Rev. Alan Wheale

Parish Magazine April 1996

We are pleased to announce, at the request of the Patrons (The Bishop of Lichfield and Major F.C.P. Wolferstan) that Revd. Alan Wheale, at present Vicar of St. Paul's, Daybrook, in the diocese of Southwell, has accepted their invitation to become Incumbent of the United Benefice of the Mease Valley, and also Priest-in-Charge of Nomans Heath and Thorpe Constantine. Details of Revd. Wheale's Institution and Induction will be announced in due course.

Parish Magazine 2001

A BIG 'Thank you!'

What could Linda have meant when she told me to be at Clifton Church on June 3rd for 5.00 p.m. instead of 6.30 p.m.? 

Twenty four hours later all was revealed when the church was filled with friends old and new to celebrate my 30 years as a priest of the Church of England. So I need to thank our Ministry Team, Organist Pam and the Mease Valley Singers, the ladies who decorated the church and provided refreshments, Father Sean (who was also celebrating 30 years as a priest) and the Sisters of Haunton Convent, and for all those who kindly came to share in the celebration. It was an occasion I found very moving and never to be forgotten, especially the presentation to me of a lovely watercolour of The Mease by Veronica, which now hangs in our sitting room. Thank you all. 

Alan.

Taken from Parish Magazine

A large congregation were present at the Songs of Praise Service when the Hymn Board, Flower Pedestal and Bible Marker were dedicated by Alan in memory of Linda.

Also at this Service the Rector presented Evan with Book Tokens to mark the completion of 40 years as Church Warden at St. Matthew's. Evan would like to express his appreciation to the Rector and P.C.C. for this very surprising gift.

Parish Magazine 2006

My Dear Friends,

All too quickly the time has come to say "Farewell" to the Mease Valley Parishes. It is done with a feeling of sadness, for many friends have been made here over almost ten years.

But apart from feeling sadness, there is much for which to be thankful during the time that has been spent in these Parishes; thankful for those who have shared in ministry, and for those who have belonged to the congregations of all the Churches. Belonging and ministering together has enabled the continuation of the life of the Church in this place.

Having said "Farewell", it is time to turn to the future and the need to enourage you all. The work of the Church today is difficult as we face so much apathy in society. But can we look at it from the other way round? Just imagine, if we few in the Church did not bother or care, then people would. not know of God's love in Jesus for the world and for each and every person within it. Few as we are, unworthy though we be, the Lord has only ourselves as witness to other people of his love for them.

So, my Friends, "let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfector of our faith..." May God bless you in your perseverance for him.

Alan

To the Bishop (!!!) The person we would like, my Lord

To fill our Rector's place,

Should be young enough to whizz around,

With venerable grace.

His visiting must be full time

To round up all his flock.

But he must be available all round the clock.

He must be good with children

And a sage to all the old folk;

His calming bedside manner

No illness will provoke.

He should be kind to animals.

And teach us what we should know.

In sermons so attractive that everyone will go.

His leadership will be inspired (in a democratic way),

Provided that the PCC

Can always have their way.

He'll get more cash for the funds

And keeping the buildings in repair,

But not offend the parishioners by asking for more.

What's that? The Angel Gabriel has got a job elsewhere?

No doubt, my Lord, you'll send the next best you can spare.