FRIDAY 15 MAY WEDDING: Nicholas Lewis & Lisa Jane Yapp Churchstoke 12 noon

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1 ONNYCAMLAD PARISHES Rev. Prebendary Norman Morris, Rector of Wentnor with Ratlinghope, Norbury, Myndtown, Lydham, More & Snead, & Priest in charge of Churchstoke & Hyssington & Rural Dean Rev. Carol Whittock Mission Priest at Churchstoke David Jelves, Reader Mette Wardle, Reader The Rector writes...will our churches always be with us? Our group of nine parishes stretch from Ratlinghope in the east to Churchstoke in the west, a distance of over twenty miles. The communities around them are small, very small, apart from Churchstoke which has 1300 parishioners, our eight other churches have only 900 people to support them. The maths is pretty simple - about 110 adults supporting a country church! As I understand it, only Jerusalem has a similar equation with 100 Christian worshippers per church! It s not a large pool of people to draw support from, you'll agree! We have just had our annual church meetings - nine of them - like any charity we have to have constitutions, a committee- the PCC - all volunteers- officers such as two churchwardens, secretary, treasurer - accounts etc as we try to pay our way and balance the books - for example, nearly every home will have buildings insurance - yet even our country churches are bigger than most homes and there's s not much change from 1000 per annum for insurance per church! Bigger ones are two or three times more! All this has to be paid for all, so it s to the great credit of the PCCs and parishes that, amazingly, with all the demands, we still keep going, witnessing to the Christian faith and providing ministry of all kinds to local communities. It's gone on for hundreds of years so won't it just go on forever? I'm afraid nothing is guaranteed - one of our very small churches will cease to be a parish church in twelve months time - it's future uncertain - other churches could well be following suit - they need friends and they need some younger friends who will come forward to offer help - it may be practical, it may be financial- it need not be too costly - maybe the price of a weekly coffee and cake p direct debit per week adds up to 10 per month - in a year, with tax gift aid, your country church would receive over 150 from you! Seven or eight new friends doing that per church would pay the insurance! It's all very practical I know - Christian stewardship motivates some people already, but also there will be many others who might just like to support the church as a social institution which is a benefit to the community, and uniquely embodies the history and traditions of the villages we live in! Be in touch with me or a Churchwarden if you would like to be a good friend of one of our churches! SUNDAY SERVICES SUNDAY 3 MAY EASTER Holy Communion Hyssington Rev Graham Lloyd 9.45 Holy Communion Ratlinghope Holy Communion by extension (Mette Wardle) Morning Praise Churchstoke Preb Michael Pollit Holy Communion Norbury Rev Jo Evans 6.30 Evening Prayer Wentnor Barry Preston SUNDAY 10 MAY EASTER 5 ROGATION SUNDAY CHRISTIAN AID WEEK BEGINS 8.30 Holy Communion Wentnor 9.45 Holy Communion Ratlinghope BANNS (1) Peter John Iles & Krystyna Lawson Ratlinghope 1030 Holy Communion Churchstoke 3.00 Christening Snead 6.30 CHRISTIAN AID SERVICE BISHOP S CASTLE CHURCH PREACHER Rt Rev John Saxbee, former Bishop of Lincoln THURSDAY 14 MAY ASCENSION DAY Holy Communion Churchstoke Ascension Prayer Walk (meet Hyssington church 6.00pm) & 6.30pm Holy Communion Hyssington FRIDAY 15 MAY WEDDING: Nicholas Lewis & Lisa Jane Yapp Churchstoke 12 noon SATURDAY 16 MAY CHRISTIAN AID COFFEE MORNING (Anita s Home) ROBERY RING PROLLEY MOOR WENTNOR Noon

2 SUNDAY 17 MAY SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY 8.30 Holy Communion Ratlinghope BANNS (2) Peter John Iles & Krystyna Lawson Holy Communion Snead Morning Praise Churchstoke Holy Communion More 6.30 Songs of Praise Wentnor BANNS (1) Jen Wood & Philip Hughes SUNDAY 24 MAY WHITSUNDAY (PENTECOST) 9.45 Holy Communion Myndtown 9.45 Morning Praise Ratlinghope Lay Led BANNS (3) Peter John Iles & Krystyna Lawson Ratlinghope Hyssington United Service Holy Communion Churchstoke Morning Prayer Lydham WENTNOR ROGATION WALK Meet outside the Church 2.00pm (finish 5.00pm) 6.30 BENEFICE 70 th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENDING OF WW2 THANKSGIVING SERVICE NORBURY SATURDAY 30 MAY WEDDING BLESSING MYNDTOWN 2.00pm SUNDAY 31 MAY TRINITY SUNDAY Benefice Holy Communion Churchstoke Rev Norman at CLUN VALLEY Benefice service Bettws 11.00am SATURDAY 6 JUNE WEDDING: Tom Jones & Amy Oakley Wentnor 12.00pm SUNDAY 7 JUNE TRINTY Holy Communion Lydham 9.45 Holy Communion Hyssington Morning Praise Churchstoke Holy Communion Norbury 6.30 MORE FESTIVAL EVENSONG Weekday Morning Prayer at 8.30am on Fridays Join us for a short service at our parish churches. 1 May Lydham; 8 May More; 15 May Churchstoke; 22 May Wentnor; 29 May Myndtown ; 5 June Snead. AROUND THE PARISHES: NEWS UPDATES: THE VILLAGE HALL AT NORBURY: At the time of writing a Farewell Party to the old Norbury Village Hall was about to take place on Saturday 11 May and the old Hall was due to be dismantled and taken away to a new home at Walcot. Our thanks to all those who have helped with the final arrangements there s been lots of packing up and clearing away, as well as getting ready to use the new Hall in June. It s all very exciting! At the Norbury Village Hall AGM, it was decided to have an official Grand Opening of the new Hall in September date to be confirmned. Thanks to all who helped and attended a wonderful Farewell Party at the old Hall! OUR NEW WEBSITE Have you visited the new website? It's well worth a look, the logo is based on some great work by children from Norbury School and the site will be the way to keep in touch with all the things that will be going on at the New Hall. Please visit enter your address to subscribe to future newsletters and us on hello@villagehallnorbury.co.uk to let us know that you are up for the party on April 11th. Ratlinghope 200 Club: continue to support or join by contacting Margaret or Janet to renew tickets for the forthcoming year. Ratlinghope April 200 draw winners 20. Ben Cooke; 10 Penny Marshall; 5. Roger Griffiths. Many thanks to everyone who supports our More Church monthly draw.; More Monthly Draw April; 1 Ann Williams; 2 E Hudson; 3 Charlotte Swanson

3 MORE FESTIVAL RECITAL IN AID OF THE MORE CHURCH RESTORATION FUND SATURDAY 6 JUNE 7.30pm AT ST PETER'S MORE Alistair Auld: Organ Rebecca Thurgur: Soprano Tickets 6 to include refreshments from Mrs Marion Denwood or at the door. Programme to include Mozart's "Exultate Jubilate" and a range of well pieces for the More organ, once described as the finest country church organ in Shropshire. Alistair Auld is the Conductor of the Marches Community Choir LYDHAM NEWS 1. Congratulations to Lydham '100' Club March winners - 1st Doris Wright no p 2nd Norman Ellis no p 3rd Bru Kimber no P Annual subscriptions 12 are due for the next year 2015/16. Anybody wishing to join this worthwhile fund for please contact Jimmy Garnier ; Neil Hird or church wardens Tony Martin and Joyce Yapp. 2. Good Friday Quartet performance of Joseph Hayden's 'The Seven Last Words of Christ'. Lydham Church was full on Friday, 3rd April for the above excellent Quartet performance by the local Giardino Quartet with Gospel extracts spoken by Oliver Goode. The donation was divided 160 each between Lydham church and Cancer Research Uk. Bishop's Castle Community Hospital - proposed community ultra sound service. Sister Sandra Bradbury after 31 years service retires this week as the Hospital's ward manager. To a gathering of Friends of Shropshire Community Hospitals Sister Bradbury spoke of how additional care and diagnostic services could be offered from B.C. hospital which following its refurbishment has the necessary room. In June 2010 Sister Bradbury, the local GPs and the Hospital's Equipment Fund trustees talked to the then Shropshire P.C.T Area manager about introducing a community ultrasound service at B.C. hospital. Primary Care in the Royal Shrewsbury are keen to see the service introduced and can help in finding the necessary specialist staff. The local G.P.s. are keen. The Hospital's Equipment Fund has offered to purchase or lease the necessary unit. These facts have been pointed out to Shropshire Community Health Trust's Chief Executive. The Trust have to give their approval to the unit being located in B.C.Hospital. Shrop. Com have not been asked for funding or specialist staff. To date their approval to this worthwhile diagnostic clinic being located in B.C. hospital has not been granted. What a pleasant leaving present to both Sister Bradbury and to the people of rural south west Shrophire if this worthwhile diagnostic clinic was set up in Bishop's Castle Hospital.' TUESDAY 12 MAY AT 7.00PM ARCHDEACON S VISITATION FOR CHURCHWARDENS TAKES PLACE AT CHURCHSTOKE CHURCH WEDNESDAY 12 MAY WENTNOR FETE MEETING AT THE RECTORY 7.30PM SATURDAY 16 MAY CHRISTIAN AID WEEK COFFEE MORNING NOON ROBERY RINGS WENTNOR ALL ARE WELCOME FROM ALL THE PARISHES

4 SUNDAY 24 MAY ANNUAL BENEFICE BEATING THE BOUNDS THIS YEAR MEET OUTSIDE WENTNOR CHURCH 2.00PM (FINISH 5.00PM) CONFIRMATION 2014: Looking ahead: a Confirmation Service will be taking place in the Deanery on SUNDAY 21 JUNE at 3.00 pm at Edgton Church. The new Bishop of Hereford will be officiating. Confirmation is open to all, young and old alike, above the age of 10 or 11 years, and enhances and completes our membership of the Church which began at our Christening. We usually form small groups or sometimes see candidates in their homes. Do think about this Confirmation is for all ages so please do talk to the Rector if you are thinking about being confirmed LOCAL MINISTRY NEWS: Our Local Ministry Group assists with pastoral visiting and Home Communions across the parishes, meeting monthly to share concerns and pray for those who are in any kind of need. Members of the Local Ministry Group are Anita Bright, Trish Macmullan; Margaret Wallsgrove, Shirley Jones, Bob Berry (Convenor), Mette Wardle, Rev Carol Whittock, & Rev Preb. Norman Morris meeting second Wednesday afternoon of the month. All concerns and prayers are made in total confidence. Please be in touch with any member if you know of anyone who would like to be visited. Anyone wishing to receive Home Communion please be in touch with the Rector AROUND THE PARISHES: FUTURE EVENTS Filling Station The opening evening for this Fresh Expression exploring the Christian Faith - was at Newcastle, in the Clun Valley. There are many other 'Filling Stations' in the UK (about 40 according to their literature and website 'thefillingstation.org'). Meetings are on the 2nd Friday of the month from Please contact Rev Robert Payne for details There are now thirteen Food Banks in the diocese. Thanks for the support many churches are giving to our Deanery one at Clun which is at St George s Church, Vicarage Road, Clun - Clun Community & Advice Centre - which is open on Thursday & pm CONTACT: Douglas Ogram douglas@ogram.com We have reception points at the churches of Ratlinghope, Churchstoke, Wentnor and Wentnor Shop. AGE UK Lunches for those 60 & over at the Crown Inn, Wentnor, 12 Noon for 12.30pm Normally SECOND WEDNESDAY AND THIRD TUESDAY IN THE MONTH NEXT LUNCH IS WEDNESDAY 13 MAY to book this meal please ring Rachel Bright NEXT TUESDAY LUNCH is TUESDAY 19 MAY - to book please ring Margaret Cooke Mrs. Janet Brandon on is your Age Concern Parish Link who will be pleased to help you. NORBURY & DISTRICT WI: THURSDAY 14 MAY 7.30PM Speaker: Stuart Toulson Oak Farm working centre for adults with learning diasabilities Hostesses: Mary Atkins, Sue Pinches & help;flowers Sally-Ann Jones; Competition: Bring & Buy Visitors: Pot of Homemade Jam/Marmalade. LYDHAM, MORE & SNEAD WI: THURSDAY 21 MAY 7.30PM African Mydwifery Julia Rogers ; Refreshments: Betty & Diana Invited Institutes Raffle Stall. ONNY VALLEY SOCIAL CLUB: This Club usually meets on the first Tuesday afternoon in the month at Norbury Village Hall MEETING AT LYDHAM VILLAGE HALL FOR MEETINGS AND OUTINGS TILL FURTHER NOTICE Meeting Friday 1 May Skittles match with Hyssington 7.30pm Outings Wednesday 20 May Slimbridge Wetland Centre; Wednesday 17 June Llandudno; Wednesday 15 July Cotswold Lavender & Snowshill Manor; Wednesday 19 August National Memorial Arboretum; Wednesday 16 September Electric Mountain; Wednesday 21 October Blackpool Illuminations. Club leader Eileen Ashley CHURCHSTOKE OVER-SIXTIES : Meet alternative Wednesdays 3.00pm Churchstoke Community Hall contact: Margaret Chislett FROM THE REGISTERS Christening: Callum John Whittock Norbury Saturday 11 April Interment of Ashes: Vera Rippon Snead Saturday 4 April

5 REPORTED IN THE DEANERY MAGAZINE TWENTY YEARS AGO MAY 1995 The Deanery was making a visit to the Cathedral as part of the Friends of the Cathedral Diamond Jubilee year; Katherine Bossom s sanctuary altar kneeler was due to be dedicated in BC Church; Canon Gill Sumner had been appointed Local Ministry Officer & Priest in Charge of Wistanstow & Cwm Head; 1995 was being celebrated as the 50 th anniversary of the founding of Christian Aid; an Exhibition of Wedding Dresses was due to held at Churchstoke on the Feast of Pentecost; a Mad Hatter s Tea Party was planned at Churchstoke vicarage in August; Hopesay was having a Bird song expedition; Norbury was due to have Tea Party to celebrate 50 th anniversary of VE Day; 1995 saw a 17 ½ % in Parish Share due to lost Church Commissioners money with the prospect of an extra 20% of Stipends to fund clerical Pensions being started in TABLE TENNIS! Now in action! Open to all! Anyone wanting a good game! Taking place Mondays until the end of May at Lydham Village Hall pm for details contact The Rector BENEFICE BOOK GROUP: Contact: The Rector BIBLE STUDY GROUP: New members always welcome! Contact: The Rector FLOWERS/CLEANING: (From now on notification will be through the churches) Find out what is going on across the Hereford diocese at the website at - have a look at the Notice board. For details of service times at the Cathedral, please telephone or visit the cathedral website Want a Magazine? Know someone who would like one? Please encourage sales & distribution! Please contact Margaret Cooke (Shropshire & Snead parishes) Myndtown Combined Parish Council Contact: Parish Clerk Mrs. L Thomas Wentnor Stores: The Post Office OUTREACH service is OPEN on TUESDAY 9.30AM 11.30am - offering personal banking, Car Tax & Euros- please support our village shop WENTNOR STORES as much as possible! Bus enquiries: National Rail Enquires: Hall Bookings: Norbury Anita (or if need be Rev Norman Morris ) Lydham Hyssington Village Hall: do use our halls! Norbury Village Hall: Tables, chairs, hostess trolley, crockery, & boiler available for hire The Rector is always available to discuss Wedding and Christening dates at any time Office Hour: Saturday morning at The Rectory 9-10am. Tel: House Communion is available to anyone who cannot easily get to Church. Photocopying at The Rectory: 5p per sheet reductions for longer runs. Bishop s Castle Dial-a-Ride and Community Car scheme: Available for individuals or groups regardless of age or disability. All journeys must be pre-booked. Volunteer drivers and escorts urgently required for this worthwhile community service. Contact: Adrian Varcoe or ring Vera Rippon: Stan Morgan whose family had long associations with Snead Church recently interred his late sister Vera s ashes in Snead Churchyard. The family has prepared the following tribute to her. Vera was born in 1922 at Kerry in Montgomeryshire, Wales, the second daughter of Eddie & Elsie Morgan. On returning from service in the army during WW1 Eddie followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a farmer. She had an older sister Joyce and was later joined by Stan, Glenys and Roy. In 1940 the family moved to Snead Mill where Eddie became the corn miller, milling grain for local farmers. Vera attended school in Bishop's Castle. A two mile bike ride every day. On leaving school she became a telephone operator at the telephone exchange in Church Stretton. At a dance in Church Stretton she met Phillip Rippon, who was an RAF officer flying Spitfires from RAF Shawbury. In time, Phil flew his spitfire over Snead Mill waggling his wings in greeting flying low down in circles Whilst they were courting Vera won the title of "Miss Church Stretton" at a dance. This win entitled her to enter the Miss Shropshire" competition, along with about 50 competitors from other towns in the county. The final was held in Shrewsbury. Vera come second in this competition and shortly afterwards she won Phil's heart and they became engaged. They were married in Bishop's Castle church and had a reception at the Castle Hotel. At this time Phil had a fantastic motorcycle an Excelsior Manxman which he used to visit Vera. After he left the RAF he changed this for an open top MORGAN 3 wheelcar which had an exposed matchless V twin engine on the front and a chain rive to the rear wheel. A few years later he was offered and accepted a job in Chingola, South Africa, as a chemist in a copper mine

6 They were blessed with 3 children, Christopher, and twins Michele and Diane. Sadly Vera was left on her own after Phil's tragic death in a gliding accident, but she decided to stay in the warmth of South Africa for the rest of her life, moving to Pietermaritzburg in Natal.