At the end of the Nine Carols & Lessons Service, Revd. Pete used to thank those who had helped keep St Wilfrid’s on track during the year. He stopped this just before covid because “it was becoming boring…”. I didn’t agree; there is grace in recognising that we cannot achieve anything alone, and acknowledging those who help us. As my time as editor of the Parish Magazine comes to a close this is my opportunity to thank those who were helpful to me.Constant throughout have been Yvonne Green and Richard Whitehouse; they both held me to account. With the rest of the stapling & delivery team they ensured that I met the due date for printing, and, when we encountered the threat of legal action a few years ago, sprang into action to save the day. I have never felt such love from those with whom I have worked. Yvonne, Richard and the rest of the team, I salute you!Thank you to the clergy for delivering splendid Dear Friends articles every month. Admittedly I had to chivvy you along sometimes, but you never let me down. Revd. Roy has of course gone onto great things, writing for the Church Times and Parish Pump; we are so blessed to have his contributions each month. I also want to thank the much missed Revd. Roger Place. Roger was well known for his delightful sense of fun, which brought joy and laughter to those around him.I must single out Tony Service who was always so friendly and kind in his support. Each month Tony delivered at least two pages of text covering all aspects of the Methodist circuit in Brayton, Burn and Thorpe Willoughby. He was always very supportive of what we were doing and I still think of him as I sit in my shed putting together the magazine each month. Tony contributed to the Parish magazine in all of its guises for 17 years until shortly before his untimely death in October 2021. Thank you, Tony.Thanks to those who have kept us all up to date each month on events within their clubs and societies – Leita Hunter, Jan Tetley, Pat Griffiths, Pat Ainger, Marion Wilson, Lynn Allan, June Whitehouse, and Lorraine McGlone. I would also like to thank all those who have put up with being the brunt of my silliness, including without limit Pat & Vyv Griffiths, Carol & Roger Sowden, Sheila Newsome, Mrs. Clarke, and Mrs Miggins. And of course Mrs Breeze and her delightful cakes!That’s enough from me. If I have missed out anyone – and I’m sure that I have – then I’m sorry and you can claim a cup of tea from me after any Sunday Service: just remember to bring some money…John Clarke
Welcome to the April 2026 edition of Connected.This month is all about the end of Lent and the Easter weekend. There are articles from the Revd. Roy Shaw on the importance of the resurrection, and I have Parish Pump to thank for texts on marmalade, Breakfast with Jesus, Maundy Money and Church Flowers. And a little bit on St George's Day. Mrs Clarke provided the update on the MU.May I wish you all a happy and joyous Easter. I'll be breaking my Lenten fast of beer, chocolate and cheese, with a splendid Sunday lunch at the home of Mrs Miggins. I cannot wait!
Welcome to the March 2026 edition of Connected.Revd. Glyn Diggins encourages us all to strive for harmony, even when our perspectives and opinions differ. His words serve as a timely reminder of the value of unity and mutual respect within Christianity. We also gain thoughtful insight from Revd. Roy Shaw, who shares his reflections on Mothering Sunday through Parish Pump.Jacqui Jenkins returns with a heartfelt poem that evokes memories of days gone by, encouraging us to reflect on the past and cherish the moments that have shaped who we are today.Jill Clarke, with the support of Barbara Richardson, provides an update on Mothers’ Union activities, as well as information on the upcoming World Day of Prayer.Finally, Mrs Miggins cleans out her compost bin; about time, some say. Something for everyone this month!
This month Revd. Roy Shaw, now a regular contributor to Parish Pump, provides the Dear Friends article. It includes references to Winnie the Pooh, so it should be good!Jacqui Jenkins sent in a wonderful text about two of the most important role models in her life – Steph Cooke and Jesus Christ. There is also a link to Steph Cooke,s obituary in the Times newspaper; I recommend it to you.We also hear from Florence, a member of the Gentle Movement Group at St Francis (you know them - the ladies who always appear to be in the Fox pub), with a belated poem about Exercise at Christmas.John Clarke
