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Our new window is part of a conference in Florida this week
American Glass Guild 2013 Conference May 15-19, 2013
Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront Hotel St. Augustine, Florida
Friday, 1:30pm - 2:15pm
Revelations: the New Jerusalem
Jonathan Cooke
Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront Hotel
The Savile Chapel at the parish church of St Michael and All Angels, Thornhill, near Dewsbury, in the north of England is a historically significant interior. As well as monuments to the Savile family, it contains four c15 windows of the York school. In 2009 Jonathan was invited to prepare a report on the condition of this glazing. In the late nineteenth century, it was known to be deteriorating and, exceptionally, Burlson an Grylls, who restored the chapel windows circa 1880 as part of the Victorian reordering of the building by the noted architect G E Street, had recorded its condition both prior to, and on completion of their work. Their pre-restoration cartoons were discovered about thirty years ago under one of the Savile monuments and their post restoration tracings were deposited at the Victoria and Albert Museum by Harry Grylls after the Second World War. From these records we know that much of the surface decoration, particularly on the white glasses, had already been lost and the rate of deterioration almost certainly accelerated in the twentieth century.
Samples of the glasses were analysed by English Heritage to determine chemical composition, and environmental factors, current and historic, which could have contributed to its parlous state, were also explored. The microenvironment of the window was monitored over a year, with the assistance of Dr David Martlew, former chief research glass scientist at Pilkingtons, and academic glass scientists from Sheffield University.
This paper presents the story of the window: its fascinating iconography, possibly unique in stained glass; its history, and an overview of the scientific and pastoral aspects of the controversial decisions to displace the medieval glass, and to recreate the window. Jonathan will also describe the processes in his reconstruction of this window, from initial researches and cartoons to the glass painting techniques employed.
http://www.americanglassguild.org/
Access and Care of paths to Historic Church and Churchyard
We are dleighted that we have been awarded a grant of £10,000 from the Big Lottery to enable us to repair the majority of our paths around the church- the main access paths to the churchyard. This grant enables us to maintain good, safe and disabled access to these historic resources in Thornhill.
Work is progressing well on the Paths around the church and they will be finished for the Spring Bank Holiday 2013. Work on the top lychgate path is planned.
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One of our Guide Leaders Sally Kynaston Has been honoured in the New Year Honours List
SALLY ANN KYNASTON, MBE of Staincross, Barnsley, receives the MBE for services to HM Revenue and Customs, and to Girl Guiding in South Yorkshire. Congratulations Sally.
Rev Norma Webb has left the Benefice to continue her work in another Parish. At a special Eucharist on April 28th John Bullimore- a former Redaer and Churchwarden at Thornhill was the preacher and he paid tribute to Norma's commitment to the Benefice as Reader and Priest over many years. It was good to have Rev Christine Bullimore with us as well as the Rev. Gill Johnson. Tony Ridley on behalf of wardens paid tribute and John Riley presented her with a cheque from the congregations. We wish Norma well in her continuing ministry in pastures new in Middlestown and Netherton.
New Churchwardens at the Annual Meeting Bob Pickles and Mark Naylor stood down as churhwardens and we thank them for their service. New wardens are Dianne Goodwin and Elaine Wilkes. It is anticipated that two Deputy Churchwardens will be appointed at the PCC in May 2013.
Easter day
See, what a morning, gloriously bright
With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem
Folded the grave-clothes, tomb filled with light
As the angels announce, "Christ is risen"
----------thank you to all who did the displays.
ACCESS NOTE--due to the frosty nights work on the path will not start until the 7th May when surely all frost will have gone, but access will be maintained at all times. Work has been completed on boxing in monuments in the Savile Chapel to allow for work on the monuments in the chapel and particularly to Sir George and Lady Anne Savile monument planned now to start in early June. Access to the Savile Chapel and the ability to see things in there will be severely restricted.. Please ring to confirm access details if you are travelling from a distance.
Good Friday Children's Morning and Procession to The Cross
A large group of young people met at THornhill Methodist Church to work together in learning and enjoyinhg the Easter Story. They mad the poster below and gifts to take home . A goodly number then proceesd with a large cross to THE CROSS in Thonnhill after a short service. The cross remains for a few weeks as a potent symbol of the Christian faith .
see other pictures here Https://picasaweb.google.com/101555190427929545364/
GoodFriday2013Thornhill?authkey=Gv1sRgCJGE38a_1NDSFA#
A Christian passover Meal was celebrated at Thornhill Parish Church by 50 members on the Wedenesday of Holy Week 2013. A talk by Rev Kevin Maddy on his experiences as a roving priest and chaplain related closely to the theme of Passover and Easter.
Rector gives Pupils an introduction to the Christian faith...
PUPILS at Paradise Primary School in Dewsbury welcomed a local church leader for a special inter-faith assembly this week. (March 2013)
The Rector Rev Sue Clarke, from Thornhill Parish Church, conducted an assembly in which she introduced pupils to the Christian faith and the significance of Christmas and Easter. She also spoke about her own role in the parish and the interfaith work she is involved in. Aisha Patel, a year five pupil, said: “It was a wonderful assembly and we really enjoyed the visit. I was really happy to meet the reverend and get an insight into another faith.”Chair of governors Faruk Pandor said: “It is vitally important for us to create links with other faiths in accordance with our own interfaith strategy and it is just as important for our children to learn about other faiths and their religious practices.” (thanks to the Press for this story )
http://www.thepressnews.co.uk/NewsDetails.asp?id=9012
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The Big Brew organised by our Wednseday Cafe ladies on the 6th March 2013 raised £110 well done to everyone and special thanks to the Band who plyaed at the event
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Imam Ilyas speaks in Thornhill Parish Church a first for our church - the first time a Muslim has presented a lecture about his faith. Imam Moulan Ilyas Dalal gave a talk about the Muslim faith. Ilyas is a chaplain at Dewsbury Hospital. The talk was attended by Bishop Tony Robinson and members of the church and community. He answered questions about the Muslim faith.
see other photos here
Building and monument conservation and renewal
we are delighted that we are now able to commence the final stage of the repairs and renewals to the church in 2013. A generous grant from English Hertage/ Heritage Lottery Fund and many other grant giving bodies will enable us to finish the high Level Urgent Roof repairs; complete the conservation of all the internal monuments and in particular the major monument to Sir George and Lady Anne Savile 1614 which straddles the arch between the Savile Chapel and the chancel. We will also be redisplaying the former Savile Chapel East Window in an interpretative display about the making of the new window,-OLD and New together.
Unfortunately this will mean scaffolding and buiding and conservation work will intrude until the end of July and the new East Window in the Chapel will be temporarily out of sight.
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Thornhill Cafes given ***** rating by Kirklees Environment Service. 6.2.13. This award to the cafes operating in church is a major boost to the staff working there each week in a voluntary capacity and raising money for Charity. It is for cleanliness and knowledge of health and food preparation issues.
The food, service and ambience are also of a high quality and proced very reasonably. Come and Try it. Each Wednesday 11.15- 1.00.
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Memories of Thornhill Booket by Brenda Pearson is now available
see publication section of site.
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Candlemass celebrated by our young people at the Saturday Club 
2.2.13
see You Tube video at
http://wwwyoutube.com/watch?v=hYFzucBe234
Epiphany Children's Activity 5th January 2013
see You tube pictures at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkuF1503Ayk&list=UUO7GwOONF4otj-B4ei6kuGg&index=1
or pictures
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Our Advent and Christmas Display this year was on the theme of the Favourite Chritmas Carol. 17 organisations from the church and the loacl community took part with a wide range of carols being chosen. From the one by Thornhill Methodists - Cradled in a manger meanly to the choice of three groups- We three Kings. A firendly competition was held and visitors voted for their favourite display - in the close run competition there were two clear winners. From the Young People it was the display by Thornhill JIN School
and from the Adults the stunning Probus paintintg by Joh Hartley of the carol God Rest you merry, Gentlemen.
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A successful day at the Bazaar - thanks to everyone who worked so hard on the day and beforehand, Click link below to see some pictures
https://picasaweb.google.com/101555190427929545364/Bazaar2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCNGLiu7e85n5mwE#
Congratulations to Jeff Heaton our Benefice Reader who has just been awarded a degree from the University of York St John. He was awarded a Foundation Degree, with merit, in Theology and Ministry and this is the result of 4 years of study every month at the School of Ministry in Mirfield. The degree was presented to him in York Minister by Archbishop John Sentamu and, in the same ceremony, an Honorary Degree was presented to Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Rededication our restoration project is now complete- at least for a month or two. The Bishop of Wakefield re-dedicated the church and the Savile Chapel at a service on Sunday 4th November
The new costume resource for school visits and use by children - provided under the HLF Let there be light project are now in use.
see video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp0JWPT60WU&list=UUO7GwOONF4otj-B4ei6kuGg&index=1&feature=plcp
Our New Window- is now complete and installed it replaces the 15th C decayed window in the East of the Savile Chapel. .
the Apostles at the top
the complete window
night view
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Lord and Lady Savile visit Thornhill . On the 3rd August 2012 Lord and Lady Savile visited the Rectory Park where Lady Savile planted a tree to commemorate the restoration of parts of the park spearheaded by the Friends of Rectory Park. They the visited the savile Chapel and had afternoon tea with guests. Lord Savile was particularly impressed with the work done so far to conserve the ancient artefacts in the chapel.
Lady Savile ' Rev Sue Clarke, Brian Pearson, Lord Savile
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The Summer Fair was blessed by good weather and lots of fun
Thank you to all who supported it. With a matching grants from Barclays ( supporting work by Alex Arnott in the catering operation ) we should have made £3000
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Cafe Church -Food and fellowship at Thornhill- Good News our cafe is open EVERY Wednesday run by Soroptimist International Dewsbury ( SIDZ cafe) fortnightly -and friends -
The church is open every Wednesday from 10-1.15 for visits.
NEWS ARCHIVE BELOW HERE
Good News: the church has been awarded a grant from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund of £98,000 over the years 2012-2013 to enable the conservation and restoration of the remaining three monuments in the church and to allow the redisplay of the former 'doom' window from the Savile Chapel. Other repairs to the fabric will be carried out.
click here for the full Press Release
Miscellany concert - what a lovely evening we had with Miscellany - once again their star quality shone through and their selection of songs with a Christmas theme was stimulating and exciting.
A slight diversion-- see the photo below and look carefully- Happy Christmice!
Bazaar 19th November 2011 - a really happy day - lots of good food, presents and company. Thank you to all who helped and those who came- we raised about £2400 to help pay our Insurance. Some pictures are available on https://picasaweb.google.com/101555190427929545364/Bazaar2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqP4p3x9KSHCQ##
Gift evening 21st October 2011
a hugely enjoyable evening- supper is served
£4414 was raised - thank you to all.
See You tube videos
Karen Lizzie and Maureen sing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHriAVhgsLo
Bethany sings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pEVUEUGRmM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
http://www.youtube.com/user/Brianbre1#p/a/u/0/3z-b-GEOMNo
Wedding Fair at Whitley and Thornhill 22 October
couples as in church on 250 years + of married life
Congratultaions to Jeffery Heaton on being Licensed as a Reader in the Benefice by the Bishop of Pontefract on 16th October 2011
see https://picasaweb.google.com/101555190427929545364/JeffReader?authkey=Gv1sRgCJLsq42Io_Tb-AE#
Major fund raising appeal launched.We launch our fund raising appeal today for £20,000 to help us meet our commitment on the major renovation and consrvation project we are running. Click kere to see the brochure.
Here is the form to make a gift. The gift evening has passed but we still need your gift.
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See our latest You tube video- Harvest Game from Saturday October 8th 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uASJke00drw
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Read the Dewsbury Reporter News story about our Let there be light scheme and our Project Worker http://www.dewsburyreporter.co.uk/news/local/dewsbury-news/church_gets_heritage_help_1_3776964
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Visit Thornhill Parish Church on You Tube
To see older news visit the News Archive