BLOOMING AWFUL WEATHER!
But despite heavy rain and blustery winds on collection day, the people of Ickenham gave generously to the Great Daffodil Appeal in the village for Marie Curie Cancer Care, raising almost £600. Our thanks go to collectors and supporters alike.
GOLLON’S STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Throughout the period of Lent, there has been a chance to view a series of photographs taken by Ken Tombs, of the striking paintings of the ‘Stations of the Cross’ produced by contemporary British artist Chris Gollon. The original fourteen paintings were commissioned by the Church of England for the historic Bethnal Green church of St John.
Anne Whitlam had the idea of displaying these thought-provoking pictures here in Ickenham. At the first Lent Compline service in St Giles’, she gave a brief introduction to them. They were displayed in St Giles’ early in Lent, and then moved to the URC for Holy Week itself.
Traditional depictions of the Stations of the Cross can be found in many churches throughout the UK and Europe. Anne tells us, “The tradition of the stations originated from when pilgrims came to Jerusalem to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. When it was no longer practical for most people to visit the holy sites, villages all over Europe created ‘replicas’, with small shrines, of the way of the cross. Eventually, these shrines became the set of 14 stations we now know today.”
Not a practising Christian himself, for theological matters Gollon collaborated with Fr Alan Green, then the Rector of St John’s. Controversially, Gollon used his own son as the model for Jesus, his daughter as Mary and Fr Alan Green as Nicodemus. The paintings, which took nine years to complete, have received wide critical acclaim and have brought many new visitors to St John’s. After installation in that church in March 2009, the paintings were blessed by Richard Chartres, Bishop of London.
A visitor to St Giles’ observed, “I find the pictures very challenging - such ugliness and pain. The yellow skies are unsettling. I like the paintings very much; so much more than the usual sanitised Stations. I found it very rewarding to be interacting with them.”
If you missed out on seeing the complete display – or you would like to view the paintings again – there are images available online. Or take the Central Line to Bethnal Green and see the originals for yourself.
ALL ABOARD!
April brings the first opportunity of the year to check out Ickenham’s hidden transport treasure – the Miniature Railway. Open to the public on the first Saturday of the month, from April to December, the entrance is behind the Pump. (Take the footpath that runs along the left hand side of the Coach and Horses car park.)
On Saturday 6th April, it’s open from 12 noon until 5.30pm. Admission is free, with rides costing just 50p.
If you’ve never been, you don’t know what you’re missing! Check out the website at www.idsme.co.uk.
LOST AND FOUND
We have heard from Karlene Kerr, who recently found two bracelets on Glebe Avenue, near the launderette. One was a piece of costume jewellery, the other a silver bracelet with four charms. If you can describe the pieces to her, Karlene will be pleased to reunite you with your lost items. Call her on 07989 467276.
NEW TRICKS
The cameras came to Ickenham again in March, for the filming of a new episode of TV police show New Tricks. Scenes filmed in Eleanor Grove featured actor Alun Armstrong, who plays Brian Lane, one of the retired coppers working in the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad.
It’s at least the second time the show has featured Ickenham scenes. A few years ago, filming in Long Lane included the use of the premises of Ickenham Motor Company in one episode. The programme also features Denis Waterman and Amanda Redman, and more recently Denis Lawson has replaced James Bolam as the final member of UCOS.
KEEP ON RUNNING
It was cold and wet on Sunday 17th March, but that didn’t deter the steady stream of runners from speeding, jogging, trotting or plodding their way round the Ickenham streets. And when they’d got through the village, they had to do it again... and again... and again!
For this was the Finchley 20, the UK’s longest running 20 mile road race, contested over 4 five mile laps around Ruislip and Ickenham. Over 500 energetic souls made it to the finish line, with winner Ben Fish of Blackburn completing the course in 1:44:09, and first female finisher Shona McIntosh of Dulwich doing so in 2:06:08.
The race was first run 80 years ago, in 1933, organised by Finchley Harriers. Just 22 runners took to the start line that day outside the British Legion HQ in South Ruislip, and the winner was Vic Sellars of the home club in 2:09:01. Finchley Harriers amalgamated with Ruislip and Northwood AC in 1966, to form Hillingdon AC. But as the race was well established, it was decided to retain the Finchley 20 name, and it has gone from strength to strength over the years.
Many runners use the race in their build up to the London Marathon (taking place later this month, on April 21st.) Whether they are still ‘in training’ or not, we hope all the runners had a chance on Sunday afternoon to dry out and put their feet up for a while! Well done to all of them – and to the volunteers who marshalled the course, and dished out the drinks, the jelly babies, and the cheers of encouragement.
If you were inspired by the sight of these athletes in our midst, maybe you would like to give it a go – even if over a distance below 20 miles. Hillingdon AC is always looking for new members, juniors to veterans and of varying abilities. See the website for details at www.hillingdonac.co.uk. It could be the start of your own Olympic Legacy!
