Fairland News. No. 525 July/August Fairland United Reformed Church Wymondham

Transcription

1 Fairland News No. 525 July/August 2013 Fairland United Reformed Church Wymondham 1

2 Fairland United Reformed Church Wymondham Primary Minister Revd Alison Davis The Manse 28 Norwich Road Wymondham NR18 0NS Tel (01953) Church Secretary Treasurer Asst Treasurer Mrs Jennifer Shakesby The Pedlars 38 Bentley Road Tacolneston NR16 1DL Tel (01953) Mr John Butcher 176 The Avenues Norwich NR4 7DR Tel (01603) Mrs Jill Brown 78 Norwich Road Wymondham NR18 0SZ Tel (01953) Bookings for Mrs Jill Brown Fairland Hall and Fairland Church Centre Services are held every Sunday at am On the first Sunday of the month, the Service includes Holy Communion 2

3 This month s Minister s Letter is written by Mrs Liz Kam: So summer is finally here!? Well as I write in early June there has been only a few days of sunshine and not a great deal in the way of warmth, but when we have had it, what a joy it has been. Everywhere seems to look so much more beautiful, people seem to look so much more friendly, the pace of life slows (for the lucky ones), there is more lingering about, the taste of ice cream, the smell of a distant barbecue drifting over the garden fence, and in every conversation there seems to be talk of how much better sunshine makes you feel. When it comes it is a real tonic, uplifting the spirits and reminding us of God's goodness. The Holy Spirit as counsellor (John 14:16-17) can be translated into English as 'encourager'. Have you ever noticed how a word of encouragement can make a huge difference to how you feel about something you have done or something you need to do? Just as when the sun shines, the world seems a much more friendly place, huge tasks seem diminished and life seems that bit more rosy. But unlike the benefits of sunshine, we don't have to wait for a rare sunny day, as Christians filled with the Holy spirit we always have an encourager on hand, we are never alone. But as Christians filled with the Holy Spirit, we should also find ourselves bursting with encouragement for others. A church/christian we can inspire with encouragement or crush with indifference (who knows when it is God s work that we inspire or crush?)...which kind of church/christian are we? 3

4 July Lunches First Friday Lunch We were pleased to welcome 42 people to the meal. The result was (after expenses). Thanks to all the team. Community Lunch Once again we enjoyed a very good meal, with thanks to Kenny, Sheila and the team. The proceeds were: Tickets (after expenses) ; Bring and Buy ; Raffle 33; Total July lunches will be as usual ie First Friday Lunch on 5th July and the Community Lunch on 19th July. Please note, however, that there will be no lunches during August. Our first lunch in September will be on Friday 6th September. COFFEE MORNING Tuesday 2nd July from 10.30am at 5 Ketts Close Bring and Buy Stall Competitions Please come along - and tell your neighbours and friends All proceeds to Church Funds Donation Jennifer recently received a card from Rev Eilleen Ritchie, in which she included a donation towards the cost of producing this newsletter. We thank her for this kind thought and look forward to seeing her again at Fairland. 4

5 Traidcraft Stall We will once again have the chance to see and buy items sold by the charity Traidcraft on 14th July after our morning service. As well as Fair Trade food items, there will be cards and gifts available to buy or order. Catalogues are at the back of our church if you would like to look at one beforehand. Fairland United Reformed Church AFTERNOON TEA With items by the Fairland Singing Group, and you can sing along too! Tickets are 3 (available from Singing Group Members) Wednesday, July 10th - 3pm to 5pm Market Stall We have booked the Market Stall again for Friday 30th August, so please think of this stall if you are having a summer clearout! We would be grateful to receive donations of bric-a-brac, books, toys, plants, groceries etc. beforehand - plus any homemade cakes, pies, biscuits on the day itself. If you are able to help with the stall, please see Elizabeth. We are hoping for better weather this time! 5

6 Megan s Nelson s Journey Experience Nelson s Journey helps many bereaved children within Norfolk by arranging weekend camps, visiting the children at home, school, or their place of choice, day trips out and many, many more. Nelson s Journey helped my sister and I after losing our dad. Ryan, from Nelson s Journey, has visited us at home three or more times. He listens to everything we say whether it s personal or not, and he never judges us. He also gives up tips on how to cope when we are feeling low and gives us a hug when needed. Since Nelson s Journey s help, we have gone for an exciting day trip to the theatre to see Aladdin. As well as having front row seats and ice cream, we also got to meet the main characters and dancers in the show while having tea. I also got to meet more amazing people that work for Nelson s Journey, including Ryan. They are a true inspiration to all of us. As well as that, we recently attended a weekend camp at Hilltops. Nelson s Journey arranged many activities including the super swing, zip wire and high ropes. We were put into groups and stayed with them throughout the weekend. We shared our stories to the group and were given more tips on how to cope and how to remember the person we lost i.e. creating salt pots and using colours with a special memory. We were also given a memory box to fill with the things we made and a quilt for comfort. Everyone attended the candlelight ceremony where we were each given a candle to light. It was an emotional experience but it was very touching and eye opening. Also we had to write everything that annoyed us or made us angry and then pin it up on a wall and throw clay over it. Many screamed, had a laugh and got plastered in clay from top to bottom. There is so much more I could say about this sympathetic and caring charity. It has helped us through the hardest time of our lives and gives the parents a relief that their children are getting help. There are so many more children that desperately need Nelson s Journey s help and every penny is well spent by putting smiles on bereaved children s faces. I don t know what I would do without the help of Nelson s Journey and I can t be more grateful for their help and those that have been supporting them. Submitted by Megan Brown (Netta s granddaughter) 6

7 Communion Collections for July and August At the last Church Meeting we neglected to choose a charity to receive the proceeds of the next two collections,. However, as Megan had written about the charity Nelson s Journey in this month s newsletter, it was suggested that, although we have supported this charity in the past, we should again raise some money to help its work. How the charity began In the mid 1990 s a group of social workers attended a social services training course at Caistor Hall, Caistor St Edmunds, Norwich where they learnt about Winston s Wish, a charity supporting bereaved children in Gloucestershire. Several people attending the course including some who had personal experience of supporting bereaved children felt strongly about the need to develop a similar service in Norfolk and as a result, Nelson s Journey was born and registered as a charity in November The name Nelson s Journey was chosen to inspire the two main aspects of the charity we are local, hence the use of Norfolk s own Admiral Nelson, and Journey was chosen as bereavement is a journey which begins the minute your loved one dies and lasts a lifetime. The work that the group began all those years ago continues and Nelson s Journey has gone on to grow year-on-year. Since 1997 they have helped hundreds of children between the age of 0 to 17, who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life e.g. parent or sibling. They are not a national charity and only receive a small grant from Norfolk County Council towards supporting a child bereavement worker. Their support is generated through donations and fundraising events. 5 can buy a teddy bear for a bereaved child 10 can buy a Nelson s Journey hoodie for a child 15 can buy art and craft materials for use in bereavement work 20 can buy a selection of bereavement work books for children 250 can fund one child on one of our residential weekends 500 can fund support and a place on one of our residential weekends for one child (more information at 7

8 Flower Rota 7 July Ruth Dunning 14 July Jennifer Shakesby 21 July Daphne Prior 28 July Juliet Harwood 4 August Jill Buckenham 11 August Ruth Dunning 18 August Mary Gray 25 August Sheila Eaglen 1 September Kathleen Crossman Flowers from the Communion Table flowers have been given to the following friends: Evelyn Thompson: Sheila Ogden; Carole and Alan Shildrake. Madeleine would like to thank everyone for the lovely flowers she received recently. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Invitation from Wroxham and Hoveton URC We are inviting members of the local community and NAURC to pop in and see our new home on Saturday 10th August 10am - 4pm.! There will be refreshments, displays about the building project and the church's future plans, and the opportunity for a good look around. 8

9 A Whit Monday Treat Invited by Elizabeth who had planned her route, I was happy to accompany her, wherever. We called in for coffee at Sprowston Garden Centre, before continuing on to Aylsham. The Parish Church was holding a Flower Festival. Arriving at the nearby car park, Elizabeth meets and greets Gillian Hall of Princes Street. A very well kept church was enhanced by the many colourful displays, with some unusual arrangements. A plant stall had a pot of mint which Elizabeth required, money changed hands, a satisfied customer. Tables and chairs at the far end of the building with a counter offering a variety of drinks for sale. A convenient loo passed inspection with top marks. We later learnt this, plus the kitchen equipment was purchased with money raised by the Monday morning sales held in the church. Elizabeth was recognised by an old school friend, Janice Halford, who was joined by her husband Barry, who appeared from the kitchen in his pinny. He too had been at the Wymondham school and there was catching up to be done in the aisle. Barry is the church treasurer and Janice the organizer of the weekly sales. Light lunches were on sale in the Town Hall. We entered to find a talk in progress, to a seated audience at the far end, however small tables were closer to hand for those in need of refreshment. We ordered our ploughman s in a whisper from a lady who whispered in reply the cost, etc. Already plated, the food looked and tasted delicious. In a small room at the rear of the speaker, another audience watching a large TV screen appeared when the door opened eventually. A definitely different and unusual, fascinating lunch break. Homeward via Woodgate Nurseries on the outskirts of town, where we wandered around before sampling the tea-room, with more home made goodies. Also Elizabeth met her final couple, Valerie Woodrow, a past lay preacher, and her husband, who promised plants for the forthcoming coffee morning. A thoroughly enjoyable day, meetings, laughter, relaxing, good company. Thank you Elizabeth for a memorable Whit Monday. Evelyn Thompson 9

10 CAMINO DE SANTIAGO The Way of St James The Way of St James, more commonly known as the Camino de Santiago, is the pilgrimage to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in the region of Galicia in north-western Spain where the apostle St. James is said to be buried. Legend suggests that his body was transported to the Iberian Peninsula after his beheading in Jerusalem in 44 AD, eventually arriving at the cathedral and there are several versions suggesting how this occurred. The Camino is considered to be one of the most important Christian pilgrimages and has existed since medieval times and there are many different routes from various countries in Europe, however the most famous and most popular is the 800 kilometre route which starts at Roncesvalles in the French Pyrenees ending in the cathedral itself. Many pilgrims walk the whole distance in one go, others like myself decide to do it in achievable sections, depending upon time available and physical capacity. To qualify for a Compostela (the certificate which proves you have walked at least the last 100 kilometres to Santiago) you have to provide proof through a passport which authenticates where you have stayed and on which date) this is taken very seriously and checked thoroughly when you visit the cathedral office to obtain the Compostela. So, why did I decide to do the Camino? It began, as many things do, around a dinner table in January earlier this year discussing with friends travelling and holiday prospects. I had long been interested in the Camino and when one of my friends brought the subject up we soon (assisted by the bravado which comes from a good bottle of wine) decided that we would arrange to walk a stage of about 230 kilometres from just west of Leon to Santiago. Eventually our party was to swell to six persons, including two friends from Iceland. After the euphoria of making the decision the reality of our task set in. We had about 15 days available in early May and planned to walk about kilometres each day. Looking at the specialist guide books and evaluating the routes through rural northern Spain it became clear that the terrain was very rugged and there were some high altitude climbs to be tackled. In addition we had to carry in our rucksacks everything we needed, clothing, sleeping bag, first aid stuff asnd essential paraphernalia. Overnight stays were to be 10

11 Albergues (like youth hostels) which are situated along the route in every village and town. These turned out to be wonderful, clean and welcoming with all the facilities necessary and only 5 euros per night a price regulated by the municipal authorities. So the preparation began in earnest. I like walking and began a regime of doing about 3 walks each week, walking from my home in Deopham to Wymondham (11 miles) regularly and other good walks around local parishes, averaging between 30 and 40 miles each week. As our departure date for Spain approached I began to get apprehensive. Could I walk 20 kilometres each day? I knew I could achieve that, but could I do it for 11 consecutive days? Would I let the others down? Could I cope with the climbing and so on? D day arrived and setting out at 4 a.m. to Stansted airport on a chilly morning the Camino seemed a million miles away. Then arriving in Santiago at 9 a.m. in bright sunshine it was suddenly there. It seemed strange arriving in Santiago and then getting on a bus for about 230 kilometres to Leon and then walk all the way back again. After about 6 hours on the bus we arrived at our starting point and after finding our first Albergue then met up with our friends (a married couple) from Iceland who had travelled by bus from Madrid. A long enjoyable evening in a local cafe and then back to be in bed by 10 p.m. (a rule in each Albergue) and then up and away by 7 a.m. and this was to be our pattern throughout the Camino. Our first day, carrying our packs and getting our legs going was quite difficult as we had all experienced a long tiring journey the day before. The weather was fine and bright and the hillsides were ablaze with yellow broom, gorse, bluebells and lots of wild flowers. The distant mountains were still covered in snow but the paths were firm and well signposted. (all of the signposts are topped by a scallop shell, the symbol of the Camino). The legend of how the body of St. James came to be buried in Santiago tells of how the ship he was being carried in was struck by a storm and his body was washed overboard. After some time his body was found ashore undamaged and covered by scallop shells. We managed 20 kilometres on our first day and were extremely tired when we reached our stopover but after a rest we were soon eager to find a good place to eat (and drink). The first few days walking were relatively easy but on the fourth to the sixth 11

12 day we were dealing with lots of climbing, which gave us amazing views over the mountain ranges of Lugo and Galicia with the remarkable sight of storks nesting on chimneys, lamposts and pylons. They soon became as common as sparrows and we hardly gave them a second glance it was surprising to notice how tame they were. Over the hilly parts of the walk we began to walk independently rather than as a group. We had agreed that, as we would all have different levels of stamina, we would walk at our own pace and then meet up at our agreed destination only contacting each other by texting if a crisis occurred, which it didn't. It is worth saying at this stage that the Camino pilgrimage or any pilgrimage is not just about walking, it is a challenge to both body and soul. We all have different psychological, spiritual and emotional needs. During long periods of walking in solitude I had the chance for the first time to reflect and overcome resistances to dealing with the loss of loved ones in recent years. It was also the same for one of my friends whose wife had died just over two years ago. The Camino is walked by about 200,000 people every year so the paths are busy with people from every nation and all age ranges and during each day you meet some wonderful people, have great discussions and then off they or you go. Then maybe you will meet them in a cafe or the next Albergue or later on the route. All have their own reasons for being on the pilgrimage, many are doing it for spiritual purposes, others dealing with traumas and losses in their lives and others for the sheer joy of walking through such a wonderful land. As we began to relax into the daily rhythm of walking our appreciation of the local gastronomy became more acute. I developed a taste for pulpo (octopus) which I had not had before. It is a speciality of Galicia 'pulpo a la Gallego' either served boiled or deep fried and garnished with paprika, rock salt and olive oil. It has a texture like chicken and is served in small bite sized chunks. In addition we enjoyed fresh fish of various kinds and the prospect of our evening meal together was always a stimulus as we approached our destination of the day in various states of tiredness. On our penultimate day of walking we decided to walk a much longer distance 30 kilometres so that we could arrive in Santiago de Compostela by noon the following day to ensure we could attend the daily 12

13 mass in the cathedral held for pilgrims completing the Camino. This led to a minor problem which turned out to be a blessing. It was a hot day and we had to rest a couple of times and by the time we reached our intended Albergue at about 7 p.m. all places had been taken. However, a very kind man in a nearby bar offered to run us to a small hotel a few miles back along the track we had just walked and then collect us in the morning and put us on the Camino at 7 a.m. So we had the night at a lovely hotel with en-suite facilities which enabled us to rest well, share an amazing Paella and then prepare for our final lap to Santiago de Compostela. (it turned out that our 'saviour' also owned the hotel so he achieved 6 extra customers) Next morning we were off at 7 a.m. to walk the final 15 kilometres. As we entered Santiago de Compostela we were hit by the noise of traffic and urban life as the last few kilometres are alongside a dual carriageway and industrial complexes, our rural idyll was over. Entering the old town the spires of the cathedral encouraged us and we walked downhill through ancient cobbled streets arriving at about 11 a.m. in hot sunshine and it was wonderful to enter the magnificent building and experience the grandeur and also the coolness. It is a huge building and by the time the Mass began it was packed with about 2000 people present. Although the Mass is in Latin and Spanish it was a most uplifting and emotional experience and at the end all the of us and fellow pilgrims hugged and embraced each other. We then sat outside on the cathedral steps for about an hour in reflective contemplation of what we had achieved, also sharing a sense of sadness that it was over. We had one final task, to collect our Compostela, the certificate to authenticate that we had completed the requisite Camino distance. So next morning we had to queue with hundreds of other pilgrims at the cathedral office. This was done very efficiently as there were many clerks carrying out this activity and they rigorously examined our Camino passports before issuing the certificate in Latin with individual names beautifully written upon it. This final act of our Camino experience concluded a profound period for each of us and during the next three days as we 'unwound' together we all struggled with the ending of it. Since returning home I have found it hard settling down into normal routines and miss the intensity of the friendships, physical demands and sheer beauty of the landscape which the Camino offers. 13

14 We have all agreed, we will try and meet up again and walk the other two stages, only 600 kilometres left. Final thought before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished. Stop being who you were, and change into who you are. (Paul Coelho) Trevor Brown June, * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Calling all families... Creepy House Summer Reading Challenge at your local library in Wymondham There's a spine-tingling adventure waiting for children when they take part in the 2013 Summer Reading Challenge Creepy House. They can join the adventure at any Norfolk library from the start of the school summer holidays. Pick up a pack and explore the Creepy house, discover its secrets and meet some of the hair-raising residents! Read six books and collect stickers that reveal the creepy residents of the house. All children who read six or more books will be presented with a medal and certificate to celebrate their achievement. Look out too for Mungler Top Trumps cards to collect and swap with family and friends. Children can choose any books they like: fact books, stories, joke books or picture books. Audio books and e-books count as well, so long as they borrow them from a library. Are Norfolk s children brave enough to explore The Awful Upstairs, The Gruesome Ground Floor and The Spine-tingling Cellar? Look out for more details in the library on Back Lane Wymondham, including special Creepy House themed events. For library opening times visit: or ring Items for inclusion in September newsletter (to be available on 1 September) should be given to Ann Scott by 25 August please. 14

15 Local Painter and Decorator Janie L Vee Interior and Exterior also Building Maintenance Free Estimates and Advice Call Peter Jones Driving School Learn to Drive or just improve your skills Call Jane Vaknin school.co.uk 15

16 Preaching Plan for July/August/September 7 July Rev Alison Davis 14 July Mr Keir Hounsome 21 July Rev Alison Davis 28 July Rev Peter Paine 4 August Rev Bill Sewell 11 August Mrs Trixie Dye 18 August Rev Matt Stone 25 August Rev Alison Davis 1 September Rev Alison Davis Dates for your Diaries Details of these events can be found within the newsletter 2 July (10.30am) Coffee Morning at 5 Ketts Close 3 July (10am) Midweek Service (Church Lounge) 5 July ( ) First Friday Lunch (Fairland Hall) 5 July Pabulum Outing to Banham Zoo 8 July (7-8) Sacred Space (Church Centre) 10 July (3-5) Singing Group Afternoon Tea 11 July (7pm) Elders Meeting (Church Lounge) 12 July ( ) Pabulum Café (Church Centre) 17 July (7pm) Church Meeting (Church Lounge) 19 July ( ) Singing Café 19 July ( ) Community Lunch (Fairland Hall) 24 July (1-2) Sacred Space (Church Centre) 26 July ( ) Pabulum Café (Church Centre) August 2 August ( ) Pabulum Café (Church Centre) 9 August ( ) Pabulum Café (Church Centre) 12 August (7-8) Sacred Space (Church Centre) 16 August ( ) Singing Café (Church Centre) 23 August ( ) Pabulum Café (Church Centre) 28 August (1-2) Sacred Space (Church Centre) 30 August (9-1) Market Stall 30 August ( ) Pabulum Café (Church Centre) 16