LOOK! IT'S COLIN'S BIRTHDAY!

Lily has come to wish Colin a happy birthday.   He is telling her about the party he is going to have.

Now Frances is lighting the candles on Colin's birthday cake.    Can you see how old he is?   (The big candles each stand for ten years.)

He's getting ready to blow now.   Will he be able to blow hard enough to make all the candles go out?   Yes!  He's going to blow them all out!

Now it's the end of the party, and all his friends are going.   So Colin gets lots of hugs.    What a lovely hug he's got from Mary.   He had a super party!

HANNAH HOME ON A SHORT VISIT

Although Hannah was born and brought up in this area, for several years she has been abroad studying, and has come back this summer to visit her Mum and Dad before she goes off to Algiers on the next stage of her university education.  She'll be living at the Diocesan Centre there, while she researches the history of science for her PhD.    We wish her every success, and hope that at some time in the future she may be able to spend more time in our parish.  
Our photo shows her standing by one of the prayer stations which have been prepared and placed on a window sill.    If you have any ideas for a window sill prayer station, or any thoughts about them, please click on "comment" below, and tell us what you think.

ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF .......

My name is Mollie.   I am a parish cat.  Perhaps some of you who have previously lived in a catless parish do not realise what an important job we parish cats do.    There are so many issues to be considered, so many vital choices to be made.   It is essential that a good deal of circumspect thought takes place before changes are established, to ensure that there has been a judicious assessment of  the options open to us.    Fortunately I have an excellent man who deals with all of this.  He takes on all the problems, does the thinking, the worrying and the planning, so that I am able to relax as a Lady of the House should, and delegate the decision-making to him.

ANOTHER WELCOME VISITOR FOR DORIS

Each week Freda visits Doris to give her Holy Communion and to have a chat afterwards.   Today we asked Doris to tell us a bit about her life here in Lymington.   She first arrived here with her husband Ernie when he was posted to Beaulieu with his squadron in 1945.   After the war they went into partnership with Robinsons in a shop where Barclays Bank is now, selling confectionery and tobacco.   Later the partners decided to split up, so Doris and Ernie sold sweets and chocolate at no.97 High Street until the business was sold, (it is now Truffles).    Doris is now widowed, 94 years old, still cheerfully looking after herself, and welcoming her grandchildren and all the other visitors who call to see her or do shopping for her.

CARING ABOUT THE CARERS

The Carers' Cafe used to take place in our own Parish Rooms, but now that the URC Church has been renovated, it is held there.   It is an opportunity for those lovely people who spend many hours of the week caring for elderly, infirm or sick relatives to meet for a couple of hours, to give each other support and to enjoy other peoples' company for a while.    It is organised by Lymington Churches Together and staffed by members of the Christian Churches of the area.   This week it was the turn of our Church, so Eileen and Ann are here to serve their first two customers.

WHY OUR LADY'S STATUE IS OVER HERE

As a result of changes made inside the Church last week the statue of Our Lady no longer stands on the left side by the window but is now placed so that she is shown facing towards the lectern and towards us.   At the lectern Tom is reading from the Holy Scriptures, the written Word of God.   The statue of Mary shows her holding Jesus, who is the Incarnate Word of God.  

CWL LUNCH HELPS MS SOCIETY

This year Margaret and Bernard invited the CWL for a charity lunch in their garden, hoping that there would be fine weather in the second week of August.   But unfortunately it rained.   So sixteen of us sat down to an enjoyable lunch inside their lovely home instead.

Here's Margaret again, and then (clockwise) Ann, Eileen, Patricia, Bernard, Nora and Margaret H.

To everybody's delight, Father Danny arrived between showers just in time to join us for lunch.

On this table there's June and Ramona nearest the camera with Wendy looking in, Deirdre and Maura.    Our thanks to Margaret and Bernard for a very enjoyable day, which raised £150 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

report and photos by Freda

LOOK - NO WHEELCHAIR!

photo by Gary Aldwinckle

Even a lifetime with cerebal palsy can have its uplifting moments!   Ros isn't skydiving for fun (though she admits she'd do it again if she had the chance) but for Orpheus, Richard Stilgoe's performing arts centre for young disabled people (click to watch a short video).

 photo by  Helen Spratley

Here she is safely down to earth again with her family who supported her and their two instructors.     If you would like to help Ros through her skydive to raise funds for Orpheus, click on her "Just Giving" page.   

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death last week of Colin Craig.   Colin was a convert to Catholicism, who sang in the Church choir and helped to design the historical exhibition on the walls of the Parish rooms.    We pray for his family, that they may be given the grace to bear their grief, and for Colin, that his soul may rest in peace. 

HE'S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE YET!

Your Parish Blog sees it as our duty to report all the facts as we know them.   Last week we told you that Fr Jamie had finally left our Parish.      We  know also that Fr Danny will be taking up the position of Parish Priest here at the beginning of September.    This, however, leaves us with several unanswered questions.  First, Why has there been a crowd of boisterous parishioners, not all of them observing an appropriately respectful demeanour, clustered around the presbytery office and kitchen each morning this week?   Secondly, why have certain items whose positions in our church had previously seemed to have been established by divine decree suddenly moved mysteriously from one place to another?   Third, why has our beloved old church suddenly become so tidy, our sanctuary so uncluttered, our porch so deprived of its customary jumble of detritus and debris?   Do not fret, dear parishioners.   Your intrepid blog will fearlessly investigate this mystery and will report back to you.    Just watch this space!

TWO MORE RELUCTANT HEROES

Had it been entirely up to them Laurence and Irene would probably have preferred not to be blogged this morning.   Nevertheless, under very gentle persuasion they agreed like good sports to become the 132nd and 133rd of us to have our photos on the blog.   This way we can all get to know each other a little better!

NOW WHAT HAPPENS ON WEDNESDAYS?

One group in our Parish which is really thriving is the Wednesday Word Group, which meets every Wednesday (well, it would, wouldn't it!) at 10.15am in the pink Parish Room, to think about and discuss the next Sunday's Gospel reading.   It's amazing how many relevant ideas spring out of one short passage, and how much more Sunday's Gospel means to us after it has been discussed a few days earlier.   Some of the group are shown here after this week's discussion was over.  In the foreground are Cathy and Agnes; behind them are Freda, Frances, Nora, John (and a bit of Peter!)

SUPER SEND-OFF FOR FR JAMIE

Adele, David and Mel were among the many parishioners who came to Fr Jamie's leaving party obviously expecting to enjoy a first-rate evening.   In the event it lived up to our highest expectations.   It was a huge pleasure and a real privilege to be present on such an enjoyable and important occasion in the annals of our parish.

A big vote of thanks from us all to Monica for her generous contribution towards the cost of the paella.   It was extremely tasty, and very popular.  We wish the Authentic Paella Company all success in their new venture.

Agnes and Peggy were looking their best, and behind them you can just see one of several tables that were weighed down with the good things that had been brought in by all our generous parish cookery experts.    Congratulations to Clare, Patricia, Pam, Jill, Gerry and Lisa for organizing such a superb party, and also to Peter and John G. and their helpers for their stalwart assistance in the clearing-up afterwards, and to everyone else who helped.

Delia, Joan and Audrey, along with us and all our guests, wish Fr Jamie success, good health and happiness at his new Parish in Abingdon.

Pat and Julia chatted over plates of buffet items, mostly home-cooked by parishioners.   Our thanks to everyone who produced so many mouthwatering items for us.   We couldn't begin to name everybody who contributed, but we must mention Pat herself who made and decorated the fabulous cake which provided the climax to the party.

Just look at this bevy of beauties!   Nikki, Ann and Lily were just sitting there waiting for some handsome fellow to come over and take their photo, weren't they!    So what a disappointment for them, wasn't it!

Margaret and Neil were doing their best to keep Mgr Peter in order.  He'll be away for a while during the summer relieving busy priests in different parts of the country so they can get a few days' holiday.

Paddy and Derek are just two of Fr Jamie's parishioners from Brockenhurst.   We were delighted to see so many of them here with us, and thank them for all their contributions.

Fr Danny came along to meet some of his future parishioners.   He left a deep impression on several of our youngsters, was so popular with the ladies that we couldn't get near enough to take a full photo, and has clearly won Jo's heart!

Now we know what happened to those two dummies that disappeared from Elliott's window last week!   And don't they make them so lifelike nowadays.     You could be forgiven for thinking that it was actually Freda and John S. standing there!

They're both out of the cooler now, and so are the men who are licking them!  Two former prison chaplains Fr Danny and Canon Peter escaped from the slammer for a few minutes freedom and a chance to get to know each other.   A big vote of thanks from them and from us to Jackie for her generous gift of delicious ice creams.

A poem of praise for a popular priest by our own poet Ros (see below), wins much applause, and the evident approval of Father and of Clare.    Bit hard on Jake, though.   It was his birthday  to-day.   At least they could have let him play for a few minutes with that lovely new computer on the table!

One tiny pocket camera can only snap a fraction of the crowd that was packed to the doorways all round the Fuller McLellan Hall.   They all came to show their respect and appreciation of our hugely popular Parish Priest as he thanked his parishioners for their support during his time here.

And the cake is cut.   It is difficult to believe that this is the end of Fr Jamie's seven years with us.   We have all appreciated the spiritual guidance and the support he has given us.    He has been able to relate so well to everyone in the parish, especially to the young and the elderly. With his good humour and his easy manner he has helped to unite the Parish, and he has ensured that both Lymington and Brockenhurst parishioners were able to receive the Sacraments regularly.   We shall miss him very much.   Here is Ros's tribute:

MUST YOU GO?

Of our dear Parish Priest, we hear

We are to be deprived,

Despite your seven years, it seems

You’ve only just arrived.

We’ve only just got used to you,

Oh, this is such a blow,

We’re on our knees and begging here,

Dear Jamie, must you go?

If we had our way, you’d stop here,

Without you we can’t cope,

We’ll protest to the Bishop and

The Cardinal, the Pope,

We’ll blockade the Cathedral,

Take the Vatican by storm,

What, move you on without our say!

Well, I call that bad form!

What do you know of your new place?

Is there a golf course there?

And if so, is it good enough?

Without one you’d go spare.

And has it got a football team.....

Hey, I’ve got an idea,

We’ll come with you to Abingdon,

And they can come down here.

If you stay, here we’ll buy you

The best golf clubs, solid gold,

A super silver hipflask, full,

In case the game gets cold.

We’ll throw in a new sports car,

And we’ll keep you in cigars,

We are not going to let you leave,

Because, you see, you’re ours!

Joking apart, we’re gutted,

And we don’t want you to go;

To put it bluntly, you’re the best,

And we’ll all miss you so.

I suppose we’d be in trouble

If we kept you here by force,

So we’ll pretend you’re coming back,

That you’re just on a course.

by  Ros Brundrett                           

AFRICAN KIDS WIN AT WALHAMPTON

Pam is greeted by Rini at the start of last Friday's dinner at the Walhampton Arms for the Children of the Universe Foundation.

Pam's husband Robert is welcomed by Keith. The funds raised by Keith and Rini have helped to extend and provide equipment for a school which educates South African children from poor families, who would otherwise be unable to afford a proper education.

Mary, John, Nicholas and Vanessa were among almost fifty guests, mainly from Lymington and Brockenhurst parishes, who enjoyed a good meal, competed in the auctions and took part in the raffle. Many of the guests won prizes, but the big winners were the South African children.

ABIGAIL COMES INTO THE CHURCH

The star of last Sunday's baptism ceremony was Abigail Patricia Myers, shown here with proud parents Claire and William.   We welcome her into our parish family, and wish her every blessing in the future.

WESLEYAN WALKOVER AT INTER-CHURCH QUIZ

The introduction of a star Milford player into our parish teams (Sarah, the editor of the New Forest Pastoral Area website, second from the right in the photo) failed to prevent a Methodist massacre at Saturday's Inter-Church Quiz, hosted by the URC.    Yet we did not allow defeat to depress us, as you can see from this picture of our teams.

Photo by Frances

A WELL-EARNED RETIREMENT

It’s a good few years since Paddy last mounted the scaffolding.    Then it was his hard work which saved the disintegrating interior brickwork of our Church from crumbling into piles of red dust.     Now his legs are not as good as they used to be, but his mind is as sharp as ever.   God bless, you, Paddy, for the many hours you put in to help us to keep our Church.

COFFEE MORNING AT BUCKLAND DENE

The biscuits were rather neglected when Clare, Ellen, Nora, Freda, Joan and Patricia came along to the coffee morning yesterday, but a remarkable level of interest was shown in the delicious homebaked cup cakes.

Meanwhile serious discussion was taking place on the table occupied by Tom, Peter, Fr Jamie, Lesley, John Stephenson and John Collins.      At least, that’s what appears to be happening! 

Our hostess, Tina, had produced the cakes, kept our coffee cups so well filled and made us all feel so much at home that we were reluctant to leave.

Tina's husband Adrian, snapped here as he was talking with Cathy, looks as though he is expecting to do the washing up later.    

photos by Frances

ON ITS WAY TO THE BANK

Each week the money collected at the weekend Masses is counted by two parishioners working together, according to a select roster.      This week it was the turn of Pat, shown here checking the envelopes, and Mary, who is totting up the coins.    Their task is easier this year because of the number of  people who now pay by standing order.

GOODBYE FATHER, WE SHALL MISS YOU

Sr Michelle thought it would be a lovely idea to give Fr Thomas Dunne a present because he is retiring to Romsey to be looked after by the nuns there.   He's taken by surprise.   What is it? he wants to know, and he's not too sure about accepting it.   It's probably a jack-in-the-box, Father.    (He roars with laughter when we pull his leg.)    He was ordained thirty-seven years ago, after many years as a teacher.   Since then he has served as a priest in this diocese, most recently in Milford.   The nuns at Romsey will love having him.   Very best wishes to you, Father, from all of us.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

We know that, during Mass, Christ is made really present among us: Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity by the action of the Holy Spirit through His ordained priest during the consecration of the hosts. At the start of Adoration, Our Lord, who is truly present in the Consecrated Host (the Blessed Sacrament) is exposed in a Monstrance and placed on the altar for public adoration and worship.  We consider it a great privilege and blessing to be able to adore the Blessed Sacrament.  Obviously Our Lord must never be left exposed in the Monstrance without anyone in attendance. Adoration takes place in our Church on the first Tuesday of every month from 10am till 11am. Can you spare a few minutes once a month to be in the presence of Our Blessed Lord?

photo by Cathy

C.W.L. HOSTS ECUMENICAL PARTY

On Tuesday the C.W.L. held their annual strawberry tea in Eileen's lovely garden, and as usual invited lady members of other Christian denominations to join them.   This year the charity which benefitted from their generosity was "Help for Heroes".

It happened to be June's birthday, so Margaret wasn't the only person wishing her well that day.

photos by Barbara

YOU DON'T HAVE TO DRINK COFFEE!

When you come in to the Parish Rooms after morning Mass on Saturday or Sunday, you aren't obliged to drink coffee.  You don't have to have anything!   Today Nikki has decided not to partake, Ellen has a cup of tea  and as for Veronica, ignore that classic dessert wine glass, for it contains only cool, clear water.   50p the lot!   And all the really good chat you could wish for!   Where else would you get value like that?

SUN AND FUN AT THE PTA FETE

Liz and Peter Tunney taking the money at the entrance - at least Peter has found some shade from the sun.

Nekita Young and her boys are trying their hand at Plate Decorating with Lyndsey Farwell giving some helpful advice.

Lisa Thurston with Teacher Linda Rodway manning the fresh produce stall - Luke Thurston hiding behind Mrs Rodway. 

Our Irish Dance troupe being put through their paces by Dance Teacher Bernie Orr.

Headteacher Irene Craddick and Chair of Governors, David Thornicroft sneak a quick sit down toward the end of the PTA Fete.

All photos and reports by Cathy