WELLOW CHURCH AND PARISH NEWS

September 2004

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

HARVEST FESTIVAL - SPECIAL FAMILY SERVICE AND BARBECUE

Wellow is celebrating its Harvest Festival on Sunday, 26th September. We hope it will be a real family occasion for all the village and do please put the date in your diaries.

There will be a special All Age Harvest Service in St Julian's Church at 11.15am with the Rev'd Paul Langham taking the service. He is the vicar at Holy Trinity, Combe Down, where Matthew Street, our soon to be vicar, is currently curate. We hope Paul's wife Jackie and his many children will be with us.

Following the service, at about 12.30pm, there will be a family barbecue in a tent in the field alongside the church and close to Church House, the home of Simon and Claire Veysey. Can you please obtain tickets for the barbecue from the Parlour Shop, the Fox and Badger or Joyce Mannings and the cost is £4 a ticket with children under 12 free. It would be helpful if you would please obtain tickets also for children in advance so we have a better indication of numbers. The special feature this year is that there will be a large barbecue and you are invited please to bring your own meat/fish or whatever to cook up on the barbecue. Salad, potatoes, vegetables and puddings will all be included within the price of your ticket. We hope there will be facilities for you to purchase wine and beer and there will be soft drinks available. It may even be possible to arrange some music.

The tent/marquee can accommodate lots of people, so do please gather up your friends, lots of children and come and join us for the service and the barbecue on Sunday, 26th September. Don't forget to obtain your tickets as above! We might even be able to arrange some games for the afternoon.

The Churchwardens

For details of Church Services in Wellow CLICK HERE

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

Church News At St Julian's Church we had two happy occasions in July when two couples were joined together in Holy Matrimony: Kate Louise Bailey to Jonathon David Edwards on July 10th and Louisa Claire Doveton Gerty to Andrew James Du Rose on July 30th, to both couples we wish a long and happy married life together with all God's blessings.

Harvest time will soon be with us and we decided as we can't have an evening service we would have a barbecue at lunch time after morning service instead of a harvest supper in the evening, please refer to the front page telling you all about it. We shall be decorating the church on Saturday, 25th September at 10.00am any gifts of flowers and greenery along with fruit, vegetables and preserves will be gratefully accepted then. Please try to come to the service on Sunday, 26th September to thank God for all our harvest gifts, our food, the birds that sing, the beautiful flowers, the animals, all the lovely countryside around us come and give thanks to him for all these wonderful things.

Churchwardens

Wanted Catriona and Christopher Streat opened up the church on Mondays for many years, but now they have moved we need someone else to take this on, it is not a big chore. The PCC think it is important that the church should be open, especially when it's fine weather, both for visitors and those who wish to pray. It needs to be opened sometime not too late in the mornings and closed before dark in the evening. Some Mondays it may not be possible and that's OK. If anyone, would kindly take this on please let me know.

Colin Tremellen 833506

Exploring Christianity Course A course to deepen faith, explore the Christian tradition and equip for ministry is being held in Peasedown St John on Tuesday evenings starting in September. For further details please see the information on the noticeboard in the church porch or contact me.

Jo Vening 01761 437724

Dorothy Busson It was with sadness we learnt of the death of Dorothy who lived at Manor Close for the latter years of her life. Dorothy was one of three daughters born to Leah and Frank Busson who also had two sons, all Wellow born and bred. Dorothy was an excellent cook having entered into service at a young age, later she served as a member of the WAAF, for some years. She was an accomplished needlewoman always dressing dolls for bazaars or charities and did lots for St. Julian's Church including the cleaning which she did with her sister Joyce Craddock for many years. Although she never married she had a great fondness for her many nieces and nephews who with villagers paid their last respects to her at the funeral service on Tuesday, 17th August at St. Julian's Church. The reading was given by Mrs Jill Tallis at the service, Dorothy spent a number of years employed as housekeeper and nanny at Mr and Mrs Tallis' house where she was highly thought of.

To Dorothy's sister Joyce and all the family we send our deepest sympathy at this sad time. Rest in Peace Dorothy.

Joyce Mannings

Gordon Hewlett The sudden death of Gordon shocked all who knew him in the village. Although not born here Gordon had lived in Wellow for a good number of years, bringing up his family here. He was soon accepted by the village in which he took part in many activities and was very much part of village life. He belonged to the past History Society and knew all about Wellow history. People would ring as far away as Canada, & the USA etc. to find out about their village ancestry and if didn't know it would do his best to find out for them. He was a keen member of the Wellow Horticultural Society and also a member of the Wellow Amateur Dramatic Society taking part in plays, shows and pantomimes at one time. At St. Julian's we shall always connect him with the Bell Tower where he spent many happy hours having been Tower Master in years gone by. If anything went wrong with the bells Gordon with Geoff Pike would repair them if possible and most Sundays turned up to ring for the services. Always ready to help in any way he could Gordon will be greatly missed by all at St. Julian's and in the village. A kind, happy, person we were glad to know and call a friend.

To his wife Susan and all the family our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. After cremation a special service of thanksgiving for Gordon's life took place in St. Julian's Church on Thursday, 19th August to a packed congregation. Rest in peace Gordon.

Joyce Mannings

Gordon Hewlett who died 11th August 2004

From my earliest memories, it has been obvious that dad, like his brothers, was an eternal scout. It seems to have coloured his whole attitude to life, as I can also recall being surprised that my school friends weren't being taught how to tie knots by their fathers, or didn't always have to carry some string and a 2 pence piece in their pockets in case of emergencies. Over the last few days I've found myself poring over countless documents of scout membership, qualifications and administration from the 1950's and 60's, of more than one Swindon scout group, and it surely must have been the scout still in him when, a few weeks ago at a family barbecue he resoundingly refused to use self-lighting charcoal, but insisted on scouring the flower beds for kindling. And perhaps it was this also that ensured his barbecue was suitable only for reheating food already cooked on someone else's.

As a lifelong engineer, it was little wonder that he was drawn westwards by the GWR, and settled his family in a small village in the Somerset hills. It also was this engineering career that gave him the ability to build his house, build a garage almost as large as his house and then fill it with some of the filthiest and rustiest machines I have ever cut myself on, numerous projects and innovations were then carefully filed in a heap that we were not allowed to disturb. And it was his engineer's love of practicality and common sense meant that his skills were still being called upon, some 10 years after retiring from full employment.

Of course we all know that Wellow and its people gave him enormous pleasure; for such a unassuming man, it's difficult to believe that in over 30 years here he contributed to the Parish Council, PTA, Parish Plan, Amateur Dramatic Society, and the Church tower amongst many other things. Not too bad for an outsider I say! I have been told that whatever his bell ringing lacked in timing was definitely made up for with enthusiasm, and I have been recently reminded that his mid 80's appearance as an ugly sister opposite Phil Bodman is still used today to scare small children. Not quite content with just leaving his footprints on Wellow, he began looking underneath its unturned stones and rummaging through its dark cupboards, and had in time amassed a small libraries-worth of newspaper cuttings, maps and photographs that he was only too willing to share with the village, his regular historical contributions to the Parish Newsletter being just a tiny fraction.

His family was however the core of his life, his brothers and their wives, children and grandchildren who all sit here today were a constant source of true support and delight. I'm also very happy to see Samuel and Bertie here today; two teddy bears who regularly corresponded between Swindon and Wellow. A few years ago he was delighted to welcome a loving daughter-in-law and her family as part of his, and the arrival of Madeleine, his first grandchild, a year ago completed his total satisfaction of life.

Believe it or not, most of the time dad didn't hear too well. If ever he missed any of the conversation you may have been having with him, he would wildly stab a finger in his ear to reposition his hearing aid. A grin would spread across his face and he would mutter under his breath "Deaf old git." Deaf? Well undeniably his ears had seen better days, but he still remained one of the most perceptive people I have known. Old? Yes 70 years is a long time, but he could still pass for mid 50's in good light. And Git? I think the many messages of love and support we have received over the last week can quite easily refute that one.

To us he was a completely happy man, determined, steady, loving and devoted to us all. As one correspondent summed up, 'a life well lived'. God bless him.

The address by Gordon's son Tim Hewlett at his Memorial Service, Thursday 19th August.

Thank you Thanks to the generosity of family and friends who kindly donated money in memory of Charlie Kyte a cheque has been sent to Cancer research UYK for £492.05. Thank you all very much.

Sally Bullock

Charity Quiz Night Following a short summer break why not make a date in your diary to come along to the next Charity Quiz night at the Fox & Badger. This will take place on Thursday the 9th September starting at 8pm. Teams of up to 6 people are very welcome and the charge is just £2 per head, all of which is donated to the Charity of the night. There is a raffle during the evening for some wonderful prizes, which are kindly donated by Eric & Suzanne and again all money is donated to the Charity. So do come along and exercise those little grey cells and have fun whilst raising money for charity..........we have raised £4450.75 to date which has been donated to some 25 local and national charities. Look forward to seeing you all, old and new, on the 9th September.

Richard Holland

Wellow's Website As you may be aware Wellow has had its own website for some four years now to help provide information on all aspects of our community to villagers and visitors alike. Well, due to future changes afoot the site has taken the opportunity to change its name with immediate effect to www.wellowparish.info from www.cromwellow.freeserve.co.uk. The previous web address was provided free, but such is life, the new address has to be paid for and hosted at a charge of approximately £30 per year. This is kindly now funded by Wellow Parish Council for the benefit of all. So if you need information on almost any thing from the Parlour Shop opening times, the Bus timetable, Church services and history (please use them as they need you and you may need them!) or want to delve into the archives then www.wellowparish.info is the new address for you!

If anyone has any information or points of interest, local news that they wish to disseminate to the wider world then please let me know, preferable by e-mail but on the back of an envelope if all else fails. My e-mail address is richard@cromwellow.freeserve.co.uk or that envelope can be posted at Wellhope Knowe, Station Road, Wellow. Thank you.

Richard Holland - Tel 833348

WINNERS OF THE WELLOW VILLAGE HALL 150 CLUB PRIZE DRAWFOR 2004

1st £30.00 133 Mrs. D. Cooke

2nd £11.00 60 Mr. W. Moore

3rd £7.00 66 Mrs. K. Colston

4th £5.00 64 Mrs. P. Doman

Thank you for your support

B Messer Chairman Village

Hall Bookings From the beginning of September Colin Horsley, 13 Manor Close, is taking over as Bookings Secretary and keyholder for the Village Hall. If you wish to hire the Hall, please ring him on 01225-833141. In case of difficulty in contacting Colin, please ring Marian Osborne 01225-832561.

Lunch Club The September lunch will be on Thursday 23rd at 1pm in the Village Hall. It will be nice to see as many as possible, if you are unable to be there please could you let us know. Thank you.

Janet Earp 835254 and Marian Osborne 832561

Wellow - Riding for the Disabled Term begins again in early September. Wellow has a large group of riders and we need more volunteers. No previous experience with horses necessary. Could you spare a couple of hours a week to help? If so please contact Carol Woods on 01225 834160

Wellow & District Horticultural Society

Wellow Flower Show now only a matter of weeks away - SATURDAY, 4th SEPTEMBER. You should have the schedules with you by now or very shortly - please read it and select your entries and HAVE A GO! There are one or two new classes - a bucket of compost and a compilation of veg/fruit and flowers.

Please could all people who received a cup or trophy at last year's show, return them to either Shirley Betts or Jenny Barr as soon as is possible for engraving, any repairing and cleaning.

There will be an illustrated talk by Mr Troy Smith on The Courts at Holt on Thursday, 16th September in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. The Courts is one of the National trust's 'hidden' gems. The garden was created in the 20th century and has a fine collection of plants in a lovely setting. Mr. Smith is the head gardener and he was trained at Sissinghurst.

Saturday, 2nd October PLANT SALE 2-4 pm Village Hall plus tea Bring a plant and get FREE ENTRY otherwise £1.00! Plants can brought to the Hall from 12 noon on the day so start potting and dividing please.

Junior Gardening Club The next Club Morning is on Sunday, 19th September between 10.30 and 12 noon. If you can spare 2 hours to help Liza Layzell-Davis, please ring her on 01225 309007

Midsummer Take-away Quiz Well, for some of you it's been a long, hot, head-scratching, eye-squaring summer. I was really impressed by the very high standard of the sets of answers submitted (totalling 29), the majority of which gained over 90 correct answers. I could tell straight away that I was no match for the website pages on your computers. I should guess I should have put more questions of an obscure nature. A list of the answers is below.

Now to get to the result. I am pleased to announce the winner - with a staggering 100 correct answers is Mrs Irene Crane, Glen Cottage, Glencot Lane, Wookey Hole, Somerset to whom I have sent a cheque for £10. Well done ~Mrs Crane! I have also handed a cheque for £110 to Richard Holland, treasurer for the village hall, being the balance of collection of entry fees, less a modest sum to cover postages. I feel that a small number of questions/answers need explaining, so as, maybe, to avoid having my lapels grabbed or admonishing fingers waved in my face, while walking in the High Street.

Here they are. Question 12: As there have been two U.S Presidents named Roosevelt (Theodore 1901-1909 and Franklin D. 1933-1945), I had to accept only the latter name. I couldn't accept just 'Roosevelt" as correct. Question 21: This one almost gave me sleepless nights! I put together a quiz in another community about a year ago at which time I took 13 December 1951' as Thatchers' wedding date, from a reference book. One or two website pages actually show 26 December 1951, but as most websites give 13 December I decided on the 13th. I even wrote to Maggie but never received a reply despite sending a SAE! Some of you merely answered '1951' but I asked for a date - meaning a day, month and a year. Question 82: The precise temperature is 98.4F. or 36.9C but several of you will now know that I allowed a little leeway in my marking. Question 88 My. Reference book show the answer as being on the answer sheet, so there! Question 96: I think you will find that Britain was merely a country within the continent of Oceania, according to George Orwell. Question 100: see Question 96. No marks were awarded for the following reasons" Where some contestants 'hedged their bets' by submitting two answers on an 'either/or' basis. Where not answer at all was entered. Thanks to everyone who bought questionnaires, especially those who sent me their answers. I hope you had as much enjoyment answering the questions as I had compiling them. Thanks too, to the helpers at the Parlour Shop for selling the envelopes of questions. (Answers at the bottom of this page).

Alan Taylor

PARISH NEWS Please may I have all copy for the Parish News by the 20th of next month. The print day is always a Friday following the 20th so sometimes there is a bit of flexibility, similarly the day the Newlsetter arrives on your doorstep varies. 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.

ANSWERS TO THE "WELLOW TAKE-AWAY QUIZ 2004"