St Mary the Blesssed Virgin Magazine October 2026

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• St Mary’s Parish MagazineNo. 1380 October 2026
• Who s Who at St Mary sVicar Assistant Priest Reader Churchwarden Churchwarden Southwark Pastoral Auxiliary Southwark Pastoral Auxiliary Southwark Pastoral Auxiliary Director of Music Head of Servers Treasurer PCC Secretary Gift Aid Secretary Safeguarding Officer In Vacancy The Rev’d Barbara Gentilella Lindsay Ould Lyn Clark Peter Wilson Pat Heady Karen Holloway Peter Wilson Dr Christopher Parker Lindsay Ould James Robinson Debbie Parker Claire Shapiro Liz Hook
• ContentsNo 1380 From the Curate’s desk…………………......…..….……….…..……….…........4/5 From the Editor’s Desk …………… ……………….…………………..…….....6 Vacancy Prayer…………………………………...…………………………..…...7 Hall Development report………………………………...………………...…….8 The Tree………………………………………………………………………...10 Parish records…….……..…………………....……..……….....…….....……..12/13 Daily Prayers and Bible readings..…………….…………..……..………….....14/17 Elephants in the room …………………………………….………………….....18 Autumn Quiz…………………………………………………………………….19 Chidren’s Page…………………………………………………………………..20 Ghastly jokes…………….……………….………………..…….………….........22 Charity of the Month…………………………………………………………...23 Daisies & Buttercups……………………………………….…………...……24/25 God Loves………………………………………………………………….…….26 Autumn…..……………………..….……………………….………………....30/31 Tree of the month……………………………………………………..……..32/33 Mothers’ Union………………………………………………..…..…………34/35
• Page 4From the Curate’s Desk I like to think of life as a journey, an experience of constantly moving on, and I am very glad that just around the corner there may be the possibility of some great surprise awaiting me of which I have no premonition. Of course, the surprise awaiting me may not necessarily be a pleasant one; it may bring many challenges to me, but the fact that I am blissfully unaware of those impending challenges is in itself a comfort. I would rather not know what is going to happen, but there is a sense in which I do look forward to facing whatever surprises may await me. To me that is part of the thrill of living, the uncertainty of it all. This particular time of year is a time when we become aware of that sense of movement and journey as we watch young children going to school for the first time, or perhaps older children moving schools. Then there is that particularly challenging moment when young people go away to University and College, and parents realise that they are no longer ‘their’ children, but very much independent young adults (who still have a habit of returning home at times of need, financial or otherwise). All of these events are reminders of how life changes, and there is perhaps a sadness at seeing that change in the lives of children and young people, and realising that as their life has moved on, so has ours. Despite the fact that change is all around us we are often not very enthusiastic about it, we would rather that things stayed as they were. Perhaps that instinctive opposition is a particular characteristic of an affluent society; perhaps a poorer society has a greater ability to embrace change as it sees that change as a way out of poverty, or perhaps there is some much deeper aversion to change within each one of us. There are times when the Church is seen to champion lack of change, when it focuses exclusively on an unchangeable God and rituals which go back millennia, and that championing of ‘lack of change’ or permanence might be seen as being faithful to the historic Christian message. But there are other times when change is embraced by the Church as a gradual revealing of God’s hidden purpose for his people and his world. There have been times throughout history when the Church has championed change in areas of education, healthcare and in social concern, to name but a few examples, and without the embracing of change at those times society would not have progressed, and the 4
• Page 5standards which are taken for granted in this era would not have been reached. Our advert for a new Vicar will close now in October and eventually when someone is appointed changes will come in the future, so that St Mary’s may grow and thrive. St Mary’s is facing a time of change, and such change brings about insecurity amongst the faithful. It is sometimes hard to see where that change is leading us and the uncertainty can make us lose hope. But the hope of the Church is and always has been hope in a God who is not constrained by time, who is both unchangeable and constantly changing. If we are able to place our insecurities about where we are going on our individual and corporate journeys onto God, then we will be released to appreciate that God is leading us forward and that God will strengthen us to face whatever challenges we must face in the future of this changing world and changing Church. Look forward to the future because God is there just as he is there in the past and the present. with love Barbara
• From the Editor s DeskHooray, Hooray we have an October magazine. So what I can hear you ask? Well, for the last 20 years or so the Magazine has been put together using Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft have decided as from October to discontinue support for this programme, possibly we got in in the nick of time. Only time will tell especially when it comes to the November issue, so dear readers fingers crossed please. Well, that’ enough of the technical side of things, now on to more interesting things. We are currently in the early days of Autumn, meteorologically speaking, although given the warm temperatures over the past few days, it’s hard to believe it is not Summer. Therefore you will not be surprised to find some Autumnal articles, including a quiz from our resident roving reporter and as this is also the time of Harvest the Children's page is falls into this season. Autumn also is the time when nature gives us wonderful and colourful displays of trees changing colour before they fall gracefully to the ground. An example of such a tree can be found on page 32. I hope I am not giving too much away when I mention some sign of life has been found around the stump of a well loved tree. Another “Tree” article can be found on page10, having read it, does it resonate with you? Elephants in the room, is a term often used for problems that one chooses to ignore. The article on page 18 cannot however be ignored owing to the wonderful example set by two men, miles from home. I will say no more, read it and smile, I did. Hallowe’en arrives at the end of October and to get you in the mood (or not) there is a page of ghastly and ghoulish jokes. I believe there are posters that can be put on ones door advising Hallowe’en callers not to call. Similarly if no pumpkins are placed outside the property then this should stop “trick or treaters” A report from the Hall Development committee to the PCC is printed on page 8, outlining the current and forward position relating to the Hall. As a reminder of Summer, buttercups, daisies and chains not only made me think of Summer but took me back to my salad days. You will I am sure see that this issue has fewer pages than normal, this is due to lack of copy, so please feel free to send in articles on whatever subject, small, large, serious or plain silly. Eddy Torr
• Vacancy PrayerSt Mary the Blessed Virgin,Addington Village .2026 Let us Pray
• Page 8Readers of this magazine will be sad to learn that the Hall Development rd Team reported to the PCC on 23 September the following. The PCC has approved the report and the decisions mentioned.
• Page 9have been involved in planning and fundraising and researching what would have been a beautiful new building, fulfilling the dreams of those who planned it by its sustainability, pleasant environment and usefulness to the wider community. We hope at least some of these dreams can be fulfilled in the near future, albeit in a more modest way. We hope we’ll all continue to fundraise and to use the Hall as best we can to serve the wider community as well as to host church events. Wednesday Walkers
• THE TREERecently the Hilary's Reading Group and others have read the wonderful book, 'The Island of Missing Trees' by Elif Schafak, and the following text seems appropriate. Both have thoughts from trees! 'Lord, there are parts of me, which, when they are buried and unseen, seem harmless and perhaps innocent. In fact, I am unaware of them. It is only when these deeply hidden parts of me begin to reveal themselves that it all becomes rather frightening. These roots of my human nature, when they are exposed to myself, and to other people, seem twisted and even menacing. Safely hidden beneath the surface, they do not worry me, but when they are dragged out into the open, I just do not know what they mean. The well known features of myself that have become familiar over the years, may change a bit from time to time, with different moods and seasons. But on the whole I have weathered through, and I have become used to myself. Now, these strange shapes coming up from below suggest that there is more to my life than I knew, and I am not sure that I like what I see. At times I feel it would be better to cut myself loose from all that earthly meds which I do not understand. There is enough to contend with in keeping a grip on things as they are, giving and receiving from life so that I may survive. If only I could get rid of those tangled knots, which are much better out of sight and out of mind. But Lord you are saying that these very threatening shapes are a source of life and energy to me, that I must learn to love and in keep in touch with them. You say that all of this is me, even if, at first, I don't like the look of some of it. Is it possible that my old familiar self needs these roots, whatever shape they are? Light and shadow belong together to make the whole of me. If this is so, Lord, help me to be unafraid, and courageous enough to accept these dark parts of myself, and to believe that you can give me life through their mysterious shapes and patterns. Help me to recognise and keep in touch with all sources of life, even those which at first look like death.'
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• From The Parish Registers10th October 12th October 20th October 25th October BIRTHDAYS Teddy Healey Lara Sabina Granahan Daphne Hills Henry Davison
• 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 ; Patrick Opaleye Jean Parker Lyn Docherty Peter Crowe Peter Jan and Tony Hughes Baby Frankie David Outten Clive Taylor Nick Pannell Jim Collins Bruno Gentilella Ruth and Tony Baby Poppy Barry Allie Barry Sandeep Phil Stevens Eilian Williams Ekaete Doris Pratt Rex Millen
• Daily Bible Readings and Prayers October2026Silence 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 daily routine: PRAYERS
• Sunday 18th October 20th Sunday after TrinityO Almighty and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things that thou wouldst have done; through Jesus Christ or Lord. Sunday 25th October The Last Sunday after Trinity
• Fri 9Psalms 88, (95) 2 Kings 12.1 19 Sat 10 Psalms 96, 97, 100 2 Kings 17.1 23
• Sun 25Bible Sunday Nehemiah 8.1 4a [5 6] 8 12 Colossians 3.12 17
• Elephants in the Room by Stephen DaviesThe date 1944. The place Ampthill, a small market town a few miles south of Bedford. In the beautiful natural park behind our house, a campsite for German prisoners of war was built. My mother, who had recently given birth to me (poor woman!) attended the local church, where the rector exhorted the parishioners to show some Christian charity by inviting prisoners to their homes and giving them meals superior to what would be dished up at the camp. My mother duly obliged and two Germans, Walther and Lotar, came to our house, and for several years became part of our family. (My brother and I addressed them as “Uncle”). However, the Olympic Games were due to take place in London in 1948, by which time all prisoners of war were to be returned to their native countries. Walther and Lotar wanted to thank my parents for their kindness over the previous four years but had nothing to give them as a present. So they went out into the woods that surrounded their camp (and still do!) and brought back some solid lumps of wood. Armed with only table knives, they cut the wood and shaped it into 2 elephants, beautifully carved. They used small chicken bones for the tusks and eyes of the animals, put them on two L shaped blocks to form book ends and used black shoe polish on the elephants’ bodies. Finally they cut out sections of their bed blankets and stuck them onto the book ends to serve as a kind of felt to protect my parents’ furniture. What a gift! We still have these lovely elephants in our living room and showed them to some of the Wednesday Walkers when they came to our house recently for coffee on their way back from the “tram stop” walk. They were astonished by the skillful carving achieved with such basic tools! PS Lotar became a lifelong friend of the family. My mother (who was initially embarrassed by her inability to converse in German with the prisoners, who spoke little or no English) learned German and became fluent in the language and exchanged letters with Lotar frequently until her death in 2014.
• Autumn Quiz compiled by Peter BourneAfter you’ve swept up all the Autumn leaves its time to sit down for a well earned rest, so put your feet up and have a go at my ‘All things Autumnal’ quiz. Good luck. PB 1.When is the official start of Autumn? (a) When the first leaves fall off st the trees (b) the 1 of September (c) the Autumn Equinox 2. ‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ is the first line of Keats well known poem about poem Autumn. What is its title? (a) Autumn (b) Ode to Autumn Ode
• Page 20CHILDREN’S PAGE HARVEST TIME Count up how many of each type of fruit there are: Write how many of each fruit in the squares below:
• Independent Family Funeral Directors and Monumental Masons Founded 1877CROYDON 1, Norfolk House, Wellesley Road, CR0 1LH Tel: 020 8688 1447 or 2003 and SELSDON/SANDERSTEAD 175 Selsdon Park Road, South Croydon CR2 8JJ . Tel: 020 8657 3616 Chapel of Rest 24 hour service. Free parking in centre of Croydon. Funeral plans www.jbshakespearefunerals.co.uk
• Page 22An old Cornish rhyme goes like this: ‘From ghoulies and ghosties and long leggedly beasties, and things that go bump in the night…May the good Lord, deliver us! This being the month of Hallowe’en, I thought you might like some rib tickling jokes to amooooose you: Ghastly ghostly jokes: Why are ghosts bad at lying? You can see right through them What is a ghost’s favourite dessert? Ice scream! Where does a ghost go on holiday? Mali boo! Why did the ghost go to the bar? For the boos Rib tickling skeleton jokes: What is a skeleton’s favourite snack? Ribs Where are skeletons the most ticklish? Their funny bone What is a ghost’s favourite fruit? Booberries What room can’t a skeleton enter? The living room Blood curdling vampire jokes: Why did the vampire go to the doctor? She couldn’t stop coffin Why don’t vampires have any friends? They’re a pain in the neck What is a vampire’s favourite fruit? Neck tarine Why are vampires so easy to trick? Because they’re suckers Spell binding witch jokes: What type of eye make up do witches wear? Mas scare a What do you call two witches living together? Broom mates What do you call it when witches are optimistic? Witchful thinking What do you call a fast broomstick? A vroom stick compiled by Peter Bourne 22
• ContactThis month’s charity is a local one Contact in Selsdon. They provide support for the Selsdon Community through a variety of means. Such as offering transport for visits to hospital, shopping or to the dentist. Regular outings, monthly coffee morning. Practical help with paperwork such as blue badge applications etc. Croydon Council recently cut funding the charity due to their own financial difficulties, so all donations for the charity is much appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact them at Selsdon Community Centre, 132 Addington Road, Selsdon South Croydon CR2 8LA
• Page 24Daisies and Buttercups One day during last summer I was sitting in a canvas chair outside my flat. I happened to glance down and saw a profusion of white daisies and golden yellow buttercups growing in the grass. The first verse of a hymn came into my head that we sang a lot at infant school in the 1950s. ‘Daisies are our silver, Buttercups our gold: This is all the treasure We can have or hold.’ I couldn’t remember the rest of the hymn so I googled it and up it came:
• Page 25Bright and Beautiful.’ However, the words of ‘Daisies Are Oue Silver…’ are far more sophisticated in that they don’t just describe what the eye can see, they are metaphors. They are not saying buttercups are like gold, for example, they are saying buttercups ARE gold, I loved the way it compared nature… the flowers, grass and raindrops …to precious gems. As I grew older I saw the words had a deeper meaning: nature, like these gemstones, is very precious to us for God created both. For me, this hymn celebrates the natural world as humanity’s greatest, purest treasure. Wealth lies in appreciating the simple, yet beautiful gifts of the natural world, and not money and material possessions. In the 1950s it was very popular in infant assemblies all over the country. I taught in infant and junior schools for thirty years in the 1970s to 2009 and I never heard it sung once. Sadly, it seems that it has fallen out of favour, which would be a shame as it is such a lovely hymn. Does anyone else remember singing this hymn at school? Do let me know if you did. Peter Bourne
• Page 26GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER 2 Corinthians 9.v7 (part of the Harvest reading Sheila read) Our reader Lindsay celebrated a significant birthday recently with cake and wine after our Harvest service. I would personally like to thank Lindsay for all that she does in the parish. She is definitely ‘a cheerful giver’ as I read in Corinthian’s that morning
• MIKE WESTCOTT RUDD LEGAL SERVICES LTDTel: 07793490899 Email: [email protected] Property disputes and planning Probate and Wills Employment matters Tax Planning Commercial matters Business start up General Legal Advice
• Page 28Lee Abbey As many of you know Lee Abbey North Devon is very dear to our hearts. Traditionally a group from St Mary’s visits Lee Abbey for the post st Easter break. Next year it will be from Wednesday the 31 of March th
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• Page 30Autumn: Creation and Death Autumn dismounts her soft feather down, And dons her russet coloured gown. Carrying a sceptre and orb in her hands, She surveys the woods and the farmer’s land. She has an important task to do, Now that Summer is finally through, Into the woods she makes her way, To finish her work by the end of the day.
• Page 31Wearily onward she wends her tired way, Nearing the end of her long working day. Turning around she is able to see, Her colourful patchwork tapestry. As daytime departs with the setting sun, She is satisfied with her job well done. Now laying to rest in her marble tomb, As all life retreats deep into earth’s womb.
• Page 32Tree of the Month:The Sycamore We’ve lived in your country for a long time. Our first ancestors were brought to Britain by the Romans… and you say ‘What have the Romans ever done for us? Well, they gave you the sycamore. Talking of the Romans and sycamore trees reminded me of the felling of one of the most famous trees in our extensive family. That was a tragic felony which saddened every sycamore tree in our family as well as upsetting lots of people. Known as the ‘Sycamore gap tree,’ it literally had its roots in Hadrian’s Wall which was built by the Romans. To paraphrase a well known human saying: ‘Little sycamores from mighty sycamores will grow.’ A little bird recently told me that the ‘Sycamore gap tree’ now has many young siblings sprouting up which is good to know. We can reach heights of 100 to 300 feet and live from 200 to 400 years. You can find us growing in woodlands and parks. We are part of a big family called ‘acers’ and are cousins of the Maples which have similar shaped leaves. Like them, we put on our red and orange colours in autumn before dropping our leaves for winter. We’re probably best known for our winged seeds which children call ‘helicopters.’ I know how people like fascinating facts so here’s one for you all: The real name for our seeds is samara. Historically, we have been symbols of strength, resilience and longevity. We have many uses to mankind including furniture making, crafting musical instruments and applying decorated applications to cabinets due to our unique grain patterns. The Welsh have used our wood for 400 years to make their wooden love spoons. A man would carve one to give to his future wife as a sign of affection, true love and devotion. The detailed carvings on the spoon have a symbolic meaning, and every spoon is unique. They are not meant to be used, but to hang on the cottage wall of the married couple. Did you know that people took the shape of our seeds to create your metal helicopters? By spinning their rotor blades, which are shaped like our winged seeds, they cut through the air by creating lift and thrust to overcome gravity. Without our seeds you wouldn’t have your helicopters. 32
• Page 33We have been revered for over 3,000 years. The ancient Egyptians used us as a symbol of life and protection. The bridge between this life and their afterlife was made of sycamore wood. To them we are a sign of fertility, protection and rebirth. We feature in the Bible when the tax collector, Zacchaeus, climbed one of our ancestors to get a better view of Jesus, symbolising spiritual vision and personal transformation. In ancient Britain the Celts believed we could protect people by warding off evil spirits. In both English and Welsh folklore people believed we could protect them from being enchanted by fairies and mischievous spirits. They said we could offer them protection if they sheltered beneath our branches. Their folktales describe us as ‘coin trees’ where offerings were left in return for hopes of blessings, and as markers of significant events in their lives. So you can that see we have had a long and varied history and served mankind well. Peter Bourne
• St Mary s Mothers UnionBranch leader Pat Heady 020 8240 2179 07970 270704 [email protected] ST MARY’S ADDINGTON VILLAGE MOTHERS’ UNION
• Page 35It was all hands on deck at the start of this month for members of St. Peter’s Mothers’ Union, St Kitts, as they came together to pack bags for the children of the church as they prepare to return to school. It was all hands on deck at the start of this month for members of St. Peter’s Mothers’ Union, St Kitts, as they came together to pack bags for the children of the church as they prepare to return to school. 35
• THE PARISH OF ST MARY S ADDINGTON8.00am 10.00am 6.30pm Sunday Services