Ouse News
The Parish Magazine for Felmersham and Radwell
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 August 2001

Edited by Clive Just

Festival Weekend 2001 -  Ken Shrimpton 
Glorious weather and a good attendance at all the events made for a successful weekend. Thanks to all the village organisations who organised and ran the individual events and activities. Special thanks to Maggie Spoor, Gail Holbourn and the Village Hall Committee without whose help and energies the weekend would not have taken place. Photographs of the weekend can be seen at 
www.felmersharm net/festival. htm

Holiday Time Is Here Again - Rev David Mason
I am writing this towards the end of June, and a recent improvement in the weather reminds me that we are moving towards the summer holiday season. By now I am sure that most of you have everything organised, and are looking forward to a time away from the routine of everyday life. A time of relaxation and change is important for us all, particularly this year when the winter has seemed to be so long and gloomy. I hope that you all get the opportunity to get away from it all and emerge refreshed and ready for the year ahead.

For many this time of the year also marks great changes in life. Most of those at school will be moving to new classes, many will be changing schools, and some will be leaving school to go on to higher education or to seek employment with a view to earning a living. No doubt those affected will be feeling the mixture of excitement and apprehension that is the inevitable accompaniment of changes in life patterns. While many of us may describe school days as the happiest days of our lives I am sure that when we really think about it few of us would want to return to them. Life has moved on, and we realise that there is no going back. Memories are valuable and enjoyable, but no use is served by trying to live in the past and deny the present. God has given each one of us the gift of life to use, and I believe, to enjoy. We can only go forward in our lives, time spent cannot be recovered. To those facing changes in their lives I send good wishes and prayers that you will have the strength and wisdom to meet the challenges on the way, and experience the reality of the love of God in your lives.

Grain and Chaff - Chris Ure
Following the successful launch of a limited edition reprint of ‘Grain and Chaff’ in May, copies are now available either direct from the author on 824902 or from ‘County Town Books’ in Bedford and ‘Salty Carr’s bookstall’ at Milton Ernest Garden Centre. Copies are available in the village from Chris and Joan Ure at Spring Cottage, who are able to get them signed by the author, if required.

W. E. ‘Ron’ Draycott reports that he has enjoyed meeting past and present residents of the village and he sends his regards to all those who remember him. You will be glad to know that both Ron and his wife, Greta remain in good health, and although Ron is now less mobile, he keeps busy and continues to enjoy the challenge of the Times and Telegraph crosswords.

Coffee Morning - Row Watson
The coffee morning in aid of the Church Restoration Fund is at the home of Marigold and John Sykes, 1 Memorial Lane, Felmersham on Saturday 7th July at 10.30 a.m.

Contributions of home made cakes, toiletries, produce and bric-a-brac for the bring and buy stall will be most welcome. All friends are welcome.

Consecration of the New Parish Burial Ground
The new burial ground at St. Mary's church will be consecrated on Tuesday 7 August at 7-30 p.m. 

Churchyard Tidy Up - Ken Shrimpton
Each year we have a blitz on the churchyard to keep it tidy and in good order. This year you are invited to join us on Saturday 28 July from 9-30 a.m. onwards.

You don't have to "belong to the church" to help in this activity, the churchyard belongs to the parish and we all would wish to see it in good order. Please bring secateurs, gloves etc. everybody is welcome to join in - coffee will be served.

We will be holding this of the 12 August this year. Our preacher wilt be the Revd John Littlewood, a friend who we have known since he was a Curate at St Mary’s Church, Rushden many years ago. After his Curacy John was a Chaplain to the Community of Scargilt House in the Yorkshire Dales, and was then appointed Vicar of St John’s Church, Werrington, Peterborough. Since 1991 John has been Vicar of Chnstchurch with St John and St Saviours Church, Highgate, London.

Felmersham & Radwell Village Hall Committee
by Gail Holboum
During the month of May the roundabout at the park was vandalised. The park and play equipment in it are the responsibility of the village hall committee and as a result the roundabout has been very expensive to repair.

The committee are aware of who caused the damage and are currently dealing with the matter. If anyone sees or hears of vandalism taking place at the park in the future please contact any members of the Village Hall Committee.

Kath Lovell
On Tuesday 26 June 2001 Kathleen Lovell passed away at Avenue House, Rushden. Born in Felmersham in 1915 Kathleen Paine married Sid LovelI in 1937 and they were landlords at the Sun from 1951 to 1974. Kath lived in Felmersham all her life and spent her retirement living in The Row where she was an avid reader of books. Kath had strong family links with Felmersham, her grandmother was the cook at the Grange for the Green family and her uncle, Joseph Paine, was killed in the First World War. His name is recorded on the war memorial. The funeral will be held at 11am on Monday ₉th July at Felmersham Church

Open Air Classical Concert - Caroline Jones
Who could have asked for more? A fine summer’s evening, professional performers, a spellbound audience and the beautiful surroundings of College Farm House bathed in candlelight. If you weren’t there shame on you for you missed a superb concert. Ticket sales and the raffle raised in excess of £600 which means the Pre-School Appeal is off to a flying start. Many thanks to all the performers who were Miranda Doggett, Janet Welsh, Dennis Cloves, Freddie Stevens and Aili Just for giving their time and talents voluntarily. Thanks to Nigel and Miranda for their hospitality, David Twigden for donating the very generous raffle first prize and the audience for being so appreciative.

Christian Aid Collection - Gill Greenish
Thank you to all those who collected or donated. A total of £231.59 was raised

Radwell Homewatch News - Freda Bums
Due to my imminent departure abroad, Paul Keeble has agreed to replace me as area co-ordinator. Paul’s telephone number is 782134.

Newcomer to the village, Sue Rudd, has joined us as a co-ordinator, and is warmly welcomed. There is room for more co-ordinators, and the duties are not onerous. Please contact Paul Keeble, should you wish to offer your help - after all, many hands make tight work! We desperately need help with photocopying -can anyone offer to run off 85-odd copies very occasionally, without charge? Paul would love to hear from you if you can.

Also, the weekly crime "Trend Sheet" is available to all through e-mail. — keep up to date with what villains are up to in the area and for advice on crime prevention, contact bedford.homewatch@ntlworld.com, and ask to be included in the distribution list. The more people who see this document, the better. Several arrests have been made following help from readers. And don’t forget - this village may be the next on a burglar’s list - so keep your eyes open!

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Page last updated: 16/03/08    Ouse News is published by St Mary's PCC