Setpember 2024
Welcome to the September 2024 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.
Click Subscribe to be added to our mailing list and you'll be notified when our next edition is available. The Gander is normally published quarterly and the next issue will be in summer 2024.
From the Vicar...
Revd Gill O'Neill
Revd Gill O'Neill
You are the light of the world (Matthew 5)
The season turns once again, pupils return to their schools, students go off to university, and the leaves on the trees start to take on autumn hues. We’ve seen some beautifully colourful skies, I didn’t manage to see the Northern Lights visible over much of Britain in recent weeks, but I’ve enjoyed some crisp Autumn mornings.
St John’s East Dulwich continues to be a place of light and joy. Our Christian Aid Café back in the summer raised a generous donation, and we were pleased to be visited by Pete, a member of the charity’s team. We are so thrilled to have a small but growing number of dedicated young people in our church, some of whom met for pizza at the start of term, and some are being prepared for Confirmation.
One of our young people, Ellen Roxby writes beautifully here about her experience as a Choral Scholar at Oxford, and how her involvement in St John’s Choir gave her the perfect preparation for this role. Well done to John Webber and the choir! John also shares with us an account of the choir’s trip to Derby, you’ll see from the photographs that a fun time was had by all. Do contact John if joining the choir appeals to you.
I’m pleased to report that the photographs here of our Goose Green Centre have been superseded by our newly refurbished toilets and door. We have a little last-minute snagging to be sorted out, and soon it will all be completed. Huge thanks must go to everybody involved in this transformational project.
Gemma Lau writes about an inspiring conference of Global Majority Heritage clergy and ordinands, and encourages us all to join in with the Unconscious Bias and Allyship workshop to be held here in November. Dorothy continues to share health-related news, including a new service for people living with sickle cell disease. Revd Rosemary recently marked 30 years since her ordination, and it is lovely to hear more about that journey in our profile interview, conducted in August. Rosemary is recovering well after recent illness, and is grateful for the love and care of friends here.
Do take time to read about the light and joy evident in our wonderful community, and thank you for the abundant life we share.
Gill
Organ Recitals:
On 13 July St John's hosted a recital with three organists: Sarah Best, Mark Baker and Callum Orr.
You can read an article about the recital, which includes a list of the music played, on the website of the Southwark andSouth London Society of Organists here.
On 21 September we welcomed Terence Atkins, Organist Emeritus at Chipping Barnet Parish Church, who played a programme including works by Bach, Wesley, Vierne, Andriessen, William Lloyd Webber and Merkel. The last piece was a duet with John Webber.
Coffee Morning: Coffee Morning has continued to be busy over the summer. It's a lively gathering with a mix of regular visitors and newcomers. Some visitors have been enjoying playing Dominoes and simple card games, also Snakes and Ladders is popular! We have enjoyed various other activities over the summer. Our singing group "The Singing Geese" had a most enjoyable session in June. Carry Hornby hosted another wonderful Chinese Calligraphy session in August; catering for both novices and those who have attended before. We have had two very interesting talks. In July Kay Beaumont spoke about restorative justice, which included inspiring stories of what can be achieved by this process. More recently, in September, Rachel Blackmore talked about the themes of Baroque Rome, art, religion and gender-based violence which feature in her debut novel "Costanza" (see photos).
On 13 July St John's hosted a recital with three organists: Sarah Best, Mark Baker and Callum Orr.You can read an article about the recital, which includes a list of the music played, on the website of the Southwark andSouth London Society of Organists here.
On 21 September we welcomed Terence Atkins, Organist Emeritus at Chipping Barnet Parish Church, who played a programme including works by Bach, Wesley, Vierne, Andriessen, William Lloyd Webber and Merkel. The last piece was a duet with John Webber.Coffee Morning: Coffee Morning has continued to be busy over the summer. It's a lively gathering with a mix of regular visitors and newcomers. Some visitors have been enjoying playing Dominoes and simple card games, also Snakes and Ladders is popular! We have enjoyed various other activities over the summer. Our singing group "The Singing Geese" had a most enjoyable session in June. Carry Hornby hosted another wonderful Chinese Calligraphy session in August; catering for both novices and those who have attended before. We have had two very interesting talks. In July Kay Beaumont spoke about restorative justice, which included inspiring stories of what can be achieved by this process. More recently, in September, Rachel Blackmore talked about the themes of Baroque Rome, art, religion and gender-based violence which feature in her debut novel "Costanza" (see photos). The Strong and Steady Exercise Classes have good attendance, there are still some spaces available. If you are interested in exercise aimed at older people who would like to improve their balance and reduce their risk of falls do get in touch with Sue O'Neill on 07961 580920 or goosegreencoffeemorning@gmail.com.
Everyone is welcome to drop in to Goose Green Coffee Morning. There is always someone to talk to and it's nice to meet others from the area. If you would like to know more or even might be interested in helping at Coffee Morning, please get in touch with Sue O'Neill on 07961 580920 or goosegreencoffeemorning@gmail.com.
Notable dates
All Saints: A Little Jazz Mass, Sunday 3 November, 10am
All Souls: a service to remember our loved ones, Sunday 3 November, 6pm
Remembrance Sunday, with Act of Remembrance: Sunday 10 November, 10am
Choral Evensong: a beautiful service of music and prayer, Sunday 24 November, 6pm
Saturday 30 November: Unconscious Bias and Allyship Workshop led by Laura Williams and Joy Taylor (pictured). The aim in this workshop is to enable open and honest conversations about race and what it means to be anti-racist, as opposed to non-racist. We try to create a friendly, safe and respectful space which acknowledges that we are each at different stages in that journey. We will draw on the idea of Allyship to explore ways in which we can all can share responsibility for having better conversations about race and racism. Refreshments and light lunch will be provided.
Carols by the Green: a free, event for our community, Saturday 7 December, 11am-1pm
Carol Service: candlelit service, with refreshments, Sunday 15 December, 6pm
Christingle: a service for all the family, Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24 December, 3pm and 4.30pm
Midnight Mass: a candlelit celebration, Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24 December, 11pm
Christmas Day: Sung Eucharist, Christmas Day, Wednesday 25 December, 10am
2025 Organ/piano recitals: 10 May, 14 June, 19 July, 20 September (all starting at 11am and followed by tea/coffee)
All Saints: A Little Jazz Mass, Sunday 3 November, 10am
All Souls: a service to remember our loved ones, Sunday 3 November, 6pm
Remembrance Sunday, with Act of Remembrance: Sunday 10 November, 10am
Choral Evensong: a beautiful service of music and prayer, Sunday 24 November, 6pm
Saturday 30 November: Unconscious Bias and Allyship Workshop led by Laura Williams and Joy Taylor (pictured). The aim in this workshop is to enable open and honest conversations about race and what it means to be anti-racist, as opposed to non-racist. We try to create a friendly, safe and respectful space which acknowledges that we are each at different stages in that journey. We will draw on the idea of Allyship to explore ways in which we can all can share responsibility for having better conversations about race and racism. Refreshments and light lunch will be provided.Carols by the Green: a free, event for our community, Saturday 7 December, 11am-1pm
Carol Service: candlelit service, with refreshments, Sunday 15 December, 6pm
Christingle: a service for all the family, Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24 December, 3pm and 4.30pm
Midnight Mass: a candlelit celebration, Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24 December, 11pm
Christmas Day: Sung Eucharist, Christmas Day, Wednesday 25 December, 10am
2025 Organ/piano recitals: 10 May, 14 June, 19 July, 20 September (all starting at 11am and followed by tea/coffee)
The Christian Aid Cafe on 19 May was a thoroughly enjoyable event and well attended. We had a great team of volunteers who made the event a success. The cake stall was very popular with lots of fantastic cakes on sale and our bar offered an array of drinks including Pimms and some Prosecco cocktails. There was also a simple craft activity for children and a stall selling homemade preserves and handicraft items. Added to which, the sunny weather made for a very pleasant afternoon!
We were also joined by Pete Moorey (pictured with Revd Gill and Denise Fulgoni). Pete is Head of Fundraising and Engagement: Community and Churches at Christian Aid and was doing a sponsored run around local churches.
The total amount raised from the Cafe, private donations and the church collection this year was £1,610.38. Thank you very much to everyone who donated!
We were also joined by Pete Moorey (pictured with Revd Gill and Denise Fulgoni). Pete is Head of Fundraising and Engagement: Community and Churches at Christian Aid and was doing a sponsored run around local churches.
The total amount raised from the Cafe, private donations and the church collection this year was £1,610.38. Thank you very much to everyone who donated!
Pizza Friday
By Revd Gill O'Neill and Revd Gemma Lau
It was a joy to welcome some of our wonderful young people to church on Friday 6 September for a time of pizza making and games to mark the beginning of the new academic year. Thank you to Julie and Josh for supporting our evening and we very much look forward to our next event soon – watch this space!
And to all our young people at St John’s – you are a joyful and important part the life of St John’s, thank you for being a part of us and thank you for being a part of our music, singing, ministry and sacramental life of the church. We are so glad you are here!
By Revd Gill O'Neill and Revd Gemma Lau
It was a joy to welcome some of our wonderful young people to church on Friday 6 September for a time of pizza making and games to mark the beginning of the new academic year. Thank you to Julie and Josh for supporting our evening and we very much look forward to our next event soon – watch this space!
And to all our young people at St John’s – you are a joyful and important part the life of St John’s, thank you for being a part of us and thank you for being a part of our music, singing, ministry and sacramental life of the church. We are so glad you are here!
Global Majority Heritage celebration
By Revd Gemma Lau
Can we imagine a world in which the dominant narrative does not seek to blame the problems and difficulties we face on a particular group or section of society? And can we imagine the church being the voice that is the catalyst for such change? These were the question Archbishop Justin Welby posed speaking to us, a gathering of over 150 Global Majority Heritage and UK Minority Ethnic clergy and ordinands at a recent event held in London entitled ‘From Lament to Action: Seeking Justice and Joy, Celebrating Calling and Courage’ on Wednesday 4 September 2024. The event, which took place at Lambeth Palace, St Margaret’s Westminster and Church House, was held in response to the report Commissioned by the Archbishops, ‘From Lament to Action’, which recommended that each Archbishop host annual provincial events for UKME/GMH clergy and ordinands for the purposes of support, networking and discussion.
The day included talks by The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani the Bishop of Chelmsford who spoke to us about Persian and Farsi Christianity; the Rt Revd Dr Rosemary Mallett who spoke about African Chattel Enslavement, and the Rt Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah who spoke on Ministry to Dalits. Their very personal and moving reflections invited us, the attendees, to share with each other our experiences and perspectives on racial justice and inclusivity within the Church.
During the day, we also visited St Margaret’s Church, Westminster, where Archbishop Justin Welby presided and Bishop Lusa, Bishop of Willesden preached at a Eucharist.
Here, as in Church House, our singing was led by the Soul Sanctuary Choir. It was wonderful to see such an ethnically and culturally diverse group of people at the altar and in the congregation worshipping together.
Our day concluded with a talk by Archbishop Justin and then a buffet dinner at Lambeth Palace. I was struck by the honesty in the Archbishop reflections when he said that despite all the rhetoric about racial justice in this country and in the church, we are still very far from where we should be. The race riots in the summer were a clear reminder of this.
He spoke of us, as a nation, and as a church of being in a time of great crisis and difficulty. It was imperative that we be open and honest about its failures whilst, at the same time, remembering what we are called to be as disciples of Christ. He emphasised that racial justice was a part of the wider imperative that Jesus calls us to - to love our God with all our heart and to love our neighbour as ourselves. He said that the simple fact is that we continue, as a church and as a nation, to persecute those who are different to us, acting as a “pre-Damascene Paul”.
At St John’s we will be running an Allyship and Unconscious bias training workshop on 30 November. This is a very good opportunity to explore, in a friendly and respectful space, what it means to be anti-racist. More importantly, it also helps us to understand that we all, in some way or another, hold unconscious biases. Knowing this, and attending to these biases, is sometimes a difficult, but vital, step we can take towards changing the way we respond or react to any given challenge. The workshop draws on ideas of 'allyship' to explore how we can all can share responsibility for having better conversations about race and racism.
It will be very ably led by experienced facilitators, Joy Taylor and Laura Williams, and promises to be enjoyable as well as encouraging. People who have attended in the past have given extremely positive feedback. Please let me know if you have any questions about it and I would be pleased to talk to you!
The photos show Bishop Rosemary speaking to participants of the event at Church House; Soul Sanctuary Choir leading worship and singing Psalm 62 ‘ For God alone my soul waits in silence, He alone is my rock, I shall never be shaken’; some clergy of Chinese heritage (my friends from the Teahouse group) enjoying a photo opportunity in the beautiful St Margaret’s church; and Archbishop Justin celebrating Mass
By Revd Gemma Lau
Can we imagine a world in which the dominant narrative does not seek to blame the problems and difficulties we face on a particular group or section of society? And can we imagine the church being the voice that is the catalyst for such change? These were the question Archbishop Justin Welby posed speaking to us, a gathering of over 150 Global Majority Heritage and UK Minority Ethnic clergy and ordinands at a recent event held in London entitled ‘From Lament to Action: Seeking Justice and Joy, Celebrating Calling and Courage’ on Wednesday 4 September 2024. The event, which took place at Lambeth Palace, St Margaret’s Westminster and Church House, was held in response to the report Commissioned by the Archbishops, ‘From Lament to Action’, which recommended that each Archbishop host annual provincial events for UKME/GMH clergy and ordinands for the purposes of support, networking and discussion. The day included talks by The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani the Bishop of Chelmsford who spoke to us about Persian and Farsi Christianity; the Rt Revd Dr Rosemary Mallett who spoke about African Chattel Enslavement, and the Rt Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah who spoke on Ministry to Dalits. Their very personal and moving reflections invited us, the attendees, to share with each other our experiences and perspectives on racial justice and inclusivity within the Church.
During the day, we also visited St Margaret’s Church, Westminster, where Archbishop Justin Welby presided and Bishop Lusa, Bishop of Willesden preached at a Eucharist.
Here, as in Church House, our singing was led by the Soul Sanctuary Choir. It was wonderful to see such an ethnically and culturally diverse group of people at the altar and in the congregation worshipping together.Our day concluded with a talk by Archbishop Justin and then a buffet dinner at Lambeth Palace. I was struck by the honesty in the Archbishop reflections when he said that despite all the rhetoric about racial justice in this country and in the church, we are still very far from where we should be. The race riots in the summer were a clear reminder of this.
He spoke of us, as a nation, and as a church of being in a time of great crisis and difficulty. It was imperative that we be open and honest about its failures whilst, at the same time, remembering what we are called to be as disciples of Christ. He emphasised that racial justice was a part of the wider imperative that Jesus calls us to - to love our God with all our heart and to love our neighbour as ourselves. He said that the simple fact is that we continue, as a church and as a nation, to persecute those who are different to us, acting as a “pre-Damascene Paul”.At St John’s we will be running an Allyship and Unconscious bias training workshop on 30 November. This is a very good opportunity to explore, in a friendly and respectful space, what it means to be anti-racist. More importantly, it also helps us to understand that we all, in some way or another, hold unconscious biases. Knowing this, and attending to these biases, is sometimes a difficult, but vital, step we can take towards changing the way we respond or react to any given challenge. The workshop draws on ideas of 'allyship' to explore how we can all can share responsibility for having better conversations about race and racism.
It will be very ably led by experienced facilitators, Joy Taylor and Laura Williams, and promises to be enjoyable as well as encouraging. People who have attended in the past have given extremely positive feedback. Please let me know if you have any questions about it and I would be pleased to talk to you!The photos show Bishop Rosemary speaking to participants of the event at Church House; Soul Sanctuary Choir leading worship and singing Psalm 62 ‘ For God alone my soul waits in silence, He alone is my rock, I shall never be shaken’; some clergy of Chinese heritage (my friends from the Teahouse group) enjoying a photo opportunity in the beautiful St Margaret’s church; and Archbishop Justin celebrating Mass
Interview: Revd Rosemary Shaw
We recently marked the 30th anniversary of the first women priests being ordained in the Church of England. What are your memories of that time? Sadly after years of waiting for the vote to go through, we were told not to be too rejoicing as we might upset those opposed to the ordination of women!
I remember Revd Barry Naylor, vicar of St John’s at the time of my ordination, saying at my first Mass that he felt he was in a more equal church and this is important to me. Both ordained and lay ministry needs to be representative of all peoples regarding sexuality, age, ethnicity as well as ability and disability
What was your own personal journey to the priesthood?
Being ordained in the Anglican Church is a continuation of the full-time ministry I had as a Salvation Army officer in which I made a covenant for life-long service. This was confirmed by the fact that I was ordained as a priest on the same date as I had originally been commissioned as a SA officer. That movement continues to be a big influence on me and a past archdeacon described me as an Anglican Salvationist.
Many people helped me in the process toward ordination but I must pay tribute to Winifred Jelly who after retiring as a midwife became a reader at St John’s. She spent hours babysitting for me as my son was four when I started ordination training I can see him in now in his pyjamas cuddled up on the settee with ‘Aunty Winifred’ (and he never played her up!)
What different roles have you held since being ordained?
As a deacon which at the time had no guarantee that priesting would ever be accepted in the Church of England, I went as curate to St Christopher’s Walworth with the wonderful Geoff Annas. My first memory of him was of him cleaning the church windows.
He taught me a lot about hands-on ministry and I was delighted when he was made a bishop. Then there was a curacy vacancy at StJohn’s and against all the rules I was asked to come back here as a stipendiary curate.
I knew though that I was called to hospital chaplaincy and Barry Naylor allowed me to explore this .I went to South London and Maudsley Trust, working mainly on the neurosurgery and neurological wards They moved to Kings College Hospital and I moved with them as my curacy was ending but I remained as an non-stipendiary minister at St John’s.
I have also worked at Guys and StThomas’ as the deputy lead chaplain where I did a lot of training and supervision. Later I returned to Kings.
For three years I also worked at the Copleston Centre with Edward(Paul) Collier who I had worked with when he was a curate at StJohn’s. I combined this with chaplaincy. Since retirement I have had permission to officiate (PTO) at StJohn’s but much of my time is spent as a spiritual director and supervision co Ordinator for Spiritual Direction in and around South London (SPIDIR) and am also on the directory of the London Centre for Spiritual Directors.
What is your favourite thing about being a priest in the Church of England?
I enjoy preaching and celebrating the Eucharist is a real privilege. But above all I like the pastoral side of ministry and it brings together my previous training as a social worker and chaplain.
What advice would you give to anyone who is interested in ordination?
Pray and listen to what the Spirit is saying. And listen to what others are saying:-sometimes off the cuff comments ratify your calling.
Get a spiritual director who you can speak to in complete confidence and someone you do not interact with at other times. Remember your sense of calling very much involves partner, children etc and there are some times in our life where stepping out in a new direction is more possible but it is never easy.
Ordination is not a career move ,it is not about one’s own ego and it is challenging, often bruising but there is joy in knowing you are doing what God wants. Remember God calls us as we are!
You’ve had a very long connection with St John’s. What does this church mean to you and why is it important?
It has always been important to me to be part of a worshipping community and I love the liturgy and the way our senses are used in the Liberal Catholic tradition.
I first came here toward the end of the ministry of Martin Coombes who had done much to make the church more lay-led and community-minded. It did not always make him popular but he remained true to the vision he had. Each vicar since has brought their own gifts but no-one can please or meet the needs of everyone!
We are very fortunate at present to have two wardens and three deputies and other main jobs filled but they need the support of us all. These are challenging times and few of us have a lot of spare time but we all need to give as well as take from the church so that together we can grow as Christians and seek to be a blessing in this needy world.
What other interests/hobbies/roles do you have outside of St John’s? Is there anything that would surprise people?
I love reading a wide selection of books and I enjoy the cinema and theatre but it is so expensive. I like the history of art and enjoy acting. I am a companion of the Nazareth Community based at St Martin-in-the-Fields which is about contemplative prayer and service.
I have always enjoyed study and during my ministry I have taken three Masters degrees, I have done some counselling training, pastoral supervision qualification and spiritual direction training .Whilst at Copleston I was a trustee of the Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers(still an interest) and until the Elms management changed I was a trustee there.
People are often surprised by my Salvation Army background but it’s been a big influence on me and encompasses a wide variety of beliefs. I have met some very committed people in it who have had a big influence and it was from a gentle invitation to a carol service by a teacher who was a lay member of the SA that my life was completely changed as a teenager.
I trained for two years at the college on Denmark Hill and then went as an Officer to a Community Centre in Basildon and then was sent back to the college to teach Biblical studies and doctrine having taught in East London.
Before entering SA training it was my need for the Eucharist that eventually brought me to the CofE but that is another story!
What do you like most about living in south London?
We are so fortunate to have such lovely green spaces and good bus links plus quite a good choice of schools. I like that it is an area with very different types of people from so many backgrounds and that enriches life. I grew up in Camberwell so am very much a South Londoner.
An update on the Goose Green Centre works
The work to improve the Goose Green Centre toilets and front entrance started on 23 July. When it is finished, the Centre will have four new self-enclosed toilet cubicles including one that is fully accessible to wheelchair users and one that is suitable for anyone who needs a bit more space, including those with carers. It will also have a new shower, baby changing facility, cleaners cupboard and space for a washing machine and tumble dryer.
The new front entrance will be wider enabling anyone in a wheelchair or with a buggy to enter and leave the building without assistance.
This is a major project which has involved several years of planning. The existing toilet facilities were installed when the Goose Green Center was built in 1996 and are no longer fit for purpose. They did not meet current access and hygiene standards and required frequent maintenance.
The early stages of the work, which took place during July and August, involved the removal and demolition of the old facilities, drainage and electrical works and the construction of new walls. We are liaising regularly with the builders and architect to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum and the work is delivered to the standard agreed.
The work has been mostly funded by grants from the Valencia Communities Fund and the City Bridge Foundation. We are also grateful for many individual donations and for those who took part in the fund-raising Ceilidh and quizzes. The PCC has made a commitment to fund part of the work from the church reserves.
As part of this project, we have also installed a brand new toilet and baby-changing facility in the Goose Green Centre hall and updated the toilet in the vestry. This work was supported by a grant from the Diocese of Southwark.
We will provide a final report in the next issue of The Gander and also hope to hold an event to mark the completion!
The photos below show some of the work in progress at different stages.
The work to improve the Goose Green Centre toilets and front entrance started on 23 July. When it is finished, the Centre will have four new self-enclosed toilet cubicles including one that is fully accessible to wheelchair users and one that is suitable for anyone who needs a bit more space, including those with carers. It will also have a new shower, baby changing facility, cleaners cupboard and space for a washing machine and tumble dryer.
The new front entrance will be wider enabling anyone in a wheelchair or with a buggy to enter and leave the building without assistance.
This is a major project which has involved several years of planning. The existing toilet facilities were installed when the Goose Green Center was built in 1996 and are no longer fit for purpose. They did not meet current access and hygiene standards and required frequent maintenance.
The early stages of the work, which took place during July and August, involved the removal and demolition of the old facilities, drainage and electrical works and the construction of new walls. We are liaising regularly with the builders and architect to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum and the work is delivered to the standard agreed.
The work has been mostly funded by grants from the Valencia Communities Fund and the City Bridge Foundation. We are also grateful for many individual donations and for those who took part in the fund-raising Ceilidh and quizzes. The PCC has made a commitment to fund part of the work from the church reserves.
As part of this project, we have also installed a brand new toilet and baby-changing facility in the Goose Green Centre hall and updated the toilet in the vestry. This work was supported by a grant from the Diocese of Southwark.
We will provide a final report in the next issue of The Gander and also hope to hold an event to mark the completion!
The photos below show some of the work in progress at different stages.
A year in the life of a choral scholar
By Ellen Roxby
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Ellen, I started singing in the choir at St John’s at 8 years old, and I’m now about to start my second year studying for a degree in Theology and Religion on a choral scholarship at Keble College, University of Oxford.
A choral scholar is an undergraduate student at Oxford or Cambridge who receives financial benefits and extra musical opportunities and support from their college in return for a place in the chapel choir there. At Keble, all undergraduate members of the choir are choral scholars, meaning there are roughly 20 of us at any given time. The crux of our role is to sing the services in the college chapel – for me that’s 3 per week: Evensong on a Tuesday, Compline on a Thursday, and Eucharist on a Sunday.
All of these services have rehearsals beforehand, and the music often requires additional preparation outside of rehearsals, meaning that in a normally my commitment to the choir is roughly 8 hours per week. The music is chosen, rehearsals run, and services conducted by our professional Director of Music, Christian Wilson. In addition to these services, we often sing at extra concerts or events, both in and out of term time, and make recordings. We also go on tour – I was lucky enough to go to Umbria, Italy this summer, and in 2025 the plan is to tour Hong Kong and Singapore, and New York.
Clearly, 8 or more hours a week is a lot of time on top of the academic workload at Oxford, but I have actually found it to be a very manageable commitment. The consistency of 3 services per week makes it easy to plan life and work around choir, provided you’re organized, and we always get lots of warning for additional commitments. This means it’s very possible to have other hobbies - for example this year I have sung with other university wide groups in Oxford, as well as playing netball for my college team, and have loved the variety this has given me.
I have loved choral singing for a long time: I joined the St John’s choir just before I turned 8, and the ongoing experience of that, especially as my responsibility grew within the choir as I got older, combined with the singing opportunities I was getting at school, convinced me that it was something I wanted to pursue at university. I was excited by the idea of joining a Oxford chapel choir, as I knew what a leap it would be in terms of quality and the expectation of musicianship, and I wanted to push myself further and improve as a singer.
There were a few steps to applying for the scholarship. I had to complete an online application form in August before my final year of school, and then that September I was invited to audition. I went to the Music Faculty in Oxford, and sang one accompanied classical piece of my choice, and one unaccompanied folksong from a list, both of which I had prepared, followed by some sightreading and aural tests. I then found out towards the end of September by email that I had been offered a scholarship at Keble. Following this, I completed my academic application to Oxford, applying to study Theology and Religion at the college specified by my scholarship. This is an entirely separate process to the choral applications, and if you do not receive or meet your academic offer, your choral offer becomes void. In January I was told that I had an academic offer from Keble to read Theology, and this, along with my choral scholarship, was confirmed on A Level results day in August.
I have enjoyed so much about my first year in the role. The tour was a highlight, as are the friendships I have formed; some of my closest friends at university are from singing at Keble. There have also been some memorable performances that I’m proud to have been part of: our semi-staged production of Handel’s Acis and Galatea at the Keble Early Music Festival in February, and our performance of William Walton’s anthem The Twelve at an evensong in May. Christmas too (or ‘Oxmas’ – it’s in November to align with term dates) is a busy but exciting time. However, my favorite thing about my first year has been the way I have developed as a musician, as a result of being around brilliant musicians, and the amount of new music I have learnt and sung in such a short space of time. We rarely repeat repertoire, meaning I am constantly discovering more and improving.
Being in the St John’s choir was invaluable experience in my application process and first year in this role. Firstly, the experience of years of singing in a choir, of working as a team musically, balancing your voice with others, and following the direction of a conductor, was such a help. In addition, the knowledge of the musical format of services was a great comfort when I felt out of depth early: maybe I was struggling, but at least I didn’t have to worry about psalm pointing or what a canticle is! Finally, the solo opportunities that I feel so lucky to have had at St John’s made a huge difference to my confidence and performance skills, which set me up well for the audition processes and other challenges I faced this year.
Exactly what the next musical step will be for me after university I’m not sure yet, I think its too early to say, but I can definitely say that I will keep singing in choirs for a long time, using the skill set and love for it that Keble is nurturing in me, which began at St John’s.
The photos show (top-to-bottom): (1) the choir performing as part of the Oxford international song festival in the Natural History Museum; (2) the choir singing Christmas carols outside the college hall as people go in for Christmas dinner; (3) a photo from the social side of choir - every year there is an inter-college football tournament between all the choirs, this was us this year at it; and (4) a silly selfie from the roof of Keble chapel - we sing from there every ascension day, an Oxford tradition.
By Ellen Roxby
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Ellen, I started singing in the choir at St John’s at 8 years old, and I’m now about to start my second year studying for a degree in Theology and Religion on a choral scholarship at Keble College, University of Oxford.A choral scholar is an undergraduate student at Oxford or Cambridge who receives financial benefits and extra musical opportunities and support from their college in return for a place in the chapel choir there. At Keble, all undergraduate members of the choir are choral scholars, meaning there are roughly 20 of us at any given time. The crux of our role is to sing the services in the college chapel – for me that’s 3 per week: Evensong on a Tuesday, Compline on a Thursday, and Eucharist on a Sunday.
All of these services have rehearsals beforehand, and the music often requires additional preparation outside of rehearsals, meaning that in a normally my commitment to the choir is roughly 8 hours per week. The music is chosen, rehearsals run, and services conducted by our professional Director of Music, Christian Wilson. In addition to these services, we often sing at extra concerts or events, both in and out of term time, and make recordings. We also go on tour – I was lucky enough to go to Umbria, Italy this summer, and in 2025 the plan is to tour Hong Kong and Singapore, and New York.
Clearly, 8 or more hours a week is a lot of time on top of the academic workload at Oxford, but I have actually found it to be a very manageable commitment. The consistency of 3 services per week makes it easy to plan life and work around choir, provided you’re organized, and we always get lots of warning for additional commitments. This means it’s very possible to have other hobbies - for example this year I have sung with other university wide groups in Oxford, as well as playing netball for my college team, and have loved the variety this has given me.I have loved choral singing for a long time: I joined the St John’s choir just before I turned 8, and the ongoing experience of that, especially as my responsibility grew within the choir as I got older, combined with the singing opportunities I was getting at school, convinced me that it was something I wanted to pursue at university. I was excited by the idea of joining a Oxford chapel choir, as I knew what a leap it would be in terms of quality and the expectation of musicianship, and I wanted to push myself further and improve as a singer.
There were a few steps to applying for the scholarship. I had to complete an online application form in August before my final year of school, and then that September I was invited to audition. I went to the Music Faculty in Oxford, and sang one accompanied classical piece of my choice, and one unaccompanied folksong from a list, both of which I had prepared, followed by some sightreading and aural tests. I then found out towards the end of September by email that I had been offered a scholarship at Keble. Following this, I completed my academic application to Oxford, applying to study Theology and Religion at the college specified by my scholarship. This is an entirely separate process to the choral applications, and if you do not receive or meet your academic offer, your choral offer becomes void. In January I was told that I had an academic offer from Keble to read Theology, and this, along with my choral scholarship, was confirmed on A Level results day in August.
I have enjoyed so much about my first year in the role. The tour was a highlight, as are the friendships I have formed; some of my closest friends at university are from singing at Keble. There have also been some memorable performances that I’m proud to have been part of: our semi-staged production of Handel’s Acis and Galatea at the Keble Early Music Festival in February, and our performance of William Walton’s anthem The Twelve at an evensong in May. Christmas too (or ‘Oxmas’ – it’s in November to align with term dates) is a busy but exciting time. However, my favorite thing about my first year has been the way I have developed as a musician, as a result of being around brilliant musicians, and the amount of new music I have learnt and sung in such a short space of time. We rarely repeat repertoire, meaning I am constantly discovering more and improving.Being in the St John’s choir was invaluable experience in my application process and first year in this role. Firstly, the experience of years of singing in a choir, of working as a team musically, balancing your voice with others, and following the direction of a conductor, was such a help. In addition, the knowledge of the musical format of services was a great comfort when I felt out of depth early: maybe I was struggling, but at least I didn’t have to worry about psalm pointing or what a canticle is! Finally, the solo opportunities that I feel so lucky to have had at St John’s made a huge difference to my confidence and performance skills, which set me up well for the audition processes and other challenges I faced this year.Exactly what the next musical step will be for me after university I’m not sure yet, I think its too early to say, but I can definitely say that I will keep singing in choirs for a long time, using the skill set and love for it that Keble is nurturing in me, which began at St John’s.
The photos show (top-to-bottom): (1) the choir performing as part of the Oxford international song festival in the Natural History Museum; (2) the choir singing Christmas carols outside the college hall as people go in for Christmas dinner; (3) a photo from the social side of choir - every year there is an inter-college football tournament between all the choirs, this was us this year at it; and (4) a silly selfie from the roof of Keble chapel - we sing from there every ascension day, an Oxford tradition.
Music for October, November and December
October 6 – Harvest Festival Mass
Processional: 259 Come, ye thankful people, come
Psalm: 126 Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy
Gradual: 262 We plough the fields, and scatter
Offertory: 263 All creatures of our God and King
Communion: Anthem – “Thou visitest the earth,” by Maurice Greene; no.283 Fill your hearts with joy and gladness
Recessional: 285 For the beauty of the earth
Mass setting: Nashdom Mass, by Anthony Greening (until November 22nd; but special setting on November and movements from John Ireland in C on October 13th. & November 24th.)
Voluntary: Trumpet Tune from “Te Deum” – M A Charpentier
October 13 – Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 339 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Psalm: 90 Satisfy us by your loving kindness
Gradual: Alleluia at Taize chant 13 – Gospel Acclamation: “May the gracious favour of the Lord be upon us; prosper the work of our hands.”
Offertory: HON 30 And can it be that I should gain?
Communion: Anthem – “O ye that love the Lord,” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor*; Amazing Grace
Recessional: 420 O Jesus, I have promised
Agnus Dei: John Ireland in C major
Voluntary: Andante (from Six Easy Voluntaries, 2nd set) – Kate Loder
October 20 – Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 457 The King of love my Shepherd is
Psalm: 91 You are my refuge and my stronghold O Lord
Gospel Acclamation: plainsong Alleluia - “The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the message might be proclaimed.”
Offertory: 294 Just as I am, without one plea
Communion: Anthem – “Ave verum corpus,” by W A Mozart (NCAB pg.48); HON 500 There is a redeemer
Recessional: 433 O worship the King all glorious above
Voluntary: March from the “Occasional Oratorio” – G F Handel
October 27 – Dedication Festival
Processional: 443 Rejoice, the Lord is King
Psalm: 122 no response; Anglican chant in E flat by John Robinson
Gradual: 206 Christ is our cornerstone
Offertory: 485 Thy hand, O God, has guided
Communion: Anthem: “Pray that Jerusalem may have,” by C V Stanford; 208 In our day of thanksgiving
Recessional: 137 Come down, O Love divine
Voluntary: Paean – Herbert Howells
November 3 – All Saints’ Day
Introit: plainsong proper 731
Processional: 197 For all the saints who from their labours rest
Gradual: 376 I heard the voice of Jesus say
Offertory: 486 We have a gospel to proclaim
Communion: plainsong proper 731; Agnus Dei during Communion
Recessional: 478 Ye watchers and ye holy ones
Setting: Little Jazz Mass, by Bob Chilcott
Voluntary: March in F major – John Henry Wallis
November 3 – All Souls (Commemoration of the Departed)
295 Let all mortal flesh keep silence
353 Dear Lord and Father of mankind
120 Thine be the glory
526 Contakion (Choir item)
Psalm: 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want
Nunc Dimittis: Geoffrey
Plainsong introit 733
Agnus Dei: from setting by Basil Harwood in A flat
Anthem: “Jesu, joy of man’s desiring” (from Cantata No. 147) – J S Bach
Voluntary: Chorale prelude – “Ich ruf’ zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ” (BWV 639) - J S Bach
October 6 – Harvest Festival Mass
Processional: 259 Come, ye thankful people, come
Psalm: 126 Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy
Gradual: 262 We plough the fields, and scatter
Offertory: 263 All creatures of our God and King
Communion: Anthem – “Thou visitest the earth,” by Maurice Greene; no.283 Fill your hearts with joy and gladness
Recessional: 285 For the beauty of the earth
Mass setting: Nashdom Mass, by Anthony Greening (until November 22nd; but special setting on November and movements from John Ireland in C on October 13th. & November 24th.)
Voluntary: Trumpet Tune from “Te Deum” – M A Charpentier
October 13 – Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 339 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Psalm: 90 Satisfy us by your loving kindness
Gradual: Alleluia at Taize chant 13 – Gospel Acclamation: “May the gracious favour of the Lord be upon us; prosper the work of our hands.”
Offertory: HON 30 And can it be that I should gain?
Communion: Anthem – “O ye that love the Lord,” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor*; Amazing Grace
Recessional: 420 O Jesus, I have promised
Agnus Dei: John Ireland in C major
Voluntary: Andante (from Six Easy Voluntaries, 2nd set) – Kate Loder
October 20 – Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 457 The King of love my Shepherd is
Psalm: 91 You are my refuge and my stronghold O Lord
Gospel Acclamation: plainsong Alleluia - “The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the message might be proclaimed.”
Offertory: 294 Just as I am, without one plea
Communion: Anthem – “Ave verum corpus,” by W A Mozart (NCAB pg.48); HON 500 There is a redeemer
Recessional: 433 O worship the King all glorious above
Voluntary: March from the “Occasional Oratorio” – G F Handel
October 27 – Dedication Festival
Processional: 443 Rejoice, the Lord is King
Psalm: 122 no response; Anglican chant in E flat by John Robinson
Gradual: 206 Christ is our cornerstone
Offertory: 485 Thy hand, O God, has guided
Communion: Anthem: “Pray that Jerusalem may have,” by C V Stanford; 208 In our day of thanksgiving
Recessional: 137 Come down, O Love divine
Voluntary: Paean – Herbert Howells
November 3 – All Saints’ Day
Introit: plainsong proper 731
Processional: 197 For all the saints who from their labours rest
Gradual: 376 I heard the voice of Jesus say
Offertory: 486 We have a gospel to proclaim
Communion: plainsong proper 731; Agnus Dei during Communion
Recessional: 478 Ye watchers and ye holy ones
Setting: Little Jazz Mass, by Bob Chilcott
Voluntary: March in F major – John Henry Wallis
November 3 – All Souls (Commemoration of the Departed)
295 Let all mortal flesh keep silence
353 Dear Lord and Father of mankind
120 Thine be the glory
526 Contakion (Choir item)
Psalm: 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want
Nunc Dimittis: Geoffrey
Plainsong introit 733
Agnus Dei: from setting by Basil Harwood in A flat
Anthem: “Jesu, joy of man’s desiring” (from Cantata No. 147) – J S Bach
Voluntary: Chorale prelude – “Ich ruf’ zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ” (BWV 639) - J S Bach
November 10 – Third Sunday before Advent (Remembrance Sunday)
Before: Adagio from Concerto in A minor (BWV 593) – Antonio Vivaldi, transcribed by J S Bach
Processional: 112 Jesus lives! Thy terrors now
Gospel Acclamation: plainsong Alleluia - “Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, that he may teach us his ways, and that we may walk in his paths.”
Offertory: 120 Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son
Agnus Dei
Communion: Anthem – “We will remember them,” by Edward Elgar
*331 Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
Walking outside: “Nimrod” (from “Enigma” Variations) – Edward Elgar
At the Calvary: reading of names in the Act of Remembrance, then “They shall grow old….We will remember them”; followed by the Last Post, then the two minutes’ silence; at the end of the silence the Reveille.
417 O God, our help in ages past
Silence is kept. The Last Post is sounded; The Silenc ; The Reveille
At the end: Solemn Melody – Henry Walford Davies (brass)
November 17 – Safeguarding Sunday; Second Sunday before Advent
Processional: 408 Love Divine, all loves excelling
Psalm: 16 My body shall rest in hope
Gradual: 376 I heard the voice of Jesus say
Offertory: A&M 666 I cannot tell why he whom angels worship
Communion: Anthem – “Never weather beaten sail,” by Thomas Campion; HON 53 Be still, for the presence of the Lord
Recessional: Longing for light (Christ, be our light)
Voluntary: “Sheep may safely graze” (from Cantata No.208) – J S Bach
November 24 – Christ the King
Processional: 381 Jerusalem the golden
Psalm: 93 The Lord has girded himself with strength
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia at Taize chant 13 – “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven!”
Offertory: Hail Redeemer, King divine!
Communion: Anthem – “O for a closer walk with God,” by C V Stanford; A&M 2013 598 Before the throne of God above
Recessional: 443 Rejoice, the Lord is King
Setting: Gloria from Nashdom Mass, by Anthony Greening and Sanctus, Benedictus & Agnus Dei from setting in C by John Ireland
Voluntary: Short Prelude in C major (BWV 553) – J S Bach
November 24 – Christ the King - Choral Evensong at 6.00p.m.
Introit: “Laudate Dominum” – (Jacques Berthier, Taize Community)
Responses: Richard Ayleward
Psalms: 72 (Anglican chant by Thomas Norris in A major)
Office hymn: 391 King of glory, King of peace
Canticles: C V Stanford in B flat major
Antiphon to the Magnificat: “God has given him dominion, glory and all sovereignty; that all peoples and nations shall serve him.”
Anthem: “O thou, the central orb,” by Charles Wood
Hymns: 296 Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour
Voluntary: Grand Choeur by Theodore Salomé
December 1 – First Sunday of Advent
Introit: Advent prose v.1
Processional: 9 Lo! he comes with clouds descending
Psalm: hymn 528 (Psalm 25; response: To you O Lord I lift up my soul)
Gradual: “A House of Praise” (Timothy Dudley-Smith) no.1 Awake, as in the skies above
Offertory: Hymns for All Seasons (James Quinn) no.152 O Child of Promise, come! (T.456, Sandys)
Communion: plainsong proper 657
Anthem – “People, look East” – Besanson carol melody, arr. Malcolm Archer (NOEAB 176); 499 Thy kingdom come, O God
Recessional: 7 Hills of the north, rejoice!
Angelus: sung (descant v.3)
Setting: Dean and Fry (Kyrie, Sanctus, Benedictus, Acclamations, Agnus Dei)
Voluntary: Prelude in A minor – J S Bach
December 8 – Second Sunday of Advent
Introit: Advent Prose v.2
Processional: 3 Come, thou long-expected Jesus
Canticle: Benedictus - Blessèd be the Lord who sets his people free
Gradual: 12 On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
Offertory: 465 Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
Communion: Anthem – “Sleepers, wake!” (from the oratorio “St. Paul”) – Felix Mendelssohn; HON 500 There is a redeemer
Recessional: 466 Thou whose almighty word
Angelus: sung
Voluntary: Herr Christ, der ein’ge Gottes-Sohn (BWV 601) – J S Bach
Before: Adagio from Concerto in A minor (BWV 593) – Antonio Vivaldi, transcribed by J S Bach
Processional: 112 Jesus lives! Thy terrors now
Gospel Acclamation: plainsong Alleluia - “Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, that he may teach us his ways, and that we may walk in his paths.”
Offertory: 120 Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son
Agnus Dei
Communion: Anthem – “We will remember them,” by Edward Elgar
*331 Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
Walking outside: “Nimrod” (from “Enigma” Variations) – Edward Elgar
At the Calvary: reading of names in the Act of Remembrance, then “They shall grow old….We will remember them”; followed by the Last Post, then the two minutes’ silence; at the end of the silence the Reveille.
417 O God, our help in ages past
Silence is kept. The Last Post is sounded; The Silenc ; The Reveille
At the end: Solemn Melody – Henry Walford Davies (brass)
November 17 – Safeguarding Sunday; Second Sunday before Advent
Processional: 408 Love Divine, all loves excelling
Psalm: 16 My body shall rest in hope
Gradual: 376 I heard the voice of Jesus say
Offertory: A&M 666 I cannot tell why he whom angels worship
Communion: Anthem – “Never weather beaten sail,” by Thomas Campion; HON 53 Be still, for the presence of the Lord
Recessional: Longing for light (Christ, be our light)
Voluntary: “Sheep may safely graze” (from Cantata No.208) – J S Bach
November 24 – Christ the King
Processional: 381 Jerusalem the golden
Psalm: 93 The Lord has girded himself with strength
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia at Taize chant 13 – “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven!”
Offertory: Hail Redeemer, King divine!
Communion: Anthem – “O for a closer walk with God,” by C V Stanford; A&M 2013 598 Before the throne of God above
Recessional: 443 Rejoice, the Lord is King
Setting: Gloria from Nashdom Mass, by Anthony Greening and Sanctus, Benedictus & Agnus Dei from setting in C by John Ireland
Voluntary: Short Prelude in C major (BWV 553) – J S Bach
November 24 – Christ the King - Choral Evensong at 6.00p.m.
Introit: “Laudate Dominum” – (Jacques Berthier, Taize Community)
Responses: Richard Ayleward
Psalms: 72 (Anglican chant by Thomas Norris in A major)
Office hymn: 391 King of glory, King of peace
Canticles: C V Stanford in B flat major
Antiphon to the Magnificat: “God has given him dominion, glory and all sovereignty; that all peoples and nations shall serve him.”
Anthem: “O thou, the central orb,” by Charles Wood
Hymns: 296 Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour
Voluntary: Grand Choeur by Theodore Salomé
December 1 – First Sunday of Advent
Introit: Advent prose v.1
Processional: 9 Lo! he comes with clouds descending
Psalm: hymn 528 (Psalm 25; response: To you O Lord I lift up my soul)
Gradual: “A House of Praise” (Timothy Dudley-Smith) no.1 Awake, as in the skies above
Offertory: Hymns for All Seasons (James Quinn) no.152 O Child of Promise, come! (T.456, Sandys)
Communion: plainsong proper 657
Anthem – “People, look East” – Besanson carol melody, arr. Malcolm Archer (NOEAB 176); 499 Thy kingdom come, O God
Recessional: 7 Hills of the north, rejoice!
Angelus: sung (descant v.3)
Setting: Dean and Fry (Kyrie, Sanctus, Benedictus, Acclamations, Agnus Dei)
Voluntary: Prelude in A minor – J S Bach
December 8 – Second Sunday of Advent
Introit: Advent Prose v.2
Processional: 3 Come, thou long-expected Jesus
Canticle: Benedictus - Blessèd be the Lord who sets his people free
Gradual: 12 On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
Offertory: 465 Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
Communion: Anthem – “Sleepers, wake!” (from the oratorio “St. Paul”) – Felix Mendelssohn; HON 500 There is a redeemer
Recessional: 466 Thou whose almighty word
Angelus: sung
Voluntary: Herr Christ, der ein’ge Gottes-Sohn (BWV 601) – J S Bach
Are you – or someone you know – living with sickle cell?
By Dorothy Oxley
If so, the South East London Integrated Care System (SEL ICS) would like your help to shape the future of sickle cell care in the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.
By Dorothy Oxley
If so, the South East London Integrated Care System (SEL ICS) would like your help to shape the future of sickle cell care in the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.South East London has the highest prevalence of sickle cell in the United Kingdom, with the vast majority of people affected coming from African and Caribbean ethnic backgrounds.
In case you’re not familiar with sickle cell, I’d better just quickly explain what it is. It can be known as ‘sickle cell disease’ or ‘sickle cell anaemia’. It’s an inherited disorder that affects red blood cells, passed down from parents to their children through their genes – it’s not contagious (you can’t ‘catch’ it). People with sickle cell disorder produce unusually shaped red blood cells, like a sickle blade. These curved cells can cause problems because they:
- Don't live as long as healthy blood cells
- Can stick together and block blood vessels
When this happens, it can cause pain and tissue damage. This is called a sickle cell crisis. The condition can also affect the spleen, making people with sickle cell more prone to infections. Sickle cell is a serious and lifelong health condition, although treatment can help manage many of the symptoms.
It’s all explained very well in a video on the NHS site, see Sickle cell disease - NHS (www.nhs.uk) (you’ll have to scroll down quite a bit to find it).
Sickle cell disease requires lifelong treatment, and children and adults with the condition are usually under the care of a specialist sickle cell centre. The specialist sickle cell care team works with patients to come up with an individual care plan that takes into account all of their needs and health concerns. This can include guidance on preventing sickle cell crises and infections, alongside medicine management. Treatment and blood exchanges may still be needed. One bit of good news is that earlier this year, south east London hospital Trusts including King’s College Hospital NHS FT, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS FT, all received new Apheresis devices, which support the removal of ‘sickle’ red cells, which are then replaced with non-sickle red cells from a donor. Red cell exchange can be used in an emergency and also as part of planned treatment for sickle cell patients. However, there is still an ongoing need to help patients manage and live with the condition.
In south-east London, a new community-based service designed to provide greater support for people of all ages with sickle cell disorder is currently being rolled out across six boroughs (Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark).
The new community service includes:
It’s all explained very well in a video on the NHS site, see Sickle cell disease - NHS (www.nhs.uk) (you’ll have to scroll down quite a bit to find it).
Sickle cell disease requires lifelong treatment, and children and adults with the condition are usually under the care of a specialist sickle cell centre. The specialist sickle cell care team works with patients to come up with an individual care plan that takes into account all of their needs and health concerns. This can include guidance on preventing sickle cell crises and infections, alongside medicine management. Treatment and blood exchanges may still be needed. One bit of good news is that earlier this year, south east London hospital Trusts including King’s College Hospital NHS FT, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS FT, all received new Apheresis devices, which support the removal of ‘sickle’ red cells, which are then replaced with non-sickle red cells from a donor. Red cell exchange can be used in an emergency and also as part of planned treatment for sickle cell patients. However, there is still an ongoing need to help patients manage and live with the condition.
In south-east London, a new community-based service designed to provide greater support for people of all ages with sickle cell disorder is currently being rolled out across six boroughs (Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark).
The new community service includes:
- More specialist nurses working closely with local NHS hospitals to offer more community-based care.
- A broader team of experts (multi-disciplinary team) including dietitians, physiotherapists, psychologists, and pharmacists, to help people manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
- Support with everyday life including advice on welfare and associated legal matters, ensuring people living with sickle cell receive the help they need.
- Peer support for young people through a Sickle Cell Society programme, young people can connect with others living with sickle cell, share experiences, and provide mutual support.
- Education and information with new resources to help patients, schools, workplaces, and healthcare professionals better understand sickle cell disorder.
They’ll be setting up workshops over the next few months to discuss how community support for people living with sickle call can be improved, and if you’d like to be involved with this, please contact them at gst-tr.selsicklecommunity@nhs.net.
In the meantime, if you’re living with sickle cell or are a parent or carer of a person living with sickle cell in south east London they’d be very grateful if you could complete the survey at South East London Sickle Cell Community Care Survey | Let’s Talk Health and Care South East London (letstalkhealthandcareselondon.org).
Paper copies of the survey are also available, please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like one. I hope to have some copies at the back of the church.
In the meantime, if you’re living with sickle cell or are a parent or carer of a person living with sickle cell in south east London they’d be very grateful if you could complete the survey at South East London Sickle Cell Community Care Survey | Let’s Talk Health and Care South East London (letstalkhealthandcareselondon.org).
Paper copies of the survey are also available, please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like one. I hope to have some copies at the back of the church.
Choir visit to Derby
By John Webber
Most members of the Church Choir, plus a handful of friends, went to Derby Cathedral to sing services on early August. Several of us stayed at University of Derby accommodation and others used local hotels; nearly everyone came together in the evening for a shared meal, cooked by various members of the group.
This is the seventh visit for many of us; the first trip up north was in 2011. We arrived on Wednesday (July 31), some on Thursday (August 1) and one or two on the Friday. We rehearsed for 75 minutes at a time, seven sessions in all. The services were Choral Evensong on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the Cathedral Eucharist on the Sunday morning, August 4.
In the free time (what there was of it) various people went to the museums, art gallery, cycle paths and a boat trip. Some were cooking the evening meal between choir practices.
The clergy, vergers and other people whom we met were delightfully friendly and gave us lots of encouragement. Some cathedrals would expect more from us than we could reasonably provide (such as three Sunday services), but we always feel welcomed and valued at Derby.
I am privileged to have been associated with these lovely people who gave their time and talents to sing; a lot of work went into the planning, buying and cooking of food, travelling long distances, learning and practising organ and choral music and many other things.
Here is the list of music which we sang (excluding a total of eight congregational hymns); attendees of St. John’s Church may recognise some of the titles below, as we made good use of the material in our own church before travelling to sing it in Derby:
Friday, August 2.
Responses: Richard Ayleward
Psalm: 38 (plainsong tone II.1)
Canticles: Carolus Andreas
Anthem: If ye love me – Thomas Tallis
Saturday 3.
Responses: Ayleward
Psalm: 66 (chant in C major by Joseph Corfe from Henry Lawes)
Canticles: George Dyson in F major
Anthem: day by day – Martin How
Sunday 4 at 10.45am.
Setting: Harold Darke in F major
Psalm (CW): 78, vv.23-29 (responsorial)
Communion: O taste and see – John Goss
Sunday 4 at 5.15pm
Introit: This is the day – Osbert Parsley
Reponses: Ayleward
Psalm: 88 (chant in E minor by Matthew Camidge)
Canticles: T Tertius Noble in B minor
Anthem: From all that dwell below the skies – T A Walmisley
Thanks to Giles Camplin for sharing the photos
By John Webber
Most members of the Church Choir, plus a handful of friends, went to Derby Cathedral to sing services on early August. Several of us stayed at University of Derby accommodation and others used local hotels; nearly everyone came together in the evening for a shared meal, cooked by various members of the group.
This is the seventh visit for many of us; the first trip up north was in 2011. We arrived on Wednesday (July 31), some on Thursday (August 1) and one or two on the Friday. We rehearsed for 75 minutes at a time, seven sessions in all. The services were Choral Evensong on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the Cathedral Eucharist on the Sunday morning, August 4.
In the free time (what there was of it) various people went to the museums, art gallery, cycle paths and a boat trip. Some were cooking the evening meal between choir practices.
The clergy, vergers and other people whom we met were delightfully friendly and gave us lots of encouragement. Some cathedrals would expect more from us than we could reasonably provide (such as three Sunday services), but we always feel welcomed and valued at Derby.
I am privileged to have been associated with these lovely people who gave their time and talents to sing; a lot of work went into the planning, buying and cooking of food, travelling long distances, learning and practising organ and choral music and many other things.
Here is the list of music which we sang (excluding a total of eight congregational hymns); attendees of St. John’s Church may recognise some of the titles below, as we made good use of the material in our own church before travelling to sing it in Derby:
Friday, August 2.Responses: Richard Ayleward
Psalm: 38 (plainsong tone II.1)
Canticles: Carolus Andreas
Anthem: If ye love me – Thomas Tallis
Saturday 3.
Responses: Ayleward
Psalm: 66 (chant in C major by Joseph Corfe from Henry Lawes)
Canticles: George Dyson in F major
Anthem: day by day – Martin How
Sunday 4 at 10.45am.
Setting: Harold Darke in F major
Psalm (CW): 78, vv.23-29 (responsorial)
Communion: O taste and see – John Goss
Sunday 4 at 5.15pm
Introit: This is the day – Osbert Parsley
Reponses: Ayleward
Psalm: 88 (chant in E minor by Matthew Camidge)
Canticles: T Tertius Noble in B minor
Anthem: From all that dwell below the skies – T A Walmisley
Thanks to Giles Camplin for sharing the photos
Who's who
Vicar Revd Gill O’Neill 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 office@stjohnseastdulwich.org
Churchwardens Louise Pollard and Jim Nurton
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.
Follow us on social media!
