The Parish Year Book 2015 Ribbesford with Bewdley & Dowles

Incorporating the Parish Annual Report for 2014/2015

Rector's Report

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There was a diamond thief who sought to steal only the most exquisite of gems. He would loiter around the diamond district to see who was purchasing a gem, so that he could pick their pocket. One day he saw a well-known diamond merchant purchase the jewel he had been waiting for all his life. It was the purest of diamonds. So he followed the diamond merchant as he boarded a train, getting into the same compartment. He spent an entire three-day journey trying to pick the merchant's pocket. When the end of the journey came and he hadn't found the gem, he was very frustrated. He was an accomplished thief, and although he had employed all his skills, he still was not able to steal this rare jewel. When the diamond merchant got off the train, the pickpocket couldn't stand it any more, and he walked up to the merchant and said, 'Sir, I am a renowned diamond thief. I saw you purchase that beautiful diamond, so I followed you onto the train. Though I used all the skills of my art, I was not able to find the gem. Tell me, please, how did you hide it from me?' The diamond merchant replied, 'Well, I saw you watching me in the diamond district, and I suspected

you were a pickpocket. So I hid the diamond where I thought you would be least likely to look for it — in your own pocket!' He then reached into the thief's pocket and pulled out the diamond. Jesus taught that the key to life was learning how to see – not with our eyes but with the eye of the heart – something easier said or written than done! The story speaks of the truth that often the most precious things are to be found under our noses; they are so close, that we may miss them. This year’s report invites us to recognise and celebrate the gifts God has placed in our Church communities, which can easily be taken for granted or passed over. We do not lack for challenges - but the Church has always had challenges since the day Jesus first called the disciples. It is easy to focus on them and miss the ways in which God gives generously. This report gently points the way to where some of those gifts can be seen in our life together. Of course it’s not the final word but it is an invitation to take a second careful look, and see how we are people who are richly blessed.

Keith James

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Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church meeting on Monday 28th April, 2014 at St. Anne’s Church, Bewdley

VESTRY MEETING Election of Churchwardens Churchwardens normally serve for a maximum of 6 years. Nominations had been duly sought. Serving and retiring wardens were thanked for their hard work. St. Anne’s: Joyce Redstall (5 years) and Yvonne Rundell (1 year) were willing to continue. St. Leonard’s: No nominations were received but Diane Taylor has agreed to serve for a further year supported by other members of the congregation. St. Andrew’s: Betty Nicholas was willing to continue as Deputy Churchwarden at St. Andrew’s. Overall responsibility will remain with the above churchwardens & PCC.

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ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING Chair: Revd. Keith James Secretary for the meeting: Brian Smith Present: Margaret Ashmore, Robert Barbour, Janet Bishop, Geoff Bishop, Ron Capell, Peter Cashmore, Sue Cashmore, Barbara Fauset, Britta Flegg, Martin Flegg, Michael Foster, Richard Gunn, James Hickson, Peter Johnson, John Latham, Robert Limbrick, Robert May, Betty Nicholas, Don Pearce, Jan Pearce, Richard Perrin, Sue Perrin, Eileen Postings, Susan Price, Pat Prosser, John Prosser, Brian Smith, Robert Smith, Tony Redstall, Peter Roberts, Michael Robinson, Yvonne Rundell, Wilf Talbot, Diane Taylor, Gill Warnett, Paul Warnett, Henrietta Waterhouse, Bill Wear, Brian Wood. Apologies: Elaine Barbour, Ann Capell, John Chester, Marion Chester, Dave Ellis, Sally Ellis, Cathy Foster, Melanie Gunn, Diane Hickson, Denis Layton, Jennie May, Joyce Redstall, Richard Rundell, Roger Scattergood, Helen Smith Minutes of the last APCC. Accepted as a true record of the meeting. Electoral Roll. Richard Gunn had taken

over from Robert May the responsibility for compiling the electoral roll. He reported that there are currently 148 parishioners on the roll, of whom 52 are not resident in the parish. Financial Statement. The financial statement for the year ended 31/12/2013 was available at the meeting. Michael Foster reported that the position was not as healthy as last year due largely to the Passion Play and repairs at St. Leonard’s. Care will be needed but reserves are not unhealthy. He clarified that money can be “borrowed” from certain funds (e.g. the Harris bequest) for wider purposes provided it was subsequently paid back. Next year Michael intends providing a 5 year overview for the Year Book and Annual Meeting. Michael reported that overpayments for electricity dating back to 2004 had built up a surplus. It is possible to borrow money against investments that would otherwise be unavailable but this takes about 10 months to arrange. Richard Perrin queried how much the Passion Play had in fact cost in view of the sponsorship received. Michael confirmed that it had in fact nearly broken even. Election to PCC. Thanks were extended to retiring members: Marion Chester, Sally Ellis, Betty Nicholas and Peter Roberts. There were 4 vacancies to fill: 2 for St. Anne’s and one each for St. Andrew’s and St. Leonard’s. Nominations had been received from Robert Barbour (St. Anne’s), John Chester (St. Leonard’s), Betty Nicholas (St. Andrew’s) and Wilf Talbot (St. Anne’s) who were therefore elected unopposed. Sidespeople: All were re-elected en-masse. Election of Members to Deanery Synod: 4 representatives were sought for election to the Deanery Synod. Nominations had been invited and 4 were received from serving members Ron Capell, Susan Price, Pat Prosser and Gill Warnett, who were therefore re-elected unopposed.

The Electoral Roll

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here are _____ parishioners on the Church Electoral Roll, of whom _____ are not resident in the Parish. The figures have yet to be filled in because in the weeks before the AGM, the list is revised. So please do that yourself when they are published. The Electoral Roll is the closest the Church of England gets to having a Membership List. If you would like to consider joining the Roll (which means you can vote in church elections) please fill in an application form — some are pinned to the notice board in each of our churches.

The Parish’s Charitable Giving The following were supported at special services and events Bewdley Festival British Legion Christian Aid Community Transport St. Basil’s Mayor’s Charities Wyre Forest Ambulance

£585 £243 £902 £1500 £1275 £320 £250

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St. Anne’s Churchwardens

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o all intents and purposes it looks as though St. Anne's building is still in the same condition as when we went to press last year. Do not be fooled. A lot has been achieved behind the scenes. As always, the Property Group have been beavering away filling in copious forms, seeking to uncover funding bodies to help us keep the church waterproof, whilst continuing to deal with minor faults and leaking gutters. The church is indeed blessed with such committed and hard working handymen. Thank you. However, the poor state of the building has not deterred the 'church' from following its true calling. Our congregation has been busier than usual in reaching out to the wider community. The chess club continues to thrive, the community lunches still attract over twenty-four clients each month, our Traidcraft stall and fair made a record turnover of £27,500 this year, the Tuesday craft group bring a little ray of sunshine each week whilst the church café continues to provide a friendly welcome to visitors and regulars alike. Quote from the Traidcraft Christmas Fair:- "Isn't it great to have this facility in the town centre!" Bewdley has been treated to a wealth of concerts, exhibitions and activities. Our church was transformed by Bewdley Floral Art Club into a veritable tropical forest canopied by huge flocks of doves. It has echoed to the sound of children learning a musical instrument, concerts from brass bands,

choirs (local, national and international), celebratory services for our church school and the walls covered in Advent wreaths, poppies and artworks. From July to November, 2014 there were 22 events held in this church. Another quote:- "Is this building still used for worship?" Locals might be surprised if they entered our building, each Sunday, to be met by a full church (av. 85 a week) experiencing a wide range of musical praise, thought provoking sermons, all within in a supportive congregation. Once again our minds have been fed with a rich tapestry of festival services, discussion groups, and the annual Lent and Advent Talks. This is my last year as church warden. It has been a privilege to serve the congregation of St Anne's but I couldn't have done it, especially in the last year, without my trusty sidekick (Tony) and Margaret who is always ready to step into the breach. Both Yvonne and I are so grateful for all the folk who work diligently behind the scenes, making our lives more tolerable.......... Altar linen laundering, ordering wine and candles, organising the various rotas, organising heating, photocopying, welcoming visitors and all those who stepped in when we weren't available for duty......... the list goes on!!! I can now devote more of my time to Community Lunches, Walkie Talkies, and my family. Yet, a warden never truly 'retires', and I suspect and hope, that I will be on hand to support the next generation of wardens.

Joyce Redstall

Ribbesford with Bewdley & Dowles PCC 2014-2015 Aims and Responsibilities Bewdley PCC has the responsibility of cooperating with the incumbent in promoting throughout the Parish the whole mission of the Church; pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. During the year the PCC has been supported and encouraged by the congregations of the three churches. The PCC has responsibility for the maintenance of St. Leonard’s Church, Ribbesford, St. Anne’s Church, Bewdley and St. Andrew’s Church, Button Oak. There are 204 people on the electoral roll, of which 63 are non-residents. Membership of PCC in 2014 This is made up of ex officio and elected members at the AGM in accordance with Church representation rules. During the year the following served as members of the PCC:

Ex officio incumbent and chairman:

Revd. Keith James Revd. Chris Allen Paul Warnett Michael Foster Brian Smith Our representatives on Deanery Synod are Ron Capell, Susan Price, Pat Prosser and Gill Warnett.

Associate Priest: Lay Chairman: Treasurer: Secretary:

Annual Report Thanks were extended to Peter Roberts for his work. Kingdom People Day Parishioners were reminded of the Kingdom People Day due to be held on 14th June 2014 at the Pioneer Centre near Cleobury Mortimer. Any Other Business Ron Capell asked about the duties of verger. Keith explained that Jennie Thompson, Yvonne Rundell and Joyce Redstall have stepped into the role with regard to funerals.

St. Anne’s Churchwardens:

Joyce Redstall Yvonne Rundell

St. Leonard’s Churchwarden: Diane Taylor

(6th year) (2nd year) (11th year)

St. Andrew’s Assistant Churchwarden: Betty Nicholas

Elected 3 Year: rd

Christine Cherrington, Stan Gould and Roger Scattergood.

Elected 2nd Year:

Susan Cashmore, Peter Johnson and Eileen Postings.

Elected 1st Year

Robert Barbour, John Nicholas, Wilf Talbot.

Chester,

Betty

Wedding Verger: Angela Williams Funeral Verger: Jennie Thompson Wedding & Funeral Administrator: Roz Mace

Clergy, Churchwardens, Treasurer and Lay Chairman make up the Standing Committee. This group meets shortly before PCC meetings and may make minor or emergency decisions as needed.

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Property Group

Worship

Review of Worship 2014

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n 2014, as in previous years, we were fortunate to have a rich variety of worship – from Family Communion to Matins; from Saturday morning prayers from the Iona Community to a painfully packed church for the Nativity service on Christmas Eve and Remembrance Sunday, to the Dawn Eucharist on Easter Day to the contemplation of Taizé Prayer. Last year, as in others, we hosted services for Bewdley’s Guide and Scout groups, the new Mayor, and the town’s schools during the Bewdley Festival. Our worship is made possible through many people lending their voices, singing, musical gifts, prayers, and practical gifts of time and skill. We owe James Hickson and all the choir a debt of gratitude for all that they contribute to worship – and for doing it with such generosity and good humour. I am grateful to all the people who share with me, the responsibility of preaching and leading worship – to those who lead worship on Wednesday mornings at St. Anne’s and Sunday evenings at Ribbesford – thank you. Elaine Barbour, Barbara Fauset and Jim Ineson have led Morning Worship at St. Anne’s and ensured that our desire to worship is not dependent on how many priests we have in the parish. Mike Robinson, Mark Moreton, Heather Flack, Barbara Fauset, Roger Woodward and Chris Allen all willingly led worship, preached and supported our worship throughout the parish – as well as at All Saints’, Wribbenhall. We are fortunate in having real breadth and depth in our worship – to which many people

respond, Sunday by Sunday as well as in the high seasons of Christmas and Easter.

Keith James

Children’s Work In addition to what happens on a Sunday morning at St Anne’s with Sunday Gang it is worth noting some of the ‘extra’ work that has happened with children in the parish in 2014. I continued to lead assemblies at St. Anne’s Primary School and I worked with children and staff in producing a special leavers’ service for the Year 6s. We also hosted Harvest and School Carol services. As well as leading Open the Book assemblies, people from church give generously of their time at St. Anne’s Primary School listening to readers. Stuart Williams, Diana Sutherland, Brian Smith and I have served as Governors in 2014. In addition to this, our work with children and young people has included Christingle and Nativity services (and a Travelling Nativity) at Christmas and a morning of workshops on Good Friday involving foot washing, a re-enactment of the Last Supper and making Hot Cross Buns. The Posada Nativity set was taken in for a night by over 20 families in the town. I also spent a time working with the schools in the town to put together the Schools’ service for Bewdley Festival week – in 2014 perhaps unsurprisingly, we focussed on the outbreak of World War 1.

Keith James

General Items of general maintenance have been undertaken in all three churches throughout the year by members of the Property Group. The new roofing contractor appointed to inspect the roof at St. Anne’s and St. Leonard’s continues to undertake regular maintenance in these difficult to access, but important, areas. Quinque nnial Inspe cti ons are required to be undertaken every five years. We have received reports for St. Anne’s and St. Leonard’s churches and are developing a programme of works to address the issues raised. This will involve continued significant expenditure to ensure our properties remain in serviceable condition and we are heartened by the excellent response to the recent appeal for funds. If you would like to contribute please contact Revd. Keith James or Paul Warnett.

St. Anne’s There remains significant work to be undertaken at St. Anne’s to prevent water ingress and to protect the fabric of the building, including consideration of the exterior of the building. The 2014 Quinquennial Inspection identified around £250,000 worth of work. Approximately £180,000 of this is urgent work required to the roof parapet gutters, roof balustrades, ceiling void, ceiling, chancel plaster cornices and improving access to the chancel roof void. In preparation for this work we have made an application to the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund recently announced by the Government. In liaison with our architect and quantity surveyor, an

application for the maximum amount of £100,000 has been made and we expect to hear whether we have been successful in March. As a first step we have commissioned a specialist bat survey which fortunately confirmed no signs of bat presence.

St. Leonard’s The significant spire, roof and gutter work carried out at St. Leonard’s in 2012/13 has benefitted the church and little extra work has been necessary. The 2014 Quinquennial Report has been reviewed and nothing of major concern has been noted. St. Andrew’s We are awaiting the results of the Quinquennial Inspection at St. Andrew’s.

Peter Adams Martin Flegg Robert Smith; Property Group

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The Children’s Society 2014-2015

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he Children’s Society works with over 48,000 children and young people in the UK each year that face danger or disadvantage in their daily lives. The Society’s work is supported in Bewdley by a small fund raising committee that has been in existence for many years. For more information about the Children’s Society please look at www.childrenssociety.org.uk Each year the group is able to raise several thousand pounds through a variety of events. Direct House to House collections and collecting boxes raise a high proportion of the money followed by events. If you would like to help locally come and join the committee (we meet about 4 times a year). Alternatively ask Susan Price for a collecting box to have at home for all

your loose change. Anyone with innovative fund raising ideas will be most welcome. I would like to extend my thanks to all members of the committee for all their hard work throughout the year and also to those others who are able to assist in many different ways.

The tower continues to give good service to the church; all Sunday morning services were rung for during 2014. Membership of the tower is relatively stable. Unfortunately, one potential ringer seems to have decided that ringing is not for him. There were very few visiting bands in 2014: Saturday 5th April: Bingley Ringers’ Tour Saturday 17th May: Guild of Medical Ringers Outing (SVR) Friday 11th July: Visiting ringers from Martley. Apart from these there were only five other visitors’ names in the visitors’ book.

Special Ringing:

St. Anne’s Bellringers

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Robert Limbrick (400704) [email protected]

Tuesday 25th February, a quarter peal of Plain Bob Major conducted by Mike Robinson, to mark 50 years of ringing by Mike (29 years at St. Anne’s). Sunday 7th December: A quarter peal of Grandsire Doubles for Christingle service. Saturday 29th November: Ringing for the turning on of the Christmas lights. No peals were rung during 2014. The Dinner was held on 27th June at the Manor Arms at Abberley. The outing was on 26th July to Monmouthshire, organised by Bob and Cynthia Carlyle.

Paul Marshall, Secretary

Christian Nurture 2014

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here have been many ways in which people have met to learn and grow in their faith so here is a quick reminder. These opportunities tend to be around Lent and Advent. In Lent 2014 we had a Sunday evening series where speakers addressed a number of topics that stretched mind and hearts – these included: ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Buddhism’ Nicholas Allen SSF, ‘The Gospel outside the Gospels’ Dr David Allen, ‘Joy, Misery, Creativity and Passionate Art’ - Revd Gary Hall ‘What on earth is the foundation of the world ?’ Canon Dr Stuart Currie, and I gave a very short introduction to how faith grows under the tantalising title of ‘Losing my Religion (and finding it again)’. On Monday lunch times, plenty of

Services

Weekly:

Sundays: Sundays:

St. Anne’s St. Leonard’s

Readers

9.30am 11.15am

Barbara Fauset, Mike Robinson.

St. Anne’s Choir

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he choir has had another successful year. As usual we have repeated some of our favourite music as well as undertaking new challenges. In place of our usual summer sung mass, we celebrated the thoughtful centenary month of July 1914

people came for soup and food for thought, which in 2014 meant looking at 5 inspirational saints. A series of midweek Homegroups met in the evening and looked deeper at St. Mark’s Gospel. Another group baked bread and did some Bible study. In Advent, we enjoyed plenty of tasty soup and food for thought on the Monday lunch times and an excellent evening of Quiet and Prayer led by Barbara Fauset and Linda James. Two groups began meeting in autumn 2014 as part of the Bishop’s Certificate course led by Mike Robinson, Diane Taylor and Barbara Fauset. I enjoyed leading a group which met in the autumn looking at the promises made at baptism – this included 5 people who were later confirmed in Worcester Cathedral.

Keith James

Wednesdays: St. Anne’s

10.15am

St. Andrew’s, 2nd Sunday

11.15am

Monthly:

ALMs (Authorised Lay Ministers) Elaine Barbour, Caroline Hall, Jim Ineson, Diane Taylor.

with a service built around the music of composers from various European countries. December was enlivened by two innovations – a joint parish service to welcome the Bishop of Dudley with the choir of All Saints’, and a Christmas introit when we were joined by many musical friends from the congregation. Although some of our special

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music is sung as and when completed, we still attempt to ensure regular anthems for Advent, Lent and Passion, and we are currently working for Lent 2015. I hope that we can end the summer season with another classical Mass. Once again I must thank all those

choristers who give up their time once a week, to work hard and produce wonderful music. Without them, and Heather to conduct us for special occasions, our music would be much less interesting and it is a privilege to work with them.

Bible Reading Fellowship

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s in previous years the BRF group has met once a month at a different house each time. We start by saying the BRF prayer together and then discuss the chosen section from the notes. Some passages are easier to

Saturday Prayer Group

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ne of the prayers, in the group's set service, states "Lord, you did not ask us to succeed, you asked us to be faithful." Well, the small group that meets every Saturday, at 08:15, would certainly say "Amen" to that. This year is our twentieth anniversary. In 1995, the church held its first ever Alpha Course. Such a bold step of faith needed prayerful backing, and so a prayer group was formed. This group was never disbanded, as it was realised that all our church work

James Hickson, February 2015

interpret than others, of course, but we do our best! We are only a few but I believe it is really worthwhile to maintain the fellowship in this way.

Barbara Crank

needs prayerful back-up and preparation. Over the years it has evolved to encompass the wider community’s needs. We take seriously the requests on the church prayer board, we consider local issues and discuss current world affairs. So we pray for items mentioned in Network, the Diocesan Prayer Diary, the week's lectionary readings and news headlines. After a twenty minute service we sit round the coffee table and discuss subjects of interest.

Flowers in St. Anne’s Church 2014

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he highlight of the year was the Flower Festival in September. As part of Bewdley Floral Art Club's Fiftieth Anniversary they presented 'A Golden Heritage', designed by Andrew Lloyd. However, the event was a real team effort. Origami birds were made and

Tony Redstall

suspended from the roof space. Over 50 flower arrangers decorated the windows and free standing exhibits inside and outside the church. Large rings were hung from the balcony, and large trees and potted plants were placed around the nave and

Treasurer’s Report

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he last seven annual reports have continued to show the Parish in a relatively stable position financially. This situation has continued in the current year under review. There were good cash flows which, although set against a predictable increase in ‘revenue’ expenditure (running costs), produced modest surpluses. This, of course has been at a time when the global economic situation has seen an improvement. We have had no major repair work to fund in any of our churches. However, with the Quinquennial inspections of Bewdley St. Anne and Ribbesford St. Leonard now available that situation is about to change as we look at needing to spend an extremely large sum of money on St. Anne’s Church. Although the annual accounts will, once again, show something of a ‘mixed’ picture in income and expenditure against the various budget headings our liabilities continue to be met through a substantial amount of regular Pledged Giving. The annual autumn review request (Pledged Giving) this year was pitched in a very different way from previous years. We are looking to appoint a Parish Youth Worker (paid for in part by a grant from the Diocese of Worcester consequent upon the Rector of Ribbesford with Bewdley & Dowles being made Priest in Charge of All Saints’, Wribbenhall). This post, together with needing to find finance for the repair work at Bewdley St. Anne (although once again we are hoping for some grant aid from various public and charitable bodies) was at the heart of our recent funding appeal to the congregation. The response

was extremely positive and has enable us to move to the next stage in the process of appointing a suitable person to be the Parish Youth Worker and also look more positively at the repairs needed at both major churches in the Parish. Our self-funded ‘outreach’ mission has continued with many familiar events throughout 2014. The success of the 2013 Bewdley Passion Play emboldened us to expand the concept for a similar venture in 2015 – now spread over 3 days. Of course, this too needs financing but we are hopeful of an increased level of grant aid this year. As the financial markets have continued their modest improvement, so our investments have performed marginally better. We remain able to contribute our ‘Parish Share’ (our apportioned contribution to the running of the Diocese) in full. This is entirely done through the Pledged Giving Scheme which remains the principal way in which our members support, financially, the mission of the wider Anglican Communion. The question of ‘Parish Share’ is currently under review but it is unlikely that we will see much of a reduction, if any, in our liability under any revised scheme. Funding the work of the Parish continues to be a challenge but one that is met cheerfully and inventively by various means. Although we continue to look for ways of being more prudent about expenditure and trying to increase our income – a pattern set in more recent years – the unexpected always, unfortunately, lies in wait.

Michael Foster

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graves or pass through on the Worcestershire Way and many say how they appreciate the hard work of our grass cutters. This spring we shall be clearing the brambles etc. right back to the boundaries so as to squeeze in the last of burial spaces and I would expect the churchyard to be completely full by the end of this year. However, spaces for ashes will continue for several more

years. We have a small but very caring congregation who make a good team, all pulling together as welcomers, flower arrangers, lesson readers, PC members and general helpers. All willingly give their time and support and I am very grateful for this. Many thanks.

St. Andrew’s, Button Oak Small numbers have continued to be the order of the day at St. Andrew’s. We also lost the valued help of our Reader, Vince Taylor and his wife Julia, who have moved away to Herefordshire to assist in that

part of the world, helping the churches there when required. Other stalwart members of St. Andrew’s continue to offer prayer and worship on the second Sunday of each month. The fête and Harvest Supper continued in 2014 with lots of village support. Best wishes to all for their support. The St. Andrew's congregation.

nother year; another twelve editions of the Bridge magazine. In spite of wondering each month if we will have enough material to fill it; if there will be too much material; if anyone will bother to come and collect their pack and deliver them; if anyone will bother to read it; if…..if…. Yet each month somehow it drops through the letterbox of all the houses in Bewdley. The magazine is “the community voice of Bewdley” produced from St. Anne’s Church and thus has become possibly one of our biggest outreach projects. I know that the small tradespeople and artisans who advertise in the magazine value the work it brings in. I know that without the time and dedication of the volunteers who work on and for it there would be no magazine. I know that the very nicest people give that most expensive present,

their time to make it happen. There have been some changes since my last report. Gill has become an expert at the mysteries of typesetting and now edits and produces the magazine every two months. Wilf and John have taken on the job of overseeing the advertising, and Janet and Paul make sure that every road has a deliverer. We have decided to dispense with the box at the back of church where before the widespread use of email, people would leave their contributions. Since it often remained empty all month we have asked Peter Kirk to be available to type up and email anything sent from those without email access. And of course we have had several Good Ideas for new series in the magazine. Did you notice? We do hope so. Margaret Ashmore

The Chapel in the forest.

The Bridge Magazine

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Diane Taylor

on the balcony. A secret garden with water feature and an allotment garden filled the chancel. Donations at the memory tree were given to the local Macmillan nurses. The ticket money at the concert held on the Friday evening went to support the Bewdley Youth Café. Additional money given in donations was directed to the

Christian Formation

Sunday Gang

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bout ten members of the congregation help to lead Sunday Gang. Activities take place either at the back of the church or up in the tower room. Usually there is a cooking session on the first Sunday of the month, which this year has included creating mini bread rolls for all to share and star biscuits at Epiphany for all the congregation. We held an Activity Morning on Good Friday 2014 which included baking Hot Cross Buns, foot washing and story-telling which helped the young people celebrate Holy Week and Easter. We meet during the school holidays as well and in the summer we had a project to make scarecrows, one of which appeared in the Bewdley Flower Festival.

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church to help fund repairs to the building and the proposed appointment of a youth worker. Many of the club members worship in the parish and help decorate St. Anne's church on a regular basis. My thanks to them for their help and support throughout the year.

Janet Bishop

A Sunday afternoon Baptismal tea party was organised in September when children and parents came to church to share an activity packed time. Craft sessions are usually planned for the third Sunday of the month and bible stories are brought to life by creating mini cork boats, corn dollies, fishes from plastic bottles; the imagination is endless! The children enjoy helping to take up the bread and wine when they join the congregation again for communion. New helpers are always welcome and I am happy to email anyone with children who wishes to be kept in touch with our activities.

Helen Smith (01299 409137)

Pastoral Care

small group meets regularly to monitor the work among the housebound and those who are passing through troubled times in the parish. This work is completely confidential. We try to ensure that regular pastoral visits are made and that appropriate help is offered where it is needed.

Please let us know if you hear of anyone who you think might be in need of pastoral help. We try to keep our ears to the ground, but sometimes people can be inadvertently overlooked if their situation is not brought to our attention.

Janet Bishop, Barbara Fauset

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Bewdley Rock Group - Save the Children

Christian Community

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The Deanery and Diocesan Synods Alistair Findlay and Revd. Doug Chaplin met the Deanery reps. at St. Michael’s and briefed us on the current Parish Share. They outlined the continuing need to maintain the Share to meet current problems: the falling congregational rolls, rising demographics, diminishing clergy numbers and the demands of the call to mission and the fabric, pastoral and running costs needs. Parish response had been positive and engaged. This year saw the appointment of Bishop Graham Usher and Archdeacon Nikki Groarke to Dudley and they had

Bewdley Christian Forum

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iaison between the churches of the town is increasingly relaxed and engaged. There is a recognition of the individual worth of each religious community, character, practice and tradition and a willingness to share our communal Christian worship. The meetings between our church leaders is a signal feature of all of this atmosphere of willingness. The default is that active engagement with ‘others’ is still fairly limited.

Ron Capell

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visited us. The Diocesan Synod’s most historic step was the adoption of the amended legislation allowing women to be admitted to the episcopacy. From the PCC of each parish, Deaneries and at Synod all three houses of ministry needed to agree, with minority views respected. Bishop Libby Lane was appointed Bishop of Stockport earlier in 2015. A demonstration of the link between Parishes, Diocese and the influence and responsibility we bear.

Ron Capell

The Black Country Food Bank

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ast year over 1700 kilos were delivered from St. Anne’s to the Stourbridge Food Bank point. Some donations have also been taken to Kidderminster but the need at Stourbridge seemed mani fe stl y greater. Donation requirements are listed on the notice board and collected in the tower stair well from which they are delivered weekly by many willing volunteers. Thank you. A large percentage, but by no means all, of donations come from the St. Anne’s community, ma ny townspeople also give generously, the Holy Family community and St. Anne’s School give their Harvest and Christmas collected produce. Thank you!

Ron Capell

any people in our churches are involved with various charities and good causes of which The Bewdley & Rock Save The Children Group is a good example. This year they have held a number of events at St. Anne's - Cate Gillespie gives us an account of a busy and productive 12 months. 2014 has been the most successful year yet for our very small, hard working group of 5. As I write I have in front of me our annual statement beautifully set out by Barry Jones showing we raised £5358 during the year. The year started well with the "12 Days of

Christmas" concert held in St. Anne's and supported by numerous St. Anne's regulars. The concert was conducted by Heather Fairs with a hilarious version of the 12 Days, etc and Alan keeping us up to the mark by rushing up and down the aisle. This event set the pace and we followed on with two speaker lunches, two stalls showing the flag at Button Oak Fête and Bewdley Lights switch on plus a coffee morning @Cremyll from 10 till 4!? We would like to heartily thank all of you once again for supporting Save the Children so generously.

Nuts and Bolts

St. Leonard’s Churchwarden

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nowdrops are popping up all over the churchyard again. That there are so many is thanks to Stan who, each year, split the clumps and replanted them. Many other 'behind the scenes' things have come to light as the year has passed, to remind us of him; like shaving the altar candles so they fit the candle sticks, pulling the aisle carpet back because it 'creeps' and separates itself from the underlay, hoovering away the mud left by ramblers and topping up the supply of wafers and communion wine. Then there’s new light bulbs, heating elements, matches and putting the Christmas tree outside, not to mention getting the church ready for services and verging for funerals. The list is never ending. We knew we would miss him and we still do. However, people have come forward to help and we now have Jenny Thompson (from Wribbenhall) to look after

funerals, Janet Adey takes care of the communion and Angela Williams continues to look after weddings. Many thanks to each of them. In July came a second blow – Henrietta had a stroke and then I discovered just how much she had done behind the scenes as well as playing for services. Between them Henrietta and Stan knew every nook and cranny of St. Leonard's and their contribution over the years has been enormous. On Sundays, James rushes from the organ at St. Anne's to Ribbesford ready for the 11.15 start. He has also played for weddings or organised stand-ins. By the time he got home for Christmas lunch he had played for the Nativity service, midnight service and two Christmas morning services – four services in the space of 18 hrs! How lucky we are to have him. Lots and lots of people visit the churchyard either to tend

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buy and those who sell. A special thanks to Lynne Fox, who has accompanied me on several occasions, to help sell and fetch and carry. The highlight of the year was the Christmas Fair in November with a wonderful team of helpers over three days and the best ever sales of £5052·46. Many members of our churches joined with the wider community to support this well established event. We continue to keep the staff of St. Anne’s Primary and the Bewdley School well refreshed with Fairtrade beverages and to supply several local churches and communities with goods to sell regularly throughout the year. Kidderminster Fairtrade Town Group look to us for sale/return goods for many of their events – sales in Kidderminster college, the Rowland Hill Centre, Broome fête, St. George’s Summer and Christmas Fairs and Kidderminster Horticultural Show – as do Stourport Fairtrade Town Group, for church sales, coffee mornings, Christian Aid lunch, events at Burlish Primary School and Stourport Carnival. New this year was a stall at two sales organised by Bromsgrove Fairtrade Town Group. I spoke at several WIs – Hagley,

Callow End, North Claines and Abberley and also repeated a very successful stall at Upton Snodsbury MU. 2nd Bewdley Brownies had learnt about Fairtrade so were keen for me to take a stall to their tea party and donated the profits of their cake sales to Traidcraft Exchange, to support the development work of the charity side of Traidcraft. The successful Charities Fair down in Fladbury led to requests for sale/return from the church in Ashchurch and so word continues to spread and new outlets appear. A small stall for a Friday market in the Teme Valley has been set up this year too – many of these enterprises are quite small, but these, together with the one offs, like the stall at The Bewdley School’s Art Showcase and that at Worcester University, are what contribute to make our high total of sales. (Drops of water and oceans spring to mind.) So, for several years now we have had the second highest sales among Fairtraders, with only three topping £20,000. We can be justly proud. Let’s keep it up in 2015 – every purchase, however small, is significant – drops and oceans again!

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We have every intention of keeping this essential service going, which has seen a rise in journeys of 41% over the last 2/3 years. We currently do approximately 1,600 journeys per month! As ever, volunteers are our lifeline and without them we would sadly not be here.

Community Transport

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fter a difficult 12 months, Community Transport Wyre Forest still continues to operate from the tower in St. Anne’s. We have had several ups and downs, the main down being that our County Council grants are decreasing and will eventually be zero. We are ever reliant on donations and fund raising where possible.

Elaine Barbour

Beverley Coldrick, Chief Officer, www.ctwyre.org.uk

Open the Book

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he twelve OtB volunteers from the Baptist Church and St. Anne's Church are now into their fourth year of reaching out to two of our local primary schools. Every Wednesday one of our five teams visits St. Anne's school, then the next day repeats the same assembly to Wribbenhall Primary. Each team only has to lead three lots of assemblies each term. Wribbenhall has a new head teacher, Mrs Noakes. She is very familiar with OtB assemblies, and now has all the

school attend. Our Baptist Church colleagues have been joined by Tom Cox, a minister in training. Both schools are always very welcoming, and their pupils still look forward to these pensioners sharing their love of Bible stories. This year saw the Bible Society stepping in to run OtB. Hopefully, through this larger organisation we will be able to reach more schools.

St. Anne’s Church Centre

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Tony Redstall

nother successful year for the coffee shop as we continue to welcome visitors, both local and those who visit the town from many areas of this country and also abroad. The comments in the visitors’ book are always worth reading. They show that the welcome people receive makes such a difference and encourages them to return again. Sincere thanks go to all our

volunteers for always being available and so welcoming. We have added to our volunteer list - some as regular volunteers and some on our reserve list often able to step in at short notice. Thank you again for offering your time to this very important part of our church and town life.

tough year but the most successful in the six years since I took over as chair. The initial steep learning curve potentially makes for an easier follow on, so they say? On the day we had a record number of stalls and attractions, once again supporting local charities with a mini food market and local craft people putting up a r e a l l y g o o d s h o w . Th e m a i n disappointment was that Hurricane Bertha put paid to the flypast by our WW2 Dakota with the weather down

south causing the cancellation of their complete Saturday flights. We made donations of £900 to St. Anne's, £550 to CTH , £550 to the Youth Café, £150 to the Owl Charity, £50 to Birmingham Children's Hospice, £100 to Bewdley Taekwondo Group & £100 to Bewdley Scouts & Guides. That makes a total of £17,443 we have raised mainly for the local community in the last six years. 2014 saw Vince Taylor departing to Hereford, much missed and leaving a

Community Fête 2014

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Pat Prosser

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big hole in our committee which Steve and I endeavoured to fill. July & August saw us holidaying here in Bewdley - our new caravan neglected! Many of our regular acts are rebooked for 2015 plus another flypast application made (weather permitting) and a dog show but I race on, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak and with underlying health issues and after consulting the other three members of the committee I have decided I have to resign. This decision has been put before the PCC in the event that they wished to pick up the fête once again but I understand this

is not the case. I am however discussing the opportunity with another local group who may be interested in taking it on. If you would like to take up the challenge yourself or know someone who does please contact me. The committee are unpaid volunteers and wish to thank everyone for their help and support both on fête day itself and also in selling raffle tickets and donating goods for the various stalls over the past six years .

fter sixteen years of MUD walks, covering over 1,400 miles, we can still muster about eight walkers each month, to ramble purposefully through this wonderful part of this world. Encouraged by the very successful week away at Tresaith last year, the Limbricks again arranged another week's holiday for the MUDders and their spouses (16 all told) at Litton Cheney, in Dorset. It was an action packed holiday of fossil hunting, kite flying, eight mile coastal walks and superb self catering continental meals in the evening. Already, Sheila and Robert have booked this year's away week. Thanks both for your hard work.

Our New Year's Day walk attracted fifteen walkers for a short two hour ramble around Habberley, followed by soup and festive cakes back at the Limbrick's house. Thanks both for your hard work for the group. The men still maintain contact with the Walkie Talkies twice a year, but not for Family Walks now, more of a Darby and Joan Wander!! Most of our monthly MUD walks include a church visit, not just to bathe in the atmosphere of such ancient places of worship, but to see how small country churches are meeting the challenges of a changing society.

Love Cate

MUD, a men’s walking group

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St. Anne’s Drop-in Chess Club

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e have been going now for two years and it is very popular for anyone young or old who is interested in chess, from a beginner to an advanced player. Why don’t you pop in for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat, meet new

Tony Redstall

friends and learn more about our little group? Someone is there every Wednesday from 12 noon till 2pm.

Keith Thompson 01299 404760 [email protected]

Walkie Talkies, a ladies’ walking group

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escribed by one of our regular walkers as “like being on holiday every time I come out”, Walkie Talkies has continued to explore the delights of Worcestershire – not only in terms of beautiful and varied countryside and surprising views but also culinary treats including a 3-course Christmas lunch. Seen by many as a way to keep fit

whilst enjoying a good natter and fresh air, our numbers have continued to grow, such that we routinely have between 10 and 15 on each outing. Our ‘members’ include ladies from Kidderminster and Stourport as well as Bewdley and we outreach far beyond St. Anne’s.

St. Anne’s Mothers’ Union

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Year ending March 2015

t has been an interesting year, with a varied programme. A highlight was the visit of our Worldwide President, Lynne Tembey and the Cathedral festival service. Sylvia and John Jordan joined us and were enrolled in January 2014. We were saddened when Nancy Jones died in June. Nancy had been frail and an indoor member for some time. RIP Nancy. After a lot of discussion over many weeks our new MU banner is in place. All feedback has been positive. It was dedicated on 14th December by the Bishop of Dudley and we were pleased that our Diocesan President Liz Green could join us. A new banner was only possible by the generous donations given in memory of loved ones. Thank you all.

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I do hope that it gives you as much pleasure as it gives us. In August we plan a visit to the lovely church at Colwall. Our founder, Mary Sumner, spent part of her childhood there and was married from there. This is to be followed by tea in the Ale House. Our Diocesan Wave of Prayer is 12th-14th March, no longer September, and we look forward to finding out more about our new links: Port Elizabeth, South Africa; West Ankole, Uganda; Nomadic Mission, Nigeria; Ekita-Kwara, Nigeria and the Episcopal Church of the Philippines — an interesting time ahead. Our programme is on the MU notice board so feel free to join us; you need not be a member.

Outreach

014 was a heartening year for Traidcraft here in Bewdley, with the excellent news that sales from St. Anne’s Church reversed the downward trend of the

Lynne Fox

Peggy McGilp, Branch Leader

past few years and showed an increase of more than £2,500. The yea r’ s total was £27,496·12. Many thanks to everyone who made that happen – those who

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