Boullier News

Family outings on Anam Cara

2010-11-21T21:51:00.002Z

Easter Sunrise Service at Pendower Beach

2010-11-21T21:45:00.004Z

Caravan at Dodman

2010-11-21T21:34:00.002Z

Esther, Andrew and Rueben enjoyed a week in our caravan at a campsite near the Dodman headland.

St Just in Roseland in Spring

2010-11-21T21:24:00.003Z

Good Friday Cross at St Mawes

2010-11-21T21:18:00.002Z

Bike Shed

2010-11-21T21:13:00.002Z

Matt and I enjoyed the challenge of constructing our new Bike Shed on the drive at the Rectory in St Mawes.

Getting ANAM CARA ready for Charters

2010-11-21T19:19:00.006Z

Now the boat is on the water again, there are still lots of jobs to get her up to chartering standard. Lois and Matt both ascend

the mast to help fix the anemometer. A new sprayhood is fitted and Rueben comes for an inspection!

Launching ANAM CARA

2010-11-21T19:07:00.002Z

Gran and Mary came to visit around the time we launched Anam Cara for a new season.

100 pictures of Rueben

2010-11-19T22:32:00.003Z

London Visit

2010-11-19T21:03:00.005Z

We went up to London and met Mary at her the Evelina Children's Hospital by the Thames opposite Westminster. After a quick tour we went to the West End for a meal before going to Theatre to see Lois' nephew Patrick on stage in thre musical 'Oliver'.

Eden Project

2010-11-17T13:19:00.002Z

Lois and I had a great day out visiting the Eden Project near St Austell. It was my first time there and I was suitably impressed. I think my favourite was the temperate zone. As it was a cold winter day it was certainly better to be inside and the tropical zone was very warm! The displays and educational side of it all was very impressive, particularly the focus on the environment and ecology.

Coding Anam Cara

2010-11-17T13:05:00.004Z

During the winter of 2009 / 2010 our Sadler 29, ANAM CARA of St Mawes, was laid up at Pascos Boatyard on the bar at St Just Creek. We had a long list of jobs to do to get the boat 'coded' for commercial chartering and Serendipity Sailing. A lot of the work involved purchasing and installing extra safety equipment such as a liferaft, flares and lifebuoys. Major jobs were fitting a new cooker and installing a stainless steel surround for the galley, also we had to line the engine compartment with fire-resistant insulation. I was assisted by Matt Eaves and Gordon Scott.

Walk at St Anthony's Head

2010-11-17T12:49:00.003Z

In February we had a great family walk at St Anthony's Head. Although we were wrapped up well it was a lovely day and proved that the beach is not just for the summer. It was one of our first trips to the beach with Rueben, the first of many!

Lovely Lois

2010-11-17T12:38:00.003Z

Here is a lovely picture of Lovely Lois taken on a walk at Towan Beach just a mile away from our home - as the crow flies that is!

Winter Snow

2010-11-17T12:23:00.002Z

Some pictures by Lois of our brief snow here in Cornwall.

Visit to St Martha's

2010-11-17T12:09:00.005Z

After 2009 Christmas we went for a lovely walk to St Marth's where Timothy and Paul are buried.

Christmas at St Mawes

2009-12-28T11:36:00.009Z

Here are some photos of our family Christmas at St Mawes.

It was such fun having Christmas with our first grandchild, Reuben.

We were joined by Esther and Andrew and his Mum, Jocelyn, Zoe and Matt and Mary.

Our present to one and all was a twinned toilet in Burundi!

You can twin yours too at CORD.

Birthdays

2009-12-28T11:32:00.005Z

Ken's Mum visited in early December to celebrate their joint birthdays.

Zoe's Graduation

2009-12-27T13:14:00.007Z

This year Zoe graduated from MarJon, Exeter University with a First Class Honours Degree in Community Practice with Outdoor Adventure. We had a wonderful day at Plymouth with Zoe and her boyfriend Matt who also graduated on the same day.

Reuben

2009-12-27T12:48:00.010Z

Here are some more pictures of our Grandson, Reuben.

He is growing fast!

YouGo

2009-12-23T14:20:00.019Z

In September I took a Serendipity Sailing team to the Channel Islands and France for a week. We used the Cornish Cruising Bavaria 36, "YouGo". There were six of us; Tim, Peter, Chris, David, Trevor and myself.

After a night up the Fal, and lunch in St Mawes, we set sail for St. Peter Port arriving the following day after a good overnight

passage. We had a great meal ashore in St Peter Port and left the following morning for Herm with a challenging bit of pilotage by Trevor through the rocks to a lovely anchorage where we experience a strange mix of glorious sunshine and fog!

We sailed in the fog, reckoning it was safer than staying in the very tidal anchorage over night

in fog and the dark. Sailing in fog around Sark was another challenging bit of navigation. The fog

only cleared as we headed off into open water to the east of Sark. We were heading to Carteret in Normandy, eventually arriving in the dark around midnight.

Carteret river and marina can only be entered at high tide. It was amazing to walk down to the beach later and see miles of foreshore high and dry. We had a great Normandy meal of Crepes

and cider at lunchtime.

We didn't stay long as we had to catch the next evening tide. We headed back across the channel to Dartmouth. The forecast had been easterlies of about force 4. In the end it was force 7 for most of the night and following day! This plus crossing very busy shipping lanes made it an eventful sail. We enjoyed arriving in Dartmouth in lovely sunshine.

After one night in Dartmouth we had a day sail back to St Mawes, arriving late on the Friday evening. We had arranged to hold onto YouGo for a few extra hours as I had been asked to open and bless the St Mawes Fish Festival on the Quay. It was great fun going ashore for some wonderful fresh fish and meeting up with family and friends. When we got back on board we had a grandstand view of the St Mawes Working Boat Harbour Race. The it was back to Falmouth to hand the boat back and home in time to hear news that our first grandchild Reuben had just

been born in Truro!

Falmouth Week

2009-12-23T12:12:00.013Z

During Falmouth Week I took part in two races sailing on Helen Mary which was great fun. The races were really well run and the weather was just right for some exciting close matches.

The Red Arrows came to Falmouth as part of Falmouth Week and we

'hijacked' the Place Ferry for the evening and had a grandstand view just

off

Trefussis.

Anam Cara

2009-12-23T11:54:00.012Z

In August we took the major step of purchasing our own Yacht! She is a Sadler 29 based in Mylor. Lois and I went for a sail with her owner, Bob, and we were very impressed. She has a glass fibre hull with a double skin, therefore supposedly unsinkable. More importantly she is very well insulated and soundproofed. She has a deep fine keel which means she will be good at sailing offshore and will make good headway to windward.

Our idea is to use her in three main ways. One as a family yacht for fun sailing with friends and family, secondly for Serendipity Sailing cruises and thirdly we shall charter her out with Cornish Cruising to help pay for annual running costs. Our daughter Mary has joint us a a joint owner to make this all possible so we are very grateful to her.

MeGo

2009-12-23T10:06:00.018Z

In July/August we had two Serendipity Cruises with "MeGo", a Cornish CruisingBavaria 36, sailing in the Falmouth / Carrick Roads area. The weather was not ideal with a mixture of rain and sun with winds of force 6 and 7.

The first crew was a

family group - Mike, Sue, Holly and Alice. Mike used to be a Merchant Navy Engineer and he and Sue enjoy cruising on the big comfy cruise ships! Mike is also a keen amateur private pilot, as is Holly his daughter. Mike had sailed with us a couple of year previously but this was a totally new experience for the girls. The family are

wondering whether sailing might be for them and Mike is tempted to buy a boat.

For the first night we went up the Fal to Tregothnan and anchored for the night. I thought this would be a good option as it is so

peaceful there away from the bright lights of Falmouth. I hadn't realised what a 'serendipitous' experience it would be for the girls away from the comforts of shoreside showers, mains electricity and the ability to step ashore. I think they found it quite

claustrophobic! We also visited Mylor, much more civilised, and St Mawes.

The second crew included Lois and five other ladies - Sue, Kath, Cathy, Anthea and Diana! It was Cathy's first sailing experience but all the others had been before. It was quite cramped but they were all 'game' and we had great fun, in spite of the weather. We also did the round of Falmouth, Mylor and St Mawes with some lovely sailing between the rain showers.

Summer Holiday

2009-09-15T05:26:00.013Z

Here are some belated pics of our caravan holiday at the end of June. Most are from a family wedding gathering in Farnborough.

Pilot Cutter Race

2009-06-22T16:28:00.012Z

Lois and I sailed on Amelie Rose in the Saturday afternoon race around Falmouth Bay. The Cutters were in St Mawes for the annual Pilot Cutter Review organised by Adam Purser of Classic Sailing.

We had a great afternoon with quite close

racing between ourselves, Agnes and Hesper.

These three

cutters along with Eve of St Mawes were all built by Luke Powell of Working Sail at Gweek Quay.

I think that's enough links for now!

Enjoy the photos....

Fowey to St Mawes Race

2009-06-17T14:23:00.006Z

Nick and Melisa Beck, of Topsail Adventures and their new Cutter 'Amelie Rose', invited me to join them in Fowey for the Pilot Cutter Review last Thursday. All the Cutters moored at Prime Cellars where a great party was put on by William and Arnie of 'Hesper'. Other Cutters present, with their crews, were 'Eve of St Mawes', 'Agnes', 'Annabel J', 'Polly Agatha'.

On Friday morning we set off in low visibility and fine rain, not as spectacular a sight for the locals as it might have been! The race was in two parts: 1 - Sailing in rain trying to get past Dodman Point and Nare Head, 2 - Glorious sunshine from Gull Rock around St Anthony and into 'mediterranean' St Mawes.

Visit to Trelissick

2009-06-17T14:13:00.008Z

We have enjoyed a visit to Trelissick Gardens, a National Trust property just across the Fal from us via the King Harry Ferry.

Mary and Esther joined us and we had a great time. Highly recommended!

Summer Garden

2009-06-03T22:53:00.008Z

Here are some photos of our garden.

Quite a change from the way it looked one year ago when we moved in.

Instructing for Cornish Cruising

2009-05-04T09:38:00.017Z

I have just had a week on the water instructing for Cornish Cruising.

I had three chaps training with me who are all working towards their Yachtmaster qualification. Andy has been working as a Dive boat skipper in the Caribbean. He and his partner are planning to work commercially as Skipper and Hostess on big charter catamarans in the Caribbean. Jim is Andy's partners Dad and he and his wife plan to 'semi-retire' in a few years to do similar work. Andy and

Jim will be doing the Yachtmaster in about

5 weeks after more training and 'mileage building' sailing to Ireland and France. Richard is a keen surfer who has worked as a deckhand on the

R Tucker Thompson, sail training ship, in the Bay of Islands New Zealand. He is doing Cornish Cruisings Yachtmaster Development programme through to the Autumn when he takes

his exams.

My brief was to give them

'Familiarisation' covering the Competent Crew and Day Skipper Syllabus. We did lots of 'bumps and curcuits' visiting the Fal, Heford River,

St Mawes, Fowey, Mevagissey and Goran Haven.

We had mixed weather, which was good for training purposes but rather wet a couple of times. However we had some lovely weather for a whole afternoon practicing sailing onto a buoy in full view of budding armchair sailors in St Mawes.

Also a great sail back from Fowey ducking into Mevagissey and Goran Haven for sailing to anchorage skills.

We ended the course with a bowl of Helford Native Oysters prior to Night Pilotage in the Fal.

I am now ready for the next Serendipity Charter - sign up now!

Birthdays and Removals

2009-05-04T09:33:00.017Z

On Saturday 25th April we celebrated Esther's birthday, and Zoe's 2 days early, by helping Esther and Andrew move into their new home, a flat in Penryn.

Several of Esther and Andrew's friends turned up to help along with Zoe and Matt. Matt had just bought a van which he is going to restore and kit out as a camper van.

Meanwhile in it's present state it makes a good removals van!

Aussie Visitors

2009-05-04T09:28:00.011Z

It has been lovely to welcome David (Lois' brother), Rose, Edward and Ben to St Mawes for a few days.

They are over in the UK for Rose's parents anniversary bash in Shropshire. D&R and the boys are off to Australia again to joion the ranks of that nations homeless!

They are picking up their car in Perth and then driving overland to Sydney to settle on the East Coast.

Blessing a Pilot Cutter

2009-05-02T19:27:00.018Z

Last week I was invited to bless a Pilot Cutter!

'Amelie Rose' is a wooden Scillies Pilot Cutter built by Luke Powell of 'Working Sail' at Gweek for Nick and Melisa, a young couple who are going to sail her as a 'skipper/charter' business based on the South Coast in Poole. You can see their plans and story at Topsail Adventures. 'Amelie Rose' is 44 feet long on deck and then she has a massive bowspirt sticking out the front! She has been constructed with sawn oak frames, oak topside planking, larch below, bronze and copper fastenings throughout. A real work of art!

We have known Luke for a few years now since Esther did one of her photography projects following the building of another cutter 'Tallulah'. You can see what he is up to at www.workingsail.co.uk. His first Pilot Cutter was 'Eve of St Mawes' and her owners live just up the hill from us here in St Mawes. Last year I sailed on 'Agnes', yet another of Luke's boats. He lives aboard her at Penryn just down the road from Esther and Andrew's new flat.

I have had a fascination for Pilot Cutters since I shared our vision for 'Serendipity Sailing' with Luke and he said the Pilot Cutter is the ideal vessel. Dream on!

The launch ecermony was great fun at Gweek, right up the top of the Helford River, where you have to have a Spring Tide to get into enough water. Seeing 'Amelie Rose' lifted high above the other boats was scary. She is not a light boat. It was very moving to see the shed in which she has come to life now empty apart from the new little tender 'Mary Rose'.

As the Cutter was lowered to within an inch of the water Nick, Melisa, Luke and I climbed on board and a bottle of wine was shared with her (tradional pouring of the boat's share onto the stem). Then after a few words from Nick and Luke I said a few prayers including these...

Thanksgiving for Working Sail and Gweek Quay Boatyard

We give thanks for the inspirational and creative work of Luke and his team and all who have brought this vessel into being. We ask God’s blessings on their lives as they let go of this new little ship as she ventures forth onto her life’s ocean. We pray for future builds and clear guidance for the days ahead. We give thanks also for this busy place where boats come and go and come into being and are restored to life on the sea again. Bless all who work here. Amen

Blessing for AMELIE ROSE

Jesus, you were present at creation and are with us in this boatyard where boats are built and dreams become reality. Bless this boat - Amelie Rose - and all who sail in her. Give her skippers and crews presence of mind in danger and guide them as they keep her in good repair. Grant them the wisdom of knowing when to put to sea and when to stay in safe harbour, so that they may always have a safe passage. May everyone who sails in her be renewed in spirit through their encounter with the beauty of creation. Amen

A couple of says later she was off down the river out into Falmouth Bay and she is now tied up by the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth. She will be sailing around here for a couple of weeks before heading for Poole. We hope to see her back in St Mawes for the Pilot Cutter Review in June.

Easter 2009

2009-04-19T13:59:00.010Z

We have had a wonderful Easter with some lovely well attended services. The weather has been fantastic!

On Maundy Thursday the day started for

Ken with the 'Chrism

Eucharist' service at Truro Cathedral. Bishop Tim gave an excellent

address to the gathered clergy followed by an opportunity for annointing for ministry. In the evening we had a very moving reflective service at St Mawes with a

focus on Jesus' washing the disciples' feet and the 'stripping of the Altar'.

We had two services on Good Friday. In the morning we processed with a large cross from St Mawes Church to the Pier where the cross was raised to the singing of a hymn and some prayers .

In the afternoon 'An Hour at the Cross' was observed at St Just-in-Roseland.

Esther and Andrew came over on the Saturday for an early Easter Dinner and they stayed the night before leaving on Easter morning after the Sunrise Service.

On Easter Sunday we got up early for the Sunrise Service at Pendower beach, which Doug Robbins led on a beautiful but very cold morning. Fried fish was provided for an Easter breakfast.

Services at 8am at St Just, 9.30am at St Mawes and 11am at St Just again followed. They were packed out with lots of children and most people taking communion.

Lois and I set off later in the day for Godalming for more house clearing!

Marriage Prep

2009-04-19T13:41:00.007Z

On the 28th March we held a Marriage Preparation Day for the couples getting married at St Just - in - Rosealnd and St Mawes this year. Nine couples came and the day was run by Melva and Avril from "FLAME", the diocesan Marriage and Family support group. They used the "Stepping Stones material.

Over the preceding couple of weeks folk from the parish rallied around to 'revive' the Church Hall which had become very drab and tired. A new carpet, rejigged donated curtains and aome paint, flowers and lots of cleaning did the trick.

Weather with You

2009-02-03T14:40:00.016Z

How has the weather been with you? Are you snowed in?

I normally use this blog to communicate family news but today I feel like a bit of blog blasting! I have been amazed at the griping and complaining going on about the country coming to a standstill. "When I was young everything didn't stop for a little bit of snow" - no but when you were young people could walk to work and school. Now with motorways and such an over dependance on the car we are held to ransome by our own mobile lifestyle.

One thing 'Serendipity Sailing' (see thread on this blog) seeks to share is that whilst some things in life, like the tides, can be depending upon and predictable, others, like the weather, human beings and now banks, are notoriously unpredictable.

I think we should be in awe of how small we are and learn to live day by day. It seems the odd 'national standstill' does us good, even if it does supposedly cost the nation millions, as we all discover community and realise talk of recession is relative.

Use the 'comments' link below to share your thoughts...

Anyway, enough of that here are some photos of the weather here in Cornwall. If you click on them they get a lot bigger.

'Weather with You' was first recorded by Crowded House in the early 1990's. They were the soundtrack to our time in New Zealand.

Click on the arrow to enjoy...

Rev Pat Ashe - Texts from his funeral

2009-01-27T16:21:00.013Z

As requested - here are texts of different parts of Pat's funeral:

PAT - REMEMBERING

We all have so many rich memories of Pat. Lois, Jo Clarke and Sue Bauhahmn are going to assist me in drawing those thoughts together as we give thanks to God for Pat’s life...

We shall start from the beginning.
John O’Donohue says this:

“Nowhere does the silence of the infinite lean so intensely as around the form of a newly born infant. Once we arrive, we enter into the inheritance of everything that has preceded us; we become heirs to the world. To be born is to be chosen. To be created and come to birth is to be blessed. The beginning often holds the clue to everything that follows.”

This surely is so true for Pat and he has in turn made it a reality of our lives.

Pat was born on 15 January 1915 in Boudja, Smyrna, Turkey. He was the youngest son of Robert Pickering and Edith Ashe. His father had been one of the pioneer CMS missionaries in Uganda.

Pat had one stepbrother Robert, from his father’s first marriage to Emma Lena Jackson.
After her death in 1895, R.P. Ashe then took the Chaplaincy in Boudja, where a thriving British Community attended All Saints Church. In 1899 he married Edith Blackler and they had five children: Oliver 1900, Mary 1902, William 1903, Ellen 1905 and the youngest Patrick in 1915.

During the First World War, the family were interned, and although suffering great privations, they were well treated by the Turks. They were allowed to live in the Parsonage, and in their own Mill during the summer months. Pat recalled:

So many memories of my childhood stand out like cameos or miniatures - perfect in every detail:
I see the family sitting round the table at lunch on the veranda of the Mill, the summer sun blazing outside. We were all there except Robert, a lieutenant fighting in the army. Round the table were my father and mother, Oliver, Mary, William and Ellen. I was very much the youngest by ten years.
I see the dappling light reflected from the bottom of the galvanised bucket of sparkling water, as my mother dipped it out with a ladle, and poured it into our glasses.
I see the Mill, standing solid and welcoming, which I think of as my childhood home; its walls, six or eight feet thick, inside cool as a cave; the beehive window, like a whitewashed tunnel, with a sill six feet deep in which I sat curled up and watched the flies.
I see the vineyard in front, and the olive trees with their leaves flashing green and silver, their trunks gnarled and twisted.
I see the two pine trees at the top of the path which led down towards the village and the ‘tsikoudhia’, a tree in front of the Mill. We got so adept at climbing it that we swung from branch to branch like monkeys chasing each other. The bark was worn smooth by the constant rub of hands and bare feet. We never wore shoes at the Mill, and could walk over sharp stones and thistles without feeling it.

In 1922, the family were driven out by the Turkish uprising under Kemal Ataturk, and were taken on the Royal Navy Hospital Ship “Main” to Malta, where they were refugees for six months.

When the Turkish Army entered Smyrna the quays were crowded with Greeks, Armenians and Jews begging to be taken off by the British, French and US warships. I remember seeing Turkish soldiers killing people and pushing others into the harbour. At first the warships would only take off their own nationals, but later orders were given to take off as many people as possible, and The ships’ boats plied back and forth loaded with refugees. A fire started, and a wind fanned the flames till the whole city blazed. The marble fronts of the houses on the quay remained standing as if to screen the devastation that lay behind. It was sad to see the loss of life, and the city burnt to the ground - Smyrna - one of the cities least criticised in the Letters to the Seven Churches in the Revelation of St. John the Divine.

They returned for a short time to Smyrna, where they found all their property had been looted except for a case of silver hidden under the floor boards. Pat was taught by his mother until he was nine years old, and learned to speak colloquial Greek.

Pat’s father was then made Chaplain to the British Community in Cartagena, Spain where Pat’s sister Mary married a mining engineer, Trevor Poore.

As my father was taking the Marriage Service, it fell to me, age 7, to give away the bride. All I can remember is stumbling over the hat-stand at the back of the Church with a bang that made everyone jump. I almost fell headlong to the floor, but fortunately I was firmly attached to Mary’s arm. The impetus of my stumble took us at high speed up the aisle, and we arrived breathless at the Altar steps.

In 1924, Pat’s father retired to Croydon, where Pat went to Whitgift School.
In 1934 Pat went to St. John's College Cambridge, and read Modern Languages and Theology. He famously rescued several young ladies from the river Cam when a tree fell on their punt! He spent one year at Westcott House Theological College, and in 1938 spent a year teaching at Adisadel College, Cape Coast, Gold Coast (now Ghana). While he was there, the Second World War broke out. He returned to England via the Sahara, and went back to Westcott House to finish his training.

Pat was ordained in 1939 in the Diocese of Southwark, and served his title at St. Mary's Church, Woolwich under the Rector, Cuthbert Bardsley, later Bishop of Coventry.

Towards the end of the war he joined the Friends Relief Service, and the team was sent to Cairo where he first met Marion, the daughter of the Archdeacon Frank Johnston. The team was sent to Samos to work under the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. On his return to England, Pat was made the Bishop of Southwark's Chaplain to Youth.

In 1950 Pat and Marion were married at Southwark Cathedral. It is impossible to express how remarkable their partnership was in so many ways. In 2002 Pat wrote these words -

Very dear Marion, As I could not hear the sermon, I had time to think and I thought how much I loved you. And how much I owe you. From the very beginning of our life together, you have been a bright and shining light to me, reflecting the beauty of Jesus you have kept the vision of Him alive for me.

There are so many dimensions to Pat’s life and we cannot begin do just to all of them but three that are most significant are Pat as Family Man, Pat as Parish Priest and Pat as Founder, along with Marion, of PVO / Christian Outreach now CORD.

I am now going to invite Lois, Jo Clarke and Sue Bauhahmn to reflect for us on Pat in these roles.
Lois shares her memories of Pat:
As children we were born in the 50s and 60s, whereas Dad had been born 1915, the year after the first world war started! He knew rationing, when there wasn’t much food around, and the time before antibiotics, so life had been much tougher.
Dad I remember never wasted anything. He would squeeze the toothpaste tube and get paste out of it for ages after the rest of the family had given up! A jar of jam that had gone mouldy, wouldn’t worry him, he would just scrape the mould off and tuck in!! He hated throwing food away.
I don’t remember things getting on top of him, he was calm in most situations, like when we were learning to drive cars. My first lesson Dad took me out and I kangarood around some quieter roads in Leamington, and on returning home I drove over our neighbours flower bed flattening her daffodils!! Scared of my neighbour’s reaction I made myself scarce while Dad calmly did some gardening to try and put my damage right!! Then there was the time still with L plates on the car, I drove him from London, home. He hadn’t spoken for a while so I glanced at him as I was driving, and saw he was fast asleep!!! What trust I thought!
We had an old Bedford van, and whenever we all got in, Dad made a game of checking all seven children were on board. He would shout ‘ Are we all here? Number!’ and we would all take it in turns to shout the numbers 1-7. One day we got in to go somewhere and Dad shouted, Are we all here? Number, and we went thru 1,2,3,4, and then there was silence!! We returned home to collect number 5 and found that Andrew was not at all pleased to find we’d gone without him!
Our holidays were in a field together in west Wales, and we all have wonderful memories of those times. None of us were allowed to take socks, feet dried much quicker! Dad had us all climbing almost sheer cliffs, seemingly oblivious to any dangers! We loved it. When the storms and the gales came, which they invariably did we never went home early, we would just go and collect water or the milk from the farm in our swimming costumes! Dad would be out in the night often several times lashing the tents down to stop them blowing away! One morning we woke up, peeped out from under the canvas to find we were the only ones still in the field. The rest of the campsite had packed up and gone home!
However busy Dad was with the parish, he would still find time to help us with homework. If we went into his study with a question he would stop whatever he was doing and help us. One person remembered going round to see Dad about some parish crisis, thinking he would be feeling the pressure, and found him playing the board game, Sorry, on the floor with his children!! If we felt we wanted to get Mum and Dad’s attention during a meeting going on in one of the rooms in the vicarage, we had a couple of ways that would never fail. One was to go and ring the doorbell, and either Mum or Dad would come and answer it, or we would put the kettle on the Aga, and leave it to whistle until one of them came out to take it off!
Before meals we would always say Grace. As there were 7 of us we all had one day of the week designated to us, when it was our turn to thank the Lord for our food. Even after we’d all left home Mum and Dad still prayed for us, and our families on our day to say Grace.
Dad, was a huge inspiration in our lives. He taught us these principles:

I’m right, the other wrong, = war
I’m wrong, the other right, = peace.

If you want to live, give.

Give the credit,
Take the blame.

Not who’s right,
But what’s right.

We need the spirit of Jesus,
Not only the teaching in our heads,But His spirit in our Heart.

Pat & Marion had seven children:
Lois Mary, Robert Patrick, Francis John, Islay Jane, Andrew Gwynne, Ruth Marion and David Mark. Pat is survived by 19 of his 21Grandchildren.

In 1950 he was made Vicar of Blindley Heath, Surrey. He served as Vicar of Otley, Yorks, Vicar of St. Mary's Leamington Spa, and Rector of Church Stretton, Shropshire.

For many Pat will be remembered for his “Teddy Brown” stories, originally told to his own children but later introduced into many a pulpit and published too.

In 1967 he and Marion started Project Vietnam Orphans (PVO).
In 1974, in order to concentrate on the work of the Project, he resigned his Living, and they moved to her parents' old home in Godalming.

Approximately a hundred children were brought from Viet Nam and adopted into Christian homes. After the fall of South Vietnam, PVO started work amongst Cambodian refugees in Thailand, where it later became known as Christian Outreach, and then branched out to work in several different Countries.

Sue Bauhahnm shares her memories:
In March 1975 I had the privilege of flying off to Vietnam with Pat and Gerry Derham to join the Project Vietnam Orphans team in Saigon. Pat's faith and trust in God and his example, spoke loudly to me as a young Christian. As we gathered together with family and friends near the entrance of the departure lounge at Heathrow Airport, Pat led us in prayer, seeking God's guidance and protection. The rest of the world hurried by but Pat recognised the value of seeking God's blessing. During the journey Gerry mentioned that he had had a hard time getting insurance for the trip but Pat answered that he had had no problem. He had a wonderful insurer -God.
Pat was a man of vision and as he guided the work of PVO and later Christian Outreach, he kept the vision focussed. He knew that it was God's work and he humbly accepted God's ways, however unusual or uncomfortable. During our stay in Saigon, Pat enjoyed seeing the outworking of the PVO work. Daily, poor children flooded into the courtyard of the PVO house to have breakfast, and we heard them chant and recite the Vietnamese alphabet with an enthusiastic young Vietnamese teacher.
Pat also reached out in all directions to make links and seek opportunities of furthering help to needy children. We visited many orphanages, organisations and also the the home of the British Ambassador. Here Pat focussed on discussions whilst the rest of us, having grown tired of our daily diet of rice and fish sauce, drooled over the cheese soufle we were served. After a bout of illness Lois and I diagnosed a lack of salt and dosed Pat up with salt tablets which made his condition worse, However Pat still trusted our medical skills and was even amused by the situation.
One day whilst Pat was out and about on the back of Graham's motorbike they had an accident and Pat fell off injuring his leg. This totally changed his travel plans and due to his immobility he was unable to move on to the Philippines. However he didn't get upset or annoyed but accepted and trusted God's timing. A few day's later as Lois, Alison, Graham and myself met with Pat in his downstairs room, to read the Bible and pray, Pat's confidence in God's Word to speak to our situation was firm. We read together how God delivered the Israelites through the Red Sea. We had heard local reports of the deteriorating situation in the countryside surrounding Saigon and Pat prayed for deliverance for the four PVO babies in our care, who were waiting for their clearance papers to join their new families in England.
The next day we heard news of the Daily Mail Air lift and many more babies were saved. Pat was always able to steer the way forward through red tape and brick walls. He didn't waver, he just kept going until he found a way through.
Pat's ability to share the vision of helping one child in God's Name, ignited the willingness of so many people to help and use whatever gifts, talents, abilities or resources they had to become involved. Each child, each family, each team member and each supporter were individuals to Pat and he always valued them. Pat's life and vision has brought forth fruit in the lives of so many people in so many countries. His humble example and trusting faith have been an example to me and will continue to inspire and challenge me.

Julian Petifer writes:
Alas, I am flying to Ghana on today, I am so sorry not to be with you to say my farewell. Pat Ashe had a noble and fruitful life for which we are all grateful. There was never a time when his example is more timely and more sorely needed. I can honestly say that the report of which I am most proud in my 50 year career is the account of the plight of the Vietnam orphans that inspired the Ashe family to launch their magnificent Project. My best wishes to all.

Terry and Cynthia Gough wrote in a letter to the family –
We are so sorry we shall not be able to attend Pat’s funeral. We shall be in Vietnam for Project Return. One of the people accompanying us will be Philippa Latham, who as Philippa Jackson was one of the nurses appointed by Pat and Marion to work in Saigon for PVO in 1971. There is no escape from the influence of your parents even after so many years! Their memory and legacy will remain with us until our time is up.

Pat retired in 1980. From 1974, they lived in Godalming, Surrey (Marion passed away on 31 July 2008). He became Hon. Domestic Chaplain to Loseley House, and Chaplain at St. Francis, Littleton. Along with James More Molyneux, Pat helped develop the Christian Cancer Help Centre which has been a blessing to so many.

Robert Buckingham writes:
Once in the mid eighties I called Pat from Heathrow and tried to ask for directions to Godalming by train / bus. Brushing aside my protests he said, “I’ll be there in an hour”. He was over eighty at the time and on the way to Godalming, I saw the speedometer literally match his age!! Incredible!
Ida writes:
What an exemplary life. I think he really understood Jesus’ message in its simple strength and value and ignored all the trappings introduced down the ages.

PATRICK ASHE FUNERAL SERMON

"Looking Unto Jesus"

We are going to take a few minutes now to reflect on the spiritual legacy that Patrick Ashe has left to us. May I suggest that we each take time to consider again the invitation to follow Jesus that was a lifelong theme in Pat’s life.

Pat was greatly moved by a little book by the French priest Theodore Monod…
". . . looking unto Jesus . . ." Hebrews 12:2
Only these three words,but in these three wordsis the whole secret of life.
Everything in Pat’s life was guided by this principle, one that he learned very young.

Pat’s parents were able to help refugees who arrived in Smyrna at the end of the First World War. Pat recalls - My parents wanted to get the men something to eat. There was very little food, and we ourselves were only just above subsistence level. Mother gathered together all the food she could, and made a thick soup. We got permission from the guards for the men to come up to the Parsonage for a meal. Father said Grace over what was obviously not enough. It seemed impossible for all of them even to have a little. But as my mother ladled it out, ladle after ladle, including second helpings, still the soup held out. After the meal Father gave thanks for what he believed was a miracle. It was my first experience of prayers being answered, and as I look back on my life, I can think of many, many times when God has directly answered prayers.

Here Pat himself reflects on lessons learned as a young boy in Cartegena:

An incident took place about in Spain that had a profound effect on my character. Once, after a stormy session with my Father, I flew into a rage. He tried to calm me down, but I was angry and rebellious. He quoted a verse from the Prophet Jonah:The Lord said,“Doest thou well to be angry?”Jonah replied peevishly,“Yea, I do well to be angry, even unto death.?” I stormed out, and went and hid under some prickly pear cactuses. I sat there: “Doest thou well to be angry, Pat?”“Yea, I do well to be angry.”It was as if God kept on saying to me,“Doest thou well to angry?” until I said, “No, I don’t do well to be angry.”After a considerable struggle, I plucked up courage and went to Father to apologise. I said,“Father, I’m sorry.”His reply was,“Pat, you’re a gentleman.”For me it was a discovery. Humility was not weakness. It needs strength to be humble.

There are so many stories that we can all tell of Pat’s trust in Jesus and how he led us to do the same. Here are a few testimonies sent to us since he has died.

Dave Orange writes to the family ….
It was your Dad that made me see that God was much bigger than me. Your Dad stood in St Mary’s Hall in front of me, hands in his black cassock pockets and said “You’re banned, you can’t come back until you’re changed”.
I had already wrecked the meeting, thrown the chairs about, ripped down the curtains and was ready to chuck the old Vicar out the door, but looking at your Dad I realised that something in him was bigger than I was.
I know now it was the love of God, so I was forced to obey and skulked out of the hall, thinking never to go back. But God was working in me and I know I had to get right with Him. It took four weeks but eventually I surrendered and God’s love flooded me, I couldn’t wait for next Sunday to tell your Dad that I had changed.

Robert Buckingham has written:
Through the years Judy and I had the honour and pleasure of several visits to Godalming. Sometimes we’d even arrive at short notice but we were ALWAYS welcomed with such warmth and with such genuine pleasure!
Visiting with your parents was to be lifted up into an “upper room”. Strolling in the garden, examining the vegetables, breathing in the rich fragrances, catching up on family news . . . so much physical beauty superbly matched with spiritual beauty! I can’t tell you how much we looked forward to these visits and how much they invariably lifted our spirits.

Finally from a parishioner in Otley
"Dearest friends, …a few words with you regarding my dearest Brother in Christ. These words come from a heart overflowing with love for the man who introduced me to my personal Saviour. It was 1-30am in the lounge of Otley Vicarage where I knelt down, admitted my sin & arose a new man in Christ. My regret is that I cannot be with you to share in this service, but as Pat & I parted at Marion's funeral we did have a little joke about who was going to win the race & get to Heaven first!
Blessings to you all," Ken Pollard

Pat’s dying wishes:

If we die one of us
Try not to be too sad-
we have been expecting it for some time.
It would be impossible for any of you to say "if only"
You have all done everything possible
to make us happy and grateful, and
we have known your love.
When I asked the Great God and Father
what I should say in my few words,
and He said
"Little Children love one another."
That is what He said to St John
who wrote 2 letters which I hope you will all read-
They are quite short and you will find them
at the end of the New Testament just before Revelation.
It is wonderful to love and be loved
but it is not always easy when the one to be loved
is like Sadham or Hitler or Idi Amin,
or the boy in the next desk, or the girl in the office,
or the room mate I'm stuck with.
1 Pray for them.
2 Ask for Grace to love and forgive.
3 Take a deep breath and forgive them.
Listen to Him. Remarkable Man.
4 Standards
Lottery 'Get rich quick' does not buy happiness.
Happiness is a bye- product, chase it and it vanishes.

Pat died on the 6th January – rather appropriately the Epiphany because many of us will remember him telling the story of the
4th Wise Man

"Arteban is the 4th wise man - who arrives too late to see the baby Jesus. He spends his life searching for his King - Here is Pat reading the end of the story."

LOOKING UNTO JESUS AS LONG AS WE REMAIN ON THE EARTH - unto Jesus from moment to moment, without allowing ourselves to be distracted by memories of a past which we should leave behind us, nor by occupation with a future of which we know nothing

UNTO JESUS NOW IF WE HAVE NEVER LOOKED UNTO HIM --

UNTO JESUS A FRESH, IF WE HAVE CEASED DOING SO --

UNTO JESUS ONLY,

UNTO JESUS STILL,

UNTO JESUS ALWAYS --WITH A GAZE MORE AND MORE CONSTANT, more and more confident, "changed into the same image from glory to glory" (2Cor. 3:18). Thus we await the hour when He will call us to pass from earth to Heaven, and from time to eternity --The promised hour,the blessed hourwhen at last "we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1John 3:2).

Prayers

Grant to us, O Lord, the royalty of inward happiness, and the serenity which comes from living close to thee. Daily renew in us the sense of joy, and let the eternal Spirit of the Father dwell in our souls and bodies, filling every corner of our hearts with light and grace; so that, bearing about with us the infection of good courage, we may be diffusers of life, and may meet all ills and cross accidents with gallant and high-hearted happiness, giving thee thanks always for all things.
Amen.

O Jesu, Master Carpenter, who at the last through wood and nails purchased our redemption; wield well your tools in this your workshop, that we who come to you rough-hewn may be fashioned to a nobler beauty by your hand; for your name's sake, O Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Pat Ashe in Pictures

2009-01-27T14:46:00.009Z

Here are some photos and videos of Rev Pat Ashe, Lois' father, shown at his funeral last Saturday. Andrew put these wonderful slides together. Turn your sound on and click on the arrow to view.

Pat Ashe 1915 - 2009

2009-01-08T13:10:00.010Z

Lois' father, Pat Ashe, died in his sleep on Tuesday evening at Guildford Hospital.

We are all so sad to see Pat leave us but know it is right for him to go on to join Marion with his Lord Jesus after such a remarkable life of service for God.

Below are the published Obituary, Comments from CORD and a film clip about the origins of PVO/Christian Outreach...

Peace Maker and Humanitarian
The Reverend Patrick Ashe - Obituary

The Reverend Francis Patrick Bellesme Ashe, who, in 1967, with his wife Marion, and fellow parishioners in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire determined to rescue orphans in Saigon during the Vietnam War, leaves a legacy of peace building in some 26 countries over more than four decades.

Motivated by his Christian faith, and ignoring those who said he would not succeed, Pat Ashe, himself a father of seven, led his team to support hundreds of children abandoned and lost in the debris of war. Confident in their Christian conviction that this was God's calling to them, Project Vietnam Orphans set up orphanages and schools in the heart of the Saigon battleground, and were instrumental in saving numerous young lives.

As the city finally fell, many children were famously airlifted to the UK and new adoptive homes as part of his life saving mission. For Pat Ashe, the simple creed was that children should live without fear, want or deprivation. For many years he led a double life- running the large and busy parish of St. Mary's, Leamington, whilst heading up PVO, as CORD was then known.
After Vietnam, the charity worked with refugees from the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia, changing its name to Christian Outreach. Later the words "Relief & Development" were added and the name CORD was adopted. Today the organisation employs some 800 people globally, many of them refugees.

Regarded as an inspirational humanitarian, Pat Ashe was born on 15 January 1915 in Boudja, Smyrna, Turkey, the youngest son of the Rev. Robert Pickering Ashe and Edith (Blackler) Ashe. He was taught by his mother until he was nine years old, and learned to speak colloquial Greek. In 1922 Smyrna was taken by the Turkish army. To avoid the pillage and massacre, the British subjects were taken off by the Royal Navy to Malta, where they stayed for some six months as refugees.

R.P. Ashe was then offered the Chaplaincy of Cartagena, Spain, where they stayed for two years, and Pat learned to speak Spanish. On their return to Smyrna, they found that all their belongings had been looted. In England, Pat attended Whitgift School, Croydon before reading Modern Languages and Theology at St. John's College Cambridge. He spent a year at Westcott House Theological College, and in 1938 taught at Adisadel College, Cape Coast, and Gold Coast.
While he was there, the Second World War broke out. He returned to England via the Sahara, and was ordained in l939 in the Diocese of Southwark, serving his title at St. Mary's Church, Woolwich under the Rector, Cuthbert Bardsley, later Bishop of Coventry.Towards the end of the war he joined the Friends Relief Service, and the team was sent to Cairo where he first met Marion (Johnston) Bamber, the daughter of the Very Rev. Francis Johnston. The team was sent to Samos working under the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. On his return to England, Pat was made the Bishop of Southwark's Chaplain to Youth.

He and Marion married in Southwark Cathedral in 1950, and Pat was made Vicar of Blindley Heath, Surrey. He served as Vicar of Otley, Yorkshire, Vicar of St. Mary's Leamington Spa, and Rector of Church Stretton, Shropshire. He resigned his living in 1974 in order to concentrate on the work of Project Vietnam Orphans; and the couple moved the family home to Godalming. Pat retired in 1980, becoming Hon. Domestic Chaplain to Loseley House, and Chaplain at St. Francis, Littleton.

Regarded as a devout and spiritual person, the Rev Ashe was a mild and gently mannered man; a persona which belied a stubbornness based on his conviction of what was right. On moving to Leamington Spa, with the highest immigrant population in the area, he ran foul of the Keep Britain White campaign for his anti racist stance.

His deep faith and belief in the power of prayer strengthened his determination to succeed despite enormous obstacles. Pat Ashe remained at the heart of CORD until his death .Hundreds of thousands of people who have had to flee for their lives from violent conflict, have been helped and supported to a new life by the organisation which he founded.

The Rev Ashe died peacefully after a short illness on January 6 in a Surrey hospital, just five months after losing his wife, Marion. He is survived by his seven children and 19 of his 21 grandchildren.

Pat Ashe born 15 Jan 1915; Died 6 January 2009

COMMENTS from the CORD website http://www.cord.org.uk/

It is with great sadness that CORD announces the death of our Founder, the Reverend Pat Ashe. He was 93 and died peacefully in his sleep at Godalming in Surrey.

Pat, who back in 1967 and together with his wife Marion, and fellow parishioners in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire determined to rescue orphans in Saigon during the Vietnam War, leaves a legacy of peace building in some 26 countries over more than four decades.

'Pat Ashe was an inspirational man,' said CORD Chief Executive, Brian Wakley. 'He was a mild and gently mannered person, but he had a stubbornness based on his conviction of what was right. His deep faith strengthened his determination to succeed despite enormous obstacles.'
'Hundreds of thousands of people who have had to flee for their lives from violent conflict, have been helped and supported to a new life by the organisation which he founded. He remained at the heart of CORD throughout, and we are greatly saddened by his passing, whilst celebrating his huge contribution as a peace maker and a humanitarian.'

Broadcaster and journalist Julian Pettifer, whose news report from a beach in Saigon inspired the Ashe's to action, said he was saddened by the news.

'Pat Ashe had a noble and fruitful life for which we are all grateful. There was never a time when his example is more timely and more sorely needed,' he added.

Esther & Andrew's Wedding

2008-12-03T15:09:00.012Z

In October we had the wonderful joy of hosting Esther & Andrew's Wedding here at St Just in Roseland Church and at our home and the Memorial Hall in St Mawes.

They only announced their engagement in August so it was quite a challenge to have everything ready for October. However everyone rallied around at it all came together wonderfully.

Tall Ships

2008-12-03T14:48:00.006Z

It was great to see the Tall Ships here in Falmouth in September.

We had a gradstand view of them arriving and leaving from our house on the hill in St Mawes.

It was also fun to go across to Falmouth on the St Mawes Ferry to see the ships. Zoe and I went over on a very wet Wednesday. I had been due to sail on Helen Mary, a Falmouth Working Boat, to take some Tall Ships crews out for a race but the weather was too bad and that was sadly called off.

We went on board ships from Mexico, Russia, Oman, Uraguay and the Pelican from the UK. Pelican is fscinating with an unusual rig derived from the old 'Privateer' / 'Pirate' ships with fore and mizzen fore and aft rigs and the mainmast square rigged.

On Friday we were invited to John Dyers exhibition at the National Maritime Museum. Lois and I chose a print to give Esther and Andrew for their wedding present.

Afterwards we went down to Custom House Quay to watch the fireworks. The St Mawes ferry came in at just the right moment so we could watch the dicplay from 'grandstand' seats on the ferry.

On Saturday the parade of Sail was amazing with ships and boats as far as the eye could see.

The Fireworks

Greenbelt 2008

2008-12-01T17:29:00.008Z

This year we managed to get all our three daughters to come along with us to Greenbelt.

Greenbelt is a Christian Arts Festival where about 20,000 people come to Cheltenham Racecourse for the long August bank holiday weekend for music, drama, talks, art, worship, fun and fellowship.

Here are some images.

Marion Ashe

2008-12-01T16:53:00.010Z

In August we were greatly saddened by the death of Lois' mother, Marion Ashe.

She had fought a very brave battle with mutiple ailments and eventually died peacefully at home.

It was lovely that many family members were able to be with her in person or via sattelite links and Pat, Lois' Dad, was able to join in prayers with everyone.

Marion's funeral was a wonderful occasion as we gathered with so many friends and family to give thanks to God for a remarkable person.

Sailing

2008-12-01T16:28:00.009Z

It has been great to get out sailing a few times this year. St Mawes Sailing Club have a Thursday evening series of races.

I have been out a couple of times on Helen Mary, one of the Falmouth Working Boats. These are large long keeled day boats which were originally designed to work as fishing boats in the Carrick Roads. They have been used as Oyster Dredgers for hundreds of years and some of them are well over 100 years old. In the winter you can still see half a dozen of them still working the oyster beds under sail. In fact it is claimed they are the last fleet of sailing fishing boats in Europe. They are not allowed to have engines!

Helen Mary is crew by a bunch of locals from St Mawes and they are a very cheerful lively crew. The Working boat races are very competitive to say the least. The boats are heavy and sail best in a strong breeze. They also carry a lot of sail to get them going. So the crews are usually similar to a bunch of rugby forwards.

The other boat I have been sialing on is a Marieholm Folkboat called Emily Too. Folkboats are a famous design of 25 foot wooden long keeled yachts. The Marieholm is a Fibreglass version which is very pretty and fun to sail. There is a good fleet of them based at St Mawes.

Duke & Duchess

2008-11-24T17:00:00.005Z

One of my first community engagements was to be part of a welcoming party for the visit of HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall to St Mawes.

Camilla had been invited to name the new St Mawes Ferry. They arrived the night before and stayed at the Trasnton Hotel in the village. In the morning they walked along to the quay, stopping to chat to people. They visited the Post Office, the Bakery and the Fishmongers and they were greeted by the school children who sang a pirate sone to them.

We were introduced and Prince Charles asked how we were settling in. They were very relaxed and easy to talk to. After naming the ferry they set off to Falmouth.

Pilot Cutters

2008-11-23T13:10:00.007Z

It was great fun to be involved in the Pilot Cutter Review and World Championships again. Last year Esther sdailed on Agnes whilst we followed the fleet with Polbream.

This year Esther was invited to photograph the fleet from a RIB with the race officers. Ken managed to hitch a lift aboard Agnes for the Sunday afternoon race.

It was a beautiful sunny day with a stiff breeze. Esther got some terrific photos and Ken ended up in a great shot featured in Classic Boat magazine!

It was wonderful to see these amazing vessels sailing in the bay, some of the Bristol cutters are over one hundred years old. Agnes is one of half a dozen Scillies Pilot Cutter replicas built by Luke Powell at Gweek.

Graduation

2008-11-23T12:36:00.008Z

We arrived in Cornwall just in time to enjoy Esther's graduation at Falmouth.

It was such fun to experience all the celebrations, we love being proud parents, we can't think where our girls get all their cleverness and creativity!

Esther's boyfriend, soon to be Fiancee, now husband, Andrew, graduated at the same time and so it was lovely to get to know his parents, Steve and Jocelyn, who stay with us.

Kate's visit

2008-11-22T16:06:00.005Z

Our arrival in St Mawes coincided with my sister, Kate's visit from New Zealand so it was great to have her and Mum to stay soon after we arrived.

The pictures are of Kate and Mum on the St Mawes Ferry and Jane, Mum and Kate outside St Just Church.

Settling In

2008-11-22T15:51:00.009Z

As you will see, I am playing 'catch up' as we have not posted a blog for some time. So here are some photos from our arrival in St Mawes.

Here is our house which is 'upside down' with the reception rooms etc and one bedroom upstairs and three bedrooms downstairs.

And here are the two churches in the Parish, St Mawes and St Just.

Farewell to Nailsea

2008-05-25T11:17:00.018Z

We have just had a hectic couple of weeks saying farewell to all our friends in Nailsea and preparing to move to St Mawes.

It has been a very special time, with the 'last' this and that meeting or service, farewell 'do's and the Music and Arts Festival to round it all off.

Marcus prepared 'Paddington' for our journey to St Mawes, delivering the Caravan and the Morris. They came around with 'Dorcas' to see us off.

We met up with Esther at Trevegue Farm (www.treveaguefarm.co.uk/index.htm)

near Gorran Haven for at three day break before heading on to St Mawes.

We were delighted to find the house completely decorated in brilliant and refreshing white. We then set to vacuuming and shampooing the carpets.

It was lovely to meet the neighbours and wander down the footpath to the Quay where the Pilot Gig races were in full flow.

Now we are back in Nailsea for final packing up and cleaning here.

Cruising Instructor

2008-03-29T18:42:00.009Z

After Easter I went on another RYA course with Cornish Cruising in Falmouth. http://www.cornishcruising.com/home

This time it was to train as an instructor. When we take groups as part of our new sailing ministry ('Serendipity Sailing' we call it), developed during my sabbatical last year, instructing is always part of my role. So I was keen to develop the right skills and have my progress assessed.

There were four of us Yachtmasters being coached in instructing skills by Nick, a Yachtmaster instructor with whom I had sailing from Falmouth to London last year.

We sailed in the Falmouth area going no further than Turnaware (by Trelissic), Helford, St Mawes and Portscatho. Most of the time we were honing teaching and coaching skills for boat handing, navigation, pilotage, sailing, safety proceedures and crew management.

We had some great sailing due to strong winds and sunshine although the cold wind was from the north but that meant calm seas.

It was very satisfying for us all to pass and I learnt new skills and felt stretched and challenged by it all.

I am looking forward to putting it all into practice!

Moving to Cornwall

2008-03-29T18:16:00.014Z

In February we visited Cornwall where Ken was interviewed for a new job. On the way home the Archdeacon 'phoned us to let us know that the Bishop would offer him the post of Priest in Charge of St Just in Roseland with St Mawes and lead minister in the Roseland Cluster of Parishes.

Of course we are very excited about this, in fact we can hardly believe it is happening. We will be moving to St Mawes on the 29th May. Our last Sunday here at Holy Trinity in Nailsea will be the 18th May and the Licensing at St Just in Roseland will be the 16th June.

St Just is a very famous church, John Betjeman called it the prettiest churchyard in Britain. Thousands of people visit ther church every year. St Mawes is a lovely fishing village with a strong maritime flavour, a sailing paradise not unlike Mangonui in New Zealand.

The new Rectory is in St Mawes and has a view of the sea. We have to 'downsize' by about two thirds from the Rectory here in Nailsea so we are daunted by the task.

We have been here in Nailsea for nearly eleven years and it is now time to move on but it will be difficult to say goodbye to so many good friends.

You can read more about where we are going at:

http://www.stjustinroseland.org.uk/

and

http://www.stmawes.info/

Visiting Mary in Northern Ireland

2008-01-28T17:08:00.001Z

In January we flew from Bristol to Derry to visit Mary who is working at Coleraine Hospital.

We stayed at Portrush in a friends' holiday house which was lovely and quiet. Mary had three days off so she enjoyed showing us her favourite places along the beautiful coast of Antrim and Derry.

The changing skies and seascapes along this coast are beautiful. The view from Mary's favourite cafe in Portstewart is stunning. It was amazing to look out on Donegal, in the Republic at the same time as being able to see Islay and Jura in the Scottish Inner Hebrides.

We all enjoyed a tour of Bushmills whiskey distillery, the oldest in the world. A ride on the Coleraine to Derry Train was fun, reckoned by Michael Palin to be one of the best train rides in the world. The scenery is amazing.

We need to return to sample even more of the deights of Ireland!

Family Christmas

2008-01-28T16:29:00.002Z

Belatedly, here are a few photos of our family over Christmas and New Year.

Staring with Lois' annual ritual of the nativity scene in the Hall. She always chooses the best of the logs I have chopped for the wood stove and , with copious straw and fairy lights the effect is lovely for people entering the Rectory.

Rick and Zoe dress the tree!

Griffin visited us from New Zealand via NZpost, here he is with Zoe.

It was lovely to see Gran (Ken's Mum) and Polly (our niece) at my sister Jane and Philip's in Glastonbury on Boxing Day.

Lots of Ashe and Johnstone cousins enjoyed the gathering at Farnborough.

Esther shares a joke with Grandpa / Pat Ashe.

Three day visit to Lunchu Parish

2007-12-12T22:56:00.001Z

LUNCHU VISIT – FRIDAY 26th – 29th OCTOBER 2007

At 2.30pm (or 1400 hrs as they say in Zambia) Florence Mumba, called for us saying ‘ Ready to go?’ We left the guest house and went to the carpark by the Cathedral. Needless to say we waited another hour before we actually left! Happy Banda our driver one minute wasn’t there and then we were waiting for a cool box to be delivered by the Bishop! We are getting used to African time!

Bishop Derek and his wife, Evelyn said ‘goodbye’ to us. They were going about three times as far as us visiting rural parishes. He had very kindly provided us with his driver, Happy Banda, who was always smiling, ( so a very good name for him), the Mother’s Union landrover, and Florence Mumba, their Diocesan Mother’s Union worker.

At 3.30pm we were ready to go shopping in Ndola. We had asked Deacon Pumulo Neo to write us a list of things the school at St Michael’s needed, and we were keen to try and get some of them, with the money that had been given by our church of Holy Trinity, Nailsea.

Here is his list:
Filing cabinet
Footballs, netballs and volley balls and net.
10 files
plain paper (ream)
10 bibles
100 exercise books – squared
Carpentry tools – chisel, hammer, saw, nails.

We rushed round shopping before every thing closed at 5pm! We went first to the Roman Catholic shop and bought 10 Good News bibles, packets of plain paper – ream, the exercise books, wine for Ken to celebrate Communion with. Then we hurried to a sports shop and bought 4 footballs, and 2 netballs, then another shop to get 10 folders. Nowhere in Ndola sells filing cabinets which the school desperately needs – everything is just on a shelf in the small school office. It will have to be got from Lusaka. Our Mother’s Union in Nailsea had given some money, and so we were able to buy lots of wool, material and needles and thread. I’d been given knitting needles and some material to bring out with me.

Then we bought diesel for the MU Landrover. Fuel is an essential and big expense to get around the diocese, as the distances are so great. We then shopped for food as a contribution to Pumulo and Francesca, and at 6pm we were ready for our journey to Lunchu, our link parish! En route we bought a couple of watermelons and some onions from stalls along the roadside. Then at Kapiri we bought some more fuel, which we paid for. The allowance from the diocese for travel usually will only get them to Lunchu, but not to travel around the parish (which is very large, with 22 different congregations!). So normally they will arrive at Lunchu and then have to walk everywhere. An example is that Pumulo lives near St Barnabas’ congregation, St Michael’s is about 6 kms away and St Gabriel’s congregation is about 30 kms from St Barnabas.

It is dark by about 6.30pm so we arrived at St Michael’s, Lunchu after nightfall just before 9pm. There was a lovely full moon so you could see a little. Two or three of the builders for the headmaster’s house were sitting around a fire but everyone else was in bed, though Hilda and Abigail (two teachers at the school) had been waiting up for us. Bishop Derek had called in about an hour before and told them we were on our way! They emerged from their house, and then a bit later Pumulo came out of a mud house by the church where he stays when he is visiting St Michael’s. He hadn’t been at all well last week, and had fallen asleep while waiting for us. They were all very pleased to see us, and Hilda and Abigail were thrilled with the arrival of things for the school. Happy Banda then loaded bags onto the roof so that we could fit 2 more people into the back of the Landrover with Florence and myself. Pumulo’s grandson, Patrick was coming back with us. He had come to look after Pumulo while he’d been sick. We then drove about 12 kms along a hardcore very bumpy road to Pumulo’s house, arriving at 10pm.

Francesca, his wife came out to greet us so enthusiastically and we were introduced to their children, grandchildren and niece. Their was Patrick, (grandson), Isaac, (grandson) Stephen (Patrick’s brother – both orphans) Maria (niece and also an orphan), Malone, (son), Muyunda (son).

Then Francesca set to to cook a meal. By then though I was so tired and exhausted I went to bed before most of the meal was cooked, just having a bit of chicken. I left Florence, Happy Banda and Ken to tuck in with Pumulo and Francesca! I hardly slept though – probably because I was overtired and the heat. We’d had a busy morning before coming to Lunchu seeing another parish in Ndola and visiting a sewing project and preschool.

Toilets in Zambia aren’t in the home but quite a way from the house, in the bush. They are deep holes in the ground, so being able to squat is rather necessary! The toilet where we were was about 100 yards away from the home. It is in a small ‘shed’, made of mud bricks covered with a corrugated piece of metal. This was quite a grand one as many are just holes surrounded by a wall of straw. Thankfully we had a wind up torch, so no need for batteries. In the house were candles, as there was no electricity. I went to the loo in the night, and while squatting, a bat flew in through a hole in the corrugated roof, flying around me. I flew out of the door!!

Florence had written up a programme for our weekend here:
LUNCHU PARISH PROGRAMME1600 leave for shopping in Ndola
1800 leave for St. Michael’s Lunchu
Then to St. Barnabas – Deacon Pumulo’s residence.

27.10.07 – Saturday
07.00 tea
08.00 breakfast
09.00 visiting of St. Barnabas area
10.30 tea
11.00 leave for St. Gabriel
13.00 lunch
15.00 back to St. Barnabas
16.00 Meet St. Barnabas Mother’s Union and St Veronica’s members.
18.00 supper.
20.00 tea. To bed.

28.10.07 – Sunday
07.00 tea
08.00 breakfast
09.30 leave for St. Paul’s Mass.
13.00 lunch
14.00 visit to Kamukuba and St. Agnes projects.
16.00 Back to St. Barnabas. Meet St Barnabas MU/ St Veronica’s members.
18.00 supper
19.00 tea

28.10.07 - Monday
07.00 breakfast. Leave for Undola.
Sat 27th Oct 07

After breakfast we (Pumulo, Ken, Happy Banda, and myself) went to look around the St Barnabas parish. Francesca and Florence stayed behind to pack 10 bags with gifts of wool, knitting needles, materials, cotton thread and needles for the various Mother’s unions and St. Veronicas, with love from our Mother’s union. Happy Banda drove us in the MU Landrover to the school and local community about 1 km away and dropped us off to look around and walk back. We visited Lunchu Basic school where Francesca works. It is Government run with 560 pupils. Her classes are 4A (49students) and 4B (48 students).

Then we looked at how bricks were made for the buildings, and saw the water pump for the community, people collecting water in various down to the river which is quite low at the moment. When the rains arrive shortly it will overflow and many of the rural roads will become impassable for vehicles. That is why Bishop Derek is rushing around taking Confirmations etc. at the moment before the rains come!

Returning through the village we saw lots of mud houses covered with straw for roofs, and also some government houses. We passed a small RC church with people gathering for worship, and greeted the priest. Next we visited a new rural health clinic that the government are in the process of building. Hopefully it won’t be too long before it’s up and running.

Florence and Francesca obviously thought we were hot and tired so sent Happy Banda to collect us in the MU Landrover! We were obviously getting behind on Florence’s programme! She is very organised! It wasn’t far to home but I was pleased to see the Landrover! I was feeling very hot, sticky and tired. The cup of tea that Francesca had waiting was very welcome! We then set off for St Gabriel church. I hadn’t realised how far away it is – at least 30 kms from Pumulo’s house – along a hard-core or soft earth road. The hard-core road had become corrugated, and one felt riding in the back of the vehicle as if one’s bones were rattling! It is so rural. We drove for miles through scrub passing small communities of mud houses, families scratching a living from the dry earth around, preparing the ground ready for the rains.

After an hour we turned a corner, and there was St Gabriel church and community. It was such a contrast to what we’d been witnessing for the last hour. Here in the middle of nowhere was a large farm, 2 tractors, modern farm equipment and a generator for electricity! Mr and Mrs Banda retired as teachers and started farming here, building it up, growing maize. Her husband died but she and her sons have carried on expanding the farm, giving work to the community, and are pillars in the church. It was the only church in the Lunchu parish that had a light bulb in it!

We were welcomed warmly with singing and dancing, and lots of African handshakes. We went into the church. Pumulo asked Ken to say a prayer, then more singing with drums. Pumulo introduced the church leaders – they had also come from St Stephens and St John’s. I wrote their names down but as he said them quite quickly I might have misheard and got a few names not quite right. The names are:

Isa Cunda – priest warden from St Stephen’s.
Benedine Sani – St John’s
Alexander Tuyu – lay leader, and Father’s Union at St Stephen’s
Mary Tuyu – Treasurer, MU from St Stephen’s.
Kennedy Mwansa – Church warden from St Gabriel’s.
Passpor Banda – Secretary from St Gabriel’s.
Musunda Temwa Chair of choir from St Gabriel’s.
Landau Kanguga – church warden
Jonathan Katanga – trustee from St Gabriel’s.
Saphie Katanga – MU
Iraeni Banda – secretary of MU, and founder of a number of congregations. Looks after children, church and farm. Her daughter is a sister at the Fiwila Mission Station.

We heard how there had been no church here. The Banda family used to go to St Barnabas or St Michaels. Others came to join them, so at St. Michael’s and St Barnabas they said to them, ‘ It’s a long way to come’. So they started to begin this work here, praying and worshipping together. A small church was built. Others came to join them even people from the town. The numbers increased, and they wondered how they could build a new church. In 1987 they moulded the bricks, which stayed on the ground for 3 years while they saved money to buy cement. They asked the Bishop for help and he gave 12,000 kwacha, with which they bought the metal sheets for the roof. Her husband (died in 1996) helped lead the constructing of the church, the windows, buying paint and doing the floor. The church was completed in 2004, and they are still waiting for the Bishop to officially open the church.

I spoke on behalf of our Mother’s union at Holy Trinity, Nailsea, passing on greetings from them. Also on their behalf I gave a bag containing wool, knitting needles, materials, cotton thread and needles. They were so thrilled. We had more music. The choir there had wonderful voices. A St Veronica mum (same as our Morning Break mums), with her baby on her back, led the singing so beautifully. When the baby cried, she wasn’t fazed, she just undid the cloth (impapa) that held the baby on her back, and breast-fed while still leading the singing! She was amazing and had such a fantastic voice; I could have listened to her and her choir all day! When it was my turn to speak I said if they entered a competition they would win. If they had their singing on a CD then I would definitely buy one! Ken spoke and ended with a prayer.

After the time in the church with the congregation we looked around the farm. Mrs Banda who owns it has developed it, with one of her sons as Farm Manager. They now have 2 tractors and a truck, growing maize and fruit. The generator that they have put in means the church and community benefits as well. We visited Mr Banda’s grave and Ken said a prayer. Then we were invited to lunch in her house – chicken, rice, nshima and vegetables with a tomato and onion sauce. Before each meal the hostess comes around with a bowl and a jug of water and a towel and each guest washes their hands. Zambians don’t really feel they’ve eaten unless they’ve got nshima on their plates! It is a white mass usually made from maize, but can be also made using cassava or groundnut. We were given knives and forks but the usual way in rural Zambia to eat is with your fingers picking some of the nshima, rolling it into a ball and using it to scoop up the food on ones plate. It is fairly tasteless, so needs other food for flavour.

Afterwards we walked back to the Landrover, passing lots of choir robes hanging on the washing line, all made by hand. An hour later, after bumping along the dirt track we arrived back at Pumulo and Francesca’s house at St Barnabas. All I could think about was how does Pumulo manage visiting all the congregations on foot. In England we get in the car if the journey is more than about 10 minutes!

We arrived at St Barnabas about 4pm and there were the St Barnabas congregation and members of St Peter’s singing and dancing in preparation for our arrival. They all greeted us warmly with an African handshake while still singing and dancing. Then they all filed into church together with their beautiful singing. I followed poorly attempting to dance in time!! I was glad I was wearing my MU sarong or chitenge as they call it in Zambia. All the Mother’s union were wearing their blue and white uniform along with the younger St. Veronicas.

We repeated what we had done at St. Gabriel – Pumulo introducing the leaders there, me speaking (they always start with the least person to speak, so when Bishop Peter was around I was the first speaker and he was the last!), then Ken spoke, then I was asked to talk to the MU and St. Veronica’s, and I was able to present them with the wool, knitting needles, material, needles and thread from HT. They were very excited at the thought of what they could make with it all. Their MU presented me with several pieces of material that they had beautifully crocheted for me to take home with love to our MU in Nailsea. The leaders that Pumulo introduced (again I’ve probably misheard some of the names and got wrong spellings!) were:

Idona Mokuka – Priest warden and Father’s union at St Peter’s.
Agnes Mokula – St Veronica’s branch leader
Dougnes Angosa – MU at St Peter’s.
Mildred Tembe – Chair of MU at congregational level, St Peter’s.
Doreen Peeny – chair of the choir.
Trevor Peerie – secretary of the choir.
Daniel Angosa – lay leader, St Peter’s
Wellington Banda – lay leader, St Barnabas
?? - lay leader St Barnabas.
Bemue Bella – Secretary of congregation, St Barnabas.
Matthias Campule – St Barnabas.

The St Barnabas church is old and small and the roof is in bad repair. The foundations for a larger one and floor have been completed next door, but because of lack of funds they have been unable to go any further, and now the floor is beginning to go to powder as it has been down for a long time and will need redoing.

After the gathering I was given a cookery demonstration:
Bean leaves.
Water
Tomatoes x 3
Salt
Peanut butter – quite a lot.
Dried bean leaves. (in Lusaka I had a similar dish made with pumpkin leaves)
Boil water tomatoes and salt. Add peanut butter (they used homemade) and then dried bean leaves – simmer for 10 mins.

The Mother’s union and St Veronica’s have regular weekly gatherings altogether. Some of the topics and activities include:
Cookery
Sewing
Home visiting – including visiting those who are sick and prison visiting.
Teaching about diseases such as HIV and Aids, malaria.
Family Planning.
Washing and laundry.
Netball.
Church cleaning.
Bible study.
Marriage guidance.

The St Veronica’s meet with the Mother’s union. They include not just young mum’s but single young ladies as well. The MU help and teach them meeting the MU objective of supporting Family life.

We said farewell to everyone – quite a number had a 2 hour walk home and so wouldn’t reach home until well after dark. It is very humbling. I can’t think of anyone in our country that would walk 2 hours to a meeting and then 2 hours walk home in the dark!! People were so pleased we had come. The link with our parish means so much to them, knowing we are thinking and praying for them.

We went back to Pumulo and Francesca’s house by this time very hot and tired! It is the hottest time of year just before the rains start. After a lie down we had supper by candlelight, on our laps in the lounge – nshima, rice, chicken, the vegetable and peanut dish we’d made in the cookery demonstration – delicious! Then we went to bed under our mosquito nets.

Sunday 28 Oct 07

Ken and I woke about 6am and we enjoyed a cup of tea in bed at 7am. As it is light early and cooler the household is up about 5am doing chores, sweeping, lighting a fire for cooking etc.
The bathroom is a mud brick construction, no roof, with bricks laid on the ground with gaps in them for drainage. To have a bath you use the plastic mug fill it up with the water from the bowl and pour it over yourself. Then you soap yourself, collect more water in the mug, and rinse off pouring the water over you. The trick is not to contaminate the bowl of water, as the next person would appreciate clean water for washing! Bishop Derek told us about a vicar who came out, when presented with a bowl of water, didn’t know what to do with it! Bishop Derek asked him ‘ well what did you do with it?’ He replied ‘I climbed into it’! So the next person would either have had an empty bowl or a bowl of dirty water!

Breakfast consisted of porridge made of a maize and peanut butter mixture – quite nice, then followed fried eggs and peanuts – they are very tasty together!

At about 9.30am we left in the MU Landrover – Florence, Francesca, Pumulo, Ken, myself and Happy Banda, driving. It wasn’t too far so we were in good time for the 10am service at St Paul’s. As we drove up to the church everyone was already practising in the hot sun, singing and dancing getting ready to welcome us. They were so excited to see us all, Florence now knows every parish in Central Diocese, and people are always delighted to see her. They came rushing over still dancing and singing excitedly. They greeted us so enthusiastically, shaking all our hands. I was embraced by many of the ladies with such enthusiastic hugs that I was nearly throttled by one lady!

We went into church and found people had come from different congregations:
St Michael’s – we could see Hilda (in her St Veronica’s uniform – she joined about 2 months ago) and Abigail – two teachers from the school.
St Paul’s
St Luke’s
St Agnes’.
We were welcomed with different songs and dancing from different groups/ choirs, taking it in turns – St Paul’s choir, St Michael’s choir, St. Veronica’s, and MU. Pumulo then introduced all the church leaders, and their roles in the church from the various congregations:

St. Michael’s
Agnes Shatala – church choir.
Joseph Banda – chair of choir.
Elvis Machenje – Music director
Robson Kezara – Trustee of St Michael’s.
Peter Malakta – priest warden.

St Agnes
Winston Kaputula – chair of choir.

St Paul’s
Davis Karuga – chair of Father’s union (there is a large FU at St Paul’s), priest warden and lay leader.
Paul Simbe – Disciplinary leader, church choir.
Kosmos Korunga – Secretary St Paul’s
Saidi Mowela – Youth Chair of the whole parish of Lunchu.
Peter Stoney – churchwarden
John Chasowa – vice secretary of FU for the whole parish of Lunchu, Lay leader.
Amoni Kataloka – Advisor for FU.
Baldwin Waite – vice secretary.
Atthur Maya – chairlady of MU for St Paul’s.
Rudic Singa – vice chair of St Veronica’s for the whole parish of Lunchu.
Evelyn Kunda – Parish secretary for the whole of the parish of Lunchu.

St Luke’s
John Chawaya – FU Link correspondent to HT Nailsea. Build up a good church of St Lukes.
Grace Tembo – Chair of MU for St Luke’s.
Patson Kavinga – Lay leader.
Priscilla Inshimbi – Leader of St Veronica’s.

Hilda and Abigail were also introduced, both teachers at St Michael’s community school –HT have helped fund the school building and the teachers house. Mrs Neo, Pumulo’s wife was also introduced as a Boys Brigade leader and a trainer for TEEZ (Theological Education by Extension in Zambia).

There were also there 2 young people from the parish that had visited Keynsham parish in Bath and Wells diocese in July this year. Apparently young people from each parish in Central diocese had been offered the opportunity to visit England. We had thought that all the young people had come from the link parish for Keynsham. We said we were sorry that we hadn’t realised – if we’d known there were young people from Lunchu parish, we would have invited them to visit us in Nailsea.

We then had a Communion service, led by Pumulo and a lay leader and Ken preached and administered the Communion. We all greeted one another during the Peace.
Ken started his sermon by giving them greetings and love and prayers from HT church in Nailsea. He used one of the tea towels that had been given for us to bring out, to illustrate his talk.

After the service I was asked to speak, and then I was able to present gifts (bags of material, wool etc to the various MU groups) from HT Mother’s union again sending them all love from our church, the MU, and our St Veronica’s – Morning Break.

There were 2 Boy’s Brigade members there – Patrick, (Pumulo and Francesca’s grandson) and his friend. After the service Francesca met with all the boys interested in becoming a member of the Boys Brigade. While we were enjoying lunch on the floor of the church, ( that the ladies of the parish had prepared), we could hear Patrick putting the boys through their paces outside the church, ‘Left, right, left, right’ etc!!

After lunch some of the parish brought us gifts. They have so little but are so generous with what they do have. One of the gifts presented to me was a live chicken in a basket!! But most of the gifts were groundnuts, cassava or popcorn. We met John Chawaya’s wife Mary which was lovely.

We said ‘goodbye’ and drove to St Agnes Community school and church. The community school at Kamukuba, that was down on Florence’s programme, we had to \miss going to because the message hadn’t got through that we would be coming, so there wouldn’t be anyone there. Communication between the congregations isn’t easy, as it usually means someone walking a long way to pass on any messages.

We saw St Agnes church – the congregation are in the process of renewing the roof. They had hoped to put corrugated metal sheeting on instead of straw, but so far can only afford 8 sheets, which they have already bought. Without at the moment being able to afford more roofing sheets, they are reluctantly going to replace with fresh straw. Then we went into the local school next door to the church and met some of the local community, including the Deputy Head, Mr Kalarlai. The Village Headman gave this plot of land to the church and community. He was there at the meeting seen sitting next to me. Pumulo introduced people there:
Mr Morris Mutambo – St Agnes church
Mr Kalarlai – Deputy Head of St Agnes Community school.
Dickson Malay – Lay Leader.
John Chawaya – very senior! lots of wisdom. Has started lots of churches
Mr Ma…..- Project chair for the village. Headman. He gave this plot of land.

Mr Sakarlarcy greeted us and gave us a history of the school. His English is excellent and he was a very good translator. He was quite emotional when he spoke and is obviously very keen to help the community in moving forward. The school was started in 1996. The idea came from this community, as the nearest school was so far away. The community agreed to \mould the bricks, which they did, but they were not fired properly so the rains ruined them. The church allowed them to study in the church. The priest then, Father Masengi agreed to continue letting the school use the church building. Then there was 1 teacher and 125 pupils. Then the community sat down and introduced the school to the government. Through the hard work of the local community this school was built in 1997. They all united to mould the bricks, buy the iron sheets, doors, windows and cement. He mentioned that there is a problem with the teachers not being payed and asked us to pray for the needs of the school and community.

There are now 265 pupils (105 are boys, 130 are girls and 76 are vulnerable orphans).The lay leader at St Agnes spoke about how far it had been to walk to church to either St Michael’s or St Luke’s, so they decided to build a church here. The Headman gave them some land. He talked about the problem of the roof, how they would love to put a more substantial roof on the church, but with only 8 corrugated metal sheets, they are reluctantly going to renew the roof again with straw.

I and then Ken were asked to speak, so at the end I was able to present the bag of wool and knitting needles etc. to a St Veronica’s mum who was there at the meeting. She was very pleased. Florence has asked each group to show her what they make so she can photograph the finished products to show us! When I heard what Florence had said, I said we’d send her a disposable camera.

When we went back to the Landrover we found my chicken had escaped from it’s basket and was sitting on the roof of the Landrover!! Happy Banda climbed up and caught it. As I can’t take it on the plane I will donate it to Francesca – I don’t know how many chickens have been killed for us to devour!

We dropped John Chawaya off at his home and saw the bee-keeping project he’s starting, and the chicken house he’s built to start another project with chickens. We also saw his office – I haven’t seen another office like it. It was circular, made with mud bricks and a straw roof, but dangling down between the roof and the wall, all around were empty cans, cartons etc, so when the wind blows there is a nice array of musical sounds!! He is an amazing man – in his 70s, still walking miles, encouraging congregations and projects. He has started about 10 of the congregations in Lunchu parish! Still the ideas keep coming.

Then we returned home to St Barnabas and Pumulo and Francesca’s house. We were very hot and tired, but had met so many lovely people. We slept for a while and then Francesca taught me how to crochet. Some of the local community came to greet us while we were sitting outside crocheting together. I was given some peanuts – people are so kind and friendly. While I was having a lesson ken and Pumulo walked down to the village, as Pumulo was trying to see someone. Pumulo had said ‘ do you want to come for a stroll?’ It turned out to be quite a walk, so Ken returned feeling rather hot and exhausted. How does Pumulo do it?!

We had supper together and then all welcomed our beds. Florence has a very busy time because when she gets back to Ndola tomorrow, she will only have Monday night at home before she heads of to a Mother’s union conference for 2 days in Eastern Diocese. She will go with Agnes (on the Provincial committee for MU) and Dorcas (MU president) in the MU Landrover.

Monday 29 Oct 07

We were awake at 5.30am – most of the household were up working, sweeping the hardened earth and preparing water and breakfast. We got up about 6am, met more villagers who’d come a distance to say ‘goodbye’ and bring popcorn and peanuts. One man’s wife had been up very early preparing the nuts for us. Then he’d walked a long way to see us and give them to us. Another man came from St Barnabas parish with 2 of his children, also with a bag of peanuts for us. Ken had prayed for his little daughter who was not well, when we’d met at St Barnabas church. We were very pleased to see she was quite a bit better.

We saw Maria, Pumulo and Francesca’s granddaughter, ready for school. She is 10 yrs old with both her parents dead, and always looks so serious. We brought a smile to her face, with a pink hair band and some beads to make necklaces and bracelets with that had been given by someone at HT. Francesca and Pumulo are caring for several children who are orphans.
After our ‘bath’ we had breakfast at 7.30am – a rice pudding with peanut butter in it, (very tasty), hard-boiled eggs and bread and marmalade, and water melon. Then it was time to say ‘goodbye’, - we gave a few gifts to Pumulo and Francesca, Florence and Happy Banda, our driver. I felt a bit bad that we didn’t have anything left to give the 2 ladies who’d cooked for us.
That is a problem, there is so much need, people have so little, that one wants to give a little something to everyone that has come into our lives.

We have only been in this country for 10 days, but it seems so much longer, as we have met so many wonderful people, so many congregations, schools, communities. People like Florence, Pumulo and Francesca are an inspiration. Florence has come back out of retirement to continue to be a Mother’s worker travelling around the diocese, teaching and encouraging MU and St Veronica groups. She is a fountain of knowledge! She, Happy Banda and Bishop Derek are really the only ones that know every single parish in the diocese. Florence is amazing!

It has been an exhausting trip but very worthwhile. I would love to bring the St Gabriel choir to England. If there was a CD of their music it would sell like hotcakes! It would be great if folk from Holy Trinity such as a teacher, Someone to record and film what life is like in Lunchu parish, and capture some of the singing and dancing, some of our young people to experience life in rural Zambia, someone from MU,- the MU are the ones at the forefront of caring for the communities, inspiring and helping to build community schools such as Lunchu community school.

We dropped Pumulo off at a government school, as he is invigilating for exams today, and then we had a 2-hour drive back to Ndola. We arrived back at the Cathedral and our guesthouse in Ndola just before 12midday. We saw various people when we reported in at the Diocesan office – Agnes, MU president, Janet, the Administrator (she’s only been doing the job for 5 months), Susan, the secretary, Father Pascal, and then Bishop Derek arrived. Ken chatted to Janet about the link with Bath and Wells and Central diocese. Then we went with Bishop Derek and Pascal, to have lunch at the Bishop’s house with his wife Evelyn. We met their children:
Precious, Audreen, Chisenga – wants to be a lawyer, Mambwe, Derek – 16yrs – at boarding school, Yolanu & Mosonda.

Then we came back to the guesthouse for a rest, though Happy Banda came for Ken, as the Bishop wanted to see him. So Ken went off to the diocesan office and chatted with Bishop Derek and Janet about how the finances work. It cleared up several queries. Then we completed our packing, Happy loaded our bags into the Landrover, we said ‘goodbye’ to the bishop and went to the airport. The plane was supposed to leave at 5pm but didn’t actually take off until 7.30pm! Rodgers had phoned with the news so we hadn’t had to wait at the airport.

We arrived at about 8.10pm at Lusaka having had a good flight with a South African crew. Rodgers Banda was there to greet us with a warm smile. He had just come from an Alpha meeting. Canon Charley Thomas, the new Dean of Lusaka Cathedral, and Rodger Banda’s wife, Esther both phoned on our drive back into Lusaka, to find out what had happened to us, and what the delay was. It’s about a half hour drive from the airport to the ZAC (Zambian Anglican Council) guest house.

We had a lovely evening meal with Esther, Rodgers, and their son, and Charley. Ken then chatted about the link with Rodgers and Charley while Esther helped me try on the 2 outfits I’d had made by an MU tailor in Lusaka. She also showed me how to put the headpiece on using the left over pieces of material. Ken took photos in case I can’t do it again!

So it was quite a late night – well after 11pm when we got to bed. We’d had a lovely evening – Rodgers and Esther are such hospitable people. We set the alarm for 5.30am to be up and ready for the airport tomorrow.

Tues 30th Oct 07
We got up at 5.30am, showered, breakfasted, said ‘goodbye’ to Esther and went with Rodgers to the airport for the 8.50am flight to Heathrow. Rodgers had booked our seats, and he did a great job as we had seats by the emergency exit with lots of legroom!

In the departure lounge we bought a couple of souvenirs – a bicycle with a man on it made from wire and bottle tops! In the rural areas the main mode of transport is either walking or cycling. We also bought a ‘mud’ house with ‘straw’ for a roof, to show people what a lot of houses are like. John Chawaya’s office is just like it. This one is actually made of pottery, not mud.
Well, ‘goodbye’. Zambia until next time! We will always remember our time here and making so many new friends!

Friday around Ndola

2007-12-12T22:54:00.001Z

FRIDAY 26th OCTOBER 07

I woke about 6am as it was getting light and then again at 6am. Ken and I had a cup of tea which we were able to make in our room. Then after breakfast at 8.45 Bishop Derek came and picked us up with Bishop Peter and Liz. We went to Margaret Hall, an MU sewing project in Mushili Parish, on the outskirts of Ndola. Father Pascal Chalwelwa is the priest there, with his wife Jessie. She hasn’t been very well – her limbs have been aching. Mushili parish is linked to St John’s, Bridgewater.

We met Julia Fundulu who is the Mother’s Union coordinator for the project. Beauty and Jenny are the instructors. We went into one room, packed with students and sewing machines. They study a 6 month course and are government affiliated, so they take exams to qualify and get a certificate. We watched the girls sewing at the machines. Julia told us anyone can steal anything from your house, but they can’t steal your skill. Those who are able and keen can move on to an advanced level. This building and the idea that came from the MU has taken 5 years to come to fruition. Little by little with what they could afford they gradually built the building brick by brick. The church next door in Mushili parish paid for the roof and the electricity. It is called Margaret Hall after Margaret Wineberg, who was MU president for many years and did a lot for the MU. Mr Iddaney Chapema is the chair of the board for Margaret Hall.

Challenges that they have:
Sewing machines need frequent servicing.
Electricity costs.
State of walls – large cracks.
More books on sewing needed.

This present course started in June and they take their exams the first week of Dec. They can train up to 50 students at a time, as they have morning and afternoon sessions. Later in the morning a nurse came to talk to them about HIV awareness. I asked them about when the course finishes is there any help for the students to own their own sewing machine. If the MU can afford it they try and give 5 machines to the best students.

We then went into the next room and saw a class of preschoolers. They had little uniforms shirts on, all made by Evelyn, their teacher who had been one of the first sewing students.
The other half of the room had grade 1 students,. Messie, the teacher was in the middle of giving some remedial help to one child and the others were all doing a simple maths test quietly from the blackboard.

Challenges Are:
Not enough desks and chairs. Need a larger blackboard.
Uniforms so the students can go on to government schools.

These children are aged 6-10yrs and have missed out on going to a gov. school either because of enrolment problems, - not enough places- or the child couldn’t afford the school uniform and school books.

There is also a problem with water supply – it is very intermittent, especially in the dry season. They would love to put a bore hole in.

We were then driven around Pascal’s parish – we saw St Agnes church, just made of mud, so they are building a new church next to it. So far the foundations are down and they will build the walls as they raise funds.

Then we drove to Kabushi Church, also in the parish of Mushili. This one was just made of wood and looked as if it wouldn’t last very long. They already have a large church half built. The walls are about 8 foot high and foundations are complete. Holy Trinity has 900 members, many have to walk miles to come, hence church planting in strategic places where people have access to the church. St Agnes has 657 including children and Kabushi has 600 registered members. Usually about 100-150 come, as many are trying to earn a living selling in the market.

Then we returned to Holy Trinity, went in the church, and enjoyed Mother’s Union dancing and singing. We all had to speak, first Ken, then me, then Liz and then Bishop Peter.

Julia, the coordinator spoke – Margaret Hall started in 2001 with 2 students. 161 have now been trained. It was begun to help those in adversity. They also do classes for HIV awareness. There is a need to sponsor students as the government has stopped sponsoring. There are 5,000 kwacha fees for appreciation to the instructors. Julia welcomed us warmly, and was keen for us to take ‘our picture’ wherever we go, to help with their work.

I gave out Mother’s Union cards with the MU prayer on – they were thrilled.

We were all presented with a shirt and Liz and I also a wrap around skirt. The students had made them while we had been looking around the parish!!!! They hadn’t measured us, just observed us when we came into the classroom! I tried mine on and joined in the African dancing with the ladies!

Then we had lunch in Pascal’s house and saw Jessie who was feeling a little better.
!2 midday came the time Bishop Peter and Liz were due at the airport! Time moved on and still no sign of Happy Banda, the Bishop’s driver! He’d been sent back to get the visitor’s book for us all to sign! Nothing happens fast here – Africa time! We eventually got to the airport, only to find the plane hadn’t even landed yet! We heard the president’s wife was due to land.

The Mother’s Union, including Evelyn, the Bishop’s wife turned up to say ‘goodbye’ to Bishop Peter and Liz, but they had already gone through to the departure lounge! Ken and I went back to the guesthouse for a short rest before Florence and Happy Banda were due to pick us up to go to Lunchu!

Blessing of the Teachers' House at St Michael's Mikumbila

2007-12-12T22:50:00.001Z

BLESSING OF THE TEACHERS’ HOUSE AT LUNCHU

THURS 25th OCTOBER 2007

We woke early, showered, killed a few enormous ants in our loo, and then Ken and I walked to the Cathedral, met Janet, the Admin secretary, and Happy Banda, the Bishop’s driver. We looked inside the Cathedral, and Janet explained all the dust covering the outside of the Cathedral, and also a thin layer inside, was due to pollution from the cement factory. They had complained to the Environment Agency, but it is still bad.

We returned to the guesthouse for breakfast – just down a short driveway from the Cathedral. I have worn my Mother’s Union sarong (called a chitenge in Zambia) for the Blessing of the teachers’ house at Lunchu. Mother’s Union members all wear their uniform whenever there is a meeting/ service etc. It is blue and white. We set off for Lunchu in Bishop Derek’s vehicle. He drives very fast so we made it in about an hour and a half! We were Bishop Derek, Bishop of Central Diocese in Zambia, Bishop Peter Maurice, Bishop of Taunton, Florence Mumba, the Diocesan Mother’s union worker, Dorcas, the MU president, Ken, myself and a young man who wanted a lift to the Kapiri turn off, where he would catch a bus to Lusaka. Liz, Bishop Peter’s wife, stayed and had a quiet day at the guesthouse, as she wasn’t feeling very well. It was very disappointing for her.

The straight road seemed endless. All along the highway there were people walking. One wondered where they’d come from and how long they’d already been walking, and how far they still had to go. A lot of charcoal was on sale by the roadside and lots of fruits and vegetables at little makeshift stalls – such as apples, watermelons, tomatoes etc. One stall we passed sold only mugs!

We arrived at Lunchu to be greeted by some of the children singing and dancing towards us, accompanied by Pumulo, the Deacon in Lunchu parish and Head teacher at the school there at St Michael’s community school. He was so excited and happy to see us all, and Ken and I were particularly excited to see him as he had stayed with us for a week when he was over in England for some training in August this year. Everyone greeted us all, shaking hands using the African handshake (3 shakes). We met up with John Chawaya, our link correspondent, seen here with Ken. There was lots of activity, the ladies cooking in the open air, chickens (from the chicken project) wandering around, excited children, young mums with their babies tied on their backs with pieces of cloth, Mother’s Union members. We met Hilda, and later Abigail, the 2 trained teachers living in the house that Bishop Peter had come to bless, also the Rev Stephen Panji from Macushi parish ( where Mark is priest – he also came and stayed with us in August with Pumulo), and John Chawaya, a lay reader and our link correspondent.

After lots of greetings we all went into church where different groups of children took it in turns to sing – they sang so beautifully and with such gusto and enthusiasm. At the front were Bishop Derek, Bishop Peter, Dorcas (MU president), Florence (Diocesan MU worker), Pumulo, Stephen, Pumulo, Ken and myself. We were introduced and the leaders in the congregation were introduced to us. There was a priest warden, Mr Malata, a church warden, 2 MU leaders, Deacon Pumulo, Mr John Chawaya, a teacher and link correspondent, Hilda Banda, Deputy Head, Kachinga, teacher, Father Panji, from Macushi, Miskandeo, president of MU, and Florence, the MU worker.

Bishop Derek asked each of us to stand up and say something. He said we would start with the lowest and work up! ‘ So Lois would you like to get up and speak first!’ Dorcas translated for me – I can’t remember exactly what I said, but I sent love from everyone in Nailsea, and our thoughts and prayers for them. Ken was next and then Bishop Peter! If it had been a church service in England I would have been very nervous, but it was all so relaxed and informal that I felt quite calm!! Then Pumulo did a long speech that he’d prepared in English, remembering his visit to England. He mentioned Jon Backhouse and family, Linda Dicks, the meeting with the Mother’s Union in our Rectory garden, and Jane and Pete Nott. He witnessed a baptism and a cremation while in Nailsea, and he remembered the meeting to talk about Lunchu. He continued, talking about the challenges facing them at Lunchu:

Transport to get around – (Ken had talked to Bishop Derek and hopefully now that can be followed up. Bishop Derek suggested getting a realistic quote for a motor bike for Lunchu, including spare parts and maintenance. A `few days later Bishop Derek said that he’d been thinking of the question of transport for Lunchu and thought for much the same cost a small Toyota pick up truck would be far more useful).

3 Community Schools – Mekumbila, St Agnes, and Kamukuba.

Parish needs help to lead a spiritual life.

He asked Bishop Derek to release funds to him on time! Then he talked about his visit to Canterbury, thanking Bishop Derek for allowing him to go to the UK. He was able to visit Canterbury, Bristol, London, Bath and Wells and Bournemouth. He sends his greetings to family and friends at Holy Trinity, Nailsea, and to all those that he met.

Most of the service was conducted in the local language of Bember, and then translated into English. When Bishop Derek asked the children questions in Bember, they would reply in English ‘ Yes’! He said ‘ oh, I see I don’t need to translate for you’!! Then Bishop Derek gave a potted history of how the school came to be built. It was a Mother’s Union initiative, by the late Mrs. Piri. It is difficult for many children to go to the government schools, as they are poor and unable to buy the necessary uniform and books. It was decided to build a Community school so that they could come just as they were. One family , I think from the UK, initially started to help with funding for the school. Unable to finish the school, HT Nailsea were then given Lunchu as their Link Parish and were able to help complete the school – fund the walls and the roof through our reordering fund (10% of which went to help overseas projects). The next project that HT helped fund was a house for the teachers to live in. Bishop Derek went on to say ‘ I might get in trouble with the government, but when Government teachers see the Lunchu teachers house and how nice it is, they all want to come here!!’ ( Hilda and Abigail are both from Dorcas’s church, and she is godmother to Hilda). The teachers in Community schools are often voluntary and untrained, and so Bishop Derek said, the schools are often considered rather 2nd class. So the Diocese agreed to send 2 people for teacher training – Hilda and Abigail. The Diocese paid for their training and they are now paid by the government. Pumulo who retired as a head teacher went into training for the Ministry and is now a Deacon, but is also head teacher of the school where Hilda and Abigail are!

Bishop Peter was then asked to speak. He sent apologies for Liz who wasn’t well, but being a teacher would love to have been here. He also said that he was sorry that Zambia lost the football final last night to South Africa! Bishop Derek later asked if anyone knew what we had in common – England and Zambia? No one answered, but everyone was thinking it must be a spiritual answer. He then replied to his question, saying that England had also just lost to South Africa in the final, at rugby!! Ken and I tried to learn some Bember language on the way to Lunchu in the car. We wanted to be able to greet people because many couldn’t speak English.

Mulishanni – How are you?
Bwino - Fine
Natotela - Thank you
Muleya Kwinsa - Where are you going?
Infi fiwakulya fiwama – the food is delicious

Hilda also spoke. She had prepared a speech in English. First she welcomed us all. Then she gave a background to the Community school. It was started in Jan 1999, Mrs Piri, an MU member being the founder. She and the MU were concerned for orphans and vulnerable children. The Diocese sponsored 2 teachers to study. UNICEF gave 25 desks and got some sports equipment. There are 5 teachers – 2 male and 3 female – 3 are trained. There are 212 children at the school (107 are boys and 105 are girls). 51 of these are orphans. They teach from grade 1-7, one stream each.

The challenges are:
There are only 2 classrooms and 7 streams.
Payment of community teachers is very low .
Lack of modern teaching and learning materials.
Only one toilet.
No jerseys for sports.
Many children live far away so are late for school.

Hilda said she would love to see another building, so that they could offer weekly boarding.

Projects

1 teacher’s house – helped by our church.
1 mono pump.
Chicken rearing project – 19 chickens at present. There is a temporary structure to house them.
Playing grounds.
Toilet.
Inter school competitions.

We all then went to look around the school, on the way passing where the community are making the bricks for the new house for the Head teacher.

Then we went and saw Hilda and Abigail’s house, which HT funded. It is a very nice small 3-bedroom house with a small kitchen, living room. It also has a bathroom and toilet, but this is yet to be completed. Bishop Derek, Bishop Peter, Pumulo and Ken all robed for the Blessing of the new home, service. We went around praying in each room, led by Bishop Peter. Lots of the children were there, and teachers, and MU and St Veronicas. Not everyone could fit into each room, but the clergy, teachers, MU and myself managed to go around each room. When the land and the entrance were blessed everyone was able to join in.

After The Blessing of Hilda and Abigail’s home we all went back to the church. The children and teachers all sat on the pews, made out of hardened mud. As we entered the children were all singing beautifully. Then we did the presentations of all the gifts given to us by Holy Trinity, Nailsea. Ken presented all the gifts to the school – all sorts of things, - pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, bible stories, ruler, geometry set, pencil cases, kangaroos (not real, small toys!), spinning tops etc.

Then I presented the other gifts firstly to St Veronicas, from our Morning Break. The 3 young mums who came to collect the gifts, plus some lovely little children’s T shirts, were thrilled and went to their seat singing! Dorcas said they are singing to show how grateful they are. I said that Morning Break thought of them often and sent their love to them.

Then the Mother’s Union ladies came up to receive the gifts from our Mother’s union at HT. A card signed by our MU members, MU brooches, MU cards. I kept back the knitting needles and material given to me as I would like to uy some wool to go with them. This is just one MU group. I was to meet several more on my next `visit! There are 22 congregations in the parish, and so lots of different MU and St Veronica groups.

Then from the Explorer group at HT, Hilda and Abigail came and received their gifts and lovely card that the Explorers had all signed, with a picture of Holy Trinity on the front. They were amazed when they read that HT is 700 yrs old! The oldest church in Zambia is only 100 yrs old when the missionaries came.

I gave the cards out from those that sent them – the photos to Pumulo from Vera Hendy of Pumulo with the MU members in the Rectory garden. His beaming smile said it all. It means so much to them, that we at HT remember them in our prayers. Hilda and Abigail received the card from Linda Dicks. They so appreciate correspondence to know we are thinking of them.

We asked Pumulo afterwards to give us a list of things that were needed at Lunchu, so that we could buy things in Ndola, from the money collected by our church and MU. Here is the list that he gave us:
Filing cabinet
2 footballs, 2 netballs, 2 volleyballs and nets.
10 files.
Plain paper (ream)
10 bibles.
100 exercise books ( squared).
Carpentry tools – hammer, chisel, saw, nails.

So when we return to Lunchu to stay at the weekend, we may have a filing cabinet on the roof of the MU Landrover! The school has 2 classrooms with a small office in between them. There are just shelves that everything is stored on. A filing cabinet is desperately needed.

After presenting the gifts and more wonderful singing, we went back to the teachers’ house for lunch. The ladies had been busy cooking it on open fires. This included nshima – a solid white mass. It doesn’t have much flavour, made from maize usually. One picks off bits of nshima, roll it into a ball and pick up the food with it. Rural Zambians would not use a knife and fork. Bishop Derek said that now it was Ken’s 2nd visit, he wanted to see him eating his food the Zambian way!! Ken said ‘ no problem’ and got stuck in. He told me next visit you can eat without a knife and fork! He’s got quite a sense of humour! Before you start a meal, water is poured into a bowl so you can wash your hands under the ‘running’ water. As well as nshima we had chicken, one of the ones from the chicken project, cabbage, a tomato and onion sauce, rice, and a bean dish.

Then we said ‘goodbye’ to everyone. I think Pumulo thought Ken and I were staying tonight. He said his wife was waiting for us. She couldn’t be here today as she is a teacher at another school. Bishop Derek explained our programme to Pumulo. Tomorrow morning we will go to see an MU sewing project, then Bishop Peter and Liz return to Lusaka early afternoon, as they fly back to England on Saturday. In the afternoon Ken, Florence and I will do some shopping for some of the things on Pumulo’s list that the community need, and then return to Lunchu on Friday evening. Florence will accompany us – she is the Diocesan MU worker, also Happy Banda, the Bishop’s driver, will drive us in the MU Landrover.

We then returned to Ndola – Bishop Derek driving at a fair speed. He has such distances to cover. We stopped to look at a project the Mother’s Union are hoping to get under way. Some land near Kapiri has been bought by the MU, to build a school. It would be a community school, but a private one. That way it could pay its way and so they could have a percentage of orphans at the school. It would be a Christian boarding school. It sounds a wonderful vision. It is quite a large piece of land with a wall around it.

We had a relaxing evening together with Bishop Peter and Liz. It was a lot quieter than the previous evening when about 20 clergy, wives and Diocesan staff came to the guesthouse to join us for supper. Before bed we went for a short walk – we didn’t get very far as the gates from the Cathedral were shut! It was good to stretch our legs a little after a long drive.

Arrival in Central Diocese

2007-12-12T22:49:00.001Z

CENTRAL DIOCESE NDOLA

WED 24th October 07

At 4pm we left Kitwe for a journey of just under an hour, heading for Ndola, along mostly dual carriageway. It is very hot, though nice to feel the breeze through the van windows as we went along. The guesthouse is just down a short drive from the Cathedral. We had a welcoming party of various people – Father Manuel, Margaret his wife, Grace, who manages the guesthouse, Janet, the

Administrative secretary for the Diocese and Florence Mumba, who is the Mother’s Union worker for the Diocese. Her husband died 3 years ago, her children are now grown up, but she is looking after 2 grandchildren whose parents have died. When Florence is travelling around the Diocese, her sister looks after the children. They were all very welcoming to us. We were shown to our rooms and freshened up. Then we went through to the dining room/lounge and chatted to people. More people arrived. There must have been over 20 of us for the evening meal together! Bishop Derek didn’t make it as he was still on the road on his way back from Fiwila. His wife Evelyn came. They have 7 children (25yrs-8yrs) and she is a teacher. Also at the welcoming meal were:

Canon Stephen Mwanza. He is Director of Stewardship.
Deacon Mwelwa Mupeta. His ‘boss’ is Rev Sam Zulu who is in S. Africa at the moment.
Susan - Bishop Derek’s secretary.
Douglas – Diocesan Registrar, and his wife Agnes, who is the former MU president, and now on the MU committee for the Province.
Dorcas – present MU president for Central Diocese.
Charles Ngesa – member of the Cathedral.
Raphael – retired Diocesan Administrator.
Evans and Patricia – husband and wife. Patricia is the Link secretary for Bath and Wells.
Rev Pascal and his wife, Jessie. Pascal is the priest of Mushili parish.
Happy Banda – Bishop’s driver
Loyce (pronounced Lois) Mary – the same name as me!! She helped with the meal and would like to study hotel management in Lusaka when she can afford it. We exchanged addresses as she was very excited to not only have her 1st name the same as me, but our middle name, Mary is the same too!!

We had a very nice buffet meal – rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, salad, beef stew. Rev Manuel introduced everyone and then after the meal thanked all those who cooked the meal, ‘but next time could they have nshima, as without it Zambians didn’t feel they’ve had food!! We took photos and then people started leaving. Some watched a bit of the football match on TV, South Africa against Zambia. Bishop Peter and Liz headed for bed, and Ken and I sorted out the gifts to take to Lunchu tomorrow, before we fell asleep.

Wednesday in Kitwe

2007-12-12T22:47:00.001Z

24th October 07

Today is Zambian Independence Day, so there will be celebrations and parades all around the Country. Father William, last night was quite cynical about the day. He said all the schools turn out for the celebrations. In Kitwe all the school children and their teachers have to be in Freedom Square by 7.30am. Any teachers that don’t bring their children are fined. He said ‘ what do the people have to celebrate? Poverty? Aids? Many people ignore the day. We got up at 8am and had breakfast with with Bishop Peter, and Liz – toast, egg and bacon. We saw the front page of yesterday’s newspaper reporting Rev Daka’s sermon at Lusaka Cathedral, for the Independence Day service on Sunday afternoon.

Bishop Albert came and picked us p to show us around the Diocese – well not the whole diocese as that would be an enormous area! Then at 3pm his driver will take us to Ndola, to Bishop Derek. Our first visit was to St Michael’s church in Kitwe, an old very Anglican brick built church. We met Father Harry Zulu, a lovely man and good friends with Roger and Ronnie Broomhead ( a couple in our church of Holy Trinity). He sent greetings to them. All Harry’s family names start with the letter H! First born is Harriet who is studying nursing in Yorkshire, living in Harrogate. Next is Hazel who is in Ndola. She is Captain of hockey for Zambia. Then comes Humphrey who is in Kitwe and the youngest is Hector who is in Konkola. Harry showed us their large church hall, which is next to his house, with the church on the other side of the house. The car park doubles as an outside worship area with a large communion ‘table’. They have just had their 50th Anniversary celebrations. The hall was built in 1957 – when Ken saw it on his last visit it was in great need of roof and floor repairs, which are now complete. We also went upstairs and saw his office. The church was built in 1940. We met Helen, his wife and took some photos promising to email them to them.

Then we drove to St Peter’s, Chimwemwe which is a township outside Kitwe. The word means ‘joy’. We drove off the tarmac onto an earth road in a high density area and came across St Peters still under construction. The roof was on and most of the walls had been built and windows were in. As we got out of the car we could hear beautiful singing. We went into the unfinished church to find 8 St Veronicas ladies practising singing and dancing for the Sunday service. We were all introduced and shook hands warmly, and I was able to give them each a Mother’s Union card with the MU prayer on it. They were thrilled. As we got into the car another St Veronicas lady appeared at the window eager to have a copy of the MU prayer. So thanks to Chris Mahoney for giving them to me and bringing smiles to their faces.

We then continued driving into the rural areas, to Garneton. It was an area of farmhouses where a huge shanty area had grown up, Bishop Albert saying the numbers were probably 45,000. We passed a walled compound. Inside it about to be built, were houses for the Chinese owners of the copper mines. The feeling was that the Chinese only had to ask the government for land and the request was granted. If Zambians applied it would be very difficult and would be a long drawn out process. He showed us a church in Garneton, called St Philips, also part of St Peter’s parish. This church though had no roof on it yet, and as the diocese can’t yet afford it, there will probably be no roof before the rains come shortly. Next to this church is the present one that they are worshipping in. It is built of bamboo, plastic and straw with simple benches inside. Next to these 2 Anglican churches, the old and the new, is an enormous Catholic church with a wall around it. Across the dirt track is a Pentecostal church. Bishop Peter asked why the Anglicans couldn’t share the enormous Catholic building. I think it basically comes down to Holy Communion, that the Catholics wouldn’t allow the Anglicans to receive communion.

As we were driving around a car passed with a helmet on the back shelf. Bishop Albert said ‘ if you see a helmet you know that car is either a supplier or a contractor at the copper mines. Bishop Albert took us for a drive around the area where he was brought up and showed us his school. A lot of the houses were gone. Some new ones were being built to move people whose homes are in a dangerous area where the mines are. They will move into the homes as soon as they are completed. We also drove past homes that had sprung up informally. The government want to clear the area, but are afraid they’ll lose votes, so the people remain to date. Tiny homes made of any materials available – wood, mud, etc cramped together. On past a huge market that went on and on, rather run down, but a hive of activity. We were back at the guesthouse and had lunch there with Bishop Albert. Then we packed our bags into the van that Bishop Albert’s driver was going to take us in, to Ndola. We first stopped at Bishop Albert’s house to say ‘goodbye’ to him and his family. We took a family photo of Bishop Albert, Bertha, their son Michael 10yrs, and daughter 4yrs, plus their family dog. Such a lovely family, and such a hard job that Bishop Albert has.

Northern Diocese

2007-12-12T22:43:00.001Z

NORTHERN DIOCESE

VISIT TO BISHOP ALBERT AT KITWE

TUESDAY 23rd OCTOBER 07

We got up at 5.30am to have breakfast at 5.45am ready to go for our early flight to Ndola. But while I was in the shower Bishop David’s car arrived with Bishop Peter and Liz – they had come half an hour earlier than we’d expected. They too hadn’t realised it would be this early. We had a quick breakfast and said ‘goodbye’ to Rodgers and Esther and left for the airport. Airport tax was 28 kwachas. I’m writing this as we are taxiing down the Lusaka runway! The pilot has just told us to ‘sit back and enjoy your flight’. There are only 8 passengers, a hostess and a pilot on board. Bishop Peter has just said ‘this is more comfortable than BA’!! We have an extra bag as luggage that contains presents from many at Holy Trinity, and groups such as ‘Explorers’, Mother’s Union, and Morning Break, as well as individuals. It contains all sorts of ‘goodies’ such as toys, crayons, pens, pencils, lotions, notebooks, calendars, tea towels, soaps, knitting needles. Jenny Humphries had given us a large bag of knitted squares, which we left in Lusaka with Catherine, who is the MU worker for Lusaka Diocese. Previously MU members she said had knitted small blankets for premature babies in Eastern Diocese.

There has just been a ‘funny’ noise, which made my heart miss a beat!
I looked to see what the pilot was doing! Ken joked ‘Oh it’s probably the kettle boiling!’ And sure enough the waitress is now up and preparing drinks for us!! We landed safely in Ndola having had a very good and comfortable flight lasting about 45 minutes. A driver from Kitwe met us, we presumed he was Bishop Albert’s driver. We had another 45 min journey from the airport to Kitwe mainly on dual carriageway. The scenery was dusty from lack of rain, huge termite mounds, quite a lot of trees and areas alongside the road that were cultivated – men and women with handheld ploughs. There were also various straw covered huts selling things at regular intervals each side of the road – from arts and crafts, to armchairs, beds, doors etc!

We arrived at Kitwe around 9am at The Providence Guesthouse. We had some coffee and toast while waiting for our rooms to be got ready, and to be picked up to go, we thought to St Michael’s where Bishop Peter understood he was to be speaking to the St John’s Seminary students. We were a bit concerned as we thought we were expected there for 10am. Midday came and still we were waiting, no sign of anyone coming to pick us up!! When we enquired in the office we were just told ‘ they will be coming’! On our itinerary and speaking to Bishop John Osmers, Rector of St John’s Seminary ( when he was in Lusaka for the Licensing of the new Dean), we definitely thought we’d got the early plane so as to be with the students and staff at 10am! So not sure what is happening.

Bishop Albert came just before !pm and asked us if we’d had a good rest. We would have done if we’d known we weren’t due anywhere for a while! He said that the programme was for us to rest and then be at St John’s Seminary at 2pm. We told him we hadn’t eaten yet as we thought we were going to be picked up any minute for the last 3 hours! So we had a lovely meal of chips, vegetables and chicken kebabs. Bishop Albert told us he’d only got back from Malawi last night – as Dean of the Province of Central Africa, which includes Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, he is acting Archbishop for the Province as Archbishop Bernard Malango has retired. Malawi has a vacancy (3 Dioceses). Elections can’t take place unless there are Bishops in place in all the dioceses. There are a lot of church politics going on with a parish priest in England pushing to be the Bishop. Bishop Albert had a very difficult time there and was threatened physically. People warned him that he might be killed. He replied ‘ if I am killed I will welcome death, I am not going to be afraid’, and he remained sitting rather than escaping. This morning he had a meeting with his archdeacons before coming to us.

After lunch Bishop Albert took us to see a building that Ken had seen on his last visit. It has since been renovated and enlarged. In the grounds offices are being built, for renting out so that the diocese can have an income. The main building ‘houses’ the Diocesan office, the Bishop’s office, MU office Community Development office and a lovely large hall for meetings etc. Bishop Albert has a lot of vision for the diocese to be self-supporting. He wants to \move from aid to development.

His driver then took us to a large compound, which has St John’s Seminary, training evangelists and ordinands. We met the Rector there, Bishop John Osmos, and the Lecturers:
Olga from Czechoslovakia originally (though she has lived in Tanzania since she was 19yrs), has been at St John’s for 6 yrs. She teaches Church History and Biblical Studies.
Keith Scott from CMS, Ireland, teaches systemmatics – homiletics and IT.
George, a Franciscan is a visiting Lecturer, teaching Spirituality and Liturgy.
Francis, a Zambian, teaches Pastoral Theology. Linda, Keith’s wife teaches English, as some come from French speaking countries.

We all sat in quite a small room and Bishop Peter spoke on Changing Lives, and showed a clip from the Changing Lives video. Ken also spoke, then questions and Bishop Peter presented them with the Changing Lives DVD series. We then had a drink and biscuits, and a tour around, plus a group photo. We visited the vegetable garden where bananas, oranges, mangoes, sweet corn, cabbages, marrows etc were growing.

An appointment followed at The Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation with Rev Reuben Daka. He is a lovely Zambian, full of humour and wonderfully welcoming with a beautiful smile. His sermon at the Independence Service in Lusaka Cathedral, was front page news in The Zambian Times newspaper! Reuben has taken over from Charley Thomas as Director of the Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation. He is a Presbyterian. Bishop John Osmers told us that Bishop Michael Lapsley is here for 3 days to speak about Reconciliation and Healing of the memories. Like Bishop John he had publicly supported the ANC during the Apartheid in South Africa. The S. African Government didn’t like that, and the Security Forces sent parcel bombs to try and kill them. Bishop John said that his parcel bomb was only a small one compared to Bishop Michael Lapsley’s! Bishop John lost his whole hand and Bishop Michael lost both hands and one eye. He now has a huge ministry not just in Africa but places like East Timor etc. on reconciliation. As we left the Mindola centre in the car we saw Bishop Michael walking along the road to the MEF. We dropped Bishop John off at St John’s Seminary and then went back to the guesthouse.

The room we were moving into still wasn’t ready – a couple of men were trying to fix the air-conditioning to no avail. When we were able to move in we had a shower and then just after 7pm we walked along the road to Bishop Albert’s house for dinner. His wife, Bertha is a lot better since having treatment for cancer in England. Their 3 yr old daughter has also had treatment in England for sickle cell anaemia. She is a very sweet petite little girl, quite ‘bouncy’, but still has to return to hospital at times. We didn’t meet their 10yr old son, Michael as he was out playing with friends. When we arrived at the house it was all in darkness – there was a power cut, so we had dinner by candlelight, which was very nice.

The food had all been cooked on a brazier as the power had been off since 9am. I couldn’t help thinking that if that happened to me in England, with lots coming for supper, I might have either postponed it or given them something cold!! Bertha produced lots of different hot dishes!! The electrician came while we were there and found a huge cable completely bent, and someone out there with a fire going, obviously sleeping there. They warned him the cables could kill him. I think he was taken off to the police station! Anyway it’s going to be a huge task to get the electricity back on, so they might be without it for quite a while.

In the candlelight we met other invited guests church leaders who live nearby. There was Frazer, an Archdeacon and his wife, Judith. He had been Rector of St John’s Seminary before Charley Thomas. Then there was William, a priest who was supporting his mother and I think niece and nephew, who’d both lost parents to Aids. The niece had also had a child out of wedlock. In Zambia, he said that poverty means that if someone offers you some meat in exchange for sex, then it will happen. William not only has a parish, but is also the Bishop’s chaplain. Then there was Joyce and her husband, a lay Canon and also on the Standing Committee. We then enjoyed the buffet meal- nshima, rice, pasta, chicken, chicken curry, beef stew, and various vegetable dishes. We all felt quite exhausted, and it was hard at times to make conversation, especially as it was hard to see anyone in the dimness! Bishop Albert was in and out trying to deal with the electrical problem and also, and also phone calls on Provincial business. It was a delicious meal, Bertha had done amazingly with so many to feed and no electricity!

Just after 9pm we returned to the guesthouse and were in bed at a reasonable hour. Our room had been sprayed with mosquito spray. Our mosquito net had holes in it but we weren’t disturbed by any! In fact we only ever saw one dead mosquito!!

Monday in Lusaka

2007-12-12T22:41:00.001Z

MONDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2007

We had a large breakfast at 7.30am – omelette, eggybread, ham, and tomato, toast, cornflakes and orange segments! Rodgers and Esther popped in to see us and told us we were to be at the Cathedral at 8.40am ready to be taken with Bishop Peter and Liz to the British High Commission. We left at 8.30am with 2 of the ZAC staff who were going to drop us off at the Cathedral, so we could meet up with the Bishops to go to the High Commission together in Bishop David’s car. Three times the car alarm went off as we were driving and the car lost all power! As it happened on a dual carriageway it wasn’t very pleasant with cars whizzing past us. They tinkered under the bonnet and the car worked again for a while. The 2nd time we managed to veer off into a side road to get out of the traffic’s way. We went along the back roads after that to the Cathedral.

We walked through the Cathedral grounds to the Diocesan office and met up with Bishop David. We also saw Constance who works there- I’d met her last night at the ‘pot luck’ supper. We discovered that the High Commissioner was expecting us at 10am, not 9am as we had thought, so Bishop David showed Bishop Peter, Liz, Ken and I around the Diocesan land and property. We met Molly Wadey, who works for ‘ Voyageurs’, a tourist company. They rent an office from the Diocese and her husband Gordon, was involved with Rod Humphreys (Jenny his wife, is the World Mission Advisor for Bath and Wells Diocese), to develop the land that the diocese own, so that the church is able to have an income.

Then we drove to the British High Commission and met with Charley Thomas and William – Dean and Sub dean. Bishop David drove separately and Bishop Peter, Liz, Ken and I went with Bishop David’s driver in another vehicle. Bishop Peter has the use of Bishop David’s driver and car while he is in Lusaka. We all trooped into the building and while in the queue waiting we met an elderly lady, who’d come here from England when she was 2 yrs old, and lived here ever since! The High Commissioner was nowhere to be found, and so the man in the office phoned and discovered we were expected at his residence!! So we all hurried back to the cars and arrived late!! We arrived at his lovely house and beautiful garden, and found him very welcoming to us. We all sat outside on his veranda and enjoyed ‘English’ tea or coffee in china cups and saucers, with brownies and homemade chocolate chip cookies! We were there for at least an hour and it was a good contact for Charley. He was able to offer the use of the Cathedral for any official services.

Then Bishop Peter, Liz, Ken and I went to the Craft Village, which were selling a variety of arts and crafts, in a number of circular mud brick shops. All the people who had made the crafts were keen to sell to us. Mr Katema, our driver kindly came with us when we were ready to buy to make sure we weren’t ‘ripped off’. I was the last to get back in the car, and we hurried to the Kainga Lodge (where Bishop Peter and Liz were staying) where there were lots of clergy, wives and Diocesan workers for an informal lunch under a tree in the garden. Several of the Lodge staff were barbequing chicken and there was beef stew, rice, nshima, salad, Chinese cabbage (delicious made with crushed peanuts) etc. Pudding was a delicious fresh fruit salad. After lunch Bishop David asked Bishop Peter to speak for about 20 mins on ‘Changing Lives’, which has been an initiative in Bath and Wells Diocese for the last few years. Ken also spoke followed by questions.

Afterwards Ken and I went back to ZAC, and Esther, Enelesi and I went to buy some material for me to get a Zambian outfit made. The shop was full of materials and I felt overwhelmed, I just didn’t know what would suit me. Also the shop was about to close, so I didn’t have any time to dither and made a rushed choice! Across the road by the car was another shop also about to close. I quickly bought another material there, as enough for an outfit only cost about £5. Then we drove to a tailor. She is a Mother’s Union member, and I was pleased to be able to give her some work. She measured me and I chose 2 different styles. The pink material cost me 35,000 kwacha (about £5) and the orange/ yellow/ blue material cost 50,000 Kwacha. To make up the outfit is 80.000Kwacha each – about £11, so very good value. Then we made our way back to ZAC, Esther driving in very heavy traffic, everyone going home from work.

We got back at about 6pm and I went in search of Ken, finding him relaxing under the pagoda. We had supper together in the guesthouse dining room – noodles with chicken and mixed vegetables. It was tasty, followed by a banana and orange segments.
We sat in the lounge to wait for Malele, who was going to pop in to see us after work with one of her daughters, Saraiya and granddaughter, Ariana. While we were waiting Christine Muyawala, the People’s Warden at Holy Cross Cathedral arrived and presented us both with a present – a shirt, with ‘church of the Holy Cross’ printed on it. Also for me a chitenge, and Christine taught me how to put it around me to secure it like a sarong. I loved them and was so pleased with the gifts!

After she had left, Malele, Saraiya (24yrs) and Ariana (18mths) arrived. It was lovely to see Malele again, and to meet for the first time, her daughter Suraiya, and granddaughter, Ariana. Suraiya was so eager to learn all about the family she belonged to, and I was able to show her a few photos, one with Mum and Dad (Pat and Marion Ashe) and children at Dad’s 90th birthday celebrations.

Malele told us that Mulilo’s house is chaotic and Mulilo is devastated, because a really good friend of his died the night of the Rugby final, in a car crash – 3 people killed altogether. His Swedish wife and 4 month old daughter was out of the country at the time.Mulilo had to go to the airport to pick her up, and since then she has been at his house , his wife Donna trying to protect her. In Zambian culture, when someone dies, relatives turn up from all over the place , so her home is inundated with people. They are now turning up at Mulilo’s, so he has lots of people now around at his house trying to see his dead friend’s widow. Mulilo and family and Donna’s mother never made it for their holiday break in Tanzania. The funeral is on Thursday.

Ariana was quite active and a real ‘sweetie’. Suraiya would love to meet family and visit England. She has visited once but didn’t know about her large extended family!! Their taxi (one of Mulilo’s taxi firm) didn’t turn up for ages and Malele was getting crosser and crosser!

The Ken and I packed, left a few things we didn’t want to take on the plane to Ndola, and went to bed under our mosquito nets.

Licensing of Charley Thomas as Dean of Lusaka

2007-12-12T22:39:00.001Z

LICENSING OF CANON CHARLEY THOMAS
NEW DEAN OF LUSAKA CATHEDRAL

SUNDAY 21ST October 07

We had a knock on the door at 6am! The cook called through the door saying breakfast was ready. We’d thought it would be at 6.45am! So we hurried up, showered, dressed and went to the dining room. Breakfast was fried egg ( very nice though I think it had been made before 6am!), spam and bread that we could toast, followed by a banana and orange segments.
Then we went with Rodgers and Esther to the Cathedral. The Girl’s Brigade and all the various uniformed groups were congregating when we arrived. Rodgers and Ken went off to robe and Esther and I went into the Cathedral to a row at the front reserved for clergy and Bishop’s wives. I sat next to Bishop Derek’s wife (Central diocese) and Liz Maurice. Also on our row, was Bishop David’s wife, Noreen, and Susan Rivett. Susan and her husband Peter are from England and know John Simons (who was the previous vicar at Holy Trinity, Nailsea), and Chris and Janet Faull (two of our congregation at HT), as they were with SOMA ( Sharing of Ministries Abroad) and Crosswinds. They came to Mapanza Mission Station, Peter as Chaplain to the large boarding school. Then the Bishop asked him to be the parish priest as well! They have 16 churches as well as the chaplaincy! Rev Charley Thomas’s family were sitting in front of us in the front row.

The service lasted 4 hours from 8am – midday! There were several choirs – Cathedral Praise Team, Diocesan Choir, Mary Sumner choir, Mother’s Union, and at various times during the service they would burst out in song and dance. The choirs were wonderful to watch and listen to. It was a lovely service with a lot of variety and very lively.

During the installation of Rev Charley Thomas, as Dean, one of the questions and response was this:
Bishop: ‘My brother, will you proclaim God’s word with boldness, teach the truth and banish error?’
Priest: ‘ With God’s help I will.’
Bishop:’ People of this parish will you hear what is preached, apply it to your lives, and by word and deed commend the gospel to others?’
People: With God’s help we will.’
Bishop David then said ‘ That means listening to the sermon and not reading your parish news!!’

He made funny remarks quite a lot. He introduced Bishop John Osmers, as ‘retired but not tired!’ Bishop John is missing one hand, die to the South African Government security forces (during apartheid) sending him a parcel bomb that blew off his hand. He is head now of St John’s Theological in Kitwe, in Zambia.

Buomba was amazing with their music and dance. They are a Roman Catholic cultural worship group from Kaunda Square Catholic parish and performed twice during the service. Towards the end of the service different groups – cell groups, Bishops, Mother’s Union, Youth, Clergy Wives, etc. all came up to the front to shake hands with Charley and all his family, wife Rachel and children, Tony, Mollie, and 3 yr old Jolly. His mother too was there at the service – she had come over especially from India where she lives. Many brought up gifts for Charley. At the end of the service there was a large procession out. Everyone greeted each other on the Cathedral steps and in the grounds. Then followed refreshments – drink, sandwich, chicken drumstick, and 2 varieties of samosas, and sausage. We ate it in a tent (put up in the Cathedral grounds), which became very hot, as the tent was made of plastic material and there was no through breeze. We greeted various folk, everyone was so welcoming and friendly.

A red carpet was being put out on the steps of the Cathedral ready for another big service in the afternoon, for Independence Day, with the President expected. Eventually we went back to ZAC with Rodgers and Esther, dropping George (who lectures at St John’s Seminary, in Kitwe) off at a house. There was a fierce some dog there, so he wouldn’t get out of the car until the security guard on the gate had secured it behind a fence!!

In the afternoon we changed into cooler clothes and sat under the pagoda where there was a gentle breeze. We had a short nap, and then I wrote up my diary. At 6pm we went with Rodgers and Esther back to the Cathedral for a ‘pot luck’ supper. We arrived to find no one around, except 2 ladies coming out of an Alpha course! We discovered the supper was supposed to be at 6.30pm. We’re learning to live by Zambian time and the supper actually materialised at about 8pm!! Bishop Derek never made it – he’d gone to bed!! I joined the ladies sitting around the table. I met Irene and Pinky from Zimbabwe. Four of them had driven here for the service – it had been a 12hour drive from their homes in Zimbabwe! That’s longer than the flight we had from UK, which had been 10 hours. Irene is a primary school teacher and we got talking about the lovely Zambian dresses. We both said we’d like one, and she was doing a drawing of one I liked of a lady called Wanga, who was wearing a lovely green dress. She was trying to do the design so she could have one made when she got back to Zimbabwe. I went over to Wanga and chatted with her saying how lovely her dress was. She gave me all the details of where to buy the material and the person who could make it. I took a photo front and back, and said I’d send the photo by email to Irene. Austin and Pinky came with her. I also sat next to Rachel and Jollie (4 yrs). Rachel is Charley’s wife – Canon Charley Thomas, Dean of Lusaka Cathedral. I spoke with Margaret Katongo Willombe, who is the National Coordinator of Mother’s Union. I met her 2 children, Bevan and a daughter, who’s name I forget. They are both studying in Australia, in Perth. Margaret gave me her contact details as she may come to England sometime. I also sat next to George Kateka and his wife Hilda and chatted with them. He was Master of Ceremonies this morning at Charley’s Licensing service.

We had a delicious ‘pot luck’ supper of rice, chicken, chapatti, pumpkin leaves, etc. Ken chatted with a number of the men. We came home about 9.30pm. Esther said we could go shopping for material tomorrow when I am free, probably after lunch. In the morning I think our itinerary includes The British High Commission, and then lunch with some of the clergy and wives. Esther and I are then hoping to be able to have a bit of free time to go shopping! Bishop Peter has a bad back – I said I could give him some back exercises. I think the plane journey was part of the cause.

Arrival in Zambia

2007-12-12T22:37:00.001Z

SATURDAY 20.10.07

We Arrived at Lusaka airport about 8am and were met by a contingent of Anglicans and had VIP treatment, bypassing the long queue! We sat in the VIP lounge while our passports were checked. I think having the Bishop of Taunton with us wearing his purple shirt helped! Ken and I tagged along with him!! Bishop David Ngovu ( Bishop of Lusaka), Rev Rodgers Banda ( Administrator of ZAC – Zambian Anglican Council), Rev William Vwapu ( Subdean of Lusaka cathedral) and Rev Charley Thomas ( he will be installed as Dean of Lusaka cathedral tomorrow morning), were all there to greet us! They were all so welcoming.

We piled into 2 vehicles, Bishop Peter and his wife Liz (Bishop of Taunton from Bath and Wells diocese) in one and Ken and I in another. We went to the ZAC guesthouse with Rodgers Banda and Bishop Peter and Liz went to Kainga Lodge (two of the Cathedral congregation own the Lodge and are very generous in letting it be used). Ken and I met Esther, Rodgers wife and we were shown to our room where we had a nap until lunchtime.

After lunch, having contacted Mulilo, we met up with my 3 cousins, Malele, Mulilo, and Chiko. It was wonderful to meet up with them again as it had been many years since I’d last seen them, when they were no more than children. Now they are in their 40s and have families. Mulilo came and picked us up and we discovered we were staying only about 1 mile from his house. Their house is in quite a large area of land, and they have a swimming pool, swings, trampoline etc. We sat on the veranda and met everyone there. Chiko was there with 2 of his children, a girl and a boy, Luka. There is a baby girl who wasn’t there – they have a full time nanny, as Chiko’s wife, Sam, works full time with the British Council and is often abroad. She is in Senegal at the moment. Chiko works as a lawyer. We also met Mulilo’s wife, Donna. She is English – they both met when Donna was renting a room at 65, Birdhurst Rise, Croydon, where Mulilo’s smother was brought up. They have 2 girls about 9yrs and 6 yrs. Donna’s Mum, from Bexhill was also there visiting them for a month. Her name is Noreen and she was originally from Ireland. Mulilo and family are due to travel to Tanzania tomorrow for a few days holiday.

Later Malele arrived straight from work. It was so lovely catching up with her and her brothers and families. She works for an advertising magazine that also has interesting articles. She wants me to write an article for the magazine on something like ‘First impressions of Zambia’!! We gave them all love from Mum and Dad and gave each family a ‘London bus’, full of toffees, which when empty becomes a moneybox. Mulilo runs a ‘dial a cab’ taxi firm. We spent about 4 hours with them – it was so lovely to meet up with them again after so long.

Mulilo dropped us back at ZAC about 6pm and then at 7pm we had supper with Rodgers and Esther in their home next to the guesthouse. Some of their children were there, so it was lovely to meet them. The 2 girls, one a niece cooked a delicious supper of chicken, cabbage a bean mix, nshima (the staple maize food), pumpkin leaves with peanut butter (delicious!). This was followed by ice cream with fresh pineapple, and the final of the World Cup Rugby!! Soth Africa against England. Soth Africa won 15-6. It was a late night. I felt quite exhausted from the plane journey, and lack of sleep, and had swollen legs. We slept under a mosquito net, but didn’t actually notice any of the nasty creatures!!

Leaving for Zambia

2007-12-12T21:08:00.001Z

ZAMBIA TRIP THURS 18 OCT 07

MEETING FAMILY

Ken and I packed and piled into the car with Simba. We managed to fit in just about everything – our clothes, and gifts from many at Holy Trinity, to our link parish in Lunchu, Eastern Diocese in Zambia We had pencils crayons, toys, soaps, tea towels, bible stories, knitting needles, cards and money collected to buy things out there that are needed etc.!

We left Nailsea and stopped in Maidenhead for a cuppa with my brother, Andrew and his wife, Eve and their family. Andrew is going to Malawi on Saturday, the day after us, with his daughters, Rachel and Lois. The charity side of his company is involved with education, using handheld computers, solar powered or wind up. The amazing thing is that the lessons are all in the local language. He has been out several times to Malawi and the schools, parents and government are excited about what is possible. He first trailed it in 10 schools, and then expanded to more schools, as it was so successful. This time he is taking his 2 teenage daughters and building a classroom to use his technology. Rachel and Lois will take some lessons. Their flight stops briefly in Lusaka!

We arrived at Pam and Peter’s just before 8pm. Peter is my cousin and he and Pam have very kindly said they would have Simba, and our car, while we are away for 10 days in Zambia. Peter had a finance meeting in his study (he is the treasurer at their local church!) and Pam was at a Guiding meeting! She had kindly left some stew in the oven for us. Rachel, their daughter, had just got home from work, and welcomed and fed us. It was so lovely ‘catching’ up with my goddaughter, as we hadn’t seen her for ages. Later in the evening when Pam and Peter had finished their meetings we all watched ‘Question Time’ on television, as Eve’s sister Rosie Millard (‘Fuzzy’) was on the panel! Simba very quickly seems very much at home with Peter and Pam in their home.

FRIDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2007-11-16

Peter took Simba for a walk, and then we all had a leisurely breakfast. Later in the morning we walked to their church and newly built church centre, and had a look around. A lovely crisp sunny day, with Autumn colours and lots of leaves on the ground. When we got back we sat in the sun for a coffee. Lunch was bangers, mash and beans. I spoke on the phone to my sisters, Ruth and Jane and also Mum and Dad and Mary, Esther and Zoe, before flying, to say ‘bye’. I also managed to phone Mulilo, as Jenny Humphries (World Mission Advisor for Bath and Wells Diocese) had given me prefix tel nos. to enable one to have cheap overseas calls! The call to a landline is only 2p a minute and to a mobile phone it is 10p a min. We arranged that we would phone Mulilo when we arrived in Lusaka, and try and meet up with him, Chiko and Malele. They are my cousins on my father’s side of the family. His sister, Mary Poore (nee Ashe) had a daughter, Rosemary who married Patrick, a Zambian. Their 3 children, Malele, Mulilo and Chiko are now in their 40s and have families of their own. Ken and I are very excited to be able to meet them! Last time I met them they were small children, so that’s quite a number of years ago!

Peter very kindly drove us to the airport where we met up with Bishop Peter Maurice and his wife, Liz. The booking of the seats was a bit of a disaster, as unbeknown to us you had to book your seats online 24 hours before departure. We had booked our tickets back in April, but the travel agent hadn’t imparted this rather vital bit of information, so we found we weren’t sitting next to each other. We all tried to make a fuss, which worked with Bishop Peter and Liz – it must have been his purple shirt! – but Ken and I were a long way from each other! The food on the plane, amazingly was quite edible – chicken curry, cheesecake, kitkat, and a ‘superfood’ healthy drink. I passed the hours watching films and chatting to the neighbours on each side of me. On my left a young lady, a teacher from California, teaching at an American school in England near Thorpe Park. She goes to Romania 2-3 times a year helping with an orphan project, and next March she is going on an expedition to Antarctica, with about 70 others in leadership/teaching roles. The man running the expedition is Robert Swan, who is very interested in the whole subject of global warming and is keen to educate others. He takes an expedition each year. He has been to clear up other people’s mess that previous explorations over the years have left behind. On the other side of me was a lad (over 6’ tall!) who had just done his GCSEs at a school in England. He was born and brought up in Zambia and his family own several large farms in Central and Northern Zambia – growing such foods as maize and soya. When we arrived at Lusaka airport he said ‘ There are my parents on the tarmac, and that is our plane, the blue one, that I will go home in’. He wants to go to university in America. His great grandfather was one of the first missionaries to Zambia, ‘one of Livingstone’s ‘side kicks’ he said!

Last Sail of the Season

2007-10-11T16:55:00.002Z

For the last week of September we chartered two boats from Cornish Cruising - Polbream and Chantan II.

I skippered Polbream and was accompanied by Lois, David Bagwell, Tim Horten Smith, David Heathcote and Gary Wilkins. Duncan Freeman skippered Chantan with Zoe, Roger Bradbury, David Walker and Nick Carter.

We had high hopes of sailing to the Scillies or Brittany but the weather defeated us as it was blowing hard from the west for the first few days of the week. So we sailed west!

Chantan got as far as Plymouth where they went into Mayflower Marina for Sunday night. On Polbream we only got as far as Fowey as several were feeling seasick due to the very lumpy sea.

In Fowey we went up to Mixtow Pill where the visitor's pontoon is now helpfully attached to the shore where there are showers.

On Monday we headed on to meet the others at Plymouth and they kindly sailed out to meet us in a very fresh breeze so we enjoyed running into Plymouth with several of Her Majesty's finest watching on. We went into Queen Ann's Battery Marina as the Sutton Harbour Lock was closed for repairs. We all enjoyed a great run ashore to Aribas mexican restaurant in the Barbican.

On Tuesday Polbreram needed repairs to her Genoa so we had a quiet day with some shore-leave for the crew. Chantan left earlier to see how far they could get along the coast, Dartmouth as it happened. Lois and Zoe decided to leave us in Plymouth as Zoe needed to get ready for Uni.

Polbream sailed in the evening for Salcombe, a really pleasant sail along the coast in the lovely September evening light. We arrived in the dark which was a new experience for everyone to have a taste of night navigation over the Salcombe bar.

On the following day after some boat handling training up river, Chantan joined us from Dartmouth.

On Thursday we sailed back to Fowey stopping en route at the entrance to the Yealm where we anchored for lunch. Then we sailed on in light airs to Polperro where we visited this quaint little harbour for a late afternoon cup of tea. We sailed on to Fowey where we went ashore for a evening meal all together.

Our Friday sail took us to the Helford river with aquick visit to the entrance to Frenchman's Creek. Then we had a very pleasant evening drink ashore before dinner back on board. Then Chantan set off for Falmouth and the Polbream crew went back to the pub to watch the England v Tonga rugby match! This was followed by a very late sail, or rather motor against extremely strong spring tides back to Falmouth Marina.

We thought we had finally arrived after refuelling after midnight only to go aground in the middle of the marina just metres short of our berth.

And that was the last sail of the season!

Reflections

2007-08-22T15:18:00.002Z

Now that I am back in Parish life I don't have much time to reflect, things have been busy even though it is August.

However I am attempting to write reports, produce powerpoints and get some reflections and even proposals for the future in a presentable form. Here is some of what I have produced:

REFLECTIONS

Original Aims

My two aims were:

1 To qualify as a Yachtmaster

2 To explore ways of using coastal and offshore sailing for a range of Christian ministries.

Yachtmaster
In May I achieved my RYA / MCA “Yachtmaster Offshore” qualification to which I have had added a ‘Commercial Endorsement’. The practical examination took place on board a yacht at Falmouth with the examiner on board for 9 hours. At the debriefing he said “I have only one thing to ask you – why haven’t you done this earlier”!

Leading up to the exam I had to achieve a range of targets and attend a number of related courses.

I needed to log 2500 miles at sea within the last ten years (my total logged under sail is now about 8,000). I had to show 5 days as skipper, 5 passages over 60 miles and 2 overnight (in the last 2 years I have been skipper for 88 days, sailed 114 night hours, 10 passages over 60nm including 4 over 100 and 1 over 200).

I took a range of RYA shore based courses including: Yachtmaster Theory, First Aid, VHF/DSC Radio, Heavy Weather Sailing, Survival at Sea.

It has always been an ambition of mine to get my ‘Yachtmaster’ and I had long thought it would be impossible. So it has been a huge delight and very satisfying to achieve this.

Although I have not been learning an entirely new skill base, I have been pushed to much higher levels of knowledge and skill than before. Along the way I have been stretched, grown in confidence and have learned much about myself.

Thanks
It would not have been possible without the support of many people. Firstly my wife, Loïs who has not only encouraged me but has joined in, gaining her own “Day Skipper “ qualification along the way! The Diocese and Parish have been very supportive in allowing me to do this and helping with funding the training. And I could not have achieved this without the many crewmembers who over the last two years have helped pay for yacht charters and for the privilege of sailing ‘before the mast’ under my command!

Sail Training
Sail Training is not about primarily about learning to sail. It is about training under sail. As a means to recruit crewmembers and raise interest in the project I produced a questionnaire which outlined the possible dates for charters and, more importantly, allow people to express areas of interest.

At every crew briefing I would recite these areas of interest to allow people to express what they have come along to experience.

The main areas include:

Team Building (experience how teams develop and relate)

Character Development (come and learn something new about yourself)

Family Time (quality time with your spouse, child or parent)

Leadership Training (discover the leader in you, learn to trust others)

Spiritual Retreat (meet with God in a fresh and memorable way)

Environmental Awareness (from bird and shark watching to caring for
creation)

Cross Culture (using the Nautical scene as a cross-cultural experience)

Christian Outreach (bring along or sail with non-Christians)

Sailing skills (focus on Sailing, Seamanship or Navigation)

Refreshment (for busy people - ‘a Change is as good as a Rest’!)

Responses to the questionnaire revealed a high interest in Spiritual Retreat and Environmental Awareness. I have sought to develop these two areas with every cruise.

We have noted several clear successes in Character Development ranging from ‘laying ghosts’ from the past where someone had been made to feel they could never do anything right, through to building confidence leading to landing an ideal job.

The five groups from the Mission ship “Logos II” where billed specifically as ‘Team Building’ at the request of the Captain and Chief Engineer. One crew had a whole day, which gave us time to develop competitions using the ‘man over board’ drill under sail as a clear task. However, we proved to ourselves that team building is even possible if the crew are together only for 4 hours, as we repeated that model four times over two days.

Family Time has been popular with couples and Fathers and Sons.

Those who have sailed before have been keen to develop Sailing Skills. Some who have never sailed before have really enjoyed discovering new skills. However there have been those who have been happy either to be a passenger, rest and relax, or focus on another area such as retreat, bird watching or photography, and that has been fine.

Polbream - Fathers and Sons

2007-07-31T20:19:00.002Z

Half way through my week on Polbream in July I switched a crew of Ladies for 3 Fathers and 4 sons. The culture change was very noticable from me being mothered by four crew to me mothering 7 crew!

Dietmar with Lucas, Alan with David and Ian with Jon and Andy made up a very full crew for this last three days. It was a new challenge for me having a full boat with no other sailing experience on board. We had a great time learning the 'ropes' from basics. I think the lads were keen to get going with the sailing and would have liked to skip the briefings and instruction. However, once they'd had a bit of sea air the tiredness caught up with them and I think we got the right balance of sailing and snoozing.

The weather was very unsettled and mixed so we didn' get to Fowey along the coast. But we did have soke variety going up the Truro river to anchor and mooring in Mylor one night. We also sailed to the Helford river and experienced some poor visibility mixed with some Man Over Board drill on the way back. We nearly got the boat planing one day, but not quite!

Czar

2007-07-31T20:04:00.003Z

Czar is a Contessa 32 and was skippered by Lois with Gordon as 1st mate, our daughter Esther and friend Mary as crew. After gaining her Day Skipper qualification Lois was very keen to charter a boat as skipper. After booking the boat she gradually got more and more doubtlful about the whole thing! However she did brilliantly and skippered for a whole week in what were very difficult and unsettled weather condidtions.

The original plan was for Lois to do some training just in case I got hit by the boom or fell over board so that she would know what to do. Skippering her own boat was way beyond the call of duty and we were all so impressed with her courage and skill.

She was blessed with a wonderful crew. Esther had recently completed a dinghy racing course and Mary was sailing for the very first time. Gordon was brilliant giving Lois confidence with his experience and familiarity with this kind of sailing.

Polbream Ladies

2007-07-31T19:27:00.002Z

In July we concluded my Sabbatical with another week chartering Polbream from Cornish Cruising in Falmouth. The first helf of the week was billed as a 'ladies cruise' with Lois and myself and four other ladies. After inviting the others Lois decided to 'jump ship' and skipper her own boat (see "Czar"), so I had Chris, Chris, Sue and Kath all to myself. I think they all thought I was wasting away as I have never had so much concern expressed for my need to eat!

We had a great time exploring the Fal, Truro and Helford

rivers. On Saturday we got away from Falmouth Marina and headed up to the Pontoon at Tregothnan. On Sunday we headed out to sea for a few hours. There was quite a 'lumpy' sea with swells coming from various directions at once - typical of the Western Approaches and very different from the flat seas of Scotland and Turkey!

Over the hext souple of days the ladies enjoyed a range of wind strengths and sea states and coped with it all admirably. We had another night on the pontoon at Turnaware and also a night in the Falmouth Yacht Havern where we went ashore for showers and an excellent meal.

Kath and Sue really enjoyed coming back for a second trip. Sue was thrilled to get away without any seasickness this time, inspite of the windy and roiugh conditions. Kath revelled in the coastal sailing when we gave sailed to Gull Rock and back. Chris and Chris thoroughly enjoyed their first go at sailing.

Scotland - Caitlin & Talisker

2007-07-18T17:00:00.002Z

After saying farewell to our "Pipedreamer" crew on Saturday morning (7th July) we had time for a quick cappuccino outside the village store before the advance guard for the next crews arrived. Frank & Terry Page had kindly offered to do a mega shop at Oban for us so we were very pleased to see them.

Meanwhile we transfered our gear onto Caitlin, a Beneteau Oceanis 411. Mike and Elsie Lyth arrived from Carlisle in the afternoon. We had worked on OM with Mike and Elsie in the '70's and Mike is team leader of the OM International Co-ordinating team. We were thrilled they could join us and renew friendship.

The rest our our crew and the crew for Talisker eventually arrived by minibus from Glasgow airport. Jim McGibbon and Baastian van Griensven completed the eight for Caitlin. Mike Salisbury, Richard Hovey, Mary Heathcote, Gay Maxwell and Peter Jolly were assigned to Talisker, a Dufour 385. Mike had sailed with me on Kerenza last year and to Brittany and Guernsey on Wild Betony in April this year. It was great to have him take on skippering a second boat, our first attenpt at running two boats together.

We decided not to sail on Saturday evening, giving time for folk to settle into the boats. On Sunday after briefings, we headed out into the loch for an introduction to sailing for the uninitiated and a chance to see how the boats worked.

Then we set off around Shuna and Luing and up to the Firth of Lorn. We decided to head for Loch Spelve again as it was such a success the previous week. We had a weird experience crossing the Firth when the echo sound recorded minimal depths, even zero where the charts showed at least 90 metres of water. We could only comclude that a submarine was lurking beneath us!

On our boat we had keen bird watchers Frank and Terry giving a running commentary on the bird life around us. Mary on Talisker is a regular visitor to Mull and could tell us exactly what birds and animals to expect at every turn.

In addition to this being the first outing with two boats it was also the first time we have had eight people on one boat, six being the maximum previously. Caitlin has eight berths without having to use the saloon, having said that Jim and Baastian had to shrink to fit into their bunks! Overall I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked. The trick seems to be 'divided and conquer' as in large families. When there are different activities such as sailing, navigating, sleeping, reading and birdwatching people seem to find their own space and the boat doesn't feel too crowded.

We sailed from Loch Spelve to Tobermory again on the Monday, the Sound of Mull presenting some great sailing and wonderful scenery again.

Tobermory was very busy when we arrived there and we didn't think we would get a mooring but the harbourmaster kindly let us raft up on the outside of the fuel pontoon for the night which was great as the shopping and showers brigade could tumble ashore with glee.

It was a beautiful evening when the effects of a late summer sunset in the north was put to good effect in the colourful setting of Tobermory Harbour. We were able to have our dinner in the cockpits almost Mediterranean style.

Sailing from Tobermory the next morning we headed north around the top of Mull and set course for Coll. After motoring on Caitlin into a head wind we then had a terrific sail. Talisker chose to tack out of the Sound of Mull, geting caught in some rain but finally broke free into fine weather joining us in Aringour harbour.

The plan was for a walk across the island to some sandy beaches on the north side. Only three of the party made it the whole way and reported on wonderful sands. The rest either enjoyed exploring Aringour or stayed on baord reading. In the evening we all met up at the Hotel for a terrific meal in a very friendly establishment.

On the next day we set sail for the Treshnish Islands. We were very fortunate having ideal weather and sea conditions for visit to these amazing islands two weeks running. Everyone was very excited at the prospest of walk amongst the puffins.

After arriving at the anchorage Lois informed Talisker on the ship's vhf that we would have lunch on board and wait 'til the 'grockles' had all left the island before going ashore. She forgotn that on marine vhf every vessel from Cape Wrath to Malin Head can listen in on your conversation - including the 'grockle' boat 50 metres away! When we got back to the marina at the end of the week people from other boats keptr commenting on the ' authoritative sounding lady on Caitlin'!

As predicted, everyone was totally amazed at the Treshnish experience. The guillemots put on another deafening display of community screeching and the puffins strutted their stuff posing for photos and demonstrating their unique version of flying.

We eventually tore ourselves away from this little paradise and headed for our next stop, Fingal's Cave on Staffa. On the way we encountered a trawler doing what trawlers do. The previous week it was very late and dull when we got to Staffa. This week we had glorious evening sunlight and got some great photos.

We stopped overnight in our usual anchorage at Bunessan, sailing again in the morning through the Sound of Iona. This time the weather was very dull, even threatening to be foggy. The tide was low so we had to engotiate the Sound carefully. Thanksfully the mist cleared as we came out into the Firth of Lorne as there are a maze of rocks defending the southern end of the Sound.

We then had a very pleasant and 'sunny' sail across the Firth, I even managed to get a couple of hours kip down below. Then we had to wend our way around the Garvellachs and into the Sound of Luing with some very challenging tides pushing us this way and that (or was it Frank's steering Terry wondered?!).

We eventually reached the quiet waters of Loch Craignish and anchored for the night in the 'Lagoon'. We were joined later in the evening by 'Seventh Wave', our friend Andrew's training yacht. The next morning we saw him teaching a bunch of inner city Doncaster youngsters to rig the sails.

On our final day we decided to invade an island. Our friends Chris and Mary Jenkin (see Pipedreamer) had invited us to visit their family island Eilean Macaskin in Loch Craignish, just opposite Crinan. So we anchored off Goat Ilsnad and went ashore prepared for a one and a half mile walk to their cabin at the other end. It was pretty rough terrain and eventually some of our crew were rescued by thier 80 year old motor launch! We had a great time with Lucy and her children and friends. It was like stepping into an 'Arthur Ransome / Enid Blyton world and a great conclusion to our cruise.

Friday night found us back in Craobh Haven enjoying a celebratory meal at the Lord of the Isles pub. Everyone agreed we had had a very successful week exploring the Inner Hebrides again.

Scotland - "Pipedreamer Six"

2007-07-17T12:33:00.002Z

Here we are again - sorry for the long gap between posts, we have been north of the border and north of the bad weather by all accounts!

We departed for Scotland on Thursday, 28th June, stopping overnight in Orton , near Kendal, with Chris and Mary Jenkin. Chris was vicar of St. John's Newport when we lived on the Isle of Wight. They encouraged us to visit their family island, Macaskin, when sailing in the vicinity of Crinan.

On Friday we travelled on via Glasgow and Loch Lomond to Craobh Haven where there is a marina set in a semi natural harbour between Crinan and Oban. We met up with Andrew Thompson who operates "Seventh Wave", a Halberg Rassy 49, as a Christian charity sailing venture http://www.questforlife.co.uk/. It was good to learn from Andrew's 20 years experience sailing on the west coast of Scotland. We stayed overnight on board sampling the luxury of his terrific yacht.

For our first week chartering on the west coast of Scotland Lois and I were were joined by Chris and Sue Barnes and Rick and Marian Evans. We chartered "Pipedreamer Six", a Dufour 40, from Portway Scotland http://www.portwayyachtcharters.com/, based in Craobh Haven about 20 miles south of Oban.

Our crew were delayed by 24 hours due to the terrorist attack on Glasgow airport. Whilst it was frustrating for them to have to wait in a hotel until the Sunday morning it was a blessing that they were safe as they were only metres away from the incident when it happened.

Once they were safely on board we set sail immediately for Loch Spelve, a very beautiful, secluded anchorage on the island of Mull.

Although it was cloudy, the changing light and mysterious shades as the clouds moved around the mountains all added to a very beautiful spot. The entrance to Loch Spelve is also fascinating as it is narrow and unexpected as you sail along the coast of Mull.

On Monday we contiued our journey from the Firth of Lorne into the Sound of Mull, passing Duart Castle, the home of clan Maclean. The Sound of Mull stretches for some 25 miles between the mainland and the northeast side of the island. It is wide enough for some really good sailing whilst you are surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery. Some people saw more of the scenery than others!

We spent the next night at Tobermory which is a delightful port where shopping and showers are the main attractions as well as the picturesque setting and visiting dolphins.

We sailed from Tobermory on Tuesday morning and headed north around the Ardnamurchan penninsular to the small isles (Rum, Eigg and Muck). The further north we went the better the weather. We could see fine weather ahead over Skye and out towards the Outer Hebrides and as we looked back the clouds looked very threatening over Mull.

We arrived at Port Mor, on the south side of Muck. I wasn't sure about anchoring there overnight but the girls were keen to get ashore for a walk. So we came up with a great compromise. I ran Lois, Marian and Sue ashore in the the dinghy and left them to walk across the island whilst Chris, Rick and I sailed around the east side to an anchorage on the north shore.

Just before negotiating the rocks to enter the enchorage we spotted a basking shark, and then another so we circled around photographing them. We knew the girls would be upset to have missed this! However they had great fun on their walk and came back on board with lots of stories of their adventure.

The anchorage north of Muck was really special, with wonderful views of Eigg and Rum and we were watched over by the local seals patrolling the bay.

As we sailed away

around the west side of the island, completing our circumnavigation of Muck, we met up with our basking friends again, this time three of them, much to the delight of Lois, Marian and Sue.

We eventually tore ourselves away as we had a lot of sailing ahead of us. Next stop the Treshnish Islands, between Mull and Staffa. The big attraction here, we had been told, was that you could walk amongst the puffins. We were not even sure it would be possible to land as the islands are very exposed to the sea and the approach to the anchorage is very complicated involving picking ones way through lots of rocks with no navigational aids like buoys etc.

Lois did an excellent job piloting us in and we anchored in a little bay by Lunga, the largest island. There was one tourist launch waiting to pick up their charges so we had some lunch at anchor so that we could have the island to ourselves (along with thousands of birds).

The experience of walking on Lunga was way beyond our expectations and not to be missed if you ever go to Mull. Within minutes of climbing from the beach we were surrounded by puffins, razorbills, guillemots and shags. Not to mention Fulmar, Shearwaters and lots of other birds. The puffins are amazing, strutting about and posing for photographs. They are most amusing when flying around and negotiating the flight path back into their borrowed burrows in the grass. Meanwhile rabbits watch bemused wondering how they lost tenure of the holes they had taken the trouble to dig.

A short walk with glorious views brings you to a massive outcrop covered in sea birds. The Guillemots seemed to be the noisiest. However one had the impression that as soon as we dispappeared one of them would tell the rest to shut up as the show was over for the day "let's have some peace and quiet around here!"

After the Treshnish Isles we continued on to Staffa where we saw the famous Fingal's Cave, although the sky was rather dark so it all looked rather mysterious.

That evening we anchored at Bunessan in Loch na Lathaich on Mull 5 miles east of Iona. We decided that we would have a 'non-sailing' day on Thursday and walk to Fionphort and get the ferry to Iona. The weather didn't favour anchoring in the Sound of Iona which is subject to strong tides and exposed to the wind.

We had a great walk, though longer than we imagined so we appreciate the pub stop before the ferry. It was great having plenty of time to explore Iona, the village, museum, beaches and the Abbey. Lois and I enjoyed visiting the same beach we had been to on our honeymoon 26 years ago. We left the Abbey until last which meant that most of the tourists had gone and we could enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with the sound of the Iona community practising their songs for an evening service wafting through the cloisters.

Returning to Mull on the Ferry we didn't relish the 5 mile hike back to the boat so Lois and Sue ran up the slipway at Fionphort to hijack a tourist bus which kindly dropped us neatly outside the Argyll Arms in Bunessan. After an excellent meal we walked along the shores of the Loch to the fishing pier where our dinghy awaited our return to the yacht.

On Friday we had an early start for the long sail back to Craobh. The voyage started as we went through the Sound of Iona with great views of the Abbey as we sailed past. Then we had to negotiate the Torran Rocks followed by a long sail across the Firth of Lorn. We considered the possibility of heading for the gulf of Coryvreckan, then chickened out as it is renowned for tortuous tide rips and whirlpools. The longer route took us up to the northern end of the Garvellochs and then back down the Sound of Luing to Craobh Haven.

Although we were a day late starting out we managed to pack a lot in to our week exploring the Inner Hebrides. The overall impression was that this is a terrific area to cruise and explore with all sorts of possibilities for the future. Pipedreamer is an excellent charter yacht and we had great fun with a terrifc crew .

Polbream & Logos II

2007-06-20T13:14:00.002Z

For the second half of our week with "Polbream" in Falmouth we teamed up with "Logos II", the successor to "Logos" the mission ship which was my home for 10 years in the seventies. Dave Thomas, who was third engineer when I was third mate, was on the ship again as Chief Engineer with his wife Joy. They now life in Germany at the ship's head office but were on board for a while, relieving others on leave.

Dave arranged for us to take out 25 members of the Deck and Engine departments for some team building. On the Wednesday we took 5 for the whole day. The team consisted of Nick the Captain from the USA, Tong Yu the 3rd Officer from S Korea, Timen from Holland, Eddie from Germany and Paul from England. These last three are all in the Engine department.

We sailed to St. Mawes and then out to sea, putting into the Helford river and mooring there for lunch. Then we returned to the Carrick Roads for some 'man overboard' practice under sail. This was great fun as a competition and team building exercise. When we do 'man overboard' we just chuck a fender tied to a bucket over the side, not one of the crew!

That evening we ate on board the ship whilst the yacht was tied alongside. Esther was on board with friends from her Christian Union for an art competition on the theme of Hope.

On Thursday morning we came alongside again to pick up a new crew. This time we had Dave the Chief Engineer from England, Philemon from Germany, Octavio from Mexico, Arem Jan from Holland and Jonas from Switzerland. It was great to see Dave steering the ship under sail with the engine silent!

At lunchtime the fuel barge was alongside Logos II so I had the challenge of bringing the yacht onto a ponton under the bows of the ship. We made it with inches to spare!

Our afternoon crew were Gary from Trinidad, Vicky from Germany, Christian from Austria, Pete from the UK and Christoph from Germany. It was such a privilege to meet all these young people who were so open to learn and all got on so well together.

On Thursday evening our sailing wasn't over as we took Esther and her friends Johnny, James and Andy for an evening sail. It was the evening for St. Mawes yacht racing and so we had great fun following the race between Black Rock and St. Anthony's light. Again we saw the Falmouth Working boats and the Sunbeams sailing up close.

Friday morning dawned with some grey clouds and rain. When we picked up the first crew it did not look hopeful but after briefing down below whilst moored to a buoy off Flushing, we emerged to find the skies clearing and we had a great sail. Our crew were Barush from Israel, James from England, Sam from Ghana, Nick from Australia and Justin from Bermuda.

Our final crew on Friday Afternoon had some of the best sailing. One of the other crews had set a target of 6.1 knots to beat. This crew acheived 6.4 reefed and 7 with full sail! We headed out to sea until we could see the Lizard and Dodman at the same timne and then we had to heave too to reef, much to Lois' relief! Our crew were John from the USA, Matthew from Australia, Tobias from Germany, Kelon from Grenada and Andre from Brazil.

Apart from the fun of meeting up with old friends from Logos, it was great to work with so many different nationalities. We learnt a lot about how to use the yachts for team building and we also developed ways of getting the most out of having a 'scratch' crew for just 4 hours.

After handing the boat back to Cornish Cruising we went back on board Logos II for a reunion before heading home on Saturday evening at the end of a very busy week having taken 33 people from 14 Countries sailing, many for the first time.

Polbream and the Pilot Cutters

2007-06-19T11:04:00.002Z

From the 9th to the 16th June Lois and I chartered "Polbream", a Jenneau Sun Odyssey 37, from Cornish Cruising in Falmouth. For the first half of the week we had a crew from Nailsea, namely Diana Jones, Anthea Fleming, John Hayter and John's son Jim.

On the first evening we motored up the Fal to the pontoons at Tregothnan for a quiet night rafted alongside an old Lifeboat. On Sunday morning we had a slow start and eventually headed back down past the King Harry Ferry to the Carrick Roads for an introduction to sailing.

We knew our daughter Esther was due to sail in the Pilot Cutter World Chapionships at St Mawes aboard "Agnes" a Scillies Pilot Cutter, owned and built by Luke Powell. Esther has been documenting his latest build "Tallulah" at Gweek - you can view Luke's website at http://www.workingsail.co.uk/ and some of Esther's photos at http://shootingatfalmouth.moonfruit.com/Esther_Boullier2/4521573919?version=long

Several of the boats built by Luke were taking part in the Regatta including Hesper, Lizzie May, Agnes and Eve. We sailed in and out of St. Maws taking photographs of them all. It was great fun and a real treat. The we headed out beyond Black Rock with a couple of them, they turned back and we continued on all the way to the Manacles, a notorious rocky headland on the way to the Lizard. The sea was a bit 'lumpy' so we turned and headed back to Falmouth.

As we approached the entrance to the estuary we came across the pilot cutters again. This time they were racing and we were able to take loads of pictures. Quite something to have a grandstand seat at the World Championships! Where were the other spectators? We spent the evening in Falmouth Yacht Haven where Esther joined us after catching a lift back from the prizegiving in St. Mawes on Lizzie May.

On Monday we set sail for Fowey and had a very pleasant sail

along the coast arriving mid afternoon. Before mooring at Albert

Quay we motored up stream to view Daphne du Mauriers house, the China Clay docks and the moorings beyond the docks. We had a very pleasant evening at Albert Quay, shopping, showers and an evening meal at an Italian restaurant. Then we moved to the pontoons at Pont Pill for the night.

On Tuesday we sailed west visiting the Helford river and Frenchman's Creek (to complete the du Maurier theme!) before sailing back up to the Marina. As we entered Falmouth the Tuesday evening races had just started so we had another grandstand view, this time of the Falmouth Working Boats sailing with thei topsails flying. All this plus some tugs towing a massive rig out of the harbour!

John and Jim had to leave fairly promptly but Anthea and Diana stayed another night on board. We had had an excellent three days fitting in a lot of sailing and some great events.

The Highlight of the week for Lois was succesfully mooring our 37ft yacht with inches to spare at each end in full view of our instructors!

Yachtmaster Exam

2007-05-31T11:50:00.001Z

The Yachtmaster Examiner, Mike Stratton, arrived at 2pm and was on board until after 11pm.

Brian was doing his Coastal Skipper exam whilst I was being examined for Yachtmaster Offshore. The syllabus is the same for both but the level of experience and expectations for Yachtmaster are higher.

We took turns skippering the boat and being examined in the saloon on a whole range of subjects and skills. Soon after leaving the harbour I had to moor to a buoy. Then I had to sail off the buoy and Brian was down below for his 'blind navigation' plotting a course to St Mawes quay. With blind navigation it is as if there is dense fog with no information other than the course and speed through the water and the depth of water from the echo sounder.

Half way across the Carrick Roads Mike shouted 'help!' and I realised he had chucked a buoy and bucket over the side so I immediately went into Man Over Board drill. Thankfully we picked up the grateful bucket and set off again to St. Mawes. The wind was increasing all the time and even with one reef in the boat behaved rather erractically, being a plastic fantastic Bavaria, much to Mike's horror. He said 'put the helm hard over' I said 'I have', he said 'my boat wouldn't do this' or something to that effect in Cornish nautical dialect!

Now it was my turn to navigate blind, this time from St. Mawes Quay to Mylor Creek. The crew put a second reef in as the wind increased and we headed out of St. Mawes with a Man Over Board for Brian on the way. As the wind was coming from the north down the Carrick Roads we had to tack up the harbour which was an extra challenge for my blindness. If one can get within 2 boat's lengths of a buoy the crew are allowed to tell you and this gives an exact position. I managed to get one Starboard hand buoy on the way to Black Rock then nothing until much further up the roads. Finally I resorted to tacking to and fro along the port hand 10metre contour of the main channel. I knew if I kept doing this eventually the angle would chgange and we could reach along to the next buoy. Just before it there is a wreck which confuses the contour. Unknown to me there was a fishing boat sitting there (good fishing around the wreck). The crew were getting exhausted with all my changes of tack and Mike tried to throw me ofcourse with bits of information. However he eventually said 'exercise over - up you come, I can see exactly what you are doing'. As I came on deck there was the buoy right next to us beside the fishing boat. Very satifiying.

We still had various exercises, including being grilled on all the navigation lights, fog sounds, meteorology (we had to interpret the day's shipping forecast) and Mike checked our passage plans which we had prepared earlier.

After a bit of night pilotage we arrived back in the Marina. After debriefing me and saying that I had passed Mike said to me finally 'I have one question for you, why havn't you done this earlier?' I could hear Captain George Paget when I was Third Mate on the Logos in 1973 saying to me 'When are you going to get your tickets?'

Job Done!

Day Skipper Lois

2007-05-31T10:11:00.001Z

Lois joined "You Go", a Bavaria 36 for her Day Skipper practical course on the same day I started my YM prep. Her instructor was Martin and she was joined by Dave, also doing his Day Skipper, and Paul and Ivan doing their Competant Crew.

She had a great week, effectively skippering the yacht for 50% of the time! This involved all the boat handling on and off buoys and pontoons, passage planning and pilotage in and out of harbours by day and night. In addition they had lots of Man over Board practice (with a fender, not a live victim!) and they played "Bob" - you'll have to ask her about that!

Lois went to all sorts of places I havn't been to yet such as Goran Haven, Polperro and Mevagissy in addition to Tregothnan, Helford River and Fowey.

At the end of the week she was on a 'high' having passed with flying colours. Martin encouraged her to charter a yacht and skipper again asap. So she has booked 'Czar', a Contessa 32, for the last week in July and she is also doing her Radio Operator's training next week.

Line up for Logos II

2007-05-31T09:57:00.001Z

Lois, Esther and I paid a visit to the Logos II 'Lineup' team. Adele from Cameroon, Greg from South Africa and Anna from Germany are based in Falmouth for a couple of months preparing for the visit of the mission ship LogosII.

We arrived just in time for a cream tea. Someone had provided clotted cream to help them with cultural adaptation to Cornish ways (ie cream on top of the jam as opposed to jam on top of the the cream, in Devon). While we are about it the great debate on "I GO" was whether Pasties originate from Devon or Cornwall - come on all you bloggers let's have a real debate!!

Meanwhile, Adele has agreed to ask the Port Operations Manager if we can have a pontoon berth in the docks next to Logos II for "Polbream", out next charter yacht. Dave Thomas, Chief Engineer on Logos II has arranged for us to take different groups from the ship out for day sail training. One day will be for Deck and Engine Officers, the next for Deck and Engine Ratings and the next for the Intensive Training Team (bit like a turbo charged DTS for those who know what that is).

The Ship is in Falmouth at County Wharf, next to the Maritime Museum from 5-18 June and is open to the public for free visits every day. More details at www.omships.org

She is also going to be at Portland from 27 June to 9th July.

Lois and I took a stack of posters and programmes to distribute in Mylor and at Falmouth Marina. It felt like being back on the Line Up team again in the 1970's.

Yachtmaster Prep

2007-05-31T09:27:00.001Z

The Yachtmaster Prep course is designed to get one up to speed for the Yachtmaster exam so I joined "I Go", a Bavaria 30, on Sunday 20th May for 5 days intensive training and revision.

There were 5 of us on board: Nigel, our instructor, Brian and Jenny doing Coastal Skipper and Day Skipper respectively and Geoff doing his Coastal Skipper Practical.

We spent the whole week in and around Falmouth and the Carrick Roads, hardly going outside St. Anthony's point. Most of the time on the water was taken up with boat handling; Man over Board exercises, mooring to buoys and pontoons and anchoring. We also did a lot of revision either on board or in the classroom of navigation buoys, Lights, Sounds, Collision rules, Meteorology, passage planning and pilotage.

By the end of the week we were real 'swats'. My head was aching from trying to remember so many facts and figures. After Freya I was physically exhausted but this time it was a mental challenge!

The time went all too quickly and we became a very effective team supporting one another. Brian and I would be the only ones being examined as Jenny and Geoff's qualifications were based on continual assesment. So Geoff and Jenny very kindly cooked etc. so that Brian and I could get our heads down.

The hour of the examiner's arrival came nearer and nearer. We were informed that his name was 'slasher' Stratton!!