lest we forget - groomsport parish church

Lest We Forget

November 2015

www.groomsportparishchurch.org

Groomsport Parish Church

The Rector Revd Duncan Pollock 028 9146 4476

The Rector’s Warden Carol Walters 028 9127 3363

The People’s Warden Zandra Sloan 028 9145 7092

R Glebe Warden Walter Burke 028 9145 1768

P Glebe Warden Tony Anderson 07803 282200

Treasurer Wesley Quinn 028 9145 6472

Secretary to SV Heather Pentland 07834 771075

Gift Aid Secretary Ian Sloan 028 9145 7092

Youth Fellowship Craig Lutton 07816 853373

Sunday School Lisa & Tom Bell 07515 327628

Verger/Caretaker Susan Moore 028 9185 7509

Organist Stuart Tanner 028 9146 7052

Parish Office Elaine Lester028 9127 131107791 569432

Parish Officials

For church administrative enquires and all hall bookings, please contact: Elaine 028 9127 1311 or [email protected]

For Hall problems, please contact: Walter (028 9145 1768) or Tony (07803 282200)

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Please note that the Rector will be available in the Vestry office on Tuesdays from 6.00pm – 7.00pm, for short meetings to sign passports, driving licence documents etc., or to arrange a lengthier meeting for another time.

Whilst our Rector is always available to his congregation at all hours of every day, it is hoped that, where possible, the period between lunchtime Friday and Sunday Services may be void of contact so as to allow him family time, quiet reflection and preparation for the week ahead; emergency requirements and visits excepted.

Rector’s Hour Rector’s Recess


From the Rector“When in April the sweet showers fall ... then people long to go on pilgrimages.” So begins the opening to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. In Chaucer’s time, pilgrimage was a part of everyday life. As the “Tales” tell us, people sought solace, miracles, spiritual refreshment at the shrines of the martyrs and saints. There were many such places in England, most famously, thanks to Chaucer, Canterbury and the shrine of St Thomas a Becket. But there were others, St Hugh of Lincoln and St Alban at the Abbey in the town that bears his name would have been two of the more notable places of pilgrimage.

The discipline of pilgrimage has rather faded in our busy secular world; either that or it has too many connections with at least one other Christian denomination to make us feel it can be a worthwhile enterprise. A shame. A shame, too, that the great pilgrimage destinations have become little more than steps on the tourist trail. In Lincoln, I acted for some time as a guide in the Cathedral. Coach loads of visitors would appear at the great west door and sweep down on me like a kind of human tsunami. They had three questions: where was the Lincoln imp; where were the loos; where was the coffee shop? Saint Hugh and little Saint Hugh were never once mentioned, let alone visited. A shame.

“When in November the nights draw in ... then the good folk of Groomsport go on pilgrimage.” Well I hope so. We have had a remarkable year, our year of Mission 2015.

We have come together, pulled together and tried to fulfil the task we set ourselves a year ago, to reinvigorate our Church and Parish life. For me it has been a wonderful and uplifting experience. What better way to conclude our year of mission than a visit to the place of Saint Patrick’s burial, an ancient site of pilgrimage, to offer our thanks to God for all that we have been given this year. For us, of course, it will be a more gentle experience than that enjoyed

by Chaucer’s pilgrims. After lunch in the Parish Halls, we will go

by bus as a Parish to Down Cathedral for a service of Evening Prayer followed by tea. We began our year of mission together, with just the one act of worship. We will conclude

our year in a similar way, with the pilgrimage service

the only act of worship for the day. We go to be together, to share

together, to pray and worship together; we go to seek, as in ancient days, solace, miracles and spiritual refreshment. Who knows, one day in the not too distant future the “Downpatrick Tales” might become a spiritual as well as a literary classic!

PS. I can’t let the untimely death of Sharon Lloyd pass without comment. Like many of you I was stunned by the news. A frustrating, generous, impious, kind, mischievous, loyal woman who touched many lives in many ways. It was a grand testament to Sharon that the Church she loved and supported was packed for her funeral. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.


8.30am Holy Communion

10.30am Family Service with Holy Baptism for All Saints Day*

3.00pm At the War Memorial, our village Act of Remembrance.

6.00pmA special evening service when we hold before God those we have known and loved and who have died, especially members of our parish family who have passed in the last year.

* Coffee after 10.30am service in Church Hall. All welcome! Hosted by Kate Murray, June Walker, Helen Hall and Kathleen Cree


10.30am Parish Communion with an Act of Remembrance

6.00pm Compline.


10.30am Service of the Word

6.00pm Evening Prayer


10.30am A Family Service for Advent*

6.00pm Compline

* Coffee after 10.30am service in Church Hall. All welcome! Hosted by Carol Walters, Maggie Townsley, Ian Walters and Kathleen Cree.

NO SERVICES IN GROOMSPORT PARISH. LUNCH AND PILGRIMAGE TO DOWN CATHEDRAL

Sunday 8th November - 3rd Sunday before AdventWelcome Team: Betty McKinney and Hester KellyReader: Peter Osborough

Sunday 15th November - 2nd Sunday before AdventWelcome Team: Trevor and Jenny CraythorneReader: Bert Smith.

Sunday 6th December – St NicholasWelcome Team: Heather Pentland and Helen ParkinsonReader: Elaine Lester

Sunday 22nd November - Sunday before Advent

Please note the

Church is open

every day for

private prayer and

meditation.

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HSunday 1st November - All Saints - Commemoration of the Faithful DepartedWelcome Team: Betty McKinney and Hester KellyReader: Mae Burke

Church Services November

Sons of Ross and Patsy Parker. Robbie was born on 27 May 2013 and Daniel 9 July 2015

Our prayers are with those who mourn and whose hearts are breaking.

We now have a group of volunteer drivers who can provide lifts for any Parishioner who needs transport to Church or to Church-organised events.

If needed please call:

Colin Crozier Tel. 028 9146 1741

We are holding a flower arranging morning on Saturday 12th December. This is for beginners and those who are interested in learning how to create a flower arrangement for the Christmas table.

We will hopefully hold another similar morning in the Spring.

Cost will be £10 per person. All flowers, oasis etc will be included and we can take our masterpieces home.

Numbers will be limited to 12 max.

Morning tea is also included in the cost.

For further information and to book a place, please call Andrea Johnston Mob: 07780 628622

21st September - Internment of Ashes.


Births, Deaths, Baptisms, Marriages & Announcements

Holy Rest

Announcements

Holy BaptismRobbie and Daniel Parker

Dorothy and Robert Mumford

Anna Moore

Rosie Neill

Sharon Lloyd

Need a Lift to Church?

Magazine Sponsorship

Flower Arranging morning Saturday 12th December 10.30 am - 12 noon

28th September

2nd October

21st October Many thanks to Billy and Ruby Keogh and

Christine Wilson for their kind donations and

another anonymous donation was also received.

Many thanks for all those who have given and

continue to give to the magazine

If you would like to sponsor a page, or make a

donation to the magazine please contact Jenny

Craythorne on 07748580541. If you would like

to contribute an article, letter or announcement,

all of which are very welcome, please send

it to [email protected] or gpcoffice@

btinternet.com or via any of the Parish Officials.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS TO THE

MAGAZINE IS STRICTLY 17TH OF EACH

MONTH. THANK YOU!


Charity Appeal

Dr Rory Wilson, formerly of Ashleigh Medical Practice, is now Medical Director at Kiwoko Hospital Uganda. Kiwoko Hospital is selling alternative Christmas Cards to raise funds to buy a replacement Pickup Truck

The hospital’s antique Toyota is worn out after travelling as far as from Kiwoko to the moon! It is used for collecting drugs, community outreaches, even sometimes collecting and referring patients.

If you wish to buy cards please contact Christine on 02891465587 or Zandra on 028 9145 7092 or email Elaine Elborn [email protected]

The suggested minimum donation per card is £5

Thanks and Happy Christmas to you from all the team at Kiwoko!


MU October Report

November Walk

Mothers UnionIt was very significant for our MU to have a presentation on Royalty at our October meeting - now that our current Queen is the longest-reigning British monarch. Rev Derek Kerr, the Rector of Randalstown Parish, who is a Royalist and proud to be so, regaled us with a most interesting, informative, and entertaining talk on everything from the ‘pomp and ceremony’ of State occasions, to some of the more human and humbling aspects of Royal life. He spoke of his personal encounters with Her Majesty and of many other experiences shared with family

members. Such is the popularity of our MU that the Maxwell Hall was packed full, and we may have to consider the Main Hall at some stage in the future. A real success story for our ‘little Parish’.

There will be no branch meeting in November. Instead, the Area Service will take place in our Parish on Monday 16 November at 7.30 pm. Other branches in the area have been invited along and we hope as many members and friends of our own branch will attend.

The usual suspects assembled at the gates of the Big House on the Hill an 10.00 am, all in fresh and eager to ascend to the higher plane of the Assembly’s residence. The weather was fabulous, warm and turning sunny. We walked, just like the men under the command of the Grand old Duke of York, up the hill and we walked down again. We had a few stops along the way!!!

The Strangford Dijke walk will take place on Saturday 21st Nov . Meet in the Flood Gates Car Park promptly at 10.00am (First right after the entrance to Ards Airport after leaving Newtownards).

This walk is along the shore heading in the direction of Comber. Bring Field Glasses, as the Bird Life is amazing. and so I hope will be the weather! Coffee afterwards either at Ards Airport Café or somewhere in Comber - tba.

As usual I can be contacted on 028 9145 1768 or 07702581291 If any one would like a lift.

(But don’t be misled by the title)Walking for Softies

Walter leads from the front!

October walking group

Walter


The Vestry was informed of a £500 bequest from Patricia Eleanor Forteath late of the Hill, Groomsport.

The Glebe Warden has addressed all repairs and water leaks around the hall. Locks have been repaired on the hall office door and the church door. Paintwork in the hallway has been touched up and the sound system in the hall has been moved to a safer place. An extension lead and second microphone have been purchased for the hall. The Rectory roof has been cleaned.

Contact has been made with the Diocesan office requesting information on the appropriate protocols for making any church alterations.

Duncan is hoping to attend training for Vulnerable Adults.

An amendment will be made to the Use of Hall protocol to remind leaders that accidents must be recorded in the Accident book.

The Fashion Show was a tremendous success. Hopefully the final Social and

Church events will be well supported. The Pilgrimage means a lot to Duncan.

Barry Greenaway, the newly appointed church archivist, emphasised that this task will require the support of the entire parish community.

To date, £350 of donations has been received for the new look magazine.

It was suggested we should consider naming the big hall and then mount plaques outside it, the Maxwell Hall and the Avril Morley room. Vestry members are to give thought to possible names.

It was agreed in principle that our halls could be used by a Scout group looking for temporary accommodation and that the matter should be discussed further with the Scout leaders and the Church Wardens.

The Vestry was informed that the Brownies have decided to move from our Halls. We wish them well in their new abode in the Walter Nelson Hall

October Vestry Meeting Notes

Mission 2015The following page has a copy of the flyer which has been on the church pews for the last few weeks. I am delighted to say that, since plans for this evening were altered, tickets have been selling at an incredible rate. Because the date has gone back a week, the new closing date to purchase tickets is Sunday 15 November - but remember, numbers are more limited than in the Crawfordsburn, so don’t delay and be disappointed.

For tickets please contact Heather Pentland by phone: 07834 771075 or

email: [email protected] alternativly see the Church Wardens


Mission 2115

IMPORTANT NOTICE

REVISED BLACK AND WHITE NIGHTTo enable as many Parishioners as possible to attend our final Social Event of 2015, your Mission Team has introduced some changes to the arrangements

for the Black and White Night, which we are confident will provide a relaxed and enjoyable night for everyone.

SO WHAT’S NEW?DATE : Friday 20 November LOCATION: The Stables

COST: £20PP

These revised arrangements will enable our Parish to conclude the year with a Special Mission Weekend, comprising the Black and White Night on the Friday, followed by our Service of Thanksgiving at Downpatrick Cathedral on Sunday.

REMBEMBER - THERE WILL BE NO SERVICES IN GROOMSPORT PARISH CHURCH ON THAT DAY.

• PARISH LUNCH - 12.30 IN THE PARISH HALL • PARISH PILGRIMAGE TO DOWN CATHEDRAL

Date for application have passed however we will endeavour to include a write up in next month’s magazine.

Pilgrimage - Sun 22nd Nov


“The Groomsport Parish Fashion Show 2015 was a cornucopia of colour and charisma .The Hall arrangements and the refreshments at the interval were spot on. The models themselves, younger and older were thoroughly professional and the variety of costumes was indicative of good taste and thoughtful planning. A particularly attractive element was the delightful interaction between adult and child models throughout the evening.”

BARRY“Lovely clothes, great models and a tasty supper. Had a really fun night. Well done to everyone involved.”

FLORENCE“The outfits from the Vogue Collection, chosen by each of the models, were all flattering on the ‘Cat Walk ‘. A visit to a Vogue Shop will certainly be made, as there were items of interest to both of us.”

DAVINA & JANET

Events UpdateComments On The Fashion ShowFriday 2nd October

“There were so many ‘wow’ moments - as the models entered the hall in their gorgeous outfits! As the evening wore on and they became more confident some of them did not want to leave the floor - so good was the music and the upbeat atmosphere. A great success - must be repeated!”

MAE“I felt the evening was a great success with everybody enjoying themselves immensely. Young and old came together to make the evening a great success. The models were very professional and did a great job. They seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves albeit a little nervous backstage before going on the catwalk! The children however took it all in their stride and were just brilliant. It was such a lovely atmosphere and the Show appealed to all ages.

I am sure I am not alone in saying that it was such a brilliant night that it was well worth all the effort that everybody put in.”

JANET


What a great night we had with our Parish quiz on 9 October! There was much scratching of heads, puzzled faces, laughter and loads of craic. There was close scoring between the eight teams, but competition was always friendly. Supper was super! Thanks to everyone who helped with sandwiches. A fun night indeed. Until next time.

“A great event. The next one will be even better......sorry I’m busy that day!”

WALTER“What an amazing Night!!....The clothes shown at the Fashion Show were just lovely, but even better was the buzz on the cat walk....the feelings of friendship, of fellowship and the oohs and aahs, when the models ‘walked the

walk’...and I don’t mean just the children, who were amazing, everybody gave their all!!....Thanks to Kate and her Team, and to Dorothy Anne and her Team....and of course thanks to all who provided the supper.....Delicious....!”

HESTER

Quiz Night

Forthcoming Events


Friday 20th November Sunday 22nd November

Deadline for tickets 15th November. Contact Heather Pentland: 07834 771075

Date for application for tickets has now passed however we will endeavour to include a write up in next months magazine.

Black and White Night Pilgrimage

Hall Usage - NovemberSunday

Every Sunday 10.30amSunday School Contact: Tom & Lisa Bell Mob. 07515 327628

Monday

Every Monday 7.00pm

Choir PracticeChoir practice in the church every Monday evening at 7pm. We are looking for new members, so please join us and have some fun and fellowship. Everyone welcome.Contact: Stuart Tanner Tel. 028 9146 7052

1st Monday of the month 8.00pmSelect Vestry MeetingContact: Heather Pentland Mob. 07834 771075

2nd & 4th Mondaysof the month 7.30pm

Chattering NeedlesChattering Needles will meet on the 9th & 23rd at 7.30pm We have now been meeting for 10 yrs and will be having a big celebration shortly. For further info contact Jenny Mob: 07748580541.

Every Monday 7.30pmBadminton Club Contact: Ian SloanTel. 028 9145 7092

3rd Monday of the month 8.00pm

Mothers Union (Maxwell Hall)No meeting in November. Instead there will be an Area Service on 16th at 7.30pm in our Parish.Contact: Elaine Lester Mob. 07791 569432

Tuesday

Every Tuesday 10.00am - 1.00pm

Pauline’s Sewing BeeContact: Pauline OliverTel: 02891 457588 or 07796773171E. [email protected]

2nd Tuesday of the month 8.00pm

Groomsport & District Gardening ClubContact: Yvonne McilmailTel: 02891 469420E. [email protected]


Wednesday

Every Wednesday 9.30amWe Slim TogetherContact: Ann ParkerMob. 07854 787121

Every Wednesday 2.00pm

ScrabbleContact: Elaine LesterMob. 07791 569432 E. [email protected]

Every Wednesday 7.30pm Bible Study (Avril Morley Room)

3rd Wednesday of the month 8.00pm

Cookery ClubContact: Maggie Townsley E. [email protected] or [email protected]

Every Wednesday 7.00pm - 10.00pm

Pauline’s Sewing BeeContact: Pauline OliverTel: 02891 457588 or 07796773171E. [email protected]

Thursday

Every Thursday 10.00am

ArtspaceContact: Elaine McGinnMob. 07933 187686 E. [email protected]

Every Thursday 2.00pm

EvergreensOpen to all over fifty year olds and new members always welcome. Transport available for the less able within the boundaries of GroomsportContact: Pearl Brown Mob. 07551 992841

Every Thursday 7.30pm - Late

Chess ClubContact: James O’Fee Tel. 028 9147 0232E. [email protected]

Thursdays except 1st Thursday in the month 7.30pm

Youth FellowshipContact: Craig Lutton Mob. 07816 853373

Every Thursday 2.30pm7.30pm

Table Tennis ClubThe Club will meet on Thursday evenings, except for the first Thursday of each month when it will instead meet in the afternoon at 2.30pm. Contact: Ian SloanTel. 028 9145 7092

Saturday

4th Saturday of the month 10.00am

Walking for SoftiesVenues vary. Meeting at 10.00am at chosen location.Contact: Walter Burke Mob. 028 9145 1768 or 07702 581291

Hall Usage Continued

This report is being written on October 1st, before we go away for three weeks. When I return it will only be a few days until our final Book Fair on Saturday 7th November. Despite the effort involved I really look forward to these events, I hope you do too.

“No Fond Return of Love” by Barbara Pym is a lovely, poignant story of everyday life. In terms of today’s life it does seem curiously old-fashioned but gently humorous and engaging nonetheless. Written in 1961 we hear of Dulcie Mainwaring – a helpful

soul who works, largely from home, for a publisher, correcting proofs and writing indexes. At a conference of such people she meets Dr Alwin Forbes, the aging but good looking editor and writer. Intrigued by her new friend Viola’s comment that Alwin and she “were once…….” …… “How irritating it sometimes was, the delicacy of women”, she sets about trying to help the relationship along. Dulcie has failed, as she has frequently before, to acknowledge her own needs and feelings.

“Dracula” by Bram Stoker will be known by you all, I am sure, from the numerous film and television adaptations. I confess to a weakness for Victorian horror stories and I have read this several times. It really is a classic and needs no introduction from me. If

you are brave, do give it a try, but, I suggest, don’t read it at night, alone! (Please note this is a slightly different book cover shown to the one we have on our shelves)


Chris Cleave has written “The Other Hand” which is a deeply affecting piece of writing. It will stay with you for a long time after you have read it. Topically the quote at the beginning of the book is from the Home Office and reads:

‘Britain is proud of its tradition of providing a safe haven for people fleeting (sic) persecution and conflict’.

This is a story of two women whose lives come together one terrible day leading to life-changing events for them both. It begins two years later when they meet again. There is horror and humour, ordinary life and extraordinary occurrences, much to reflect upon and much to grieve. When you have read this you will sit and think, I suspect.

I hope this isn’t all too sombre. I will try to find something funny to write about for December!

Carol

Book Stall

No Fond Return of Love

Dracula

The Other Hand

I am always looking for other reviews of books that are in our shelves; please do try to write a sentence or two about a book you have loved – or for that matter heartily disliked. It would make a refreshing change from always reading my point of view.

Carol


Prayer RoomSome further prayers and reflections written in the “Visitors’ Book” that was left on a small table in the

prayer room.

Peace – a time to reflect, to feel the presence of God. We don’t have enough tranquillity in our lives

We pray for people in need:-Those who are tempted…

Those in despair…Those who are sick…

Those with disabilities or who have special needs…Those who are enslaved by addiction…

The elderly and the dying…Those who mourn…

All ministries of care and healing.

I feel renewed and refreshed

An opportunity to let light into the darker parts of my being. Chastening. Lord forgive me. Such peace is here.

Thank you for letting us share this time with you.

God loves me!

For the peace of the prayer room, the quietness of reflection and the promises of prayer we thank You, O God.


Whatever else we might do in 2015 the most important task we have set ourselves is to pray for our Parish. You may wish to take inspiration from one of your favourite prayers or use the prayer found below.

PRAYERWAVE

Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here.Come, bow before Him now with reverence and fear.

In Him no sin is found, we stand on holy ground.Be still, for the presence of The Lord, the Holy One, is here.

Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around;He burns with holy fire, with splendour he is crowned.How awesome is the sight, our radiant King of light!Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around.

Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place,He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister His grace.No work too hard for Him, in faith receive from Him;

Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.

November December

1st - 8th

Cove AvenueGlenganagh ViewSandringham DriveIvyhill Park

Springwell CourtArd-na-ReeForest HillWoodland Avenue

9th - 16thTowerview CrescentThe Orchard, Mountstewart N’ards

Springwell AvenueKilmaine RoadDenevale ParkBallymacormick Link

17th - 24th

Ivyhill AvenueKnightsbridge CourtPalmworth DriveCrawfordsburn Road

Hillside ParkNewtownards Road D’eeThe Courtyard Crawfordsburn

25th - 31st

TowerviewNelson ParkBlair ParkGreenridge Park

Coastguard LaneCarolhill DriveCherrymount Park

Thoughts of Blow In...I know we all look forward to reading Elaine’s “Thoughts of a Blow In” in each edition of the Parish Magazine, so when I was asked to take over this column, my first thought was, what a hard act to follow! But now that Elaine, busy person that she is already, is a model, actress and Branch Leader of the Groomsport Mother’s Union, even she had to admit that something had to give!

On the subject of busy people, didn’t the church decorations for Harvest look absolutely stunning! Looking at them made me think of everyone who had contributed to putting them up, as well as those who would dismantle them after the Harvest services and then take the produce to those who are housebound in the parish.

I must say that walking into the exquisitely decorated church on Harvest Sunday evening completely took my breath away. Just at that moment a shaft of sunlight beamed over all those floral tributes in rich golds and coppers; and the church seemed to glow in welcome for parishioners and our friends from the Presbyterian Church further down the road. I was reminded of the lovely hymn chosen for Mission 2015: “Be

still for the presence of the Lord is moving in this place.”

However in that moment of stillness, it was clear that behind all this glory was a lot of effort and commitment, as shown by recent parish events like the very successful recent fashion show amongst the full schedule of events and activities this year. In order to run this programme there

has been so much hard work, organisation and most of all a fantastic spirit of teamwork.

So just after the Harvest Evening Service, when it was suggested that I might write a few words regularly for the magazine just as I was admiring the handiwork

of all the volunteers who had made the church look so wonderful, I absolutely could not say no. In that same feeling of teamwork, it seemed more than fair enough for another Blow In to take up the baton! And as this particular Blow In has an inability to remember anything at all unless it is written down, I think Elaine’s idea of investing in a notebook to jot things down is great idea. And actually remembering to write in it would be a good start!

CynthiaGroomsport Parish Church

by Cynthia Boyle

(ANOTHER)


Parishoners Profile - Final Part - Jenny & Peter Osborough

Game Parks, Tanzania, Suriname and the Churches we visited

GAME PARKS We drove ourselves through the Nairobi Game Park, Amboselli, Tsavo, and The Maasai Mara.. At that time there had been no rain and the Maasai were suffering because their cattle were dying and they had no milk or food. I made an appeal to local schools and filled Peter’s big estate car and drove to Kajiado with my father for company. I will never forget the warm but

restrained welcome from Julius. He was standing tall and elegant with his spear and loin cloth. He welcomed us and asked if I would like to meet his mother. I replied that I would be honoured to meet her. “Wait here!” said Julius and he bent down and crawled into the mud hut. He returned and said that his mother would be pleased to meet me. What a privilege to sit on the mud floor and express my pleasure at meeting her. She was coloking a pot of stew and the smoke was filling the hut and filtering up through a hole in the roof. It was another world entirely!

We made a big trip to the Serengeti and Maasai Mara and drove ourselves through the plains to

Ngorongoro Crater. We were in the middle of nowhere when Andrew said “I feel sick”. I opened the door and said “Hurry up and be sick as there is a herd of Buffalo approaching!”. When we reached the small hotel at the lip of the crater, Andre and Fiona refused to come into the dining room because they said the food smelt bad. It was and none of us ate!

I made friends with the children from Gertrude’s Garden Children’s Home. There were about 30-40 terminally ill boys and girls and I went every week to play with them. They always knew when to expect me and I arrived to “Jenny’s here!!!” and lots of big smiles. I brought balloons and colouring pencils and lots of hugs. Some of the children were lying in their beds and I enjoyed holding their little dry hands and singing to them. None of them spoke English but it isn’t necessary.

We left Kenya with great regret.

Peter & Jenny


Andrew, Bella & Fiona Bella & Fritz Washing in the Suriname River

May 1976 - Dec 1976

Tanzania and SurinamePETER; Our last posting in Africa was to Dar-es-Salaam. I was to carry out a special seven month assignment in the Tobacco Company which had been taken over by the Tanzanian Government. Prior to Independence, Dar-es-SaIaam had been a vibrant, well maintained city with good hotels and shops on a par with Nairobi. By 1976, however, it was very much run down and shops had little to offer. President Julius Nyerere’s Government had little idea how run the Country’s economy.

Our company house was magnificent and security was excellent as it was opposite the residence of the Vice-President of Tanzania. There was a rather poor golf course but an excellent yacht club. On Sundays we went to the Mission for Seamen’s Church and lunch was served afterwards round the swimming pool! On Sundays cars were banned from 2pm until Monday morning as there was a petrol shortage. Jenny left Dar in mid-November due to ill health; which subsequently was diagnosed as Coeliac Disease. Fiona and I followed in early December and, after a few days in London, we left for Suriname, in South America. Andrew joining us for the Christmas holiday break from school. We had to leave our darling golden Labrador Brutus behind. He was too old to transport, but he ended his life up in the lovely hills in Kenya with an Irish teacher. He sat beside Sheelagh in class every day...and then went to sleep in her arms.

SURINAME. (formerly Dutch Guyana). Capital: PARAMARIBO where we lived.

PETER; Suriname is the middle of the three Guyanas on the N.E.part of South America between Venezuela and Brazil. Spanish, French, Dutch and British flags had flown over Suriname in the late 16th and 17th centuries

until in 1667 the Dutch took Suriname and gave Britain New Amsterdam (New York) in exchange! A measure of Home Rule was granted — 1950 and full independence in 1975.

My job was to bring the accounting systems up to date and train a Surinamer to take over within 3 or 4 years. My first task was successful and I thought I had succeeded with the second task until the trainee decided to resign just three months before he was due to take over from me, who then had to stay in Suriname for a further year!

JENNY: Suriname—a complete change from Africa. A well laid out “city”, PARAMARIBO with good roads and a few shops. We had to move house three times. Fiona went to the American School but the teachers found fault with her English spelling! There were a lot of American families based there because of the Aluminium Company of America (ALCOA) mining for bauxite. The families did not buy local meat so the company flew out American T-Bone Steaks! The Americans celebrated St Patrick’s Day in a BIG WAY. Garage floor painted green, Green beer, Green faces, Green food etc etc... The head of ALCOA was Len Jacob, a quiet, elegant and articulate American with Rita his French Canadian Wife. They entertained us one weekend on the Company’s large two-tier House Boat on Lake Afobaka, a man- made lake deep in the country. It was a family party with their 5 children and Andrew and Fiona and two boat men and their cook. We fished for Piranhas (man-eating fish!) and Peter had to take the hooks out of the Piranhas mouths. We slept overnight on the boat and this was one of our many highlights... ANOTHER WORLD....

Len and Rita’s Company house was a large, elegant old Dutch Mansion set in a beautiful


walled garden in the centre of the city by the river Suriname. Round the world sailors often came to Paramaribo to rest, re-fuel and refresh. There was nowhere else to escape to on that part of South America. Len and Rita entertained them all and so many of their friends of all races and creeds. Their house had high ceilings, Candelabras glorious Indian rugs, a grand piano on the terrace overlooking the pool and there were lots of people with great stories to tell... This was their company house. We employed Bella to help sweep the floors and do a little washing and Fritz to “tidy the garden”. Both were elderly and they worked slowly in between cups of tea, sandwiches and take-home food. Bella is still alive and we send her money every Christmas....We think dear Fritz must have passed on. He spoke no English but we laughed a lot. Bella made a doll dressed in Suriname Dress to give to Queen Juliana when she visited Paramaribo.

I joined a group of Church friends who were helping women with Leprosy to embroider table cloths and napkins to sell so they could earn money for their families. The women stayed out in the bush and did not come to see a Doctor early enough to be diagnosed and therefore they had lost a lot of their fingers and thumbs. I could not communicate with the women, but I helped them and washed the linen and ironed the pieces ready to be sold. When we left Suriname one of the ladies made a speech to say “thank you” and I hugged them all...

We had Bible Study with American friends and Peter and I asked permission if we could borrow the Dutch Reform Church to hold a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in English. They said yes and the Church was packed. It was a lovely thing to sing and pray in English and Andrew and Fiona helped with the readings.

Peter, Fiona and I joined the Dutch Ambassador’s wife, her English Nanny and two children to go up the river in a small canoe with monkeys jumping from tree to tree over our heads. We were heading towards the open sea and planned to camp on a small sand bank. We were helped

out of the canoe over stones to the sand bank which was narrow and fairly long. There was a wooden hut where we stayed overnight. All of us together with the boat man and our guide we all “slept” together, what an amazing experience... When it got dark our guide led us outside, with torches and lots of mosquito cream. We were bitten through all our clothing but seeing the giant leatherback turtles lumbering out of the sea (from West Africa) to crawl up above the waterline to lay their eggs was an experience we shall never forget. The female turtles lumbered back in to the sea exhausted. Next day we got up early and saw some baby turtles emerging from the sand (they must have been laid earlier) and running into the sea. The Gulls were circling overhead and we tried to chase them away so they had a chance to live. We were so hot so we all jumped into the sea up to our knees. Peter shouted “EVERYONE OUT.” there was a shark swimming very quickly towards us only 50 yards away!

After nearly five years in Suriname Peter did a deal with British American Tobacco Company and took a very early retirement after 25 years with the company and we returned home to Groomsport in August 1981

What an exciting, dangerous, interesting and varied life we have had abroad and met so may lovely people out in the bush, in hospitals, lying on the streets and in beautiful homes.

We hope you have enjoyed our stories!

Peter & Jenny

Leatherback Turtle Canoeing up the creek

Groomsport Parish ChurchPage 19 Groomsport Parish Church

I was walking down life’s highway a long time ago.

One day, I saw a sign that read “Heaven’s Grocery Store”,

As I go a little closer, the door came open wide

And when I came to myself, I was standing inside.

I saw a host of ANGLES. There were standing everywhere.

One handed me a basket and said; “My child shop with care”.

Everything a Christian needed was in the Grocery Store,

And all you couldn’t carry, you could come back the next day for more.

First I got some PATIENCE, LOVE was in the same row,

Further down was UNDERSTANDING, you need that everywhere you go.

I got a box or two of WISDOM, a bag or two of FAITH.

I couldn’t miss the HOLY GHOST for it was all over the place.

I stopped to get some STRENGTH and COURAGE to help me run this race.

By then my basked was getting full, but I remembered some GRACE.

I didn’t forget SALVATION for SALVATION is free,

so I tried to get enough to save both you and me.

Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill,

For I thought I had everything to do my MASTER’S will.

As I went up the aisle I saw PRAYER and Ijust had to put that in,

For I know when I stepped outside, I would run right into sin.

PEACE and JOY were plentiful, they were on the last shelf.

SONG and PRAISES were hanging near so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the Angel, “Now, how much do I owe?”

He just smiled and said “Just take them everywhere you go”.

Again, i said, “How much do I really owe?”

He smiled again and said:

“MY CHILD, JESUS PAID YOUR BILL A LONG, LONG TIME AGO!”

Heaven’s Grocery Store

DOG

When God had made the earth and sky,

the flowers and the trees.

He then made all the animals,

the fish, the birds and bees.

And when at last he’d finished

not one was quite the same,

He said “ I’ll walk this world of mine

and give each one a name”.

And so He travelled far and wide

and everywhere He went,

a little creature followed Him

until it’s strength was spent.

When all were named upon the earth

and in the sky and sea

the little creature said “Dear Lord

there’s not one left for me”.

Kindly the Father said to him

“I’ve left you to the end,

I’ve turned my own name back to front

and called you dog, my friend”.

Supplied by Colin Crozier

A Personal Reflection

I wonder if we have lost our sense of poverty in the Christian life.

The grand new buildings erected by church congregations across Bangor and

elsewhere causes me to reflect.

Our Lord was an itinerant Rabbi. He welcomed the company of the poor, the

rejected, the marginalised. He blessed the humble and forgave the repentant.

He castigated the religious establishment of the day and physically ejected

those who misused His Father’s Temple in Jerusalem. He warned of the spiritual

dangers facing the wealthy, the proud and the self-satisfied.

He died penniless. His few ragged processions were divided among his killers.

He left no edifice to his memory or church building for His followers. Rather he

called on them, as he does on us, to live lives grounded in Love, service and self-

sacrifice. To take up our Cross and follow. To rely on Him and Him alone.

What would this same Christ make of our modern-day temples? Is He pleased

with what they indicate about our spiritual priorities as Christian people? Or does

He grieve that we, like the rich young ruler, are unwilling to give up the glitter and

material success of a world so much in need of His Gospel of God’s Love?

I wonder.Anon Parishioner.


Letters


In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:To you from failing hands we throwThe torch; be yours to hold it high.If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies growIn Flanders fields.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, 1915

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lest we forget - groomsport parish church

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