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PAX September 2021

Pax                 SEPTEMBER  2021

 

 

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

Jane Veasey, Gosmore Cross, Newlands Lane, Gosmore SG4 9BD                                        01462-434254

Clare Reid, 6 The Bury, Codicote SG4 8GG                                                                           07765-264452

 

Great Wymondley

Cherry Carter, 2 Church Green, Great Wymondley SG4 7HA                                               01438-724919

Caroline McDonnell, 1 Graveley Road, Great Wymondley SG4 7EX                                                07975-798132

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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COINCIDENCES ?

Since writing the last column I have changed our car.  The decision was forced on me by its predecessor which developed a quirk of deciding when it would start and when it would refuse to start.  Everything was checked and there seemed nothing wrong with it but the problem persisted.

Then it excelled itself.  We were on our way to a gathering of retired clergy with the Bishop of St. Albans and had reached the city centre.  Half way up Holywell Hill in heavy traffic it stalled and no amount of effort could get it going again.  Eventually I got out to apologise to the van behind - only to find it was a breakdown vehicle. The gentleman had a fiddle, got it going and refused payment;  we slunk out of the city praying it would not happen again and cringing with embarrassment.  This was the last time we drove it.  The garage still could not find what was wrong with it and as they had a model that was ideal for our purposes we broke the piggy bank and exchanged it for one that actually worked.

Ever since then I have wondered why when I finally apologised for holding up the traffic a car mechanic should have been directly behind us.  It was about as likely as Judy's Premium Bonds ever coming up - she has had a few for over 55 years and has won two tiny prizes, the last about 30 years ago.  Some might say that it was a bit coincidental that it was just outside the Abbey and I am a priest.  I don't buy into this, not least because at the time I was torn between frantic prayer and despair, a sense of utter helpless fury (shades of Basil Fawlty lashing his recalcitrant car with a branch in Fawlty Towers) I was not so much praying as massaging the Almighty's ear with a shovel.  In any case, life doesn't work like that.  God does not look after His own in ways like this, as though Christianity is a kind of insurance policy against the trials of life.  Being a Christian may help us to cope with trouble;  it does not protect us from it.

It was all so improbable.  But we expect God to have our standards of tidiness.  In a world of logic and reason everything has to add up, to fit certain patterns.  We expect God to conform to them when in fact we are human and He is divine.  Coincidences help some people, they harm others;  this is how life is.  We have to come to terms with the concept of an untidy and mysterious God.  One of my favourite parts of the Bible is the closing chapters of the book of Job.  Job wants to know why he has suffered so badly.  Then dramatically God answers Job out of a whirlwind.  His answer is that Job is human and has no right to know the mind and workings of the divine.  The book ends with Job accepting that there are no answers to the questions he is asking and finding peace there.  I would commend this amazing part of the Bible to you (if you read it in the Authorized Version you will also be swept away by some of the most majestic writing in all literature).  We have to allow God to be mysterious, to see Him as He is, and to love Him without understanding His ways.

So I am left wondering why I got out of the car at that moment and found help so improbably.  I do not believe that God sent that gentleman to help me - but my blood runs cold at the thought of how I could have got out of that mess without him.  In the last resort I was just incredibly and irrationally lucky.  The mystery will always remain.

       Very best wishes, Paul  

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SERVICES FOR SEPTEMBER

 

SUNDAY 5th SEPTEMBER

8.00am.          Holy Communion (BCP)                                St. Ippolyts 

9.15am.          Holy Communion (CW)                                 Great Wymondley Village Hall

SUNDAY 12th SEPTEMBER

9.15am.          Holy Communion                                           St. Ippolyts

SUNDAY 19th SEPTEMBER

9.15am.          Holy Communion                                           Little Wymondley

6.30pm.          Evensong                                                         St. Ippolyts

SUNDAY 26th SEPTEMBER

9.15am.          Holy Communion                                           St. Ippolyts

 

SUNDAY 3rd OCTOBER

8.00am.          Holy Communion (BCP)                                St. Ippolyts 

9.15am.          Parish Praise                                                    Great Wymondley Village Hall 

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PAX IS BACK!!

I’m sure you will be delighted to hear that we intend to resume the printed edition of PAX from October 2021……with a few changes!!

We know that the pandemic has caused a lot of difficulties for everyone, and charities have been particularly affected.  We thought we would like to do a little bit to help so we have decided to put the price of PAX up by 10 pence to 50 pence per copy from February 2022.  The annual subscription will therefore be £5 and subs will be collected in February as usual.  All the profit we make will be donated to charity.  We have also found a printer who will cut the cost of our printing by about ten pence per copy so we should have a healthy donation to make each year.

We hope you will agree that a nice round 50 pence (or £5) is easier to collect and we would like your input as

to which charity we should support.  Please do let Reverend Ginni know if you have a charity suggestion (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and we will go with the most popular for the first year and pick another each year after that.

For everyone who previously had Pax delivered to their door it will once more be brought to you by our intrepid volunteers or distributed at Wymondley Chapel.  Anyone who would now like to have Pax delivered please contact Clare Larsen (email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 01462-453541).

                                                                                                                                              Reverend Ginni

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BIBLE STUDY GROUP

The Bible Study Group will resume face-to-face meetings on Wednesdays 8th and 22nd September and we will be continuing our study of The Acts of the Apostles.  We will meet at 2.30pm. at Oakhurst (behind Kingshott School) home of Margaret Edmonds.  Refreshments are served after the meeting.

We would be very pleased to welcome new members to our small friendly group.  For further information please contact Margaret Edmonds (01462-452340) or Clare Larsen (01462-453541).

    Clare Larsen

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HERE AND THERE

LINK TO HOPE 2021 SHOEBOX APPEAL

Link to Hope will this year have been doing their wonderful work for 30 years, but what a year they have just had.  They tell us that despite having their fund-raising events and shops shut down for most of the year, they have still managed to move their HQ to smaller premises in Ferring (still retaining the same telephone number), whilst at the same time sending out over 20,750 shoeboxes to Eastern Europe last Christmas.

They go on to say:

‘We were really blessed when we received all of the shoeboxes to send out at Christmas.  Considering we all spent most of last year shut down we were delighted.  Even more delighted were the people who received them.  People who already live hard lives are living in even harsher conditions as work dries up and costs increase.  So, your shoeboxes, which are usually a source of great excitement, became more than that as toiletries, stationery items, woollen hats, razors and other items came out of them this year.  They became extra special gifts that not only showed love, but were also a practical help in people’s lives.’

That is why, once again as in previous years, we shall be supporting Link to Hope by filling shoeboxes with items for families or elderly folk in Eastern Europe in time for this Christmas.  As last year, the charity is again offering four different ways to support them:

  1. By filling a shoebox in the usual way and returning it to them.
  2. By giving a donation of around £20 they can fill a shoebox for you, put in a card (if you would like one), wrap the box and send you a photograph of the finished box.
  3. By donating money directly to the appeal.
  4. By donating items in bulk (i.e. more than one or two) from the list on their leaflet for them to use in shoeboxes.

If you would like to support the appeal, could you please download and print a leaflet from the Link to Hope website (if you are able) and then choose one of the options above.  Remember, each filled shoebox must be accompanied by its own completed leaflet.  Should you not be able to download a leaflet, we have some available (or we could email one to you if you prefer).  We also have our usual supply of empty shoeboxes so,

if you need leaflets or shoeboxes, let us know and we will get some to you.

All filled boxes have to be returned to the charity before Friday 5th November.  Christine and I will be filling some boxes ourselves as usual and will be aiming to take them to the area organiser at the beginning of that week.  (i.e. around Monday 1st November).  If you decide to fill a box and would like us to take it for you, please could you get it to us (or let us know) well before that date.  Thank you.  (Our telephone number is 01462-459145.  Please contact us if you need any further help or information).

Your response in previous years has always been amazing.  Please support us once again in these difficult times if you possibly can.  It really does make a huge difference.

                                                                                                                                                Arthur Sibun

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NEWS FROM THE WYMONDLEYS

ST. MARY’S LITTLE WYMONDLEY

A NEW BEGINNING……….

With lockdown restrictions easing, the joy of being able to sing in church again is wonderful.  I feel this is an exciting time for St. Mary’s, thanks to Reverend Ginni’s services online, which have proved very popular with Little Wymondley residents, and we are pleased to be hosting three weddings this year.

The churchyard is once again looking immaculate, thanks due to our long serving, regular grasscutters and keepers, and to Jayne and Andrew of Church Path who have spent a week of their holiday to get the rest of the grass down to a manageable level again.  If we all work together and do a little area when we can, the task will

be easier. 

I was very heartened on my recent trip to church.  I got there to find the church was open, Reverend Ginni 

was there to meet Zac who is keen to start a martial arts class for children in September, Jayne and Andrew

were working in the churchyard, and it just felt good to see the church buzzing again.  I know Reverend Ginni has some new ideas to welcome folk into the church, there’s a relaxing reading area and provisions for making

a cup of tea to come.  It’s all a bit different, but the church must evolve if we are to keep it, and we all want to

do that.

GARDEN UPDATE

Every year the seasons present us with different conditions.  This year, with all the rain and sunshine, our garden has looked really lush, the lawn mower has certainly earned its keep.  We have had the best sweet peas I have ever known, I have been picking them in quantity every week and they are so lovely to look at and the perfume has filled the house.  All the shrubs and trees have enjoyed a serious growth spurt, so the next task is pruning, but that is the joy of a garden and the approaching autumn. 

All the hedgerows and meadows around us are a profusion of colour with all the wild flowers.  We have also had a bumper crop of ducks, a family of thirteen, which have all reached maturity, a five, a three, and just when we thought that was it, another clutch of eight have arrived, so a good year.

                                                                                                                                          Rosemary Stratton

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WYMONDLEY PARISH COUNCIL

The next Parish Council meeting is on Monday 6th September at 7.30pm. taking place at Wymondley JMI School, Siccut Road, Little Wymondley.  The agenda and supporting papers will be available on the Parish Council tab of the Council's website (https://wymondleypc.org.uk) shortly.

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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ST. MARY’S GREAT WYMONDLEY

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CHURCH BUILDING WORK

The PCC is busy applying for Grants from various Charitable Trusts to assist with funding for the work that has still to be done to enable the church to be open again.  To be in the middle of extensive building work at the start of the Pandemic with a closed church and lockdowns has made progress very difficult.  There have not been the usual opportunities for fundraising until recently with the Tabletop Sale.  Hopefully the next few months will show some signs of development within the building project.

 

TABLETOP SALE

The Tabletop Sale on Saturday 21st August was a great success in spite of the damp weather.  The Sale was held in the dry in the Village Hall and the refreshments on the Green under two gazebos.  A total of £305 was raised for the Church Restoration Fund.  A three-way benefit for the Church, people in the village who were able to

de-clutter and various Charity Shops and Depots where the leftovers were taken afterwards.  Even left-over cakes were taken to the Community Garden where some people met up for tea and cake the next afternoon. 

BICYCLES FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES

On Monday 9th August a van came from The Bike Project to collect 21 bikes that we had collected from people in the village and friends in the area.  The Bike Project has depots and workshops in centres in UK.  They repair and re-cycle bicycle parts to enable them to give bicycles to Syrian refugees who have come to this country and need transport to go about their lives.  Ours went to a depot in London.  It was a really worthwhile thing to do and we hope our bikes will all have a new life in some form or other.

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CHURCHYARD

The two wildlife areas in the churchyard have been a mass of ragwort this year with a sea of yellow which had

to be pulled up before it seeded everywhere.  One plant is capable of producing 60 thousand seeds and the seeds can lie dormant in the soil until conditions are right for germination.  They are luckily shallow rooted but it was still hard work to pull them all up apart from a few which had Cinnabar Moth caterpillars on them as they are the moth’s food source.  It is a good plant for pollinators and is an important part of the native flora of Britain

so it was good to leave a few plants.  Ragwort has been so prolific this year in the fields and roadsides.  It is especially poisonous to horses but also to other livestock.  The plants were taken wrapped up in sheets in two journeys to the tip to go in the green waste skip.  A good job done which hopefully will stop the churchyard having so much next year.

                                                                                                                                                Cherry Carter

BIKE ‘n’ HIKE - SATURDAY 11th SEPTEMBER

The Herts. and Beds. Historic Churches Trust is there to support, via grants, the care and repair of churches and chapels in the area and the Bike 'n' Hike event is a very important event for fund raising.  We aim to have some riders from Great Wymondley again this year and would love your support though the Just Giving site, https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicola-gilbert23.  It would be great to have a rider or walker from Little Wymondley?  Both churches will be open to greet the visitors.  Let’s hope for good weather.

If you want to be involved, please contact Nicky via email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

                                                                                                                                                Nicky Gilbert

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WYMONDLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

We've had a summer of sport, what with football, tennis, the Tours de France, the Olympic Games and more. The dedication and enthusiasm of the players and participants has been very evident and the excitement of a trophy or a medal has been shared among us all and has made all the hard work and training worthwhile.  

The Apostle Paul spoke of the Olympic Games as we read in his first letter to the Church at Corinth, comparing the races to the Christian life:  'Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize.  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last;  but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.' (1 Cor: 9:24)  We saw the importance of teamwork in the Games and the exuberant joy shared when the goals were scored or the race won.  Even in tennis, what did we hear when the speech came following victory?  Thanks to all who helped, inspired and supported them and we hear the special words, 'especially to my team'.  This speaks to me of the importance of teamwork, especially in the Church.  It is a good feeling to know that whatever we do we have the support and encouragement of 'the team' who are as eager as we are to see God's hand at work.  As Paul wrote to the Church at Philippi 'Make my joy complete, by being one in spirit and purpose.'

We are delighted that on Monday 6th September 'It's Monday' will be restarting at 10.30am. after a long wait

due to Covid - 19.  We look forward to having a varied programme and it will be a joy to meet up together again each Monday morning.

Tuesdays we have met for coffee and discussion each First Tuesday on Zoom but this could change and we may soon be back at The Orange Tree.  We will let you know what will be happening on 7th September.  Tuesday evenings will be our Prayer Time and this will sometimes be on zoom and other times we will meet together.

It will be announced.  But it has been good to pray from our homes over the months from 7.30pm. with people near and far.

Bible Study Groups will meet fortnightly on Wednesday at 7.30pm. and on Friday at 11.00am.  The Community Bible Study Group will meet at Oakhurst (Margaret Edmond's home) on 8th and 22nd September

at 2.30pm.  A warm welcome to all who would like to join this group.

It has been good to have the Church open for services over these past months and we also have the opportunity to attend the services on zoom.  You are very welcome to attend the Chapel or to join us on zoom.  If you wish to join this, dial in at 10.30am. for a 10.45am. start on 0131-4601196 or 0203-0512874.  Please use the link https/zoom.us/j/86757525648 or download the zoom app. and join using ID8675752648.  Any problems phone 07531-081621.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are feeling unwell at this time and for those mourning and missing loved ones.  We are forever thankful for the vaccine and pray for the Government for wisdom in all decisions as we still exercise caution and pray for the countries still struggling both with the virus and with other strife and suffering.

Speakers on Sundays in September at 10.45am.

5th        Dr Barry Funnell

12th      Rev. David Ronco

19th      Kieran Murphy

26th      Will Andrews  (Harvest Thanksgiving)

Marjorie McCarley  (01438-727050)

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NEWS FROM ST. IPPOLYTS

COFFEE MORNINGS

Come for a cuppa on a Monday morning after School drop-off!  All welcome.

From Monday 6th September and every Monday during term time join us for a drink and a chat in the church once you have dropped your children off at School.  A chance to catch-up with old friends and meet new ones. Younger siblings welcome.

                                                                                                                                                        Dee Soden

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MOVING ON

As many of you know, I will be leaving St. Ippolyts and Hitchin after 49 amazing and mostly happy years.  The used postage stamps you have been collecting for the Leprosy Mission have been most gratefully received.  Why that particular charity?  Well I was born in a leper colony in India many, many years ago!  Thank you for the stamps, and it would be so good if someone involved with a charity collecting them could take over from me.  Please do get in touch if you could help in this way.

                                                                                                                        Liz Cowlishaw  (01462-459104)

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HORSE BLESSING SERVICE

A huge thank you to all who attended the Horse Blessing Service on Sunday 15th August at St. Ippolyts Church where avery generous amount of £259 was donated in aid of Riding for the Disabled.  This will benefit many of our local special needs children.  This year, the service was as popular as in previous years with 17 horses attending and many people congregating in the church yard to join in the service.

Reverend Ginni welcomed everyone and explained the history of St. Hippolytus the patron saint of horses and the reason for the Horse Blessing Service.  We all sang a hymn and said prayers together and Reverend Ginni blessed each horse in turn, also treating them to a slice of carrot.  There were refreshments on offer and with the help of the sunshine the afternoon was a huge success.

                                                                                                                                                Joan Pinkstone

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ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH COUNCIL

The next meeting will take place on Monday 13th September at 7.30pm. in St. Ippolyts Parish Hall.  A copy of the agenda will be displayed on the notice boards and website:  www.stippolyts-parishcouncil.org.uk.

There is always an agenda item for Public Participation where residents can ask questions and raise issues. Please contact Susan Mears on 01462-421409 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Autumn Magazine

If you would like to write an article or sponsor this magazine, please contact Susan.  Deadline for entries

Friday 24th September.

                                                                                                                                                        Pam Skeggs

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ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH HALL

The next management meeting will take place on Wednesday 29th September at 6.00pm. in the committee rooms.  User group representatives are welcome to come along.

For enquiries, please contact Sam Kelly, Bookings Secretary, on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone

07389-891417 or visit website www.stippolyts-hall.co.uk.

Diary dates:

Christmas Fair with user groups and trustees raffle: 

Saturday 27th November 2021 from 2.00pm. to 4.30pm.

AGM

Tuesday 22nd March 2022 at 6.00pm.

                                                                                                                                                        Pam Skeggs

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PARISH CHURCH REGISTERS

ST. IPPOLYTS

Marriages                  15th July:         Dean John Aylott and Stacey Ann Malone

                                    24th July:         Ryan John Hardiman and Heather Louise Beard

                                    24th July:         Jonathan Edward Pike and Charlotte Olivia Amy Odell

                                    19th August:     Derek Raymond and Tracey Baldock

Burial of Ashes          7th July:           Sarah Brooker

                                    7th July:           Janet Brooker

Funeral and Burial               13th July:         Shaun Glasgow

LITTLE WYMONDLEY

Baptism                      24th June:         Jesse Moffat

Marriage                    7th August                    Paul Cooper and Jodie Stokes

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100 CLUB

The winners for July were:

No. 59                         Carolyn Marsh            £20

No. 24                         Frank Harding             £15

No. 75                         Andrew Sheach            £10

And for August:

                        No. 80             Liz Cowlishaw             £20

No. 55             Jane White                   £15

No. 16             Mary Blaksley             £10

                                                                                                                                                Shelagh Cox

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DEADLINE

Material for the OCTOBER 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 WEDNESDAY 15th SEPTEMBER please.  Or given to Rosemary Stratton by Sunday 12th September.

If you have an article to contribute please make sure that it reaches me on or before this deadline in order to

fit in with our new printer’s working timetable.  Thank you.

                                                                                                                                                Clare Larsen

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Heroes, a thought from Revd Paul

HEROES

As a boy in the early 50’s I had my heroes.  Roger Bannister who ran the world's first 4 minute mile.  The

soccer players Stanley Matthews and Nat Lofthouse;  many years later I visited the latter's mother in the care home near Bolton where she resided.  Two cricketing heroes - one was the dashing Keith Miller - heretical because he was an Australian and the rivalry over the Ashes was intense.  Above all, Tom Graveney of my beloved Gloucestershire;  I once cycled to Cheltenham to watch him bat but he only made two runs.  Funny having such heroes when I hated soccer and was totally useless at sport.....

These days I have four Bible heroes and being me they are probably unusual.  First there is Elijah, seemingly

the first recorded sufferer from manic depression.  Look at his antics at Mount Carmel as he taunts the prophets of Baal.  First bringing down fire from heaven, then after massacring them, outrunning King Ahab's chariot to Jezreel, a feat that would leave modern day marathon runners far behind.  Then sinking into a deep depression as he realises that he has seemingly achieved nothing and Jezebel was after him with malicious intent.  The second hero is Job, another sufferer from depression albeit a different type.  He was a huge influence on me when I suffered from the same condition after having to retire early;  the final chapters of his book about

human suffering are among the most wonderful in all literature.

Then in the New Testament two of the disciples.  First there is Andrew, Peter's kid brother.  The approachable open minded disciple who never seemed to object to being the only one of the four fishermen (the other two being James and John) who was not in Jesus' closest circle, and who was quite happy being in Peter's shadow. Above all, Thomas.  His 'day' falls in July and while I doubt if it will be marked extravagantly in the parish the least I can do is to make him the topic of my column this month.

'Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and place my finger in the print of the nails and place my hand into His side I will not believe'.  I always want to change one word of that - 'I CANNOT believe' rather than

'I WILL not believe'.  He desperately wanted to believe that Christ was alive and we find Christ being very sensitive to this.  Far from being Doubting Thomas he was in fact among the most loyal and bravest of all Christ's disciples as we see in other references to him in the gospels.

Searching Thomas rather than Doubting Thomas.  He wanted proof in the way that Job wanted answers.

That is what unites my two greatest Bible heroes.  The trouble is that Christianity is not like that because

religion is about faith rather than proof.  That may be one of many reasons why it is so out of fashion in a

world where everything has to add up.  We want God to be tidy and that is not how God is - because tidiness

is a human concept and God is above that.

I embrace the idea of an untidy God, one who does not provide easy answers and cannot be categorized.

I admire and respect those who have a secure and stable faith.  But to me the Christian life is a pilgrimage into God, an eternal search for God.  It is not stable, it does not conform to what Thomas aspired to having.  God

by His very nature is mysterious and we must allow Him to be.  Thomas had the courage to ask questions;  that is why he is my greatest hero and why I seek to be like him.  Asking questions of God is not wrong, doubt is not wrong.  Questions are part of the search for God that we should all have, part of the Christian pilgrimage.

Very best wishes, Paul

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PAX JULY / AUGUST 2021

Pax       JULY and AUGUST 2021

 

 

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

Jane Veasey, Gosmore Cross, Newlands Lane, Gosmore SG4 9BD                                        01462-434254

Clare Reid, 6 The Bury, Codicote SG4 8GG                                                                           07765-264452

 

Great Wymondley

Cherry Carter, 2 Church Green, Great Wymondley SG4 7HA                                               01438-724919

Caroline McDonnell, 1 Graveley Road, Great Wymondley SG4 7EX                                                07975-798132

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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HEROES

As a boy in the early 50’s I had my heroes.  Roger Bannister who ran the world's first 4 minute mile.  The

soccer players Stanley Matthews and Nat Lofthouse;  many years later I visited the latter's mother in the care home near Bolton where she resided.  Two cricketing heroes - one was the dashing Keith Miller - heretical because he was an Australian and the rivalry over the Ashes was intense.  Above all, Tom Graveney of my beloved Gloucestershire;  I once cycled to Cheltenham to watch him bat but he only made two runs.  Funny having such heroes when I hated soccer and was totally useless at sport.....

These days I have four Bible heroes and being me they are probably unusual.  First there is Elijah, seemingly

the first recorded sufferer from manic depression.  Look at his antics at Mount Carmel as he taunts the prophets of Baal.  First bringing down fire from heaven, then after massacring them, outrunning King Ahab's chariot to Jezreel, a feat that would leave modern day marathon runners far behind.  Then sinking into a deep depression as he realises that he has seemingly achieved nothing and Jezebel was after him with malicious intent.  The second hero is Job, another sufferer from depression albeit a different type.  He was a huge influence on me when I suffered from the same condition after having to retire early;  the final chapters of his book about

human suffering are among the most wonderful in all literature.

Then in the New Testament two of the disciples.  First there is Andrew, Peter's kid brother.  The approachable open minded disciple who never seemed to object to being the only one of the four fishermen (the other two being James and John) who was not in Jesus' closest circle, and who was quite happy being in Peter's shadow. Above all, Thomas.  His 'day' falls in July and while I doubt if it will be marked extravagantly in the parish the least I can do is to make him the topic of my column this month.

'Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and place my finger in the print of the nails and place my hand into His side I will not believe'.  I always want to change one word of that - 'I CANNOT believe' rather than

'I WILL not believe'.  He desperately wanted to believe that Christ was alive and we find Christ being very sensitive to this.  Far from being Doubting Thomas he was in fact among the most loyal and bravest of all Christ's disciples as we see in other references to him in the gospels.

Searching Thomas rather than Doubting Thomas.  He wanted proof in the way that Job wanted answers.

That is what unites my two greatest Bible heroes.  The trouble is that Christianity is not like that because

religion is about faith rather than proof.  That may be one of many reasons why it is so out of fashion in a

world where everything has to add up.  We want God to be tidy and that is not how God is - because tidiness

is a human concept and God is above that.

I embrace the idea of an untidy God, one who does not provide easy answers and cannot be categorized.

I admire and respect those who have a secure and stable faith.  But to me the Christian life is a pilgrimage into God, an eternal search for God.  It is not stable, it does not conform to what Thomas aspired to having.  God

by His very nature is mysterious and we must allow Him to be.  Thomas had the courage to ask questions;  that is why he is my greatest hero and why I seek to be like him.  Asking questions of God is not wrong, doubt is not wrong.  Questions are part of the search for God that we should all have, part of the Christian pilgrimage.

Very best wishes, Paul

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SERVICES FOR JULY AND AUGUST

JULY SERVICES

 

SUNDAY 4th JULY

8.00am.          Holy Communion (BCP)                                St. Ippolyts 

9.15am.          Family Holy Communion                               St. Mary’s Great Wymondley

Outside in the Churchyard

(bring a chair and a mug for refreshments)

We will be in the Village Hall if it rains.

SUNDAY 11th JULY

9.15am.          Holy Communion                                           St. Ippolyts

SUNDAY 18th JULY

9.15am.          Holy Communion                                           Little Wymondley

6.30pm.          Evensong                                                         St. Ippolyts

SUNDAY 25th JULY

9.15am.          Holy Communion                                           St. Ippolyts

AUGUST SERVICES

SUNDAY 1st AUGUST

8.00am.          Holy Communion (BCP)                                St. Ippolyts 

9.15am.          Family Holy Communion or Parish Praise      Great Wymondley

(exact location to be confirmed)

SUNDAY 8th AUGUST

9.15am.          Holy Communion                                           St. Ippolyts

SUNDAY 15th AUGUST

9.15am.          Holy Communion                                           Little Wymondley

3.00pm.          Horse Blessing Service                                     St. Ippolyts Churchyard

6.30pm.          Evensong                                                         St. Ippolyts

SUNDAY 22nd AUGUST

9.15am.          Holy Communion                                           St. Ippolyts

SUNDAY 29th AUGUST

9.15am.          Holy Communion                                           St. Ippolyts

IMPORTANT

Please do keep checking the St. Ippolyts Church website for updates to the services or sign up for our

weekly email (just let Reverend Ginni know) as we may need to change services in line with current

Covid regulations.

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BIBLE STUDY GROUP

The Bible Study Group will be taking a break until September.  Our next meetings will be on Wednesdays

8th and 22nd September.  For further information please contact Margaret Edmonds (01462-452340) or 

Clare Larsen (01462-453541).

                                                                                                                                          Clare Larsen

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NEWS FROM THE WYMONDLEYS

ST. MARY’S LITTLE WYMONDLEY

THE CHURCHYARD

For the past several years Roger, a retired fire-fighter, and two of his colleagues, have kept our churchyard beautifully maintained.  They have cut the grass, trimmed around the headstones, built compost bins and sorted out the hedges.  They have given their time and energy but now feel it is time to step down.  We owe them much gratitude for their service and on behalf of us all thank them very much, we really appreciate all they have done.

I can remember being in the church when Roger walked in, he had been helping a community project maintain a footpath nearby, and had wandered over to have a look.  He admired our lovely rural setting and offered his services to come and help with the grass cutting.  This was the answer to our prayers, as the grass had really got out of control and was looking in a sorry state.

We wish Roger a very happy second retirement and hope it doesn’t involve too much grass mowing.

We are very fortunate that Arbor Care, a local company, have stepped up to help us, again a blessing, especially now in the middle of the mowing season.  They will cut the grass in the main areas but we still need some help with trimming round headstones and maintaining the small flower beds.  If anyone feels they can come and spend a little time working in this peaceful, beautiful setting, we would be pleased to welcome you.  It doesn’t have to be a regular commitment, just when your time allows.  Thank you very much.  

DUCK UPDATE

Before I mention the ducks I feel it is newsworthy to report that I heard a Cuckoo, on Monday 31st May.

That will be the first time in many a year.  We used to have quite a few around us but they have gradually dwindled in number, but this one was calling away so hopefully they will be back next year.

Our two ducks have hatched, the first emerged with fifteen ducklings early one Sunday morning.  We were

able to assist safe passage to the pond by rescuing the last few that got tangled up in bluebells and falling behind mum.  The second marched her clutch down the garden.  How she got them out of the nest, which was in a plant container, I don’t know, but they all managed and must be several weeks old by now.  Tony feeds them twice daily and checks the register to make sure they are all present and correct.  I think these weather conditions are suiting them well, they appear to be thriving, and they give a lot of pleasure to all who pass by.

                                                                                                                                          Rosemary Stratton

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WYMONDLEY PARISH COUNCIL

Wymondley Parish Council has now returned to face-to-face meetings at Wymondley JMI School.  The next two meetings will take place on Monday 19th July (hopefully Freedom Day) and Monday 6th September.

Meetings will start promptly at 7.30pm.  Members of the public and press are very welcome to attend and

should ensure they arrive at least 5 minutes before the start time.  They will need to wear a face mask whilst in the school hall (unless a medical exemption applies) and should bring hand sanitiser.  Contact details will need to be provided to the Clerk to enable NHS contact tracing if necessary.  They should not attend if they have any COVID-19 symptoms on the day.

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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ST. MARY’S GREAT WYMONDLEY

The service in the Community Garden on the first Sunday in June was blessed with fine weather and a good gathering of people.  As it was outside we were able to sing hymns and gather afterwards for refreshments. Thank you to everyone who came.

Photo x 1

The Fruit Harvest is just beginning, and we have been busy netting much of it to protect it from the birds, starting with currants and strawberries.  Just as well as we have very little jam left to sell in the Church Porch,

so production is under way!  

More plans are under way for restoration work starting in the church later on this summer and hopefully 

there will be more news and details soon.  It will be so good to have the church open again.

More strange weather in June and we even lit the wood burner a couple of times as it was chilly and there was washing to dry.  The churchyard grass was so long and lush it has been difficult to cut and looks rather ragged with the torrential rain beating down the long grass that edges the paths.  We have been strimming and raking and mowing the paths through. 

The churchyard has a pyramidal orchid again but still only one which we have had to put a guard round so the rabbits don’t eat it.  The Community Orchard has numerous Bee Orchids again which we hope will continue to spread. The weeds on the allotments and in our garden are growing taller almost as you look at them.  At least this white-tailed bumble bee appreciates the flowers of ground elder, something that most gardeners don’t! IMG 5538IMG 5543IMG 7207 1

It is however edible and was used in the Middle Ages as a medicinal herb to cure gout, hence its alternative name Goutweed.  The leaves can be eaten as a salad, made into soup or cooked in butter like spinach which has a nutty flavour and contains high amounts of vitamin C.  They are best eaten in the Spring before the plant flowers as it then becomes a mild laxative, a diuretic and a soporific!

Photos x 3

                                                                                                                                                Cherry Carter

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WYMONDLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

Recently I've been looking at photo albums from past years and they certainly bring back so many memories. Twenty-nine years ago, in the year 1992, we went to Israel for a holiday and it is so good to look back at that unforgettable time - and see especially how memorable was Jerusalem.  Of course, as well as photos, we brought back memorabilia and I have pictures and plates, etc. as well as a small gold plaque with the word 'Shalom'.

'Shalom' - is God's special peace and very precious.  As we all know, peace isn't merely the absence of conflict,

it is the presence of God's wholeness.  We all need this Shalom and it is only found in Christ and His Spirit.

That is why the apostle Paul pointed the Galatians to the Holy Spirit's transforming work.  It is the Holy Spirit in our lives that will generate His fruit which includes, love, joy, peace, patience, etc.  He gives us that vital element of true enduring peace, even when things are very difficult.

But as we bring our needs and concerns to our Heavenly Father, this will bring us 'the peace of God which passes all understanding'.  The peace which will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:v7).  What a blessing we can know this peace in these days, indeed, ever since March 2020 when the coronavirus hit us.  Now things are getting easier we still have to be careful and keep to the guidelines but we are forever thankful for the vaccine.  We hope to be back in the Chapel Hall for 'It's Monday' one day and we will announce it as soon as we are able.  Meanwhile our Church programme continues on zoom, or sometimes in the open air or in gardens and the Chapel is open for Sunday services.

For those who wish to attend, please book on the church email address at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the church phone 07531-081621 when the usual guidelines will apply.  If you are joining from your home on zoom, dial in at 10.30am. for a 10.45am. start on 01314-601196 or 02030-512874.  Please use the link https/zoom.us/j/8675752648 or download the zoom app. and join using ID8675752648.  You will be very welcome.  Any problems phone 07531-081621.

‘First Tuesday’ for Coffee and Chat from 10.30am. has been on zoom but hopefully we will meet up with Will and Lynne Andrews in an outside venue on Tuesday 6th July.

Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm. is the time when we pray for our community, our loved ones, our neighbours, our country and our Queen.  We keep our Missionaries both here and abroad in our prayers and we pray for our Government in all its decisions.  Our hearts and prayers are with all who are poorly and all who have been bereaved and are missing loved ones and we continue to pray for the NHS.

The Community Bible Study group has been meeting on zoom on the second and fourth Wednesdays and after the August break will restart on Wednesday 8th September.

Bible Study Groups have also been held on Wednesday at 7.30pm. and Friday at 11.00am. (both fortnightly).

'Oasis' the time of Refreshment has also been held on zoom.  This monthly meeting has been blessed with some good speakers.  So we are thankful that things have continued, albeit rather differently from how it was before March 2020.

Speakers on Sundays in July at 10.45am.

4th        Will Andrews (Church Picnic Day)

11th      Mike Kershaw

18th      Phil Jackson

25th      Sir Les Ebdon

and in August......

1st        Thanksgiving Day (Craig Bacon)

8th        Judith Nugent

15th      Clive Bacon

22nd     Ian Merrick

29th      Doug Richardson

Jesus said:  'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'

John 14:v27.

Marjorie McCarley  (01438-727050)

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WYMONDLEY PARISH COUNCIL SCARECROW FESTIVAL

Saturday 21st to Saturday 28th August 2021 (inclusive) - Terms and Conditions of Entry

 

1.    The Scarecrow Festival is open to all residents and businesses of Wymondley Parish.

2.    All entrants to be included on the interactive map must be over the age of 18 or permission given for

       the entry by a person of 18 years old on the day of entry. 

3.    Any entrants that apply will automatically be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions. 

4.    No purchase by the entrant is required to enter this event. 

5.    An entry comprises of a completed form available on the Parish Council’s website or by email from

       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..  This form allows your details to be used on our interactive map

       so that the community can find your scarecrows over the allotted time. 

6.    By submitting the entry, you agree to:

       a.  Comply with the terms and conditions of Facebook and Wymondley Parish Council including, 

            but not limited to, the terms of service, community standards and rules of service.

       b.  You undertake that it is your original work and does not breach any copyright. 

7.    By submitting the entry, you give the Parish Council the following authority:

        a.  Permission for your entry to be submitted on the Council’s Facebook page and website as well as

             printed and online publications, e.g. the Parish Newsletter and Annual Report.

       b.   You grant the use of the image to the Council, copyright free.

       c.   Your name or username can be used along with your submission if included on the form. 

8.    There is no prize for this event, this event is for the purpose of celebrating the Wymondley Community. 

9.    We ask that all scarecrows are placed outside from 21st to 28th August 2021 (inclusive) so that people are

       able to find them around the parish.

10.   Scarecrows may not be placed in a public space unless permission has been given by the landowner.

        If you would like to make a scarecrow but are unable to place it in a safe location, please contact

        This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. who may be able to assist in placement for the duration of the

        event.

11.  The Council do not take any responsibility for any damage made to displays or other actions completed

        by the public that may cause upset or financial loss to the persons/business that makes the submission. 

12.  Where possible please do use recycled material and do not use items that could be donated to a charity. 

13.  Scarecrows can be of any size

To ensure inclusion on the map you will need to register your entry before Saturday 31st July.

An interactive map showing all the entries will be available on the Wymondley Parish Council website

https://wymondleypc.org.uk so that residents will be free to wander on dates and times of their choice

between 21st and 28th August.

                                                                                                            Sharon Long

                                                                                                            Clerk to Wymondley Parish Council

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IN MEMORIAM

 

ANNE SCOTT - 23.2.25 - 9.5.21

Our mum - Anne Scott, was born in 1925 and had what she said was an idyllic childhood, growing up in the countryside in Scotland and Cumbria, loving the outdoor life - a childhood full of fun and adventure.

Following the outbreak of war in 1939, her entire school was evacuated to Canada from 1940 to 1943, for

fear of an imminent German invasion.  Here she had more adventures and loved the opportunities being there offered her - lots more fun and outdoor explorations and she experienced great kindness and hospitality.  She often said she felt guilty about not missing Cumbria and her parents more!

She returned to spend three happy years at Durham University.  While at home in Kirkby Lonsdale with her parents, when she should have been studying, she was persuaded by the Vicar’s daughter to come out one afternoon to have tea and play cards - mum declined first of all, but the promise of some new young men in

the village was enough for her to put her books away for a while.  Our Dad, David, was spending time there

recuperating and retraining after being shot and wounded and so, that’s how it started - a partnership which

was to last over 70 years until dad’s death in 2017. 

Mum was always busy - while dad was working as a barrister, she raised the four of us, but also threw herself into projects, particularly once we had moved to St. Ippolyts from London in 1962.  Along with her pals in

the area, she set up and ran ‘Swap Shop’ which provided clothing for us and much of the surrounding area at bargain prices, while raising funds for various causes.  She supported St. Ippolyts Church and Village Hall,

was a St. Ippolyts school governor, helped with Meals on Wheels, did collections for the local branch of the RNLI , knitted numerous chicks for the Garden House Hospice, made hundreds if not thousands of Christmas puddings as part of her fundraising efforts, and had a busy social life to boot.  She also worked part-time as a supervisor of what was then the Family Planning Clinic in Hitchin, believing strongly that the clinic should

be a place where women and girls should feel welcome and safe. 

Our house in Little Almshoe and their next house on Benslow Lane, Hitchin, where they moved in 1994, were places where the door was always open to visitors and travellers.  Some came for a short visit and ended up staying for years!  Mum and Dad were both very welcoming and inclusive.  Mum in particular loved meeting people and was very tolerant of the many friends we brought home over the years.  Some people turned up on the doorstep who were hardly known to us - but if we met people on our travels we would tell them to get in touch if they were ever in the area, knowing there would always be a bed for them if they needed it.

Although mum and dad left St. Ippolyts 27 years ago, they remained very strongly connected, supporting

events there and always interested in what was going on. 

Mum’s last few years were difficult for her, as dementia sapped her memories and she became more confused, her mobility and ability to do things for herself declined and Covid meant that she saw less of her friends and family.  We are so grateful for the support she and we as a family, received from people from St. Ippolyts during this time - her friends and the community which were so important to her and our Dad.

Her funeral on Wednesday 16th June was such a special day of celebration.  There were clear blue skies and

sun, the Church was as full as it could have been given the restrictions and there were many family, friends

and mum’s carers there to share the memories. 

We would all like to thank you so much for the lovely cards and letters we have received - they were all

very much appreciated.

                                                                                                                                                Dinah Scott

8.

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NEWS FROM ST. IPPOLYTS

ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH COUNCIL

At the June meeting Daryl Hayler, Louisa Knapp, Jane Lintott, and Jon Marsh were co-opted as councillors

and we look forward to working with them as part of the team in the future.

The next meeting will take place on Monday 12th July at 7.30pm. in St. Ippolyts Parish Hall.  A copy of the agenda will be displayed on the notice boards and on website:  www.stippolyts-parishcouncil.org.uk.

There is always an Agenda item for Public Participation where residents can ask questions and raise issues. Please contact Susan Mears on 01462-421409 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

There will not be a meeting in August.

                                                                                                                                                Pam Skeggs

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ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH HALL

From Monday 21st June, there was a 4-week pause at Step 3 of the roadmap.  After 2 weeks, the government

will review the data to see if the risks have reduced.  It is expected that England will move to Step 4 on 

Monday 19th July.  By following the mantra of hands, face, space, we can all keep ourselves and others safe.

For enquiries, please contact Sam Kelly, Bookings Secretary, on 01462-423291 or

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit website www.stippolyts-hall.co.uk.

Diary dates:

Management Meeting              Wednesday 29th September 2021 at 6.00pm.

Christmas Fair and Raffle         Saturday 27th November 2021 from 2.00pm. to 4.30pm.

AGM                                       Tuesday 22nd March 2022 at 6.00pm.

                                                                                                                                                    Pam Skeggs

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PLANT SALE - PLANT SALE - PLANT SALE - PLANT SALE - PLANT SALE - PLANT SALE

CHURCH PLANT SALE

On Sunday 30th May an impromptu plant sale was held at St. Ippolyts Church after the morning service.

Thank you to all who supported the event which raised £116 for church funds.

                                                                                                                                            Mary Hooper

PLANT SALE FOR SEND A COW

A massive ‘thank you’ to all of you who donated or came (and donated!) to our Plant Sale on Thursday

10th June.  We raised an incredible £372.40!  Thank you all so much.  So many charities have been struggling during these last few months and people in developing countries are having an even harder time of things than we are, so we feel it is even more important to help them to a better life.

We are so fortunate in this country with what we are able to access, even if sometimes we feel we are being restricted.  So many people in poorer countries are relying on help from richer nations and Send a Cow provides really targeted help mostly to women, plus the education and on-going assistance needed to continue to improve their lives.

Thank you again.

Audrey and John Burr

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PARISH CHURCH REGISTERS

ST. IPPOLYTS

Funeral          16th June:         Anne Scott

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100 CLUB

The winners for May were:

No. 69                         Joy Cooper                  £20

No. 45             Shelagh Cox                £15

No. 56                         Carolyn Marsh                        £10

And the winners for June were:

No: 21             Frank Harding             £50

No: 30                         Margaret Dines            £30

No: 177           Audrey Burr                £20

No: 33                         Carole Zimmern          £20

No: 12                         Doreen Smith              £10

                                                                                                                                                   Shelagh Cox

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DEADLINE

Material for the SEPTEMBER 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 Sunday 15th August, please.  Or given to Rosemary Stratton by Thursday 12thAugust. 

10.

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Continue reading
1022 Hits

A thought from Revd Paul Lanham

THINK POSITIVE

I never thought I would ever look forward to having my hair cut but it has happened in the past month.  Sartorial elegance has never been my strong point but, blessed though I am with more hair than most other

men of my age it was good again to look less like one of those objects that were once put into fields to scare

off crows.  It has been marvellous too to see my grandchildren again after months apart and to have to warn the neighbours in advance that screams heard in our garden would not be from child abuse but sheer larking around.  As I write this we are about to be allowed to have meals out with friends and even to hug them.  As we reach

the height of summer we are finding restrictions at last being lifted and life potentially getting closer to what it was once like.

Of course problems remain.  We talk about a return to normality but we have no idea of what that normality will be like.  There will be long term effects of the virus.  The education of young people has suffered dreadfully, there are huge financial and employment problems to be met.  People are finding it difficult to get an appointment with their GP and there has especially been an upsurge in mental illness.  Then there is the more immediate problem of holidays, where it is safe to go and whether a holiday might have to be cancelled at the last moment.  We are not going to return to where we were (if we ever do) for a very long time and we must accept that.

We need however to remember three things as we look forward to the future with more optimism than we would have done (say) in March.  The first is that it is negative to live lives of fear.  As a sufferer from OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) I know that arguably the most dangerous phrase in the English language is 'What happens if...?'.  We waste our lives if instead of taking sensible precautions we also allow our lives to

be taken over by a terror of the virus returning and affecting us.  There is too much to live for to do that;  life

is too short and too precious.

The second is that as the danger recedes we must never ever forget the work done by those who created and distributed the vaccine that has been the gateway to where we are now - or those who have worked so hard

to help the victims of the virus, often at a cost to themselves (my younger daughter who is a hospital sister

has had the virus twice).  If ever people have been doing God's work it is them.  We have taken the medical profession for granted for too long;  this must surely stop now.

The third is that the Church is always there for you and always will be, Covid or no Covid.  For all the superficial changes in its life and practices its message remains as unchanging as its buildings.  We are there

for you and we always will be.  And since God cares as much for those without faith as He does for those

who believe it is there for everyone.  So if you need us, just contact us!

Have a great summer and think positively!

                                                                                                            With very best wishes, Paul.

Continue reading
505 Hits

PAX June 2021

Pax                  JUNE  2021

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

Jane Veasey, Gosmore Cross, Newlands Lane, Gosmore SG4 9BD                                        01462-434254

Clare Reid, 6 The Bury, Codicote SG4 8GG                                                                           07765-264452

Great Wymondley

Cherry Carter, 2 Church Green, Great Wymondley SG4 7HA                                               01438-724919

Caroline McDonnell, 1 Graveley Road, Great Wymondley SG4 7EX                                                07975-798132

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

1.

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THINK POSITIVE

I never thought I would ever look forward to having my hair cut but it has happened in the past month.  Sartorial elegance has never been my strong point but, blessed though I am with more hair than most other

men of my age it was good again to look less like one of those objects that were once put into fields to scare

off crows.  It has been marvellous too to see my grandchildren again after months apart and to have to warn the neighbours in advance that screams heard in our garden would not be from child abuse but sheer larking around.  As I write this we are about to be allowed to have meals out with friends and even to hug them.  As we reach

the height of summer we are finding restrictions at last being lifted and life potentially getting closer to what it was once like.

Of course problems remain.  We talk about a return to normality but we have no idea of what that normality will be like.  There will be long term effects of the virus.  The education of young people has suffered dreadfully, there are huge financial and employment problems to be met.  People are finding it difficult to get an appointment with their GP and there has especially been an upsurge in mental illness.  Then there is the more immediate problem of holidays, where it is safe to go and whether a holiday might have to be cancelled at the last moment.  We are not going to return to where we were (if we ever do) for a very long time and we must accept that.

We need however to remember three things as we look forward to the future with more optimism than we would have done (say) in March.  The first is that it is negative to live lives of fear.  As a sufferer from OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) I know that arguably the most dangerous phrase in the English language is 'What happens if...?'.  We waste our lives if instead of taking sensible precautions we also allow our lives to

be taken over by a terror of the virus returning and affecting us.  There is too much to live for to do that;  life

is too short and too precious.

The second is that as the danger recedes we must never ever forget the work done by those who created and distributed the vaccine that has been the gateway to where we are now - or those who have worked so hard

to help the victims of the virus, often at a cost to themselves (my younger daughter who is a hospital sister

has had the virus twice).  If ever people have been doing God's work it is them.  We have taken the medical profession for granted for too long;  this must surely stop now.

The third is that the Church is always there for you and always will be, Covid or no Covid.  For all the superficial changes in its life and practices its message remains as unchanging as its buildings.  We are there

for you and we always will be.  And since God cares as much for those without faith as He does for those

who believe it is there for everyone.  So if you need us, just contact us!

Have a great summer and think positively!

                                                                                                            With very best wishes, Paul.

2.

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SERVICES FOR JUNE

SUNDAY 6th JUNE

8.00am.          Holy Communion (BCP)                    St. Ippolyts Church

9.15am.          Parish Praise                                        Great Wymondley Community Garden

     (bring a chair)

SUNDAY 13th JUNE

9.15am.          Holy Communion                               St. Ippolyts Church

SUNDAY 20th JUNE

9.15am.          Holy Communion                               St. Mary’s Church, Little Wymondley

4.00pm.          Family Service with picnic                   St. Ippolyts

     (bring your own picnic and blanket)

6.30pm.          Evensong                                             St. Ippolyts Church

SUNDAY 27th JUNE

9.15am.          Holy Communion                               St. Ippolyts Church

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FAMILY SERVICE WITH PICNIC

Sunday 20th June at 4.00pm. in St. Ippolyts Churchyard (inside if wet).  Bring your own blanket and a 

picnic for after the service (that way we can comply with Covid restrictions as we mustn't share food).

                                                                                                                               Reverend Ginni 

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BIBLE STUDY

The next Bible Study Group meetings will take place on Wednesdays 9th and 23rd June.  We will meet on

Zoom at 2.20pm. with a cup of tea and we begin our Studies at 2.40pm.  We will be continuing our study of

The Acts of the Apostles.  If you would like to join us please telephone Margaret Edmonds (01462-452340)

or Clare Larsen (01462-453541) for further information.  New members always most welcome.

                                                                                                                                    Clare Larsen

3.

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NEWS FROM THE WYMONDLEYS

ST. MARY’S LITTLE WYMONDLEY

Last month we were able to resume services in St. Mary’s, and it was lovely to be back.  After a Spring cleaning session, to brush off the dust and cobwebs, we put some of the pew runners and hassocks back and it looks like our dear church again.  The service was very well attended and we were pleased to welcome some new members to our congregation.

A.P.C.M.

We were able to have our annual meeting last month, planning to meet in The Vicarage garden, but took to the safety of the church to avoid the gales and rain.  I am pleased to report there are no changes to our P.C.C., David Palmer and Mike Allardyce continue as churchwardens, Angie Tether as treasurer and I as secretary.  We were pleased to welcome Peter Steele, our organist onto the P.C.C.

The complete list of members is as follows:

            Reverend Ginni, Chair

Mike Allardyce, Churchwarden

David Palmer, Churchwarden

Peter Steele

Harold Lindsay

Melanie Whittick

Anthony Stratton

Rosemary Chambers, Secretary

ASSORTED DUCKS ………..

We have two ducks nesting in the garden, one is just outside the back door under a shrub.  We can see her

from the kitchen window, her partner sits dutifully on the lawn to keep watch and escorts her down to the door to get a daily meal, he patiently lets her eat first and then takes his.  Our dog knows she is there and is fascinated, so we have to keep her at bay, so far so good.  I expect any day to look out and see a clutch of ducklings, more mouths to feed.

Our other mum to be is at the top of the garden, I couldn’t see her nest until one day I was weeding and she suddenly emerged from a large planter box on the patio.  When I looked, she is sitting on the soil, the level has dropped some 30cm. and we have a box hedge around the edge, so she is well protected, but the ducklings will need an air lift to get out.  I check her every day in eager anticipation.  She flies out and comes to find me to

feed her, gets cross if I don’t go immediately, so I drop everything;  she has me well trained.

                  Rosemary Stratton

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WYMONDLEY PARISH COUNCIL

The Parish Council will return to face to face meetings at the Wymondley JMI School.  The dates for the

next three meetings are as follows:

Monday 21st June         Monday 19th July          Monday 6th September

Meetings will start promptly at 7.30pm.  Members of the public and press are very welcome to attend and

should ensure they arrive at least 5 minutes before the start time.  They will need to wear a face mask whilst in the school hall (unless a medical exemption applies) and should bring hand sanitiser.  Contact details will need to be provided to the Clerk to enable NHS contact tracing if necessary.  They should not attend if they have any COVID-19 symptoms on the day.

The Parish Council has published its first Annual Report on its website.  For environmental and cost reasons

it will not be published in hard copy.  The Annual Report provides a review of the activities of the Council and the Financial Report for year ending 31st March 2021 and can be viewed at https://wymondleypc.org.uk/parish-annual-assembly/

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

4.

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ST.MARY’S GREAT WYMONDLEY

Almost June already!  How time flies!  Where does it go to?

So many jobs to do in the garden at this time of year to try and get everything up and running for a good growing season.  All hampered by the strange May weather we have been having lately;  frosts, sun, rain,

hail and unusually strong winds.  The continual rain just lately has given the grass and weeds a heyday!

Earlier on though the weather was good for the fruit blossom and we are hoping for a good fruit harvest.

In the churchyard there has been a big increase in the cuckoo flower also known as lady’s smock, mayflower or milkmaids.  They are a major food source for the Orange Tip Butterflies which drink the nectar and lay one egg on each flower head so that the caterpillars feed on the flower seed.  I hope they leave some seed to spread for next year!  Luckily the Orange Tips also feed and lay eggs on Garlic Mustard or Jack by the Hedge which also grows in the churchyard verges.

 IMG 5311 Great Wymondley church 1IMG 5329 GW Flowers 1

The Great Wymondley swifts are back to nest under the eaves of the apse on the north and east side of the church.  We first saw them on 18th May which was rather late and we were worried that they might not return.  It is possible that they were here earlier and we did not see them with the low cloud or they could have stopped off somewhere warmer in Europe on their long journey from Africa sensing that the weather was not good here.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Our PCC is now made up of the following members:

Ginni Dear

Cherry Carter

Caroline McDonnell

Mike Bradly Russell

Peter Mackenzie

Paul Harding

CHURCH RESTORATION BOARD

The big white board at the bottom of The Green is being taken up to the church to dry off so that it can be re-painted and brought up to date.  The Restoration is still not complete and Fundraising continues.

5.

FAMILY SERVICE SUNDAY 6th JUNE

The Family Service for Great Wymondley will be held at 9.15am. at the Community Garden.  You can park

on the hard standing at the edge of The Green or by the Village Hall and walk up the road to The Green Man. Cross the road carefully as it is by the junction and walk up the No Through Road and the Community Garden is on your left.  Alternatively walk up through the churchyard where you might see the swifts high in the skies. Go to the top left hand corner and go along the track past the allotments.  You will pass our allotment where a lot of the fruit for the Church Jam is grown.  Turn left and carry on down past the houses and the parked cars and the Community Garden will be on your right.

Bring a folding chair to sit on if you can and a mug if you would like tea or coffee afterwards.  As we will be outside we will be able to sing!  If the weather is bad the service will be held in the Village Hall as the church here is still closed.


We look forward to seeing you.

We hope that you are enjoying some of the freedom that Stage 3 is giving us all.  Stay Safe.

                                                                                                                                    Cherry Carter

6.

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WYMONDLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

Well, this past month has brought us plenty of rain!  When it started, after a dry spell, the general feeling

was 'Oh Good! the gardens really need it!'  But now, we are longing for the bright dry sunny days of June.

However, when we think of water of which there is plenty in our land at this time, we are very thankful and

we remember the times when we longed for the rain on dry hot days.  We are also so aware of the countries

which suffer many months without rain and long for the sound of raindrops!

We have recently been celebrating Pentecost and we have been reminded of the words of Jesus, as recorded in John's Gospel:  ‘On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice:  'If a man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.  By this He meant the Holy Spirit whom those who believed in Him were later to receive.’  And we know, when we read The Book of Acts that when the Holy Spirit did come, the Believers were transformed as we saw when Peter preached that powerful sermon and 3000 people were added to their number in one day.  So the Holy Spirit brought about the birth of the Church and we can still experience that new life promised to the woman at the well in John 4 v14.  ‘Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’

We also see in the Old Testament the importance of water as we read in Jeremiah 17:  ‘Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes;  its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year

of drought and never fails to bear fruit.'

We are forever thankful for the vaccine and for the great improvement in the Covid situation and the way things are beginning to get back to a kind of normal.  We are all fairly cautious as new variants of the virus can appear, so we will announce when the Chapel Hall is open for activities again.  We hold services in the Chapel every Sunday with the usual guidelines and these services are also on zoom.  Anyone wishing to attend, please email the church on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the church phone 07531-081621.  If you are joining from your home on zoom dial in at 10.30am. for a 10.45am. start on 01314-601196 or 02030-512874.  Please use the link https/zoom.us/j/8675752648 or download the zoom app. and join using ID 86775752648.  Any problems please phone 07531-081621.

'First Tuesday' will be on 1st June when we 'meet' with Will and Lynne Andrews for coffee and chat from 10.30am.  Join us if you can on zoom link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9128138308.

Tuesday evening is the time when we pray together without zoom.  At present this is still from our homes and we will announce when we meet together in the Church or home again.  So why not join from your home as we pray for our community, our loved ones, our neighbours, our country and our Queen.  We continue to pray for the NHS and for those still suffering with new strains of Covid.  We pray for the Government in all their decisions and we pray for the parts of the world struggling with increased numbers of Covid sufferers and fatalities.  We have also joined in with the worldwide prayers of 'Thy Kingdom come' from Ascension Day to Pentecost.

On Wednesdays 9th and 23rd June The Community Bible Study Group meets at 2.20pm. and a warm welcome is extended to all who wish to join this.  At present we are still on zoom and the link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3707228114.  There is also weekly Bible Study at 7.30pm. on the same zoom link as the Church service and fortnightly at 11.00am.  Both open to all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all in our villages who are poorly at this time or who are missing and mourning loved ones.

Sundays in June:  10.45am. - 12 noon

6th        Martin Watson

13th      Bryan Field

20th      Tim Wells (Fathers' Day)

27th      Matt Summerfield

"Let your living water flow over my soul.

 Let Your Holy Spirit come and take control

 Of every situation that has troubled my mind.

 All my cares and burdens on to you I roll.

 Jesus.....Father......Holy Spirit......."                            John Watson

                                                                                                      Marjorie McCarley  (01438-727050)

7.

NEWS FROM ST. IPPOLYTS

STOP PRESS !!

Plant Sale in aid of Send A Cow

At Audrey and John Burr's, 15 Grange Close on Thursday 10th June 10.00am. - 12.30pm.

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ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH COUNCIL

The next meeting will take place on Monday 14th June at 7.30pm. in St. Ippolyts Parish Hall.  A copy of

the Agenda will be displayed in the notice boards and on website www.stippolyts-parishcouncil.org.uk.

There is always an Agenda item for Public Participation where residents can ask questions and raise issues. Please contact Susan Mears on 01462-421409 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

GOT SOME GET UP AND GO?  BE A PARISH COUNCILLOR

Wanted four Parish Councillors (2 in north ward and 2 in south ward)

“Someone should do something” - could that someone be you?

Are you interested in community life?

Would you like to “make a difference” to your local parish?

If you would be interested in being co-opted onto St. Ippolyts Parish Council, please apply by email to the

Parish Clerk by Friday 4th June, co-option to take place on the Monday 14th June Parish Council Meeting.

For more information about being a Parish Councillor, please see our website.

                                                                                                                                    Pam Skeggs

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ST. IPPOLYTS PARISH HALL

The next management meeting will be held on Wednesday 30th June.  User Group representatives welcome.

In accordance with the government’s roadmap Step 3 we were able to welcome back some of our users on Monday 17thMay for permitted activities and Step 4 no earlier than Monday 21st June hopefully for a new normal.  By following the mantra of hands, face, space, we can all keep ourselves and others safe.

For enquiries, please contact Sam Kelly, Bookings Secretary, on 01462-423291 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

or visit website www.stippolyts-hall.co.uk.

Diary dates:

Management Meeting              Wednesday 29th September 2021

Christmas Fair and Raffle         Saturday 27th November 2021 from 2.00pm. to 4.30pm.

AGM                                        Tuesday 22nd March 2022 at 6.00pm.

                                                                                                                                    Pam Skeggs

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ST. IPPOLYTS PCC

Our PCC for the coming year will be made up of the following people:

The Reverend Ginni Dear - Vicar

Jane Veasey:                Churchwarden

Clare Reid:                  Churchwarden

Michael Hooper:         Treasurer                                             Jenny Sheach:              Safeguarding Officer

Roger Cox:                  Secretary                                              Shelagh Cox

Howell Davies:            Reader                                                 Anne Steel

Dee Soden:                  Deanery Synod Representative                        Frances Williams

Irene Isaac:                  Deanery Synod Representative

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DEADLINE

The next issue of Pax will be a double issue covering JULY and AUGUST.  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 Tuesday 15th June, please.  Or given to Rosemary Stratton by Saturday 12th June.

                                                                                                                                    Clare Larsen

8.

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