New 'propeller church' opened in Roundshaw

A new St Paul's Church now serves the Roundshaw estate, on the edge of Wallington, Surrey.

The old church, built in 1980/81 on the site of the former Croydon aerodrome, was always known as 'The Propeller Church' because its cross was made from an aircraft propeller. The cross has been re-erected on the new church, which was formally opened on Saturday 25 January by Bishop Tom.

Roundshaw estate is being regenerated. With the help of government money, tall blocks are being demolished, new houses are under construction, other flats and houses are being refurbished and the first-floor walkways removed.

Taking the opportunity to work together with the local authority's 'Heart of the Estate' project, the old St Paul's was knocked down and rebuilt nearby, to make way for a new shopping parade. This provided money for a new church to be built.

Architects KC White of Chelmsford say: "The distinctive characteristic of the building is the broad sweep of the roof from the main entrance up to the projected apex that oversails the east end of the sanctuary."

Glazed doors lead from the foyer to all the main areas, and the worship space and the hall are interconnected with an acoustic folding partition. The new church includes facilities for disabled people and a pre-school play group.

The Rev John Gould, Minister-in-Charge said, "It was an opportunity to build a more presentable church. But it also enables us to provide a new church hall with better community facilities."

St Oswald's, North Cheam, celebrates half-century

On Sunday 9 February Bishop Tom preached at a special service at St Oswald's North Cheam, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the church building.

The Eucharist was attended by over 200 people including the Archdeacon of Croydon, the local MP, the Mayor and Mayoress of Sutton and representatives of local schools groups and organisations. Former members of the church family, who came from as far away as the West Country, included three former parish priests. Music was led by the combined choirs from the three churches which make up the Parish of Cheam.

During the service the Bishop blessed a new set of Stations of the Cross donated in memory of former worshippers and at a reception after the service he was able to meet many of today's church family.

Opening the doors to one another... and the world

Christian unity in Mortlake

Over 80 members of Christians Together in Mortlake and East Sheen came together on Sunday 19 January at St Mary's, Mortlake, to celebrate their common bond in Christ.

The Rev John Tidy, Rural Dean of Kingston and a former Dean of St George's Cathedral, Jerusalem, said that 'working together' needs to be a way of life, particularly when there is a common goal, such as at this violent and uncertain time. He spoke of the dwindling Christian presence in the UK; Christianity is in danger of becoming 'the best kept secret', he said. "We must open our doors and share our precious treasure with one another and with the world."

Photo: Edward Jones (Barnes Methodist), Rev Peggy Jackson (TR Mortlake w East Sheen), Rev John Tidy, with three of St Mary's young people, Katy Wilde, William Kitchen and Tamsin Timbrell.

Becoming a Freed Spirit

On Saturday 15 March Croydon Central MP Geraint Davies will open 'Becoming a Freed Spirit' - an unusual and colourful art exhibition at St Mary's Church, Addington Village, Croydon.

The artist is George Ellis who died last year aged 72 and the exhibition, sponsored jointly by St Mary's and Surrey Oaklands N.H.S. Trust, is a tribute to the work of this multiply disabled man. George was admitted to care at the age of 5. He had learning disability, epilepsy, no hearing, sight in one eye and no speech. Despite his problems and the hardships of institutional care, he retained his humanity and humour and when introduced to Art Therapy in 1975, exploded into creativity.

He became a recognised artist and his work has been included in various exhibitions. He died last year in a modern group home surrounded by friends and modern comforts - watching TV, joking and drawing to the end.

'Becoming A Freed Spirit' at St Mary's Church will be open daily from 10.30 am until 3.30 pm until 12 noon on Sunday 23 March.

New branch of the MU in Deptford

On Sunday, 26 January 2003, a new branch of the Mothers' Union was opened at St John with Holy Trinity, Deptford. On the day, twelve members were enrolled by Maureen Kyle, the Diocesan President, with at least four more joining at a later date. Deborah Ugbechie was also commissioned as the branch leader. Deborah joined the MU about two years ago as a Diocesan (individual) member as her parish did not have a branch.

However, Deborah soon wanted to start a branch and so, with her enthusiasm, support from her church and with help and advice from the MU and branch members in Lewisham, the branch at St John's was officially opened in January. Deborah is seated in the front row, third from the right.