Nether Heyford Baptist Church – November 2020

Nether Heyford Baptist Church

nether-heyford-baptist-chapel-april2020

Morning services have now re-started and comply with the current government and Baptist guidelines.

We are meeting in the Baptist rooms, holding shorter services and would be pleased to welcome you. (with some restriction on numbers)

Services for November:
November 1st 10.30am Morning worship led by Clive Leakey
~~November 8th 10.30am Remembrance service led by Les Britten~~
~~November 15th 10.30am Morning worship led by Wendy Manley~~
~~November 22nd 10.30am Morning worship led by Les Britten~~
~~November 29th 10.30 am Communion service led by Martin Buckby~~

All welcome

Thanks to all who contributed to our Harvest service last month – the cash collection raised £88 and this together with the collection meant we were able to send £230 to Operation Agri for Malawi. Gifts to the Hope Centre were also much appreciated.

It was only earlier this month that I realised the significance and the reoccurrence of the “number three” in my life:-

I had 3 siblings, I was born on the 3rd of the month, my earliest memory is of when I was 3, I was married on the 3rd of the month, I have 3 grandsons and two of these boys were born on the 3rd of the month.

The number 3 is a significance to me from the scriptures

The trinity being 3
Perhaps the best known verse in The Bible is from chapter 3 of John’s gospel
There were 3 crosses – we are told in The Bible that “there were others crucified with him – one to the left and one on his right” – so Jesus was in the middle
And a verse in Revelation chapter 3 remains significantly special to me as I will detail later

It started to make me think of some of the most special and significant people in my life and of course there are many more than 3 – but if I was asked to name 3 the following would be high in priority

1 My pap
My upbringing was difficult, damaging and dysfunctional – but my pap was a rock on which I stood and found comfort during the times of uncertainly and chaos. At the age of 15 and having returned to attending chapel in Duston my pap, many years after he had stopped going to church began attending with me. I remember so well, us walking to chapel when he stopped, and getting his breath, said to me, Martin, and quoted a well known hymn, Martin,

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand;
all other ground is sinking sand.

I believe that he acknowledged his need for faith, accepted the promise given and
confirmed where his hope rested.

2 Ward Sister at St Crispin Hospital
I was first introduced to St Crispin Hospital when during my final year at school and not “in an academic stream preparing for exams” I was given the opportunity to start volunteering at St Crispin Hospital – I was 15 years old. I loved it and after leaving school and working for Civil’s supermarket in Kettering Road I continued my voluntary role at weekends. This ward sister, with whom I kept in touch with until her passing last year was a most significant influence in my life – she taught me so much, encouraged me so much, corrected me so much – but her greatest influence was her example which remains her legacy on my life. I often say, we all have the opportunity in life to leave a legacy for good and those who follow the path of faith, also a legacy for God.

3 A Christian
After returning to chapel I remember attending a Christian Rally at Duke Street Gospel Hall – it was the 2nd October 1971 and the man who led the service, an evangelist, spoke from Revelation chapter 3 verse 20, Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

He quoted this well known poem which I have often recalled:

It was Christmas 1939 that King George VI echoed words of Minnie Louise Haskins:

“I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely to into the unknown.’ And he replied , ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than the light and safe than a known way!’ So I went forth and finding the hand of God, trod gladly into the night.”

It was a call to trust God. The way ahead was incredibly dark. No one knew where it would lead. But those words speak of one that walks with us, of one who leads us through the night. We can still rest in that light, love and trust today as we experience the journey through life.

So it was on the 3rd October this year on which I began my 50th year as a Christian. What has that journey been like? Tough and challenging at times? – yes, wonderfully good? – definitely, known of failure? oh yes, but God is gracious in his forgiveness and restoration. I have realised again and again that until we expose ourselves to faith we will never experience the importance, impact and influence of faith in and on our lives.

Thank you.

Martin

(On behalf of the fellowship at The Chapel on the Green)

For more information visit the Nether Heyford Baptist Chapel page.

Letters: Netball & Basketball Court

I am saddened to report yet more tyre mark damage to our lovely netball and basketball court. Please remind family members that the court is not to be used for cycling stunts and skateboarding. There is a big sign CLEARLY stating this at the court. Also if your kids are coming down on their bikes whilst football games etc are on please can they not go on the court whilst you are playing your game.

Thank you.

From Nether Heyford Netball Club

The Prattler – November 2020

The Prattler is run by an active voluntary committee comprising of Sue Boutle, Christine Watts, Vicki Hamblin, Jez Wilson, Nick Essex, Richard Musson and Mary Rice. If you would like to submit articles or have any suggestions for future issues, please contact us.

The newspaper is supported by donations from the Parish Council, the Parish Church, the Baptist Church, Heyford W.I., Heyford Gardening Club, Heyford Singers, the Bowls Club, the Village Hall and Heyford Picturedrome as well as our advertisers.

Thanks are also due to the volunteers who distribute it every month.

Village Hall – News – November 2020

With the redecoration of the main hall completed, the next project is to improve the rear wall of the stage. We have planned the work for minimal impact on users, but for a short while there may be rather more dirt and dust around the stage area than is usual. However, when this is finished, we shall once again have a village hall to be proud of – such a pity that so few people can enjoy it at present.

However, the re-opening of the hall as Covid-19 Secure in September has allowed Pilates, Yoga, Cha Cha Chimps, Martial Arts and craft groups to return to their regular meetings. We are grateful to them all for following the Covid-19 Secure procedures.

Our website www.netherheyfordvillagehall.org has been in use for several months now. Website traffic has increased again and several new enquiries for hire of the hall are in discussion – potentially, good news for the future.

Light at the end of the tunnel – although the tunnel keeps getting longer – for us all.

Just keep smiling…

Alwyne Wilson – 01327 340803

Chairman, Village Hall Management Committee

Letters: ‘Walk of Hope’ fundraiser for the charity Brain Tumour Research

On Saturday 26 September 2020, my mother, Janet Haynes, my daughter, Emily Stroman and I took part in the Virtual Walk of Hope raising valuable funds for Brain Tumour Research.

I was inspired to take part after my Mum and her two sisters were all diagnosed with brain tumours and tragically in May this year my Auntie Lesley (Bushell) passed away.

At the time of writing, we have raised £1,270 surpassing our target. We would like to thank everyone who kindly donated to this very worthwhile cause and if you would like to make a donation please go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sally-stroman

Thank you.

Sally Stroman, 11 Winston Close, Nether Heyford

The Story of Heyford (Extra): Dear Diary – November 1958

November 1958

Dear Diary,

It’s another lovely morning. Not much left in dad’s veggie patch now summer’s over, just boring green vegetables like cabbage and brussels. It all has to be picked at the right time, vegetables to store in the pantry, fruit to bottle and onions to hang in the barn. We can see his Army influence in the garden, all the vegetables and the flowers in straight lines, like they are on parade, but he’s got so much to look after and he’s very proud of it. Mum’s preparing dinner. I love the first course of Yorkshire pudding with gravy but have to show willing with the main course of meat and vegetables after she’s gone to the trouble of preparing them. Could be rice pudding for afters if we have plenty of milk.

On November 5th some of us made a Guy Fawkes, dressed it in old clothes, put it in an old pram and pushed it round the village with a sign saying “penny for the guy”. Some people were kind enough to give us 1d for some sparklers but it was fun anyway.

We didn’t get a family summer holiday this year, which I wasn’t surprised at, not many families go away. I did get a treat though when I went on a day trip by train to London with my friend Jane. We visited Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. We didn’t see the queen though. We forgot to let her know we were coming.

We’ve got a telly now and I like to watch Crackerjack. The TV came from Radio Rentals and we pay for it weekly but it’s great fun for us all and it’s on until about 10 o’clock. They then play The National Anthem, a bit like they do at the cinema, except nobody stands up at home. I still like listening to the wireless on a Saturday morning though, with Children’s Choice and Uncle Mac, who always says “Hello Children everywhere”. They have some smashing songs on and I know them all. There’s Tubby The Tuba, A Four-Legged Friend and The Ugly Duckling.

The old Bricklayers Arms on the canal bridge has been sold to a coal merchant. That’s another pub that bites the dust. The Wharf opposite was also a pub at one time called The Boat but that was before the First World War. They say we used to have several pubs in Heyford, now we only have 2. None of them could have done much trade in such a small village though. I think The Old Sun and The Foresters Arms are here to stay. Sometimes my family catch the bus to Daventry, have a drink in the pub near the bus terminus, then come back on the same one. It’s good because it goes through all the little villages. The Railway at Daventry which runs to Leamington Spa is closing to passengers. I’ve never been on it myself. I think it will still be open for freight for a while.

I’ve joined the choir. There are quite a lot of us, maybe 6 girls, 6 boys, 6 warbling women and 6 growling men. We walk to the choir stalls by the altar from the vestry at the back, like in Noah’s Ark, 2 x 2. I enjoy the services and the singing except when we have to learn a special anthem. They are hard to learn, pretty tuneless and the congregation look bored because they can’t join in. Still, it’s not every week. The church looked beautiful in October for Harvest Festival with flowers everywhere and children brought along fruit and vegetables grown in their garden or allotment. On Remembrance Sunday, the nearest one to 11th, the choir will walk to the War Memorial after the service to remember those who died in the two World Wars, and we have 2 minutes silence. Rehearsals will then start for the Carol concert at Christmas. Roll on.

Polly

Letter published in The Prattler – November edition 2020

Nether Heyford Tennis Club – November 2020

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Nether Heyford Tennis Club – 2020 Tournament results

Mixed Doubles – Frances Dickson and Andy Lawrence
Men’s Doubles – Gavin Wright and Ian Brodie
Ladies Doubles – Jo Ellison and Lynne Adams

Would you like to come and try out our new courts?

Please get in touch if you would like to come along and play.

Coaching – Adults – Saturday mornings
Beginners 9.00 am
Improvers 10.00 am

Free Friday Tennis – half term – 10.00 am – 3.00 pm

NEW to the tennis club in November – WALKING TENNIS

This is a slowed down version of the traditional game. Who is it for – anyone! No membership or tennis skills required.

Benefits: Playing walking tennis can bring real benefits, aside from the physical health gains, players benefit from the boost of being outdoors with the mental health benefits of exercise, interaction with others, and a sense of achievement of developing new skills.

Starting Monday 16th November – 10.30 am to 11.30 am and then the three following Mondays at Nether Heyford Tennis Courts. Sessions will continue after this if there is demand. Equipment will be provided and there will be no charge for these 4 sessions.

For further information and to book a space please contact Jo using the details below.

For further information – please find us on Facebook or contact Jo on 01327 349094 / 07749 822016

Email: jodickson@btinternet.com

Website: clubspark.lta.org.uk/NetherHeyfordTennisClub

Full facilities and location details can be found on our Nether Heyford Tennis Club page.

Heyford Amblers – Children in Need Walk October 2020

Heyford Amblers

NetherHeyfordAmblers

On Sunday 11th October Heyford Amblers walked to Flore and back in aid of Children In Need. It was glorious weather and we spoke to fishermen, boaters, dog walkers, football supporters and horse riders along the way, also enjoying the morning sun. There were 15 of us socially distancing along the canal towpath and back through Heyford Mill. We all contributed a fiver, as did some who couldn’t join us, and we have sent off our donation of £100.

We look forward to meeting up again but can’t be sure when that will be.

Mick & Shirley Collins

Nether Heyford W.I. – November 2020

One thing that this enforced break has done for many of us is to bring us more up to date with technology! Earlier in October the Nether Heyford branch of the WI, alongside other branches in the country, had to hold their A.G.M. and, after consulting our members about meeting face to face, it was decided that we would hold a Zoom meeting. Sometimes we complain that technology is taking over our lives but this was a lovely way to see people again with the business part of the evening ending with the usual laughter!

A few days before the meeting each member was sent a card from Pat Essery, our President, and a bag of yellow narcissus bulbs. These are for us to plant, take a photo and to bring to a meeting in the spring (we hope!) We will endeavour to bring our Spring Garden into the Village Hall.

We are hoping to use Zoom again before Christmas; so, Ladies, watch this space, and also that we may be able to have just a small ‘distanced’ gathering to mark our 90th Birthday. We have decided to delay our main celebration until next year. I know I speak for all the Committee when I say that we miss our evening meetings and that we hope we will all be able to meet up soon.

Mary Rice – Heyford Lodge, Church Lane – 01327 340101

Allotment News – November 2020

Still much to do
There is a feeling at this time of the year that everything is finished on the allotment. The last tomatoes have been picked and any green ones are now ripening on a windowsill. The bean frames are leaning over at an alarming angle and any pods that have clung on are turning brown. The flowers that once grew amongst our veg have either faded or are, like the condemned man, awaiting the first frost. It can seem like gloom and doom arrives with the month of November. The poet Thomas Hood had this feeling when he wrote:

No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds, –
November!

But I’m having none of that. If we look around us there is still so much to be done and, more importantly, so much that the allotment can give us in return.

We are currently using the empty beds to store winter hardy plants for next spring’s bedding – Wallflowers, Sweet Williams, Foxgloves and Marigolds. The green manure that we sowed as we lifted our potatoes and onions has grown vigorously and now gives our soil a warm blanket of green that will be dug in as the winter progresses. The compost we have nurtured all summer will be spread over the soil that is bare and any crops we still have in the ground like leeks and parsnips will be harvested with extra relish in the dark months ahead.

Alan Jenkins in his wonderful book Plot 29 says that he visits his allotment as to an elderly relative and is dutiful, loyal. I think of it as a friend who still needs me when the winter sun is low. The truth, of course, is that it is me who has the need – to nurture, to walk through memories. To grow.

Maintenance
As you will be aware if you have visited the allotments over the past year, the plots are in a good state of repair. They have been well tended, pathways have been mown and lots of produce has been grown. And how lovely to see so many flowers being cultivated amongst all that fruit and veg. However, there will be some basic maintenance tasks to carry out over the winter, including covering plots for new owners to take on in the new year. We are also keen to tidy up the area by the Watery Lane entrance so that it does not become a dumping ground but a space where manure or compost could be delivered. We are also keen to carry out some work on the large shed by the orchard, improving storage and strengthening the structure. If you are able to assist in any of these tasks we would love to hear from you and will be publishing details of when we will be starting work in the coming months.

Our thanks goes to all those people who have helped with the upkeep of the allotments over the past year, whether that be giving of time and labour so generously or donating equipment for general use. Your support is appreciated.

The Orchard
Our fruit trees have grown really well this year and the area we planted up just two years ago is beginning to look like a real orchard. I would like to think that this time next year we will be picking fruit and asking you to share in our bounty. Basic tree maintenance will continue in the winter and early spring.

Wildlife
Dave Musson has been keeping readers of the Prattler fully informed of developments in the wildlife area with his monthly articles, so suffice to say that the bio diversity that he and Mark and Mary Newstead have helped create in that area has enhanced what we on the allotments do, day in, day out. That is something we all benefit from.

Equipment
A range of equipment is available for allotment holders to borrow when working on the allotment site; this includes mowers, rotavators, wheelbarrows, brooms and watering cans. Many people will own some or all of the above, but for those who wish to get access to such equipment, please contact Lynda Eales (01327 341707) or Mike Langrish langrish_heyford@hotmail.com (01327 341390). We can ensure that you get the equipment you require at a mutually convenient time.

Allotment Holders
If you are considering growing your own fruit and veg, act quickly by contacting Lynda Eales on 01327 341707. We have a few vacant plots but at least five local residents who are keen to begin allotmenting. Rent night will be held in January – more details in the next edition of the Prattler. It is hoped that by then we can reallocate vacant plots so that everyone is able to benefit from this wonderful village resource.

Mike Langrish

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