ALL SAINTS' COLESHILL VILLAGE NEWSLETTER No. 83
March 1975
THE PASTORAL LETTER
My Dear Friends,
It is no accident that Easter is a Spring Festival and that we proclaim
the resurrection to life at the same time that we celebrate the rebirth of the
land. There is a harmony in our universe, and a rhythm of seasons, winter and
spring, seedtime and harvest; an awareness that there must be in human life, a
kind of dying before there can be the possibility of new life. That is the way
St. Paul uses the imagery of nature to describe resurrection - "the seed you sow
does not come to life until it has first died". Or as an English poet wrote?
See the land her Easter keeping
Rising in her Maker rose . . . . .
Seeds no long in darkness sleeping
Burst anew from winter snows.
Resurrection is both cosmic and intimately personal. The renewal of the
earth witnesses to the power of life over death, and it is also possible to
discern the resurrection within people. For resurrection is not just the promise
of new life in the future, it is seizing and being seized by new life now. The
hearts of some of those who have been touched by the resurrection are lighter
than other men's hearts5 they have a confidence about them born of the knowledge
that suffering leads to joy, that hope can never be quenched, that life is full
of unlimited possibilities.
So at Eastertide, we celebrate our re-birth into a world that is fresh and
invigorating. We are aware that there will continue to be for ourselves and for
others, dark nights of the soul, moments in which we feel deserted by our friends
and our talents, periods when we are bewildered by the apparent silence, _absence
or ambiguity of God in our world. Yet we at all times have the assurance that in
Jesus all things are made new.
What is our response to be? Perhaps the exaltant proclamation of IVulf;
0 my sisters, 0 my brothers
It is a fine and joyous thing to be
It is a fine and very fine thing to be all as one
It is a joyous living thing to be one with place and
sea and sky and growing living things
And all of them and us together, living breathing laughter
Richard Elliott
HOLY BAPTISM
On February 9th Mark Antony, son of Mr. and Mrs." E. DickihsorT"'"
(nee Marilyn Jerram)
III MMORIAM
John ¥and-Tetley.
The village was saddened to hear of the death on December 28th of
John Wand-Tetley of Bowers Farm. "Dr. John" as he was known to his many friends
was an extraordinarily talented nan. He was educated at Marlborough, Cambridge
and ,at. Barts,..and combined medicine with a career as an artist. He was consultant
physician, at Edgware and University College hospitals, a'sensitive painter and:
poel;., .an.d.he took •&, .delight in. his home and garden. He will be remembered by all
who knew him as a man of great energy, intellectual clarity, keen wit and .
refreshing humour. •
Henry Herbert Aldridge
Another well known and much liked character has left us. Henry Herbert
Aldridge died on March 6th at the age of 78»
As a boy he sang in-the choir and often blew the .organ. Under -age, he joined
the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry and was discharged in--1.91-6 from war. wounds. He
was .married and lived in Nightingales fron .February 1-933° After. 40 years with
the Gas"Company he retired in 1962 and .then devoted himself to his garden with'
wonderful results as he was a frequent winner for vegetables at the Horticultural
Show.. In addition he was a great animal and bird lover and always-had some tame
blackbirds in his garden. For years, he tended the path across the common, to
the benefit of all concerned. . : * * •* * * * * *
Sincerest sympathies are extended to Mrs. Aldridge and to Mrs. \Yand-Tetley.
Steuart Sow - - . - , . .
We much regret that in the last number the name of the -late Steuart Gow
should have been shown as Steuart Murray Gow and not as stated therein.
ALL SAINTS' CHURCH COMMITTEE A.G.'M. • • .. . •
The Annual General Meeting was held in the School on Tuesday, January 28th
at 8.30 p.EI.
Mr. Nigel Nicholls was re-elected. Churchwarden.. Mr. David Powell-Price, who
has served as Churchwarden for a number of years, was unable to stand for
re-election in view of the:fact that he will be leaving Coleshill in mid-August
to take up his appointment as Headmaster of Granville College near Bideford, one
of the eleven Wobdard. Foundation Church Schools. Mr. John Chenevix-Trench was
nominated and elected Churchwarden in his place. Other Church officers were
confirmed in office with the addition of Mr. B.C. Urry as sidesman.
AN ARTICLE BY RICHARD ELLIOTT (Written by Special Request)
One of the more depressing features of modern life has been the disruption,
and in some places the disappearance of, the experience of community. In our era
of rapid industrialisation, when quality of life has been sacrificed to means of
production, too little thought has been given to the way in which people live
together. The former slums of our great cities have been rebuilt, with the best
of intentions, into concrete and glass jungles. The most advanced social work
techniques and a highly developed welfare state tend to minister only to symptoms.
The real problems faced by newly planned "communities" as well as some of the
more established ones - insularity, violence and apathy are increasing rather than
decreasing.
In the face of this disintegration of community in which it is no longer
possible for people to enjoy face-to-face relationships, and in which it is more
important to be able to relate to impersonal structures - employment, housing etc.
- rather than to persons, there have grown up a number of techniques which can be
used to promote or to restore a sense of community. These techniques are
collectively known as "community work" but include at least five different
disciplines - community organization, community action, community development,
community relations and community education.
One writer has identified 94 usages of the word "community" and I imagine
there are at least 94»000 definitions of "community work". Every fieldworker
tends to have his own! Any community worker however has two aspects to his work,
no matter which set of techniques he chooses to employ; firstly the worker helps
a community to identify and to articulate its real needs; and secondly, he
encourages the community to make use of the resources it possesses to meet those
needs. Of primary importance to community work is the recognition that decisions
which are imposed upon people are nearly always dehumanising; people have to be
encouraged to participate in the decision-making processes of a democratic society.
So my own definition of community work would be something like this2
"Community Work aims to stimulate change so that, within a supportive web of
relationships, people are liberated both to develop their individual potential,
and as a group to become so competent in the use of resources and power that
they are able not just to control but also to create the environment within which
they must live". And these ainis I believe to be in essence, theological statements.
The theological implications are not at all obvious, but they are these.
The only model that we have of fulfilled human potential, or of maturity, is as
St. Paul points out, the man Jesus. And in his ministry Jesus v/as quite clear
about two things? firstly he emphasised that structures should serve people rather
than people be enslaved to structures ("The Sabbath was made for man, not man for
the Sabbath")5 and secondly, he always thrust people's questionings back upon
themselves, made them wrestle with the problems and take responsibility for the
answers. He did not make decisions for people.
So then, I see the Church both as standing in a particular relationship to
community (in Coleshill, as in the mediaeval village, Church, pub and school
stand at the centre of the village), and having particular insights to offer
the development of community vrork.
In the mediaeval parish the church building 'was used for a wide range
of community activities, in addition to regular worship. The Reformation
Tradition, however, allied with evangelical convictions and Victorian attitudes
made people feel that it was not right to have so-called "non-religious"
activities in churches, and the Church's whole attitude to society changed
as a result. It then became important to encourage people away from other
activities (into'which;the Church had forced them by closing its doors) into
the worshipping'-family. And more and more -the'fellowship of the Church
developed independently from the life of the community around it, until in
some inner city areas we are left today with tiny congregations which have
neither interest in, nor commitment to, their wider community.
If, however, a priest or pastor is 'able to see his ministry other than •
in terms of being loader -of a congregation, he is, by being responsible for
a considerable amount of plant strategically placed in the midst of a community,
by living in that community himself, and by being paid, to be free to minister
to people, the ideal community worker. Today an increasing number of clergy
are seeking training in community work skills and by combining pastoral
ministry to the congregation with more general community work, are again
making their church buildings centres of community life and renewal.
This is the context of my work with the' British Council of Churches. My
"parish" is the entire country and my task is to act as consultant to
individual churches or dioceses or districts wanting to make use of community
work insights, and to advise individuals about the availability of training.
I also lecture in Universities and theological colleges introducing students,
especially theological students, to some of these concepts. And I am
responsible for the evaluation and development of some two hundred projects
which the British Council of Churches has totally or partially financed.
These projects include community centres, youth clubs,. nursery schools,
accommodation for homeless youngsters, welfare and advisory services,
language and literacy schemes, and a wide range of other initiatives by.
community groups which are committed to social change and the emergence of
a renewed sense of community.
ANOTHER RECITAL BY TWO WELL KNOWN ARTISTES
On the 20th December a recital was given by Miss Patricia Scanlon,
mezzo soprano, and Mr. Ralph Davier, organist.
Both artistes enjoyed playing to a 'full house', particularly since they
gave a very successful recital the previous year.
Miss Scanlon gave thirteen songs which she presented with a sound
knowledge of the composer's intentions in each case. Although her voice
was not quite back to normal after a recent illness, her interpretation of
Titherington1s Sheiling Song was superb and her mezza-voce and pianissimo
singing was exquisitely rendered in songs by Vaughan Williams, 'Tarlock and
Howells.
Mr. Davier did not exactly display as much of his talent as we could
have expected but his Toccata and Fugue in D minor from last year showed once
more that he is a supremely capable and accomplished organist. Despite the
sparseness of his contribution, the evening was enjoyed by all present.
As a result of the generous gesture by the two artistes, a donation of
£79•50 was made to the Church Fabric Fund.
A»L. I!»
THE CHAPEL
On behalf of the fellowship at the Baptist Chapel, we would like to
thank all those of the village who have shown a concern for the future of
the Chapel, also those who have kindly offered to help in any way they could.
We could, if we so desired, take the matter to Court and there is no
doubt the result would have been in our favour and the Chapel would remain
as it always ha's been, a place of worship. However as a company of believing
Christians, we committed our way to the Lord (Proverbs Chapter 3, 5 & 6) and
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, have reached a unanimous decision to
vacate the Chapel some time during May.
On one hand it is with regret and sadness that we have to do this, but
on the other it is with rejoicing because we know that He who has guided our
paths so far will continue to do so in the future.
Once again, vie give you our thanks.
Jim and Pleasance Riley
1st COLESHILL GUIDE COMPANY ' """" """"""" """
On Sunday, 9~th February, our new Company Colours, the money for which
was kindly given us by I.B.M.' United Kingdom, were dedicated at All Saints
during the Service« We .were so pleased to have with us on this special
occasion, Mrs. Griffiths, our District Commissioner, Miss Dolletnore, long
connected with Coleshill Guiding, and so many Brownies, who we look forward
to becoming Guides in the future. Afterwards we had a small party for Mothers,
friends and Guides at Grove Mill.
On Sunday, 23rd February we attended the District Thinking Day service
at the Free Church in Amersham, and this year our Colours were carried up the
aisle in company with all the others. Thinking Day is the birthday of both
the late Lord Baden-Powell and his wife Olive, Lady Baden-Powell, Chief Guide
of the World. On this day we think of the World family of Guides, pray for
them and wish then a Guiding Happy Birthday.
Our joint Coffee Evening with the .Brownies in December was a great
success and we made £27-71 for the Save The Children Fund, this fund also
benefitted by some of the Guides carol singing round the village. Many thanks
to everyone for their kind support.. We also went carol singing with Brownies
and parents to Coleshill House.
We continue to hold our meetings in the Village Hall entirely due to
the generosity of Miss Williams, who bears half the cost, which doubled in
price on the 1st February. We are most grateful to her.
This term Wendy Williams has gained her Stitchery badge and Rachel Wege
her Craft badge,
We still need an assistant Guider, preferably someone who likes to camp.
Guides are friendly and have fun, it is not a daunting occupation and there
are plenty of helping hands, so please can we have a response.
Next term starts on 21st April.
E.J.M.C.
BROWNIE NOTES .'
We started this term on the 13th January with 3 new recruits also
another one who joined us on the 3rd February, and with two Brownies having
left us, we now number 22. We have a waiting list of under age girls but
we can accommodate 2 girls over 7 years, if anyone wishes to join us.
Zoe Horsbrugh-Porter, Susie Williams and Kate Blunt passed their Music
Badges at the beginning of the year. Sally Lee and Kay Speller attained their
Cook's Badges. Lois Plumridge received her Pony Badge on the 6th February and
my daughter Judith her Craft Badge on the 10th February. More badges are in
the offing so you can see we are still quite busy
Vile are very grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Bowler who have paid for our
Brownie Magazine (which is shared by the Pack) up to the end of last year.
This kind deed is very much appreciated.
The last meeting this tern is on the 24th March. Next tern re-opens
on the 21st April.
N.B. Some Brownies attended the Annual Thinking Day Service in Amersham on
February 23rd. We hope that the majority of our Brownies will attend
Coleshill Church on Mothering Sunday, March 9th.
A.J.R.
CCLESHILL CLUB
Our December meeting proved most festive and cheerful. A delicious
tea was provided by our many generous friends, and the occasion took on a
party atmosphere with entertainments from Mrs. Kay Ware, the Missenden Club
Choir and Mr. Jack Emblow and two of his musical friends. Our sincere
thanks go to everyone who helped to make the afternoon so successful.
An instructive and cautionary talk was given at our January meeting
by P.C= Bruce Riley. He described the many dangers and risks that are
present in our everyday life and emphasised the importance of asking for
police help when in doubt.
Scenes that were familiar to many of us appeared on the screen when
Mr. Martin of Marlow gave us an illustrated lecture at our February meeting.
He took us down the Thames from the source to Teddington Lock.
In May, we are hoping to hold a Cake and Produce Stall by the pond
to raise funds.
M.17.
SCHOOL CONCERT
On Monday, 16th December 1974, the children of Coleshill C.E. First
School entertained over 100 friends and relations at their Christmas Concert.
The highlight of the evening was the youngest children's version of
"The House that Jack Built". In appropriate costumes they brought the old
jingle to life in a captivating and exciting way, so much so that by.popular
requests it was repeated.
The older children led the singing of "The Twelve Days of Christmas"
with illustrations, and the "Warwickshire Keeper.
The final item of this varied programme was a short play about the first
Christinas, followed by the Hymn "0 Come All Ye Faithful". A collection raised
£7 for the Christmas party and school funds. The party was on the following
Wednesday when, after an excellent tea and many games, each child received a
present, a balloon, a chocolate bell and an orange. The latter was generously
given by Mr. Bowler. 7
" DO YOU KNOT;/? '
(1) That there is an excellent monthly Oxford Diocesan Magazine at the
back of the Church which you can borrow and road?
(2) That there is a paper 'lletworki; which can also be borrowed v;hich
gives you news of work going on nil.over the world?
(3) That twenty-two cot blankets and forty five books of Green Shield
stamps have been collected for the work at Magila since January 1974?
(4) That four Irrgc parcels of used postage stanps have; been collected
in the same period, three for Cancer Research and one for the Blue Peter
Special Appeal?
Very many thanks to all concerned
CAROL SINGING
I would like to thank the- carol-singers who joined me on the tour of
the Village at Christmas, and also those who contributed to our collection.
We raised £30, which has been divided between the Church Fabric Fund and
Save the Children Fund.
Penny Veedon
THANKS
Mrs. Pusey wishes to thank most sincerely all those who sent sympathy
and best wishes in connection with her husband Mr» Douglas Pusey's recent
severe accident. He returned homo on the 4^ March and is making good progress.
MAN-MADE CAKE COMPETITION
Again the nan made cake competition organised by Mr. Mount.!or .of the
"Red Lion'1 on the Sunday before Christmas was an outstanding success.
Owing to thn blandishments of Mr. Ruperti, as honorary auctioneer.,
some cakes realised £30 or mere. Then there was a Taffle and the total
proceeds amounted to £215 - n record - which was sent to the Princess Marina
Centre for Spas tics at Seer Green .which was gratefully acknowledged.
'.70MM'S DAY OF PRAYER
The Service for the Women's T.7orld Day of Prayer was held as usual on the
first Friday in March. Mrs. P. Riley gave an address on the theme "Become
Perfectly One" and members of the congregation led the readings.
The collection of £8..45 v&s sent to H.Q. who allocate their total for the
spread1 of Bible literature throughout the world.
Date of the next 'women's T.7orld _Day of Prayer Service -.March 5th 1976.
8
SPECIAL EVENTS
ST MARY1 S
March
Tues 18th
Sun 23rd
April
Pri 4th
Pri 11th
May
To be arranged;
Sat 17th)
Sun 18th)
July
Sat 12th
Illustrated lecture in the Church, "Bucks Church Treasures" by
Mr. Elliott Viney, D.S.O., M.B.E., T.D., D.L. , F.S.A. 8.00 p.a.
Palm Sunday, Organ Recital by I an Hooker, G.R.S.M., A.R.C.M.
3.00 p.m.
In the Town Hall - an evening1 s Entertainment arranged by
Mrs. Almond. 8.00 p.m.
Sherry Party and Bring and Buy Sale at the home of Mrs. Coldwell,
62 High Street. 11.45 a.m.
Harpsichord Concert in Church arranged by Mr. Knight.
Gardens open at "oodrow House from 2.00 p.m.
ALL SAINTS'
March
Thurs 20th
April
Pri 11 th
Garden Pete at the home of Mr. and Mrs. C.\7. Goodwyn,
Hinton House, 132 High Street.
Bring and Buy Sale at "Dewpond", Village Road. 10.30 - 12.30
Coffee & Biscuitss 15p« In aid of the new fence for the Parsonage.
A SPRING FESTIVAL - The description of an event to be held on the
evening of Friday, April 11th, at 8.30 p.m. in All Saints' Church.
It is an evening in which people are using their talents to
celebrate the themes of springtime. In addition to individual
items, there will be major contributions from the Coleshill
Village Drama Group and from All Saints' Church Choir. A warm
invitation is extended to all. The tickets will be available from
Mrs. Chenevix-Trench and Mrs, Elizabeth Harvey.
June
Sat 14th CHURCH FETE
OTHER EVENTS
March Thurs 20th
ffed 26th
Thurs 2?th
Pri 28th
Sun 30th
Mobile Library Van, Coleshill
'7.1. Group Meeting, Village Hall,
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
EASTER DAY
April Thurs 3rd Mobile Library Van, Coleshill
Thurs 10th \7.I. "Prom Ballet and Bedpans to the ",7orld of Books".
Mrs. Christine Pagg.
Thurs 17th Mobile Library Van, Coleshill
Tues 29th Village Hall A.G.M. Village Hall 8.15 p.m.
May Thurs 1st Mobile Library Van, Coleshill
Thurs 8th Ascension Day
Thurs 8th ',7.1. Mrs. Sunley VoC.O. - Albert Hall Resolutions
Thurs 15th & 29th Mobile Library Van, Coleshill
Sun 18th WHITSUNDAY 9
HIEjvJnsH o? AMERSHAM WITH _C_QLESHILL
Rectors The Reverend Allan Campbell M.A. (Cantab)
.. Beaumont.; Ecrvines Road, Amershan (Tel. 7135)
The Parish Office is nor; in the Pnrish Church .of.
St. Mary's Worth Side.
Sjt. J;IARY; S JPARISH CHURCH, AMERSIIAH
Sunday Services 8.00'a.m.
10,00 a.m.
6,00 p.n
Each v/e-clnesday 10.00 n.n
Holy Conrmnion
Children's Service - 1st Sunday in the month
this service is Holy Communion, Series III
11.00 a.ra. Matins (plus Holy Communion on 3rd Sunday)
Evensong
Holy Communion
Arrangements for Jipj-^JJIeekj^ncL-^SSi^.
March 27th Maundy Thursday 8,00 p.m. Holy Communion
March 28th Good Friday 11.00 a.m. Ante Communion & Litany
2.00 - 3.00 p.m. Service of Devotion
March 30th EASTER LAY 11.00 ' Choral Eucharist
6.00 Choral Evensong
ALL SAINT'S COLESHILL - '
Sunday Services 9-30 a.m. Parish Communion
10.45 n.n. Sv.nday Gqhool .-.•.'..
6.00 p.m. • Evensong (First Sunday only)
Arr_an_&cmcirbS__for, jloly T/e ek & Eastcr
March 27th Maundy Thursday 8.00 p.m.' Commemoration of the Holy Communion
and Stripping the Altar
March 28th Good Friday 11.00 a'.m. Matins and Devotions
March 30th FASTER LAY ' J.30 a.m. Parish Communion
St ANDREW'S MI.S_S.I^IJ^I^jCJH_j.^ncMo.xic..IIill_
2nd and /j~th Sundays 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Assistant Curates
Pro-ClTarchvarccns
Hon. Treasurer'
Hon. Secretary; .
Brov^nies s
Guides'.
Choir:
Mothers' Union
Michael Elliott M.Div The Parsonage
N.1T, HichollG > Orchard House
J.J.G. Chcnovix-Trench
Windmill Farm
A.1I.V. Panton, Wallers Oak
Mrs,. J, Dryden, 1/1 Woodside Close
Amersham
, Coleshill
(Tel- 4229)
(Tels 5734)
(Tel:: 5439)
(Tels 6103).
(Tels 3449)
- - 6.45 p.n.
•- 8.00 p.m.
'Monday Evenings in the Hall at 5.30 p.m.
Monday Evenings in the Hall at 6.45 p.m..
Thursday Evenings .in Church at 7'00 p.m.
3rd Thursday afternoon of every month at 2.30 p.m..
