Haslemere Parish Magazine Feb/ Mar 26

Haslemere Parish Contacts

Rector: Rev Chris Bessant 01428 658107

rector@haslemereparish.org

Assc. Minister: Rev Jus n Manley-Cooper 07798 932843

revjus n@haslemereparish.org

Verger: St Bartholomew’s

Carol Skeates 01428 642662

Parish Office 01428 644578

The Link, Derby Road

Haslemere GU27 1BS

Mon/Tue/Thu 9am-3pm/Fri 1 - 3pm office@haslemereparish.org www.haslemereparish.org

Parish Administrator, Electoral Roll Officer and Link Bookings:

Kari Hayden

Contact Parish Office—see above.

Safeguarding Officer

Kari Hayden 07762 737309

Safeguarding@haslemereparish.org

Church Wardens

Howard Body

07900 914155

Gareth David 01428 643617

Deputy Warden

David Simmons 01428 644826

Director of Music & Organist

Clive Osgood 07747 785 940

Treasurer

Andrew Culshaw: 07889 855239

Gi Aid Secretary

Geoff Mar n 01428 641907

PCC Secretary

Ka e Morgan 07794 149111

Older Children’s Worker

Verity Sutherland children@haslemereparish.org

Children & Families Worker

Victoria Mar n families@haslemereparish.org

Children and Families Worker - Primary Years

Karen Bardens karen@haslemereparish.org

First Steps

Mondays in St Christopher’s

0-5 Year Olds

Sophie Bessant & Victoria Mar n families@haslemereparish.org secretary@haslemereparish.org

Facili es for the disabled;

Both Churches and The Link at St Bartholomew’s have ramped access and space for wheelchairs. Toilets suitable for use by the disabled are available in The Link and at St Christopher’s.

Facili es for the hard of hearing; Both churches and The Link have Sound amplifica on and hearing loops.

Facili es for the visually Impaired; Both churches have good interior ligh ng and large print weekly no ce sheets and service sheets.

Please recycle this magazine when you have read it. Either into paper recycling, or be er s ll, pass it on to a friend

Bell-ringers

Paul Bagshaw 01428 656129

Friends of the Parish

Chris Lemar 01428 651435

Flowers

St Bartholomew’s

Sarah Mulliner 01428 643504

St Christopher’s

Frances Reincke 01428 607206

Church Care Group

Celia Marshall 01428 652646

Churchyards

Philip Hunt 01428 644120

Pastoral Visitors

Church Office 01428 644578

Pastoral Assistants

Ruth Pa enden 01428 653033

Wendy Neate 01428 656320

Bereavement Visitors

Linda Donaldson 01428 644473

Sarah Mulliner 01428 643504

Wendy Neate 01428 656320

Mothers’ Union Treasurer

Sue Davis 01428 661115

BRF Representa ve

Sarah Mulliner 01428 643504

Magazine

Jane Slevin 07949 633979

Adver sements Manager:

Geoff Mar n 01428 641907

Safeguarding Contacts:

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor is:

Jackie Broadfoot 07918 559387 jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk

Safe Spaces, an independent service suppor ng survivors of church-related abuse. Telephone: 0300 303 1056

Email safespaces@vic msupport.org.uk WebChat via the Safe Spaces website

For all emergencies call 999

The Single Point of Access (SPA)

Children and Adult Service social workers. Direct informa on, advice and guidance about where and how to find appropriate support for children and families: Surrey 0300 470 9100 (children) cspa@surreycc.gov.uk (adult) acsmash@surreycc.gov.uk

Domes c Abuse

Surrey - YourSanctuary 01483 776822

24hr Na onal Domes c Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247

DeafHope (BSL) text: 07970 350366

Childline 0800 1111

Na onal Society for the Preven on of Cruelty to Children

NSPCC 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk

NSPCC Sign Video link nspcc.org.uk/aboutus/contact-us

Samaritans 116123 or jo@samaritans.org

Modern Day Slavery Helpline 0800 01210700

Mental Health Crisis Helpline

0300 5000 101

Open 5.00pm - 9.00am Monday to Friday 24 hours cover at weekends inc Bank Holidays

SMS tex ng facility for people who are deaf or hard of hearing: 07717 989024

Stop it Now! 0808 1000 900 www.stopitnow.org.uk

Dear Friends

In recent months I’ve increasingly found myself having good reasons to be visi ng some of our local care homes - which for me are Oak Hall and Redcot. It isn’t just me either because there are a few teams in the ministry of the parish which visit four different loca ons each month to hold services of worship for the residents. Across the pastoral ministry of the parish, we are also to be found in the Hunter Centre (demen a day care) and the Whispers Village re red community. In the colder months such visits can be a blessing, especially since the care home staff like to keep the temperature somewhere near 30 degrees! Whilst that is nice and warm for a visit, I’m also there to feel the warmth of welcome that is sure to be wai ng. Care home ministry has always been a pleasure to me, because the residents always seem to be pleased to have us there. Why? Well (tongue in cheek) it could be because they like to see some different faces from me to me.

Loneliness and isola on can be very difficult to bear, especially following some trauma c me of life like a crisis or the loss of a loved-one. It’s not an experience I’ve had myself yet, and in fact I’ve never lived alone at any point in my life. During the colder and darker months (and granted not everyone likes January as much as I do), it could be even more crushing to find you can’t even raise the enthusiasm to go out. Day- me television is also another version of misery, if it’s just repeats of Cash in the A c or Escape to the Country. What a life!

Back in 2020 as the Covid lockdown took hold, I was able to quite quickly set up a system of live streaming for Sunday morning services. To begin with that was from my dining room table with Sophie and I (and Gracie the dog) offering the nearest we could to a formal service of Holy Communion, with robes, sermon and all. Not long a er that we were able to add a late evening service of Night Prayer too. I seem to recall much of Christmas 2020 being under similar condi ons. Within a year, what had been a makeshi technical system had become a permanent installa on for live streaming of services. For over five years now,

every Sunday, the main service has been able to be watched live from any home. In fact, you can watch it from New Zealand if you want (I know someone who does).

Around 30 people watch the services regularly online, which as far as I’m concerned s ll counts as members of the congrega on just as if they were sat in the church. I’m also known to visit people in their homes, just to be friendly and to help people know I’m s ll around. Even this Parish Magazine goes in the post too, and did you know you can read it and download it from the parish website? I hope it’s clear to you that we are really keen to try and reach-out in a number of ways to people who are home-alone, or those who can’t make it out to church for whatever reason.

Whilst I’m on the subject of this wonderful Parish Magazine, being so valuable as it is, I want to share with you the news that in the late Spring Jane Slevin, who has been so instrumental and able in the work to produce each version, will be stepping down from the produc on team. I’ve been here in Haslemere myself for nearly seven years, all the me of which Jane has been part of the produc on team. Like me, I’m sure you will wish to celebrate all that Jane has done.

Here is an important point, which I’m asking everyone to consider carefully. Would you like to be a part of the team which prepares this magazine for prin ng? If you like using a computer, all so ware, training and assistance can be given to the work of arranging the ar cles and the format. A certain amount of ac vity is required each second month for the prin ng deadline, but it’s quite a big team, which includes those who proof-read or look a er the local business adver sers. If you want to have a chat about it, I’d be delighted to buy you a coffee in a nice warm coffee shop. Enjoy the season, with all God’s blessings.

Rector Chris.

The Link Community Hub

It feels we are on the home straight - with under four months le towards the target comple on date of 12th May a er four years work!

At the me of wri ng the roof is finished, windows are going in, the link to STB is complete so work is now hidden way inside. Plumbing and electric cabling are at an advanced stage, internal walls in place and the internal li installed. By the middle of February the plastering should be complete and soon a er the lights, doors and loos will be fi ed.

Whilst the ceiling was being closed up we inserted the me capsule which included the names of donors, those who purchased les as well as various documents rela ng to the project. Thank you to all who bought a les which raised over £2,000.

The chairs for the main hall arrived just in me for Christmas so as to ensure enough sea ng in St Barts. If you haven’t tried si ng on them please do, we hope you will find them very comfortable!

The Opera ons Team (Bryony, Kari, Jennifer, Rev Jus n as well as Cathy, Debbie and me) are now ge ng into gear for when the Hub opens - the booking system, website, policies, adver sing, cleaning and much more. We are looking forward to the official opening on Sunday 14th June (for which helpers will be needed!). Please keep praying for all those involved in the project.

Andrew Culshaw

An Invita on to Join Us for the Season

The Season of Lent begins from Ash Wednesday on the 18th of February. Over the course of four weeks following, Chris and Jus n will be leading a series of spiritual services where we shall gather to reflect upon the Gi s that Christ has given to us.

The New Testament is replete with some of the most beau ful and meaningful passages of scripture we cherish. These tell of the glorious gi s which Christ taught us, and how St Paul and the early Chris ans understood their calling. It is these scriptures, drawn out as four cornerstones of the Church, that will form the basis of the season. Each weekly gathering will be set within a structure of Evening Prayer, but with a special emphasis on the theme for that week and several passages of scripture to take us into a deeper understanding of Christ's gi s.

On Ash Wednesday we shall offer to Christ those things which he calls us to bring in humility and faith - our sinful lives, the conflict of our souls, and the rela onships we fail to keep in love. That evening will be a call to open within ourselves, a realisa on that our human failures fall opposite to the graceful gi s of Christ.

The themes for the weeks ahead tell of the gi Christ has given us:

Tuesday 24th February - Salva on, The Renewal of Our Lives

Tuesday 3rd March - The Kingdom of God, A Be er World

Tuesday 10th March - Discipleship, Being Called

Tuesday 17th March - The Holy Spirit, His Perpetual Presence

Finally, on Tuesday 24th March we shall draw together our need and thanksgiving for these gi s, with a service of silence, reflec on and prayer. Each evening will begin at 7:00pm at St Bartholomew's Church. Please do not worry if you are unable to make it every week, just come to those you can. It is always helpful to have an idea on the numbers who wish to join the course, so if you are intending to join you can do so in two ways: either let Rector Chris know or drop him an email. Alterna vely, you can sign up online at www.haslemereparish.org/lent

The

Den

Church Youth Groups

So much has been happening since our last ar cle. Every year The Den has entered the Parish’s Christmas Window Compe on and this me we were teamed up with R Miles. Imbhams Farm kindly let us use their large barn for the children to make a wooden sleigh which was decorated with words such as ‘Jesus’, ‘love’, ‘faith’, ‘hope’, ‘kindness’, ‘generosity’, ‘joy’ etc. These were stuck onto pretend presents to go in the sleigh to remind people of the real gi s at Christmas. What would Jesus ask for from Santa if he was wri ng him a le er, we wondered? Maybe such things as peace on earth and food and shelter for the homeless. The le ers to Santa were put in the window display next to a pretend post box.

We invited some local Ukrainian children to also contribute to our display by adding in their own ‘real gi s & le ers’.

A fun end of year ou ng saw us travelling to Ninja Warrior UK in Guildford which consists of a giant assault course, which was lots of fun!

At our last session of the year, we had some Christmasthemed games and then headed out to the Kiln Avenue Estate opposite St Bartholomew’s Church where we sang carols and handed out shortbread and Christmas service leaflets.

Summit

In addi on to our Summit Late session, where we are following a Young Alpha course, the members of the group took part in two major events last term. One of our sessions involved prepara on for the Youth Take-Over Service the following Sunday.

This was well-received by the congrega on with the young people leading the service, doing the bible and advent readings, the intercessions, performing acolyte du es and taking up the elements and collec on. Instead of a sermon, Rev. Chris had wri en a skit for them to act out which featured a comical debate set in the House of Commons as to whether Christmas should be cancelled. Our second ‘Advent Sleep Out’ to raise awareness and funds for those experiencing homelessness through the Church Urban Fund raised £2208.75 in total - even more than last year - and was enjoyed by all despite the weather. As well as games and cra , the young people got to hear from Sophie from the Church Urban Fund who came to thank them as well as share the great work that they do and which the dona ons will go towards. Dorothea from Mothers’ Union spoke to them about the organisa on and how they support people facing adversity such as the homeless. Kirsty Jones who works with homeless people in the Mole Valley area also shared some very powerful stories of people she has helped.

During the evening, they made Christmas cracker gi s for vulnerable people living in temporary accommoda on and put together toiletry care packages for Guildford Ac on shelter for the homeless. Thank you to ASK Italian Haslemere who donated pizza for all the children and volunteers.

The Church Urban Fund has wri en an ar cle about Summit’s Sleep Out for their magazine which is out this month. Some of the professional photos from the CUF photographer who a ended the event are included here.

In other news

Yasmin and Phoebe Ingram and Felix Foulds will be representing the Parish’s Youth Groups and speaking at the Church of England Net Zero Conference this month.

Thank you to all who give their me to help with the running of these groups

Sue & Verity Photos by Verity & Adam Rowley

For more details of The Den and Summit contact:

Verity Sutherland, Children & Families Worker (Older Children)

Email: Children@haslemereparish.org

Postcard to the Parish

Gree ngs From India

Sara and David Smith are invited to a wedding in India

The colour, the heat, the odours, the outrageous traffic, the cacophony of sounds, the sheer mass of humanity; you arrive and it hits you like an express train. India!

Sara’s nephew, a Chris an, is marrying his Indian bride, a Zoroastrian, in a tradi onal Hindu marriage ceremony in the bride’s northwestern home state of Gujarat. Indian ou its for the European guests are mandatory as is the Indian cuisine, admi edly a huge bonus. The se ng is lavish and completely garlanded with flowers. The three-day long ceremony commences with the emergence of bride and groom accompanied by drummers, followed by Haldi, a massive paint-throwing riot. Nobody is spared the paint, and the rest of the day is spent in the shower a emp ng to remove it. Next comes a delicious Persian feast in the Zoroastrian tradi on, which might have played a part in a stomach bug, which plagues us over the next 24 hours. Finally, the groom arrives on a white horse to collect his bride and for the last part of the marriage ceremony to take place. What a wedding!

Where in the World are you?

We miss our old friends and would love to hear from you. We are reaching out to our overseas readers, and intrigued about where you are, what you are doing and if we can improve our magazine to be er serve you.

This ar cle is prompted for many reasons, one of which being that our on-line publishing pla orm has revised its terms of business, leading to a very reduced set of sta s cal analysis. Historically we have been able to know how many overseas readers we have, where in the world they are and which edi on of the magazine they read. Sadly no more - however what an opportunity to reach out and ask you to get in touch with us!

We are delighted to see we have been pinged from a great many countries over me. We would be even happier if you would send us a few words and maybe a picture or two for us to include in future magazines.

Email us on office@haslemereparish.org, subject Parish Magazine.

Our Church Opening Times:

St Bartholomew's is open for private prayer each day, from 9:00am un l 4:00pm.

St Christopher's Church is open for private prayer on Tuesdays-Fridays from 10:00am un l 4:00pm.

The above may be adjusted should there be other events taking place.

Churchyard Jottings

Philip Hunt

At what might be considered a quiet me of year in the churchyards there is, surprisingly, a fair amount to report. The main focus since the last edi on of this magazine has been in Derby Road churchyard. The pergola had been looking somewhat worse for wear, with damaged or missing mbers, not helped by wind damage and possible alterna ve uses. With financial approval, a set of ten, heavy duty 10cm (4 inch) diameter poles were ordered and delivered from AVS Fencing in Milford. Thanks must go to MCS Construc on who took ini al delivery and ensured that the poles were stored temporarily in their secure compound.

The heat (or rather lack of it, as it was November) was on to have the pergola repairs completed in me for Advent Sunday on 30 November. It looked as though rain would stop play, with the deadline in doubt, but on Friday 21 November the sun shone and David Simmons, with some modest help from myself, secured all the new poles, both longitudinal and horizontal, to completely revamp the pergola. By mee ng the deadline, Karen Bardens was able to set up a wonderful Advent/Christmas display produced by children from St Bartholomew’s School, making use of the full length of the pergola. This was greatly appreciated by parishioners and visitors alike. I am sure that much more use will be made of this facility in the future. The first three pictures show David hard at work, admiring his handiwork and a general view showing some of the new poles. The two remaining pictures, taken on Advent Sunday itself, provide a sense of the truly splendid display.

One notable development has been the termina on of the grass cu ng contract that Waverley had with Krinkels Ltd (formerly known as Con nental Landscapes). From 1 November 2025, the responsibility for the maintenance of green spaces (including closed churchyards) has been taken back in-house. Waverley’s direct labour force is now responsible for the grass cu ng. This has meant recrui ng new staff, although some personnel have moved across from Krinkels Ltd. Waverley will also need to invest in equipment. This decision reflects the close working with Guildford Borough Council which has taken similar steps.

One of the features of our regular churchyard working par es has been that Waverley’s contractor has removed the green waste for us, saving us considerable me and effort. When I met with Waverley last month I was assured that this prac ce would con nue. Green waste has tradi onally been moved to Farnham for compos ng and this too will con nue, as the former Krinkels depot will now be leased by Waverley (the site is currently owned by Surrey County Council).

Inevitably, discussion with Waverley turned to the subject of local government reorganisa on and how this might affect current arrangements. As people will be aware, from 1 April 2027, Waverley and five other districts will be merged to form the new unitary authority of West Surrey. This will have responsibility for both county and district ma ers within one authority. It is not an cipated that it will have any effect on the churchyard grass cu ng arrangements which have only recently been set up. In the early days, at least, there are likely to be different approaches in the various geographical areas within the new authority.

Looking ahead, please look out for no ce of future working par es in both the main churchyard and Derby Road, where it is hoped we can build upon what has so far been achieved. Once work on The Link Hub has been completed, this might provide new opportuni es for enhancements in the main churchyard and for addi onal sea ng.

Book Review

Contributed by Emily

At the Haslemere Bookshop we often start the year reflecting on our best books of the previous twelve months and for me, one of my most memorable books of 2025 was Craftland by James Fox.

To begin with, Craftland is a beautifully produced book. From stunning end pages to the stark black and white illustrations throughout, this book is a real treat! In Craftland, James Fox travels the length of Britain seeking out the last remaining master craftspeople from thatchers to watchmakers, and wheelwrights to weavers often dedicated their entire lives to perfecting a skill or trade. I expected this to be an interesting and thought but I didn’t expect it to be quite so moving. Barts!) so it was the chapter on bell-founding that I found to be the most poignant. There used to be many bell foundries across the UK but there is now just one, John Taylor’s in Loughborough. Casting a bell requires a great deal of skill and time, and can even be quite dangerous if not done properly. In Craftland James Fox witnesses the founding of a new bell, and is struck by the solemn reverence of the process, for the men and women involved. It’s definitely more than a job - it’s a vocation. This is the case for all the people that James visits in the book. There’s a quiet determination that forces them on even when they are often one of the few remaining that can do their particular skill. A thoughtful and inspiring book!

Craftland by James Fox is available in hardback from The Haslemere Bookshop

In My Garden

Philip Duly

Much of the focus of spring gardens is rightly on the beau ful bulbs that flower from the beginning of February right though to the middle of May. The wonderful vibrant spring flowering shrubs tend to receive less a en on despite adding so much to the gaiety of our spring borders. I find this surprising and somewhat dis‐appoin ng given the sheer number of stunning and colourful shrubs that flower from March onwards through Spring.

Many of these shrubs provide height and depth to a border but can also be easily shaped and maintained to a propor onate size when space is limited. They should never overshadow the bulbs, nor detract from their splendour. The key is to allow them to work with your display of bulbs and enhance the overall impact.

The best spring-flowering shrubs include the peren‐nial favourite, the lemon and yellow-flowering varie‐es of low maintenance forsythia, the subtle rasp‐berry-coloured Ribes sanguineum, Deutzia Raspberry Sundae with its glorious pink flowers with magenta purple splashes, and Chaenomeles or flowering quince which has beau ful white flowers or dazzling and long-las ng scarlet flowers depending on the va‐riety.

We are most fortunate in Surrey to have acid soil allowing the mulcoloured and glossy leaved camellias to thrive in most gardens which add further impact at various points of the Spring, depending on the variety of which there are hundreds. These outstanding shrubs are expensive to purchase and rela vely slowgrowing, but their hardiness and beauty throughout the year make them one of the best investments you can make.

Postcard to the Parish

Gree ngs From Georgia

I have never visited the Caucasus, so when I travelled to Georgia this Autumn I had no idea what to expect but hoped it would be interes ng. Georgia did not disappoint!

Let’s start with a li le geography. Georgia is a small country (about half the size of England) nestled below the Caucasus mountains, with Russia as their northern neighbour. To the south there are borders with Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and on the West there is a coastline on the Black Sea. It has a fascina ng history as has the whole region. Tbilisi, the capital, has been sacked no less than 27 mes with invasions from the Mongols, Greeks, Romans, Byzan nes, O omans, Persians (I’m sure not in that order - and several mes for some!) and also by Russia during the Imperial Tzarist regime, Soviet mes … and most recently they invaded in 2008.

The influences of many cultures are visible in the architecture from the crumbling old town in Tbilisi, the Turkish hot baths, the farms and the monasteries that we visited. The religious buildings were stunning. We were told by our guide that monks from Syria travelled to Georgia in around 540 AD and converted King Mirian to Chris anity. Georgia was one of the first 2 countries to adopt Chris anity as the na onal religion (the other being Armenia) and the orthodox Church (fiercely separate from the Russian Orthodox church) has been central to maintaining Georgian culture through the centuries.

I joined a small group of 12 and we travelled by minibus for 9 days with a fabulous local guide. We drove through a huge variety of landscapes from semi desert, mountains, prairie and rolling hills with vineyards and fruit trees. We hiked up to mountain top monasteries and cave villages, some of which are UNESCO sites. Most days we ate lunch with local hosts who cooked seasonal Georgia foods - lots of flatbreads, aubergine, pomegranate and ground nuts. We visited vineyards where the wine is fermented and stored in tradi onal clay pots sunk into the earth. And it was delicious.

The rela onship with Russia provides tension in almost every discussion. We visited the birthplace of Stalin and a museum that has not altered since soviet mes. Our guide grew up in Abkhazia and in 2008 her family and whole town became internal refugees, living in single rooms in a derelict hospital in Tbilisi. The graffi on walls close by the Russian border politely (or not) suggests that the Russians are not welcome, but many young Georgian professionals work in Russia and many Russians live in Tbilisi (perhaps avoiding the dra ?). The current Government (the Dream party) are o en described as pro-Russian but an argument that some use is that no help will come from West’s governments or Nato, so antagonising the Bear next door is foolish.

This is a beau ful country, offering a warm welcome and fabulous food and wine, do visit if you can.

Cathy M

Sunday Families

From February 1st un l the Link building work is complete, SMF will meet in the Breakfast Club Room at St. Bartholomew’s School. Parents may drop children off from 9.45am at the school or stay with them. Parking is available on the top playground, and children will return to church in me for Communion

Dec 7th - The Grumpy Owl and The Joy of Christmas

This was based on The Grumpy Owl (C of E recommended book for Christmas), a creative parallel to the Nativity story. The Christmas Craft Session at the school was fun and enjoyed by all. We listened to the story and saw how the owl, who was very grumpy to start with and didn’t give a hoot, was no longer grumpy and felt all warm inside when he eventually saw baby Jesus in his barn! Our own Nativity sets with the owl perched on top supported the story along with dancing, articulated owls. We ended playing Nativity skittles, had fake snowball fights and everybody left with a mini treat or two to enjoy later!

Jan 4th - Epiphany - The Greatest Gi

We remained in church for this session. We created spinners telling the story of the Magi and wrapped a ny wooden baby Jesus in swaddling cloth to place inside our ‘Greatest Gi ’ ns along with a ny wooden heart. Gold stars were followed up to the crib in church and the children placed Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh next to the baby along with a small heart to symbolise what we can give to Jesus.

Chris ngle making Monday December 22nd at St Bartholomew's Church

We had a good turnout for the Chris ngle making at the church and made over 230 in total, ready for the Na vity services. Many thanks go to all those who kindly volunteered and made the a ernoon so enjoyable.

Coming Up: Sunday Morning Families 1st February- Candlemas

This session will be a ‘special’ one, and the children will have fun on this feast of candles, celebrating Jesus as the Light of The World and how God always keeps his promises. To give us more time for the session today, drop off at school will be at 9.45am and children will not return to church until the final hymn at the end of the service. Please do try and bring your children along.

SCHOOL UPDATE

Installa on Derby Rd

The Christmas installa on in the Derby Road Cemetery was a great success as you can see from the photos and contributed to by the whole school. The children worked extremely hard producing their artwork on what Christmas meant to them.

The story of The Na vity ran down the middle of the pergola, being central to the real meaning of Christmas and the artwork formed the periphery. Thanks go to David and Philip for the urgent repairs to the pergola without which the project would have to have been abandoned!

New Starter Bible Presenta ons

Recep on classes were presented with their Storybook bibles in early December at a very informal affair in the church. I was assisted by four ‘angels’ from our congrega on aptly wearing halos in the form of Joan, Sue, Gill (all of whom re red teachers so angels by the nature of the job) and Catriona (who has the voice of an angel) They took on their roles superbly. We all agreed it was an absolute joy to see the church full of inquisi ve ddlers not having to sit on their bo oms, cking church items off their scavenger lists to jolly music and parents and school staff all joining in. The whole event was extremely well-received and feedback was excep onal. I have had children tell me since that parents have read some of the book to them and it’s very good, I couldn’t agree more! I very much hope that given the feedback from everybody involved this will be an annual event.

Plans for the Spiritual Garden are progressing well and final fund raising con nues to bring the project closer to reality. I am currently in talks with our Link building company to see if they are able to assist with the project in some way which would be amazing. The new altar cloth for the school assembly hall is now completed. Thanks go to Sue and Celia for all their hard work.

I am currently in talks with Luke (the very talented ar st in our congrega on) about the possibility of a large, framed rendi on of The Lord’s Prayer to go above the altar in the school to support children in their learning of the prayer. New reposi onable wooden display panels have been acquired to display changing school artwork in church. Watch this space!

The new list of Chris an books both reference and storybooks across the range of ages is nearing comple on to refresh the outdated library sec on. Sugges ons for books to be added to the list, dona ons of new books or sponsorships are warmly welcomed.

Heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has supported, volunteered, encouraged and prayed for all I am trying to achieve and I very much look forward to another year building on our children’s ministries.

God Bless,

Many Hands Make Light Work.

Karen

Frances Reincke & Jane Slevin

Every Sunday, as we gather to worship, something amazing happens long before the choir sings the first hymn. The coffee for a er the service is brewed, the flowers are arranged, the bells are rung, the church linen is clean, the brass is gleaming and there is a welcoming band of sides people at the door. Countless small acts of care quietly prepare the churches for everyone who walks through the door - not forge ng the trim and dy churchyard or garden you have walked through to get there.

During the service we have readers who read the first lesson of the day and intercessors who have compiled prayers on behalf of our church and for those unable to get to church, then the technical team makes sure the service can be watched online.

If you are unwell or in need, the pastoral team will probably have called or visited you during the week. There are coffee mornings, annual gatherings and fund raising ac vi es, and of course contribu ons to our parish magazine. Every day we have good souls who unlock the churches in the morning and lock up again at night.

All of these things don’t happen by accident. They happen because ordinary people choose to give a li le of their me to help and our churches, just like a family, thrive when everyone plays a part.

Much has been wri en about the benefits to be gained from volunteering. It’s a prac cal way to live out our faith, help with loneliness, a chance to make new friends and gives a sense of purpose and belonging to name but a few.

If you have ever thought, “I could help with that”, then over the next few edi ons of the Parish Magazine we will be pu ng a spotlight on many of the different opportuni es to help within the parish. So watch this space!

Christmas Windows Compe on

Well done to all the retailers who took part in our Christmas Window Compe on this year. The standard was very high again and the judges, Rev. Chris Bessant, Rev. Fiona Gwynn, Frances Reincke and town crier, Chris an Ashdown, had a hard me choosing the winners. This year we had a total of 17 local schools and youth groups joining in, including local Cubs and Beavers, two sets of Brownies and of course The Den. They helped to make the town look so beau ful and it really felt like a community des na on over the fes ve period. Although this year the retailers fought back and only three of the windows dressed by schools/youth groups won prizes down from six last year.

As I’m sure you already know the community vote was won by R. T. Mechanics, a very worthy winner but only just- Mia’s Hair was not too far behind.

The Most Fes ve was judged as The Dog Room with the runner up being Past and Present.

The most stylish winner was The Book Shop, with Allen Avery in second spot.

Finally, the winners for the most complementary to the shops underlying business, went to The Bathroom shop followed by Op cal Studio dressed by Camelsdale

Brownies

There were also another five windows highly commended by the judges: Scope, Seymours dressed by Camelsdale School, The Library, Tantum Trust and No.1 Charter Walk dressed by Grayswood Primary.

Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Day

February 16th 2026

Ever wonder why we eat pancakes just before Lent? The tradi on dates back to Anglo-Saxon mes, when Chris ans spent Lent in repentance and severe fas ng.

So on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the church bell would summon them to confession, where they would be ‘shriven’, or absolved from their sins, which gives us Shrove Tuesday. At home, they would then eat up their last eggs and fat, and making a pancake was the easiest way to do this. For the next 47 days, they pre y well starved themselves.

Pancakes feature in cookery books as far back as 1439, and today’s pancake races are in remembrance of a panicked woman back in 1445 in Olney, Buckinghamshire. She was making pancakes when she heard the shriving bell calling her to confession. Afraid she’d be late, she ran to the church in a panic, s ll in her apron, and s ll holding the pan.

Flipping pancakes is also centuries old. A poem from Pasquil’s Palin in 1619 runs: “And every man and maide doe take their turne, And tosse their Pancakes up for feare they burne.”

Some people have noted that the ingredients of pancakes can be used to highlight four significant things about this me of year: eggs stand for crea on, flour is the staff of life, while salt keeps things wholesome, and milk stands for purity.

Shrove Tuesday is always 47 days before Easter Sunday and falls between 3rd February and 9th March.

Signs of the Season

Samantha George

We o en begrudge the wet and colder months but this quieter me of year gives us a wonderful opportunity to gently recharge and no ce things we wouldn’t usually; birds’ nests wai ng in bare trees for their new spring me inhabitants; tawny owls calling each other as their waking hours overlap ours with the early darkness; and overwintering geese flying between roos ng and feeding sites.

With a lack of food, garden birds have been enthusias cally visi ng our bird feeders stuffed with seeds, suet and other goodness. Mr Fox wanders through the garden nightly in search of tasty treats, and bulbs - no longer hidden by summer blooms - are peeking up through the frosty ground once more. Spring is on its way.

Our chickens, however, have been in complete denial about winter and have con nued to lay eggs throughout, thanks to their built-in feather duvets! No doubt one or two will go broody by Easter like last year and we will have to be content with chocolate eggsbut I suppose needs must!

There is much to look forward to over the coming months. In our garden we’ve been missing the hedgehog who waddled through the hole in our back fence every evening before hiberna ng in October. Our children have named her Roly Poly. Hopefully she’s had a good rest (I’m quite jealous to be honest!) Bats and dormice will also come out of hiberna on and around Valen ne’s Day on milder, damp nights, toads will migrate back to the ponds where they were born to con nue the cycle and breed. I’ll be looking out for the first bu erflies (Brimstone, Peacock

and Small Tortoiseshell) as early as mid-February and worker bees will be leaving their hives to find nectar-rich flowers. Chiffchaffs, with their dis nc ve call, are some of the first migra ng birds to arrive back home a er their long flight from Africa. Long-tailed ts eagerly start collec ng nes ng material in March and badgers and squirrels will already be having their young. The dawn chorus, which significantly lessens over winter, will slowly begin to gather momentum once again.

If you do decide to venture out, an extra layer or two may be necessary. But whether from our gardens, footpaths or even just our own windows, there really is much joy to be found in these darkest, coldest months.

A PICTURE FOR SPRING

Stanley Spencer (1939)

Christ in the Wilderness: Consider the lilies

The picture illustrates part of the Sermon on the Mount: Ma hew 6: 28 - 30: Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet, I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you - you of li le faith.

Of course, Spencer depicts not lilies but daisies! Jesus stares at the daisies just as they are, and he delights in them that they are what they have been created for. He marvels in God’s crea on. Therese of Lisieux (in the Story of a Soul), describes her soul as being like a flower in God’s garden. Our Lord “takes special interest in each soul, as though there were no other like it”. She speaks of daisies having equal status with the lilies. (Stephen Co rell, Christ in the Wilderness, SPCK, 2012).

Spencer shows us the supreme vision of God’s dwelling in the eternal now. “What we need to do is seek his kingdom, and we need to do it with the same child-like dependency and joy that we see here in Jesus. We are called to look upon each other in the same way that Jesus looks on the daisies. This is what dwelling in God’s kingdom looks like”.

Co rell quotes Nadine Stair (an American Psychology professor) on reflec ons towards the end of her life about the hidden message of this pain ng, taking no thought for tomorrow.

“If I had my life to live over, I’d dare to make more mistakes next me. I’d relax. If I had to do it again, I would go places and do things and I would travel lighter than I have. If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would play hookey more, I wouldn’t make such good grades except by accident. I would ride more merry-go rounds. I would pick more daisies” .

Peter Sellars

Where Are They Now?

Rev’d Mary Bowden

For two years of my incumbency we had an associate priest, Rev Chuks Iwuagwu, and as fate will have it he and I are both now living and serving in the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway, as, respec vely, p/t Priest-in-Charge of Motherwell and Wishaw, and Interim Priest-in-Charge of All Saints Jordanhill and Bishop's Advisor for Transi onal Ministry

I'm a aching two pictures taken at Chuks' licensing in Motherwell, just before Christmas. Some in the parish may be interested and even amused to see them.

The first one includes Bishop Nick Bundock, who arrived in the diocese in May and is really s rring things up - in a good way!

With love and best wishes to everyone in the parish

Parish News in Pictures

Rev’d Jus n, spreading Christmas cheer at the slightly damp Christmas Fair.

Picture Credit: Georgia Hase

The three wise people visi ng First Steps. Picture Credit: Margaret Hunt

The Gospel of The Wild Messiah

Reverend Jon Swales

He did not come robed in safety. He did not come crowned in gold. He came with dust on his sandals, blood in his future, and fire in his bones.

Not to keep the peacebut to break it open.

The penniless preacher from Nazareth walks towards the pain, kneels where no king kneels, calls friends what the world calls waste.

The mission of the wild messiah is madness to the market and mercy to the margins.

Here is a man. Exiled flesh.

Olive skin cracked like parched land. No one hugs lepers. But he does. No ritual. Just reach.

Let the church be like thistouching what others avoid. Body of Christ, move your hands.

Here is a man. Dropped through a broken roof. They say his legs are cursed, but Jesus says, “Friend”.

Forgiveness before healing. Wholeness before walking.

Let the church be like thistearing open ceilings so mercy can get in.

Here is a man. Sworn to Caesar. A soldier’s posture, a servant’s pain. Faith speaks from strange lips. Jesus listens. Heals.

Let the church be like thiswide lunged enough to breathe in foreign hope.

Here is a woman, Tears on feet, perfume in air, shame in the room. They call her sinner. He calls her forgiven.

Let the church be like thiswelcoming the shamed. Less poin ng. More tears. Less tally.

Here is a man. Naked in tombs. Self-harm scrawled across his skin. Unclean, unkempt. unloved. Jesus asks one thing: What is your name? And the demons, tremble.

Let the church be like thisnaming the silenced, holding the haunted.

Here is a woman. Twelve years of blood. Invisible in a crowd. She dares a touch –and it stops him. He says, “Daughter.”

A word that heals more than wounds.

Let the church be like thisinterrup ble. Alive to power in the unno ced.

Here is a man. Short in stature, tall in corrup on. Collabora on money stacked in a crooked house. Jesus invites himself in. No lecture. Just presence. And something changes.

Let the church be like thishos ng grace before repentance, feas ng with the fallen.

Here is a man. Blind and begging. Shou ng louder than the crowd’s comfort. Jesus halts. Sees what others pass by.

And lets light in.

Let the church be like thisa en ve to inconvenient cries. This is not a clean gospel. It smells of spit and soil, rupture and resistance. It weeps in alleyways and whispers beside beds. It eats with the wrong people and sings in the dark.

The kingdom is not far. It is falling like a tear from the face of God.

And s ll - he walks. S ll - he calls. S ll - he touches the untouchable and invites the forgo en home.

Let the church be like this. Let us be wounded, wild, and faithful.

Amen and amen again.

RECIPE CORNER

Leeks with Ham in Cheese Sauce

A cheese sauce served over any cooked vegetables helps to supply the protein necessary to make them into a nourishing supper dish.

Linda Donaldson

Ingredients:

4-6 leeks

4-6 slices of ham

For the cheese sauce

1oz. bu er

1 oz. flour

½ pint milk

½ teaspoon made mustard

4oz. hard cheese, grated

Salt and pepper

Method:

Slice away the root and trim the green top on the leeks. Wash well and then add to a pan of boiling water for about 20 mins or un l just tender. Drain thoroughly.

Melt the bu er for the sauce over a low heat. S r in the flour and cook gently for 1 min. Gradually s r in the milk, bea ng well to get a smooth sauce. Bring to the boil and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper, and then s r in the mustard and half the cheese. Wrap each leek in a slice of ham. Spoon a li le of the sauce into a well-bu ered shallow baking dish and arrange the leeks on top. Pour over the remaining sauce and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. Place in moderately hot oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or un l bubbling hot and brown.

Junior Choir

Samantha George

Pictures by Samantha George & Flic Glaysher

The Junior Parish Choir had a very busy December, with four fes ve events, one social occasion and quite a number of rehearsals! There were three new joiners in the autumn term, so we now have a very healthy number of junior choristers.

December began with the Christmas Concert for the Hunter Centre, followed by the Junior Choir Christmas Concert. There were a number of fantas c solo performances, and the Junior Choir sang several pieces, including a beau ful rendi on of ‘Star Carol’ by John Ru er, alongside the choir favourite ‘Jamaican Noel’. The Youth Choir also gave a fantas c performance of ‘I Sing of a Maiden’, wri en by Clive.

Midway through the month there was joyful carol singing up on Scotland Lane for Elivia Homes, followed by a packed congrega on at the Christmas Carol Service on 21st December at St Christopher’s. A fun-filled and well-deserved Christmas party helped to round off a busy fes ve period.

In January, rehearsals began for upcoming performances on Mothering Sunday, Evensong and Easter events.

A huge thank you to everyone involved with the Junior Choir, including the choristers, their parents/carers, and to Clive, Sally, Liz, Scarle and Carol for their me, dedica on and enthusiasm.

A Las ng Gi of Faith: Haslemere Parish’s 30-Year Bond with a village Church in South India

By Colin Wagstaff

Thirty years ago, a modest act of generosity by Haslemere Parish helped transform the spiritual life of a remote village in rural south India - a legacy that con nues to flourish today.

In the mid-1990s, the village of South Vaigkulam was cut off from the outside world. Access was only possible via a shallow ford across a river which, during the monsoon season, became impassable. At such mes, villagers were forced to walk five miles to reach the nearest road.

Despite these challenges, the local Chris an community was determined to build its own place of worship. The villagers themselves raised enough money to lay the founda ons of a new Anglican church. A dona on of £1,000 from Haslemere Parish completed the structure, funding the walls and roof.

The result was St. Paul’s Church, a simple yet deeply cherished building that has served as the heart of the community’s worship for three decades.

Over the years, the church has hosted countless services, celebra ons, and milestones. I have had the privilege of returning many mes for special occasions, each visit reinforcing the importance of that original act of support.

In 2024, the congrega on launched a new fundraising drive to extend the church and install a permanent marble floor, bringing both beauty and durability to the building. These efforts culminated on 29 December 2025, when I was honoured to a end the rededica on of the newly extended and modernised church.

The rededica on service was led by the Bishop of the Tirunelveli Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Argst Baranabas, alongside

the church’s pastor, the Rev. Victor Arockiaraj. The church was filled to capacity - not only with its regular congrega on, but also with wellwishers from neighbouring churches who came to share in the celebra on.

During the service, Haslemere Parish received a lengthy and hear elt tribute for its role in bringing a church to a poor Chris an community so many years ago. It was a moving reminder that even a small gi , given with faith and compassion, can echo across genera ons and con nents.

Three decades on, St. Paul’s Church stands not just as a building of stone and marble, but as a symbol of enduring partnership, shared belief, and the quiet power of generosity.

KINGS WORLD TRUST FOR CHILDREN (INDIA)

First CBSE Alumni Meet - A Memorable Reunion

“Alumni forever, a bond that never breaks”.

The first Kings CBSE Alumni Meet was successfully conducted on 29th December 2025 with the blessings and guidance of Uncle Colin, marking a special milestone for our ins tu on. The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Joshua, Vice Principal (Non-Academic). This was followed by inspiring addresses from the esteemed Correspondent, Mr. Navamani, and the Director, Mrs. Jeya Agnes Daniel, who warmly welcomed the alumni and appreciated their con nued bond with the school. The highlight of the programme was the reflec ons shared by teachers and

alumni which were heart-warming and filled with nostalgia. These moments brought back cherished memories of school life and strengthened the connec on between the past and the present.

Alumni from Batch 1 (2020–21) to Batch 5 (2024–25) par cipated enthusias cally, with nearly 80 alumni a ending the meet. The programme was concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Manimala, ACS.

The event con nued with indoor games, adding fun and excitement to the gathering, followed by a lunch session. The alumni also enjoyed a campus visit, revisi ng familiar places and reminiscing about their school days.

Overall, the alumni meet was well-ordered and successful, leaving the par cipants with joyful memories and a renewed sense of belonging to their alma mater.

King’s World Trust for Children, 1 Stonehill Co age, Wilsons Road, Headley Down, Hampshire GU35 8JE Tel: 01428 712365 Email: kwtc@haslemere.com

Haslemere’s Wildlife Revival

Across Haslemere, Beacon Hill and Sho ermill, something wonderful is happening. Residents are plan ng gardens, volunteers are building nest boxes, and neighbours are looking forward to the first swi s of summer. This Spring, Haslemere Biodiversity invites the whole community to get involved in the Swi Recovery Project and a hedgehog focused Wildlife Gardening Event. These ini a ves reflect a belief that nature recovery starts right here in our gardens, footpaths and roo ops.

Welcoming Swi s Back

Swi s are among the most remarkable birds to share our town. They spend almost their en re lives on the wing, ea ng, drinking and even sleeping in flight, and return to the same nes ng sites year a er year. For centuries, having swi s under your eaves was considered a sign of good luck.

Across the South East, numbers have fallen sharply, in the majority due to loss of nest spaces. The project aims to help halt declines, by installing nest boxes and caller systems across key streets where swi ac vity has been recorded.

Leaflets have already been delivered to households in target streets but if you live locally, and would like to take part, please email info@haslemerebiodiversity.org.uk as they are opera ng a wait list.

Behind the scenes, volunteers are hard at work. One of the founders of Haslemere’s Repair Café, Christopher F, has built more than 50 nest boxes in his home workshop. Meanwhile in a new cra shed in Lynchmere with links to the Weald & Downland Museum, Bob Bu erworth is making boxes using tradi onal woodworking techniques. Every box is sturdy, weather resistant and ready for installa on before the swi s return. Meanwhile head of finance, Diane, has been securing grants and dona ons to

help subsidise boxes for households who need support. Her efforts ensure ac on remains accessible to everyone.

How You Can Help Right Now

Swi s feed en rely on flying insects, so plan ng for insects is one of the best ways to support them. Every addi on helps:

· Wildflowers: oxeye daisy, knapweed, yarrow, bird’s foot trefoil

· Herbs: marjoram, thyme, mint, oregano

· Shrubs & hedges: hawthorn, dog rose, guelder rose

· Ponds: even a bowl with stones and a ramp

· Messy corners: leaf piles, log stacks, unmown patches

Many residents have already begun plan ng, and keen gardeners in a posi on to advise neighbours can make a real difference.

Wildlife Gardening at the Museum

7 April, 6.30pm (booking essen al)

The evening focuses on one of Britain’s most loved mammals: the hedgehog. We’re thrilled to welcome Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen, known interna onally as ‘Dr Hedgehog’, joining us live from her current research base. Sophie is one of Europe’s leading hedgehog researchers, whose work has featured on the BBC and who is known for her warm, engaging style and pioneering studies into hedgehog behaviour and survival.

The evening includes simple steps to make your garden a safe haven, and a chance to meet other local enthusiasts over drinks and nibbles. Guests will also have a preview of the Haslemere Nature Recovery Strategy, and a chance to help shape its direc on.

First Steps is the place to be on a Monday morning!

Tickets are free but limited to 90 due to

space. Booking is via h ps:// nyurl.com/hedgehogevent.

Nature Recovery Starts at Home

Whether leaving a corner wild, or welcoming swi s under the eaves, every ac on contributes to the bigger picture. We many of you will join us in welcoming swi s back. For more informa on, visit info@haslemerebiodiversity.org.uk updates.

Peace Be With You

The Bible tells the story of Jesus and His stressed disciples in a boat in a storm. Like them, we also get hit by storms in life. And like them, we can know that Jesus is also with us. Why not take a moment to ponder these promises: Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situa on, by prayer and pe on, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 6-8)

Parish Pump Resources

NAVIGATING RETIREMENT: THE NEXT PHASE OF LIFE

LedbyPeterShaw

Saturday14thMarch2026

10am–12.30pm (Coffeeavailablefrom9.30am) at Godalming Baptist Church, QueenStreet,Godalming,SurreyGU71BA

Are you at a decision point approaching retirement or thinking through how best to use your time and energy now you are retired?

This morning will be an opportunity to explore the choices and frustrations that come to the fore at this stage of life. How best might you deploy your experience, time and energy in ways that are creative and fulfilling?

How can we experience retirement as an exciting entry into the next phase of life?

The morning will be led by Peter Shaw who spent 32 years in the senior civil service, and has subsequently been coaching leaders and teams over the last 20 years. He is a Licensed Lay Minister at Godalming Minster.

Participants in similar sessions led by Peter at Godalming Minster and St Saviour's Church in Guildford have found them very valuable, and this session is suitable for those with any or no faith

The session will be free of charge, but voluntary donations are invited towards the vital work of Tear Fund

To help with managing numbers, please reserve a place by contacting Sally Pollard email: pollard3@hotmail.co.uk, tel: 01483 428646 by Friday6thMarch

What’s on at Haslemere Museum

For paid events book in advance via the What’s On Page of the museum website.

Tuesday 10 February, 2.30pm - Tea & talk

Winter Flowers - Join Dr June Cha ield to hear all about seasonal flowers from our gardens and town centres. A relaxed talk with tea and biscuits. £3.

Friday 13 February, 10.30-11.30am - Early years ac vity for under 5s

Fascina ng Fossils - Travel into the past to discover a me long ago through looking at fascina ng fossils. Includes a story and making a fossil to take home. Children need to be accompanied. £3 per child, plus £2 per accompanying adult.

Monday 16 February, 11am-1pm - Ac vity for ages 11+

HYPE (youth) ac vity: Willow Wonders - Go along to the Museum and help make some willow structures to form the bases of lanterns for the Chinese lantern celebra on in March. Free for young people of secondary age or above. Book in advance via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.

Tuesday 17 February, 10.30am-1pm - Family ac vity

Mardi Gras - A morning of carnival celebra ons, making masks, armbands and a simple musical instrument suitable for a Mardi Gras parade. Children need to be accompanied. £5 per child, plus £2 per accompanying adult.

Wednesday 18 February, 9-10am - Family ac vity

Early Birds - Special opening for families with children who have an Au sm Spectrum Condi on to enjoy the Museum free from the general public. Children need to be accompanied. Booking essen al. No charge but dona ons welcome.

Wednesday 18 February, 10.30am-12.30pm - Family ac vity

LEGO - Search through the Museum’s LEGO and let your imagina on run wild. Note that models cannot be taken home. Children need to be accompanied. £3 per person.

Thursday 19 February, 10.30am-12.00pm - Ac vity for ages 5-11

Museum Explorers: Lovely Lanterns - Make some lantern structures for the Museum’s Chinese lantern celebra on in March, plus make a lantern to take home. Adults can stay but don’t have to. £8 per child, plus £2 per accompanying adult.

Friday 20 February, 10.30am-12.30pm - Family ac vity

LEGO - Search through the Museum’s LEGO and let your imagina on run wild. Note that models cannot be taken home. Children need to be accompanied. £3 per person. Book in advance via the What’s On page of the Haslemere Museum website.

Friday 20 February, 3.30-5.30pm - For ages 5-11

Children’s Silent Disco - A fun a ernoon of dancing. Choose your own songs from three different play lists. Why not dress up as your favourite pop star? Café open. £5 per person.

Friday 20 February, 7.30-11pm - Evening Silent Disco

A fun evening of dancing. Choose your own songs from three different play lists. With bar. Tickets £15. Early bird booking discounts available.

Thursday 26 February, 7-9pm - Crea ve Wellbeing Workshop

Wonderful Willow - Enjoy a relaxed evening experimen ng with willow to make lanterns ahead of the Museum’s lantern fes val. £15.

Friday 27 February, 1.30-2.30pm - Early years ac vity for under 5s

Bear’s Shadow - Listen to this story and learn all about shadows. Make a shadow puppet of your own to take home. Children need to be accompanied. £3 per child plus £2 per accompanying adult.

Tuesday 3 March, 5.30-7.30pm - Garden lantern trail

Chinese Lantern Celebra on - Celebrate the Chinese New Year and coming of spring with a trail in the museum gardens. Roast marshmallows and make smores. Children need to be accompanied. Tickets £6.

Friday 6 March, 10.30-11.30am - Early years ac vity for under 5s

Toys from the Past - Find out how toys of today differ from those in the past. See and try toys in our handling collec on. Story me and ac vity. Children need to be accompanied. £3 per child, plus £2 per accompanying adult.

Tuesday 17 March, 2.30pm - Tea & talk

Ladies Alo - A talk by John Childs telling stories of pioneering female aviators. With tea and biscuits. £3.

Thursday 19 March, 7.30pm - Evening show

Discovery of Witchcra - Greg Chapman's show combines magic, storytelling, history and comedy to talk about witch trials from the 15th to the 20th century. Tickets £14.

Friday 20 March, 1.30-2.30pm - Early years ac vity for under 5s

Clive Eats Crocodiles - Story and cra s to celebrate how our individual likes make us unique. Children need to be accompanied. £3 per child plus £2 per accompanying adult.

Friday 21 March, 10.30-1pm - Community Show & Tell

Memorabilia - Drop in to the Museum with your family’s memorabilia. We'd love to see objects, photos or documents of family or local history. Free admission.

Tuesday 31 March, 10.30am-1pm - Easter event

Easter Egg-citement - Easter arts and cra s and a garden trail for children, who will be rewarded with a treat when they find hidden characters. Children need to be accompanied. £5 per child, plus £2 per accompanying adult.

A FREE service for people with NHS hearing aids includes:

Basic Maintenance, Ba ery Supply, Cleaning & Re-Tubing, Trouble-Shoo ng and Advice

Sessions will be held at The Link (St Bartholomew’s Church) on:

10:00am – 11.30am, every 2nd and 4th Thursday

Our NHS volunteers are trained by the audiology department of the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Visi ng the Hear Here clinic may save travelling long distances or the difficul es of access to the hospital.

The Hear Here scheme was launched in March 2013 as a partnership between Guildford Diocese and the NHS. There are now over 200 people trained in hear‐ing aid maintenance. Hear Here was successful in winning the Faith Ac on & Health Award in 2018 for con nuing to provide support for those with hearing loss across Surrey and North-East Hampshire.

Enquiries to: Hearingchampion@haslemereparish.org

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Bluebells Cancer Support Centre at Harry Edwards Healing Sanctuary

Burrows Lea, Hook Lane, Shere, GU5 9AL

Bluebells is a friendly, sharing group for anyone affected by cancer. We laugh a lot, cry a li le, share experiences and support each other. Do come along one Thursday to see for yourself!

We meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 11am— 1pm ending with a relaxa on session.

We like to keep in touch and know how you are at other mes too, so please feel free to contact Carolyn Low on 01483 203540 or email

Carolyn.graeme@hotmail.co.uk

From the Registers

Funerals

Martin Saunders - 5th January at Guildford Crematorium

Members of the church are reminded that online copies of approved PCC minutes are available on the parish website.

The link is as follows:

h ps://www.haslemereparish.org/info/minutes-of-the-pcc

This magazine is also available online from the parish website, www.haslemereparish.org,

COPY DATE

For the Apr/May issue of the magazine is Friday March 6th 2026

We’d love to hear from you, please take or send your contribu ons to the Parish Office: office@haslemereparish.org

Responsibility for opinions and accuracy in statements expressed in ar cles and in adver sements in this magazine rests solely with the individual contributors

Sunday Services

1 Feb Candlemas

8.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s Sunday Morning Families

18.00 Candlemas Evensong | St Christopher’s

8 Feb 2nd Sunday before Lent

8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s

10.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s

15 Feb Last Sunday before Lent

8.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 11.30 Praying on Sunday | St Christopher’s

18 Feb Ash Wednesday 18.30 Imposi on of Ashes | St Bartholomew’s

22 Feb 1st Sunday of Lent

8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s

1 Mar 2nd Sunday of Lent

8.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s Sunday Morning Families

8 Mar 3rd Sunday of Lent 8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Holy Communion |St Christopher’s 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s

15 Mar Mothering Sunday

8.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 11.30 Praying on Sunday | St Christopher’s

22 Mar 5th Sunday of Lent

8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Holy Communion| St Christopher’s 18.00 Evensong | St Bartholomew’s

29 Mar Palm Sunday

8.00 Holy Communion | St Bartholomew’s 10.00 Holy Communion | St Christopher’s 10am services are live streamed via the Parish Youtube channel. www.haslemereparish.org/online www.haslemereparish.org/services