HALSTEAD AND BADGERS MOUNT

PARISH MAGAZINE

St. Margaret's Church, Halstead

Ministry Team:Rector:

Rev’d. Tim Edwards The Rectory, Church Road, Halstead TN14 7HQ • Tel: (01959) 532133 Churchwarden:

Mr Richard Hughes 7 The Old Manor, Halstead Place, Halstead, TN14 7BJ • Tel: (01959) 533649

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THE RECTOR WRITES JUNE 2020

Have you ever been tempted to think that God has forgotten you?Or, perhaps, you have been in the middle of what feels like an impossible situation and want-ed to cry out “how long is this going to go on?”Sometimes we worry about admitting such feelings or questions. But the Bible is not nearly as embarrassed as we are.As we struggle with the effects of the global coronavirus pandemic – or as with any num-ber of other struggles, we might echo the words of Psalm 13: ‘How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?’

It is one of a number of lament psalms, where the psalmist cries out in pain, because he feels abandoned by God. In our current circumstances, these psalms enable us to talk to God about our fears and frustrations, while renewing our confidence in Him. Here are three helpful things Psalm 13 says to us:Bring your complaint to God: The psalmist brings his pain and questions to God: ‘How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?’ (2). He is open with God about his complaints, despite the anger he feels.Ask boldly for His help: He goes on to ask for God’s help: ‘Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him…’ (3–4). While avoiding de-spair (‘there’s no hope’) or denial (‘everything’s fine’), the psalmist is confident in God’s power to deliver.Choose to trust Him: ‘But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart re-joices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.’ (5–6). The lament is a journey to the point of renewing our trust in God in the brokenness of our life.The psalms of lament (such as, Psalms 10, 22, and 77) give us a prayer lan-guage for dark times. They enable us to be honest with God about what is happening to us and remind us that God has not abandoned us. He is a God who is both sovereign and good.‘Laments turn toward God when sorrow tempts you to run from Him.’

Tim

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PARISH REGISTERS

Funerals: Our deepest sympathy to the family of: Ann STEWART, who was buried at St Margaret, Halstead, on 6 May 2020. Joan HAWKES, whose funeral was at Bluebell Cemetery, on 15 May 2020. Audrey REID, whose funeral is scheduled for 27 May 2020, at Bluebell Cemetery. Andrew and Carmen GILFILLAN, who are due to be buried at St Mar-garet, Halstead, on 27 May 2020. Mary OHANIS, who is due to be buried at St Margaret, Halstead, on 10 June 2020.

N.B. Tim is continuing to prepare people (via Zoom) for baptism (for them-selves/their children) and confirmation, and providing marriage prepara-tion sessions. If you would like to discuss a future baptism or marriage, please contact him on rev.tim.edwards@gmail.com

Verse for the Month:“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.“

Lamentations 3:21-23

SERVICES FOR JUNE 2020

There has been no change to the guidance from the Archbishops (in line with government advice) that public gatherings for worship must be suspended for the time being. There are no services in church buildings planned for June 2020.

The last month…. It is remarkable, looking at what I wrote last month (no services, but churches open for prayer) at how quickly things have changed over the course of the last month. Shortly after the magazine went to ‘digital press’ we were directed to close the church buildings entirely. We planned to do a Facebook live-cast “From the Rector’s Study” on Sundays at 6pm. After a couple of weeks of the internet dropping out mid-live cast, I have now switched to recording in advance, and uploading to YouTube, and sharing the link to the Facebook page as well. We have recently added a Zoom

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‘watch party’ with ‘virtual coffee’ after the service – all links in the mailing I sent to the church mailing list. It has been encouraging to be contacted by those who have enjoyed being able to view this at home, but would not normally be able to make it to church physically. We are, of course, very aware that not everyone is on the internet, and able to access the service in this way. Please do contact the Rectory if you are unable to access the YouTube recording online, and would like to stay connected. N.B. Someone asked why this was in the evening rather than at either of our usual morning service times. The timing is deliberate, and looks ahead to a time when some of us are able to meet together in person, but others, who are more medically vulnerable, are not able to do so. My intention is that this can continue at that point in its ‘regular’ slot, as we start to resume physically-gathered morning services at an appropriate point. Looking ahead The government has indicated that the earliest possible date that some places of worship may be re-opened is 4 July, although there are many complexities to consider (e.g. cleaning regimes, social distancing) and so it will be some time beyond that before services look as they were before lockdown. It is difficult to think through how we can meet as church under current restrictions, and pos-sible relaxation of restrictions, but we are giving it plenty of thought (car park services?) so that we can be ready to respond when the situation changes – if you have ideas, please do contact me at the Rectory. In the meantime... If activities publicised in this magazine are cancelled/amended, we will do our best to notify you via the church mailing list (aka “Benefice Bulletin”), and notices on Facebook and the Benefice webpage: www.knockholtandhal-steadchurches.org. If you are not online and would like to check, please contact the Rectory on 01959 532133. If you do not currently receive the Benefice Bulletin and would like to, please email rev.tim.office@gmail.com to be added. If you've visited our website recently (http://www.knockholtandhal-steadchurches.org/) you may have spotted that some temporary chang-es have been made to the layout to highlight updates on Church during Covid-19.

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ST SOFA’S

We worship at St Sofa’s now Since Covid came to stay We don’t dress up or do our hair But still we come to pray!Our Vicar is a clever chap A Zoom with his IT And so we sit down ev’ry week And meet up virtually!

Our Parish Church stands empty With praise she does not ring; But still her people gather round To pray, and praise, and sing!

The virus is a nasty thing Yet it has helped us see The church is NOT a building But folk like you and me!

By Nigel and Carol Beeton (via parishpump.co.uk)

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

We recognise that the current restrictions have affected us all differently, finan-cially. While many have experienced a drop in income, we know that others are saving money in different ways e.g. not commuting.A significant proportion of both St Katharine's and St Margaret's regular income comes through 'plate collections' (i.e. giving via cash, or envelope scheme dur-

ing services). Since we are temporarily unable to meet, our income is therefore dropping.So, we are very pleased to announce that we have been able to set-up an online giving portal (go to the website and click on 'Donations/Giving' or go to knockholtandhalstead.churchsuite.co.uk/donate).

If you are able to give financial support to our churches, please do make use of the new online arrangements. You can set up regular giving or make a one-off donation, which can also be gift-aided.

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OVER 6,000 CALLS IN FIRST 48 HOURS TO DAILY HOPE

A free phone line offering hymns, prayers, and reflections 24 hours a day while church buildings are closed because of the coronavirus received more than 6,000 calls in the first 48 hours.The Archbishop of Canterbury, Jus-tin Welby, recently launched ‘Daily Hope’ as a simple new way to bring worship and prayer into people’s

homes, during the lockdown period.The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services in mind.The service is supported by the Church of England nationally as well as through the Connections group based at Holy Trinity Claygate in Surrey and the Chris-tian charity Faith in Later Life.Within 48 hours the line had received more than 6,000 calls from across the country, with many being referred by friends, family or members. Calls have so far spanned more than 50,000 minutes, with some of those accessing the service, listening to the music, prayers and reflections for up to 50 minutes at a time.The Revd. Canon Dave Male, the Church of England’s Director of Evangelism and Discipleship, said: “The volume of calls shows that Daily Hope is meet-ing a need.“We have a duty in these strange and difficult times to find new ways of bringing prayer and worship to people wherever they are, and this is one more way of helping people to connect with God from their own homes.“This is such a simple idea – planned and launched all within a few short weeks by a small dedicated team – but I pray it will bring real comfort, hope and inspiration to people at this time.”Callers to the line hear a short greeting from the Archbishop before being able to choose from a range of options, including hymns, prayers, reflections and advice on COVID-19.Options available include materials also made available digitally by the Church of England’s Communications team such as Prayer During the Day and Night Prayer, updated daily, from Common Worship, and a recording of the Church of England weekly national online service.

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#FAITHATHOME AIMS TO MAKE PRAYER A HOUSEHOLD HABIT

The Church of England has recently launched #FaithAtHome, a new programme which it is hoped will “make prayer a household habit once again.”#FaithAtHome will feature weekly video content to help families to talk about faith and pray together. The videos will be led by children, young people, staff and school leaders from across the country.The #FaithAtHome programme will run for an initial 11 weeks, until the end of July, and can be accessed at churchofengland.org/faithathome. It will explore themes including courage, patience, generosity, resilience, love and hope.The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: “The aim of these re-sources is to offer simple ways for families and households to approach complex and difficult topics, such as illness, fear and bereavement. The coronavirus pandemic has forced people to confront difficult and painful questions that none of us can explore on our own.“My hope and prayer is that #FaithAtHome will not only equip children and young people to engage with difficult questions, but also inspire them.”The Church of England’s Chief Education Officer, Nigel Genders said: "Home is the new normal, and faith at home is a habit we need to rediscover. #FaithAtHome will offer people of all ages and faith backgrounds a chance to pause, think and reflect, and to rebuild lost habits of prayer and faithful reflection in the home.”

A BIBLICAL PLAGUE OF LOCUSTS

A new wave of crop-eating locusts has been devastating East Africa, just as communities are also dealing with an increase of coronavirus cases.At the start of 2020, Ethiopia and Somalia faced the biggest invasion of the insects in 25 years – and the worst in Kenya and Uganda for 70 years. The lo-custs also reached parts of South Sudan, where millions of people are already suffering from severe food shortages amid conflict and political instability.The latest plague could be 20 times larger. The UN Food and Agriculture Or-ganisation (FAO), is calling it ‘an unprecedented threat’ to food supplies and jobs.Yet tackling the locusts will be even harder now that coronavirus has forced

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governments to close their borders. With se-verely reduced air travel and cargo shipping, pesticides from Europe and Asia can’t get into the countries – and to the farmers – that need them. Tearfund is asking governments to recog-nise activities responding to the locust swarms as essential services, so that they can continue despite the restrictions on travel.‘The locust plague, together with the coronavirus pandemic, could mean all the work Tearfund supports communities with is on the brink of collapsing,’ says Ephraim Tsegay, Tearfund’s Country Director for Ethiopia. ‘If the second wave of locusts is not prevented before it inflicts further damage, more people will be forced to leave their homes to find food, land for their animals to graze, and an income elsewhere. It will also make people more vulnerable to coronavirus.

7th JUNE – TRINITY SUNDAY CELEBRATING OUR GOD WHO IS THREE PERSONS

Trying to explain the doctrine of the Trinity has kept many a theologian busy down the centuries. One helpful picture is to imagine the sun shining in the sky. The sun itself – way out there in space, and unapproachable in its fiery majesty – is the Father. The light that flows from it, which gives us life and illuminates all our lives, is the Son. The heat that flows from it, and which gives us all the energy to move and grow, is the Holy Spirit. You cannot have the sun without its light and its heat. The light and the heat are from the sun, are of the sun, and yet are also distinct in themselves, with their own roles to play.The Bible makes clear that God is One God, who is disclosed in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit. For example: Deuteronomy 6:4: ‘Hear O Israel, The Lord our God, the Lord is one.’Isaiah 45:22: ‘Turn to me and be saved… for I am God, and there is no other.’Genesis 1:1-2: ‘In the beginning God created…. and the Spirit of God was hovering…’

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Judges 14:6: ‘The Spirit of the Lord came upon him in power…’John 1:1-3: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.’ Luke 24:49 actually manages to squeeze the whole Trinity into one sentence. Jesus tells His disciples: ‘I am going to send you what my Father has prom-ised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power (the Holy Spirit) from on high.’ In other words, the sun eternally gives off light and heat, and whenever we turn to its brilliant light, we find that the warmth and life are there as well.

21st JUNE – FATHERS’ DAY A TIME TO CELEBRATE MALE ROLE MODELS

In the UK, USA, and Canada, the third Sunday in June is Father's Day. It is usually a good time for sons and daughters to take their father to his favourite restaurant, or to watch a favoured sport, or whatever else he enjoys doing. How will you celebrate it this year? If your own father cannot be with you, how about a Zoom meeting?How do these special days ever get started, anyway? Well, Father’s Day began because way back in 1909 there was a woman in Spokane, Washington, named Sonora Louise Smart Dodd. That year she heard a church sermon about the merits of setting aside a day to honour one's mother. Mother's Day was just beginning to gather widespread attention in the United States at this time. But Sonora Louise Smart Dodd knew that it was her father who had selflessly raised her and her five siblings by himself after their mother had died in child-birth. So, the sermon on mothers gave Sonora Louise the idea to petition for a day to honour fathers, and, in particular, her own father, William Jackson Smart.Sonora Louise soon set about planning the first Father's Day celebration in Spokane in 1910. With support from the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA, her efforts paid off, and a ‘Father’s Day’ was appointed. Sonora Louise had wanted Father’s Day to be on the first Sunday in June (since that was her father's birthday), but the city council didn't have time to approve it until later in the month. And so, on June 19th, 1910, the first Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane.Gradually, other people in other cities caught on and started celebrating their fathers, too. The rose was selected as the official Father's Day flower. Some

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people began to wear a white rose to honour a father who was dead, and a red one to honour a father who was living. In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a presidential proclamation declar-ing the third Sunday of June as Father's Day – a permanent, national holiday.

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION VE DAY 75

We hope you enjoyed the commemorations of the day the war in Europe finished, which The Royal British Legion in partnership with the BBC organised in lieu of the events that would have marked this anniversary and which the Covid pandemic prevented. There were many

old TV programmes on in the week prior to 8th May, which we are sure you would have enjoyed seeing again and the day itself was marked by a full day to reflect, honour and celebrate the World War Two generation. Around the village it was lovely to see flags out and bunting displayed. The village children had obviously been busy painting and making bunting for their homes too, whilst learning from their family members about how it might have affected their families 75 years ago. In the afternoon many were taking the opportunity to take tea in their gardens or to have a walk round the village. In our reflection on that day 75 years ago, there were celebrations that it was the end of that war. Families had been split by those who went off to war and those who stepped up and did jobs that normally they would not have done, which included married women. They were supporting that generation. We see the same supporting spirit of that generation reflected today and are grateful for all those who are coping with staying at home, those who are car-ing in any way they can and those on the front line.

Barbara Davenport Hon. Secretary, Halstead Branch

The Royal British Legion

HALSTEAD NURSERY

If your children are getting bored at home and you would like some Lego for them to play with please take a walk to the nursery entrance where there is a lidded box with separate bags of Lego inside. It has been offered to nursery parents but everyone else is welcome to take some too if they wish until it has all gone! The bags were prepared a week or so before lockdown from a surplus stock of Lego that we had in the nursery. It’s completely free and waiting to be

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played with! The school car park is open Monday to Friday during school hours so feel free to wander in and take a bag or two. During lockdown I’ve been busy work-ing on our wait list for September and, having booked everyone in on there so far, we have some space available

for children between 2 and school age. If you’d like to know more about space with us from September please get in touch with me via the details below. Please also take a look at our website which is packed with information, pho-tos and videos of our setting. I’ve been sending photos of our room etc to families who have made contact as I’m unable to do actual visits at the moment and will happily send them out to you if you send me a message. As I write I am contacting all of our parents with a view to the possibility of the nursery re-opening from June 1st in line with government guidance. De-tailed risk assessments and plans will need to be put in place to keep staff and children as safe as we possibly can during nursery hours if we decide to go ahead and it is entirely up to individual families if they decide to opt in or out for the remainder of the summer term. We are continuing to engage with our families via online learning journals, idea sharing and general chatter on our parent WhatsApp group and the loan of nursery resources as requested. “Normal” nursery life seems a distant memory and it may be that changes we put in place now are with us for a long time to come but if they keep our chil-dren and staff safe during nursery hours, that can only be a good thing! To be added to our wait list or enquire about space from September 2020 please contact me via 07950 681846 or email traceynursery@hotmail.co.uk and remember to take a look at our website www.halsteadnursery.org.uk which has lots of useful information all about us on it. Continue to stay safe in all that you do.

Tracey McCartney Manager

ST. KATHARINE’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, KNOCKHOLT

At the time of writing, St Katharine’s Primary school remains open every day for our key worker children and we are grateful for the teachers and teaching assistants for their commitment to the children, even in these difficult and wor-rying times.

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Our school website is busy with regular video messages for the pu-pils from their teachers, sing-along songs with Mrs Bennett , fun dance videos and Ms Tormey is now recording ‘Head teacher’s’ assemblies every week too! The home learning is proving very successful and all the while, we are busy getting ready for when our children return.Thank you so much to all those parents who are support-ing their children at home, encouraging their learning and making sure they keep a regular school routine, despite such difficult circumstances. I do hope they are finding some enjoyment with this too. I’m sure, in months to come, once the schools reopen and we return to normal (and we will, in time) everyone will look back and realise it wasn’t really too bad after all. I know the teaching staff cannot wait to get back, so we can once again enjoy the busy, bustling school life we all know and love.Finally, we would like to share a prayer written by one of our pupils in Badgers Class, Barney Smyth.Keep safe everyone.

Dear GodThank you for creating the world and all that lives in it.

I am sorry that humans have made a mess of all the beautiful things you created with

wars, global warming, deforestation and more.Please help us to take care of all the people who are looking after us

during the coronavirus pandemic- such as NHS staff, teachers, delivery drivers and those who work in shops and our parents.

Please can you help bring speed to the scientists who are trying very hard to find a cure for this deadly disease.

Thank you Lord for keeping most of my friends and family safe from this horrible virus and I pray for good health for all those who are unwell.

We think particularly of those families who have lost loved ones, not only here in the UK but across the world.

Loving father, knowing your love for us I am not afraid of this pandemic, as I know you will be with me and my family

during these difficult times.Amen

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HELP WITH SCHOOL WORK; LET’S EXPLORE AND MAKE CRAFT PROJECTS AT HOME

To help entertain young children whilst schools are closed, Gill McGregor has devised a range of free “How to” Educational, Craft worksheets focusing on different subjects.Originally made for her Niece’s 3 children, she wondered if they should be offered to all who are looking after young children at this time of the Corona-virus. Gill is developing more worksheets, but currently the topics are:

Let’s look at……..Parrots FrogsLizardsAncient Egyptians Key Stage 2SeahorsesThe Nile crocodileThe Farm

Each worksheet has facts, templates, “How to” make instructions and exam-ples and even some written tasks and research ideas which all or some of the worksheet can be completed by young children with adult supervision. Please pass this information on to anyone you think may find these work sheets use-ful.Go to her website to download the worksheets. www.gillmcgregor.comTo share go to ‘Gill McGregor’ or ‘Gill McGregor College’ facebook pages.

KENT HEIGHTS FLOWER CLUB

As you all know, we shall not be holding our May or June Flower Club meet-ings now, due to the Government ruling of no social gatherings of more than a few people.I do hope that you are all keeping well and have been finding things to keep you inspired, busy or entertained at home. We have been really blessed with such good weather throughout April and May and we are all well into the re-strictions of the lockdown now, and are sticking to the advice to stay at home. We shall let all of our members know towards the end of this month the situa-tion for our Flower Club meeting for July, when we would normally hold our Summer Supper. Our Committee have been actively coming up with ideas for July and September, for which we hope if there is any easing over the coming

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weeks to the Government guidelines, then we can let you all know what we have planned and can put our ideas into motion. A few members have sent me photos of their superb plants and flowers from their gardens, and I took a photo recently in Halstead of a beautiful colourful Rhododendron bush at Halstead Place.For VE Day, I made up several colourful posies for friends and neighbours (see photos) in red, white and blue flowers which cheered up our day, as we celebrated with a family picnic in our own front gardens.

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Knockholt and Halstead 2016.pdf 1 26/08/2016 13:58

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to make, with step by step instructions by video. So why not have a go – you may amaze yourself? A few other tips to assist you when doing flower arrangements at home, see below. Every arrangement, from the simplest to the most complex, can benefit from a little knowledge about the plants themselves and how best to handle them.CONDITIONING – Fresh flowers will last much longer if they are conditioned first. Conditioning enables the flowers to absorb maximum water to keep their heads upright and their petals firm and strong. By cutting the stem end or, in the case of firm wooden stems hammering them, the plant is given the oppor-tunity to absorb as much water as possible. Some plants though need a little more help and this is explained below.AFTER CONDITIONING – Once you have conditioned the flowers, add some flower food or some conditioner to the water (usually supplied with shop bought flowers). You can make your own conditioner by mixing fizzy lemonade with water (about 1:2) and a dash of bleach. Alternatively, use aspirin or some sugar.RE-CONDITIONING – Even when conditioned and supplied with ample wa-ter, some flowers can still droop (e.g. tulips or gerbera). When this happens, trim 1 inch off the stem ends and place in hot water for at least ten minutes. When tulip heads droop, push a pin just beneath the flower head to disperse any trapped air bubbles; alternatively carbonated water often does the trick and perks up weary looking blooms. You can also put wire or a firm stick against the stem to support the flower in your vase.STRIP AND TRIM – Strip all lower leaves from the stems of your flowers, as these will rot quickly underwater and become smelly. Now trim the stem ends at an angle. These two things done, give the plants a long drink of water in a suitable sized vase.WOODY STEMS – For plants which have these types of stems – e.g. roses and lilacs, chrysanthemums have tough, woody stems which do not so readily draw up water when cut. To remedy this, split the base of the stem upwards with a sharp knife or crush the ends of the stem with a hammer or scissor handles. Immediately immerse them into deep water.BOILING WATER – Plants such as ranunculus and anemones need to be dipped into about 1 inch of boiling water before being placed into cool water for a long drink. Protect delicate flower heads from the steam by wrapping them carefully in kitchen towel paper.SEARING – Euphorbia, poinsettia and poppies all emit a milky substance when cut, which can be irritating to the hands and are poisonous to pets and fish (don’t keep these plants near to a garden pond). To stop the milky sub-stance from spilling onto hands etc. singe the stem end with a lighted match to

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sear it before then immersing the plant into cool water. HOLLOW STEMS – Plants like dahlias and delphiniums have long hollow stems. For the water to reach the flower head, it is best to tip the plant upside down, fill the stem with water using a small jug, then plug the end with some cotton wool.I hope you have found the above to be useful, and I will add more tips and tricks next month in an article for you all.Keep safe and well.

Maureen Evans Secretary, Kent Heights Flower Club

HALSTEAD & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

At the time of writing, it is looking very unlikely that our Summer Show scheduled for 25 June will go ahead and our 1 July trip to Beth Chatto Gardens is also looking doubtful. However, we stand ready to mobi-lise quickly should the grip of the lockdown slacken. Despite not being able to stage our usual plant sale extravaganza at Halstead Village Hall, our mini plant sale held in the driveway of 2, Widmore Cottages with social distancing and an honesty box proved a great suc-cess. We had decided that instead of funds going to the society, this year all proceeds would go to NHS Charities Together. The marvellous support and generosity shown for this little event enabled us to raise the final sum of £445. A big “thank you” to all those who contributed to the success of the event either by donating items for sale or by your generous purchases. With the plant sale over, I am now growing items for my allotment plot rather than for sale. Runner beans and climbing French beans are beginning to unfurl from their pots and will be ready for planting out in a week or so. In readiness I have prepared the ground and erected a bean pole structure for my runner beans and a wigwam of bamboo for the French beans. Courgettes and marrows are still enjoying the comfort of the greenhouse. I planted them out a bit early last year and we had a cold snap in early May that nearly finished them off so I have learned my lesson. Sweet corn which always take an age to germinate have emerged from their pots but, like the courgettes, will enjoy a few more days inside before going out into the big wide world. In the greenhouse my little cucumber plants have taken to their new “adult” pots and will soon need supporting canes or string. The one chilli plant that I

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kept back from the plant sale will soon be potted on as will my tomatoes. From the number of people buying plants at the plant sale I can only surmise that my exhortation to dig for victory in last month’s edition has been taken to heart. If you are new to growing your own, welcome to our world which can be daunting at times but also extremely rewarding. If you need advice do feel free to email me at blundellbarrie@gmail.com and if I don’t have the answer, the chances are that one of my more knowledgeable colleagues will. Green fingers to you all

Barrie Blundell

CONSERVATION FOUNDATION WANTS TO HEAR STORIES FROM YOUR GARDEN

Have you been gardening during lockdown? If so, you may have a story or some advice to share. In that case, the Conservation Foundation would love to hear from you. It has recently launched a virtual Gardening Against the Odds network on Facebook @gardeningagainsttheodds and on our web-site at https://conservationfoundation.co.uk/projects/gardening-against-the-odds/As David Shreeve of the Conservation Foundation explains: “Over the years running our GATO Awards we have made many friends and now we are making more virtually every day. If you or anyone you know would be interested in sending news and information to us especially if it doesn’t involve an actual garden or somehow it’s against the odds. We hope to be adding news every day and giving details of plant availability, tricks of the trade and offer the odd prize.”

DANDELIONS!

Many of us actually like dandelions. Their amazingly cheerful colour always brings a smile to our faces. The not-so-neat-and-tidy gardeners among us can

simply enjoy flowers where they grow.The name 'dandelion' apparently derives from 'dent de lion' – lions' teeth, owing to the tooth-like shape of its leaves. There are many different varieties of dandeli-on, but they all have the toothed leaves arranged in a rosette around the single flowers, each one made up of up to two hundred [yes, really!] tiny florets on a

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smooth stem, that when picked, releases a milky substance known as latex.The golden heads, which close up at night, in wet weather, or if picked to go in a vase, give way to the seed-heads we all know as clocks. Who cannot remem-ber proclaiming the time as a child, having blown the seeds away, counting each breath as an hour? And who, if this happened in the garden, remembers the reaction of a parent, or grandparent, to the efficient dispersal of the seeds all over the vegetable patch or flower bed!In the past, dandelion drinks and concoctions have been valued for their me-dicinal powers in combating a variety of complaints, and the Victorians used to cultivate them in order to fill sandwiches with the young leaves. Fizzy drinks manufacturers still produce a variety known as Dandelion and Burdock, and intrepid wine-makers can use the flowers to concoct a heady brew.The roots, some say, can be dried and ground up for use as a coffee substitute. It is those same roots, long and strong, that our grandmothers would water carefully, to the amusement of onlookers, in order to pull them up completely.To many of us, dandelions are one of Nature's joys.

75 YEARS ON

What would they make of it Whose lives were on the line Dodging bombs and bullets I’d choose Covid every time

Not for them the comfort Of staying in getting fat Food of wartime rationing Would barely feed a cat

We want more time on X Box Our youngsters tend to moan They just got a telegram Dad won’t be coming home

Our kids are all at home To avoid the virus dangers Then they were evacuated To go and stay with strangers

No expert seems quite sure Should masks be worn en-masse

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Then everybody had one In case of poison gas

The need for social distancing Precludes the use of lifts That’s nothing to the horror That was the London Blitz

We have our homes and gardens In which to wait this out Not some leaky shelter Whilst bombs fall all about

We must await with patience A brand new vaccination Theirs was constant terror Of Nazi occupation

It may be quite some time Before we’ve got this beat But it took them over five years To get Hitler in retreat

So let’s just count our blessings And show some wartime grit Take pleasure in the good things And we’ll soon be over it.

C. Ovid (19)

HALSTEAD WI

Halstead WI members are missing our monthly so-cial gatherings, especially as we have a varied pro-gramme lined up for 2020; good speakers, a Sum-mer Super in July, a visit to Riverhill Himalayan Gardens and our postponed Spring Art and Craft Fair which has been provisionally rescheduled for Saturday 11th July. These events may have to be

pushed back a while, hopefully not too far, so watch this space for confirma-tion of dates. Unfortunately like everyone else we are in limbo hoping that eve-ryone stays safe and listens to the directive. Meanwhile who was a member of Halstead WI in the mid to late 70s, not sure of the exact year, when Halstead WI participated in Knockholt Carnival, by decorating a float with a theme “It’s

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quicker by Snail” as at that time we were in the depths of a postal / rail strike. If you have any photos please let me know. If anyone requires assistance with shopping or any help day to day, don’t forget to ask Halstead Buddies, or contact me as I would be happy to help.So stay safe, warm, alert, and see you soon.Best wishes

Carole Sales on behalf of the committee

PARISH COUNCIL

As the Parish Council has not been able to formally meet during the current lockdown here is an update on what has been happening over the last few weeks. The celebrations across the village for VE day saw bunt-ing and flags displayed everywhere, followed by tea par-ties, self-catering BBQ’s and more. Congratulations to everyone. VJ day is the 15th August, when the war was finally over and the Parish Council would welcome sug-gestions as to how this important day for so many people can be celebrated.Work to alleviate flooding in Watercroft Road is near completion and work in Otford Lane and Knockholt Road to again deal with flooding is progressing. The resurfacing of the Netball Court has been completed. A Play Area Com-mittee has been established, the Village sign has been cleaned and repainted and the land adjacent to the Parish Room has been cleared to enable local residents to take over its continuing maintenance. The Parish Council is delighted that the ‘buddies’ scheme is working success-fully with 47 parishioners to date having been helped in a variety of ways. This shows how in times of adversity so many people have been mobilised to help those less able to look after themselves. It is hoped that this can continue long after the lockdown ceases. The Annual Parish Meeting was supposed to have taken place on the 11th May but had to be postponed to a later date. Parishioners are encouraged to sign up to the Parish Council website so that a written report can be circulated if the meeting has to be postponed for a long time. The next Parish Council meeting is due to take place on the 8th June but is likely to be cancelled.The Parish council hopes all of you remain well and looks forward to seeing you all at a future meeting.

Roger Sales

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FRIENDS

We all have them. We all need them.

I do.

She does, he does. Some people say that they can live without friends.

That's not true.

I feel upset when any of my friends go away, Even for a day.

My/Our friends are YOU X

Keep Alert and Safe. X

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A MESSAGE FROM THE ROSE & CROWN, HALSTEAD

As all local pubs have closed down due to government guidelines we have tried to still be involved in the local community. We have kept our kitchen open during the lunch-time session for takeaways and also more importantly home deliveries. We plan to continue this until the time is right to re-open again…..hopefully in the near future. Our menu offers a range of light bites to normal meals along with desserts and also a kiddies menu. This is open to all but our aim was to try and help the elderly and people unable to get out to the shops as transport and other matters have reduced the ability to go out as we all have been used to in the past. By now our menu should have been delivered to your door but if you do require a home delivery or a pick-up from the pub please do call me on 01959 533 120. Our aim is to deliver your order between midday and 2pm and it’s free of charge. It comes with heating instructions and the food is packaged in hygienic containers. If you have any questions, I will be more than happy to chat to you.

Tony & Jack Goode

CURRY WOOD NURSERY

Your local flower & plant nursery is right on your doorstep in Halstead and we sell a wide range of potted plants, bedding plants and also compost. We can also design hanging baskets to your requirements and deliver them too. We have been serving the local community for many years and are situated along Otford Lane TN14 7EE about 200 yards passed the Rose & Crown pub up a small lane on the right. Our prices are extremely competitive and we are open during the week. Please come and visit and we look forward to seeing you. Gerald Brooks 07889 984 965 or email..g.brookscurrywood@aol.com

UPSET? CHILL OUT…

A recent survey carried out by YouGov, on behalf of the Mental Health Foun-dation, found that more than one in five adults in the UK had felt panicked by the coronavirus, three in 10 had felt afraid, and more than six in 10 had felt anxious. And that was even before lockdown.

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One therapist suggests that if you are suffering high anxiety, then turn off the news and social media for a while. Dig out those old films you’ve always loved, cook a favourite recipe, and get some exercise, to help you relieve the tension in your body.

ODE TO BORIS

Corona virus, vile and sinister Even hit our poor Prime Minister It really gave us all a scare When he was in intensive care

For a week the media train Kept up their ongoing refrain When will there be more PPE? Who is running this country?

Up stepped Gove, Hancock and Raab And whilst they all tried so hard Not one of them had quite the charm Of Boris who can keep us calm

Thanks to the care by NHS Red boxes soon he will address So get well soon our tousled friend And help us see this to the end.

C. Ovid (19)

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The Cock Inn HalsteadCome in & be Social in your Local

Dog friendly • Cyclist Corner

Good beer, Ciders & fine Ales & Wines

Country atmosphere • Good Company

Family style Dining, Freshly prepared food daily

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IN DANGER FROM DOMESTIC ABUSE?

Domestic abuse is soaring just now. Even as far back as early April, it was up by 30 per cent. No wonder, then, that charities are urging us to keep an eye out for anyone in danger. The warning signs include bruising, repeated shouting and all types of controlling behaviour.If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you dare not even speak, then use the silent solutions service by dialling 999 and press 55.If there is no immediate danger, you can still contact the 24-hour confidential National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247.Refuge, the national domestic abuse charity, estimates about 1.6 million wom-en already experienced domestic abuse last year, and that “self-isolation has the potential to aggravate pre-existing abusive behaviours.”

PARISH MAGAZINE

As you may know, we are producing an on-line version of the magazine tem-porarily until social distancing restrictions are lifted and we can be sure our distributors will remain safe when delivering paper copies of the magazine to households. Please do continue to send all your news and articles to share, keeping in touch is more important than ever during ‘lock-down’ and I’m sure many will enjoy the welcome distraction of a good read! In the meantime, readers and advertisers will not be charged for the on-line magazine. And do pass the magazine on to others who might enjoy it too! Please ensure all articles for the July magazine are sent no later than 15th June to hmag@knockholtandhalsteadchurches.org . All emails will be ac-knowledged. Please do not send articles to our personal email addresses. Many thanks

Michelle Hughes and Martin Couchman (Editors)

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The Cock Inn HalsteadCome in & be Social in your Local

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Country atmosphere • Good Company

Family style Dining, Freshly prepared food daily

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Gardening Jon For a neat and tidy garden

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Regular or one off jobs Spring/Autumn Tidy Ups

Lawn cutting, hedge cutting, weeding, planting Hanging baskets and pots

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Tel 01959 532404 or 07798 832462

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