HE’S GOT A NOSE FOR IT!
The recent Men’s Breakfast address was presented by St Giles’ member Dr Basim Matti, a Consultant Plastic Surgeon who specialises in noses!
Basim was born into a Christian family in Nineveh in Iraq. He talked to the assembled group about the history of that area, previously known as Mesopotamia, which dates back some 2000 years before Jesus. And he spoke about his family and how close they were. His grandfather was a 6’3’’ tall skilled carpenter, but he couldn’t read or write – despite this, he was a successful designer of churches, including the domes.
Whilst such skills were valued and respected, there have always been pressures on the Christian community in Iraq, and Basim, along with others of his generation of the family, feel lucky to have made the move and establish their lives here in Britain. His brother was the first to come here, and he married a beautiful Sheffield girl.
This inspired Basim to follow him to Sheffield. He believes his faith in God guided him in this, in his choice of career as a surgeon, and helped him meet the right people, especially his lovely wife, Najla, who has supported him in his endeavours.
One of his big influences was world-renowned plastic surgeon Freddy Nicolle; watching Freddy at work taught Basim so much about plastic surgery techniques. His dedicated approach led to a first professional post in Sheffield. And prayer helped him in finding and gaining further positions, including a spell in Northern Ireland before his return to England. Here, he eventually took up his present role, surrounded by a team of “adorable” staff.
All the time he prayed – for his patients, his abilities, his staff and his family and God listened.
While Basim is called upon to work on any part of the body, he has always had a particular liking for noses. “Perhaps that is because I have a large nose myself,” he admitted. “But it’s amazing how sensitive people can be about their noses. One lady wouldn’t leave her house because she couldn’t bear to be seen with a nose which was not as she would have wished. After the operation she was delighted - but her husband was worried that she was now too beautiful!
“I have been so fortunate in my life,” Basim concluded. “I’m well paid for doing a job that I like. But it’s not the money that makes me happy – it’s being able to use the special ability that God has given me to help others feel good about themselves.”
AFN
MUSICKENHAM 2013
Although the next full Ickenham Festival is a year away, the team has been busy, and this month, in conjunction with Uxbridge Folk Club, they have organised a special Music Festival, running from Thursday 6th June till Saturday 15th June. Highlights include:
- Fri 7th June - Ceilidh at the Village Hall
- Sat 8th June – Folk Day at the Compass Theatre, with Isla St Clair in concert at 7.30pm
- Sun 9th June – Folk Cruise on the Grand Union Canal
- Mon 10th till Fri 14th June – Lunchtime concerts at St Giles’ featuring Ickenham Schools’ choirs
And to round things off with a bang on Sat 15th June:
- Gala Concert with Fireworks in grounds of Swakeleys House, with performances by Stardust Big Band and Vyners Swing Band.
Tickets £7 from any Festival Team member
or at SJ Williams Butchers, Sherry’s or Swakeleys Estates.
Bring your own picnic.
Free programmes are available throughout the village,
and further details can be found on the Festival website:
www.IckenhamFestival.org.uk
LOUSY WEATHER, GREAT RESULT!
The cold wind and threat of showers meant that books had to be set up indoors, but it did not stop the URC Bargain Day raising over £2300 - close to last year’s record - for the church and the good causes we support. The main element by far was the auction which took over £2000, including commission items, but with most lots being donated by the good folk of Ickenham.
Next up is our Summer Forecourt Sale on Saturday 22nd June from 10am to 12 noon, with free admission and featuring books, plants, boxed games and puzzles, DVDs and CDs, bric-a-brac and Rollerball for the children. Book lovers please note that we have some wonderful new stock, particularly WW1 and WW2 items, railways, local / family history and pubs / pub signs.
We’re hoping for better weather but we’ll carry on inside if need be, so make sure you don’t miss it.
If you have items to donate please bring them to the church on Friday 21st June between 3pm and 7pm, or ring Richard Piper on 01895 634348 if you want them picked up.
