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MARCH – MAY 2021 • FREE
Life at St Mary’s The Queen
during the pandemic in lockdown
Emily Kolltveit’s Travels in
COVID curacy the Holy Land
David Gentleman’s 15 things we
Camden crowds missed the most
WELCOME
BACK celebrating
our spring
return to
the mother
church
1
CONTENTS
NEWS
3 A Letter from the Vicar
6 Parish News
8 Obituary: Jeanette MacDonald
SPRING 2021
Editor Richard Benson STORIES
Production Celyn Cooke
10 Tales from a Covid Curacy
Design Christine Ayre
by the Rev Emily Kollveit
14 A Journal of the Plague Year
St Mary’s Parish Magazine is published
by the Rev Marjorie Brown
quarterly from the Parish Office, 26 David Gentleman’s Relish
The Church of St Mary the Virgin,
by Richard Benson
Elsworthy Road, London NW3 3DJ
TEL 020 7722 3238 32 Nightingales in the Holy Land
EMAIL office@smvph.org.uk by Judy Greengrass
www.stmarysprimrosehill.com
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
38 Fiction: The Crown and Corona
Celyn Cooke (Parish Administrator) by Judy Greengrass
Parish Office
DIRECTORY
42 Church calendars, events and
office holder contact details
SUBMISSIONS
WELCOME
BY POST to Richard Benson, Editor,
at the Parish Office address above
BY EMAIL office@smvph.org.uk
or richard@richardbenson.com
2
Dear friends,
What a joy it is to be writing a letter
for the magazine once more, after a year
of many frustrations, stops and starts
(described elsewhere in this issue)!
We are in the season of Lent now, midway through at least
by the time you read this. I don’t know about you, but I
have been finding the shape of the Christian year quite
helpful just now. We have entered into a six-week journey
in the wilderness with Christ, leading to the events of
Holy Week. But even as we focus on this sombre remembrance
we know that we can look forward with hope and joy to
the Resurrection.
And in parallel with that, we have as a nation the hope
that spring weather and mass vaccination will enable us to
take further steps out of lockdown. We mustn’t rush it or
count on a particular timetable, but won’t it be wonderful
to hug our relatives, meet friends for a drink in a café or
pub, even plan a holiday or a party?
This year, more than ever, it seems that we are travelling
through Lent with our eyes fixed on the horizon of Easter,
while we anticipate the freedom from lockdown. Our online
Lent group this year is about exactly that: living in the
light of the Resurrection, even in the hardest times.
Christians can fall into a trap of focusing all the time
on the cross of Christ, as if that is the culmination of
the story of Jesus. But Good Friday was not the last word.
We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song (echoing a
sentiment of St Augustine). There is an Episcopal church in
San Francisco, St Gregory of Nyssa, where the saying goes
that there are just two seasons in the liturgical year:
Easter, and Easter’s coming!
3
This doesn’t mean we are dewy-eyed optimists who ignore
suffering. Even the most fortunate of us have endured a
difficult year, and for many people it has been nothing
short of horrible. Easter isn’t about everything being
lovely. The message of the Resurrection is that absolutely
nothing can prevent God’s love from reaching us and rescuing
us, no matter how awful our circumstances.
When we live in the light of Easter Day, we see everything
differently. Instead of a zero-sum world of winners and
losers, we discover that grace is freely given to us all,
and that the more we share, the more we have. When you
thrive, I am not diminished, because the possibilities for
human flourishing are limitless.
God created us for the perfect happiness of sharing the
love of the Trinity and becoming fully ourselves. Some of
the grumpier psalms may best express our state of mind
right now, and that’s what they are there for, so let’s
not be afraid to use them. But even our bad days can be
reviewed in the light of the risen Son.
Never fear. Easter’s coming!
4
5
PARISH NEWS
The return of public worship at St Mary’s, this year’s Lent course, an
appeal for aid with Insta, growing the wonder in Primrose Hill – and
marvellous Margaret
Back in Business there is no requirement to read this
book unless you want to; there will
In line with the changing be plenty of material in the digital
regulations, St Mary’s will re-open resources to inform the discussion.
the church for public worship on If you would like register, email
Mothering Sunday, March 14. We office@smvph.org.uk
will celebrate the Admission of
Children to Holy Communion and Social media help
two baptisms that morning. The needed
list of forthcoming services can be Could you help the lectures
found at the back of the magazine,
and updated information will be
carried on the St Mary’s website.
Lent Course
Our Lent course for 2021 is lead
by Revd. Mark Wakefield, and is in
series committee with your social
participation with a group of local
media skills? We’re on the hunt
parishes and their clergy. The course
for someone (preferably from
provides an exciting exploration of
Generation Z!) to volunteer around
the resurrection at a time when hope
three hours of their time each
seems to be in short supply. We will
week to help us manage and build
ask how and why the resurrection of
our social media following for
Jesus Christ informs our faith and
the lecture series this year. We’re
what difference it makes to how we
looking for someone with an affinity
live our lives. Our resource text is
to the kind of content we cover (ie
Resurrection and Moral Imagination
quite media/ literary/societal issue
by Sarah Bachelard. However,
6
Most of us have had to celebrate a birthday in lockdown, whether
by having a celebratory walk in the park, a cheeky glass of wine with
friends over Zoom, or just relaxing at home. Showing us how to do
it was St Mary’s Margaret Thornton, seen here celebrating her 98th
birthday with her familiar smile. See you back in church soon!
based), who can write good content improvements to our building to
and understands how to really use celebrate our 150th anniversary
all the social media channels to the in 2022, has been busy preparing
max. If you think this might be its fundraising campaign, to be
you (or someone you know), email known as Grow the Wonder. It is
natasha.delliston@gmail.com for hoped that Grow the Wonder will
more information. launch in April this year, and the
committee is keen to hear from
Grow the Wonder anyone who may be able to help
raise funds. More information from
The 2022 Project Steering erileymiller@gmail.com.
Committee, which aims to oversee
7
Jeanette MacDonald
Jeanette, who died in the summer, was a Camden native, and fondly-
loved member of the St Mary’s family
J
eanette MacDonald was a treasured from Jesus is able to overcome all
member of our church family who the fears that trouble our hearts.
died suddenly on August 16 2020. That is something that Jeanette
She missed church terribly during the discovered for herself in the latter
lockdown and was one of the first to return part of her life. She attended services
to public worship. Below is the homily that we used to hold at Mora Burnet
that was preached by the Rev Marjorie at House, and then she began to come
Jeanette’s funeral in St Mary’s. to our Thursday morning tearoom,
hosted every week by Christine, and
“Peace I leave with you; my peace to our Sunday morning service. At
I give to you. first she was
I do not give very quiet
to you as the and reserved
world gives. and kept to
Do not let herself, but
your hearts be gradually she
troubled, and got to know
do not let them us all and she
be afraid.” relaxed. We
When I spoke were delighted
with Sandra when a couple of years ago she asked
last week, we agreed that these if she could be baptized [pictures
words from the Bible would be the from her baptism can be seen here],
most suitable reading for Jeanette’s and then just before the lockdown
service. They are, after all, the words she was also confirmed by the
written on our big cross high above Bishop, here in this church.
us: Not as the world gives give I Pauline, who read the lesson, was
unto you. The peace that comes a mentor and friend to Jeanette and
8
encouraged her to take these steps day out she had visiting a farm
and supported her as her sponsor. there. She loved animals and clearly
Jeanette knew that she was a really enjoyed that visit very much.
valued and loved member of this In 2011 she decided to come back
church family. to her Camden roots and she moved
It was very sad that during the into Mora Burnet House, where she
pandemic she was unable to come enjoyed her flat and her shopping
to church services, but she was trips. She particularly loved going
one of the first to come back when to the cinema. We are so glad that
we were able to start our early she also found a welcome here at
Sunday services once again. In the St Mary’s, and that we are able to
meantime she was a faithful letter- commend her to God in this place
writer to church friends, as she was where she received Communion so
to family members. Sandra tells me many times, trusting in the peace
she never forgot her birthday. that Jesus gives.
Jeanette was born and brought As we commend her into God’s
up in Camden with her brother hands, we pray that her new life
and sister, Michael and Maureen. will bring her all the healing and
Michael has sadly passed away but it fulfillment that is God’s loving
was good to see Maureen with us at purpose for her, and that she will
Jeanette’s funeral. Jeanette lived for rejoice forever in the home that has
many years in Wales and the photo been created especially for her in
on her funeral leaflet is from a lovely God’s own house.
9
Chelfie time! The Rev Emily (right) at her ordination 10
TALES FROM A COVID CURACY
The Rev Emily Kolltveit’s first year at St Mary’s may have been unusual
and challenging but, she says, but it has had its own rich rewards
A big hello to anyone who has
not had a chance to meet
me yet. Starting my curacy
in the midst of the 2020 pandemic
has been full of challenges. To begin
role was of course not an option, as I
also had to navigate a flurry of press
interest due to my former career
as a musician and publican. Being
invited to guest on BBC Radio 4’s,
your life in professional ministry in a Saturday Morning Live with the Rev
normal landscape, would have been Richard Coles was a great delight
knee trembling enough but to find and I found him to be extremely
myself starting a new chapter of my warm and welcoming as we chatted
life faced with the unknown fear of about all things church after the
a deadly virus raging throughout the broadcast. Certainly, the fact that
country, has certainly at times made I had already spent some time at
me want to hide under my duvet. St Mary’s a couple of years before
Entering the role of curate at St during the discernment process and
Mary‘s Primrose Hill without the had an opportunity to get to know
gift of the Holy Spirit and the my brilliant Training Incumbent
promise of ontological change to (and your vicar) the Rev Marjorie
soften the blow, added an extra Brown, eased the way for a
hurdle to the already crazy mix. nervous curate.
On “C Day” we moved house, re- However, all these butterflies have
opening our family business, the quickly flown away as I have got
Chandos Arms pub and dragged our to know my colleagues better and
nine-year-old to his new bedroom, some of you as well. I must firstly
with a new school and whole new thank those who I have had an
set opportunity to be with, for the
of friends just around the corner incredibly warm welcome and
for him. reassurance that I have been met
Longing to slip quietly into my new with. I don’t think I could have
11asked for a better place to serve not turned away from technical
as curate during this continued challenges and there have been
period of training. The beautiful creative projects such as the 12
building and worship life, that Days of Christmas podcast and
not only speaks of holiness in the now our Lent course which has
midst of community but also of the gathered together Christians from
work and perseverance that it takes four different parishes to discuss
to be active in parish ministry. I the mystery of the resurrection. I
relish these knowledgeable people find myself at a place where I am
dedicated to God’s Missio Dei in almost embarrassed to admit that
this corner of North West London this first year of curacy has been
and the opportunity is to continue truly wonderful. I don’t want to
to be creative, to sing and to try crow about this, as I am aware that
things out in a safe and loving so many other people have found
environment. this year extremely hard, harrowing
My ordination to the diaconate and full of grief. I myself have had
finally came at St Paul’s Cathedral moments where I have felt extremely
in a very toned-down affair which bruised by it but in the midst of that,
I was extremely grateful for. The I have a feeling that I am finally in
intimacy and quietness of the the right place, in the right time,
ordination left me in no doubt that doing what I am meant to do and
for whatever reason God has called that is a very joyful place to be in
me to the priesthood and I will do after all these years.
my best to meet that responsibility Friends, I am so looking forward
and understand the immense to this next year, where our focus
privilege that it brings, a privilege will be on the 2022 Project and we
that I think I am only just starting to will be making up for all the missed
understand. I am looking forward to parties of 2020.
my priesting in June and celebrating
my first Eucharist this summer
(God willing), another big step in
the training process that so far has
taken many years.
Throughout the lockdown we have
had an opportunity to reassess
how we do mission in the wider
church. At St Mary’s we have
1215 Things we Missed
Meeting our new curate was only one delight
that COVID has robbed us of. Here’s some
others, nominated by congregation and clergy
1 Hugging! 9 “Serving coffee and biscuits,
over hellos which make you
2 The Christingle service, glow.”
“especially the moment with
all the children holding the 10 “The sound of voices speaking
Christingles. Christmas Eve and singing in unison. A deeply
wasn’t the same without it.” moving sound that I really always
took for granted”
3 Christine’s scones
11 Being able to touch people
4 Incense (“strange really, because
I didn’t even particularly care for 12 Sitting in silence in the side
it before the pandemic”) chapel
5 Singing hymns 13 “Seeing and meeting people I
don’t know. I mean, I do like my
6 Meetings (“Yes, I know, friends and everything, but there
meetings didn’t seem like life’s does come a time when you crave
greatest joy before the lockdown. variety, doesn’t there?”
But Zoom just isn’t the same.”)
14 “Being alone in a group of
7 The chalice like-minded people; I like this
about services. It’s not at all the
8 “The chat over coffee at the same as being solitary. “
end of services, of course. To be
appreciated more in future!” 15 Mingling!
1314
A JOURNAL OF THE PLAGUE
YEAR AT ST MARY’S
A time of confusion and fear, and yet also love and togetherness: the
Rev Marjorie looks back on life during the pandemic at St Mary’s
Having promised the Editor a bit of seem to talk of little else… We’re
narrative about the year of COVID going to get very tired of this
at St Mary’s, I dug out my diary situation if it really does last
from last year and reread the entries 10-14 weeks.
from the period at the beginning March 15 80 in church at 10.30.
of the pandemic. They certainly Discussion afterwards. Over-70s
brought back vivid memories. Here are expected to isolate themselves
are some extracts from Lent 2020: sometime soon (no one quite knows
March 1 We’ve all been absorbed when). It seems as though we’ve all
by the developing news of the hunkered down already… I want
coronavirus epidemic. to set myself goals so that the days
March 8 No sharing of chalice or have shape, even if my outside
Peace. Talked about what makes us activities plummet.
afraid. March 16. The crisis is deepening
March 9 All of Italy on lockdown. rapidly. Over-70s told to avoid social
March 10 We discussed many contact. Julia Klingert recalled to
things but kept coming back to Berlin. More restrictions announced
CV, which squats menacingly on tonight. Lockdown begins.
the horizon. The effects are already March 17 We continue to get used
evident in quiet London streets. to this strange new life… Emptied
March 11 Now officially a the church of valuables so it can be
pandemic. left open all day.
March 12 CV marches on… We March 18 Deeper into crisis mode
today. Led a staff meeting at school,
Opposite, top: a deserted Camden, sharing feelings in pairs and feeding
April 2020. Below: the Revd. back to each other. Schools to close
Marjorie presides over a streamed on Friday in England. We are being
service at the vicarage warned of a complete lockdown,
15Spanish style, of London, said to be were trying to keep their distance.
beginning in a few days. Message from the Bishop of
March 19 After talking with London: all churches must close;
colleagues at church, I realized I clergy can pray and celebrate in
may not see them again for a long them but public may not enter.
time. Shelves nearly bare in the Co- Put a candle in the window for the
op. Eggs, lemons, flour unobtainable National Day of Prayer.
in supermarkets. Boris Johnson has March 23 As of tonight we’re in
gone out on a lockdown,
limb and named
12 weeks as the
I’m learning that but thank
goodness the
human beings
time it will take to Royal Parks will
“send coronavirus remain available
packing.” We’ll can adapt quickly for exercise.
see. March 24
March 20 Gave to extraordinary So many new
a blessing after
the children sang
circumstances. developments
every day… Went
their Mother’s The whole world to church to clear
Day songs out the fridge,
in the school is doing it at the turn off the
playground. Lots
of very upset
same time heating, and take
in some food for
parents. Pubs, the young people.
restaurants, gyms now closed. Joined a Camden Faith Leaders
March 21 The horror of the Forum – lots of talk about “Excess
epidemic seems to be drawing ever Death Management”.
nearer. What unprecedented times. March 25 Took some items home
God help us. from church in order to do liturgies
March 22 A strange but good in the vicarage. The crisis in the
Mothering Sunday. Livestreamed NHS is getting nearer. But at the
the service with just Mark and Nick same time there are a few hopeful
as congregation in the chapel. Left bits of news about a possible home
daffodils and chocolate eggs in test and some better ventilators.
church to be collected by people March 26 The street exploded with
dropping in. Went for a walk – the applause and cheers for careworkers
park was heaving though people at 8pm.
16Above: Police patrol Primrose doing it at the same time.
Hill to enforce social distancing as
April 1 Letter from Bishop
lockdown bites in April 2020
Sarah dispensing Anglicans
from the obligation to receive
March 28 Emily K sent a wonderful Holy Communion at Easter and
video with a handwashing song that Pentecost. Exceptional permission
she had written and performed given for priests to celebrate HC at
with Saxon. home alone.
March 28 We were able to buy April 4 Queued for the farmers’
flour! Death rates continue to rise market, now very well organized
across Europe – one person every for the virus. Heard of two COVID
five minutes in British hospitals. deaths of relatives of people from
March 29 Passion Sunday. church and school.
Livestreamed from the vicarage, April 5 Palm Sunday. Left palm
preached on “hearth-holds”. crosses outside of church, with a
March 30 Made plans for Holy notice about food donations. Walked
Week. I’m learning that human beings up PH on a gorgeous morning.
can adapt quickly to extraordinary Three police vehicles at the summit.
circumstances. The whole world is April 6 Bishop Rob has come up
17Above: Vicarage cat Bertie inspects during the Watch.
the candles during the Watch April 10 Good Friday. Joined the St
Mark’s children’s service via Zoom,
trumps with permission for the including a Passion Play written
brewery to keep operating in the by a member of the congregation.
crypt. Boris Johnson taken into Watched our recorded service at
intensive care. noon. Filmed the Easter fire in the
April 7 Filmed service for Maundy vicarage garden after it got dark.
Thursday at home – we had to So it feels like Easter in one way,
be quite creative with the setting. though as I get ready for bed it’s still
Kind neighbours donated lots of Good Friday.
kindling for the Easter fire. BJ April 11 Holy Saturday. Gorgeous
still in intensive care but not on a hot weather all day. It feels so
ventilator. strange not to have lots to do now.
April 8 Recorded parts of the Good Just mixed up pancake batter for
Friday service. BJ improving. Easter breakfast at home tomorrow
April 9 Maundy Thursday. Worked – the first time in 25 years.
on the Easter service. Watched the April 12 Easter Sunday. Such a
MT service on TV – there was a strange Easter. I woke in daylight…
delightful moment when Bertie (one quite a change from the usual 4am
of our cats at the vicarage) came start. Walked up PH to enjoy the
on camera and sniffed the candles sunshine and say MP, and felt a
18real wrench at not being in church. joined our youthwork committee.
Watched the service online, with The local shops and farmers’ market
Nick’s sermon giving an emotional became places of muffled greetings
farewell to St Mary’s. Zoom to neighbours from behind our
“coffee” afterwards. It has been a masks. As we increased our daily
good day for being in touch with exercise outdoors, we watched the
lots of people, but how strange to glorious spring unfold in Regent’s
spend it at home. Looking forward Park and Primrose Hill and the
to normality many other green
resuming next spaces we are
year. In the autumn blessed with in
we ran sermon Camden.
T hat’s more
than
enough
series on children
of the diary. No and young
doubt many of
In July, we were
able to re-open
church, very
cautiously, for
live worship at
you also kept people, Black 8am, while we
records as the year Lives Matter, and continued to record
progressed. Here services for 10.30.
are just a few of the elderly and In September we
the activities that celebrated our
followed Easter: vulnerable Patronal Festival,
St Mary’s the Nativity of the
youthwork organized the collection Blessed Virgin Mary, by re-starting
and delivery of food boxes to live worship at the parish eucharist.
families of vulnerable young people It was strange to see people sitting at
for many weeks in the spring and a distance from one another, masked
summer. People in the community and silent, but it was an enormous
contributed generously to this improvement on an empty church!
project, and also volunteered to Giles Watkins and the lecture
shop for those who were isolating. series committee had a triumphant
Everyone made new friends. I got autumn season online, bringing a
to know Zam, the proprietor of great roster of speakers to a much
the local shop and post office in wider audience than would have
Regent’s Park Road, who became been possible in ordinary times
a community leader and has now when we met in church. Future
19Above: a team of young worship become Head of Inclusion at King
leaders helps record a special service Solomon Academy in Marylebone.
in place of the usual Christingle The Advent carol service went
ahead, one week later than planned,
seasons will combine in-person and and we were able to hold modified
online attendance opportunities. live services for Advent, Christmas
Throughout the autumn we ran and Epiphany. Sadly, we could not
special sermon series on children put on the Christmas carol service
and young people, Black Lives or have our legendary Christingle
Matter, and the elderly and this year. But Emily and I handed
vulnerable. But in November we out Christingle kits outside the
had to switch back to livestreaming church and a great team of young
from church as a new lockdown was worship leaders helped us record a
announced. On the Second Sunday special service for children.
of Advent we once more opened our
T
doors and were able to welcome the hen, once again, we closed
Rev Nick Walters as our president down. This time the
and preacher. We had been unable to government left it up to the
say thank you and goodbye to him churches to decide what was best to
when he left St Mary’s at Easter to do in their local situations. Given
20the increasing number of COVID on Sundays for most of the past
cases in Camden, we felt it best to year, but that doesn’t mean that
switch back to livestreamed worship congregational life came to a halt.
from mid January. And now, two Daily Morning and Evening Prayer
months later, with large numbers on Zoom have attracted new people
vaccinated and the number of cases to join. The monthly book club led
falling rapidly, we are re-opening for by Alison Shell, also on Zoom, has
the third and, we hope, final time been a great success. Christine Brace
on Mothering has continued to
Sunday. host the Primrose
We will continue We could not put Tearoom, in person
with recording
attendance,
on the Christmas when allowed and
on Zoom when not.
mask wearing, carol service or The Parochial
hand sanitising, Church Council,
social distancing, our legendary the 2022
Communion
in one kind, no
Christingle this Project Steering
Committee, and
congregational year. But Emily the youthwork
singing, sharing and its governing
the Peace without and I handed out body (SMCCT)
touching, and have all continued
leaving after the Christingle kits their work. We
service without
coffee fellowship.
together outside are still looking
forward to our
But by now we the church 150th anniversary
are all used to in 2022 and the
that. It will be wonderful to be back improvements to the building that
in church again, and particularly will be part of that commemoration.
to welcome to Holy Communion Many people are working to make
the children who worked hard with these happen.
Kimberly Gilmour to prepare for I’d like to make special mention
their admission. We should have of several groups of people whose
celebrated at Candlemas, as we do hard work has done much to keep
every year, but we have had to wait a us going throughout the pandemic.
little longer. First of all, the amazing IT team of
The church may have been closed Ross Gilmour, Steve Reynolds and
21Cornelius Koundouris, who made Some amazing feats of editing were
it possible for an act of worship accomplished by the choral scholars
to be available online without a as they sang “together” from many
break from the very beginning of different locations. Judy Greengrass
the pandemic. They also enabled has faithfully done the complicated
the lecture series to have a virtual job of liaising with clergy and
platform – no easy task. They have finding readers and intercessors.
created a really professional style for Kimberly Gilmour has provided
St Mary’s which servers for all live
you can revisit worship and, even
by going to our As always, my more importantly,
YouTube channel.
Videos of
ministry team has advised us
regularly on
worship, teaching colleagues have keeping safe in
and dialogue the pandemic,
have brought our made it possible based on her
church into the
homes of people
not just to survive professional
expertise.
far and wide. but actually to Churchwardens
Constant Casey Okezie
support for our thrive through and Roddy
worshipping life Monroe, deputy
was provided this strangest churchwarden
by our Parish
Administrator,
of years Elaine Hedger
and treasurer
Celyn Cooke, who Ted Ruscoe have
also coordinated our participation worked long and hard to keep the
in an off-site version of the cold building (including the brewery!)
weather shelter. She has dealt COVID-safe and sound. In
superbly with the users of our addition, Ted has striven tirelessly to
building, navigating the constantly bring the church finances through
changing regulations. the year 2020 on a break-even
Tony Henwood, Bryan Almond, footing, which is a great deal better
the choral scholars and other choir than we originally expected. PCC
members have made sure that music secretary Amanda Martin ensured
continued, as always, to be a very we fulfilled our statutory obligations
important part of our worship. and has enabled business to proceed
22on Zoom and by email. throughout the crisis.
I’ve already mentioned the It would be perilous to try to
youthwork. Needless to say, Jason name names of all those who have
Allen and the team have been busier made a significant contribution to
than ever through the pandemic, “COVID church”, but the support
meeting the increasing needs of of Roberta Berke in the sacristy
young people at this extremely must be mentioned. We have been
difficult time. They have been enriched by her sermons and those
ably backed up by CEO Mary Jane of Clem Hutton-Mills, whether from
Roberts and all the members of the the pulpit or recorded at home. I am
Youthwork Committee. also deeply grateful for the pastoral
Work with St Paul’s School on outreach that many people have
collective worship and religious offered to the isolated members of
education has gone on, whether our community – there are more
in person or on film. I must of these than I could possibly
commend the wise, pastoral and enumerate, but I do want to give
flexible leadership of Clive Hale,
the headteacher, who has kept the Below: an optimistic poster in
staff and children in good heart Camden Town, summer 2020
23thanks to Chris Kitching, Christine seeing family members, going on
Brace, Casey Okezie and Amanda holiday, attending cultural events,
Martin. and countless other activities that
As always, my ministry team normally fill our lives with joy.
colleagues have made it possible not In March 2020, I thought we could
just to survive but actually to thrive manage 10 to 14 weeks of lockdown
through this strangest of years. if we had to. In March 2021, I
Emily has written elsewhere in the am glad that we couldn’t foresee
magazine about how long the
her COVID We are still not restrictions
curacy, but I do would continue
want to say how out of the woods, – and of course
providential
it has been to
but we have we are still
not out of the
have a new come through it woods, and
colleague with we must dig
such creativity together, thankful deep to find
and energy, not the emotional
to mention film to God resources for
directing and another three
editing skills! And Mark has been months at least. But we have come
a rock, particularly in helping us to through it together, thankful to God
think strategically, in addition to for the blessings of our shared life
all he does in worship, study and together, and I hope that like me
pastoral care. you are really looking forward to
It has been a year of shocking loss, celebrating Easter with our church
particularly for young people who family here once again.
have missed education, those whose
work has vanished or reduced, With my love and prayers,
vulnerable people who have been
stuck at home, and anyone who has
suffered from the virus themselves,
or lost a loved one to it.
All of us, I am sure, have had mental
health wobbles to some degree as we
have endured many months without
touching, singing, socialising,
2425
FOLK ART
David Gentleman’s loving tribute to Camden and Primrose Hill, is a
great solace in these difficult times, says Richard Benson
O ne morning in the spring
of 2018, David Gentleman
was walking along the
Regent’s Canal towpath near St
Pancras Way, when he noticed the
way the season had transformed
the ordinary into the extraordinary
gave him the idea for a new book,
one that would record a lifetime in
London observing and drawing the
recent green growth of the trees city. Titled My Town: An Artist’s
and undergrowth. Life in London,
Grasses, sedge and The pandemic the book was
leaves had remade
a bleak scene of
has changed published last
year. Dominated
broken paving, the geography by Gentleman’s
murky water and pictures of the
low bridges as an of London, as capital from the
lush urban idyll; it 1950s to the
ought not to have Gentleman’s present, it is a sort
impressed him,
given that he’d
book subtly of dual biography,
of him and of the
lived in Camden reminds us city itself, told in
for 62 years, but it short bursts of
did. His artist’s eye plain, poignant
can still see local places as if for the prose. It begins with him arriving
first time, and he drew and painted from Hertfordshire to study at
this green and grey pastoral, with the Royal College of Art (“For an
the same enthusiasm as he applied to aspiring young artist, London meant
his first drawings of London when independence.”) and ends with a
he moved to the city in 1950.
That moment on the canal had a Opposite: Primrose Hill; overleaf, two
transformative effect on him.The views of Camden Lock
2627
28
29
woodcut of his children sledging on stock; a nostalgia that embraces
Primrose Hill and “the skyline, then rather than laments change.
surprisingly empty-looking, that’s far Returning to a subject is always
away, like their childhood.” worthwhile,” he says, “because
In between we follow the author
illustrating everything from Royal The pictures and
Mail stamps to Penguin editions
of Shakespeare to the mural at text will send
you scuttling
up to the top of
Primrose Hill to
give thanks
weather and season are always
Above: the former Palmers pet shop, different and each time one quite
Parkway, Camden Town. Right, below: literally sees it in a new light.”
I
Inverness Street Market. Opposite
page: flying kites on Parliament Hill was given a copy of My Town
when it came out last March,
and the timing could not have
been better. It is safe to say that if
Charing Cross tube station, and there was ever a time for a book
savouring the city’s teeming richness that deepened our appreciation of
and restless evolution. Particular the everyday sights and people of
attention is paid to Primrose Hill
which, he writes, is “lovely in
early spring. The nearer you get
to the top, the less you notice the
surroundings, most of which are
behind you anyway.” The difference
between this and his other books
such as David Gentleman’s London,
or London, You’re Beautiful, is the
sense of passing time and taking
30inspiration. In his simple accounts
of drawing places such as Chalcot
Crescent, he made me see the whole
idea of a view anew: “The curves are
complicated, beautifil and intrguing.
It’s difficult to draw them accurately,
but needn’t always be accurate,” he
says. “I’ve removed the parked cars,
which in reality only happens when
the place is being re-tarmacked
Camden, then that time was upon
or filmed.”
us now. I read it over and over again
It’s pleasing, in our over-
in the next twelve months. I am still
photographed age, to find someone
re-reading it now. It still sends me
so good at showing how it feels to
scuttling up to the top of Primrose
look at and be in London, rather
Hill to give grateful, socially-
than just recording the objective,
distanced thanks.
material reality of it. You feel that
The pandemic has changed
the most in his drawings of the
the geography of London; as
crowds that he so clearly relishes;
Gentleman’s book subtly reminds
who would have thought that they
us. Without work or shops to draw
would come to seem so exotic,
us to the centre, we seem to have
exciting and pleasing to look at?
stayed away and found new ways
Like the rest of the drawings here,
to enjoy our localities. Even when
Gentlemans’ Camden crowds are
the regulations have eased up, lots
both memory and something to
of us seem to have been happy
look forward to, and one of the
to stay local, while Soho, Covent
reasons that My Town helped me
Garden and the like have still had
get through this very strangest of
tumbleweed blowing through their
London years.
coffee-chain streets and squares.
To make a virtue from necessity,
My Town: An Artist’s Life in
I tried all year to explore and just
London by David Gentleman is
take notice of taken-for-granted
published by Particular Books, £25.00
parts of Camden, Primrose Hill,
.
Kentish Town and Hampstead, and
David Gentleman’s ability to see the
extraordinary in the ordinary was an
31NIGHTINGALES IN THE
HOLY LAND
How an unexpected encounter with someone from her past
transformed Judy Greengrass’s pre-COVID walking holiday in Palestine
I t is already day seven of a 12-
day trek in Palestine, taking
place ia few months before the
pandemic hit Europe in the Spring
of 2020. My husband Barry and I
it is easy to imagine meeting our
Lord with his band of followers,
and where at dusk the sound of the
call to prayer reminds one of the
multi-faith peoples who occupy this
have walked, with 35 other travellers land. Occupation having, of course a
from the UK, Australia and New darker, yet in the context of history,
Zealand, to Duma from Jenin, via familiar connotation today.
Burquin, Arraba, Sanur to Sebastiya Day Seven began like the others
and Sebastia to Nablus. The way with our Amos group Liturgy. A
has been characterised by between reading from some apposite context
five and seven hours walking a and the daily ‘Walking Prayer’
day over the very particular beauty (quoted at the end of this text). We
of Palestinian landscapes. That is were to walk from Awarta-having
to say, tarmac and rough roads in travelled there by bus from Nablus
villages, passing many small olive to Duma, a village where we were
groves and variously small white to be hosted by another welcoming
houses, interspersed with many grey Palestinian family.
blocks of unfinished anonymous We had a change of guide from
buildings and even some palatial, Mohammed and Sajid, who had
grandiose premises with decorative become much loved among us for
gated portals. Dotted with much Mohammed’s stories, energy, caring
plastic litter and some graffiti. and ability to carry food and copious
This is the more modern, less amounts of extra water and Sajid for
beautiful aspect. Beyond habitation his humour, resilience at the back
on the Masar Ibrahim trail, which of our long troop to gather up the
we are following, lie the stony, steep slower or chattier members, and his
hills and rocky dry valleys, where fine art of making a safely encased
32The walkers take a break in
the shade during their trek
33This page: the “very particular
beauty” of Palestine. Opposite:
men and women sleep separately
fire and brewing a kettle for copious assigned to seven couples. We are
amounts of tea in the olive groves given towels and rooms. These are
where we paused for our lunch for four women, three women, four
breaks. The future guide is Nidal, men and three men. In other words
a Christian from Beit Sahour, near on strict Muslim cultural ordinance,
Bethlehem. men and women must sleep
Walking is hot, as usual but we stop separately. I am with Maggie, Helen
to buy lunch and more water in a and Jan. So nice to be able to chat
village called Aqraba then on up with them because, while walking,
to a ridge on a hillside with a few I find breath in short supply and
shady olive trees and a breathtaking talking has to be rationed! Deafness
view over the plain of the Jordan doesn’t help either, so with time to
Valley to the golden dry mountains install (NHS) hearing aids, life takes
of Jordan on the far side. on a different colour and dimension
Arriving late afternoon in Duma, I am at supper in the family dining
our group is divided between five room sharing with the 13 others
houses, and I find myself in one and the family, delicious chicken
34and rice – less dry than on some Maggie: (Delighted smile spreading)
other occasions – when my husband, He’s my cousin. He’s 60 now.
Barry, nudges my elbow and says Georgette was my aunt.
“Did you know Maggie is an ex- Much conversation of memories
Nightingale?” filled the next minutes as Peter,
The conversation follows thus: Maggie’s husband – and now a
Me: Oh gosh, what year were you? I priest – had trained as a doctor
was March ‘59 at Tommies and we exchanged
Maggie: Oh, ‘69. Did you know between us many mutual
Georgette Woodard? recollections of past consultants,
Me: (Recalling my first night duty terrifying ward sisters and general
very clearly) Oh yes, sister George. approbation of how clean, clear and
Also I nursed her nephew Phil innocent it had all been then!!
on Helen (that was at the Royal Further wonderful coincidences
Waterloo, for those who remember) came with revelations of a mutual
He was nine months old and friend between Barry and Peter,
absolutely gorgeous. (Ron) who had shared schooldays
35In Palestinian landscapes, it is
easy to imagine meeting our Lord
and his followers
with Barry and with whom he is still experience and we had many more
in touch and is known to Peter, as tough, eventful, delightful days to
he is also a priest. follow, including one night in a
Finally, in the course of the Bedouin encampment.
conversation, Maggie revealed To have found a fellow Nightingale
her origins as In India, Ahmed on the journey, with so many
Nagar, where her parents had been resonances from those long,
missionaries. This was astonishing long ago days and the mysterious
to me because, as I could then and profound sense of a shared
say, ‘but my grandparents were continuity with Maggie’s family and
missionaries in Ahmed Nagar.” my own relatives, coming together,
Both sets of relatives were under the while on a pilgrimage of sorts in the
auspices of USPG, so the continuity land of the birth of Christianity has
would seem to have been certain. emphasised the wonder of people,
Walking every day in that places, and time.
wonderful, sad, exhilarating
land was in itself a life-changing
36The Amos Walking Prayer
Words of Hope
Another world is not only possible,
she is on her way.
On a quiet day I can hear her breathing
You have been shown what is good, to act justly, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly
We walk this day with those whose freedom is denied
We walk with those who have fled war, torture and despair
We walk in penance for broken promises and political fixes
We walk the long road with all those who strive for peace, justice
and reconciliation
We walk with those who long to return home
We walk in hope that one day all people in the Holy Land will
live in peace, as neighbours with full equal rights.
Walk softly upon the earth.
May its beauty surround you
May its wisdom delight you, its music invite you
May you love and be loved,
May you know peace and practice compassion
Rejoice in the earth and in all of creation. Rejoice in life
SOLVITUR AMBULANDO
(It will be solved by walking)
37THE CROWN AND CORONA
Ever wonder how her Majesty coped with the pandemic?
Wonder no more – our spy at the palace Judy Greengrass saw it all.
T he Queen sighed and
switched off the television.
She leant back against the
pillows and reflected.
This Easter Sunday had been an
idea that she might like to purchase
a new one for Mrs Welby. “Yes,”
she mused, “I suppose I could –
perhaps should. After all I am the
Head of the Church of England.”
extraordinary day. First, there had Philip had agreed, and asked where
been church. lunch was being served.
Not in the customary setting of After lunch there had been a
St George’s Chapel, and led by drive in the park in the gig.
the red-clad, richly-vestmented Philip no longer took the reins,
clergy of the Royal Peculiar, but so handed her onto the well-
a plain, white-clad Archbishop of padded seat and mounted beside
Canterbury, leading the Eucharistic her stiffly. Ronald, the very able
Mass from the kitchen of Lambeth coachman, masked, but as always
Palace via the television!. No live deeply respectful, stood well back
choir, but sections of recorded although above the mask his grey,
music. extremely bushy eyebrows turned
The Queen felt she had gradually him, thought the Queen, into a
become accustomed to the unusual Denis Healey reincarnation. He
intimacy of close ups of the bowed slightly and mounted on
Archbishop, in fact, found it - well to the driving perch. The Queen
- interestingly, quite moving. That became mesmerised watching his
is, until a rather elderly toaster on gentle, gnarled hands guiding the
the shelf behind the prelate caught soft leather reins and the snorting
her eye. horses, their heads and necks
She had mentioned it to Philip. He bobbing and stretching. Philip
had harrumphed and offered the nodded off beside her.
3839
The park, on a warm spring day, tousle-haired, blond, clumsy,
green, full of birdsong and blossom Old Etonian who had so self-
was quite deserted. Uncanny. confidently leant over her hand on
Later, there was no teatime his appointment.
welcoming of the children, George, Then she recalled that on leaving,
Charlotte and little Louis. No he had backed away and knocked
Easter egg hunt, in fact no Easter over a Chippendale side table and,
eggs at all, leaving her, she had to in scrabbling to replace it, had
admit, feeling a little disgruntled. trodden on Max the corgi, who
Now, in the comfort of her room, yelped and snapped at his trousers.
the evening light gone and her He had muttered an incoherent
bedside lamp glowing, she thought apology and fled the room.
of the day and the broadcast of Perhaps, she thought generously, he
Easter from a kitchen. Perhaps wasn’t quite so self-confident as he
there was something rather lovely wished to appear. Anyway the table
about that. Christmas in a stable, was not damaged.
Easter in a kitchen. She was She sighed again, and switched
thankful, though, that her own on the bedside radio, leaning back
broadcast to the nation had not against the pillows and enjoying
been from a kitchen. she thought the sound of a recording of the
again of the toaster. What make Massed Band of the Guards
would suit the Archbishop? playing the Radetsky March. Dear
Should it be Morphy Richards, Radio Three.
or Russell Hobbs? Then wasn’t How long, she wondered, shall we
there another shiny brand, Dual- have to hear from Dominic – what
something? Catherine would know. was his surname, Cummings? No
The Queen decided on a morning that wasn’t quite right. It was the
telephone call to the Cambridges. Dominic of whom Philip, half
And now she had just switched asleep while watching the five
off the television after seeing the o’clock briefing, had muttered
image of a frail-looking Prime something that sounded like
Minister, sending out his message “swivel-eyed moron.” Though it
of thanks to the NHS from might have been “switch Channel
Chequers. Four on.” He loved The Simpsons.
It had been unsettling. He looked Raab, that was it. Rather like the
a different man from the boyish, politician of years ago , Butler, Rab
40Butler. Such different times! calmly announcing that they were
The march finished and the interrupting the programme for
Queen waited for the next item an important announcement from
to be announced. The measured Chequers.
tones floated above her head and Goodness, not a relapse, was the
she missed the title, but heard a Queen’s first thought – or worse!
liquid run of piano notes filling the “It is announced from Chequers
room. Alfred Brendel’s inimitable that the Prime Minister, Boris
style. Probably Beethoven then. Johnson is to join the Labour
Thinking slowed and ceased as the party.”
music softened the day’s sounds
and images, pushing them to the To be continued.
fuzzy edges of her mind.
She was next aware of daylight With thanks to the original ideas of Sue
flooding the room and a very Townsend (The Queen and I) and
clear voice on the radio – oh dear, Alan Bennett (The Uncommon
had it been on all night? The Reader)
beautiful received pronunciation,
41CHURCH CALENDAR
All arrangements are provisional; services may be added or cancelled
according to the progress of the lifting of lockdown. Sunday services at 8 am
and 6 pm are not yet scheduled but may begin again. The parish eucharist will
continue to be livestreamed every Sunday.
MARCH
Sun 14th 4th SUNDAY OF LENT (MOTHERING SUNDAY)
Parish Eucharist (in church and livestreamed)
with Baptism and Admission of Children to HC 10.30am
Readings: Colossians 3.12-17, Luke 2.33-35
Preacher: The Revd Preb. Marjorie Brown
Sun 21st 5th SUNDAY OF LENT (Passion Sunday)
Parish Eucharist (in church and livestreamed) 10.30am
Readings: Hebrew 5.5-10, John 12.20-33
Preacher: Roberta Berke
Sun 28th PALM SUNDAY
Parish Eucharist (in church and livestreamed) 10.30am
Readings: Philippians 2.5-11, Mark 15.1-39
APRIL
Thu 1st MAUNDY THURSDAY
Chrism Mass (in St Paul’s Cathedral and online) 10.30am
The Liturgy of the Last Supper (in church and online) 8pm
Followed by Stripping of the Altar and the watch t
ill midnight.
Readings: Exodus 12.1-14, I Corinthians 11.23-26,
John 13.1-17,31b-35
Preacher: The Revd Emily Kolltveit
42Fri 2nd GOOD FRIDAY
Children’s Service 10am
Liturgy of the Day (in church and online) 1.30pm
(Liturgy of the Word, Passion according to St John,
Solemn Intercessions,Veneration of the Cross,
Holy Communion)
Preacher: The Revd Mark Wakefield
Sun 4th EASTER DAY
The Paschal Vigil and Dawn Eucharist of Easter 5.30am
(in church and online)
with lighting of Paschal Candle and renewal of
baptismal vows
High Mass (in church and online) 10.30am
Readings: Acts 10.34-43, Mark 16.1-8
Preacher: The Revd Preb. Marjorie Brown
Sun 11th 2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER
Informal Eucharist 9.15am
Parish Eucharist (in church and online) 10.30am
Readings: Acts 4.32-35, John 20.19-end
Preacher: Clem Hutton-Mills
Sun 18th 3rd SUNDAY OF EASTER
Parish Eucharist (in church and online) 10.30am
Readings: Acts 3.12-19, Luke 24.36b-48
Preacher: The Revd Mark Wakefield
Sun 25th 4th SUNDAY OF EASTER
Informal Eucharist 9.15am
Parish Eucharist (in church and online) & APCM 10.30am
Readings: Acts 4.5-12, John 10.11-18
Preacher: The Revd Preb. Marjorie Brown
MAY
Sun 2nd 5th SUNDAY OF EASTER
Parish Eucharist (in church and online) 10.30am
Readings: Acts 8.26-end, John 15.1-8
43Preacher: The Revd Emily Kolltveit
Sun 9th 6th SUNDAY OF EASTER
I nformal Eucharist 9.15am
Parish Eucharist (in church and online) 10.30am
Readings: Acts 10.44-end, John 15.9-17
Preacher: The Revd Preb. Marjorie Brown
Thu 13th ASCENSION DAY
Eucharist with St Mark’s RP in St Mary’s Church 8pm
Readings: Acts 1.1-11, Luke 24.44-end
Sun 16th 7th SUNDAY OF EASTER (Christian Aid Week)
Parish Eucharist (in church and online) 10.30am
Readings: Acts 1.15-17, 21-end, John 17.6-19
Preacher: The Revd Mark Wakefield
Sun 23rd PENTECOST
Informal Eucharist 9.15am
Parish Eucharist (in church and online) 10.30am
Readings: Acts 2.1-21, John 15.26-27; 16.4b-15
Preacher: The Revd Emily Kolltveit
Sun 30th TRINITY SUNDAY
Informal Eucharist 9.15am
Parish Eucharist (in church and online) 10.30am
Readings: Isaiah 6.1-8, John 3.1-17
Preacher: The Revd Preb. Marjorie Brown
44PARISH OFFICE
Elsworthy Road, London NW3 3DJ
Administrator: Celyn Cooke
Open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 1.30pm
020 7722 3238 • office@smvph.org.uk
www.stmary’sprimrosehill.com
CLERGY
Vicar
Reverend Marjorie Brown revmarjorie@gmail.com 020 7722 3062
44 King Henry’s Road NW3 3RP
Assistant Priest
Revd. Mark Wakefield SSM mark.wakefield@blueyonder.co.uk 020 7267 8202
07899 668493
Assistant Curate
The Revd Nick Walters nickrwalters@googlemail.com 07704 715367
Readers
Miriam Rinsler mimpol@hotmail.com
Roberta Berke robertaberke@btinternet.com
Clem Hutton-Mills clement.huttonmills@gmail.com
CHURCH OFFICERS
Churchwardens
Casey Oppong Okezie 07818 262885
Roddy Monroe roddy@monroeassociates.co.uk 07973 638769
Hon.Treasurer
Ted Ruscoe tedruscoe@westwoodpropertiesltd.com
020 7267 7469
PCC Secretary
Amanda Martin samandam@talk.net 020 7328 0525
Retired clergy with permission to officiate
Revd. Lyndon van der Pump
45Youthwork Manager
Jason Allen jason.allen@smvph.org.uk 07917 839369
Director of Music
Tony Henwood tonyhenwood@yahoo.co.uk 07712 675957
Deputy Organist/choirmaster
Bryan Almond balmond@aptina.com 01491 874433
Deputy Churchwardens
Bob Gorden rob.gord@blueyonder.co.uk 07771 995118
Elaine Hedger lainie906@hotmail.com 07476 269806
Richard Benson richard@richardbenson.com 07740 701030
Judy Greengrass heyjude152@hotmail.com 020 7267 9097
Electoral Roll Officer / Stewardship Recorder
Cathy Howard rcath@btinternet.com 020 7722 4533
Chair,Youthwork Committee
Simon James simonjamesconsulting.ltd@gmail.com
020 8882 9314
Head Server
Kimberly Gilmour kimberly@rg-media.co.uk 020 7483 3446
Parish Administrator/Lettings Manager
Celyn Cooke office@smvph.org.uk 020 7722 3238
Stewards Co-ordinator
Amanda Martin samandam@talktalk.net 020 73280525
Readers/Intercessors Co-ordinator
Judy Greengrass readers@smvph.org.uk
Magazine Editor
RIchard Benson richard@richardbenson.com 07740 701030
Health & Safety Officer
Elaine Hedger lainie906@hotmail.com 07476 269806
Sunday School coordinator
The Revd Nick Walters nickrwalters@googlemail.com 07704 715367
46Flower Team
Britt Quinn quinnbritt@gmail.com
Lucie Allison
Lucinda Smith
Bridgette Grosvenor
Children’s Champion
Elaine Hedger lainie906@hotmail.com 07476 269806
Safeguarding Officer
Carol Slater carol@s-gandpartners.com
Head Sacristan
Miriam Rinsler mimpol@hotmail.com
Sacristan
Paul Johnson johnson6ub@btinternet.com
DEANERY SYNOD
Ross Gilmour ross@rg-media.co.uk
Paul Hemings p.hemings@gmail.com
Elaine Hedger lainie906@hotmail.com
James Gow mlmajw@btinternet.com
Carol Slater carol@s-gandpartners.com
Stephen Reynolds virtualpictures@mac.com
Emily R Miller emily@linkedintutors.com
Anne Ruscoe anneruscoe@hotmail.com
Roger Carter roger.carter3@me.com
Tasha Delliston natasha.delliston@gmail.com
Judy Greengrass heyjude152@hotmail.com
Britt Quinn quinnbritt@gmail.com
Clarke Craine clarkecraine@gmail.com
Derrick Chow derrick.chow@virgin.net
Giles Watkins giles.watkins@insead.edu
ST PAUL’S SCHOOL
Headteacher
Clive Hale office@stpauls.camden.sch.uk 020 7722 7381
Elsworthy Road, London NW3 3NN
4748
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