April 2021 Heart of Eden The News Magazine of the '
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Heart of Eden The News Magazine of the ‘
St. Lawrence, Appleby and St. John, Murton-cum-
Hilton; St. James, Ormside; St. Peter, Great Asby;,
St. Cuthbert, Dufton; St. Margaret & St. James,
Long Marton; St. Cuthbert, Milburn; St. Columba,
April 2021
Warcop & St. Theobald, Musgrave; St. James, Temple
Sowerby; St. Michael, Kirkby Thore & St. Edmund
Also with additional information from Methodist We also bring information from the council, local
Churches at The Sands, Appleby, Great Asby, voluntary organisations, clubs and associations,
Warcop and Dufton with Knock & The Roman buses and trains, events at the villages of the
Catholic Church of Our Lady of Appleby Mid-Eden Valley, and we are partly supported
by the firms whose advertisements follow the
news items.
As I write this, something really odd has occurred. A sea shanty is at the top of UK music charts. I must admit, it has
been made more up to date but nevertheless it remains an old sea shanty called The Wellerman. The song first went
viral on the social media network TikTok, where this has been making the rounds for some time.
Why have so many people have taken a sudden interest in these fascinating songs? The sea shanty comes from a long
tradition of work songs, which are sung to motivate the workers as they labour collectively together to achieve what
they need so that they can eventually go home. For many of us, the longing has been quite the opposite over the last
year!
I think it is fair to say that while many of us have found ourselves stuck in our houses for the last year, we may hesitate
to call this existence ‘home.’ Home is more than a house to live in, but involves family life, the community around us
and the ways of life and rituals we participate in. When we travel away from home, it is not only the place that changes
but also our habits, ways of life and the people we commune with. Whether we work or go on holiday, we may find the
well-known saying come to mind: “It’s good to be home.”
What does home look like to you? Are your hopes and dreams there? Maybe the idea of home has been elusive for you for a much longer time
than the pandemic, or maybe this last year has provided an opportunity for you to discover something of a ‘home’ life. In the midst of waiting for
home, it may feel like we are singing that sea shanty to get us through the hard slog, not necessarily caused by the heavy work or distress, but
of not truly being home.
The beginning of this month marks the Crucifixion of Jesus and his Resurrection. These two moments are foundational moments of the Christian
faith, but we sometimes forget the time between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. In our creeds we profess that Christ descended to the dead.
In Jesus’ ministry he relates this to the story of Jonah in the belly of the big fish. This maybe the antithesis of home, going against the very essence
of our desires and God’s desire for us is. We find this place of death and destruction could not hold Christ, hence the resurrection. This seemingly
impossible event is fundamental to what the Christian believes because it offers us a way home.
The hope offered is of home fulfilled and perfected. The Christian vision of home involves people of all nations in their diversity united together
with God. This is not a home that should remain in our future, but a home that we are called to make known now. In whatever circumstances we
find ourselves in, we may hear the songs that long for home when we are not there, and celebrate when we see glimpses of the home we long
for in our midst. May we endeavour to make our home’s again.
Rev Andrew Sterling
Church Registers March
Funerals
May they rest in peace and rise in glory:
1st Jean Atkinson Appleby
3rd Pamela Thomas Appleby
5th Stephen Campbell Appleby
8th James Henry Chapelhow Appleby
11th Lydia Metcalfe Watson. Asby
The Christian name of the late Mrs. Slater, who was buried at Ormside in January, was Janet, but was
mistakenly printed in this newsletter as Januaryet. Sincere apologies are offered to her next of kin.
Church of England:
Rector: Rev. Dr. Clive Hicks � 017683 62436
Associate Priest: Revd Peter Boyles � 017683 54161
Retired Priest: Rev. Roger Collinson � 017683.52886
For (C of E) wedding bookings contact Joyce Keetley, Office Manager, email: applebymc@carlislediocese.org.uk
and for baptism bookings contact the Revd Peter Boyles email: peterboyles@hotmail.co.uk
Methodist Minister: Rev. Andrew Sterling: � 017683 51244
Roman Catholic Parish Priest (Our Lady of Appleby)Church Fr. Peter Houghton � 017683 51474
Advertising
We are not taking small ads, and the existing adverts will be run gratis for the duration
Other matter for inclusion (church or village news, etc.) Deadline 25th of the preceding month
We are very grateful for the generous donations made by various groups and individuals towards the running costs of
this Newsletter. We would welcome articles (and front cover photographs - the editor gets desperate for something
new) relevant to the time of year, book reviews, travel articles, etc. Please send them to the editor
(heart-of-eden-editor@hotmail.co.uk)
2
Newsletter Delivery approach it as some have in other Anglican
churches as an Agape shared meal. This is of
As delivery of this newsletter is strictly by the course the evening traditionally associated with the
editor’s list of email addresses, and as a link from Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples, and there
“A Church Near You” will be a short act of worship to reflect this.
(https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/12199/), Remember, usual sign-in for our gatherings, from
if you or anyone wishes to read it, please get in 6.45pm. Core time 7-8pm.
touch with the editor for a copy, or follow the link. Use this link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87323480671?pwd=TF
The Rev. Clive Hicks writes: pSRGpSOW1tTkpGTkxnV0dHZ1l1dz09
Through Lent many of us have been considering
the refreshed vision for Cumbria, across a wide I am planning a short reflection for Holy Saturday
range of churches. It is summed up in this logo. for 3rd April, which may be posted as a video on
Tread Gently refers to our care of creation and the usual Mission Community page, in addition to
many churches are already completing audits to everything else I shared with you already. It will be
see what more they can do to be recognised as based on the the Anastasis wall painting in the
Eco Churches. What has become clearer to me is Chora Church (museum) in Istanbul, which some
that during the next few months of transition beyond
of you may have seen.
the third Lockdown, we have opportunities,
especially to Care Deeply – for the mental health Pattern of C of E Services
and wellbeing of all in our area, by going deeper to The present intention is to put together a provisional
understand how healing is possible in the twentieth service plan for our churches for second half of
first century, and giving special attention to those
April, and then May, commencing 18th April.
who have suffered most – the isolated, the elderly,
those in caring professions, and of course children Maundy Thursday Livestream from the cathedral
and families. The freedoms which become possible
Bishop James has written to all clergy explaining that
with the vaccination programme are balanced by
the responsibility we all share in adhering to the this year’s Maundy Thursday
guidelines as they shift over the next ten weeks. service at Carlisle Cathedral
will be livestreamed due to
Our Anglican churches will be reviewing their risk
assessments, with many reopening from 18 April, COVID restrictions.
but others wishing to take a little longer. Details The service on Thursday 1
will be found elsewhere, including on the A Church April will be livestreamed via
Near You pages for each church. the Cathedral’s Facebook page from 11am and will
Many churches are grappling with loss of income also be available to watch later. A reminder that
from various streams, so we hope that both anyone can watch the livestream, even if you are not
members and communities will be supportive in the a Facebook user.
remaining months of 2021. Whilst there cannot be an open invitation to the
It is Holy Week, and Easter is coming this weekend. service, each Rural Dean – or a representative – has
As I have been sharing with some local schools the been asked to attend on behalf of their Deanery.
transition made by a caterpillar, to a chrysalis, to a Clergy have also been sent forms through which they
beautiful butterfly, is a very good way of considering can pre-order oils which will be blessed and provided
the journey Jesus makes – from life, to the tomb, in small containers. Rural Deans are asked to take
to resurrection – and Rev Peter Boyles and myself
the oils back to the deaneries and arrange their
are visiting each of our churches and communities
on Easter Day, praying for everyone, celebrating distribution. The order forms for the oils must be
the resurrection of Jesus Christ. emailed to Karen Nattrass at the Cathedral by 19
March.
It is hard to come to terms with the huge amount of
suffering for so many individuals and families Meanwhile, plans are being drawn up for a series of
through this past twelve months, but I hope all of livestreamed services from the Cathedral during Holy
us can rally and respond deeply, and gently, for our Week. Further details will be announced in the coming
next steps. Much is uncertain, anxieties may take weeks
time to be allayed, but I am seeing some small
Christopher Jenkin tells me that
signs that we are up for the challenge, if we stick
the Sonrise Service is cancelled
together.
again this year. There were
The Maundy Thursday Zoom gathering for our hopes that we could have a said
Benefice is meant to be similar in feel to the service in Orton Churchyard, but
gatherings we have had for the last eleven weeks, it was not considered possible.
but this time if you have (as a minimum) a bread God willing, next year!
roll and drink (wine, fruit juice, other) we will
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Ecumenical Online Services on Youtube St. Cuthbert, Dufton
(also see back page for actual C of E services in churches)
Churchwardens: Mrs. Gillian Bryan
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6iZVadGymIBC04aEE
OJryw ��51414
2nd - Good Friday, 2-3 Mrs. Shelagh Endres ��52855
Speaker: Bishop James, Diocese of Carlisle Secretary: Mrs. Louise Stewart
4th – Easter Sunday, from 7am
Leader: Stewart Fyfe
St. Michael, Kirkby Thore
Acts 10.34-43; Mark 16.1-8
11th – Easter II,from 7am Churchwardens: Margaret Davidson
Leader: Richard McGregor ��017683.61699
Acts 4.32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1.1-2.2; John 20.19-31 Maeve Moore
18th – Easter III, from 7am ��017683.62005
Leader: Kristy/Dan Pattimore Secretary: Liz Higginbottom
Acts 3.12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3.1-7; Luke 24.36b-48 ��017683.62910
25th – Easter IV SS. Margaret & James, Long Marton
Leader: Fran Parkinson
Churchwardens: Mrs. Josie Cannon
Acts 4.5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3.16-24; John 10.11-18
��017683.51386
St. Lawrence, Appleby
(Acting) Mr. Lutaf Greenshaw
Churchwardens: Jean Hutchison
��07802254982
Jo Ayres (�52017)
Secretary: Jo Ayres St. Cuthbert, Milburn
2021 Plant Sale in the Cloisters & Churchwardens: Mrs. E. Godfrey ��
Churchyard
61007
Friday 28th and Saturday 29th May from 9 am - until they are
sold(!). Proceeds for church funds. Mr. Leigh Harding
��0333.014.3944
If possible, please bring your plants to the churchyard on
Thursday 27th in the morning. Secretary: Christine Braithwaite
It would be helpful if the pots were labelled with the variety & St. John, Murton cum Hilton
colour.
Churchwarden: Jean Hutchison )
Perennials, annuals, bulbs, indoor plants, everything
welcome. Do come along and buy something different. Secretary: Jo Ayres ��52017
Information 017683 52017. We can collect if need be.
(Social distancing & face coverings to be observed
St. Edmund, Newbiggin
St. Peter, Asby
Churchwardens:
Churchwarden: Mrs. P. Bevan
� 53433 Mrs. M P. Sawrey-Cookson
Secretary: Karen Royle
��61574
� 07966.371044 Mrs. Marsh ��51098
Easter Sunday 4th April: 11.00 am a St. James the Less, Ormside
short, lay-led, socially-distanced service
will take place at St Peter's Church lychgate (whatever the Churchwarden: Margaret Parry
weather!)
Secretary: Richard Parry
…and from 4th April St. Peter's Church will be open for private
prayer on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm until we resume both �51043
regular Sunday services; and on Wednesdays from 2-4 pm
Good Friday 2nd April 2 - 3pm: Quiet
Time
Easter Sunday 4th April 10am: Holy
Communion
4
St. James , Temple Sowerby
Churchwardens: Anne Farmer News from the Area
Angela Cleasby
Reading Help Needed at Appleby
Secretary: Helen Morgan Primary School
St. Theobald, Musgrave the rector, Clive Hicks, writes:
Laura at Appleby Emergency Response Group
Churchwarden: Hannah Fox (AERG) has been speaking with the Head Teacher
Hannah.Fox17@outlook.com at Appleby Primary School, David Spruce, and he has
asked her to forward the following message, which I
am sharing, with her permission:
St. Columba, Warcop “Whilst teachers work hard to make up for lost time in
school, we cannot do this alone. So, at this
Churchwarden: Joyce Keetley extraordinary time, we are asking for your help to
keetleyjd@sky.com provide extraordinary opportunities for our young
people to grow and develop both inside and outside
the classroom. We hope this is where we can benefit
Our Sister Churches from the support of the Appleby community. We know
there is a remarkable range of skills, experience, and
Methodist Church resources amongst our community and we are asking
Rev. Andrew Sterling �51244 members of our community to reach into the school
to lend us a little of this expertise. We would like to
General Enquiries Linda Taylor hear from anyone who, in the context of providing a
(53448) stimulating, fun and creative experience for children
attending Appleby Primary school, can see a way in
which they can help.
Kirkby Stephen, Appleby & Tebay Methodist “One area where a little time can make a significant
difference, is through supporting children’s reading.
Circuit
Recent research by the Education Endowment
There will be 6:30 p.m. Connexion services held Foundation highlights the significant impact on
online in April on the evening of the second reading development resulting from the absence of
Sunday in the month, and in May on the first face-to-face education over the last twelve months.
Sunday of the month with coffee chat rooms Our assessments of pupil progress during this period
afterwards. The Zoom details for these will be demonstrates that this trend is reflected in many of
our pupils at Appleby Primary School. With this in
sent out by an email link nearer the time.
mind, we have directed a significant proportion of our
Anyone interested can email Andrew Sterling for resources on addressing this quickly and effectively.
However, whilst focussed intervention and developing
a link if they do not already have one
the ways in which we teach reading will make a
(andrew.sterling@methodist.org.uk) difference in the coming weeks and months, there is
no substitute for the opportunity for children to read
Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of regularly to an adult. With this in mind, we are hoping
Appleby, to recruit a group of willing volunteers who might be
Gartheads Road, Appleby able to contribute an hour or so of their time each
week to hear children read. This group of “Reading
Fr. Peter Houghton �51474 Role-Models” will have the ability to make a significant
difference to our children and we hope that you might
be able to help us to identify some willing volunteers.”
Still closed until further notice If anyone is interested in becoming a reading role
model and would like more information etc then
please let me know and I can put you in touch with
…and last but not least the right person in the school.
St. Anne’s Hospital (Boroughgate Do let me know if you think you might be able to offer
Almshouses) an hour a week. A great way to build connections
with the Primary School.
Closed until further notice
Clive Hicks (� 017683.62436)
5
Age UK - Carlisle and Eden over 850 individuals (170 of whom are young
For information just ring Pat Mchugh on Carers aged 5 to 18 years). We provide statutory
07958936694. carers’ assessments: information and signposting;
1 to 1 support; benefit information; newsletters,
Heart of Westmorland Bereavement support groups including after school clubs for
Support Group Young Carers; social events; training and activities.
For more information please contact: Kevin Contact us on 01768 890280 or
Robinson – 017683 51569 or Revd Sandy Pearl – enquiries@edencarers.co.uk Let us help you care.
01931 714564
Inner Wheel
Cancer Information and Support in Eden We have two manual wheelchairs for temporary
Regrettably, in view of the Coronavirus/lockdown use of local people. They are kept at my house, 15
situation, meetings are currently cancelled, but if Boroughgate, and can be borrowed for a nominal
anyone needs support and advice, support and deposit of £10. If the borrower cares to make a
advice is available from Rosie on � 017683 52263 donation to Inner Wheel Charities after the loan,
that would, of course, be welcomed.
Citizens Advice Carlisle & Eden
Citizens Advice Carlisle & Eden needs YOU! The My contact phone number is 017683 53324. Gillian
Citizens Advice service is looking for volunteers to Whiting, Secretary, Appleby Inner Wheel
train to be advice workers in the Eden area.
Meals on Wheels - Volunteers Needed
Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden ask volunteers
to give a regular one day a week over an extended We are looking for some volunteers to help deliver
period of time. We need volunteers to train as Meals on Wheels in the town of Appleby one
Advisers and also as Advice Assistants and lunchtime each month.
Business Support roles. Whilst specific
We are a friendly,flexible team who deliver a hot
qualifications or experience are not required, to
train for the role volunteers need to be good at meal and a pudding to clients on Mondays to
listening, have a good manner when talking to Fridays.
people, be open minded and non-judgmental and
We will arrange for your DBS (Disclosure and
enjoy helping people. It is also necessary to have
competent skills in using a computer. All volunteers Barring Service) forms to be completed, checked
are given free training appropriate to their role and issued and as long as you have a vehicle for
which might include how to assess people's needs, deliver you'll be 'good to go'.
either face-to-face or over the phone, and identify
Please contact Dot Anderton 52389, or Kath Martin
the most appropriate course of action. Volunteer
Expenses are paid. 51031.
If you are interested in volunteering, please send Sadly, we are not able to deliver meals presently, but
an email to volunteer-recruitment@ca-ce.org.uk please let us know if you are interested in helping.
with a daytime telephone number, or visit our
website www.ca-ce.org.uk and complete the form Upper Eden Food Bank
or call 03300 563037 to leave your details. With the situation as it is, Citizens Advice are now
Alternatively you can call in to our office at 2 asking that if you know of anyone, or you yourself
Sandgate, Penrith.
are now finding you can’t afford food, you can call
… or if you need to consult your MP… 0808 2082138 for free (open Mon to Fri 9am to
these are the details: 5pm). If needed, they would issue a reference
Christian Hilton / Office of Dr Neil Hudson number. This would all be treated in strict
MP / Penrith and The Border
confidence of course.
01768 484114
or email: Mail: christianb.hilton@parliament.uk All details can be found on the UEFB website….
or website: URL: www.neilhudson.org.uk upperedenfoodbank.org.uk or by calling 07596
690902
Eden Carers
Other UEFB contacts:
Do you care? If so Eden Carers may be able to help
website URL: www.ksaandtcircuit.org.uk
you. We are a charity providing free support to
Facebook upperedenfoodbank
unpaid Carers; throughout Eden, who look after a Email upperedenfoodbank@gmail.com �07596 690
family member, relative, friend or neighbour who 902
could not manage without their help. We support
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News from the TIC Moot Hall Repairs
Presently closed due to the pandemic, but can be Preparatory work has begun for the long-awaited
contacted on �017683.51177 Moot Hall repairs. When the construction work on
the Moot Hall is under way the Council website will
Penrith and District Red Squirrel post regular updates to keep residents informed of
Group how the repairs to this very important listed building
Your native red squirrels need you! Become a are progressing.
member of Penrith and District Red Squirrel Group Temporary Relocation of Services and Retail
for £20 a year. If you see a grey, red or sickly red For the duration of works on the Moot Hall, the
please ring Gary Murphy on 07974788434 Visit offices of the Town Clerk and the Tourist
our website at www.penrithredsquirrels.org.uk to Information Centre will move to the West Cloisters.
donate If you would like a talk for your club/group The contact number for both will remain the same:
we can arrange them. Coffee mornings and other 017683 51177. Although there is less space than
fundraising events would also help. Find us on in the Moot Hall, once the relaxation of lockdown
Facebook. permits re-opening, residents and visitors to
Appleby are assured of the same high standard of
service. The same is true of Blue Poppy, who have
Town Council temporarily moved to the former Mind premises in
High Sheriff’s Awards to Local Businesses Market Arcade .
Julie Barton, High Sheriff of Cumbria has Appleby Library
announced Business Innovation and Community Cumbria CC has announced the re-opening of the
Awards ‘to recognise the incredible ways Library in Low Wiend on 12 April. It will be
businesses across Cumbria have confronted the accessible to the public for browsing, borrowing and
challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic since March use of personal computers on Mondays and Fridays
2020.’ The Town Council congratulates Eden from 10am to 1230 and 1.30 to 4pm. Social
Heritage Archaeological Services of the White distancing requirements will limit capacity to four
House, Appleby and Fellside Flower Company of persons at any time, with two PCs available.
Long Marton on achieving Unique Special
Performance Certificates. Bus Talk
From Friends of Eden Valley
Appleby in Bloom Public Transport, using
Appleby Town Council are working with Appleby information from Cumbria County
Edibles and Karen Babayan for Appleby in Bloom Council.
2021. Karen is designing an Appleby In Bloom
logo and a colouring in sheet, Lucy will be co- Please remember that you must wear a face
covering (over nose and mouth) when using public
ordinating production of plants, seeds etc. with
transport, to give extra protection to the driver and
Cllrs Kate Wignall and Pamela Davidson
other passengers. Bus operators are also
supporting the project. Innovate Legal has made
implementing other measures including social
a generous donation, for which the Town Council
distancing and enhanced cleaning measures on
is most grateful.
buses, in line with Government guidance.
Local Government Reform
563 Appleby to Penrith (Mon - Fri) service
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local (Stagecoach)
Government is engaged in a public consultation The improved 563 timetable introduced on 4th
on four different models of ‘unitarisation’ of January by Stagecoach, is continuing to operate as
councils in Cumbria. It is open to both usual, including the service running throughout
organisations and individuals to express a view by school holidays.
searching online for ‘Cumbria Unitarisation’ and
Since the 4th January, from Monday to Friday, the
filling in and submitting the form. The postal first departure of the 563, departing from Appleby
address of the MHCLG is 2 Marsham Street, at 9.51 to Penrith, now goes via Brampton, Long
London SW1P 4DF. The closing date for Marton, Kirkby Thore Cherry Tree Garage and
submissions is 19 April 2021. Temple Sowerby. The last departure of the 563 from
Penrith at 13.30 and Bus Station at 13.40 follows
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the same route in reverse. The other 563 journeys
follow the A66 route with a detour to Temple
Appleby Clubs, etc.
Sowerby as previously. All journeys now start and Brownies
finish at Appleby Scattergate. If you are interested in joining
For details of the 563 timetable, go to
www.cumbria.gov.uk/buses Brownies in Appleby, please contact
New S6 Kirkby Stephen to Brough to Penrith
service Alison Taylor (Brown Owl) on 017683
Please note that the introduction of the S6 service
(to operate on Tuesdays), which was to have started 61241 squidgums@hotmail.com
on Tuesday 5 January, has been delayed until
further notice by Western Dales Bus because of the
national lockdown. Updated information on Lights…Camera…Appleby!
introduction of the service will be provided on Remote in Appleby is run by
www.cumbria.gov.uk/buses volunteers and is a not-for-profit
NB The 574 Kirkby Stephen to Appleby to Penrith organisation. Remote Cinema is a
(Tues) service was withdrawn by Cumbria Classic scheme funded by the Big Lottery and
Coaches at the end of December. offered to villages in Eden, by Eden
Arts and Cine North. Follow us on our
Community Transport
The Community Wheels service into/out of Appleby Facebook page: Appleby Remote
on Fridays is operating, including connecting with Cinema Scheme
the 563 bus to Penrith as normal, although capacity Sorry - no lights, no camera, no meal before the show
on the Community Wheels minibus is limited due to this month. Be patient - better times will come!
social distancing requirements. To join the
Community Wheels scheme or book a journey on
the minibus, phone Cumbria County Council on An update on this Newsletter
01228 226428. The Voluntary Social Car Scheme Before April 2020 we printed 2,800 copies of each
covering Appleby, Bolton, Temple Sowerby and edition of the Newsletter which were delivered free to
Milburn is operating with a limited number of drivers houses in Appleby
- if you would like to use this service, including to get and surrounding
to a Covid 19 vaccination appointment, please villages. When the
virus arrived, we had
contact Valerie Kendal on 017683 53159. For any
to stop deliveries.
other essential transport, phone Cumbria County Since then, an
Council on 0333 240 69 65 (option 5) or send email electronic version has
to integrated.transport@cumbria.gov.uk been available online.
The main cost for the
Appleby Edibles printing up to April
At Appleby Edibles we are excited 2020 was met by St.
to have the lease for the site near Lawrence’s church. The church can no longer afford
this cost.
the Heritage Centre almost ready
to sign, just a few details still to We now plan to relaunch the Newsletter from the June
amend. edition. In the new arrangement, the main way of
getting the Newsletter will be by using a special
On site, volunteers have cleared up website to access the electronic version. The
an entire skip of rubbish, and are Newsletter will continue to carry adverts – but their
well on the way to filling another. cost will be less than before. We also hope to receive
Thanks go to EDC for arranging financial help from organisations which use the
this. The site looks so much better already. Building Newsletter and from local charities.
raised beds is next. We plan to print a few copies. These will be available
for collection at local pick-up points in Appleby and the
We are still open 10am-12 on Tuesdays for casual surrounding villages - if those areas choose to
socially distanced drop in, or other times by subscribe to the Newsletter and collect their copies
arrangement. from Appleby.
Contact Lucy 07710405357, or Siân 07592172449, We will very shortly be writing to the advertisers, to local
or applebyedibles1@gmail.com organisations and charities, and to churches and other
8
possible pick-up points to explain the plan and give details Small Classified Ads.
of where to send the funds. Wanted - Part-time Family Help
We will review the newsletter plan and its finances at the
end of this year. Looking for an adaptable, cheerful and loving
person to help with regular housekeeping and ad
Can you help by collecting about 500 Newsletters from
the printers in Kirkby Stephen, bringing them to Appleby, hoc childcare.
splitting them into about 20 bundles, and leaving them in To start once life is more normal. Driver essential.
St. Lawrence’s for collection? If you can help, please
contact the editor. More info:
rowenaramsay@hotmail.com or 07711 4(worship
Villages in a Zoom society!)
99 644
One of my loyal readers writes:
“Regarding the village halls and community buildings in God in the Sciences
Cumbria, I attended a Zoom meeting today organised by This series is written by Dr Ruth M Bancewicz, who is Church
ACTion and they are trying to populate their community Engagement Director at The Faraday Institute for Science and
Religion in Cambridge. Ruth writes on the positive relationship
buildings directory, but with over 300 buildings sadly only between Science and Christian faith.
about 30 have so far put an entry on the directory....my
Science and Society: How Can We Approach New Ethical
question is: would any representative of a village hall be Issues?
interested in this?”
Science tells us how the world works, and technology offers
https://www.cumbriaaction.org.uk/resources/comm applications of that knowledge, but neither can tell us what we
ought to do. All scientific discoveries or new technologies can
unity-buildings-directory be used to either help or harm others. For example, a
smartphone can be used to stay in touch but also enables
On another matter, I had a communication recently from bullying.
the owners of the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald.
It is important to get past our initial reactions: the ‘yuk!’ or ‘wow!’
They are in the process of setting up a community news These feelings may well change once we learn more about the
network for the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald. The science and other factors behind a new development.
project would essentially entail a brief sentence or two Ethical thinking can be divided into three main categories. The
from all the 75 parish councils and meetings from across consequentialist approach is demonstrated in Proverbs, when
Wisdom calls young men to consider the outcome of their
Eden on a revolving fortnightly basis. That way people actions. Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialist ethic that tries
could see what is going to happen in their local area for to maximise the greatest good for the largest number of people
the coming week affected, but unchecked it leaves minorities out in the cold.
The intention is not to replace this newsletter, just to help Duty or law-based ethics start with intrinsic values, asking what
provide more regular information for people in our is the correct course of action, or our duty? These values might
community. be God-given, such as the ten commandments, or worked out
by human reason. It is possible, however, to do harm while
I should be obliged if you would let me know what you obeying the law, especially if someone asks ‘What can I get
think about publishing some of the information that (in away with?’ Also, what happens when rules collide? For
example, who should be treated first when resources are
normal times) would go into this newsletter on a wider limited?
basis.
Virtue ethics are about building character, growing in wisdom
Editor and the fruit of the Spirit. There are plenty of biblical principles
to guide virtuous living, such as the idea that we are ‘made in
Long Marton Village Institute the image of God’ which supports the value of every human life
(e.g., Genesis 1:26–27, Genesis 9:6, James 3:9–10), but the
My correspondent at LMVI tells me: right decision can vary depending on circumstances
As for our village hall, we are just about ready to welcome So how can we make ethical decisions about new technologies?
people back, guidelines and legalities permitting. It’s been The five Cs bring together a number of different types of ethical
thinking into a helpful framework for decision-making.
a long road and I’m sure many will be eager to get back
to meeting friends socially at coffee mornings, history ▪ Clarify the facts and key questions.
groups, lunch clubs, carpet bowls, foodie nights...the list ▪ Consider our choices: what could we achieve?
goes on....but we will make it clear when we are ready to ▪ Constraints: External - what must we do? ; Internal -
rock and roll once again!! how should we behave?
▪ Compare the pros and cons of each approach.
AGM date is provisionally set for 22nd June 2021; the
Charities’ Commission have granted extensions to the ▪ Choose what is best, with all parties in mind.
usual timescales. Again, this date will be confirmed nearer Finally, we have to recognise that the information available to
the time. Onwards and Upwards us will change over time, our knowledge of God and His word
will keep growing, and we cannot avoid making mistakes - so
our ethical decisions will need to be revisited and revised from
time to time.
9
Police Report
Volunteers needed
Following a recent complaint regarding speeding on Selecta DNA kits
Battlebarrow, we are asking if anyone would like to PCSOs in Eden have been busy handing out crime-
volunteer and start a volunteer speed watch group in busting Selecta DNA kits to local farmers in recent
Appleby.This is something that is happening in other weeks.You may have seen this advertised by the Police
towns and villages in Eden and is proving to be a great and Crime Commissioner in recent weeks, encouraging
success.It has been discussed before, but if anyone farmers to get in touch to request a free kit.Due to high
would like to know more information please make demand we now have given out our share of the
contact with your local PCSOs. kits.Selecta DNA is a type of forensic marking where a
unique code is embodied within the product that users
Concerns over anti-social driving
register to themselves. You can mark your property such
We've received two reports over the last month as quad bikes with the invisible paint. This way, if it is
regarding anti-social driving and groups of cars stolen and found by someone else, we can trace the
gatherings at Appleby Swimming Pool between property back as belonging to you.Warning posters and
8.30pm and 10pm.Also, concerns have been raised signs are also provided to be used as a deterrent.
regarding potential Covid breaches.Officers have If you would like more information on this product then
attended and no vehicles have been seen.Active please visit the Selecta DNA website:
patrols are taking place. www.selectadna.co.uk
Increase in scam calls
There appears to be an increase in scam calls, text and
emails at the moment. Advice from trading standards is
not to follow links sent on messages and check on the
official website or a known contact number for the
company. Cumbria Trading Standards posts information
regarding current scams and other issues on their
Local virtual drop-in sessions Facebook and Twitter pages. Please follow for up to date
info.
Our recent multi-agency online drop-in proved popular
- and now we are planning another one soon.Last Eden – Community Sergeant Amanda McKirdy
month we held the online virtual drop-in via the Eden Hi, I’m Amanda McKirdy and I'm the
Police Facebook page, alongside Eden District Eden sergeant with responsibility for
Council and Cumbria Trading Standards. Before the the Appleby, Kirkby Stephen and
pandemic, local PCSOs held regular drop-ins in the Alston areas - as well as lots of
Eden area giving the community an opportunity to villages in between.I joined Cumbria
raise any concerns in person. We are keen to ensure Constabulary in 2006 as a PCSO
that we continue to discuss any issues you have and and worked in Carlisle for two years
engage with you to offer support where needed before joining as a PC in 2009.I have
throughout the Covid-19 restrictions. The virtual worked in Eden since 2013, mainly
drop-in was a great opportunity to share a variety of as a response office and I have
information to help you keep safe. Issues to discuss worked Appleby Fair in various roles
in future could be parking, cold callers, speeding or for nine years.I have a good
knowledge of the challenges facing rural communities,
any other relevant topics.We are now planning the
as well as some strong links with partner agencies to help
next virtual drop in on April 1 from 6pm to 8pm. Please
us tackle the issues that affect our residents.I’m keen to
join us on the Eden Police Facebook here.Appleby get involved and work with colleagues both in this force
Rural / Shap – PCSO 5206 and across the county borders to target offenders, reduce
Quadbike thefts crime and help maintain a high quality of life for our local
communities.We have a really good team of PCSOs and
We are investigating a number of thefts of quad bikes officers in Eden and I look forward to getting out with
in Eden and Kirkby Stephen in the past month. them and meeting you.Eden Police want you to report all
Please make sure vehicles and machinery are secure anti-social
and continue to report any suspicious incidents or behaviour and crime
vehicles to police via 101.
Please report any incidents of crime or anti-social
A number of quads have now been recovered and behaviour to us, to help us keep Eden safe.
returned to their owners.
10St James the Least of All
The Rectory
St. James the Least of All
On the best way to run a church council meeting
My dear Nephew Darren
Thank you for inviting me to speak at your church council yesterday. I began to suspect that my theme of why Eusebius’s
dislike of Sabellianism led to his condemnation at the Council of Antioch in 324 was a little misjudged, when the only
question I was asked after my lecture was if Eusebius was on Facebook.
I never realised how much technology is needed these days just to discuss church matters. It seemed that everyone had
brought their laptop, so they could refer to all the diocesan briefing documents and reports that you mentioned. I’ve
been in the diocese 40 years and have never heard of most of those papers. But then I find it too easy to delete the
diocesan mailings, unread, with a click of my mouse.
Our church meetings are far more traditional. Since the church floor seems to have been carved out of permafrost, our
meetings circulate round members’ houses. This introduces a nice element of competition, as each host tries to outdo
the previous one in the baking of cakes. Meetings at Colonel Drinkwater’s – a more inappropriate name one cannot imagine
– are the shortest, since we are always promised wine once the meeting is over. It is remarkable how unanimity is achieved
on every subject within minutes, and nothing appears under “any other business”.
Mrs Eddington never troubles us with minutes, largely because she can rarely read the notes she takes. She just shares
with us whatever she can decipher at our next meeting. Last month, she accidentally brought her shopping list instead,
and so read that out. There followed a lively discussion on whether carrots from our local shop were better than those
at the supermarket. When it was found out she intended to use them in a venison casserole, endless recipes were keenly
debated.
We always leave our church meetings well fed, up to date with village gossip, and totally untroubled by any church council
business. And the lack of any minutes ensures that I can then make all the decisions myself, between meetings. I think
you will find our system has much to be commended.
Your loving uncle,
11…and two articles on the centenary of the PCC by more responsible
from: the Ven John Barton from: The Revd Peter Crumpler, a Church of England priest in St
Albans, Herts
It’s a hundred years since parish churches
gained the power to run their own affairs, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love
separately from what we now regard as local God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans
8:28
government.
When you next attend a PCC meeting, which is probably more likely
The religious affairs of a parish, as well as its to be by zoom than in person, you could say “Happy 100th Birthday!”
secular business had been controlled by a single to your colleagues. It is a hundred years since The Parochial Church
committee, which met in the church and was Councils (Powers) Measure 1921 which was an important stage in
the birth of PCCs.
known as the ‘Vestry’. Then, in 1894, Parish
Councils were formed to deal with secular During the First World War army chaplains found that many men who
matters; the Vestry continued to oversee church thought of themselves as church goers were ignorant of the basics of
religion. This led to a new interest in mission for the church. There
affairs until 1921, when Parochial Church were national days of prayer during the war and in 1915 there was a
Councils (PCC) were established. People still National Mission of Repentance and Hope. The public were more in
get confused by the two. the mood for victory than repentance. After the Armistice there was a
desire for change in the national church and this led to a discussion
Churchwardens have been around since the about the links with the state.
13th Century and legally ‘own’ the movable
There was a concern that Parliament was often slow to enact laws for
contents of the church. They are meant to the church and many people felt the national church should have more
maintain order in the church and churchyard, authority to govern itself. The setting up of Parochial Church Councils
with the assistance of their staves, if was part of that process. In the past a lot of local secular administration
necessary. In the event of serious disorder had been the responsibility of churchwardens in the vestry meetings.
Gradually their functions were passed to local councils. Most of their
today, a mobile phone might be a safer
remaining powers were transferred to PCCs by The Parochial Church
instrument, with staves reserved for ceremonial Councils (Powers) Measure 1921.
occasions! Churchwardens are now chosen by
The purpose behind these new councils was to give the laity a more
parishioners, though the Incumbent (ie Vicar or prominent role in parish life to go alongside the deaconry, diocesan
Rector) has a limited right of veto. and national councils which became the synods and have an important
role in church life. Some conservative clerics were concerned at this
Today, anyone on the Electoral Roll of the reform and felt that congregations would pick and choose clergy or
church (sorry, this is another confusion, for the object to a new incumbent chosen by a patron. The process of starting
secular Electoral Roll is entirely separate) can PCCs to share in decision making in parishes was widely accepted
attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, but a few older incumbents and those in more rural areas, failed to do
which elects the PCC. The Incumbent is an ex either out of reluctance or ignorance.
officio member, as are other licensed clergy and A leading churchman in the reform movement was William Temple
Churchwardens, members of the Deanery who became leader of the ‘Life and Liberty movement’ which hugely
influenced the move towards democratic government in the Church
Synod, plus any member of the Diocesan Synod of England. He was Bishop of Manchester in the 1920s, Archbishop
and General Synod who lives in the parish or is of York from 1929 to 1942 and Archbishop of Canterbury (1942-4).
on the Roll. The Incumbent chairs the PCC, He had been a secretary of the National Mission of Repentance and
which elects a Vice-Chair and appoints a Hope in 1916 and became chairman and joint leader with H. R. (Dick)
Standing Committee to transact business Sheppard of the Life and Liberty movement. 'We demand liberty for
between meetings. the Church of England' he declared at a meeting in July 1917. One
difficult issue was what level of commitment to church life enabled a
The purpose of a PCC, which must meet at least person to be eligible to serve on a church council. It was decided that
four times a year, is to consult together with the anyone on the electoral roll whether they attended services or
Incumbent “on matters of general concern and communion regularly could participate. The then Bishop of Oxford
resigned over the issue because he thought that councils must only
importance to the parish”, and that includes the
be made up of committed regular communicants.
“whole mission of the Church”. Did you know
The next Bishop of Oxford in his monthly diocesan magazine endorsed
that changes to the forms of service, or the
the principle of democracy and reassured people that it was a not
vesture or the minister, can only happen after negative step or would limit the powers of clergy or wardens. He
consultation? encouraged the congregations to consider how to use each other’s
gifts. In Aylesbury the idea of the new PCCs had been discussed as
Inevitably, money and building maintenance early as 1918. It was felt that they would support the clergy particularly
take up a lot of room on the Agenda, though we with financial issues.
all know they are less important than mission. It is strange to think that the proposal for clergy and congregation to
It’s a real challenge for every PCC member to work together for the benefit of the church could be controversial. The
pray for non-churchgoing parishioners and to birth of PCCs was a major step in the life of the church. I wonder what
find imaginative ways of introducing them to the next one hundred years will bring?
12April Crossword
ACROSS
8 ‘He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the —
’ (Isaiah 53:12) (13)
9 ‘When they had sung a hymn, they went — to the Mount of Olives
(Matthew 26:30) (3)
10 Comes between Galatians and Philippians (9)
11 ‘Your heart will — and swell with joy’ (Isaiah 60:5) (5)
13 Muslim holy month (7)
16 Ten ears (anag.) (7)
19 Under (poetic abbrev.) (5)
22 How Abram described himself to God when he complained that
his inheritance would pass to a servant (Genesis 15:2) (9)
24 ‘Go to the — , you sluggard’ (Proverbs 6:6) (3)
25 Debar from receiving Communion (13)
DOWN
1 My — for His Highest (Oswald Chambers’ best-known book) (6)
2 Festival of the resurrection (6)
3 ‘His sons will prepare for war and — a great army’ (Daniel 11:10)
(8)
4 ‘Let not the — string his bow’ (Jeremiah 51:3) (6)
5 Name of the River Thames in and around Oxford (4)
6 ‘From then on Judas watched for an opportunity — — him over’
(Matthew 26:16) (2,4)
7 ‘But Christ is faithful — — — over God’s house’ (Hebrews 3:6)
(2,1,3)
12 Long-handled implement used to till the soil (Isaiah 7:25) (3)
14 Order to which monks and nuns devote themselves (8)
15 Appropriate (Proverbs 15:23) (3)
16 I, uncle (anag.) (6)
17 ‘They gave him — — of broiled fish’ (Luke 24:42) (1,5)
18 ‘Weren’t there three men that we — — and threw into the fire?’
(Daniel 3:24) (4,2)
20 Mountain where Noah’s ark came to rest (Genesis 8:4) (6)
21 ‘Don’t you know that friendship with the world is — towards God?’
(James 4:4) (6)
23 Prominent architectural feature of large cathedrals such as St
13Easter Story Biscuits for young children
Prep. Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 day
Ingredients:
110 grams of pecan nuts
5 grams vinegar
3 egg whites
1 pinch salt
200 grams sugar
large plastic bag
wooden spoon
tape
Bible
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 150C
Place pecans in the plastic bag and let the children beat them
with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain
that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman
soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given
vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that
Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
23rd April: St George and Hiccup and the dragon Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it
and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents
Have you seen the film
How to Train your the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of
Dragon? It’s set in a our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
Viking village under
attack from dragons, So far the ingredients are not very appetising...
who steal livestock and
burn down houses. Add sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that
Hiccup, the village Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and
Chief’s son, invents a belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.
machine to capture
dragons. However, when he catches one of the most dangerous Beat with a mixer on high speed until stiff peaks are formed.
dragons, he cannot kill it, when he sees that the dragon is just as Explain that the colour white represents the purity in God's
frightened as he is. Through this friendship, the people and eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read
dragons eventually learn to live in harmony.
Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
This month we celebrate St George, the patron saint of England.
He is famous for slaying a dragon, a tradition which became Fold in broken nuts.
popular in the Middle Ages. Whether he killed an actual dragon
is open to question! However, we do know that the original Drop by teaspoons onto non-stick baking parchment-covered
George was a Roman soldier at the time of Emperor Diocletian. baking sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky
He refused to renounce his faith, as commanded by the Emperor,
tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
resulting in his death on 23 April 303 AD.
The contrast is clear: St George slayed the evil dragon, while Put the baking sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the
Hiccup refused to kill one. However, they also have something oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven
important in common. Both acted according to their conscience, door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew
defying the popular understanding of those around them and not 27:65-66.
worrying about the personal cost to themselves. St George was
martyred for standing up for his faith in Jesus before a pagan
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave them in
emperor, while Hiccup risked rejection by his father and village
because of his compassion.
the oven overnight. Jesus' followers felt despair when the
tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
Today, we are still called to stand for Christ against wrongs and
injustice in daily life, whatever the personal cost. However, we On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.
also need to be ready to look our enemies in the eye and meet Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are
their hostility with love and compassion. This is why we also
hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to
remember this month that Jesus died and rose again, so that we
find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
might have God’s power to do this in our lives.
14Easter morning, the ‘Other’ Mary
As the traditional Easter story
is rehearsed again this
month, you may notice that Maundy Thursday, time to wash feet
there is one name that
frequently occurs. It is that of
the ‘other’ Mary – not the Maundy Thursday is famous for two things. The first
mother of Jesus, but Mary of is one of the final acts that Jesus did before His death:
Magdalene, who stood by the washing of His own disciples’ feet (see John 13).
her at the cross and became Jesus washed His disciples’ feet for a purpose: “A new
the first person actually to command I give you: Love one another. As I have
meet the risen Christ. loved you, so you must love one another.” His
That’s quite a record for a woman who, the Gospels disciples were to love through service, not domination,
tell us, had been delivered by Jesus from ‘seven of one another.
devils’ – New Testament language for some dark and In Latin, the opening phrase of this sentence is
horrible affliction of body, mind or spirit. As a result, ‘mandatum novum do vobis’. The word ‘mundy’ is thus
her devotion to Him was total and her grief at His death a corruption of the Latin ‘mandatum’ (or command).
overwhelming. The ceremony of the ‘washing of the feet’ of members
In church history Mary Magdalene became the ‘fallen of the congregation came to be an important part of
woman’ a harlot who was rescued and forgiven by the liturgy (regular worship) of the medieval church,
Jesus but there is no evidence to prove she was a symbolising the humility of the clergy, in obedience to
‘fallen woman’ but the contrast is sublime, Mary the the example of Christ.
virgin mother, the symbol of purity. Mary Magdalene, But Thursday was also important because it was on
the scarlet woman who was saved and forgiven, the that night that Jesus first introduced the Lord’s Supper,
symbol of redemption. Surely, we all fall somewhere or what we nowadays call Holy Communion.
between those two extremes.
Jesus and His close friends had met in a secret upper
The dark cloud from which she was delivered may room to share the Passover meal together - for the
have been sexual, we are not told. What we do know
last time. And there Jesus transformed the Passover
is that the two Marys stood together at the cross, the
into the Lord’s Supper, saying, ‘this is my body’ and
Blessed Virgin and the woman rescued from who
‘this is my blood’ as He, the Lamb of God, prepared
knows what darkness and despair.
to die for the sins of the whole world. John’s gospel
The second great moment for her was as unexpected makes it clear that the Last Supper took place the
as it was momentous. She had gone with other women evening BEFORE the regular Passover meal, and that
to the tomb of Jesus and found it empty. An angelic later Jesus died at the same time that the Passover
figure told them that Jesus was not there, He had risen lambs were killed.
– and the others drifted off. But Mary stayed, reluctant
to leave it like that. She became aware of a man
nearby, whom she took to be the gardener. She
explained to him that the body of ‘her Lord’ had been 26th April: St. Mark, disciple, apostle, writer of
taken away and she didn’t know where to find Him. the second gospel (and shortest - the gospel for
The man simply said her name ‘Mary’ and she busy people!)
instantly realised it was Jesus. She made to hug Him, Mark, whose home in
but He told her not to touch Him because His Jerusalem became a
resurrection was not yet complete. She was, however, place of rest for Jesus
to go to the disciples and tell them she had met Him. and His 12 apostles, is
She did – but they wouldn’t believe her.
considered the
Her words – ‘I have seen the Lord’ – echo down the traditional author of the second gospel. He is also
centuries, the very beating heart of the Christian usually identified as the young man, described in Mark
gospel. 14:51, who followed Christ after his arrest and then
escaped capture by leaving his clothes behind.
Papias, in 130, said that in later years Mark became
Peter’s interpreter. If so, then this close friendship
would have been how Mark gathered so much
information about Jesus’ life. Peter referred to him
affectionately as his ‘son’.
Mark was also a companion to Paul on his journeys.
When Paul was held captive at Rome, Mark was with
him, helping him. Mark’s Gospel, most likely written in
1523rd April: St George of the Golden Legend
The Saint of an English Army before he was Patron Saint of England, St George may have been a soldier, but
he was no Englishman. Some stories say that he was an officer in the Roman army under Diocletian, who
refused to abandon his faith during the Terror, and was martyred at Lydda in Palestine about the year 300 AD
- supposedly 23rd April. Over the years St George became the example of a Christian fighting-man, a powerful
helper against evil powers affecting individual lives. He was the soldier-hero of the Middle Ages, of whom
remarkable deeds were reported.
In the Golden Legend of the 13th century, Jacobus de Voragine gave St George a handsome write-up. The
story runs thus:
One day, St George rode up to the heathen city of Sylene in Lybia, where he found the citizens in great distress.
A neighbouring dragon had forced them to surrender two sheep each day for its dinner, and when the sheep
gave out, two of their children; and now they were about to sacrifice the King’s daughter, dressed as if for her
wedding. St George encountered the little party by a stagnant lake, where the dragon lived, and persuaded
the sobbing Princess to tell him why she was so miserable. At that moment the dragon appeared, looking
inexpressibly revolting. St George charged forwards and drove his spear into the dragon’s gaping mouth. To
everyone’s amazement, he tumbled the monster over and over.
Then St George borrowed the Princess’s girdle, tied it round the dragon’s neck, and persuaded her to lead it
back to Sylene herself. The sight of her approaching with the befuddled dragon on its makeshift lead emptied
the town. When the inhabitants timidly crept back, St George promised to behead the dragon if they would all
believe in Jesus Christ and be baptised.
It was a most effective form of evangelism, for everybody said ‘yes’ at once. So, 15,000 people were baptised,
and four carts were commissioned to remove the dragon’s body.
St George thus became a symbol of the war against evil, and he is usually portrayed trampling the dragon of
sin under his horse’s hoofs. The Crusaders had a vision of him helping them against the Saracens at Antioch,
during the first Crusade, and so brought the story of St George back with them from Palestine. Presently
England put herself under the protection of the Saint. His day was declared a holiday in 1222. A red cross on
a white field is the flag of St George.
23rd April: St George, our Patron Saint who isn’t English
The English have a patron saint who isn’t English, about whom next to nothing is known for sure, and who,
just possibly, may not have existed at all. But that didn’t stop St George being patriotically invoked in many
battles, notably at Agincourt and in the Crusades, and of course it is his cross that adorns the flags of English
football fans to this day.
It’s most likely that St George was a soldier, a Christian who was martyred for his faith somewhere in Palestine,
possibly at Lydda, in the early fourth century. At some point in the early centuries of the Church he became
associated with wider military concerns, being regarded as the patron saint of the Byzantine armies. There is
no doubt that St George was held as an example of the ‘godly soldier’, one who served Christ as bravely and
truly as he served his king and country.
The story of George and the dragon is of much later date and no one seems to know where it comes from. By
the Middle Ages, when George was being honoured in stained glass, the dragon had become an invaluable
and invariable visual element, so that for most people the two are inseparable. Pub signs have a lot to answer
for here: ‘The George and Dragon’.
However, it’s probably more profitable to concentrate on his role as a man who witnessed to his faith in the
difficult setting of military service, and in the end was martyred for his faithfulness to Christ.
The idea of the ‘Christian soldier’ was, of course, much loved by the Victorian hymn-writers - ’Onward, Christian
soldiers!’ The soldier needs discipline. The heart of his commitment is to obedience. The battle cannot be
avoided nor the enemy appeased. He marches and fights alongside others, and he is loyal to his comrades.
In the end, if the battle is won, he receives the garlands of victory, the final reward of those who overcome evil.
St George’s Day presents a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is to distance the message of his life
from the militarism and triumphalism that can easily attach itself to anything connected to soldiers and fighting.
The opportunity is to celebrate the ideal of the ‘Christian soldier’ - one who submits to discipline, sets out to
obey God truly, does not avoid the inevitable battle with all that is unjust, wrong and hateful in our world, and
marches alongside others fighting the same noble cause.
Discipline, obedience, courage, fellowship and loyalty - they’re not the most popular virtues today, but that
doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve our admiration.
16You can also read
