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If you’re one for popular culture, just a few weeks ago it was considered ‘de rigeur’, at

dinner parties or a drink down the pub with friends, to have an opinion – not so much on

global warming, MP’s expenses, or the war in Afghanistan, but on ‘Jedward’, were you for

or against them? That dubiously talented but irrepressibly enthusiastic Irish popstar

wannabe duo, John and Edward Grimes, whose star was briefly in its ascendancy as they

took the ‘X Factor’, and the nation, by storm for a few weeks this winter. Or at any rate a

storm of controversy. The X Factor, by any measure, has become a predominant fixture of

weekend family viewing (judging by the near 20 million of the British television viewing

public who were entranced by this talent show for aspiring pop singers as it reached its

climax this month). And for a while, Jedward appeared to occupy all the X Factor head-

lines, their fresh-faced, boyish antics onstage carefully and cunningly choreographed to

detract from their questionable musicality (it would, chief judge and current pop media

legend Simon Cowell suggested, have been a disaster for the show had they won.

Yet in spite of judgments upon their performances from Cowell such as ‘that was a night-

mare, the worst performance I have ever seen!’, these two characters kept popping up,

their heads, and their hair, held high, ‘facing the music’ each week with blind but

admirable optimism. And that’s what I, and I imagine a great many people, liked about

them. One imagines John and Edward, barely more than schoolboys, one day having a

great idea, and the courage, more like audacity, to stand up to the commercially cynical

world of the pop music industry, and ‘have a go’, in their case tongue firmly in cheek.

Turning our attention for a moment away from the lure of popular culture, this present

season of Advent would bring to our attention the eccentric antics of another John, this

one the Baptist, who refused to conform to the cynicisms of his own culture, choosing

instead to critique it from without, and in so doing ‘dividing the nation’. There were those

who responded to his calls to prepare themselves and the way for something special to

come, others who dismissed him as a ‘disaster’. Yet John, in contrast to the contemporary

obsession with celebrity, was not about drawing attention to himself for himself, but for

another.

In the midst of the competing demands of life, the numerous directions in which we are

so often pulled, John’s passion was to draw us ‘Godward’, literally to be reoriented and to

find the right path to a truly fulfilling life. In the original ‘bumper sticker cliché’, he would

say ‘don’t follow me, follow Jesus’. Advent then might be for us a time to find direction. It

is, as I often say, a time of paradox and of tension, when we look both forward and back-

ward, to the ending and the beginning of the story, to the birth of Christ at Christmas,

and the ultimate coming of God’s kingdom of peace and goodwill, ‘on earth, as it is in

heaven’. Advent is a time between time, a threshold place where we stand at the end of

one and the beginning of another Church year, with four week’s grace on the new

calendar year, an opportunity to pause, reflect, and review where we are going, to reset

the spiritual compass so often magnetised by the distractions, cares and concerns of our

everyday lives, or as the heralds of glad tidings would shout, to wake up. Jedward were all

over the news for a couple of weeks, and then gone. We live, eat and breathe Christmas

for a few weeks each year, and then it too is gone. And yet the miracle and the gift at its

heart endures. Not so much Jedward, as ‘Godward’, are you for or against Him? This Christmas, may we all be drawn once again to look Godward, to the one who first came

among us not in celebrity, power and great glory, but in the still small voice of the child

born at Bethlehem.

With every blessing for a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Fr John

Letter from the Vicarage

Jedward and Godward

December 2009

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Elf & Safety Christmas Carols

Health & Safety and Equality Considerations for Christmas Songs (or what Social Services might have done on hearing of Jesus away in a manger, no crib for a bed…

While shepherds watched Their flocks by night

All seated on the ground The angel of the Lord came down

And glory shone around The union of Shepherd's has complained that it breaches health and safety regulations to insist that shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available. Shepherds have also requested that due to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year that they should watch their flocks via cctv cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts. Please note, the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his / her glory all around she / he must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and Glory.

Little donkey, little donkey

on the dusty road Got to keep on plodding onwards

with your precious load The RSPCA have issued strict guidelines with regard to how heavy a load that a donkey of small stature is permitted to carry, also included in the guidelines is guidance regarding how often to feed the donkey and how many rest breaks are required over a four hour plodding period. Please note that due to the increased risk of pollution from the dusty road, Mary and Joseph are required to wear face masks to prevent inhalation of any airborne particles. The donkey has expressed his discomfort at being labelled 'little' and would prefer just to be simply

referred to as Mr. Donkey. To comment upon his height or lack thereof may be considered an infringement of his equine rights.

We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar

Field and fountain, moor and mountain Following yonder star

Whilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable - as it may be redeemed at a later date through such organisations as 'cash for gold' etc, gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to the potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipients name or perhaps give a gift voucher. We would not advise that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of RAC route-finder or satellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey, the camels carrying the three kings of Orient will require regular food and rest breaks. Facemasks for the three kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels hooves.

Happy Christmas!

Olde Tymers Putting on the Ritz in

Hyde Heath S ome familiar faces in the Parish produced

one of the best Hyde Heath Music Halls yet

for two sell-out audiences in November. One to

catch next year!

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The Women’s Institute was formed in 1915 with two clear aims: to r e v i t a l i s e r ur a l communities and to encourage women to become more involved in producing food during

the First World War. Since t h e n o u r a i m s h a v e broadened and we are now the largest women’s organisation in the UK. We celebrated our

90th anniversary in 2005 and currently have 205,000 members in 6,500 WIs. We play a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.

Hyde Heath WI (Contact Jayne Faversham Tel 864677)

T he Annual Meeting was well attended despite torrential rain. All who attended the Group Meeting at Cholesbury last month agreed that the speaker, Rosie Bubbles, a milliner, was very entertaining. Following a delicious tea, fun was had trying on the hats and fascinators she designed. The views on last month’s walk from The Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne along the Canal and part of the Ridgeway path were particularly beautiful with the autumn colours. Ann Crook thanked everyone who had contributed to the Shoe Box Appeal last month. Four boxes had been filled. Margaret Dunn will again be running a cake stall as a friend of the Hyde Heath Primary School. Barbara Aris has arranged a visit to Anglesey Abbey Gardens in Cambridgeshire on 20th February. The cost will be £10 for the coach seat with free entry for National Trust Members or £5.20 for non-members. Following the announcements a Fun Quiz was held before a break for tea. The official part of the An-nual Meeting commenced. Margaret Sargeant gave a resume of the many and varied speakers and activi-ties that had taken place during this year. Jayne Faversham will be retiring as President having completed a successful 3 years. She said that she owed a debt of gratitude to the Committee for all their hard work and support. Jayne in turn was thanked by Margaret Dunn for her achievements during her term of office.

Barbara Aris was nominated to take over as President in 2010. Janet Forrest and Doreen White will join the committee. The New Year meeting on 14th January 2010 will include the presentation of a cheque to our charity of this year, The South Bucks Alzheimer’s Society.

Little Kingshill WI (Contact Samantha Payne Tel 865976)

L ittle Kingshill W.I. has increased its membership over the past year and we now

have 54 members. We have continued to be a very active WI, with many members taking part in a variety of activities consisting of swimming. walking, croquet, pub lunches, mini bridge and craft, plus a new addition of 10 pin bowling, which is proving to be great fun. Our monthly meetings have been well attended and we have enjoyed a diverse programme of speakers. In addition we celebrated our 90th Birthday and hosted a Group Lunch with a black and white theme. Apart from the BFWI events our social secretary has arranged a wide variety of outings including Westside Story, Highgrove, Dobbie's Garden Centre, Hidden London and The Royal Opera House. The AGM was held in the Village Hall on Thursday the 12th of November and it included a free informal lunch of soup and a ploughmans.

THEATRE RETURNS TO LITTLE MISSENDEN VILLAGE HALL!

P roduced and Directed by Annie Hamilton-Pike, the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate

Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society (FATGDS!!) proudly present their version of: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (with grateful thanks to Mr Charles Dickens). The FATGDS are an earnest group of thespians, somewhat dominated by their President, Mrs Reece! However, she has enlisted the help of Gordon Pugh to act as her stage manager (under sufferance) and 3 other members - Thelma, Mercedes and Felicity. As no other members were forthcoming (can't think why), a considerable amount of doubling, trebling and quadrupling has been necessary to fill the enormous cast list. This will not spoil your enjoyment of this timeless piece, quite the reverse in fact, with catastrophic effect and resultant mayhem. Whilst true to Mr Dickens original tale, they do go off at a tangent - on more than one occasion - to make sure the audience is thoroughly involved….

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SOLD OUT

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Local Business D

irectory

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Local Business Directory

Mrs Samantha Payne 01494 865976

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Local Business D

irectory

Local Business D

irectory

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Local Business Directory

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TT he Anglican Parish of St John the Baptist, Little Missenden remains one of England’s treasures: the unspoilt charm of the ancient village sits comfortably at the heart of the

Parish alongside the newer and growing communities of Hyde Heath and Little Kingshill. Our ancient Parish Church, which has touched the lives of generations of families for more than 1030 years, lies at the heart of the community, with community at its heart.

For more information visit www.lmchurch.org or telephone 01494 862008.

Across

1 Transportation for going over snow (4) 3 Mixture of seasoned ingredients (8) 6 Baby's bed (4) 8 Period from December 24th to January 6th (4) 9 Red-breasted bird (5) 11 Twelve days after Christmas (8) 12 Alcoholic drink normally served in a bowl (5) 13 Jolly (5) 14 News (7) 15 Goes with the turkey (9,5) 19 A type of tree used at Christmas (5) 20 The colour of Santa's hat (3) 22 ____ log; traditionally burned at Christmas (4) 23 Sanctified (6) 24 Cured leg of pork (3) 27 Christmas song (6,5) 29 Found under the Christmas tree? (8) 30 Grace (8) 31 Snow falls in this season (6) 32 Given at Christmas (4)

Down 1 Bright celestial body (4) 2 Christmas tree type (4) 3 Take aback (8) 4 No room here! (3) 5 Elvish colour (5) 6 Sweets; flavoured sugar (5) 7 Container usually found in a stable (6) 10 Beginning of life (5) 13 Amazing event (7) 14 Written after Christmas? (5,3,6) 15 Formal events (10) 16 Ring out from churches (5) 17 Accompaniment for food (5) 18 Printed or written greeting (4) 21 Month in which Christmas falls (8) 25 Nature of God (6) 26 One was born in Bethlehem (5) 28 Sweetened milk drink, with eggs and alcohol (6) 29 Pastry dish (3)

Christmas Crossword

Last Month’s solution

Sundays at St John the Baptist, Little Missenden: 8am BCP Communion, 1662 (Said);

10.30am Parish Communion (except 3rd Sunday, Morning Prayer);

6pm Choral Evensong. St Andrew’s Church, Hyde Heath:

9.15am Holy Communion (1st and 3rd Sundays)

Morning Prayer (2nd & 4th Sundays).

PARISH PRIEST The Revd John Simpson, The Vicarage, Little Missenden HP7 0RA.

office@lmchurch.org THE PARISH OFFICE

office@lmchurch.org TEL: 01494 862008 Website: www.lmchurch.org

The Parish of St John the Baptist Little Missenden, Hyde Heath and Little Kingshill

Patron: The Earl Howe

LICENSED LAY MINISTER &LICENSED LAY MINISTER &LICENSED LAY MINISTER &LICENSED LAY MINISTER & SEC. TO PCCSEC. TO PCCSEC. TO PCCSEC. TO PCC::::

Mr. Gary Beynon, , , , 20 Westfield, Hyde Heath HP6 5RE

TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 01494 774111

CHURCHWARDENS:CHURCHWARDENS:CHURCHWARDENS:CHURCHWARDENS: Mrs Marian Dickinson

The Pippins, Brays Close, Hyde Heath HP6 5RZ TELTELTELTEL: 01494 792694

Mr John Lamb Little Maple Tree, Chartridge

Chesham HP5 2TF TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 01494 784889

TREASURERTREASURERTREASURERTREASURER Mr Anthony del Tufo,

Manor Farm Cottage, North Road, Chesham Bois HP6 5NA

TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 01494 416330

STEWARDSHIP OFFICERSTEWARDSHIP OFFICERSTEWARDSHIP OFFICERSTEWARDSHIP OFFICER:::: Mr John Lamb

Little Maple Tree, Chartridge Chesham HP5 2TF TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 01494 784889

BELL RINGERSBELL RINGERSBELL RINGERSBELL RINGERS Mr Barry Cowper , TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 01494 725566

Practice - Monday 7.45 - 9.15 pm Sunday ringing - 10.00 and 5.30pm

FLOWERS:FLOWERS:FLOWERS:FLOWERS: Mrs. Margaret Washington, , , ,

Ashcroft, Little Missenden HP7 0RF TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 01494 863768

ST JOHN’S GUILDST JOHN’S GUILDST JOHN’S GUILDST JOHN’S GUILD Leader: Mrs. Dorothy Hilton,

TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 01494 862565 1st Wednesday in month except Jan and Aug – 10.30 am - Vestry

CHURCHES TOGETHERCHURCHES TOGETHERCHURCHES TOGETHERCHURCHES TOGETHER Mrs Joan Craig, TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 01494 864651

LITTLE MISSENDEN C OF E FIRST LITTLE MISSENDEN C OF E FIRST LITTLE MISSENDEN C OF E FIRST LITTLE MISSENDEN C OF E FIRST

SCHOOLSCHOOLSCHOOLSCHOOL Headmistress

Miss Julianna Hall TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 862021

HYDE HEATH INFANT SCHOOLHYDE HEATH INFANT SCHOOLHYDE HEATH INFANT SCHOOLHYDE HEATH INFANT SCHOOL Head Teacher

Mrs Julie Moulsdale TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 783835

LITTLE KINGSHILL COMBINED LITTLE KINGSHILL COMBINED LITTLE KINGSHILL COMBINED LITTLE KINGSHILL COMBINED SCHOOLSCHOOLSCHOOLSCHOOL

Headteacher: Mrs G Sutaria-Cassidy Tel 863744

MAGAZINEMAGAZINEMAGAZINEMAGAZINE

ADVERTISING:ADVERTISING:ADVERTISING:ADVERTISING: & DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION Mrs Barbara Cann

18 Brays Close Hyde Heath HP6 5RZ TEL:TEL:TEL:TEL: 783254

Lt. MISSENDEN FESTIVALLt. MISSENDEN FESTIVALLt. MISSENDEN FESTIVALLt. MISSENDEN FESTIVAL:

Mr John Buston TEL:TEL:TEL:TEL: 864686

HYDE HEATH DRAMA GROUPHYDE HEATH DRAMA GROUPHYDE HEATH DRAMA GROUPHYDE HEATH DRAMA GROUP Mrs Sylvia Brown TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 776193

VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGVILLAGE HALL BOOKINGVILLAGE HALL BOOKINGVILLAGE HALL BOOKING:

Little Missenden:

Mr John Pulsford TEL:TEL:TEL:TEL: 868572 Hyde Heath:

Mrs Gill Munrow TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 773988 Lt. Kingshill:

Mrs Samantha Payne Tel 01494 865976

HYDE HEATH WEBSITE HYDE HEATH WEBSITE HYDE HEATH WEBSITE HYDE HEATH WEBSITE www.HydeHeath.com

HYDE HEATH COMMUNITY HYDE HEATH COMMUNITY HYDE HEATH COMMUNITY HYDE HEATH COMMUNITY PREPREPREPRE----SCHOOL GROUPSCHOOL GROUPSCHOOL GROUPSCHOOL GROUP

Ms Rachel Mystri TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 782845 Hyde Heath Infant School –

9.15 am -11.45 am Monday - Friday Toddlers’ Session Toddlers’ Session Toddlers’ Session Toddlers’ Session

10.00 am - 11.30 am Wednesday Hyde Heath Village Hall A registered provider of A registered provider of A registered provider of A registered provider of Early Years EducationEarly Years EducationEarly Years EducationEarly Years Education

BROWNIE GUIDES: BROWNIE GUIDES: BROWNIE GUIDES: BROWNIE GUIDES:

Hyde Heath School Monday 6.00 pm Ms Shanta Gillot 01494 722674

HYDE HEATH SCOUT GROUP:HYDE HEATH SCOUT GROUP:HYDE HEATH SCOUT GROUP:HYDE HEATH SCOUT GROUP: BEAVER SCOUTS BEAVER SCOUTS BEAVER SCOUTS BEAVER SCOUTS ---- Hyde Heath School

Tues 6.15pm Mr T Wye TEL:TEL:TEL:TEL: 792387

TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: CUB SCOUTS CUB SCOUTS CUB SCOUTS CUB SCOUTS HH Village Hall Tues

WOMEN’S INSTITUTESWOMEN’S INSTITUTESWOMEN’S INSTITUTESWOMEN’S INSTITUTES:

LM Village Hall 3rd Thurs 2.30 pm Mrs Stephanie Whitehead TTTT 862631

LM Evenings -Village Hall

2nd Wed 8.00pm Mrs Marjorie Becket TEL:TEL:TEL:TEL: 714493

HH Eves. Village Hall 2nd Thurs 8.00 Mrs Jayne Faversham TEL: TEL: TEL: TEL: 864677

LK Village Hall 2nd Thurs 2.00 pm

Mrs Samantha Payne Tel 01494 865976

WRVS REPRESENTATIVESWRVS REPRESENTATIVESWRVS REPRESENTATIVESWRVS REPRESENTATIVES: Hyde Heath: Mrs Creevy TTTT714618

Parish Contacts Index

St John the Baptist, Little Missenden

St Andrew’s Hyde Heath

SERVICES