Pax NOVEMBER 2020 Price: 40p.
The Parish Magazine for the Benefice of St. Ippolyts with Great and Little Wymondley
VICAR
The Reverend Ginni Dear, The Vicarage, Stevenage Road, St. Ippolyts SG4 7PE 01462-237032 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CHURCHWARDENS
St. Ippolyts
Michael Hooper, Hillrise, Stevenage Road, St. Ippolyts SG4 7PE 01462-457350
Jane Veasey, Gosmore Cross, Newlands Lane, Gosmore SG4 9BD 01462-434254
Great Wymondley
Cherry Carter, 2 Church Green, Great Wymondley SG4 7HA 01438-724919
Little Wymondley
Mike Allardyce, 81 Whitney Drive, Stevenage SG1 4BL 07967-831968
David Palmer, 198 Cleveland Way, Great Ashby, SG1 6BY 01438-367912 Visit our website - www.stippolytschurch.org.uk
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SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER
SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER
8.00am. Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) St. Ippolyts
9.15am. Holy Communion (Common Worship) Great Wymondley
SUNDAY 8th NOVEMBER -REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
10.30am. Act of Remembrance St Ippolyts
10.45am. Act of Remembrance Great Wymondley
12.30pm. Act of Remembrance Little Wymondley
SUNDAY 15th NOVEMBER
9.15am. Holy Communion (Common Worship) Little Wymondley
SUNDAY 22nd NOVEMBER
9.15am. Holy Communion (Common Worship) St. Ippolyts
SUNDAY 29th NOVEMBER
9.15am. Holy Communion (Common Worship) To be confirmed (See St. Ippolyts Website or Facebook)
All 9.15am. services are also live-streamed to Facebook.
Monday - Thursday - live on Facebook Morning Prayer at 9.00am. Evening Prayer at 6.00pm.
MONDAY 2nd NOVEMBER
7.00pm. All Souls Day Service (ticket only) St. Ippolyts
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HERE AND THERE WYMONDLEY PARISH COUNCIL
The next Council Meeting will take place on Monday 30th November starting at 7.45pm. It will be the last one for this year. Information on how to join the meeting is given on the agenda, which is available approximately 5 working days before the meeting on the Parish Council page of the Parish Council's website https://wymondleypc.org.uk/ Sharon Long Clerk to Wymondley Parish Council Phone: 07733-853263 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.wymondleypc.org.uk
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LINK TO HOPE SHOEBOX APPEAL
Thank you to all of you who have been involved with this year’s appeal. At the time of writing we have already received some completed shoeboxes which will be forwarded to Link to Hope. Thank you to those who have already completed boxes, to those who are currently working on one and to those of you who may have donated items or money directly to the charity. Just a reminder that this year, if you are doing a shoebox that you would like us to return for you, we will need it to be back with Christine and Arthur Sibun (tel. 01462-459145) by Monday 2nd November at the very latest in order to get it to the centre in time. (If getting it to us is a problem, just give us a ring in good time and we will try and collect it from you, if that would help). Despite these very strange times in which we find ourselves, it is so good that we are still able to help others in such a practical way. Thank you all. Arthur Sibun .
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NEWS FROM THE WYMONDLEYS ST. MARY’S LITTLE WYMONDLEY A NEW FRIEND
We have always kept dogs, having eight at one time but slowly reducing to a more manageable one. We try to help rescue dogs now and our last dear lady left us over a year ago. We felt ready to start again just as lockdown was introduced, so our search was a difficult one, but at last we found an ideal candidate and set off early one morning, a three hour trip to Stoke on Trent to a rescue kennel. Within an hour we were happy with our choice and back down the M6 to bring her to a new home. It is always a difficult time the first few months, you are never sure what the dog’s history is and what they are used too, so we were both prepared to dedicate time and patience to settling her in, but we never imagined what a task it was going to be. Within twenty four hours of having her we were rushing her to the vets; she was very poorly and the first week she spent more time in veterinary hospital than she did with us. Poor dog didn’t know where she was, and we have had to be patient in winning her trust and love, but I’m pleased to say we are on the right track now. She has turned out to be quite a character and she goes by the name of Lola (a Rottweiler). She has taken over the best settee, loves getting out in the garden and has discovered the mole. She frantically digs enormous holes in hot pursuit, to no avail, but it keeps her amused. We go out for some lovely walks every day, and I give thanks to the Lord for letting us find her. I don’t think she has ever seen a squirrel or a deer before, the first time she spotted one I came the closest I have ever been to becoming airborne, so now I have learnt to be ready to apply the brakes. She has an amazing tail, when she is happy it is up and over her back, like a flag, a good sign and it helps us find her in the garden. Last month we took her to church. She soon made friends with everyone, especially the church warden who had a pocketful of dog treats. Reverend Ginni gave her a blessing, so she is well and truly part of the family now and we love her dearly. Rosemary Stratton
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ST. MARY’S GREAT WYMONDLEY AUTUMN
Autumn is here although we don't seem to have had very much of that Indian Summer which is always such a treat. The trees are beginning to glow with autumnal colours and squirrels are everywhere storing nuts for the winter. The hedgerows are laden with hips and haws. Will this be a sign that the winter will be harsh? There are so many gardening jobs to do before the weather gets really cold. Pots to get put away in the greenhouse, baskets and containers to plant up with winter bedding and bulbs to plant. Apples and quinces are picked and quince jam and jelly are made.
COMMUNITY GARDEN
The Garden Working Weekend went really well with a great many helpers throughout the day clearing the ground that Digger Dave was working on with his machine dragging out dead undergrowth and brambles. Wood chip paths were laid, vegetable and flowering plants set and wooden seats constructed.
BATS
A few evenings ago I was locking up the church at twilight and as it was a fairly warm evening the Churchyard had dozens of our bats swooping around the building.
There must have been insects out in the warm air for them to hunt. We have, according to the Bat Survey we had done when the tower was restored, three kinds of bats, Pipistrelle, Long Eared and a third that they were not sure of. They are roosting above the purlin in the nave and rearing their young. I like bats though they do make a mess on surfaces in the church and the floor is often littered with butterfly wings which they leave after eating the bodies. We see a lot of them in the summer in the churchyard, over The Green and in our gardens. I was surprised though to see them so late in the year. The strange thing was that I could not see in the gloaming exactly where they were flying back in to the church. They seemed to fly into the wall, window or west door and vanish. It was rather like Platform 9¾ at King's Cross when Harry was going to Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter books. I know there are gaps around the doors and broken glass in some of the windows as well as the louvres and slit windows in the tower but flying into stone walls and solid doors was most uncanny. I put the key in the inner door one morning to unlock the door and managed to push a Pipistrelle bat out of the keyhole the other side and on to the floor. It did not seem hurt so I picked it up with a gardening glove that was in my pocket and put it on the seat in the porch in a dark corner half under an empty flower pot to recover. I went back a few hours later and it had gone so it must have been all right.
SLOE GIN
Now is almost the time to make Sloe Gin. Sloes are the fruit of Blackthorn and distinguishable from bullace or wild plum by the thorns. They are best after they have been frosted or you can freeze them for 24 hours and then use. The frost helps break down the skin.
Recipe
450g. sloe berries
450g. caster sugar
70cl. gin (a cheap bottle is fine) A large jar sterilised.
I use a kilner jar. Wash and prick the sloes all over with a darning needle or a cocktail stick. Add the sloes, sugar and gin to the jar and seal. Turn the jar every day for the first week or so to dissolve the sugar and colour the gin evenly. Keep for at least 3 months. When it is ready strain through muslin in a sieve then pour into a clean sealable bottle.
I make damson gin as well which is really delicious. Both are excellent for sore throats, coughs and colds.
CHRISTMAS
Plans are being made for celebrating Advent and Christmas in the village.
Sunday 8th November
There will be a short Act of Remembrance at the Lychgate starting at 10.45am. There will be a collection split between The British Legion Poppy Appeal and St. Mary's Church.
Wednesday 11th November
There will be a short Act of Remembrance at the Lychgate starting at 10.45am. There will be a collection for The British Legion Poppy Appeal. Cherry Carter
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WYMONDLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
In this pandemic climate, we get daily updates on how the Coronavirus is affecting our world, our country and our location and how we need to observe certain guidelines in order to help prevent the spread of the virus. As I listened to one of the broadcasts by the PM and his team the words which I kept hearing were 'if everyone complies' and 'if we do this together'. When we were in the midst of a world war the country felt united in the purpose of winning the war as we were exhorted to work together with a united effort. This is surely as important as ever and winning the war against Covid is a 'together' issue and requires a united effort. I was reminded recently of Admiral Nelson's words before the battle of Trafalgar in October 1805: 'England expects that every man will do his duty'.
In this present isolated world, 'together' is a lovely word. There are still things we can do together, like prayer for example. When the Church was born we read in Acts that 'they were all together in one place.......' and all the believers were one in heart and mind and the Church grew and miracles happened. It is always exciting to read the Book of Acts and the series we have had on Sundays on 'The Holy Spirit’ has indeed been a great blessing and we thank our preachers for bringing us God's word on Zoom. There are still two Sundays left in November to complete the series on the 1st and the 22nd to which we look forward.
We have been very thankful for Zoom and just a reminder of how to use the link - Dial in at 10.30am. for a 10.45am. start on 0131-460-1196 or 0203-051-2874. Use the linkhttps//zoom.us/j8675752648 or download the zoom app. and join using meeting ID 8675752648. Any problems phone 07531-08162.
On the first Tuesday we meet for 'coffee and chat' with Will and Lynne Andrews and the next one will be on Tuesday 3rd November from 10.30am. Contact Will for link details on 01438-228232.
On Tuesday evenings we pray 'together' from our homes at 7.30pm. without zoom. So please join us from your home as we pray for our community, our families, and the country and the government, the Covid situation and for all who are suffering from illness, bereavement or extreme poverty. We pray for our Queen and her family and for all those things you wish to bring to God. On Wednesdays at 7.30pm. we have a chance to dial in to zoom again to join 'Christianity Explored' which explores the best news you could ever hear from Mark's Gospel. Zoom on the link as above for the Sunday Service.
Sundays in November:
1st Dr. Barry Funnell 8th Doug Richardson (Remembrance Service)
15th Will Andrews (Good News)
22nd Margaret Edmonds 2
9th Sir Les Ebdon (Advent). He is coming ! "Come, let us bow down in worship. Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care." Psalm 95: 6,7. Marjorie McCarley (01438-727050).
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NEWS FROM ST. IPPOLYTS ST. IPPOLYTS CHURCH FLOODLIGHTING
In the coming year we are very keen to keep floodlighting the church, so it shines out in the village. The LED floodlights that are installed give an exceptionally good light with a greater consistency of colour. So, we would like to continue the lighting sponsorship that so many people have done over the past years. The cost is still £15 per week and we have 52 weeks to fill. You may sponsor as many weeks as you like. You may wish this to be in memory of a loved one, to celebrate a birthday, a wedding or anniversary, etc. With the church only being open for services the usual process will be difficult to do. I therefore plan to keep the list at home, but if there is a service and we are present, we will take the board to church. Cheques please, if possible, made payable to ‘St. Ippolyts Church’, as it makes it easier to track who has paid. If you wish, you can book weeks as Anonymous. I can be contacted on 01462-432445, at 6 Ransom Close, Hitchin (please call us if you plan to visit) or at ‘This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.’. Below is a 2021 calendar with the week-numbers on the left-hand side. Here’s hoping that we can fill the list up quickly. Thank you very much for your support. Roger Cox
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THE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY
Very many thanks to the small number of boxholders who continue their generous support of The Children’s Society by contributing to a home box. The total amount donated this year was £184.50. Well done to you all! Diane Blundell
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ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH COUNCIL
The next meeting which takes place on Monday 16th November at 7.30pm. will be on Zoom. Copies of the Agenda and Approved Minutes are displayed in the council notice boards and on the website: http://www.stippolyts-parishcouncil.org.uk. There is always an Agenda item for Public Participation where residents can ask questions and raise issues. Please contact clerk on 01462-421409 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your questions if you would like to join this meeting. Pam Skeggs
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ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH HALL
We have welcomed some more user groups back and two new groups. For enquiries please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website or Facebook page. Pam Skeggs
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HITCHIN SOCIETY
The Hitchin Society was founded in 1962 by local residents concerned about the loss of fine, historic buildings in Hitchin. In 2000, a Civic Award scheme started and in 2004 it became the local organiser of Heritage Open Days, a highly successful, Europe-wide scheme. In 2002, the Society became a Registered Charity, with the defined area of benefit Hitchin, and the neighbouring civil parishes of Ickleford and St. Ippolyts. The fiftieth anniversary of the Society was marked in 2012 by the presentation of a bench to the town that is situated on the grass near the river, a lovely spot to sit. Talks on a possible merger were held with other societies but this was impossible so the committee considered it had no alternative but to recommend winding-up the society. This was put to the membership and the society was finally closed at the end of September. The remaining funds have been given to our Hitchin British Schools Trust and the archives to HALS. Pam Skeggs
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HARVEST 2020
With the school understandably not collecting for harvest this year all donations that were given were taken to The Haven where they were very gratefully received. As a result, we were unable to send out boxes of goodies to local residents. The Friends decided that this wouldn't do, especially this year when so many people are lonely and need a little cheering up, so we baked a few cakes and took them round to those on the list. Everyone was thrilled to receive an unexpected cake and even more pleased to have a jolly good natter with the deliverer. We are planning to do the same thing at Christmas, so if you know of someone that we need to add to our list please let Franie know. Telephone 01462-233488. Barbara Thomas
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ST. IPPOLYTS VIRTUAL NATIVITY CRIB FESTIVAL
Sadly, we have decided that we are unable to hold the Nativity Crib Festival in the church this year, our ancient church with its narrow aisles and social distancing just don’t mix. However, we have decided to have a go at a Virtual Crib Festival. The plan is that we will upload at least one photo of a crib plus a few words about it every day from 1st – 24th December (so it will be a sort of Advent Calendar as well!). We are hoping that everyone will be able to join in posting photos of their cribs together with a few words about what makes it special to its owner. It will be great to see the Cribs in their positions at home and fascinating to see how far it will spread (we know there are ex St. Ippolyts people in Australia and New Zealand!) As the Crib Festival is a big fund raiser for us we will also include a link to our Give a Little page - givealittle.co/campaigns/39e3be7b-f996-4027-89da-30adba86d5af and, hopefully, people will be generous in giving to help us to maintain our beautiful, but expensive, church. So, keep an eye open for us from the beginning of December on www.facebook.com/nativitycribfestival. Please join in and share as far as you can. If you have a crib it would be great if you could email me a photo of it in its position in your home together with a couple of sentences about what makes it special to you. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Barbara Thomas
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100 CLUB
The winners for OCTOBER were: No. 157 Jan Hawkins £20 No. 20 Frank Harding £15 No. 90 Amelia Cowlishaw £10 Shelagh Cox
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DEADLINE
The next Pax will be a double issue covering DECEMBER and JANUARY. Material should reach Clare Larsen, 24 Ninesprings Way, Hitchin SG4 9NN (tel. 01462-453541 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by Sunday 15th November, please. Or given to Rosemary Stratton by Thursday 12th November. *************************************************************************************************
