Honeycomb-On Line

In 1967, very early on in my nurse’s training, whilst on a women’s general surgery ward, the Ward Sister told me to stay with a woman who was having a miscarriage in the 22nd week of her pregnancy. Effectively she was in labour but did not receive pain relief. After about two hours an apparently perfectly formed baby boy appeared. He breathed for a couple of minutes and then died. At that time legally he had not been born so I suppose I should not say he died but that’s what it looked like to me. It was then my responsibility to wrap him in a paper towel and take him to the hospital incinerator. Inside I was crying in pain and anger as to why the mother was not in our maternity hospital with paediatricians in attendance. Of course at a head level I know and I knew then that there was not the medical technology to save a 22–week foetus but my heart was screaming.

Having seen the 22–week foetus, or baby boy as I still think of him, I came to the conclusion that it was impossible to know when in a pregnancy a foetus ceased to be a bundle of cells and became a human being. From then on I felt that all human life is precious. It has to be protected and fought for from the moment of conception.

Forty years on I am far less sure of my views. I recently watched two fascinating programmes about the work of Great Ormond Street Hospital. In both programmes the children who were being treated had been referred to Great Ormond Street because their conditions were so rare, difficult and dangerous that no other paediatric hospital could treat them.

The first programme was about the cardiac surgery unit. The programme followed four children having cutting edge and very risky heart surgery. Two of the children died in the immediate post–op period. One child survived but without any kidney function and the fourth one had been given at best a couple of years of extra life. One of the surgeons made the comment that they have the technology, knowledge and skills to perform such operations but the question still remained as to whether they should do such risky operations which inflict major trauma on the children for very uncertain outcomes. He summed but their dilemma with the words “we can do it but should we do it?”

The second programme followed three newborn babies in the paediatric intensive care unit(PICU). We saw the dilemmas of the team discussing just how much more treatment they should inflict on these tiny babies in the hope of keeping them alive. One very experienced PICU nurse who was obviously very caring said “we would not do this to our pet dog” as she gently tried to manoeuvre a suffering baby into a better position for breathing. Of the three babies, two died and one survived to the obvious surprise of the medical team. The one who survived was clearly going to have major problems for the rest of his life.

As would be expected all the parents of these seven children were desperate for the medical teams to try absolutely anything to keep their children alive. Every parent would completely empathise with that. Looking from the outside, I have to wonder. The four children who died spent the last days and hours of their lives traumatically. The three who survived have a very limited quality and, at least one for, quantity of life ahead of them.

I still believe that every life is precious, to us and to God, but now I wonder about what life actually means and how far we should go to preserve it. Does life simply mean a functioning heart or is there more to it than that? For life to be really human in the here and now, I think it is more than just being a living organism. Some other attributes that I think are important include the ability to exercise free will and make choices; the ability to learn; the ability to enjoy experiences and, once an adult, the ability to be reasonably independent. If a baby or child is never going to do any those things is it right to subject them to the type of interventions we now have available to us? Would it be kinder to let them slip away – back to God’s love where there is no pain or suffering?

Jan Brookshaw

Make a joyful noise to the Lord – become a bell–ringer

If you love the sound of church bells, and have at least some sense of timing, why not consider becoming a bell–ringer? Church bells are incredibly heavy – ranging from six hundredweight to more than 28 hundredweight per bell – but anyone is strong enough to ring them. Ringers range from schoolchildren to teenagers, from the middle–aged to retired people. It’s a wonderful pastime for breaking down the generation gap. All you really need is to be fit enough to walk up steps. There are few lifts in church towers, and most ringing chambers are high up!

After you reach the ringing chamber, the practice begins. There are a lot of instructions to remember: “Don’t look up, look straight ahead”, “don’t anticipate the sally (reaching for the stripy part of the rope, the sally, too soon), “get closer to the rope”, “flick your wrists away”, “one foot a little ahead of the other”, “pull down slowly – no, too fast, too fast”, “use your elbows”. Etc, etc! You don’t need strength. Once you’ve got the bell going, it is just a matter of keeping the rhythm of your pull steady on the rope. There is no strain on the back: you simply stand straight and relaxed. If you have the all–important sense of timing, the rest comes with practice. Some people master the art in as little as four months; others take almost a year. But one day, when you least expect it, you’ll find you’ve ‘got it’ at last.

A bit like learning to ride a bicycle!

New bell ringers are always welcome at Dean, Melchbourne and Swineshead. Contact Lindsay Langley, William Tusting or Jan Herdan respectively.

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Saint of the month

On June 20th we celebrate our own saint – Alban.

The story goes that Alban was a Roman citizen quietly living in England in the third century. Then, miles away in Rome, the emperor, Diocletian ordered a persecution of the Christians. Nothing to do with Alban… except that suddenly he found a desperate priest on his doorstep, being hunted down by local soldiers. Alban decided to give the priest shelter, and within days was converted to Christianity himself, and then baptised.

As if this was not brave enough, when the soldiers arrived, Alban decided to take the priest’s place. He dressed up in the priest’s clothes to enable the priest to escape. Not surprisingly, the soldiers then arrested Alban himself. Now a Christian, Alban refused to offer sacrifice to the Roman gods, and so was condemned to death.

But the story doesn’t end there, for Alban went to his execution with such holiness and serenity that one of the executioners was converted, and the other executioner’s eyes fell out (or so the story goes). Alban was buried nearby, and the shrine built to his memory was soon known for its healing powers. Alban’s cult extended all over England, and nine ancient English churches were dedicated to him including of course our Abbey.

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Bell Ringers Needed

The 5 bells at Swineshead Church are still rung, but sometimes we have too few people available because of holidays and work commitments. So we would welcome any more ringers from Swineshead or from other Stodden villages. Training would be given for newcomers to bell ringing. Practice night is Wednesday from 8 to 9pm. Please telephone the Churchwarden, Barry Morse on 01234 709241, if you would like to join us.

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Joseph Neale Charity.

The committee will meet later in the year to consider applications for a grant from this Charity to help with any further training costs by school leavers this July. Applicants need to live in Dean, Shelton or Swineshead. The members of the Charity who will consider applications are Mrs H Wells, Shelton, Revd. J Brookshaw, Mrs Pippard and Mrs G Aylott, Dean,Mr Whitlock of Swineshead, and the Borough Councillor Ian Clifton.
Please make enquiries within the next two months.

G Aylott. 01234 708174.

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Dean Art Show Returns

One of the most popular and successful events in the Dean calendar is making what we are sure will be a welcome return after a 5 years absence. Art@Dean, as the new show is called, will follow the familiar format and feature work by over 40 professional and amateur artists from around the Three Counties. It will take place at All Hallows Church, Upper Dean on the weekend of the 7th/8th August.

Contributions will cover art, photography, ceramics, fabrics, jewellery and wood turning. The new team organising the event are Marian Limb and Stephen Hall.

Proceeds from the event will be distributed between All Hallows Church and the Dalton Sports and Social Association.

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Dean Tennis Club

The small group of people responsible for organizing and running Dean Sports Club are either moving away from the village or unable to continue on the committee.

We need NEW BLOOD to keep the tennis club going, the tennis courts in good order and to ensure coaching is available to all who want it including the children’s holiday courses.

A meeting of any interested parties is to take place on Sunday 6th June at 6pm at Old Pond House, Upper Dean. Call Tom Dormer on 01234 708510 for further details.

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New Roof Party at All Hallows

Hurray! The work is finished and Dean PCC would like to thank all those who responded so generously to the appeal for help with the repair of the Chancel Roof at All Hallows. The final cost was £ 51,509.
Many of you gave contributions and/or joined the 50 Club which is up and running successfully.

The PCC would like to invite everyone to a New Roof Party at 11.30 on Sunday 6th June to see ‘before’ and ‘after’ photographs together with details of the work completed whilst enjoying Pimms and nibbles.

For further details speak to Lyndsay Langley or Jeanette Dormer

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All in the month of June

.

300 years ago	on 10th June 1710 that James Short, the British optician and astronomer who produced the first distortionless parabolic mirrors for reflecting telescopes, was born.
200 years ago:	8th June 1810 that Robert Schumann, German Romantic composer, was born.
150 years ago:	on 23rd June 1860 that the US Congress established the Government Printing Office and the US Secret Service.
125 years ago:	on 17th June 1885 that the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York City on the French ship ‘Isere’, as 350 individual pieces packed into 214 crates.
100 years ago:	on 1st June 1910 that British explorer Robert Falcon Scott’s ill–fated Antartic exhibition left England. (Scott and for members of the party reached the South Pole in January 1912, but all perished in severe weather on the return journey.)
90 years ago:	on 4th June 1920 that World War I was concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Trianon in Paris by Hungary (which lost two–thirds of its territory) and the Allies.
80 years ago:	on 13th June 1930 that Sir Henry Seagrave, American–born British racing driver and motorboat racer who set three world land speed records, was fatally injured after breaking the water speed record when he hit a floating branch.
75 years ago:	on 1st June 1935 that compulsory driving tests were introduced in Britain (they had been voluntary since 1930)
70 years ago:	June 1940 was a dramatic month in World War II. Main dates include:<
	3rd	German Luftwaffe bombed Paris
	4th	evacuation of Allied forces from Dunkirk was completed
	5th	the Battle of France began
	9th	Norway surrendered to the Nazis
	10th	Italy declared war on France and Britain
	14th	German forces entered Paris
	15th	The Soviet Union occupied Lithuania
	17th	Operation Ariel – Allied troops began evacuating France
	18th	Prime Minister Winston Churchill gave his ‘Finest Hour’ speech to the House of Commons
	21st	French surrender in Germany
	27th	The Soviet Union invaded Romania
60 years ago:	on 25th June 1950 that North Korea invaded South Korea, beginning the Korean War.
50 years ago:	on 29th June 1960 that the BBC Television Centre opened in Shepherd’s Bush, west London
40 years ago:	on 2nd June 1970 that Bruce McLaren, New Zealand racing driver and racing car designer, was killed while testing a car at Goodwood, England.
30 years ago:	on 17th June 1980 that The British Ministry of Defence announced plans to deploy US cruise missiles at Greenham Common and Molesworth military bases.
25 years ago:	on 9th June 1985 that the American academic Thomas Sutherland was kidnapped by Islamic Jihad in Beirut, Lebanon (released 1991)

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Just Ask Project — update on Transport

Transport for people who are not able to drive, do not own a car and where there is no public bus service often comes up in my meetings with members of the local communities, particularly for people needing transport for social and medical purposes. After some discussion with the local surgeries at Kimbolton and at Great Staughton I just wanted to give some information on the Highwayman Transport Scheme. This scheme although funded by Cambridgeshire County Council, Passenger Transport Services and Care Network is fully available to all patients of Kimbolton and Great Staughton Surgeries even though they may live in the surrounding Bedfordshire villages. The service may be used for appointments, opticians, dentists, picking up prescriptions and visiting friends and shopping.

There is a small charge of 25 pence per mile. For further details please call 07786520540.

The” Just Ask” project is run by BRCC (Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity) and funded by Bedford Borough Council to provide easier access to information in your rural area through your Community Agent, Beni Wright, any queries? Just Ask Beni on 07876085146

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Who is best at the wheel?

Children feel safer in the car when their mother is driving, according to a recent study by GEM Motoring Assist. Youngsters 5 to 16 said their fathers drove too fast, were more aggressive and lost their temper at the wheel. Six out of ten children said their mother’s driving was best, even though she was more likely to stall the car or find it hard to park.

MELCHBOURNE

Correspondent- Philip Pahl

“Gentleman” George Pyner

With great sadness we announce, that after a short illness, George Frederick Pyner (09/04/39–29/04/10) a well respected resident of Melchbourne passed away peacefully at home. He will be missed.

Flower & Art Festival

A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped with the Festival.

Despite the inclement weather we raised a net total of £3286.22p over the two days which is a great boost to the clock fund! Well done everyone!

Melchbourne – a history

Many of you may have seen and even bought a copy of the newly extended history. Unfortunately, due to printing problems the binding on some copies isn’t as good as it should be, so the printers will have to reprint it (at no cost to us). If you bought a copy and it’s now shedding pages please bring your faulty copy to Robin at The Croft (or call 709464) and we will replace it with a new one.

‘History Walk’

Due to the success of the Melchbourne history walks given by Robin and Michael during the Festival weekend another walk/talk will take place for anyone who missed it last time or were involved in the event. All those wishing to go on the walk meet outside Melchbourne Village Hall on Saturday 26th June. The walk will start at 4pm and last for approximately 1½ hours. There is no charge for this but a small voluntary donation to Church Funds would be welcome. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for a country walk. Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead and any waste picked up.

Village Hall Committee AGM

The Village Hall Committee’s AGM was held on Tuesday 13th April. A busy year was reported. The outside of the hall had been painted and two new range cookers and a fridge added to the large kitchen along with new cupboards. In the coming year it is hoped to thoroughly upgrade the smaller kitchen to include a bottle fridge and dishwasher. Following the sad death of Graham Parkinson, Helen Bone was elected as Chairman, with Tony Lamm and Sarah Croft as Treasurer and Secretary respectively. All other committee members were re–elected.

Church Cleaning and Flowers Rota

There is a regular church cleaning rota and volunteers are always welcome. Anyone wishing to be included on the rota should contact Audrey on 01234 708728.

13th June Service Cleaning: Joy & Malcolm. Flowers: Joy.
27th June Service Cleaning: Mary & Audrey. Flowers: Mary.

Village dates for your diary

Saturday 26th June Sunday 11th July 2010

Melchbourne Safari Supper Melchbourne Feast Day

Collection of Bulky Waste

BEDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

Collection of bulky Waste Melchbourne

Please take your domestic waste to the following location:

Saturday 19th June 2010
Village Hall car park, Melchbourne
10.30am Until 12.00pm
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE RUBBISH AT THE SITE IF THE COLLECTION VEHICLES ARE NOT THERE.

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Yelden

Correspondent- Sue Taylor

Yelden Methodist Chapel

Sunday June 6th at 11a.m.    Service led by Lillian Butler

Safari Supper

52 Yelden people safaried their way around Yelden to sample various delicacies that had been prepared by Yelden’s finest and in the process raised over £400 for village hall funds. A most enjoyable evening was had by all, and many thanks from the village hall committee to everyone who participated and helped make the event yet another social success.

Phillumeny (Matchbox collecting)

I have inherited a large bag of matchbox covers (some mounted), mostly originating from many years ago. I would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to give them a good home. Mike Taylor (01933 355380)

Strawberry Fayre

SUNDAY 27TH JUNE 2010
DON’T MISS IT

Flower and Cleaning Plan 6th June Sue / Jenny – 9:00am 20th June Lesley / Jane – 10:30am 4th July Sue / Lorna – 6pm

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Pertenhall

Correspondent- Chloe Reid

April plant sale

Thank you all for the tremendous support given to our Plant Sale on Saturday 17th April. Vicki and I were over awed by the generous donations of plants and cakes for us to sale on behalf of our Riding for the Disabled group. With the stall hire income from the Professionals, our own plant stall and the sale of tea and cakes (all donated), we made the large sum of £561. If anyone is interested in helping Huntington & District Riding for the Disabled, we hold the “lessons” on a Thursday at Offord’s Northbrook Equestrian centre. We hire five ponies from 10am until 11.30am and have two sessions for the children. You do not need to be experienced with horses but you will have to be CRB checked. Please call our Chairman – Joyce on 01480 213461.
Di Birtwhistle

June FFêtete

The annual Pertenhall fFêtete will be held on Saturday 12th of June at the Village Hall, from 2pm onwards. All proceeds will go towards St. Peter’s Church Funds.

There are lots to see and do, from white elephant, games, a raffle and tombola to refreshments, cakes, crafts and plants.

Marie Curie Cancer Care Amendment

A house–to–house collection in Wood End during January for Marie Curie Cancer Care raised the sum of £75, rather than £55 as previously stated. Many thanks to the residents of Wood End who generously supported this appeal.

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Dean

Correspondent- Annette Brooks

Chapel Services

Will be held at 2.30p.m. on Sundays 6th and 20th June and 4th July in Dean United Reformed Chapel. You would be most welcome to come and meet us.
R Hallworth, U Dean

Red Cross Collection Lower Dean

This year the total raised for the Red Cross collection in Lower Dean was £70. Thank you all very much for your generosity.
Jackie Ashby

Dean All Hallows 50 Club

Thank you to all those who have joined the Dean All Hallows 50 Club in support of the church fabric. There are still some spaces left for new members Membership is £2 per week or £8.67 per month. Winners holding the same number as the Lotto Bonus Ball win 50% of the money collected that week. Contact Jeanette Dormer on 708510 or e mail jeanettedormer@btinternet.com for your membership form.

Winners this month: E Butlin £16

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Swineshead

Correspondent- Jenny Leishman

Swineshead Open Gardens

On Sunday 11 July four of Swineshead’s gardens will be open to the public, from11.00am until 5pm, as part of the National Gardens Scheme in aid of charity. There will also be an Arts & Crafts Exhibition in the Church. Plants and refreshments in the village hall will be on sale. For further details, please see the full–page advert for the open day in this issue of Honeycomb.

St Nicholas Church

Date
June 13th
July 25th

Cleaning
Pat, Jean, Jenni
Frances, Anne, Anne

Flowers
Carolyn
Jan

Swineshead Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting

The Annual Parochial Church Council meeting took place on the 27th April in the Village Hall. The Parochial Church Council elected for 2010/11 is set out below:
Mrs Jan Herdan – Lay Chair & Deanery Synod Representative
Mr Barry Morse Churchwarden – Secretary & JPCC Representative
Mrs Lesley Salter – Treasurer & JPCC Representative
Mrs Clarissa Burgess – Electoral Roll Officer
Mrs Avrill Hanson – Lay Member & JPCC Representative
Mrs Pauline McManus – Lay Member
Mrs Emma Seddon – Lay Member

Many thanks to all those who have supported, and continue to support the upkeep of the Church and the Churchyard: the cleaners, the flower arrangers, the mowers and pruners, the bell ringers and the clock winder.

The National Trust in Swineshead

Members of the Bedford National Trust Association visited Swineshead on Wednesday 5th May for a walk round the village. They visited several of the older properties in the village to learn about their history from the present owners, and members of the PCC undertook a guided tour of the church. The weather remained dry, and the bluebells in Swineshead Wood provided a beautiful display for those who ventured up Sandye Lane. Their visit concluded with afternoon tea in the village hall, organised by the Village Hall Committee.

Swineshead Polling Station

Villagers who voted may like to know that the turnout in Swineshead was again very high at 87.5%, represented by 91 votes in person and 14 postal votes. Our regularly high turnout, especially by those voting in person, helps justify retaining the village hall as a polling station, instead of us all being required to travel elsewhere to vote.

Village Hall

Bag Whist Evening

The Bag Whist on Saturday 24th April proved to be a fun night for all 24 villagers who attended.  It was great to see the children joining in; they seemed to do very well as they all appeared to have at least one box of chocolates in their bag!  The pizzas from La Sella went down well, as did their complementary wine.  Thanks again to all that helped before and on the night.  An event that I am sure we will repeat.

Auction of Promises

Make sure you have Saturday 4 September in your diary for a fun social evening: dinner at the village hall followed by an auction of promises in aid of the village hall extension fund. A member of the Village Hall Committee will be contacting you soon to ask you to make a pledge for the auction.

The Sixth Bell Bar will be open from 8pm on Fridays 4 June and 2 July.

Afternoon Teas will be served from 3pm on Thursdays 10 & 24 June and 8 & 22 July.

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