Pax OCTOBER 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
Paul Harding, The Old Rectory, Church Green, Great Wymondley SG4 7ES 01438-729219
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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AUTUMN COMES
For some reason autumn seems to evoke some of the most evocative words and music in all culture. As an ardent record collector I can never tire of Richard Strauss' ‘Four Last Songs’, written near the end of his life
and one of the few modern works that I can wallow in for pure pleasure over and over again. Likewise there
is one particular poem that I love; it was written by Lawrence Binyon, the poet who wrote 'They shall not
grow old as we that are left grow old'. It begins with the line 'Now is the time for the burning of the leaves'
and it captures the atmosphere of a season where the nights draw in, the temperature drops, and all the colour
of the summer becomes a distant memory. All we are left with is trees like skeletons and the unhappy thought that things will get worse before they get better. So we prepare ourselves by having festivals of fire and for families before the really hard months that are January and February.
It's been a strange old summer, with the spectre of Covid-19 hanging over everything. When I last wrote this column in July everything was very uncertain; nothing has changed since then. The situation as I write this
in mid-September may be completely different from how it will be when you read it, so making predictions about anything is a waste of space and possibly a display of ignorance. But perhaps Binyon's nostalgic poem expresses something of the sadness and uncertainty that we feel now that autumn is setting in. I can't help seeing a bitter unintentional irony in one of the lines; as he looks back he remarks 'The world that was ours
is a world that is ours no more'.
But having looked back with such nostalgia he looks forward with hope. 'They will come again, the leaf and
the flower, to arise from squalor of rottenness into the old splendour, And magical scents to a wandering memory bring.....Nothing is certain, only the certain spring'. The message of the cycle of the seasons is that before resurrection there must be death, and death leads to resurrection. The two go together and are inseparable. Winter leads to spring, and the earth revives.
That is the message of Christianity. Death leads to rebirth, re-creation. The cycle of the seasons reflects the
way that God works, recreating, giving new life even after death. But there is something much deeper than
this. Just as the cycle of the seasons never changes, so God never changes. We live in times when it can be almost alarming to read the newspapers or watch the news. As we enter the darkest months we are uncertain about the future in a way that we have not experienced since the Cuban Missile Crisis or the Second World War. But we can be certain of one thing. It is that God never changes. He will never stop loving, never stop caring, never leave us. And we can use those very familiar words from a very familiar hymn as a prayer, no matter what level of faith we have. 'Change and decay in all around I see, O Thou who changest not, abide
with me'.
With very best wishes, Paul Lanham
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SERVICES FOR OCTOBER
SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER
8.00am. Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) St. Ippolyts
9.15am. Parish Praise Great Wymondley
No online service today
SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER - HARVEST FESTIVAL
9.15am. Holy Communion St. Ippolyts
SUNDAY 18th OCTOBER
9.15am. Holy Communion (Common Worship) Little Wymondley
SUNDAY 25th OCTOBER
9.15am. Holy Communion (Common Worship) St. Ippolyts
All 9.15am. services are also live-streamed to Facebook with the exception of Sunday 4th October.
Monday - Thursday - live on Facebook
Morning Prayer at 9.00am.
Evening Prayer at 6.00pm.
TUESDAY 13th OCTOBER
6.30pm. Great Wymondley APCM via Zoom email Ginni for an access code
MONDAY 2nd NOVEMBER
7.00pm. All Souls Service St. Ippolyts
Booking Essential - email Ginni for a ticket.
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HERE AND THERE
LINK TO HOPE - 2020 SHOEBOX APPEAL
As you will have seen in last month’s PAX, we are once again supporting the Link to Hope Christmas
Shoebox Appeal. In these times, this is a project that has become even more vital than it was before.
To quote from a recent communication I received from Link to Hope:
‘These are very challenging times we are all going through at the moment. No-one could
have predicted what was going to happen. In order to keep ourselves sane, as a charity we
have chosen to focus on those families who, after a terrible year, will be even more pleased
and grateful to receive a shoebox. Presently in Eastern Europe they are going through some
very tough times. Imagine how we would feel in this same situation without heat, wood, food
or medicine to ease the burden.’
This year Link to Hope have come up with four different ways that we can help:
- Fill a shoebox in the usual way.
- They will fill a shoebox on your behalf.
- Donate money directly to their appeal.
- Donate items for shoeboxes in bulk.
If you can possibly help in any of the above ways, that would be fantastic. For full details of how to do this see last month’s PAX (or ring Christine and Arthur Sibun on 01462-459145 for more information). And remember, if you would like us to return your completed shoebox along with ours, can you please ensure that it will be with Christine and Arthur well beforeMonday 2nd November? (Or just give us a ring before that date and we will pick it up from you).
Thank you in anticipation Arthur Sibun
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NEWS FROM THE WYMONDLEYS
ST. MARY’S LITTLE WYMONDLEY
Reverend Ginni led the Harvest Thanksgiving celebration last month while we hummed along to ‘We Plough the Fields and Scatter’. Harvest around us seemed a little late this year; the field of barley next to us wasn’t cut until well into September. I was anxiously waiting for it to be cut so that I could finally have a bonfire to get rid of hedge clippings and tree pruning. It is quite therapeutic sitting round a fire and clearing the garden ready for the next season.
Autumn came right on cue. Monday 21st September was hot and sunny and the next day, some much needed rain and cooler weather. It has been a good summer, the garden did very well, full of colour and scent. Our garden starts off in spring, mainly blue, Forget-Me-Nots and Bluebells. It gradually turns pink with Cosmos, Lilies, Roses, and Fuchsia’s and as soon as I see the yellow of Sunflowers and Calendula, I know that autumn is not far away.
With all the extra time available because of Covid restrictions, we have painted fences, sheds, garden ornaments and anything else that doesn’t move, so it is all looking very spic and span. The lawns are looking really lush and green, our mole is still in residence, doing lots of test digs around the edges, but has thankfully not ventured any further, our new rescue dog is on his case, she has a very good nose, perhaps he can sense her and is having second thoughts.
Our pair of Pigeons decided that the nest location I chose for them wasn’t suitable and kept going back into our alcove, we felt it was unfair to keep evicting them, so we conceded and they have now built the nest and she is sitting. He looks at me every morning as if to say, ‘we won, don’t disturb the missus, this is our space’.
Having lost all my lovely tulip bulbs which I potted up last year to a mouse (or mice), I have bought some more, planted them up and they are under lock and key in my summer house. The mice are not going to have a feast at my expense this year!
I mentioned our new dog; she is lovely but has been quite poorly since we brought her home. We have spent a lot of our waking hours at the vets, but she is on the mend now and proving to be a great character. She loves her walks and I am pleased to take her out each day.
Rosemary Stratton5.
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ST. MARY’S GREAT WYMONDLEY
SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY GARDEN
This took place on Sunday 6th September with lovely sunny weather. The congregation brought folding chairs and sat on the grass in the morning sunshine. Becky Ullah told everyone about the plans for the Community Garden as we looked out on to the progress that has already been made in clearing the overgrown site. Apples shone red on the tree and tomatoes glinted in the sunlight. Afterwards people chatted while socially distancing and enjoyed delicious apple cakes kindly made by Josie Gilbert.
JAM AND MARMALADE
Sales of preserves continue with further production only stalled by lack of jam jars! Returned jars and lids are always very welcome. At the latest count there will be 35 varieties of jam and marmalade by the time the quinces are ripe and have been made into jam and jelly. The jams and marmalade for sale are displayed on shelves in the church porch which is open every day.
BIKE ‘N HIKE
Nicky and Josie Gilbert gallantly cycled for Great Wymondley Church in the Beds. and Herts. Historic Churches Trust Bike’n Hike event. They visited 25 churches to raise money which will be shared between the church in Great Wymondley and the Trust. It was a rather different event this year as the churches were not open because of Covid-19 with no one there to time and initial the sponsor sheets. Thank you to everyone who sponsored them.
COMMUNITY ORCHARD
The long grass and wild flowers around the trees has now been cut and raked off by a team of volunteers. This important annual task will make sure that the fertility of the soil is not increased thus encouraging more wild flowers amongst the trees.
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING - Tuesday 13th October
The annual meeting will take place on Tuesday 13th October at 6.00pm. using Zoom. If you would like to take part email me and I will send you the Zoom links - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Cherry Carter
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WYMONDLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
The sunny days of golden September have cheered many hearts in times when there are increased Covid problems. Now we can hardly believe October is here. Recently we have had various household items which have gone wrong and so we've needed to make some phone calls. Perhaps you too have experienced some of the difficulties in trying to speak to an actual person! We hear an automated voice giving a long detailed account of how we needn't phone but could try another way. Then there is another long wait and the invitation to press 1, 2, 3, 4 and more and wait again, and you still haven't talked to a person yet. You then are told that you are 17th or 38th in the queue and you wait..... These things also happen with medical phone calls of which we have had many.
But what a blessing it is not at all like that when we speak to God. We know He is ready and waiting for our call and we have His full attention from the moment we call out to Him. We read in Isaiah 'Before they ask, I will answer: while they are still speaking, I will hear.' and in Psalm 55 'I call to my God and the Lord saved me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out and He has heard my voice'. Even when we can't actually put our prayer into words God hears our heart and He know us so intimately because even 'the very hairs of our head are numbered.' In these days we miss the personal touch, and although modern technology has been good in so many ways, we miss the contact of human connection.
This all makes prayer even more vital and it was once called 'The Christian's vital breath'. God knows all about us and what is going on in our lives. We read in Psalm 135, 'You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O Lord'.
Thankfully the Covid Pandemic can't stop churches working and we have been blessed to have services and other meetings on line as well as Bible studies and children's activities.
We haven't actually met for ‘It's Monday’ since March but we look forward to the day when we can. Even though we can't meet in the hall to do crafts, plant bulbs, do music and movement, quizzes, share holiday memories and meals etc., we can keep in touch, have a chat, a phone call or a socially distanced
cup of tea. For those who take Daily Bread we have all got our September/November books.
Christianity Explored - This is open to all who would like to tune in on a Wednesday evening from 7.30pm. An informal look at the scriptures and discover more about Jesus and the Christian life. You can tune in to the same
link as the Sunday services.
First Tuesday also happens on zoom on 6th October - coffee and discussion from 10.30am. on line. To connect with this phone 01438-228232. Make your own coffee!
On Sundays we have started a new series on The Holy Spirit to which we look forward. We welcome all who wish to join us. Tune in at 10.30am. for a 10.45am. start on 0131-460-1196 or 0203-051-2874. Use the link https/zoom.us/j8675752648 or download the zoom app and join using meeting ID 8675752648. Any problems phone 07531-08162. This link can also be used for Christianity Explored on Wednesday and the Friday morning Bible Study which is held every fortnight. On Tuesday evenings we pray together without zoom, so join us as we pray for our community, our families, our country, the NHS with the increased Covid cases, for our Government, the Queen and for all suffering from illness or bereavement here and abroad.
Sundays in October:
4th Tim Wells (Harvest) 11th Bryan Field
18th Tim Wells 25th Kieran Murphy.
Sending love from all at the Chapel.
'The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace' Psalm 29:11
Marjorie McCarley 01438-27050
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*****************************************************************************************************NEWS FROM ST. IPPOLYTS
HARVEST FESTIVAL
We will be celebrating our Harvest Festival on Sunday 11th October. If anyone would like to donate some dry goods please leave your donation in a box in the church porch on Friday 9th October. The porch will be open from 9.30am. - 4.30pm. Alternatively bring your box to the service on Sunday 11th October. All donations will be taken to the Homeless Shelter in Hitchin. Thank you very much.
Jane Veasey and Frances Williams
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PURPLE FOR POLIO ERADICATION
Hitchin Priory Rotary Club will be planting 3000 purple crocus corms in the grounds of St. Ippolyts Church
on Saturday 24th October at 10:00am. Money raised from the purchase of these crocuses will be used to protect children and help rid the world of polio. Please help us to support this important project by donating through Hitchin Priory Rotary Club website at hitchinprioryrotaryclub.org.
Michael Hooper
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ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH COUNCIL
The next meeting which takes place on Monday 12th October at 7.30pm. will be on Zoom. Copies of the Agenda and Approved Minutes are displayed in the council notice boards and on 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 email 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.
Please look out for our Annual magazine that will be delivered and also available on our website.
Pam Skeggs
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ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH HALL
The Trustees were very pleased to be able to reopen the main hall during the week commencing Monday
7th September as planned. We welcomed two user groups back with other groups planning to return. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus we have cancelled the Christmas Fair.
Enquiries to Booking Secretary Sam Kelly on 01462-423291 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit
website www.stippolyts-hall.co.uk.
Pam Skeggs
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ANNUAL CHURCH MEETINGS
Our delayed Annual Parishioners Meeting and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of the Parish of
St. Ippolyts were held on Zoom on Wednesday 16th September. Our PCC for the coming year will be made
up of the following people:
The Reverend Ginni Dear - Vicar
Jane Veasey - Churchwarden
Michael Hooper - Churchwarden and Treasurer
Roger Cox - Secretary
Shelagh Cox
Howell Davies - Reader
Clare Reid
Jenny Sheach - Safeguarding Officer
Anne Steel
Frances Williams
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ST. IPPOLYTS
Funerals and Burials 18th August: Cyril Charles Andrews
27th August: Thomas William James Piggott
Funerals at the Crematorium 20th August: Daphne Patricia Lewis
1st September: Joyce Edgar
17th September: Joyce Margaret Smith
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100 CLUB
The winners for SEPTEMBER were:
No. 170 Molly Weiss £20
No. 24 Frank Harding £15
No. 143 Sarah Holloway £10
Shelagh Cox
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COULD THIS BE YOU?
Is there a ‘creative writer’ out there in St. Ippolyts who would be interested in sending in a regular piece for
Pax about anything happening in the village, which might be of general interest? None of our regular groups are meeting at the moment so there is a space which could be filled. Please email me - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Clare Larsen
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DEADLINE
Material for the NOVEMBER issue of Pax 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 Thursday 15th October, please. Or given to Rosemary Stratton by Monday 12thOctober.
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