Spring 2021

St Mary’s Woodford
Parish Magazine

Volume 12 number 1 www.stmaryswoodford.org.uk

Spring 2021

Welcome
How did your connection with St Mary’s start? I’ve been enjoying exploring
this with many of you and will be glad to talk if we haven’t yet had the chance.
Each of us has their own story but of course they’re all about connection – with
the church community and our worship, with Jesus, with family, friends and
groups of various kinds at the church and memorial hall.

My own story of becoming connected with St Mary’s started early on a
Sunday morning in August 2020 in my spare bedroom. I was celebrating
Communion and streaming it live on Facebook, when a message popped up
from a friend with a link to your advert for a new Rector and the parish profile. I
hadn’t come across St Mary’s before, but as I glanced at the information I
realised I wanted to read all ten pages straightaway and then thought, ‘I have to
find out more!’

When my appointment was announced in October, I was so interested to
discover stories about St Mary’s from people I already knew well. Someone
from my previous church has a brother who is part of St Mary’s. Someone else
lived here in the 1950s, another had a niece confirmed here and a friend in New
Zealand remembers fondly a wedding at St Mary’s. My musical friends
mentioned Roger Sayer, who was of course Director of Music here in the 1980s.
Perhaps my favourite story was a retired priest who was on placement at St
Mary’s before his ordination in 1960. He still has and cherishes the ordination
stole you gave him.

These previously untold positive stories have got me thinking about the
power of connection – with God and with each other; and about what influences
the stories we tell: in words, in actions, and in other ways about what and who
we value, and how we do that as the church in this place. The other thing I’ve
been exploring with many of you is, ‘How is God calling us to connect with
people who are seeking God’s love?’ I’m looking forward to drawing together
answers to that question with you over the next few months as we all shape this
new chapter at St Mary’s.
Revd Dr Elizabeth Lowson, e mail: [email protected]

2

St Mary’s noticeboard

Parish Register

Funerals
Winifred Shaw on 8th December
2020
Jack Fisher on 11th December 2020
Roy Mears on 15th February 2021
Peggy Renouf on 5th March

There is always a copy of the latest
parish magazine on the St Mary’s
website
www.stmaryswoodford.org.uk
You can find it by scrolling down to the
‘Our Publications’ heading.

3

Licensing service on 2nd February

Elizabeth Lowson, our new Rector, was
inaugurated on 2nd February (Candlemas). I
have never attended a licensing service and,
mindful that some legalise would be involved,
wondered if it might be a bit dour and
impenetrable. In the event, even on-line, I was
pleasantly surprised to find the proceedings
uplifting. Nevertheless, there was some jargon.
Dick Walker has provided a helpful summary of
some of the terms (inset below). I asked Philip
Petchey for a more detailed explanation.

Peter Wall

I was asked to write something will hear from older members of the
interesting about its legal context. I congregation about her predecessor
find the following interesting but then Revd Christopher Wansey who had
I’m a lawyer! strong views about infant baptism.
Every human organisation needs Here was a dispute as to the meaning
rules whether it is a choir, golf club or of canon law and, I think, with the
church. The Church of England is no Bishop as to what his duty was. The
different in needing canons of the Church
such rules but, Commissioned – appointed to of England date from
because it is an an office (from Latin for together the beginning of the
established church, + send) reign of James I but
those rules form part Installed – placed in an office in the current form
of the law of (to place) are modern, dating
England. to Archbishop
Inducted – introduced into a Geoffrey Fisher’s
Many of its rules benefice (from Latin for to
are contained in what introduce) time at Canterbury in
are called the Canons Collated – given a benefice the 1950s.
– which govern the (from Latin for together + bring) The service where a
ordering of its priest is given the
churches and services and the conduct care of souls in a parish is usually
of the clergy in relation to these called an institution. Where the bishop
matters. You can easily find them on is patron it is called a collation
the Church of England’s website. The (nothing to do with cold meats but
word canon comes originally via Latin from the Latin for bring together – it is
from a German word meaning straight the patron and bishop who come
rod. An incumbent owes canonical together to induct). Did you notice that
obedience to the Bishop (i.e. the Bishop was presented for
obedience under the canons). This is in admittance to office by the Queen?
all things lawful and honest. Elizabeth This is because at the relevant time

4

God and the
Pandemic

by Tom Wright
Published by SPCK
ISBN 978-0-281-08511-8

‘It is accessible to almost anyone
asking questions, and yet it manages to
be demanding for those who think they
there wasn’t a Bishop of Chelmsford know the answers. It is superbly
(because Stephen Cottrell had become written, utterly Bible based, and leaves
Archbishop of York). one satisfied at having learned and yet
Before the Reformation the patron wanting to know more. I read it in a
of Woodford was the monastery of sitting with pleasure, provocation and
Waltham Holy Cross. It then passed profit. Do not hesitate!’
into lay hands (the right of patronage,
called an advowson, could be bought
and sold until 1927). It ended up being Archbishop Justin Welby

owned by the then Duchess of Bedford Watch Tom Wright being interviewed
who in 1931 passed it to the Bishop of about ‘God and the pandemic’ on
Chelmsford. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
People sometimes ask about the v=MXRh76RJJ_k
difference between a Rector and a
Vicar. Historically all parishes had a
Rector (from the Latin for right) who
was entitled to the tithes (the church
tax, which everyone had to pay). But When I was a boy and I would see
not all of them were ordained. In scary things on the news, my mother
Barking, where I grew up, the Rector would say to me, ‘Look for the
was All Souls College, Oxford – who helpers. You will always find people
then paid a Vicar to look after the who are helping.’ To this day,
parish (who acted on its behalf). especially in times of disaster, I
remember my mother’s words, and I
am always comforted by realising that
Philip Petchey there are still so many helpers, so

many caring people in this world.

Fred Rogers

Take a look at pages 14 and 15

5

Life at St Mary’s

Our new Rector, Elizabeth Lowson, wanted to have a conversation with some
of St Mary’s young people. As has become typical during lockdown, that took
place by Zoom. A précis of that discussion is given below
Key E =Elizabeth: YP (young people) from left to right opposite Phoebe
Alderson, Alice Layzell-Smith and Becky Goodchild

E: How has lockdown been? Mary’s.
YP: It would be more relaxing to see E: Being brand new, I’ve been
people, but it’s nice to have a break asked how will you grow God’s
from school. However the kingdom here and help people know
uncertainty of exams is stressful, Jesus’ love. If you were the Rector,
like waiting at the top of a waterfall. where would you focus?
It’s uncertain whether we will be YP: For quite a few years we’ve
exam assessed, teacher assessed or wanted to grow our youth groups.
work assessed. Mock exams were There’s only a few families that are
from home. Half-term has been less attending. We’d like some more
stressful without exams. young people in our groups.
E: How did you become part of E: What would you change or what
Quest or St Mary’s? would you keep the same?
YP: At the root is that our parents YP: There’s no drastic change that
attended here since I was born. We would sit well with the congregation.
went through Seekers as Sunday We’ve tried more modern things in
School with our siblings. We like the services; most people still prefer
meeting other people here and youth traditional forms of worship so
workers like Jon and Becca. Youth we’ve changed things very slowly
group is enjoyable and we have and methodically. We’ve tried to
friends. Quest is good. It’s serious incorporate modern music songs in
and you can talk about anything and the all-age services. People prefer
ask whatever you like. the older style but it would be nice
E: What has kept you in church to include some new things.
especially staying as teenagers? E: What would it mean to you to
YP: A community has been created have a modern song or new
of a young group of friends feeling prayers?
secure. Moving churches would be YP: It would make the service more
challenging as we’ve built up a interesting. The modern style of
community between friends and other churches or bands would be
family here. Living further away really cool. I like our services but
we’ve tried other churches and they are the same pattern. Even one
youth groups. They are lovely difference, like modern singing of
people but our sense of community the psalms can enhance the
is here at St Mary’s. Different age relevance. Services can be very
groups offer different points of view. wordy and in days when you’re
We stay because of the people at St stressed out it can be hard to focus.

6

Life at St Mary’s

Sermons can be a bit complicated, be nice for the initiative to come
and you feel like you are being from St Mary’s. When visiting other
talked at. The best sermons are churches with friends, they have
probably the ones that help us to more youth outreach events and the
think, maybe where the preacher absence of that here does put off
explains how they’ve learned people from coming to our church.
something. Building a reputation for youth
E: What do you think we could do outreach events is important.
more for the people of Woodford to Increasing youth and family
show God’s love to people? membership goes hand in hand with
YP: Community outreach more youth events and making us
programmes would be good however more family-friendly. The events we
with our church’s age demographic have now attract our church
would make it be difficult for members but not new people. We
everyone to participate though we understand it’s a gradual process,
would welcome that. Outreach is but we need to up the pace a bit
something our church struggles with. more.
A plus is the food and fun day. There We had a Tuesday youth club
are a few set things, but not too that we started and after quite a lot
much that we can get involved with. of advertisement with the Queen
We don’t have a lot of Mary Estate. It was a great club but
communication beyond the church to only Quest and one family attended.
come and join. Many people say that We are quite closed off. It needs to
people are so friendly once you get be more welcoming and friendly.
inside the door but it’s hard to make E: How could we do that?
that first step. YP: Elizabeth, have you thought
Churches in our partnership, in about community outreach for the
the Diocese, do things, but it would younger population before we kind

7

Life at St Mary’s

of die out? good work further to invite people
E: I’d love to work that out to investigate us further, perhaps
together. One of the ideas I talked with information about the
about at my interview was that St memorials, maybe some more
Mary’s is on our way to being an colour – flowers, rainbows, I’m sure
Eco Church, and I think we could you’ll have ideas.
work with people in the community, YP: One of the things I used to
because so many of us are keen to enjoy about church would be a day
become more eco-friendly. when we would all help in the
garden. Bringing something like
I helped my previous church that back, adding flowers, because
reach silver Eco status, and go at the moment it could show more
towards Gold, inter generationally care and then people might like to
sharing ideas like recyclable glass look inside. It is neat and tidy but
bottles. We asked each other could be made more inviting.
difficult questions such as keeping E: Should we have a church
engines running when waiting for Instagram account?
children. The church built a YP: It’s a good idea in theory, but it
reputation for caring about the depends on what you plan to use it
environment and working with for. It could work to tell people that
other charities and organisations. are in the church, to post things
about what we are doing, our news
Becoming an eco-church here and the Saturday café as well as
would be different at St Mary’s. I’ve specific events like the food and fun
noticed that the range of recycling day. This could work well and make
collection available here is much less a difference. We do need to post
than in other areas, and some flats often with a couple of people
don’t have recycling collections at maintaining it regularly. Infrequent
all. I wonder whether we could posting could have a negative effect
contact the council and other as people would think nothing is
organisations to work this out more. happening at this church.
E: Would anyone be interested in
The other thing I’ve been setting it up?
pondering is the story our church YP: We are going away to
building tells when people walk past University this year so we will be
St Mary’s or go by on the road. leaving. But we can all help set it up
Everything is well cared for at and maintain it so that people have
church and we are working on a positive image of the church. It’s
widening the drive and improving interesting as well to see what the
the lighting. I know that church is doing. It may help attract
encouraging people to come off the new people moving into the area.
pavement and come to the door with
no obligations is something that St
Mary’s has been working on already
through the Saturday cafe and other
initiatives. I want us to take this

8

Easter

When to celebrate Easter?

In 325 A.D. Constantine the Great
summoned a council of bishops to meet
at Nicaea (Iznik in modern Turkey) been the day after the Jewish
primarily to settle the differences sabbath, but they did not all settle for
between Christians over the nature or the same Sunday, some choosing the
natures of Christ. This resulted in most of Sunday before the Passover.
the Nicene Creed which we say at the
Eucharist describing Jesus as both divine The decision, made in favour of
and human, although this has never been the solar calendar of Rome and
universally accepted; some traditions, Alexandria, was that the Resurrection
notably the Armenians and the Copts, be celebrated on a Sunday (which
still holding to the belief that Christ is Constantine had already made a
wholly divine. public holiday) and that Easter
Sunday should be a Sunday
The Council was opened by the calculated from the full moon
Emperor in full imperial regalia and he following the vernal equinox. Thus,
attended the debates. Unfortunately, we unlike Christmas, Easter is a
have no record of those debates movable feast within a range from
themselves simply of the many decisions the 21st March to the 25th April.
made there, the most important of these,
after the Creed, being the date of Easter. This held for most traditions until
1582 when Pope Gregory XIII
When should the Resurrection be reformed the calendar for the
celebrated ? This was a complex Catholic Church, a reform adopted
question. Most of the countries in what by Protestant countries on a piece
we call Asia Minor, Palestine and Syria meal basis; in England it was in
observed a lunar calendar with thirteen 1752. The Orthodox Church has
months in a year but the important cities continued to use the Julian calendar
of Rome and Alexandria and that part of of the Roman Empire (named after
western Europe in the Roman Empire, Julius Caesar) until the present day,
including Britain, observed a solar one although most of the countries of the
with twelve. The determining date for world now observe the Gregorian
Easter was the Jewish Passover which calendar for civil matters, whatever
was the full moon of the Jewish month their religious persuasion.

Nisan in their lunar calendar and many Rowena Rudkin
Christian churches celebrated the Resur-
rection accordingly, regardless of the day
of the week on which the Passover fell.
However, even within each area there
were Christians who celebrated this on a
Sunday, because the Resurrection had

9

Life at St Mary’s

BEREAVEMENT CAFÉS IN WANSTEAD AND SOUTH WOODFORD

‘WE’ are starting up the meantime, we hope you will join us
Bereavement cafés again - by Zoom! by Zoom even though it’s not quite
‘We’ were running these cafés for a the same.
couple of years before the Lockdown, The meetings are drop-in, so you
and now see our way to opening up can come once, come occasionally
again. The cafés offer a safe and or come often. You’re always
friendly place for people who are welcome to join in, share and listen.
struggling with the feelings of loss This starts, and sometimes finishes,
after a death of someone close, to talk in a group, but even on Zoom we
with others. can organise space to talk to one
‘WE’ are a group of Volunteers other in a ‘break out room’. We are
from St Mary’s, Christ Church and St sorry that, at present, we can only
Gabriel’s. Anybody, with any faith or offer this to people who can use
none, who wants a chance to talk about Zoom. We offer a morning and
these things can join. WE are not afternoon session each month, as
therapists, but we are very good follows:
listeners, have some training, and have
experienced something similar Mornings are starting again on
ourselves. Before Lockdown we 16/3/2021, between 10.30-11.30
offered these meetings in a café am. Thereafter they are on the
meeting space at St Mary’s or Christ third Tuesday each month, so the
Church. The atmosphere of quiet peace following one is on 20/4/2021.
there created the calm which helps
these conversations. Afternoons are starting on
We know that, for many reasons, it 6/4/2021, between 2-3pm.After that
can take a long time, after a death, to on they are on the first Tuesday
feel enough at ease with ourselves, to each month, so the
get on with living our lives alongside following one is on 4/5/2021.
our memories and thoughts about those
we loved. You may have lived with Please use the following Meeting
this person for a long lifetime, had ID and passcode:
complex and important relationships
with them, have experienced an Meeting ID: 883 9411 1083
unexpected and shocking loss. More Passcode: 12345

so, perhaps, after Covid. We offer We look forward to meeting you
people space to talk about their
situation, over a cuppa, when often this there.
may be difficult to do within their own
circle. Judy Noble

In a few months, we hope to return
to meeting face to face. In the

10

Our mission partners in Uganda

Just over a year ago our mission
partners Tom and Verity were at St
Mary’s with their four boys, Ezra,
Eli, Simeon and Joel, before setting
off for Uganda. They asked us to
pray for them. Their January prayer
points are below.
You can follow their progress on the
Church website. If you want to be
added to their e mail updates contact
the Parish Office.

Prayer points Joel with his friends Joshua and
Benjamin

To thank God for the rich blessings of 2020, for health and safety here, for
generous family, friends and other supporters, for the rapid development of
COVID vaccinations and for His love and peace with us here.

For ongoing peace and justice following the election.

For wisdom for Tom in guiding health facilities in pointing patients towards
God, in pressing forward with community health insurance at Katiyi and in
making plans for the year, along with Heather Sharland.

For Verity as she takes on new trauma healing training over the next few
months and begins to speak to local people about the hope God provides in
the face of trauma, as well as for patience in her role as teacher at home.

For Ezra – to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of homeschooling when he
would perhaps rather be socialising all day every day!

For Eli – to continue to settle locally and to build one or two friendships with
local children as well as with others in the missionary community.

For Simeon – to continue to grow in the contentment he already displays so
clearly, knowing and appreciating God’s full blessings in his life.

For Joel – to remain healthy and happy as he continues to thrive here.

11

Parishioners’ experience of Covid vaccinations

Hawkey Hall with last minute changes as to whether
vaccines would be delivered to local
It was only a few weeks before centres as expected. This in turn, as
Christmas that Covid vaccines Rowena Rudkin found out, meant that
became available. Not knowing sometimes people got a call saying that
what would happen we thought it a a planned vaccination had been
good idea to ask you to share your postponed. Last minute surprise
experiences. Thank you for all of increases in the number of vaccines
you who did so. being delivered is a challenge as well
as an opportunity. Another uncertainty
From Philip Swallow onwards so is caused by high numbers of
many of you said that it was ‘DNAs’ (did not attend) from people
straightforward, unproblematic and who had recently accepted an
well organised. A possible bonus, as invitation for a vaccine. Some got sore
Janet Collins found out, was that the arms for a few days. Nevertheless, all
15 minute waiting period after the in all, this is a good news story. May it
vaccination gave an opportunity for continue so!
a socially distanced catch up chat Peter Wall
with friends who also happened to
be there. For most parishioners An historical perspective on vaccines
vaccinations have been given at
Hawkey Hall though Hazel and I think this might be a good moment to
Michael Lovejoy were directed to remember Dr Edward Jenner with
Ilford Town Hall. It’s good to hear gratitude. He was born in 1846 a country
that all residents and staff at doctor who became a Fellow of the Royal
Churchfields Nursing Care Home Society not for his work on vaccines but
have had a first vaccination; a his research on how cuckoos introduced
second visit there was made because their eggs into other birds’ nests.
some residents were initially unsure
about having it. A milkmaid Sarah consulted Jenner
about an attack of cowpox, a mild
‘Behind the scenes’ those blistery disease affecting the udders of
involved in the vaccination cows and it infected the hands of milk
programme locally have to contend maids. However these women were sure
that if they had had cowpox they would
never catch smallpox. Jenner's gardener
had a son. Jenner scratched some fluid
from Sarah's blisters onto young James
and after a mild illness he recovered.
Then Jenner scratched fluid from a
smallpox blister onto this lad. To his

12

huge relief James did not get small- nothing new under the sun.
pox. Now Jenner knew he could use However Jenner persisted, we do
the fluid from blisters of cowpox de- have a happy ending, the disease has
rived from humans with the disease to vanished from the face of the earth.
protect against the deadly smallpox Soon poliomyelitis will follow.
with extremely little risk. He Vaccination has saved millions of
published his results in 1798. lives and is affordable.
Chris Whitfield
Guess what, the anti vaccinationists
resisted the treatment; there is indeed

A red eyed newcomer at Eagle Pond

For a couple of months now there has been a black swan at Eagle Pond. Black
swans are native to Australia. Some were introduced as ornamental birds to
the UK. Wikipedia suggests that black swans are aggressive but most of us
who have seen it think not and hope it finds a mate. An Australian cousin tells
me that black swans get on fine with other swans and water fowl.
Peter Wall

13

Local volunteering

The Barts Covid Volunteer team

During my Breast Cancer
treatment, I did a campaign
of 50 ‘not so random acts of
thanks’ to specific front-line
staff that made my
experience as a patient just
that little bit better; small
gifts to thank them for the
relentless way they serve, day
in day out, giving their
kindness freely. Since then, I
often wondered how I could The Wellbeing Hub: an oasis for staff at Whipps
ever repay what the NHS has Cross Hospital in which (photograph right) the
done for me.
When the COVID crisis Chief Executive takes 5 minutes downtime

started it presented the immediate welfare needs brought on by
perfect opportunity to give back and the COVID crisis and hopefully, in the
support in some small way the longer term, to reduce the impact of the
fabulous work of the NHS. I had been crisis on the mental health of staff. The
a volunteer previously with Barts, but fund was used to establish a staff
I immediately applied to join Barts support hub and the fund is having a
COVID Volunteer Team. My first
weeks were spent sorting and hugely positive impact on staff
wellbeing daily.
distributing the unbelievably generous I offered my experience and time to
donations from organisations, the Trust helping to establish and run
institutions, groups, and individuals. the new Wellbeing Hub at Whipps
This included being the Easter Cross. A suitable disused space was
bunny and handing out 30,000 Easter identified, and the team got to work
eggs and organising a warehouse full and begged and borrowed furniture,
of food and goods to be sent across the equipment and acquired items to make
Trust. The kindness and generosity of the room a welcoming and cosy place
the public was overwhelming to those to help staff relax and unwind. The
in the hospitals. room is equipped with sofas with
An emergency funding from Barts throws, cushions, aromatherapy
charity COVID appeal was made diffusers, battery powered candles and
available to be rapidly deployed to
support staff by addressing the artificial plants and was transformed
into calm and relaxing haven.
The Wellbeing hub is a comfortable

14

Local volunteering

New Year I am now deployed to the
Mass Vaccine Centre at the Excel,
supporting the roll out of the Vaccine
that will hopefully serve to further
support the NHS and its staff by
bringing to an end this awful time and
enable them to return to the jobs they
love of making people well and
maintaining the health of the local
population.

Sarah Reynolds

Has Sarah inspired you to be a
volunteer with the Barts COVID
Volunteer Team?
You can find out more on
bartshealth.bartsvolunteers@nhs.
net
Viveca volunteered recently and has
given us some of her initial thoughts
and welcoming space where downtime below.
is encouraged with gentle music and a
neurosonic massage bed, as well as
more upbeat fun craft activities, As a serial volunteer it has been great
mindfulness colouring, puzzles,
to start greeting people coming
creative arts and a message wall with for COVID-19 vaccinations at Excel,
messages of encouragement and
kindness to each other. Hot drinks, fruit though I have to remember to say hope
and snacks are available throughout the
day. The Hub has created a space it goes well, rather than enjoy a fun
where staff can take some time out evening. It has been sobering to see
from their intense day-to-day work on those out of their houses for the first
the COVID-19 front line. Drop-in time for a year; and wonderful that
psychology therapy sessions are also many front line staff are getting vital
available for those who need more protection. I have met people who have
support. All staff are welcome together lost jobs, yet still volunteering for
others, and young people who are stir

in this space for the first time. crazy but choosing volunteering over

I have loved working with the partying. COVID is real, the

fabulous team at Barts through the determination to beat it is stronger.
crisis, It felt good to be supporting the
incredible work of the NHS. Since the Viveca Dutt

15

Book review

The Simple Faith of respect - and made those values real
Mr Rogers by Amy for his audience.’
Hollingsworth
In this poignant book, a long-time
W Publishing Group, an imprint of friend of Mister Rogers reveals how
Thomas Nelson 2005 this extraordinary man touched her
ISBN 10:0849918944 and her family through years of
‘Sometimes when people speak, the correspondence - and takes us beyond
impact of their words is so strong the camera to discover the spiritual
and goes so deep that they seem to legacy of a man who, to paraphrase the
have a quality of eternity about words of St. Francis of Assisi,
them.’ ‘preached the gospel at all times, and
Thomas More in The Soul’s when necessary, used words.’
Religion’
At the end of the book the writer
Many of you may have watched a includes words from a taped interview
recent American biographical drama with Fred Rogers before he died. She
film starring Tom Hanks called ‘It’s a asked him that if he had one final
Beautiful Day the Neighbourhood’. ( A broadcast and he could tell his
DVD is now on sale in supermarkets). audience the single most important
Inspired by watching the film, I tried to lesson of his life, what would he say?
find out more about the real Mister He paused, and said, slowly:
Rogers and there are some very
uplifting clips from his TV shows, ‘Well, I would want those who
interviews and eloquent speeches were listening somehow to know that
available on the internet. I ordered this they had unique value, that there isn’t
paperback, second-hand, from the anybody in the whole world exactly
United States and it was all I hoped for. like them and that there never has been
and there never will be. And that they
‘Every day he taught God’s message are loved by the Person who created
without preaching a word. He was their them in a unique way. If they could
neighbour, their friend. Fred Rogers know that and really know it and have
visited so quietly with the children of that behind their eyes, they could look
America that nobody dreamed he was a with those eyes on their neighbour and
Presbyterian minister. Using puppets realise, “My neighbour has unique
instead of a pulpit, this icon of value too; there’s never been anybody
children’s television shared with in the whole world like my neighbour,
American youngsters the basic and there never will be.” If they could
principles of the Christian faith: value that person - if they could love
forgiveness, kindness, compassion, that person - in ways that we know
the Eternal loves us, then I would be
very grateful.’
Penny Freeston

16

Online events for Spring and Lent quiz
New online events for Spring

Resurrection: What Resurrection means to how we live, how we pray, how
we change the world and how we die. Join Paula Gooder, Chancellor of St
Paul’s Cathedral in conversation with Rowan Williams, the 104th Archbishop
of Canterbury, about Resurrection on Tuesday 13th April from 7.0 to 7.45 pm
Encountering Jesus: How can we encounter the life-giving presence of Jesus
today? Join Paula Gooder in conversation with Rachel Treweek, Bishop of
Gloucester and the first woman to become a diocesan Bishop in the Church of
England, on Tuesday 11th May from 7.0 to 7.45pm
Both events on Youtube and subsequently available on catch up. To register
got to [email protected] Both events free but
donations welcome.

A Quiz for the Season of Lent

1 What is the date of Ash Wednesday this year?
2 What is the liturgical colour for Lent?
3 In many churches we are not put on the altar in Lent. We are f______.
4 The word “lent” is a shortened form of the Old English word “leneten”.
What does “leneten” mean?
5 What is often used to make the ash for the ashing on Ash Wednesday?
6 In which country is the Monday before Lent called Kathan Theftera
(Clean Monday)?
7 What do we celebrate in England on the middle Sunday of Lent?
8 What sort of fish is usually eaten in Poland on Shrove Tuesday?
9 On which day do people in several European countries eat green food?
10 Where are the bells in French churches said to go to from Good Friday
until Easter Sunday?
11 Who wrote the Lent book “Live Lent: God’s Story, Our Story”?
12 How will most of the Lent Modules in the Chelmsford Diocese be de-
livered this year?
13 From d____ we have come and to d_____ we shall return.
14 In which desert was Jesus tempted by the Devil?
15 From what did the Devil tempt Jesus to make bread?
16 How many Sundays are there in Lent?

Answers on page 29

17

Local support for refugees
Refugees Welcome Wanstead update

We are delighted to be able to write the community has truly risen to the
this final instalment of our refugee occasion and we have been
project series, and update readers on touched by the friendly welcome our
the outcome of the project. In our last family has received.
article, we confirmed that our We are working with the family to
application to resettle a Syrian refugee help them settle into the local area,
family in Wanstead had just been which will be particularly challenging
successfully accepted by the Home in the light of the current Covid-19
Office, and that we were being restrictions. They’ve shopped at the
matched with a family by the UNHCR. International Supermarket and have
We'd like to extend our thanks to the visited the park!
congregation and wider community Thank you so much to all of you in
Wanstead, South Woodford,
for all the kind support, generous
donations, well wishes and prayers Woodford and surrounding
offered us over recent weeks and communities who have given us your
well-wishes, encouragement and kind
months.
And we are delighted to say that our donations over the last year, it has
family have arrived in Wanstead been so heartening to know that our
local community is ready to welcome
safely, and are settling in well.
Covid19 has presented us with some a refugee family. We truly could not
additional and unexpected challenges, have achieved this without the help
but we are working with the family to and support of those of you who have
overcome them and we have every followed our journey.
expectation of success. Our family will be moving to safety
We are so grateful to everyone who in London as part of an initial scheme
has contributed time, money or things; to resettle a limited number of

18

Local support for refugees

refugees from the Syrian conflict, but We will be continuing to work with
a subsequent scheme to resettle our new family throughout 2021, but
another 5,000 Syrian refugees has as we are sure readers will understand,
been postponed indefinitely. It is we want to maintain the family’s
now up to the Home Secretary to confidentiality as they build their new
determine whether this second lives in Wanstead. However, if you
scheme will go ahead, and whether have any queries about the
these vulnerable people will be able resettlement campaign, or about
to re-start their lives in the safety of anything else in this article, you can
the UK. contact us on
[email protected]
The situation for refugees from Eleanor Taylor
the Syrian conflict is as precarious as Sheba Lockley
it has ever been. Fires have recently
destroyed temporary refugee housing
in Lebanon, and the threat of Covid-
19 without access to adequate hand
washing and sterilising facilities
continues to worsen.

February’s edition of The Wanstead Village Directory has the following
message on its ‘Message from the Editor’ page. The editor, Lee Marquis,
hasn’t translated it in his publication, but I thought we at St Mary’s may be
interested to see the translation, as it’s a personal welcome wish for our
Syrian family:

‘Welcome to all those new to the
wonderful town of Wanstead, a
town we like to think of as a
village, which invokes the
community feel we are so proud of
here. You arrive in the best of times
and the worst of times, as the
pandemic continues to show all that
is good in humanity; the
friendships, the support, the help,
all of which you will come to
know. And as you do, I hope you
will find happiness and safety here.
Your family is now part of our
family. Our community is now
your community’.

19

Use arithmetic to do the right thing in lockdown

Did you decide on the right That arithmetic is the basest of all mental
thing? See page 29 activities is proved by the fact that it is
the only one which can be accomplished
The hardest arithmetic for us to by a machine. Schopenhauer
master is that which enables us to Arithmetic must be discovered in just the
count our blessings. Eric Hoffer same as Columbus discovered the West
Manners are like zero in arithmetic. Indies, and we no more discovered
They may not be much in numbers than he discovered the Indians
themselves, but they are capable of (sic). Bertrand Russell
adding a great deal of value to ‘I am not much of a mathematician.’ said
everything else. Freya Stark the cigarette ‘but I can add nervousness
There still to a child, I can subtract from the child’s
remain three physical energy, I can multiply aches
studies for free and pains, I can divide mental powers, I
man. One of can take interest from the child’s work
them is and discount chances for success’. Anon
arithmetic. Minus times minus equals plus. The
Plato reason for this we needn’t discuss. This
learning rhyme can be attributed to a
(i) good (ii) bad or (iii) realistic teacher.
You decide which!

20

A prayer for Holocaust Memorial Day

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, 27th January 2021, Chief Rabbi
Ephraim Mirvis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Senior
Imam Qari Asim have come together and written a special prayer which
is intended to be used by people of any faith.

Loving God, we come to you with heavy hearts,
remembering the six million Jewish souls murdered
during the Holocaust.
In the horrors of that history, when so many groups were
targeted because of their identity, and in genocides
which followed, we recognise destructive prejudices that
drive people apart.
Forgive us when we give space to fear, negativity and
hatred of others, simply because they are different from
us.
In the light of God, we see everyone as equally precious
manifestations of the Divine, and can know the courage
to face the darkness.
Through our prayers and actions, help us to stand
together with those who are suffering, so that light may
banish all darkness, love will prevail over hate and good
will triumph over evil.
Amen

21

fFoamcilyus

22

From a Primary school teacher to all mums
and dads

Go easy on yourselves. Just love them. That’s all they really need.

When I I can hear you speak to your
look children by how they speak to others.
around my When I look at my little friends I
classroom don’t see their milestones, I see who
I can’t tell they are: their heart, their actions,
who their inner voice, their struggles and
crawled triumphs. And I see you; and all the
first, who love you pour into them.
walked
We teachers are always supposed
before one to talk about testing and benchmarks
or spoke in and data during parent/teacher
sentences evenings. However at the last such
by fifteen meeting a mum surely got it right
months. I when she said to me, ‘I don’t worry
can’t tell if about all the reading and arithmetic,
they were she will get there. I want to know how
breast or is she as a person? Is she kind? Does
bottle fed. I don’t know if they potty she include others?’
trained at 14 months or four years.
You know what I can tell when I
look at kids in my classroom? I can tell
which families value kindness and
manners in their home. I can tell when a
child feels secure and loved at home
(and at school which sadly is not every
child’s school experience). I can tell
which child has things read to them in
different voices at bedtime. I see how
kids handle scary situations like
thunderstorms. I can see who has a solid
routine at home and who has chores and
responsibilities.

23

Life at St Mary’s

Wartime recollections of St Mary’s choir

Tidying up during Lockdown I altos, since not many men felt inclined, or
came across a faded pamphlet were able to sing that part.
written by Mike Phillips, late
husband of Sally. Mike was a The Organist and Choirmaster in 1941
member of St. Mary’s Church Choir was Mr. Leslie Atkinson who knew how to
from 1941 - 1945 and then returned control and reprimand choirboys without
in 1947 as an Alto when his voice raising his voice. As was to be expected at
had settled into its adult timbre. that time, the younger choir men were be-
ing drafted into the armed forces. This also
Here are some extracts from the applied to Mr. Atkinson who went into the
pamphlet, written fifty years later, RAF, thus leaving St. Mary’s without an
recalling the War years. Organist and Choirmaster. In those days
and also when he returned to St. Mary’s
‘On each side from the front of after the war, he used to invite small
the chancel sat the Altos, although groups of choirboys to his house on a
the choir only had one in the early Sunday afternoon when Mrs. Atkinson
days of the war, who appeared at a would provide a sumptuous tea. He was a
service every two or three months. very generous man and used to take the
Next sat the tenors and nearest the choirboys on outings, one of which was to
altar the basses. In those days there Haringay Circus.
were no ladies in the choir and this
probably accounted for the lack of

24

Life at St Mary’s

Mr Ison was the Rector and we bones by the ears to make sure that we
were intrigued by his University were getting the correct movement to
Hood which he wore for services sing properly.
and was made of ermine instead of
ribbon. Mr. Jackson, who was During the war years there were
Curate to Mr. Ison, ran a youth club probably about sixteen boys in the choir
on Saturday mornings for the choir- but when the doodlebugs came many
boys, combined with the Sunday were evacuated and only a core of
School. Many of our games were about five of us remained. We all
played outdoors on Mill Plain expected a larger share of the ‘pot’ for
which had lines of tank traps. our pay, because of our exceptional
attendance and loyalty to the Church
For services we had to wear but we were doomed to be
very large stiff white collars and disappointed, because our pay was not
bow ties with black cassocks and increased to take this into account.
white surplices. The collars were
extremely uncomfortable. It is difficult to remember the black-
out rules during the war but my
Choir Practice night was Friday attention has been drawn to an
and afterwards in the winter we Evensong when the lights in the Church
used to play ‘Hare and Hounds’. suddenly went out. Somehow the
The Hares had to leave the Church service continued in the pitch darkness.
and make their way back there Towards the end of the service we
before being caught by the Hounds. managed to sing a hymn concerning
On one occasion Bob Piper and I light and suddenly all the lights came
managed to reach ‘home’ without on again. God works in mysterious
being recognised. I carried Bob on ways!
my shoulders and he hung his long
cloak over my face and chest. The One of our choristers used to fancy
Hounds thought it was a rather tall himself as a Bell Ringer. He used to
man but did not bother to allow himself to be lifted up by the rope
investigate. to the Belfry floor - I think this was
only practice nights and not Sundays.
After another Choir Practice we
were standing outside the Memorial During the war the church galleries
Hall in the snow. Bob Piper spent were used and were sometimes packed
sometime sliding on the ice, where- out, especially for indoor Drumhead
upon he was ‘arrested’ by a police- Services and times like ‘Warship
man who marched him all the way Week’ when all the local dignitaries
home to Ingatestone Road. would be present.

To improve our singing Mr. Penny Freeston
Crocker used to ask us not to sing
with a ‘hot potato’ in our mouth. See next page for a photograph of the choir
To check the removal of the ‘hot in 1947
potato’ he would place his
forefingers on the top of our jaw

25

Thanks from Redbridge Foodbank

The pandemic has increased the demands made on the Redbridge Foodbank.
Although the Church building has been closed, many of you will have
continued to support it in any way open to you. We have received the
following message of thanks from the Redbridge Foodbank manager, Jocelyn Davis.

Choir photograph from
1947

26

Problems sleeping?

Many of us have struggled with
disturbed sleep during lockdown. The
NHS website https: //www.nhs.uk/live
-well/sleep-and-tiredness/10-tips-to-
beat-insomnia/ recommendations
include keeping to regular hours of
sleep, taking some exercise during the
day, avoiding using electronic devices
an hour before bedtime, a warm bath,
and avoiding too much alcohol and
caffeine or eating late.

Here are some ideas members of our Visualisations - counting down steps,
congregation came up with to help very slowly counting backwards from
them sleep better: 100, imagining deadheading
Getting up and having a cup of tea roses, or visualise waves rolling onto
before going back to bed again a beach
Listening to radio plays Eating a plain biscuit
Audio books Focussing on a religious painting or
The World Service icon from memory
Radio 4 at 3 am If you wake up in the night with
Listening to soothing music anxiety or disturbed by a bad dream,
Soaking feet in warm water before you could try getting up to ‘come out’
bedtime, and moisturising them after of the dream and then relax
drying them can be really relaxing every part of your body, bit by bit, as
Biting a prescription sleeping tablet in you drift back to sleep again, although
half rather than take the whole tablet, some research suggests that dreams,
to avoid feeling too drowsy the next even unpleasant ones, can help us to
day work through our anxieties, and are
Going to bed later - staying up and more beneficial than we think.
reading ‘downstairs’ rather than read- Lock any worries away ‘in a box’ and
ing in bed and falling asleep too early don’t open it again till morning.

Penny Freeston

27

Life at St Mary’s

House group 13 during lockdown

We were missing our fellowship together. So, being mostly members of the
older generation not so versatile on computers, on Mondays (our usual day) in
Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, we ‘met’ by spending some quiet moments
sharing thoughts and praying for fellow members. We had a colour theme for
our thoughts touching on bible scenes, sight, sound, touch, memory, outdoors,
places etc. These are some of the thoughts conjured up by members:-

Week 1 BLUE. Exodus 35 making of the Tabernacle -fine yarns blue, purple
etc blue skies-Virgin Mary in blue-can be a cold colour-sky which can be seen
by looking up even if in middle of built up area.

Week 2 RED. Matthew 16v2 it will be fair weather for the sky is red at night-
sunsets - colour of life blood -sacrifice-danger- red ribbon round Christingle
orange-red altar cloth signalling a celebration.

Week 3 GREEN. Mark 6 v 39 green grass & feeding of 5000-Spring -new
beginnings-colour of Trinity-nature-gardens-smell of new cut grass-insects-
flowers-colour for Go-childhood memories-haymaking.

Week 4 SILVER...Acts 3v6…silver & gold I have none, stand up and walk-
aware of the needs of others-St Francis-‘not so much to seek to be consoled as
to console, to be loved as to love’- Judas and the 30 pieces of silver- betrayal-
clouds have silver linings-dew and rain in early morning-poetry: slowly,
silently now the moon walks the night in her silver spoon.

28

Life at St Mary’s

Week 5 GOLD...Matthew 2 Star over stable and gold offering-hard but
unchanging-gold standard-gold medals-golden age-golden calf and Moses’
reaction.

Week 6 WHITE...Job 6v6 (AV) no taste in white of egg-meringues-lilies of the
field-purity-but a cold colour-colour effect of all colours of the rainbow-crisp
white sheets-mindful perhaps of Christenings, Confirmations, Weddings-the
Transfiguration, dazzling white as no fuller on earth could bleach them.

As Candlemas is the end of the season we mused on the changes-good & bad-
that 2020 has brought about. We wait to see what these thoughts bring forth!!

Jane Fone

‘Remember it is Christianity to do good, always - even to those who do evil to
us. It is Christianity to love our neighbours as ourself, and to do to all men as
we would have them do to us. It is Christianity to be gentle, merciful, and
forgiving, and to keep those qualities quiet in our own hearts, and never makes
boast of them, or of our prayers or our love of God, but always to show that we
love Him by humbly trying to do right in everything. If we do this, and
remember the life and lessons of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and try to act up to
them, we may confidently hope that God will forgive us our sins and mistakes,
and enable us to live and die in peace.’
Charles Dickens - written for his children in ‘The Life of Our Lord’ 1846-
1849

Quiz for the Season of Lent 10 Rome
Answers 11 Stephen Hance
1 Wednesday, 17th February 12 using Zoom
2 purple 13 dust, dust
3 flowers 14 the Judean desert
4 spring season 15 stones
5 palms from the previous year’s Palm 16 six
Arithmetic Quiz
Sunday All answers should come to 9
6 Greece
7 Mothering Sunday
8 herring
9 Maundy Thursday

29

Obituary

Ian Taylor

1944 - 2021

‘I'm wonderful and it’s a wonderful share in extensive parties and
day’ was Ian’s invariable answer to the concerts. Ian and Bron were
question how are you? He was a admirable hosts, and again on a
genial person who spread his geniality personal note, presided over a party
to others in an extremely natural for ninety guests in celebration of my
manner so that seemingly difficult civil partnership with Jesus
situations were transformed and Goyogana.
solutions were found to apparently
impossible problems. When Ian married Bron I thought
I should never have another moment
His marriage with Bronwen of peace from his teasing - but
Birchnall in 1978 was the spur to his gradually it became a natural and
life in community involvement because inevitable part of the scene, and part
he was a master of numerous casual of the splendid relationship
pleasant relationships - like many that existed between the two of them
people in church congregations - and in both of their welcoming houses. I
this reflected his extremely practical celebrate that relationship now in the
attitude to life which led him to offer words of Ignatius Loyola’s prayer,
help whenever he could see that help often quoted by Bob Birchnall: to
was needed, whether with cars or give and not to count the cost.
electrical affairs such as the full wiring Philip Swallow
of my own garden enabling a fountain
and rockery waterfall as well as
lighting and power points.

After his marriage his adoption of
St. Mary’s and his devotion to Canon
Bob Birchnall turned him into a com-
mitted churchman overnight, as he
remained here in Woodford and then
for eighteen years at Fenstanton near
Cambridge where he and Bron went to
live at Fenstanton Manor, a splendid
house with strong associations with
the landscape artist Capability
Brown. Here his talent for renovation
and for radical improvement and
development could be given full rein
and the local community invited to

30

Obituary

Winifred Shaw

1927 - 2020

Win, as she was known by all, lived in animal charities. She was regarded by
a flat in Churchfields and was a her goddaughters as a very lovely lady
regular worshipper at St Mary’s for who was very precious to them and to
many years until, a few years ago all her friends whom she cherished
when declining health obliged her to and showed how precious they were to
move into Abbeyfields Care Home in her by the way she treated them. Win
Waltham Abbey where she was very was always smiling and cheerful and
comfortable and where I continued to had a saying ‘keep your face towards
visit her accompanied by her friends, the sunshine and the shadows will fall
either Margery or Louie. behind you’ .

Win grew up in East Ham and did Win had a strong faith and believed
various forms of office work in that at the end of her earthly life there
London throughout her professional was the promise of peace and rest in
life. She never married but she had God’s presence and it was in this
many loyal friends and, as a result, knowledge and hope that, on the 21st
was godmother to many children January 2021, she was committed into
including Debbie and Marion who God’s eternal care at Greenacres
oversaw her care in later life. woodland burial site.
Chris Winward
In the 1950’s Win had gone to live
in Canada for several years and loved
it so much that she would have liked to
stay there but she returned home to
help care for her ageing parents. She
was a very faithful and dutiful
daughter and felt that her parents’ need
was greater than her own.

She was always very active socially
and had lots of interests. She enjoyed
historical walks in London, was a
member of the National Trust, English
Heritage and, more recently the U3A,
(University of the Third Age). She
loved to travel in the UK and, on her
80th birthday, Debbie and Marion took
her on a day trip on the Orient
Express.

Win loved animals, invariably had
a pet cat and gave freely to many

31

A big
thank you

to everyone submitting
contributions and photographs to

this edition

Please keep them coming, as without them we wouldn’t have a parish
magazine. Articles, prayers, book reviews, favourite music,
recipes, gardening tips etc.

We would love some children’s drawings as well: the choice is yours!
Email directly using a subject heading to:
[email protected]

or pass to Penny Freeston who will type up your handwritten copy.
Our next copy date is
10th May 2021

Magazine team: Elizabeth Lowson, Penny Freeston, Cheryl Corney,
Sam McCarthy, Peter Wall.

32