Hello everyone,
All the exams are now over and hopefully everyone will soon be able to relax for their summer holidays. After the Euro 2016 I expect a lot of you will be watching Wimbledon and maybe enjoying some strawberries and cream!
This month I thought it would be a lovely idea to interview my Grandma about her involvement in St Eustachius’ Church. My Grandma (Joan Stewart) was born in Tavistock and was brought into St Eustachius’ when she was six weeks old. She was baptised on the 8th November 1942 by Prebendary Bickersteth, who was the Vicar at the time. The first Curate she can remember was the Reverend John Delve and has known a great number since! She attended Sunday School each Sunday which was held in what is now St Rumon’s School, and still has her stamp books for attendance depicting the story for the Sunday. She was confirmed in St Eustachius’ on the 26th May 1957 by Bishop Robert Mortimore. Soon after this she became a Sunday School teacher and had to attend preparation classes every Friday night at 6:30pm! At this time there were about five girls and in Grandma’s words they all took a keen interest in the boys in the choir! Grandma met my Grandad (Malcolm) at a Sunday School party as the young men in the choir used to help out with the games for the children. Grandma said that following a bit of arm twisting they started up and ran the Church youth club which was known as the Path Finders; this was held every Wednesday night in the Church hall and they continued to do this for many years. Grandma and Grandad married in 1969 in St Eustachius’ and had three children.
- What is your favourite hymn?
This is a tricky question as I have so many but if I really had to choose it would be ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’ because it is very upbeat and cheerful.
- Do you enjoying listening to the Vestry Group at the end of the service?
Yes, I do thoroughly enjoy this as the children are the Church of the future and should be given every encouragement. I especially enjoy the plays which helps with their confidence.
- Do you have any ideas for what they Vestry Group could do in the future?
I would like to see them perhaps having more social activities as this is always a fun thing to do.
- What is your favourite time in the Church’s year?
This would have to be Christmas especially Midnight Mass because it reminds us that Christmas is not all about presents and food. But I also enjoy the Crib Service and seeing the children looking in awe at the real live baby and the animals!
Last month was my 18th Birthday and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who sent cards or Facebook messages. I had a lovely sunny day in St Ives and an enjoyable meal in the evening with my family.
With love, Martha x