Where are they now? - Mike and Helen Francis

Click here to read Mike and Helen's first Newletter from Farnborough.

Where are they now? - Simon and Carly Thomas

It is now February 2011, and as the evenings grow lighter, Clive and I recall the trip we took, two weeks ago, to Harpenden to visit Simon Thomas. We spent the day, three blokes, talking ceaselessly about the Lord and our faith and soaking up Simon’s wisdom, enriched by the time he can now freely spend reading and reflecting on the Bible. He begins by reminding us that “there is nowhere where God is not present”, and “there is nowhere where God is not at work.” For Simon to say this with unquestioning conviction is all the more powerful in view of the challenge that has been meted out to him and Carly in the last few years.   He is subject to the very real effects of Parkinson’s and his everyday movements are to some extent slowed, and, depending on the demands of the day, his speech is occasionally slightly slurred. He admits to all this with an equanimity and patience that only real faith in God’s workings affords. None of this has diminished his astute and keen intellect, and as one talks with him, we are supremely conscious of the preacher we all knew and loved when he was with us in Ashtead. We learn that he plays badminton and goes swimming once every week, and when we express surprise, he explains that when he is involved in these activities, he seems to be able to mentally ignore disability. We can personally bear witness, also, to the fact that he prepares a delicious pork and butternut squash stew for lunch!   He is pleased to tell us that all his family are establishing their place in the world. Laura is an over-worked midwife at Guildford Hospital, Megan is a personal assistant to an investor and Joel is now a full-time trainee manager for Martin’s News Agents. Matt, Laura’s husband finally got his Masters Degree. Perhaps most important is the fact that Carly gets much fulfilment as the Head of Psychology Department in secondary school. She feels in control of her life since she obtained the position where she can show her true capabilities. Simon, himself, is active in his local church, offering input and encouragement, at present conducting a module on preaching to eleven lay readers.   He has a wonderful story to tell us of their holiday tour of Britain in the Summer, which took in the North East coast, the Peak District and the Cotswolds. He related his impressions of Marmsbury Abbey, where, a thousand years ago, (well before Leonardo da Vinci), a resident monk insisted on jumping off the roof accoutred in a pair of wings in order to prove he could fly. Having plummeted to near death, he was bent on trying again with the addition of a tail affixed to the rear of the wings. The bishop of the day forbade the experiment, leaving us all to conjecture whether he would have succeeded. A perfect example of a man’s faith over experience. The ‘piece de resistance’, however relates to Simon’s visit to Holy Island, otherwise known as Lindisfarne, seven miles from Berwick on Tweed. They wandered round and came upon a Retreat House called “The Open Gate”, and, while Carly explored the island, Simon sat in the garden of the house and talked with the wife. Eventually, her husband entered and his wife began to introduce Simon to him. Amazingly, the man interrupted her by saying, “I know who he is. His name is Simon and his wife is Carly”. When asked how he knew them, he explained that twenty-eight years previously, Simon had visited their house when they lived near Shrewsbury and given an address. “It was on the strength of a conversation we had then that I decided to be ordained,” the man said with tears in his eyes. We agreed with Simon that this was unquestionably a gracious God-given incident. Somehow, we feel that this simple story is another witness to the influence that he has had on so many people in the thirty years since he was ordained in 1980.   Carly got special dispensation from her school to return home early and it was a joy to learn of her satisfying work in school.   We began the day unloading twelve bags of manure for their garden, and ended it by Simon thrusting copies of a dissertation on the three laws of thermodynamics as rational evidence of God’s creation into our hands. A truly diverse day!   Simon and Carly have, as we know,  travelled a varied road through Peru, Bolivia and our own parish of Ashtead. Now they continue on another voyage, where their faith and demonstrable honesty will equip them to meet the challenge. Our love and prayers go with them.

Where are they now? - Archie and Sam Coates

Where are they now? - The Searles

Where are they now? - Peter and Barbara Dawson

Peter and Barbara Dawson ‘retired’ to France in November 2005 after finding their 18th century Béarnaise farmhouse with views of the Pyrenees. They enjoy the French way of life and join in many of the local events. Having Spain close by also adds an extra dimension. Peter and Barbara's Home in France  At Peter's induction Shortly after arriving the chaplain at the Anglican church in Pau fell ill. Together with a retired clergyman Peter looked after the chaplaincy and also during the subsequent two year long interregnum. Barbara was at this time churchwarden. Following the appointment of a new chaplain at Pau, Peter was asked by the bishop to be the chaplain of the Anglican church at Biarritz in September 2008. The original church was built and paid for by the House of Hanover in the 1860s and Edward VII attended when in Biarritz. In the 1930s attendance was over 600 but in the 1960s a migration by the British to the French Riviera saw a sharp decline in attendance. The church was given to the town of Biarritz in the 1980s and is now a museum. Since then the Anglican congregation has been worshipping in the nearby Roman Catholic church of St Joseph. When Peter and Barbara arrived the congregation was small. Over the last year numbers have increased considerably after the introduction of modern liturgy, a modern hymnbook, a newsletter and refreshments after the service.   Peter preaching at Lourdes   An ecumenical service with the Archbishop of Auch As a ‘guest’ church ecumenical relations are important and are very good. Peter has preached at Lourdes, taken part in an ecumenical service with the Archbishop of Auch as well as ecumenical services at Biarritz with Roman Catholic, protestant and Russian Orthodox leaders and congregations. Interestingly the Cathedral at nearby Bayonne was built by the English in the 13th century when they ruled this area for 300 years. Peter and Barbara look forward to further growth in the church as they reach out with God’s love and his promises to the local area. Fellowship at La Brigue

Where are they now? - Jonathan and Susie Perkins

We are enjoying Gloucestershire. The church is buzzing and growing. We have doubled the congregation and the giving in 3+ years. That’s not everything but a good start! Lots of young families (including a forward from the Gloucester Rugby Team).   We have been married nearly 4 years and loving life. Susie is working part time as a GP practice nurse, and runs an excellent women’s ministry here. The 6 children are wonderful. Our son, Seb (26), is a chef on an Italian Cruise Liner in the Far East. Kate (23) is just finishing Plymouth Uni doing Psychology (Lots of fertile ground studying her stepfather). Beth and Alex (18) are finishing their A levels this summer and thinking about ‘what next?’. Alex is a star worship leader. Tim and Daisy (15) have another year until GCSE’s. So life is very full, never dull, and often over the top.   God is good. His kindness never ceases to amaze me. Thank you, dear Ashteadites, for all your support over the years. I look back on my time at Ashtead with huge affection. You did me good. Love you lots, Jonathan.

Where are they now? - Ashtead Parish Choir 1946

We need your help!   This wonderful photo has come to light and we'd love to know the names of everyone in it, where are they now, and what you can tell us about their history.   Use the numbers on the bottom photo to identify about whom your comments are made. You may submit comments in a number of ways. Use the "Add a comment" option below the photos if you want. Or email or post your comments to robert.newhouse@ashteadparish.org. Or verbally to Bruce Tucker.   Let's see how many of the 31 characters we can identify. Once we see what we gather we'll decide how to share the consolidated story with you.

Where are they now? - Chris and Jem Hughes

GOD'S HAND IS STILL RESTING ON CHRIS AND JEM HUGHES   Incredibly, it is more than a decade since Chris and Jem Hughes left us on the  un-forgettable morning that Jem looked out of the then Rectory breakfast room window in Dene Road to see the usual school-run traffic grind to a halt, and the front of an enormous removal van displaying the letters AB (Aberdeen) come into view….causing her heart to miss a beat. They had been expecting it the following day!!   Thus ended 14 challenging and exciting years in “Ashtead’s fast lane”, as Jem puts it, for a very differently paced ministry in two Scottish Episcopal churches, fortunately blessed with the warmest Rectory they had ever lived in, in the coldest climate they had ever experienced. Witness to this was the occasion when the snow was deep enough to hide their spaniel in a temperature of -17 degrees. But Ballater was, for them, the most beautiful Highland village, nestling under Lochnagar beside the majestic River Dee, and bliss for cycling.   Three days before their departure from Ashtead in 1998, their son, Nick, married Susie and seven months later their daughter Helen, married Simon. Now they have four gorgeous grandchildren. Henry (8) and Isobella (5) with Helen and Simon, live in London. Jake and Summer (5) are in Suffolk with Nic and Susie. Ballater, Scotland   When Chris retired it was, - given God’s amazing hand in the affairs of man, - not surprising that he returned to Devon, bringing him full circle to where he was born, and where he began his ministry no more than 6 miles away.   Jem’s watch-phrase seems to be God is full of surprises.  “I thought retirement would mean more time”, says Jem, “but it doesn’t seem to have worked out like that. I continue to enjoy contact with young families through helping with the monthly Family Service, and being involved with Christian Listening courses, thanks to my initial introduction, in Ashtead, to the Acorn Healing Foundation. Chris”, she adds, “despite being somewhat restricted after being diagnosed with cancer two years ago, continues to preach and takes services when invited.” Apparently nothing has changed his taste for fishing and golf, which he still practises. “In addition”, Jem tells us, “he ranches the garden, growing vegetables and planting beautiful shrubs and flowers.”   Looking back at their time in Ashtead, she sums it all up by saying, “There is not enough space to list all the benefits we experienced in Ashtead. Chris found working with clergy and lay teams both at St George’s and St Giles extremely stimulating. He learnt much about worship during this time and appreciated greatly the constant prayer-backing he received for his ministry, while facilities at the RAC provided him with relaxation and exercise. For me came opportunities in the early years to continue local radio’s ‘Thought for the Day’, and later to work part-time learning new skills in a large office in Epsom. I will never forget the great storm of 1987 that destroyed many old trees up at St. Giles and could, but for God’s grace, have taken out the verger and churchwarden.   There was the excitement of many Alpha groups and parish weekends away together; that extraordinary time of “Refreshment” from God that went on in both churches for four months one summer and the beginnings of the St George’s project, and Chris remembers, with gratitude, the wonderful opportunity he had to travel during his sabbatical.”   They are particularly thankful to Ashtead for the tremendous support and encouragement Nic and Helen received particularly through Moderns under the leadership of several talented youth workers. Both say how important this was to them during their teen years and still keep up with a number of special friends. Chris and Jem often refer to the privilege they had of so much contact with the many lovely young people during their time at Ashtead. “We rejoice as we receive news of them describing how God leads them onwards”, Jem says.   Jem’s closing message to our church is, “We send our love and continue to give thanks to God for all the blessings He gave us with you and continues to do so now.”   We could hardly forget the amazing journey we all took with them while they were with us and gladly return our love them and gratitude to God that he sent them to us.

Where are they now? - Gordon and Linda Chapman

It is coming up to five years since Linda and Gordon Chapman left Ashtead in February 2004 when Linda went to take up the post of non-stipendiary minister in a team of 2 clergy and 2 readers near Market Drayton in North Shropshire in the Diocese of Lichfield. We were given the chance to catch up with their news when they recently passed through Ashtead.    If one were seeking to describe what ‘shining for God’ meant, one could easily do worse than refer to the faces of Linda and Gordon, as they described their commitment to their work in the church in Shropshire. While Linda takes her part in organising twenty six services a month, and involving herself in pastoral visits, Gordon has undergone a three year training course to become a Reader. As he points out, with a twinkle in his eye, he will shortly be authorised to officiate at his first funeral.   When asked how they were enjoying their life in the North, they beamed with pleasure and referred especially to the friendliness and personal contact they have with all members of the community. They feel very accepted, and made special mention of the friendly waves they receive from folk, as they drive past. They also stressed the strong community sense and mutual support, especially notable, Linda and Gordon tell us, at funerals, when the whole of the farming community, irrespective of religious affiliation, show their loving solidarity.   Since Linda works for a Benefice of six country churches, much of her work is peripatetic, and wherever she goes, she is wholly committed to manifesting God’s non-judgemental love to all. Although the churches in the area have various attendances, some being quite small, she feels that they would be growing more, if it were not that there is, perhaps as in many places, an increasing lack of Biblical education. With her characteristic fervour, she would also love to bring a more lively and spontaneous mood into her churches, but is aware that many of the older congregations have a natural inclination for traditional services. But, as she says, it is important to affirm the congregations where they are, before encouraging them to take what many regard as radical steps forward.   Linda and Gordon’s two sons continue their Christian journey. Robin, married to Hetty with three children, Oscar, Dominic and Micah, holds the post of deputy head in Eyemouth High School, just over the Scottish border near Berwick-on-Tweed. Hetty is a ‘community artist’ who within her company, “Think Make Grow”, coordinates artists and obtains fundraising for exhibitions. Andrew, married to Rachel, is presently carrying on the tradition of the Chapman family as Youth Pastor at Christchurch, Fulham.   Linda and Gordon have fond memories of their time in St. Giles’ and St. George's, and particularly of the 10 o’clock service at St. Giles. Gordon says that some of their most treasured memories are centred on Ashtead Common, where they spent a great deal of time. Nowadays, leisure time sees them playing bowls on a fine domed green.   Linda will be remembered by many in our churches for her authorship of dramatic presentations in St. George's, her leadership in home groups, and as a Reader. Gordon co-ordinated all our children’s work in the 1970’s and 80’s and was churchwarden for 8 years. They would be delighted to receive news of their friends, especially anyone finding themselves in their vicinity.

Chris and Emma Merchant

Chris and Emma Merchant live in an Edwardian terraced house in Corstorphine, a suburb to the west of Edinburgh, which, though not far from the Airport, still retains something of a village atmosphere.  They are active members of St. Thomas’s church, as involved in worship as they ever were at St. George’s. While being a full time mother of two demanding children, Abigail, 10 years old and Jacob, 5, Emma is involved in music and writing drama for the church services as well as children’s groups, especially during holidays. She has found time to be on the PTA of Abigail’s school for two years, but as both her children begin to be farmed out to school, she is able to develop her interest in Drama and Art, and is currently directing a one woman play for the Edinburgh Fringe and drawing commissioned portraits of local children. She recently provided the graphics for her grateful father’s book.   Chris is now a senior lecturer at the University, overseeing PHD students and doing research in Meteorology. His speciality is ‘Satellite Observation of Sea Surface Temperature’, and has had success in discovering ways of observing these temperature changes through cloud. He now travels widely and has visited Australia, America, Poland and France, where he has an on-going working relationship with the Meteorological Centre at Lannion in Brittany, sharing data that contributes to valuable research into climatic change.   Leaving aside the challenging weather, they both find Edinburgh an exciting place to live, and are impressed by the art galleries, thriving theatres, choirs and orchestras. There is also a world class zoo just down the road, and the Pentland Hills, seen from their house, provide a scenic area for healthy exercise.    They have the fondest memories of their time with St. Georges, and regard it as an extremely formative period in their lives under Chris Hughes’ rectorship. They recall with gratitude John Stride’s service for their wedding, will always be grateful to Malcolm and Christine Bailey for giving over their home to make it such a memorable event, and remember the help received from Richard and Brigitte Furze in developing their worship skills. Chris and Emma continue the habit they learned with them of inviting other worship members to Sunday Lunch.   They remember so many good friends, and would always be pleased, with a minimum of notice, to see anyone who might find themselves up in Auld Reeky, the windy city.

Barbara Laird

A very pleasant half hour’s drive, meandering along narrow, winding roads into the hidden depths of scenic Surrey will bring you to Barbara’s delightful Elizabethan cottage.   Set at the edge of an ancient wood, it is now made complete by a replica of an old stew pond, created by Barbara, herself.

With the graciousness, for which we all remember her, Barbara took us on a tour of her secluded ‘domain’, as warden of Okewood church, which dates back to 1220 and was enlarged in the 15th century by the de la Hale family.   The church, a hundred and fifty or so yards from her cottage down the road, is set in a truly idyllic woodland dell of truly magnificent trees, a perfect complement to tales of mystery and romance, where, at this time of the year, a carpet of bluebells surrounding the church completes the picture.

As many will know, Barbara’s husband, Graham, did not live long enough to fulfil his dream of using the workshop to continue creating  his superbly crafted furniture, but it still stands as a memorial to his wonderful artistic ability, exemplified in St. George’s by the superb communion table, lectern and choir chairs.

Apart from this and her responsibility as Warden of Okewood church, she sings in the choir, takes part in the leadership team, and is responsible for taking bookings for “The Ark”, the name given, with a nod to the biblical story, to the church hall complex.   As we left the church behind us at the top of the hill, she remarked on the need for more gravel to be sprinkled at the gates. “I’ll get round to that, soon”, she said.   Barbara is happy to work in her natural scenic environment, but admits that, occasionally, she feels a bit isolated. She is always delighted to receive visits from her numerous old friends, and to serve a cup of tea on her garden terrace. It is, without question, a privileged pleasure to visit such a lovely Christian in her wonderful haven.