PARISH NEWS The Beane Valley Benefice
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PARISH NEWS
The Beane Valley Benefice
www.achurchnearyou.com St Mary the Virgin Aston, St Andrew’s Bramfield, St Mary the Virgin Stapleford,
St Michael and All Angels Waterford, St Andrew and St Mary Watton at Stone
May 2021
’
Welcome back to paper editions of the Parish News! ‘Thank You’ to our wonderful volunteer
distributors. The vaccine roll-out and lifting of some lockdown restrictions is making life seem a
bit more normal but there’s a way to go. The pandemic continues to take a grim toll across the
world. The mental and physical stress of the past year isn’t just going to disappear. We live in the
shadow of death in the daily Covid figures, News and lives our family and friends. Sickness,
violence, poverty, injustice, intolerance and greed disfigure the lives of millions of people. The
world looks more like Good Friday than Easter Day, more crucifixion
anguish than resurrection joy.
But Easter isn’t a simple, ‘happy-ever-after,’ ending to life’s problems,
for the first disciples or for us. Like Jesus on the cross, we each go
through agonising Good Friday times of physical and mental pain,
aloneness, ultimately death. Like his friends, the disciples, on Holy
Saturday, we struggle with life’s emptiness, unanswered questions,
waiting and worry for the future. Like Jesus rising to new life on Easter Day, we experience
resurrection when we find new hope and new possibilities amidst difficulty and fear.
Easter is not undiluted joy! It’s joy in the midst of suffering.
After Easter, Jesus’ followers face persecution, prison, torture
and death described in the book of Acts and Paul’s letters – the
violence millions of people experience across the world today.
But their trust in the risen Jesus, their confident faith, hope
and love draw countless others to know God too. They find
peace and joy even in difficulty and danger – ‘peace which
passes understanding, peace the world cannot give’.
Easter doesn’t take away the pain of Good Friday. The risen Jesus has the scars of the nails on his
hands and feet, the wound in his side. Covid’s isolation and uncertainties leave scars on us. But
Easter celebrates the core reality of God’s
indestructible love, present in the pain and
messiness of life...God’s power to bring new life into
every situation, including death...God inviting us to
help others find hope, meaning and purpose.
Easter doesn’t promise life will be easy. Easter says
whatever happens, to us and to those we love, there
will always be a way through. This past year can
make us more aware of the pain of others, more
thankful for what we have, more ready to make a
difference for good. May it be so.
Be kind, Keep safe
Rev Jenny
Between (Good) Friday and (Easter) Sunday is (Holy) Saturday
between death and resurrection is MOURNING
between uncertainty and certainty is FAITH
between pain and celebration is HOPE
between loneliness and community is LOVE
May God enfold us in LOVE, pierce the darkness of fear and mourning,
give us JOY and HOPE. Amen
We remember the Duke of Edinburgh and the Royal Family in our churches
A Jewish Prayer
Our loved ones have answered the summons that sounds for all men,
for we are sojourners upon the earth and our times are in His hands.
We lose our hold on life when the time is come,
as the leaf falls from the bough when its day is done.
The deeds of the righteous enrich the lives of men as the leaf enriches the soil beneath.
The dust returns to the earth, the spirit lives on with God’s eternal years.
Like the stars by day, our beloved dead are not seen with mortal eyes,
but they shine on in the untroubled firmament of endless time.
Let us be thankful for the companionship that continues in love that is stronger than death,
and spans the gulf of the grave. Cherishing their memory, let us, sanctify the name of God. Amen.
Revd Jenny Gray
We are continuing our weekly YOU TUBE Sunday
Service with hymns (click the link in our newsletter
Beane Valley Benefice Services and on our church websites), Tuesday Zoom bible
May 2021 study and midweek services as advertised in
weekly newsletter. Please email Rev Jenny to
Under Government and Church of England receive the weekly newsletter and daily Thought
guidance we’re holding short socially distanced for the Day jennygrayrectory@gmail.com.
services in each church on alternate weeks in May, We will NOT be holding a fortnightly Zoom get-
with no singing and the usual Covid precautions. together for each parish in May as restrictions
begin to lift and the weather improves.
Sunday 2nd May Waterford Tuesday distanced churchyard working
9.30am Watton parties continue – contact Churchwarden Malcolm
11.15am Stapleford Wandrag to offer help
11.15am Waterford Bramfield Wednesday distanced churchyard
Sunday 9th May working parties continue - contact John Wells to
11am Aston offer help
11.15am Bramfield Please check our websites and weekly newsletter
for updates and changes
Sunday 16th May Please take care, take all the precautions you can
9.30am Watton,
to stay safe and well
11.15am Stapleford
11.15am Waterford
Special YOU TUBE SERVICES
Sunday 23rd May
2nd May ‘Songs of Praise’ for MAYDAY
11am Aston
11.15am Bramfield
TUESDAY
Sunday 30th May
ZOOM Bible
9.30am Watton
11.15am Stapleford Reflections
11.15am Waterford 11am to
11.40am
PLEASE NOTE: You are welcome to attend a Time to
service in any church on any Sunday share news
Wearing of face coverings in church is compulsory
and thoughts on a bible passage, ending with a
2 metres distanced seats are marked. Sanitiser is
song and prayer. NO preparation needed. Click link
provided as you enter and leave
sent with Monday’s Thought for the Day. All are
Keep social distance at all times. Do not enter if welcome.
you are isolating or vulnerable.
ANNUAL PARISH CHURCH MEETINGS (APCM) 2021
Waterford 18th May 7.30pm in St Michael and All
A huge ‘thank you’ to the churchwardens Angels’ Church
of all our churches for all the work they do Stapleford 20th May 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church
Watton 25th May 7.30pm in St Andrew & St Mary’s
church
RIP – we remember with love
Dates for the Diary subject to Covid guidance
Piano Concert at St Mary's Stapleford on the 19th Mrs Joy Vincett whose funeral was at
June at 7.30pm Harwood Park, 15th April 2021
Strawberry Teas Sunday 27th June Watton rectory Rev Tony Grieves
garden
Bramfield, Open Gardens Sunday 4th July
Need someone to talk to?
Bramfield Fete Sunday 18th July
YOUR MINISTRY TEAM ARE
HERE FOR YOU...
Rev Jenny Gray: 01920 830035
CHURCHES OPEN as email
listed: jennygrayrectory@gmail.com
Revd Angela Lynas 01992877188 email
St Michael and all Angels WATERFORD open daily clergy.angela@gmail.com
10am – 4pm Oct to April any queries Contact Reader Ann Edwards 07798621058 email
Church Warden Malcolm 01992 552531 edwardsa@ntlworld.com
A LISTENING EAR… To support local communities
BRAMFIELD St Andrew’s Church open Saturdays across Hertfordshire Suzzanne Funiciello (BACP
and Sundays. For other visits contact Church CYPF, Therapeutic Counsellor for Adults, Young
Wardens Dorothy 01992 582132 or Peggy 01992 People and Children and Families) is offering a
550467 VOLUNTARY telephone listening support service
Churches open ON REQUEST 07813 191284 e:suzzanne.funiciello@gmail.com
ASTON St Mary’s Contact Church Wardens Tim
01438 880519 Sara 01438 880750
STAPLEFORD St Mary’s Contact Peter 07870
681542, John 07773 392991 or Lesley Atterwill
07773 392992 Watton at Stone
St Andrew & St Mary WATTON Contact Rev Jenny
01920 830035 Pastoral Matters, Baptisms, Weddings and
Please use sanitiser. Do not enter if you are Funerals contact:
isolating or vulnerable Revd Debbie Hodgson 01992 462881
Pastor John Ellis 01920 830623
There is a warm welcome to all our services
For all enquiries about baptism, funerals, blessings, May
visits, confirmation or offers to help, please contact
Revd Jenny by phone or email. Please note Mondays 2nd 10.45am Communion Service
are my usual day off. Rev Debbie Hodgson
NOTE for wedding bookings and 9th 10.45am Morning Service
administrative enquiries: Miss Gillian Amphlett
Pauline Manley 16th 10.45am Morning Service
manleyp@icloud.com Mr John Ellis
23rd 10.45am Morning Service
Mr David Swindale
Under Government Step 3, 30th 10.45am Communion Service
Christenings (baptisms) can take Rev Debbie Hodgson
place with up to 30 people from
Social distancing must be observed and face
17th May. Please contact Rev coverings are to be worn – Thank you
Jenny to discuss this.
Concern for our World May CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
10th – 16th May, 2021
We pray for :
The Christian Aid organization provides hope, help
Countries and individuals where debt and heavy and sustenance to people in the most deprived parts
financial pressures result in great poverty of the world; people who live in areas of drought or
famine; those suffering from oppression or
Against corruption, the source of so much poverty persecution; those who struggle to give their
children an education.
Efforts to maintain biological diversity in our world
The valuable work they do can only happen if people
like us help them. Christian Aid week is from 10th –
16th May, and we are all invited to donate whatever
we can to further their cause.
Rev Jen 10 Regrets When our old
ways of living are taken away through
Because of the Covid restrictions we do not have any
restrictions to keep us safe, through
Christian Aid envelopes this year, so if you wish to
aging, sickness or facing death, we see
donate, please put your offering in a plain envelope,
more clearly what really matters. These regrets are
mark it clearly “For Christian Aid” and either leave
often expressed...... I wish
it in one of our churches, or put it through the
Rectory letter box.
1. I’d known this was the last time I would see or
do... Thank you
2. I’d had the courage to express my feelings
3. I’d been true to myself instead of living out The Tree
other people’s expectations
4. I’d stayed in touch with my friends For some, maybe for many, this time has been like
5. I hadn’t worked so hard a tree enduring a drought.
6. I’d let myself be happier / been kinder to myself At present it is so dry, the leaves have drooped or
7. I’d known it’s never too soon to say sorry, never dropped off altogether but when the water of life
too late to swallow one’s pride returns, once more it will revive, and new leaves
8. I’d realised the infinite worth of caring people will come.
9. I’d listened more Some parts of the tree will sadly be gone, and we
10. I’d done more good will be sorrowful, but we will be glad when new
leaves bring shade once again and support life
within its boughs, giving joy and pleasure to all that
will find shelter and rest in its shade and the desire
of yet others to protect the tree for the future.
PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday
Thank you for sunny days that lift our spirits.
We pray for all who rely on sunshine to enable
growth and ripening crops.
Monday
Thank you for new beginnings.
We pray for all who will make a new start today.
Tuesday
Thank you for routines, timetables and structures to
our day.
We pray for all who have to fit in many tasks each
day.
Wednesday
Thank you for the possibility of earning a living. WATERFORD
We pray for all needing work and income today.
WATERFORD RECREATION COMMITTEE
Thursday
Thank you for those we love and appreciate. THE GREAT WATERFORD
We pray for all who will struggle and sorrow today. EASTER BALLOON RACE
Friday
Thank you for tasks we have been able to complete We were thrilled at the response we
this week. received to the virtual Balloon Race. It
created great inter-family and inter-community rivalry
We pray for all facing unfinished business today.
and checking the leader board became a bit of an
Saturday obsession for some!
Thank you for the beauty of the outdoors. The worthy winner of the £50 Love2shop Voucher was
We pray for all to enjoy their surroundings and for Sue Heaps with her balloon named Virginia in memory
those who destroy what is good. of a loved one. It travelled 1950km to win.
Congratulations.
STAPLEFORD With balloon sales and a few grateful donations we
raised in the region of £675. This added a much needed
boost to WRC fundraising which obviously has taken a
Music at St Mary’s. real hit over the last year with no fundraising events or
hall letting income. A huge thanks to all who took part
We are extremely pleased and excited to announce and supported us.
the resumption of our concert series at St Marys
Church in Stapleford. THE WATERFORD CAR QUEST
AND SCAVENGER HUNT
Go to our website to buy your £5 ticket to
Our first concert has been arranged for Saturday access our fun online quiz on your phone.
19th June at 7:30pm. For this landmark concert we Choose a day that suits you and set off in
are incredibly fortunate to welcome back your car with your fellow scavengers to follow the clues
international concert pianist Yuko Sano to perform. and answer the questions. Fun for any age, you just need
For more information about Yuko, a phone to read the directions, access the questions and
visit: www.yukosanopiano.com then enter the answers to see if you are correct.
Please go to www.waterfordvillagehall.co.uk/waterford-
car-quest for more information.
To comply with the covid rules envisaged for June
19th, we are restricted to a maximum audience of REUNION PICNIC
50 people, whilst our costs will remain unchanged.
Therefore for this concert the ticket price will be
£18.
Booking opens in May, and tickets can be reserved
by emailing musicatstmarys@btinternet.com
With the Government’s Roadmap being on course it is
expected that we will be able to go ahead with our
reunion picnic on June 27th at 1pm in the Waterford
village hall playing field. This is very simply an
opportunity for Waterford residents to come together,
put the last year behind us and look forward to good
times to come. Please bring your own picnic and chairs
and join your neighbours. We are hoping to have some
live music to further lift our spirits.
During lockdown some properties have changed hands
so if you are new to the village then please come down
and see what Waterford does best – we take pleasure in
coming together as a community.
WATTON AT STONE
1st Watton-at-Stone guides
1st Watton-at-Stone guides managed to not
escape an escape room on zoom!!!
May and Annabelle starred in our local guiding Share
magazine .... we also made edible cookie dough (an
acquired taste!) decorated eggs and joined with Watton
scouts for an amazing make a model of yourself session
We are hoping to finally meet up in person from the
13th April ...unfortunately cannot take new guides yet as
can only meet up with 15 guides .
Nikki, Catherine and Amber-lily
Waterford Nature Notes
I have had many reports of a Barn Owl being sighted in and around the village, even hunting
over the playing field. If this is one of a nesting pair and you know where the nest is, please
keep it to yourself, the fewer that know the better as even in this day and age, egg collectors
seek out the rarer species. Apart from egg collectors, Barn Owls are easily disturbed and do
not welcome visitors to the nesting site. Despite the film that the BBC used on one of their
nature programmes some years ago, it is illegal to disturb any protected species at its nest,
which can include intrusive photography. On the subject of sightings, I have also had reports
of Blackcaps being seen in and around the back gardens of Timber Orchard even visiting a bird feeder, both a
female and a male have been seen. The song is distinctive and pretty. In old books this bird is called a Blackcap
Warbler.
In last month’s Notes, I referred to an article that I had read some years ago that suggested one measure of
Spring might be the soil temperature reaching 4º but forgot to explain why the suggestion was made - the author
stated it was because that is the minimum temperature at which plant growth will be sustained and germination
occur. Since writing last month I have read an article in which the author stated that his indication that Spring
has arrived is the Lesser Celandines in flower, they were rather late this year and, even now, are only just in full
flush.
I have not yet heard a Cuckoo nor seen any Swallows/Martins/Swifts, by the time you read this,
I hope that they will have arrived. I think I said last year that one of many sights and sounds that
makes my soul sing is a ‘squadron’ of Swifts screaming as they dash low over the rooftops.
Although we have had quite a few mild and even warm days, sightings of butterflies have not been as frequent
as could be expected, I have seen only a few each of Peacocks and Brimstones; on the other hand this seems
to have been a good start to Spring for Bumblebees.
Last year, I reported that we had masses of frogspawn in our garden pond and that thousands of tadpoles had
hatched. Given the high mortality rate amongst tadpoles, froglets and even adult frogs, I did not expect to see
many more this year than last. Through the winter there were tadpoles in the pond, a few of which survived until
Spring and which might well mature. This year there were only two clumps of spawn and I saw only two, mating
couples. Within a week or two, one of the clumps had sunk out of sight, in the other most of the eggs had turned
white - a sure sign that they were not viable. There are many reasons for frogspawn dying - chemical imbalance
in the water, freezing, fungal attack, disease - in this case I suspect a chemical imbalance although our pond is
left alone with only native plants allowed to grow, etc. we have had major building work and there might have
been leaching of acid or alkaline products into the water. So far I have only seen about a dozen of this year’s
tadpoles.
On one of the coolest days in recent weeks a Bee-fly arrived in our garden, resting on a patch
of bare earth. There are four species of Bee-fly that are native to this country, this was the
commonest - Bombylius major, common name ‘Dark-edged bee-fly’. The proboscis is fixed,
unlike that of bees and many other insects it cannot be retracted. In common with many other
species in the invertebrate phylum this species has a gruesome nature. The female lays its
eggs by spraying them in flight near the burrow of a mining bee (I reported on mining bees last
year), the larvae then make their way to the burrow and eat the larvae of the mining bee and the food that had
been store for it. Like so much else in the natural world, this helps keep the balance.
Bluebells will be coming soon, if you walk in a wood where they are abundant, take a moment to stop and scent
but please don’t pick them- by the time you get home they will have died. Certainly don’t dig-up bulbs, apart
from the fact that it is an offence, it will contribute to destroying our native species. Unscrupulous people have
been digging out bulbs to satisfy the demand for our native Bluebells - only buy from a reputable source and not
on the internet.
On another note, why is it that people leave litter in the very places that they visit to enjoy nature? Please type
this into your browser and join in:
https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean
As ever, take care, look around you and enjoy what you see, hear and smell.
PRINT DEADLINE
Please send any items for the next edition
BY 12TH OF THE MONTH
To the Parish Reps or the Editor:
Bramfield Watton at Stone
Jenny Clayton Denise Hodgson
3 Bury Lane, Bramfield 33 Lammas Road, Watton
(01992 538712) (01920 830152)
Jandm2011@btconnect.com
General enquiries
Stapleford Denise Hodgson
George Sandell parish.news.beane@gmail.com
Ashley House, Stapleford
(01992 500422) ADVERTISEMENTS
Ian Knight (01920 830448)
Waterford iknght@ntlworld.com
Ray Cole
EDITOR
3 Bramfield Lane, Waterford
Denise Hodgson
(01992 584040)
rayjcole1@tiscali.co.uk
NEW ADDRESS FOR HAND WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS: 33 Lammas Road
Watton at Stone
BENEFICE DETAILS Churchwardens
Rector Aston: Sara Hudson (01438 880750)
Revd Jenny Gray Tim Alexander (01438 880519)
jennygrayrectory@gmail.com Bramfield: Peggy Wareham (01992 550467)
(01920 830035) Dorothy Abel Smith (01992 582132)
The Rectory, Church Lane, Watton at Stone. SG14 3RD Stapleford: Nicola Page (01992 302501)
Lay Reader Robert Page (01992 302501)
Mrs Ann Edwards edwardsa@ntlworld.com Waterford: Malcolm Wandrag (01992 552531)
Associate Priest Watton: Ian Knight (01920 830448)
Revd Angela Lynas clergy.angela@gmail.com Helen McCash (01920 830665)
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