Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church

Garden Party 2

2011-08-21T09:45:00.002+01:00

Rest Time!

Yesterday was another glorious day, and big thanks to all who came out and helped. An incredible amount was achieved - I'm still smiling about some people's realisation of just how big the grounds actually are. We were able to get straight into cutting grass and hedges and clearing the stuff from last weeks efforts straight into the Skip. (I'll worry about getting it out of the car park on Monday!) At an appropriate moment, Ann produced yet another batch of yummy sandwiches and she and Elizabeth made the tea and coffee and those who were there all day sat on the "ruins" of the wall and enjoyed a picnic lunch in the shade.

I can't help feeling that the lure of new 'Power tools' helped to keep some of the guys interested for longer.

Boys and their Toys!

Certainly those arriving for Sunday Service will surely notice a difference.
I wonder if we'll have lunch in the Garden today?

Look what turned up!

2011-08-20T02:03:00.000+01:00

At last!
We managed, finally, to get a 40 ton crane into the car park! Hot-Work permits for the roof gutters and all at the same time as the visit from the Insurance Company's Risk Assessor!

Umm? Gulp!

Mission accomplished!

And!!!!!!

A Skip is sitting in the Car Park, waiting for the Garden Work Party.
Oh Happy Day!

August Garden Parties

2011-08-14T09:06:00.000+01:00

At KH there has been a tradition of having a Garden Party (or parties!) to allow members and friends to come together at the appropriate time to carry out essential works in the garden grounds. Yesterday was one of those days, and the rain did stop and the sun did come out! Firstly, many thanks to those who turned out and contributed their time and energy, and special thanks to Ann Shill for the yummy sandwiches.

Our youngest labourer took great delight in sowing the seeds of the Wildflower Meadow, showing great interest in the different sizes and colours of seed, while Mum raked and prepared the ground! Office-bound workers enjoyed their blisters (I hope) proof of their hard work - and a chance for my new First Aid Kit to be used. And what was very pleasant was being able to actually do a little proper gardening apart from just the hard work of cutting grass and hedges! New gardeners were surprised at just how extensive the grounds actually are.

Alas; because of Parked cars, we have as yet been unable to have the Skip delivered, but there is still hope, just as there is still hope for those who stole our metal gate on Friday Night! I'm sure their need was greater than ours.

While the work continues on the roof, we will still have Scaffolding up for a few weeks yet, and the last few days have been spent repointing the Stone Buttress over the Vestry Door. I may end up having to learn how to use Lime Mortar myself for the amount of work that's going to be required for the Boundary Wall.

The garden work continues and we intend to have another 'Party' next week for those unable to partake yesterday.

Last days of July

2011-08-01T13:22:00.000+01:00

These special flowers for the last days of July, were given to some special people after Sunday Service.

Catch Up!

2011-07-23T15:03:00.003+01:00

And Again!

2011-04-07T01:00:00.009+01:00

On this day in 1945, Sub Lieutenant Ian MacFarlane lost his life aged 21, serving on a Motor Torpedo Boat (HMMTB 494) in the North Sea. His name is inscribed on the Naval Memorial in Portsmouth along with many others.

It is also inscribed on the Hillhead Church War Memorial which forms the Chancel today.
Having worked so hard to keep the roof over our heads, our attention was often drawn to the various names inscribed on the walls. Names which perhaps don't mean the same personally to those of us left , but nevertheless, names which help to tell the story of our own Community.
War is different now, men and nowadays women too, don't march off to other countries in quite the same numbers as they did in the past. But the effect on those left behind is surely still the same?
Perhaps too, the advances of modern science and medicine mean that more of those who come back need our help and support even more.
With the contraction of the Armed Forces in our present economic climate, it is even possible that those men and women who leave the Forces with redundancy packages may also need, at the very least our moral support.
Many are the Charities that have been set up to cater to these needs. Some we already know very well; Erskine and Poppy Scotland have been supported by KH for many years, there are others, new to us perhaps; Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, and SSAFA Forces Help, to name but a few.
There is one thing they all have in common;

They care!

And So Do We!

Let us not forget.

On this Day -----

2011-04-04T16:44:00.001+01:00

photo courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

MONTECCHIO PRECALCINO COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION

Montecchio Precalcino is a town in the Province of Vicenza, 4 kilometres north of Dueville and 16.8 kilometres north of the town of Vicenza.

This beautiful place honours:
Second Lieutenant HENRY BIORN HOMAN
of the 66th Sqdn., Royal Flying Corps, who died aged 19 years on the 4th April 1918

Remember!

EarthHour 2011

2011-03-27T00:26:00.000Z

Tonight Cathures gave a wonderful concert of Choral Music by Nordic Composers , Grieg and Sibelius amongst them.
This Concert, -- 'Northern Lights', was arranged before the realisation that it would happen on the same evening as EarthHour. Kelvinside Hillhead has taken part from the beginning and switched off the Floodlights for that particular Hour. So extra efforts were made to enable both events to take place safely.
Rehearsals showed just how dark it could get, and the realisation that we would need to have some light for the Choir, after all the words for the latter part of the programme were in Finnish!

Rehearsal; How Dark?

We set to with gusto for the Choir were all keen to participate in this unique occasion.
So with Torches, Candles and battery powered Site Lights, we were all ready for the Big Switch Off; Oh! and we'd better tell the Audience too. As it happened we had a really good turnout and the Audience were duly warned that they would be enjoying the close of the Concert in darkness.
Stewards with Torches at the ready, the Concert began as normal and we all settled to the beautiful ringing tones of Pedersen's Kyrie and Sanctus.
All was Light and Calm.
Sibelius and Grieg soothed us towards the Short Break, following which the Choir sat amongst us in the Audience and and broke into a traditional Norwegian Wedding March - - -Tra-la-la! Combining and building in mass and volume as they moved back into their positions in the Chancel.
Very Effective!

Sibelius's nationalistic Cantata arranged for unaccompanied choir followed, finishing with the words 'Shine, shine Finland!'

Then the Lights went out.

All was dark except for the flickering of some Candles.
Then the Choir was illuminated and they continued to sing............

Wonderful! Certainly a night appreciated by all those who participated, whether singing or listening.

Northern Lights

2011-03-22T08:17:00.001Z

The Lights go out on Saturday!

Could be interesting, as Cathures( our resident Choir) are having their early Spring Concert on Saturday in the Sanctuary. Their Concert 'Northern Lights' starts at 19:30 and EarthHour starts at 20:30. Perhaps this could turn out be one of our most moving Concerts. We know how effective our Candlelight Carol Concert can be. A moving and emotional experience for the many people who attend.
Kelvinside Hillhead has always been at the forefront with its support of EarthHour and we have switched of our lights for the designated hour each year. Glasgow CC and some of the definitive buildings around us are also playing their own small part. Generally it's been a very peaceful and quiet time when coffee and cake by candlelight was available for those sitting in the darkened splendour of the Sanctuary.
This year we will have beautiful music.

Photograph of the Aurora Borealis over North Berwick, by Chee Seong Foo, courtesy of news.bbcimg.co.uk

2011-02-26T21:15:00.002Z

Today the sun shone.
It most definitely came out from behind its dark cloud. Once more we have been stunned and amazed by the wonderful Community we call KH. At our Daffodil Gift Day they came, and, despite all the recent economic stresses they gave. Again and again.

Whenever a need is felt; we give.

Wherever? We give.

But for a change, today was for us. So today we sat together and reminisced and chatted, Anna played on the Piano, Mamie supervised and sang along to the songs. We ate good, fairly traded Home baking, drank our Fairtrade teas and coffees and then at the end we counted.

Yet again, we have shown that Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church is a place where wonderful things can happen; a place for nurturing and giving of our talents and our time.

A place, of worship here in our Community.
A place, where all are welcome.

"And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full." Matthew 14:20

The warming sun in the garden has meant that now the Crocus are blooming as well!

Snowdrops - as promised!

2011-02-20T22:33:00.000Z

Here they are, an array of KH Snowdrops!

and some little yellow Primroses from Young Church's Wild Garden.

One Step Forward - Two Back!

2011-02-19T23:36:00.001Z

An On-line Friend made a comment this week about taking steps forward then having to go back again. I commiserated with her, but I didn't think that we would find ourselves in the same position again, no, not quite so soon!

Glasgow City Council have decided that we require full Planning Permission to carry out the finishing work to our High Roof. The application has now gone in together with the plans and drawings which have already been agreed with Historic Scotland.

Now we wait; again; I think it can safely be said that Kelvinside Hillhead, if nothing else, is probably the most patient congregation many will have encountered.

Hopefully our neighbours will not be averse to us installing the Roof Anchors. After all, it's for the protection of the Workmen we ask to look after the Roof's maintenance.

The very same friend posted a photo of some Snowdrops, and immediately I thought, where are ours? Still slumbering in the cold ground?

No; they're out now but you'll have to wait until tomorrow for the picture, in the meantime here is one of a heleborus niger which was hiding behind some shrubbery. Just to prove that after a long winter when all is dark and cold, spring is waiting to surprise us, with its light, and bright white flowers.
It's not to long before we enter Lent and then the Light will be back with us.

Won't it?

Great Winds seem alike

2011-02-04T23:43:00.000Z

I suppose after being on the receiving end of some very strong winds in 2008, and the subsequent damage to KH, it's only natural that I get a bit twitchy when the wind blows --Strongly!

Today the Treasurer (who better?) and myself walked around the building checking for signs of damage.

Luckily there doesn't appear to be much to worry about. A few slipped slates, but that happens every year on 135 year old buildings.

There are a lot of tree branches down all over the West End, and still a lot of rain is falling.
For many things we can be grateful; we're not in Australia.
Our prayers and good wishes go to all friends out there.

We are having a Quinquennial Inspection early next week.

I nearly laughed out loud when it was being organised and

the Surveyor asked me if we had done anything during the last

10 years!

Where do I start?

One thing is sure, the Roof and the Gutters will always need looking after; that's just the way it is!

I also know that when we start looking at what we have accomplished in the intervening years we should take a small pat on the back. We have taken stock and recognised our place within our Community and hopefully our Community have recognised us.

January Down!

2011-01-31T22:23:00.000Z

Now we're into the 3rd year since the Great Storm damaged our Roof! Would you believe it.
Since then we've had so much work done for and by our Members and our Community.
We are onto our 3rd Interim Moderator! and thankfully we are only on our 2nd. Locum Minister.

Still who would have believed that after last winter's 'Big Freeze' that we would have another one - even earlier! It sometimes seems that we can be almost blase about the near balmy days we've had this last week.

In fact I remarked this morning that I'd almost forgotten about the 'wind-chill' factor! A little bit too soon yet to discard the thermals I think? Especially as we've had to remove some plasterwork in the Vestry Entrance, in order to allow the Stonework behind to get some air to aid the drying out process.

The vagaries of the completion of the High Roof Repair means that we have had to ask for Listed Building Consent from Glasgow City Council in order to install the necessary Roof Anchors for Safe Working at Height. Yes; I'm talking about cleaning out the gutters - Again! A necessary task and one which we are obliged to do; often, frequently and more essential than most places.

I sometimes wish that the Stone Gargoyles, the guardians of our roof would arise from their vantage point and complete the task for us.

Perhaps a little fanciful, but I wonder what stories they could tell

Watch Night Approaches!

2010-12-23T19:49:00.000Z

" In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night"

After the frights of the previous weeks , especially with the weather and the Fuel Delivery not being able to get anywhere close to us; everything now seems to be settling into an oft practised schedule.

Young Church's Christingles and Christmas Party; held for all those who share our Building

The Nativity performed by the 'wee ones' during Sunday Morning Worship - Exciting again this year, as once more we had a real live Baby Jesus:

Honestly we don't plan it that way it just happens.

Baby Jesus cradled tenderly

The Candlelight Carol Service with all 60 or so of the East Dunbartonshire Concert Band, was the first for our new Organist Willie Murray; and, with our own Choir and a plethora of parents and friends it was a wonderful occasion.

The Band had suffered so many cancellations because of weather that they were really determined that this show would go on and they did indeed play so well.

This Carol Service is always such a lot of work and preparation, and this year we were down on people capable of helping - but - once more it passed off as a Triumph.
When the first lights went out and I heard the appreciative comments from a little group of visitors it did hearten me that it was all so worthwhile, to be able to share the building with many others...

Following on from the Morning Nativity with the 'wee ones', we are now truly on the path to the Stable

The White Stuff!

2010-12-09T13:48:00.001Z

As I was pouring milk into my coffee this morning, I casually thought about our food supplies. Yes, I know that walking down to Byres Road to get the staples in for the weekend is going to be (for me and many others) a major expedition. But the main point is, that there are going to be some things in the shops to buy. Perhaps not quite the extensive choice we have come to expect, but still there will be food and water. Frozen pipes and broken systems do mean hardships for some, but remember those for whom the hardships are completely beyond our ken.

The Homeless on our own streets, and also those in far off lands;
The Farmers who have to watch thousands of gallons of milk thrown away, and the thousands who starve.

Christmas is a time for selfless love.
Can we rise above the current difficulties and help ourselves and our neighbours.

Our careful Christmas plans may change, but we have to accept and go with what is thrown at us.

Just please don't let it be more snow!

REMEMBER!

2010-11-14T10:28:00.000Z

Rain & other things

2010-11-06T14:00:00.000Z

Just a quick note to say how pleased I am, that Alastair of Surface Contracts, was able to clean out all our Ground Drains. How can it be possible that so much water can fall in one short week. At least the winds have shaken most of the remaining leaves from the trees. So the next task is to get the Gutters cleared (again) before the winter weather comes.
Off to man 'Open Church' now; always a worthwhile task. I wonder what music I'll play today?
Any requests? Let me know and if I don't play it this week, I may be able to fulfil your requests next week

Third Year Running!

2010-10-29T21:38:00.000+01:00

It's Official!

October is a Wet and Windy Month.

This last week in October has once again turned out to be one of strong gales with lots of rain.

Convoluted Drainpipes!

It's amazing how easy it is to check, when you consider that this is the 3rd October that I've been blogging about the Fabric of KH, I can hardly believe it.

For various reasons, today was actually the first day that I ventured out this week, and I was delighted to see an old friend of KH getting ready to 'do his stuff'; clearing out all the drains within the grounds. Many will be glad to see that the Car Park no longer has a small lake in the bottom corner. I commented to Alastair of 'Surface Contracts' that it was a horribly rainy day, to which he replied that they tended to get wet and muddy anyway, so the weather didn't really make much difference.

Still rather them than me.

Anyway it's all timed nicely for another busy Saturday with our Annual Coffee n' Cards where we host a morning where various vendors of Charity Christmas Cards can sell their wares whilst enjoying music, coffee and home-baking. Held at this time every year, it's always proved to be an enjoyable event.

Good News!

2010-10-23T13:29:00.000+01:00

At last some good news in the Financial world.

The official announcement from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport follows:

"The Department has announced that the LPW scheme will continue for a further 4 years from April 2011. There will be an annual fixed maximum budget of £12 million, and the Department will discuss with faith groups and denominations how the scheme can best operate within that budget. The restriction to scope already announced from 4 January will remain in place- professional fees, and repairs to clocks, pews, bells and organs, will remain ineligible from 1 April. Further announcements will be made in due course."

What does this mean?

For us at KH, it means that we can reclaim the VAT paid on every repair we carry out to the main structure of the Building. A very important consideration when you realise that VAT is to increase to 20% in January 2011.

Despite the financial restrictions which are in place, this does show that the Government recognises the importance and value of certain Church Buildings within their own Communities.

KH was just one of those Church organisations who wrote to the Department in defence of the Scheme.

So?

Onwards and Upwards!

Tubes, Pipes and other such things.

2010-10-15T23:38:00.000+01:00

Last Saturday's 'Festive Trumpets' Concert was, by all accounts, a success. The sounds from Mark and Hedley's trumpets filled the space around us ; yet never strident or overbearing, and the performance of Faure's Cantique dueting with the violins was truly beautiful. Once more KH showed its worth as a performance space. Afterwards the hall downstairs fairly buzzed with a happy audience enjoying cake and coffee.

An atmospheric view of the Organ Pipes in the tower

The week following the trumpets seems to have been full of pipes and tubes of differing types. At KH we had to deal with an old leak in a cast-iron heating pipe and also the gas supply pipes under the Hall Floor. The October School Holiday week gave us a few extra time slots when the upheaval and lack of heating wouldn't affect anyone greatly. The various sets of workmen have been able to complete everything before the Weekend which is of course when we ourselves want to use the Church. Thus it's been a week of early starts again for me, except for one where my own bronchial and nasal tube blockage meant that others kindly opened up the Church on my behalf (Thanks again I and H)

So we have heating,

we have the Church
and we have the Organ and its Music.

All is now ready for the people.

October Holiday!

2010-10-09T00:56:00.000+01:00

A holiday for some only.
The building is so busy during the week that, it makes sense to try and get as much maintenance work done during any holiday time. This means that the way is clear for workmen to move around the building with ease.

Although I must say that , at the last count there were, I think 3 different groups all scheduled to be in KH next week. All of them have different tasks to complete, just keep your fingers crossed that all goes smoothly!

And that list doesn't include the chap who's going to be outside, dealing with the Land Drains!

But before all that we have our Festive Trumpets Concert on Saturday Night. One to really enjoy!

Festive Trumpets +

2010-10-02T00:12:00.001+01:00

There has been a late addition to the Programme for the Concert on Saturday 9th.October. Apart from getting all excited by the thought of two fabulous trumpeters visiting KH. Two fabulous violinists are also joining the line-up.
Mark O'Keeffe has arranged a piece by Faure, for Horns and Violins; so Jane and Wilson Hainey from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra will be playing with Mark and Hedley on Saturday night.
Wow! What more can I say?

Another One!

2010-09-21T21:48:00.000+01:00

Another One? Twice in one week? After neglecting to Blog for so long? I ask you? What is the special occasion? Must be something important. YES.

Open Doors 2010 was a success, for all of Glasgow I believe, it was certainly a good turn out here at KH. Despite the fact a 'little' more rain fell on Sunday we still had an incredibly diverse and interesting day.

However to the reason for blogging so soon; I have just confirmed the 'Festive Trumpets' Concert, here in KH on Saturday 9th.October. Make sure it's in your diaries, a concert which is a little different from the mostly choral ones we've held before.

Those of you who attended the Re-dedication Service for the Teacher Memorial Window back in April 2009, will surely remember the haunting notes of the Last Post, played by Mark O'Keeffe, Principal Trumpet with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

I said then that I hoped that we would hear him play again in the Church. Hurrah! and he's bringing some friends, Hedley Benson, Co-Principal Trumpet and also Walter Blair who will play the Willis Organ. Definitely one to look forward to.

Hello! It's me!

2010-09-18T23:05:00.000+01:00

Peek-a-boo!

Oops! I've been remiss, and haven't blogged for a while now---but I'm back and wow!

'Doors Open Day' and the initial forecast for the Saturday was Heavy Rain! Then it changed last night and a light rain shower was spoken off. This duly dropped on us this morning and then BLUE SKIES !

Standing in the doorway I looked up at a crystal clear sky and there, looking down on us was one of KH's resident Gargoyles. Almost as if he was laughing at us. We were certainly smiling at him.

A day with some old and also hopefully new friends. A church dressed to celebrate Harvest.
The Old Father Willis Organ behaving impeccably as the first of our organists entertained us with a selection of music.
There were Talks including:
'Restoration of the Fleche'
'Glass Walls'
'Flights of Fancy' and
'How to read THIS Church'
(You could choose to have Coffee and Home-baking before or after) Many chose to stay with us for quite some time enjoying the atmosphere within the Sanctuary---there was space for all.
For us, it also proved well worthwhile, managing to publish our Guide to the Church in Polish. (Many Thanks Bob!)

So after a busy day with nigh on 240 visitors; we plan to do it again tomorrow.