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3 The sombre cover of this issue of the Ludlow Tower reflects the solemn season of Lent when many of us fast, or abstain from something, to help us focus our minds on the forty days Jesus spent in the desert, tempted by the Devil, as we prepare to commemorate his death on the cross and his resurrection at Easter. Inside the magazine we have some tips from Bishop Richard on how to have a good Lent (p9) and exciting news of a performance of the Passion in Hereford cathedral (p36). We look forward to the joy of the Easter services (p10-11) perhaps heralding the arrival of some warmer, drier weather. So we offer some ideas for exploring the great outdoors (p31) as well as one of the less-visited parts of St Laurence’s church, hidden away behind a locked door - the Parvis Room (p17). We also hear how the benefice may operate (p7) after our curate Wayne leaves for a parish of his own as the work on the parish office nears completion and Stephen House opens for business as a pastoral centre. Lesley Harling (Editor) 01584 318309 This month’s cover: Photograph: Lesley Harling Cross in the Lady Chapel Graphic design: Nicky Luck [email protected] Printing: Signworx Hereford Moreton-on-Lugg, Herefordshire CONTENTS Reconciliation with the other 5 What happens now? 7 Lent as spiritual dynamite 9 Easter services 10 Walk of witness 11 The tree and the trees 11 Introducing - Sian Griffiths 13 PCC meeting summary 15 Waste not, want not 15 The Parvise 17 Poets’ Corner - Ben Jonson The Noble Nature 19 Sunday services in Ludlow 20 What’s on in March 25 The Annunciation - a poem 27 Reviving the art of Nakshi Kantha 29 Birdsong or social network? 31 One a penny, two a penny 33 Grave matters - Fanny and William Patrick 35 The Hereford Passion 36 Mr Bates vs the Post Office: not the only one 37 Greetings from ,,, 39 Children’s page 40 On why pews should be uncomfortable 41 Parish directory & copy deadline 42 Opinions expressed in contributed articles in this magazine are those of the contributor and do not necessarily represent the position or opinions of the PCC or Editorial Committee.
4 LUDLOW CAR SHARE Cut your travel costs and help beat climate change Our club is a community run, not-forprofit enterprise We operate low emission, automatic Toyota hybrid cars Book a car for as long as you need from 30 mins to several days Smart card technology - book online or by phone You pay only an hourly charge plus mileage We pay fuel, insurance, road tax and breakdown cover As a member you can book Co-wheels cars across the UK No age limit with valid licence – introductory teach-in if required Join at: http://www.co-wheels.org.uk/ shropshire Local contacts: 01584 875017 or 875501 or 01584 875501 R I B A Trevor Hewett A R C H I T E C T ▪ Planning applications ▪ ▪ Listed building consent ▪ ▪ Building regulations ▪ ▪ Alterations and extensions ▪ ▪ Church inspections ▪ ▪ Green building ▪ The Architecture Studio 135 Corve Street Ludlow SY8 2PG Tel: 01584 877992
5 Reconciliation with the other Why is the world so divided? People just don’t seem to get on. Why so much refusal to see eye to eye? Why won’t people at least agree to disagree? What is wrong with the world? The answer given by G K Chesterton to this question is probably the best one: I am. An answer which many people find uncomfortable, difficult to deal with. We are so used to thinking in ‘our’ way, ‘the right way.’ Interestingly even though I have lived in England for more than 50 years many of my dear old German friends cannot understand why my thinking is strongly affected by all the experiences I have had through talking with people in this now my homeland. My tertiary education, the Institute of Bankers Exams in the City of London and later the St Albans Ministerial Training Scheme encouraged me to think differently which I found exciting. Old friends in Germany and my family found it confusing. We have had to work on it on both sides. All these little or large differences make life complicated. This is just my personal experience; others’ experiences may be different. Whatever the situation, it can be hard work. The Ultimate Other is God-whose enormous self-giving love covers up a multitude of ignorance, pride and prejudice in people’s lives and empowers us that we may all be one (John 17:21). It empowers even a person like me to join his ministry of reconciliation. I do so in the company of giants: Desmond Tutu, for example; a spiritual director, very much in demand before he died. Listen to these words in Tutu’s fabulous voice: ‘My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together’. Great words from a great man. It has been said that others are the bridge to our own development. They make up what is wanting in us. They demand new insight in us, new awareness, new skills of patience and acceptance. They enable us to take the heart of Jesus to them. Reconciliation has interested me since my late teens. Grammar School wouldn’t let it pass, which pleased me because it gave me useful material to use in my voluntary youth work in group work and particularly when organising trips abroad. I used to take groups of about 22 German youngsters for a week to London and then on to Lee Abbey, North Devon giving them some introduction to London and the West Country. The idea of reconciliation seems to have sunk in with them and I still have contact with some of those youngsters, now 65 plus who came with us. The Revd Juergen Bridstrup Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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What HAPPENS NOW? We congratulate our Pioneer Curate, Wayne, on the exciting, albeit sad for us, news of his appointment as Vicar of Holmer Parish on the edge of Hereford. We wish Wayne, Sarah and their family all the very best for the next stage in their lives. They will be leaving us at the end of June, just as the refurbished building at No 2 College Street re-opens as Stephen House. What happens now in the parish and benefice with just one member of stipendiary clergy where a year ago we had three was the question uppermost in the minds of many who stayed after the 10am service on 11 February for the Rector’s ‘congregation catch-up’ session. Nobody was expecting Wayne to move on at this point but Kelvin assured us that the mission and work of St Laurence’s and St John’s will carry on. We have achieved much in recent years, going out into the community to support those in need as well as welcoming the community, and visitors, into our churches throughout the week. Comments in the visitors’ book at St Laurence’s now speak as much about the warm welcome, friendly atmosphere and feeling of a community hub as they do about the beauty of the building and its rich history. The diocese recognises that the work of running two churches, especially one the size of St Laurence’s, in a large town like Ludlow with two church schools, numerous care homes and a growing outreach into the community is too much for one member of clergy and is working with us to find new ways we can build on these achievements and deliver on our aims of: Growing disciples of all ages and backgrounds serving the common good, transforming lives and communities Sharing, developing and reimagining ministry for mission in the 21st century Options we are currently working towards with the Diocese are: Kelvin as Rector A full-time associate priest working three days a week in the benefice and three days a week in the schools, funded by various bodies through a match funding scheme, subject to an increased parish share payment from the benefice A full-time lay social worker leading pastoral work from Stephen House at No 2 College Street, funded by a match funding scheme with the Diocese, local charities and benefactors Ongoing support from our invaluable retired clergy and lay people Stephen House project update Refurbishment proceeding without any major unforeseen problems Fitting out and furnishing to follow Anticipated launch date – early July
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9 Lent as spiritual dynamite I have just read the Rule of St Benedict, to my shame for the first time. It is a monastic rule from the 6th century that sets out the disciplines and structures for the effective running of a monastery. The rules of poverty, chastity and obedience are highly restrictive, the punishments for violations severe, the lifestyle highly demanding. Praying at set offices eight times a day (including at two in the morning) meant that the monk would rarely get more than few hours of unbroken sleep. Central heating was for wimps and the diet uninspiring. Although eased in later centuries, it has been the basis for the monastic tradition in Western Europe ever since. It’s not the sort of discipline that works in everyday life, but that doesn’t mean it has no value. It is designed to foster Christian virtues of humility and obedience (albeit expressed through submission to the Abbot) and a growing Christlikeness. Most of March will be the season of Lent, when we Christians have traditionally given up things that give us pleasure to focus on our spiritual journey. As our world has changed it seems increasingly anachronistic. Our culture screams at us from the lifestyle sections that the way to real fulfilment is getting what you really desire. The idea that giving something up might be good for you, other than as a grudging acknowledgement of post-Christmas weight gain, is anathema. Consumerism works by creating desire and then offering to fulfil it. But our strongest desires are not necessarily our deepest ones. Giving things up, or fasting, can put us in touch with these deeper desires that only God can satisfy. There is evidence that restricting calories by intermittent fasting or turning our mobiles off is actually good for us physically and psychologically. A good Lent can be like leaving the Christmas presents unopened under the tree until Christmas day. There is a joy in the opening that is enhanced by the waiting. So, as well as helping us grow closer to God, our Lenten restraint can amplify the joy of Christ risen when we get to that glorious Easter celebration. I once gave up tea and coffee for Lent and had my first large cup on Easter morning. Before I knew it, I’d done three services and built a compost heap! Lent can be spiritual dynamite. Bishop Richard Image by 21150 from Pixabay
10 st Laurence’s HOLY WEEK SERVICES Palm Sunday procession 9.40am (from Buttercross) Choral Eucharist 10.00am Maundy Thursday 28 March Solemn Eucharist 7.00pm (with incense) Procession of Witness 9.30am (from Ludlow Mascall Centre) Preaching of the Cross 12noon Liturgy of the Cross 2.00pm Holy Saturday 30 March Easter Vigil 8.30pm Sunday 31 March Holy Communion BCP 8.15am Choral Eucharist 10.00am All are very welcome to join us at St Laurence’s for the services leading up to the most important celebration in the Christian year - the resurrection. Sunday 24 March Friday 29 March Midweek holy communion After Easter the Wednesday evening Holy Communion service at St Laurence’s will be held monthly, at 6pm on the first Wednesday in the month.
11 The Tree and the Trees The Preaching of the Cross Trees have had an important place in many, if not most, religions. Although from Old Testament times onwards, the Judaeo-Christian tradition has had to guard against pagan ideas about trees, nonetheless trees have become part and parcel of our tradition as well, culminating in the way we talk of the Cross as ‘The Tree’ – the ultimate tree, as it were. On Good Friday from 12.00pm to 2.00pm we will think about some of the other trees we read about in the Bible, and see what the stories and symbolism they offer add to our understanding of God’s love for us. I look forward to sharing some of those ideas with you. You can come and go during the service, if you are daunted by the thought of staying the whole time! We will have some wonderful organ music to give us time to meditate as well. Andrew Body Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Unsplash Marking Good friday Members of many local churches come together each Good Friday to walk through the streets of Ludlow carrying a wooden cross. They do this as a public statement of their faith, remembering that Jesus was made to carry his cross through the streets of Jerusalem The procession will leave the Ludlow Mascall Centre on Lower Galdeford at 9.30am, making its way to Event Square in front of Ludlow Castle where there will be a short service and back to the Buttercross where the Cross will be raised in the cobbles. Matthew 16 verse 24:‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'
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13 INTRODUCING ... Tell us a bit about yourself. My name is Sian Griffiths. I grew up in Eardisland in Herefordshire and moved to Ludlow about 25 years ago. We often visited Ludlow on day trips, for afternoon tea in De Grays and the Shakespeare plays in the castle. After school I did a course in Health and Social Care, and then a Foundation year at Art College. I worked at a playgroup, at Choices Videos (where Roundabout Stationery is now) and then spent many years at Tom Dickins Fine Art. It was a gallery and mail order business, so I have packed many hundreds of cardboard boxes in my life. In 2013 I had a few months off work, and went to New Zealand and Australia - I love Melbourne and spent lots of happy days wandering around the city, taking advantage of all that was on offer - museums, sporting events, gelato! I came back to work in The Bindery Shop & Black Bough - more cardboard boxes to pack! Is there one feature of St Laurence’s which is special for you? I have a very vivid memory of visiting and climbing the tower when I was very young. Now what I love most is the light, especially as it comes through the west window around lunchtime and I’m fascinated by the masons’ marks. What is your role at St Laurence's? I am the new manager of The Shop. I took over from Julia who is now working at Hands Together Ludlow. I had been working at Silver Pear so I have plenty of sales experience but one of the great things about The Shop, for me, is working on my own but having time to chat to the customers, find out where they are from and what they are doing in Ludlow. And they all love St Laurence’s. How do you spend any spare time? Ideally I will be curled up somewhere with a book! At home I am surrounded by books, and love anything from children’s books to military history. I also like to darn holes in my jumpers. Occasionally I will be found on top of Clee Hill, and more often than not in the summer you can find me in or next to the river with my friends. A memorable holiday experience? Attending the Anzac Day dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, walking with the crowds through into the botanic gardens where the Army served us breakfast. What might we be surprised to know about you? I am a very enthusiastic and extremely competitive pub quizzer. I used to host a range of parties called Pie Off. I asked people to bring along a pie, and everyone would eat and then vote on which pie tasted the best! It started out at home, but then moved to the Brewery. At the last one there were over 70 different pies. It was a good way to raise money for various charities. In lockdown I held a ‘virtual Pie Off’ which raised £1180 for Fair Share.
14 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
15 Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay Waste not, want not When I was a child, we hadn’t heard of the need to ‘Recycle’ but we did it anyway. Our two mantras were waste not, want not and make do and mend. Materials and equipment were in short supply, so nothing was thrown away. For the children’s area in the church scribble-paper is now in short supply. We used to get a lot of paper that was blank on one side from the church office but no longer since No 2 College Street is closed so we need to find a different supply. If you have paper in your waste bin that has non-sensitive information on one side and is blank on the other, we would be very glad to take it off your hands. Please take it to the children’s table in church. I have recently resorted to using the inside of A4 white envelopes, which works well, so bring those too and I will cut them up. This may be a form of recycling that you had not thought of before but would be very useful to me. Sandi Burley PCC NEWS Summary of Special PCC meeting held on 11 December 2023 9 members of the PCC attended Discussion: confidential detailed analysis of draft budget Summary of PCC meeting held on 15 January 2024 9 members of the PCC attended Finance: end of year cash flow slightly higher than anticipated; draft 2024 budget to be set to break even; need for new income streams Policies: reviewed and adopted Safeguarding policy Discussions: review of Christmas services; proposed stewardship campaign in 2024; maintenance work programme; Stephen House project Committee Reports: received from Fabric, Liturgy and Arts@ StLaurence committees and Winter Festival working group Date of next meeting: Monday 4 March 2024 Copies of the two latest confirmed PCC minutes is available on the noticeboard at the back of the church.
16 Third services every month CHORAL EVENSONG 3.30pm In the chancel Sunday 3 March First Sunday Celtic Prayer An Evening Liturgy St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow Fourth Sunday of the month 6pm A simple service in a style used by the Iona Community Call Pat Helm 01584 877683 Helen Blyth 01584 l875041 Sunday 24 March Fourth Sunday CHORAL MATINs 11.30am In the chancel Sunday 17 March Third Sunday All-age informal worship Hot dogs, pool table, air hockey football table, Mario Cart and more Conversation, play, food and a simple sharing of bread and wine None in March Second Sunday The Living Room Fifth Sunday - Benefice Service
17 The porch, with its upper 'parvis room', is one of only three hexagonal church porches in England, with the distinction of probably being the first of its type built in this country. Architecturally Decorated style, it was originally built in the early 14th century, most likely between 1305 and 1308. In 1327, one Matthew de Hoptone was paid for repairs. However, the plinth round the outside base is Perpendicular architecture, giving rise to a theory it was rebuilt in the late 14th century. Etymologically, parvis derives from the Latin paradisus, meaning 'paradise'. It was a walled floral garden or enclosure maintained by clerics. Later the parvis, or parvise, became an open space outside a cathedral or church, especially one surrounded by colonnades and, latterly, walls. In mediaeval London, Serjeants-at-Law (lawyers), used the parvis at Old St Paul's Cathedral to meet and advise clients. The early purpose of the room above the parvis (the parvis room) is unclear but it was generally used for secular duties. The room provided immediate access to the porch, where functions such as baptisms, absolution, swearing of oaths and matrimony were undertaken By the 16th century 'the clerkes', 'the dekyn' or 'the Decons' used the room. Deacons assisted with liturgical functions but were laymen, with administrative responsibilities. Thomas Higgs, a centenarian in 1606 when he died, was a deacon for 50 years. In 1626, ‘according to the Lord Bishop's desire’, the room was converted to a library. Traces remain of early wall paintings of roses, stars and a priest's face, probably defaced during the reign of Edward VI. The rose was an emblem of the House of York. The stars may represent the sun in splendour, a favoured emblem of Edward IV. In 2015 the Ludlow Palmers funded conservation of St Laurence’s wall paintings to the sum of £20,000. The doorway has a shouldered corbelled arch, which was economical with stone and particularly strong for load bearing in narrow spaces. The other, now sealed, doorway once led to a balcony overlooking the nave. In the floor are three slabs, two memorial and one decorative. The latter is incised with the pattern of either an ivy or a vine. Each has meaning in the Christian faith. Two lead plaques on the wall, recovered from the roof in 2017, commemorate those engaged with restoration in 1752. Eric Griffiths The parvise
18 5 The Angel, Broad Street, Ludlow, Sy8 2PG Seafood bar now open Friday & Saturday Open Wed & Thur 10am-1pm Fri & Sat 10am-3.30pm
19 Poets’ corner The Noble Nature It is not growing like a tree In bulk, doth make man better be; Or standing long an oak three hundred year, To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere; A lily of a day Is fairer in May, although it fall and die that night - It was the plant and flower of Light. In small proportions we just beauties see; and in short measures life may perfect be. Ben Jonson We welcome contributions to this series. If you enjoy reading it and have a favourite (short) poem which you would like to share please send it to the Parish Office: [email protected] Ben Jonson 1572—1637 Ben Jonson was the posthumous son of a minister, born and raised in Westminster. On leaving Westminster School he started work as a bricklayer like his stepfather, then joined the British army in Flanders before becoming an actor and playwright. He married and had at least two children. William Shakespeare appeared in his play, Every Man in his Humour, which made Jonson’s name. Soon after this he killed a man in a duel but escaped the death sentence by pleading ‘benefit of clergy’ (ie by proving he could read and write in Latin). He became a Roman Catholic at this time, although he later returned to the Church of England. Jonson is best known now for his satirical comedies such as Volpone and The Alchemist but he also wrote poetry, essays and masques (elaborate court entertainments combining music, dance and poetry). His writing was characterised by classical learning, wit and satire and he is regarded by many as the founder of English literary criticism. Jonson enjoyed royal favour under James I and Charles I and was granted a pension of 100 marks a year, leading to the description of him as the first Poet Laureate. He is buried in Westminster Abbey. This is one of my favourite poems, written after Ben Jonson’s first son, Benjamin, died of the bubonic plague at the age of seven. It has been special to me ever since my son, Jamie, died when he was 18. It is a very good poem for the death of young children or even babies. Jean Ferguson-Davie
20 Anglican St Laurence, College Street 8.15am Holy Communion (BCP) 10am Parish Eucharist For livestream/recording - link at https://stlaurences.org.uk/live-stream 11.30am Choral Matins 3rd Sunday only 3.30pm The Living Room 2nd Sunday only 3.30pm Choral Evensong 1st Sunday only 6pm Celtic Prayer - evening liturgy 4th Sunday only 5th Sun Joint benefice service with St John’s Contact [email protected] 01584 872073 St John, Gravel Hill 10am 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays Holy Communion 2nd & 4th Sundays Morning Prayer 5th Sun Joint benefice service with St Laurence’s Contact [email protected] 07545 438892 St Giles, Ludford 11.15am 1st Sunday Family Worship 2nd & 4th Sundays CW Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Lay-led Worship Contact [email protected] Ludlow Baptist Church 10.30am Sunday worship Contact [email protected] Ludlow Elim 10.30am Service at Elim 11.30am Online Contact www.ludlowelim.com 07791 483284 [email protected] Ludlow Methodist Church 10.30am Sunday worship Contact [email protected] Ludlow Quakers 10.30am Meeting for worship Contact Cynthia Prior 01584 831855 St Peter's Roman Catholic Church Mass 11.00am Sunday 9.30pm Monday-Friday 6.00pm Saturday (Sunday Vigil ) Morning prayer 9.15am Monday-Friday 9.45am Saturday Contact [email protected] SUNDAY SERVICES in Ludlow
21 You can advertise in this listing for one year (12 issues) for just £30. With 600 copies circulating in Ludlow every month, free of charge, this is an ideal way of publicising your business, shop or service. We also accept advertising from clubs, societies and social groups - perfect for publicising your group’s activities and attracting new members. All entries must fit the standard 4-line box (approximately 40 words). To discuss details or to place an advertisement please contact the parish office on 01584 872073 or email [email protected]. LUDLOW LOCAL LISTING Ludlow Castle Gallery Quality affordable picture framing & original objects. Fast friendly service. Gifts & cards by local artisans. Find us just before the Castle Café or contact on 01584 878527 [email protected] www.ludlowcastlegallery.co.uk Artwork Books & Stationery Castle Bookshop 5 Castle Street Ludlow Booksellers and Stationers Free ordering service 01584 872562 [email protected] Myriad Organics 22 Corve Street 01584 879373 myriad-organics.co.uk Ludlow's widest range of organic produce: fruit & veg, wholefoods, groceries, meat & dairy, vegan & vegetarian, natural cleaning products, bodycare & cosmetics. Waste-free shopping options & refills for cleaning products. Local delivery and our popular organic box scheme. Firenze Catering Jackie Thomas - Catering for all occasions. 07526 212176 / 01584 877190 [email protected] Food If you use the services of any of our advertisers please mention that you found their details in the Ludlow Tower.
22 Fitness and Sport Pearce Cycles Friendly, knowledgeable and experienced - your local bike shop for all your cycling needs. Fishmore Road, Ludlow, SY8 3DP. Tel. 01584 879288; [email protected]; www.pearcecycles.co.uk. Open Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm. Bike sales - repair - hire. Reynolds of Ludlow furniture Wanted by local collector and researcher; any condition considered; will collect. Good prices offered. Tel: 07967 134116. Reynolds Furniture Wanted Frames by Sebastian Bespoke picture framing 6a Pepper Lane Tel: 07815 111554 Picture Framing Matthew Lenthall IT Services Computers, phones and all things technical. Support and maintenance. 12a Corve Street, Ludlow 07828 081163 or 01584 877946 [email protected] IT Services Teme Valley Insurance Brokers For your Home, Car, Business or Farm quote Call Mark or Sue on 01584 290055 [email protected] Insurance Services William Griffin Memorials erected in marble, stone and granite. House name plates – Doorsteps & windowsills. 33A Corve Street, Ludlow SY8 1DL. Tel: (01584) 872893 (01584) 877422 evenings Mobile 07967 126451 Monumental Sculptor Silver Swan Adult Ballet Royal Academy of Dance Silver Swan. Weekly adult ballet classes in Ludlow. For more information go to www.pointeworksdance.co.uk or contact Debbie at [email protected] or 07887 856182.
23 Property services and maintenance James Mackenzie Carpentry & Joinery Reliable / High Quality Work. Building Services, Gosford Cottage, Little Hereford, Ludlow SY8 4AR Call 01584 711326 or 07870428948. Email [email protected] Carpentry Cleaning Hydroclean Services [email protected] Carpet & Upholstery cleaning : Leather cleaning : Hard floor cleaning and stone polishing : Gutter cleaning : Fully insured, fast response, reliable and local. Members of the National Carpet Cleaning Association. www.hydrocleanservices.co.uk 01568 630000 Ken Dodd & Son Chimney Sweep Rotary sweep and vacuum-assisted. Cowls/bird guards supplied and fitted. Woodburners serviced and bricks supplied and fitted. Fully insured and certificates issued. Available for weddings. 01584 873178 • 07702 102044 www.kendoddandsonchimneysweep.co.uk Chimneys & Stoves General Maintenance Steve Wilson Painting and Decorating Internal and external work carried out. Please telephone Steve on: 07818 400764 Email address: [email protected] R Aimson Property Services Carpentry, Home Improvement, Painting & Decorating Mobile: 07864 015086 email:[email protected] Property Services
24 ADVERTISING RATES 2024 - 25 (for 12 issues) Full page - £370 Half page - £225 Quarter page - £120 Eighth page - £70 Classified - £42 Rates for part-year available on request See above for contact details. ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS, CLUB OR SOCIETY HERE Contact the Parish Office on 01584 872073 or [email protected] Dan Pritchard Garden Services Fully insured - reliable - experienced - competitive. Lawn mowing / hedge cutting / tree surgery / pruning / turfing / planting / landscaping. Call Dan on 07779182636. Covers Ludlow and surrounding areas. Gardening Ian Mackay Quick response, local and reliable. No-obligation fixed quotes. Domestic installation and repairs. Landlord & homeowner safety inspections. Condition reports for house sales. Contact Ian Mackay on 07736 303297 or email [email protected] Electrical Marie’s Alterations and Repairs Well-established Ludlow business. We can shorten or alter most items, new or old. Open: 9am- 5pmTuesday to Friday. Now in new premises so contact us for details 01584 318185 07967 447935 [email protected] www.mariesofludlow.co.uk Alterations Send those special greetings to your loved one HERE for just £7.50. To book email [email protected]
25 https:// stlaurences.org.uk/google-calendar/ For the latest news about services go to WHAT’S ON AT ST LAURENCE’S In MARCH Friday 1 Christian Aid Lent Lunch 12.00pm Sunday 3 Choral Evensong 3.30pm Monday 4 Open tea 3.00pm PCC meeting 5.30pm Wednesday 6 Lent Course at St John’s 12.00pm Friday 8 Christian Aid Lent Lunch 12.00pm Monday 11 Diocesan Clergy Event 9.30am (Church closed until 2.00pm) Wednesday 13 Lent Course at St John’s 12.00pm Sunday 17 Choral Matins 11.30am Tuesday 19 1.45pm Ludlow Primary Easter Service Wednesday 19 10.30am St Laurence Primary Easter Service Sunday 24 Palm Sunday procession 9.40am Celtic Prayer service 6.00pm MIDWEEK Daily prayer Mondays 9.30am Holy Communion Wednesdays 6.00pm Intercessory Prayers 10.30am Fourth Thursday in month Tower bells practice Mondays 7.30-9.00pm Handbells practice Tuesdays 6.00-7.15pm Choir practice Thursdays 6.00-8.30pm AND AT ST JOHN’S Daily prayer Wednesdays 9.30am Tea and toast Wednesdays 10.00am Holy Communion Wednesdays 11.30am FROM THE REGISTERS AT ST JOHN’S FUNERALS 4 January Irene Welch 24 January Grace Fielding
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27 The ANNUNCIATIon Overseeing her, in the gatehouse of her thoughts, was an angel in light armour pierced with numberless tiny holes that let in the light; let out the light, since the light came from her; or from the sky, she hardly knew, for that she was the sky, subject and object so intertwined by the night influence and the tide influence that now she seemed herself, ALL. So was the angel really herself? The neversleeping sentinel that nudged her thoughts this way and that like white bells tossed wildly in a wind-swept field and caught by a careless, gold-haired child? The owl’s call and the vixen’s scream became confused in the great night cry that fused to a single note. Oh is it the night, light springtide breeze that rattles the pane? The unfettered mind, naked in half-sleep received impressions like a camera lens till day when the shutters of the ego were shut fast, letting only slants of sunlight in. And moonlight through the casement sang of what the sun in all its radiance could not, knitting up the fragments of a mind scattered by the wisdom of the day; the sideways glancing moon, so indirect and sly. Winged leaves, winged flowers and the mercurial passage of strange ghosts; it was the night of stars; she WAS the night. And each pinprick of light let in a stream that struck her pillow like a bolt. ‘Gladly will I lighten your eyes and robe you in stars’, it said. And when she saw the vista, she exclaimed, not outwardly in words, but inwardly in image, jewel on jewel. And with too much entering each sense, she shut them one by one like lamps till only one remained; an untamed principle of light, wide enough for the shy and slender whisper of a ghost: ‘Your sun shall reign.’ ‘Ah I have no sun, but only darkness and the dew and rest of night.’ ‘Blest night then, that gives rise to such a sun.’ ‘But how can life become of death and how can something come from nothing?’ ‘By birth and rebirth, telling and retelling.’ ‘So be it then and let my soul be as a lens to start the fire of life.’ Mary Perks The feast of the Annunciation. marking the visit of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to tell her that she would be the mother of Jesus, is celebrated on 25 March.
28 Open tea at st laurence 3.00pm First Monday in the month All welcome. Monday 4 March
29 In one of the most disaster-prone areas of Bangladesh, an extraordinary group of gifted artisans and entrepreneurs is embracing new technology to revive an ancient art tradition and share their talents and skills with the world. Life is challenging in Kurigram, Northern Bangladesh. The climate crisis is hitting people hard, wreaking havoc in traditional farming communities and opportunities for women are severely limited. Kakoli has built a 21st century internet-based business reviving the centuries-old art of nakshi kantha. Together with other young women, she makes exquisitely embroidered quilts to sell online. This has allowed Kakoli to study for a degree, earn her own money and marry when she chose. She recognised that they would fall behind if they failed to embrace the internet. She proved that women can take the lead in guiding families and communities out of poverty. Christian Aid's partners train young women to come together to run businesses online; the more we support Christian Aid, the more women they can train in 2024. Running a business online enables women to work safely, with friends at home. Once trained, each woman can train as many as 100 others. More than 600 young women in Kurigram are already running businesses from cloth weaving to fish farming. Thank you for your continuing support. Claire Our Lent lunches are at St Laurence’s in the first two weeks of March Please come along, bring your friends and enjoy a bowl of nutritious soup in our wonderful setting to help us to support the work of Christian Aid. Friday 1 March from 12 noon Friday 8 March from 12 noon Reviving the art of Nakshi Kantha Kakoli and friends sewing in her courtyard (photo by Christian Aid)
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31 Sunday 14 april 6pm Join us to watch an inspiring film about one hippie’s quest in the 1970s for belonging and liberation that leads not only to peace, love, and rock and roll, but that sets into motion a new counterculture crusade - a Jesus Movement. 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ Nosy Crow £7.99 What do you (or your children or grandchildren) think of when you hear these words: tweet, web, stream, cloud? Do you think of birds, spiders, rivers and skies or messaging, films, music, data storage and online media? The National Trust recently commissioned some research that revealed, for example, only 1% of uses of the word ‘tweet’ refers to bird sounds and 7% of the mention of ‘web’ is linked to spiders. A 2019 YouGov study of 5- 12-year-olds observed that children start to drift away from nature meanings in their language from as young as ten years old. But that research also tells us that if you can get children engaged in something before they’re 12, then they’re more likely to carry it on as a habit throughout their later lives. So, it's time to head outdoors and the National Trust has produced 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ to help kids get outside, have adventures and connect with the natural world. It’s pocket-sized and packed with easy-to-follow, step-bystep instructions for activities that can be done in a garden, a park or on a country walk in the hills or forests around Ludlow – there’s fun for all the family. The projects range from making a picnic (to take on the expedition), rolling down a bank, welly wandering (what’s that? you may ask) or making and flying a kite to nature walks, star gazing, butterfly spotting, hunting for fossils or creating a den (for insects or children). Activities can be undertaken in any order and the child/owner of the book can plot where they completed each one on a map, ticking off every finished task as they work through the book, and there’s even space to make notes of other things they’d like to try. Pop to the Shop at St Laurence’s for your copy. Jemima Lord BIRDSONG OR social network?
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33 One a penny, two a penny The nursery rhyme that celebrates hot cross buns was apparently written 200 years ago, but does relate to a London street cry ‘Good Friday comes this month, the old woman runs. With one or two a penny hot cross buns’, which appeared in Poor Robin’s Almanac for 1733. Traditionally baked with a symbolic cross on top, representing the cross on which Jesus died, and spices in the mixture supposedly replicating the spices used to embalm his body. Originally eaten only on Good Friday to (literally) break the fast, hot cross buns are now eaten throughout the Easter season and beyond. In 1592, during the reign of Elizabeth I, the London Clerk of Markets issued a decree forbidding the sale of hot cross buns and other spiced breads, except at burials, on Good Friday, or at Christmas. The punishment for transgressing the decree was forfeiture of all the forbidden product, to be given to the poor. There were further attempts to suppress the sale of the sweet and spicy treats outside of these holy days during the reign of James I (1603–1625). It isn’t clear why the two monarchs felt the need to impose these prohibitions. Fortunately they do not apply today! English folklore includes many superstitions surrounding hot cross buns. One says that buns baked and served on Good Friday will not spoil or grow mouldy during the following year. Another encourages people to keep one of the bus for medicinal purposes. A piece of it given to someone who is ill is said to help them recover. We don’t need such reasons to enjoy a delicious spicy bun nowadays. Indeed if you are abstaining during Lent, what a wonderful thing to look forward to. As ever, Icon Coffee in St Laurence’s has an excellent (some say the best in Ludlow) selection of delicious pastries and cakes to enjoy with the best coffee, including another Easter tradition - locally baked Simnel cake. Definitely well worth making a visit to sample. Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns! One a penny, two a penny. Hot cross buns! If you have no daughters, Give them to your sons! One a penny, two a penny. Hot cross buns! Icon Coffee Open Mon-Sat 10.00-4.30 Photo by Manny NB on Unsplash
34 Wood stoves, open fires, Rayburns & Agas NACS qualified and insured Chimney Sweep Ring Miss Sooty 07931405111 or 01547540838 Ludlow Curtain Company The Stables, Station Drive, Ludlow SY8 2PQ Tel 01584 875533 [email protected] Here for all your soft furnishing needs, from curtains and all types of blinds to cushions, upholstery and curtain poles. Fabrics now available on the roll. 141A Vintage & Retro Collectables Centre Open Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat 10am - 5pm Closed Tues & Sun 141A Corve Street, Ludlow SY82PG 01584 877 572 /141A @godsellmark Proud to be the architect for the Stephen House Project Creating a mission space for St Laurence’s Skip Hire, Waste Management & Recycling Tenbury Wells, Ludlow, Leominster, Craven Arms and LOCAL MAN wishes to buy Antiques, Bric à brac, Collectables and Deceaseds’ Effects Please call 01584 892128 07508 809710 Advertise your business in our award-winning magazine New advertising year starts April See page 25 for rates Contact 01584 872073 or [email protected]
35 GRAVE MATTERS: Fanny Ellen patrick and William Norrege Patrick The 1841 census finds Fanny and William’s parents, Louisa and William Snr, ‘in the Township of Overton’. William is described as a farmer quite possibly at Huck's Barn as his daughter Fanny, born four years later, was baptised at St Giles, Ludford. By 1851 William Snr is a grocer in Old Street, Ludlow while William Jr (14), is described as a grocer's assistant, probably in the family business. The eldest daughter Louisa at 13 is 'a scholar', and has four more sisters Elizabeth (10), Margaret (8), Fanny (6) and Maria (4). No servants are listed as resident but since Louisa was at school, the Patrick family must have been doing reasonably well. This changed a year later, when William Snr died aged 57. By 1861 his widow and all the children, bar William Jnr, are living at in Liverpool, with a lodger, Mary Jordan. The family is now in more straitened circumstances. However with the mother Louisa described as a 'saleswoman', Louisa Jnr (23) as a confectioner, Margaret (18) and Fanny (16) as 'apprentices' and the lodger Mary Jordan as an assistant saleswoman, with Maria (14) still at school, maybe Louisa was running a family business from the premises, perhaps a sweetshop, and getting along. But why Liverpool? There are no obvious family connections. Perhaps William Jnr had joined the Merchant Navy - but we see nothing of him for the next 20 years. In 1871 Fanny and her mother are living together at 17 Great George Street, Liverpool. Louisa is an 'annuitant' - that is, living on a private income from a matured insurance policy - while Fanny is a 'shopwoman'. But by 1878 they are back in Ludlow, as Fanny's probate record shows her last address as Tower Street, still unmarried, her mother Louisa her only stated next of kin. Brother William reappears in 1881, living with his mother who is running the Royal Oak Inn at 11 Tower Street. He self-describes as a 'retired grocer' (at 44!). Sister Margaret is back with them as a barmaid, married with two daughters, Florence (7) and Mary (4), both born in Liverpool. The 1891 census gives us our last sight of William two months before his death, still living with Margaret, now married to Joshua Spear, licensee of The Black Boy in Tower Street. William's occupation is now listed as 'grocer's assistant'. Louisa Snr does not appear in this census, presumably having died, so it seems likely that the memorial was commissioned by Louisa, and the later inscription to William added by Margaret. But why the importance of Huck's Barn on the gravestone? Was Louisa harking back to her best days as a farmer's wife, a superior social position to that of the wife of a small-time shopkeeper? Nick Ford
36 Don’t miss out - invite three of your cleverest friends or family to join you, come on your own or bring a partner but make sure you book your place NOW. Fish & chip supper Raffle © Caroline Potter, Hereford Cathedral Hereford Cathedral is staging its own theatrical production of the Passion in March 2024. The Hereford Passion will be performed by members of the local community sharing the story of Jesus’ final days, leading to the crucifixion. The production will take place in the nave of Hereford Cathedral on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 March 2024, directed by Revd Canon Chancellor James Pacey, Before joining the team at Hereford in June 2023 James worked as a Hospital Chaplain at Nottingham University Hospitals and, before ordination, he was a theatre director. James is no stranger to directing the Passion, having directed five previous performances in Newark, Cambridge, Nottingham and in the cathedral church of Southwell Minster. The Hereford Passion will take place in the nave of Hereford Cathedral on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 March 2024 at 7.30pm.Tickets are available to purchase from the cathedral website. The hereford passion - 8 & 9 march
37 Mr Bates vs The Post Office: not the only one ‘We’re here because the Post Office told every single one of us sat here today, told us over and over, ‘You’re the only one.’ And that was wrong. That was a lie, actually. Because… well, look at us. Here we all are. And from this moment forwards, none of us will be the only one ever again.’ By now, most of us know what the Post Office did all those years ago. It’s hard to believe that hundreds of innocent sub -postmasters were repeatedly lied to and prosecuted in what has been called ‘the biggest miscarriage of justice in British legal history’. Yet when Horizon, the computer system rolled out to each post office, incorrectly showed huge account shortfalls, these were blamed on sub-postmasters. They were told that nobody else had any issues, that they were the only one. Except that they weren’t – and the Post Office knew this. But still the Post Office went ahead and prosecuted these sub-postmasters. Some went bankrupt, some went to prison, some committed suicide. The anger and outcry against the Post Office is welcome. The cry for justice is right. We all want to live in a society where justice is done. As Jules Gadsby of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity says, “As Christians, this should be close to our hearts. The Lord is a God of justice. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne (Psalm 89:14). “And Christ stands by those who suffer. He doesn’t look on from a distance, but as one who, at the cross, has experienced it Himself. It’s through His people, reflecting His character and His priorities, that He reveals this. “We may never have to battle like Alan Bates and the sub-postmasters. But each of us will, in some way, be called to be a mouthpiece for truth and justice in our workplaces, homes, or community. “In doing so, we show what God is like. And we show those facing unfairness and injustice that they’re not alone. We are there with them. God is there with them.” Remember that the clocks go forward for British Summer Time on Easter Sunday, 31 March. don’t be late for easter
38 We specialise in all aspects of building, from new construction to work on scheduled monuments to the restoration of Georgian and half-timbered houses. The company employs 40 time-served craftsmen and has worked recently at: Warwick Castle, Kenilworth Castle, St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury and many private houses in the West Midlands and border areas. The company is delighted to be working with Ludlow St Laurence and the family and friends of Stephen Treasure on the Stephen House Project transforming 2 College Street into a mission space to support those in need or distress in the community he loved.
39 Greetings from ... The history of sending greeting cards for special occasions can be traced back (like a lot of other things!) to the ancient Chinese who sent cards to celebrate their New Year. The Egyptians also sent messages of goodwill written on papyrus scrolls, but it isn’t until the early 15th century that handmade cards were being sent in Europe. By the mid-1800s with the advent of mechanised printing, cards were becoming more popular, a popularity boosted further in the 1930s by colour lithography which propelled card manufacturing into something much more like our modern day cards. It is estimated that one billion pounds is spent every year in the United Kingdom on greetings cards, most of it at Christmas although a good proportion of cards are sent at Easter. Initially Easter cards were postcards, printed on one side with only a space for the address, and a stamp, on the reverse. The message was printed on the front in colour, featuring those ubiquitous symbols of Easter - eggs to signify rebirth and the Easter bunny to imply fruitfulness. Some of that one billion is also spent on cards to celebrate birthdays, offer congratulations, express thanks, extend sympathy, share get well wishes or simply as a personal greeting to a friend. The Shop at St Laurence has gained a reputation for one of the best selections of cards in Ludlow - fabulous art cards, some by local artists, unusual illustrated cards and of course a wonderful collection of Easter cards. Glorious daffodils on the card pictured are a positive and cheerful reminder of spring, but there are many more to choose from, including the universal Easter bunny, in singles and packs. Pop in and stock up on general cards and of course your Easter cards. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm The Shop at St Laurence Mobile: 07833 866485 www.theshopatstlaurence.co.uk
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41 On why pews SHOULD be uncomfortable The Rectory St James the Least My dear Nephew Darren Visits from your parishioners to our church are always welcome. But I did not expect them to return to you complaining because our pews are uncomfortable. Pews are meant to be uncomfortable. Our congregation has an unshakeable belief that the more uncomfortable the pew, the holier the worship must be. By the same token, an 8am service is more fervent than one at 11am since it is much more socially inconvenient. If you add on enduring sub-zero temperatures and damp, then sainthood clearly beckons. Your people may be used to lolling in upholstered chairs in tropical temperatures but I am sure such comfort places their souls in grave peril. Our pews were built 500 years ago, when people were several inches shorter and many pounds lighter, and so could accommodate themselves on them perfectly adequately. The fact that a twenty-first century body is in constant danger of sliding off the seat and requires knees to be folded somewhere near ears at least helps to keep minds focussed – apart from Colonel Wainwright, who still manages to sleep peacefully throughout Matins every Sunday. I could point out that your chairs make kneeling almost impossible – although I suspect that posture is not encouraged in your church, as people would then be unable to read the words on your overhead projector or wave their arms about quite as easily during the hymns. While the majority of our congregation find the Anglican crouch perfectly adequate, you can see those who flop to their knees on hearing ‘Let us pray’ from the clouds of dust sent up from suddenly-compressed hassocks, which were purchased to commemorate Queen Victoria’s accession. I may also point out that our box pews are very useful for modern times. Once a family is seated, with the door firmly shut, then any toddler is penned in and unable to use the aisles as a racing circuit. Mediaeval carpenters were clearly forward-thinking people. Admittedly, box pew doors do tend to stick, and few manage to look dignified while they wait for step ladders to be brought before they can climb out. If only you would remove your chairs and substitute benches without backs, turn off all heating and replace carpets with slate slabs, I am sure your congregation’s religious zeal would soar. Your loving uncle, Eustace Photo by Channel 82 on Unsplash
42 Ludlow St Laurence Parish Office 01584 872073 Office Administrator Nicky Luck Finance & Strategy Director Peter Nield Gift Aid Secretary Michael Hunt Director of Music Michael Oakley Custodian Matthew Lenthall Conservation Trust Chair Ian Marshall PCC Churchwardens Dick Franks 892019 Lesley Harling 318309 Assistant Michael Davies 07970 434822 Churchwarden Electoral Roll Officer Dick Franks 892019 Safeguarding Officer Dick Franks 892019 PCC Secretary Lesley Harling 318309 Bible Reading Penelope Bridstrup 876992 Fellowship Flowers Sue Thornley 872292 Monthly Prayer Group Sandi Burley 873155 Tower Captain Richard Bracher 811514 Ludlow Tower editor Lesley Harling 318309 Find this and previous issues of the Ludlow Tower on line at www.stlaurences.org.uk Ludlow St John Parish Office Nicky Luck 872073 Churchwarden Mike Beazley 873570 Treasurer Mike Beazley 873570 PCC Secretary Mike Beazley 873570 Electoral Roll Sue Thomas 0792990671 Ashfords Benefice Rector Revd Lynn Money Parish Office Sarah Davies 319381 Bromfield Benefice Rector Revd Justin Parker Parish Office Martin Scott 07493 247184 COPY DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE TUESDAY 5 MARCH There is no guarantee that material submitted will be included. Please send articles by email to [email protected] We are happy to receive contributions and suggestions for inclusion in the magazine. Please limit items to no more than 400 words, except by prior agreement with the editor. Parish of Ludlow Saint Laurence Registered Charity No 1132703 PARISH DIRECTORy Ludlow St Laurence Parish Office, 2 College Street, Ludlow, Shropshire. SY8 1AN (currently closed for refurbishment) e-mail: [email protected] website: www.stlaurences.org.uk For appointments (Monday or Thursday 9.30am-12.30pm at Hands Together Ludlow (Lower Galdeford) call 01584 872073 Rector: Revd Preb Kelvin Price 07799 243867 Pioneer Curate & Intergenerational Missioner: Revd Wayne Davies BEM 07545 438892
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