BRINGING TOGETHER THE PARISHES OF AXMINSTER, LYME REGIS AND SEATON
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BRINGING TOGETHER THE PARISHES OF AXMINSTER, LYME REGIS AND SEATON Issue No. 21 Previously titled the THREE PARISH NEWS MAGAZINE Suggested donation £1 PALS Spring 2019 Registered Charity Number: 213227
CONTENTS PAGE
FROM THE
EDITOR Editorial 2
Fr Anthony’s Page 3-4
Organ Concert in 2018 4-5
W
Enjoy Home Cooking 6
e have changed the name of the On Being Thrown to the Lions 7
magazine! With the impending parish
A Confirmation and the Bishop’s Visit 8-9
amalgamation, it would seem the right time to
create a new title which reflects the pastoral 2018 A Special Year 10-11
equivalence of the three churches within the new
St Mary’s School 12-13
Parish of Axminster, Lyme Regis and Seaton.
Please see page 3 where Fr Anthony reports on Company of Angels 14-15
amalgamation in correspondence from Bishop From Russia with Love 16-19
Mark following his successful visit.
Lym Zim Link 20-21
In all respects, the new PALS Magazine plans to A War Poem 22
follow the same format as the Three Parish News
magazine (TPN), entirely dependent as we are Getting to Know Me 23
on contributions! I will make my usual plea now What the Ancients knew about Safeguarding 24
to all our readers for interesting articles and
James Lovelock 25
photographs for the autumn magazine. A full
page article with a photo is about 550 words; Axe Vale Show 26-27
during the coming summer months, please do
Minimize the Useless Anxiety 27
consider writing a short account of interest.
Major Manners 28-29
Jeny Butler continues to help with the magazine
Major Dowden 30
and as a safe pair of hands is an enormous
support to this editor in offering me help and A Tribute to Mary Magdalene 31
advice in its preparation. As editor, my thanks The Archway Bookshop 32
also go to Cat and Claire in the parish office for
help with managing the advertising and That’s Life 33
collecting the money! Parish Contacts (printed copy only) 34-35
Finally; if you have half a thought of attending a
service in any of our 3 parish churches, you will
be most welcome and you will also have the
benefit of hearing a well delivered and a thought
provoking sermon from Fr Anthony. I say this
less to proselytize and more to recommend a
common sense community service that exists
right here on our doorstep. Cover picture:
Normal Mass times are listed on page 35 or as
Photo taken by Monica Watts-Hunt at St
shown at:-
Augustine’s Church, Easter 2018.
http://thecatholictpn.org/
2 PALS Spring 2019
Father Anthony’s page
celebrating the three Masses in fundraising and to hear from you
the different churches; at St of the latest bequest. Hopefully
Augustine’s, Seaton, on Saturday things can be achieved in a good
evening and at St Michael & St way. I appreciated the way the
B ishop Mark made a formal
Visitation to our three parish
communities over the weekend
George, Lyme Regis and St
Mary’s, Axminster on Sunday
morning. It was good to be able
Liturgy was celebrated there and
in the other two churches. It is
clear that each community makes
of 2nd and 3rd of February, and in to greet parishioners’ after the an effort to prepare the music
preparation for this, the Dean of Masses and especially to have well and there are a dedicated
Exeter made an advanced visit in some extended time for the number of individuals who seek
order to conduct a survey of the “combined parish lunch”. Please to animate that. - - - - - - - - - - - -
life of the parishes and to do pass on my thanks to those
prepare a report for the Bishop. that helped organise this. I Given the great collaboration
The Dean’s survey was extensive thought it was a very good that has taken place between the
and his questions were probing, occasion and especially to bring three parishes these past years
but there was no need for the different communities and the reality that they are
concern and we were given a together. It was a sign of the effectively operating as one unit,
clean bill of health. cooperation that is possible. I also it would now seem the right time
enjoyed meeting Byron Pickering to take forward the process of
Fr Jonathan (the Dean) provided and his family, it was good that formally amalgamating the three
an early copy of his report and the Confirmation was able to take parishes into one. In many ways
tried to deal with the liturgical place in the local Parish I would see this as
concerns of concelebrating three Community- - - - - - - - - - - - - acknowledging in Canonical
Masses and a confirmation with terms what is effectively
Bishop Mark who, we were told, It was good, too, to be able to happening on the ground. Rather
would be attending without his have a good look at the different than any one community
chaplain. facilities in the different churches- suffering as a result of this
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -. process, I would hope it gave
There was, of course, no need to c o nf i d enc e t o a l l t hr e e
worry. The Bishop is a kind and Clearly having the school at c omm un i t i e s a n d wo u l d
gracious man and took pains to Axminster is a bonus and it was certainly reflect the “family
put everyone at liturgical ease. good to hear of your positive atmosphere” there seems to be
All went well, even without the reflections in regard to the kind of among them. By all means share
chaplain! outreach work that can take place these thoughts with the
in the school. I am sure that this parishioners and the PPC and do
The Bishop wrote a very long can continue to grow in the take things forward with the
letter to me after his visit, and future. Vicar General- - - - - -.
although some of it is quite
personal, I thought it would be You reflected very openly with With my thanks once again for
helpful and informative to me in regard to the challenges of an enjoyable weekend and
include some of his observations the buildings at Lyme Regis, and assuring you of my kindest
in the PALS. The Bishop wrote: this was also noted by the Dean. I wishes and prayers.
could see for myself that the
“I am writing to thank you most exterior of the building especially Yours devotedly
sincerely for your very generous is in need of quite a bit of work. It
hospitality during my Visitation was good to hear that the local Rt Rev Mark O’Toole
of the parish communities last community are organising Bishop of Plymouth “
weekend. I very much enjoyed themselves in terms of
PALS Spring 2019 3
behind the proposal. It also account should reflect the
Continued from page 3. expressed our eagerness to pastoral equivalence of the
ensure that no single three churches.
The PPC met on Saturday 16 community should suffer as a
February and unanimously result of this process, and our The Vicar General has
agreed that the proposed understanding that any past or acknowledged receipt of the
amalgamation which had been future legacies that are proposal and it will be
“on hold” since 12 November specified for a particular formally tabled by Bishop
should now be placed formally church or cause will be Mark for consideration by the
into the hands of the Vicar securely ring fenced. Council of Priests at the end of
General. May.
We noted our belief that St
The agreed proposal was Mary’s Axminster should May God bless you all as we
signed by every member become the parish church in move closer to the day when
present and contained notice of terms of its present we shall formally become what
our understanding that administrative centrality and we actually are.
although financial flexibility the attached school, and we
was important it should not be asked that the new parish title Anthony
seen as the driving force and the single new bank
Organ Concert 2018
By David Gale
O n Friday 19th October 2018 the three parishes
of Axminster, Seaton and Lyme were treated
to another delightful evening of music and song
performed by Richard Godfrey and Elizabeth
Denham. It was again held in St Mary’s
Axminster.
The evening’s programme was a carefully chosen
mix of classical and popular music and song. The
audience enjoyed listening to a pleasant
programme which included the works of Handel,
Elgar, Bach, Schubert.
Richard played a very moving solo rendering of
the Tannhauser overture on the church organ and
Elizabeth delighted us with the power and
flexibility with Stabat Mater (Pergolesi) and with
lighter melodies including three songs about cats.
At the end of the performance light refreshments
and a glass of wine were available in the school
hall which concluded a very pleasant and sociable
evening.
4 PALS Spring 2019
Hilary Sharp au cuisine.
So often our heroine behind the scenes
Richard Godfrey and Elizabeth Denham with the catering
PALS Spring 2019 5
Enjoy Your Home Cooking
By Patricia Bruzon
C ooking has been a great joy over the years and
since moving to Devon and joining the Country
Market, I almost became a slave to my cooker. I have
childhood favourite ) or using a couple of good sized
potatoes, cooked then mashed with three or four eggs
yolks and a little cinnamon and poured into a baked
loved developing ideas and recipes and then finding pastry case. The egg whites which are left over
that people actually wanted to buy these items. The should be whipped into a meringue with a few
problem is, although we make a modest return for our ounces of sugar and placed over the potato mixture
work at market, it is not easy to find new cooks, rather like a lemon meringue pie. This is baked for
willing to have a go. When I started years ago, there about twenty minutes, it can be served warm or cold.
were so many cooks, it was very hard to break in.
One lady, who happened to be a parishioner, took me I have yet to master sweet potato crisps, my efforts are
under her wing and encouraged me to keep going. always soggy, but to be honest who needs crisps
In order to be different I had to be really inventive but when you can enjoy a soft mouthful of this unctions
it was fun. Now it is my turn to encourage new vegetable which is so readily available? Mix Sweet
people, and essential if we care for the future of our potato with celeriac for a simply delicious soup. A
little market. hint of ground cumin lifts this to new heights.
It was therefore very interesting to teach a young Finally for a very naughty but delicious
mother who had joined us recently to cook her curry accompaniment to any meal, try aubergine as cooked
but who had never baked a cake. Her face was a in our childhood home. Slice an aubergine in rounds
picture when she understood the process of baking about 1/4 inch thick. Dip in flour and then beaten
and saw her produce on sale each week. I managed egg and fry in batches in hot oil till golden brown.
to twist a few arms and now some of our craft people Turn to avoid burning and when cooked drain on
are baking too, so my absence is not even noticed. kitchen towel. Eat at once. I have served this with a
One lady in particular who loves craftwork has taken main course, but also as a starter when stuck for an
presentation to new heights with lovely packaging idea for a lunch party. It means cooking as your
and special labels. It is great to see new talents being guests are arriving , but how better to relax with
used. friends than round the kitchen with a glass of wine
whilst the aroma whets their appetite and curiosity?
My personal Christmas presents included cookery
books from Riverford which are
very interesting. One recipe I
found and used recently is roast
celeriac. Take this humble
vegetable – ugly, rough and
cheap, yet so versatile. It can be
eaten raw, grated in a delicious
mayonnaise dressing, puréed,
added to mashed potato or used
in soup. However, roasted it is a
triumph. Simply wash, peel and
cut into cubes, place in a roasting
pan and roast with a drizzle of oil
at 180 mark5 for forty minutes.
When roasted squeeze the juice of
a lemon over the celeriac and
serve.
I also love sweet potato, roasted
with normal potatoes as part of a
Sunday lunch, baked in their
skins and served as desert ( a
6 PALS Spring 2019
ON BEING THROWN TO
THE LIONS
THE CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL
PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS
By Rev’d Ed Standhaft
A mongst my very early cinema experiences,
cowboys and Indian films were my favourite
the cavalry arriving just in the nick of time to
discrimination against Christians wherever they
occur and in whatever form they take. Secondly, to
pray for sisters and brothers around the world for
rescue the embattled American white settlers. But whom following Jesus comes at a great cost and
following closely were the films of the great Roman requires immense courage.
armies, inevitably commanded by a manic emperor
(Nero being the favourite) who delighted in These measures are the least we can do to show the
ordering the sadistic deaths of the early Christians meaning of the unity of all Christians who are a
in the arena of the Roman Colosseum. part of the Body of Christ
The persecution of those early Christians only came
to an end with the Emperor Constantine’s
sympathetic treatment of Christians, reaching its
zenith when the emperor himself converted to
Christianity in AD 337.
Sadly, even in 2019, many Christians throughout
the world are still experiencing persecution. The
recent bombing of a Roman Catholic church in
Indonesia during Mass when many worshipers
were killed is but one example of an increasing
global phenomenon, ranging from North Korea
(which heads the list for persecution) and includes
India, Pakistan and Iran. Even in ‘tolerant’ Britain,
clergy are reporting verbal and sometimes physical
attacks because of their faith.
Emperor Constantine.
The bronze statue at York Minster
It is estimated that one in every nine Christians in
the world undergoes high levels of persecution. In
a list of the top ten countries where there is By Editor. ‘Open Doors’ grew from a young Dutch
evidence of persecution, Islamic oppression fuels missionary’s pilgrimage behind the iron curtain. Brother
persecution in eight of the countries on the 2019 Andrew was in Poland in 1955 to find that Christianity
Open Doors World Watch list. had few resources in its struggle with Communism and
decided to do something about it.
Recently, despite the parliamentary obsession with
Brexit, over 100 parliamentarians attended the Today, ‘Open Doors’ is active in over 60 countries,
meeting of Open Doors, an organisation that mainly in North Africa, the Middle East and the Far
monitors and expresses its concern for the attacks East. The challenges are from authoritarian states using
on Christians. regulation to control religion, ultra-nationalists
depicting Christians as alien or ‘western’ and the threat
The question arises, what can we do as Christians of radical Islam.
and Catholics? The first is to write to our MPs,
asking them to support any moves to protest For more information go to:-
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/
PALS Spring 2019 7
Bishop Mark celebrated
Mass and a Confirma-
tion at St Mary’s on the
4th February with
Father Anthony in at-
tendance.
In the picture; Byron
with his family includ-
ing his sponsor (and
uncle) Paul.
Several members of his
family from Ireland and
some of his non-Catholic
friends were at the ser-
vice to witness the cere-
mony.
8 PALS Spring 2019
The Bishop’s visit and
CONFIRMATION IN AXMINSTER
T his was a formal visit by The Rt. Rev’d Mark
O’Toole, Bishop of the Diocese of Plymouth
whose responsibilities cover Cornwall, Devon and
(PALS!) communities which bodes well for our
amalgamated future.
After Mass on Sunday was of course the amazing and
Dorset. Masses were concelebrated at our three most delicious lunch in the school which was
parish churches, concluding with the Byron’s contributed to by so many parishioners.
Confirmation in Axminster on Sunday 3 Feb. It was good to welcome Byron and his family but sad
The visit was very successful and the Bishop noted Bruce and Mary Kahn could not be present who had
the very willing cooperation between our three played such a key part in Byron’s instruction.
PALS Spring 2019 9
Yes, 2018 was a special year
By Sean Day Lewis
T he 11th hour of the 11th day in
the 11 month... The words
marking the 1918 European
and each November were marched
out of the North Lodge to the
village war memorial. Where
meant it was officially a "public
school", Allhallows improved
somewhat for later generations.
armistice keep repeating themselves names of lost villagers were and are Though it is now closed by a
in my head even though we now engraved and where it was made shortfall of pupils. It must have
look back from 2019 on all those clear that victory happened at least been better as our late lamented
ceremonies marking the centenary partly because God, and parish priest Father Michael Koppel
of the 21-year rest between the two incidentally the Protestant God, was not only survived the Rousdon
world wars. In towns and villages on our side. That was before the experience but went on to
throughout Britain groups of grand opening of the crypt chapel in Oxbridge. I was in the generation
patriots, some wearing their the basement space that had housed called up for National Service and,
military medals, assembled around the estate's shooting range. Where having had too much of the Army at
1920s-built war memorials. In the low ceiling often cut fervent school, opted for the less
larger parades grandees of today, hymn singing in two, separating demanding Royal Air Force; which
politicians in their best suits and those at the back in both senses meant two years of pen pushing and
many more in the uniforms of their from those in front pews. making little progress towards the
nation's armed services, stood newspaper writing life I wanted
beside those neatly lined up rows of There were other echoes from 1914 from schooldays. I wonder how
white stones in huge cemeteries. At -18. A kindly master called Napier, Father Michael, brought up by the
the time of writing our island's otherwise Nap of course, had been Church of England, might have
divisive struggles over brexit gassed at the front. He could never responded as service recruit. As 18
preoccupy our passions. Wherever creep into a noisy classroom as his -year-old RAF new boys we started
we now stand on that I felt, as the cough could be heard far off in the with two months of parade ground
2018 trumpets, bugles and drums corridor. The war-time Sergeant drill. Before our first church parade
sounded via our modern tv and Major who took us for PT otherwise the corporal in charge divided us
radio coverage, what was missing "physical training", liked to show us up. "Are you C of E, RC or OD
on behalf of all those graves was a the crater in his leg where he had (other denominations)", he
mass international unison chorus been wounded by shrapnel. The demanded. I wanted to say RC as
singing: "Surely you know by now Rev Harry Burne, then Vicar of the Church was an interesting
that you are better together". Combpyne with Rousdon, was mystery to me. But I had to say
meant to teach us "divinity" but "None of those, Corp". To which
For me this was an echo of my needed little encouragement to set he commanded: "That's C of E".
personal boyhood. In September of his Bible aside and tell us in his So I fitted in as a kind of agnostic
1938, aged just seven, I began my carefully softened way of his Catholic in the wrong parade.
long stay as a less than experiences close behind the lines
distinguished inmate of Allhallows in France. In 1945 some of us Both my grandfathers were
of Rousdon - an autumn which was dared to climb the tall clock tower Protestant clergy. On my paternal
actually the second term since the and bang the bells to celebrate VE side the Rev Frank Cecil was
school moved from its enclosed (Victory in Europe) Day. Not long ordained in the Church of Ireland
historic home at Honiton to the after all at the school were and served there until he led his
spaces of the large Victorian family seemingly united in deploring wife and only son to England. My
estate put together by the Peek Winston Churchill's general maternal grandad was a Sherborne
family of biscuit fame. Being election defeat. And when some of School housemaster who took C of
placed on the cliffs and owning the us declined to join the supposedly E holy orders "at great personal
beach below it was frequently voluntary Officers Training Corps inconvenience" because other
enshrouded in mist when Seaton to for Army training we were ordered school chaplains had gone away to
the west and Lyme Regis on the to stop such resistance as we would minister in the 1914-18 killing
east were clear. The European start soon the needed as leaders in the fields. My father Cecil Day-Lewis,
of the Second World War was still a impending Third World War who went on to become the second
year away. But boys considered against the Soviet Union. Irish-born Poet Laureate, was a
old enough were put into puttees Having been admitted to the Sherborne pupil from 1916. He
and uniform khaki kept from1918 Headmaster's Conference, which was turned on to English literature
10 PALS Spring 2019by that same Rev HR King who home and, 80 years after our Devon me a weekly lift to Sunday Mass. I
later became his father-in-law. My arrival, sat on the lawn where in the quickly felt at home with such
mother stuck to the Anglican sect, if long grass of the time we celebrated friendly company and heard Father
mainly for social reasons, and like my seventh birthday. My first day Michael until he had to depart. So
others of her class, age and at Allhallows fell a month later. to 2018 and, with much patience
inclinations would say ROMAN My father died young, only 68, but and wise words from Father
Catholic with heavy emphasis the longer he lived the more he was Anthony, decided it was high time
meaning foreigners. My father drawn back to his Irish background. to join up. I made a poor start,
escaped from religion to become a The last published book of poems slipping on ice outside the church
true Communist believer during his during his lifetime was called THE door on Sunday March 18, breaking
1930s period as a fashionable poet. WHISPERING ROOTS. His shift my wrist and instead of Mass being
could be heard in the increased driven through lovely snow scenes
Then, deciding he wanted to be a accent of his public reading and to the Royal Devon and Exeter. A
poet rather than a Communist lectures week in hospital and, with an arm in
activist. he brought his family from plaster, I missed all the weeks when
our Cheltenham base to Devon in In my later years I have Mass was said in school while St
August 1938. My parents had increasingly followed this Mary's was so handsomely
bought our long thatched cottage on allegiance, though an Irish passport refurbished. But on June 24 came
the narrow lane that leads from does not bring a Dublin accent. that very special moment when
Musbury, between Axminster and Because of that and despite all the Father Anthony received me into
Seaton, over Castle Hill and leading bad things which went on through the Church at morning Mass. I felt
to Uplyme. These days, home is the Church since independence I sheepish at momentarily being the
Colyton but 2018 brought more felt more of a need to be as Catholic centre of attention but just as well
personal anniversaries as well as in reality as I was in conversation. I as I had for too long been a bit of a
reflections on World War One. was so grateful for the help of Chris goat.
On August 3, with my wife and our Jowett a neighbourly tenor stalwart
daughter, we returned to the old of the St Mary's choir, who offered
PALS Spring 2019 11Come and see why we believe St Mary’s is so wonderful.
W e educate, nurture and inspire
our children. Each one of them
unique. We place a strong focus on par-
ent partnership and the development of
the whole child.
We focus strongly on the key skills of
reading, writing and maths fluency
with a curriculum that works to engage
all pupils.
We work with Colyton Grammar School
and Axe Valley Academy to extend and
enrich our curriculum through math,
science, music and PE and take part in a
wide variety of community learning opportunities.
Children access sport at a high level and take part in team and house activities. Last year we
were awarded the School Games Mark Gold award for the third year in a row in recognition
of our commitment to school games.
Our school has extensive grounds with two
playgrounds, a field which overlooks the
Axminster countryside, a woodland area for
our forest school and a newly developed all
weather running track so that we can all
complete a daily mile.
Music is very much alive at St Mary’s. We
have a school choir and orchestra and offer
opportunities for all children to participate
in singing and performance.
Last year St Mary’s Got Talent was a huge hit with over 35 different performances from pu-
pils across the school. It was a wonderful celebration of children’s confidence and skills.
12 PALS Spring 2019St Mary’s Axminster
What could we offer your child ?
Come and find out.
Tel : 01297 32785
W e have a reputation as a happy,
friendly school with many oppor-
tunities for children to thrive.
Our school performance data continues to
improve and show that our focus in
school is having an impact.
Don’t take our word for it. Come and see
for yourself and find out why we are so
proud of our school.
For more information,
please contact us at:
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
Lyme Road, Axminster, EX13 5BE
admin@
stmarysaxminster.devon.sch.uk
PALS Spring 2019 13The Company
of Angels
By Sheelagh Golding
T he season of the Nativity of
Our Lord is now behind us.
Angels appeared several times in
Principalities, Domin-
ions, Thrones and
Archangels. In the Old
the course of the Christmas sto- Testament, the Sera-
ry. The angel to Zachary, the An- phim and Cherubim
gel Gabriel to Mary, the herald are there too. Angels
angels to the shepherds and the are immortal and as
angel to Joseph in a dream. pure spirits have pow-
However, angels are not just for er over the material world.
Christmas, banished from our of the divine plan. Some exam-
hearts and minds, they are with God bestowed upon angels great ples are: they stayed Abraham's
us at all times. The existence of wisdom, freedom and power. hand, led the People of God, an-
the spiritual non-corporeal be- They are purely spiritual or bod- nounced births and callings and
ings that Sacred Scripture usual- iless persons some of whom be- assisted the prophets. There are
ly calls 'Angels', is a Dogma of hold the face of God and thus many more incidences recorded
Catholic Faith as explained in are in complete bliss. Like us, the in the Bible.
the Catechism of the Catholic angels are the objects of God's
Church (nos. 328-336). grace and love. But, because, un- The whole life of the Church
like us they are non-bodily crea- benefits from the mysterious and
An angel is a pure spirit created tures, their response to God's powerful help of angels. In her
by God. The English word love did not require time and liturgy the Church joins with the
'angel' comes from the Greek reflection to grow and mature. angels to adore God. At the start
angelos, which means messen- As soon as they were created of Mass during the I Confess,
ger. When we meet messengers and received grace, they had the " ...I ask Blessed Mary ever vir-
doing supernatural things, there opportunity to respond to God's gin, all the Angels and Saints..." .
is no doubt they are heavenly love and see him face to face. During the Nicene Creed " ...I
beings - God's messengers work- There are too fallen angels. The believe in all things visible and
ing for Him and for the ultimate temptation of Adam and Eve invisible..." . At the end of the
benefit of mankind. When the presupposes the existence of bad Preface " ...And so, with all the
angels carry out missions at spirits or demons who were cast Angels we praise you ..." . In the
God's command they can at into hell from which they have Eucharistic Prayer she invokes
times assume bodily form e.g. At no hope of redemption. their assistance; "Almighty God,
The Annunciation ( Lk 1 26 -38). command that these gifts may be
These must be missions of great Christ is the centre of the angelic borne by the hands of your holy
importance! world. They are 'his' angels and Angel...". In the funeral liturgy,
were created through and for " ...May the angels lead you into
The Scriptures give us no indica- Christ. They belong to him still Paradise...". And so on.
tion of the precise time of the more because he has made them
creation of angels; their existence messengers of his saving plan. Sometimes particular angels are
is assumed at the earliest times. They have been present since named. Michael, Gabriel, Rapha-
Our Lord often spoke of angels. creation and throughout the his- el and the Guardian Angels. The
In the New Testament they are tory of salvation, announcing three named archangels are sym-
numerous and several orders are this salvation from near and far bols of God's care and provi-
mentioned; Angels, Powers, and serving the accomplishment dence and his ultimate concern
14 PALS Spring 2019for his people. Their representa- pel, "...Beware lest you scandal- gels Gabriel, Michael and Rapha-
tions show them to be figures of ize any of these little ones for el
power and beauty, aiding in the their angels in heaven are contin- 2 October Feast of The Guardian
battle against evil and protecting ually in the presence of my Fa- Angels
those who call upon them. ther" (Matthew 18 v10). The ex-
istence of Guardian Angels is,
The most significant continuing therefore a dogma of the Chris-
activity of the good angels is to tian Faith; this being so, what
be agents of God's particular ought not our respect be for that
care for mankind. Thus, the sure and holy intelligence that is
Church teaches that everyone ever present at our side; and
has a Guardian Angel, bestowed how great our solicitude be, lest,
on us at our baptism. A Guardi- by any act of ours we offend
an Angel is a heavenly spirit as- those eyes which are ever bent
signed by God to watch over upon us in all our ways!
each of us during our lives. The
doctrine of angels is part of the Prayer to Our Guardian Angel
Church's tradition. The role of Angel of God , my Guardian dear,
Guardian Angels is both to to whom this love commits me here;
guide us to good thoughts, ever this day (or night) be at my
works and words and to pre- side,
serve us from evil. Since the 17th to light and guard, to rule and
century, the Church has celebrat- guide. Amen.
ed a feast honouring them in Oc- Feast Days
tober. Our Lord says in the Gos- 29 September Feast of Archan-
PALS Spring 2019 15The magnificent St Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square 16 PALS Spring 2019
From Russia with Love
By Tony Norman
M y earlier career and the
subsequent few years
did not allow me to travel to
short notice to visit the visa
department of the Russian
Embassy in the city of London.
anniversary of the end of the
Great Patriotic war (WW2) and
preparations also for the soccer
the eastern bloc countries and Visas plus rail travel equalled world cup. The preparations
especially not the Soviet Union. about £700 - no problems in included the resurfacing of the
However the fall of the Berlin London where our fingerprints main thoroughfares and the
Wall started something which and biometric details were hanging of banners. There
eventually lead to the softening taken and we were allowed were also rehearsals for
of relations between the new home again. parades. Some of this we saw
Russian Federation and the UK during our arrival and over the
- or so we thought! Well, all of this was enough to next few days. There was an
make even experienced excellent Burger King opposite
Vicky and I decided in 2017 travellers a little disconcerted our hotel which sufficed for the
that we would take a Viking to say the least but nothing first night!
River cruise from St Petersburg ventured nothing gained and
to Moscow and signed up in we flew to St Petersburg via On the morning after our
July for a trip starting in early Amsterdam on 5th May. We arrival, a guide took us for a
May 2018. As an optional extra were met by a Viking walking tour of central St
we decided to spend two extra representative but not by our Petersburg which also included
days in a hotel in central St checked baggage so there was a some travel on the magnificent
Petersburg. All we had to do bit of a hold up but eventually underground and some buses.
was to find the money and having given details of our
organise our visas – Viking suitcases and their contents we More sightseeing on Day 3,
advised using a company to left the airport assured the partly on foot and partly by
help us through this latter luggage would arrive on the coach. Today we visited our
process and this we did. next plane in from Amsterdam. first palace, the Yusopov which
It didn’t but it did arrive at our was the favourite home of the
The amount of information hotel the following evening. fifty seven owned by nobleman
required was horrendous and Felix Yusopov who was better
included: details of parents’ known as the lead assassin of
dates and places of birth, Grigori Rasputin in 1917
weddings and deaths, details sometimes known as the mad
of our children and their monk. Although he was shot
current occupations and several times in the palace, this
passport numbers, and all our did not kill him so he was
foreign travel over the previous taken outside and floated
ten years. We submitted all this under the ice in the river Neva
in March shortly after the which finished him off!
poisoning of the Skripals by
nerve agent in Salisbury. This This afternoon we embarked
complicated matters somewhat The Viking staff were very onboard the Viking Atun.
as the British Government helpful and the hotel central During our time in this
expelled half of the Russian and comfortable. All the wonderful city founded by
Embassy staff. However we excitement in Russia was the Peter the Great to be his capital
managed to complete it all build up to May 9th, the and window open to the west
correctly and were called at
PALS Spring 2019 17considered to be one of the finest in our floating hotel, the Viking
museums in the world, a trip to Atun which took us the four
the baroque Catherine Palace in hundred mile journey to
Pushkin which was built as the Moscow via the two largest lakes
summer palace for Catherine the in Europe, man made canals and
Great and her successors in the locks with stops in varied places
18th century. of interest. Among others these
included the city of Yaroslavl
No trip to St Petersburg would (twinned with Exeter) and an
be complete without a trip to the
Viking’s ATUN ballet where we
enjoyed a box in the
we had the chance to visit some m a g n i f i c e n t
wonderful churches which Mariinsky Theatre for
included the Church of the Our a performance of
Saviour of Spilled Blood built on Swan Lake. This was
the site where Tsar Alexander II in marked contrast to
was assassinated and St Isaac’s another evening of
cathedral the church dedicated Cossack music and
to Peter the Great’s patron saint. dance without which
an evening in the city
Our time in St Petersburg was might not be so
packed with wonderful events exciting.
which of course included a day
in the Hermitage – now It was good to embark Monastery of Sergiev Posad
18 PALS Spring 2019ugly sounding town named Uglich where we had breakfast in a Russian home where we were given three shots of Vodka before 9.30 in the morning The passage passed by wonderful domed churches and monasteries and we were lucky enough to visit the two churches on the island of Kizhi – lucky because there was still an abundance of ice in the northern part of Lake Onega. There is a summer church of the Transfiguration dating from the early 18th century and the smaller St Isaac’s Cathedral, St Petersburg winter church also built entirely of timber. There was much to see and do on this trip and the visit to Moscow was not disappointing with the magnificence of Red Square with St Basil’s cathedral and of course the Kremlin. The word kremlin means fort and the Kremlin in Moscow is just that including much in addition to the presidential palace with churches, two cathedrals where the Tsars were crowned prior to 1917 and also entombed. One of the highlights was a visit to the armoury which houses many treasures ranging from gilded carriages to a large collection of Faberge eggs. Outside this walled city dating back to the 12 th century is the tomb of Lenin which faces the magnificent building housing the shopping complex that is GUM, now full of international stores but in Soviet times it was reserved for the hierarchy and all the senior minions. It is difficult to identify what were the highlights of our time in Moscow but one was a visit to the monastery of Sergiev Posad, founded in the 14 th century as the spiritual home of Russian Orthodoxy and is now home to over 300 monks. Did we know that a monk could not become a priest in the Russian Orthodox church until he is married! This was definitely a new one for us. PALS Spring 2019 19
LYM ZIM LINK
By Jo Enright
I t is barely 15 months since Robert Mugabe re-
signed amongst scenes of jubilation and celebra-
tion in Zimbabwe as people looked forward hope-
I received e mails from Faith and Lynee which are
reproduced here in the girls own words. Zimba-
bwean English can be a little different to ours and
fully to a brighter future. Few of us can have it is not the girls first language.
missed the scenes of violence and watched in hor-
ror the reports of recent weeks from the same Dear Jo
streets demonstrating the frustration and disap-
pointment of the people who have seen no im- Early in the morning I pack my books and walk across
provements in their daily lives with many facing to school. The name of my school is Emerald Hill School
even bigger challenges than a year ago. for the Deaf. It is in the Northern Centre. The school
was built in 1947. Emerald Hill is a famous school in
Despite all this life at Emerald Hill and elsewhere my region. It gives us opportunities for success in the
somehow goes on and I’m told that outside of the future. Emerald Hill takes the illiterate and makes them
city centre it is mainly peaceful with the main literate every moment.
challenges being finding sufficient funds to get by There are 25 classes in my school. The pupils at the
as prices rise every week. school are about 700. There are many teachers. Besides
classes there are many more buildings at my school.
This all felt fairly gloomy until Brian told me of 2 There is a hill. There is a hall where we have our enter-
young Jesuits from Burundi and Uganda currently tainment and assembly. There is a chapel where there
are church services. Emerald Hill is both a boarding
studying in Harare at Arrupe College and taking
school and day school. The boarders are treated well. It
the opportunity to learn sign language in their
is a Dominican School. The headmistress is Mrs
spare time. The priest from Burundi whose first
Mangwere. She is followed by Mr Chakanya. Our
language is Kurundi, second French and third
school has all sports. It has a swimming pool area. If
English recently said and signed the Sunday mass
you love Emerald Hill you will never lose hope in it. I
in English for the children at the school which is
love my school and admire it.
really an amazing thing to achieve in one’s own Thank you for my Christmas card and for helping to
first language so specially challenging in one’s pay my school fees.
third! Last Sunday saw 25 children for the school
being confirmed. Your friend
Faith Gato
These little cameos of life I am privileged to hear
through my contacts for the Link give much hope
for the future of the country and the wider church Dear Jo
so I wanted to share them with you. The church is
alive and well and growing and despite all the School was closed on 5 th December. I went home to Chi-
problems everyday life throws at us whether we tungwiza. I was happy to go home to meet my family. I
be in Zimbabwe , the UK or anywhere else won- was also looking forward to Christmas. My mother and
derful things can and do happen. It’s so easy to I cleaned the home. The family came together happy at
lose sight of the good when all around there is home. My mother cooked the food and it was very good.
doom and gloom! All the family came to eat the food and after eating I
went to sit in the shade and listen to music. Many
Our contact with the school and the girls reminds friends and uncles came to celebrate together.
My early learning was at Emerald Hill School for the
us of the good that is around which is so easily
Deaf. It is big and has many children. My best subject
lost sight of when all seems so negative. This week
20 PALS Spring 2019is maths. I was always at the top half of the
class in maths. It was exciting to pass in com-
puters. My best friend knows all subjects. She
helps me to read English. My mother had to
know I have a problem with English. I do like
reading in the library.
My teacher is pleased to help me in English.
My fiend went to seek the help to read Eng-
lish. It is a difficult subject for me. I am hap-
py to get help but never forget to work hard to
learn English. I would not waste time play-
ing.
Thank you for the Christmas card and for
thinking of me. I pray for you.
Your friend
Lynee Dzivakwe
Sunday Mass at Emerald Hill
The girls words speak for themselves. Both are committed to their learning and grateful to us for making
their education possible. The long term impact of the little we each give cannot be underestimated and
will positively influence the lives of not only the girls right now but for the rest of their lives too so all I
can say is a big THANK YOU for your support and interest in Lym Zim Link! For those who wonder if
their weekly £1 in our draw makes any real difference I think you have your answer.
PALS Spring 2019 21WAR
by Rita Bellini
Such great excitement. “We’re going to war.” Weeks and months passed. Girls fed pigs and sheep,
They’d never been out of their village before. And many a one had a silent nights weep.
Tom, Dick and Bill; a cousin, two brothers When will it end. What on earth was it for.
And from over the hill came Joe and two others Please God let it end, this miserable war.
They all went for training (and learnt to salute) On a monument now are names of the dead.
To handle a musket and know how to shoot. Dick and Tom, they were lucky, so people said.
Joe was a blacksmith so with the horses he went, Bill’s wife and a baby, alone like so many,
Dick and the others to dig trenches were sent. Their men thrown away, worth less than a penny.
Marching through towns they were cheered all the way, One thing is certain, we’ll not fight again.
Flags waving aloft, a most glorious day. For all of our countries it’s far too much pain.
Bill got a bit anxious, he was leaving a wife, We’ve all learnt a lesson, we’ve just got to think.
“We’ll be back for the harvest, love of my life” Talk to each other. Keep back from the brink.
Those left behind were so proud of their men. One thing is certain, CERTAIN, SURE
Back on the farms they looked forward to when Never again will we go to war
They’d be reunited and tales would be told
Of glorious battles and medals of gold. They said
The Parish Magazine Rate Card prices up to 5 April 2020
A4 Publication Full Page Half Page Quarter Page Small Ads
Inches 9.75 x 6.75 6.75 x 4.75 3.25 x 4.75 All sizes below
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White
The Three Parish Magazine is published twice a year in the spring and autumn. It is a free publication with its printing costs
offset by its advertising revenue. The magazine is A4 size, running to between 32 and 36 pages and printed partially in col-
our. The print runs each issue are for a minimum of 300 magazines and are distributed firstly to church congregations in Ax-
minster, Lyme and Seaton and then to outlets in the three towns. Future plans are to increase the number of copies when its
proper distribution can be achieved and advertising revenue assured.
All enquiries:- The Parish Secretary, The Presbytery, Lyme Road, Axminster EX13 5BE
Tel: 01297 32135 Email: axminster@prcdtr.org.uk
22 PALS Spring 2019I t would seem another life
when I was born in the Irish
countryside about three miles
Getting To Know Me
from Knock. A school pal By Dermot Lyons
joined the Irish Garda police
force and was subsequently shot
dead by the IRA while on patrol
during one of their many daring
bank raids. This deceased
fellow's forebears were amongst
the few who, in 1879, claimed to
have seen an apparition of the
Blessed Virgin at Knock.
For a birthday present, I drove a
racing car at Brands Hatch race
track and the Northern Ireland
born former F1 racing driver Martin her husband, at Bristol work I ever did! I have a
John Watson joined us for lunch. University on the occasion of her reasonably equipped home gym
In the 1980s I sang a duet with being awarded an honorary situated in my salubrious garden
Daniel O’Donnell in our local Doctor of Law degree. She was shed. Each New Year’s
church in Northolt, Middx - that President of Ireland at the time. resolution includes: ‘Must use
was long before he became the gym more frequently’. It’s
famous. I have cycled 100 I worked for the same employer only five meters away, for
sponsored miles for a charity in 8 for 34 years mainly in London goodness sake!
hours, starting and finishing in and latterly in Exeter and I have
Topsham – and for 13 years, I now created a list of colleagues I could easily live as a hermit on
cycled a 22 mile round trip every who worked with me - 1,870 a desolate island but I could
day to and from work in Exeter, names so far. I decided to take never find such a lonely and
even though my office was only early retirement in 2004 and peaceful place - until I moved to
3 miles from where I lived. some erstwhile colleagues still Devon.
believe that was the best day’s
My current addiction is
genealogy. My dad was James,
so was my paternal Grandfather THIS AMAZING OFFER!
and paternal Great-Grandfather
so lively wits needed when
researching the family tree. Two
of my cousins in Manchester
married ‘in the double’ - an Irish
expression I believe and I’m not
talking about second marriages
either. My youngest brother
used to have his own radio show
in Dublin in the 1970s and my
brother’s eldest is a political The Parish Office are looking for a home for the Roland KR-570
reporter for the Irish edition of Digital Intelligent Organ as shown above. It is in full working order
The Times. She is often on and located in the Axminster Presbytery sitting Room.
Dublin TV talking about various
political matters, including Proceeds are for church funds and suggested offers should be above
Brexit. In 2002, I had a photo £50. We would like to find a new home for it before the end of Lent.
taken with Mary McAleese and For details please contact the parish office on 01297 32135.
PALS Spring 2019 23WHAT THE ANCIENTS KNEW ABOUT
SAFEGUARDING.
By Jeny Butler
O n the recent Mental Health
Day the Head Teacher at my
granddaughter’s Catholic school
alone. He added; “I have seen
several young people sit in a room
together, texting each other, yet
dren are being taught that self-
discipline is key in facing up to the
drugs and addictive electronics of
talked about being careful not to without saying anything at all.” this world. It is not for the inno-
become addicted to gadgets that The metaphor may be apt. vators to guard against misuse, it is
are designed to get us “hooked”. for each individual to take on his
or her responsibility and this must
Research increasingly suggests that be learned at an early age. Many
screen use and disenchantment are years ago a Notre Dame nun
linked. He didn’t say this explicit- taught me that if we take control of
ly to the children but spoke about the small things in life, the bigger
the Greek mythological story of the issues will look after themselves.
Lotus-eaters. When Odysseus
and his crew were swept by a As I write and rewrite this article
storm to another strange land, they for the magazine on my laptop, I
were given the fruit of the lotus wonder how my husband is get-
and became intoxicated with for- ting on with his desktop in the
getfulness and apathy. Nowadays spare bedroom. I might send him
some of us interpret this episode as an email asking if he likes the pic-
being about people who turn their ture of the lotus flower and where
backs on their responsibility to As the elderly grandmother of a he got those leaves he keeps eat-
their family, forgetting duty and child listening to that Head Teach- ing!
indulging instead in themselves er, I appreciate that my grandchil-
24 PALS Spring 2019James Lovelock
Killed in action in September 1916
This article was submitted by James Lovelock’s grand-
daughter, Jo Enright in response to a request for histories
in this centenary year of the ending of the Great War.
J ames Lovelock was my
Mum’s Dad and was killed at
his ‘comfortable’ straw bed, the
‘fun’ of shaking the straw each
Passchendaele when Mum was night to make it soft and his
just 2 years old. He left 5 small ‘friends’ the rats who came out
children orphaned, his wife to play with him all night! He
having died not long before he reminded them to look after
went to fight in WW1. The their guinea pig and to never
children were raised by their hold it by the tail or its eyes
Mum’s 6 spinster sisters and would fall out!
the nuns at their boarding
school. J am e s a l so wr ot e an d
illustrated some animal poems
A picture of James Lovelock taken a
I am lucky to have letters he in the style of Edward Lear, for day or two before he was killed
wrote to his children from the Nestles where he worked and
trenches which show a man these were printed in their led lives in many ways like our
who cared for and understood house magazine. I’ve been able own and yet they did
children and had a good wit to make a little book for his something most of us will
which passed on through his many descendants including never have to consider.
family. I was raised with much his 11 great, great,
humour and a sense of fun as grandchildren which they all James has a special place my
was my mother. He describes enjoy. His humour lasts to this heart.
day.
One of the things that strikes
me most is that James was just
34 when he was killed having
already had 5 children and
been widowed which is so very
different to most of today’s
young generation who, like my
own 3 sons, do not start a
family before reaching 34!
His death changed the course
of my Mother’s life and all who
were left behind as well as the
‘ultimate’ sacrifice he made for
his country. It can be easy to
ignore the fact that those who
were killed were not just names
James Lovelock’s five children on a memorial but people who
PALS Spring 2019 25Axe Vale Show 22nd & 23rd June
Join us for the 25th anniversary
by Suzie McFadzean Photography, courtesy of James Brown
T his family friendly, charity focused, weekend-
long event, promises a plethora of things to do,
see, taste and smell. If you haven’t joined us for a few
ture and Q&A session. Other new activities include
seasonal flower arranging demonstrations with Sarah
Broom or Angela Brooke-Smith.
years why not come and see what the Anniversary
Show has to offer. Our Craft Marquee is always very popular and will
be packed with lots of lovely items to buy – watch and
chat with some of the artists as they work on their
products.
New in 2019 - Atkins Auctions is sponsoring the Vin-
tage, Retro and Antiques Marquee – there will be an
opportunity to have your jewellery valued and to en-
ter a competition to guess the auction value of a selec-
tion of items.
Whether your hobby is model trains, boats or planes
there will be something to enjoy in the Toys and Hob-
bies Marquee. New to 2019 is a Photography Compe-
tition and you can find the details of how to enter the
assorted classes on our website.
The Food Marquee is always popular. Tasty offerings
from all over the South West await you – come along
to taste and enjoy.
There will be thrilling entertainment in the ring and Dogs are very welcome – enter our Dog Show on ei-
around the Showground for all to enjoy. Come and ther Saturday or Sunday. Check out the Dog Groom-
see the magnificent Birds of Prey from Xtreme Falcon- ing Demonstration or enter Dog and Owner Races.
ry in action, watch the
M.A.D. BMX display team or
the creative and fun Farm-
yard Show. A Punch & Judy
Show, a Dog on a bike and
The BubbleMan and Bubble
Faerie will be waiting to
meet you greet you around
the Showground.
A highlight of the Show is
the Floral Marquee and of
course the stands selling
plants and shrubs. For Gar-
dening Enthusiasts, national
celebrity, Anne Swithinbank,
will be taking part on Satur-
day 22nd. Seek her out to
answer your gardening
questions or attend her lec-
26 PALS Spring 2019Finally, when that all becomes too much, the Band- ly fill up your day. Don’t forget to bring your dog
stand will be full of great music to entertain you. The and take part in our doggie events too.
energetic can get up and join in, maybe even with An-
drew Pain as he demonstrates Leroc dancing. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or buy discount-
ed tickets via the website www.axevaleshow.com or
So why not come along and help us raise money to at our listed outlets. Parking is plentiful and free.
support local organisations? - there is food & drink,
music, dancing, bouncing, bubble blowing and enquiries@axevalefestival.co.uk:
shopping to enjoy. A whole range of Marquees,
Malls & Demonstrations of Country Crafts will easi- 01297 34517
MIN THE UA
- OR minimise the useless anxiety
By Roger King
W hen you go down into town you get friendly
smiles and nods from all sorts of people, but an
awful lot hurry past as if they have the weight of the
particularly fast turn of speed, avoid being annihilated
by their hungry and ferocious neighbours? Who
planted the first crops? All these questions and many
world on their shoulders. more can be argued endlessly, but the result is us, right
now.
What could they be worrying about, more importantly,
what can they do about it? As the generations passed and man grew in intelligence
and intellect, his search led him to seek the help of his
Life is overflowing with things to worry about, looks, gods in understanding the meaning of life and life after
money, relationships, careers, family, ill health, global death. the pyramids, ancient graves, lots of false gods,
warming and, not forgetting, Brexit. all now just memories.
So what are we to do? As a fully paid up Reader's Into this world of yearning for the truth, but
Digest philosopher the following words of wisdom surrounded by man's greed for power and self-
come readily to mind, "When faced with a serious promoting ambition; a man appeared who offered a
problem, give us the serenity to accept that there is way to rise above the selfishness, the misuse of power
nothing we can do to resolve it; the courage to attempt and enslavement in its many forms. This man was Jesus
to, at least, help to resolve it; and the wisdom to know Christ and religions all over the world share an
the difference" All three options give us the perfect overwhelming belief that He was sent by God to show
excuse to back away from the whole deal, accept the the world a better way and a meaningful life. He was
first and put your lack of courage down to the third. ridiculed persecuted, betrayed and eventually crucified,
accepting all as His Fathers will. He rose again to show
Not a lot of hope of help, so what can we do? that death is not final. His teachings replace selfishness
We are alive (worth remembering) in a beautiful world with love for ourselves and our neighbours in the hope
that we sometimes pass through without noticing. that we can, by trying to be like him our death will not
Archaeology tells us that it has taken millions of years be final.
for the world to reach its present form and that homo
sapiens are a relatively recent addition to the process. Of course we will worry, for a cure, for a different
image, about the young and the old, but what good will
Man's emergence from the primeval swamp is an our worry do, almost certainly next to nothing; a visit, a
almost incredible story and one that needed crucial chat, a smile and a bunch of flowers may help, leave the
changes to this story that derived from more than the rest to the Good Lord.
search for food or mere survival. When was fire first
tamed for its numerous uses (our near neighbours, the The acceptance of His will in all the many tribulations
monkeys, have not managed it)? How did a soft that life can bring is the only way we can comprehend
skinned tribe without armour (for a good few centuries His teachings and carry hope in our hearts.
at least) with non-threatening teeth and not a
PALS Spring 2019 27MAJOR R.H.H. MANNERS
106th Hazara Pioneers, Indian Army
This article was submitted by Major R.H.H. Manners’
grandson, Richard Salt in response to a request for histo-
ries in this centenary year of the ending of the Great War.
recruiting the Hazara hill Charles of 104th Wellesley’s
tribesmen from Afghanistan, Rifles (later Brigadier CMS
descendants of Genghis Khan’s Manners DSO MC), was under
warriors. The Regiment siege there. The relief column
excelled at musketry, was unsuccessful, suffering
sharpshooting and hockey and heavy losses at the Battles of
remained the only Shia Muslim Sheikh Sa’ad, Wadi and Hanna.
unit to have been raised by the
R ichard Henry Hedges
Manners was born in
British.
With the 106 th , Richard
After one of the longest sieges
in British Army history, (7th
December 1915 to 29th April
Jubbulpore, India, on the 10th deployed to the North-West 1916) Kut fell and the troops
July 1880 son of Henrietta Frontier spending his time went into captivity in Aleppo,
Louise (nee Berry) and Major between the Depot at Quetta s u f f e ri ng a ll k in ds o f
Richard Abraham Manners, and Fort Sandeman (now called deprivation at the hands of
Royal Scots, who was stationed Zob). He was awarded the their capturers and many died.
in India at the time. commemorative Delhi Durbar
medal for his continued efforts For the actions in France and
In 1881, the family moved to on the Frontier. Mesopotamia, Richard received
Scotland and his father was the 1914-1915 Star, the 1918
appointed colonel of the On the 26th February 1915, British War Medal and the
Regiment stationed in Richard married Marjorie Victory Medal.
Edinburgh Castle where Thornton (known as Midge) in
Richard’s Christening took the Roman Catholic Church of Later in 1916, Richard was sent
place after which, in accordance The Holy Name, Bombay. back to India and Midge set out
with tradition, he was placed in o n boa rd SS C it y o f
the barrel of the famous 16th On the outbreak of the First Birmingham to join him. The
century siege cannon, Mons World War, Richard was ship was torpedoed by U-boat
Meg! seconded to the 107th Pioneers U32 ninety miles South-East of
in the 7th Meerut Division Malta on the 27th November
Richard was commissioned at Indian Expeditionary Force A 1916. Midge was rescued,
Sandhurst in December 1901 and sent to France. From managing to save her
and followed his father into France he was redeployed to husband’s medals and her
The Royal Scots with whom he Basra, Mesopotamia from jewellery; strangely enough the
was soon posted to India but in where he formed part of the rescuers included a cousin of
1903 decided to transfer to the Relief Force for the troops hers stationed in Malta! From
Indian Army, joining the 117th besieged by the Turkish forces Malta, Midge continued her
Mahrattas. However, the at Kut al-Amara. He had journey to Karachi.
newly raised 106th Hazara specifically requested to join
Pioneers had just been formed the Relief Force as his brother Her first child, also Richard but
28 PALS Spring 2019You can also read
