ICN is pleased to report that David Millen, St Giles’ Church Warden (amongst his many other commitments), is now back on light duties. Prayers had been said for him within and outside church by the many people who were concerned about his health following a fall he experienced during Holiday Club. Internal injuries later resulted in him being rushed to hospital and he spent time in Intensive Care at Harefield Hospital, where he received “absolutely fantastic treatment”. David and Janet wish to thank the many people who showed support, love and concern for his recovery.
The URC Weekday Coffee Mornings have been taking place in the Hardwick Room on Tuesdays – Fridays for many years, and are much enjoyed and appreciated by those who attend. The loss of several stalwart helpers recently however, has made it difficult for us to continue to provide this service four days per week. We dropped the Wednesday morning event during the quieter summer period, but we have yet to find any extra help that would let us reinstate this. So, for the present, the service will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays only.
Please do drop in on those days, for coffee, tea, biscuits and a chat. And if anyone then thinks they might be able to assist – be it regularly or occasionally on any day – talk to the helper present, or phone Barbara Turnbull on 01895 637934.
 The Ickenham Festival Committee will be holding its AGM in the Derek Kneale Hall in St Giles’ Church Hall at 8pm on Thursday 16th October. The formal part will be very brief and then we can sit back and enjoy local historian Eileen Bowlt describing, with pictures, the houses of the once huge Swakeleys Estate, its people and how they lived in the past. Did you know that Swakeleys House and Manor Farm House were moated houses and do you know where the estate workers lived? Come and find out. Refreshments will be provided.
Stop Press:
 The Festival Jumble Sale in the Village Hall on 13th September raised a record £1,011, to go towards the next Ickenham Festival in 2010. Thanks to all the helpers, donors and purchasers for their outstanding generosity.
The Festival Race Night is on 4th October, 7pm for 7.30pm, in the Village Hall. Contact 01895 633217 / 623119 / 672783 for tickets.
The pupils of Vyners School are building a garden in memory of one of their favourite teachers. Seamus Foley taught Science and Biology for over 30 years before he died of pancreatic cancer last year. He was immensely popular and gave much of his energy and creativeness to the school, where he was year leader in charge of the Lower School, a rugby coach and organiser and participant in many school trips.
 After he died the pupils wanted to undertake a project with which to remember him and the idea of a memorial garden was born. There is a wooded area at the back of the school which was overgrown and unused, so it was ideal for the purpose. And there’s no shortage of ambition – the plan includes not only a formal garden, but also a monument to Seamus, a large pond and, eventually, a small, open-air theatre. It is hoped that, weather permitting, some classes will be held in the new space.
Leading the project is biology teacher Mrs Joanna Peplinska. She says, “My aim is to give the pupils as free a hand as possible. They thought a great deal of Seamus and they are determined to do something special as a tribute to him. Virtually all the manual work will be undertaken by them so my role is to organise the equipment and materials and make sure they don’t hurt themselves. The work will be carried out after school and at weekends. It’s an exciting project.”
Whilst the Vyners team have made a good start, they are in need of support in terms of plants, expertise, physical help and funds. If you are interested in getting involved in any way, please ring the school office on 01895 234342 and leave a message for Mrs Peplinska.
The Ickenham branch of the National Women’s Register celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year and the current members are in party mood, seeking out colleagues from yesteryear.
If you have ever been involved with Ickenham NWR or NHR (the name changed a few years ago) and would like to join us for a Celebratory Ruby Lunch in November, we would be delighted to welcome you. Please contact Sheena at www.photosonthings.co.uk or call her on 01895 635714.
One of Ickenham’s longest-running associations is in danger of closing down due to lack of committee members. The Ickenham & Swakeleys Horticultural Society, founded in 1933, held what could be its last Autumn Show in September. Society President Roger Trigg appealed for residents to come forward to help maintain the society and its contribution to Ickenham.
Several of the existing committee members are standing down after many years of service and replacements are urgently needed. Doreen Williams, for example, has been Show Secretary for nine years and a committee member since 1981. She said, “It has been a great pleasure and a privilege to be involved in this contribution to the Ickenham Village community. Every show always has that ‘wow’ factor. I shall miss being closely involved but it’s time for me to stand down and make way for someone new.”
 Although the inclement summer weather caused the number of entries to be slightly down, the Autumn Show attracted an impressive and varied collection of produce. Revd Bernie Collins was on hand to present the many prizes. Roger collected both the Banksian Medal and the Champion Grower award. Promisingly, an up-and-coming horticulturist, Edward Tipton, aged just four, swept the Juniors board with three First Class awards. He made a creature from fruit and vegetables, a vase of plant material and an arrangement of flowers and berries. Best in Section winners included: Patt Trigg, John Harding, Harry Dixon, and Frank Williams.
If you value the traditions of Ickenham, please help conserve one of them. Volunteer to join the committee by calling Tony Ridler on 01895 673525.
|
