February 2002 - Parish News
ST ANDREWS CHURCH
Services for February
Holy Communion each Thursday at 10.30
3rd 10.0011.00 Family Service with Sheila Heatonfrom
Operation Christmas Child.Informal Communion
6th 10.30 Pram Service
10th 10.30 Morning Praise
17th 10.30 Holy Communion
20th 10.30 Pram Service
24th 10.30 Morning Praise
A touch of Christmas for those that
missed the children's nativity at St Andrew's
In the family room before the play
Very well done to the children and teachers.
QUIZ NIGHT
Saturday 9th February
St Andrew's are holding a quiz night on Saturday, 9
February 2002, in the Peter Edwards Hall, starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets at just £5 per person and are available in church or
from Sue Wiltshire, 36 Summer Street. Tel 725984 or Valerie
Church, 2 Summer Street. Tel. 458443. They include a fish, or
chicken, and chips supper. Please bring your own cutlery,
glasses and drink. Come as a team (maximum 8 persons) or join
a team when you arrive. All welcome.
ST ANDREW'S 2002 - DATES FOR
YOUR DIARY
February 9th Quiz Night
Peter Edwards Hall
March 10th March Concert
May 11th Spring Fair Village Hall
July 13th Open Gardens and Slip End Village Hanging Basket
Competition
September 27th Harvest Supper Village Hall
October Concert - details later
December 8th Christmas lunch Peter Edwards Hall
December Carol Singing Slip End Village
Press Statement
by the Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd
Christopher Herbert, on the retirement announcement of the
Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon George
Carey.
8th January 2002: Bishop Christopher Herbert comments: 'Dr
George Carey has carried out his ministry as Archbishop with
steadfast and unflinching courage. He has led the Church of
England and the Anglican
Communion through some difficult times and, with patient
kindness and determination, has tried to ensure that
Christian understanding and a particular Anglican concern for
open-mindedness and generosity of spirit have prevailed. He
has reminded the Church of its world-wide rôle and has been
particularly active in bringing the needs of countries such
as Sudan and Rwanda to the notice of the nations. He has
visited the Anglican Communion provinces assiduously and has
worked tirelessly to create a sense that Christian Churches
need always to listen to, and be sensitive to, each other.
His reaction to national events in the UK has always been
measured and statesmanlike. His leadership, for example, in
calling together the faith-communities after the September 11th
tragedy, was typically straightforward and forthright. All of
his ministry has been shared with his wife, Eileen, who in
her own right has been assiduous in caring for the needs of
others. Her sparkling humour and warmth as well as her sheer
quiet courage have brought her great respect. All those who
know George and Eileen Carey hold them in much affection.
They will be deeply missed - and it is to be hoped that their
retirement will bring them the rest and refreshment they so
richly deserve.
It is inevitable that there is much speculation about Dr
Carey's successor. It needs to be remembered that the whole
process begins and ends in prayer. The Church of England
waits upon God, seeking His will and purpose in the
appointment of a new archbishop.
It is absolutely vital that prayer, quietness and waiting
upon God characterise the process that the whole Church is
now undertaking - for what matters above all is not fanciful
speculation but that God's will be done. It is the glory of
God that should be the end of all our activities and the well-being
of the entire nation and Church.
Rt. Revd. Christopher Herbert,Bishop
of St Albans
from Peter Crumpler, Communications Officer, Diocese of St.
Albans.
www.stalbans.anglican.org
Message from David &
Mary
December 2001
Dear friends, Greetings from Edmonton. We have been
here now nearly 4 months, and are feeling settled at last,
though we are unused to living in a Vicarage on our own and
this one is decidedly colder! There are other things we miss
such as the many friends, the regular 'pastoral visits' just
after opening time, and the intimate Church Family.
However, the parish is everything we were looking for. David
had wanted an urban parish, multi cultural with plenty of
links to the community. Edmonton has been all that. We can
look out of our window and see things going on and people
walking by which we like. There are people of many different
cultures living in the area and in the church congregation
and it is lovely to be here and a great learning opportunity.
51 languages are spoken by the children who attend the high
school whose gates are opposite the Vicarage. The doctors
surgery has its notices in Turkish (with English subtitles)!
and several of the shops are Turkish so it's a great chance
to try different foods. The 3 Church Halls are inconstant
use, and give David several points of contact. We have 4
other churches that share our premises. One is French
speaking; another Ghanaian. We have welcomed "Tom"
into our home: - a four year old Dalmatian whose owner moved
into a small flat. We are fostering him, - probably for the
rest of his life. He is quite a talking point and a good
friend. He is slowly settling down too, and causes us plenty
of laughs as well as problems. He is an accomplished escape
artist and roams the neighbourhood for fast food. He makes up
for it by his charm and handsome looks.
2, Windmill Road, London N18 1PA
Operation Christmas Child
We are able to confirm that Mrs Sheila
Heaton, the organizer for the Chelmsford Warehouse of
Operation Christmas Child is coming to St Andrew's on the 3rd
February to talk about the work of Samaritans Purse. She will
be at the Family Service at 10.00a.m. and I hope that many of
you will be able to come and hear all about the good work
that goes on behind the scenes. An amazing 67,000 shoe boxes
were collected at Chelmsford and they have now been delivered
to very needy children all over the world. Please come along
and bring your children, I'm sure it will be a very
interesting and worthwhile service.
Some of the shoe-boxes from St
Andrew's being carried to the lorry.
(we even got David Kingston to help!)
Sue Cowell, Editor
BOB PORTER
I would
like to thank all the people that sent sympathy cards and
attended Bob's funeral, also Julie Flashman for such a lovely
service. Bob will be sadly missed by so many people, he took
such an interest in Slip End and did much work for the
Friendship Club. One consolation I have is that he really
enjoyed his twenty years retirement in the village. Thank you
once again for your support at this sad time, also for the
generous donations to the Coronary Care Unit and Keech
Cottage Hospice.
Viv Porter
A TRIBUTE TO BOB
A loving family man, never seeking attention for
himself, but always willing to lend a helping hand, to anyone
in need of help. Whatever Bob undertook, you would always
know that he would always give his undivided attention to it
and the task, however great or small, would be completed to
perfection. As a member of the Friendship Club from the
beginning, I recall the lovely Day trips, the annual
Holidays, Birthday and Christmas Parties organised in detail,
mainly by Bob. Bob was engaged in many other committees and
activities, all undertaken in his quiet, methodical manner. 
Bob was a Trustee of the Grace Cook Trust and whenever he
voiced his opinion on any issue he always gave an honest and
straightforward answer, which was much appreciated.
Bob, it was a pleasure to know you and you will be missed.
The community has lost one of the best!
Joan Austin
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Your Local Beat Manager Wpc Carron Thompson
is looking for you community minded people to join the Police
Volunteer Scheme so that you can help the vulnerable people
within your community by fitting door chains, viewers,
lighting, granny boot etc. Free training will be provided.
If you feel that you have some spare time you can give for
your community please contact Wpc Carron Thompson at
Dunstable Police Station, tel. 01582 473112 or e-mail carron.Thompson@bedfordshire.police.uk.
ALEY GREEN METHODIST CHURCH
Face to Face
All who believe in God's mercy and grace will meet
their loved ones Face to Face where time is endless and joy
unbroken and only the words of God's love are spoken.
Brian Smith
Christmas day was made sad for us at Aley Green
Methodist Church: our dear and much loved member Brian Smith
from Elaine Gardens Woodside, died peacefully in his sleep.
Brian had been a member of our Church for years. In this time
he taught in the Sunday school and helped in the youth club
and had been the treasurer. For twenty-four years he was our
property steward and he attended hundreds of meetings in our
church and representing our church. He will be greatly missed
by us all. Please remember his daughters Helen and Paula in
your prayers.
Events
We are sorry, but our Good as New Sale (due to take
place on February 23rd) has been postponed until April the 27th
at 2:30pm.
Our next Fundraiser for church improvements will be our
Spring Fayre on March 9th at 2:30pm. There will be lots of
stalls including, Easter cards, chocolates, preserves, gifs,
cakes, bric-a-brac, games, books, a plant stall and of course
tea and coffee will be served in the school room. Come along
and treat yourself. You will be given a warm welcome.
As it was, as it is and as it shall be evermore, 
God of grace, God of Trinity!
With the ebb, with the flow, ever it is so,
God of grace, O Trinity with the ebb and flow.
Poem of the Western Highlands.
Gods peace be with you in 2002,
from all at Aley Green Methodist
Church.
Ann Meader
BADMINTON
Friendly and competitive Badminton Club seeks
new members or visitors
Wednesdays 8.15 - 11.00pm
For further details call Linda on 737461
or Roger on 429031
WOMENS INSTITUTE
It was a very bad start to the New Year as we
stood in silence and remembered Ruth Arrowsmith and Ruby
Morgan who have both died this month. They were both long
standing W.I. members and all will sorely miss their help,
involvement and laughter. God bless you both.
We had to find a replacement speaker for the evening right at
the last moment. Mr Milne did a marvelous job. He sailed us
around the Greek Isles on his yacht. I can't remember all the
terms he used for knots, poles and the sails but not many
would know what they were either. Around England the tides,
the currents and the weather forecast rule the coast but the
Greek Islands have no tides or currents. He had a very hairy
experience in the Bay of Biscay when a storm broke. He
couldn't see himself getting out of that but lived to tell
the tale. Another funny tale involving bad weather, was when
he had his eldest son with him, who is a vicar. They were
sailing with three Irish men who were being very sick. His
son, to calm the situation started to sing hymns, unhappily
it didn't help as they thought their time had come! I could
have listened all night.
Next Meetings
February 19th Garden News.
Speaker Barry Timms.
March 19th Members Night.
We meet on the 3rd Tuesday in
the month at Collingswell Hall. 7.30 pm - 10pm.
Patricia Crick.
ACTION POINT SERVICE
Do you want answers to questions
about local services? Then ask your Councillor!
County Councillor Richard Stay and WPC
Carron Thompson will be at Heathfield Lower School on the
following dates:-
Saturday 2nd February
Saturday 2nd March
10.30a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Your chance to discuss council & police services and any
other local issues.
Calling all commuters out there!
Did you know that if you have a season ticket for
the trains on Thameslink
and you use the 202 bus from the village to travel to
Harpenden station, you do not
have to pay the fare you can use your season ticket, hope
this information will be of use to someone out there - happy
commuting!
Did you know you we have
a florist in the village?
Presentation & Gift Wrapped Bouquets at prices
to suit your purse. Valentines Day and Easter are coming - so
for your floral gifts at reasonable prices. Phone Hilary
Macdonald on 01582 411157
THE PARISH AT LARGE!
Councillor Richard Stay is pictured on the
front cover with the representatives of the following groups.
| St Andrews Church | CCTV contribution | £500 |
| Slip End Lower School PTA | Outdoor Play Equipment | £500 |
| Slip End Community Web Site | Digital Camera | £250 |
| Brickhill & Downlands Residents Assoc. | Marquee | £350 |
| Slip End Play Group | Books | £350 |
| Slip End & District Parish News | IT Equipment | £400 |
| Slip End Toddler Group | Safety matting | £300 |
The above organisations were invited to the Village Hall
to receive the grants shown, which was given by Bedfordshire
County Council from the Community Fund. This was presented by
Councillor Richard Stay together with a certificate for each
recipient.
The Parish News would like to thank the County Council for
their award of £400. We have been able to buy a scanner, a
new monitor and some software, which should help to make your
Parish News even better.
VILLAGE HALL NEWS
No 'Thoughts from the pen of Muriel' this
month as she has family commitments, which are taking, up
most of her time just now. Hopefully she will be back in full
swing for the March issue. In her absence the news from the
Village Hall is somewhat shorter. The Hall was well used over
Christmas and New Year with various groups holding their
parties and dances. Just when the hall was looking less
bright with the Christmas decorations stored, once more, up
in the loft, the rest of our new curtains arrived to cheer
the place up again. We are very pleased with them and think
you will be too. The Village Hall Management Committee AGM is
booked for Monday 25th February in the Hall at 8.00 p.m. All
are welcome to come along. We could do with some new
committee members to swell our numbers, especially from
groups who regularly use the Hall and so know what needs to
be done in the way of repairs and improvements. We meet once
a month on a Monday at 8.00 p.m. and usually complete the
business of the meeting by 9.30. If you may be interested and
would like more information Steve Fuell on 01582 417792 will
be happy to talk to you.
The committee is at present unaware of any plans for the
Queen's Jubilee on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th June. We would
like to offer the use of the Hall and grounds free of charge
to any group who would like to plan an event for either of
these days on condition that it is open to all villagers.
Interested? - phone the Booking Secretary Gill Plummer on
01582 723109 and she will pass on your ideas to us.
1ST & 2ND WOODSIDE
BROWNIES
A poor support for our Blue Peter Appeal held
in December, which was opened by Richard Stay, but we did
manage to send £107 to the appeal. The girls are now working
on their Stargazers Badge, and someone is very kindly coming
to our meetings to talk to us and show video's and on a clear
night we will be able to look through a telescope.
We still have a few vacant places for girls aged 7 to 11
years. If you are interested, ring Gillian on 01582 723109.
SLIP END & DISTRICT
ASSOCIATION
Thanks to the three Father Christmas's and
their driver, who collected for Local Charities on Christmas
Eve around the pubs.
Our first Car Boot Sale will be held at the Village Hall on
Easter Monday April 1st from 10a.m. to 2p.m. This is to raise
money for the Senior Citizens Outing - names will be taken
for this on the day.
We will be holding a number of Craft Fayres at the Village
Hall, the first being on Saturday March 23rd. Watch the Diary
Page for other dates. For stalls ring Gillian 723109
GARDEN ASSOCIATION
General Work
A good gardener will certainly have completed all
his digging and trenching by this time, but sluggards may
still have some work to do. The quicker it is finished the
better. Ground that was turned over earlier in the winter and
left rough should be broken down to a fine surface sometime
during February. It is essential to choose a day when the
surface is fairly dry; you will do more harm than good if you
walk about on beds that are soaking wet. Manure the ground
ready for peas and beans, where soil is heavy work in sand or
wood ash, and leaves.
Vegetable garden
If the weather is favourable sow some parsnips
outdoors, parsnips that were left in the ground all winter
will start to grow again, if not lifted. Plant out spring
cabbage; make a sowing of turnips and French beans, culinary
peas and cauliflowers and carrots.
Flower and fruit garden
Prune flowering shrubs and clematis and also plant out new
fruit trees etc.
SLIP END LOWER SCHOOL
December 2001 was not only a short month at
school but also a busy month.
At the start of December the PTA organised a very successful
Christmas Fayre to raise funds for the school. Father
Christmas was able to pay a visit to the school during the
afternoon.
On Monday 3rd December, the whole school took part in a
Christmas Art Activity Day. All pupils were allocated to
mixed-age groups who then took part in several festive
activities. The children made Christmas stocking decorations,
Christmas wreaths and decorated hoops, woven baskets,
decorated bells and trees.
In the Foundation Stage Unit (formerly the Nursery) they made
Mince pies and in the Community Room kitchen the children
prepared and cooked Stained Glass biscuits. The woven baskets
were used to carry mince pies and biscuits home. It was a
very happy day and before going home the children met in the
hall to display what they had made.
Throughout December the children were busy learning songs and
lines for the Christmas concert, 'Stable Story'. There were
three performances of the concert; the first was for more
elderly residents of the village and there were two
performances for Parents, Grandparents and Governors. The
concert was enjoyed by everyone and the performance reflected
the hard work that had been put into all the preparations and
rehearsals by the teaching staff and children. One highlight
of the concert was the Kazoo orchestra!
The school was invited to take part in the MTL carol service
at St. Mary's church in Luton.
At the end of a busy week, the kitchen prepared Christmas
lunch for the school and this was followed by Class parties.
On the penultimate day of term, pupils from Year 4 visited
Woodside Residential Home to sing carols and songs from
'Stable Story'; this was appreciated by the residents who
joined in the singing of the carols.
On the last day of term there was a Christmas Assembly which
parents and friends were invited to attend.
Christmas decorations made by the children
In the next issue of the Parish News we hope to have news of
two exciting developments at the school.
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