The Lychgate December 2020/January 2021

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The TheLychgate Lychgate

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The magazine for the people and of Long Dittonand Thecommunity magazine for the people community of Long Ditton

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The Rectory, 5 Church Meadow, Long Ditton, KT6 5EP Tele: 020 8398 1583 - rector@stmaryslongditton.org.uk

Dear Friends

Saving Christmas* The COVID statistics seem to be making it perfectly clear that things are going to get worse before they get better and it seems that the public mood is slowly trying to come to terms with that.

We were desperate that it should not be so. Desperate to get back to life as we liked it. Just life, not this dark pall of deathliness and depression. One suspects we will also now start to be desperate again, this time, to save Christmas. Not Christmas as a theological purist would have it. That is all about Christmas saving us, not us saving it. That is about real light shining perilously in real darkness, not fairy lights on a tree.

The theologians have a point. Even if warm hearths and family togetherness are what we long for, they are powerful because they speak not just of a kiss under the mistletoe or a blow-out meal but of a deeper sense that winter will not have things all its own way, of unconquerable light. We’ve been celebrating it since Stonehenge and we want and need to celebrate it now.

Just saying ‘boo’ to the darkness, or indeed, the virus and getting on with the party is going to end in tears. Think of it this way: it’s three weeks before Christmas. Blow it, you say, we’re going to have a party.

It’s two weeks before Christmas and, blow it you say, let’s go shopping, but some of your friends cry off because they’re feeling a bit poorly. It’s one week before Christmas and you’re feeling a bit poorly yourself; your best mate has just gone into hospital. It’s Christmas, and … well, the shine has well and truly gone off the gingerbread and no-one is feeling much like celebrating any more. page 2

So? What can we do? Is there anything we can do? Let’s go back to those theologians, those keepers of the Christian tradition that Christmas is perhaps all about anyway.

From ancient times Christians kept fasts before they dived into their feasts. They didn’t take the waiting out of wanting: they knew that a bit of waiting, a bit of preparing, a bit of pondering, would make the feast all the more fun.

Cue Advent: not just the Advent of a boozy miniature a day in December, but the Advent that starts four Sundays before Christmas and takes us slowly and carefully through the Bible’s story of how we got into this pickle we call life and how God’s plan to join us in it and raise us from it came to pass.

It’s all those readings you’ve heard at a traditional Carol Service, but old school, taken slowly, savoured for all they’re worth. Then at Christmas the Great Twelve Days of Feasting can begin.

So, this year, how about Saving Christmas by Keeping Advent? Look for safe ways to buy the presents and order the food. Give some time to writing some personal cards or messages. Then dust down your Bible and look up the stories for yourself. Light a candle for each Sunday and enjoy the peace. Peace now, as you give Christmas the best chance it can have of going off well; and the promise of a peace that passes our understanding that can surround us come what may.

*Based on writings of Bishop David Thomas page 3

Sue Rider—New Churchwarden I am very pleased to have become the new Churchwarden of St Mary’s, taking over from Joanne Hall, who has been a great help to me these past few weeks through her extensive knowledge, experience and generosity.

I will be working alongside fellow Churchwarden, Peter Topp, who is very well-informed and helpful. I believe we will be a good team in looking after St Mary’s.

My mother was a Catholic but my brother, sister and I, like my father, were brought up in the Church of England. Our first church was St. Leonard’s in Little Downham, Cambridgeshire and we all had to wear our Sunday best. When I was 10 we moved a few miles away and the next church we attended was St Andrew’s, where we were all confirmed. As a confirmation present my parents gave me a gold cross pendant, which I loved. St Mary’s reminds me of these childhood churches.

I’ve lived and worked in many parts of London and abroad since leaving Cambridgeshire, where I worked in The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Everywhere I lived I always investigated the local churches. In Paris, as a piano student, Notre Dame Cathedral was a highlight for me, because the organist was playing Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. In New York I saw St Patrick’s Cathedral from the top of the Empire State Building and in the Baha, California I visited many small Mexican chapels. When I was an Art student Barcelona Cathedral featured in my studies and from that I went on to Kingston University to learn Graphic Design. I was lucky enough to get a job as a Graphic Designer, when so many of my fellow students, unfortunately, were not successful. Later on I became a Visual Merchandiser for Marks and Spencer.

A special church memory for me is having my son William christened on Christmas Eve 1989 at St Stephen’s in East Twickenham. It was a magical service on that day, when everyone was preparing for their own Christmas. I am forever grateful to the friends and family who travelled and gave their time on such a day to celebrate William’s special day. We moved to Twickenham shortly afterwards and attended St Mary’s Church in Twickenham, where William went to Sunday school.

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A few years later we moved to Claygate and lived there until William grew up. When I moved to Long Ditton and started coming to St Mary’s church, I gradually began to realise that it is the first church, since my two childhood churches, where I feel I belong.

I really hope I will be a good Churchwarden and I will certainly try to do my best for everyone.

Sue Rider ***********************************

REGULAR GROUPS AT ST MARY’S Friendship Lunches, More Tea Vicar?, Book Friday, Film Friday and Babes and Tots All these groups are cancelled until further notice.

To check when they will be running again, please contact the organisers or look on the church website TAKE TIME TOGETHER 9.30am 1st Saturday of the month - Guided meditations based on the stories of Jesus. See page 31 for instructions on how to join in via Zoom ***********************************

BEREAVEMENT CAFE Unfortunately, Bereavement Cafe won't be restarting when regular groups are allowed to meet again in the community hall.

The death of a loved one/friend/colleague/pet happens to us all at some point in our lives. St. Mary's team of Pastoral Assistants are always willing to provide support and a listening ear to anyone going through this most difficult of times. They can also make home visits to people who are lonely, elderly or housebound or who would just like someone to talk to.

You can find contact details for all the Pastoral Assistants on page 29 of this magazine. page 5

Making the Most of the Great Outdoors!

The new academic year always comes with new challenges, and this year we have challenged teachers to take learning outside whenever possible. Our staff have responded to this challenge in a number of ways.

In addition to our usual PE lessons, this term, all classes have had the opportunity to visit Surbiton Hockey Club for specialist hockey coaching.

The children have thoroughly enjoyed playing on the pitch and being coached by international players. I am told that our children show a lot of promise. England hockey watch this space!

Having enjoyed forest school taster sessions in the summer, we have now opened our own forest school here on site. Over the year, all classes will attend forest school and have the opportunity to whittle wood, create fire and eat marshmallows around the camp fire. This week we have enjoyed collecting conkers and drilling holes in them to thread string through. page 6

We are even taking our art learning outside during wildlife art club and our history outside with a visit to Butser Ancient Farm.

Why are we focussing on outdoor learning?

We want to ensure that all children at Long Ditton St Mary’s are given the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and recognise the physical effect that being outside has on them. We want children to learn to take calculated risks and to learn from doing so. We want to offer our children a rich and broad curriculum and for them to develop an understanding that learning takes place everywhere – not just inside the classroom. Most of all, we want our children to recognise and articulate that learning is fun!

Sarah Martin Headteacher

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Following on from a marvellous visit from Sophie the Teenage Tyrannosaurus, the children at Long Ditton Infant and Nursery School were inspired to be fossil hunters and dinosaur creators. Sophie actually wandered around the school (see picture) to find out what the children were learning and even gave the odd roar of approval to some! Our Dino week was one of the most inspiring things in which we have taken part. In the words of one child 'Mrs Paines I am excited and also a little bit terrified' when the 'real life' dinosaurs came into school. The children's faces were a picture - of both excitement and disbelief that a life size dinosaur could fit into our school hall. The Friends of our school funded the wonderful week for all the children to take part in and it definitely made an impact on us all.

At this time of year we usually hold our prospective parents’ open mornings when our Year 2 children get to show adults around our school. This year we have recorded a short virtual tour and put information on our website for new parents to access and view. You can access the virtual tour here http://longditton.surrey.sch.uk/ prospective-nursery-reception-parents-information/. If you do know of any prospective parents, please help them by directing them to the website for information.

Now we are turning our minds to a very different Christmas and finding ways to help the children celebrate in style and safety. Some of the plans we have for our Christmas productions will inevitably be electronic and one year group will be using 'animation' to produce their version of the Christmas Story. Of course, in school we will be making sure the children get to make, bake and create as much as we can to help the children learn about this special time of year. We have already booked a virtual visit from Santa to make sure we avoid the rush and, although we might not be able to sing to him in the same way, we will be making sure he has lots of cards of thanks. We all feel that this year, more than ever, we will be helping the children to understand the importance of family, love and kindness not only at Christmas but always. Let's hope that the New Year will bring lots of love, kindness and family visits for us all.

Monica Paines page 8

‘Stories from the Streets’ is written from the perspective of Street Pastors from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Antigua in the Caribbean. As well as compelling true stories there is also plenty of background information about the organisation itself, homelessness, street drugs, safeguarding and why Street Pastors do what they do.

The stories describe real life situations where people are helped in a diverse range of places, on the streets at night, on railway platforms, after terrorist incidents or in schools. The authors both live locally and volunteer as Street Pastors in Kingston.

You might be a Street Pastor yourself wanting to know more about the work or thinking about becoming one or just curious about what Street Pastors actually do. Either way do order a copy and find out what God is doing on our streets.

The book costs £9.99 and can be bought from outlets such as Amazon UK, Foyles and Waterstones Also see Buy book page of the website by visiting the link: https://www.storiesfromthestreets.org If you happen to be in Kingston you could also pop into the book shop inside Kingston United Reformed Church in Eden Street called The Kings Storeroom which is usually open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays or email info@thekingsstoreroom.org

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The Village Hall 2, Ewell Road, Long Ditton

welcomes sports clubs, workshops, meetings, societies, lectures, demonstrations, classes, children's parties.

Occasional and long-term hire 07804 057589 The Village Hall Trust is sometimes able to make donations for charitable purposes to benefit the residents of Long Ditton.

Enquiries to 020 8398 3643

Jonathan Miller M.Inst Ch.P. Member of the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists HOME VISITING SERVICE IN YOUR AREA

7 Fleece Road, Long Ditton, Surrey, KT6 5JP Telephone & Fax (020) 8873 7189

ST MARY’S COMMUNITY HALL Now available for booking meetings, parties and long-term hire For further information ring - 020 8339 0008

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Please mention this magazine if you use any of the adverts posted here

Please mention this magazine if you use any of the adverts posted here

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ROYAL BRITISH LEGION THE DITTONS & HINCHLEY WOOD BETTS WAY LONG DITTON

ALL NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

HALL FOR HIRE for special occasions, Birthdays, Weddings LINE DANCING FRIDAY EVENING BINGO SESSIONS THUR-SUN 8-10 PM SNOOKER DARTS LARGE GRASS GROUNDS DISCOS:OUTINGS:BANDS

CONTACT 020 8398 6263 FOR DETAILS

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CROSSY’S HOME & GARDEN ALL AROUND THE HOME HARDWARE TOOL SHARPENING

KEY CUTTING

GARDEN SUPPLIES

PET SUPPLIES

FAX SERVICE

HOUSEWARES

26-28 MANOR ROAD NORTH HINCHLEY WOOD KT10 0SH TEL: 020 8398 2828 FAX: 020 8398 0433

Please mention this magazine if you use any of the adverts posted here

THORKHILL PHARMACY Mr D Patel MRPharms

MR & MRS PATEL NEWSPAPER DELIVERIES

FRESH BREAD AND MILK DAILY

FRESH FRUIT AND VEG CONFECTIONARY & TOBACCO GROCERIES NATIONAL LOTTERY STAMPS UPS ACCESS POINT 92 Thorkhill Road Thames Ditton Surrey KT7 0UQ

Tel: 020 8398 2612 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK EASY PARKING

Prescription collection service Computerised Patient Medication Record Advice and Help on Minor Ailments Prescription Delivery Service for the Housebound Homeopathic Medicines ·Vitamins

EVERYTHING YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR LOCAL FRIENDLY CHEMIST Established 50 years

Open Mon to Fri 9am - 6pm Closed for lunch 1pm - 2pm

Sat 9am - 1pm EASY PARKING 94 Thorkhill Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 0UQ Tel: (020) 8398 3008

Please mention this magazine if you use any of the adverts posted here

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BEETHOVEN: ‘from the heart to the heart’ This year, 2020, is a special year for Beethoven: it marks the 250th anniversary of his birth on 16th December 1770. So it was very fitting that back in August, at the first Live Prom this year in the Royal Albert Hall, the BBC Symphony Orchestra played his 3rd symphony, the Eroica.

Beethoven composed it in 1804. A few years earlier he had noticed the first symptoms of his deafness. He wrote in a letter to his brothers that was found after his death, ‘I must live like an exile.’ The deafness brought in its wake depression and thoughts of suicide, but Beethoven wrote that ‘the only thing that held me back was my art.’

He went on to compose works which expressed the tragedy this cross of deafness brought, but also conveyed the power of the human spirit which proved indomitable in the face of that struggle. ‘Music,’ he wrote, ‘is the electric soil in which the spirit thinks, lives and invents.’

Beethoven was to compose six more symphonies after the Eroica and a wealth of other music up to his death in 1827. He spent most of his life in Vienna, but through his music his creative genius travelled far and wide.

Scholars divide Beethoven’s work into three stages. Up to 1800 he composed very much in the classical tradition. That year marked a second stage with works like the 5th Symphony, which opens with the famous eight-note motif of fate knocking at the door, and his opera Fidelio. Then in 1817 came a final stage when his compositions explored new territories of the human spirit altogether.

Although his deafness brought loneliness and isolation, he found in music the means to express those experiences: his struggle with destiny, his love of nature and that search for an inner peace and serenity. Weighed down by physical limitations, he found a freedom to express himself and his longing for transcendence and light.

It is there in the Prisoners’ Chorus in his opera Fidelio as they emerge from the dungeon into the sunlight and it is quintessentially present in page 14

his last great works: the late String Quartets, the 9th Symphony with its exultant hymn to Joy, and the Missa Solemnis where there is a beauty and a serenity in the Benedictus and Agnus Dei. On the score of this work, Beethoven wrote above the Kyrie It comes from the heart - may it go to the heart. In this month which marks the 250th anniversary of his birth, we give thanks for his music which continues to speak to hearts in every age. It is music that tells us of the pain and struggle of life, but also the discovery of a courage and freedom that can help us to step out in his company and welcome the light and the joy, the peace and the beauty. ************************************

I’ll sing to that…

There was a church where the new minister and the organist were not getting along. As time went by this began to spill over into the worship service.

One week the minister preached on commitment and how we all should dedicate ourselves to the service of God. The organist played: ‘We Shall not be Moved’.

The next week the minister preached on tithing and how we all should gladly give to the work of the Lord. The organist responded with: ‘Jesus Paid it All’.

The third week the minister preached on gossiping and how we should all watch our tongues. The organist played all verses of: ‘I Love to Tell the Story’.

By now the minister had become very discouraged with the situation and the following Sunday told his congregation that he was considering resigning. The organist closed the service with: ‘O Why Not Tonight?’

As it came to pass, the minister did indeed resign. The following Sunday he informed the church that it was Jesus who had led him there and it was Jesus who was taking him away. The organist then outdid himself with: ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus.’ page 15

Mistletoe This time of year you can see all sorts of traditions played out with regard to Christmas decorations. Strict adherents use holly, ivy and of course, mistletoe. While holly and ivy are to be found in gardens and hedgerows, mistletoe usually only appears in greengrocers' shops, or high in a tree well out of reach.

Mistletoe is hemiparasitic, meaning that although its leaves enable it to feed itself through photosynthesis, its roots invade the host tree or shrub to extract water and other nutrients. Its favourite host trees are apple, lime, hawthorn, poplar or oak and it normally hangs as a large globe, tantalisingly high and totally visible once winter arrives and it is the only green left on the tree. There are some spectacular examples in Windsor Great Park, clearly visible from the path on the opposite side of the River Thames.

We all know about the almost translucent white berries, fleshy and sticky, which form in the forks of mistletoe's many branches. While they are toxic to humans, they are attractive to birds. When birds have enjoyed the juicy flesh, they wipe the remaining seeds off their beaks onto the nearest branch. somewhat like small children wiping sticky hands on any surface close by – mummy's face or clothes?. With luck the seed remains stuck to the bark and solves mistletoe's problem of reproduction.

In Greek mythology, mistletoe gave access to the underworld.

Romans thought it represented peace, love and understanding and perhaps that is how it has sidled into our Christmas celebrations. The earliest documentary evidence for kissing under mistletoe dates from the sixteenth century. Some people think a berry should be removed after each kiss. Given the small size of pieces generally available these days, perhaps that is a practice not to be pursued!

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Please mention this magazine if you use any of the adverts posted here

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY AND WILLS £195* per LPA (property or personal) *Price excludes Office of Public Guardian fee Standard Mirror Wills £395 plus VAT Standard Single Wills £245 plus VAT Tim Wilde—Solicitor Based in Long Ditton www.twildelaw.com

If you would like to advertise in or contribute an article to this magazine, please contact Janet Burton 07810 810822 janetpb15@gmail.com

I aim to beat any written quote from another Solicitor Telephone 020 3720 2250 or 07810 480 180 tim@twildelaw.com Please mention this magazine if you use any of the adverts posted here

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54 High Street, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 0SA, Tel: 020 8972 9500

OFFICE SKILLS TUTOR      

Staff training One-to-One tutoring Small groups/classes All levels from beginner Nervous students welcome Experienced, patient tutor

Phone: 020 8398 2101 Mobile: 07949 069398 E-mail: pedder@rocketmail.com page 20

 Word  Excel  PowerPoint  Publisher  Access  Outlook  Office skills  CV writing 28 St Mary’s Road Long Ditton Surrey KT6 5EY

Please mention this magazine if you use any of the adverts posted here

Please mention this magazine if you use any of the adverts posted here

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Please mention this magazine if you use any of the adverts posted here

Please mention this magazine if you use any of the adverts posted here

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What is The 100 Club at St Mary’s?

The 100 Club was started over 18 years ago when funds were being raised to build St Mary’s Community Hall. Over subsequent years it has helped with various projects and also given a boost to general Church funds. Above all, it is fun and anyone can be a member.

There are 100 membership numbers at a cost of £15 each. On the first Sunday from January to October, after the 10.15 service, three numbers are drawn. The first drawn number wins £20, the second number £15 and the third number £10. The winning numbers are printed in the Lychgate magazine and the weekly Notes & News, with winners remaining anonymous.

Some people buy one number while others purchase more. Every number is included in each draw even if it has won a previous prize.

On occasions an individual number has won a prize three times over the course of the 10 months! However, not every number will be a winner but does have an equal chance of winning a prize each month.

After March., during lockdown, we were unable to do the monthly draw Once Church opened again, for the 10.15 service, weekly draws took place with the last one on 25 October. We are now welcoming new applications for the next round of the 100 Club. If you are interested in joining in the fun please email me, akleeson@hotmail.com, as soon as possible and I will send you more information together with an application form and instructions on how to pay. Please put 100 Club in the email Subject. The closing date for applications is 6th December or sooner if all 100 numbers have been allocated.

All the proceeds from this 100 Club will go towards a much needed boost for church funds, which have suffered considerably during the pandemic.

Following is a list of all the prizewinning numbers drawn during 100 Club 17. Congratulations to all the winners! I hope everyone enjoyed the fun even if you didn’t win.

January : 1st No.1

2nd No.82

3rd No.56

February: 1st No.26

2nd No.6

3rd No.50

March:

2nd No.15

3rd No.27

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1st No.86

April (drawn 13 Sept) 1st No.45

2nd No.81

3rd No.56

May (drawn 20 Sept)

2nd No.70

3rd No.99

June (drawn 27 Sept) 1st No.7

2nd No.26

3rd No.18

July (drawn 4 Oct)

1st No.86

2nd No.60

3rd No.59

Aug (drawn 11 Oct)

1st No.46

2nd No.15

3rd No.22

Sept (drawn 18 Oct)

1st No.57

2nd No.14

3rd No.19

Oct (drawn 25 Oct)

1st No.29

2nd No.1

3rd No.2

1st No.66

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Thanks to Thorkhill Pharmacy and General Stores

Rushett Close wanted to thank Dee and Deepa Patel, of Thorkhill Pharmacy and General Stores, for all the hard work and support they gave to local customers during lockdown.

They provided an extraordinary level of service in delivering prescriptions and groceries to the housebound, FOC and always with a smile.

A thank you card, signed by Rushett Close residents, didn't seem quite enough, so Charlotte Bramley at No.62 painted and framed a watercolour of their shop fronts which was presented to them last month.

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www.longditton.org News from the Long Ditton Residents’ Association

Elmbridge Borough Council new Local Plan – proposed development on Long Ditton Green Belt The Draft Local Plan is very close to being finished. The council will shortly be presenting it to the Cabinet for approval and it will then go to the full council for approval in the first 2-3 months of 2021. A public consultation will follow, which will allow residents to voice their opinions and views. Elmbridge will pass all comments directly on to the Planning Inspector. The public examination of the Draft Local Plan is expected in autumn 2021. We fervently hope that all our Elmbridge Councillors have listened to all the considerable public feedback and that Green Belt land remains untouched.

Village Green Application – One Tree Hill and Stokes Field Nature Reserve Surrey County Council Officers are following the prescribed process for Village Green applications. There is no update to report at present.

LDRA Road Subscription Payments Road subscriptions are down this year, as expected, but we are very grateful to all those who have contributed to date. If you would still like to make a contribution, here are the details for online payments: Sort Code: 20–46–73 Account No.: 33 50 62 82 reference: <<Your road name>>

Payment

We suggest £2.00 per household, but obviously welcome higher donations. We appreciate this will be a challenging time for some.

(Please include as much of your road name as possible in the Payment Reference, so we can track subscription by road). We prefer online banking, but cheques can be made payable to: Long Ditton Residents’ Association and posted to: LDRA Treasurer, 7 Chalcott Gardens, Long Ditton, Surbiton, KT6 5HJ. Apologies, but we are not accepting cash payments at the moment. Questions? Please e-mail: paul.bartlett@longditton.org Phone Mast Application EE have submitted a new phone mast planning application (Elmbridge Borough Council ref. 2020/2477) for Angel Road, between the two page 26

railway bridges. There are 12 comments in support and 29 objections to the proposal. This application is now under consideration by Elmbridge Planning.

Christmas Trees While we cannot hold the annual village Christmas tree lighting event this year, the LDRA will not allow this to prevent festive cheer in Long Ditton! By the time this goes to press, you should see that the Fleece Road shops have their customary Christmas trees and that the main village tree is lit. We extend sincere thanks to Surrey County Councillor, Nick Darby, for allocating some of his member’s allowance to help fund the trees, in addition to the welcome contributions from our local shops.

LDRA on Facebook The LDRA Facebook page has over 1,400 members and is a great source of local information. You can follow us and receive the latest updates by searching FB for ‘Long Ditton Residents Association’ and requesting membership. Please read and agree to the FB page rules to be accepted.

LDRA Secretary Vacancy The LDRA still has a vacancy for the role of Secretary, to attend the monthly committee meetings and to take the minutes. If you are interested and would like to know more, please contact mark.herbert@longditton.org.

Local Police Information on Police matters can be viewed on https://www.police.uk/ pu/your-area/surrey-police/the-dittons-and-hinchley-wood/.

Help us to help you!

In addition to Facebook and our website, we would like to use e-mail to keep you informed. If you would like to be on our e-mailing list please send your full name, your road and e-mail address to: mark.herbert@longditton.org. All personal information supplied will be used strictly by the LDRA Officers only and not made public.

LDRA committee meetings and public meetings are currently suspended, but the LDRA Officers continue to work remotely with our EBC and SCC Councillors.

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LONG DITTON GENERAL CONTACTS

Group

Contact

Tele Number

Babes ‘n’ Tots

Cathy Doyle

020 8398 0715

LD Residents’ Assn

Mark Herbert

020 8398 6037

LD Garden Club

Liz Martin

020 8244 3147

Village Hall

Michelle Aveson

07804 057589

Rainbows

Lesley Sullivan

020 8398 0150

Brownies (Monday)

Caroline Spector

020 8398 1352

Brownies (Thursday)

Hannah Siebert

020 8398 0576

Guides & Rangers

Cat Smith

07738 599318

Dittons Scouts contact

Stuart Jack

07971 479740

LDSM Junior School Sugden Road, KT7 0AD

Sarah Martin (Head)

020 8398 1070

LD Infant School Monica Paines (Head) 020 8398 4398 Ditton Hill Road, KT6 5JB Long Ditton Youth Club

Glenn Sampson

Ditton Bridge Club

Redvers Cunningham 020 8398 4338

Sugden Road Allotments

David Wiltshire

07718 054345

Long Ditton Cricket Club

Tom Bennett

07876 171899

Surbiton Bowls Club

Keith Stedman

07543 095070

Editor of Lychgate

Janet Burton

07810 810822

Citizens Advice Bureau Esher Elmbridge Borough Council Elmbridge Dial-A-Ride Thames Water Emergency Line Samaritans Surbiton Dittons & Weston Green Neighbourhood Care page 28

01372 464770 01372 474474 01372 474944 0800 980 8800 020 8399 6676 020 8398 8600

tba

ST MARY’S CHURCH CONTACTS Ministry Team

The Rev’d Dr. Kuhan 020 8398 1583 Satkunanayagam (Day off -Tuesday)

Churchwardens

Peter Topp Sue Rider

Pastoral Team

Call us if you need someone to listen or talk with you

Pastoral Assistants

Cathy Doyle Joanne Hall Diana Jemmett Kenneth Mould Judith Topp

020 8398 0715 020 8398 5637 020 8398 1184 020 8339 0933 020 8399 1004

Sunday Club

Christine Satkunanayagam

020 8398 1583

Crèche

Ann Leeson

020 8399 1489

Churches Together Cathy Doyle

020 3398 0715

Church Electoral Roll

Janet Critchley

07748 070243

Flowers

Tessa Vallings

020 8398 4807

Sacristan

Val Tanner

020 8974 2713

Director of Music

Douglas Tang

07733 277003

Choir Co-ordinator

Cat Smith

07738 599318

PCC Hon Sec

Penny Fussell

020 8672 0838

PCC Hon Treasurer

Kim Taylor

020 8398 1353

Stewardship Hon Treasurer

Katharine Lankey

020 8224 5170

Parish Office & Community Hall

Steve Welch The Parish Office Church Road

020 8339 0008 office@stmaryslongditton.org.uk

020 8399 1004 07152 999372

www.stmaryslongditton.org.uk page 29

FROM THE REGISTERS Wedding of:

Stephen Smith and Averyl Donald

Burial of ashes:

Nora Birtwistle Stuart Dyer

**********************************

Christmas Foretold From untold glory to a manger of straw Who could imagine such a thing?

From eternity stepping down into time With very few to welcome Him in.

Mary and Joseph, shepherds and wise men, In His mother’s arms the Baby lies, Scripture describes these amazing events As prophecy unravels before our eyes The Books of the Bible all tell of His coming His life, His death, redemption’s plan, The King of glory revealed in God’s word Touching our earth in the form of a man.

By Megan Carter

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Notes for Services 8.00am Sunday

Holy Communion in church

10.15am Sunday Parish Communion (organ & choir) in Church Numbers are limited due to social distancing Please book your place through our website also live on Zoom ID 890 4559 5577 passcode 2020 For more information and details about special services visit

www. stmaryslongditton.org.uk CHRISTMAS SERVICES Sunday 20th Dec 6pm Nine Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve 3pm - Crib Service Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day 8am Holy Communion Christmas Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;10.15am Parish Communion If we are unable to hold services in Church, services will be live-streamed to Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ stmaryslongditton/live

Take Time Together First Saturday of the month at 9.30am via Zoom Meeting IDF:885 8611 5911 Passcode: 2020 page 31