march magazine

22
FROM THE REV’D JOHN ALDOUS Dear Friends, Preparation is Everything Lord Baden Powell certainly knew the truth of this statement when he instituted the famous motto for the Boy Scouts – ‘Be Prepared’. Last month Terry picked up on this same theme when he spoke about preparing the ground for growing crops and preparing oneself in prayer. In a way these exhortations are to do with something that is unknown and possibly difficult to focus on, far better to be able to concentrate on something that IS known, something tangible, something of importance to our Christian way of life - Easter. . . Too soon you may cry, we are only just getting over Christmas and yes, Easter Sunday may well be over our ‘Spiritual Horizon’. However, the church recognises the importance of preparation and established the period that we now call Lent as a way of organising our thoughts and prayers, building and harnessing our spiritual strength towards Our Lord’s Passion and Resurrection. We walk with Jesus every step of the way throughout Holy Week, suffering with Him the trials and tribulations that He endured during that time. A spiritual roller coaster that certainly needs sincere and devout preparation if we are to be truly with Him. We also know when that period of preparation is due to start, March 5 th , Ash Wednesday. The start of Lent, the period of preparation, and as always it will be marked by Services within the parish. We are all, therefore, invited to attend one of these Services to mark the start of our own determination to prepare ourselves through humility and prayer. If we are to fully enjoy the triumph of Easter we must also experience the despair of betrayal and the disgrace of crucifixion before the victory of the Resurrection. Be prepared, be prayerful, be willing to enter into the ethos and discipline of Lent in order to reap the reward that is promised to all who follow the way of Jesus. Please put March 5 th in your diary and I will see you then. John Aldous To all members of the 8am Eucharist congregations at St Mary’s & St John’s 8am Services for March & April Sun 2 nd March NO Service at St Mary’s Service at St John’s Sun 9 th March Service at St Mary’s NO Service at St John’s Sun 16 th March NO Service at St Mary’s Service at St John’s Sun 23 rd March Service at St Mary’s NO Service at St John’s Sun 30 th March NO Service at St Mary’s Service at St John’s Sun 6 th April Service at St Mary’s NO Service at St John’s

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Page 1: March magazine

FROM THE REV’D JOHN ALDOUS

Dear Friends,

Preparation is Everything

Lord Baden Powell certainly knew the truth of this statement when he instituted the famous motto for the Boy Scouts – ‘Be Prepared’. Last month Terry picked up on this same theme when he spoke about preparing the ground for growing crops and preparing oneself in prayer. In a way these exhortations are to do with something that is unknown and possibly difficult to focus on, far better to be able to concentrate on something that IS known, something tangible, something of importance to our Christian way of life - Easter. . .

Too soon you may cry, we are only just getting over Christmas and yes, Easter Sunday may well be over our ‘Spiritual Horizon’. However, the church recognises the importance of preparation and established the period that we now call Lent as a way of organising our thoughts and prayers, building and harnessing our spiritual strength towards Our Lord’s Passion and Resurrection. We walk with Jesus every step of the way throughout Holy Week, suffering with Him the trials and tribulations that He endured during that time. A spiritual roller coaster that certainly needs sincere and devout preparation if we are to be truly with Him. We also know when that period of preparation is due to start, March 5th, Ash Wednesday.

The start of Lent, the period of preparation, and as always it will be marked by Services within the parish. We are all, therefore, invited to attend one of these Services to mark the start of our own determination to prepare ourselves through humility and prayer. If we are to fully enjoy the triumph of Easter we must also experience the despair of betrayal and the disgrace of crucifixion before the victory of the Resurrection. Be prepared, be prayerful, be willing to enter into the ethos and discipline of Lent in order to reap the reward that is promised to all who follow the way of Jesus.

Please put March 5th in your diary and I will see you then.

John Aldous

To all members of the 8am Eucharist congregations

at St Mary’s & St John’s

8am Services for March & April

Sun 2nd March NO Service at St Mary’s Service at St John’s

Sun 9th March Service at St Mary’s NO Service at St John’s

Sun 16th March NO Service at St Mary’s Service at St John’s

Sun 23rd March Service at St Mary’s NO Service at St John’s

Sun 30th March NO Service at St Mary’s Service at St John’s

Sun 6th April Service at St Mary’s NO Service at St John’s

Sun 13th April NO Service at St Mary’s Service at St John’s

Sun 20th April Service at St Mary’s NO Service at St John’s

Sun 27th April NO Service at St Mary’s Service at St John’s

THE WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER is an international, inter-church organisation which produces a Service every year that is always held on the first Friday in March and is celebrated in 170 countries.

The Service this year, prepared by the Egyptian committee, is entitled ‘Streams in the Desert’. 

Page 2: March magazine

Our local Service is at St Margaret Mary Church, Plymstock,on 7th March 2014 at 2pm.

All are welcome to attend, both men and women.

Note: Further to our last month’s cover picture, the web site is now open and Jackie Littlejohn’s paintings can be seen on www.jackielittlejohn.co.uk

THE REV’D DAVE APPLEBY & REV’D JENNIE APPLEBYI was delighted to be able to announce on Sunday 2nd February 2014 the appointments of Dave as Team Vicar and Jennie as a self-supporting Minister to our parish. Dave and Jennie will in practice share the role of Team Vicar.

At present they both are incumbents in Leicester. They will bring to the parish a wide experience of ministry and I am very much looking forward to working with them. (Find below a brief introduction they have written about themselves.)

Their Service of welcome and licensing, conducted by Bishop Nick, will be on Thursday, 15th May 7.30pm at St Mary’s.

Please remember them in your prayers as they take their leave of their present ministry and make the move south to join us. They will live in the Rectory in Cobb Lane.

Steve.

Hi, I’m Dave, and I’m really looking forward to the adventure of moving to Plymstock. I’m from the north east, and enjoy Newcastle Brown Ale, but love the south coast. Before getting ordained ten years ago, I

was a steelworker, then a Community Development worker, so I’ve a wide experience of life. I’ve also been a drummer, worked in a café, and spent my fair share of time out of work.

Hello, I’m Jennie. Born in Colchester, Essex, I’ve also lived in London, Consett (where I met Dave), Middlesbrough and Leicester. Before ordination 11 years ago, I worked with young people as a youth worker and then as a training consultant with Christian youth workers. In my present parish I’ve worked alongside families with young children and also been involved in a Youth Project. I like to see myself as a people person and love meeting new

folk so I’m looking forward to getting to know you all. Oh, and we have a daughter, Helen, who is a teacher and has been living in Italy for two years.

R E M E M B E R:

BRITISH SUMMER TIME COMMENCES ON MARCH 30th 2014

CLOCKS GO FORWARD 1 HOUR.

MOTHERING SUNDAY is on MARCH 30th 2014

Page 3: March magazine

The season of lent begins on Ash Wednesday (March 5 th). There will be Services at both St Mary’s & St John’s at 7.30pm and Church of Good Shepherd at 10.30am.

Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians remember Jesus Christ's sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.

How will you observe Lent? What might you give up to devote more time to an activity that you can take up which will help your faith to grow?

Some suggestions to think about:-

Why not make time ………..

to attend one of the regular mid-week Services in our Team Churches;decide to attend the weekly Ecumenical Lent lunches;consider reading a Christian devotional book - one, which I would recommend is ‘Sacred Space for Lent 2014’. It provides a short reflection and pattern of prayer for each day of Lent. Copies (£3) can be ordered from Steve.

LENT LUNCHES will fill you SPIRITUALLY

Sometimes the reasons behind our Christian traditions get lost in the mists of time. It is, therefore, good to remind ourselves of the purpose of Lent Lunches, and to celebrate with all the Plymstock churches.

Lent is the time when we remember our Lord’s time of fasting in the desert before the start of His earthly ministry and the temptations He faced and overcame.

The Lent lunches are ‘frugal’ as we remember not only His fasting and privations but the millions throughout the world who suffer from poverty, and the resulting malnutrition and diseases.

At the Lent lunches we can unite as Christians Together, enjoying each other’s company as we eat together, so it is good if we can support the lunches not only when our own fellowships host them but also by visiting other hosting churches each Saturday and on Good Friday.

There is no specific charge but we are asked to consider the amount we would spend on our lunch at home and to give generously. All monies raised will go to a charity that can respond immediately in the event of a disaster. Last year the lunches raised £897 for Christian Aid.

The first Lent Lunch will be held at The Good Shepherd, Oreston,on Saturday 8th March, 12 noon until 1pm. See you there!

-Brian Hancock

CHRISTIANS TOGETHER IN GREATER PLYMSTOCK

LENT LUNCHES(commence at 12 noon)

Saturday 8th March Church of the Good Shepherd

Saturday 15th March St Margaret Mary

Saturday 22nd March Elburton Methodist

Saturday 29th March Plymstock United Church

Saturday 5th April Plymstock Chapel

Saturday 12th April

Good Friday 18th April St Mary & All Saints

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ASH WEDNESDAYLent begins with Ash Wednesday. But why ‘Ash’ Wednesday? The reason has to do with getting things right between you and God, and the tradition goes right back to the Old Testament.In the Old Testament, the Israelites often sinned. When they finally came to their senses, and saw their evil ways as God saw them, they could do nothing but repent in sorrow. They mourned for the damage and evil they had done. As part of this repentance, they covered their heads with ashes. For the Israelites, putting ashes on your head, and even rending your clothes, was an outward sign of their heart-felt repentance and acknowledgement of sin. In the very early Christian Church, the yearly ‘class’ of penitents had ashes sprinkled over them at the beginning of Lent. They were turning to God for the first time and mourning their sins. But soon many other Christians wanted to take part in the custom and to do so at the very start of Lent. They heeded Joel’s call to ‘rend your hearts and not your garments’. Ash Wednesday became known as either the ‘beginning of the fast’ or ‘the day of the ashes’.The collect for the day goes back to the Prayer Book and stresses the penitential character of the day. It encourages us with the reminder of the readiness of God to forgive us and to renew us.The actual custom of ‘ashing’ was abolished at the Reformation, though the old name for the day remained. Today, throughout the Church of England, receiving the mark of ashes on one’s forehead is optional. Certainly the mark of ashes on the forehead reminds people of their mortality: ‘Remember that you are dust and you will return …’ (Genesis 3:19)

The late medieval custom was to burn the branches used on Palm Sunday in the previous year in order to create ashes for today.The Collect for Ash Wednesday is:-Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.(from the Parish Pump)

EASTER LILIES AT ST JOHN’S

St John’s flower arrangers will be decorating the Church for Easter and would like to have white lilies in the Church on this special day. If you would like to buy a lily in memory of a loved one, please contact:-

Lis Pemberton (Tel: 407057)

Wendy Rees (Tel: 482833)

or a Church Warden.The suggested cost is £2 a flower.

Please let us know the person’s name, if you wish it to be included in a list of name’s that will be put on the altar at Easter.

-Lis PembertonFROM ST JOHN’S PARISH REGISTERS

FUNERAL OFFICE:We remember those who have lost loved ones and commend to God the soul of:-

DOROTHY MAY (DOT) GAULT who died on 13th January 2014 aged 83 years. The wife of James (dec’d) and mother to Sue, Jim, Jacky and Mike.Dot was born in the village in 1930, one of seven of her generation of Williams. After leaving school she worked as a Wages Clerk for the Co-op and, like most young women at the time, was fanatical about dancing. With RAF Mount Batten just over the hill it seemed inevitable that one day she would meet an airman and marry. This she did at age 28 to NCO James Gault. Within months she found herself making her own way to North Africa, duly pregnant with Susan at the time. Three more children quickly followed and over 20 years the family found themselves in a strange home, often in a different country, every 2 or 3 years.In 1975 James was posted to RAF Mount Batten and in 1981 the family finally moved into their first own home in Barton Road where they remained following his retirement from the RAF. Dot was reunited with her own kin and nothing would persuade her to leave Hooe ever again even the fact that James was distant from his own roots in Northern Ireland. Dot and James spent over two decades together in relatively peaceful retirement until his death in 2011.

Page 5: March magazine

Dot was a loyal, devoted wife and caring Mum, always putting the needs and wishes of her family first, combined with patience and determination she was undoubtedly the foundation that the family was built upon.She loved bathing in the sun and the family’s fondest memories are of times spent swimming and playing in the sun in Malta in the early 70’s. She enjoyed gardening and watching sport on television particularly football and snooker and her love of dancing was plainly evident as wild horses could not drag her away from ‘Strictly’. But most of all she adored just looking out across the village green from the lounge window of her bungalow. She will be greatly missed by her children.The Funeral Service was held at St John’s Church on 31st January 2014, the Revd Steve Payne officiated. Donations were for St John’s Church.

‘YOUNG @ HEART’At our February meeting we were pleased to listen to another talk about the charity C.H.I.C.K.S (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids). Keith Fordham and Sarah Roberts, who work in a Fundraising Team, told us that the CHICKS holidays take place between March and November with special breaks at Christmas time. Sixteen youngsters recently stayed at a coastal retreat in S. Devon and another ten stayed at the Moorland Retreat near Brentor. Especially for 8 – 11 year olds, it was named ‘Christmas Snowball’. Ten young people went to Brentor Church on Christmas Day. There was also a visit to a Pantomime, when ‘Cinderella’ came and spoke to the children – a real treat for them.There were ten volunteers at the Christmas camp. The children made their own stockings to be filled by Santa. Carol singers came on Christmas Eve, complete with a donkey and some refreshments. They also went horse riding, played football and board games and had fun on a trampoline. They enjoyed creative activities including clay sculpture. A lovely Christmas dinner lasted three hours! A local chef had volunteered to cook the meal which was very welcome.On Boxing Day, a Steam Engine Club took them for a ride, then they went climbing. The children had a wonderful time and made lots of friends.At the end of the talk Ruth Earl thanked them and presented CHICKS with a donation of £75 from Young @ Heart plus £23 collected on the day.

(Photo: David Demellweek)

A very attractive tea and a Raffle brought the meeting to a close. -Sylvia Cooke

TEDDY BEARS PRAISE & PICNIC

On the afternoon of Sunday 16th February the Church of the Good Shepherd held its Teddy Bears Praise & Picnic in the hall. 30 adults & children had a fun afternoon & all the teddies & The children made animal masks & cup-cake mobiles, whilst the adults made decoupage teddy models, teddy cards & did some crosswords & wordsearch. Steve found out the names of our cuddly friends of which the oldest was 69. We then sang songs including Teddy Bears Picnic, Me & My Teddy Bear & the Bare Necessities. There was At the end of the afternoon we all enjoyed our picnic. There was lots for all to eat!! Thank you to everyone who helped with the crafts & provided the tea.

Page 6: March magazine

LADIES’ FELLOWSHIP ORESTON

We had a very happy gathering at Josie’s home on 4th February. The meeting was prepared & led by Janet.

We discussed the Treasurer’s report and feel that Lin has it all in good order. We decided to consider Fund Raising ideas when we meet in March but we are mulling over a couple of ideas.

It was lovely to have Cynthia with us after her awful experience on 3 rd January when she was blown over whilst in town and fractured her wrist needing a night in hospital.

We finished with tea, biscuits & lemon drizzle cake, which was delicious!! Thank you Josie.-Hazel Osborn

SUNDAY 30th MARCH ~ 9.15am

‘Mum’s the Word’

Join us on Mothering Sunday for Family Communion

PLYMSTOCK GARDENING SOCIETY

The next meeting is on Monday, 31st March 2014, 7.30pm, at Plymstock United Reform Church Hall, Plymstock Road, Oreston, the topic will be:-

‘Beautiful Begonias’ – Mr Harry Colclough

(Annual Membership £4.50 ~ Senior Citizens £3.Non members welcome ~ £1 per meeting)

Enquiries: 01752 403652.

PLYM VALLEY HERITAGE

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 20th March at 7.30pm in St John’s Hall.

Our guest speaker will be Anida Rayfield, National Trust Researcher and Tour Guide. Anida’s talk is entitled ‘Parkers at Play’.

Members free – Non-members £3. All are welcome and refreshments provided.

Page 7: March magazine

-Gill Whillock DID YOU KNOW ?

It was ruled ‘Gentlemen Only …. Ladies Forbidden ….

and thus the word GOLF entered the English language!

AS IT WAS……

(Photo: R.C. Sambourne. Bus crossing the narrow Laira Bridge in the 1950’s.)

‘Vicar of Plymstock reports on overcrowded Plymstock buses……’

So featured a report in The Plympton & South Devon Times for January 23 rd 1930 when the Vicar of Plymstock, the Revd C.H. Wreford, a member of the Plymstock Ratepayers Association, informed the members that he had interviewed at his Vicarage an Inspector from the Hopper & Berryman Bus Company (which then ran the services to the Plymstock area) and informed the Inspector that fully seated buses were carrying additional standing passengers of sometimes around 32-37 people! The Vicar also stressed the point that drivers were travelling at excessive speed especially when crossing the narrow Laira Bridge. The Inspector assured the Vicar that the chassis were capable of carrying the excess of passengers in safety and that he would speak to the so called speeding drivers.Another member of the Ratepayers Association said “there was no danger until panic or tragedy occurred and then something would be done”.Other members thought the police should be approached and it was reported that this had already happened in the St Jude’s area the year before.Later in the year, the 1930 Road Traffic Act was passed which solved the problem of unsafe and overcrowded buses and laid the foundation of today’s services.The Hopper & Berryman Buses were sold to the National Bus Company in 1932 which in turn became the Western National Omnibus Company.

FOR MOTHERS’ DAY

I said a Mother’s Day prayer for you to thank the Lord abovefor blessing me with a lifetime of your tender-hearted love.

I thanked God for the caring you’ve shown me through the years,for the closeness we’ve enjoyed in times of laughter and of tears.

And so, I thank you from the heart for all you’ve done for me,

Page 8: March magazine

and bless the Lord for giving me the best mother there could be. Author unknown

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A Poem by a member of St Mary’s Church

She calls herself “The Devon Dumpling”!

A New Start

............. A blank pageO, what’s the use,

The whole world’s in a rageGod offers peace and love to all

What does that mean,I’m no do-gooder,

I’m not squeaky clean?

God offers peace and love to all

I don’t say my prayers,I can’t understand

Why God would love me, such a man.

God offers peace and love to all

What do I have to do,Do I have to go to church

And sit on an upright pew?

God offers peace and love to all

Do you really meanThat God loves me

Warts and all?

Yes God hears our every call

God offers peace and love to all. D.D

THE CALM AFTER AFTER THE STORM . . . . .

(Picture: Robin Blythe Lord)

Page 9: March magazine

Rescue and Towing Target Launch, ex RAF 2748, which has been moored in Hooe Lake awaiting restoration nearly became another victim of our recent bad gales when she broke her mooring and luckily ended up on the shoreline of the Old Wharf, Oreston, after colliding with other boats.

The wooden 63ft boat was built by Vospers Marine Ltd in 1953 and after serving the RAF, mainly in the Indian Ocean, was sold into private ownership in 1977.

The boat was re-floated on the high tide the following day with only superficial damage.

HOOE & TURNCHAPEL LADIES GROUP

We meet at the Hooe & Turnchapel Community Centre on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 8.00pm. ALL ladies welcome.

Our programme for MARCH 2014 is:-

MARCH 4th DARTS AT ‘THE OAK’

MARCH 18th HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE – Mr Mason

For further information please contact: -Diane McCarthy (Sec) Tel: 311931

BENEDICTINE OBLATES

Last month’s article introducing our new Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Revd. Robert Atwell, told us that he is a Benedictine Oblate of the Abbey of Le Bec in Normandy. I wondered how many people reading this understood what it meant.

St. Benedict of Nursia lived in the early 6th cent. and is known for his skill in setting up good monastic communities. He wrote a simple, basic rule as a guide to this which he described as ‘a little rule for beginners’.

Benedictine monastic communities still live by this rule today. Oblates mentioned in this rule refer to young children who were offered by their parents to the community for the religious life. Oblate means the offering of a gift, i.e. an offering to God and a gift to the Benedictine community. By the 12th cent., oblates referred to adult laymen and women who felt called by God to follow the Benedictine way, but outside the cloister. Oblates had become and still are Third Order Benedictines, the first two being monks and nuns.

Each oblate is associated with one particular monastic community. I am an oblate of West Malling Abbey in Kent, an enclosed Anglican community of Benedictine nuns. We promise ‘the conversion of our lives according to the spirit of our holy father Benedict.’ So we try to follow in spirit the Benedictine vows the community have taken of Stability, Conversion of Life, and Obedience. The guidelines of which are found in Benedict’s Rule of Life. This offering is made with a life intention but is renewed annually.

-Pauline Hardy

NEW LUNDY PARISH - A very special place

The island of Lundy has become a parish in its own right, to the delight of the island’s few residents and many regular visitors. Becoming a parish will allow the church of St Helena's, Lundy, to access funding to help with the substantial repair work it needs.

The Revd Shirley Henderson, who is based on the mainland in Hartland, will become priest in charge of Lundy. The whole island turned out to welcome her when she flew in for a Service to mark the event. 

She said "Lundy is a very special place. St Helena's is storm battered and needs a lot of work, but residents and regular visitors to Lundy are absolutely committed to keeping it there.

To turn it into a centre for everyone to use for worship and events as well as research and education will cost over a million but we are hopeful that with grant funding and the support we have from the residents and those who are lovers of the island we can do it."

(From the February edition of Exeter Diocese News).

THANK YOUAnne Gay would like to thank everyone for all their prayers for Terry through his illness and also through the sadness of his passing away. It has been a great comfort to her at this really sad time.

GAMES CLUB

As an attempt to help with our Mission Action Plan we hope to involve as many as are interested in playing board games. Perhaps on one afternoon a week we could meet in the Parish Hall to play such games as Chess, Draughts, Rummicubs, Scrabble or Monopoly or some other games.

Page 10: March magazine

We hope it might encourage us to socialise and integrate more with each other. It would be good if we could encourage friends and neighbours and other people to come and join us.

So that we can evaluate the interest in this idea please contact Albert Taylor on Tel: 491018 or at St Mary’s at 10.45am most Sundays.

HELP WANTEDIf you would like to raise some funds for St Mary’s Church and would like to be on a Fund Raising Committee then come along to Sylvia Tall’s home at 79 Stanborough Road on Wednesday, 26th March at 2.00pm.

If you cannot make this date, let David Roberts know that you would be willing to help.

ST MARY’S BELL RINGERS

Readers of the Herald may have noticed that our bell ringers were mentioned in a recent edition. Readers had been asked if they could provide some information and background to an image of some bell ringers from the Devon image bank.

Two of our present ringers, Ray Treeby and Tony Banbury wrote in to identify the group. It was a picture of the St Mary and All Saints, Plymstock Parish Church Annual Bell ringers Dinner held at the Moorland Hotel, Wotter, in 1971.

Out of those pictured Ray Treeby is the only one still ringing at St Mary's every Sunday having started to learn to ring in 1945. That makes a grand total of 70 years of ringing for Ray! Nearly a lifetime of service, thank you Ray and to all who presently and down the years faithfully call the church to worship and help couples to celebrate their weddings at St Mary’s.

-Revd. Steve Payne

GIFT DAY FOR U.S. AT ST MARY’S

SUNDAY 9th MARCH 2014

St Mary’s congregation have always supported U.S.P.G. – ANGLICANS IN WORLD MISSION – now called U.S. The Missionary Society was founded in 1701.

Our ‘Gift Day’ preacher will be Heather Skull (Outreach and Engagement Officer) from U.S. You will find stewardship envelopes in the pews and they will be collected with other contributions at the back of the church at the end of the Service.

After the usual coffee bar in the hall, we will have our ‘Celebration Faith Lunch’. Please bring your food contributions to the hall before the 10.45am Service and give them to Maureeen and Howard. There will also be a Mission table illustrating the work of the ‘Mission Committee’.

St Mary’s congregations have always supported the work of U.S. in prayer and with great generosity. Let’s have a wonderful day together with Jesus’ words ringing in our ears – “For as much as you did it to one of the least of my people, you did it for me”.

IMPORTANT DECISION OF THE MISSION COMMITTEE

U.S. have decided to stop churches giving directly to individual projects, e.g. St Francis Hospital that St Mary’s has supported for the past 5 years. The Missionary Committee had a lively debate to consider the best way forward. There were some members keen to continue our links with St Francis Hospital for the following reasons:-

the congregation would miss the personal links of supporting St Francis through our ‘Zambian Evenings’, guest speakers from the Hospital and regular reports in the magazine.

Other committee members were in favour of supporting the U.S. strategy:-

U.S. are reporting that because of their lack of control of funding some projects have huge support while others have very little. U.S. are fully aware

of the projects in desperate need and allocate funds etc fairly.

A compromise proposal was put forward that future funding should be allocated 50% to St Francis Hospital and 50% to U.S. The proposal was unanimously approved.

If you have any queries, please contact Brian Hancock.

-The Mission Committee

Page 11: March magazine

Anning Asks…

In an occasional series, Pauline Anning interviews (grills) parishioners about their Church life, the universe and anything.

In our third interview, Sylvia Tall, our much beloved nonagenarian (at least so she says but her activities belie her age) ex nurse, goes under the spotlight.

PA: Hi Sylvia, you’re looking well, what’s the secret of your longevity?ST: Never be bored! I was born on 30th December 1922 and lived above my parents’ grocery shop in Union Street. PA: Was it “open all hours”?!ST: No 8am-6pm! I used to help out, weighing the sugar, patting the butter. We used to sell chocolate, cooked meats, sweets etc. Older readers will remember early closing on Wednesdays. Myself and my parents used to drive up to the moors and cook supper – bacon and eggs in a frying pan on a Primus stove! I went to Gunnerside Boarding School, not as a boarder fortunately, in North Road. We moved from Union Street when I was 11 to Faringdon Road, St Judes.PA: I understand it really was a case of ‘the boy next door’!ST: Yes my husband-to-be, Laurie, lived next door but he was 2 years older than me and we totally ignored each other for ages! However, he did always used to whistle for my dog, ‘Sport’, who would always run to him. We eventually became boyfriend and girlfriend when I was 15. I then left school at 16 and worked at the Prince of Wales Hospital, later called Greenbank. The nurses would go out for the evening and we would all leave a window open for each other with a chair so we could climb back in unnoticed! I got into trouble once when the Sister summoned me one night and said“Nurse Roach, there is a young man here to see you who claims he’s your brother! You may see him once but don’t let it happen again”.PA: Tut tut! Had you always wanted to be a nurse?ST: From the age of 4 when my gran had been in hospital. The Sister at the nursing home where she was convalescing was wonderful and inspired me to become a nurse. I used to play with animals and bandage up their paws! I always had a sick bay at home! It was 3 years training to become a State Registered Nurse and then I qualified aged 21. PA: But it wasn’t all work and no play - when did you and the boy next door get married?ST: I married Laurie on 23 December 1944 at St Matthias Church, North Hill aged 21.PA: A wartime wedding.ST: Yes – Laurie’s eyesight prevented him from fighting so he worked in a factory in Bristol as a member of the RAF making parts for planes and he was a firewatcher too. I joined him and got a nursing job in a workhouse in Yate, 10 miles from Bristol. Consultants would visit on a Monday from Bristol Royal Infirmary to do minor operations.We came back to Plymouth after the war and Laurie went back to teaching – he was a maths teacher - and I went back to nursing at Mount Gould. I enjoyed working in the operating theatre.PA: After the tragedy of the war I believe you suffered your own tragedy?ST: Yes. Unfortunately our son Philip, who had been born in January 1947, died after only a short time from gastroenteritis. I kept hoping for another child until I was 40, but we weren’t blessed and you weren’t allowed to adopt if you were over 40 in those days. Instead Laurie and I were the proud parents of many ‘cuddly’ children over the years. Dogs, cats (Minto for 19 years) and less cuddly – hedgehogs! Those who knew us will recall how well trained our canine pets were – Laurie patiently trained them to do many an impressive trick!PA: I remember! When did you move to Plymstock?ST: We moved to Underlane in 1953 when Plymstock was still a village. I used to walk past fields with cows grazing – there was no Broadway then! PA: And you were soon ‘busying yourself’ in Plymstock.ST: Yes I’ve always been a keen fundraiser. I was one of three who started a committee for Cancer Research in Plymstock. I remember the ‘big cheese’ coming down from London. I was the Social Secretary. I organised coffee mornings etc.PA: You’ve exercised your fundraising skills for the benefit of St Mary’s too.ST: Yes well I started the regular Table Top Sales about 5 years ago. I also hold the monthly Film Afternoons at my house which have raised £450.00 in twelve months. PA: Any other hobbies?ST: I used to like travelling with Laurie. We went to Scotland as a favourite and also Switzerland and Germany. We usually went by caravan but that only started when we found our proposed B & B was booked up when we got there! Never again! Now I like any sort of handcraft, keyboard playing and I’m a Silver Surfer! I’m also very lucky to have lots of lovely friends – particularly Jean and Brian and their dog Barney who is my ‘God-dog’! He comes for sleepovers when his parents are away! When I get up at 6am he looks at me as if to say “What are we getting up now for?!!” PA: Well thanks Sylvia, all that remains is the ‘Magic 5’ questions all interviewees are asked, so:-PA: What’s the best thing in the world? ST: Chocolate!PA: What don’t you like? ST: Cabbage.PA: What makes you tick? ST: Perserverance. My school motto was ‘Perserverance Wins’!PA: Instead of this interview, where would you rather be? ST: On the beach!

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PA: When you arrive at the Pearly Gates, what’s the first thing you’ll say to God? ST: Thank goodness I’m up here and not down there!

GOVERNORS WANTEDWe have vacancies for Governors at

Dunstone Primary School, Shortwood Crescent, Plymstock, PL9 8TQ.

If you are interested please contact the school,Tel: 01752 401293 or visit www.dunstone.plymouth.sch.uk

‘Making every day count; growing and achieving together’

Do you have some spare time and would like to make a contribution to children’s education? Our small, friendly primary school is looking to recruit new governors.

Being a governor is a rewarding and effective way of making a voluntary contribution to your community and to the lives of local children.

Governors need – an interest in children’s future time, energy and enthusiasm a desire to make a difference readiness to accept responsibility an ability to work as a team

The school is committed to children’s safety and all governors are required to undergo a DBS check.

For more information please look at our website or contact the school.

Tue March 4 2.00pm ‘YOUNG @ HEART’ meet St John’s Church Hall

Wed March 5 7.30pm ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE

Sun March 30 11.45am MOTHERING SUNDAY Sung Eucharist

St John’s Church, HooeOpen every Thursday

10.00am - 2.00pmChurch open for prayer and/or viewing

Entrance through St John’s Hall

Enquires regarding Baptisms, Marriages at St Johns can be made between

10-11am in the church hall.

Hooe’s Place Community Café Thursdays

Open to all Morning Coffee 10.30-11.30am

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Freshly cooked lunches 11.45am-1.30pm

Local NewsElections 2014

Plymouth City CouncilOne third of sitting councillors will retire this year having served four years as a ward councillor. Retiring Councillors:Vivien Pengelly (Plymstock Dunstone) Wendy Foster (Plymstock Radford). Nominations for the election to serve as a councillor on Plymouth City Council will open next month (April).The Annual General Meeting of the Council is scheduled to take place on Friday 6th June 2014

European Parliamentary ElectionsE lections take place every five years with members serving a fixed term of five years,Voting is by proportional representation, where only one vote is allowed to choose a particular party or individual candidate if standing as independent representative.There are at present six Members of The European Parliament representing the South West Region:Giles Chichester MEP, Conservative PartyJulie McCulloch Girlings, MEP, Conservative PartyWilliam Dartmouth, MEP, UKIP.Trevor Coleman, MEP, UKIP.Ashley Peter Fox, MEP, Conservative PartyGraham Watson MEP, Liberal Democrat Party

Polling for both elections will take place on Thursday 22nd May 2014There are five polling stations in Radford Ward and six in Dunstone Ward. Hooe Baptist Church polling station has the highest number of registered voters (3241) in the city.Neighbourhood MeetingsNeighbourhood meetings provide an opportunity for residents to discuss and influence what matters most in their area.

Elburton and DunstoneMonday 10th March 2014 at 7.00pmElburton Village HallAt the last meeting concerns were raised about:Motorbike riding on pathwaysCould the dog mess cleaning machine (FIDO) be used in the Elburton area?The use of floodlights and parking problems at King George V playing fields

Plymstock and RadfordWednesday 19th March 2014 at 7.00pmPlymstock LibraryIssues discussed at the November meeting:A youth shelter for Plymstock.The collection of glass and a recycling facility at Chelson Meadow is not expected to be in place before December.Calls for the public footpath between Selkirk House (Church Road) and the Health Clinic in Horn Cross Road to be closed were rejected by Cllr. M. Leaves.

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Residents were concerned that new housing developments in Plymstock and Hooe were being built without adequate infrastructure facilities for roads, schools and clinics.

School Crossing PatrolsPlymouth City Council is looking to protect school crossing patrols in the city from the impact of Government budget cuts by asking schools to take more responsibility for them.Community Grant SchemeFunding allocated by Plymstock Ward Councillors to local groups and organisations from the Community Grant Scheme in 2013/14. Each ward councillor is allowed £3,500 each financial year.

Plymstock Dunstone.Elburton Methodist Church. £600(Replacement oven for elderly lunches)Support for Plymstock Festival. £300Plymstock Albion Oaks RFC. £1850(Security measures)Plymstock RadfordCaribbean Carnival event. £300Defibrillator Plymstock Broadway £858Defibrillator for Billacombe £858Friends of Radford Woods £200

Total allocated by each councillor:Cllr Nigel Churchill £916Cllr Vivien Pengelly £916Cllr Kevin Wigens £916Cllr Ken Foster £100Cllr Wendy Foster £1816Cllr Michael Leaves £200

Coast Path ClosedThe South West Coast Path was closed in January after wooden steps collapsed and became dangerous on the section of the path between Jennycliff and Staddon Heights.Plymouth City Council are installing new steps made of recycled composite plastic, which will be more resistant to the elements and will last significantly longer. The £24,000 repair programme will include new safety fencing, handrails and signage and the path itself will be widened and resurfaced, making it safer for walkers.Work on the path is expected to be completed later this month.Plymstock LibraryHope Credit Union launched a new Credit Union facility in Plymstock Library last monthA credit union is a profit sharing financial co-operative. It is run by the community for the community and offers convenient savings and low interest loans.The Credit Union is available to anyone in the PL1 to PL21 postcode and will be at the Library every Monday between 10am and 12 noon.

Monthly Film ShowThe film to be shown in Plymstock Library on Monday 17th March at 2.00pm is

Great ExpectationsIt runs for 123 minutes and carries a 12 Certificate classification.

Planning ApplicationSpectrum Premier Homes Ltd has submitted a planning application to Plymouth City Council to redevelop the 1.77 hectare site at Nightingale Close, Elburton and erection of 69 homes, access road, car parking and landscaping.

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PlymotionHave you considered how you get about the city and whether there might be a better, cheaper or healthier way of travelling?Plymotion travel advisors will be visiting the Plymstock area from late May onwards to chat about making it easier for people to travel around Plymouth by bike, by bus and on foot. The alternatives might be more convenient and could help you save time and money. Why not visit the website www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymotion for more information or enter the online £100 prize draw consultation now?

Policing Newsletter

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New Member of the Team We would like to welcome a new member of staff in post; Kristy Monk will now be covering Hooe, Turnchapel and Oreston as a PCSO. She is a very experienced PCSO who you will no doubt see out and about in due course.

Speed Watch On Tuesday 28th January PCSO Fleming and PCSO Wilson from Plymstock Police Station carried out speed monitoring in 2 separate locations. The first site was Stanborough Road and they monitored the vehicles there between 11.10 hrs and 12.30 hrs. Over 50 vehicles were checked and the average speed was recorded as 30.59 mph. The second site was Underlane and vehicles were monitored there between 13.50 hrs and 14.45 hrs, over 100 vehicles were checked and the average speed was recorded as 26.46 mph. A number of letters will be sent out to any vehicle owner whose speed was in excess of the limit in an attempt to educate these drivers for the future.” I am sure some believe this is not a true reading of the speed in which the vehicles drive along here so please feel free to contact us should you feel there is an issue at a particular time of the day or even a different area. We have currently received concerns of speeding in different areas and will now be conducting speed monitoring in those areas.

Identity Fraud Identity Fraud is often quoted as ‘Britain’s fastest growing crime. It involves the misuse of identity information in order to commit crime. Victims of Identity Fraud often report a great deal of inconvenience, stress and cost in trying to clear matters up - they may never establish how their details have been obtained.

How is your identity used? Once a piece of information, such as card details has been obtained, other information may be gathered from other sources, depending on the intention of the fraudster. Put together, they can obtain sufficient information to impersonate somebody and make a payment using their financial information. Information that was given for another purpose may be used as a basis for ID Fraud. Internet sites such as Facebook, other social networking sites and publicly available information such as the Voters register, are used to gather identifying personal information. The most common types of Identity Fraud involve the use of compromised Credit and Debit card details. Account Takeover is a growing trend. Information is obtained to take over bank, card and loan accounts in order to make high value purchases and take out loans. Genuine documents may be obtained such as passports and driving licenses. Be vigilant in providing and using your personal information. In particular: Your Address: If you start to receive post for someone you don't know at your address find out why. Register to vote at your current address. Lenders use the electoral roll to check where you live. When registering to vote, tick the box to opt out of the ‘Edited’ register to prevent unsolicited marketing mail. (This does not affect credit checks). Sign up with the Mail Preference Service to prevent marketing letters. Protect mail left in communal areas of residential properties. Re-direct your mail when moving home.

Your Accounts: Regularly check statements and chase up any that are not delivered when expected.

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Shred, using a cross cut (confetti) shredder anything containing personal information. Sign up with a Credit Reference agency for alerts. Regularly check your credit reports from a Credit Reference Agency. Sign up to Mastercard secure code or verified by Visa when you receive your cards, even if you do not intend to use your cards on line - this protects you if your card or details are lost or stolen. Your Phones: Beware of unsolicited phone calls, letters and emails pretending to be your bank, or other financial institution and asking you to confirm your personal details, passwords and security numbers. Sign up with the Telephone Preference Service to prevent marketing phone calls. If using a ‘smart’ phone install anti-virus software on it.

Your Computer: Keep your computer security programs (anti-virus, anti- spam) up to date. Restrict the amount of personal information that you disclose in the web. Don’t fall for on line scams, phishing emails, advance fee or other internet related frauds. Know how to verify secure web sites if making financial transactions. When forwarding emails, delete other people’s email addresses, and if sending an email to several people, ‘blind copy’ their email addresses to guard against email scammers.

You Should: Opt out where you can - companies may send you marketing mail or share your details in mailing lists with other companies. Don’t divulge more information than you need to - why do they want so much personal information? Think very carefully before giving information to researchers or charity collectors. Have a secure place to store confidential documents at home. In a safe, for example. Don’t carry what you don’t need in your wallet, purse, or bag, such as passports or credit cards.

If you think that you are a victim of Identity Fraud - Act Quickly Do not ignore the problem - it might not be you that has ordered some goods or opened an account but the debt falls to your name and address. Inform the card issuer or other financial institution concerned as soon as possible. Do not destroy the card if it is still in your possession - keep it as evidence. Identify fraudulent transactions as soon as possible. Inform the companies involved if possible. Inform the Police if you have lost money directly or can identify a suspect. Card companies pass information relating to transactions on compromised cards directly to the Police. Obtain a copy of your credit report from a credit reference agency. Credit reference agencies offer free advice services to victims of ID Fraud. Sign up with the CIFAS Protective Registration Service