St. John's Magazine - October 22

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PETER D HANNABY
Painter & Decorator
Interior and Exterior work
Undertaken
For competitive quotations
Please call
Mobile: 07765 250092
Home: 01442 288956
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING COSTS
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are eleven issues per year with double issue in December/January.
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or email: magazine@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk

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THE VICAR’S LETTER
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
change and decay in all around I see;
O thou who changest not, abide with me.
Abide with me: 331 NEH
Dear Friends,
These words, the second verse of Henry Lyte’s hymn Abide with me, seem
very appropriate at the moment. So much has changed since my last
writing to you. The nights are drawing in; trees are looking decidedly more
autumnal; there is a nip in the air; grass is once again green; schools have
returned to ‘normal’; a new Prime Minister has been appointed; and, of
course, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died and gone to glory thus ush-
ering in a new age with Charles III as our new King.
All this change can be unsettling – even changes we know are coming. But I
find it’s the changes that are just hoisted upon us that are the hardest to
cope with. Bereavement is notoriously the hardest change for us to accept
as everything seems so final, so definitive, so filled with emotion. With the
death of Queen Elizabeth the Nation/we have experienced the loss of
someone who gave us tremendous stability when everything else was
changing. In our own families, when someone dies, we long for the ability
to make and share new memories, to touch and speak with those whom
we love but see no longer. There is often a sense of despair and uncertainty
regarding the future and an inability to see beyond the all-consuming grief
of the present.
But one thing this hymn does, is it reminds us of the constancy of God. The
God who created the earth and the heavens, and loved you and me into
being, is the same God today, as he was yesterday, and the day before that,
and the same God that will be in the days and weeks and years to come.
God is steadfast and faithful. Our understanding of God’s nature may
change, but he doesn’t. As Jesus reminds us many times in the New Testa-
ment, he (God the Son) will be us unto the end of time, through the power
of the Holy Spirit – a promise I am certain he will not break. Cont’d…..

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A promise that reminds us that God is both the God of the living and the
dead; that even though we die we do not die eternal but rather rest in
God’s eternal keeping.
There are, however, other changes that are not as final or as painful to
bear as death, but yet need to be faced or addressed. Some of these
changes come with age; with decreased mobility or independence; with
changes in circumstances. It’s not easy to let go of things or positions or
status. But by doing so new life can be born and nurtured. Within our
Parish we are undergoing a period of transition as new volunteers are
sought to take on roles within our common life newly made vacant
because of the impact of the pandemic. We are seriously looking at how,
with God’s help, we can plan for the future, inviting folk to prayerfully
consider what roles or responsibility they could shoulder for the benefit of
us all. Do not be surprised if you get a tap on the shoulder asking you to
consider something or other. It would be a sad indictment of our commu-
nity if a Church – the size and ability of ours – could not maintain our
current activities. For…
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies
never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great
is his faithfulness.”
Every Blessing,
Ps I thought this picture might provide the required proof of my paddle
boarding exploits, as mentioned last month

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PARISH DIARY FOR OCTOBER 2022
Enquiries regarding baptisms, weddings, or marriage blessings are
always welcome.
Please contact the Vicar.
Morning Prayer is said Daily at St John’s at 9.00am.
You are most welcome to join the clergy in prayer.
Evening Prayer is said privately for the life of the Parish unless detailed below.
St John’s is open daily 9.30am-5.00pm for private prayer
Sat 1 7.30pm Harvest Quiz Night St John’s Hall
Sun 2 Harvest Festival
8.00am BCP Holy Communion St John’s
10.00am All-Age Eucharist St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis’
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen's
12noon Holy Baptism St John’s
No Evening Service
Mon 3 10.30am Funeral: Una Higson St John’s
7.45pm Together on Monday Club St John’s Hall
Tue 4 St Francis of Assisi
9.30am Tiny Tots: Stay & play, and Service St John’s Hall
Wed 5 10.00am BCP Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
5.00pm Evening Prayer St Francis’
8.00pm Church Meeting: Finance Committee Zoom
Fri 7 12.30pm MASJ Lunchtime Concert St John’s
7.00pm Choir Rehearsal St John’s
Sun 9 Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity: Sermon Series: Holy Baptism
10.00am Parish Eucharist with Baptism St John’s
10.00am Sung Mass St Francis'
12 - 4pm Craft Stalls, Cream Teas & light refreshments
St Francis’
5.00pm Patronal Festival Sung Mass and Benediction
St Francis’
Guest preacher: Mother Alice Jolley, Team Vicar for
Apsley & Bennetts End

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Mon 10 12noon Burial of Ashes: Betty Last St John’s
8.00pm Church Meeting: Communications Committee
Zoom
Tue 11 9.30am Tiny Tots: Stay & play, and Service St John’s Hall
8.00pm Church Meeting: PCC Standing Committee
Zoom
Wed 12 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee St John’s
2.15pm South Hill School Harvest Festival St John’s
5.30pm Junior Choir Practice St John’s Hall
7.00pm Choir Rehearsal St John’s Hall
Sun 16 Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity: Sermon Series: Marriage
10.00am Parish Eucharist St John’s
11.30am Morning Worship St Stephen’s
6.30pm Choral Evensong St John’s
Guest Preacher: The Reverend Canon Liz Hughes,
Chaplain, Luton Airport
Mon 17 7.45pm Together on Monday Club St John’s Hall
Tues 18 St Luke, Evangelist
9.30am Tiny Tots: Stay & play, and Service St John’s Hall
8.00pm Deanery Synod
3.30pm Friendship Teas St John’s Hall
Sat 22 2.00pm Wedding: Joshua Weatherly & Georgia Lynn
St John’s
Sun 23 Bible Sunday: Sermon Series: Confession
11.30am Holy Communion St Stephen's
No Evening Service

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Tues 25 No Tiny Tots—Half Term
Fri 28 Sts Simon and Jude, Apostles
12.30pm MASJ Lunchtime Concert St John’s
5.30pm Junior Choir Practice St John’s Hall
Sun 30 Last Sunday after Trinity: Sermon Series: Unction
12.30pm St John’s Lunch St John’s Hall
No Evening Service
Photos from Keith Beniston’s, Director of Music, 70th Birthday Celebra-
tions on Sunday, 11 September
Photos by kind permission
of Alan Darvill

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Harvest: Thanksgiving, Appeal, & Quiz Night
With much of the UK now in drought our hopes and prayers are that the harvest
will not be too badly impacted as our farmers work to bring in the harvest. As
usual we shall offer to God our thanksgiving for his gifts in creation and those who
cultivate the land for our benefit.
Our celebrations will include a special All Age Parade Eucharist on Sunday
2 October at 10.00am at St John’s; a Quiz Night on Saturday 1 October at
7.30pm, in St John’s Hall (led by Alan Munford), and a collection for the Bishop of
St Alban’s Harvest Appeal: Not Forgotten! This Appeal will help change the lives
of people in Mozambique who have been traumatised and displaced by conflict.
Located in south-eastern Africa, Mozambique is a country with a population of
around 31 million people (World Bank, 2020). Despite gaining independence from
Portugal in 1975, Mozambique became caught up in a brutal civil war that only
ended in 1992. The war destroyed lives and livelihoods, with more than 820,000
people having fled their homes and becoming internally displaced. More than 12
million people live below the poverty line.
Life is hard. Since 2017, northern Mozambique has been under the reign of terror
of a military insurgence group, where it is estimated that more than 2,000 people
have been killed and thousands more have had to flee their homes. The country
has faced terrorist attacks, political unrest, food shortages, and an onslaught of
natural disasters including droughts, monsoons, floods and cyclones. Families and
communities have suffered greatly from this relentless conflict.
This is an urgent situation and we must do something today. As the tragedy
continues to unfold in Mozambique, we cannot let it be forgotten.
Your support will help on-the-ground, local church partners to reach the most
vulnerable; helping to change lives, transform communities and show God’s love
where it is needed most.
St Francis Patronal Festival and Open afternoon: Sunday 9 October
On Sunday 9 October at 5.00pm there will be Sung High Mass with Benediction in
celebration of the Patronal Festival of St Francis, Hammerfield. All are welcome to
join in giving thanks to God for the life and ministry of St Francis of Assisi, and for
the witness of the Church in that part of the Parish. Refreshments will be served
after the Service. Guest preacher: Mother Alice Jolley, Team Vicar with responsi-
bility for St Mary’s, Apsley, and St Benedict’s, Bennetts end. The service will be
preceded by an Open Afternoon – 12noon–4.00pm at St Francis with Cream Teas,
light refreshments, and craft stalls. Please do come along and support.

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Confirmation Service
If you are interested in being confirmed this autumn, or would like to explore
what this means, please speak to me. 7 people have already expressed an inter-
est in being confirmed. A short, but intensive course of preparation will run in
November, ahead of the service on 20 November, 6.30pm.
Countdown to Christmas Fayre
Advance notice that this year’s Fayre will be held on Saturday 19 November,
10.00am-2.00pm in St John’s. All the usual stalls plus refreshments. Please help
with preparations and on the day.
Thank you to our Gardeners
Over the summer months it is always pleasant to be out in the open making the
most of the warm, (hot!) sunny days. Many people choose to come and sit in our
church yards and enjoy the peacefulness of the well-cared for environment.
Sincere thanks to those who keep our church yards trim and tidy and especially
the Thursday working group who are keeping the Rose Garden and lawns at St
John’s looking so inviting. Should you wish to help keep the outside of our
churches looking appealing and loved, please speak to our Churchwardens.
Choral Evensong
Choral Evensong resumes on Sunday 16 October, 6.30pm. There would have
been a service of Choral Evensong in September but this was converted into a
special Service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration for Her late Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II.
It will be a delight to welcome The Reverend Canon Liz Hughes will be our
visiting preacher. As well as being a former assistant priest in the parish and
married to former vicar of this parish, the Venerable Paul Hughes, Liz is Chaplain
at Luton Airport. Out theme for this service will be welcoming the stranger and
foreigner – with particular reference to The Ukraine.
Many say to me how much they miss this simple service and the glorious sound
of our choir. Now’s your chance to come and let the beauty of worship wash
over you as we come into God’s presence.
Bike n’ Hike
Thank you to all who sponsored Andy Fisher, Mark Harbour, and myself to cycle
round as many churches as possible on Saturday 10 September. I managed 10
churches in 10 miles, whilst Andy and Mark visited another 10 churches manag-
ing in total 20 churches in 23 miles. If you did sponsor us, please make sure you
honour your pledge. Nearly £300 pounds has been raised which will be split
between our parish and the work of the Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust.

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DEC Appeal
Thank you also for your generosity towards helping the peoples of Pakistan
following their horrendous floods. Over £400 was raised within the parish.
Thank you.
New Arrivals
During September we shared the wonderful news of new arrivals. First Baby
George Ashley Thomas Cox, was born Friday 16 September to parents Jonny
and Katherine Cox (nee Boyce). And then on Monday 19 September Baby Sebas-
tian Christopher Richard Lyne was born to parents Nikki and Chris Lyne. At the
time of writing, all are doing well. We look forward to seeing them in church in
due course. Their arrival brought a shard of light and life piercing the gloom of
National Mourning.
Congratulations too to grandparents Trevor and Julie Boyce, and Richard and
Anne Lyne.
Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
Thank you to all who enabled our time of National Mourning for our late
Queen. From the pictures to the book of condolence, the flowers to bell ringing.
A particular highlight was our service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration to
Mark The Queen’s life on the eve of her funeral. Our choir were on splendid
form and the service spoke very powerfully to the nearly 100 gathered.
As a Parish we had 2 connections with Her late Majesty’s funeral. Firstly, Miriam
Reveley (daughter of your former Vicar, James, is Organ Scholar St George’s
Chapel, Windsor, and played pre-service music whilst the congregation assem-
bled. Secondly, during my time at Westminster Abbey I put together the draft
and structure of The Queen’s funeral service – the vast majority of which
became the service we saw. I am incredibly proud of my former colleagues for
the way they conducted the service and humbled that my work was fit for
purpose.
2024: Year of Jubilee for the Parish of Boxmoor
On 7 April 1874 St John’s Church was consecrated. 150 years later it seems
appropriate for us to celebrate our common life; to give thanks to God for all
that has been; and to pray for all that is to come. Plans are forming for us to
celebrate our Year of Jubilee with concerts, parties, festivals, services, memora-
bilia and more. A working party will be set-up to plan our celebrations. Hopeful-
ly this will be a time of faith and renewal for our parish. Please pray that these
plans may come to good effect.

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Ukrainian Refugees
As you will know we have been pursuing the Council for permission to house
refugees in our Curatage (23 Beechfield Rd). After a slow start, things have start-
ed to come together. It is hoped that during this month we will finally be able to
welcome a family to the parish. Thank you to all who have donated items to the
house. I know you will make them very welcome and part of our community.
All Souls’ Services: Wednesday 2 November
There are many in the Parish who have lost loved ones, both in recent months or
years, and in years gone by. Although they have died, our prayer and certain
hope is that they live on with Christ in his eternal Kingdom.
Names of departed loved ones will be read out at both the 10.00am Service of
Holy Communion at St John’s on Wednesday 2 November and at 8pm Requiem
Mass for the Departed at St Francis the same day. You are invited to light
candles in memory of departed loved ones and, should you wish for names to be
read out, to please provide these on the relevant form at the back of our church-
es on the Sundays leading up to November.
Annual Service of Remembrance
Over the past year the Ministry Team has taken, or assisted with, many Funerals,
Memorials, and Interments of parishioners. At our Annual Service of Remem-
brance, to be held this year on Sunday 6 November at 4pm, we shall be inviting
friends and families of those who have died during the past 12 months to
remember their loved ones before God and to give thanks for their lives. Should
you wish to remember loved ones from previous years you will be most
welcome.
Potential Pastoral Reorganisation
During the summer, meetings were held to discuss the possibility of creating a
new Benefice between the Parishes of Boxmoor and Warners End & Gadebridge.
After much consideration, the prevailing view is that Warners End & Gadebridge
will remain within the Benefice of The Hemel Team and we will remain on our
own - 3 Churches, 1 parish! The hope for additional ministerial support also
seems to have been taken off the table unless we are able to manage the
process ourselves. Please pray that God will bless our work to find additional
ministerial support for our thriving and busy parish.

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HALLS FOR HIRE
ST JOHN’S HALL - Well equipped hall suitable for use by special interest
groups, clubs and societies. Ideal for family parties and special occasions.
Please contact Hall Bookings Secretary on 07939 226977 or email:
hallbookings@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk for further information and availabil-
ity.
ST STEPHEN’S HALL, CHAULDEN - (opposite Tudor Rose) - Sunny Hall with
tiled floor suitable for dancing and exercise groups as well as being ideal for
children’s parties. Please contact Jean on 01442 257023 for further
information and availability.
ST FRANCIS HALL, HAMMERFIELD - Well equipped hall suitable for use by
special interest groups, clubs and societies. Ideal for family parties and
special occasions. Please contact Hall Bookings Secretary by email: stfran-
cishallbookings@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk for further information and
availability. More urgent queries can be handled by leaving a message on Paul
Davies mobile phone: 07802 442908
Please Note: St. John's Church PCC cannot accept any responsibility for goods or services
Love and protection
The love and affection of angels
flying,
The love and affection of saints
undying,
Heaven’s love and affection satisfy-
ing,
O your guarding and cherishing let
them be,
Your so loving protection eternally.
Ancient Celtic prayer for protection

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Book now 07799 033974

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Do you believe in the power of the Holy Spirit?
On Sunday August 21st
I arrived at St John’s in good time for the 10 am Parish
Eucharist expecting to assist Fr Malcolm, who was down on the rota to
celebrate and preach while Mike was away on holiday. By five to ten he had
not arrived and a decision had to be made as to what to do. I had sometimes
wondered what I would do if I ever found myself in this situation and had
thought the sensible thing would be to lead the usual service omitting the
communion for which a priest is necessary, but I never really thought it
would ever happen. Well, now it had. Added to that I had left my robes at
home and Keith had kindly lent me his organist’s gown to make me look
slightly more official. Graham and I were standing in the vestry and I prayed
very hard, “Come Holy Spirit. Please give us all we need to enable your
people to worship you in spirit and in truth”. I was a bit scared but I truly
believed the prayer would be heard and answered.
At the beginning I told the congregation what had happened and that the
spirit would help us as always to worship in spirit and in truth. We would use
the liturgy as normal, simply omitting the parts where a priest is necessary,
and I would preach a little sermon on the hoof. The church warden read the
banns and we were off.
Everyone seemed to be extra alert. They sang, prayed, listened and I felt a
great sense of being upheld by their love and prayers and the power of the
Holy spirit.
A former vicar of mine had told me that if this ever happened to me I should
preach a “WCC message”, asking the Holy Spirit to give us some insights into
the Wonder of the gospel reading, the Comfort of it and the Challenge -
WCC, Wonder, Comfort, Challenge. He also said if I ever heard him do a WCC
it would mean he hadn’t had time to prepare his sermon!
It all seemed to work and people were very appreciative afterwards.
The problem was that over coffee they kept telling me how well I had done
and when I tried to say anything about how the spirit had been acting in
response to a fervent prayer only one or two seemed to take me seriously.
I genuinely wonder why. Carole Lewis, your lay reader.

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Prayer for October
Loving, Creator God,
Thank you for your wonderful creation. In these days of concern about
climate change and the damage caused by modern lifestyles and choices,
help us to be more aware. Help us to make good choices. Help us to be
good stewards of Your creation.
You are so generous Lord. You provide for us – more than enough to
meet the needs of all people. Help us to play our part in making sure
there is fair distribution of all Your provision. Help us to reflect Your
generosity, Your compassion, Your justice. Help us to care for Your world
and Your precious children.
In Jesus name,
Amen
By Daphne Kitching
BOOK REVIEW
A Little Bit of Hope – 100 affirmations for positive
living
By Katie Piper, SPCK, £6.99
This short and empowering collection 100 bite-sized
affirmations, abridged from Katie Piper’s bestselling
book A Little Bit of Faith, encourages you to see that
heartbreak and hardship can become fuel for your fight.
Whatever life has thrown at you lately, you can fall countless times and
still get back up again and succeed – all you need is a little bit of hope.
Beautifully designed and wonderfully uplifting, this 100-day devotional is
easy to dip in and out of and take with you on the go. It will help you find
the strength and confidence when you need it most. Helpful and a great
gift for anyone struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, and depression, or just
looking for inspiration and a positive change in your mindset.

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'Music Percentage Club Update’
Congratulations to the winners of the August Music
Percentage Club draw:
Job Rombout 1st £15
Noel James 2nd £8
Sheila James 3rd £4
If you know of someone who would be interested in joining the Music
Percentage Club and supporting Music at St John’s in this way there are
forms in church or please contact Mark Harbour on 01582 841019 or see
him in church.
Mark Harbour - on behalf of MASJ
Together on Mondays (ToMs) is a mixed social group that meets on the
first and third Mondays in the month at 7.45pm during term time in the
church hall.
We start with prayers, notices and then an outside speaker or in-house
entertainment. Afterwards coffee and biscuits are served by two members
of the group, while people socialise.
A meal at a local golf club is arranged for January and August and in July
we visit a local place of interest, which provides afternoon tea.
All members pay an annual subscription of £10 but due to the rising cost of
speakers it will be increased at our next AGM in February 2023. We
support a local charity each year, Signpost (which helps troubled young-
sters) is our choice for this year. At each meeting members are asked to
make a donation to our chosen charity and to cover refreshments.
Although we are not charged for the hall we do make an annual donation.
Anyone who is interested can join us at one of our meetings. There are
programmes for September 2022 through to July 2023 on the table at the
back of church.
If you have any queries please get in touch with Di Tovey 263669.

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NOVEMBER 2022 - PRICE 60p
Please note the deadline for articles for the November 2022 edition of the maga-
zine is Sunday, 2nd October.
You can e-mail direct to magazine@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk or leave articles in
magazine pigeonhole or deliver direct to 27 Beechfield Road. Please note any
articles sent by email should be in A5/A4 format (MS Word or MS Publisher
preferred). Thank you. Sally Bates, Editor, Tel No. 266912 or Mobile 07792
768236.
PLEASE NOTE
Website for St John’s Boxmoor is:
www.stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk
E-mail: office@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk
Website for Music at St John’s is http://masj.org.uk
Facebook Page: St Johns Church, Boxmoor
NEWSLETTER: If you would like to receive a copy of the weekly Newsletter by
e-mail, please contact Alan Munford - alan.munford@btinternet.com with your
e-mail address and he will arrange to send it to you.
Please send any items for inclusion in the Newsletter to the Parish Office at the
email address: newsletter@stjohnsboxmoor.org.uk
SUBSCRIPTION TO MAGAZINE
If you would like to receive a copy of St John’s Parish Magazine on a regular
monthly basis, please email alan.munford@btinternet.com or telephone him on
01442 242543 or complete your details below and return tear-off slip to:
Mr. Alan Munford, 16 St Nicholas Mount, Hemel Hempstead HP1 2BB
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75TH ANNIVERSARY OF HEMEL HEMPSTEAD AS A NEW TOWN ORIGIN
AND CONTROVERSY
I have seen very little mention locally that this year marks the 75th
anniversary of Hemel Hempstead becoming a “new town”. You need to
have been a resident in the area before the early 1950s to know what the
town was like before these enormous changes took place. I thought read-
ers might like to know about how it all came about and the controversy
surrounding the decision.
A plan for the reorganisation of London was long overdue when the Royal
Commission on the Location of the Industrial Population reported in 1939.
That year, too, saw the start of the Second World War, as a result of which
three new factors concerning this problem were brought into predomi-
nance. Large areas of London, particularly in the centre, had been
destroyed; the evacuation of a large proportion of the population had
taken place; and an industrial upheaval had occurred due to almost
universal war production. Decentralisation, therefore, now became
necessary in an effort to improve housing conditions in the overcrowded
districts and to reduce the concentration of industry in the London area.
Consequently, “The Greater London Plan” was published in 1944. One of
its recommendations was that a new town should be developed on the
north eastern boundary of Hemel Hempstead at Redbourn, to which
certain factories and their employees and families would be transferred
from the congested areas of London. It is interesting to note what the
Report had to say of the future role of Hemel Hempstead:
“Hemel Hempstead is not a town to industrialise further. Owing to the
narrowness and hilly nature of the area its industrial land is relatively
inaccessible. Much of the Gade is derelict and the combination of
scattered untidy factories and worked out gravel pits gives this area and
Kings Langley a most unpleasing appearance. Employment is provided by
paper mills, printing, food products and brush manufacture; though there
is insufficient work for men in these industries. One or two medium to
small-sized engineering works might be allowed entry to redress the
balance although Watford is the natural industrial centre for the
surrounding towns and it is proposed to decentralise from London to
Hemel Hempstead a limited population which is anticipated would find

- 25 -
work in Watford’s expanding industry. To some extent Hemel Hempstead
will function as a residential satellite to Watford.”
During 1945 and the early months of 1946, however, Hemel Hempstead
Borough Council, with the support of Hertfordshire County Council,
expressed opposition to the proposed new satellite town which was to be
established at Redbourn. The Council based their argument on the
grounds that if the scheme materialised 3/8 of the town would come
within the borough boundary and that it would be undesirable to have
such an increase of people and houses incorporated within the borough.
As a result plans were mooted for Hemel Hempstead to cater for the
dispersed London population instead, if the rejection of Redbourn as a
“new town” was advised, and, in fact, on 13 May 1946, the Councillors
passed a resolution providing for a 30,000 increase in the borough’s
population. Subsequently with the abandonment of the Redbourn
project, representatives of the Council met the Minister of Town and
Country Planning, the Rt. Hon. Lewis Silkin, on 28 July to discuss the
development of Hemel Hempstead as a “New Town.” The outcome was
contained in a statement issued to the Press to the effect that Hemel
Hempstead was to increase its population from 20,000 to 60,000 and that
the Minister would ask Mr de Soissons to submit a plan showing the area
to be designated as the “new town.” After this the Minister would then
advertise his intention to make the “new town” which would afford
opportunity for objections to be raised, in the event of which a public
enquiry would be held.
A draft order under the New Towns Act, 1946, which came into effect on
1 August designating 7930 acres of Hemel Hempstead for the “new town”
was published on 27 September 1946. It was only to be expected that
with such a dramatic change contemplated for the town many local resi-
dents, together with those connected with agriculture and industry in the
area, would not take kindly to the project, Accordingly, with the object of
co-ordinating the views of all those residents who were opposed to the
proposed Development Scheme, and to consolidate those opinions into a
single objection to the Minister of Town and Country Planning, a number
of residents met in private at St John’s Hall on 1 November to decide
what action they should take. Cont’d……...

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The result was the formation of the Hemel Hempstead Residents’ Protec-
tion Association, the sole aim of which was opposition to the Develop-
ment Scheme £300 was considered sufficient capital to meet expenses
and it as proposed to raise this sum, not by fixed entrance fees or annual
subscriptions but through members’ donations. In addition to this protest
the local Ratepayers’ Association and the Hemel Hempstead Rural Preser-
vation Society also lodged objections, while local farmers made plans to
register their disapproval. Arrangements were put in hand for a Public
Enquiry to be held early in December.
The Minister of Town and Country Planning having received these dissen-
sions, decided to come personally to Hemel Hempstead to talk to the
public on the New Town proposals and explain the position. On
19 November, prior to the Public Enquiry, Mr Silkin discussed the
proposals with the Borough Council, and in the evening addressed 1500
residents at a Public Meeting held in the Guildhouse, Apsley. At this, the
Minister emphasised these points:
• Redbourn was considered in too close a proximity to Hemel Hemp-
stead, St Albans and Harpenden, and so the alternative site for a
new town was Hemel Hempstead.
• The town’s ultimate population of 60,000 was very much the same
as it would have been under the Borough Council’s proposed expan-
sion to 50,000.
• Every Government Department had been consulted, especially
those concerned with Trade; with Agriculture to see that no good
agricultural land was built on; and with Health to ensure an
adequate water supply to the town.
• Hemel Hempstead was not intended to become a dormitory town
for it was planned that both residents and industry from Acton and
Willesden would be re-accommodated in the “new town.”
• Finally, an assurance was given that no part o the expenditure of
building the new town would be borne by the existing rate payers.
The Public Enquiry was held on 2, 3 and 5 December 1946.
To be continued with details of the Public Enquiry and more dramatic
events in 1947. Graham Gibbs

- 27 -
St James the Least of All
On publishing my book
The Rectory
St James the Least
My dear Nephew Darren
After all these years, who would have believed it: to have my own book
printed! I must admit, I had imagined a leather-bound volume with gold
leaf lettering on the spine – perhaps even titled ‘Volume One’, implying
future delights when further work would appear. A paperback, held
together with glue was a slight disappointment. The publisher’s reason
for a print run of 50, saying that it meant fewer would have to be dumped
in cut-price bookshops, was not what I had expected either.
He seemed to think that my commentary on Eusebius’s tables for cross-
referencing the gospels, as explained in his letter to Carpianus, would not
have mass interest. While I concede it will be unlikely to dent the sales of
Harry Potter, and that I am unlikely to be involved in negotiating the film
rights, I had hoped for slightly more enthusiasm for this stride forward in
global knowledge.
The excitement of the book launch and signing was also tempered when
only the bishop arrived, expecting a free copy, so he could mark it for
theological errors. My suggestion that he take a copy to colour it in did
not go down well. I suspect I will not now be asked to deliver a paper on
it at the next clergy conference.
I was briefly excited when several parishioners came into the shop. But it
turned out that one wanted to book a baptism with me, and another
wanted to complain that at his recent wedding, I had nearly married the
best man to the bride. I was tempted to tell him that the time may come
when he wished that I had, but decided that would be another sale lost.
Cont’d…..

- 28 -
I could not even console myself with a free drink. The publisher had only
brought two bottles of that particular white wine, of unknown origin,
that seems specially reserved for book launches and retirement parties. I
suspect it derives less from a vineyard and more from a laboratory. One
bottle he kept for himself and the other disappeared after my Confirma-
tion class came in to ask whether the book would be serialised on TV.
In the end, I bought all 50 copies myself, placed a note in the bookshop
window saying that, due to exceptional demand, the print run had been
entirely sold out. It has also solved the annual problem of Christmas
presents; in your case, a second copy will probably arrive for your birth-
day too.
Your loving uncle,
Eustace
SMILE-LINES
Did you mean what you just said?
The following are genuine notes left for milkmen.
• Dear Milkman: I’ve just had a baby, please leave another one.
• Cancel one pint after the day after today.
• Please don’t leave any more milk. All they do is drink it.
• Please close the gate behind you because the birds keep pecking
the tops of the milk.
• Please cancel the milk. I have nothing coming into the house
except two sons on the dole.

- 29 -
THE HASE FOUNDATION CELEBRATES
Many people treasure memories of their holidays. But in 1995 the late
Claude Osborne, having become immobilised himself, realised that for
disabled people and their carers holidays often seemed out of the ques-
tion. Accordingly, he set up the Hase Foundation to explore what might
be possible in conjunction with such people. He aimed to help them in a
way that met their individual situations and needs. In 1997 a family that
had not been on holiday together for some years was awarded a grant
that enabled them to stay in a specially adapted bungalow in Clacton-on-
Sea. This proved a promising start.
Recently a garden party was held in Boxmoor to celebrate twenty-five
years of continuing activity. Talking to supporters, David Osborne a
Trustee, and son of the founder, reviewed the range of support that had
been made available: eighty-five holidays; fifty-three daytrips to places
like Legoland; eighteen boat trips on the Grand Union Canal for children
with special needs from a local school. It was satisfying that those
involved had derived so much pleasure. As one child wrote afterwards:
“We had a great day. We really liked helping to open the locks and steer-
ing the boat.”
The Trust has no paid employees. A hundred percent of its income is
spent on providing holidays or day trips. David expressed pleasure that
younger members of his family were willing to continue the work of the
charity.
For further information see www.thehasefoundation.org.
Jane Ward

- 30 -
at St John’s
in the month of August 2022
HOLY BAPTISM
7 August Luca Robert Chang Bo Chiew Maynard Road
May the Lord of his great mercy bless this child and give him
understanding of his wisdom and grace.
HOLY MATRIMONY
19 August Danielle Jackman & Gary John Mullery
O God, our Father, whose greatest gift is love, bless those, we ask you,
who within your presence take each other in marriage.
FUNERAL & MEMORIAL SERVICES
5 August Beryl de Gruchy King St Albans Hill
11 August Margaret Delph Nettlecroft
26 August Corrine Rose Ellen Bowgen Runham Road
May these souls and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy
of God, rest in peace.
BURIAL OF ASHES
None this month

- 33 -
JESUS
If I could package faith into one parcel
And collect all hope into a single can –
If I could roll all love into one heart-ball
And commoditise it in a living man
I’d already have a fully detailed label
Prepared before the world itself began –
And it would have one name –
And that name – JESUS –
At the centre of God’s universal plan
To take the world along the course
God’s surge of love provoked
Till wholeness flows through everything
With God’s Spirit of life unyoked.
By Sam Doubtfire

Produced and printed by the Parish of Boxmoor

St. John's Magazine - October 22

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St. John's Magazine - October 22