Current News

ST. GILES CHURCHYARD

After problems over the last few years finding new grave spaces in the churchyard at St Giles, the PCC have reluctantly and unavoidably decided  that the churchyard is now effectively full, and there can be no more  new burials permitted. The burial of ashes (both in the plot at the west end by the tower and in existing graves in the rest of the churchyard) can still take place for the time being. Also reopening of an existing grave may be possible depending on the depth available.

To establish if there is space for a coffin, undertakers use a long probe and as recent requests for burials have come in, it has become apparent that, even in what appear to be empty plots, there is simply no room. Not all graves are marked with memorial stones, due to the extra costs involved or families’ personal choice not to have one. Therefore probing is the only way to confirm if a space is actually free as far as it is possible to ascertain without actually reopening the ground. Furthermore, the churchyard has some 125 mature trees, so in spaces nearby, their root systems make digging a proper grave impossible.

The PCC will shortly start the formal process to declare the churchyard closed for further burials. This is sad, but necessary. Until now anyone resident in the village, of whatever faith or none, has had the right to be interred here. Most local Funeral Directors will be able to advise what alternative places are available.

The Churchwardens, St. Giles South Mymms

MOTHERING SUNDAY

The origins of Mothering Sunday, sometimes known as Mothers’ Day, tend to differ slightly from place to place. In America it was established in 1907, when a lady organised a special Church service to honour the memory of her Mother and it was so successful that it was soon taken up across the States as an annual event. In England the day has been celebrated for many centuries as the Day that people returned home to their Mother Church i.e. the Church in the town or village from whence they came. It should be remembered, that back in the day people rarely moved far from where they were born. Then it was the practice that all staff, particularly servants (who would normally work on Sundays  were given the day off to return home, to spend a day with their families and pray at their own Churches. But time changes, even traditions, and now we remember and celebrate our own Mothers on this Day.

Here at St Margarets a dark wet morning was brightened by the beautiful basket of individual posies, as always perfectly arranged by Judy and Sue from Ridge Village a gift that is really appreciated by the congregation. The Mothering Sunday service was the last service in St. Margarets to be led by our Priest in Charge Reverend Atalie. She will be taking up her new position as Chaplain to the Bishop, at St. Albans Cathedral after Easter. We all wish her well in her new role.

As we sat in Church that morning my thoughts drifted back to my own Mum. I thought of the worry and stress she must have endured bringing up two little children on her own through WW2 ( my Dad was in the Royal Navy serving on the Arctic convoys taking arms to our allies in Russia (how times change). My earliest memory is of holding Mum’s hand as she shepherded me and carried my baby sister down the stairs to sit under a cast iron table known as a Morrison Shelter whilst the Nazis V1 (doodle bugs) and V2 (flying bombs) attacked London. The house opposite us had been completely destroyed in a previous attack, fortunately it was empty at that time and nobody was hurt. It later became a great, if slightly dangerous playground for me and my pals. I think I was very lucky to have The Best Mum in the World and I expect and hope your Mum fits that’s description as well.

 Doug Ryan

PANCAKES

Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day as it’s often called, saw many smiling people from Ridge and South Mimms gathered together at The Old Guinea enjoying marvellous pancakes courtesy of Sylvia and her very efficient team. This really is becoming an annual event and hopefully it will do so for many years to come. Not only did we enjoy the pancakes but a collection raised nearly £150 which will help towards the ever increasing costs of maintaining St Margaret’s and St Giles Churches.

Thank you Sylvia, your generosity is very much appreciated.

 Doug Ryan

VILLAGE DRAW WINNERS.

If you want a number in the Village Draw please contact Gill Wass on 01707 662930. It is a monthly draw held every 3^rd Monday night. Total prize money paid out is £1,460 per year: £50.00 and £30.00 every month plus £150.00 and £100.00 in January and July. Any surplus money raised is used for Village events.

February 2024:  £50  No. 194 C. Nethercott           £30  No.45 K. Carty

March 2024:       £50  No. 52 M. Perry                      £30  No.68  J. Fowler