The sacrifices and sufferings of members of the armed forces, and of civilians caught up in the carnage of war were recalled during the services on Remembrance Sunday at both churches.

Then, two days later, a well-attended, outdoor service was conducted by Revd Ken Tombs by the flagpole in St Giles’ Churchyard at 11o’clock on the 11th day of the 11th month.  On this, the 90^th anniversary of the original Armistice Day, which signified the end of World War I, we thought of the 10 million men who lost their lives on the battlefields between 1914 and 1918, and the 20 million more who were wounded.  In a conflict so severe that many believed it would be “the war to end all wars”, some 90% of its casualties were armed forces.

But of course, despite its horror, it did not end all wars, and as Ken emphasised, the world today is still caught up in greed, revenge and violence.  By the year 2000, the twentieth century had seen 120 million killed in armed conflicts throughout the world, now with three quarters of the victims civilians.

The poppies that we wore that week, and those making up the Home Guard wreath and with the crosses by the St Giles’ flagpole, were all made by the Royal British Legion as part of their annual Poppy Appeal.  The money raised is used for the benefit of current and ex-servicemen and women and their families.  ICN has been asked by the Legion to pass on their thanks to everyone in Ickenham for the support they gave to this year’s campaign.  Legion representative Bill Veazey explained how heartened he was by the response he received.  “Even in these days of ‘credit crunch’ the response around the village and on the doorstep was marvellous.  By all reports the total for both the Ruislip area and nationally is set to be up this year, which is really good news.  The money has never been more needed than it is now, and the need to remember never ceases.”

In addition to the normal pattern of services described at the top of Page 1, December sees many extra events taking place at the two churches.  Please join us, you’ll be warmly welcomed.