Honeycomb-On Line

About two years before my Father died, I had to have his elderly dog put down following a large stroke. Shortly afterwards he said to me ″you should put me down too, I′m just a burden”. My response was honestly to reassure him that he was not a burden and that I loved him. However, if euthanasia or assisted suicide had been available my Father might have had a choice and a choice that I know I could have influenced.

Assisted suicide is very much in the news following Debbie Purdy′s victory in the House of Lords. Her victory means that the Attorney General has to issue guidelines as to when an individual might be prosecuted if they help someone else to commit suicide. At the time of the judgement it was assumed that the situation would be where the suicide had taken place overseas, probably at the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland. That might not be the case as recent commentaries suggest that any such guidelines would have to apply in England and would automatically overturn the laws banning us from assisting in someone else′s suicide or being involved in euthanasia.

I guess we all know someone or have heard stories about someone for whom euthanasia or assisted suicide would seem like the only merciful response to terrible suffering. However, stand back from the tragedy of the individual to the principles behind euthanasia/assisted suicide and things start to look far less black and white. At the heart of the argument are two principles– protection of life and personal autonomy. Both are vital principles that often complement each other but can, as in this case, conflict.

Personal autonomy as a right has been growing since the 1980′s. The right to make our own decisions, to choose our own life style, and to stand on our own two feet are well established in our culture today. With rights though come responsibilities. Personal autonomy is often exercised without full consideration of others who might be affected by our own autonomous decisions. The right to personal autonomy has to be exercised in parallel with the responsibility to others who will be affected. In euthanasia/assisted suicide the “others” include those who might be subtly pressurised into asking for euthanasia as could have been the case with my Father and many other vulnerable people.

“Others” also includes everyone who works in or uses the NHS. If euthanasia/assisted suicide is made available it is likely to be through the NHS if it is to be available to everyone. That will put enormous pressures on doctors and nurses who will have to interpret any legal change. The words likely to be used are “severe suffering” and “terminally ill” but it is inevitable that different doctors will assess those words differently. As users of the NHS, we will find health care being redefined. At present we trust the NHS to preserve our health and well being in so far as that is possible. If euthanasia is part of the package of treatment available it will dramatically change the nature of our relationship with our health care providers.

So personal autonomy has to be responsible personal autonomy with considerations for others. The other principle, protection of life, has I believe to take priority. Every human life is unique and equally valuable. If we start to believe that some lives are less valuable and can reasonably be ended we are denying the most fundamental human right – the right to life. As a Christian I believe that every human being is made in the image of God and that God is, in some way, within each and everyone of us. That, for me, is what makes each one of us far too valuable to kill.

That belief in no way prevents me from wanting everyone to die when their time comes without suffering. The way that can be achieved is through good end of life palliative care. When done well, palliative care can ensure a quiet and gentle death. Sadly, the provision of good palliative care is very patchy in this country. It is primarily given by hospices who depend mostly on voluntary donations to fund their work. It is most unlikely that government funding of hospices will improve if euthanasia/assisted suicide becomes legal in England. In the Netherlands, which has readily available euthanasia, the level of palliative care is the poorest in Europe. We could well get into a situation where a patient who is terminally ill and suffering severely asks for euthanasia when s/he would have preferred good palliative care but that is not available.

If we really care for Debbie Purdy and all those who are suffering with terminal illnesses surely we should be fighting for good, effective care for them not the right to kill them.

Jan Brookshaw

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Saint of the month

Drithelm is the saint for you if you have ever wondered what lies beyond death, or have had a near-death experience. He was married and living in Cunningham (now Ayrshire, then Northumbria) in the 7th century when he fell ill and apparently died. When he revived a few hours later he caused panic among the mourners, and was himself deeply shaken by the whole experience.

Drithelm went to pray in the village church until daylight, and during those long hours reviewed the priorities of his life in the light of what he had seen while dead. A celestial guide had shown him souls in hell, in purgatory, in paradise and heaven– suddenly the reality of God and of coming judgement and of what Christ had done in redeeming mankind became real to him, and his life on earth could never be the same again.

Next day he divided his wealth into three– giving one third to his wife, one third to his sons, and the remainder to the poor. He became a monk and went to live at Melrose, where he spent his time in prayer and contemplation of Jesus.

Drithelm′s Vision of the after-life is remarkable in that it was the first example of this kind of literature from England. It was SO early – seventh century Anglo-Saxon England! Drithelm has even been seen as a remote precursor of Dante.

On a lighter note, Drithelm can also be a saint for you if you didn′t get abroad this summer, but ventured to swim instead off one of our beaches– he used to stand in the cold waters of the Tweed for hours, reciting Psalms.

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The Bible– there′s nothing else like it

Former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion says it is becoming increasingly difficult to teach English Literature because students don′t know the Bible. Andrew Motion was talking part in a BBC radio interview when he said that students had a sketchy understanding of once familiar stories – a depressing trend which threatened to leave future generations unable to fully understand the works of Milton, Shakespeare or more modern writers such as TS Eliot.

Literature is one of many aspects of British culture with roots in the Bible, but Bible reading is more than a cultural exercise. For millions of people across the globe, the Bible is the main reference point for life′s biggest questions– Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? What is the purpose of life? How should I live? That′s why many Christians make Bible-reading a part of life′s daily routine. It′s as vital as eating and drinking.

The Bible is unlike any other book. People who read it find that often the words come alive to them. Millions of Christians around the world can look back on several key points in their lives when it has been as if God is speaking just to them about their immediate circumstances. This shouldn′t be surprising. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another – showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God′s way ”.

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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 wiill.

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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Motor Neurone Disease

Many of you will have been shocked to learn that Peter Morgan (of Yelden)has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Those close to Peter have been doing everything they can to support Peter and Rosie. Sometimes it can be hard to know exactly what to do to show your care. Sam Rhodes (daughter of Martin Rhodes formerly of Yelden now of Dean) is going to show her care by running the Bristol half-marathon on 6th September for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). The MNDA is already providing support for Peter and Rosie and will continue to do so.

If you would like to show your support for Peter and Rosie please sponsor Sam Rhodes. The easiest way to give is on line through the Just Giving website. Sam′s address there is– www.justgiving.com/Sam-Rhodes23. Money donated that way goes direct to the MNDA and if you are a taxpayer the MNDA can reclaim the tax you have already paid. If you do not use the web then you can send a cheque made payable to MNDA to Sam Rhodes at 356b Frome Road, Trowbridge, Wilts., BA14 0EF. If you send a cheque to Sam and are a taxpayer please put a note in saying you want MNDA to reclaim the tax.

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Thank you

Thank you all who sponsored Edward 3 years ago when he swam the English Channel in 14 hours raising £30,000 for the Prostate Cancer Research Centre.

By the time you read this we hope that he will have succeded in swimming the 11 miles of Lake Windermere in support of East Anglia Childrens Hospice.

If you would like to help in the sponsorship cheques should be payable to E.A.C.H.and sent to us at The Manor Pertenhall MK44 2SP

You could read about this on www.egbleisure.co.uk

Karen and Grant Williams

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Lost - Melchbourne

Grey Male Cat with white under belly and paws. Very friendly and answers to the name of Sugar. Sugar was last seen on Friday 31st July. A small reward is offered for safe return. Please contact Mrs Marshall, 37 Knotting Road, Melchbourne.

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Wanted

Live in housekeeper/companion/driver required by retired businessman (82)living in Higham Ferrers. Interests include gardening, light classical music, ballroom dancing, politics and doing crosswords. Good quality accommodation is provided. Terms to be agreed. Applications marked private, with CV, to D J Dormer & Son Ltd, 4 Shirley Rd, Rushden, NN10 6BY

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Smiley Tots & Crafty Kids

Smiley Tots starts back 9th September. Come and join in the fun and make new friends, you′ll find us at Yelden Village Hall 10–12 every Wednesday during term time £2 per family including Drink and Snack. Your little ones will love our new Ball–O–Saurus Pool as well as all the other fantastic toys we have and activities we do.

Contact Vicky on 01933 317220 or at smiley.tots@hotmail.com for more details.

And for Crafty Kids too!

Crafty Kids starts back 8th September, on every 2nd Tuesday of the month during Term time for ages 7–13years, £3 per session including materials as well as a drink && Haribos, Yelden Village Hall 6–7.30pm. Here are some of the fun things we have already done – Pebble Pets, Making Cards and Glass Painting.  So if you like all things crafty, come and join in the fun at Crafty Kids!

Contact Vicky on 01933 317220 or at crafty.kids@hotmail.com for more details.

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Investment Opportunity!

Yelden Proshare Investment Club has been in existence since 1997 and are currently seeking new members for light hearted, win some; loose some, once a month forays into the stock market. No previous experience is necessary!

For more details please contact Charles Paynter 01933 412110 or Carolyn Hilton 01933 318610

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MELCHBOURNE

Correspondent- Philip Pahl

Village web site - www.mmmatmelchbourne.synthasite.com

Melchbourne Bar-B-Q 2009

Over 60 villagers and their friends enjoyed a sunny BBQ on 9th August. David and Darren were assisted by Jack, who was recovering from a broken ankle, but managed to help cook a delicious BBQ. Many thanks to everyone who helped with the cooking and serving, and the clearing up, in true village spirit! The money raised at this event will go towards the upkeep of the Village Hall.

Melchbourne Village Hall

Re-decoration to the exterior of the Village Hall has begun and, at the time of writing, the front is already looking much better and very smart in its new livery. Well done to the Village Hall Committee.

Melchbourne Gardening Club

We have received a few confirmations of interest in the Gardening Club but would welcome a few more. We will arrange our first meeting during September and will be in contact then. Enquiries to Philip Pahl, by phone on 01234 708730 or email santapodphil@aol.com.

Dates for Your Diary

Saturday, 31st October Halloween Bonfire Party

Full details in October Honeycomb

Saturday 21st November Christmas Bazaar

Village Hall 11–00am

Saturday 12th December The Quiz Night

Village Hall

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YELDEN

Yelden Chapel Services

September 6th 11.00am Holy Communion led by Rev Mike Lewis

September 20th 2.45pm Harvest Festival led by John Armitage (followed by the auction of produce)

Melchbourne and Yelden Parish Council

Chairman– Dr Diane Gray Clerk Mrs Garry Telling Tel–01933 418 775
Tel– 01480 860 439 www.melchbourneandyeldenpc.org.uk

At the meeting held in Yelden Village Hall on Wednesday, 15th July 2009, six councillors were present. The new Borough Councillor, Doug McMurdo, was made welcome

There were 2 members of the public in attendance.

Diane Gray was in the chair.

1 Concern was expressed about safety at the junction at the St John″s Arms in Melchbourne. A site meeting will be held to see what measures can be put in place.

2 The new PCSO, Michael Blass, will train members of the Yelden community in the use of SIDs. If you wish to volunteer for this please contact Kate Gelder.

3 Several copies of a new form, ″My Neighbourhood Priorities” were given to each councillor. Any resident wishing to express concern about a police matter can complete one of these forms and pass it to Riseley Police Post. Your councillor will be pleased to make the form available to you.

4 The Highways representatives, Carolyn Hilton for Yelden and Judy Stewart for Melchbourne, walked round the villages with Alex Cattanach, the Area Technician for Bedfordshire Highways. Several problems were brought to his attention and it is hoped that they will be addressed, especially those connected with drains and gullies.

5 It was noted that in Melchbourne cars are parked on the pavement making it awkward for those with walking difficulties.

6 Comment was made about the seat in Melchbourne and the area around it. This is central in the village and affects the look of the village.

7 It is likely that next winter there will be gritting in Knotting Lane. The councillors have long been campaigning for this.

The complete minutes, including planning information and financial matters, will be available on the Parish Council web site, www.melchbourneandyeldenpc.org.uk and in MMM and on the notice boards. Agenda for the next meeting will be posted likewise at least a week before the next meeting.

The next meeting will be on Wed, 16th September, 2009, in Melchbourne Village Hall at 8.00. THIS IS AN OPEN MEETING AND EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND.

Useful telephone numbers

Street lights out of order – 01604 493 820

Highways Help Desk – 01234 228 6611 highways@bedscc.gov.uk

Anglian Water Help Desk – 0845 714 5145

Rights of Way – 01234 228 335

Town Hall – 01234 267 422

Borough Councillor Doug McMurdo– 07834 257 928

PC Rob Smith [PC 428] – 01234 275 175

PCSO 8231 Michael Blass – 01234 842865 – SNT.CarltontoRiseley@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk

Clerk - Garry Telling[Mrs] – 01480 860 439 – gtelling@gefh.ndo.co.uk

Bike Ride – 12th September

Just a reminder that the second Saturday in September will be an opportunity to raise funds and see some interesting buildings, by cycling round a group of churches. Half your sponsored money will go to the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust and the other half to your designated church. THINK BIKE

Harvest – Festival

Sunday 11th October

Not very far away and the Harvest celebrations will be here in Yelden. Pleasse put the date in your diary and also Saturday 10th for supper and a games evening – details in the next Honeycomb.

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DEAN

Correspondent -Annette Brooks

Chapel

Services on Sundays 13th; and 27th September and 11th October.

The Harvest Service will be on 11th October at 2.30p.m.

Parish Council.

The next meeting will be on 7th September at 7.30p.m. in the Dalton Hall and will be the first one Clerked by a new Clerk!

ALL HALLOWS>

Date
Sept  6th
Sept  13th
Sept  20th
Sept 27th

Flowers
Lynda
Sylvia
Lindsay
Anna

Cleaning
Stella
Mandy
Sylvia
Lindsay