TOWN CRIER March 2005

Parish Church Services for Wolsingham & Thornley in March 2005

Wolsingham Methodist Church : Sunday Service at 10.30am

St Thomas ’ RC Church: Saturday Mass at 6.30pm

Wolsingham Baptist Church : Sunday Service at 3.00pm

 From the Parish register

 Funerals

John Hawkins 12 January at Durham Crematorium

Michael Cavender 26 January at Wolsingham Parish Church

Olive Henderson 29 January at Wolsingham Parish Church

David Walton 5 February at Wolsingham Parish Church

 Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

 John Hawkins. There is no doubt that John was an exceptional and outstanding man in many ways. Born at Sandy Carr Farm, he spent his entire life locally, working with farmers. He was quite simply, a man of the land. He was fond of animals, and lover of wildlife. When he married, he married a Land Army girl, and was a devoted husband. John was a very ‘private’ man, who valued his independence. He had  a great sense of humour, which ensured a very wide circle of friends. John will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

 Mike Cavender only lived in Wolsingham for a few years but he has left a remarkable legacy. He was a founding member and chairman of the Football Academy , to which he devoted a great deal of time, providing guidance and support to coaches, players and parents. He was chairman of WRECASS and played a major role in developing what will be the Community Centre and in getting the new play equipment in the Recreation Field. Though suffering serious illness, he gave his time for the benefit of the community and had ideas for the future than he has not lived to realise. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

 Olive Henderson was born at Woodlands, working on the farm all her life. Olive in her younger days worked with horses on the farm, doing all the jobs that are now done with a tractor; ploughing, potato picking, hay making etc. In 1943 she met Richard, who had come to their farm to do some ploughing. Eventually they got married and lived at Coves House until 1969, then they moved to Hamsterley  for a while before moving back to Wolsingham. Olive was easy to get-on with and had lots of friends; in fact she new everybody in the farming world. She loved to cook, especially at Christmas and Wolsingham Show time, which was one of her favourite events. Olive will be sadly missed by family and many friends but will always be remembered by the farming community.

 David Walton  was born at Edmundbyers and educated at Benfield Side School , Consett before going to work for the Duke of Northumberland to learn shepherding. He worked on his father’s hill farm, he also worked at one time for Dryden Ward’s, Newlands Quarry and Eastgate Cement Works but his love for sheep brought him back to farming. David always kept a few Blue faced Leicesters which he enjoyed showing and sheep dog trials. He was also a well known show judge. David loved nothing better than going to the local Mart to talk to like minded (sheep) people but his greatest love was the Great Yorkshire Show which he had attended for most of his life without missing a year. David will be sadly missed by family and friends.

  Mothers’ Union

The monthly service of Holy Communion will take place at 1.30pm on Tuesday 1^st March in the Parish Church , followed by the Annual General Meeting. Members are reminded that subscriptions (£8.10) are due this month.

Women’s World Day of Prayer

The annual service will be held on Friday 4^th March in Wolsingham Methodist Church at 2.30pm . The guest speaker is Mrs Mary Tribe.

Fair Trade Fortnight 1-13 March

There will be a Fair Trade Coffee morning in the Town Hall at 10.00am on Saturday 12^th March, when there will be a stall with a wide range of fairly traded products. [If the Lime Pickle from Swaziland is on sale, the Editor strongly recommends it]

Make Poverty History

Churches Together in Weardale is taking part in the Make Poverty History campaign, whose aim is to put pressure on world leaders to help the poorest people in the world. If you would like to take part and find out more, come to our Focus Day on Saturday 16^th April in Stanhope Methodist Church Hall at 10.00am . It is our intention to join the mass rally in Edinburgh on 2^nd July. Anyone wanting more information should contact Carole Hopkinson (527827).

 Church News in Short

 Home Communions and Visits: If you know of anyone, including yourself, who would appreciate receiving communion at home, please contact the Rector on 527340. This is usually the first Wednesday in the month. Please keep the Rector informed of anyone who is ill or in hospital so that they can be included in his schedule of visits.

The new Crib: Visitors to the Church over Christmas will have noticed the new crib, the old one having succumbed to woodworm. The PCC would like to thank Mr George Moralee for designing and making the replacement; we are sure it will give great pleasure to all ages for many years to come.

CONFIRMATION. First meeting of candidates for Confirmation will be held on Monday 4 April at 7.00pm at the Rectory Wolsingham. Anyone interested in being Confirmed this year should attend this meeting. If you are unable to make this time and date but are interested, please let me know by telephoning 527340.   MG

Mothering Sunday 6 March – a special day for mothers. An opportunity for children to let their mother know how special they are to them. Bring all the family to this special service.

Palm Sunday Services will hopefully be visited by Eileen the donkey Sunday 20 March. 9.30am at Thornley Parish Church and 10.45am at Wolsingham Parish Church . Please bring your parents and friends to meet Eileen and receive a Palm Cross to remind you of the great sacrifice Jesus made for you – More details during the service.

Easter Day – Sunday 27 March Service at 9.30am at Thornley Parish Church and 10.45am at Wolsingham Parish Church . Again please bring all the family to worship and give thanks to God for His Risen Son Jesus. Everyone will receive a chocolate Easter Egg.

Methodist Coffee Morning

There will be a Coffee Morning in aid of church funds on Saturday 5^th March at 10.00am in the Methodist Church .

 Wolsingham Community Club

 On Wednesday March 16^th the speaker is Sgt. Mick Hutchinson, who will talk about Personal Safety. This begins at 7pm in the Town Hall,

  The A.G.M. will be on Wednesday, 20^th April at 7pm in the Town Hall, Wolsingham, and will include refreshments and entertainment. There will be an election for a new committee.   New members are always very welcome.

 Outings are planned over the next few months:

·         Washington Wildlife Park , May 11^th.  Cost to be confirmed.

·         Tees River trip, June 22^nd, £9.50 (£2 booking fee).

·         Leyburn Market and Bolton Castle , July 22^nd.  Cost to be confirmed.

A grant from Lafarge will help to subsidise transport costs.  Anyone interested in these events should contact 01388 527099.

 Thursday March 10th 'Tea and chat' will be an Oriflame demonstration with Judith Oliver.  2pm - 4pm  in the Town Hall.  Refreshments and raffle.

Thursday March 24th 'Tea and chat' will be 'Chair exercises' with practice nurse, Linda Boyd 2pm - 4pm in the Town Hall. Refreshments.

With the advent of the better weather, the Thursday afternoon meetings will stop for the summer and begin again in September.

 Wolsingham Black Lion Jolly Girls

 After another successful year, the Wolsingham Black Lion Jolly Girls were pleased to present a cheque for £500 to the Air Ambulance.  This year, our chosen charity is a local children’s home.  To start off the fundraising effort, there will be a coffee morning in Wolsingham Town Hall , on Saturday 23^rd April, with cake stall, tombola and raffle, with another coffee morning on Saturday 23^rd July.  Please make a note of these dates, and come along to support us if you can.

  Wolsingham Baptist Church

 The speakers at the March services will be the Rev’d David Revill on March 6^th, David Woods on the 13^th and David Lennox on the 20^th. On 27^th March Wolsingham Baptist Church hold their Eggstravaganza featuring puppets, games, drama and the Easter message. This will be presented by Stocksfield Baptist Church in the Town Hall at 3.00pm .

 2005 Year of the Volunteer

 We all lead very busy lives but if you need a new challenge and can spare a couple of hours a week helping with the Rainbows, Brownies or Guides, your help would be greatly appreciated.

In return, we offer you fun, friendship and free training. Please contact Jayne on 01388 526886 for further information.

 Police Report

PC Craggs reported that in January there had been 39 calls to the police of which 4 were crimes – 1 assault, 2 damage and 2 theft; the lowest figures for some time. Following complaints about anti social behaviour at the recreation ground and subsequent police investigations, the police will visit the site more regularly. It may be that flood lighting will be installed in an attempt to minimize the problem.

Planning Matters  

The following planning applications have been approved by Wear Valley DC :-

            Agricultural buildings, Carrs Farm, Wolsingham

The following planning applications have been submitted:-

·         Implement shed and toilet block, West Park Farm

·         Cottage style PVC windows, West Park Farm byre

·         Reduce height of sycamore & blackthorn, 9 Riverside  

Snippets

• The waste disposal site near White Kirkley has now closed. The nearest sites are now at Middleton in Teesdale, Willington or Tindale Crescent .
• The chiropody van will continue to use the area in front of the Baptist Church while building work progresses in the recreation field.
• The bus shelter has suffered from vandalism and the seat is in need of repair.
• Wear Valley DC has been asked to remove chewing gum deposits from Front Street and other pavements.
• The barrier at the entrance to Demesne Mill will now be closed in the evening and re-opened at 7.00am .

Waste bins at the riverside walk have been washed away in the recent floods.

• Mrs M Epsley and Mr W Pounder have been co-opted as members of the Parish Council.

New Row Farm Nurseries

Plant Sales 2005

 This year New Row Farm Nurseries will be open to the public on six weekends, from 10.00am to 4.00pm .

• March 26-28th  Easter weekend
• April 30 – May 2nd  May Bank Holiday
• May 28-30th  Spring Bank Holiday
• June 25-26th
• July 23-24th
• August 27-29th
• September 24-25th

 As usual there will be thousands of plants for sale, including trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and herbs, all at reasonable prices, plus “pallet deals” at bargain prices.

We now have a website (www.newrowfarmnurseries.co.uk) Plants can now be bought on line and dispatched anywhere in the UK , or they may be ordered on line for collection. Visit us on line or at the nursery, which is on the B6297, the road from Tow Law monument to Wolsingham.

 Romanian Christian Humanitarian Foundation

 The Afternoon Tea held on 8 February at Serendipity raised £785 for this cause. Maralyn and her staff worked very hard; the event was well supported by a lot of kind people and generous donations. Thanks to all who contributed to its success. CR

  Organist’s note – Music for Lent and Easter

 There are some fine hymns for the season of Lent and Passiontide. Reflective without being gloomy, hymns such as Jesu, lover of my soul and Forty days and forty nights sing particularly well. The choir sings chorales from the Bach Passions as communion motets on several occasions. In Holy Week itself, we have decided to bring music into the two very special services of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. At the Thursday Eucharist, while the process of stripping the altar take place, psalm 51 “Have mercy on us, O God” is sung to the most plain and austere chant. On Good Friday, along with two of the loveliest hymns for the season, the choir chants “Sing my tongue the glorious battle”, an old medieval hymn that celebrates Christ’s victory on the Cross.

The tradition of our Easter hymns is exuberant and uplifting. All the hymns of the Sundays after Easter resound with a triumphant message at the heart of our faith. On Easter Sunday itself, the choir will sing a hymn from the Easter Oratorio recently composed by Paul Spicer (with words by the Bishop of Durham), which is receiving its latest performance in Durham Cathedral on April 30^th. This will be an event for the whole diocese and should not be missed. Building on the tradition of the Bach Passions the Easter Oratorio tells the story of what happened on Easter Day and after with arias and choral movements interspersed with some of the most triumphant Easter hymns – “Ye choirs of New Jerusalem”, “Alleluia, alleluia, hearts to heaven” and these parts are for the whole audience to join in with.

Organ music in Lent is supposed to be more restrained! I am going to play pieces by our own English composers of the 16^th and early 17^th centuries, Byrd, Tallis and Gibbons – which, though fine compositions, are more reflective as voluntaries than some of the usual fare. In Holy Week, the organ is largely silent - so all the more reason to have Widor’s Toccata on Easter Sunday itself. JW

  Specialist School Status

 As many will have read in the local press, Wolsingham School and Community College has been awarded specialist status in the area of Performing Arts. This involves a major programme of investment in the school and is part of the movement to raise pupil achievement. But what will it mean for the local community?

 As the new facilities come on stream, there will be:-

• Public access to purpose built venues for productions, music, dance and drama.
• Use of a sound proof recording studio.
• A school based community radio station, connecting people within the Dale.
• Use of the specialist facilities and resources by local primary school and other organisations.
• Exciting new Adult Education provision, such as writing workshops.
• Regional and National recognition though collaboration ith organisations such as Creative Partnerships and Northern Arts.

This new era in the history of the school will see enhanced links with primary schools and other secondary schools. The link with Comox Highland Academy in British Columbia will also be strengthened. In addition, the School now has a Sports Hall under construction, due for completion in September 2005; this will add to the facilities available to the local community. As these initiatives develop, the idea of the Community College element in the School name will become even more significant.

 Sorry  

The Editor wishes to apologise to Tracy Bell and the Residents Association for failing to advertise their meeting in the last issue.