Events in 2009 – 2011
On this page (click on one for details):
Kent and Tash wedding, Friday 28th October 2011
Harvest service and lunch, Sunday 9th October 2011
Confirmation service, Saturday 1st October 2011
Roly the clown, Sunday 11th September 2011
Light out of Darkness Exhibition, Saturday/Sunday 10th/11th September 2011
Ellie’s farewell, Friday 15th July 2011
Open-Air Service, Sunday 10th July 2011
Nat Reuss Ordination, Sunday 3rd July 2011
Emma and Peter’s wedding, Saturday 14th May 2011
Children’s activities during the Good Friday service, Friday 22nd April 2011
‘Promise of Glory’ weekend, Saturday and Sunday 29/30 January 2011
St Mark’s hosts a town-wide United Service at which Leanne Wallis from the Salvation Army speaks,Sunday 23 January 2011
St Mark’s Church Ramble along the canal, Monday 3 January 2011
Circle Singers lead a carol concert, ‘Joy to the World’, Saturday 11 December
Bishop Christopher leads our celebration service, Wednesday 8 December
Jan and Cliff get married, Friday 3 December
Mike and Safaa Cloud and family visit St Mark’s, Wednesday 20 October
This month’s Hot Topic was Education, Sunday 17 October
A cast of vegetables at Milverton School celebrating Harvest, Thursday 14 October
We say goodbye to a number of people on Sunday, August 1
Laurie and Emma Nason are over from Uganda. MAF Open House and services on Sunday, June 26-27
Morris Rodham, Archdeacon, June 16
Creativity in the Community, June 13/14
Pete and Amba baptisms, May 23rd
Deanery confirmation at Southam, May 15th
St Mark’s Annual Meeting, April 26th
Farewell to Emanuel and Carina, February 27th
Gig to raise funds for Toilet Twinning,
February 20th Pancake Party, part 1, February
16th FIRs lunch, with Bernard on ukelele, February 9th
Pillar box jumping, December 25th (early!!)
Alister Mort licensing in Harrogate, December 16th
Church Christmas lunch, November 29th
Laila Kohlscheen baptism, November 15th
‘Wanted: Two arms and two legs’: Stefan event, November 14th
Autumn Fair put on by the Craft Group, October 31st
Weekend away on the Brecon Beacons by St Mark’s Ramblers, October
We say goodbye to Brian and Faye Carson, October 25th
Milverton School celebrate Harvest at St Mark’s, October 12th – 16th
We welcome Maasai, Careforce worker, September 13th
Bob Clucas’ licensing service at Napton, September 2nd
Gerald & Meriel Brough’s Golden Wedding celebration, August 22nd
St Mark’s 130th anniversary celebrations, July 11th – 12th (See written report here)
Becky Welch’s deaconing, July 5th
Snowdodgers’ Homecoming Ball, June 19th
Deanery Confirmation service, May 30th
Archdeacon Michael Paget-Wilkes’ retirement service, May 17th
Hot Topic with Christopher Lamb, May 10th
Annual Parish Meeting, April 26th
| Kent Fermor marries Tash Hughes on Friday 28th October. | ^ Top ^ |
| St Mark’s held its Harvest Service on Sunday 9th October, including a ‘Created’ stall of Tear Fund’s fairly traded goods. Afterwards, almost 70 people enjoyed an excellent lunch in the Hall. | ^ Top ^ |
| On Saturday 1st October, Bishop John Stroyan came to confirm 26 candidates, including three adults and seven teenagers from St Mark’s. | ^ Top ^ |
| On Sunday 11th September 2011, St Mark’s enjoyed a different kind of service, led by Rev Roly Bain, the clerical clown. He told a good few tales while fooling around…and walking the slackrope. A great time was had by all – and we learned a lot too. The prayer time using bubbles was particularly effective. | ^ Top ^ |
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| On Saturday and Sunday 10th and 11th September 2011, an exhibition called ‘Light into the Darkness’ was staged in church as one of the Heritage weekend events. The four contributors were Tim Eccleston (photographer), Tim Fox (poet) Rosa Wain and Lindsey Attwood (artists). | ^ Top ^ |
| St Mark’s started to say good bye to curate Ellie Clack on Friday 15th July, and many presents and kind words were offered and accepted. And a few tears were shed. Maybe more than a few… | ^ Top ^ |
| St Mark’s annual Open Air service took place on Sunday 10th July, and it was followed by a barbecue in the church grounds. | ^ Top ^ |
| Nathaniel Reuss was ordained deacon at Derby Cathedral on Sunday 3rd July. | ^ Top ^ |
| Emma Perry and Peter Ormerod tied the knot at St Mark’s on Saturday 14th May, to universal acclaim. | ^ Top ^ |
| Phillipa and Pam helped children explore ‘Good Friday’ while adults were in church. (Photos by Phillipa.) | ^ Top ^ |
| Our Prayer Day on Saturday was combined with an Art weekend, led by Rosa Wain and Marie Calvert. (Photos by Jeremy Clack.) | ^ Top ^ |
| There were approaching 300 people at St Mark’s for the United service, from many churches across the town. | ^ Top ^ |
St mark's music group led the singing with enthusiasm.
Leanne Wallis from the Salvation Army
| A good turnout for the first Ramble of the year, to help walk off all that roast turkey and Christmas pud! | ^ Top ^ |
| Beresford King-Smith directed the Circle Singers in the first concert St Mark’s has hosted since re-ordering. | ^ Top ^ |
| St Mark’s parish is no longer suspended! Paul in now ‘Vicar’ and not ‘Priest-in-charge’. Bishop Christopher came to lead the celebrations. | ^ Top ^ |
| The long-awaited wedding of Jan and Cliff took place on December 3rd. | ^ Top ^ |
| Mike and Safaa Cloud, with Jane, Joe, Roger and Steven, visit St Mark’s and share their Moroccan experiences. | ^ Top ^ |
| Linda Wainscot, Diocesan Director of Education, spoke and answered questions on the Hot Topic of Education, Education, Education. | ^ Top ^ |
| At Milverton’s Harvest celebrations, a cast of vegetables appeared: Pete the Potato, Suzy Sweetcorn and Clara Cabbage (aka Rev Paul, Marie Calvert and Sally Butt). | ^ Top ^ |
| Sadly we said goodbye to some people today: Ralph, Maasai, Gareth and family, and Tim, Bianca and Matthew. | ^ Top ^ |
| The Nasons are visiting from Kampala. We held MAF Open House on Saturday where many supporters came, and then Laurie and Emma spoke at all three services on Sunday (pictures from the 6.30pm service). | ^ Top ^ |
The weather was excellent for Open House in the garden.
Laurie makes a point.
Quite a few children came, too.
On Sunday we gathered in the Hall...
...when Rev Paul and Laurie shared a joke or two...
...and we prayed for the work of MAF in Uganda...
Laurie was able to meet some of Maasai's friends from Kenya.
| Many of us gathered in the old cathedral ruins, then processed into the new, to celebrate with Morris Rodham his being made Archdeacon Missioner. And Churchwardens from all parts of the Diocese were sworn in, too. | ^ Top ^ |
We gathered in the old cathedral ruins...
...then the Bishops led us into the new cathedral...
...where Bishop Christopher welcomed us.
He then preached...
Simon Lloyd interviewd Morris at length...
...and Becky Welch led prayers.
Revd David Stone is to take over from Adrian Daffern as Precentor in September.
Michael Paget-Wilkes, retired Archdeacon, came to lend support.
| The community came together to produce wonderful art work in many and varied guises. (Photos by Jeremy Clack) | ^ Top ^ |
| Pete and Amba are baptised by full immersion during the evening service. (Photos by Martin) | ^ Top ^ |
| Maasai led an African evening of song and dance (with food), assisted by several Careforce colleagues. | ^ Top ^ |
| Eight members from St Mark’s were among 36 confirmed by Bishops Christopher and David at Southam on a glorious evening in May. Seen here are (not in order) Polly, Mike, Andy, Emily, Lucy, Pete, Aaron and Olivia. | ^ Top ^ |
Peter Rowland was baptised only last week.
Bishop David works mostly in the south of the Diocese.
Two bishops lead all the confirmees from the church into the sunshine.
36 confirmed, two baptised and one received - and two bishops!
| Mike Hood and Pete Rowland are baptised by full immersion during the evening service. | ^ Top ^ |
Pete Rowland and Mike Hood were baptised at St Mark's.
Barry led the service in the Hall...
...with an appreciative audience...
...then we trooped outside and gathered round the pool.
Mike went first, with Rev Paul, Claire and Mike braving the cold water...
Then we went back into the warm hall.
Members of Pete's family who came to support him.
| The church Annual meeting attracted over 100 (or maybe it was the lunch that attracted them?) | ^ Top ^ |
The annual gathering of the clans over lunch...
...for young and old.
Paul Manuel presided...
...Jan Thomas took notes...
David Calvert stepped down after 5 years as Warden...
...and David Wigman continues for a further year.
Dan Wood looks forward to a 3-year stretch on PCC...
...while others observe proceedings carefully.
Nikki Hill is warmly applauded for an excellent meal.
| Sadly we say goodbye to Emanuel, Carina and Laila who are heading to Brazilia next week. | ^ Top ^ |
Carina, Emanuel and baby Laila are heading back to Brazil.
Sarah prepares food and drink...
...while others just lounge about...
...clearly enjoying themselves...
...well, almost everyone...
...while Emma and Peter concentrate...
...and Ellie enjoys a good joke with Jeremy.
| Claire Farley introduced this second fund-raising event, in connection with the Youth Upper Room Project, but in aid of the Burundi Toilet twinning scheme. Mark and Pam Howell led their band XRB in an eclectic mix of songs from the 60′s to the present. | ^ Top ^ |
The band 'XRB' reminded us of earlier days with songs from 60s, 70s and later
Joe and Laura joined Pam and Mark on stage for a couple of numbers
Both young and old enjoyed the music.
 Jane Wigman danced despite her crutches...
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 ...while Frank Lovell danced energetically after two hip operations!
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| Claire Farley masterminded this fund-raising event, in connection with the Youth Upper Room Project, but in aid of the Burundi Toilet twinning scheme. Pictures here are from the first of the two sessions.(Thanks also to Judith Smith and Phillipa Munday.) | ^ Top ^ |
What it's all about - Jonathan tucks into a delicious pancake.
Thanks, Claire, for this great idea!
Laila clearly had a great time...
...and so did this table-ful.
Luke Smith (who had cooked many of the pancakes himself) dined alone...
...while the Milehams ate en famille.
| Bernard Crowther with his ukelele led us in a rousing singsong, including a song once banned by the BBC! Here is a selection of the many faces (and hats) of Bernard. (For the purists out there, he was playing not a ukelele but a banjolele, as indeed George Formby himself did.) | ^ Top ^ |
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| Martyn Jackson continued a long tradition of jumping over the pillar box in Beverley Road early on Christmas morning, after the Midnight communion service. | ^ Top ^ |
| Youngsters of St Mark’s put on a splendid Nativity play during the Morning service on 20th December. | ^ Top ^ |
| A dozen or so St Mark’s people went to Bilton, near Harrogate, to support Alister Mort (a previous vicar) at his licensing to St John’s and St Luke’s. | ^ Top ^ |
Most of the family were there (Jon wasn't able to be there).
Alister clearly enjoyed the occasion...
...and so did Christine.
Bishop James was on excellent form, leading the service with love and grace.
Note the elegant footwear...yellow wellies are in!! They are a Bilton tradition from Easter Holiday Club, the 'Smelly Yellow Wellie Club'.
| Our Taize service was well attended. Marie led the service, Alison Kelly danced and Paul Manuel spoke. The table was decorated, needless to say, by Marie! | ^ Top ^ |
Marie who led and Paul who spoke at the service.
Marie added her artistic touch to proceedings.
| Nikki surpassed herself in producing a wonderful early Christmas (or was it Advent?) lunch for a packed Hall. | ^ Top ^ |
Frank and Joyce Lovell enjoying a good lunch.
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Poinsettias on every table - a fitting Christmas flower.
| Laila brought her parents, Carina and Emanuel, together with family and friends, to St Mark’s for her baptism. Then in the afternoon she threw a party! | ^ Top ^ |
Emanuel and Carina are the proud parents...
...at Laila's baptism.
Emanuel's dad, a pastor, gave a speech (more a mini-sermon) in the afternoon...
...to which the audience paid full attention...
...including Andrea and Marion.
Susan's cake was much admired...
...and cut with due ceremony.
Family were there...
...and godparents too...
...but it all got too much for Laila.
| Around 60 people enjoyed an evening of starters, puds and silly games raising funds to help young Stefan. Ken, his orthopaedic surgeon, showed slides and video clips and brought us up to date with Stefan’s progress – which is remarkable! Thank you, Margaret, John and Lisa! | ^ Top ^ |
The all-female table grapples with one of the quizzes
...and another team seems happier with its answers.
Orthopaedic surgeon Ken McCrea and his wife Deborah
Margaret Denning and daughter Lisa working hard in the kitchen
 Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking... |
 Jane Wigman is a 'sucker' for a silly game |
Ken's audience is very attentive,
| The PCC spent a useful day in Budbrooke re-examining St Mark’s vision and mission. | ^ Top ^ |
| Superheroes a-plenty at our Light Party. | ^ Top ^ |
Mark Wardle waving a magic - er - hand
A Super time was had by all.
| The craft group displayed their wares for sale in aid of the Salvation Army. £712 was raised for their Homeless Action Project – thank you very much! | ^ Top ^ |
A good crowd turned up for coffee and bargains.
Susan looks for Christmas presents on Howard's stall.
June, Sheila and Beryl look out for customers.
Sidney and June look as if they have found something...
...and Paul the vicar has found a useful wine rack.
| St Mark’s Ramblers spent a weekend on the Brecon Beacons. Comments (collected by Nikki) and photos (taken by Maasai) tell it all! | ^ Top ^ |
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New faces...Sunny weather...Beautiful views
Look down on the clouds...Peace...Encouragement
Ravens...Herons...Salmon
Directions from the tractor man...Bright orange 2CV between mountains!
Stars littering the sky...Best view in the world
Really busy at the top...Tea and cakes at the end of the walks
We plough the fields and scatter...Togetherness...Peace
| Farewell lunch for Brian and Faye Carson, Sunday 25th October. Brian and Faye served with Crosslinks in Nakuru, Kenya, for many years. Read their farewell letter here. | ^ Top ^ |
Brian and Faye Carson are heading for retirement (?) in Somerset
 Maasai had devised an African menu...
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 ...complete with African tablecloths.
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Over 70 people came to give Brian and Faye a good send-off.
Laura and Miriam were among a number of younger diners.
Martyn serves a very attentive queue with more pork and bean stew.
Joan and Kath seem to be enjoying it...
...so do the Robinson family...
...and Pam and Mark, too.
Lillian and Wilf happily cleared their plates...
...June and Diana wait eagerly for dessert...
...while the Searles look for coffee...
...and Maasai and Ellie enjoy a joke.
| Milverton school celebrated Harvest in spectacular fashion throughout a whole week. | ^ Top ^ |
| Maasai Mbugua, Careforce worker, joins the team. Click to see a short clip of Maasai being welcomed by Revd Paul Manuel at a morning service. | ^ Top ^ |
| Bob Clucas is licensed to Napton | ^ Top ^ |
Michael Greig, Bishop Christopher and a smiling Bob.
We counted at least 14 from St Mark's...
...including ex-St-Mark's Christine Bailey who now lives nearby.
Clearly someone got bored during the service...
| Golden celebrations | ^ Top ^ |
The happy couple...
...50 years on.
All ages were welcomed at St Mark's...
...visitors and regulars alike.
...and everyone enjoyed themselves.
| St Mark’s turns 130 (photos by Jeremy Clack and Barry Poultney) | ^ Top ^ |
Hands-on in the bell tower on Saturday
The views from the top of the tower were spectacular
View above the church ceiling - light at the end of the tunnel?
Lots of people came into church over the weekend
Warwickshire Youth Chorale entertained at the concert on Saturday evening
Ruth and Ann shared a piano for more entertainment
Ann Parsons was the organiser of the weekend - thank you, Ann!
The Sunday outside-inside 'Open-air' service
Children display their work
Brookhurst school artwork
Milverton school artwork
One of the many wonderful floral displays
The music group
Nearly there on the Bungee Eliminator...
Face painting was popular...with some...
Hope this rope doesn't stretch...
Anyone for roast hog? Yes please!
...and strawberries for pud.
| Becky Welch is Ordained Deacon | ^ Top ^
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Bishop and banners
Becky in the procession
Crowds beneath the Piper Baptistry window
Alister and Christine Mort
Becky, Deacon!
Becky with her parents
Becky with her brother and his wife
Bishop Christopher
Becky with her new boss at the Cathedral, Rev Canon Tim Pullen
The Bishop with Roger Spiller
Friends and family gather in Becky's garden
Wonderful weather for a picnic!
Rev Penny Frank and Janet Heald
Ben Munday
Susan had made a special chocolate cake for the occasion...
...which Becky cut and distributed
| Ellie Clack is Ordained Priest |
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Ellie looking pleased after being priested
Ellie talking to Barry and Beryl
More than 50 went from St Mark's
Janet and Hannah
Bishop John
Paul and Helen Manuel with Becky Welch
| Snowdodgers’ Homecoming Ball |
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The Snowdodgers are back from the Arctic Circle! To celebrate (and of course to raise more money for Moldovan Ministries) a Grand Ball was held in the hall. Have you ever seen so many James Bond lookalikes??
The hall as you've never seen it
| Deanery Confirmation Service |
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The Deanery Confirmation service was held at St Mark’s on Saturday 30th May.
| Archdeacon Michael Paget-Wilkes bows out |
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| Hot Topic with Rev Canon Christopher Lamb |
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 Rev Christopher Lamb
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We were glad to welcome Revd Christopher Lamb to our Hot Topic Café on May 10th. Christopher has spent time in Israel Palestine recently as a member of EAPPI (Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel), and he shared some of his insights.
He promised to pass on relevant web addresses for those who want to explore further. In a recent email he included these links: |
For EAPPI: www.quaker.org.uk/eappi and the World Council of Churches’ site: www.eappi.org
For Israeli news: www.haaretzdaily.com
On Palestine: www.passia.org (maps, facts and figures etc)
United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs: www.ochaopt.org (regular details of health, security etc)
Israeli human rights organisation: www.btselem.org
| Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2009 |
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The Annual Parish Meeting was held on April 26th over lunch. The photos give a flavour of the day.
A good turnout for the meeting with lunch
Paul the vicar gets things under way
Tony the treasurer explains all
 David C talks fabric...
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 ...while David W synodises...
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Sarah and Margaret work hard in the kitchen...
...and everyone enjoys a hearty meal.
| Wii Tournament |
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The ‘Wii Tournament’ on Saturday 7th March was a great success, both for families (in the afternoon) and (supposedly) grown-ups in the evening. The photos tell their own story of concentration, of ‘meeting with triumph and disaster’ and of chocolate.
Focus!
Ellie and Lydia also focused
Success in the afternoon
Jamie, Jamie and James (really!) enjoy the game while Claire watches
Jonathan, demon bowler
The afternoon winning team of 4 - er...
Susan heroically produced food and drinks all afternoon and evening
Tennis as she is played
Penny and Andy show how it's done
 Is this golf??
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 Amanda on strike!
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Dan and Jeremy consult the rule book
Golf pros Andy and Chris
The yoof
The evening winners share the spoils
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