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FROM THE U.R.C. ELDERS
It was Christmas 1967, in Vietnam, and one of the U.S. Combined Action Combat Units received a call from a front line patrol, reporting that they had come across a village where a baby was very sick, with flu like symptoms. The soldiers had to move on but asked if a doctor was available to assist.
Three men volunteered for the mission a black medic, a tall blond driver, and a naval rating of Mediterranean descent.
Despite the appalling weather they eventually found the baby, whose breathing was very ragged and the Medic applied antibiotics. The three men then prayed and waited for signs of improvement.
Unusually this was a Christian village, in what was predominantly a Buddhist region, and the locals gathered round the open dwelling to watch, somewhat in awe, as they were not used to seeing these large strangers. Eventually the baby started responding to the treatment, and the Medic handed the mother further supplies of the antibiotic, explaining through an interpreter how they were to be used. The driver then handed over the money he had with him, to provide care for the baby, and the naval rating gave her his prized watch, which would be valuable for bartering. At this the mother broke into an outpouring of Vietnamese, which when translated was to the effect that this was not the first time three wise men had come from the East, to visit a baby, bearing gifts.
A lovely Christmas story, with a familiar ring, which should serve to remind us of what Christmas is really about. Yes it’s a time for relaxation and celebration, a time to renew and develop relationships with families and friends, but primarily it is about marking the birth of the Son of God, who came down to earth to save us. Born in a stable, yet from such lowly beginnings he grew to be the most important person the world has ever known.
May we all reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, and during this holiday period refresh ourselves spiritually as well as physically.
Wishing you all seasons greetings
Keith Holland (Elder)
MAVIS IRENE WILLAND
1943 – 2004
It is with great regret, and sadness, that we report the untimely passing of Mavis Willand. After an extended period of illness Mavis died on 31st October. Her funeral took place on 11th November at St James' Church, Gerrards Cross, where she worshipped.
Mavis was well known, and loved, in her community of Ickenham. As well as in her professional role as a local nurse, and latterly a home carer, she cared deeply for the people of Uganda for whom she, and Ken, worked tirelessly. Together with friends she set up, in 1980, and ran the Ickenham based charity known as 'Friends of Uganda'. Ken became its Chairman, and Mavis its Organising Secretary.
To Mavis the community offers its grateful thanks. Her work will continue, and to her husband, son and extended family, we offer the deepest of condolences on their loss. If anyone wishes to make a donation in Mavis’ name to Michael Sobell Hous,e or Friends of Uganda, this can be done by forwarding a cheque to St James’ Church, Oxford Road, Gerrards Cross, Bucks. SL9 7DJ
The local community will be saddened to hear of the passing of Dennis Edwards who was a well-known local historian and author of a number of books about Ickenham, Ruislip and Uxbridge. He once lived in Three Oaks Close before moving away from our Village. In 1982 he wrote, for Ickenham Resident’s Association, an interesting publication called ‘Yesterday in Ickenham’. An obituary, for Dennis, can be found in the December edition of ‘Ickenham Calling’.
On Sunday 19th December in the Church Hall at 10 a.m. (yes, 10 o'clock rather than 9.45 a.m.) the Explorers, Climbers and Scramblers will again present their Nativity Plays. All parents, grandparents and friends are welcome to come to this short service (maximum three quarters of an hour) with Carols.
The Christmas mural was put on display in St Giles’ Church Front Hall on 28th November. It was created by all the St Giles’ Junior Church groups, Brownies and Jack & Jill groups.
JOIN US CAROL SINGING IN THE VILLAGE CHRISTMAS EVE
CHRISTMAS EVE FROM 10 A.M. OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE HALL
In Aid of ‘Save The Children’
Meet outside the Village Hall at 10am on Christmas Eve. All welcome. Refreshments provided for the singers half way through.
COME AND JOIN US FOR CHRISTINGLE
3 P.M. SUNDAY 12TH DECEMBER
THIS YEAR IN ST GILES’ CHURCH HALL
This year the Christingle Service will be on Sunday 12th December at 3 p.m. in the Church Hall (in previous years it has always been in Church). The Climbers with Scramblers will be presenting a Nativity Play and the Explorers will undertake a drama.
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