Farnham and Alton Methodist Circuit

Alton’s Centurion!

A packed Alton Methodist Church joined with one of its members, Bob Weighton, to celebrate his 100^th birthday.

After a family celebration on Saturday, Sunday afternoon was a party for church family past and present, as well as many Alton friends of all ages. Bob spoke to the company on the theme of “reflections on a century of change” – a fascinating, moving and humourous account, delivered without notes!

Bob was born in 1908, one of 7 children, to a professional family in Hull. After school he trained at college to become a shipping engineer, and at 21 spent 3 years in apprenticeship on Tyneside. He deliberated long over a calling to work as a missionary, yet knew he wanted to contribute to bettering the world and promoting peace between nations, and accepted an appointment as a science teacher in Taiwan (then called Formosa). There not only did he need to learn the local Chinese dialect, but also Japanese, as this was the official language of education and government.

Having spent 6 years there, and having married Agnes, who had been working as a missionary in Ghana, and started a family, in 1939 the British Consul warned them that women and children should leave Taiwan due to the threat of war. By the time their ship landed at Vancouver on its way to Britain, war had broken out and they were stranded. Their one contact in North America took them into her home in Toronto. Once they found a flat, they were generously supported by the local community with furniture, bedding and household equipment, as they had only the suitcases with which they had left Taiwan.

Bob joined the British Air Commission, and was sent to Montreal and Connecticut in the USA. He found separation from his family for over a year the worst period of his life. They were reunited and moved to Denver, Colorado then San Francisco. The family grew: 2 sons and a daughter. Bob’s ability to speak Japanese became of use to the American government once it too was involved in the Second World War.

Bob and his family returned to Britain at the end of the war aboard the Queen Elizabeth. He was horrified at the destruction both on landing in Southampton and at Waterloo Station. As he said, “In war they are never winners; both sides lose.” The family settled in the Godalming area and Bob lectured at the City University, London. Then, with the family married, he and Agnes moved to Alton, where Bob has lived for almost 40 years, presently in part of the Brendoncare complex.

He spoke of his constant wish to “widen his horizons” – both through his avid reading, his enthusiasm for meeting people and for welcoming them into his home. One of his sons is married to a Swede; his daughter is married to a German and lives in Bremen. Bob studied German in order to be able to communicate with his German relations and learn more about modern-day Germany from travels there. He is a skilled carpenter and regularly leads worship at the Brendoncare Day Centre as well as preaching at Alton Methodist Church.

Bob was presented with a book by Rev Keith Underhill of Alton Methodist Church, made up of letters, cards, photographs and messages of love from his church family.

“He’s the wisest man I know,” said one of the congregation, “a friend who is always ready to listen, a mentor and an inspiration.”

Happy birthday, Bob!

Posted 31 March, 2008

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Civic Ceremony

Photo L>R - Mayor of Alton: Robyn Fitzer; Rev Keith Underhill, minister of Alton Methodist Church; Pam Bradford: Chair of East Hampshire District Council

Alton Methodist Church was honoured to host a combined Civic Ceremony to mark the year of civic duty by Pamela Bradford, Chair of East Hampshire District Council, and by Robyn Fitzer, Mayor of Alton, both of whom are members of Alton Methodist Church.

The service was led by the minister, Rev Keith Underhill, who welcomed the guests, officers and visitors, and commented on the array of “bling” present. He spoke of the comparison between those who stand for public office and the England football manager: not in salary, but everyone else thinks they could do a better job! He acknowledged those who give time, energy and commitment to serving the community, and as well as promising to pray for them, he offered the support of the church community to work alongside them for the benefit of others.

The service was followed by refreshments at the Assembly Rooms.

Thursday, 06 March, 2008

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Pancakes Galore

Preparing, cooking and eating pancakes

Alton Methodist Church marked Shrove Tuesday with its own after school, all-age Pancake feast. Children, with or without a church connection, were invited to bring along their parents.

They played pancake games, had pancake quizzes, raced tossing pancakes, made and served pancakes for their parents and, of course, ate them together.

The event ended with the Minister, Keith Underhill, leading Godly Play: explaining the origins of Lent and how it fits into the church year, as a time to prepare for the special celebration of Easter.

Posted Friday, 08 February, 2008

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Cinema Night

Photo: Wendy Turner, Robyn Fitzer, Andrew Dane and Will Fitch sampling the free popcorn before the film..

Alton Methodist Church’s first Film Night proved very popular. The church was filled with a wide age range of children and adults who had come to see “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”.

Admission was free, with popcorn and refreshments thrown in!

The next all-age event will be “Pancakes Galore” on Tuesday 5 February – Pancake Tuesday, of course, the day before Lent begins! Details from the church office.

Posted Monday, 28 January, 2008

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