Welcome to St Mary Magdalene's Church, Rusper

A MERRY DANCE

Appropriately enough when I was appointed as a chaplain with London's homeless people the newly created post came without accommodation.

The situation was remedied when one in a row of former almshouses, acquired by the diocese for retired clergy, became vacant. My new neighbour had been a priest in the East End, his parishioner’s rough and ready dockworkers and the style of worship decidedly ‘High Church’.

The late Father Kenneth Loveless was a universally loved eccentric, loud and theatrical in the extreme; just the kind of character who broke down social barriers in that kind of community.

On one occasion, I met him as he returned home from a stroll dressed as Sherlock Holmes. I later learned that he had a wardrobe full of flamboyant costumes that he would don for a walk just for the fun of it - as if the attire of a clergyman was not colourful enough!

I also remember his accordion, in pride of place on his living room table; but again only many years later did I hear the story…

On board ship, during the Second World War, Kenneth Loveless had diverted the men’s attention from duty by forming some of them into a Morris dancing side, accompanied on his accordion. When the ship was torpedoed, he was rescued, clinging to his accordion, the only surviving dancer. During the long hours clinging to the wreckage he vowed that if he survived the war he would offer himself for ordination.

Imagine my surprise then on learning from the Broadwood Morris Men that my old colleague and acquaintance is something of a celebrity in Morris circles. He is part of a tradition that I am pleased and proud to say is alive and well here in Rusper. One could trace his like back to the Reverend John Broadwood in the first half of the 19th Century, but I would dare go back further and suggest that the church can claim to be the original folk movement, inspired by the Lord of the Dance.

This year May 1st and the traditional laying of the garland on Lucy Broadwood’s memorial coincides happily with the feast of Ascension Day. Come and help make it a special celebration.

  Nick