Old Meeting House – November 2024
Founded 1662 Built in 1702
OLD MEETING HOUSE YARD MANSFIELD NG18 1QR
11.00 am (in the Chapel and via Zoom)
Rev Mária Pap 24 St John St
Mansfield NG18 1QJ Phone 07486 062320
Mansfield NG18 1QJ
email to:
David Brown at: 164daviv@gmail.com omhmansfield@gmail.com
Miss Christine Wright 20 Forest Avenue Mansfield NG18 4BX 01623486243
Mrs P Smith 07870 397073
Mrs Ann Binch, Mr David Brown
Mr Peter Faulkner, Mrs Edwina Higgins, Mr Michael Higgins, Mrs Pauline Smith Mr D Wright
Mrs Catherine Wycherley
Nov | 3rd | Rev Mária Pap | Mrs A Binch | Mrs W Neville |
Nov | 10th | Remembrance Sunday Service 10:45 am | Mr P Frost | In memory of Eva Packard |
Nov | 17th | Interfaith Service | Mr N Fisher | Mrs M Sharpe |
Nov | 24th | Cafe Church – led by Paul Frost J.H. White Room | Miss C Wright | Mr P Randall |
Nov | 9 & 23 | 10:30 am –12 noon | Mr N Fisher |
9th - 10 am-noon - Coffee Morning and Poetry Group from 11 am (in person & on zoom)
23rd – 10 am – noon – Children in Need Coffee Morning
Advanced Dates for your Diary
7th December, 10 am-noon – Coffee Morning & Children`s Space 2:30 pm – EMU Quarterly Meeting – on zoom
Sunday, 15 December, 4pm – Carol Service with the Forest Singers Sunday, 22 December, 11am – Family Service and Nativity
At the time of my writing this “musing” the clocks have not been put back yet but there is not long to go now. I do not know about you, but I think for many people their bodies involuntarily are already attuned to the change. Lately we have been oversleeping as the outside darkness lulls one into an assurance that there is still time until the morning. Even the cat, who in summer would do his usual act of ‘cuckoo-cat” waking us up at 6 am with the desperate wail of one dying of hunger, - even Piszu is late in coming and seems to be happy oversleeping.
So this won`t do – that is why I am looking forward to the clocks going back. Of course many would argue that we will have longer evenings and those who have sleep issue perhaps are anticipating with dread more hours of struggle. But if we can have our say in the regulation of our time-keeping – and some countries are ditching this back and forth exercise – thank God, we have no say in the turning of seasons – though we do our best to upset Nature`s ways!:(
November is upon us and the outside world is turning bleak with rains and cold and a general feeling of misery, so aptly described by Thomas Hardy in his poem No!
No sun—no moon!
No morn—no noon— No dawn—
No sky—no earthly view—
No distance looking blue—(…)
No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease, No comfortable feel in any member—
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds,
November!
Poor November doesn`t get a good write up, but there are compensations. There is a reason for Nature`s way and this is a time of rest, of gathering strength for a new season of growth.
This is a time of rest and some of us do look forward to those long evenings at last, a cosy time, curling up on the sofa, watching TV, reading a book, playing a game or sharing stories.
The darkness and cold outside forces us to seek the shelter of our homes, the solitude with a good book or some favourite music, or the company of family and friends and there is plenty to enjoy and do during those long hours if we care to find it.
The light, the warmth, the exuberance, the joy of a summer day become a memory to be remembered, cherished and turned into a fertile ground of gratitude and hope from which new seeds may burst forth at their appointed time.
But for now, we turn inwards for inner light and warmth; we turn into our homes – physical and spiritual - and revel in the opportunities this month offers: of more rest, of taking better care of our body and soul, of paying more attention and devoting more time to our relationships and communities, of trying to bring more harmony into our lives by balancing better our needs and responsibilities. And rest assured that
those long hours of evenings, perhaps even nights will fly faster than we imagined.
So welcome November into our life!
May we appreciate the rest you bring and may we find in us and among us all the warmth, cheerfulness, comfort and healthful ease that the outside world is lacking at this time!
See you at OMH and/or via zoom! Maria
Thank you very much to the Forest Singers for contributing lovely songs to our Harvest Celebrations and thanksgiving and to our members and friends for their contributions of readings and poems. We also welcomed in the service Mansfield’s Deputy Mayor Craig Whitby who gave a short address, and County Councillor Stephen Garner, who was instrumental in securing the funding for the choir; a heartfelt thanks, too for all your donations, which went to Sherwood Forest Food bank on the following Monday. The fresh fruits were taken to our housebound members. Ann and Christine, together with Maria visited Jo Hacking, Bill Brown and Alistair Hamilton. They found them all in good spirits, coping with patience and humour with the frailties of the body and sending their good wishes to all.
Alistair moved to his own flat, right across the street and his new address is: 21, Flanders Court, Mansfield, NG19 6FF
We were saddened to hear mid-October of the death of Richard Lungley, husband of Wendy, Ann Binch`s cousin, known to some of us. Richard, together with Wendy attended some of our services and he was great at our Hot Cross Buns distribution last year. They planned to move back to the area and join our community but Richard`s illness prevented them. Our sincere condolences to all the family!
Another sad news was the passing of Pat Brown brought to us by Josh Brown. Pat has been struggling with severe health issues for a long time and needed quite a lot of care. She was the widow of Doug Brown, whom our older members remember well and who left his mark on the life of the OMH and the district. We extend our sympathy and condolence to Josh and the family!
Pat did not want a funeral but the internment of Doug`s ashes in our Peaceful Garden will take place in the service on the 1st of December.
Helen Edwards had her surgery on the 15th of October, we hope everything went well and wish her all the best on her journey to full recovery!
David Wright had been struggling with shoulder pains lately. We hope this health issue will be sorted and wish him a speedy recovery!
On the 20 October we baptized and welcomed into our community Dora Isabella Dolgos, born 3rd July 2014, daughter of Roland Dolgos and Linda Petercsak. The service was bi-lingual, with friends, family and godparents being present at OMH and via zoom from Hungary.
May God`s blessing be on Dora and her family!
After the service we enjoyed the 60th wedding anniversary cake brought by Margaret and Roy! Thank you for the delicious cake and our good wishes to the couple for many more years to come!
We have some ongoing collections: warm winter clothing for men for Maun Refuge and the ongoing collection for the Food bank. If you have things to donate, please bring them to OMH at a time when we have activities!
Thank you for your generosity!
Birthdays in November: 1st – Joshua Brown (David and Vivienne`s grandson);2nd – Yiu Troch; 7th – Noah (Janet Ryder’s great-grandson); 11th – Joan Tedds; 13th – Ian Ryder; 14th – Maisie Rachel Jane (David Burton’s granddaughter); 15th- Edwina Higgins; 18th – Oscar Wycherley; 25th – Stephen Wycherley.
We wish them all a very happy birthday!
NOTICE re zoom: Sunday Services: Meeting ID: 867 1276 0925; under other events offered virtually you will find their appropriate ID. The Passcode for all meetings is OMH.
Refreshments and good company are provided!
On 15 November we plan to hold a movie afternoon from 3 pm –“ The Great Escaper” (2023) a movie with Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson about a World War II veteran, who sneaks out of his care home to attend the 70th anniversary celebration of the D-Day landings in Normandy. The movie afternoon is free of charge and open to all!
Topic: Preparations for Winter – we hope you will join us and share your thoughts and memories, followed by tea.
Meeting ID: 889 7773 4326
Committee Meeting on Thursday, 7 November at 2pm – if you have any items for the agenda, please send it to Maria by Monday, the 4th.
Coffee Morning on Saturday, 9 November, 10am – noon with a Poetry Group meeting from 11 am – in person and via zoom.
The topic is Nursery Rhymes - please, bring at least two in case of overlap, or you can make up your own! As usual everyone is welcome with/out a contribution!
Meeting ID: 844 7827 3226
Our remembrance this year will focus on WW2. Kath and Peter Faulkner will provide interesting information and insights about our own members participating in the conflict as well as the fallen heroes, whose names figure on the War Memorial.
November 10-17 is Interfaith Week this year. We will mark this opportunity with a special Service with contributions by the members of the Interfaith Group meeting on our premises. We are grateful to our Trustees for providing a warm and welcoming space!
It will be led by Paul Frost on the topic of “Community” and will take place in the John Harrop White Room.
October EMU AGM at Belper - Vivienne and David Brown
On October 13th five OMH members joined twenty others from around our district to hold the EMU AGM at Belper. After a warm welcome by David Burton, the new student minister Kieren Mardle-Moss gave the opening devotions. A copy of the 2023/4 Report including Peter Faulkner’s annual OMH summary is available to read in Chapel. Dr. David Wykes, as President, dealt with matters arising on the Agenda before David Brown as Treasurer explained the annual accounts of both EMU and the Disney Trust. David B advised of EMU support for ministers in Lincoln and Boston, together with the payments for a new heating system at the Kirkstead Nursery and the former Boston manse which is undertaking a full renovation. Richard McLachlan, the Lincoln representative, queried what consideration was made in regard to ethical investments. The meeting was assured that the investment advisers, Redmayne Bentley took an ethical view on share holdings which has been adopted for us as well as other Unitarian organisations like the B&FUA.
The detailed accounts were agreed and a grant to Mansfield was approved towards the Warm Hub starting again in January. During the meeting, David Burton took the opportunity to thank EMU for the funding towards their new part-time appointment and to explain how Belper had not had its own minister since the 1950s. He praised Mansfield for all their support throughout the ministries of Rev Kenneth Sherratt and Rev Derek Smith. Without this, it would have been a very different future for Belper. He was very positive about the growth of the
current congregation which is now around 30 and was delighted to report that the future was looking promising and stable. Hinckley Chapel has volunteered to hold the next Family Day in 2025 which was much appreciated by everyone. The vacant role of secretary has been filled by Andrew Cooper whose family has long-standing links to the Nottingham congregation. He had travelled up from Bristol for the meeting and hoped to move back into our area very soon now he has retired as a solicitor. Finally David Wykes was thanked most sincerely for all his skills chairing EMU for the past two years and Howard Hague from Hinckley accepted this role for which warm wishes were extended. After delicious refreshments, organised by Francis St Lawrence and others at Belper, the well-run and friendly AGM closed. The next quarterly meeting in December will be by zoom, hosted by us and details will be circulated soon.
Warm Hub – We welcome the EMU grant and we are grateful to David Burton, who tries to secure us more funding. We are considering starting the Hub at the beginning of December. Offers of meals and volunteers are very welcome, please get in touch with Maria!
Deadline for the December issue of the Newsletter: 24th November. Please send your news, insights, and materials to Maria.
Each Sunday there is a Service of Worship at 11.00am – in person and via zoom, with meeting ID’s and Passcode published previously on our Facebook and sent by email.
Once a month the Coffee Morning is offered with Children`s Space from
10.00 am until 12.00 noon.
find us on social media:
Mansfield Old Meeting House
You can send us emails to
Visit our website at:
A worldwide spiritual community which encourages you to think for yourself;
Everyone has the right to seek for truth and meaning for themselves.
The fundamental tools for doing this Are your own life experiences, one’s own Intuitive understanding, and the promptings of one’s own conscience.
The best setting for doing this is in a Community that welcomes you as you are – beliefs, doubts, questions and all- but which also stimulates and challenges you.
Because of their traditional emphasis on the unity or oneness of God.
Today Unitarians affirm the essential unity of humanity and creation.
Old Meeting House – October 2024
Founded 1662 Built in 1702
OLD MEETING HOUSE YARD MANSFIELD NG18 1QR
11.00 am (in the Chapel and via Zoom)
Rev Mária Pap 24 St John St
Mansfield NG18 1QJ Phone 07486 062320
Mansfield NG18 1QJ
email to:
David Brown at: 164daviv@gmail.com omhmansfield@gmail.com
Miss Christine Wright 20 Forest Avenue Mansfield NG18 4BX 01623486243
Mrs P Smith 07870 397073
Mrs Ann Binch, Mr David Brown
Mr Peter Faulkner, Mrs Edwina Higgins, Mr Michael Higgins, Mrs Pauline Smith Mr David Wright Mrs Catherine Wycherley
Oct | 6th | Rev Mária Pap | Mr N Fisher | In memory of Yvonne Brown |
Oct | 13th | Rev Mária Pap | Mr D Brown | Mrs V Brown |
Oct | 20th | Rev Mária Pap | Mrs A Binch | Mrs J Hacking |
Oct | 27th | Jenny Burroughes & Martin Davies | Miss C Wright | Mr P Randall |
Oct | 12 | 10:30 am–12 noon | Mr N Fisher |
Oct | 26 | 10:30 am–12 noon | Mr N Fisher |
19th – with Poetry Group postponed to 9th November
26th– with Halloween Party for the children & young at hearts
26th, Saturday at 7 pm - Frog Race with Fish and Chips - Charity Fundraiser Evening in Aid of Teenage Cancer Trust
Advanced Dates for your Diary:
Sunday, 10 November – Remembrance Sunday
Saturday, 23 November –Children in Need Coffee Morning
”When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” – Sherlock Holmes
Several years ago, when we moved to Mansfield, one of the things which struck us was the presence of disabled people everywhere. They were shopping, strolling around, and attending events, taking part in the everyday life of the town, of their communities. It was great to see that they are leading as “normal” a life as possible – though if asked to explain normal, I would be in quandary to define what it is. In this instance perhaps I would say able-bodied, but I am aware that we carry within us many infirmities which are not visible to the eye.
It came as a surprise to us, because back home disabled people are almost ”hidden”- as if a physical infirmity is something to be ashamed about; you very rarely met them outside and the institutions are just starting to make the necessary arrangements for access to buildings, for their integration in society.
This situation opened our eyes to the fact that it took a long time here and it will take quite a long one everywhere else for the recognition of disabled people as full and competent members of our societies, for welcoming them and giving them the space, the support, the love they deserve; a recognition that despite their disabilities they are “one of us.” But if we or the society at large is slow on the uptake, disabled people take the lead in teaching us about our common humanity, about vision
and courage, about gratitude, about challenging the impossible and showing to us all improbable truths.
The Olympics and Paralympics Games came to an end and I do not know if you noticed that Charlotte Henshaw, a Mansfield Paralympian won two gold medals a couple of weeks ago in Paris.:)
Those who watched the Paralympics will surely understand the Sherlock Holmes quote – both in terms of impossibility and improbability. We were treated to a lesson about the unquenchable human spirit, which endures and overcomes the infirmities of the body to start life anew, to find meaning in each and every day, to dream and soar above the pain, the disillusionment, the challenges. In many of these sports the participants’ infirmities made it look almost like an impossibility to have a go at it, yet they did it. They eliminated the impossible from their dictionary and proved us that the improbable, that which by sheer human reason could not have happened – did happen.
All the achievements of those participating in the Paralympics, whether they won a medal or came last is a proof that we can overcome almost impossible hardships and heartbreaks, that we can live out and we can bring about improbable truths if we set our mind, our heart, our will to do so.
Many things in our life seem at times almost impossible: like keeping our act together or keeping our sanity, when difficulties assail us; reaching out to others when we don`t feel like human company or asking for help when we need it; in the effort to go on with a task that is more bother than joy; struggling to be present and supportive of our
communities, for what we deem to be a poor return; keeping our hope and working for a better, kinder world, which does not seem to materialize even when we go the second mile– so many instances when the most understandable human reaction would be to hide, to turn away, to give up.
And yet more times than we realize, we go on and make the improbable happen – against all infirmities of body or mind, against tiredness and disillusionment, against fear and differences, and everything that seems to challenge us. We do it because there is a compulsion, a dream, a vision, a love of Life, an indestructible core that will not let us go.
Autumn is upon us again – a reminder of past harvests and those which are yet to come; a reminder of riches around and in us; hidden stores of courage, determination, of love, of gratitude if we can just see the blessings of our life. If we can just see that with everything that challenges our mind, body and soul as individuals and as a community, with everything that challenges our common humanity we still can overcome the impossible and if we so wish, make the improbable happen. Will we?
See you at OMH and/or via zoom! Mária
Helen Edwards has got the date for her pacemaker for 15th October. Our prayers and good wishes are with her and we hope everything goes smoothly!
Dave Guilor is much better; his dizziness has been attended to, so now he can drive again. He still feels shaky from time to time, but sends his good wishes and hopes to visit us soon!
It was great to welcome back Eric and Alistair to one of our services. Alistair`s hearing problems are not yet sorted, but otherwise he is well. He is still at Poppy Court but hopes to get a bungalow soon.
Joan Tedds had issues with zoom lately and she was not able to join our services, but she is confident that given a little time she will be coming in person. We are looking forward to that!
NOTICE re zoom: Sunday Services: Meeting ID: 867 1276 0925; under other events offered virtually you will find their appropriate ID. The Passcode for all meetings is OMH.
Interfaith Group Meeting on Wednesday, 2nd October at 5pm (postponed from the last week of September). Among various subjects, we will discuss the preparations for the Interfaith Service in November.
If you wish to attend/ would like more info, please get in touch with Lynn.
We are delighted to welcome back The Forest Singers for our Harvest Service. The choir is sponsored by Nottingham County Council`s Local Communities Fund and additionally to this concert they will feature at our Christmas Carol service, too!
Do come along and bring your family and friends!
For Harvest Sunday we ask for donations of non-perishable goods – especially tins of baked beans, spaghetti, potatoes, tinned cold meat, soups, UHT milk, tea/coffee, cartons of juice for the Foodbank – as well as fruits and vegetables - which will be taken as usual to our members and friends, who cannot attend chapel. Thank you!
Topic: AUTUMN – an opportunity to share your thoughts, memories or favourite poems and music on what this season means to you. The meeting is in person and via zoom, followed by discussion and tea. Open to all.
Meeting ID: 889 7773 4326
EMU AGM –12 October at 2:30 pm, Belper Unitarian Chapel
It will be hosted by our friends from the Belper congregation and those attending, besides meeting old friends, will get a chance to meet Kieren Mardle-Moss, student minister at Belper Unitarians. If you wish to attend, please let Maria know by Sunday, the 6th!
The Coffee Morning with Poetry Group meeting planned for the 19th is postponed to 9th November. The topic: Nursery Rhymes – remains; please, bring at least two in case of overlap, or you can make up your own! As usual everyone is welcome with/out a contribution!
26 October, 10 am – noon - Coffee Morning & Halloween Party for Children, Youngsters and Young at Hearts. Come in costume for a wickedly good time! Let us be scared together!:)
26 October, from 7 pm – Frog Race with Fish and Chips at OMH This will be a charity event with a fun race, food and raffle organized by Jenny Burroughes and Martin Davies in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. Fish and chips will be provided – please bring your own drinks and glasses. Tickets: £15 – Adults; £10 - Children under 12.
A short explanation of the race from Jenny: Frog racing needs teams of two. One member of each team stands at the far end of the large school room and holds onto a rope in each hand. The other end of the ropes runs along the floor to the 2nd team member who will be at the near end of the room. This team member will have the ‘frog‘ on his/her end. When the adjudicator says ‘Go’ each of the second team members
in conjunction with the 1st team member makes the frog jump to reach the far end. To make the frogs jump each team member waves their arms up and down.
We hope you are intrigued enough to join us and support a great cause!
Congregational Service on 27 October – led by Jenny and Martin on the theme of “Memories.” They welcome contributions by the 20th, please!
Friday`s Friendly Space –2-4 pm in the JH White room with arts and crafts, board games, refreshments and good company!
Heritage Open Days 2024 - Paul Frost, Chairperson
On the weekend of 14-15th September we celebrated another successful Heritage weekend opening at the OMH. Months of preparation and organisation by the working group and our Minister came to fruition in interesting displays and exhibitions, informative talks from outside speakers and lots of fun and friendship for friends of the OMH community, young and old. The success came in the wake of the honour of Mansfield Old Meeting House being the only place of worship other than a cathedral to be included in the 30th Anniversary Gallery of the national Heritage Open Days organisation.
As your chairperson I was happy to welcome the Deputy Mayor of Mansfield, Cllr Craig Whitby, who had never visited us before and was suitably impressed, staying for all the events on the Saturday.
I welcomed visitors in the chapel for the morning events and Vivienne Brown introduced David Burton, who opened our event with a fitting and heart-warming speech introducing our theme of “Routes, Networks and Connections”.
Liam Skillen of CEE Notts gave an interesting talk on Central & Eastern Europeans in Mansfield from WW2 to the present day, a companion to the “Chasing Shadows” travelling exhibition on the subject which we hosted in the large school room. We wish Liam and colleague well in their continuing oral history recording project.
We were served a delicious Hungarian dish for lunch courtesy of the culinary talents of our Minister’s husband, Laszlo, which went down very well in both original and vegetarian versions and we had some Hungarian cakes made by the Hungarian mums! Christine, Ann and Pat helped with drinks and supervised a successful cake stall, raising over a
£100 on the day.
Saturday afternoon saw a Power Point presentation from Steve Cree on Mansfield’s Sister Cities around the world. Steve was welcomed and introduced by Neil Fisher, our deputy chairperson and his talk was both informative and interesting. It would be great to see a revival of the Sister Cities Association, perhaps a task for future generations!
A recorded talk on Mansfield MA (USA) from Andrew Tedesco of the Historical Society in the American city was offered, along with Kath
and Peter Faulkner`s DVD about the pilgrimage to the WW1 graves of the fallen heroes of the OMH.
Tours of our chapel buildings were given, and people also had a go at a local historical quiz that I had put together around the themes of the day. On Sunday, Rev. Maria’s service concentrated on the key themes of Routes, Networks and Connections and we had a shared lunch, though we were not blessed with as nice weather as Saturday (which had allowed the children to enjoy playing in our grounds).
We are grateful for the donations of cakes for the stall, prizes for our quiz and for all the support received!
As chairperson I would like to offer heartfelt thanks on behalf of all the congregation and friends of the OMH for the effort, time and sheer hard work all those involved put into making HOD 2024 a success!
Note from Stewart Swift “Dear Rev Mária,
Thank you so much for printing my poem (Summer Trees). One is unsure if you wish another? I wrote one for the Harvest Service, entitled “The Gathering.” The poem is a celebration of the harvest, which has its roots in pagan times. Another word for gathering could be: congregation – and thus the people will gather.
My thanks to yourself and the Poetry Group for making me welcome!”
P.S. Stewart will read his poem at our Harvest Service!
Deadline November issue: 20th October; materials to Maria, please.
Each Sunday there is a Service of Worship at 11.00am – in person and via zoom, with meeting ID’s and Passcode published previously on our Facebook and sent by email.
Once a month the Coffee Morning is offered with Children`s Space from
10.00 am until 12.00 noon.
find us on social media:
Mansfield Old Meeting House
You can send us emails to
Visit our website at:
A worldwide spiritual community which encourages you to think for yourself;
Everyone has the right to seek for truth and meaning for themselves.
The fundamental tools for doing this Are your own life experiences, one’s own Intuitive understanding, and the promptings of one’s own conscience.
The best setting for doing this is in a Community that welcomes you as you are – beliefs, doubts, questions and all- but which also stimulates and challenges you.
Because of their traditional emphasis on the unity or oneness of God.
Today Unitarians affirm the essential unity of humanity and creation.