On Saturday 29th January in Singapore, an act took place which has sent shock waves round the whole of the Anglican Communion. John Rodgers and Chuck Murphy, two priests of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America (ECUSA), were consecrated as Bishops, by the Archbishop of Rwanda, The Most Revd. Emmanuel Kolini and The Most Revd. Moses Tay, Archbishop of South East Asia.

On the face of it, this is not a particularly dramatic event, not that is until you begin to look at the reasons for this. For some years now and especially since the Lambeth Conference in 1998, Archbishop Tay has been the unofficial leader of a group of bishops, who have tried to get Anglicanism to adopt a more clear line on issues of moral teaching, in particular on homosexuality. This group of mainly Third World bishops, say that Anglicanism and especially the church in America, has moved too far from the teaching of the bible. The ministry of the new bishops will be among the conservative churches of ECUSA and seeks to bring renewal to that church.

There are clearly differing views on matters of moral teaching within worldwide Anglicanism. When we were in America last year, we were in the Diocese of Newark, whose then Bishop was Jack Spong, the unofficial leader of the liberal wing of Anglicanism. Some of the views we heard expressed then, made me think twice about some of my own ideas!

There are, I believe, two issues at stake in this latest development. The first is on the question of morality and the second on the issue of the unity of the Church.

On morality, there are differing views and for many the passion with which those views are held, on both sides of the debate, are equally strong but for me, the more important issue is that of unity. At a meeting of conservative Archbishops held in Kampala in November last year, it was decided that in the interests of unity, no action would be taken until after a meeting of all Archbishops in Portugal in March. This undertaking has been broken and now the unity for the church is at risk. Some of you will no doubt be thinking, that strict adherence to the moral code of the bible is more important than the unity of the church. Indeed, this has been a source of division in the past and is an argument with some strength. 

Let me suggest however, that by taking this action, Archbishops Tay and Kolini have put those who want to have dialogue with ECUSA and other more liberal minded people in the Communion in a very difficult position.

In this matter, as with all other parts of church life, it is vital that channels of communication remain open, so that honest dialogue can take place. It is my hope and prayer, that the wound caused by this wedge driven into the Anglican Communion can be healed.

Baptism

Funerals

To book the floodlighting in memory of a loved one or for a special 
occasion, please telephone Roy Skellington on 961 7031.
The charges are £5 for a night or £10 for a week. 
Postcard size photographs of the Church floodlit, can be obtained from the Church Bookstall, priced £1.

The Last Millennium Quiz - Answers

11th Century - King Harold “One in the eye...”

12th Century - Thomas Becket “Archbishop is murdered...”

13th Century - King John “King is forced........”

14th Century - Wat Tyler “Leader of the.....”

15th Century - Dick Whittingham “Panto ‘hero-to-be’......”

16th Century - Hans Holbein “Sir Thomas Moore...”

17th Century - Oliver Cromwell “Cambs man sets.....”

18th Century - James Watt “Engineering Inventor......”

19th Century - Queen Victoria “Royal adopts........”

20th Century - George Orwell “Author dies before...”

The winner of the Last Millennium Quiz is Stephen Hicking of
Arnold Lane, who wins historical gift from ‘Past Times’.

(but what were the questions?)

Andrew Johnson, the stained glass artist appointed by the PCC to create the new West Window, is working on the designs and hopes to have one available for the PCC in March. The repairs to the stonework of the window have already gone out to tender and we are expecting to have final details of the cost of the repairs soon.

The split mullion stonework which will have to be replaced before the window is safe and ready for the insertion of the new Millennium stained glass design.  (Click picture to zoom in)

In the meantime, if anybody would like to contribute to the cost of the new window, please send donations to me at the Rectory.

All those who contribute, will have their names and a dedication recorded near the window, when it is installed. The project is on course for completion this year.

Mark Beach

Janet Kenwood recently received the Bishop’s Award for long service to 
All Hallows choir, she writes:-

"I became a chorister 47 years ago. My father sang in the choir and my brother and I sat in the congregation, chaperoned by an elderly lady. When she left the church, there was no alternative but for us to join the choir. My father sang bass and we had to sit in front of him, so that he could make us behave. I could hardly read and my brother used to tease me, as all brothers do to little sisters. At that time, most children did not come to the morning service, as their service was in the afternoon, so for a while, we were the only children in the choir. However our friends soon joined us and a new dimension was added to the choir.

One of the first introits that I can remember singing as a child was ‘O come ye servants of the Lord’, so it was particularly pleasing to find that we had to sing this introit at the RSCM Choirs Festival at Southwell Minster last Autumn."

The Fairtrade Foundation was set up by CAFOD, Christian Aid, New Consumer, Oxfam, Traidcraft Exchange and World Development Movement and exists to give a better deal to the disadvantaged producers in the third world, by awarding a Fairtrade mark to fairly traded products.

For small farmers, it means guaranteed better prices, which always covers the cost of production, no matter how low the world market price goes. For third world workers, Fairtrade has brought hope in an unfair trading system and provides them with new opportunities for children’s education and basic social improvements.

March 6th-19th is this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight. Look out for your opportunity in local stores to try something that is fairtraded. Don’t say that it makes no difference, it does! There are now over 70 food products carrying the Fairtrade mark.

Our School Reunion was a resounding success. We had expected about 100 ex-teachers and pupils to attend but to our amazement, 238 people took time to revisit their old school. With a quick prayer, we managed to make those five loaves and two fishes go round!

The afternoon began with a sherry reception. It was a delight to see everyone’s face as they came through the door, struck with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Many people were quickly drawn to our display of old photographs, log books, registers and reports in the foyer. The ‘Discipline Book’ proved to be a particular attraction - I can’t think why?

Following a welcome, everyone was free to roam the school and visit old haunts. I heard wonderful stories about mice in the classroom, air raid shelters, country dancing, the many ‘shows’ and of course the teachers, who have had such an influence. The overwhelming theme was one of security, happiness and being part of a family. I am sure, that this remains one of the school’s strengths to this day.

During a break for tea, sandwiches and cakes, our school choir performed beautifully and many people took time to comment on how well they sang.

Finally, people drifted away after being reunited with old friends and having memories rekindled. With ex-pupils and teachers from as far back as 1910, it was a unique afternoon. As one person wrote on the reunion book, ‘I can’t wait for the next one!’

John Graham (Head Teacher)

The Friends of All Hallows ‘Auction of Promises’ was held on Friday, February 11th. By the time the evening arrived, we had over ninety promises, including many cakes, offers of transport, an Indian head massage, days out at places as diverse as the House of Commons and the Heights of Abraham Country Park and promises to cook Sunday lunch and classic car rides. Really there was only one thing we lacked and that was an auctioneer!

Phil Baker reported that he had boarded the train from London but was not able to tell us, that he was stuck for an hour in Bedford! However, we had in our midst another auctioneer, his wife Nikki, who stepped into the breach and sold the first twenty items before a breathless Phil arrived. The whole evening was a great success raising a total of £1357........ an amount far beyond our expectations.

Thanks to all the donors of promises, cherry cakes, baskets of fruit and all the other lots, thanks to all the Baker Family, the Parrs, who ran the tombola and all other helpers....and thanks to all those who came and supported us. 

Ted White, Chair of Friends of All Hallows

Rainbows, Brownies and Cubs went tree planting on Sunday January 30th and altogether, 55 trees were planted on land off Hollinwood Lane, Calverton. Well done and a big THANK YOU to all parents, brothers and sisters, who armed with spades, helped to dig the holes.

The Scouts enjoyed a winter ‘Activity Weekend’ at Walesby County Camp Site from 18th to 20th February and in March, a ‘Quiz Night’ will be held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday the 18th, from 7.30 to 10.30 pm.

Nora Crossland

February saw us enjoying various wines and cheeses, following a very lively ‘Beetle Drive’. Many thanks to those who helped to clear up afterwards!

Our March meeting is entitled, ‘Treking in the Everest Region’ and our speaker will be Mr J. Howe. As usual, the meeting will take place in the Blackburn Room of the Memorial Hall on Tuesday, March 14th at 7.45 pm.

Jane Pickard

Gedling Town F.C. is one of our most active community organisations. The present club was reformed in 1982 after a history going back many years.

The Gedling Borough Council supported the reformed club and granted the use of the Borough Coat of Arms as the Club Badge. The Senior team plays in the Central Midlands Supreme Division, which involves senior clubs from Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.

The Club caters for a whole range of ages and abilities with its 26 teams. They start with the under 8 year olds, have year groups up to 15 year olds, an over 35 year old team, that plays in the Umbro Trophy Competition, plus two ladies senior teams and an under 17 year team.

The home ground is behind the Ferry Boat Inn at Stoke Bardolph and is one of the best local grounds with floodlighting facilities. There are games on Wednesdays and Saturdays and the small admission fee is well worth paying for an afternoons entertainment. The Club has achieved success as league champions and is involved in the F.A. Vase competition.

The Club has been looking to improve its facilities and has been working with Gedling B. C. to develop a site behind the Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield. This land has been earmarked for sporting facilities, after the L.M.R.C.A. sports ground was redeveloped. An ambitious plan for a club house, various pitches, all weather surface, disabled access and car park formed part of a recent bid for National Lottery funding.

This has been turned down but the Club are making an appeal against this decision as this plan could provide a recreation centre for the local community, a facility which is sadly lacking in the Gedling/Netherfield area. Local M.P. Vernon Coaker is supporting the venture and any letters to him to help bear pressure in the appeal would be welcome.

In the meantime, why not go down Stoke Lane and support ‘The Town’
on a Saturday afternoon.

The Borough Council are keen to establish the sporting facility so let’s hope we soon get a centre our local community deserves. Youngsters, boys and girls, who would like to join a team, should look out for the pre-season trials, that take place on several Sundays in August.

Rowland Ash, Chairman G.T.F.C.

At our February meeting entitled “Visit China”, Fiona Harrison unrolled a map of China, which illustrated its size in relation to the U.K., and admitted that she had left part of her heart there! She and her husband had worked there for about two years, he at the University, while Fiona was involved in setting up an orphanage, particularly for children with special needs.

This was in central China in the province, where the terracotta army was discovered and is still being excavated beneath what looks like an oriental Millennium Dome. Alongside this, everyday life is very different from our own. Imagine a summer temperature of 40° without air-conditioning and winter -25° without central heating, living in a seventh floor flat with no lift. But the centuries old city walls are still standing. Fiona is looking forward to a return trip in April to attend the wedding of a former colleague.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday 7th March at 7.45 pm, in the Memorial Hall, we plan to hold our A.G.M., we welcome visitors!

Susanne Severn

Our thanks to Neil Kendrick, Head of Sixth Form at Carlton Le Willows School, for organizing and presenting an entertaining ‘Quiz Evening’ at our January meeting. A variety of questions were asked, covering Music, Sporting and General Knowledge topics. Thirty members and guests enjoyed the evening, although it was noted that the winning table had an extra set of brains in the team!

Roy Skellington

The Annual General Meeting of the Gedling Mothers’ Union was held on Wednesday February 2nd at 2.15 pm in the Memorial Hall, when 24 members were present.

Our Branch Leader, Edna Gardiner has had an unfortunate accident, so the meeting was taken by the Assistant Leader, Nancy Moulds. The Branch has had a successful year, thanks to the Leaders and Committee and the ‘Bring and Buy Sale’ held at the meeting raised £28 for funds.

The speaker for the March 1st meeting will be Mr. Clarkson and his subject is ‘Do you know your Nottingham?’

Nora Crossland (Secretary)

In January, along with others, I made a pilgrimage back to my roots, when I attended the reunion of former pupils of All Hallows School, which in my day as a pupil, was always referred to as the “Church School”. 
The acquisition of the name ”All Hallows” appears to have followed later.
For those of us who returned, the afternoon was sheer nostalgia! 
Distance lends enchantment.

Returning to Priory on the following Monday, I realised just how much education has changed. The world of technology, travel and problems such as drugs, challenge our children in so many ways. The relatively simple world in which I grew up, is so different from the relatively sophisticated world of today. The challenging exercise of, for instance “How many penny-halfpennies in ninety seven pounds seventeen shillings and nine-pence”, would not be of value today but it certainly caused me some problems!

We recently had a very pleasant evening at Priory, when we opened up our computer suite to parents. Members of staff helped them to delve into the mysteries of the Internet and e-mail. To people with little experience of these wonderful inventions, it was an evening of amazement and disbelief. It certainly is a long way from “Bijou” books, tattered silent readers in large cupboards and filling ink wells every Monday morning. 

The Mayor of Gedling presented certificates to 70 of our ten and eleven year old children at a D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony. This 17 week course will hopefully equip them to fight the problems of drug and alcohol abuse. I think we were much more secure in our own schooldays, where life was much simpler but the times of reunion and nostalgia will not bring them back. Pray for the children of this parish, who must be prepared to face the future with confidence and faith. Encourage them in their endeavors and look for the good in them. There’s plenty of that to be found!

David Richards, Headteacher

This group was founded some five years ago by a local lady following the traumatic experiences in caring for her elderly and ailing mother, ably assisted in the formation and early running of the group by dedicated professional helpers.  Nowadays the group is totally carer-led with its own Management Committee and is affiliated to the Gedling Council for Voluntary Service.

The group has currently around forty members who, wherever possible, (sometimes with their cared-for as the venue is wheelchair friendly) attend weekly Monday morning meetings held between 10 a.m. arid 12 noon in the Wesley Room attached to Gedling Road Methodist Church, Carlton, (More easily identified as Park's Corner).  Members share worries and experiences in a friendly coffee-morning-style atmosphere, new and potential members are soon made to feel at home.  Updated leaflets likely to be helpful to carers together with books available for loan and a quarterly newsletter, are there for the taking.  There is a private, quiet room should it be required and if necessary professional help or advice can be arranged.

Outings suitable for able-bodied and disabled members are arranged from time to time and fundraising events throughout the year are arranged, as the group receives no grant from professional or voluntary organisations. The group welcomes all carers (and where appropriate their cared-for) of whatever creed or none, of whatever age and whether male or female.  New members are always sought, membership is just £2 per year.
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For over 100 years, The Children’s Society has been helping vulnerable children and young people
throughout England and Wales, in many different ways.

• On the streets - they run Safe Houses to protect runaways, while they build a normal life.

• In schools - they are working to prevent school exclusions and help children overcome problems.

• In prisons - by finding alternative programmes to keep teenage boys on remand, out of custody and help them lead useful lives.

• In communities - working in the poorest communities to help regenerate them with the help and participation of children.

ANYWHERE children are in need of help, the Children’s Society is there and your donations are helping them continue with this work. If you feel able to have a Children’s Society box in your home, please see May or Roy (9617031) and we will be happy to provide you with one.