Isobel and Chris at Rev’d Andrew’s Commissioning
From Isobel:
Apologies for not getting this in the newsletter a couple of weeks ago. As you all know, Chris and I drove to Newcastle to represent the congregation for Andrew’ s commissioning at St Luke’s Anglican church Wallsend on 11th February. We visited Andrew at his new rectory beside the Lambton Anglican church prior to the service. He now had a large highset home with four bedrooms plus study. When we visited his furniture had not arrived so the house was sparsely furnished. The two churches are about 10 minutes apart and both air conditioned which I am sure Andrew was very pleased about.
The service was presided by the Bishop of Newcastle Dr Peter Stuart and the Assistant Bishop Sonia Roulston. As part of the community welcome I read a message on behalf of the church wardens, Jen and Rob. Andrew was also welcomed by Farouk from the Wallsend Mosque.
At the conclusion of the service, we were made very welcome to join the congregation into the air-conditioned church hall for a delicious feed including a good selection of gluten free food. We met many of the congregation from both churches including the current Mothers Union president and secretary. Their branch has very few members at present. I did share with the president that I am sure Andrew will help build the numbers.
While we were in Newcastle we did a half day tour with Newy Tour Company. One of the places we visited Port Scratchley which was the only place Australia to exchanged fire with the Japanese during WW2 . Another place was the Bogey Hole which is a heritage listed sea baths build by convicts between 1819-1894 for the commandant. This tour was well worth the money we paid. If anyone is planning a trip to Newcastle and want to spend a night halfway down we can recommend the Belfry Guesthouse at Bellingen, which is just inland from Coffs Harbour.
Read the whole newsletter below
Manly Parish Newsletter 22 March 2026