WELLOW CHURCH AND PARISH NEWS

July 2003

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

ST. IGNATIUS

Finding God in all things

Listening with a discerning heart

Choosing to live for the greater glory of God

St Ignatius is remembered by the Church on 31st July. His contribution to the history of Christian spirituality has been immense. This month I am printing an article published by kind permission of Our Lady of Sorrows RC Church, West River, Maryland, USA.

Spirituality is hard to define. It has to do with the "style" or the "spirit" of our life - with the way in which we live out our faith in God: our way of being religious. Richard McBrien has written:

To be "spiritual" means to know and to live according to the knowledge, that there is more to life than meets the eye. To be "spiritual" means, beyond that, to know and to live according to the knowledge, that God is present to us in grace as the principal of personal, interpersonal, social and even cosmic transformation. To be "open to the Spirit" is to accept explicitly who we are and who we are called always to become, and to direct our lives accordingly.

Each of the great religious families in the Church, like the Benedictines, Franciscans and Dominicans, has a distinctive way of following the Risen Christ and responding to the Holy Spirit.

Jesuit Spirituality

Jesuit Spirituality is Ignatian; that is, it seeks to incorporate the insights and methods of prayer discovered by the founder of the Society of Jesus, Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatius learned how important it is to look for God in the stuff of his everyday experience; he learned that God was shaping and forming him to be a companion of Jesus. Through his long personal conversion, he discovered a method that others could follow to arrive at such self-knowledge. This method of prayer and reflection is contained in his Spiritual Exercises.

Following the example of St. Ignatius, Jesuit spirituality centers on the imitation of Jesus… focusing on those priorities which constitute Christ's mind, heart, values, priorities and loves. What are those values, priorities and loves? Ignatius would encourage us to consider what Jesus said and did. At the foundation of Jesus' life was prayer, a continuous search for how best to live as an authentic human being before a loving God. Jesus preached forgiveness of sins, healed the sick and possessed, and gave hope to the poor, to those socially and economically outcast. Jesus spoke of joy, peace, justice and love; He summoned men and women from all classes of society to continue to follow His way to God and His commitment to helping people become whole and holy.

Saint Ignatius and the Spiritual Exercises

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, underwent a significant spiritual experience during the time stretching from his convalescence after his injury at the battle of Pamplona, up to his months of prayer in the cave at Manresa on the other side of Spain. During these months, Ignatius noticed how God led him to pay attention to the diverse "voices" inside of him - to the movements of consolation and desolation in his heart and spirit. Furthermore, he gradually learned to discern the sources of these desires, thoughts and movements of the heart and spirit: which of them came from God and which of them drew him away from God - and, perhaps most importantly, which of them he should act upon. Throughout this time, Ignatius learned how important it is to look for God in the stuff of his everyday experience; he learned that God was shaping and forming him to be a companion of Jesus. The fruit of these months of prayer and reflection is contained in his Spiritual Exercises. If there is any genius to the Society of Jesus, it lies in this little treatise on prayer written over 450 years ago. The method of prayer outlined in that book helps each Jesuit to follow Jesus and seek God's will in any circumstances, from the most mundane day of teaching, administrating or writing to a particularly trying experience of walking with people experiencing grave suffering or social injustice.

Hugh Bonsey

For details of Church Services in Wellow CLICK HERE

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

CHURCH NEWS On Wednesday June 4th in the evening it was a chance to meet up with other members of the Seven Lamps Group, the clergy with their wives and all the church wardens who met at the home of Julia and Jonathon Wyld at White Ox Mead for a soiree.

After a walk around their delightful garden, a superb meal was produced, our thanks to Julia and Jonathan for their hospitality and thank you also anyone who brought salads and desserts it was a lovely evening. On Sunday June 8th there was an exchange of pulpits and it was good to welcome the Revd Christopher Hare of Timsbury as our celebrant and preacher. We had a good number at this service. PLEASE can we have more of the same at our other services as we seem to be losing quite a few of our regulars owing to illness and deaths, and unless we keep up our numbers the church will probably close. It would be very sad if this happens as we have one of the finest churches around. So do try to attend, if only one Sunday a month.

July 20th is Sea Sunday at St Julian's and we welcome Fr Brian Sutton who will celebrate and preach at the 9.30am Eucharist. Please see page 2 of this magazine for more details.

Churchwardens

VERSES IN A QUIET GARDEN

A DAY FOR REFLECTION AT ST.JULIAN'S WELL, WELLOW

MONDAY 14TH JULY 2003

The Rector of Camerton, The Revd Kevin Tingay, has selected a number of poems and extracts on spiritual themes. He will introduce them in four short talks, after which we will spend a quiet time with the texts in the peaceful surrounding of the garden at St.Julian's Well. The day is open to all, irrespective of belief or denomination.

There will be an opportunity to talk together over your packed lunch which you are asked to provide, and over tea. Drinks are provided. There will be a charge of £5 to cover expenses. For further information please contact Glynis Tingay, The Rectory, Skinners Hill, Camerton, Bath, BA2 0PU

WELLOW PARISH COUNCIL held a monthly meeting on June 16th in the village hall, with the new members and Cllr Alex Martin in the chair.

The meeting decided to ask you to put forward suggestions for the name of the street that will go from opposite Alma Cottages to the new Weavers Farm development. The developer has proposed Wessex Chase, but the council would prefer a name more relevant or historic.

The planners for the site intend to put a footpath to the Square on the side of Weavers Farm. The meeting, with strong representation from Manor Close, are against this, and propose a pavement on the side of Alma Cottages.

Mark Watson has put forward a suggestion of a painted tarmac pavement which he saw when in Devon. I will put a copy of the photograph on the notice board in the Square to give you an idea. The bus, as promised, is now running from the Park and Ride to the RUH.

Planning: The meeting agreed to support applications by Mr Wilkins, Norton Lane, for retention of use of building for 5 livery stables.

Also application by Mr Hawkins, Canteen Cottage for erection of single storey rear conservatory. It was agreed to oppose the application for summerhouse at Vera House, Railway Lane, and request resubmitted drawings for the proposed extension at Oxleaze.

Joyce Morphew 833947 or E Mail joyce_morphew@lineone.net

ST. JULIAN'S SCHOOL Following a magnificent fund-raising effort, St Julian's School are hoping to start work on clearing the ground at the bottom of the paddock in the summer holidays, ready for the development of the Multi-Sensory Play Garden. The Summer Fayre on 7th June was an enjoyable event despite the threatening clouds, and £325 was raised for the School Fund. The children performed their Maypole Dances and enjoyed a bouncy castle and a barbecue, as well as lots of games and stalls. Sports Day will be held on the afternoon of 8th July on the Village Playing Field and our Leavers' Production will be in the Village Hall on 18th July. We will say goodbye to Year 6 at a church service on 22nd July at 2.15 pm. This will be our pupils' last day so they will be allowed to wear 'Mufti' and play games in the morning. Staff will be in school for Inservice Training on 23 July. Meanwhile the children are growing sunflowers in aid of the charity Action for the Blind and the one with largest head will be entered at the Wellow Horticultural Show. We are also busy working on our entries for the Show.

Sally Boswell, Secretary

WELLOW AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY A big thank you to all who supported our supper show "Pick of the Bunch " on 30th and 31st May. We all had a wonderful time which resulted in a group of WADS visiting the A & E Department at the Royal United Hospital on Tuesday 17th June to present them with a cheque for £555.00 The Grand Raffle each evening boosted the funds so thank you to all who donated prizes.

Mary Messer

THE BATH & CAMERTON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY has an open day coming up at Upper Row Farm, Hemington. on Saturday, July 19th 10 am to 4 pm as part of National Archaeology Weekend.

The main excavation season will start on August 18th and there will be a further open day in late September. Details to follow.

Upper Row Farm is half a mile south of Tucker's Grave Inn (A366, Norton St. Philip to Faulkland road). Follow the signposts.

For details of either event, contact Jayne Lawes, director of excavations, on 01761 431741, jlawes@supanet.com, or on our website www.bacas.org.uk

WINNERS OF THE WELLOW VILLAGE HALL 150 CLUB

PRIZE DRAW FOR JUNE 2003

1st £32.00 Mrs H. Cooper No. 78

2nd £13.00 Mr. G. Hewlett No. 39

3rd £7.00 Mr. A. Taylor No 81

4th £5.00 Mr. F. Matthews No. 74

Thank you for your support

B Messer Chairman

VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS Up to and including Tuesday 8th July, please ring 01225-833873 with any enquiries about booking the Village Hall. After that, it will be back to the usual number 01225-832561

AMAZING 20% OFF AT THE PARLOUR SHOP Summer days are here again, crunchy salads, strawberries and cream, barbecued fruits perhaps. Just some of the things that come to mind at this time of year.

Did you know, the Parlour Shop stocks an amazing range of top quality fruit and vegetables, all at keen prices. Exotic pineapples, mangoes, kiwi, lime etc. to the everyday salad, apples, oranges. bananas, potatoes and brocoli. Fresh supplies are received daily.

As part of our drive to encourage more customers, we are launching a special promotion in the month of July. All fruit and veg. At a breathtaking 20% off. Hurry along and give us a try, we aim to surprise and delight you. Help us to help you.

We are keen to show you what we can supply and will be increasing our basic stock of fruit and veg but, if you don't already use the shop for your fruit and veg., please give us a ring on 835438 the day before you visit so we can ensure that we have what you require at its freshest.

The Parlour Shop Double Whammy………………..Improve your health, stretch those legs, eat our quality fruit and veg, meet friends old and new and pay rock bottom prices too.

FROM THE PAST

In 1939 Rosemary Pollard came to Wellow having had her Surrey family home requisitioned in the preparations for war. The family had connections with the village; Rosemary and her mother rented a cottage in the square, (the one now being repaired).

Travelling to her work in the operating theatre at St Martin's on a motorcycle, with wartime restrictions on lighting, was hazardous at the best of times but when cows had fouled the road at the bottom of Underdown, Rosemary regularly took a spill. Eventually, when the hospital made a case for an extra petrol ration, enough to run a small car, Rosemary was able to arrive at work in a more dignified state. The red Morris 8, was kept in Mr. Knight's barn overnight and during the blackout walking back to the cottage after a late shift, many a 'Goodnight' was answered without knowing who had spoken. For off duty relaxation Rosemary travelled around the area on a roan cob which had been rescued from the collieries by George Phillips.

In 1941 Rosemary married Brian Church in St Julian's and nearly sixty years later returned to the church and village, leaving these memories of her happy years here.

She recalled that one starry night Brian proposed to her at the level crossing near the Wellow signal box.

Weddings in wartime were low key affairs and because of rationing; a top tier of a sister's wedding cake, saved for a christening, was better than nothing at all. The icing was well past its best and it was given to (Mrs. Chinnock?) to re-ice, but the cake also was past reclaiming, so the villagers rallied round and, donating new ingredients from their precious rations presented the couple with a present of a new cake. Rosemary recalls her embarrassment when, sometime later she heard of the custom of tying the church gate and the few pennies expected by children to let the bride and groom through. Not knowing, they had struggled to undo the knots themselves.

With no bathroom in the cottage and an outside toilet across the yard life was somewhat different from Surrey, even the dustbin rubbish was her responsibility, to be taken to Bubbler's Ditch for disposal.

When Brian came home after nearly four years in the Far East, in November 1945, they spent five months sick leave at Lyme Regis and did not return to Wellow.

Gordon Hewlett

There must also be a fund of untold stories by those who lived in Wellow through the war years.

WELLOW & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Annual Garden Party, Friday 4th July, Wellow Farm, The Square, Wellow by kind invitation of Joyce and Peter Morphew. This is open to members, and guests of members, to enjoy a glass of wine and light buffet with friends on a summer evening in their beautiful and innovative garden. Tickets are £2.50 available from Joyce Morphew tel;833947 and Shirley Betts tel; 833683.

Junior Gardening Club This month the club will be meeting a week early on Sunday 13th July, usual time 10.30am - 12 noon, as Lisa will be on holiday the following week. Helpers and new kids always welcome.

Contact Lisa Leyzell-Davis 01225 309007.

Children's Art Tent, items wanted - there will be a pirate theme so if you have any beads, buttons, old jewellery, shoe boxes, margarine tubs, shiny paper, corks, pirate's hats, stuffed parrots (only kidding?) or anything that you can think of along this theme then Lisa Leyzell Davis would be very grateful to hear from you (tel. no. above).

Craft Stall - a reminder to anyone who would like to make and sell anything for this stall to move up a gear. We would welcome craft/hand made items of any kind to sell on a basis of 75% to the maker and 25% to the Society (to help offset the Show's costs). Many people have commented that it would be good to have more things to buy on the day, so here is a chance to be creative and make a bit of money too. Please contact Mari, The Hollies, Mill Hill, Wellow,

Mari Bartholomew 840889

WELLOW W.I. The next meeting of Wellow Women's Institute will be on Thursday July 10th at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

Mrs. J. Morris will demonstrate and talk about "Make up for the Mature Woman" and the competition will be for a floral arrangement in an egg cup. New members are always welcome - just come along and then decide to join us if you wish to do so.

Pam Brigden

'THE MISSING VIDEO' Can anyone help, please? During last May, on four consecutive Friday evenings on BBC 2, a fact-based drama called "the Cambridge Spies" was serialised. I watched the first three episodes but, unfortunately, on the last Friday, May 30th, I forgot to set my VCR to record the fourth episode while I was participating in the WADS show at the village hall.

I enjoyed the three-quarters of the drama, but I feel that something is missing and incomplete in my life, not knowing 'Who done it'!

Did you, by any chance, record this episode between 9 and 10 pm on the above date; if so, can you please lend me your video cassette? I would be eternally grateful if you could.

Alan Taylor 837894

NEWSLETTER Please may I have all copy for the August Newsletter by the 20th of July. It can be left in the shop or delivered to me at St. Julian's Well. If you miss the deadline give me a ring it may not be too late. If you have email that would be very helpful. Thank you very much. Jill Tremellen 833506 email julians.well@virgin.net