John’s Farewell Communion Service on 31st December 2017 . The words spoken by Ian Stewart reflected the whole congregation’s feelings about the generous ministry of both John and Maggie during their 5 years with us, whilst they will be greatly missed, they were wished a very happy retirement.
Many folk from the group joined John and Maggie at the Rectory later on 31st. for a very happy time together, again our grateful thanks to them for their hospitality.
Ronald was born at East Clumpton farm, Dumfries on 5th August 1943. His father James was a dairyman and his mother Margaret looked after the home. He was their third son growing up with his older brothers Gordon and the late Leonard. Later they were joined by their younger sister Marlene. His father’s work meant moving around different farms and Ronald went to school in Dumfries, Annan and Moffat. During his time at school he was a keen army cadet and always wanted to join up, however a hearing difficulty prevented this. On leaving school Ronald worked with his father on the farm in Moffat but when the family moved to Torthorwold he went to work in the rubber factory for a short while. Ronald knew his vocation in life lay elsewhere and he was accepted to train as a nurse at the Crichton Hospital later specializing in mental health. After qualifying he took up a post in Bolton where he lived for almost 40 years. He was in his late 50’s when came to live in Lockerbie after early retirement.
During his retirement Ronald became involved in the civic life of the community. He was greatly involved in Lochmaben Residents Association, becoming chair of the organisation. This took him all over Scotland and he regularly attended meetings in the Parliament at Holyrood. He used to speak of the people he met there; he had a personal interview with the First Minister Nichola Sturgeon and knew Ruth Davidson as well as other MSPs. Only recently he received an award on behalf of his Association and was elected as one of the new regional chairpersons. He was also involved with Lockerbie and District Community Council and Doreen Jenkins its secretary told me he was first elected as a councillor 6 years ago and was made vice chair. She spoke of his work at Holyrood and he gave detailed reports to meetings with the Scottish Government. She described him aas a valued member, a willing worker and one who was always willing to listen and help residents. He was very proud of his connections to the Prince of Wales estate at Highgrove where he had friends working there. And every Christmas he arranged holly to be sent from Highgrove to decorate the church. He spoke of taking Camilla’s dog for a walk during one of his visits there and was recently introduced to Princess Anne in Ayrshire after receiving an award in Edinburgh.
Ronald’s brother, Gordon wrote to me that Ronald loved to travel to many foreign parts including America France & Spain, he made a lot of friends throughout his travels that I did not know about, until I went through his address and telephone book, there was too many to print. He was indeed a great traveller not only in the UK but particularly to America where he visited his late brothers family, Rosemary, and his nephews Leonard and Daniel. But he also made many friends there particularly in Church circles and kept in contact with them regularly. And like others I have been contacted from people in the United States expressing shock and sadness at his passing.
Ronald’s faith was of the greatest importance to him. He became involved in the International Justice Mission and helped build the internet prayer chain known as PUSH sending prayer requests all over the world. He became involved though his close friend, Sister Lorna with the Good Shepherd Sisters. Ronald had known her long before she took vows when they both attended Langside College forty years ago on a course on Residential Child Care. When she was at the Convent in Manchester he used to travel from Bolton often and knew many of the Sisters. He used to take the elderly ones for walks and Sister Lorna described him to me as a people person. They kept up their contact and almost every month met in Peebles for lunch. She spoke to me also about his devotion this Church.
From first coming to All Saints Ronald wished to be involved. He became an Altar Server, was Sacristan who prepared the church for services, was a lesson reader, trained as an intercessor offering prayers during the Eucharist, was Vestry Secretary, a member of the Annandale Group Committee and even offered his services as verger, church cleaner and even made sure the outside flower tubs were watered and prepared every year with bulbs. Ronald was a regular visitor to members of the congregation in need. He was always willing to lend a hand. He was also an accredited prison visitor taking the weekly service readings to share with inmates at Dumfries. His whisky marmalade which he used to make and sell for church funds will be missed by many. Ronald made a difference to people’s lives through service, caring and his larger than life personality. He will be missed by very many.
Bill and I first saw the beautiful stained glass windows in St Mary’s Star of the Sea RC Church in Castlebay, Isle of Barra 2 years ago when we were on holiday in the islands. Also on the same tour was a widow from Glasgow, Ena Hutchison, whose husband had died suddenly soon after designing and installing the windows. Ena had never been to Barra and so her visit to the church was very poignant and I was happy to send her a copy of this photograph. The windows featured on the BBC documentary, Island Parish which featured the parish Priest Fr John Paul McKinnon back in 1999 and, sadly, more recently when Fr John Paul was interviewed after the death of a Barra girl, Eilidh Macleod in. the Manchester Pop Concert bombing.
Bill and I spent a few days in Barra in August and attended a Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Sadly, Fr John Paul was on the mainland attending the funeral of a Falkirk man who had died, along with his Barra friend, while diving for scallops in Castle Bay so, although we have corresponded by e-mail we have still not met Fr John Paul. We were, however, made welcome by his friend and locum priest Fr Stewart and, although we were not allowed to take communion, we were given a blessing and we lit candles for our late daughter Hazel and prayed for Eilidh’s family in the Lady Chapel. We also remembered Eilidh’s friend Vicky who was injured in the bombing and who was still in hospital. Such a beautiful, peaceful place to be saddened and scarred by these tragedies.
Hilary Carmichael.
On Saturday evening 25th November All Saints Episcopal Church Lockerbie was privileged to host a dramatic retelling of the Gospel of St Mark by the Rev Ian Birkenshaw and his son Peter, who provided the original atmospheric guitar music for the performance.
A traveller arrived in the church and took the audience of 60+ people to the bank of the River Jordan to witness the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. For the next hour we travelled with Jesus and his disciples, at the beginning of his ministry, throughout Galilee. During our travels we witnessed and marvelled at the miracles, the parables and the teachings of Christ through the artistry of Ian Birkenshaw.
The second hour took us with them on the journey to Jerusalem. We watched as Jesus interacted with people, cleansed the temple and engaged in debate with those in authority. We were present at the last supper. 
We were witnesses to his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and were appalled at his betrayal by one of his own. We were with him during his trial by both High Priest and Pilate and we cringed at his humiliation by the Roman soldiers.
The Crucifixion, as depicted by Ian Birkenshaw was both awesome and heartrending. The experience brought the man Jesus to life and held the audience spellbound.
Ian Birkenshaw’s powerful performance and fast flowing narrative was truly awesome. It was a performance that will be remembered for a very long time. A hearty vote of thanks to Rev’d Ian Birkenshaw and his son Pete, who, with the aid of a chair, a little table, a staff, a shawl and a guitar brought the whole of the Gospel to life.
Margaret Buchanan
Photos taken from Rev Ian Birkinshaw website https://gospelofmarklive.wordpress.com/
Award Glory for local stalwarts. The annual TPAS (Tenant Participation Advisory Service) Conference saw award ceremony success for the voluntary work carried out by local groups. Lochmaben secretary Ronald A. Ritchie, received the award on their behalf, as being a vital link between the independent tenant movement and the Scottish Government.
Award was made under the category “outstanding group”, was recognition of the excellent work these volunteers carry out. Ronald A. Ritchie, said the award is a great honour and it is all down to the efforts of the local TARA’s (Tenant & Residents Association and Federation). I would like to thank all for their support.
Ronald A Ritchie
Saturday 25th November at 7.30pm
a dramatic retelling of the complete Gospel of Mark
‘Absolutely brilliant!’ ‘Stunning!’ ‘Mesmerising!’
‘An extraordinary experience!’ ‘I didn’t want it to end!’
A traveller arrives to tell the story of a peasant carpenter, preacher and
miracle-worker whose dynamic presence touches the lives of all who meet him
…with the most astonishing twist-in-the-tale the world has ever seen.
‘I never describe anything as awesome, but tonight I saw
two men give a properly awesome performance of The Gospel of Mark.
It was incredibly captivating.’
There is joy and sorrow, comedy and poignancy as, one after another,
Mark’s fast-moving narrative brings the characters to life.
The drama is underscored throughout by live music.
‘I don’t read the Bible, I can’t get my head round it. but this was awesome!’
‘Profoundly moving.’ ‘You have re-awakened something in me.’
Following a short interval we begin the journey to Jerusalem and the cross.
There is an invitation to share bread and wine before the startling discovery
of the empty tomb…
‘Truly inspirational. You brought us so many insights into the
life and teaching of Christ.’ ‘We were on Holy Ground.’
devised & performed by Rev’d Ian Birkinshaw
with original music by Peter Birkinshaw
Service held on Sunday 12th November 2017
The service was conducted by Rev John Mcleod assisted by Maggie McLeod. I had the honour of bearing the Cross leading John and Maggie down the aisle at start and end of the service.
Malcolm Bell McDonald did the honour of laying the wreath on behalf of All Saints Church, Rev John, read out the names of the fallen in the wars who were from All Saints Church.
Ronald A Ritchie.
Shoe Box Appeal in 2016, enabling Blythswood to gather and distribute 121,474 shoeboxes. This is approximately 4% more than 2015.
The shoeboxes received last year were distributed in Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Pakistan, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.
Boxes are now ready and are in Church if you would like to take one please do. We have placed a large box at the back of the church if you would like to add any of the item on the list (below) please do and ‘Shoe Boxes’ will be filled for collection at the beginning of November
Please click below for pdf list Shoe box appeal list 2017
We are not many in number in All Saints, ut our people are gracious beyond expectations. At our Annual Giving Day on Saturday 16th September 2017, our extraordinarily generous congregation gave a total of £1460 to the life and work of our church. Once tax is reclaimed through the Gift Aid Process, that figure will be increased to £1800 and so on behalf of or Vestry and all our people, I would like to thank all those who gave for their wonderful gifts.
Rev’d John Macleod 20th September 2017
