THE LANCE DECEMBER 2020 - St George's Jesmond
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THE LANCE DECEMBER 2020 www.stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk
In The Lance this month: (ctrl-click to follow a link)
Editorial 3
Reverend Stephanie Writes 4
The Journey to Bethlehem in Gosforth - Celebrating Christmas 2020 6
Pennshaw Pilgrimage 8
Reverend Derek Avery Writes 10
Reports from Committees and Groups 13
The Eco Group 13
The St George’s Walking Group 14
St George's Friday Coffee Mornings on Zoom 15
The Friends of St Georges 16
St George’s Book Club 16
Letters Column 18
Derek’s First Mass 21
The Seventh Word 22
Christmas at the People’s Kitchen 24
Swaps and Giveaways 27
Tuesday Morning Working Group 27
Knitting for Children Northeast 29
Book Review - Expectant Hope in the Here and Now 30
Perfect Florentines - a Recipe from Felicity Cloake of the Guardian 32
Children’s section 33
Christmas in the Kitchen 33
Children’s Corner 35
Wordsearch 35
Counting Christmas 36
Liturgical Calendar 37
Who is Who at St Georges and how to contact them 38
Christmas Flowers - an Appeal 39
The Back Page 40
2
EDITORIAL
We hope you enjoyed the last edition dedicated to Frederick Peacock. It was certainly
a lot of fun putting it together and the subject is very likely to reoccur! In fact, Fred-
erick has written a letter to the Lance, and it appears in the newly resurrected
‘Letters Column’.
This issue, our Advent and Christmas edition, is dedicated to the season of HOPE. We
can draw strength from the extraordinary events which surrounded Christ’s arrival
and the promise it brought to the world. Christ’s message gives us resilience and we
can draw on this every day through the spiritual and social interactions of our clergy
and congregation at St George’s. To that end, we have asked various committees
and groups to report here on their present activities and on their plans for 2021. We
have also added a Children's Section with recipes and puzzles with a Christmas
theme. We are keen to draw children into the Lance and hope they will contribute in
future. There is a time coming when Covid 19 will be behind us and we can go for-
ward together and flourish.
A very happy Christmas and New Year from the Lance.
3
Reverend Stephanie writes…
What I’ve been thinking about this month
I don’t know about you, but I find I’ve had to make a conscious effort not to wish
this year away. By the time this edition of the Lance is published, we’ll be tantalising-
ly close to the end of this year with all the hopes of a New Year and a fresh start.
The first point in the procrastinator’s handbook would be to put things off, to get ab-
sorbed in other things, to get distracted so we don’t have to look at what’s in front of
us… for example at college I found tidying my room was far preferable to finishing an
essay. But even though I felt better for a tidy room, the deadline still loomed, I still
had to sit down and be present to the essay, whether I wanted to or not. Academic
deadlines wait for no one!
And it might be easy to put off our hopes for a fresh start and the casting off
of this difficult year, by focussing on 2021 and what it might bring, rather like when I
was tidying my room. But we are here in the middle of it now. It may not be comfort-
able, we may be fed up, we may be desperate for a chink of light, but like the bulbs
slumbering in the earth waiting for spring, there is much growth that cannot be seen.
Love for our neighbour and ourselves. Awareness of our need for God, hope, action,
justice, peace, reconciliation, and so on. Recognising the bigger picture and how
small we are in the grand scheme of things. Acknowledging how broken the world is,
whether the environment and the climate crisis, politics and populism, individualism
and self-serving attitudes… but also what we can do about it. Yes, we may be facing
big things and great change, and it may feel utterly overwhelming, but as Glennon
Doyle says, “we can do hard things”.
Someone who was helping me work through a bleak spot recently said to me
“sometimes we just have to put on our big girl pants and get on with it”. There are
things we may not feel like doing, things we may be procrastinating from, but some-
times we just have to do it. For me, it’s the state of my kitchen that gives me away.
When I’m doing alright, I put the washing up away and stack the dishwasher and put
things back where they came from. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, or tired, or wea-
ry with the state of the world, its harder to do these things, because, well… “what’s
the point” or “I’ll do it later”… even though later doesn’t really work either! As this
friend said, sometimes we just have to get on with it whether we feel like it or not.
4
We can do hard things, even if that at the moment is putting the washing up
away or dealing with that thing that keeps nagging at us. And we can do hard things
one thing at a time, one plate or cup or knife or fork; one ten minute stint on a piece
of work; one text reaching out to someone we know will respond to us with kindness
and compassion. We don’t have to put off our hopes or do away with this year with
2021’s appearing, we can begin to do something about it. What can we do now?
Something you’ve always wanted to do but never got around to; connecting with
family, friends and loved ones in new and different ways; volunteering; investing in
our wellbeing and the wellbeing of others, whether that’s checking in with someone,
having a massage or a therapy session, or going for a walk; dismantling institutional
racism or sexism or ableism; the options are endless and don’t necessarily require
money or resources, maybe they just need us to put on our “big girl pants” and get
started.
I find myself an advocate of the “little and often” and “clean as you go” man-
tras and methods. Whether we find ourselves in a pandemic, facing something that
seems huge (like a deadline) or caught up in the headlights of the climate crisis,
there are things we can do in small ways. And maybe, in the end, they’re what I was
trying to do in tidying my room before a deadline… the small things can prepare the
way for movement and freedom and growth and hope.
Stephanie.
Eternal God,
as Mary waited for the birth of your Son,
so we wait for his coming in glory;
bring us through the birth pangs of this present age
to see, with her, our great salvation
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Common Worship: Daily Prayer – Prayer for use on any day in Advent, pg 412)
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Letters and articles, etc for The Lance to be received
no later than the 15th of each month
Send to: mmvane@mmvane.plus.com
Thank you, Margaret
5
The journey to Bethlehem in Gosforth
Celebrating Christmas 2020
(COVID secure of course!)
Over 2000 years ago, Bethlehem was in
chaos…
no room left for the birth of Jesus
Join in the journey in Gosforth as it turns into Bethlehem to help us
all to celebrate Christmas
7 Trails to follow……from 1 Dec – Christmas Eve. M aps and photos w ill be
available on our Facebook page and website
1. The Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus – a census, Mary and
Joseph had go to Bethlehem.
2. The innkeepers – is there any room? No!
3. The angels – sang Glory to God in the highest and peace to
His people on earth.
4. The shepherds – heard the angels’ song and rushed to Beth-
lehem
5. The Wise men – wandered around following a star
6. Herod – a King threatened by the news of the birth of Jesus
7. The donkey – not in the bible but part of the Christmas tradi-
tion
The trails commence on the evening of Ist Dec
1st Dec with one house window per trail revealed to begin the story.
2nd Dec there will be two windows on each trail,
3rd Dec there will be three windows on each trail
and so it continues until Christmas Eve……until there are 24 windows on each trail.
The church lights will be lit each evening as a beacon of hope for us all.
On Sunday 20 Dec and on Christmas Eve 2pm – 4pm, as you w ander along
the trails, carols will be played from sound systems in houses with an open window,
or families and friends will be on doorsteps singing familiar carols…… you will be
6
met by innkeepers, angles, shepherds and wise men who will tell
you about the chaos in Bethlehem and how Jesus the saviour of
the world was born. They will give you a clue about where to
find Jesus in a manger with Mary and Joseph taking care of
Him……… follow the star. And, the innkeepers might have some
mulled wine and roasted chestnuts to share
The four Sundays of Advent…
The Vicarage windows on Rectory Road will be decorated to depict the themes of
Advent, revealing one on each Sunday of Advent
29 Nov The Candle of Hope The Patriachs. We hear the mes-
sage of hope told to Abraham
6 Dec The Candle of Peace The Prophets. We hear from Isaiah
of one who will be born Prince of Peace
13 Dec The Candle of Love John the Baptist. John the Baptist
spoke bravely that we should share what we have with others,
treat each other kindly and show God’s love
20 Dec The Candle of Joy Mary the Mother of Jesus, with Joy when she knew that
she would become the mother of Jesus
Watch for details of carol services in the church and on Zoom. Contact Rev’d Jane
Nattrass, Vicar of Gosforth Parish Church of St Nicholas, nattrassjane@aol.com
07568530503
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7
Pennshaw Pilgrimmage The 10th Mattinson-Penn annual summer walk took place in October at Penshaw, Sunderland. We climbed Penshaw Hill and then followed a circular route which took us along the banks of the River Wear. INFORMATION: Penshaw Monument is a memorial in the style of an ancient Greek temple on Penshaw Hill between Washington and Houghton-le-Spring. The monu- ment was built in 1845 (at a cost of £6000) on land gifted by Charles William Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry. It commemorates John Lambton, 1st Earl of Durham. It has been owned by the National Trust since 1939. It is based on the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, it is a tetrastyle temple of the Doric order with no roof or inner chamber. One column contains a spiral staircase leading to a parapeted walkway. This staircase was closed to the public in 1926 after a 15-year-old boy fell to his death from the top of the monument. The Nation- al Trust began to offer supervised tours of the walkway in 2011. RECOMMENDATION: The New Plough at Waterside Cox Green is a cute little horse box serving yummy cakes and drinks with outdoor seating overlooking the River Wear. It is situated next to a livery and you may meet horses and pigs. SALUTARY TALE: The Lambton Worm A folk song written in 1867 which describes the worm wrapping itself "ten times roond Pensha Hill" The story revolves around an heir of the Lambton Estate in County Durham, and his battle with a giant worm that had been terrorising the local villages. The young John Lambton was a rebellious character who missed church one Sun- day to go fishing in the River Wear. While walking to the river he receives warnings from an old man that no good can come from missing church. John catches a small worm which he throws down a nearby well. Eventually, the worm grows ex- tremely large and the well becomes poisonous. The villagers start to notice live- stock going missing and discover that the fully-grown worm has emerged from the 8
well and coiled itself around Penshaw Hill.
The worm terrorises the nearby villages, eating sheep, and snatching away small
children. A number of brave villagers and visiting knights try to kill the beast, but are
quickly dispatched. Many years later John returns from the Crusades to find his fa-
ther's estates almost destitute because of the worm. He decides to fight it, but first
seeks the guidance of a wise witch. She tells him to cover his armour in spearheads
and fight the worm in the River Wear, where it now spends its days wrapped around
a great rock. The witch also tells him that after killing the worm he must then kill the
first living thing he sees, or else his family will be cursed for nine generations and
will not die in their beds.
John then fights the worm by the river, and eventually he kills it. Unfortunately the
first person he sees thereafter is his father, but he could not bear to kill him and so
the family were cursed. This curse seems to have held true for at least three genera-
tions, no doubt helping to contribute to the popularity of the story.
1st: Robert Lambton, drowned at Newrig.
2nd: Sir William Lambton, killed in battle at Marston Moor
3rd: William Lambton, killed in battle at Wakefield.
CONCLUSION: No good can come from missing church.
Peter Mattinson
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9
Rev. Derek Avery Writes………… Dear Friends, We are living in strange and unsettling times. As December begins, we find ourselves coming to the end of another period of lockdown. We are probably preparing to celebrate Christmas in a way like no other. We may be fearing a different sort of Christmas, unfamiliar and stripped of the nor- mal festive fun. We are faced with the prospect of pared-back worship without singing the carols we know and love. We may be anxious about not being able to celebrate, as we normally do, with family and friends. I am grateful for that short interlude between lock- downs for a long-held and delayed desire. (My de- sire to be ordained as a priest!) Thanks be to God. It finally happened in October…. It was a simple affair. Just the two of us ordained, myself and my good friend Beverley, by Bishop Christine. It was made much more special by the fact it happened in the church that I love…. St George’s… where I came back to faith! I am so grateful for all your prayers and support! So, at this time as we enter into the blessed season of Advent, I pray that the events of the first Christmas we are about to celebrate may be of significance! The first Christmas events were amazing! They were truly strange, disturbing but at the same time, wonderful, full of wonder. The experience of Mary, Joseph, the Shep- herds, and the Magi was truly awesome. For them all, the birth of Jesus was dis- turbing and full of awe and anxiety. We may tend to hear the account of the first Christmas with a cosy and warm familiarity. As we enter this season of Advent… I wonder: Are we all in need of a little more ‘awe’ this Christmas? The gospel writers tell us that the Creator of the universe was born in Bethlehem that night, and in a particular moment in history. He chose to be with us at a par- ticular moment, and in all his vulnerability as a baby in a stable. Is that not 10
‘awesome’?
Used as we are. to ever changing regulations relating to the pandemic, I began to
reflect on what it must have been like at the time of Jesus’ birth.
The heavenly ‘risk assessment’ for Jesus’s first few months on this earth, must have
run into several pages. After all he was born to an inexperienced first-time teenage
mother, who had been obliged to take a long journey whilst heavily pregnant. Their
journey was to an overcrowded town overrun with people fulfilling their census duty.
Jesus was born into an unfashionable northern family not known in the area. God
caused his Son’s birth to be in a cattle-shed not even a hotel room. Soon there
emerged cruel and powerful enemies, intent on killing her baby boy.
And then there were the visitors who had come to worship him. They ranged from
the roughest of working local shepherds, to the cleverest, most erudite, and wealthy
kings and foreigners. They were all filled with ’awe’ and worshipped him. Perhaps we
can follow their example?
Forced to flee their home, the family then embarked on a dangerous journey as refu-
gees across the desert to Egypt. (I think of people forced to flee across dangerous
seas closer to home!)
Can you imagine the wonder, the fear and the anxiety felt by Mary and Joseph? As
they experienced all this? I can only marvel at the rollercoaster ride that surrounded
Jesus’ birth on this earth! It is truly ‘awesome’.
Most people missed his birth, even though it was the working out of a plan that had
been conceived at the dawn of time and revealed by the prophets over many centu-
ries.
I pray that as this blessed season unfolds, we can recapture that sense of ‘awe’ that
the first witnesses to Our Lord’s birth experienced.
It may be not a Christmas like any other, but perhaps we can recapture some of the
wonder of this awesome season.
I am sending you my prayers to you and to all whom you love this Advent and
Christmas. With love.
Derek. return to contents
11EVANS of jesmond
opticians
William R. McCall BSc Hons
GOC 01-15082
28 Acorn Road, Jesmond
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2DJ
Telephone: 0191 281 4145
12From the Eco Group
The Eco Group has continued to meet online on a monthly basis to work on ways in
which St. George’s can fulfil the church’s mission to “strive to safeguard the integri-
ty of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth”. We are seeking ways to
reduce our environmental impact, including the hugely ambitious task of achieving
General Synod’s remit (now approved by the PCC) to be carbon neutral by 2030.
We have been busy, individually and collectively, exploring options to ensure we do
what we can to reach this goal.
The starting point was to establish our current carbon footprint and energy rating
so that we can measure our progress. We have explored and discussed various
options for heating and improving the thermal efficiency of the church and church
hall, and other ways we can all reduce our environmental impact. We have con-
nected with churches that have already made significant changes from which we
can learn.
We are working together on a plan to present to the PCC to move towards reducing
our carbon footprint and to become more ecologically conscious and active as a
church in other ways. We have identified some “low-hanging fruit” which we can
action within the next year or so, so that we begin to make progress. We are ex-
ploring ecological issues generally by means of an environmental review, seeking to
understand and minimise our environmental impact, including the amount of waste
sent to landfill, including such things as examining our recycling practices, the use
of paper cups, paints, pesticides, etc.
Our enthusiastic team will keep working and will report back as we make further
progress.
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13The St George’s Walking Group I can’t recall details of how the walking group started but Geoff and Mary, Mon- ica and I have always seemed to have been involved one way or another. I think we must go back 20/25 years or so and we ALWAYS seem to be lucky with the weather. The format is more or less the same as when we started: meet at Church at 9.30 on the first Saturday of each month. We share cars and travel to a starting point for a circular walk. We used to do longer walks – 10 miles and more but recently we’ve done 8 or under. We found more people came – numbers between 6 and 14. In Winter months, we do walks not too far away but in Summer we like to go fur- ther up into Northumberland and the Cheviots. It is a very informal group which relies on the willingness of someone to find a route, reccy a route and lead a route. Preparation can be time-consuming but usu- ally rewarding. At the end of a walk, we look for a beckoning tea room or pub for a cuppa or a pinta. We’ve had adventures – like getting lost in a forest and having to clamber up a steep slope almost on our knees under scratchy branches; plodging in marshes round Fontburn reservoir; Jenny coming to the rescue to free a distressed entan- gled dog- she ‘happened to have’ secateurs in her back pack; poetry readings; sup- ping mulled wine to warm us as we sheltered on the lea side of a haystack in De- cember; a dog with intent bounding after and scattering chickens. Sometimes it is disheartening when after a lot of preparation to prepare a route, reccy it, photocopy it then sometimes hardly anyone turns up but mostly we have lovely walks which people really enjoy. At the moment, of course, there are restraints. We resumed about three months ago, keeping to limited numbers, but since then there have been more restrictions 14
and it is not always easy to keep to 6 and
to socially-distance on some narrow tracks
passing other walkers. We hope very
much to start our walks again in the
Spring
Hilary Pitkethley
Pictures: North & South Tyne Rivers
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St George’s Friday Coffee Mornings at 10.00 am on ZOOM!!
Lockdowns and COVID restrictions have impover-
ished Church life in many ways. It is hard to maintain
any sense of community if we don't meet one anoth-
er. Most people have been able to maintain some
contact with their nearest and dearest, but there are
many beyond the inner circles of our lives who also
enrich us and whom we may have enriched.
Walking around Jesmond I have enjoyed randomly meeting people I know from
many parts of my life who have also been taking Government approved exercise:
some of these have also been members of St George's. It has made me aware of
the value of these relationships with people who are not close friends.
Just as the Tuesday group faithfully maintain the grounds of St George's, Friday
morning coffee on zoom is an opportunity for us to maintain the community of St
George's. To join, email me at bryanvernon@cantab.net. I will email you a ZOOM
invitation and you can use the web address. You will be asked for the Passcode
which I will supply you with.
If you don't have a webcam and/or a microphone on your computer or other de-
vice, you can join by phoning 0131 460 1196.
Bryan Vernon
15Friends of St George’s Jesmond:
Although we have been ‘forced into inactivity’ for the present, we do have events in
the diary - it is just a case of waiting to see what happens next!!!
Herewith the events booked into the diary:
Saturday 13th February 2021 at 3pm: The Darling Dollies, a nostalgic afternoon
with a fantastic tea.
Friday 11th June 2021 at 7pm: Friends Annual Dinner
Saturday 19th June 2021 at 7pm: Newcastle Concert Band
Saturday November 6th 2021 at 7pm: Remembrance Concert
We will hold our AGM when Covid permits us.
Anna Nicholson is also hoping to return as soon as is possible, hopefully around
May/June 2021 to coincide with the Jesmond Festival. You will spot some wavering
indecision in all this - but in the end it will be alright.
Barbara Peacock
Hon Secretary of The Friends.
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St George’s Book Group
The Book Group has been dormant for some months and has now resumed online via
Zoom. If anyone wishes to join the group, please contact the Church Office who will
forward your email address and details onto Anne Clark who is hosting the meeting
on Zoom. She will then send you an email with instructions on how to join Zoom
with the meeting ID and passcode.
There were ten of us at our first resumed meeting and we had a good discussion on
the book “The Singapore Grip” by JG Farrell which has been recently serialised on TV.
Whilst Zoom is not the same as meeting face to face, it is one of the new ways of
successfully communicating and keeping in touch.
The next meeting is on Wednesday 16 December at 8pm on Zoom. There will be a
quiz set as usual by Eric White.
The following meeting is on Wednesday 13 January 2021 at 8pm and the book cho-
sen is “Our Man in Havana” by Graham Green. All are welcome.
Anne Clark
16115 ST GEORGES TERRACE, JESMOND, NE2 2DN
Tel 0191 281 1431
Opening times: Tues & Wed 12pm – last orders 9pm ……
Thurs – Sat 12pm – last orders 10pm …… Sunday 12pm – last orders
8pm
Come and enjoy one of our fantastic
offers!!
HAPPY HOUR - £9.95
(2 courses per person)
Tuesday – Friday, 12pm – 6.30pm
Any Starter marked * with any Pizza, Pasta or Risotto marked *
KIDS OFFER - £4.95
(PER CHILD UNDER 12 YRS)
Half a Margherita, Pepperoni or Hawaiian Pizza or Half Portion of Pomodoro,
Bolognaise or Carbonara + Ice Cream
LADIES WHO LUNCH
Enjoy Prosecco for 2 hours with any Pizza/Pasta/Risotto
£25.00 (per person)
Tues & Wed 12pm – 6pm
Thurs – Sat 12pm – 2.30pm
Sunday 12pm – 4pm
Please call us to book your table (£5 pp deposit to be paid when booking)
AND WE NOW SERVE SUNDAY LUNCH!
1 course £9.95pp, 2 courses £12.95pp, 3 courses
£14.95pp
Sunday 12pm – 5pm
17To: The Lance Unbelievable!!!! I looked at the front cover of the Novem- ber Lance – what was my first thought? How strange – I think that is a photo of me on the front! My second thought was “Don’t I look smart! What a lovely photo.” Next move? Open the magazine and what do I see? Another photo of me, looking somewhat smug I must say – light was beginning to dawn. I could not believe what I was seeing – page after page of, well I can only call them tributes of the most amazing kind. Was this really me they were talking about? There were so many people writing such generous de- scriptions of me participating in St George’s (and St Hilda’s) church life over the last 58 years. I can only say a huge thank you to you all. I keep on picking up the Lance and re- reading it. It is bringing back such memories of all the wonderful things that we have done as a team. The variety of services for all occasions that we have accom- panied and the fun we have had alongside the opportunities for worship of all kinds. Thanks to Brian’s generosity of spirit I am able to enjoy going into church every day to play the organ for my own pleasure and that is so important to me. I also want to thank Brian for giving me the title Organist Emeritus, which I am so proud to carry Frederick Dear Editor Fred There was a young organist called Fred, Who for 58 years has led St George’s Choir To a level much higher Than any could do in his stead. 18
He took a most motley crew,
And knew, at once, what to do;
But none of us know
What made us grow,
The magic only Frederick knew.
So it’s time for Fred to move on
To Emeritus status anon,
But we’ll be forever
In debt to this clever
Inspiration, so gentle, so put upon.
Late entries were hardly a problem
He’d extemporise whenever we forgot ’em,
A few bars he’d make up
Until we’d caught up,
His genius was really a gem.
He’s patient and tolerant and kind
About things that drove others out their mind,
Which makes us try harder,
Even when the sweet larder
Is raided and toffees we find.
Some great times we’ve had with our Fred
And sang all the better when he led,
Despite all our faults,
To great highs, yes us dolts!
58 years without once seeing red!!
Anonymous
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19To the tune of “Immortal, Invisible”
Immoral, Impossible, God only knows
How Tenors and Basses, Sopranos, Altos
At service on Sunday are rarely the same
As those who on Friday to Choir Practice came.
Unready, Unable to sight read the notes,
Nor counting, nor blending, they tighten their throats
The Descant so piercing is soaring above
A melody only a Mother could love.
They have a Director, but one wonders why,
No one in the choir ever turns him an eye,
It’s clear by his flailing he wants them to look,
But each singer slouches with nose in the book.
Despite the Offenses, the music rings out,
The folks in the pews, are enraptured, no doubt,
Their faces are blissful, their thoughts appear deep,
But it is no wonder, for they are asleep.
Dear Editor
Sorting out old correspondence, I came across this from 1987 on the occasion of
Frederick’s Silver Jubilee as our organist. It was sung to him at a celebration which
followed the morning service on 7 June in that year. I don’t recall who wrote it, but
I do remember everyone singing it with gusto.
The New Jerusalem!
And did those feet in ancient time
Pedal the organ loud and clear,
And did those hands so young and skilled
Play on the keys for all to hear?
20That beardless countenance of thine
Shone on the choir of young and old,
And was our Fred’rick here, here to stay
With music fine and heart of gold.
Twenty-five years have now passed by,
(Women are singing in the choir!)
Vicars and curates come and go
But Fred’rick never seems to tire.
May he not cease to lead our praise,
St. George’s own F. W. P.,
Here’s heartfelt thanks from all his friends
On this his Silver Jubilee.
To the enormous benefit of St George’s, Frederick with his ‘music fine and heart of
gold’ was here to stay, and was in post for no fewer than a further thirty-three
years. We all have great cause to be thankful for his outstanding ministry.
Kay Griffiths
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Sunday 11th October – Derek’s First Mass.
Now wearing the ‘Stole of a Priest’, Derek
Presided for his first Mass. It was a little
emotional for him understandably, but the
service went so well and I’m sure we
were all glad to be there with him.
The Rev’d Dr David Bryan, Principal of
Lindisfarne College, preached an inspiring
sermon; Derek’s friend, The Rev’d Tom
Sample, was guest Deacon. Rev’d Prof
Pauline Pearson read the Psalm; Joan Grenfell, our Reader, and myself read the
Readings, and not forgetting Rev’d Canon Brian Hurst who was Derek’s Training
Incumbent....and ‘our vicar’. I hope the photographs speak for themselves.
21It was also very uplifting to hear the church organ being played again and also to
hear a few members of our Church Choir singing.....with appropriate distancing!
We must also say a huge thank you to Louise and Mike, our church wardens, for
ensuring we were all appropriately seated and for ensuring hands were sanitized
for those who need it. Vera Rogers did a remarkable
job with the flowers as always - see the photo-
graphs taken by Janet Wilson, Mike de la Hunt and
Barbara Gardner
BG
The Seventh Word
Bartholomew’s Adventures: Episode 6
Dear All,
Just a quick reminder that you need to collect all six words to work out the seventh.
Please see November 2020 Lance for the fifth word. Information is below on how to
find the seventh word, once you have work out the sixth word, and also how to en-
ter. Good Luck!
22Bartholomew had just endured the longest flight ever. He had not got over his jetlag.
His Uncle was wanting to drag him over to look at some church and not an English
Church but a Presbyterian Church! “Uncle, why are we not going to see the cathe-
dral? Why a Presbyterian Church?” Asked Bartholomew. “This was the very first
church in this city founded by Rev. Thomas Burns.” Replied Uncle Waldo. “Who?”
said Bartholomew, perplexed. “Rev. Thomas burns,” continued his Uncle. “Rabbie
Burn’s nephew. That’s why there is a statue of Rabbie in the main square, with his
back towards the C of E Cathedral. We’ll go and look at the statue after the church
and then we will go and see the penguins.” “What’s the name of the church?” Asked
Bartholomew. “First Church of Otago.” Replied Uncle Waldo. “That’s the most imagi-
native name I’ve ever heard!” joked Bartholomew. “It sure is!” Laughed Uncle Waldo,
“Come on, let’s go inside.”
What is the name of the city where the church is?
How to find the Seventh word
The seventh word contains twelve letters.
The first letter is the first letter of the first word.
The second letter is the third letter of the second word.
The third letter is the fourth letter of the fourth word.
The fourth letter is the second letter of the third word.
The fifth letter is the fourth letter of the first word.
The sixth letter is the first letter of the fifth word
The seventh letter is the fifth letter of the fifth word.
The eighth letter is the third letter of the fourth word.
The ninth letter is the seventh letter of the second word.
The tenth letter is the sixth letter of the sixth word
The eleventh letter is the ninth letter of the first word.
The twelfth letter is sixth letter of the third word.
A clue if you are stuck: Many of the street names are named after UK Rivers.
To enter please email me: mail@donaldgaze.com with the answers to all seven
words. Entries must be in by 23:59 on Wednesday 6th January 2021. The winner(s)
and the answers will be published in the February 2021 Lance. Good Luck!
Donald Gaze
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23Christmas at the People’s Kitchen – but it
won’t be the same this year
For many years the People’s Kitchen has provided a great Christmas for its
“Friends” (the name always used for those who visit), providing seasonal jollity,
friendship, fun, music, presents and, of course, food.
The Street Party
Events kick off with the now famous People’s Kitchen
street party, held under the railway arches in Trafalgar
Street in mid-December.
This is where the People’s Kitchen started. Friends and
volunteers and anyone else who turns up (sometimes the
mayor, local politicians and others) can enjoy the relaxed
atmosphere, food and (non-alcoholic) drink.
Food is provided by the Kitchen from its catering van,
and for a few years now a free hog roast generously
provided by “Pimp my Pig”.
A band will play,
carols sung and
Christmas pre-
sents handed out.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day has been celebrated with a traditional
lunch of turkey and all the trimmings in the cheerful din-
ing room at the Kitchen’s premises in Bath Lane.
Everything you would expect for a Christmas Day is here: warmth, brightness, Christ-
mas decorations, including a tree, of course, Santa, tables set, the smell of freshly
roasted turkey, music, fun, laughter, carol singing and more presents. Food is served
24to the Friends at their tables. A very spe-
cial day!
At all events the welfare team is on hand
to help deal with Friends’ problems. Christ-
mas can provoke all sorts of emotions,
bringing back memories.
All this takes resources.
Hard work by an arm y of volunteers (nobody is paid);
Shoe box presents and their contents donated by indi-
viduals, organisations and companies. (Last year St. George’s
held a “Sock Sunday” in November where socks, hats, gloves
and boxer shorts were collected).
Presents containing these things, together with toiletries, bis-
cuits, sweets, etc. are really valued by the friends.
Food. Harvest Festival collections from churches,
schools and other organisations help to stock up the
Kitchen’s warehouse and there will be more donations
in the run up to Christmas.
Money. W hile m uch of the food used is donated,
money is also needed to buy food to complete the
menus, and for the background costs of the organisa-
tion: premises costs, heat and light, transport, etc.
In the pre-Christmas period very many individuals, companies and other organisa-
tions are hugely generous, arranging collections, carol singing and events of all kinds.
The fear this year is that, with so many businesses and organisations being closed, or
working from home, donated income will be reduced. The People’s Kitchen needs
cash to keep looking after the Friends.
Also, this year, because of coronavirus, things will be different. The street party and
indoor Christmas lunch cannot be held because of the rules on social distancing.
25There will be food and presents, of course, but these must be distributed outdoors,
while trying to avoid people congregating. So much valuable social contact will be
lost.
Christmas Day will be an outdoor event like this. Just hope for good weather.
Plans to make this Christmas as joyous as it can be are still being made, in a chang-
ing and uncertain situation. This is all very sad, but the People’s Kitchen are deter-
mined to make this Christmas as good as it can be for the friends.
If you would like to donate direct-
ly to the People’s Kitchen their
web page at https://
www.peopleskitchen.co.uk/
donate/ explains several ways this
can be done, or you could leave a
donation with St. George’s office
(just pop it in the letterbox). A
simple way to do something right
now is to send a text to 70490,
with the word KITCHEN, the amount you want to donate (e.g. £10) and your name.
Jim Lowe
26Moving soon as I am to a smaller house, I
have a number of items to re-home. Would
anyone like to have, or know of an outlet for,
the following?
Bedding: I have surplus pillows, single du-
vets, and blankets. Of the pillows and du-
vets, I have feather, down, feather-and-
down, and synthetic. The duvets range in
weight from spring/ autumn (10.5 tog) to winter (12 to 13.5 tog). In condition, all
the items range from good-as-new through old-but-good to old-and-seen-better-
days. I also have surplus, for a 5’ (king-size) bed, two mattress protectors, a fitted
underblanket, and four fitted sheets, all in good condition.
Folding bed, 2’ 6”
Clothes hangers: a quantity of all types (w ith a bar, on a spring, w ith
clips, plain, etc) and materials (plastic, wood, wire).
I don’t want anything for them, only a donation to St George’s if you wish.
Kay Griffiths
0191 2814898 kaygriffiths@btinternet.com
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Tuesday Morning
Working Group
(aka Dad’s Army)
It is pleasing to announce an influx of new
and much younger helpers. I rather think they
are finding it a little tough, but I’m sure we
can knock them into shape by the summer.
They are ready and always looking forward to the coffee break at 10.30
Why not come and join us?
Meet outside the Church Hall at 9.30am any Tuesday 10.30am
Coffee break 12 noon finish
No kit needed.
27FUNERAL DIRECTORS
JOHN BARDGETT & W.S. HARRISON &
SONS SON
Oakwood House St. Mark's House
571 Westgate Road Shields Road
Newcastle upon Tyne Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 9PQ NE6 2UD
Tel : 0191 2739292 Tel : 0191 2655415
Helping you every step of the way with advice, support and care'
Dignity pre paid funeral plans
Boldon Farm-
house Pantry
Creative and imaginative catering, a
truly personal service and team
work is our recipe for success with
all the practicalities taken care of!
All our menus are freshly prepared
and your food will either be deliv-
ered to the venue or prepared in
situ. We will ensure your event is
both memorable and enjoyable.
Find us at:
Westray, 26 Akenside Terrace,
Jesmond. Tel 281 6025
enquir-
ies@boldonfarmhousepantry.co.uk
28Knitting for Children North East
In preparation for Lockdown 2, the CNE collection box was emptied on All Saints
Sunday. The contents were quarantined then counted and packed, ready for collec-
tion!
Knitting:
3 DARE Bears
5 knitted toys
8 baby beanie hats
5 baby jackets
Plus
1 baby towel
1 pack of bibs
4 packs of body suits
3 packs of sleepwear
6 packs of girls’ briefs; 6 packs of boys’ briefs; 1 pack of boys’ briefs and socks; 7
packs of socks; 2 packs of girls’ vests; 1 pack of boys’ vests; 1 lightweight boy’s
outdoor coat AND ....61 mini Christmas Stockings!
Thank you so much to everyone who helped to ‘fill the
box’ again and Tracey was absolutely delighted when she
came to collect everything on Friday, November 6th.
Here is a message from her:
“Thank you very much Elizabeth! The donations are ab-
solutely fantastic! Please will you give my thanks to all
involved.”
Our dedicated knitters have done a wonderful job recruit-
ing others to help in the project - from friends in a local
knitting group, next door neighbours and from further afield from Northumberland,
York, Chester and Hampshire! We are so grateful for all you do. Thank you. There
will be one final collection just of knitting at the beginning of December, when we
will gather in all the mini Christmas Stockings in time for CNE to use them in their
gifts for the children and families they support.
As some of you know already, due to Lockdown 2 restrictions, the collection in
church of basic clothing for children and babies will be suspended until further no-
29tice and it’s probably sensible to wait and see what January brings. However, the
need has not gone away. Please continue to support the appeal but keep your gifts
at home until we can ‘fill the box’ again safely. Spread the word! Invite friends and
neighbours to join you in helping CNE to continue their vital work with children and
families here in our own city of Newcastle. Thank you.
Elizabeth Rhodes
“What you do for the least of my brothers and sisters ....”
Book Review - Expectant Hope in the Here
and Now.
A Franciscan Way of Life: Brother Ramon’s quest for holiness.
by Arthur Howells. Bible Reading Fellowship 2018. ISBN 978 0 85746 662 4.
When the Lance editor asked me to write about a book which embodied Hope, I
remembered what I had felt on reading this book, realising that it clearly fell into
that category. It is the biography of an Anglican Franciscan friar who died in the
year 2000. To the relatively short account of Brother Ramon’s life are attached a
selection of his letters to some of the very many people whose lives were affected
by him, and also an anthology of key passages from his published works. I became
acquainted with his writing through his contributions to the BRF’s daily bible-
reading notes ‘Guidelines’ and later through reading a couple his Lent books.
Brother Ramon was, we are told, a charming and gregarious man whose ‘exuberant
personality, uninhibited joy and breathless energy were infectious’. After some
years of evangelistic commitment though conferences, preaching, writing and com-
munication with members of all faiths and of none, he felt a strong call to become
a hermit. For his last 25 years or so he lived as far as possible a solitary life which
made him at times feel intensely lonely, but for the solace of nature and an over-
whelming sense of the love of Christ. His whole life was devoted to deepening his
experience of this love, to drawing ever closer to Jesus, and to communicating his
30love to others through his writing. He did indeed follow the aspiration of the prayer of
St Francis: ‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace’.
Hope was not for Brother Ramon a vague wish of the sort we might make when hop-
ing it will not rain as we set out for a walk. It was something whose reality he experi-
enced in the present but which also looked forward to even greater closeness to God.
As for St Paul, the Kingdom of God was for him not just a distant aspiration; it was a
present reality. We can be aware of it in our lives now in the expectant hope for an
even more profound engagement to come. Shortly before his death, in full
knowledge that he did not have long to live, Brother Ramon spoke of death as ‘The
Great Hullo’. It would be the final and complete immersion of his whole self into the
Kingdom.
So there is Hope for us all. Even if we may rarely sense the love of Christ with the
intensity and commitment that was evident in Brother Ramon’s life, we can catch
glimpses of it in our day-to-day life if we allow ourselves to do so. God’s love is freely
offered to all of us; we have but to hold out our hands and accept it.
Mike Oswald.
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ACORN HARDWARE
Wishes You
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
KEY CUTTING - TOOLS - HOUSEHOLD
Now moved “next door” into much bigger premises, with even more of
what you need!!
19 Acorn Road, Jesmond, NE2 2DJ
T: 0191 281 0841
Stevenrobson1964@yahoo.com
31Perfect Florentines by Felicity Cloake of the Guardian [Great for giving as Christmas presents] 45g butter 60g demerara sugar and 60g candied peel, chopped 45g dried cranberries or sour cherries, roughly chopped 45g soft dried figs, roughly chopped 20g pistachio kernels, roughly chopped 60g blanched almonds, cut into slivers 15g plain flour Pinch of salt 1 tbsp double cream 200g dark chocolate, broken into pieces Heat the oven to 180C/350F/gas mark four and line two baking trays with light- ly greased parchment paper.Melt the butter and sugar together in a pan over a medium heat until combined. Put the fruit and nuts in a bowl, sift over the flour and toss together until the flour is evenly distributed. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the salt and cream, then stir into the fruit and nuts. Dollop rounded teaspoons of the mixture on to the baking trays and flatten out as much as possible without leaving holes, making sure they are well spaced out on the trays. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown all over, then leave to cool on the tray. When cool, melt half the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, making sure it doesn’t touch the water. Stir occasionally until liquid. Carefully dip the underside of each florentine in the chocolate and leave to cool and set, then repeat. If you want to be really authentic, you can use a fork to make a wavy pattern in the setting chocolate at this point. Leave to harden completely before serving or storing in an air-tight box. 32
Christmas in the Kitchen!
Strawberry Santas
Ingredients
Strawberries (1 strawberry for each San-
ta you want to make)
Whipped cream or butter icing
Chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
Slice off the leafy end of each strawberry so they stand up evenly. Then slice
the tip off to make a little hat.
Using a spoon or piping bag, place a dollop (about 1-2 tsp) of whipped cream /
butter icing on top of the strawberry base. Place the little hat on top. Add
another small dollop of whipped cream / butter icing to the tip of the hat to
make a pom-pom.
Place two chocolate chips in Santa’s "face" for his eyes. Using a toothpick,
place two very small balls of whipped cream / icing sugar down the front of
the strawberry for buttons.
33Reindeer Biscuits
Ingredients (m ak es about 4 0 biscuits)
115g margarine
225g self-raising flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
115g brown sugar
1 medium egg, beaten
Chocolate-covered mini pretzels
Brown M&Ms or chocolate chips
Red M&Ms
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Lightly grease 2 baking trays with a little of the mar-
garine.
2. Mix the flour, spices and sugar in a large bowl. Add the margarine and rub in
using your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Add the beaten egg and mix into a stiff dough. Knead lightly.
4. Form dough into 1-inch balls. To make them reindeer-shaped, pinch the bottom
of the ball slightly to form a point, then gently flatten with your hand. Space biscuits
about 2 inches apart on a greased baking tray and bake for about 15 minutes, until
golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and immediately press two mini pretzels gently into the
tops of the biscuits for the reindeer's antlers. Press in two brown M&Ms or chocolate
chips for the eyes, and one red M&M for the nose (or any other colour...why not
make them rainbow reindeer?!)
6. Leave to cool for 2 minutes on the baking tray and then transfer to a cooling
rack to cool completely.
Enjoy! (And remember to share them with your family!)
Contributed by Victoria Eyre
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34Children’s Corner
(for the young and the young-at-heart)
When the three wise men went to visit baby Jesus, they took with them three
gifts: Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. These are not very common birthday presents
these days.
If you were going to visit Jesus in the manger this Christmas, what would you take
as a gift and why?
Please send answers to Victoria at victoriaeyre@yahoo.com or via the Parish Office
- the best ones will be published next month and there is a prize for the best ideas.
35Five: a w hole com plete hand
representing the whole world.
Give thanks to God for God’s love
for the whole world; pray for any
particular countries in the news;
pray for the Good News of peace
to be heard everywhere. Lord, in
your mercy hear our prayer.
Four: represents the shepherds and all those w ho are w ork ing or living on
the edge of society. Pray for those who work on Christmas Day, those who have no-
where to go, who are despised and looked down upon; pray that they may find
God’s love to be real. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Three: represents the W ise m en and all w ho hold pow er and influence.
Pray for leaders in church and nation that they will continue to seek truth and justice
for all. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.
Two: represents M ary and Joseph and parents and fam ily. Give thank s for
family and friends, near or far. Pray for particular needs locally, and especially for
vulnerable families that they will find comfort, hope and love on this day. Lord, in
your mercy hear our prayer.
One: represents Jesus, the one w ho cam e to bring us hope and salvation.
Pray for the church celebrating across the world this day, for our own church, and
our own individual lives as we worship and serve him day by day. Amen.
(This is a ‘prayer idea’ written by Rev’d Canon Sandra Miller, Head of Church of Eng-
land Life Events. It can be found on https://churchsupporthub.org/idea/counting-
christmas-idea/.) I thought this was lovely, especially when there is still uncertainty
as to how some of us will be able to have a very different Christmas this year due to
the Coronavirus situation. Many people will be remembering those who have already
passed away over the past few months; those who are presently ill; and those who
will not be able to be together to enjoy Christmas; those who live alone or cannot be
with family and friends. But we must continue to keep strong, keep HOPE, FAITH
and LOVE believing that the LIGHT will shine again in the future. We are not alone
during this difficult life right now.
BG
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36Church of England Liturgical Calendar
December 2020 (Year B)
1st Charles de Foucauld, hermit, 1916
rd
3 Francis Xavier, missionary, 1552
4th John of Damascus, monk, teacher of the faith, c.749
Nicholas Ferrar, deacon, founder of the Little Gidding Community, 1637
6th 2nd Sunday of Advent
7th Ambrose, bishop, teacher of the faith, 397
th
8 Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
th
9 Ember Day
th
11 Ember Day
th
12 Ember Day
th
13 3rd Sunday of Advent
14th John of the Cross, poet, teacher of the faith, 1591
17th O Sapientia
Eglantine Jebb, social reformer, founder of ‘Save the Children’, 1928
20th 4th Sunday of Advent
24th Christmas Eve
th
25 Christmas Day
th
26 Stephen, deacon, first martyr
th
27 John, Apostle and Evangelist
th
28 The Holy Innocents
th
29 Thomas Becket, archbishop, martyr, 1170
st
31 John Wyclif, reformer, 1384
Understanding the Calendar:
‘Principal Feasts’ and other ‘Principal Holy Days’ are printed in Red Bold type.
‘Festivals’ are printed in Roman typeface; Other Sundays & ‘Lesser Festivals’ in ordi-
nary Roman type black. ‘Commemorations’ are printed in italics.
37The Diocese of Newcastle upon Tyne
Parish of St George, Jesmond
We are a Church of England (Anglican) church in the Diocese of New-
castle with an inclusive, catholic tradition of Christian worship. We
welcome all in Christ’s name.
Vicar: Revd Canon Brian Hurst tel: 0191 281 1628
email: brian@stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk
Curate: Revd Stephanie Keates tel: 0191 281 5018
email: stephanie@stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk
Curate: Revd Derek Avery (SSM) tel: 07803 590542
email: Derek@stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk
Reader and Mrs Joan Grenfell email: grenfelljoan@yahoo.com
Anna Chaplain:
Safeguarding Officer: Dr Sue Vernon tel: 07411 099690
email: s.j.vernon@ncl.ac.uk
Children and Mrs Helen Young
Young People: email: childrenandyoungpeople@stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk
Churchwardens: Mrs Louise Chapman
email: louise@stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk
Mr Mike de la Hunt tel: 07484 877733
email: mike.delahunt@stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk
Organist Emeritus: Mr Frederick Peacock BEM tel: 0191 281 4755
email: choir@stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk
Bell Tower Captain: Mr Geoff White tel: 0191 285 1405
email: bells@stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk
Parish Secretary: Jonathan Richards tel: 0191 281 1659
07422693727
email: office@stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk
PASTORAL CARE - Any P astoral concerns or com m endations should be
made to Joan Grenfell or a member of the clergy.
38ENQUIRIES CONCERNING BAPTISMS MARRIAGES FUNERALS
Initial enquiries should be directed to the Parish Office, which is open Monday to
Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm. tel: 0191 281 1659 or 07422693727 or
The Parish Office, St George’s Close, Jesmond NE2 2TF
email: office@stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk
_________________________________________________________________
Find out more about St George’s Church:
Website: w w w .stgeorgesjesm ond.org.uk
Facebook: St-Georges-Church-Jesmond
Twitter: @stgeorgejesm ond
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS; AN APPEAL
Christmas is on the horizon! Like most things this year we know it will be different,
but there is one thing that CAN stay the same - our Christmas flowers. We can plan
for a welcoming, seasonal display to herald Christmas if we start now! Normally our
Flower Fund adds up during the year due to your generosity, from weddings and
funerals, but this year that has not been possible.
If, as a congregation, we can each donate towards the Flower Fund that will be a
wonderful start to ensuring that Christmas, in whatever form it takes, shows our de-
termination to make it a proper celebration of this major festival.
Donations can be paid into the church office and marked ‘Christmas Flowers’ in cash,
by cheque or you can pay via bank transfer.
Thank you.
Vera Friberg Rodgers
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39Welcome to St. George’s
To arrange a
Church Jesmond subscription to THE LANCE,
We are a Church of England (Anglican) please ring the Parish Office
church, part of Jesmond life since 1888, on 2811659
with a congregation from the locality, the
city and the region. We aim to be friendly,
diverse and to welcome all in Christ’s name.
Our worship is inclusive and in the catholic SUNDAY SERVICES
tradition, with high quality music. If you are 08.00 Holy Communion
09.30 PARISH COMMUNION with
new to this area, or would like to find out
Sunday School (age 3-7)
more, please get in touch. Smarties (age 8-12)
Website: Children’s corner available in church
www.stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk 11.30 Holy Communion
Facebook: St-Georges-Church-Jesmond 18.00 Taize (2nd Sunday of month)
18.00 Choral Evensong (3rd Sunday)
Twitter: @stgeorgejesm ond
email: office@stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk WEEKDAY SERVICES
08.45 Daily: Morning Prayer
Articles for publication to: 09.30 Thursday: Holy Communion
mmvane@mmvane.plus.com 08.00 Friday: Holy Communion
by 15th of every month Saints’ Days as announced
Swimming Pool Covid Restrictions.
Due to Government Restrictions, the guide lines and
recommendations for all swimming pools when
they re-open, will be that to support social distancing,
there will be no water in lanes 1, 3. and 5.
40You can also read
