Dear Friends

Spring is on the horizon. Buds are beginning to appear on the bare branches; the sun is rising earlier each morning, and lingering later each afternoon; temperatures are beginning to creep up, and we may have seen the last of the snow. We shall soon observe the annual miracle of the rebirth of nature after the seeming death of winter. In the northern hemisphere spring is also the season of Easter, with its different message of rebirth and of hope. May we enjoy the seasonal change, and may we remain open to the wonder and the mystery of the world in which we live.

Another approaching change, of course, is my retirement from Upper Chapel’s ministry on 30 April, at the end of exactly nineteen years, and David Shaw’s move from Old Chapel, Great Hucklow, to succeed me. I am delighted by David’s appointment, and hope that his ministry here will be mutually satisfying and happy. Ann is due to arrive from Sydney at the end of March, to have the summer here with me. We shall have some holiday time, and expect to leave in late September to return to Sydney. During the summer months I also expect to be busy helping at other churches and chapels in the Sheffield District and beyond, but the protocol is that after April I shall keep away from Upper Chapel and avoid interfering with David’s ministry.

Geoffrey R Usher

NOTES ON SERVICES

Geoff Usher will be on holiday on 4 March. Our morning service that day will be a special one for Mothering Sunday, taken by the mother and daughter team of Joan and Beth Norton. The evening service will be conducted by Rev Patrick Timperley, Minister of Old Meeting House, Mansfield.

Geoff will be in India the following Sunday, for the Council Meeting of the International Association for Religious Freedom. Both our services that day will be conducted by Stephanie Cage.

PERSONAL NOTES We look forward to welcoming Ann Usher at the end of March, for her annual summer visit with us. Our good wishes go to;

• Our Chapel Keeper John Norton, now back at work after a short spell in hospital and a fortnight on sick leave;

• Eric Timmons (Joan Norton’s father), home after a slight stroke and a couple of nights in hospital;

• Members and friends who have been ill recently, including Min Leighton, Christine Baker, Rita Fletcher.

We offer our condolences to the families of the following people:

Eric Wyatt, who died on 2 January aged 76.
Geoff Usher conducted his funeral at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium on 5 February;

Julia Mary Mathews, who died on 10 February aged 79.
Geoff Usher conducted her funeral at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium on 19 February.

Don’t forget the coffee morning on Saturday 20 March starting at 10.30am This is part of a regular series of mornings raising money for Chapel funds.

NEW MEMBER Janet Fell has been admitted to membership, and we offer her a warm welcome into the fellowship of the congregation.

SPITI and INDIA FUND

Many thanks for the support that I have received with contributions to the two projects. As the year of 2009 ends I have been able to send to the G. A. India Fund a cheque for £155 and to Graham Woodhouse for Spiti a cheque for £430. A special thank you to Margaret Slater Phil Croft & Patrick Smith what a special Music Together evening organised for Spiti, raised £73.65p also a big thank you to Joan Norton who prepared a feast of a supper afterwards. I have placed a Christmas Greetings card & Newsletter of thanks from Spiti on the notice board in the Hollis Room. Please remember to pick up the little jars in the Hollis Room for your small change, your contribution no matter how small really does make a big difference and is much appreciated.

Patricia Ernmingham
India & Spiti fund Coordinator

MUSIC TOGETHER

The dates for music together for March are:
Wednesday, March 3rd, ‘Hans Christian Andersen’ DVD
Wednesday, March 17th, ‘Anniversaries 2010’ (celebrating anniversaries of composers, singers and instrumentalists of different styles of music).
Wednesday, March 31st, ‘Swan Lake’ Video
Everyone welcome.
Still £1 for refreshments.

PLEASE NOTE

The Music Together dates listed in the February Record, i.e. 30th June will be cancelled as Music in the Round are using the chapel on that date. As yet an alternative date has not been fixed.

Dear Friends

I am beginning to look ahead to retirement from my ministry here, and then to returning to Australia to live. This impending change has spurred me into action. I cannot simply take all my books and papers back to Sydney. I shall have no need for many of them; I shall not have enough room for all of them; and the shipping costs would be high.

It has been strangely satisfying to fill my blue paper recycling bin three times, and to take several carrier bags of books (mainly novels) to charity shops. Some of the papers had been in my filing cabinets for over thirty years without being used. Books and papers are my “tools of trade”, but I shall have much less need for them in retirement.

Even when we try to live simply, without extravagance and waste, most of us have much more than we shall ever need. Our wardrobes, cupboards and shelves are full of surplus stuff that we have not worn or used for a long time, but which we keep “just in case . . .“ Often it seems easier to squeeze new things into already full storage spaces than to get rid of what we do not use. What is true in material terms is also true in the spiritual, mental and emotional aspects of our lives. In our modern world, we can suffer from ‘information over-load’ when we are bombarded with great quantities of information which other people want to give us but which we in fact neither need nor want. We carry with us emotional baggage from the past: memories of hurtful comments, disappointments, failures, unhappy experiences, frustrations, damaged relationships. Our religious life is befuddled with childhood images, half formed an confused concepts which do not square with our adult knowledge and experience of the world.

How much might we reduce our stress levels if we reduced the clutter in our lives? Can we resolve to dispose of the things which we no longer need - which serve us no useful purpose - and be happy to make more satisfying use of what remains? Can we make more use of recycling facilities; can we give more of our unused or surplus possessions to charity shops, thereby helping them as well as ourselves? Can we apply to our daily lives the old slogan, “Live simply, that others may simply live”? And can we dispose of the unhelpful muddle in our religious lives?

Let us acknowledge the wonder and the mystery of our world, but concentrate on the simple message of love and goodwill which lies at the heart of our spiritual life.

Geoffrey R Usher

During March there will be a series of lunchtime organ recitals. Phil Croft will be here on 3rd and 17th David Dickson will entertain us on 24th and 31st. All recitals will be from 12 noon til 2pm Everyone welcome, invite your friends and come along.

At some time over the Easter period Beth Norton will attempt to overcome her fear of heights and climb the outside stairs up to the observation platform on the Lady Isabella, a rather large water wheel I the Isle of Mann. She will need sponsors for this as she intends to do this as a fund raiser for Upper Chapel and the proceeds will be used to hopefully buy garden furniture for us to use in our newly refurbished grounds.

Service Notes All our services during February will be taken by Geoff Usher.
The Trefoil Guild will hold their Thinking Day Service here on Monday morning 22 February

There are still some vacant weeks on our chapel flower list.

If you would like to be responsible for paying for the flowers in the chapel please contact Joan Norton on (0114)272 5329 to find out the available dates or look on the list on the Hollis Room notice board.

Anyone who would like to arrange the flowers on their week is very welcome to do so.

I do not have a monopoly on flower arranging.

Joan

The Unitarian Peace Fellowship as most of you will know has an Annual Appeal which has in the past supported many good causes.

In the light of the tragedy in Haiti the Fellowship Committee have agreed that the money raised throughout this year 2010 will be sent to one of the main agencies to aid the people of Haiti

Anyone wishing to contribute through the Annual Appeal can do so by sending cheques made payable to ‘Unitarian Peace Fellowship’ and marked on the reverse ‘Haiti Appeal’ to Rev Geoff Usher, Treasurer UPF, Upper Chapel, Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JD
Thank you
Joan Norton
Chairman U P F

PERSONAL NOTES
Our good wishes go to the following people:

Ken Smith, who has been in hospital with leg problems;
Kevin Malaure, who has had to have follow-up surgery on his foot;
All those who have been laid low by seasonal colds and flu.

Our congratulations and best wishes go to Paul Clarke and Julie Roper, who were married in the Chapel by Geoff Usher on 19 December.

Best wishes to Ann and Geoff Usher, who celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on 10 January.

Congratulations and best wishes to Maxine Gachagan and Marc Howell, on the birth of their daughter Rosa on 27 December.

We offer our condolences to the families of the following people:

• Gordon Ackroyd, who died on 17 December aged 87. Geoff Usher conducted his funeral at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium on 29 December.

• Mary Tindall, who died on 29 December aged 81. Geoff Usher conducted her funeral at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium on 8 January.

• Gerard Wilkinson (Gerry) Organ, who died on 1 January aged 81 . Geoff Usher conducted his funeral on 12 January, with a service in the Chapel followed by interment at Abbey Lane Cemetery.

MEMBERS

Patrick Smith has been admitted to membership of the congregation; and after a period of association with Fulwood Old Chapel, Diane Malaure has resumed membership of Upper Chapel. We welcome them both into the fellowship of our congregation.

FEBRUARY 2010 NUF FILMED WORSHIP

During a conference at the Nightingale Centre, the National Unitarian Fellowship plans to film a worship service in Old Chapel at Great Hucklow on the afternoon of Saturday 20 February. This will then be edited into 10-15 minute segments and put on the NUF web-site as examples of Unitarian worship. It is hoped that these will interest people who are searching on the internet for spiritual-based organisations, and worship which is different from the Christian mainstream.

The NUF will be pleased to have any members of our Sheffield District’s congregations come to this event: not only to fill the pews, but also to participate with readings, statements, prayers or music which they might wish to contribute.

The plan is to start at 2.00pm. It is expected that the service will last about an hour, but there may be interruptions from the film crew if retakes are required.

If you would be interested in attending, please contact Geoff Usher or Rev Tony McNeile, 102 Turton Road, BOLTON BL2 3DY.

MUSIC TOGETHER

MANY THANKS to Phil and Patrick for a very entertaining evening on 26th November. Also to the ‘extras’ who added to the fun and to Joan for preparing the supper.

The dates for Music Together for the first half of the year are:

March 3rd, 17th, 31st
April 14th, 28th
May 12th, 26th
June 16th, 30th
July 21st

The first one on Wednesday March 3rd will be a DVD of ‘Hans Christian Andersen’.
Unless otherwise stated they will be at 7.00pm in the Hollis Room.

Our post it note Christmas Tree gave the following responses: Service led by Beth Norton and Geoff Usher on 20 December 2009.
Less hunger and less greed throughout the world.
Love and happiness to all my friends and family.
Pray for peace.
Some mince pies
I wish that my friend Brenda who has cancer will be well enough to enjoy this Christmas with her family.
That the spirit of Christmas could live throughout the year.
Warmer weather.
Support for those who are homeless.
Lasting peace to all.
A wish for all lonely, ill, homeless people to find happiness and peace and love.
Peace and goodwill.
Health and happiness to all my friends and family.
A white Christmas, lots of family and friends and happiness.

Your chapel committee at the meeting held on Thursday 21st January agreed that there will be collections made during February for the people of Haiti following the recent disaster there.

The coffee morning scheduled for the 20th February will be one occasion when you can help because all proceeds from that day will go to the fund.

Dear Friends

Yes, I know it comes around more quickly every year; but it is already time to think about dusting off the Christmas decorations, checking the lists for Christmas cards and gifts, deciding which carol services and other seasonal events to attend, and making time to do the shopping and all the other tasks that Christmas brings.

Amid all the hustle and bustle and the commercial trappings, I hope that you will have - or make - time to relax and enjoy the real spirit of Christmas; that you will know something of the joy and wonder that lie at the heart of the old story and its message to humankind.

May it be a time of blessings and happiness for you and those you love.

May it be times of blessing for those - homeless, ill, unemployed, friendless - who know so little of joy in their daily lives.

And may the coming year bring something of the peace for which all of us yearn.

With all good wishes Geoffrey R Usher

Sheffield Doc Fest

Thank you to Pauline, John and Alan for their energy and commitment in ensuring that as venues for Doc Fest Upper Chapel and Channing Hall proved yet again very successful. Also our thanks go to Barbara, Rita, Steve, Ken and Marion in supporting Pauline during the week. Many people were overheard to say that the buildings were beautiful and a hidden gem in the city centre. Maybe next year we could take advantage of the opportunity to draw attention not only to the building but what we offer as a worshipping Unitarian community.

Women’s League

Alan Walker’s demonstration cooking “fish and pudding” dishes at our October meeting was a resounding success - excellent food and lots of good humoured banter. Such was everyone’s enjoyment Alan was invited back to demonstrate starters and main courses in 2010. Our November meeting found us planning our programme for 2010. Watch out for the programme which when finalised will be on display on our Hollis Room notice board.

Please sign up for our Xmas lunch of pie and peas on Monday 7 December at 12 noon. All our meetings are open to everyone.

Our first meeting in 2010 will be on Monday 25 January when we treat ourselves to a New Year lunch at the Fairways Inn at Birley Moor.

Trustees Report

The Ministerial vacancy has now been advertised and an information pack about the Chapel has been produced for prospective candidates. Chapel members will be informed by letter and email when arrangements are made for candidating visits.

Work has almost finished on the Channing Hall roof. Scaffolding has been erected to the chapel façade and the stone mason has commenced work. It is anticipated that the scaffolding is likely to be in place at the front of the chapel for a few months as painting, bird protection, lighting and general repairs take place. The Fullard statues will be removed for cleaning and storage on 25 November and will return in their new location when the remainder of the work is complete. Please note that this is the first stage of a major renovation and that we can expect scaffolding in place and work ongoing for many months around the chapel building.

NOTES ON SERVICES As usual, Sheffield Central Deaf Club will hold their Carol Service here at 3pm on the first Sunday of December. We look forward to welcoming them again. Following the success last December of the special Service with the Stannington Brass Band, we are delighted that they are again able to play for our Carol Service on 13 December. Please note the starting time of 7.00pm Our Service of Carols and Readings for Christmas will take place at 3.00pm on 20th December. We expect to have a special visitor that afternoon. Our morning service on 31st January will mark Homelessness Sunday and Hospital Sunday. There will be no evening service that day because of the special SCHF service at Victoria Hall.

Sheffield Churches Homelessness Forum will be hosting the annual ecumenical service to mark Homelessness Sunday on 31st January at 6.30pm, in Victoria Hall Methodist Church, on Norfolk Street just down the road from Upper Chapel. The new Bishop of Sheffield , Rt Rev Dr Steven Croft, will be the preacher and members and friends are encouraged to attend. Geoff Usher is treasurer of SCHF and will be taking part in the service to represent the Unitarian tradition.

We offer our Condolences to the family of Frances Mary Whitworth, who died on 30 October aged 80.Geoff Usher conducted her funeral at Rose Hill Crematorium, Doncaster, on 12 November.

We also offer our condolences to Margaret and Roy Wain on the recent death of Margaret’s brother, around the same time that Margaret suffered a fractured foot - which is now healed.

Our good wishes go to the following people:

• Rev David Shaw, of Old Chapel Great Hucklow who admits to feeling “a bit down in the mouth” because of a bout of bell’s palsy.
• Min Leighton, who spent her birthday in October in hospital after a fall at home. Fortunately she did not break anything, and she is now back at home and doing very well.
• Lyn Gold, who is having to make several visits to hospital.
  
• Judy Hague, in hospital having an operation on her hip.

Congratulations and good wishes to Wayne Brookes and Hayley Briggs, who were married by Geoff Usher on 7 November at Pepper Hill Unitarian Church, Shelf.

Best wishes go to:

• Bill Emmingham who turned 80 on 12 November;
  
• David Dickson, who turned 70 on 5 November;
  
• Geoff Usher, who officially qualified as an Old Age Pensioner on 21 October, but who isn’t yet claiming the pension.

A GOOD READ
A new addition has been purchased for the book cupboard in the Hollis Room,

SHEFFIELD TROUBLE MAKERS by David Price.

It should not be surprising that Upper Chapel and Unitarians are well mentioned in Sheffield’s history of rebels and radicals.

INTERESTED? Then speak to John Norton. A book well worth reading, thank you to the Chapel Committee.

Also thank you to all who sent me cards for my 80th birthday, I enjoyed a full week of celebrations. Bill Emmingham

STROLLERS
Please note the strollers activity in December has been cancelled. New dates to be arranged in January for our programme in 2010

SUNDAY 20th, 6.30pm: Carol Service with Stannington Brass Band, Underbank Chapel, Stannington

At Music Together on 11 November we celebrated the birthday of Bill Emmingham. It was a lovely evening when we listened with great pleasure to some old 78rpm records and enjoyed a small party complete with cake.

ON THURSDAY, 26TH NOVEMBER AT 7.30PM, PHIL AND PATRICK WILL BE ENTERTAINING US FOR THE EVENING. THE COST WILL BE £3 WHICH WILL INCLUDE REFRESHMENTS. EVERYONE WELCOME.

On Saturday 14 November, the Upper Chapel Strollers, led by Jean & Pavel Nowak, walked around the Norfolk Park / Manor area of Sheffield. They looked particularly at Deep Pits, City Road Cemetery, Manor Lodge, Gin Stables, Victoria Methodist Church, Shrewsbury Hospital, Cholera Monument, Clay Wood, Farm Grounds, Beech Hill, Queens Tower and Norfolk Park.

FOR LEXOPHILES.
A bicycle can’t stand alone - it’s two tyred.
A will is a dead give away.
A backward poet writes inverse.
With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
A chicken crossing the road - poultry in motion.
You are stuck with your debts if you can’t budget.
A calendar’s days are numbered.
Santa’s little helpers are subordinate clauses.
A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall - the police are looking into it.
Atheism is a non-prophet organisation.

The Chapel will be closed for the Public Holiday on Saturday 26th and Monday 28th December

Tuesday 1st December 7.30pm joint meeting, UNA in Sheffield & Sheffield University UNA: “NATO and the future of Afghanistan”, with Dr Martin Smith, Lecture Theatre 2, Hicks Building, Sheffield University.

Dear Friends

How the year slips away so quickly. Peter Godfrey said that his reason for going to Chapel was that he enjoyed it. Certainly this year has been more than enjoyable.

The warmth of welcome at Upper Chapel from friends and the variety of activities such as services, morning teas, Strollers outings, successful musical evenings (always so carefully planned by Margaret), organisation of The Record’s envelopes (thanks to the faithful help from Ken), Women’s League events, inter-chapel and church happenings, and of course the many luncheons! It has not just been a pleasure coming to Chapel, it has been fun as well.

The warmth of spring and the lambs and calves welcomed me back to Police House and in summer the long evenings have meant pleasant hours in the garden. The grass is under control, the blackberries picked, the mushrooms gathered, and the roses have been beautiful. Then the heather covering the moors for weeks making a purple hue with a lovely scent - and September: what a perfect month. Time to talk, walk, read, travel. Now it’s time to pull on the jumpers, scarves and gloves and to watch the sudden darkness of night descend.

The warmth of your smiles, your laughter, your chats, your ideas, your ideals, and your visits: all make life worthwhile and enjoyable. You have been always ready to listen and help with advice, recipes, books, and fruit, whenever I have phoned or caught up with you.

So it is with fond memories of happy times that I thank you all for a life at Chapel which is not only enjoyable but also fun!

Wrap up and stay snug over the next months and I will see you when the weather is warmer again for more fun and laughter. Greetings from Ann

Steve Attwood’s younger brother Ivan died on 26 September aged 56. His funeral took place at Stourbridge Crematorium on 12 October. We offer our love and sympathy to Steve and all the family in their bereavement.

Jean Nowell-Eyre’s mother died on 26 September, and we also offer our love and sympathy to Jean and her family.

And our condolences go to the families of: Renee Williams, who died on 18 September aged 79. Geoff Usher conducted her funeral service at Hull Unitarian Church, followed by committal at Hull Crematorium, on 28 September. Edward Thomas (Ted) Tindall, who died on 27 September aged 81. Geoff Usher conducted his funeral at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium on 9 October.

NEW MEMBER

Robert Farley, son of our late member Kath Farley, has been admitted to membership, and we offer him a warm welcome into the fellowship of the congregation.

SOS SUPPORT OTHERS in SHEFFIELD

Several Sheffield organisations have launched a new Christmas catalogue to help their work supporting vulnerable people in the city.

The Support Others in Sheffield catalogue, which has an Introduction by human rights leader Terry Waite, offers alternatives to traditional festive gifts, and features nine Sheffield charities. The catalogue was produced by the Association of Sheffield Agencies for the Vulnerable and Excluded - SAVE

If you would like a copy of the catalogue, please contact Geoff Usher.

DIARY DATES

Other dates that might grab your interest

RAF Association Sheffield Branch 1940s Evening, Saturday 14th November 7 - 11pm Civil Service Social Club, Green Lane, Ecclesfield. Tickets from Geoff Usher £5 each

Friday 13th at 7.30pm Sheffield Interfaith meeting “Superstitions Across Our Faiths” Christian Science Reading Room, Trippet Lane, S1

Sunday 15th at 12nn “Reflections, Work and Food in Fellowship” An afternoon of interfaith reflections, tree planting, and lunch Burngreave Ashram, 86 Spital Hill, S4 Further information, contact Geoff Usher: or Nirmal Fernando, (0114) 270 0972 or 020 8961 5867,

SERVICE NOTES

Remembrance Sunday will be 8 November. As usual, our morning service will start at 10.45am, so that it can include the Two Minutes’ Silence at 11am. It will be conducted by Liz Shaw, Administrator of Unitarian College, Manchester, while Geoff Usher will be leading the civil service at Nazareth Unitarian Chapel in Padiham, Lancashire.

Our morning service on 15 November will be led by Geoff Usher, with special guest speaker Keith Baker, who will be speaking about his book “Joseph Priestley: Friends and Foes” , which has recently been published by the Priestley Society. Keith is a writer and retired civil servant. After the service there will be a buffet lunch in the Hollis Room and an informal presentation by Keith, with an opportunity to buy copies of his book at £12.50 ( and perhaps have them signed by the author!).

On Sunday evening 15 November we shall be hosting the annual Road Peace Service, marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

The Christmas Lights Switch-On in the city centre will take place on Sunday afternoon 22 November, so there will be no evening service that day.

ON THURSDAY, 26TH NOVEMBER AT 7.30PM, PHIL AND PATRICK WILL BE ENTERTAINING US FOR THE EVENING. THE COST WILL BE £3 WHICH WILL INCLUDE REFRESHMENTS. EVERYONE WELCOME.

The Music Together dates for November are: Wednesday, November 11th at 7 pm – 78 rpm records (if you have one or two old 78s which you would like to hear again – please bring them along) Thursday, November 26th at 7.30pm – Party with Phil and Patrick (details above)

MANY THANKS to Patrick and Michael (alias Keys’n’ Squeeze) for a delightful concert in September. £73.65 was sent to the SPITI fund from this event.

Thanks also to Joan for preparing the refreshments.

STROLLERS

Saturday, 14 November - exploring the Norfolk Heritage Trail descending from the hillside vantage point of Manor Lodge, once the heart of Sheffield’s great deer park, down through the remnants of the estates of the Dukes of Norfolk including the Norfolk Heritage Park, the Shrewsbury Hospital, the Cholera Monument Grounds and Clay Wood. Led by Jean and Pawel Nowak, with lunch-break at their house in Granville Road. Bring own sandwiches, but hot drinks, cakes and fruit provided.

Meet EITHER at 9.45 am at Upper Chapel OR at 10.15 am at the Spring Lane/City Road tram stop.

Jean & Pawel Now

Women’s League 4th October Meeting.

The Women’s League was in for a treat in more ways than one when Alan Walker agreed to demonstrate his culinary skills and allowed us to sample his wonderful creations! This was done in the Hollis kitchen. A few years ago Alan had arranged and supervised the conversion of the old, limited kitchen to one that was modern, spacious and functional to say the least.

Today Alan prepared salmon and whiting in at least 4 ways and with 4 different sauces. The salmon was baked to perfection and the whiting was poached, grilled or shallow fried! Each method as tempting as the last. Every step of the ‘show’ was explained in detail. Even how to make your own watercress pesto!

The Hollis Room kitchen has never smelt so heavenly with the rich aroma of cream sauces. We all had to try every one!! We all thought them wonderful and thought we would have a go at home. Alan then tempted us with desserts from Scotland. Not only a Highland and Lowland specialty with fresh raspberries and raspberry juice made on the spot and served with shortbread, but also a marmalade bread and butter pudding! This was to die for!

Judy Hague took down many of the recipes while Alan promises to pass on recipes to those who ask!

We invited Alan back for another wonderful performance next year, and, as it will be open to all members I am sure the Hollis Room will be filled with eager followers!

Thank you for a wonderful Monday, Alan!

So the Women’s League program is certainly varied and enjoyable. Maybe next year we will have a trip to see Upper Chapel’s silver that has been given to the Museum for safe keeping.

Ann

Services

After the service on Sunday 15th at 11.00am there will be a buffet lunch in the Hollis Room and an informal presentation by Keith Baker about his new book on Joseph Priestley : Friends and Foes

MINISTER’S LETTER

Dear Friends

Members of the congregation have been sent a letter from the Trustees with the information that I shall turn 65 this month and that I am now on the path to retirement. The Trustees have begun the process of finding a successor, and I shall continue in post while that process takes place. When an appointment is made, I shall start to serve out the necessary period of notice. At the earliest, it is likely to take well into next year, and the congregation will be kept informed about progress.

I have no direct part in the process. I hope that people will see the rest of my time here not as an end, but as simply one more stage in the long and continuing life of this Chapel. It would be a grave disservice both to the congregation and to me if people were to see my retirement as the end. Things will change, just as many things have changed since I began my ministry here in 1991.

Please do not assume or expect that my successor will be just like me. Do not assume that my successor will replicate my style, my interests, what I have done, or the way in which I have done it. I hope that over the years we have had enough guest preachers for you to appreciate that ministers are not all the same; that we are different, and that we approach ministry differently. You may even be aware that an inability to sing in tune is not an essential qualification for the ministry! I look forward to the time ahead with interest and hope.

Geoffrey R Usher

SERVICE NOTES

We shall hold our Harvest Festival on Sunday 4 October. There will be a morning service only; it will be followed by the auction of the harvest produce, and then lunch in the Hollis Room. Please bring your own lunch, so that we can eat together after this special service.

On 18 October Geoff Usher will be leading worship at Underbank Chapel, Stannington, in the morning; and Old Meeting House, Mansfield, in the evening, when he will be exchanging pulpits with Rev Patrick Timperley. Our morning service that day will be led by Stephanie Cage. We look forward to welcoming both Stephanie and Patrick back to Upper Chapel.

There will be no evening service on 25 October, because of the Fright Night events in the city centre.

Services October

WOMEN’S LEAGUE

We have had a busy, but enjoyable summer. Visiting Old Chapel, Great Hucklow on Friday 14 August for one of their Wakes Weeks coffee mornings, buying treasures from their bric-a-brac stall, marvelling at their excellent exhibition of Toys through the Ages, admiring the village well dressings and decorated gardens. It was a special day celebrating Rachael Gill’s 85th birthday.

The chapel provided a delicious lunch, Rachael blew out the candles on her cake and received gifts, flowers and cards from her Women’s League friends. Unfortunately Nelly Hall had a tumble in the chapel, but thankfully only suffered painful bruising and shock and is now quite recovered.

In September an adventurous quartet of members had a trip on the Sheffield Wheel, gasped in delight at the views across the tops of city centre buildings and its hills, managed to calm nerves as the glass pod rotated to its full height of 60 metres, and bought souvenir photos of their experience.

Our next meeting on Monday 5 October is back at the chapel in the Hollis Room when Alan Walker will display his skills as a chef demonstrating “fish and pudding” dishes. Our meetings are open to everyone and at this meeting there will be tasty dishes for you to sample.

MUSIC TOGETHER DATES TO END OF YEAR

Wednesday 14 October Video - Matt Monro, The Man with the Golden Voice

Wednesday 28 October Bill’s Peace Music

Wednesday 11 November 78rpm records (If you have an old 78 which you would like to hear again - bring it along)

THURSDAY 26th November PARTY WITH PHIL AND PATRICK

DIARY DATES