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In August 2014 the world will mark the 100th anniversary of the
outbreak of the First World War. By the end of that war there
were
very few people in the countries that took part who remained
unaffected. Children grew up in the shadow of battle, their fathers
absent or lost. Women became directly involved, picking up the
pieces of industry and agriculture as the men went off to fight. By
1918, they too could join the army and serve their country.*
There will be different ways for Dorchester and places across
the land to mark the centenary — in town and villages, schools and
churches. When researching for the service at St Peter’s, I came
across a sermon by the Rector of Holy Trinity Church here in
Dorchester (then the Anglican Church), Revd H. Bowden-Smith, which
he preached on 23rd July 1916. I leave the reader to reflect on the
significance, if any, this may have in our own spiritual and
religious lives today, a century later and seemingly a world
ago...
In his address, Revd Bowden-Smith bemoaned that in Dorchester
religion seemed to be too easy. ‘There are so many churches,’ he
said, ‘We divide ourselves into different categories of high church
or low church or broad church, and criticise those who in outward
ceremonies and ritual differ from our own idea of faith.’
Then in a seamless connection, he spoke of a letter written to a
national newspaper from the Front in which the writer/soldiers
stated they now realised that it is wrong when the church is kept
too much a thing apart...”on Sunday, best clothes, and Tallis or
some such, all produced by the parson who is sometimes also a thing
apart… Now out here in the
trenches — on the Frontline – we have learned that religion and
parsons are much bettered outside the box in the simplicity and
reality of it all. We have met the Lord – a divine presence — as
never before, in early morning Communion under trees not a mile
behind the line in all our muck and grime; we have met Him in
informal services. Everyone is welcome; we don’t worry too much
about rubrics or Principal Services unless it is a formal
parade.”
Revd Bowden-Smith draws together beautifully by saying that in
hearing this missive from the trenches it brings home the simple
truth of the words written by John Oxenham (First World War
novelist & poet)**:
Credo Not what, but WHOM, I do believe,
That, in my darkest hour of need, Hath comfort that no mortal
creed
To mortal man may give;-- Not what, but WHOM!
For Christ is more than all the creeds, And His full life of
gentle deeds
Shall all the creeds outlive. Not what I do believe, but WHOM!
WHO walks beside me in the gloom? WHO shares the burden wearisome?
WHO all the dim way doth illume, And bids me look beyond the
tomb
The larger life to live?-- Not what I do believe, BUT WHOM!
*First World War Centenary project led by IWM **Pen-name WA
Dankerly (1852—1941). During WW1 his Hymns for Men at the Front
sold 8 million copies
The Altar of the World
Editor Margaret Morrissey OBE
9 Hessary Street, Poundbury Dorchester DT1 3SF
01305 250366 [email protected]
Advertising Manager Liz Green
7 Sydenham Way, Dorchester DT1 1DN
01305 269610 [email protected]
Production Editor Lucy Connelly
15 Came View Road Dorchester DT1 2AE
01305 751249 magazine@lucy—connelly.co.uk
Vicky
Thurtell
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Mothers’ Union Visitors and newcomers welcome
at all of our meetings.
Tuesday 1 July St. Peter’s MU meet at 2.15pm in the hall.Details
267724
Wednesday 9 July Dorcas MU Bible Study group meet at 10am at 10
Weatherbury Way. Sowing the Future Together: the Fruit of the
Spirit. Galatians 5: 22-26. Details 260259.
Thursday 10 July Dorcas MU meet at 6pm for a picnic followed by
a Quiet Evening led by Rev Jean Saddington at St. Simon & St.
Jude Church, Winterborne Monkton. Details 260259.
Tuesday 29 July Dorchester Deanery MU Wave of Prayer 10.30 –
11.30am. Venue TBA. See Pews News.
Tuesday 5 August All Mothers’ Union members & Diocesan
members are invited to 72 Mellstock Avenue at 2.15pm for a Bring
& Buy sale & afternoon tea, in recognition of Mary Sumner
Day, founder of Mothers’ Union. Details 263358.
Tuesday 2 September St. Peter’s MU meet at 2.15pm in the hall.
Rev Anita Thorne speaking and to lead Communion. Details
267724.
Dorchester Noticeboard? THE THURSDAY GROUP
PLEASE JOIN US - ALL WELCOME
The Thursday Group meet on Thursday 10th July for an outing to
the Wishing Well at Upwey. Cost of cream tea £4. Contact Vernon
Moffet for further information regarding availability of transport,
etc. Tel 259755
There will be no meeting in August.
Casterbridge Speakers Meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every
month 7.15pm — 9.30pm, at the Wessex Royale Hotel, High
West Street, DT1 1UP . Visitors welcome
Hang On In There Sharing & caring group for parents with
challenging teenagers — meets fortnightly. Please email
[email protected] for further details & information.
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION Contemplative Reflection and Silence
An invitation to ‘come and be’ with others in the stillness,
silence and simplicity of contemplative prayer.
Our Meditation groups meet every Wednesday at 5pm in the Chapel
at St Mary’s Church, Edward Rd, Dorchester
& also on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 7.30pm at the Quiet
Space, Poundbury. All welcome.
For details contact Rosemary 262615 or Anita 259032
*** CORRECTION *** PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONCERT BELOW IS
AT ST PETER’S, NOT ST MARY’S AS WAS SHOWN IN LAST MONTH’S
MAGAZINE
St Mary’s Church Edward Rd
MONDAY CLUB PROGRAMME FOR 2014
21st July – Outing and Cream Tea to be arranged August – No
Meeting 15th September – “The Women’s Refuge” – Mollie Rennie 20th
October – “Talk on Italy” – Jill Minchin 17th November – “Inner
Sanctums” – Rob Curtis
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The Children's Society has tickets for a Ben Waters concert
(with special guests) to be held on Saturday 25th October. All
proceeds from the concert are going to charity, one of those
charities being The Children's Society.
The concert is to be held in Weymouth Pavilion from 7.30 -
11.00p.m. Ben Waters is a boogie blues and rock and roll piano
player who lives locally when not touring the world. If anyone
wishes to buy or reserve tickets which cost £20 please contact
Dorothy Maggs (01305 262436).
THE DORCHESTER BENEFICE
A Meditative Communion with Prayers for Wholeness and
Healing
at St Mary’s Church, Edward Rd on Sunday 31st August at 6pm
There will be an opportunity for the laying on of hands and
anointing during
this service. All are welcome.
Dorchester Art Club's summer programme is now under way.
Meetings will be on the first and third Thursdays of June and July,
at St George's Church Hall, High Street, Fordington, from 2—4pm.
Subjects this summer include "Seaside" and "Summer Trees". £1 per
session, to include tea/coffee and chocolate biscuits. New members
always welcome. Just turn up!
"I am the Lord who heals you" An evening with Martin Cavender
& Alison Morgan of
Resource at St Mary's Church
on Tuesday 9th September at 7.30pm
Watch for further details.
The Dorchester Committee of The Children’s Society invite you to
a
Victorian Cream Tea
On Thursday 7th August In St George’s Church Hall
From 2.30 pm to 4.0pm
Cost £3.50 per person to include tea and home made cream
scones.
There will be waitress service and a tea room atmosphere
Miss Evelyn Kingman will be playing the piano.
We look forward to welcoming you for an afternoon amongst
friends or the opportunity to make new friends.
If you have any queries please contact: Dorothy Maggs (01305
262436)
Dorchester Noticeboard?
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St George’s Fordington
Messenger Church Correspondent: Revd Fiona Hall 262394
Amy’s Antics
Have you ever got yourself into a real pickle?
I did the other week when I went for a paddle and got caught in
the current and swept under a bridge. It was really scary, and all
my own fault as I’d been told not to go in!
But as I came out from under the bridge two arms grabbed me and
hauled me out to safety. Phew! You can imagine my relief.
Reminds me of the verse from Deuteronomy,
‘The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the
everlasting arms.’
God is always with us, and will help us, whether we deserve it
or not. There were consequences though – I missed out on the cream
tea as I was too wet to go into the café, but a piece of scone
did
come my way in the end. I am loved even though I’m a pickle
sometimes!
What’s on at St George’s in July
Thurs 3rd 10am Holy Communion & coffee Sat 5th 10am Coffee
& Company Sun 6th 8am BCP Holy Communion 10:15 CW Holy
Communion Thurs 10th 10am Holy Communion & coffee 2:15 Thursday
Group -Cream Tea 13th 8am BCP Holy Communion 10:15 CW Holy
Communion 6:30 Evensong Thurs 17th 10:00 Holy Communion &
coffee Sun 20th 8am BCP Holy Communion 10:15 CW Holy Communion Tues
22nd 19:00 Bell Ringing Practice age 11+ Thurs 24th 10am Holy
Communion & coffee Sun 27th 8am BCP Holy Communion 10:15 CW
Holy Communion 6:30 Evensong Thurs 31st 10am Holy Communion &
Coffee
(continued overleaf)
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Monday 18th August at 10am Age UK Dorchester
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products or choices facing you, please confirm your attendance by
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St George’s Fordington (continued)
A new Stole for Pentecost
On Sunday 8th June the Revd. Fiona Hall was wearing a new Stole
designed and created by Rosemary Gameson, who is a member of St
George’s congregation.
When Rosemary was planning the design for the Pentecostal Stole,
Fiona asked for images of three geese. These represent an ancient
Celtic Symbol of the Holy Spirit, which, like the wild geese,
cannot be tamed. The Spirit rising from the flames and the Celtic
Cross
complete the design.
While Rosemary was on holiday she went to Church and smiled to
herself when she read the title of a poem, which was included on
the service sheet. (The Preacher was Father Ross from Iona). Here
the Celtic Symbolism of these high flying birds explained why Fiona
had wanted them on her stole.
We thought you might like to read the poem:
Wild Geese by Mary Oliver from a collection of poems and
meditations Dream Work
You do not have to be good, You do not have to walk on your
knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting. You only
have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Tell
me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the
world goes on. Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep
trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile the wild geese,
high/ in the clean blue air, are heading home again. Whoever you
are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your
imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting
over and over announcing your place in the family of things
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Service dates for July & August
Sunday 6th July – Trinity 3 8.00am – Mass 9.45am – Sung
Eucharist 6.00pm – Taize service
Sundays 13th, 20th, & 27th July 8.00am – Mass 9.45am – Sung
Eucharist
Sunday 3rd August - Trinity 7 8.00am – Mass 9.45am – Sung
Eucharist 6.00pm – Taize service
Sundays 10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st August 8.00am – Mass 9.45am
– Sung Eucharist And at 6pm on 31st August – Meditative Communion
with prayers for Healing & Annointing.
Morning Prayer is said on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9
o’clock with a weekday Mass on Tuesdays at 9.30.
Our Meditation groups meet every Wednesday at 5pm in the Blessed
Sacrament Chapel at St Mary’s & also on the 2nd & 4th
Thursdays (10th & 24th July and 14th & 28th August) at
7.30pm at the Quiet Space, Poundbury. Everyone is welcome. For
details contact Rosemary Bassett 01305 262615 or Anita Finnigan
01305 259032
Meditative Communion at 6pm on 31st August – see note in list of
services.
Other forthcoming events
The Cleaning Group meets from 10am to 12 noon on 4th Thursday in
each month (24th July & 28th August). Coffee and doughnuts are
available as an incentive!
Sea Sunday – 6th July
St Mary’s church council will meet at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday 9th
July St Mary’s Church lunch is on Sunday 13th July at 12 noon. This
also our Gift Day
The Monday Club outing and cream tea will be on 21st July.
St Mary the Virgin
The Open Door Confirmation
Dear Friends, If there are people who would like to consider
being confirmed then I would like to hear from
you! The dates of the confirmation services have still to be
worked out, as do the lessons which will prepare you for this
important stage on the journey of Christian discipleship. These are
less important than getting a group together. I anticipate a group
across all ages meeting between five and six times. If you are
interested then get in touch with me… As ever, Thomas
Sea Sunday
Sea Sunday falls on July 13th but this will be St Mary’s Gift
Day and so we will remember seafarers and the work of the Mission
on the
previous Sunday – July 6th.
We enjoy the sea – most of the time. Beach holidays, sailing,
swimming or on board a cruise liner, the sea calm and the sun
shining. But it isn’t always like that as February’s storms showed
even us landlubbers.
Spending one’s working life at sea can have some unpleasant and
dangerous times and it is fitting that on at least one day a year
we remember the men and women on whom we rely for most of the
imported goods which our modern life requires. Most of the goods we
import come by sea – generally these days in ships carrying huge
numbers of giant containers but bulk carriers, tankers, car
carriers and many smaller ships bring us the things we now can’t
live without.
Crews have a difficult, lonely and often dangerous life. Men
(and women) can be away from home for months at a time often out of
touch with what is happening to their families thousands of miles
away. The sea is a notoriously dangerous place to work, not only
because of storms with huge waves which can break a ship’s back and
piracy which is now a serious threat off the coast of Africa and in
the China Sea but also the use of heavy machinery.
The Mission to Seafarers works in 260 ports in 71 countries,
providing pastoral and spiritual care and welfare support to the
world’s 1.5 million seafarers. In many
Thomas
Woodhouse
Robert
Potter
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ports the Mission has a centre to which seafarers can come to
buy everyday essentials, to make phone calls, to meet men from
other ships and to spend time, if they wish, in the quiet space of
the chapel. Chaplains visit as many ships as possible – an
increasingly important aspect of the work as crews can often not
get off the ship with ever tighter turn round times and increased
port security.
The Mission also helps in cases where a ship is impounded
because it is deemed to be unsafe or when owners become bankrupt
and abandon the ship and its crew. Food, clothing and visits to the
port centre...
All this support and care is done with a Christian….recognised
by seafarers who may be Christian or of any other faith or of none
at all and the chaplains are always welcomed and treated with great
respect. Please remember the work of the mission, the chaplains and
volunteers and of the seafarers in your prayers. You may like to
have a collecting box for your spare change too – the Mission is
always short of funds!
That’s my mum’s dog!!
I was waiting for my wife outside Smith’s when a lady came up to
me and said, “Would you help me, please?” She handed me the lead
of
her dog and assured me that she would only be a few minutes in a
nearby shop. “Would you please hold him for a minute to enable me
to go into the shop?” I agreed but failed to ask whether she was
part of a T.V. send-up!
The large animal seemed to accept my presence until a young man
came up to us saying “That’s my mum’s dog. What are you doing with
it?”
The dog obviously recognised the family friend and started
leaping and barking, much to my dismay. Luckily the lady owner came
out of the shop and greeted her son and dog and thanked me for my
patience. I assured her that it was all in a day’s work.
The Mystery Parcel
A church warden has a variety of roles, some challenging and
some very strange indeed.
The ‘phone rang. “Adrian, there is a very large box outside the
main entrance to the church”. I realised that Kate was concerned
and having had experience with unidentified parcels being left at
school I assured her that I would come over so that we could
investigate. When I arrived at the church and met Kate there was
indeed a very big box or parcel sitting outside the church porch,
with no indication as to the contents and without any address or
indication of the sender. I had taken the precaution of noting the
police emergency
number in case it was needed and Kate and I listened to hear if
we could detect any ticking or mechanical action. Nothing at all!
The box had been well sealed but we gradually and gently managed to
unravel the tight binding.
After some minutes of debate we agreed to peep inside and,
feeling very brave, we looked at each other, anticipating some
calamity and expecting to dive for cover.
Eventually we teased out a most peculiar arrangement of metal
legs and were none the wiser as to what it was. We unpacked it
carefully and put it into the vicarage garage for safety.
The following day was European election day. On checking the
hall which was being used as a polling station and chatting to the
poll clerks I was asked, “Have you seen a large parcel containing
our mobile voting booths? They don’t seem to have been delivered
and they’ve had to send replacements.” Mystery solved!!
County Hospital Chaplaincy Service
It is likely that many of us will, at some time, be patients in
the County Hospital. It may be for a planned operation or it may be
that quite
unexpectedly we need medical or surgical treatment. Our first
concern will be with doctors, nurses, the ward routine and the
treatment we are to receive. When we’ve had time to settle down we
may think more broadly and be concerned with other things and we
may wonder if there is a hospital chaplain.
There is indeed a chaplaincy service led by Revd Ron Martin, a
Methodist, with Revd Richard Betts, who many readers will know and
Fr John Rice from the Roman Catholic church, all supported by a
recently enhanced team of lay volunteers. The team has contacts
with several other faiths so that the needs of most patients can be
met.
The service operates 24 hours a day all the year round and
chaplains are frequently called out to provide support in
emergencies. During the normal week the chaplains and some
volunteers make regular visits to all the wards to provide a
confidential service for patients and relatives. This may mean
meeting the particular needs of patients who belong to a faith
community but more frequently it is to meet the hopes and fears of
every individual, each with his or her own spiritual and pastoral
needs. The chaplains are there to listen and support at the time of
a patient’s need, never to preach or push religion – or to visit
for too long!
The hospital chapel is always open, available for private prayer
or meditation and every Sunday there is a non-denominational
communion service lasting about half an hour. Volunteers go to all
the wards on Fridays or Saturdays to ask patients if they would
like to go to the
St Mary the Virgin — continued
Robert
Potter Adrian
Downton
Adrian
Downton
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service and then on Sunday morning those patients are taken in
wheel chairs up to the third floor chapel with its fine views over
the countryside to the north and east of the town. If you’re in
hospital and for some reason you don’t get asked (you may, perhaps,
have been taken for an x-ray when the volunteer went round) then do
tell a nurse that you’d like to go to the service. Nurses are
always most helpful in getting patients ready on Sunday
mornings.
As well as ministry to the ever-changing hundreds of patients,
the chaplains minister to the 2,500 staff of the hospital, for many
of whom their work can be very stressful. This aspect of the
chaplaincy work is important but goes unnoticed by those
outside.
Please remember the work of the hospital, its staff and the
chaplaincy team in your corporate and personal prayers – and, if
you have some time to spare and think you might like to help, the
team would like 2 more volunteers, principally to go round the
wards on a Friday afternoon or
Saturday morning. It would involve one Friday every 5 or 6 weeks
with the occasional Sunday if you want that. If you’re interested
please contact Revd Richard Betts at the hospital (255198) or
[email protected]
Sanctuary Lamp Candles
July 2014 6th Given by Di House in memory of her sister Linda
whose years mind falls on 4th July. 13th Given by Eileen Dickson in
memory of her husband John whose birthday was on 12th July. 20th
Given by Adrian & Gill Downton to mark their wedding
anniversary 27th Given by Joan Hodgkins to mark family
birthdays
August 2014 3rd Given by Sue Blencowe in memory of her parents
on their birthdays 3 & 4th August 10th Given by Audrey Litson
in memory of her husband John whose birthday was on 13th August
17th — 24th Given by Cynthia Fry in thanksgiving for her grandson
Gethyn whose birthday is on 26th 31st Given by Janet & Gerry
Comley in memory of their daughter Margaret Janet Comely-Nichols
whose years mind falls on the 28th
St Mary the Virgin — continued
mailto:[email protected]
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June was a fun month as it includes half term when I get to
spend precious time with my five Dorchester grandchildren. All were
busy but I had
a day with the two youngest, relatively peaceful, then a day
with Rocco and Vivien. Vivien had birthday money to spend burning a
hole in her pockets and off we all went to Fat Face clothes store.
Rocco was soon bored and so off he went up to the cashier, “Why is
this shop called Fat Face?” After much confusion and asking they
came up with it is called after a mountain. Not enough Rocco came
home and looked it up and here is what it is, named after the Le
Face ski slope in France's Val d'Isere. Fat Face take note
please.
That sorted he spotted two jars of rubber wrist bands one on
either side of the till, one 50p more than the other, he soon got
that changed. Not sure how welcome we will be in there again for a
while.
Even one of the cub leaders after a weekend camp with him asked
if he ever stopped talking as he has incessantly questioned them
for 3 days and even talked in his sleep.
They all then had a sleepover with me. As I cleaned the shoes my
finger popped out of the side of Rocco’s, dying of shame he had
been to school in shoes with hole. I questioned why he had told no
one, “It’s okay Grandma only one toe comes out”. Needless to say
next day they were much to his disgust replaced.
Hereafter The Rector came to call the other day. He said at my
age I should be thinking of the hereafter. I told him, “Oh, I do it
all the time. No matter where I am—in the bedroom, upstairs, in the
kitchen, or down in the basement—I ask myself, ‘Now, what am I here
after?’
An Older Dog An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my
Garden. I could tell from his collar and well-fed size that he had
a home and was well taken care of. He calmly came over to me, and I
gave him a few pats on his head. He then followed me into my house,
slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell
asleep. An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.
The next day he was back, greeted me in my garden , walked
inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about
an hour. This continued off and on for several weeks. Curious I
pinned a note to his collar: 'I would like to find out who the
owner of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that
almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap.'
A Month in the Life of a Grandma The next day he arrived for his
nap, with a different note pinned to his collar: 'He lives in a
home with a non-stop chatting, nagging, complaining wife, and 6
children, 2 under the age of 3 - he's trying to catch up on his
sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?'
Texting Fun Wife texts husband on a cold winter morning:
“Windows frozen.” Husband texts back: “Pour some lukewarm water
over it.” Wife texts back 5 minutes later: “Computer’s completely
not working now.”
Dorset County Show Dorset County Show as we know is a very
special 2 days for the town and us all. The church always has a
presence at the show, this year the theme of the church tent is:
“The Church in the Community”, in Dorset. The contents are being
organised by a team of people from across the Diocese (well, two of
us). We are hoping to include YP@D led by Teresa Stuart-Sykes and
team, an information table and a church flowers display interactive
table.
It would be good to involve as many of our Benefice as possible
in this, mostly by being a presence in the tent on 5th & 6th
September. More details through Pews News and the Clergy in July. I
will be asking the churches to give support during the next few
weeks before everyone disappears for the holidays, but I would love
to hear from anyone who can be with us in the tent on the Saturday
and Sunday even if it is only for a short time. The more we can be
together the more interesting it will be for the visitors. Please
contact me on 01305 250366 or [email protected]
Look forward to hearing from you — I promise you we will have
fun.
Margaret
Morrissey
An
n O
nym
us
Always make a dignified entrance
mailto:[email protected]
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Profound Pilgrimage Holy Land pilgrims return from trip led by
Bishop Nicholas after close encounter with Bible stories and modern
day issues
A group of 63 pilgrims from the Diocese have just returned from
a pilgrimage to the Holy Land buzzing with excitement. Bishop
Nicholas jointly led the pilgrimage with Maureen Allchin, a priest
in the Diocese who is an experienced leader of Holy Land
pilgrimages.
Canon Thomas Woodhouse, Team Rector of Dorchester, was one of
the pilgrimage leadership team. This was his
third pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
“What struck me about this pilgrimage was the way the worship
was a powerful expression of the pilgrimage. In different places,
different pilgrims would read passages of Scripture associated with
that place, then we would have a time of prayer and often sing a
hymn.
“Like many others, I found the experience of Caeserea Philippi
very powerful. All 64 pilgrims said their name and where they had
been baptised, before renewing their baptismal vows in the Jordan.
This had a very powerful
effect.
“Another moment was when we were in the Basilica of the Nativity
in Bethlehem, when we found a lovely quiet side chapel away from
the madding crowds, and sang O Come All Ye Faithful together. This
was a very holy moment.
“I would recommend all Christians to try and make a pilgrimage
to the Holy Land at least once in their lives. After one has been,
one can never hear Scripture in quite the same way again. Sometimes
months or even years later one notices changes in perspective on
passages of Scripture that could only have happened during the Holy
Land pilgrimage.”
Rugando – Moving forward The Trustees are very conscious that it
has been a while since we reported on the progress of the Rugando
Education Trust, so here is a brief
summary of the events happening so far.
We are in the process of establishing ourselves as a ‘small
charity’ and also opening a bank account with CAF (Charities Aid
Foundation). This is a little like the chicken and egg situation
but with the helpful guidance and knowledge of David Lang we are
getting there!
Christine continues to maintain her contact with the Prince of
Wales School, which recently involved a cookery demonstration of
Ugandan food for the children.
Brian and Christine spent a few weeks in Uganda earlier this
year and made a short visit to Rugando where they were able to
assess the progress of the work on the school. The corrugated iron
sheet roof which had previously only been completed on one side has
now been completed on both sides. Other work completed includes the
fitting of some wooden window and door frames, the windows also
have closable shutters. A two compartment roofed earth closet has
been constructed on the edge of the school plot, replacing the
previous open structure.
These improvements have been made as a result of our link
encouraging some local donors to come forward.
The ‘master plan’ for the school consists of three classroom
buildings forming a ‘U’ with two toilet blocks, one at each corner,
(one boys, one girls). The existing building forms the base of the
‘U’. A start has been made on a second classroom building on the
left side of the existing building. Dwarf brick walls have been
partially constructed, this work is being undertaken by the parents
of the pupils.
We were able to send some school books from the Prince of Wales
School and they have arrived safely in Kampala and since then
Christine has organised their transfer to her home in Rugando, she
is going back again to supervise their distribution to the
school.
Following on from the success of the Rugando Evening last year
we are hopeful of having a similar event in September. We look
forward to your continuing support and prayers for this
project.
Ellie
Stephens
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11
1914-2014: Finding Connections The official centenary of the
start of hostilites at the beginning of WW1 is just 4 months away,
and many people are feeling the need to search for local
and personal connections to 1914. In diaries and letters, in
reading the personal accounts, we are able to empathise, to
identify with, and to feel compassion for, the soldiers and
civilians of that time.
The book 'Dorchester Remembers the Great War' is an excellent
place to start. Brian Bates has traced all those who are
commemorated on the WW1 memorial in Dorchester, and the result is a
fascinating book stuffed full of ordinary and extraordinary local
lives.
War records of individual soldiers can be more difficult to
find- only 30% having survived a London fire in 1940. The Keep
Military Museum does not hold service records but has some
interesting material on the confict. The National Archives holds
military and service records of soldiers,and has an interesting
online exhibition about WW1. They also hold some war diaries.
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/first-world-war/
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission can help with locating
the graves of the fallen. http://www.cwgc.org/
The Long Long Trail is an excellent website compiled by a writer
and historian that really allows you to walk in the footsteps of
the soldiers: http://www.1914-1918.net/ It is meticulously
researched and enables you to find out how they were conscripted,
how and where they were trained, what they were paid, what they ate
and wore..and how they were injured and died. There are excellent
photos and maps of the trenches.
You are fortunate indeed, if like my husband's family you have a
diary or letters written by a relative. E.K Smith wrote home from
the trenches and his words and drawings paint a vivid picture of
day-to-day life as a soldier. The entry for December 19th 1915
reads: “..We are hoping to get a better sleep tonight- the guns are
almost quiet now..” He could not have known that he
would not even make it to Christmas- he was to die 4 days later
on December 23rd- 3 months after his 23rd birthday. The guns did
not fall silent for another two years.
A commemorative bank of poppies has been planted alongside the
Roman Town House and they will bloom this summer. Let those flowers
pushing up bravely through the soil, be a fitting memorial; the red
poppies, demonstrating the blood of sacrifice and the pain of loss;
the white poppies, symbolising the hope of peace, the Light that
has not been overcome by the most horrendous darkness.
As Christians we can never allow ourselves to forget the cost
involved where 16 million soldiers and civilians were slaughtered
and 20 million were wounded, many of whom were to remain damaged
for the rest of their days.
As we listen and understand more about the lives of those
involved in the hostilities, let us allow God to bring his peace
into our hearts as we: “...Remember them in our prayers and in our
lives.”
Helen
Hartley
WWI Outreach Initiative
I recently attended an inspiring CMD which suggested ways of
reaching our communities through WW1 Commemoration events.
Briefly,
during the 1st World War, SGM distributed over 43 million Active
Service Gospels. Every soldier was encouraged to read the
pocket-size booklet (which also included hymns for use in field
services). Many soldiers wrote their names on the “Decision form”
page. Sometimes this booklet was the only way a body could be
identified.
SGM Lifewords are printing replica WW1 John’s Gospels, with
stories from the frontline and newly-commissioned artwork. The
invitation to today’s readers will be to consider the events of
1914-1918 and to reflect on the same words that the soldiers read,
making their own response. The replica gospels are free on
application (donations are welcomed, particularly to cover at least
the cost of postage). You can order online at
www.sgmlifewords.com/ww1
You can read more about the WW1 outreach initiatives at:
http://www.greaterlove.org.uk/greater-love-resources.html
Jenny
Dennis
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/first-world-war/http://www.cwgc.org/http://www.1914-1918.net/http://www.greaterlove.org.uk/greater-love-resources.htmlhttp://www.greaterlove.org.uk/greater-love-resources.html
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12
A message from the Dean of Salisbury
As you will know this summer sees the start of the centenary
commemoration of World War One and I have been the faith
representative on the Government’s Advisory Panel for this
anniversary.
I have put together a short briefing note for parishes which is
a mixture of links to helpful liturgical materials and directions
about where information and funding can be found. In particular it
encourages churches to open their doors on Monday 4th August when
the national media will be recognising the outbreak of war with
televised events from Glasgow Cathedral, St Symphorien Cemetery
near Mons and Westminster Abbey.
Please could I ask you to make your churches available on 4th
August for people to reflect and pray, recognising both the part
World War One plays in the memories of our communities and praying
for peace in our contemporary world.
After years of searching I found my Uncle. It was an amazing
moment — he was always spoken of in my childhood but I had searched
France and Belgium till someone on Twitter suggested I try the War
Graves.
It is so worth the effort. These men on this Dorian Memorial in
Salonika Greece
are the forgotten ones who are rarely mentioned and rarely
remembered except by the few.
Record Details for George Ernest Morriss — Nottinghamshire
Yeomanry (Sherwood Rangers):
Margaret
Morrissey
(nee
Morriss)
Initials: G E
First Name: GEORGE ERNEST
Surname: MORRISS
Rank: Private
Service Number: 275872
Regiment: Nottinghamshire Yeomanry (Sherwood Rangers)
Commemorated: Greece
Age: 20
Date of Death: 07/10/1916
Family: SON OF WILLIAM AND ELIZA MORRISS, OF 119, HIGH ST.,
ORDSALL, NOTTS.
Gallantry Awards: Unknown
Campaign Medals: Victory Medal, British War Medal
George Ernest Morriss Amongst the papers returned to my
Grandparents was this card.
The Very Revd
June Osborne
https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/Unit-Info/5230https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/Medals/DisplayMedals?medalCampaign=ww1&medalType=cm#victorymedalhttps://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/Medals/DisplayMedals?medalCampaign=ww1&medalType=cm#britishwarmedal
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13
Hear, Hear… Wouldn’t it be lovely if the healing story in St
Mark always happened! I mean the one in which Jesus helps the deaf
and dumb man to hear and
speak. For whatever reason, sadly here and now deaf people have
to struggle with their incapacity. However, we are lucky in the
Diocese to have an Anglican Priest who acts as Chaplain to the Deaf
community. He covers the whole Diocese and parts of adjoining ones
too. Most of his work is with totally deaf, both signers and non
signers. Though many have some language background, they rely on
body language and visual clues. In 1880 sign language was banned
and deaf people had hands tied in school, believe it or not, to
stop them signing to each other.
Now we are more enlightened but.. we are not fully aware of
their problems, as they still do not mix easily. In life today 1 in
7 people have some hearing loss, but do we cater for them in
Church?
Readers who are hidden by the lectern or a pillar, speakers and
celebrants with their back to light - often an East window, Vicars
with beards… all cause problems for deaf people who need to watch
speakers mouths. Sitting at the front may help, but deaf people may
want to watch others to see when to sit, stand, kneel.
The problems for deaf people are legion. They are isolated, find
it hard to get work, and can suffer mental health problems such as
depression and paranoia. Some feel they are being punished for
something. They can feel grief, understandably, as anyone can but
their ways of dealing with that grief can lead to other
problems.
On the other hand some feel pride in their Deaf Culture, and
have even been known to refuse cochlear implants. Deaf people have
a language which is rich, colourful and very expressive.
Some Churches offer services with signing. The Chaplain could
put on free local signing classes for groups of about
6 at various levels. He says young people can do this very well,
and would also be welcome. There are also clubs for deaf people,
where signing is used and Deaf people can feel comfortable within
the culture. The monthly one in Salisbury welcomes between 100 and
150 a night! The Deaf club in Bridport which meets on the fourth
Saturday of the month also has a large attendance of 90 to 150.
Some schools include deaf and hard of hearing students, and all
lessons are signed.
Could these things be something you could consider?
Perhaps you could speak to your team Vicar about it. Certainly
include it in your prayers.
CHAPLAIN WITH DEAF PEOPLE — REV JOHN COWBURN 01380 816878 —
[email protected]
John
Cowburn
Lunch Club Often it is their only meal of the day. This year as
well as lunch we are hoping to involve the DASP School Sports
Leaders so that there will be the chance for the children to enjoy
some organised sport before they go home. Numbers that come at the
moment are relatively small 20 -24 is the norm but we are hoping
that this year with more publicity and the schools becoming more
involved these numbers will grow. I am not asking for any money but
if you felt that you could make some sort of pudding/cake that
would appeal to children I would be very grateful. At the least,
please keep this very worthwhile scheme in your thoughts and
prayers.
Contact details: [email protected] tel 01305 268803
Have you ever wondered what happens to those children in the
holidays who are eligible for free school meals? It places an
enormous strain on families and their finances at
a time when things are hard generally. Well, a few years ago an
enterprising lady from the Family Church decided to do something to
help. With the assistance of Thomas Hardye School who offered their
kitchen she, along with a band of volunteers have been cooking
lunches Mon-Fri throughout the Summer holidays.
A series of grants has enabled the scheme to get off the ground.
The lunches are geared towards the children but interestingly, the
parents are also coming for their lunch.
Kath
Joslin
An
n O
nym
us
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14
St Peter’s High West Street · Dorchester
Vicar: The Revd Vicky Thurtell 268767 Churchwardens: Mr Brian
Hellin 268844 and Mr Mike Nisbett 260983
Services – July & August
All Sundays 9am BCP Communion and 1030am Sung Eucharist
At the 1030am service on 3rd August, the centenary of the
outbreak of the First World War will be marked. The Mayor of
Dorchester will be in attendance and for prayers at the WW1
memorial on the Bow outside church.
Diary Dates — July & August
Friday 11th July 9.30am Sunninghill Prep School Leavers’
Service
Sunday 27th July Baptism of Jacob Jolliffe at the 1030 Sung
Eucharist
Congratulations
...To Mr & Mrs Jedidiah and Samantha Germodo married at St
Peter’s on 14th June (see above)
...and to Mr and Mrs Matthew and Lovey Scrivener married on 21st
June.
Also to members of the choir who were awarded Royal School of
Church Music (RSCM) medals and ribbons on
1st June. Thanks to Alan, Kate and Brian for the training and
testing:
Ascension Day Photos
Looking back to Ascension Day (29th May) here are photos of the
rainy morning 7am service on top of the tower with Town Crier
Alistair Chisholm. Thanks to those who stayed below to cook
breakfast for us all...
Jed and Sammie outside St Peter’s
Ali, Tom, Marion, Sue, Marion, William, Helen, Susie
and Kitty
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15
Growth Out Of Discussion
In May there were meetings, as previously publicised, for those
who were keen to discuss matters of church and theology. The three
inaugural
meetings each had a different mix of people, topics, outcomes
and suggested ways forward. More in the new ‘term’ but for now
please see the summary paper below, which St Peter’s Vicar, Vicky
wrote as requested by the wider Parish PCC. Please do not hesitate
to comment or offer further suggestions to
[email protected]
Paper given to PCC 12th June
For many years there was the popular Theological Society in
Dorchester – generally with a key-note speaker and discussions on
topics theological, philosophical, ecclesiological...
...now there seems to be a yearning from across the benefice –
and beyond; I have had emails and requests for information from
ecumenical brothers and sisters and beyond – for some re-forming of
this forum and with wider opportunities, roots and branches.
In May I hosted three open sessions on the exploration of church
in the 21st century – or was it ‘God in the 21st century’? The
conversations took twists and turns, and may I thank all who
attended and those who have shown an interest in these discussions
since then. The thrust of today’s PCC and future meetings, I
gather, is Mission and it is with this in mind that we aspire to
grow together in
discipleship, and using our individual gifts, abilities and
intellects to be agents of the transforming presence of God… and
there are so many angles to discuss, both from within the walls of
the churches, on the boundaries and without!
These recent conversations touched mainly on connections with
the concept of God and contemporary culture and how the church sits
within that – or not! On issues of doctrine/dogma/plurality;
science and religion; education-and beyond education; spirituality
across faiths and none; theodicy and, for example at one of the
meetings the final thoughts were summed up as a desire to unpack
the questions ‘what is the irreducible minimum belief for one to be
a Christian?’ ‘Is it ok not to believe everything (in the
creeds/church)?’ ‘Where/how does humanism and Christianity
connect?
This is but a snapshot of the impassioned and energizing
discussion taking place around us; I’m grateful to Jules Ford who
created the acronym G.O.O.D [Growth Out Of Discussion]
Under that umbrella (a new select button on the website ?) I
should like, with your help, and the blessing of the Team Rector
and PCC, to formulate a way forward – for example: (and here using
the different discussion and learning methods requested by the
attendees of the inaugural meetings):
THEOLOGY
Good Books and Good Talk – at various times an open discussion
around a particular book on spirituality/church/...suggestions
please!
Lecture Series – Key note speaker one per ‘term’ and open
discussion and/or
Small group discussions – some people find it easier to speak
within a group of three or four.
And teaching – Benefice confirmation teaching; bible study and
courses, including Advent and Lent courses, the Pilgrim course and
other Diocesan initiatives...
It seems to me also that there is no need to reinvent the wheel,
so an awareness of what is available eg Sarum Lectures and similar
activity in the Deanery or across the borders is worth
investigating.
All this needs researching, organising and collating further but
for now I send this interim report to Thomas for you the PCC today
and look forward to hearing the response.
Finally: how to measure outcomes – well – how can we measure the
Kingdom of God? Yet, some will begin to identify a Growth out of
Discussion and others may be able to qualify or quantify any
changes — reporting and sharing via the Magazine and website seems
a reasonable way to begin.
St Peter — continued
Ascension Day service on top of St Peter’s church tower
Vicky
Thurtell
-
16
Dates for July and August
5th July 12-3.30 Village Fair 6th July 10am Parish Communion
13th July 10am Morning Prayer 20thJuly 10am Parish Communion 26th
July 3pm Teddy Bear Parachuting 27th July 9 am Holy Communion
(said) 10am Come and Worship 3rd August 10am Parish Communion 3pm
Commemoration of the Centenary of the Outbreak of the First World
War 10th August 10am Morning Prayer 17th August 10 am Parish
Communion 24th August 9am Holy Communion (said) 10am Family Service
with Baptism 31st August 10am Parish Communion
Songs of Praise and Cream Tea
As in previous years the sun shone on the afternoon of the Cream
Tea which helped make it a great success, with welcome support from
those from other churches in the benefice. The tables set
outside
St Andrew’s Church
West Stafford Church Correspondent: Revd Jane Culliford
the church were full to capacity and a great many scones with
jam and cream were consumed. The Pentecost Songs of Praise which
followed was uplifting with joyful singing to mark the gift of the
Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Church.
Water Aid at St Andrew’s Church
The sun shone again on Saturday 14th June, the Gift Day to start
the fundraising to bring a water supply into the church and a
plumbed-in servery unit, creating space at the back of Church by
removing some Victorian pews. It was good to welcome friends and
visitors and show them the plans and we hope this will encourage
promises of financial support.
Village Fete
We hope for sunshine once more at West Stafford Village Fete on
Saturday 5th July 12-3.30 in the Village Street with Ferret racing
and Fun Dog Show, stalls, music and food. The church will welcome
visitors and offer a chance to reflect, light a candle and follow a
prayer trail around the church. We shall also have a stall selling
gifts and toys with entry forms for our Teddy Bear Parachuting
event. Some of the congregation have taken on the challenge of
decorating plain cotton bags for sale on the stall finding talents
they did not know they possessed and producing an array of very
individual designs. (continued overleaf)
-
17
Teddy Bear Parachuting
Following the success of last year’s event we are inviting brave
teddies to parachute from the church tower again this year on
Saturday 26th July from 3pm. The bear who takes the longest to
descend is the winner. There will be refreshments, stall and other
activities for all the family. Entry forms, simple parachute
design
instructions and spare bears available at Village Fete or from
the wardens. Entry is £3 per bear.
Commemoration of the Centenary of
the Outbreak of World War One
Across the nation commemorations are being held to mark this
centenary. In West Stafford we will remember those from the village
who died in WWI: William Fry, William Fowler, Robert Burney and
Frank Barter, whose names appear on the war memorial in church, at
a service of Commemoration of the Centenary of the Start of the
First World War at 3pm on Sunday 3rd August with readings, poems,
hymns and prayers. The newly restored painting donated by the
Rector and parishioners in 1920 to remember those lost in the war
will be re-dedicated and on display in the church at this
service.
Caption Competition—Winner!
The Rector has chosen his favourite which was submitted by Ron
Cave:
''It may only be one talent, but if it's here I'm going to find
it!''
Other equally witty contributions were:
“I didn’t anticipate having to cover the Sextons’ holidays”
"Making the ground holey" "Funny, but no one's seen the Bishop
for a while now!" "Did you know the Archdeacon's gone missing?"
"More weeds, vicar?" "This is my gardening dog collar, my cycling
one is
reflective and my swimming one is waterproof"
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18
Whilst farming any year is challenging, last winter was
relatively benign. Monkton had its share of gales, trees down and
rain but it was not cold. The beef cattle put on weight and the
cows have milked well on the
food made last summer. All the spring crops have been drilled,
albeit a little late, and we have made silage whilst the sun shone
recently – to feed the dairy next winter.
The owners of the land we rent at West Stafford have decided to
sell. This means we either leave the land in September or be asked
to farm it by the new owners. Either way we will continue to fatten
a few cattle at Monkton. Five old milking cows have adopted the
last nine calves born at the dairy, forming a suckler herd of
sorts, and ensuring that the new calves will grow well.
Music and Marriage Flower Festival
Amazing flower displays for the festival denoting Wedding
Anniversaries. Twelve anniversaries were covered by the Dorchester
Benefice churches and churches up the Winterbourne Valley, plus a
beautiful display in the church porch.
The Wardens and PCC are most grateful for your support, and
particularly to the wonderful flower arrangers from all the
churches. Thanks to Clare and her string duo for entertainment on
Saturday and to Duncan Honeybourne for the beautiful music from the
organ on Sunday, and to Judy and her helpers for the delicious
cream teas. (more photos overleaf)
St Simon & St Jude Winterborne Monkton
Church Correspondent: Ursula Norman
Charles
Norman
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19
Churches Together Dorchester (continued from page 33) held
conversations with someone who is very supportive of ‘green energy’
but does not think that wind farms are the answer. It helped
individuals to formulate their responses to the Slyers Lane
proposals. Useful resources are to be found on:
http://slwp.yolasite.com/ — supporters of the wind farm development
and their arguments (volunteers, not the energy company)
http://noslyerslaneturbines.co.uk/ — objectors to the wind farm
development and their arguments.
There will be a meeting about the planning issues of Slyers Lane
on 25th July, 6.00pm in Charminster Village Hall.
The next meeting of the group is on Monday 28th July at 7.30 at
the United Church. New members are always welcome.
The group are planning a visit to the anaerobic digester on
Poundbury.
Church on Poundbury
Dorchester Community Church needs to re-locate for the proposed
development of Charles Street. We are delighted to learn that the
plan is now for them to share facilities and also to have some of
their own provision within the new primary school on Poundbury.
This enables the Duchy to provide a large hall to be divided for
school and church use but which can be opened up for large events.
Everyone benefits!
Commemoration of the centenary of the outbreak of WW1
A day for peace will take place on 20th September in the Borough
Gardens with music, activities and reflection for all ages.
Planning is in its early stages but the probable time is
11.00-2.00, so mark the date now and look out for more details
later.
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20
CHURCHES TOGETHER
DORCHESTER Compiled by
Val Potter
264416
'The world doesn't have to be as it is'
A joint message from the 6 Presidents of Churches Together in
England (listed below):
On the day of Pentecost the gift of the Holy Spirit was given to
the Church. This same Spirit had brooded over the chaos waters at
the time of creation, inspired the prophets, poets and kings of the
Hebrew people, and descended on Jesus at his baptism. Now the
Spirit fell like fire on the Apostles of Jesus so that his message
of God's kingdom of love, justice and hope might reach the ends of
the earth.
On the Day of Pentecost, the gift of the Spirit brought
understanding, for all found they could understand each other's
languages. In our divided world we pray for that gift; that there
might be understanding between divided nations and conflicting
ideologies; that the unreconciled might begin to walk the path of
reconciliation.
Artists often depict the Holy Spirit as a dove. Doves have come
to symbolise peace. This Pentecost, amidst conflict and tension in
the Middle East, parts of Africa, and on the edges of Europe, we
pray for all who are suffering, and for all who work patiently to
lessen tension and fashion peace rather than war.
Pentecost is an announcement that the world doesn't have to be
as it is. God offers us a different way. The Bible speaks of the
fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22) -
those are some of the qualities which create and sustain good
societies. Christians don't have a monopoly on those qualities, but
they do know that they are evidence of the Spirit's presence and
activity. They also know that the power of the Spirit enables them
to do the will of Jesus, so our prayer this Pentecost is that all
Christians everywhere will live out their love of Jesus by working
to build good and healthy societies where all may flourish as God
intends.
Archbishop Justin Welby (The Archbishop of Canterbury), Cardinal
Vincent Nichols (The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster), Rev
Michael Heaney (The Free Churches Moderator), Bishop Jana
Jeruma-Grinberga (Lutheran Church of GB, nominated by the other
member churches), Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great
Britain (Orthodox), Bishop Eric Brown (The first Pentecostal
President, installed in 2013)
Benefit Changes and their Effects
The Poverty Action Group recently hosted a very helpful
informative open session with the Director of the Citizens’
Advice Bureau, Daniel Cadisch, to explain the changes in the
benefit system and their impact. The main message was that some
changes are needed and are to be welcomed but they are being
introduced too quickly for the system to cope. This is leaving
individuals with no money at all, sometimes for several weeks,
while their payments are being sorted. Assessments are taking far
too long and decisions are no longer being made at a relatively
local level which in the past had allowed CAB to contact the people
involved to discuss individual cases. ‘Lost in the system’ is now
the reality for too many people, leaving them destitute and needing
to turn to emergency support such as food banks.
Food Bank
The food bank, based at the Dorford Centre, is being used
effectively and is meeting need. A national All-Party Parliamentary
Enquiry has been set up to research the need and use of Food Banks.
It is chaired by the last Bishop of Sherborne, Bishop Tim Thornton.
There was a day in Salisbury recently to gather evidence from those
directly involved.
Coffee Morning
Dorchester Poverty Action Group are holding a coffee morning on
Sat 12th July, 10 to 12 noon in the United Church Hall. Entry
charge £1, to include cup of coffee/tea. All proceeds directly
benefit local people in need.
The Quiet Space
The garden is open daily, including weekends during the summer,
10.00-4.00. The building continues to be open on weekdays,
10.00-4.00. We are exploring ways to broaden the use of the
building and are seeking the views of the sponsoring churches
before planning an open meeting to let everyone know the vision and
principles for use.
Our excellent warden, Alan Murray, wishes to step down in the
autumn after serving us so well and we all now need to consider who
might take his place. The primary role is the care and oversight of
the premises but Alan has also seen to bookings and engaged in
conversation as we develop principles for the use of the building.
If you are interested, or know of anyone who may be suited to this
role please contact [email protected]
Wind Farms
There is wide agreement that alternative sources of energy are
needed to reduce our carbon emissions and as the world oil reserves
dwindle. The Churches’ Ecology Group
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21
Stoner has a natural gift for literature and teaching. He stays
at the University and becomes an academic but his career is stymied
by a malevolent head of department and a deeply unhappy marriage,
within a month of contracting it “he knew his marriage was a
failure; within a year he stopped hoping that it would
improve”.
The novel follows Stoner’s life, his decision not to fight in
the First World War, his teaching, his wife’s successful campaign
to exclude him from his daughter, his discovery of a great love
which cannot be sustained and his quiet persistent dedication to
his job and his students. John Williams wrote “A lot of people who
read the novel think that Stoner had such a sad and bad life. I
think that he had a very good life. The important thing in the
novel to me is Stoner’s sense of a job…..a job in the good and
honourable sense of the word. His job gave him a particular kind of
identity and made him what he was”.
I found it a book to read and re- read. I downloaded it to my
Kindle but enjoyed it so much that I intend to buy a hard copy as I
have no doubt it is a book I will return to and in each re-reading
find new depths and sentences to savour. As I write this I am off
on holiday with a small library of books to read and hopefully to
provide “Bookworms” for the future. A happy summer of reading to
you all!
“Stoner” By John Williams (Vintage Classic PB)
Some years ago an author forgotten for many years was
rediscovered and republished to critical acclaim following two
laudatory reviews in the Times
Literary Supplement. The reviewers were Phillip Larkin and John
Julius Norwich and the author Barbara Pym. This year a novel first
published in 1965 and similarly largely forgotten gained a wide and
unexpected European readership. “Stoner” by John Williams seems to
have taken off largely through word of mouth, selling 200,000
copies in 2011 in France, 80,000 the next year in Holland and then
taking off in the UK.
Julian Barnes wrote “it is a true reader’s novel, in the sense
that its narrative reinforces the value of reading and study”. It
reminded me of “Gilead” by Marilyn Robinson, in that it is about a
good man to whom not very much happens. It is not, however, a
boring book, beautifully crafted and elegantly written there is a
quiet intensity about it which makes it well worth reading.
John Williams was born in NW Texas in 1922 and died in 1994. The
grandson of farmers he went to the University of Denver where in
due course he became Professor of English, he published a number of
novels but on his death was noted for his academic studies and
poetry. Of “Stoner” he wrote to his publisher that “The only thing
I’m sure of is it’s a good novel; in time it may even be thought of
as a substantially good one”.
The eponymous hero, Stoner, is born in 1910 the son of poor
farmers, he goes to the University of Missouri to read agriculture
with his parent’s expectation that he will return and be able to
use modern methods and teaching to improve the farm and make a
future for them all. In his first year he has to take a course in
English Literature and in studying two Shakespeare plays and
sonnets his life is changed. He develops a sense of wonder and
belief that literature changes the world and his tutor realises
that
Jean
Lang
Bookworm Forgotten treasures
Editor’s Comment
All of a sudden it is July again and thoughts go to holidays and
children on their wonderful Summer break. Let’s resist all
temptation if they are noisy in the gardens or skate boarding on
the street, and remember they are making happy memories for the
their old age. How often do we say, “Do you remember when we were
young — we played all day and the sun always shone.” See you all in
September — hope the summer is kind to you.
Magazine Copy
All copy for consideration by the Editor for publication should
be sent to [email protected] by mail to Margaret
Morrissey OBE, 9 Hessary Street, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3SF, to
arrive not later than the 20th of the month. There are no
publications in August or January.
mailto:[email protected]
