North East Auxiliary 14 Framland residents enjoying the Christmas panto Better than being behind a computer So says Suzanne Gudgeon, at head offi ce . As I normally sit at my desk working on the computer, I jumped at the chance to once again travel up north to join our friends of the North East Auxiliary, for what is becoming an annual event, for their Sponsored Walk on Saturday 23rd May. Richard and Lorna Whiteman were very pleased to see us; Gill Umpleby of head offi ce and her husband Walter together with me and my sister Tricia. Actually we travelled up the previous day to attend the Fellowship Supper the night before provided by Lorna and members of the North East Auxiliary. A BIG THANK YOU for the lovely meal - it was delicious. Missing dog lead - let me explain. We started the walk a little earlier than some because we realised that Richard and Lorna had forgotten their dog's lead so we took to the beach for a bit of beach combing to fi nd something suitable to use as a dog lead as there was no time to go back for it. We did fi nd some rope which had been washed up on the beach so we were now ready to offi cially start the walk at Whitburn ( we actually started at Seaburn on the beach). The walk was entitled " Summer Stroll" which was a lovely way to spend the day walking and enjoying the scenery along the coast of South Shields - it was wonderful to enjoy the fellowship and talk to one another as we walked. It certainly beats working in the offi ce at a computer all day!! We were blessed with lovely weather as well so the Lord was really good to us all. I'm sure I speak for all to say how enjoyable it was to do the walk and feel a real sense of belonging as we joined part of the family in the North East for this event. As you will see from the pictures we had some lovely views and surroundings to enjoy as we walked. The aim was to raise money and awareness of the work of Pilgrim Homes. Response was good and we are busily gathering all the sponsorship money in. Next year's walk promises to be good so why not join us - I think I better start the training now . Suzanne Gudgeon, centre

Ruth Edwards 15 Readers of the Quarterly Magazine will remember articles by Ruth Edwards, sometimes under the heading, ' Ruth Remembers'. Her last article, at the age of 89, was about the trials of being old. ' I am old but I do not like it,' she began, but at the end she wrote, ' I am still old but I have a wonderful future to consider, living in heaven where age will not weary me.' Ruth Remembered Louise Morse Ruth is not weary now. On 31st March, after a relatively short illness, she received her Homecall. As a nurse, she knew that the diagnosis of cancer meant she was nearing the end of her pilgrimage. In her usual spirited way she said to her pastor, ' Don't you go praying for me to get better! ' You pray for me to go quickly!' She was known for her straight-forward manner, and as I write this article I can almost feel her looking over my shoulder and saying, ' Here! Watch what you are writing about me. Don't you go making me out to be some kind of special person!' Ruth's Thanksgiving Service was held at Ladyfi eld Evangelical Church in Chippenham, to accommodate the large number of people who were expected. At the back of the church it was standing room only. Her pastor, Spencer Shaw, of Emmanuel Evangelical Church took the service. He spoke of her enthusiasm for the life in the church and its outreach. ' She was willing to share the gospel with anyone who would listen,' he said, ' She was a great one for the Women's' Quiz Nights. We organised a Charity Pampering Evening, to which any lady could come. To everyone's surprise there in the car park waiting for it to begin, was Ruth. She did everything - the head massage, manicure, pedicure - the lot, the whole time talking, making friends, building bridges over which she would seek to carry the good news of Jesus Christ.' Ruth Edwards as a young nurse