You will notice a new addition to the right hand column of our blog which shows some of the traffic coming into our site from outside the area or through other websites.     This is just a trial, as we have not yet made up our minds whether or not to keep this widget as a permanent feature.    Please let us know what you think.

OUR NEW HEAD DESCRIBES HER CAREER

 

We asked Mrs Kirstie Richards to tell us more about herself.   This is her reply:
I was originally a secondary history teacher at Hamble Secondary School and thoroughly enjoyed this as history is my passion.  The reason I moved to primary teaching was because I decided to find out how to teach children to read and write as there were a number of children who could not do this when they reached secondary education.  
I made the move in 2001 and taught at Weston Park Infant School in Southampton where I realised I loved teaching children to read and write.  
I then moved to Springhill Catholic Primary School in Southampton where I taught for a couple of years until I became Deputy at North Baddesley Infant School.  
I stayed at North Baddesley for 5 years and I am now really excited about the opportunity to lead Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School.  It is a beautiful school with lovely children and a wonderful, supportive and hard working staff team.  
 We wish all success to Kirstie Richards and the staff of Our Lady and St Joseph School.

INTOUCH STATS SHOCK BASIC BANK AGM

At the Annual General Meeting of Basics Bank last Thursday it was reported that during the past year over 820 emergency parcels of food and other essential items were distributed in this area to support around 1800 individuals, many of whom were children.  Despite the generosity of those who regularly donate food items through the baskets in church porches, a further £150 has to be spent each week on basic goods to make up the shortfall.

During the meeting delegates were given a forthright address by Lynn Lyons, the Director of the New Forest and Eastliegh sections of the housing charity Intouch, who can be seen on the right of the photo above wearing a white jacket.   We feel that her talk was of such value and some of the particulars so disturbing that as soon as we have confirmation of her words we intend to publish details on a page headed "Homelessness" in the right hand column of our blog.

Deputy Mayor Jacqui England and Basics Bank Chairman Phil Wiseman discuss ways of advancing the profile of the organisation, which relies entirely on the generosity of donors for the tins of food and other items which are distributed to those in need, and for money to purchase essential things which have not been donated.

Here are three Basics Banks stalwarts who between them have served the organisation for a considerable number of years. Peter Haslett (centre), who now wishes to retire from the post of treasurer, is hoping that a retired accountant or other person with appropriate experience would be prepared to take over this very rewarding role working among a team of cheerful volunteers. Al and Jo Gourley will continue to be part of the team but have now decided to leave the Committee. We are very grateful to all of them for the time they have given to helping needy people through their work for Basics Bank. 

SPIRITUALITY - AN INSPIRING EVENING

 On Tuesday evening, almost forty parishioners from New Forest parishes attended the third of the four "Rejoice in Hope" series, this time on Spirituality, addressed by Mary Dunn. She showed how, as Christians become more mature, they may rely less on routine religious practices, yet develop an increasingly close spiritual relationship with God.  She explored the effect of this on our way of praying, of the relevance of Feminist Spirituality, of the Green movement and of other influences such as Buddhism, and concluded with a plea for an appreciation of the value of everyday experience, through which we continually discover the true Word of God in Jesus. The unusually warm applause at the end of her talk showed our appreciation of a fascinating and inspiring evening.

OUR CWL CELEBRATES ITS FORTIETH BIRTHDAY

                                                                                                                    photo by Barbara
On Wednesday there was a special Mass concelebrated by Fr Danny and 
Fr Gerrit to mark the forty years since the Catholic Women's League was established in our Parish.

                                                                                                                    photo by Barbara
This was followed by a splendid meal at Stanwells, with all the ladies looking simply gorgeous. 

                                                                                                                    photo by Barbara
Doreen certainly deserves that hug. She is 98 and has been a CWL member since she was 18. Is 80 years the longest anyone has been in the CWL? 

WE'RE BARBECUEING IN THE RAIN!

                                                                                                                          photo by Michael
Last Sunday St Anne's defied the showers and held a barbeque in the Church grounds.    And St Anne's have also provided us with a new photographer.    This superb action shot, taken as the "sides" table was about to be placed in position, speaks for itself.   No words are necessary. Welcome to the team, Michael!    This is the kind of photo that will make our blog stand out from the crowd.

 It takes more than a few showers to discourage the parishioners of St Anne's. The barbecue was well supported by Brockenhurst residents, young and old alike.

                                                                                                      photo by Michael
So that's what they did with the "sides" table!    There's a fine selection of items on it to make a burger into a meal. 

 Although parishioners from Our Lady of Mercy had been invited, only a few of us braved the weather. We were soon rewarded by a break in the clouds, and a great welcome from our hosts.

After it was over - the clearing away. This is what happened when we asked some of those who were doing the washing up to allow us to take their photo!    (For one dreadful moment we thought that Helen was going to hand us the tea towel!)     Who does that cheeky face in the background belong to?

A DAY AT WESTMINSTER WITH JAMES FINLEY

 
                                                                                                                photo by Cathy
Parishioners from Our Lady of Mercy have spent the day at Westminster Cathedral  with Doctor James Finley as he traces the way followed by the mystics through the narrow gate.   After such a day of spiritual enlightenment Nicky, Frances, Peter, Clare and Margaret are now looking forward to some material refreshment, but it looks as though Fr Danny can't wait any longer and is starting to chew up the glass screen. Perhaps he's sharpening his teeth in preparation for the outcry when he announces the new weekend Mass times! 

                                                                                                             photo by Cathy
During the day, Fr Danny had a chance to chat with Dr Finley.   What was his comment - Wow! 

ST ANNE'S VISIT TO RELIQUARY EXHIBITION

                                                                                                           photo by Michael
What a photo! A real classic, this time - splendidly posed and located. It certainly deserves a place in the parish Al-bum!     Does it need any explanation?   Of course not!    Sack the caption-writer!      And many thanks to all five of you for  allowing this super shot to be published.     Let's have more photos like these, please.      Send them to blog@gensearch.co.uk  

PARISH STARLET TO APPEAR IN NUTCRACKER

The English Youth Ballet are coming (with a cast of 100 dancers) to the King's Theatre, Portsmouth on Tuesday October 4th and Wednesday October 5th (including matinée) for three performances of Nutcracker. Our very own Holly will be getting time off from school to take part. Her Mum Tina says:
"Holly has a solo part as the Ice Queen's attendant and is also dancing as an Arabian in the Arabian dance!! She is a little frightened as it has just been announced that she is the official understudy for Clara - the lead girl!! Let us pray that Clara remains fit and healthy and able to dance!"
 To find out more go to "Pages" near the top of the right hand column of this blog (the page headed "Nutcracker").   There you will find more about the work done by English Youth Ballet, a summary of the story of Nutcracker, and reviews of the show.    There is also a link to the EYB website plus a link to enable you to check times and prices and to order tickets online.

THE AFRICAN MISSIONS NEED OUR PRAYERS

The celebrant of this weekend's Masses at Our Lady of Mercy was Fr Bob Morland SMA (the Society of African Missions.) He works in Nigeria, and to illustrate the value of the work the Society do, told us the story of an African parishioner who, although he had converted to Christianity, was not allowed to become a communicant member of the Church because he had four wives. Yet he suceeded in persuading all his many children and their families to convert to Catholicism, and after his death his wives were also received into the Church. 
The SMA currently serve in seventeen African countries, and Fr Bob appealed to us not only to support them financially, but even more especially through our prayers.

NEW SLIMLINE PPC ASSESSES PARISH NEEDS

Hardly had the ink dried on last week's pastoral note from the Bishop when a meeting was called of the Lymington members of the parish pastoral council. The impact of the changes which will occur as a result of the absence of Fr Danny from the parish during the current transitional period was discussed, and detailed proposals made to ensure that the parish continues to thrive in every area of its activity and growth. These proposals will be put to Fr Danny, who could not be at this meeting as he was attending a parish meeting in New Milton.

CHRIS WALKER JAZZ TO STAR AT CUF DINNER

                                                                                                                         photo by Rini 
Radio Personality Chris Walker and his Jazz Quartet will play at the Children of the Universe Foundation fund-raising dinner at the Walhampton Arms on Friday October 14th at 7pm. There will be an auction and a raffle, and all proceeds will go to help the CUF continue its excellent work for some of the most underprivileged children in South Africa. Tickets at £25 each are obtainable from Keith or Rini Stutterford (01590 675386).

SURELY NOT ANOTHER NINETIETH BIRTHDAY!

Once again parishioners attending the Sunday morning Mass at Our Lady of Mercy enjoy birthday cake with their coffee afterwards in the Parish rooms. Fr Danny, having presented Mary with her well-deserved Papal Blessing after Mass, joined her table to help the rest of us quietly celebrate her ninety years dedicated to the service of God.  

REJOICE IN HOPE AT OUR LADY OF LOURDES

On Tuesday evening Nicky Stevens was the speaker at the first of four weekly talks to help us update our Catholic thinking. This week's subject was "Scripture and Jesus", and the talk was attended by about thirty parishioners from the parishes of the New Forest Pastoral Area.

THE NATIVITY OF OUR BLESSED LADY

                                                                                                           www.turnbacktogod.com
This exhilarating painting attempts to depict the tremendous excitement in Heaven as God's plan for the redemption of mankind is brought a step nearer by the birth of the immaculately conceived baby Mary, which we celebrate on September 8th. (We haven't yet been able to identify the artist, but we shall be patient, confident that one of our readers will use the "comments" button below to enlighten us.)

A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST FOR BABY LUKE

Here are proud parents Helen and Matthew Ruane holding little Luke Alexander up in front of the door of the Church of Our Lady of Mercy shortly before his baptism here last Sunday. Through that sacrament he entered the gateway to life in the Spirit, and was marked with a seal that can never be broken. We rejoice for him and welcome him into our Parish!

CLARE READS THE DISAPPOINTING NEWS

This weekend a pastoral note from Bishop Crispian was read at Mass. It confirmed that Fr Gerrit would be retiring on September 30th, and that Fr Danny will then take on the duties of Parish Priest for New Milton and Milford as well as for Lymington and Brockenhurst. He will be arranging with the help of other priests to cover all current Sunday Masses until the end of October. Meanwhile the Vicar General Mgr Vincent Harvey will be working with the clergy and with us to find how best to make Sunday Mass available across the Pastoral Area and to ensure the provision of the best possible pastoral care for all of us from November 1st.

THIS IS MARY'S FIRST NINETIETH BIRTHDAY

  Mary's ninetieth birthday hadn't yet arrived. So she was taken by surprise when at Monday's meeting of the Friendship Club at Adele's house she was presented with a lovely cake made by Pat and a beautiful card from all her friends. She had obviously expected to have only one ninetieth birthday! But Veronica and Ellen and the rest of her friends don't mind how many she has!

A WARMER WINTER FOR THE PARISH CENTRE

A skilled glazier from the Bournemouth Glass and Glazing Company is silhouetted against the Lymington sky as he prepares to fit the high window in the south room of our Parish Centre with its double-glazed sealed unit.

This photo of the newly glazed windows in the north room show how carefully the two upper units have been crafted to replace the original windows. Our congratulations to the Property and Finance team for planning and seeing to the implementation of this work, which will result in warmer winter meetings and functions for all of us.

FIVE GIVE THUMBS UP FOR WYD IN MADRID

                                                                                     photo from Mike
Our five intrepid Pilgrims, Danielle, Mike, Jack, Jasmine and Amaia in Spain for the World Youth Day 2011 with our Holy Father Pope Benedict. It was unanimous that the trip was 'Awesome' and they tell us they are now frantically saving to go on the next WYD in two years time in South America!
                                                                                                                                report by Cathy

                                                                                                                    photo from Amaia
They enjoyed themselves as only young people can, despite the torrid temperatures and sudden thunderstorms. In the streets of Madrid it was like a continuous fiesta, and they soon made lots of new friends.
 

        This photo and lots more at http://www.flickr.com/photos/madrid011/sets/72157627313800567/ 
Here's another photo of them (don't worry if you can't pick them out!) among the more than a million young people from across the world who came for the celebration. It was the largest number of people ever gathered together in one place in Spain for any reason at all. 
 

A WARM WELCOME FOR OUR VISITORS

On Sunday we welcomed Fr Brian Taylor and his wife Hilary to the eleven o'clock Mass. They were on holiday in Lymington for a week, and Jo was one of the parishioners who met them and wished them well. Fr Taylor is the Parish Priest of St Edward the Confessor Church at Sutton Park, near Guildford, in the Arundel and Brighton Diocese. He and Fr Peter Ryan had worked together when they were both in the Anglican priesthood.  

REUNION MEAL FOR THE GREEK TRIPPERS

  

                                                                                                                     photo from Agnes
Most of the pilgrims who took part in the trip to Greece earlier this year met up last week for a re-union meal at Splinters Restaurant in Christchurch. Besides sharing their memories of the Pilgrimage they were well fed by 'Mine Hosts' Agnes and Paul Putt who own Splinters.
                                                                                                                               report by Cathy
    

A PAPAL BLESSING FOR PEGGY'S BIRTHDAY

At last Peggy, back in her own home and able to come to Church, can be presented with the Papal Blessing which she should have received on her ninetieth birthday. Unfortunately, despite the treatment she has received in hospital, she is still unable to hear very much, so we all have to shout when we are speaking to her. We do hope this problem will be sorted out for her soon (so do the neighbours!).