fcus - The Parish Church of St Hilda, Abbess of Hartlepool

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St Hilda’s Church Magazine
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August & September 2015
St Hilda’s Church Clergy, Officers & Contacts
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Chris Collison
Also Chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers, North Tees & H/pool
The Rectory, Church Close, Hartlepool, TS24 0PW, Tel. 267030
Email revchris@hartlepool-sthilda.org.uk
Associate Priest: Revd Verity Brown
75 Eamont Gardens, Hartlepool, TS26 9JE, Tel. 423186
Email veritybrwn@googlemail.com
Churchwardens
Ian Pounder (also Organist), Tel. 870310 (music@hartlepool-sthilda.org.uk)
Ana Bates, Tel. 07722 154809 (wardens@hartlepool-sthilda.org.uk)
PCC Secretary
Ann Turner, Tel. 282198 (pcc@hartlepool-sthilda.org.uk)
Treasurer
Tim Jones Tel. 295790 (treasurer@hartlepool-sthilda.org.uk)
Authorised Pastoral Assistant
Sacriston
Keith Faint, Tel. 265674
Parish Children’s Worker
Anne Collison, Tel. 267030
Reader/Magazine Editor
Stewart Burton, Tel. 408373 (news@hartlepool-sthilda.org.uk)
Photograph taken by Mr G Holdsworth Dorothy Kitching, Tel. 269729
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The Reverend writes…
Dear friends, It was at this time of year when I was ordained a deacon on a wet and dismal day in Norwich, and looked to a bright future! The following year my ordination as a priest was at the parish church at Cromer where I was serving as a curate, and it was a bright and breezy day as four of us offered our lives to God. It was a big moment, and now over 40 years later it is an equally big moment to step aside from the full-­‐
time ministry that has been my life. It has taken me to many places, to different countries, in different roles, but all within the context of the Church of England, and from time to time with the Mission to Seafarers. ‘Now it is time to say goodbye.’ It is not a goodbye to being a priest – that continues until my dying day. It has been a great privilege to serve the Church, and particularly to end my full-­‐time ministry at a truly magnificent building, and in a coastal setting that is quite unique in this country. It has been an immense privilege to serve the people of this ancient parish, this town and the seafarers whose trade keeps our economy alive. It has been an unexpected privilege to be amongst a very few ministering in both a parish and a port, and for some of that time to be also Area Dean. I am deeply grateful to God that he called Anne and I here to Hartlepool, and that for six years we have known something of his love and blessing amongst us. I would highlight just a few elements of our life which stand out. Prayer It is not in every parish that a priest finds a little group with whom to pray most days. That group was already in place when we arrived, and it has been a very important aspect of my day to begin by ‘saying the office.’ I am most grateful to those 2
who have shared each day with me in that way. Beginning the day together with God is essential for a church to listen and grow and develop, and has been at the heart and start of what has happened over the last six years. Prayer, I know, will continue each day -­‐ not necessarily in the church but sometimes at Anita’s House of Prayer, where anyone can go and spend time quietly with God. Please pray for the parish during the coming vacancy, not only on midweek mornings but at Sunday services, perhaps with a prominent prayer board in church. The Year of Hilda came out of prayer at Sleights, and a strong team met each month throughout the year. Not every task was completed that we set ourselves, but many were, and many involved people from beyond the church. Perhaps the lovely individual fabric squares that over 40 people have created can be made into a distinctive altar frontal or wall hanging. Depictions of four of our northern saints hang on four of the church’s stout columns. And hymns and songs have been written and sung in the church written by members of the church family. Schools have begun to play a vital and important part in the life of the church, and not only the schools our children attend. This work will continue. The strong team was led by Stewart who has shown that Reader ministry is a lot more than an occasional Sunday sermon. Faithfulness There is great commitment to St Hilda’s by a faithful group of people. Some of them have been part of St Hilda’s and the Headland for most of their lives, and some others have come on board more recently. This commitment enables the church to be open, refreshments to be available, visitors to be welcomed, music to be performed, flowers to be displayed, songs to be sung and the weekly cycle of services and bookings fulfilled. This is a great blessing, and has borne fruit through ‘Celebrate,’ and many visits which have brought new people into a fresh understanding of the building. In the last two years, our Baptism numbers have increased, not only of infants but of older children who have come into the church family. For St Hilda’s, all this is a way towards flourishing and growth. 3
On one of the last days of the school term, a little girl from school saw Anne on the prom, and ran over to her and hugged her, and told her mother ‘This is the lady who comes into school and tells us stories about Jesus.’ I know that Anne has a very special gift amongst children. It was a gift from her father, Walter, who died at Easter. But Anne has not only offered that gift but enabled others to share that gift. Now there are others in St Hilda’s Church who can tell children the stories about Jesus. And so the work will go on. Leaving Sussex was not easy, but we sensed a call to come here. You have welcomed us and shared our journey. Together, we have helped to build the Kingdom, in spite of our frailty and inadequacy. What lies ahead for us is not known. ‘I do not know what lies ahead, the way I cannot see, yet one stands there to be my guide; he’ll show the way to me.’ The future, as uncertain and full of fears as it sometimes seems, is somehow found within the love of God, in his constancy and constant intercession, in his saints and in his – and in their – faithfulness. It will not be easy to leave you – someone told me that a while ago. But this is the right time for us to go, to be closer to our son and our grand-­‐
children, to rest awhile and look to what God’s future is for both of us. I am so pleased that the parish staff of Stranton will give assistance to Verity and Stewart as needed, and that the diocese’s senior staff recognise that the parish is already engaged with Bishop Paul’s three priorities: Children and Young People, Growing Churches and Poverty. My first year in retirement might, we hope, turn into a Gap Year – not quite Bali and Viet-­‐Nam on a dollar a day – but wanderings in our motor home and wonderings about where God might need us and use us in a future which is held in his love. We are confident that ‘he will show the way.’ There will be opportunities to say our farewells in September, and we hope that many of you will come to our two farewell services. There will be a Songs of Praise for everyone on Sunday, 6th September at 6pm, followed by a bring and share supper. Our farewell services will 4
be on the following Sunday, 13th at 8.30am and 10.30am, but also – for those with a link -­‐ at the Seafarers’ Centre at 6.30pm, when there will also be a buffet. A few years ago, a group of us went to St Anthony’s Priory in Durham led by Judy Hirst. At the end of the day, she concluded with these words. I cannot better them. As we prepare to leave and embrace the challenges of our lives and our world, let us ask for God’s blessing upon us. May the God who encircles us, who springs up from within and beckons us into the future, warm our hearts, strengthen our purpose and lead us into His future. And a blessing on us all: The blessing of God our Creator, our Redeemer and our Sustainer be among us and remain with us always. So with my thanks and warmest greetings: Chris Collison 1
X:site Teeside has now been running for over three years with action packed, fun-­‐filled, Gospel sharing evenings every two months for children in school years 3-­‐6. I have been privileged to have been part of the team for all of that time and have seen the excitement as children have a great fun evening together – especially gunging the leaders – but also have the opportunity to hear stories, and teaching, from the Bible The event is held on a Saturday evening, 6-­‐8pm, at Portrack Baptist Church and draws children from churches and kids groups from all over the Teesside area. X:site aims to be a place where children can unite from different churches and be excited and encouraged in their faith – and also be cool enough to invite their friends to! It is part of the national work of Scripture Union but is delivered by local Christians. For me the best thing about X:site is seeing so many children’s leaders from different churches all working together for the good of the children and God’s Kingdom! We regularly take a minibus full of excited children from Hartlepool – thanks to the Boys’ Brigade minibus! Paul Craggs is joining the team, along with Louise Douglas and possibly Jo Franks (3 other adults from Headland Baptist Church are also involved) so our involvement and transport of children can continue! The year 6’s have just said Goodbye so it’s time for the new Year 3’s to join the gang! If you know a child who would be interested in going along please speak to Paul on Tel: 07912 661627 2
The next X:site Teesside is: When: Saturday September 26th Where: Portrack Baptist Church, Portrack, Stockton, TS18 2HT How much: Just £1 X:site North Holiday week A spin-­‐off from X:Site is the opportunity for children to have a holiday in the same kind of crazy mix of fun and faith. This year’s holiday, at Knock Christian Centre in Cumbria, is from 18th -­‐22nd August. Anne and Kim Mayes are taking the Boys’ Brigade bus and 6 of our youngsters – plus others that they’ll pick up from Portrack Baptist church. Please pray that this will be a real opportunity for children to get deeper into the things of God while away from the day-­‐to-­‐day distractions of normal life. . . and please pray that the leaders get some sleep! Anne Our Pillow Stone is featured Two new books have been generously given to St Hilda’s Church by the author and researcher Guy Points. They both feature our unique 7th century Pillow Stone), displayed at the east end of the south aisle (see the photograph following my letter). Published in 2012, Guy’s ‘Gazetteer of Anglo-­‐Saxon and Viking Sites in County Durham and Northumberland’ has 7 pages devoted to artefacts and locations in Hartlepool, including over a page on all that is displayed from that period in our church. Another copy of this book has been given too, its whereabouts unsure at the present. Guy Points’ new book is ‘An Introduction to Anglo-­‐Saxon Church Architecture and Anglo-­‐Saxon and Anglo-­‐Scandinavian Stone Sculptures.’ Our pillow stone is featured in this very detailed book which seeks to put such artefacts in a historical context we can understand. We are indebted to Guy Points for his generous gift to our church. Chris Collison 1
Copying…
When you were at school, do you remember the teacher instructing you to copy an item. Generally this was an article which he/she had written on the blackboard and which you were required to copy into your notebook. It was a laborious undertaking and the result was not always satisfactory, especially for children with poor handwriting. Words could be illegible in some cases and those with writing problems had a very difficult struggle. At that time, though, there was no alternative. There was, of course, carbon paper. I remember, as a child, being delighted at being able to reproduce documents and drawings but gradually the carbon paper wore out, images became quite faint and constant use of the carbon paper introduced massive creases which they also reproduced on the copies. As a typist, many copies were required for filing purposes, copies to interested people, etc. and carbon paper was a commonplace part of the stationery supply. However, it was far from easy to manipulate – those of you who type will perhaps remember the consternation when you made a typing error ….. you just rubbed out the error on the top copy, then the smudge reproduced through all the carbon copies, obliterating the words…. It required the typist to put tiny pieces of protective paper through all the copies, whilst correcting the mistake, to prevent this (and how many of you forgot to take out the slips of paper, leaving blank spaces on the copies and thus requiring the whole item to be typed again??). Coloured carbon paper could be obtained but was far from usual. Mass copying was practically unheard of in the 1940’s but things did improve. The next step, which I remember, was the use of a Banda machine. Those of you who worked in offices will perhaps remember 2
these copies. It enabled you to produce colour copies but had some drawbacks. It worked by placing special carbon paper under a master copy and drawing or writing on the top copy. Coloured carbon papers could be used so this was ideal for diagrams and charts. The master copy then clipped to an inked machine and the copies produced. Quite a good system EXCEPT the carbons were very inky and, no matter how carefully you prepared the work, you always ended up with inked hands. It was always obvious who had been using the Banda machine. The copying then progressed to a Gestetner process – this involved typing the wording on to a thin wax master copy which then was clipped to a machine, the ink flowed through the cut-­‐out characters and on to the paper. Very clean but impossible to produce drawings and diagrams. Once again, the typist was in great demand but her skills were apparent when you inspected the master copy. Any errors could not be rubbed out because the material was wax – instead every typist had a small bottle of liquid was which was painted over the error, thus filling in the cuttings and then it could be retyped over the top. Unfortunately, the correcting fluid was bright red in colour so errors were glaringly obvious. What about nowadays? How could we manage without the current photocopiers? They are invaluable, producing exact copies of documents, charts, drawings, graphs, etc. They are quick, the copying is clean, you can produce on various sizes of paper and in colour if you require it. Some models will even collect pages, sort them out and put them into booklets. The machines are easy to operate and there is no initial preparation. We have all benefitted, in some way, from this way of copying. Thinking of copying items led me to think about copying images, in other words the use of cameras. I would think that most of you reading this magazine started off your photographic hobby, as I did, with a box camera. Sturdy little cameras, very reliable, easy to carry, producing quite acceptable photographs, the only downside being having to fit in the film and wind it on for each exposure. Of course also, there were no colour prints, only black and white. I do recall, 3
though, (having a cousin who worked in George Holdsworth’s photographic shop in Lynn Street), that you could ask for the print to be ‘tinted’ so that they manually coloured it in. The results were far from perfect but, to us, it was a colour photograph. Then came a more sophisticated camera, to which could be fitted a flash component – this was a folding concave unit which screwed into the camera in the middle of which was a flash bulb. So, at that point in time you weren’t reliant upon daylight. Once again, however, there were no colour photographs and the film had to be fitted and wound on. Up until this time the pattern was to take the photograph, remove the film from the camera and then take it to be printed. I am sure you will agree that quite often it was very disappointing to view the results – badly focused images, people’s heads cut off, peculiar backgrounds which weren’t intended to be there, grimaces caught unexpectedly, etc. Quite a popular model of camera then emerged… the Polaroid, which enabled you to more or less instantly print your own photographs both in black and white and in colour. Then we move finally to to-­‐day’s models. How sophisticated they have become! If you do not want to be bothered to set the correct settings, then the camera will automatically do it for you or, for those of you who want precision, you can strive for perfection and choose your own settings. You also have choices for the types of reproduction… at the photographic counters of stores, on-­‐line on your computer, produce copies from your own computer printer, store them on your computer and organize them as you wish, e-­‐mail them to friends or put them on social media. Not only do the cameras take still photographs but they also are capable of producing short videos. Of course, not only the 4
dedicated cameras carry out these tasks but the same can be done by iPads, phones, etc. Isn’t it wonderful, too, to look at a terrible photograph you have taken and have the capability of pressing a button to erase it? Many of us in the past must have collected our photographs from the chemists, viewed them with dismay (realizing at that point that it would be a big mistake to follow a photographic career!) and then have to come to terms with the fact that they were mistakes that we were very costly and would have to be paid for! Joan Noble Sir Christopher Lee R.I.P Sunday 14th June When I arrived at Durham cathedral on the day I was the appointed chaplain, I discovered that a film was being shot, mostly in the cloisters. The film was of the novel ‘Ivanhoe’ by Sir Walter Scott. Visitors were still able to look around the body of the cathedral. My attention was caught by one visitor wandering down the main aisle looking at a bit of a loss. So I approached him and asked if I could be of any help. He was very pleased to be asked and we got on well together. He asked sensible questions and seemed interested in all I had to tell him. We must have spent at least half an hour looking round. I then thought I must leave him and give my attention to other visitors. One of the cathedral vergers came up to me and asked, “How do you come to know Sir Christopher Lee?” “I don’t know Christopher Lee, who is he?” “That man you’ve just been going around with” I was told. “He’s Dracula in horror films.” Looking back I think we got on so well because I did not know him as a film star, and treated him as just another visitor to the cathedral, and he enjoyed that. David Webster The Girls’ Brigade
Sunday 5th July I thought would be another Awards Service – how wrong I was! It began with presenting awards – girls and boys – then trophies. We then presented Anne and Chris with engraved wine glasses to thank them for all the help and encouragement we’ve had from them both while they’ve been with us. It has been great having Anne helping us and sharing her knowledge with us. Anne is brilliant at leading the ‘God slot’ at a moment’s notice -­‐ something I’m going to have to learn! Angi then surprised me with a speech recalling my 30 years as an Officer. I was so moved, after all I’ve enjoyed every minute I’ve been in Brigade. I was then given the most beautiful engraved vase. The senior girls also gave me a wordle picture with sayings which I’ve used over the years – very amusing – and I love it. A day to remember! So, trophies were awarded to Emily Fidell for Explorer Sports, Paige Stevens for Junior Sports and Kym Simmonds for senior sports. Myah Cuniff was awarded the Joyce Tate trophy for commitment to church and company. Erin Blackett was promoted to Advanced Young Leader. Holly Flounders and Erin Blackett both gained their Brigader badge, well done all of you. It is thanks to Angi’s influence and friendliness that we are keeping girls longer in Brigade so they are able to gain their Brigader Badge. Thank you Angi. Camp is on the horizon with Visitors’ Day on 26th July hope to see you there. There are no more Brigade meetings until 7th September when the new session begins for all members and new members are welcome. Ana 1
News from the Mission to Seafarers This may be the last time for a while that you receive news about the work of the Missions to Seafarers. Uniquely in the UK, my post at St Hilda’s has been linked with the Mission to Seafarers, and in September I will leave both posts. It has been a very special experience for me, and has brought together my two abiding concerns in ministry – the people of a parish and the people of the ships. It has been a great privilege to be in both places at once, split down the middle at times, but fulfilled and seeking to make a difference in both spheres. Last time, I wrote that the Humber post was being withdrawn, but that is not quite how it is. I remember a time when there were full-­‐time chaplains at Hull, Immingham and Goole. The next chaplain will look after the three ports and shipping at Grimsby and on the Trent – half-­‐
time – and will also look after the role and training of volunteers across the Mission. The Mission operates in a world that often remembers the RNLI but usually overlooks the seafarers on the ships. It is a hard climate in which to raise funds. But it was the double-­‐role of St Hilda’s Church and the Mission to Seafarers that brought Anne and I to Hartlepool six years ago. The Mission to Seafarers played a key part in our coming here, as I had only just asked a friend in the Mission whether any port chaplaincy was going in the UK that went with a parish. The rest is history. Giving to the Mission If in the future, individuals and the PCC feel in a position to give to the work of the Mission to Seafarers, I know it would be greatly appreciated. Perhaps it might be the object of one of the regular Bonus Ball gifts raised through Derek Cooper’s collections every Sunday. Those who give may like to give to the local Mission at Seal Sands or nationally. Under the careful hand of Aidan Webster, our 2
North Tees centre continues to thrive and attract seafarers from around the world. Increasingly, the North Tees centre will have to prove its viability, so an annual gift in thanksgiving would be a great boost. All gifts for the North Tees centre should be given directly to the centre, and all gifts to the general work of the Mission directly to the Mission’s international headquarters in London. An annual Sea Sunday Another way of remembering the work of the Mission to Seafarers is simply not to forget them. Once a year, Sea Sunday – usually in July – is held to remember seafarers and those who minister to them. In coming years, it may be good to invite Colin Worswick, my successor, or Aidan to come and speak about the work of the Mission in the harbours of the Tees – and beyond. UK crew held in India for over 18 months One north-­‐east family remain in a state of constant anxiety as they long for the return of their family member who is held in India. His ship, the ‘Seaman Guard Ohio’ was arrested in suspicious circumstances whilst off the coast of India, and since then the crew and the armed guards on board have all been in prison or on bail without their passports in the city of Chennai (formerly Madras). The Mission to Seafarers has tried in vain to plead the men’s innocence but stands by them as best it can. The UK government cannot interfere in India’s national laws. In early July, the men, including the 6 Britons, were told that their case would return to a local court for the whole process to start again. The ship has operated for some years in the waters of the Indian Ocean, supplying ships with armed guards before they transit the waters off Somalia and other areas threatened by pirates. The six Britons, including Nick Dunn from Ashington, are all former members of the British armed forces. Please pray for a just and speedy end to their plight. Chris Collison FUSION
(The joint youth group with our Baptist neighbours) A riotous party ended our term together on July 5th, having been brought forward a week due to the absence of Barry and Gwynneth the following week. It was good to have so many of our youngsters together, in good voice, to play high velocity games before supper and then to have Bethany sharing thoughts about American Independence Day and the freedom God offers each one of us. Fusion as we know it is changing! With Sovereign Church setting up separately in the town Barry and Caroline, and their church youngsters, will not be available on Sunday evenings – however it was felt that it would still be good to meet up as a larger group monthly – so Fusion Friday will start up on the second Friday of each Month (from October 9th). Fusion, on a Sunday, will continue each week beginning on Sunday 13th September, with Gwynneth, Bethany and a new Youth for Christ Team member as the main leaders. We also hope to keep a St. Hilda link through Mark Taylor and Ana. If anyone else is interested in helping out on a Sunday evening 7-­‐8.30pm please speak to Anne before she leaves! It has been a real privilege to see Fusion develop and grow and to share in this ministry with other churches. The capacity for young people to be ‘high as kites’ one moment and then to be listening intently to the Bible and a Gospel message 5 minutes later never ceases to surprise and delight me! May God continue to bless and nurture our young people who are today’s church and tomorrow’s leaders! Anne Collison
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L A D I E S G U I L D Our June meeting was attended by Rev Chris who talked about his visit to Uganda, in the 1990’s, and the people he had encountered upon his travels. The address was accompanied by a series of slides to illustrate and clarify the main points. He started off by showing us one of his previous parish, St Nicholas, in Great Yarmouth and went on to describe Godfrey Makumbi, Bishop of Uganda, who died recently at the age of only 52 and who was a predominant and well-­‐loved figure in Uganda. Godfrey, apparently, had four young children, had been ill for some years but had not made his illness public so his death came as quite a shock to his friends. We were shown slides of Kampala, built on seven hills and it was explained that people were summoned to church, not by bells as in England, but by the beating of drums. We looked at slides of the slums and shanty towns which seemed to be everywhere, showing children playing in appalling conditions with tyres and some sticks. Even with the dreadful terrain, though, people from the outlying areas travel into the cities with their produce in the hope of making some money. We saw slides of the markets where there was virtually everything for sale – one popular food was sugar cane. This is the part of Africa where Aids first surfaced, due mainly to insanitary conditions. People live in poverty and dirt, washing both themselves and their clothing in fetid streams. One slide showed children transporting water from taps to their village – it is common practice to carry 6 gallon drums of water to their homes before school. School are enormously popular and one school had over one hundred children in one class. Chris went on to tell us that Godfrey was very highly regarded – he trained as a teacher, then did a Masters Degree and ended up in the Theological College at Chichester. 2
Although Chris had enjoyed his visit, he described the very, very basic living conditions – in the shower room, for example, there were two cans (one for cold water and one for hot water which were mixed in a bowl and then used). There was no electricity and no nearby water. Although Uganda does produce some electricity, most of their supply is absorbed by Tanzania. Their basic diet was that of a local plantain which replaced rice or potato. The Mothers Union is very popular in Uganda, providing opportunities for women to learn crafts in order for them to survive. A project was started with pigs, where the people were taught to look after the animals – their waste would be used to fertilise crops. Although we were appalled by the living conditions, it was apparent that the people of Africa lived their lives as best as they could, seeing the poverty, neglect and disease within their villages as a burden to be accepted. They didn’t appear to grumble or resist their lot. It was an interesting talk which made us aware of the lack of facilities and basic amenities provided for Ugandan people -­‐ we agreed that we are all very fortunate to live in a developed country. The evening was organised by Margaret Faint, Ana Faint and Jennifer Turner and our thanks go to them. The raffle prize for the evening was won by Claire Dixon. Joan Noble Pause for thought…
"There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart." Mahatma Gandhi - 1
Holy Island Parish Retreat
On the last weekend in June, sixteen of us travelled to Lindisfarne to stay at Marygate House. The house comprises of a dining room, library, communal sitting room and bedrooms of various sizes. Ian Snowdon had booked the weekend for us so that we could spend some time away from the busyness of our everyday lives, to reflect on our faith and spend time praying and worshipping together. We were very fortunate to be led in contemplative walks by Graham Booth, who is a leader of the Community of Aidan and Hilda on Holy Island. He shared his vast knowledge of the history, nature and geology of the island, linking it all to our own journey of faith. Graham believes that God reveals Himself through scripture, but that his first revelation, before the written word, was through the natural world. If we look carefully, we can learn more about God from studying plants, birds, animals and even rocks. During one of our walks we were encouraged to find a limpet shell. Graham spoke movingly of how he had felt God’s presence with him during a serious illness. Since then he carries a limpet shell around in his pocket to remind him to stick close to God -­‐ just like a limpet sticks to its rock. On Sunday morning we joined with the local community in worship at St. Mary’s Parish Church. Luckily for us, they were having a festival service to celebrate St. Peter and St. Paul and to bless a new altar frontal for St. Peter’s side altar. The Dean of 2
Durham Cathedral, Michael Sadgrove, preached and the hymns were accompanied by a group of musicians called ‘Sanctuary’ comprising of saxophone, drums and organ. The music was very evocative and made me think of all those Christians who must have prayed and worshipped on Holy Island over the centuries. The hospitality we found at Marygate House was exemplary and the puddings delicious! We enjoyed being in each other’s company but there was also time and space for private contemplation and prayer. One of my memories is lying down on the grass on St. Cuthbert’s Island ( a tiny island accessible at low tide), staring up into the blue sky imaging how life must have been for St. Cuthbert. Another special moment was kayaking in the bay watching the seabirds and trying to catch sight of the seals as their heads bobbed out of the water. A visit to Holy Island always restores the spirit. It’s as if you’ve been recharged, ready to face the world and what it might bring. I think all of us could have stayed longer and were reluctant to head back home. A few of us spun things out a bit longer by visiting St. Cuthbert’s cave on the way home. It is a cave under an outcrop of rocks about two miles inland of Holy Island. Legend has it that as the monks were fleeing from Holy Island following the Viking raids, they sheltered in the cave with St. Cuthbert’s coffin. Whether the story is true or not, it is definitely a beautiful spot to rest and admire the view over the surrounding countryside. For those of you reading this who wish you’d been able to come with us, we are hoping to repeat the trip next year. So please let me know if you are interested! Verity Battling the wind for Christian Aid
Saturday June 6th was a very windy day here on the Headland and yet lots of crazy people turned up at the Baptist Church, in fancy dress, to do battle with the wind and with poverty – by raising sponsorship for Christian Aid! Father Nick, from St. Mary’s, judged the Fancy dress competition in different age groups – amazingly, the adults dressed up outnumbered the youngsters! A squirrel won the youngest category, Hermione of Harry Potter fame won the middle category and Laurel and Hardy, from St. Hilda’s, won the adult prize – partly because they kept acting in role! In previous years the youngsters have collected quite a lot of money, on the walk, from others walking on the prom or sitting outside the pub but this year was so cold and blowy we hardly met anyone! Several of the costumes were rearranged by the wind but a happy time was had by all! Our friends at The Baptist Church laid on a welcome tea for our return. Headland Christian Fellowship were not able to provide walkers or stewards this year and instead held a special collection for Christian Aid at one of their Sunday services – raising a staggering £450. Michelle Maiden collected the most sponsorship – at £126. The total raised from the walk and the collections was £1229.20 which is money that will changes lives in the poorest parts of our world -­‐ definitely worth battling the wind for! THANK YOU to everyone who took part! Anne Collison The Girls’ & Boys’ Brigades
at St Hilda’s
Girls’ Brigade Captain – Ana Bates (Tel. 07722 154809)
The Girls’ Brigade meets on a Monday evening during term time at the
Borough Hall starting at 6pm.
Boys’ Brigade Captain – Mark Craggs (Tel. 890952)
The Boys’ Brigade meets on a Wednesday evening during term time at
the Borough Hall starting at 6pm.
For more information, come along to one of the sessions or contact the
relevant Captain.
No cash, no problem… It takes a lot of money to keep a church going and St Hilda’s is no exception. We rely very heavily on the money we get donated by our congregation and others who come along less frequently to weddings, baptisms and funerals as well as visiting us at other times. We need to make sure that we can continue to fund mission and ministry in our own parish as well as make our contribution to the work of the diocese but we understand that it isn’t always convenient to make a donation by giving us cash. To solve this problem, you can now donate to us via text by sending a free message to 70070 with the word HILD00 (that’s HILD followed by two zeros) and then the amount you wish to donate which needs to be £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10. You will then get a text back asking you to reply ‘Yes’ to GiftAid your donation if you pay enough tax. This gives us an extra 25p for every pound you give. Thank you. 1
Worship with us… Regular acts of worship take place each Sunday at 8.30am (Holy Communion using the Book of Common Prayer) and at 10.30am where the service is Parish Communion, Family Communion (less formal service with fewer readings) or All-­‐Age Worship (non-­‐Eucharistic). Sunday Monkeys (our junior church) meets at the rectory at 10am on the Sundays where there is a Parish Communion. We also have a service of Holy Communion on Wednesdays at 10.30am and we worship at other times to celebrate the various festivals and seasons of the Church year. You are very welcome and encouraged to join us at any of these services. Below are the details of the services coming up over the next few months (in addition to Sundays @ 8:30 and Wednesdays @ 10:30) Sunday 2nd August (Ninth Sunday after Trinity) 10.30am Parish Communion Sunday 9th August (Tenth Sunday after Trinity) 10.30am Parish Communion 6.30pm Holy Communion at the Mission to Seafarers centre Sunday 16th August (Eleventh Sunday after Trinity) 10.30am Parish Communion Sunday 23rd August (Twelfth Sunday after Trinity) 10.30am All Age Worship with Baptism Sunday 30th August (Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity) 10.30am Parish Communion Sunday 6th September (Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity) 10.30am Family Communion with Baptism & admission to Communion 6pm Deanery Songs of Praise followed by bring and share supper 2
Thursday 10th September 12.30pm Prayer lunch at Central Estate Methodist Church Saturday 12th September 10am Set-­‐up for Celebrate! 2pm to 4pm Celebrate! Aidan – pass the flame 4.15pm Set-­‐up for Sunday services Sunday 13th September (Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity) 10.30am Farewell Family Communion with Brigades and the commissioning of new Captains 6.30pm Farewell Holy Communion at the Mission to Seafarers Centre Sunday 20th September (Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity) 10.30am Parish Communion Sunday 27th September (Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity) 10.30am All Age Worship Sunday 4th October (Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity) 10.30am Parish Communion Sunday 11th October (Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity) 10.30am All Age Harvest Worship with Brigades Sunday 18th October (St Luke -­‐ Twentieth Sunday after Trinity) 10.30am Parish Communion Sunday 25th October (Last Sunday after Trinity) 10.30am Family Communion Visit us… Our current regular opening times for visitors is from 2-­‐4pm on Saturdays and Sundays and from 11am-­‐1pm on Wednesdays. In addition to these times we hold concerts and other events throughout the year to which all are welcome (tickets are needed in some cases). Below are the details of the special events (in addition to the times above) coming up over the next few months: Sat 8th August – 11am Carnival day with the church open all day Sat 29th August – 7.30pm Proms Concert ‘Songs from Forgotten Shows’ Mon 31st August – 12.30pm Lunchtime concert of organ music Sat 5th September -­‐ 7pm Church social evening @ the Duke of Cleveland (ticket only event) 10th to 13th September – Heritage Open Days – opening times TBC Sat 19th September – 10am Girls’ Brigade coffee morning Sat 19th September – 7.30pm Proms Concert with Antonina Lax Fri 25th September – 10am MacMillan coffee morning Fri 9th to Sun 11th October – Headland Folk Festival You can now follow St Hilda’s on Twitter – search for @StHildaHpool and join us! On a need to know basis… Some of the things which go on at St Hilda’s are of specific interest to certain people or groups and so they are included in this section. This section also contains events being held in other places. If you’d like to know more about any of them please speak to one of the clergy, churchwardens or deputy wardens who will be able to tell you more or point you in the right direction… Sat 1st August – 10am Parish day out to Bede’s World/St Paul’s Jarrow Sat 15th August – 2.30pm Visit by Friends of Sunderland Museum Thu 20th August – 7.30pm Standing & Finance Committee Thu 3rd September – 7pm PCC meeting Mon 7th September – 6pm Girls Brigade begin a new year Mon 7th September – 7pm Deanery Synod @ St Luke’s Tue 8th September – 7.30pm Ladies Guild Wed 9th September – 6pm Boys’ Brigade begin a new year 1
THE BOMBARDMENT OF THE HARTLEPOOLS by Myra Docherty Part 3 Many stories like this were to be told and I will write some of these tales from my notes. Dorothy Caws (25) of 57 Grosvenor Street was sitting by the fire when a shell splinter killed her. Charles L C Ramsey, a patternmaker at Richardson & Westgarth, was killed doing his work. Margaret A Hunter (47) was found dead on the sea-­‐wall. She had been gathering sea-­‐coal. George Jobling of Dock Street, Old Town, escaped from his half demolished house only to find the bodies of his two grandchildren in the street. They were Sarah (6) and Hannah (4) Jobling. Annie Corner (37) of Dock Street died of shock. John Staunch (41) was also found dead on the sea-­‐wall. Hannah Arnold and Mary Harrison were killed crossing the street. Albert and Stanley Walker (9 and 6) were killed while walking with their mother. Dozens of people were running past the gas holder when it received a direct hit. The holder collapsed and the gas set alight. The explosion which followed, blew people into the air. One boy was killed, several people were hurt and another boy had his foot blown off. 2
Many fled the town and did not return until late at night and some not even until the next day. At West Hartlepool the people were also heading for the country by way of the Ward Jackson Park and then on to Elwick. Scores of them were killed in the Belk Street area as they were heading for the open country. Doris Whitton, who lived in Slater Street, said the shells were coming over and you could hear them scattering in the street at your feet. A man ran over and shouted “The Germans have arrived.” Immediately there was panic as mothers gathered their children together and they ran with prams, pushchairs and garden barrows all full of their bits and pieces. Lots of people remember seeing folks running with their Christmas cakes. A Mr H Bell of Belk Street, tells how he was at work at Grays Central Shipyard when he first heard the gunfire. When the shells began to hit the buildings all around him, he decided to make his way home. Reaching the junction of Middleton Road and Hartlepool Road he noticed a young boy stretched across the tram-­‐line, face downwards – when he went over to help him he saw he was dead with nearly all of his chest blown away. His name was John McGuire and he lived in Cameron Road. A few yards further on he saw Mr Barney Hodgson, who lived in Water Street. He was leaning against the Swedish Church wall bleeding very badly. He ran toward him but Mr Hodgson said “Keep on running, son, I’m done for”. When Mr Bell reached his house he found his mother propped up against the wall with blood running from her like water from a tap. He borrowed a barrow and, putting hisd mother on it, he set off to take her to the hospital. His mother lost her leg and she had multiple fractures – his youngest brother was killed and another brother had leg injuries. 3
We can only imagine the agony of mind that these poor people went through. There are many, many eye witness accounts that have been reported over the years and they are all harrowing. Just imagine having to endure the trauma of the early morning battle, then the worry of looking for lost relatives and finally going home to a house that was an absolute shamble or, at the very least, having had all the windows blown out. All this on a cold, dark December day. Mr J B. Tindale writes about this. He had had a terrible day. He’d started work at 6.00 am and spent most of his day helping to move the injured to hospital. He writes:-­‐ “On the way home, I saw many things that are now history. Men were carrying babies in blankets. Everyone seemed grim and anxious. Women were sweeping up the glass from shattered windows as tears ran from their eyes. At the top of Duke Street I met my father who had been looking for me. He told me our house had been slightly hit. There was a small hole in the roof above the staircase. Shrapnel had gone through the bedroom door and slit the bed to ribbons. My first job was to find my mother and younger brother who were missing. I found them in a friend’s house near Grange Road, having a cup of tea. On returning home we all set about to clear up the mess. Before bedtime it started to rain and it came down in torrents, running down the stairs like a waterfall. Father and a neighbour managed to mend the roof with some slates and stopped the water coming in. Owing to the gasometer catching fire, the town was in total darkness. Fortunately we had a good oil lamp and father had got some paraffin oil and candles. My brother and I slept on a “shakey down” in the kitchen. I have never slept so soundly before or since. A proclamation was issued by the Mayor telling the people to stay at home for the present and that the town was now secure. The people of the Hartlepools started to get on with their lives again. People came from far and wide to see the damage. 4
Shell fragments were gathered and made into brooches etc. and then sold as souvenirs. Shell cases and other curios were gathered and later auctioned to swell the fund that was started to help the victims. In December 1915 the Bombardment Fund was shown as:-­‐ £ s. d. Sale of shells 71 0 0 National Relief Fund 304 9 9 Voluntary Contributions 558 3 6 Bank Interest 7 2 6 £940 15 9 This helped towards funerals of victims, payments to people left destitute, convalescence and hardship payments. On the Friday following the Bombardment, a rumour was spread through the town that the Germans were coming again. This caused panic and lots of people fled to the country again but, fortunately, it turned out to be a false alarm. Incidentally, I have been told that there is a grave in the cemetery at Kirby Wiske of someone who died in the Hartlepools Bombardment. Perhaps someone can enlighten me as to why someone from Kirby Wiske was in Hartlepool on that fateful day. Myra Docherty Member No 519 Cleveland Family History Society Sources: Early editions of Northern Daily Mail J A Laws – Bombardment of the Hartlepools D Le P Webb – The Bombardment of the Hartlepools J M Wards – Dawn Raid Frederick Millers – Hartlepool under Shell Fire and from the memories of friends and acquaintances. 1
Keep Celebrate!...ing
Aidan, Hilda and Cuthbert all got a mention, and a starring role, in June’s Celebrate! -­‐ as we wouldn’t know about them today without the careful storytelling of The Venerable Bede. Bede was amazing – joining the monastery at 7, becoming a monk at 9, a deacon at 19 and a priest at 30. Apart from a visit to York, and Lindisfarne, he never left his monasteries at Jarrow and Wearmouth but was an avid reader of all the books in their libraries and a great thinker – mathematician, scientist, historian, astrologer, theologian, translator and more! When he died someone said ‘ the light of learning has gone out in Europe’ but as we saw demonstrated with our rope light ring at the end – because of his stories and history books the faith of those early saints, and the Jesus they believed in, still lights our world today. Our last great Transformer (Saint) that we want to focus on this year is Aidan – and it is his story and legacy that will be Celebrated on Saturday 12th September 2-­‐4pm in St. Hilda’s. Aidan is often portrayed holding high a flaming torch to symbolise the way he passed the faith on to so many others – kindling the spark of God within them into the flame of faith in Jesus. This Celebrate! falls on the day before Chris and Anne’s last service – so it is time to pass on the torch to the rest of the team to lead Celebrate! into the future; so that they can, like Aidan, continue to kindle the God-­‐spark in our children and their families until it blazes into faith in Jesus. 2
Celebrate! has been an amazing experiment and experience of God’s grace and we are so blessed to have seen the fruit of youngsters coming to faith and wanting to belong to God’s family of the church. A huge thank you is due to everyone who has been involved in Celebrate! over the years – all the jobs are valid, and necessary, whether behind the scenes or up front. Thank you for trusting me and sharing in all the fun, faith and chaos with me. A little bit of God’s kingdom has been grown in this place! May God continue to bless you into the future. Anne Update your contacts: This is just an early note to let you know who to get in touch with in the vacancy once Rev’d Chris an Anne leave the parish in mid-­‐
September and the current Brigades Captains step down: • Baptisms – Dorothy Kitching •
Weddings – Rev’d Verity Brown •
Funerals – Ian Pounder or Ana Bates (Churchwardens) •
Sunday Monkeys – Sylvia Robson •
Fusion – Gwyneth Hauxwell (Headland Baptist Church) •
Girls’ Brigade – Angi Simmonds (Captain from September) •
Boys’ Brigade – Paul Craggs (Captain from September) Chris & Anne Wordsearch
Announcements
We welcome into the family of the Church
Rosie Ashleigh Wheelhouse
Jack Robert Hill
Kaylem Lee Stoddart
Tucker Jai Michael Stoddart
Millie Amie Stoddart
Annabel Nancy Robson
Emily Elizabeth Grace Moore
Shine as a light in the world…
We pray for the family and friends of
Robert Westhorpe
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace…
As well as being Priest-in-Charge of St Hilda’s, Rev’d Chris is also
the Mission to Seafarers port chaplain to the North Tees and
Hartlepool.
If you would like to find out more about the important work of the
Mission in this area or get involved as a volunteer please speak to
Rev’d Chris or the Seal Sands Centre Manager, Aidan Webster, on
01642 546424.
St Hilda’s Church Visitors Centre
See the ‘Visit Us’ page for current opening times.
We are always on the lookout for more volunteers to help.
Please speak to Tony Metcalfe to find out more.
O God by whose grace the blessed Abbess
Hilda, enkindled by the fire of your love,
became a burning and shining light in
Thy Church:
Grant that we may be inflamed with the
same spirit of discipline and love and
ever walk before Thee as children of
light. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Collect for hilda, 614-680
Please note that the deadline for submissions to the
next edition of the magazine is Sunday 20th Sep.
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