Prime Time News October and beyond
Dear Prime Time member,
I have been humbled by the volume of replies I received to my last letter in which I explained my decision to step down from my role with Godalming Minster. Thank you to everyone who has contacted me – you have all been exceptionally kind in your comments. When I was invited to lead Prime Time 13½ years ago I was anxious that I might not be up to the job, that I wasn’t learned enough or knowledgeable enough about matters of faith; I was certain that I’d be found out and asked to leave.
All that I could offer was to be myself and to approach leading Prime Time with an open mind and an open heart. And here I am 13½ years later, still doing just that and yes – having received all those lovely emails, still very much experiencing ‘Imposter Syndrome’! But what I have learned over the intervening years is that what I did (or didn’t!) know wasn’t important; to be myself was enough. We all come along to Prime Time as individuals, each with our own experiences, concerns and lived history; but everyone with equal value irrespective of age, state of health, employment history or our personal views on matters of faith and religion.
I consider myself to have been nothing more than a steward, guiding Prime Time through a particular season in its evolution. But while I’ve been at the helm, I’ve endeavoured to create a place where people feel valued, acknowledged and seen. I know I won’t have got it right 100% of the time, but I’ve felt affirmed by the comments I’ve received since news of my departure broke; that maybe this person, so confident she’d quickly be found wanting, was perhaps onto something right from the outset. What was needed was a place of welcome, where you are greeted without judgement and with a smile that says ‘I see you’.
You will be pleased to hear that there is a real commitment to sustain Older People’s Ministry across the Minster following my departure. As the nuts and bolts of how this can be delivered are sorted out, the remaining Prime Time Team of Jane, Di and Lizzie have pledged to keep planning Prime Time events and the amazing commitment of these 3 people has resulted in only one event in the planned Autumn programme being cancelled – all but October’s Celebration of Age Service will go ahead.
Jane, Di & Lizzie wanted me to convey to you that they took the decision to postpone this event with a heavy heart, not least because it was already a revised date from earlier in the year. However, they so want this event to be a success when they do run it and they felt that under the circumstances and as a first event in the Post-Penny era, it was just too big to tackle as a first event by themselves – especially as it was coming up very quickly. Hopefully when they do feel able to take such an event on, they will not only feel confident in achieving it, but a team of helpers will have stepped up to support them in delivering events.
Maybe you are reading this and thinking that you could contribute to the running of events – there is no upper age limit to volunteering with us and volunteering takes on many forms – it’s not all about serving tea or moving furniture around as we all bring different skills and abilities. But if not yourself, maybe you know someone who has a heart for older people? Could they be persuaded to step up and help? Maybe your supportive role is as a recruiter…? Please keep alert and with an ear to the ground as you go about each day. I am not irreplaceable: there are others out there like me who find fulfilment in working with older people. The next leader of Prime Time is out there; they might just not know it themselves yet and that’s where you can help, (and age is definitely no barrier to giving someone a nudge when they need it!)
Prime Time proper will return in November; however, October offers plenty of opportunities for Prime Time members to gather together with the Monday morning Coffee Drop-In sessions at the Yew Tree Cafe continuing on a weekly basis and also the Movie Matinees make a welcome return during October too!
The monthly, free cinema experience at Godalming Minster—Brighton Road returns for the 2026/27 season on Saturday 17th October. Our season opener is an American comedy-drama from 2024 starring 92 year-old June Squibb in her first lead role in an acting career which spans more than seven decades. The film follows Thelma Post, a nonagenarian grandmother who loses $10,000 to a con artist on the phone. With help from a friend and his motorized scooter, she soon embarks on a treacherous journey across Los Angeles to reclaim what was taken from her. Further details and a picture clue from the film can be found on the flyer. Busbridge Church on 17th October is the place to be to catch this one. Doors open at 2pm, with the film commencing at 2.30pm.
Although Cat and I made our film choice for October some months ago, I rather feel that a film featuring a feisty leading lady of an advanced age is very appropriate subject matter for me to bow out on. I remember our Associate Rector Simon Willetts delivering a sermon at our Afternoon Carol Services a few years ago in which he referred to a phrase that he reported as frequently quoted in the village of Hambledon: ‘If you’re not dead, you’re not done!’ and if there is a sentiment that could be applied to the Penny Prime Time Era, then this would be it.
Throughout my 13½ years leading Prime Time, I have endeavoured to be an advocate for older age and to promote this stage of life as one that can be just as fruitful, active and fulfilling as the ones preceding it. A societal change of opinion is needed away from the view that older age lacks purpose and an assumption that those living through it are no longer able to contribute to the community around them. I hope that the legacy from my time at the helm of Prime Time has helped go some way in expelling that myth in this little corner of Surrey at least and I now hand that baton over to you to carry forward and keep that challenge going. Be reassured though, that there are many people still here at Godalming Minster who will help support you in this and they will be in touch with you in due course and explain how they intend to do just that.
Thank you for all that you have given to me over the course of my journey with you – it has been a great adventure.
With every blessing,
Penny Naylor
Seniors’ Ministry Lead
