Iden

TALKING TO BALTHASAR: Thirty years ago, I spent half a weeks wages on a Nativity set, figurines that I have grown very fond of. It was worth living on leftovers for a bit to be able to afford them. They reside all year in the boiler room, but when I get them out, I chat to them like old friends. Things like 'now come on Balthasar you know the rules, Joseph stands behind Mary, not you'. I re-group him with the other wise men, give their caskets of gold, frankincense and myrrh, a little dust, and touch-up Joseph's nose with a crayon. The baby Jesus is the central figure, upon whom they all gaze, and he is small and delicate, and seems to lose a little straw from his manger every year [I need to replenish it] I'm always worried that the cat will knock him off the sideboard [Seemingly our cat is not in the least religious] They have once more seen the star in the east, and their little tableau is always a joy to behold.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Dec 2016, 00:00 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2016, 12:45 BST

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Iden newsIden news
Iden news

KNIT AND NATTER: The next Knit and Natter will be in Iden village hall on 6th December, from 2pm-4pm. The final one for this year.

IDEN AND DISTRICT NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY: On 9th December, at 7.30 pm, in Iden village hall, there will be a lecture, entitled ‘A Few of My Favourite Things’, by Norman Sims.

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A SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION: There will be a service of Holy Communion on Sunday, in Iden Parish Church, at9.30am

THE CAROL SERVICE: The Carol Service will be on Thursday, 22nd December, at 7.30pm, in Iden Parish Church.. It’s always such a lovely start to Christmas isn’t it?

THE PARISH MAGAZINE: Once more John Hazelden has excelled, in producing the Iden Quarterly Magazine. I find it so useful for dates and titbits, and it’s news brings the village together. A donation of 50 pence or so would be most welcome, to ensure it’s continuance. There is a box in Iden stores for contributions. It costs a lot to have it printed, and somehow it’s very personal to have our own publication.

TAI-CHI: Tai- Chi is proving very popular, and every Tuesday from 10am-11.30 am, in Iden village hall, the Tai-Chi class, does much to improve fitness. Everyone is welcome.

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A THANK YOU FROM JENNY: Jenny Sutton asked me to thank all friends and relatives who so kindly supported Jenny, before, during and after her mother Sylvia’s recent funeral.

A CHANGE OF DATE [PLEASE NOTE]: The Parish Council meeting will be on Wednesday [7th December], and NOT on the usual Tuesday [6thDec], at 7.30pm, in Iden village hall.

THE MURDER MYSTERY EVENING, ON 19/11/16: Iden’s Murder Mystery evening was a great success, and raised £251.50 towards maintenance and improvements in Iden village hall. The ‘Iden Players’ put on a 3 act mystery play, in which the audience had to guess who killed the vicar. The lights fused during the murder scene, pitching everyone into darkness, and screams were heard. The actors created a scary ambiance, which kept everyone guessing. During the interval, ‘the Bell’ at Iden provided a lovely lasagne and salad meal, and a complimentary glass of wine. A big thank you to all those who contributed and supported the event.

SOMETHING I’VE ALWAYS WANTED FOR THE HOUSE: I’ve always been more than thrilled with a set of graduated basins for Christmas, and I pounce on new tea-towels. A set of pot scourers in my stocking doesn’t phase me either [especially if wrapped around some nice perfume]. However my husband takes a dim view of anything for the house. A socket- set is okay, a new claw-hammer, or a ratchet-screwdriver [whatever that might be] but this year I’ve got him something ornamental [after all we both live in this house, and need to gaze upon something decorative] He won’t be impressed initially, so I’ve gilded the lily with some extras [liquorice allsorts, gin, the usual socks and the latest John Grisham], but by January, I feel sure he will be at one with this ornament. There is something just a bit cold and uninspiring about a claw hammer, and a thing of beauty is after all a joy forever!

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CONTACT ME: If anyone has anything to add to the Village Voice, please ring Gill Griffin [telephone 01797 280311]

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