PARISH MAGAZINE

WHITWELL with STEETLEY

December 2018

75p

Useful Contacts in the Parish Rector Revd Liz Kirby

The Vicarage, High Street, Whitwell 01909 722378 Churchwardens Ann Godley

01909 723514 Nigel Bradshaw 01909 722675

Lay Reader Lynne Parker 01909 530994 Safeguarding Lead Jackie Stoor

07771 250214 Magazine Editor Sue Bradshaw

01909 722675 suebram@sky.com Services in the Parish Churches 1st and 3rd Sundays Whitwell – 8.30am, Eucharist (3 hymns) Creswell – 10.30am, Sung Eucharist 2nd and 4th Sundays Creswell – 08.30am, Eucharist (3 hymns) Whitwell – 10.30am, Sung Eucharist 2nd Sunday Steetley – 3.15pm Each Sunday Elmton – 6.00pm Eucharist 5th Sundays 10.30am - Sung Eucharist rotating between churches A Fellowship Group meets at St Lawrence church, Whitwell on the first Monday afternoon of each month at 1.30pm, followed by a Ladies Group at 2pm

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Waiting for the Light ‘Holidays are coming!’, well according to the latest Coca Cola advert they are! If you watch any television at all, you will be aware that the latest round of Christmas adverts have begun. They will depict Christmas in a variety of ways but most of them will show happy families of all generations gathered together and celebrating. Tables will be groaning with food and presents will be stacked under trees. Children will be shown in ecstasies over the latest toys, the favourite toy this year being a unicorn which produces slimy poo! (or so the paper said this morning!) I do enjoy these adverts because I have to admit that some are affecting and funny and they do conjure up times of fun and memories of childhood family Christmases, with the whole family at my gran’s house all playing silly games, such as ‘ring on a string’ (ask if you need to!) Of course we all know that Christmases like that don’t really happen, there is always at least one disagreement or upset because we are all human and fallible and somehow when we get together with the intention of having a ‘good time’ it never quite matches up to what we expect. For many people it will not be any sort of ‘good time’ this Christmas. For Christians in the Middle East and other countries where they are persecuted, Christmas will bring with it a heightened sense of fear. For others, Christmas Day will be no different to any other day which leaves them without family or shelter or food and for many there will be crushing loneliness, made even worse by the perceived fun which the rest of the world is enjoying. But it is exactly to those suffering people that the Incarnation of Christ is aimed and actually the world in Jesus’ times was just as

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dark with violence and injustice as our world is today. People then and today were asking the same question, ‘Where is the light?’ God’s promise, through the prophet Isaiah, is this “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2) God’s light has come in Jesus and it is up to us who are Christians to live out the life in our lives so that others will see that light. The days and the news may seem dark at the moment but when it is very dark, light shines even more brightly. By our actions and the way in which we live, we can help the light of Christ shine through us. May the light of Christ shine in your hearts and lives and overspill into the world this Christmas time

With love and blessings

Rev. Liz

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Prayer List - Reminder If you know of a parishioner who is unwell and would wish for their name to be included on the list to be read out within the prayers as part of the service each Sunday, please add their name to the list hanging up at the back of the church. This list will be replaced at the end of each month. Therefore, if there is someone who requires our continued prayers please add their name to the new list at the end of each month. This will ensure the list is kept current and relevant. Thank-you for your co-operation in this matter.

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Puzzle Corner (all answers on page 26) Crossword

Crossword Clues Across 1 ‘How long will you — your face from me?’ (Psalm 13:1) (4) 3 ‘Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the — he bore’ (Hebrews 13:13) (8) 9 Posh sin (anag.) (Romans 8:15) (7) 10 Solemn pledges (Matthew 5:33) (5)

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11 Italian term for full orchestra (5) 12 ‘For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not — the cry of the afflicted’ (Psalm 9:12) (6) 14 Prescience (1 Peter 1:2) (13) 17 Where a Hindu holy man lives (6) 19 ‘If he found any... who belonged to the Way, whether — — women, he might take them as prisoners’ (Acts 9:3) (3,2) 22 Fragrance (2 Corinthians 2:15) (5) 23 Vine hen (anag.) (Jonah 1:2) (7) 24 Precious stone decorating the twelfth foundation of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:20) (8) 25 ‘Will you keep to the old path that evil men have — ?’ (Job 22:15) (4) Down 1 ‘Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with — — (Numbers 20:11) (3,5) 2 ‘You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “ — — murder”’ (Matthew 5:21) (2,3) 4 One of Paul’s many hardships endured as a servant of God (2 Corinthians 6:5) (13) 5 ‘We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, — inwardly’ (Romans 8:23) (5) 6 Changed (Daniel 6:8) (7) 7 ‘My yoke is — and my burden is light’ (Matthew 11:30) (4) 8 Recoil (Revelation 12:11) (6) 13 ‘O Lord, you have — me and you know me’ (Psalm 139:1) (8) 15 ‘ — to me the joy of your salvation’ (Psalm 51:12) (7) 16 Express sorrow (Isaiah 16:7) (6) 18 ‘Then he said to Thomas, “ — out your hand and put it into my side”’ (John 20:27) (5) 20 ‘God has said, “ — will I leave you; — will I forsake you”’ (Hebrews 13:5) (5) 21 Son of Onam and brother of Shammai (1 Chronicles 2:28) (4)

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Sudoku

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The Counties of England (31) – Gloucestershire

Linked to Gloucestershire is Bristol, for although the great port city nowadays is in the county of Avon, it has always been considered part of the historic shire. The geography of this county is soon grasped, as it consists of three distinct regions. First, in the west, the Royal Forest of Dean, bordering on Wales, across the beautiful River Wye, which inspired Wordsworth’s poem ‘Tintern Abbey’. The heart of this great wooded tract is at Speech House, the forest verderers’ headquarters, and also a hotel with a high reputation. In the centre, the mighty River Severn flows through rich pasture land which is called the Vale of Gloucester on the forest shore and the Vale of Berkeley on the eastern or Cotswold side. The Severn is known for its Bore, or rushing tidal flood. The river then follows a wide estuary to flow to the sea via the Bristol Channel. The third region is composed of the Cotswold Hills, renowned for its sheep farming and claimed as one of the most beautiful parts of England, although some say it is too well ‘manicured’ to be a truly natural landscape. Now the haunt of the rich and famous, largely gone are the villagers described in Lawrie Lee’s novel ‘Cider with Rosie’. Bristol is easily the largest city and currently tainted because of its links with the slave trade of the 1700s. It is justly famous for Brunel’s suspension bridge over the Clifton gorge, for the ‘Great Eastern’ ship on the Avon and for buildings in the city centre such as the great medieval church of St Mary Redcliffe. Aircraft production is a major industry. Another well known city is Gloucester, the Glevum of the Romans and later famous for its Abbey, now the cathedral, where William the Conqueror gave orders for the Domesday Survey (1086). The historic ‘New Inn’ has 13 bars! Cheltenham became a fashionable Spa town in the early 1800s and retains some of the atmosphere

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of that time. Stroud is an example of an old rural industrial town based on cloth making out of the wool trade. Tewkesbury has one of the finest Norman style abbey churches in England, while Cirencester is renowned for its Roman city of Corinium. The most historic castle in the county must be Berkeley. It is famous for the murder of Edward II in 1327. Edward was the weakest of our kings and died in circumstances of great cruelty. His tomb is in Gloucester Cathedral. Other castles of note include Thornbury, dating from Tudor times, and St Briavel’s in the Forest of Dean, the latter now being a youth hostel. The wool trade brought prosperity to the county and a by-product was the lovely ‘wool’ churches of the Cotswolds, dating from the late 1400s. The most celebrated are at Northleach and Chipping Campden, while the superb stain glass windows of Fairford church date from Henry VII’s time (c. 1500). So fine were the churches of the county in past ages that there was a saying, “as sure as God’s in Gloucestershire”. While the men were so proud of their physical strength that there was another saying, “I be Gloucestershire born and bred, strong of arm and thick in the ‘ead”. The term is not unknown in other counties. Of notable country houses, Badminton is known for its annual horse trials. Sudeley was the home of the widowed Queen Catharine Parr. Dyrham Park dates from 1698 and Owlpen is a manor house that blends in perfectly with the Cotswold landscape. Upper and Lower Slaughter and Bibury are among the very best of the many picturesque Cotswold villages.

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Article Submission deadlines Articles for this magazine are always welcome. If you have anything that you wish to contribute please submit them to the editor by the dates listed below:

Month of magazine Submission deadline

January 2019 16th December 2018

February 2019 20th January 2019

March 2019 17th February 2019

April 2019 24th March 2019

WHITWELL COMMUNITY CENTRE The Square, Whitwell

01909 723490

Rooms available at very Competitive Rates

Private Parties

6pm to midnight £90 Noon to midnight £140

(includes main hall, bar, kitchen and buffet room) Cash Bingo every Wednesday evening

Film Shows Coffee Mornings Saturday 9.30 to 11a.m.

Photocopying, fax and laminating services available for a

small charge Email: office@whitwellcommunitycentre.com

Website: whitwellcommunitycentre.com

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Recipe of the month

Chocolate and cherry Christmas pudding A twist on the classic Christmas pudding; a cherry version served with silky dark chocolate, a rich brandy sauce and a dollop of double cream. Ingredients (serves 10-12) For the pudding 200g frozen dark sweet cherries defrosted, plus extra cherries, left whole, to decorate the pudding 1 Conference pear 100g raisins 100g sultanas 100ml brandy 100g bar dark chocolate 100g unsalted butter, plus 2 tbsp for greasing 2 large eggs 50g plain flour 100g dark soft brown sugar 1 tsp mixed spice 1 tbsp cocoa powder 50g fresh breadcrumbs For the chocolate brandy sauce 100g bar dark chocolate 120ml double cream, plus extra to serve 2 tbsp golden syrup 3 tbsp brandy (optional)

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Method

Drain the cherries in a sieve over a bowl. Cut them in half.

Peel the pear, then grate it coarsely.

In a large bowl, combine the cherries, pear, raisins, sultanas and brandy. Stir well and cover with clingfilm.

Heat in the microwave on high for 3 minutes, then leave to cool for 5 minutes to let the fruit plump up.

Break the chocolate into squares while you wait

Tip the chocolate and butter into the hot fruit. Stir, then leave to melt.

Let it cool, uncovered, for about 15 minutes

Meanwhile, rub 1 tbsp butter around the inside of a 1-litre pudding basin

Lay two sheets of foil over each other and butter the one on top. Holding both sheets together, fold a 3cm pleat across the middle of the foil and set aside.

Beat the eggs together in a small bowl

Sift the flour, sugar, mixed spice and cocoa powder on top of the chocolatey fruit, then add the breadcrumbs, eggs and ¼ tsp salt

Stir everything together with a wooden spoon; it will be quite a wet mixture. Tip it into the buttered basin.

Cover the pudding with the buttered foil (buttery-side down) and scrunch it over the edge of the basin

Tie string tightly under the lip of the basin and make a string handle to help you lower the basin in and out of the saucepan later

Trim the foil so that a frill of about 5cm is left sticking out, then tuck the frill up and under itself neatly. The aim is to keep the pudding watertight beneath.

Put a heatproof saucer into the very large saucepan, then put the basin on top

Pour in just-boiled water to come halfway up the basin

Cover the pan and steam the pudding for 2½ hours

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Test the pudding is cooked by inserting a skewer through the foil. If there is any wet mixture, steam for 15 minutes more then check again. The pan should be simmering rather than boiling hard. Top up the water levels as it cooks, if you need to.

To store, let the pudding cool and leave in a cool dark place to mature. Don’t unwrap the foil. (You can make this pudding up to two months before eating).

To reheat, steam in a pan for 30 minutes, or microwave on medium for 5 minutes. Remove the foil to microwave, covering with clingfilm instead.

For the sauce, break the chocolate into squares

Put all the ingredients in a small pan and heat gently, stirring, until smooth

Serve the pudding topped with any remaining cherries, the sauce and a dollop of double cream

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For the young (and young at heart)

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Gilbert and

Armstrong

The Pharmacy

The Square, Whitwell 01909 720237

Caring for you and your

medication needs

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Calendar Birds – December – Robin

From June, the legend is revisited when The god of the red sun, ‘Coch Rhi Ben’ Who, at summer solstice was shot with an arrow From the bow of the winter god, the Sparrow

Continuing through the darkness of the pagan ‘Samhain’ The Yule solstice light is born again As the little king Wren of the waning year Falls to king Robin Redbreast’s waxing year cheer In folklore, to Christianity, the robin is tied, Comforting Jesus, on the cross as He died. In attempting to pluck away thorns from His head, With the blood of Christ, the robin is stained red In the Christmas Robin legend, the fable does tell Of the robin in the stable at the first Noel, Whilst flapping its wings to keep a dying fire fed The flames scorched its breast, turning it red Christmas cards with robins on befits the time of year, As post men were called robins because of their red gear. Originally, post men, in Victorian days of yore, As servants of the Crown, the national colour ‘red’ they wore. Its, not only as the mainstay of Christmas celebration, But, by Chaucer, Blake and Wordsworth, is a literary icon of the nation And a legendary figure of celebrated fame, The scourge of the Sheriff of Nottingham bore his name (Robin Hood). Endearing, yet belligerent to all threats to its domain, Our much loved garden favourite has won a huge campaign. In legend, rhyme and history its influence is renowned And, as Britain’s National Bird, the robin has been crowned

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Christmas Smile Lines It may be Christmas, but does it meet Health and Safety?! Just wait until political correctness gets hold of some well-loved carols: While Shepherds Watched 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 Shepherds 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. 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, 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. 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.

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We Three Kings 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 recipient's name or perhaps give a gift voucher. Also, we would not advise that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of a satnav, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Rudolph the red nosed reindeer Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw him, you would even say it glows. You are advised that under the Equal Opportunities for All policy, it is inappropriate for persons to comment with regard to the ruddiness of Mr R Reindeer's nose.

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Christmas Dilemma What a dilemma for a slimmer Eating all that Christmas fare, Getting fatter, what’s it matter? It’s only once a year. Now the party has begun, Crackers and cheese and party hats Turkey with trimmings, presents with ribbons, Figgy pudding – do we still eat that? Food a-plenty, plates all empty Waistbands bursting, no room left, Soon we’ll reach for the Alka Seltzer That’s the truth, I do not jest. Celebrations, assignations, party frocks with lots of bling, But the reason for the season Is the Baby in the manger, came to earth as a stranger Peace on earth and joy to bring. Megan Carter

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Dates for your diary – 2018 All the following events will be held at Whitwell Community Centre, unless otherwise stated

4th December Christmas Lunch

8th December Concert by Whitwell Band and Whitwell Community Choir, 7pm for 7.30pm, Church

16th December Christingle Service, 3pm, Church

24th December Christmas Eve Service, 7pm, Steetley Chapel

24th December Midnight Mass, 11.30pm, Church

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.Puzzle corner solutions Sudoku

Crossword ACROSS: 1, Hide. 3, Disgrace. 9, Sonship. 10, Oaths. 11, Tutti. 12, Ignore. 14, Foreknowledge. 17, Ashram. 19, Men or. 22, Aroma. 23, Nineveh. 24, Amethyst. 25, Trod DOWN: 1, His staff. 2, Do not. 4, Imprisonments. 5, Groan. 6, Altered. 7, Easy. 8, Shrink. 13, Searched. 15, Restore. 16, Lament. 18, Reach. 20, Never. 21, Jada

100 Club results 18th November 2018

1st 11

2nd 29

3rd 56

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From the Registers

Baptisms

Aldrin Lake Arnold

Weddings

None

Funerals

Michael David Allcroft

Christine Vessey

Bookings for Weddings and Baptisms Bookings for weddings and baptisms can be made by calling at St Lawrence Church on the 3rd Friday of each month between 6pm and 7pm.

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FROM THE MEMORIAL BOOKS

01/12/1993 Joyce Bentley 15/02/1917

01/12/2000 Ivor Elener 19/11/1919

01/12/2006 Dorothy Evelyn Hill 13/09/1929

01/12/2008 Violet Munro Newton 07/03/1922

01/12/2013 Roy Lamb 07/07/1932

02/12/2003 Stanley Betts 30/01/1923

03/12/1994 Thomas Davy Isgate 19/04/1921

03/12/2006 Percy Gordon Spibey 20/06/1927

04/12/1975 Angela Maureen Johnson 06/10/1938

04/12/2009 Rubena Beardsley 20/12/1925

05/12/1979 Philip Thacker 04/12/1979

05/12/1979 Rowland Webster 18/02/1925

06/12/1990 Maggie Price 20/02/1914

06/12/1998 Leigh James Story 16/08/1970

08/12/2010 Ann Turner 30/03/1920

08/12/2013 Derrick Buxton 01/07/1928

09/12/1975 Cyril Thomas Brown 31/07/1908

10/12/1955 Doreen Holmes 06/05/1931

10/12/1988 Reuben Thompson 05/09/1907

11/12/1951 Joseph Henry Kitts 10/01/1896

11/12/1979 Roland Webster 18/02/1926

11/12/1979 Mabel Lucy Pickering 19/08/1905

11/12/1988 Annie Parker 07/08/1897

12/12/2000 John Featherstone (Reverend) 25/01/1923

12/12/2017 Winifred Moore (Nee Medlam) 28/03/1923

14/12/1991 Joan Fielder 15/02/1926

15/12/1998 Mabel Stone

16/12/1978 William Phillips 28/09/1902

16/12/1980 William James Blagg 29/07/1896

16/12/1992 Lily May Bell 21/08/1903

17/12/1955 Charles George Kenyon 20/03/1885

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17/12/1989 Lucy Elaine Walters 02/02/1909

17/12/1999 Harvey Pearson 16/11/1935

18/12/1991 Walter Womble 04/11/1910

18/12/1994 Doris May Southam 29/01/1920

18/12/2000 Sarah Ellen Ball 12/01/1910

18/12/2008 Brian Williams 19/01/1946

18/12/2012 Joseph Stanley Spencer 10/04/1944

19/12/1886 Elizabeth & William Weston

19/12 John & Fanny Gribble

19/12/2007 Lilian Axtel 14/06/1906

19/12/2013 Marjorie Rosena Brown 01/11/1927

20/12/1987 George Norman Beech 04/06/1909

20/12/1988 Stanley C. Barrow 21/01/1921

21/12/1968 Victor Walter G. Swain 01/12/1887

21/12/1991 Samuel Whittaker 22/06/1923

21/12/2002 David Harvey Green 25/03/1922

21/12/2010 Irene Evers 06/01/1929

22/12/1983 Ernest Albert Hill 20/07/1917

23/12/1971 Charles Stanniland Starbrook 23/06/1917

23/12/1992 Lucy Amelia Annabel Baker 07/09/1902

23/12/2002 Brian William Humberstone 14/07/1929

24/12/1988 Owen James Banks 17/07/1904

24/12/1989 Andrew Borysenko 06/07/1912

24/12/1994 Theo Webster 02/12/1931

24/12/1999 Mary Pearson 10/03/1911

25/12/1955 Thomas Henry Richardson 07/09/1891

25/12/1994 Percy George Calow 23/02/1917

26/12/1986 Reuben John Self 01/12/1926

26/12/1993 Ena Winifred Clark 15/11/1903

26/12/1996 Rose Hancock 21/03/1907

27/12/1961 Frederick Darby 01/12/1902

27/12/1986 David Nigel Lound 11/07/1953

27/12/1993 Charles Cyril Caple 17/03/1911

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28/12/1944 Charles Keith Weston

28/12/1977 Antony Rodgers 29/10/1926

28/12/2000 Ian S. Barrow 28/08/1958

28/12/2014 Margaret Doreen Buxton 31/10/1928

29/12/2004 Paula Godfrey 19/11/1955

29/12/2004 Raymond Cooling 14/02/1924

29/12/2011 Margaret Watson 20/10/1928

30/12/1977 Emily Everley 02/01/1914

30/12/2014 Noreen Jane Meeds 18/10/1927

30/12/1992 Richard William Mellish 23/01/1928

31/12/1986 Samuel Crowe 04/03/1914

31/12/2012 Sheila Mary Bramley 30/03/1933

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Bible Readings for December

2nd December 2018

Jeremiah 33:14-16

1 Thessalonians 3:9-end

9th December 2018

Malachi 3:1-4

Philippians 1:3-11

16th December 2018

Zephaniah 3:14-end

Philippians 4:4-7

23rd December 2018

Micah 5:2-5a

Hebrews 10: 5-10 24th December 2018

Isaiah 52:7-10

Hebrews 1:1-4 30th December 2018

1 Samuel 2:18-20 & 26

Colossians 3:12-17

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Back cover