Leap of Faith. Remembrance Sunday. PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the December/January issue of Rochester Link is 6 November 2013 at 4pm

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1 Remembrance Sunday See page 12 Leap of Faith Emma Buchan grows as St Mary s Church play host By the Rev David Green The third annual Music@Malling International Festival showed steady growth in attendance and reach as several of the churches of Malling Deanery played host. The brainchild of Thomas Kemp, a talented and well-known conductor who grew up in West Malling and attended West Malling CEP school, the Music@Malling festival aims to bring outstanding artists to historic local venues in and around the West Malling area. from James Bond themes to the Dambusters. On the Saturday night, James Pearson and friends from Ronnie Scott s Club in London displayed a fabulous range in The Great American Songbook to a packed out church that had everyone jigging in the aisles. The final evening saw Mark Simpson attend the festival. In 2006, Mark was the first person to win BBC Young Musician of the Year and BBC Proms Young Composer of the Year in the same year. With Mark himself on clarinet, the audience enjoyed an evening of Mark s music and some of the best of Mozart. November 2013 A new initiative in the Diocese of Rochester is inviting women over the age of 18 to join in an adventurous high ropes and abseiling weekend to bring them closer to God. The event will be held in Carroty Wood near Tonbridge from 20 to 22 June Organiser Emma Buchan said, We have never done this before! This is the first time we have launched an event that combines adventurous activities with the opportunity to meet like-minded women at a spiritual gathering. This is a weekend for women who want to take time out. Living life to the full is at the heart of God s will for us and this weekend will include activities such as high ropes, archery or abseiling, low ropes and swimming to make this a girls retreat with a difference. The Rev Canon Jean Kerr will be leading all the worship. Having spent the week before working with children in local schools, Thomas and his ensemble Chamber Domaine played Stravinsky s A Soldier s Tale to three packed houses on the Thursday. Over 1,000 schoolchildren passed through St Mary s Church to listen to Matthew Sharp narrate the story while the musicians played and Erina Takahashi, principal ballerina with the English National Ballet, was on hand to interpret the story in dance. Thomas Kemp, who first learnt to play the violin in St Mary s Church Centre when it was still the old West Malling Primary School, said: It is vital that fantastic, high-quality music is heard by a wide audience rather than in some kind of specialist ghetto in major cities. I m passionate about bringing the music to people and inspiring children in my home town. In hosting some of the concerts, Rev David Green, Priest-in-Charge at St Mary s, said: In the days that followed, St Mary West Malling, St Lawrence Mereworth, All Saints Birling, and the Pilsdon Barn Chapel in West Malling all played host to a range of musical events. Particular highlights included Chamber Domaine performing Vivaldi s The Four Seasons at St Mary s Church with the Eynsford Concert Band taking over for the second half to play a range of big band pieces We are delighted to help Music@Malling do what they do. It gives us a chance to be right at the centre of a significant community event and to enable people to make use of the church building which, as parishioners, is as much theirs as it is mine. It s fantastic to see the children inspired to pursue their dreams by such high-quality musicians, artists, dancers and story-tellers. Erina Takahashi dances A Soldier s Tale. Photo: Shani Hancock PLEASE NOTE: Copy deadline for the December/January issue of Rochester Link is 6 November 2013 at 4pm

2 2 ochester Link The Bishop of Tonbridge s Diary The Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle November 3 Nov 1000 Confirmation All Saints, Belvedere 4-7 Nov Bishop s Staff Residential Worth Abbey 11 Nov 1230 School Chaplains Lunch Meeting Bishop s Lodge 13 Nov 1800 Present prizes at Branch Heat of the Cranmer awards The Judd School, Tonbridge 17 Nov 1015 Confirmation St Luke, Sevenoaks 1830 Confirmation St Paul w All Saints, Chatham 19 Nov 1000 Attend Theology and Ethics seminar - London 20 Nov 1000 Estonia Group Meeting Bishop s Lodge 24 Nov-1 Dec Gillingham Deanery Visit 24 Nov 1100 Confirmation St Paul, Parkwood, Gillingham 26 Nov 1730 Bishop s Council - Rochester 29 Nov 1100 Attend Mission Theology Advisory Group CONTACT US News and letters to the Editor: linknews@rochester.anglican.org Telephone: London ADVERTISEMENTS glenda@cornerstonevision.com Copy for The Link needs to be typed and submitted by please. Images must be submitted as either a TIFF or a JPEG file of 300dpi. (Set your digital camera to the highest quality setting and we will try to do the rest for you.) OCHESTER Link Proclaiming the word & work of God A unique gallery, now open 6 years, selling jewellery, glass, ceramics and other gift items; all hand made in the UK. Buy online at Nicola makes jewellery on her premises in Plymouth. Commissions and repairs undertaken. Regular exhibitions showcasing new jewellers l 65 Hyde Park Rd l Plymouth l PL3 4JN Scan here for more info What s on November 2013 Saturday 2 BROMLEY. Coffee Morning at 10am-12pm at St Mary s Hall, College Road, BR1 3QG. Admission 50p including first cup of coffee. For more information, call BURRSWOOD Jonathan Veira in Concert singer and broadcaster presents an evening of music, laughter and fun in aid of Burrswood at All Saints Church, Crowborough TN6 1ED at 7.30pm. Hospital.Tickets CROWBOROUGH Larger than Life: Opera s big man goes solo Jonathan Veira Tour 2013 at All Saints Church, Chapel Green, Church Road, Crowborough TN6 1ED from 7:30-10:30pm available from Burrswood, Groombridge TN3 9PY. For further information contact: Organiser: Geoff Knight geoffbknight@ gmail.com STROOD Book sale at St Nicholas Church from am to 12.00pm. All books 40p Friday 8 MEOPHAM Quiz Aid 2013 at St John s Church Meopham at 7:30 pm. Event to support the Women s literacy programme in Afghanistan. Visiting speaker will give details of the project. Teams of up to 8 at 6 per head. For information and tickets please contact or Saturday 9 BROMLEY Messy Church at St Mary s Church Hall, College Road, Bromley BR1 3QG at 4.pm-6p.m. Games, craft, fun, worship and food for all the family. For more information, call RIVERHEAD St Mary s Church at 7.30pm. Riches of Iberia - concert by Temenos Chamber Choir, with choral music by Morales, Guerrero and Victoria s Missa Gaudeamus, and instrumental items for classical Spanish Guitar. Tickets 10 ( 5 students) from Sevenoaks Bookshop, or by phone on , or at the door. Sunday 10 BROMLEY. Concert at St Mary s Church, College Road, BR1 3QG at 6.30 p.m. by St Mary s Festival Choir directed by Michael Sherwin, with organist Anne Clements, in a performance of Faure s Requiem. Free admission SEVENOAKS Come and Sing Music for Remembrance Sunday at The Drive Methodist Church, Sevenoaks at 6.30pm. Admission free. Details from valruddle7@hotmail.co.uk or Friday 15 BROMLEY Launch of Messy Nativity Sheep Trail in Bromley Town Centre, with a stall in the High Street Market. 12 shops have sheep, which they have named. Customers following the trail fill in the names on a leaflet, and can enter a prize draw to be held at St Mary s Church Bromley on 22 December. 10,000 leaflets will be distributed through shops, schools, churches and market stalls. For more information, call Saturday 16 GRAVESEND Gravesham Choral Society presents an Evening with Haydn at St George s Church, Gravesend at 7.30pm. Choral opening with the Te Deum, the orchestra will play Symphony no 104 (London). The choir will perform Creation Mass, conducted by Alan Vincent. Tickets 12 ( 5 fulltime students) and are available by calling , or at the door. MEOPHAM Christmas Fayre at St John The Baptist Church, at 11am-3pm. Creative demonstrations, homemade sweets and preserves, Christmas accessories and Grand Draw. WATERINGBURY Christmas Craft Bazaar at the Church of St John the Baptist, Tonbridge Road, Wateringbury from 11am to 3pm. Free entry. Further details: Jan Pursey on Tuesday 19 LULLINGSTONE The Friends of St Botolph s Church invite you to a demonstration of Christmas flower arrangements at St Botolph s Church, Lullingstone, near Eynsford, at 11 am. Tickets cost 10 and can be ordered from Valerie Wells ( ) or Jo Wadman-Smith ( ) Saturday 23 BEXLEYHEATH Love Changes Everything concert at St Peter s Church, Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath, DA7 4RW at 7.30pm. Tickets cost 7.50 (under 16 s 4) from Tess Parker on BROMLEY Songs from the Shows concert at St Mary s Church, College Road, Bromley BR1 3QG at 7.30pm. Admission 10 ( 8) on the door, in aid of Careplus, the North Bromley charity putting volunteers in touch with the needy. For more information, call NURSTEAD St Mildred s Church is holding its traditional Christmas Bazaar at Nurstead Court between 10am and noon. Admission 1-00 to include coffee & biscuits, children free. RIVERHEAD Meeting of Rochester WATCH (Women and The Church) at St Mary s Church, Riverhead, TN13 2BP at 9.30a.m. Eucharist, followed by tea and coffee; 10.30am. talk by the Very Rev Dianna Gwilliams, Dean of Guildford. More information from John Webber, and maggieandjohn1@gmail.com TESTON Christmas Fayre in Teston Village Hall and Pop-Ups in the grounds. From 2.30pm. Stalls, crafts, Christmas goodies, homemade Cakes, raffle, tombola, refreshments and Father Christmas. Wednesday 27-Friday 29 BROMLEY Christmas Journey at St Mary s Church, College Road, Bromley BR1 3QG for local primary school pupils in Year 2 (aged 6-7). For more information call Friday 29-Sunday 1 SIDCUP - St John s Christmas Tree Festival (Church Rd, DA14 6BX). Come and see decorated trees sponsored by local businesses, churches, organisations and individuals. Refreshments, raffle and musical entertainment free entrance. Donations to the Mayor s Charity, Carers for All and St John s Church. Saturday 30 BROMLEY Christmas Journey at St Mary s Church, College Road, Bromley BR1 3QG. Journeys at 9.30 and a.m., charge of 1 per person. For more information, call GRAVESEND Christmas Fayre at St George s Church from 10am-2pm in the church hall. Free entry. Hot refreshments, cakes, gifts, games, books and free face painting. For more details contact Neil Fisher via at pocahontas1733@aol.com or telephone MEOPHAM Reel into Christmas at St John the Baptist Parish Church, Wrotham Road DA13 0AA at 7pm. Help celebrate St Andrew s Day with a fun evening of dance with the SOAS Ceilidh Band. Enjoy traditional music and music from around the world. Tickets are 15 (children 5) which includes a light supper. Tickets are available from St John s Church Office on or stjohnsmeopham@hotmail.co.uk STROOD Book sale at St Nicholas Church from 10am-1pm. Gift stalls, Father Christmas, raffles. Entertainment and refreshments. Admission 30p. LEIGH Baroque Singer are presenting an advent concert The Road to the Manger at 7:30 pm in St Mary s Church, Leigh. Tickets are available at the door. Tickets at 10, 8 for concessions and 3 for under 16 s. For further information contact Anthony Purnell on baroquesingers@btinternet.com TUNBRIDGE WELLS Christmas Fair at St James Church Hall from 10am-1pm. Admission free. Proceeds shared between Work in Nepal though the Verandah schools & Green Pastures Hospital/Tunbridge Wells Youth for Christ/Hand in Hand, Zimbabwe. Lunchtime Recitals at St Luke s Church, Eardley Road. Sevenoaks. Every Wednesday at 12.30pm Admission free. Lasting 30 minutes. Refreshments from 12 noon November 6 Tau Wey with Pupils from Sevenoaks School 13 Peter Young - Organ 20 Lily Blackmore - Flute 27 Miyuki Kato Piano December ERITH Christmas Tree Festival Weekend 2013 at Christ Church, Victoria Road, Erith, Kent, DA8 3AN. Dates: Friday December 13th 12 pm-7pm Saturday December 14t 10am -7pm Sunday December 15th 12pm 5pm Admission Free. Carols by Treelight on Sunday December pm Charity Fair on Saturday December 14 10am till 2-pm at Christ Church hall, Glebe Way, Erith, Kent. Festival website

3 ochester Link 3 Remembering: Liberation or Slavery? By Bishop Brian November is a month for remembering. On 1st November, All Saints Day, the Church thanks God for and remembers the past heroes of the faith. 2nd November, All Souls Day, is an opportunity to give thanks for and remember departed loved ones. 11th November, Remembrance Day, is time to pause and give thanks for those who have died in the service of their country. Remembering is important: the way we remember can liberate us into the future or enslave us in the past. In the heart of England is the National Memorial Arboretum. Set in 150 acres of woodland, the Arboretum is UK s Centre of Remembrance and it exemplifies a different way of remembering. The Arboretum, which was only opened in 2001, hosts memorials to a range of organisations including military, civil services (police, ambulance, fire and rescue), charities and other organisations, both at home and overseas. At the heart of the site is the Armed Forces Memorial which lists the names of all those who have died in service since the end of the Second World War, around 16,000 women and men. There are two sculptures which, in a very moving way, bear silent witness to the cost of armed sacrifice. One depicts a mother and child holding each other and an elderly couple clutching each other in grief, weeping over their husband, father and son whose body is being carried by his comrades. The other depicts a woman and some Gurkha soldiers preparing a fallen warrior for burial - a figure before double doors points to a world beyond where the warrior will rest as another figure chisels the name on the memorial. There is nothing triumphalist about the way the National Memorial Arboretum remembers those who have lost their lives in the service of their country. One group is not regarded as inferior or superior to the other. War is not glorified, but, regardless of whether it can be justified, war s cruelty, injustices and sheer inhumanity are themes playing not far below the surface. The Arboretum remembers war as a place where heroes are to be found but not as a place of glory, for, if it were a place of glory, that would be a justification of all the killing. Above all, the National Arboretum is a place where the nation thanks families for giving their loved ones in the service of their country. What is distinctive about the National Memorial Arboretum is the way of remembering. It remembers in a spirit of humility and thanksgiving: while remembering the departed, it is expressing the nation s gratitude to their families. It is not scapegoating, recalling the bitterness and demonising an enemy, placing on them all the blame for the death and destruction. Such a way of remembering effectively keeps the war raging in the present and will lead to further conflict and fuel the urge for vengeance. The Arboretum s way of remembering recognises that all parties need to share some of the responsibility for the failures that led to war and so the focus is not on the enemy or even the victory over the enemy but on a thanksgiving for the sacrifices of those who died. Such ways of remembering enable people to move forward towards reconciliation. Whether we are remembering the saints, our loved ones or those who died in the service of the country, the way we remember is crucial. Our remembering can enslave us in the past or liberate us into the future. Bishop James diary - November 1Nov 0800 Preside: West Malling Abbey 3 Nov 1000 Preside & preach: Langton Green, All Saints 150th Anniversary 1630 Preach: Borstal Heath, St Andrew Memorial Service 4-7 Nov Bishop s Staff residential meeting Worth Abbey 7 Nov 1930 Confirmation: Wrotham, St George 9 Nov 0900 Tunbridge Wells Deanery Synod Nov All week Pastoral Visit to Orpington Deanery 16 Nov 0930 Preach: Night Shelters Service St Martin-in-the-Fields Nov General Synod - London Nov CofE and RC Bishops joint meeting - London 23 Nov 1900 Preach: Tunbridge Wells Winter Shelter service 24 Nov 1030 Confirmation: Kingsdown, St Edmund Patronal Festival 1600 Commission: The Rev Colin Terry as Area Dean of Sidcup 1830 Confirmation: Tunbridge Wells, St Philip 25 Nov Chair working party on minority ethnic clergy & senior church appointments - Birmingham 26 Nov 1730 Bishop s Council Diocesan Office 29 Nov 1730 Cathedral Foundation Callover Service - Cathedral 30 Nov 1900 Preside & preach: Orpington, St Andrew Patronal Festival

4 4 ochester Link Advertising Feature Subscribe or give a gift! Be encouraged, supported and inspired as we tackle real life issues Six issues for 15* - a great gift which lasts all year *Contact the Families First office for subscription prices for Mothers Union members and recipients outside the UK T: E: familiesfirst@themothersunion.org To advertise in the Rochester Link please call Glenda on Handcrafted Christian Jewellery & Gifts Online Shop Delivery only 1.50 Quote VISION at checkout for 10% discount on your order. Tel: McDonald Wine Store Online View 300 wines (over 160 wines under 10 per bottle) at Order 100 or above November 10% discount Add promotion code mws010 at checkout Delivery just 4 (no discount) Christian Aid Will receive 1.5% of the value of the Orders placed in November Checkout Quote your diocese in the organisation code/comments box The Christian Bookshop THINKING OF USING THE INTERNET? for all your church supplies or contact us at Sevenoaks Road, Pratt s Bottom, Orpington, Kent. BR6 7SQ Telephone this Christian on books & gifts for all the family REAL ADVENT CALENDAR ARRIVES AT TESCO Charity donation The Rt Revd Tim Thornton, Bishop of Truro and Chair of The Children's Society's Board of Trustees. The Real Advent Calendar has now arrived at Tesco. Church and charity leaders have welcomed this key element of the Christmas Starts with Christ campaign. The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said: This is the first time that a major supermarket has put the Christmas story so openly at the centre of their Christmas range. The copy of the Christmas story, in each Real Advent Calendar, allows people to read and see, for themselves, what Christmas is all about. The charitable element of the product is a reminder of the ordinariness of the family Jesus Christ was born in to. THE ONLY CHARITY ADVENT CALENDAR WITH A FREE CHRISTMAS STORYBOOK The Real Advent Calendar is a great way to share the real meaning of Christmas. There s a line of the Christmas story and a Fairtrdae chocolate star behind each window. Behind the final window is a 24-page Christmas storybook. A charity donation is made to The Children s Society. Warm welcome by church leaders The Fairtrade element is a reminder to the business world and consumers that we need to be responsible in the way we buy goods. Above all The Real Advent Calendar is a reminder that Christmas Starts with Christ. The Rt Revd Tim Thornton, Bishop of Truro and Chair of The Children's Society's Board of Trustees, said: The Real Advent Calendar offers a unique way to share the Christmas story while supporting The Children s Society and Fairtrade. I believe it will be widely welcomed by the faith community and others. The Real Advent Calendar is a chance to educate and do good. Now available from Tesco is the only supermarket that will be stocking The Real Advent Calendar this year as it has ordered enough to offer a national in-store collect and home delivery service. It has supplies in most stores so pop in and buy some now or use its home delivery service. If your store does not have them or you want to make a bulk order, see below. Tesco - church & school bulk orders You can reserve and place orders with your local Tesco now. Ask your Tesco to place a manager's order for The Real Advent Calendar - product number To find your local Tesco s phone number call or visit the Tesco store locator at You can pick up your calendars from the store or use its home delivery service.

5 ochester Link 5 Inter-Faith Week(17th to 23rd November 2013) By the Ven Dr Paul Wright I don t know whether you have made any plans for this (or even considered it) but Inter-Faith Week is an annual national initiative. Now I realise that in some of your communities there will be very few people from other Faith traditions, but for others there might be quite a significant group, possibly of Sikhs, Muslims, and in some areas those from the Jewish Faith. I think there are two possibilities for us here: Metalsmith Conscientious and reliable, Ian Marshall provides new work and maintenance for a number of churches. To join his list of satisfied customers call: or To advertise in the Rochester Link call Glenda on FOR ALL CHURCH MAINTENANCE DECORATION & ROOFING enquiries@churchrestorationukltd.com Phone Free: One is for those who clearly have a mixed economy in terms of ethnic make-up and interfaith diversity. These parishes might want to look at what could be done in working together with a common theme or project. For others it is to make their own church communities aware of what those of other Faith traditions value and what we have in common, just so there is a greater awareness, particularly for those members of your congregations who commute to work in Central London and may work alongside those of other Faiths. Inter-Faith Week is about increasing our awareness of the different Faith communities in our own locality. We do this so we can build on the contribution we all make to our neighbourhoods, wherever we might be. I have five suggestions as to how we might do this: Look at local art or cultural events there is a huge diversity and richness here that could be explored. Exchange visits between places of worship or schools. A photographic competition, perhaps displaying the material in the local library or some other prominent place with maybe one or two sponsors. A community action project a foodbank, or perhaps an environmental project as the care of God s earth is a common theme across the Faith communities. The Ven Dr Paul Wright Or where it may be more appropriate, to form a panel and ask leading members of the various Faiths to share in a dialogue and talk about topics of common interest, whether it be the economy or the pressures facing young people in a complex society. For more information please see the Inter- Faith section of the diocesan website. Let s see if we can make Inter-Faith Week 2013 a week to remember! Personal Tax Return Service for Ministers of Religion, the Self Employed, Individuals with Letting Income and Individuals with Multiple Incomes Angela Kendall FCCA ATT angela@kendallsreturns.co.uk Statue of Christ In Glory At the Patronal Festival of St Francis of Assisi, Strood on 6th October, the Ven Simon Burton- Jones, Archdeacon of Rochester, dedicated the statue of Christ in Glory. The sculpture came from the church of St Augustine, Whitchurch in Bristol. It is an original work by the sculptor Ernest Pascoe commissioned for the church when it was completed in The church building suffered from the outset with problems associated with the design details and construction and in the end the Diocese agreed that it would need to be demolished and replaced. Finding a new home for the statue was necessary when the chosen design for the new church could not accommodate the figure. The Rev Howard Daubney, vicar of St Francis, saw an article about the need to rehouse the statue on the BBC news website. He followed this up and contacted the Rev Nick Hay at St Augustine to offer a new home in Strood. This was agreed, a van was hired and Mr Daubney drove down to Bristol to collect the statue. After the usual permissions had been obtained, the statue was installed at St Francis in time for the service on 6th October. A group of 15 parishioners from St Augustine travelled up to be part of the celebrations. Churchwarden Phil Smith said that the day was tinged with sadness at having to say goodbye to an old friend but also with joy at seeing it given a new home and repolished to its former glory again. Ernest Pascoe wrote of the statue in its original home: The design must be seen as a whole and is capable of a number of interpretations. The primary intention is to express a feeling of fulfilment or triumph, and a duality of Jesus as Man and God. The figure of Christ leans against the surrounding space. The feet are weightless; the arms and head reach upwards and the outstretched fingers move towards the invisible world. The barbarism of the crucifixion and its attendant cruel events is suggested by the corded loincloth. This is bound in places by ropes which cut into the flesh. It is a symbol of the official regard for propriety acting as a vehicle for revenge. The figure rises in front and above the cross which is a shallow recess and takes the form of a shadow. This contrasts with the bold three dimensionality of the figure indicates our Lord s triumph over death and suffering. The figure is not mounted on a cross at St Francis but on a plain white background to show not only its simplicity but also its power. Payroll and Bookkeeping also available FREE SPECIALIST CATALOGUE AVAILABLE NATIONAL FRUIT SPECIALISTS Over 300 apple varieties on M26 (8ft) and many on M27 (4ft)Patio Trees, Upright Cordons, Family Trees of Cherry, Plum, Apple, Pear, Peach and so much more! Prices held from 2010 & generous discounts DEACONS NURSERY Godshill, Isle of Wight PO38 3HW (24hrs) Tel: Fax: info@deaconsnurseryfruits.co.uk or visit our website St Mary the Virgin, Hayes, Kent ORGANIST/ CHOIRMASTER 10% off till 30/11/13 with code autumn10 We are seeking an organist to develop the music in our church. St Mary s is a welcoming and active church with a range of music styles within its services. There is a robed choir, RSCM affi liated, a fi ne manual Mander tracker action organ,and a small instrumental group. Ideally, we would like to fi nd an organist who can lead our worship with the organ or piano and train and rehearse the choir, but we are fl exible and will consider all applicants. Salary negotiable + generous fees and professional development support. Further details from Mrs Carol Truelove, Church Administrator, on stmarys.hayeskent@btinternet.com Web:

6 6 ochester Link Autumn Readers Conference 2013 By Karen Senior On Saturday 5th October around 100 readers from Rochester Diocese gathered at the Math School for the Autumn Reader s conference. Our speaker this year was the Rt Rev Robert Paterson, Bishop of Sodor and Man, and also President of the Central Readers Council. Bishop Robert challenged us to consider the difference between ministry and discipleship, and he spoke about Reader ministry in particular. He asked us What is special about being lay? and What special gifts and experience do I bring to making connections between the word and the world? and there was a distinct buzz around the room as people talked about this in smaller groups. In the afternoon Bishop Robert preached in the Cathedral when we admitted and licensed 13 new Readers to the Diocese. Left to right: Clare Masters, Bishop James, Karen Harcombe, Mags Southgate, Lucille Luton, Jan Thompson, Iain Amber, Dewi Williams, Carolin Facey, Penny Culliford, Paul Oakley, Jenny Warrington,Russell Jones, Brian Jones. All Saints Church, Belvedere Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday 13 October Mothers Union is set to extend its reach to more families and couples through its new website, which incorporates a practical support section, written by external experts, especially for parents and couples. The fresh site was commissioned by Mothers Union in order to respond to feedback which showed the charity needed an easier to Rev Jane Edwards with donations to the Bexley Food Bank Mothers Union Launches New Website navigate site and one which could be more responsive to its audience s needs. We felt it important not only to tell people of the support we offer to families and couples, Jesus said, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 The Rev Jane Edwards opened the All Saints Church Harvest Thanksgiving service by saying, We have come together to worship God and to thank him for journeying with us through the year. We have come to give thanks for the harvest of our land, to ask for his continued blessing, and to give to those in need. Members of the congregation donated gift items of food for the Bexley Food Bank and Gill Bates, Food Bank Manager, addressed the congregation giving them examples of how the donations were used and distributed. The Rev Jane Edwards said, Bexley Food Bank is a project seeded by the Trussell Trust with its base at Avery Hill Christian Fellowship. It is an initiative which many of the but actually to offer that support the Christian care for families that is our main activity - on our website as well as in local communities, said Fiona Thomas, Communications Manager. Getting feedback from the users of the site churches in Bexley Borough are supporting. We first heard about it at the Danson Festival at the beginning of July when I was asked to lead the prayers at the combined Churches Celebration on the Sunday morning. the Rev Rob Stevens from the Christian Fellowship spoke and shared some prayer requests. As a PCC, we subsequently agreed to support the Food Bank at our Harvest Festival this year, having supported primarily overseas work for the past 2 years. We have not forgotten our overseas responsibility (for the 2 weeks prior to Harvest, we had a retiring collection for our brothers and sisters at All Saints, Peshawar) but we also had a very generous response both in goods and in money from the church family at All Saints, including the uniformed organisations attached to the church to take to the Food Bank. In the current economic climate, many families in this country and indeed in our own local area are struggling, and churches need to be willing to work together to offer practical help, as well as preaching the good news that Jesus is the Bread of Life. will help us make constant improvements to our content so that we can really begin to build up a library of useful, supportive articles for families. The site also has an extensive members section, including a bespoke area for community development staff and coordinators, which will facilitate a sharing of ideas and resources across the worldwide organisation. Mothers Union chaplains also have a unique section with advice and resources on building the ministry of Mothers Union.

7 ochester Link As a Diocese we are delighted to announce the launch of Hope Together - the Diocese of Rochester working in partnership with the national mission initiative of HOPE available to download from the HOPE website, and include these in your Parish Prayers. HOPE through the Christian yearly cycle might look like this: It is hoped that mission will be more on the agenda as parishes across the Diocese make plans to reach out together in word and action as part of HOPE Assistant Missioners Caroline Clarke and Emma Buchan will be available to work alongside parishes to help and support them as they make plans for mission initiatives that enable community engagement. Via the Bishop s Fund for Mission there is secured 100 for each church to kick start this work; simply fill out an application form telling us what your HOPE 2014 event or project will be. If we want the Church to grow, we will need to give priority to making disciples through the life of every local church. The aim of HOPE 2014 is to leave a legacy of lasting spiritual change in our nation, with churches at the heart of their communities working together to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. HOPE 2014 s year of mission starts with prayer, so HOPE invites you to join more than a million Christians around the country using their daily prayer guide. Why not sign up for daily prayer s from and Clear the Decks By the Rev Canon Chris Stone Clear the decks! was the call as the chairs were pushed back at St George s Church, Gravesend, and a huge 8m by 8m canvas labyrinth laid out in the centre of church. Some twenty people from St George, as well as other churches in the deanery and town, came together for an evening with labyrinth facilitator, Barbara Wallace, from Broadstairs. Opening with a time for prayer, Barbara went on to explain how the labyrinth worked. The idea goes back millennia and, in Christian times, gained in popularity when it became an indoor (or outdoor) substitute for pilgrimages to the Holy Land that had become too dangerous to make. Barbara s own labyrinth, specially made, was based on the one to be found at Chartres Cathedral in France. She reminded participants that, unlike a maze, there are no puzzling or frustrating dead ends with a labyrinth. Introductions over, Barbara invited all present to make their own labyrinthine pilgrimage, a time for walking at our own pace, and a time for reflection and prayer, remembering that Christ is not only there at our destination but also with us as we travel. On the way, we would meet other pilgrims, perhaps crossing the path of some or being overtaken by others. Shoes had to be removed and there was a basket of spare socks for those who needed them. For those not able to walk the labyrinth, a wooden finger labyrinth was available. Some of those in church had come out of This will mean giving priority to three core habits to grow new Christians within the life of every church and congregation. The first is Sowing the Seed: reaching out to those who are outside the life of the church. There are a thousand ways to do this in our workplaces, schools, toddler groups, through friendships, in pubs and on the streets. The most fruitful places to sow the seed are often the communities where the church is already engaged in loving service. a sense of curiosity while others had come to explore this different way of prayer. Afterwards, many spoke of a sense of release and all appreciated the way in which Barbara had introduced and led the evening. St George s church warden, Neil Fisher, commented, I felt privileged to have experienced this unique and ancient form of reflection and I found it a wonderful way to immerse myself in the love God bestows upon all of us. Earlier in the day, at Holy Trinity CE Primary School in Gravesend, sixty Year 6 pupils, in groups of fifteen, also had an opportunity to experience the labyrinth laid out in the school hall. After treading the path, the children also spoke of a feeling of calm and peace, and one said that she had felt a real sense of freedom. Barbara is happy to take her labyrinth out and about, not just in Kent, to share the experience of the labyrinth. She can be contacted through her website: The second is Nurture: offering ways for people to explore the Christian Gospel for the first time. This is critical. There are many different courses and resources we can use, but what matters is offering something regularly and prayerfully which suits those in your community who are ready to explore faith. The third is Growth: regular input to encourage new Christians growing to maturity as disciples within the life of the church. This can be done in many different ways through small groups, Bible study, training and teaching Strood Drop-in Centre By Rita Hunt On 10th October we launched the Strood Drop-in Centre in St Nicholas Church, open every Thursday from 11am -3pm. This was a church incentive brought about by volunteers from the church congregation and the wider community. Working alongside the Strood Community Project, already established in the High Street, we offer a Emma Buchan and Caroline Clarke courses, to help the whole body to grow. The task of making disciples should be the normal rhythm of the life of the local church, so let s reset that rhythm; let s be the whole church reaching the whole nation for the whole year as we do more mission together in words and actions. Find out more at www. hopetogether.org.uk For local help please contact Caroline Clarke tappercat@btinternet.com Emma Buchan emma.buchan@hotmail.com Launch cake showing people just dropping in place to bring your problems, find friendship and enjoy a cup of tea. Funds have been given by the local Ward Councillors and these, together with substantial gifts of resources from two Medway businessmen, have set us up for our task. We welcome anyone to just drop-in any Thursday. Old and young, out of work, carers, new to the area, coping with addictions and rehabilitation, new mums, homeless and anyone looking for someone to listen, someone to care.

8 8 ochester Link Advertising Feature BE SEEN You can advertise in this newspaper with a monthly circulation of 18,000, at a very reasonable cost, reaching a great church audience in parishes throughout the Diocese of Rochester which covers parts of Greater London and Kent.. We can also help you to advertise in seven other Diocesan newspapers throughout the South of England and the Home Counties, with a total circulation of nearly 170,000. To find out more, contact Glenda or Michelle on or glenda@cornerstonevision.com RL

9 ochester Link 9 The Rev Judy Henning installation When the Rev Canon Alan Vousden left St Margaret s Rainham there was some question as to whether the parish boundaries within the Deanery might be changed, Rainham is currently the largest, but the possibility of merger of some congregations had to be discussed. If appointed Vicar a priest s title cannot be changed, so the parish was suspended until decisions had been made, and when the Rev Judy Henning came she was appointed Priest in Charge. This was also the case with other parishes in the Deanery. Decisions have now been finalised, and Rainham s boundaries stay the same, and so Judy was formally instituted as Vicar of Rainham by the Bishop of Rochester at a special evensong service in St Margaret s Church on 6th October Research Conference, Research beyond borders By the Rev Trevor Gerhardt The second annual research conference for the Diocese of Rochester took place at Aylesford Priory on 8 October. The opening speaker this year was the Rector Rev Prof Dr Randar Tasmuth from Estonia. Randar, an Estonian theologian and New Testament professor, discussed the similarities between the Lutheran Church in Estonia and the Diocese of Rochester. This discussion included how the training and further academic engagement of clergy in both respects could be further developed in the Link Diocese relationship. Bishop Brian was the closing speaker and his full address can be found on the diocesan website. Bishop Brian discussed how walls create positive boundaries and that they do not necessarily indicate a negative aspect. In comparison however, gates that are left closed can create a negative boundary. The implication of this metaphor was explored in relation to actual church doors. In relation to research, there are always boundaries whether it is an academic framework or ethics but what is vital in research is that the research remains open to seek new knowledge. Others who presented either their Masters or Doctorate research on the day included the Revs Gemma Burnett, Jeremy Ive, Ruth Bierbaum, Antony Hammill, Helen Burn, Stephen Mitchell, June Mackenzie and Gerald Hovenden. These papers varied greatly in their subject material as well as the awarding institutions. As an example, papers covered subjects such as An Anglican Feminist Theology of Resurrection to Paul s use of the metaphor of slavery in the resolution of conflict. Attendees expressed thanks for the value and diversity of these presentations. Bishop Brian tweeted in response the presentation by Helen conference inspired me to see film #Dodgeball. It focuses on success/failure axis uncritically assimilated into church culture. The aim of the conference is two-fold. Firstly it seeks to provide an opportunity for clergy, readers, pastoral assistants and evangelists who are engaged in Masters or Doctoral research in the field of ministry and theology to be able to share their work with other practitioners in this field. Secondly, it allows those practitioners, lay and ordained, to learn from this the most current work in theology and ministry, particularly as it relates to their involvement in a specific aspect of ministry. Our Pinterest Account Pinterest is where you go to discover new things and collect stuff you love. You will see that the Diocese of Rochester now has an active Pinterest account (look for the red and white logo at the bottom of the homepage at: The Rev Judy Henning being installed by Bishop James The Rector Rev Prof Dr Randar Tasmuth The 2014 Research Conference will take place on 7 October 2014 with the theme Research as a partner in the gospel. We hope to have more of our ecumenical partners as part of this conference as part of this theme. Please place the date in your diary. Birchwood House Rest Home Residential Home for the Elderly Respite care & short stay available A beautifully refurbished Georgian manor house, set in 6 acres of glorious Kent countryside, within easy reach of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. All rooms have en-suite facilities & nurse call system. Lift to all floors. Excellent home cooking, with special diets catered for. Hairdressing, chiropody, library and mobile shop. Monthly in-house Holy Communion and links to the local church. Stockland Green Road, Speldhurst, Kent TN3 0TU Telephone: Langton ( ) 3559 ~ in harmony with tradition ~ Ronald Emett fine furniture ronald@emett.co.uk TAX RETURNS ACCOUNTS BOOKKEEPING VAT PAYROLL Friendly, ethical and efficient service at a reasonable price. Get in touch today with no obligation and we will be happy to talk about how we can help you Contact Trevor or Sharon on or info@trbtaxandpayroll.co.uk CHURCH PEWS UNCOMFORTABLE? WHY NOT TRY SAFEFOAM S TOP QUALITY UPHOLSTERED FOAM PEW CUSHIONS? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN Freephone Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail When phoning please quote RL1113 We have 2 pin boards at the moment. One featuring some of our churches and one we hope to populate with wedding images. These can be of brides and grooms, bridesmaids and best men, or cakes, champagne and flowers. We don t mind, but we would love you to encourage couples who marry at your church to share a couple of their favourite photos with us, so that we can add them to our Pinterest board. All they need to do is their images to: katerina.gerhardt@rochester.anglican.org We would like your help Please spread the word. When you have a couple marrying at your church, please ask them to share their images with us.

10 10 ochester Link Advertising Feature Sail Norway s iconic coastline IN SEARCH OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS Sailing beneath the Northern Lights in Tromsø Comfort on board Exhilarating Husky dog sledging optional excursion Voyage through breathtaking landscapes No pencil can draw it, no colours can paint it, and no words can describe it in all its magnificence wrote Payer, a famous observer of the Northern Lights. This surreal light show is a natural phenomenon caused by electrically charged solar particles passing into the Earth s atmosphere. It s inspired myths and legends over the years and Norwegian sailors would say that the display was the souls of young maidens waving and dancing in the night sky. No-one has seen the Northern Lights and not been caught in awe by this magical display. This winter NASA has forecast some of the strongest Northern Lights activity in 10 years which will increase your chance of experiencing this magnificent natural lightshow. ARCTIC HIGHLIGHTS Tromsø Kirkenes Tromsø Our Arctic Highlights voyage spends its entirety within the Arctic Circle. This gives you the best opportunity to see the Northern Lights and the chance to take part in some fantastic winter excursions to areas of this frozen land seldom seen by tourists. 5 or 6 days half board 6 days half board Selected dates from January March 2014 Departure date: 13 February 2014 Including direct flights from London Gatwick From 999pp Including direct flights from Bristol From 1119pp Prices are in s per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin unspecified inside cabin. Your holiday price includes: Return economic direct flight from Gatwick or Bristol where specified to Tromsø including current taxes and charges, voyage in an unspecified inside cabin including half board, 1 night (5-day voyage) or 2 nights (6-day voyage) at a centrally-located hotel in Tromsø including breakfast, transfers as applicable. Not included: Travel insurance, luggage handling, and optional excursions not included. CLASSIC ROUND VOYAGE Bergen Kirkenes Bergen This journey is the ultimate voyage with Hurtigruten. You will get the opportunity to see and experience the fantastic nature that Norway has to offer whilst visiting 34 ports and covering over 2,500 nautical miles. 12 days full board Including direct flights from London Gatwick or Bristol Departure dates: 5, 12, 27 February and 6 March 2014 (London Gatwick); 17 March 2014 (Bristol) From 1479pp Prices are in s per person based on two people travelling together sharing a twin unspecified inside cabin. Your holiday price includes: Return economic flight from London Gatwick or Bristol where specified to Bergen including current taxes and charges, voyage in an unspecified inside cabin including full board, transfers as applicable. Not included: Travel insurance, luggage handling and optional excursions not included in price. ALL VOYAGES BOOKED INCLUDE 50 ONBOARD CREDIT!* * 50 onboard credit is per cabin ( 25 for single bookings) on voyages booked before 31 October. To book or for more details please call Peter Goord Travel on V / 88888

11 ochester Link 11 Praying the way World Troubled areas of the world Diocese For all Remembrance Services. Bromley & Bexley Bromley Deanery Chislehurst, The Annunciation 30 - Sponsored walk to Southwark Cathedral. Bromley, St Andrew Making Jesus known to people in our parish. Our new hall used in our community. Bromley Common, St Augustine Our new curate Andy Hobbs Hayes New organist and choirmaster Orpington Deanery Orpington, Christ Church Andrena Palmer our new Youth Minister. Future of Community Lunch Club. Sidcup Deanery Sidcup, St John s Christmas Tree Festival. Rochester Cobham Deanery Cobham and Luddesdowne Outreach in village. 9 Church Bazaar. Jesse Tree Advent course. Gravesham Food Bank initiative. Meopham with Nurstead New incumbent. Fawkham and Hartley PCC Away Day. Southfleet 3 - Memorial Service. 9 - Craft Fair. Ash and Ridley Cluster Readers for evening worship. Dartford Deanery Swanley, St Paul & Hextable, St Peter Meeting with Steve Chalke re Hextable Oasis Academy School. Swanley, St Mary For the Swanley Food Bank and those who live in poverty.. Gillingham Deanery Rainham. Remembrance Services, Advent, Christmas Tree Festival. Gillingham Holy Trinity Our interregnum. Gillingham, St Luke New monthly Eucharist at Prospect Place. South Gillingham Bredhurst Prison s Week. South Gillingham, Parkwood Thanks for 35 years as a congregation. Gravesend Deanery Gravesend, St Aidan Thanks for 50th anniversary. JAM Group, Messy Church. Perry Street Festival of Light and All Saints. Milton, St Peter & St Paul Finance for repairs. Gravesend, St George Emma Weaver, our Children and Family Work Student. Chalk 2 - Family Bonfire and Fireworks 30 - Christmas Fair. Greenhithe Guidance for heart of the community Gravesend, Holy Family Church Toddler Group Little Stars, for the families and helpers. Northfleet Big Northfleet Community Project. Ifield Messy Church. Rosherville Parent and Toddler Group. St George s School, Gravesend. For our community. Tonbridge Malling Deanery Snodland with Lower Birling Our Dementia Café. Prayer Walk and Service of Light. Sevenoaks Deanery Kippington Safety for all involved in stonework repairs Dedication of altar frontal Intercession during October Christmas crafts afternoon. Knockholt with Halstead 26 - Prayer Workshop on Speaking to God. Sevenoaks, St Luke 17 - Hosting Confirmation Service. Sevenoaks, St Nicholas 3 - Bereavement Service and tea Women s Evangelistic Event Hosting Christian Institute s Responding to the Marriage Act. Weald 3 - All Saints service for bereaved. 8 - CSW Food for Freedom Charity Christmas Card sale and Bazaar. Shoreham Deanery Enysford, Farningham and Lullingstone Our building project. Platt Messy Church and Healing Group Wrotham Community Choir and Sisterhood. Tunbridge Wells Deanery Rusthall 23 - Autumn Fair in aid of US Tunbridge Wells, St Luke Homegroups. Southborough, St Thomas Work amongst teenagers and Bliss Café in Southborough. Tunbridge Wells, St Mark Advent and Christmas services. Tunbridge Wells, St James Emmaus Course. Adults, Babies and Children s club. Prayer topics for December/January should be sent to Jenny Smith, Flat 1, 52 High Street, Chislehurst. BR7 5AQ jenny_mary@btinternet.com by 3 November. 1 Nov Allsaintstide: parishes holding special services in this season 2 Nov Ightham, St Peter 3 Nov The bereaved and our ministry with them 4 Nov Bishop s Staff residential meeting today until Thursday 5 Nov Kemsing, St Mary with Woodlands, St Mary 6 Nov Kingsdown, St Edmund 7 Nov Otford, St Bartholomew 8 Nov Platt, St Mary 9 Nov Shipbourne, St Giles with Plaxtol 10 Nov Remembrance: victims of war, those who gave their lives that others might live, the bereaved, wounded and displaced 11 Nov The Royal British Legion and the Earl Haig Appeal 12 Nov Shoreham, St Peter & St Paul 13 Nov Stansted, St Mary with Fairseat, Holy Innocents and Vigo 14 Nov Wrotham, St George 15 Nov Chiddingstone, St Mary with Chiddingstone Causeway, St Luke 16 Nov Crockham Hill, Holy Trinity 17 Nov Tonbridge Deanery: the Rev Mark Brown (Rural Dean); Canon Stephen Males (Lay Chair): Our relationships with those of other faiths: Interfaith Week begins today 18 Nov General Synod meeting this week in London; Bishop James as he leads the next stage of the women bishops debate 19 Nov Edenbridge, St Peter & St Paul 20 Nov Hever, St Peter; Four Elms, St Paul and Mark Beech, Holy Trinity 21 Nov The Roman Catholic Church: CofE & RC bishops meet today 22 Nov Hildenborough, St John the Evangelist 23 Nov Initiatives for the homeless: in our Diocese and elsewhere, winter shelters and other projects are being prepared 24 Nov Parish administration: all who give their time and skills as staff and volunteers 25 Nov Leigh, St Mary 26 Nov Bishop s Council meeting this evening 27 Nov Penshurst, St John the Baptist and Fordcombe, St Peter 28 Nov Tonbridge Parish: St Peter & St Paul, St Andrew, St Philip & St Saviour 29 Nov Tonbridge, St Stephen 30 Nov Tudeley, All Saints cum Capel with Five Oak Green Holidays at Home SHERBORNE Short breaks in Dorset Elegant, spacious, 2 bed, apartment in listed building close to Abbey Church. Open all year. Please ring for brochure: Family-run holiday cottages in beautiful south Shropshire, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Wonderful location with spectacular views. Only 3 mins drive to picturesque market town of Church Stretton. We offer 1,2,or 3 bedroom cottages to suit all the family. Please visit or call for brochure. Insurance Travel Insurance Arranged for Rochester Link readers BANK INSURANCE STOPPED? - CALL US FOR A QUOTE Our insurance has a customer 24-hour helpline, full medical cover with most pre-existing medical conditions accepted and, most importantly, an air ambulance get you home service. FREE EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS SCREENING SERVICE AVAILABLE UK BASED Annual and single trip cover for UK, Europe and worldwide holidays Conditions apply Please call for details ~ Authorised & regulated by the FCA LYNTON DEVON A warm traditional welcome awaits you at Kingford House Silver Award Enjoy excellent home cuisine ideally situated for coastal & Exmoor walks. Tel Tricia Morgan on for brochure and tariff patriciakingford@aol.com NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS Holidays Abroad ALGARVE Luxury 3 bed villa (all ensuite) Sleeps 6/8, near Carvoeiro. Own pool, all mod cons.situated on Pestana Golf Resort. Golf, Tennis,Outdoor bowls. Full details and brochure: Brian Chambers Tel: info@casa-oleander.co.uk FT TRAVEL INSURANCE

12 12 ochester Link 175 Year Celebration The Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle, Bishop of Tonbridge, celebrated 175 years of Walthamstow Hall with staff and students at St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks on Monday 14 October. Bishop Brian, who lives in Sevenoaks, gave a sermon which reflected the character and values of the school. He said, It must have been very hard for those young girls all those years ago to wave goodbye to their parents as they sailed away in large ships. Their parents were missionaries travelling to faraway lands to serve God by working in the service of others. As missionaries they were going on an adventure, but, as in all real adventures, there were risks involved. It may be that they would not return home, but would die overseas. But unless they took a risk, going into unknown and unfamiliar places, they would not be able to achieve their goal of serving others in the way in which they were being called. Many people back home thought they were mad. What would make somebody undertake such a difficult journey, leaving the security and family of their familiar, home country? But these brave people were willing to go against popular opinion for something in which they believed so strongly. Yet these difficult occasions helped shape the values and form the character of this school, clearly fixing three priorities to which the school has been faithful over its 175 years 1. Serving God by working in the service of others. 2. A willingness to be adventurous and take risks in order to achieve this. 3. A willingness to go against popular opinion for something in which they believed so strongly. These are fantastic principles, especially at a time when so much of our society encourages us to work hard and earn buckets of money for our own personal use. Those three principles challenge today s focus on self and being self-centred. During the service, Elizabeth Fitzpatrick (Senior School Head Girl) and Carys Newsome (Junior School head Girl) led some of the prayers, with Mr Ian Philip (Chair of Governors) and Mrs Diane Wood (Head of Junior School) reading from the books of Luke Remembrance Sunday Bishop Brian with Walthamstow Hall Chamber Choir and Matthew respectively. A prayer for the old girls was read by Caroline Ayers (President of the Old Girls Association.) Head teacher Mrs Jill Milner said, We were thrilled when Bishop Brian accepted our invitation to lead our service of thanksgiving. It is a special way to draw to a close what has been a wonderful year commemorating Walthamstow Hall s 175th Anniversary. The breath-taking Anniversary Concert, splendid Friends and Parents Anniversary Ball and record-breaking examination and sporting results have been just some of the highlights of our 175th year so far and we are delighted that Bishop Brian Castle was able to lead us in this final event of reflection, thanks and celebration. Walthamstow Hall girls raise money for several charities including Because I am a girl. Friends Secretary Retires Wendy Hopwood, Secretary of the Friends of St Paulinus Church, Crayford has retired after 26 years of service to the Friends as she has moved home to Sussex. A stalwart of the Committee, Wendy has served the charity in a variety of roles including Secretary and Minutes Secretary and has been an important part of the Remembrance Sunday reminds us all of the sacrifices made by men and women in the UK Armed Forces. The Royal British Legion has been supporting veterans since WWI and continues to do so today. Help for Heroes is another charity established to help them. If you would like to make a donation to either charity, please visit the websites below or send a cheque to one of the addresses listed. Thank you for thinking of others. Please pray for the safe return of those still serving. Visit to donate online. Cheques can be sent to the following address: Donations, Help for Heroes, Unit 6, Aspire Business Centre, Ordnance Road, Tidworth, Hants, SP9 7QD. Or The Royal British Legion, Freepost SN1437, Melksham, SN12 7BR. Visit to make an online donation, or donate by phone by calling Friends, which raises funds to help with the preservation of Crayford s beautiful and historic church. At the 47th AGM of the Friends, held on Saturday afternoon on 12th October in the Church Hall, the Chair Marilyn Evennett in her Report of the past year paid a tribute to Wendy and her husband Tim, presented her with flowers and gifts and wished them both a happy retirement.