1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

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St Etheldreda’s Church
with St Luke’s
February 2015 letter to the parish from
The Reverend Canon Richard Pyke
on the gift of our children
Dear friends, at the very beginning of February, the
Season of Epiphany, we have celebrate the revelation of the significance of Jesus to the world. The
season comes to a climax with the story of Mary
and Joseph bringing Jesus as an infant to be presented to God in the temple setting in Jerusalem.
The story of
that visit includes encounters with two
elderly and
pious people
Simeon and
Anna. Both
had been waiting for the coming of the Messiah
and evidently saw in this tiny infant their hopes
fulfilled. They foretold the kind of future that we
would all wish to shield our children from, of a life
complicated by suffering before the hopes that
they and their nations longed for could be fulfilled.
For those of us fortunate to be parents,
there is a tension between wanting the best for
our children and a desire to protect them from all
pain and discomfort; to that of acknowledging the
world is not an easy place to grow up in and
providing the right nurture and support to help
them learn and grow.
Children are our theme for this month, we
celebrate and rejoice in the many ways their presence among us enriches and enhances our church
and community life. They are very much a valued
and important part of our church congregation.
Elsewhere in this edition of Refocused, you can
read how at St Eth’s and St Luke’s we seek to en-
courage them, and equally learn from them, what
it means to be a Christian. It has long been my
desire to encourage a practice now widely accepted in the Church of England—to allow children
(over the age of 7) to receive Holy Communion.
There will be a period of debate about this before
our Parish Council Committee, I hope, makes a final decision to allow this supported by guidelines
laid down by the Church of England and adopted
for many years in our own Diocese.
Jesus has much to say about encouraging
children to come to him, rebuking his disciples on
one occasion when they tried to prevent them
getting near the Master. In my experience, more
often children have a deeper spirituality and understanding of scripture that many adults. Also in
faith matters it seems that all of us are children at
times who have simply failed to grasp what the
Good News of the Christian Gospel is all about.
He called a little child to him, and placed the child
among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you
change and become like little children, you will never
enter the kingdom of heaven”. Matthew 18 2-5
All to often in our society and culture, children continue to be marginalise and we continue
to hear of shocking cases of abuse. My hope and
dream is that the Church and in particular our local
churches will not only be a place where children
are safe and secure but one in which the rich gifts
they have to offer may be stimulated and enjoyed.
Perhaps my letter may awaken the child
that is in you to seek afresh and revisit the christian story, or be prepared like a child to give it a
go. Your friend and priest, Richard
We are a church that seeks to ‘Love the Lord God with all our heart, mind and strength, and our neighbour as ourselves
FEBRUARY 2015
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Forthcoming Events
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ST ETHELDREDA’S CHURCH
WITH ST LUKE’S
Contacts
The Reverend Canon Richard Pyke
01707 262072—[email protected]
The Reverend Susan Marsh - St Luke’s
01707 329744— [email protected]
Reader John Barnard 01707 335074
[email protected]
Sunday 1 February , 6.30pm
Epiphany & Candlemas Carol Service
St Albans Cathedral
Saturday 7 February 8am
Men’s Breakfast—St Michael and All Angels
Saturday 7 February 10.30am
Ramble meeting—St Michael and All Angels
Ash Wednesday 18 February
Lent 2015 starts see page 4 ...
Ash Wednesday 18 February 2015 8.00pm
Choral Eucharist—St Albans Cathedral
Ash Wednesday 18 February 8pm
Ash Wednesday Service
St Mary’s, North Mymms
Sunday 22 February 2015, 6.30pm
Taize Service—St Albans Cathedral
Thursday 26 February 3.30pm-5.30pm
Messy Church—St Michael and All Angels
Sat, 28 February 2015
JS Bach - St John Passion—St Albans Cathedral
Sunday 12 July
60th Anniversary Celebrations
St Michael and All Angels
Friday 11 - Sunday 13 September
Parish Retreat
Regular Services St Etheldreda’s Church
Sunday: 8am Holy Communion
9.30am Holy Communion with Sunday School
Wednesday: 9.15am Holy Communion
Saturday: 5pm Evening Prayer
1st Sunday/month: 11.30 Family Service, Church Hall
Bell Steeple Keeper
Rob Goss 01438-718038
Child Protection Adviser
Nicky Jackson 07745 630176
Choir Director & Organist
Jill Knight
01707 894949 [email protected]
Churchwardens
St Eth - Tom Ryan - 07793 019457
St Luke - Eve Lloyd - 01707 884981
Deputy Churchwardens
Robin Aley - 07810 636786
Mark Jackson - 01707 885792
John Lavelle - 07850 971566
Church Hall Bookings
Ruth Letton [email protected]
Communications Officer
Linda Barnard
[email protected]
Family Services in Church Hall
Liz Lavelle [email protected]
Mother and Toddler Group
Charlie Pisanski
[email protected]
Refocused & Website Editor
Mary Rathbone [email protected]
Team Office
01707 260800 [email protected]
Treasurer
Mark Knight
[email protected] 01707 894949
FEBRUARY 2015
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WITH ST LUKE’S
Growing up by Rev’d Susan Marsh
The lovely Nativity scene framed by the altar at St
Luke’s, will be staying with us until the beginning of February. Then, as we celebrate the Presentation of Christ
in the temple (also known as Candlemas), we put away
the signs of Jesus as a baby. We allow him to grow up.
The Bible tells us: “The child grew and became strong,
filled with wisdom and the favour of God was upon
him.” (Luke 2.40). That is what we wish for all our children, as we help them to learn about the coming of Jesus and what it means for us as Christians.
Our churches welcome children as we help them
to grow up knowing Jesus. Local schools are expected to
visit places of worship as part of the National Curriculum
for Religious Education. This gives us an opportunity to
provide an attractive introduction to what ‘church’ is
about. Here at St Luke’s we welcome the Reception
Class and Year 1 from Countess Anne School at the end
of January. St Luke’s has the traditional fittings: organ
(sadly silent), font, eagle lectern, altar and stained glass
window, together with some interesting extras. We
have a children’s guide to the church entitled “Strange
Creatures at St Luke’s”. This does not refer to the clergy
but to the natural and mythical beasts which have a special significance and which have to be discovered as the
young people hunt around the building. As a result of
this visit, we hope these children will know more about
the church, when they join the whole school for their
Easter Service on Maundy Thursday at the end of term.
This service is always such an inspiration as we, the
adults, learn from the children, who prepare prayers and
poems and tableaux to take us on the journey to the
cross and beyond.
St Luke’s has developed a tradition of activities
with local schools. There is of course the “Following the
Star” experience about which I wrote in the last edition
of Refocused. We also have the Scarecrow Festival for
which local young people’s group construct scarecrows
to represent Bible characters. On occasions the choir
from Green Lanes School has come to sing for us and
their parents at St Luke’s and we hope to extend this to
Regular Services
Thursday - 10.30 Holy Communion
Sunday - 12 noon— 1st Sunday of Month BCP,
all other Sundays Common Worship
Saturday -5.00pm Family Service
Contacts at St Luke’s Church
The Rev’d Susan Marsh
01707 329744
[email protected]
Churchwarden
Eve Lloyd
01707 884981
other schools as appropriate.
Sometimes we are told that children are the
‘church of tomorrow’, but we should question this. Children are rather the church of today. In church they can
learn to grow, but also help those around them to see
God with their simplicity and trust. We pray that our
children may be “filled with wisdom and the favour of
God.”
Strange Creatures at St Luke’s
The Dragon
The Eagle
FEBRUARY 2015
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What’s On at Hatfield House this year
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WITH ST LUKE’S
Lent : An Old Story, A new Beginning by Jo R
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on 18 February this
Holt’s Auctioneers Valuation Day
year. In Bible times when people repented of their sins
Thursday, February 12
they covered their heads with ash and sometimes tore
Holt’s tour the country ahead of each quarterly sale
their clothes to show the depth of their repentance.
holding free valuation days, rather in the manner of ‘The
CS Lewis in his Narnia books gives a more draAntiques Roadshow’. The days are fairly informal and
matic illustration. The book Voyage of the Dawn Treadhopefully informative, and are primarily intended as
er begins : ‘There was a boy called Eustace Clarence
points of consignment to the next sale. However, we are Stubbs, and he almost deserved it.’ Eustace was a
also happy to carry out valuations for the sake of inter- selfish, self centred boy and an annoyance to his cousins
est, together with insurance and probate requirements Peter and Lucy. One day Eustace discovers a dragon’s
(a charge may be made for the last two services if relair full of treasure; but he doesn’t want to share these
quired in writing). Should you wish to make an appointgoodies with anyone else. In his greed and selfishness
ment then please telephone: 01485 542822
Eustace is transformed into a dragon. Now who likes a
dragon? He realizes that unless he can change he will
French Market
die alone and unloved as a monster. He tries hard to be
Sunday, April 05—10am - 4pm
a good person but it is only through Aslan’s compassion
that he is transformed into his non dragon self.
Living Crafts
I don’t know anyone who is in such a poor state
Thursday, May 07 - Sunday, May 10
as Eustace, but I know many, including myself, who
10am to 5.30pm
could do with a little more self-knowledge and maybe a
Adventure 001 Helicopter Day
few corners rubbing off. Lent is the time when the
Saturday, May 23
church encourages us, not to give up chocolate – though
you may need to do that too – but to contemplate our
Art in Clay
relationship with God and how we express that in the
Friday, July 03- Sunday, July 05
world. It is a period when we can set aside a special
10am to 5.30pm
time for prayer, for Bible study or for reading that spiritual book that was recommended ages ago and has
Adventure 001 Helicopter Day
slipped out of mind. (See the notices about bible study
Sunday, July 12, 2015
groups)
Wonderfully, each year, Lent marks the breakBattle Proms
ing of the earth by the green shoots which will blaze
Saturday, July 18- 4:30pm gates open
forth with gold for our Easter festival – another metaFolk By the Oak
phor for our personal journey through this time.
Sunday, July 19 Gates open 1.00pm
Lent Prayer
For More Information
01707 287010
[email protected]
www.hatfield-house.co.uk
Holy God
Our lives are laid open before you
rescue us from the chaos of sin
and through the death of your son
bring us healing and make us whole
in Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen
FEBRUARY 2015
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Childrens activities St Eth’s and St Luke’s
Toddlers group
run by Charlie Pisanski
The St Etheldredas Church Hall
Play Group is every Wednesday
from 9.30 - 11am for 0- 5 year
olds. It is £1.50 per family with
free tea coffee and biscuits.
We are a very friendly group and have a little
baby corner set up with lots of toys out for toddlers including cars, kitchens, train sets etc. We also have an
arts and craft table set up every week. The children have
a lovely time whilst parents get some much needed
adult conversation!
To finish the group we always do some group
singing of the children's favourite nursery rhymes. All
are welcome and we look forward to mums, and dads,
joining us with their little ones for a little bit of light relief. email: [email protected]
Family service in church hall
Family service in St Eth’s
St Luke’s ??
St Eth’s Toddler Group
Weds 9.30am – 11am St Eth’s Church Hall
0-4 year olds - £1.50 per family
e: [email protected]
FEBRUARY 2015
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Countess Anne School
A Church of England Academy
by Jo R (School Governor)
Although you will be reading this
edition of Refocused in early February,
as I write it is still early January and I am still in that
New Year ‘looking back, looking forward’ mood. Endings and Beginnings are a constant rhythm of our lives.
In the Countess Anne School Newsletter at the end of
term, headmaster David Lodge wrote of the challenging
first step that school starters had made in September
and the visits to secondary schools that older pupils had
made in preparation for the transition to their next
stage of educational journey.
Visiting the schools himself, David wrote of his
pleasure and pride in seeing how ex Countess Anne pupils have been getting on :
‘It was with pride that I read the 6th form photos
at Townsend and saw pictures of ex Countess Anne pupils who had gone off to University. I chatted with those
who are still there and found that Libby Harper is now
under 15 goalkeeper for England Womens’ football
team. From Monks Walk earlier in the year – the outstanding success of Georgina Shaw in her A levels…..;
Jasmine Sayers’ award for her ability in rock climbing
from Hatfield Children’s Adventure Fund ….; from
Onslow, Eleanor Bennett, spotted as Gifted and Talented
in art and design (work is currently in hand to realise her
winning design for the upgrade of the play area on St
Albans Road East); James Cummings, gaining a scholarship to play basketball in Italy, and now knocking on the
door of the England team’.
These are just some of the variety of achievements that pupils, parents, school and staff can be
proud of. But success comes in many forms. The distance between the starting and finishing points is not
the same for everyone and the school is proud of all its
pupils.
The Christian teaching that counts every child as
unique and special is the standard at Countess Anne.
Remember in your prayers, this is our school, our church
REFOCUSED
ST ETHELDREDA’S CHURCH
WITH ST LUKE’S
school, our parish church school. In past Newsletters I
have written about the close connection in olden times
between St Etheldreda’s, the Salisbury family and the
school. Let us keep that connection alive, this is a
school to be proud of.
Saint Agnes of Rome—Child Martyr
(292 – 305) by Jo R
Agnes is the patron saint of the meek but there was
nothing meek about her. She was barely thirteen when
she became one of Christianity’s greatest heroines.
Born in Rome to a pagan family at a time when persecution of Christians was rife, it is thought that she was
converted to Christianity by her, probably Greek, slave
nurse. Betrayed by a would be suitor, in court she was
asked ‘ My child, you are accused of the great crime of
being a Christian. Do you persist in this state?’ She replied ‘Yes, I am a Christian. I have vowed my fidelity and
my virginity to Christ’.
In spite of persuasion she would not recant and
was condemned to death. But Roman law did not allow
a virgin to be put to death and she was stripped and
dragged through the streets to a brothel. But here she
was defended by an angel and eventually executed by
beheading.
Her story spread throughout the Christian world
and she was honoured and revered as having gained a
martyr’s crown. Although she was very young she is a
great example of faith. She shows us that it is the quality of our lives, not the quantity, which matters. Her
name in Latin means ‘lamb’ and in Greek, ‘chaste’.
Small, defenceless, pure in heart, she held to
the truth; and claimed the victory. Her festival is celebrated on 21st January.
FEBRUARY 2015
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Memories from the Hatfield boyhood of
Alastair Cameron abbreviated version courtesy of
Hatfield Local History Society
Born in Lemsford ……., I lived for 5 years or so in Selwyn
Avenue, off the St Albans Road close to Ellenbrook Lane.
I went to Green Lanes Primary School. At the age of 5 I
joined the choir of St Etheldreda’s, the lofty Parish
Church of Hatfield and wanted to continue with it, mainly because of local friendships made, after we moved to
Welham Green only a year or so later.
This must have resulted in quite a lot of tedious
taxi driving for my parents. I had a weekday evening
choir practice, morning and evening Sunday services,
plus weddings on some Saturdays. Eventually I was old
enough to travel on my own by bus (between the
‘Rookery’ and ‘One Bell’ stops along the Great North
Road) for two or three years. I was then equipped with
a suitable bicycle - to ride on the little-used footpath
alongside the Great North Road as far as Oxlease Bridge.
At this point I would take to the informal path alongside
the railway boundary fence to the edge of Old Hatfield
and pedal up Church Lane by St Audrey’s Blind Home (as
it was then known). I would enter the churchyard by
the Church Street gate and pass by the Curate’s cottage
on the left to arrive at the church.
On leaving the church after choir practices, several of us young choristers would cycle out of the
churchyard and (unless the Rector/Verger was in view)
down Fore Street as fast as we dared! We latterly had
our shoes fitted with steel heel tips to grind on the road
surface enabling us to skid to a halt in small showers of
sparks beside the car park of the One Bell pub. Any
braking problems/misjudgement could prove painful, if
not catastrophic, as we were standing on one pedal and
hovering above our bikes’ crossbars…and the Great
North Road at the foot of Fore Street then was quite a
busy major road through Old Hatfield!
Along with regular singing duties the choir
brought some less predictable treats and extramural
activities. One included Mr Tom Collins, our Organist
and Choirmaster, who very occasionally ‘gave in’ to
pleas from us during choir practice, to play the Dam
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ST ETHELDREDA’S CHURCH
WITH ST LUKE’S
Busters March at full blast on the
church organ – a just tremendous
sound!
Outside the church but
very near by, we always sung
Christmas carols for very appreciative blind residents in St
Audrey’s, for which we were rewarded with mince pies and
sweets. Thereafter a short procession up to Hatfield House,
Alastair as choirboy c1956
where we also sang carols for
Lord and Lady Salisbury’s family. We sang around the
splendid, and huge, Christmas tree set in place on the
impressive black and white marble floor of the Marble
Hall. We were rewarded as at the blind home, with the
addition of a suitable paperback novel for each of us.
Further away from our church, we played
Hatfield Choirs League football against the choristers of
St Michael’s and St John’s – on pitches at The Breaks
and beside Newtown School. We were strictly managed
by a retired First Division professional football referee,
who was considered— firm, but fair. He once pleased
us all hugely by arranging for a coachload of us to go
down to Highbury for a guided tour around Arsenal’s
top notch facilities. We were even loaned a football to
have a kick-about in the stadium’s small training area
(behind the ‘Clock End’ Stand, for ‘old’ Arsenal fans!).
I was eventually ‘elevated’ to Head Chorister
status (alongside, or rather, in the choir pew opposite,
senior school chum ‘PVH’ – you know who you are Pete,
if you read this). I remained so until my voice ‘broke’ ….
apparently irretrievably …. and I had to quit singing, and
the choir!
But I was still a member of the Youth Club which
met in a modest upstairs room of the Old Palace with
just enough space for a Billiard and Ping-Pong table.
The club eventually moved to the old Countess Anne’s
School building at the top of Church Street. Slightly older former fellow choristers, Colin Blunstone and Hugh
Grundy rehearsed their very ‘un-churchy’ music there
too. Eventually emerging as the group ‘The Zombies’
who produced the hit song ‘She’s Not There’ in 1964.
FEBRUARY 2015
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WITH ST LUKE’S
YES! (Young Eth’s Singers) patron Lady Salisbury
It is now almost a year since we started YES! and I am
delighted that we now have eleven Young Eth’s Singers
who meet every Wednesday during term time between
6.00-7.15pm in church. In September Lady Salisbury
kindly agreed to become our patron and recently we
have been given an award from Welwyn Hatfield Council (through the support of Cllr. Bernard Sarsens) to purchase more training materials, medals and music for
YES! Having started wearing YES! T-shirts, another local
church kindly donated some children’s choir robes so
now the children are not only a little warmer when they
sing on Sunday mornings, but also feel part of the main
choir.
As well as singing at the family service at St.
Eth’s on the third Sunday in every month, YES! has performed at several other events; most recently at a service of choral evensong for Epiphany at the chapel in
Hatfield House (where they sang particularly beautifully)
and earlier in December, at the Farmyard Nativity. We
have also sung at St. Mary’s, North Mymms and St.
Michael’s as well as at a Coffee Morning hosted by Lady
Salisbury in Stableyard earlier in the year.
YES! Bowling trip Christmas 2014
lilac ribbon and medal. Andrew, Yasmin and Catriona
have already progressed to the light-blue ribbon level
and are now working towards their dark blue ribbons.
These awards represent stages in their vocal, musical
and Christian development and understanding, with
workbooks for each level to supplement the teaching
and guidance they receive during rehearsals. All the children in YES! are expected to work together as a team,
helping each other to achieve their best to the glory of
God.
If this all sounds like a lot of work, we also have
great fun. The rehearsals always start with some listening games and fun-warm-ups, and as well as the music
we sing for services, we learn some “fun” songs too.
.
Last summer we presented a concert which included
music from “Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat”,
followed by a picnic and games in the churchyard. This
year’s summer concert will feature “Jonah-man Jazz”.
YES! is sometimes requested to sing at weddings in the
church, for which each singer receives a small payment
based on their experience and commitment.
If you know someone who is between 6-12
The whole choir at Hatfield House January 2015
years old and loves singing, this could be for them.
The young people in Y.E.S! are taught how to sing well
There is no audition or fee. The most important considtogether and use their voices correctly to achieve a
good quality sound. They receive basic musical training erations are enthusiasm and commitment. Please contact us or come along to one of our rehearsals on
and vocal coaching. There is also the opportunity to
Wednesdays to see what we do. Our adult choir is also
train for the RSCM (Royal School of Church Music)
award scheme, and eventually become a Dean’s or Bish- keen to welcome new singers too!
op’s Chorister. After 6 weeks of regular attendance, they Jill Knight, Organist and Choir Director
E mail: [email protected] Tel. 01707 894949
are admitted into the choir and given a probationer’s
FEBRUARY 2015
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Dog show stable yard
YES! At St Mary’s 2015
Free fire alarm services from Fire Brigade
A reader asked us to mention a free service direct from
the Fire Brigade. We are told that a Fire Safety Visit can
be arranged and includes the following:
1.
2.
3.
Two quality fire alarms fitted within your home by
them free of charge. If you are hard of hearing,
they fit an alarm near your pillow which vibrates
instead of bleeping.
They will discuss with you escape routes from
your property in the event of a fire.
They discuss with you the common causes of fires
to increase awareness.
To find out more call:
Hatfield Fire Station on 01707 346900
Soul [food]
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New group starts in January
Something to keep you busy in the
winter evenings. Making knitted or
crocheted remembrance poppies .
The poppies will be sold to raise
money 50/50 for the Royal British
Legion and St Eth’s Church.
Using very basic techniques
and so open to adults and children
alike. We will meet once per month to
compare our work.
Anticipate first meeting on 13th
January at 2pm. Call Sue 07434
973223 for more details.
FEBRUARY 2015
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Hatfield House liasons
Two OHRA subgroups meet with GCE (Hatfield House) to
discuss development plans and events. The events
Carols pulled in a crowd
group is especially aware of the problems caused by the
The third annual songs and carols event was held on
Eastern Electric event last summer, and the traffic probDecember 20th, and for the first time it didn’t rain. A
lems caused by the Frost Fair this year, and we will be
group of singers and musicians performed in St Audreys,
trying to minimise the impact of these events on resiDee’s house, and Archway House, followed by the main
dents.
event of about 150 residents singing under the tree in
If you have any particular issues you wish us to
Salisbury Square (will it still be there next year?), foltake up, please get in touch. Email OHRA at
lowed by a move into Checkers for mince pies, mulled
[email protected] or phone 01707 265213
wine and more songs and good cheer. We collected
£387.68 for Herts Young Homeless, and the OHRA
would particularly like to thank Simmons for the mincepies and gingerbread, and RSA for the wine and the use
of Checkers.
A1000 development
We are in close contact with Herts Highways and Walker
Construction on their plans and progress, which were
presented at York House on November 11th. The first
phase is to change the road layout south of the station
to make space for a taxi rank outside the old southern
Happy Valentines Day
News from the Old Hatfield
Residents Association
Did you know that
Jesus loves YOU ?
car park. We are particularly aware of the problems for
pedestrians crossing from Old Hatfield to the station,
and we aim to keep people informed on progress and
problems by email.
Come and visit us at
St Eth’s or St Luke’s
to find out
more
FEBRUARY 2015
PAGE 11
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Letter from the
Rectory of
St James the Least
On the peculiarities of
ordination candidates
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ST ETHELDREDA’S CHURCH
WITH ST LUKE’S
ground I asked him if he had ever preached. He was
slightly apologetic to admit that he had done so very
rarely, as he found it took such a long time to write an
hour-long sermon. When I mentioned that I did not
think I had ever exceeded eight minutes in my entire
life, he gave me such a look of withering astonishment
that with heroic Christian charity, I did not beat him
over the head with the Bible he was carrying.
Your loving uncle, Eustace
My dear Nephew Darren
I was quite happy to see the young person from your
IT HEAVEN
church whom you are encouraging to get ordained –
even though we did not entirely see eye to eye.
When I answered the door to someone dressed
in T-shirt, jeans and trainers, I naturally assumed he was
the gardener; it was only after I had given him the
wheelbarrow and shown him where the spades were,
that I found out who he really was. His assurance that
this is how Jesus would dress, were he to visit in person
again, jarred somewhat. I think that a three-piece suit
and stout pair of brogues would be far more likely. We
agreed to differ.
I moved on to ask him about the Sunday Services he attended and was interested to hear that he
was a church musician. Wanting to know if he sang tenor or bass, or even played the organ, he told me that he
was the drummer in the worship band and provided
backing vocals. I felt obliged to comment that I was not
sure how that would fit in with Mattins, but he told me
that he had never heard of that Service and only attended Mega Rock Praise. Since I suspected it would not
have been written by Cranmer, we moved on.
I had hoped we may have been on safer ground
when I asked him whether he preferred early perpendicular or Victorian gothic, but as he had apparently only
ever worshipped in your converted cinema, he was unable to offer any opinion. His reaction to my offer to
show him round our late Norman church, prompted him
to tell me that he believed all churches should be closed
and people should gather in each other’s homes, like
the early Christians.
In a last despairing attempt to find common
FEBRUARY 2015
PAGE 12
www.stetheldreda.org
FEEL FREE TO JOIN
US IN ANY/ALL OF
OUR ACTIVITIES
REFOCUSED
ST ETHELDREDA’S CHURCH
WITH ST LUKE’S
process described above by swapping first all of the
bells and then the middle pairs in turn the full sequence
It was a bit of a struggle to get ringers over the Christis this:
mas period with many of us away or visiting friends/
If you study the table to the left carefully
relatives and so there were just six of us for the carol
123456
you’ll note that each bell follow essenservice and six for the Christmas morning service. We
214365
tially a straight line and we call this ‘Plain
had to rely on ringers from Essendon, Wheathampstead
2
4
1
6
3
5
Hunting’ because the each bell ‘hunts’ its
and Lemsford to ring for the wedding on the 27th De426153
way through the changes. I’ve highlightcember.
462513
ed in bold the path of the Treble (1).
Practice nights however have been really well
645231
We can ring other ‘Methods and
attended with 12-15 people most Thursdays. We have
one which has been around since the
four new recruits (three of them aged 12) and they are 6 5 4 3 2 1
early 1700’s is Stedman Doubles (based
learning fast to handle a bell. They are on the Bell Ring- 5 6 3 4 1 2
on five bells). This ‘Method’ is named
536142
ers Sherborne Learning Scheme and if they complete
after Fabius Stedman who first comthe course they’ll go from;
351624
posed it and this is still rung very widely
Ambitious Apprentice….to
315264
throughout Great Britain and indeed
Happy Hunter…..to
132546
worldwide.
Champion Campanologist
The ringers don’t need to learn every ‘Change’ –
They have a card to colour in as they reach each
we just learn the pattern that each bell follows. This
stage of learning to ring and they earn a badge. They
takes a bit of practice but is not too difficult once you
can also use bellringing as credits/points towards The
get the ‘knack!’.
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and Guides/Scouts
Contacts: Mary and Rob Goss (01438-718038)
badges.
The ‘Happy Hunter’ badge is achieved when
they can ring their bell to Plain Hunt. In Plain Hunt we
change the order of the bells at each stroke of the bell
so we start of in ‘Rounds’
123456
And then we change the order by swapping
each pair of bells over;
214365
Now if we were to swap the pairs over again
we’d end up back at ‘rounds’ so we keep the first place
bell and the last place bell in the same place and swap
the middle pairs over:
241635
Each of the above three rows is called a
‘Change’ and two of the rules of ‘Change Ringing’ is that
a bell can’t move more than one place at a time and no
“The vicar really is taking all of
two ‘Changes’ must be the same. So we ‘Ring the
January
off to recuperate then”
Changes’ by trying to find a way of changing the order of
Tail End…..News from the Bellringers
the bells without repeating a change. If we continue the
FEBRUARY 2015
PAGE 13
www.stetheldreda.org
Cleaning company
FEEL FREE TO JOIN
US IN ANY/ALL OF
OUR ACTIVITIES
Readers stories
Do you have any interesting stories
that our readers might enjoy?
Anything to do with Hatfield
history or modern day stories
would be warmly welcome by
the editorial team. Local schools,
churches and youth groups as well
might have something to say.
[email protected]
Vacancy for Photographer LRS Plastering
St Eth’s is looking for an
enthusiastic photographer (does
not need to be David Bailey
standard) to help record our
important events.
Hours: 3-4 per month
Payment: received in heaven
If you can help please email
[email protected]
The Eight Bells Public
House
Park Street, Old Hatfield
Home cooked food
Tues—Fri 12-8pm / Sat & Sun 12-4pm
Sunday Roast Dinners: Adults £7.50
Children (under 10) £3.50
A selection of Cask Ales available
Live Music—Open Mic Nights—Quiz
Nights—Beer garden at rear
Parish Team Office
12 Fore Street –01707 260800
[email protected]
Vestry hour Saturdays 9am10am for wedding and baptism
arrangements
Receive Refocused by email
[email protected]
Trading for 30+ years
Ceilings, coving,
walls, artex covering
Internal and External—no
job too big or too small
Call Lee on 07976 623148
REFOCUSED
ST ETHELDREDA’S CHURCH
WITH ST LUKE’S
Can you recycle
Refocused?
We hope you like our magazine,
and find it useful all you’ve seen.
When you are done and all is read,
don’t dump RF in the shed.
Please leave it in a waiting room,
doctors, dentists or Horse & Groom
Let others read the local news,
and then discuss the current views.
Neil Tagg
Electrician
30 years trading
Tel 07973 757342
8 Hill End Lane
St Albans, Herts AL4 0TY
MEDALS WANTED
Local collector and
researcher pays highest
prices for all medals;
civil or military, groups
or single items.
Also buying other
militaria, and civil
aviation items.
t: 01438-811657
Want to play ukulele?
Get started on a 5 week
Beginners’ Course led by
Jill Knight at Wyllyotts Theatre,
Potters Bar
Mondays 7.30-9.15pm
March 2nd - 30th 2015
See: www.jillknightmusic. co.uk/
ukulele-courses
or Tel. 01707 894949
Stable Yard Music
Music shop, music school and
recording studio in Hatfield
Sheet music, instrument
hire and repairs.
Music lessons from £12
Open Weds-Sun 10-5pm
01707 264868
stableyardmusic.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2015
PAGE 14
www.stetheldreda.org
An extensive range of new and used
shotguns, good quality country clothing,
best leather goods and shooting
accessories as well as gun workshop.
FEEL FREE TO JOIN
US IN ANY/ALL OF
OUR ACTIVITIES
R
Takeaway Chinese food
Salisbury Square, Old Hatfield
Landscapes & Garden Maintenance
01438 211848 / 077877 62822
Caring Cuts Phase 2
Hairdresser & Training Academy
Beauty/Health Treatments
Mens Hair Cutting, Home visits
Models needed for
Training Academy.
Weds is pensioners day.
Orders by phone
01707 275479
Free deliver on local
orders over £10
Open: Tues—Sun Time: 5—11pm
www.minggarden.uktakeaway.com
TGM
Allison
Garden construction | Water Features | Turfing
Pergolas | Topiary Decking | Tree Surgery
Patios | Driveways |Fencing |Brickwork
Also other garden services as required
Stable Yard, Hatfield Park
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01707 709372
Ming Garden
Tom’s General
Maintenance
Kitchen & Bathroom fitter
Floor & Wall Tiling specialist
General maintenance
Domestic & commercial
07882 738922
01438 814978
[email protected]
Stripe Interiors
Upholstery - Soft Furnishings
Lampshades - Fabrics
Bespoke, traditional or modern pieces
for your home.
Let us bring your rooms to life!
C/O The Dutch Nursery,
Great North Road, Brookmans Park,
Herts AL9 6ND T: 07713 401097
www.stripeinteriors.co.uk
REFOCUSED
ST ETHELDREDA’S CHURCH
WITH ST LUKE’S
25 Park Street, Old Hatfield
01707 229669 + 07852 825559
www.caringcuts.co.uk
www.rallisonlandscapes.co.uk
CARE VISITS
AT HOME
Visits from 30 minutes to 24/7
Live In Care, Tailored care plans
Over 185 offices in UK
Free initial meeting
35 Salisbury Square
01707 263723
www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
John Spinks
Painter & DECORATOR
Internal / Exterior
Dulux Network Member
Speciality Wallpaper Hanging
45 years trading
Tel: 01707 266118
Jaipur Restaurant &
Takeaway
23 Park Street
Old Hatfield
Herts AL9 5AT
01707 258888
01707 263399
Open:
6pm - 11.30pm
Simmons
Bakers
Baking since
1838
Wholesale | Catering
Snack Vans | Retail
www.simmonsbakers.com
Peta Shaw
Ladies fashion & accessories
38 Fore Street
Old Hatfield
01707 262238
Mon-Fri 2-5.00.
Closed Thurs
Sat 11.30-1.00pm
We thank all the advertised businesses for their support, but the inclusion of their advertisements does not constitute
FEBRUARY 2015
PAGE 15
www.stetheldreda.org
FEEL FREE TO JOIN
US IN ANY/ALL OF
OUR ACTIVITIES
ACW Carpentry
All aspects of carpentry & building work.
Specialising in managing kitchen refits
Domestic:
Carpets-Windows-End of Tenancy
Commercial:
tradesmen as required
Andrew Watt
Nursery-Windows
0777 186 1135
01707 881334
01707 259624
GJ Locksmiths
Master Locksmiths
Security Engineers
9 The Broadway, Old Hatfield
07774 866333 / 01707 515510
www.gjlocksmithshatfield.co.uk
Shop open 9-12, Mon—Sat
At other times call for availability
Hair & Beauty Boutique
Relax and be Pampered
5 The Broadway
Old Hatfield
01707 260646
Under new management
www.hairandbeautyboutique.co.uk
[email protected]
Paul Kelley
Plumbing, Heating, Gas
Gas Safe Installer
bringing in other qualified
Office-Carpets-Care Home-School-
www.hatfieldhousecleaningservices.co.uk
REFOCUSED
ST ETHELDREDA’S CHURCH
WITH ST LUKE’S
[email protected]
PETER
SQUIRE
Repairs to washing machines,
tumble dryers etc.
40 years experience
01707 265095
[email protected]
PDG DesignConstruct
Paul Grigg
General Gardener and Landscaper
All types of fencing undertaken.
Repairs or replace.
Custom & bespoke commissions
Garden advice & fruit tree pruning.
Free quotes and Estimates.
T: 01707 269966
M: 07500 934083
Email: [email protected]
5 New Road
Woolmer Green
Knebworth
Herts
07815 858488
01438 817012
A warm welcome awaits you at
The Oak Room
* Free gift wrapping
* Earlybird Tea /Coffee
* Biscuits for canine friends
Stable Yard, Hatfield House,
01707 257175
Tues—Sun 10–5.30
Ayers Furniture Service
Furniture Repairs
Gluing Dining Chairs, Restoring,
Polishing, Heat marks removed,
Leather restoration,
Broken settee/chair seat
springs replaced.
01707 261317/ 07768 848604
[email protected]
Welwyn garden alarms ltd
For Sellers, Buyers,
Landlords + Tenants
7 The Broadway Old Hatfield
01707 271450
Open: M-F: 9-6; S: 10-4
w; country-properties.co.uk
e; [email protected]
Intruder Alarms
Fire Alarms
Access Control
CCTV
Automated Gates
Integrated Systems
01707 266306
[email protected]
www.welwyngardenalarms.co.uk
Tudor Gems
Jewellery . Gifts . Silverware
Specialists in clock & jewellery repairs
Cash for gold & silver
Valuations
Stable Yard, Hatfield House
01707 269275
Open Weds-Sun 11-4.30pm
recommendation of any goods or services. If you use the services of one of our advertisers, please mention Refocused
A joyful Christmas 2014 at St
Eth’s and St Luke’s Richard Pyke
It seems a long time ago now, but around
200 people turned out on a chilly Sunday
last December, for a nativity play performed (courtesy of Lord Salisbury) in the
magical setting of Hatfield Park Farm. It
was quite unique as the actors were all
adults performing for children's entertainWith Lord Salisbury
ment - on a real farm with live animals in
our Patron
surrounding fields!
The weather was kind and provided a glorious winter sunset to backlight the set. John Barnard, the director,
and two narrators led the audience from point to point on the farm singing
Even the donkeys joined in!
carols and listening to snippets of the nativity story. Young Eth's Singers (YES!)
gave a lively performance, including dancing with lighted wands, at the Bethlehem Inn. After the three wise men
arrived, from afar, a glorious star appeared in the sky and glided over to a barn - where the baby Jesus had just been
born. The audience gathered around it for the completion of the play
- there were even two donkeys in attendance! As dusk settled, a chilly but happy crowd, descended upon St Etheldreda's Church Hall for
cakes and hot chocolate - all agreed the play marked a joyful start to
Christmas.
In addition to this happy event we had record numbers turn
out for our Crib Service and Midnight Mass, on Christmas Eve, as well
as the ’Follow the Star’ event at St Luke’s (photos on our website
www.stetheldreda.org). I would like to invite all those that joined us
over the Christmas period to look at the various events that we now
The Nativity in the Altar at St Luke’s
have on offer and come and join in more of what we are doing.
Are you able to help
us with our website?
www.stetheldreda.org
The Dutch Nursery
Your local garden
centre on the
Great North Road
Brookmans Park
01707 653372
www.dutchnurserygardencentre.co.uk
We would like to
redevelop it so that
we can show more
photographs.
If you have website
experience and a few
spare hours we would
welcome your input.
Please contact;
[email protected]
Parish of Bishop’s Hatfield St Etheldreda with St Luke : Registered Charity No.1152011
Printed by STEPS 07973 469849 : St Etheldreda’s Church, Fore Street, Old Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5AN