WELLOW CHURCH AND PARISH NEWS

November 2001

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

HOLY DAYS

Days of penance and celebration

Sunday 4th November is 'All Saints' Sunday', which is one of the new principal feast days in the Church of England's new Calendar. There will be a celebration of the Holy Communion at St Julian's on that day.

All Saints' Sunday is one of the new 'principal feast days' of the Church of England, and, for this month's Front Page Article, I have chosen the special days in the new Church Calendar as my theme.

Many Anglicans feel that one of the joys of being a Christian today, and worshipping in the Church of England, is the rediscovery of the riches of the Christian Year. The Book of Common Prayer, although rich in language and containing much of our Anglican heritage, does not have a full appreciation of the variety of Christian celebration which was experienced by Christians in this country before the sixteenth century.

When our beautiful Church of St Julian's was built in the fourteenth century, Christians living in Wellow at that time, and for generations before, would have experienced a much richer and fuller celebration of the Church's life, centred on the stories of the Gospels.

Until recently there were only five major festivals in the Church of England: Christmas Day, Epiphany, Easter Day, Ascension Day and Pentecost. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday were also linked to the festival of Easter.

There are now twelve special days. Nine of the days are called 'principal feasts', and they are arranged in three groups of three. The first group belong the Incarnation cycle: Christmas Day, the Epiphany and the Presentation of the Lord. The second group belong to the Resurrection cycle: Easter Day, the Ascension and Pentecost. The other group stand separately: the Annunciation, Trinity Sunday and All Saints' Day.

In addition to these nine 'principal feasts' are three other days which share the same status, but would not be called 'feasts' - they are Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

The Church of England doesn't talk in terms of "Holy Days of Obligation", but if it did, these twelve days would be the occasions on which everyone who claims to be a member of the Church of England should attend Church and take part in the service of Holy Communion, and if confirmed, would receive Holy Communion.

By extending the number of special days from five to twelve, the Church has given us an opportunity to share in its life more fully, and experience a greater understanding of the Christian Gospel. The change in the Church's Calendar also challenges its members to attend worship on 'principal days' to a much greater extent. Now, and in future years, the great acts of Salvation, worked out in the life, death and resurrection of our Lord, will be celebrated by increasing numbers of Anglicans, both here and abroad.

This is the theory. The Calendar has been set. It is my prayer that the great days of penance and celebration will be a hallmark of the Anglican Church in the time in which we live, and in the future.

Hugh Bonsey

For details of Church Services in Wellow CLICK HERE

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

ALPHA COURSE

The Alpha Course is taking place at Priston Village Hall on each Wednesday evening at 7.30 pm up until 5th December 2001. Alpha is an introduction of the Christian Faith in which those outside the Church can learn what Christians believe, and how being a Christian can change your life for the better. The evening begins with a meal followed by a talk. The evening finishes with a discussion, where participants are free to talk about anything relating to the Christian Faith. It concludes by 9.45 pm.

If you would like to join the Alpha Course, please contact the Revd Christopher Hare, Rector of Timsbury on 01761 479660.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY: 11TH NOVEMBER The annual Service of Remembrance takes place in St Julian's Church on Sunday, 11th November starting at 10.50 am. This year the Officiant and Preacher will be the Revd Peter Down. I shall be taking a Service of Remembrance at Peasedown St John at the same time.

Hugh Bonsey

CHURCH NEWS It's exciting, it's happening, after a few years with no heating the builders have moved into the church to make way for the heating project which we hope will be finally installed by the end of November. Church services are going on as normal with parts of the church cordoned off. We still need money for this scheme so any donations will be gratefully accepted.

Our Remembrance Service on Sunday, 11th November service starts at 10.50 am we do hope you will try to attend this service to remember those who died for us in the last two world wars and those who died today that we might live in peace.

On Saturday, 17th November, at Wellow Village Hall starting at 2.30 pm we are holding our Christmas Bazaar. We hope to have lots of goodies for you to buy: cakes, pies, tarts, preserves and pickles, as well as lots of Christmas items, cards, paper, bulbs, toys and gifts, so why not come along and do your Christmas shopping, helping the church at the same time.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCMEMNT FOR THE CHILREN

Father Christmas will arrive at the start of the Bazaar to give you each a free gift, so get Mummy or Daddy or Grandma or Grandpa to bring you along then you can tell him what you would like for Christmas and if you are very good you may get it.

Churchwardens

CHRISTMAS CARDS We are delighted to have been given a beautiful photograph of St Julian's Church in the snow with the morning sun rising behind it. It is currently being made into a Christmas Card which will be sold in aid of the church. The cards will sell at £2.50 for ten and can be bought in smaller numbers. They will be available from the beginning of November from the Village Shop, from the church or from us. Jill & Colin Tremellen 833506

CHANGING FLAMES Somerhill A'level Theatre Group from Somervale and Norton Hill School are presenting a candlelit historical evening entitled "Changing Flames". It will be taking place on Tuesday, 4th December in St Julian's Church, Wellow at 7 pm. The programme will include an original devised performance set in Wellow in the 1840's, a slide show by Dick Graham, displays by Gordon Hewlett and an organ recital. Tickets will be priced at £1 for under 16's and £2 for adults and available from the Parlour Shop and Joyce Mannings. This will include all entertainment, refreshments of hot and cold drinks, biscuits and mince pies. The church will have recently had its heating system replaced, although we suggest that you may want to bring a cushion for the pews! We would also love as many people as possible to experience the medieval church in candle light with us, and to support us in this community project. We look forward to seeing you!

Claire Miles

WELLOW PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 15th OCTOBER 2001

Mr Brooks from B&NES kindly gave an explanation of the situation at Hinton Hill.

This road has been subject to subsidence problems for many years. Last year repairs were carried out at a cost of £170,000. A land drain was placed 1½-2 metres underground but it is thought the water has flowed beneath the drain where the soil consists of Fullers Earth and when combined with rainwater becomes soft. Part of the road has therefore subsided again. B&NES will carry out an assessment during the winter months and repairs will be carried out when this is finalised. Mr Brooks explained that the intention was to keep at least one lane of the road open during repairs.

With regard to the broken signpost, a response from B&NES is awaited as to when the repairs will be carried out.

The Crest, Bath Hill. The application was supported subject to the planners approving a slight overlap into Green Belt.

Works to trees in various properties were approved. Ford Farm, Wellow. The application was approved.

Little Horse Croft Farm. B&NES have stated that approval is not required for an agricultural track but this is being investigated.

Mr Elvin reported that Wellow had been awarded 'Most Improved Village' and everyone was delighted.

The next meeting will be held on 19th November 2001 at 8.00 pm.

SHOE BOX APPEAL Once again the Samaritan Purse will be sending shoe boxes full of toys to children across the world who have little or nothing at Christmas time. The leaflets recommending types of toys and how they should be wrapped etc will be available in the Village Shop. The Village are joining with St Julian's School who have taken part in this project for many years. Please can you let me have your box by 5th November. Thank you.

For further details Jill Tremellen 833506

WELLOW VILLAGE HALL HIRING FEES

Charges for hiring the Village Hall have remained at the same level for five years, but the Management Committee has now regretfully decided that they must go up. From now on fees will be as follows:

To enquire about bookings, please contact Marian Osborne, Orchard Lea, Bath Hill, Wellow. 832561

WELLOW VILLAGE HALL '150 CLUB' DRAW

1st prize £32.00 Ticket 35 Mrs B. Frankham

2nd Prize £13.00 Ticket 14 Mrs. F. Cole

3rd Prize £7.00 Ticket 67 R. Sankey

4th Prize £5.00 Ticket 97 Mr. D. Curran

Thank you for your support. Brian Messer

WELLOW'S BIG QUIZ NIGHT - FRIDAY, 9th NOVEMBER Further to my announcement regarding the above, in last month's Church and Parish News, I was somewhat disappointed at the response so far (as at October 20th).Come on all you spokespersons, chairpersons, and secretaries of local groups; ask your colleagues to help form teams of four persons. And, as you will have read, the quiz is now open to groups of friends and families, so contestants don't have to belong to a society or organisation in the village. I made a mistake in last month's details; it is only £2.00 per person to participate. The hall committee have drawn up some serious plans to improve facilities, so please help to improve your village hall by contacting me soon.

Your Genial Quiz Inquisitor - Alan Taylor 837894

WELLOW AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY We originally called ourselves the Wellow Awful Dramatic Society but after several years our faithful supporters asked us to change the Awful to Amateur and next year we celebrate our 21st Anniversary. We are planning something special which will include a Pantomime 'CINDERELLA' this was the first Panto we performed and several members of the original cast will be taking part, a performance not to be missed. So dates for your diary:- 28th February, 1st and 2nd March 2002 'CINDERELLA' at your Village Hall.

Mary Messer Chairman

FROM THE PAST Armistice Day 1918

Throughout the war the village children were well informed of the progress of the fighting; by 1917 there were 114 men in service from the parish, fathers and brothers of the children. At the time of the Armistice, eighteen had lost their lives and two more were to die from wounds in the following year. When on leave the vicar's sons Frederick and George, visited the school and talked of the war; on one occasion in June 1915 George presented a wall map of the Gallipoli Peninsula and the Dardanelles, later a Major McKay spoke to them about that conflict.

Then, on 11th November 1918, the vicar came at playtime to announce that an armistice had been signed with the German government. The children walked to the church where the bell was rung as the Union flag was hoisted on the tower they cheered; then to assemble at the school to sing the National Anthem.

Gordon Hewlett

GREETINGS FROM THE PARLOUR SHOP A quick update to let you know we are now selling morning papers and magazines on trial for 1 month but with the response we are getting I think this will be permanent. Also we are now stocking BT, Cellnet and Orange phone cards. We are still short-staffed so anyone who could spare a couple of hours a week or more please pop in and see us. You get FREE coffee and tea and sometimes even a biscuit. Thanks for all your support. Hope to see you soon.

Lorraine (the Manageress)

WELLOW WOMEN'S INSTITUTE. The next meeting will be on Thursday, 8th November at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, this will be combined with an Annual General Meeting - do come along and express your ideas for the running of an Institute, volunteer to serve on the committee, or just to give your opinions on the organization. Our speaker for the evening will be Mrs J. Plummer and her subject is 'Sugar Craft' a topical and interesting talk for all cake makers - and others who prefer just to watch. The competition will be for a 'Mince Pie' - any home made pastry can be used.

Pam Brigden

LUNCH CLUB This month the lunch will be on Thursday, 22nd November at 1.00pm in the Village Hall. We will let you know the date for the Christmas lunch as soon as possible.

Janet Earp & Marian Osborne 832561

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR AT THE PARAGON SCHOOL On Saturday, 1st December 10.00 am - 2.30 pm Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale. Fabulous Christmas gifts all under one roof and raise money for the school/children into the bargain. Emma Rose will be selling her frames, mirrors, prints and boxes there. Do contact her for further details: 837809

ST. GREGORY'S SCHOOL BETHLEHEM LINK A Race Night is being held on 9th November from 8 pm at St Gregory's School, Combe Hay Lane, in order to raise funds to enable children from Bethlehem to come to England on a cultural visit. Their visit will include opportunities for people to see traditional dancing. For more details phone 07768 748508 or 01225 329659.

Wellow & District Horticultural Society

WINTER AND EARLY SPRING GARDENS, THURSDAY, 15th NOVEMBER 7.30 pm, Wellow Village Hall. Come along to this illustrated talk on TREES, SHRUBS, PERENNIALS AND BULBS which will give the best of seasonal interest by our home grown national gardening expert SUE CHIVERS. Members free and non-members always welcome £1. Please come at 7.15 pm for refreshments and chat before the talk.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, THURSDAY 29th NOVEMBER, 7.30 pm, Wellow Village Hall, (otherwise known as the Annual Party!). The business meeting is usually short, then there will be a chance to have your say on several issues including the date of next year's Flower Show. The next Committee will also be voted in so please give any nominations to the Secretary, Shirley Betts, Dawnrise, Wellow or any Committee member before the meeting. Refreshments will be served.

SEED AND COMPOST ORDERS. Lisa Layzell-Davis has kindly offered to take orders once again for Mr Fothergill Seeds and Grow Organic Compost both at discount prices for members. Seed catalogues and order forms will be available at the AGM or contact Lisa Tel: 309007.

JUNIOR GARDENING CLUB, SUNDAY 18th NOVEMBER, 10.30 am-12 noon. New members always welcome, so come along and get your hands dirty. We grow lots of different plants and bulbs, paint pots and make lots of great things and play games. Parents and friends always welcome to come and help, and enjoy! Contact Lisa Layzell-Davis (as above).

Mari Bartholomew

PARISH NEWS The old Photocopier at the Vicarage is past its best, the Vicar has struggled with it for many years but now the Newsletter is being printed by the Church office at St Philip and St James Church, Odd Down who give churches a special and very advantageous rate. Please may I have copy for the December Newsletter by 20th November, leave it the village shop or drop it down to me at St Julian's Well. Using e-mail is particularly helpful and if you could format in Times New Roman, and font size 11 that is even more helpful!! Email address julians.well@virgin.net. Thank you. Many thanks to Jo Vening for letting me use her computer when mine was out of action. Jill Tremellen 833506