WELLOW CHURCH AND PARISH NEWS

August 2002

Churchwardens: Mrs. J. H. Mannings, Mr. J. R. Wyld

ST MAXIMILIAN KOLBE

A Story of Two Crowns

Wednesday 14th August is the Feast Day of St Maximilian Kolbe.

Maximilian, baptized Raymond, Kolbe was born into a poor, deeply religious family in Russian Occupied Poland in 1894. His parents were members of the Third Order of St Francis and they had a profound influence on his life.

The young Raymond was a mischievous child, sometimes described as "wild". However, his life changed at the age of twelve when he received a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In his vision he was invited to accept from the Virgin one of two crowns - a white crown symbolizing a life of purity, and a red crown signifying martyrdom. In his zeal, the young Raymond accepted both crowns.

Raymond was passionately interested in mathematics and physics, especially astronomy, and he could easily have become a scientist. He used to sketch space rockets and submit them to be patented. He also wished to become a soldier. Despite these other interests, in 1910 he began a four-year preparation to become a Franciscan Friar, taking the name of Maximilian. Then, during several years of studying in Rome, he was ordained priest in 1918.

Over the next twenty-one years, Maximilian's ministry flourished. Even though he suffered from the effects of tuberculosis, Maximilian focused his efforts on championing Catholicism. He published a magazine throughout the 1920's fighting apathy in Poland towards religion. In 1927 he founded a monastery at Teresin, near Warsaw.

In 1930 he moved to Japan and continued to publish his magazine there. He founded a second monastery at Nagasaki which survived the nuclear bombing and is now a centre for the Franciscans in Japan.

Two years later, Maximilian moved on to Malabar, India. There he founded a third monastery which did not survive.

In 1936 Maximilian returned to Poland, again, suffering from tuberculosis. His illness didn't stop his enormous capacity for work. Over the next three years, the monastery he founded at Teresin started a radio station. The monastery grew to almost eight hundred men - the largest in the world at that time.

Maximilian Kolbe and his brothers were arrested by the Nazis in September 1939 and then released two months later. The Franciscans took in three thousand Polish refugees, most of whom were Jewish. For this and the publication of alleged anti-Nazi publications, Maximilian was imprisoned in Warsaw in February 1941. In May 1941 he was transferred to Auschwitz.

Accounts of Maximilian's time in Auschwitz must rank as one the greatest witnesses to Christian love and compassion.

Maximilian constantly spoke of forgiveness in humility towards the atrocious violent behaviour of the prison guards. Although he was weak from meagre rations, he would share his food with others. He always put himself at the back of the queue for medical treatment, even though being extremely ill.

Maximilian's death is legendary and extremely heroic. Following a successful escape from his cellblock of one the prisoners, ten other men were sentenced to death that day. One man, a Polish Sergeant named Francis Gajowniczek, protested saying that he had a wife and children who would never see him again and that they would not survive. Maximilian offered his own life in place of the Sergeant and went to a cell with the other nine men to suffer death by starvation. After two weeks, the cell was needed by others. There were four men left including Maximilian. All four were given a lethal injection of carbolic acid, Maximilian being the last to be killed.

Since the age of twelve, Maximilian had resolved to be celibate and to die a martyr's death. It is extraordinary, and fitting, that after a lifetime's devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he should die a martyr's death on 14th August 1941 the eve of a major feast of Mary - her Assumption into heaven.

Maximilian Kolbe was beatified on 17th October 1971 by Pope Paul VI. Sergeant Francis Gajowniczek was present at the ceremony.

Maximilian was canonized on 10th October 1982, by Pope John Paul II who described him as "the patron saint of our difficult century".

Hugh Bonsey

Some details of Maximilian's life have been taken from KolbeNet.com with kind permission.

For details of Church Services in Wellow CLICK HERE

For details of Church Services in Peasedown St. John CLICK HERE

CHURCH NEWS How good it is to see a few more people in the congregation on Sunday Mornings, it means we can the hold the service in the body of the church instead of assembling in the choir stalls, (although the seats up there are far more comfortable!). On Sunday July 14^th it was Sea Sunday and Father Brian Sutton officiated at this service being a Chaplain for Missions to Seamen, again we had a goodly congregation some of whom were on holiday in the Village and thought our church was beautiful. Our Harvest Festival this year will be on Sunday 29^th September when our main service will be at 6 O’ Clock after which we hope to hold a Harvest Supper , but more news of this later, just to let you know to keep that date free.

Our kneelers which the bride and groom use at weddings were getting very tatty, but now look lovely as Margaret Layzell has re-covered them with some of the material left from one of her daughter’s wedding gowns and surrounded them with gold and white cord to mark the Queen’s Jubilee Year. We have a wedding in July and another in August so the kneelers will soon be used. Thank you Margaret for taking the time to do this.

As some of you may know we had an attempted break in at the church when someone tried to get into the wall donation box, this is set in the wall so they had difficulty and didn’t manage to get it out, but did a lot of damage to the plaster which will cost quite a bit to repair. We don’t want to keep the church locked so please if you are around that area any time be aware of anything out of the ordinary.

Churchwardens

BELLRINGING TOUR In June fifteen of the St. Julian’s Band travelled to Gloucestershire for their annual Bellringing outing. We chose five churches on the edge of the Cotswolds and rang for about half an hour in each. We saw some beautiful villages and were welcomed by enthusiastic bellringers who let us into their towers and explained the eccentricities of their bells; we rang from high towers, and short towers and even from the middle of the church. An excellent lunch at a pub that had been recommended to us from a Tower Captain in Cam called Mr. Dingle. The lunch happily coincided with the England v. Argentina World Cup Match. Thank you for your forbearance on Friday nights. We are currently learning some new methods, new for us anyway, Bob Doubles and Grandsire which involves a fair cacophony of noise from time to time. It will improve, thanks to help from ringers from Marksbury and Freshford.

Jill Tremellen

QUIET GARDEN AT ST JULIAN’S WELL The garden will be open for quiet and reflection on Thursday 1^st August from 10.30 –3.30. People of any faith or none are welcome. The day will be led by Veronica Dell Reader from Englishcombe. Details in the church & on the Wellow website.

Colin Tremellen 833506

WELLOW PARISH COUNCIL met on Monday 15th July 2002 at 8 o'clock in the Village Hall.

The meeting was so well attended by some 30 parishioners that item 8, The Batch, was brought forward after the confirmation of minutes for the June meeting.

Cllr Mark Watson explained the proposed plan in detail, and requested comments from the floor. There was complete agreement that The Trough should not be moved, also that the kerbline be maintained as is. A vote was taken on the floor which was 100% agreement that the plan be supported with the following amendments.

i) 2 Stone benches be omitted

ii) Oak Bench under tree to be only seating.

iii) Trough to remain in present position.

iv) Kerbline to remain as at present.

Surface of drive to be natural cobbles

It was also proposed that BT be approached with the view to remove overhead cables. Mrs Horler offered to contact.

The Parish Council agreed to support both these items

Re Planning, the following 4 items were discussed and the Parish Council voted to support all.

i) Application 02/01152/Lba by Mr and Mrs Soloman, Hayes Farm, White Ox Mead. Alterations to property inc reversing staircase and forming 3light window.

ii) Application 02/01450/FUL by Mr D Barrett, Manor Lodge, Wellow re single timber stable and tack room.

iii) Application 02/00765/Ful by Mr and Mrs Pike, Home Farm, White Ox Mead. Conversation of Barn to dwelling, conversation of stables, as car port and removal of modern farm buildings.

iv) Application 02/01577/FUL by Mr and Mrs Chivers, Wellow House , Wellow. Conservatory extension, new back porch, and internal alterations.

Cllr Watson explained the importance of objecting to the planning application at Fullers Earthworks site south of Bath (Folly Down) as it would set a precedent for the future.

I have written to B&NES Buildings at Risk Officer reminding them of a letter written a year ago by the owner of 3 The Square stating that the cottage would be meticulously restored and occupied by next summer.

The chairman, Cllr Whittington, thanked Stewart Cole for revarnishing the Patrick Hartley seat by the Church and Cllr Humphreys for repainting the sign to The Ford.

There have been further discussions re The Mobile Library. It has been agreed that for the next 6 months from Sept the library will stop at only two places, in the road by entrance to village hall and Manor Close. Anyone not content with this please let me know and I will give you phone no to complain.

No meeting in August, so next meeting is arranged for Monday 16th Sept 2002 at 7.30 in the village hall

Joyce Morphew Clerk

VILLAGE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

I’m sorry that I’m a bit late announcing the annual event. Judging takes place between now and September. Last year we won the "Most Improved Village" award, so lets all be tidy and spruced up for the judges this year. Andy Elvin

WINNERS OF THE WELLOW VILLAGE HALL 150 CLUB PRIZE DRAW

FOR JULY 2002

Thank you for your support B Messer Chairman

FROM THE PAST.

Today, some show concern about others who wish to settle in the UK, but there was a time when a parish decided the ‘right to settlement’.

In February 1843 Thomas Horwood, Mary Ann his wife and their two children aged six and three, were living in Wellow and were unable to support themselves. Duly, the Wellow Overseers obtained an ‘Order of Removal’ from the magistrates to return the family to Hemington. Within a few days Mary Ann was obviously too ill to travel (which probably meant walking) and the Order was suspended.

By October the Magistrates were able to issue the following:- "Whereas it is now made to appear to us…... that the above Mary Ann Horwood is dead and that the Order may now be executed…....and whereas it is duly proved to us, on Oath, that the sum of Eight Pounds six shillings and seven pence halfpenny hath been incurred by the suspension….. We do therefore order the Overseers …..of Hemington to pay the said sum on Demand to Joseph Humphreys, Overseer of the said parish of Wellow."

Also in the records are numerous small payments by the Churchwardens, ‘to a family in passing’.

Gordon Hewlett.

CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT, THURSDAY 1ST AUGUST

Not away on holiday, well don't miss out on all the fun just come along to the next Charity Quiz Night at the Fox & Badger and enjoy yourselves without having to travel too far. Starting at 8pm it only costs £1.50 per person with a maximum of 6 to a team and all the proceeds go to the charity of  the previous month winning teams choice, which will be Wellow's own Magic Box Pre-School. Last month we raised £122 from entry money and raffle which was donated to The Claverton Down, RSPCA Cats & Dogs home. Since we started these monthly quizzes, in March 2001, we have raised £1780.75 for charitable or other worthwhile causes. So if you can do come and join in and stretch those little grey cells a bit.

Richard Holland

WELLOW & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

54^TH ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW

AUGUST 31^ST WELLOW PLAYING FIELD 1.30PM

Dear Member/Village Resident,

The annual Flower Show & Country Fair is almost upon us once again. Weeks of preparation have already been done in putting on an afternoon of fun & entertainment for everyone to enjoy. How can YOU help?

BOTTLES & GROCERIES – we need bottles of all shapes and sizes (for the bottle stall), if not a bottle a can will do, or any surplus tins or packets you can spare.

WHITE ELEPHANT- now is your chance to get rid of all that unwanted clutter, what we need is bric-a-brac. Please no clothes or large items of furniture.

HOME PRODUCE STALL – a wide variety of goods will be sold on this stall including:-

(Hopefully) home-made cakes and cookies, jams chutneys, pickles, preserves, surplus vegetables, fruit and eggs. Potted plants flowers or herbs or anything else you can think of. Please label if you can.

Goods can be left at the village hall anytime on the FRIDAY prior to the show. We shall be there, setting up for the show and taking, we hope plenty of entries or you can leave them in the parlour shop where a box will be provided.

If you need anything picked up please contact Mari Bartholomew Tel:- 840889 or

Shirley Betts Tel:-833683. 

HELP IS ALSO REQUIRED- especially on the day/night before the show, Saturday morning and most important HELP is needed during the show there is always last minute things to do. Like wise after the show we need people to help clear up. An hour or two of your time on any of the above would be just great. Many hands make lighter work. Rosters and timings can be worked so that everyone has the chance to ENJOY the show.

If you can help let us know what you can do. Contact Show Secretary Shirley Betts Tel: 833683 or any committee member

Many thanks for your anticipated support and in helping to make the afternoon an enjoyable one for the WHOLE VILLAGE……..don’t to forget to bring all your family and friends along….. and DON’T FORGET TO ENTER THE SHOW ITSELF! Aaaaaaah. GO ON GO ON have a go and a bit of fun, it’s the taking part that counts.

STARTING WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2002

PILATES AT WELLOW VILLAGE HALL

The original, authentic pilates matwork exercises for: long, lean, toned muscles better posture

a healthy back perfect body shape a calm mind every Wednesday at 6.30pm-7.30pm

beginners' pilates for all abilities and ages £4.00 per class or £35.00 for 10 sessions (please bring a mat). for further information, please contact

Lindsey Lloyd 01225 314020

THE PARLOUR SHOP All of us connected with the shop have been particularly sorry to hear that John and Carol Woods are leaving the village. John has been the Association’s Treasurer since we were properly organized in 1998, and as an accountant has dealt with the Inland Revenue, Customs and Excise, the FSA and the monthly finances with great aplomb and cheerfulness. Carol keeps behind the scenes in the shop and has been invaluable there, pricing the stock when it arrives and making sure we don’t get bored through lack of conversation. They have supported the shop in every possible way, not least by doing a vast amount of shopping there! We thank them heartily, shall miss them sorely, and wish them happy sailing when they move to Devon.

Now, of course, we need a new Treasurer. Is there another kind accountant in the village who could take this on? And needless to say we should be delighted to hear from anyone who could give up a couple of hours to serve in the shop or help in the stock room. Just speak to anyone in the shop, or ring Marian Osborne (832561) or any other member of the Committee, if you could help.

SONGS OF PRAISE AT MANOR CLOSE There is a warm welcome to anyone in the village to the next Songs of Praise to held on Sunday 1^st SEPTEMBER at 3.30 pm. Do come and joins us.

Jackie Smith and Pauline Preddy

CHURCHYARD TIDY UP The Churchyard grass is diligently cared for by Charlie but the rest of it is in need of some love and attention, a couple of hours one evening is all that it needs if enough people come and help. Please bring strimmers, secoteurs and cutters on Thursday 8^th August.7.00 pm Thank you.

Colin Tremellen 833506

NEWSLETTER Please may I have all copy for the Newsletter by the 20^th of August. It can be left in the shop or delivered to me at St. Julian’s Well. If you have email that would be very helpful and even better if you could send it Times New Roman Thank you very much . Jill Tremellen 833506 email julians.well@virgin.net