The Monthly Journal of St. Mary the Virgin, Higham Ferrers and St. John the Baptist, Chelveston-cum-Caldecott - February 2020
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The Monthly Journal of
St. Mary the Virgin,
Higham Ferrers
and St. John the Baptist,
Chelveston—cum—Caldecott
February 2020 50p
BENEFICE CONTACTS
Interim Vicar The Rev. Michelle Dalliston
T: 01733 569147 M: 07961 003352 E: michelleacd@hotmail.co.uk
Assistant Priest Reverend Linda Bond T: 0743 6283002
E: revdlinda52@gmail.com
Assistant Priest Fr. Paul Needle M: 07712 463806
E: paulneedle@aol.com
Reader Brenda Elldred
T: 01933 357708 M: 07816 771702 E: brenda@elldred.co.uk
Parish Magazine Editor Dave Stuttle
T: 01933 313752 M: 07941 306391 E: st.marys.parish.mag@btinternet.com
Weekly News Sheet Jane Smeathers
T: 01933 357707 M: 07979 328228 E: jane@smeathers.com
Bede House Diane Behagg
T: 01933 318856 M: 07939 367387 E: thebedehouse@gmail.com
Chichele Parish Office Thursday 10:00am – 12:00noon
T: 01933 741140 E: stmarys.higham@gmail.com
ST. MARY’S HIGHAM FERRERS CONTACTS
Churchwardens Caroline Walker
T: 01933 350499 M: 07596 137051 E: walker.snork@outlook.com
Dave Stuttle
T: 01933 313752 M: 07941 306391 E: dstuttle@btinternet.com
Safeguarding Pat Ellis
M: 07742 076594 E: patricia.ellis28@icloud.com
Health and Safety Dave Stuttle
T: 01933 313752 M: 07941 306391 E: dstuttle@btinternet.com
Tiny Tots Diane Behagg
T: 01933 318856 M: 07939 367387 E: dianebehagg@yahoo.co.uk
Morning Worship Brenda Elldred
T: 01933 357708 M: 07816 771702 E: brenda@elldred.co.uk
Bell Ringers Bob Dennis
T: 01933 317648 M: 07973 868369 E: bobdennis5007@gmail.com
Director of Music Keith Green
T: 01933 382240 M: 07788 491703 E: keithandjo@ntlworld.com
ST. JOHN’S CHELVESTON CONTACTS
Assistant Priest Reverend Canon Lesley McCormack
T: 01933 626636 E: mail mccormack26@outlook.com
Reader (and Safeguarding Officer) Brenda Elldred
T: 01933 357708 M: 07816771702 E: brenda@elldred.co.uk
Church Wardens Arthur Wright T: 01933 624530
Peggy Deards T: 01933 622610
Parish Website: www.stmaryhighamferrers.org
35
Mayor’s Diary
Since I last wrote , we have had the Remembrance Service on the Square, Town Christmas
The Interim Vicar Writes
Sparkle, Christmas Carol Service on the Square and all of which have been well attended. Dear Friends,
Also I have had the privilege of presenting prizes to the schools for their participating in the
Litter Poster Competition, my Christmas Card competition and also the doors which the
So here we are well and truly into the
children of the Junior School decorated. The Mayoress and myself attended the Shrubberies New Year - and much lies ahead in the
for their Christmas Fayre , which raised £678 which will help fund events for the months to come. At every turn of the
Residents There was also the Christmas Farmers Market where we were entertained by the year there is both uncertainty and
Rushden Town Brass Band, and on my stall I made up a Christmas Hamper , which was anxiety, and excitement at unfolding
raffled on the day and made £190 which all of which will go to my charity the Encephalitis
Society.
possibilities – it is after all a new
beginning, a chance to start afresh and
Despite heavy rain, we had a good turnout of Bedesmen, with special guest Deputy Lord let go of some of the bad things of the
Lieutenant Anne Burnett who after the service at St Mary's by Rev Michelle, Father Tom and old year and look forward in hope to the
Rev Leslie from Hope Methodist, all joined us for a nice Roast Beef Lunch, provided by new. For 2020 of course there are many
United Charities.
changes coming at home and abroad
Prior Stuart Wilby presented new Bedesman David Manning with his badge, as well as which understandably make us more
presenting donations to the Mayor's Charity, St Mary's Church and Hope Methodist. Of anxious than usual, as well as increasing
course it wouldn't have been Christmas without the many Carol Services that the Mayoress concern about our climate and
and myself attended, including the one at St Mary's which was pleasing to see it so well environment and the growing devastation caused by fire and floods as a result
supported, and many thanks for Rev Michelle and her fellow ministers, choir and all those
involved in making it such a memorable service.
of global warming.
And changes too in the life of our Benefice – we have lost many dear friends
More detail on what events the Mayor has attended and more photos visit
www.highamferrers-tc.gov.uk and follow the link to Mayor
over the Christmas period with funerals in church almost every week, and
then most recently, saying goodbye to Fr Tom as he follows his call into a
Best Wishes,
new ministry as Interim Chaplain at King’s College, Cambridge (this Interim
Christopher O’Rourke business is obviously catching!).
Mayor of Higham Ferrers 2019/2020 All this finds meaning in the great season of Christmas, which at the
beginning of February reaches a climax with the Feast of Candlemas. It is a
Below a few photos—Dianne Court of Chelveston who won the Mayor's Hamper
Rushden Mayor's Carol Service at St Peters Midland Road time of ending and beginning but more than anything, of having eyes to rec-
Christmas Eve Carol Service on the Square ognise the light and a faith, which, as our foundation through times of struggle
Bedesmen day line up and darkness, continues to sustain and hold us and promises always that the
light of hope is unquenchable. Old Simeon and Anna, both prophets, holding
fast to their faith and to God’s faithfulness to his people, recognise in the
infant Jesus, the One who was promised: the light to lighten the nations and
the one who will bring consolation to Israel. They have waited their whole
lives for this, living through difficulties and despair. Anna has lived for many
years as a widow, latterly never leaving the Temple; Simeon day after day,
expecting, hoping for something, not knowing what or when it will be, or
even if it will be, endless waiting and watching, like Advent never quite
becoming Christmas – until this day, when Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to
the Temple to present him to God, and all of a sudden hope is fulfilled and joy
is unbounded.
34 1
God is faithful and we too wait in the Temple for his loving kindness to be From the Registers
revealed afresh – and as we celebrate Candlemas, the Feast of the Weddings:
Presentation, we look back once again to the joy of the Christ-child, and for-
ward to all that lies ahead. For Jesus, for Mary and Joseph, there was to be 18th December 13:00 St. Mary’s
struggle and sorrow, times when death and darkness seemed to have Catherine Louise Etheridge and
triumphed once again. But we know the end of the story, which is of course, Thomas Joseph Millerchip
the real beginning – when that birth in a stable among the animals, God-with-
us, becomes a second birth into a whole new existence, us-with-God, where 28th December 13:30 St. Mary’s
the power of death and the darkness of the world is overcome for ever by life Sheridan Josephine Carlile and
and love. John James Hynes
So in all that lies ahead, may God give us faith and light, new life and hope.
Perhaps as a symbol of this, we might light a candle each day at home as we
pray, so that the candles we light and bless at Candlemas continue to light the
way for us throughout the coming year in our worship and in our daily living Higham and Rushden U3A
and remind us of God’s upholding and love.
We meet at the Wesleyan Chapel in Rushden (Queen
St. entrance) on Thursday 20th February at 1.30 pm for
With love and blessings a very humorous talk entitled ‘The Forgotten Art of The Picture Post-
Michelle XXX card’ given by Dr James Taylor. This is followed by refreshments and
socialising. There is also the opportunity to join any of our popular Inter-
est Groups. With over 600 members you are sure to make new friends.
We look forward to welcoming you.
For more information please visit www.highamandrushdenu3a.org.uk or
contact 01933 522934
GREAT NEWS.
The BEDE HOUSE has been chosen to be one of four charities to be a
beneficiary of the local Higham Ferrers Co-op Store, Co-op Local St. Mary’s Parish Giving December 2019
Community Fund. This will last for a whole year from October 2019 to
October 2020. 1st 8th 15th 22nd 29th Total
Please support us and encourage family and friends to do the same by Plate 21.60 115.00 130.71 103.32 71.04 441.67
becoming a Co-op Member (if you are not already ) and nominating The Envelopes 37.00 63.00 94.00 164.00 76.00 434.00
Bede House as your preferred local cause. Sub Total 58.60 178.00 224.71 267.32 147.04 875.67
Every time you buy a Co-op own brand product we will receive 1% of your Diocesan SO 1570.00
spend each time you do this. Parish Giving DD 2653.75
Becoming a member costs just £1 and for more details on how to go it about Total 5099.42
go to https://membership.coop.co.uk/new-registration Midnight Mass 214.32
If you need more information please contact Stewart Wiles on 07711441672 Christmas Morning 181.31 Total 663.68 Donated to Charities
or email stewartjwiles@aol.com Crib Service 268.05
2 33
From St. Mary’s Churchwardens
Well Christmas and The Season of Epiphany have come and gone and
Candlemass, the celebration of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple
rounds off this joyous time of year on Sunday 2nd February. We would like
I am an admirer of Mother Julian of Norwich, whose writings to thank all those who helped throughout Advent and Christmas by delivering
have helped me greatly over many years. She was commemorat- our Christmas Cards around the parish, putting up displays in the Church for
ed as a Saint for the first time in the Church of England on May Sparkle and helping in countless other ways throughout this busy time of year.
8th 1980. Perhaps her most familiar phrase is We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Tom for all his hard work
“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things and support during the time he spent in the Benefice as our Curate. The three
shall be well” of us were somewhat thrown into the proverbial deep end about three and a
She was born in 1342 and after a series of 16 revelations, vi- half months after we were first appointed as Churchwardens with Fr. Richard
sions or “shewings” of Our Lord, she became an anchoress, liv- having to take time off through illness. Fr. Tom stepped into the breech and
ing a life dedicated to religion, a life lived permanently alone in a helped us run the parish until Revd Michelle came to be our Interim Priest.
cell attached to St. Julian’s Church in Norwich, from where she Fr. Tom went far beyond the extra mile and we very much appreciate
most probably took her name. everything he did and achieved during his Curacy. We wish him success in
Julian reflected on these “shewings” for many years before writing them down, his new post at Kings College, safe in the knowledge that he will be an
with her understanding of their meaning, in the book we know as The Revelations of excellent shepherd of his new flock.
Divine Love, from which I take this quotation: But as we say farewell to Fr. Tom, we say welcome back to Fr. Paul Needle
From the time that it was shown I desired often to know what was Our Lord’s who has joined our ministry team once more. It is good to have him back
meaning. And fifteen years after and more, I was answered in inward with us and we look forward to his involvement in our services.
understanding, saying -
“Would you know your Lord’s meaning in this? Learn it well. Love was his Those of you who use the Bede House will know that we have had to put
meaning. Who showed it you? Love. What did he show you? Love. Why did he show warning notices by the new heaters as they get very hot. We have now man-
you? For love. Hold fast to this, and you shall learn and know more about love, but aged to source some guards that will soon be in place and will prevent anyone
you will never need to know or understand about anything else for ever and ever”. from getting too close and risk a burn.
Thus did I learn that love was Our Lord’s meaning. Music is an integral part of our worship at St. Mary’s and so as we continue to
As we entered a new year and a new decade, I considered the past - as you do - seek a new Director of Music and would like to express our grateful thanks to
and looked forward, as much as anyone can, to the future. Keith Green for continuing to fulfil that role on a temporary basis.
Lots to give thanks for, lots to cause us concern, in our own lives and in our relation-
ships - and perhaps especially in the world around us where there seems to be rather Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Epiphany Gift Scheme
a lot to whittle about. Then I read - and offer for your contemplation - this next mentioned in the last magazine. Take up has been very good but there are
quotation from Mother Julian: still some envelopes left. If would like to contribute, the scheme runs until
And so I saw full surely that before ever God made us, he loved us. And this love Candlemass on 2nd February.
was never quenched nor ever shall be. And in this love he has done all his works, On 9th January Dave was the guest speaker at the Mother’s Union meeting in
and in this love he has made all things profitable to us, and in this love our life is the Chantry Chapel. Following on from the “My Faith Stories” we enjoyed as
everlasting. In our making we had beginning, but the love in which he made us was Sermons from the Clergy team on Sunday Mornings during Advent, Dave
in him from without beginning, in which love we have our beginning. spoke about his Faith Journey from Childhood to the present day and
So it seems to me that whatever the new decade, year, day, minute brings our intimated where he thought his journey may take him in the future.
way, we are enfolded safely in God’s constant love for us, so why should we des-
pair, be anxious or be afraid?
Amazingly, everyone was still awake at the end of his talk!
Again we hold fast to Jesus’ saying, “Fear not” Caroline and Dave
32 3
From 9:00am to 1:00pm on the last Saturday of every month
February 29th June 27th October 31st
March 28th July 25th November 28th
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/HIGHAMFERRERSFARMERSMARKET @HIGHAMFERRERSTC
4 31
In the Garden From St. John’s Churchwardens
At the start of a new year it is perhaps a good moment to look back on what
Last month I promised to take you back to the days when gardens and has been accomplished before looking forward to plans for 2020. We were
allotments were measured sensibly in Rods, Poles or Perches, when all very pleased to welcome the Rev'd Michelle as our new parish priest and
surveyors measured the land in links, chains, furlongs, and acres. she has already made an impact in the life of our church with her enthusiastic
Those were the days when children in Standard 4 knew what maths, surveying and geometry
were all about. Let me explain in case you have forgotten. support of initiatives to extend its influence within the community. We have
Measuring land for ownership (and taxation) is a very ancient ploy by government. The
been most grateful to Father Tom for his commitment in his time with us and
word ‘acre’, which occurs in many old languages means “an open field”. It is he could hardly have expected to fulfil virtual sole responsibility for the
traditionally defined as the area of one chain by one furlong (66 by 660 feet), which is ex- benefice from the date of his ordination. We shall all miss him and he takes
actly equal to 10 square chains, ⁄ of a square mile, or 43,560 square feet, and
1
640 with him our sincere thanks and good wishes in his new appointment as
approximately 4,047 m , or about 40% of a hectare. Got it?
2
interim chaplain of King's College, Cambridge.
It was a strip of land, made up of long furrows or furlongs, that a ploughman and his yoke of The new churchyard drive and path to the church porch have been welcomed
two oxen could turn over in an average day’s work; a long furrow or furlong - a strip being
easier to plough than a square, as there were fewer turning points required. It may not look as great improvements and we extend our thanks to the Michael and Christine
like it now, but in my younger days I was a bit of a sprinter so I would run the 100 yards and Foulger Trust for making it possible together with John Elldred who has dealt
220 yards (a furlong). Then there were the longer races - the 440 yards ( 2 furlongs or a with the various statutory regulations that were necessary and his supervising
quarter of a mile) and 880 yards (4 furlongs or half mile) and then the mile (8 furlongs or the installation. We hope to have the independent water supply in operation
1760 yards). Now, of course athletes run in metres - 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500 (which is very shortly, courtesy of Anglia Water, and we thank the Mommersteegs next
shorter than a mile so it looks as if you’re running faster than we did!)
door to the church for their generosity in allowing us to have water from their
The old definition of an acre was rather inaccurate since some plough boys were young and supply when the servery and toilet were installed some years ago.
inexperienced and some ploughmen were old and slow. On top of that some
autumn days are longer than others and some fit and active ploughmen were on piece rates The month of December was a vibrant time as we had three Monday
and did more work in a day. So it came to pass that the acre was accurately evenings of carols in the Star & Garter which were well supported and a
measured as an area which is equivalent to 10 chains by one chain. I used to use a real
‘chain’ to measure the cricket pitches I marked out at Wellingborough Grammar school. It Christingle messy church on Saturday 7th December followed on Sunday 8th
was 22 yards long from stumps to stumps and the chain was divided up into 100 links each with the carol service with the Salvation Army and Chelveston Chorus
of which was ...well you work it out but a link was a length of metal rod connected to the present to make for a full congregation. On Sunday 15th we had a crib
next link by a round metal ring. This was the tool used by surveyors in those good old days service for children with a beautifully decorated church and tree and we thank
and I remember Johnny Burnett at Higham Juniors teaching us 10 year olds to learn the everyone concerned in any way for making our Christmas season so memora-
numbers by rote or he would rap our knuckles with his own wooden rod....is that why I suf-
fer from arthritis in my hands I wonder? ble.
So an acre is 660 feet by 66 feet, or 10 chains by 1 chain in area. Our children will know We hope that the weather will be kind for our Snowdrop Weekend scheduled
this to be 4,048 square metres. Let me help you. Imagine a full size football pitch. Each for the 15/16th February and that the current mild weather will not cause the
half is one acre in area. Our children’s Hectare is two and a half acres in area so imagine the snowdrops and aconites to show too early! We shall also have our usual
whole football pitch including all the surrounding land up to the terraces and grandstands.
Soup and a Roll on Tuesday 18th February from 12 - 2.30pm
So what about Roods and Perches? These are subdivisions of an acre. There are four roods
in an acre, and a rood contains 40 perches. As a rood is a quarter of an acre it is about the On a sad note we finished the year with news of the death of Graham Hill, a
size of two tennis courts. Each of the 40 perches in a rood consists of just over 25 square faithful member of the church for many years and he and Judy have
metres- a 5 x 5 metre square—that’s a modern front garden for many people - if you’re supported us in so many ways and he will be sadly missed. We all extend our
lucky enough to have one at all.
sincere sympathy to her and family members.
I hope I’ve got that right...? The next lesson will be about liquid and dry measures
together with the avoirdupois system used by chemists! ….Perhaps not. Arthur Wright and Peggy Deards
Happy Gardening. Compostus Churchwardens
30 5
Christmas at St John’s and St Mary’s – Crib Services, angels,
sheep, the Holy Family, Knitted Nativities, fantastic flowers,
Christ the Light of the World, and Reindeer!
6 29
28 7
Visiting Team and Sick List
The team of pastoral visitors have been reviewing how we work, to try and
improve the pastoral care we offer. One of the things we have looked at is the
names included on the news sheet, which can sometimes become separated
from the people for whom we are praying. We don’t want to advertise
Dementia Awareness someone is unwell without their permission, and we want to ensure we keep
Dementia is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and up to date with any changes – in other words, we would rather that they mean
thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest of tasks. Alzheimer's Dis- more to us all than just a list of names on a sheet.
ease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.
In November, the Friends organised an information session in the Bede House over one We have a Pastoral Team who have been trained, so if you know anyone who
lunchtime. Dementia Friend Champion and Solicitor Sue Greensmith enlightened an audience wishes to go onto the Sick List, requires Home Communion, or just a Pastoral
of 28, including Friend’s Trustees, and supporters of the Friends, the Town Council, members Visit please contact any of the Team listed below.
of Tourism and English Heritage, in the underlying problems of Dementia and Alzheimer’s
disease. Sue also gave some tips about how to help a person to best cope with everyday life Higham:
after the onset of dementia. Who would have thought that to write down instructions how to Lynne Pocock 01933 311370 lynnempocock@netscape.net
make a simple cup of tea there would be up to 30 steps to manoeuvre!!! Sue explained that
Dementia Friends Champions are trained volunteers who encourage others to learn a little bit Christine Newell 01933 353346
about dementia. As a Champion, Sue runs Information Sessions in her community and in- Pat Rockley 01933 623530
spires others to help those living with dementia to live well. All members of the audience Sue Thompson 07984481133
were pleased to accept their badges to denote that they were all Dementia Friends!
The session was followed with a buffet lunch by Savour the Flavour, courtesy of the Heritage Chelveston:
Lottery training budget provided for the Town Charter Project, building on our Afternoon Tea Brenda Elldred 01933 357708 brenda@elldred.co.uk
with clients of SERVE and the Ron Manning Centre which we hope to repeat next year. Visit
www.dementialfriends.org.uk to find out more about Dementia Friends
The First Signs of Spring
Snowdrops herald the start of spring on the approach to the Church
and Chantry Chapel and we look forward to swathes of purple crocus
along Church Walk, spring flowers in the Remembrance Garden and
the many cheerful daffodils to follow. The Spring bulb planting
scheme which has been operating for a few years continues adding
more bulbs to make the churchyard in spring even more of a joy to
behold.
We hope that you will join us for our Spring Flower Festival in
Oliver, Lucy and Sophia the Bede House on Saturday 14 March.
working to make our
churchyard beautiful
Conservation Project
Our next project is to develop, in partnership with our local Wildlife
Trust and the newly formed St. Mary’s Eco Team, a churchyard
conservation programme enabling wildflowers to naturally flourish
and providing opportunities for wildlife to have safe and secure
habitats. Community involvement is an essential element and we
would welcome anyone interested in becoming a volunteer on this
project to contact Brian on 01933 318856. More information to
follow with plenty of opportunity to find out more at the Spring
Flower Festival in March.
8 27Puddings and
Prosecco
Friday 20th March
8:00pm
The Bede House
Tickets £10.00
Includes 4 puddings and
a glass of prosecco
The Elizabeth Groome Music Charity needs your help.
Every year we give out thousands of pounds in grants to local families to
help with the cost of their children’s music education. Since the Charity
began in 2013 we have given out £12,287.75 to individual families.
Every year at the Celebration evening at Ferrers School we give an award and pre-
sent a shield to the student in the upper school and the student in the lower school
who have shown the most dedication to the music department. Also each year we
give up to 6 Bursaries for year 7 students towards their music tuition at the school.
In 2019 we gave a grant of £1667 to the school for the purchase of 8 Trumpets, 1
Classical Guitar and 8 Keyboards.
In 2020 we hope to be providing financial support towards the cost of
training an Organ Scholar at St. Mary’s Church in Higham.
However, in order to continue making these generous grants we need to
raise funds. Please can you help us by recycling your used inkjet
cartridges from you printer through the Recycle 4 Charity scheme.
Envelopes to send them off in can be obtained from Dave Stuttle 07941
306391, or can be collected from the table at the back of the Church.
Alternatively, take your inkjet cartridges to the Church and put them in the collection
box there. For every cartridge sent in we will receive £1. Thank you for your help.
26 9Fr Tom’s Final Sunday Chelveston Notes Knit and Natter Group
Anyone is invited to come along to Chelveston
St. John’s Chelveston: November Giving Church on the fourth Tuesday of the month to knit
th Cash Pledged Total
On Sunday 12 January, the Feast of the Baptism of Christ, 03 £56.50 £35.00 £91.50
for African Babies. The February meeting is on
Tuesday 25th from 1:00pm—3:00pm. Further
Fr Tom presided and preached at both St John’s and St Mary’s for 10 £107.30 £55.00 £162.30 information from Sara on 460097
his final Sunday with us in the Benefice after two and a half years 17 £36.80 £71.00 £107.80 Chelveston Chorus
24 Joint Service at St. Mary’s Anyone is invited to come along and sing under
as our Assistant Curate. Both churches were full as everyone came Total Cash & Pledged £361.60 the encouragement of Natasha Thompson.
to wish him farewell and to say thank you for all he has done in his Monthly Standing Orders £890.00. Fortnightly on Thursdays 7.30 - 9pm in the village
Total for Month £1251.60 hall. The February meetings are on 13th and 27th.
time with us – he will be sorely missed by us all! December Giving Further information contact Joe Carpenter on
Cash Pledged Total janjoe68@googlemail.com
01 £62.44 £52.00 £114.44 Nene Valley Astronomical Society
08 £89.40 £56.00 £145.40 Meets in the village hall on the third Monday of
08* £112.07 £13.00 £125.07 the month from 8 - 10pm. The next meeting will
15 £35.70 £42.00 £77.70 be on Monday 17th February. Stargazing every
22 £102.30 £77.00 £179.30 Friday evening weather permitting. Visitors
welcome at £2.00.
25 £110.20 £60.00 £170.20 Further information contact Steve Williams on
29 £45.90 £37.00 £82.90 650331 or www.neneastro.org.uk
Total Cash & Pledged £895.01
Monthly Standing Orders £975.00. New Art Class
Meets in the village hall on second Tuesday of the
Total for Month £11870.01 month from 9:30 am—3:30pm. The February
Thank you to all who so generously give and have meeting is Tuesday 11th February. For further
given over this Christmas Season, not just finan- information contact Janet on 389647 or 07599
cially but also in terms of time, 536813
effort and creativity. Amongst other things, this
effort has helped us to increase our Belly Dancing
mission work in the community. Meets in the village hall every Tuesday evening
from 7.45 - 8.45pm. Further information contact
Snowdrop Weekend Vanessa on 07952 684354
Saturday 15th February 10:00am—4:00pm
Sunday 16th February 11:00am—4:00pm. Tai Chi
Every Wednesday afternoon in the village hall
Church Lunches from 2 - 3pm. Gentle exercise for older people.
Our monthly winter lunches with soup and a roll Further information contact Robert Agar-Hutton
or tea and cake will be available from 12—2:30 in on 07771 333369
our lovely village church. Do join us on Tuesday
18th February. All ages welcome. Ruby's Ballet Academy
Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern/Jazz, Street Dance
Womens Institute and Musical Theatre held in the
Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at village hall for 18months to Adult. Further
7.30pm in the village hall. Visitors welcome at information contact Lucy on 07788 983403
£4.00. The meeting on Wednesday 12th February
will be “Boss in Boots from Barton to Broadway” Mindful Meditation
by Steve Pateman whose factory in Earls Barton Group meets in the village hall on the first and
made the original Kinky Boots. Further infor- third Wednesdays of the month from 7:30 pm to
mation contact Kate Hawson on 397819. 9:00pm. The February meetings will be on 5th
and 19th. Further information contact Ann Leach
Free Spirits on 07845 778518
Ladies afternoon group meets on the third Monday
of the month in the village hall from 1:45pm— Village Hall
3:45pm. Visitors welcome at £3.00. The meeting The hall is available for hire by groups for meet-
on Monday 17th February will be to plan events ings or private functions - Wi-Fi enabled. Further
for 2020. Further information contact Judy Hill on information contact
622106 chelveston.village.hall@gmail.com
10 25Celebrating the Saints
Janani Luwum – Archbisop of Uganda, Martyr 1977
I struggle to comprehend that over forty years have elapsed since the
reign of terror perpetrated against the people of Uganda by Idi Amin, a
time that would see the death of so many people and the expulsion from
the country of thousands more, principally Asians. In February 2017,
Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, representing the Archbishop of Canterbury,
joined the people of Uganda at a major commemoration on the 40 th Anni-
versary of the assassination of Archbishop Janani Luwum whom we remember on the 17 th
February. But who was he and what do we know about him, and why is it important to re-
member him.
Janani Luwum was born in 1922 at Acholi in Uganda. His childhood and youth were spent as
a goatherd, but he quickly showed an ability to learn and absorb knowledge when given the
opportunity. So it was he became a teacher and soon after, he converted to Christianity. He
would later attend Buwalasi Theological College in Uganda and was Ordained in 1956. His
rise was impressive and in 1966 he was appointed Provincial Secretary of the Church of
Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Boga-Zaire. Luwum earned a reputation for creative and
active leadership, promoting a new vision with energy and commitment. Only three years
later on the 25th January 1969 he was consecrated Bishop of Northern Uganda. Among the
congregation on that occasion was the Prime Minister of Uganda, Milton Obote and the
Chief of Staff of the army, Idi Amin.
Amin sought power for himself, and in 1971 deposed the President of Uganda, Milton Obote,
while he was attending a Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ Conference in Singapore. A reign
of terror followed, and the Asian population were expelled in 1972. It was in the midst of tis
chaos and turmoil that in 1974 Luwum was elected Archbishop of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi
and Boga-Zaire. He pressed ahead with the reform of his church in time to mark the centenary
of the creation of the Anglican province. But he also warned that the Church should not con-
form to "the powers of darkness".
Amin cultivated a relationship with the archbishop, arguably to acquire credibility. For his
part, Luwum sought to mitigate the effects of his rule, and to plead for its victims. The Angli-
can and Roman Catholic churches increasingly worked together to frame a response to the
political questions of the day, and worked in a spirit of co-operation with the Muslim commu-
nity of Uganda. On 12 February 1977 Janani Luwum delivered a protest to Amin against all
acts of violence that were allegedly the work of the security services. Church leaders were
summoned to Kampala and then ordered to leave, one by one. Luwum turned to
Bishop Festo Kivengere and said, "They are going to kill me. I am not afraid".
Shortly after Janani and two of Amin’s own government ministers were stated as
having been found dead following a car accident. It quickly emerged that they
had in fact died on the implicit instructions of the President, Idi Amin. For Ja-
nani, this was the price of discipleship.
Later his body was buried at his home village near St Paul's Church, Mucwini.
He remains an example and inspiration to us all for his determination, his faith
and courage.
A statue to the modern martyr, Janani Luwum, sculpted by Neil Simmons,
was unveiled in July 1988 and stands above the West entrance to Westmin-
Lesley McCormack
ster Abbey alongside statues of Maximilian Kolbe and Manche Masemola.
A memorial service for the Archbishop was held in Westminster Abbey on
30th march 1977
24 11How I Became a Drummer and
a Friend of Dave Clark.
This part of my life story starts when I was 10 years old and living in Walthamstow East
London and became a Church chorister and then at the age of 13 became joint head chorister
with my friend John Riches.
At that time there were about 18 boys in the choir. Soon after Christmas 1955 I was asked to
befriend a lad called Bryan Taylor who had recently joined the choir, and whose mother had
been knocked down and killed by a car after seeing her sister on to a bus on Christmas Eve.
Bryan was a year older than me and was a very good pianist who could play anything from
pop, classical and most types of music and he desperately wanted a drummer. And this is
how it all started for me.
With just a snare drum played with wire brushes we spent 4 -5 nights a week practising all
types of popular music and within a short time I had managed to buy an inexpensive drum kit
and cymbals, and became reasonably confident, so we started playing at the local young
peoples youth club each week, I was then about 15 years old.
After a while I decided I wanted to learn to play the guitar and Bryan by this time had started
playing for dances, weddings etc. with a guitarist, and so I started lessons with his guitarist
called Alan. Sadly I have heard in the past few weeks that Bryan has passed away.
Alan had in the past heard me play drums, and after a few lessons he said, “Look you are
good on the drums and I have taught two boys from Tottenham everything I know and they
need a drummer, give them a ring.” Which I did. So I rang Mike Jones and after a rehearsal
they asked me to go and see Mike`s brother in law, Billy Pink who was a fantastic modern
jazz drummer.
Billy lived not far from me in Leyton so I went to see him. He had a kit all set up and he put
me through several exercises on the kit. He told Mike I would be absolutely fine and so I
joined their band called “Johnny Starr and the Statesmen,” which shortly afterwards was
changed to the “Mike Jones Combo.”
The band was booked to play at their school dances every other week and after playing there
a couple of times I met Dave Clark, who had also gone to their school. Over the following
months I met Dave more and more and eventually he started coming on jobs with us.
We would go swimming in the summer and we seemed to go every where together. We
played in dance halls, theatres, American air bases, Dave kept taking us to regent sound in
Denmark Street, London making demos. He never really talked about the Dave Clark Five.
At this time I was taking drum tuition from Frank King who was in a band backing big
American artists at the talk of the town. He also gave tuition to Brian Bennett, the Shadows
drummer.
After passing my exams at the Distributive Trade College in Charing Cross Road, London I
joined the display team of the new John Lewis Department Store in Oxford Street.
It was after I had been at John Lewis about 9 months when Dave Clark wanted to take the
Mike Jones band and the Dave Clark Five to Jersey and hire the rainbow rooms for dances
and other ideas he had. After a short time the whole Jersey idea fell through as Dave had
other ideas, not just dances, and this was not going to happen so the whole idea was scrapped.
12 23It was over 20 years ago that I After a while we had a meeting with Dave at Mike’s house and he had our sax player with
wrote about the him, Denis Payton, and told us that Denis was going to join the Dave Clark Five as he was
Ramblings passing of my cat Bilbo. This
December we lost her succes-
sor, Baggins.
taking a job at a ballroom in Essex which was owned by the Royal, Tottenham.
I was totally devasted and felt very let down as I had always trusted Dave.
As I had left John Lewis believing I was going to Jersey I decided I should get back to the
West End so I managed to get a job on the display team of Bourne & Hollingsworth in Ox-
She was not an exceptional cat—except to us. Early in life ford Street, very sadly no longer there. After a while I was made Assistant Display Manager
she lost her sister, Brandybuck, and having known companionship, with a team of twelve staff, some of whom I am still in contact with.
she now sought it in us. Apart from the nuisance of having her al- I carried on playing in the Mike Jones band but things were not the same since Denis left
ways under our feet, or sitting on our favourite seat, it was wonderful. She didn’t un- although we did take on a female singer who had been in the “find the singer “ contest on TV.
derstand every word that we spoke, but she did understand every mood that we felt, But my heart was no longer in it so I finished playing and concentrated on my job.
and she played when we were happy, and purred when we were content, and sat After coming to live in Northamptonshire and worshipping at St. Mary’s, Graham Newell and
warmly on our laps when we were—well, just a little bit down. And somehow all of some other friends put a little band together to raise money for charities. The band was called
this, including the silent miaows, and the press of feet against us on the sofa, was “Hand on Heart,” and over the next few years we managed to pull in other musicians and we
given to us unconditionally, not just because we fed her and brushed her and gave her raised approximately £25,000 for different charities. Rushden Chichele Rotary Club paid for
house room. There is nothing to beat the effect of a purring cat sitting on your lap. us to record a CD which brought in funds for their charities.
The wonderful poets of the seventeenth century often wrote about The Derek Harber
Glimpse—that brief an overpowering vision of a better world that could sometimes Transcript of a talk recently given to the local Rotary Club
be seen through the things of this world. Henry Vaughan could write “I saw eternity
the other night”, and Thomas Traherne could recall the vision of eternity that he had
as a child, and that he had since lost. They had all learnt George Herbert’s lesson:
A man may look on glass
On it may stay his eye;
Or of he pleases, through it pass,
And then the heaven espy.
150 years later, William Blake could express the same idea; the divine seen
through the ordinary: Mike Smith, Dave Clark,
Derek and members of the
To see a world in a grain of sand, Mike Jones Combo
And Heaven in a wildflower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, Derek looking like Buddy Holly with the Mike Jones Combo but
And eternity in an hour. sing Dave Clarks Drums as his own had not arrived .
But you will know this already if you went to Midnight Mass at Christmas and lis-
tened to the sermon.
All of which brings me back to Baggins (Baggy as we affectionately called
her.) We get very attached to pets—sometimes more attached than we do to people,
to our shame. Because they give us not just companionship, but unconditional love.
And as we approach the season of Lent, and then Holy Week, we need to think about
exactly what unconditional love means, and how much it costs.
And if, for me, the passing of Baggy has given me a deeper understanding of
love and its cost, the price has been well worth the paying. May I—and you—learn
The first Hand on Heart Band The second Hand on Heart Band
to pay it, joyfully.
22 13We had a busy December, beginning with our Christmas Party in the Bede
House on the 5th when we were joined by friends from the Deanery for lunch.
Dora surprised us all by arranging seasonal entertainment by the Stanwick
Handbell Ringers followed by an early visit from Father Christmas – a lovely
start to the festive season and a good time was had by all! Members also
attended the Deanery Advent Carol Service at St Katharine’s, Irchester on the
following day.
A small group of members enjoyed hosting the open social evening with
friends on 4th December when Kat Fuller spoke to us about her work with the
anti-bullying charity Kidscape. We’re hoping to continue these meetings on
a bi-monthly basis, so watch the news sheet for further details about “MU &
friends”.
We were back in the Chantry Chapel (a little chilly again) on 9th January
when St Mary’s Church Warden, Dave Stuttle, spoke about his own faith
journey and the retreats he has enjoyed. It was enlightening and felt like a
natural progression to the faith stories shared by our clergy during Advent.
On 6 February we’re going out for lunch at Rushden Golf Club, and our
AGM will be held in the Bede House on 5th March. The formal business will
be followed by a talk by Marion Knott about the Bedesmen.
More information about MU nationally and globally is available on the
website www.mothersunion.org.
Jane Smeathers (Branch Secretary)
14 21For more information about the Church, Services, Events and the
Parish look on our Website www.stmaryhighamferrers.org
To donate to the Church go to https://my.give.net/HighamChurch
To contribute to the Parish Magazine send your copy prefer-
ably in Microsoft Office Word using Times New Roman and
Font size 12 by the 10th of the month to
st.marys.parish.mag@btinternet.com
Stalls are available in the Bede House on Farmer’s Market Day
The last Saturday of each month.
Cost £10 per stall from 9am to 12noon.
Enquiries to: 01 933 741140 or Email: thebedehouse@gmail.org
St. Mary’s Higham Ferrers Online Giving
We now have an online giving facility for those wishing to make donations to
church funds. It can be found at
https://my.give.net/HighamChurch
There is also a link on the home page of the Church Website,
Save the Children www.stmaryhighamferrers.org
Quingo - The quiz with a twist
Rushden Bowls Club For those with Smart phones the QR code displayed here
Tables of up to 4 people £12.00 will take you to the website,
Booking essential ‘A Church Near You’
where you can find out about our Churches and any
February 20th, March 26th, April 16th, May 21st, September others you may want to visit.
17th, October 15th, November 19th
Carols by Candlelight in the Bede House THE CHURCH IN HIGHAM IS NOW OPEN EVERY
8th & 10th December with Rushden Town Band THURSDAY FROM 10:00—15:00
Open Fire - Mince Pies - Pay Bar If you would like to visit our Church at other times please contact
Tickets £10 now available (Half already sold) Church Wardens:-
Quiz sheets £1 each available from Sideys or Golden Phoenix. Dave 07 941 306391 dstuttle@btinternet.com
£25 First Prize. £10 & £5 prizes also Caroline 07 596 137051 walker.snork@outlook.com
For further information contact Susan: 07773962347 Clergy:-
superduch5@gmail.com Revd. Michelle Dalliston 07 961 003352 michelleacd@hotmail.co.uk
Special Group visits are very welcome by appointment.
20 15Obituary. Terry Broughton.
St. Mary’s Bell Ringers Terry was born in Kingsley on 20th July 1936 to George and Ada, and whilst
christened Terence, he was always known as Terry. He went to St Matthew’s
‘The Bells of Waiting Advent Ring’. So begins the well-loved Junior School, and from age 6 was a member of the Boys’ Brigade at Kingsley
opening line of John Betjeman’s timely poem ‘Christmas’. St. Park Methodist Church. The Boys’ Brigade remained a part of Terry’s life for many years,
Mary’s Bells did indeed ring out for the Advent Carol Service, rising through the ranks to become a Company Officer, as well as working through the band –
helping to set the lovely atmosphere for the Service itself. starting from the side drum, then band master, and later drum major.
Coming across John Betjeman’s poem led to further research Terry was 7 when his sister Janet was born, and at 15 when he began an apprenticeship as a
joiner with Bonsor and Wilding. At 20, he met and married Marion, and they had two
about how many of our national and well – loved poets mention Church Bells in their children, Fay and Alan. Terry was based at Ashvale in Aldershot for National Service, as a
writings, from A. E Houseman’s ‘A Shropshire Lad ‘ to Tennyson’s ‘Ring out Wild drill sergeant in the Army Service Corps. After his time there, they moved back to
Bells’. Northampton, and before long bought their first house in Weston Favell. Terry worked two
jobs to pay off his mortgage – teaching carpentry and joinery at night school alongside his
It is at Christmas Tide that possibly our Church bells come into their own. Bell Ring- day job. Terry’s work developed further when he set up his own business in August 1972.
ers look forward to ringing for Carol and Crib Services, especially when followed by
mulled wine and mince pies. Then on Christmas Morning there is something very Marion and Terry divorced in 1974, and Terry returned to Kingsley, and directed his focus
special about ringing to welcome the Christmas Festivities. into his building firm. Whilst Terry was devoted to his work, he enjoyed theatre and opera,
and fly fishing – Alan having happy memories of the latter. Terry was also a freemason,
Following on from Christmas come the New Year celebrations. Many Towers still rising to senior office, and served for a time as President of the Building Employers’
hold the ‘Watch Night Services’ ringing out the old year and welcoming in the new Federation.
one, generally with a ‘wee dram or two’ to help proceedings along , and so begins a Terry developed a close friendship with Pat and her children Ian, Eunice and Andrew,
new ‘Ringing Year’ with all its customs and achievements. The latest achievements caravanning, and working together; with Andrew remaining his property manager. Terry
for St Mary’s Bell Ringers are, firstly, The Farmer’s Market Quarter Peal of 1287 bought the hull of a springer narrow boat, and then fitted it out himself. The boat ‘Chippy’
Grandsire Triples, completed in 49 minutes on Saturday November 30th. was used for weekends and holidays – though there was an expectation of helping to clean the
brasses if you went aboard, presumably in between the fishing and visiting the canal pubs.
Congratulations to Pam Bailey, Bob Dennis, Nicholas Parsons, Kevan Chapman, Terry has six granddaughters: Sophie, Harriet, Bethany and Eleanor, Ella and Hannah. Sophie
Thomas Coulter-Brophy, Edward Buckby, Ken Wildman and Simon Sweeney. The and Harriet have memories of many happy ‘Pappy Adventure Days’ – trips out to London,
Warwick, the ballet, the theatre, fishing, and of course, days in the workshop making things
Quarter Peal was also rung as a 40th. Birthday Compliment to James Wildman. Fol-
from wood.
lowing on from this achievement on Monday Dec 8th a full peal of 5040 Plain Bob
Royal was rung as a Birthday compliment to the Revd. Michelle Dalliston, Vicar of In due time, Terry met Elizabeth and they were a couple for 15 years, enjoying holidays,
St. Mary’s with congratulations on her interim appointment having been made per- theatre and music together. It was Elizabeth that introduced Terry to St. Mary’s in Higham,
manent. where he was confirmed in 2006. Whilst Terry admitted to difficulties in prayer at times, he
found his faith grew here both as he supported Elizabeth when she developed vascular
Also very best wishes were extended to Robin Rogers, whose indisposition caused dementia, and in his time continuing to worship after she died. As Elizabeth’s health
declined, Terry devoted large amounts of time to her care, ensuring her final years were as
Judith to withdraw from the peal band, and special thanks to Nigel Buckby for stand-
comfortable as possible.
ing in at two hours notice. Congratulations for a wonderful achievement to Nigel
Buckby, Bob Dennis, Ruth Stokes, Robert Crocker, Ted Buckby, Anthony Smith, His care for others did not stop there though, he was also constantly raising money for
Murray Coleman, Chris Pearson, Adrian Sweeting and Christopher Stokes. charitable causes. One particular project was the skate park in Spratton he identified the need
for, raised the money to build, and then was heavily involved in the construction of. Other
Bell ringing is a team activity that stimulates the brain and keeps you fit. Bell ringers major charitable concerns for Terry were the Alzheimers’ Society, and the Elizabeth Groome
come from all walks of life and range in age from ten to eighty. Music Charity that he set up in Elizabeth’s memory to support young people’s musical
involvement in this town and the county of Northamptonshire.
If you are interested in finding out more about this fascinating hobby come along to
St. Mary’s on a Tuesday evening or speak to Bob Dennis for further information. His work was ultimately Terry’s greatest passion, even as his own health declined.
Suffice to say that the morning before he was taken into hospital, he had been at his work-
shop. This St. Mary’s Church is one of many that benefited from his craftsmanship – those of
Alison Byrnes you who know where to look will see examples all around. Terry will be missed by many, he
was a craftsman, a gentleman, and a friend to many.
18 19You can also read
