July 2022
Welcome to the July 2022 issue of the parish magazine for St John's East Dulwich. Each edition of The Gander includes news and insights from St John's and our local community in East Dulwich and Peckham, as well as book reviews and profiles of some of our members.
This issue has been put together by Christine Camplin, Jim Nurton, Tayo Olatunde and Dorothy Oxley. 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 published in July.
From the Vicar...
Revd Gill O'Neill
God has called you by name and made you his own. Confirm, O Lord, your servant, with your Holy Spirit.
In the early church, the rite of Confirmation was originally part of the baptism service. Conducted by the Bishop, newly baptised Christians would receive an anointing with oil as a sign that they had received the Holy Spirit, and would be sent out to put into practice the faith they had studied.
Not much has changed over the centuries. Today, candidates for confirmation still gather together to learn about the Christian life; at the Confirmation service they make promises to turn to Christ and reject evil, and they are anointed by the Bishop with the oil of Chrism. We were delighted to host the Dulwich Deanery Confirmation service here at St John's this year.
We rejoiced with our thirteen candidates: nine from St John's and four from St Clement with St Peter, with another two to be confirmed in the autumn. Bishop Karowei met and enthused the candidates beforehand, and invited us all to make the practice of our faith a daily commitment when he sang "Read your Bible, pray every day, if you want to grow."
Everyone was presented with the gift of their own Bible to take home and read. In addition to Confirmation, by the end of this year we will have conducted over twenty baptisms. This is a wonderful encouragement to us as a church, and an invitation to be cheered and inspired on our own pilgrimage of faith.
Reconciliation initiatives
I (Revd Gill) have been invited by Bishop Christopher, along with four other ministers in the Diocese, to participate in a week-long residential training course called "Reconciling Mission". The course seeks to equip Anglican Christians and their churches to contribute to reconciliation in wider society, so that it may be a transforming presence within the world. With training in asset-based community development, discovering abundance in our communities, evangelism and social action, it offers a packed and exciting programme of practical theology designed to encourage our churches to engage with concrete social realities. The course ran from Sunday 3 to Friday 8 July at Launde Abbey in Leicestershire, with 25 other participants from across England and Wales. At a time of enormous and growing social divisions, this is a timely and positive approach. I had a fair amount of preparatory reading, and I will be able to tell you all about it soon. I'm enormously grateful to colleagues for making it possible for me to attend. Gill
https://reconciliation-initiatives.org
God has called you by name and made you his own. Confirm, O Lord, your servant, with your Holy Spirit.In the early church, the rite of Confirmation was originally part of the baptism service. Conducted by the Bishop, newly baptised Christians would receive an anointing with oil as a sign that they had received the Holy Spirit, and would be sent out to put into practice the faith they had studied.
Not much has changed over the centuries. Today, candidates for confirmation still gather together to learn about the Christian life; at the Confirmation service they make promises to turn to Christ and reject evil, and they are anointed by the Bishop with the oil of Chrism. We were delighted to host the Dulwich Deanery Confirmation service here at St John's this year.
We rejoiced with our thirteen candidates: nine from St John's and four from St Clement with St Peter, with another two to be confirmed in the autumn. Bishop Karowei met and enthused the candidates beforehand, and invited us all to make the practice of our faith a daily commitment when he sang "Read your Bible, pray every day, if you want to grow."
Everyone was presented with the gift of their own Bible to take home and read. In addition to Confirmation, by the end of this year we will have conducted over twenty baptisms. This is a wonderful encouragement to us as a church, and an invitation to be cheered and inspired on our own pilgrimage of faith.
Reconciliation initiatives
I (Revd Gill) have been invited by Bishop Christopher, along with four other ministers in the Diocese, to participate in a week-long residential training course called "Reconciling Mission". The course seeks to equip Anglican Christians and their churches to contribute to reconciliation in wider society, so that it may be a transforming presence within the world. With training in asset-based community development, discovering abundance in our communities, evangelism and social action, it offers a packed and exciting programme of practical theology designed to encourage our churches to engage with concrete social realities. The course ran from Sunday 3 to Friday 8 July at Launde Abbey in Leicestershire, with 25 other participants from across England and Wales. At a time of enormous and growing social divisions, this is a timely and positive approach. I had a fair amount of preparatory reading, and I will be able to tell you all about it soon. I'm enormously grateful to colleagues for making it possible for me to attend. Gill
https://reconciliation-initiatives.org
Guest Speaker: We welcomed Canon Wendy Robins as a guest speaker at the 26th, June service. Her sermon touched on serving God, being called to serve God and how those ordained to serve God and lay people work together in Christ's community.
The Gander: The Gander magazine will be taking a summer break in August.
The Bridge: The July issue and previous issues of the diocesan newspaper, The Bridge, is available to read here.
Allyship Workshop at St John's
Laura Howell-Williams facilitated another fantastic allyship workshop in June. This time, the participants were members of the St John's community and other churches. There were approximately 10 participants. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one participant stating that they found it "refreshingly enlightening".
Horniman Museum: Our local museum, the Horniman, has been named Art Fund museum of the year 2022. It was commended for reconfiguring its programme in response to the pandemic, Black Lives Matter movement and the Climate Crisis. You can find out more about its activities and how to visit on the Horniman website.
Transport for London: TfL is consulting on cuts to bus services in Southwark and London. The cuts will have a negative impact on many people in Southwark.
If this matters to you, it is important you let Transport for London know your views in their consultation. The consultation closes on 7 August 2022.
You can see the proposed cuts and give your views here.
June PCC Meeting
The PCC met on Wednesday 22 June via Zoom.
Reports were received from: Standing Committee (8 June), Stewardship Secretary, Wardens (Hinkley Road flat and trees in churchyard) and Eco Church.
Topics discussed included:
- How PCC members could best serve St John’s Church and support the churchwardens:
- offer to help with specific warden duties
- sound system team. At least two more volunteers are needed. Kingsley Ogbonda offered to join the team
- rota for welcomers at baptisms and weddings
- practical tours of the church and GGC to be organised
- Revd Alistair McCulloch and Revd Rosemary Shaw were jointly co-opted to the PCC (they will alternate meetings).
- Update on the 2020 and 2021 Accounts.
- Sue O‘Neill to take over the defibrillator project from Jim Nurton.
- Lucy McGrath to join the group reviewing the GDPR Audit.
The July PCC meeting was held on 13th, July and the next one will be held on 21 September.
The PCC is currently alternating between hybrid meetings in the church and Zoom only meetings.
The PCC is currently alternating between hybrid meetings in the church and Zoom only meetings.
Revd Gemma Birt's Ordination
"Together with six other deacons who are serving their title posts in the Woolwich Episcopal Area, I was ordained priest by the Bishop of Woolwich at St Mary the Virgin in Lewisham on 2 July. Here are some photos of the beautiful day!"
All the official photos from the day can be seen here.
Goose Green Coffee Morning has seen a steady rise in our number of visitors during recent months with much lively chat every week. On 8 June we enjoyed a very interesting jubilee-themed talk on Southwark’s royal connections by local history enthusiast Keith Turpin, when we heard about everything from “King Canute to Princess Margaret”! More activities are being planned for the months ahead, including a further visit from Victoria Peet of Frog Life.
If you might like to help at coffee morning please do speak to Sue O’Neill or Christine Camplin, who can tell you more about it, or do come to coffee morning to see what happens there. There is no need to commit to coming every week, occasional help is very welcome. The main things which need doing are setting out tables and chairs, making hot drinks and generally joining in with the chat! Plus clearing away and tidying up of course.
Coffee Morning meets every Wednesday from 11 until 12:30, do drop in!
If you might like to help at coffee morning please do speak to Sue O’Neill or Christine Camplin, who can tell you more about it, or do come to coffee morning to see what happens there. There is no need to commit to coming every week, occasional help is very welcome. The main things which need doing are setting out tables and chairs, making hot drinks and generally joining in with the chat! Plus clearing away and tidying up of course.
Coffee Morning meets every Wednesday from 11 until 12:30, do drop in!
Dorothy Oxley
There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that some lifestyle factors can have a positive effect on our health and mental wellbeing. These include:
- Connecting with other people
- Being physically active
- Learning new skills
So here are some of the things you might like to try which will meet at least two of those objectives!
Sport and physical activities for all ages and needs:
Sport and physical activities for all ages and needs:
- Explore what your local leisure centres have to offer: All the Southwark leisure centres are run by Everyone Active. You can find a list of these at https://www.southwark.gov.uk/leisure-and-sport/local-leisure-and-sport-venues/leisure-centres-indoor-sport and clicking on each will take you to its Everyone Active page. Phone numbers are also given. Southwark residents can get an Everyone Active card which gives free access to the gym and pool at set times; residents over 60s can also enjoy free swimming twice a week, free gym use at set times and a range of free classes – just ask your local leisure centre staff for a printed list. Disabled people also have a special pool session and free use of the gym. Full and family memberships are reasonable, and there’s concessions for people on benefits. Everything has to be booked, preferably online, but if you’re not web-confident, reception and membership staff are usually happy to help. Most other South London boroughs’ leisure centres are run by Better; enter your postcode to find the nearest one. Most offer some kind of discount to local residents.
- Know a sport you’d love to resume or try for the first time? Check out local clubs: Southwark Council’s website offers a Directory of Clubs and Physical Activities available in the Borough, and though it needs updating (which is, I understand, in progress), it’s a good starting point.
- Two sports activities offered in Southwark especially for disabled people are:
- Sailing: Tideway Sailability is based on Greenland Dock, Surrey Quays and enables people with disabilities to sail, in a friendly, integrated environment. Carers may also participate. Sailing days are Sundays (all year) and Wednesdays and Thursdays (April to September), 10.30–15.30. Costs are very low. For queries, contact info@tidewaysailability.org.uk or telephone 0207 237 9001 (on sailing days only.
- Cycling: Wheels for Wellbeing have a range of inclusive cycles to enable disabled people to enjoy cycling. They also helped me get back on two wheels after my first knee operation! Their nearest sessions are on Mondays from 11 am–1 pm and Thursdays from 12 noon–2 pm (2 x 45 minute slots) at Herne Hill Velodrome (with other sessions in Croydon and Ladywell) and need to be booked in advance; see https://wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/cycling-sessions/ or telephone 020 7346 8482
For people who have experienced challenges that impact their mental health:
- Sporting Recovery runs Wellness Programmes (with a variety of activities on offer) at three centres in Lambeth, Southwark (Peckham) and Lewisham. Although referral from a doctor is usually needed, if you currently have no contact with your GP or a health professional, you can get in touch with Sporting Recovery direct by phone (0300 030 1233) or by email (help@sportingrecovery.org.uk)
Particularly for older people:
Line dancing, Yoga, chair based exercises, social activities and more: A range of activities continue over the summer at:
- The Healthy Living & Learning Centre, 95 Southwark Park Road, London SE16 3TY, tel. 020 7237 0860 (run by Age UK). They offer a My Social and Positive Mind service that is available via www.mysocial.london/southwark where you can access social, learning, physical exercise, cultural and creative opportunities. They also have a daily lunch club (every day except Wednesday) and can offer alternative therapies that include Podiatry, Reflexology, Massage and Manicures.
- The Southwark Pensioners Centre, 305–307 Camberwell Road, London SE5 0HQ (tel. 0207 708 4556). They also run day trips, though these may be fully booked by now, and if you want to improve your IT skills, they have a computer club.
Check out their websites for a diary of their activities and information about membership, etc. Other useful contacts for physical and social activities for older people in Southwark are:
For kids and young people
Unfortunately the Gander goes live before details of all the out-of-school summer activities are available, but here are some Southwark Council links you might like to check out:
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Dorothy Oxley
- Make the most of Southwark’s many parks: For a full list of those near where you live, how to get there and what facilities each offers, visit your local Council’s website – for Southwark, see https://www.southwark.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/parks. Or just go to one you know well! Turn your visit into a challenge by downloading and printing 3 Family Park Discovery Sheets.
- Get involved with your local nature reserves: Visit Marsden Road Wildlife Garden (open Sundays – Thursdays, 10.30 – 16.30, with activities on summer Sundays), go for a walk in Sydenham Hill Woods, or discover other London wildlife reserves and volunteer activities by emailing the London Wildlife Trust at enquiries@wildlondon.org.uk or telephoning them on 020 7261 0447.
Enjoy some pictures from recent visits to Marsden Road Wildlife Garden and Burgess Park Lake. Have a great summer!
SINGING AT DERBY CATHEDRAL
Most of St John’s Choir will be singing at Derby Cathedral for a weekend in August, replacing their own regular singers for a part of the summer break. Cathedrals are always pleased to invite groups of musicians to sing at this time of year. St John’s has provided singers since 2011 every two years until 2019 and we are delighted to be going again this year. We are fortunate in having some friends who will be coming along to add to our number, as cathedrals, being larger buildings than most parish churches, need enough singers.
Derby Cathedral was the parish church of All Saints until 1927, when it received cathedral status. We shall provide music for Evensong on Friday and Saturday. August 5 and 6, then two services on Sunday, August 7: the Cathedral Eucharist and Choral Evensong. Most of us will be staying at local university accommodation and a few will stay with friends or at one of the many hotels in the area.
We shall be accompanied in the services by two regular organists from St John’s, Nicky Jones and Niall Baxter. Here is a list of our main music items:
Friday, August 5 Evensong
Responses: Tallis’ Festal
Psalms: 99, 110 (plainsong)
Canticles: Thomas Morley (plainsong with fauxbourdons)
Anthem: My eyes for beauty pine – Herbert Howells
Saturday, August 6 Evensong
Responses: Tallis’ Festal
Psalm 72 (chant by Thomas Norris in A)
Canticles: C V Stanford in B flat
Anthem: O Nata lux – Thomas Tallis
Sunday, August 7 Sung Eucharist
Psalm 33, vv.12-21 (responsorial)
Setting: John Ireland in C
Anthem: A Prayer of Richard de Castre – Richard R Terry
Voluntary: Fugue in G major (BWV 576) – J S Bach
Sunday, August 7 Evensong
Introit: Cantate Domino – Giuseppe PItoni
Responses: Ayleward
Ps.108 (chant by Edward Hopkins)
Canticles: Herbert Sumsion in A
Anthem: Come, Holy Ghost – Thomas AttwoodVoluntary: Impromptu No.3 in A minor – Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Music List for July - Sept 2022
John Webber
July 24 – Sixth Sunday after Trinity - Organist: Nicky
Processional: 377 Immortal, invisible, God only wise (v.4 descant)
Psalm: 138 When I called you answered me O Lord (parags.1,4; v. gps.22)
Gospel Acclamation: (Celtic) – “We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Offertory: HON 322 Love is his word, love is his way
Communion: Anthem – “Come, Holy Ghost,” by Thomas Attwood
Recessional: 372 He who would valiant be
Voluntary: Choral Prelude – “Te splendour et virtus” – Marcel Dupré
July 31 – Seventh Sunday after Trinity - Organist: John
Processional: 52 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness
Psalm: 49 My mouth O Lord shall speak of wisdom (parags.1,2,3; v.gps.222)
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia at Taize chant 37 – “Christ has been raised from the dead: the first fruits of those who have died.”
Offertory: 365 God moves in a mysterious way
Communion: plainsong proper 699
Anthem – “A Prayer for Ukraine,” by Mykola Lysenko
Recessional: 394 Let all the world in every corner sing
Setting: with Agnus Dei from setting by Harold Darke in F (solo: Chris)
Voluntary: “Great” Prelude in G major (BWV 541) – J S Bach
The Adult and Junior Choir break up until Sunday, September 4th.
August 7 – Eighth Sunday after Trinity - Organist: Harry
Processional: 362 Glorious things of thee are spoken (T.185, Abbot’s Leigh)
Psalm (spoken): 33 Happy the people the Lord has chosen as his own!
Gradual: 393 Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us
Offertory: 294 Just as I am, without one plea
Recessional: 391 King of glory, King of peace
Setting: to be spoken until August 28th.
Voluntary: Basse et Dessus de Trompette.- Nicholas Clerambault
August 14 – Ninth Sunday after Trinity - Organist: Harry
Processional: 433 O worship the King all glorious above
Psalm (spoken): 82 Arise O God and rule the earth
Gradual: 64 Be thou my guardian and my guide
Offertory: 374 How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
Recessional: 437 Praise the Lord! ye heavens, adore him
Voluntary: Wir glauben all' an einem Gott.BWV 680.- JS Bach
August 21 – Tenth Sunday after Trinity - Organist: Harry
Processional: 373 How shall I sing that majesty…
Psalm (spoken): 103 Bless the Lord O my soul!
Gradual: 376 I heard the voice of Jesus say
Offertory: 439 Praise to the holiest in the height (1st.)
Recessional: 120 Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son
Voluntary: Organ Concerto Opus 7 Number 4, first movement – G F Handel
August 28 – Eleventh Sunday after Trinity - Organist: John
Processional: 375 I danced in the morning when the world was begun
Psalm (sung): 112 Light shines in the darkness for the upright (parags.1,2,3; v.gps.222)
Gradual: 431 O thou who camest from above
Offertory: 296 Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour (1st.)
John Webber
July 24 – Sixth Sunday after Trinity - Organist: Nicky
Processional: 377 Immortal, invisible, God only wise (v.4 descant)
Psalm: 138 When I called you answered me O Lord (parags.1,4; v. gps.22)
Gospel Acclamation: (Celtic) – “We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Offertory: HON 322 Love is his word, love is his way
Communion: Anthem – “Come, Holy Ghost,” by Thomas Attwood
Recessional: 372 He who would valiant be
Voluntary: Choral Prelude – “Te splendour et virtus” – Marcel Dupré
July 31 – Seventh Sunday after Trinity - Organist: John
Processional: 52 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness
Psalm: 49 My mouth O Lord shall speak of wisdom (parags.1,2,3; v.gps.222)
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia at Taize chant 37 – “Christ has been raised from the dead: the first fruits of those who have died.”
Offertory: 365 God moves in a mysterious way
Communion: plainsong proper 699
Anthem – “A Prayer for Ukraine,” by Mykola Lysenko
Recessional: 394 Let all the world in every corner sing
Setting: with Agnus Dei from setting by Harold Darke in F (solo: Chris)
Voluntary: “Great” Prelude in G major (BWV 541) – J S Bach
The Adult and Junior Choir break up until Sunday, September 4th.
August 7 – Eighth Sunday after Trinity - Organist: Harry
Processional: 362 Glorious things of thee are spoken (T.185, Abbot’s Leigh)
Psalm (spoken): 33 Happy the people the Lord has chosen as his own!
Gradual: 393 Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us
Offertory: 294 Just as I am, without one plea
Recessional: 391 King of glory, King of peace
Setting: to be spoken until August 28th.
Voluntary: Basse et Dessus de Trompette.- Nicholas Clerambault
August 14 – Ninth Sunday after Trinity - Organist: Harry
Processional: 433 O worship the King all glorious above
Psalm (spoken): 82 Arise O God and rule the earth
Gradual: 64 Be thou my guardian and my guide
Offertory: 374 How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
Recessional: 437 Praise the Lord! ye heavens, adore him
Voluntary: Wir glauben all' an einem Gott.BWV 680.- JS Bach
August 21 – Tenth Sunday after Trinity - Organist: Harry
Processional: 373 How shall I sing that majesty…
Psalm (spoken): 103 Bless the Lord O my soul!
Gradual: 376 I heard the voice of Jesus say
Offertory: 439 Praise to the holiest in the height (1st.)
Recessional: 120 Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son
Voluntary: Organ Concerto Opus 7 Number 4, first movement – G F Handel
August 28 – Eleventh Sunday after Trinity - Organist: John
Processional: 375 I danced in the morning when the world was begun
Psalm (sung): 112 Light shines in the darkness for the upright (parags.1,2,3; v.gps.222)
Gradual: 431 O thou who camest from above
Offertory: 296 Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour (1st.)
Recessional: 321 Go forth for God; go forth to the world in peace (T.186, Woodlands)
Setting: Addington Service, by Richard Shephard (until September 25th.), with different Agnus Dei on September 11th.
Voluntary: Vivace from Voluntary in C minor
The Choir returns on September 4th.
September 4 – Twelfth Sunday after Trinity - Organist: Niall
Processional: HON 81a Christ triumphant, ever reigning
Psalm: 1 Lord my delight is in your law (parags.1,2; v.gps.22; alternative response 4;
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia form Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” – “Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts: be acceptable in the sight of the Lord.”
Offertory: 95 When I survey the wondrous cross
Communion: plainsong proper 704
Anthem – “Ave verum corpus,” by W A Mozart (sheet music)
Recessional: 388 Jesus shall reign where’er the sun (1st.)
Voluntary: Ciacona in E minor
September 11 – Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity - Organist: Nicky
Processional: 381 Jerusalem the golden
Psalm: 51 Hide your face from my sins O God (parags.1,2; v.gps.33)
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia at Taize chant 13 – “The word of the Lord endures for ever. The word of the Lord is the good news announced to you".
Offertory: A&M 2013 no. 283 Fill your hearts with joy and gladness (T. 265, Regent Square)
Communion: Anthem – “A Clare Benediction,”
Recessional: 368 Guide me, O thou great Redeemer
Agnus Dei: from setting in F
Voluntary: Fugue in D major
September 18 – Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity - Organist: John
Processional: 339 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Psalm: 113 Give praise to the Lord who lifts up the poor (parags.1,2; v.gps.22)
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia at Taize chant 37 – “By prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.”
Offertory: 492 O God of earth and altar
Communion: Anthem – “Risen Lord,” by Barry Rose (duet; Ellen and Tessa; from “High Praise”, pg.108)
Recessional: 420 O Jesus, I have promised
Voluntary: Toccata (Symphony No.5)
September 25 – Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity - Organist: Neil
Processional: 272 All for Jesus! all for Jesus!
Psalm: 146 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help (parags.1,2; v. gps.33)
Gospel Acclamation: plainsong – “God has given us a new birth, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Offertory: 383 Jesu, Love of my soul (1st.)
Communion: plainsong proper 707
Anthem – “Cantique de Jean Racine,”
Recessional: HON 522 To God be the glory, great things he hath done
Setting: with Agnus Dei from setting in C by John Ireland
Voluntary: Prelude from Sonata No.1 in C minor
N.B. – Choral Evensong on October 9th.
JW 9.6.2022
September 17 (Sat. 11.00a.m.) recital for organ (Richard Pilliner) and violin (Ann Hubble). Free admission; retiring collection. About 40 minutes. Coffee, tea and biscuits afterwards.
The Lunch Club welcomed a Royal guest to their special Jubilee Lunch on Thursday, 9th June 2022, though unfortunately Her Majesty couldn’t attend in person, only as a life-size cardboard figure! 
The lunch was a great celebration, nonetheless, of the real Queen’s 70 years on the throne, and the lunch club team pulled out all the stops. Chef Sally had planned a meal fit for a Queen, beginning with a glass of Pimms, and with the help of sous-chef-for-the-day Anne, she created Coronation Chicken, roast gammon, two types of colourful salads, and for dessert, a splendid Queen of Puddings, all of which were enjoyed by around 30 people, including the regular volunteers.
Profile: Prince Boston-Griffiths
In this month's profile, Prince gives an insight into his background, growing up in Sierra Leone, moving to England and being a member of the St John's community.
Can you share a little of your background?
I am delighted to share a little of my background. There is an old English adage that states "those who forget their past will be doomed to relive it". I was born and raised in Sierra Leone. I am married with two children. Their names are Edney and Cedric.
My eldest son is a Medical Doctor. He is an Interventional Cardiology Consultant in Poole, Dorset. My second son read Politics, Philosophy and Economics and is employed. I have four grandchildren. The eldest has just gained admission into a grammar school in September.
I was educated at the Sierra Leone Grammar School, Freetown, and attained The West African School Certificate. I joined Barclays Bank thereafter and worked for a few years before I was awarded a government scholarship to the United Kingdom to pursue a course in Banking.
I came to England and did the professional bankers examination and was awarded an "Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, coupled with a diploma in Management Studies. When I returned home, I was appointed General Manager of The National Development Bank - NDB. I left to come back to England again because of the civil war in Sierra Leone. When I returned to England, I did some temporary jobs in the bank before I landed a permanent position in New Scotland Yard London, where I retired and now a pensioner.
When did you start coming to St John's?
As an Anglican, I know where I belong. In Sierra Leone, I belong to the St George's Cathedral Church which is the state church. I was a sidesperson up until the time of my returning to England.
I started coming to St John's when I moved to East Dulwich. I used to go to St Giles in Camberwell. I was a member of the PCC and Covenant Secretary for about five years.
What drew you to the church and what do you like about it?
I was attracted to St John's because of its proximity and because it is a Church of England. The inside of the church is very beautiful and attractive, and the form of worship is comparable to that of a High Church. All things being equal, St John's seems to be blessed with erudite orators as clergy.
For a start, the late Father Charles of blessed memory, was very good, to say the least. Thereafter, followed by quite eloquent speakers down the line. How impressive. Also, the Director of Music, John Webber, and the choir have a big impact on me as I do appreciate the choir as a group. Well Done, John!
I am now a pensioner but doing second innings at the Ministry of Justice.
In this month's profile, Prince gives an insight into his background, growing up in Sierra Leone, moving to England and being a member of the St John's community.
Can you share a little of your background?
I am delighted to share a little of my background. There is an old English adage that states "those who forget their past will be doomed to relive it". I was born and raised in Sierra Leone. I am married with two children. Their names are Edney and Cedric.
My eldest son is a Medical Doctor. He is an Interventional Cardiology Consultant in Poole, Dorset. My second son read Politics, Philosophy and Economics and is employed. I have four grandchildren. The eldest has just gained admission into a grammar school in September.
I was educated at the Sierra Leone Grammar School, Freetown, and attained The West African School Certificate. I joined Barclays Bank thereafter and worked for a few years before I was awarded a government scholarship to the United Kingdom to pursue a course in Banking.
I came to England and did the professional bankers examination and was awarded an "Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, coupled with a diploma in Management Studies. When I returned home, I was appointed General Manager of The National Development Bank - NDB. I left to come back to England again because of the civil war in Sierra Leone. When I returned to England, I did some temporary jobs in the bank before I landed a permanent position in New Scotland Yard London, where I retired and now a pensioner.
When did you start coming to St John's?
As an Anglican, I know where I belong. In Sierra Leone, I belong to the St George's Cathedral Church which is the state church. I was a sidesperson up until the time of my returning to England.
I started coming to St John's when I moved to East Dulwich. I used to go to St Giles in Camberwell. I was a member of the PCC and Covenant Secretary for about five years.
What drew you to the church and what do you like about it?
I was attracted to St John's because of its proximity and because it is a Church of England. The inside of the church is very beautiful and attractive, and the form of worship is comparable to that of a High Church. All things being equal, St John's seems to be blessed with erudite orators as clergy.
For a start, the late Father Charles of blessed memory, was very good, to say the least. Thereafter, followed by quite eloquent speakers down the line. How impressive. Also, the Director of Music, John Webber, and the choir have a big impact on me as I do appreciate the choir as a group. Well Done, John!
I am now a pensioner but doing second innings at the Ministry of Justice.
Do you have any interesting activities/hobbies?
My interests and hobbies as I see it are of a family culture. Freemasonry is my hobby, and I had the privilege to initiate my son into the fold. Nearly all the male members of my family are members of Freemasonry.
We've noticed how smartly dressed you are in church every Sunday. Have you always been fashionable?
Dressing smartly to come to church on Sundays is a way of life for me. My father, of blessed memory was a "poseur". He was always smartly and immaculately dressed. In my case, it is like father, like son. Since leaving Sierra Leone Grammar School and joining Barclays Bank, I've been wearing neckties and smart shirts; following in my late father's footsteps, who was also a versatile instrumentalist. I also like dressing because I have got a good collection in my wardrobe. I may not see myself as fashionable, but rather, having good taste.
Are there any memorable events/activities at St John's that you'd like to share?
During the early days of my joining St John's, the church organised weekend trips outside London. I travelled with the group on one of those trips. Michael and Mary Robinson, and their family gave me a ride in their vehicle. Some members in the church group included late Father Charles, of blessed memory, Rosemary, Liz, Rachel, Gary, Joy and Florence, to name a few.
The church had a programme to cover the weekend until we came back on Sunday lunchtime. It was a worthwhile trip as it helped people to share and to know their church members a bit better. I would recommend that the Vicar considers organising these weekend trips annually or even a day return trip to get the church members a bit more integrated.
April 1891. Charlotte Fitch had returned to 20 Kelmore Grove, East Dulwich, her family home since three of her older brothers moved to the USA in the 1870s. Her widowed mother and brothers Francis and Howard still lived there. She was getting married in St John’s Church, her mother’s parish church on the other side of Goose Green. Even though Mohamad Ahmad was a Muslim were able to marry there; she did not want a wedding in a Register Office. The banns had been called in St John’s and St Giles, Camberwell (his parish), in March and no-one had objected. The wedding was fixed for Saturday, 18 April.
Mohamad’s family were well-connected and well-off. He had just come down from Downing College, Cambridge and four days after the wedding, on 22 April, would be called to the degree of barrister-at law (Lincoln’s Inn). The Bar in Bombay and Calcutta was restricted to barristers trained in England and Downing College, with its particular strength in Law, was an obvious first choice for aspiring Indian lawyers.
His father, Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk Kamboh (1841-1917), had started his political career working for the Aligarh Movement. This was a campaign to establish a modern Western-style education for the Muslim population of British India. He was one of the founders of the All India Muslim League which ultimately led to the creation of the new country called Pakistan in 1947. Eventually he became Deputy Prime Minister of Hyderabad State and in 1908 the British Government of India honoured him with the title of Nawab.
He was happy for his son to marry a cheesemonger’s daughter, even a Christian one. He saw no reason for her to convert - but a lot of other people seemed to be intent on interfering in the wedding. On the afternoon of 6 April Mohamad accidentally met the Vicar of St John’s who unexpectedly informed him that he had objections to performing the ceremony as Mr Ahmad was “a Mohamedan”.
It is not clear why the Revd William James Strickland had changed his mind. He was not a well man. He had succeeded to the Incumbency in 1888 and was immediately “faced with many difficulties”. These included church finances, floods, redecoration, congregation numbers and a Parochial Mission. It is possible that he had learnt that the Anglican service was to be followed by a Muslim ceremony. He was not ready for an inter-faith wedding, and had conferred with his neighbour, the Vicar of St Giles.
The Revd Frederic Festus Kelly was a traditionalist, a Moderate rather than a Progressive in the politics of the day. He would turn up at local Vestry meetings in his cassock. He was as unenthusiastic as Strickland was at the prospect of this wedding.
Mohamad’s family were well-connected and well-off. He had just come down from Downing College, Cambridge and four days after the wedding, on 22 April, would be called to the degree of barrister-at law (Lincoln’s Inn). The Bar in Bombay and Calcutta was restricted to barristers trained in England and Downing College, with its particular strength in Law, was an obvious first choice for aspiring Indian lawyers.
His father, Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk Kamboh (1841-1917), had started his political career working for the Aligarh Movement. This was a campaign to establish a modern Western-style education for the Muslim population of British India. He was one of the founders of the All India Muslim League which ultimately led to the creation of the new country called Pakistan in 1947. Eventually he became Deputy Prime Minister of Hyderabad State and in 1908 the British Government of India honoured him with the title of Nawab.
He was happy for his son to marry a cheesemonger’s daughter, even a Christian one. He saw no reason for her to convert - but a lot of other people seemed to be intent on interfering in the wedding. On the afternoon of 6 April Mohamad accidentally met the Vicar of St John’s who unexpectedly informed him that he had objections to performing the ceremony as Mr Ahmad was “a Mohamedan”.
It is not clear why the Revd William James Strickland had changed his mind. He was not a well man. He had succeeded to the Incumbency in 1888 and was immediately “faced with many difficulties”. These included church finances, floods, redecoration, congregation numbers and a Parochial Mission. It is possible that he had learnt that the Anglican service was to be followed by a Muslim ceremony. He was not ready for an inter-faith wedding, and had conferred with his neighbour, the Vicar of St Giles.
The Revd Frederic Festus Kelly was a traditionalist, a Moderate rather than a Progressive in the politics of the day. He would turn up at local Vestry meetings in his cassock. He was as unenthusiastic as Strickland was at the prospect of this wedding.
Events moved quickly. The vicars turned to the Bishop for guidance. In 1891 both churches were in the Diocese of Rochester - but as the Diocese was in an interregnum between bishops the matter was escalated to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Edward White Benson. Kelly and Strickland wrote on 7 and 9 April respectively.
Meanwhile the Archbishop had received another letter. It was from a business acquaintance of Mohamad's father. John Seymour Keay MP had been educated at Madras College, St Andrews, Fife, and worked in the cotton trade in Hyderabad, India, between 1862 and 1882. He was now Liberal MP for Elginshire and Nairnshire, Scotland.
Keay wrote on 7 April: "As matters now stand, if the marriage does not take place at the time arranged, and in either of the two churches in which the banns have been published the matter will be productive of great scandal not only in this country, but more especially in India, where the social and political rank of the bridegroom's father necessarily subjects such affairs as the present to prominent notice."
The Archbishop sought legal advice. On 10 April Benson received Queen’s Counsel's Opinion from Dr Thomas H Tristram, 12 King's Bench Walk, Temple. Tristram stated that "Marriage is deemed to be a Civil Contract, and that our Churches & Chapels are the appointed Public Places in which it is to be entered into and the Ministers of the Church are the Public Offices before whom it is to be celebrated. To the Civil Contract the Religious Ceremony is added... My opinion is that a Member of the Church has always been entitled by Ecclesiastical Law to be married in Church without reference to the faith of the other party to the Marriage."
The lawyer also suggested that Miss Fitch might be able to sue Revd Kelly for damages if he refused to allow his Church to be used for a celebration of her marriage. "A Clergyman has merely the custody of the Church as Trustee [for the Parishioners] & he has no right to close it against the performance of an act directed to be done there by law." Tristram added: "They probably know some clergyman willing to assist them.".
This was the solution. The Revd James McLachlan (1825-1892), Vicar of Emmanuel Church, Camberwell (the adjoining parish to St Giles) was prepared to officiate. He was an acquaintance of John Seymour Keay, born in the same town of St Andrews, Fife, and of a more open-minded persuasion.
Meanwhile the Archbishop had received another letter. It was from a business acquaintance of Mohamad's father. John Seymour Keay MP had been educated at Madras College, St Andrews, Fife, and worked in the cotton trade in Hyderabad, India, between 1862 and 1882. He was now Liberal MP for Elginshire and Nairnshire, Scotland.
Keay wrote on 7 April: "As matters now stand, if the marriage does not take place at the time arranged, and in either of the two churches in which the banns have been published the matter will be productive of great scandal not only in this country, but more especially in India, where the social and political rank of the bridegroom's father necessarily subjects such affairs as the present to prominent notice."
The Archbishop sought legal advice. On 10 April Benson received Queen’s Counsel's Opinion from Dr Thomas H Tristram, 12 King's Bench Walk, Temple. Tristram stated that "Marriage is deemed to be a Civil Contract, and that our Churches & Chapels are the appointed Public Places in which it is to be entered into and the Ministers of the Church are the Public Offices before whom it is to be celebrated. To the Civil Contract the Religious Ceremony is added... My opinion is that a Member of the Church has always been entitled by Ecclesiastical Law to be married in Church without reference to the faith of the other party to the Marriage."
The lawyer also suggested that Miss Fitch might be able to sue Revd Kelly for damages if he refused to allow his Church to be used for a celebration of her marriage. "A Clergyman has merely the custody of the Church as Trustee [for the Parishioners] & he has no right to close it against the performance of an act directed to be done there by law." Tristram added: "They probably know some clergyman willing to assist them.".
This was the solution. The Revd James McLachlan (1825-1892), Vicar of Emmanuel Church, Camberwell (the adjoining parish to St Giles) was prepared to officiate. He was an acquaintance of John Seymour Keay, born in the same town of St Andrews, Fife, and of a more open-minded persuasion.
The wedding was back on!
(. . . to be continued)
Christine Camplin
- with thanks to Clare Brown for information on the “Benson Papers” in Lambeth Palace Library: “Correspondence on the marriage of a Muslim to a Christian”.
(. . . to be continued)
Christine Camplin
- with thanks to Clare Brown for information on the “Benson Papers” in Lambeth Palace Library: “Correspondence on the marriage of a Muslim to a Christian”.
St John's Library
Jim Nurton reviews two books that have recently been adapted for the screen
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Most of us know the names of astronauts Yuri Gagarin, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. But how many know about Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson? These were some of the NASA mathematicians whose expertise and devotion drove the American space programme in the 1950s and 1960s – and they were all Black women.
In her history book, Hidden Figures, Margot Lee Shetterly recounts their stories from the Second World War, when women were first called on to work in the US defence industry, up to the successful Apollo missions. It’s not always an easy story to read. For many years, the races were segregated, with separate offices and bathrooms: the Black women were known as the “West computers” due to their location. But their contribution was immense: astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth, refused to take off until Johnson had ok’d the numbers for his flight plan.
The story was made into a Hollywood film in 2016 starring Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe and was nominated for an Oscar. It’s a great movie, with some terrific scenes, and I would recommend watching it before reading the book, which goes into a lot more detail about the women, their personal and professional lives and the legacy they have left.
Hidden Figures is available to borrow from the St John’s Library at the back of church.
Jim Nurton reviews two books that have recently been adapted for the screen
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Most of us know the names of astronauts Yuri Gagarin, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. But how many know about Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson? These were some of the NASA mathematicians whose expertise and devotion drove the American space programme in the 1950s and 1960s – and they were all Black women.In her history book, Hidden Figures, Margot Lee Shetterly recounts their stories from the Second World War, when women were first called on to work in the US defence industry, up to the successful Apollo missions. It’s not always an easy story to read. For many years, the races were segregated, with separate offices and bathrooms: the Black women were known as the “West computers” due to their location. But their contribution was immense: astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth, refused to take off until Johnson had ok’d the numbers for his flight plan.
The story was made into a Hollywood film in 2016 starring Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe and was nominated for an Oscar. It’s a great movie, with some terrific scenes, and I would recommend watching it before reading the book, which goes into a lot more detail about the women, their personal and professional lives and the legacy they have left.
Hidden Figures is available to borrow from the St John’s Library at the back of church.
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
I decided to read Life After Life, a 2013 novel by Kate Atkinson, after watching the recent four-part adaptation on BBC2.It’s a very clever, complex story about an upper middle-class woman’s life during the 20th century. What’s unusual about the story is that the experiences of the main character, Ursula Todd, are re-told many times. In one version, she dies at birth. In others, she dies during childhood, of the Spanish flu or during the Blitz in London (or, in one version, while living in Germany during the Second World War).
Each death is recorded by snow falling and the statement: “Darkness fell.” It is impossible to say which is the “true” story, but in some versions Ursula seems to learn from earlier experiences and use them to change history (no spoilers!). It’s a very effective technique and prompts reflection on the miracle of life as well as the impact of the choices we make.
The TV adaptation does a good job of conveying the different storylines, which unravel like threads from a tapestry. However, inevitably it simplifies and omits some characters and plot lines. The excellent cast includes Thomasin McKenzie as Ursula, Sian Clifford (from Fleabag) as her mother and Jessica Brown Findlay (from Downton Abbey) as Izzie, her aunt. It is still available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Note that the book and TV series cover some difficult topics, including abuse, violence and war, so may not be suitable for everyone.
GANDER CROSSWORD
Compiled by Christopher Brougham QC
We hope you enjoyed the first Gander Crossword, which had an East Dulwich theme for some answers. Here is the solution. Our winner of the Crossword Competition is a joint entry from Anne Clarke and Peter Bibby, who win a £20 book token. Our runner-up is Jim Nurton, who wins a £10 book token. Well done to all for their successful solving of the crossword. We hope to have more crosswords and indeed other puzzles and quizzes from time-to -time. Do let us know your suggestions for this, or if you would like your own puzzle to be included in the Gander.
Compiled by Christopher Brougham QC
We hope you enjoyed the first Gander Crossword, which had an East Dulwich theme for some answers. Here is the solution. Our winner of the Crossword Competition is a joint entry from Anne Clarke and Peter Bibby, who win a £20 book token. Our runner-up is Jim Nurton, who wins a £10 book token. Well done to all for their successful solving of the crossword. We hope to have more crosswords and indeed other puzzles and quizzes from time-to -time. Do let us know your suggestions for this, or if you would like your own puzzle to be included in the Gander.
ACROSS
1 Photo including most recent credit cards? (7)
5 Patient man with money for local comic (2,5)
9 Fire thoroughly reduced for Santa’s delivery? (7)
10 See 27 across (7)
11 Forgather in a service (5)
12 Fathers or saints controlling rage (5)
13 Cardinal X (3)
14 Conservative angel may have one (5-4)
17 Food transforming teas (4)
20 Slumbering horn blower is 14 (4)
21 Unusual Roman tile showing Androcles? (4-5)
23 Rowan has converted (3)
25 Plant supplying Sebastian’s twin (5)
27/10 Locally born horrifier barks if floor shakes (5,7)
28 New look for David Ivor Davies (7)
29 London area wild child walked upon initially (7)
30 Old biblicist shaped diamonds neatly (7)
31 Am I scruffy in torn clothing? (7)
1 Photo including most recent credit cards? (7)
5 Patient man with money for local comic (2,5)
9 Fire thoroughly reduced for Santa’s delivery? (7)
10 See 27 across (7)
11 Forgather in a service (5)
12 Fathers or saints controlling rage (5)
13 Cardinal X (3)
14 Conservative angel may have one (5-4)
17 Food transforming teas (4)
20 Slumbering horn blower is 14 (4)
21 Unusual Roman tile showing Androcles? (4-5)
23 Rowan has converted (3)
25 Plant supplying Sebastian’s twin (5)
27/10 Locally born horrifier barks if floor shakes (5,7)
28 New look for David Ivor Davies (7)
29 London area wild child walked upon initially (7)
30 Old biblicist shaped diamonds neatly (7)
31 Am I scruffy in torn clothing? (7)
DOWN
1 He painted nearby soapberries without bee buzzing (8)
2 Maybe Michael offers port (9)
3 Posh people against very loud soprano (5)
4 Sublime boutique (9)
5 Member of pack not in a suit (5)
6 Home for boobies in the soup? (5-4)
7 An upper room where Tom Bowling’s gone (5)
8 “------ us in the same” (Collect for Grace) (6)
15 See 22 down (4,5)
16 Bird magazine containing ducks section (9)
18 Former local cat joins bands one hears (3,5)
19 Money getting pillbox for staff officer? (5,3)
22/15 Ultra-well native rebuilt future vicarage (6,4,5)
24 Shelter in paradise Eve finally lost (5)
26 Bracing air makes Aussie unique (5)
27 Extremely cold unfinished Indian dish (5)
1 He painted nearby soapberries without bee buzzing (8)
2 Maybe Michael offers port (9)
3 Posh people against very loud soprano (5)
4 Sublime boutique (9)
5 Member of pack not in a suit (5)
6 Home for boobies in the soup? (5-4)
7 An upper room where Tom Bowling’s gone (5)
8 “------ us in the same” (Collect for Grace) (6)
15 See 22 down (4,5)
16 Bird magazine containing ducks section (9)
18 Former local cat joins bands one hears (3,5)
19 Money getting pillbox for staff officer? (5,3)
22/15 Ultra-well native rebuilt future vicarage (6,4,5)
24 Shelter in paradise Eve finally lost (5)
26 Bracing air makes Aussie unique (5)
27 Extremely cold unfinished Indian dish (5)
Who's who
Vicar Revd Gill O’Neill 07958 592 425, vicar@stjohnseastdulwich.org
Curate Revd Gemma Birt curate@stjohnseastdulwich.org
Assistant Priests Revd Anne Clarke anne@oakhurstgrove.com , Revd Alistair McCulloch mccullocha95@gmail.com and Revd Rosemary Shaw rshaw1983@icloud.com
Parish Administrator Denise Fulgoni 020 8693 3897, office@stjohnseastdulwich.org
Churchwardens Tayo Olatunde 07908 679 407 and Julie Whitney 07786 686 385
Parish Safeguarding Officer Mary Dawson (contact via Parish Administrator)
PCC Secretary Christine Camplin
PCC Treasurer Sarah Goudge
Stewardship Martin Howell
Director of Music John Webber
Electoral Roll Officer Denise Fulgoni
Church Flowers Sally Gross
Goose Green Centre Denise Fulgoni
Editors of The Gander Christine Camplin, Jim Nurton, Tayo Olatunde and Dorothy Oxley
(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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