WELLOW CHURCH AND PARISH NEWS

October 2001

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

11 SEPTEMBER 2001

The day that changed the world

On Sunday 16th September at St. Julian’s morning service, conducted by the Revd Brian Sutton, special prayers were said for the United States of America, after the attacks on New York and Washington.

As the horror of the events in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania sunk in, we shared the shock and sorrow of our American brothers and sisters.

As the sorrow and grief of Americans turned to anger and revenge, we stood by, looking on from the sidelines, wondering what our own response would be. Now we are poised on the brink of war - a war against terrorism that may last decades, with no obvious beginning and no definitive ending.

Justice is required, but not revenge. Action is required, but not appeasement.

As the terrible drama unfolded during the days following the terrorist attacks, we in the West learned of what seemed like appeasement from President Bush. Shortly before the attacks in America, several telephone calls were made from Osama bin Laden warning America that severe terrorist action would occur if the military build up in the Middle East was not reduced. Unreported in the Western Press at the time, President Bush ordered the drawing back of American forces from their positions, which must have been considered as an act of appeasement by the Saudi rebel and terrorist mastermind bin Laden.

I was reminded of the response by the Western democracies when Hitler put his troops in the demilitarised zone in the Rhineland in 1936. They and the rest of the world did nothing. Hitler occupied Austria and then Czechoslovakia. It was only when he invaded Poland that Great Britain declared war.

The same can be said of the British Government's policy on Irish terrorists. The 'Good Friday Agreement' has resulted in many terrorists being released early from prison, posing an enormous threat to the people of Northern Ireland and ourselves on the mainland of Great Britain. We all know that the IRA will never hand over their weapons and surrender. Again, appeasement reaps a bitter harvest.

Now world terrorism is the common enemy of Western democracies and many Eastern countries. Swift military action exacting revenge on the organisation behind the events of 11th September may have seemed to be the best political response. Fortunately that temptation has been resisted. But the forthcoming military action must be planned with extreme caution and finely balanced judgement. If the Western Allies make a mistake and destabilise the Muslim world, the future of our modern world is bleak indeed. If Pakistan's moderate government is overtaken by religious extremists, then Pakistan with its nuclear arsenal will become the most dangerous country in the world.

So we are on the horns of a dilemma. If we do nothing, the resulting image of appeasement will accelerate further terrorist attacks around the world, with the use of terrifying weapons of mass destruction. If we use overwhelming military might ourselves and arouse Eastern governments to war, again global catastrophe could ensue.

There is a tragic irony here as we await the outcome of this dangerous period in our history. Everyone who is caught up in the struggle between Christianity and Islam is a child of Abraham. Christians, Muslims and Jews worship the same God. We are all children of Abraham. Let us all pray to the one God who loves all his children and longs for them to live in peace, that all of us may fight together on the same side, come what may, and rid the world of the evil of terrorism.

Hugh Bonsey

For details of Church Services in Wellow CLICK HERE

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

A NEW ALPHA COURSE The Alpha Course is taking place at Priston Village Hall on each Wednesday evening at 7.30pm 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 9.45pm. If you would like to join the Alpha Course, please contact the Revd Christopher Hare, Rector of Timsbury on 01761 479660.

SONGS OF PRAISE AT PEASEDOWN ST JOHN On Sunday 21st October 2001 at 6.00pm the Bishop of Taunton will dedicate the new Lighting and Sound Systems at the Parish Church of Peasedown St John. You are very welcome to join us, to enjoy the singing and see our wonderful new lights. You will also have a chance to meet the Bishop afterwards.

CHURCH NEWS On Sunday 16th September at St. Julian’s morning service, conducted by the Revd Brian Sutton, special prayers were said for the United States of America, after the attacks on New York and Washington. Hymns sung were also in keeping and everyone present lit a candle at the Altar. Prayers were also said for any British people involved remembering those around the Bath area or anyone known personally to us. Please continue to pray for them and for the governments who run the countries to make the right decisions as to what action they take in response to these vicious attacks.

The concert at St. Julian's on the night of August 23rd given by David Russell an international guitarist was a great success with some 150 people present. David gave his time free and charged NO expenses; we thank him for his generosity. The music he played was superb. The love of his craft showed through on the music putting his own interpretation on each piece played. During the interval delectable refreshments were served and everyone agreed it was one of the best evenings ever at St. Julian's. Our thanks to Libby and Charles Kerr for having such a talented cousin and for getting him to perform for us. Thank you also Joyce and Peter Morphew who with Libby did the excellent refreshments. The amount made at this venue was one thousand one hundred and sixty nine pounds 93p. A marvellous effort for our Heating Fund. THANK YOU EVERYONE.

Our Christmas Fair will be the next big event to think about so start making anything that might sell. Jams, Jellies, Pickle, marmalades, Christmas decorations, gifts etc. There will be the usual stalls and we hope a visit from Father Christmas for the children, so keep this date free NOVEMBER 17TH which is a Saturday. So come and do you Christmas Shopping early.

Churchwardens

GUITAR CONCERT - St. Julian's 25th August. The evening proved a magical one and the Heating Fund is better by £1,169.93. However it would not have been possible without marvellous help and talent in the Village - namely Peter and Joyce Morphew and Joyce Mannings for the food and Richard Holland for the design of tickets and the Programme - very many thanks.

Can we throw down the challenge to other people - do you have likely relatives or contacts that could be persuaded to come to the aid of St. Julian's? We only have one David Russell.

Charles and Libby Kerr

THE QUIET GARDEN AT ST JULIAN'S WELL The final Quiet Garden opening for this year will be on the 4th October from 10.30am-3.30pm. Our garden is open to anyone who seeds a time for peace and reflection. Come for all or part of the day.

Jill and Colin Tremellen 833506

ON BEHALF OF EDIE'S FAMILY AND HIMSELF, Ted Welch wishes to thank all those people who sent sympathy cards and messages of condolence of the occasion of their recent very sad loss. Their kind thought meant so much at a difficult time. He also wishes them to know that through their generosity the sum of £341.20 was raised on behalf of Dorothy House.

WELLOW PARISH COUNCIL held a meeting on September 18th 2001 in the village hall.

Full copy of minutes is in the box in the Square.

B&NES have promised to hold a separate meeting to discuss the problem of Hinton Hill. The date to be arranged.

The owner of 3 The Square has promised that the cottage will be ready for occupation next summer.

Arrangements for the repair of signpost in the Square are in hand, but may take a while. It was suggested that another finger be added to point out the whereabouts of the car park.

PC Carrow of Radstock Police has proposed that he holds a beat surgery before a PC meeting. This will be advertised when date is arranged.

Letter re Queens Golden Jubilee has been received. If anyone wishes to organise a celebration I will pass on the information.

Our District Councillor asked if "Dial a Ride" existed in the village. She said that funds are now available to set up a scheme. I will arrange for her to pass on information to anyone willing to do so.

Joyce Morphew 833947

VEGETABLE BOX SCHEME

We have a new weekly vegetable box scheme, supplied by the greengrocers that supply Homewood Park. The majority of produce is grown locally, and either has organic status or is grown without the use of chemicals. There is a choice of box sizes priced at £5, £8 or £10 that can include vegetables, fruit or salad, or a combination of all 3. The boxes are delivered to the Parlour on Thursday afternoons. If you are interested in ordering a box, please call Janet on 837944.

WELLOW WOMEN'S INSTITUTE The next meeting of the Wellow W.I. will be on Thursday 11th October at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Our speaker will be Mrs. P. Simpson whose talk is entitled "Life is a Cabaret". There will also be a Bring and Buy table please support this sale by either buying or donating goods. A note for your diaries. The Group's Carol Service will be on Wednesday 12th December at Paulton Parish Church.

Pam Brigden

WELLOW AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY We would like to form a choir this year for the St. Julian's Church Christmas Carol Service which will take place on Sunday 16th December. We find it difficult to do this within our group so are sending out this appeal for anyone willing to join us. We just need enthusiasm and commitment to at least six rehearsals at the church prior to the event. Rehearsals are always most enjoyable. Pauline Preddy's encouragement to hit a few high notes and try something a little different always pays off in the end. Please contact Pauline or myself by October 27th if you would like to join us.

Mary Messer 832732 or Pauline Preddy 832625

FROM THE PAST As we wait for the authorities to raise the finances for the repair of Hinton Hill, we can ask; - What's new?

Bridgwater Sessions - 8th January 1649

"Whereas the bridge known as Ivybridge lying between the parishes of Dunkerton, Wellow and Combehay is in much decay for want of reparation…....to the great danger of all passing over…this Court is informed …that the said bridge ought to be repaired att the charge of the Countie."

1st October 1650 Tuesday after the Feast of St Michael the Archangel. "Whereas a certain bridge called Ivybridge lying on the greate roadeway within the Hundred of Wellow….is found to be a Countie bridge and ought to be repaired att the charge of this Countie as often as occasion requireth…..And by certificate of the ablest inhabitants of the said Hundred the bridge is in greate decay… and in the view of the ablest workmen the charge for the repair of the said bridge will amount to the some of thirty pounds at the least…..the Court doth thinke fit to order William Tucker, Treasurer for the eastern division of the Countie to ymploy this sum towards the reparation of the aforesaid… and that Peter Rosewall of Inlishcombe, Thomas Skidmore of White Ox Mead and John Tutt of Combehay are required to bee Overseers of same and see the worke is set upon forthwith."

7th January 1651 "Forasmuch as an Order of Bridgwater Sessions last….it was ordered that Treasurer William Tucker should pay Henry Fisher of Newton, thirty pounds for the repair of a bridge called Ivybridge….. And as the said Treasurer hathe not sufficient monies in his hands to perform the same.…. he shall have full power and authority to obtain the some...by a levy by distresse on the inhabitants who are in arrear….of somes of money imposed on them by a Rate."

Gordon Hewlett

VILLAGE HALL The Annual General Meeting of the Management Committee will be held in the Hall at 7.45pm on Monday 8th October. This is an open meeting and, if you can spare about 15 minutes of your time, the committee would be pleased to see you. If you could spare about two hours a month, you could join the committee, who would like to see some of the younger villagers taking an interest in managing the Hall.

Les Venton

VILLAGE HALL '150 CLUB' DRAW

The winners of the Village `Hall "150 Club" prize draw for the month of September

1st Prize £32.00 Ticket 21 Mrs Pritchard

2nd Prize £13.00 Ticket 128 Mr. B. Hasell

3rd Prize £7.00 Ticket 28 Mr. A. Fulbrook

4th Prize £5.00 Ticket 76 Mrs. P. Smith

Thank you for your support.

Brian Messer Chair

WELLOW VILLAGE HALL Wellow Film 2001.? Bath Film Festival have funds to promote film shows in village halls and, subject to reasonable interest from the village, have offered to put on an initial "one off" film show at Wellow around Christmas or the New Year. All film titles are available 6 months after their cinema release. If you are interested, give me a call and watch this space.

Brian Messier 01225 832732 or 323536

WELLOW AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Having read the 50th Newsletter I was reminded of the enormous debt of gratitude that we all owe to Michael Carpenter. For so many years he has worked indefatigably to make the Society the success that it is today. Thank you Michael!

Joanne Rittner The Church Farm Wellow

UNUSUAL WALL SHRUBS AND CLIMBERS, THURSDAY 4th OCTOBER 7.30pm, WELLOW VILLAGE HALL. This is an illustrated talk by James Arbuthnot who will give us new ideas to make best features for bare walls. Members free, non members welcome £1. Come at 7.15pm for tea/coffee and informal chat.

VISIT TO WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM, SATURDAY 20th OCTOBER. This is the best month to visit for spectacular leaf colour which will be brought alive on this fully guided tour that has been arranged for us. The coach leaves The Square, Wellow, at 11am returning approx. 5pm. The subsidised coach fare and guided tour will be £9 each, with entrance to the Arboretum costing an extra £3.50, Senior Citizens £2.50 and RHS. members free. Hot & cold snacks are available at the Courtyard Cafe or bring a picnic lunch.

Please complete the booking form that you received with the last Hort. Soc. newsletter with payment to Joyce Morphew, Wellow Farm, The Square, Wellow by Monday 15th October. Member's guests are also very welcome to join us.

THE JUNIOR GARDENING CLUB ALSO HAS A TRIP TO WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM ON SUNDAY 21st OCTOBER. This is free to junior members and includes a picnic lunch. There are some really good nature trails to go on through the paths and trees, which will be in lovely Autumn colours, also bright coloured leaves to gather, birds to watch up close through a one way window, work sheets to take home and lots, lots more. A GREAT DAY OUT, DON'T MISS IT! We will all go in shared cars leaving Wellow at 10am and return at about 4pm. Contact Lisa if you want to come tel; 309007. Lisa will also need some help from volunteers and parents for the day, so please get in touch if you can.

Mari Bartholomew

WELLOW AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY Thank you to all who supported our Murder Mystery Supper Evening. The Hall was buzzing with chatter and laughter both nights, it was certainly a bit of a challenge to audience and cast alike, something completely different, there were several complaints of exhaustion and over exertion of the brain nevertheless the crime was solved, on Friday the perpetrator was Peter Schrivenor on Saturday Rose Pink. I thought you might like to share a comment with me that appeared in the Western daily press on Sept 18th 2001 in which Wellow Village Hall was referred to as a "Thespian Highspot" whatever next...

Mary Messer Chairman

CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT THURSDAY 4TH OCTOBER @ 8PM

This month's Charity Quiz night is being held in aid of The British Heart Foundation and takes place as usual, on the first Thursday of the month, Thursday 4th October at the Fox & Badger, starting at 8pm. Last month's quiz and raffle raised £115.75 and was donated to The Dorothy House Foundation. Thank you to all who entered teams and particularly to Eric and Susanne Hobbs for their generous donation of the raffle prizes and as usual, for hosting the event. Last month's quiz was an extremely lively affair and a good time was had by all who joined in the spirit of the occasion. Lets hope this month it will be a similarly enjoyable evening. Remember that entry is only £1.50 per quiz team member with a maximum of 6 people in a team. If you haven't done so already why not join us in a bit of local fun and fundraising.

Richard Holland

WELLOW'S BIG QUIZ NIGHT I was very flattered to be asked by the Village Hall Committee to once again organise their annual quiz. This will take place on Friday, November 9th at 8.00pm - with a cash bar. The emphasis is on teams of four person representing each of the groups and societies of Wellow, but families, groups of friends, companies, etc. are also very welcome to enter. All you have to do is contact me and you don't have to wait until you have the names of all four persons in your team, to register. An entry fee of £2.50 per person will be collected on the night and proceeds will go to the village hall. Their management committee have various plans for much needed improvements to the hall's facilities. Information for the first-timers; please be assured that: A. no single person is asked to answer any questions in front of the rest of the contestants, and B. you don't have to have a high IQ to take part. My aim is to make it a fun evening. I look forward to your call.

Your Genial Quiz Inquisitor Alan Taylor 837894

LUNCH CLUB The October lunch will be on Thursday 25th at 1.00pm in the Village Hall. We look forward to seeing you there.

Janet Earp and Marian Osborne 832561

WELLOW WEBSITE Wellow now has its own website which has been designed, published and is maintained regularly by Richard Holland. The site URL address, for those who have access to the Internet, is www.cromwellow.freeserve.co.uk The aim of the site is to provide residents and visitors to Wellow with a comprehensive source of reference on the Local facilities and services, groups, clubs, societies, businesses, news and just about any other area of interest that serves our Community. Do please visit the site, and if you wish to publish new articles or alter any of its current content please let me know. You can drop, leave a note or visit me at Wellhope Knowe, Station Road, Wellow or I can be contacted either by telephone/fax on 01225 833348 or e-mail to Richard@cromwellow.freeserve.co.uk I would really appreciate feedback on this facility and would welcome input from anyone that feels able to contribute to its ongoing success or update me on any errors.

SALE OF BOOKS I have hired the Village Hall on Saturday, October 13th to sell off, (I hope!) hundreds of my collection of (mostly) hardback books which I have collected over many years. They will include railways, war, armed services, weapons, hobbies, cookery, gardening, 'coffee tables' etc.etc. On this occasion, unlike at the Flower Show, I won't have paperback novels or childrens' books on sale. As a guide to prices, I intend to sell at 50% of my own previous price (which was a lot less than the book's original price anyway. Door open at 2pm and close at 5pm. Admission free

WANTED Does anyone have a VHS Video of the film "PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" starring the British Actor Charles Dance, which they would be willing to sell.

Alan Taylor 837894

FROME ART SOCIETY AUTUMN EXHIBITION Members of Frome Art Society are delighted to announce that their Autumn Exhibition will be held in Gallery One at Black Swan Arts, Frome, from 10.00am on Wednesday 24th October to 2.00pm on Tuesday 6th November. The Exhibition will be open daily, except Sunday, from 10.00am to 5.00pm and there is no charge for admission. A wide range of paintings will be on view and will include oils, pastels and watercolours, exhibits will be available for sale at reasonable prices.

Sue Taylor 01373 832566

NEWSLETTER Please may I have copy for the November Newsletter by the 20th October. There is a folder at the Parlour Shop, or you could drop it down to me at St. Julian's Well, alternatively email me at: julians.well@virgin.net. Thank you.

Jill Tremellen 833506