Rev. Anthony M. Jones: a farewell message

A host of memories of the Borders, but looking forward!

As I reach the end of my time as Minister among you, it is a time of reflection. In doing so, I realise that this has been a time of accomplishment in the linked charge of Hobkirk & Southdean with Ruberslaw.  Beverley and I and our young family are leaving with a host of memories of the area, but also looking forward to our new life in Argyll. It is said "new home, new baby" and of course, that is on the horizon!  Perhaps as they say, "history will decide" but, there have been very special high points for me in which I was directly involved.  As your Minister these have included a Memorial Service at Southdean Church and the unveiling of a cairn at Chesters for local motorcycling ace Steve Hyslop; the funeral of Lord Minto (in which I shared in a unique ecumenical way with my colleague Rev Jeremy Bath); getting to know some of the real Border characters like the late Charlie Douglas, whose funeral I was privileged to lead at Southdean Church. He played his own inimitable part in introducing me to the Border 'way of life' (including composing and saying grace for the Jedforest Hunt!). In general it has been good to be involved in strengthening the inter-church links with the farming community including the start of, I hope, a long tradition of holding an "open-air lambing service" every Spring at Lanton; the strengthening of links with our servicemen in the area with the laying-up of a squadron standard at Minto Church gifted by the Queen; the reestablishment of the Boys Brigade at Denholm Church (and the gifting of a standard to the Company by South Shiels Company); a visit from Cardinal O'Brien to bless and dedicate Bedrule Church (having the historic connection with Archbishop Turnbull and being on the old pilgrims way to Melrose); and more recently a momentous Heritage Service at Bedrule Church for the Turnbull Clan.  We will always be reminded of the Borders especially as we now have little Barty a true Borderer born in the BGH on 1st May 2006.  In returning to Argyll however, we are going back to old and well loved territory (having coming to Denholm from Kintyre in December, 2003). From Clan Turnbull country to Clan Lamont & Campbell country!. I will take up my new appointment in December.

The Service of Induction to which friends are invited will be on *Saturday 15th December at 2.30pm at the High Kirk at Dunoon, with an evening social in the High Kirk church hall at 7pm.

I have been called as Minister to the charge of South East Cowal comprising Dunoon: High Kirk, Innellan (which has literary connections with Rev George Matheson who wrote the hymn 'O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go' in the Manse) and Toward. In my new charge I will be Chaplain to three schools, a hospital and will also be involved in services for the Submariners (the submarine base being in the locale).  I will not be without help however, as I will also have the services of an Auxiliary Minister to cover the territory. Beverley and I will be keeping in touch with our friends in the Border area and indeed visiting from time to time. Of course, if you are on holiday in the West, you may also wish to visit one of the beautiful churches of South East Cowal.  Please do keep in touch.

May I take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year

Every Blessing As Always,

Anthony