heart,
Then lying, broken, on the path, my soul finds rest in you,
I feel your loving arms and when your voice once more I hear
pick up the pieces scattered there To it, may I be true.
and weave from them a whole, Each step I take is filled with joy,
and place each part where it should be, Each step is filled with fear,
and form me as is fit, Each step goes where you have gone
as one reborn with faith renewed, before,
the way once more is clear. The light by which I steer.
Again I take those joyful steps, Send your spirit on me now,
I follow where you lead, your strength is all I need.
a path that leads where you have gone, Lift me in your outstretched arms,
to a cross on which you bleed. From fear you have me freed.
Curled and broken at your feet This is the way that leads to love,
is where I need to be, The way that calls us on.
that I may rise with you in strength, The way that mends our broken lives,
rather than from you flee. ‘til healed in you, made one.
7
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8
STEPHEN TREASURE
Stephen Treasure’s funeral on 29 June
was a very special and moving occasion,
described by Revd Kelvin Price as the
strangest garden party ever. More than (LtoR): Revd John Burley, Revd Ashley Buck,
400 people, drawn from all areas of local Revd Kelvin Price, Revd Wayne Davies,
life and levels of society, made their way Revd Lawrence Gittins
to the grounds of Ludlow Rugby Club The congregation heard many tales of
on Linney to pay their respects and to Stephen’s enormous enthusiasm, tireless
celebrate the life of a very special man. generosity, joy for life, wonderful sense
Stephen lived virtually all his life in of humour and love for others. A
Ludlow and adjacent villages, joining the recurring theme was the way Stephen
family firm of Treasure and Son after became the centre of his community, be
university and a short period in London that Hayton’s Bent where he lived with
working for a charitable trust providing Annie and their son, Tom before her sad
housing for the vulnerable and less well- early death, or Ashford Bowdler where
off. Stephen built up the company and he moved later with Lucy and where
its reputation through a Rob was born, or even
combination of St Merryn on the North
knowledge, hard work, Cornwall coast, the
a caring nature and a location for 40 years for
sense of fun. Stephen happy, boisterous
was closely involved holidays for the
with English Heritage extended family.
and the Society for the The deep bond between
Protection of Ancient Stephen and Lucy
Buildings and with many Stephen provided a firm
projects at home and abroad. In 2000 foundation for a strong Christian life
he was instrumental in taking 80 and, as a Reader, Stephen relished the
craftsmen from Shropshire and opportunity to help others and, in a
Herefordshire to Romania to re-train favourite phrase, to ‘make a difference’.
locals in traditional skills. The All those on the rugby pitch that day
Transylvanian Saxon villages where they could testify that he had made a
worked is now a UNESCO World difference, and that their lives were the
Heritage Site. better for having known Stephen.
9
10
INTRODUCING ...
Please tell us a bit about yourself. Again the
My name is Janet Tuffley. My husband, profits will all
Chris, and I have been running The Silver go towards
Pear gift shop in Ludlow for 22 years. St Laurence’s,
in this case for
Are you local to Ludlow? the church’s
That depends whether living in Ludlow mission work,
and the surrounding area for 43 years and that is
constitutes being local. Probably not! what inspires
So what brought you here? and propels
I am in fact a New Zealander who me forward.
hopped on a ship and sailed away when I How do you spend any spare time?
was 20. I came to visit Shropshire in Spare time, what's that? With running
1978 and ended up staying because my two businesses and a third on the way
boyfriend at the time, later first husband, there is little time for anything but we
decided he wanted to farm here.
have a large family scattered round the
And what is your connection with world so keeping tabs on everyone is
St Laurence's? more than enough. I do have a
I have always loved the magnificence of wonderful garden and just wish I had
the building so when I was approached more time to spend in it.
to look at growing the church shop it Which is your most memorable
was an easy ‘yes’ to take on the project holiday experience?
with my Broadmill business partners, Sailing in a flat-bottomed boat out into
Anthony and Camilla Shuster, knowing the Tasman Sea. As we left the safe
that Stephen Treasure was at the helm shores of Fiordland in New Zealand we
alongside Kelvin and that any profit were faced with 8 metre waves. This
would go towards the upkeep of the was celebrating a big birthday along with
church fabric. Without Stephen’s best friends and family! Frankly, we
expertise and tenacity the shop might were all lucky to have survived the
never have got off the ground, church ordeal along with several terrifying
bureaucracy being what it is! helicopter flights in torrential rain
However we did open in August 2020 amongst the mountain ranges.
and, despite the challenges of stop-start
trading during lockdowns, The Shop is What might we be surprised to
thriving and sales are rising. It is very know about you?
sad that Stephen is not around to I ended up with so many children, nine
continue imparting his knowledge and to be precise, that I didn't know what to
support to our exciting new project, do. So I started up in retail to find some
opening a coffee shop within the church. personal recognition.
11
12
Saint Catherine's Chapel,
Ludford Bridge
Chapels on bridges were a common
feature in the Middle Ages, although
today only six remain in England. The
one which once stood on Ludford
Bridge is believed to date from the
thirteenth century.
The chapel, dedicated to Saint Catherine
of Alexandria, seems to have been very
small, standing in the triangular refuge on
the west side of the bridge, above the
northwesternmost pier. The chapel is (Image supplied by Shropshire Council,
first mentioned in 1407 and an anchorite Shropshire Museums)
- or hermit (one Thomas Shelve of
Leintwardine, known as 'Thomas the was described in 1740 as 'a little house'
Hermit') was in residence there in 1410. on the western side of Ludford Bridge.
It is mentioned by the sixteenth century Reckoned to have been demolished circa
antiquarian John Leland in his Itinerary: 1770, nothing remains of the chapel as
"There be iii. fayre arches in this bridge over such, but the bridge itself is Grade I
Temde, and a praty chapple apon it of St. listed.
Catherine". Presumably it survived the This coloured print of an engraving by
Battle of Ludford Bridge in 1459 when Henry Bryan Ziegler of the northeast
Lancastrian forces invested and later view from Whitcliffe, does seem to show
sacked the town, although the bridge 'a little house' in the right location, even
itself needed to be rebuilt after the though this view would have been
battle. sketched at least half a century after the
By the seventeenth century it had supposed date of the chapel's
ceased to be a place of worship. It is demolition.
recorded as still standing in 1722 and Nick Ford
Ludford Bridge today
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
3 Parkway, Off Corve Street, Ludlow,
Tel: 01584 877992
Sy8 2PG
14
Notes from st john’s
As must be the case with many At a lay-led service on 11 July, the
churches, St John’s is emerging from the congregation sang a hymn, ‘Be thou my
previous lock-downs with considerably guardian and my guide’, outside the
reduced finances due to loss of income church after the service had ended. It
from weddings, funerals and other was not exactly a ‘Songs of Praise’
services which previously brought in rendition which was understandable
revenue. On top of this has been a fall with un-practised voices, but it was
in congregational attendance together welcome to bring one of the principal
with loss of much of the income from instruments of worship and
donations. We are now looking and `participation back into play again, and
praying for ways to regenerate the social with it the prospect of re-establishing
and mission spirit of church members. the choir and a joyful and challenging
The result of this has been that our musical life again.
parish share has had to be reduced to
that which it was two years ago, in order John French
to keep the account balances straight.
This is regrettable since we know that
the diocese uses money from parish
share to largely fund the employment of
clergy. So the intention is to restore the
share to its recent level or to increase it
as soon as finances allow.
FROM THE REGISTERS
BAPTISMS
27 June Brooke Natasha Bounds
Brienna Mia Bounds
WEDDINGS
9 July Shane Sutton & Tanya Martin
23 July Nicholas Brooks & Nertila Qenani
FUNERALS
22 June David Howells 8 July Christopher Fleetwood
29 June Stephen Treasure 14 July Christopher Eichelman
15
16
living in love and faith
the worldwide Anglican Communion -
are affected by deep, and sometimes
painful, disagreements among us which
have been debated and discussed on
many occasions over the years.
These divisions have come into sharper
focus because of society’s changing
perspectives and practices, especially in
An invitation to all members of relation to lesbian, gay, transgender,
St Laurence’s and St John’s to join bisexual and intersex people. The
together for six weeks of learning Church wants to understand what it
and praying on Wednesday means to follow Christ in love and faith
evenings: given the questions about human
15 September - 20 October identity and the variety of patterns of
6.30pm in St Laurence’s Church relationship emerging in our society,
including marriage, civil partnership,
“The hope is for people in Church of cohabitation, celibacy and friendship.
England churches across the country to
use the LLF resources to study and The LLF resources explore these
pray together. The resources are matters by studying what the Bible,
designed to encourage and enable theology, history and the social and
engagement and learning in a variety of biological sciences have to say, and by
settings. This church-wide learning telling the real-life stories of followers
together, listening to one another, and of Christ with diverse experiences and
listening to God is part of discerning a convictions.
way forward for the Church of England We hope people in worshipping
in relation to matters of identity, communities across the country will
sexuality, relationships and marriage. get involved and use the resources,
The resources are intended to enable available in a variety of formats, to learn
the Church of England churches across together.
the country to participate in a process We believe that the Holy Spirit will be
of learning and praying together as part active among us as we pray, study and
of discerning a way forward in relation deliberate together to discover Christ’s
to these matters. call to the Church today. We do this
The Church of England is keenly aware with a deep sense of hopefulness for a
that issues of gender and sexuality are future in which Christians can follow
intrinsic to people’s experience; their Christ together joyfully, fruitfully and
sense of identity; their lives and the with integrity.”
loving relationships that shape and From the Church of England website
sustain them. We also know that the https://www.churchofengland.org/
life and mission of our Church - and of
resources/living-love-and-faith
17
Proud to have built The Shop at St Laurence’s
18
WHAT HAS CHANGED IN 52 years?
"After a bit, you can't cry any more, or Our contribution to work in developing
feel sick any more, only terribly, blindly countries remains critical. Charities
angry. You simply cannot believe that work in local communities, alongside
little children can just lie down on your people in marginalised communities,
doorstep and die for want of a few even as some countries undergo the
shillings’ worth of food or medicine. overthrow of dictators such as Idi Amin
But they do. Surely to God, there are in Uganda, the Somoza family in
people back home who can swap a few Nicaragua, Pol Pot in Cambodia. And
luxuries for a child's life". their work to combat the threats of
I came across this Oxfam advertisement malaria, HIV and polio, to establish ante-
recently but it appeared in the Church natal clinics and much else continues,
Times in July 1969. It exhorted us, if we even more essential since the recent
felt angry enough, to do something cuts in overseas aid.
about it and send a donation to Oxfam.
Yes, we can all feel very angry about it,
52 years on, after several major health
alerts (SARS, Ebola, AIDS), a pandemic
and so many natural disasters, not to
mention shameful cuts in overseas aid
and many unstable regimes in developing
countries. The pandemic has shown us,
in a way nothing else appears to have Our response to the 1969 advert has to
done, that there are no international be, "Yes, we are angry enough to do
borders; throughout the world we are something about it, very angry, and to
members, one of another. It goes do it immediately" and we can start by
without saying that the 1969 supporting the annual Ludlow Christian
advertisement remains relevant. We Aid coffee morning, hosted by St
must not lose heart, tempting as it is to Laurence's.
question, if our donations have done When: Thursday 12 August
little to improve the local conditions of 10.30-12.30
millions, the point of continuing to give. Where: St Laurence's
Think back to England 52 years ago and What: Book stall, cake stall etc
compare it with today: despite great
efforts by both parties, poverty is still a Please bring your friends and neighbours
major factor here in the UK, with and enjoy the re-found luxury of sitting
deprivation and disadvantage still much around a table, enjoying one another's
in evidence. Housing remains in short company with good coffee and cake.
supply and thousands lack access to the Please come and support our hard-
internet, which is becoming essential to working team.
lead a full life.
Claire Wilcox 01584 877199
19
SUNDAY SERVICES in Ludlow
All arrangements are subject to change depending on the current
regulations, guidance and risk assessments for Covid-19
Anglican Ludlow Baptist Church
St Laurence, College Street 10.30am Sunday worship on Zoom
8.30am Holy Communion (BCP) Contact
church@ludlowbaptistchurch.org.uk
10.am Parish Eucharist
Also available to join as a livestream Ludlow Elim
or a recording on YouTube - go to 10.30am Service at Elim - please book
https://stlaurences.org.uk/live-stream 11.30am Online.
for the link. Contact
6pm Celtic Prayer - evening liturgy www.ludlowelim.com 07791 483284
3rd Sunday only dainpritchard@googlemail.com
10pm Compline (on Zoom) Living Waters
For details contact No services at present.
wayne.davies@hereford.anglican.org Contact
5th Sun Joint benefice service benwalters@gmail.com
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 Ludlow Quakers
9.45am 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays Normal services resume from 1 August
Holy Communion 10.30am Meeting for worship
2nd & 4th Sundays Contact
Private prayer until 12 noon Cynthia Prior 01584 831855
5th Sun Joint benefice service St Peter's Roman Catholic Church
with St Laurence’s (9.45am) Resuming normal services
Mass 11.00am Sunday
Contact
lawrence.gittins@stlaurences.org.uk 9.30pm Monday-Friday
07786 625565 6.00pm Saturday (Sunday Vigil )
Morning prayer
9.15am Monday-Friday
9.45am Saturday
Contact
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.
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 2020-21 (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 AUGUST
We have all learned to live with Tuesday 3 1pm
uncertainty in the last 18 months so it Lunchtime concert
is impossible to make an accurate Organ recital - Michael Oakley
prediction of what will be happening in Buxtehude, Stanley Walther, Andriessen
the church in August, particularly since Friday 6 5.15pm
this magazine goes to the printer on Derby Singers Evensong
Monday 19 July, before the government
confirms its intention to proceed with Saturday 7
Step 4 of the roadmap out of lockdown. Concert - David Gaukroger 1pm
English Piano Music
The church’s management team (clergy, Stevenson, Gaukroger
wardens and Operations Manager) will Derby Singers Evensong 5.15pm
proceed with caution when making any
decisions to change our current Sunday 8 3.30pm
practices, based on Church of England Derby Singers Evensong
as well as government guidance. You Wednesday 11 1pm
can find the latest position on social Lunchtime concert
media or on the St Laurence’s website Organ recital -
(www.stlaurences.org.uk).
Thursday 12 10am-12pm
Christian Aid coffee morning
Sunday 15 6pm
Celtic Prayer service
Wednesday 18 1pm
Lunchtime concert
As recommended by the government Chancel concert - Elizabethan songs
we will encourage congregations and Saturday 21 1pm
visitors to continue to wear face
coverings, use hand sanitiser and Organ recital - Paul Carr
observe social distancing, out of respect Sat 21 - Mon 30 10am-5pm
for any who may be especially Ludlow Art Society Summer Exhibition
vulnerable or concerned about the Wednesday 25 1pm
easing of restrictions. Lunchtime concert
Organ recital -
Thursday 26 10.30am
Monthly Prayer Group
Sunday 29 10am
Joint Benefice Service at St Laurence’s
www.stlaurences.org.uk
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YOU CAN HELP MANY THANKS
The Outward Concern Group at St To all who donated to retiring
Laurence’s ensures that, as a church, we collections in June in aid of the India
maintain our commitments in many Coronavirus Appeal. The total raised
different directions. We aim each year was £657.05, which will enable the
to make donations to one international, Disasters Emergency Committee and
one national and one local charity as its member charities who have a
well as supporting local needy families longstanding presence in India to scale
and Christian mission in the town. up their operations to support health
services and vulnerable communities.
St Laurence’s Outward Concern Group
Now that we are coming out of the
Covid restrictions we wish to renew
our efforts in identifying issues of social
justice, peace, and environmental
concerns. We work with CTAL and
other faith communities and engage
with the local community to make a
contribution to their concerns.
We are asking for your help in two
ways:
By joining the group
By giving us suggestions of
deserving causes
If you wish to know more about
participation in the group or have
suggestions for deserving causes or
recipients, please contact
Penelope A Bridstrup
Tel 01584 876992 or 07747 025798
Email pabridstrup@btinternet.com
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NEED HELP WITH LIGHT WEEDING?
K & J Davies Gas Services
Call Rachel
01584873027 / 07921857521
NATURAL AND LPG GAS BOILERS &
APPLIANCES SERVICED AND INSTALLED
RADIATORS AND HEATING INSTALLATIONS
AND SMALL PLUMBING WORK UNDERTAKEN
01547 528642
Ludlow Curtain Company
No5 The Angel, Broad Street,
Ludlow SY8 1NQ
Tel 01584 875533
ludlowcurtains@hotmail.co.uk
Here for all your soft furnishing
needs, from curtains and all types
of blinds to cushions, upholstery
and curtain poles.
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
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FISH AND FOWL MOST AROMATIC
Simply the mention of lavender can Handmade in Lime Tree’s Nottingham
conjure up that distinct fragrance with a studio with a mix of Liberty Tana Lawn
long history as a sleep remedy and a fabric and silk dupion, the ‘sardines’ and
moth repellent ... amongst other things. birds are filled with the most fragrant
Provence lavender which lasts and lasts.
Each sardine has a button eye.
There is a great selection of colours and,
paired in presentation boxes, these are
perfect posting presents, weighing very
little. Who wouldn’t welcome a sweet-
smelling box through the post!
However, there is (apparently) no
scientific evidence that this celebrated
plant actually does repel moths or
insomnia, despite old wives, young
healthy aromatherapists and many
others in between, swearing by it.
Whatever the truth, it is a wonderful
scent, and our lovely Liberty and silk
lavender fish and birds are gorgeous gifts
for anyone who likes to have the
fragrance permeating their drawers or
wardrobes.
The Shop at St Laurence
Mobile: 07833 866485
www.theshopatstlaurence.co.uk
Fancy a coffee?
Drinking three cups of coffee a day is all kinds of coffee, whether instant,
good for you. According to a recent ground, or decaf versions, although the
study it can cut your chance of dying instant is slightly less effective.
from chronic liver disease by up to half. The findings of the study, following
On average, coffee drinkers seem to almost half a million Britons for a
have a 21% reduced risk of developing decade, to assess the link between
chronic liver disease, and a 49% reduced coffee intake and health were published
risk of death from the condition. The in the journal BMC Public Health.
optimum intake for health is three or So look out for the new coffee shop
four cups a day and the results apply to opening soon at St Laurence’s.
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Alexandra House
Diamond Life Healthcare
Fully trained carers provide high-quality
personalised care
We can now provide
24-hour Live-in Care Domestic Care
Garden Care and Handyman services
We are always looking for reliable caring staff
Please ring and speak to our friendly team
01584 872233
Email - diamondlife@btconnect.com
Website - www.diamondlifehealthcare.co.uk
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Help us FILL UP THE SHELVES
Demand for food parcels has fallen A pallet of food received from Defra will
slightly since the exceptional levels of help a lot and many local people are still
the last year but the Food Bank generously donating food and money.
continues to be open and busy five days However, for the first time in a while, we
a week at the Rockspring Centre. are putting out an appeal for donations.
Most of the longstanding volunteers are Here is what goes into a parcel:
back and getting to grips with new
working practices and we have several UHT milk Tinned
Sugar
vegetables
new, enthusiastic, helpful volunteers.
Squash Cereals
We secured various grants during the Tinned baked Jam/marmalade
pandemic and still have reserve funds beans/spaghetti Spreads (eg
but the excess stock accumulated last Tinned meals peanut butter
year has now been distributed and our Soup (tins and Puddings
team of shoppers has been very busy re- packets) Biscuits
filling the shelves. Pasta and pasta Snacks
sauce Tea/coffee
Rice (ideally boil- Pet food
in-the-bag) Toiletries
Tins of meat/fish Sanitary towels &
Tins/cartons of tampons
tomatoes
You can drop off your donations at the
Rockspring Centre between 11am and
1pm Monday-Friday or at either of the
One Stops, Applegreen, Myriad or Tesco
You can read Ludlow Food Bank’s latest quarterly report at
https://www.ludlowbaptistchurch.org.uk/our-church/foodbank.
Wanted - friendly faces
St Laurence’s has been bustling since we re-opened the
doors to the many visitors discovering the delights of
Ludlow. We are open from 10am to 5pm every day
(except during services and events) with two volunteers
on duty to welcome visitors and tell them a bit about
the magnificent building. We are always on the lookout
for new volunteers (lanyards and training provided).
If you would like to join the team come in and have a
chat with a steward or call Lesley on 01584 318309.
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Expensive Mistakes
Nestled in the heart of Ludlow,
specialising in selling pre-loved,
top-name designer and
superior high street fashion at
affordable prices.
11 Market Street, Ludlow SY8 1BP
tel: 01584 877911
email:
expensive.mistakes@live.co.uk
website:
www.expensivemistakes.co.uk
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PCC meeting BERIAH BOTFIELD
MONDAY 28 JUNE - Zoom After the Palmers’
Eight (8) members of the PCC Annual Meeting in
attended. June, John Cherry
gave a talk on
Summary of main points Beriah Botfield and
Resolutions: to elect Dick Franks St Laurence’s, West
Lay Vice Chair; to formalise nave Window, marking
altar arrangement - communion rail his retirement as a
retained along short sides of nave trustee of the
dais; no rail along front of dais Conservation Trust.
Finance: visitor numbers and Beriah Botfield by
donations rising since relaxation of A notable feature of Camille Silvy licensed
the window, one of
under CC BY-NC-ND
lockdown; initial discussions of 3.0 © National Portrait
Parish Offer for 2022 the church’s most Gallery
striking ornaments,
Safeguarding: one new DBS issued is its lack of religious content; a unique
Vision: revised expression of selling point, perhaps.
interest for National Heritage
Lottery Fund bid A colourful display by Thomas
Policies: reviewed and adopted Willement, the ‘Father of Victorian th
Pastoral Care policy Stained Glass’, it is, rather, a mid-19
Fabric: coffee shop scheme update; century blog on the warlords and
completion of Clive Arch repairs landowners (royal and otherwise) who,
delayed by late delivery of stone over the years, built or occupied
from quarry; roof repairs delayed by Ludlow Castle.
national shortage of lead; project to Botfield inherited his family’s Shropshire
map Garden of Rest on-going coal mining and ironmaking businesses.
Date of next meeting: He became was also, a bibliographer,
Monday 27 September geologist and botanist with two spells
as Conservative MP for Ludlow. He
A copy of the latest set of confirmed and his wife Isabella gave the window
PCC minutes is available on the (with the glass being inserted into the
th
noticeboard in church. All previous existing 15 century stone tracery) in
minutes can be viewed in the church 1860, as part of the Gilbert Scott
office, by arrangement. ‘restoration’ started in 1859.
Our new Ludlow Palmers website
(https://ludlowpalmers.uk/) includes
particulars of the individuals
commemorated in stained-glass glory.
Ian Marshall
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Promise and Fulfilment
The New Testament shows how the life, The children in the foreground are
death and resurrection of Jesus have to innocent and free, playing with the
be understood in the light of the Old animals around – lion, tiger, leopard, bear,
Testament - the promise of the Old wolf, cow and lamb. There is no sign of
fulfilled in the New. We read of the ‘nature red in tooth and claw’ here for
Suffering Servant in Isaiah and look to all is peace and tranquillity. The bear and
the life-giving sacrifice of Jesus. Earlier in cow nudge each other in the bottom
that prophet we read of a wondrous corner with no fear and no assertion of
Child granted the spirit of the Lord to strength. That vision of peace is being
bring Paradise once more to the world: realised in the distant scene, where
‘The wolf shall live William Penn and
with the lamb, the his fellow
leopard shall lie Quakers work on
down with the kid, a treaty of co-
the calf and the existence with the
lion and the fatling Indians. The
together, and a little animals in the
child shall lead foreground
them…..They will symbolise the
not hurt or destroy human traits at
on all my holy work in the
mountain: for the background:
earth shall be full leadership and
of the knowledge of strength,
the Lord as the ‘The Peaceable Kingdom’ by Edward Hicks sensitivity and
waters cover the http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ gentleness.
sea.’ (Isaiah 11:6,9) File:Edward_Hicks_-_Peaceable_Kingdom.jpg There is a
That vision of freshness and a
peace and harmony inspired this painting, promise of paradise restored. That
‘The Peaceable Kingdom’ by Edward harmony can be realised in human affairs
Hicks. Born in Pennsylvania in 1780 also, the artist is saying. ‘Follow the
Hicks became a Quaker after a Inner Light’ and Isaiah’s prophecy can be
rebellious adolescence, living as a fulfilled in our world. It needs both the
preacher and minister before taking up innocence and strength we see here; it
his brushes. Despite the unease of needs action and waiting, it needs
fellow Quakers about such a worldly wisdom and gentleness as we take
profession Hicks continued to paint, counsel one with another. Follow those
creating almost 100 versions of the qualities to be channels of God’s peace
Peaceable Kingdom, of which over 60 to make this world the Peaceable
still exist. This one is from 1834. Kingdom.
Revd Michael Burgess
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MUNCHTIME
CONCERTs
St Laurence’s is launching a regular
series of ‘informal’ concerts on
Wednesdays at 1pm with NO
tickets, NO applause, NO retiring
collection, just an opportunity to
come to St Laurence’s to enjoy some
terrific music in our beautiful church.
Each concert will last about 45 minutes,
and you can wander around and even
enjoy your lunch while you listen.
The first two (on 21 and 28 July) will be
Chancel Concerts - performances
largely, but not exclusively, of Early
Music of the Renaissance and Baroque
played below the great East Window of
the chancel. The following two (3 and
11 August) will be organ recitals.
We hope to build up a regular set of
supporters for these concerts and look
forward to seeing you there.
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 Join us for evening
compline via Zoom
All welcome
An ancient and beautiful way to close
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:
wayne.davies@hereford.anglican.org
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NEW DEAN ART EXHIBITION
The Revd Canon RETURNS
Sarah Brown is to be
the next Dean of After last year’s Ludlow Art Society
Hereford, the first Summer Exhibition was cancelled due
woman to take up the to the Covid-19 pandemic we are
role in the 1,300-year excited to be back in St Laurence’s
history of the diocese. church for the 2021 exhibition.
The Dean is the senior priest in the After a formal opening ceremony on
Cathedral and chair of the Chapter, the Friday 20 August the exhibition will be
governing body of the Cathedral. She open daily from 10am to 5pm, until 5pm
has overall responsibility for the on Sunday 30 August.
Cathedral’s life, mission and ministry, Admission is free and various artists
and represents the Cathedral in the city will be in residence each day ready and
and county, holding responsibilities in willing for a chat. There will be a wide
the wider Diocese. At Hereford, she range of pictures in watercolour, oil,
also has overall responsibilities for acrylics and mixed media as well as
administration, finance and fabric. browsers filled with interesting pieces
Sarah came to faith in her late twenties, and cards.
encountering God in her village church So there will be plenty to look at or to
where she joined the choir and buy at a wide range of prices, all to
“discovered the power of church music, tempt your interest.
the care of a Christian community, the If something takes
teaching of a wonderful rural vicar and
finally, in utter astonishment which your fancy, payment
persists to this day, the disarming love can be accepted by
card, cash or cheque.
and forgiveness of God.“ She was
ordained in 2008 following a career in We look forward to
corporate sales and marketing and lead seeing you.
FCN, a national farming charity, while
studying theology and serving her epitaphs
curacy. Sarah is currently Canon
Missioner at Peterborough Cathedral in Found on headstones
the diocese of Peterborough where she In London:
has spent most of her adult life.
Here lies Ann Mann
Sarah is married to Richard and they Who lived an old maid
have two children: Alice, who is a
musician; and Edward, who is training to But died an old Mann.
be a vet. She will be installed as Dean In Maryland:
of Hereford at a special service which Here lies an Atheist
will take place in Hereford Cathedral in All dressed up and nowhere to go.
the autumn.
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40
PRESS ONE FOR VICAR, TWO FOR CURATE, …
12 FOR PRAYER
The Revd Dr Gary Bowness continues his your car parking attendant who stuck a
tongue-in-cheek letters from ‘Uncle note on my windscreen telling me not to
Eustace’… park there again is given the number
The Rectory 666.
St James the Least My own answerphone tells people firmly
My dear Nephew Darren, that the machine does not accept
Now you have your new telephone incoming messages, and that I only
system in the parish, I shall not be calling answer personally on Thursdays
you again. I refuse to wait for ten between 10am and 12 noon, provided
minutes every time I ring to have to nothing better has turned up.
listen to the cycle of ‘press 1 for the Alternatively, they could write me a
vicar, 2 for the curate, 3 for the letter which may (or may not) be
secretary’, until we end with ‘12 for answered, at my convenience.
requests for prayer.’ I was tempted to As for the few who have got hold of my
leave a message on 12 to ask that the mobile number, my response is to say
wretched machine would break down, that I am just about to enter a tunnel
but then realised I would have to call a and then to switch it off. Callers from
second time to leave a message on 13 other parts of the country now believe
for making a confession. that the parish of St James the Least is
And if I have to listen one more time to honeycombed by mile-long tunnels,
someone playing ‘Thine be the glory’ on making communication all but
one finger on an electric organ while I impossible.
am ‘on hold’ I will have him You can now be assured that your new
excommunicated. At least you have the system means you will be contactable at
grace not to ask me not to hang up, as any moment, wherever you happen to
my call is important to you. I would be. But don’t call me to complain and
even warm to your system if a voice expect to receive sympathy; I shall be
occasionally said that they couldn’t care just about to enter a tunnel.
less whether I hung up or not, as my call Your loving uncle,
was utterly irrelevant to them.
Those poor people who have to wait to Eustace
reach 7 for leaving messages regarding
marriages might as well leave a second
message on 8 for baptisms and save on a
large phone bill in months to come. As
for 9 for funerals, entire families could
be born, marry and die before they
reach that one. And may I suggest that
41
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 weekdays 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
Assistant Priest Revd Prebendary Ann Barge 01584 877307
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
Deputy 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
The Table Sandi Burley 873155 NEXT ISSUE
Tower Captain Richard Bracher 811514 TUESDAY 10 AUGUST
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
www.stlaurences.org.uk Please send articles by email to
office@stlaurences.org.uk
We are happy to receive contributions
and suggestions for inclusion in the
magazine. Please limit items to no
more than 400 words, except by prior
agreement with the editor.
Parish of Ludlow Saint Laurence Registered Charity No 1132703
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