Honeycomb-On Line

Happiness?

Better late than never, I have discovered YouTube and twice recently it has given me real happiness. On the first occasion I watched a video called Mrs. Beamish with a song by Richard Stilgoe and Peter Skellern. It had me laughing out loud. Before you go rushing to watch it, a word of warning. The humour will only appeal to those of you who have been regular church goers over several decades and appreciate the differences between the traditional services and the more modern ones. The second one is one that most of you will have heard of even if you have not actually seen it because it has been widely reported in the general press in April. It is the video of Susan Boyle on the T.V. programme Britain′s Got Talent.

Like pretty well everyone who has seen it, I started off expecting to cringe at a dowdy, middle-aged woman hoping to be as famous as Elaine Paige. As soon as she started singing my first impressions fled at the beauty of her voice and I ended up both grinning and crying all at once.

Both those videos stand out for me because they were moments of real happiness although for very different reasons. I call those moments happiness ones because they were special moments. They stood out from the rest of my day-to-day existence and feelings. Would such moments be special if I was happy like that all the time? I doubt it. To appreciate happiness surely we have to experience its absence as well. Yet the modern view seems to be that to make the most of life we should be in a constant state of happiness. Maybe this is because one of the inalienable rights listed in the U.S. Declaration of Independence is the pursuit of happiness (along with life and liberty). It should be noted that it is the pursuit of happiness not happiness itself that is an inalienable right. Yet, it seems that happiness has become a so-called right. There was a recent study published that found that children in the UK were the unhappiest in Western Europe. The underlying assumption of the study was that children should be happy all the time. This study was based on asking children if they were happy or otherwise. Of course children are not always happy. Experiencing the contrast between happiness and unhappiness is one way that children, and adults, learn what to aim for and what to avoid. Aiming to be happy is fine; expecting to be happy all the time is unrealistic. The same goes for unhappiness. Trying to avoid it is fine but expecting to avoid it all the time will lead to disappointment.

I went on-line to do a bit more research about happiness. There seem to have been many studies into what makes for happiness or rather what correlates with being happy. Two stood out. First was that wealth and happiness are not correlated although poverty and unhappiness are. It seems that after achieving a certain level of comfort, further money does not increase our happiness. The second was that faith and happiness are correlated. People who follow the teachings of any particular faith report themselves to be happier than people without a faith. I could not find a study that looked at Christianity in particular which is a shame because I know that my outlook on life (I am deliberately avoiding the word happiness) has been far more positive since I allowed my faith to guide my life.

Whilst on-line, I also found something called the Oxford Happiness Inventory. Being a sucker for questionnaires I completed it. My score came out at 57%. The message was that I should be aiming for 100%. Should I? Surely we need variety in our lives. I recall being asked if we could appreciate beauty if we lived totally surrounded by beautiful things, people and places. Beauty only exists in contrast to that which is not beautiful.

The same goes for happiness. It only exists in contrast to that which is not happy. Of course that does not mean that we should have to experience unhappiness regularly to know happiness. There is a continuum from unhappiness to happiness and between the two extremes are emotions such as satisfaction and contentment. The Oxford English Dictionary defines contentment as ”desiring nothing more“ and that seems to be a pretty good place to be most of the time. Moments of happiness that lift our emotions beyond contentment then come as a marvellous bonus to be appreciated for what they are.

Jan Brookshaw

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Dean Christmas Concert

This year we are planning a Christmas concert in Dean Church on Friday 19th December at 7.30pm, to be repeated in Sharnbrook Church on Saturday 20th December. The concert will be in aid of the Jean Braga Charity, which has sponsored children through Tear Fund for the last 20 years.

The first half will consist of items for Soprano, Flute, Recorder, Violin and Lute in various combinations. In the second half we would like to include a children?s orchestra to play some carols, and ask the congregation to sing. I would be grateful if any parents whose children would like to take part in the orchestra would email me (JohnB@crownsys.co.uk) letting me know what the instrument the child would like to play (we already have flute, violin, recorder, clarinet, cello, bassoon and classical guitar!) The first rehearsal would need to be arranged in October, and I can only arrange the music once I know what instruments will be available – hence the early notice. If your child can play an instrument, please encourage him/her to join in!

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Mothers Union

You are invited to come to Pertenhall Village Hall on Wednesday 17th June at 2.30p.m. for a meeting and tea. We are a friendly group and we are sure you would feel welcome.

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Wish to improve your computer skills

For some time we have been discussing the development of web based version of Honeycomb to run in parallel with the printed version. If you have got to this point, you can see that much of the initial work has been completed. We would be interested to find someone willing to work on this project. No initial programming or internet skills are required as full training will be provided. The basic commitment would require an involvement of some 3 to 4 hours per month. If you would like to develop your computer skills – working on this project would be an ideal opportunity. Anyone interested should contact Ted Welburn on 01480 860999.

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Croquet at The Manor, Pertenhall

The family have always played this game but they always said that I cheated because I claimed to have the only copy of the Rules, which somehow I?ve managed to lose. I referred to these Rules as Revised Roehampton Regulations knowing perfectly well that the clan would never be able to check on my adjudications, but?oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive?because the lovely late lamented Betty Loch teaching Edward how to play Patience, let drop that not only did she like playing Croquet but obviously knew the rules. My time as the Great Croquet Panjandrum was up.

Quite a large number folk were taught by Betty and the local enthusiasts meet on Tuesday afternoons on our Tennis Court. Ken Gentle (01480 860627) is the very enthusiastic Captain but if you would like to make up a group on any of the other afternoons you are very welcome and you can arrange this best by contacting Malcolm Markham (01480 861558)

Grant Williams

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Stodden Parish Weekend 15-17 May 2009

I have received some kind remarks regarding the Parish Weekend for which I am grateful. However plans are one thing but they are of little value without energetic execution. This we certainly had, all villages and certain individuals took up the baton of their particular element and showed great enthusiasm for the task.

Heather Wells as well as being part of the planning group masterminded the Shelton/Dean input and graciously provided The Old Rectory for the challenging Saturday afternoon events. Barry Morse and the Swineshead team did a great job of providing the Sixth Bell and their village hall for a most successful Men?s Night on Friday night and the Melchbourne team led by Robin and Alison Mockonochie and William Tusting made excellent arrangements for Saturday night for a dinner with the Bishop with great food a licensed bar and good company. In addition to all this good work, Mary Harris, headmistress at Eileen Wade deserves thanks for her support in providing an opportunity for the Bishop to visit the school and arranging the children′s paintings for display in the Marquee on Saturday. Jenny Ives and family produced the highlight of the afternoon of Saturday with their superb Fun Dog show and Angus Jenkinson and Sue Taylor made sure that the photographic competition was professionally judged and beautifully displayed. Stephie Noble and the Yelden Art Group graced the Marquee with fine examples of their work adding to the general theme of All Creatures Great and Small. Finally thanks are due to Julian Watson and for Linda and Roy Agate for bringing their birds of prey and to John Braga for his goats, they all added to the theme. Finally the afternoon was beautifully rounded off by Anna Phillips and her children′s choir and Heather′s teas.

I hope I have covered everyone and if I have inadvertently missed acknowledging your contribution, I apologise, and a big thanks anyway. From the numbers of people mentioned and their villages this was plainly a great Stodden occasion with large amounts of fellowship, humour and friendship. I thank everyone who contributed and feel that as result of the success of this weekend who knows what we can achieve in the future?

Peter Morgan

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MELCHBOURNE

Correspondent- Philip Pahl

Village web site - mmmatmelchbourne.synthasite.com

The Beetle Drive

>Well, this is a fast and furious game for all ages and great fun too (provided you don′t lose your concentration). For those of you who do not know the game one throws the dice and depending on what number you throw you may draw a part of a beetle until you complete the whole thing of about 16 parts. The winner of one round is the first to complete their beetle and shout, surprisingly, BEETLE! You then move on to different tables and or partners and start again (this is a bit like trying to describe how to play cricket to an Alien). There is more to it than that but rest assured the younger element seemed to grasp it very quickly and thoroughly enjoy the evening. We were all ably kept in check by umpire Robin Maconochie, amply fed by Helen Bone and well organised by Pam Cousins – well done to all.

”Anyone for Cards?“

At the Melchbourne Village Hall AGM there was interest expressed in setting up a ”Social Bridge“ club, with the emphasis very much on the word social! If anyone out there in any part of the Stodden Parish is interested, please do get in touch. We were thinking that the autumn would be a good time to start but we would get together beforehand to sort out the details. At the same time, a number of people seemed interested in learning the game and it may be possible to arrange for a qualified tutor to provide lessons in Melchbourne (Sharnbrook Adult Education is also a good starting point). Look forward to hearing from experienced players and beginners alike! Contact Ann Edwards 01234 709592 (email: ann.mci.edwards@btinternet.com)

Extract of Details from the Church PCC AGM

At the Melchbourne church PCC AGM, on 21st April, Martin Hudson retired as Church Warden, but will remain on the PCC as treasurer.

Nick Edwards retired as secretary and resigned from the PCC. Our thanks go to both for all their hard work.
Robin Machonochie was appointed as Church Warden, with Audrey Lovell.
Alison Machonochie agreed to take over the position of secretary.
Sarah Croft resigned from the PCC due to work and family commitments.

Extract of Details of the Village Hall Committee AGM

The village hall committee AGM took place on 14th April, all existing members agreed to continue, and were unanimously elected.

New members are always welcome!

Thanks from Adrian & Lana Allen

Adrian and Lana Allan would very much like to thank all of their neighbours who kept an eye on their house and garden, while they were away travelling recently. So many kindnesses; we are eternally grateful. Thank you.

Melchbourne Feast Day Cakes Appeal

C′mon all you bakers. Cathy desperately needs cakes for both the Tea Tent and for the Cakes Stall on the Feast Day Sunday July 12th. Personally I think there should be a competition for the best cake on the day (I may put myself forward to be a judge).

Village dates for your diary:

Saturday, 13th June Safari Supper See full page advertisement
Sunday, 12th July Melchbourne Feast Day (See full page advertisement)
Sunday 9th August Village BBQ Village Hall
Saturday 3rd October Jumble Sale Village Hall 11:00 am
Saturday, 31st October Halloween Bonfire Party Details to be advised!
Saturday 21st November Christmas Bazaar Village Hall 11:00 am
Saturday 12th December The Quiz Night Village Hall

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YELDEN

Correspondent - Sue Taylor

Yelden – Trevor Holyoake Fun Day

It was a case of third time lucky as after a great all round effort from ?Team Yelden?, we finally won the cup.

A special mention to Michael Wilson, who turned his hand to most sports and also Adam Richmond for an admirable batting display, despite being hampered by his pads and at one point a very dubious batting partner.

A good afternoon was had by all, even though the keen wind made it a bit chilly for the many people supporting their teams. The return fixture will be at Yelden next year.

Many thanks to all of the participants and our hosts at Dean.

Team Yelden

Yelden Art Group

URGENTLY NEEDED - The Yelden Art Group are looking for display screens to hire for their exhibition during the last week in June (Strawberry Fayre). If you can help, please telephone Stephanie on 01933 313379. Thank you.

Safari Supper

The mild weather gave us a good start to our progression round the village when all 51 of us met outside in Barry and Faith?s garden. Hosts were then handed their envelopes which told their guests where their next course would be. So with a full moon small groups criss-crossed the village in an increasingly happy style ending with a gathering of everyone at Carole and Andy?s home. A most successful evening and many congratulations to Karen, Carole and Jenny for all their careful organising – no mean feat – and they in turn would like to thank all the willing hosts who made everyone so welcome. All proceeds go to the upkeep of the Village Hall.

For Sale

4 berth Conway Trailer Tent with kitchen, awning etc. Always been garaged. (Need space in garage now!) £350 or any reasonable offer. Tel 01933 358549

Yelden Methodist Chapel

June 14th Service at 11.00a.m. Led by Lucy Hardy

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PERTENHALL

Correspondent - Chloe Reid

Pertenhall 100 Club

March Draw
No.44
No.46
No.107
No.53
No.34
No.109

April Draw
No.41
No.24
No.88
No.66
No.21
No.62

Mrs J E Bennett
Mrs J Lindley
Mrs S E Sutton
Mr John Bates
Mr N Everett
Mrs N Rackham


Mr T Newman
Mr M Bailey
Mrs P Collini
Mr E Crisp
Mr & Mrs T Kingham
Mrs T Osborne

£20
£10
£7
£5
£5
£5


£20
£10
£7
£5
£5
£5

Bulky Waste Collection

Pertenhall - Sunday 21st June - Village Hall - 12.00 until 3.00pm

Swineshead - Sunday 21st June? - Near Green Lane - 12.00 until 1.30pm
Village Hall - 1.30 until 3.00pm

Village Hall Committee

At the last meeting of the Pertenhall Village Hall committee and following the resignation of our Treasurer the following changes have been made.

Bookings Secretary is now Liz Robinson, she can be contacted on 861841 or by emailing Liz@gunnersbury-farm.com If you want to book our lovely hall some evenings and weekends are available.
Treasurer and Minute Secretary is Di. Birtwistle contact via
Pertenhall.hall@btinternet.com. or on 860800.
Housekeeper in charge of the Hall is Karen Pogonowska.
Functions Secretary - Paul Sheard, who would love to know if you are coming to the Gadabout on 27th June - phone 861457.

Di. Birtwistle

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SWINESHEAD

Correspondent - Jenny Leishman

Booking Swineshead Village Hall Enquiries

All enquiries please ring or email Jenny Leishman. (See Contact Us)

Village Hall

The Village Hall Committee are planning a Safari Supper for Saturday 22nd August so please mark the date in your diaries and look out for further details in the next issue of Honeycomb.

The Sixth Bell Bar will be open from 8p.m. on Fridays 5th June and 3rd July. Afternoon Teas will be served in the hall from 3p.m. on Thursdays 11th and 25th June.

Wedding Congratulations

Congratulations to Margaret-Eve and Andrew Hodges on their marriage at St. Luke?s Church, Lowick, Cumbria, on Saturday the 18th of April 2009. Good wishes to you both, and to Olivia, Josh and William, from all the villagers.

Congratulations from all the villagers, and best wishes for the future, also go to Hannah and Jamie Walshe, formerly of Swineshead, on their marriage at St Nicholas Church on Saturday the 16th of May 2009.

St Nicholas Church

Date
June 7th
June 21st
July 5th
July 19th

Cleaning
Frances, Anne, Anne
Pauline, Clarissa, Wendy
Dorothy, Diana, Margaret
Edna, Emma, Jan

Flowers
Clarissa
Dorothy
Jan
Edna

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DEAN

Correspondent -Annette Brooks

Dean Chapel

Services in June will be at 2.30p.m. on Sundays 7th and 21st June and July 5th.

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Forthcoming Attractions

6th June - afternoon	Pertenhall	Pertenhall Fete
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13th June - evening	Melchbourne	Melchbourne Safari Supper
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20th June - evening	Shelton	Shelton Shed Shuffle
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28th June - afternoon	Yelden	Yelden Strawberry Fayre
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4th July - evening	Yelden	Yelden Ball
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12th July - afternoon	Melchbourne	Feast Day
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