First performance of a new carol
The candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Thomas' on Sunday 23rd December will include the first performance of a new carol composed by Dr Matthew Rogers, one of the choirmen, with words by Bishop Chris Herbert, former vicar of The Bourne, ex-choir parent, and current choir grandparent.
The new carol, The Carol of the Angels, is imagined as being sung by the angels as they watch over the Nativity of Baby Jesus. The words are intended to recall the directness and simplicity of mediaeval Christmas lyrics with their repeated refrains. Matthew writes of the music ‘I have tried to create something which is contemporary but approachable, and which lets the words take centre-stage.’ He has also composed a setting of Cardinal Newman’s prayer 'May the Lord support us all the day long, Till the shades lengthen and the evening comes,' which continues to grow in popularity and has now been sung at Portsmouth and Canterbury Cathedrals, as well as Magdalen College Oxford.
A video of Matthew’s setting of the hymn Breathe on me, Breath of God, sung by St Thomas’ Choir, can be enjoyed on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9tNfXFVG5o and scores are available from matthewjohnrogersmusic@gmail.com
All are welcome to the Carol Service.
Rev David Adams retires after 50 years !
The Bourne Parish thanked David for his many years of devoted service with a moving address by Rev Andrew Tuck, heartfelt prayers from Rev Sandy Clarke, and fizz and cake after the service. David writes:
Dear Friends,
Thank you everyone who was present on Sunday at my retirement event; the Eucharist and the celebration that followed were joyous experiences that I shall never forget. Thank you too for your prayers, your cards, kind words, shared reminiscences and generous gifts: I treasure all of them.
It has been a huge privilege to have ministered among you for fifty years. I have received infinitely more than I have given.
Love David
For more photos of this event, please click here
The Christmas Market has happened. Well done team!
On Saturday 30th November the curtain rose again on the much-loved Christmas Market at St Thomas’. It had been moth-balled since 2019 when Covid hit us all. Now, 5 years on, after much demand, the Christmas Market made a comeback to raise much needed funds for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care and the Stained glass window repair fund at St Thomas’ church. The event was a happy occasion and a resounding success, raising a wonderful sum of over £11,000 for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care and the stained glass window repair fund at St Thomas. The Market was opened at 10am by our local MP Greg Stafford and was in full swing until 2pm when it ended after the raffle had been called by Sandy, the Parish vicar. A good time was had by all. Thank you to the team who worked hard, prepared for and ran stalls, moved furniture, looked after the car parking, served food and countless other jobs; it was a big effort. Thank you to all who donated or made items and thank you to all who came to support the event.
Our thanks also go to the many local businesses who have provided offers for the Auction; Lalys Chemist, The Fox Pub, Andre Noir, Blue Tiger Boutique, Squires, New Dawn Inns, The Binsted Inn, The Bourne Club, The Spotted Cow, Susanne Saville, and many more.. Farnham Mayor dropped in to say hello. It was a fun and rewarding day out.
Hope you enjoyed yourselves and if you would like to give any feedback on the occasion, we would love to hear from you. Please email mo@thebourne.org.uk
Tilford's Parish Magazine
The December edition is ready. Click here for the flipbook version
A packed church for a joyous confirmation service
Sunday morning at St Thomas’ was joyful occasion in a packed church. Eleven young people aged 19 to 11 were prepared to affirm their faith publicly, so many congratulations to; Dexter; Jack; Seth; Max; Flora; Marie; Lucas; Toby; Lucas; Edward and Hannah. The brothers, Dexter and Lucas, were also baptised before confirmation and Claire Levens, who is a full member of a different tradition, was officially received into the Church of England.
It was a very special service for Bishop Chris, not only because his youngest granddaughter was one of the confirmands, but he had also baptised parents of at least two of the candidates many years ago. The choir provided joyful music, then cake and bubbly for the whole congregation in the Centenary Rooms led into a picnic lunch for the candidates and their families provided by members of the Sellars and Herbert families.
Collection for Refugees
Update from the Other People Group
Clothing Donations for Refugee Support Europe have been delivered!
After our parish-sponsored clothing drive on Sat 16 November, Betty Hyland and Janet Windeatt had the privilege of taking a car full of new and pre-loved warm winter clothing to the Refugee Support Europe (RSE) Dignity Centre in Bournemouth. The Dignity Centre was very busy when they arrived, and within minutes clothing we delivered was already being made available. Sincere thanks to all who contributed. Be assured that your contributions are helping others to stay warm this winter. RSE are participating in the "Double Your Donation with the Big Give" campaign starting on 3 Dec. For more info: https://www.refugeesupporteu.
The Other People Group is now turning it's attention to the subject of Homelessness. We are currently seeking to learn more about the issues and then will be working on how we might respond. If you'd like to get involved, please join us! A warm welcome awaits!
A beautiful service for All Souls' Day
Bishop Chris led a beautiful service for All Souls' Day at St Thomas' where everyone was invited to light a candle to remember those close to them who have died.
A wonderful opportunity to remember all those we have loved.
Former Head Chorister returns to his roots!
Many choristers from St Thomas’ Choir go on to even greater musical things. One of our most distinguished recent alumni is Graham Ross, a former Head Chorister (and brother of our own James Ross). He has previously composed an anthem for St Thomas’ Choir (“God is Love”) and is conducting the Farnham & Bourne Choral Society in their concert at St Thomas’ on Saturday 9 November.
Please support if you can! For information about the concert and tickets click here
Information about Graham can be found here
Tilford's Parish Magazine
The November edition is ready. Click here for the flipbook version
Harvest Festival in the Bourne Parish
Harvest Festival was celebrated at St Thomas’s and St Martin’s last Sunday and was a joyful occasion in both churches. This ancient festival is held dear by many people as the size of our congregations bore out.
At St Thomas’s children and adults formed a procession to place grains, fruit and vegetables upon the Altar and give thanks to God for His bounty. Prayers were said for those in need around the World.
The service was followed by a celebration of Meg and Brian's Diamond wedding anniversary and a bring and share Harvest lunch in the Cobbett Room. It was a lovely day.
And a crowd at St Martin's ...
A packed church celebrated the St Martin's Harvest Festival on Sunday 29th September.
The guides, brownies and rainbows from the Bourne group helped in decorating the church with every ledge and corner filled with flower arrangements under the direction of Rita Batchelor.
They also played a big part in the service itself with all the readings competently read by them in a specially arranged service by Brian White, Lay Leader of St Martin's.
The Life of George Sturt, by Val Lewis
Val Lewis has written the first detailed biography of the Farnham and Bourne writer, George Sturt (who lived from 1863 to 1927). It has just been published by the Farnham & District Museum Society. Sturt wrote about the lives of the people who lived and worked in our locality, during a period of tremendous change.
George’s family lived in the Borough in Farnham. He attended the boys’ grammar school in West Street, where he showed such promise that when he was 16 the headmaster appointed him as a pupil teacher. George’s father ran a wheelwright’s shop in East Street. Sadly, he became ill and died when George was just 21. He had to give up teaching to take over the business, which he ran for over 30 years. Later George and his two sisters moved to Old Church Lane, where he could concentrate on his writing. He witnessed the growth of the Bourne, and the early days of St Thomas-on-The Bourne, which did much to help those in need.
Val will be signing her book in the Centenary room after the 10am service at St Thomas’ on 13 October. Val’s book is available from Waterstone’s and Amazon. For us it is available at a special price of £10, which will go to the Museum Society. If you wish to buy a copy please bring cash.
Brambleton Hall Grand Opening after Renovation
On Saturday, 14th September, there was a memorable celebration at Brambleton Hall to mark that, after several years of fund raising and hard work, the hall was finally updated and transformed. The event was attended by Councillor Brodie Mauluka, the Mayor of Farnham, who cut the purple ribbon across the door on arrival, inviting the many guests to enter. We were also delighted to welcome the Mayor of Waverley, Councillor John Ward, many people from the Bourne Parish, leaders of local charities, and Farnham residents. Delicious food and ‘bubbles’ were provided by the Bourne Parish congregations, glasses were raised, speeches were made and then the cake was cut by Caroline Mauluka, The Mayoress.
Mayor Brodie outlined the activities that take place at Brambleton Hall including the Friday Fridge and Warehouse, the Atomic Boxing Club, Babes’n’Tots and Bingo. He thanked all the organisers of these events. The Vicar, Revd Sandy Clarke, thanked the Mayor for his words. She then spoke about the contribution made by individuals and groups in the parish who have worked hard to update and transform Brambleton Hall. Lastly, Keith Newman, the project leader, thanked all the charities and individuals who have donated money towards this worthwhile endeavour.
Brambleton Hall is the ideal venue for parties and celebrations. Please contact the Parish office, 01252 715505, if you would like to hire the hall.
Tim Devis remembers his time in Vanuatu
BISLAMA MEMORIES
Recently, when decluttering my flat I came across a well-worn book – a dictionary of Bislama into English. I acquired it in the late 1970’s, when working on a population census of the New Hebrides; they are Pacific islands, comprising the country now called Vanuatu, and Bislama was the lingua franca. It was the best job I ever had – mostly travelling round numerous islands in the archipelago, preparing local enumerators for the census and then collecting the data. Somehow, I was assigned to the British Governor’s yacht, a not uncomfortable way to travel. (For information: before independence in 1980 the New Hebrides were a condominium, administered jointly by Britain and France.)
Vanuatu has about 80 islands, most of which have their own language or dialect, and in earlier times inter-island travel could be difficult for locals; it was only natural for a common language to develop. Varieties of Bislama are found in many countries and are sometimes called Pidgin English. But I found plenty of amusing detail in the dictionary, although at the time it was only sensible to pick up some of the language by conversing with the locals, and use the dictionary for reference.
You could say it is a rather basic language, with some overused but readily understood words. What the experts term ‘phonetic’. And based mainly on English words, with few of French origin. Quite often, English words are rendered in a much simpler fashion, without having to rely on our complicated pronunciation. Examples:
Tumas = too much
Skyusmi = excuse me
Lodsapa = Communion
Yalapil = atebrin (an anti-malarial drug)
Sisis = scissors
But quite easy to pick up – for instance the word blong, meaning possession. So, my house would be haos blong mi. Or, wan man blong Omba = a man from (the island of) Aoba. Another useful word is long, which serves as one of many prepositions. Thus, yu putum long tebel = put it on the table.
The rousing national anthem Yumi, yumi, yumi begins:
Yumi, yumi, yumi i glad long talem se
Yumi, yumi, yumi ol man blong Vanuatu
God i givim ples ya long yumi,
Yumi glat tumas long hem,
Yumi strong mo yumi fri long hem,
Yumi brata evriwan!
Which translates as:
We are, we are, we are happy to proclaim
We are, we are, we are the people of Vanuatu!
God has given us this land;
We are grateful for it,
We are strong, we are free in this land;
We are all brothers!
And many more verses. Yumi = you and me.
Finally, here is an (apocryphal) Bislama description of an instrument found in many churches, and elsewhere:
Wan bigfala blak bokis, hemi gat waet tut, mo hemi gat blak tut, sipos yu kilim smol, hemi singaot gud
See if you can work it out!
Tim Devis, August 2024 (aka: Bigfala blong sensis)
From Saint-Sulpice to St Thomas' - Music from the Choir's recent tour to Paris
The Choir enjoyed a very successful tour over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with its first visit to Paris.
A party of 48 made the trip, including the Vicar, Director of Music, organists, singers and chaperones.
A busy music programme included concerts in the magnificent historic churches of La Madeleine and Saint-Sulpice, as well as services in the beautiful American Cathedral and church of Saint-Laurent.
The choir sang music by a variety of classical and modern British, French and other European composers – Durufle, Faure (who was organist at La Madeleine), Ravel, Bruckner, Chilcot, Haydn, Parry, Schubert and Esenvalds among others.
Several supporters made the journey from St Thomas’ to share the experience.
There was also time in the packed schedule for some fun and relaxation, with a river trip and trip up the Eiffel Tower.
Click here to see some more photos from the tour
Following the tour, the customary post-tour concert was held in St Thomas’ on 7 September. Click here to watch a recording of the concert
A large and enthusiastic audience listened to the musical highlights from the tour, and were inspired to contribute nearly £1400 towards the Choir Tour Fund. This will help to ensure that all choir members can continue to gain the enriching experiences which such tours provide. Next year’s tour – centred on Ripon Cathedral – is already being planned.
And there's more ...
Just one week after the choir tour concert, members of the choir and alumni presented an outstanding 'End of Summer Concert' which showcased the talents of some of our most gifted current and recent former choristers.
It included wonderful solos of the highest quality – songs by Finzi, Howells and Maconchy and instrumental solos on oboe, piano and classical guitar, as well as duets and ensemble music by Elgar, Faure, Mendelssohn, Stanford.
Another generous audience contributed some £700 to support the Choir Tour Fund and Phyllis Tuckwell, a unique local hospice charity.
Refugee Learning Event - 30 June 2024
Following Refugee Week in June, we held a very interesting learning event led by Rachel Ellis, Chief Executive of Refugee Support Europe where she spoke about the refugee crisis and the work her organisation is doing to help. A number of people expressed an interest in her slide presentation. You can access the presentation here
If you would like to learn more about the work of this charity or would like to make a donation you can visit their website: www.refugeesupporteu.com.
All change at St Thomas'
In June we were given a wonderful opportunity to source new chairs for St Thomas' from another parish.
A huge operation then took place to unscrew and remove all the old wooden chairs from the nave, and bring in the smart new upholstered chairs. A huge thank you to all those who offered their time and their muscles for this daunting task.
The new chairs are all now in place. They look great, and should prove to be much more comfortable than the old ones.
Introducing the Revd Ben Cahill-Nicholls
Ben moved to Tilford with his wife, Ellie, their son Hector (3), and daughter Flora (1) just days before his installation at All Saints Church as Priest in Residence on 6 June 2024. For the past three years, he has served at Holy Trinity with St Mary Guildford, following his training for the priesthood at St Augustine’s College and his ordination in 2021.
Ben will serve in Tilford alongside his ministry as Chief Executive of Clergy Support Trust, the largest charity helping Anglican ministers with their financial, mental and physical wellbeing. Last year, the Trust supported 22% of all clergy in the Church of England, and scores of others in Wales, Scotland and Ireland, spending £6.2m on grants and services.
Before ordination, Ben held various roles in the education sector, including as a policy adviser in the House of Commons, as communications manager for an East End college, and more recently as Director of Community and Partnerships at Charterhouse School, where he also taught music and PSHE. He has been a governor of two Church primary schools, a trustee of two arts charities, and is a Fellow of the Westminster Abbey Institute. Ben and Ellie – who is a theatrical agent – share a passion for musicals reflected in the names of the family cats, Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Sandy takes part in 10km Tilford Fundraising Marathon
Rev Sandy Clarke braved the elements and managed to walk the 10km route in pouring rain, along with Catherine Crawford and Liz Witham.
Here is a drenched Sandy with Brigid Walters, Head of All Saints School, Tilford.
The event was held around Tilford village to raise money for a new Allp-Weather Sports Track for All Saints Tilford School.
Watch this space to see how much was raised - total amount to be announced soon!
Keeping up an old tradition
On Mayday evening about a hundred people filled the Centenary Rooms to hear skilled craftsman Nick Easthope of Easthope Galleries, talking about the restoration of the windows at the church which he is shortly to carry out. Nick’s family tradition is strongly connected with stained glass. His grandfather was apprenticed (called indentured then) to a firm which supplied windows for the buildings of Auguste Pugin, the great Victorian architect of ecclesiastical and public buildings, and Nick himself has worked on restoration at the Red House, William Morris’s Arts and Crafts masterpiece. Nick’s wife, Sarah, assists him in his work and his son is currently employing a team of six on a massive project, so the tradition of skilled craftspeople producing that which is both useful and beautiful is secure for years to come.
Nick looked back at the long tradition of church glass, illustrating it by handing round examples of the lead rods between which the glass is inserted. These were safely wrapped in polythene for this occasion to avoid any risk of poisoning. The lead is flexible, to some people’s surprise. He explained how the glass is made and painted, always on the inside of the window for protection from the weather, and an example was handed round so we could feel the difference in the surfaces. After a break for delicious nibbles and a glass of wine, provided by a team led by Michele England and Ticia Goode, Nick explained the work which will be done on the St Thomas windows, which look fine from within the church but from outside are clearly bowing. This phase of the work will cost about £14,000, which will be financed by a series of fund-raising events put on by the parish and this evening raised about £1,500 after expenses. Many thanks to Nick for an engrossing evening.
Farewell to Ticia
The Bourne Parish was sad to bid farewelI to Churchwarden Ticia, as she is leaving Farnham. Sandy made a lovely speech and Ticia was presented with gifts.
Ticia said 'I was truly touched by your generosity today. Your cards, the beautiful roses, the financial support and departing prayers made it all so very special. Thank you so much.
The Bourne Parish will always be in my heart and it has been a real privilege to serve you all for the last two years. Your friendship and support has been much appreciated.
I intend to join you in the congregation from time to time as Denham is not that far away. I will give Caz my new address should any of you wish to keep in touch or even better, to stay or call in if passing. I would love to see you. With grateful thanks and blessings, Ticia'
A Fabulous Tea
A superb Afternoon Tea was served to parish volunteers by the Ministry Team on Sunday 21 April. Parishioners sat at tables and were offered a wonderful selection of homemade sandwiches, cakes and biscuits. It proved to be a great time of fun and fellowship.
Many thanks to our churchwardens, Hilary & Ticia, for organising such a lovely event, and thanks to the Ministry Team for serving up a fabulous afternoon!
Car Boot Sale Success
We were blessed with a sunny day. Over 20 cars arrived, were expertly directed into parking positions, then opened their boots and set up their stalls. A happy community event with refreshments consisting of hot dogs and various drinks available, and with some serious trading going on, resulted in a fun day which raised over £1100 for the Stained Glass windows repair fund. Well done to everyone who helped and took part.
Bishop Adie
Many of you will remember Bishop Michael Adie who passed away recently. The Rt. Revd. Michael Adie, Bishop of Guildford from 1983-1994, died on 4th March, 2024. His funeral will be at 11.30am on Monday, March 25th at Guildford Cathedral. All are welcome.
Mothering Sunday
It was a memorable service on Sunday March 10th at St Thomas. Look at the fun everyone had making over 90 beautiful posies to give out to the mothers on Sunday.
Brambleton Hall Newsletter
We're nearly there!
A cleaning day was held last Saturday to prepare for the final stage of decorating inside the newly laid out area at Brambleton Hall.
Keith Newman has prepared a super Newsletter to bring us all up to date with the work done so far and the work still to do. Click here.
The Bourne Parish Eco Group News
Plastic fantastic! by Alison Ousey
Last year I took on the challenge of plastic free July and tried to go single-use plastic free for a month…. and failed. Miserably. Amazing to think that just 70 years ago we wouldn’t have seen much of it at all.
Did you know:
- Every piece of plastic that has ever been created still exists.
- 430 million metric tonnes of plastic are produced worldwide every year of which 2/3 is for short-lived usage.
- 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean every year.
- Only 9% of plastic produced is recycled. 79% ends up in landfill or the environment.
The UN report, “Turning off the tap” considers “How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy”. Change will be driven by governments and companies, but what can we, as individuals and consumers do ourselves?
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Take part in the big plastic count between 11-17 March!
Without a proper understanding of the problem they face, governments and companies cannot devise suitable manufacturing and waste management regulations and systems. By recording all your household plastic waste between 11-17 March and uploading the data, it can be analysed as part of finding the solution.
Sign up HERE!
WANT TO DO MORE?
There are just over 28 million households in the UK. If each household were to reduce the amount of single use plastic by just one item per week, that would make 1,456 million fewer single-use plastics thrown away per year in the UK alone. Why not give it a go?
NEED SOME HELP AND MOTIVATION?
Why not try the Giki Zero app / web pages? Giki is a step by step guide to help you understand, track and reduce your carbon footprint – Find out more HERE!
Why not join the St Thomas Eco Committee and help our church community move towards a more environmentally friendly future?
For more information contact Ticia: churchwarden_ticia@thebourne.org.uk
Phyllis Tuckwell Fundraising Recruiting for Open Gardens
Needing funding more than ever with the project of rebuilding the Hospice well underway, this is a delightful way to raise money.
Would you like to Open your Garden?
Please help if you can. To find out more please call 01252 729446 or email fundraising@pth.org.uk
Tilford's Parish Magazine
The February edition is ready. Click here for the flipbook version
A warm welcome to Rachel Sturt
Rachel was born into a Christian family in Aldershot as the daughter of a businessman and a teacher. Her father was a church warden at Holy Trinity and she later married Tim, the son of the organist.
She trained as a nurse at St. Thomas’ Hospital. After qualification children intervened and she took a break from nursing; Tim and Rachel are parents to three grown-up sons.
The family became members at St. John, Churt, where Tim was appointed organist. It was here that Rachel heard the call to train as a Pastoral Assistant, and subsequently to ordination. She trained at STETS and was ordained in 2011. By this time she had returned to nursing at Farnham Hospital and later as a Practice Nurse in the town. More recently she has assisted with Covid-19 vaccinations. She served her curacy at Wrecclesham and Hindhead and was a volunteer hospice chaplain. She was appointed Associate Priest at St. Lawrence, Alton. At the same time she took the role of Anna Chaplain for the Alton area. Recently she has been considering where God is now calling her.
Rachel is helping at The Fridge and the Ridgeway School and will be assisting Sandy across the parish, including at Anchorstone Care Home and Highfield School.
A big thank you to Patrick O'Farrell on his retirement
On January 16th, Patrick presided over his final communion service at St Thomas' and there was a large gathering at Tuesday Coffee morning after the service to thank him for his wonderful ministry here in The Bourne Parish.
He will be greatly missed as our priest but we hope to share some of his retirement time with him and Wendy as they enjoy a little more time together.
January 2024 Update on Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice
Local charity Phyllis Tuckwell is continuing to provide the same expert, compassionate Hospice Care as it always has, from alternative locations, while building work on its new Hospice progresses.
Its In-Patient Unit (IPU), which offers symptom management and end-of-life care, has been temporarily relocated to Camberley. It is under Phyllis Tuckwell management and the care provided there is given by the same Phyllis Tuckwell staff as in the old Hospice.
Its community team continues to care for patients in their own homes or care homes, providing support for them and their families as they live everyday life with their illness, and offering compassionate end of life care for patients who are spending their last days at home.
Its Living Well services for individual outpatient appointments and groups are based at the Beacon Centre in Guildford, which has recently been refurbished and now includes new consulting and group session rooms, updated IT infrastructure, energy efficient LED lighting throughout, and flooring materials and colours appropriate for dementia care.
Phyllis Tuckwell provides Hospice Care for people who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer, and its new state-of-the-art Hospice will enable its specialist teams to care for more local patients and families in the coming years.
“We are very much open for business throughout the duration of the build – whether patients come to us and are cared for on our IPU or at our Beacon Centre, or we visit them in their own homes or care homes,” said Sarah Church, chief executive at Phyllis Tuckwell. “There’s nothing more important to us than caring for people who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, supporting them through to the end of their lives. We are delighted to be able to continue providing all our services whilst we build our much-needed new Hospice for our local community.”
To find out more about Phyllis Tuckwell’s new Hospice project, visit www.pth.org.uk/new-hospice