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NEWS
Enquiries to new co-ordinator Carol Rosier 554410 or carol@wyrepiddle.wanadoo.co.uk
Parish Office Times. Please note that Carole Oliver will be working at the Parish Office and also at the Rectory on Tuesdays. Please ring to confirm where she is if you wish to see her about Parish business.
START THE WEEK with Morning Prayer To encourage and develop the prayer life and spiritual growth of the Parish, a small group of us are praying together every Monday morning. This will be at 8.30am in St John the Baptist Church, Fladbury. Please feel welcome to join us. For more information please ring: Revd Lynn Busfield 860356
Cropthorne & Charlton Village Hall 200 Club draw 1ST PRIZE £20 Diane Barlow No.19 2ND PRIZE £10 Tony King No.173 July 1ST PRIZE £20 Roy Welsh No.15 2ND PRIZE £10 Jane Segar No.54 Tickets still available on a ‘rolling year’ basis, contact Liz Taylor on 860453 The next draw takes place at our September meeting
THE ROAD FROM DAMASCUS Early in May I went on a tour of Syria. Friends had expressed doubt about the wisdom of going to a country that had borders with Israel, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and was close to Iran, but the trip was trouble free and well worthwhile. Syrian history goes back to 4500 BC, and it can be regarded as a cradle of civilisation. The Semetic population have been conquered successively by the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Turks ,and invaded by the Crusaders. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, the area became a French mandate, and remained so until 1946. It is also the route northwards which brought Christianity to Europe Today the country is at peace, although they are still seeking to have returned from Israel the Golan Heights area that was lost in the ‘Six Day’ war in 1970. The people are mainly Islamic (Sunni), but Christian and Jewish beliefs flourish, as well as the Shia minority. There seem to be no inter-faith tensions. All those we met were pleasant with a good sense of humour. I was part of a group of 22 people. We travelled in an air-conditioned coach, with our own guide. The days were long and we travelled to Latakia, Aleppo, Palmyra, Homs and Bosra .as well as Damascus. The country has a large area of desert. The western border with Lebanon is well watered and extensively cultivated, producing olives (a major source of income and exports), vegetables and fruit. Syria lies on a fault line which has made it prone to earthquakes, and is why most of the ancient relics have had to be re-erected after excavation. We were shown the temple of Baal, the Crak de Chevaliers, a mighty fortress built by the Crusaders, and the equally mighty fortress build by Saladin , the basilica of St.Simeon Stylites, the church of St.Sergius, where the priest in charge finished his talk by reciting the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic. We visited the Roman Amphitheatre in Bosra, a magnificent structure well preserved, and were shown the main mosque in Damascus, and the Palace built for the Governor. Biblical associations are frequent. We were shown into the church of St. Ananias, who cured Paul of blindness. There was a map showing the whole of the journeys around the Eastern Mediterranean that St. Paul did - an impressive number of journeys. The ‘Street called Strait’ is still in the old city of Damascus between the East and West gates of the old walled city. Syria is a country of caravan routes- from the West to the South, from the East to the South, and today the route to Mecca for the Hadj. There are no supermarkets or department stores. All the shops were small and specialised, and we understood that shopping was a social activity - we have lost something by having supermarkets and wrapped sealed goods. In the desert the Bedouin still camp tending their flocks. The flocks are sometimes mixed sheep and goats. Recalling the saying ’separating the sheep from the goats’ - needed for milking. The flocks wander far from the tents, so the herders stay with them, sleeping out to protect them from wolves and foxes in the desert -‘ while shepherds watched their flocks by night’. The Bedouin are supported by the State, who provide mobile schools to spend a few weeks teaching the children basic subjects and then moving on to the next encampment. The Bedouin will help with harvesting for farmers in return to allowing their flocks to graze on the harvested land. During the week I spent in Syria the weather was dry and warm, blue skies and 30 degrees Celsius in the day. It was a shock to come back to the UK after that! Ken Nicholds
Bell Tower News Our ringing over the last two months has been almost non-stop with services, weddings and practice sessions, the latter helping several of the band who attended the 4-day ringing course in mid-August. We have been able to join with other learners at Pershore and Eckington to achieve one-to-one tuition and all our ringers have shown improvements. Pearl Gibson has given some additional training, using hand-bells, to the three members concentrating on Plain Hunt. A Quarter Peal attempt at Cropthorne to enable Thelma to perfect her treble bobbing ended after 30 minutes due to the conductor losing his place but a second attempt at Pershore two weeks later was successful. Her next objective is to master ringing the method Cambridge Surprise Minor on an 'inside' bell (i.e. not on the treble bell).
Graham Pharo reviews “Christ of the Everyday” by Jeff Astley I read “Christ of the Everyday” when it was first published in 2007. Bishop Dr. John Inge, at the time Bishop of Huntingdon, then wrote of his great appreciation of the book : “It is, as I might have expected, thoughtful and accessible, challenging and provoking, often amusing and sometimes moving. I am delighted to commend it.” If I was feeling lazy, I could leave the matter of reviewing this book there, but if I can encourage you to get your hands on a copy and read it for yourself by sharing some of my own thoughts with you, all the better. The author, Jeff Astley is Director of the ecumenical North of England Institute for Christian Education and Honorary Fellow in Practical Theology and Christian Education in the University of Durham. Probably the first impression the book leaves with you is its practicality and no-nonsense approach to Christianity. Its style is eminently readable. Early in the book there is the statement - “Clearly , we are all successors to the apostles - unfortunately” . It’s a reminder that we discover traits of the first disciples in our own behaviour, of the relevance of the Bible for us today and that we are known and valued for ourselves as individuals, not the body corporate of the Church. The author explains that one of the biggest mistakes people both inside and outside the Church make about Christianity is that it is reserved ‘for the righteous’ - not for most of us, then. He explains that the words and actions of Jesus are never just about Jesus; they interrogate and challenge our lives also. There is a sense early in the book that the author is gently critical of the Church, which he sees as “too superficial too often”, caring overmuch about itself and its surfaces - a bit of a “Martha”, working with the polish until the visitors can no longer see any scratches (ref. Luke 10: 38-41 for the story). He invites us to face the unpalatable truth that “there are no MBEs and KCBs in the Kingdom of God”. Is this sounding like your kind of book? There’s a searching and helpful chapter entitled “In and out of the desert”, illuminating the simple truth of our response to God calling us by name as a very individual and personal one - unlike anyone else’s - a need for us to arrive at an individual acceptance which is right for us - right for me. The writer thus warns against the perils of what he describes as a “cloned Church”. We are reminded that prayer is largely a matter simply of being ourselves; speaking the truth before God, however weary, even bitter that prayer may be. Some of you may identify with the book’s suggestion that real friendship is only possible with a few - quality, rather than quantity, being the rule. I was left wondering whether this is because we, as individuals, have to become vulnerable with real friends? Perhaps we can only really hear - and bear - the criticism of a person who loves us. Real affection. We refuse to ‘manipulate’ our friends. In a chapter on “The trials of life”, I suppose a few quotations from the Bible’s Old Testament Book of Job can be expected. There are interesting ideas of life as a testing, proving furnace. A painless world would be without compassion and courage - these virtues would simply not be required. No occasion for co-operation or mutual help. No reason to battle against evil (if evil and suffering did not exist) !! One is left with the thought that, mysteriously, God seems to seek our striving to combat suffering and injustice rather than our capitulation in the face of evil. Success and comfort in life can teach us little compared with the lessons learned from failures and trials. Maybe some of us can identify with that. I was pleased that Jeff Astley recognises the simple joys obtained from the natural world where we overcome self-preoccupation and self-concern. He has an interesting discourse on ‘status‘, including strong imagery - “Jesus is first the child, then the servant, then the crucified. Small roles; big production.” Later in the book there is the realisation that we are now a lot less willing to take our system of beliefs, our attitudes and values from other people or institutions. Conversion to a particular viewpoint happens because your mind has been changed. Yours is the mind that has to change - which all sounds very obvious and common-sense. There is a feeling throughout the book that the author is having a discussion with you, personally. You find yourself responding. I found one of the most thought-provoking discourses towards the end - how we come to belief and our ‘ownership’ of what we are prepared to believe - vitally important in our understanding of people’s attitude to religion today. Response to change is discussed. Christianity is compared to an ingredient which is not fit to be eaten by itself and only becomes of value for its power to change something else. This leads the writer to the vital issue of each individual’s personal response to the gospel - as distinct from the way in which a church has passed on its thoughts and ways (that is their response). In discovering who we are prepared to worship, the writer suggests we discover what we really value and we have to do this for ourselves - not just as a group of worshippers. When all is said and done, I have to decide whether Jesus will do for me - you have to decide whether Jesus will do for you. Throughout this book, there seems to be the thread of our individual ownership of our faith, which I find refreshing. Enthusiastic, joy-filled ownership will lead to others saying “I‘ll have what she‘s having!” (the famous line from an older customer in the diner in the film “When Harry met Sally”). In the words of Jeff Astley - “There is, to put it bluntly, no reason …. for you to go to or claim to belong to any church, unless you want to or need to.” “If we are not listened to we shall simply not stick around.”
FLADBURY WALKABOUT RAFFLE PRIZES We are especially grateful to those who donated prizes. Congratulations to the winners and thanks for your support.
FLADBURY WALKABOUT
I know it's hard work, but it is a most important focal point for our community. As I've said to many people, events like this prevent the village just being a dormitory, and we are envied by many for this .
FLADBURY AND MOOR. Our July speaker was Rev. Lynn, and her subject was "Heaven in the ordinary". Would we get a sermon? No - what we got was some thought-provoking words: memories, locations, people, places, music, reflections on kind deeds, in these everyday occurances, Lynn suggested that we would find a level of spirituality, no matter what our religious (or otherwise) inclinations. Our words of thanks came from Monica Bates, but were felt by all. Thanks Lynn - let us know how the diet is going! July is weeks ago, and by the time you read this it will be September and we will be thinking of Autumn: Come along to Fladbury Village Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 13th September, when our speaker will be Rod Quilter, on "Corsetry - the development of modern underwear." I've already made the jokes, so please come along and join us for what promises to be an interesting and informative session, and lend us your support. It'll be good - corset will. We're all late bloomers. Ooops, another slip. Oh, knickers - just be there. Jacky Easter
For more details about any of our meetings contact one of the branch secretaries: Cropthorne with Charlton Pam Righton 860271 Fladbury and Moor Marion Bomford 861390 Wyre Piddle Liz Gardner 554985
WYRE PIDDLE In July we held our annual garden meeting, which was a very pleasant evening of fellowship and food (and wine!). The showery weather meant we were inside but that did not dim our enjoyment. The August event was the annual Flower Show at the Village Hall, which showed the high standard of flowers, vegetables, art and craft, cakes and preserves produced in Wyre Piddle. Our September meeting is on Wednesday September 8th when there will be a talk on ‘The History of Pearls’ by Janis Waldron. This sounds fascinating, so do come and learn about these gems. Meetings take place at the Village Hall at 7.30pm.. Visitors always welcome. Liz Gardner
CROPTHORNE with CHARLTON The July meeting was held at The Den Holland House. Our speaker Mrs Moulder entertained us with anecdotes and light hearted advice on how to succeed as a short story writer. Various weekly magazines were suggested as recipients of our newly acquired skills. It will be interesting to see if anyone has a story accepted and printed! There was no meeting in August. The annual excursion is to Chatsworth House, Derbyshire on September 1st. The September meeting is on Tuesday 14 September at the Den. Mr Peter Preece's subject is ‘Images of Nature’. Members can enter the competition to try out their writing. Carol Preece
GROUP NEWS Our three Women’s Institutes are part of the Pershore Group. The Group Co-ordinator, Grace Richardson together with members organises group events throughout the year. Last autumn a very interesting evening was held at Croome Park in what used to be the Canteen. Husbands came along too to listen to a talk from Michael Smith, Property Manager. Future events include: Christmas Shopping to Cribbs Causeway Carol Service An outing to a place of interest, not yet decided A group meeting in June 2011 There are also Worcestershire Federation Events: 23rd March 2011 The Annual Council Meeting 28th June 2011 Federation Day at Croome Courtwith events for the whole family. Not a member yet—it is not “Jam and Jerusalem” it is FUN!
Green Charter The Diocesan Rural Chaplain Robert Barlow and our Parish Priest Lynn asked me to do a display about our Green Charter for the BigLittle Church Event at the Malvern Showground on Bank Holiday Monday, featuring “what little churches do”. With the help of photographs by John Dale of Lower Moor and graphics and photographs by Jennifer Hewson, also of Lower Moor, we are producing a stand entitled “The Church is not just a building. It is the people of God caring for church land”. There are five boards..... The Green Charter summarises the establishment of our Green Charter and the hopes we have for caring for God’s earth The Woodward Community Orchard is on a strip of diocesan land with over 70 apple tree varieties and a few plum trees. People are invited or volunteer to become shareholders for £20 per annum. We are learning to care for the trees from professionals and hope to produce apple juice and cider. On Sunday 5 September we are meeting to make plans for an Apple Celebration Day on Sunday 17 October – please make a note of the date now and look for more information in the October Five Alive Our Five Alive Churchyards are being managed for peaceful resting places and wildlife conservation where appropriate The Millennium Wood on the edge of Fladbury Churchyard and the River Avon is a beautiful area of woodland, a place for gentle walks and quiet moments of reflection. It is managed by a team of people under the leadership of Lisa Foster Morison. Fladbury School Garden and the Rectory Garden – children have an outdoor learning space at the back of the school and work on the allotment at the back of the Rectory, helping them to appreciate the beauty of creation – and to develop green fingers. We hope to take the display to a conference in Birmingham on the use of church land and, if you would like to have the display in any of our churches, say for Harvest Festivals, please let me know. Bishop Godfrey of the Morogoro Diocese in Tanzania is staying at Holland House during September. On Thursday 16 September from 3.30pm-5.30pm he will “tell us something of the issues that climate change is having on Tanzania, its eco systems and village communities”. Entry is free but please let Holland House know if you are going – 860330 or enqhiries@hollandhouse.org. Peter Bugg, tel.860531, email pjbugg@btinternet.com
People..... Many thanks to Gerry and Doreen Marshall of Lower Moor Shop and Post Office for serving us over many years. We shall miss them but wish them well as the shop closes on Saturday 4 September. Felix and Sarah Borchardt (860314) and Jane Bugg (860531), all of Fladbury, are members of Pershore Amnesty Group and welcome anyone interested in Amnesty International to join them. The Group is promoting the film “Skin” at Pershore’s No.8 Arts Centre on Friday evening 8 October. Tickets for this moving film are £5 each (including a glass of wine) and are available from No.8. STOP PRESS – if you have news and information you want announcing before the next Five Alive, email it to stoppress@five-alive.co.uk and, within 24 hours, it will appear on the Five Alive website – www.five-alive.co.uk – the stop press page. Derek Floyd (860771) of Lower Moor has set this up.
The website is still very active and performing well The Online Planning Diary is.updated monthly and has a shortcut of five-alive-diary.co.uk. New ‘Info’ pages are regularly monitored with a shortcut five-alive-info.co.uk. A new addition is the ‘Stop Press’ pages with a link from the ‘Home’ page. This is to provide a mechanism for publishing last minute changes and new information. An email link is provided and messages should be online within 24 hours Derek Flotd URGENT - From the Five Alive Editorial Team Many thanks to Liz Gardner for compiling this month’s Five Alive. Next month, Pearl Gibson of Fladbury (861225) is compiling and typing information for October (to be with her by 15 September) and on that day we welcome back Diane Barlow from her holiday in Australia . She is looking forward to typing November Five Alive! We are very grateful to all of them but, for Five Alive to continue, we urgently need more help in at least three areas Gathering news and information in each of our villages to give to the compiler. A named person is needed to do this for each village . If you know what’s going on in your village and are keen to let others know, please would you be the village correspondent? Printing - in the past, this has been done mainly by Michael Jefferies and Peter Perry in the Parish Office. They are willing to continue but not every month. They will teach you how to do it if you can take a turn. The more volunteers, the fewer the turns! Collating - as for printing. The need is urgent. If we don't get more volunteers to help, either Five Alive will not happen or we shall have to think about charging for it so please think about helping Five Alive and ring Hilary Hall 860212, Philip Hildesley 861237 or Jane Bugg 860531 for more information.
THANK YOU It is great to be getting original articles and some different items for the magazine. Please keep writing and researching. I am sure some of you will have books and documents from the past with interesting pieces in them. You may also have suggestions on books to read or music that is good to listen to. Don’t think your ideas are not useful—they might be. If you would like to call a member of the editorial team to discuss your ideas please use the numbers on page 2.
ADVERTISING There is still a waiting list for advertising space in Five Alive. If you have sent in a request for space let us know if you wish to be placed on this list. It may be possible to do one off small adverts , dependent on space in any one month. Contact for fees: parishmagazine@hotmail.co.uk or phone the parish office. The views expressed in Five Alive magazine are not necessarily those of the Church of England or the Parish of Fladbury, Hill & Moor, Wyre Piddle, Cropthorne and Charlton, they are solely those of the contributors. The editors reserve the right to alter or amend articles as they see fit.
Submissions for Five Alive email address parishmagazine@hotmail.co.uk. Copy deadline for OCTOBER issue is 15th SEPTEMBER 2010. If you have a submission and don’t have email access please send your Details on page 2.
Thank you to all who contributed to this issue. We had so many articles we had to shorten some and were unable to include everything. Please make allowances for a complier with L plates on!
Never mind the 'L' plates, Brilliant Job, DF
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FROM THE REGISTERS
FLADBURY Weddings Nicholas Clarkin & Sophia Cann 15 May John Norman Mytton & Pauline Patricia Cooper 22 May WYRE PIDDLE Weddings Stuart Farrell & Louise Parker 27 June Oliver Bowden & Kate Taylor 3 July CROPTHORNE Baptism Kitty Amelia Andrews 22 May Wedding Paul Richard Mason & Sarah Lavinia Marsh 15 May CHARLTON Wedding Toby Paul Phillips & Ruth Bonney 12 June HILL & MOOR No entries
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! ! ATTENTION ALL KEYBOARD PLAYERS ! ! All 5 churches across the parish are in need of additional players of the ORGAN PIANO KEYBOARD to assist with the music at Sunday Services. You would not be required necessarily on a regular basis, but be available to help with playing from time to time and by arrangement. IIf you have skills on the Keyboard, the Piano or the Organ and would be prepared to help out, please contact The Curate, Sue Oliver on 860695 The Parish Warden, Philip Hildesley on 861237 or one of your Church Officials, all of whom will be happy to hear from you! With grateful thanks Philip Hildesley
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Book Reading Group 
