Parish News Price 50P

www.stmaryswexham.co.uk September 2021

Parish News Price 50p

Rector: Due to Covid-19 there are restrictions on use of Rev’d Andrew Parry 07972 142 073 the Church Hall some organizations are not able [email protected] to meet there at the present time.

Licensed Lay Minister: MEN’S FELLOWSHIP meets for a meal and discussion Mrs J Bell 07812741279 on the last Thursday in each month. [email protected] Contact Paul Horth—[email protected]

Churchwarden: MONDAY CLUB for elderly people Miss V Clayton [email protected] Mondays 2p.m.to 4 p.m. Contact Anne Davies 01753 518232 PCC Treasurer: Mr B Edwards 01753 527410 BINGO CLUB: Mondays at 8.00 pm Contacts: Mrs L Shelley 01753 771834 PCC Secretaries: Mrs C Elderfield; Mrs Y Hickman Mrs C Donaldson 01753 712974

Parish Magazine Editorial Team: TIDDLERS TODDLER GROUP: Rev’d Chris Collinge [email protected] Thursdays 10.00 am - 12 Noon Mrs Jill Bell [email protected] Leader: Mrs L Galvin 07957967928

NORMAL SUNDAY SERVICES BROWNIE GUIDES: Thursdays 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm Please note that due to Covid-19 these services Leader: Tracey Hassell 07305277569 are not following our usual pattern. See Calendar page opposite for details. FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S: 8.00 am—Holy Communion - Common Worship Contacts: Mrs L Shelley 01753 771834 Traditional Language (said) Mrs C Donaldson 01753 712974 10.00 am— Holy Communion - Common Worship Contemporary Language LOCAL CONTACTS:

WEXHAM COURT PARISH COUNCIL: (Slough, Berks, part of St Mary’s Parish) YOUNG CHURCH AND CRECHE: Clerk to the Council Adil Iftakhar 07803 208 556 10.00 am in the Church Hall [email protected] Leader: Mrs S Horth 01753 551511 WEXHAM PARISH COUNCIL: (Wexham and George Green, Bucks, part of St Mary’s Parish) DIRECT GIVING: Clerk to the Council: Mrs Angela Galvin 01753 644887 If you would like information on our Direct Giving scheme, or Gift Aid, please contact WEXHAM, BUCKS, RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION: Mr B Edwards 01753 527410 Chairman: Mr G Spring, 4 Brookside, George Green 01753 536977 CHURCH FLOWERS: For Wedding flowers and arrangements for special ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL - 01753 693461 occasions, please contact www.stmaryswexham.co.uk Mrs J Boot 01753 520296 The PCC and the editorial team reserves the right to edit and shorten submitted material. Advertisers in the magazine are not necessarily known to the editorial team and the appearance of an advert does not carry an implied endorsement.

ORGANISATIONS

St Mary’s is an Anglican parish church which seeks to proclaim the Christian faith by sharing the love of Christ with those who enter its buildings and with all who live within the communities of Wexham and George Green.

We are now back to our normal pattern of services in church at 8am and 10 am on Sundays. The church is cleaned between the 8am and 10 am services. Although restrictions have been eased we ask that you continue to wear masks, adopt social distancing and use the hand sanitising as you enter the buildings. Tea and coffee are now served after the 10 am service in the church hall You can sign up for the Mailchimp on our website www.stmaryswexham.co.uk and then you will get notifi- cations of the services and details of any alterations to our programme plus the YouTube link for the filmed services. .

4th September 19th September Trinity 16 1030 am to 12 midday 8.00 am Holy Communion Wellbeing Coffee Morning in the service in Church Church Hall 10.00 am Holy Communion service in Church 5th September Trinity 14 10.00 am Young Church in 8.00 am Holy Communion Church Hall service in Church 10.00 am Holy Communion service in Church 10.00 am Young Church in Church Hall

12th September Trinity 15 8.00 pm Holy Communion 26th September Trinity 17 service in Church 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.00 am Church for All Service in Church 10.00 am Holy Communion service in Church 10.00 am Young Church in Church Hall

DEADLINE FOR THE OCTOBER PARISH MAGAZINE: Material for October Parish Magazine must be with the Editorial Team by 23rd September Magazines will be available from Sunday, 2nd October

Rector’s Rambles

Oh the irony!

Two days before the “great unlocking” I was working on my sermon for the next day and saw a notification on my phone. It was from the NHS Test and Trace app. Apparently I had been in the vicinity of a person who had tested positive for Covid and that I must self-isolate for 6 days.

A bit annoying. Especially as we had our big annual church meeting on the Sunday. I was- n’t too concerned about that, as the PCC members are quite capable of doing what is re- quired. It was more that it was galling to realise that, after a year of visiting and being out and about, I would be locked away for the great unlocking.

I suppose I could have found some inventive way around my isolation. I don’t know, per- haps to say that the advice was just advisory; or that I was going to sign up to some pilot scheme which would mean I need not isolate.

But that wouldn’t be right. I’ve been spending a lot of the last year asking people to abide by measures which are uncomfortable, unusual, and quite intrusive. And people have been abiding by them. We have all, over the past year, done things we would rather not do, and we have done them, mostly, for the sake of others.

Some of those we will be removing, some not. As I write this, we have opened up slightly, started to offer refreshments again after the 10am service; reduced the spaces between pews; asked the choir to sing again.

But at the same time, we will continue to ask people who come into our buildings to wear masks; we will be cautious about congregational singing; we will not share the communion cup. And we will do all this, yes to avoid the “ping”, but mostly, out of consideration for each other.

We have all lost a lot this past 18 months. Some have lost loved ones, some have lost op- portunities, some have seen their health deteriorate during the isolation. Some have lost the desire to go out, to mingle.

But that loss is not the final story, the last word. There is life!

Andrew Parry

4 Puzzle from David MacIsaac ANSWER TO JULY PUZZLE

1. GYRATED

2. RIN TIN TIN

3. ERNIE

4. MUNCHKINS

5. LILITH

6. INUITS

7. NEW ZEALAND

8. SMELL (The accident in a car caused him permanent loss of smell)

The Capital letters of these should give you GREMILINS for the film.

This Months Puzzle.

What 5 letter word can go after the following to make 6 new words?

OUT FIRE DAY WIND HEART TEA

Smile Lines from Parish Pump Why is it that everyone can remember their childhood phone number, but can’t remember the password they set up yesterday?

A man went into a drop-in medical centre where the diag- nosis was done by a computer. The patient keyed in his symptoms. The machine whirred and buzzed for a few seconds and then presented its findings on the screen. It said simply: “There’s a lot of it about.”

I hope you have had a lovely school summer holiday break and I look forward to hearing all about it when you return to Young Church in September.

5th September There is no Young Church this Sunday.

12th September Today we will celebrating Harvest so there will be Church for All Cafe Harvest at 10am in the hall. Come with your family and friends and enjoy worshiping in a fun way, with singing, snacks and refreshments plus activities.

19th September This Sunday there will be Young Church in the hall where we will hear about who is the greatest and how we can love God and others. We will make some hear shape biscuits and some key rings.

26th September Today in Young Church we will talk about being part of God’s family and how we can serve God and other people. We will make some, Be happy cards and a cup and saucer sweet craft.

AT THE CHURCH FOR ALL—HARVEST CAFÉ CHURCH on 12th September at 10 am we will be collecting for Slough Homeless Our Concern (SHOC) and the Slough Foodbank . Non perishable food items will be going to the Foodbank and if you would prefer to donate cash that will go to SHOC. Both organisations have experienced a spike in demand for their services. The Foodbank are currently asking for Long-life milk, Tinned fruit, Tinned meat (stewed steak, mince, chicken in sauce) , Jam, Long-life fruit juice, Long-life sponge puddings, Coffee (small jars), Pasta sauce, Toiletries, and Washing Up Liquid but they have a 12 month sup- ply of pasta and baked beans

6 Lydia Simmons OBE

Photograph courtesy of Baylis Media Ltd

This happy photograph of Lydia Simmons shows something of the vivacity and energy and joy she has given to the people of Slough. First nominated to be mayor in 1983 and serving from 1984/1985 she became the United Kingdom’s first black mayor. She had already experienced a “first” however by becoming Slough’s first black councillor in 1979. She served as a councillor for 23 years. During that time much of her focus was on housing, so it is fitting that a new de- velopment in Elliman Avenue is named Lydia Court.

As a ward councillor Lydia used to make knowing and helping people a priority and Saturday’s would often see her knocking on doors, asking people if they needed help. She says that housing is full of good memories for her.

Lydia has been a Slough resident since 1960, so the memories go back a long way. Back to before the hospital was built at Wexham, when there were many more green fields. But Lydia Simmons is proud to have been a Slough resident – enjoying the diversity and vibrancy of the place. Quoted in the Slough Citizen of April 2018 Lydia says “ I used to say to the children, never give up your culture, be proud and just be yourself. “

Lydia was 17 when she moved away from the place of her birth – Montserrat, a Carribean island, sadly badly damaged by a volcano in the 1990s. Her cousin, Beresford, was at one time prime minister of the island, so the Lydia Simmons, who is spoken of with such respect and affection in Slough comes from a family where caring and service is part of life. Recognition of that service came in 2011 when Lydia Simmons was awarded the OBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

Chris Collinge

7 Traditional Annual Show is back again after Covid

Stoke Poges Wexham and Fulmer Horticultural Society held their Annual Show in the grounds of The Stoke Poges School on Saturday 24 July. The Society has held an Annual Show since 1884, only missing the first and second world war years and Covid 2020.

It was a wonderful, happy community event, enjoyed by 950 people, who viewed the many exhibits, floral art ,vegetables,, fruit, flowers, art, crafts, baking, jam,wine and photography. Entries were up and were commended by the judges for the high standard. All were set up in the large marquee. Outside the marquee were 2 trade exhibits – Village Plants, Denham and Miles and Miles , Farnham Common, from whom plants could be purchased. Inside a beautiful floral arrangement from Flowers Unique in Chalfont St. Peter. There was a wide variety of stalls and also a very impressive display of vintage cars.

Ploughman’s lunches and cream teas courtesy of Pinewood Nurseries, and a bar- becue run by St Giles’ and St Andrews’Church were there for those looking for sustenance. Nearby, the bar did a roaring trade. Many sat and listened to the All- sorts saxophone quartet, while youngsters had their faces painted and their hair braided.

The raffle, bottle tombola and gift tombola were well supported and helped with the cost of putting on the show.

In addition, the Society was delighted to participate in, and to receive support from the Buckinghamshire Culture Open Weekend. Visitors to the Show proudly wore and showed off their colourful stickers.

Norman Grundon, Chairman of Grundon Waste Management, the Society’s Spe- cial Guest, presented the Cups and Trophies at the prize-giving. In introducing him, the Chairman, Ruth Rooley, referred to the partnership with The Woodland Trust and Grundon.

The Society introduced a new trophy this year – the Community Garden Trophy, which was won by George Green Social Garden. Matthew Harrod, who works at Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens won the Edward Guinness Cup for 16 – 30 year olds with a project in horticulture. The Stoke Poges School won the Schools Cup with Wexham Court Primary School runner-up. Best front garden was won by a garden in Stoke Poges. The Fox and Pheasant and Rose and Crown were joint winners of the Most Colourful Pub Cup. There are cups for Best Allotment in Stoke Poges and Best Allotment in Fulmer. Our MP Joy Morrissey came with her family and was most welcome as a local resident.

Having missed the show last year everyone was thrilled that it happened this year and celebrated the special and unique community event. There was an air of joy and enjoyment across the whole site and much relief that the rain held off!

8 Future Events

Wednesday 8 September at 8 pm – Lecture Evening at Stoke Poges School

Maureen Barton “Growing Together” all about the very successful Facebook page which Maureen set up during the first Lockdown and now has nearly 10,000 members worldwide.

Wednesday 13 October at 8 pm Members Autumn Social Evening at Stoke Poges School with finger buffet and a table show

Stefan White a well-known and entertaining speaker will enthrall everyone with an illustrated talk “Skulduggery in the Shrubbery”

Saturday 13 November at 2.30 pm in St Andrew’s Centre – AGM and afternoon tea.

We were delighted to welcome a number of new members at the Show. New members are welcome to attend our events, £2 for lecture evenings, £3.50 for social evenings. There would be no charge if you join, single membership £8; 2 adults in one household £12 and family membership £15. Membership also enti- tles free entry to the Annual Show and free to exhibit.

Gardeners World - BBC 2 on 25 June - Still available on “I Player”

If you missed the feature about the wonderful Iris garden in Fulmer, its history and its restoration, make sure that you log into iPlayer to catch up. Jon Homan together with Liz Prouting, the owner of the garden, treated viewers to a magnificent display of irises.

Things to Do as communal life opens up again s

Friends of St Mary’s hosts Bingo every Monday evening. in the Church Hall 7.30 for 8pm prompt start

SATURDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 10.30 TO 12 WELL-BEING COFFEE MORNING.

Come along to St Mary’s Church Hall and join us for a cup of tea or coffee and a listening ear. An opportunity to meet together for a chat after many months in lockdown.

SATURDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER from 2pm—3.30pm

George Green Social Library at Harvey Memorial Hall George Green Road SL3 6BJ. Come along to browse the books, magazines,

THURSDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 7PM TILL LATE Popoular with many of our readers the Prop House Café is celebrating it’s third anniversary by hosting a dinner and musical entertainment. More info on page 14. BOOKING ESSENTIAL as limited space available.

Pearls of Wisdom

As I write this article we have just come to the end of a week of Morning Prayer during which we have been reading the Book of Proverbs which was written for the express purpose of passing on wise ways to children. We have all been given such pearls of wisdom in our childhood. Many will have come directly from the Book of Proverbs!

Church for All, in August, gave us all an opportunity to share our own pearls of wisdom. As you read them decide which ones came from the Bible. You can also decide which ones were shared by the children – that will be a surprise! It was great fun sharing and gave us all food for thought. Thinking about how wise the sayings were but also thinking what a gift from God wisdom is – and we all have a share of this gift!

Here are the pearls – enjoy!

1.Smile with your eyes as well as your lips. 2. Give kids chores to do. 3. Be kind to others even if they are not kind to you. 4. Unto thine own self be true. 5.Treat others as you would want to be treated. 6. Laugh and the world laughs with you – cry and you cry alone. 7. Never meet trouble half way – it will find you on its own if it really wants to. 8. Never be afraid to ask. 9. Remember, when you point a finger at someone else there are three fingers pointing back to you. 10.Make a holy place where you can escape from everything 11. Never go to bed on an argument. 12. Always be yourself.

Chris Collinge

From Yew to You

It’s always good to hear of ‘green’ initiatives. Ruth Rooley has written about an award winning one. Welcome to - George Green Social Garden

George Green Social Garden was opened in 2015 utilising a small space to the side of the Harvey Memorial Hall in George Green. The Social Garden was the next stage to a program of providing a hub through activity that the residents of George Green and Wexham could be involved with. The initial start up was The George Green Social Library which provides a pop-up service for residents of all ages. The Social Garden had a small start up fund from Buckinghamshire Council and Wexham Parish Council to provide the initial infrastructure of raised beds & planters modifications to paving and the facility of wheelchair access. The garden has flourished since opening with gardeners young and old using its beds to grow seasonal flowers and vegetables, during the day children from Butterflies Pre-school have a learning centre on the doorstep and can be relied on for advice at all times, During the summer evenings and weekends the space though small can be used for relaxation it has even hosted an art exhibition.

With celebrations in mind the Social Garden is great place to dress up with bunt- ing and flags , for Halloween the ghosts arrive and at Christmas it converts to a space full of fairy lights and glitter. Developed between 2015 to 2021 the Social Garden is now a part of George Green. You are welcome to pop in. Additional information is available on “George Green Social Library & Garden” - Facebook page. Ruth Rooley Editor’s note. You’l see on page 10 details of the next opening of the Geogr Green Social library. Why don’t you pop in , enjoy some home made cake and a cup of tea and then viist the garden.

Treasurer ’s Corner.

The results of the second quarter ended 30th June 2021 showed that income was some £1,400 down on the previous quarter on most areas, but the first quarter was boosted by a £1,000 gift aid donation.

On the other hand, Expenditure for the second quarter was up by £2,400 purely for the Annual Insurance for both Church and Hall. Also in this quarter was pay- ment of £1.072 for Statutory Fees to Oxford Diocese which were part of the income earned in the first quarter.

Looking towards the next quarter it is hoped that things will improve with the lift- ing of restrictions and larger attendances at services.

As a footnote, the Church had its Annual General Meeting on 18th July 2021 when I reported that the pandemic had cost the Church a reduction of £9500 in 2020 year.

Brian Edwards

Month March 31st June 30th Sept 30th Dec 31st Year to Date Income 2021 £8,764 £7,442 £0 £0 £16,206 Expenditure 2021 £8,001 £10,404 £0 £0 £18,405

Income (Left) Expenditure (right)

Prop House Coffee Shop At Pinewood Nurseries Is celebrating its third anniversary with a special evening opening 7 till late There’s a three course meal plus entertainment fea- turing the music of Frank Si- natra, Dean Mar- tin, Sammy Davis Jnr and all the Kings of Swing

£45 per person. BOOKING ESSENTIAL Phone 07429110208

Prop House Coffee Shop Function At Junction Pinewood Nurseries

a family run

Bistro Style Café eco-friendly party shop Delicious dishes Fully stocked Balloon Bar, Licensed partyware ranges for all ages and eco- Open 6 days per week friendly gift wrap & cards. (Not Mondays except BHs ) Free design planning service. 9-5 weekdays 10-3 weekends Our Party Hut is at Pinewood Freshly cooked food at Nurseries, Contact us on 07538865063 reasonable prices Specials Board if it’s closed as we operate a delivery changes daily Vegetarian and service or look at our website https:// Vegan options For reservations phone Andre on www.functionjunctionpartyhut.co.uk/ 07429110208 14 Housego Heating Ltd.

Repair service and installation on natural gas and l.p.g. Family run plant nursery, farm shop appliances. café and small retail business park. Opposite Wexham Park Hospital 30 years in the gas industry. ECO REFILL PANTRY come and reduce your plastic! The Farm Shop offers an ever changing selection of tasty treats alongside the every day staples of your kitchen cupboard. Much of what we stock is locally produced or ethically sourced including a good range of gluten free products www.pinewoodnurseries.co.uk Contact Farmshop open 9-5 Tues to Sat Paul Housego Nursery open 10 to 4 Tues to Sun For further information contact on [email protected] 07960571484.

TRANSWORLD 2000 LUIGI AUTOCARE UK LTD Worldwide Freight Distribution CAR WASH

Unit 6, Planet Centre Armadale Road Telephone 01753 Feltham 574999 Middlesex Uxbridge Road TW14 0LW George Green Telephone 020 3589 8164 SL3 6AT Fax 020 3589 8161

WEXHAM POST OFFICE & GENERAL STORES (Now with an off licence) Tel: 01753 526284

Wexham Road, SL2 4HE Near the Hospital Roundabout

Groceries, Bread, Milk, and Alcohol.

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 9.00 am – 7.00pm Saturday - 9.00 am—6.00 pm Sunday - closed

***IMPROVED PARKING***