Honeycomb-On Line

I wonder what goes through your head on hearing the word “passion”. Is your first thought the intense feeling of sexual desire that people sometimes feel for each other? Or is your first thought the suffering of intense pain? Both are correct definitions of the word although the second definition is the older one which can be traced back to Latin. I ask the question because passion, as the intense suffering of pain, was in the news a lot at the end of August. The word that was actually in the news was “compassion”. That word was used to explain why Mr. Abdelbaset Ali al–Megrahi, the only person to be convicted of the Lockerbie bombing, was released from his Scottish prison and allowed to return to Libya to die. I do not intend to explore the rights or wrongs of that decision. There have been so many other factors involved and I suspect that most of us are not in full possession of all the facts to make a reasoned judgement.

The word compassion has been much used in that decision but little comment has been made on what compassion actually means. Compassion is the combination of the word “com” and “passion”. Com means to be together with another. So, according to the dictionary, compass means: “suffering together with another” or “pity that inclines one to spare or succour the other”. Compassion is more than just empathy with another′s suffering. Empathy is a feeling only whilst compassion is a virtue that will lead to action to alleviate the suffering of the other if at all possible.

Compassion is a word met frequently in many of the great faiths of the world including the three monotheistic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In all three faiths, we find one of the primary descriptions of God as the God of compassion and mercy. In Judaism the Golden Rule sums up compassion: “do to others as you would wish them to do to you”. The first century great rabbi, Hillel the elder, stated: “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah. The rest is the explanation; go and learn.” In Christianity, Jesus is known to be the personification of God who showed us on the cross what compassion truly means. His best known teaching on compassion is the parable of the Good Samaritan where compassion is extended to everyone including one′s enemies. In Islam, faith members fast from sunrise to sunset each day (Sawm) during Ramadan. The purpose of this is to sensitise each person to the real meaning of suffering through hunger by those who have no choice but to be hungry every day.

So compassion should be rooted in each one of us. Even if you do not actively follow any particular faith, our Judeo-Christian heritage underpins many of the social attitudes and institutions of our country. So are we compassionate people? Probably in many ways we are. Most of us, even in financially tough times, give to charity and many people also give of their time volunteering to help others. Both types of action are probably motivated by compassion for others. Often “the others” represent people we know (e.g. cancer charities) but sometimes “the others” are people we will never know (e.g. children helped by Save the Children and other similar charities). Where it is likely we find it harder to be compassionate is towards our enemies. Our enemies might be people who are our enemies simply because we are British or Westerners. Enemies might also be people who have done something to us that has hurt us and we cannot forgive them. We might not call them enemies but they are certainly people to whom it may be hard to show compassion even when they really need it.

So does compassion have to be reciprocal in some way? The comment has often been made recently that the Lockerbie bombers did not show compassion for their victims. The implication firmly being that compassion should only be shown to those who show compassion or in some other way deserve compassion from us. Although it can be hard to show compassion for people who hurt us there is nothing in our understanding of compassion to say that it has to be earned. Certainly Jewish and Christian scriptures are clear that God′s compassion is shown to people whether or not they deserve it. Whether or not you believe in God, the world would surely be a better place if we could all show compassion to everyone who needs it whether or not we think they deserve it.

Jan Brookshaw

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Theresa of Lisieux (1873-97)

Theresa of Lisieux should be the patron saint of teenage girls and young women who want to make the most of their lives, despite being constricted by family and school or work. Theresa grew up in a strict, devout Roman Catholic middle-class family in France, one of four sisters. Her father was a watch-maker. Like her sisters, she entered a Carmelite convent at 15, and stayed there. She was never able to go anywhere, do anything extraordinary, or hold any responsibility. She died at the age of 24 of tuberculosis. Yet this quiet young Carmelite nun became so nationally popular that she was declared patroness of France 50 years after her death. Not bad for someone who didn’t get out much!

So how did Theresa do it? By not intending to do it at all. Theresa never set out to become famous: instead, she quietly determined in her spirit to seek God, and, having found him, to honour him in her life, to live as closely as she could to the teaching in the gospels. The result was a life so spiritually radiant that her convent asked her to write a short spiritual autobiography of her pilgrimage. Theresa obliged with “L′Histoire d′une Ame”, which soon became so popular that it was translated into most European languages and several Asiatic ones. Theresa also prayed for people who were ill, and there are many reports of miraculous healings that took place in answer.

After Theresa died in 1897, her book just went on selling. People found the artless sweet simplicity of her observations on her pilgrimage as a Christian compelling. Theresa reminded people of what Christianity was really all about: simple but utter devotion to Christ, not endless outward observance of religion. Theresa helped many in the Roman Catholic Church in France to remember the first principles of their faith. From September 16th to October 16th St. Theresa’ relics will be touring the UK at various Roman Catholic Cathedrals and Churches. If you want to know when and where visit the following website:

www.catholicchurch.org.uk/ccb/catholic_church_relics_of_st_therese_of_lisieux

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God wants you

Next time you feel like GOD can’t use you, just remember...

• Noah was a drunk
• Abraham was too old
• Isaac was a daydreamer
• Jacob was a liar
• Leah was ugly
• Joseph was abused
• Moses had a stuttering problem
• Gideon was afraid
• Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
• Rahab was a prostitute
• Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
• David had an affair and was a murderer
• Elijah was suicidal
• Isaiah preached naked
• Jonah ran from God
• Naomi was a widow
• Job went bankrupt
• Peter denied Christ (3 times!)
• The Disciples fell asleep while praying
• Martha worried about everything
• Mary Magdalene was the Samaritan woman who was divorced, more than once...
• Zaccheus was too small
• Paul was too religious
• Timothy had an ulcer... AND
• Lazarus was dead!

Now! No more excuses! God can use you to your full potential – if you let him.

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Sweet dreams!

When British Summer Time ends on 25th October, why not seize the moment and get your bedtime routine organised for the winter ahead. It seems that one in five of us sleep badly, wake early, and so feel irritable and tired as each day begins. Experts call this ‘junk sleep’, and warn that we can′t expect to be as productive at work, as emotionally stable in our relationships, or even as slim as we would be if we got a proper seven to seven and a half hours a night. Another depressing thing: if you don′t get enough sleep, you will age faster. The changes in your hormone functions will be similar to those which come with ageing.

So – how to sleep better? If your problem is very bad, visit your doctor to make sure you are medically okay. Then, here are some tips to help you prepare for sleep:

Think of your bedroom as a sanctuary from the world. Aim to make it spacious, quiet and peaceful? Take out the TV. Move out the work papers. Put away the mess. Use soft lighting, and hang thick curtains to protect from light. Keep your bed clean and inviting!

What time do you go to bed? Make it the same time every night, and aim for some exercise about 4 hours beforehand. Walking, jogging or swimming in the early evening is great for you – the exercise gets rid of the stress of the day, and helps you to unwind and relax. Turn off the TV and computer at least an hour before bed, and listen to relaxing music or read instead. Have a warm bath, review the day mentally and let it go.

Reading a Psalm before you sleep will help focus your mind on God and his love for you, and will remind you of the spiritual dimension in life. God is your refuge, and wants you to turn to him for help. Do so, and then turn off the light!

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Make a Will: Make a Difference

Many people in the Stodden villages still have not written a will. A wide variety of reasons (?excuses) are offered. Perhaps the opportunity to give to charity might stimululate you to get round to writing your will.

Will Aid is the UK’s most successful and enduring charity Will-making scheme. It is a partnership between solicitors and nine UK charities. During November, participating solicitors will draw up basic Wills without charging their usual fee. Instead they will ask their Will Aid clients to donate a sum equivalent to the usual fee. As a guide and to ensure the solicitors’ efforts are rewarded by raising a good sum for charity, the suggested minimum donation level is £75 for a single Will, £110 for a pair of matching or ‘mirror’ Wills, or £40 for a change or codicil to an existing will.

Last November was Will Aid′s most successful campaign ever, with around £1 million being raised in just a few short weeks. Since its launch in 1988, the scheme has raised almost £8m in donations and very much more in legacies. In fact, the 2008 campaign raised over £5.4 million in legacies pledged to the Will Aid charities alone. Much more will have been promised to other charities, churches and other good causes. The money donated is shared between the participating charities: ActionAid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Help the Aged, NSPCC, Save the Children UK, Sightsavers International, SCIAF and Trocaire.

Will Aid offers the opportunity this November to make a real difference to our loved ones and to people in need in the UK and around the world, helping to transform the lives of children, families, elderly people and whole communities. When people also take the opportunity to leave a legacy to their favourite charity or cause, they will be ensuring their good work can continue to help future generations. From mid August onwards, participating solicitors have been available at www.willaid.org.uk or people can call 0300 0300 013 to request a list. Will-makers can then make their appointment direct by email or telephone.

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Operation Christmas Child 2009 – time to pack your shoe box!

Last year the generosity of adults and children throughout the UK meant that more than 1.2 million disadvantaged children in parts of Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe were able to have a Christmas present – a Christmas shoe box full of small gifts from a stranger (here) who cared enough to send it (there). Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest children’s Christmas appeal and began nearly 20 years ago. It enables anyone here in the UK to directly impact the life of a disadvantaged child overseas.

If you would like to consider buying small gifts and packing another shoe box this year, here’s what to look for at the shops over the next few weeks:

TOYS : small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES : pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

A PERSONAL NOTE: In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war–related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

Once more the Stodden Churches will be participating in the Shoe Box Appeal. We hope to collect our Shoe Boxes at the Family Service on 1st November at Dean Church so starting collecting and packing.

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The Fellowship Group

Meets on Tuesday mornings at 10.30 will be looking at and discussing the various religions and faiths of the world. Contact Mrs Aylott 708174 or the McBratneys 708938 for more information.

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Mothers Union

Mrs Elizabeth King will be coming to Pertenhall Village Hall to talk about the Seven Churches of Asia and Instanbul. So if you are at all interested and free on Wednesday 21st October at 2.30p.m. Why not come and join us.

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Smile

Some miscellaneous one-liners

• ~ Born free. Taxed to death.
• ~ By the time you make ends meet, they move the ends.
• ~ All generalizations are false.
• ~ All that glitters has a high refractive index.
• ~ All those who believe in psychokinesis raise my hand.
• ~ All′s well that ends.
• ~ Always make stupid moves, it confuses your opponent.
• ~ Always try to be modest. And be VERY proud of it.
• ~ An unbreakable toy is useful for breaking other toys.

Arrested

It was the end of the day when I parked my police van in front of the station. As I gathered my equipment, my K–9 partner, Jake, was barking, and I saw a little boy on the pavement staring in at me. “Is that a dog you got back there?” he asked. “It sure is,” I replied. Wide-eyed, the boy looked at me and then towards the back of the van. Finally he ventured: “What′d he do, then? ”

Toothsome

When I had a job delivering lunches to elderly house-bound people, I used to take my four–year–old daughter on my afternoon rounds. She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs. One day I found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, “The tooth fairy will never believe this! “

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How to carve the perfect pumpkin

Here are some tips to make the most of your pumpkin this month.

1. The shape. Pumpkins come both short and round as well as tall and thin. Decide on the pattern of face you will want to carve, and choose your shape of pumpkin accordingly. If you like big toothy grins, better get a wide pumpkin!

2. The ripeness. Choose one with hard skin, which your fingernail will dent but not puncture. Avoid bruised or dented pumpkins, unless the marks can be incorporated into the character of the pumpkin you have in mind.

3. The hollowing. At home, begin by laying out sheets of newspaper, because you have a messy job ahead. Choose a medium length knife with a thin serrated blade, and cut out a hole near the top around the stem. As you cut, it will help if you angle your knife slightly upwards. This makes the lid and hole slightly cone-shaped, which stops the lid from falling into the pumpkin later on.

4. The scraping. Dig out your pumpkin with a large spoon. Make sure the pumpkin is perfectly flat on the bottom.

5. The face. Use a crayon to draw on the face. It can easily be wiped off if you go wrong, but in the meantime, will give you some guidance. Now, cut out the design, pushing out the pieces of pumpkin wall as you go along.

6. The preserving of your masterpiece! Vaseline does this well – it seals in the moisture, and slows down the growth of mould inside. Popping your pumpkin into the fridge each night also will help.

7. The illumination. A small plain white votive candle in a glass holder works best.

8. The setting. Pumpkins need a flat, stable surface away from anything that can catch fire. A table in a conservatory works well. If you are using a windowsill, make sure that curtains and blinds are well out of the way, and that the cat or kids won′t knock it off.

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The former Chelveston Airfield : Development Proposals

The following is a synopsis of the development proposals for the former airfield at Chelveston, and the responses of PRESERVE, the campaign group formed to oppose development of the site.

Aug 2006	Chelveston Renewable Energy Ltd. (CRE) apply to East Northants District Council (ENC) to site generators in a new building
Oct 2006	PRESERVE files a written objection
May 2007	ENC planners recommend planning permission be granted
June 2007	ENC planning committee refuses permission for generator building
Oct 2007	CRE appeals against decision
Jan 2008	CRE applies to Northants County Council (NCC) to site a 50,000 tonne/year waste treatment plant
Feb 2008	CRE revises generator application to re-use an existing building
June 2008	ENC planners recommend planning permission be granted for the revised generator proposal
June 2008	ENC planning committee refuses permission for generators
June 2008	CRE withdraws appeal against original refusal
Sept 2008	NCC planners recommend permission be granted for waste treatment plant
Sept 2008	NCC planning committee grants permission for the plant
Sept 2008	PRESERVE file a formal complaint to the Communities Secretary over the conduct of the planning process
Oct 2008	Complaint upheld by Minister, but she subsequently reverses her decision
Oct 2008	PRESERVE contributes to Minerals and Waste Development Frameworks for Northants and Beds (still under consideration)
Nov 2008	CRE appeals against ENC rejection of second generator proposal
Dec 2008	Waste treatment plant approved
Feb 2009	Public enquiry for generator application held, with ENC and PRESERVE making representations against
May 2009	Inspector finds in favour of CRE, but costs not awarded against ENC or PRESERVE
Sept 2009	Wind turbine proposals believed to be imminent; PRESERVE liaising with ENC

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Beware your bent elbow

New technology brings new ailments: have you heard of ‘mobile phone elbow’ yet? Orthopaedic specialists have found that people who talk on their mobiles for long periods of time can over-extend their ulna nerve, leaving them tingling or numb from their elbows to their fingers. The nerve extends along the arm underneath the funny bone, and can be damaged when someone’s elbow is bent for too long a period. Surgeons say that if you must talk for a long time on your mobile, at least switch hands regularly.

 

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Rat poison threatens hedgehogs

If you are thinking of putting out rat poison this autumn, beware: you may be killing hedgehogs instead. The RSPCA has warned that new research seems to indicate that rat and mouse poison may killing high numbers of hedgehogs across the country. In a recent test survey of 120 hedgehogs, 80 had been exposed to rat poison, which prevented their blood from clotting. Dr Claire Dowding, from the University of Bristol, who carried out the research said: This high figure really is of concern and might be one of the reasons why the British hedgehog population is thought to be declining.

It′s difficult to tell exactly how these animals are exposed to the chemicals. They may be eating them directly, scavenging on dead rodents that have been killed by the poison or eating their favourite diet of slugs and snails that have fed on the poison bait. These poisons are widely available and the most common form of rodent control. We urge people to bear in mind the wider problems these are now thought to cause, and use them responsibly.

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When your cat purrs wrongly

You are alone at home with your cat, who is purring, so you should be relaxed, but you are not. Why not? Because your cat is purring wrong. It has added an urgent, high-frequency whine within its purr, which is anything but relaxing. Scientists call this elusive sound ‘solicitation purring’ and any cat person will know exactly what they mean. That insistent purr is not quite a miaow, but you know that your cat has something on its mind... A recent report in the journal Current Biology says: ‘Solicitation purring is probably more acceptable to humans than overt miaowing, which is likely to get cats ejected from the bedroom.𔄩 Whatever, it certainly gets results....

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MELCHBOURNE

Correspondent- Philip Pahl

Village web site - www.mmmatmelchbourne.synthasite.com

Melchbourne Church Clock

The clock has not been working for quite some time despite it being a visible (and aural!) sign of the church being at the heart of the village. It is now intended to repair, service and upgrade the clock so that once again it will mark the passing hours. The clock face will also be renovated at the same time.

The clock is 100 years old this year and it seems fitting that such a project should take place now but inevitably it′s expensive. The PCC is applying for grants but it is unlikely that we will get the full funding required. If you would like to help see and hear the clock in action again by making a donation, however small (or large) it would be very gratefully received!

For more information please contact Robin Mackonochie on 01234 709464.

Flower Arranging

Do you enjoy flowers? Do you often wish you could do something more exciting with that bunch you picked up at the supermarket? Or do you just want to be able to create something stunning? I’ve been trying to find a Flower Arranging course locally without success. Now I have found an experienced teacher and a venue, so all I need is people to get this off the ground!  The plan is to start with a six week course sometime between now and Christmas. Do please call me before the end of October if you are at all interested. No previous experience necessary!  Please contact Alison 01234 709464

Melchbourne Village Seating Area

The Parish Council have agreed to do something about the seating area by the phone box. The seat is broken, and the whole area needs tidying up so that it will be an enhancement to the village. To be able to do this, we will have to apply for a grant to the Borough. Before we get that far the Parish Council would like to know what the village thinks – How would you like to see that area improved?

Could you please let Helen Bone, or Ross Cousins know.

Dates for Your Diary

Saturday 21st November	Saturday 12th December
Christmas Bazaar	The Quiz Night
Village Hall 11:00am	Village Hall

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YELDEN

Correspondent – Sue Taylor

Stop Press

A date for your diaries – Saturday 28th November a supper in Yelden Village Hall to raise money for Motor Neuron Disease and Sue Ryder. More details to follow in November Honeycomb.

Yelden Methodist Chapel

Sunday October 11th at 11.00am

Holy Communion service led by Rev. Peter McNeil

Yelden Charity

The above Charity is again making small grants to help towards the cost of study materials for students in full time further education or apprenticeships and resident in Yelden.  Contact 01933 318610 or 316661 for further information.

St Mary′s Patronal Festival

We had a joint Patronal and Thanksgiving service at Yelden as many of you will remember. A very happy occasion with Mike Parsons coming up from his parish in Boscastle to take our service. He in turn enjoyed meeting and renewing old acquaintances. Martin Rhodes ‘pulled out all the stops’ to show off just what our newly restored organ could achieve when played with love and care. Robert Shaftoe, our restorer, listened intently to Martin′s recital. Joe Dawes and Jenny were acknowledged for their sympathetic restoration of the pulpit.

Bedford and District Organists Association

Following on from the organ restoration, members of the above association visited St Mary’s Church on the first afternoon in September to try out the newly renovate organ. Restorer, Robert Shaftoe told the organists and some members of the Church why he has a special fondness for the organ.

It was built originally in 1865 by a country organ builder, probably using the pipes of an old barrel organ and copying the stonework of a tomb nearby. Robert said that he admired the way the earlier man, working mostly alone, thought of ways to overcome some jobs which should have needed three or four hands to finish. The wooden floor on which the organ rested had no foundations and some poor repair in 1937, using nails which corroded badly and spare pieces of timber to bodge things, made Robert‶s job more painstaking than usual.

We then all enjoyed an impromptu concert when each organist tried the organ with selections from their repertoire. This was so enjoyable that one member of the audience began to dream of an organ recital played to a full church in the not too distant future. This would be delightful after years in the past when one heard only the clack of the key on some notes when played but no musical sound so that we all had to sing louder.

Presentation

A ‘goodbye’ presentation was arranged for Ann and Richard Paynter and Chris and Peter Hatch at the Chequers on Sunday 6th September. A sad occasion as they have been such stalwart members in all aspects of life in Yelden but after the initial surprise by all four, reminiscing and good wishes were exchanged in a happy atmosphere.

Of course there will be invitations to join in all our future activities so we hope it′s not goodbye but ‘au revoir’. We shall miss you all.

Harvest Festival

Yes, it′s harvest festival time again and our service will be on SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER, when the church will be decorated appropriately and all donations of food will be taken down to the Prebend Centre for the Homeless in Bedford. Do come and join us.

The night before on the 10th we shall be holding a simple 2 course supper in the Village Hall with ‘games for all’ or sit and watch the others if you prefer. Please contact Mike or Lesley Pond (316661) or Sue Taylor (355380) for tickets £5 each and children half price.

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DEAN

Correspondent -Annette Brooks

Joseph Neale Educational Charity.

Any youngster who lives in Shelton, Dean or Swinehead may apply for a grant, usually about £30 to £50 for further education purposes like books for university.

Mr Michael Whitlock of Manor Farm Swineshead or Mrs Gillian Aylott 708174 can answer questions and receive an application letter which will be considered on 26th so you must apply by 15th October please.

Dean Chapel Services

Sunday 11th October will be the Harvest Festival Service at 2.30p.m.

Other services will be at 2.30p.m. on 25th October and 8th November.

Bulk Refuse Skips

On 4th October these skips will be in the villages of Dean and Shelton at the usual times.

Parish Clerk to Dean and Shelton.

Mr Ron Grasmeder has been appointed to this position in place of Mrs Aylott who decided to accept her old age and retire!

Mr Grasmeder can be contacted on DandSParishClerk@aol.com

Mrs Aylott is very grateful for all the good wishes and gifts she has received and will miss the work very much.

Mobile Post Office

The Post Office mobile van is in the layby in Dean High Street on Mondays from 2.20 till 3.20p.m. and on Wednesdays from 12.45 -1.45p.m. each week.

Please use it or we will lose it. I am afraid the times are changing a little now that it has been coming for 6 weeks and seeing how it is working out, especially getting from village to village but we will put notices up and will detail the changes times in the next Honeycomb.

Parish Clerk.

DEAN & SHELTON FLOWER SHOW 12th SEPTEMBER

The 115th Dean & Shelton Flower Show was a resounding success this year. A wonderfully sunny day brought out so many people and their support was greatly appreciated.

Thank you to those who so generously donated prizes for the Tombola and to those who helped on the day.

The cup winners are as follows:

Memorial Cup overall show winner	Martyn Griffin
Newcomers Novices Cup	Carol Pattison
Eileen Wade Rose Bowl vegetable classes	Frances Slowe
Jim Lilley Memorial Award onions	Martyn Griffin
Dalton Children’s Cup	Ruby Isserlis
Centenary Cup flower classes	Stephen Hall
Dalton Cup fruit and produce	Anna Phillips
Frank & Doris Gamblen Memorial Plate bakery	Martyn Griffin
Simon Peck Rose Bowl photography	Adam Morgan
Caves Cup : photography age 12 years and under	Rachel Walsh
Dillingham Trophy raft classes	Rosemary Hallworth

The auction of produce resulted in Dean & Shelton Flower Show being able to send £50 to the East Anglia Air Ambulance. Thank you very much to every one who donated their produce and to Peter Walsh our wonderful auctioneer.

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Pertenhall

Correspondent - Chloe Reed

Harvest Supper and Quiz

The Harvest Supper & Quiz is being held this year in Pertenhall village hall on Saturday October 17th, beginning at 7.30pm. It’s for a good cause as it is in aid of church funds. Tickets cost £10.00 and can be obtained from Julie Botterill (01480 861382) and David & Kathleen Eddowes (01480 860514). Make up a table of 6 or we will help organise one for you.

Village Litter Pick

Pertenhall′s biannual litter pick is taking place on Saturday 3rd October from 10:30 to 12:00am, starting at the village hall. Please spare a little of your time to pick up litter around our picturesque village. All the equipment necessary - bags, gloves, grabbers - is supplied by Bedford Borough Council. Even if you can only spare 20 minutes, it will be a great help. Thanks in advance!

A word of warning – from resident Jan Bennett

Casper the cat came to live us about seven years ago, a stray who despite enquiries didn′t seem to have a local home so he was taken to the vet and neutered. He is a friendly cat who likes nothing better than to act as a hot water bottle on a wintry night!

On the morning of August 19th, I came downstairs to find a trail of blood in the utility room and kitchen. The older black cat yowled loudly, but we checked and he was fine. There was no sign of Casper but he liked to sleep out during the summer.

Casper must have come in during the afternoon and was sitting in my television chair as he often did and purred when stroked. It was only when I went to pick him up to put him on my lap while watching the 10pm news that I realised...

How did he cope with what must have been over 18 hours with only part of his left front leg hanging on? He was left with a perfect black paw on the end of some sinew.

The vet opened up the practice at 11.30pm, gave Casper pain killers and sedation and warned us that he might not survive the night due to shock. I phoned frequently and was allowed to visit after four days. He was still purring!

Casper returned home on the 1st of September as a hungry, loving cat who could manage well with three legs. When I asked the vet about the cause of Casper′s incident, he said it had resulted from a trap. I am aware that cats like to roam but I don’t believe that Casper leaves the village so the trap must have been set around the local Wood End area.

Take care of your cats, dogs and possibly small children – traps do not discriminate.

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SWINESHEAD

Correspondent – Jenny Leishman

Joseph Neale Educational Charity.

Any youngster who lives in Shelton, Dean or Swinehead may apply for a grant, usually about £30 to £50 for further education purposes like books for university.

Mr Michael Whitlock of Manor Farm Swineshead or Mrs Gillian Aylott 708174 can answer questions and receive an application letter which will be considered on 26th so you must apply by 15th October please.

Litter Pick

Volunteers would be appreciated for the litter–pick on Saturday 3rd October at 10.00, meeting at the village hall. (Contact: Alan 708671)

St Nicholas Church

Harvest Festival will be celebrated at 10.30 am on Sunday 11th October, followed by Harvest Supper at 7.30 pm on Monday 12th October in the Village Hall.

Please see full page advertisement in this issue of Honeycomb for further details.

Date
October 11th

October 25th
November 8th

Cleaning
Edna, Emma, Margaret

Pat, Jean, Jenny E.
Frances, Anne, Anne

Flowers
Harvest Festival.
All arrangers please.
Pauline
Pat

Forthcoming Events

Please mark Friday 4th December in your diary for a Bar Night Special at the Sixth Bell Bar. There will be a raffle and refreshments on sale. Proceeds in aid of the Village Hall Extension Fund.

Hallowe′en Celebration

Friday 6th November, 7pm. At the Village Hall.

Carved Pumpkin Competition (for under 17′s. Hot Dogs. Mulled Wine, Sixth Bell Bar Open.

Remember to shop early for your pumpkin!

Village Hall

The Sixth Bell Bar will be open from 8pm on Friday 2nd October. On Friday 6th November it will be open for Hallowe′en. Please see below for further details. Afternoon Teas in the hall will be served from 3pm on Thursdays 1st & 22nd October, and 5th && 19th November. Please note that there will be no teas on 15th October as previously advertised as the hall is required as a polling station for the Mayoral Election on this date.

Harvest Supper

Following Harvest Festival in St Nicholas Church on Sunday 11th October, at 10.30am, Harvest Supper will take place in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 12th October.

Please see full page advertisement in this issue of Honeycomb for further information and details of ticket arrangements.

Safari Supper

On 22nd August nearly 50 people were wined & dined throughout the village. Blessed with good weather, the evening got off to a bubbly start in the garden of The Old Five Bells. After some French cuisine at a number of different houses, everyone reassembled to finish supper in the barn at Manor Farm. A big thank you to all the cooks, hosts and helpers who worked hard to make the safari such a success, and especially to Carolyn for her excellent organization of an event thoroughly enjoyed by all. The evening raised nearly £450.

Swineshead Runs

A very big thank you to everyone who has helped with this year ′s Run Day. Planning began in January with an excellent hard-working team looking after all the admin && IT necessary in preparation for the event. The willingness of everyone to volunteer their support on the day, helping with the runners, providing refreshments, donating to, setting up & running the stalls, is greatly appreciated. A successful Run Day is not possible without your commitment. Honeycomb goes to press before the event, so please check your November issue for details of how it went. Meanwhile, many thanks to everyone for all their hard work and support.

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Forthcoming Attractions

11th October	Swineshead	Fun Run
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23rd October	Upper Dean	Fun Run
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7th November	Upper Dean	Fun Run
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