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'Bubbles' (October 2005 edition of the magazine) In "Ploughshare" a few issues ago, there was a picture quiz on the back page. Among the puzzles appeared the word "BUBBLES". Immediately I knew where that was to be found within St Thomas' church building, as, being the brass cleaner, I had often polished up the plaque commemorating "Bubbles". In case you still can't place it, it's the one on the wall nearest the eagle lectern and is in fact a memorial to Captain Frank Bradbury Robinson, who died during the Great War whilst serving with the 6th Battalion Sherwood Foresters. Whilst polishing him up (as it were) I had often been struck by how young he was - only 23 when he died - and by the wording on the plaque which describes his being killed whilst "bravely cheering and leading on his men". Quite a hero, I thought. I began to wonder what I could find out about him.... The Derbyshire Times, when reporting Captain Robinson's death, gives us a neat summary of how he came to be in the army: "Captain Robinson ... had been connected with the Territorials since he was 19. On receiving his Commission he took up the work with great sympathy, and passed at Hythe and Chelsea .... Immediately, Lieut. Robinson, as he was then, returned home and joined his unit, being placed in command of the machine gun section. He proceeded to France with his battalion, and when the machine guns were drawn from the various units and formed into a separate body at the end of last year, he was given command of the gun brigade, which included eight officers and 170 men. His promotion to a captaincy was dated October 15th, 1915.' The Battle of the Somme, which started in late June 1916, was one of the bloodiest and most costly episodes in British military history. With the benefit of hindsight, it is easy for us to see where mistakes were made and hopes raised too high, but at the time, things were not as clear as all that. Initially, heavy firing against German wires, emplacements, trenches etc suggested that real progress was being made in breaking through their defences in preparation for the "real" attack. However, poor weather, unreliable information and delayed action allowed enemy placements to be strengthened and when the battle proper began on 1st July; the situation was far from well prepared. Little wonder, then, that at the end of that day: "this opening attack was in terms of casualties the worst day in British military history matched only perhaps by the fall of Singapore in 1942. The British Official History records the totals, having compiled the numbers from Part II Battalion Orders of each unit involved: 19,240 men died on the day, and the total loss including wounded, prisoners and missing was 57,470,"' (www.1914- 1918.net) What was our hero "Bubbles" doing at this time? Well, it was mid-morning when he went "over the top". Apparently he came within 3 or 4 yards of the German line, but was wounded in the stomach and hung up on the enemy wire. A Medical Officer, Captain John Green, although wounded himself, managed to get Captain Robinson down and dressed his wounds in a shell hole, before trying to move him, under heavy fire, back to their own lines. In doing so. Captain Green was killed (and posthumously awarded the VC for his actions). Further help was offered by Sgt J F Smith, who came from Derby Road, Ripley. He too was recommended for conspicuous bravery in trying to get Captain Robinson back to safety. Although being bombed by the enemy, Sgt Smith managed to carry out his officer, but unfortunately Captain Robinson sustained further injuries and died of his wounds two days later. With such enormous numbers of young men dying in the war, doubtless many families received the same bitter news as "Bubbles'" parents: 'Widespread sympathy is felt with Major and Mrs. W.B. Robinson, Elm Lodge, Brampton, Chesterfield, in the death of their only son, Capt. Frank B. Robinson, who is reported to have died of wounds on Monday last. The sad news reached Elm Lodge on Tuesday, when a telegram was received from the Territorial Records' Office. Lichfield, as follows - "Regret to inform you that Captain Robinson, Sherwood Foresters, died of wounds on 3rd July. The Prime Minister expresses his sympathy." (Derbyshire Times, 8th July 1916). We don't know what Frank Bradbury Robinson might have achieved in his life if the Great War had not intervened. We don't even know how or why he got his nickname of "Bubbles" We only know that he went out to do his duty when it mattered and that he was clearly respected by his men as a good leader. Did he actually die "bravely cheering and leading on his men"? I'd like to think so, no matter how foolhardy that may seem to us now. Perhaps he is best summed up by Sgt Smith, who tried to save him: "He was a gentleman". Angie McGovern Doug Inger (August 1992 edition of the magazine) Christian - husband, father, grandfather, librarian, editor, crowngreen bowler, gardener, friend. When I think of Doug Inger, all these and many other qualities spring to mind. Doug will be sadly missed in many areas of Brampton life. His sunny personality and sensitive nature endeared him to all he met. Under his editorial expertise this magazine flourished to the point where last year it won Magazine of the Year' for the diocese of Derby. Typically, he attributed its success to the contributors, not to his own tireless efforts. Grateful as we are for his work, it is for his love of people that he will be remembered most. All of us who knew Doug, in his regrettably short life, have been enriched by his friendship. The world is poorer for his passing, but for those of us fortunate enough to have known him, our lives are richer for the knowing. John Lenthall Ken Waddington (August 1992 edition of the magazine) Fifteen years ago the congregation at St. John's was so small that the then incumbent seriously considered closing the church. He reckoned without Ken Waddington. Ken, along with a few members of the congregation worked hard to establish a regular 9.00am. Holy Communion service and his commitment to St. John's continued over the years. As Church Warden Ken carried out his duties with a quiet dignity that endeared him to everyone. Whatever has been done at St. John's, Ken has been involved. He steered the first building project of the Porch Extension through to completion and was a valued member of the Church Centre Building Committee. Ken mowed the grass, his ladders were always available and no failed light bulb went unnoticed. A few days before he died he chose the hymns for the Sunday Service, such was Ken's courage and faith. We miss him. We read in St. John's Gospel those comforting words Jesus spoke to his Disciples "In my Fathers house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you." I am sure in Ken's room everything will be in good order and the lamps will be shining brightly. We thank God for Ken's life and for the privilege of knowing him. Mavis Clough Joyce Crowther Remembered (June 1998 edition of the Church Magazine) Joyce died at the end of January this year. [1998] We at St. Thomas knew Joyce Crowther for that all too short a time - her retirement. She had been a teacher and her love of knowledge and her joy in the sharing of it qualified her well for her career. Throughout her adult life this meditative Christian brought these same qualities to her approach to faith, not for her the easy path of quiet acceptance rather one of searching into the heart of faith and deep into her own heart for its response. Joyce had three centres to her life; family, faith and friends. Her loyalty- to all three was the joy of her life and an inspiration to all who came into contact with her. Her faith did not lead her to easy paths but to helping to found the bereavement visiting group seeking to meet the needs of those in their darkest hours. Her contribution as a long standing member of the P.C.C. and its worship group was valued by all who served with her. I miss her leadership of the Monday breakfast meditation. The carefully chosen readings beautifully read often bringing new and deeper understanding just by being read so well. Her homemade wholemeal toasted bread and homemade marmalade was a treat!. It was near the end of her life that I saw most clearly the part faith played in Joyce's life. Visiting her in hospital she told me how, after a brush with death a little earlier when she had a pulmonary embolism, she had felt disappointed that after so much devoted effort to preserve her life she was gravely impaired and dependent. But then in a sleepless hospital night she had realised the true purpose of the extra time she had been given. She felt an enormous wave of love sweeping over her from family and friends. She knew the source and was determined to devote her remaining time to obeying the first rule of love - the receiving of it. She spoke of her fear of impending death and of the coward she felt; but who can be a coward who when acknowledging their fear, turn their face steadfastly toward it. I saw Joyce only once more in her home surrounded by that love of which we had spoken, feeling privileged to be sharing in it. Joyce spent her last week in Ashgate Hospice where her family and friends who saw her there tell me how loved and cared for she felt. I add my grateful thanks to that organisation and its staff for the care and love shown to Joyce and all committed to their care. Those of us who knew Joyce are the richer for the knowing; the poorer for her passing. Rest in peace sister in Christ. John Lenthall Remembering Mavis Martin (February 2000 edition of the Church Magazine) Mavis died on 6 December 1999, a huge blow to St Peter's. Her funeral, the first in the newly extended St Peter's, was packed, standing room only, with her numerous friends and admirers. Judith Henderson has sent us this appreciation. Mavis has been at the heart of St Peter's, Holymoorside in recent years. She had a very special ministry of welcoming and noticing and was the one who knew when someone was missing. She always spoke to newcomers and made sure they felt welcome. Her ministry of prayer was also a great gift, immediately responsive to any request and vigilant in following up with regular contacts. Reading and leading prayers in the evening service particularly was a lovely enhancement to our worship. All the new babies were always taken to Mavis for a special blessing and she had many lively friendships with the very young and their parents. She had her own special letter-writing ministry with Amnesty International. A real concern for international justice was an important part of her life. Mavis was very gifted making individual cards for every Church activity and using her beautiful italic script. Cake stalls were also her forte and, quietly assisting Harry, she adorned the Church for festivals - having her little flower box at the ready. She supported every aspect of Churches Together, especially Communion and Coffee, which she helped to initiate. It was her idea that the under 5s should be called Little Lambs! The Tuesday group gave her an opportunity to study the Bible and to discuss theology - often controversially - but she was always able to return the conversation to basic Christian principles. The building of the new extension to St Peter's was at the centre of her thoughts in recent times. She really longed to see the plans come to fruition. On the DCC, she was a tower of strength, believing that, if it was the will of God, then it would be fulfilled. She had more than 50 years married life and she and Harry together have made a home and niche in the community which has been a haven for many. Always, willing to encourage and appreciate, she was a good friend and, despite all her recent trials, faith and trust in God remained strong. In a letter just before she died she said that she knew that the decision of those who were caring for her at the hospital would always be in her best interests. It was the best interests of the Church family which motivated her life. I'm so glad that she lived long enough to see the rededication of St Peter's and in a sense that she now has the rest and peace she richly deserves Judith Henderson Remembering Jill Robinson (February 2001 edition of the Church Magazine) After several strokes and being ill for a long time, Jill Robinson died on Boxing Day [2000]. So many people were so fond of Jill and we have all found it hard to bear. A Service of Thanksgiving was held at St Thomas'. This was described by many as the most enjoyable funeral they had ever attended. Tears were, of course, never far from the surface but there was plenty of laughter too - as there always was with Jill! We thanked God for her humour, generosity and love. We acknowledged with gratitude her radiant, much tested faith - and her agonised questioning. Her husband Richard bravely, amusingly and movingly talked about Jill and urged listeners to turn to Jesus before it was too late. Ray Hearn, in his tribute, described Jill as a "magnetic impressionist": magnetic because she drew people the church was packed for her funeral - and impressionist because she always made an impression! Thank you, Father, for Jill and for the truth that "our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us". Christopher Frith Remembering Horrace Totterdale (April 2001 edition of the Church Magazine) After many years of heart trouble, Horace Totterdell died in January [2001]. Here are extracts from tributes by two of our Readers. Horace and Joyce were always seen together at St Thomas' gatherings (except World Mission Committee and Men's Breakfast!) She was his beloved wife and constant companion. When they came to us seven years ago, most of Horace's service in Christ was completed. I treasure personal impressions of his last few years: love for his Lord, practical love, honest and straight speaking, cheerfulness, courage, commitment, fine craftsmanship, involvement in the Chesterfield Tsumeb Association (Horace loved Africa). He was a great reader and writer to the end, a much-loved husband and father, grandfather and friend. I thank my God for every memory of him. Ray Hearn My friendship with Horace sprang from our membership of St Thomas' World Mission Committee. He encouraged us to consider carefully our policies, seeking to benefit from the accumulated knowledge and experience of those who had gone before. He once said something like this to me: that all the great Missionary Leaders to whom he had looked up in his earlier years had gone off and died. Now the work was left to us inadequate sinners to carry it on. In fact, the World Mission Committee and other did benefit greatly from his own knowledge and experience. Horace had been General Secretary of the Africa Evangelical Fellowship for many years and he knew the importance of teamwork. He was a great believer in the biblical idea that the "sending" church should maintain its links with and its prayerful support for mission workers who have been sent out from its midst. John Goodacre Remembering Roger Key and Betty Fox -Father and daughter from St Peter's (October 2002 edition of the Church Magazine) Roger Key 1940 - 2002 Heather Fox 1966 - 2002 Roger was a much-loved and respected member of St-Peter's church, and indeed, throughout the whole village of Holymoorside. He lived in the village with his wife Betty for 39 years, and it was here they raised their daughters, Heather and Sarah. He was well known in the area through his job of 25 years as a milkman, and then helping his brother-in-law, the builder Howard (Tom) Stockton. Roger helped in the construction of the new church centre at St. John's and latterly played a great part in the extension at St. Peter's. Both Roger and Betty were confirmed under Christopher Frith and became active members of St.Peter's, with Roger taking over as church warden. This job, as many people are aware, is demanding in so many ways, in order to ensure the efficient running of the church. Roger was initially reluctant to take on this role but was soon able to put his many skills and affable personality to great use. His often heard phrase "Oh! We can tackle that "or "I know someone who can", was his response when help was needed. Once settled into his role, his worth was obvious to one and all. Devoted and proud of his church, he was always approachable, direct and positive. Roger was strong, physically, spiritually and emotionally, as exemplified in his attitude when faced with his illness, cancer of the esophagus. Roger played a vital role together with our other church warden, Ian Wright, in our new church building, organizing and helping teams to decorate and clean. He certainly left his mark on the building, quite literally, when a pot of black paint, left unnoticed on top of some scaffolding, fell on top of him and covered him from head to foot. To this day the blackened floorboards remain as a mark of this event, fortunately beneath the carpet! Ours has been a double tragedy at St.Peter's and in the village of Holymoorside, as Roger's daughter Heather, died only a week after him. Heather was a `chip off the old block', with her father's generosity of spirit and strength of character in facing and fighting her own cancer. Their illnesses seemed intertwined, with Heather being diagnosed as Roger left hospital. They supported and encouraged each other along the way and Heather's words at the death of her father, "I have lost my rock" seem now all the more poignant. Heather too was an active member of St.Peter's, helping in Sunday club and also the church D.C.C. She leaves two daughters, Alex and Ellie, with the precious memory of a mother who was courageous and loving in the face of great adversity, and her husband John who was also devoted to her. Roger and Heather will both be dearly missed, and it seems appropriate that they are buried side by side, in what Alex and Ellie call the `church garden', clearly visible through the altar window of the church they both loved and which loved them. Polly Ryan. A Tribute to Brenda Dawson -by Sarah Dawson (October 2003 edition of the Church Magazine) Trying to write a fitting tribute to my mum has proved to be quite a difficult thing to achieve in just a few short paragraphs. However, I will try to at least describe just some of the amazing characteristics that my mum, a truly extra-ordinary lady, had. Mum always had a great love for life. This shone through in her love for spending time with her friends and family, her unfailing enthusiasm in almost everything she did be it work or play, in her passion in travelling to exotic places in the world, her love of shopping (!) and great love of parties. Determination was another attribute that mum showed in everything she did, particularly during the last year of her life. This determination and great strength of character rewarded her with several happy months of respite from her illness when she was able to fulfil dreams, have great weekends away with Dad, still care so much for her family and of course shop some more too! I will always feel immense admiration for a mum who had so much life, ambition, courage and happiness throughout such a cruel and tiring illness. Dignity was definitely a characteristic that mum carried through with her right to the end. Not only showed within her selflessness and positive attitude but also in her amazing ability to always look so good! She will always remain my excuse to have matching shoes and handbags! I could only dream to be half the woman that my mum was. An amazing teacher, a fantastic friend, a loving wife, a fun sister, a caring daughter, an unbelievable mum and much, much more. I will always miss my mum more than anything I can imagine but am eternally comforted by the fact that mum is at long last experiencing the rest and peace that she so truly deserves. Mrs Gladys Hawley (June 2004 edition of the Church Magazine) We were saddened to learn of the death on 28 April 2004 of Mrs Gladys Hawley, aged 112 years and 4 months. Until her death Gladys was the oldest person in the country and up to her 100th birthday, Gladys regularly attended the 8.00 am service at St Thomas. The committal service was held at Boythorpe Cemetery on Tuesday 11 May. Alison Prentice (February 2007 edition of the Church Magazine) Alison was a longstanding member of St Thomas. She died in December leaving husband John and two children, Andrew and Vicky.
In her work Alison was a true professional and it was obvious that she carried her Christian faith through into the work she did. (Alison was the Chief Crown Prosecutor for Lincolnshire before she retired.) After the morning service she would often discuss issues thrown up by the cases she was working on at the time and whilst much of her work was serious, Alison often managed to describe some of the lighter moments over a cup of coffee. Others recognised her contribution too and in 2004 she enjoyed a high point in her life being awarded a CBE in the Queens birthday honours list. Despite the pressures that work undoubtedly imposed on her, often when one called round at her house in the evening she could be seen working on her paperwork through the dining room window, she found time to devote to herself other interests. A keen gardener she could rightly be proud of the magnificent array of colour that her garden proffered in the summer. Alison was a fabulous support to John in his folk singing, deriving great joy from attending the folk festivals around the country and meeting up with friends at these musical extravaganzas. In recent times photography also started to become a real hobby for her. Along with many others we will miss Alison greatly. We will miss her great company, her forthright views, her resoluteness which she brought to anything she tackled. The church will miss her energy and her practical approach and valuable gifts on the PCC. Her fortitude through the final stages of her illness will not be forgotten and her lifelong faith gave strength to her and inspiration to us all. Andrew Travis A Service of Thanksgiving for Alison was held on 6 December 2006. Listen to the service here  View the Order of Service  Listen to John's thanks here
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