Ludlow Tower February 2021

2

CONTENTS

It sometimes feels as though February Seeking a way forward 5
is the month nobody loves or needs. In What is really going on inside? 7
January we have the warm afterglow of Introducing - Ann Barge 9
Christmas and the expectations raised PCC meeting summary - 11
by a new year. By the beginning of December
March the signs of spring and new life 11
are everywhere. But what does Wednesday prayers 11
February give us. apart from St Celtic Prayer 13
Valentine’s day, all too often the coldest Notes from St John’s 13
and greyest weather of the year and, Ages of life - a poem 15
every four years, an extra day of gloom? The meaning of Candlemas 16
On top of that this year we have the Sunday services in Ludlow 16
tantalising prospect of a reduction in From the registers 17
coronavirus restrictions as the Ludlow local listing - small ads 21
vaccination campaign picks up speed - What’s on at St Laurence’s in
but almost certainly not before Easter. February 21
23
It may come as a surprise to some that Two Lent courses 23
February brings us not only pancakes Sunshine over Ambridge 25
on Shrove Tuesday and the start of Lent Still here for you 27
(p7& p21) but also the official end of Pat Baulch RIP 27
Christmas (p15&p21). We also ponder Fairtrade Fortnight 2021
how best to make the first steps Would you have survived the 29
towards planning for the future (p5) pandemic if you couldn’t read? 31
and take a light-hearted look at subjects
never far from our minds at the Ludlow Food Bank annual report 33
moment, health and safety (p.31). Uncle Eustace - Why our church 34
doesn’t need health & safety
LMH
Children’s page
Lesley Harling (Editor) 01584 318309 Parish directory & copy deadline

This month’s cover: Opinions expressed in contributed articles in this
magazine are those of the contributor and do not
Photograph: Richard Orttewell necessarily represent the position or opinions of
Winter sunlight in the woods
the PCC or Editorial Committee.
Graphic design: Nicky Luck
[email protected]

Printing : ABC Print Group
Moreton-on-Lugg, Herefordshire

3

4

SEEKING A WAY FORWARD

Writing this in early January for the imagination in set design, costume, the
February edition is not easy - events are use of technology. And of course, the
moving fast and I’m not moving at all! close bonding and interdependence of
people working together blending their
Human beings are good at developing skills to fulfil ideas and dreams. Clearly
strategies to make the most, or the best, this is what I am missing in my life.
of life. With luck we discover our gifts Wonderful though this is as a way to
and skills and find a job or career where counteract lockdown, by the New Year I
we are fulfilled and appreciated. Or had a sense of living in a narrow fantasy
maybe we hide our insecurities, or world in which people on a screen
irritation by staying quiet, appearing shy replaced real encounter and exchange
or hard of hearing. and emotion – real community.
An analogy – you can’t steer a car by
For the last year these patterns have watching the end of the bonnet; looking
been broken, torn apart, or become ahead to gain perspective and context
irrelevant. Some of us are locked in, gives the way forward.
some out working, at the end of their
tether unable to escape the pressures of An e-mail broke the bleak mid-winter
family and finance, I suspect we are each spell:“Come to the Barbican in May to
developing new patterns and strategies see a live opera singer perform.” There
for the new situation – we cannot sing was excitement but it was ridiculous,
the old songs in this foreign land. madness – we would still be locked
down … London is a dangerous place ...
I have spent time reading and meditating I would have to use public transport …
on the psalms. The psalmist rests the performer wouldn’t come … .
confidently in the history of the But, I could go with an old friend, be
relationship of God and his people, the part of a community sharing real life
desire to worship, the firm foundation of together. The tickets were booked. It
community. From that context comes may not happen. But if the tickets were
the capacity to face the realities of life, not booked, then … ?
with plain speaking and plain praying.
Sylvia Turner
Maybe the psalms are not your thing. It
is worth looking at what we are drawn
to now. The ‘to do’ list may be written,
but what actually gets done? And which
things somehow always get set aside?

For myself, I have spent hours watching
operas streamed from the Metropolitan
Opera. Why? Here I see stories of love
and loyalty, betrayal and cruelty – the
human condition laid bare. Here is
beauty of voice and of music – human
skill honed. There is creativity and

5

Proud to have built The Shop at St Laurence’s

6

What is really going on inside?

The great good enough for their parents, can get
into the habit of justifying their
Spanish saint, existence through driven activity. The
child who was only praised for good
Teresa of Avila, performance can feel hugely threatened
if they don’t meet their own standards. I
was both think that was what was going on in the
anger I spoke of earlier. But these
witty and habitual patterns of coping and doing life
are ultimately destructive.
wise. On
This month, we begin the journey of
being thrown Lent. Traditionally this is a period of
spiritual examination. It may be that
out of a lockdown affords the opportunity for
greater self-scrutiny this year. Perhaps a
carriage into meditation on the words God spoke
the mud over Jesus at his baptism could kick us
off. “This is my child, the beloved, in him
during a long I am well pleased”. As people ‘in Christ’
these are words God speaks over us as
St Teresa of Avila journey, she well. These are words to counter the
records her narrative of inadequacy, or being valued
only for what we can achieve. They are
conversation with God beginning,“If this words that affirm God’s unconditional
love. They are words that transform and
is how you treat your friends, it’s no renew. May we hear those words rather
than the unhelpful ones this Lent.
surprise you have so few!” Some of her
Bishop Richard
thinking is surprisingly contemporary

and relevant. She once said that most

problems in leadership stem from a lack
of self-knowledge. Recent events in

America certainly bear this out.

As we continue through this second
lock-down, a more mindful
understanding of what is going on inside
us could be a great help in fostering
good relationships. Current
circumstances put us all under a great
deal of stress. If we’re unaware of what
is really going on inside us, that stress
can emerge in unhelpful and relationship

destroying ways. Even within the church,
I have encountered people, delightful
and caring in normal circumstances, who
can when under stress erupt in
explosive anger. The strength of that has
surprised even themselves, never mind
the bruised recipient of the outburst.

Voices from the past, even voices long
since dead, can still echo in our present
experience. The child who was never

7

8

INTRODUCING ...

Please tell us a little about yourself. World Mental
Health Day,
I am Ann Barge, assistant priest at St Road Peace
Laurence’s and Prebendary Emeritus of (World Day of
Hereford Cathedral. Although born in Remembrance
Derby I have lived in Ludlow for most of for Road Traffic
my adult life. My nurse training stopped Victims), Baby
when I married Ian, an English teacher – Loss Awareness
because all trainees had to live in the week, Holy Innocents Day.
nurses’ home. Our first son was a year
old when Ian took up a teaching job in a What is your role at St Laurence’s?
very remote area of Tanzania, where our
second son was born. I do not have a specific role in St
Laurence's and so help out wherever /
Once back in the UK we came to whenever, as do other retired clergy.
Ludlow where Ian taught at the However I do usually work with Gemma
grammar school, later Ludlow College King on arrangements for the Baby Loss
and our daughter was born. I was Awareness Week and service and with
always involved with St Laurence’s, others, the Annual Bereavement service.
especially the thriving youth club of the
day. I worked at the E Walters trouser Is there one feature of St
factory and the Forestry Commission Laurence's which is special for you?
before moving to Christian Aid which
involved commuting to London where I It has to be the Lady Chapel with its
stayed over for 2-3 nights a week, focus on the humanity of Jesus and his
attending the Southwark ordination Mother the Blessed Virgin Mary, who
course in the evenings. both knew all that it is to be human, the
joys and the sorrows. Jesus's family tree
I spent 2½ years as Accredited Lay in the Jesse window and the fire bucket
Worker at All Saints Church in Hereford hooks remind us of both the mystery
before coming back to Ludlow. After and the messiness of the Incarnation.
being ordained I was licensed as part
time stipendiary curate in the then How do you spend any spare time?
Ludlow Team Ministry. The Team Rector
along with two team vicars was Listening to music, walking the dog,
responsible, for 17 local churches baking, reading, tending the plants in our
potted patio garden.
However I never planned to be a parish
priest, feeling called to work ‘on the What might we be surprised to
fringes’. Over the years I have worked know about you?
with prisoners, people living with HIV
and AIDS and those struggling with When staying overnight in London I had
mental health or child bereavement. I a study bedroom with the Nursing
have been part of various services and Sisters of St John the Divine, of Call the
events (mainly in the cathedral) - for Midwife fame, in their house in Vauxhall.
They have now moved to Birmingham
and are involved in the Ministry of
Healing and do much inter-faith work.

9

3 Parkway, Off Corve Street, Ludlow,
Sy8 2PG

10

PCC MEETING WEDNESDAY

14 DECEMBER 2020 PRAYERS

Summary of main points “So I tell you, whatever you ask for in
prayer, believe that you have received it,
10 members of the PCC attended.
and it will be yours.” Mark 11.24
 Resolutions: to adopt Parish
Giving Scheme to manage planned This is a difficult time for us all with
giving; to accept gift of framed copy many of us too worried to leave home
of Coventry Cathedral tapestry for fear of the virus or under
instruction not to leave due to our
 Policies review: Data Protection vulnerability or that of our loved ones.
During such times prayer is more
 Discussions: schedule of day-to-day important than ever and here at St
maintenance checks of church Laurence’s we would like to help and
building; Christmas service support everyone to offer prayers in
arrangements church.

 Date of next meeting: Monday 22
February 2021

A copy of the two latest sets of
confirmed PCC minutes is available on
the noticeboard in church.

Celtic Prayer We have made the commitment to
keep the Lady Chapel open for two
An Evening Liturgy hours every day for those able and
willing to come into church. In addition,
Sunday 21 February at 6pm each Wednesday Reverend Kelvin and
on Zoom Reverend Lawrence will be in church to
offer up prayers on your behalf. If you
A simple service in a style have someone you would like them to
used by the Iona Community pray for please send their name and a
single line or two explaining the
To join the service go to the context into the office (No 2 College
Services page on the website Street or [email protected] )
https://stlaurences.org.uk/
A candle will be lit in their name and
Call Pat Helm 01584 877683 your prayers offered up to a God who
for more information is always listening and always present.

11

12

from st john’s The ages of life

There is little to report this month since Old Age
any services or activities have had to be On the outside: why so faded,
curtailed in response to changing Covid Colours chipped and hair awry?
regulations. For example it had been Ageing’s price has been exacted,
decided to reconstitute a ‘Worship Hope extinguished, love gone by.
Group’ with its main purpose being to
plan for a lay-led service on two Sundays Middle Age
per month, aiming to encourage the Halfway there with lines appearing,
experimentation with different forms of Self-help books are piling high.
service allowing greater lay participation Dreams still beckon; future yearning,
and dialogue within the community. As Life has not yet passed me by.
may be imagined, deciding on the format
and content of such lay-led services Adolescence
involves a lot of work. The process can Teenage daring, risk unflinching;
be illuminating for those involved but it Health and vigour promise more
does not encourage commitment, when Every passion lurks, so tempting
the service is all set up, to learn that it All sensations to the fore.
has to be cancelled. With the increasing
severity of the infection and its variants Childhood
globally, it becomes very difficult to Child amazement, world untested;
discern any signs of when future Safely kept in others’ care.
planning might resume with confidence. Now emerging, trusting, fearless
Stain-free soul to taste the air.
At this stage it seems that churches,
whatever their belief systems, have to be Moral
patient, praying for medical researchers Cast off now your stubborn pride.
and practitioners to discover solutions Liberate the child inside.
to the crisis threatening humankind. We
pray too for those, in many cases our (See Matthew 18:3)
own friends and families, who are
suffering from the terrible effects of the John Barton
virus or grief at loss of loved ones.

We wrote previously, in what seem now
to have been kinder times, in the Ludlow
Tower of St John’s altar kneelers, created
by embroiderers from St John’s and St
Laurence’s. These are now included in a
national website of church kneelers
which can be accessed at https://
parishkneelers.co.uk/ a sumptuous
compendium of folk art across the
country.

John French

13

Victoria Allen

Funeral Services

An Independent Family Business
Pre- Paid Funeral Plans

Home Visits Always Available
24 Hour Service

01584 879035

Ludlow Landscaping

Excellence in Garden Design and
Construction

Fencing, Stonework, Structures, Turfing,
Block Paving, 3-tonne & Micro Digger
Compact Tractors with Operator

Tel: 01584 874214 or 07973 842029

[email protected]

www.ludlowlandscaping.co.uk

K & J Davies Gas Services

NATURAL AND LPG GAS BOILERS & APPLIANCES SERVICED AND
INSTALLED

RADIATORS AND HEATING INSTALLATIONS
AND SMALL PLUMBING WORK UNDERTAKEN

14

The meaning of candlemas

It seems that this year many Candlemas, also known as the
people have been reluctant to Feast of the Presentation of
take down their Christmas Christ in the Temple and the
decorations, perhaps hoping to Purification of the Blessed Virgin,
hold on to that brief feel-good commemorates the day on
moment when the Covid-19 which the Virgin Mary would
restrictions were relaxed and life have been purified after
seemed a little more ‘normal’. childbirth and would have
Although the recycling bins are presented her son at the temple
usually filled with sadly browning in Jerusalem. This was an
trees from Boxing Day onwards important day in the life of any
the traditional day for taking down the Jewish baby boy when he made his first
decorations is 6 January, the twelfth day appearance in public.
of Christmas. Or is it? Luke’s gospel gives us an account of this
momentous day (Luke 2:22-40) including
In the Middle Ages, it was the custom to the Nunc Dimittis, Simeon’s great
decorate houses with greenery for the declaration of faith and recognition of
Christmas season but not until who Jesus was. Now said or sung at
Christmas Eve, marking the official start every Evensong it was originally used
of the season of Christmas which only at Candlemas.
continues right through to Candlemas
on 2 February, 40 days later. Candlemas was also the day on which
Church candles for use in the coming
So there is no real reason to take down year were blessed. In some churches it
decorations any earlier and it is the is the custom to hold Christingle
tradition at St Laurence’s to remove the services, celebrating Jesus Christ as the
star in the crossing, the Christmas tree Light of the World in the symbolism of a
and the Christmas crib at Candlemas. candle, at Candlemas rather than in the
hectic pre-Christmas season. This year
Robert Herrick writing in the 17th St Laurence’s is marking the occasion
century describes the process: with a live-streamed Light up a Life
service, lighting candles in memory of
Ceremony Upon Candlemas Eve those who have died (see p21).

Down with the rosemary, and so

Down with the bays and misletoe;

Down with the holly, ivy, all

Wherewith ye dress’d the Christmas hall;

That so the superstitious find

No one least branch there left behind;

For look, how many leaves there be

Neglected there, maids, trust to me,

So many goblins you shall see.

15

SUNDAY SERVICES in Ludlow

In response to the continuing high levels of Covid-19 in the country and locally
St Laurence’s will continue to hold only one public service a week at 10am on
Sundays. This service will normally be live-streamed for those who do not wish to
attend in person. You will find details of how to access the livestream and updates
on services as circumstances change on the website: www.stlaurences.org.uk

St Laurence, College Street St John, Gravel Hill

Every Sunday Every Sunday
10.00am Parish Eucharist 10.00-12.00 Open for private prayer

Contact For information on any services which
[email protected] may be held.
01584 872073 Contact
[email protected]
Arrangements for all activities in the 07786 625565
church, including services, are subject to
change, depending on the latest Ludlow Baptist Church
government regulations, CofE guidance 10.30am Sunday worship service
and PCC risk assessments.
on Zoom or in church by
reservation only if permitted
Contact
[email protected]

www.stlaurences.org.uk Living Waters

FROM THE Sunday services on Zoom
REGISTERS for members only

FUNERALS Contact [email protected]
12 January Grace Stone
20 January John Albert Coxill Ludlow Methodist Church
22 January Joyce Muriel Wright
25 January Patricia Elizabeth Baulch 10.30am Sunday worship
live on Zoom - follow link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83675471538
or by telephone dial 0203 481 5237 and
enter ID - 836 7547 1538

Contact
[email protected]

16

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
publicising your group’s activities and
With 600 copies circulating in Ludlow attracting new members.
every month, free of charge, this is an
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].

Artwork

Ludlow Castle Gallery

Quality affordable picture framing & original objects. Fast friendly service. Gifts & cards
by local artisans. Find us in the Castle, just before the tea rooms or contact on

01584 878527 [email protected] www.ludlowcastlegallery.co.uk

Alterations

Marie’s Alterations Repairs & Haberdashery

Friendly & experienced staff always willing to help. Coffee Shop Upstairs with locally
sourced cakes and artisan coffee in a unique setting. Please call in or contact us on:

01584 318185 [email protected] The Stables, Station Dr Ludlow

Books & Stationery

Castle Bookshop

5 Castle Street Ludlow
Booksellers and Stationers
Free ordering service 01584 872562

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; [email protected];
www.pearcecycles.co.uk. Open Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm. Bike sales - repair - hire.

17

Floral services

Twigs

Flowers and gifts for all occasions
4 Old Street, Ludlow Call in or telephone 07522139928

Local home consultation also available

Property services and maintenance

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

Smokerite Chimney Service

For all your chim’needs.
Call Jerry Street 07968 282078 or Jorden Street 07920 832164
Email: [email protected]. Website: www.smokerite.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 mainten-

ance. 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

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 Maintenance
Fully insured - reliable - experienced - competitive. Lawn mowing / hedge cutting / tree
surgery / pruning / turfing / planting / landscaping. Call Dan on 07779182636. Covers
Ludlow and surrounding areas.

18

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]

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.

Organic food

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.

Picture Framing

Frames by Sebastian

Bespoke picture framing
6a Pepper Lane

Tel: 07815 111554

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS, CLUB OR SOCIETY
HERE

Contact the Parish Office on 01584 872073 or
[email protected]

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.

19

Expensive Mistakes LUDLOW CAR CLUB

Nestled in the heart of Ludlow, SAFE AFFORDABLE
specialising in selling pre-loved, TRAVEL

top-name designer and Our club is a community run,
superior high street fashion at not-for-profit enterprise
We operate low emission Toyota
affordable prices. hybrid cars
Cars cleaned regularly using a
11 Market Street, Ludlow SY8 1BP powerful anti-bacterial product
Hire a car for as long as you need
tel: from 30 mins to several days
01584 877911 Personal or business use
Smart card technology - book
online or by phone
You pay only an hourly charge
plus mileage
Rates include fuel, insurance, road
tax and breakdown cover
Students, under 21s and older
drivers welcome

Join at:
http://www.co-wheels.org.uk/shropshire

Local contacts: 01584 875017
or 01584 875501

20

We have two suggestions for ways of WHAT’S ON in
using Lent 2021 for study, reflection and
renewal, exploration and discussion of febrUARY
issues of faith in the lead-up to Easter.
All events are subject to Covid-19
For individual study the #LiveLent: regulations. Please check the
God's Story, Our Story booklet website https://stlaurences.org.uk
provides six reflections a week for the latest news.
throughout Lent each comprising a
short passage from the Bible, a brief Every day Open for private prayer
exploration of the reading and a prayer
and action to be taken during the week. Sun, Mon,Wed, Fri 11am-1pm
If you would like a booklet e-mail
[email protected]. There is no Tue,Thur, Sat 1pm - 3pm
charge, but any donations to offset the
costs would be gratefully received. Sundays Parish Eucharist 10am

Or you could join a Tuesday 2 February
six-week Lent course Light up a Life Service
on Zoom which 7pm (livestream)
encourages us all to
take time, to Sunday 21 February
reconnect our souls Celtic Prayer
with God. Get Your 6pm (Zoom)
Life Back starts on
Tuesday 23 February, LIGHT UP A LIFE
7pm and each session lasts for an hour.
And includes a video to watch followed SERVICE: CANDLEMAS
by a chance to discuss your thoughts
and feelings. When you sign up you will This will be a special short service of
receive the book with a study guide. remembrance. Candles will be lit in
You can see what it is all about by memory of those we love who have
watching an introductory video at died and now rest in peace with God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=ReP7NzstF3E and you can book your If you would like the name of someone
place by e-emailing Wayne Davies at you have lost read out during this
[email protected]. service and a candle lit in their memory
please contact the Parish Office - 01584
872073 or [email protected] -
with their details.

A live stream of the
service will be available
on the website - https://
stlaurences.org.uk/.

21

22

sunshine over STILL HERE FOR YOU

ambridge It is a sad time when churches are
closed to visitors, and of course our
As David Archer commented during ‘non-essential’ shop is also closed for
the Archers’ 70th anniversary the foreseeable future.
celebrations, "Whatever happens, the Ludlow itself is very quiet and it is a
sun will still shine over Ambridge and worry for all our small independent
the cows will still need milking". high-street shops. Whilst we are not in
that category we are a small shop in the
And so with business of raising funds for St
our world - Laurence’s parish church, and as such
however this this closure is a very unhappy situation.
terrible
pandemic a small selection of books available -
develops, there will still be volcanos and C S Lewis is proving popular
earthquakes, violent regimes oppressing
their citizens, famine due to climate We are, however, still here for you., and
change and political events. However for St Laurence’s. We have a website
concerned and anxious we are, the featuring most of our items and we
vaccine is on its way for us. Although would warmly encourage all those
the G20 nations are contributing interested in the upkeep of St Laurence
towards the purchase of supplies for to visit and, hopefully, purchase items
the third world, this will not be enough. from our site. We do offer free delivery
Aid agencies, such as Christian Aid, need within a two-mile radius of the church
to be there, to help administer and for orders from our website
support both workers and the
population, as well as caring for the www.theshopatstlaurence.co.uk
sick.

Lent begins on Wednesday 17 February.
If the Lent Lunches in aid of Christian
Aid can go ahead, St Laurence's will
host the lunch on Friday 5 March. This
seems unlikely, as I write, but please go
into optimistic mode and make a note
in your diary. I hope we can consider
an alternative, if we cannot run the
lunches as normal.

A big thank you for your ongoing
prayers, commitment and support, and
with best wishes for 2021.

Claire

23

24

Pat Baulch RIP

To anyone who didn’t know better, Pat great supporter of Mothers Union, she
Baulch was just another anonymous never retired from her work for others,
little old lady, usually dressed in red, with organising an annual coffee morning for
a tendency to drive her scooter down Marie Curie nurses, or another of her
the south aisle, scattering visitors left many charities.
and right. But there was nothing
ordinary about Pat. Among her papers is a letter from our
Hers was a life MP dated 21st
singularly devoted to December 2020 in
following Christ and answer to concerns
serving her fellow she had raised with
men. him about the status
of women. It is a
Born in London in measure of the love
1928, Pat was to Pat inspired that this
become the perfect Christmas, at the age
vicar’s wife, standing of 92, she had 85
shoulder-to-shoulder cards including some
with her husband from people whom
John during his she taught in Mill Hill
ministries in Mill Hill, Hillingdon,
Hereford and finally Ludlow. John was a in the 60s or who were parishioners in
‘man of the people’ and they made an Hillingdon many years ago.
impressive couple, running an open-
house vicarage and turning away no-one. By her bedside she kept a slip of paper
on which she’d written this prayer
Pat worked as an infant teacher and
retained a love of small children Lord I thank you for your love for me and
throughout her life. After her for all and welcome that love afresh. Take
retirement, she worked for 21 years as a and use me for your praise and service.
Homestart volunteer and in her 90s
could often be seen sitting with the She was a wonderful lady who will for
Mums and Toddlers in the north aisle. A ever remain in our hearts.

Doris & Hugh Wood

25

RIBA

Trevor Hewett

A R C H IT E CT

▪ 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

26

Fairtrade Find out more and get involved

Fortnight email [email protected]

Fairtrade Fortnight is just around the phone Jenny Hume, Chair of
corner.This year it is more important Ludlow Fairtrade Town Group on
than ever that you join the growing 01584 831654
movement to make trade fair.
Learn more about Fairtrade in Ludlow
Farmers and workers in the Global by visiting https://ludowfairtrade.com
South are already among the world’s
poorest ,and the Coronavirus pandemic Did you know . . . you can make a
puts them even more at risk. Together difference right now, simply by shopping
we can help protect their livelihoods in the right place.? Traidcraft sells a
during this period and beyond. range of ethically sourced food, drinks,
gifts, homewares. Every purchase helps
You have the power to drive long term to transform the lives of small-scale
change, not only with your shopping artisans, farmers and their communities
choices but with your support in across the developing world. Visit the
spreading the message. online shop at www.traidcraftshop.co.uk

From 22 February to 7 March, the
Ludlow Fairtrade Town Group will be
promoting Fairtrade and ethical sourcing
in the town. We need you to join us!

Would you have Just think how different it would be if you
couldn’t read forms, shop online, apply for
survived the grants or benefits, help children with home
schooling, follow medicine instructions, or
pandemic if you follow the ever-changing Covid-19
guidelines. Increased social isolation has
couldn’t read? left many people coping alone without
their usual sources of support.
For many of us lockdown is the perfect
opportunity to catch up on a novel we’ve Help is at hand! Read Easy Shropshire Hills
been meaning to read, take up baking, learn provides free one-to-one coaching for
a new skill, or even become a teacher for people who struggle with reading. We
our children. One way or another we’ve match up each new reader with a trained
probably spent a lot more time reading. reading coach and they work at their own
But it’s not been this way for everyone. pace currently online, or by phone.
Over 7% of adults didn’t learn to read at
school; most of them have never caught up. It’s never too late to learn. If you know
someone who you think would benefit
from our service please get in touch to find
out more. For a confidential conversation,
call Amana on 07707 762653 or email
[email protected]

27

28

LUDLOW FOOD BANK ANNUAL REPORT

Unprecedented may be a cliché to Good will – the outpouring of good
describe 2020 but it is true of much that will from the community in Ludlow to
happened at the Ludlow Food Bank last the food bank this year has helped us
year: get through a very challenging time.
A huge ‘Thank You’ to all the wonderful
Donations - superlative in numbers people wo helped make things less grim
and volume of food and money and in in Ludlow than they might have been.
variety from normal and festive food We could not have done it without you.
items to period products, nappies, baby
items, dog and cat food and toys Ruth Davies

Volunteers – so many coming forward You can find the full annual report on
that we now have a waiting list; the Ludlow Food Bank Facebook page.
invaluable as many longstanding
volunteers have had to step back

Management committee – set up as
the work mushroomed; volunteers, like
all those working at the food bank

Food parcels given out – 560 food
parcels, enough to feed 1202 people for
a week, more than ever before

Collaboration - with Working
Together Ludlow a charity working with
people with special needs and learning
difficulties

Grants – now accessible from charities,
businesses, government departments etc

Food pallets - from DEFRA and
FareShare.

Food parcels delivered - to those
shielding or unable to collect

Self-referrals - more people making
personal requests for food parcels

Vouchers - butchers’ vouchers and
Christmas ‘deli’ vouchers added to
existing fruit and veg vouchers, all
supporting local shops

Facebook – huge increase in activity on
Ludlow Food Bank page

Opening hours – now open five days a
week (Monday - Friday)

29

30

On why our church does not need
health or saFety ...

Revd Dr Gary Bowness continues his a year when his relations visit from
tongue-in-cheek letters from ‘Uncle America to commemorate his death at
Eustace’… Agincourt – which is probably just
beyond remembrance of the oldest of
The Rectory our congregation.
St James the Least
Leaks from the ceiling in the north aisle
My dear Nephew Darren, are solved with a row of buckets – and
even you must concede that the fungi on
I appreciated your recent concern when the oak beams look really rather
you heard one of our parishioners had attractive when the sun catches them.
slipped on a gravestone. Your desire to The sapling growing out of the spire is
help was entirely commendable, and I do certainly an issue – although it looks so
know that sending your own church’s attractive in Spring when in blossom. As
health and safety officer to give us some for our fire extinguishers, they were
advice was kindly meant. But the 200- serviced when my predecessor-but-two
page report was not welcome. If we was in office, and I have the certificate to
implemented even half of your officer’s prove it.
suggestions, life would become
unbearably safe. So, do thank your health and safety
officer for all his work and tell him we
St James the Least of All has survived will bear his recommendations in mind.
perfectly well for the last 600 years Also tell him I was so sorry he slipped
without gutter cleaning inspections, path and broke his leg in our choir stalls
degreasing and electrical safety while he was with us. But that bit of
certificates, so I think we may survive a floor has been out of alignment since
little longer without them. As far as I am 1748, and it seems a shame to disturb it
aware, the only disaster to hit us was now. If only he had arrived encased in
when Cromwell’s soldiers stabled their bubble wrap, it would never have
horses in the nave – which I suspect a happened. Perhaps you could put that
few of our oldest members still clearly on the agenda of your next health and
remember. safety meeting.

The shock the sidesmen sometimes get Your loving uncle
when switching on the lights occurs only
occasionally, is relatively mild and soon Eustace
over – and if it happens when preparing
for the 8am Service, helps to wake them Ed: The views expressed in this article are those
up. The weight of the Duke of of ‘Uncle Eustace’ and do not represent the
Clumber’s marble sarcophagus is slowly position or opinions of St Laurence’s PCC.
detaching the south aisle from the rest
of the church, but it is very slow – and
the pews in that area are used only once

31

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

32

33

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 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 Grace Johnson 07432 563545
Office Administrator Nicky Luck Churchwardens Mike Beazley 873570
Finance Manager Peter Nield
Gift Aid Secretary Michael Hunt Anthony Sibcy 874331
Director of Music Michael Oakley Treasurer Peter Phelps 873179
Custodian Matthew Lenthall PCC Secretary John French 876142
Electoral Roll John French 876142
Conservation Trust Chair Sylvia Turner Organist Colin Reeves 875608

PCC Ashfords Benefice
Rector Revd Lynn Money
Churchwardens Dick Franks 892019 Parish Office Clare Bicker-Caarten

Lesley Harling 318309 01584 831585

Deputy Churchwardens Bromfield Benefice
Michael Davies 07970 434822 Rector Revd Justin Parker
Parish Office Grace Johnson 07493 247184
Carole Perrett 879406

Electoral Roll Dick Franks 892019

Officer

Safeguarding Officer Dick Franks 892019

PCC Secretary Nicky Luck 872073

Bible Reading Penelope Bridstrup COPY DEADLINE FOR THE
Fellowship 876992 NEXT ISSUE

Flowers Sue Thornley 872292 TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY
Monthly Prayer Sandi Burley 873155
There is no guarantee that material
Group Sandi Burley 873155 submitted will be included.
The Table Tony Greatrex
Tower Captain Please send articles by email to
01568 780764 [email protected]
Ludlow Tower Lesley Harling 318309
editor We are happy to receive contributions
and suggestions for inclusion in the
Find this and previous issues magazine. Please limit items to no
on line at more than 400 words, except by prior
agreement with the editor.
www.stlaurences.org.uk

Parish of Ludlow Saint Laurence Registered Charity No 1132703

34

35

36