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THE ROCK
News From :
St Augustine’s Church.
At the Heart of the Parish
December 2020 —January 2021 PRICE 50p
St Augustine’s Parish Church, Rock Avenue, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5PW
The Church Team
St Augustine’s Vicarage, Rock Avenue,
Parish Priest: Gillingham ME7 5PW
(01634 850288)
Curate Nicky Rawlins (07988 366974)
Church Wardens: Jenny Coe (322077), Sheila McSherry (786018)
Brian Hooper
Assistant Church Warden
Reader: Marjorie Barry
PCC Secretary: Caroline Bubb
PCC Treasurer: Martin Harris
The Recorder of
Martin Harris
Planned Giving:
Bookings Secretary: Tony Felmingham (854477)
Editor - Parish News Peter Wareing (353582)
Magazine Advertising Susan Gray (571589)
Magazine Finance Pam Swift (573646)
Bell Ringer Phillip Airey
Groups for you and your Family
Coffee Morning Coffee is served after Morning Prayer on Thursdays,
in the Church.
Flower Group Contact Jenny Coe on 322077
Place of Welcome Every Wednesday 9.00—11.00. Everyone welcome.
In the Church.
UNIFORMED GROUPS
3rd Gillingham Guides Contact Caroline Bubb on 574425
5th Gillingham Scout Group Contact Gay Worden on 571677
Beaver Colony Contact Sandra Bowring on 579261
Tigers Cub Scouts Contact Ann Last on 305066
Jaguar Scouts Contact Christopher Divers on 580910
Follow us on Facebook as ‘facebook.com/StAsGillingham/’
And A Church Near You as:
‘www.achurchnearyou.com/church/9893/’
2
Christmas Thoughts from Marjorie
As you read this we will, hopefully, just be coming out of a second national
lock-down. The approaching Christmas season will be very much in the forefront of
people’s minds. It will probably be a very different Christmas to normal. We might
still be under some strict government restrictions. But one thing will not change,
and that is the birth of Jesus. That has happened. It is set solid in history.
If we face uncertain, challenging times, so, when you think about it, did Mary and
Joseph. They had to cope with a government order too. Only then it wasn’t Boris
and Co. It was the Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus. Rome needed money, and
that meant taxes. Everyone had to register, and to do it you were required to go to
your ancestors’ place of origin. Joseph belonged to the line descended from King
David. David’s city is Bethlehem which was a long way from Joseph’s home in the
north, Nazareth. 90 miles in fact.
The birth of Jesus was not the pretty, sentimental affair we see depicted in
Christmas cards and school nativity plays, which somehow reduce it to an unreal
story, fit only for children and, for many people, difficult to take seriously. In truth, it
was hard for those involved.
Imagine the scene. A newly engaged couple is forced to register for a census in a
town 90 miles away. The woman is 9 months pregnant. When they finally reach
their destination after an arduous journey, there is no place to stay. An American
biblical archaeologist, James F. Strange, has walked this journey and he says, ”The
world of Mary and Joseph was a difficult, dangerous place. They had to travel from
the highlands of Galilee, south along the Jordan river, a very forested area, then
west over the hills surrounding Jerusalem, and so onto Bethlehem, on unpaved
roads.” Mr. Strange commented,” It was a fairly gruelling trip, very much uphill and
downhill.” He thinks Mary and Joseph would only have travelled 10 miles a day
because of Mary’s impending delivery. They may have joined a merchants’
caravan for protection from wild animals and outlaws and robbers.
Joseph probably had relatives in Bethlehem, but it seems they were unable to offer
shelter.
The weary mother and anxious Joseph urgently needed help, and they found it in
the person of an innkeeper who had no rooms free, but offered them a corner in the
place where the travellers’ donkeys were tethered; and they found it in the women
who helped Mary give birth, for surely Joseph would have sought help for his
wife-to-be from the women of the inn. And so Mary’s child was born, in noisy and
dirty conditions. When you examine the facts, this story rings out loud with truth.
Right from the start Jesus lived a life fully aware of life’s hardships and
uncertainties. He was not sheltered from life’s risks and dangers. I find it very
comforting somehow, to know that at a time when so many people today are
finding life challenging, worrying and hard, that Jesus of Nazareth knew it too, and
still knows it. It means He can understand and help us to be strong and hopeful.
Continued on page 13
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4
EPIPHANY
The Feast of Epiphany is the climax of Christmas.
It is on 6 January. It marks the end of the 12 days
of Christmas and celebrates the visit of the Wise
Men to the baby Jesus. These men are often
called Kings or Magi. They brought valuable gifts
of gold, frankincense and myrrh to honour the
baby.
The gift of gold was the gift people usually gave to
their King. By giving gold they were recognising
Jesus as their King. The second gift, frankincense, is a white gum from a
tree called 'Arbor Thurisfrom'. After hardening the gum forms a hard resin
which when burnt gives off a fragrant smell. It was burnt as an offering to
God during worship, used a medicine and also a perfume. The third gift was
myrrh which was also a gum from thorny tree. Myrrh is a wound healer
because it has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and pain relieving qualities. It
was also used as an embalming material when someone had died.
Epiphany is the day when all Christmas decorations need to be taken down
otherwise it is said to bring bad luck.
The day before Epiphany is the twelfth day of Christmas and is sometimes
called 'Twelfth Night'. In the Church calendar the Epiphany season lasts until
the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
We will be celebrating the Feast of Epiphany in our Eucharist services at
10am on Sunday 3rd January, so please join us as the Christmas season
draws to a close.
Did you know you can donate to Church funds by
phone – To help maintain our lovely building for the
future – text STAG001 to 70970 to donate £5
The PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF ST
AUGUSTINE GILLINGHAM needs to raise funds for
this and for other charitable
purposes.
*Your donation is to the National Funding Scheme (NFS), operating as
DONATE, a charity registered in England and Wales (1149800) and Scotland
(SC045106) and indicates a specific campaign. NFS takes a minor share of
any Gift Aid (or a maximum of 5% on a donation without Gift Aid) to cover
advertising and transaction services.
Text charges will be as per your standard network plan. Please see
www.easydonate.org for full details. To access our customer support please
email us at: hello@nationalfundingscheme.org or call 020 3174 2276
5
MESSAGE FROM BISHOP JAMES INTENTION TO RETIRE
Dear Sisters and Brothers
I am well aware that discussion about my likely retirement is not
especially secret not least because, from when I was first appointed,
I have been fairly open about how long I might be in post. At that
time, I sensed that my calling to be Bishop of Rochester might have
something like a ten-year shape to it. By the end of this year, I will
have completed those ten years. Having thought, prayed and consulted about
this, I am writing to let you know that Her Majesty The Queen has given consent
for me to resign as Bishop of Rochester with effect from 31st July, 2021, shortly
after my 65th birthday.
Details of any events to mark my retirement will be confirmed in due course and
may anyway be subject to what may or may not happen next year in relation to
the continuing impact of Covid-19.
Part of my reasoning, in announcing my retirement now is to enable the work of
the Vacancy-in-See Committee to be integrated with that wider strategic
discernment and reshaping. The Vacancy-in-See Committee, chaired by Canon
Mark Barker, is charged with drawing up a Diocesan Statement of Needs and
working with the national Crown Nominations Commission and others in relation
to future episcopal ministry in the Diocese.
In the months between now and my retirement, I will hope to continue with many
of the normal elements of episcopal ministry – though subject of course to what
is and is not possible. That said, I am already handing on to the Bishop of
Gloucester my main national role of Bishop to HM Prisons and diocesan matters
which are longer-term will of course move to Bishop Simon and others. I hope
also to find time to say farewell to our companion dioceses in Africa and Estonia
– a dimension of our diocesan life which I have hugely valued– but that will
depend on what is and is not possible in terms of travel.
Now is not the time to pre-empt thanks and farewells, but it has been a privilege
and (for the most part!) a joy to have been part of the life and story of the Church
within this Diocese, its mission and its Christian presence. I’ve hugely valued
being able to be on the ground in our parishes, with our chaplains, in our mission
initiatives, and not least with some of our community engagement work. I have
reflected further on my time here in a filmed piece which can be found at
https://youtu.be/YDvnYsQkJpU
I do want to commend to your prayers Bishop Simon, the Archdeacons, Bishop-
scourt staff and all others who will necessarily take on additional responsibilities
in coming months. Please also hold in your prayers the members of the Vacancy
-in-See Committee as they begin their important task on your behalf. Bridget and
I meanwhile are making our plans to move back to Birmingham, where we spent
eighteen years and continue to have a good number of friends and contacts.
As we continue to travel through these challenging times in our various settings,
roles and callings, I do assure you of my continuing prayers and my thankfulness
for all that you are doing.
With my thanks, prayers and all good wishes, James, Bishop
6
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7
100 Club News and Numbers!
Seasons Greetings from the 100 Club! Congratulations to our winners for the
December draw!
Winning Numbers for December 2020:
£10 Prizes £8 Prizes £5 Prizes
32, 48 and 56 18 54 and 68
Now is the time to think about subscriptions for 2021, hoping the
New Year will bring greater promise! If you wish to join/renew,
payment is £12.00 for the year and can be paid either by cash,
cheque or bank transfer. Please contact Caroline (574425) or Laura
(570917) for further details.
Please do support our advertisers wherever you can – many have
been with us for many years and like all of us have had some tough
and challenging times. We hold them in our prayers.
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8
Medway Food Bank 2020 Shopping Needs
• Custard (tinned/ready made) gratefully received, but at present we
• Instant smash DO NOT need tinned soup, baked
• Cup-a-soup beans, pet food or UHT milk.
• Squash/soft drinks
Thank you for your support to stop UK
• Packet desserts e.g. Angel Delight
hunger — it really does make a
• Tinned rice pudding
difference.
• Powdered/dried/UHT milk
• Sponge puddings (tinned) info@medway.foodbank.org.uk
• Biscuits Medway Foodbank
• Savoury treats/snacks (cheesy info@medway.foodbank.org.uk
biscuits, peanuts, crisps) 01634 757057
• Hot chocolate/drinking chocolate
• Ketchup or brown sauce Registered Charity
• Powdered/dried milk No: 1166505
• Toothbrushes
• Washing up liquid Please also note that
• Deodorant (male and female) St Augustine’s is not
• Razors acting as a collecting
Please note that all donations are point for the Foodbank at present, due
to Covid-19. Please contact the
Foodbank on the details above if you
wish to donate.
9
A Right Royal History Lesson
I suppose when we are on holiday we all stumble across a real gem which
remains in our memories for many a long time. Our memory is of Sudeley Castle.
We were staying on a caravan site in the Cotswolds near to Bourton on the
Water. Somebody had said to us "you must go to Sudeley Castle". So, we did
and what a surprise we had. We had never visited somewhere that was so
wrapped up in English Royal history.
Sudeley Castle had been in and out of royal ownership through the centuries,
beginning with King Ethelred the Unready. He succeeded the throne in the late
10th century when his supporters murdered his brother King Edward the Martyr.
Then because the Danes were causing him trouble, he slaughtered all the Danes
in this country. They retaliated by invading England and eventually putting their
own King on the throne, King Canute. By this time, Ethelred had passed Sudeley
to his daughter Gotha.
When William the Conqueror came to England, the castle was owned by Earl
Harold of Sudeley. William confiscated all the Saxon Noblemen's estates but by
an uncanny marriage arrangement Earl Howard was allowed to keep Sudeley.
and over the next three hundred years the de Sudeleys distinguished themselves
in the crusades and other campaigns.
Following this a brutal civil war broke out between Matilda and Stephen known as
the Anarcy, lasting twenty years. Stephen seized the estate turning it into a royal
garrison, but before the war was over it had been destroyed. Many heads rolled
in the process. One of Stephen's sons, William de Sudeley was one of the four
knights who murdered Thomas a Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. He was never
arrested or tried for the crime.
In the fifteenth century the estate passed to Ralph Boteler who campaigned in
the Hundred Years War with France and the Wars of the Roses. Ralph
campaigned in France with both Henry V and Henry VI and was Captain of
Calais, England's most important French possession. He was appointed Baron
Sudeley. Having acquired great wealth he built the present structure.
Ralph did not enjoy his new castle for long. In 1461 the Lancastrian Henry VI was
overthrown by the Yorkist Edward IV. Ralph was forced to sell his castle to the
new King. Edward granted Sudeley to his brother Richard. Edward subsequently
married Elizabeth Woodville and had two sons by her. On Edward's death,
Richard stated that the sons were bigamous, as Edward had married Elizabeth
whilst still married to Eleanor. He "lodged" Edward's two young sons in the Tower
of London and declared them illegitimate, so that he could take the throne. The
boys were never seen again and remain one of the most notorious unsolved
murder mysteries in English history. Meanwhile Eleanor spent her last years at
Sudeley. She became known as the secret Queen of England and the first
English Queen to reside at Sudeley.
Continued on page 21
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11Reflections on a Rural Ministry
Unlike many of my fellow clergy, I cannot claim to have served in a wide variety
of parishes across many years. Indeed our former parish priest Fr Antony Lane
spent over thirty years in the priesthood, and no doubt in his retirement he will be
involved in some form of ministry. I find it hard to visualise him reclining in a
hammock, a pint of beer in his hand, and a radio playing gentle music, I could be
wrong!
When Bishop Michael Turnbull asked me to take on the benefice of
Wateringbury, Teston and West Farleigh, I had little idea at all what this rural kind
of ministry involved. So, I put my bike on a train and headed for this then
unfamiliar part of the Kentish countryside.
In those seemingly far off days, I used to cycle just about everywhere I needed to
go, but now I realised that if I was to take on the challenge of servicing three
parishes week by week, and arriving at the church doors on time, and also
attending a multitude of parish meetings during the week, my trusty bicycle would
not be up to the job, as all three parishes were situated on either side of the
Medway Valley.
In those days I was reasonably fit—but not that fit, so I learned to drive. Even so,
Sundays were certainly not days of rest with three services at three different
churches, either sides of the river. A mixture of Eucharist, Morning Prayer and/or
a family service, with baptisms in the afternoon, and always Evensong at St
Peter and St Paul, Teston in the evenings.
To wind down on Sunday evenings after a variety of services, Eileen and I used
to go for quite long drives around the Kentish countryside, with William our
lovely Dalmatian (he did not want to be left out), perched on the back seat, the
one thought in his mind “when do we eat?”
My experience as a parish priest compared with many clergy persons, was
confined to my three rural parishes, now no longer a benefice but now all part of
other benefices, which sometimes makes me feel as if my former ministry is now
in fragments, but we still keep in touch with some of our former parishioners, and
make the rare visit to St John the Baptist, Wateringbury once or twice a year, and
there receive a very warm welcome, I’m glad to say.
We also had an open air pet service at Teston once a year, but that’s another
story and can wait for another time (looking forward to that—Ed). William, as
usual making his presence known!
Yours in faith, hope and love,
Fr Denys
12Men’s Group Kent
Online Men’s Group visit: http://meetu.ps/c/4dDXW/3KRXv/d
on Meetup and create an account where you will then be asked 3 questions in
order to join the group.
Contact Richard Hale for more info: richardanthonyhale@gmail.com
Christmas Thoughts continued from page 3
In the words of that lovely bidding prayer that is used at carol services, make
time, in all the preparations for our own Christmas celebrations, to “go in heart
and mind even unto Bethlehem, to see this thing that has come to pass, and
the Babe lying in the manger.” So let’s celebrate joyfully and be thankful for
the birth of our Saviour and Friend, who was given to us all those years ago in
Bethlehem, and still lives to help us today.
Everyone at St. Augustine’s wishes you a blest and happy Christmas.
Marjorie Barry Licenced Reader
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13St Augustine’s Annual Cricket Match
Phil Manning’s diary for 1988 has provided much pleasurable reading with
regard to his involvement with St Augustine’s Church as previously
mentioned.
Phil’s diary entry, for a warm and sunny day in September of this particular
year, records in about eight lines him as being selected to play as a member
of the St Augustine’s cricket team in the annual friendly match against a team
from St Margaret’s Church, Rainham.
Phil notes that St Margaret’s team were all in whites and looking quite
fearsome, whereas the team of St Augustine’s are recorded as, one taking
the crease in a polka-dot number, one wearing sun glasses facing their
bowler, and when fielding, our wicket keeper stopping every ball with his
legs, not his hands.
The surprising result was that St Augustine’s bowled St Margaret’s team out
for 55 in the twenty overs and St Augustine’s surpassing this number in the
15 overs they batted for.
Phil states that his team played some very tight fielding, after the drinks
break. Although not ‘man of the match’, Phil was pleased to have, in the one
over, caught and bowled one, and then had one caught out from his next ball,
but regrettably missing out on a hat trick with the ending of St Margaret’s
team’s innings. He adds that his batting lasted one ball when he hit a
boundary four with the match winning runs, earning a pat on the back from
his captain.
I’m sure some of those of St Augustine’s team still about will recall a very
pleasurable afternoon’s game of cricket. I wonder if the matches are still
played today? (Unfortunately not, Peter, we are all a bit long in the tooth!
Though I did take part in one when I was first at St Augustine's—Ed)
Peter Manning, VP. FIGRS
1415
Word Search
Silent Night
This much-loved carol comes from Austria, where it was first sung as Stille
Nacht, heilige Nacht on Christmas Eve, 1818. It was written by Father Joseph
Mohr, a young priest at St Nicholas parish church, in the village of Oberndorf bei
Salzburg. As Christmas 1818 approached, he asked the local schoolmaster,
Franz Xaver Gruber, to compose a melody for his carol. Gruber was organist in
the nearby village of Arnsdorf, and so was happy to oblige. On Christmas Eve
they presented the carol to the church during the midnight mass. The carol went
on to become loved world-wide; and the version sung by Bing Crosby is the third
best-selling single of all time.
Silent
Night
Loved
Carol
Austria
First
Sung
Stille
Nacht
Heilige
Christmas
Eve
Father
Joseph
Mohr
Young
Priest
Organist
Midnight
Mass
Melody
Single
Bing
Version
Third
Solution to this month’s word search can be found on page 28
16Meditations on Plants
I’ve seen this all over the
hedges and trees on my
walks along the river,
recently. The flowers are
covered in wasps,
looking for late nectar, as
it is a very late flowering
plant. By the time you
read this, it should be
covered in berries. But
don’t pick them..
Poisonous!
Medway Safe Haven
Your Safe Haven @ Medway will be open from Monday 10th August 2020
between 6pm – 11pm.
Based at Age UK, MacKenney Centre, Woodlands Road, Gillingham, ME7
2BX.
Your Safe Haven @ Medway will be open 365 days per year and offers out of
hours mental health support to any residents of Kent aged 16 or over,
including healthcare professionals.
No appointment or referral needed.
Contact them at: Medway.mhm@nhs.net or visit www.mhm.org.uk for
more information
17Comfort and Joy
The Church of England have launched their Christmas
campaign, which this year is called “Comfort and Joy”.
“Comfort and Joy holds together the hope that Christmas
will bring joy and celebration after a uniquely difficult year
with an acknowledgement that – for those who have lost
loved ones or livelihoods, or who are potentially still not
able to be together with loved ones – it may be the
Church’s role, both nationally and locally, to provide
consolation, rather than assume everyone will be ready to join in jubilation.
This Christmas the Church will need, in the words of St Paul in Romans
12.15, to ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep’. We will
aim to celebrate where we can together in one place – but also embrace a
wider community that wants to join in the celebration but may not be
physically able – or emotionally ready – to do so.
We hope that Comfort and Joy will enable us to build a campaign that both
enables us to reconnect with the rich and joyous traditions of the past and to
offer God’s consoling love in the present. ”
There will be weekly reflections published on social media and available by
email and app for each Sunday of Advent.
They will also be made available freely via audio, smart speaker, as well as
via app and email formats with accompanying prayer activities for children and
families.
Online services and events
In collaboration with a range of Christian charities and organisations, there will
be nine online services throughout Advent and Christmas. This will include an
online service for each Sunday of Advent, a Christingle with the Children's
Society, nine lessons and carols and midnight services. Charities involved
include Christian Aid, Church Army, Embrace and Marie Curie.
Away in a Manger
Although we will not all be able to join together this
year at Christmas, we would like to suggest you join
with us and if you have a crib set at home, you place
the Christ child in the manger at 6.30pm on Christmas
Eve. This will be about the time it is happening at our
Carols by Candlelight service, and might help us to
feel united.
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19Picture Parable
20A Right Royal History Lesson (cont from page 10)
Richard's rule was short lived when he was killed at the Battle of Bosworth, the
last English king to die in battle. The Tudor period started when Richard was
succeeded by Henry VII. Sudeley was eventually passed to Henry VIII. He was
staying at the castle with Anne Boleyn a year before he had her beheaded. He
was also at the castle when he put in place the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Towards the end of his reign, whilst married to Queen Katherine Parr, he
neglected Sudeley. On the Kings death in 1547, he was succeeded by his nine
year old son Edward VI and the country was run by a regency council lead by
Edward Seymore. Sudeley was given to one of the councillors, Thomas Seymore,
and a month after Henry's death, he married Katherine Parr and made their home
at Sudeley. However, he also caught the eye of the young Elizabeth, later to
become queen. Katherine died a few days after giving birth, Thomas then chased
after Elizabeth.
Only a few months after Katherine's death, Thomas was arrested for plotting to
overthrow Somerset and trying to marry Elizabeth. He was sent to the Tower and
executed. Elizabeth was lucky to get away with it. Somerset fell out of favour with
the council and so his head found its way to the chopping block. Sudeley passed
to the Northamptons. They proposed Lady Jane Grey, a protestant, to be Queen
instead of the Catholic Mary, the rightful Queen. The country revolted against the
appointment and soon the Northamptons and Lady Jane Grey were executed.
She became the nine day queen. Bloody Mary took the throne and became yet
another royal owner of Sudeley.
Queen Elizabeth stayed at Sudeley on numerous occasions and there were
many celebrations there. In 1592, the Queen came to Sudeley for a three day
extravaganza, to celebrate the defeat of the Spanish Armada with hundreds of
courtiers, noblemen and gentry partying for three whole days.
The castle was then owned by the Chandos family, who enjoyed fifty years of
comparative quiet, building wealth from tenant farmers. But in 1642, Chandos
backed the King against Parliament, with disastrous results. Sudeley became a
major garrison and was bombarded from both sides. The parliamentarians
destroyed the castle making it uninhabitable.
For the next two centuries, Sudeley lay derelict and abandoned. George III visited
the castle times and once fell down the stairs into the arms of the housekeeper.
In 1792 a group of ladies noticed a panel in the chapel and asked for it to be
explored. Behind they found a lead bound coffin with the inscription "Here lyeth
Queen Kateryn, wife to Kyng Henry VIII.
The coffin was opened to reveal her corpse "entire and uncorrupted", the flesh
still white and moist. The coffin now lies in St Mary's church. Sudeley remains the
only private home where a Queen of England lies.
John Baker
21Gardening Tips from Green Toes
It will not be long before some Hellebores are coming into
flower.. Cut back most of the foliage to prevent the
emerging flowers being hidden by the foliage and to help
control Hellebore leaf spot disease.
After all the strong winds we have had in the past month or two, check on
climbing plants and their supports. Repair any damage and replace this if
needed. It is surprising the weight some structures support.
Deciduous hedges can be pruned now, if they need
cutting back hard (more than half their height) do it over
two or three winters. It is then not such a shock to the
hedge and a better shape can be obtained. Grape vines
also need pruning this month to avoid bleeding, which
can lead to loss of vigour; cut back to two or three buds.
Tidy up brassicas by removing yellow and unhealthy looking leaves, plus
they smell horrible. Stake tall Brussel Sprouts stems to provide support
against strong winds.
If you buy or are given a Christmas Poinsettia, keep it in a
warm place with as much light as possible and away from
draughts. Do not over water, plants will recover quicker
from being on the dry side than being too wet. As with all
house plants, move them room side of curtains at night.
Some people like new potatoes with their Christmas
lunch, to get the true taste grow your own next year.
Buy cold stored seed potatoes in July, plant in
large deep pots and keep in the
greenhouse or light porch away
from frost.
Remember the birds as it gets colder, put out a varied
selection of bird food and water. Place a floating ball in
ponds to keep a space frost free for oxygen to dissolve into
the water.
We all hope the Church will be open in
December, remember to make your star wreaths
for display in Church. If it does not happen hang
it on your door or use it as a table wreath.
Best wishes Green Toes
Photos courtesy of Pixabay
22YOUR PARISH NEWS John Leigh ND, DO
Registered Osteopath &
Please submit contributions for the Registered Naturopathic Physician
Treatment for Musculo-Skeletal Conditions,
February 2021 Including Back pain, Neck Pain & Other Joint
issue by Pain
Special Interests in Sports Injuries,
Friday 15 January 2021 Occupational Injuries & Whiplash Injuries.
Medical reports Prepared
Articles are always gratefully received.
We prefer articles to be typed and sent via
email, although short handwritten pieces
will be accepted.
Articles for publication can be left at the
Church in the pigeonhole marked “Editor”,
or e-mailed directly to:
magazine.editor@sagk.org.uk 01634 576292
Gillingham Clinic of
Editor: Peter Wareing (353582) Complementary Medicine
50 Watling Street, Gillingham, ME7 2YN
www.gillinghamclinic.co.uk
Advertising: Sue Gray (571589) The Oldest Clinic of Complementary Medicine in
the Medway Towns
Finance & Distribution: Pam Swift Recognised by Major Medical Insurance
(573646) Companies
Rear of 119 Watling Street, Gillingham, Kent ME7 2YN (entrance is in
Derby Road)
Established for 20 years.
A Professional and friendly practice with fully
qualified and experienced Physiotherapists.
SPINAL INJURY SPORTS INJURY
JOINT PAIN We are only a phone call away. NERVE PAIN
WORK RELATED If you are unsure whether POSTURAL STRAIN
INJURY Physiotherapy is the right thing POST and PRE OP
ARTHRITIC for your condition, just give our REHABILITATION
CONDITIONS Physiotherapists a call
Call 01795 435060 (office appointment line)
Website: www.thephysiotherapycentre.co.uk
23Bits and Bobs
Christmas cards – prayer idea:
Keep your Christmas cards and each day
take a couple and pray for the sender(s),
try to focus on their lives and needs.
Coming to Church on Sunday 6th December?
We hope to hold our
Christingle service during
the Eucharist – please
also wear your Christmas
jumper!
Dates for your diary
Saturday February 13th 2pm Bingo – a family event. £3 a ticket – to include 8
games
Saturday March 20th 2pm Travel talk with Martin Harris £3 a ticket.
With both of these we will need to limit numbers and obviously adhere to
Government guidelines at the time.
Census Day 2021 will be Sunday 21 March 2021
Update from Medway Council
At the current time
• There is a click and collect service in place at all 15 Medway libraries and
residents can also buy daily parking vouchers from Gillingham,
Rochester, Chatham, Strood, Twydall, Rainham and Luton libraries.
• Medway Adult Education lessons can continue, with some moving online
to assist with social distancing.
• Many services continue to run as normal but please be aware that some
are running a reduced service
• Don’t forget you will still need to book a slot if you are visiting one of the
household waste and recycling centres (HWRCs) – like Hoath way
• For more local information:
• https://www.medway.gov.uk/
• Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TR
• 01634 333 333
24FILM LINES
With Christmas films coming up – some of these favourites are bound to be
among them.
Can you name these films?
" Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads."
" Just keep swimming."
" I'm king of the world!"
" There's no place like home."
" Here's looking at you kid."
" Nobody puts Baby in a corner."
" Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."
" You're going to need a bigger boat."
" Well, nobody's perfect."
" Love means never having to say you're sorry."
Answers on page 35
More snippets from the Chronology of Gillingham
1874
A census of the parish of Gillingham reveals a population of 19,759 (177 less
than the census of 1871) N.B In the 2011 census Gillingham civil parish had
5,345 dwellings, 5,107 households and a population of 11,756, as we should
have the 2021 census later this year it will be interesting to see how numbers
have varied.
A great reception is held for troops on their return from the Ashanti War – with a
banquet held in the R.E. Gymnasium
Serious outbreak of smallpox in New Brompton.
1875
Work is in progress on the railway line linking the Dockyard with the L.C. and
D.R. main line near New Brompton station.
James White, a soldier, proclaims himself the expected “Messenger” and
becomes leader of “The New and Latter House of Israel” under the name of
James Jershom Jezreel.
25
2526
1st Gillingham West Rainbows and 3rd Gillingham Brownies
After many years we are so sorry to say farewell to our Rainbows and
Brownies. It has been a mixture of factors – fall in numbers, lack of volunteers
coming forward and Covid.
Our Rainbows started life in the old Jubilee Hall over
25 years ago. Rainbows were open to girls aged 5
and over – and one of our current Guide leaders was
amongst those first Rainbows – ably led by “Mrs
Rainbow”. The girls took part in games, crafts,
learning about nature and being kind to others. Over
time activities have changes, they include sleepovers
and working for badges. But essentially Rainbows is
all about developing self-confidence, building friendships, learning new things
and having fun. Girls get their hands dirty with arts and crafts, get in touch with
nature and play games - it's all about learning by doing.
Our Brownies were led for many years by Wanda Jay,
assisted by Pearl Harvey and I’m sure there are many
girls and indeed families who will have memories of
Pack Holidays led by Brown Owl. The girls never went
too far away, but that didn’t matter once you were
away from home and undertaking chores and
activities with friends it really didn’t matter where you
were, there was always fun to be had from trips to the
beach, sports days and shopping for gifts to take home.
Wednesday evening Brownie meetings involved badges, crafts, games and fun
and I’m sure several members of the church family were invited at various
times to help assess Hostess and Entertainer badge. The end of the year also
saw the Nativity play - where the Guides read the story, the Brownies sang,
played recorders and other musical instruments and acted out the story and the
Rainbows joined them on the stage at the end to sing.
Latterly our Rainbows and Brownies have been led by Grace and Jo, and we
are grateful for all they have done to keep them going through some quite
challenging times, there are many girls who will look back at their time with
fond, happy memories – Thank you to all involved and in the words of a well
loved Guide song “Go well and safely”. SG.
PLACE OF WELCOME BOOK CLUB
One of our regulars has really bought into the community vision and
has kindly offered to help us start a monthly Book Club at the Place
of Welcome. The plan is that this will take place every fourth
Wednesday within an area of the church probably in partnership with
one of our local libraries. There will be no need to buy a book: this is
simply a further expansion of our offering to the community. More details can be
obtained from projectboardchair@staugchurch.co.uk, by asking for Bert or Ernie
at the Place of Welcome or by calling 571589.
27Community Corner
Need to contact your local Councillor?
Gillingham South:
Councillor Dan McDonald
Mobile: 07580 102024 Email: dan.mcdonald@medway.gov.uk
Councillor Clive Johnson
Mobile: 07802 872592 Email: clive.johnson@medway.gov.uk
Councillor Naushabah Khan
Phone: 07810 823398 Email: naushabah-khan@outlook.com
Watling:
Councillor Wendy Purdy
Home phone: 01634 578669 Email: johnpurdy@btinternet.comCouncillor
Chrissy Stamp. Phone: 07557 981138 Email: chrissy.stamp@medway.gov.uk
.Smile Amazon
If you shop via Amazon, perhaps you
might consider shopping on Smile Amazon
– you can support a charity – hopefully our
church and some items you purchase may
be eligible for donations to our church.
The charity name is quite a mouthful - The Parochial Church Council Of The
Ecclesiastical Parish Of St.Augustines, Gillingham, Kent., charity number 1128481.
You need to start each shopping session at the URL smile.amazon.co.uk, and they
will donate 0.5% of the net purchase price (excluding VAT, returns and shipping
fees) of your eligible purchases.
Solution to the Sudoku Puzzle on page Solution to the Word Search on
32 page 16
28Safeguarding
As a Diocese we take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and we are
committed to ensuring that our churches and buildings are safe places.
If you or someone you are concerned about is in immediate danger, please call
the police on 999.
Lead Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser and Rochester Cathedral Safeguard-
ing Officer Greg Barry:
Tel: 01634 560000 or M: 07585 952174.Email:greg.barry@rochester.anglican.org
Penny Pot Are you one of those who throw their spare coppers away? If
you have any spare coppers, we have a Penny Project pot in the
Welcome area, or we will collect them from you.
Just phone Andrew (571589), we have already banked almost £55
Thank you
List of Support Services during Coronavirus
North Kent Mind
Offer support to individuals with finding work on a one to one basis via Zoom or
phone – covering mock interviews, CVs, assisted job search, volunteering,
courses and job placements.
In addition to this, they deliver a five week webinar on how to prepare for work,
giving useful advice on interview techniques, how to deal with interview nerves,
CVS, Covering letters, and making the best of yourself.
Offer online courses in Mindfulness, Anxiety & Stress and Self Esteem
Run online Peer Support Groups using Zoom including an activity session, coffee
morning and a YP (17 – 25 years old) group
Offer individual support to people suffering through the pandemic – this can be
short or longer term. It isn’t therapy, but will provide a listening ear, perhaps
working through people’s anxieties, coping strategies, signposting, etc.
Reopened Ecology Island (outdoor conservation project in Dartford Park) as it is
possible to social distance. There is a waiting list but they are accepting referrals.
Other services include Employment, Housing, IAPT and low cost counselling
Contact them on 01322 291380
29Crossword
Notes
Crossword Answers November 2020
ACROSS: 1, Thanks. 4, Banner. 8, Esher. 9, Azariah. 10, Compare. 11, Ishma.
12, Doorposts. 17, Oaths. 19, Galatia. 21, Papyrus. 22, Frail. 23, Listen. 24,
Hyssop.
DOWN: 1, Trench. 2, Ashamed. 3, Karma. 5, Ananias. 6, Neigh. 7, Reheat. 9,
Areopagus. 13, Observe. 14, Satraps. 15, Compel. 16, Gallop. 18, Tapes. 20,
Lofty.
30Crossword Clues
Across
1 Rely (Psalm 62:7) (6)
4 ‘He stretches out the heavens like a — , and spreads them out like a tent to live
in’ (Isaiah 40:22) (6)
7 What the dove carried the olive leaf in, when it returned to Noah’s ark (Genesis
8:11) (4)
8 Annoy (1 Samuel 1:6) (8)
9 Judah’s last king, who ended his days as a blind prisoner in Babylon (Jeremiah
52:11) (8)
13 ‘They all — and were satisfied’ (Luke 9:17) (3)
16 Eliphaz the Temanite was one; so was Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the
Naamathite (Job 2:11; 16:2) (4,9)
17 National Association of Evangelicals (of the USA) (1,1,1)
19 Popular song for New Year’s Eve, Auld — — (4,4)
24 Able dock (anag.) (8)
25 The number of stones David chose for his confrontation with Goliath (1 Samuel
17:40) (4)
26 Elgar’s best-known ‘Variations’ (6)
27 Soak (Isaiah 16:9) (6)
Down
1 Money owing (Deuteronomy 15:3) (4)
2 Conciliatory (Titus 3:2) (9)
3 ‘Do this, whenever you — it, in remembrance of me’ (1 Corinthians 11:25) (5)
4 A group assisting in the governance of the Roman Catholic Church (5)
5 One of the gifts Joseph’s brothers took with them on their second journey to
Egypt (Genesis 43:11) (4)
6 ‘Reach out your hand and — — into my side. Stop doubting and believe’ (John
20:27) (3,2)
10 Be outstandingly good (2 Corinthians 8:7) (5)
11 ‘What — — that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for
him?’ (Psalm 8:4) (2,3)
12 Horse’s feet (Judges 5:22) (5)
13 Notice (Deuteronomy 17:4) (9)
14 Comes between 2 Chronicles and Nehemiah (4)
15 One of Israel’s northern towns conquered by Ben-Hadad (1 Kings 15:20) (4)
18 Narnia’s Lion (5)
20 One of the two rivers in which Naaman would have preferred to wash (2 Kings
5:12) (5)
21 Avarice—one of the evils that come from inside people (Mark 7:22) (5)
22 Knight Grand Cross of St Michael and St George (1,1,1,1)
23 Jacob’s first wife (Genesis 29:23) (4)
This crossword, reproduced by kind permission of BRF and John Capon, was originally published in Three
Down, Nine Across, by John Capon (£6.99 BRF).
31Intermediate Level Sudoku Puzzle (Solution on Page 28)
Work it Out Here
Cartoons
32WORSHIP AT ST AUGUSTINE’S CHURCH
Full details of Church Worship are shown on the back cover.
Services are a bit different at the moment, due to the
Coronavirus distancing measures.
WHO TO CONTACT
Initial arrangements for Holy baptism, Weddings and Banns of Marriage should be
made in the first instance to the vicarage on 01634 850288, or contact us on
Facebook—we usually respond within a few hours.
If, unfortunately, you have to arrange a funeral and you
wish someone from St Augustine’s to take the service in
church, at the Crematorium, or the Cemetery, please
indicate this to the Undertaker.
If you would like prayers to be said for you for any reason,
please contact the Vicarage on 01634 850288.
Anyone wishing to book the Church Room should contact
Tony Felmingham on 01634 854477
Full details of the Church Team and the Groups can be found on the inside front
cover of this magazine.
AVIVA COMMUNITY FUND
In the middle of November we launched
a crowd funding appeal through the
insurance company, Aviva. This followed
on from our Place of Welcome
community project being accepted in the
latest round of community funding. We
are looking to raise £2000 and ideally a further £1000. At the time of going to press
we had made a tremendous start through the generosity and kindness of those
who support our community vision.
There is still plenty of time left to support the development of the community. Full
details can be found by typing the link shown here into your browser:
https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/place-of-welcome-communit?
tk=9a138b22769db33c6eb955c21f40b42598642507
Please do consider if you can help us: use the link to find out more, or contact
Andrew 01634 571589
33Hands, face, space
We must all play our part to reduce the spread of the virus and keep our
community safe. You may have heard the phrase ‘hands, face, space’ this
represents three simple actions we all must do to help keep each other safe.
• Wash your hands – continue to wash your hands regularly
• Cover your face – wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
• Make space – try and stay at least two metres apart, or one metre with a
face covering or other precautions
Please protect yourself and others. We will get through this together.
Samaritan’s Purse – Shoebox Appeal
On 1 November, 11 shoeboxes left St Augustine’s Church filled
with love and gifts for children overseas at Christmas. I know
also that other members of our congregation had committed to
shoeboxes via the Samaritan’s Purse website. Archdeacon
Andy was with us on 1 November and prayed for our shoeboxes before they
left for the next leg of their journey.
11 shoeboxes is approx. one third of our usual total (which given the current
circumstances is understandable). Before I left for Church on 1 November, I
heard the Radio 2 presenters whilst talking to their Charity Champion mention
the ‘Starfish Story’. I’d never heard this before and asked Google what it was
all about. (I’d recommend a read if like me it’s new to you as well – it’s only
short). I think it’s very appropriate to our Shoeboxes – they’ll make a difference
to 11 children and that’s well worth it.
Thank you. Caroline
34More Bits and Bobs
Answers to Film Quiz from page 25
Back to the Future
Finding Nemo
Titanic
The Wizard of Oz
Casablanca
Dirty Dancing
Gone with the Wind
Jaws
Some Like it Hot
Love Story
AVOCADO ON TOAST
INGREDIENTS:
1 ripe avocado
½ lemon
big pinch chilli flakes
2 slices sourdough bread
good drizzle extra virgin olive oil
METHOD:
Cut the avocado in half and carefully remove its stone, then scoop out the flesh
into a bowl.
Squeeze in the lemon juice then mash with a fork to your desired texture.
Season to taste with sea salt, black pepper and chilli flakes.
Toast your bread, drizzle over the oil then pile the avocado on top.
I can’t stand avocados—Ed
Midnight Mass
Unfortunately we will
not be holding a
Midnight service this
year on Christmas
Eve.
Rochester Cathedral
will be holding a
service at 11.30pm but you will need a ticket – apply via the website or by
phone.
Both St Barnabas and St Mary Magdalene are likely to hold Midnight Mass at
11.30 pm Christmas Eve. Please check with them if on Facebook or A Church
Near You if that is the case, and if you need to book. I’m sure you would be very
welcome to attend either of these services.
35ST AUGUSTINE’S PARISH CALENDAR FOR 2020
Thursday 3rd December 9.30am Said Communion
Sunday 6th December 10am Isaiah 40:1-11 2 Peter 3: 8-15a Mark 1:1-8
Christingle & Eucharist
Thursday 10th December 9.30am Said Communion
Sunday 13th December Isaiah 61.1–4, 8– 1 Thessalonians John 1.6–8, 19–28
10am Eucharist 11 5.16–24
Thursday 17th December 9.30am Morning Prayer
Sunday 20th December 2 Samuel 7.1– Romans 16.25–27 Luke 1.26–38
10am Eucharist 11, 16
6.30pm Carol Service
Thursday 24th December 9.30am Morning Prayer
6pm Candlelight Carol Service
Friday 25th December Isaiah 62:6-12 Titus 3:4-7 Luke 2:8-20
10am Eucharist
Sunday 27th December Isaiah 61.10 – Galatians 4.4–7 Luke 2.15–21
10am Eucharist 62.3
Thursday 31st December 9.30am Morning Prayer
Sunday 3rd January 10am Isaiah 60.1–6 Ephesians 3.1–12 Matthew 2.1–12
Epiphany
Thursday 7th January 9.30am Morning Prayer
Sunday 10th January 10am Genesis1.1-5 Acts 19.1-7 Mark 1. 4-11
Eucharist
Thursday 14th January 9.30am Said Communion
Sunday 17th January 10am
Eucharist 1 Samuel 3.1-20 Revelation 5.1-10 John1. 43 - end
st
Thursday 21 January 9.30am Morning Prayer
Sunday 24th January 10am Genesis 14.17- Revelation19. 6-10 John 2. 1-11
Eucharist 20
Thursday 28th January 9.30am Said Communion
Sunday 31st January 10am Deuteronomy 18. Revelation12.1-5a Mark 1. 21-28
Eucharist 15-20
Please be aware this is subject to change – to ensure we are following
Government and Church of England guidance – if in doubt, please contact
the Church Wardens – details on inside of front cover.
As you will be aware, Government guidelines require that all worshippers
and visitors to Places of Worship should wear face coverings, for their own
protection and also for the protection of others. We also operate track and
trace.You can also read
