The Sunday Archive: The Pilot, July 1997 - Part 6

The Sunday Archive: The Pilot, July 1997 - Part 6

ST MARY
From
TONY HART
Rector

ELECTIONS. Congratulations and best wishes for a further three year term of office to Connétable Edwin Godel; and, for another year, to Surveillants Richard Dorey and Tony Staples and Collecteurs des Aumones Claire Jepson and Richard Hamon. At a time when societies and organisations of every description find difficulty in obtaining leaders and officials, such are the many demands on people's spare time, we are fortunate that the tradition of honorary service to Parish, Civil and Ecclesiastical, continues to be maintained. The Island would be infinitely the poorer without its unique honorary system.

TODDLERS' PARTY (15th July). It is always a pleasure to see so many toddlers and children from the Cradle Roll with their mothers, grannies and other supporters at the annual party in the Rectory garden. It begins at 2.30 pm. Please let Alice Huelin (483411) know if you are coming. So far the weather has always been good and we hope that St Swithun will be pleased that the party is to be on his Feast Day and will use his influence accordingly.

FIRST SIGHTING. St Mark (16:9) records that it was to Mary Magdalen that the risen Christ first appeared. She was one of the women who followed Jesus and ministered to Him in Galilee (St Luke 7:37-50) after He had healed her. She was a witness of the empty tomb as well as to the risen Lord. The Church honours her each year on 22nd July.

Some hold that it is inconceivable for Jesus not to have been seen first by His own mother, Mary. The Bible does not offer any support for this view. Should it therefore be ruled out? Or could it be that both Marys can claim the privilege: Mary of Magdala of seeing Him with her eyes; and the Blessed Virgin of knowing, through profound maternal intuition, that Her Son was truly alive again without her having to be first to have sight of Him.

REGISTERS

HOLY MATRIMONY. 7th June, Paul Victor Beaugie and Claire Marie Pine].

ST CLEMENT

From
JOHN OULESS
Ministre Desservant

My dear friends,

Any more news about a prospective Rector? Only, as I write in the early part of June, "jungle drums" hint that as a result of the advertisement, there were a number of enquiries, but that as yet nothing has materialised as a possibility; so other forms of "fishing around" are in progress. When there are any further developments, you'll hear. In the meantime, we'll all press on with our prayers and getting on with the work in hand. At the last Church Council meeting, it was apparent that there's work to be done on the church itself, and the Caldwell Hall, and the Rectory, and estimates are in the process of being obtained. All this takes time, and it's what may be described as an "on-going situation."

On 7th June your Church Officers were duly sworn-in at the Royal Court, where the Dean, as chairman of the Ecclesiastical Court, broke with tradition and delivered his "charge" to the assembled Wardens and Almoners at the Court, as the address at the service of dedication which followed at the Town Church was given by the visiting Bishop of Eastern Zambia, John Osmers, where the singing of the august company almost "raised the roof."

We must say a very heartfelt thank you to all who helped and gave for the Bosnia van collection at the Parish Hall on 4th June; and also to the doughty collectors for the house-to-house collection for Christian Aid this year which has raised over £4,000 for the parish's contribution, exceeding last year's total by about £400 - well done, helpers and givers!

Looking forward into this month, don't forget to do the necessary before the parish branchage on 3rd July, and also remember in your prayers the parish of St Brelade as they welcome their new Rector on 7th July. At the end of the month, I have to be "absent de l'isle" so the 8 and 9 am services will be covered by the Rev Michael St John Nicolle, the 11 am by Mrs Sue Halliwell, and the evening service at St Nicholas at 6.30 pm by the hospital chaplain, the Rev Martin Inman. I know you'll make them all welcome to St Clement's.

REGISTERS

HOLY BAPTISM. 30th April, Daniel Jordan Coutouly (at St Brelade); 18th May, Jessie Darling Langlois; 25th May, Aaron Allix, Joshua Stephen Brown; 8th June, Geraint Charlton Pritchard Petit.

HOLY MATRIMONY. 5th May at St Lawrence, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent, Ian Andrew Alder and Angela Rosamund Poole.

FUNERALS AND BURIAL OF ASHES. 1st May, Kathleen Lipscombe Maine; 12th May, Alice Newton; 23rd May, Annie Melanie McGlinshey; 9th June, John Geoffrey Alderton; 12th June, Irene Maud Barnes (née Baudains).

 

No Parish news given to The Pilot

Children and Holy Communion

CHILDREN and Holy Communion is two books in one. It helps parishes to decide whether to admit children to Communion before Confirmation and provides comprehensive materials on preparing them. The book reflects the House of Bishops' 1996 guidelines on the admission of baptised children to Communion before confirmation and the debate in General Synod.

The book contains clearly presented and readable material to help parishes consider their policy on whether and how to admit children to Communion. Case studies from churches that have already admitted children to Communion before Confirmation provide helpful insights. Practical issues, such as what resources would be needed to run a course of preparation and answers to common objections to admitting children to Communion are included.

Teacher's and children's material for a course of preparation are contained in the second half of the book. This is aimed at seven to eleven year-olds and is copiously but simply illustrated. It aims to help children learn about belonging to God and the significance of Communion.

Children and Holy Communion is published by Church House Publishing, price £7.95 and is available from Church House Bookshop, telephone 0171-340 0276/77.

JONI BACKS NEW UK
DISABILITY CHARITY

LEADING Christian author, artist and disability advocate Joni Eareckson Tada is backing the UK branch of her international outreach, JAF Ministries, which was launched recently. Through the Roof, as the British outreach is known, exists to promote greater integration of churches and people with disabilities.

"People with disabilities were a major focus of Jesus' work," says newly appointed director Paul Dicken, "Yet churches are often woefully behind secular agencies in their outreach, facilities and attitudes towards disabled people."

Through the Roof takes its name from the incident in chapter five of Luke's Gospel when a paralysed man and his four friends gave a new meaning to "church access" when they removed the roof tiles to lower him in! It will work closely with existing Christian disability organisations, but give emphasis in three areas: evangelism among disabled people and their families; helping churches to welcome disabled people; and equipping disabled people for leadership.

Key personnel have worked overseas with Joni and regional groups have been established. One facility already in place is a wheelchair refurbishment workshop in. Salisbury, part of the "Wheels for the World" project which takes the wheelchairs to third world countries. This year, volunteer teams are taking refurbished wheelchairs to Eastern Europe and Africa to help local churches work with disabled people.

Joni, together with musician Chris Bowater, plan a series of presentations in October at the Belfast Waterfront Centre, Salisbury Cathedral and Westminster Chapel, London.  

Directors of the new charity include Dr Mike Townsend of Torch Trust for the Blind, and, as chairman, Colin Reeves, head of New Christian Herald.

OF RECTORS — UNTHINKABLE' - TO WHOM?
John Seaford


ONE of the more flamboyant financial hiccups of our generation has been the attempt to make money by investing in ostrich farms. I cannot imagine why these' schemes failed when it is clearly so easy to breed ostriches.

The Jersey Canon Law, dating from the 17th century, which A.H. (see "Of Rectors," August edition of The PILOT) so selectively quoted, has already been amended, and is currently subject to revision to recognise the changed condition of the life of the Church within the community in the 20th century.

In particular Canon 14, the one he quoted was amended in 1949. Also the Benefices of St Lawrence and St Matthew have been held in plurality for a number of years. No longer is it relevant that "natifs et originaires de l'Ile" (Canon 14) should be chosen in preference to other candidates for appointments because there have not been any such candidates since the last appointment to St Mary. 

These same Canons to which A.H. refers also require Church-wardens, with the assistance of the Constable, to spend the time during "Divine Service on Sunday" searching the "Taverns and tippling Houses" (Canon 35); and that the Ecclesiastical Court should meet every Monday and keep the "same Terms and Vacations as the Civil Court" (Canon 42).

The situation does change. After the war the Island found no difficulty in changing the Constitution of the States to remove the Rectors and redefine their status within the structure of the community. What some might have considered unthinkable then was considered expedient by others.

When the Canons were first formed it was indeed unthinkable, and highly undesirable, that priests should collect benefices, and the stipends that went with them, rather than share the work and emoluments between their many selves. Such legislation was just and equitable for the clergy.

However, the Pastoral Measure 1968 recognised the reality of the situation that there were no longer too many clergy chasing too few livings, but too few clergy available for too many independent livings. Plurality is the just and equitable solution for the parishes.

If more Anglican churchgoers in Jersey had received, and responded positively to, a calling to the stipendiary ministry, and if more members of the congregations had responded more generously to the need for sacrificial giving, for example following the Biblical teaching about tithing, the Church of England might not now be in this predicament.

In future, if poorer or smaller parishes are to have any clergy, it will probably have to be on a shared basis. The ministry must be provided on a "need basis," and it is hard to see why, for the sake of the Gospel, the need for separate and distinct clergy to sit on the Roads Committee in each ancient Parish is more important than the need to have clergy in the more densely populated areas, i.e. in the ecclesiastical parishes of the District Churches.

There is a popular misconception that only in Jersey do the clergy have civic involvement - as pointed out, mainland clergy are equally involved in civic administration, and, for example, find no difficulty serving as a Governor of more than one school, with the consequent problems of confidentiality and divided loyalty.

To share a Rector may once have been unthinkable, and may still be undesirable, but could be necessary if the alternative is not to have one at all. A lot of things have changed since 1837.

Sticking rigidly to the way things were before then might not be the right way for now — if it were I would have to be in very great pain before I visited a dentist,.

But I do agree that ostrich farming has not proved to be a great idea, and there may be a better idea for pastoral re-organisation than the one currently suggested. We are looking at all possibilities, always remembering that one of them must become a reality.

The Battle of the Oyster Shells

"An Act of States, dated March the 1st of that year regulating matters connected with the Gorey oyster bed and the laying down and preservation of new ones at Grouville –in order evidently to recuperate the trade which since the year .1834 had been falling off, chiefly owing to successful opposition from the French side—had been forwarded to England for confirmation; and a long delay in this necessary procedure ensuing, the captains of the different boats engaged in the work and the oyster fishermen became thereby exasperated....." (Chronique de Jersey)

Having recently been to an excellent talk on Jersey Oysters and its destruction through overfishing, I thought today I'd have one from the archive, from 2004, when I wrote a poem about one of the most notable incidents.

The Battle of the Oyster Shells

The Royal Bay of Grouville stands
With miles of golden flowing sands
But once this saw a mighty trade
Now eclipsed in history’s shade.

Once sail furled, and anchors down
A fishing industry of some renown
Large schooners made this place a berth
In oysters they found much of worth.

The oyster farmers settled here
Built village on the shore so near
Took oysters as fast as they were able
To feed Victorian’s dining table

But riches made from Table d’hôte
Made men greedy and cut throat
All coming for the oyster trade
Of overfishing, unafraid.

And so in Eighteen Thirty Four
The States of Jersey passed a law
To give the oysters time to grow
Upon the seabed’s tidal flow.

The captains chose to carry on
Dredging again the beds thereon.
And they ignored the Constable
Carried on as fast as they were able.

So came the army with their guns
Loud the sound of their explosions
The oyster men stopped their attempt
Surrendered to the regiment.

Major General Campbell was in charge
To see that no one was left at large
But directing troops, he caught a cold
And with in a month did death behold.

Such was the Battle of the Oyster Shells
Now distant history, time’s farewells
Leaving no trace upon the sand
Only the village remains inland.

Visitors Guide to The Channel Islands 1967 - Bars - Part 1

The Topic Guide to Bars

The British

Three bars, each with contrasting decor and character, are to be found in the British — the Island‘s oldest hotel. The age of the hotel is reflected in the olde worlde charm of the Jersey Bar. The Lounge Bar, complete with cedarwood panelling, is bright and modern, and Prinny’s Bar, decorated in Georgian style, has a charm of its own.

Manager: Mr. Norman de Rosier.

Hours of Opening:

Weekdays: Lounge and Prinny's Bar 10.30 a.m.-11 p.m. Jersey Bar 10.30 a.m.-2 p.m. 5.30 p.m,-11 p.m.

Sunday: Lounge bar 11.30 a.m.-1 p.m. 4.30 p.m.-11 p.m. Jersey and Prinny's Bar 11.30-1 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.-11 p.m.

 

TARTAN BAR

Seagrove Hotel, Corbière.
First Register.

If you have any claims to Scotland, you should visit the Tartan Bar, where all the clan tartans are displayed. If not, there is the Vintage Lounge or the Wine Caves with illuminated bottles. There are four bars in all. Snacks and light meals available.

Proprietor and Licensee: Ronald C. Beuzeval. 

Hours of Opening:
Weekdays: 10 a.m. -11 p.m.

Sundays: 11.30 a.m.-1 p.m. 6 p.m.-11 p.m

Christianity in Action: Lesson 8: Humility shown in Lowly Service

Lesson 8: Humility shown in Lowly Service
By G.R. Balleine

[Warning: Balleine was writing in the 1920s and 1930s, and his views and language reflect many at that time. However, as a time capsule of the prevailing beliefs, this can be very useful for the historians of that period.]

PASSAGE TO BE READ : St. John xiii. 1-15.
TEXT TO BE LEARNT : " God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble " (St. Jas. iv. 6).
HYMNS : " Ye servants of the Lord," and " Forth in Thy Name,"
COLLECTS for First Sunday after Epiphany and Twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity.

Aim : To teach the shame of shirking our share of tasks that win no special glory.

I. " INFRA DIG."

(a) An old fairy-tale tells how a company of young knights vowed to ride through the land succouring damsels in distress. Before long they met a ragged beggar-girl trying to drive an obstinate little pig to market. She was in great distress. The pig would not go the right way, and she was crying with weariness and vexation. Those knights were supposed to be looking for distressed damsels ; but to drive a pig to market was far beneath their dignity. They looked the other way, and rode on, all but the last, who remembered his vow, dismounted, and drove that pig right through the city streets, to find in the market-place a rich reward and the highest honours waiting for whatever knight arrived with the pig. It was the test of character appointed by the King.

(b) Some schoolboys have a foolish expression. They say that things are " infra dig," meaning " beneath their dignity " ; and unfortunately it is the most useful things that they generally consider infra dig. A necessary part of our education is to learn that nothing is beneath our dignity, except sin.

(c) Knights of old had to learn this. Before they were knights, they had to be for seven years pages ; and a page had to wait at table, to clean out kennels and hawk-pens, and to do all sorts of undignified tasks ; and, though he might be the king's son, he was not let off these. Then for seven years more he was a squire, and squires had to make the beds, clean the armour, and groom the horses. Only after fourteen years of humble service might he hope to be knighted.

(d) When Sir Gareth went to King Arthur's court, he was sent to the kitchen to peel potatoes and to clean pots, and only after a year of that kind of work did he get a chance of proving that he could also do great exploits.

(a) The richest nobles and statesmen of England have had to pass through the same discipline ; for fagging is an old tradition of the great public schools. When he arrived, the boy was perhaps a pampered little beast, who had always been waited on by nurses and footmen. But now as a fag he had to clean some big boy's boots, sweep out the big boy's study, fetch the coals, clean the grate, cook his sausages, wash up his cups and plates. Part of his training was to do acts which he had been accustomed to regard as beneath his dignity. [Editor's note: this practice was often used by older boys to bully younger ones and hopefully has now ceased]

(f) Christians have recognized that something of the same kind of training is necessary for us all. St. Philip Neri was once sent by the Pope to investigate the case of a nun whose friends claimed that she was a saint, and urged her appointment as Head of a great Order. Before entering the convent he tied his bootlace in a tight knot. He then knocked as a stranger, and asked for food. The nun in question came to him. " Sister," he said, " my feet are tired, and I would fain remove this boot, but my old fingers cannot untie this knot. Will you help me ? " The nun drew back in disgust, and passed haughtily on. It was beneath her dignity to stoop to tasks like that. St. Philip reported : " She is quite unsuited for the post, for she has no humility."

II. TRUE GOODNESS THINKS NOTHING " INFRA DIG."

(a) Even the heathen have recognized that true goodness will never think itself too great to stoop. An Indian holy man, devoted to the service of the god Krishna, spent his life in copying sacred writings about the god. Every day, so the legend says, a strange lad brought him a basket of food. He would give no name, but merely said, " It is from a friend." One day he was copying the words, " They who depend on me, if they need anything, I myself will carry it to them." He paused, and pondered on this verse, and at last said, " This cannot be true. Krishna is too great to carry anything " ; and he scratched out the word " carry " and wrote " send " instead. That night, when the lad brought the basket, his breast was gashed and bleeding. The saint asked who had wounded him. He replied, " You did it with your pen." Then he knew that the messenger had been Krishna himself. He was wounded to think that his friend imagined him too proud to carry things.

(b) The Jews had a legend also that taught the same lesson. They said that God summoned the great archangels, Gabriel and Raphael. Gabriel was sent to Jerusalem to save King Solomon from committing a sin that would utterly have destroyed his kingdom. Raphael was sent to Mount Ararat to encourage a little ant that had grown weary of collecting corn, and so would perish of hunger in winter. And ',both archangels departed with equal eagerness. Raphael's task was as important in his eyes as Gabriel's.

(c) Christians do not have to trust to legends to teach them this lesson. They look back to the example of our Lord. Think of the years that He spent in the village carpenter's shop, making doors and tables and yokes for the people of Nazareth.

(d) Think of the day when He washed His disciples' feet. No one in Palestine wore shoes and stockings. They had bare legs and sandals, so by the end of a journey their feet were covered with dust. They took their sandals off at the house door, and then the next thing was always to wash their feet. This was generally the work of a servant, but Jesus and His disciples had no servant. One evening they arrived at a house where they were to have supper. Not one of the disciples would stoop to fetch the water for the others. " I'm not your servant." " I'm not going to wait on you." Our Lord saw the quarrel going on, and tied a towel round His waist, and fetched the water, and began to wash their feet. Read Passage. " If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you."

III. LOWLY SERVICE.

(a) The life of every great Christian is full of acts of lowly service. Popes, bishops and kings for centuries made a practice on certain days of washing beggars' feet. This often became a mere formality, but not always. St. Louis, King of France, was a great soldier and a man with a hot and fiery temper. One day the feet of one beggar were so filthy that no ordinary washing could remove the dirt. At last the King gave up in despair. But the beggar, a surly and impudent fellow, called him back, and said, " If you are going to do the job at all, why don't you do it properly ? " The courtiers looked for an explosion of the King's wrath ; but the King conquered his temper, sent for more hot water and soap, and knelt down, and washed again, until the feet were clean. The French regarded this as such an example of humility that hundreds of churches have pictures or windows of the King washing the insolent beggar's feet.

(b) George Washington, who secured the independence of the United States, once saw a small company of soldiers loading a cart. A corporal stood grumbling and shouting at them. Washington, who was not in uniform, stepped up and lent a hand. When the work was done, he asked the corporal why he had not helped. " Can't you see," was the indignant reply, " that I am a non-commissioned officer ? " " All right," said the General, " next time you want help, send again for the Commander-in-Chief."

(c) Lowly service is of immense importance, because there are in life so many more little things that need doing than big things. Sir Christopher Wren could draw the plans of St. Paul's Cathedral by himself, but it needed scores of men in the limestone quarries, and scores of men shaping and hewing the blocks, and scores of men carrying mortar up ladders, before the Cathedral could be built.

(d) Therefore God lays the greatest stress on the way we do little things. Cinderella is one of the oldest stories in the world, old as the time of Pharaoh ; it may have been told by Jacob to Benjamin and Joseph : the story of how the Prince, when he wanted a bride, chose, not the proud sisters, but the girl who worked among the cinders. This is 'always God's choice. " He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and bath exalted the humble and meek " (Magnificat). Let the whole class repeat to-day's Text. This text is one that comes three times over in the Bible. It was written first in the Book of Proverbs (iii. 34 Gk.). St. James quoted it. St. Peter quoted it also, adding words which showed that he remembered the day when our Lord girded Himself with the towel : " All of you gird yourselves with humility to serve one another, for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble " (1 Pet. v. 5, R.V.).

(e) Let the class suggest definite forms of lowly service which they themselves can tackle.

Currency Risk Matters and the new Hospital in Jersey

Jersey can protect itself from Euro–Sterling currency swings by fixing contract terms in Sterling, using hedging instruments, or building contingency buffers into the hospital budget.

Why Currency Risk Matters

The chosen contractor is the UK branch of a French company, meaning some costs may be denominated in euros (e.g., materials, specialist labour, or parent-company services) itv.com.
If Jersey pays in sterling but the contractor’s supply chain is euro-based, exchange rate volatility could inflate costs unexpectedly.

Practical Safeguards Jersey Could Use

• Sterling-denominated contracts
• Require all payments to be made in sterling, shifting the currency risk onto the contractor. This is common in UK public projects involving overseas firms.
• Currency hedging: Use forward contracts or options to lock in exchange rates for expected euro-denominated expenses. For example, Jersey could agree today to buy euros at a fixed rate for the next 3–5 years, insulating the project from swings. Where hedging wasn’t used, projects like Crossrail saw budget overruns linked partly to exchange rate volatility.
  
• Split-risk clauses: Negotiate clauses where exchange rate movements beyond a set threshold trigger renegotiation or shared cost adjustments. This prevents either side bearing disproportionate risk.
• Local sourcing where possible: Encourage the contractor to source materials and labour in sterling markets (UK or Jersey), reducing euro exposure.

Jersey’s Context

Jersey’s government already faces tight fiscal warnings from advisors about major spending commitments (as with the Fort Regeneration project) itv.com. Ensuring the hospital build is insulated from currency shocks is critical to avoid unexpected deficits or politically damaging overruns.

 In short: Jersey should insist on sterling contracts, hedge any unavoidable euro exposure, and budget for contingencies. That way, the island won’t be at the mercy of Euro–Sterling fluctuations while building its new hospital.

Lessons from Energy from Waste Plant


The States Auditor concluded that Jersey mishandled foreign currency risk in the Energy from Waste plant contract, exposing the island to unnecessary costs.

Key Findings from the Auditor’s Report (March 2009)

Contract signed in November 2008: Although originally intended to be all in sterling, the final EPC contract required substantial payments in euros. The exchange rate was not fixed at signing, leaving Jersey exposed to fluctuations jerseyauditoffice.je.

14 November 2008 decision (contract signing): The States relied on flawed recommendations from Treasury staff with limited currency experience. Instead of limiting risk, the approach extended the exposure period and was inconsistent with prior planning.

Auditor’s verdict: “The action taken was not appropriate.” What should have been done: fix the exchange rate (e.g., via agreement with the contractor or financial instruments) jerseyauditoffice.je.

17 December 2008 decision (Treasury policy): Policy adopted was to buy euros as needed, with “trigger points” for opportunistic purchases. Auditor judged this as the “least unattractive” option available, but still left Jersey acting like a speculator. Suggested that Treasury should have considered call options to cap downside risk jerseyauditoffice.je.

10 July 2008 decision (post-States approval): No action taken to fix the rate, partly because of uncertainty over final approval. Auditor said this was “not unreasonable,” but the most straightforward approach would have been to transfer liquid funds into euros early jerseyauditoffice.je.

Cost impact: The July 2008 estimate was £106.36m. By November 2008, due to euro movements, the sterling equivalent cost had risen to £114.23m  - an increase of nearly £8m jerseyauditoffice.je.

 Overall Conclusion: Jersey’s handling of currency risk was inadequate and inconsistent with its own planning. The States were not equipped to manage currency exposures and should have fixed the rate at contract signing. The failure to do so led directly to higher project costs and unnecessary exposure to exchange rate volatility.

In essence: The Auditor found that Jersey’s Energy from Waste plant procurement suffered from poor currency risk management, costing millions more than expected. The lesson for the new hospital project is clear  -  fix contracts in sterling or hedge euro exposure from the outset.

Sources: States Auditor’s Energy from Waste Plant – Management of Foreign Currency Exchange Risks (March 2009) jerseyauditoffice.je.

A Short Story: The Traveller

The Traveller

The train rumbled into the station with a familiar rhythm—shunting, groaning, squeaking. Steam curled around the wheels like breath in winter air. The traveller stood alone on the platform, coat buttoned, bag slung over one shoulder. No rush. No crowd. Just the quiet anticipation of movement.

The doors opened with a hiss. A few passengers stepped off, chatting softly. Others stepped on. The traveller waited until the last moment, then boarded, choosing a window seat near the rear. The whistle blew. The train lurched forward, steaming, moaning, rattling, out of the station and into the dusk.

Fields blurred past. Trees flickered like memories. The traveller watched, not with urgency, but with curiosity. This was not a commute. This was not an escape. It was something gentler: a journey for its own sake.

The carriage was quiet. A child slept against her mother’s shoulder. A student scribbled notes. A man read a paperback. The traveller smiled. Each person carried a story, and for this brief stretch of track, their paths aligned.

As the train climbed a gentle hill, the clouds parted. The moon broke through, silver and full, casting light across the landscape. The rails gleamed. The fields shimmered. The traveller leaned closer to the glass, eyes wide.

He remembered a night long ago, standing on a different platform, watching a train disappear into the dark. Back then, he hadn’t boarded. He’d stayed behind, afraid of what lay ahead. But tonight was different.

The train slowed. A small station appeared, more of a halt - just a bench, a lamppost, and a sign half-covered in ivy. The traveller stood, adjusted his bag, and stepped off.

No one else disembarked. The train pulled away, its whistle fading into the distance.

He looked around. The air was cool, tinged with pine and damp earth. The halt was quiet. There were no announcements, no footsteps, no rush. Just the hum of the rails cooling and the soft rustle of leaves.

He walked to the far bench, the one beneath the flickering lamp. Sat down. Let the silence settle.

Above, the moon hung low, casting pale silver across the empty tracks. A moth danced near the light. Somewhere in the distance, an owl called.

The traveller didn’t move.

He didn’t need to.

This was not a destination.

Just a pause.

And for now, that was enough.

The Sunday Archive: The Pilot, July 1997 - Part 5

The Sunday Archive: The Pilot, July 1997 - Part 5

ST ANDREW
From
JOHN LAMERTON and DICK PARKER Churchwardens

BY the time you read this letter, we will have welcomed the Rev John Davies and his wife Joan. Sunday 22nd June was John's first service at St Andrew's and we have informed him that during his eight week stay with us, he will have two Baptisms and three weddings at least, on top of the normal services on Sundays and Thursdays. This will be no holiday for John, but we do hope that he and Joan will also have plenty of fun and joy and will be able to join fully in our fellowship.

We have been blessed with the services of the Rev Geoffrey Baker, the Rev Michael St John Nicolle, the Rev Paul Brooks, the Rev Michael Halliwell, Canon Clarence Schofield and Mr Neville Brooks during the last two months. All have been very helpful and put up with our different ways.

July 13th is Sea Sunday and besides having a special service — because we have a few people who enjoy "messing about in boats" like Ratty in Wind in the Willows — we will be decorating the church with nets, pots and other things associated with the sea. But we have stated very strongly that we must not have fresh fish. (We did one year!)

After the service we will be going along to a barbeque with the Sunday School followed by activities for the children. All will be welcomed so be sure to buy your ticket early so that the organisers will know how many to cater for.

On the Sunday before (6th July) part of the service will be led by the Youth Group and Senior Sunday School. They have already been preparing a sketch and prayers. They have in the past made us older people think again about our attitudes towards God and God's world.

Saturday 19th July is the date for our Summer Fete. Please make every effort to support this event. A lot of hard work goes into running the fete by many (or should we say a few!) people. But help is always needed on the stalls so if you do not already take part and would like to, please come forward.

Jersey Keswick 97 is from 3rd to 6th July in the marquee at Highlands Hotel, Corbière. We are sure that the people of St Andrew's will take advantage of going along and hear the Rev Dr Steve Brady. Please remember the event in your prayers.

CHURCH WEEKEND BREAK. This will be held at Highlands Hotel from 26th to 28th September and led by the Rev Tim Humphries, newly-appointed member of the Department of Faith Development in the Diocese. Booking forms are now available.

HOLY BAPTISM. 18th May, Katherine Frances Bennett.

HOLY MATRIMONY. 7th July, Lester Dean Pyatt and Lisa Marie Phipps.

FUNERAL. 15th May, Dorothy Ethel. Jepson, aged 76

ST JOHN
From
ANDY THEWLIS Priest-in-Charge

1997 has been designated "The Year of the Seafarer" in the UK, and throughout the country churches are being encouraged to remember seafarers, their families and the Church's care for them through the work of the Missions to Seamen.

At 5.30 pm on Sunday 20th July, we meet at Bonne Nuit Harbour for our Ecumenical Open Air Sea Sunday Service. During this short act of worship we will celebrate all the good things associated with the sea, acknowledging our dependency as an Island community upon the sea, but importantly also to stop to remember the power of the oceans and its dangers, praying for safety and remembering those who have lost their lives at sea.

The St Catherine's Lifeboat will be in attendance and the service will conclude (weather permitting!) with a flypast by the Channel Island Air Search spotter plane, whilst the ministers of the St John's Group of Churches will board fishing vessels and pleasure craft in the harbour and bless the boats. A collection will be taken and divided equally between the Mission to Seamen, RNLI and Channel Island Air Search.

The month of July promises to be an exciting and fulfilling one, concluding as it does with the Sea Sunday Service and having begun with Jersey Keswick and Jersey Youth Keswick, two great opportunities for encouragement and spiritual refreshment.

The Rectory Garden Party is to be held on Saturday 12th from 2-5 pm; refreshments, stalls, children's games and good company guaranteed. Offers of help please to Angela.

The Sunday School Prize giving takes place on Sunday 13th, at 10.30 am. This is an important occasion in the life of the church as we celebrate the presence and contribution of our young people and children, so please make attendance a priority.

Finally, don't forget the St Helier Pilgrimage, which departs from the Town Church at 4.30 pm on the afternoon of the 13th. As last year I invite you to bring along a picnic and join me for tea after the service at Elizabeth Castle.

HOLY MATRIMONY. 24th May, Ray Sutcliffe and Janice Therin.

FUNERALS. 22nd May, Phyllis Irene Boschat; 27th May, Samantha Jane Falla.

GROUVILLE
From
GERRY BAUDAINS

Lay Reader in Training

HAVING offered to write this month's Parish Letter I found myself faced with a number of perplexing problems, which I feel sure all contributors to these pages face each month. Out of empathy for fellow writers, I thought it might perhaps be worth sharing some of the questions these problems have raised in my mind.

Firstly, who is the Parish Letter written for? Now this first question left me with a number of alternative thoughts:

• Is the reader a churchgoer looking to reflect upon a past event, happy or otherwise?
• Or wanting to know what will be happening next month?
• Or is he/she a former churchgoer, who for whatever reason no longer attends regularly, but still longs to know what is happening?
• Or is the reader looking for some spiritual encouragement? Or a parishioner wanting to know what's going on down at the church, like who the new Churchwarden is and whose been baptised, married or buried?
• Or are they spies from other churches looking for new ideas?
• Or aliens from the planet Zigg?

As you can see, my thinking began to get somewhat carried away, but I'm sure you've understood my point. What one writes must have an audience in mind and I'm really not at all sure I know who you are. Indeed, if any experienced subscribers have found answers to these questions I would be most grateful if they could pass them on! In the meantime, I shall endeavour to reflect on the month of May, in the full knowledge that it will be July when you read this — I'll save my thoughts on the difficulties of writing to a deadline and the questions that poses, for the future!

The month of May was nearly as busy as Easter itself at Grouville, with many people being involved in lots of hard work and prayer. The Ascension of our Lord was celebrated with a morning service of Holy Communion. This was well attended by a group of pilgrims preparing for a visit to the Monastery at Le Bec Helloiun. There is an account of their visit in our newssheet for readers who would like to know more about this very special place of prayer.

As all good pilgrims know, May is the month for Christian Aid and Lorraine Determeyer and her team of collectors successfully raised the magnificent total of £2,345.50, well done to all who helped and thank you to all who gave.

May is also the month for the annual Ecclesiastical Assembly and this year we said a fond farewell to Alan Le Maistre who retired as Churchwarden after some 27 years, a quite remarkable record of service. I am sure that all would agree that the highlight of the meeting is undoubtedly the selling of the "fromant." (I assume that other Parishes have a "fromant" and I do not need to explain.) Newly elected Churchwarden Bruce Willing acted as auctioneer and I can't remember who actually bought the "fromant," but the treasurer looked somewhat embarrassed when the Rector pointed out that lie had purchased it in 1996 and there did not seem to be any record of payment!

For many, though, the month began with the final meeting for the Confirmation group, who had been preparing since the beginning of the year. On the course, there were twelve candidates from Grouville and one from St Martin, their ages ranging from 12 to adult. The Confirmation Service took place on the day of Pentecost and was preceded by a 24-hour prayer vigil, beginning at 8 am on the Saturday. This is the third year that we have undertaken the 24 hours of prayer leading up to Pentecost and each year the number of people taking part has increased. Despite the fact that some of our regular "night owls" were out of the Island (actually, they went AWOL!), I think we managed to cover the full 24 hours. However, more importantly, there is a growing feeling of peace and the presence of God within the church as our level of commitment to prayer has grown.

For the Confirmation Service, we were joined by two more candidates from St Paul's, and as Bishop Geoffrey reminded us, there could be no better day than the day of Pentecost to receive God's blessing of His Holy Spirit. The service was truly memorable, the choir were magnificent, the flowers were beautiful and the candidates' responses assured and meaningful. Each of them had shared their thoughts on Confirmation in our weekly new-sheet and it was very encouraging to see how they viewed the day as the beginning of their own personal journey with God.

With this in mind we have had to think very carefully about our provision for the younger members of the church. Sunday School caters very well for the huge number of under 12's, but bridging the gap between that and full. church attendance is very difficult. To this end, a new group for teenagers began at the end of May and was attended by 15 young people. The group will meet once a month for worship, prayer and Bible Study and will be an opportunity for young people to explore their spirituality and grow in faith. In addition there will be social activities and opportunities for art and drama. They have begun well, by performing some excellent dance and drama at our June Family Worship — well done to all who took part.

On reflection, May was a month which began with an end and ended with a beginning, and I am reminded of the good news of the grace of our God, who is the God of "new beginnings."

DIARY DATES FOR JULY/AUGUST

19th, Sunday School Outing;
20th, Sunday School Open Day and Presentation;
3rd August, Lammas Family Service, 10.30 at Les Pres Manor.

Winter Blues!

Suddenly the temperature has taken a dip! Mid-November, and Winter arrives! Meteorological Winter is from December to the end of February. Astronomical Winter is from the Winter Solstice to the Spring Equinox. But many ancient Celtic calendars marked November to January as the core of winter, with Imbolc in early February heralding the first stirrings of spring. So that is the background for this poem.

Winter Blues

The cold days are here again
Arctic air blast from the North
Rain beating at window pane
Winter’s fingers stretching forth

Darkening mornings, dull, grey
Time for scarf, hat and glove
Seasonal blues come to stay
A time of year I do not love

Early evenings, quickly night
Cold descending like a shroud
Time for fire, burning bright
Winter gale leaves us cowed

Now fallen leaves in gales blow
Pray, O pray, there is no snow

Visitors Guide to The Channel Islands 1967 - Eating Out - Part 3

LE COUPERON DE ROZEL

Situated on the beach being the heart of Rozel Bay. Highly recommended by many leading travel writers:

" . Le Couperon de Rozel is pure Mediterranean . . . quite unlike anything that I have visited in this country."
—ELIZABETH NICHOLAS, Sunday Times.

"Perhaps Jersey's gayest hotel development."
—EVELYN GARRETT, Daily Telegraph.

"A comfortable restaurant in a charming setting. The menu is extensive and the cooking very satisfactory, with particularly good fresh sea food."
—EGON RONAY, Guide to English Hotels and Pubs.

Le Couperon is a former fortress built against Napoleon, where modern woodwork blends with ancient granite. Ample space on the sun terrace by day and soft candlelight provides an intimate atmosphere by night. Genuine blend of English and French cuisine and fresh Rozel lobster daily, either served cold with salad, lobster thermidor or lobster flambé.

Over 60 wines to choose from the extensive wine list. Full a la carte and table d’hôte menus.

First Register. Tel. North 190.

THE OLD COURT HOUSE
Gorey. Tel. East 2222.

Resident proprietors: Mr. and Mrs. Don Hoare. Chef: Michael Angelo Destro.
Head Waiter: Mauro.

The olde-worlde atmosphere of the restaurant situated outside Gorey village, had made it a firm favourite with many islanders. A wide range of Continental fare is available—there are no specialities said Mr. Hoare "because every dish is as good as the other."

80 different wines are offered to diners. Lunch: 1-2.30 p.m. Dinner: 7-11 p.m. during the summer.

HOTEL L'HORIZON
St. Brelade's Bay. Tel. 43101.

Manager J. M. H. Wileman.
Chef: Alzetta, (who has been at the hotel since 1958).
Head Waiter: Aldo Valli.

What is thought to be the most comprehensive cellar in Jersey is only one of the many attractive features of L'Horizon. Its' light and gay dining room overlooks the beautiful St. Brelade's Bay. A French cuisine is offered to diners and, although there are no specialities, there is great demand for Fillet of Beef Wellington. A nightly dinner-dance music provided by the well-known Chico Arnez and his band.

Lunch: 12.30 onwards. Dinner 7.30-10 p.m.

THE OYSTER SHELL
Halkett Place, St. Helier. Tel. 30085.

Manager: Mr. A. Sanchez.
Chef: Balpazar Fihpe Fernandes (an experienced Portuguese chef).

This newly-decorated and enlarged restaurant—seating 180 diners—in the centre of St. Helier offers a very wide range of English dishes, although the speciality of the house is the Spanish paella Valencia. A good variety of wines are available.

HOTEL AMBASSADEUR
St. Clement's Bay. Tel. 24455.

Manager: Mr. O. Nixon.
Chef: Walter Lenteri (an Italian with European experience).
Head Waiter: Elio Icardi.

Diners in the bright, modern restaurant have superb views of St. Clement's Bay. The menu has emphasis on English and French cooking —specialities to be arranged by contacting Elio in advance—and over 50 different wines are available.

Lunch : 1-2.30 p.m. Dinner : 7—last orders taken at 9.30 p.m.

Christianity in Action: Lesson 7: Humility shown in respect for law:

Lesson 7: Humility shown in respect for law:
By G.R. Balleine

[Warning: Balleine was writing in the 1920s and 1930s, and his views and language reflect many at that time. However, as a time capsule of the prevailing beliefs, this can be very useful for the historians of that period.]

PASSAGE TO BE READ: St. Matthew xvii. 24-27.
TEXT TO BE LEARNT: “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord " (Pray. xvi. 5).
HYMNS " Blessed are the pure in heart," and " Once in royal David's city."
COLLECTS for Third Sunday after Easter and Seventh Sunday after Trinity.

Aim : To make clear why the duty of Obedience is so often pressed upon children.

I. LAWS ARE NECESSARY.

(a) Do you know what happened to the boy who was too proud to keep rules ? He said, " I am going to do as I please. Why should I obey rules made by other people ? I'm going to be quite independent." He was given a watch, and told to wind it regularly every night. He said to himself, " I won't be bound by any such rule," and of course the watch stopped. At school he refused to pay any attention to laws of arithmetic or laws of spelling, so of course he made no progress. At games he was a failure, for you cannot play football or rounders or even marbles without obeying the rules of the game. He mounted his bicycle, but as he refused to obey the rule of the road, he was soon run over by a motorcar. The doctor brought a bottle of medicine marked " One tablespoonful every three hours." He said, " I won't be bound by a silly rule like that. I like the taste, and so I'll drink the whole bottle at once." And he died. No one can get through life without submitting to laws.

(b) One of Mrs. Gatty's Fables tells how a climbing rose rebelled against the strip of cloth that fastened it to the wall. " Help me," it cried to the wind, " to drag out this provoking nail, so that I can be free." " That nail is there," said the wind, " to train you properly." " I don't care," said the foolish branch, " I want to be free." " Have your own way then," said the wind ; and he jerked the branch forward quickly, and the nail came out of the wall. A heavy shower fell that night. The branch was bent to the ground, and lay there splashed with mud. " Well," said the wind next day, " are you enjoying your freedom ? " " I don't choose to be tied," said the branch. " The sun isn't nailed up." " Why," cried the wind, " I know nothing more obedient than the sun. A time to rise and a time to set and a fixed path every day." " I don't care," said the branch, " leave me alone." Next day the neighbouring rose trees all burst into blossom, but the foolish branch still lay in the mud. " Help me," it said to the wind, " to climb to the top of the wall." This the wind could not do, but it knocked an ivy branch against the gardener's window, till he came out. He noticed the rose, and quickly nailed it again to the wall. Soon its beautiful, pure white buds began to unfold them-selves in the sunshine. " Would you like me to draw out those provoking nails ? " teased the wind. " What? Let me down into the mud again! “said the rose-branch.” No, thank you."

(c) We must learn the laws of cricket before we can play the game. There must be six balls to an over ; after each over the fielders must change positions ; if a ball is caught, the batsman who struck it is out, and so on. There are two stern masterful umpires who make sure that the laws are observed. There are laws of draughts, dominoes, chess, tennis, hop-scotch, musical chairs. You cannot enjoy any game unless you keep the laws.

(d) The old gardener at Versailles was in sad distress. Irle took great pains over the King's flower-beds, but as soon as he had sown his seeds the noblemen and ladies strolled over his beds, and destroyed his work. At last he appealed to Louis XIV himself. The King told him to put little tablets along the sides of his flower-beds (the French word for a " little tablet " is etiquette), and promised to issue a State Order commanding every one not to step over the etiquette. At first the lords and ladies chafed under the new restrictions, but later, when the beds became a blaze of colour, they blessed the old man, and laughed at their earlier folly. Submitting to restrictions' had increased, not decreased, their pleasures. And so the saying, " Don't step over the etiquette " became a kind of proverb. They applied it to all sorts of rules to which people voluntarily submit for the general good—rules of behaviour, rules of good manners. Don't trample beautiful things underfoot. Don't step over the etiquette.

(e) The cannibal has hardly any restrictions. He does as he likes. He tramples without restraint on all life's flower-beds. But the more he travels towards civilization, the more he has to submit to rules and regulations. The more civilized he becomes, the more those laws multiply. Every step forward is bought by the sacrifice of some of his freedom. Cannibalism is freedom and wretchedness. Civilization is submission to Law and happiness.

II. LAWS OF THE LAND.

(a) There are the laws of our country. A French explorer dug up in Mesopotamia the broken parts of a great black stone covered with writing. When scholars deciph6red it they found that these were the Laws of Hammurabi, who was King of Babylon three hundred years before Abraham. Even in those early days Babylon had its laws. “It is forbidden to do this," " It is forbidden to do that." And on the top was a picture of the Sun-God handing the Law Book to the king, showing that the Babylonians believed that these laws had the authority of their God behind them.

(b) In ancient Rome twelve bronze tablets were fixed in the midst of the city, on which were written the Laws of the Republic. All school-children learnt them by heart in sing-song Latin : " Dead bodies must not be buried inside the city. False witnesses must be hurled from the Tarpeian Rock. A clear space of five feet must be left between the houses," etc.

(c) Many pages of the Old Testament are taken up with the Laws of the Jews. The learning of these formed a large part of a Jewish child's education. " Ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way " (Deut. xi. 19).

(d) Our Lord set an example of obedience to the laws of the land. One day He returned to Capernaum after a preaching tour. The other disciples dispersed to their homes, and He went to stay with St. Peter. They found the tax-collector waiting for them. The Temple tax should have been paid at Pentecost, but they had been away from home. Now, this tax of 2s. 4d. a head for the upkeep of the Temple was a disputed one. It was not commanded in the Old Testament, but had been imposed by the Pharisees. Some Jews refused to pay it. The tax-collector asked St. Peter, " Doth not your Master pay tribute " He, knowing our Lord's attitude to the Law, answered at once " Yes." But, when he talked it over with our Lord, he found that He agreed with those who disapproved of the tax. In the East citizens were free from taxes, which were only imposed on conquered races. This tax seemed to treat the Jews like God's conquered subjects, not His free children. The Temple should be supported by freewill offerings. Yet, though He disapproved of the Law, while it remained Law, He was prepared to obey it. He told St. Peter to go fishing, and obtain money to pay the tax. Read Passage. Teachers must decide what view they take of what followed. The story seems to suggest that the coin would be found inside the fish's mouth. But commentators point out : (i) that our Lord never worked a miracle to supply His own need ; (ii) that St. Matthew does not go on to describe any such miracle ; (iii) that the words may mean no more than that he should open the mouth to take out the hook, and then sell the fish.

III. LAWS OF GOD.

(a) Sometimes it may be a duty to rebel against a bad human law : e.g. the Americans throwing the tea into Boston harbour, or the early Christian martyrs refusing to sacrifice. But there is another group of laws that it is always lunacy to break. These are the Laws of God. Our third Baptismal promise was “that I should keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of my life."

(b) Some of God's Laws we call the Laws of Nature : for example, the Laws of Health. We must keep our bodies clean, feed them with the right kinds of food at regular intervals, give them the right amount of sleep, or illness is inevitable.

(c) Some of God's Laws we call the Moral Law. " Sin is the transgression of the law " (1 John iii. 4). “The wages of sin is death “(Rom. vi. 23). Is there any sense in butting one's head against a brick wall? It is just as senseless to try to break through the fixed laws of God.

(d) The happy life is a life of obedience to God's Law. Our second collect for Morning Prayer contains the beautiful phrase, “God Whose service is perfect freedom." As the first story in the Bible tries to show us, while man obeys, he is happy. When God's Laws are broken, Paradise is always lost.

Key Infrastructure Changes Required for Robust EV Network by 2030

To support a significant expansion of fast and ultra-fast EV chargers in Jersey—especially under the 2030 petrol car sales ban—the electricity network beneath the roads will need targeted upgrades. Here's a breakdown of what that entails:

Key Infrastructure Changes Required

1. Upgraded Distribution Cabling

Current challenge: Many existing underground cables were designed for residential or low-demand commercial use.

Required change: Install higher-capacity cables (e.g. 3-phase, 11kV or 33kV) to support the load of multiple fast chargers, especially in urban areas with dense on-street parking.

Impact on Public: The number of roads per year to be dug up for this operation, according to the Minister, will be doubled.

2. New or Enhanced Substations

Why it matters: Fast chargers (50kW–150kW) draw significant power, often requiring dedicated transformer capacity.

Action needed: Build or upgrade substations closer to high-demand zones to reduce voltage drop and improve reliability.

3. Dedicated Supply Circuits

For safety and performance: Each fast charger needs its own circuit to avoid overloads.

Implementation: Install new circuits with their own breakers and protection systems, often requiring roadworks and trenching.

4. Smart Load Management Systems

To avoid grid stress: Use dynamic load balancing to distribute power across chargers based on demand and time-of-day tariffs.

Bonus: Enables off-peak charging incentives and reduces the need for overbuilding capacity.

5. Integration with Renewable and Storage

Long-term resilience: Pairing fast chargers with solar panels and battery storage (e.g. at car parks or public hubs) can reduce peak grid demand.

Local benefit: Helps Jersey Electricity manage carbon-neutral goals while improving energy independence.

Wish list: there are no current pairings noted. It is an aspiration.

Jersey-Specific Developments

Jersey Electricity has already installed over 100 public charge points, including ultra-rapid 150kW chargers at the Powerhouse.

A £600,000 upgrade to the Evolve network is underway to support future demand and integrate next-gen charging tech.

The Government of Jersey is also doubling incentives for private charger installations, especially for homes without driveways. Because this is commercially sensitive, details are vague.

However there is still a huge shortfall in charging points, especially for those without driveways. The current rate of expansion falls far below what is needed for 2030. Expect political backlash!
1 www.evolve.je2
2 www.jec.co.uk3
3 www.gov.je

More Short Stories: The Wreathkeeper’s Door

This short story was prompted by this curiously shaped small door, in a house near the end of a street in St Helier. I pondered this and wondered if there was a story behind it. Who lived there? And there was clearly seen a wreath on the door. What did it symbolise? With apologies to those who live there (and I am not going to name the property), here is a short story drawing upon that image. The ending is deliberately ambiguous - let the reader take it as they will!

The Wreathkeeper’s Door

Most people passed it without a glance. Just a rusting fleur-de-lis gate, a narrow passage, and a small arched door tucked into the side of a whitewashed house. But those who lived nearby knew better. They called it “The Wreathkeeper’s Door”.

Every season, the wreath changed. Spring brought daffodils and woven twigs. Summer, seashells and lavender. Autumn, like now, burnt orange leaves and tiny gourds. Winter? Holly, cinnamon sticks, and a single silver bell. No one ever saw who changed it. The door never opened. Yet the wreaths appeared, always perfectly timed.

Children whispered that the Wreathkeeper was a retired florist who’d once lived above Burrard Street, crafting wreaths for every wedding and funeral in St Helier. Others said she was a parish guardian, keeping watch over the seasons and the souls who passed through them.

One November evening, a boy named Eli lingered by the gate. His grandmother had died that morning, and he didn’t know where to go. The hospice had been quiet. The flat was colder. He stared at the wreath - orange leaves, a sprig of rosemary, and a small tag tucked behind the ribbon.

He reached through the bars and gently turned it over.

“For remembrance. For warmth. For you.”

The door creaked open.

Inside was a tiny room lit by candlelight. Shelves lined with wreaths for every season, every mood. A kettle steamed gently on a stove. And in the corner, a woman with silver hair and kind eyes looked up from her workbench.

“You’re early,” she said, smiling. “But you’re welcome.”

Eli stepped inside. The door closed softly behind him.

The Sunday Archive: The Pilot, July 1997 - Part 4

The Sunday Archive: The Pilot, July 1997 - Part 4

ST SAVIOUR

ANTHONY SWINDELL Rector

CONGRATULATIONS to our Church wardens, Mr Michael Payne and Mrs Josie Moisan and to our Almoners, Mr Gerald du Val and Mrs Jennifer Gaskell, on their re-election. The Ecclesiastical Assembly on 22nd May was a very positive meeting and the opportunity was taken to thank our host of church volunteers and leaders for their hard work over the last year.

Once again we were able to congratulate the choir who, at the Jersey Eisteddfod, confirmed their pre-eminence amongst the church choirs of the Island.

During the summer period, church members are asked to pay particular attention to welcoming visitors to the church. If there are any more people who can volunteer to man the church at strategic moments during the day, the Churchwardens and I will be delighted to hear from them. It is important to remember that, for many of the visitors, this may be their only contact with the Christian Church.

HOLY BAPTISM. 25th May, Natasha Helen Patricia Clayton.

HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN

HAVE you seen that new, so-called comedy series on television "Keeping Mum"? I saw an episode of it the other evening and was thoroughly disgusted.

The principal character is an elderly lady in the early stages of dementia. Most of the "humour" revolves around her failing memory and general confusion. I spend a lot of my working life with people like her and in my opinion the attempt to turn that kind of medical problem into comedy is downright insensitive, distasteful, unkind and cruel.

Whatever next? Perhaps the programme planners and script writers of the BBC will soon be gracing our television screens with situation comedies about heart disease and terminal cancer. No doubt some ingenious bright spark is even now working out the comic potentiality of a stage three carcinoma. But there again, perhaps not. The distinguishing feature of dementia is that, by and large, it only strikes old people. Heart disease and cancer, by contrast, often afflict relatively young people. Therein, I think, lies the nub of the matter.

It seems to me that there is, and has been for some time, a tendency in our society to have a bit of a giggle at the doddery old person who is losing his or her marbles. Of course, no one would say straight out, "Isn't that funny," but the patronising attitude with which old people who are slightly less than compos mentis are often regarded is only a very short distance from regarding them as figures of fun.

Primitive societies, on the whole, have a much more respectful attitude to their elderly members than so-called civilised ones. This could be because advanced societies tend to value people not for their intrinsic worth as human beings but for what they can do and produce. Old people cannot do very much compared with younger people and the productive capacity of mentally impaired old people is virtually negligible. Therefore, in our materialistic culture, they are not valued as they should be and are often patronised and made fun of.

Can we, I wonder, get back to a view of the human animal which regards all people as being of infinite value regardless of what they can do and regardless of their physical and mental condition? Hopefully we can. It could be that as the years pass and the elderly come to constitute a proportionately much larger part of our society a more humane attitude will be forced upon us. I hope a large and ever increasing percentage of old people and, inevitably, of old people with impairments of one kind or another will compel us to revise our estimate of what gives human life value.

ST OUEN
BRIAN VIBERT

Lay Pastor

ARE WE RECOGNISABLE AS CHRISTIANS?

AS Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4) to be interrogated, Peter answered so convincingly and fearlessly and the courage of both was so remarkable that the rulers, elders and teachers of the law were astonished that "these men had been with Jesus." That statement calls to mind the Exodus story of Moses' return from Mount Sinai in which we read that "his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord."

These two accounts are immensely challenging to me and should challenge all who bear the name of Christian. How evident is it to others that we are disciples of Jesus? In Christ we are a new creation, in-dwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As he abides in us and we abide in him we have the potential to bear fruit — one fruit made up of many segments —love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. All segments are of equal importance and each should be clearly in evidence in the life of the believer.

It has been said "I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day." I wonder how much of Jesus is seen in us? "To become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4) is our goal in God's plan. We are called to be holy just as he is holy, set apart to be different as salt and light. Yes indeed, different in a way that is manifest in our actions, speech, attitude and demeanour. Wherever we are it should be obvious to all and sundry that we have been with Jesus.

During the Island Games the competitors are proudly displaying their allegiance to the Island they represent. As Jesus people, may our lives proclaim to whom we belong.

ST MARTIN
LAWRENCE TURNER Rector

OVER the past sixteen centuries the life and works of St Martin of Tours have inspired many people, not just here and in France, but all over the world. Very many churches worldwide are dedicated to his memory and so his influence and example still live on in the universal church and all can benefit from this if the will to do so is there.

On the first Friday of this month, along with Christians of many churches throughout the world, we will celebrate the Feast of his Translation as our Patronal. Festival and give thanks for the life and works of St Martin. On the following Sunday we will keep, as we have done for a good number of years now, our Patronal Sunday. Let us use this Patronal Festival to inspire us to fresh efforts for the church as a whole and, in particular, for the church and ministry in this place. It is down to all the believers in this place to make this happen, not just me. After all it is not the Rector nor the church building but the congregation of all believers which make the church, whether it be in Jersey or elsewhere.

Our Patronal Festival should be a great time of rejoicing. On the actual day, Friday 4th, there will naturally be an Evening Celebration in the Lady Chapel. Why not come along and enjoy the peace and quiet of that evening communion service? Then, on the Sunday, join with everyone in giving thanks and celebration. You will see that the Dean of Jersey has agreed to come along to the 10 am Family

SAINTS' DAYS. There are just two greater feast days of the Church in the month of July plus, of course, that of the Translation of our Patron Saint which for us, in a way, is even more important. Our Patronal comes first on Friday 4th, and then the second one, the Feast of St Mary Magdalen, occurs on Tuesday 22nd. On the following Friday (25th) is the Feast of St James the Apostle (St James the Great). There will be a 7.30 pm celebration of Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel on all of these days. I do hope that some of you — well, a few more than the usual two or three, will join me in the commemoration of the life and works of all three saints but especially of St Martin!

MOTHERS' UNION. As is customary we shall be taking our annual outing on Wednesday 9th July. However, at the time of writing the mystery remains as to exactly where we are going. Everyone should meet at the Public Hall at 12 noon and then we shall all go on our merry way to wherever it is from there.

JUMBLE SALE RESULT. This, in May, was rather disappointing and only just over £100 was made for the funds. Nevertheless we must offer many thanks to all involved.

SPCK LENT PROJECT. The result is not yet to hand, I'm afraid, largely due to my being away for so long, but it will be next month I assure you. Meanwhile, thank you from SPCK to everyone who took a box and put something in it during Lent.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING. By the time you read this issue of this august publication I certainly hope that we shall have set a date for this meeting which has been severely delayed by my absence.

CHURCH OFFICERS. Willy Renouf, Cliff Manning, Tom Marett and Paul Brackley were duly sworn-in at the Ecclesiastical Court on 8th June held in the Royal Court. Let us remember them in our prayers and give thanks for the three standing for office for another year, and especially for Cliff as he begins his term of office and starts to learn the ropes.

ST HELIER PILGRIMAGE. St Martin is not the only church in Jersey which celebrates its Patronal Feast in July, for the Town Church celebrates St Helier's Day on Sunday 13th July. However, there is a slight difference with St Helier in that he is believed to have brought the faith to these shores and should therefore also be regarded as the Patron Saint of the Island. As in past years there will be a pilgrimage procession from the Town Church out to Elizabeth Castle and St Helier's Hermitage that day starting at 4.30 pm. Anyone who would like to keep the feast and make pilgrimage is very welcome to join in either at the Town Church at 4.30 pm or else fifteen minutes later at West Park Slip. There will be a short service in the Castle courtyard and the customary wreath-laying ceremony at the Hermitage.

MANY THANKS. I would like to offer sincere thanks to all those people who have kept everything running smoothly during my absence on the mainland. Several clergy took the services, the Churchwardens (and their wives) made everything ready and tidied up afterwards, Elaine acted as a go-between, and everyone took the inevitable problems and differences with a good heart and humour. Thank you all very much.

"If I knew the meaning of life, I would have been the creator of it."
-- Catherine Cookson