April mag

FROM THE REV’D STEVE PAYNE

Dear Friends,

Signs of the Resurrection

My dad routinely ignored the sell by and use by dates, which are common-place on food items today. Something I certainly would not recommend!

He came from a generation that knew austerity; no food was ever thrown away. He often caused great amusement to his grandchildren by eating food that had passed its best. Fortunately he never came to anyharm.

The poet Vincent Buckley describes his farewell to his dying father in the following words:-“As I bend to say, till next time, I search for the signs of resurrection in his face”.

Death that ultimate ‘sell by date’ lies at the heart of the story of Good Friday. It is a day which can make us feel uncomfortable and we would rather move on quickly to the flowers and chocolate eggs of Easter Day, for these are far more palatable to a generation which often wants to ignore the death to which we all journey.

To understand the story of Good Friday we need to recognize its glorious sequel on Easter Sunday. On GoodFriday we hear Jesus in the last moments of his life, declare: “It finished!” His purpose in coming into this world has been completed. In his death he dealt with all that can destroy life in the world, and in us. He opens up a way through his sacrifice for us to know God’s forgiveness and friendship. It is only God himself in his Son who can achieve this and on Easter Day by his resurrection he shows that death is defeated.

It is a story often dismissed by some considering it to be well past its sell by date.

For the Christian it is the story that lies at the heart of our relationship with God. It is a story that can transform our lives as God comes to us offering new beginnings and his friendship, which has no ending.

I see signs of the resurrection time and time again in those who have made the connection between Good Friday and Easter Day that confirm that this is no fairy story but a story that is always relevant to our livesand world.

Why not join us in Easter and Holy week and look out for the signs of the resurrection.

Jackie joins with me in wishing all a joyful Easter!

God Bless

Steve

PARISH OF PLYMSTOCK AND HOOE

8am Parish Service of Holy Communion

St John’s ~ 8am Communion on 1st & 3rd Sundays

St Mary’s ~ 8am Communion on 2nd & 4th Sundays

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THE RT REV’D NICK McKINNEL will be installed as Bishop of Plymouth at the Minster Church of St Andrewon Sunday, 19th April 2015 at 4.00pm.

A NEW WAY OF GIVING

The Diocese of Exeter – the whole of Devon – has become the fourth Diocese in the country to adopt theParish Giving Scheme.

Churches have to pay their way as with all small businesses and the problem is often ‘cash flow’. Beingcharitable organisations we are able to claim ‘gift aid’ =25% from anyone who donates and pays tax. Theproblem is the time lag, sometimes as much as 18 months, between the date of payment and the refundbeing received.

The Parish Giving Scheme is very simple. The payment is claimed from the person on the 1st of the monthand sent by Direct Debit to the Churches scheme office in Gloucestershire where it originated. The taxrefund is added and returned through the banking system to the local church bank account on the 10 th ofeach month. This system will greatly increase the cash flow of the individual churches and the four churchesin the Plymstock & Hooe Parish have signed up for the scheme and it will be commencing on 1st May.

If you are interested in donating this way, monthly, quarterly or annually, the Treasurers of your church will bepleased to hear from you and answer any more questions you may have.

The local Treasurers from many churches from all over the Diocese recently met in St Andrew’s, Cullompton,with the Bishop of Exeter, to learn about the finer points of the scheme and to ask for God’s blessing on theproject.

The COFFEE MORNING & SALE held at St John’s on Saturday, 28th February, was a great success and manythanks to all who supported this event in aid of the Church Army.The total raised was £175.60 and this has been sent as part of our quarterly sponsorship of £400 to trainan officer.

Our next Sale will be in aid of Christian Aid on Saturday, 9th May.We look forward to seeing you.

EVENSONG AT ST JOHN’S

Evensong will recommence at St John’s on Sunday, 12th April 2015 at 4.00pm and will be held throughthe summer months on the second Sunday of the month.

EASTER LILIES AT ST JOHN’S

St John’s flower arrangers will be decorating the Church for Easterand would like to have white lilies in the Church on this special day.

If you would like to buy a lily in memory of a loved one, please contact:-

Lis Pemberton (Tel: 407057)or a Church Warden

The suggested cost is £2 per flower.

Please let us know the person’s name if you wish it to be included in a list of names that will be put on the altar at Easter.

Any help will be greatly appreciated, we will be decorating the church from 4.00pm on Good Friday, 3rd April.

-Lis Pemberton

FROM ST JOHN’S PARISH REGISTERS

BAPTISM: We welcomed into God’s family by Baptism:-

Sunday, February 15th LYDIA ASHELY WATERS, daughter of Colin andLaura Waters

Sunday, February 22nd ANNABELLE ROSE START, daughter of Peter and Lisa Start

FUNERAL OFFICE:

We remember those who have lost loved ones and commend to God the soul of:

SYLVIA COOKE who died at Derriford Hospital on 23rd February 2015 aged 80 years. Sylvia, a Hooe girl was born at Croft Cottages here in Hooe and went on to attend Hooe Primary School and then Plympton Grammar school for girls.During the war years she was evacuated to Rilla Mill in Cornwall, she survived the Blitz and one night when she was sheltering in the bomb shelters in Hexton Quarry a bomb went through the family home.Her first job was working at the Royal Sun Alliance Insurance Company.From her early days she played an active part in St John’s Church becoming a Brownie and Guide leader.Along with her active faith, singing was another important part in Sylvia’s life. She sang in the Plymouth Ladies Choir from 1954-1967 and performed at concerts with them in Europe.She met and married Ralph in 1962 and in the following years Shaun and Paul were born in Plymouth and Adrian in Twickenham.They went on to live at different locations in Cornwall following Ralph’s employment around the county. In those years she continued to be involved with the church where they lived.I am told that Sylvia had her moment of fame in 1974 when she appeared on Celebrity Squares with Bob Monkhouse.In 1978 the family moved back to Hooe and Sylvia connected once again with the St John’s family. She hasbeen a much valued and loved member of St John’s. Always ready to give of her time and talents. In 1982she became the church organist, a post in which she continued until 3 years ago, in that time rarely having a Sunday off.Sylvia, when health allowed, was ever present in our church life, helping at Church Fetes, as a member of the Bible study groups, a regular at Hooe’s Place luncheons, a member of the Mothers Union, part of the Young@ Heart Group and more recently going along to the Elder Tree exercise activity.Sylvia was a very intelligent and bright lady. She wrote well and penned many articles for the magazine. Sylvia put her faith into practice, since her passing those who have known her in the church family and inthe wider community have spoken of her as a kind, lovely, selfless lady dedicated to others. Her faith, family and her music have been the focus of her life down the years. She was a loving mum to Shaun, Paul and Adrian and Nan to her seven grand- children.She has left us an example to follow. We celebrate her life and faith and honour her memory.The Funeral Service at St John’s Church on 18th March 2015 was very well attended by family and friends.The Rev’d Steve Payne officiated. A reception followed in the church hall. Donations and the retiring collection were for St John’s Church.

‘YOUNG @ HEART’The meeting opened with a few moments of quiet remembering Sylvia Cooke who had recently died.Sylvia was a founder member of ‘Young @ Heart’ and for many months wrote the report of meetings forthe Parish Magazine. We will miss her in many ways.To continue ~ after making our usual donation to St John’s it was decided to donate a small amount of oursurplus cash (£50) to CHICKS. This is a locally formed charity which provides Country Holidays for Inner-City Kids, hence CHICKS (more about CHICKS in a later Magazine).We also decided to send a ‘Get Well’ card to another founder member, Elsie Salter, presently in hospital.Our meeting went on to welcome Joy Chantrel who showed us how to paint some easy cards in watercolours. Joy had prepared cards for us all with outlines of Daffodils which we enhanced with muchstronger outlines and trumpets. Daffodil leaves finished the ‘pictures’.

(Members of ‘Young @ Heart’ prepare for a painting class in St. John’s Hall)(Photo: D. Demellweek)

None of us proved to be natural artists but we certainly had fun and thoroughly enjoyed Joy’s afternoonwith us. We showed our appreciation in our usual ‘Young @ Heart’ way and Joy said she would willinglycome again.We then sang our hymn and enjoyed our tea and a chat with each other.At our next meeting our speaker will be Graham Dee who will tell us of his work at St Luke’s Hospice andhis parochial work in our parish. We hope to see you there. -Ruth EarlNext Meeting ~

Tuesday, 7th April 2015, at 2.00pm in St John’s Hall.New members are very welcome.

‘LOVE INTO ACTION’

My name is Hilary Garnett and I have attended St John's church for the last 18 years, along with my husbandPatrick. We will have been married for 40 years this year. We have 2 children, Samantha who is married toSimon and who has 2 children, Amelia and Daniel, and Laurence who is married to Sharon and who has 3children, Amy and Rosie (twins) and Andy. Our son and daughter-in-law have set up a charity called ‘Love into Action’ to give respite care to parents ofmentally and physically disabled children in Palestine. They are based just outside Bethlehem and havebeen there for nearly 4 years. For a lot of their clients this is the first time that they have ever had a breakfrom looking after their children. I am going out with our son’s mother-in-law, as my husband had anoperation on his shoulder in January and also has to look after our dog who will be 14 in June. We are goingout for 12 days and I am really looking forward to my trip as up to now we have always holidayed in GreatBritain. The family will be home for about 6 weeks between June and July when they will be visiting variouschurches to give talks about the work that they are doing and also to try and raise contributions for theirwork.Laurence first went to Bethlehem just after 9/11 when he went out to help at the House of Hope, a school formentally and physically handicapped children, with a workshop attached for disabled adults making items inolive wood to sell (to support them). He worked out there on and off for 3 years, including during the first GulfWar. When they first went out to Bethlehem as a family it was because Laurence was asked to go out as Directorto the House of Hope but the Trustees really wanted a Palestinian. Laurence and Sharon got fed up withbeing messed about and really wanted to help the people out there so decided to set up their own charity. Allof the children speak Arabic, as well as English, and are doing really well at school.Next month – how my trip went.

-Hilary Garnett

PYMPTON ST MARY'S HANDBELL RINGERSare looking for new members.

We meet on a Thursday at 6:30pm for practise at St Mary's Church Hall and go out to Residential Homes

to entertain the elderly. No musical experience is needed as we play by numbers. Its good fun, so please come and join us and it's all free.

Please contact Colin or Sarah on 331250. Thank you. -Colin Mason

COFFEE MORNING

WEDNESDAY, 22nd APRIL 2015

10am to 12 noon

79 Stanborough Road, Plymstock.

BRING & BUY ~ RAFFLE

In aid of St Luke’s Hospice

COACH TRIP TO TRAGO MILLS, HEATHFIELD,& FERMOYS GARDEN CENTRE

WEDNESDAY, 13th MAY 2015

We have arranged the above Coach trip which will leave Lidl, Plymstock, at 10.00am and returning at approximately 5.00pm.

The cost will be £10.00 with a £5.00 deposit to be paid by 1st May 2015.All are welcome and, if you would like to join us, please telephone:-

Brian Martyn on 406257 or Margaret Ayres on 404481.Alernatively, you can add your name to the poster located

in each Church or Hall.

MOTHERING SUNDAY AT PLYMSTOCK

The Revd Jenny Appleby in her brief talk about the day emphasised the importance of stressing the‘mothering’ aspect of a day which had become known commonly as Mothers’ Day. This latter expression isinclusive to those women who have been fortunate enough to give birth successfully. However, it excludes allmen, to start with. It also excludes all women, who for various reasons have not produced children but,nevertheless, have given their lives to ‘mothering’ their nieces, nephews and god-children.Using some of the examples of mothers in the Bible and also the ‘mothering’ aspect of God, Jennyemphasised the role we ALL have in mothering as a Church Family.This point was surprisingly endorsed when the flowers were distributed at the end of the Service. Every adultwas presented, not with the usual posy of cut flowers but an individual pot of mini-daffodils with its protectiveplastic cover. This idea must have been planned months ago for Howard Hockedy to have had time to plantand tend them – i.e. mother them – and manage to produce them in perfect condition for Mothering Sunday.,In future, I will take care to avoid the expression ‘Mothers’ Day’. -Shula Molyneux

Tea ~ Coffee ~ Sugar ~ Honey ~ Chocolate ~ Wine ~ Ice cream ~ Underwear ~ Flowers.

What do each of these things have in common? They can all be bought as Fairtradeproducts.

Do you like to be treated unfairly? Have you ever had to sell something for less than it isworth? That is the reality of millions of people around the world today, as they try to make a living in ourglobal village. All of the above products are bought and sold every day, and only a small minority of

producers receive a living wage for their hard work.

Fairtrade is a way of changing this; of making it possible for those who produce the everyday goods we takefor granted to receive what they are worth. And why shouldn’t they? Or are we happy to exploit others so wecan have a lifestyle built on the sweat of others?

Last month, Fairtrade Fortnight was celebrated across the Mission Community, and an amazing £300+ worthof Fairtrade goods was bought from stalls in the four churches. The challenge was given at the recent PCCto take Fairtrade beyond just a fortnight in each year, and for us to become Fairtrade Churches. Are we upfor the challenge to make people’s lives better by changing our shopping habits?

-Rev Dave Appleby

GIVE A POUND TO THE FOODBANK

Lots of people from across Hooe & Plymstock Parish make regular food donations to the Foodbank.These donations are taken each week to

The Oasis Centre, BUT during May they ask for something different.

Covering hidden costs at the Plymouth Foodbank

Heating ~ Lighting ~ Storage ~ Phones ~ ComputersWe are grateful to you for your regular food donations

but we also need to cover hidden costs. So in May instead of food could you please

‘Give a pound to the Foodbank’?

I suggest that each week during May instead of getting food to your collection centre please pass a financialdonation to me – or one of the clergy – and I will take it to the Oasis Centre.(Cheques made out to ‘Plymouth Foodbank’ please or cash in an envelope.)

-Richard Harvey, 27 Dunstone Road, PL9 8RJ.

NEWS FROM MBARARA, UGANDA ~ KING OF KINGS MINISTRIES Dear Friends,I am sorry for taking so long to write this newsletter, the second half of last year was one of themost difficult for me since I have been in Uganda, now 13 years! We seemed to go throughchallenge after challenge in so many areas of life and I went through several months of feelingquite unwell with fibromyalgia. Yet through all the testings we have seen the hand of God uponour lives and have many testimonies of His goodness.

Ministry News ~ In 2014 we saw the vision God has given us being fulfilled before our eyes byHis grace and your prayers and support we were able to open 30 new churches.In order to support the church planting vision there is an urgent need to be continually raisingup and training pastors and leaders. To fulfil this need we have an on-going Diploma Coursewhich is run and sponsored by our good friends in Australia. To date around 230 students havesuccessfully received their diploma and it is so wonderful to hear the testimonies of thesestudents and witness the fruits in their lives of all they have learnt. Later this month we areabout to start a new school, please pray for the lives of these pastors.

Branch Churches. Most of our new churches start in a very humble way; I’ve gatheredtogether some photographs to show you what I mean. This church for example is meeting under

a covering of dried banana branches. This is how many of ourchurches begin.Once established they erect a basic structure of woodenpoles. As they continue to fundraise, they try to cover thewooden structure with tarpaulins, raffia mats or anythingelse they can find.The next stage is to weave through the structure smaller

wooden sticks and then cover it with mud and cover the roof with corrugated iron sheets. Manyof our branch churches are at this stage.If the church is financially able they will build a basic brick structure. The bricks and cement aremade of mud from the neighbourhood. Hardly any of our churches have electricity they use

candles for light and some have managed to buy a small generator.To support our branch churches we have a team who regularly go out to visit them. Dependingon available resources we either spend a few days conducting evangelistic crusades andteaching seminars or we go to preach and encourage the congregations for a Sunday service. Itis not always easy to see the struggle and the poverty in the lives of many but it is always adelight to experience their hunger for God and their freedom to express their hearts to God.

Miracles! I don’t know why we get to see so many truly amazing miracles week after week butthe truth is that we do. I could fill the whole newsletter just recordingthe miracles that we see but I have selected two out of many. Thesehappened in a village that Silas and the team visited… Silas felt Godprompt him to pray for those with sight problems. Agnes was blindand had been brought to the service by her family. As Silas prayedshe began to regain her sight, slowly at first but by the end she hadperfect vision. Silas asked her to copy him to prove that she couldactually see.

The second testimony happened to a young man who was given over to demons, addicted toalcohol and was infamous in the village where he lived. On the night of the service hecommitted his life to Jesus, much to the amazement of all in attendance. When they saw himbeing delivered and set free it caused a great stir in the congregation and a spiritualbreakthrough in the meeting with a great number of people surrendering their lives to the Lord.He handed over his bottle of alcohol to Silas, in his right mind and free from many things thathad held his life in bondage. God is great!

Family News. We were sensing this season was going to be one of surprises and that hasdefinitely come to pass. Mercy decided she didn’t want to continue with ‘A’ levels but asked tostudy journalism at a college in Kampala. We agreed and she started. Half way through the firstterm she called saying she wasn’t well and after a trip to the doctor it was confirmed she waspregnant. It has taken us a while to come to terms with everything but we are now settled andworking things through together. We are enjoying having Mercy back at home and we areexpecting the arrival of a baby girl in June.Amanya, now 8, continues to enjoy life to the full, bringing fun and laughter in the home andJoan has started her final year at school and is busy studying for ‘A’ levels. There is a song we have started to sing in church recently ~ Through it all … I have learnt totrust in Jesus, through it all… I have learnt to trust in God, through it all… I’ve learnt to dependupon His Word, through it all… This has definitely been our testimony over the recent months!What is true is that we are all on a journey and we don’t know what tomorrow will bring butTHROUGH IT ALL GOD IS FAITHFUL!

Thank you once again for all your love, financial support and prayers without which we wouldn’tbe able to do this. Silas, Nicola and the girls

NEW PLYMOUTH CITY BUS SERVICES

A new 15 minute bus service between Royal Parade and Mount Batten will be operated by Plymouth CityBus from the 12th April 2015. Changes will also be made to the 5 and 5A bus timetable and other routesthroughout the city.

Service 4 – City Centre and Mount Batten via Billacombe – Plymstock Broadway – Goosewell – Hooe and the reverse route to the City Centre.

Service 4A – City Centre and Mount Batten via Oreston – Plymstock Broadway – Goosewell – Hooe and the reverse route to the City Centre.

First and last buses from Royal Parade (A9):

No. 4 06.05 weekdays, 06.15 Saturday, 09.15 Sunday & Bank Holiday.22.30 weekdays, 22.30 Saturday, 18.15 Sunday & Bank Holiday

No. 4A 05.45 weekdays, 06.45 Saturday, 08.45 Sunday & Bank Holiday.18.30 weekdays, 18.30 Saturday, 17.45 Sunday & Bank Holiday.

First and last buses from Mount Batten (Pier):

No.4 06.12 weekdays, 06.44 Saturday, 09.47 Sunday & Bank Holiday22.59 weekdays, 22.59 Saturday, 18.47 Sunday & Bank Holiday

No.4A 06.42 weekdays, 07.14 Saturday, 09.17 Sunday & Bank Holiday18.39 weekdays, 18.39 Saturday, 18.17 Sunday & Bank Holiday

Service 5 – City Centre – Elburton – City Centre via Plymstock Broadway – Stanborough Road – Goosewell runs every 30 minutes weekdays and Saturdays and hourly on Sunday and Bank Holidays.

Service 5A – City Centre – Elburton – City Centre via Plymstock Broadway – Goosewell - Stanborough Road runs every 30 minutes weekdays and Saturdays and hourly on Sunday and Bank Holidays.

ST LUKE’S HOSPICEThe Forget Me Not Appeal ~ This is the 10th year of the Forget Me Not Appeal and things have come a longway since 2006 when we first sailed out into Plymouth Sound to remember loved ones and scatter Forget-me-not petals onto the sea.This year, Plymouth City Council has given St Luke’s the use of a beautiful garden on the Hoe to fill withunique, locally handcrafted Forget-me-not flowers for the month of May, when the garden will be a sea ofblue. The idea is to allow anyone who would like to remember a loved one to come along and see the displayat a time that is best for them.On Sunday, 3rd May there will be two Services (approx. 30-minutes each) at 1.30pm and 3pm, in the Garden.Next to the flowers will be a Memorial board where loved ones names can be displayed. A cream tea will beavailable after the event at Valenti’s café adjacent to the garden.If you would like to support this appeal or for more information telephone 01752 492626 or online atwww.stlukes-hospice.org/remember

MARK - Disciple, Apostle, writer of the second gospel

Mark, whose home in Jerusalem became a place of rest for Jesus and his 12 apostles, is considered thetraditional author of the second gospel. He is also usually identified as the young man, described in Mark14:51, who followed Christ after his arrest and then escaped capture by leaving his clothes behind.

Papias, in 130, said that in later years Mark became Peter’s interpreter. If so, then this close friendship wouldhave been how Mark gathered so much information about Jesus’ life. Peter referred to him affectionately ashis ‘son’.

Mark was also a companion to Paul on his journeys. When Paul was held captive at Rome, Mark was withhim, helping him. Mark’s Gospel, most likely written in Italy, perhaps in Rome, is the earliest account we haveof the life of Jesus. Mark died about 74 AD.

Early in the 9th century Mark’s body was brought to Venice, whose patron he became, and there it hasremained to this day. The symbol of Mark as an evangelist, the lion, is much in evidence at Venice.

DID YOU KNOW?

Primrose Day ~ is the anniversary of the death of British Statesman and Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli,1st Earl of Beaconsfield, on 19th April 1881.

The primrose was his favourite flower and Queen Victoria would often send him bunches ofthem from Windsor and Osborne House. She sent a wreath of primroses to his funeral.

CHILDREN’S PAGE

Hello there! Are you looking forward to Easter Sunday?It’s the day to wish people a Happy Easter. You may have made someone an Easter card. You might have received one in the post. Has anyone given you a chocolate Easter egg to eat?Easter is the most important of all the festivals celebrated at church.

Christians call the Thursday before Easter Sunday, Maundy Thursday.

On Maundy Thursday they will think about the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples before he was killed.He washed their feet and told them that soon he would leave them. He shared bread and wine with them andasked them to love one another as he had loved them. Then he told them that one of them would betray

him. They couldn’t believe it. They felt very sad apart from one person. Do you know who that person was?

On Good Friday, Christians remember how Judas Iscariot betrayed him. We think of Jesus being put on trialand the awful death he suffered when he was whipped and then nailed upon a wooden cross and left to die.The next day Christians have time to think about what had happened. Why was a man put to death so cruellywhen he hadn’t done anything to deserve it? Then follows Easter Sunday when we read in the Bible that when his friends went to the tomb to see Jesus’ body lying there, it wasn’t there. Where was Jesus’ body? His friends thought they would never see him again. Then something exciting happened. Jesus appeared to Mary and his disciples. He had risen from the dead. He was with them again. They could hardly believe it. How happy they were!

Plymstock & Hooe

HOLY WEEK and EASTER SERVICES

Thu 2nd April Maundy Thursday 7.00pm Agape St Mary’s, Plymstock Parish Hall

Fri 3rd April Good Friday Good Friday am St Mary’s Hall 2.00pm Devotional Service, St John’s, Hooe

Sat 4th April Easter Saturday 8.30pm Service of Light Church of the Good Shepherd, Oreston

Sun 5th April Easter Sunday 8.00am Communion – St John’s, Hooe 9.15am Sung Eucharist – Church of the

Good Shepherd 9.15am

Iona Eucharist – Holy Family, Staddiscombe

10.45am Sung Eucharist – St Mary’s, Pymstock

10.45am Eucharist – St John’s, Hooe

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

AN EASTER PRAYERGod our Father, may the whole world join in a hymn of

thanksgiving for the great love you have shown us in Jesus Christ our Lord, risen from the dead, and

may our hearts and lives echo your praise, now and always. Amen.

THE FUTURE OF ST SIMONS, MOUNT GOULDThis beautiful church closed after the Midnight Mass in 2012. There seemed no future for this church whichwas in need of major repair and where the congregation was small in number and increasingly elderly. Thefuture was heading towards demolition and the building of more housing. Gradually the artefacts of thechurch and hall were being removed and destroyed. In July 2014 the building was given a life line when itwas given Grade 11 Listing. This prevented its demolition. The church was built between 1905 & 1907, in local limestone, and was consecrated in 1907. It containedmany beautiful stone carvings and the original church was for 750 people. In 1912 a superb organ wasbrought to St Simons. It was built in 1707 by Renatus Harris for St Peter’s, Mancroft, Norfolk. It isconsidered one of best organs in West Devon. In early 1920 beautiful carved choir stalls with angels at eachend and altar rails, all carved by Violet Pinwell a renowned local carver, were added.A group known as W4G Working for Good Communities have plans to create a place for the communities ofeast Plymouth and beyond. Under the guidance of the Project Director, Andrew Richardson, plans are tocreate a new concert venue for 500, an exhibition gallery, café and craft shop, catering for banquetingfacilities for up to 300 in the church hall, to name a few ideas. The project has the backing of the Diocese of Exeter, the Arts council of Plymouth and Plymouth Music Hubbut are looking for more interested people and groups. More details by emailing [email protected] or check out their Facebook page.

HOOE BAPTIST GIRLS’ BRIGADE FRIENDS & FAMILY GROUPVISIT TO TEWKESBURY

SATURDAY, 13th JUNE 2015

We are planning a trip to Tewkesbury on the above date. Tewkesbury has an Abbey, is by a river, has shops, coffee shops

and an assortment of eating places, so plenty to see. The cost of the trip will be £25.

There is a possibility that we may be able to arrange a short river trip at an extra cost when details come out at the end of April.

The deposit will be £10 and the balance of £15 being paid by 30th May 2015.We shall be leaving Hooe at 8.30am and aim to be back by 9.30pm.Pick up points will be Hooe Lake, South Hill & Plymstock Broadway.

If you would like to join us for this event contact:

Mrs J.Osmond Tel: 837579

Miss P Miller Tel: 406136

‘LOVE YOUR PAST’

'ADMIRAL'S HARD, STONEHOUSE' BY WILLIAM GIBBONS

As part of our commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the amalgamation of the 'Three Towns' ofPlymouth, Devonport and Stonehouse we will be featuring a work of art connected to each. Here our focus ison Stonehouse and this lovely painting of Admiral's Hard.Although it's a very different scene to what we'd witness today, there are some familiar sights including aRoyal William Yard building to the left, sailboats out on the water and people queuing up to cross the river.In the foreground you can see a group of people having a picnic to pass the time. To their left a man in ablack hat and red jacket looks like a soldier out with his family.I'm not sure how practical some of the women's beautiful dresses would have been for getting in and out ofthe boats!Did you know that the ferry crossing at Cremyll dates back to Norman times?It was originally owned by the Valletort family who had houses on the Cornish bank of the Tamar. In the 18th century the growth of Plymouth Dock (Devonport) brought increased usage, including thetransport of mail on horseback to most areas of Cornwall. The old river crossing from Devil's Point to Barn Pool, near Mount Edgcumbe House, was eventually movedto Cremyll. By 1884 the rowing boats that are depicted in this painting were replaced by a steam launch, reducing thecrossing from 30 to 15 minutes.Though known as William Gibbons of Plymouth, the man who created this painting was actually born inExeter. The son of a shoemaker, he moved here to work as an artist and delighted in recording the bustlinglife of the town and the changing moods of the sea. He is buried in Ford Park Cemetery.The modern day City of Plymouth has grown out of the three once separate neighbouring towns of Plymouth,East Stonehouse and Devonport.East Stonehouse was the second oldest of these. It was a small settlement for hundreds of years but itsfortunes improved with the opening of the Royal Naval Hospital in 1762.The Royal Marine Barracks then opened in 1783 and the nearby Military Hospital opened in 1791 (nowDevonport High School for Boys). The Royal William Yard was completed in 1834.Throughout the 1800s, the 'Three Towns' steadily merged together on the ground. The threat of the GreatWar and the military's need for streamlined communication finally saw them joined as one in November1914.We will be marking the centenary with a special event called 'Light Fantastic' on 28 and 29 November 2014,which will include the illumination of the Palace Theatre.(Jo Clarke, Marketing and Programme Development Officer at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery).

‘STADDY’ BARN DANCE TO RAISE THE ROOF!This very successful and enjoyable event was held at The Staddy on Saturday 28 th February, andwas attended by around 75 people. All churches were represented, with guests, friends andfamily from other churches (or none) present also, which was a joy!

A profit of £337.40 was made, and this resulted in £168.70 being given to St Mary & All SaintsRoof Fund, and the same amount being sent to Barnabas Fund, a charity which supportspersecuted Christians – particularly needed at present. Thank you all for your support. It is hoped to stage another similar event next Spring!

-Jill Downer

Strutting their stuff, or just chatting with friends over a drink, at the Barn Dance

at ‘The Staddy’ organised by Jill Downer and Heather Harvey (Pictures: Dave Appleby)

Cherishing ChurchyardsA-Z of Churchyard Conservation Reprinted with permission from Caring for God's Acre, the conservation charity for churchyards and burial grounds, 01588 673041, http://www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk/

"Q" is for Quercus (Oak)

Oak trees are well-loved symbols of strength. We have two native species growing in the British Isles – Quercus robur, pedunculate or English Oak and Quercus petraea, Sessile or Durmast Oak, found mostly in the hillier west andnorth of Britain. The peduncles are the ‘stalks’ which support the acorns and the Sessile Oak acorns have no stalks.A member of the beech family, the oak was venerated by the Druids and its botanical name is believed to derive from the Celtic quer meaning fine and cuez meaning tree.Leintwardine has a Red Oak with mistletoe at the front of the churchyard. It is one of only three instances recorded in Britain – so quite special…

"R" is for Rooks and Rookeries

Rooks, corvus frugilegus, are those shiny black birds with thigh feathers like ‘baggy trousers’ and bare grey skin around their beaks. Often found nesting high in churchyard or village trees their close-knit colonies called rookeries can be huge. A site in Norfolk has up to 80,000 birds. Our interest and fascination with rooks apparently stems from the fact that they are highly intelligent and sociable birds. So clever that they are thought to rival non-human primates in intelligence.A Parliament of rooks describes their unusual behaviour of settling in large numbers in open fields with one rook appearing to caw loudly and

continuously over the silent throng. From time to time, the other rooks call out, as if they're asking questions. Like a trial or a parliament.Folklore tells us that it is considered lucky to have them nearby and unlucky to lose them. Something to thinkabout if you are bothered by constantly cawing rooks in your churchyard rookery!

For information on managing churchyard grassland contact:Caring for God’s Acre, the conservation charity for churchyards and burial grounds, 01588 673041, http://www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk/

CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD. ORESTON

LENTEN LUNCHWe had a very well attended lunch, the first of the lunches throughout Plymstock, on Saturday 21st February.There was much chatting with our fellow Christians from churches across Plymstock amidst a mostenjoyable atmosphere.The final total raised, which was most pleasing, amounted to £154-35.Many thanks to all who contributed.

-Hazel OsbornBIRTHDAY

On 12th of this month Mrs Ruth Sendall will be celebrating her 90th birthday.

She has long been a regular attender at the church and despite mobility problems shestill attends regularly the mid-week Eucharist.

All of us at the Good Shepherd congratulate her on achieving this milestone and wewish her well with good health for the future.

COMPLINEAs many will know we celebrate the lovely Service of Compline normally on the first Sunday of the month at4-30pm to which all are warmly invited.It would seem appropriate at this Eastertime to offer our thanks to our Readers, Tony Banbury, Jean Medwayand Graham Dee for giving of their time in the service of God on these occasions and preparing somethingof a spiritual nature on which we can meditate.One very special mention is to thank Elizabeth Opie who so willingly gives of her time to play the organ forus. She never fails to be with us whatever the weather and we value her contribution to our worship whichwithout music would be minus an important element!

-Robin Osborn

LARGEST VOLCANIC ERUPTION – EVER

The largest volcanic eruption in recorded history – Mount Tambora in Indonesia – began 200 years ago thismonth, on 5th April 1815.Ash in the atmosphere lowered global temperatures for two years, and an estimated minimum of 70,000people died. The explosion was heard 1600 miles away, and ash fell at least 800 miles away. The eruptioncolumn reached the stratosphere, an altitude of more than 27 miles. Fine ash particles stayed in theatmosphere for many months, spread around the globe by longitudinal winds, creating brilliantly colouredsunsets and twilights in London and influencing painters such as Turner.In the spring and summer of 1815, a persistent "dry fog" was observed in the north-eastern United States.The fog reddened and dimmed the sunlight, so that sunspots were visible to the naked eye. In 1816, knownas the Year Without a Summer, countries in the Northern Hemisphere suffered extreme weather conditions.Cool temperatures and heavy rains resulted in failed harvests in Britain and Ireland. Famine was prevalent inWales and north and south-west Ireland, following the failure of wheat, oat and potato harvests.Tambora's explosion was 10 times bigger than Krakatoa and more than 100 times bigger than Vesuvius orMount St Helens.

FREE TREES FROM WOODLAND TRUST

The Woodland Trust sends out free trees every March and November to groups across the UK. Packs comein various mixes of 30, 105 or 420 saplings approximately 20-40cm tall. The charity wants to help school,youth and community groups bring people together to plant green shared spaces. It says that “Planting treesis also an ideal way of creating a beautiful, living tribute to those who have helped shape your localcommunity.”You can apply for multiple packs (e.g. 1x105 wild harvest, 1x30 copse, 1x30 hedge) up to a maximum of 420trees per delivery season. Applications for packs to plant in November 2015 can be submitted online nowuntil 3rd September, while stocks last.Visit our website today for more information and help with how to apply. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/in-your-community

OUT & ABOUT

April 17th ~ ‘Plymouth Live Music Night’ will happen on a Friday evening on the Piazza in the City Centre. Each night here will be local bands

playing, a bar and food available.

April 25th ~ ‘All Things Vintage and Lovely’, Plymouth Guildhall, with over 65 vintage, retro, antique and artisan stalls.

Live music, tearoom and much more.

PLYM VALLEY HERITAGE

The guest speaker for our talk on Thursday, April 16th is David Pinder from the Wembury Historical Societywho will be giving a talk entitled ‘Affording Outstanding Views of the Bay’.

David will be giving an insight into the building threats of the 1930’s and the successful purchase by theNational Trust of H.M.S. Cambridge, Wembury.

Linking in with this talk on Wednesday, 3rd June, David will be taking us on a general history walk around theWembury beach/church fields area which will include the importance of the Langdon Estate, the portproposal (about which David talked to us in 2013) and the building threats of the 1930’s.

We are aiming to commence the walk at 2.00pm followed by a cream tea. However, full details will bepublished in the May edition of the Parish Magazine and will also be available on our websitewww.plymvalleyheritage.org

We are also delighted to announce that we have been able to secure the renowned speaker, Dr Todd Gray,who will be giving our May 14th talk entitled ‘A Visual History of Devon’s Gardens’.

As usual our talks commence at 7.30pm and are held in St John’s Church Hall at Hooe. Refreshments areavailable and visitors are welcome at £3 per head. -Gill Whillock

PLYMSTOCK GARDENING SOCIETY

The speaker at our meeting on Monday, 27th April 2015, 7.30pm, at Plymstock United Church Hall,Plymstock Road, Oreston, will be:-

Alan Prince, Master Thatcher of Devon, who will give a talk and presentation on his craft to Plymstock Garden Society.

Non-members welcome ~ £1. Contact number 01752 403652.. -Margaret Lowles, Vice Chair

HOOE & TURNCHAPEL LADIES GROUP

We meet at the Hooe & Turnchapel Community Centre on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 8.00pm.ALL ladies welcome.

Our programme for APRIL 2015 is:-

* * * * EASTER BREAK * * * *

APRIL 21st BINGO

For further information please contact: -Diane McCarthy (Sec) Tel: 311931

Local News

New County Wildlife SiteAshery Wood and Warren Plantation that lies between Oreston and Hooe, have been designated a County Wildlife Site. It is owned and managed by Plymouth City Council.It was given its status because of its wood-land habitat and the presence of Monk’s Hood (a nationally scarce plant) and Common Broomrape (a Devon notable plant).The site also has a long-standing bat roost, with Greater Horseshoe bats and Lesser Horseshoe bats being recorded from as early as 1958. These species of bats are rare and, like all species of bats in the UK, are protected by law.More information about these and other County Wildlife Sites can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/countywildlifesites

Plymstock Library Films The film, Noah, will be shown on Monday 20 April at 2.00pm. It carries a Certificate 12 and runs for 138 minutes.Classic Films to be shown this month:The English Patient on Tuesday 14 April at 2.00pm. The Certificate 15 film runs for 155 minutes.Schindlers List on Tuesday 28 April at 2.00pm. The Certificate 12 film runs for 190 minutes.

Work ClubHelp in searching for jobs, CVs, basic IT skills, interviews and more is available in Plymstock Library every Thursday between 9.30 and 11.30am.

Planning UpdatePlymstock Broadway Coffee ShopPlymouth’s Planning Committee last month approved a planning application (14/02409/FUL) for a retail/coffee shop at Plymstock Broadway shopping precinct.The objections cited in the 107 Letters of Representation were not regarded as material considerationsThe shop would only be allowed to open between 7.00am and 8.00pm Monday to Saturday and 8.00am to 8.000pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays,

Seawings Mount BattenPlanning application No.14/02381/FUL has been granted conditionally to allow amendment of a previous permission (12/01339/FUL) to redevelop the Mount Batten site by erection of a new 4 storey building.

Planning Application WithdrawnPlanning application (14/02339/FUL) to demolish the existing Fanshawe Care Home and erection of 12 apartments at 53 Hooe Road has been withdrawn.

Nightingale Close, ElburtonPlans to redevelop the Nightingale Close site have been approved subject to 106 Obligations being met. Existing buildings will be removed to make way for the erection of 70 new homes, access road, car parking and landscaping. Full details of the planning application (13/02348/FUL) can be viewed on the Council’s website.

Decisions

Playing Fields and ToiletsFunding for the upgrading of playing fields at Staddiscombe and demolition of public toilets in Hooe and

Outland Road were approved by the Leader of Plymouth City Council in February. Demolition of the toilets will cost £23,498 and the improvement of pitches at Staddiscombe £462,499.

The playing fields, although situated outside the city boundary in the South Hams, are of extreme value to the City, as there is a marked deficit in the number and quality of playing pitches. There areno similar facilities to Staddiscombe in the City or in the sub region and as such have an area-wide significance.

Pomphlett Primary SchoolAn increase in the birth rate and new housing near this area of Plymstock will require Pomphlett Primary School to increase its capacity by September 2016. Expansion of the school will provide increased employment, enhanced learning facilities; allow removal of temporary accommodation and the replacement of ageing boilers. The £1.2m cost of the works will be met through £0.630m from 106 funding and £0.570m from capital reserves. Should further S106 resources become available, these will be used to offset the Council’scapital commitment.

Staddiscombe Land SalePublic open space off Goosewell Road, Staddiscombe, is to be sold for housing. There were 17 objections to the loss of the recreation land. The Council is committed to providing 1,000 homes each year over the next 5 years to reduce the 10,000 currently waiting for affordable housing.Garden Waste CollectionCollection of garden waste from designated areas of Plymouth will resume on the 30th March and end on the 26th October 2015.Households are allowed to put out two reusable plastic bags each fortnight. Bags are collected on green bin days.Replacement bags are available from Plymstock Library.

Welcome Aboard!The seasonal ferry service between the Barbican and Cawsand will operate from 28th March until 31st October this year. Ferries depart every 90 minutes from 9.00am to 4.30pm. Fares: Adults £4.00, Children £2.00.Call Plymouth Boat Trips on 01752 253153 or check Twitter for daily updates as ferry services are dependent on weather conditions.

Legal Advice ClinicThe clinics, to be held in Plymstock Library on Mondays 30th March and 27th April 2015 between 1.30pm and 5.00pm will offer free initial advice about: • moving home • wills and probate • inheritance disputes • business matters • landlord and tenant issues • divorce and separation • injunctions • disputes.

Police and Crime CommissionerHearing what you think about policing where you live is an important part of Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg's role. This month the Commissioner and his team willbe out and about across the peninsula asking people just that

question but just because you can't get to see him in person doesn't mean you can't take part.More on www.devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk

Note: The deadline date for items for May 2015 Magazine is April 15th 2015

Our thanks to the Advertisers who sponsor this Magazine.Advertisements and service quotes do not imply recommendations on the part of the Church.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor.Printed & published by St John’s DCC, Hooe, Plymouth UK. © Plymstock & Hooe PCC 2015.