TREES AND NATIVITIES

Ickenham was as busy as ever over Christmas, with a range of church and community events and services delighting us all.  The huge Christmas tree by the pond was lit up as usual, making a stunning focal point for all who were travelling through the village.  The Christmas Tree Festival at St Giles’ highlighted as ever the imagination of all the groups of contributors. 

For a second year at the URC on Festive Community Evening, a wonderful display of nativity scenes was presented.  The variety of styles and materials from around the world was impressive; there were knitted figures, wooden ones – even Lego characters!  New this year, was a Living Tableau Nativity.  Well done to the (quietly acting) participants for that one. 

Also on show at the Nativity Display were the figures that are used each year during the St Giles’ ‘Carols for the Family’ services.  But these, of course, were safely back at St Giles’ in time for the two ‘all ticket performances’ on Christmas Eve. 

This was the fortieth successive Christmas Eve for this highly popular event, which began in 1972, under the auspices of then St Giles’ Lay Reader, Philip Robinson.  The following year, he introduced the now traditional format, using a script written by a priest in the Peterborough Diocese.  A Narrator tells the tale of the Nativity, interspersed by the singing of traditional carols to the accompaniment of around eight musicians.  As the story unfolds, model characters and animals are brought from the side chapel by a team of six St Giles’ children, who process around the church, before the models are added to the scene being built up in the chancel. 

Involved in the original design and construction of the models were Philip’s wife Christine, Mary Barnard and Pam Cotmore.  After a few years, the original models were ‘retired’ and a similar, but more decorative set produced.  The present set of figures has been in use for about 15 years.  The design is unchanged, but the clothes are more elaborate, and removable, so they can be ironed to keep them looking spruce! 

For the last twelve years, Pam Cotmore and her husband Peter have been the leading lights in organising these highly popular services (ably assisted in the side chapel by Diana May!)  But this was their last year of such involvement, so as they retire from this role, we send our sincere thanks to them for all their hard work.  It has been quite a family affair over time: the Cotmores’ daughter and their grandchildren have been among the St Giles’ children carrying the models round the church over the years. 

And even when Pam and Peter take a back seat role in 2012, Pam’s models will still be centre stage!

A SIGNAL SUCCESS

Among the advertisements featured in ICN, you will find one for Ickenham Aerials (on page 5 this month).  It has been featured in our newsletter since 2006, some four years after the business was established in Wallasey Crescent. 

The company specialises in installing antennas for receiving TV, satellite and radio signals, as well as undertaking a variety of associated work, including large TV distribution systems and flat screen TV installations.  David Bolton is the company’s founder and full time expert, while he has several skilled part time workers who assist with the larger commercial ventures.  David worked for a similar company in the past, then spent time in civil engineering design; but he didn’t fancy being “chained to a computer” for the rest of his career, so struck out on his own.  “This job suits me down to the ground”, he said.  (And up on the roof too, it seems!)  “I’m my own boss and manage my own time; I like being outdoors and meeting new people and I welcome the challenge that each new request presents”.  He also enjoys living in Ickenham, where the majority of his business is generated, although he also has contracts in the surrounding area, including at nearby hospitals, hotels, offices and nursing homes.   

If you check out the website at www.ickenhamaerials.co.uk, you will discover that it probably isn’t the place to go for the cheapest quote.  But as David explains, that’s because he always aims to do a “proper job”, using the best materials and not taking short cuts.  It’s worked for Ickenham Aerials: David has never been out of work and a lot of it comes from personal recommendation - as well as via ICN, of course!  

With the imminent national switchover to digital TV, David offers the following advice to those who haven’t yet ‘gone digital’.  “Don’t feel you must rush out and get a brand new TV, just because yours isn’t digital-ready.  Provided you are getting a good signal, all you might need is a digital box, which can be purchased at most electrical outlets for about £20. But if aerial improvements are necessary, we can help with that, and with other aspects of the conversion if required.  Again, see our website for details.” 

David also recommends the website at www.digitaluk.co.uk.  Digital UK is the not-for-profit company that is leading the UK’s switchover to digital television.  Their website explains when the switchover will occur – in Ickenham it will be a two-stage process, on Wednesday 4th April, then Wednesday 18th April, when the Crystal Palace transmitter goes digital.  The site also provides advice on re-tuning of equipment and troubleshooting. 

For most of us, the switchover will hopefully be a simple process.  But it’s good to know that David is on hand if it isn’t!

AFN