St. Michael's Messenger

In Brief

Lerins:  The Church of England Liturgical Commission had a residential meeting at the Abbey of Lerins on the Ile St Honorat off Cannes in June – arranged by Father Roger and Dr Colin Podmore, its Secretary. Everyone agreed that it was a happy and successful occasion and the community could not have been more hospitable. Colin was to spend two weekends with us and our guest preacher on Sunday 12th was Canon Jeremy Haselock, Vice-Dean and Precentor of Norwich Cathedral, a member of the Commission.

In the right place at the right time:  Fr Roger and Stuart Barham – the only representatives, alas, from St Michael’s to attend the Deanery Eucharist and picnic at the marvellously situated sanctuary of the La Madone d’Utelle on Midsummer Day – were sitting and having a drink in the village of Utelle that day, having made very good time from Nice. We saw a group of young people on foot arrive in the square and look around and concluded brilliantly that they must be the choir from Royal Holloway College. They were indeed, but their coach had just dropped them at the village and had moved off downhill. Fortunately we were able to explain that the sanctuary was another quarter of an hour’s drive up a steep and windy road and they were able, thanks to a mobile telephone, to get the coach back. Their singing was beautiful and moving; we were so glad they made it.

A visit from H.Q. It was good to welcome Adrian Mumford, our Diocesan Secretary and Diocesan Organ Adviser, and Nick Wright, the Diocesan Finance Officer, who spent a weekend in Beaulieu at the end of July. This was basically a holiday, but they were able to attend our very successful garden party on 29th, visit St John’s, Menton, where there is currently an interregnum, and worship with us on the Sunday. We are grateful to Adrian for playing the organ that Sunday; Stuart Barham was having a well-earned holiday in America. We also express our thanks to Josephine Attar who played on the previous Sunday.

Robinson and Robinson:    We are grateful to Fr Ronald Robinson of The Ascension, Portsea, who looked after St Michael’s for two and a half weeks in August while Fr Roger was in England. It was his first visit back since September 2002. We are grateful too to three members of his family. Sandy and Anna and his wife Barbara, who led the singing so strongly. “He brought his own choir with him”, was one appreciative comment! We are grateful too to our old friend Fr Philip Robinson (no relation) who will be taking charge while Fr Roger is celebrating his Jubilee in Chichester.

Jenny Duckworth:  Jenny had a serious and delicate operation at the National Hospital for Neurosurgery in August. She is doing well but still needs our prayers.