August 2004 - Parish News
ST ANDREWS CHURCH
Services & Events during August
Sun 1 10-30am
Family Communion
Sun 8 10-30am
Morning Praise
2-30pm
St Andrew's Ramblers
Wed 11
No Pram Service today
Sun 15 10-30am
Holy Communion
Sat 21 1-00pm
Wedding (Simon Mason--Nicola Perry)
Sun 22 9-15am
Holy Communion (East Hyde)
10-30am
Morning Praise
Wed 25
Combined Picnic Dunstable Downs
Fri 27 2-30pm
Woodside Home Service
Sun 29 10-30am Morning Praise
Please note:
Midweek Communions take place monthly at two venues in Slip End. Details from Joy.
Please also note that ZJB will not operate during the school holidays but there will be items in the service for children. Also, the family room will be open with toys etc. for children unable to sustain the length of the service.
Grateful thanks to all the keen gardeners in the community who took part in
last months "Open Gardens" and for the donations towards the Church Roof
Repair Fund, Total collected £780-00.
Grateful thanks to all concerned. Didn’t they do well and what a lovely day it turned out to be. Editor
WOMENS INTITUTE
It has been pointed out that last month’s Annual Meeting was our 500th meeting! Doesn’t time fly when you are having fun!
Lorna, our President, dressed up in forties style to help at “Dunstable at War” in Grove Gardens in June. Someone remarked that they did not wear “curlers” but all I could think was she must have been wearing “rollers” not “dinkies”; come back Ena Sharples!
Our Darts Team won their match, well done. Our ladies and Sheila won the Rose Bowl in acknowledgement of gaining most points over twelve months of competitions.
Lorna reported on the Annual general Meeting held in Sheffield and gave the results of the resolution votes.
The speakers-cum-demonstrators for our meeting were Paul and Diane Weir, their subject being Willow Weaving. It was fantastic!. He started right from scratch and took us through all the finer details, making it so interesting you could have heard a pin drop. I have never seen willow growing and he told us that the levels in Somerset is the place to visit. He had brought some beautiful samples of their work which we were able to purchase once the meeting was closed. A book with pictures of his work even included a wicker coffin!
Future Dates
On July 20th Mrs J. Gooding will be our speaker, her subject “Adventure in Costa Rica.
On 17th August we will be on the “Treasure Trail” then on 21st September we will be holding our birthday Party.
We meet on the 3rd Tuesdays of each month at the Baptist Church Hall in Caddington. We would love to see you so come along for a natter and a cuppa amongst friends.
Patricia Crick
YOUR RESPONSES
Crawley Close – Upgraded?
Reviewing recent Parish Council minutes on slipend.co.uk, our hawk-eyed editorial team spotted that Cllr Penman nominated Mr K. Crossett of Crawley Gardens to sit on the Council. Has Cllr Penman, who looks after Planning Applications on behalf of the council, let the cat slip out of the bag and does this imply an upgrade to Crawley Close status? Does becoming a Garden not imply added council responsibility towards upkeep and maintenance to our gardens?
Also, it has noted that street signs are being replaced in the village: Parish News trusts that Crawley Gardens will not be abbreviated to the ghastly Crawley Gdns!
From Maureen
The recent Parish News article regarding graffiti in St Andrew’s Church brought back quite a few memories for me, an evacuee in 1939 from London to Slip End.. I used to be taken to church bY Connie Barford three times every Sunday and after a while a few of us younger girls joined the choir, where we were provided with gowns and mortarboard hats.
It wasn’t only the lads who pumped that organ, we all had to take turns and in those days it was freezing cold in winter, watching that weight go up and down and then pumping like mad when you were not paying attention.
Thank you for reminding me of those bygone days: the Rev Lambert was the vicar in those days.
Of all the people in the choir, I believe that I am the only one left in Slip End and the only evacuee left.
Maureen Coker
Thanks for writing, Maureen. Contact the churchwardens who, having tidied around behind the organ, will be pleased to show you the old pump and the graffiti. Parish News would love to hear more about your times in Slip End, evacuation and all that!
SLIP END LOWER SCHOOL.
On Saturday 10th July 2004, Slip End Lower School held their annual Summer Fayre. The weather was not kind although all the planned out-door events did take place; it didn’t rain until the end of the afternoon.
In the central arena there were displays of Irish Dancing, Karate, Dog Agility and a Parachute game. There were several stalls for the visitors to enjoy; Face Painting (always popular with the children) Wet Sponge Throwing, a Golfing Competition, Barbecue and other competitions and games. Our local Police Officer was there and she brought a Police Van that proved popular with the boys as they were allowed to switch on the sirens and lights.
The afternoon was planned and run by the Friends of Slip End Lower School (FoSELS). This organisation, which consists of Parents and local people, raises that little extra for improving the facilities at the school. At present they are fund raising to improve the playground facilities. Their work is greatly appreciated by the school and pupils.
The next Fayre will be at Christmas and will be held on Saturday 4th December 2004.
The Fayre was Cori Fisher’s last one as Head of Slip End Lower School. She takes up a new Headship at Chantry Primary School in Luton in September and we wish her well in that post. Before leaving however she ‘volunteered’ for a spell on the Wet Sponge stall as our picture shows!
Cori – just waiting to be sploshed!
Some of the children enjoying the bouncy slide.
All in all – a great afternoon and all our good wishes to Cori when she starts her new school in September – she will certainly be missed.
Editor
OPEN GARDENS 2004
After months of preparation and much enthusiastic work, 11 village residents opened their gardens on the 3rd July.
We are familiar with many local houses, but to venture into their back gardens was a revelation! Some are quite large, others tiny. There was a fascinating variety of ideas throughout and several visitors commented on this. A lot of the work represents part of long term projects but the results are fantastic and the opportunity to look around not to be missed. It was good to meet up and chat with neighbours and make some new friends!
It was not just the 11 gardens that were so impressive. It was quite apparent that many of the neighbouring gardens are also worth a look. For the next event, probably in two years time, we look forward to a different selection of gardens as well as looking over latest developments in some of the ones we already know.
Leading up to the day, a lot of work was carried on in the background by a small team. They wish to thank all those who worked so hard to ‘open’ their gardens, and all the visitors who turned up on the day. Also the many extra willing helpers who provided food and drink, produce and plants, and helped to make it such a successful event. Special thanks to Anil Mittal for, once again allowing us to put our programmes in the Post Office, and for being so helpful and enthusiastic throughout.
With your support £780 was raised towards the cost of roof repairs for our church.
It was a great day!
Plant People.
Garden Heroes!
Some of the intrepid folk who opened their gardens.
Unable to see each others gardens on the day they
did the rounds on a couple of evenings after the event.
THE FAST TRACK WEDDING
Mention the subject of planning a traditional white wedding these days and straight away thoughts of mounting costs, months and months of planning and a fair bit of angst along the way immediately spring to mind. Our two daughters always knew that if they wanted to marry in Church before God we would support them all the way with their decision. Two vital conditions we failed to implement, however, were not to marry in the same year and allow hubby and I the luxury of little notice.
So, when Daughter No.1 announces in November 2003 that, because of heavy work commitments, the only month she and her partner can possibly fit in their much-desired traditional white church wedding is the following February, my response? …‘IMPOSSIBLE!’ Without another word she dutifully retreats into her shell and the subject is dropped. For now.
The following January, Daughter No.2 (who is a tad more assertive than Daughter No.1) returns from Australia, where she now lives, and announces that she must have her traditional church wedding over here next month on St.Valentine’s Day to fit in with her Australian fiancé’s leave dates, and before I can make a run for the nearest emergency exit I am transformed into a doey-eyed doting momma, heading for any bridal gown shop in the area because she wants only the best for her ‘baby-darling’ daughter. Of course I do, the best in the ‘Sales’ selection, you understand.
Apart from the obvious ‘flexible friend’ to go with the main ingredients of this impending feast, the other flexible friend we urgently need at this point is an accommodating vicar. To say Austin ‘jumped through hoops’ to accommodate our timescale, isn’t an image most of us would want to contemplate for too long, but we were so blessed to have an imperturbable vicar who listened, advised and legally arranged the ceremony – mainly without a groom in evidence (the groom, at the time, proudly serving in the Royal Australian Navy somewhere around the Solomon Islands).
And that is the point about last minute wedding planning – the fast pace to which everyone involved suddenly adapts, and the savings you unwittingly make. No time to order the full-priced bridal gown of your dreams because it takes anything from 6 to 16 weeks to arrive so you select an equally enchanting cut-price wedding dress off the peg; no time for invitations and other necessary wedding stationery to be printed so you make your own which is much more personal and pleasing; less choice with the flowers (thankfully, my ‘baby-darling’ resists the inflated St. Valentine’s red roses and chooses cream tulips, unusual and delightful); and perhaps most importantly of all, no time to ponder before deciding. So, in just two weeks the church, vicar, bells, choir, organist, hymns, reading, church flowers, wedding breakfast venue, menus, bridal gown, bridesmaids’ dresses, photographer, cars, bouquets, hairdressing and wedding cake are all arranged. Mother of the Bride outfit sorted – in the John Lewis sales: Invitations sent out (RSVP by telephone) and table-plan in place……… and we’ve yet to meet the groom.
Shamelessly, we have denied many wedding suppliers in this ever-growing industry of our custom – especially those wanting to hold onto our money as deposits for a length of time, we haven’t been anywhere near a wedding exhibition despite there being one, it seems, in any town at any weekend, and we have denied the high street departmental stores of allowing them their ‘invaluable’ wedding gift service.
I recently read that the average cost of a full traditional white wedding is £12,000; ours was more like half this figure and is proof that you don’t always have to spend oodles of time and money in order to have the dream wedding. Our ‘fast track wedding’ went without a hitch, in fact, it was perfect. As was the groom - much to our relief !!
You may think I owe Daughter No.1 a humble apology. Of course I do, and I did. Happily, she is to marry her man this summer, outside, at the Tree Cathedral, Whipsnade. It would have been a bit chilly in February, wouldn’t it?
Christine Allsop
BROWNIES
1st & 2nd Woodside Brownies
By the time this magazine comes out we will have broken up for the summer holiday. We start again on Wednesday September 8th, when we will have some new girls joining us; there are still some vacant spaces. We have enjoyed various activities for our 90th Birthday Celebrations over the last few months and recently 4 of our Brownies went to Haverings to join with other Brownies for a Birthday Party with Fun & Games.
Brown Owl
FRIENDSHIP CLUB
First and foremost, thank you so much Shirley for your gift of £300 to help with our Christmas Dinner. Shirley did the May dance to sponsor our Club, which was very kind of her. She works so hard arranging the village dances and also the Thursday Bingo with the Slip End & District Association. We do appreciate all that is done for us by the Committee. Gill and Michael are another couple who do so much for the village and our Club. We wish them a very happy Ruby Wedding anniversary at the beginning of August. Our very best wishes to them both.
We have been lucky with the weather on our outings this year to Wisley and Eastbourne, and also on SEDAT’s outing to Hunstanton were all sunny and warm. We go next to Yarmouth on 19th July and have a Mystery Tour on 23rd August.
Viv Porter
ALLOTMENT & GARDEN ASSOCIATION
August
Vegetable Garden
When you cone to the end of the first early potatoes, make a start on second early and mid-season varieties, lifting a few roots at a time as you need them. Onions from January and March sowings will be ripening and you can hasten this by bending over the leaves just above the neck of each bulb. Make a second sowing of spring cabbage, and you may also sow red cabbage.
Flower Garden
You can take cuttings of zonal or ivy-leaved bedding geraniums during the month. Continue to remove faded flowers from roses, bedding plants etc, and runners from violets. Disbud roses and dahlias if you want big flowers.
Fruit and shrubs
Continue to bud fruit stock, and loosen ties that are cutting into bark and replace with new. It is the right time to control American Blight (woolly aphis) on apples by spraying with recommended solutions. You should be able to pick some apples and pears this month as they ripen.
THE LUCY MARTIN SCHOOL OF DANCE
Firmont, Caddington Common, Markyate, Herts AL3 8QF
01582 842658 / 07788 983403
Starting Monday 6th September.
I still have places available in my ballet class at Collings Wells Memorial Hall, Caddington on Thursdays, 4.00-4.30pm from 3 ½ years.
There are also spaces available in my tap class on Fridays, 4.15-5.00pm. This class is suitable for beginners from 4 ½ years
I shall be starting a new modern/jazz class in September for children aged 6+ years, on Mondays 5.30-6.15pm at Slip End Village Hall.
Please let me know if you are interested or would like more information about any of these classes.
A VISIT TO THE OPEN GARDENS
I was lucky enough to visit some of the gardens that were on show recently at the Open Gardens Day. My friend Sue Scott kindly offered to chauffeur me around and we had a very pleasant afternoon.
Our first garden was Woodside Road where John and Carole live. They have a huge garden, which much take a lot of time to keep it at the standard it is now. Since the last open gardens they have filled in an old pond and built a new one, as well as lots more besides.
The vegetable plot was abundant with vegetables and Mr Pig was keeping an eye on the produce!
Drinks were available and Pimms for those who weren’t driving! We were also shown a lovely cottage garden which they have found time to do nearby. The garden had been derelict but after a month of loving care and hard work it looked a treat – it just goes to show what can be done if you really try hard.
The cottage garden looking a picture.
John even found time for a quick sit down!
Next onto Church Road, where we popped into the garden of May King. Unfortunately the rain decided to start to we couldn’t stay very long but May has worked very hard on the garden and the vegetable plot. Well done May – the garden is a credit to you.
Next onto Summer Street and, in need of some refreshment we enjoyed a lovely cream tea at the Old Bakery where Val & Brian Church live. The garage had been opened and filled with tables and chairs, a good thought with showers about. The tea was superb.
The grandchildren had also been rounded up to help and were doing a brisk trade with home produce and jewellery for sale.
The garden looked lovely especially the small back garden with all its added features.
We travelled further along Summer Street and came to No 35 where Angie and John live. Their garden is 190 feet long. They have lived there for only four years but have made many changes to the garden and the work is still ongoing. At the top of the garden there is a huge pond with a bridge across with lots of koi carp swimming about. I hadn’t realised the gardens were so big in Summer Street!
Half way down the garden was a bbq area which seemed an excellent idea.
Angie runs her business from home and is hoping to build an extension to the house in the near future where she will work from.
At the next garden in Summer Street we met Liz and Shane and they told us they had lived there for six years. The children were certainly enjoying the play equipment which fitted in very well with the garden design.
The entrance to the garden was full of baskets against the wall, a colourful spread.
The next garden belonged to Joan Duncombe and what a difference has been made since Joan and Roger moved there. Some photos were on display and we could see all the changes that had been made.
Joan and her family were doing a roaring trade at the BBQ and had plants for sale.
The garden looks a real treat Joan, well done
Further along in Summer Street, we called in at Trudi Lamb’s garden. Trudi has lived there for 9 years and her garden is about 120 feet long. She has some very unusual plants in her garden and a lovely display of fuchsias on her patio half way down the garden.
Although the rain started again we were still very impressed with all the work that Trudi has done.
After five gardens in Summer Street I was beginning to tire but carried on, thankfully. At Front Street we met up with Rosemary and Steve Wickens and even bought some lovely blackcurrants that were on sale there.
We also met Ben, their spaniel who was enjoying meeting all the visitors to his home.
Janet and Sue admiring the sea-holly
Steve showed us a very unusual plant in the garden called ‘sea holly or euryingeum’.
Next it was on to Crawley Close where we caught Mr Kingston lazing about on his patio! David and Marian only have a small garden but it just goes to show what can be done.
They have planted lots of fruit bushes and vegetables in pots to save space and I thought they were an excellent idea. We saw potatoes, tomatoes, fruits – all growing successfully in pots! Unfortunately, the bbq had finished – we had taken so long looking at the other gardens!
Strawberries growing in a pot- lovely!
David relaxing – a long old day perhaps David? Although I did hear he promoted his son Simon to chief chef!
Finally we called in to see the organic compost and garden at the Fuell’s house in Crawley Close. We learned some interesting facts and answered most of the questions on the fact sheet. I particularly liked the garden they have created with plants from Geoffrey Hamilton’s garden.
A lovely day and thanks Sue for the lift and to all the gardeners/gardens we visited. I look forward to the next one. Editor
Did
anyone spot this unusual garden ornament?
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