Wilmington Parish News April 2021 May 2021 32pp

Wilmington Parish News
April / May 2021
£1.00
50p
Produced for the people of Wilmington
by St Michael & All Angels Church

Who’s Who at St Michael’s
www.stmichaelswilmington.org.uk
Vicar: Revd Carl Chambers
The Vicarage, 1 Curates Walk, Wilmington, DA2 7PU
Tel: 01322 634506, e-mail: Vicar.Wilmington@gmail.com
Mobile 07368 223743
For enquiries about weddings & christenings contact the Parish Office: 288235
Reader: Eric Hookins 662337
Reader: Penny Culliford 669175
Pastoral Assistant: Chris Hookins 662337
Licensed Lay Minister: Jean Hook 222417
Parish Administrator: Clare Kahn 288235
Churchwardens: Alec Cartwright 276528
Tony Bullimore
Deputy Churchwardens: Keith Simons 224379
Marc Culliford 07446 111454
Treasurer: Clive Winton 01474 704662
Electoral Roll: Jenny Heathfield 272168
Organist & Choirmaster: Alan Hunt 527959
Church Flowers: Maureen Guard 221553
Parish Archivist: Keith Simons 224379
Verger: Tony Guard 221553
SERVICES AT ST MICHAEL’S
1 st Sunday of the month 2 nd Sunday of the month
8.30am Holy Communion
8.30am Morning Prayer
10.30am Family Worship with Baptisms
10.30am Family Communion
6.30pm Evensong (1662)*
6.30pm Evening Prayer
3 rd Sunday of the month 4th Sunday of the month
8.30am Holy Communion (1662)
8.30am Morning Prayer
10.30am Family All-Age Worship
10.30am Family Worship
6.30pm Evening Prayer
6.30pm Holy Communion
5 th Sunday of the month Each Monday
8.30am Holy Communion
9.00 am Morning Prayer
10.30am Family Worship
6.30 pm Songs of Praise
2

From the Editor
This edition of the St Michael’s Newsletter goes out, as hopefully, our year
long siege, courtesy of the pandemic begins to ease. I’m sure that many of us
are longing to have regular, personal contact with members of our family and
friends. Easter is, of course, about renewal and so we can look forward to
renewing and refreshing our close relationships. I’m certain that the
congregation who worship at St Michael’s are eagerly anticipating
worshipping together, singing along with others and praying as part of a
church community rather than sat at home in front of a computer screen each
Sunday morning.
There will be a Zoom service at 10.30 am on Good Friday and BEST OF
ALL, church services are restarting on Easter Sunday. As spaces will be
limited in the church it will be necessary to book via the church office. The
service will also be available on Zoom and YouTube.
A Happy Easter to all readers of the St Michael’s Newsletter.
Steve Jefferys
Editorial team members: John Smeeth, Jean Hook, Shirley Wilson, Janice and
Gerard Hennessy, Jenny and Carl Chambers. We always welcome articles
from readers. If you would like to submit an item for inclusion in a future
edition, please send it to: StMichaelsWilmingtonmagazine@gmail.com. We
also welcome letters to the editor. Please note new, working, email address.
We reserve the right to edit any material submitted by contributors and, occasionally, to
save items for future editions. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily
those of the editorial team, nor can we vouch for the competence of advertisers.
This newsletter is published every two months
John 11:25-26: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life.
The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and
whoever lives by believing in me will never die.
3

LOCAL SOCIETIES AND GROUPS
St Michael’s Under 5’s Playtime: Thursday 9.30 – 11am in St Michael’s
Parish Centre. Contact Jean Hook, tel. 22417
Toddler Club: Wednesday 10am, Wilmington Community Church. Contact:
Nicola Field, tel. 22604
St Michael’s Pre-School: Mon-Fri, 9.15am-12.15pm in the Church Hall.
Contact: Chantelle Queensbarrows.
Wilmington Women’s Institute: 2 nd Wed. 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.
Contact: Mrs Liz Oliver, tel. 272744
Wilmington Country Market: Thurs. 9.30-11.30am in the Memorial Hall.
Joydens Wood Women’s Institute: 3 rd Tues, 7.45pm in Joydens Wood
Community Centre. Contact: Ms Isabella Smith, tel. 557025
Wilmington Society: 4 meetings a year in the Memorial Hall Contact: Pat
Burt tel. 2745451
Wilmington Active Retirement Association (Wilmara): 3 rd Friday, 2pm in
the Memorial Hall. Contact 226943 for further information.
Leyton Cross Active Retirement Association: 2 nd Thurs at 2pm in Leyton
Cross Social Club. Contact: Marilyn Wells, tel. 863996
Wilmington Axtane Probus: Last Thursday of the month at 12 noon at
Swanley Bowls Club. Mr Phil Burt, tel. 274541
Brownies: Tues 6.15-7.45pm, St Michael’s Church Hall
Beavers: Weds 6.15-7.30pm, Scout Hut, Whitehead Close
Cubs: Thurs 6.15-7.30pm, Scout Hut, Whitehead Close
Scouts: Thurs 7.45-9.15pm, Scout Hut, Whitehead Close. Contact: Glenn
Killick at gs.1 st Wilmington@gmail.com
Modern Line Dancing Classes: Wed 1.30-2.30pm in St Michael’s Church
Hall. Contact Kay Cartwright, tel. 276528
Dartford Bridge Club: Tues at 7pm, Wilmington Community Church Hall,
Contact: John Davies, tel.01474 83221
Rotary Club of the North Downs: Thurs at 7.30pm, Holiday Inn, Black
Prince, Bexley. Contact: Bob Phillips, 07815807520 or John Smeeth. 07889
137951
Tuesday Art Group: 9am-12 midday, Wilmington Memorial Hall. No
tuition. Contact: June Hendry, tel. 224292
If you belong to a group in Wilmington for the benefit of residents, please let
the editor know and we will include it, space permitting.
4

HOLY WEEK
What does Maundy mean? The Thursday before Easter is known as
either Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday. Maundy is derived from the
Latin word for "command," and refers to Jesus' commandment to the disciples
to "Love one another as I have loved you."
Ash Wednesday — officially known as the Day of Ashes — is a day of
repentance, when Christians confess their sins and profess their devotion to
God. During a Mass, a priest places the ashes on a worshiper's forehead in the
shape of a cross. ... The ashes symbolize both death and repentance.
Holy Week in Western Christianity
Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday)
Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday.
Holy Wednesday
Maundy Thursday.
Good Friday.
Holy Saturday
Easter Vigil.
Easter Day.
5

PARISH REGISTERS
There have been no reported weddings or baptisms during the period.
However, the following people have passed away:
With sympathies to the family and friends of:
Robert Rumble (58)
Michael Hadjipavlis (65)
Rosemary Aldridge (85)
Edna Oborne (92)
Winifred King (94)
Michael O’Toole (80)
Thomas Humphreys (83)
CHURCH FLOWERS
If you have a special date when you wish to remember a loved one or to mark
a special anniversary with church flowers there is a list at the back of the
church. Alternatively you can telephone Maureen Guard on 221553.
Donations for flowers should be handed to a church warden or Maureen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wilmington Heritage Centre (side of Memorial Hall): open on the 1 st
Thursday of the month between 9.30 and 11.30 am and on the 2 nd Saturday of
the month between 10am and midday. Contact: Jean Radford on 01322
221056.
Wilmington Parish Council office: Oakfield Park Pavillion open between
7am and midday on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
E-mail: clerk-wpc@outlook.com, tel. 01322 221149 and
www.wilmingtonpckent.uk
Wilmington Memorial Hall: Bookings can be made by telephoning Barbara
Harris on 07518 057941 between 9am and 6pm or using the Wilmington
Parish Council website, clicking on the Wilmington Memorial Hall and
following the on screen instructions.
Wilmington Police & Community Support Officers: For non urgent crimes
ring 101 or email csu.dartford@kent.pnn.police.uk. Non urgent means there is
no immediate danger to life, the incident is not in progress and the offender is
not nearby. To report an urgent or life-threatening crime ring 999.
6

Vicar’s column
Spring is the season of new birth. We enjoy seeing the bulbs emerge from the
ground, the leaves beginning to bud again, the days becoming longer and
brighter.
Of all years, this Spring is one where so many are hoping for a ‘new start’.
You’ve heard of “BC” and “AD” well “BC” now stands for “Before Covid” as
well as “Before Christ”!
Of course, we can’t look back on this last year without a sense of lament. A
real sorrow at the loss we have experienced. We’ve been stripped of what we
took for granted: the freedom to mix with others, to visit each other, to chat
and hug and enjoy time together without the worry of infecting others.
Added to this is the tragic loss of life, most painfully felt by those who have
lost loved ones. From talking with many people, it seems we all know at least
someone (often more) who has died of Covid.
In a country where we have seen more than 125,000 people die of Covid, the
reality and imminence of death has been highlighted and intensified in a way
not seen in living memory. (I am conscious that those who lived through the
Second World War will have faced something similar, but even then, people
have told me this is different).
As you read this, may I take this opportunity to ask: how has Covid affected
your view of life and death? How has it made you reflect on the shortness of
life?
Perhaps you wonder about your own mortality and what will happen when
you die? [That may be a bit bold, but if we can’t talk about death now when
can we?]
At Easter, we remember that Jesus not only died on the cross, but rose again
from the dead. He shows us there is life after death. We need not fear. His
offer to us is “take my hand – let me lead you safely through this life, into the
next”. I’d love to chat if you’d like to find out more.
As surely as Jesus rose from the dead, so he promises eternal life to those who
turn to him. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John3v16
Revd Carl Chambers. Vicar,
7

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8

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Full/Partial Rewires – Consumer Unit Upgrades – Extra Lighting
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9

HHfC are a small, locally based charity raising money to fund
projects overseas. Regular readers of the St.Michael’s Newsletter
and church members will know about our work.
We are looking for a person with finance skills to join us as a
trustee and treasurer. Our budgets for projects are limited but we
support the work of two people and aim to improve the lives of a
number of children with different disabilities.
If you have the skills, time and would like to contribute to our work
please email our chairperson, Lynda Baxter by emailing:
lyn1bax@hotmail.com
10

The Wilmington Heritage Centre
Although the Centre has been closed for a year now, things have been going
on behind the scenes. Ashley, a stalwart supporter of the Centre since it first
opened, has repainted the lettering from the Foresters pub sign. The original,
1932, brewery sign has been sand blasted and repainted thanks to Colin
Wheeler and Adrian Herbert of the Dartford Antiquarian and Historic Society.
Both signs are now on display in the Centre. We have also acquired the old
sign from The Plough which will, hopefully, also be on display by the time the
Centre can reopen.
I have researched and written a file/book on the lives of people in the village,
including a Romany Gypsy and a slave trader! New articles and exhibits will
be on display when we can open again. I have also been researching and
writing about the lives of Wilmington people lost in the two world wars. This
study may well be available for people to purchase.
I’m hopeful that the Heritage Centre will be able to reopen by autumn at the
latest so that we can welcome visitors once again. Especially those residents
new to Wilmington who are curious about the place they have chosen to live
in.
Jean Radford
Heritage Centre
11

News from the Care Homes
EVENTS ARRANGED BY THE WILMINGTON
I have continued MEMORIAL to have doorstep HALL visits MANAGEMENT and letter drops COMMITTEE
with both Sonya
Lodge and Wilmington Manor, where staff have assured me that they remain
COVID Saturday, free, a great 8 th June: achievement. Barn Dance I was with also “Abbey able to Capers communicate Barn Dance last month,
via video phone, with one Band” of the plus residents sausage of Sonya and chip Lodge supper. and her family.
From March 8th, following Tickets government £13 per guidelines, person each resident will be
allowed to have one visitor to meet them indoors. When I spoke to staff at
both Homes, 14 th September, they were Quiz looking Evening; forward 19 th October, this concession Fish & Chip very Supper much. followed by
FB Pocket Orchestra; 7 th December Christmas Cabaret Evening with supper
Sonya Lodge were intending for meetings to take place in their tea room, and
For tickets & details please telephone Barbara Field 01322 226695
Wilmington Manor had a most impressive set of protective equipment and
All proceeds to Wilmington Memorial Hall Funds
efficient organisation in their porch on the day visits were to begin. We all
hope and pray these visits will be beneficial for both residents and their loved
ones, and that I shall be able to conduct services once for our friends in the
Care
THE
Homes.
WILMINGTON SOCIETY
At the Society’s AGM the Chairman, John Strachan, explained that after 16
Easter years Windows he was standing down as Chairman although, as no-one had offered to
take this role on, he agreed to remain a committee member while the role of
I expect Chairman some of would you will be taken remember by other the committee displays we members had in in some turn. Wilmington
windows at Christmas time. We decided it would be great to repeat this for
Easter. After With referring lighter to evenings the Society’s and (we outing hope) to Chapel warmer Down weather, Winery, people Tenterden could and
enjoy Merriments walking around Garden the he Parish highlighted to see various some Easter activities messages. over the A years few houses ranging
will also from provide revamping small the treats area for in front the children. of the Memorial We aim Hall to have to contributing all the displays towards
up by the Easter cost weekend, of the Village and entry they signs will be and kept the up purchase for a fortnight. of the flower More planters. details
will be Comments posted, with on numerous a map of planning the route applications you might take. had also You been will made find details and with
on the four Wilmington meetings a Residents’ year the £3 Facebook annual subscription page, St Michael’s plus £2 admission Church Facebook at each
page,
meeting
and available
represented
in the
good
Costcutter
value for
Shop.
money
Those
for its
households
160 members.
who create the
window John displays also mentioned will look that forward he was to standing greeting down any visitors. after chairing the Village Fair
Committee for the last 12 years. At the Parish Council’s Christmas Gathering
the Mayor of Dartford, Cllr. David Mote, had presented him with a “Certificate
of Appreciation” from the Council for his involvement with the Fair.
Following the AGM, John introduced representatives of the Bexley Audio and
Visual Group. Members were then treated to a number of presentations
including African wildlife, ballet and an outstanding sequence celebrating the
wild beauty of Iceland.
John Strachan
12

ALL SEASONS GARDEN MAINTENANCE
All garden maintenance work undertaken
Grass/hedge cutting, Border maintenance
Pressure washing
Lawn scarifying and lawn treatment
Fully insured and references available
Tel 01322 423063 Mobile 07984 594704
e-mail: boaz26@live.co.uk
r
e
s
John Rouse
John Rouse
MAFHP MCFHP
MAFHP MCFHP
Foot Health
Foot Health
Professional
In the comfort of your own home,
we are able to offer treatment of:
In the comfort of your own
home we are able to offer treatment
of:
Long Long nails nails
(both (both toes toes and and fingers)
Corns Corns
Hard Skin
Hard Skin
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown Toenails
General Diabetic footcare
(including General monofilament Diabetic footcare and doppler)
(including Treatments monofilament usually last and around doppler) 30
minutes and always end in “the best
Treatments usually last around 30
minutes and always end in “the best
bit” a foot massage with a quality
foot cream.
15 13
bit” a foot massage with a quality
In addition to our routine service,
foot cream.
we also practice the Lacuna TM
Method of treating fungal nail
In addition to our routine service we
infections. also practice the Lacuna TM Method
of treating fungal nail infections.
Routine Appointment £34
Routine Appointment £30
Routine Appointments for two or
Routine Appointments for two or
more people
£28 £32 each each
Lacuna treatments
£75 (this £35 includes (add on)
a routine appointment and all
Gift medicaments) Vouchers also available
For Gift appointments Vouchers also available and information
please For appointments call on and information
please call on
01322 472 908
01322 472 908

Memorial Hall, High Road, Wilmington
All home produced freshly made goods.
EVERY THURSDAY FROM 9.30AM TO 11.30AM
Cakes, savouries, preserves, fresh bread, free range eggs, plants,
hand-crafted cards and other craft items.
Seasonal fruit and vegetables from home growers and our new
partner Stanhill Farm.
Sausages, bacon, ham, and mince.
Refreshments available.
14

Sir James Whitehead – Resident of Wilmington 1896-1917
Sir James Whitehead was the fifth son of James and Agnes Whitehead and
was born on the 2 nd March 1834 at Bramhaw, a farm just outside Sedbergh, a
town in East Cumbria and now in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. He was
educated at Appleby Grammar School and worked as a draper in Kendal and
then in Bradford in the wool industry before moving to London and setting up
in business as a merchant.
In 1860 he married Mercy Mildred Hinds. He made his fortune in London and
retired at the age of forty seven in 1881 on medical grounds. He was Lord
Mayor of London in 1888 and was created a Baronet on 26 November 1889.
Elected as a Member of Parliament for Leicester in 1892, he served as a
Liberal in the Government of Prime Minister William Gladstone.
He moved to Wilmington in 1896 and purchased Heathside and at a later date,
Wilmington Hall. He changed the name of Heathside to Wilmington Manor
and assumed the title ‘Lord of the Manor’. He modernised the Manor
including an electricity generator, installed when electricity was in the early
stages of development.
His son George moved into Wilmington Hall and between them they looked
after a herd of pedigree Jersey cattle on their farm using the latest methods of
husbandry. He financed many changes that were made to improve the life of
the people of Wilmington. Sir James funded a water trough in the village and
it was inscribed in the memory of Lady Mercy who died in 1911 and also
commemorated the coronation of King George V. The trough is still in the
centre of the village today. The trough replaced a smelly pond that had been
used to water the horses.
The lych gate at the entrance to St Michael’s Church,
where they both worshiped, was funded by Sir James.
An inscription on the gate in Latin reads ‘MORS
IANVA VITAE’ which translates into English as
‘Death is the gate to life’.
He died in 1917, aged 83, at his home at Wilmington
Manor and his ashes were placed in the family vault
with his wife in St Michael’s churchyard.
JS
15

A spotlight on Christian Aid
Christian Aid is one of the six organisations that St Michael's supports in
mission. It is a UK charity fighting global poverty. Whilst being a Christian
based organisation, it provides help to people of all faiths, or none. It is
currently working in 37 countries around the world through its partners on the
ground who have the local knowledge to know what is required in each area.
It stands with the most vulnerable and excluded people of the world – both in
times of crisis and for the longer term. Its work includes helping people to:
- claim their rights and access services such as healthcare and education
- ensure they are not discriminated against for any reason
- become more resilient to disasters such as drought, climate change and
hurricanes
- make the most of opportunities, such as being
able to sell their produce for a fair price.
Christian Aid also campaigns to ensure a more
equal division of power in the world, promoting
the rights and voices of women and girls – and
anyone discriminated against because of who
they are. It seeks to get political leaders to tackle
climate change and tax dodging which hit the
poorest hardest – and for our society to welcome
those who have been forced to flee their homes
overseas.
Like all charities, Christian Aid needs to raise
funds in order to continue to carry out its work.
The focus of the fundraising in the UK is the
annual Christian Aid Week in May, which
involves many volunteers assisting through
activities such as house to house collections, and
organising collection tins in shopping centres
and stations. Due to Coronavirus this wasn't
possible in 2020, but it is hoped that it can
resume this year.
16

The theme of this year's campaign is countering the impact of climate change.
Christian Aid uses the example of Kenya, where it has been working since
1997. The Coronavirus pandemic has increased the urgent need for families to
have access to a reliable source of water. It is helping communities to become
more resilient to prolonged droughts, unreliable and poor rains caused by
climate change. Please view their video at http://caid.org.uk/churchesfilm to
get a better idea of what is involved.
St Michael's will be fundraising in some form in May, so please keep an eye
on the St Michael’s Church website for more details nearer the time.
Nigel and Lesley Bate
17

18

Pretty French Cottage
to rent in central France.
Located in the town of
Montmorillon, bordering the
river Gartempe.
Jewellery in full bloom
Beautiful surrounding
countryside and charming
villages.
Easy fly or drive.
For more information:
www.frenchpeppers.com
or call Sandy 07503 051 603
Do you need
someone to talk to?
The pressures of modern day life often
mean that we get to the stage where we
find it difficult to cope. When things get
on top of us, it can be helpful to share
the load with a empathic counsellor.
This is why we are here.
Broad Lane, Wilmington
DA2 7AQ
Telephone (24 hour answer phone service)
01322 279 759
19

Est. Over 30 years
I.D.T.A. Ballet, Tap and Musical Theatre taught.
100% success rate in all exams to date.
Children welcome from 18months of age in our
“Hop, Skip & Dance toddler / parent class’
All classes held in Wilmington on
Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays.
Adult tap classes held in Wilmington on Mondays 6.45-7.45 pm &
8-9 pm.
Adult Keep-Fit Body toning class held in Wilmington on Tuesdays
6-7 pm
- Members of SAIF
20

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10 21

Dartford Food Bank & local support
Since the Foodbank was set up by churches is in Dartford, St Michael’s has,
like many other churches in the area, supported it by collecting donations of
food from church members. When the church had to close because of Covid,
that was no longer possible. Instead, donations of food were dropped off at
the house of a church family living nearby, maintaining social distance at all
times, and then taken down to the Food Bank in
Lowfield Street, once a week on a Tuesday
morning.
It soon became apparent that
the difficulties brought about
by Covid were affecting
some families in the village
too and so a more focused
attempt to support them was
begun, as well as continuing
to support the Food Bank.
We continue to deliver boxes
to local
families
containing a mixture of goods
including fresh fruit and
vegetables, on a regular basis.
This is supported by monetary
donations as well as items don
Hamper donated by a church family.
22

At Christmas, as we could not have our normal Christmas Toy service to
support children in need in the Dartford area, it was felt that it was important
to help families in our own village first and so hampers were put together:
from items bought and donated; one was even donated by a church family.
Volunteers helping at the Food Bank
It must be said that the
Food Bank would not run
were it not for the
dedicated people from
various churches in the
Dartford area, who gather
every Tuesday morning,
through rain and snow to
collect, sort and distribute
food to those who turn
out, who are themselves
often queuing in pouring
rain or in coldest
conditions.
We are grateful to everyone who donates items for the foodbank, however
small. It is all very much appreciated, as are monetary donations. Items
needed vary and anything which is non-perishable is acceptable, but often it is
particularly things like fruit squash, long life milk, sugar, nappies, and mens’
toiletries which are in most demand.
If you would like to donate to the foodbank via St Michael’s, please call the
church office for details of where to take your donations or for details of what
is currently in most demand. We very much hope that it will soon be possible
to revert to bringing items to church as things begin to open up later in the
year. Watch this space!
Carol Chapourian
23

Children in church and other tales..
A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a
bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the
book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was
alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she
spoke up, "Grandpa, did God make you?"
"Yes, sweetheart, "he answered, "God made me a long time ago."
"Oh," she paused, "grandpa, did God make me too?"
"Yes, indeed, honey "he said, "God made you just a little while
ago."
Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting
better at it, isn't he?"
A little boy was attending his first wedding.
After the service, his cousin asked him, "How many women can a man
marry?"
"Sixteen," the boy responded.
His cousin was amazed that he had an answer so quickly. "How do you know
that?"
"Easy," the little boy said. "All you have to do is add it up, like the Bishop
said: 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer."
The Sunday School Teacher asks, "Now, Johnny, tell me frankly do you say
prayers before eating?"
"No sir," little Johnny replies, "I don't have to. My Mom is a good cook."
24

CHURCHYARD WORKING PARTY
Come and join us on the
2nd and 4th Saturday
of every month between
9:30am and 12:30pm
All Welcome
Refreshmants Provided
25

Local and friendly service
07882 825700
26
33

“Help at an emotional time”
Swanley, Willmington, Sutton at Hone,
& surrounding villages
01322 619100
31 Station Road, Swanley, BR8 8ES
swanley@welhamjones.co.uk
www.welhamjones.co.uk
27

Tales from St Michael’s Churchyard
The inscription on this gravestone reads: William Hood who died June 11 th
1900 age 71.
‘Assent from the Body & Present with the Lord’
Also in Loving Memory of Charlotte Hood (wife of the above) who departed
this life April 8 th 1904 age 78
‘Thy will be done’
Also Alfred Hood, son who died April 10 th 1933 age 63
‘At Rest’
Mary Hood, daughter and sister of the above who died August 15 th 1934 age
74 years
William Hood was baptised in
Wilmington on 7 th December 1828,
presumably at St. Michaels. William’s
father was Timothy and his mother
Mary Ring. William is described on
the Census (1861 to 1891) either as a
gardener or market gardener and there
appears to be a number of market
gardens in Wilmington during the
second half of the 19 th century. The
variety of soils in the village
encouraged a range of vegetable crops
and fruit orchards.
In 1851, Charlotte Timms was employed as a servant for Frederick Heberden,
vicar of St. Michaels. She was 25 and born in Bicester, Oxfordshire (1826).
She is recorded on the Census as Charlotte Sims and is one of three house
servants in the Heberden home which was 45, Wilmington Street. Two doors
away, at number 43, lived William Hood.
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The birthplace for Charlotte Hood is recorded as Bicester on 1851, 1871,
1881, 1891 and 1901 census and just Oxfordshire in 1861. This suggests that it
is one and the same person.
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Charlotte and William’s marriage is recorded at Lewisham registry office in
1857. I thought they might have married at St Michael’s as the vicar was her
employer, at least in 1851.
The 1891 census shows William and his wife Charlotte living at 49, The
Rookery. This section of the census started with Wilmington School and
worked back towards the Church. On the census records, the Plough comes
before the Rookery. This is on the Main road (now Wilmington High Road)
and suggests the Rookery was an area of the Main road between the Plough
and Garden Place.
Howard Perry
A Special Event
We have been notified of a special anniversary that took place back in
December. Let’s hope that you can enjoy a celebration event this summer.
"Congratulations to Alan & Carol Harvey-Day, who celebrated their Pearl
Wedding Anniversary on 8th December 2020. May they have many more
happy and blessed years together!"
If readers would like special anniversaries mentioned in future editions please
contact the editor.
29

Homemade Muesli
This recipe is reminiscent of a granola, but I like it because it can be adapted
to include any nuts, seeds or dried fruit you happen to have handy. It’s
delicious topped with fresh fruit for breakfast!
Ingredients:
5 cups porridge oats
1 cup seeds (I use a mixture of sunflower and pumpkin)
1 cup mixed nuts (roughly chopped)
1 cup dried fruit (I use sultanas, cranberries, apricots etc)
¼ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup runny honey
Method:
Heat oven to 170℃ Fan (Gas 7), and have ready two large baking trays, lined
with non-stick paper.
1. Place the honey and oil in a pan and heat gently until blended, but not
boiling.
2. Mix together the oats, seeds and nuts in a large bowl.
3. Add the warmed oil/honey mixture to the bowl, and mix very thoroughly,
until all the dry ingredients are well coated.
4. Spread the mixture evenly over the baking trays, and bake for about 15-20
minutes in total, checking from time to time and turning the mixture so the
edges do not burn.
5. When evenly browned, leave in the trays to cool, before returning the
mixture to the bowl, and adding the dried fruit.
6. Keeps for several weeks in an air-tight container.
Jean Hook
30

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Here is an acrostic poem suited to Easter and spring time.
ABUNDANCE
Alleluia!
Breeze-blown blossom in waves of petalled
beauty
Unfolding loveliness waking the senses from
deep hibernation
Nourishing a rainbow of hope
Death is undone.
April flowers push through the hardened
ground and
Nature’s abundance shouts for attention.
Christ, risen, ALIVE, as
Easter brings a new sunrise.
Christine 22 March 2021
Please send your acrostic poems on the theme of Easter renewal and other
topics to: StMichaelsWilmingtonmagazine@gmail.com
We welcome pictures of Easter crafts, Lego Resurrection Gardens etc...
Concerning shortness of life:
Eternal and loving Lord, teach us to remember that life is short and to seek
after heavenly wisdom. Grant that, though our bodies grow weak, we may
increase in spiritual strength; so that, trusting ourselves to your care and
mercy, we may accept your will and at the last enter into the joy of your
eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
31
1

Spring time Camellias in a woodland.
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