HIGH SPIRITS ON BURNS NIGHT
140 locals of various ages raised a glass or two to The Scottish Bard when they celebrated his memory with a lively gathering at Douay Martyrs School. Organised by the Ickenham Festival Committee, the evening included dancing, eating, drinking, Rabbie’s poems and much conviviality.
Guests were greeted by the rich notes of the bagpipe, rendered by Pipe Sgt. Sean Walker, who also ‘piped in the haggis’ in the traditional manner. Master-of-ceremonies Doug Neilson kept things lively and recited Burns’ poems including the ‘Address to the Haggis’.
The three-course haggis meal was triumphantly prepared by Douay Martyrs’ catering staff, led by Chefs Sharon O’Dell and Lee Lewis. Then, to music from the O’Cajunal Playboys band, there was Scottish country dancing directed by a caller with a great sense of humour, Pat Heslip. Pat said the group was one of the most enthusiastic he had ever led. He wasn’t quite so forthcoming about their overall level of dancing skills!
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE BEREAVED
There will be a special Memorial service at St Giles’ Church on Sunday 13th May at 3pm for those who are bereaved. The names of the departed, whose funerals were conducted at Ickenham URC or by St Giles’ Church staff between the beginning of March 2011 and the end of February 2012 will be read out during the service.
The Revd George Cobb, Chaplain at Michael Sobell House and Mount Vernon Hospital, will give a short talk and members of the Bereavement Support Group will be present. After the service, the congregation will be invited to have refreshments in St Giles’ Church Hall.
Anyone who would find this service helpful is welcome to attend.
HOLY WEEK – STARTS 1ST APRIL
A leaflet detailing all the church activities during Lent (you’ll know all about that if you’ve read Ken’s article!) is available in the churches now. The final week of Lent – Holy Week – begins on Sunday 1st April, with special Palm Sunday services in both churches at their usual times. Details of the rest of the Holy Week services of course will also be given in April’s ICN.
We hope you can join us at these services and use them to identify with the events that led up to the Crucifixion then the Resurrection on Easter Day - The Weekend that Changed the World!
A CHURCHWARDEN’S WORK IS NEVER DONE!
