Windyridge

In September Mike and Tricia Benge moved to New Milton to Tricia’s family home called Windyridge.  It is situated just a few hundred yards from the sea in Hampshire along the south coast of England.  Prior to this move and over several years they were known to hold house parties at Windyridge with friends from Gunnersbury Baptist and the Grange Fellowship and  this tradition continues.

Last weekend there was a Windyridge House Party.  Unfortunately Janet and Barry McGovern couldn’t come because they had accepted a prior invitation to Mel Fitton’s 60th birthday party on the Saturday evening.  The party included a boat trip on the River Thames at night. However, Pauline Dunne and Nigel Edwards were also invited and were able to make it to both events by extending their weekend to four days.  This video clip is of a conversation around the breakfast table on the Sunday morning  following Mel’s party.  As well as this video about the party we hope one day to have photos of the Mel’s special event.

We were all totally thrilled that Roy and Kathy Leaf were able to make it over from the Isle of Wight and join us for lunch; following which we went to nearby Rhinefield House in the New Forest.  This collection of photos shows some of us seated at Rhinefield House and continues with photos of Mike and Tricia’s home in New Milton.

Kathy and Tricia at Rhinefield House

Marian and Roy sit chatting

Harry and Nigel engaged in lively conversation. Harry did spend a little time in the garden but it was an extremely wet weekend so it was not always possible

Windy Ridge was formerly the home of Tricia's parents and many moons ago some Grangers called in on the way back from a conference at Post Green in Dorset. Tricia cooked one of her special Malay curries. It was a not-to-be-forgotten meal for Frances West, Lesley (Watson) Willey, Evey (Muggleon) Heckman and Naj Hitchcok and who would have guessed that so many years later some of us would return.

More Grangers Join the 60 Club

Lesley (Nicholson) Vickers and Lesley (Watson) Willey have much in common and not a few shared experiences over the years.

• Obviously they share the same Christian name
• They first met the day they started at Chiswick County Grammar School and were in the same class for 5 years.
• They were friends then but became even closer friends when they left school for the same two-year course at Chiswick Polytechnic
• They both were members of the Grange Fellowship, though Lesley V led the way and became a Christian at the age of 15; Lesley W followed three years later
• They also shared a flat together for a short while
• and, though separately and at different times, they lived in community and worked with Youth with a Mission, which means they have some shared friends from there too.
• Just recently, they met up again after 40 years and once again are sharing life. This month they both shared their 60th birthdays.

The Redman Connection

Perhaps, like us, you have enjoyed listening to and singing some of the beautiful worship songs written by Matthew Redman and his wife Beth – e.g., The Heart of Worship, Blessed be the Name, Nothing but the Blood. Redman songs are regularly sung at our church. We did not know that there was a connection with the Grange Fellowship until we learned that Beth’s parents are two Grange members. Her mother, Lesley (Nicholson) was one of Grace’s pupils at Chiswick County School and her father, Al Vickers, was someone we first met through the ministry of the Dive coffee bar. Al and Lesley married and had two children – Simon and Beth, both of whom are believers in the Lord Jesus and are actively serving Him.

When we learned, not too long ago, that Beth Redman was Lesley and Al’s daughter, Grace went to the Redman website and left a message there, explaining who we were and asking for any information that would help us contact her parents, with whom we had lost touch years ago. Matt replied and he and Beth kindly passed Grace’s email to Lesley, who then wrote to us. We were delighted to hear from her and she and Grace have exchanged emails. We plan a telephone call in the near future.

When Matt realized where in Canada we lived, he wrote and said that he would be appearing in a concert on 27 September 2009 with the Gospel band, “Casting Crowns” at Langley, BC which is only 18 miles from Abbotsford where we live (Langley is also where Ann King and family live). He offered us complimentary guest tickets and hoped we could meet there. It was a wonderful concert after which we were able to meet with Matt and spend time with him. He brought us up to date with the family news and showed us photographs of Beth and himself and their beautiful children. Also, having appreciated many Redman songs it was such a blessing to experience the great gift the Lord has given Matt in writing worship songs and leading, exhorting and motivating God’s people in worship. Matt, along with Gospel song writer and artist Chris Tomlin are currently involved in a church plant in Atlanta, Georgia. I must add too, that Casting Crowns is one of the leading Gospel bands in N. America and we appreciated their ministry very much. They are a godly group of people who have written some beautiful songs. They also serve as youth leaders and church workers in addition to their music ministry. It was an evening in which the Name of the Lord was lifted up and God’s grace declared.

If you would like to visit the Redman website, here is a link. You will be blessed.

http://www.mattredman.com/

The pictures and video below were taken during the concert and afterwards in the car park – 27 September 2009. The Events Centre, Langley, BC Canada

Matt leading worship at Casting Crowns Concert, Langley BC 27Sep'09

Matt on stage with Casting Crowns at Langley BC - 27Sep'09

Matt with Martin and Grace at Langley BC - 27Sep'09

Matt with Grace at Langley BC - 27Sep'09

Matt with Martin at Langley BC - 27Sep'09

Douglas Robertson is 50!

Earlier this year Douglas Robertson returned to Britain from Argentina with his family for a short time, during which he celebrated his 50th birthday. Thanks to Barry and Janet McGovern playing host, there was a party for Douglas and his friends from Grange and Gunnersbury. Steve Benge has provided an excellent video and also included are a few of his photos.

Douglas' wife and daughters

Douglas (Robertson) and Douglas (Findlay)

Elaine (Harper), Ann Talbot (Gunnersbury) and Douglas Robertson

Hannah (McGovern) Fractura, Douglas Findlay, Jon Fitton, Steve Benge, Barry and Janet McGovern, Ron Talbot and Nigel Edwards

Surprise! Surprise!

A steadying hand rests on Roland's shoulder as he has just walked into a roomful of guests for his surprise 60th birthday.

We were all given early notice by Colette, Lucy and Adele that yesterday would be a secret and surprise party to celebrate Roland’s 60th. It seems the secret was successfully kept. Roland was taken away for much of yesterday and brought back wearing a temperary blindfold. He was directed into his living room before he could take off the sunglasses and tissues where 60 guests or so were waiting as quietly as they could.

Still warm enough to be outside, guests spilt out into Roland’s pride and joy – the garden, which was looking lovely, perfect. Food was wonderful and drinks ample and between courses we were treated to a tribute to Roland by Brian Morris.

A few former Grangers and friends were spotted among the guests. Mike Haughey seen here on the left chatting with Harry Willey.

Former Granger, Greg Hobbs came with his wife, Jean and family. They have returned to the UK having lived in several of locations around the world, wherever Greg’s work took them. They plan to enjoy retirement in their new home in Staunton-on-Wye, which is currently being renovated. They came over a hundred miles from their Herefordshire home to join Roland and Colette. Below is a picture of Jean with Carina her daughter, who works for a Christian charity.

Below are some videos taken during the party. My camera was not working as well as it might and though it is now fixed the quality of the video is not what I would have liked. I also have to acknowledge that taking video in confined spaces that are subtly lit yet full of people, presents a challenge. However, I hope that you can enjoy something from the videos below. To read text of Brian’s speech click here.