TABLE TOP SALE

Saturday 12 March 10. 30 – 12 noon at the Wilkinson Hall

To book a table for £5 contact Dee Curtis 872649

(Raising money for the conservation of Toddington’s oldest building)

One wouldn’t expect the altar to change very much or move about, but history shows that in fact there have been any changes. I have seen a reference to “the old British Church” where it states that the altar was often at the west end of the church, no date was given; however the east end has been general for more recent history. Most altars were of wood before 1076, but in that year Archbishop Lanfrank ordered that wood altars were to be replaced with stone ones. Those churches that had Holy Relics incorporated them in or beneath the new altars. In most churches of this period there would be two minor altars, one on either side of the entrance to the chancel. When, with the increase of the population, side aisles were added to the nave, these minor altars were moved to the east wall of the new aisles often leaving the piscina behind.

With the Reformation stone altars were ordered to be destroyed and replaced with Communion Tables of wood, though, it seems that this was not universally obeyed till the last two years of Henry VIII’s reign. As might be expected, when Mary came to the throne stone altars were reinstated, only to be swept away again under Elizabeth; though in1559 she issued an Injunction that where they still remained stone altars were not to be “taken down” except under the authority of the Curate and at least one Churchwarden. Thus a few stone altars remain or have been found and reinstated. Old altar slabs have been found used as paving, gravestones, fire backs and even as bridging over a stream! Most of these new Communion Tables were rather flimsy, even a table-top on trestles (churchwardens obviously expecting another change) till towards the end of Elizabeth’s reign when they became more substantial with elaborately carved legs and rails. Communion Tables would often be moved away from the east wall or even down into the body of the church when in use so that communicants could gather around it.

There is more than one account to explain the introduction of altar rails. Archbishop Laud ordered in 1634 that the altar be railed-in so that it could not be moved away from the east wall of the chancel. But rails around three or four sides of the altar existed before this date and were probably built to prevent the priest being jostled during the service by over eager communicants, as has been recorded. Another account has it that Laud ordered the rails after a dog had run away with a piece of consecrated bread! If you think this unlikely, Bishop Wren of Norfolk ordered that “Rayles be made before the Communion Table reaching from the North wall to the South wall, neere one yarde in height, so thick with pillars that doggs may not get in”.

Tony Walker

Ploughman’s Lunches 2010

The Ploughman’s Lunches have been well attended in 2010 and continue to be a great opportunity to share a meal and a chat. Last year we were entertained by children from St George’s who sang for us – we hope they will make a return visit this year!

A big thanks to all our helpers both in the catering/kitchen department and to all those who help set up and clear away. Our efforts this year raised an impressive £1560.

Ploughman’s lunches are scheduled to restart on Thursday 3rd March and then on 7th April at 12pm in the Wilkinson Church Hall. We look forward to seeing you all there – all are welcome. June Vyse (872960).

St George’s Church Christmas Tree Festival

Well it seems a while now since the Christmas Tree Festival, but there are remnants still left in church (for a few more days!!)

Once again it was a great success due to the hard work of all the exhibitors in producing such an interesting array of trees. We received many compliments and one visitor even told her local church that their efforts were not a patch on St Georges and they should come and have a look! A couple just passing through the village stopped to see what was gong on in the church and were amazed by what they saw. It was the lady’s birthday and she said the Tree festival had really made it special for her. Obviously there would be no Tree Festival without all our willing volunteers, serving refreshments, manning stalls, stewarding, cooking – the list is endless – so many thanks to all who got involved. Once again we were sponsored by Poplars Nursery who made a generous donation towards our advertising and printing costs, as well as donating some delightful raffle prizes – many thanks.

Competition winners included Megan Larter who won the ‘Guess the Name of the Dog’ Competition and Jennie Arms-Perkins who won the ‘Guess the Name of the Lion’ competition. Congratulations to you both!

At the ‘Switch-on’ event, we were joined by the, beautifully behaved, children of Toddington Pre-School who assisted us in the countdown. Many thanks go to our Rector, Revd. Anne Crawford, who switched us on and signed us off on Sunday with Carols Midst the Trees, Thanks too to our organist for the event, Mr Richard Watts.

The entire Festival raised a massive £1889.26 and a further £112 was raised at the Carol Service for Shelter.

Finally, thanks to the Committee members who start work in June each year to make this annual event such a huge success. In the week before the festival and into the following week their whole lives are given over to ensuring the success of this fantastic event. Thank you and well done to you all!!

So, some of you have got your themes ready and started planning for 2011, some new exhibitors have already signed up, and others have the dates for 2011 already in their diaries (the second weekend of December). If you would like to get involved or would like to find out more about other events we run throughout the year please contact June Vyse (872960).

Children’s Society

Once again ‘every penny has counted’ and this year we have raised £451.64 for this fantastic cause, Thanks to everybody who made the commitment to fill their collecting boxes and make their donations.

Boxes are collected throughout the year, so if yours is full and needs emptying please contact me and I will be happy to collect it.

Thank you all on behalf of the Children’s Society and please be assured that every penny really does count.

June Vyse (872960)

Hon. Secretary Toddington Parish