Farewell to Fr Peter and Sue

Brenda Woods writes:
The AGM on Sunday 18th February saw the 'proper' handover from Fr Peter to his re-elected Wardens, his PCC with six elected (some new, some previous) members, and his congregation and, of course, our new Fr Andrew (Beeston) and retired clergy.

The achievements were many during Fr Peter's 10 years with us, and his thanks enormous to the people around him who have supported him, making sure all the plans and repairs and good order were carried out and maintained. And not least his busy congregation, which has maintained its numbers to a very healthy attendance, with a wide mixture of ages and activities.

Saturday night was a 'night extraordinaire'. Our church hall was packed with so many well-wishers, led by Robin Gilhespy and Norman Shields, and the tables groaned under the 'Faith Supper' served by Ailsa Scott, and her many helpers. Sue looked radiant and was enfolded in the appreciation of her steadfast support being the 'behind every little man' there is a large woman' [metaphorically speaking!] and her individuality in behind-the-scenes leadership - Pathways, Panto Scenery and secretariat at the vicarage, to name but a few.

The 'boys', Nic and Steve, came home from Uni and mum Edna took pride of place at the 47th Vicar's table.

Master of Ceremonies Ann McGiven opened the show and an excellent night followed:

We had the Four - or was it Five - tenors sing in harmony. Nic, Steve, Colin and Thomas were joined later by 'The Tarpy's' (we have the words printed on a sheet if you would like a copy).

Charles Gardner performed his own amicable ditty and Margaret Armstrong's lament put into verse what we knew, liked and enjoyed during the Vicar's time at St Barts.

And then the presentation of a state-of-the-art laptop was made - they really will be far in miles but near in mind and email.

Sunday Services were happy and sad. Happy for the love given to the Ramsdens and sad at their departure after 10 very fruitful and successful years.

Fr Peter's 10am sermon I found particularly relevant when the Systematic Approach was explained to us, how he and Sue were dismantling the house, he doing his study, and Sue the rest of the house… And how his books were set out starting with the very first one 'Is there a God?', then the various sections - the story telling, the historical, the theology, the science of the world, and the conclusions; hundreds of books set out on his shelves in the way that Fr Peter sees us seeing our lives through, as was always intended, the Systematic way.

Margaret I Armstrong spoke:

"Please be seated". I know that you are already sitting down, but I have always wanted to say that. When I was asked to say something about the Vicar, I thought you had better be careful, do not be disrespectful to Panto Pete, em em, sorry I mean Father Peter. Well here are some of my thoughts about the original all-dancing, all-singing, all-caring Father Peter. His CV might read as follows:-

Peter Ramsden, known locally as Buttons; Pater and Son (Removal Experts); money I mean nothing new there!; a Parson from Puddle; Simple Surf, a washing aid; Bob a scoundrel of the first order; Nasty Mel, or Rev. Rat, known as Big Spender, ask the PCC; Smash a nice kind of baddie, ask the PCC; the Reverend Ever Ready; a carry-on type medieval Cleric; and one of my favourites - Von Smallhausen. He has over the years worn many different hats (like Father like Son, namely Nic). He has worn a straw benger, a Bellboy natty number pillbox style, a Homburg, baseball cap, Fez, old school cap, and soon to wear a Bishop's Mitre, cannot get Mightier than that Boom boom!

He has travelled all around the world in this very hall: Medieval England, France (Hello, hello, I will say this only vonce), China, a South Pacific Island, Arabia, Sherwood Forest, Transylvania (after climbing a beanstalk? Come on,) and now for real, Papua New Guinea. I must share this with you, looking at a note I made on one of my scripts: NB our vicar has the best knees in all Christendom. How many vicars can say that they have been tied up with their son, by their son, in Sherwood Forest and practically boiled alive in a giant cauldron on a desert island; chased by rabbits, rats, mice, witches, ghosts, molls, serving wenches, men dressed in frocks, and chased by the Adams family, the Thomson family and the Tarpy family - not many vicars can boast this. The phrase 'Walk this way' will never be the same again. I must say that when I first heard that our new Vicar liked music, great I thought, get him involved in the Pantomime. Even better still when I met Father Peter I thought good, we can make a saving on materials for his costumes. They say pure essence is in small containers, how very, very true.

We must not forget Scenery Sue and those talented boys. Sue has transformed the church hall into Sherwood Forest, on board a sailing ship, Aladdin's cave, King Neptune's Kingdom under the sea, allotments with leeks, Medieval castles, haunted woods, China town - complete with the willow pattern, and various kitchens, etc, etc, etc., helping to give the Pantomimes "That touch of magic". Perhaps Papua New Guinea's Shakespearian Theatre Plays will find a new stage designer soon! As for the Ramsden boys, we have been entertained and delighted by them for the past ten years, as they say "It is in the blood, ask Edna". Father Peter has been a great friend to us all and especially The Mothers' Union. We are so grateful to him, Sue and all the family for their dedication and hard work over the past ten years. Saying goodbye is not easy, so to Von Smallhausen I say 'Auf Wiedersehen' - to Nasty Mel (in American accent) 'Here's looking at you, Big Guy', to Reverend Ever Ready - 'Cheerio old chap', and farewell from a Geordie lass, gan canny, canny lad, and lastly in pidgin English - GUT BAIM. PAPA PETER NA LAIN BEHAIN TENPELA YIAS- TENKYU.

Fr Peter receiving some last minute words of advice...
(l to r) Fr Alan Simpson, Fr Peter Ramsden, Fr Andrew Beeston, Fr Andrew Starkie