St Mary the Blesssed Virgin Magazine March 2026

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• March 2026St Mary's Parish Magazine No. 1374
• Who's Who at St Mary'sVicar Assistant Priest
• Page 3From the Curate's Desk/Edward's Farewell. From the Editor's Desk / .....
• From the Curate's DeskThis month we will become increasingly aware that spring is with us. As I write this in February there are signs of new life emerging with the snowdrops popping up in the garden. But they weren't the first signs of colour; some tiny little violets beat them to it this year, along with one of our roses that grow by the patio which has begun to bloom already, and I've seen a mass of bright crocuses beside the Shirley Library. Now, even though it is Lent, we can see in creation the signs of the renewal of life and the reminder of the eternal hope we have in resurrection.
• Page 5A Line from Luna... I love going for walks with Mummy &/or Daddy especially in the spring when all the scents are fresher and much clearer. I notice people smile more when the weather is warmer and when the sun shines. The sky is bluer, the grass is greener and the local wood pigeons trot on the lawn as if saying come and chase me!
• From the Editor's DeskIt's been a while but Spring seems to have arrived as the hours of daylight lengthen and spring flowers begin to bloom, putting the recent downpours out of our minds. So here's hoping this issue will put a spring into your every day life. 420
• Mother's Day QuizAs Mother's Day falls of 15th March I thought what better than a quiz to celebrate that special day. Don't tell anyone else your answers Remember, mum's the word. Good luck. PB 1.What day of the week does Mother's Day always fall on?
• From The Parish Registers8th March 28th March
• Prayer ListIn the absence of the weekly “Pews news”, a prayer list has been created and you are kindly asked to hold the following in your Thoughts and Prayers. We especially pray for ;-
• Daily Bible Readings and PrayersMarch 2026 Silence and stillness, times for reflection and meditation, and a moment within each day to offer our prayers and concerns to God for ourselves, our community and our world are vital if we are to sustain our busy and active lives. Try to find space at the same time each day to be with God by yourself, just for five or ten minutes. You might like to follow this simple
• Sunday 15 March - Mothering SundayGrant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Sunday 22 March -The Fifth Sunday of Lent
• Sat 7Sun 8 Mon 9 Tue 10 Wed II
• Thur 26 Fri 27Psalms 40, 125 or 14-16 Exodus 9.13-end Hebrews 12.14-end Psalms 22, 126 or 17, 19 Exodus 10 Hebrews 13.1-16 Psalms 23, 127 or 20, 21, 23 Exodus || Hebrews 13.17-end
• Teenagers and CatsHave you ever thought how much teenagers can be like cats? Staying with my nephews over the Christmas holiday got me thinking: Neither teenagers nor cats turn their heads when you call them. No matter what you do for them, it's never enough. Both expect you to wait on them hand and foot. You rarely see a cat walking outside with an adult. Likewise, teenagers wouldn't want to be seen in public with their parents. Cats and teenagers can lie on the settee for hours on end without moving... and barely breathing.
• PROFESSIONALS IN HOME PAINTINGOUR PORTFOLIO O @GOULDDFLTD
• Page 16The Institution and Induction of the Reverend Mo Amos Budd by Dr Christopher J. Parker as Vicar of Saint Francis at The Engine Room, Tottenham Hale, Wednesday, 4th February 2026 Debbie and I were delighted to be among those able to attend the Institution and Induction of Rev'd Mo as they began their incumbency at Saint Francis at The Engine Room. As the newest church in the Diocese of London—completed in October 2017―St Francis was the first new Anglican church in London for over 40 years. And in Saint Francis, I genuinely believe God has found the ideal priest to minister in his name: the match between priest and parish feels so perfect it's as though Mo were preordained to be there.
• Page 17There's no definitive published interpretation, but the hand-carved, painted relief—about 5 metres by 3 metres-speaks powerfully. To me, it feels on one level like a cosmic machine: breath, timber, fire, community, sacramental rhythm. On another level, it's multiple eyes-an entire theology of perception, belonging, divine gaze and communal seeing. On the south wall is an equally remarkable Stations of the Cross- garish in places, disturbing in others, but undeniably arresting. Inside, the church was a hive of activity: bishop, clergy and laity darting about in a last-minute flurry. But by the time the service began, all was calm. The Right Reverend Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Bishop of Edmonton, presided. The procession entered to He Has Made Me Glad, and after the bishop's welcome we settled into a familiar Church of England Eucharist. The Gloria was sung to the Clapping Gloria, which certainly woke everyone up.
• Page 18As tradition dictates, the new incumbent then led their new parish in the intercessions. After the Peace, we sang This Is Amazing Grace, and the bishop led us into the Eucharistic Prayer. Communion was shared while a beautiful rendition of the Taizé Bless the Lord, My Soul was sung by a soloist, gently and harmoniously supported by the congregation.
• Tree of the Month: The English OakIn Latin I am Quercus. I am the mighty oak, the king of the woodland, a pillar of hard timber and deep reaching roots. My bark is a thick rugged skin of greyish brown, deeply furrowed with age for I can live for 300 or more years. My wood is hard and durable. My seed is the small acorn which sits in its own cup. Humans have a saying: 'From tiny acorns mighty oaks grow.' How true. I am home to hundreds of animal species from tiny beetles and caterpillars to squirrels and birds, like the jay who bury my acorns for their winter foodstore. Humans have long revered me. They call me a symbol of strength and endurance. They tell tales of their ancestors. The ancient Druids held sacred gatherings under my spreading green canopy in which they conducted strange rituals. They sought wisdom from the white mistletoe berries that grow high up in my branches.
• Clowning AroundThe service honours the legacy of Joseph Grimaldi, the father of modern clowning. Since 1946 clowns from all over the world have attended this service to celebrate Grimaldi's life and the artistry of clowning. Born in 1788 Grimaldi popularised the role of the white-faced clown in British pantomime as well as their energetic slapstick routines. He came up with many catch-phrases on stage, such as 'Here we are again!' and the mischievous ‘Shall I?' prompting the audience to reply with an enthusiastic 'YES!' (In that respect he was the Bruce Forsyth of his day.) He also made a pun of his surname telling the audience, 'I'm grim all day, but I make you laugh at night.' (Get it? Grim-al-di was 'grim all day' because of the joint pains he suffered from performing acrobatics on stage.) Today, many clowns are called 'Joey' in his honour.' The congregation was made up of all ages, with many children and adults still wishing to show their inner-child. Some people put on full 'slap' (the term Joseph Grimaldi clowns use for their painted faces). I wore my red jumper and a red nose which I kept from a past Red Nose Day. (Lucky I still had it.)
• Page 21After the prayer for thankfulness and forgiveness a clown read Grimaldi's last speech said on stage at Drury Lane Theatre in 1828. After his very successful career on stage as a clown, making people laugh with his comedic phrases and energetic tumbles he was forced to retire at thirty through crippling arthritis. After his retirement he fell on hard times. In his speech he said (quote) ....'"Like vaulting ambition I have overleaped myself and pay the penalty in advanced old age. It is four years since I jumped my last jump, filched my last oyster, last oyster, boiled my last sausage and set in for retirement' This was followed by everyone singing 'Be Still for the Presence of the Lord' which helped to focus the mind on the reflective part of the service, in which Rev. Laura read out the names of clowns who had passed away during 2025... names such as Mr. Pan (USA), Jack Buckle (UK), Dubbo (USA) and Jam Buttie (UK). A candle of remembrance was lit for each clown. I suppose you could say that they have all gone to join that great clown circus in the sky.
• Addington / Croydon tower outingValentines Day! That's risky then, but eighteen ringers and friends set off on a lovely sunny but cold day for a trip to north Kent. Our winter outings tend to be short and low key with only three towers scheduled and a long pub lunch. Our first tower was a delightful six at Chalk near Gravesend, where the ringing was good and varied. Three new bells were installed in 1998 and the 5th dated back to 1348. This was followed by the short trip to Shorne, a 9cwt six with a long draft and plain bearings. Much more challenging and a sense of achievement when correctly struck.
• Page 23HOME REMEDIES
• MOTHERSUNION families Christian care for Thursday 5th March 2pm - celebrating our mums
• In Like a Leo, Out Like an AriesThe Month of March You may have heard the weather proverb, “If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb," meaning that if the month starts off stormy, it will end with mild weather. There is, however, a different interpretation: The constellation Leo, the lion, rises in the east at the beginning of March. Thus, the month "comes in like a lion," while Aries, the ram, sets in the west at the end of the month, and hence, the month “will go out like a lamb."
• List of our AdvertisersPLEASE GIVE THEM YOUR SUPPORT Rowland Brothers funeral director
• Amusing Church SignsHere are some signs seen outside churches to give passers-by food for thought and maybe a little chuckle, too. PB
• Page 28Does God Smile? During Jesus's three year ministry on earth, he preached the gospel of God's love for all the people of the world - a perfect love of mercy, grace and forgiveness. He was even willing to shoulder our sins knowing his action would lead to the cross, the criminals death of crucifixion. With his loving nature, I am sure he greeted the people he met with a friendly smile, which may have in- spired Spike Milligan to share these thoughts;-
• Copy DeadlinesYou may find it useful to know the deadlines for the next edition, in order to plan ahead: Copy date for April magazine 23rd March 2026 Please e-mail your contributions to Phil at [email protected]
• Page 3030 SPRINGTIME PRAISE
• Page 31Butter yellow petals... moons aglow, Primrose flowers in profusion grow. On grassy green emerald banks Shining bright to show their thanks, By putting on a resplendent show. Woodland seas of bluebells ring, High in the trees birds sweetly sing. With thankful hearts let us all rejoice, Praising God with every voice...
• Page 32The Roads of the Parish of St Mary the Blessed Virgin, Addington by Dr Christopher J. Parker, Part 2 (D-K) Danebury is a street name that recalls ancient, fortified places, blending Viking and Iron Age associations with suburban identity. "Dane" refers to the Danes, the Viking peoples who raided and settled parts of England in the early medieval period. “Bury”, from Old English burh ("fortified place" or "stronghold"), is common in English place-names (e.g. Salisbury, Banbury). While evocative, the name may be more of a suburban borrowing from famous Iron Age hillforts (e.g. Danebury in Hampshire) than a direct Viking reference. Therefore, Danebury symbolises resilience, continuity, and the deep roots of settlement embedded in the landscape.
• Page 33"Featherbed" was used ironically, for muddy or difficult roads, where the name was a joke against the reality. Either way, it preserves the rural and perhaps humorous heritage of the locality within the modern suburban landscape. Fernwood is a street name that means "woodland of ferns.” “Fern❞ refers to the fern plant, abundant in shaded, damp woodlands across Surrey. In folklore, ferns symbolise secrecy, resilience, and hidden beauty thriving in quiet places. Fernwood preserves the botanical and pastoral heritage of the locality within the modern suburban estate, symbolising resilience, hidden beauty, and continuity with the natural landscape.
• Page 34steep-sided depression in the landscape, common in southern England, particularly Surrey, Kent, and Sussex, where chalk downs and wooded valleys shaped settlement. The name preserves the natural and folkloric heritage of the locality within the modern suburban estate, symbolising resilience, cunning, and rootedness in the landscape. Friarswood is a street name that means "woodland of the friars.” It preserves both the ecclesiastical and pastoral heritage of the locality within the modern suburban estate, symbolising spirituality, rootedness, and continuity with the landscape. It is across the valley from Monk's Hill, so named because that area was historically linked to monastic land under ecclesiastical ownership. Croydon was deeply tied to the Church: the Archbishops of Canterbury held Croydon Palace and later Addington Palace, and much of the surrounding land was under ecclesiastical control.
• Page 35prominent ridge in Croydon. The area was historically known as Priple- deane or Prible Dean, meaning “Gravel Valley” in Middle English (prebel : gravel, dene valley). The modern name Gravel Hill is a direct continuation of this description, emphasising the land's stony composition. Its name continues the medieval description of the area as "Gravel Valley," and it has long been a key route to Addington Palace and the surrounding estates. The name embodies both the physical geology and the historical significance of this landmark road. The Green was named for the traditional village green the communal open space at the heart of settlement. It preserves the rural and parish heritage of the locality within the modern suburban estate, symbolising fellowship, continuity, and rootedness in the landscape.
• Page 36Holmbury Grove is a street name that means "grove by the holm oak settlement." "Holm”, an old English and Norse word meaning island or dry land in a marsh, but in place-names it often refers to the holm oak (Quercus ilex), a Mediterranean evergreen introduced to Britain and widely planted in estates. In Surrey, "Holm" is frequently associated with groves of oak or wooded uplands. Hiwever, "Holm" can mean several things (island, holm oak, dry land), so the exact intended meaning in Croydon's context is uncertain. Therefore, Holmbury Grove preserves both the woodland heritage of Surrey and the dignified antiquity of "bury," symbolising rootedness, antiquity, and pastoral charm within the modern suburban estate. Huntingfield is a street name that means "field of the hunt." It preserves both the natural heritage of Surrey's game-rich landscape and the aristocratic tradition of hunting within the modern suburban estate, symbolising nobility, pursuit, and continuity with the land. Legend says that King Henry VIII is believed to have had a hunting lodge at Addington, and King Henry's Drive in New Addington is a modern reminder of this. This is often tied in with him romancing Anne Boleyn. Unfortunately, modern evidence suggests otherwise.
• CHILDREN'S PAGEPALM SUNDAY Palm Sunday is on 29th March this year.
• Page 38WOW!! Thanks, o community, for your amazing response to our latest eco-initiative! I expected a trickle to expand gradually, but what I got was an avalanche! I had no doubt that we consumed a lot of medicaments between us (it sometimes feels like a competition - I'm on six a day and I'm amazingly fit and healthy!) but I thought it might be harder to convince us to take the trouble and then to remember to bring the blisters to church. But I had two big carrier- bags full by the end of the first week and the box in the porch still needs to be emptied most weeks.
• Page 39We will guide you every step of the way, offering you support, care and reassurance at a time when you need it most... Chapels of Rest for all Religious Denominations • Specialists in Worldwide Repatriation Services • All Memorial & Stone Work Carried Out
• ADDINGTONSISHOPS WALK ROYAL