It was obviously a good thing the Rector had some time away earlier in the year as the summer months have been very busy. If all the clergy were away all at the same time
for an extended period, I wonder what would happen? Perhaps it would be a ‘good thing.’ Diocesan Readers and everyone in the pews would have to rally in a new way and maybe things would be different but such a change would create a new way of being Church! Interesting to think and muse upon!
On Friday 28th July there was a sad but beautiful funeral at Christ Church, Kilmeen for ten-year-old Poppy Star Habeshaw of Cloncorban. She had suffered for much of her life from leukaemia – had made two earlier recoveries but this time the fight was too much. Her many school friends and teachers from Knockskeagh School helped with the funeral service through song and readings, together with many other people and her relatives from England. Our thoughts are with the family.
Parish BBQ – we were blessed third year running with perfect weather for our barbeque in the Rectory Garden. All ages turned up and all were fed! Nick Hubbard the rector’s brother turned his hand to being chief chef and David Bourne organised a quiz. Thanks to all who brought savouries, desserts, and drinks. A lovely warm night and lulled by the candlelight and good food, conversations went on well into the night.
Recovering – We had two bad accidents to two members of the regular congregation - both parties are now recovering well. John Andersen slipped from a ladder and was extremely bruised and shaken up (partly by the ambulance ride he claims!) Luckily no bones were broken – but no more ladders, John! The other accident was to Aaron Draper aged six. A chance slip of one of the largest round hay bales onto Aaron as he played near where the bales were being stacked. He and his brother Matthew had been watching television only minutes before, so no one knew they were so close to where the stacking was taking place. Luckily for Aaron he was on grass and fairly soft ground; but he naturally received a tremendous crushing as the bale went over him, resulting in a badly broken thighbone, which had to be in traction for most of his hospital stay. He was soon out of hospital but in a body caste for the rest of the summer, unable to walk, bend or stand whilst in the caste. This accident was an awful shock to the family and friends, not least Matthew who witnessed it. Aaron has been stoical and has coped well. Soon he’ll be walking around again and getting back to his favourite – football!
Harvest - as I wrote in the last Magazine, Harvest will be on 1st October at St Mary’s Desertserges at 10.30am. We look forward to this being an ecumenical service with Ballineen Methodist Church and the preacher will be the Rev. Derek Poole, a Methodist Minister who has come to live in active retirement in West Cork. Derek is an imaginative speaker and has kindly accepted my invitation
Kinneigh 150 – on 27th August the present building of the Church at Kinneigh will celebrate its 150th Anniversary of consecration. The day itself will be low key with a simple service of Evening Prayer. In the autumn however we are planning an evening of music by candle light at St Bartholomew’s on Sunday 8th October at 8.30pm with the Clerks Choral from Youghal. There will be a flavour of the history of Kinneigh – the rector has already produced a paper on the history of Kinneigh, which she gave at the recent field trip of the Heritage Group to Kinneigh – and there will be refreshments. We hope this will become an ecumenical evening as we have agreed that any money raised be shared between St Bartholomew’s and the Enniskeane Church restoration scheme.
Wedding Bells! We have four weddings due to take place in the Union. The first two weddings are Gordon Anderson and Jeni Hamilton at St Bartholomew, Kinneigh on 5th September; Glenn Payne and Natasha Marchant at St Mary’s Desertserges on 27th October. We wish these and everyone preparing for marriage all best wishes.
Open Garden and Coffee Day Congratulations to Frank and Valerie Jennings on raising €4,410 for the Cancer Care Unit at Cork University Hospital. Inspite of a wet day people from near and far came to support them for this very worthy cause that is touching the lives of so many people today. Frank and Valerie thank everyone so sincerely for their continual support in raising this magnificent sum and for making their fund raising event so successful.
Burial
28th July In Christ Church, Kilmeen Poppy Star Habeshaw (aged 10)