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FROM THE EDITOR

It seems that I am destined to continue as editor for at least a little while longer. Fortunately for Benjamin, he will no longer have to be embarrassed by my presence in Out of this World (his Sunday School group for those of you who arent familiar with the new name). Lizzy, despite only just being able to walk again has kindly stepped in to teach the little ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Maureen Reynolds for all her hard work in writing the in the garden series for us over the past few years and through whom I have learnt a great deal. I would also like to welcome Rosemary Archer (previous chairman of Felbridge Horticultural Society) on to the editorial team. This years covers have been designed by John Toogood, who has put a huge amount of his spare time into creating a beautiful cover for us to enjoy and formatted the advertising pages, without which we would be unable to produce this magazine. We would greatly value your comments and contributions. Please let us know what you think. You can contact me at the address below.
Lindsey Saunders

VICAR: The Rev Stephen Bowen The Vicarage, Felbridge, West Sussex RH19 2QT Tel: 01342 321524 Fax: 0870 9156268 stjohnschurchoffice@gmail.com Vicars day off: Thursday ASSOCIATE MINISTER: Michael Peach 5 Burns Way, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1SA Tel: 01342 312406 michaelstevenpeach@gmail.com Michaels day off: Friday

Cover photo:
St Johns in the snow By Malcolm Francis

MARCH: Articles for this Issue to be handed in by SUNDAY 12TH FEBRUARY

Please e-mail your articles to parishmagstjohns@gmail.com, put them in the editors pigeon hole in the church entrance, or post them to Lindsey Saunders at The Bungalow, Saint Hill Farm, Saint Hill Green, East Grinstead, RH19 4NG.

STEPHEN WRITES
Bible humour?...
DEARFRIENDS, Thereisnotagreatdealofhumour intheBible,tobehonest.Itdeals withseriousmatters,ofcoursebut sodoesmanyasermonthatstarts withajoke.Perhapsthereasonis thathumourtendstobeculturally specific. Whatisfunnytousinourculture mightnotbefunnytopeopleat othertimesandinothercultures. AndGodsrevelationisforallpeople everywhere. Havingsaidthat,Ithinkoneofthe passagesthatmightraiseawry smileanywhereintheworldisthe ApostlePaulsteachingaboutthe churchbeinglikeahumanbody.Itis apowerfulconcept. Theideaisthatthechurchislikea humanbody,madeupofawhole varietyofparts,alldifferent,butall needingeachother. Itwouldntworkifeverypartwas thesame.Hepicturesafootsuffering fromhandenvy,andsaying,Because IamnotahandIdonotbelongtothe body,oranearfeeingthesameway aboutaneye. But,hesays,ifabodywasjust composedofeyes,itwouldntbe abletohear,orsmell. Thevarietyisessential. 2 Hissecondpointisthatthereisno roomforsomepartsofthebody feelingthattheirrleissuperiorto others.Theeyecannotsaytothe hand,Idontneedyou! Sothepeoplewithimportant positionsinthelifeofthechurchare nottotheslightestdegreeanymore importantthanthosewith insignificantrles.Infact,hesays, thereverseistrue. Andhisthirdpointisthatweall needeachotherandshouldhave equalconcernforeachother,and shouldfunctionasoneunit,rejoicing andsufferingtogetherjustasthe partsofabodydo. Achurchthatisgrowingtowards thatrealitywillbeagreatwitnessto theworldofwhathumanlifewas designedtobebyitsCreator. P.S.Youcanreadaboutallthisin1 Corinthiansch.12,verses1226.Just beforethatmuchlovedchapter aboutlove...

VILLAGE ISSUES
Felbridge W.I.
Mr. Peter Mansfield Clark MBE was our speaker at our January meeting. He is the Director of Open House in Crawley which gives shelter to the homeless. It was extremely interesting to hear of his personal experiences over the years and insights into the problems faced by people who, often through no fault of their own, have lost their accommodation. As well as being open 24 hours a day, meals, showers, bedrooms and occasionally space for a dog companion are on offer as well as clothing. Wherever possible permanent housing is also found for them and any necessary furniture. There is also a youth hostel where teenagers, some just 16 years old, are cared for, educated and if possible found employment. Any donations of bedding, towels, toiletries and clothing are always welcome. Contact telephone 01293 447702 Members are having a New Year lunch on the 20th January and looking forward to a day out on a horse drawn boat trip in the summer. We are starting a Craft group and have added DVDs to our book library service for members. We are having a banner made to advertise our W.I. through a kind donation from a past member, which we will raise as the Olympic torch comes through the village, and also at our Country Fair in Felbridge.
Daphne Ayerst

Ken Harwoods notes

I am pleased to report that there has been a significant drop in crime in Felbridge which, hopefully, means that our community is being more observant and more careful with home security. Well done please keep it up. A Chinese lantern was found in the fields with the ignition system still intact. Had this happened in the summer the ignition could have set crops ablaze. Please be aware of the dangers of these lovely looking balloons and the damage they could cause.
Ken Harwood

Felbridge and District Horticultural Society

meet on 17th March at 8.15pm in the village Hall

WHATS HAPPENING
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

Connections, first Monday of WI first Tuesday of the month at 2pm - 4pm the month in the Village Hall at 1.30pm

Watercolour on Wednesdays in the Church Hall at 2pm 1st Felbridge ( St Johns) Brownies Prayer on Wednesday (non-homegroup weeks) at 8pm

Sunday Services
8AM
5th February 12th February 19th February 26th February
HOLY COMMUNION HOLY COMMUNION

10AM
FAMILY SERVICE Stephen Bowen Peter Davies

6PM
HOLY COMMUNION

Don Ely Stephen Bowen

HOLY COMMUNION RAISE THE ROOF

Michael Peach Andy Brown 4

Michael Peach

THROUGH THE WEEK

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

WIGS at the Old 1st Felbridge Pheasantry, Woodcock (St Johns) Rainbows Hill (home of June Clark) at 10.30am Girls Bible Study in the Church Hall at 4pm JAFFA Plus in the Church hall on 2nd February at 7pm - 8.30pm 1st Felbridge (St Johns) Guides

Prayer breakfast on 4th February at 8am9am

Mens breakfast on 11th February at 5 Burns Way from 8.3010am

Special Events

Fish & Chip Supper and Desert Island Discs

Come and enjoy supper whilst listening to several people telling us about their favourite piece of music

Saturday 10th March 7.30pm

At St Johns Church Hall, Felbridge

Ticket Price 7.50 per person

Tel: Cecilia 01342 718441 or Lis Woolley 01342 300356 Drinks available from Licensed Bar
Proceeds to St. Johns Church

IN THE GARDEN
Inspired by such gardens, its time to get down to work. Providing the soil is not too wet, we can make a start on preparing the vegetable beds, perhaps covering with plastic sheeting to warm the area up for a good start to early sowing of onions, French beans and early peas. Tomatoes, peppers and chillies can be sown now on a sunny windowsill or heated propagator. Many annual flowers can also be sown this month, including annual sweet peas; dahlia tubers can come out of winter storage to start into growth in compost, though they do need to be kept above 10C. Dont forget to chit your seed potatoes, putting them in a light, cool but frost free place. These days, we are all advised to leave left much of last years growth on perennials and grasses, both for winter interest in the stems and seed-heads, and as valuable habitat and food for wildlife. On the other hand, perhaps it was one job too many to complete last autumn! It is time to clear this now as it is looking rather bedraggled, and new shoots will soon be appearing. Now is the time to look forward as the spring flowers successively bring life back to our gardens. Who hates February? Not me!
Rosemary Archer

FEBRUARY many peoples least favourite month. However, for the gardener it is the beginning of another growing season, full of hope and promise, and for the garden visitor there are annual joys which should on no account be missed. Despite the damp, chill weather of February, there is plenty for us all to get out and marvel at, even this early in the year. Snowdrops should be at their finest unless, like mine they were in flower before Christmas! One of the best places to see them locally is at Nymans, which has great drifts of glorious snowdrops as soon as you pass through the gates. There should still be time to breathe in the heady perfume of Daphne Bholua which fills the air as you follow the stream downhill at Wakehurst Place. I vividly recall the first time I met this, following my nose to find the source of the extraordinarily powerful scent which enveloped us long before we found the tiny flowers. My Daphne, planted as soon as possible after that first encounter, has been in bloom now since the first days of the New Year. 6

STREET PASTORS
The 21st century has thrown up a challenge both to the church and to society, with a growth of anti-social behaviour at a local, city wide and national level. The biggest challenge and surprise is the young age of some of those involved in anti-social behaviour. Some of the contributing factors to this are poverty, family breakdown, a lack of supervision in the home and truancy from school. Street Pastors are the Churches response to such neighbourhood problems; engaging with people, on the streets and in night-time venues, to care, listen and offer practical help. What is a Street Pastor? A Street Pastor is someone from the Christian community who is willing to care, listen and help, particularly young people who have found themselves is difficulty, or are distressed in some way, out on the streets of our towns, during the evening and night-time hours. Street Pastors are people willing to engage with young people where they hang out be it on the street, in the pubs or clubs. Who can be a Street Pastor? Anyone over 18 years of age (no upper age limit) who has been committed to a Christian Fellowship for more than a year and comes with a positive reference from a church leader/ Minister. They would need to be CRB checked and be willing to complete a 12-day Street Pastors Training Course. Together with Local Government and the Police, the church is being asked to help. Together we have hundreds of members, who could be harnessed to bring positive changes to this situation in our local community. In response to a request from our own local police force here in East Grinstead we, as Churches Together in East Grinstead, have been considering this whole issue for the past six months and at this years Churches Together AGM on 21st February will be giving some serious thought to this challenge and making some decisions on the way forward. Please give your support to this by attending the meeting, if you possibly can, and perhaps your willingness to get involved. Your input would be greatly valued.

STREET PASTORS Feb 21st Shrove Tuesday at JUBILEE CENTRE From 6.30 - 7.30pm pancakes Followed at 7.30 with a presentation on

CARING -- LISTENING -- HELPING

Followed by brief Churches Together AGM at about 9.00 7

FELBRIDGE WILDLIFE
Stackdaws and a Starling Spectacular
THE local jackdaws have started dropping sticks down any uncapped chimney to make a platform that will hold their nests. The increasingly large flocks of 'daws are breaking up into pairs which usually stay together for life. Several pairs breed in the holes of the Evelyn chestnuts. A delightful surprise in The Limes, was a weasel undulating across the road, pausing on the grass verge. Britain's smallest carnivore, this eight inch long killer of voles, mice and even rats, is half the size of a mink. The corny advice on identity is, 'the weasel is weasily distinguishable but the stoat is stoatally different'. This year sees the start of a Government trial cull of badgers, in an attempt to reduce bovine TB in cattle until an immunisation programme can be afforded. One fear is that an ineffective programme of trapping and shooting will disperse the existing badger population, a process called 'perturbation' and spread the disease further. At Hedgecourt Lake, there has been a sensational evening aerial display, as tens of thousands of starlings gather to roost in the reed bed at the Mill Lane end. As the 8 crimson wings of evening in the West light the clouds and are reflected in the water, the whole lake seems on fire. Then come the birds. Cohorts of black arrowheads, wheeling, rising, turning in a display of synchronised flying that defies the mortal eye to follow. Twice, on rapid, steady wingbeats, a sparrow hawk flew into the throng, grabbed a victim and carried off the struggling body. Seconds later the entire cast turned and dived down into the reeds. A brief murmuring in the failing light as further parties joined the dormitory, explains why the collective noun for starlings is a 'murmuration'. In the morning, all the birds will leave together, departing in all directions, unseen except by the postman, the milkman, and those watching 'Ring Angels' on the radar screens at Gatwick. Next month many of 'our' starlings will return across the North Sea to Russia, Finland, the Baltic countries and Germany. Those that stay will become busy making more starlings and feeding them from Felbridge fields and gardens.
Peter Bateman.

CURRENT ISSUES: DEBT

Christmas spending pushes many into long-term debt
A SURVEY by price comparison site uSwitch.com in December said that nearly a quarter of Britons would be pushed into debt by Christmas spending. About 40% of people surveyed used credit cards to cover the costs of presents and thought it could take six months to pay off their debts. Citizens Advice Bureau says that debt is now the biggest enquiry topic for its branches nationwide. CAB can help people negotiate lower payments with their creditors or help them with a debt management plan. For some, personal bankruptcy or an IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) to avoid bankruptcy are the only options. CAB has the following tips to avoid a debt hangover next year: Plan early for Christmas: Be realistic and budget accordingly. Work out how much you are going to spend on each person and stick to it. Dont forget the everyday bill: Rent, mortgage, utility bills, food bills and other existing debts still have to be paid. Dont bank on an overdraft: If you need more money, dont just run up an overdraft without talking to your bank first it will work out more expensive. Keep things simple: If you can afford to pay for your goods outright by cash, cheque, or debit card, dont take out extended credit agreements. Shop around: Try as many places as possible to get the best price. Buy what you want and not what others say you need. Be wary of extended warranties. Buy safe to be safe: Dont buy from unauthorised traders and dont borrow from unauthorised lenders. Read the small print: Check for hidden extras in any credit agreement. Work out the total amount payable. Ensure that the monthly instalments are within your budget before signing. Do your own credit checks: If you are going to use a credit card, shop around and compare terms and conditions. Put the payment dates in your diary. Be organised: If youve borrowed money it wont be long before you have to make a payment. Pay on time, even if it is only the minimum, or you will get extra charges. Start planning and saving for next Christmas: Now is the time to look at what you did well and what you didnt. Learn from your mistakes and start planning how you will do things differently next year. Start saving. If you or a family member have debt problems you can find your local branch of CAB in Cantelupe Road, East Grinstead or you can call them on 0844 477 1171. Other sources of free, confidential and independent advice include the Consumers Credit Counselling Service (0800 138 1111) and National Debtline (0808 80804000).

TELL ME WHY?
How can a God of love send people to hell?
EVERYONE seems to be agreed that God is a God of love. However, if he is a God of love, how can he possibly send people to hell, a place of pain and punishment? The phrase God is love is found in the book of 1 John in the Bible and, if you read on, it helps to address this question: ... God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:8-10 NIV) John says that God is love, and his love is shown most especially through him sending Jesus into the world to deal with sin. Perhaps when we think of sin we think of either crimes like murder, or slightly unwise actions like eating too many cream cakes. However, the Bible defines sin differently: sin is going against God, the Creator and rightful ruler of the universe, and choosing not to do what he says. Sin is a problem for everyone, for each of us rebels against God sometimes by quietly ignoring him, and sometimes by loudly defying him. Sin is very serious for it is rebellion against the King of the Universe, and its consequences are hurt, pain and suffering for others. Gods justice means that he must send people to hell. He must make sure sin is paid for. Indeed, if God ignored sin he would not be a God of love either, he would instead be a God of indifference. For how can it be loving to ignore hurt and pain, and to ignore justice? The real question is not how could God send people to hell, but rather, how can God justly not send people to hell? Our verses from 1 John tell us that Gods love was shown in sending Jesus as an atoning sacrifice for sins. The sinless Jesus stands in the place of sinful humanity on the Cross. There he suffers the just punishment for all our sin. By doing so Jesus takes away all the sin of those who trust in him, and saves them from hell. Gods love is shown in that he sent his Son, who willingly suffered and died so that we do not have to face hell. Wonderfully we are offered heaven instead of the hell we deserve, through Gods love. How will we respond?
Michael Peach

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FELBRIDGE HOTEL & SPA EVENTS

Valentines Champagne Dinner on Tuesday 14th & Saturday 18th February 2012
If you are looking for the perfect place to romance your loved one this Valentine's Day, then the Anise Fine Dining Restaurant and The Bay Tree Restaurant are ideal. Our Executive Chef has created a menu that will tempt the taste buds and soften the heart this Valentine's Day and will be served in both of our restaurants. As an extra sparkling treat you will receive a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival. 39.00 per guest. Why not treat yourself and stay over in one of our beautiful bedrooms? A Romance Spa Break from just 166.00 to include a bottle of champagne on arrival, overnight accommodation, breakfast and full use of the Chakra Spa facilities. For bookings call 01342 337700 or email events@felbridgehotel.co.uk

One Life. Whats it all about?

Christianity Explored is an opportunity for a small group to meet together and consider what Marks Gospel says about the central questions of life: Whats life all about? Who is Jesus? Why did he come? What does it all mean for me? Anyone can come along to Christianity Explored. You would be very welcome whether you feel you know nothing much about Jesus at all, or have been coming along to church for many years but would just like to revisit the central truths again. Each time the group gets together well start with tea and coffee, followed by looking at a bit of Marks Gospel. After that well watch a short talk shown on DVD, discuss what everyone thinks, and have the opportunity to ask any questions. We will be starting a daytime and an evening group from January onwards, meeting for 7 weeks, at a time that is convenient for those who would like to come along. If you are interested, or would like to find out more, then please do contact Michael Peach: (01342) 312 406, michaelstevenpeach@gmail.com

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ELECTORAL ROLL
Prior to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting or APCM on April 1st, I shall be preparing a short report for the PCC (the governing body of the church) detailing the number of Parishioners on the St Johns Electoral Roll and the number who have joined and left the Roll in the last twelve months. Although a full, five yearly, revision of the Roll is not required by the Diocese until 2013, it would nonetheless seem to be a good time to ensure that any person eligible to be entered on the Roll who has not previously applied, now has that opportunity. Entitlement for entry on the Electoral Roll is assessed as follows. An applicant must be a non-ordained Lay Person who has been baptised as a member of the Church of England or a church in communion with it; is aged 16 or over; is either a resident of Felbridge Parish or has been a regular attendee at St Johns for the last six months and has completed the necessary application form. In certain circumstances, an applicant can have attended another church that is not in communion with the Church of England if guidance is required on this point, or on any other matter related to the Electoral Roll, please contact me or, alternatively, the vicar. Once entered on to the St Johns Electoral Roll, a person may attend the APCM and also vote on relevant matters arising. It is also a measure of commitment to St Johns to be entered on to the Roll. There is no charge the fee is your commitment to St Johns! It is a sign of belonging to the family of St John's to be a part of the membership. If any person who is not currently entered on the Electoral Roll feels that they should take that step, then please do get in touch with me. This can be done at any time although in order to be included in the figures for 2011 2012 and attend this years APCM, a completed application (obtainable from me) would need to be received by the end of the last week in February.
David Legg

St Johns Felbridge Electoral Roll Officer 01342 713152 pby5@btinternet.com

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JOHN STOTT
A small group from St John's went up to St Pauls Cathedral on Friday 13th January for the Memorial Service for Dr John Stott. It had been an immense privilege to have John Stott as a member of our Sunday morning congregation during the first year or more of his time at the College of St Barnabas in Dormansland, while he was well enough to come. It was a very moving experience to be part of a huge congregation filling St Pauls, at which we gave thanks for Gods work through his servant John. It is even more amazing to realize that over 30 other services have been held around the world to give thanks for this one life! He was an outstanding Biblical preacher, a pioneer and innovator in town-centre parish ministry, a strategic leader in the worldwide evangelical movement, and a prolific writer. He had an amazing visionary ability to see to the real heart of issues and to determine the right priorities. Before it had become common to emphasize that environmental concerns were a significant part of Christian obedience, John led the way. He was deeply interested in one particular aspect of God's creation, as a very keen ornithologist. His world travels also gave him a profound concern for those living in poverty. His goal was to be more like Christ - one that all Christians should emulate. He lived a very simple life of Christlike devotion, and rigorously avoided any sort of selfaggrandizement. Yet his Memorial Service was attended by bishops from around the world, as well as the Bishop of London, and the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. People representing the different areas of ministry he had founded, and people who had worked closely with him, gave moving tributes. And many of them spoke of his personal friendship. Probably a large proportion of the congregation could have done the same! For me personally, it was almost unbelievable that in his final months, I should have had the privilege, by the kind courtesy of the Warden of the College of St Barnabas, of visiting John with one or two other members of St Johns to share in simple Communion Services in his room. It was strange when we were in a cathedral full of people, singing in Gods praise and thanking him for all that John Stott had meant to them, to reflect on those occasions, with John very weak and hardly able to speak. His watchword was to be content whatever the circumstances (Phil 4:11). Because he had learned the secret of coping well in good times he was able to be content in human weakness at the end. God equipped and used John Stott so mightily and yet he remained someone whose friendship was appreciated by so many. Stephen Bowen 17

MISSION MATTERS
Andy and Joans time with Mercy Ships
ON the 7th October Andy and I flew to Freetown, Sierra Leone to join the Mercy Ship for 4 weeks. This was a challenge to our Christian commitment since Mercy Ship crew must follow Jesus example, bring hope and healing to the forgotten poor, seek to love God, love and serve others, and be people of excellence and integrity. On landing in Freetown we faced a confusing crowd of locals all offering to get us to the Mercy Ship until the true reps from the ship rescued us and led us to be ferried over to the air conditioned security of the ship. Reception signed us in as new crew and showed us to our room. Wow! Ensuite shower room, kitchenette area with fridge freezer, wardrobe each, big bed and enough storage space for a permanent resident! Many crew live long term on the ship and any children attend the ships school. Andy did not have far to go to work, just one floor down led to the operating room and wards. They had lots of patients lined up for him and after three full days of surgery he was whacked. I was initially superfluous in a department staffed by five physios and two assistants. Then they discovered I could use Excel so I spent a lot of time recording stocks: crutches, splints and compression garments for burns. Burns happened because people lived in unlit shacks with open fires. Patients needed stretching exercises to prevent contractures. On our fist Sunday we went to a local Baptist church for a two hour service. Short by local standards! I wore a dress as recommended but was well outshone by the local women. One elegant local lady was dressed in white from head to toe. Somehow I felt more free to express my christian faith in Africa. A large group of us went out for a meal in admittedly, a fairly empty caf, and I stood up and said grace. I would never do that in England! One of my patients was Osata, a 10 year old girl, who stayed in the Hope Centre, a hostel for patients having outpatient treatment. The hostel showed me their big toy boxes, but Osata said they never got the toys out for the children to play with. I found this hard to believe but certainly there were no toys out when a group of us went on an evening visit to the hostel. I was told that they darent get the toys out because, not surprisingly, the children ran riot!

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You can of course play without toys. I stuffed rubber gloves with tissues to make a ball and kicked it around in the hospital corridor with the children. I had to replace the physio ball as it got punctured when I took it outside for the kids to kick at some goal posts at the back of the physio department. I found a stone and drew hopscotch squares. Showing them how to hop around it was hard but they got the idea. It worked on the beach with a stick. When I played ring o roses with the beach kids they dragged me down and jumped on top of me. Scary! Now were back home Freetown is a long way away. People ask if we will go back again. Thats for Andy to decide. If he goes again I will go with him but as a cleaner! You dont have to be a health worker on a Mercy Ship. There are jobs in the laundry, school, kitchen, dining room and shop etc. they take people short or long term. Although the vast majority on board are Christians, Mercy Ships accept people who are sympathetic to their aims but not fully committed Christians. The strict dress code e.g. no short shorts and no visible bra straps and skirts covering knees even while seated might put some young people off. As a life enriching experience I would recommend it! Joan Brown

Welcare
I raise my glass, or should I say coffee cup to everyone who supported Welcare over the past year. Especially the last six months with the gifts of much needed food when the cupboard was bare. The Harvest gifts, and the Toy Service. The total toys taken to Welcare were 172, and 110 in cash and vouchers, and the cherry on the cake was the Carol singing 43. My Thanks also go to Waitrose who supplied their Bags for Life which enabled me to pack and deliver the toys easily.

St Catherines Hospice
434.90 was raised at the tree of Light Service, held on 12th December. Jenny Young would like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped in so many ways and without whom it would not have been possible, especially to Sally Hudson from Danecourt Nurseries, who provided the tree for our Service and to Paul Young for cutting it down, the fireman for putting up the lights, Peter Burton for sorting out all the wires, Barbara Cottier for printing the Order of Service and also Barry and Helen lear, Stephen Bowen , Don Ely, Beth and Rosie, Phil, Lyn, Lis and Joan, Anne Butler who helped the Service flow so beautifully. Thanks again to Lynn Skinner and Joanne for providing the teas and coffees afterwards. 19

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

Births
Very warm welcome to Christian Cottle a welcome brother to Michael and Eva Marie and son to Philip and Dawn Cottle. Congratulations to Lawrence and Anne Jack on the birth of their first granddaughter Lucy Katherine born to their daughter Jennifer and her husband Neil. We also welcome the arrival of George Henry Short, to Vic and Elaine Short's son and daughter -in-law. Last but not least we congratulate Ken and Sue Pond on their first grandchild William born to their son Craig and his wife Vicky.

News and Thanks

Jim and Jeanette Farrant have now moved into their permanent home. The address is available from the church office on stjohnschurchoffice@gmail.com or by phoning 01342 321524. 42 was raised for for Welcare from donations given at the Carols by Candlelight at The Wiremill. The management asked for a group of singers to lead this from St Johns and a merry band gathered after the Tree of Light service. The carols were well received and all those who took part were very happy to be part of this event. Special thanks to Gill Matson and Celia Esau who organized it all. The Bowes family and Cecilia Bliss have new email addresses. For details, contact stjohnschurchoffice@gmail.com or phone 01342 321524. A warm welcome to Connections a group for seniors which got off to a flying start with a lunch launch at the Star just before Christmas. The first meeting was held on 9th January and over 30 people enjoyed the time together. If you would like to know more speak to Don or Michael. We were sad to receive the news that Barbara Kitchin died in hospital just before Christmas. She will be rejoicing with the Lord she served so faithfully but we will miss her. We were sad to hear that Harry Smith died on 13th January 2012. He had made friends in his care home in Cheltenham and been happy to be nearer 20

to his family. He slipped away quietly following a series of chest infections. He maintained a deep affection for Felbridge and was talking about his home here ,where he had spent many happy years, and his beloved wife right up to the Lord taking him. There will be a service at St Johns in a few months time when his ashes are interred in the churchyard with his wife's. Any who knew or remember him will be very welcome to come to that service and we will announce it as soon as it is arranged.

Funerals
Noreen Rachel Emily Howarth (known as Maureen) died on 24th November 2011, aged 82. The funeral took place at the Surrey and Sussex crematorium on 7th December 2011. Lucy Sarah Downing died on 28th November 2011, aged 100. The funeral took place at the Surrey and Sussex crematorium on 12th December 2011 Barbara Kitchin died on 23rd December 2011. A Service was held at Surrey & Sussex crematorium on 20th January and a Service of Thanksgiving was held at St Johns Church on 21st January 2012.

CARPARK - UPDATE
THE good news (lower case!) is that the Diocese received four tenders on 21st November 2011 for carrying out the refurbishment of the car park. The bad news is that funds for the work are not immediately available! The Diocesan Architect had invited contractors to provide costs for two options to resurface the car park (1) permeable block paving = PBP (2) plastic cell system with decorative stone infill = PCS. Option PCS was around 6 to 7% cheaper than PBP for all four tenders. The tender results were reviewed by the Diocesan Surveyor, his architect, the Vicar, the PCC Finance Team chairman and JMG at a meeting in January. The outcome of the meeting was very positive. The Diocesan Surveyor agreed to identify sources of funds that would meet the full cost of the lowest tender for permeable block paving (the preferred option of St Johns) including new lighting. He hopes to report in February before the expiry of the Tenderers validity period. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns (email john@malcolmgee.plus.com).
J Grainger 18th January

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ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Yellow Energy? (FIT High or Low?)
At the time of writing it is still not clear what the feed-in-tariff (FIT) will be for new Solar PV installations. Last year the Government proposed to reduce the FIT but this was challenged in the High Court by lawyers acting for Friends of the Earth and two Solar Companies. The High Court judge ruled that the Governments plans were legally flawed (the date of implementation of the reduced tariff was before the date of the end of the consultation period). The Government went to the Court of Appeal on Friday 13th January 2012 to overturn the High Court decision. Judgement is expected to take at least a week. However none of this affects the St Johns Solar PV project, because: Tandridge District Council refused planning permission. The PCC withdrew support for the project. Now we must find other ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
J Grainger 15th January

Stop Press - Information received on 21 January Plan A Government wins the court appeal The original FIT deadline of 12th December will stand (assuming that Friends of the Earth do not appeal further), meaning that anyone registering a domestic solar PV installation after this date but before 1st April 2012 will receive the new lower FIT rate of 21p/kWh from 1st April. Between 12th December and 1st April they will continue to receive 43.3p/kWh. Plan B Government loses the court appeal If the 12th December date is settled as being unlawful, a new date of 3rd March will come into effect instead. Anyone who registers a project before the 3rd March should receive the higher FIT rate of 43.3p/kWh for 25 years. However, anyone who registers their system on or after the 3rd March (but before 1st April) will only receive 43.3p/kWh for one month, and then move onto the new rate of 21p/kWh after the 1st April.
J Grainger

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PEST CONTROL SERVICES

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USEFUL CONTACTS
Churchwardens: Anne Butler 01342 313640 e-mail: butleranne09@gmail.com Andy Brown 01342 314267 e-mail: brownemail@aol.com Treasurer: PCC Secretary: Magazine Editor: Cleaning Rota: Ministry of Flowers: Church Hall Bookings: Chris Saunders 01342 325662 e-mail: treasurerstjohns@gmail.com Sheila Drury 01342 323865 e-mail: sheila.drury1@hotmail.co.uk Lindsey Saunders 01342 325662 e-mail: parishmagstjohns@gmail.com Carole Grainger 01342 325482

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Stars (3-6 yrs): Comets (Year 2-4): Meteors (Year 5-6): The Rock (Year 7-9): Parish Safeguarding Officer Sally Hobbs 01342 410929 e-mail: hobbsfamilysja@gmail.com Diane Francis 01342 714575 e-mail: diane_francis@tiscali.co.uk Gaby e-mail: gabriella.cicala@gmail.com Michael Peach 01342 312406 e-mail: michaelstevenpeach@gmail.com Chris Ely 01342 311614 e-mail: christineely2@msn.com

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