ST ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH CARLUKE

Registered Charity SCO13968

___________________________________________________________________________

Summer 2019

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:

A church where people of all generations grow in faith and share in active participation

WHO’S WHO

Minister: Rev Helen Jamieson: Tel: 01555 771218

Session Clerk: Mrs Liz Bradley: Tel: 01555 751797

Treasurer: Mrs Libby Muir: Tel: 07723639080

Roll Keeper: Mrs Kathleen Wood: Tel: 01698 372063

Church Caretaker: Mrs Jennifer Johnston: Tel: 07944366898

Organist: David Edment

Worship Team: Liz Bradley, Margaret Bell, Barbara Mackie,Libby Muir, Allison Plenderleith, Pamela Watt, Kathleen Wood

Hospitality Team Leaders: Elizabeth Smith and Laura McConnell

Pastoral Care Team Leaders: Pamela Watt and Margaret Bell

Sunday United Summer Services

June 30 - St Andrew’s

July 7 - URC14 - St Andrew’s (Communion)21 - Kirkton28 - Kirkton

August 4 and 11 - St John’sA note from the Manse

Watching the birds outside the kitchen window, I saw a blackbird eagerly pecking at the grass, resilient and determined that the worm he could

clearly hear beneath the grass was a great choice for some food. At the same time

there was a pigeon simply hovering about under the nut feeder clearly

hoping that with no effort on his part, a little sparrow might land on the feeder and

drop some seed for him. But before the pigeon managed to grab any food a starling got right in there and the pigeon was left disappointed and frustrated.“There are those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened”Jesus said ‘come follow me and I will make you fish for men and women’. So how do we respond?As part of Christ’s body, the Church, sometimes we are active, involved and make things happen, sometimes we just sit back and wait for others to get on with the tasks in hand or provide for us – and at other times we are simply taken aback by what has happened.Within the Church of Scotland, there are many vacant charges without a full time minister of word and sacrament, fewer ministers in training and quite a number due to retire in the next 5-10 years. There are also too many church buildings which are expensive to maintain and repair. The harsh reality therefore is that if members of Christ’s body just sit back, become complacent about their discipleship, fail to share their time, talents and money, then at some point they face the harsh reality of

wondering what happened when the church building has to close or ministry has to be a shared task .This year the General Assembly adopted a ‘radical action plan’ (you can read some of the key points to it in this magazine). The Church is called to prayer and to action – to support local mission and engage with young people and in terms of buildings, actively work to have ‘well equipped spaces in the right places’Here in St Andrew’s we give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit encouraging and inspiring us through our support for people with memory difficulties and their carers; opening doors to new beginnings and helping us build relationships. This year through a sharing of talents, we have been successful in securing funding and support from the Church of Scotland Go for It fund and The Life Changes Trust to appoint a full time coordinator for three years. We look forward to working with Mrs Gillian Picton (our Project Coordinator) as she works to assist us consolidate and grow our Project.

For this amazing, exciting opportunity we give thanks to God.

Following Jesus means we need to be active respondents to His call, ever alert to the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit as we journey on; worshipping and serving, welcoming and caring - sharing Christ’s love in word and action.

Will you be active, passive or wonder what happened?

Helen

A word of thanks…….

The world has changed a lot since I began my ministry here – but I have been well blessed by caring supportive active disciples of Christ over these years and am still encouraged to share with a small but very committed and active Kirk Session as the leadership team in St Andrew’s. In these challenging times of uncertainty in the Kirk as well as in our country, I look forward to continuing to share with you all in worship witness and service.With my sincere thanks for the support you have given to me – and also to Robert Eilidh Linda and Scott.

ST ANDREW’S CHURCH GUILD

Today as I write this entry for our Church magazine, many folks are journeying to Edinburgh to be part of the “Heart and Soul” event. Princes Street Gardens will be full of exhibits and people, people of all ages and from all walks of life. The Theme, Jesus said “Follow Me”.

Shortly Guild members and friends will travel to Rosslyn Chapel for their summer outing and the following week we set off on the Church outing to Drumlanrig Castle. Each journey involving people and planning.

As Guilds began their new sessions in 2018 with the Strategy “One Journey many Roads”, the theme “Seeking the Way” gave syllabus planning a sign post. As we begin to look at the syllabus for next year we consider “Companions on the Way” who will accompany us, who will join us on our journey? It is only a few weeks since we journeyed into Jerusalem with Jesus, the crowds joyful and yet in a few days Jesus was crucified. For many who had followed Jesus, listened to his teachings, they returned to their livelihoods however Jesus had touched the hearts and minds of many and they began to plan their journeys following in the footsteps of Jesus.

Towards the end of our session Kevin Simpson of Malawi Fruits, joined us. Malawi Fruits is a current Guild Project which helps farmers in

Malawi to look beyond their main crop and through diversification from subsistence crops to cash crops, through training and irrigation schemes and identification of markets each has a guaranteed income throughout the year. One additional crop is paprika, used world-wide not only in cooking but in skin care products and medicines. The ongoing work of Malawi Fruits is to reduce poverty and so give access to better health, education, stability and hope in northern Malawi. Our last meeting of each session takes the form of a ‘Meal and Communion’, a time for reflection and fellowship. We had the opportunity to share with Helen and members of the Session, always an enjoyable and fitting closure to the session’s events and meetings. We begin to plan for the forthcoming session however at this time we are preparing for another journey to attend the “Big Sing” hosted by the Guild and which takes place during Assembly Week.

Jesus said “Follow Me”, we embark on a new journey each day, where our journey will lead us only God knows.

We look forward to coming together in September for our new session “Companions on the Way”.

A date for your diary Wednesday, 4th September, an evening with the choir from Cambusnethan North Church and we trust that you will join with members of the Guild.

The Church of Scotland Guild travels on through worship, prayer, fellowship and action.

MOIRA’S QUICK TOMATO SOUP courtesy of Dalziel Day Hospice Recipe Book

Large tin peeled tomatoes 1 pint ham stock (2 cubes)

Large tin carrots Salt, pepper and sugar to taste

1 onion, finely chopped Knob of butterLiquidise tomatoes, carrots and onion. Add other ingredients.

Simmer for 20 minutes

Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm

Who would have thought sewing on buttons or threading elastic through waistbands could be fun??Well it wouldn’t be normally but if you add in a few friends who share a quirky sense of humour and an ability to see the funny side of life it becomes a few hours of escapism – and we actually learn new crafts, reinstate old ones and create things to sell in aid of local charities.This year we will have a stall in the church hall at Doors Open day on Saturday, 21 September during Jam and Ham week. So come along and enjoy a cuppa and some home baking – and browse our unusual creations.

Then it will be Christmas – watch this space!

CHOICES Mrs Anne Forrest

Many people in Carluke will already be aware that Mrs Anne Forrest has decided to retire as manager of Choices. Anne had the inspiration and courage to set up the shop almost twenty six years ago. She has worked tirelessly to organise and expand the shop into what it is today, a fine example of Christian outreach to the community.

The shop volunteers paid tribute to Anne at a special Afternoon Tea. Further appreciation was given at Worship in St John’s Church on Palm Sunday. We are indebted to Anne for her vision and commitment.

Choices has contributed to the upkeep on Streetlevel in our town and has supported local and international charities over the years.

If you would like to assist, please contact Margaret Lindsay at the shop or Isabel Taylor, St Andrew's

representative on the Support Group at Choices.

Heart to Heart

Heart to Heart is a support group for people going through bereavement and loss. We

meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 7pm in the Session House at St Andrew’s Church.

By getting together with others in the same position, to share their story, talk of their loved one and how they are coping, in doing so it often helps others to feel that they are not alone and that almost everyone goes through similar feelings and emotions. At the moment, the

people who come along have been bereaved for less than a year, but even if a loss happened years ago emotions can still pop up out of the blue and catch you unawares, especially at this time of year when all the happy memories of past Christmases come rising to the surface giving your emotions a good shake-up all over again. You don’t have your loved one with you right now, but the love you shared with the one you lost will carry you through this stressful time.If you are feeling low in spirits or distressed, it is important to talk to someone, a family member or friend who knows you and can give you the support you need, or you can come and share your stories at Heart to Heart where you will be made most welcome. We have tea/coffee and lovely wicked chocolate cake, plus we often have a good laugh because laughing is good for your wellbeing and you don’t need to feel guilty about that.

Contact Moira on 01555 750323 or Pamela on 01555 770966. We are here to help, so if you need a listening ear

then please get in touch. Stewardship & Finance

The figures below show our financial position at 31st May 2019

Income (2019) £ £Offerings 17,298

Other Income 6,962 24,260Expenditure (2018)Ministries & Mission 12,470Heat & Light 2,416Fabric repairs & maintenance 1,162Other Local Costs 8,428 24,476Balance - 216Balance 01/01/19 [ General fund ] 805Balance 31/05/19 [ General fund ] 589 Property AppealIn addition to the £1,162 referred to above, a further £2,055 out of the Property Appeal Fund has been spent on Fabric so far this year leaving a balance of only £575. Each year we enclose a Property Appeal envelope with the summer magazine. The Appeal aims to raise sufficient funds to keep our buildings in good repair without having to dip into capital. Please give what you can and return the envelope to Church or to your elder as soon as possible. If you have not received an Appeal envelope or wish to arrange for it to be collected please contact me by phone, text or email. Tel: 07723 639080 email: libbymuir19@gmail.com.Offering envelopes, including Property Appeal, put in the plate at any of our united services will be forwarded to St. Andrew’s Treasurer.

From St Mathew chapter 7 verse 12.I expect to pass through this world but once, any good therefor that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

Current Monthly Income & Expenditure:Income Expenditure £ £

Offerings 3,460 Ministries & Mission 2,600Hall lets 1,000 Heat & Light 480Other Income 240 Insurance 268

Boiler Maintenance 145Wages 605Office expenses, telephones, etc 550

Other expenses 200£4,700 £4,848

To quote Charles Dickens’ Mr Micawber in David Copperfield: "Annual income £20, annual expenditure £19 19s 6d, result happiness. Annual income £20, annual expenditure £20 0s 6d, result misery."

The above figures are average monthly income & expenditure. During the summer months there is a big drop in income which can cause difficulty in meeting bills. I urge you to take or send your weekly offering envelopes to the united services to help keep us solvent. I should be happy to call to collect them.

Libby Muir, Treasurer Tel: 07723 639080

I just want to say a thank you to all the people who have donated to the Flower Calendar throughout the year. Whether in the hall or the church, the flowers add a bit of cheer and some colour to the morning service.

Thank you also to the members who take time after the service to deliver flowers to the ill or bereaved or those celebrating a birthday or special anniversary.There are still a few vacant Sundays before the end of the year. If you wish to

take part, please contact me. Barbara Mackie 01555 772078.Drop in Support and Drop in Activities

Since the last issue of the magazine, we can now record our sincere thanks to the Church of Scotland Go for It Fund who have awarded us £45,000 over 3 years and to Life Changes Trust (established by an endowment from the National Lottery Community Fund) who have awarded us £30,000.

This has enabled us to take a giant leap forward in our Dementia Support Project by advertising the post of Project Coordinator- Dementia Support in St Andrew’s Church. This post will be full time for three years. Following an informal interview, where the short-leeted applicants met with some of those who attend the Drop in, then a formal interview by a panel which included Mrs Sarah Metcalfe (CEO for Playlist for Life), Mrs Gillian Picton was appointed to the post.It is likely that Gillian will begin work as our Project Coordinator in August and we look forward to the further development of our Dementia Support Project.This will include extending the existing Garden of Hope to be a dementia friendly garden. It will also include some collaborative work with Victoria Park School – whose school choir has returned on a couple of occasions this year to entertain us. This is always a wonderful afternoon of music and laughter and smiles.This year we have also been grateful recipients of a number of very generous donations which have greatly boosted our funds and allowed us to buy jigsaws and games as well as subsidise the cost of our outings and ensure we have fresh flowers on our tables and cake to enjoy eating! We have been fortunate this year to have had seven sixth year students from Carluke High School volunteering with us. They have been a credit to the School and assisted us with all aspects of the support we provide.We have held some Music Makers & Shakers sessions where we have gathered together on a Saturday morning to sing with young children and their parents, enjoying ‘ The Wheels on the Bus, Heads shoulders knees and toes and of course The Hokey Cokey’Other activities since the beginning of the year have included a visit from Sporting Memories, a ‘get active’ session with Ryan from South Lanarkshire Leisure and we have even tried our hand at baking! Jigsaws, dominoes, snakes and ladders and water painting have also been enjoyed – and of course we continue to enjoy eating cake and drinking tea/coffee and irn bru!

In May we had a wonderful outing to South Queensferry where we enjoyed a trip under the three bridges on the Maid of the Forth followed by afternoon tea in The Stables restaurant at Hopetoun House. We were blessed with lovely sunshine and live in hope that the sun may also shine for our summer trip to Seamill House Hotel and then Troon.With a £4000 reduction in our Ministries & Mission allocation granted by Lanark Presbytery and some funding from Miss Hastie’s bequest, we have arranged to commence a one year Heart for Art led by Crossreach. The programme will run on Thursday afternoons 1-3pm from September. We have recruited some volunteers to assist – but if you are interested in art and would like to consider volunteering please get in touch with the Minister. Volunteers will require to undertake some dementia and the arts training with Crossreach and also be PVG checked.A visit to Scottish Ballet ‘Time to Dance’, a trip on the canal and an outing to the Kings theatre Pantomime are also planned.If you know of anyone who has memory issues and who would like to come and join us they can be assured of a warm welcome.

Drop in Support – last Friday of every month 1-3pmDrop in Activities – second Friday of every month 1-3pm

Friendship/ support /tea/coffee and cake are always on offer!

Carluke Heath WalkEvery Monday leaving St Andrews Church at 11amTea, coffee, biscuits available in the hall afterwards

There are no strangers here – only friends you haven’t yet met! (Keats)

In February of this year 8 folk completed training led by Paula Hubens from Get Walking Lanarkshire and now every Monday morning at 11am a Health Walk sets off from St Andrew’s Church. This is the first health walk in Carluke!

Walks are open to all, no longer than an hour and there is an option to do a shorter walk if anyone feels that they cannot manage an hour. No special gear is required – just some sensible shoes and clothing.You may well find out more about Carluke as you venture on new paths, but you will certainly find a warm welcome and friendship if you come along and join us.Later in the year we hope to undertake the ‘dementia friendly’ walk leader training and then our walks will also be able to classed officially as Dementia Friendly and we hope that we might be able to involve some of the folk who enjoy the Drop in Support and Drop in Activities.If you’d like to improve your fitness, walk around parts of Carluke you will never see from a car, enjoy the benefits of fresh air and the company of friends, why not come along and join us.

‘Rewarding, Enjoyable, Thought Provoking and Educative….helped me develop my communication and interpersonal skills and also learn to empathise and sympathise with people better’ (Aaron)‘Extremely educational, informative and fun! It has also given me a greater

appreciation for carers and everything they do.’ (Rachel)‘Unforgettable, rewarding, important’ (Colin)

When asked to sum up their experience of volunteering with us since last September, these were just snippets of the comments made by a few of the sixth year High School Volunteers who assisted us at the Drop in.We were fortunate to have seven volunteers sharing with us and some of them have also told us that being able to talk about their time with us assisted their applications for university and university interviews.We extend our sincere thanks to all the young people who volunteered and supported the Drop in and wish them all well in their future studies/work.

Happy Monday! By Les Peck

Please – don’t get me wrong: I’m not a ‘soapsuds’ kind of a man – but I do believe that if I wear it, I should wash it.Question: How was I indoctrinated? Answer: Thank Grannie - it was back in 1943.

Let me explain: I was four - we were living in London – and expecting an invasion. So, to keep us safe, mum decided we should move to the green-

grass world of Sherwood Forest and live with Grannie… And there, I joined the Monday Morning Ladies (and their dolly tub).

And that was fun! You don’t believe me? Think Fantasia… Then add me to a Grannie’s Monday Morning and you’d have a remake of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. It went like this:

First, she filled the copper. Next, she added Rickett’s Blue. Then she gave the tub a couple of scoops of the wonder-washer, Rinso… And while the copper was heating up, she searched the house from top to bottom, collecting anything that caught her eye to boil or bleach in Mr Copper (as she called it).

Remember, I was four – so, were these laundry lessons useful? Not immediately. (School got in the way). But later, when Her Majesty invited me to join her Army, the ability to wash a pair of socks became invaluable… Trust me: there is no better way to start a morning than with a well-washed pair of woolly socks.

But even though my sock-washing skills helped me through National Service, the final Passing-out Parade at Catterick was only the start of my promotion to Persil.

Now safely back in Civvie-Street, I was employed to care for an early version of the ATM. And as I worked my way from bank to bank, the need to keep a travelling wardrobe became essential. Out there, a shirt would only last a day… And as for socks…? Well, isn’t that why hotel rooms have sinks and running water?

I learned to travel light. For a week away from home, a small blue shoe-bag was enough for my weekly shirts, underwear and socks. It was a case of wearing a set, washing a set and keeping a spare of everything to cover accidents.

To make this work, I only needed liquid soap to rinse the evening laundry in the hotel sink. They dried on a radiator or by an open window. It became a habit. It became a necessity – and even in these later years, I have kept to the routines that Grannie taught me.

But what have I learned since playing ‘soldiers’ with the copper stick?

Socks have minds of their own.

They enjoy going AWOL. Which is why I now have three lonely socks. Where are their partners? They must be hiding somewehre. Socks are not allowed to walk away alone…

Shirts like go missing… For the three-set routine, I used a three-way colour code: Red, Yellow, and Blue. But when it came to the ceremony of the clothes pegs, there were times when I had to solve the Mystery of the Missing Shirt. And as I only took them off at night, whatever happened to the Red one?

Trousers don’t like travelling alone. In theory, the Day One trousers should be enough to see me through a week. But as soon as someone tries to serve a breakfast, something either spills or splashes. Quick-Fix: to keep the first pair happy, add an extra set of trousers to the travel-bag.Result: As if by magic, no more spills or splashes…!

Now to solve the problem of the missing socks and shirts… Catch you later…

ART ANGELSAt Art Angels we have been continuing our travels around the world. Our final destination before returning to ‘Bonnie Scotland’ was Australia. We made boomerangs (which didn’t come back!), decorated turtles from the Great Barrier Reef and made

kangaroos and cuddly koalas.

On our arrival back in ‘Bonnie Scotland’ (which can have 4 seasons in one day) we created our own McLions, pipers with their own unique tartan, unicorns and of course Nessie.On our last night, which lasts for 3 hours was a great success. We had

our usual pasta and pizza (always goes down well) and a cone with strawberry sauce and spinkles, before we made our wonderful creations.

Horses/unicorns made from swimming noodles and a sock. Bags with their name on it in tartan. Biscuits decorated with a

Scottish theme and decorated cardboard lollypops. Everyone went home tired and happy. We are now off until September to recharge our batteries and think of our next topic. If you are passing please pop into the large hall and survey our creations. Hope you have a great summer. Hazel, Sharon and Jennifer

Custard CreamsI have a slip of paper with the following written out for me by my mother-in-law, Chrissy Muir:

½lb margarine¼lb caster sugar

½lb S.R. flour¼lb custard powder

Bake at 350⁰ for about 15 minutes

I do recall trying out the recipe at the time – with disappointing results! Not at all like hers. But I kept the slip of paper (for over 40 years) and recently had another go. Whether through experience or luck I now find they turn out fine.

I use one of the soft buttermilk spreads (Clover) and just put the whole lot in a bowl and work it together. Then take small pieces – about the size of a walnut – and roll into a ball before placing on a greased baking sheet. Flatten slightly and leave a little room for expansion. There should be enough to make 24 – 36 depending on the size.

Oven temperature is 170 - 180⁰ and it’s important not to overcook. Leave on trays for a minute or two till they can be moved easily then cool on wire rack. Sandwich together with butter icing when cold making 12 – 18. The buttercream or frosting from the supermarket makes this a simple and quick treat.

The Hospitality Team have an exciting and varied programme arranged till Christmas. On 21st September we will take part in the local ‘Jam and Ham’ Festival by opening the church, under the Doors Open Day, to visitors. We will present CrossReach Art Exhibition plus information on church and community events. Last year’s

Open Day was very successful, with some local people remarking that they passed the church every day and had never been inside. There will be an opportunity for a cup of tea or coffee with St Andrew’s famous home-baking! On Sunday, 22nd September, there will be a Tea Dance in the afternoon with Gordon Cree, so you can dance off the extra calories.

On Saturday, 26 October at 7pm we are hosting a musical evening with Bruce Davies, a Scottish award winning singer/songwriter who has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and Folk Festivals – check out his website at www.brucedavies.com. In November an event called ‘Christmas at your Fingertips’ has been arranged and our popular Church Christmas Lunch is in December.

One date for your diaries is Sunday, 1st December, when we will welcome the Farmers and Farmers’ Wives Choir to sing for us in the church. It should be a lovely start to the Christmas season.

So, watch out for the posters and bring your friends to these events!

Some people come into your life and quickly go,

others stay awhile and leave footprints in your heart

and your life is never ever the same again.

MASSIVE THANK YOU30 years on……

On Sunday 9th June (Pentecost), at the end of the service, Liz Bradley our Session Clerk stepped up to the lectern and not only thanked me for my 30

years of ministry in St Andrew’s but handed over an envelope. That was quickly followed by Pamela appearing with another envelope and then a rose bush and then came the icing… with a delicious cake underneath topped by a 30 candle!

To say I was surprised was to put it mildly – it must have been the best kept secret around as I had no idea what was happening.

To everyone in St Andrew’s I extend my heartfelt thanks for the lovely gift voucher for Stobo Castle along with the rose bush and the cake too! I am deeply touched by your generosity.

I can’t quite believe I have been here for 30 years – of course there have been ‘ups and downs’ – but it has been a great privilege to be your minister and to share in ministry with so many wonderful folk here. I extend my sincere thanks to you all and look forward to us continuing to reach out and share God’s love in word and in action.

Helen

From the worship team…..

‘A bite and blether’

In March the worship team organised an afternoon and evening with a light lunch/tea as ‘a bite and a blether’ – and invited our neighbours who live close to the church.

We were delighted when a few of our neighbours responded and look forward to continuing to find new ways to reach out to those around us.

We share with the residents in Milton Grange each month but at Harvest Christmas, Easter and Pentecost we have been delighted to share with some pupils from Carluke Primary School in ‘Messy Vintage’ – worship and activities together with the residents has been amazing –with both the children and the residents looking forward to our time together – building intergenerational relationships. Some of the children are now due to move on to High School but after the summer we look forward to sharing with another group of children and residents. Our thanks go to the craft club who have prepared the activity packs for us and made sure the glue sticks were ‘at the ready’!

Trouble at the Manse!I was surprised to see that it’s almost three years since the Royal Bank moved out of Carluke. Mostly our banking arrangements have remained satisfactory, thanks to the Post Office, but of late when we have needed to make contact with RBS things have not always turned out as expected. Our recent banking difficulties were put into perspective when I read the following extract from “Dr Rankin’s book” [Notices Historical, Statistical & Biographical relating to the Parish of Carluke from 1288 till 1874].

During the ministry of James Dick (1713 – 1730) the following occurred:“About the year 1721, a succession of misfortunes befell the minister, the kirk and the heritors, which, it was said, lessened his zeal and clouded his interest in the parish. The manse was broken into and plundered – ‘the box’, amongst other things, being carried away. ‘The box’ contained the funds and vouchers of the Session, and was secured in such a way that two persons must be present at the effectual and honest opening and closing – there being two separate keys and key-holders. This was a common, although a clumsy, method of security. ‘The box’ was all the cash-book the Session had – the balance after every cash transaction being in the box, the contents of which was occasionally reckoned, to find out how the fund stood!Shortly after the theft the manse was burnt to the ground, and in the catastrophe, not to speak of the minister’s loss, the communion tablecloths were destroyed and the tokens melted. Everything, however, had not been destroyed. The Session records note that ‘The two communion cups, which were reposited in the Kirkton house at the Burning of the manse, was again delivered by John Gardener Febry 21, 1723, and was, said day, delivered back again to the said John Gardiner’s custody until Mr Dick’s repairing to the Manse.’ On the 9th of May, 1722, £1,000 Scots, or £83: 6s 8d, was granted for rebuilding the manse.”No doubt that manse was in the vicinity of the church in Carnwath Road. It was not until 1798 that the former manse – now Woodhurst Care Home – was built.Although the Bank of Scotland was founded in 1695 and the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1727, both operated in Edinburgh. It was the British Linen Company bank, formed in 1747, which pioneered branch banking by opening offices in many parts of Scotland. Carluke would not have a branch of any commercial bank until well into the nineteenth century. The bank at 3 Kirkton Street was a British Linen branch, British Linen being acquired by Bank of Scotland in 1971. Let’s hope the history of British Linen branch pioneering augers well for its future.

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JOCK’S GARDENAs I write this I am still using last year’s crop of Swedes and leeks. Also into April and March I was just finishing using last year’s onions and shallots as I had a lot of spring onions. I heuched them in as well, just thought I would try it, so I had an onion with my cheese sandwich when I felt like it. They kept fine. My Swedes and leeks are also heuched in. Onions and shallots are hung up in shed in net bags. Peas and broad beans are put in freezer. Berries are made into jam or jelly by a family member, some are given to a friend. Plums, apples and pears are eaten and used as required. Potatoes also do sometimes into turn of year. This year, so far onion sets, shallots, broad beans, except peas look bit thin, might put in another row. Turnips are through. Potatoes also through and had first firm up. Have cabbage and kale and have tomatoes and cucumbers in big pots in greenhouse. Courgettes planted out. My good plum tree looks like it is having its lean year. Rest of fruit is looking well. Rasps seem to be recovering, new canes I put in look good, time will tell. I put in a new plum tree about two to three years ago and it looks like it is going to fruit this year; it had better or it is out! Happy gardening.

THE CHILDREN’S SONGby Rudyard Kipling

Land of our Birth, we pledge to theeOur love and toil in the years to be;

When we are grown and take our place,As men and women with our race.

Father in Heaven who lovest all,Oh help Thy children when they call;That they may build from age to age,

An undefiled heritage.

Teach us to bear the yoke in youth,With steadfastness and careful truth;That, in our time, Thy Grace may giveThe Truth whereby the Nations live.

Teach us to rule ourselves alway,Controlled and cleanly night and day;

That we may bring, if need arise,No maimed or worthless sacrifice.

Teach us to look in all our ends,On Thee for judge, and not our friendsThat we with Thee may walk uncowed

By fear or favour of the crowd.

Teach us the Strength that cannot seekBy deed or thought, to hurt the weak;That, under Thee, we may possess

Man’s strength to comfort man’s distress

Teach us Delight in simple things,And Mirth that has no bitter springs;

Forgiveness free of evil done,And Love to all men ‘neath the sun.

Land of our Birth, our faith, our pride,For whose dear sake our fathers died;

Oh Motherland, we pledge to thee,Head, heart, and hand through the years to be!

A RADICAL ASSEMBLY

• Up to £25m to be spent on projects aimed at church growth, with particular emphasis on church planting

• 100 new worshipping communities to be established

• Focus on engaging with people under 40 • Cost of central administration to be cut

by up to 30%: four councils to be merged into two

• Number of Scottish presbyteries to be reduced from 43 to about 12,

focused on supporting local congregations in their ministry and mission

• Networks, hubs and other new local church structures to be developed

• Kirk Sessions to be reduced in size and focused on ‘leadership and strategic decision-making’

• Decision-making and resources to be devolved from the central administration to regional and local levels

• No congregation to pay more to the centre after next year until new arrangements are agreed

• Land and buildings plan to focus on ‘well equipped spaces in the right places’. Money from sale of redundantbuildings to be shared between congregations

• Improved training and support for all

ministry and leadership roles • General Assembly to be made smaller • Encouragement of a season of ‘prayer

and preparation’ across the Church from September to December 2019 Photo credits: Derek Fett Photography