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FROM THE EDITOR

VICAR: The Rev Stephen Bowen

The Vicarage, Felbridge,West Sussex RH19 2QT

Tel: 01342 321524

Fax: 0870 9156268

[email protected]

Vicars day off: Thursday

ASSOCIATE MINISTER:Michael Peach

5 Burns Way, East Grinstead,

West Sussex RH19 1SA

Tel: 01342 312406

[email protected]

Michaels day off: Friday

MARCH: Articles for this Issue to be handed in by

SUNDAY 12TH FEBRUARY

Please e-mail your articles to [email protected], put them in the editorspigeon hole in the church entrance, or post them to Lindsey Saunders at TheBungalow, Saint Hill Farm, Saint Hill Green, East Grinstead, RH19 4NG.

Cover photo:

St Johns in the snowBy Malcolm Francis

It seems that I am destined to continue as

editor for at least a little while longer.Fortunately for Benjamin, he will no

longer have to be embarrassed by my

presence in Out of this World(his Sunday

School group for those of you who arent

familiar with the new name). Lizzy,despite only just being able to walk again

has kindly stepped in to teach the little

ones.

I would like to take this opportunity to

thank Maureen Reynolds for all her hard

work in writing the in the garden series for

us over the past few years and through

whom I have learnt a great deal. I wouldalso like to welcome Rosemary Archer

(previous chairman of Felbridge

Horticultural Society) on to the editorial

team.

This years covers have been designed by

John Toogood, who has put a huge amount

of his spare time into creating a beautiful

cover for us to enjoy and formatted the

advertising pages, without which we

would be unable to produce this magazine.

We would greatly value your comments

and contributions. Please let us know what

you think. You can contact me at theaddress below.

Lindsey Saunders

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STEPHEN WRITES

DEARFRIENDS,There is not a great deal of humour

in the Bible, to be honest. It deals

with serious matters, of coursebut

so does many a sermon that starts

with a joke. Perhaps the reason is

that humour tends to be culturallyspecific.

What is funny to us in our culture

might not be funny to people at

other times and in other cultures.

And Gods revelation is for all people

everywhere.

Having said that, I think one of the

passages that might raise a wrysmile anywhere in the world is the

Apostle Pauls teaching about the

church being like a human body. It is

a powerful concept.

The idea is that the church is like a

human body, made up of a whole

variety of parts, all different, but all

needing each other.

It wouldnt work if every part was

the same. He pictures a foot suffering

from hand envy, and saying, BecauseIamnotahandIdonotbelongtothebody,or an ear feeing the same wayabout an eye.

But, he says, if a body was just

composed of eyes, it wouldnt be

able to hear, or smell.

The variety is essential.

His second point is that there is no

room for some parts of the body

feeling that their rle is superior to

others. Theeyecannotsaytothehand,Idontneedyou!So the people with important

positions in the life of the church arenot to the slightest degree any more

important than those with

insignificant rles. Infact, he says,the reverse is true.

And his third point is that we all

need each other and should have

equal concern for each other, and

should function as one unit, rejoicing

and suffering togetherjust as the

parts of a body do.

A church that is growing towards

that reality will be a great witness to

the world of what human life was

designed to be by its Creator.

P.S. You can read about all this in 1

Corinthians ch. 12, verses 1226. Just

before that much loved chapter

about love...

Bible humour?...

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Felbridge W.I.

Mr. Peter Mansfield Clark MBE wasour speaker at our Januarymeeting. He is the Director of OpenHouse in Crawley which givesshelter to the homeless.

It was extremely interesting to hearof his personal experiences overthe years and insights into theproblems faced by people who,often through no fault of their own,have lost their accommodation. Aswell as being open 24 hours a day,meals, showers, bedrooms andoccasionally space for a dogcompanion are on offer as well asclothing. Wherever possiblepermanent housing is also found

for them and any necessaryfurniture. There is also a youthhostel where teenagers, some just16 years old, are cared for,educated and if possible foundemployment.

Any donations of bedding, towels,toiletries and clothing are always

welcome.Contact telephone 01293 447702

Members are having a New Yearlunch on the 20th January andlooking forward to a day out on ahorse drawn boat trip in thesummer. We are starting a Craftgroup and have added DVDs toour book library service formembers.

VILLAGE ISSUES

We are having a banner made to

advertise our W.I. through a kinddonation from a past member,which we will raise as the Olympictorch comes through the village,and also at our Country Fair inFelbridge.

Daphne Ayerst

Ken Harwoods notes

I am pleased to report that therehas been a significant drop in crimein Felbridge which, hopefully,means that our community is beingmore observant and more carefulwith home security. Well done please keep it up.

A Chinese lantern was found in the

fields with the ignition system stillintact. Had this happened in thesummer the ignition could have setcrops ablaze. Please be aware ofthe dangers of these lovely lookingballoons and the damage theycould cause.

Ken Harwood

Felbridge and DistrictHorticultural Society

meet on 17th March at8.15pm in the village Hall

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WHATS HAPPENING

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

Connections, first Monday ofthe month at 2pm - 4pm

WI first Tuesday ofthe month in theVillage Hall at1.30pm

Watercolour onWednesdays in theChurch Hall at 2pm

1st Felbridge ( St Johns)

Brownies

Prayer on Wednesday(non-homegroup weeks)at 8pm

8AM 10AM 6PM

FAMILY SERVICEStephen Bowen

HOLYCOMMUNION

Don Ely

HOLYCOMMUNION

Peter Davies Stephen Bowen

HOLY COMMUNION

Michael PeachRAISE THE ROOF

HOLYCOMMUNION

Andy Brown Michael Peach

5th February

12thFebruary

19thFebruary

26thFebruary

Sunday Services

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Fish & Chip Supperand Desert Island Discs

Come and enjoy supper whilst listening to several people tellingus about their favourite piece of musicSaturday 10th March

7.30pm

At St Johns Church Hall, Felbridge

Ticket Price 7.50 per person

Tel: Cecilia 01342 718441 or Lis Woolley 01342 300356

Drinks available from Licensed BarProceeds to St. Johns Church

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

WIGS at the OldPheasantry, WoodcockHill (home of June Clark)at 10.30am

1st Felbridge(St Johns) Rainbows

Prayer breakfast on 4thFebruary at 8am9am

Girls Bible Study in the

Church Hall at 4pm

1st Felbridge

(St Johns) Guides

Mens breakfast on 11th

February at 5 Burns Wayfrom 8.3010am

JAFFA Plus in theChurch hall on 2nd Feb-ruary at 7pm - 8.30pm

THROUGH THE WEEK

Special Events

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FEBRUARY many peoplesleast favourite month.However, for the gardener it isthe beginning of anothergrowing season, full of hope andpromise, and for the garden visitorthere are annual joys which shouldon no account be missed.

Despite the damp, chill weather ofFebruary, there is plenty for us allto get out and marvel at, even thisearly in the year. Snowdrops should

be at their finest unless, like minethey were in flower beforeChristmas! One of the best placesto see them locally is at Nymans,which has great drifts of glorioussnowdrops as soon as you passthrough the gates.

There should still be time to breathein the heady perfume of Daphne

Bholuawhich fills the air as youfollow the stream downhill atWakehurst Place. I vividly recall thefirst time I met this, following mynose to find the source of theextraordinarily powerful scent whichenveloped us long before we foundthe tiny flowers. My Daphne,planted as soon as possible after

that first encounter, has been inbloom now since the first days ofthe New Year.

Inspired by such gardens,

its time to get down towork. Providing the soil isnot too wet, we can make astart on preparing thevegetable beds, perhapscovering with plasticsheeting to warm the areaup for a good start to earlysowing of onions, French

beans and early peas. Tomatoes,peppers and chillies can be sownnow on a sunny windowsill orheated propagator. Many annualflowers can also be sown thismonth, including annual sweetpeas; dahlia tubers can come out ofwinter storage to start into growth incompost, though they do need to be

kept above 10C. Dont forget tochit your seed potatoes, puttingthem in a light, cool but frost freeplace.

These days, we are all advised toleave left much of last years growthon perennials and grasses, both forwinter interest in the stems andseed-heads, and as valuable

habitat and food for wildlife. On theother hand, perhaps it was one jobtoo many to complete last autumn!It is time to clear this now as it islooking rather bedraggled, and newshoots will soon be appearing.

Now is the time to look forward asthe spring flowers successivelybring life back to our gardens. Whohates February? Not me!

Rosemary Archer

IN THE GARDEN

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The 21st century has thrown up a

challenge both to the church and tosociety, with a growth of anti-social

behaviour at a local, city wide and

national level. The biggest challenge

and surprise is the young age of some

of those involved in anti-social

behaviour. Some of the contributing

factors to this are poverty, family

breakdown, a lack of supervision in the

home and truancy from school. StreetPastors are the Churches response to

such neighbourhood problems;

engaging with people, on the streets

and in night-time venues, to care, listen

and offer practical help.

What is a Street Pastor?

A Street Pastor is someone from the

Christian community who is willing tocare, listen and help, particularly

young people who have foundthemselves is difficulty, or are

distressed in some way, out on the

streets of our towns, during the

evening and night-time hours. Street

Pastors are people willing to engage

with young people where they hang

out be it on the street, in the pubs orclubs.

Who can be a Street Pastor?

Anyone over 18 years of age (no upper

age limit) who has been committed to a

Christian Fellowship for more than ayear and comes with a positive

reference from a church leader/

Minister. They would need to be CRB

checked and be willing to complete a

12-day Street Pastors Training Course.

Together with Local Government andthe Police, the church is being asked to

help. Together we have hundreds of

members, who could be harnessed to

bring positive changes to this situation

in our local community. In response to

a request from our own local police

force here in East Grinstead we, as

Churches Together in East Grinstead,

have been considering this whole issuefor the past six months and at this

years Churches Together AGM on

21st February will be giving some

serious thought to this challenge and

making some decisions on the way

forward. Please give your support to

this by attending the meeting, if you

possibly can, and perhaps your

willingness to get involved. Your inputwould be greatly valued.

STREET PASTORS

STREET PASTORS

Feb 21st Shrove Tuesday

at JUBILEE CENTRE

From 6.30 - 7.30pm pancakes

Followed at 7.30 with a presentation on

CARING -- LISTENING -- HELPING

Followed by brief Churches Together AGM at about 9.00

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FELBRIDGE WILDLIFE

Stackdaws and a Starling Spectacular

THE local jackdaws have starteddropping sticks down any uncappedchimney to make a platform that willhold their nests. The increasinglylarge flocks of 'daws are breakingup into pairs which usually staytogether for life. Several pairs breedin the holes of the Evelynchestnuts.

A delightful surprise in The Limes,was a weasel undulating across theroad, pausing on the grass verge.Britain's smallest carnivore, thiseight inch long killer of voles, miceand even rats, is halfthe size of a mink. The

corny advice on identityis, 'the weasel isweasily distinguishablebut the stoat is stoatallydifferent'.

This year sees the startof a Government trialcull of badgers, in an attempt toreduce bovine TB in cattle until an

immunisation programme can beafforded. One fear is that anineffective programme of trappingand shooting will disperse theexisting badger population, aprocess called 'perturbation' andspread the disease further.

At Hedgecourt Lake, there hasbeen a sensational evening aerial

display, as tens of thousands ofstarlings gather to roost in the reedbed at the Mill Lane end. As the

crimson wings of evening in theWest light the clouds and arereflected in the water, the wholelake seems on fire. Then come thebirds. Cohorts of black arrowheads,wheeling, rising, turning in a displayof synchronised flying that defiesthe mortal eye to follow. Twice, onrapid, steady wingbeats, a sparrowhawk flew into the throng, grabbeda victim and carried off thestruggling body. Seconds later theentire cast turned and dived downinto the reeds. A brief murmuring inthe failing light as further parties

joined the dormitory,explains why thecollective noun forstarlings is a'murmuration'.

In the morning, allthe birds will leavetogether, departing

in all directions, unseen except bythe postman, the milkman, and

those watching 'Ring Angels' on theradar screens at Gatwick.

Next month many of 'our' starlingswill return across the North Sea toRussia, Finland, the Balticcountries and Germany.

Those that stay will become busymaking more starlings and feedingthem from Felbridge fields and

gardens.

Peter Bateman.

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CURRENT ISSUES: DEBT

Christmas spending pushes many into long-term debt

A SURVEY by price comparison site

uSwitch.com in December said that

nearly a quarter of Britons would be

pushed into debt by Christmasspending. About 40% of people

surveyed used credit cards to cover the

costs of presents and thought it could

take six months to pay off their debts.

Citizens Advice Bureau says that debt

is now the biggest enquiry topic for its

branches nationwide. CAB can help

people negotiate lower payments with

their creditors or help them with a debt

management plan. For some, personal

bankruptcy or an IVA (Individual

Voluntary Arrangement) to avoid

bankruptcy are the only options.CAB has the following tips to avoid a

debt hangover next year:

Plan early for Christmas: Be realistic

and budget accordingly. Work out howmuch you are going to spend on each

person and stick to it.

Dont forget the everyday bill: Rent,

mortgage, utility bills, food bills and

other existing debts still have to bepaid.

Dont bank on an overdraft: If you

need more money, dont just run up an

overdraft without talking to your bank

first it will work out more expensive.

Keep things simple: If you can afford

to pay for your goods outright by cash,

cheque, or debit card, dont take outextended credit agreements.

Shop around: Try as many places as

possible to get the best price. Buy what

you want and not what others say you

need. Be wary of extended warranties.

Buy safe to be safe: Dont buy from

unauthorised traders and dont borrow

from unauthorised lenders.

Read the small print: Check forhidden extras in any credit agreement.

Work out the total amount payable.

Ensure that the monthly instalments are

within your budget before signing.

Do your own credit checks: If you are

going to use a credit card, shop around

and compare terms and conditions. Put

the payment dates in your diary.

Be organised: If youve borrowed

money it wont be long before you

have to make a payment. Pay on time,

even if it is only the minimum, or you

will get extra charges.

Start planning and saving for next

Christmas: Now is the time to look at

what you did well and what you didnt.

Learn from your mistakes and startplanning how you will do things

differently next year. Start saving.

If you or a family member have debt

problems you can find your local

branch of CAB in Cantelupe Road,

East Grinstead or you can call them on

0844 477 1171.

Other sources of free, confidential and

independent advice include theConsumers Credit Counselling Service

(0800 138 1111) and National Debtline

(0808 80804000).

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TELL ME WHY?

How can a God of love send people to hell?

EVERYONE seems to be agreed that God is a God of love. However, if he isa God of love, how can he possibly send people to hell, a place of pain andpunishment?

The phrase God is love is found in the book of 1 John in the Bible and, ifyou read on, it helps to address this question:

... God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent

his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent hisSon as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:8-10 NIV)

John says that God is love, and his love is shown most especially throughhim sending Jesus into the world to deal with sin. Perhaps when we think ofsin we think of either crimes like murder, or slightly unwise actions like eatingtoo many cream cakes. However, the Bible defines sin differently: sin isgoing against God, the Creator and rightful ruler of the universe, andchoosing not to do what he says. Sin is a problem for everyone, for each of

us rebels against God sometimes by quietly ignoring him, and sometimesby loudly defying him.

Sin is very serious for it is rebellion against the King of the Universe, and itsconsequences are hurt, pain and suffering for others. Gods justice meansthat he must send people to hell. He must make sure sin is paid for. Indeed,if God ignored sin he would not be a God of love either, he would instead bea God of indifference. For how can it be loving to ignore hurt and pain, and toignore justice? The real question is not how could God send people to hell,but rather, how can God justly not send people to hell?

Our verses from 1 John tell us that Gods love was shown in sending Jesusas an atoning sacrifice for sins. The sinless Jesus stands in the place ofsinful humanity on the Cross. There he suffers the just punishment for all oursin. By doing so Jesus takes away all the sin of those who trust in him, andsaves them from hell.

Gods love is shown in that he sent his Son, who willingly suffered and diedso that we do not have to face hell. Wonderfully we are offered heaveninstead of the hell we deserve, through Gods love. How will we respond?

Michael Peach

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FELBRIDGE HOTEL & SPA EVENTS

Valentines Champagne Dinner on Tuesday 14th &

Saturday 18th February 2012

If you are looking for the perfect place to romance your loved one this Valentine's

Day, then the Anise Fine Dining Restaurant and The Bay Tree Restaurant are ideal.

Our Executive Chef has created a menu that will tempt the taste buds and soften the

heart this Valentine's Day and will be served in both of our restaurants.

As an extra sparkling treat you will receive a complimentary glass of champagne on

arrival. 39.00 per guest.

Why not treat yourself and stay over in one of our beautiful bedrooms? A Romance

Spa Break from just 166.00 to include a bottle of champagne on arrival, overnight

accommodation, breakfast and full use of the Chakra Spa facilities.

For bookings call 01342 337700 or email [email protected]

One Life. Whats it all about?Christianity Explored is an opportunity for a small group to meet together and

consider what Marks Gospel says about the central questions of life: Whats life all

about? Who is Jesus? Why did he come? What does it all mean for me?

Anyone can come along to Christianity Explored. You would be very welcome

whether you feel you know nothing much about Jesus at all, or have been coming

along to church for many years but would just like to revisit the central truths again.

Each time the group gets together well start with tea and coffee, followed by

looking at a bit of Marks Gospel. After that well watch a short talk shown on

DVD, discuss what everyone thinks, and have the opportunity to ask any questions.

We will be starting a daytime and an evening group from

January onwards, meeting for 7 weeks, at a time that isconvenient for those who would like to come along. If you

are interested, or would like to find out more, then please

do contact Michael Peach: (01342) 312 406,

[email protected]

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Prior to the Annual Parochial Church

Meeting or APCM on April 1st, I shallbe preparing a short report for the PCC

(the governing body of the church)detailing the number of Parishioners

on the St Johns Electoral Roll and the

number who have joined and left the

Roll in the last twelve months.

Although a full, five yearly, revision

of the Roll is not required by the

Diocese until 2013, it wouldnonetheless seem to be a good time to

ensure that any person eligible to be

entered on the Roll who has not

previously applied, now has that

opportunity.

Entitlement for entry on the Electoral

Roll is assessed as follows. An

applicant must be a non-ordained Lay

Person who has been baptised as amember of the Church of England or a

church in communion with it; is aged

16 or over; is either a resident of

Felbridge Parish or has been a regular

attendee at St Johns for the last six

months and has completed the

necessary application form. In certain

circumstances, an applicant can have

attended another church that is not incommunion with the Church ofEngland if guidance is required on

ELECTORAL ROLL

this point, or on any other matter

related to the Electoral Roll, pleasecontact me or, alternatively, the vicar.

Once entered on to the St JohnsElectoral Roll, a person may attend the

APCM and also vote on relevant

matters arising. It is also a measure of

commitment to St Johns to be entered

on to the Roll. There is no charge the

fee is your commitment to St Johns!

It is a sign of belonging to the familyof St John's to be a part of the

membership.

If any person who is not currently

entered on the Electoral Roll feels that

they should take that step, then please

do get in touch with me. This can be

done at any time although in order to

be included in the figures for 20112012 and attend this years APCM, a

completed application (obtainable

from me) would need to be received by

the end of the last week in February.

David Legg

St Johns Felbridge Electoral Roll

Officer

01342 713152

[email protected]

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JOHN STOTT

A small group from St John's went up to St Pauls Cathedral on Friday 13th January

for the Memorial Service for Dr John Stott. It had been an immense privilege to haveJohn Stott as a member of our Sunday morning congregation during the first year or

more of his time at the College of St Barnabas in Dormansland, while he was well

enough to come.

It was a very moving experience to be part of a huge congregation filling St Pauls,

at which we gave thanks for Gods work through his servant John. It is even more

amazing to realize that over 30 other services have been held around the world to

give thanks for this one life!

He was an outstanding Biblical preacher, a pioneer and innovator in town-centre

parish ministry, a strategic leader in the worldwide evangelical movement, and a

prolific writer. He had an amazing visionary ability to see to the real heart of issues

and to determine the right priorities. Before it had become common to emphasize

that environmental concerns were a significant part of Christian obedience, John led

the way. He was deeply interested in one particular aspect of God's creation, as a

very keen ornithologist. His world travels also gave him a profound concern for

those living in poverty.

His goal was to be more like Christ - one that all Christians should emulate. He lived

a very simple life of Christlike devotion, and rigorously avoided any sort of self-aggrandizement. Yet his Memorial Service was attended by bishops from around the

world, as well as the Bishop of London, and the Archbishops of Canterbury and

York.

People representing the different areas of ministry he had founded, and people who

had worked closely with him, gave moving tributes. And many of them spoke of his

personal friendship. Probably a large proportion of the congregation could have done

the same!

For me personally, it was almost unbelievable that in his final months, I should have

had the privilege, by the kind courtesy of the Warden of the College of St Barnabas,

of visiting John with one or two other members of St Johns to share in simple

Communion Services in his room. It was strange when we were in a cathedral full of

people, singing in Gods praise and thanking him for all that John Stott had meant to

them, to reflect on those occasions, with John very weak and hardly able to speak.

His watchword was to be content whatever the circumstances (Phil 4:11). Because

he had learned the secret of coping well in good times he was able to be content in

human weakness at the end. God equipped and used John Stott so mightily and yet

he remained someone whose friendship was appreciated by so many.Stephen Bowen

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MISSION MATTERS

ON the 7th October Andy and I flew to Freetown, Sierra Leone to join theMercy Ship for 4 weeks. This was a challenge to our Christian commitmentsince Mercy Ship crew must follow Jesus example, bring hope and healingto the forgotten poor, seek to love God, love and serve others, and be peopleof excellence and integrity. On landing in Freetown we faced a confusingcrowd of locals all offering to get us to the Mercy Ship until the true reps fromthe ship rescued us and led us to be ferried over to the air conditioned

security of the ship.

Reception signed us in as new crew and showed us to our room. Wow! En-suite shower room, kitchenette area with fridge freezer, wardrobe each, bigbed and enough storage space for a permanent resident! Many crew livelong term on the ship and any children attend the ships school. Andy did nothave far to go to work, just one floor down led to the operating room andwards. They had lots of patients lined up for him and after three full days ofsurgery he was whacked.

I was initially superfluous in a department staffed by five physios and twoassistants. Then they discovered I could use Excel so I spent a lot of timerecording stocks: crutches, splints and compression garments for burns.Burns happened because people lived in unlit shacks with open fires.Patients needed stretching exercises to prevent contractures.

On our fist Sunday we went to a local Baptist church for a two hour service.Short by local standards! I wore a dress as recommended but was welloutshone by the local women. One elegant local lady was dressed in whitefrom head to toe. Somehow I felt more free to express my christian faith in

Africa. A large group of us went out for a meal in admittedly, a fairly emptycaf, and I stood up and said grace. I would never do that in England!

One of my patients was Osata, a 10 year old girl, who stayed in the HopeCentre, a hostel for patients having outpatient treatment. The hostel showedme their big toy boxes, but Osata said they never got the toys out for thechildren to play with. I found this hard to believe but certainly there were notoys out when a group of us went on an evening visit to the hostel. I was toldthat they darent get the toys out because, not surprisingly, the children ran

riot!

Andy and Joans time with Mercy Ships

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Welcare

I raise my glass, or should I say coffee cup to everyone who

supported Welcare over the past year. Especially the last six monthswith the gifts of much needed food when the cupboard was bare. TheHarvest gifts, and the Toy Service. The total toys taken to Welcarewere 172, and 110 in cash and vouchers, and the cherry on the cakewas the Carol singing 43.

My Thanks also go to Waitrose who supplied their Bags for Life whichenabled me to pack and deliver the toys easily.

You can of course play without toys. I stuffed rubber gloves with tissues tomake a ball and kicked it around in the hospital corridor with the children. Ihad to replace the physio ball as it got punctured when I took it outside forthe kids to kick at some goal posts at the back of the physio department. Ifound a stone and drew hopscotch squares. Showing them how to hop

around it was hard but they got the idea. It worked on the beach with a stick.When I played ring o roses with the beach kids they dragged me down andjumped on top of me. Scary!

Now were back home Freetown is a long way away. People ask if we will goback again. Thats for Andy to decide. If he goes again I will go with him butas a cleaner! You dont have to be a health worker on a Mercy Ship. Thereare jobs in the laundry, school, kitchen, dining room and shop etc. they takepeople short or long term. Although the vast majority on board are Christians,Mercy Ships accept people who are sympathetic to their aims but not fully

committed Christians. The strict dress code e.g. no short shorts and novisible bra straps and skirts covering knees even while seated might putsome young people off. As a life enriching experience I would recommend it!

Joan Brown

St Catherines Hospice

434.90 was raised at the tree of Light Service, held on 12th December. Jenny

Young would like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped in so many waysand without whom it would not have been possible, especially to Sally Hudson from

Danecourt Nurseries, who provided the tree for our Service and to Paul Young for

cutting it down, the fireman for putting up the lights, Peter Burton for sorting out all

the wires, Barbara Cottier for printing the Order of Service and also Barry and Helen

lear, Stephen Bowen , Don Ely, Beth and Rosie, Phil, Lyn, Lis and Joan, Anne But-ler who helped the Service flow so beautifully. Thanks again to Lynn Skinner and

Joanne for providing the teas and coffees afterwards.

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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

Jim and Jeanette Farrant have now moved into their permanent home. Theaddress is available from the church office [email protected] or by phoning 01342 321524.

42 was raised for for Welcare from donations given at the Carols byCandlelight at The Wiremill. The management asked for a group of singersto lead this from St Johns and a merry band gathered after the Tree of Lightservice. The carols were well received and all those who took part were veryhappy to be part of this event. Special thanks to Gill Matson and Celia Esauwho organized it all.

The Bowes family and Cecilia Bliss have new email addresses. For details,

contact [email protected] or phone 01342 321524.

A warm welcome to Connections a group for seniors which got off to a flyingstart with a lunch launch at the Star just before Christmas. The first meetingwas held on 9th January and over 30 people enjoyed the time together. Ifyou would like to know more speak to Don or Michael.

We were sad to receive the news that Barbara Kitchin died in hospital justbefore Christmas. She will be rejoicing with the Lord she served so faithfullybut we will miss her.

We were sad to hear that Harry Smith died on 13th January 2012. He hadmade friends in his care home in Cheltenham and been happy to be nearer

News and Thanks

Very warm welcome to Christian Cottle a welcome brother to Michael andEva Marie and son to Philip and Dawn Cottle.

Congratulations to Lawrence and Anne Jack on the birth of their firstgranddaughter Lucy Katherine born to their daughter Jennifer and herhusband Neil.

We also welcome the arrival of George Henry Short, to Vic and ElaineShort's son and daughter -in-law.

Last but not least we congratulate Ken and Sue Pond on their first grandchildWilliam born to their son Craig and his wife Vicky.

Births

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Noreen Rachel Emily Howarth (known as Maureen) died on 24th November

2011, aged 82. The funeral took place at the Surrey and Sussex crematorium

on 7th December 2011.

Lucy Sarah Downing died on 28th November 2011, aged 100. The funeral

took place at the Surrey and Sussex crematorium on 12th December 2011

Barbara Kitchin died on 23rd December 2011. A Service was held at Surrey

& Sussex crematorium on 20th January and a Service of Thanksgiving was

held at St Johns Church on 21st January 2012.

Funerals

THE good news (lower case!) is that the Diocese received four tenders on 21st

November 2011 for carrying out the refurbishment of the car park. The bad news is

that funds for the work are not immediately available!

The Diocesan Architect had invited contractors to provide costs for two options to

resurface the car park (1) permeable block paving = PBP (2) plastic cell system with

decorative stone infill = PCS. Option PCS was around 6 to 7% cheaper than PBPfor all four tenders. The tender results were reviewed by the Diocesan Surveyor, his

architect, the Vicar, the PCC Finance Team chairman and JMG at a meeting in

January.

The outcome of the meeting was very positive. The Diocesan Surveyor agreed to

identify sources of funds that would meet the full cost of the lowest tender for

permeable block paving (the preferred option of St Johns) including new lighting.

He hopes to report in February before the expiry of the Tenderers validity period.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns

(email [email protected]).J Grainger 18

thJanuary

CARPARK - UPDATE

to his family. He slipped away quietly following a series of chest infections.He maintained a deep affection for Felbridge and was talking about his homehere ,where he had spent many happy years, and his beloved wife right up tothe Lord taking him. There will be a service at St Johns in a few months timewhen his ashes are interred in the churchyard with his wife's. Any who knew

or remember him will be very welcome to come to that service and we willannounce it as soon as it is arranged.

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ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Yellow Energy? (FIT High or Low?)

At the time of writing it is still not clear what the feed-in-tariff (FIT) will be

for new Solar PV installations. Last year the Government proposed to reduce

the FIT but this was challenged in the High Court by lawyers acting for

Friends of the Earth and two Solar Companies. The High Court judge ruled

that the Governments plans were legally flawed (the date of

implementation of the reduced tariff was before the date of the end of the

consultation period). The Government went to the Court of Appeal on Friday

13th January 2012 to overturn the High Court decision. Judgement is

expected to take at least a week.

However none of this affects the St Johns Solar PV project, because:

Tandridge District Council refused planning permission.

The PCC withdrew support for the project.

Now we must find other ways to reduce our carbon footprint.J Grainger 15

thJanuary

Stop Press - Information received on 21st

JanuaryPlan A Government wins the court appeal

The original FIT deadline of 12th December will stand (assuming that

Friends of the Earth do not appeal further), meaning that anyone registering a

domestic solar PV installation after this date but before 1st April 2012 will

receive the new lower FIT rate of 21p/kWh from 1st April. Between 12th

December and 1st April they will continue to receive 43.3p/kWh.

Plan B Government loses the court appeal

If the 12th December date is settled as being unlawful, a new date of 3rd

March will come into effect instead. Anyone who registers a project before

the 3rd March should receive the higher FIT rate of 43.3p/kWh for 25 years.

However, anyone who registers their system on or after the 3rd March (but

before 1st April) will only receive 43.3p/kWh for one month, and then move

onto the new rate of 21p/kWh after the 1st April.

J Grainger

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PEST CONTROL SERVICES

Wasps, flies, fleas. All types of rodents and vermin 01342 321373

When you contact any of our advertisers, don't forget to mention that you sawtheir advert in Parish News. For advertising enquiries, contact

Gordon Wilkinson on 01342 311516 or John Dabell on 01342 317745.

KOINONIA COUNSELLING

Marriage problems, bereavement, depression, eating disorders etc

Jackie Lake 01342 718948

TV SALES, SERVICE & INSTALLATIONS

Panasonic Specialists. Plasma, LCD, Multiroom Systems, Aerial & Satellite.

Scott Brothers, 178 London Road, East Grinstead. 01342 321117

For Fairtrade gifts and jewellery that help lift people out ofpoverty, call Brenda Wilkinson on 01342 311516 for acatalogue and to place your order, or log on towww.createdgifts.org.

GARAGE & CAR REPAIRS, MOTs & COACHES

Woodcock Hill Service Station, London Road, Felbridge01342 325544

01342 326213

BUTCHERARTHUR FRY, Lingfield Road, East Grinstead 01342 323225

CHIMNEY SWEEP

MILBORROW CHIMNEY SWEEPS, The Flueologists

All Flues and Appliances Swept and Serviced. Pots, Cowls,

Caps, Birdguards, Fireplace Repairs, Stacks Repointed 01342 717900

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

R MEDHURST, Vine House, Hartfield

Caring family firm; home visits; 24 hour service.

Memorials arranged: Golden Charter pre-paid Funeral Plans

01892 770253

01342 315880

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USEFUL CONTACTS

Churchwardens: Anne Butler 01342 313640

e-mail: [email protected]

Andy Brown 01342 314267e-mail: [email protected]

Treasurer: Chris Saunders 01342 325662e-mail: [email protected]

PCC Secretary: Sheila Drury 01342 323865


Magazine Editor: Lindsey Saunders 01342 325662

e-mail:[email protected] Rota: Carole Grainger 01342 325482

Ministry of Flowers: Ann Morley 01342 714645


Church Hall Bookings: Sally Hobbs 01342 410929


Church Office (closed on Thursdays) 01342 321524

Village Hall Bookings: Lynda Railton 01342 322205

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE ACTIVITIES

Stars (3-6 yrs): Sally Hobbs 01342 410929


Comets (Year 2-4): Diane Francis 01342 714575

e-mail: [email protected] (Year 5-6): Gaby


The Rock (Year 7-9): Michael Peach 01342 312406


Parish Safeguarding Officer Chris Ely 01342 311614


Rainbows, Brownies & Guides Ann Tucker 01342 317283e-mail: [email protected]

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