St, Laurence, Ludlow + St. John the Evangelist, Ludlow + St Giles, Ludford +

LUDLOW TEAM MINISTRY

LUDLOW TOWERS

Ludlow and Ludford

Parishes Magazine

St. John St. Giles

St. Laurence

Keeping us all together with the news…

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+ St. Paul, Knowbury + The Heath Chapel + All Saints, Culmington + St. Margaret, Clee St Margaret +

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THE PARISHES’ OFFICE

2 College Street, LUDLOW, Shropshire. SY8 1AN

Telephone: 01584 872073

e-mail: office@stlaurences.org.uk

website: www.stlaurences.org.uk

The Office is staffed and phone calls responded to each day,

but is only open to the public on Mondays and Fridays between 10.00 am and 12.00 noon.

Parishes’ Secretary Julia Hall 872073

Parishes’ Administrator Sue Bremner 872073

Book-keeper Lyddia Pearson 872073

CLERGY (Days off are shown in brackets)

Rector Designate: The Venerable Colin Williams (Thur) 872001 Rector’s Office direct: (e-mail: rector@stlaurences.org.uk) 875907

Team Vicars Revd Maree Wilson (Thur) 856731

Revd Kelvin Price (Fri) 831886 Assistant Priest Revd Prebendary Ann Barge (Wed) 877307

Associate Minister Pastor Brigitte Malik (Fri) 878464

NORMAL SUNDAY SERVICES

St Laurence 8.00 am Holy Communion BCP

9.30 am Parish Eucharist 3rd Sunday Sung Eucharist

11.30 am 2nd and 4th Sunday Choral Matins 3.30 pm 1st and 3rd Sundays Choral Evensong

(No 3rd service on the 5th Sunday of the month)

St John 9.30 am Holy Communion with Hymns

St Giles 11.15 am Holy Communion

- 1st Sunday Family Service

3

CONTENTS

Sunday Services & Bible Readings for Dec. & Jan. Insert sheet

Pattern of Daily Worship 4

Weekly Calendar & Thought for the Month 5

Parish Events Calendar (& Office Closure) 6 /7

Clergy Letter 8

From Bishop Richard 9

From the Registers & Notes from the Rector 10

Churchwardens’ Corner 13

News from St John’s and St Giles’ 15/16

All Soul’s Day - Poem 17

Outward Concern - Tanzania Update 18

Accompanied Prayer 2015 19

Children’s Page for December 20

Messy Church & Lifts to Church 22

Can you Host? 23

Mother’s Union - Posada 24

Christian Aid Christmas 26

Ludlow Food Bank & Cards for Good Causes 27

Hereford Inclusive Church Forum 28

Life & Learning @ Ludlow & Heritage Auction 29

Conservation Trust & Advent Quiet Morning 30

Magazine deadline dates and Guidelines 32

Advertisers 33-38

Contact List 39

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Monday 8.00 am Morning Prayer

8.30 am Holy Communion

5.30 pm Evening Prayer

5.30 pm Evening Prayer

St Laurence

Ashford Carbonell

Tuesday 8.00 am Morning Prayer

8.30 am Holy Communion 5.30 pm Evening Prayer

9.00 am Morning Prayer

St Laurence

Ashford Carbonell

Wednesday 8.00 am Morning Prayer

8.30 am Holy Communion

11.30 am Holy Communion 5.30 pm Evening Prayer

5.30 pm Evening Prayer

St Giles

St Laurence St Laurence

Ashford Carbonell

Thursday 8.00 am Morning Prayer

8.30 am Holy Communion

5.30 pm Evening Prayer

St Laurence

Ashford Carbonell

Friday 8.00 am Morning Prayer

8.30 am Holy Communion

5.30 pm Sung Compline

St Laurence

St Laurence

PATTERN OF DAILY WORSHIP

IN AND AROUND THE TOWN:

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Choice, not chance, determines human

destiny.

“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children

may live…” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Calendar of Weekly Activities & Events

Weekly

Events

EVENT / ACTIVITY

(SJL=St John; SLL=St Laurence; SGL=St Giles LMC = Ludlow Mascall Centre)

Monday 08:00 - 09:00 Morning Prayer and Holy Communion (SLL)

19:30—21:30 Bells Practice (SLL)

Tuesday 08:00 - 09:00 Morning Prayer and Holy Communion (SLL)

17:00 - 17:30 Evening Prayer (SLL) 18:00 - 19:15 Handbells (SLL)

Wednes-

day

09:45—11:15 Toddler Group (SLL)

11:30—12:15 Holy Communion (SLL) 17:00—17:30 Evening Prayer (SLL)

Thursday 08:00 - 09:00 Morning Prayer and Holy Communion (SLL)

16:00—17:00 Simple Service of Psalms & Silent Prayer (SJL) 17:00—17:30 Evening Prayer (SLL)

17:30 – 18:30 Junior Choristers Practice (SLL) 18:45—20:30 Choir Practice (SLL)

Friday 08:00 - 09:00 Morning Prayer and Holy Communion (SLL)

09:45—11:15 Toddler Group (SLL) 17:30—18:00 Compline (SLL)

Saturday 11:30 – 12:30 Guided Church Tours (SLL)

Sunday 08:00 - 08:45 Holy Communion (SLL)

09:30—10:45 Parish Eucharist (SLL) 11.30 Matins OR 15.30 Evensong (SLL)

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CALENDAR OF PARiSH Events – December

Date Event Details

Every Wed and Friday

Toddlers Group (SLL) 09:45 – 11:15

Every Saturday

Church Tours 14:15 – 15:15 Please check board for details on the day (SLL)

1 Dec 18.00 Advent Prayer (SGL) 18:00 - 18:30 Worlds Aid Day Vigil

5 Dec 10:15 – 10:45 White Ribbon Campaign. Opportunity to light candles in the Lady Chapel

11:00 – 12:00 Bedstone College Christmas Service

6 Dec 19:00 - 21:30 LCS Christmas Concert (SLL) (Concert is in aid of the Friends of Ludlow Hospital)

8 Dec 18.00 Advent Prayer (SGL)

9 Dec 10:00 Volunteer & Stewards Christmas Meeting (SLL). 14:30 Mothers Union Carol Service (Mascall Centre)

12 Dec Quiet Prayer in the Lady Chapel (SLL)

14 Dec 15:00 St John's Christmas Celebrations Service (at SLL) 16:00 Bitterley Carol Service (Bitterley)

18:30 Heath Christingle/Carols (Heath)

15 Dec 18.00 Advent Prayer (SGL)

16 Dec 10:00 Ludlow Junior School Christmas Service (SLL) 14:00 Ludlow CofE High School Carol Service (SLL)

17 Dec 18:00 St Laurence Primary School Christmas Service (SLL)

19 Dec Quiet Prayer in the Lady Chapel (SLL) 10:00 Bitterley School Carol Service (Bitterley)

10:00 Ludlow Infants School Christmas Service (SJL) 14:15 Bishop Hooper School Carol Service (Bish. Hooper)

18:00 Onibury Carol Service (Onibury)

20 Dec 12:00 Wedding: McLachlan & Smith (SLL) 13:00 Wedding: Price & Strangwood (SGL)

19:30 - 21:30 A Festival of Christmas: Academia Musica

Choir (Hereford 6th Form) (SLL)

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21 Dec 11:15 Culmington Carol Service (Culmington)

11:15 Carols and Holy Communion (SGL)

15:00 Knowbury Christingle/Carols (Knowbury) 16:30 Ashford Carbonell Christingle/Carols (Ashford

Carbonell) 18:30 Caynham Lessons and Carols (Caynham)

18:30 Clee St Margaret Carol Service (Clee St Margaret)

22 Dec 17:30 Carols in the Castle (Ludlow Castle)

23 Dec 19:00 Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight (SLL) (Please be seated by 18:40)

24 Dec Note: no toddler group today

15:00 Stanton Lacy Carols (Stanton Lacy)

16:00 Richards Castle Christingle/Carols (Richards Castle) 16:00 Christingle and Crib Service (SLL)

16:00 Bromfield Crib Service (Bromfield) 18:30 Stoke St Milborough Carol Service (Stoke St Mil.)

23:15 - 00:15 Midnight Mass at St Laurence,

Bitterley, Caynham and Knowbury Churches

25 Dec For services at St Laurence, St John and St Giles churches please see Rector's Notes on pages 11/12.

09:30 Family Communion (Ashford Carbonell)

09:30 Holy Communion (Richards Castle) 10:00 Holy Communion (Middleton)

11:15 Holy Communion (Ashford Bowdler)

26 Dec 08:00 Morning Prayer followed by Holy Communion (SLL)

28 Dec 15:00 Carols (Ashford Bowdler)

Office Christmas Closure

The Parishes Office will be closed to the public on 26th, 29th

December and 2nd January and will re-open again on 5th January

10.00am – 12 noon.

The office will be staffed until 12.30pm on 23rd December, and

then from 5th January as normal. Messages left on the answerphone over Christmas will be

checked by the clergy and urgent messages responded to.

Julia Hall

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Clergy Letter

During December this year many, if not all, our churches will be doing

extra-special events such as Christingle, Carols or Christmas Tree services to celebrate Christmas. Such services have become a much

regarded normal and expected event within our church calendars. This

variety is extremely important as it helps to express different ways of celebrating Christmas, which provides individuals, schools, nurseries,

local businesses, communities, organisations, clubs and charities to join in with our celebrations. I’m sure you would agree that the look and

sharing that such worship provides feels brilliant, which really does help

build up the excitement for Christmas Day.

But why does it feel brilliant? Well, I imagine that as our churches get

decorated they feel just ever so slightly like stepping through a wardrobe of dusty old winter coats and out into Narnia, or some sort

of an Aladdin's cave, or perhaps and more fitting into a stable where we

find a baby in a manger. Our varied approach through decorations, hymns, poems, fellowship and special liturgies are wonderful ways of

focusing our mind and spirits towards God’s special gift. It all provides help towards separating ourselves from the humdrum and ordinary

parts of our everyday lives. And this is the whole point, because what

we celebrate on Christmas day is to be cherished with all our heart not just on December 25th but everyday of our lives.

Christmas Services themselves say something about the fact that no matter how hard our lives might be, with its complications and

difficulties - there is also, and always will be, something else going on.

There is always an alternative way of looking at things, and another way of being. God has from the birth of Christ changed all things, for all

people, for all time.

Our Christmas celebrations throughout December are symbols of hope,

of a community of diverse people with diverse interests and needs that

cares for all people. And, yes, it is a symbol of love, moreover, it is a symbol of everything that Christmas and the Christmas story brings:

"Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards All."

So as we come and step into the world of Christmas this year we

should let all our services be acts of worship fit for the arrival of the

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ultimate eternal gift of God’s child, and through our prayers and

worship hope that all who come are filled forevermore with God’s love that the ‘Christ child’ brings.

Wishing you every blessing for Christmas and a peaceful New Year. God bless, Kelvin.

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From Bishop Richard

Names are important – and I am trying to learn a whole lot of them

at the moment. But I have also been thinking about one of the names

given to Jesus: Immanuel, as in, “They will call him Immanuel, which

means God with us.”

All over the world, there are all sorts of alarming things happening, and at an individual level any of us can be carrying enormous numbers

of pressures: worries about relationships, health, family or a feeling of

deep loneliness.

Christmas started when Jesus came into a world which was no more

peaceful and straight forward than ours is today. Being “God with us” was not something he did from a safe distance.

A survey published last year showed that if Jesus were to be born

today, the most likely place would be a shed in the Yorkshire Dales, the most likely wise man would be Professor Brian Cox and the most

popular gift for the baby Jesus would be a Chocolate Orange.

The spokesperson for the Bible Society, who commissioned the

survey, said: “At the heart of Christmas is the message that God cares

about the everyday, the ordinary and the seemingly insignificant”, in other words: God with us.

Jesus is described in the Bible as “the image of the invisible God”; “all

the fullness of God lives in him in bodily form.” Want to know what

God is like? Look at Jesus – at his birth as a baby and then at his life

and death, and we begin to see true strength coming through weakness; gaining coming from losing; in short, love conquering all.

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From the Registers

Baptisms / Services of Thanksgiving

26.10.14 Mark Valentine Goode St Giles

Funerals

9.10.14 Dorothy Gough Ludlow Cemetery

9.10.14 Rowena Morris Hereford Crematorium 29.10.14 Madge Radnor St Giles

30.10.14 Mary Peplow St Giles

7.11.14 Gladys Stoten St John

7.11.14 Evelyn Allaby St John

Interment of Ashes

1.11.14 Kenneth Priddey St Laurence

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Notes From the Rector

KEEPING A GOOD ADVENT

Traditionally the weeks of Advent have been a time to stop , take

stock and pray as we prepare to open our hearts and our lives to the

new born Christ. Here are some opportunities for this which are available in Ludlow this Advent season - they are open to all:

Advent Quiet Morning - Saturday, 6 December 10.00 - 1.00

Led by The Revd. Sue Foster from the Tenbury Team Ministry at 6, Summerfields, off Fishmore Road (you are welcome to bring lunch and

stay on). Contact Helen (875041) or Pat (318169) to book a place.

Waiting in Advent - Fridays, 12, 19 December, 12.30 - 1.00

Silent Prayer in the Lady Chapel, St Laurence’s Church.

Advent Night Prayer in Candlelight - Mondays, 1, 8, 15, 22

December at 6.00 pm – at St. Giles’ Church, Ludford.

A Contemplative Prayer Group meets every Wednesday at

11.00 for 30 minutes silent prayer followed by coffee, at the home of

Helen Blyth, 6 The Snicket, Portcullis Lane (875041). All welcome.

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Advent Preachers at St. Laurence’s

This year we continue the tradition of inviting guest preachers to preach at St. Laurence’s 9.30 Parish Eucharist during Advent:

Sunday, 30 November – Advent Sunday. Our preacher will be The Revd. Kelvin Price, Team Vicar with particular responsibility

for the Ashford Group of Parishes. We shall also on that day be

welcoming members of the congregations of the Ashford Group.

Sunday, 7 December – Advent 2. Our preacher will be The

Revd. Maree Wilson, Team Vicar with particular responsibility for the Culmington Group of Parishes.

Sunday, 14 December – Advent 3. Our preacher will be The

Revd. Neil Richardson, who will be talking about the new Report from CTAL,’ Ludlow under Continuing Pressure’. Neil will be staying behind

after the service for informal discussion with any who would like to join him.

Sunday, 21 December – Advent 4. Our preacher will be Canon Jeffry Wilcox, who will also preside at the Eucharist that day.

+ + + +

CHRISTMAS 2014 IN LUDLOW:

Here are the main services on offer at our three churches this Christmastide. Do join

us - and do bring some friends with you to sample all that we have to offer!

ST LAURENCE’S:

Carol Services:

Please see the Calendar on pages 6 and 7 for details of all Carol Services.

Monday, 22 December 7.30 pm Carols in the Castle - in the

grounds of Ludlow Castle.

Tuesday, 23 December:

7.00 pm Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight (please be in your

seat by 6.40 pm) (incense will be used)

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Christmas Eve - Wednesday, 24 December:

4.00 pm Crib & Christingle Service 11.15 pm Midnight Mass

Christmas Day - Thursday, 25 December: 8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)

9.30 am Parish Eucharist

11.15 am Service of Lessons & Carols (Please bring your toys and presents to be blessed)

12.45 pm Holy Communion (BCP)

ST JOHN’S:

Sunday, 14 December:

3.00 pm Christmas Celebration (NB at St. Laurence’s)

Thursday, 25 December - Christmas Day:

9.30 am Christmas Morning Holy Communion

ST GILES’:

Sunday, 21 December: 11.15 am Communion with Carols - (followed by mince pies and

mulled wine)

Thursday, 25 December – Christmas Day 11.15 am Christmas Morning Holy Communion

+ + + + +

RECTOR’s NOTES:

‘Ludlow Under Continuing Pressure’ Copies of this important report are available at the back of our churches for the bargain price of

£1 – do take a copy away with you and read it and pray about it

carefully.

The 2015 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity takes place from

18-25 January. On Sunday, 18 January, the three Anglican churches in Ludlow are invited to join in the exchange of members of

congregations as follows:-

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St Laurence's will send representatives to greet the congregation

at Living Waters St Giles will send representatives to greet the congregation at

Elim St John's will send representatives to greet The Friends

Living Waters will send representatives to greet St Laurence's

Ludlow Methodist Church will send representatives to greet St.

John’s.

The Friends will send representatives to greet St Giles.

There will be daily prayer at our various churches during the Week of

Prayer. St. Giles will host this at 10.00 am on Friday, 23 January.

The Week of Prayer Service will take place at Elim at 3.30 pm on

Sunday, 18 January. Do support that if you can.

Congratulations to Albert (‘Charles’ ) Charlesworth who

celebrated his 100th birthday during November.

Cordelia Dearden: Advance notice that Harriet and Miles Dearden plan to offer Cordelia for Baptism at the 9.30 Parish Eucharist in St.

Laurence’s on Sunday, 1 February.

And most importantly of all……

I send all who read ‘The Towers’ my good wishes and prayers for a

blessed and joyful keeping of Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Colin Williams

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Churchwarden’s Corner

Many events and special services take place in church during the

autumn, too many to mention in a few words here. The Harvest Festival on 5 October alongside another successful Young at Art

exhibition was very enjoyable and 5.30 Choral Evensong followed by an excellent supper really ‘made the day’. Many thanks go to all who

organised and helped to make this a splendid evening.

The Bodenhams Fashion Show held on 10 October was again a great

success, an enjoyable and profitable fund raiser shared between Hope

House Children’s Hospice and the church.

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The solemn Eucharist for All Souls Day was well attended and the Faure

Requiem was well received. Very complimentary comments about the choral singing were received and baritone and soprano soloists sang

wonderfully. There were quite a few people at the service who we do not always see at the regular Sunday services including two teenagers

who had visited the Tower a couple of times during half-term. Part of

the remit of the Vision Project is to attract more people from the local

community into the church. Special services such as these draw people

in and then there is an opportunity for everyone present to talk to them so that they will want to return. [See the Poem on page 18...Ed.]

A reminder about the letter sent to electoral roll members on 30

September, if anyone wishes to pledge confidentially any sum of money

towards a new sound system please contact the Vision Project Office either by email or letter. In line with PCC policy such a system will only

be put in place when the funds are available to do this work.

A visitor made an email enquiry about a recording of the bell chimes for

her father. The gentleman was born at Angel Farm, Bitterley in 1921 and lived there until joining the army just before WW2. He has

subsequently lived in the Exeter area and is now too frail to come back

and hear the bells for himself. Shaun was able to find a recording of the

bells made prior to 2008 when the bells were restored. The recording

has been sent to his daughter and they are delighted. The recording is what the gentleman would have heard in the 1920 and ‘30s, so rather

special for him. This again shows how we can engage with our visitors and make their visits special. Hopefully word will get round not just by

word of mouth but also by social networking that not only the building

is special, but the welcome too.

The Mediaeval Bazaar on 29 November is another opportunity to

welcome those who would not normally visit St Laurence’s. We think

in particular of the local stall holders who are able to share our space

and offer their goods for sale, plus refreshments served by our ever

willing volunteers. These attractions are in addition to the traditional church stalls. Thanks to everyone who works so hard to make this

event such a success.

By the time this edition is published Advent will be upon us. There is a

list of all our services in this edition and a mailing to all SY8 residents

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about all CofE services over Advent and Christmas covering the three

town churches will go out shortly.

A special plug is made here to support the Advent Carol service on 30

November, Carols in the Castle on 22 December, Nine Lessons and Carols service on 23 December and the Christingle service on

Christmas Eve. We take the opportunity to wish all our readers a Happy Christmas and a peaceful 2015.

Jim Hooper and Jane Robinson

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News from St John’s

Mission Action Plan: The M.A.P. which sets out our plans for the

future of St John’s, is due to go before the PCC in December. It has been required to demonstrate that we have realistic plans and as a

precondition for any work to be carried out on the church, especially for restoration of the nave to full use. This is an on-going task as we

seek to adapt to the changing needs of Ludlow community, so the plan

which will be scrutinized by the PCC needs to be considered as a work-in-progress, as should be the case for all Anglican churches in a rapidly

changing world. At this time we can only set out our aspirations as we

and other stake-holders see them now. These could, of course be

modified as future circumstances and opportunities arise. We are fortunate however, in having the moral and practical support of other

organizations and individuals in the town and wider area, who have a

sense of investment in the development of St John’s as a vibrant asset

to church and community – a place where the spirit of love and service

shines.

Songs of Praise: Another in Don Millington’s series of ‘Songs of

Praise’ at the festival of ‘Christ the King’ will have taken place during

November. It is always good to see friends from elsewhere in the

parish at these enjoyable, participative occasions.

St John’s Christmas Celebration: We are pleased to be able to

stage this at St Laurence on 14 December at 3.00 pm. We much appreciated the welcome which we received there last year and look

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forward to sharing a lively occasion with congregational singing,

readings, choir, Ludlow Concert Band and refreshments in a rich pageant of seasonal joy and praise.

JF

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News from st giles

We would like to say a big thank you to Mr Colin Reeves and the

Craven Arms Choir and Band for the delightful concert which they

gave us at the end of October. We are very grateful for the money

raised for St Giles’ church and St John’s as a result.

On Saturday and Sunday 6 & 7 December there is to be an exhibition of 80 Nativity Scenes from all over the world, by kind

permission of John and Pam Aitken, in St Giles’ church from 10.00 am. till 4.00 pm. on Saturday and 1.00 pm. till 5.00 pm. on Sunday.

There will be a modest entrance fee to include refreshments of mulled

wine and mince pies. These nativity scenes are really amazing and well worth coming to see so we hope to welcome you on one of the above

dates.

We look forward to our annual Carol Service on Sunday, 21

December when we hope many of you will join with us in some really hearty praise. These are always such happy, joyful occasions and a

wonderful start to Christmastide. We look forward to welcoming you.

Our Prayer Fellowship hopes to meet on Monday, 1 December

and Monday, 15 December and then to start again after Christmas

on Monday, 6 January and Monday, 20 January - all meetings at

3 Greenacres starting at 10.30 am. We begin with a cup of coffee and

follow with a short Bible Study and prayer. Everyone is most welcome to join us. Please bring a Bible with you when you come.

St Giles’ Advent Calendar This year we are having a special

Advent calendar whereby you are invited to open your home on one

morning during Advent from 10.00 am. to share with others perhaps a reading or poem or a prayer and to provide some tea and biscuits for

those who come. A list is at the back of the church for you to sign if

you are willing to do this at a date to suit you. An exciting idea in

which we hope many will join us.

17

May we wish everyone a very happy, peaceful and blessed Christmas

and New Year. M.Wright

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All souls’ day

Mary Lowenthal attended our Solemn Eucharist on All Souls’ Day

and was moved to write the following poem, for which we thank

her.

All Souls’ Day by Mary Lowenthal

The beauty of the sung mass

Surrounds us with sweet sadness. I think of those we loved.

Each one of us remembers

A face, a voice

We loved long ago Parent, husband, wife or child

And when the priest reads out each name

The names sound strange,

Like distant travellers Returning to sit among us.

Some we can only think of As through a thin gauze,

With death so recent we Still wonder, is it really true?

Then, through my thoughts One of the choir sings.

A sound so haunting, pure and joyous,

Like a skylark – Setting my sadness free.

+

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Outward Concern

T A N Z A N I A U P D A T E

Below you will find a welcome update from Peter Pardoe on what is

happening in Maramba, Tanzania. It is good to know that last year’s donations are being put to such good use. Could we try to repeat this

effort in January 2015? Peter is happy to collect materials, or alternatively, items could be left after Christmas (and by 21 January) in

the back pews of the Lady Chapel.

Jane Robinson + + +

The parishioners of St.Aidan’s church have been working hard to complete their new church building, which contains a new font, and a

tiled altar with beautiful rails has also been constructed. Much of this work has been completed by young men from the Maramba VETA, a

vocational training centre and it is quite moving to think that local people

have built and decorated their own church.

Reverend Claire Lording says that her visit to the VETA centre showed

that it is going from strength to strength, as many young men and

women are attending courses in masonry, electrics, domestic science, sewing or welding. Kind donations of sewing machines are greatly

appreciated so also are gardening tools, such as spades and forks, which are badly needed as permaculture becomes an established concept in

Maramba., it is a strategy to manage the land without damaging it through over cultivation and use of heavy equipment. Yohana Kiango,

the ordinand sponsored by Ludlow Deanery says he is very grateful for

our support.

The school links, are also very vibrant and teachers from Maramba have

been staying in the Herefordshire area for part of the summer and have

found their experience very interesting.

Many thanks to everyone for their support and please do see if you are

able to send any unwanted old sewing machines or good garden tools, especially spades and forks. If so, please contact Peter Pardoe on 01584

877086 and he will arrange to pick them up and transport them to

Tenbury Parish. Please note that the shipment of the goods will be sent out at the end of January 2015.

+

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Accompanied Prayer 2015

An opportunity to walk more closely with God through Lent

Once a week through Lent

What is Accompanied Prayer?

“Lord teach us to pray” the disciples asked Jesus

Prayer is our personal relating to God- where we engage with the source of our life and our hope.

Prayer can be uplifting, exciting, refreshing. It can also feel hard

work, unrewarding or difficult to get down to. We can have periods when prayer is great and other periods where it is very dry or we

are unsure what prayer is.

Accompanied Prayer is one way in which we can seek an enriching

of our prayer life – where, once a week through Lent, particular attention is given to praying, and through sharing with an experi-

enced prayer guide, the nudges of God are noticed and responded

to.

Many who have participated in Weeks of Accompanied Prayer speak of great richness in their praying afterwards.

NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY. Anyone can participate, Chris-

tian or not, praying or not. The only qualification is a desire to grow closer to God, to become more the person you were born to be.

Are you interested?

For more information about Lent of Accompanied Prayer in Ludlow

2015 speak to:

Helen Blyth 01584 875041 or Pat Helm 01584 318169

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Children’s page - DECEMBER 2014

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Silent Night, Holy Night

Everyone knows this Carol - famous all over the world. If you would like to sing Silent Night - Stille Nacht - and other carols in

German, you are invited to join us at St Giles Church on the Third Sunday of Advent, 14th December, at 3.00 pm.

No need to speak or understand German, just come and sing.

Advent Calendar Let us come together in this season of the year. As children open a

window every day in their Advent Calendar, so members of the

congregation of St Giles will open the door to their house, invite

you for a cup of tea and a story, a poem or a song. Most days we

will meet at 10 am, but please check the diary we will give out in the beginning of Advent for where and when. Or call Brigitte at 878464.

Please do come along! Brigitte

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Messy Church

We have managed to fit in an extra

Christmas Messy Church but it will be at the Elim building (ex-St John’s

Ambulance Hall) – on Sunday, 7

December from 2.30 – 4.30pm. Final decisions about content have not yet

been made but it will follow the usual pattern.

We usually have the craft activities until about 3.30 pm. and then we

have to clear the tables for tea while we hear the story, and share in

songs and prayers.

Please reserve the date and if you could possibly help with catering or

crafts (or anything else) please let Sue know, otherwise just come

along.

The first Messy Church of 2015 will probably be on 8 February.

Sue Thomas - 01584 874352

Sandi Burley - 01584 873155

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LIFTS TO CHURCH

There is still a great need of lifts on a Sunday for those who cannot get to church under their own steam. I hope that many good people will

step forward to offer a lift on the odd Sunday, if not on a monthly

basis. The latter is what five noble people have done for over ten

years. So many thanks to Pat and Peter Pardoe, Diana and Peter

Corston and Chris Jeffery and also to more recent volunteers Barbara Atkin, John Holmes, Harriet and Miles Dearden, Mary and John

Williams and Sandi and John Burley. Others have helped from time to

time and to them also thanks are due. Four people depend on these

good people and their Blue Badges do make it easier to park.

I would like to have a list of reserves (with telephone numbers) for regular lifters to be able to contact if necessary. It would be good to

be able to offer lifts to people in temporary difficulties or who have

23

had to give up their cars and so become more housebound. I know

many people walk to church but they might feel it right on reflection to offer to help.

This is very worthwhile for those who give lifts and a great kindness to those who depend on them. If you feel you can help, even if it is

only occasionally please contact me to discuss the possibilities.

This is the list of regular lifters :

1st Sunday Pat and Peter Pardoe 877086

2nd " John Holmes for Pat Perry 890940 3rd " Harriet and Miles Dearden 01568 750370

Barbara Atkin 879380

4th " Diana and Peter Corston 873778 5th " Chris Jeffery 872022

Jen Pollard 877834 or jen@minia.co.uk or pigeonhole P!

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CAN YOU HOST?

HOST is looking for kind, friendly, hospitable people of all ages

whose imaginations are caught by the idea of welcoming an

international student at university here, far from his or her own family, to their home.

This could be for a day, a weekend or at Christmas, and you don’t

need to live near a university, as students will travel for the privilege of meeting you, learning about real life in this country, and sharing

their own culture.

HOST is a voluntary activity which makes ambassadors for international goodwill of us all. Please see www.hostuk.org or call

Lynette Chappin on 02920 693903.

24

LUDLOW TEAM

BRANCH

POSADA

As you probably remember from an

earlier article our Branch of the Mothers’

Union set itself a challenge to knit

Nativity figures. We intend to follow the Mexican custom of taking a Crib to

member’s homes during Advent. We will

include our Indoor Members and those who are now unable to

attend meetings and other members who would like to receive it. As

we follow Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem the Posada will help us focus our thoughts and prayers on our journey.

As I write I can almost hear the clicking of needles, I admit to having

had a sneak preview of some of the completed figures. The glue is

drying as the stable nears completion and one star is already shining in

the night sky with others soon to appear to guide us on our way.

As word about what we are planning has spread, so we are receiving requests for the Posada to visit places other than member’s homes.

We are visiting all 3 groups in the Ludlow Team beginning in Culmington on Advent Sunday for Holy Communion when Revd

Maree will bless the Posada. From there it will go to Caynham for

their Christingle Service on the same afternoon. The Posada will then visit member’s homes during the following three weeks.

In response to requests it will be taken to Nursing, Care and Retirement Homes, Mother & Toddler Group, MU Communion

Service in St Laurence on 3 December and the MU Carol Service in

Ludlow Mascall Centre on 9 December. There are more plans in the pipeline for other weekday visits and we will advertise them later.

On Sundays we will visit several Churches including the Baptist

Church, in memory of one of our members who died this year. We will also visit St John’s and finish our journey when we reach St

Laurence on Christmas Eve where it will stay during the Christmas season.

25

We hope that visitors to the church will pause and join the prayers

which will be on display with the story of our Posada’s journey.

MOTHERS’ UNION AGM

Elections

Barbara Penson was re-elected as Branch Leader for a further year; Gill Parker, was re-elected as Treasurer, and all committee members

were re-elected with the addition of Ann Cawthorne. Elizabeth Nixon stood down Secretary having given notice at last

year’s meeting. Sadly no-one felt able to volunteer to take over.

The Rector asked all members to consider the proposals which have already been made for cutting down the work and activities of the

Branch, and asked everyone to consider whether they could offer any additional help to the committee.

Wave of Prayer

Due to continued growth of the MU world-wide, Mary Sumner

House has reorganised the Wave of Prayer in order to encompass all the new Branches. They have also had to re-distribute link diocese

world-wide. Hereford Diocese will now mark the Wave of Prayer on

3 days from 8 – 10 June and our Link Dioceses have been changed.

They are:- Yambio in South Sudan; Garissa in Kenya; Mbamili in

Nigeria; Willochra in Australia; and the 500 members in Thailand. We will receive information about our new Links in due course.

The Rector closed the meeting thanking all members for their contributions to the work of the Mothers’ Union at home and

abroad. This was followed by tea and Birthday cake for Marjorie Waite’s 100th birthday, Barbara presented her with a posy of flowers

on our behalf.

FUTURE MEETINGS

Tuesday 9th December - Carol Service – 2.30 Ludlow Mascall Centre

Tuesday 13th January – Members New Year Lunch Tuesday 10th February – Talk about ‘Iona’ by Revd David Roberts

Tuesday 10th March – Lent Meditation led by Revd Louise Magowan

Elizabeth Nixon

26

Christian Aid Christmas

Carols and street collection 2014

The next Christian Aid event, following the successful harvest collection, (thank you – you gave £134), the next important date is:

20 December – Carols at the Buttercross, from 11.00 am. to noon

- everyone is invited to participate.

As always we then have an on-street collection around the town. We

hope that people whilst making their preparations for this great

festival, will think about those whose lives are stricken by grief, poverty and disease. There have been many calls on our generosity

this year. The situations that require this continue, and at this season of peace and goodwill to all, Christian Aid knows it can rely on us all

for continuing concern, prayer, generosity and action. World wide,

the people affected feel powerless. Money given to Christian Aid can

help them to take some control of their lives – even if only in small

ways.

Volunteers from St Laurence’s, St Giles and St John’s rattle the tins

for 2 hours during the day, between 12 noon and 1.00 pm. and from

1.00 pm until 2.00 pm. Those doing so will be standing at one of 5

points around the town, for one hour. It can be very wet, very cold, and/or quite icy (or quite sunny and mild!) – but only for an hour, not

for a lifetime. This is an opportunity to think about our brothers and sisters, who are in great need. Please contact me if you are able to

help.

Lent. Soup lunches- please make a note in your diaries now. The

first soup lunch will be on 18 February. I anticipate that Anglicans will be hosting on 6 March. Of this, more later!

And! - Christian Aid Week 2015 runs from 10 – 16 May.

Similarly more to follow. Please make a note of these dates in your diaries now!

Claire Wilcox - tel: 877199

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27

CTAL - LUDLOW Food BANK

Please continue to remember those who depend

on the Rockspring Food Bank at times of crisis. Thank you to all who have contributed food items

to the basket in St Laurence’s - please continue to

give as the need is increasing.

There is still a need for volunteers to help meet

the increasing demand and to increase the number of days the Bank is

open each week.

Please help if you can - even if only occasionally - for more information, please contact Ruth Davies on 07896 706189.

John Burley

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Cards for Good Causes

Charity Christmas Card Shop

In St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow

Open from 10.00am

Staffed by volunteers, it sells Christmas cards for more than 25

national and local charities. Not only are Christmas cards an important source of funding for charities, they also help raise

awareness of their work.

By shopping in St Laurence’s Church you can choose from a fan-tastic array of cards and stock up on all your Christmas essen-

tials, including gifts and wrapping paper.

In the past five years, charities have received more than £20 mil-

lion from Cards for Good Causes – representing at least 70p in every pound, out of which charities had to pay for the produc-

tion and distribution of their Christmas cards and any VAT.

28

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Marches Community Choir

with the Bishops Castle Primary School Choir St John’s Church, Bishops Castle on Saturday December

13 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 (children and students free) from

01588 650448/680312

The concert will be conducted by Philippa Whitaker,

and the organ accompaniment and solo played by An-

thony Pinel, director of music at St Chad’s, Shrews-

bury.

In this WWI centenary the concert will include:

Carols for choir and audience, as sung in the trenches

Cecilia McDowall’s Christus Natus Est

John Rutter’s Shepherd’s Pipe Carol Wine and mince pies will be served at the end.

Hereford Diocese -

Inclusive Church Forum

Monday, 1 December is World AIDS Day, and on that day in St Laurence's Church there will be a Vigil from 6.00 pm - 6.30 pm.

Friday, 5 December in St Laurence's Church there will be

opportunity to light candles (10.15 am - 10.45am) as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Domestic Violence. This is a Global

Campaign supported by (amongst others) the Diocesan Mothers

Union.

Ann Barge

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29

Life & Learning @ Ludlow

The ‘Life & Learning @ Ludlow’ adult education programme continues in the New Year with two further items:

a talk by the Revd Canon Paul Tongue on ‘Woodbine Willie: A Vicar at War’ to be given on Thursday, 12 February 2015.

a course of four sessions entitled ‘The Test of Faith: Science and Faith Unpacked’ to be given by the Revd Canon Dr Maureen Palmer on Thursdays, 26 February and 5, 12, 19 March 2015

There are a few places still available, so those wishing to attend are encouraged to book as early as possible. Full details, with booking form, can be downloaded from the website www.stlaurences.org.uk/lifeandlearning. Copies of the programme can also be obtained at the Welcome Desk in church or by contacting Barry Forrester on 01584 878872.

Barry Forrester

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Heritage Auction

"Just writing to say how much we enjoyed the auction in the church in September.

When we found out about it we were intrigued and with a love of heritage and old churches we thought it was too good to miss. The

finials and other pieces of stone were really beautiful and we had in

mind the perfect spot in our garden.

So we set ourselves a cash limit and settled ourselves in the choir

stalls to enjoy the fun. As the granddaughter of an auctioneer I loved

the excitement of the auction, it was brilliantly organised and much

fun to take part in.

Well done to those involved for such a great way to involve locals and visitors alike and raise funds for the church. "

Liz Blyth and Deb Watson (proud owners of two pieces of Ludlow Church Heritage).

30

The Conservation Trust

How we're going to meet the challenges ahead

St Laurence's is an iconic building that is justly famous locally, nationally and internationally. Over the years

the Conservation Trust and its predecessors, the Fab-

ric Trust and the Friends of St Laurence's, have been able to fund much

vital conservation work . Thanks to the untiring efforts of the Clerk of

Works, Shaun Ward, and his team, the church is probably in the best condition it has been for many years.

But while we can feel justly proud of what has already been achieved,

we can't afford to sit back and take it easy. Ensuring that the fabric and

treasures of this wonderful church are preserved for posterity doesn't

get any easier as prices rise and grants become more difficult to get. It is now 8 years since the trust was set up and over that period many of its

original supporters have moved away or died. In recent years the trust's

income has been very dependent on the occasional legacy. We feel that

without a significant 'push' now, our income could start to dwindle.

St Laurence's as we know it owes much to its rebuilding in the 15th cen-tury. Most of the finance came from the Palmers Guild, an organisation

to which all the local tradesmen and yeomen would have belonged, as

well as the landed gentry. As the owner of the castle, Richard, Duke of

York, was a member and his son king Edward IV is said to have enrolled

50 of his followers in the guild. Times change: whereas the members of the Palmers Guild were motivated by their mutual faith, the Conserva-

tion Trust has no religious affiliation. Nevertheless we need to encour-

age the people of Ludlow and district who value St Laurence's and think

of it as 'their' church to become the Palmers of the 21st century.

Two important changes have been approved by the trustees. The first concerns the image of the trust. While 'The Conservation Trust for St

Laurence, Ludlow' explains exactly what we are about, it's not particu-larly good for marketing purposes. So we've decided to rebrand our-

selves as The Ludlow Palmers. Of course 'palmers' will mean nothing

to many people, so it will always be used with the strapline Helping to Conserve the Fabric and Treasures of St Laurence's.

The other major initiative is to increase the size of the team working for

31

ADVENT QUIET MORNING

Saturday, 6 December,

10.00 am – 1.00 pm

We welcome Rev. Sue Foster (Tenbury Team)

to lead an Advent Quiet morning

at 6, Summerfields, home of Ven. Colin Williams.

For further details and booking contact

Helen Blyth 875041 or Pat Helm 318169

There will be a small charge of £5 to cover costs.

the trust. We currently do not have the manpower among the trustees

to carry out a far-reaching and sustained project of this kind. The trus-tees have, therefore, set up a subcommittee called The Palmers'

Council that will involve trustees, but also a broad range of non-trustees. I am delighted to say that we have already recruited sixteen

extra people to the team and we are looking for more, on the principle

that 'many hands make light work'. Much will be done by small groups or

by individuals and one can join the team without becoming a member of

the Palmers' Council.

These changes do not affect the legal or financial position of the Conser-

vation Trust in any way. Although we'll be encouraging people to join the

'Ludlow Palmers', all income will go to the Conservation Trust, so the Ludlow Palmers should be seen as the fund-raising arm of the trust.

Would you like to help in this worthwhile enterprise? With plenty of people on board the pressure on individuals will not be too great, and

we intend to enjoy ourselves! Please contact me if you'd like to join us.

Hugh Wood, Chairman 01584 876901 hugh@hughanddoris.co.uk

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32

Thank you to all our contributors.

COPY FOR THE FEBRUARY TOWERS TO THE OFFICE BY 6 JANUARY 2015 PLEASE

Material arriving after the preferred date cannot be guaranteed to be

included. Material arriving after the final date will definitely

NOT be included until the following month:

Issue Preferred Date Final Date February 2015 6 January 13 January

March 3 February 10 February April 10 March 17 March

May 7 April 14 April

June 5 May 12 May

Please send articles by email to office@stlaurences.org.uk

Please send information about events and subjects that you would like to

appear in the magazine. We ask contributors to limit their articles to:

No more than two A5 pages or 600 words (Gill Sans 12pt)

There may be special circumstances when more space is required but we ask that you please check with the Editorial Committee and request

larger space at least two weeks ahead of the submission date to determine if sufficient space will be available in that month’s issue.

Editor’s Note

Opinions expressed in contributed articles in this magazine are those of the

contributor and do not necessarily represent the position or opinions of the

PCC or the Editorial Committee.

Towers Editorial Committee

The present members of the Towers editorial committee are:

Sue Bremner - Parishes Office 872073

Diana Thomas - Tallis House, Overton 878719

John Burley - ‘Burleys’, 72 Dahn Drive , Ludlow 873155

33

THANK YOU to these local retailers and businesses who have supported us by purchasing advertising space:

Diocesan News Service for Magazine Editors.

Copy in writing for January issue by 1 December 14 to:

Anni Holden, Communications Officer,

The Palace, Hereford HR4 9BL

Say Cheese! Say Mark!

Market Square, always there (Look for the cheese van)

We ALFI

f ur n i tu re make rs

Locally made to measure traditional kitchens and pine furni-

ture

Wednesdays - in the Market Square

Marcus Field and Sarah Redway

4 The Terrace, Norton, Presteigne, LD82EL

01544 260033 w w w . w e a l f i . c o . u k

R I B A

Trevor Hewett

A R C H I T E C T

▪ Planning applications ▪

▪ Listed building consent ▪

▪ Building regulations ▪

▪ Alterations and extensions ▪

▪ Church inspections ▪

▪ Green building ▪

The Architecture Studio 22 Broad Street, Ludlow SY8 1NG

Tel: 01584 877992 Email: info@trevorhewett.co.uk

www.trevorhewett.co.uk

34

Old Downton Lodge

Come along and celebrate the arrival of our new Head

Chef Karl Martin by trying our new Tasting Menu!

Our Restaurant is open Tuesday through until Saturday

night from 6pm until 9pm and is offering a set tasting

menu, a True taste of the Shropshire countryside.

We look forward to welcoming many guests from the

surrounding counties and hopefully further afield as our

reputation grows.

For reservations please contact David on:

bookings@olddowntonlodge.com or call on 01568771826

CAKES UNLIMITED LUDLOW

Beautifully decorated delicious hand made cakes for all

your special celebrations. Weddings, Christenings, birthdays

or any occasion that

needs an eye-catching centrepiece.

Contact Sue on 01584 318263

email suecurthoys@onetel.com

35

Victoria Allen

Funeral Services

Traditional and Green Funer-

als

Private Chapel of Rest

Pre- Paid Funeral Plans

All Areas Covered

Ludlow

01584 879035

24 Hour Service

8 Charlton Rise, Ludlow, SY8 1ND www.vallenfuneralsludlow@homecall.co.uk

FARMERS Fruit / Vegetables / Flowers

1 Mill Street, Ludlow

Extensive range of quality local produce

Specialist Suppliers to

Hotel and Catering Trade Tel: 01584 873534

Castle Bookshop 5 Castle Street, LudlowY8 1AS

Tel: 01584 872562

e-mail: castlebook-

36

The real beauty is the service we offer

Best of all agencies for local knowledge

Specialists in the town market from small

cottages to grand

residences Ludlow office 26 Bull Ring

Ludlow Shropshire

SY8 1AA

Tel: 01584 873711 ludlow@struttandparker.com

37

ALOE VERA – helping you to be healthier! Known as the ‘Healing’ or ‘Medicine’ plant, aloe vera protects and

revitalises skin, or, drunk daily, assists digestion, adds vitamins,

minerals and amino acids to your diet, and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

My daughter sells Forever merchandise, and I am helping her by becoming

her ‘Ludlow Distributor’. To learn more or see a brochure, contact:

Rosemary Wood,

The Merchant House, Lower Corve Street, Ludlow, SY8 1DU.

rosemary.wood9@btinternet.com

01584 877771

the aloe vera company

38

HINGE & BRACKET Top Quality, Reliable Service with a Smile!

RICK BREMNER

All aspects of home Improvements.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

My priority is a satisfied customer. My prices are very competitive

and all my work is guaranteed.

Pride in my work

I love what I do, and this is reflected in my work. I always give great

attention to detail and leave the site clean and tidy.

I love a job with a challenge, or one that’s a bit out of the ordinary!

Tel: 07866975429 (If unavailable please do leave a message)

Email: rick@hinge-bracket.co.uk

Web: www.hinge-bracket.co.uk

39

CONTACT US…

THE PARISH OF ST LAURENCE WITH ST JOHN

Parishes’ Office 872073

Churchwardens Dr Jane Robinson, 6 Clifton Court, Ludlow 875694

Mr Jim Hooper, 37 Beech Close, Ludlow SY8 2PD 878766

Deputy Churchwardens Mrs Maureen Stinton, 28 Friars Gardens, Ludlow 873445

Mr Brian Gardner, 29 Lower Broad Street, Ludlow 318020

PCC Secretary Mrs Val Hardwick, Culmington 861658

Electoral Roll Parishes Office 872073

ST LAURENCE’S, LUDLOW

8am Sidesmen’s Rota Mr and Mrs R Burns, 8 Poyner Road, Ludlow 872419

Children’s Church Children’s Committee, Parishes Office 872073

Communion Rota Mrs Fay Carson, Fairfield, Linney, Ludlow 879155

Conservation Trust Mr John Aitken, St Leonards Cottage, Linney, Ludlow 877279

Director of Music Mr Shaun Ward, Parishes’ Office 872073

Flowers Mrs Liz Gardner, 29 Lower Broad Street, Ludlow 318020

Gift Aid Secretary Mrs Sue Bremner, Parishes Office 872073

Pastoral Links Vacant

Sacristan / Servers Sec. Mrs Antonia O’Kennedy, 17 Friars Garden, Ludlow 877309

Stewarding Mrs Fay Carson, Fairfield, Linney, Ludlow 879155

St Laurence Shop Mrs Di Corston, 13 Whitbatch Close, Ludlow 873778

Tower Captain Tony Greatrex, Church House, Bell Lane, Orleton 01568 780764

Tower Floodlighting Forms at St Laurence Shop

Treasurer Mr Terry Curthoys

Verger Mr Paul Harris, c/o Parishes Office 872073

ST JOHN’S, LUDLOW

Deputy Wardens Mrs Sheila French, 4, Coach House Fields, Livesey Rd 876142

Dr Brian Childs

Treasurer Mr Peter Phelps, Hill Crest, Gravel Hill, Ludlow 873179

Secretary Mr John French, 4, Coach House Fields, Livesey Road 876142

Organist SJL/SGL Mr Colin Reeves 875608

ST GILES’ LUDFORD

Churchwardens Mrs Barbara Foster, 6 James Close, Ludlow SY8 1UH 318298

Mr Merlin Unwin, 8 Corve Street, Ludlow 872987

Treasurer Mrs Barbara Foster, 6 James Close, Ludlow SY8 1UH 318298

Secretary Vacant

Minutes Secretary Mrs Karen Unwin, 8 Corve Street , Ludlow 872987

Electoral Roll Mr Rob Downes, 30 Wheeler Road, Ludlow 874095

Flowers Ms Elizabeth Woodall

Wedding Flowers Vacant

LUDLOW TEAM MINISTRY

Bible Reading F’ship Penelope Bridstrup, 4, The Vineyard, Lower Broad Street 876992

M.U. Leader Mrs Barbara Penson, 31, Henley Orchards, Ludlow 875956

Towers Editorial Com. Sue Bremner / Diana Thomas / John Burley 872073 / 873155

40

LARGE PRINT Copies in large print are available from

Sue Bremner at the Parishes Office –

01584 872073.