December 2020
Welcome to this double issue of the new parish magazine for St John's East Dulwich! Each edition of The Gander will include news and insights from St John's and our local community in East Dulwich and Peckham, as well as profiles of some of our members.
This issue has been put together by: Revd Raymond Baudon, Christine Camplin, Jim Nurton, Tayo Olatunde and Sue O'Neill. Click Subscribe to be added to our mailing list and you'll be notified when our next edition is available. The next issue will be our February edition.
From the vicar...
This edition of The Gander is a generous helping of Christmas fare, starting with a rich menu of Christmas festivities from places as varied as Finland, Malaysia, Australia, Nigeria and Jamaica. More locally, this month we are given a flavour of all that has happened and is happening in and around St John’s East Dulwich, and beyond. Thank you to all of our contributors, and The Gander team who have put together this festive edition for our delectation.
I end this year, like many people, tired but immensely thankful that I am a part of this warm and generous community. Church is all about sharing life together, indeed, the first words of any order of service in church are headed, “The Gathering”. Since gathering became the most dangerous thing to do, we have had to be incredibly imaginative to find ways to keep hold of the ties that bind us together. As we reach the end of an extraordinary, and, for some, traumatic year, it is comforting to be reminded, in this magazine, of familiar rituals that keep us connected, and give pleasure and joy; such as eating, dancing, music and Advent windows. And it is reassuring, that in the midst of difficulty, we have not stopped caring, most especially for those who are vulnerable, as in the work of the Robes Project, Dementia Friends, and Jane Hawkins' work at Pembroke House.
As we turn towards Christmas, and return again to the story of the vulnerable child born to a young and powerless teenage girl, may we be reminded that at the heart of the Christmas story is a vision of life-giving and subversive change: a story that tells us that the best change comes not through force but love, and not through compulsion, but patient endurance. This year has required much love and patience from all of us. May we, together and apart, find the love that is able to endure all things, and as you read these articles and stories, may you find a little of the comfort and joy you need this Christmas.
Revd Gill O'Neill
Christmas services
This year's main Christmas services will be ticketed events because we are having to limit numbers and ensure social distancing. The tickets can be booked via Eventbrite and are, of course, free of charge. If online booking is difficult for you, please get in touch with our Administrator by email, or email Raymond or Gill. The services will also be livestreamed on Zoom.Carol Service Sunday 20 December at 6pm - Book Carol Service on Eventbrite
Online Christingle Christmas Eve at 4pm - Christingle Service on Zoom
Midnight Mass Christmas Eve at 11:30pm - Book Midnight Mass on Eventbrite
Christmas Day 10am Mass - Book Christmas Day 10 am Mass on Eventbrite
Sunday 27 Dec 10am Mass (no booking required as this is an online only service)
Online Christingle Christmas Eve at 4pm - Christingle Service on Zoom
Midnight Mass Christmas Eve at 11:30pm - Book Midnight Mass on Eventbrite
Christmas Day 10am Mass - Book Christmas Day 10 am Mass on Eventbrite
Sunday 27 Dec 10am Mass (no booking required as this is an online only service)
Christmas around the world
Many of us may spend Christmas away from London, but not all of us have experienced Christmas outside the UK. So here we have gathered some experiences which approximately represent all the points of the compass.
Starting with the North, we hear from Sally Gross about Finland.
I first went to Finland for a whole summer when I was 19, to teach English as a foreign language. I fell in love with Finland and it’s been in my life ever since, including the family I stayed with then.
In Finland we always go to church on Christmas Eve, usually in the early evening. On Christmas morning we go for a local walk and presents are exchanged in the afternoon. Christmas jumpers are worn! The main meal is usually lunch: boiled or roast ham, mashed potatoes, mashed swede and turnip. Pudding is rice pudding with an almond in the middle. My first year I thought it was a joke, missing out roast turkey, but then I got acclimatised to it in future years.
One of the traditions is that a fully rigged-up Santa must always knock at the front door, usually a neighbour who brings a few gifts of food stuff with him. He is given a bottle of plonk for his troubles!
The best thing about Christmas in Finland is the wonderfully scenic snow and forests.
East: Julie Whitney tells us about Christmas in Malaysia.
My husband Rohan's maternal family are Eurasians. They descend from Portuguese immigrants from the 1500 and so are Roman Catholic. Malaysia is a very diverse country which is majority Muslim but has large Chinese (Buddhist) and Indian (Hindu) populations. Christmas is however widely celebrated in Malaysia by many groups.
On Christmas Eve we go to Midnight Mass and then back for present opening straight afterwards. We wear suits and smart clothes, and generally dress slightly smarter than usual.
On the question of food, this is probably the most important and definitely the most detailed answer I have. Malaysians live to eat! Firstly, there is a meal after Midnight Mass. This comprises mulligatawny soup (curried
soup with shredded chicken), bread and pickles. There will be drinks and sugee cake (made of semolina flour and almonds). On Christmas day all the family will come over, each bringing a different dish which will be served buffet style. Food includes: semur (beef stew), debal curry, roast turkey, roast chicken, mixed vegetables, pickles and saltfish. Dessert will be trifle, sugee cake, pineapple tarts and cookies. The food is washed down with wine, punch and other drinks.Otherwise the traditions are not dissimilar to the UK – there are lots of decorations! We tend to stay at home and eat.
The best thing about Christmas in Malaysia is (you guessed it) the food!
South: We hear from Tayo Olatunde about Christmas in Nigeria
Growing up in Nigeria, Christmas was celebrated traditionally. Whilst there is no winter or snow, Christmas falls on the Harmattan season, which is characterised by heavy fog, dry wind, and high humidity with an average day-time temperature of between 9-20 degrees C; a far cry from the average 32 degrees we were used to. On Christmas Day we'd get up early, wear our traditional (native) attire and go to church for the Christmas service. After church we would all meet-up at my paternal grandparents' place for the Christmas lunch and festivities of singing, playing games and more. It was also a great chance to catch-up with aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members not seen for a while. Christmas presents are not opened until the 26th.
Since moving to London, Christmas has become more of a hybrid celebration, combining the best of both Nigerian and British traditions and creating our own form of celebration. Christmas is celebrated with family and friends coming over on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day everybody wears their Christmas jumpers for breakfast, after which presents are exchanged and opened (no need to wait a WHOLE extra day). Before the Christmas lunch, there are lots of video calls with friends and family in Nigeria and the US.
Christmas lunch is kicked off by a prayer and thanksgiving. The lunch includes a popular Nigerian/West African dish called Jollof Rice, served with either chicken/turkey, grilled fish or grilled beef (Suya) and vegetables. Other optional dishes include Pounded Yam served with stewed leaf vegetables called Efo or roast potatoes with turkey, stuffing and vegetables. The rest of the day is spent watching musical videos, catching-up, watching movies and playing games.
Even further south: Amanda Drake tells us about Christmas in Australia,
Hello and Merry Christmas from down under. This year I have been “stuck” in Sydney due to stringent (but effective) Covid virus restrictions here in Australia.
For over half of my life, Christmas has always been an Australian affair. Since my grandmother’s time, we have always spent a part of Christmas Day with all my Aussie cousins. Obviously over time, the numbers have been increasing - we now number 17 (including me!). I could manage 14 around the dining table here in Sydney but the only people who can sit 17 are the “country cousins” who are cattle farmers and live near a country town called Bathurst, about a three hour drive west from where I live in Sydney.Last year, I drove there after singing in the choir at my Sydney Church, St Swithun’s, Pymble’s choral service at 8am. As you may know, the bushfire season around NSW was horrific last year and my drive that day to Bathurst, involved going on the only road open to Western NSW.
The road had finally been cleared 4 hours earlier after one of the most decimating fires ever known in that area which lasted for weeks (surely a miracle). Firefighters (all volunteers in rural areas) were still working along the road (yes on Christmas Day) and every passing car honked their horn and yelled out greetings and thanks for all their hard work.All my cousins are devout church-going Christians
so Christmas has always been a time of great unifying joy in the birth of our Saviour. We always pray together giving thanks for the past year and the celebration together, as well, of course, for the greatest gift of the coming of our Messiah.With new marriages, and subsequent “divided” loyalties, some have two Christmas meals and exchanges of presents in one day, but we always come together at night around a specially decorated table, the ladies in our best Christmas summer dresses – although the guys often wear shorts and the ones from the bush wear their country gear (check shirts, moleskin pants and riding boots). We used to have cooked turkey, hot glazed ham, and about 8 veggies (overflowing plates) but it is easier now to have the same cooked turkey and ham but with a huge range of salads, starters (usually seafood) and at least 2 kinds of desserts – family recipe Plum pudding (with ice cream) and a fruit pavlova and this way everyone can bring something and contribute! Remembering it can be as hot as 40C during the day and not that much cooler in the evening, this saves too much slaving over a hot stove, although these days with air conditioning it isn’t quite so bad unless it breaks down!
Our family loves traditions which keep increasing as new
people join the family. The latest tradition is on Boxing Day - helping out on the farm, feeding the cattle (particularly during the drought), riding horses, quad bikes, huge tractors and then cooling off in the swimming pool in the afternoon with champagne and nibbles!We all have a strong emotional attachment to England (from where our grandparents and great grandparents came) and dream of one day all gathering down in Devon and celebrating in a cold Christmas winter on Dartmoor. As we melt in an Aussie summer, we talk around the dinner table of how we like cold crisp temperatures and rain (yes believe it or not)!
West: Karlene Watson tells us about Christmas in The Caribbean
Christmas in Jamaica is fun and vibrant. Everyone goes to their town's Grand Market. It’s a popular place to go to on Christmas Eve, it has a fun-fair type atmosphere. Everyone looks forward to buying all their bits for Christmas. Also there are fireworks until the early hours of Christmas morning.
For Christmas all the children get a new outfit to wear which they can’t wait to show off to their friends and family. On Christmas morning the whole family go to church and all the children dress up in their new outfits.
A typical breakfast will consist of ackee and salt fish, duck bread, fried fish and chocolate tea. For our dinner we would have chicken, curried goat, oxtail, smoked ham, fish, rice and peas and green salad. Also there is plenty of rum punch, sorrel wine and Christmas cake!
The best thing about Christmas in the Caribbean is that it’s a family-orientated day. There’s a real outdoor party atmosphere; I miss the vibrancy and of course the sunshine!
Advent windows
The residents of
Ondine Road have organised Advent windows: each evening in Advent one resident decorates their window so that by Christmas Eve there will be twenty -four windows lit up on the street.
The theme is to honour the NHS and this also brings some much needed light. Local residents are encouraged each day to go and find that day’s new window.
The residents of
Ondine Road have organised Advent windows: each evening in Advent one resident decorates their window so that by Christmas Eve there will be twenty -four windows lit up on the street.The theme is to honour the NHS and this also brings some much needed light. Local residents are encouraged each day to go and find that day’s new window.
Christmas activity ideas
A fun idea this Christmas is 'Carols on the doorstep'. A chance to enjoy some singing while keeping safe, at 6 pm on Christmas Eve.
A fun idea this Christmas is 'Carols on the doorstep'. A chance to enjoy some singing while keeping safe, at 6 pm on Christmas Eve.
Join Goose Green Coffee Morning for a Christmassy time on 23 December at 11:30. Email your name and address by 18 December to receive your party pack and Zoom link.
News in brief
Robes Sleepin: Well done to Gill, Julie, Ruben, George, Lois, Martyn, Zara, Emilia and Jim for taking part in the Robes Sleepin on 27
November. Thanks to everyone who has made a donation: so far we have raised over £2,400. The money will go straight to Robes to help our homeless neighbours get through the winter. It is not too late to donate and you can do so on our JustGiving page here.
The Art of Advent: An online study course is taking place looking at Advent themes through art. The four sessions cover the patriarchs, the prophets, John the Baptist and Mary. The course is based on the Visual Commentary on Scripture, which is a freely accessible online publication providing theological commentary on the Bible in dialogue with works of art. You can find out more about the VCS here.
Christmas present donations: St John’s and St Clement’s School is collecting Christmas gifts (including books and toys) for families of children supported by the Albrighton Centre. Gifts can be left in the boxes outside the gates during the week of 14 December. Items should be new/nearly new, unwrapped and not toy guns or similar.
Coffee Morning talk: Julie Whitney spoke about how to become a Dementia Friend at Coffee Morning on 2 December. A Dementia Friend is somebody who learns about dementia so they can help their community. This is because too many people affected by dementia feel that society fails to understand the condition they live with.
Robes Sleepin: Well done to Gill, Julie, Ruben, George, Lois, Martyn, Zara, Emilia and Jim for taking part in the Robes Sleepin on 27
November. Thanks to everyone who has made a donation: so far we have raised over £2,400. The money will go straight to Robes to help our homeless neighbours get through the winter. It is not too late to donate and you can do so on our JustGiving page here.The Art of Advent: An online study course is taking place looking at Advent themes through art. The four sessions cover the patriarchs, the prophets, John the Baptist and Mary. The course is based on the Visual Commentary on Scripture, which is a freely accessible online publication providing theological commentary on the Bible in dialogue with works of art. You can find out more about the VCS here.
Christmas present donations: St John’s and St Clement’s School is collecting Christmas gifts (including books and toys) for families of children supported by the Albrighton Centre. Gifts can be left in the boxes outside the gates during the week of 14 December. Items should be new/nearly new, unwrapped and not toy guns or similar.
Coffee Morning talk: Julie Whitney spoke about how to become a Dementia Friend at Coffee Morning on 2 December. A Dementia Friend is somebody who learns about dementia so they can help their community. This is because too many people affected by dementia feel that society fails to understand the condition they live with.
Dementia Friends help by raising awareness and understanding, so that people living with dementia can continue to live in the way they want. The information session held on Wednesday created several new dementia friends among those who attended the coffee morning.
Coffee Morning funding: Earlier this year St John’s was awarded funding for our coffee morning from Southwark's Neighbourhood Fund. The arrival of covid-19 restrictions made it difficult to form plans, but with new limitations in the autumn we applied to vary our award so that we could fund online activities. This
has now been approved so we are starting to plan some enriching ideas for anyone joining us at coffee morning. Our first art session is planned for 16 December at 12 noon and will be led by the Arts Factory. To register and receive materials please email office@stjohnseastdulwich.org with your name and address by 12 December. There are limited places and this is a free activity. Coffee morning continues to meet every week at 11:30 am.
Coffee Morning funding: Earlier this year St John’s was awarded funding for our coffee morning from Southwark's Neighbourhood Fund. The arrival of covid-19 restrictions made it difficult to form plans, but with new limitations in the autumn we applied to vary our award so that we could fund online activities. This
has now been approved so we are starting to plan some enriching ideas for anyone joining us at coffee morning. Our first art session is planned for 16 December at 12 noon and will be led by the Arts Factory. To register and receive materials please email office@stjohnseastdulwich.org with your name and address by 12 December. There are limited places and this is a free activity. Coffee morning continues to meet every week at 11:30 am.
Recent meetings
Annual Meeting of Parishioners and Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Sunday 15th November 2020
The 2020 Annual Meetings were held via Zoom on Sunday 15th November 2020 at 3.00pm. They had been postponed from Sunday 29 March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Over 24 people attended.
Annual Meeting of Parishioners
Jim Nurton and Julie Whitney were re-elected as Wardens for a further year.
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
The Electoral Roll was revised in October prior to the meeting. There are now 141 on the Roll (an increase from 138) with 45 resident in the parish.
Alan Croft, Joy Taylor, Ish Lennox and Julie Whitney were elected to the Deanery Synod.
Sarah Goudge and Claire Nylander were elected to the PCC.
Steve Brentnall was re-appointed Independent Examiner to the PCC.
The 2019 Annual Report and Accounts were received and can be downloaded here: If you require a hard copy of these documents please contact the Parish Office and they will be sent out by post at no charge to you.
Parochial Church Council
The first meeting of the new PCC took place on Wednesday 18 November, again via Zoom.
Annual Meeting of Parishioners and Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Sunday 15th November 2020
The 2020 Annual Meetings were held via Zoom on Sunday 15th November 2020 at 3.00pm. They had been postponed from Sunday 29 March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Over 24 people attended.
Annual Meeting of Parishioners
Jim Nurton and Julie Whitney were re-elected as Wardens for a further year.
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
The Electoral Roll was revised in October prior to the meeting. There are now 141 on the Roll (an increase from 138) with 45 resident in the parish.
Alan Croft, Joy Taylor, Ish Lennox and Julie Whitney were elected to the Deanery Synod.
Sarah Goudge and Claire Nylander were elected to the PCC.
Steve Brentnall was re-appointed Independent Examiner to the PCC.
The 2019 Annual Report and Accounts were received and can be downloaded here: If you require a hard copy of these documents please contact the Parish Office and they will be sent out by post at no charge to you.
Parochial Church Council
The first meeting of the new PCC took place on Wednesday 18 November, again via Zoom.
Christine Camplin and Sarah Goudge were re-elected Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Gill Nash and Joy Taylor were re-appointed Deputy Churchwardens. Mary Dawson and Joy Taylor have joined Tina Hampson on the parish safeguarding team.
Topics discussed included communications (The Gander, updating the website), the current pattern of worship, use of the Goose Green Centre, Advent and Christmas services, Special Collections, finances and stewardship.
The 2021 Budget was accepted with the proviso that future events are unknown.
Dr Namukale Chintu was appointed governor of St John’s and St Clement’s School.
The next meeting of the PCC is in January.
Christine Camplin, PCC Secretary
Topics discussed included communications (The Gander, updating the website), the current pattern of worship, use of the Goose Green Centre, Advent and Christmas services, Special Collections, finances and stewardship.
The 2021 Budget was accepted with the proviso that future events are unknown.
Dr Namukale Chintu was appointed governor of St John’s and St Clement’s School.
The next meeting of the PCC is in January.
Christine Camplin, PCC Secretary
Community news: Christmas on Lordship Lane
Sue O'Neill
In the last week shops, restaurants, pubs and other businesses have been allowed to reopen after the most recent lockdown. Here we bring you news from a few of the traders on Lordship Lane.
Robert Carder Shoes
Robert Carder Shoes writes: Lordship Lane is a true family shoe shop. Having taken over the John Barnett business nearly five years ago and undergone a total refit, we are proud of the shop’s historic legacy of selling shoes in East Dulwich for over 100 years
and of the design of the new shop. Obviously the Covid-19 pandemic this year has been a bit of a blow, and unfortunately meant we had to close the shop twice and lost business as a result, but with improved PPE and the use of fitting screens we have changed our methods of working to ensure that customers and staff are safe in our reopened store. Also, during August/ September we introduced a voluntary appointment system for those customers who like to think ahead, and this helped us to manage numbers in store during this busy period.
Next year will see the introduction of a transactional website which will improve our offering to our customers and give closer links with our other store in Godalming, Surrey. As usual we are always seeking to have the best range of interesting shoes for all the family, and in 2021 we will be introducing Keen footwear as a new brand which will sit alongside the many other big brand names that we stock such as Clarks, Start-Rite, Ecco, Josef Seibel, Dr Martens, Kickers, Birkenstock, Blundstone, Skechers and many more.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 9.30 - 5.30
Sundays 1 - 5.
For more information please call 0208 6935145 or look at our website www.robertcardershoes.com
East Dulwich Tavern
Max from the EDT reports the year has been really difficult, especially as their normal bookings for weddings etc have not been possible. But there is some light at the end of the tunnel now with the development of the vaccine. As things return to normal they are very keen to restart their community bookings in their event room upstairs, including choir rehearsals and baby comedy.
There are limits on who can sit together: people from same household can be seated together inside and, outside, up to six people from different households can be seated at the same table. Alcohol can only be served to people who are having a substantial meal.
The menu features a choice of Winter Wonders (vegetarian or beef stews), tempting dishes to share (two examples are halloumi fries with yoghurt and pomegranate, brie and cranberry parcels) and a range of traditional mains, including burgers, sausage and mash (veggie or pork), baked goat’s cheese, beetroot and walnut salad and more!
Sue O'Neill
In the last week shops, restaurants, pubs and other businesses have been allowed to reopen after the most recent lockdown. Here we bring you news from a few of the traders on Lordship Lane.
Robert Carder Shoes
Robert Carder Shoes writes: Lordship Lane is a true family shoe shop. Having taken over the John Barnett business nearly five years ago and undergone a total refit, we are proud of the shop’s historic legacy of selling shoes in East Dulwich for over 100 years
and of the design of the new shop. Obviously the Covid-19 pandemic this year has been a bit of a blow, and unfortunately meant we had to close the shop twice and lost business as a result, but with improved PPE and the use of fitting screens we have changed our methods of working to ensure that customers and staff are safe in our reopened store. Also, during August/ September we introduced a voluntary appointment system for those customers who like to think ahead, and this helped us to manage numbers in store during this busy period. Next year will see the introduction of a transactional website which will improve our offering to our customers and give closer links with our other store in Godalming, Surrey. As usual we are always seeking to have the best range of interesting shoes for all the family, and in 2021 we will be introducing Keen footwear as a new brand which will sit alongside the many other big brand names that we stock such as Clarks, Start-Rite, Ecco, Josef Seibel, Dr Martens, Kickers, Birkenstock, Blundstone, Skechers and many more.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 9.30 - 5.30
Sundays 1 - 5.
For more information please call 0208 6935145 or look at our website www.robertcardershoes.com
East Dulwich Tavern
Max from the EDT reports the year has been really difficult, especially as their normal bookings for weddings etc have not been possible. But there is some light at the end of the tunnel now with the development of the vaccine. As things return to normal they are very keen to restart their community bookings in their event room upstairs, including choir rehearsals and baby comedy.
There are limits on who can sit together: people from same household can be seated together inside and, outside, up to six people from different households can be seated at the same table. Alcohol can only be served to people who are having a substantial meal.
The menu features a choice of Winter Wonders (vegetarian or beef stews), tempting dishes to share (two examples are halloumi fries with yoghurt and pomegranate, brie and cranberry parcels) and a range of traditional mains, including burgers, sausage and mash (veggie or pork), baked goat’s cheese, beetroot and walnut salad and more!
Opening Times
The East Dulwich Tavern is open every day from 12 noon until 11 pm. They recommend to book in advance, but try to accommodate those with no booking too.
https://eastdulwichtavern.com/
Oru
Oru writes: Our aim in setting up Oru was to provide people with an environmentally responsible, lifestyle workspace that’s closer to home. People are happier and more productive when they know home and crèche are nearby. It’s why we always try and think, 'What is it that people will need, how can we make it easier, more comfortable?' This dynamic approach allows us to be more reactive – viewing change as an opportunity to grow – and has no doubt helped us to navigate these uncertain times. It's why we launched our Bounce Back scheme, offering a period of free membership to those who are looking to change career-path, or, as has happened, may have become unemployed during lockdown.
Everything we do at Oru is modelled around work, lifestyle and the environment. Such that our vibrant cafe is focused on diet & health; with a Sri Lankan vegetarian inspired menu it has truly taken off.
In addition we provide up to 35 wellness classes per week, to help re-energise both brain and body. We feel that it’s definitely the smaller ventures like Oru who are leading the way when it comes to the environment and wellness, and we're hopeful our humble success can inspire others to join the fight to save our hurting planet.
Opening Times
Workspace and Offices 8 - 6,
weekends 9 - 4
Cafe 8 - 4,
weekends 9 - 4
https://www.oruspace.co
The Cheese Block
The Cheese Block stocks over 300 different cheeses, extensive charcuterie, olives, sourdough bread, chocolates (French, Belgian, English), crackers, chutneys and jams, oils, vinegar, coffee beans, etc.
Up to four people are permitted in the shop at one time, wearing masks of course. The Cheese Block has been open throughout the year as it is an essential business selling food. Custom has been busy! The shop has been open for 30 years and has always been busy throughout this time.
Opening Times
Mon - Fri: 9 - 6:30
Saturday: 9 - 6:00
Sunday: 10 - 4:30
Nearer Christmas times may vary a little depending on staff availability etc.
The East Dulwich Tavern is open every day from 12 noon until 11 pm. They recommend to book in advance, but try to accommodate those with no booking too.
https://eastdulwichtavern.com/
Oru
Oru writes: Our aim in setting up Oru was to provide people with an environmentally responsible, lifestyle workspace that’s closer to home. People are happier and more productive when they know home and crèche are nearby. It’s why we always try and think, 'What is it that people will need, how can we make it easier, more comfortable?' This dynamic approach allows us to be more reactive – viewing change as an opportunity to grow – and has no doubt helped us to navigate these uncertain times. It's why we launched our Bounce Back scheme, offering a period of free membership to those who are looking to change career-path, or, as has happened, may have become unemployed during lockdown. Everything we do at Oru is modelled around work, lifestyle and the environment. Such that our vibrant cafe is focused on diet & health; with a Sri Lankan vegetarian inspired menu it has truly taken off.
In addition we provide up to 35 wellness classes per week, to help re-energise both brain and body. We feel that it’s definitely the smaller ventures like Oru who are leading the way when it comes to the environment and wellness, and we're hopeful our humble success can inspire others to join the fight to save our hurting planet.
Opening Times
Workspace and Offices 8 - 6,
weekends 9 - 4
Cafe 8 - 4,
weekends 9 - 4
https://www.oruspace.co
The Cheese Block
The Cheese Block stocks over 300 different cheeses, extensive charcuterie, olives, sourdough bread, chocolates (French, Belgian, English), crackers, chutneys and jams, oils, vinegar, coffee beans, etc.
Up to four people are permitted in the shop at one time, wearing masks of course. The Cheese Block has been open throughout the year as it is an essential business selling food. Custom has been busy! The shop has been open for 30 years and has always been busy throughout this time.
Opening Times
Mon - Fri: 9 - 6:30
Saturday: 9 - 6:00
Sunday: 10 - 4:30
Nearer Christmas times may vary a little depending on staff availability etc.
Children and young people
It's wonderful to have some contributions from our children and young people this month, please do keep them coming in!
Art: Errol Corbin
Errol's 2020 has contained a lot of science and a lot of Lego. Here are his 'Rainbow Bubble Experiment' and his amazing 'Scarlet Emerald Fire Dragon' made without instructions.
It's wonderful to have some contributions from our children and young people this month, please do keep them coming in!
Art: Errol Corbin
Errol's 2020 has contained a lot of science and a lot of Lego. Here are his 'Rainbow Bubble Experiment' and his amazing 'Scarlet Emerald Fire Dragon' made without instructions.
Poems
We're delighted to share with you these poems written by two of our younger people.
We're delighted to share with you these poems written by two of our younger people.
A Christmas Poem
By Maya Corbin
Christmas carols fill the air,
Trees are decorated with care,
Children playing in the snow,
Fairylights shine and hearths glow.
Santa flying through the night,
Elves at work and reindeer take flight,
As the moon rises and light switches click,
The world is waiting for the arrival of St. Nick.
When stockings are hung and fires are alight,
All the world waits for his flight,
The morning star shines in the sky,
As we wait for the morning to come by.
St John’s
By Zara Barmby
As I walk through the corridor,
The soles of my shoes pressing against the tan concrete,
Bubbling conversation brewing around you,
The new and familiar faces welcoming you in.
As you grab the green hymnal and turn to your page,
The organ starts its song,
Rejoicing fills the room,
Songs of praise filling your heart and soul.
People’s stories all around you,
The smell of incense filling your nose,
Everyone crowding round the font for the baptism,
So eager to let a new member into our church.
Prayers to put our world at rest,
Topped off with some tea and a biscuit,
And inside you’re thrilled,
Because you want to come to St John’s again.
Pembroke House
Jane Hawkins
I have been keeping busy at the Walworth Food Hub, Pembroke House: a cause worthy of your support. Here is a personal account.
The project was in full swing when I arrived in June having memorised the detailed routine of hand-washing, bag-cleaning (with two types of cleaner), safe-distanced food collection from four food stations and safe delivery. The top tip from experienced riders was to make sure the recipient is at home before you open the delivery bag to avoid jettisoning the food!
The level of thought and organisation was super
-impressive and included a delivery driver type smartphone app. Despite this it was often extremely hard to find addresses on the estates. I imagine this must impact on residents. It was fascinating to see the range of housing we visited; from the condemned blocks of ‘streets in the sky’ Taplow House and Wendover to sheltered housing, hostels and new-build flats. The panoramic view of London from the top of Taplow and Wendover and the large open spaces between the blocks evidence the benefits of the modernist vision. I even saw children happily playing on a communal balcony. Sadly 
the poor state of the stairwells, often blocked by drug users, demonstrated the failures. (Note: Southwark have cleaned up the communal areas and drug dealing has now reduced).
I met some amazing people, many whole families living isolated in small flats to safeguard vulnerable children or close relatives. Their resilience was moving. I once delivered to a homeless man in a flat that had been squatted by cutting through the 25cm thick wall of the pram cupboard. He climbed through into the bath.
The food drop weighs around 10kg and to finish in the time allotted meant taking two at once. This proved too heavy for me so I am now doing walking deliveries once a week to the two nearby blocks. This works well as we know the addresses and recipients and we go in pairs for safety.
I am full of awe at the skill of the organisers and goodwill of the large number of volunteers who have set up such a complex and large-scale organisation from scratch. However as time passes there have been some personal challenges. Recipients are referred by the Southwark Covid help desk. I have always worked in the statutory sector where services are prioritised but the ethos at Pembroke House is that the food parcel is a gift of love given willingly without detailed assessment of need. It is thought too risky for people to collect their own food and some recipients look a lot fitter than me! Also due to Covid restrictions we cannot offer the full range of Pembroke House services to support other aspects of their life. Sometimes young children are at the door and refer to ‘my food’ and I worry about undermining their parents.
Food banks and hubs did a fantastic job in April when food for commercial use was going to waste and people were thrown unexpectedly into hardship or needed to isolate. As we move on and enter a longer term phase of certain high unemployment and probably food price inflation I think there is a need to rethink and adapt the model. Food donation in collection baskets for example - wasteful, costly and random. Would it not be more useful for supporters to commit to give a regular monthly payment equivalent to the cost of a coffee, pint or takeaway a week? Do we need to do more to counter the underlying causes of food poverty and link people into services meeting their wider needs?
I am interested in the model of the Food Pantry as run in Peckham by Pecan and linked to St Luke's and plan to follow up. I will report back.
Links:
A brief history of the food hub
Some background to the settlement movement
Jane Hawkins
I have been keeping busy at the Walworth Food Hub, Pembroke House: a cause worthy of your support. Here is a personal account.
The project was in full swing when I arrived in June having memorised the detailed routine of hand-washing, bag-cleaning (with two types of cleaner), safe-distanced food collection from four food stations and safe delivery. The top tip from experienced riders was to make sure the recipient is at home before you open the delivery bag to avoid jettisoning the food!
The level of thought and organisation was super
-impressive and included a delivery driver type smartphone app. Despite this it was often extremely hard to find addresses on the estates. I imagine this must impact on residents. It was fascinating to see the range of housing we visited; from the condemned blocks of ‘streets in the sky’ Taplow House and Wendover to sheltered housing, hostels and new-build flats. The panoramic view of London from the top of Taplow and Wendover and the large open spaces between the blocks evidence the benefits of the modernist vision. I even saw children happily playing on a communal balcony. Sadly the poor state of the stairwells, often blocked by drug users, demonstrated the failures. (Note: Southwark have cleaned up the communal areas and drug dealing has now reduced).I met some amazing people, many whole families living isolated in small flats to safeguard vulnerable children or close relatives. Their resilience was moving. I once delivered to a homeless man in a flat that had been squatted by cutting through the 25cm thick wall of the pram cupboard. He climbed through into the bath.
The food drop weighs around 10kg and to finish in the time allotted meant taking two at once. This proved too heavy for me so I am now doing walking deliveries once a week to the two nearby blocks. This works well as we know the addresses and recipients and we go in pairs for safety.
I am full of awe at the skill of the organisers and goodwill of the large number of volunteers who have set up such a complex and large-scale organisation from scratch. However as time passes there have been some personal challenges. Recipients are referred by the Southwark Covid help desk. I have always worked in the statutory sector where services are prioritised but the ethos at Pembroke House is that the food parcel is a gift of love given willingly without detailed assessment of need. It is thought too risky for people to collect their own food and some recipients look a lot fitter than me! Also due to Covid restrictions we cannot offer the full range of Pembroke House services to support other aspects of their life. Sometimes young children are at the door and refer to ‘my food’ and I worry about undermining their parents.
Food banks and hubs did a fantastic job in April when food for commercial use was going to waste and people were thrown unexpectedly into hardship or needed to isolate. As we move on and enter a longer term phase of certain high unemployment and probably food price inflation I think there is a need to rethink and adapt the model. Food donation in collection baskets for example - wasteful, costly and random. Would it not be more useful for supporters to commit to give a regular monthly payment equivalent to the cost of a coffee, pint or takeaway a week? Do we need to do more to counter the underlying causes of food poverty and link people into services meeting their wider needs?
I am interested in the model of the Food Pantry as run in Peckham by Pecan and linked to St Luke's and plan to follow up. I will report back.
Links:
A brief history of the food hub
Some background to the settlement movement
Profile: Anne Coates
In each issue we speak to a member of the St John's community. In this month’s profile, Anne Coates reflects on 14 years as Deanery Lay Chair and her 35 years as a resident of East Dulwich.
You’ve just stood down as Deanery Lay Chair. What did this involve and how long did you do it for?
Fourteen years or thereabouts. The Lay Chair’s role is to work with the Area Dean in running the Deanery and chairing the synod. I worked with three Area Deans: Dianna Gwilliams, Charles Richardson and Susan Height. Gill and I overlapped by a few meetings. The Area Dean and Lay Chair also meet with those from deaneries in their archdeaconry and episcopal area.
What was the most rewarding thing about doing this?
During an away-weekend led by Bishop Michael the Lay Chairs were asked to come up with ideas for increasing awareness of deaneries. This was when we had the idea for and then organised and ran the first Lay Training Day with most of us leading workshops. This was then used as a template for other areas.
As well as serving on Deanery Synod I was elected to Diocesan Synod and subsequently served on the Bishop’s Council which became the Diocesan Council of Trustees.
I was also invited to join the interview panels for the Archdeacons of Southwark and Greenwich & Lewisham and the Bishop of Woolwich. This was challenging in terms of time commitment as, for example, it could take something like eight hours to read a full application and we had long meetings at Bishop’s House to shortlist. I enjoyed being an ambassador for Bishop Christopher’s Faith Hope Love mission and visited various deaneries.
What was the most challenging thing?
At the beginning the most challenging was, in meetings, getting the clergy to accept their turn to speak. That never happens now. It was difficult to get churches to work together
What have you learned over the time you did it?
If you’re not wearing a clerical collar you can become invisible.
Can you tell us more about the Deanery?
Dulwich is one of the smaller deaneries which includes St John’s, St Clement with St Peter, The Copleston, St Stephen’s, St Barnabas, St Faith’s and the Herne Hill parishes of St Paul’s and St Saviour’s.
The deanery is a geographical area of parishes while the synod includes all the clergy plus elected laity. One of the members’ most important functions is to elect representatives to Diocesan and General Synod. Deaneries offer the opportunity to share good practice and to offer support when needed.
What led you to take on this role in the first place?
I was tricked! Revd Dianna Gwilliams, then Area Dean and Vicar of St Barnabas, invited me to attend the standing committee meeting and the rest, as they say is history…
How long have you lived in East Dulwich and been coming to St John’s?
I’ve lived in East Dulwich for over 35 years and started worshipping at St John’s after my daughter Olivia started at St John’s & St Clement’s School. Before that I hadn’t been a regular churchgoer for many years.
You’ve just stood down as Deanery Lay Chair. What did this involve and how long did you do it for?
Fourteen years or thereabouts. The Lay Chair’s role is to work with the Area Dean in running the Deanery and chairing the synod. I worked with three Area Deans: Dianna Gwilliams, Charles Richardson and Susan Height. Gill and I overlapped by a few meetings. The Area Dean and Lay Chair also meet with those from deaneries in their archdeaconry and episcopal area.
What was the most rewarding thing about doing this?
During an away-weekend led by Bishop Michael the Lay Chairs were asked to come up with ideas for increasing awareness of deaneries. This was when we had the idea for and then organised and ran the first Lay Training Day with most of us leading workshops. This was then used as a template for other areas.
As well as serving on Deanery Synod I was elected to Diocesan Synod and subsequently served on the Bishop’s Council which became the Diocesan Council of Trustees.
I was also invited to join the interview panels for the Archdeacons of Southwark and Greenwich & Lewisham and the Bishop of Woolwich. This was challenging in terms of time commitment as, for example, it could take something like eight hours to read a full application and we had long meetings at Bishop’s House to shortlist. I enjoyed being an ambassador for Bishop Christopher’s Faith Hope Love mission and visited various deaneries.
What was the most challenging thing?
At the beginning the most challenging was, in meetings, getting the clergy to accept their turn to speak. That never happens now. It was difficult to get churches to work together
What have you learned over the time you did it?
If you’re not wearing a clerical collar you can become invisible.
Can you tell us more about the Deanery?
Dulwich is one of the smaller deaneries which includes St John’s, St Clement with St Peter, The Copleston, St Stephen’s, St Barnabas, St Faith’s and the Herne Hill parishes of St Paul’s and St Saviour’s.
The deanery is a geographical area of parishes while the synod includes all the clergy plus elected laity. One of the members’ most important functions is to elect representatives to Diocesan and General Synod. Deaneries offer the opportunity to share good practice and to offer support when needed.
What led you to take on this role in the first place?
I was tricked! Revd Dianna Gwilliams, then Area Dean and Vicar of St Barnabas, invited me to attend the standing committee meeting and the rest, as they say is history…
How long have you lived in East Dulwich and been coming to St John’s?
I’ve lived in East Dulwich for over 35 years and started worshipping at St John’s after my daughter Olivia started at St John’s & St Clement’s School. Before that I hadn’t been a regular churchgoer for many years.
What are some of the other things you have been involved with at St John’s and the community?I chaired the committee raising funds for the church roof and for many years I headed the summer fair team. While we were “between curates” I ran the monthly children’s service, happily standing down when Ray Andrews joined us. More recently I “directed” the children’s nativity and apart from reading and being an intercessor I make guest appearances in the choir.
In the community, I chaired the management committee at Gumboots Nursery when Olivia was there and later I became a local authority school governor at our church school – where I first met Jonathan Sedgewick, another governor – and was elected as chair for the last three years of my tenure.
People who have read your “Hannah Weybridge” novels will recognise many of the places featured. How important is the flavour of the local area in your writing?
Absolutely crucial. I love my part of London although you might think that I’m doing the area a disservice by setting murders here!
In books two and three, bodies are found in Peckham Rye pond and Dulwich Library but the action does move around London and other locations. However as the books are set in the 1990s you won’t find so many restaurants and posh shops!
What prompted you to become a thriller writer?
Some authorities on writing say you should always have your reader in mind. That is easy for me as I write for myself – or at least the type of books I enjoy reading. I’m not a romantic type so couldn’t imagine myself writing the great love story. But never say never.
What are you working on next?
Before Covid-19 I had started a more contemporary psychological thriller but found writing difficult during lockdown so I stepped back to the 90s, which felt safer!
I have just finished the first draft of the fifth in the Hannah Weybridge series so have some heavy-duty work to do on that. In my first draft I excavate the bones of the story but sometimes there are parts missing – aka plot holes –and then I have to flesh out the narrative. I also began what I hoped might be a new series but that’s also been put on the back burner.
What are your other interests?
Well my name is up on the wall in the Dulwich Picturehouse as I was one of the first 1,000 members. Originally the Ritzy was my go-to cinema. Films and theatre are my main interests and I’ve definitely missed attending the Proms this year.
Cats on Zoom
Christine Camplin
Lockdowns are not popular with humans, but pets love them. Owners working from home mean constant companionship, more cuddles and increased opportunities for ‘walkies’. Owners, of course, have been keeping in touch during lockdowns by meeting online; this, however, is something that dogs don’t understand. They just can’t see the potential of smell-free pictures on a screen. But have you noticed how fascinating Zoom has become to our feline friends?
In the course of our recent online services, PCC meetings, coffee mornings and other events I have encountered Katy, Growly, Bennett, Yoghurt and Domino (to name just a few). I am told by others working from home
that some cats have also taken this unexpected opportunity to participate in high-level work meetings. They stroll across keyboards or sit on them and trail their tails across the display, interrupting proceedings with a classic Hollywood screen-wipe. In addition, the Minutes Book provides a comfortable cat-sized seat and the desk is a nice high vantage point in the room.
Cats in particular have long been associated with churches and cathedrals and in the last few months more churches have taken this a step further and held services specifically for owners and their animal companions. The Zoom platform makes them more accessible to those living further afield or (for animals) less amenable to worship inside a church building. This summer the congregation of St Nicholas, Islip, Oxfordshire included ‘6 cats, 13 dogs, 2 ducklings, a three-legged tortoise, a chicken and a guinea pig’. At St Mary, Richmond, Yorkshire, ‘Stars of the show included a bishop’s cat called Hilda of Whitby, Tilly the Durham Cathedral dog, two labradoodle puppies, several cats and fish, a sizeable yellow duck and a six day old galloping foal called Pepper’ plus friends in Gourock in Scotland and Newbury, Berkshire. Churches in the Boroughbridge area were joined by the Bishop of Ripon who gave the final blessing.
For a cat this is an ideal arrangement - unconfined by a basket and free to roam or curl up on a warm lap or comfortable cushion. And even better, no rough, noisy dogs in the vicinity or the risk of an unwelcome sprinkling of holy water. In 2017 St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol even banned cats from the church: ‘sorry, no cats due to potential stress levels.’ Discrimination!
As summer moved on, lockdown restrictions eased and many animal services were held in a carefully-distanced outdoor environment though often still live-streamed. In September St Nicholas, Harpenden held theirs in the Church Garden and Southwell Minster welcomed horses and donkeys in the Education Garden. St Mary and All Saints, Dunsfold, combined their service with a Teddy Bears’ Picnic on the Common.
Pet services are not a new idea but arose from the blessing of farm animals on or near 4 October, the feast day of St Francis’.** They are now celebrated around the world: in 2012 the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York welcomed 6,000 people and almost 4,000 animals including a camel, falcons and a Galapagos turtle. Collections of money, food or blankets are taken for animal shelters and charities.
Closer to home a stray tabby decided to make Southwark Cathedral her home after visiting at Christmas 2008 in search of food.
She found a welcome and a shelter. Doorkins Magnificat entertained visitors (including the Queen) for many years. At Christmas, she slept in the straw-filled manger in the cathedral’s nativity scene. The Dean of Southwark, Rev Andrew Nunn commented that: ‘She did more to bring people to this place than I will ever do.’ Doorkins died on 30 September this year and the following month Southwark Cathedral held a live-streamed memorial service for her.
[Wednesday 28 October - A Service of Thanksgiving for Doorkins Magnificat - YouTube]
The Dean said: ‘this little cat, who arrived at our door, who chose us and stayed, changed our lives and enhanced our mission and ministry. . . .She had sought and found sanctuary in a church. . . She arrived, she entered and we made her welcome. People concluded that if this little cat is welcome, maybe I am too.’
Now that it seems the arrival of vaccines is imminent, let us hope that we have seen the last of the lockdowns. But I suspect they will leave a lasting legacy and that Zoom meetings are here to stay. Dogs probably won’t care much either way but I won’t be surprised if cats in search of a bit of stroking continue to improve their Zoom meeting skills.
** St Francis of Assisi (c.1181-1226) is the patron saint of animals, merchants, the environment, stowaways, Naga, Cebu, and Italy. He loved and cared for animals, and legend has it that he even preached to them.
Christine Camplin
Lockdowns are not popular with humans, but pets love them. Owners working from home mean constant companionship, more cuddles and increased opportunities for ‘walkies’. Owners, of course, have been keeping in touch during lockdowns by meeting online; this, however, is something that dogs don’t understand. They just can’t see the potential of smell-free pictures on a screen. But have you noticed how fascinating Zoom has become to our feline friends?
In the course of our recent online services, PCC meetings, coffee mornings and other events I have encountered Katy, Growly, Bennett, Yoghurt and Domino (to name just a few). I am told by others working from home
that some cats have also taken this unexpected opportunity to participate in high-level work meetings. They stroll across keyboards or sit on them and trail their tails across the display, interrupting proceedings with a classic Hollywood screen-wipe. In addition, the Minutes Book provides a comfortable cat-sized seat and the desk is a nice high vantage point in the room.Cats in particular have long been associated with churches and cathedrals and in the last few months more churches have taken this a step further and held services specifically for owners and their animal companions. The Zoom platform makes them more accessible to those living further afield or (for animals) less amenable to worship inside a church building. This summer the congregation of St Nicholas, Islip, Oxfordshire included ‘6 cats, 13 dogs, 2 ducklings, a three-legged tortoise, a chicken and a guinea pig’. At St Mary, Richmond, Yorkshire, ‘Stars of the show included a bishop’s cat called Hilda of Whitby, Tilly the Durham Cathedral dog, two labradoodle puppies, several cats and fish, a sizeable yellow duck and a six day old galloping foal called Pepper’ plus friends in Gourock in Scotland and Newbury, Berkshire. Churches in the Boroughbridge area were joined by the Bishop of Ripon who gave the final blessing.
For a cat this is an ideal arrangement - unconfined by a basket and free to roam or curl up on a warm lap or comfortable cushion. And even better, no rough, noisy dogs in the vicinity or the risk of an unwelcome sprinkling of holy water. In 2017 St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol even banned cats from the church: ‘sorry, no cats due to potential stress levels.’ Discrimination!
As summer moved on, lockdown restrictions eased and many animal services were held in a carefully-distanced outdoor environment though often still live-streamed. In September St Nicholas, Harpenden held theirs in the Church Garden and Southwell Minster welcomed horses and donkeys in the Education Garden. St Mary and All Saints, Dunsfold, combined their service with a Teddy Bears’ Picnic on the Common.
Pet services are not a new idea but arose from the blessing of farm animals on or near 4 October, the feast day of St Francis’.** They are now celebrated around the world: in 2012 the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York welcomed 6,000 people and almost 4,000 animals including a camel, falcons and a Galapagos turtle. Collections of money, food or blankets are taken for animal shelters and charities.
Closer to home a stray tabby decided to make Southwark Cathedral her home after visiting at Christmas 2008 in search of food.
She found a welcome and a shelter. Doorkins Magnificat entertained visitors (including the Queen) for many years. At Christmas, she slept in the straw-filled manger in the cathedral’s nativity scene. The Dean of Southwark, Rev Andrew Nunn commented that: ‘She did more to bring people to this place than I will ever do.’ Doorkins died on 30 September this year and the following month Southwark Cathedral held a live-streamed memorial service for her. [Wednesday 28 October - A Service of Thanksgiving for Doorkins Magnificat - YouTube]
The Dean said: ‘this little cat, who arrived at our door, who chose us and stayed, changed our lives and enhanced our mission and ministry. . . .She had sought and found sanctuary in a church. . . She arrived, she entered and we made her welcome. People concluded that if this little cat is welcome, maybe I am too.’
Now that it seems the arrival of vaccines is imminent, let us hope that we have seen the last of the lockdowns. But I suspect they will leave a lasting legacy and that Zoom meetings are here to stay. Dogs probably won’t care much either way but I won’t be surprised if cats in search of a bit of stroking continue to improve their Zoom meeting skills.
** St Francis of Assisi (c.1181-1226) is the patron saint of animals, merchants, the environment, stowaways, Naga, Cebu, and Italy. He loved and cared for animals, and legend has it that he even preached to them.
Jerusalema Song
Tayo Olatunde
If you're looking for something fun for you and the family to do together over the holidays, why not learn some dance moves. Despite a global pandemic and national lockdown, 'Jerusalema', a song written and sung by South Africans in the Zulu language has captivated and uplifted the world. "The upbeat song is a lamentation for God to take the singer to the holy city of Jerusalem" - The Guardian, Sept 2020.
Since its release, the music video has gone viral and has been streamed over 256 million times on Youtube, whilst the song itself has been listened to over 60 million times on Spotify. The dance routine has also been replicated globally; from nuns and priests in Italy to doctors and nurses in France and Germany, and even secondary schools here in England, people have been dancing to this melodious tune.
So, if you're looking to bust a move or two over the festivities, have a look at the clip below and get family and friends to join in on the routine.
After all, learning the dance moves is probably going to be a whole lot easier than deciding on which family members to select to join your Christmas family bubble!
Tayo Olatunde
If you're looking for something fun for you and the family to do together over the holidays, why not learn some dance moves. Despite a global pandemic and national lockdown, 'Jerusalema', a song written and sung by South Africans in the Zulu language has captivated and uplifted the world. "The upbeat song is a lamentation for God to take the singer to the holy city of Jerusalem" - The Guardian, Sept 2020.
Since its release, the music video has gone viral and has been streamed over 256 million times on Youtube, whilst the song itself has been listened to over 60 million times on Spotify. The dance routine has also been replicated globally; from nuns and priests in Italy to doctors and nurses in France and Germany, and even secondary schools here in England, people have been dancing to this melodious tune.
So, if you're looking to bust a move or two over the festivities, have a look at the clip below and get family and friends to join in on the routine.
After all, learning the dance moves is probably going to be a whole lot easier than deciding on which family members to select to join your Christmas family bubble!
Jerusalema!
The 71 Club
A memory by Don Fuller
The 71 Club was named after the year it started. Father Martin, who was vicar of St John's at that time, wanted us to run a social club ourselves. Although it was linked with St John's, the club was open to anybody.
I did not join the club until several months after it had first began, and that was only because of a chance conservation with a complete stranger on a 176 bus from my workplace on the Waterloo Road. They told me about this club that was having a literary and debating evening and the subject appealed to me.
We all met weekly in our various houses. Each person could arrange a programme themselves, and we also had guest speakers to entertain us. Topics ranged from growing tomatoes to collecting dolls, weather forecasting, and musical performances. We also decided to have our own fireworks display one year, as that particular club night happened to be on November 5th. We kept going as a club for about 25 years.
Thinking of that day when I met the stranger on the 176 bus, if the subject had been flower arranging, I do not imagine that I would ever have arrived at St John's. Whatever path my life would have taken then, I do not know!
St John's library
Always Up To Something by Peter Bibby - selected extracts
Peter writes: Since 1977 Anne Clarke and I have lived in Oakhurst Grove, the road which runs South from St John’s Goose Green. In October 2019 my consultant diagnosed metastatic lung cancer eroding my spine. She said: ‘The majority of people with your cancer don’t live more than a year.’ With that urgency, I wrote my biography Always Up To Something which contains a couple of stories connected to St John’s where Anne is a priest.
The wedding of Reverend Anne
In 2000 Anne Clarke and I were married in St John’s Church. Before the wedding, Anne spent six weeks on a silent retreat in North Wales, leaving me to make the arrangements for the wedding. I met the vicar to discuss the details, including decoration of the church. I explained to him that I wanted to lay turf down the aisle with spring flowers such as primroses sprouting through the grass, together with a line of trees on either side. The vicar sounded doubtful and suggested that the turf would make a mess.
‘Not at all,’ I assured him. ‘There will be a layer of polythene under the turf which we can roll up and take away without leaving any trace of the turf having been in the church.’
He remained unconvinced.
‘OK,’ I said. ‘So we will just have the two rows of trees which will be safely in tubs.’
To which he agreed. I had never seriously intended to lay turf down the aisle. I thought, however, that my tree proposal might by itself be unacceptable. My giving up on the turf and flowers would be a fair and reasonable compromise.
The wedding ceremony was arranged for 4:45 p.m. on a Sunday because the venue for the reception offered a Sunday booking at half the price charged for a Saturday. That gave me plenty of time in the morning to supervise the flower arranging and tree planting. The trees along the aisle, standing about 10 feet (3 metres) high, looked amazing.
Meeting the Bishop
During her ordination training in 2004, Anne and I were invited by Tom Butler, the Bishop of Southwark, to a reception at his residence in Streatham. The Bishop’s steward had a bold approach to pouring wine, filling our glasses right to the very brim. He appeared to have had a glass or two himself. Coming across the Bishop’s four year old granddaughter, who was complaining to her mother of inadequate attention, I suggested to her that we eat a slice of chocolate cake under the table. We enjoyed ourselves in that enterprise and later emerged right alongside the Bishop, who was working the room.
‘Pleased to meet you,’ Bishop Tom said. ‘In which of our churches do you worship?’
‘I don’t,’ I replied. ‘I’m an atheist.’
The Bishop then inquired, ‘Were you invited?’
‘Yes, Bishop. You invited me.’
‘It must be difficult being an atheist,’ he continued.
My response was, ‘Yes, indeed, but I apprehend it is no more difficult than being a Christian.’
The Bishop nodded and moved on. It was an excellent party, with plenty of good food and wine.
Always Up To Something is published by peterbibby.com.
****************************
Always Up To Something by Peter Bibby - selected extracts
Peter writes: Since 1977 Anne Clarke and I have lived in Oakhurst Grove, the road which runs South from St John’s Goose Green. In October 2019 my consultant diagnosed metastatic lung cancer eroding my spine. She said: ‘The majority of people with your cancer don’t live more than a year.’ With that urgency, I wrote my biography Always Up To Something which contains a couple of stories connected to St John’s where Anne is a priest.
The wedding of Reverend Anne
In 2000 Anne Clarke and I were married in St John’s Church. Before the wedding, Anne spent six weeks on a silent retreat in North Wales, leaving me to make the arrangements for the wedding. I met the vicar to discuss the details, including decoration of the church. I explained to him that I wanted to lay turf down the aisle with spring flowers such as primroses sprouting through the grass, together with a line of trees on either side. The vicar sounded doubtful and suggested that the turf would make a mess.
‘Not at all,’ I assured him. ‘There will be a layer of polythene under the turf which we can roll up and take away without leaving any trace of the turf having been in the church.’
He remained unconvinced.
‘OK,’ I said. ‘So we will just have the two rows of trees which will be safely in tubs.’
To which he agreed. I had never seriously intended to lay turf down the aisle. I thought, however, that my tree proposal might by itself be unacceptable. My giving up on the turf and flowers would be a fair and reasonable compromise.
The wedding ceremony was arranged for 4:45 p.m. on a Sunday because the venue for the reception offered a Sunday booking at half the price charged for a Saturday. That gave me plenty of time in the morning to supervise the flower arranging and tree planting. The trees along the aisle, standing about 10 feet (3 metres) high, looked amazing.
Meeting the Bishop
During her ordination training in 2004, Anne and I were invited by Tom Butler, the Bishop of Southwark, to a reception at his residence in Streatham. The Bishop’s steward had a bold approach to pouring wine, filling our glasses right to the very brim. He appeared to have had a glass or two himself. Coming across the Bishop’s four year old granddaughter, who was complaining to her mother of inadequate attention, I suggested to her that we eat a slice of chocolate cake under the table. We enjoyed ourselves in that enterprise and later emerged right alongside the Bishop, who was working the room.
‘Pleased to meet you,’ Bishop Tom said. ‘In which of our churches do you worship?’
‘I don’t,’ I replied. ‘I’m an atheist.’
The Bishop then inquired, ‘Were you invited?’
‘Yes, Bishop. You invited me.’
‘It must be difficult being an atheist,’ he continued.
My response was, ‘Yes, indeed, but I apprehend it is no more difficult than being a Christian.’
The Bishop nodded and moved on. It was an excellent party, with plenty of good food and wine.
Always Up To Something is published by peterbibby.com.
****************************
HOUSE OF MUSIC- Raising the Kanneh -Masons by Kadiatu (Kadie) Mason
Review by Revd Rosemary Shaw
Rosemary writes: What makes your heart sing? During this pandemic we need to be in touch with those things that enliven us and bring joy and hope For me, music has been very important and during the first lockdown I listened to the twice weekly recitals on Facebook featuring the extraordinary seven Kanneh Mason siblings and enjoyed the rich variety of music - classical, Leonard Cohen, Bob Marley etc. We became aware of Sheku the third eldest when he played the cello at the wedding of Harry and Megan but before that he had been the first black contestant to win the Young Musician of the Year contest at age 16 in 2016.
The mother has written this fascinating book about her seven musical children and I found it hard to put down. She explores her own background being the child of a white mother who travelled alone by boat to marry her Sierra Leonian husband whom she had met in the UK. She writes honestly about the views on interracial marriage in both cultures and the racism the family experienced in England and Wales when the returned to the UK after the sudden death of her father. Kadie herself married Steve who is from Antigua and she was a lecturer at Birmingham University until she started her large family, having been told by a midwife she was rather old to be expecting her first baby at nearly 30! They now range in age from 24 to12.
The book is a fascinating insight into the different personalities of her children and the gratitude felt to the state schools attended in Nottingham where musIc was a central part of the curriculum. She fears for the future of musical education in many schools now. The book shows the financial cost of raising very musical children; getting up on Saturdays at the crack of dawn to get them on the train to the Junior Royal Academy in London and her gratitude for those who have assisted with loans of instruments, scholarships etc. It hasn't been all success and there is a chapter we could all learn from on the importance of failure. Running through the book are invaluable lessons on race and class and the low expectations that black children can often face.
This a delightful family to read about for they are such a positive black role model and who give such delight through their music. There is a copy of this book in Dulwich Library and the CD of the whole family performing Carnival of the Animals is about to be released with readings too by Michael Morpurgo and Olivia Colman. So in these months where our life is restricted why not treat yourself to the luxury of a good read that will brighten your day!
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Mother of God – A History of the Virgin Mary by Miri Rubin
Review by Jim Nurton
Review by Revd Rosemary Shaw
Rosemary writes: What makes your heart sing? During this pandemic we need to be in touch with those things that enliven us and bring joy and hope For me, music has been very important and during the first lockdown I listened to the twice weekly recitals on Facebook featuring the extraordinary seven Kanneh Mason siblings and enjoyed the rich variety of music - classical, Leonard Cohen, Bob Marley etc. We became aware of Sheku the third eldest when he played the cello at the wedding of Harry and Megan but before that he had been the first black contestant to win the Young Musician of the Year contest at age 16 in 2016.
The mother has written this fascinating book about her seven musical children and I found it hard to put down. She explores her own background being the child of a white mother who travelled alone by boat to marry her Sierra Leonian husband whom she had met in the UK. She writes honestly about the views on interracial marriage in both cultures and the racism the family experienced in England and Wales when the returned to the UK after the sudden death of her father. Kadie herself married Steve who is from Antigua and she was a lecturer at Birmingham University until she started her large family, having been told by a midwife she was rather old to be expecting her first baby at nearly 30! They now range in age from 24 to12.
The book is a fascinating insight into the different personalities of her children and the gratitude felt to the state schools attended in Nottingham where musIc was a central part of the curriculum. She fears for the future of musical education in many schools now. The book shows the financial cost of raising very musical children; getting up on Saturdays at the crack of dawn to get them on the train to the Junior Royal Academy in London and her gratitude for those who have assisted with loans of instruments, scholarships etc. It hasn't been all success and there is a chapter we could all learn from on the importance of failure. Running through the book are invaluable lessons on race and class and the low expectations that black children can often face.
This a delightful family to read about for they are such a positive black role model and who give such delight through their music. There is a copy of this book in Dulwich Library and the CD of the whole family performing Carnival of the Animals is about to be released with readings too by Michael Morpurgo and Olivia Colman. So in these months where our life is restricted why not treat yourself to the luxury of a good read that will brighten your day!
**************************
Mother of God – A History of the Virgin Mary by Miri Rubin
Review by Jim Nurton
Jim writes: Anyone interested in the history of the Church would probably enjoy this book by the medieval historian Miri Rubin. I read it recently after finding it in a local second-hand bookshop.
It's a fascinating discussion of how Mary has been understood and interpreted in Western history, and beyond, from the Gospels up to the Reformation. There’s quite a lot of theology in the book, but also lots of information about art and music, popular festivals and individual devotion (and plenty of pictures!).
What struck me while reading the book was how views of Mary have evolved over time, and how that evolution has influenced our ideas about divinity, humanity, femininity and tradition. As the author states: “This book offers an historical understanding of the processes which made Mary so utterly available to humans, and utterly desirable as a friendly face of the divine core. It is impossible to imagine the history of Europe, or to understand many world cultures, without the meaning of Mary.”
Mother of God is published in paperback by Penguin: why not order a copy from one of our local bookshops for yourself or as a Christmas present? Alternatively, you can download the Kindle version on the Amazon website.
It's a fascinating discussion of how Mary has been understood and interpreted in Western history, and beyond, from the Gospels up to the Reformation. There’s quite a lot of theology in the book, but also lots of information about art and music, popular festivals and individual devotion (and plenty of pictures!).What struck me while reading the book was how views of Mary have evolved over time, and how that evolution has influenced our ideas about divinity, humanity, femininity and tradition. As the author states: “This book offers an historical understanding of the processes which made Mary so utterly available to humans, and utterly desirable as a friendly face of the divine core. It is impossible to imagine the history of Europe, or to understand many world cultures, without the meaning of Mary.”
Mother of God is published in paperback by Penguin: why not order a copy from one of our local bookshops for yourself or as a Christmas present? Alternatively, you can download the Kindle version on the Amazon website.
Who's who
Vicar Revd Gill O’Neill 020 7564 0058, 07958 592 425, vicar@stjohnseastdulwich.org
Assistant Curate Revd Raymond Baudon 07934 817 431, curate@stjohnseastdulwich.org
Assistant Priests Revd Anne Clarke anne@oakhurstgrove.com and Revd Alistair McCulloch mccullocha95@gmail.com
Parish Administrator Bradley Collins 020 8693 3897, office@stjohnseastdulwich.org
Churchwardens Jim Nurton 07765 881 556 and Julie Whitney 07786 686 385
Parish Safeguarding Officer Tina Hampson (contact via Parish Administrator)
PCC Secretary Christine Camplin
PCC Treasurer Sarah Goudge
Stewardship Martin Howell
Director of Music John Webber
Electoral Roll Officer Bradley Collins
Stewardship Secretary Martin Howell
Church Flowers Sally Gross
Goose Green Centre Bradley Collins
Editors of The Gander Revd Raymond Baudon, Christine Camplin, Jim Nurton, Tayo Olatunde and Sue O'Neill
(Contact each of the above via Parish Administrator)
Website: www.stjohnseastdulwich.org
Twitter: @StJohnsEDulwich
St John's & St Clement's C of E Primary School, Adys Road, London SE15 4DY
www.stjohnsandstclements.org, 020 7525 9210
Disclaimer
The views expressed in The Gander are not necessarily those of the Editors, Vicar or PCC.
Magazine deadline
Notices and items or articles for possible inclusion in the next issue of The Gander must be with the Editors by the 15th of the preceding month. Please contact the team in person or by email to the Parish Administrator with any questions.
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