December 2004
Churchwardens: Mrs. J. H. Mannings, Mr. J. R. Wyld
In our modern age it is so easy to get wrapped up in all the materialism of the festive season that we forget what is the true meaning of Christmas and what it is that we are celebrating.
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THE BIRTH OF JESUS Some 2000 years ago a baby was born in a stable, behind an inn, in Bethlehem, a baby who grew into a man who was to change the world for ever. A baby born the son of God and who lived his life without any wrong doing. Soon after his birth unusual events occurred, the baby Jesus was visited by shepherds who had seen angels in the fields praising God, angels who told them to go to Bethlehem where the Saviour had been born. When the child was older some Wise Men from the East followed a star to the home of Jesus and brought him expensive gifts and these wise men bowed down and worshiped him.
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WHY IS JESUS' BIRTH IMPORTANT? God sent his only son to earth for each one of us that we might receive his gifts of love, of peace and of hope. He sent Jesus to the world that each one of us can receive the gift of life for ever if we are prepared to accept it.
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AT ST JULIAN'S CHURCH, WELLOW this December we will be celebrating Jesus' coming into the world and we would be delighted for you to come and join us. Full details of all the services appear on the next two pages, there is something for all ages and at different times to hopefully suit all.
Jo Vening
For details of Church Services in Wellow CLICK HERE
For details of Church Services in Peasedown St. John CLICK HERE
CHURCH NEWS On Sunday, 31st October Bob Evans Archdeacon of Bath preached at St Julian's this was his last sermon in the diocese before he becomes the new Bishop of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter. A good congregation was present and refreshments were served after this service. Our thanks to all who took part in the Remembrance Service on Sunday, November 14th. The Service was led by Revd Neville Pearce who also preached, our thanks to him for giving us such a moving service.
We hope to see a packed church for the Christingle Service on 5th December at 4.00 pm. The children will help to prepare the Christingles at 3.15 so do try to come.
On Sunday, 19th December we have our Candlelit Carol Service which is always popular. This will take place at 6.00 pm and will be led by Colin Tremellen with the help of the PCC Worship Group. We will have Wellow School Choir and the Benefice Choir from our group of churches join us for the service so there should be some lovely singing. After the service mince pies and mulled wine will be served. There will be no morning service on that day.
On Christmas Eve December 24th Midnight Mass will start at 11.30pm and be taken by Revd John Coe, and on Christmas Day the service starts 11.15 am this will be led by Revd Neville Pearce. We do hope to have good congregations at all these services.
On Saturday, 18th December we shall decorate the church with greenery and holly, and flowers if you wish, or you may add flowers to your arrangement before Christmas Day if you would rather, it's a question of what time arrangers have available. If anyone has spare greenery or berried holly to spare could you drop it in the church on Saturday, 18th at 10.00 am please.
Now we look forward to the New Year, when we will have a Priest once again, we will welcome Matthew, his wife Jane and daughter Hannah to St Julian's. We hope you all have a lovely time with your families and God's Blessing for a healthy peaceful and Happy New Year from all of us at St Julian's.
THE BENEFICE CHOIR Is composed of people from the Seven Lamps Group. We meet to practice every Thursday at 7.30 at Camerton Church, we shall be coming to sing at the Wellow carol service and would warmly welcome anybody from Wellow who would like to join us for this and for any other event. Please just turn up on practice night or telephone Ian Cannick 01761 433965.
PARISH COUNCIL The Parish Council met on Monday 15th Nov in the Village Hall. Major items of interest were:
Traffic/Parking: A representation regarding parking and associated problems was received together with suggested solutions. The Council recognise that this is a major problem, which was further reinforced by public feedback at the recent Wellow Past and Present exhibition staged by the Parish Plan Group. A working group is being set up as part of the Parish Plan process to examine the issue and come up with proposals. We wish them well. We have also been notified, following the commencement of work at The Peasedown Industrial Park we are to receive £47,500 towards the cost of traffic calming in the village.
Planning: Following comments received at the last meeting and subsequently, we have been in frequent contact with the planning authority to attempt to resolve the situation over the rebuilding of Barn no 2 at Weavers Farm. A site meeting has been scheduled for Thurs 18th Nov. We will advise of the outcome next month. The following applications have been permitted with conditions: Norton Lane Farm: Agricultural livestock building Norton Lane Farm: Conversion of barn to form ancillary disabled accommodation and associated works. Blacksmiths Cottage, High Street: Conservatory.
Hinton Hill: Following continual representations from your Parish Council, Hinton PC and our District Councillor Gitte Dawson, BANES submitted an application for funding to The Government Office for The South West to cover the cost of repairs to Hinton Hill. This application has been successful and repairs costing £490,000 are scheduled to commence in January 2005 with 2 weeks of drainage works with the remainder to be completed in the summer of 2005. This it is estimated will take 7 weeks with the road being closed for 3 weeks. Mindful of the problems closure created last time, we shall be writing to BANES asking for the absolute minimum closure period. Let's hope they can get it right this time.
7.5 Tonne Weight Restriction: Our opinion on the boundaries for a weight restriction on vehicles has been sought and responded to aiming to minimise the amount of heavy traffic in the parish.
For full minutes of our meeting see the parish website.
Two items of information from The Chairman:
Freedom to Roam: You may have seen in the media details of the legislation regarding access to the countryside giving the "Right to Roam". There is programme for rolling out the whole of the country. The area in which Wellow lies becomes effective 14th December 2004. There appears to be a common misconception that this confers the right to roam anywhere where one pleases. In fact, the right only exists over registered common land and designated open country or access land. Wellow Parish has no registered common land or designated open country / access land therefore, there is no "right to roam". None of this affects your rights to use public footpaths /bridleways etc. If you are interested in finding out more, details can be found on www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk.
Fly Posting: Seems to be on the increase from comments I have received. Did you know BANES have the authority to prosecute fly posters with a fine up to £5,000 resulting for each offending poster? Please be aware if you are contemplating this.
WELLOW PARISH PLAN UPDATE Following a successful meeting on 16th November, a number of working groups have been formed who will be initially assisting us in the development of the Wellow Parish Plan. The participants in the working groups may be approaching parishioners to assist with this work that should be a very quick and easy process. The working groups cover: roads and traffic, conservation and the environment, the younger generation (under 21), the senior generation, development and village design, local businesses, village shop, village school, village hall, and special housing. If you would like to get involved, please call one of the Steering Committee, who will put you in touch with the right person. We are also preparing a questionnaire for every household in the parish that will provide you with an opportunity to make your views known. We intend to deliver this in early January and hope that you will spare a few minutes to complete this. The information we gain from this will play a key role in shaping the final plan
Alistair Colston (834528), David Halewood (830116), Shirley Hurdle (832312) or Chris Cook (834329)
WINNERS OF THE WELLOW VILLAGE HALL 150 CLUB PRIZE DRAW FOR NOVEMBER 2004
1st £30.00 Mrs L. Shaw 44
2nd £10.00 Mrs. E. Rose 139
3rd £7.00 Mr. R. Fulbrooke 28
4th £5.00 Ms. L. Layzell 5
Thank you for your support
B Messer Chairman
The 150 Club Christmas Draw will be held in the hall at 9.00pm on Tuesday December 14th after the Committee meeting. Members and non-members who may wish to join are cordially invited to the draw.
Les Venton
"THE COLLIERS WAY" CYCLE ROUTE BETWEEN BATH AND FROME is now open and signposted; however, rather disappointingly, only some of the proposed off-road sections have been built. There is an excellent surfaced level section between Shoscombe (beginning at Paglinch Farm) and Radstock which I hope some of you have already ridden and enjoyed. There was an official opening for this section in the summer attended by council officials, and Sir Elgar Jenkins even posed astride a bicycle for the press.
The route between Midford and Wellow currently runs through Twinhoe and down Farm Lane into Wellow which includes steep hills and a dangerous 'blind' crossroads at Midford, making it unsuitable for inexperienced cyclists. The plan, as you know, is to build a cycle path along the disused railway line between Wellow Trekking centre and Midford and I had been told that this would be completed by Easter 2005, but there is currently no money for this section. What appears to have happened is that Sustrans planned and worked with local authorities to raise the funds for the route construction, and the project was then passed on to BANES. Somehow it appears that BANES did not use the Sustrans money to best effect (there are ongoing discussions as to the reasons for this) and they are now unable to say when the Wellow-Midford section will be completed, or even started. It will cost £300,000 which is small fry compared to road building costs - BANES already have £60,000 so only need another £240,000.
We need to pressurise BANES to make an allocation in their 2005/6 budget for what will be a stunning 2 mile route through a beautiful route that has been inaccessible to the public. It will provide an ideal 'training ground' for young cyclists, and also mean that people in Wellow who have been deterred from cycling locally due to the hilly terrain can retrieve their rusty bikes from the garden shed and take an easy Sunday morning ride to the Hope and Anchor. The Parish Council has written to Sir Elgar Jenkins, stressing the great number of children in the village that would benefit from the opportunity to ride their bikes safely on level ground, away from traffic, the local Sustrans rangers have written, Gitte Dawson is fully behind the scheme and now if you feel strongly that we need this cyclepath as soon as possible, please write to Sir Elgar Jenkins, The Guildhall, Bath BA1.
Erica Smith
WANTED TIN BATH in which to soak willow for basket making. Condition immaterial so long as it holds water. Please contact
Sarah Moore
THE KNIGHTS BARN CHRISTMAS FAIR went with a very big bang! Thank you to everyone who so kindly supported us AND donated to the Wellow Village Hall Fund. I am more than happy to be able to hand over a cheque for £140.78. On a personal note - we (John, Emma, Delilah and Genieve Rose) are now staying in the village. Part of the decision to say was due to the tidal wave of affection and "don't goes" that greeted us almost every day our house was on the market (8 months!!). So thank you everyone for being so terribly kind and supportive during that period. You swayed us and we're very very happy to be staying.
Emma Rose
WELLOW WOMEN'S INSTITUTE our next meeting will be on Thursday 9th December at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Our speaker Mrs. Joan Saunders will talk about "Discovering Angels' what they are and what they do.
Members are reminded that the Group Carol Service will be held at St. Peter's Westfield on Monday 6th December and the collection will be in aid of the Babe Appeal. New members are always welcome at our events - just come along
Pam Brigden
LUNCH CLUB Our Christmas lunch will be on Thursday 16th December at 1pm in the Village Hall. If you are unable to be there please let us know. Many thanks,
Janet Earp 835254 and Marian Osborne 832561
THE PARLOUR SHOP - AT CHRISTMAS
Christmas opening times:
Open Friday, 24th December, 9 am - 12 noon
Closed Saturday 25th to Tuesday 28th inclusive
Open Wednesday 29th, 9am - 1pm
Thursday 30th, 9am - 5.30 pm
New Year:
Open Friday, 31st December, 9am - 12 noon
Closed Saturday 1st January to Monday 3rd inclusive
Open Tuesday 4th 9 am - 5.30 pm
Orders for turkeys and large chickens, all locally reared, are being taken now. Turkeys: £4.56 kilo (£2.10 lb) and Chickens: £4.40 kilo (£2.00 lb)
And In The Future How long the shop can continue is open to question. Since June sales have been down by about £1,000 a month in comparison with last year, and if this trend persists the shop will not have the money to survive. It needs to take about £7,000 a month to keep going. The shop belongs to the village; if you want to keep it, use it enough for it to pay its way.
Wellow Village Shop Committee
PARISH NEWS Please Note that I must have all copy for the Parish News by Monday, 13th December, this is earlier than usual so that it can be printed before Christmas. The Church office at St Philip's & St James' Church, Odd Down prints it for us at a very reasonable cost. We then collate it and deliver it to our distributors throughout the village and to White Ox Mead and Twinhoe. We rely on our volunteers. Please send copy to Jill Tremellen 833506. Or preferably to jilltremellen@onetel.com. Thank you.
WELLOW & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Membership and renewal of membership for the year 2005 is now due on 1st January 2005.
We are one of the most established and active groups in the Village and local area. We would love more members which in turn will bring fresh ideas and thoughts to the Society. The Programme Secretaries are busy compiling some interesting talks for the coming year with an outing scheduled in the Summer. So if you have never been to one of the meetings, do come along and discover more about the Society. There is a good library from which people can borrow books, and also with your Membership Card a discount can be had from Prior Park Nurseries and Norton Green Nursery. Other nurseries and garden centres may well offer a discount when you show the Card.
Membership includes free entry to all talks and demonstrations throughout the year and the annual Flower Show and Country Fair. There is also an annual Spring Plant Sale where plants are exchanged for little cost!
WELLOW & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Membership/Renewal Form.
I/We ………………………………. would like to join/renew my/our membership for the year 2005. £6 - Individual Membership £10 - Family Membership.
Name:………………………………….
Address:…………………………………. ……………………………………..
e mail:
Telephone Number:
Please make cheques payable to the Wellow & District Horticultural Society and send to: Janet Plater & Sue Wilford The Old Station, Station Road, Wellow. Tel: 01225 837944
Advent
The time of preparation for Christmas. Traditionally a time to decorate the house and Christmas tree. A time to buy presents and send cards. In the Church it is a time to prepare hearts and souls for the message of Christmas day.
Advent is a Christian festival leading up to Christmas. The name advent means coming or arrival. It is a time when Christians are encouraged to remember that Jesus came into the world in Palestine 2000 years promised ago.
Advent starts on the first Sunday after Saint Andrew's day (November 30th) and continues through the next four Sundays that will lead up to Christmas day. Traditionally we are encouraged to think on four things as Christmas approaches .
Each Sunday in advent has a theme to be pondered on during the season. In many churches candles (either red or purple) are lit on these four Sundays, and a fifth (white) candle is lit on Christmas day. The four themes (traditionally) are:
God's people - the advent hope.
The Old Testament prophets
John the Baptist
Mary the mother of Jesus
Christmas
Is the day when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ
Before Christianity some plants were thought to be magical and were hung up to protect against evil spirits and to encourage Spring to come. Christians used these plants in their customs to remind people that the prickles on the holly were like the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he died
Welcome wreaths - a welcome wreath of evergreens is often placed on front doors and dates back to the Roman times when a garland of leaves signified good luck
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on the branches of trees. Druids used mistletoe as a symbol of fertility. Victorians bound the mistletoe to a frame to make a "kissing ring." Each time a gentleman caught a lady under the mistletoe, he was allowed to claim a kiss and remove a berry. When the branches were bare, the kissing had to stop!.'
Evergreen fir trees are usually adorned with lights (as symbols of eternal life and hope) and decorations The use of Christmas trees began in the 17th century in Strasbourg, France and spread throughout Europe They were made popular in Britain by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, who had a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle from 1840
The tradition of Father Christmas began in the Netherlands with the custom of celebrating St Nicholas' Day and St Nicholas' Eve, when gifts were given to children The British took over the tradition as part of their own Christmas Eve celebrations. St Nicholas (the Dutch 'Sinterklaas') became Santa Claus/Father Christmas - the jolly man dressed in red with a white beard.