This is the ‘electronic’ version of the magazine of the Priory Church of St Andrew the Apostle, Hamble. This version is for those living outside the parish who do not receive a free copy, or for those that have lost their original copy. My thanks to Liz (Scoop) Jarvis, New Waves editor, for her kind co-operation in making this ‘e’ version possible.

Funded by St Andrew’s and delivered free to all homes in Hamble

In this issue:

• Church Services
• A Voice from the Vestry
• News
• A very Busy Week
• Guardian Angels
• The Invitation
• The voice from the Potting Shed
• The Rain a poem from Rosemary Barton
• What’s on?
• Who do I contact? St. Andrew’s Parochial Church Council (PCC)

Church Services on Sunday

8.00 am         Holy Eucharist

9.50 am         Beacons (Junior Church) – meet in the Priory Centre

10.00 am      The Parish Eucharist; coffee is served afterwards

1^st Sunday in the month only – in addition to the above services:

11.30 am        “The 11.30 with Baptism”- modern worship; coffee is served afterwards

2nd Sunday in the month only – in addition to the above services:

6.00 pm         Choral Evensong

Church Services on Weekdays

Tuesday 7.00 pm    Holy Eucharist – Healing Service first Tuesday of the month

Thursday 9.45 am Eucharist – informal service with hymns; coffee is served afterwards

Parish Priest:

Fr. John Travers

The Vicarage, High Street, Hamble, SO31 4JF

Tel/Fax:  023 8045 2148

Email: standrews.hamble@gmail.com

Parish Readers:

Mrs.  Joan Glue Tel:  023 8045 7053

Mr. David Winser Tel:  023 8045 5872

Church Wardens

Mr. Colin Glue Tel:  023 8045 7053

Mrs. Pat Stephens Tel:  023 8045 4181

 A Voice from the Vestry

Soon it will be my favourite night of the year, Christmas Eve!  Full of anticipation for the coming celebration. A time of peace on earth and goodwill to all mankind.   If only every night could be like Christmas Eve!  But it is more than just a chance to let our hair down, it is a time when we can draw near to our awesome creator, God, in a very real sense, as we think about that ‘silent night’ in that humble stable where he chose to come and live among us as a fragile new born baby.

Whether we have a firm faith or a shaky one, a little faith or none at all, the story of the birth of Jesus is a beautiful and moving tale.  If you can believe that in some way, the character shown by Jesus is the character of God himself – then in that stable in Bethlehem, we see revealed a God who is humble enough to come among us as a helpless babe.  Not only that, he came not as the child of a great king but as the child of a peasant girl; not born into splendour but into squalor and poverty.  A God who accepts the worship of simple shepherds and wise kings alike.  A God who welcomes the lamb offered to him by the shepherd or the gold presented to him by a king.  Provided every one offers him the best they have, and the best they are, we are all acceptable and accepted by God.  And that is the inner meaning of the Christmas story.

Christmas is a time we draw closer to our families, to the ones we love and care for.  We communicate with each other in a way we do not do at any other part of the year; we send millions of Christmas Cards full of thoughts, words and good intentions.  But there is a proverb which says; ‘Actions speak louder than words’.

Our words can be just empty, unless we follow them through by fleshing them out and putting them into action.  It is not enough just to tell someone you love them, you have to demonstrate that love by the things you do.  So what did God do to give flesh to his words? Exactly that he took on human flesh and became one of us that first Christmas night.  St. Luke and St. Matthew tell us that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He was born of the Virgin Mary, and laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn. St. John puts it in these familiar phrases:  ‘And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth’.

 NEWS

Eat Cake for a Good Cause

The recent Macmillan event in the Priory Centre raised £1132.88.

The day started at 10am with coffee and cake, moving on at noon to light lunches and then afternoon teas.

There were stalls, giving those attending the opportunity to buy knitted items, cards and handbags and for the readers to catch up with books from the book stall.

 

 

 

 

It was a wonderful day of warmth, fellowship and fun which far exceeded all the expectations of the organising committee.

 

 

 

 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved, in whatever capacity, for their help and support.

Next year we shall be holding a similar event to raise money for Cancer Research UK on Saturday 13^th July 2013.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Harvest Festival

The celebration of Harvest saw the church colourfully decorated with generously donated dried and tinned foods, which were given to the Two Saints Charity who help those in need in Southampton

 

 

Harvest Lunch

On a bright sunny Sunday, in this year of grey and glooming weather, 42 people shared in the St. Andrew’s Harvest Lunch.  The sun shining in the windows of the Priory Centre was mirrored by the faces of the assembled company and the hall reverberated with chatter and laughter.

The Priory Centre was resplendent with the tables decorated in bright Autumn colours, with lovely colourful dahlias. Guests were greeted with a sherry reception and this was followed by a three course lunch which included delicious home made leek and potato soup and Joan Glue’s magnificent apple pies.

There was a raffle; the proceeds of which were sent to the Two Saints Charity.

Special thanks to all those who contributed to make the event so successful.

 Teddy Bear’s Parachute Jump

At the beginning of October the congregation of St. Andrew’s Church held their annual Teddy Bear Parachute Jump.

All the children were given a parachute to fit on their soft toy teddies, cats, dogs, rabbits and this year one of the soft cars from the film “Cars”.  The parachutes were excellent this year as they were designed by our local professor and were very well done – and they worked.

The toys were put in a basket and  ropes hoisted them up to the top of the tower.  From there they were thrown off.  The children shouted for their toys and the adults shouted for theirs!  All were very excited.  Harry Elmo, the labrador, was also there barking for his mistress’ teddy; real animals like it too!

Two or three toys were nearly lost in the tree and on the church roof but were retrieved by a very long brush and step ladders.

We had a picnic under the tree and the cakes and other food were readily enjoyed.

A good, fun time was enjoyed by both children and adults alike, helped by the weather which was great this year, for a change!

WE WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR – LOOK OUT FOR THE DATE IN “NEW WAVES” AND COME AND JOIN US.

Rosemary Barton

Christmas Shoe Boxes

On Thursday 25^th October a total of 125 shoeboxes (including 26 from Hamble Primary School), were collected from the Priory Centre by Rotary International to be sent to needy children in Albania, Montenegro, Tanzania, Moldova and the Philippines. Thank you to all who helped in any way, especially the staff and children from the Primary School who came to the Priory Centre to help fill the boxes.

Please start collecting empty shoeboxes and modest gifts for next year’s appeal.

 Black Tie Bridges Murder Mystery

The Black tie dinner held on Friday 21^st September opened the Friends’ 2012-2013 programme of social events. 73 diners were well looked after by a team of Friends providing bar facilities, table waiting and, of course, some excellent cooking.  From salmon starter, one moved on to cordon blu chicken with seasonal vegetables, followed by fruit salad with a berry dressing followed by coffee with mints.

A new venture for the friends was to invite an after dinner speaker.  Looking for an appropriate first speaker was not easy, but Mr Nick R Thomas provided an entertaining 40 minutes on his life as a comedy writer with the BBC.  Nick has been writing humour for broadcast, publication and live performance for 30 years; this includes 23 series of Radio 2’s comedy series “The News Huddlines”, with Roy Hudd and June Whitfield, and 8 years as a regular contributor to Radio 4’s long-running satire “Week Ending”.  Since 1996 he has delivered some 900 humorous talks all over the country.

 

On Wednesday 24^th October there was the annual Autumn Bridge afternoon in the Priory Centre. 

Whilst there were a couple of tables less, the afternoon proved to be very enjoyable by those who attended. Kate Sparshatt’s organisation of this event is much appreciated.

 

Saturday 3^rd November the Friends in association with the Hamble Players provided a murder mystery with 3 course supper.  It would appear that Lord John Paul Gettiesjust-Desserts was duly rewarded for his dastardly deeds.

This event was very pleasing in terms of it being a new partnership with the Players, the actual turnout and the many new attendees.  It was lovely to meet you all and we look forward to you joining us again at other events.

As a consequence of ticket delivery, I think my appreciation of the geography of Hamble, Hound and Netley Abbey has significantly improved.

On Friday 18^th January we look forward to our celebration of Burns Night with the support of St. Andrew’s Pipers and our good friends Alec & Kate to address the great pudding and remind us of the Bard’s verse.  There will be other forms of entertainment too.

All the Friends are thanked for their considerable help in the running of these functions.  Collectively ‘The Friends’ would like to thank Father John and Joyce for their considerable contribution to Friends’ events over many years and wish them well in their retirement.

Grant E. Hearn

Chairman of the Friends of St Andrew’s

 Hamble Needlecraft Group – Day Out

The Group recently enjoyed a visit to the D Day Museum, Portsmouth to see The Overlord Embroidery which was crafted by the Royal School of Embroidery.  The Group appreciated their time consuming work.

After a delicious lunch in the nearby Castle the Group took the scenic route to All Saints’ Church, East Meon to view their Millennium Embroidery, colourful kneelers and pew seat cushions and enjoyed meeting the church sewing group and shared ideas over tea and homemade cakes.

Bill Does it Again!

Once again Bill Mintram (aged 94) has completed a marathon swim for charity, raising hundred of pounds for Home Start North Herts for families in need of support where there is at least one child under five.

Since Bill moved to Baldock to be

close to his daughter, he has kept up his swimming and for this sponsored swim swam 10 lengths of the 25 metre pool per day for five days.

Very well done, Bill.

 

A Very Busy Week

The second week in October was an extremely busy one for me starting on Monday 8^th October when 24 of us, made up mostly of members of the Thursday Fellowship, boarded a coach at various points in Hamble to visit Midhurst and onwards to Canine Partners.

Our first stop was in Midhurst at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene and St. Denys, where we held a short service.  David Winser had brought service books and all the equipment for the service which was taken by Joan Glue with assistance by Rosemary Barton and baby Jacob!!!

It was a lovely church and we appreciated the welcome by the verger’s husband.

After the service everyone made their way to look round the town and to various places for refreshments, all meeting up again at the coach at 1.20pm to make our way to Canine Partners Head Quarters.

Once there we were led into a reception area for a welcome cup of tea before being directed to a large hall where the background of Canine Partners, the selection and training of the dogs was explained and a demonstration by dogs, at various stages of their training, showed the work that these magnificent animals can undertake.  The dogs are chosen as puppies and live with volunteer “walkers” for approximately the first 12 months before they are put through intensive training, which includes time spent with the disabled person that the dog will partner, so that they train together depending on the person’s needs to give them independence.

We are exploring the possibility of a visit to Hamble of dogs to demonstrate the capability of these wonderful animals.

Our many thanks to Pat Gilman for organising the day – one we will not forget, I am sure.

On returning from Midhurst, I checked my suitcase to make sure everything was packed that I might need for the next 5 nights on the Cunard ship Queen Mary 2.  For the first time in my life I had taken the advice of many people to go cruising!!  The itinerary was Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and Le Havre in 5 days.

Cruising was an experience that was very enjoyable.  Every member of the crew was polite; the food was excellent and there was plenty to see on board, which made the trip go so well.

One thing I must point out, when making the booking, I was asked if I would prefer to sit on a 6, 8 or 12 place table at meal times.  I chose a 6 place table, so when the first meal time arrived I sat down with 5 other people – all women!!  Interesting.

Although it was a short cruise, if it is at all possible, I think I will do it again!  It was a pleasure to be on such a magnificent vessel, which I had viewed many times from the shore.

The QM2 docked at 0630 on the Sunday morning.  My daughter, Elaine, picked me up and I arrived home in time to go to church.  The end of a very busy and interesting week.

Brian Knapp 

 

 Guardian Angels

‘Never despise one of these little ones; I tell you, they have their angels in heaven, who look continually on the face of my heavenly Father’ – Matthew 18.10

When you were very young, what kind of pictures were hanging on your bedroom wall?

A favourite picture of an older generation shows a small child carrying a pet lamb, crossing a rather rickety wooden bridge over a raging mountain torrent.

Very unsafe it all seemed – but you knew all would be well, because hovering protectively behind the child is her guardian angel, complete with long white robe, golden hair, angelic expression, and an enormous pair of fluttering wings. Not exactly Great Art, that picture, but many children loved it and found a great sense of protection and safety.

Of course, you could never see your own guardian angel – close behind you though he certainly was – because as soon as you started to move your head, he would whisk out of the way! However hard you might try, you could never catch him; but all the same, he was always there  … What a comfort that could be!

Are we being sentimental to speak of angels, especially guardian angels? Are they not the religious equivalent of fairies, so we can stop believing in them when we reach a certain age, and develop that sad trait of believing only what we can see – and nothing more?

Not so, if we look at the Biblical evidence.

In the words from St. Matthew’s Gospel, at the beginning of this article, it seems that Jesus Himself tells us that guardian angels exist and act as a link between God our Father and individual people.

We need to be told from time to time, that God doesn’t just wait for men and women to get in touch with Him; He has the power, a great power, to act. The angel Gabriel, visiting first Zechariah then Mary, brought God’s own initiative into our world. God’s acts and actions surprise, astonish, and change the course of events.

Angels are God’s messengers – but that isn’t their only role. They also help, and protect, and defend; and here is where the gentle guardian angel of the Victorian children’s picture mentioned earlier has something in common with the fierce warrior archangel, St. Michael. In the book of Revelation we hear how Michael and his angels defeated and beat down the ‘old dragon’ – the devil or Satan, and his angels in the final battle. Yes indeed, angels can function as protectors; they are the agents of a tremendous power – the power of God Himself.

Another function of the angels is that of attendants upon God, and in that duty continually praise Him. Gabriel identifies himself to Zechariah as ‘Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God’ and in the Bible there are many visions of the heavens, with God the Creator and Lord of all surrounded by the heavenly host. Their song of praise is, of course, exactly the same as that used in the Eucharist:

‘Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are full of your   glory,

Hosanna in the highest!’

So I think it is good for us to remember, this astonishing fact – that every time we join in the celebration of the Eucharist and use these words, we are joining with the angels and archangels in the worship of heaven, before the throne of God, and with the whole of creation, glorifying the Creator and Ruler of all.

Joan Glue

Parish Reader

 
 An Invitation

Many of you come to ‘Carols in the Square’ on Christmas Eve.  For many it is a time when all the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping is finally over.  It’s a time to relax and get into the true ‘Spirit of Christmas’.  But this years service will be special because it will be the last ‘Carols in the Square’ led by Father John, who is retiring at the end of December.

Father John has been with us for many years, and has touched the lives of many people in the village during the time he has been our parish priest, so this will be almost your last chance to say goodbye and to wish him a long and happy retirement.

See you in the Square or at Midnight Mass and a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas to you all.

 

The Voice from the Potting Shed

With December now upon us with the prospect of cold, chilly days ahead, it is so tempting to put away those gardening gloves and close the door on the garden until spring.  But, there are still plenty of jobs to be getting on with over the winter period.  For you fortunate gardeners who have a vegetable patch, now is a very good time to rough dig over the plot, leaving the frosts to break down the clods of soil.

If you have a glass house and it is empty, take the opportunity to clean the glass inside and out, and remove any debris and unwanted flower pots ready for a fresh clean start in the New Year.

If the weather is dry, winter is a good time to recoat sheds and fencing panels with a good quality wood preservative.  At the same time make any repairs that are needed.  If you are anything like me, there are so many jobs to do during the summer, tidying the shed is the last on my list.  So take advantage of the cold winter days to tidy and de-clutter your shed.  Also clean and oil your garden tools.

With this the Christmas edition of New Waves for 2012 ‘The voice from the Potting Shed’ wishes every one of you a Happy Christmas and a Bountiful New Year.

 

 

The Rain 

The rain falls from the sky

From day to day this year.

Are we then to wonder why.

Is the end of the world near?

 

The planets will be in line

On the 21^st December.

Will we be in time,

Can we all remember?

 

The Bible speaks of floods,

Earthquakes and fire.

The ground is now full of mud,

Rivers running higher.

 

Let us pray together

For the seasons’ behaviour,

To ask for our weather

Controlled by our Saviour.

 

I’m sure it is not the end just now

But maybe the beginning,

If we just thought of how

We can all stop sinning.

 

Let’s stop the drugs,

Swearing and drink.

Are we all mugs??

Stand still and think.

 

The Lord came down to save us

By dying on a cross,

So heed you must

Or all is lost.

Look out of the window,

What do you see?

Sky, flowers, row upon row

We are all still alive and free.

 

Just count your blessings

And rely on the Lord,

We should be confessing

In that I am assured.

 

Jesus now can only

Save the world for men.

We are all so lonely

But Jesus is our friend.

So the rain comes down

From day to day;

Think, love, hope is around

Just kneel and pray.

A Poem by: Rosemary Ann Barton

 

What’s on?

DECEMBER
Sunday 2nd	11.30 am The 11.30 with Baptism Service
Tuesday 4th	7 pm Healing Service
Wednesday 5th	11 am – 12 noon Cherubs
Saturday 8th	4 pm Christingle Service
Sunday 9th	6 pm Choral Evensong
Tuesday 11th	10.30 am – 12.45 pm St Andrew’s Café
Wednesday 12th	11 am – 12 noon Cherubs
Saturday 15th	10 am – 12 noon The Place 2 B
Sunday 16th	6 pm Christmas Celebration
Monday 24th	4 pm Crib Service; 6 pm Carols in the Square;11.30 pm Procession, Blessing of the Crib and Solemn Midnight Mass of the Nativity
Tuesday 25th	10.30 am Christmas Family Eucharist; Christmas Day Lunch
JANUARY
Sunday 5th	11.30 am The 11.30 with Baptism Service
Tuesday 8th	7 pm Healing Service
Wednesday 9th	11 am – 12 noon Cherubs
Sunday 13th	6 pm Choral Evensong
Tuesday 15th	10.30 am – 12.45 pm St Andrew’s Café
Wednesday 16th	11 am – 12 noon Cherubs
Friday 18th	7 pm Burns Night
Wednesday 23rd	11 am – 12 noon Cherubs
Saturday 26th	10 am – 12 noon Place 2 B
Tuesday 29th	10.30 am – 12.45 pm St Andrew’s Café
Wednesday 30th	11 am – 12 noon Cherubs
FEBRUARY
Sunday 3rd	11.30 am The 11.30 with Baptism Service
Tuesday 5th	7 pm Healing Service
Wednesday 6th	11 am – 12 noon Cherubs
Sunday 10th	6 pm Choral Evensong
Tuesday 12th	10.30 am – 12.45 pm St Andrew’s Café

 

Who do I contact? St. Andrew’s Parochial Church Council (PCC)

Bert Allwood	Deanery Synod Rep	023 8045 2851
Colin Glue	Churchwarden	023 8045 7053
Joan Glue	Parish Reader	023 8045 7053
Helen Griffiths	Music; PCC Vice Chairman	023 8045 8452
Arthur Haines-Ray	Assistant Churchwarden;Funeral Verger	023 8045 3553
Brian Howlett	Deanery Synod Rep; Health and safety	023 9283 2740
Jeff Law	Gift Aid Officer	023 8045 4299
Roy Pharoah		023 8056 1195
Pat Stephens	Churchwarden; Assistant Sacristan	023 8045 4181
Joan Glue	Baptisms; Weddings; Funerals	023 8045 7053
David Winser	Parish Reader; Sacristan	023 8045 5872
Holly Waghorn		023 8040 2972
Other contacts
Annette de Bary	Music	023 8045 8452
Pat Gillman	Magazine distribution	023 8045 2422
Grant Hearn	Friends of St Andrew’s;Priory Centre Bookings	023 8045 6265
Kim Quayle	Beacons	023 8056 2193
Heather and Terry Smith	Wedding Vergers	023 8045 2988
Helen Taylor	Cherubs	023 8045 8347
Judy Waghorn	Fête/Fayre Co-ordinator	01489 782795