shepherd's watch autumn 2014

Shepherd’s Watch The magazine for and by the people of the Good Shepherd

www.goodshepherdbrighton.org.uk

September 2014 60p

Forthcoming Events,

pg 4

The Alton Abbey Retreat, ................pg 6

Victor and Constance, . ....pg 8

Bells & Bell-ringing …...pg 11 Engaging Christianity Course pg13 Hymns & Pimms… pg22 “One man in his time plays many parts” pg24

For those in peril in the sea...pg30 Air CDR, John Langston, RIP...pg32

The Good Shepherd Magazine Sept. 2014

Deacon

The Revd. Helen Rawlings 6 Beacon Hill

Ovingdean, Brighton BN2 7BN Tel 07967695753

[email protected]

Parish Office The Parish Office is open on Wednesday and Friday mornings

from 9.30 to 10.30. The Parish Office telephone number is

(01273) 553747; [email protected]

Reader

Michael Miller

68 Ainsworth Avenue, Ovingdean, Brighton

BN2 7BG Tel (01273) 240287 [email protected]

Vicar

Revd. Felix Mascarenhas

The Vicarage, 272 Dyke Road Brighton BN1 5AE

Tel (01273) 882987 [email protected]

Churchwardens

David Stevens:

2 Shirley Road, Hove, BN3 6NN,

Tel (01273) 555197; [email protected]

Hannah Beattie:

36 Matlock Road, Brighton BN15BF

Tel 07771511879,

[email protected]


While every effort is made to ensure all information in Shepherd’s Watch is cor-

rect, neither the Parochial Church Council nor the individual contributors can

be held responsible or accept liability for any errors and/or omissions.

The PCC does not endorse the companies, products and services that appear in

Shepherd’s Watch. Responsibility for any loss, damage or distress resulting from the use of or reli-

ance on any information in Shepherd’s Watch, however caused, is disclaimed

by the Parochial Church Council.

Any plans for Autumn ?

The grey and golden colours around, now paint nature with a spiritual beauty; a banquet to eyes in search of autumn glory.

Summer has ended and the harvest feasts begin .

As children and parents return from their holidays nature begins its rest.

Most of us now make our plans for

autumn and beyond, even leading up to Christmas.

Hopefully you too will have your diary

full by now. There will be personal, family as well as community commit-

ments. By planning ahead and keeping

up with them it gives meaning to our own life and to that of the community.

You know that there is greater joy when we celebrate or journey together, in the company of others. We thus share in one

another’s joys and sorrows.

Here at the Good Shepherd, we have called the forthcoming

season as "A season of Invitations". We shall be having a

variety of events some of which will be to help various charities.

Who knows, your friends might give you some of these

invitations. I hope you will come and join us to enhance your

joy.

Rev. Felix

While every effort is made to ensure all information in Shepherd’s

Watch is correct, neither the Parochial Church Council nor the indi-vidual contributors can be held responsible or accept liability for any

errors and/or omissions. The PCC does not endorse the companies,

products and services that appear in Shepherd’s Watch. Responsibility for any loss, damage or distress resulting from the use of

or reliance on any information in Shepherd’s Watch, however caused,

is disclaimed by the Parochial Church Council.


Here are the special Autumn events with their dates :

Sun. 21st Sept. at 10.15am. : Service for the Blessing of Animals. During September many churches celebrate "Back to

church Sunday". I think this occasion could also be a great op-portunity to invite those who may have been

to our church before, for a wedding, baptism or funeral, or perhaps when they were

younger for Sunday school – but haven’t been back since.

You can invite your friends to come and

bring along your amicable animals too.

Sat 4th Oct. 7pm: Harvest Supper & Dance A wonderful opportunity for people to join in

the social life of the church. There will be peo-ple who would love to dance, share a supper,

or even just be with others. It’s healthy to dance and fun to look at

others as they dance.

and Sun 5th Oct. 10.15am : Harvest

Eucharist. Harvest, one of our oldest festi-vals, reminds us of nature, thanksgiving, food

and this year we celebrate the Harvest of the Sea together with our local fishermen.

Fri 31st Oct. 7.30pm: All Souls Requiem: A wonderful tradi-tion exists in our church as we remember those who have died.

It is an occasion to invite particularly those who are bereaved and those wishing to remember their loved ones; with a chance

to share a glass of wine afterwards.

Sat 1st Nov. 6pm: Bonfire Party Fireworks in the vicarage garden with Baked Beans and

Jacket Potatoes: Children love this event and

though often regarded as a feast for the kids, people of all ages can join in. The evening

ends in the hall with food and drinks.


Our Charities for 2014:

International: The Shalom Children’s Home, Karunalaya, Ban-galore. Building a life, creating a future—every child needs a

happy childhood. National: Fishermen’s Mission. Providing emergency

assistance to our fishermen and their families. Local: Carousel; supporting people with learning disabilities

Clock Tower Sanctuary; crisis assistance for young people.

Sun 9th Nov. at 10am : Remembrance Sunday: With the First

World War centenary, this year’s Remembrance Sunday will be a very special one and many will remember their

loved ones who died for their country. This is an opportunity to commemorate them

together.

Christmas Fayre & Tree Festival: Saturday 6th Dec & Sunday 7th December (exact times to be confirmed,

please see website)

To support our charities listed below, we will again hold our Christmas Fayre in the hall on the morning of Saturday 6th. At

the same time in the church we will have a new initiative, a Christmas Tree Festival, with trees all decorated by different

groups in the community. The Tree Festival will continue on Sunday 7th in the afternoon

with the opportunity to vote for your favourite in a competition for the best decorated tree. There will be musical entertainment

on Sunday afternoon culminating at 5

pm in a service of "Carols amongst the Trees" .

We could see this as "Christmas be-gins" leading us into our Christmas

events and services of celebration. I pray that all your wishes and ideas

will be fulfilled, whilst at the same time

building our neighborhood church and fulfilling the Mission of God. Fr.Felix


ALTON ABBEY RETREAT

A few weeks ago a small group from our parish went to Alton Ab-bey on Retreat. It is a journey we have made over the last few

years, beautifully organ-ised, as always, by Jean

Eke. Her husband Father Robert Eke was a vicar in

Alton before they retired to

Brighton and he is buried in the lovely peaceful grave-

yard at the Abbey sheltered by the many old trees.

There are no headstones, only simple wooden crosses

and it is so relaxing to sit there with only the sound

of birdsong in the presence

of God and all those who have gone before us.

The extensive grounds

range from a wild flower meadow, an orchard and

the beautifully kept more formal gardens tended by Bishop

Timothy Bavin who was a well loved vicar at the Good Shepherd before he went to South Africa at the time of apartheid to be first

Dean and then Bishop of Johannesburg .

The retreat is partly silent and we eat with the monks with the final Sunday lunch being a very jolly non silent occasion with

the monks amongst us. Previous retreats had the usual three meditations and discussions led by one of the monks but this

year we had Michael Miller and Deacon Helen as our leaders.

The rooms are very simple but comfortable; the meals cooked by

the Abbot's sisters were excellent and we had our own kitchen well supplied with tea, coffee, hot chocolate etc and biscuits that


Are you paying too much for your

Gas, Electricity , Phones, Broadband

and other Utilities?

Many do and don’t know it.

Maybe I can help. I can certainly advise

and there is no charge for that.

Ring Tim Parker on 01273 500048

My company is recommended by the 'Which' Magazine.

Oh - I forgot to tell you - Victor is still a customer!

we could use at

any time. The six resident chickens

do a sterling job of supplying all the

eggs!

This year the Bishop of Europe

Geoffrey Howell

was visiting the Ab-bey at the same

time and cele-brated for us the

Sunday morning Eucharist which is attended by local people and then joined us for lunch.

We always come back refreshed and ready to tackle our various

problems and having learnt a lot about ourselves. Thank you

Jean once again for all your excellent arrangements. Every year seems to go seamlessly and I am sure those who visited for the

first time will tell you what a rewarding experience it has been.

Maybe you would like to join us next time? Marguerite Harland


PARTY PLANNERS

The Party is not over until the fat lady sings

Mavis’ party hangs over Constance and I like a great black cloud. Our guest list has increased, it is now over 100, and I am half

way to being a nervous wreck. This morning I lost my list of things to

do.

In front of me a vision of Corporal

Jones from Dad’s Army – ‘Don’t panic Mr Victor! Don’t panic!’ My list was on

the Kitchen table.

Constance was out – she had gone to meet Victoria Sweet, my cooking in-

structor. Victoria has found 90 plates,

82 cups, 120 saucers and a splendid tea urn. And there will be no need to worry about the catering

with Victoria in charge.

I crossed off food, crockery and catering from my list, made my-self a coffee, read the paper and felt rather better. I rang Mavis.

‘Constance and I would like to meet. We are very worried about

the party.’ ‘I don’t see why’, said Mavis, it’s all very simple. Any-way, you’ll have to do it, I have broken my ankle.’ ‘I am sorry

about that, but we need help. What about the extra chairs and tables you’ve promised?’ Mavis was difficult, I knew she would

be, but finally she agreed to ask her gardener to put out as many chairs and tables as he could manage. ‘But,’ she added, ‘You will

have to provide the transport.’

I then rang my friend John Duffy, a local Estate Agent. ‘I’m

holding a garden party for 100 old folk, and I wonder if you can help me with some portaloos?’ ‘I’ve never been asked that ques-

tion, as a rule I sell houses, but try Flush with Success in East Grinstead.’


Later that evening Enid, our next door neighbour, rang the door-

bell. Enid Twinkleson is 92 years of age. She specialises in making rhubarb wine. ‘Look Victor,’ she said, ‘you have more

old folks for your party than you have room, so I’ll be happy to give them a tour of my house and garden and they can buy my

wine at £2 a bottle. ‘Enid, that’s not a bad idea’, I said, and gave her a kiss.

The weather forecast for the weekend was wretched. I rang

Charlie. ‘Can you bring your tent? And please remember the

chairs and tables from Hill House. And can you be here on Wednesday morning, Flush with Success are delivering and I

don’t want their loos on our front lawn,’ ‘I have to . make a liv-ing’, said an exasperated Charlie.

On the Wednesday evening, I gathered our team together. We

were an odd bunch: Enid Twinkleson, Colonel Herny Astle, my father-in-law, Mumsy, his wife, Victoria Sweet, Charlie, Con-

stance, Sally from the Bridge Circle, Mr James from the Church

of the Good Shepherd, Pat and Derek and three lovely girls from the Water Board. The meeting started badly. Sally told us she

had been asked to bring another 14 old people from the Day Centre. The Lord will provide,’ said Henry. ‘He better had,’ I

muttered. Charlie’s tent was horrendous. ‘How will the old peo-ple find the loos behind the rhododendrons?’ asked Mumsey.

‘There will be a sign.’ I snapped. ‘They are not old people,’ said

Henry, ‘they are our guests.’

We were luck. Saturday was a fine, sunny day. We pulled our piano onto the terrace. Mumsey’s rehearsal was not encourag-

ing.

The party started slowly but Constance and Victoria had set up a splendid tea. Mumsey began to play, badly, she was nervous.

And then, walking down our drive was a 3-piece jazz band led by

Pat and Derek. It was magic. Our guests began to tap their feet in time with the music. Mumsey recovered her nerve and when

the jazz band stopped for a beer led a sing-song of the old fa-vourites. The tour of Enid’s house was a great success, most

The Good Shepherd Magazine Sept.

groups returning with a bottle of rhubarb wine. In the middle of

the party, to our astonishment, Richard, our son, and a new girl-friend, Fa-Tu-Yung arrived in a taxi from Gatwick. They were

amazed.

At 5.45 Victoria Sweet, a real heavy weight but pretty with it, sang ‘Now is the Hour.’ The party was over.

Tim Parker

TEA CLUB

We have had a very busy few months at the Tea Club, culminat-

ing with my final time in charge which took place at Rushfields Garden Centre where we spent a very enjoyable afternoon with

nearly forty of us being treated to tea and cakes.

We had an unexpected hiccup when the minibus we use to transport our wheelchair members which sadly meant they were

unable to attend. They did come however to the Fish and Chip

lunch which was an extra in August arranged by Sheena Richardson who has taken over from me.

It was a wonderful surprise when I realised it was a farewell

"Thank You" occasion where I was presented with a beautiful bouquet, a cake decorated by the very talented Pat Hunter,, al-

most too good to cut and eat and some lovely presents. I was very shaken and could hardly reply to Father Felix's kind speech

so thank you again everyone, so much.

I took on the Tea Club almost 3 years ago when my dear friend

Elizabeth Alcock who was running it became very ill and it seemed that it was coming to a very sudden end. I decided I

couldn't let that happen, I used to take my own mother to it many years ago and it had been serving the wider local commu-

nity run by some lovely people including dear Tom Wing who

greeted his "ladies" with such old world courtesy. Lancing Prep were very disappointed to be told that the annual Christmas

Party where they had always entertained was cancelled so they


invited us to their school hall instead and I carried on from

January.

The club has gone from strength to strength and I know Sheena will be marvellous and full of new ideas, please give her your

support. I would like to say a special thank you to Donald Baxter who has put out the chairs and tables for us all these years.

The programme up to Christmas will be 1st September, Preston-

ville Trefoil Guild Choir, 6th October, talk by Julie Pullinger on

Wills and Legal matters, 3rd November, outing to a Garden Cen-tre and 1st December, Christmas Party with Lancing Prep. Meet-

ings start at 1.30pm. Contact Sheena Richardson, Tele-phone07932591172 for information. I look forward to seeing you

as an ordinary member and thank you all for your loyal support. Marguerite Harland

BELLS AND BELLRINGING

Church bells have been a feature of English life for hundreds of

years. Dozens of carols and songs, even current popular songs make mention of bells. Wedding cards and gift wrap very fre-

quently have bells on them. Bells have been used for centuries to summon people to church, and they ring out over the country-

side, in towns and cities all over the country especially on Sun-days. Bells are also synonymous with

celebration, but surprisingly, church bells rung the way they are in the UK is

very much a British thing, as I will ex-

plain later. My wife Sue and I started to learn to

ring bells shortly after we came to Great Chishill at the end of 2006. We had seen

the sign at the church saying that new people would be welcome, and we

thought it would be a good way to meet people and become involved in village

life. How right that proved to be! We had

no previous knowledge about bell ring-


ing, and if asked, we probably would have thought, like most

people, that ringing the bells was just a matter of tugging on a rope to make the bell ring. We were to very soon find out that

that is not the case at all. In fact, just getting the bell to ring is quite a skill, and getting it to ring at the right time proved to be

near impossible for us for the first 3 months or so of learning! Church bells in Britain and the Commonwealth and just a few

other places, are rung in a completely different way to anywhere else in the world. We don’t just pull a rope to swing a bell until it

chimes, we actually make the bell swing through slightly more

than 360 degrees. The bell is connected to a large wooden wheel which has a diameter of about 2½ times the height of the bell,

and it is to this that the rope is attached. The bell starts upside down, then when we pull on the rope, the bell rotates through a

full circle until it is upside down again. The sound is made when the clapper inside the bell catches up with the bell, which is in

fact after it has gone 180 degrees. The skill of just ringing the bell comes from the fact that you are holding onto a rope that

has on the end of it, a piece of metal which weighs, in the case of

the biggest bell in St Swithun’s, the equivalent of 7 full kegs of beer (10 cwt and 3 quarters). Once that is moving there is no

way that you are going to be able to stop it. Secondly, there is a delay between pulling on the rope and the bell ringing. Once one

has mastered the art of just ringing the bell on the hand stroke (that’s pulling on the woolly coloured part called the 'sally'), then

on the back stroke, (when the sally has disappeared up into the

ceiling), the next task is to be able to do it at just the right time, with just the right amount of pull, to make it ring just after the

previous bell rang, so that the five bells ring one after the other, the highest pitched (the treble) ringing first, and the lowest,

heaviest bell (the tenor) ringing last. Then it all starts again. This is called ringing in rounds, and it is what you will most com-

monly hear us doing. After that, it’s a matter of doing ‘change ringing’ where the order in which the bells are rung is changed,

and after that ‘methods’ where all the bells change according to a

fixed pattern on every round – but we won’t go into that here! If you want to know more – or would like to have a go – come to

the Good Shepherd bell tower one Tuesday at 7pm. Tower Captain, Pat Hunter


ENGAGING CHRISTIANITY

This module is part of the Engaging Christianity Course

produced by the University of Chichester in partnership with The Diocese of Chichester

This year, as part of our Home Groups, we shall be following the

“ENGAGING CHRISTIANITY” Course for our Autumn study

groups.

Aim: The aim of this module is to explore a range of Christian responses to the fact of religious pluralism

Description: In the context of globalisation and increasingly

multi-cultural societies, religious diversity is a fact of life. The experience of this social reality poses a range of questions for

Christians today. How should I relate to my neighbours of an-

other faith? What can I learn from their faith without compro-mising my own? Are all religions true in different ways? Or is

one true, all the others being either in error, or only having a partial truth? Do Muslims and Christians believe in the same

God? What does the Bible say about other religions? How can I live well as a Christian in a multi-faith world? This module

examines such questions using a range of resources and approaches from the Christian tradition.


Approach: You don’t have to be an academic to take this mod-

ule! Although it is informed by the latest academic theological thinking on this important, contemporary and wide-ranging

topic, the material that you will be required to engage with is de-signed to be accessible and thought-provoking rather than baf-

fling. That’s not to say that there won’t be difficult ideas to dis-cuss, but you will be encouraged to come at these issues draw-

ing on your own experience and per-spective, thinking about them as

they arise in real situations rather

than in theologians’ heads. What this means in practice is

that there will be passages of the Bi-ble and other traditional Christian

texts to consider and discuss; hymns and other devotional sources

to meditate on; scenarios to respond to; courses of action to commit to as

part of your Christian life. You will

be invited to consider some of the different ways in which Christian

theologians have engaged with these questions and some of the underlying issues. Studying this course may confirm your exist-

ing understanding of and approach to the topic; but it should also challenge you to new ways of thinking and acting.

Practicalities: The module consists of seven sessions, each last-ing approximately 90 minutes and taking place after a short act

of worship. There will be a group leader, often your parish priest, to guide you through the material.

Commitment: Apart from attending and playing a full part in

the twelve sessions, the only other commitment is to do some preparation prior to each session. This will normally be some-

thing to think about or read. There will also be additional re-

sources recommended - such as books, websites and films – but there is no requirement to make use of these.

Cost: £15 per person for the course pack


N Battrick

Painter and Decorator

Property Maintenance and all Exterior and Interior

Work

RELIABILITY and

QUALITY GUARANTEED Your Local Tradesman

Estimates Free Tel 01435 831645

07765641289

07801420828

The Little Lambs

(Parents and Toddler Group)

Meets on Wednesday in the

Church Hall from 1.30 - 3pm. Contact:

Jane: 07980564849 Catherine:07807510873

Brownies

7-10 years

Meet on Tuesday evening in the Church Hall. Please contact

Tessa Pacey (01273) 551298


ANDREW NICHOLS INTERIORS

THE KITCHEN SPECIALISTS

OUR EXCLUSIVE HAND PAINTED KITCHENS ARE NOW

COMPLEMENTED BY AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF OVER 40

DOOR STYLES TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS.

FREE COMPUTER PLANNING AND DESIGN SERVICE.

HONEST AND HELPFUL ADVICE FROM A FAMILY FIRM EST 1980

TEL: 01273 779780 FAX. 01273 727281

www.andrewnichols.co.uk


DAVID FORGHAM

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

I am a qualified accountant

providing a professional service to meet individual client needs

Sole traders/partnership

accounts Personal tax returns

Limited company accounts

Bookkeeping/Vat Returns Management accounts

Reasonable rates, no vat charged!

For details please contact David Forgham

on 07887 902963 or [email protected]


Free Estimates Free Estimates R. L A N C A S T E R

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

67 BROOMFIELD DRIVE, MILE OAK, PORTSLADE

01273 419914; 07512012937

Interior & Exterior Painting Full Property Maintenance

Guttering & Fascias, PVC & Timber Windows Supplied & Fitted, Locks Fitted, Carpet Cleaning

Marianne Farley Cleaning Service

01273 595740 or 07961 566539

Also available for Office Cleaning,

P.A. Work, Shopping,

Minor Gardening work—Set Prices Only.

E D D I E L A N C A S T E RG A R D E N S E R V I C E S

LAWN MOWING, STRIMMING

HEDGE CUTTING, REMOVAL & TREEWORK FENCING, DECKING & LANDSCAPING

SHEDS & BASES BUILT PATIOS & PATHS

RUBBISH & HOUSE CLEARANCES

SKIP BAG SUPPLIED & EMPTIED

01273 380671 07787 155811

www.eddielancaster.co.uk

FREE ESTIMATES TAKING CARE OF GARDENS & WASTE SINCE 2000


EPDM Rubberbond roofs

All roof tiling & Slating Velux windows supplied & fitted Upvc Fascia boards & soffits All associated Leadworks Firewall & chimney works Flat roofing

Member of the Federation of master builders

Free estimates and advice given

Checkatrade.com Where reputation matters

27 Hawkhurst Road Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 9GF

T:01273 707 867 M:07932 427 447 [email protected]

Roofrepairsbrighton.co.uk

C. GORRINGE ROOFING CONTRACTORS


MOTHERS’ UNION AUTUMN 2014

Saturday 6th September 9am Corporate Communion in the

Lady Chapel -----------------------------------------------------

Thursday 25th September- Saturday 27th September - Visit to

the Diocese by Lynne Tembey, Worldwide President. Main events for us to support are:

Friday 26th September 7.30pm at St Michael and All Angels Church in Lancing. A light supper and a chance to meet and

hear Lynne.

Please let Christine James know if you will be going as numbers are needed for the supper.

Saturday 27th September 10.30am Overseas Day at St Paul’s

Church, Chichester. Another chance to hear Lynne. Ploughman’s

lunch can be ordered for £5. Again please let Christine know. Some of us plan to go by train as parking may be difficult.

Details of other events are on the Mothers’ Union notice board ------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 4th October 9.00am Corporate Communion in the Lady

Chapel

Thursday 9th October 12.45pm Talk Time led by Veronica Holden

at 60 Princess Drive, Seaford followed by snack lunch.

Saturday 25th October 10.30 till 3.00

Diocesan Council at Haywards Heath

Saturday 1st November 9.00am Corporate Communion in the

Lady Chapel

Thursday 13th November 12.45pm Talk Time Venue to be ar-

ranged

Thursday 27th November 7.30pm Discussion or Quiz Venue to be arranged

Saturday 6th December 9.00am Corporate Communion in the Holy Redeemer Chapel

Thursday 11th December Christmas Party to be arranged

Christine James


PLANNING AN ADVENTURE

Some interest has been shown in Holy Island since we saw our former Vicar Paul Collins on television recently as he was taking

part in Songs of Praise. Being a foreigner myself (from what is now Cumbria) I was keen

to pay another visit to Holy Island . The idea of men in cockle shell boats risking their lives to cross the North Sea to bring

the story of Jesus to my part of the country has always thrilled me and Durham Cathedral is so impressive and commanding.

Beginning to think of a group visit made me realise that it is very

complicated. Should we fly or go by train or coach – and where should we start? Edinborough and Newcastle are equidistant

from Holy Island. What would the weather be like? Most people anticipated cold winds and rain. September or March ? When

were the tides suitable (access to the island is only possible at low tide). How many days? Two? Four or five?

Needless to say, Church Mouse will not be organising things so will just have to creep into someone’s luggage.

HYMNS AND PIMMS

We had hoped to sit in the vicarage garden in the sunshine as we did last year but the afternoon sky indicated that this would

not be possible. The hall was set up with tables for eight and looked really

welcoming so all was well. The Pimms was served and our voices

were oiled into a tuneful mood helped by Gill Griffiths playing on the piano. Thank you Gill –that really gave things a lovely

atmosphere. The hymns had been chosen during previous weeks and Felix

guided us through them. The singing was not exactly like the choir but had been chosen as favourites and the roof was in

danger at times. The hog roast was simply lovely and the salads were good. All

sorts of sauces were on offer. I did not count the number of

diners but the hall was full and the meeting of old friends and regular worshippers was noisy and jolly.

For me the best bit was watching Stanley, Raffi and Small Daisy playing together.


Who planned and organised this event? I don’t know but I thank

them for another COGS enjoyable event. Another view.

They usually have this

party outside and then we

can collect the bits

dropped and

enjoy them in peace. We

can even al-low friends

to join in the feast. Not

this time! They col-

lected every crumb and put them all in black bags out of our

reach. We were very disappointed. Church Mouse.

FROM THE SOCIAL COMMITTE

It has been a busy few months for the social committee starting with a very busy Easter Egg hunt in the vicarage garden on

Easter Sunday. Despite the pouring rain we had a large group of

very keen hunters who all left with their pockets bulging with chocolate eggs!

June was very busy too. We provided refreshments for the

schools concert which took place in festival week. Also during festival week, Pat Hunter very successfully organised the bi

-annual "welly wanging" competition. There were individual en-tries and group entries from some of the Brownies. The social

committee ran the buffet which was very well stocked with some

lovely food and drinks.

July brought us the transferred Corpus Christi. Sadly poor weather meant we had to keep the strawberries and cream


inside but it didn't put anyone off and we had a good crowd.

In August we held the annual Hymns and Pimms event. Once

again this year the food was a hog roast. The event was held inside again due to poor weather (anyone noticing a pattern

here...?!), however it turned to our advantage as the participants enjoyed it, as it didn't get too cold and could hear the singing

better.

Coming up we have the Harvest Supper, Bonfire Night celebra-

tion plus, the Christmas Tree Festival and the Christmas Fayre, Children's Christmas party with a visit from you know who - so

there is lots to look forward too. If anyone has any suggestions for social events that you would like us to consider putting on or

if indeed you would like to join the social committee (many hands make light work...) please do call Louise Hotchkiss on

07914 605907 or email [email protected]

Thanks for all your help. Louise Hotchkiss

‘One man in his time plays many parts’ (William Shakespeare)

I was too young to fully appreciate the changes that were taking place in society post World War II. But there is no doubt that

there were radical changes in the way the British viewed them-selves, their past and their future. They had survived a major

conflict during which new standards of morality were to surface

and the traditions of the past were to become less important. But in my view it was the Sixties that set in train changes in so-

ciety that transformed it into a different country altogether - and one which has not altogether advanced the cause of civilisation:

a view not shared by the so-called progressives of the time who thought this was precisely what they were doing.

Post war changing attitudes led to promiscuity and disregard of the traditional values that had provided the safeguards that al-

lowed society to retain a level of decency. Sex, drugs and rock


and roll were said to be the staple ingredients of the legendary

Permissive Society of the Sixties. To many this was seen as progress; certainly no one sought to stop the clock.

Doubtless we all have our views concerning the so-called decade of liberation but what

depresses me is that older generations capitulated to the vociferous minority that

promoted the self- gratification that has led to the creation of dependency, selfishness

and greed that exists in society today.

Clearly much water has flowed under the bridge since the Sixties

and the fastest growing group is in the over-eighties – said to be in the order of three million strong. Today our towns and cities

are changing, as more come to resemble Chichester – Britain’s ‘oldie’ capital where reports indicate an astonishing thirty-two

per cent of inhabitants are pensioners. It is also needs to be remembered that the over-fifties are said to hold about eighty

per cent of the UK’s disposable wealth establishing an entitle-

ment to an identifiable voice of authority in the community – as against coercing them into becoming increasingly reliant on the

State and placed in ‘one size fits all’ boxes where no one takes responsibility for themselves. It also needs to be recognised that

increasingly, high streets will cater to the potentially powerful ‘grey market’ rather than the young and the time is long overdue

to acknowledge the situation.

In 2003 a group of doctors complained to the British Medical Journal about this road sign warning drivers to watch out for

elderly people. They claimed it ‘stigmatised’ the old by suggesting that they must all expect bent backs. In 2008 Age Concern and

Help the Aged (now combined as Age UK) condemned the sign as ‘ageist’ and called for its removal. Yet it is still in use. Clearly im-

age does matter. If signs depicting coloured people or gays ap-peared on street posts and caused offence, there would be public

outrage, so why should elderly people be treated any differently?

Stale images keep prejudice alive if they linger while the world moves on. Banning them gives new images a chance.


Interestingly some years ago when launching a new equity

release product with a minimum eligibility age of fifty-five, the Norwich Union conducted a survey of over sixties across the

country i.e. not confined to a local area. In commenting on the findings, Daren Carter, head of equity release marketing for the

Norwich Union said: ‘Our research shows that perceptions of the over sixties are out of date and quite patronising. People simply

don’t want to be known as OAPs any more’. He also commented on an issue that continues to manifest itself in relation to age i.e.

‘longevity’: ‘Radical changes in work patterns mean people could

be looking forward to 30 or more years of retirement. Many feel at the prime of their lives, have a younger outlook and real zest

for life’.

Don Steel, director of social policy for the Association of Retired

and Persons over fifty added: ‘The UK’s mature population is more active than ever but still suffers from the social stigma at-

tached to being labelled OAPs. Society has become youth ob-sessed. It’s time for people to change their perceptions and real-

ise that for a growing number of people life begins not at forty,

but at sixty’.

As I see the position there is ample evidence to support the argu-

ment that there is an urgent need to review strategies in relation to the ageing population with a view to enhancing the status and

embracing the abilities of the older generation. In today’s society hardly a day goes by without reference to the subjects of ‘sexism’

and ‘racism’ and the heated debate that they generate. So why

are we continuing to ignore the casual or systematic stereotyping and discriminating against individuals or groups on the basis of

age?

Quite apart from the fact that many people do not like being la-

belled with names that highlight or imply that they have passed their ‘sell-by’ date, has it not occurred to our politicians, bureau-

crats, medical researchers and other well-intentioned but often naïve groups, that despite promises to look after us from cradle

to grave – insufficient provision has been made for the inevitable

demands which are being exacerbated by uncontrolled immigra-tion? So what can we do?


As a first step, it seems to me that there is a need to recognise

that many people retain their vitality, creativity and continued growth through their fifties, sixties and seventies: additionally

many of them have considerable work and life experience. Quite apart from the fact that such people should be encouraged to

remain ‘self-sufficient’ – an ingredient that seems to be lacking in today’s society much of which believes that the State will provide

– their energy needs to be harnessed and they should be given a second chance to contribute to the needs of society.

As discussed, longevity has created a new potential lifespan

which cannot be ignored and we now have vast numbers of peo-ple that are in the process of retiring or have retired. In the cir-

cumstances we need to create a new ‘mind-set’ where we no longer seek to categorise people as ‘young’ or ‘old’ – with the old

being written off as people that can barely cross the road – but recognise differing abilities and against a background where

many people have no wish to retire, afford them the opportunity to develop new skills and channel their energies into areas that

lack their skills and thereby create a newness of life. They could

become mentors for people at work and young people in their communities, contributors to organisations and society, and pro-

tectors of the environment. Additionally they could become in-volved in addressing some of the major problems facing the eld-

erly today – caring for those that are unable to help themselves and at a time when Lord Falconer is busily promoting his ques-

tionable and potentially dangerous Assisted Dying Bill, ensuring

that this will not lead to the syringe becoming the ultimate expedient for population control.

Clearly the proposals discussed envisage focused and positive

leadership within the older generation and a well-coordinated strategy: it is not a task for the usual suspects that sit around in

snug offices, ticking boxes and attending meetings. Neil Kelly, 25 August 2014


HOPSCOTCH

Jo Halling Operations Director

9, Aymer Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 4GB

Tel: 01273 385577

[email protected]

www.hopscotch.uk.com


FOR THOSE IN PERIL IN THE SEA...

....is a line from one of my all time favourite hymns and is also

the hymn of the Fisherman's Mission. I joined the Mission only a couple of years ago and found myself in a family of fellow Chris-

tians supporting each other as we minister to 'our' fishermen. This brought to mind Paul’s image of the Body of Christ, (1Cor

12) of a team, centred on Christ, recognising that every individ-ual had a vital role to play, utilising our own personalities and

talents, enabling us to function effectively for God in service to

the fishing community.

This year The Good Shepherd has adopted the Mission as one of its charities and this could not have been at a more appropriate

time. The winter storms earlier this year devastated the lives of many fishermen especially those here on the south coast who ply

the smaller, under 10 metre, boats. Many of them lost expensive

nets and pots but worst of all was their inability to fish. They were powerless against the storms. Of course those with experi-

ence always put aside some funds for the leaner winter months but no one expected the storms to last for so long and many did-

n't earn any money for a full three months.

Being self-employed they are not able to claim benefits unless they stop fishing, which none wish to do because 'tomorrow the

weather will change' and they would have to pay any benefits

back if they do as much as one day at sea. The situation by Feb-ruary, when the Mission set up its emergency relief fund, was

desperate; indeed one local fishing community spokes person voiced his concerns that in that desperation some might take

risks in an already dangerous industry. Using the relief fund I was able to assist a number of fishermen with mortgage and rent

arrears; sadly I also attended the funeral of one who just felt un-

able to continue with the struggle.

Fishing is our most dangerous peacetime profession. Many men are lost at sea every year but this only reaches local news, it is

so common place, so most of the British population are unaware of this sacrifice as they eat their fish & chips. The equipment


they use on the boats is also dangerous not only costing more

lives but since my short time with the Mission at least a dozen limbs. These dangers were made apparent by Ben Fogle in his

documentary 'Trawlermen's Lives' in which he joined crew as they went out to fish on the north sea. If you missed it you still

watch it on ITV player: https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/trawlermen-s-lives

Fishermen very much depend on the elements and feel them-

selves at God's mercy perhaps more than most of us.

"They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; 24These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in

the deep." (Ps.107)

Our Harvest Festival Service, at 10.15 on Sunday 5th October, is dedicated to the Harvest of the Sea. The church will be deco-

rated accordingly with pots and nets as well as flowers. It will be an opportunity for some of our local fishermen to give thanks as

well give us the chance to thank them. Fish will be offered up

and then sold after the service to support the work of the Fisherman's Mission so I hope you will make every effort to

come along and give generously.

As Jesus called fishermen to be his disciples and build His Church on earth, so the Fishermen's Mission go in His name to

them.

‘”I go fishing,” said Simon Peter. “We will come with you” said the

others, and they toiled all night. But when morning came there was Jesus waiting for them on the shore, standing beside a fire.

“Come and have breakfast” he said “I have made provision for you’” (John 21)

So long as men work and die there will be a need for the Mission,

those who, following Jesus, make provision today for His

fishermen.’

Deacon Helen


JOHN LANGSTON CBE

The tall elderly gentleman was a familiar figure at The Good

Shepherd. He was always seated towards the back on the right side of the church – someone said he was “something” in the

RAF...

John Langston originally served as a Navigator with 630, 189 and 246 Squadrons. He volunteered for 617 Squadron (that’s

the Dambusters) becoming Flight Engineer and taking part in

operations including viaduct bombing raids on Armsberg and Bielefeld in 1945. He rose to the rank of Air Commodore and

was awarded the CBE. He was President of the 617 Squadron Aircrew Association which has regular meetings at Woodhall Spa

and was a key figure behind the fight to get a memorial for air-crews of RAF Bomber Command who embarked on missions

during the Second World War. The Bomber Command Memorial was finally officially opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II on 28

June 2012 in Green Park by Hyde Park Corner.

John passed away on 11 August 2014 at the age of 90. Tributes

were paid to him at his funeral by his friend and fellow member of the 617 Squadron Aircrew Association Wg Cdr John Bell MBE

DFC who also read a tribute from the Chairman Gp Capt D G Robertson who was unable to be present. Many of the congrega-

tion in the church were wearing 617 Squadron ties and sporting

medals. John Langston was certainly SOMEBODY in the RAF.

John’s family roots are in Dawlish, Devon which is where he has been laid to rest alongside his American wife, Marilyn. They had

two children: Susan who, I believe, tragically disappeared whilst touring South America, and James who paid tribute to his

father. He described their annual holidays in Devon when John would take him and Susan to his favourite childhood haunts on

the shore, the moors and the countryside. James last memory of

his father was a visit with him to the Bomber Command Memorial when he commented that it should have been erected

50 years ago but it was there at last. Amen. Pat Hunter


Air Commodore JOHN LANGSTON CBE R.I.P.

John and I were long-time members of 617 Squadron Aircrew

Association, but it was only after I was invited to join the Association Committee in 1992 that I got to know him well.

John had recently been appointed Chairman and the committee

were busily engaged in planning events for the celebration of the

50th anniversary of 617 Squadron – due to be held in May 1993.

John had a style of management which encouraged free expres-sion of ideas and we gradually put together a programme of

events covering 7 days. We met frequently to progress our plans, meetings which John

had to fit in with his employ-

ment requiring his attendance at Clean Air conferences around

the world.

He took on some of the more difficult jobs such as writing to

HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother to invite her to a gather-

ing of Association and Squad-

ron members and wives at the Imperial War Museum. She

was pleased to accept.

John’s chairmanship, guidance and support undoubtedly en-sured the complete success of the 1993 celebrations.

A few years ago I moved to west Sussex which enabled me see

John more often socially. We were both widowed so it became

the usual arrangement for us to travel together to functions, pub lunches, funerals and signing events. I would drive to Woodhall

Spa twice a year for the Association weekend, picking up Basil Fish on the way.


John liked to sit in the back where he could stretch out, read his

paper and doze. Later, a bag of toffees coming over my left shoulder indicated that he was now awake, followed by – ‘when

are we stopping for lunch?’ Over the years we travelled many miles together and I could not have wished for a better

companion.

John was a keen and much loved member of the Veteran’s group of the Sussex Aircrew Association.

Taking part over the past 5 years in the group’s signing events, talks and lectures to raise funds for the building and future

maintenance of the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, London. His stories of his war-time experiences were legendary

and would keep the public enthralled as they waited to have his signature in a book.

Over the past year John suffered an affliction which he bore

stoically and with little complaint. He treated it as an inconven-

ience and although in poor health he continued to support the Squadron Association and local events. Sadly, he was unable to

survive another illness.

Throughout his 90 years John entered the lives of a great many people who can proudly say – ‘I knew John Langston. He was

my friend.’ John Bell

Lord of the world, give us courage to face our own suffering-,holding fast to your hand

in the darkness. Show us how to draw alongside others in pain of body, mind or

spirit. When we are overwhelmed by large scale suffering in far away places, help us to

understand and feel the depth of your love for all people and draw from us an appropri-

ate response. Amen.


OUR REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES

8am, Holy Communion 10.15am, Parish Eucharist

10.15am, “Time for God”, informal worship for all, in the Church Hall

6.30pm, Please check on the website or on the weekly sheet (Eucharist: Thurs. at 10.30am followed by Coffee and on Sat. at

9am)

September 2014

2nd: Tea Club 1.30pm 14th : Service of the Blessing of animals, during the morning

service.

October 2014

4th : Harvest Charity Dinner and Dance, 7pm 5th: Harvest Festival, 10.15am (Harvest of the Sea)

6th: Tea Club 1.30pm 7th: Lancing Prep School Harvest Eucharist, 9.15am

8th : Autumn courses begin Details in the magazine. 12th: Choral Evensong, preceded by Music Workshop

15th: Bishop's Visitation, 3 - 6pm 24th: Autumn Gardening 9.45am -12pm, followed by lunch.

31st: All Souls, “Requiem” Eucharist, 7.30pm

November 2014

1st : Bonfire, Fireworks & Jacket potatoes, 6pm 2nd :All Saints, Eucharist, 10.30am

3rd: Tea Club 1.30pm 9th : Remembrance Sunday, Eucharist, 10am

23rd :Christ the King, Eucharist, 8 and 10.15am

30th: ADVENT 1, Advent Reflections, 5pm

December 2014 1st : Tea Club, 1.30pm

5th: Light up a Life, A service of Remembrance, 7pm 6th: Christmas Fayre, 10am to 1pm, in the Hall

6th: Carols among Christmas Trees, 5pm


Hall Bookings: Tel. Sheena on 07932591172 or

[email protected]

Grub Club Meets on third Monday of the

month. All welcome. Please contact Daisy Walpole at (508600) or Pat

Hunter at (555954)

Choir Choir practice: Sunday morning at

9. All are welcome. Please contact: Derek Froud (681007)

Flowers If you would like to donate an

arrangement in memory of someone or help with the flower

arranging, please contact church

office 882987.

Stewardship Secretary David Nissen

1 Shirley Road, Hove, BN3 6NN

Tel (01273) 554183 [email protected]

Bell Ringing Ringing practice every Tuesday

evening in the Tower. New ringers are always welcome. Please contact

Pat Hunter (555954)

Notice-boards Information (lists and posters) for the notice boards may be placed in

the tray in the church porch w i n d o w s i l l o r c o n t a c t

Gloria Cruttenden (505225).

Our Service Times

Sunday Worship 8am Holy Communion 10:15 Sung Eucharist*

10:15 Time for God**

6.30pm: check on the web *On the 3rd Sunday of

each month this will be a Family Eucharist to which

children are particularly welcome.

** Time for God” Services

are held in the Church Hall. Weekday Eucharist

Thursday:10:30am

Saturday: 9am

=====================

Magazine

Contributions to the magazine are welcome.

Please leave copy at the back of Church by 15th of

every Feb., May, Aug. and

Nov. or e-mail [email protected]

or to The Vicar —————————————-

Tea Club

Meets on the first Monday

of the month at 1.30pm. We welcome all who are 50

years plus, and would like some company. Just come

along. Tel. Marguerite

Harland 503040; hughharland325@

btinternet.com

shepherd's watch autumn 2014

Documents

shepherds watch

good shepherd magazine

brighton bn15bf tel

ae tel

bn tel

brighton bn2

bg tel

parochial church council