Parish web site: www.stcatherinesthurrock.org.uk

100 ClubThe January winner was Kim Ford .Congratulations Kim it was lovely to seeyou on Sunday. After being unwell recentlyyou led the service on Sunday with yourusual enthusiasm and we hope that youare soon be back to full health .

NormanOn 16th February Chloe Crickmay is to bebaptised at 12.30 p.m. at St. Catherine’s.Chloe and her brother Charlie areparticularly well know to the Wednesdaymorning congregation at St. Francis andmum Vikki would love to see members ofher church family helping to celebrateChloe’s baptism with her.Pancake Day or more properly “ShroveTuesday” is on 25th February this year.Being the day before “Ash Wednesday”and the start of the Lenten period offasting this is said to be the time to eat upall the eggs and flour etc. by makingpancakes. Our pancake night starts at St.Francis at 6.45 p.m. for a 7 p.m. start.Everyone is welcome to come and enjoypancakes with a variety of toppings as wellas a chance to chat and play table games.Blood donation. It has recently beenreported that there is a significant genderimbalance amongst those of us that areblood donors. For every 100 women whobecame donors in 2019 there were only 70men. While this might not seem tooimportant, there is a little known fact thatsome very important blood products canonly be made for male blood. This is dueto the fact that, during pregnancy, womenproduce antibodies that are there to

protect the unborn child. It is these sameantibodies that prevent the blood beingused for some significant treatments. So ifyou or someone you know would like tobecome a donor you can generally donateblood if… you are fit and healthy, weighbetween 7 stone 12 lbs and 25 stone (or50kg and 160kg), are aged between 17and 66, are over 70 and have given bloodin the last two years. There are somerestrictions and more information can befound at www.blood.co.uk/who-can-give-blood/.An advance notice that our annual sale ofhomemade cakes will be on Saturday 21st

March at St. Francis from 10 a.m. to noon.For those that aren’t especially into cakesthere are also craft and book salesplanned.The Thurrock Winter Night Shelter isnow up and running every night of theweek (provided that there are enoughvolunteers available). The venues areChrist City Church in Crown House, Graysand Gates of Praise, 79 -83 London RoadGrays. Prospective guests must have theirreferral accepted before attending.Referrals can be made to 07922 381806. Ifyou are interested in volunteering tosupport this very worthwhile project pleaseemail ThurrockNS@gmail.comThurrock foodbank will be having a “bigsort” at their warehouse in Corringhamduring the February half term holiday. Ifyou can help on Tuesday 18th, Wednesday19th or Thursday 20th between 10am and2pm please contact Helen at:-warehouse@thurrock.foodbank.org.uk formore information.

B iE

The month of February is one I welcome because after the grey and gloomy weeks ofJanuary it offers hope. As we make our way through February the mornings andevenings get increasingly lighter, we begin to hear the bird song return in our gardensand heroically pushing through the soil are the tips of the first of the spring flowers.Snowdrops in particular speak of resilience and are such a joy to see wherever theyappear. Very often they can be found in and around churchyards, in wooded glades andother shady places. Most people know them as Snowdrops but they are also known as‘Candlemas Bells’ because traditionally they would often come up around CandlemasDay which is on the 2nd February.Candlemas is a day of significance in the Church because it brings to an end the joyfulcelebrations of Christmas and Epiphany and points us towards Lent and Easter.Traditionally on this day the candles that would be used in the church throughout therest of the year would be blessed during the service. Candles for the Altar, candles forBaptism and candles for Weddings. One of the ways in which Jesus described himselfwas as ‘the light of the world’ so when we light candles in church we are reminded of thelight of Christ that we follow and the lights that He calls us to be.Candlemas is also know as ‘The Presentation of Christ in the Temple’ andcommemorates the ritual purification of Mary, 40 days after the birth of her son Jesus.This day also marks the ritual presentation of the baby Jesus to God in the Temple atJerusalem. The Gospel of Luke says that Jesus was met by Anna and Simeon. Simeonheld the baby Jesus and called him a Light to the World. And if you have ever attendeda service of Evening Prayer or Evensong you will have heard the ‘Song of Simeon’ in thewords of the ‘Nunc Dimittis’ which can be said or sung.Ritual purification stems back to a Jewish tradition that said women were consideredunclean after the birth of a child. For 40 days for a boy, and 60 days for a girl, womenweren't allowed to worship in the temple. At the end of this time, women were brought tothe Temple or Synagogue to be purified. After the ceremony women were allowed totake part in religious services again.In the Christian Church, in times past, there was also provision for special prayers to besaid acknowledging the safe delivery of a woman having given birth. In the Book ofCommon of Prayer there is a service called ‘The Thanksgiving of Women after Child-Birth’ commonly called ‘The Churching of Women.’ It is something our grandmothers

and great-grandmothers may well have gone to church to partake in before they wentout and about with the new baby.So a season in the church has come to an end and the next one begins. ‘AshWednesday’, on the 26th February, marks the start of Lent and there are lots of servicesand events you might like to join us for as we journey towardsEaster and Holy Week. There will be some special Bible Studygroup sessions, some Lent lunches and Sacred SaturdayQuiet Days. Please see the details on the next page.I hope like me you enjoy February and when you see thosebeautiful snowdrops think of Candlemas and the light shiningin the darkness.Every Blessing, Revd Michèle.

Some thoughts on Candlemas - Norman KingCandlemas has always been a special time for Sheila and I. We were both born inFebruary and as we mentioned at a family service during the Interregnum our Dads didnot receive the best reception when they came to see us as new babies and broughtsnowdrops.Candlemas occurs at a time midway between the December solstice and the Marchequinox and is observed on February 2nd in regions where Christ’s birth was celebratedon December 25th. 40 days after his birth according to Jewish custom Jesus’s MotherMary presented him to God in the Temple. A Jewish man named Simeon held the babyin his arms and said that he would be a light for the Gentiles. It is for this reason thatthis event is called Candlemas.As Christians, we consider Jesus as the “light of the world” so it is fitting that candlesare blessed on this day. This year the service at St. Catherine’s will be at 4pm.It is traditional to eat crepes on Candlemas in some parts of Europe such as France.Each family prepares and cooks a crepe while holding a coin in their hand. This isbelieved to assure wealth and happiness until the next Candlemas celebration. Anotherstrange custom known as Candlearia is observed in Spanish speaking countries.Whoever finds a baby figure hidden inside the Rosca de Reyes (Kings Cake) onEpiphany on January 6th is obliged to bring food to a gathering held on February 2nd.Many Orthodox Christians celebrate by bringing beeswax candles to the local Church tobe blessed to be used in the Church or at home.Many Christians observe the practice of leaving some Christmas decorations up untilCandlemas.Back to Snowdrops, which are also known as Candlemas Bells because they oftenbloom early in the year and they are also believed, more recently, to symbolise hope -so our Dads were really quite thoughtful not just two Yorkshire men saving money!

Turning over a new LEAFI had a driving licence (initially a provisional one) since shortly after my 17th birthday andover those years have had a variety of cars, either my own or, in some cases, suppliedby my employer. The majority of these cars have been petrol driven although morerecently I switched to diesel power, based on the economics of the diesel engine and theadvice that they emitted less less noxious gases. Sadly as far as the question ofemissions I, along with many others, was “conned” by the Volkswagen group.As the years have gone by I have been increasingly concerned by the changes to ourclimate and the increasing scientific evidence that our actions are exacerbating theproblem. While there are those that discount the views of the scientists I had a scientificeducation and have a great respect for those who have, in many cases, made it theirlife’s work to explore the causes and effects of “climate change”. My principal concern isnot for myself but for may family and in particular my grandchildren as all the evidencesuggests that, unless we make changes, they will be left a very different and, in my view,dangerous world.And so, for this reason I have explored alternative fuels for my vehicles. At one time Ithought of having my car modified to run on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) as a way ofreducing the amount of CO2 emitted. For many years, at the back of my mind, has beenthe idea of an electric car - but surely they haven’t the range? When John and GinaBlackbond began to arrive at church in their Toyota Prius “hybrid” car I thought “nice ideabut no use to us as we need more electric range to make any real difference to ourcarbon footprint”.However views change. Initially I had thought that there were two problems:- 1. The question of range - I felt that a minimum of 200 miles was what I needed. 2. The price of the cars - new ones very expensive and worries about the state of the batteries in secondhand ones.In 2018 we had a carpenter build some bookshelves and cupboards in our lounge. Inconversation I discovered that he had both an electric car and an electric van and wasvery pleased with them. In fact he had just replaced his car with a new one. This got methinking and while we were on holiday in Scotland last Autumn we did a lot of readingand discovered that the batteries in electric cars were not degrading nearly as much ashad been supposed might be the case - meaning that a second hand car could still havemuch of its original range. Kim and I also concluded that many of our journeys are localand therefore a battery range of 60 miles could be perfectly adequate for something like50% of our driving.Last November we took the plunge and went to test drive a 5 year old Nissan Leaf withan original quoted range of something like 84 miles. Our experience of it to date hasbeen very good with us driving something over 100 miles each week and clocking up1,000 miles in the first two months. We still have our diesel “Yeti” for longer journeys but

the “Leaf” will halve our annual motoring carbon footprint if things continue as they have.We are fortunate that we have off street parking which means that we can charge the carat home which is much easier and less worry than having to charge elsewhere - perhapsat Lakeside - and charging is really easy either from a 13 amp socket or the “EV”charging socket that we have had installed. Quite apart from reducing our carbonfootprint the car is cheaper to run with no vehicle tax and lower fuel costs. So far itseems to be a “win / win”.

Chris Ford

Remembering Anne Frank and her diaryAnne Frank, the Dutch Jewish diarist and Holocaust victim, died 75 years ago, inFebruary 1945, in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp at the age of 15 – probably fromtyphus. She is known for writing The Diary of a Young Girl, an account of how she andseven others were hidden in a secret annex to escape the Nazis.The group had been arrested the previous August, and only Anne’s father Ottosurvived the war. At first it was believed they had been betrayed, but it is now thoughtpossible that they were discovered by accident.The Diary, which Anne – who was born in Germany – started writing at the age of 13, isthe story of how ordinary people risked their lives to help those in need, but it says littleabout the unclear relationship the Dutch had with Nazi Germany. Up to 80% of theDutch Jewish population were killed during the war – the second highest percentageafter Poland.The diary, which had been kept safe by Otto’s secretary, Miep Gies, was published inEnglish in 1952 and has since been translated into more than 60 languages. The AnneFrank House, a museum in Amsterdam, opened in May 1960. Asteroid 5535 Annefrankwas named in Anne’s honour in 1995.And….remembering Eric Liddell – Olympic gold medallist and prisoner of warEric Liddell, the Scottish athlete who became a 400-metre Olympic gold medallist in1924, died 75 years ago, on 21st February 1945, in a Japanese internment camp inChina. He was 43 and had a brain tumour.Because of his Christian convictions he had withdrawn from the 100-metre heats in the1924 Paris Olympics because they took place on a Sunday. He entered the 400-metreheats instead – and won.He also got bronze in the 200 metres, where he finished ahead of his Jewish team-mate Harold Abrahams, the 100-metre gold medallist. Their story is told in the classic1981 film, Chariots of Fire.Born in China to missionary parents, Liddell went to boarding school for 12 years atEltham College, South London, where he continues to be recognised as inspirational.He was always an outstanding sportsman but never failed to put God first. He returnedto China after studying pure science at Edinburgh University and married a Canadianmissionary, Florence Mackenzie.

FROM THE JANUARY MEETING OF THE P.C.C.The PCC met at St. Francis on the 7th

January at 7.30pm. All members werepresent with the exception of Norman,Janice and Kim who had providedapologies. The minutes of the meeting on19th November were accepted as a truerecord.Under “matters arising” Sheila reported, inNorman’s absence, that Peter Chandlerhad agreed to examine the Parish’saccounts for another year and that the£7,000 grant money from the London Overthe Border fund had been transferred tothe Special Purposes Fund as it does notform part of our general funds. In regard tothe possibility of St. Catherine’s beingused as a training venue for Revd.Michèle’s hospital it was agreed that acharge of £20 per hour for a morning orafternoon session and £100 for a full daywould be made. Revd. Michèle wouldadvise the hospital accordingly.In her remarks Revd. Michèle said thatduring November and December inaddition to regular services she hadconducted the Service of Remembrance atCoalhouse Fort, led the Christingle serviceat East Tilbury Primary School and theScouts and Guides carol service at StCatherine’s. She had also attended aGovernor’s meeting at East TilburyPrimary School and has now been formallyapproved and is serving as a CommunityGovernor on the Governing Body. Michèleand Robin attended the carols in WestTilbury (in the rain) followed byrefreshment in the village hall. She hadconducted two funerals. To date bookingsfor 2020 stand at 6 baptisms, 5 weddings

and 1 renewal of wedding vows.In his Churchwarden’s report Colinadvised that the electrical survey of St.Catherine’s would be carried out on 14th

January.In her report Kathy said that the ElectoralRoll now had 57 names after 3 had beenremoved and 7 added.With regard to pastoral care in the parish itwas noted that Revd. Michèle and DavidGunn had made several visits.When considering the church buildingsand churchyard matters it was agreed tohold a separate meeting to discuss theoutstanding points from the latestquinquennial survey. The postponedmeeting with Nathan Whitehead (from theDiocese) to discuss the West Tilburychurchyard proposal was now arranged for22nd January,The meeting reviewed the ChristmasBazaar and the various Christmasservices. All were well attended and betterthat last year. It was suggested that wemight hold a “mini” bazaar at St. Francisnext year after the main bazaar.Under “AOB” Patricia advised somechanges to the St. Francis bookings.Revd. Michèle advised that the ChurchRepresentation Rules now gave adeadline for the annual meetings of theend of May rather than the end of April. Adate for our meeting needs to be agreed. Itwas agreed that the money donated inmemory of Sue Spiers should be used topurchase a pair of smaller candlesticks forthe chancel altar.The date of the next meeting was set asTuesday 3rd March at 7.30pm at StFrancis.

PARISH DIARY FOR FEBRUARYOur Sunday services are at St. Catherine’s

2 Feb Presentation of Christ in the Temple - CandlemasFamily Service led by Revd Michèle 10.00amHoly Communion & blessing of candles with Revd. Michèle 4.00pm

5 Feb Holy Communion at St Francis 10.00am Community “Drop In” at St Francis 10.30am - noon 6 Feb Foodbank at St. Francis 11.00am - 1.00pm

9 Feb 3rd Sunday before Lent Parish Communion 10.00am Baptism of Frankie-Lee Thomas Down 12 noon

11 Feb Bible Study at St. Francis 7.30pm 12 Feb Holy Communion (St Francis) 10.00am Community “Drop In” at St. Francis 10.30am - noon 13 Feb Foodbank at St. Francis 11.00am - 1.00pm

16 Feb 2nd Sunday before LentParish Communion 10.00amBaptism of Chloe Crickmay 12.30pmCommittal of ashes in the churchyard - June Hutson 3.00pm

19 Feb Holy Communion (St Francis) 10.00amCommunity “Drop In” at St Francis 10.30am - noon

20 Feb Foodbank at St. Francis 11.00am - 1.00pm

23 Feb Sunday before LentParish Communion 10.00amBaptism service 12 noon

25 Feb Shrove Tuesday pancake evening at St. Francis 6.30pm 26 Feb Ash Wednesday Holy Communion (St Francis) 10.00am

Community “Drop In” at St Francis 10.30am - noonHoly Communion with “ashing” 7.30pm

27 Feb Foodbank at St. Francis 11.00am - 1.00pmWELCOM forum meet at Linford Methodist Church 7.00pm

HedgesA hedge around your property is good for you. A recent study has found that the humblehedge, when in full leaf, can cut air pollution around it by up to half.A recent study by the University of Guildford measured traffic pollutants on either side ofa hedge in a park on the road to Guildford. The survey found that the level of particulatepollutions – those tiny particles of soot and other matter that cause illness – was cut byhalf after the hedge reached full leaf in April.So – if your home is along a busy road, grow a hedge!

FROM ST. CATHERINE’S PARISH REGISTERSBaptisms 12 Jan Calayla, Carmine & Ismael Dosoo.Committal of ashes NoneFuneral None

Important Update from the Thames Crossing Action Group

As you know we have been predicting a Supplementary Consultation for a while now,

and today Highways England have announced they will be launching it on Weds 29th

January 2020. The consultation will run 8 weeks until Weds 25th March 2020.

They have provided some details of info events, deposit locations, and info points, on

their website https://highwaysengland.co.uk/lower-thames-crossing-consultation2020/,

but the real info and documentation of what the changes will be that they are consulting

on will not be available until the launch day.

We are busy adding the info they have provided to our website right now, and will bring

up further updates via our website, social media and newsletters as soon as we can,

but wanted to alert you to the Supplementary Consultation as quickly as we could!

It is extremely important that as many people respond to the consultation as possible

please. The huge response to the Statutory Consultation has already delayed their

plans by a year, and the fact they are holding a supplementary consultation should

mean some significant changes will be announced.

They DO NOT have permission yet. They are aiming to submit their Development

Consent Order application later this year. If that application is accepted, it will then go

through an Examination period, before ultimately the Sectretary of State for Transport

will decide whether to grant the DCO or not. Until such time as DCO is granted

Highways England do not have permission to legally start construction of the proposed

Lower Thames Crossing.

Chris Ford44, Northumberland RoadLinfordStanford le HopeSS17 0PUTel: 01375 675863e-mail: pewtalk@talktalk.net

The Priest in chargeREVD. MICHÈLE MARSHALLThe Rectory24, Somerset Road, LinfordStanford-le-HopeEssex, SS17 0QA.Telephone: 01375 671754 email: mjmarshall@fastmail.co.uk

PEWTALK Editor

The ServicesSunday 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion service at St. Catherine’s Except 1st Sunday of the month when we have “The Family Service”Wednesday 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion at St. FrancisFor Baptisms, Weddings or Funerals please contact the Priest in Charge.

St. Francis CentreThe centre is available for hire forregular events when not used bythe Church. To check availabilityplease contact:

PATRICIA STRONGpatricia.a.strong@outlook.com

The ChurchwardenCOLIN STRONG T: 07591 708955E:- warden.colin.stcatherines@gmail.com

Pastoral AssistantDavid Gunn T: 01375 768202