See also the Help Required page

Church Electoral Roll (July 2004 Magazine)
Since taking over the duties of Electoral Roll Officer, Peter Oldfield is currently endeavouring to update St John's Electoral Roll. There are, upon inspection, a number of eligible persons who are missing from the Roll and we are seeking to correct this.
If you are baptized, sixteen years of age or upwards and are a member of the Church of England living in the parish, then you are eligible to be on the Electoral Roll.
If you live outside the parish boundary, providing you satisfy the first three requirements in the above paragraph and have regularly attended services at St John's over the last six months or longer, you are also eligible to be on the Electoral Roll.
Should you be in any doubt as to whether you reside in or outside the parish boundary, please speak with Peter who will be able to advise you and provide an application form.
If you have not completed an application form since January 2002 it is likely that your name will not be on the current Electoral Roll. Should this be the case please check with Peter and, if necessary complete an application form.
The principle benefit of being on the Electoral Roll is that you become entitled to vote at the Vestry and Annual Parochial Church Meeting that is held in April.

Coffee Mornings (July 2004 Magazine)
At the May Coffee Morning Bill Maw came along with a large number of plants for sale. Thanks to his generosity the sum of £175.25 was raised on the sale of the plants together with £87.18 taken for coffee, the Bring and Buy stall and Raffle.
Thanks to Bill for his very generous donation to Church funds.
The June Coffee Morning raised £41.50 for Church funds.

June "Get Together" (June 2004 Magazine)
The Choir and Musicians have been asked to sing and play at the Parochial Hall on Friday 11th June. The programme of music will be similar to that given on Mothering Sunday in Church, but quite a few people who were there enjoyed it so much that they would not mind hearing it again and thought that many who were not there would enjoy it.
Many thanks are due (rather belatedly) to the Choir and Musicians for their magnificent efforts on Mothering Sunday. This was in March, and it is now nearly June; but I have been rather tied up with music for a Review at a strange town called Otley. However that has thankfully finished now, and I am back at Roundhay to give it my full attention!!
Please come on June 11th and we promise to do our best. We are sure that you will like most of the music - if not all of it.
Colin Briggs
Tickets for the June "Get Together" are now on sale - price £4 to include a hot supper. There will be the usual Bar facilities and a Raffle.

Gift Aid - Self Assessment Tax Forms (May 2004 Magazine)
Now is the time for those who have to complete Self Assessment returns to consider donating their tax repayment to the Parish of Roundhay St John.
All you, or the person completing your form, need to do is insert this Code - DA D 03 ZG - in box 19A3 with box A4 ticked. Such donations are anonymous unless box 19A5 is also ticked. Any problems with this just contact me on 01937 574475.
Donations made in this way will be greatly appreciated by the P.C.C.
Arthur Marshall

North East Leeds Probus Club (May 2004 Magazine)
The North East Leeds Probus Club was set up in 1975 to cater for retired Professional/Business Men. The Club meets in the Parochial Hall, Fitzroy Drive on the Second Monday each month for a get together (with coffee/tea) plus the added attraction of a qualified speaker, talking on a variety of interesting subjects.
In addition to the monthly meeting members enjoy playing bowls on the remaining Monday mornings in the summer and Snooker in the winter.
We also endeavour to arrange outings to places of interest to enjoy with our partners.
If you are retired and would like a legitimate excuse to escape from the stern gaze and clutches of the wife for a few hours why not come along to one of the meetings. There will quite likely be a number of members who are known to you but in any event you will soon get to know people in a very convivial atmosphere.
If you are interested and would like further details please telephone Ron Aspinall on 0113 294 6867.

April Coffee Morning (May 2004 Magazine)
The April Coffee Morning raised the sum of £48 for Church Funds. Thanks to all those who assisted and everyone who supported the event.
Elizabeth Blakey

2004 Budget & Annual Parochial Church Meeting (May 2004 Magazine)

Pastoral Care (March 2004 Magazine)
As the PCC will testify, I have been interested for some time in seeing a sick visiting or pastoral care group set up. Although pastoral visiting does take place, uncoordinated by individuals, it is just pure luck whether a person in need receives 2 visits, 1 or, sadly none! Because of what work is required on the building etc, it is difficult for the church to raise a lot of money for external charities as the Methodists do, however visiting someone in need doesn't cost anything and increases our outreach - something as church members we need to do to justify our existence.
If anyone is interested in joining such a group, could they please contact me and we'll sort out a meeting.
Thanks (in anticipation) Peter Oldfield.

Harold Cullingworth (March 2004 Magazine)
Some of you may remember previous details about Harold, a soldier in WW1 who is buried in our churchyard. Following evidence uncovered by June Underwood, Harold's grave has now been recognised as a war grave. I had wanted to pass this information on to any living relatives but couldn't find any. Last week however I came across a group of people on the web researching the Cullingworth name - and some were his relatives!. Joan Kemp is 1st Cousin once removed - Joan's grandmother, Annie, is sister to Harold's father. There are more local connections, Annie was a servant in the Kitson household, Joan attended St John's school during WW2 and another branch of Joan's family, the Nettletons, were monumental masons and worked on graves etc at St Johns. A small world!
From what I have been told, it appears Harold's parents (Albert & Delia) and brother (Norman) moved to Devon after WW1. Albert died in 1923 in Plympton with Norman marrying Ada Rabbich the following year. There are no further details of direct descendants of Albert.
Peter Oldfield

Discussion Group (March 2004 Magazine)
The next four meetings of the Discussion Group will take place on:-
Sunday 14th March
Sunday 18th April (changed for Easter)
Sunday 9th May
Sunday 13th June
All meetings commence at 7.45p.m and take place at the White House.
For further details please contact Reverend Kathryn Fitzsimons - 248 5011

April 'Get Together' (March 2004 Magazine)
The 'Get Together' will be held in the Parochial Hall on Friday 23rd April commencing at 7.30p.m. This will comprise a Supper together with entertainment provided by the Lawnswood Singers.
Please make a note in your diary - tickets will shortly be on sale.

Easter Lilies (March 2004 Magazine)
As Easter rapidly approaches we look to decorate the Church at this very special time with Arum Lilies. We have traditionally asked parishioners if they would like to make a contribution towards the cost of the Lilies in memory of a loved one. Should you wish to make a donation please speak with the ladies of the "Flower Team" or alternatively the Churchwardens.

Lent and Easter (March 2004 Magazine)
We are now approaching the great festival of Easter, which this year is in April. A Synod held in Whitby in 664 decided that the English Church should adopt the Roman method of determining the date, but few people understood the system. The wonderful scholar the Venerable Bede who died on the eve of Ascension Day in 735 and whose remains are in Durham Cathedral, wrote a book of tables to calculate the Easter Day. In this highly technical book, and for the first time in England, the calendar years were dated from what was then understood to be the year of the birth of Christ.
Our Ash Wednesday Service this year to mark the beginning of Lent is on 25th February, so when you read this you have probably missed it! However there are some important dates in March to bring to your attention:-
March 1st St. David's Day
March 8th Commonwealth Day
March 17th St Patrick's Day
And March 21st - Mothering Sunday - on which the Choir hope to present a Choral Evensong at 6.30p.m. The music will be the Stanford Evening Service in Bb and we do ask for a good attendance. Sir Charles Villiers Stanford [1852 - 1924] was Professor of Music at Cambridge University, and Professor of Composition and Orchestral Playing at the Royal College of Music. He was an organist and conductor of remarkable ability and had close connections with the City of Leeds, conducting and composing for the Festival on many occasions.
Following Evensong we have invited our Instrumentalists to present a Recital for Mothering Sunday with flute, oboe, clarinets and saxophone (we may have lost our bassoon!) With composers such as Bach and Bain, Charpentier and Mascagni you may think it is highbrow - but no - please come and hear.
Colin Briggs

Smartie Tubes (March 2004 Magazine)
We are delighted to announce that the "Smartie Tube Appeal", run by Margaret Aspinall, raised the magnificent sum of £915 for Church Funds.
Thanks to everyone who supported the appeal and especial thanks to Margaret for the work and effort she put into making it so successful.

Molly Drake (February 2004 Magazine)
It is with great sadness I announce the death of Molly Drake on 6th January. Molly was a member of the Women's Fellowship for over 30 years, she attended many of our 'Get Togethers' and helped at the Bazaar on the Bottle Stall with Jean Mills and Dorothy Horner for several years.
Molly had many friends at St. John's and will be greatly missed.
Jean Mills

Children's Society Collection Boxes (February 2004 Magazine)
Will all those persons having a Children's Society Collection Box please bring it to Church over the next three weeks for emptying. It would be appreciated if the boxes could be handed to one of the Churchwardens.

GRATITUDE AND GENEROSITY (February 2004 Magazine)
Dear Parishioners,
On the 17th January, as the Parish Giving Officer, I was invited by Bishop John to attend a Diocesan meeting under the above heading. The objective of that meeting was to offer advice and guidance to the Giving Officer in each parish to try and increase the awareness of parishioners to the current financial situation of their parish and the necessity for an increase in the amount of their individual "Giving".
At Roundhay St. John out of an Electoral Roll number of some 142 (say 90 families) we already have a committed "Giving" through the Declaration Scheme of some 85 parishioners. Most of those are "tax payers" so there is an additional benefit of 28p in the £ that I am able, on behalf of the parish, to collect from the Inland Revenue by way of tax reclaim.
I don't have to remind you that the general cost of living is constantly creeping up. To give simple examples of everyday items
1999 2003 Increase
51p (Bread) 58p 14%
£3.28 (Fish) £4.36 33%
30p (Chips) 40p 33%
64p (Petrol) 75p 18%
The cost of running St. John's is also increasing
In the year to December 2003 our "Parish Share" was set at £30,853. In 2004 this will rise to £32,703 an increase of 6%.
In 2002 our expenses were £46,047.70 in 2003 expenses amounted to £53,389.78 an increase of 16%.
I'm sure all of you will be only too well aware of the cost of getting a simple repair done in your own home. When you are dealing with a building the size of a church naturally the cost is much more. Amongst essential repairs done in 2003 were Roof £3,519.13 and Spire £7,778.50.
At the end of 2003 we just about "broke even" on the finances. With a 16% increase on running expenses last year we can only expect a deficit in 2004 unless we raise more funds.
HOW CAN WE MEET INCREASING EXPENSES?
The only way is for us, as parishioners, to increase our "GIVING".
I appeal to all of you to look at your current "giving" and try and lift the amount by a reasonable percentage by amendment to your "Standing Order" or by putting that little bit more each week in your envelope. The Declaration you have already signed allows you to do this.
WHAT PROPORTION?
This is a question that we must all answer ourselves after careful consideration. In practice it means what we consider as a worthy proportion of our income which will show our love to God and our willingness to further His work.
I would ask those parishioners who for various personal reasons are not able to attend Services each week to put their regular "Giving" into their envelope each and every week and bring the "collected" envelopes with them when they attend a Service.
Can I also appeal to any parishioner who pays income tax and has not signed a Declaration to get a form from me and to join the scheme. Getting a reclaim of tax at 28p in the £ makes a valuable contribution to our overall funds. In 2003 I was, on behalf of St. John's, able to claim back the sum of £6,833.98.
May I also mention that any parishioner who pays tax at the "higher rate" can from April of this year nominate Roundhay St. John to receive any tax repayment due to him/her as an additional donation. This includes any repayment due to you because of any donation already given to St. John's. Please have a word with me if you require any more information or if you require a Certificate from me to prove the amount of your donation.
Asking for money has never been one of my fortes, I would have starved had I been left to earn a living by selling. I do however feel justified in asking you all to give serious consideration to contributing to the additional finance required to help Roundhay St. John.
God has created and given us everything
God's greatest gift is Jesus Christ who gave Himself for us
Yours in fellowship
Arthur Marshall

Ash Wednesday (February 2004 Magazine)
Ash Wednesday this year falls on February 25th. There will be a united service of Holy Communion with Ashing at St John's at 7.30pm on that day.
The ashes we use on Ash Wednesday are a symbol of penitence. They are used in this way in many religions. In the early years of the church, when the discipline of public penitence was common, penitents sometimes sprinkled ashes on their heads or, alternatively, received from the bishop a rough garment on which ashes had been sprinkled. As the years went by and public penitence went out of favour, Christians maintained the principle by going to church on the Wednesday before the first Sunday in Lent (subsequently called Ash Wednesday) to have blessed ashes placed on their foreheads. Those ashes were then made from the burnt palm branches and are now made from the Palm Crosses distributed on the previous Palm Sunday.
When we use ashes on Ash Wednesday it is still to show our penitence for all that has come between us and God and our acknowledgement that we need God's forgiveness. The prayer that is used as the ashes are placed on our foreheads shows that in penitence, we recall our standing before God: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return." This becomes part of our Lenten preparation, fully preparing ourselves for the celebration of Easter.

Music At St. John's (February 2004 Magazine)
2003 - It's over. Let it go! Certainly not a particularly good year, ending with a shooting to kill only 5 minutes from my home, and a shooting to kill only 5 minutes from your homes. Yet through all the tribulations, St. John's is blessed with three wonderful ministers, many true workers and helpers, and I must thank the choir and musicians for all their excellent assistance throughout the year. Finally we had the completion of the re-building of the organ which has made it a marvellous instrument, both in playing and in sound and texture.
2004 - So we move forward, and have to remain hopeful and faithful even though evidence remains in and around the Church of the difficulties we face. Evidence also remains throughout the world of the difficulties 2004 will bring, but we have to remember the real reason for our services and celebrations at the end of 2003. And we have all to ask ourselves why …..
Matthew 16 verse 15 -But whom say ye that I am?
Read on; particularly verses 16, 17 and 18 - but it would not do any harm to finish the chapter! There you will read that Jesus then began to make it clear he had to go to Jerusalem, and this is why we shall have special services at Easter. On Mothering Sunday 21st March we hope to have a Choral Evensong at 6.30p.m. followed by special music by our Music Group. Watch out for further details - and please come!
Colin Briggs (Choirmaster)

Church Dustbins (February 2004 Magazine)
In recent weeks we have experienced considerable difficulty with the collection of waste from the Church dustbins exacerbated by persons depositing rubbish not in the plastic bags provided in the bins but all around the vicinity. In addition to normal waste people have been deliberately dumping items including an old sewing machine. Over the Christmas period the area around the dustbins was a filthy mess and close to becoming a health hazard despite the efforts of the church ladies in tidying things up each week.
We regret that this cannot be allowed to continue and must advise parishioners that the dustbins provided are for Church use only and are not available for waste matter from the graveyard or other sundry rubbish. It will be appreciated if persons attending graves would kindly arrange to take any waste material away with them for disposal as the dustbins provided are unable to take the amount of rubbish currently generated. Notices will be displayed in the area advising of this.

Coffee Mornings (February 2004 Magazine)
Just a reminder that the Church holds a Coffee Morning in the Parochial Hall, Fitzroy Drive (just behind Safeway) on the third Wednesday of each month except December.
There is always a Book Stall, Bring and Buy Stall and Raffle to tempt you.
If you have never been to one of our Coffee Mornings why not come along to the next one which will be held on Wednesday 18th February!
Should you be in Oakwood anytime between 10.00a.m and 11.30a.m do come along and enjoy a coffee and biscuit and have a chat - you will be made very welcome.

Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 2004 Magazine)
The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity 2004 begins on 18th January with a Joint Ecumenical Service of Evensong being held at St. John's commencing at 4.00p.m. The theme this year is "My Peace I Give to You" On Sunday 25th January there will be a Joint Ecumenical Service at Roundhay Methodist Church commencing at 10.30a.m. This will be an 'all age' service at which there will be a crèche.
Will parishioners please note that there will not be a 10.00a.m. Service at St. John's on Sunday 25th January.

Joint Ecumenical Midweek Services (January 2004 Magazine)
As the first Thursday in the month falls on 1st January, the service at Roundhay Methodist Church will take place on Thursday 8th January commencing at 10.30a.m.
The service at St. John's which would normally take place on the third Thursday of the month will now be on Thursday 22nd January commencing at 10.00a.m.

The Days Following Christmas (January 2004 Magazine)
Always very short days and very long dark nights when for some reason there appears an abundance of ghost stories. One of the best is by Charles Dickens about a haunted railway line, where the poor signalman spends all of his time alone watching a dark figure near the signal light. Everything else is black and dark and a whole series of catastrophes happen until eventually a train cuts down the signalman himself.
It is strongly believed that Dickens wrote this still suffering from the trauma of himself being involved in a terrible accident on 9th June 1865 returning from France on the boat train from Folkestone. The crash happened on a bridge of cast iron girders being repaired. There was a man with a red flag in position to stop the train, but he was only 500 yards from the building works and the train only slowed before racing over the gap in the viaduct. The last 5 coaches were derailed and fell into the muddy bed of a stream underneath, killing 10 people and injuring many more.
Charles Dickens was fortunate to be in the first coach, but moved among the injured and dying, and one of his descendants, Gerald Dickens, is convinced that he never completely recovered and died exactly 5 years later on 9th June 1870.
"All honour and praise,
dominion and might, to God,
Three in One, eternally be,
Who round us hath shed
His own marvellous light,
And called us FROM DARKNESS
His glory to see".
Colin Briggs (Choirmaster)

New Year's Practices (January 2004 Magazine)
In early times, the ancient Romans gave each other New Year's gifts of branches from sacred trees. In later years, they gave gold-covered nuts or coins imprinted with pictures of Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. January was named after Janus, who had two faces - one looking forward and the other looking backward. The Romans also brought gifts to the Emperor. The Emperors eventually began to demand such gifts. But the Christian church outlawed this custom and certain other pagan New Year's practices in A.D. 567.
The ancient Persians gave New Year's gifts of eggs, which symbolized productiveness. The Celtic priests of what is now England gave the people branches of mistletoe, which was considered sacred. The Celts took over many New Year's customs from the Romans, who invaded the British Isles in A.D. 43. By the 1200's, English rulers had revived the Roman custom of asking their subjects for New Year's presents. Common presents included jewellery and gold. Queen Elizabeth I acquired a large collection of richly embroidered and jewelled gloves through this custom. English husbands gave their wives money on New Year's Day to buy pins and other articles. This custom disappeared in the 1800's. However, the term 'pin money' still means small amounts of spending money.

Annual Bazaar (January 2004 Magazine)
The Annual Bazaar, held in the Parocial Hall on Saturday 29th November raised the sum of £1,306.59 for Church funds. Despite the poor weather you, the parishioners, turned out to support us and enabled us to exceed the sum raised at last year's bazaar. Thank you to everyone who helped to prepare the hall, all the stallholders including those providing refreshments, the persons who contributed items for sale and all those persons who came along on a miserable wet afternoon. We are particularly grateful to all those persons who took the opportunity to make a donation to the Church.
For those who enjoy statistics the breakdown of the takings is as follows:-
Stalls Amount
Cake £72.65
Bottle £138.50
Gifts £95.13
Books £41.80
White Elephant £93.23
Groceries £56.06
Toys £84.35
Raffle £94.00
Refreshments £41.60
Name the Doll £13.27
Auctions £50.00
Donations £526.00
Total £1,306.59

Magazine Subscriptions (January 2004 Magazine)
Will all those persons receiving their magazine by post please note that, as a result of the increase in postal rates on 8th May 2003 and cost of stationery, it has been necessary for us to raise the annual subscription to £7.00. It would be of great assistance if all postal subscriptions could be forwarded to Mrs Elsie Merrick, 31 Oakwell Crescent, Leeds LS8 4AF, cheques being made payable to 'Roundhay St John PCC'.
For those persons having their magazines delivered by hand, the subscription remains unaltered at £3.60 per annum.
All the above-mentioned subscriptions are due for payment in January 2004.

Concorde (January 2004 Magazine)
I have just watched the film on TV about Concorde and what memories it brought back for me. I WAS THERE!
For my 80th birthday my family asked me what I wanted and surprisingly I said I would love to go on Concorde and, believe it or not, that is where I went mind - I can't say I crossed the Atlantic - I only went from Yeadon to Heathrow but what a thrill - it took me longer to get to Yeadon than it did to get to Heathrow! The plane was full of people like myself who were all celebrating with the champagne and savouries they served. We had only time to relax before we gently touched down in Heathrow. What a journey! Freda met me and took me to the Ritz for afternoon tea, the perfect ending to a memorable day. I have got my miniature Concorde to prove it.
Mollie Bulmer

(January 2004 Magazine) (January 2004 Magazine)
What does a Bishop of Worcester have in connection with St John's? Well, along with our patron Saint and a number of warrior Saints (St Alban, St George, St Oswald & St Martin), St Wulfstan features on the War Memorial mosaic behind the Altar. Why did the designers of the memorial choose such a saint to represent the soldiers who died? Here to help you decide are a few key details about St Wulfstan.
Named Bishop of Worcester in 1062, he overcame initial doubts about his ability to hold such office and demonstrated such skill after the Norman Conquest that he was the lone bishop to be kept in his post by William the Conqueror. For the next three decades, Wulfstan rebuilt his cathedral, planted new churches everywhere, cared for the poor, and struggled to alleviate the harsh decrees of the Normans upon the vanquished Saxons. Wulfstan died while engaged in the daily ritual of washing the feet of a dozen poor men. Perhaps this matches the memorial inscription "Greater love hath no man than this - that a man lay down his life for his friends".

St Wulfstan was also instrumental in ending the centuries-old practice of kidnapping Englishmen at Bristol and selling them as slaves in Ireland. A prayer dedicated to St Wulfstan shows the possible link between himself and the soldiers freeing occupied France & Belgium.

Almighty God, whose only-begotten Son led captivity captive and gave gifts to your people: Multiply among us faithful pastors, who, like thy holy bishop Wulfstan, will give courage to those who are oppressed and held in bondage; and bring us all, we pray, into the true freedom of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Peter Oldfield

Thanks (December 2003 Magazine)
May I say thank you for the Birthday Card which contained your good wishes for my special Birthday – it was a lovely surprise. Also a big thank you for the gorgeous bouquet of flowers which Colin presented to me. My thanks are particularly due to Davina and Peter who organised the above.
My love and prayers Ann (Clark)

Services in November (November 2003 Magazine)
Will parishioners please note that the time of the Evensong service has now changed to 4.00p.m. for the winter with effect from Sunday 2nd November.
Sunday 30th November is the first Sunday in Advent and in celebration of this, a Service of Light will be held in Church at 6.30p.m.

Discussion Group (November 2003 Magazine)
A small group of people are meeting on a Sunday evening once a month to share their questions about their faith. What do we mean when we say "I believe in the resurrection of the body"? Why do we have Communion every Sunday? What does the Diocese do with the money we give? These are some of the questions so far. Some have answers, others provoke thought, debate even disagreement! However it is all undertaken in a convivial manner - listening to each other - seeking understanding.
If you want to clarify some thoughts, ask a question or learn what other people's views are - you are welcome.
We meet on the second Sunday of each month at 7.45p.m. in the "White House" - 9th November and 14th December are our next meetings.
See you there?
Kathryn Fitzsimons

Coffee Mornings (November 2003 Magazine)
The September Coffee Morning, hosted by Joyce Oliver, raised the sum of £64.67 for Church funds.
The October Coffee Morning, hosted by May Haddock, attracted a poor turnout and the amount raised for Church was £30.68.
Thank you to everyone who helped and supported these events.

Smartie Tubes (November 2003 Magazine)
A good number of parishioners have already returned the tubes filled with 20p coins. Those who hold "D" numbers will be pleased to know that their contribution can be added to their giving when tax reclaim forms are completed. If tubes are filled with 20p coins it is possible to get £15 in the tube. Tax reclamation will amount to another £4.20 making a total of £19.20.
There are still some tubes to be returned so hopefully those still busy filling them up will be able to get them back to Margaret Aspinall by early December so that I can include the contribution in the quarter tax reclaim before the end of the year.
Thank you to all involved in this very helpful scheme.
Arthur Marshall
Planned Giving Secretary

Church Break-in (November 2003 Magazine)
Between 7.45p.m. on Sunday 5th October and 11.00a.m. on Monday 6th October there was a break-in to Church through one of the stained glass windows in the South Transept. Damage to the window is estimated at approximately £4,000. The protective stainless steel wire grill was levered from the wall and a substantial piece of wood used to break the window. Damage to the stained glass window extends approx 6 feet up from the bottom although there is fortunately not a significant loss of glass. The clear thermal glass pane has been smashed and the leading buckled at the bottom. A small side window in the South Porch was broken with a large piece of stone and a window at the East end of the organ loft was also smashed, the protective grill having first been bent back. The Radio Microphone Receiver was taken together with the Amplifier and CD Player belonging to the Hi-Fi System. The two speakers were found in the West porch.
The magazine rack money box was forced open and the two vestries ransacked but, with the exception of our mobile telephone there does not appear to be anything of value missing other than the Crèche supply of sweets .
In the process of stealing the Radio Microphone Receiver all the wires and units relating to the Sound System were ripped apart.
The thieves made their getaway through the West Door which was forced open from the inside whilst still locked, causing damage to the lock. It would seem likely that the break-in occurred at night as the carpet in the centre isle was covered in wax from candles used to light their way.
Whilst we are covered by insurance, there have been a number of claims in recent years as a result of the break-in just under a year ago and numerous acts of vandalism. We are subject to a substantial rise in the annual premium and, of course, have an excess to find.
This only serves to highlight the vulnerability of the Church. We still continue to receive weekly damage to the orange fencing round the graveyard and on Thursday 16th October the whole section of fencing from the South Porch door to the East end of Church was deliberately cut and removed to make a large den on the waste ground behind the East window. The construction of the den is remarkably good! It is just a pity that these young tearaways cannot channel their talents in less destructive ways.

Thanks (November 2003 Magazine)
On behalf of Jared, Hannah and Ethan Morris, I would like to thank the Church for the piano, which is now much loved, and will, hopefully, enable them to learn to play.
Angie Legge

Dustbins (November 2003 Magazine)
It would be appreciated if dead flowers, wreaths and other items are not thrown in a pile at the side of the dustbins but placed in them! The volunteers who attend each week to clean the Church have enough work to do without having to clear up waste carelessly discarded.

Jack Dickinson 1992 - 2003 (September 2003 Magazine)
I felt very privileged when I was asked to write a short eulogy for the Magazine following Jack's death on the 5th August.
Jack had been involved at St. John's for some 50 years. His activities had included - Scouting - Drama Group - P.C.C. member - Readers Rota List - Vicar's Warden and Challis Assistant. All these offices and tasks he undertook with dignity and correctness. His love for St. John's was typified when, although very ill, he recently made a private mid week visit, with Audrey, to sit quietly in church no doubt reflecting on many memories of his time as a parishioner.
Jack held very clear opinions on many matters and was always forthright in expressing them (the word "shilly-shally" did not figure in Jack's dictionary). He was however always prepared to listen to another viewpoint but it would have to be a good one before he was swayed in that direction.
He was a man deeply involved in education and gave encouragement to all the pupils who were fortunate enough to come under his guidance.
So many including all of us the parishioners at St. John's will sadly miss him. I have already mentioned the various activities and offices he undertook. One of his everlasting achievements was as co-editor, with his good friend Gilbert Webster, of what I always think about as the "Green Book". This was a very descriptive and carefully prepared history of our church and an example of two, might I say, "old style" headmasters using their dedicated skills to produce a piece of writing that has been and will be appreciated by all who read it.
Our love and prayers go out to Audrey and her family.
Arthur Marshall

Norah Thompson (September 2003 Magazine)
Norah Thompson was a committed member of Church all her life and here at St. John's for many years. Norah was born in Thornaby-on-Tees, grew up there and married Tom, her husband, moving to Leeds in 1950. A widow for over 35 years, she was a member of Thursday Club and Roundhay Methodist Church Luncheon Club. Even in the latter years when her mobility was impaired she was a regular attender at St. John's.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Christine, her daughter, at this time.

Organ Viewing and Demonstration (September 2003 Magazine)
At last the organ is back in place and in good working order (we hope)! Following the excellent recital we were very fortunate to have on 3rd August, the re-dedication of the organ will take place at the 10.00a.m. service on 7th September, after which anyone can come and have a look at the new console.
Again on 14th September after Evensong, we will have a special demonstration and short hymn sing-a-long when everyone is invited to attend, and also come forward to have a view. Finally, we are hoping that our Music Group and Choir will be able to get together for the Harvest Service at 10.00a.m. on 5th October, when all the stops will be pulled out on the "new" organ.
As mentioned in the June magazine, the main difference in this final stage of restoration will be in the action of playing the organ, and reliability of the action which was partly over 50 years old and some of the mechanical action over 100 years old. We have to be a little cautious in the use of the word "reliability" because Mr. Jackson the organ builder insists that we allow over six months for what he calls everything to "bed-in" after such a major upheaval.
We make no apology for repeating our thanks for all donations received for the Organ Fund, and also to our donor of the Yamaha electronic organ which has served us so well this year. We shall indeed keep it and use it, because everyone has appreciated the different sounds and quality of tone it has produced.
Colin Briggs (Organist and Choirmaster)

Thanks (September 2003 Magazine)
Audrey Dickinson and her family do thank all the many friends at St. John's, and particularly those who were early aware of Jack's illness, for all the loving concern shown by them, all who attended the service so beautifully conducted by Colin, and all who have expressed their warm feelings by card or letter. God Bless you all!
We also feel blessed and privileged to have had such a loving husband, Dad and Grandpa for so many years.
To all who gave so generously towards Yorkshire Cancer Research - thank you - an amount of just over £600 was raised.

August Coffee Morning (September 2003 Magazine)
The August Coffee Morning, hosted by Anne Bond, raised £123.00 for Church funds. We are grateful to everyone who helped and to all those persons who supported the event.

Garden Party (August 2003 Magazine)
The Garden Party held in the garden of Peter and Hilary Dyson on 5th raised the sum of £440.09 for Church funds.
We are extremely grateful to Peter and Hilary for opening their garden to us. Fortunately the weather was good and we enjoyed an excellent afternoon in very pleasant surroundings.

Thanks (August 2003 Magazine)
Thank you to all who contributed towards the Birthday Card and for the individual cards.
I appreciate them all.
Raymond Horne

Fund Raising (August 2003 Magazine)
Just to say thank you, on behalf of the fund raising committee, to those who supported the recent Get Together & Garden Party. Just by being at the Get Together, you were willing to give new ideas a try - well relatively - Bingo can be traced back to 1530, to an Italian lottery called "Lo Giuoco del Lotto D'Italia". Thank you to all those who helped at the events, especially those who volunteered their help without me having to ask them first - a great bonus to anyone trying to organise an event - usually the organiser is made to feel like a beggar, a bringer of unhappiness, someone to be avoided and put-off. It would be nice however to have a few different people helping, to ease the work of the 'regulars'. The church doesn't repair (or clean) itself, and it is only through the hard work of a few, that the rest are able to enjoy the benefits.
Just in case you're wondering, the next event is a barn dance (advertised elsewhere in this magazine). Krystyna Primrose is organising this one so please give her all the support you can. Other members of the Fund Raising Committee are Peter Haddleton, Doreen Smith, Eric Jones and Roger Shirley.
Peter Oldfield

Do You Have A View? (August 2003 Magazine)
On July 2nd several people met at my house to look at what it means to be a church. There was discussion about church being a place where we can ask questions, find out what other people think, find out if there is an official line, if there are different theological perspectives on a particular subject. There was also discussion about church being something that was in someway for God, for ourselves and for others.
We decided to try a couple of things to see if there were others who wanted to share in this exploration. Both of them are about doing things outside of the church building to show that church is the people.
So from September there is going to be a pub discussion group on the second Sunday of each month in the White House on Wetherby Road from about 7.45p.m. Individuals will provide the subject matter and I shall be there to throw occasional spanners into the proceedings. It may be a topical concern from the newspapers or a question that you've always wanted to ask but never had the opportunity. It is open to anyone who wants to discuss things "in the light of faith". Just turn up! Secondly, we wondered about combining, for example, a picnic in the park with a sponsored event in order to be together and raise some money for a charity such as St. Gemma's or Children's Society. What do you think about this?
Talk to Sean, John Mee or myself if you're interested.
Love and prayers
Kathryn Fitzsimons

June Coffee Morning (August 2003 Magazine)
The June Coffee Morning, hosted by Mollie Bulmer, raised £43.41 for Church funds.
We are grateful to everyone who helped and to all those persons who supported the event.

School Governor (July 2003 Magazine)

There is a vacancy for a new governor for Roundhay St John C of E Primary School as from September 2003. The appointment will be made by the Parochial Church Council and will be for a period of four years.
Governors are expected to attend meetings which are held once, sometimes twice, in each school term. They are also appointed to various sub-committees which meet at regular intervals. Interactive work in the school can also be involved eg interviewing of new school staff - assessment of health and safety measures etc.
If you think you might be interested in taking up this important role in assisting the well being of the school please speak to the Vicar or Arthur Marshall (Clerk to the Governors) to discuss this further.

Gift Aid Repayments (July 2003 Magazine)

Readers may be interested to learn that last year we were able to recover the total of £5,617.02 on "gifts" made to St. John's through the generosity of members by the use of "D" envelopes etc. This is a most valuable part of our income and is obtained by merely keeping records and making the appropriate repayment claim.

Since our Stewardship Campaign, last year, the figure for repayment will be increased. The amount of repayment for the first quarter of this year was £1,351.88.
In order to reclaim tax the donor must be a taxpayer.

I would urgently request anyone who is a taxpayer and currently does not make "offertories" by way of "D" envelopes to have a word with me to discuss the Declaration Scheme in order to increase our income by tax repayment. I particularly appeal to our new members who may not appreciate this additional benefit.
Arthur Marshall
Planned Giving Secretary

Organ Update (July 2003 Magazine)

There appears to have been a slight delay in setting up the electrical work to the new solenoid motors, but you can now see the new console frame in position together with the keyboards and pedals. Underneath the keyboards are thumb pistons which we have not had before; and there are also more foot pistons above the pedals. All these will be such a tremendous help in quickly changing the registration of the stops to produce the different sounds of the organ. The actual drawstops will probably be the last to be put in place.
Everyone is hoping that all will be well for Sunday 3rd August when the organ will be really tried and tested at the special recital we are very fortunate to have.
More details are in the magazine, and if you are not on holiday, please come along. All your support is needed so much.
Colin Briggs

South Graveyard (July 2003 Magazine)

It will be seen that all accessible means of entry to the South Graveyard have been sealed with an orange plastic fence to replace the tape that was constantly being damaged.
We must emphasise that no members of the public are allowed to enter this graveyard under any circumstances. Any queries regarding graves should be addressed to the Vicar or the Churchwardens.

Church Tower (July 2003 Magazine)

The Church Tower is currently undergoing repairs and, for safety reasons, it has been necessary to close the West Door (main entrance) of the Church and cordon off the garden to the South of the tower. Work on the tower should be completed within a month. During this period entry to Church will be through the South door.

June "Get Together" (June 2003 Magazine)

There is a change of date for the next 'Get Together' - from June 20th to Friday June 27th. The 'Get Together' is titled 'Summer Frolic'. The event starts at 7.30pm in the Parochial Hall. Admission is £5. Supper and Prize Bingo is included in the price. Entertainment is to be provided by members of the Church - so if you can help out with doing a 'turn', please let me know.
Tickets are available from Barbara Worthington or at St John's Church.
Peter Oldfield

Garden Party (June 2003 Magazine)

A Church Garden Party will be held on 5th July in the garden of Peter and Hilary Dyson at 30 Park Avenue from 2pm to 5pm. There will be refreshments and cakes, strawberries and cream, a plant stall, home produce stall, cake stall, tombola/bottle stall, bar & children"s games. Admission will be Adults £2, Children £1.
If anyone is able to help at this event by looking after a stall, serving tea etc. - or by providing goods for sale, please can you let me know.
Tickets are available from Barbara Worthington or at St John's Church.
Peter Oldfield

Churchwardens (June 2003 Magazine)

You will have read in the May issue of the magazine that, for the first time in memory at St. John's, there was only one person nominated and appointed as Churchwarden for the year 2003/2004.
Since that time we are pleased to advise that Elizabeth Blakey has kindly stepped forward to offer her services again as Churchwarden which was welcomed by the Parochial Church Council. It is required that two Churchwardens are appointed at the Annual Vestry Meeting by the parishioners but, as this was not possible at the meeting on 7th April 2003, the Parochial Church Council are empowered to fill the vacancy, the person appointed serving for the remaining portion of the year.
Peter Haddleton was admitted to the office of Churchwarden at the Archdeacon's Visitation at All Hallows Church, Bardsey on Thursday 8th May but as Elizabeth was not voted into office until the PCC meeting on 12th May she needs to attend a later Archdeacon's Visitation at The Parish Church on Sunday 8th June to be formally admitted to office. The service is incorporated into the service of Evensong on that day which commences at 6.30p.m.
We know that a number of persons will wish to attend the Parish Church to support Elizabeth and Evensong at St. John's has therefore been cancelled on 8th June to facilitate this.

What Does Church Mean To You? (June 2003 Magazine)

This was the question I addressed when I preached at St. John's in May. Is it the building? The Establishment? The people? A worshipping community? A nurturing community? A serving community.
Following that service a couple of people commented on how much being part of the family of the church mattered to them, another mentioned the importance of being able to pray with others for situations in the world that seem so huge and sometimes so awful, some others asked how we might be a serving community in our part of Roundhay, how we, as a church, might witness to the gospel through serving the people here.
There are no quick answers that can be provided by one individual - but perhaps through talking with each other and listening to God and those around us, we might be able to discern what, if anything, God requires us to be or do at this time.

Is there a group of people who are interested in exploring this area of the church's life? The answer to that question is the beginning of our response to being a serving community.

If you believe this might be part of your Christian discipleship, it would be good to meet together.
So, on Wednesday 2nd July, there is an opportunity to talk and pray about this area of the church's mission at 52 Newton Court (off Oakwood Grange Lane) at 7pm - if you are interested but not around on that day, please let me know (248 5011).

What does Church mean to you - it is important to each of us in different ways - please continue to talk to me and others about what it is that makes belonging to church part of our journey of life.
Love and prayers
Kathryn Fitzsimons.

South Graveyard (June 2003 Magazine)

In his letter in the May edition of the magazine, the Vicar outlined the position prevailing at the time with regard to the South Graveyard. A meeting subsequently took place, on site, with members of the Diocesan Advisory Committee who fully recognise the serious state of so many of the graves. Conditional upon the advice of a Landscape Architect, they are in general agreement with the Parochial Church Council as to the measures to be taken to make safe the area.

It will regrettably be necessary to remove those graves which are unsafe, the graveyard then being sympathetically landscaped with a number of graves being retained. We hope to meet with and seek the advice of a Landscape Architect within a matter of weeks and will then be in a better position, following receipt of his/her report, to further appraise you of the situation.

In the meantime, it will be seen that the number of warning notices around the perimeter of the graveyard has doubled, the wording being amended to make clear the inherent danger within. We are currently experiencing difficulties with the warning tape which is having to be renewed, in certain areas, often twice a week due to the unwarranted attention of vandals.

Dustbins (June 2003 Magazine)

In recent months a pile of rubbish has accumulated next to the dustbins as people dispose of their waste materials from the graveyard. This is both unsightly and un-hygienic especially during the summer.
We must ask everyone attending graves in the churchyard to place all rubbish in the black plastic bags inside the two dustbins provided. Should there be insufficient space to do so, it would be appreciated if the rubbish could be placed in a plastic bag and taken home for disposal.

July Magazine (June 2003 Magazine)

Will all contributors to the magazine please note that the deadline for receipt of entries for the July edition is 8th June. Any item received after this date will not be included in the July magazine but, where appropriate, carried forward to the August magazine.

Budget 2003 (May 2003 Magazine)

Parish Share                                      £693      £30,852
Church Running Expenses                  £162      £8,447
Clergy & Staff Expenses                    £81        £4,208
Building Repair Fund                         £96        £5,000
Giving to other Charities                    £10         £500
Other needs                                      £26         £1334
Total                                                £968       £50,337

£968 per week is the payment of the Parish Share and running costs of the Church through 2003.
Dividends and interest rates are still at a low ebb, we are down a further £1,345 for 2002. We must not lose sight of the Diocesan financial problems and the possibility of a much higher Parish Share next year.
On the up side, the Stewardship Appeal of July 2002 was very well supported and the Church accounts showed an increase in planned giving of £5,316. The accounts for 2003 will no doubt show the additional £10,000 pledged last year, for this generous support the Parochial Church Council and your Treasurer are extremely grateful.
Elizabeth Blakey (Treasurer)

Easter Vestry and Annual Church Meeting (May 2003 Magazine)

Cyber News (May 2003 Magazine)

Harold Cullingworth: Some of you may remember I was trying to match up the soldiers commemorated at St John's with the website of the CommonWealth Graves Commission (CWGC). Where enough details were available, all the soldiers but one have been matched - it appears Harold should have been commemorated by CWGC but was missed off. I contacted CWGC and they said that if evidence could be provided to prove that Harold died as a result of his service in WW1, they would commemorate him and consider his grave an official war grave. With the considerable help of June Underwood I did prove that Harold died as a result of illness contracted on active service and he is soon to be recognised. One last job to do - to try and contact any living relatives of Harold. At the time of his death he had a younger brother - Norman - who lived with his parents Albert & Delia at London House, Gledhow Wood Ave. If anyone knows anything about the family, I would be interested to know.
Peter Oldfield

April Coffee Morning (May 2003 Magazine)

There was a good attendance at the April Coffee Morning, the sum of £63.60 being raised for Church funds.
Thanks are due to all those who supported the event and to the three hostesses Mrs Bruce, Mrs Pollard and Mrs Robinson.

Anniversaries (May 2003 Magazine)

The month of May brings the first anniversary of the return of Colin Briggs to services at St. John's, following intensive care in Leeds Infirmary. His son, Neil, ran the Leeds Half Marathon in aid of the two wards involved in Colin's survival and recovery; and many of you sponsored him. This year Neil has again entered and is again running for the Infirmary, and if anyone missed out last year or would like to sponsor him again, please contact Colin.

May also brings the 3rd full month of the renovations to the Church Organ, and the work appears to be going to plan. You will see that the pedal board, keyboards and side panels are in position so that all the wiring can be fitted to new electric motors, and the organ stops put in place and pipes returned. Look out for the big celebrations in the summer! In the meantime, the Yamaha electronic organ is serving us well, and we are very grateful to the donor of that instrument who is so appreciative of the music in Church, and has been for many years. We are sure that this organ will supplement the sounds of our pipe organ in many future services.

Finally, it is exactly 180 years since Mr Thomas Nicholson bequeathed property in order to erect a church in Roundhay, and your continued attendances, support and prayers for this beautiful church of St. John's are vital.

A Leeds Hero (April 2003 Magazine)

Anyone reading the Yorkshire Evening Post of Tuesday 4th March will have seen the article and picture of Arthur Marshall following his being made one of "Leeds Heroes". This new and highly prestigious award is very richly deserved and all who know Arthur will be aware that the article by no means covers all the work and help that he has given to the church, school and community in so many varied ways over the years.
Always quiet and unassuming, Arthur works tirelessly to help others and his contribution to the well being of the church is unsurpassed. Few people are aware of just how much reliance is placed on his knowledge, judgement and expertise in our church. It is to Arthur that we turn for help and advice which is always happily and freely given.

The recognition of his service is long overdue and we are delighted that he is one of the first persons to receive this award. Follow the link for a copy of the article.
Editor

Cyber News (April 2003 Magazine)

As mentioned in last month's magazine, a new website has been developed to supplement local information as supplied by the way wardens - www.oakwood-leeds.co.uk <http://www.oakwood-leeds.co.uk/>. If anyone wants any event or activities publicising, please let me know.

An interesting email was received in the last month from the HMS Vengeance Association. It turns out that one of our war dead - Gordon Hughes served aboard the carrier HMS Vengeance as a TAG (Telegraphist Air Gunner) - and the association wanted a picture of his grave for their website. Unfortunately this grave was the only one in the entire churchyard with graffiti on it. Thankfully, and in double quick time, the anti-graffiti unit of the council cleaned it up so that a photo could be taken.
Gordon died in an accident. An airplane was unable to take it's place in the flight order, leaving a gap. Two planes, one taking off and one landing tried to fill the gap, both at the same time. Another airman who died in the same accident, although in the other airplane, was Arthur Muncer. Although Arthur was buried in Whitby, he also came from Roundhay.

This month, I would like to thank June Underwood for providing transcripts of more St John's records. June has now provided burial records from 1827-1921 and baptisms from 1826-1903. If anyone wants paper copies, please let me know.
Peter Oldfield

Womens Fellowship (April 2003 Magazine)

I would like to take the opportunity on behalf of the members of the Fellowship to say thank you to Elizabeth and Lorna (not forgetting the late Olive Harper) for all the hard work they have done over the last year or two to keep the Fellowship going.
So a Big Thank You to all of them!
A Member

Thank You (April 2003 Magazine)

Thank you all very much for the flowers, cards and telephone calls I received during my illness. It was lovely to know you all thought of me. I am almost fit again.
Jean Lawson

I would like to thank everyone who has telephoned, written to me and brought flowers during my absence from Church, it really was so kind and thoughtful.
God bless you all.
Liz Giles

March Coffee Morning (April 2003 Magazine)
The March Coffee Morning, hosted by Joyce Oliver, raised the sum of £53.50 for Church funds.
Thanks to all those persons who helped or supported the event.

Vandalism & Churchyard Update (March 2003 Magazine)

It will be seen that the windows in the Church porch and tower have now been replaced and at last we are able to see clearly in the porch without the need for a light.

Our thanks are due to Ben Heath who tirelessly assisted me with the taping off of the lower graveyard. We were not exactly pleased when advised by a glazier, working on the tower window at the time, that whilst we were working at the bottom of the hill by the gate, a number of youths had vandalised our work at the East end of the Church, uprooting and making off with a stake having damaged the tape. Fortunately this act of vandalism is the last to occur and we are hopeful that the troubles experienced over recent months will now cease. Our thanks are due to Andy Halliday (our Community Constable) who has given us considerable help and support during this difficult period, and to Dave Fitzmaurice (Deputy Headmaster at Braim Wood School) who has also given us his full support and co-operation. The pupils at the school have been made aware of the dangerous state of the lower churchyard and the need to keep well away from the area, and staff are monitoring the situation to ensure that this warning is heeded and adhered to.

We are fortunate in this parish in as much that when we are in need or difficulty there is always someone who is prepared to lend a helping hand. We are particularly grateful to Jim Newbold who has kindly prepared a number of notice boards on very hefty stakes to enable us to display further notices around the graveyard. Not content with that, Jim then came and, with consummate ease, installed the posts with only a minimum of help from me. This was very much appreciated, thank you Jim!

It is with considerable regret that where gravestones, either large or small, become unstable and a danger to the public, it is necessary for us to lay these down in a safe position to prevent any injury to persons. It has been necessary to do this at various times and especially in recent weeks where the effects of subsidence and frost damage have caused some gravestones to present a particular hazard. Such was the case last Sunday where an extremely large headstone adjacent to the steps was in danger of falling onto the steps. It is only thanks to four of our younger and stronger parishioners that we were able to swing the headstone round and lay it face up on the grave. We thank them for their assistance. P Haddleton (Churchwarden)

Thank You (March 2003 Magazine)

Henry and the family wish to join me in thanking friends at St. John's for their sympathy and prayers during Anne's illness and the cards and flowers sent to me following our sad bereavement.
Elizabeth Blakey

Coffee Mornings (March 2003 Magazine)

The January Coffee Morning raised the sum of £69.98 for Church funds.
The February Coffee Morning, hosted by Mrs Worthington, raised the sum of £72.77 for Church funds.
Thanks to all those persons who helped and supported these events.

Music at St John's (March 2003 Magazine)

I must thank and congratulate the choir for the excellent services we had over the Christmas period. All the members worked very hard and rehearsals were so good and well attended, so the end results were very rewarding and, I am sure, an inspiration to the congregation. Also our small music group helped so much at the Family Services, and we all hope that everyone in the choir and music group will be able to continue to give us their expertise. Do we have any new volunteers?

We are very sorry that the organ is going to be out of commission for a few months now. As previously mentioned, we are at the same time pleased that the next stage of re-building is now about to take place; which requires all the pipes and reeds of the swell and great organs being removed, cleaned and repaired. Then the action can be electrified to replace the pneumatic action installed in the 1950's. This will entail extra work on the console, replacing the two keyboards and pedal board, new drawstops and pistons, and a new solid state transmission with individual electric power motors to be fitted to the soundboard slides.

I remember going to York Minster in 1992 or 1993 when the organ was similarly re-built, and some massive pipes were stood or laid about, and some parts were covered in polythene. I have no idea how many pipes St. John's organ has, but it is only a fraction of the 5,282 pipes in York Minster! Bridlington Priory Church has just launched a £600,000 appeal to restore its organ (which with 4,212 pipes is bigger than some cathedral organs). Ours is not so big, whilst being adequate for the size of the Church, and is of such good quality and sound that it is worth all our efforts to restore and keep it.

Fortunately we have been able to take the re-building in stages, but even so the work and cost involved is no small matter. You will remember when many pipes were removed for the pedal organ to be electrified in 1997, so the Organ Fund was started well before that and still ongoing! During the time of restoration we hope to provide a reasonably good organ sound for the church services, and when complete can we have a real "thanksgiving"?
Colin Briggs (Organist & Choirmaster)

Following my previous report, our Music Group is preparing a special recital at the Family Service on 30th March for Mothering Sunday. This is always a really good service and we look forward to seeing absolutely everyone here!

The choir is also preparing for Easter, and at 6.30p.m. on 13th April a service of readings and hymns entitled THE CROSS OF CHRIST will be presented for Palm Sunday.

A procession of Palms will be led by the choir on Palm Sunday morning 13th April, and, of course, Easter Day is 20th April. More details of Easter Services will be in next month's magazine.
Colin Briggs (Organist & Choirmaster)

Those persons attending Choral Eucharist or Evensong at Church since Sunday 16th February will have had the opportunity to hear the new little organ that Colin has managed to obtain. We are extremely grateful to one of our parishioners who has very kindly donated this organ to the Church. It is surprising just how good it sounds especially when played through the new hi-fi system.

Cyber News (March 2003 Magazine)

For those that are not aware, amongst other duties, the Way-Wardens hand out welcome packs to those who have just moved into the area. The packs contain local details including services both at St John's and Roundhay Methodist's. In keeping with this role, I am going to develop a web version containing local details about Oakwood - which hopefully will be of interest to more than just newcomers and may raise the profile of the churches in the community.

On a different matter, I have been recording Sunday morning sermons since last December and allowing them to be heard via the web. I've now put together a CD of the 1st 5 recordings. If anyone would like to borrow the recording, please let me know.

Church Vandalism (February 2003 Magazine)

We are pleased to advise that the police now have a suspect for the break-in which took place in November.
Regrettably, having had a short respite during the Christmas holiday, the vandalism with which we have been plagued for a large portion of 2002 has recommenced, numerous items being thrown at the stained glass window in the North Transept. Fortunately no damage was incurred on this occasion.
We are currently awaiting the settlement of an insurance claim upon which we will be able to proceed with the replacement of the windows in the porch and tower.

Winter Fayre (February 2003 Magazine)

The Winter Fayre, held on Saturday 30th November 2002 raised a very creditable £1,044.52 for church funds. In the January issue of the magazine we did promise to give a breakdown of the takings of each stall so here goes:-
Cake Stall £113.23
Bottle Stall £137.00
White Elephant Stall £71.00
Book/Music Stall £47.08
Women's Fellowship Stall £105.40
Groceries Stall £62.40
Toy Stall £72.05
Sewing Stall £33.80
Picture Auction £65.00
Name the Doll £25.50
Face Painting £37.05
Refreshments £53.01
Raffle £62.00
Donations £160.00
Total £1044.52

Coffee Mornings (February 2003 Magazine)

The St. John's Coffee Mornings are held in the Parochial Hall on the third Wednesday in each month, with the exception of December, commencing at 10.00 p.m.
Each year we request volunteers to host a Coffee Morning (this involves providing refreshments). A list is appended to the notice board in the Church porch and it would be appreciated if anyone wishing to host a Coffee Morning would add their name/s to the list indicating the month of their choice.

Electoral Roll (February 2003 Magazine)

If you have been attending services at St. John's on a regular basis for a period of six months or more and are over 18 years of age your name really ought to be entered on St. John's Electoral Roll. This is not something to be viewed with suspicion and does not invoke a commitment, either financial or otherwise, but does help us to establish the number of persons supporting the Church. There are occasions where it is necessary to be on the Electoral Roll, one of these being the right to vote at the Annual Vestry Meeting which normally takes place in April.
If you feel that your name should be added to the Electoral Roll or are in any doubt and need clarification, please speak to Lorna Carter, our Electoral Roll Officer, or Peter Haddleton (Churchwarden) who will be pleased to assist.

Women's Fellowship (February 2003 Magazine)

This is the final report I will write for the magazine and it gives me no joy! December was our last meeting and the members voted for the closure of the Fellowship. I had hoped there would have been a spark of enthusiasm and an offer of help to keep it going but there was none.
After so many years and all the effort that has been put in by a relatively small number of people I think it is very sad. I feel they have been let down though by some of us they will always be remembered with gratitude and affection. Of course, over the years Officers and Committees have come and gone, but there have always been others willing (sometimes reluctantly) to 'give it a go'. I salute them all with gratitude! It was an opportunity to get together and make friends, have a chat and a cup of tea. There was a sense of community, of caring for each other and helpfulness, especially for a member in trouble. We were a community sharing each other's joys and sorrows, helping each other, and there was laughter and enjoyment. We had some marvellous outings and celebrations. What will we do now? You tell me!
I would like to thank all those who have served the Fellowship - past and present - so faithfully and well. I especially thank Elizabeth Blakey who, I believe, is a founder member, past Chairman and Secretary and in latter years Treasurer, the ongoing teams of tea makers, and all others who have helped on the Committee and off!
The greatest regret I have is that I was placed in the position of having to finally submit to declaring the demise of the Fellowship. I pulled the plug! Unwilling and with sadness.
My best wishes to all our members.
Lorna Carter

St. John's Winter Fayre (January 2003 Magazine)

The Winter Fayre, held on Saturday 30th November 2002 raised a very creditable £1,044.52 for church funds. We would like to thank all those persons who helped in any way to make this a successful event.
Regrettably, there is insufficient space in this month's magazine to detail the stall by stall takings but for those who like these details, we will endeavour to include them in the February magazine.

Geneology (December 2002 Magazine)

A few weeks ago, Colin used Genealogy, one of the fastest growing hobbies, to emphasise a point in a sermon. I am interested in Genealogy, and thought I would write a few words to those who would like to know more.

To trace your family tree - start off by asking all your elderly relatives what they can remember - once they are gone, you'll never have such a source of information again. Also collect together what documents you have access to - birth certificates etc. The next step will probably involve the central local history library in Leeds who have an index of all births, marriages and deaths for the whole country. Phone up and book a session on a microfilm reader - the staff will show you how to use it. Initially work on the dates you already know e.g. if you know Fred's rough date (and possibly town) of birth, but don't know the parents names - the birth certificate will give you this. A death certificate will give the age of the deceased, which in turn will help you to get the birth certificate. A wedding certificate will give ages and also the names of the respective fathers.

Once you are confident you have found the right person on the library indexes, apply for the certificate at the General Register Office - 0151 471 4800. Please note this will cost £11 per certificate.

Another good source of information, if you get back far enough, are the 1901 (available on line) & 1881 (available at the library) census returns. There are more census returns but these 2 are fully indexed - enter a name, an age range and optionally an area - and they will show all people matching your search, their occupation, address and all people living with them at the time.

There is quite a bit more, and quite a few people at St John's are better at it than me. If you want to know more, let me know and I'll do what I can.
Peter Oldfield

Coffee Morning (December 2002 Magazine)

The November Coffee Morning raised £36.20 for Church funds. Thanks to everyone who helped and supported the event.

Church Coffee Mornings (December 2002 Magazine)

The Coffee Mornings on the third Wednesday of the month have been going for many years and provide a venue for people to come and have a friendly chat over a cup of coffee and a biscuit. There is always a Bring and Buy Stall together with a Book Stall and Raffle.

We have always sought volunteers to host (pay for refreshments!) a Coffee Morning and people have very kindly appended their names, either singly or in pairs to a list on the Church Notice Board to cover the eleven Coffee Mornings running from January to November. For some reason this did not succeed last year and much responsibility has fallen on Jean Lawson and Elizabeth Blakey to keep things ticking over.

No one wishes the Coffee Mornings to be suspended but we cannot continue to rely on the generosity of just two persons. We are therefore putting a new list on the board for 2003 and shall be pleased to receive volunteers to enter their names under a particular month when they would be prepared to act as hosts.
If you feel unable to host a Coffee Morning you could contribute by providing a raffle prize!

Recent Appointments (December 2002 Magazine)

We are pleased to advise that Krystyna Primrose has recently been appointed Chairman of St. John's School Parent Teachers Association with Brian Emms as Vice Chairman.
Krystyna has also become a helper (Chaffinch) in the 10th Roundhay Raibows.

Musical Note (December 2002 Magazine)

The mists and rain and longer dark days of November seem to suddenly bring on a kind of depression, particularly in this country.

The month immediately commences with All Saints and All Souls, when we remember all those who have departed in the faith, and continues with the strange "Gunpowder Plot", and remembrance of all those sacrificed in all the 20th Century conflicts. So we need to be awakened to renew our own faith, and suddenly it is the season of Advent - and December arrives!

In the 16th Century Philipp Nicolai wrote some words based on the great Sermon on the Mount of Olives, and also wrote a wonderful Chorale to his words:-

Wake, O Wake! With tidings thrilling
The watchmen all the air are filling…..
Now come thou precious Crown,
Lord Jesus, God's own Son.

So please come and sing with the Choir on Advent Sunday, December 1st at 6.30p.m. when we can look forward, with anthems, hymns and readings in a Service entitled "Lo! He Comes", to the season of Christmas.

Then we hope to have the choir with us again on December 22nd at 6.30p.m. for the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Look for the list of special services for all the month of December, and make a special effort to come to Church - and "Sleepers Wake, for the night is flying".
Colin Briggs

Church Officers (December 2002 Magazine)

It will be seen that on page 1 of the magazine all addresses have been omitted this month. This follows further acts of vandalism to the Church and a break in through the North Transept Stained Glass Window yielding damage and loss of up to £2,000. In view of current events and in the light of the theft of the Vicar's car, it is felt that for the present it is safer not to publish addresses in the Magazine. Contact telephone numbers will continue to be available.

Bad News (November 2002 Magazine)

In last month's magazine the news was good and positive with the restoration of the lighting down the drive and good work being done in improving the garden at the South side of the Church. Regrettably, shortly after the magazine had gone to print, we were hit by a further unprecedented vicious attack on the north side of the Church. As can be seen from the picture, the light over the Vestry door was completely destroyed as was the drainpipe and fittings alongside it. The sensor for the floodlight on the north side of the Church was also damaged.

This was not a childish prank, it involved digging up half and full bricks, and rocks, from the field to the east of the Church, carrying them to the wall to the north of the Church and then hurling them at the Vestry door and roof in a deliberate attempt to inflict as much serious damage as possible. The weight and scale of the missiles turned the area into a virtual bomb site which took a great deal of clearing. We are now faced once again with the task of replacing the electrical items, repairing the damage to the drainage system and generally making good the damage to the door and walls.

Thankfully, this time the stained glass windows were not targeted but who knows what the future will bring? Already we have seen a three foot, sharp pointed, iron bar hurled at the Church. Had this been aimed at the windows it could quite easily have penetrated the protective wire netting and caused significant and extremely costly damage to the windows.

Subsequent to this, there was a further attack on the Church resulting in estimated damage of £500 to windows in the porch and tower.

Dustbins (November 2002 Magazine)

After a fair amount of negotiating we are pleased to advise that Leeds City Council have now agreed a regular collection of waste from the Church and the two dustbins, hidden behind the wall by the roundabout, are emptied weekly. Will anyone having rubbish to dispose of, please place it in the plastic bag inside one of the dustbins.
It would be appreciated if dead flowers, wreaths and other items are not thrown in a pile at the side of the dustbins but placed in them! The volunteers who attend each week to clean the Church have enough work to do without having to clear up waste carelessly discarded.

Local History (October 2002 Magazine)

A big thank you to June Underwood who has been assisting with trying to find out more information about soldiers commemorated at St John's. June has been looking up likely matches in the Public Record Office at Kew. This is a difficult job as not all soldiers have records and those records that remain tend to be predominately officers. I had hoped to publish some details of records found but these tend to be copies of correspondence between next of kin and the War Office and I found them too distressing. I have updated the web site with some basic details like Kew reference, pre-war occupation, relative names etc. In total 7 soldiers were matched in this way - all from the 1st World War. In another attempt to find out more information I have been in web contact with a relative of Col C. H. Tetley, who was on the War Memorial Committee. I am hoping that some records of the meetings remain.

A big thank you also to Celia Moss, a descendant of the Cadman family buried in the church crypt. Celia is close to finishing a number of articles about her relatives from the 18th & 19th Centuries which link the major families of the time - Cadman, Rhodes, Oastler, Lupton & Nicholson - and even the US Consul to Leeds! Contained within her articles are transcripts of letters which Celia has in her possession. Celia hopes to publish her findings on the church website, as well as elsewhere.

If anyone has any local history project of their own, especially if it has church links, I would be more than happy to put it on the church website.
Peter Oldfield.

One World Week (October 2002 Magazine)

One World Week was founded in 1978. It grew out of a desire that, for one week in every year, people of all kinds should draw the attention of their communities to the fact that the world consists of one human race which shares one planet.

For twenty-six years it has been bringing people together to learn about global issues, and to take action locally on things which have an impact on the whole world. Although 'One World Week' now involves people of many nationalities and has events all year round, there is still one week in October when our attention is drawn to the three precepts behind everything we do:

· We need to learn about what's going on in the world - both on our doorsteps and far away
· We need to celebrate the good things about being part of one diverse yet interconnected world
· We need to take action to change the things that cause injustice, poverty and degradation.

Thanks (October 2002 Magazine)

Last month I wrote about a memorable day to remember spent at Harewood. This month I write about a more important day to remember spent at our own Parochial Hall. Ann got me to go there saying she needed something but promised to bring me back home. I was absolutely shattered to find what it was all about, all this for ME!!!

Yes I have been a member of St John's for 50 years, surely not remarkable. I have seen four vicars - Mr Scott, we never used first names then but Gordon soon changed that. Then Rodger and now Colin. There was always something to do. We had the tennis courts, we formed a Dramatic Society, there was Fellowship and Thursday Club and the boating pool was open then and providing we went to Church once on Sunday we could play tennis the rest of the day, so 8 o'clock service was very popular - Happy days!

Thank you for all the cards you have sent me, over 70. Thank you for the M & S voucher you sent for £34, I haven't spent it yet but will let you know what I get. Thank you also for the bottle of gin and tins of tonic, am I an alcoholic I wonder because even my grandson sent me a bottle of Baileys. Thank you also for the basket of flowers and box of Celebrations, fattening, but I will risk that!
Thank you,
Mollie Bulmer

Stewardship Appeal (September 2002 Magazine)

The Stewardship Appeal opened on Sunday 9th June with the hope of raising the £10,000 needed to meet our future commitments.
There has been a very welcomed response with pledged giving totalling £9,723. In addition, single donations were made, these totalled £2,445.
In 2003 all Parishes in the Diocese will have the Parish Share increased by 6% and with the current Diocesan financial situation we may be looking at further increases in 2004.
We have come to the end of the appeal with the increase we had hoped for, and also an increase in scheme membership. I have 41 new names on the register.
As the Church Treasurer may I offer my sincere thanks to all who have taken part in this appeal, we now look to the future on a more secure financial footing.
A great deal of work goes into organising a campaign and many thanks go to Arthur Marshall for taking on the planning of the literature used for the appeal, and Peter Haddleton for arranging the printing so we were ready for 9th June, and also our contact team.
Elizabeth Blakey (Hon. Treasurer)

Annual Vestry Meeting 2002 (June 2002 Magazine)

2002 Weekly Budget (May 2002 Magazine)
                                                                                                    Per Week Per Annum
Diocesan Share for clergy stipends, housing, training and support       £588      £30,606
Church running expenses                                                                   £116        £6,030
Clergy and staff expenses                                                                    £94        £4,876
Repairs and maintenance                                                                     £96        £5,000
Giving to other charities                                                                       £10           £500
Other needs                                                                                        £25        £1,314
TOTAL                                                                                            £929      £48,326

£929 per week is the payment of the Parish Share and running costs of the Church through 2002.
Unfortunately our real income i.e. Church collections, Freewill Offering Scheme and envelopes will not meet all our needs this year.

To pay our way now and in the future we need to raise additional real income by £10,000 per annum. Real income does not include Gift Days, Smartie Tubes, Donations etc., but is our actual contributions on the Church Plate and through the above schemes.

Meetings have been held with Mr Paul Winstanley, Diocesan Stewardship Officer, and plans are in hand for a Stewardship Appeal and details will be given in the June magazine.

Our biggest item of expenditure is the Parish Share which we have always managed to pay but last year was very close. With dividends and interest rates not expected to rise in the near future, I hope we will all take a serious look at the Stewardship Appeal.

Our financial situation is not all doom and gloom, we are not in debt, bills are paid and there is money in the bank, but we must look to increasing our income for the Church's financial prosperity.
Elizabeth Blakey (Hon. Treasurer)

CMS (April 2002 Magazine)

Miss Mary Brown has requested me to mention a Link Letter she has received from her CMS contact working with Southern Indonesian Christians.

The newly appointed Bishop visited the people of Amaki Archdeaconry their first visit for 16 years. The journey of 115 miles was carried out using bicycles. After a few days the journey was completed and the visiting party was welcomed by some 3000 people. The visitors were offered water to drink which was a bit thick, white in colour like milk. It was explained that this was the best quality water which had been carried 13 miles especially for the visitors.
At one service, attended by 4,362 people, the Bishop confirmed 364 candidates. A man and a woman were licensed as Readers.
The Bishop was presented with this statement:-
"Bishop we know God has sent you to us with a purpose. Could you tell him that;
· We are desperately in need of drinking water.
· Tell others about the Headmaster in our school. He studied only as far as Class 3 in Primary school. He now heads the school and needs help to do that.
· We also need help with agricultural tools.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET US FOR ANOTHER 16 YEARS"

All at Roundhay St John are asked to support CMS prayerfully and financially.

Times Gone By (April 2002 Magazine)

I read Margaret Waddell's article with interest - it took me back a long time, I knew the group concerned. In 1952 a religious drama group came to St. John's and put on a play. They actually camped in the Church field in North Lane. They left one of their members in each parish to help us to put on a play. We chose "Xmas in the Market Place" with Joan Haslan, Mona Rathbone, Pauline Austin, Gilbert Webster, Norman Blakey, John Garret, Gerald Newton, Jack Dickinson, Elizabeth Blakey and myself.
We kept on doing religious drama with "Boy with a Cart" and "Way of the Cross" - then moved on to plays like "The Happiest Days of Your Life" and even a pantomime. There seemed to be so much at that time - Drama Group, Youth Club, Fellowship and Thursday Club with tennis and the bathing pool in the summer. Providing you went to Church once on a Sunday you could play tennis the rest of the day - consequently 8.00a.m Communion was a popular service. We were told that we must wear whites. On Sunday I hadn't to be noisy in case we upset the neighbours.
Happy Days!

Molly Bulmer

Lawrence Stevens (March 2002 Magazine)

I was interested to see the name of Laurence Stevens in the February Magazine. A name from the past - I remember him as Laurie - and it reminded me that in those days there was quite a large group of young people involved with various church activities There was the choir of course, a youth group and a tennis club with its own courts situated on North Lane where the Day School now stands. There was also a very active drama group involving all ages. When I married in 1957 and moved to Scotland for several years, I lost touch with a lot of people (some of whom also moved out of the area) but hearing about the E-mail from Laurie gave me a pleasant feeling of nostalgia and brought back many happy memories of my youth.

Margaret Waddell (nee Welch)

Church Reordering (January 2002 Magazine)

In PCC, there have been discussions around the possibility of making changes to St John's, in order to facilitate more room for the crèche, better toilet facilities and improved disabled access. It would be improper to mention further details until the ideas have proved both feasible and affordable!!. What is certain is that no changes will be made without the fullest consultation with those that have an interest.
Whilst on the subject of the PCC, it should be noted that the minutes of the latest meeting are always on display in the porch.

Jan Cheeseman - Article from Yorkshire Post