ALL SAINTS COIESHILL YILLA&E I^//SL3TTER No. 21
November 1967
THE REVEBMD W»_L. HOLDER
Mr. Holder has written to the Bishop resigning his office at Coleshill
as fron 30th November next.
Through the good offices of the Bishop, the Pensions Board has agreed
to give Mr. Holder a full pension starting on December 1st, together with
a grant to cover the loss of the State pension for which he does not
qualify.
He and Mrs. Holder have "been offered accommodation in one of the
Homes for retired Clergy, but they have refused it, saying they wish to
find a hone of their own.
We will ciiss them both very much. We thank them for their work
among us and wish them good health and G-od Speed.
Allan Campbell. Rector.
PASTORAL LETTER
My Dear Friends,
This is my last letter to all of you and it is a letter I will not :
find easy to write. "Hail and Farewell" may well be its short title. For
it was only the other day when I first came among you (May 1962) as your
Priest from India and met you all at the Church Fete that was held at
Windmill House, Coleshill. What struck me most of all was the excellent
team work displayed by all of you. The fetching and pitching of the tents
and the arrangements of the stalls - and then the introductions to the
workers and others. Many were the mistakes made by me in fitting tine
correct names and faces together. The children of our school also had a
part that afternoon and I thought them very beautiful.
But this stage of strangeness soon passed and I have enjoyed every
minute of ay Ministry with you. The general visiting and meeting you all
as a congregation at worship and at occasional offices like Baptisms and
Marriages; preparing children for Confirmation - (I was indeed surprised
at the very small number that come each year). But I have been here long
enough to see the fidelity of some, at least, in the regularity of your
Comoinion; and there were the solemn services at the gravesides and meeting
the sorrowing ones.
I was very happy in all this work, but the work I loved best of all
was that of the Priest in the Hospital. The bedside Communion services
could never hurry over and I was invariably the last of the three curates
to leave the wards. In the Hospital, too, I made many friends among the
dcuiors, nurses and pahieircs. There was not; a great number of
sick people in Coleshill at any one tine. Those to whom I took the
Sacrament regularly were living in the two Homes in Coleshill - Coleshill
House and Rushymead. 3ut essentially I was drawn to ny Ministry
among the sick in Hospital and it was my privilege to minister to them.
But the services in Church v.ore,on the whole, well attended by
English standards, Since the Parish Communion was made the main service
in our Sunday worship our numbers have increased appreciably.
The Church Committee kindly installed an oil fired system of central
heating in the Parsonage which has proved a great boon. I realised
this fully when in March, 1966 the doctors realised that I had to face
a major abdominal operation. My friend, Mr. Lovelock-Jones, chief surgeon
at Amersham, did the operation and in October it was necessary to
operate again. I underwent a further operation by Mr. Griffiths, the
well known urosurgeon at Mount Vernon Hospital, in December 1966. As
can be imagined, after three major operations in so short a period of
time, my physical condition has not responded very speedily. Many were
the letters and tokens of love of all you dear people. But despite the
care of the doctors and nursing staff, I have not recovered my strength
to date, though I have, thanks to the consideration of the Rector of
,Amersham, recovered sufficiently to take the services in Church. I am
conscious that a younger man as iriest of Coleshill would be a more
'suitable arrangement.
The Bishop of Buckingham has su{jtjested that I should resign for the •
sake of my health and of the work of G-od in Coleshill. I have done what
I could and have hearkened to his .jood advice and from 30th November I
shall be a retired clergyman.
I should like to thank all of you, my friends, for all you have
been to me during these years. The doctor assures me that I shall even-*
tually recover my health, but in the meantime I must commend you all to
a younger Priest who will, under G-od's guidance, lead you further along
the way.
I must thank the Rector for his understanding and sympathy in my
long illness, the Churchwardens and all the members of the P.C.C. for
help ungrudgingly given, the several members of the congregation for
taking me around in their cars to some of my appointments; a special
"thank you" to Miss Williams and l.'Lss Baxter. These two ladies, no longer
young, have inspired me with their Christian witness and wisdom;
and I must say thank you, too, to Mrs. Jean Pusey, Lorna,"her daughter
and Wendy Weller for caring for oar Kindergarten Sunday School, which
has grown considerably; and lastly, a word of thanks to Mr. John Y/ard,
our organist. The most effective way of thanking is for at least two
ladies and two gentlenen (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) reinforcing cur
small choir. ¥e vd.sh to do sone anthems and settings, but with our present
choir strength it is very hard going for the few. Anyone willing is
invited to contact the organist or me after service.
I ciust nake it clear that the Bishop of Buckinghan has secured for
ne an adequate pension from the Church of England Pensions Board, but we
shall still need a house to live in. We have a little saved with which we
hope to be able to buy a snail house.
Evensong on our Patronal Festival will be ny last aajor service, although
I shall be responsible for all the services in November.
And so I conclude the caption with which I began this letter, "Farewell"
. May &od be with you all and grant you His peace.
"After the sun, the rain,
After the rain, the sun,
This is the way of life
Till the work be done.
All that we need to clo
Be we low or high
Is to see that we grow
Nearer the sky.
With jauch love and prayers fron your friend
Willian L. Holder
Priest-in-Charge, Coleshill
The pro-Churchwardens, nenbers of the Church Committee and Parishioners
join with the Rector in extending God's speed to Mr. and Mrs. Holder.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
5?he Sunday'School of All Saints Church wish to acknowledge with grateful
thanks the anonymous gift of ten pounds given for the exclusive use of
the Sunday school. This is a very welcome gift which we nay use to improve
the appearance of the children's furniture in the nave.
Fuller details will be published in a later Newsletter.
FATRGKAL_, P5ST CVjL^'.'SDKSSDAY, 1st NOVEMBER
Our Patronal Festival will be celebrated by Holy Communion at
9.30a.m. and by Evensong ab 7.30p.n. followed by a short Concert by
young people and light refreshments in the Village hall. It is hoped
that as many parishioners as possible will attend.
The Church will be decorated for the festival on the afternoon
of the previous day, Tuesday, when the assistance of as many helpers
as possible will be appreciated. G-ifts of flowers for the Church or
cakes for the refreshments, or donations are sought. Flowers should
be brought to the Church oa the morning of Tuesday, October 31st, and
refreshments should be senb to Miss ¥illians, Miss Boston, Mrs. Harris
or Mrs. Ovington.
iJOYAL^OCC^ION
by Lorna Pusey
By now nost of you will have read the report in the local paper
of the Official Opening of Brudenell County Secondary School by the
Duchess of Kent. If so, y;m will know that I had the great honour
of being presented, but above all, was in the enviable position of
taking tea with Her Royal Highness. The Press has gone into a full
report, which leaves me with very little to add apart from my personal
summing-up.
We were all very excited and pretty nervous over the prospect of
meeting the Duchess. However, I had. ny opening speech learnt by
heart. Imagine my surpriss, therefore, when I heard the Duchess say
how pleased she was to taka tea with us - the very words I had planned
on using myself. She was so friendly and so charming that I soon
overcame my embarrassment and we all liaC a very enjoyable tea party.
jjQCAL SUCCESS
Deferred congratulations are extended to Jill Ruperti upon
obtaining passes at '0' le/el G-.C.E. in English and Art and passes
in five subjects in C.S.E..
Tp NSW SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION
The new form, of service for Holy Communion has now been issued.
It is authorised for experimental use in the Church of England for a
period not exceeding four years from ?th July 19^7, but can only be
used with the agreement of the Parochial Church Council.
The revisers have tried to put the service into a more logical
sequence. It now takes the following form:
(1) The Antecoamunion or Preface
(a) The Introduction - prayers, and the Ten Commandments or alternatives
(b} The Ministry of the Ford - lessons, a sermon and the Creed
(c) Intercession - prayers
(2) The Communion
(a) The Preparation of the People - a general Confession, Absolution
and prayers
bj The Preparation of the Bread and Wine
c) The Thanksgiving
(d) The Breaking of the Bread
The Sharing of the Bread and Wine
Conclusion - prayers and the Blessing.
\^/H(f)
The use of certain defined sections is optional. Some archaic expressions
have been dropped or altered, but nuch of the beautiful language
of Shakespeare's tine has been retained.
The service is still the Eucharist or Thanksgiving for G-od' s bless:
ings.
PROPOSED NEW DIOCESE
Great interest has been aroused by the recommendation - put forward
unanimously by the Archbishop of Canterbury's Commission on the reorganisation
of the Church by dioceses in London and the South East - that the
Oxford diocese should be divided into three, based upon the boundaries
of Oxfordshire, Buckinghaashire and Berkshire, with cathedrals at Oxford,
Aylesbury (the present parish Church of St. Mary) and Reading (also the
parish Church of E/t. Mary in that town).
The present diocese of Oxford has the largest area in the South Sast;
the highest number of incumbencies (50^-), the fourth highest population,
viz. 1,415,000 in 196/4-, expected to be 1,900,000 by 1981. As long ago
as 1912, a diocesan conference passed a resolution calling for the threefold
division of the diocese, and in 1922 a committee reported the urgent
need of division to the Church Assembly. Nothing was done, and "we understand"
says the current report "that other Bishops since that time, have
felt overwhelmed by the burden of administering the diocese"0
The report will now b3 considered by the dioceses and their
recommendations will be placed "before the Church Assembly for a nea~c.
sure to be agreed and placsd before Parliament. It nay take anything
from three to five years bo implement the recommendations.
The Bishop of Oxford, Dr. E. Carpenter, proposes to introduce
the report to the Diocesan Conference on October 28th and to ask the
Conference to hold a speci;! meeting next April to discuss the whole
question.
The Diocesan Conference consists of three constituent authorities
namely; (l) the Bishop; (2) the Chamber of Clergy; and (3) the
Chamber of Laity, all meeting together in conference.
It is strange and somawhat alarming to think that a large and ..
important parish like Anershon has no representation on the Conference.
Neither the Rector nor Ilr. Holder are members, nor have we a
single representative from 3t. Mary's or All Saints',
GOg^&CHB
Everyone with a garden will appreciate the immense amount of
work involved in the maintenance of the Churchyard - mowing the grass,
cutting the hedges, planting ar. I weeding the borders and general
tidying up. This involves the Committee in considerable expense each
year, and in addition, reliance has to be placed upon the help of
those good people who bestovi? loving care upon the graves of departed
relatives and friends.
There are, however, a number of graves which receive no such att
ention and become unsightly when overgrown with weeds. In some
cases there are no living relatives who can be traced, but it is
thought that there may be others, living in the village or elsewhere,
who, for some reason or other, cannot tend the graves personally.
The Committee appeals to such persons to arrange for the graves to be
tended or make an annual contribution towards the cost of maintaining
the graves in which they are.interested. This is not the responsibility
of the Church, but the Church is prepared to help and advise
relatives if approached by them.
The hon. treasurer, Mr. G-. T. Creber, Applecroft, Meadowcot Lane
Coleshill, will be glad to hear from people who can help or who want
help in this matter.
AjrOimMY TO TANZANIA (2)
The pattern is similar in nedicine to that in England, although hen
the need for outside help is even gr.eater. I was told that there was
only one qualified African doctor in the whole of Tanzania although ther<
are excellent African medical assistants in charge of clinics. To remed;
this difficulty, the Lutheran Missionary Society has already raised one
million pounds to build a Medical College and is now raising another
million to equip it. A very strong team of American and G-ernan doctors
and Scientists is being gathered together as staff. At Magila, there is
a general and maternity hospital and a big nurses' Training school for
both men and women. Tifith the exception of two English Sisters in charge
at each Hospital, the staff, from Staff Nurse to probationer, is African
The wards in the Hospital are bright and airy and on each bed is a
blanket made from knitted squares and crochet, very necessary in the coo
nights of winter and Spring.
Before going to Africa, I was often asked what was the use of Missionary
work and whether it is necessary to continue supporting it. In
Africa, I thought much about these questions. I looked back at the
country some hundred years ago when intrepid little groups of people,
following Livingstone's lead, trekked inland through fever-ridden swamps
establishing tiny village schools and village dispensaries, showing by
their actions and teachings something of a &od of Love. To all intents
and purposes, there was no other help for the African people, victims oi
slave trade and forced labour gangs. And then today..... I went to a
small village high up in the mountains and found a flourishing school,
a well run Hospital and a beautiful small Church where, week by week,
people pray not only for their own needs, but for peace in Vietnam and
for comfort for the people of Abarfan.
I joined in worship at Magila with a large and devout African congregation
- a most moving experience - and I thought of the load of feaj
superstition and witchcraft which was being lifted from these people,
and how fortunate Tanzania is in having among its leaders today/aen who
mind spiritual things. The usefulness of Missions in the past is selfevident,
but what of today? The need is still there for Europeans who
are ready to work with, and not, as by right, over the Africans. Much
still needs doing in training native men and women to take over the
responsible posts in medicine, education and agriculture. The ministry
of the Church is passing more and more into the hands of native priests
and the congregations are expected to be self-supporting, but
these ministers have to be trainel and overseers are still needed.
All this costs money, and wherever 1 went I found urgent need for
financial help for work which is based on spiritual values and not
merely helping to make another welfare state.
But what of twenty years heuce? V/ho knows? Certainly not
many of those still working in the country. But if such help is no
longer needed it will be the greatest tribute to the wisdom, courage
and vision of those who worked and lived and died for the establishment
of an African nation and an African Church ready and capable,
not only of being responsible for itself, but equally ready to play
its part in establishing a better world for all.
M.¥.
JCALJLABOUT TAJTZAITIA
Miss Williams has kinlly agreed to give a short talk, illustrated
by slides, about her recen; visit to Tanzania and the work she saw
going on there.
By kind invitation of the Misses Boston, this will take place
at Wallers Oak on Tuesday, November 7th at 8.00p.m. and any parishion~v?<
ers who are interested will be welcome. There will be a plate for
small contributions for a Jhrist^as present for our protege, Peter,
CHJJCH 3U)\nZB._ ROTA
Tues. October 31. Preparation for Patronal Festival
Sun. November 5 Miss Boston
12 Miss Malyan
19 Mrs. Young
26 Mrs. McLatchie
WINE AND GH5ESE PARTY
On Friday, Noveaber lyth (not the 27th as shown erroneously in the
last number) the Committee of the Village Hall are holding a Wine and
Cheese party to raise funds for the Hall. During the evening there will
be a wine and cheese tasting conpetition.
Tickets will be 1/6& each and will include vouchers for three
glasses of wine.
The party will be held at the Village Hall and will connence at
8.00p.m. Tickets will be obtainable fron any member of the Committee
and also fron Mr. Bowler and Mr. Douthwaite.
BALLOONIN&
Mr. and Mrs. Shannon are now able to announce the result of the
Balloon race which, with Mr. and Mrs. North, they organised at the Churcl
Pete on July 8th.
Thirty cards in all were returned, of which 6 were from France and
the remainder from Engl .and, spread out in a straight line from Jordans
to Calais Harbour. The furthest card was bought by A. Kennedy of Chal- -
font St. Peter, to whom the £1 first prize has been sent. The finder
was Monsieur Jonet of Ham-les-Moines, Charleville-Mezieres and he found
the ballpon on July 9th, so it must have travelled at least 260 miles in
about 12 hours - an average of 22 m.p.h.. It was evidently in a hurry1.
ROYAL SOUTH BUCKS AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION
History was continued at Coleshill on October Zfth when the Royal
South Bucks Agricultural Association held their 124-th annual Ploughing
Match and Show at Ongar Hill Farm. Prizes were presented during the
afternoon and amongst the awards announced since the publication of the
last Newsletter were the following:
Ploughing Competition: Section 3 - Tractor drawn 3 or 4 furrow mounted
P ° * 1st. Hugh Jamieson, LuckLngs Farm
Best four acres of stubble, no clearing operations allowed:
1st. E.H.G-rindley, Luckings Farm
Best four acres of one year ley sown 1966:
3rd. E.H.&rindley, Luckings Farm.
The small W.I,, Drama jroup, founded t;TO years ago under the
leadership of Mrs, Elizabeth Harvey, has now successfully produced
two plays for the entertainnent of neubors. The last one "Beauty for
Sale" was repeated before m appreciative audience at the sherry party
given by the Village Hall Gonuittee last May.
The Group has now decided that the tine has cone to expand and
be a little nore ambitious in their productions. They extend a cordial
invitation to people /ho are interested, to join and help then.
Prospective nenbers should apply to Lirs. Elizabeth Harvey, 1 Amber
Cottages, Coleshill, and s iculd indicate whether they would like to
take part in the acting, production, stage lighting, nake-up, costunes,
play reading or baby sitting. Soae masculine help would be appreciated^
POETjiCOMIg_EVlMTS
Jumble Sale in aid of the Village Hall
Sisterhood. Speaker - Mrs. K. Bizley
PATBQNAL FESTIVAL 9.30a.m. Holy Conmunion
7.30p.n. Evensong followed by light
refreshments in the Village Hall
Church Committee 8.00p.m.
Baptist Chapal Sunday School Open Evening & Pria.egiving
Talk by Miss vTillions on Tanzania.Y7ajj.ers Qak 8p.m. *
Mobile Library Van - Coleshill
Remembrance )ay
Sisterhood. 3pen meeting arranged by Mrs. Chambers
Mothers Unioa
Wine & Cheese Party in aid of the Village Hall
Mobile Library Van - Coleshill
W.I. Christmis Bazaar
Sisterhood. Speaker to be arranged
Whist Drive in aid of the Village Hall
Fri. Oct
Tues.
Wed. Nov
Thurs
Fri
Tues
Thurs
Sun
Tues
Thurs
Fri.
Thurs
Sat
Tues
Fri. Dec
27
31
1
2
3
7
9
12
14
16
17
23
25
28
8
SERVICES
ALL M^fe_,_cgigsmLL THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. MARY
AMERSHAM v:ed. Nov 1. PATRONAL FESTIVAL / _^.
9.30 a.n. Holy Connur|ion S.OOa.n. Holy Connunion
7.30p.n. Evensong \
Every Sunday
9 . OOa. n« Parish- ^iSunion
lO.OOa.a; Sa^Say School
6.00p.n.: Evebsong
lO.OOa.a. Cljild^en's Church
11.00ayarT*lst,3r3>& 5th Sunday^
-Sxing Euc^rist
"2nd & 4th Sundays
- Mattins
6*t5op,n. Evensong
/
^ V
RECTOR: The Revd. Allan Canpbell,M.A..JP^l. Anershan.1135
PRIE3T-IN-CHARGE: RoVJ^TTirrffoldeiv^rhe Pars onage, C ole shill.
Tel: Anershan 722
PRO-CHURCHWARDEN: C. Saunders, Chapel Cottage, Coleshill
PRO-CHURCHWARDEN & HON.SECRETARY: N.N.Nicholls, Orchard House,
Coleshill.Tel: Anershan 1834
HON. TREASURER: G-.T.Creber, Applecroft, Meadowcot Lane, Coleshill
Tel: Anershan 3350
Published by All Saints Local" Church Connittee
THE REV3RENP W. L. HOLDER
As announced in the Newsletter, for reasons of health, the Reverend "W. L.
Holder has tendered his resignation fron his office in Coleshill, to take effect
from 30th Noveaber next.
We feel sure that parishioners will wish to show their appreciation of the
brave services which Mr. Holder has rendered whilst he has been with us since
May 1962, and a fund has been opened for that purpose.
Donations should be sent to either of the signatories to this appeal, to
the hon. treasurer, Mr. G-, T. Greber, Appleoroft, Meadowcroft Lane, Coleshill,
or to any nenber of the Coonittee.
A cheque will be presented to Mr. Holder on a suitable occasion and the
total will be posted in the porch. A list of the nanes of subscribers, without
nentioning individual donations, will be given to Mr. Holder.
Cyril Saunders
Nigel N. Nicholls
Pro-Churchwardens.
