September 2003
Our new parish website – is still being added to and improved but is now up and running. If you don’t have access to the Internet, but would like to see what the parish website looks like please ask the Rector who will arrange to show you. In time, history notes of all the churches will be there as well as pictures and information of the living church today.
Tidy Towns - congratulations to Newcestown who came first in their category (West Cork) for being litter free; Ballineen and Enniskeane also first in their category (West Cork) for being litter free and second in the whole county of Cork. All the flowers and hanging baskets this summer have been a joy. It is important we all take pride and care in our surroundings and wider environment.
The Rectory Garden – had a “makeover” during July by members of the Vestry. Tractors, diggers, dumper trucks, spades, shovels and a band of willing volunteers came in for a day and a half, to give the garden a bit of a face lift. We should really all have been on television – we were all just as good and able and entertaining as those makeover programmes that are broadcast. There are now two lovely areas made with paving slabs in a circular design for sitting out on. The old concrete paths around the rectory itself were repaired and in two places laid down for the first time, where before grass had grown right up to the building. Thanks to Richard Buttimer for organising it all and to Henry Patterson, Francis Buttimer, Cyril Draper, Leslie Draper and Colin Draper who joined us later. It was all good fun and a break in normal work.
Ecumenical – The Revd. Geraldine Gracie is now based at Kinsale – we wish her all the best. The Rev John Purdy (Dunmanway) will now be the Methodist Minister for Ballineen.
Baptism - we welcomed Nathan James Kingston (born 22nd June), son of Keith and Helen Kingston at his baptism in Kilmeen Church on 10th August.
At this service, we used for the first time, a beautiful cut glass bowl which stands on a wooden base made to fit the inside of the font at Kilmeen. The bowl was giving in memory of Anne McKeag (née Buttimer) sister of Richard, Francis and Tom, who died last year.
Congratulations to Ralph and Carolyn Shorten on the birth of Kelvin on 5th July; also to Clive and Rhoda Jennings on the birth of Scott.
By the time you read this Rosemary Buttimer and Roy Logie will have married at Kilmeen Church on Saturday 23rd August. Our congratulations and best wishes go to you both for your future happiness. Glasgow is not so far away by air!
Our admiration goes to Ernest Buttimer who is now able to get to church and is walking on two new legs. His determination is remarkable and an example to us all.
Doreen Llewellyn. David and Doreen had recently come to live in the Union to be with their daughter whilst Doreen was so ill with liver cancer. Doreen was remarkable in that she was so much her usual self right up to the end – always interested in and concerned for others. And when the end came it all happened so quickly. I only knew Doreen for a few weeks but I somehow felt with her and David, that we’d always known each other. Sharing the Eucharist together the Thursday before she died was a particularly moving experience. Hers was a profound faith, which had led her to Africa and an overwhelming desire to serve the poor of the world.
It was her husband’s wish to preach and take as much of Doreen’s funeral service as possible. We were determined the service at Desertserges would be a real and happy celebration of a life well lived. David Llewellyn was magnificent – in his sermon, without notes and without repeating himself ever, he at the age of 86, had us all laughing and reflecting and following every word he said; ending with a sharing of the peace. Ten days later David was off to England and then winging his way to Canada to see other members of his family. We await his return in November when David will once more live in this union of parishes. (The Reverend David Llewellyn was rector here, retiring some twenty years ago.)
Our sincere sympathies to Ina Shorten and all the family on the sudden death of her brother Richard Kingston.
Forward looking – we hope that six young people will be confirmed in October; more about that next month.
Brigades – Girls Brigades will start back as usual; however, Boys Brigades is now closed for the present time.
The season of Harvest Festivals is upon us and this year we have an all woman team for a change.
· The Rector on 31st August, 10.30am at Kilmeen ably assisted by every one else;
· The Rev. Jean Blanchard, (Rector of a group of parishes in Lincolnshire, England) 10.30am 21st September at Desertserges;
· The Rev Stella Mikhail, (curate at Bandon) 3.30pm at Farranthomas 28th September;
· Mrs Irené Bagnall (Methodist lay preacher) 10.30am 5th October at Kinneigh.
Judith F. Hubbard-Jones
HOLY BAPTISM
10th August In Christ Church, Kilmeen – Nathan James, son of Keith and Helen Kingston
CHRISTIAN BURIAL
19th July In St. John’s Graveyard, Kilowen – Doreen Llewellyn