July 2023
Welcome to the July 2023 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.
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From the Curate...
Welcome to the July edition of our parish magazine, The Gander. This month we have excellent contributions from many different members of our community, demonstrating the diversity, talent, interests and rich heritage of our Church community.
Do read the interview with Claire Nylander, who talks about becoming our PCC Treasurer and the experience and enthusiasm she brings to this important role. We're very pleased that she has taken this on!
Christine's research into Victorian baptismal registers for this parish is a fascinating article. The interesting thing about baptismal registers is that they record parents' occupations. Looking back at these Victorian registers therefore gives insight into the varied and diverse families who brought their children to baptism in this church (or its predecessor). Perhaps that is the gift of parish church life; it exists to bring us together as the body of Christ, both because of our differences but also irrespective of our day jobs, social, economic or racial backgrounds.
The challenge then, and of course today, is asking ourselves how we do this and do this well, so that everyone feels and knows that they belong and are valued as equal members of this community.
When the Covid pandemic began in March 2020, a friend mentioned to me that she thought it would be three years before we would be able to live a life of some form of normality again. I dismissed it at the time. It was much too difficult a prospect to get my head around. I was reflecting on this as I read our July edition today, and thought "yes, I think she might have been right".
A number of our articles demonstrate this, simply by the fact that they are about us going out and enjoying being with others. John, Mary and Lois' piece on Pride 2023; Chris, Roger, Jim and Cicero on the Cycle pilgrimage; Cloty's 90th birthday party; Dorothy's article on water safety; and Roger's piece on singing Gerontius in Rome, all point to a life really returning a new, but different, normal.
Sadly, the climate crisis we are in is also very much a part of this new normal. But normalise it we must not. Jane Hawkins in her article challenges us to think about how we might reduce our carbon footprint by buying fewer clothes and craving less new "stuff". If it sometimes feels like there is little that each of us can do in the face of such a huge problem, remember the words of the proverb: "If you think you are too small to make a difference, you have not spent the night in a tent with a mosquito".
On behalf of everyone on the Gander Team, I wish you happy, warm and joyful summer days ahead (with not too many troublesome mosquitos).
Welcome to the July edition of our parish magazine, The Gander. This month we have excellent contributions from many different members of our community, demonstrating the diversity, talent, interests and rich heritage of our Church community.
Do read the interview with Claire Nylander, who talks about becoming our PCC Treasurer and the experience and enthusiasm she brings to this important role. We're very pleased that she has taken this on!
Christine's research into Victorian baptismal registers for this parish is a fascinating article. The interesting thing about baptismal registers is that they record parents' occupations. Looking back at these Victorian registers therefore gives insight into the varied and diverse families who brought their children to baptism in this church (or its predecessor). Perhaps that is the gift of parish church life; it exists to bring us together as the body of Christ, both because of our differences but also irrespective of our day jobs, social, economic or racial backgrounds.
The challenge then, and of course today, is asking ourselves how we do this and do this well, so that everyone feels and knows that they belong and are valued as equal members of this community.
When the Covid pandemic began in March 2020, a friend mentioned to me that she thought it would be three years before we would be able to live a life of some form of normality again. I dismissed it at the time. It was much too difficult a prospect to get my head around. I was reflecting on this as I read our July edition today, and thought "yes, I think she might have been right".
A number of our articles demonstrate this, simply by the fact that they are about us going out and enjoying being with others. John, Mary and Lois' piece on Pride 2023; Chris, Roger, Jim and Cicero on the Cycle pilgrimage; Cloty's 90th birthday party; Dorothy's article on water safety; and Roger's piece on singing Gerontius in Rome, all point to a life really returning a new, but different, normal.
Sadly, the climate crisis we are in is also very much a part of this new normal. But normalise it we must not. Jane Hawkins in her article challenges us to think about how we might reduce our carbon footprint by buying fewer clothes and craving less new "stuff". If it sometimes feels like there is little that each of us can do in the face of such a huge problem, remember the words of the proverb: "If you think you are too small to make a difference, you have not spent the night in a tent with a mosquito".
On behalf of everyone on the Gander Team, I wish you happy, warm and joyful summer days ahead (with not too many troublesome mosquitos).
Gemma
Revd Gemma Birt
Christian Aid Thanks to everyone who took part in and attended the Christian Aid Cafe on 21st May. We raised over £1,100, which has been sent to Christian Aid!
APCM
The 2023 Annual Meetings were held in St John the Evangelist Church on Sunday 7th May 2023 at 11.30pm. The meeting was chaired by the Venerable Jonathan Sedgwick, Archdeacon of Southwark. There were about 39 people present.
Annual Meeting of Parishioners: Julie Whitney and Tayo Olatunde were re-elected as Wardens for a further year.
Annual Parochial Church Meeting: The Electoral Roll was revised in April prior to the meeting. There are now 143 people on the Roll (a reduction from 144).
Jonathan Sedgwick thanked those who had completed their terms of office on the PCC and were standing down: Ish Lennox (Deanery Synod), Claire Nylander (PCC) and Martin Howell (co-opted to PCC and Stewardship Secretary). Alan Croft and Joy Taylor were re-elected to Deanery Synod. Tessa Blunden, Brenda La Mothe, Lucy McGrath and Sarah Sarker were elected to the PCC.
The 2022 Annual Report and Accounts were received and can be downloaded here.
Christine Camplin, PCC Secretary
PCC
The first meeting of the new PCC took place on Wednesday 24 May 2023 in the Church. Christine Camplin and Claire Nylander were re-elected Secretary and Treasurer respectively and Julie Whitney was elected Vice-Chair of the PCC.
Claire Nylander (PCC Treasurer), Revd. Alistair McCulloch and Revd. Rosemary Shaw were co-opted to the PCC. Jayne Mallett and Sarah Sarker joined the Stewardship group, Jayne as Stewardship Secretary.
The list of sidespeople was revised and agreed.
Special Collection for Centre70
A special collection for Centre70, an advice and counselling service based in West Norwood, was held on 9 July.
You can find out more about Centre70 and how to support them on their website here.
We Need To Talk About RaceA group is meeting weekly during June and July to discuss ideas provoked by Ben Lindsay's book We Need to Talk About Race. We hope to provide a report on the discussions in the next issue of The Gander.
Musical events
There are organ recitals on: 15 July (Michał Szostak) and 16 September (Matthew Dunn), both at 11 am.
The next Choral Evensong will be on 26 November at 6pm.
A Ceilidh will take place on the evening of 25 November to raise funds for the Goose Green Centre restoration work. More details will be available soon but please save the date now!
The Junior Choir is on summer break from 16 July until 3 September and the adult choir will take a break during August.
Pride Month at St John's
By John Dempster
Rejoice, one and all, for we have just celebrated Pride Month! Every year, for the month of June, Pride Month takes place as an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness for the experiences of those who identify as LGBTQ+. This year's Pride in London parade was held on Saturday 1 July. From Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall Place, over 500 groups and 30,000+ participants marched in the iconic Pride in London parade.
Around the Western world, every year, Pride month honours lesbian, gay, trans and other queer (LGBTQ+) people throughout the month of June. This is not to be confused with LGBTQ+ history month which takes place in February in the UK and October in the US.
June was declared Pride month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which were a series of protests by members of the gay community in Manhattan in New York, during 28 June 1969. The riots, which became a watershed moment that transformed LGBTQ+ liberation in the States, as well as in the UK, were in response to police raids and violence against the community.
Homosexuality is still illegal in more than 60 countries around the world and, worse, more than 10 countries still carry capital punishment for homosexual activity.
Despite a nationwide right to same sex marriage in the US and UK, there are still creeping restrictions on LGBTQ+ people to be themselves. Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law — dubbed the ‘don’t say gay’ law — prevents teachers discussing “sexual orientation or gender identity” in schools.
It bears a lot of similarities to the British Section 28 law, introduced in 1988 and repealed in 2003. As Stonewall's website says: “This year marks 20 years since Section 28, the law that banned ‘promotion of homosexuality’ in the UK, was repealed. It was an attack on LGBTQ+ visibility, and together we resisted. And we’ve made progress in leaps and bounds since. But with parts of our community still under attack, we must remember why we can’t go back, and come together to keep moving forward. Let’s learn from our past and keep standing in solidarity to make history for our communities!”
Some of the members of our congregation at St John’s have reflected a little on what Pride Month means to us, and I wanted to share this with our readers.
What does Pride month mean to me?
Mary Dawson:
When I started attending St John’s in 2017, I had to determine whether I could bring my whole self to church. Fortunately it didn’t take me long to realise that I could, and I am so happy to have found a church community where I don’t think twice about my sexual orientation and how it may be perceived. It’s taken me a long time to get to that point, and perhaps personal development as well as societal change has played a part.
Pride month has had increasing importance for me in recent years. I never used to mark it or engage in any activities, but maturity brings appreciation for what others have done, and that their actions have allowed me to live my life with freedom and acceptance.
Pride month reminds me to not take this for granted. It reminds me of the importance in supporting an evolving LGBTQ+ community, so that current and future generations might also be able to live and love with confidence.
John Dempster:
I have been a part of St John's church community since 2004. Since then, I have always received so much love and care from my brothers and sisters in Christ. They have been so supportive, as an Inclusive Church congregation, to nurture and accept me for who I am, including my sexuality. I would like to thank you for this!
Pride is so important, as it is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and a recognition of the journey and sacrifice many have made to encourage societies around the world to embrace diversity. The journey continues internationally to allow all individuals to live a life without prejudice.
Pride is not only a fabulous celebration of unity and inclusion, but also a declaration of intent. Pride events are about human rights, empowering the LGBTQ+ community to be visible and to stand together. They are also a glittery beacon of hope, raising awareness and celebrating difference.
Lois Barmby:
This year Pride is more personal than ever. Pride was born out of protest and whilst there is a fun and celebratory aspect to Pride this year, hearing stats about the rise of hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community and the barrage of legislation and book banning in some parts of the USA, specifically targeted at the Trans community means that protest is still needed before we can sit back and say that things are tr
uly equal for our LGBTQ+ friends and family.
Rather than sit and stew I decided to get involved in things that might make a positive difference. I responded to an ask for Marketing help from Diversity Role Models (a charity whose aim is to end LGBTQ+ bullying in schools ) and also support a day called Out and Proud Parents Day.
This is a day where parents can share their support for their children and encourage others to do the same. Please like and share on Sunday 30th July using the hashtag #outandproudparents day. By using my marketing skills to help these charities I am able to help in a small way.
By John Dempster
Rejoice, one and all, for we have just celebrated Pride Month! Every year, for the month of June, Pride Month takes place as an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness for the experiences of those who identify as LGBTQ+. This year's Pride in London parade was held on Saturday 1 July. From Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall Place, over 500 groups and 30,000+ participants marched in the iconic Pride in London parade.Around the Western world, every year, Pride month honours lesbian, gay, trans and other queer (LGBTQ+) people throughout the month of June. This is not to be confused with LGBTQ+ history month which takes place in February in the UK and October in the US.
June was declared Pride month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which were a series of protests by members of the gay community in Manhattan in New York, during 28 June 1969. The riots, which became a watershed moment that transformed LGBTQ+ liberation in the States, as well as in the UK, were in response to police raids and violence against the community.
Homosexuality is still illegal in more than 60 countries around the world and, worse, more than 10 countries still carry capital punishment for homosexual activity.
Despite a nationwide right to same sex marriage in the US and UK, there are still creeping restrictions on LGBTQ+ people to be themselves. Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law — dubbed the ‘don’t say gay’ law — prevents teachers discussing “sexual orientation or gender identity” in schools.
It bears a lot of similarities to the British Section 28 law, introduced in 1988 and repealed in 2003. As Stonewall's website says: “This year marks 20 years since Section 28, the law that banned ‘promotion of homosexuality’ in the UK, was repealed. It was an attack on LGBTQ+ visibility, and together we resisted. And we’ve made progress in leaps and bounds since. But with parts of our community still under attack, we must remember why we can’t go back, and come together to keep moving forward. Let’s learn from our past and keep standing in solidarity to make history for our communities!”
Some of the members of our congregation at St John’s have reflected a little on what Pride Month means to us, and I wanted to share this with our readers.
What does Pride month mean to me?
Mary Dawson:
When I started attending St John’s in 2017, I had to determine whether I could bring my whole self to church. Fortunately it didn’t take me long to realise that I could, and I am so happy to have found a church community where I don’t think twice about my sexual orientation and how it may be perceived. It’s taken me a long time to get to that point, and perhaps personal development as well as societal change has played a part.
Pride month has had increasing importance for me in recent years. I never used to mark it or engage in any activities, but maturity brings appreciation for what others have done, and that their actions have allowed me to live my life with freedom and acceptance.
Pride month reminds me to not take this for granted. It reminds me of the importance in supporting an evolving LGBTQ+ community, so that current and future generations might also be able to live and love with confidence.
John Dempster:
I have been a part of St John's church community since 2004. Since then, I have always received so much love and care from my brothers and sisters in Christ. They have been so supportive, as an Inclusive Church congregation, to nurture and accept me for who I am, including my sexuality. I would like to thank you for this!
Pride is so important, as it is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and a recognition of the journey and sacrifice many have made to encourage societies around the world to embrace diversity. The journey continues internationally to allow all individuals to live a life without prejudice.
Pride is not only a fabulous celebration of unity and inclusion, but also a declaration of intent. Pride events are about human rights, empowering the LGBTQ+ community to be visible and to stand together. They are also a glittery beacon of hope, raising awareness and celebrating difference.
Lois Barmby:
This year Pride is more personal than ever. Pride was born out of protest and whilst there is a fun and celebratory aspect to Pride this year, hearing stats about the rise of hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community and the barrage of legislation and book banning in some parts of the USA, specifically targeted at the Trans community means that protest is still needed before we can sit back and say that things are tr
uly equal for our LGBTQ+ friends and family. Rather than sit and stew I decided to get involved in things that might make a positive difference. I responded to an ask for Marketing help from Diversity Role Models (a charity whose aim is to end LGBTQ+ bullying in schools ) and also support a day called Out and Proud Parents Day.
This is a day where parents can share their support for their children and encourage others to do the same. Please like and share on Sunday 30th July using the hashtag #outandproudparents day. By using my marketing skills to help these charities I am able to help in a small way.
Cycle pilgrimage reaches St Botolph's church
Members of St John’s took part in a cycle ride in Suffolk on 17 June. The ride included a visit to Iken, the site of the monastery where St Botolph was Abbot in the seventh century.
The trip completed a pilgrimage by bicycle that started at St Botolph’s without Aldgate 10 years ago. Members of St Botolph’s and St John’s have taken part in the pilgrimage over that time, covering the journey on byways, tracks and canal paths between London and Suffolk in stages.
This year’s trip marked the Feast of St Botolph, patron saint of wayfarers. At Iken, we said the Midday Office and St Botolph’s Prayer, and sang ‘I Come with joy, a child of God’ to the tune of St Botolph.
The ride also included stops at The Maltings, Snape for morning coffee and at The Oyster Inn, Butley for lunch as well as a visit to the St Mary’s Church in Ufford. This beautiful parish church houses a famous 15th-century wooden font cover, which is about 6 metres (20 feet) high.
The photos show Chris, Roger, Jim and Cicero from St John’s outside Iken church and the tall font cover at St Mary's.
Music for July and August
By John Webber
9 July – Fifth Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 295 Let all mortal flesh keep silence
Psalm: 145 I will exalt you O God my King
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia at Taize chant 37 - “Speak Lord for your servant is listening; you have the words of eternal life.”
Offertory: 420 O Jesus, I have promised
Communion: Anthem: “Ubi caritas,” by Maurice Duruflé; Hymn 425 O Love, how broad, how deep, how high!
Recessional: 364 God is Love: let heav’n adore him
Voluntary: tbc
16 July– Sixth Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 239 Lord of all hopefulness
Psalm: 65 To you O God shall all flesh come
Gospel Acclamation: plainsong Alleluia - “We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Offertory: 440 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation
Communion: plainsong proper 698
Anthem – “Examine me, O Lord,” by William Boyce; Hymn 424 O Love divine, how sweet thou art!
Recessional: 437 Praise the Lord! ye heavens, adore him
Setting: with Agnus Dei in A flat, by Basil Harwood
Voluntary: Con moto moderato in D by Henry Smart.
23 July – St Mary Magdalene/Seventh Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 231 Who are these, like stars appearing?
Psalm: 42 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy (composed setting)
Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia – “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples: ‘I have seen the Lord’”
Offertory: 174 Mary, weep not, weep no longer
Communion: Anthem – “O virtus sapientie”by Hildegard of Bingen; Hymn 225 Give me the wings of faith to rise
Recessional: 235 Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go
Voluntary: Little Prelude No.4 in F major (BWV 556) – J S Bach
By John Webber
9 July – Fifth Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 295 Let all mortal flesh keep silence
Psalm: 145 I will exalt you O God my King
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia at Taize chant 37 - “Speak Lord for your servant is listening; you have the words of eternal life.”
Offertory: 420 O Jesus, I have promised
Communion: Anthem: “Ubi caritas,” by Maurice Duruflé; Hymn 425 O Love, how broad, how deep, how high!
Recessional: 364 God is Love: let heav’n adore him
Voluntary: tbc
16 July– Sixth Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 239 Lord of all hopefulness
Psalm: 65 To you O God shall all flesh come
Gospel Acclamation: plainsong Alleluia - “We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Offertory: 440 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation
Communion: plainsong proper 698
Anthem – “Examine me, O Lord,” by William Boyce; Hymn 424 O Love divine, how sweet thou art!
Recessional: 437 Praise the Lord! ye heavens, adore him
Setting: with Agnus Dei in A flat, by Basil Harwood
Voluntary: Con moto moderato in D by Henry Smart.
23 July – St Mary Magdalene/Seventh Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 231 Who are these, like stars appearing?
Psalm: 42 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy (composed setting)
Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia – “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples: ‘I have seen the Lord’”
Offertory: 174 Mary, weep not, weep no longer
Communion: Anthem – “O virtus sapientie”by Hildegard of Bingen; Hymn 225 Give me the wings of faith to rise
Recessional: 235 Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go
Voluntary: Little Prelude No.4 in F major (BWV 556) – J S Bach
30 July – Eighth Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 137 Come down, O Love divine
Psalm: 119, vv.129-136 O Lord how I love your law
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia from Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” – “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? If God is for us, who is against us?”
Offertory: 433 O worship the King all glorious above
Communion: plainsong proper 700
Anthem – “Teach me, O Lord,” by Thomas Attwood; Hymn 365 God moves in a mysterious way
Recessional: 271 Alleluya, sing to Jesus
Voluntary: A Trumpet Minute – Alfred Hollins
6 August – Transfiguration of Our Lord
Processional: 234 Christ, whose glory fills the skies
Psalm (if required): 97 Rejoice in the Lord you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name
Gradual: 178 ’Tis good, Lord, to be here!
Offertory: 333 All my hope on God is founded
Communion: 341 Blest are the pure in heart
Recessional: 362 Glorious things of thee are spoken
Voluntary: “Jesu, joy of man’s desiring” (from Cantata No.147) – J S Bach
13 August – Tenth Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 338 At the name of Jesus
Psalm: 85 Show us your mercy O Lord
Gradual: 349 Come, let us join our cheerful songs
Offertory: 296 |Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour
Communion: 388 Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Recessional: 436 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven
Voluntary: “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” (from “Solomon”) – G F Handel
20 August – Eleventh Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 297 Lord Jesus Christ
Psalm: 67 Let the peoples praise you O God; let all the peoples praise you
Gradual: 337 As pants the hart for cooling streams
Offertory: 353 Dear Lord and Father of mankind
Communion: 408 Love Divine, all loves excelling
Recessional: 443 Rejoice, the Lord is King
Voluntary: Andante from Voluntary No.2 in F minor – Maurice Greene
27 August – Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 339 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Psalm: 138 Your love is before my eyes
Gradual: 357 Father, hear the prayer we offer
Offertory: 285 For the beauty of the earth
Communion: 307 Sweet Sacrament divine
Recessional: 431 O thou who camest from above
Voluntary: Duo on Psalm 24 – Henderick Speuy
Processional: 137 Come down, O Love divine
Psalm: 119, vv.129-136 O Lord how I love your law
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia from Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” – “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? If God is for us, who is against us?”
Offertory: 433 O worship the King all glorious above
Communion: plainsong proper 700
Anthem – “Teach me, O Lord,” by Thomas Attwood; Hymn 365 God moves in a mysterious way
Recessional: 271 Alleluya, sing to Jesus
Voluntary: A Trumpet Minute – Alfred Hollins
6 August – Transfiguration of Our Lord
Processional: 234 Christ, whose glory fills the skies
Psalm (if required): 97 Rejoice in the Lord you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name
Gradual: 178 ’Tis good, Lord, to be here!
Offertory: 333 All my hope on God is founded
Communion: 341 Blest are the pure in heart
Recessional: 362 Glorious things of thee are spoken
Voluntary: “Jesu, joy of man’s desiring” (from Cantata No.147) – J S Bach
13 August – Tenth Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 338 At the name of Jesus
Psalm: 85 Show us your mercy O Lord
Gradual: 349 Come, let us join our cheerful songs
Offertory: 296 |Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour
Communion: 388 Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Recessional: 436 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven
Voluntary: “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” (from “Solomon”) – G F Handel
20 August – Eleventh Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 297 Lord Jesus Christ
Psalm: 67 Let the peoples praise you O God; let all the peoples praise you
Gradual: 337 As pants the hart for cooling streams
Offertory: 353 Dear Lord and Father of mankind
Communion: 408 Love Divine, all loves excelling
Recessional: 443 Rejoice, the Lord is King
Voluntary: Andante from Voluntary No.2 in F minor – Maurice Greene
27 August – Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 339 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Psalm: 138 Your love is before my eyes
Gradual: 357 Father, hear the prayer we offer
Offertory: 285 For the beauty of the earth
Communion: 307 Sweet Sacrament divine
Recessional: 431 O thou who camest from above
Voluntary: Duo on Psalm 24 – Henderick Speuy
The Dream of Gerontius in Rome
By Roger Nicholls
When you are singing hymns from our New English Hymnal do you ever stop to think about the author of the hymns or the names of the tunes? What do these three hymns have in common: 360 (Firmly I believe and truly), 392 (Lead kindly Light), and 439 (Praise to the Holiest in the height)?
The answer is that they were all written by John Henry Newman (1801-1890). The last of these is set to a tune called Gerontius for the reason that it, along with the first hymn, is taken from Newman’s epic poem written in 1865 The Dream of Gerontius. Cardinal Newman was one of the Catholic church’s leading theologians of the 19th century and his work became a best seller, even in Anglican circles, because it confronts something that confronts us all – death and the after-life.
But why am I writing about this in 2023? In the years after Newman died his words were set to music by the foremost English composer of the age, Edward Elgar, himself also a devout Catholic. Despite a shaky, under-rehearsed first performance in Birmingham in 1900, the work is now accepted as a masterpiece and a cornerstone of the British choral repertoire. Fast-forward to 2019 and Cardinal Newman was canonised at a ceremony in the Vatican.
The UK Parliament Choir, of which I am a member (as was Nicola Harland, whom many of you at St John’s will remember), decided to perform Gerontius at Westminster Cathedral to mark this event. As the Parliament Choir is never short of ambition and a desire to make international links, a team was set up to organise a further performance in the Vatican itself after the ensuing lock-down was eased.
At the end of April just past this project came to fruition with an augmented choir of 300 and a 60–strong orchestra. The Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls was packed with an audience of over 1000 and a front row of scarlet-clad Cardinals, including Cardinal Nichols from Westminster, and the UK Ambassador in full court dress.
St Paul’s was chosen as it is a similar size to St Peter’s but is more suitable for large musical performances and it is known that Elgar visited it in 1907. The walls are decorated with portraits of all 266 Popes to date. One wonders what will happen when the final dozen or so spaces are filled up. Conspiracy theories abound!
The performance was received with a standing ovation. Being positioned at the end of a very long line and at a great distance from the conductor, Simon Over, I can’t say that I felt totally secure, particularly as I timed the echo at something over five seconds. However, the most critical critic present, Cecily Nicholls, awarded a Roman thumbs up at the end.
The RECORDING is now viewable on Youtube.
By Roger Nicholls
When you are singing hymns from our New English Hymnal do you ever stop to think about the author of the hymns or the names of the tunes? What do these three hymns have in common: 360 (Firmly I believe and truly), 392 (Lead kindly Light), and 439 (Praise to the Holiest in the height)?The answer is that they were all written by John Henry Newman (1801-1890). The last of these is set to a tune called Gerontius for the reason that it, along with the first hymn, is taken from Newman’s epic poem written in 1865 The Dream of Gerontius. Cardinal Newman was one of the Catholic church’s leading theologians of the 19th century and his work became a best seller, even in Anglican circles, because it confronts something that confronts us all – death and the after-life.
But why am I writing about this in 2023? In the years after Newman died his words were set to music by the foremost English composer of the age, Edward Elgar, himself also a devout Catholic. Despite a shaky, under-rehearsed first performance in Birmingham in 1900, the work is now accepted as a masterpiece and a cornerstone of the British choral repertoire. Fast-forward to 2019 and Cardinal Newman was canonised at a ceremony in the Vatican.
The UK Parliament Choir, of which I am a member (as was Nicola Harland, whom many of you at St John’s will remember), decided to perform Gerontius at Westminster Cathedral to mark this event. As the Parliament Choir is never short of ambition and a desire to make international links, a team was set up to organise a further performance in the Vatican itself after the ensuing lock-down was eased.
At the end of April just past this project came to fruition with an augmented choir of 300 and a 60–strong orchestra. The Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls was packed with an audience of over 1000 and a front row of scarlet-clad Cardinals, including Cardinal Nichols from Westminster, and the UK Ambassador in full court dress.
St Paul’s was chosen as it is a similar size to St Peter’s but is more suitable for large musical performances and it is known that Elgar visited it in 1907. The walls are decorated with portraits of all 266 Popes to date. One wonders what will happen when the final dozen or so spaces are filled up. Conspiracy theories abound!
The performance was received with a standing ovation. Being positioned at the end of a very long line and at a great distance from the conductor, Simon Over, I can’t say that I felt totally secure, particularly as I timed the echo at something over five seconds. However, the most critical critic present, Cecily Nicholls, awarded a Roman thumbs up at the end.
The RECORDING is now viewable on Youtube.
Profile: Claire Nylander
Claire Nylander has recently taken over from Sarah Goudge as PCC treasurer. She tells us a bit about herself and the role of Treasurer.
What does the role of Treasurer involve and why did you decide to take it on?
The Treasurer’s role is critical in assisting the St John’s PCC to fulfil its financial responsibilities. The treasurer is responsible for managing the day-to-day financial duties of the Church (including its investment properties) and the Goose Green Centre. These duties include bookkeeping, organising cash counts, banking of cash and cheques received, paying suppliers, staff and volunteers, budgeting, preparation and presentation of financial reports as well as liaising with the independent examiner in the preparation of the annual financial statements.
Over the last few years, I had been looking for opportunities to ‘give back’, therefore when I was asked to take on the role of Treasurer at St John’s, I felt that it was an opportunity to use my expertise to further the Church’s vision.
Do you need any special skills or training to do it?
As the Treasurer’s role at St John's requires the technical ability to manage and report on the church’s financial transactions correctly, it is helpful to have financial accounting, financial reporting and budgeting skills. Experience of using financial accounting software is also extremely useful.
How long have you been coming to St John's and how long have you lived in this area?
I moved to East Dulwich at the end of 1996 and I have been coming to St John’s since then.
What field do you work in?
I currently work in the not-for-profit sector, for an International Human Rights organisation which has its head office in South Africa with offices in the US, UK and Geneva.
As the Chief Operations Officer, I am a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) overseeing all aspects of operations which includes finance, admin, procurement, risk, contracting and IT. I work closely with the SMT to determine strategies that best fulfil the organisation’s mission and vision.
I like the variety in my job – no two days are the same and as a result I am continuously challenged and always learning new things.
Has your job helped you prepare to be Treasurer?
Yes it has. The experience I have gained over the years working as a finance professional in the voluntary sector has come in very useful.
What other activities have you been involved in at St John's or in the local community?
I volunteered as the Treasurer of the Goose Green Community Centre when it was managed separately and also with my siblings provided breakfast after the Easter dawn service for a number of years. I also volunteered as a board member at the Lambeth Voluntary Action Council (an umbrella organisation supporting volunteers in Lambeth) for a few years.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love cooking (particularly trying out new recipes) and enjoy reading.
Summer water safety
By Dorothy Oxley
Did you know that the 17th – 24th June 2023 was ‘Drowning Prevention Week’, run by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)? It’s a very important subject, because in 2022, there were 226 accidental drownings in the UK, 105 of which happened during June, July and August.
These figures don’t include anyone from the UK who drowned on a holiday overseas, and perhaps may not look like very high compared to the hundreds of thousands (or maybe millions!) of people taking to the water, especially on hot summer days – but each one is a personal tragedy for them and their loved ones. It’s not just a UK problem either – 25th July is World Drowning Prevention Day
That’s why, in my article for this edition of the Gander, I’d like to point you to some water safety advice and information, rather than write my usual health slot. Much of this is online, but for anyone without internet access, I’ve obtained some paper copies of posters and leaflets which are available from the table at the back of the church.
Keeping safe by the sea
What’s the first thing you do when – or even before – you head down to the beach on a hot summer’s day, especially if it’s a family outing? ‘Stop and think’ is the first safety advice the RLSS UK gives in their child-friendly Water Safety Code.
Does the beach have a lifeguard? Do you know what the dangers are? A lifeguarded beach, with flags marking safe swimming areas or warning of ‘no go’ areas, always gives an extra degree of safety, and so does going in a group, keeping an eye out for each other. These are very basic things, so please do check out the more detailed information in the many free resources the RLSS UK offer (see https://www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/Category/water-safety-information, which include some short videos and worksheets for children.
RLSS UK also works closely with schools (reaching around 1.25 million children last year, and hoping to reach even more in 2023). Parents, please talk to your children about water safety (RLSS UK research discovered that a quarter of the parents surveyed never had), supervise them carefully, and don’t let them take to the water in untethered inflatables which can be carried away very quickly by an outgoing tide, current or offshore wind!
Keeping safe by inland waters
Since we all live within easy reach of the Thames, it’s worth remembering that rivers, canals, reservoirs, quarries and lakes (and in our case, the old South London docks) all have their own unique dangers. These include locks, weirs, steep or slippery sides which make it hard to climb out, or murky water which makes it hard to see how deep it is, and what may lie on the bottom.
In fact, 60% of the accidental drowning deaths in the UK occurred in inland waters. The Environmental Agency’s own water safety leaflet is a useful source of general information and advice, and you might also like to check out the Port of London Authority’s advice at http://www.pla.co.uk/assets/riverside-community-water-safety.pdf. Perhaps you might take the family on a walk down the South Bank and play ‘spot the dangers’ and ‘find the lifesaving equipment’!
Keeping safe on, under or very near the water
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) also offers a whole range of educational resources (see https://rnli.org/safety) and by clicking on the ‘Choose your activity’ option you can find safety advice on a range of water-based activities – angling, bodyboarding, coastal walking, kayaking or canoeing, kitesurfing, open water swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, surfing, yacht sailing or motorboating.
Perhaps some of the most important things to remember for many ‘on the water’ sports are: Check tides, currents and weather conditions, get trained to handle your craft and/or use your equipment properly, wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket (and a leash if you’re on a board), and tell someone what you plan to do. It’s also always safer to do things with friends than to go alone, and to take something you can use to call for help either for yourself, or if you spot someone else in trouble (such as a well charged mobile phone in a waterproof cover).
This is only a very brief overview – I’ve not even touched upon things like cold water shock, the power of waves and currents, the importance of not going out to far or the risks that even shallow water can pose to very small children. So please do find out more for yourself – and have a happy, safe summer holiday!
Stop press
I hate to cast a shadow on the sunshine but sadly, 90% of the deaths in the River Thames in London, and the reason for about half the rescue call-outs, relate to suicide attempts. The Ascension Trust, a Christian organisation that you may have heard of in connection with initiatives like Street Pastors, are planning (in collaboration with members of the Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum) a new initiative, Bridge Watch, where volunteers will patrol London’s bridges, to try to engage with anybody indicating intent to enter the water.
I don’t have any details yet on what this might involve in terms of training and commitment, but if you think you might be interested, you can sign up for further information at https://www.ascensiontrust.org.uk/bridge-watch/
By Dorothy Oxley
Did you know that the 17th – 24th June 2023 was ‘Drowning Prevention Week’, run by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)? It’s a very important subject, because in 2022, there were 226 accidental drownings in the UK, 105 of which happened during June, July and August.
These figures don’t include anyone from the UK who drowned on a holiday overseas, and perhaps may not look like very high compared to the hundreds of thousands (or maybe millions!) of people taking to the water, especially on hot summer days – but each one is a personal tragedy for them and their loved ones. It’s not just a UK problem either – 25th July is World Drowning Prevention Day
That’s why, in my article for this edition of the Gander, I’d like to point you to some water safety advice and information, rather than write my usual health slot. Much of this is online, but for anyone without internet access, I’ve obtained some paper copies of posters and leaflets which are available from the table at the back of the church.
Keeping safe by the sea
What’s the first thing you do when – or even before – you head down to the beach on a hot summer’s day, especially if it’s a family outing? ‘Stop and think’ is the first safety advice the RLSS UK gives in their child-friendly Water Safety Code.Does the beach have a lifeguard? Do you know what the dangers are? A lifeguarded beach, with flags marking safe swimming areas or warning of ‘no go’ areas, always gives an extra degree of safety, and so does going in a group, keeping an eye out for each other. These are very basic things, so please do check out the more detailed information in the many free resources the RLSS UK offer (see https://www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/Category/water-safety-information, which include some short videos and worksheets for children.
RLSS UK also works closely with schools (reaching around 1.25 million children last year, and hoping to reach even more in 2023). Parents, please talk to your children about water safety (RLSS UK research discovered that a quarter of the parents surveyed never had), supervise them carefully, and don’t let them take to the water in untethered inflatables which can be carried away very quickly by an outgoing tide, current or offshore wind!
Keeping safe by inland waters
Since we all live within easy reach of the Thames, it’s worth remembering that rivers, canals, reservoirs, quarries and lakes (and in our case, the old South London docks) all have their own unique dangers. These include locks, weirs, steep or slippery sides which make it hard to climb out, or murky water which makes it hard to see how deep it is, and what may lie on the bottom.
In fact, 60% of the accidental drowning deaths in the UK occurred in inland waters. The Environmental Agency’s own water safety leaflet is a useful source of general information and advice, and you might also like to check out the Port of London Authority’s advice at http://www.pla.co.uk/assets/riverside-community-water-safety.pdf. Perhaps you might take the family on a walk down the South Bank and play ‘spot the dangers’ and ‘find the lifesaving equipment’!
Keeping safe on, under or very near the water
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) also offers a whole range of educational resources (see https://rnli.org/safety) and by clicking on the ‘Choose your activity’ option you can find safety advice on a range of water-based activities – angling, bodyboarding, coastal walking, kayaking or canoeing, kitesurfing, open water swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, surfing, yacht sailing or motorboating.Perhaps some of the most important things to remember for many ‘on the water’ sports are: Check tides, currents and weather conditions, get trained to handle your craft and/or use your equipment properly, wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket (and a leash if you’re on a board), and tell someone what you plan to do. It’s also always safer to do things with friends than to go alone, and to take something you can use to call for help either for yourself, or if you spot someone else in trouble (such as a well charged mobile phone in a waterproof cover).
This is only a very brief overview – I’ve not even touched upon things like cold water shock, the power of waves and currents, the importance of not going out to far or the risks that even shallow water can pose to very small children. So please do find out more for yourself – and have a happy, safe summer holiday!
Stop press
I hate to cast a shadow on the sunshine but sadly, 90% of the deaths in the River Thames in London, and the reason for about half the rescue call-outs, relate to suicide attempts. The Ascension Trust, a Christian organisation that you may have heard of in connection with initiatives like Street Pastors, are planning (in collaboration with members of the Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum) a new initiative, Bridge Watch, where volunteers will patrol London’s bridges, to try to engage with anybody indicating intent to enter the water.
I don’t have any details yet on what this might involve in terms of training and commitment, but if you think you might be interested, you can sign up for further information at https://www.ascensiontrust.org.uk/bridge-watch/
What to wear to save the planet
By Jane Hawkins
June 2023 was the hottest June since records began in 1884, by a significant margin, 0.9’ C. Fish and insects are reported to have died due to the heat and heatwaves are widely reported to lead to excess deaths. Hopefully this will bring home the need to live a carbon neutral lifestyle if global warming is to be kept to 1.5’ C after which scientists predict irreversible negative changes to our children’s lifestyles.
In my last article I referred to a report prepared for C40, a group of the world’s largest cities including London. These cities alone account for 25% of the global economy so changes we make can have a real impact. Some of the impact can be obtained by changes such as making short trips on foot rather than driving and eating beans and nuts instead of meat and dairy. Others require reducing consumption
This might sound a bit miserable but one suggestion is to spend less on ‘things’ and more on experiences. ‘Doing not having’.
Clothing accounts for 4% of global emissions. The ARUP report calculates that emissions generated by use of fabrics needs to reduce by 39% by 2030. 37% of this can be achieved by cutting down on new clothing.
By Jane Hawkins
June 2023 was the hottest June since records began in 1884, by a significant margin, 0.9’ C. Fish and insects are reported to have died due to the heat and heatwaves are widely reported to lead to excess deaths. Hopefully this will bring home the need to live a carbon neutral lifestyle if global warming is to be kept to 1.5’ C after which scientists predict irreversible negative changes to our children’s lifestyles.
In my last article I referred to a report prepared for C40, a group of the world’s largest cities including London. These cities alone account for 25% of the global economy so changes we make can have a real impact. Some of the impact can be obtained by changes such as making short trips on foot rather than driving and eating beans and nuts instead of meat and dairy. Others require reducing consumption
This might sound a bit miserable but one suggestion is to spend less on ‘things’ and more on experiences. ‘Doing not having’.
Clothing accounts for 4% of global emissions. The ARUP report calculates that emissions generated by use of fabrics needs to reduce by 39% by 2030. 37% of this can be achieved by cutting down on new clothing.
They suggest a provisional individual target of 8 new items per person per year. The ‘Take the Jump’ campaign promotes reducing consumption to 3 new items per annum but clarifies that this does not include underwear, socks or shoes.
This may sound hard but NOTE: this does not include clothes that are second hand, hired, borrowed or refurbished.
How to cut down on new clothes:
This may sound hard but NOTE: this does not include clothes that are second hand, hired, borrowed or refurbished.
How to cut down on new clothes:
- Buy from charity shops or second hand. Some of the smartest people I know buy many of their clothes from e-bay sellers.
- Mend the clothes you have: Crisis charity shop and the Nunhead Green community centre have fix it sessions if you need a hand.
- Hire an outfit for a special event.
- Go through the back of your wardrobe and wear what you find or take it to the charity shop.
I’ve read that people mostly buy clothes to go out, you will probably have just as much fun wearing what you already own and can go out more often with the money you save.
For more reading search the 100 days dress challenge:- accounts by women who wore the same dress every day for 100 days, in combination with other items. Mostly no one noticed.
For more reading search the 100 days dress challenge:- accounts by women who wore the same dress every day for 100 days, in combination with other items. Mostly no one noticed.
A page of baptisms
By Christine Camplin
The baptism registers for the first church on Goose Green are held in the London Metropolitan Archives. East Dulwich Chapel (pictured below) was built in about 1826, a daughter church in the parish of St Giles, Camberwell. Baptisms took place in the Chapel from 1848 and were also entered into the St Giles registers (though not necessarily on the same date!)
The eight children on the first page of the register are an interesting cross section of the community to whom that first little church ministered.
1 Sarah Ann Tufnail: baptised 5 May 1848 by N G Charrington
(Parents: William Benjamin and Sarah Tufnail. Peckham Rye, Servant)
Sarah was not baptised by the Minister of the Chapel but the Curate, Revd Nicholas George Charrington (1821-1882), of the brewery family. He came to East Dulwich from a curacy in Bodington, Northants, married at St Giles in 1853, and then moved to Aveley, Essex. He recorded Sarah’s date of birth: 17 January 1848. This first baptism in the chapel may have been an emergency one. Perhaps Sarah was too ill to be taken to St Giles - as she was sadly buried there on 11 May, only six days later.
It was almost a year before the next recorded baptism in the chapel.
2 Ethel Oldham: baptised 12 Mar 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: John Roberts and Esther Oldham. East Dulwich Grove, Clerk)
This was the Minister’s own daughter: Revd John Roberts Oldham (1808-1882, pictured below) was Minister of the East Dulwich Chapel 1845-1858. Ethel, born 26 December 1848, was the youngest of his eight children. She married William Ernest Bacchus, a Merchant, on 29 April 1873 in Ottershaw, Surrey. In 1881 they were living in Oxfordshire where William was a “Gentleman farming 500 acres”. Ethel died on 22 June 1919 in Bournemouth.
3 Thomas Winder Hutton: baptised 8 Jun 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: Charles William Cookworthy and Elizabeth Hutton. East Dulwich, Merchant)
This family lived in a large house on the south side of Goose Green. Charles Hutton (1823-1903) took over his father's textile company in about 1856. It was a highly profitable business and enabled him to acquire the lease of Belair House, Dulwich, in 1859 and move in his household of twelve children and about the same number of staff. You can visit the house today. Thomas, baptised on his parents’ first wedding anniversary, became a warehouseman in his father’s company but died at Belair on 21 May 1872 aged only 23.
4 Stephen Whitton: baptised 14 Jun 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: Stephen and Rosetta Whitton. East Dulwich, Labourer)
Stephen, one of seven children, was another sad early death, buried at St Giles the same month. By 1851 his father was a “Greengrocer & fruiterer”.
5 John Richard Saunders: baptised 15 Jul 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: William and Elizabeth Saunders. 10 Grove Vale, Coachman)
John is not listed in the 1851 Census - he is probably the “Male Saunders” who died in summer 1849.
6 Florence Edith Day: baptised 18 Jul 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: Samuel Hulme and Mary Ann Day. Peckham Rye, Esquire)
Samuel Day (1805-1876) “of Pudding-lane and Peckham” was a wine merchant and Magistrate. Florence was the second youngest of eleven children, but the only one not to live into the twentieth century. She was buried on 8 September 1849 in Nunhead Cemetery. Samuel later moved his family across the Rye from 19 Rye Common to Beaufort House, 125 Peckham Rye. His grandson by the same name became a well-known cricketer.
7 Joseph Cormack: baptised 22 Jul 1849 by N G Charrington
(Parents: Joseph and Ann Cormack. Lordship Lane, Gardener)
Joseph junior survived to adulthood. However, in April 1881 he was in HMP Clerkenwell, London serving “1 months Hard Labour for offence of Cheating”. He became a signwriter, married Mary Jane Miller in 1884, and they had two children. Joseph died in 1900 in Marylebone.
8 Mary Smith: baptised 21 Sep 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: Thomas and Harriet. Peckham Rye, Tanner)
Thomas Smith (1817-1893) was a successful leather dresser in Bermondsey. He then invested in property, studied for the church and in 1858 became Perpetual Curate of St John’s, Harborne, Birmingham. He was “the chief contributor” to that church’s restoration and built and resided in Lordswood House. Mary, born 6 August 1849, was one of ten children. She never married and died in 1896 in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
The second page of the register contains the first link to the “new” St John’s church, built on the current site in 1865.
9 William Henry Creed: baptised 11 Nov 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: George and Ann Creed. Peckham Rye, Coachman)
Father William was an Omnibus Proprietor; they lived near Rye House PH. Samuel died the following year aged seven months and was buried 16 June 1850 at St Giles.
10 Robina Gibson: baptised 30 Dec 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: Joseph and Sarah Gibson. Peckham Rye, Ostler)
Robina went on to marry William Wise, another horsekeeper. She died in 1931 in Stockwell, Lambeth.
11 Alfred Scott: baptised 6 Feb 1850 by J R Oldham
(Parents: John and Amelia. Rye Common, Shawl merchant)
John Scott (1811-1899) was President and Treasurer of the Building Committee for the new church. Many meetings took place at his home on Goose Green, Norland House, directly opposite the new church site.
Alfred went to Oxford University and was Vicar of St Mary, Paddington, 1884-1900. He married Annie Linton in 1885 and died in Carlisle, Cumberland, 1933.
Nearly half of the first eleven babies baptised in the chapel died as infants: neither wealth or status were an escape from the tragic incidence of child mortality in early Victorian times.
By Christine Camplin
The baptism registers for the first church on Goose Green are held in the London Metropolitan Archives. East Dulwich Chapel (pictured below) was built in about 1826, a daughter church in the parish of St Giles, Camberwell. Baptisms took place in the Chapel from 1848 and were also entered into the St Giles registers (though not necessarily on the same date!)The eight children on the first page of the register are an interesting cross section of the community to whom that first little church ministered.
1 Sarah Ann Tufnail: baptised 5 May 1848 by N G Charrington
(Parents: William Benjamin and Sarah Tufnail. Peckham Rye, Servant)
Sarah was not baptised by the Minister of the Chapel but the Curate, Revd Nicholas George Charrington (1821-1882), of the brewery family. He came to East Dulwich from a curacy in Bodington, Northants, married at St Giles in 1853, and then moved to Aveley, Essex. He recorded Sarah’s date of birth: 17 January 1848. This first baptism in the chapel may have been an emergency one. Perhaps Sarah was too ill to be taken to St Giles - as she was sadly buried there on 11 May, only six days later.
It was almost a year before the next recorded baptism in the chapel.
2 Ethel Oldham: baptised 12 Mar 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: John Roberts and Esther Oldham. East Dulwich Grove, Clerk)
This was the Minister’s own daughter: Revd John Roberts Oldham (1808-1882, pictured below) was Minister of the East Dulwich Chapel 1845-1858. Ethel, born 26 December 1848, was the youngest of his eight children. She married William Ernest Bacchus, a Merchant, on 29 April 1873 in Ottershaw, Surrey. In 1881 they were living in Oxfordshire where William was a “Gentleman farming 500 acres”. Ethel died on 22 June 1919 in Bournemouth.3 Thomas Winder Hutton: baptised 8 Jun 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: Charles William Cookworthy and Elizabeth Hutton. East Dulwich, Merchant)
This family lived in a large house on the south side of Goose Green. Charles Hutton (1823-1903) took over his father's textile company in about 1856. It was a highly profitable business and enabled him to acquire the lease of Belair House, Dulwich, in 1859 and move in his household of twelve children and about the same number of staff. You can visit the house today. Thomas, baptised on his parents’ first wedding anniversary, became a warehouseman in his father’s company but died at Belair on 21 May 1872 aged only 23.
4 Stephen Whitton: baptised 14 Jun 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: Stephen and Rosetta Whitton. East Dulwich, Labourer)
Stephen, one of seven children, was another sad early death, buried at St Giles the same month. By 1851 his father was a “Greengrocer & fruiterer”.
5 John Richard Saunders: baptised 15 Jul 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: William and Elizabeth Saunders. 10 Grove Vale, Coachman)
John is not listed in the 1851 Census - he is probably the “Male Saunders” who died in summer 1849.
6 Florence Edith Day: baptised 18 Jul 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: Samuel Hulme and Mary Ann Day. Peckham Rye, Esquire)
Samuel Day (1805-1876) “of Pudding-lane and Peckham” was a wine merchant and Magistrate. Florence was the second youngest of eleven children, but the only one not to live into the twentieth century. She was buried on 8 September 1849 in Nunhead Cemetery. Samuel later moved his family across the Rye from 19 Rye Common to Beaufort House, 125 Peckham Rye. His grandson by the same name became a well-known cricketer.7 Joseph Cormack: baptised 22 Jul 1849 by N G Charrington
(Parents: Joseph and Ann Cormack. Lordship Lane, Gardener)
Joseph junior survived to adulthood. However, in April 1881 he was in HMP Clerkenwell, London serving “1 months Hard Labour for offence of Cheating”. He became a signwriter, married Mary Jane Miller in 1884, and they had two children. Joseph died in 1900 in Marylebone.
8 Mary Smith: baptised 21 Sep 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: Thomas and Harriet. Peckham Rye, Tanner)
Thomas Smith (1817-1893) was a successful leather dresser in Bermondsey. He then invested in property, studied for the church and in 1858 became Perpetual Curate of St John’s, Harborne, Birmingham. He was “the chief contributor” to that church’s restoration and built and resided in Lordswood House. Mary, born 6 August 1849, was one of ten children. She never married and died in 1896 in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
The second page of the register contains the first link to the “new” St John’s church, built on the current site in 1865.
9 William Henry Creed: baptised 11 Nov 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: George and Ann Creed. Peckham Rye, Coachman)
Father William was an Omnibus Proprietor; they lived near Rye House PH. Samuel died the following year aged seven months and was buried 16 June 1850 at St Giles.
10 Robina Gibson: baptised 30 Dec 1849 by J R Oldham
(Parents: Joseph and Sarah Gibson. Peckham Rye, Ostler)
Robina went on to marry William Wise, another horsekeeper. She died in 1931 in Stockwell, Lambeth.
11 Alfred Scott: baptised 6 Feb 1850 by J R Oldham
(Parents: John and Amelia. Rye Common, Shawl merchant)
John Scott (1811-1899) was President and Treasurer of the Building Committee for the new church. Many meetings took place at his home on Goose Green, Norland House, directly opposite the new church site.
Alfred went to Oxford University and was Vicar of St Mary, Paddington, 1884-1900. He married Annie Linton in 1885 and died in Carlisle, Cumberland, 1933.
Nearly half of the first eleven babies baptised in the chapel died as infants: neither wealth or status were an escape from the tragic incidence of child mortality in early Victorian times.
Who's who
Vicar Revd Gill O’Neill (on leave to late Summer)
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 Maxine Plunkett, 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 Claire Nylander
Stewardship Martin Howell
Director of Music John Webber
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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