ALL SAINTS' VILLAGE NEWS LETTER No. 76
December 1973.
THE RECTOR'S LETTER
My dear Friends,
How very welcome Christmas is. A tremendous bright light of happiness
in the middle of so much darkness, gr^ed, selfishness and envy. This year
particularly we ought to welcome the great festival with all we can contribute
to its joy. We remember the Angel's words "behold I bring you tidings of great
joy which shall be to all people". .
That means each of us - you and I.
I hope everyone of you will come and worship the Child Jesus on Christmas
Day. Remember we come to church to give not to get, and as we give our worship
and adoration so we bring others to know the great gift of love which God gave
the world on this great occasion.
Yours sincerely,
Allan Campbell
DEDICATIONS AT ALL SAINTS'
On Sunday, 25th November, before the Service of Holy Communion, the Rector
dedicated two very beautiful and useful additions to the Church.
In his introductory remarks, the Rector said it had been a laudable custom
of the Christian Church for worshippers to give gifts of beauty and usefulness
to the Church in thankfulness, gratitude and remembrance of occasions or people
in their lives. These gifts are held in trust by the Church and beautify and
enrich our worship.
He then dedicated the new Sanctuary paving in memory of Muriel Margaret
Malyan and two beautifully carved oak Communicants' Kneeling Stools in memory
of Agnes Mary Allinson. - .
It was a happy occasion when we welcomed Miss Malyan's cousin. Mrs. Harvey,
and Miss Allinson's two sisters who had journeyed from Windsor. They were
welcomed- and thanked by the Rector.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES' ' :
Christmas Eye. 11.30 p.m. Holy Communion at St. Mary's
Christmas Day. 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion at St. Mary's
9.00 a.m. Family Communion at All Saints-'
10.00 a.m. ' Carol Service at .St. Mary's
1 : ' -.,
-•THE..'CHURCH COMMISSIONERS
A leaflet describing some things they do
Pastoral reorganisation. ' • ' • ' • „
The rather forbidding term "pastoral organisation" means simply the
administrative areas into which the Church of England is divided. These consist
at present of 2 provinces, 43 dioceses 107 archdeaconries, 750 rural deaneries
and 14>000 parishes. '' .' • ' ' •'-• - •'• -'• •
Until the 18th Century, while movement wag restricted to walking or using
hors.es, the ordinary church-goer's horizon was, limited to his own parish church. ,
But with'the Industrial Revolution in the 19th Century, and the coming'of. railways,
motor-cars and motor-buses, cities began to grow, villages became towns, and the
population shifted, It is still shifting_but.nowadays at a much faster.pace.
It is obvious, therefore, that with the years the areas of division have
needed'to be altered, most frequently by amalgamation of parishes.' Because the
Church of England is "thc: Established'Church" legal processes are necessary and
ensure that all concerned are consulted on any such alterations 5 this is provided
for in the Pastoral Measure, which took the place of earlier legislation on •
1 April 1969.
The Commissioners do not initiate proposals for these changes. This is
done locally by the diocese*.. But the Commissioners have the task of putting
the proposals into legal form and, if anyone objects, of investigating the
matter and deciding whether the proposals as they stand should go forward to be
confirmed by Her Majesty in Council. To do this with understanding, some of- the
Commissioners, clergy and laity, and their staff may visit" tire • parishes "to- see -••-
the situation for themselves and. to. discuss .the proposals with those who are
unhappy about them... ...• . . . . . . . ... ;
The various stages in the process may appear to be elaborate. But this
is deliberate because insufficient consultation and'hasty decision-making may
cause long-standing resentment and injury to the Church and Its work. : . -.
It.may.be of interest that in,the last four years some 1,050 matters, of \
pastoral reorganisation have been completed.
Redundant, churches. . . . . . . . . .
A number of churches are no longer required for worship and become
redundant. The future of every such church is of vital interest and importance,
not only to Church people, and the Commissioners are responsible for making
the 'final decision between putting the building to a suitable new use,.transferring
it for preservation to the Redundant'Churches Fund, which receives grants
for the purpose from the Commissioners and the Government, or demolitionl
A large proportion of the Church of England's 17,000 places of worship
are interesting historically or architecturally. The Commissioners :are-fidv-iBed ••
on the historic and architectural qualities of the building_ by an indepent body,,
the Advisory Board for Redundant Churches. The Commissioners make proposal -foreach
redundant church' and must conside.r .any representations which may be receaved
from parishioners, other interested..parties-or the general^ public
Since 1 April 1969, 262 churches have been dealared redundant. So far
suitable uses have been found for 69 of these, 22 have been transferred to the
Redundant Churches Fund and demolition has been authorised in 49 cases.
2
Parsonage houses and Glebe. ., .......
The Commissioners do not own parsonage houses but they are involved when old
ones have to be sold or modernised or new ones bought or built. During the year
to 31 March 1973, they approved 95 schemes for building new parsonsgesc 693
alteration schemes, 53 purchases and 167 sales, after considering any objections
received.
Each rector and vicar ought to have a suitable house in which to live,
remembering that, as well as being his home it is a place in which he does much
of his work. It needs to be neither too large nor too small, comfortable and
labour-saving. In 1953 dioceses- estimated that some 4,000 houses were unsuitable.
Twenty years later the number of unsuitable houses was estimated to be 1,500 and
the Commissioners have launched a special scheme to finance a programme of dealing
with these houses as an urgent matter. .
Land or other property given by past benefactors for the endowment of a
"benefice" - that: is, the freehold office of a rector or vicar - is known as
"glebe". This is owned by, the rector or vicar., not by the Commissioners, but
the Commissioners have a duty to consent before it can be sold or leased. During
tho year to 31 March 1973, 414 sales and 65 leases were completed.
Three Committees of the Commissioners are responsible for carrying
out these dutiess the Pastoral Committee, the Redundant Churches
Committee and the Houses Committee. A considerable proportion of
the Commissioners' staff, both administrative and professional,, is
engaged on the day-to-day work involved •>
* • * • • * • * # • • * # • * • * • # • • * *
VILLAGE HALL ' . ...
At a meeting of tho Village Hall. Cominittoe on the 19th November, it was
reported that on the recommendation of the Fire Service, a switch had been:fit-ted
to the battery system which provided emergency lighting to the notices marked
"EXIT" in the case of a breakdown of the.main source of power.
ALL USERS OF THE HALL ARE REMINDED THAT THIS SWITCH, CLEARLY MARKED
NEXT TO THE SWITCH CONTROLLING THE HEATING SYSTEM, MUST BE SWITCHED
ON TO ALLOW THE NOTICES MARKED "EXITS" TO BE ILLUMINATED DURING THE
HOURS 0? DARKNESS. .. :
' The Committee received a splendid preliminary Report from the sub-committee
considering the idea of. lining the roof to save heat and looked forward to a
final recommendation.
On account of the current situation as regards petrol, it was reluctantly
decided to postpone the Whist Drive which was to be held on the 5"th December.
CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR MAGILA
Very many thanks for generous gifts to this fund. A cheque for £10 has
been posted to Sister Edith Frances and the pleasure at its receipt will certainly
be equalled by the children's delight. .
They will have an exciting Christmas»
3
HOLY BAPTISM
We welcome all those newly baptised at-All Saints' into the fellowship
of Christ's Church.. ;
October 20th Neil Hector Harben Valentine
November 24th Thomas Patrick Panton
DEATH .' , "'
Regretfully the death is reported of Alfred' E° Williamson on the 25th
October. He was always ready to assist the Church's functions and deep
sympathy is extended to his widow and family.
NOTES FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL - ' -
Parishioners will have noticed that the outside of the Parish Room has
recently, been repainted. What is not so obvious from the outside is -th?t the
internal walls have also been painted, and. thanks to some of the ladies of
the Village - the Misses Boston/Mrs. Grind ley and Mrs. Stevens - there are now
some bright curtains to make the Room more attractive. Thanks are also due to
Mr. Nicholls who put up the new curtain rails, with the help of Mr. Stevens,
w h o also cleaned all t h e paintwork.. • • . ' . .
This has been a real.community effort.by Villagers to improve the Village
Room and the Council would very much like to'see this Room put to greater use.
¥ith the installation of electric power points,, more adequate heating is possible.
Through the generosity of the Chiltern Society, to which the Parish Council
is affiliated, several clumps of daffodil bulbs have been planted at suitable
points in the Village. These will make most attractive splashes of colour
next Spring which we shall appreciate»
HOME. SAFETY
During the second half of November a campaign was conducted in Amersham
and Wycombe in conjunction with the local Pharmaceutical Committee towards the
return to chemists' shops of all unused and unwanted pills, capsules, tablets
and medicines. Coupled with this was a competition for school children to make
up a slogan pointing out the danger of leaving such medicines lying about.
There were a good many entries, several coming from Coleshill, and ten were
chosen as being worthy of a prize.
Old drugs are a potential danger to all - particularly young children.
Last year, 25,000 patients under five were admitted to hospitals in England
and Wales suffering from the effects of accidental poisoning, 25 of these died.
Elderly people are sometimes unsure which bottle of medicine has been
prescribed, for what illness. There can be no danger from unused medicines
which have been destroyed.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU NEVER KEEP OLD DRUGS LYING ABOUT-. ESPECIALLY • -
IF THERE -ARE -CHILDREN OR ELDERLY PEOPLE IN YOUR HOME. -
OXFAM • ' • . ' • ' - . - • .
Amersham now has a permanent Oxfam shop located at 105 Sycamore Road.
If anyone has any saleable goods, could they please take them to the shop or
contact Mrs. Richardson, Amersham 6670.4
"THE HOLLOW GROWN;: • • • • • • • - - • • • • ••
The newly formed Coleshill Village Drama Group (the successor of the W.I.
Drama Group) made its debut in the Coleshill Village Hall on the. evenings of
9th and 10th November with an excellent production "The Hollow Crown". .
Large audiences on both evenings witnessed s very varied unusual and amusing
programme of drama, mime, dancing snd "readings" from the writings of famous folk
on episodes in the lives of some of England's best-known Kings and Queens.
Miss Patsy Wright-Warren, the producer, is to be congratulated on a first
rate production which was particularly noteworthy for its slick timing, really
splendid costumes, clever staging which included a wonderful four foot crown
shown in the first and last scenes, and the sensitive acting of the performers, :
set off by delightful contemporary music and songs.
Without detracting in any way from the excellent performances of the other
actors, perhaps those stand out in the memory were 'The Ballad of Henry II and
Queen Eleanor'(Dora Post), Henry VII's 'Secret Memorandum to Naples' (Hugh Jones),
Mary Tudor's speech denouncing Sir Thomas Wyatt's rebellion on her proposed
marriage to Philip of Spain (Daphne Farmer), the ageing Queen Elizabeth being
"importuned with love" (Elizabeth Harvey)s Fanny Burney being questioned about :
the Arts by George I'll'(Rita Rann), Charles I's "Trial and Execution" and
Sir Belvedere in the Excalibur scene (Stephen Hichens), and Ann Chenevix-Trench
as jonng Victoria describing her Coronation.
Impressive also wore the extremely able performances of Denys Jones and
Hugh Jones in their varied roles. :
The children with their dances and mime were natural and delightful and
gave the impression of enjoying their parts as greatly as did thoir audiences.
Casts Ann Chenevix-Trench, Daphne Farmer, Elizabeth Harvey Helen Hichens,
Stephen Hiciv.as, Sandy Hutcheon, Denys Jones, Hugh Jones, Dora Post.
Riti Rann, Aleida Vince.,
Childrens Caroline .Bowler, Leon Brown, Eileen Davis, Susannah Davis,
Aivna Hc-;uburgh-Porter, Michael Mcholls, David Ruffettj
Clunent Sch^ffelaar, Bei.,1 Smith, Colin Smith, Jane Swerling,
Melanlo Wo Her-
Stage Manager •- S;Tb:'."•. Boston«
Wardrobe Mistress - Pat Jifciblow assisted by Cr.rol Easton.
Lighting: - Pl'igh Jonos assisted by boys from the Pembroke School.
Sound Record:!.na: - .Richard Farmnr.
•';
Tho Drama Grcap also uis'i to thank all those who hclpod behind the
scenes- and in fron b o.C the house ? and x-fith refresb/.iGnts.
After expenses, the Drama Group wore able to forward a very nice cheque
to the Village Hall to go towards the fund to reduce the loan in connection
with the heating system..
1st COLE3HILL GUIDE COMPANY
On the 5th November, the District "Commissioner enrolled eight Guides and
presented Patrol Leaders stripes to Susan Ware, Snowdrop Patrol, Amanda.Rees
Kingfisher Patrol. She also presented a second stripe to Mandy Reavey, Snowdrop,
and Lee Speller,.Kingfisher. The Patrol Leaders are elected by the Company and
the seconds chosen by the Patrol Leaders. . The ceremony was watched by parents
and the Brown Owls from the 1st Coleshill and 2nd Amersham-on-the-Hill-Brownie
Guide Packs.
On Sunday, 11th November, we attended the Remembrance Service and later
with the-.Brownies planted Mulberry Trees on Coleshill and Winchmore Kill Commons.
On Monday, 10th December, together with the Brownies, we are holding a
Bring and Buy Sale in the Village Hall at 6.15 P>rn« for funds for the new hostel
for paraplegics at Stoke Mandevillo. Please support our efforts.
On Sunday, 23 December, we hope to go carol singing at Coleshill House
together with the Brownies at 3 p.m.
: ' H.S.M.C.
BROWNIE NOTES -
-Since I last wrote, we have acquired a helper, Mrs. Eyres, and we are truly
grateful for her help and sincerely hope she will continue to come, when she is
able to, for a long time to come.
On November 10th, a party of Brownies, one Guide, one-mother - Mrs. Dowson,
Tawny Owl and I went to Guide Headquarters. ¥e had a tour round and pocket money
was spent in the shop. ¥e had a picnic lunch in St. James' Park, saw the pigeons
in Trafalgar Square and also a small visit to the National Gallery.
11 Brownies have passed their Safety in the Home Badge, thst number includes
3 seven year olds, 2 Brownies have their Writer's Badge and one her Thrift Badge,
and one her Knitters Badge. We end this term on the 10th December with a Bring
and Buy Sale together with the Guides. Please come - details under Guide notes.
Next term starts 14th January.
P.So Owing to the transfer of a Brownie and one recruit, we now have 2 vacancies.
G.R.
COLESHILL W.I. A.G.M.
Not always a popular occasion, Coleshill Women's Institute had a good
attendance for their Annual Mooting on 9th November.
The Secretary's report, clear and comprehensive, was followed by the
President^ report. Mrs. Ovington thanked her very able Secretary, Mrs. Powe11-
Price and the Committee for their loyal work during her year and bade us all
remember the good things of life are free and what W.I. friendship can and should
moan to us. She then left the Chair.
After Mrs. Browne's brief but very appreciative remarks ^and thanks to the
President for her leadership during the past year, the now Committee, headed by
Mrs. Ovington as President, Mrs. Powcll-Price as Hon Secretary and Mrs. Brown as
Hon. Treasurer were immediately reinstated with the exception of Mrs. Morrison
who was leaving Coleshill at tho end of the year. We shall all miss her welcoming
smile at the Register Table and her excellent and reliable co-operation whenever
needed. We wish her well in her new home. Mrs. Higgs was elected in her place.
The ¥.1. need new members and would ask particularly if the younger
generation could find the time to join them* 5
AMEHSE/iM AND CKESHAM CHORAL SOCIETY
On Wednesday, 19th December, the Amersham and Chesham" Choral Society will
hold a carol concert at the Parish Church of St. Mary's at 7.30 p.m. in aid of
charities.
ORGAN RECITAL
Most happily the Coleshill Village Drama Group have arranged with two most
eminent people, Patricia Scanlon and Ralph Davier, to give a recital in the
Village on Friday, 21st December, .and permission has been granted to use All
Saints' Church for the purpose, at 8 p.m. Music lovers can therefore look
forward to the evening with great pleasure.
Patricia Scanlon is a mezzo soprano of considerable range and dexterity
and works frequently for the BBC and at the Royal Opera House. She has given
recitals and concerts and appeared with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in the
Guildford Festival in 1971.
Ralph Davier received diplomas as organist and Master of Choristers.at
the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm. He has given innumerable recitals
throughout Scandinavia and regularly for the Nobel Prizegiving.. Ho is an expert
on organ building and last November he inaugurated a newly rebuilt organ on the
occasion of the Swedish Government's Act of Homage to H.M. King Gustaf VI on
his 90th birthday.
Admission will be by programme 75P available froms
The Reverend Allan Campbell M.A. Beaumont, Hervines Road., Amersham
Tels 7135.
Mrs. Elizabeth Harvey, 1 Amber Cottages.
Mrs. A. Chenevix-Trench, Windmill Farm.
Tel:
Tel:
3274
5439
December F'O—R—T—H—C—O•MI—N—G— —•E—V•E—N—T—S
¥od. 5th Coffee Morning, The Windmill, 10.30 a.m. in aid of the Chiltern
Samaritans.
Mon. 10th Brownie's Bring and Buy Stall, Village Hall, 6.15 P«m° for funds
for the new hostel for paraplegics at Stoke landevilie.
Thur. 13th Mobile Library Van, Coleshill.
¥.1. Christinas Party
Fri. 21st Organ Recital,; All Saints'
Mon. 24th CHRISTMAS EVE
Tue. 25th CHRISTMAS DAY
Thur. 27th Mobile Library Van, Coleshill
Sun. 30th Carol Service, All Saints' 3-00 p.m.
Next Mothers' Union Meeting - Thursday 17th January 1974°
At the home of Mrs. Douglas Pusey.
7
THE PARISH OP AMERSHAM WITH CGLJ<SELLL
Rectors The Reverend Alien Campbell M.A. (Cantab)
Beaumont, Hervines Road, Amersham. (Tel. 7135)
ST. MARY'S PARISH CHURCH, AMERSEAM
Sunday Services: 8.00 a.m. HOLY CQMMONION
10.00 a.m. Children's Service - 1st Sunday in the
Christmas Eve 11.30 p.m. Holy Communion
Christmas Day 8.00 a.m. Hcly Communion
10.00 a.m. Carol Service
11.00 a.m. MATTINS
6.00 p.m. Evensong '
10.00 a.m. Holy Communion
ALL SAINTS' COLESHILL
Sunday Servicess
Christraas Day
Sunday December 30th
9.00 a.m. PARISH'COMIDITIOK
10.15 a.m. Sunday School
9.00 a.m. Parish Communion
3.00'p.m. Carol Service
St. Andrew's Mission Church, 1?inchmore Hill
2nd and 4th Sundays 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion
Christmas Day No Service
month this service is
Holy Communion
Series III
Pro-Churchwardens s N.I;. Nicholls, Orchard House (Tel, 6734)
D. Powell-Price, Coleshill Lodge (Tel. 3949)
A.M.V. Pan ton, Wallers Oak ('Tel. 6183)
Mrs. J. Dryden, 14 Woodside Close, Amexsham. (Tel. 3449)
Monday Evenings in,..the.,Hall -at 5«30 p.m.
Thursday SVenings in Church at 7-00 p.m..
The 3^d Thursday afternoon of every month at 2,30 p.m. .
Hon. Treasurer:
Hon. Secretary;
Brownies?
Choirs
Mothers' Unions.
