Marina Russell of Upwey: New information

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey-New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 15 Jul 26 - 03:22 PM

I have had a reply from the Bishop of Salisbury, requesting more details. I am on to it. I will report back soon.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey-New information
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 16 Jul 26 - 06:33 PM

Thank you Nick for the update - I'm glad that the Bishop has responded and I hope that the provision of more details will satisfy him that a plaque would be appropriate.
Kitty

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 21 Jul 26 - 05:10 AM

Quick update. Nigel Canter is taking photos of the plot where Marina lies asleep, and we are submitting them with my article from Living Tradition to the Bishop of Salisbury via his secretary, Melanie.
The article is available online if you go to Orpington Folk Club's website, or type Marina Russell Folk Singer into Google.
I'm beginning to get cautiously hopeful!

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 21 Jul 26 - 07:02 PM

Got the photos from Nige. Not that much to see; she rests underneath a tree in the churchyard.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: GUEST,LTS still here if incommunicado
Date: 22 Jul 26 - 12:59 PM

Whoo hoo!!! Good news! We may get something yet.

LTS

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 22 Jul 26 - 01:55 PM

Just writing to the Bisop I'll copy you in.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 22 Jul 26 - 01:56 PM

or even the Bishop!

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: The Sandman
Date: 22 Jul 26 - 03:20 PM

its known as Bishops finger
"Bad bishops protect important pawns." — Unknown Proverb"The bishop is a sly old fox, strategically oblique; if there is trouble on the board, he is not far to seek." — David Solway,

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 Jul 26 - 04:32 PM

keep up the good work, Nick

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Jul 26 - 07:59 PM

No answer was the stern reply. (So far).

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 30 Jul 26 - 05:05 AM

Sorry that was me on the wrong Laptop.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 05 Aug 26 - 07:28 PM

Still no reply. I'll leave it for a few days and try again.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: GUEST,Liz The Squeak
Date: 12 Aug 26 - 12:52 PM

It took ages to get permission to put a stone over my mother's cremains plot, and that was a pretty straight forward process because we knew where she was and what the churchyard accepted. Putting up a stone in the general vicinity of a previously unmarked grave can cause all manner of problems during the excavation of the foundation.

Fingers crossed.

LTS

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Aug 26 - 01:38 PM

Indeed! Good luck with that.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 12 Aug 26 - 04:37 PM

Still no reply. I am going flat out with different jobs at the moment, but I will fire off another enquiry tomorrow or Friday.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 12 Aug 26 - 04:53 PM

Prevarication! I have sent it here and now. I'll give it a week, then get on the blower if nothing happens.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 13 Aug 26 - 07:48 AM

REPLY!! Well, let's hope it's a start.

Dear Nick

Many thanks for your email and prompt. In the first instance, you will need to speak with the Vicar at Holy Trinity Bincombe, The Revd Philip Elliot. For ease, I have copied Philip into this thread. Please speak with Philip, who will be able to talk this through with you.
With thanks

Melanie Davies
PA to the Acting Bishop of Salisbury

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 15 Aug 26 - 05:11 AM

I have contacted Phillip Elliot the Vicar today. Onward and Upward!

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: The Sandman
Date: 15 Aug 26 - 05:43 PM

as the collector, might say to a Bishop, good luck with it

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 21 Aug 26 - 07:37 PM

Or not. The vicar seems to have lost the power of speech and has not rung back. This is like pulling teeth. I have sent two Emails, and left a message for him. I suppose the next thing is a letter. I'll get on to it after Whitby.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: The Sandman
Date: 22 Aug 26 - 04:26 AM

does the vicar have a facebook page , an explanation on his page might shame him into replying, you are right, in the meantime, enjoy Whitby

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 22 Aug 26 - 12:41 PM

> an explanation on his page might shame him into
> replying

Or enrage him into digging his heels in. Diplomacy is a gentle art.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 23 Aug 26 - 06:07 AM

I can do without an enraged Vicar on top of everything else. I will have a look at it on faceache, though, thanks, Dick.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 03 Sep 26 - 07:18 PM

I have had yet another go at the Vicar. Here's hoping.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 19 Sep 26 - 08:52 AM

Two weeks ago, I sent a recorded delivery letter to the vicar. Still no reply! I am beginning to lose my patience now. I shall call the Bishop. Marina never gave up; neither will I.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 23 Sep 26 - 07:42 PM

Recent diocesan records indicate that the Rev'd Elliott has faced periods of ill health over the last few months, which may explain the sudden lack of communication. However, escalating to the Bishop's office remains the correct step so that the area's Rural Dean or Archdeacon can step in to cover his administrative duties. A letter will be sent forthwith. If anybody has any other advice please post it.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Sep 26 - 02:57 AM

I will say a prayer.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 25 Sep 26 - 06:52 AM

Letter to the Bishop sent today.

The Bishop’s Office
The South Canonry
71 The Close
Salisbury
SP1 2ER

Escalation of monument application – Holy Trinity Church, Bincombe

Dear Bishop’s Office,
I am writing to you to formally request diocesan intervention regarding a complete breakdown in communication with the Rev’d Philip Elliott, Team Vicar for Holy Trinity, Bincombe.
This matter concerns the application and approval process for the erection of a monument in the Bincombe church graveyard for the late Marina Russell of Upwey. She was an internationally recognised traditional folk singer. Details have already been sent to your office, via your P.A. Melanie.
Despite my utmost patience and adherence to proper procedures, I have been completely ignored by the Rev’d Elliott. Over the past few months, I have attempted to establish contact via multiple telephone calls and emails. Most recently, I sent a formal inquiry via recorded delivery mail, which has also been left entirely unacknowledged. I understand that churchyards operate under the strict jurisdiction of the Diocese of Salisbury Churchyard Regulations, and that the introduction of a memorial typically requires the authorization of the incumbent. However, the prolonged silence and lack of pastoral or administrative response is causing the collection of funds, and the widespread interest in this unique singer, to falter, and the family still living in Upwey and Dorset generally to become frustrated.
As the local ministry has failed to engage with me, I would be grateful if the Diocese or the relevant Archdeacon could look into this matter, facilitate communication, or advise me on how I can progress this application. Thank you for your time, empathy, and urgent attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,


We will get there eventually. I am determined.
Nick

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: GUEST,The Sandman
Date: 25 Sep 26 - 10:33 AM

well said

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: GUEST,The Sandman
Date: 25 Sep 26 - 10:37 AM

perhaps the EFDSS should fund it

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: GUEST,Liz The Squeak
Date: 28 Sep 26 - 08:16 AM

Sounds like a sensible step, contacting the bishop's office.

Funding at the moment isn't the issue, we can't ask for money for something we don't have permission to do yet.

LTS

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 30 Sep 26 - 08:49 AM

Finally, I got a positive response from the BBC Radio Solent Dorchester office. They are hopefully covering the story, and I am waiting for a call back. I will be singing the praises of all involved and those who have helped on this thread. Let's hope we can all end up singing for Marina.

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: The Sandman
Date: 06 Oct 26 - 12:59 AM

well done

Subject: RE: Marina Russell of Upwey: New information
From: Nick Dow
Date: 06 Oct 26 - 07:10 AM

Things are finally starting to move. Mally and I are recording an interview for BBC Radio Solent's Dorchester office at 9.30 on Thursday the 8th. Liz and her work on the Hammond Manuscripts, this thread and the support we have received will all get a mention.
I have had some response from the church, and I am waiting for a call back.