Best Kept Secrets

I have discovered three places within a radius of less that twenty miles from Heath and Reach that are oasis of spirituality. You don't have to travel far to experience special places, though going on a pilgrimage has it's own merits. The first place is St. Michael's Priory, the WELL at Willen, about twelve miles from home. I booked the venue for our Quiet Afternoon in January and got a real feel for the place then . On Wednesday and Fridays there is a communion service at 12.15pm and a library with thousands of books. So a fine spiritual resource not very far away at all.

The second place is the Buddhist monastery on the Hemel road, called Amaravati. Every Saturday 2-4pm there is a free introduction to meditation led by one on the monks with questions and answers at the end of the session. Three meditations are practised; a sitting meditation with a full body scan lasting about 45 minutes. A standing meditation lasting about ten minutes and a walking meditation lasting about thirty minutes. They don't practice a lying down meditation. Again, another oasis of spirituality.

A third best kept secret is The Filling Station set up to support parishes. They meet in village halls and have a come along to tea and muffins and a modern style of praise, healing and song meant as a place to top up your faith (hence filling station.) Locally the meeting is held at Bellows Mill, Eaton Bray every third Tuesday evening.

Best kept secrets if you ask me; it took me three years to discover them, even though I had heard them mentioned. It is not until you go there to see for yourself can you experience it for real. The Buddhist monastery attracts scores of young people every Saturday afternoon. The beauty of these places is being with others in different prayer styles.

What other best kept secrets are about waiting to be discovered?

With spring in the air and adding a spring to my step I am discovering more and more of Rushmere country park. Have you ever been to the pet cemetery there, dating back to the 30s and 40ts? All the little headstones to family pets. We saw it last year covered with bluebells; though we did need the satellite navigation on the phone to help locate it!* 1

Being curious and wanting to explore is what makes us human. There is a buzz and a sense of being alive when we explore new situations and go out of our comfort zones.

I love the question “when was the last time you did something for the first time”?

There are three places suggested here as oasis of spirituality not very far away at all. Join with some friends and experience together The WELL at Willen, the Buddhist monastery near Great Gaddesden on the Hemel road and the Filling Station at Eaton Bray. Revd. Noel

PS: if you want to go a bit farther there is a fourth best kept secret called Contemplative Fire that meet sin St. Mary's Church Wendover.

* See page 22 for a walk which included this fascinating glimpse of the past in King’s Wood. As an added incentive, you gets lots of fresh air and exercise! However, beware, it can be very muddy in winter. Perhaps a little later in the year when the bluebells are at their best?

St Leonard’s Church Hall is available for hire! Birthday parties, wedding receptions, meetings and other special occasions

Competitive hire rates, fully fitted kitchen and car parking

To book, for more information or to check availability please go to saintleonardschurch.com, email [email protected] or call 07502 320 025.

Cover photo: Christmas Crib

The Parish Registers

Baptisms

2016 3rd December Iris Rose Cole 4th December Sophia Tabitha Rose Faulkner 2017 1st January Sienna Portia Brackley

Funeral

18th January Sidney Charles Abel

Price of People and Parish

Due to increased printing costs, the price of People and Parish will be increasing to £6 per annum or 60p a copy from February 2017. This is the first price rise for many years and we seek your understanding of the need for the increase and the reasons behind it.

Badminton Club

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The Villager I have been rummaging through some old papers, a sort of tidy up for the New Year, and discovered among lots of scribbled notes, a St Leonard’s church magazine from February 1967. Those of you who were taught arithmetic at the village school will soon have worked out that this was 50 years ago.

The magazine did not have the range of articles that the present one does and the twenty seven advertisers were featured on the inside of the front cover and outside the back cover. Of these, only six were situated in the village and they were Heath Stores, selling Beers, Wines and Spirits, and the Post Office Stores selling many things, including Biro and Platignum pens, Wallcharm paint and ice cream. The Little Shop also sold ice cream among its groceries and Bird’s Hill Dairy supplied milk and new-laid eggs, as also did heath Farm Dairy. If you wanted to drive around the village, you could buy and Austin or Triumph car or any other make that Heath Motors would be pleased to sell you. Today, none of these old village names still exist.

On the front of the magazine was a drawing of the church, which showed the metal cross on the top of the apse but when the roof was repaired by Mr Bill Grace of Stewkley in 1968, the shaft of the cross was rusted through and broken off in the timber. What was left of it was cleared away, never to return when the work was finished.

At the side of the pavement was a fence and a holly hedge and the wooden gate was still in existence. The Revd. Barrow took divine services, which included Mattins (said) at 8.45am, on the first Sunday of the month, Family Communion at 9.00am except on the first Sunday when it was at 11.00am. He also arranged Confessions, Churchings, Marriages and Baptisms. The Sunday School met most Sundays at 11.15am. The School House at 27 Bird’s Hill was lived in by the Head- master and Mrs Clark.

The 1967 magazine contained almost all religious articles but because there were over 100 allotment holders in the parish, included a page full of garden notes. Go- ing across the Cemetery last week, I recalled one of the tips included fifty years ago, entitled ‘Do you have trouble with Moles in your garden?’ The answer was ‘If so, plant Caper Spurge—no moles will come nearer to it than 60 to 70 feet.’ This weed, which is of the Genus Euphorbia, is also known as the Mole Plant and has been known as a deterrent for many years. When damaged, it exudes an irritating milky sap which is very toxic and its seeds are deadly poisonous. It can be found growing on waste ground and has been discovered in cottage gardens. The plant was first recorded as a native species in Berkshire in 1805 and later in

Northamptonshire in 1838. When ripe, the seeds are dispersed explosively and are attractive to ants, who are thought to help spread them.

Perhaps it would be wiser to ignore this old advice and try windmills stuck in the mole runs or the wind whistling in empty milk bottles poked in the ground round your lawn, though moles seem to be too clever to be scared off by these methods.

I advise the Parish Council to keep employing a Mole Catcher as poisonous seeds in the cemetery sounds good for an episode of ‘Midsomer Murders’ but of little use for mole scaring!

Geoff White

Things to ponder on......

Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on special offer?

What happens if you get scared to death twice?

Why is it that doctors and lawyers call what they do “practice”?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavouring and dish washing fluid made with real lemons?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called “rush hour”?

Why do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters? More Brains of Britain (From Richard and Judy)

Richard: On which street did Sherlock Holmes live? Contestant: Er.... Richard: He makes bread Contestant: Er.... Richard: He makes cakes Contestant: Kipling Street? 6

POST- CHRISTMAS PARTY in St Leonard’s Church Hall followed by a Picnic

Bring a packed lunch, cold drinks provided

Thursday 16th February 10-12noon

Activities for 3-10 year olds with accompanying adult To add to party atmosphere please come in fancy dress if you would like to – children and adults Lots of Party Fun- Games and a Special Visit from ‘A Children’s Entertainer’ who will make balloon animals

Early Booking Essential, limited spaces – phone: Rosemary Young 01525 237345 or Vera Paul 01525 375095

NAO BOARDING CATTERIES NAO CLEANING SERVICES

 Fully licensed and approved.  Domestic regular, weekly,  Heated pens with individual fortnightly, home care cleans outside runs.  Occasional cleans  Collection and delivery  Tenancy beginning and services available. end  House moving cleans  After builders cleans OPEN MONDAY TO SUNDAY  Commercial and contract.

Please call 07411 136691 Please call 07411 136691 or email or email [email protected] [email protected] for enquiries for a free estimate www.naocatterryservices.co.uk www.naocleaningservices.co.uk

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KINGSWOOD FARM

BOARDING KENNELS AND CATTERY

BRICKHILL ROAD HEATH AND REACH

Telephone: 01525 237 777

Proprietors: Anne & Bob Reeve

Jemima Kimber, Age 8

St. Leonard’s Amateur Players Present a special screening of their popular production

The

Amorous

Ambassador

Saturday 25 February at 7.30pm

St. Leonard’s Church Hall, Heath and Reach bring your own popcorn and drink no ticket required

Not suitable for children 10

Church of the Good Shepherd

January 8th 2017 was the last Sunday of Paul Niemiec at the above church. I had been once and Sarah not at all so we went to celebrate with the congregation and Paul and Helen. It was a far from sad occasion, the hymns were joyful the people joined in with the praise and Paul led in his own style.

A lot of people and a lot of children but I heard every word of the service, I could also read it on the screen, when a big head did not get in the way. At one point Paul called for quiet and got it. A three piece band played for the singing and a trio of singers led the worship. It was a joyous event.

Several people came to us before the start of the service and welcomed us and we spoke to people after the service. All this came about because Paul and Helen opened their house to a house group, a mother and toddler group and a messy church, and their hearts to God’s calling.

The school hall became a place of worship, a table with some sheep on it and a cross the altar and God was truly worshipped in that place, and when the children joined Paul at the front, near the end, and we sang “Our God is a great big God” ,with actions, it was really moving.

Paul and Helen will be missed but Jesus is still the leader of the Church of the Good Shepherd and I am sure it will go from strength to strength. We must pray for it, its members, its PCC and for all who will be part of the church in the coming years. And if you would like a joy injection or a happiness transplant go along on a Sunday at 9:45, you will get a wonderful welcome.

Ian Woodward

Paul and Helen at Paul’s final service on 7th January

OTTAGE TORES C S R & M Shah 297 HEATH ROAD (corner Sandy Lane)

MON to SAT 6am-6pm OPEN SUN 6am-1pm

NEWSAGENTS, OFF-LICENCE CONFECTIONARY, CARDS, GROCERIES, TOBACCO, PATENT MEDICINES, WALLS ICE CREAM, GENERAL STORES We also sell BUNKERS HOME-MADE SAUSAGES HOT BREAD ~ Sunday mornings 7 day Week News & Magazine Delivery Tel. 01525 371808

For all your painting and decorating needs …

J.M.Wyatt

Painter and Decorator

4 St Leonard’s Close Leighton Buzzard Beds

LU7 3DF The most competitive prices in

Tel. (01525) 379520 the area Tel: 01525 237687 Call for free quotation and advice Mrs Emma Smith 12

Thursday 9th February COFFEE MORNING in the Church Hall 10am-12.00noon

Saturday 25th February MEN’S BREAKFAST in the Church Hall at 8.30am

Saturday 25th Febraury THE AMOROUS AMBASSADOR SLAP offers you another chance to see a film of this hilarious comedy. in the Church Hall at 7.30pm

Saturday 4th March 50/50 AUCTION in the Church Hall at 1pm

For more information on any of these events, phone 01525 377047 13

A Warden’s Tale.....or A Warden’s Tail!

The saying 'tail between the legs' is entirely appropriate for me right now. In my enthusiasm I went ahead with plans for the memorial plaques to go beside the inner porch memorial glass. Somewhere in my head the truth of the matter was replaced by my own pragmatism. In my world, if you pay for something you have certain rights over it but the truth is entirely different.

Anyway, off I go at 100 miles an hour eager to make sure the plaques reflect the families' wishes only to be reminded that there are restrictions on just about everything you do in a church, even if you have paid for it. Well you live and learn I guess, Note to Self: just because it sounds like the right thing to do it 'ain't necessarily so'.

I completely agree with having national guidelines to almost all such things. Of course we would not want an image of Marilyn Monroe from 'The Seven Year Itch' in our inner porch door, although I guess a strange few may disagree! However, this is not what we are talking about here. The rules are the rules and so there is no room for compromise. NOTE TO SELF: ASK FIRST!!!

Anyway, moving swiftly along red faced, December was upon us (can you remember that far back?) and the first job Bede and I needed to do was to get a Christmas tree for the church porch. I have to say that, despite some concerns, this proved not to be a problem after all. Last year Leighton Buzzard Garden Centre gave us a tree free of charge but there has been a change in ownership. Undeterred we called on them only to be told their 'free tree allocation' was al- ready used up!!

However, as we are both a church and a charity they offered a discount on their stan- dard tree. A non-drop Christmas tree selling for £14.99 doesn't really lend the imagina- tion towards anything spectacular does it! Well, much to our absolute amazement we picked up a beautiful 6ft tree for a mere £10. If you don't believe me have a look.....I think I know where we'll be getting our tree from now on. I can also tell you I have seen very similar trees for £45 or more! I feel this is definitely worth a mention, despite the passage of time. Good advice folks for next year and a big thanks to our local garden centre. Anyway, not having thought this through particularly well (anyone notice a pattern here?) we then had to get the tree into the back of my car which involved quite a bit of

manoeuvring. Seats had to lay flat, Bede pushed and I pulled until at last the tree was safely in the car. We did the same when we got to the church and despite a few pine needles on the back shelf of the car you'd be none the wiser. Of course had it not been a non drop tree it would subsequently have been very uncomfortable in the back!

Ooh, and I just have to tell you about this! On 4th December we held our Toy Service which was a truly lovely event. About 15 minutes in to the service an unfamiliar face appeared at the door. Our sides people popped outside and a few moments later were bringing in an array of beautiful toys including an enormous soft cuddly bear, baby walker and bouncer along with dolls and activity toys. The woman explained that as Muslims who had just finished Ramadan they wanted to give to the children of our community in thanks to God for their lovely five month old baby. We were extremely moved by this gesture of charity and grateful for their kindness and generosity. Many thanks to you both. You know who you are.

On 11th December we had our Christmas Lunch. This year Suzie (aka Mrs Vicar) cooked a fantastic roast dinner and we donated puddings and brought our own drinks. This is an event which traditionally is not a fundraiser and people make a donation of their choice if they are able. The event pays for itself with some extra to go towards other Christmas expenses if needed. It is an opportunity just to spend time together, relax and have a good time....bit like being in church on a Sunday really!!

Talking of fun we enjoyed a lovely start to the New Year with a packed house for our first Family Service of 2017. This included a Baptism for Sienna, a really beautiful baby girl. She was so good and didn't mind at all about being carried around by Noel as he introduced her to people.

I could waffle on, something I'm known to be rather good at, about Christingle 2016 and our travelling crib but the editor has advised that Christmas will be a distant memory by the time you read this and I think he's right.

We are enjoying our annual panto thanks to St Leonard's Amateur Players (SLAP). Robin Hood is the story this year. I can guarantee that fun is had by all and I know just how much hard work goes into this performance. It must be great fun because people come back year after year to take part. Maybe I should give it a go? Oh no you shouldn't....I hear you cry....yeah!

So, all I can say is, by the time you read this 2017 will be well established. Our inner porch doors should have their glass and the drama surrounding this project should be over. I'll let you know shall I? Val Roberts 15

What Peacemakers have said throughout history

This is a cause for which I am prepared to die, but there is no more a cause for which I am prepared to kill. (Mahatma Gandi)

The habit of love, like all habits, is something we learn (Mother Teresa of Cal- cutta)

The first duty of love is to listen (Paul Tillach)

When I am angry, I have the right to be angry but that does not give me the right to be cruel (Anon)

The way to change minds is with affection not anger (Dalai Lama)

Do not let the sun go down on your anger (St Paul)

You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist (Indira Gandi)

Jean Genie...or Sartorial Stresses

On one of my better days, feeling in jovial mood I decided that, all being well, maybe a holiday beckoned during the coming year. I further decided to dig out my 'holiday clothes', dust down the mould, and assess my holiday clothing needs. On inspection, a pair of jeans forlornly abandoned a number of years ago, caught my eye. I somehow knew, without closer inspection, that having been put in a drawer for some time that they had shrunk quite considerably! Undaunted, I determined, despite my being of a certain age, that a new pair of holiday jeans was in order! A toddle off to Milton Keynes ensued, a visit to the 'Jeans' shop the target.

Bad decision! .....Have you tried to buy a pair of jeans lately?

My last jeans purchase was quite simple - waist 34, leg 31, blue. Not any more!

Me: jeans please, waist 36, leg 30, blue. Salesman: is that indigo blue, faded blue, stone washed blue, contrast piping or rivets? Me: just normal jeans, 36 30 blue. Salesman: is that tapered leg, straight leg, bootleg, flared leg, torn or whole? Me: ..erm...normal. Salesman: d'ya want waist fitting, hip fitting, button fly or zip? Me: .....err...... Salesman: heavy duty denim, stretch denim, two way denim, washed or torn? Me: don't you do just normal jeans then? I left, jeans-less. Is it me or has progress left me behind? I didn't say anything to the salesman, but I felt that he should be re-titled as 'Sales Prevention Officer'.

Anyway, must dash home before the bin men arrive, perhaps the old jeans may still fit me?

Derek Hardman 17

St Leonard’s Church Heath & Reach

The office hours have changed! Now open on Tuesday & Thursday 10am - 1pm

Emails will continue to be monitored outside of these hours.

LYDIA.PILATES - EVERY WEEK! Heath & Reach-Leighton-Linslade

Feeling STRESSED, TIRED, or SLUGGISH? Would you rather be CALM, ENERGISED, TONED & STRONG? Come to Pilates or Barre!: BARRE SCULPT an infusion of To advertise your Ballet and Pilates every Monday 18:45 product or service in this -19:45, Friends Meeting House, LB PILATES (mixed ability) every space, call Kelly on Thursday 18:30-19:30 at The Barn, 07502 320025 Heath & Reach. PILATES (mixed ability) COMING SOON, every Wednesday 11:30am in Linslade. . See more at or reserve a space at www.lydiapilates.com. E: [email protected]

St Leonard’s Visiting Team

We are a small group who enjoy meeting people and having a chat (maybe over a cup of tea!).

If you or anyone you know is housebound, or might enjoy some company occasionally, please call Kelly on 07502 320025 and she will put us in touch.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Anne Chapman

CHURCH COFFEE MORNING

CHURCH HALL

Thursday 9th February

10.00am to 12 noon

ALL WELCOME

TRANSPORT AVAILABLE IF REQUIRED PLEASE TELEPHONE 07502 320025 TO ARRANGE

Coffee mornings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month

Next coffee morning will be on

Thursday 9th March

St. Leonard’s Church Heath & Reach

50 / 50 AUCTION

Saturday 4th March 1pm in the Church Hall

Viewing 12.00 - 1pm Refreshments available

Please bring your items for sale to the Church Hall between 2pm & 7.30pm Friday 3rd March

We regret no items of large furniture or electrical goods can be accepted

Enquiries:- Tel: 01525 377047

Walk of the Month (6.5 miles)

Start Point: old car park in Stockgrove Country Park

1. Take the path to the left of the visitors centre, turn left past the toilets to a crossing path. Turn right and keep straight on past the lake on your right, continuing until you reach a fence and a crossing path. 2. Turn right and proceed uphill and through a gate next to the “Oak Wood” display. After a further 50 yards, turn left downhill to “Charcoal Pond”, and an unusual carved wooden seat. 3. Turn left, go through a gate and follow the Greensand Ridge Walk path for about 300yards before turning left onto a footpath climbing up and then down to a small stream. 4. Cross the stream and carry straight on up a steep slope known as the “Devil’s Steps”. Continue straight on on the main footpath to emerge beside the British Legion Club. 5. Walk down Thrift Road, turn left into Old Linslade Road and left again into Woburn Road and then opposite the garage turn right into Thomas Street. At the top of Thomas Street turn left into Reach Lane, passing to the rear of the Cock Hotel to the sports ground car park. 6. Turn right into Bryants Lane and in about 50 yards turn right up some steps, turning left onto the footpath and proceeding uphill with the quarry on your right. Rejoin the lane at a kissing gate and continue uphill to the junction with Overend Green Lane. Fol- low the footpath opposite across a field. 7. At the far side of the field, go through a gate and turn left, following the waymarked permissive footpath which takes you between the hedgerow and a wire fence round a field to the entrance to Sandhouse Nature Reserve. 8. Follow the path through the nature reserve as it first turns right and then left round a pond. Continue to the exit gate into Sandhouse Lane. Turn left along the lane to the busy Woburn Road. Cross the road (with care!) and pass around the gate opposite into King’s Wood, a national Nature reserve. 9. Follow the wide grassy track to a crossing path just past a small pond. Turn right following the path as it turns left and then left again until you reach a corssing track just past the rare “Clarke’s Hornbeam” tree. Turn right at the cross-junction. 10. Continue along the track, passing the old gamekeeper’s hut and its dog graveyard, with six gravestones. ‘Topsy’ dated 1934, is the oldest. In early May, this area is full of bluebells. Walk on, and where the path bears right, take a narrower path on the left, which meanders downhill following the woodland edge, with Rammamere Farm across the fields to the right. 11. The path eventually joins a wide sandy track. Continue straight on uphill for about 100 yards to a gate on the left. Go through the gate onto Rammamere Heath, and en- closed area of traditional sandy heathland. Bear right across the heath with a row of silver birches and tehn a piece of old farm machinery on your right. Continue on, bear- ing left but staying on the main path, downhill to a gate. Go through the gate and follow the wide track for a few hundred yards back to Stockgrove Country Park and the start point. 22

THE SILVER LINE

A helpline for older people

0800 4 70 80 90

“Like child abuse, loneliness carries a stigma, especially for an older genera- tion too proud to ask for help. I hope by creating a helpline for older people The Silver Line will enable them to break through the stigma of loneliness, and thus save lives and comfort and protect older people in need.” Esther Rantzen.

The Silver Line is a free confidential helpline which provides; information and signposting to services, community and voluntary support across the country; a friendship service to combat loneliness; and a means of empowering those who may be suffering abuse.

If you are feeling isolated or lonely, there is not only the helpline, but a telephone befriending service, where you are matched to a trained volunteer, who will phone on a weekly basis for friendship at a time convenient to you. So if you feel that you would benefit from the services of The Silver Line, please do not hesitate to call our 24/7 helpline on 0800 4 70 80 90.

‘If you think it is for you, it is for you’.

St Leonard’s Parish Prayer

Living God, you have given us St Leonard as an example of one who extended himself to relieve the difficulties of others; help us to know in our hearts the love you have for us all so we may reach out in genuine empathy to those in our community who feel lonely, isolated, or overwhelmed by grief or loss. Help us to grow together as a people united in concern for each other and love for you. Amen

ONYX - The dynamic six piece band for your special event, wedding reception, anniversary celebration, dinner dance or corporate function. Choose your favourite songs from our extensive playlist for those magical moments to make your special occasion simply the best. ONYX will ensure you and your guests dance all night to celebrated hits from the last five decades. [email protected] 01525 211019 Facebook.com/on77yx

STOKES CHIMNEYS AND GARDENS

Qualified lady chimney sweep All types of stoves and chimneys carefully swept. Birds’ nests cleared Member of the Institute of Chimney Sweeps Garden maintenance service. Grass cutting, weeding, leaf clearing, pruning and planting etc. RHS qualification Friendly local service. Public liability insurance and DBS checked. Call Sue Stokes on 01 525 850622 [email protected]

www.heatsafegasandplumbing.co.uk 26

Coffee (after 11am On or For Sun Cleaning service)

J Thomas & 5th February S Darms & A Payne A Gomersall

A Chapman & 12th February S Halstead

19th February H&R Ramsbotham R Young & S Darms

S Buttery & 26th February E Dickinson

V Roberts & 5th March J&T Mellodey S Halstead

12th March J Thomas & H Clark

19th March A Palmer & L Page V Roberts

A Chapman & 26th March S Halstead

The annual subscription to the magazine of £6 is now due. If you collect your magazine from church, please put your money in an envelope and hand it to a Church Warden. If your magazine is delivered, please hand the money to your distributor.

If you are not a regular subscriber and would like to be- come one, please complete the details below and return to the Parish Office, The Church Hall, Leighton Road, Heath & Reach LU7 0AA with the annual subscription of £6.00 (cheques payable to St Leonard’s PCC)

Name……………………………………………………….

Address…………………………………………………….

I would like to : Collect the magazine from Church each month: Yes/No or Have magazine delivered: Yes/No

And finally......

The perils of alcohol!

In 1087, William the Conqueror got too fat to ride his horse, so he went on an alcohol-only diet and died later that year. Ouch!