Parish Jottings

Joan Elliott (1926-2013)

The church was saddened to learn of the death of Joan Evelyn Elliott who passed peacefully away at her home on 8^th March at the age of 87 following her deteriorating health. Born in London in 1926, she was evacuated to Henley at the beginning of the war and later was joined in Henley by her mother. They went to live in Park Road which was to remain Joan’s home for the rest of her life.

In 1941, at the age of 15, Joan started work at the Huntley & Palmer’s biscuit factory in Reading where she worked in the General Office before moving on to work in the Accounts Department. Joan’s mother Florrie died in 1973 and is buried in Trinity churchyard.

Joan was a private and independent person and had many interests. One of her hobbies was spinning and she was a member of the Berkshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers and gave spinning demonstrations at the Henley Show. Joan carried out voluntary work for Oxfam and helped with church work and she used to photocopy the parish magazines and was also a magazine distributor.

Joan’s funeral took place at Holy Trinity church on 23^rd March; she will be fondly missed by all her friends.

Easter Day

On Easter Sunday, with thanks to the flower ladies, the church was decorated with resplendent displays of flowers composed of white lilies, yellow Altamira, tulips, chrysanthemums, forsythia and daffodils, together with greenery and pussy willows. After the service chocolate Easter eggs were distributed to the children.

Knit and Stitch Group

Following the local Ruscombe ‘Feed The Children’ charity going into liquidation the church ‘Knit and Stitch Group’ now sends the woollen products that they make to ‘The Christina Noble Foundation’. This is an international partnership of people dedicated to serving underprivileged children in Vietnam and Mongolia with the hope of helping each child maximize their life potential. Colourful blankets made up of 6 inch squares are one of the main items made by the ‘Knit & Stitch Group’ for sending to the deprived children.

The group is always in need of wool. If you have any unwanted wool lying about the house please give it to Mary Burton or any other member of the group. New members are always welcomed. If you like craftwork, why not go along to a group meeting one Thursday afternoon and see if you would like to join.