The Bridge News - Banff Parish Church

Minister: Rev David I W Locke MA M.Sc., BD
The Bridge News
Tel: 01261 812107
Banff and King Edward Parish Churches
Sunday church services begin at 9.30am in King Edward and
11am in Banff (except July 7th & 14th—see below)
Evening Service in Banff at 6.30pm continue in June but stop for the
months of July and August
All welcome at any service or event.
King Edward Community Special
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Thurs June 6th
Noon-1.30pm Monthly Lunch in Banff Main Hall
Sun
June 9th
2-4pm
Mon
June 10th 7.30pm
Cream Tea in King Edward Hall
King Edward Kirk Session Meeting
Weds June 12th 7.30pm
Banff Congregational Board Meeting
Thurs June 13th 7-8pm
Vestry Hour, Banff Church-a time to talk to the
minister
Fri
June 14th 11am-noon
Blythswood lorry in Banff
Sat
June 15th 2pm
Banff & King Edward Family Picnic (see P17)
Sun
June 16th 11 am
Banff Family Service with Sunday Club Prize-giving.
Weds June 19th 7.30pm
Banff Kirk Session Meeting
Sun
June 23rd 11 am
King Edward Family Service with both choirs and
Eric.
Sat
July 6th
2-4pm
King Edward Strawberry Fayre in the hall
Sun
July 7th
11am
Banff & King Edward joint service in Banff Church
July 10th- 13th
Banff Thrift Shop (see P 17)
Sun
July 14th 9.30am
King Edward and Banff joint service in King
Edward Church
Sat
July 27th 2pm
Sponsored Walk - leaving from King Edward Hall
Church Office:2001261 818211
E-mail - [email protected]
No 169
June 2013
Dear Friends in King Edward and Banff,
Welcome to a new and different edition of the Bridge
newsletter for King Edward and Banff churches. This is
a special edition focussing on news in King Edward
church and community. Inside you will find stories
about King Edward people, places, events, church, hall
and more, plus latest news in Banff. We hope people
in the community, whether you go to church or not,
will enjoy it and find it helpful. It is part of the churches’
attempts to bring the community together and encourage
new life. Folk in Banff will also be interested to hear more
about our neighbouring church and community. If the response is positive we
hope to make this a more regular newsletter for King Edward, perhaps every
three months.
BANFF PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND-Charity No SC015501
Session Clerk
Mr Andy Taylor
812092
Discipleship Co-ordinator
Mrs Moira Gess
815147
Outreach/Worship Co-ordinator Mrs Moira Gess
815147
Fellowship Co-ordinator
Mrs Rosie Blanchard
861029
Service Co-ordinator
Mrs Isabel Cook
815934
Communion Elder
Mr Charlie Smith
815782
Safeguarding Co-ordinator
Mr Charlie Smith
815782
Roll Keeper
Mrs Alice Hay
815902
Sunday Club Contact
Mrs Karen Cumming
812790
Church Officer
Mr Gordon Mustard
861545
Hall Keeper/Property Convenor
Mr Tom McLennan
815737
Inside for King Edward, you will find a questionnaire produced by our church
and community hall leaders, as part of our desire to find out what more can be
done to develop both church and community. The hall and church are working
together and with others, to bring fresh life for all who live or work or worship or
learn here. What would you like to see happening in King Edward? What help do
you need, or do you think others need? Please do take a little time to fill in the
questionnaire and return it any way you like to the church or hall. We would
hope in a future newsletter to let you know results and what follow up action is
possible.
Magazine Editor
Mrs Janet Simpson
843221
Organist
Mr Stephen Pratt
833113
Church Secretary
Mrs Janet Simpson
843221
Life and Work Convener
Mrs Moira Ingram
812393
Flower Convener
Mrs Pat McLennan
815737
Congregational Board Clerk
Mrs Margaret Henderson
Treasurer/Gift Aid Convener
Mr Trevor Leuty
FWO Treasurer
Mrs Moira Gess
For those of you who do not know me very well, I am the Minister of both Banff
and King Edward parish churches, which work together in various ways to mutually
serve our communities. I try and spend time in both churches and communities,
and both churches want to be open to everyone in the community, and offer
support to people of any age. Our services are open to all, and if you are interested
in children being christened [ baptised or blessed] or having a wedding here,
please do contact me, or anyone in the church – explanatory leaflets are available.
Guild Group
Mrs E Rennie/Mrs L Kaczmarek
Before coming here last September, I was a minister in Glasgow for a number of
years, and before that worked for the Bank of England and the Scottish Development
Agency. I am involved with Street Pastors, who work with the police and councils,
to help keep safe young folk and homeless on town streets on weekend nightswe offer a listening ear, first aid, safe clothes and shoes, prayer, preventing violence
and seeing people safely home. It’s one example of how churches can make real
difference, just as we here try to do in our own ways. If we can help or you would
like me to visit to chat about anything, please do contact me. [see P19 for details]
Yours Sincerely ,
David I W Locke
2
01888
551682
821282
815147
812919/
815118
Congregational Board Chairman Mr Ian Berstan
812579
Church Office
818211
[email protected]
KING EDWARD CHURCH - Charity No SC015077
Session Clerk
Mrs Margaret Brown
821316
Roll Keeper
Mrs Nancy Simpson
Treasurer
Mrs Valerie Cheyne
821607
Fabric Convener
Mr Eric Wilson
832951
Church Officer
Mrs Carole Darnell
821235
Organist
Mrs Eleanor Wilson
818240
Flower Convener
Mrs Isobel Smith
821348
Guild President
Mrs Eleanor Wilson
818240
Hall Committee President
Mrs Jayne Pirie
821680
01888
568602
DEATHS
Mrs Maggie Urquhart, Campbell Street, Banff
Mrs Pat Lamb, Fife Street, Banff
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ministry of Flowers
We are grateful to the following who will donate flowers to beautify
Banff Church during June:
2nd June
9th June
16th June
23rd June
30th June
Mrs Mary Alley
Mrs Georgie Paterson
Mr Stephen Pratt
Mrs Isabel Angus
Mr Charlie Findlayson
Flower Convener : Mrs Pat McLennan (Tel: 815737)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From the Banff Church Groups……..
Service Group
The Blythswood Lorry will be at Macduff Harbour from 9-10.30am
and at Greenbanks Car Park, Banff from 11am - noon on Friday,
14th June. Contact 815440 or 812793 if you need anything collected.
 Church Opening. We would like to open our church during July and
August so we are once again looking for volunteers - if you can spare
two hours between 2-4pm, please add your name alongside the dates
you are available to the list at the back of the church.

Fellowship Group
Monthly Lunch - Our next lunch will be on Thursday,
5th September in the main hall from noon - 1.30 pm.
Concessions £3 all others £3.50. Do come along and
enjoy a delicious lunch and a warm welcome to all.
 Afternoon Tea. Our annual afternoon tea will be on Wednesday, 7th
August in the main hall from 2-4 pm. All welcome.

Deadline for the September issue of The Bridge is
Sunday, 18th August 2013
Articles can be emailed to [email protected]
18
King Edward Hall
King Edward Community Hall is a multi purpose community resource in the
heart of King Edward which can be used by all age groups for many
activities. Our committee is always looking for new user groups to utilise
the Hall to its full potential and we would welcome anyone who has anything offer the community to come forward and take a group or take part
in a group. The committee, as in all small country halls, is looking to
fundraise simply to keep the hall well maintained and user friendly. To
this end we have applied for a grant from the People’s Millions and if we
progress to the next stage we hope that we can rely on you all to vote for
us! We need to upgrade parts of the hall, a new kitchen to be installed and
are looking at installing solar panels to help with heating costs.
We have a few events planned in the Hall to help our finances.

Sunday, 9th June 2013
2-4pm
Cream Tea

Saturday, 6th July 2013
2-4pm
Strawberry Fayre

Saturday, 27th July 2013
12-2pm
Sponsored Walk (see p9)

Saturday, 26th Oct. 2013
12-2pm
Soup and Sweet
We would like to welcome everyone to come along and enjoy the
hospitality at all these events.
We plan to print another calendar and hope that anyone with suitable old
or new photos of King Edward will lend them to us for copying. All
photos will be returned.
Office Bearers
Jayne Pirie
Colin Thain
D. Ritchie
C. Elrick
Chairperson
Vice Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
01261 821680
[email protected]
01261 821687
01888 551636
[email protected]
01888 551205 [email protected]
Funding News - The good news from the hall committee is that they have
just received an award from the Co-operative of £1,460 for new cups,
saucers, tablecloths, toasters etc. Great news; Well done! Any help and
ideas towards raising the next £20,000 will be really appreciated.
King Edward Church Parish. This is the area the church seeks to
serve; but if you live outside it, you are always welcome.
Banff Church Thrift Shop
Wednesday 10th - Saturday 13th July
Following the popularity of the Thrift Shop over the last two years
the Fundraising Committee are again planning one for this year.
We are looking for donations of clothes, china, books, small items of
furniture, toys and miscellaneous items (no electrical goods).
If you would like to donate or help at the event or for further
information please contact any member of the fundraising committee :
Mary Cameron, Ian Cameron, Moira Gess, Moira Henderson, Moira
Ingram, Peter Ingram, Maureen Kaczmarek, Pat McLennan, Janet
Simpson, Sheila Smith, Helen Watt and Roseanna Youngson.
Church Family Picnic
Banff & King Edward Parish Churches
Saturday 15th June
2pm
Duff House Grounds
All are welcome to join us
Bring your own juice/tea/coffee
Picnic bags with crisps, cakes etc. will be provided
Additional Services
We have regular services in our care homes and sheltered housing
each month.
Tuesday
4th June
2.15pm
Doo’cot View
Tuesday 11th June
3pm
Airlie Gardens
Tuesday 25th June
2.30pm
Banff Care Home
4
People of King Edward
Councillor Mark Findlater and his wife
attended the King Edward School Parents
Council coffee morning recently, so we
asked him to write something for this Bridge
to let people know more about him. (picture
from the internet)
For those folk that don't know me my name is Mark Findlater, I am a
Christian who is kept on the right path by my faith, family and friends. I
live and work in Macduff with my beautiful wife Carolyn and my three
wonderful children Megan, Hannah and Scott. I go to Macduff Church
where I drive the Church Bus every Sunday taking folk that cannot
manage to navigate the hills we have in our town to get to Church.
1st Banff Boys Brigade
Inspecting officer Mr Charles Charlesworth,
Deveronvale Manager and a large audience
were entertained by the boys at their Annual
Display at the end of April. Mr Charlesworth
presented the Queen’s Badge to Scott Christie,
Ross McKay, James Robertson and Callum
Shepherd.
Junior section boys enjoyed their annual camp in Inverness and all
sections enjoyed a barbecue to mark the end of the session.
New boys always welcome at the start of the new session in August.
16
One year ago I was elected to be your Councillor for the Ward of Troup.
It was a bit of a surprise and it took a few months to get over the shock
and to get to grips with the job. To be honest I lost quite a lot of sleep in
the beginning because I did not think I was good enough and was
worried about making mistakes. My faith, family and friends helped me
weather this storm and I am still here after a year. The job of Councillor
is one that has great responsibility as you are representing all of the folk
in your Ward and have to make very important decisions, sometimes
deciding between constituents and their views. This is the hardest part!
I am a member of different Policy Committees for Aberdeenshire
Council and Chair the Macduff Harbour Advisory Board and Banff and
District Community Safety Group. Making a decision between folk that
is going to have a social or financial impact to their lives is very difficult
indeed and that is why I pray to God before every meeting to help me
make the right decisions for the right reasons.
It is very important to get as much information as possible and to listen
to everyone, everything and to read the reams of paper and emails that
are given to the Councillors. The mistakes that I have made have been
mostly down to not having all of the relevant information and the rest
to inexperience.
I have learned a lot over the last year, it has been very interesting to say
the least, but I believe that I have achieved a lot and I want to do more.
It is a real balancing act between my family, business, volunteer work
and the job as a Councillor, but somehow I manage. I have put a desk in
my shop on Duff Street which is for all of my Council work. This is so I
can do two jobs at the same time. I don't hold surgeries, I just rely on
folk coming into my shop and speaking to me, or stopping me in the
street. I also go to all of the Community Council meetings in the ward.
King Edward has an excellent council which I try my best to support. So
please do not hesitate to contact me or come in to see me if there is
something that I can help with.
You can get me anytime on my Council mobile number: 07876 475129
or my shop number : 01261 831264. Alternatively you can email me at
[email protected] or write a letter to Rosebank
Villa, 28 Skene Street, Macduff, AB44 1RP.
We are delighted to have our organist
Eleanor Wilson back with us after her
successful knee surgery.
Eleanor also leads our Senior and Junior
Choirs and would be delighted to welcome
new members. The Choir meet in the
church on a Tuesday evening at 6.30pm.
6
Special Services
On each of the first two Sundays of July, there will be one joint
service for Banff and King Edward folk: at Banff Parish church on
Sunday, 7th July at 11 am and at King Edward Parish Church on
Sunday, 14th July at 9.30 am. Transport can be provided—please
speak to an Elder.
On Sunday 23rd June in King Edward at 9.30am, we hope to have a
relaxed informal family service for all ages, including our senior and
junior choirs, an interview with Eric Wilson, and possibly a new video
projector.
All are welcome to join us at any of our services.
Faith Exploration
The Minister is planning to lead 4/5 informal discussions about the
Christian faith, over the summer months, for anyone thinking about
joining the church or just wanting to explore or refresh their own faith.
Topics to be covered might include:

What is God like—what do Christians and other believe?

How to make sense of the bible.

Faith and life’s problems and issues—can God help? Prayer and
other ways to find help.

‘Church’ what is involved, why bother? Church services, baptism,
communion—what to expect.

Are questions, doubts and different views ok? ...And any other
questions you may have.
The sessions will probably take place on a Sunday after church in Banff
or on a Sunday evening, and last about 45 minutes. All welcome. for
more details please speak with the church secretary, any Elder or the
Minister.
Church Communications
There are now various new ways to find out what is going on in our
churches and communities.
Banff Parish Church Facebook page has been steadily growing over the
past eight weeks, and seeks to include stories about Banff and King
Edward, reflecting the close links between the two churches. There
have been stories and photographs from Banff and King Edward
Churches and communities, as well as inspiring or interesting music and
video links. We would welcome more stories and details of coming
events in church or community —some of the photographs and stories
have been viewed by over 500 people!
King Edward Hall (King Edward Community Hall Aberdeenshire Scotland)
and King Edward Parish from 664 AD have also Facebook pages. The
latter refers to the wonderful history book about King Edward
produced by local farmer John Smith.
To access any of the above pages Google search Facebook,
 On the search bar at the top of the page (search for people places
and things) type in the name of the page e.g. King Edward
Community Hall Aberdeenshire.
 Click on the page name
 Click ‘like’ on the right at the bottom of the cover photo.
 You will then get updates from that organisation .
Or copy the link below into the Google search bar to take you directly
to the Banff page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Banff-Parish-Church/472513689469569?ref=hl
If you need help to set up a Facebook page or if you would like a story
or coming event on the Banff Facebook page please contact Janet
Simpson at the office on 818211 or at home on 843221.
Websites. Banff Parish Church website is in the process of being updated
but has details of the weekly services and other ‘What’s on’
Information. In addition, a new website for King Edward is being
developed by Bob and Judith Smit; keep an eye out for it coming soon.
14
Eric A. Wilson, Church Elder
We asked Eric to give us a picture of himself, his
work, life and thoughts about church. You can hear
more of his story when he is interviewed in our
family service on Sunday 23rd June.
Eric and King Edward Church I have attended the
kirk at King Edward for 40 years I married my wife
Florence there on the 30th August, 1975. My wife
being from Craigston attended the church all her life and as a member since
early 70’s. I became an elder 18 years ago. My attraction to King Edward
Church was the warm welcome everyone received which is still evident to this
day. Welcome to our “coothie” kirk at King Edward, backed by a good
working Guild, the backbone of any church. Lucky to have such a dedicated
group of ladies behind our church.
The church building. I have been looking after the buildings, as Fabric
Convener, and have been greatly helped by Cliff Pirie. He has the talent to
apply himself to any task and leave an impressive end product, no end to his
“toolbox” and practical skills, as can be seen in the space he built for our new
“in church cafe bar” so you can have a fly cuppa after a service. The church
has been re-harled, re-wired, the under-floor wood preserved, extensively
redecorated and the south side drains renewed in plastic. In the past year,
the roof was scrutinised and repaired, even the belfry painted and pointed.
We are about to install a sound/loop system and hopefully see a video
projector to help during the services with visual/colour images.
Eric at work: For the past 40 years I’ve been involved in road transport, firstly as a driver
then moving into transport management for the past 13 years or so, having a
3 year spell in my own account. My early years were spent in the versatile world of
livestock haulage (drawing on my country background), later moving into
transportation of wide loads (like boats) the length and breadth of the UK.
King Edward Bowling Club
This takes me to my present employment of over ten years with local
builder, Alastair Rennie as a driver and Transport Manager. This has
ensured a home based life that can enable me to support the church here.
My faith is with me in everyday life, at work, even if it is only during Pause
for Thought on the Chris Evans show on Radio 2. I was involved in two
serious road traffic accidents and emerged unscathed, leaving me thinking
someone else had a hand in this, and now I am in no doubt. On weekdays I
look for the up to date relation of everyday life to the bible, and find that
in church
The future of church in King Edward I have been involved for six years in
the wider running of the Kirk, as representative at Presbytery. That
experience taught me a lot about the future of rural churches like ours,
and how we all need to do our bit to keep the community alive. I was
part of a committee that saw the closure of a church near Rosehearty. It
was there I witnessed heart-rendering stories; members desperately
trying to keep their church open, but it was too late! With church buildings
in need of repair and only a handful of a congregation, the church was not
“viable”. My thoughts were that this cannot be allowed to happen at King
Edward.
For King Edward Church, I think the future is positive. The minister is the
right man with the right message, his work with the youth of today and
experience as street pastor smacks of being as up to date as any minister
could be. Attendance is slowly picking up. The church doors are open for
anyone to come in; you don’t have to be a member. The welcome is there
for everyone of every age, the younger the better. The church and community hall have set up a new working group, working together to find
out what our community needs and there is an exciting willingness to
change, listen to ideas, and raise funding to keep our community’s heart
beating (see the questionnaire included with this magazine).
8
After several meetings with local people in 1977 a decision was made to
buy two second hand carpets and two new sets of bowls and
King Edward Bowling Club was born. During that year bowling
was held in the hall one night a week for people to come
along and have a game while others came to practise
their skills. In September 1978 people were invited
to come and join the club and around twenty people
did so. Competitions were drawn up and Deveron
Motors, Macduff supplied a shield to be presented at a Dinner and Dance
held by the club at the end of the season. Three or four years later it was
decided to raise funds for new carpets so an auction was held which
raised enough money for two new carpets which were ordered to
specification. This saw an increase in numbers and it was decided to have
two bowling nights from September to April.
Around 2008 numbers started to drop and we reverted to one night a
week. At present we only have about ten members. We would be delighted
to welcome anyone who is interested to come along and join us.
Contact: William or Colin on 01261 821687 or Edith on 01261 821634
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
King Edward Calendar. The children have
been asked to draw a picture of King
Edward to be used in the King Edward Hall
calendar. The best picture will be used for
the front cover.
Parent Council Coffee Morning. The Coffee Morning was a great success
with £500 being raised. A big thank you to the Parent Council for organising
it and helping out on the day and to all the parents, staff and friends who
handed in donations.
We wish Mrs Masson the Head Teacher a speedy recovery from her broken
arm, and those working hard in her absence, times of rest!
Baby Boom. There was quite a baby boom at King Edward Parent &
Toddler Group in 2012 with the arrival of seven babies.
From left to right : Helen and Amelia, Lyndsay and John, Elaine and
Ethan, Julie and Emily, Fiona and Seth, Lynne and Jessica and Jennifer
and Theo.
We provide the opportunity for young children and their parents/carers
to meet, socialise, chat, learn and play in a friendly, safe and relaxed
environment.
We recently held a Bingo night in the Hall which was very successful.
The money raised will go towards running costs, equipment and trips.
Thanks to all who attended. We hope to make this an annual event.
Count your blessings. We have said farewell to Hayley and Daryl
Thomson with their children Samantha, Emmely and Ben who have left
King Edward for their new home in Qatar. A warm period has been
closed and a new period has started. We met Hayley when she offered
her services to help with caring for animals and pets. In the early days
of our settlement in King Edward we had difficult times but we met
Hayley and found ourselves blessed with her help till we had ourselves
organized in a better way. We have since shared many caring, social
moments and all these memories were revived in our memory when
we had to say good-bye.
Hayley had a pottery shop at home, and produced the memory set of
mugs for the inauguration of our minister, Rev David Locke. Hayley will
be remembered as a strong social member of our community and will
be missed by us all. We wish Hayley and her family a prosperous and
happy family life in Qatar and trust she feels support when she reads
the verses from our gospel songbook which accompanies her on this
journey. God is always with you; if you like it or not. He provides
comfort when we need it. That is what we felt when we said to Hayley:
It is good as it is; remember you are never alone. Hayley will not be
forgotten as she lived by example.
Bob & Judith Smit, Glencairn House, King Edward.
Sponsored Walk - Saturday, 27th July
King Edward Parent and Toddler Group
Thursday 10am - 11.30 am
King Edward Hall
Toys & Activities, Snack provided
For further info contact Fiona on 07780332342 or Audrey on 078163335302
Also find us on Facebook - King Edward Toddlers
Join us on our 8 mile sponsored walk round King
Edward led by Michael Smith starting at the
community hall at 2pm.
Sponsor money will be divided between
the hall and the church. Sponsor forms
will be available at the hall and church .
Sponsors and walkers are very welcome.
12
KING EDWARD GUILD
by Eleanor Wilson, President.
Community Council News
King Edward and Gamrie Community Council Meeting—30/4/13
The Guild in an organisation of the Church of
Scotland which invites and encourages both men
and women to commit their lives to Jesus Christ and enables them to
express their faith in worship, prayer and action. Our aim is to work
for the Church and its needs. At present the Guild has over 27.000
members in Scotland.
We meet on the first Thursday of each month in the hall from
7.30pm - 9pm. Sometimes we have speakers or demonstrations and
sometimes musical evenings when we invite neighbouring Guilds to
enjoy the fellowship with one another.
Every three years the Guild picks six charities which we all work for,
each Guild works for their chosen projects and raises money for
them. This year we at King Edward have given £100 each to Mary’s
Meals, Heart for Art (Dementia), World Mission, Bible Society, Little
Drops Charity and a Malawi Mission.
At our last meeting we organised our annual coffee morning for
Saturday, 4th May. This is our main fund-raiser for our Church.
We are a lovely group of ladies (no gentlemen yet) who work hard
for the church and projects and enjoy our evenings of fellowship at
the Guild with a nice cup of tea.
An open invitation is extended to everyone (male and female) in the
surrounding area to come and join us at King Edward.
Money problems?
For convenient savings and lower cost loans for local people, visit the
Credit Union at Bridge Street Community Centre, Banff on Fridays
between 11.30 am - 12.30. This is open to people from King Edward
and Banff and is part of NESCU (North East Scotland Credit Union).
10
Items discussed for the King Edward area were:
Road damage in the local area due to the severe winter weather was
also discussed. The local Banff police attended the meeting. They
provided information about the recent theft of heating oil in the local
area and gave advice on various ways to deter the thieves i.e.
surveillance cameras, and being aware of any strange vehicles going
about late at night or early morning. If you see anything suspicious in
the community then do not hesitate to contact the police on their new
number - 101.
The proposed pathway between King Edward School and the Church
and Hall — will be brought forward before the roads department. The
Community Council will be informed in due course of the decision
made on this.
A new pathway in King Edward: King Edward Parent Council are
working towards building a path for safe walking and cycling for
children and others to get to and from school, community hall and
church. The path would run along the edge of the field on the opposite
side of the A947 from the school. So far the Community Council,
Community Hall and Church have expressed their
support and planning approval and traffic crossing
measures are being sought. The plans were on display
at the recent coffee morning in the community
hall and further details can be obtained from
the Parent Council, Chairperson, Susannah
Wackett on [email protected].
Donations and other support will be much
appreciated.