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My collection of parish magazines and newsletters is something of which I am quite proud. By hook or by crook, I have come to amass more than seven hundred different issues, dating back to the time a magazine was first produced by the Reverend C Shrewsbury in September 1908. In monetary terms, the collection is of little or no value, but as source of reference relevant to community heritage, the value is incalculable. It is intended to have the whole collection copied on to microfilm in the near future, for the benefit of all who would be interested in sharing the content.
In the meantime, here I thought it might be interesting to reproduce the letters which each Vicar of Thringstone published in the church magazine upon their arrival and departure from the parish:
The Reverend Cheverton Shrewsbury MA, September 1908:
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MY DEAR PARISHIONERS
The purpose of a Parish Magazine is to strengthen and deepen the Church Life of the Parish. The ideal Parish is that in which every one, forgetful of self, strives to promote the welfare of the whole. It is marvellous how much can be achieved, if each one gladly and willingly does his share. And every Churchman, in one way or another, is called to be a Churchworker. The most pressing need of the parish is the enlargement of the Churchyard. Subject to the permission of the Patron and the Bishop, for whom plans are being prepared, the Vicar is willing to give half an acre of the glebe field for that purpose. Then as soon as possible the School question must be faced. Much too can be done to make our Church, of which we are so proud, yet more beautiful: such as for example a more modern system of heating. The Churchwardens have already determined to re-varnish the seats. But meanwhile several minor details, if carried out, would greatly add to the beauty and reverence of the Church's worship. We are grateful to Mrs Kirby, who has kindly given a hymn board to the Church. Other gifts, such as an Altar Cross, Flower Vases, Book Rest, Retable, Markers for the Bible and Service Books, and Cassocks for the Choir are much needed, and would be gladly welcomed. There is, therefore, much to be done, but there is no task too great if we are all willing to do our best. We must leave to our next Magazine the programme of winter work. But there is one thing we must work for and that is the keeping of our Patronal Festival on S.Andrew's Day, November 30th. We shall hope to mark it by a Special Celebration of the Holy Communion, a parochial tea, and an entertainment by the Band of Hope children, who will commence practice this month. May I ask for your loyal enthusiasm and co-operation in these undertakings.
I am,
Your faithful servant,
C.SHREWSBURY.
The Reverend Cheverton Shrewsbury MA, August 1954:
My Dear Friends,
This must be the last time I write a letter in the pages of our magazine. I should like to leave with you three texts which I hope may be helpful to all of us in our spiritual life.
The first text is one of the petitions in the Lord's Prayer: "Give us this day our daily bread". The Catechism explains this when it says: "And I pray unto God that he will send us all things that be needful, both for our souls and bodies."
It is a good thing to live one day at a time. We are not asked to carry the threefold burden of past, present and future. "As thy day is, so shall thy strength be." This will save us from brooding over the past or unduly worrying over the future.
The second text comes from 1 Peter, v.7: "Casting all your care upon Him (that is God) for He careth for you." Life has its dark days as well as its bright days. At times times we have trouble, difficulties, worries and cares. But let us take St. Peter's advice and cast all of our cares upon God for He careth for us and He will help us.
Our third text comes from Ephesians III, 14, 15, "Our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named."
My ideals of the Church and I am sure, yours, is that our Church should be as a happy united family, each member helping and working for the Church to make it what it should be. And when I think of the many who have passed away let us remember that they are still one with us and we with them in Christ.
And let me say how happy I have been at Thringstone and most thankful for all your help and kindness to me. It has been a great privilege to me to share with you these past forty-six years your joys and sorrows and your fellowship. I shall never forget St. Andrew's, Thringstone.
What better prayer can I offer than this for you and myself: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore."
Yours faithfully,
C. SHREWSBURY.
The Reverend Lawrence James Chesterman, November 1955:
The Vicarage
28th October, 1955.
My Dear People,
First, Mrs. Chesterman and I would like to thank you for your very warm welcome to us. It was grand to see the church filled to overflowing for the Institution and we enjoyed the reception at the Community Centre afterwards.
Now a word about the arrangement of services. I do believe that the real strength of any parish lies in the faithful people who regularly meet together to obey our Lord's command 'to break the bread and pour the wine in remembrance of Him.' The service of Holy Communion should be the very heart of all our Christian work and fellowship, as it is at the very centre of our Common Prayer Book. I have therefore decided to make Choral Communion at 9.30 our chief Sunday morning service except on the first Sunday in the month. On the first Sunday, Holy Communion will be celebrated at 8 and at 11 we shall have either Holy Baptism or Matins. It is most important that Holy Baptism be given its rightful place in the PUBLIC worship of the Church. One of the reasons for slack thinking about this Sacrament is that the Church has allowed Baptism to take place quietly with none of the regular worshippers present. But Baptism is an important family affair, a Christian family affair, a new mem ber of the Body of Christ on earth is being made. After Baptism the priest says, "We receive this Child into the congregation of Christ's flock" but how often are any of the congregation present to do the receiving. I do hope and pray therefore that the regular worshippers at St. Andrew's will look upon attendance at Holy Baptism as the chance to do a real piece of Christian witness and to extend the hand of Christian Fellowship to the young parents who bring their babies to be baptised. In the event of there being no candidates for Baptism on the First Sunday in the month, we shall have Matins and Sermon.
Our Harvest Festival was very well attended, and you will be pleased to know, that after sending gifts to our own sick folk, the bulk of the Harvest Festival produce was taken to the new Cheshire Home at Staunton Harold, where it was gratefully received.
November brings us once again to our Patronal Festival this year. St. Andrew's Day is on a Wednesday. A note of the services on that day appears elsewhere in this magazine. I do hope that all Churchfolk will endeavour to get to one or other of the Celebrations of Holy Communion and that Evensong, when we shall welcome the Rector of Ravenstone as our preacher, will be a real family service.
Yours sincerely,
L.J.CHESTERMAN.
The Reverend Lawrence James Chesterman, October 1960:
The Vicarage
26th September, 1960
MY DEAR PEOPLE
This is a difficult letter to write, because I shall not know the date of my departure for Thornford until after the 30th September. However, there is much to occupy us during the month of October and so it must be "Business as usual."
I look forward to the Harvest Festival and the Harvest Supper. Our guests at the latter event will be the Rural Dean and Mrs Hogarth.
Then towards the end of the month comes the Deanery Missionary Exhibition and I do ask you all to support this to your uttermost. So often when events of this nature are over, people say "Well, Vicar, I meant to come but...". That is just not good enough. The dates have been published in the magazine regularly for some months, and furthermore YOU as a Christian should know what YOUR church is doing in the world TODAY - for it is doing a GREAT WORK under CHRIST, and it needs YOUR active and prayerful support.
Now, a word about the services during the interregnum. I am sure you will all realise that there is going to be a temporary shortage of clergy in this Deanery and much work will fall on the shoulders of the Rural Dean and his bretheren. This will mean, I believe, that the two 8 a.m. Celebrations of Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays in each month cannot be held until you have a new Vicar. I hope that those people who are accustomed to make their Communion at these services will make a real effort to come to the 9 a.m. Parish Communion.
Much work, too, will fall on the Churchwardens and I do commend them to your loyal and active support. There is a tendency in this parish for the majority to take matters of church order and church chores for granted - and this should not be - for the smooth running of the church services entails much work behind the scenes and perhaps you could lend a most welcome helping hand - you could at least ask the Churchwardens if there is any way in which you personally can help and too, you could ask the next Vicar, when he comes.
The time has not yet come for farewells to be said, and all the usual services on Sundays and weekdays will continue, whilst I am here.
Yours sincerely,
L.J.CHESTERMAN.
The Reverend Richard Frederick Willis, July 1961:
FROM THE VICAR'S DESK
My dear Parishioners and Friends
This, my first letter to you all, is one of praise and thanks.
The simple words, "thank you", cannot fully express the deep feelings of Mrs Willis and myself, yet I ask you to accept it in the sincerest sense.
(1) For the warm welcome we have received from church and chapel members and non-churchgoers alike.
It gladdens the heart to know that the spirit of warm-hearted comradeship is very much alike in Thringstone.
(2)The encouraging response to the invitations to attend the service of my Institution was a grand tonic.
(3) The cordiality that prevailed during the social gathering at the Community Centre, was too, something to be proud of.
(4) Children's Anniversary, or "Sermons".
It gave Mrs Willis and myself a real thrill to hear such splendid singing from the children, Choir and Congregation. Miss A. Hicken and Mr.M.Maloney are to be congratulated for their tireless efforts that resulted in such a brilliant success.
I will conclude my letter with a motto for the month :-
"PRAYER MUST NOT COME FROM THE ROOF OF THE MOUTH BUT FROM THE ROOF OF THE HEART."
Your prayers are asked for: George Fortnam and Bill Willmott.
God bless you.
Yours sincerely,
RICHARD F. WILLIS
The Reverend Richard Frederick Willis, January 1969:
FINAL LETTER FROM THE VICAR'S DESK
Our dear Parishioners and Friends,
After nearly eight years in Thringstone, we bid you farewell. It is a privilege to thank all who have in any way had some part to play in the most generous gifts you have presented to us. We shall carry away with us many, many memories. We both will miss tremendously the friendships made.
In an endeavour to clear away certain unfounded rumours, and to tie up loose ends, this will not be an easy letter to write. When we leave to go to Ashford, in Kent, it will be to a rented Church Commissioners owned bungalow for a retired clergyman and his wife - we being in no position to either purchase one or eligible for a mortgage.
Vivid memories are still with us of when we came to Thringstone for a pre-look round. The sight of the church, with the dark brown painted backless forms, the overgrown garden, together with the adjacent vicarage field, that was the vicar's sole unaided responsibility to keep trim and tidy, filled us with dismay and setting the position of a very difficult decision to make. Mrs Willis saw prospects of making the vicarage not only a meeting place but a home with character.
The final choice had to be mine, and this is how it came about. Some miners were squatting near the bus stop, awaiting transport for the afternoon shift; their ready response to my banter and their warm acceptance of me (something never lost over the years) made up my mind - the die was cast, and we were to come here. In the June of 1961 it was dear old George Hollis who, in his slippered feet, dug in some of our rose trees during the first week of our taking over.
A few years ago the vicarage field was sold and three bungalows built - for which from time to time I have been blamed and criticised; truly the field was a grave liability, but it was the sale of a small piece of ground as a churchyard extension that brought the "White Elephant" into the limelight.
The remaining plot was sold as a whole, after my unsuccessful attempts to get the middle piece taken over by residents as a local football field. The Church Commissioners, who exercised full control rights - I had no say in the matter - put the ground up for sale, part still agricultural (now the bungalow gardens) with a proviso that no building structure was to be erected on them. The sites for development only allowed for gardens parallel to the extension of the vicarage fences. The vicar received NO MONETARY BENEFIT for this transaction which brought in the price of £1,020.
Over the years we have had our most happy and inspiring times, together with heartaches, hurts and criticisms which are the lot of any who take the leadership. One query was this: "why did you not have a church hall built on the vicarage field?" - forgetting the fundamental fact that a plot could have been earmarked nearly 100 years ago and could NOT have been sold.
In the days gone by, the Church of England school, together with the Booth's Community Club House, available for church use free meant that a private church hall was not essential, but in later years, long before we came, it was a different matter. Yet within the last four and a half years it became possible to purchase the Main Street Chapel as a church hall for £350, alas without success.
Many will remember the church as it was when we first came; dull and drab, so it is my wish to pay a high hearfelt tribute to the loyal band of volunteers whose praises are unsung, who under very severe weather conditions prepared the groundwork of the ornate beauty of the interior of the church we now enjoy, which gifts of furniture, curtains, carpets, important repairs and alterations, etc., do but enhance; all are part of the vital foundation, so essential for the present successful finish.
The population has, in the Ecclesiastical boundary of the Parish of Thringstone, risen in the past seven and threequarter years from 2,300 to approximately 5,300, necessitating NEW BLOOD to arouse flagging interest in church worship and attendance. So PLEASE DO GIVE OF YOUR BEST TO YOUR NEW VICAR when he comes, to minister to the village as a whole as well as St. Andrew's Church.
Although we may take a little credit for creating a more friendly approach in some directions, there is still a great deal of friction and undercurrent. PLEASE, PLEASE, I appeal to all, DO TRY TO BURY THE HATCHET for UNITED YOU STAND FIRM, but DIVIDED NEVER.
Our final thanks we have reserved to the end for those who without swerving to right or left have over the years so loyally supported us in our work here.
Methodist friends, B/L and other bodies, vergers, church cleaners, children's church teachers, magazine secretary, and distributors, organists and choir, officers, P.C.C. committee, church members past and present, and my Sacristan, our Diocesan Lay Reader.
GOD BLESS YOU, DEAR READERS, is the combined wish, together with All Happiness for the New Year of 1969, of
Yours most sincerely
The Retiring Vicar and his constant guide,
companion and help, his Wife,
RICHARD F. and LOUISE F. WILLIS
The Reverend Archibald Benjamin Pettit, April 1969:
Dear Friends,
To have this letter ready in time for the Magazine printing means that it must be written before my Institution and Induction as your Vicar. However, so that it shall make sense to those reading it, I will try to treat that as a past event, and project myself into the future by some ten days or so.
First may I say that my wife and I look forward to living with you in Thringstone, and we hope very much that we can achieve many worthwhile things together in the days to come. And I hasten to emphasise the word "together". There are, we know, many willing servants of the Lord already working hard in the Parish, and we have a good cause to be grateful to them. But we also know that there is a great deal to be done in the Church and Parish of St. Andrew, especially as the community develops and grows. In this development the influence of the Church ought to increase and between us, no doubt, we shall see that it does.
To speak for myself for a moment, coming to Thringstone is largely a matter of priorities. And in a way I regret that one priority must be for my wife and I to get settled into the Vicarage securely and comfortably. For this I make no apology because I know you will understand; and we want a home where anyone can call happily. Especially those who keep the Church's wheels turning.
Which reminds me of the Children's church, and the teachers who carry on with this very important work, often in the background, unhonoured and unsung. Then there is the Mothers' Union: and with regard to this my wife looks forward to the April meeting which we have every hope will be well supported.
These may seem to be more or less practical matters, and a natural part of church life as much as any other. Yet there is a very important difference, inasmuch as they each connect with the spiritual life of the Parish, which really comes before all priorities. Ours is often called the "Secular" age, and this is an even greater reason for the spiritual life of a church and Parish to be strong.
With Easter near, may I ask you to please turn your thoughts to the wonder of it, and not for a moment forget that we have a Risen Lord always to help us, to encourage us, and to keep us going at those times when we feel most dispirited. Before another Easter comes along, with more time to think, perhaps we can plan exciting new things together.
Sincerely yours,
A. B. PETTIT
The Reverend Archibald Benjamin Pettit, August 1977:
VICAR'S LETTER
Dear Friends,
As this looks like being the last magazine I shall prepare here, I would like to take the opportunity of thanking all who have supported it by taking it monthly over the past years. In this parish it is almost the only publicity we have, since we do not advertise in the Press as do many of the other churches. This makes the magazine the most important way in which the people of the parish can be kept in touch with the work of the church, and informed of what goes on.
At the same time I would like to thank the Distributors who bring the magazine to you throughout the year; and last but by no means least, give grateful thanks to our Magazine Secretary, Mrs Brayford.
On a more personal note, as we are shortly to leave the parish after rather more than eight years, I would very much like to express my gratitude for the help and friendship my wife and I have received during our time in Thringstone. To the Wardens and Deputy Wardens; to the Sidesmen and members of the Parochial Church Council; to the Treasurer, and the P.C.C. Secretary; and very especially to the members of the Choir without whom a Vicar can sometimes feel very lonely.
At the time of writing this letter, Mr Jess Wardle is home from hospital for a spell, and we trust he will soon be completely better. On the other hand, my Warden Mr James Gee, is shortly to enter the hospital for an operation, and we pray that he will soon be fit and well again.
Sadly I must conclude this letter with the passing of Mr William Willmott, who has been a staunch friend, and an unfailing servant of the church. He will be greatly missed, and to his wife and relatives we offer our heartfelt sympathy.
Yours sincerely,
A. B. PETTIT.
The Reverend Brian Matthews, February 1978:
THE VICAR WRITES ...
Dear Friends,
The weather in January and February in this land is noted for being at its worst and coldest, but I have found just the opposite to a cold welcome in Thringstone. Those I have had the privilege of meeting so far have given me a very warm welcome, and to them I say a very sincere "thank you". The friendliness of so many indicates the goodwill which is extended towards a new Vicar, who inevitably finds things rather strange at first.
It should go without saying, but I mention it just the same, that I shall value the prayers of you all, not only as I begin my ministry here in Thringstone, but also as together we all work to spread the glorious Gospel message.
I would very much appreciate to be told about any parishioners who are ill, at home or in hospital, or who are housebound and would value a visit from the Vicar.
A reminder that lent is early this year - it begins on 8th. Do use the season in a positive way, so that by Easter you will have learned something more of the Christian Faith, and are a little more at home in the Bible. We are again to take part in the popular joint Evensongs with four other parishes, and there will be a series of lenten study groups in the Vicarage - please see the Parish Calender on page 2 for details. I look forward to seeing many of you on these occasions.
Yours sincerely,
Brian Matthews
The Reverend Brian Matthews, October 1997:
THE VICAR WRITES
This is the 237th issue of the "Newsletter" that I have produced, and my last. This simple monthly publication has told me something of what has happened since my arrival almost 20 years ago, & gives me the chance to thank those who have worked with me in the parish, and all who have welcomed me into their homes.
Reflecting on the past I have discovered that I have baptised 546 individuals, prepared 107 candidates for Confirmation, conducted 182 weddings, carried out 149 burials in the churchyard, and taken many funeral services for parishioners at the Crematorium; I do not have a record of the number of visits paid to homes, hospitals or Thringstone County Primary School, or of mileage travelled by bicycle.
Behind these figures lie countless opportunities to take part in family occasions, and the more personal moments in the lives of many people - trying to make the good news of Jesus real in the shared experience. For all such I am most grateful.
Now it is time to retire - from the parish, but not from the ministry - and I hope that I can still be of use in my new deanery as well as in this one. You must look forward to the arrival of a younger Vicar with fresh ideas to continue the Church's mission in the parish. Until then, please contact the Rural Dean, the Rev. K. C. Emmett, telephone 01530-839802, concerning baptisms, weddings, and any other urgent needs.
Many of you have been kind enough to say that I shall be missed; yet at the end of the day a man's ministry will not be seen in his own popularity, but in the extent to which he has been able humbly to bring others nearer to God and win them for Him.
May God bless you all, and make each of us more effective in our Christian witness.
BRIAN MATTHEWS
The Reverend Simon Paul Moult BA, May 1999:
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A letter From Our New Vicar
Greetings to you all at St. Andrews and thank you to those of you who have already said 'hello' to us and made us feel welcome.
The Moult family, who are to join you in June are, Simon, Jane, Ben aged 5 and Tim aged 3 and a bit. Ben and Tim are convinced we are moving to the "Flintstones" so "Yabba dabba doo!!". They also seem excited by the fact that our new house has three toilets, so they won't have to wait!
Simon and Jane met and both trained at Trinity College Bristol. From there along with Ben we moved to Worcester where we served our first curacies. This greeting comes to you from Bilton, near Rugby where Simon is assistant minister and Jane has been working as an hospital chaplain. Jane is hoping to continue with hospital chaplaincy following our move, but as yet the place has to be revealed.
Moving is always a time filled with mixed emotions, excitement and apprehension for the future coupled with sadness at leaving behind friends and all that is familiar.
We would greatly appreciate your prayers for a good and smooth transition for us all. Simon's request is that if someone could draw him a map of the parish with the streets, he would be very grateful.
As for hobbies and relaxation our two active boys fill much of our spare time, however Simon tries to keep fit, with an emphasis on the trying, whilst as a couple we enjoy a rare trip to the theatre. The boys enjoy computer games, rough 'n' tumble and Tim especially enjoys gardening.
We hope this gives you a little bit more info about us and we look forward to meeting you at Simon's licensing on the 30th June.
With our very best wishes
Simon, Jane, Ben & Tim
The Reverend Simon Paul Moult BA, June 2005:
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