Witney Way Advent 2012

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    Advent and Christmas 2012

    Parish magazine for Holy Trinity, St Johns

    Curbridge, St Johns Hailey, and St Marys

    W i tney Way

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    Witney Way: Magazine for theParish of Witney

    Editor Ruth Sheppard Printed by LDI, New Yatt

    All views expressed in this magazine arepersonal and do not necessarily reflect thoseof the editor or the Parish of Witney. The ap-pearance of an advertisement in this magazinedoes not imply endorsement of the advertiseror its products and services by the Parish of

    Witney, nor does it constitute a recommenda-tion. The Parish of Witney does not accept li-ability for any loss, injury or damage arisingout of goods or services sold through any ad-vertisement in this newsletter. Any discountoffered to readers by any advertisement isdone so entirely at the discretion of the adver-tiser.

    Businesses wishing to advertise in this mag-

    azine should contact Ruth Sheppard,[email protected], 866127. Theacceptance of an advert for inclusion is at the

    discretion of the editorial team.

    Coverphoto:Byzan

    tineiconoftheNativity,RicardoAndrFrantz,W

    ikimediacommons.Page3meisax.

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    Divinity is aimed at humanity

    The Bavarian mystic, Hildegard of Bingen (10981179) was a

    poetess, abbess, musician, artist, healer, scientist, theologian, and

    prophet. She dared to speak of wholeness and looked to the

    entirety of the cosmos. Her secretary, Wilbert of Gembloux, wasso excited by what she wrote that he said he hoped the readers

    would not be like the donkey of German folklore. That is, a

    donkey who merely carried the wine, without being able to taste

    a drop of it!

    As we enter the season of Advent, Hildegard is a reminder

    of the vital place of women within the story of the Church. She

    is also a wonderful person to inspire us in our Advent journey.

    In one of her reflections she wrote the powerful words, Divinityis aimed at humanity.

    What better place to start our Advent journey than with

    these words. And also to allow the words of her secretary to

    challenge us in our Advent journey dont just carry the

    wine taste and see!

    So often we get caught up with the end of the journey of

    Advent and focus only on Christmas. What a tragedy. If only

    we could taste the wine and know how delicious it is. This is thewine of the prophets living in expectation that God would truly

    be aimed at humanity and come to save us. This is the wine of

    the patriarchs and matriarchs who offer to us great stories of

    encounter with God. This is the wine of John the Baptist,

    heralding the coming of Jesus to Gods people. This is the wine

    of Mary saying Yes to God and becoming the God-bearer,

    enfleshing divinity in the very fabric of humanity. This is the

    wine of your story your part of this great encounter of God

    with the cosmos.

    One of the ways in which we share in this great encounter

    with the divinity who is aimed at humanity is through our

    prayer lives. This communication with God opens up the

    channels between divinity and humanity and reminds us of

    Gods love for us. The recent parish prayer boiler was a

    wonderful reminder of this for those who were able to takepart. This Advent, maybe we can commit to finding a bit of

    space each day to make time for us to get in touch again with

    God. To set aside the pressures of getting ready for Christmas

    3

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    and just to rejoice in God and the message of expectation we

    see in the bible.

    This Advent, perhaps we can allow ourselves to taste in new

    ways the story of Advent as we prepare ourselves for Christmas.

    Taste for ourselves the joy of knowing the God who comes

    among us as our story too. And through this, taste afresh thetruth that divinity is aimed at humanity.

    Urgent God,

    breaking through the static

    to speak to our hearts:

    disarm our love of control

    and shake the silent heavens

    to reveal your dawning glory,judging all in the light of love;

    through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.

    Toby Wright

    4

    Bigger and better!

    Demand for copies of the Witney Waycontinues to increase, so

    from our next issue (Lent 2013), we will be printing and distribut-ing 1,000 copies in and around Witney. We hope this will not only

    inform the residents of Witney about the Parishs activities, but

    will encourage people to come along to our services and groups.

    Revenue from advertising goes a long way towards the cost of

    printing the magazine but we are also starting a sponsorship

    scheme to support this increased distribution of the magazine.

    Sponsorship of 6 a year would pay for the printing costs of your

    own magazine and allow us to continue to provide free copies to

    visitors to our churches and people in the wider community. If

    you can gift aid your sponsorship then that will help even more.

    More details of this scheme will be available soon.

    If you know someone who would like to receive the magazine

    by post, four issues through the year can now be posted to any

    address in the UK for 12. Past issues of the magazine are also

    now available online: www.witneyparish.org.uk/life/witney-way/If you feel you could help distribute even just a few copies

    of the Witney Way, please contact Kate Lockwood.

    Ruth Sheppard

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    5

    New beginnings at

    St Marys Infant SchoolSally Clarke is the new headteacher of St Marys CE Infants School on

    Church Green. We went to find out a bit more about her and found her

    helping a group of enthusiastic five-year-olds in hard hats build towers in

    a role-play building site

    When did you know you wanted to be a teacher?

    I was born in Swindon, and when I was two, my mum had a

    stroke and went into a coma for over six weeks. She was

    twenty-seven. She was paralysed on one side of her body from

    the neck down. Whilst she was hospitalised my brother and I

    were fostered for three years, separately. I was fostered by an

    auntie who lived in Faringdon. I was a very confused and angry

    little girl; I thought my auntie was my mum. My dad sold the

    family home in Wroughton and bought a piece of land inFaringdon, he continued to work all week then spent the

    weekends building a wheelchair-friendly bungalow with my

    grandfather in readiness for mums return from hospital. Because

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    of the family situation I was allowed to start school early. My

    first teacher at Faringdon Infant School was Mrs Lupton, and I

    latched onto her as my consistent adult, she was also very

    supportive to my auntie as she tried to cope with this family

    crisis. Because of that experience I stayed in touch with Mrs Lup-

    ton throughout my teens and into adulthood. I decided when Iwas very little that I was going to be a teacher at Faringdon Infant

    School when I grew up, and I was! Ive always wanted to work

    in an infant school because I know first-hand how important the

    positive emotional environment is to the youngest children. Ive

    been an Early Years specialist teacher for nearly twenty years. My

    mum had to learn to talk, to feed herself, to dress herself and to

    write with a different hand. She lost the ability to cry. The vicar

    at All Saints gave dad a great deal of support during the difficulttimes of bringing up two young children, caring for mum and

    working full time. I live exactly 2 minutes 30 seconds from my

    parents, I need to see them regularly through every week as they

    are the most jolly people you could ever meet they have had to

    cope with disability since they were 27 and 29; they will be 68

    and 70 in January. I take my inspiration from them thats why

    Im so relentlessly positive.

    Have you always taught in church schools?

    Ive worked in a range of schools. At the beginning of my career

    I worked in a large infant school in Weymouth, but when my

    husband and I had our first child, Beth, we realised that I needed

    to be near my parents, so we moved back to Faringdon. Fourteen

    months later we had William, and I chose to stay at home with

    the children for four years, teaching music classes privately and

    running music sessions for toddlers. I was also the Oxfordshire

    Representative of the Pre-School Learning Alliance. I started

    working part-time at Faringdon Infant School when my children

    started school, and then they offered me a full-time position as

    the early years lead. There were about 140 children in that phase,

    and I led the team.

    In 2005, my back collapsed and I had a spinal fusion. I was

    advised to stop teaching early years due to the physicallydemanding nature of the work. I thought it was a disaster; my

    career was over as I was doing what I had always wanted to do,

    and I never wanted to leave Faringdon. But out of it all came

    6

    Ive always wanted

    to work in an infant

    school because I

    know first-hand how

    important the

    positive emotional

    environment is to

    the youngest

    children.

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    7

    Our role is to

    safeguard the place

    of the church at the

    core of the

    community and towork alongside the

    church and other

    agencies, such as

    the childrens centre

    and early

    intervention hub to

    support individuals

    within our

    community.

    something wonderful. I resigned rather than impact on the

    school budget and went on to supply teaching with older, taller

    children in Key Stage 2. I was spotted by an advisor from the

    Swindon local authority and this led to me taking up the post as

    Early Years Consultant and Area SENCO for a quarter of Swin-

    don. For four years I worked within quality improvement and aspart of a multi-agency team supporting SEN children and their

    families. The role also involved training and supporting teachers.

    I served on the advisory board for three childrens centres and

    on the Primary Mental Health advisory board for Swindon.

    But then you went back into teaching?

    I wanted to be a headteacher, but I couldnt get on the neces-

    sary training course as a consultant, I needed to be in a school.I accepted a secondment as an Assistant Head to a school

    being closed down. I was sent in to provide consistent leader-

    ship during the closure as there were three headteachers across

    the year. The other reason I was sent in was to provide

    emotional support and effective transition arrangements for

    the children, families and staff who all had to start at new

    schools. I established a team working alongside the childrens

    centre and the church. I taught reception, years 1 and 2, all inone class. Happily all the teachers got new jobs and Im still

    in touch with them all. I then took a post as senior teacher at

    a church school in Oxfordshire and I qualified as a

    headteacher this year.

    What are your first impressions of the school and more

    generally of Witney?

    Ive been delighted by not only the community spirit in the

    school, but also the genuine partnership between the

    headteachers of Witney. Ive never known such a positive, hon-

    est, open group of senior leaders. The staff at St Marys Infants

    are all passionate about getting it right for each individual child;

    its an exciting place to be.

    What do you feel is the role of a C of E school within acommunity?

    Our role is to safeguard the place of the church at the core of

    the community and to work alongside the church and other

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    8

    agencies, such as the childrens centre and early intervention hub

    to support individuals within our community. The support from

    the church in terms of governance ensures we retain and protect

    our Christian ethos. That support helps me as a headteacher to

    make decisions that are best for the community. The churchs

    active participation in steering the school is something new tome; Ive not had that before.

    Whats the best thing about being headteacher of an

    infant school?

    I specifically chose to apply to an infant school because were

    able to focus exclusively on the emotional needs of the youngest

    children and I am committed to hands-on, experiential learning.

    Children have got to feel secure, and this is a small, familyenvironment. We can welcome them all by name every morning,

    and we know all our families. I dont want to be upstairs in my

    office. I want to be downstairs with the children, and I want to

    be there to see parents at drop-off and pick-up whenever I can.

    This school is a little gem; we must protect its individual identity

    and history.

    What are you hoping to achieve at St Marys Infant School?Were in the middle of building the most exciting new early years

    classroom. So the main focus this year is to complete the build,

    and to establish the best quality hands-on learning environment.

    This is being built on the site of the old canteen, with indoor

    and outdoor space, a hidden garden, and flexible spaces. It is

    also going to be equipped with a kitchen, enabling reception

    children to pour their own drinks, cut up their own fruit and

    wash up. The older classes will also use it for cooking. Were

    furnishing the room with the best-quality furniture and

    equipment, all ethically sourced and built to last. We are focusing

    upon designs intended to support children to become independ-

    ent learners.

    As the third head in three years, I need to provide consis-

    tent leadership for the school and for the community; that is

    my other main priority. The creation of the new classroomleaves us with an empty classroom, providing us an exciting

    opportunity to look at the use of space throughout the school.

    We will also have more outdoor space at the back of the site

    I dont want to be

    upstairs in my

    office. I want to be

    downstairs with the

    children, and I

    want to be there to

    see parents at

    drop-off and

    pick-up whenever I

    can.

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    9

    which were going to landscape resulting in enough space to

    play ball games on grass. We are currently seeking feedback

    from the parents, children, staff and governors about how we

    should be moving forward as a school. The new build will

    hopefully provide an exemplary early years environment.

    And explain the childrens Builders Yard?

    As a team we are determined to inject more fun and hands-on

    experiential learning into the curriculum. With all of the focus

    placed upon on targets and achievement it is easy for the magic

    to get squashed out. I have set up an area with real bricks and

    real tools where the children can experience building before

    being asked to write for a whole school Newspaper Report

    about our new classroom. We have to remember that childrenhave deeper learning if they have had first-hand experiences

    with real and natural resources and this will raise achievement,

    not reduce it. The building project is happening across the

    whole school until the start of Advent. In this project were

    incorporating the strategies recommended by the Pie Corbett

    writing project. One of the strategies is for children to have

    real experiences that they can draw upon, which will feed into

    their writing. This was also a great excuse to get out of myoffice again and work with children!

    Contact details

    If your contact details have changed since July 2011,

    please contact Rosemary Peirce,

    with a copy to the office,

    so that we can collate a new Parish Directory list,

    and not be out of date when we go to print!

    [email protected]

    Tel: 01993 200103

    8 Burwelll Meadow, Witney, OX28 5JQ.

    and copy to Michelle Bayley-Wells in the Parish Office

    at [email protected]

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    The co-operative funeralcareWe offer a compassionate personal service with

    guidance through every step, also enquire about

    Pre-payment Funerals and Memorials.

    The Cemetery Lodge, Tower Hill, Witney

    01993 706778

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    Experienced editor based in Witney

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    promotional material, articles, doctoral

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    Witney PCC 200 ClubA lottery club withthree monthly prizes.

    Help raise funds forthe Parish of Winey.

    24 per number per year.

    Application froms andrules available in church

    or ring John Haskell07935 763224

    Good luck!

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    11

    Nativity Service

    Marys kitchen, where she was baking bread until she was

    suddenly interrupted. The treasures of the wise men, and the

    prophecies they knew. The scent of frankincense and the sharp

    smell of myrrh. A map to show the way to Bethlehem. Theshepherds campfire in the hills, where they were keeping warm

    when, suddenly, they were interrupted as well...

    Once a year at Holy Trinity, we clear away all the chairs to

    make room for all these scenes, and more. When Sunday

    morning comes, we gather at the starting point and set off, not

    just to hear the story of Christmas but also to look, smell,

    and touch. This is a service for all ages, ending as we

    gather around the crib. Nativity Service, at HolyTrinity, Sunday 16 December, 10.45am. Children can

    come in costume if they would like to: shepherd, angel,

    Joseph, Mary, wise man...

    Other Christmas services especially suitable for

    children:

    Christingle, at St Marys and Hailey,

    Sunday 16 December, 3.00 pm

    Crib service, at St Marys,Christmas Eve, 3.00 pm

    Posada 2012

    During December, figures of Mary and Joseph on their way to

    Bethlehem travel around the neighbourhood, from

    family to family. This is Posada, a Mexican tradition

    for Christmas. Its a great opportunity to link up

    with other families and to talk with children about

    the Christmas story.

    Posada will be launched on Sunday 2

    December at a special Advent Messy Church

    event at St Marys. Mary and Joseph will travel round

    families of the Batt School and St Marys InfantSchool. They will return at the crib service in St

    Marys Church on Monday 24 December at 3pm.

    Jeff Hill

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    Church history at The Batt SchoolThe Batt School UpperJunior children have been learning abouthow the Church of England began. They have been studying the

    Tudor period and finding out about how Henry Vlll broke away

    from the Roman Catholic Church.

    They visited Sulgrave Manor to find out about how Henry Vlll

    became king. They learnt how he set himself up as the head of the

    English church when the pope refused to grant him a divorce

    from Catherine of Aragon so he could legally marry Anne Boleyn.

    The children have been sketching and painting Tudor monarchs.The children also studied the inspirational life of William

    Tyndale, who lived during the reign of Henry Vlll. They learnt

    how he used his God-given linguistic gifts to serve his country-

    men, by translating the Bible into English. Prior to this the Bible

    12

    Portraits by Jade Wright

    (left), and Joelle Fenner

    (right).

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    could only be read by a few people, as most people couldnt read

    Latin. William Tyndale was concerned that the people were not

    being correctly taught from the Bible and wanted the people to

    know what the Bible said. He asked the church if he could

    translate the Bible into English, they refused. So he risked his

    life secretly translating the scriptures, until his capture and

    execution in 1536. His final prayer was Oh Lord, open the King

    of Englands eyes. This prayer was answered three years later, inthe publication of King Henry VIIIs 1539 English Great Bible,

    which was placed in every church in England.

    Alongside this work the children were considering the parable

    of The Talents (Matthew 25:1430; Luke 19:1228). They

    reflected on the gifts God has given them and thought about

    what they hope God might trust them with in the future. Here

    are some of their aspirations:

    I hope God will trust me with being kind and caring for others

    Emily Counter

    I hope God will trust me with playing hockey for my country in

    the Olympics Lily Chorley

    I hope God will trust me to be a brain surgeon Alby Stokes.

    I hope God will trust me to be a dance teacher Leah Jordan-

    Cooper.

    The children enjoyed learning about William Tyndale andwere able to see that Williams trust in God was what enabled

    him to achieve a remarkable feat for which he is still remembered

    today.

    13

    Portraits by Izzy Lewis

    (left) and Millie Jackson

    (right).

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    14

    Academies: educations

    new solution?

    The changes that are happening to state education at the mo-

    ment are likely to be some of the most important that haveoccurred over the last 150 years. The principal innovation is

    the introduction of academies. Initially this was an initiative

    of the last Labour government, and was designed to address

    schools that seemed to be locked into a culture of failure, de-

    spite anything that could be done by the local authority or by

    Ofsted. The plan was to remove them from local authority

    control, rebuild them at a cost of 30 million pounds or more,

    replace their senior leadership team and a proportion, at anyrate, of the teaching staff, and re-open them, with mostly the

    same pupils but dressed in bright new uniforms, and under

    the sponsorship of an external body. Initially, the sponsor was

    expected to contribute about 10% of the costs, and a number

    of individuals and organisations with plenty of money and a

    particular agenda signed up, but it was soon discovered that

    the supply of such wealthy would-be sponsors was limited,

    and sponsorship without a financial contribution was permit-ted, thus making it possible for bodies such as dioceses to be-

    come sponsors; the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education is

    a sponsor or co-sponsor of three such academies. The sponsor

    was given important duties, particularly in relation to school

    improvement. The initiative has been a qualified success. Some

    schools have shown significant improvement, but others have

    been more resistant to change. There have been a number of

    academies that have themselves been identified by Ofsted as

    failing.

    The Conservative government extended the scheme. Initially,

    they made it possible for good or outstanding schools to convert

    to academy status, though without the need for a sponsor. This

    lead to the eccentric situation that if a school was failing it had to

    become an academy; if it was good or excellent it could become

    an academy; anywhere in between the majority couldnt con-vert. Before long the government saw the contradiction in this,

    and now, by and large, any school that is not failing can convert,

    and a great number are doing so.

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    15

    Why the rush to convert? The government offered a number

    of freedoms to academies. These included freedom from local

    authority control, the ability to set pay and conditions for staff,

    greater freedom to decide the curriculum, and the ability to agree

    the dates for terms and the length for school days. Academies

    can also set their own admissions criteria. Most of these wereof little interest to schools. What did matter was the financial sit-

    uation. The Department for Education sets the amount of

    money that is allocated to each school, according to a complex

    formula that takes into account geography, leaving Oxfordshire

    schools at a disadvantage. This sum is given to the local authority,

    in our case the Oxfordshire County Council. They subtract a per-

    centage, about 67%, which they use to fund the services which

    the local authority must, or decides to, provide for schools: forexample, special educational needs, careers advice, HR, school

    improvement support. The remainder is passed on to the

    schools. As funding cuts have hit local government, so the serv-

    ices that they have provided have been reduced, but they have

    retained the same percentage. An academy receives the entire

    grant with none being top-sliced by the local authority. The ques-

    tion is whether the extra amount of money that a school receives

    as an academy is greater than the extra amount that must bespent paying for what the school will no longer receive from the

    local authority. The school where I am chairman of governors

    calculated that we would receive approximately 250,000 a year

    more, and would need to spend an additional 75,000 or so. It

    was not a difficult decision to make! Oxfordshire were very clear

    that they would be ceasing to provide most services for free, and

    would be one among many organisations offering their services

    in competition. On the whole Oxfordshire academies have found

    the county to be competitive in their offer and are remaining

    with them, but it is the academies decision.

    So what is an academy? It may have been a failing school,

    in which case it will have a sponsor, and is known as a spon-

    sored academy. Or it may been sufficiently successful for the

    DfE to allow it to convert without a sponsor, and is thus

    known as a converter academy. In either case, it is a school in-dependent of the local authority, though not fully independent,

    as the Department for Education might suggest. Academies

    are still answerable to the Secretary of State, from whom they

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    16

    receive their grant. They are limited companies and also chari-

    table trusts. There is a quite complex trustee and governance

    set up, but to a large extent the governors continue to provide

    the strategic direction, delegating to the headteacher the

    day-to-day management of the school as before. They are still

    subject to inspection by Ofsted, and must fulfil most of thelegal demands made by government. To the average youngster

    in the desk or parent in the car park there will be little change

    to be seen. However, the additional money can be spent on

    what can make a real difference: an extra teaching assistant,

    more quality in-service training, extra ICT facilities. Schools

    that do not become academies may well find themselves having

    to make cuts, something that certainly will be noticed.

    The arrival of academies has presented a challenge to thechurch and the diocese. There is a strong diocesan commitment

    to retaining the church ethos of schools that become academies,

    and this has been done through the articles of association, the

    legal documents setting up the new school. Different forms exist

    for voluntary aided, voluntary controlled and community

    schools. Thus a voluntary aided school, after conversion, will still

    have to have a majority of governors who have been approved

    by the diocese.What is the situation both nationally and more locally?

    Unsurprisingly, the first take up of academy status has been by

    secondary schools. At the start of this academic year, i.e. in

    September, it is estimated that about half the secondary schools

    in the country either will have become, or will be in the process

    of becoming, academies. It can be expected that over the next

    couple of years nearly all secondary schools will have followed

    suit. In West Oxfordshire, all but two of the secondary schools

    are now academies, with the remaining two having special

    circumstances that are delaying the decision. In Witney, Henry

    Box converted last term. It is more difficult for primary

    schools, since the extra amount of money that they would

    receive reflects their smaller size, but the extra financial and

    governance demands on the schools do not to the same extent.

    However, a number of primary schools have converted in thediocese, and we can be sure that governors are studying the

    possibilities very closely.

    What of the future? We can expect more and more schools

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    17

    to convert. For primary schools, there is a need to clarify the

    possible arrangements, but the Department for Education

    seems to be making policy on the hoof. We can only wait and

    see. As far as the Diocese and its Board of Education are

    concerned, we can be sure that they will remain committed to

    the flourishing of its schools, and will be supporting them aseffectively as they can, in a climate where other support will

    be lacking. As far as the excellent church schools in our parish

    are concerned, I know they will continue to serve their

    children and their parents as well as they have done over many

    years.

    David Exham was formerly the headmaster of Bloxham School.

    He is now the chairman of governors of the Marlborough School,a church school that has recently converted to academy status.

    He is a member of the Diocesan Board of Education and

    serves on its academies committee.

    Rosie Mae McKay was baptised at

    St Marys on 7 October.

    Sienna Aaliyah Bull was baptised at Holy

    Trinity on 14 October.

    Autumn-Elise Helena C. Ralph was

    baptised at Hailey on 14 October.

    Joshua Sidney Matthews was baptised at

    Curbridge on 23 October.

    Logan James Bough and Benjamin

    Daniel Studley were baptised at

    St Marys on 4 November.

    Kai William Hermon was baptised at

    Holy Trinity on 18 November.

    Jacob Anthony Cornett was baptised at

    Curbridge on 25 November.

    Alfie George Forward and Cayleigh Jane

    Hodges were baptised at St Marys on 2

    December.

    William Charles George Hitchcox was

    baptised at Holy Trinity on 2 December.

    Finley James Horne was baptised at

    Curbridge on 9 December.

    Daniel Holding and Jackie Walker were

    married at St Marys on 6 October.

    Richard Pountney and Jessica Smith were

    married at St Marys on 27 October.

    Baptisms and weddings

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    18

    Holy Trinitys Auction of Promises

    Acorns toddlers always knew the floor was bouncy. Victorian

    damp-proofing regulations allowed wooden joists to rest on the

    ground and the architect confirmed that they were now rotten

    and would need major repair. This called for serious fundraising.Well? How about...? And thats how an auction of promises came

    to be arranged for Friday 12 October in less than eight weeks.

    The congregation at Holy Trinity was invited to consider what

    they could offer: what could we do that people would bid for? Home

    baking always does very well. There were lots of cakes: Christmas

    cake; a cake each month for a year; chicken pies; a meal for four;

    and another for six. A hive of activity commenced; promises were

    listed, publicity planned and leaflets distributed. There was a weekin an apartment in Turkey that sounded warm and exotic and a

    framed football shirt signed by a current member of the England

    team, and a DVD of cars, signed by someone who drives them!

    The list of promises was printed but then modern technology

    came into its own as the online schedule needed to be regularly

    updated. Fundraising is hungry work. There was a food hamper,

    flavoured oils they looked like good Christmas presents and

    lots of chocolate. A very good-looking joint of beef was offeredwhich would go down well with one of the half-cases of wine.

    The Auction of Promises bandwagon steadily advanced and

    the evening arrived. Numbers were given on registration with

    refreshments available at the well-provisioned bar no bidding

    required yet. Items to be bid for were arrayed on tables; books and

    pictures, grasses and hampers, jigsaw and 50p Olympic coins by

    local designer.

    The evenings proceedings were entertainingly and masterfully

    orchestrated by auctioneer, Mark Baker. His Tommy Cooper-like

    manner kept us entertained and involved throughout the evening,

    skilfully coaxing a further 10p or 10 to the bidding. How could we

    refuse? The bidding began; bottles of oil, a metal dog, a meal at a

    new Witney eatery. So thats how its done; just hold your number in

    the air and a nod of the head. The purse strings relaxed and the

    promises were selling; manicure and yoga, meals out, marmaladeand chutney. From the List of Promises the wider local community

    could be seen giving their support: the local pub; our brewery; a

    coffee shop and a pottery.

    18

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    The mid-point of the proceedings was soon reached and the

    money being raised was mounting. This is serious business, but

    the thorough accounting of the event throughout did provide

    the framework for a fun and enjoyable occasion. Even somewho were unable to attend played their part with their proxy

    bids. Talents offered were readily bid for: ironing; gardening;

    taxiing; computing; tuition in mathematics and singing. Paintings

    drew sustained interest, particularly the prospect of a portrait

    or maybe of the house. And so proceedings concluded with

    strong bidding for the final contribution of the evening: a night

    cap from the House of Commons signed by our local MP.

    Over 3,400 was raised during the course of the evening; a

    very helpful contribution towards a sure and steady floor.

    Elizabeth Bloomfield

    As well as the problems with the floor, the recent quinquennial inspection

    of Holy Trinity church also highlighted serious defects in the roof and

    external masonry. Money is also needed for the replacment of heaters, and

    an upgrading of the electrical system. Clearly these repairs can only becarried out as funds become available. Currently, estimates for the work

    are in excess of 30,000. The auction of promises is one of various

    efforts being made to raise the necessary money to make these repairs.

    19

    Congregating in Holy

    Trinity ready for the start

    of the auction.

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    20

    Giving for the work of our

    Witney Team Parish

    This year has been full of lively activity, with growth of manykinds taking places around the parish. Think of our mission

    programme Living Faith, our Sunday and weekday worship, our

    opportunities for prayer, our work with children and our

    activities in the wider community. And our income from regular

    giving is growing to provide the sound base that we need to

    support our work.

    We do not find it easy to talk about money. But let us treasure

    some basic facts: We value our churches and we want them all to flourish

    It is good that we can share responsibility with each other

    We can each explore ways of being generous but recognisethat these may be different

    Gods great generosity can inspire our own.

    Last year we encouraged each other to give to the church byregular standing order wherever possible, or by using weekly

    envelopes; and in either case, where possible, to sign Gift Aid

    decarations to that our Treasurer can reclaim tax from HM

    Revenue and Customs. There was a good response and we have

    done remarakably well in raising our income from planned giving

    both in 2011 and in what we can expect for 2012. The projected

    income from planned giving for 2012 is around 80,000, not

    including Gift Aid.

    Each of our churches needs to raise money to pay for the

    upkeep of its buildings, and we have a sense of duty to raise

    money for the many charities supported by our churches. This

    is very important but we also need to finance the day-to-day

    running of the Parish. Foremost is the contribution that we make

    to the Diocese towards the stipend, housing, pensions and

    training of our clergy (the Parish Share, 88,741 in 2012). Thenthere are the costs associated with the Parish office; the provision

    of music to accompany our services; the costs of heating and

    lighting our churches and insuring them; and much more.

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    21

    It costs the PCC 420 per day to run the Parish.

    We have all suffered the effects of the recent economic crisis,

    the increased fuel and energy costs, and the rise in our weekly

    shopping bills. The church is not immune to this and despite our

    rising income, and our best efforts at saving money where we

    can, we are facing an estimated deficit of 10,000 in 2012 (evenallowing for welcome income from fundraising events like the

    Witney Feast). This deficit would eat up nearly all our

    financial reserves.

    We plan to have an annual review of personal giving, in

    October, the month of our Harvest thanksgiving, and also

    the celebration of One World Week. It is a good time to

    delight in Gods generosity to us, and to respond generously

    ourselves.So this October we made two requests. The first was

    to invite all who give regularly to review their giving in

    the light of our circumstances. It will be right for some to

    reduce their level of giving, and others to increase (and we

    hope many will be able to increase). We have many new mem-

    bers in our churches, and we invite them to join us in regular

    giving.

    Secondly, we had a Gift Day in early November, and weinvited all those who were able, to make a one-off donation to

    help ease the current predicament.

    If you missed this opportunity to commence regular giving

    to the Parish either by standing order or weekly envelopes, please

    contact the Parish Office for a form to complete. You can also

    still give a gift, either taking it (in an envelope with details filled

    in for Gift Aid if relevant) to the Parish Office on a weekday

    morning, or handing it to a church warden at a service. All giving

    is treated confidentially.

    Finally, a big thank you to all who have already responded so

    generously to the Stewardship Renewal.

    Toby Wright, Rector

    Elizabeth Thomson, Team Vicar

    James Mills, ChurchwardenElpie Lewis, Churchwarden

    Chris Jones, PCC TreasurerLiving Faith event at

    Holy Trinity.

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    St Mary the Virgin, Church Green, Witney OX28 4AW

    Holy Trinity, Wood Green, Witney OX28 1DN

    St John the Baptist, Curbridge OX29 7NW

    St John the Evangelist, Middletown, Hailey OX29 9UD

    Team Rector Revd Toby Wright [email protected]

    Team Vicar Revd Dr Elizabeth Thomson 834875Associate Priest Revd Sally Wright 704441

    Team Evangelist Captain Jeff Hill 358226

    Churchwardens Elspeth Lewis 703070James Mills 07917566374

    Deputy Churchwardens

    Curbridge Val Pole and Jean Chittey Hailey Clare Musson

    Holy Trinity Jill Carter and Keith JamesonSt Marys Stu Vaughan and Charles Smith

    Parish Office Michelle Bailey Wells 779492& Gift Aid 9am12.30pm MondayFriday

    St Marys, Church [email protected]

    Baptism Enquiries Esther Partridge 864926Wedding EnquiriesRevd Dr Elizabeth Thomson 834875

    Witney Way editor Ruth Sheppard [email protected] date for next issue: 18 January.

    Home and Hospital VisitsTo arrange Communion for anyone who is unwell, please

    contact 708582 (Hailey), or 771750 (Holy Trinity). For

    Curbridge, St Marys or general enquiries, contact the Parish

    Office, or one of the clergy.

    www.witneyparish.org.uk

    Parish contact information

    22

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    These are the normal service times; please see website and the

    weekly notice sheet for any changes or special events.

    Sunday Services

    Weekday Services

    St Marys 8.00am Holy Communion

    (Followed by breakfast on 4th Sunday)

    10.45am Sung Eucharist

    (With Junior Church)

    Holy Trinity 10.45am Sung Eucharist

    (Including Sunday School)

    St Johns, 9.15am Holy Communion

    Hailey (Occasionally Matins)

    6.00pm Evensong

    (First Sunday of the month)

    St Johns, 9.15am Holy Communion

    Curbridge

    MondaySaturday

    St Marys 9.00am Morning Prayer

    MondayThursday, Saturday

    St Marys 5.30pm Evening Prayer

    Tuesday

    Holy Trinity 10.30am Holy Communion

    Wednesday

    St Marys 11am Holy Communion

    Thursday

    St Johns, 10.00am Holy Communion

    Hailey

    23

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    Upcoming events

    Week of accompanied prayer, 28 June 2013 (see article

    on pp.3032)

    Ongoing Groups/Activities

    Messy Church

    46pm, Sunday 2 December, St Marys. Fun craft activites andgames for children and their parents with a Christian theme,ending with a hot tea.

    Acorns Toddler Group

    9.4511.45am and 12.45pm Thursdays, Holy Trinity (term time)A welcoming toddler group for 05 year olds and their carers.

    Art Group

    9.30am12 noon, Monday, Winchester Room, St. Marys

    X Group

    Get-togethers for teens of the parish. Meeting on 9 December.For more information contact Jeff Hill on 358226.

    Holy Trinity House/Fellowship Groups

    Groups meet fortnightly on Monday and Tuesday evening. Forinformation on the Monday group contact Malcolm Ryland-

    Jones and for the Tuesday group contact Alan Gentry.

    Book Circle

    Third Tuesday of the month, 2.30pm, Winchester Room,St Marys. Open to all. Contact Freda Nicholls on 772564.

    Mothers Union

    Second Wednesday of the month, 2pm, Winchester Room,St Marys. Corporate Communion is held on the thirdWednesday of the month at 11am at St Marys.

    Hailey Village Lunch

    Third Wednesday of the month, Hailey Village Hall.

    Parish Wives Group

    Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7.45pm, Winchester Room,St Marys.

    Whats going on in the Parish?

    24

    Nativity service 2011,

    Holy Trinity.

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    Weekly Prayer Meeting

    Wednesday prayer meeting praying for the church at thehome of Jeff and Julia Hill, 81 Burwell Meadow, 89pm.

    Contemplative Prayer Group

    Every Wednesday, 4.305.00pm, St Marys.

    Thursday WalksInformal weekly walks leaving from St Johns Hailey at 11am.Contact Elspeth Lewis on 703070.

    Parish Surgery

    55.30pm, Thursdays, St Marys. An opportunity to have aword with the parish clergy.

    Acoustic Room

    Third Thursday of the month, 7.30pm, WinchesterRoom, St Marys. 3 on the door, free for performers. Forfurther information contact Colin or Jean Greenwayon 705026.

    Faith with Spice

    An opportunity for the men from the churches to get together,7.45pm on 20 January, 3 March, 28 April at Shaan, Corn Street.Contact Jeff Hill for further details.

    Choir Practice: Holy Trinity

    Wednesdays, 7.30pm.Contact Paul Francis 01235 848215.

    Choir Practice: St Marys

    Sundays, 9.45am. Contact Francis Rumsey.

    St Marys Junior Choir

    All keen young singers welcome, for more details contact SallyRumsey, 779331.

    Bell ringing at St Marys

    Ringing on Sunday, 9.4510.45am. Practice night Tuesday,7.309pm. Contact Wendy Wastie 07773 391886

    25

    Make sure your events and ongoing activities are listed here, email

    [email protected], or ring 866127.

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    26

    Weddings

    Eynsham Hall is a distinctly different and

    independently managed venue. Discover this

    fine Jacobean Grade II listed house amongst

    3,000 acres of some of Oxfordshires finest

    parkland. Mature trees, manicured topiary,

    formal gardens and terraces present an idyllic

    backdrop for your day. Peace and tranquillityprevail for todays guests of this privileged

    location.

    Eynsham Hall, North Leigh,Witney, Oxon, OX29 6PN

    t 01993 885 200e [email protected] www.eynshamhall.com

    s ,ICENSEDFORCIVILCEREMONIES

    and partnerships

    s 7EDDINGSUPTOGUESTS

    s .EWLYREFURBISHEDBRIDALSUITE

    s BEDROOMS

    s %XCLUSIVEWEDDINGUSE

    s 3UMMERANDWINTERWEDDINGPACKAGES

    s (EALTHANDlTNESSCLUB

    including beauty salon

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    27

    Songs of Praise

    Recently, whilst listening to Radio 4, I heard a well-known song,

    often heard as a football anthem, recited as a poem. This of

    course was Youll never walk alone, it really worked as a poem

    and listening to the words, I became aware that this could beinterpreted as a song of praise, a hymn.

    I therefore looked up the definition of a hymn. The Oxford

    Dictionarytells us that a hymn is a song of praise to God a met-

    rical composition sung in a religious service.

    I then began to wonder, how many other well-known songs

    could also serve as songs of praise or hymns. There is another

    song, also used as a football anthem The wonder of you

    which could also fall into this category. I began to ask others forsong suggestions: You raise me up and Bridge over troubled

    waters was among the suggestions, Im sure that you can think

    of many more. Recently, when preaching at Holy Trinity, Joanna

    played a piece of country music called Point of light. She had

    first been introduced to this as a

    poem, but it works just as well as a

    hymn.

    I am not suggesting that we beginto sing any of these songs during

    Sunday service; we already have

    differing views on hymns in our

    churches, some people only liking the

    traditional hymns (who can blame

    them, we are all stirred by a good

    Wesley hymn), and others also

    enjoying the more modern hymns

    introduced in the 1970s and 1980s.

    Next time you hear a ballad on

    the radio, think about the words, can

    they be interpreted as a song of praise

    to the Lord; do they have only to be

    valid in a secular society? Surely

    everything that we do, say or singshould be within the context of our

    relationship with Jesus.

    AP

    Youll never walk alone

    When you walk through a storm

    Keep your chin up highAnd don't be afraid of the dark

    When you walk through a storm

    Keep your chin up high

    And don't be afraid of the dark

    At the end of the storm

    Is a golden sky

    And the sweet, silver song of the lark

    Walk on through the wind

    Walk on through the rain

    Though your dreams be tossed and blown

    Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart

    And you'll never walk aloneYou'll never walk alone

    Oscar Hammerstein II

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    Churches in America are alive

    and kicking!

    You might think from watching Hollywood films that America

    was a secular society that has turned its back on Christ. Youcould not be further from the truth. When you go to America

    as we did this summer for two months, driving up the East

    Coast from Florida to Maine, visiting a church every Sunday

    you realise how many more Christian churches there are

    there.

    The population of the US is five times larger than that of the

    UK But there are more than 15 times as many churches. The

    UK has 38,000 churches. Half of American churches, or354,000, have national or regional congregations of 60,000

    people or more. The number of small, local churches almost

    doubles this figure. Every year, 4,000 new Christian churches

    open their doors, while 500 close. Thats an impressive 6%

    growth per annum.

    There is not an established state religion in America no

    Church of America so that any graduate of a Bible College or

    university can set up their own church, and many do. There isno state intervention. You can find small churches above shops

    in America, in shopping malls, on trailer parks, on the edge of

    housing estates, on beach fronts and in private homes.

    The first church in America was built by John Smith in

    Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607, and John Rolfe and Princess

    Pocahontas were married there in 1614. As most of the migrants

    to the southern states were of Scottish or English descent,

    growing rice, then tobacco and sugar, the churches tended to be

    either Presbyterian or Church of England. After John Wesley

    had become rector of Christ Church in Savannah, Georgia in

    1736, and developed Methodism, there sprang up many

    Methodist Churches. Baptist churches became popular too, while

    in Pennsylvania and the surrounding states, Quakers took a hold

    from 1680 onwards.

    After the Declaration of Independence of 1775, the Churchof England was renamed the Episcopal Church, in order to

    circumvent the need for its priests to owe allegiance to the king

    of England although it remained a member of the Anglican

    28

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    Community, with the archbishop of Canterbury as its head. They

    have retained the Common Book of Prayer and the Church of

    Englands modern versions, plus a similar hymn book. Their

    services are very similar to ours. However, to avoid paying

    copyright dues to Britain during the 19th century, their printers

    changed a word on each page, so that in every service weattended we were thrown by the substitution of one well-

    remembered word for another. It might have been thine for

    thy or something like heart for soul. Hymns were not often

    accredited to their British authors either.

    We visited several Episcopal and Presbyterian churches in

    the south, and were struck by their size, and their wealth.

    Some were built like comfortable cinemas, with big outreach

    and juvenile programmes which would be the envy ofchurches back home. In the two months, we attended

    churches with a membership of 3,0004,000, down to one in

    New England using a converted shipbuilding shed, with a

    congregation of about 30.

    When the Pilgrim Fathers landed in 1620 in Massachusetts,

    they called themselves Separatists, because they had separated

    from the state religions in Britain and Holland. They later

    changed their name to Congregationalists, and have the mostchurches of any Christian denomination in the northern states.

    Other European denominations are popular too, like Dutch

    Reform or Lutheran. In Plymouth, we came across The Twelve

    Tribes who followed the teachings of the original Pilgrim

    Fathers religious leader, Roger Williams. They share property

    and grow all their own food, which they sell in wholefood cafes

    and markets. They make their own clothes; the women wear long

    skirts and the men let their hair grow. They home-school their

    children and eschew TV, films, pop music and cars. They pray at

    home twice a day and keep Saturday as their holy day. They also

    called Jesus by his Hebrew name of Yahshua. We met them at

    their caf, and talked to them for ages. They have followers all

    across the globe, and their lifestyle was very simple, earnest and

    attractive.

    So, if you were ever cynical about Americans, please look atthem with fresh eyes. They are a God-loving people, and they

    could teach us a thing or two!

    Juliet Curry

    29

    Image by andrewatia

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    30

    That your hidden self

    may grow strong

    A week of accompanied prayer

    offered by churches in central Witney28 June 2013

    There is a story told about two sisters. It seems that someone

    had come into their lives and made a huge impact. This person

    was a regular visitor to their home. With their differing attitudes,

    gifts and ways of relating they responded in different ways to his

    presence. You will no doubt recognise the story of Martha and

    Mary as told in Lukes gospel. (Luke 10:3842)Vermeer painted a picture of Martha and Mary with Jesus.

    In his imagining of the story both women are looking at Jesus.

    It can be helpful to see these two sisters as different aspects of

    myself. In the midst of my own life, imagining myself as

    Martha, what might I become aware of? In Vermeers picture

    she is standing over a basket of bread which she may have just

    made and carried to the table. In the gospel story Martha is

    apparently resentful that she has been left to get on with thework. Jesus observes her fretting and fussing about many

    things or in another translation being busy about many

    things.

    In the midst of my own life, imagining myself as Mary, what

    would I see of myself ? In the picture Mary is sitting on the

    ground apparently intent on listening to and gazing upon Jesus.

    Sometimes I can recognise the depth of nurture and possibility

    when in the midst of life I have stopped, listened to,

    contemplated the mystery God and become conscious that here

    is the ground of my being.

    There are so many ways that the unique personal story of our

    lives can be touched and expanded by the bigger stories

    whether that be through nature, art, music or the great stories

    of our culture and religious tradition.

    Maybe in this story of Martha and Mary it is possible toacknowledge that both are in indeed in me, both are necessary,

    somehow symbolic of outer and inner, of action and contem-

    plation. Reflecting on this story might enable me to see how

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    31

    much in the daily run of things I long for the kind of space to

    wonder about my relationship with God. A space to allow

    myself to own the gifts of life as well as that with which I fret

    and struggle, a space in which I can acknowledge the longing

    to be more myself, less captive to patterns and attitudes which

    I suspect are limiting of life and love.The Week of Accompanied Prayer encourages such a space

    for listening and responding to God. It can be an encouragement

    to take time for myself amidst everyday life. It also offers the

    opportunity to be listened to by a Companion.

    The Week of Accompanied Prayer, how does it happen?

    There is an Opening Session for all on Sunday 2nd June.

    Each Participant commits to at least half an hour of reflectionin silence and solitude each day. The focus of this is

    Scripture-based and will be arrived at in a shared way with

    the Companion.

    Each day the Participant meets one-to-one with the Compan-

    ion for up to forty minutes. The Companion listens lovingly

    and without judgement. Their role is not to give advice or

    counsel but to discern with the person where there is creative

    energy in the prayer and where further focus may be invited.Venue the same each day in different churches in town.

    There is a Closing Session for all on Saturday 8 June.

    An integral part of the Week is the TEA ROOM! This is a

    place where all those taking part can meet informally during

    the week.

    Who are the Companions?

    The people who will accompany you are drawn from all

    denominations. They are all experienced in spiritual direction and

    retreat work. Their formation is founded on attending deeply to

    God in their own life and prayer as well as various training

    programmes.

    Cost and Application

    The suggested donation is 70 (this is what the week costs) butwith a sliding scale to a minimum of 40. We would not wish

    finance to prevent participation and hope that anyone who

    desires to take part and cant afford this will speak to their priest,

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    minister or meeting leader.

    A deposit of 20 is required with application.

    Application forms will be available at the end of the Taster

    Sessions.

    What happens before the Week?There are two Taster Sessions (it will be the same content at each so you have a choice):

    Tuesday 4 December 7.309.15 pmat High Street Methodist Church refreshment offered by the Quakers

    Sunday 9 December 4.306.15 pmat High Street Methodist Church refreshment offered by Methodists

    These are integral to the Week and important to attend if youwish to participate.

    Please come if you are at all interested. There is no obligationto take part in the week.

    The sessions are gentle and reflective and an introduction tothe feel of the process.

    There are two sessions for participants before the Week.Theme Exploring Personal Prayer

    Monday 22 April 2013 7.309.30 pmMonday 29 April 2013 7.309.30 pm

    Venues to be confirmed but as this is an ecumenical projectour intention is to use as many different places as possible in thechurches in Witney. That way each community is part of thehospitality.

    Isabel GregoryFacilitator of the Week of Accompanied Prayer

    For further information please speak to the Rector.

    32

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    33

    Celebration: Making a Difference

    in the World

    Held on 27 October, this event was a culmination of the Living

    Faith initiative, an encouragement to continue the work alreadybeing done in the Diocese, and to learn from the example of

    other parishes. It was held at The Kings Centre, Osney Mead, a

    very large venue run by the Community Church which was ideal

    for the event. There were probably around 150200 attendees

    from around the diocese and beyond.

    As Bishop John stated at the outset it was intended to be a

    fun day, allowing us to be positive about our achievements to

    date, but also accepting that there was still much to do, andallowing ourselves to be encouraged by all that had happened

    and was still happening in the Church.

    Ben Okafor opened the event, with original songs

    accompanied by guitar, and supported by members of the

    Archway Foundation, whose principal aim is to befriend the

    lonely and help to give them a sense of purpose.

    Following the Bishops introduction we had two inspiring

    talks from Ann Morisy (author and theologian) and LorettaMinghella (director of Christian Aid). Ann set out in some detail

    the importance of Christian outreach from a social point of

    view and how it helped to enrich peoples lives and to be a

    positive force in adversity. Loretta gave a moving account about

    how she moved from a background of being brought up as a

    Catholic, to working on a government compensation scheme

    for the Financial Services Authority, and thence, with

    encouragement from her daughter, applying for the top job at

    Christian Aid.

    After a very well-prepared and presented lunch, workshops

    were offered on a number of subjects. The Witney contingent

    attended four sessions, and we give a brief description of three

    of them.

    Lorna and I attended a presentation and discussion from the

    Well Centre, which aims to get involved in Community andBusiness Partnerships, addressing such issues as unemployment

    (particularly youth and over 50s), ethics in business, support for

    those made redundant and also for those given the task of

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    communicating redundancies. The Well Centre is a company and

    registered charity run in conjunction with the diocese and is

    prepared to be involved with employees and employers who need

    their help. It is beneficial to both parties and assists those with

    difficult decisions to make and problems to overcome.

    Ann Marsden went to the workshop Making a Difference inthe World run by Maranda St John Nicolle. She reports: We

    were asked to choose from a selection of the teachings of Jesus

    and give examples of how Christians are following his advice.

    Three of us chose Matthew 25 verses 3538, which ends any-

    thing you did for my brothers, you did unto me. In my group

    two gave illustrations about churches or individuals within the

    church in the country reaching out to others less fortunate. I

    chose an illustration from India which shows the influence thatthe Christian nurses in our project had on the villages they

    worked in. Most of the villages were divided. The outcaste Dalits

    were apart in a separate area. But our Christian nurses went to

    help anyone who was sick, and gradually the village health

    workers they chose and trained from both caste and non-caste

    communities moved as freely.

    The disease of measles was said to be sent by the goddess

    Ammavaram to punish the family; children with measles in bothparts of the village were left without food, or much water, the

    mother wasnt permitted to change her sari or clean the house.

    When a measles epidemic struck the Dalit village, a caste health

    worker went from house to house, giving water to the sick

    children and advice to the mothers, helping them take severely

    sick children to hospital. It was a little complicated to tell in the

    time allowed, but I think it is relevant.

    Francis Newenham attended the workshop on how to be a

    green church. He reports: This workshop started with us all

    being asked what things we would be interested to discuss.

    Participants suggested they would like advice on many issues

    such as fitting solar panels, heat pumps, new lighting and heating

    schemes. We were then asked what problems we found in trying

    to be a green church. There was widespread agreement that many

    hurdles seem to be put in our way when we tried to implementnew schemes. These included the difficulties in satisfying bodies

    such as the Victorian Society and English Heritage and in the

    preparation of faculties for the DAC.

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    Before we got any answers, the speaker seemed to go off

    onto his own agenda and suggested we thought more outside

    the box. He gave examples including how one parish had made

    a communal vegetable garden on a patch of unused land and

    then sold the produce. He asked us to think about ideas we could

    introduce which didnt involve the church or any of ourbuildings.

    Finally we got back to how we could make our churches

    greener. The leader felt he couldnt make any recommendations

    as all our buildings are so different. However he showed us the

    various publications that would help us and that there were

    specialist people in the diocese who could assist us in making the

    best decisions.

    After the workshops and following refreshments, BishopJohn led us in the Eucharist to give thanks for all that had been

    achieved and encourage us to continue the work so far

    undertaken. There was a final opportunity to view the

    contributions written on cards and spread out on a giant Cel-

    ebration poster, and visit a number of stalls, illustrating the

    initiatives undertaken by organisations and parishes before we

    departed.

    Andrew Whitehouse

    St Marys Youth Choir

    The choir has been very busy over the Autumn. They sang at

    the Harvest service performing a two-part Zulu song in the

    Zulu language. They also joined in the Sea Songs and Shanties

    concert where they sang two numbers: When I was oneand a

    beautiful two-part rendition of the well-known Northumbrian

    folk song, Blow the wind southerly. They confidently led the au-

    dience in a four-part round ofA nervous wreck. The choir will

    next be singing at the Carol service on Christmas Eve.Sally Rumsey

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    Witney Mothers Union

    Witney has a thriving branch of Mothers Union, with thirty or

    so members, but those not involved in the Mothers Union may

    know little of the organisations history, or relevance to the world

    today.The organisation was founded by Mary Sumner in 1876 in

    the parish of Old Alresford near Winchester, where her husband

    was Rector. She was inspired after the birth of her first grand-

    child, remembering her own difficulties when she was first a

    mother, she wanted to bring mothers of all social classes together

    to provide support and training for one another. In 1885, Bishop

    Wilberforce, the first Bishop of Newcastle, was preparing to

    address churchgoing women in Portsmouth, finding he hadnothing relevant to say to churchwomen, he contacted Mary

    Sumner and asked her to speak in his stead. She addressed the

    women passionately about the power of mothers to change the

    nation for the better. A number of women present were

    encouraged to return to their parishes and set up similar womens

    meetings

    By 1892, there were 60,000 members in 28 dioceses which

    had grown to 169,000 members by the turn of the century. MarySumner was unanimously elected president, a post she held into

    her nineties. During her Diamond Jubilee in 1897, Queen Vic-

    toria became patron, giving it her unprecedented stamp of

    approval. Branches were soon set up throughout the British Em-

    pire. Today there are four million members worldwide.

    As a global movement of women (and men) the Mothers

    Union supports local churches with prayers and activities. It is in-

    volved with local communities through social outreach projects and

    is an international campaigning charity. Mothers Union is particu-

    larly concerned with the plight of women in the world; its projects

    include literacy and development, parenting, micro-finance and

    campaigning against violence against women and the trafficking of

    women. Mothers Union is part of Make Poverty History and the

    Jubilee Debt Coalition. Within the UK it successfully lobbies

    government; at present it is involved in the Bye Buy Childhoodcampaign to help prevent the commercialisation and sexualisation

    of children. At a recent Diocesan Social Policy Unit day held in

    Deddington, the MP Tony Baldry assured his listeners that MPs

    37

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    Below and opposite:

    Mothers Union Area

    Festival at St Marys,

    Witney.

    are pleased to hear from us and that one of our strengths is that

    every MP is aware of the Mothers Union and most would want to

    work constructively with them.

    On an international scale, the Mothers Union represents a

    diverse membership and communities around the world, facing

    a range of issues including family breakdown, violence, poverty,water shortages, literacy, HIV/AIDS and gender inequality. The

    Mothers Union lobbies for political change to tackle the root

    causes. The Mothers Union holds a special consultative status

    with the United Nations, which entitles it to make a contribution

    to the United Nations work in areas relating to Mothers Union

    expertise. The Mothers Union exercises its consultative status

    at the annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held

    in the United Nations headquarters in New York.So, back to our branch in Witney, we meet together each

    month, we pray together, listen to some very good speakers and

    have time to enjoy each others company. However, we are at

    present of an older age group and would love to have new,

    younger members join us.

    There is a place and ministry for all in the Mothers Union,

    those who have the energy and enthusiasm could serve in the

    organisation and campaigning of the Mothers Union at a local,Deanery, Diocesan or national level, those who have perhaps less

    energy, serve by their prayer ministry and concern for others.

    A Platt

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    Mothers Union Area Festival

    On Tuesday 13 November about 100 members from all over the

    Dorchester Area came together in St Marys to celebrate the work

    of the Mothers Union. Bishop Colin presided and preached at

    the Eucharist assisted by Toby and Rosemary. Branches brought

    their banners with them and were able to process to the altar

    with them at the start of the service.

    There were displays of the work that Mothers Union mem-

    bers undertake, both here and abroad and a stall with a varied

    selection of literature and cards to purchase, which did brisk

    trade. Tables had been laid up in the Winchester Room and in

    the church to provide a hot lunch for all. Witney Branch

    committee members provided a variety of delicious casseroles,

    followed by homemade puddings and coffee.

    An occasion such as this gives us the opportunity to meet

    other branch members and to remember that although someindividual groups may be quite small, together we are many and

    still growing all over the world.

    Lorna Whitehouse

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    Girlguiding in Witney

    Holy Trinity is unique among all the churches in Witney in that it

    is the only one with Brownie and Guide units attached to it 4th

    Witney (Holy Trinity) although neither unit still meets there.

    Guiding came to Witney in the early 1920s, one of the earliestleaders was Maud Logan who for many years sang in St Marys choir.

    Originally units met in various places around the town, many later

    moving to the Guide Headquarters building behind the Methodist

    Church this led to the long-standing link with the church. In the

    1980s and 1990s units began to move onto the new estates being

    built around the town many meet in local schools, although five

    groups still meet in the Methodist Church.

    For those whove never been involved in Guiding and want toknow what we do well the answer is almost anything! We make

    a lot of noise, run around, make things, stay away overnight (sleep

    optional), help at community events, go on trips, raise money for

    ourselves and others and generally have a lot of fun. The

    difference between us and a youth club is that everyone makes a

    promise to serve our country, to love God and to help other

    people. Anyone can join who is prepared to make our promise (it

    can be altered if a girl has another faith) regardless of theirabilities there is even an internet group for those unable to make

    unit meetings due to illness or remote living. Currently in Witney

    we have two Rainbow units (57 year olds), six Brownie units

    (710), three Guide units (1014) and a Trefoil Guild (18 to 80+

    year olds), about 220 girls and about 40 volunteer leaders. We

    would love to be able to take on more girls but, like many voluntary

    groups, need more leaders to enable this to happen. It doesnt have

    to be a commitment to come every week many groups have lead-

    ers who fit in round shift work, we need people who can do our

    accounts for us, type letters, lead an occasional craft activity etc.

    Its a great movement to be involved in when we celebrated

    our centenary two years ago the sight of 2,000 girls each day at

    the Cotswold Wildlife Park one weekend was stunning and set

    off many conversations with other visitors.

    If you would like more information please ask or look at thewebsite: www.girlguiding.org.uk. If you could help in any way please

    contact me [email protected] or via St Marys.

    Alison Spicer, Division Commissioner Windrush and St Marys

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    The Ministry Team

    The Chapter

    Toby Wright

    Team Rector

    Elizabeth Thomson

    Team Vicar

    Sally Wright

    Associate Priest

    Jeff Hill

    Team Evangelist

    Rosemary Peirce

    Licensed Lay Minister

    David Exham

    Licensed Lay Minister

    Joanna Collicutt

    Assistant Priest

    Stephen Hearn

    Assistant Priest

    Martin Sheldon

    Assistant Priest

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    Lights of Remembrance

    Opposite are photographs from the Lights of Remembrance

    evening in Hailey, in November 2012. We lit candles in church

    to remember people, and wrote names on leaves to add to thetree. We took candle lanterns out to light up the churchyard.

    Then we warmed up again with mulled cider and hot dogs.

    St Marys Concert

    A small, but appreciative audience was given a fun evening of

    Sea Songs and Shanties on the eve of Trafalgar Day in St Marys

    Church.

    The choir performed a selection of songs from HMS Pinafore,The Leaving of LiverpoolandMarried to a Mermaid. The Youth Choir

    sangWhen I was Oneand Blow the Wind Southerly, then led everyone

    in a four-part round ofA Nervous Wreck. Groups sangRolling

    Down to Rio andAs I Roved Out.

    Joanna Collicutt sang Tom Bowlingand Sally Rumsey sang

    Martin Shaws song of the famous poem, Cargoes. Bishop Bill

    Down amused us with some yarns from his days with The Mis-

    sion to Seafarers.Francis Rumsey played Chanty from Plymouth Suite by

    Whitlock and, in Hornpipe Humoresque by Rawsthorne the

    audience tried to guess how many tunes were woven into the

    hornpipe; the children enjoyed the fog-horn effect!

    The audience sangShenandoah, Heart of Oak, What Shall we do

    with the Drunken Sailor, Rio Grandeand a favourite hymn, Will Your

    Anchor Hold?

    The Evening ended with Kirsty Strange, complete withtrident, singingRule Britannia.

    Our thanks to Francis and Sally Rumsey and the choirs

    who put a great deal of time and effort into producing such

    an enjoyable evening which raised 272 for St Marys. The

    children went away still singingRule Britanniaand an array of

    wonderful tunes were going round in our heads for many days

    afterwards.

    Helen Meyrick

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    Some of the performers in Sea Songs and Shanties: Anne Walters, Philip Walters, Kirsty Strange as

    Britannia, and Pirate Nat Hayes in front.

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    Advent and Christmas Services 2012

    2 December Advent carol service Holy Trinity, 6.00 pm

    7 December Mayors carol service St Marys, 7.00 pm

    16 December Nativity service Holy Trinity, 10.45 am

    Christingle St Marys, 3.00 pm

    Christingle Hailey, 3.00 pm

    Village carol service Curbridge, 6.00 pm

    23 December Nine lessons & carols Holy Trinity, 6.00 pm

    Village carol service Hailey, 6.00 pm

    24 December Crib service St Marys, 3.00 pm

    Carol service St Marys, 6.00 pm

    Midnight mass St Marys, 11.30pm

    Midnight mass Holy Trinity, 11.30pm

    Midnight mass Hailey, 11.30 pm

    25 December Holy Communion St Marys, 8.00am

    Sung Eucharist St Marys, 10.45am

    Sung Eucharist Holy Trinity, 10.45am

    Holy Communion Hailey, 9.15am