2. Copy for the February 2016 edition needs to be handed in by
Sunday, the 10th of January.
Please submit items in good time
You can leave copy in the “B” Pigeon Hole for Richard Brown to
collect, or hand it directly to him on a Sunday morning.
You can also e-mail copy to richardmbrown6@gmail.com
Thank You. Editor
Principal Contacts
Minister: Rev. Sue Powell Tel: 020 8462 2212
Church Secretary: Mrs Mavis Righini Tel: 020 8462 1168
Treasurer: Mr. Simon Narracott Tel: 020 8462 2004
Lettings Secretary: Mrs Undine Connolly Tel: 020 8776 0108
Caretaker: Mr. Ian Jones Tel: 020 8313 1556
Church Website www.hayesfreechurch.com
Catalyst
Editor: Mr Richard Brown
Contents : - Items not covered by the diary of events.
HAYES FREE CHURCH
111, Pickhurst Lane, Hayes, Kent BR2 7HU
Sunday Services. 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.
We are a member of the United Reformed Church.
We believe in Justice and Peace.
This month’s websites: -
This month, a few websites, connected with Dementia, are listed. Their
website addresses are in the list.
Now, turn to Page 19 for more information. Ed
Sunday Services 2
Notes on the Preachers 3
Church Notices 3 - 5
Fairtrade Christmas Appeal 6
Your page (greetings) 7
A matter of finances 8, 21
Synod Christmas letter 9 - 10
Letter from the Secretary;
Editor’s Notes; Crisis Appeal 11
Notice Board 12 - 13
A Warning - be vigilant 14
Layhams Farmshop voucher 15
Christmas Tree Festival Prog. 16
Alzheimer’s; MindCare 17 - 19
Alzheimers related websites 19
Another Giggle;
The way things once were 20
You know you are getting old 21
Blessing 24
Church Organisations I B C
3. 1
Letter from the Minister
Dear Friends
Christmas is coming, and we are all busy preparing.
Our Christmas Tree Festival is underway, schools are telling again the
story of Christmas, and children eagerly await a possible visit from
Father Christmas; Christmas songs are played in stores, and turkeys are
on order. A time of year that is either looked forward to, or dreaded,
according to who you do, or do not, get to spend time with.
For Christians, Christmas is always a celebration of the birth of the
Christ Child; a time when we remember God’s amazing gift, come to
earth for us; when we remind ourselves again of the stories of the birth
of Christ as shepherds, wise men and angels witness the amazing coming
of God’s own Son.
Somehow, over the years, we seem to find it more difficult to enter into
the wonder of this time; to acknowledge the miracle of God on earth; to
allow ourselves to be astounded by the God who loves us so much that
He was willing to send His only beloved Son to tell us anew how much we
are loved and how very special we are in His sight.
As I write what is my last magazine letter to you all, my prayer is that
this year we will all be reminded afresh of just how wonderful and
amazing our God truly is, and each know and experience the true depth
of His Joy and Love in each one of us.
May we all enjoy a blessed time this Christmas.
4. 2
Seasonal Services
December 2015
6th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Jim Holman
6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister. CTH with
Musicians from Hayes School
12th Sat 6.00 pm - Compassionate Friends Service - The Minister
13th Sun
10.30 am - Parade & Gift Service - The Minister
4.00 pm - Christingle Service - The Minister
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister
20th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Tony Russell
6.30 pm - Carols by Candlelight - The Minister
24th Thu 6.30 pm - Christmas Eve Holy Communion - The Minister
25th Fri
Christmas Day
10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister
27th Sun
10.30 am - Joint Morning Service - The Minister at
Beckenham URC
There will be NO Evening Service
January 2016
3rd
10.30 am - Morning Service - Mrs Marion Moore
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - Mrs Marion Bayley
10th
10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister. Sue's last service.
6.30 pm - Evening Service -
17th
10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev. Bryn Thomas
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Mrs Judy Davies
24th
10.30 am - Holy Communion - Alan Kienlan
6.30 pm - Evening Service - CTH - Hayes Baptists at
Hayes Village Hall
31st
10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev. Geoff Larcombe
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Rev. Bryn Thomas
February 2016
7th
10.30 am - Morning Service -
6.30 pm - Holy Communion -
From the beginning of January, evening services will take place in
the Vestry, except for 1st Sunday in the month when it is Holy
Communion, when the service will be in the church.
5. 3
News of the Church Family
Announcements are welcome :-
BMD - Changes of address, etc.
Your prayers would be appreciated for: -
Helen Hebbes, and David and Ann Watson.
Church Meetings
The next Elders’ meetings (Tuesdays) will be at 8.00 pm in the small hall
on 1st of December & 5th of January.
The next Church meeting will be after the morning service at 12.00
noon on 24th of January. We will NOT hold a meeting in December.
Women's Contact Group
The contact group will hold their monthly lunches at the tea room in
Hayes on Mondays at 12.30 pm; on the 7th of December & on the 4th of
January.
Sylvia Mack
Saturday Fellowship
We will be meeting at Barbara Jones’s home at 133, Pickhurst Lane at
2.30 pm on the 5th of December & the 2nd of January.
The leader is Martin Nunn. You are welcome to join us.
v Jim Holman is a Methodist preacher. He has conducted services at HFC
in the past.
v Tony Russell is very well known to us - He is a member of HFC.
v Mrs Marion Moore is a Lay Preacher from our sister church - Emmanuel
U.R.C., West Wickham.
v Mrs. Marion Bayley is a Lay Preacher and an Elder from our sister church
in Beckenham. She regularly leads our services.
v Bryn Thomas needs no introduction to many of us as he was a former
organist and choir master at HFC. He took early retirement from
teaching to become an ordained minister and still lives in West Wickham.
v Mrs Judy Davies is well known to us. She has conducted services at HFC
on a number of occasions.
v Alan Kienlan is well known to us. He was church secretary and an elder
at HFC.
v Revd Geoff Larcombe is a local representative from the Bible Society.
He spoke at the Bible celebration supper in the spring of 2011.
Some notes on the visiting preachers.
6. 4
Tuesday Prayer Meetings for December & January
Held at 10.00 am at the following homes:-
December
1st Martin Nunn’s. 8th Betty Coster’s.
15th Brenda Cordingley’s. 22nd The Church.
29th Martin Nunn’s
January
5th Martin Nunn’s. 12th Betty Coster’s.
19th Brenda Cordingley’s. 26th The Church.
Then in February
2nd Martin Nunn’s
Please address any queries to Martin Nunn.
House Church
We have a house church at my house - 133, Pickhurst Lane. It takes
place on the third Wednesday in the month at 7.30 pm.
The dates are as follows; December 16th & January 20th.
We will be looking at the Ten Commandments. Anyone who would like
to join us is welcome.
Barbara
Men's Group
The next Men’s Group meeting will be on Thursday 21st January in the
small hall at 8.00 pm and will be a New Year meal organised by
Alistair Wilson. We are NOT meeting in December.
Ministry of Flowers
Thank you to those who will be providing flowers in December and
January.
December
6 - Christine, Andrew & Sarah -
i.m.o. Ruth Rees
13 - Ann Barker
20 - Margaret McPherson -
i.m.o. Nell & Syd Williams
27 - No flowers as at Beckenham
URC
January
3 - Gill & Chris Wood -
i.m.o. Matthew
10 - Mavis Righini
17 - Mr & Mrs Yong 24 - Ruth White - i.m.o. her mother
31 - The Matthews Family - i.m.o
Sasha Louise Matthews
Continued on the next page ....
7. 5
A big thank you to those who kindly arrange the flowers when needed.
After the Sunday evening services, the flowers are distributed to
members and friends, bringing joy to the recipients.
Mavis Righini
Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club
We welcome all babies and children under school age,
accompanied by their parents, grandparents or carers, to our club
on Friday afternoons between 2 and 4pm during term time. The fee is
£1 per family – tea, squash and biscuits are provided. This is a time
when adults can meet up, while the children in their care are busy
playing with toys and activities in the company of other children.
Our Christmas Party will take place at the end of term on the 4th of
December. The Spring term starts on Friday, 8th of January 2016
Wendy Smith
Messy Church
This meets on the 4th Wednesday of every month in the church from
3.30 - 4.30 pm, and children from 2 to 12 years are welcome.
Book Club
We will be meeting at 7.30 pm on Thursday, 7th of January. Please
note that we will NOT be meeting in December, and that from
January, meetings will commence at 7.30 pm.
Notice Sheets – December & January
December: -
6th & 13th Joan Smith 8462 3920
20th & 27th Pam Collison 8658 0748
January
3rd & 10th Brenda Cordingley 8462 3867
17th & 24th Joan Smith
31st Pam Collison
February
7th Pam Collison
If you require items to be included in the notice sheets, please
contact the appropriate person by the previous Tuesday.
.... Continued from the previous page
8. 6
Women’s Contact Coffee Morning
We will be holding the next coffee mornings
from 10.00am to 12.00 noon in the Small Hall
on the 12th of December and the 9th of January.
We are continuing to raise monies to contribute to
disaster relief funds in different parts of the world.
We hope to see you at the Coffee Morning, and why not bring a friend?
Please note that the monies raised from the coffee mornings are
separate from those raised through the refreshments trolley after
Sunday morning services.
Barbara Jones
The Fairtrade Sunday Stall
We hold a fair trade stall after the morning service on the 2nd and 4th
Sunday of each month.
The stall will be held on the 13th of December (none on the 27th) and
then on the 10th and 24th of January.
Please continue to support your stall.
Thank you. Richard and Barbara.
Fairtrade Christmas Appeal - focuses on the work we’re doing with
farmers in Tanzania, where droughts and poor crops make life very
unpredictable. Beekeeping is the theme. Donations online at
Traidcraft.co.uk / Bees at Christmas
Women's Fellowship
Meetings are in the small hall at 2.00 p.m., unless otherwise stated,
on Tuesdays and finish about 3.30 p.m.
For December we have: -
1st T B A
8th Flowers for Christmas with Jean.
15th Christmas tea.
Details of further meetings were unknown at the time of going to press.
MINI-AMBULANCE
Members who use this service are asked to phone Marion
Swanborough on 8462 3981 by 9.00 am on any Tuesday when they
are unable to come to the meetings.
As always, we welcome all ladies to our meetings. Please come along
for a pleasant afternoon. We do have a very varied programme
with plenty to interest everyone.
Marion
9. 7
Your Page
Greetings
(Rev) John and Margaret Robinson
wish you all a Happy Christmas
and a New Year with many
blessings.
Happy Christmas to everyone
at HFC
and all good wishes for 2016
David and Judith Stoner
Wishing you all a very
Merry Christmas and a
peaceful and healthy New
Year.
Daphne Cummings
To all our friends at HFC,
Malcolm and Teresa send
love and best wishes.
To all my friends in my Church
family with best wishes for
Christmas and the New Year.
May we continue to reach out
to each other in love & share
Peace and Tranquility of the
Holy Spirit within our Church.
X
Jean Ritchie
To all of our friends at HFC,
May we wish you a Merry
Christmas and a Peaceful
New Year
Richard & Flora
Denise Benbow wishes
all members of
Hayes Free Church
Peace, Love & Joy
for the Christmas Season.
10. 8
A matter of finances
A 98 year old woman in the UK wrote this to her bank. The bank
manager thought it amusing enough to have it published in the Times.
Dear Sir,
I am writing to thank you for bouncing my cheque with which I
endeavoured to pay my plumber last month. By my calculations,
three nanoseconds must have elapsed between his presenting the
cheque and the arrival in my account of the funds needed to honour
it. I refer, of course, to the automatic monthly deposit of my Pension,
an arrangement, which, I admit, has been in place for only thirty
eight years.
You are to be commended for seizing that brief window of
opportunity, and also for debiting my account £30 by way of penalty
for the inconvenience caused to your bank.
My thankfulness springs from the manner in which this incident has
caused me to rethink my errant financial ways.
I noticed that whereas I personally attend to your telephone calls and
letters, when I try to contact you, I am confronted by the impersonal,
overcharging, pre-recorded, faceless entity which your bank has
become.
From now on, I, like you, choose only to deal with a flesh-and-blood
person.
My mortgage and loan payments will therefore and hereafter no
longer be automatic, but will arrive at your bank by cheque,
addressed personally and confidentially to an employee at your
bank whom you must nominate.
Be aware that it is an offence under the Postal Act for any other
person to open such an envelope.
Please find attached an Application Contact Status which I require
your chosen employee to complete. I am sorry it runs to eight pages,
but in order that I know as much about him or her as your bank knows
about me, there is no alternative.
Please note that all copies of his or her medical history must be
countersigned by a Solicitor, and the mandatory details of his/her
financial situation (income, debts, assets and liabilities) must be
accompanied by documented proof.
In due course, I will issue your employee with PIN number which he/she
must quote in dealings with me.
Continued on Page 21 ....
11. 9
Continued on the next page .....
Christmas 2015,
Dear Friend,
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus……
So much of our Christmas preparations have been ‘disinfected’ to
consist of warm fuzzy feelings. So it is not surprising that we forget
that while Christmas celebrates the coming among us of a tiny baby as the Emmanuel,
God-with-us, his coming was indeed a sign of contradiction. We understate the fact
that Mary, who was heavily pregnant, and Joseph were turned away from the inn
because there was no room. We forget the slaughter of the Holy Innocents and that the
infant Jesus was spared their fate only through the hurried flight into Egypt where the
Holy Family lived in future hope for many years as what today we would call political
refugees.
Yet this is the Christmas reality experienced today by the ever-growing number of
migrants and refugees throughout the world. There is a humanitarian crisis on our
doorstep. The stark reality is that 12 million Syrians have fled their homes because of
conflict; half are children. 4 million are refugees. Children affected by the Syrian
conflict are at risk of becoming ill, malnourished, abused, or exploited. Millions have
been forced to quit school. More than 700,000 Syrian refugees and other migrants
risked their lives this year to travel to Europe. It’s a heartbreaking situation but the
headlines scream at us: that most people in the UK don’t want refugees coming here.
It may be difficult to believe, but rather than drawing us closer to God, sometimes
Christmas actually draws us away! No wonder the little girl who was praying
“forgive us our trespasses” got confused and said, “forgive us our Christmases.”
Sometimes we need to be forgiven for our Christmases. We simply leave no room
for Jesus.
Over the summer, our family was very fortunate to be able to attend a conference in
Speyer, Germany, entitled “We are one”. During our last night our host Sabine, a
social worker, who has befriended a number of asylum seekers, invited them to a
barbeque at her home. It was fascinating listening to Malik, Ali, Tariq and Issak, four
young men from Pakistan and Afghanistan, tell their story of hurried flight and
future hope. All four had been in Germany for over two years, Ali nearly three. All
Synod office · East Croydon URC · Addiscombe Grove · Croydon CR0 5LP
Telephone 020 8688 3730 Fax No 020 8688 2698
Website - www.urcsouthern.org.uk
Synod Moderator The Revd Nicola Furley-Smith 020 8688 3730 moderator@urcsouthern.org.uk
Synod Clerk The Revd Derrick Dzandu-Hedidor 020 8660 3415 synodclerk@urcsouthern.org.uk
Synod Treasurer Mr Ian Fleming 020 8337 8581 treasurer@urcsouthern.org.uk
12. 10
four were still waiting for an interview – an interview which would determine their
right to stay. All four were graduates, intelligent young men in their twenties. All
had left their homeland because they had to – their life was threatened. Tariq had left
a wife and two children and hadn’t seen them for over two years. As Issak said: we
would not have left our families and our homes unless we had to. This is the
Christmas reality: we are not one.
This encounter has left me wondering about the significance of ‘no room in the inn’
that first Christmas and for us in 2015. Perhaps one reason there was no room for
Jesus was ignorance. After all, how could the innkeeper know the baby about to be
born was the Son of God. Or perhaps the innkeeper was too busy what with
everything else that was occupying his time.
The choices which we make as human beings often lead to disaster for ourselves or
others. The Christmas story teaches us that the faithful love of God is always seeking
better outcomes than human folly dictates.
Christmas is the time we celebrate Emmanuel, this God-with-us, who makes the
promise of God's faithful love real amongst us. This promise stands in a world which
gives us cause to grieve as well as to rejoice. It is no accident that the gospel writers
are at pains to set the story of the infant Jesus in a world of power politics, fear and
injustice.
It is only when we have the measure of such challenges to our lives (such as we did
this summer in our encounter in Speyer) that we can truly celebrate the God who
comes among us as a helpless child and, in doing so, reveal to the world that the
faithful love of God is greater than anything else.
Russell, Cameron and Ross join me in wishing you the gladness of Christmas, which
is hope, the spirit of Christmas, which is peace, and the heart of Christmas, which is
love.
..... Continued from the previous page
Synod Moderator The Revd Nicola Furley-Smith 020 8688 3730 moderator@urcsouthern.org.uk
Synod Clerk The Revd Derrick Dzandu-Hedidor 020 8660 3415 synodclerk@urcsouthern.org.uk
Synod Treasurer Mr Ian Fleming 020 8337 8581 treasurer@urcsouthern.org.uk
13. 11
November 2015
Dear All,
It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that our Minister
Sue has decided it is time to move on.
She has been with us for 9 years and I have had the joy and priv-
ilege of working alongside her as Secretary for 3 of those years.
Her total dedication to serving our Lord and putting in so many
working hours, often not having her day off, has been quite
amazing. She will be a great loss and a hard act to follow.
I know you will all join me in wishing Sue every happiness in
wherever the Lord leads her. Sue's last service with us will be on
the morning of January 10th 2016, when it would be good to see
the church full with all of our church family.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christ-
mas. I look forward to working alongside you in 2016.
With Christian love to you all
Mavis
Notes from the Editor
Thank you
I would like to thank everyone who has contributed material, and
helped with production from proof reading to printing, pinning in
envelopes, and distribution throughout 2015.
With season’s greetings. Editor
The Crisis Appeal
My sister is going to Crisis over Christmas & can take any donations
with her. Donations can be brought to the Manse for collection.
Thank you. Sue.
Crisis needs:
Food - Biscuits (chocolate, sweet and savoury) Savoury snacks
(including crisps, cheese crackers, etc.) Chocolate and confection-
ery (bars, boxes, tins) Soft drinks (cans or bottles, still or fizzy) Please
note that all food and drink items must have a ‘use by’ or ‘best be-
fore’ date extending past 30 December 2015.
Personal care products - Bath towels (new or freshly laundered only)
Shaving foam Roll-on stick deodorant or antiperspirant (no aerosols)
Clothing / footwear - Trainers (male only - sizes 7 to 14)
14. 12
NOTICE
HARVEST LUNCH
A big thank you to many folk who
provided the desserts and helped to
successfully serve a 3 Course Meal to
the 40 people who attended.
It was a happy time and we raised
£300 which will go towards the Boiler
Fund.
Margaret Tannock
John Curry
John’s daughter, Zoe, gave
us the news that the family
has raised £1885 in memory
of John.
This is quite amazing.
The Fairs
The Charity Card Fair and
Christmas Fair made
a profit of £1,842.00.
Thank you to all involved.
Daphne
15. 13
BOARD
HFC Christmas Post
This year, there won’t be a post box for your cards.
Instead, Christmas Cards can be popped in the pigeon holes
for people to collect.
There isn't going to be somebody sorting and delivering those
cards which have not been collected.
Also if you are using the pigeon holes, as a saving on postage
there will be a box for gifts of money towards the Benevolent Fund.
Please come to the Carols by Candlelight
on 20th December at 6.30 pm
Stay on for coffee and mince pies afterwards, and pick up any
uncollected post.
We apologise for the reduction in service, but no one has stepped
forward to take on the excellent job which John Curry did in
collecting, sorting and delivering your Christmas cards
16. 14
A Warning - be vigilant
Police in Bromley are asking residents to be vigilant and not to answer
the door to cold callers, after victims have been targeted by artifice
burglars posing as police officers and water board officials.
Detectives are investigating six incidents in the borough over the last
two days, three in which two suspects have knocked at the door of
elderly residents posing as plain clothed police officers investigating
burglaries in the area.
In the other three cases the suspects claimed to either be from the
water board needing to check water pipes or asking to use a pen as
their car had broken down.
Officers from Bromley's Burglary Squad are investigating the incidents
and no arrests have been made at this stage.
Detective Inspector Charles Clare, from Bromley CID, said:
"Bogus callers tend to target vulnerable members of the
community and often this means elderly people.
"Although there are still relatively few victims of this type of crime,
it can have an enormous impact on their lives if it happens so we
want people to be aware and take simple steps to prevent it
from happening.
"If you've got any vulnerable or elderly friends or family, then
please make them aware of our advice so that they don't fall
foul of this type of scam."
Residents are asked to do the following when somebody unexpected
comes to their doorstep:
ü Use your door viewer, or look through a window to see who is there
and if you are in any doubt, don't answer the door.
ü When anyone claims to be from a service company, always ask for
I.D. and call the customer services department to confirm their
identity - genuine callers won't mind waiting. If they claim to be
police officers, you can call 101.
ü Many utility companies operate password schemes, so contact
yours to set one up - any representative will know this when they visit
your home.
ü Be wary of anyone who claims they are in a hurry and needs to get
in your home quickly.
ü Never hand over money to somebody cold calling or let anyone
take you to the bank to withdraw money.
ü Consider scheduling a time for the caller to come back again,
when a friend or relative can be with you.
ü If you see anybody acting suspiciously call police on 999.
18. 16
From 2.00pm on Saturday 28th and Monday 30th November, Friday 4th and
Saturday 5th December.
Members and Friends of Hayes Free Church and
River City Saxes - “Four Saxophones Swing into Christmas”
Sunday 29th November at 6.30pm - Evening Service
The Trees can be viewed at the Church at the following times:
From 3.30pm on Tuesday 1st , Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd December
(extended opening until 8.00pm on Tuesday and Thursday only)
On each Sunday the church will be open at 10.30am and 6.30pm for services
Programme of Entertainment
Friday 27th November at 7.30pm - OPENING CONCERT
Saturday 28th November at 7.00pm - Wind and Words (Poetry and Clarinet) -
“ ‘Twas the Night before Christmas” and
Croydon Guitar Club Entertains with Popular Songs
with Pickhurst Junior Academy
Monday 30th November at 7.30pm - Bishop Justus School Concert
Wednesday 2nd December at 7.30pm - Concert by The Wandle Ringers
Friday 4th December at 7.00pm - Quiz Night (bring your own drinks and nibbles)
(Tickets £2.00 from Christine Rees 07989 192928 or Alistair Wilson 020 8402 0026 )
Saturday 5th December at 7.45pm - Concert by Beckenham Concert Band
Sunday 6th December at 6.30pm - Churches Together in Hayes
with the Musicians from Hayes School
Hayes Free Church,
111 Pickhurst Lane,
Hayes (Kent) BR2 7HU
www.hayesfreechurch.com
All the money
raised will go to
Hayes Free Church
Christmas Tree
Festival
In aid of The Chartwell Cancer Trust
From Friday 27th November to Sunday 6th December 2015
19. 17
Alzheimer’s is a disease that causes dementia.
The article continues with the discussion of different types of dementia..
Frontotemporal dementia Symptoms may include:
· Personality changes This may include a change in how people
express their feelings towards others or a lack of understanding of
other people’s feelings. They may also show a lack of interest or
concern, become disinhibited or behave inappropriately.
· Lack of personal awareness People may fail to maintain their
normal level of personal hygiene and grooming.
· Lack of social awareness This might include making inappropriate
jokes, or showing a lack of tact.
· Diet Changes in food preference, over-eating or over-drinking.
· Behaviour changes People may change their humour or sexual
behaviour, become violent or develop unusual beliefs, interests or
obsessions.
· Some people become impulsive or easily distracted.
· Decision making Difficulty with simple plans and decisions.
· Awareness Lack of awareness of any personality or behaviour
changes.
· Language Decline in language abilities. This might include difficulty
getting words out or understanding words. People may repeat
commonly used words and phrases, or forget the meaning of
words.
· Recognition Difficulty recognising people or knowing what objects
are for.
· Memory Day-to-day memory may remain intact in the early stages,
but problems with attention and concentration could give the
impression of memory problems.
Therefore symptoms can vary from person to person. There may also
be overlap of some symptoms between the different forms of FTD. As
the disease progresses, people may have problems with movement
similar to those seen in Parkinson’s or motor neurone disease. In FTD,
symptoms get worse over time. The speed of change can vary widely,
but some people live with the condition for more than 15 years.
Support
Living with frontotemporal dementia can be difficult. Younger people
affected by the disease may be working, and have family and
financial responsibilities. The Frontotemporal Dementia Support Group
(formerly Pick’s Disease Support Group) provides support and
Continued on the next page ......
20. 18
The following article was included in the
November Churches Newsletter published by
MindCare Dementia Support
Concerned About Your Memory?
Many people over 50 years old become concerned about their
memory. We all have trouble remembering everything that happens
in our lives. For example, can you remember what you did on 4 June
2009? Chances are you don’t remember unless there was a
significant event on that day like a birthday or anniversary.
Memory loss becomes a problem when it starts to interfere in your
everyday life. You may have trouble remembering where you are or
the names of people important in your life. These could be early signs
of dementia.
What is dementia?
The term ‘dementia’ is used to describe a collection of symptoms,
including a loss of memory, reasoning and communication skills and
a gradual loss of skills needed to carry out daily activities. These
symptoms are caused by structural and chemical changes in the
brain as a result of physical diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia affects daily activities and social relationships and is usually
progressive and irreversible. However, people can still have a good
quality of life with information and support to achieve this.
Common signs of dementia
Just because you are getting older does not mean you will have
dementia. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. The commons
signs of dementia are:
· Loss of memory – for example, forgetting the way home from the
shops, being unable to remember names and places or what
happened earlier the same day.
· Personality and mood changes - particularly as parts of the brain
that control emotion are affected by disease. Anyone with
information for people with FTD, their families and carers. Regional
contact details can be found online at www.ftdsg.org or by ringing
07592 540 555.
There are other support organisations that offer help and advice
about dementia.
For more information visit our website at
www.alzheimersresearchuk.org or ask us for our booklet ‘Caring for
someone with dementia: organisations that can help’. You can also
speak to your doctor or nurse for advice.
.... Continued from the previous page
Continued on the next page .....
21. 19
The Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Support Group -
website at ftdsg.org
This site aims to provide information and support to
people with FTD, and their families, friends and
healthcare professionals.
Mindcare Dementia Support - website at blmind.org.uk
Part of Bromley & Lewisham Mind, which provides
dementia support services in the borough of Bromley
Alzheimer's Research UK - website at
alzheimersresearchuk.org
Founded in 1992 as the Alzheimer’s Research Trust. We
now have a network of 15 centres of research across
the UK.
Alzheimer's Society - website at alzheimers.org.uk
They claim to be leading the fight against dementia.
Top Health Ideas - website at tophealthideas.com
This is a very useful website which covers numerous
health issues including Alzheimers and Dementia.
dementia may also feel sad, frightened or angry about what is
happening to them.
· Communication problems - a decline in the ability to talk, read and
write or finding the right words.
· Coordination difficulties - difficulty tying shoe laces or doing up
buttons when getting dressed.
What to do if you are concerned about your memory and dementia
The most important thing to do is visit your GP. Your GP and specialist
professionals can conduct a series of tests to find out what is causing
the changes to your memory. There are other things like medication,
alcohol, stress, anxiety, depression and infections that may be
causing memory problems.
If you are given a dementia diagnosis, getting help early gives you the
opportunity to make choices about your future. Support and
information is available from the moment you tell your GP that you
have concerns about your memory.
MindCare Dementia Support is part of local charity, Bromley &
Lewisham Mind, and provides dementia support, information, training
and coaching to individuals and their family and friends. For more
information please contact us on 020 8663 0499.
Websites of the month: - All related to Dementia issues
.... Continued from the previous page
22. 20
Another Giggle
Sue has been the source of many a lovely story with a nice humorous
twist.
I felt that the following is rather timely.
Editor
A Churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper and
complained that it made no sense to go to church every
Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time
I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me
I can't remember a single one of them. So I think I'm wasting my
time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."
This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column,
much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until
someone wrote this clincher:
I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has
cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall
what the menu was for a single one of those meals. But I do
know this: they all nourished me and gave me the strength I
needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me those
meals, I would be dead today."
No comments were made on the sermon contents anymore.
The way things once were
The theme of eating in the UK in the fifties was taken from a long email
from a contact in Australia.
This theme has now finished. I am looking for another theme, so any
ideas would be most welcome.
Editor
For now, here are some thoughts......
Remember When...
Memory was something you lost with age
An application was for employment
A program was a TV show
A cursor used profanity
A keyboard was a piano
A web was a spider's home
A virus was the flu
A CD was a bank account
A hard drive was a long trip on the road
A mouse pad was where a mouse lived
23. 21
I regret that it cannot be shorter than 28 digits but, again, I have
modelled it on the number of button presses required of me to
access my account balance on your phone bank service.
As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Let me level the playing field even further. When you call me, press
buttons as follows:
1. To make an appointment to see me.
2. To query a missing payment.
3. To transfer the call to my living room in case I am there.
4. To transfer the call to my bedroom in case I am sleeping.
5. To transfer the call to my toilet in case I am attending to nature.
6. To transfer the call to my mobile phone if I am not at home.
7. To leave a message on my computer (a password to access my
computer is required. A password will be communicated to you
at a later date to the Authorized Contact.)
8. To return to the main menu and to listen to options 1 through to 8.
9. To make a general complaint or inquiry, the contact will then be
put on hold, pending the attention of my automated answering
service.
While this may, on occasion, involve a lengthy wait, uplifting music will
play for the duration of the call.
Regrettably, but again following your example, I must also levy an
establishment fee to cover the setting up of this new arrangement.
May I wish you a good, if ever so slightly less prosperous year.
I remain.
Your Humble Client
Remember: This was written by a 98 year old woman; DOESN'T SHE
MAKE YOU PROUD!
Contributed by David Watson
..... Continued from page 8
You know you’re getting old when... work is a lot less fun, and
fun is a lot more work.
By the time you can afford to eat anything you want... you can
no longer eat anything you want!
24. 22
December 2015
1st Tue
10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6
8.00 pm - Elders’ Meeting Page 3
2nd Wed 7.30 pm - Concert Page 16
3rd Thu
4th Fri
2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Group Page 5
7.00 pm - Quiz Night Page 16
5th Sat
2.30 pm - Saturday Fellowship Page 3
7.45 pm - Concert Page 16
6th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Jim Holman
6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister. CTH
with Musicians from Hayes School
7th Mon 12.30 pm - Women’s Contact Group Page 3
8th Tue
10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6
9th Wed - 11th Fri - No events.
12th Sat 10.00 am - Women’s Contact Coffee Morning Page 6
13th Sun
10.30 am - Parade & Gift Service - The Minister
Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 6
4.00 pm - Christingle Service - The Minister
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister
14th Mon
15th Tue
10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6
16th Wed 7.30 pm - House Church Page 4
17th Thu - 19th Sat - No events
20th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Tony Russell
6.30 pm - Carols by Candlelight - The Minister
21st Mon
22nd Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
23rd Wed 3.30 pm - Messy Church Page 5
24th Thu 6.30 pm - Christmas Eve Holy Communion - The Minister
25th Fri
Christmas Day
10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister
26th Sat Boxing Day
25. 23
January 2016
1st Fri New Year's Day
2nd Sat 2.30 pm - Saturday Fellowship Page 3
3rd Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Mrs Marion Moore
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - Mrs Marion Bayley
4th Mon 12.30 pm - Women’s Contact Group Page 3
5th Tue
10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
8.00 pm - Elders’ Meeting Page 3
6th Wed
7th Thu 7.30 pm - Book Club Page 5
8th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Group Page 5
9th Sat 10.00 am - Women’s Contact Coffee Morning Page 6
10th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister.
Sue's last service.
Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 6
6.30 pm - Evening Service -
11th Mon
12th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
13th Wed
14th Thu
15th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Group Page 5
16th Sat
17th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev. Bryn Thomas
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Mrs Judy Davies
18th Mon
19th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
December 2015
27th Sun
10.30 am - Joint Morning Service - The Minister at
Beckenham URC
There will be NO Evening Service
28th Mon
29th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
30th Wed - 31st Thu - No events
26. 24
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
There were no events to list at the time of going to press.
Blessing
Know the love of God this day,
for it has gone before you and
will go ahead. In the small things and
in all things, God will be with us. AMEN.
February 2016
1st Mon
2nd Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
3rd Wed
4th Thu
5th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Group Page 5
6th Sat
7th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service -
January 2016
20th Wed 7.30 pm - House Church Page 4
21st Thu 8.00 pm - Men’s Group Page 4
22nd Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Group Page 5
23rd Sat
24th Sun
10.30 am - Holy Communion - Alan Kienlan
Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 6
12.00 noon - Church Meeting Page 3
6.30 pm - Evening Service - CTH - Hayes Baptists at
Hayes Village Hall
25th Mon
26th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
27th Wed 3.30 pm - Messy Church Page 5
28th Thu
29th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Group Page 5
30th Sat
31st Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev. Geoff Larcombe
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Rev. Bryn Thomas
27. CHURCH ORGANISATIONS
Day Organisation Contact Phone
Sunday
10.25am Sunday Club Mike Duke 020 8462 5103
Weekdays
9.15 -12.15pm
12.15 -12.45pm
Pre School Group
P/School lunch club
Jayne Carvell 07913 299773
Monday
5.45pm Brownies Sarah Humphrey 020 3539 8113
6.30pm Cubs Brenda Petts 020 8325 3956
8.00pm - 1st Women's Contact
Group
Sylvia Mack 020 8462 1938
Tuesday
10.00am Prayer Meeting Martin Nunn 020 8462 5918
2.00pm Women's Fellowship MarionSwanborough 020 8462 3981
7.15pm Scouts - 1st troop Paul Hasling 020 3236 0083
Wednesday
3.30pm - 4th Messy Church Mavis Righini 020 8462 1168
5.30pm Rainbows Jenny Longman 07730 574962
6.00pm Beavers Brenda Petts 020 8325 3956
7.30pm - 3rd House Church Barbara Jones 020 8325 5619
8.00pm Explorers Tom Strachan 07745 813 295
Thursday
5.30pm Brownies Stevie Blair. 020 8325 3469
7.15 - 8.45pm Rangers Georgina Chappell 07983 471308
7.15pm Scouts - 2nd troop Julia Hart 07518 361038
7.30pm - 1st HFC Book Club Wendy Smith 020 8462 1779
8.00pm - 3rd Men's Group Bruce Tannock 020 8325 6264
8.00pm - 2nd,
& 4th
Ignatian Spirituality
Group
David Hawthorn 020 8249 7188
Friday
9.00 - 12.00pm Coffee morning during term times
2.00pm Mothers & Toddlers Wendy Smith 020 8462 1779
6.30pm Guides Teresa Cheyne 020 8777 6042
Saturday
2.30pm - 1st Saturday Fellowship Martin Nunn 020 8462 5918
NOTE: - Some of the organisations meet once or twice per month.
This is indicated by 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. The numbers relate to which
week day of the month, NOT the calendar date.
28. Bethlehem
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem
of Judea ....
Matthew 2 :1
Gracious God,
Every year this place begins our Christmas story —
Bethlehem, place of beginning, place of birth.
But this was not the beginning — you had loved us before
that.
Every year we think about how it was on the day, at the
time:
the hustle of the crowds with ‘No room at the inn‘,
the sounds of angels to shepherds on a cold hillside.
the smells of the stable where the lowly birth took place.
We come back to these time-honoured thoughts and
reflections, so easily, every year and think, Bethlehem — star,
stable, manger, little donkey — Nativity Play.
God, although we have to admit that it would have been a
draughty and unpleasant place to be that day, how easily
we ignore the bigger picture.
We don‘t give much attention to all the careful detail and
attention you gave to making it the ‘right‘ place and the
right time for the Word to be made flesh.
Thank you, God, that you put up with our often ‘Disney’ view
of Christmas.
Thank you, God, for choosing the line of David with its
dubious genealogy.
Thank you, God, for bringing your son into the world in a
place where he was in danger right from the start, under
Herod's rule.
Thank you, God, for taking risks. for taking time to
communicate yourself to us and for taking each
of us into your family.
Final Thought
