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What a swell party it was! At 4.00 p.m. on Saturday 27th June 2009 in Unity Hall, Epsom we gathered to say goodbye to our Minister Pat Hall and Peter Dickinson at a farewell party attended by members and friends from both the Epsom and Ewell Churches. Also present was the Moderator of the URC Southern Synod, the Rev’d Nigel P. Uden, making a total of about 80 people. The Hall looked splendid as the tables were laid out ready for the event and down one side the food was attractively displayed in preparation for the wonderful buffet supper later in the afternoon. In one corner the stage was set for the entertainment and formal proceedings which were to follow. Also on show on a big screen was a slide show display of photographs taken at various events during the last five and a half years which were a welcome reminder of many happy occasions, at most of which Pat was present (N.B. copies will be obtainable from Alan on CD). Throughout the party the master of ceremonies was Alan Wood who performed this task with his usual aplomb and good humour.
There was a welcome cup of tea and biscuits as people arrived and arranged themselves in groups around the tables, followed by a fruit punch for those with more of a thirst. We were then entertained by the combined choirs, accompanied by Malcolm Saunders on the electronic keyboard and Dennis Sexton on trumpet. The choir performed two sets with such popular songs as ‘Show me the Way’, ‘Almost like being in love’, ‘Blueberry Hilll and ‘Let there be Love’. Interspersed with the more popular songs were three anthems, ‘Like as the Hart’ (V Novello), ‘Lord of all Power and Might’ (Minshall) and ‘Lord, for thy tender mercy’s sake’ (attrib. Hilton)
Following the first session of song there was a repeat of a short drama previously performed in the Longhurst Room to quite a small audience. It was called “Religious Difficulties” by Laurence Housman and concerned Queen Victoria (played by Barbara Wood) and Mr. Dean, a pastor (played by John Wood) and supported by Archie Paterson and George and Sheila Smith, all dressed in splendid Victorian costume. The difficulty concerned the issue of whether a whale actually swallowed Jonah whole and if the subsequent events, as described in the bible, really took place. The dialogue was beautifully presented and the actors played their parts with great skill and realism.
Subsequently, Nigel Uden (“burly chassis” – joke!) commented at the beginning of his speech that he was glad he did not have to answer the question posed by Queen Victoria! He then went on to pay tribute to Pat for all she has done in Epsom & Ewell, with particular reference to her international perspective and her understated but powerful contribution to both Churches, separately and together. He was warmly applauded by the audience which showed just how much Pat had been appreciated and would be sorely missed.
The party then moved on to the sumptuous repast, accompanied by wine or fruit juice, prepared with her usual great skill by ’Phemie Young and her helpers, and it is certain that none of the participants left hungry. There was cold beef, ham and fresh salmon, various pies and sausages, accompanied by every sort of salad with all the usual extras. A delightful selection of puddings followed with cheese and biscuits and coffee.
After the meal, and following some more renderings from the choir, we all enjoyed the song written by Gwyneth Smith to the tune of “Thine be the Glory” and with the theme of “Learnt off Pat”. This was Gwyneth’s unique contribution to Pat’s farewell (it’s becoming something of a tradition at these events) and all joined in with much appreciation of the sentiments expressed. (The words to this can be found elsewhere in this Newsletter.)
It was then the turn of both Church Secretaries to speak, Viv Baker for Ewell and Sheila Smith for Epsom, to pay tribute on behalf of both congregations for all that Pat has done and to thank both Pat and Peter for their support and concern for all the people and events of the last five years or so.
A number of gifts were presented to Pat as a memento of her time in Epsom and Ewell, which included some beautifully mounted and framed photographs of local scenes and of both congregations taken in their respective churches. Adam from Ewell presented Pat with a lovely bunch of flowers and John Wood then made a presentation of a Gift Cheque from the money collected for Pat and Peter to purchase a suitable gift, perhaps when they arrive in Canada. Pat had mentioned that a new laptop (notebook) pc would be very welcome.
The formal part of the evening ended with Pat making her farewell speech in which she thanked all those who had assisted her during her Ministry here and recalling various events which had given her particular pleasure. Pat likened her love of weaving to the Church Members who came with many different gifts but who together wove a powerful body of God’s people. She wished the Churches well in the future as we face difficulties and changes and also thanked Peter for his support and back up during her time here. Peter concluded by adding his own thoughts on leaving Epsom and Ewell, which was a new experience for him, having spent 26 years in Farnham. He too had found friendship and fellowship in both Churches but looked forward to the new challenges that lay before them.
Two excellent cakes appeared with a photograph on each, one of the Ewell Church and one of Epsom. After much picture taking by those present Pat and Peter cut the cakes which were then distributed to all who could find the appetite. It was now ten minutes past eight and the party was over, the guests helped as they were able to clear up after what everyone felt had been a very successful and enjoyable evening, pleasantly aware that justice had been done to Pat’s farewell do!
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