Exactly fifty years ago, on 7 October 1968, the 50th anniversary of Parry’s death, the composer Herbert Howells delivered a lecture – called the Crees Lecture – at the Royal College of Music in Kensington. In that lecture he said this of Parry: ‘He died on 7 October, 50 years ago. How many of us ever wished that death could … Read More
30 The Ridgeway Here’s a little conundrum for you: The police are looking for a suspected murderer – they know his name is John, but they do not know what he looks like. But they do know where he lives. They raid the house, and find a poker game in progress, being played by a fire officer, a mechanic, a … Read More
Here’s a little conundrum for you: The police are looking for a suspected murderer – they know his name is John, but they do not know what he looks like. But they do know where he lives. They raid the house, and find a fire officer, a mechanic, a lorry driver and a carpenter all playing poker around a table. … Read More
Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armistice we are holding a special exhibition at St Mary Magdalene. We have a window in the church dedicated to those from our parish who lost their lives during the Great War. Although their names are not listed our archivist, Joy Heywood, has completed some extensive research to discover more about their lives. Join … Read More
Here is a list of all the upcoming events at St Mary Magdalene from Harvest through to our Advent Carol Service (not to be confused with our ‘Nine Lessons and Carols’ the traditional Christmas Carol Service).
On the evening of Saturday 8 September we were treated to an evening of Poetry and Prosecco (with nibbles). David Nash joined us – accompanied by members of the St Mary Magdalene Drama Group – who entertained us with a selection of poems on a variety of topics from well known and not so well known authors. We were joined … Read More
Yesterday, I’m very sorry to tell you, was ‘Buy your priest a pint’ day. I say, ‘sorry’, because no-one did. Although we had some very nice prosecco and some profound poetry courtesy of David Nash. Apparently, according to the website www.catholicgentleman.com (isn’t the internet a wonderful thing!?) – I quote: “On this festive day, faithful Catholics all over the world … Read More
30, The Ridgeway It’s five years now since Archbishop Justin Welby declared what the press decided to call the ‘war on Wonga’. You probably remember – Wonga were in the habit of advertising short-term unsecured loans with their 2 little old people saying in their cartoony way that this was the solution to all their problems. Ironic that they were … Read More
It’s five years now since Archbishop Justin Welby declared what the press decided to call the ‘war on Wonga’. You probably remember – Wonga were in the habit of advertising short-term unsecured loans with their 2 little old people saying in their cartoony way that this was the solution to all their problems. Ironic that they were shortsighted, and if … Read More
Last Sunday over coffee someone suggested that they had been looking forward to something juicy about David and Bathsheba. So I shall turn to that today, as that story reaches its conclusion and denouement. For the salaciousness of David voyeuristically spying a pretty girl bathing, having his way with her, marrying her and then disposing of the other man involved, … Read More
All this sweltering heat we have been having reminds me of the places in the world where I have been, where such temperatures are normal. Usually hot weather is associated with holidays – or pilgrimages – and for sure we have had Israeli and Jordanian and Egyptian temperatures these last few weeks. So having to work in the heat has … Read More
30, The Ridgeway Dear friends, All this sweltering heat we are having reminds me of the places in the world where I have been, where such temperatures are normal. Usually hot weather is associated with holidays – or pilgrimages – and for sure we have had Israeli and Jordanian and Egyptian temperatures these last few weeks haven’t we?!. So having … Read More
Today we celebrate one of, if not the most important woman in the New Testament. Having this church dedicated to her, and celebrating her every year, as well as on Easter Day of course, gives us a special relationship with someone who has become more and more interesting as the years go by. More or less consigned to oblivion in … Read More
Universal Credit is the biggest change in the welfare system for generations. Over the next 3 years, it will affect about 600,000 people in the Diocese of London, both working and out of work. Is anyone in your parish… if so, you’ll need to know about UC Capital Mass are offering an interactive and practical training session about Universal Credit … Read More
Our intrepid group of walkers braved the heat of the July day to embark on a 7 mile walk through the leafy local area which ended up back at the starting place – Alison and Paul’s – to enjoy the Parish Barbecue. Monies raised from the walk will go towards our Organ Restoration Fund.
If you go to Jerusalem you can visit what many people call the ‘Wailing Wall’. It’s what remains of the Temple that Jesus knew and which the Romans destroyed in 70AD. The piazza at its base is still a synagogue, and many Jews go there on a Friday evening to celebrate the beginning of the Shabbat – the Sabbath. But … Read More
30, The Ridgeway, As the NHS celebrates its 70th birthday, most of us have no conception of what life without penicillin, surgery and medicine would be like. Clearly it would be painful and short, especially at the end. Similarly, even only a few centuries ago people could not have conceived of our world of hospitals, surgery and chemotherapy. A hospital … Read More
Lovely to have the Bishop of Edmonton, Rob Wickham, with us today to Licence Mo Lunn. He joined us for our 8 o’clock Sunday Morning Communion service.
Old School Assembly play a selection of Jazz for us in a very special event. If you missed their gig with us during the last Sponsored Event lunchtime, don’t miss out this time, it promises to be a great evening! Wine and canapes served at your table! Formed from a group of friends looking to develop their musical skills, Old … Read More
I couldn’t resist picking that hymn this morning (Here I Am Lord by Dan Schutte), because of our Old Testament reading. You might like to keep it open in front of you. I know we have sung it a fair few times recently, and it will be sung at ordinations soon no doubt, because it speaks of calling, of sending, … Read More
