Rodborough Tabernacle United Reformed Church

They would like to thank everyone who made is such a wonderful evening in fellowship.

On Friday, April 24, in the Community Room the Tab were privileged to host an inspirational talk from Christian artist Yvonne Bell.

The talk was well attended and a warm welcome was extended to visitors from eight local Churches, some members of the local Embroiders’ Guild and friends from the local community.

Yvonne explained how she creates her work, passing around materials and finished work for them to examine.

Much of her work involves creating vestments for Clergy.

She paints banners, chasubles, stoles, copes, mitres, lecturn and pulpit falls and altar cloths as well as silk paintings and cards.

Yvonne described the work she does and the way in which an individual piece is developed with the person who commissions it.

This process could involve illustrating on vestments, aspects of that particular clergyman’s journey in their Christian life.

She also described her own spiritual experience when she asked for God’s guidance with a piece of art work, a true testimony to her own Christian faith.

For a few of them listening to her talk, it was an exciting prelude to the workshop that Yvonne ran the next day.

They had started discussions with her about a piece of art for the Tab last Autumn.

Their enthusiasm for her work led to some ambitious designs but she calmed them down a little so that they did not try to attempt the impossible in a one day workshop.

They wanted to illustrate God’s presence amongst the people of Rodborough in the beautiful countryside.

A piece of work that would speak to people’s hearts and touch the spirit in a way that words could not always do.

They think that what was achieved exceeded their expectations which will provide a stunning entrance to the Tab with the potential to transform it into an inspirational space.

They feel inspired to try more silk painting and have all kinds of ideas of how they can use the skills they have learned to further God’s work in Rodborough but for the immediate future look forward to the dedication of their beautiful new paintings.

On Sunday, May 3, in the Little Chapel at 6.30pm Roy Giles and his partner Olga Kerziouk, who are Church Members, had been invited by the Minister Rev. Eric Massey to talk on “European Strategic Issues.”

Ever since the Ukrainian Crisis Eric has invited them when they have attended to update the Tab on the situation.

Olly has returned to Ukraine many times with concerns for her mother and family who still live there.

Roy joined the Army for National Service in 1957 and was granted a commission in 1959.

He qualified as a Russian interpreter in 1963 and his subsequent military career was focused on the UK’s Mission to Soviet Forces from the 1960s t0 980s from a junior recce officer to Chief of Mission.

All his postings have qualified him to be an expert on the Russian mind set.

He has watched Putin’s rise to power and the parallel to his hero Czar Nicholas I who was in power from 1825 to 1855.

He wants complete autocracy with power going from him vertically.

The invasion and take over of the Crimea in three and half days was the most extraordinary operation Roy has ever seen.

Anonymous green men very well disciplined and very reliable achieved their object very easily.

The European Union and Nato do not want military intervention and the diversity of the nations involved make it very difficult to maintain sanctions.

The situation is still very dangerous and volatile.

Roy and Olly gave a very comprehensive view and much food for thought to the audience.

They were thanked very much and everyone will await updates.

Roy’s message was to watch “Putin.”

This is the first of a series of monthly talks.

There will be a Pentecost Praise and Fun Day on Sunday, May 24, between 10.30 and 3.30 at the Rodborough Community Hall.

The Parish Church with Rev Peggy Ludlow with be joining Rev Eric Massey and Tab folk in a joint service and everyone is very welcome.

It is a Bring and Share Lunch.