Care Fee Countdown in Ludlow
JP Estate Planning Ltd give us the low down on care care fees and where a home is in an asset protection
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£91,000 a year per person. This means a couple Is there anything you can do to protect assets?
could easily end up paying £182,000 a year in care Thankfully, yes! Although you really do have to be
fees alone. You can see how easily your assets – careful on which strategy your chosen professional
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for care fee assessment purposes. There are rules deprivation rules. Unfortunately most people only
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fees. If you were allowed to do this, then everyone been avoided if done correctly.
would do it and the government would have to pay Final thoughts? If you have had trouble with or are
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2
CONTENTS
Are atheists really just 5
agnostics?
HM Elizabeth II A life of Faith 7
As the evenings draw in with their
reminder of the worrying prospect of a Introducing Melia & Peter Cope 9
winter which will be particularly hard From the registers 11
for many people it is unsurprising that A month for remembering 13
we look back to what has gone before. Former places of worship - 15
As Archdeacon Fiona Gibson comments St Stephens’s
(p13) November is the month for News from St John’s 17
remembering, a sentiment which runs Sunday services in Ludlow 18
through this issue of the Ludlow Tower. Ludlow local listing - small ads 19
Inevitably this includes the formal acts What’s on in November 23
of remembrance around Armistice Day
(pp 25 & 29) but it also encompasses The Ludlow-Langwasser link 25
reflections on the late Queen Elizabeth PCC meeting summary - 27
II and the faith which sustained her for September
so many years (p7), thoughts on Christmas cards 27
changing attitudes to harvest and Arts@StLaurence in November 28
harvest festival since the days when Youth makes music for Ukraine 28
Ludlow was a strongly agricultural town Poppies as a symbol of 29
(p33) and our regular exploration of remembrance
Ludlow’s many former places of A vision for the church 31
worship (p15).
Harvest Festival then and now 33
At the same time we do cast our eyes Maman’s story 37
forward, to the future of our diocese
and its parishes (p31), to Ludlow’s Ludlow Winter Festival 38
brand new Festival (p38) and to Advent What’s the point of Advent? 39
(p39) with its promise of joy and hope On the challenge of hitting 41
to follow at Christmas. eleven o’clock precisely
Lesley Harling (Editor) Children’s page 40
01584 318309 Parish directory & copy deadline 42
Opinions expressed in contributed articles in this
This month’s cover: magazine are those of the contributor and do not
Photograph: Harry Webb necessarily represent the position or opinions of
Remembrance on Whitcliffe the PCC or Editorial Committee.
Graphic design: Nicky Luck
[email protected]
Printing : Signworx Hereford
Moreton-on-Lugg, Herefordshire
3
4
Are most atheists really just
agnostics?
I meet many people who claim they recognised the limitations of such
don’t need religion. ’I have outgrown all language. He said that he found it
that,’ they say loftily. It is a put-down helpful to think of God as an ‘Energy’
remark to stop all further discussion. If but he found it helpful to talk about a
you can get them to say what they mean relationship with that Energy in personal
by ‘all that’ it could be that they have terms.
been hurt very badly by a bad example The 14 /15
th
th
of ‘church’. Or something could have century icon of
gone badly wrong in their life. If so that The Trinity by
needs to be treated with great care and Rublev portrays
sympathy. the relationship
There are others, though, who dismiss between the
religion as a crutch for those who Father, Son and
cannot cope with life on their own. Holy Spirit. The
They may think of religion as believing in three persons are
an old man with a long beard wearing a communicating
flowing dress sitting on a cloud with his the energy of divine goodness, beauty
beady eye fixed on you and waiting for and compassion with each other. But
you to make a mistake. Alternatively, you are included. There is a place for
they may not have realised that when you. The divine energy of the Creator
Christians talk about God, because we of all things comes to you through the
are trying to describe what is Holy Spirit continuing the work of Jesus.
indescribable, we often use the language You are then called to share those
of story. The bible is full of stories to qualities with those in need today. St
describe the mystery of creation and Teresa of Avila reminds us that, ‘Yours
our place in it. Jesus too used the are the eyes through which Christ looks
language of pictures to describe the with compassion on this world. Yours
values we should prize and how we are the hands with which he blesses the
should live. He used the ‘Father – Son’ world’.
image to describe the relationship of There are many who claim to be
care and responsibility between himself atheists and don’t realise that when they
and the one he described as his father in react to danger or tragedy with
heaven. God was not remote, compassion they are showing the
inaccessible or uninvolved. energy that is divine. Our invitation to
An American theologian who has had them is to come and join us. Let us be
considerable contact with Buddhism spiritually refined and enriched as we
wrote that you should only talk about worship together week by week.
God as a person if you knew you
shouldn’t; in other words, if you David Roberts
5
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
6
HM Queen Elizabeth II: A Life of Faith
The late Queen Elizabeth’s strong allowed her a broader vision of faith in
Christian faith was evident throughout general, saying one year, ‘Christ’s
her life. As well as the monarch’s formal example has taught me to seek to
role as ‘Defender of the faith and respect and value all people of whatever
Supreme Governor of the Church of faither or none’. She often returned to
England’, her personal faith shaped and the theme, notably in a speech at
guided her in a way that went far Lambeth Palace in 2012 when she said
beyond protocol and duty. that the Church of England ‘has a duty
One person in a unique position to protect the free practice of all
to observe the Queen was faiths in this country’.
Kenneth MacKenzie who, for In 2008 the Queen said, ‘ I
15 years, was domestic hope that, like me, you will
chaplain to the Queen be comforted by the
when she was at Balmoral. example of Jesus of
He has been reported as Nazareth who, often in
saying that it was clear to circumstances of great
him that not only was adversity, managed to live an
Queen Elizabeth devout, but outgoing, unselfish and
she felt strongly that her role had sacrificial life … He makes it clear
been divinely assigned. He said, ‘I knew that genuine human happiness and
she felt a calling in some way from her satisfaction lie more in giving than
people, but more than that, she saw her receiving; more in serving than in being
calling as from almighty God’. served’. This theme of service ran
The former Archbishop of York, Lord throughout her long reign starting with
John Sentamu, also recalls discussing the promise she made prior to her
matters of faith with the Queen, and in coronation when she asked the nation
particular her formidable knowledge of to ‘pray for me … that God may give me
hymns, psalms and scripture. He wisdom and strength to carry out the
reportedly said that the Queen had solemn promises I shall be making, and
committed to memory the words of that I may faithfully serve Him and you,
most popular hymns, that she frequently all the days of my life’.
quoted psalms and that it was very clear Looking back over her long life, it is
to him that her faith guided her at all clear that Christ’s example and teaching
times during her long reign. was a constant guide to our servant-
Of course, the person who has been hearted Queen and that her prayer was
most forthcoming about her faith has answered.
been the Queen herself, particularly Lawrence Gittins
each year during her Christmas This piece is partially based on an article published
broadcasts. Increasingly she showed on Christianity.org.uk and a BBC article from 18
that her own deeply held Christian faith September by Aleem Maqbool.
7
8
inTRODUCING
Tell us a bit about yourselves.
I am Peter Cope, brought up in the
Cotswolds and educated at King’s
School Gloucester and Merton College,
Oxford where I read theology. At 16 I
already knew I wanted to be ordained
and to work with people outside church.
After theological college at Cuddesdon I
served as a curate in Chapel Allerton in team in Worcester, visiting large retail
north Leeds but after that my ministry firms - and meeting Peter.
was mainly in industrial mission, initially P - After we married we moved to
in London. While working as the Lichfield diocese where I split my time
chaplain to Kodak and GEC I studied between the Black Country Urban
part-time for an MSc in Industrial Industrial Mission and a Resident
Relations. A move to Worcester Minister’s post in West Bromwich.
brought chaplaincies at Metal Box and M - Encouraged by the diocese I went
Worcester Royal Porcelain as well as for ordination, studying at Queen’s
promotion to team leader – and that is College, Birmingham and was amongst
where I met Melia. the first women to be ordained in
I am Melia Lambrianos Cope. I was Lichfield Diocese. I commuted to
born in Johannesburg of Greek Cypriot Worcester until our first child, Andrew,
heritage. As part of my Social Work came along (in the labour ward Peter
degree at the University of Cape Town was working on his PhD in Christian
(UTC) I did placements in prisons and Social Ethics!).
hospitals. After a brief working holiday After 10 years we moved to Telford
in the UK I spent a year in Adelaide with where I was Team Vicar in the Central
a voluntary organisation working in jails Telford Ecumenical Partnership, working
before returning to South Africa, but a day a week at Shrewsbury prison, and
only to be sure that I really did not want Peter was Industrial and Town Centre
to live there under apartheid. chaplain working with engineering firms,
Although baptised into the Greek the police and the local council at all
Orthodox church I was brought up a levels, from management to the ‘shop
Presbyterian and was employed by a floor’. Peter retired in 2007 while I
very large church to set up a community moved into rural ministry, first as priest
centre caring for domestic workers, in charge in the Craven Arms group
which we called Thusano, meaning ‘we then as vicar in Knighton district. Rural
share together’. I chose to be an ministry is very poorly resourced and I
Anglican and came back to the UK to was so grateful for faithful lay people’s
study at St John’s College, Nottingham, hard work and for my time in the
before joining the industrial mission Church in Wales.
(cont on p11)
9
10
(Cont from p9) FROM THE
Do you have a family?
We have a close family of four children, REGISTERS
two from Peter’s first marriage, and five
grandchildren.
BAPTISMS
What brought you to Ludlow?
The hill walking. And we knew it well 25 September
from our time in Craven Arms. Charlie Williams
Is there one feature of St Millie Mae Matthews
Laurence's which is special to you? Charlie Alexander Matthews
The music. The physical space –
especially the light created by removing WEDDINGS
the pews. The sense that it is a church 16 September
st
working to bring itself into the 21 Jeremy Charles Rose and
century - slowly but surely. Elizabeth Anne Chatterton
What is your role at St Laurence’s? 24 September
P – When we arrived in 2018 I did not Thomas Oscar Wareham and
ask for Permission To Officiate to allow Miranda Primrose Hickman
me to take services. My ministry is
through Ludlow Under Pressure, an
ecumenical body which campaigns on FUNERALS
behalf of the vulnerable and poor in our 19 September
community. We are content to be Patricia Minton
committed Christian disciples within a 23 September
congregation. Anne Patricia Franks
M – And I wanted a good break but I 24 September
have helped with funerals and pastoral
work and am starting to take mid-week Janette Nicholls
services. I assist with the Fair Trade stall (Garden of Remembrance)
and am part of a mental health support 3 October
group at the Methodist church. John Christopher Jeffery
How do you spend any spare time?
P – hill walking, singing.
M – handwork, people, walking, seeking making my first visit to my family home.
stillness... I am hugely grateful for the ministry of
What might we be surprised to Student YMCA at UCT through which I
know about you? came to an adult faith.
M – I was evacuated from Cyprus by the P – As a youngster I did a lot of rock
British Army in 1974 when I was caught climbing and I play the clarinet in the
up in the Turkish invasion while I was Craven Arms Big Band.
11
12
November - THE MONTH FOR
REMEMBERING
November seems to be the month for from Isaiah to people who are feeling
remembering. lost and abandoned for any reason, or
All Souls at the beginning of the month who are grieving the passing of years
is a chance to remember with which means that all those whom they
thankfulness those whom we have loved knew and loved, and who held the
but see no more. memories of them as younger people,
have died:
And, of course, there is also our God says, ‘Can a mother forget the baby at
national act of Remembrance, on her breast and have no compassion on the
Remembrance Sunday. As the daughter child she has borne? Though she may
of a man who served in the Royal Navy forget, I will not forget you! See, I have
during the Second World War and the engraved you on the palms of my
Korean War, I never fail to be moved as hands’ (Isaiah 49:15-16a)
the poppies fall down from the roof of
the Royal Albert Hall during the Festival For Christians, of course, the most
of Remembrance. That remembrance is significant act of remembering is when
all the more poignant in our own day as we come together to remember in
the reality of war and its human cost is bread and wine the death and
once again apparent. There will be resurrection of Jesus. Jesus’ willing
services at war memorials and in sacrifice of himself on the cross for the
churches across the diocese as we sake of others is, for Christian believers,
remember those who died fighting to the ultimate expression of the self-
protect us and bring peace and justice giving love at the heart of God, when
to our world, and we pray for those Christ’s hands were marked by the nails
serving in our Armed Forces today. of the cross.
Memories, and remembering, are such ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’
central parts of our personalities and So in this season of Remembrance, as
character, and in many ways make up we remember with candles, poppies or
part of who we are. Being remembered bread and wine, may we all take time to
is very important to us, and the thought pause, reflect, and be thankful.
that we might be forgotten can be heart
-breaking. I often read these verses Ven Fiona Gibson
13
LUDLOW CAR SHARE
Cut your travel costs and help beat
climate change
Our club is a community run, not-for-
profit 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
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You pay only an hourly charge plus
mileage
We pay fuel, insurance, road tax and
breakdown cover
As a member you can book Co-wheels
cars across the UK
No age limit with valid licence – Ludlow Curtain Company
introductory teach-in if required The Stables, Station Drive,
Ludlow SY8 2PQ
Cars parked at Ludlow Foyer close to
Train Station Tel 01584 875533
[email protected]
Join at: Here for all your soft furnishing
http://www.co-wheels.org.uk/ needs, from curtains and all types of
shropshire blinds to cushions, upholstery and
Local contacts: curtain poles.
01584 875017 or 875501 Fabrics now available on the roll.
14
St STEPHEN’S PARISH CHURCH
Very surprisingly, this former parish
church on Upper Galdeford is hardly
documented at all. The illustrious David
Lloyd doesn't give it a mention in his
comprehensive local histories, and
Nikolaus Pevsner disdains to give it even
a passing sneer.
It is actually the third ecclesiastical
building on the site. The first mission
chapel opened here in 1869 to meet the
needs of the increasing population in the
spreading eastern part of the town - St Stephen’s Church
predominantly working-class people. © Copyright Jaggery and licensed for reuse under
The local Anglican clergy based at St the Creative Commons Licence
Laurence's thought they would find the
rather haut-bourgeois tone of the
mother church daunting (to say nothing The slow but steady decline in church
of having to pay pew rents). attendance in post-war years spelled the
end of St Stephen's, as it did for many in
they were not wrong. At its inception, this series. I have not been able to
no fewer than 300 people crowded in to ascertain when it closed, but by the time
the chapel, with many more having to be the 1967 Ordnance Survey map of the
turned away. A bigger chapel was built town was issued, although St Stephen's
to replace it in 1880, with seating for House and St Stephen's Yard are
400 - but its first harvest festival that mentioned, the church was no longer
October was attended - somehow - by identified on the map as it had been
630. consistently from its foundation.
By 1906 the second chapel, described as The building is now home to Midway
‘an iron building’, so presumably made of Motor Parts.
corrugated sheet iron, was deemed
unsafe and a brick-built church - the Nick Ford
present structure - was erected in 1907.
What a Souper Coffee Shop!
That has been the unanimous And through the winter months
verdict of local residents and customers will also be able to
visitors alike on Icon Coffee at enjoy a bowl of piping-hot home
St Laurence’s, with the cakes and -made soup with a savoury
pastries proving as popular as scone. Look out for the new
the delicious coffee. lunchtime menu in November.
15
16
Notes from st john’s
This past month has been a busy one at We continue to have a
St John’s. We have continued to hold number of groups who use the church,
our tea and toast session every including the Concert Band on a
Wednesday morning, followed by a well- Thursday evening and Rainbows on a
attended said Eucharist. This is a Monday. Recently we have been pleased
relatively short and simple service, only to welcome Fusion Dance on a Tuesday
lasting about 20 minutes, and many of who run classes in all types of dance and
those who attend have commented on cheerleading for children. Emma, who
its informality and also on its moving runs the classes, hopes to showcase
spirituality. The service begins at some of her dancers to parents and
11.30am and all are welcome. members of the church in the run up to
Christmas.
The PCC continues to plan for the
future by considering how best to
improve the facilities in the church.
Plans for a new kitchen are currently
being discussed and it is hoped to
finalise a design soon. Recently a new
sound system has been installed which
has greatly improved the experience of
all those attending services. This had its
On 1 October the church was very first outing at a very well-attended
pleased to welcome the Ludlow baptism recently when we were
Concert Band who gave a wonderful delighted to welcome a brand-new
performance to a good audience. There member into our congregation.
were a number of pieces linked to our Revd Lawrence Gittins
late Queen, including some of her
favourite hymns and the whole concert
opened with the National Anthem. All
those who attended really enjoyed the
evening and over £200 was donated
towards church funds.
The Concert Band will be returning to
St John’s to take part in our annual carol
service. This year this will be held on
Sunday 18 December at 3.00pm and all
are very welcome to join us for this
joyful service which will be followed by
festive refreshments.
17
SUNDAY SERVICES in Ludlow
Anglican
St Laurence, College Street St Giles, Ludford
8.30am Holy Communion (BCP) 11.15am 1st Sunday
10am Parish Eucharist Family Worship
For livestream/recording - link at 2nd & 4th Sundays
https://stlaurences.org.uk/live-stream CW Holy Communion
11.30am Choral Matins 3rd Sunday
3rd Sunday only Lay-led Worship
Contact
3.30pm The Living Room
2nd Sunday only [email protected]
3.30pm Choral Evensong Ludlow Baptist Church
1st Sunday only 10.30am Sunday worship
6pm Celtic Prayer - evening liturgy Contact
3rd Sunday only [email protected]
9.30pm Compline (on Zoom) Ludlow Elim
For details contact 10.30am Service at Elim
[email protected] 11.30am Online.
5th Sun Joint benefice service Contact
with St John’s www.ludlowelim.com 07791 483284
Contact [email protected]
[email protected]
Ludlow Methodist Church
01584 872073
10.30am Sunday worship
St John, Gravel Hill Contact
9.45am 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays [email protected]
Holy Communion Ludlow Quakers
2nd & 4th Sundays 10.30am Meeting for worship
Morning Prayer Contact
5th Sun Joint benefice service Cynthia Prior 01584 831855
with St Laurence’s
Contact St Peter's Roman Catholic Church
[email protected] Mass 11.00am Sunday
07786 625565 9.30pm Monday-Friday
6.00pm Saturday (Sunday Vigil )
Morning prayer
9.15am Monday-Friday
9.45am Saturday
Contact
[email protected]
18
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 [email protected].
If you use the services of any of our advertisers please mention
that you found their details in the Ludlow Tower.
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 [email protected] www.ludlowcastlegallery.co.uk
Books & Stationery
Castle Bookshop
5 Castle Street Ludlow
Booksellers and Stationers Free ordering service
01584 872562 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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.
19
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.
IT Services
Matthew Lenthall IT Services
Computers, phones and all things technical. Support and maintenance.
12a Corve Street, Ludlow 07828 081163 or 01584 877946
[email protected]
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.
Picture Framing
Frames by Sebastian
Bespoke picture framing
6a Pepper Lane
Tel: 07815 111554
Wanted by collector
Reynolds of Ludlow furniture
Wanted by local collector and researcher; any condition considered; will collect.
Good prices offered.
Tel: 07967 134116.
20
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: [email protected]
Carpentry
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]
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
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
Paul’s Window & Gutter Cleaning Service
We also clean fascias and soffits if required
For a quote
call 07891 862744 or email [email protected]
21
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 [email protected]
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.
Send those special greetings
to your loved one HERE for just
£7.50.
To book email
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS, CLUB OR SOCIETY
HERE
Contact the Parish Office on 01584 872073 or
[email protected]
ADVERTISING RATES 2021-22 (for 12 issues)
Full page - £280 Quarter page - £90
Half page - £170 Eighth page - £55
Classified - £30
Rates for part-year available on request
See above for contact details.
22
WHAT’S ON At st LAURENCE’S
NOVEMBER Midweek
Wednesday 2 7.00pm Daily prayer
Solemn Requiem Eucharist Mondays 9.30am
for All Souls (Incense will be used) Tuesdays 9.30am
Sunday 6 3.30pm Thursdays 9.30am
Choral Evensong Holy Communion
Monday 7 3.00pm Wednesdays 6.00pm
Open Tea Intercessory Prayers 10.30am
Saturday 12 5.30pm Fourth Thursday in month
Bring and Share supper with
visitors from Langwasser Tower bells practice
Mondays 7.30-9.00pm
Sunday 13
Parish Said Eucharist 9.30am Handbells practice
Tuesdays 6.00-7.15pm
Laying of wreaths at 10.50am
Peace Memorial Choir practice
Thursdays 6.00-8.30pm
Civic Remembrance Service 11.15am
Langwasser Bring-and-Share 5.30pm
supper And at st JOHN’S
Friday 18 7.00pm Daily prayer
Church-town meeting Wednesdays 9.30am
Saturday 19 7.30pm Fridays 9.30am
Ludlow Orchestra Tea and toast
Winter Concert Wednesdays 10.00am
Sunday 20 Holy Communion
Choral Matins 11.30am Wednesdays 11.30am
The Living Room 3.30pm
informal worship For the latest news on events at
Celtic Prayer 6.00pm St Laurence’s go to
https://
Thursday 24 10.30am
Monthly intercessory prayers stlaurences.org.uk/google-calendar/
Friday 25 5-9pm
Winter Festival - bar, pizza and music
Saturday 26 10-5pm
St Laurence’s Festive Fair
Sunday 27 7.00pm
Advent Carol Service
23
24
THE LUDLOW-LANGWASSER LINK
The Ludlow Langwasser Link Group is
looking into taking a group of people
from Ludlow and the surrounding area
over to Germany next year to attend
St Laurence’s will host a Kirchentag, the congress organised
group from our partner every two years by the German
church in Nuremberg, Protestant Church.
Germany, the Paul The congress was founded in 1949 with
Gerhardt Lutheran the aim of ‘strengthening the Church
Evangelical Church, for members in their faith, preparing them
three days in mid- for responsibility in their churches,
November. encouraging them in witnessing in the
The link between the two churches, world and to show solidarity with the
stretching back over 30 years, grew out world-wide community of
of a friendship formed between two Christendom.’’
young women who met at a youth It now runs over five days encompassing
meeting in Bavaria. Passionate about 3000 events on a variety of topics under
promoting reconciliation between their three or four main theological, social
two countries they became firm friends. and political themes, themes and
In time the link extended to parishes, attended by over 100,000 people.
deaneries, choirs and schools in
Hereford Diocese and Kirchenkreis In 2023 the 38th Kirchentag will be held
Nürnberg. in Nuremberg under the slogan ‘Now is
the time’ (Jetzt ist die Ziet) with many
The visiting group will be led by their events taking place in Langwasser.
pastor Jörg Gunsenheimer who will
address the congregation during the Kirchentag has been described as ‘one
Remembrance Service on Sunday 13 Keswick Convention, two Edinburgh
November. Local people will be able to Festivals (complete with Fringe!), three
meet all three visitors at an informal Open University Summer Schools, a
Bring-and-Share supper in the church at Lourdes pilgrimage, a visit to Taizé, an
5.30pm on Saturday 12 November. Ideal Homes Exhibition and a Cup Final,
all at the same time and place!’.
There will be a bar serving wine and soft
drinks and those attending are invited to If that has whetted your appetite please
contribute some food. Anyone who call Colin or Andrea Weston on 01568
would like to join our partners at the 770147.
supper should contact Penelope
Bridstrup - [email protected];
01584 876992; 07747025798 - to book a
place and agree what they will bring to
share.
25
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
5 The Angel, Broad Street,
Ludlow, Sy8 2PG
Garden maintenance
Michael Doyle
Plantsman
Over 30 years’ experience
07855 930641
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PCC update
MEETING 12 SEPTEMBER 2022
7 members of the PCC attended
Resolutions: to seek an estimate
for tree work in St Leonard’s The Ludlow Palmers are offering two
churchyard; to form Winter Festival different Christmas cards this year, each
working group featuring one of Gareth Thomas’s
stunning images of St Laurence’s. You
Finance: draft budget for 2023 will find them on sale in the Shop at St
discussed and accepted; proposed pay Laurence and in the Castle Bookshop.
rises agreed (7% for salaried staff, 5%
for hourly-paid staff from January
2023); impact of rising energy costs
discussed
Policies: reviewed and adopted
Incense Policy, PCC Guidance
Discussions: Alpha course; Living
Room (new monthly informal service);
PCC committee membership for 2022
-23; planning to start for possible new
National Lottery Heritage Fund bid
Committee Reports: received
from Fabric, Liturgy, Pastoral, Arts and
Outward Concern committees and
Flower Festival working group
Date of next meeting:
Monday 28 November
A copy of the latest confirmed PCC
minutes is available on the
noticeboard in church. All confirmed
minutes can be viewed in the parish
office.
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Further information: Recitals and Concerts – St Laurence (stlaurences.org.uk)
Ludlow Orchestra
Saturday 19 November, 7.30 pm
Wagner: Siegfried Idyll
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor, OP. 64
Bizet: Symphony in C
Tickets £14 : www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk
Advance Notice
Ludlow Choral Society
Saturday 3rd December, 7:30pm
A Concert to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vaughan Williams' birth
Dona Nobis Pacem Let us now Praise Famous Men
O be Joyful Five Mystical Songs
YOUTH MAKES MUSIC
IN AID OF UKRAINE
Pupils from a number of local state and will present songs from the 50s through
independent schools will be supporting to the present day, music from the
the Ukrainian people when they give a shows, rock and roll, classical and a
concert, arranged by Ludlow Rotary whole lot more.
Club, in Ludlow Assembly Rooms on For tickets go to:
Saturday 12 November at 7pm. www.ludlowrotaryclub.org.uk
Students from Bedstone College, To make a donation go to:
Bishops Castle Community College, Earl www.peoplesfundraising.com/
Mortimer College, Lucton School, Moor fundraising/
Park School and Weobley High School; Ludlowrotaryappeal4Ukraine
28
POPPIES AS A SYMBOL OF REMEMBRANCE
It always seems strange that the
poppy, an early summer flower, is In Flanders Fields
associated so closely with the
celebration of remembrance in In Flanders fields, the poppies blow
November. The relationship owes its Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
origins to a poem written in May The larks, still bravely singing, fly
1915 by Lt Col John McCrae, a Scarce heard amid the guns below.
Canadian doctor and soldier. ‘In
Flanders Fields’ speaks of the red We are the dead. Short days ago
poppy, the only flower to bloom We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
abundantly in the war-ravaged fields Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
of France. In Flanders fields.
The poem inspired American Take up our quarrel with the foe:
academic Moina Michael to write her To you from failing hands we throw
own poem ‘We Shall Keep the Faith’ The torch; be yours to hold it high.
and to campaign to have the poppy If ye break faith with us who die
adopted as an official symbol of We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
remembrance. A French woman In Flanders fields.
called Anna Guérin came to London
in 1921 to promote an ‘Inter-Allied John McCrae
Poppy Day’. When she met Field
Marshal Earl Haig, founder of the The Shop has a fine selection of poppy
newly-formed Royal British Legion, brooches, pins, earrings and necklaces to
she persuaded him to adopt the wear during our remembrance month with
poppy as their emblem. In 1921 nine the 10% of the recommended retail price
million poppies were sold on 11 being shared between the armed forces
November. Disabled former miliary charities, SSAFA and Combat Stress.
personnel now make more than 45
million poppies a year at the Legion’s Wilfred Owen,
Poppy Factory. According to the another celebrated
Legion there is no right or wrong war poet, regarded
way to wear a poppy, just wear it by many as the
with pride and remember our fallen, greatest poet of the
from the Great War to today. First World War. In
the Shop you will
find a book of his
war poems which is
a powerful
testament to the
Open weekdays 10am-5pm horrors of that
Sundays 11am-5pm ‘Great’ War.
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Poyners
now 20 November
More information from Poyners
8 Broad Street, Ludlow
30
A Vision for the Church
A Diocesan Celebration
“The role of a vicar is to enable people We need to be Christlike, look
to be the church, not for the church to outwards and be prayerful if we are to
help the vicar to be the church”. So said fulfil our mission. 2023 is to be a Year of
the Bishop of Hereford at the Diocesan Prayer. The best way to preserve a
Celebration Event at Bishop’s Castle church building is to have a vibrant
Community College on Saturday 8 Christian community/congregation
October. Basing his words on Ephesians within it!
4:7-16, he said the role of clergy is to In a meeting about Growing the Rural
equip and encourage the whole people Church, Carol Whittock, who has seen
of God to do the mission of the church. her church at Churchstoke double in
Introducing the Diocesan Strategy which size, emphasised the importance of
has been produced after conversations prayer, being intentional about attracting
and meetings around the Diocese, he new people (how accessible is our
emphasised our need to be faithful to worship to new people?), changing the
Christ above all. The centre of the culture (nobody under 50 wants instant
diocese is the parishes; indeed it is from coffee!) and being welcoming. We need
parishes that all recent initiatives that to give people opportunities to grow in
God has blessed - from Alpha to Messy faith.
Church to Forest Church - have Richard Hill
emerged.
TRAIDCRAFT ETHICAL CHRISTMAS FAIR
The annual Traidcraft Christmas Fair is
back, with a fantastic selection of fair
trade, sustainable and ethical Christmas
gift ideas, as well as cards, wrapping
paper, food and everyday groceries.
Make this Christmas a fair and
sustainable one and wow everyone with
gifts from around the world. You can
SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER make a big difference to people and
10am - 4pm planet.
Ludlow Mascall Centre Enjoy a cuppa and cake as you browse.
Lower Galdeford Donations to Transform Trade (formerly
Traidcraft Exchange) are welcome,
FREE ENTRY supporting trade development globally.
31
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
32
HARVEST THEN AND NOW
People have been giving thanks for the It has long been
harvest since pagan times and in this the custom to
country Harvest Festival has long been a distribute
fixture in the church calendar, held in Harvest Festival
September or October depending on produce to the
the timing of the main crop in the local poor and elderly of the community.
area. A report in the Ludlow Parish These days it generally reaches these
Magazines of October 1890 suggests individuals via the local food bank which
that it changed little over the years. is ideally placed to identify both the
individuals in need and the kind of
The church was decorated very produce which will best meet those
much as usual, the only novelties needs. Fresh produce looks wonderful
being a very beautiful wreath at in a display but requires skill, time and
the foot of the Altar steps, of (ever more expensive) fuel to turn into
wheat and oats, with white asters a meal. Canned and processed goods
and eucharis lilies placed at rare are often more practicable for food
distances, and in the porch parcels while fresh food will be turned
appeared a miniature wheat rick, into nutritious meals by the Hands
neatly thatched the work of one Together Ludlow team. Donations to St
of our working men, who must Laurence’s for Harvest Festival reflect
have spent many an evening over
this piece of loving service for these changes and the local community
God’s house. Acknowledgements is remarkably generous - this year nearly
are also due to kind friends who 50 local businesses donated a wide
sent gifts of corn and flowers etc. range of goods.
Ludlow Food Bank comments that
We might recognise St Laurence’s donations at harvest time are invaluable,
decorated for harvest festival in the not least in reducing the amount of food
1890s but virtually everything else in the they have to buy, allowing them to
world has changed since then. replenish their stocks before the onset
Agriculture is no longer a major source of winter and its hardships.
of employment - where would we find a And the figures are
‘working man’ with the knowledge and stark: in the first nine
skill to create a miniature wheat rick? months of 2022 the
How many of us can tell wheat from Food Bank gave out
oats from corn? How much of the more parcels than in
family weekly shop is made up of fresh any full year - 569.
produce? We still celebrate a successful
harvest and the beauty of God’s For details of the work of the Food
creation but in giving thanks for the Bank and how you can help go to
food we enjoy we also think of those www.ludlowfoodbank.co.uk
who are less fortunate.
33
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All aspects of building works
Renovations. Conversions. New builds
Extensions. Brickwork. Groundworks
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Tel: 07870 883413
Victoria Allen K & J Davies Gas Services
Funeral Services
NATURAL AND LPG GAS BOILERS &
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RADIATORS AND HEATING INSTALLATIONS
Home Visits Always Available
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01584 879035 01547 528642
LOCAL MAN
wishes to buy
Antiques, Bric à brac,
Collectables
and
Deceaseds’ Effects
Please call
01584 892128 07508 809710
Skip Hire, Waste Management &
Recycling
Tenbury Wells, Ludlow, Leominster, Craven Arms and
34
More than 40 people came
along to the first Living
Room in September and
here’s what some of them
said about it:
Sharing food, fun, conversation &
breaking bread together
Contact [email protected]
20 November 3:30pm
Come and join us @ St Laurences Ludlow
Celtic Prayer
An Evening Liturgy
St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow
Join us for Third Sunday of the month
Sunday evening compline 6pm
via Zoom A simple service in a style
An ancient and beautiful way to close used by the Iona Community
out the day with God and each other. All welcome
Open to all. Call Pat Helm 01584 877683
Sundays 9.30pm for approx 20 minutes Helen Blyth 01584 875041
For Zoom details email: for more information
[email protected] Sunday 20 November
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36
MAMAN’S STORY
‘The world is in a real mess and I'm
frightened about the future, particularly
for my grandchildren’. Many, if not most,
of us will have shared such sentiments
recently. In the UK the focus is on the
rising cost of living and its impact on
our lives, particularly how we show we
care about outcomes for everyone.
Loretta Minghella, Chief Executive of
Christian Aid, has often said, ‘It is more
vital than ever that Christian Aid They taught us everything - from
continues to insist on the human dignity preparing the fields through to
of everyone and on everyone's right to harvesting and selling to the factories.’
be treated accordingly. We are all The farmers shared resources and know
created in the image of God’. Our -how and forged relationships with
concern for people in this country national bodies such as the Bangladesh
should not preclude concern for our Tea Board. Christian Aid and its
brothers and sisters globally’. partners subsidised the cost of tea
Maman Hussain's story is another saplings, making tea cultivation more
example of the way Christian Aid accessible for smallholder farmers. The
changes lives and communities, in this end result? Thriving and prosperous tea
case through its Equal Tea project, run in gardens.
partnership with Traidcraft. Tea-growing Maman now earns the equivalent of
has significant commercial potential in £860 in 40 days, allowing him to provide
Bangladesh as it is one of the few crops for his family in ways he could only have
that can thrive in the sandy soils in the dreamt of just three years ago when
north of the country. However high that figure was £37.
start-up costs and lack of technical
knowledge have held back farmers. ‘I I hope such stories inspire us all in our
did many kinds of work, but was unable giving. The harvest retiring collection
to earn well,’ says Maman. ‘My wife was for the victims of the floods in Pakistan
deprived of happiness, and I was unable raised £467 which has been sent to the
to give basic things to my children. Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)
Things are different now, through the of which Christian Aid is a member.
project’. The next Christian Aid event in Ludlow
Maman joined 21 other local farmers to will be our annual street collection:
learn about tea cultivation, how to Saturday 17 December
budget and keep records of income and Thank you for your continuing response
expenditure. ‘When I started receiving and generosity.
the training, I realised how important
education was for us, it can change lives. Claire Wilcox
37
St Laurence’s is delighted to be part of
Ludlow’s newest festival. The Winter
Festival will take place on the last
weekend in November (25th-27th), a
slot in Ludlow’s calendar left vacant by
the end of the Mediaeval Fayre. It will
feature some familiar events such as the
switching on of the Christmas lights but
the aim is to be more accessible and
affordable for the local community.
A host of local organisations (Ludlow
Castle, Ludlow Chamber of Trade,
Ludlow Fringe, Ludlow Food Festival
and Orleton Young Farmers as well as
St Laurence’s) stepped up when Ludlow
Town Council broached the idea and
between them they have put together
an exciting and varied programme of
events, many of them free.
LUDLOW WINTER FESTIVAL - 25-27 NOV
St Laurence’s contribution will run over
two days, starting on Festive Friday
when, from 5pm to 9pm, we will
welcome in the community for an
evening of beer (served by our clergy
team) and wood-fired pizzas, with open
mic music and poetry sessions.
The church will be full again on Saturday
for our Festive Fair (10am - 5pm).
There will be a wide range of craft
goods and gifts on sale, our popular
‘bottle & chocs’ stall and a tombola as
well as a bar and refreshments (teas and
coffees, cakes and biscuits, hot soup and
rolls) and lots for the children to do.
Please come along and support this new
community venture and ensure that the
Winter Festival becomes a regular
feature of life in our lovely town.
38
What’s the point of Advent?
For many children ‘Advent’ means only come to denote the period leading up
one thing – chocolate before breakfast! to Christmas Day when Christians
As they open a door on their brightly- prepare to remember Jesus’s birth in
coloured Advent calendar each day in the stable. Nowadays it is a period of
December in the eager expectation of both commemoration, of the birth of
finding a special treat behind it they Christ, and expectation, of the Second
probably give no thought to the Coming),
meaning of the word or the symbolism The length of the ‘modern’ Advent
of their calendar. varies because the date of Christmas is
The word ‘Advent’ comes from the fixed. It runs from the fourth Sunday
Latin ‘adventus’ meaning ’coming’. At before Christmas until Christmas Eve.
first the term had no explicit link with With 25 December this year falling on a
Christmas, referring instead to the Sunday, Advent will be four weeks long
period in which new Christians whereas in 2023 it will be just three
prepared for baptism on the feast of the weeks.
Epiphany in January by observing 40 We mark the season with candles and
days of fasting and prayer. Advent is still evergreen wreaths, symbolising the
sometimes called ‘Little Lent’. coming of Christ as the Light of the
By the sixth century it had become World bringing new and everlasting life.
linked to the coming of Jesus, although And of course with those advent
not his (first) coming as a baby at calendars and the growing sense of
Christmas but his second coming in expectation and excitement which they
glory. By the Middle Ages ‘Advent’ had generate as the final window beckons.
A Quiet Space in
Advent
The lead-up to Christmas can be busy
and frantic but there will be an
opportunity on Fridays through Advent
to stop for half an hour to be ADVENT CAROL
quiet and still. SERVICE
All are warmly welcomed to join us in
the Lady Chapel at noon on Sunday 27 November at 7pm
Friday 2, 9, 16 and 23 December for a St Laurence’s church
time of silent reflection.
Incense will be used
39
40
40
On the challenge of hitting eleven
o’clock precisely ...
Rev Dr Gary Bowness continues tongue-in- Given that the
cheek letters from ‘Uncle Eustace’ ... trumpeters playing
the Last Post can be
The Rectory of varying quality,
St James the Least of All your idea of
broadcasting it from
My dear Nephew Darren, London into your
It is a great shame that your church church is inspired.
doesn’t have chandeliers – although in However, your worries about whether
your low-ceilinged converted cinema, your radio will be good enough need
any chandelier more than a few feet tall not trouble you. If you tell your
would also be embedded in your floor congregation that they are about to hear
carpeting. But I find that there is the broadcast silence, then simply not
nothing like watching the standard switch the thing on, no one will be able
bearers on Remembrance Sunday to tell the slightest difference whether
parading up the aisle with their flags and the silence is being broadcast or not. In
getting them caught up in our brass fact, they will even congratulate you on
chandelier. hitting 11am at exactly the right
moment.
One year, the procession ground to a
halt while a bearer fought to retrieve his I always use subterfuge; I have the
flag and was obliged to leave it flying in church clock disconnected and then
the centre of the church while he when we reach the time for silence,
presented me with an empty pole. I irrespective of the true time, I get a
always feel obliged to tell parishioners churchwarden to toll the bell eleven
that, since all the chandeliers will times. This way, I have apparently come
inevitably be sent spinning, not to stare to the exact moment without a hitch for
at them, or they may leave the church the last 30 years.
hypnotised. On the other hand, Miss You will also find that preaching about
Simpson leaves the church looking like warfare and of man’s inhumanity to man
that most weeks. will give you greater insights into the
Major Hastings always arrives bejewelled working of your PCC. The only
with so many medals that every time he difference is that on committees – sadly
kneels for prayer, it sounds as if he is – the use of machine guns is rather
taking the collection. Their weight frowned on.
increases his stoop by at least ten Your loving uncle
degrees, to the point where some feel
we should support him with a personal Eustace
flying buttress.
41
PARISH DIRECTORy
Ludlow St Laurence Parish Office, 2 College Street, Ludlow, Shropshire. SY8 1AN
Telephone: 01584 872073
e-mail: [email protected] website: www.stlaurences.org.uk
The office is open to the public on Tuesdays between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm.
Rector Revd Kelvin Price (available Sunday-Friday) 07799 243867
Curate Revd Lawrence Gittins (available Sunday-Friday) 07786 625565
Pioneer Curate & Intergenerational Missioner Revd Wayne Davies 07545 438892
Ludlow St Laurence Ludlow St John
Parish Office 01584 872073 Parish Office Nicky Luck 872073
Office Administrator Nicky Luck Churchwardens Mike Beazley 873570
Finance Manager Peter Nield Treasurer Mike Beazley 873570
Gift Aid Secretary Michael Hunt PCC Secretary Mike Beazley 873570
Director of Music Michael Oakley Electoral Roll Sue Thomas 0792990671
Custodian Matthew Lenthall
Ashfords Benefice
Conservation Trust Chair Ian Marshall Rector Revd Lynn Money
Parish Office Sarah Davies 01584 319381
PCC
Churchwardens Dick Franks 892019 Bromfield Benefice
Lesley Harling 318309 Rector Revd Justin Parker
Assistant Churchwarden Parish Office Martin Scott 07493 247184
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 COPY DEADLINE FOR THE
Flowers Sue Thornley 872292 NEXT ISSUE
Monthly Prayer Group Sandi Burley 873155
Tower Captain Richard Bracher 811514 TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER
Ludlow Tower editor Lesley Harling 318309 There is no guarantee that material
Find this and previous issues submitted will be included.
of the Ludlow Tower on line at Please send articles by email to
www.stlaurences.org.uk [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
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