From the Vestry Secretary
As Easter approaches I am pleased to report that the visiting Priests
who are covering the Services over this period are in place. It has
been very difficult for the Diocesan office to furnish us with visiting
clergy but we are fortunate that we have our own ordained amongst
us. We are enormously grateful for the willingness of Revd Eryl
Rowlands to step into the breach for Good Friday and Easter Sunday
and we look forward to his wise and intelligent preaching. We are
doubly fortunate that Bishop Ted Luscombe is willing to take part in
services and assist when he can.
If you are wondering who is the tall dark handsome man who has
been seen at recent services, I can tell you. This is James and he is
being helped by organist Neil Smeaton to come to terms with organ
technique and the mysteries of stops, pedals, manuals, swell boxes
and all the other paraphernalia that organ playing encompasses. His
grandfather was the doctor, who years ago practiced from next door to
the church in what is now the Chapel Bank Hotel.
So James has come back home to Angus. Do make him very welcome
in our midst.
Speaking of welcoming new people to our church please do make an
even bigger effort to engage strangers when they visit us. One or two
new folk have come to services but only the once. Maybe we don’t do
quite enough to make them feel immediately at home. Think about it.
What can you do to help them feel they want to come back?
I wish everyone a very Happy Easter tide and I will see you in church.
FlowersforEaster
MaggieCrouchwouldbegratefulforgiftsofflowerstodecoratethechurchfor
Easter,April16th,andalsoforvolunteerstodothedecorating.Theplanwillbe
forpeopletomeetatthechurchat10a.m.onthemorningofSaturday15th.It
would be helpful to Maggie if anyone willing to assist could let her know in
advance01307468747
Forgiveness.
TheseasonofLentistraditionallyatimeofreflectionandself-examinationin
preparationforEaster.Thesearedisciplineswhichsustainacloseandintimate
relationshipwithGodtogetherwithprayerandBiblestudy.Aspartofour
worshipwepraytheLord'sPrayeraskingGodto'forgiveusoursinsaswe
forgivethosewhohavesinnedagainstus.'Thephraseisquickandeasyto
repeatbutlet'sdwellonitsimportanceforafewmoments.
WeusuallybeginbytellingGodaboutthesinswehavecommitted.Oftenit's
aboutconfessingourwrongreactionstorecenthurtsordisappointments
whenwemayhavehitbackinangerwithequallyhurtfulwordsoractions.But
somewoundsmayhaveoccurredaslongagoasourchildhoodandhavenever
beenbroughttoGodforhealing.Asaresultnegativeattitudessuchaspride,
arrogance,anger,revenge,bitterness,self-protectionandpassivitymayhave
becomepartofourpersonalities.Lentoffersaspacetotakealonghardlook
atourinnerselvesaswepauseforsomerealisticself-examination.Thiscanbe
painfulandmayresultintearsofgriefandrepentance.HowevertheGood
NewsisthatGodalreadyknowsallourshortcomingsandyetstilllovesus
unconditionally.
Wealsoneedtoforgiveourselvesforspecificthingswehavedoneand
thoughtandsaid.Oftenthatisthehardestpart,evenharderthanforgiving
othersforthattoocanbeachallenge.Itmaytakemuchdeterminationofour
willsovermanyyearstochoosetoforgivethosewhohavecausedusdeepand
lastingdamage.Butwekeeponforgivinguntilthememoriesnolongerhavea
holdoverus.NamingthesepeopleinourheartsandreleasingthemtoJesus
cansetusfreefromtheburdenoflongheldresentment.
WemayhavewronglyblamedGodforallowingsuchpainandmiseryandthat
tooshouldbeconfessed.
OncewehavetoldGodthethingsthathebringstoourmindsweaskhimfor
hisforgivenessandalsoforthehealingweneedasaresultofourownwrong
choices,thesinofothers,andtheinfluenceoftheworldandthedevil.
AsSt.John’sfirstEpistle,chapter1verses8and9tellsus,'Ifwesaythatwe
havenosinwedeceiveourselvesandthetruthisnotinus.Ifweconfessour
sinsGodhewhoisfaithfulandjustwillforgiveusoursinsandcleanseusfrom
allunrighteousness.‘
HilaryBridge.CTNLO.
SteppingOverourWounds.
Sometimeswehaveto'stepover'ouranger,ourjealousyorourfeelingsof
rejectionandmoveon.Thetemptationistogetstuckinournegative
emotions,pokingaroundinthemasifwebelongthere.Thenwebecome'the
offendedone'or'theforgottenone'or'thediscardedone.'Yesweget
attachedtothesenegativeidentitiesandeventakemorbidpleasureinthem.It
mightbegoodtotakealookatthesedarkfeelingsandexplorewherethey
comefrom,buttherecomesamomenttostepoverthem,leavethembehind
andmoveon.
Henri Nouwen from 'Bread for the Journey.'
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Sunday April 9th
Daffodil Walk over Burnside Hill. See below
WednesdayMay10thDunkeldAreaCouncilAreaseebelow
SaturdayMay13th
CraftSaleandCoffeeMorningseebelow
th
SaturdayMay27 DiocesanGathering
SaturdayJune17th
LunchtimeRecitalFaçadebyWilliamWalton
th
WednesdayJune28 PitlochryOuting
TuesdayAugust8thBingoatTheRoyalBritishLegionHall,7for7.30pm
Thisisanannualevent,organisedbyColvinainaidofchurchfunds.Raffle
prizeswillbeverywelcome.
April9thDaffodilWalk
ThewalkoverBurnsideHill,institutedseveralyearsagobyDavidand
HelenLloyd-Jones,toviewsnowdrops,primroses,crocuses,daffodilsaccording
toseason,willtakeplaceonSundayApril9th.ThisyearitisinaidoftheMarie
Curiecharity.Everyoneiswelcome;thereisprovisionforalongorashort
walk,accordingtostaminaandcapacity.
Dogsstrictlyonleads(alas,forthem)areverywelcome.MeetingatReswallie
Houseat2.15for2.30start,andtea,withhomebaking,backatReswalliefor
wearywalkers.Bakingcontributionswillbemuchappreciated.Therewillbea
collection for Marie Curie, and a donation will be made to St. John’s from
moniesraised.
TheDunkeldAreaCouncil
IncludesthefollowingChurches.
Perth,GlenalmondCollege,BirnamandStanley,HighlandPerthshireChurches,
StrathearnChurches,Blairgowrie,Alyth,CouparAngus,Ballintuim,Kirriemuir
andForfar.
TheVestrySecretaryhashadthefollowingcommunicationfromtheDiocese.It
isimportantthatalltheparishesareawarethattheyarepartofanArea
Councilandhavenoticeofitsmeetings:-
Asyouprobablyrealise,it’sacoupleofyearssincetheDunkeldAreaCouncil
lastmetanditdoesneedtobereconvened.There’salsoageneralfeelingin
the diocese that these area meetings are a good opportunity to get to know
people from other congregations, and to share stories and experiences with
eachother.Asmallgroupofusgottogetherrecentlyanddecidedtogetthe
ballrollingwithasocialgatheringatStNinian’sCathedralonWednesday10th
May,7pm - 8.30pm. This is a chance to get to know each other over an
informal‘bringandshare’meal.Pleasebringcontributionsforafingerbuffet.
WewillclosetheeveningbysharinginaTaizeservice.
Thisinvitationisopentoallmembersofallthecongregationsinourarea;itis
notrestrictedtoincumbentsandLayReps,orinanyotherway.Pleasegiveit
allthepublicityyoucaninyourowncongregation.
CoffeeMorning:SaturdayMay13th
Here we are again! Time for looking out for some suitale Tomola Prizes; Gift
Stallitems;dustofftherecipebookstodecidewhatdeliciousgoodiestobake,
and dig out the home made preseves from the pantry, for the Cake and
Produce Stall.any other suggestions would be welcomed! Please give any
donations of goods etc to Fay or bring them along to the Halls on the
morningofFriday12thbetween10a.m.and2p.m.
PitlochryOutingJune28th
ReminderthatthereareafewmoreseatsleftbutRogerwillsoonbeoffering
themtothosewhonormallyjoinusfromLethamvillage,soanyonewantingto
go should be in touch with him very soon. He would appreciate payment as
soonaspossiblefromtheremainingfewwhohavestilltopay.
Full details of the Diocesan Gathering, Lunchtime Recital and the Pitlochry
outing are in previous issues of the Eagle, and will be printed again for each
eventnearerthetime.
.
ROTAS
SUNDAY APRIL 2ND
11a.m. Sung Eucharist
Ezekiel 37: 1 – 14, Romans 8: 6 – 11, John 11: 1 – 45
Reader Lee Winks
2 p.m. St. Margaret’s Lunanhead
WEDNESDAY APRIL 5TH
10 15 a.m. Said Eucharist
SUNDAY APRIL 9TH PALM SUNDAY
11a.m. Sung Eucharist
The Readings at the Palm Sunday service take a slightly different format,
as has been the practice in previous years. Those partaking have been
identified.
Sidesmen Walter Lee and Keith Walker
GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 14TH
3 p.m. Meditation conducted by Eryl Rowlands
EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 16TH
11a.m. Sung Eucharist
Acts 10: 34 – 43, Colossians 3: 1 – 4, John 20: 1 - 18
Reader
Michael Hill
Sidesmen Judy Hill and Pat Slingsby
Lochside service 8 a.m.
There is to be a service by Forfar Loch at 8 a.m. on the morning of Easter
Sunday. Details of where to meet can be obtained from Margaret Cousins
(01307 819 489) or Maggie Crouch (01307 469 747). There will be breakfast at
St. Margaret’s church afterwards.
N.B. NO 2 P.M. SERVICE AT LUNANHEAD
WEDNESDAY APRIL 19TH
10 15 a.m. Said Eucharist
SUNDAY APRIL 23RD
11a.m. Sung Eucharist
Acts 2; 14a, 22 – 32, 1 Peter 2: 3 - 9, John 20: 19 - 31
Reader Madeline Kingston
WEDNESDAY APRIL 26TH
10 15 a.m. Said Eucharist
SUNDAY APRIL 30TH
11a.m. Sung Eucharist
Acts 2: 14a, 36 - 41, 1 Peter: 1: 17 – 23, Luke 24: 13 - 35
Reader Nora Craig
WEDNESDAY MAY 3RD
10 15 a.m. Said Eucharist
SUNDAY MAY 7TH
11a.m. Sung Eucharist
Acts 2: 42 – 47, 1 Peter 2: 19 - 25, John 10: 1 - 10
Reader Eleanor Rowlands
2 p.m. St. Margaret’s Lunanhead
WEDNESDAY MAY 10TH
10 15 a.m. Said Eucharist
SUNDAY MAY 14TH
11 a.m. Sung Eucharist
Acts 7: 55 – 60, 1 Peter 2: 2 – 10, John 14: 1 – 14
Reader Lee Winks
St. Margaret’s Lunanhead
A service is held at 2 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Lunanhead on the 1st and 3rd
Sundays in every month. For the purposes of this magazine, that means April
2nd and May 7th. The services are taken by the Revd. Bob Harley, the Rector of
St. Mary’s Kirriemuir, and the Revd. Karen Fenwick, Minister of the Lowson
Church, Forfar. Please note that there will not be a service at Lunanhead on
April 16th, Easter Sunday.
Quiz Night
Friday 10th March
Who was the 39th President of the USA? What would you do if you met a
boreen? When was it last legal to employ a child chimney sweep? And lots
more…….
It sounds on the face of it that the St. John’s Quiz night on Friday 10th March
might have been a bit intimidating, and have shown up an alarming lack of
knowledge on the part of the participants, but judging by the general chatter,
heavily overlaced with laughter, enjoyable would have been a much better
description. There was a great deal of chat, some of it way off the subject, a
great deal of head scratching, and finger counting in the hall that night, but the
general consensus was that the acquisition of knowledge in those circumstances
all added up to good fun. We did all learn a lot of stuff, though it is
questionable whether, certainly in my case, should the same questions reappear
next year, the outcome in scoring would be very different.
The tables all had quizzical names – Hopefools, University Challenged, Brain
Boxes, Five Quines and twa Loons, and FF and 2M.The questions were
enormously varied, all interesting and entertaining. To produce such a range
must have taken a great deal of time and research. Very many thanks go to
Douglas Burt and???? finding such a range of subjects, obscure, quirky,
educational, which must have involved a lot of inspiration. One wonders how
fingered all the pages of their encyclopaedias must be by now. There are two
prizes – the winners (University Challenged) and the Wooden Spoon (Five
Quines and Twa Loons) I understand the winners of the Wooden Spoon made
deliberate effort to seize that trophy, and on pondering on this ambition, I
realise that it requires a certain amount of knowledge to be absolutely sure that
one’s answer is wrong. So no lack of IQ there!
We had a very welcome break from all this brain effort in the form of a
delicious steak pie, beans and chips at half-time, produced by Pat Slingsby and
his team, and, to encourage us all on the way, a bottle of wine per table. There is
a saying ‘In vino veritas’ - whether that always means that wine produces the
right answers to such questions as ‘which of Canberra, Buenos Aires, or
Capetown is nearest to the South Pole’ is open to question, but the vino is very
welcome. Rather alarmingly each table was given a range of road signs to
identify. Many of us wondered depressingly after that experience whether we
would pass the driving test now….
A lot of work for a few people and a great deal of fun for a lot. Thank you to
the few very much. It was a great evening. Dorothy Bruce-Gardyne
TUESDAY CLUB – 10th JANUARY 2017
A TRIP TO ARGENTINA by ELAINE HENDERSON
The first session of the New Year for the Tuesday Club was opened byEvelyn
who welcomed the members and introduced the guest speaker for the evening,
Elaine Henderson. From the intriguing title of ‘A Trip to Argentina’ one might
assume we were about to view the tourist trail rather than consider Agricultural
systems employed by Argentinian farmers, but on hearing Elaine’s background
this would be no surprise..
Elaine, a former member of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs
(SAYFC), had previously taken a year out at the end of her studies to enjoy her
‘holiday of a life time’ touring the world. Unfortunately South America had not
been part of that itinerary, so when a study tour opportunity presented in 2014,
Elaine had no hesitation in applying. Then after a successful fund raising quest,
she and 15 fellow SAYFC members from all over Scotland were Argentina
bound. Travelling some 16 hours from Edinburgh the group arrived in Buenos
Aires to a time difference of minus 3 hours and a temperature difference of
12°C. A city tour of Buenos Aires, a large bustling city housing 12 million
people (28% of the country’s population), quickly followed and a taste of the
countries cuisine, notably Empanadas and steak, confirmed beef is an essential
for the Argentinian palate though chicken and fish was also on the menu.
Over the next 12 days of coach travel, the group covered 3,200Km of
countryside in two regions in the north east of this vast country – Buenos Aires
and Mesopotamia (or Littoral). Methods of animal husbandry for cattle, pigs
and even goats, to arable farming producing wheat, soya bean, barley and
maize, were all studied, including some GM crops and surprisingly, rice grown
and sold to China! Much of what was witnessed bore no resemblance to current
day farming in Scotland, indeed often raised a few eyebrows, but it was
generally acknowledged farming, no matter where, generates problems.
Extremes of climate, fiscal instability, a unique land tenure system, debilitating
taxes, corrupt politics, red tape and a poor infrastructure have led to many of the
practices witnessed. The experience however did reveal the contrast of
conditions, and difficulties did not dampen the spirits of the young Argentinian
farmers, the situation was as is therefore get on with it seemed to be the
enduring attitude.
Having viewed cattle sales, dairy parlours, feeding methods, cropping and
irrigation, grain exports and so much more, the group brought a little of
Scotland with them when they attended a Polo match – some wore the kilt, to
the delight of both the amateur and professional photographer alike. It goes
without saying the other great Argentinian passion is the Tango, so somewhere,
in an extremely busy schedule time was found to enjoy that too.
Sadly all good things do come to an end and these 16 young people came home
not quite believing what they had just experienced, but were full of gratitude for
and knowledge of something few of their peers would ever be exposed to. For
us the evening ended as Evelyn gave the vote of thanks for a most interesting
talk followed by the traditional selection of ‘tasty bites’ – thank-you to all
concerned
Linda Robbie
TUESDAY CLUB – 14TH FEBRUARY 2017
JOE WISHART – SCOTTISH SINGERS AND SONGS
Was the February guest speaker the Tuesday Club’s ‘Valentine’ or was he
‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’? The programme recorded
a presentation entitled ‘Scottish Singers & Songs’, but this bore no resemblance
to the apparition standing before the members. Dressed in his Buchanan Tartan
three piece suit, Joe Wishart’s ensemble included his highly coloured ‘shag pile’
fleece (sourced from a Nepalese knitting syndicate which was formed by
eighteen Sherpa widows following the devastating 2015 earthquake). Once the
hilarity died down the ‘planned’ entertainment began.
Born in 1907 in Cambuslang, Robert Wilson began his working career as a
draughtsman before developing his natural talent by studying singing in
Glasgow. In 1931 Wilson joined the chorus of D’Oyly Carte Opera Company,
progressing to understudy and minor principal roles; he toured with the
company in 1936, then in 1937 became a solo and recording artist and in 1943
singing with HMV. Popular and in much demand, he formed his own concert
party touring Britain singing Scottish ballads. By the 1950s he was a wellknown variety performer and an early presenter of ‘The White Heather Club’.
Robert Wilson died in 1964. Having outlined Robert Wilson’s background Joe,
accompanied by the members, gave his rendition of ‘Down in the Glen’, one of
Wilson’s best sellers.
Kenneth McKellar came next; born in Paisley in 1927 he studied forestry at
Aberdeen University. After graduation he worked with the Scottish Forestry
Commission prior to training as an Opera singer at the Royal College of Music.
Moving on to the Carl Rosa Opera Company which was not to his liking, he left
to pursue a career singing traditional Scottish songs and other works. A wide
and varied career was to follow ranging from The White Heather Club, Gaelic
Songs, Opera, Musicals and Pantomime to the Classics with performances
throughout the world. He was even chosen in 1965 to represent Britain in the
Eurovision Song Contest in Luxemburg coming ninth out of eighteen entries.
McKellar died in 2010 aged 82, Joe sang ‘Aye Fond Kiss’ in tribute.
Joe’s third and penultimate choice was Andy Stewart. Though born in Glasgow
in 1933, he lived briefly in Perth and from the age of 11 years, Arbroath.
Stewart considered himself a ‘Red Lichtie’ as did the Arbroathians who claimed
him as one of their own. His previous aspirations of becoming a Veterinary
Surgeon were set aside when he was selected to perform as ‘A Knight in Shining
Armour’ in the 1950 Arbroath Abbey Pageant. ‘Treading the boards’ now held
more appeal and Stewart decided to train as an actor at the Royal Scottish
Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. Throughout the 1960s, the tartan
clad humourist performed to audiences in the style of the Music Hall and Harry
Lauder. Stewart’s many Scottish songs took him around the world. He
performed in the Royal Variety Shows, before the Royals at Windsor Castle,
and possibly most famously as presenter of ‘The White Heather Club’. The
Andy Stewart ‘This is Your Life’ story was told by Eamonn Andrews in 1975.
From 1973 onwards Stewart was plagued by ill-health and he died in 1993. ‘A
Scottish Soldier’ was the song of choice. Last but not least was Callum Kennedy
who was born in 1928 and hailed from the Isle of Lewis. A Mod gold medallist
singing in Gaelic, Kennedy had his own television programme and was voted
Grampian TV Personality of the Year. His first major award outside the UK
was in Moscow when he won the World Ballad Championship in 1957. He
generated many albums as a solo artist and with his wife Anne Gillies – also a
Mod gold medallist - and their five daughters. After Anne’s death in 1974, the
shock was so great that Callum was unable to speak or sing for around two
years. In 1986 he married for a second time and had one daughter. This
marriage ended in divorce. He died in 2006 aged 77 years. All joined Joe in
the ‘The Gypsy Rover’.
Once more, Joe had worked his magic and it was a very happy group of
members who acknowledged the evening’s entertainment. After Evelyn gave
the vote of thanks, tea, coffee and goodies were enjoyed by all. Thank-you
once
again
to
our
‘caterers’.
Linda Robbie
………………………………………….
Roger Cousins was shown the following recently and thought that he
would share it as most of us decidedly fall into the age bracket !
EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 60
Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of
room at each side.
With a 5-lb (2.5Kg) potato bag in each hand, extend
your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can.
Try to reach a full minute and then relax.
Each day you will find that you can
hold this position for just a bit longer. After a couple of weeks move up to 10-lb
(5Kg) potato bags.
Then try 50-lb (25Kg) bags then eventually try to get to where you can
lift a 100-lb (50Kg) potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for
more than a full minute.
After you feel confident at that level, try putting a potato in each bag.!!!!
On the other hand, how about gentler exercise as recommended by William
Wordsworth at this season . the only difference with this experience and ours
on April 9th is that lovely Burnside doesn’t have a lake, but it does have a
marvellous view to compensate.
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the tress,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them dance; but they
Out-did the sparking waves in glee;
A poet could not but be gay
In such a jocund company.
I gazed and gazed but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought;
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude.
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
Thank you very much to all those who have given their subscription to the
printing of the Eagle already. We have not yet had quite the full quota in to
cover the costs, so any outstanding contributions will be most appreciated.
It is quite likely that next month’s Eagle may not be ready on the first Sunday in
May, as I hope to be away at the end of April for a few days. I hope that will not
inconvenience anyone.
IF IN DOUBT CONTACT:
RECTOR The Revd. David Cameron
(01307 463 440) (Presently off sick)
ELECTED VESTRY MEMBERS:Miss Madeline Kingston (463 185)
Mr Keith Ingram Walker (01828 640 318)
Mr Albert Shepherd (464 600)
Mrs Lee Winks (07549 165 672)
EX-OFFICIO VESTRY MEMBERS
SECRETARY Mr Geoffrey Bridge 01828 640 452
TREASURER Mr Roger Cousins (819 489)
LAY REPRESENTATIVE Mrs Marion Ingram Walker (01828 640 318)
OFFICERS
FINANCE CONVENER Mr Albert Shepherd (464 600)
PROPERTY CONVENER Vacant
ASSISTANT PROPERTY CONVENER Vacant
ALTERNATE LAY REPRESENTATIVE
Miss Madeline Kingston (463185)
MISSION AND OUTREACH LIAISON OFFICER
Mrs Hilary Bridge (01828 640 452)
ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER
Mr Neil Smeaton (818 714 and 01224 210 355)
ST. MARGARET’S, LUNANHEAD (01828 640 452)
HALL CONVENERMrs Carol Douglas (464 610)
CHILD AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE’S OFFICER
Mrs Maggie Crouch (01307 468747)
FLOWERS
Mrs Maggie Crouch (468 747)
FUND RAISING
Mr John Rymer (820 250)
TUESDAY CLUB
Mrs Evelyn Balfour (818 648)
GIFT AID
Mr John Webster (467 696)
STEWARDSHIP RECORDER Mrs Carol Douglas (464 610)
FACT REPRESENTATIVES
Mrs Maggie Crouch (468 747) Mrs Margaret Cousins (819 489)
MAGAZINE
Mrs Dorothy Bruce-Gardyne (01241 828 203)
DIOCESAN SECRETARY Mrs Alicia Rootes (01738 443 173)