On Thursday, 3rd July at 5:30pm, Brian and I were privileged to be able to attend the Salisbury Cathedral Eucharist, presided over by Archdeacon Alan Jeans, with Bishop Stephen acting as Deacon for him, to mark his retirement.It was a wonderful, and emotional, service held in the quire. We actually sat in the choir stalls. It was a very well attended service by members from across the Diocese, followed by refreshments.Alan, and his wife Anita, were both thanked for their dedicated service and they were presented with vouchers from the Diocesan collection amounting to £1,350.00 and growing. Anita also received a beautiful bouquet of flowers.When interviewed for the Diocesan website, Alan was asked for his memorable moments:-“Special moments would include becoming a Cathedral Canon and serving nine years on the Cathedral Chapter; engaging in local Benefice and Deanery Mission weeks with Bishop Stephen Conway; and marking the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta in 2015 and attending a reception at the British Library where all four surviving copies of the Magna Carta were displayed together – and our Cathedral has the best copy by far!In 2002, just before becoming the Archdeacon, I was appointed an Army chaplain, working with Wiltshire Army Cadet Force, keeping me in ministry amongst young people. This army chaplaincy has brought a close working relationship with the British Army, and their chaplains, and we are proud to work in cooperation with the large military presence across the Diocese. My work with young people also continues in the Diocese in visiting the many Church of England Schools, and community schools across the Archdeaconry.One of my lesser-known contributions was to the situation comedy, REV – where I was the consultant Archdeacon for series three. Yes, I was the Archdeacon who put The Reverend Adam Smallbone [Tom Hollander] through his Clergy Discipline Measure, after he was caught kissing the primary school Head Teacher. I was invited to the screening of the first episode in St Leonard’s Shoreditch, aka St Saviour’s in the Marsh, where I met the cast.Week by week though, nothing exceeds serving the servants of God, resourcing the clergy and lay ministers in their local context; and worshipping Sunday by Sunday in different parish churches, preaching and presiding as a priest. It never fails to lift heart and soul to heaven and is a wonderful counterpoint to all those never-ending weekday meetings and PCCs!"Sue and Brian Stanley
Dear friends, As I come to the end of my time here in the White Horse Team, I write to you with mixed emotions. My time in Curacy has been a wonderful blessing. As many of you will be aware it has also come with challenges as myself and my family have navigated my decline in health. However, I am continually amazed at the faithfulness and goodness of God who has been, and continues to be, at work in and through it all - bringing to fruition His wonderful plans and purposes for us all. I am now beginning the next stage in ministry as I seek to follow the deep sense of calling which God has placed in my heart to pursue my research into Theology and Disability and to further my work in the area of disability, diversity and Church inclusion. This is an exciting new chapter. But there is also, of course, sadness in saying goodbye to you all. I, and my family, would like to take this opportunity to say a really huge and heartfelt thank you to you all. Your support, encouragement, prayers and friendship have been a source of great strength and blessing. I am so grateful also for the support of our Team Rector Rebecca, the ministry team, the Lay Pastoral Assistants, PCCs, church wardens, our Team administrator and many others who have been such a source of help and encouragement and who have so graciously put their trust in me as I have sought to serve among you. Thanks also to the wider community and to those from Westbury Area Churches Together for your fellowship and encouragement. It has been a privilege to serve my Curacy here and I will carry you all in my heart as I move into the next chapter of life. I will be continuing to hold you all in prayer and will be keen to hear your news as you also move forward into new adventures with God. In the words of Paul the Apostle in Philemon 1:4 - I thank my God always when I mention you in my prayers because of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. With many thanks, prayers and love in Christ. Revd Holly
Crosspoint is currently having to consider options regarding its long-term future.We have recently advertised in the White Horse News and other media channels to recruit a Chair and new Trustees, but without success.We are now urgently seeking local people with experience in a leadership role who could join the Board of Trustees and help take the organisation forward.At the same time as the above recruitment is underway, we would be interested in having informal discussions, with like-minded local charitable organisations about the possibility of a form of business combination.Crosspoint is in a healthy financial position. In 2024, we had 850 client visits to our Welcome Centre for help and saw 80 clients for our counselling service.If you, or a colleague, would be interested in joining us then please contact us at the email address: info@crosspoint-westbury.co.uk.Similarly, if any charitable organisation that you work with would be interested in informal discussions about a form of business combination, then please contact us at this same address.
On Friday 18 July Bethan Cheshire, a member of the congregation of All Saints' Church, displayed her musical talents in a fabulous concert entitled 'From Rosin to Reed' in the Wiltshire Music Centre. Bethan has just finished her first year at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow studying the bassoon. Last year she won the Liz Lawrence Prize from Wiltshire Rural Music. Part of the prize includes putting on a concert to showcase their talents. Bethan was joined by family members, teachers and friends and played a wide range of musical styles from Mozart to Nellie the Elephant! Bethan played not only the bassoon but also the cello and piano. She demonstrated her prowess in all three instruments. Several members of the congregation were in the audience and all agreed that Bethan has amazing talents and enjoyed the concert immensely. We wish her success in her future musical career.
