From the U.R.C. Elders

On the first Sunday of the New Year our Preacher for the day spoke of making plans. This brought to mind a farmer met whilst on holiday. He talked of his life and plans to extend his farm, make a lot of money and retire early, living his life to that end.

Sudden illness changed everything and here he was with his farmhouse converted into a guesthouse. He spoke of his Christian faith and how it helped him to adjust to his restricted horizons.

That night a piece of paper on our pillow read:-

Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long trip. We are travelling by train. Out of the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on highways, children waving at a crossing, distant hillsides, city skylines. But uppermost in our minds is our final destination. On a certain day at a certain hour we will pull into the station. Once we get there so many wonderful dreams will come true and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw.

When we reach the station that will be it, we cry.

When I buy that new car

When I have paid off the mortgage

When I get promotion

When I reach retirement, I shall live happily ever after!

Sooner or later we must realise that in this life there is no station. The true joy of life is the trip. "Relish the moment" is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

With a diary full of 'plans' may the blessings of each day shine through.

Eileen Goodbody
Elder Ickenham URC

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From the U.R.C. Registers

Cremation at Breakspear Crematorium

Dec. 8th - Jessie Worsley, aged 72 (Followed by a memorial service in the U.R.C.)

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St. Giles' POSADA

As described in the December edition of ICN, small nativity figures of Mary and Joseph journeyed round Ickenham during Advent (the four weeks before Christmas). They stayed in each house for just one night. Some people experienced the moment of taking the nativity figures to the next household, and saying the Posada prayers together drew them closer to each other. Others spoke of being unprepared for the total feeling, they received, of warmth, goodwill, friendship and belonging. Many found having Mary and Joseph staying in their house overnight brought them peace during the busy period before Christmas. We remember that Jesus is always present in our homes, unseen and often not acknowledged.

Jenny Reid

Making Room for Christmas

This year was especially busy in our home, what with presents to be bought for our families and friends and two children with birthdays either side of Christmas. We were also moving home in the middle of December so you can imagine the scene of organised chaos in our home!

The Posada figures came to us one week before we moved. It wasn't until about an hour before the figures were due to arrive that we realised that a position in the front window, on their own, wasn't good enough, so we set to work. A shoebox was made into a stable; the children collected toy animals and a tiny toy baby. Then a manger was made from a matchbox and the straw was shredded paper. Finally a star was cut from silver paper. Because we all were rushing around preparing for the arrival of these important visitors, no thought was given to cards, presents, food or drink. What a refreshing time this was, especially when our visitors arrived and simple prayers were said.

Amongst the busyness of this particular Christmas we had found peace and the true meaning of the Festival.

Sally Blackman

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Ickenham Festival 2004

Hobbies, Arts and Crafts Exhibition

Ickenham United Reformed Church will again be holding the Hobbies, Arts and Crafts Exhibition, which has become an increasing popular attraction of Ickenham Festival. The Exhibition will be held at the U.R.C. from Wed. 16th to Fri. 18th June. We invite Ickenham residents, and those who have a close association with Ickenham who would like to exhibit, to contact us. We are particularly keen to have exhibitors who would be willing to demonstrate their skill, for a while, and those who have a less familiar hobby.

No sales take place, or any advertising other than a small card giving exhibitor's name, address and telephone number. Space is limited, especially screen space, and some selection may be necessary. The Exhibition will be stewarded throughout and some insurance cover arranged.

It will be open for all to visit from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and admire our local talent. Entrance is free with a box for contributions to a charity. Coffee will be available mornings from 10.30 to 12 noon, and on Thursday and Friday afternoons, the Ickenham Churches Women's Group are serving cream teas, from 2.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Once again the proceeds are going to a charity.

Will persons interested to exhibit, please contact Tim Playle (01923 821886) 12 Drakes Drive, Northwood, HA62SL, acting on behalf of the Church Stewardship Committee, which is organising this event.

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2004 Men's Breakfast

24 April  8.30-9.45 am  St Giles' Church Hall
'What future for the church?'
The Rt. Revd. Peter Broadbent
Bishop of Willesden

10 July  8.30-9.45 am  United Reformed Church Hall
'Creating Eden'
Alistair Guthrie
Director at Arup Consulting Engineers

16 October  8.30-9.45 am  St Giles' Church Hall
'Whose world is it anyway?'
The Revd. Dave Bookless
Director of AROCHA UK

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Gospel Oak

Wednesday 3rd December 2003 saw a crowd of concerned, and interested, Ickenham folk meet at 10 a.m. to witness the planting of a new Gospel Oak. Colin Chambers ­ L.B.H. Trees and Woodlands Officer ­ was pleased to be in charge of the initiative especially as the date marked National Tree Planting Week. He said " in about 1995, the last bough of the old oak suddenly fruited heavily and it seemed an ideal opportunity to grow new saplings from the acorns. Unfortunately all the acorns turned out to be barren and just empty shells".

Diana May, who has been attempting to get the replanting carried out for the past 21/2 years is very pleased that her efforts have at last been rewarded.

Peter Daymond, of Ickenham Resident's Association, shovelled into place the final spade of soil and then spoke for a few moments about the project and its next phase.

The new oak is of the genus Quercus Robur.

Since December's story appeared in I.C.N. telephone calls have been received from Ickenham and Swakeleys Horticultural Society, which has offered a significant sum of money to embellish and maintain the Gospel Oak site, and Mr Derek Taylor, Director of New Pro Foundries, West Drayton, who has offered to cast, at no cost, a new plaque.

It is wished to retain the original engraved stone; so all parties are liaising with Colin and Peter to plan the best way forward. We will keep you posted on developments and when a dedication might be expected.

Editor

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