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Studland Parish News
December 2020
St Nicholas Church Studland
See the Parish News in full colour – www.studlandchurch.com
Note from the editor…
I would like to begin this month with a personal thank you to the community
of Studland. This thank you comes not only from me but also from my three
teenage nieces; Laura, Lisa and Rosemary. As I write this, I am in isolation in
Derbyshire. I have been looking after my nieces following the death of their
father at the start of November. Many of you will also be aware that almost
ten years ago the girl’s mother, my sister, also passed away. I have been
supporting the girls as best I can, but what has helped me to do that is the
amazing support that has been extended to them from you. Your prayers, your
words of condolences and your kind donations for Christmas, have been
overwhelming. I am grateful for being part of such a caring and considerate
community, thank you.
So, December brings Christmas, of course. Things may be looking a little
different this year and many of us may be struggling to ring out the festive
cheer. However, as you flick through these pages, search for the hope and find
reasons to smile and share in joy and aspirations for the future.
For those of you submitting items for the January edition, I must stress the
importance of the deadline in order to avoid disappointment.
I wish you all a joyous and lovely Christmas.
Sharon Westman, Editor
Gratefulness
JANUARY edition submission
“Small grateful acts every day can uplift
deadline is: us, make a difference for others, and
help change the world.”
9am
Blessing of the month
DECEMBER 10TH You bless us with breath.
sharonywestman@gmail.com In and out, in and out, ever renewing
01929 450358 us, ever anew making us one with all
who breathe the same air, may this
Late contributions cannot be blessing overflow into shared
guaranteed. gratefulness, so that with one breath
you may praise and celebrate life.
2
Swanage and Studland Team Ministry
Team Rector The Very Revd John Mann
The Rectory, 12 Church Hill, Swanage, BH19 1HU
Tel. 01929 422916
Email: john.o.mann@btinternet.com
Team Office Tel. 01929 421117
Email: swanage.team@btconnect.com
St Nicholas Church, Studland
Resident Priest Rev’d Tony Higgins
The Old School House, School Lane, Studland BH19 3AJ
Tel. 01929 450691
Email: revtonyhiggins@btinternet.com
Church Wardens Barbara Matthews
Old Harry, The Glebe, Studland BH19 3AS
Tel. 01929 450218
Email: barmat18@btinternet.com
Mr Eric Stobart
Knapwynd, School Lane, Studland BH19 3AJ
Tel: 01929 450222
Email: eric@thestobarts.co.uk
Hon. Treasurer Mr Andrew Goodwin
St Nicholas Church Hall, Church Road, Studland,
BH19 3AT
Email: bayviewgardens@btinternet.com
Hon. Secretary Mrs Carol Wadley
34 Jubilee Road, Swanage, BH19 2SF
01929 424388
caroljwadley@icloud.com
3
The Team Rector Writes… Writing for Church Alive! for December and January, always presents the difficulty of thinking ahead, beyond Christmas when the copy date is mid-November. This year, with so much uncertainty, as I tap away on the laptop in the midst of a second lockdown, my thoughts can barely stretch to Christmas, let alone beyond it. That said, Advent, Christmas, New Year, Epiphany and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the end of January, will all happen, it is just that we are not sure, as I write, how we shall manage their celebration. Plans are afoot for Christmas in all of our churches. High up in our list of priorities is how we can manage Holy Communion, and how can we have some singing of carols, which always spill out well beyond the normal congregations to hundreds of visitors and those whose Christmas is made by their perhaps just once a year attendance in Church for this great festival. Individually, in the notes for each Church, you will find our hopes for Christmas, with the proviso that we are allowed to have services in our Church buildings come December. We very much hope to be back for at least a Sunday or two before Christmas. I remember years ago meeting a woman in the street near our church that was right up on the north coast of Ireland. She stopped me and said, “When is your carol service?” Having given her the information, she quite emotionally said, “I do like a good carol service”. Now, you may think, why did that particular comment and casual meeting stick in my mind? Well, I think it was the description of a “good” carol service. What did she mean? I believe that it revealed that she wanted something that was going to touch her - and that may well not have been a sophisticated and professional service, such as “Carols from King’s College”, or, “Carols by Candlelight for St Paul’s Cathedral”. The singing of carols determines our mood, lets us express faith, helps us to celebrate, links us to generations long gone, makes us vulnerable to emotionally committing ourselves in love and tenderness and closeness both to those dear to us, and to our neighbours as well (who also may be very dear to us, I hasten to add!). Carols channel what we find much more difficult to acknowledge and express in other ways. So, carols will fit in Church, but also in the pub, the street, the shopping mall and the home. Is this a misuse of a fundamentally Christian, albeit interwoven with folk tradition, way of conveying deep and meaningful theological truth? I hardly think so. We sing carols for pure enjoyment, and, though not every word may pass through our consciousness, we are linked to each other and, as Christians, we believe to the Christ-child and Mary his mother; to Joseph and the Shepherds and those seekers after truth, the Wise Men. So, somehow, we must find ways to do this, even with social distancing, restrictions on public singing and the difficulties of bringing people together when we are instructed to avoid mingling. One thing that we are working hard to achieve is to manage the Town Carol Service from St Mary’s, which happens every year, in a way that it can be streamed 4
to anyone who would like to see and hear it. It is to be at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday 20th
December, and, though the congregation will be reduced in size and unable to
sing, the mayor will be there, as usual, and the choir will provide us with carols to
which we can sing-along at home. I will promote details of this service as they
become available.
Looking onwards into the New Year, we do hope that the United Service for the
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity may go ahead as usual. Initial planning is that
it is to be on Sunday 24th January at 10:30 a.m. in All Saints’ Church, and will be
streamed, as are all the morning service now from All Saints’, when held actually
in the building. That service will be very special for the churches of Swanage, I
have no doubt, marking all these months of working side by side under such
difficult circumstances.
Naturally, we are most concerned at the coming festival time for those who will
find the celebrations difficult or impossible, due to the restrictions, or their state
of health. We shall continue to hold the vulnerable in our prayers, every day, and
especially over the Christmas period.
May God’s blessing be upon you.
John Mann
Rectory Ramblings
The need for Food Banks has been a running issue for months, and the demand
for them has increased right across the country. The churches, reflecting the
community generally in Swanage, has continued to support our local Food Bank
consistently and well. As we approach Christmas, we know that there will be no
diminishing in their need, much as it is an indictment on our society that they are
required.
I know that gifts will continue to flow in, and that we can ensure that Swanage
Food Bank has all it needs for December, but to help us on our way is the reverse
Advent Calendar idea, which we have used in Lent as well. We simply ensure that
each day on Advent, starting on 29th November, we set aside one item for
dropping in to a collection point. There are twenty-six days in Advent this year, so
that would be our calendar, and very worthwhile it is too.
In making a few deliveries, I have been struck by the number of single men who
are amongst the recipients. I mention this only to demonstrate that we are not
talking just of families here, much as this is a vital lifeline for them, but for
individuals too, who may have multiple challenges facing them, including
loneliness and potentially ill health. We continue to give thanks for the organisers
and all who work so tirelessly for those who need them.
John Mann
5
St Nicholas Parish News
Thanks to the participation of a number of
volunteers Remembrance Sunday was marked by
a Zoom service at 10:40 during which we listened
to the events at the Cenotaph and the Studland
and Brownsea roll of Honour was read out by
Nicholas Warner. David Hogsflesh rang the
church bell before and after the silence and then
laid a wreath in the memorial garden. The silence
was also observed on the 11th and the bell again
marked the beginning and end of the silence. There was a service at 10:50 on
Sunday and another at 6:30. In total well over 80 people took part in these
services. Thanks to Rosemary Warner and Audrey Farrell for dressing the church
so beautifully for Remembrance. I am sure that that the many visitors we have for
private prayer must have appreciated the atmosphere.
More people are joining the Zoom services and enjoy the chance to sing thanks to
Andy and Virginia Morris leading us. Thanks to the mute facility we hear Andy and
Virginia whilst we are singing to ourselves at home. It is good that people can
select hymns and offer to read and at the end of the service communicate with
one another online. Anyone who has a tablet of computer can join. You just need
to email: revtonyhiggins@btinternet.com and I will send you a link to enable
access. There May also be a password as sometimes the Zoom programme
requires that to be entered as well. It is difficult to predict when life will return to
normal so for December, we will have a plan A and a plan B.
If restrictions are lifted to allow ‘normal’ services in the Church again there will be
10am services on each Sunday in December (except the 1 st) The Carol Service will
take place on Tuesday 22nd December at 6:30pm but this will be by Zoom.
Midnight mass will start at 11:30pm on Thursday 24th December and Christmas
Day Family service will be at 10am on 25th December.
If there are still restrictions, we shall continue with the services at 10.00am and
6.30pm via Zoom. There will be a Christmas Day service by zoom, the church will
be decorated for Christmas perhaps in a slightly different way. Whatever the
outcome, plan A or Plan B we will celebrate the coming of our Saviour one way or
another.
As we draw towards the end of an extraordinary year, I would like to thank all who
have enabled us to worship and grow our faith despite the problems. There is a
real sense that as a church we are stronger and more united than ever. I wish you
all a happy, peace filled and healing Christmas and pray for 2021 to be a year of
new beginnings
6
From the Registers:
Funerals
30th October John Spurling
12th November Sue Coombe (interment of Ashes)
20th November Peter Janes
Rev Tony Higgins (Resident Priest)
Thank you to The Studland community who donated for the Tractor run in July
and those who came to the Manor Tearooms for Coffee mornings on a Thursday.
All your donations were very generous. Also, the Tearooms donation in
September was £1 for every cream tea sold in September.
We have donated to Macmillan at total of £1325.67.
Thank you all, Julie & smith, Manor Farm.
Notice - Ginnie Janes wishes to inform the community of the passing of her
husband, Peter Janes, who passed away peacefully at home October 23 rd.
Foodbank Update - Christmas Hamper items (preferably before December
6th as we buy for the hampers after that date): Tins or cartons of mixed chocolates
(e.g. Roses, Quality Street), chocolate coins and tubes of sweets for children, ham
and salmon (large tins for families), Christmas puddings and alternative sponge
puddings, yule logs, savoury biscuits for cheese -mixed variety boxes, sweet
biscuits - mixed variety packages, salted peanuts, Pringles, Twiglets, boxes of
mince pies (must have 'best before' date in January).
Your support is greatly appreciated but we don't need any extra volunteers as we
have a full Team now - thank you to those who recently offered though.
Keep safe everyone! Pauline Werba
7
Doris, Barbara and the committee hope all
members are keeping well in these difficult
times and wish everyone a Happy Christmas
and New Year. There is a full programme
prepared for 2021 but this will be dependent
on the restrictions we are living under at the time.
Studland History Group
Recently on TV I watched part of the 1955 film “The
Ship That Died of Shame”, starring George Baker
and Richard Attenborough. It reminded me of
watching the filming of this at the bottom of the
lane to Middle Beach. A few of us village children
and a couple of Mums, had to go and stand behind the brick wall where the ice
cream kiosk is now, when they started up the artificial fog machine. They also
filmed around Poole Harbour and Weymouth.
Two years later George Baker returned to Studland to film “Moonraker”. A troop
of soldiers on horseback chased him along the cliff top just beyond Harry Warren.
They needed several takes! I asked George for his autograph and told him I had
an Uncle George Baker but it wasn’t him! (for those who don’t know, my maiden
name was Baker).
It set me thinking of the many times over the years, Studland has been the location
for films and TV. In the early 60’s the front garden of Beach Cottage was used for
a tea party for “Captain Fantastic”, a feature on the “Magpie” children’s
programme.
The Two Ronnie’s filmed many times in Studland. In one episode, Ronnie B was
dressed as the Nanny and Ronnie C the baby, being pushed around Studland Bay
House Gardens in a large pram.
An episode of Only Fools and Horses was filmed at Knoll House, the one where
“little” Rodney won a prize for his art.
A few weeks ago, Len Goodman’s “Holiday of My Lifetime” featuring Nicolas
Parsons was repeated. Nicholas had holidayed at Greenland Farm in 1939. Len
went for a paddle on Studland Beach and they also filmed in Mary’s Ground
opposite Knoll House. I was asked to provide the “History” part of the programme
and met them both at Knoll House. This was filmed in the summer of 2015. My
part was filmed in my garden but unfortunately when they reviewed the film some
of the dialogue hadn’t recorded. They returned a couple of weeks later but I was
wearing a different top, so it looks as if I had changed part way through!
I’m sure many of you have memories of watching filming take place in and around
Studland.
Wishing everyone Season’s Greetings and hope it won’t be too far into 2021 when
we’ll be able to meet again.
Joyce Meates. Secretary. 01929 439245
8
STUDLAND GARDENING ASSOCIATION
Unsurprisingly our last event of the year, the AGM, is canceled.
In 2020 all we managed was two talks back in January and
February, and one Covid secure committee meeting. Still, we
live in hope.
And on that note, here are our plans for next year:
22nd February 7:30 Talk
22nd March 7:30 Talk
23rd March 6:30-8:00 Spring Show entries in Committee Room
27th March 2:30 Spring Show
24th April 2:30-4:00 Plant Sales
June Visit Keyneston Mill
July 3:00 Garden Party
27th July 6:30-8:00 Summer Show entries
31st July 2:30 Sumer Show
22nd November 7:30 AGM
Geoff Willcocks, Secretary
01929 450342 geoff.studland@gmail.com
9
At the time of going to press we are still in lockdown, so forgive us for not being
able to give you news of festive fun at the Old Harry Bar in this issue.
BUT...
Rest assured that once lockdown rules are lifted, we’ll open the doors and
welcome you in for some festive spirits and frolics to see out the old year with a
hearty goodbye and welcome in the New Year with hope for a Covid-free 2021.
We hope to be running Christmas events through December including, a quiz,
bingo and Christmas and New Years’ Eve festivities, and will circulate dates and
details through the newsletter, on social media, the website and on the boards
Just to remind you, we are fully Covid compliant. Recent changes mean we now
have to ask you to wear a face covering, observe the rule of six and social
distancing and we’ll be operating table service in the bar. Our twinkly new
gazebo and increased outdoor seating provide a great space for those who
prefer to remain outside.
Our Pool table is now back too, with Covid measures in place, as well as the
jukebox with free plays!
Opening times are:
FRIDAY: 5-10pm with MEAT RAFFLE at 9pm
SATURDAY: 5-10pm with MEMBER’S DRAW at 9pm
SUNDAY: 3-8pm
MONDAY: 6-10pm
New for Sundays:
OPEN MIC / MUSIC / COMEDY/ POETRY
Starting from 3.30pm
Want to get involved? Call Abna 07734 296891
Free entry, first drink free for performers
Our COLLECT AND TAKEAWAY or EAT-IN PIZZA
is available through all opening times.
12’ Margherita £9
Toppings 50p: Ham, Chorizo, Onion, Mushroom, Pineapple, Jalapenos,
sweetcorn, chicken, anchovies and peppers
Finally, a huge THANK YOU to all our lovely members who have rejoined so far.
It's been a tricky year and never has your membership counted so much.
Membership is still only £20 a year.
The Old Harry Bar Committee
www.oldharrybar.co.uk
TripAdvisor - rated "excellent" by 34 travelers’
10Notes from Studland Parish Council
November 2020
The Parish Council met on 16th November, by Zoom. All
councillors were present, with myself as Chairman.
Under Public Participation, the Chairman read out an email from Sarah Ferguson
raising concerns about a possible zip-wire in the playing field, and sharing her
experiences of these at Knoll House Hotel. The email asked for public consultation
on this – which the Parish Council is already committed to.
SPC had three vacancies for councillors, and we have advertised for residents to
come forward if they would be interested. Two have come forward: Eric Stobart
and David Battle. Both shared their CVs and were questioned on their aspirations
as councillors; SPC then voted to add them as councillors: welcome to Eric and
David! Eric is a long-term resident, and is a Church Warden and a member of the
Studland Parochial Church Council; David has been in the village for 20 years, and
is particularly interested and involved in marine issues.
The Minutes of the October 19th SPC meeting were confirmed.
Emma Wright gave an update on behalf of the NT. Dorset Council have issued –
following consultations – a new Public Spaces Protection Order relating to dogs
on beaches, which comes into effect on 1st January 2021. The NT is seeking
clarification on the implications of this for Studland’s beaches, and whether
suitable Dog Enforcement Officers should be appointed. Emma was asked about
bird disturbance by dogs – particularly in the Shell Bay area, and whether more
protected “bird zones” could be provided. The NT are considering this.
Emma reported that sadly a swimmer had died recently while swimming off Knoll
Beach. She also reported that the NT car parks and toilets have remained opened
during lockdown, although the Knoll Beach café can only provide a takeaway
service. The area has been busy for the time of year.
Councillor Cherry Brooks gave an update from Dorset Council. Covid cases are
much higher than in the summer – but still lower than the national average. Dorset
Council is continuing to provide most services, and is providing funds and schemes
to help families with young children, and people who have lost their jobs. She says
that Dorset Council is willing to “split the cost” of installing another telephone box
at Shell Bay.
Under Planning, there had been applications for 3 sets of tree works – at South
Beach car park, Cliff End (Manor Road), and at Knapwynd. All were approved –
although there was a discussion about having a formal policy on tree replacement
(that is, for every tree cut down, a replacement must be planted). It was agreed
that a paper on “A Tree replacement Policy” would be supplied to the December
meeting of the Council.
Under Highways, the Clerk reported that our Lengsthman is investigating the
overflows of water from the pond, and whether he can unblock the gullies; if he
cannot, then we will call on Dorset Highways to do so.
No crime was reported, which is good news!
11The Chairman reported that the Inquiry in the Ferry Company Toll Increase
Application had started that morning, but was fairly promptly adjourned to
January 5th by the Inspector to allow alternative fare submissions from the
National Trust and Dorset Council to be considered (see separate article in the
Parish News).
Our financial position was noted, and we agreed to pay submitted bills.
Several meetings ago we had agreed to have maps designed for the Viewpoint –
to help visitors understand what they can see. An artist in Swanage, Tony Kerins,
had been referred to us; two councillors had met Tony, and he has submitted a
quote. SPC decided to proceed with this, and the two councillors will keep the
Council informed on progress.
At our October meeting, we had a presentation by Dorset Highways on how we
can work together to improve road, footpath, and verge related issues in
Studland. We have now received their formal “Working Together” documents.
Many of the items they propose as being within our scope – e.g. grass cutting,
gully clearing, etc. – are already being undertaken by our Lengthsman. However,
we will see how we can formalise this relationship with Dorset Highways, and have
more items covered.
SPC received a report on the proposed Purbeck Transport Strategy, being
prepared by the Purbeck Transport Action Group. We discussed, and agreed to
support the initiative “20 is plenty”: this will involve us asking Dorset Highways to
change our road signage on entering Studland from 30 mph as present to 20 mph;
hopefully this will improve road safety.
We discussed a series of consultations on maritime issues – such as the
management of the new Marine Conservation Zone in Studland Bay; two
councillors volunteered to draft responses.
A further meeting is being held to discuss “Sea Water safety - Jet Ski etc.”.
The next SPC will be on Monday 21st December; there will be an Operations
Committee on 8th December, and a Finance Committee meeting on 11th January
2021. Some key issues for SPC to discuss will be how SPC responds to the
alternative ferry fare proposals from the NT and Dorset Council; and a
presentation in January by the NT on a “green plan” for Studland.
To get full details of our meetings / decisions, please go to:
www.studlandparishcouncil.org
Nick Boulter, Chairman
Update on Ferry Toll Increase application
The Inquiry started on Monday 16th November – but was then adjourned – after
only 90 minutes – to restart on January 5th 2021. The reason for the adjournment
is that alternative fare proposals had been submitted – fairly late on – by a
consortium of Dorset Council, BCP, and Swanage TC; and another by the National
Trust. The inspector wanted the Ferry Company and objectors to have time to
study these properly.
12All the documents for the Inquiry are on the Ferry Company website, under Toll
Application. Residents are encouraged to look at these. Studland Parish Council
has submitted an objection, and a working party of SPC has submitted detailed
objections.
The Dorset Council proposal, in essence, accepts the fare rises for car users put
forward by the Ferry Company, but staggers the increases in a different way; and
proposes reductions for foot passengers and cyclists. We will examine this in
detail, but we see little of benefit here to Studland residents or people employed
who need to use the ferry.
The NT has put forward two submissions. The first covers the ownership of Ferry
Road. And the second is a Variable Pricing plan which – in essence – would allow
residents and local employees to buy books of 50 tickets for £100.
We have 3 – 4 weeks to submit comments / objections to the Dorset Council and
National Trust proposals. Studland Parish Council will consider its position. In the
meantime, residents are encouraged to read the proposals on the Ferry website,
and to send to our Clerk any comments.
Nick Boulter, Chairman
“To all residents: urgent question on how you travel to work/shops/health
appointments/education in Bournemouth, Poole and beyond.
The Ferry Inquiry is underway. There is a proposal from Dorset Council to allow
fare increases of up between 35% and 44% for cars, but to freeze/reduce fares for
foot passengers/cyclists. We would urgently like to ask Studland residents:
When you travel to Bournemouth, Poole or beyond:
Do you usually use your car?
Do you usually use the bus?
Do you walk?
Do you cycle / use motor bike?
Other?
And:
Do you usually use the ferry?
Do you usually drive / travel via Wareham?
And:
If you use travel in your car on the ferry, would you still use it if fares went up by
35 – 44%
A quick response is all that is needed! Please email your responses to Nick Boulter
at nboulter@studlandparishcouncil.org Or text to 07831 581157.
Please send by Sunday December 6th
Your names will not be used / quoted in any way.
13Hope amid uncertainty
‘Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign:
the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son
and will call Him Immanuel.’ (Isaiah 7:14).
This promise to King Ahaz in 8th century Judah is fulfilled in the coming of Jesus at
the first Christmas: ‘God with Us’ (Matthew 1:23). Ahaz faced the military threat
of Syria invading Israel, but Isaiah tells him not to panic. He can trust God, who is
in control of the nation.
For us, Coronavirus brings deep uncertainty as we come to another New Year. We
live with the threat from the virus, economic uncertainty, separation from family
and friends, the loss of loved ones and the anxiety that isolation brings. Yet the
message of Immanuel brings hope, as it did for Ahaz! Christmas changes
everything forever! God has declared in Christ that He is with us and for us, not
absent from or against us. His love is larger than our sin, fears or guilt: ‘If God is
for us, who can be against us?’ (Romans 8:31).
As we prepare for the most unusual Christmas ever, let’s not forget:
• God with us means that He is on my side and by my side. In the
uncertainties of life, I am never alone.
• God with us means that everything will work out according to His plan.
My life isn’t just a series of meaningless occasions or mistakes.
• God with us means that when others show they are not there for me, God
is.
• God with us means when circumstances change, He’ll give me the
strength I need.
• God is with me: He’s not far away, he’s made the journey into my world.
Here is the hope for the future, once we get past the trees, gifts, turkey,
and pudding!
Ways to avoid stress this Christmas
• Change your expectations this Christmas. Don’t
waste time lamenting what should have been.
Instead, try and enjoy whatever is possible this year.
• Make a list. Include sending cards, buying presents and organising food
for the big day. Having a list helps keep you in control of your life.
• Set a reduced budget this year. With a pandemic raging, this no time to
take on Christmas debt. If you can’t pay for it this month, probably best
not to buy it.
• Exercise each day - it releases happiness-inducing serotonin. That will help
you to keep calm and positive over the festive period.
• Don’t overindulge. Too much alcohol and rich food won’t improve your
life.
14• Keep calm and keep kind – urge your family members to try and avoid any
flare up of family tensions. If you need to cry, cry, but then, keep on
keeping on.
• Remember those everyday essentials: batteries for new toys, toilet paper,
milk, paper towel. Those things you never think about – until they are
gone.
• Entertain the kids: plan ahead various films, games and whatever it takes
to give them a memorable Christmas.
• Make the most of Zoom this year with far-flung relatives and friends.
• Most of all, include God in your Christmas! This is His Son’s birthday -
include Bible readings and carols in your family routine over the festive
period.
Journeys or lockdown this Christmas?
Christmas is a busy time for travel, as many of us
venture a great distance to see family or friends
again. But this year coronavirus has put an end
to all that. Seeing all our loved ones this Christmas will be difficult, if not
impossible. Soon we may not be travelling anywhere very much at all.
Have you noticed that the Christmas story is about journeys? It begins with Mary
and Joseph travelling from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Then, some shepherds receive
news from an angel about a special birth. They travel through the night, across
dark fields and down unlit streets to search for the baby Jesus.
After this, in an eastern country some wise men see a new star, one that heralds
a new king. They leave home and set out with only the star to guide them, and
their faith to reassure them that Someone special is waiting at the end of their
journey.
All these travellers must have wondered what really lay ahead. Nothing was fully
understood, carefully planned for, or safe. They all travelled with questions and
uncertainties. But God had come unexpectedly into their lives, and suddenly they
were given new roles to serve Him. Despite worldly circumstances that could have
crushed them, they stood firm and trusted God all the way.
These travellers’ tales tell us that God may suddenly enter into our familiar, or this
year, unfamiliar circumstances. He may come in surprising ways, to prompt us into
new avenues of service. At first His call on us may be uncomfortable and
challenging.
If our response is anything like Joseph, Mary, the shepherds and wise men – to be
obedient to His call in serving, witnessing and worshipping, we shall be greatly
blessed and rewarded.
We are all on life’s journey. If we travel with God, He will be faithful and lead us
to His heavenly Home.
15Something for the children… 16
Crossword corner – Ans P27
Across
1. Rely (Psalm 62:7) (6)
4. ‘He stretches out the heavens like a —,
and spreads them out like a tent to live in’
(Isaiah 40:22) (6)
7. What the dove carried the olive leaf in,
when it returned to Noah’s ark (Genesis
8:11) (4)
8. Annoy (1 Samuel 1:6) (8)
9. Judah’s last king, who ended his days as
a blind prisoner in Babylon (Jeremiah
52:11) (8)
13. ‘They all — and were satisfied’ (Luke
9:17) (3)
16. Eliphaz the Temanite was one; so was
Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite (Job 2:11; 16:2) (4,9)
17. National Association of Evangelicals (of the USA) (1,1,1)
19. Popular song for New Year’s Eve, Auld — — (4,4)
24. Able dock (anag.) (8)
25. The number of stones David chose for his confrontation with Goliath (1 Samuel
17:40) (4)
26. Elgar’s best-known ‘Variations’ (6)
27. Soak (Isaiah 16:9) (6)
Down
1. Money owing (Deuteronomy 15:3) (4)
2. Conciliatory (Titus 3:2) (9)
3. ‘Do this, whenever you — it, in remembrance of me’ (1 Corinthians 11:25) (5)
4. A group assisting in the governance of the Roman Catholic Church (5)
5. One of the gifts Joseph’s brothers took with them on their second journey to
Egypt (Genesis 43:11) (4)
6. ‘Reach out your hand and — — into my side. Stop doubting and believe’ (John
20:27) (3,2)
10. Be outstandingly good (2 Corinthians 8:7) (5)
11. ‘What — — that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?’
(Psalm 8:4) (2,3)
12. Horse’s feet (Judges 5:22) (5)
13. Notice (Deuteronomy 17:4) (9)
14. Comes between 2 Chronicles and Nehemiah (4)
15. One of Israel’s northern towns conquered by Ben-Hadad (1 Kings 15:20) (4)
18. Narnia’s Lion (5)
20. One of the two rivers in which Naaman would have preferred to wash (2 Kings
5:12) (5)
21. Avarice—one of the evils that come from inside people (Mark 7:22) (5)
22. Knight Grand Cross of St Michael and St George (1,1,1,1)
23. Jacob’s first wife (Genesis 29:23) (4)
17PESTWATCH - SQUIRRELS This is the time of year for squirrels; they can be seen everywhere frantically burying their nuts in the gardens to see them over the cold winter months. Someone told me that squirrels are just rats with great PR! This much is true. There is nothing more endearing than watching squirrel Nutkins frolic across the fence and admire their acrobatics, however when squirrels get into our homes, especially our loft spaces, their need to keep blunting their incisors constantly (they never stop growing) can lead to them chewing through everything including electric cables and just generally sounding like they are tap dancing wearing clogs to the rooms immediately below. So, here are some tips for a squirrel free loft this winter. * Cut back all tree branches around your property, squirrels can jump approx. 2m to get to a roof of choice. * Remove trellis and ivy from the walls of your house, this is like a climbing frame for squirrels and rats, don’t make it easy for them. * Block all gaps and entrances around your loft space, fill gaps and entrance holes with wedged mesh or metal plates. Wood is too easy for squirrel’s strong incisors to gnaw through. * Remove all food, leave the bird feeder for a while or ensure the area is kept clear and bird food bought indoors at night. * For tree protection, close fitting metal sheets can be bought to protect them from the insistent gnawing. If you need advice about squirrel control/prevention please do not hesitate to call Ali at The Pest Project on 01929 775029 or 07712 737346 for a free chat. Book Review - Free at Last By Asia Bibi, Authentic Here is the remarkable story of the woman who refused to renounce her faith and unwittingly became the global symbol of the fight against religious extremism. After drinking water from the same glass as a Muslim woman, Asia Bibi, a Christian, was sentenced to hang by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in 2010 on charges of blasphemy. Bibi's case polarised all of Pakistan and mobilised international support from across the globe, including politicians, journalists, and countless organisations. For nine long years, Bibi awaited death in prison until she was formally acquitted in January 2019. Now a political exile, Bibi is reunited with her family in the West, but she will never be allowed to return to her homeland. 18
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