catch this - february 2016

February 2016

60p

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WHO’S WHO IN THE BENEFICE

Rector

The Revd. Tim Hawkings, The Rectory, Cheddar Road, Axbridge 732261

Assistant Priest

The Revd. John Angle, 14 Farthing Combe, Axbridge 733695 The Revd. Ken Brown, 7 Peelers Court, Axbridge 733805 Readers

Sue Latimer, 9, Hippisley Drive, Axbridge 732583 Jo Newton, Albia, North Down Lane, Shipham

Peter Rutter, 8 Beech Road, Shipham 843319 Pam Williams, 2 Beech Road, Shipham 843772

AXBRIDGE - THE CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

Churchwardens Peter Smith 734601 Judith Strange 733783 PCC Secretary Carole Carey 743883 PCC Treasurer Elwyn James 733185 Organist/Choir Martin Latham 733010 Mother’s Union & Sacristan Janet Angle 733695 Messy Church Peter Dixon 732890 Safeguarding Officer Margaret James 733185 Tower Captain Roy Shallish 732137 Mag. Distribution Lal Adamson 732221

SHIPHAM - THE CHURCH OF ST. LEONARD

Churchwardens Trish Ashmore 843388 Margaret Howell 842201 PCC Secretary Nigel Mallett 844997 PCC Treasurer Paul Ashmore 843388 Sacristan Trish Ashmore 843388 Lenny’s Coffee Shop Jill Lewis 782845 Organist David Williams 843772

Tower Correspondent Paul Ashmore 843388 Friday Lunches Kate Baldock 842882 Mag. Distribution Roger Hughes 843383

ROWBERROW - THE CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS

Churchwardens Sue Erasmus 843121 Adrian Adams 820058 PCC Secretary Jane Gunn 842561 PCC Treasurer Vernon Erasmus 843121 Tower Captain Adrian Adams 820058 Mag. Distribution Margaret Pritchard 852568

(Note: the area code for all telephone numbers is 01934)

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Taking a long hard look ... Next week I plan to

join with over half a million or more others,

who will be taking part in RSPB’s Big Garden Bird

Watch. The idea is that you set aside an hour a sit and look closely at what birds there are in your garden and note them down. It will be a good discipline for me on a variety of levels.

Normally I just have a quick glance out of the kitchen window, to see if something is happening outside. My eye was caught by a flock of jackdaws a few days ago, which swooped on the remnants of last year’s apples. It was fascinating to watch the couple of look-out birds that were on guard to warn the rest if there was danger. Better still is when we have the occasional visit of a woodpecker and we reach for the binoculars on the window sill. It will be interesting to see just how many different kinds of birds do visit in the hour and to appreciate a bit more what is literally on my doorstep.

I was visiting a home recently in Shipham where the seat by the window in the kitchen is known as the ‘time waster’. It’s the place where the people who live there just gaze at the wildlife outside and enjoy what is going on.

More importantly the Big Garden Bird Watch will be a good discipline for me to sit still and properly concentrate. Am I alone when I think that our brains are being trained to become ever more like butterflies, moving quickly from one thing to another? Google has me darting from one piece of information/trivia to the next. Twitter, perhaps a classic example of our digital age, only allows 140 characters: just a couple of sentences; no more than a quick burst of birdsong and it is gone.

This should all be good preparation for three things taking place in February.

Ash Wednesday on the 10th sees us embarking on the adventure of Lent. It’s an important part of the year when we are encouraged to get a good book to take us through to Easter and quietly and prayerfully take stock of who we are, where we are going, and the God who is love. There will also be a number of weekly discussion groups around the benefice with other travellers to help us on the journey. Please ask if you would like details of what’s on near you.

Valentine’s Day, 14 February, falls on a Sunday this year, so we have decided to make our evening service at Axbridge that night a special Celebration of Marriage. It will be at 6.30pm and everyone is welcome. You may have been married six months or, like Brian and Joyce Winder, 60 years.

There will be some cake and bubbly to help, and it will be a time to reflect on the important relationships of our lives and pray for them. I’m well aware that for some marriage hasn’t been easy, and for a variety of reasons this might be a hard service for others

to come to, but please come if you can. Then on 28 February we have a

community celebration in Axbridge with civic awards for those who have made a significant contribution to the life of the town. The three communities of our benefice are indeed great places to live.

Let’s learn to look closely and carefully, and appreciate what is on our doorstep.

Catch this — February 2016

On the spotOn the spot

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Blooming Grooming

Professional dog grooming

Clipping and styling

Hand stripping

Ears cleaned

Nails clipped

Kind and gentle handling; all breeds catered for

Phone: 01934 710720; Mobile: 07909 763052 10 King Alfred Mews, Wedmore

P&R DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS

We repair most makes of Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Dryers, Vac-

uum Cleaners & Cookers.

(Small charge for estimates)

PD LOVERIDGE

Tel: Cheddar 742527 or 01278 789132

FAST RELIABLE SERVICE

LOW RATES

NO CALL OUT CHARGE

Domestic & Commercial High Pressure Jetting

Toilets, sinks & drains unblocked

Septic tank emptying

CCTV surveys

Drain tracing & replacing

Drain relining

Drain Excavation

Root cutting

Aquablast: Hill End Farm, Hill End, Locking, Weston super Mare

Freephone: 0800 0978255

Telephone: 01934 824355

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MESSAGE FROM BISHOP RUTH

Did you know that 2016 is designated as the year of the monkey in the Chinese calendar? And the UN calls it the year of pulses – not the one that beats blood around our bodies but rather “nutritious seeds for a sustainable future”. (Last year was the year of soil!)

I wonder what you will make of this New Year. How would you like to recognise it? The year in which you achieve a promotion at work? Gain qualifications at school? Have a year free from pain or ill health? Mend a relationship?

How about seeing this year as one when you can pass on the good news of the love of Jesus to someone you know?

Did you know that on average the decline in numbers in church attendance across the Church of England amounts to about 1 person per congregation per year? Just imagine what could happen if you introduced one new person to church this year. And if each of your fellow church members did so too then we would see an amazing reverse of the trend!

But frankly it’s not about reversing the decline in our church numbers is it? Much more important is that there are people around us who are missing out on knowing that God loves them. And we can do something about that; through our prayers, our care and our words.

So who might you pray for this year? Is there a neighbour, family member, work colleague or a friend who could really do with God’s blessing this year? And as you pray, listen out for what God might say to you about being the answer to that prayer. Perhaps you could be the one who shows them they matter to someone.

And how about your church community? What might you do together to send a message of love to your parish, the people you live among and serve? And in so doing think about how you might tell them that your act of kindness and care comes with the love of God attached!

With love and prayers for you all this New Year!

+Ruth Taunton

[For some words from Wells, please see page 17 for a message from Bishop Peter]

GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY

This article was published on the Premier Radio website as a result of the publication of the World Watch List by the organisation Open Doors. It was launched in mid-January in Parliament.

Global persecution of Christians "more extreme than ever before" by Antony Bushfield.

North Korea has topped the list of countries where Christians are most at risk of persecution for the fourteenth year in a row.

The charity Open Doors said the persecution of believers across the world was "more extreme than ever before".

It's annual report found religious fundamentalism was 'sweeping' the world, with around 70,000 Christians jailed in North Korea. "Persecution levels have been rapidly rising. This year, a country had to score 50 per cent more points than in 2013 to even make it onto the list," said CEO Lisa Pearce.

The study found that well over 100 million Christians are persecuted worldwide because of their beliefs. North Korea remains the worst place to be a Christian while Iraq (2nd) has replaced Somalia (7th) as the second most dangerous place to be a Christian.

Eritrea, now nicknamed the 'North Korea of Africa' due to high levels of dictatorial paranoia, follows at number three.

Afghanistan, Syria and Pakistan are the next most difficult places for Christians.

The biggest rises in persecution were found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and Eritrea.

Persecution in each country is recorded by Open Doors using a point system, and while the lowest ranking country in 2013 had 35 points, this year's lowest ranking country had 53 points: an increase of more than 50%.

It found persecution in India has risen dramatically for the third year running.

The report was discussed at an event in parliament in mid-January which was attended by more than 100 MPs.

Analysis by Open Doors researchers found that the religious freedom of over 200 million people is severely threatened by a new wave of Hindu nationalist electoral successes that have seen the introduction of anti-conversion laws.

Most Christians killed for their faith were from sub-Saharan Africa and Syria is the largest displacement crisis globally.

Aleppo was home to 400,000 Christians at the start of the civil war, now Open Doors estimates less than 60,000 remain, with families leaving every day.


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o All types of TV aerials plus

Extra points

o Freesat, Sky and European/

Motorised dishes

o Discreet and careful

Installations

o FREE call out and quotations

o Quality installations for over

24 years

Please call DAVID FORD on:

TEL: 01934 742444

MOBILE: 07740 946385

COMPTON HOUSE

AXBRIDGE

A Grade 2 listed Georgian House

with fabulous views across the

Somerset Levels

Unique bedroom accommodation

Flexible meetings space

Private Dining Room for special

occasions

Receptions & Events for intimate

parties

Contact: 01934 733944 www.comptonhse.com

AXBRIDGE PHARMACY

Your traditional-modern-independent Pharmacy

We serve…...We deliver

We can ORDER YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS,

COLLECT THEM and DELIVER THE MEDICINES TO YOUR

DOOR from these surgeries:

AXBRIDGE…. CHEDDAR…. WEDMORE…. WINSCOMBE…. CHURCHILL & WRINGTON

Just phone 01934 733230 and ask

AXBRIDGE PHARMACY The Square, Axbridge, BS26 2AR

Open: Mon to Fri 9am - 6pm Closed: Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays

Telephone/Fax: 01934 733230

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Name: ______________________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________

Signed: ______________________________________________________________

I confirm that my name and email address can be retained and used by the churches of

Axbridge, Rowberrow and Shipham to contact me about church matters *

Please do not contact me * * Please tick one box and rest assured we will

never share your details with any third party.

Note to Catch this distribution team: please ensure the above contact details are kept

confidential and are passed on to Andy Goddard as soon as possible.

CATCH THIS ONLINE As previously reported in Catch this there is now an online edition of the magazine which costs just £4 p.a.; the paper copy remains at £6. However, as a special introductory offer, if you are not sure whether you will like the online colour version and want to continue to subscribe to the usual hard copy, then for 2016 we will, at no additional cost, we will include the online version in your £6 hard copy subscription. Because of increasing production costs we are expecting an increase in the cover cost of the hard copy for 2017 so now might be the time to give the online version a try with a view to fully converting in 12 months time.

The benefits of the online version include full colour, ability to view the magazine using a browser or either an Android or Apple app and a zoom facility to ensure the text is the perfect size for you.

If you would like to subscribe to the online version please complete and detach the form below and give it to your Catch this distributor. We will then ensure that you receive a sparkling full-colour online link from the e-magazine team each month (the online version of the magazine is often available a day or two before the hard copy).

If subscribing by cheque please make it payable to “AS&R Benefice”. You can also purchase a subscription using PayPal via the church website. If you have any problems or cannot use PayPal, please send your name and email address to [email protected] and we will contact you. To check that you can access the online magazine just try this link: http://issuu.com/catchthismag

LAST CHANCE! There are still just a few tickets left for the

Axbridge Quiz Night Saturday 6 February; first question at 7.30pm

The night is more focused on fun than cerebral athletics so do

contact Alison Walke on 732256 for tickets (£6 each incl. supper).

Come as a team (of six) or as individuals and meet new friends.

BYO drinks and glasses and enjoy a fun night out!

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CHEDDAR TYRE SUPPLIES Tyres & Batteries are our Business

Service is our Silent Salesman

1A Valley Line Industrial Estate

Station Road, Cheddar

Somerset BS27 3EE

Telephone : 01934 742390 Fax : 01934 743397

SPANISH CLASSES IN AXBRIDGE

Get together with friends, or on your own, to try a new language!

Pre-book 4 classes face-to-face; then claim an extra free les-son over Skype!

Tel: 01934 733878 or 07970 592421

ARE YOU A FRIEND OF AXBRIDGE CHURCH?

FOAC raises funds to help maintain the fabric of the lovely Parish Church

in Axbridge.

We offer annual or life membership

Contact: Penny Cooke (733304)

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AXBRIDGE ACTIVE LIVING

Our February Wednesday meetings are:

10 February: Health Information

24 February: Who do you think I am?

If you are over 50 you would be made

most welcome. Enjoy the entertainment as

well as tea and cake in the Town Hall for just

£2.50. For more information pleased ring

Vicky Brice on 07884 264033.

MAKE A MOTHER’S DAY

In 2007 the Mothers' Union launched

the first 'Make a Mother's Day', an ethical

gift catalogue with cards for mums,

grandmothers, or anyone else to receive a

Mothering Sunday card knowing that the

family had also given to a cause dear to their

heart.

The gifts cover a broad price range

from £5 for a mosquito net.

For those who have lost a mother, a gift can

be purchased in her name and the name is

written in a memory book in the chapel at

Mary Sumner House.

In the first year £50,000 was raised.

The target for this year which celebrates 140

years of the Mothers' Union is £185,000.

Visit www.makeamothersday.org or there

are catalogues in Axbridge Church.


PILATES

Ever thought about joining a PILATES course?

Any Idea of the benefits?

Do you want to improve your posture, muscle tone, balance,

joint mobility and to assist in the relief of stress and tension?

If so then perhaps a PILATES programme could be an idea for

you to consider.

Why not give yourself a break and visit Shipham Village Hall on

a Wednesday morning at 9-45am, commencing 3rd February

Alternatively give qualified Pilates tutor Corinne a phone call

on 07919 532969 for more information.

A perfect opportunity to make new friends.

FUN FOR THE

WHOLE FAMILY

ALL ages invited

Tickets (£3/£2 which include a drink and

biscuits) are available from Alison Walke:

01934 732256

[email protected]

If you are aged between 5 and 105 do come

along to Axbridge Town Hall for some of the

most fun you can imagine.

Beetle Drive

9 April

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmatthewjamesrobins.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F02%2Finsect-opera-beetle-drive_19.html&ei=lNhkVNyaCIjqaKeIgfgH&bvm=bv.79189006,d.ZGU&psig=AFQjCNEyxLBVTX7s

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Fairtrade Stall at the Axbridge

Farmer’s Market on the first Saturday of every

month. Do come along and support and if you would like to help man the stall please contact Kevin Walke on 07821 186702

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SHIPHAM ACTIVE LIVING

Well, that’s January done and dusted,

or should I say, flooded! Now this

month could be very different, so

wrap up warm and keep the heating turned

up! As always, you will receive a warm

welcome at our Shipham Village Hall drop-in

centre that opens at 10.30am. Enjoy a cup

of Fairtrade tea/coffee (50p and top-ups

free) with biscuits.

The activity usually starts at 11.00am

and there is no charge. A freshly cooked

lunch is served at noon to those who have

pre-booked (limited numbers – book early).

Fridays Programme for February

5 Febuary: Today is Games Day! We

have Boccia, Shove Ha’penny, Hoop La,

Cards and Bagatelle for all to take part in

and prizes will be won!

Lunch: Salmon Steaks with seasonal

vegetables

Dessert: Fruit Salad and shortbread

19 February: We are again pleased to

welcome The Reverend Tim Hawkings who is

currently preparing his talk which is a

mystery so far, but I am sure will be as

amusing as always!

Lunch: Steak Pie with seasonal

vegetables

Dessert: Black Cherry M’lady

Contacts:

Gloria (lunch booking) 842360

Ray 843562

Liz 843038

AXBRIDGE EARTH HOUR 2016

Concert by Candlelight

Saturday 19 March at 7.30pm

This year’s Earth Hour Candlelit Concert

in Axbridge, as hinted last year, is a bonus

Earth Hour and begins an hour earlier than

usual!

We have the same wonderful musicians

as last year from 8.30pm but for 2016 we

have augmented the Axbridge Earth Hour

Music Group with the Earthlings Music

Group which consists of four younger

members from the Benefice Choir who will be

performing from 7.30pm.

With an interval starting at 8pm you will

still have plenty of time to grab a drink from

the bar, catch up with some fellow Earth

Hour supporters and watch Earth Hour

videos as more than 400 candles are lit in

preparation for lights out at 8.30pm.

The second half of the concert lasts for

the duration of Earth Hour and will consist of

a variety of music to suit all tastes from light

opera, folk, piano, clarinet, close harmony

and a Capella as well as some fun, and it

concludes with our now traditional and

popular singalong.

It would be wonderful if you could join

us in St John’s Church, Axbridge and

celebrate your Earth Hour, and the planet’s

largest mass event of the year, with us.

Tickets are £7.50 which includes a glass

of wine or juice from the bar.

For further information please contact

either Kevin Walke (07821 186702) or email

[email protected]


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Axbridge Post

Office

Extensive range of quality greetings cards

Stationery and office supplies

Large selection of local pictures

Euros and U.S. dollars in stock

Agents for Johnsons the Dry Cleaners

Tel: 01934 732227

Counselling Maire Campbell - Cert. CC & Dip. Pst (Relate)

Counselling for couples & individuals

Relationships - Sexual Issues Separation & Divorce - Parenting Difficulties

Personal issues

Confidentiality assured. Flexible appointment times.

All enquiries Tel: 01761 221448 / 0777 900 3168

HAMPDEN

OSTEOPATHIC

CLINIC

24a Woodborough Road, Winscombe North Somerset BS25 1AD

For appointments tel: 01934 843617

* OSTEOPATHY Janet White Danielle Crawshaw

* ACUPUNCTURE Dan Lloyd

* REFLEXOLOGY/THAI FOOT MASSAGE Polly Hall

* HOMEOPATHY Patricia Clark

* MASSAGE — HOT STONE/INDIAN Amy Chandler

HEAD & STRESS BUSTING

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SHIPHAM FIRST SCHOOL

Shipham First School pupils are enjoying the sweet sound of music at the school this term.

The school is very lucky to have Mrs Susie Spanring visit the school once a week to give individual and group lessons to pupils in Recorder, Violin and the Piano. The school are treated to an annual concert from these pupils who showcase their musical talents and inspire others to learn an instrument.

Last term, Mrs Spanring, assisted by Mrs Anne Oakley on the piano, restarted the choir at the school. This has proved very popular and they gave their first concert just before Christmas to the residents at St Monicas in Sandford Station. The children performed a variety of Christmas songs along with a few of their favourites too. The

residents really enjoyed their performance and the choir have been asked to perform again next year. They followed this with a moving performance at the school Christmas Carol Concert.

Numbers have swelled at the beginning of this term and they are looking forward to their next performance at Easter.

Blackrock Class are very excited to be learning the violin this term as a whole class with tuition provided by Somerset Music. They have taken their violins home for

practice and hope to give a performance to the rest of the school at the end of term.

SURVIVING WINTER

Do you have trouble paying for fuel to keep you warm in winter? If so, a Somerset charity may be able to give you some extra money to help pay for your fuel bills; on top of the Government’s Winter Fuel Payments.

You may be eligible if:

You are over 60 on a low income with or without pension credit, or

You are aged over 50 with a serious health issue made worse by damp or cold housing.

There is up to £250 available to people who qualify.

Forum 21, a voluntary group, has been asked to administer this grant in West Somerset.

For further information please contact Lorna Scott, Forum 21, on telephone 01984 634242 or email her at:

[email protected]

AXBRIDGE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

The February meeting will take place in Cross Memorial Hall (BS26 2EL) at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 17 February when John Strickland will talk about The Lighthouses of

Burnham. Readers will be well aware of the

treacherous waters of the Parrett estuary with the huge tidal range, the powerful currents and the challenge to sailors of Gore Sands. Against that background, the three lighthouses of Burnham-on-Sea have, at various times, provided mariners with welcome beacons in their passages to and from the harbours of Bridgwater, Combwich and Highbridge. John’s talk will tell the fascinating story of how these lighthouses were developed and the role they played in a key aspect of Somerset’s maritime history.

Non-members are always warmly invited to attend Society meetings, although a donation of £2 is requested.

SHIPHAM ROWBERROW & STAR

HISTORY SOCIETY

Jill Smith writes: Dear Reader, this is a gentle reminder that on 9 February our meeting in the GT Room at Shipham Hall will be all about building Wells Cathedral: how the Cathedral was constructed and how the different trades associated with it lived during their time in Wells. It sounds incredibly interesting, so I hope there will be a good turn out of members and guests alike.


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Lenny’s Coffee Shop The Square, Shipham

Morning Coffee and Afternoon Tea Home made cakes

Light lunches: toasties, jacket potatoes, salads and home made soup

All welcome

Opening Times Tuesday to Friday

11am - 3pm

C V Gower Funeral Directors

The Square, Winscombe, BS25 1BS

Tel.: 01934 842945

Independent Funeral Directors

24 hr service, every day of the year

Private Chapel of Rest

Traditional, green & non-religious

funerals arranged.

Pre-paid Funeral Plans

All localities covered

For free advice please phone

Lindsay Lawrence Dip.F.D.

or email: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER

Please note that the Benefice of Axbridge, Shipham and Rowberrow does not specifically approve or endorse any product or service offered by advertisers or contributors and will not be held responsible for any errors, omissions or loss resulting from the use of material in this magazine.

THE BENEFICE OFFICE

The Church Steps, The Square, Axbridge BS26 2AP

Email: [email protected]

Rectory telephone: 01934 732261

The office, in the Church Rooms, is open on Friday mornings from 9.30am to 12.30pm

CATCH THIS ORGANISATION

Deadline: Please ensure that any submissions are sent to the editor by close of play on the 15th of the month; copy has an improved chance of inclusion in the magazine if submitted early.

Copy to: [email protected]

Adverts to: Kevin Walke 01934 732256

[email protected]

Editor: Kevin Walke 01934 732256

[email protected]

Correspondents:

Shipham Julia Bradshaw 844954

Rowberrow Vacancy

Axbridge Paul Passey 733373

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WRINGTON VALE ROTARY CLUB

Following a very active period leading up to Christmas, the club is now entering yet another active period as it organises both new and existing projects. The first event is the club’s 40th

anniversary with guest speaker John Crockford-Hawley, this is closely followed by a sell-out Casino Night to be held at Thatcher’s, fortunately, or unfortunately, all the sponsorship for the evening has been taken up and the event is completely sold out.

Our next guest speaker is Joe Williams who will be speaking on the Jessie May Trust on 3 February, and then John Penney who will be talking on the history of the Whitchurch Airport on the 10 February.

Following the successful campaign to raise £60,000 for a Heartworks machine, Professor David McIvor will address the members on 24 February of the benefits the machine has brought to the hospitals with regards to heart analysis. John Suddell will be speaking on Bomb Disposal on 16 March and David and Larraine Willmot will be telling us about 26,000 hours in the sky; the ups and downs of a pilot’s life on 30 March.

Future events taking place in the first quarter of the year include two visits to Hinkley Point power station, mock interviews at Churchill School, Young Musician competition and a Young Chef event.

There will be a coffee morning in the Axbridge Town Hall on 5 March when the proceeds will be donated to Polio Plus.

If you would like more information about Wrington Vale Rotary Club please visit our web site:

www.wringtonvalerotaryclub.org.uk SHIPHAM GARDENING CLUB

Our first meeting this year will be on 18 February at 7.30pm in the George Thiery Room at Shipham Village Hall when the talk will be entitled "Blue flowers through the year" by Ian Parsons. We welcome visitors to our small and friendly club. Members are free whilst visitors are asked for only £2.

Refreshments are served. The Club is planning to hold an open

gardens weekend 2nd/3rd July. If you would like to open your garden please contact our Chairman Ruth Ardron on 01934 842550. It is an enjoyable experience and all proceeds go to local charities.

AXBRIDGE MOTHERS' UNION

January's meeting was entitled “Surprise” and there were many! The guest speaker was Rev Andrew Hemming who gave a humorous and interesting picture of life in his new parish. This was followed by a double celebration: Joyce and Brian Winder were celebrating their 60th

Wedding Anniversary and Joyce was also presented with a certificate for 40 years as a Mothers’ Union Member.

The Wave of Prayer service will take place in church on Wednesday 3 February at 2.30pm so please try and join us for this; it is always a moving and thought provoking time. Non-members are always welcome.

The following meeting will be the AGM which will be held on Wednesday 10 February at 2.30pm in the Church Rooms.

AXBRIDGE DISTRICT TREFOIL GUILD

A Happy New year to all Guiders and Ex Guiders! January's AGM began 2016 for the Guild and was attended by 13 people. Anne Lampson was congratulated on her award of BEM, for her work in Guiding. Unfortunately the arranged speaker was unable to attend but after all business was completed Anne volunteered to talk about her years in Guiding.

The next meeting will be 9 February and will be the popular Thinking Day Lunch when Ange Brooks will be the guest speaker. If you are interested please contact Eileen Petty 01934 741255 as there may still be places available. Plans for an outing in March to a Chocolate Factory and Craft Centre are underway so watch this space or contact Eileen or Margaret Harwood 01934 732080.

SHIPHAM, ROWBERROW & STAR W.I

Lyn Wood writes: Our next meeting is on Monday, 8 February in the George Thiery room at Shipham Village Hall. Our meeting starts at 7.30p.m.

Come along and enjoy a musical evening with Helen Wilkins. Refreshments are provided and everyone is welcome, so come along and enjoy good company and an interesting evening. Please contact Lyn Wood for further information about our W.I on 01934 843620.


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Axbridge Methodist Church Services

Every Sunday at 11am

Minister: Revd. Carol Chaplin Tel: 01934 852897

Lavender & Co SINGLE ESTATE LAVENDER

AXBRIDGE GROWN

LAVENDER

COME AND SEE OUR GIFT AND

CRAFT SHOP IN THE TOWN SQUARE

George House, The Square, Axbridge

www.lavenderandco.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 01934 733939 or 07818 665729

George House

A SPLENDID SELECTION OF

ANTIQUES, CURIOS &

COLLECTABLES at

GEORGE HOUSE

THE SQUARE, AXBRIDGE BS26 2AP &

MONTHLY GENERAL AUCTION

Antiques, collectables, curios and general

household items on the third Saturday of

every month starting at 11am.

At the LAVENDER FIELD,

Axbridge by-pass

Details: phone 07979 994126. Single items to

complete house clearances accepted.

Buyers’ & sellers’ premiums 12½% no VAT. www.georgehouse.weebly.com

Come and enjoy a good old fashioned country auction!

QUAKERS AT SIDCOT

You can discover the Peace and Power of a Quaker Meeting on Sundays at 10:30am

(Children are welcome and have their own activities).

We also meet every Thursday evening

at 6.30pm for half an hour

You are most welcome to join us at:

The Friend’s Meeting House,

Oakridge Lane, Sidcot BS25 1LT

For more information contact us through

www.sidcotquaker.org or by calling 843065

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R.E. QUALITY MARK FOR AXBRIDGE

Axbridge C of E First School Academy recently welcomed the Religious Education Quality Mark team through its gates, whose mission is to recognise and celebrate the outstanding provision of Religious Education in schools across the country. They were confident in awarding the school a Silver award for its continued provision of high quality RE, both in the curriculum and through the schools ethos, curriculum and approach to learning. The school enjoys a central role within the community and it was recognised that strong links with the church of St .John the Baptist, in particular the relationship with Reverend Tim Hawkings, have been pivotal in developing the pupils mature and enthusiastic approach to RE learning.

Dominic Shillabeer, RE Subject Co-ordinator, was delighted with the outcome and is very much looking forward to the challenges of Gold accreditation. “We know that when it is well done, learners engage with the big ideas about being human. They get the chance to explore their own and others’ beliefs, their values and ways of living which are important to them. We recognise that RE makes an important contribution towards young people’s learning and by providing them with opportunities to explore the big ideas in life, they begin to think carefully about what matters to them and those around them. We feel this award validates the high quality RE teaching that takes place in the school, as well as giving us opportunities to further enhance our already Outstanding provision.”

MESSAGE FROM BISHOP PETER

As the new year gets underway so our thoughts turn to spring time and new growth. Even in the midst of a wet winter and the sometimes seemingly relentless flow from news channels of strife between nations and stories of sadness for individuals, we look forward in hope.

Hope is a peculiarly Christian virtue which St Paul puts alongside faith and love and it’s a mindset for everyday life, not just for the afterlife. Our trust is in the promises of Christ that this life is not the end but those same promises can also renew us daily. The world is God’s good gift and we are a special and much loved part of it – individually, and collectively. Shaping our future is a part of what following Christ is all about.

As I write I am preparing for a Bishop’s Staff residential at Abbey House. We will meet in a spirit of prayerful reflection, seeking wisdom in the quiet and listening carefully for the voice that calls us and compels us to action. We are looking for ways to grow the church and to shape the future of what ‘church’ means in this part of the world. We will be rejoicing in all that we have and love and looking forward to see where the Lord is leading us. Seeking prayerfully and carefully to the call and leading of the Holy Spirit will be at the heart of all we will discuss together.

At the heart of our faith is the call to worship God, to proclaim Christ, to make disciples, to serve our communities and to further the Kingdom. The words Sumorsǣte

ealle (all the people of Somerset) come from the County motto. God’s love is for “all the people of Somerset” and it is our task to be channels of that love.

As 2016 unfolds may it bring you much joy as we continue to put our faith and trust in Christ.

With warm Christian greetings,


18

Susan O’Brien—your local Cambridge Weight Plan consultant

If you would like help with slimming, why not give me a call so I can help you man-age YOUR weight.

Mobile, flexible appointments available

Tel: 07749 302652 Email: [email protected]

Axbridge Town Hall

Thinking about a fundraising event, gig or party? Axbridge Town Hall is a great venue for your event

Reasonable hire rates are available

For further information contact Rebecca Thomas on: 07500 937691

or email: [email protected]

Visit our Facebook page or see more details on www.hallshire.com

SHIPHAM COMMUNITY CAR SCHEME

For Shipham, Rowberrow & Star residents

Coordinator for 2015:

Sue Hucker on 844176

19

SOCIAL COMMITTEE COOKING

In the first of an ad-hoc series from St John’s Social Committee, this month we have a recipe for those who might be interested in cake baking either for themselves or for a coffee morning or fete. This one is from Alison, the current chair of the committee:

LEMON CAKE drizzled, iced or sandwiched

Sponge mixture 175g (6oz) margarine 175g (6oz) sifted self-raising flour (try

replacing this with spelt flour for a slighter more dense texture)

175g (6oz) caster sugar 3 large eggs 1tsp baking powder (2tsp if using spelt

flour) Finely grated zest of 2 lemons 1tbs of lemon juice

Drizzle 175g (6oz) of granulated sugar Juice of 2 large lemons

Icing 4-6 oz (100-175g) sifted icing sugar Juice of 2 lemons (approx. 2fl oz)

Lemon butter cream 85g (3oz) unsalted butter 175g (6oz) sifted icing sugar Finely grated zest of 1 lemon 11/

2tbs lemon juice Cooking Method

Heat the oven to 160°. Lightly grease a 8” round cake tin with

a little extra butter or margarine and cut a piece of greaseproof paper or non-stick baking parchment to fit the base of the tin.

Put all the sponge ingredients in a large mixing bowl and beat with a wooden spoon or a hand-held mixer until well blended.

Pour or spoon the mixture into the tin, smooth the top.

Bake on the middle shelf of the oven for about 30-35 minutes (your oven may differ). The cake is cooked when it looks well risen and golden; the top should have a crack in it and spring back when lightly touched with a fingertip. A skewer inserted into the centre of the cake should come out clean.

Let the cake sit in the tin for 5 minutes, then gently run a knife around the edge and turn the cake out onto a wire rack.

For a drizzle cake Prick the top with a skewer. Combine

the granulated sugar lemon juice, without letting the sugar dissolve. Pour the sugar mixture over the top of the warm cake. The juice will sink in and the sugar will form a crunchy topping.

For the icing Allow the cake to cool completely, mix

the icing sugar and lemon juice and pour over the cold cake, smoothing over with a palette knife. Finely grate a little lemon zest and sprinkle before allowing the icing to dry.

Lemon butter cream Beat the butter until soft, add icing

sugar and beat again until combined and very soft. Add the lemon zest and juice and beat with a wooden spoon until combined.

When the cake is cold, cut horizontally through the middle and spread the lemon butter cream.

Alison says: “This cake is delicious sandwiched with the lemon butter cream and iced!”

EZEKIEL TO ISIS

Murray Dixon (Ellel Ministries) will be giving a free talk on a study of Ezekiel chapters 36, 37, 38 and 39. We will see how Ezekiel’s prophesy is being fulfilled today: the Kingdom of God being challenged by the kingdom of darkness. It will be an exercise of ‘joining the dots’ of news

items to connect with Scripture. Following ordination in the NZ Anglican

Church, Murray ministered as a parish priest and then as an Air Force chaplain before pioneering Prayer for Israel in NZ with his wife Rosemary.

The event takes place on Saturday 13 February from 9.30am to 4.30pm at Bagley Baptist Church (BS28 4TG).

Drinks will be provided but please bring a packed lunch.

For more details please contact Penny on 01934 843319 or Bagley Baptist Church on 01934 710779. Additional information is also available on the Bagley Baptist Church website:

www.bagleybaptist.co.uk


20

PETER EVERETT

Registered Osteopath

PETER EVERETT

Registered Osteopath

Practice Premises

12 Woodborough Road

Winscombe

BS25 1AA

Churchill Surgery

‘Mendip Suite’

Pudding Pie Lane

Churchill

BS40 5EL

To make an appointment to be seen at either address please call:

01934 844764

21

WE’VE TALKED THE TALK

WILL WE WALK THE WALK?

David Parkin writes: The Paris climate change talks produced some remarkable targets, promises and agreements, all celebrated with quite a media party on the final day. It must have felt something like a Christmas present for the negotiators and representatives who had worked so hard. But after Christmas, now that the reality of a new year has

dawned and the wrapping paper has been tidied away, we are left with some big questions. We've got the instructions, but how does this new toy actually work? Oh dear, it looks a bit difficult; shall we put it away until you're a bit older? No darling; mummy and daddy can't afford the batteries to run it; would you like to buy them out of your own pocket money? And so on . . .

Action on climate change is always plagued by the twin reactions that nobody likes hearing difficult news, and people avoid change until it becomes really necessary. In her book This Changes Everything Naomi Klein squarely faces these reactions and demolishes many of the claims that we can get away with doing nothing. Already, many people around the world can't "get away with it". Close to home, for instance, we can't get away with ignoring the next flood threat. But the heartening outcome is that we can adapt and change, often discovering new strengths and shared support in the process.

The movie This Changes Everything draws on some worldwide examples of such heartening outcomes. It's not all doom and gloom, which is why The Roxy and Sustainable Axbridge Network have organised two showings of it: Thursday 18 February and Wednesday 24 February, both at 8.30pm in the Roxy (36 High Street, Axbridge. 07725 051523). We have negotiated a reduced fee for a community showing but will still need donations to cover it, along with publicity and Roxy maintenance costs (suggested £5). Free snacks and discussion afterwards.

"The extraordinary detail and richness of the cinematography . . . provides an epic canvas for this exploration of the greatest challenge of our time. Unlike many works about the climate crisis, this is not a film that tries to scare the audience into action: it aims to empower. Provocative, compelling, and accessible to even the most climate-

fatigued viewers, This Changes Everything will leave you refreshed and inspired, reflecting on the ties between us, the kind of lives we really want, and why the climate crisis is at the centre of it all. "

For further information, please go to: http://thefilm.thischangeseverything.org

SHIPHAM PLAYERS

Shipham Players present The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by Glyn Robbins from the well-loved tale by C.S.Lewis. Four children Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, while playing in the bedroom at the Professor’s house, hide in the wardrobe, which magically transports them to

the frozen land of Narnia. Narnia is ruled by the White Witch,

representing the forces of evil, who is terrified of humans.

Aslan the lion, representing all that is good and right, has returned to Narnia to destroy the White Witch. The children are brought to Aslan the Lion by kindly Mr & Mrs Beaver, who they meet on the journey through Narnia.

The story culminates in a powerful battle between Aslan and the Witch, the wolves and leopards and many other characters.

The Ice melts. Good triumphs over evil.

Director Jane Dawes says “We have a really good and talented cast on this show and we are having a lot of fun in rehearsals putting it all together. It will be a powerful and magical production, suitable for all ages. Rehearsals are going well and the backstage team are busy building the set, the sleigh and, of course, the Wardrobe!”

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will take place at Shipham Village Hall on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th February evenings at 7.30pm with a matinee performance on the Saturday at 2.30pm

Tickets are £7 adults and £3 for 18s and under, and are available from Hansfords, The Square, Shipham.

Sorry, we are unable to take telephone bookings.

For further information visit: www.shiphamplayers.org.uk


22

FORWARD EVENTS 30 Jan RNLI Super Quiz: Shipham Village Hall starting at 7pm 1 Feb Drama of Salvation talk (see p. 25) 2 Feb Lenny’s re-opens after the Christmas Break (see page 14) 5 Feb Ammerdown Quiet Day (see p. 25) 5/6 Feb The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (see page 21) 6 Feb Axbridge Quiz at 7pm for 7.30pm 13 Feb Ezekiel to Isis free talk (see page 19) 19 Mar Earth Hour Concert by Candlelight 9 Apr Axbridge Beetle Drive 6.30pm 20-23 Apr ACT Spring Production 23 Apr Axbridge Branch Bell Ringers Striking Competition; Shipham 2:30pm 24 Apr Shipham Church APCM (in church after 10am Service) 30 Apr FOAC Cheddar Valley Voices Concert 7 May “Fun at the Church” Axbridge Coffee Morning 9am (see page 24) 14 May RNLI Plant Sale at Winscombe Community Hall 10am 14 May Somerset Singers Spring Concert: Vaughan Williams Sea Symphony at Wells Cathedral 7pm 4/5 Jun FOAC Open Gardens in Axbridge 11 Jun Axbridge Church Fete 1/2 Jul Young ACT Production 2/3 Jul Shipham Open Gardens 24 Sep Axbridge Carnival 1 Oct Shipham Progressive Supper 15 Oct St Leonard’s Quiz 23-26 Nov ACT Autumn Production

If there are future events not listed above that you would like to see included please send them for

consideration by email to the Editor:

[email protected]

Further information is also available from:

www.stjohnthebaptistaxbridge.org.uk www.shipham.org.uk

www.axbridge-tc.gov.uk

MOTHERING SUNDAY: ST LEONARD’S

6 March at 10am: a service in Shipham for all the family when posies will be given out. Everyone very welcome.

SHIPHAM, ROWBERROW AND STAR

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE

At 2.30pm on the 11 February in the George Thiery Room at Shipham Village Hall Jill Thompson will ask us “Are you sitting comfortably”. We will have our usual 50p raffle.

Friends, visitors and new members are very welcome. For further information please contact Ian on 01934 842450.

SAVE THE CHILDREN LUNCHES

Kate Baldock writes: The February Save the Children Friday lunches will be held on 12th and 26th, at the usual time of 12.30pm, at Shipham Village Hall (£3.50 per person). We look forward to seeing you then!

For further information please contact Kate on 01934 842882.

THE STRAWBERRY LINE SOCIETY

Irene Threasher writes: our AGM will be held on Tuesday 23 February at 7.30pm in the Lounge of the Cricket Club, Winscombe. We are very pleased to welcome back Peter Davey who will talk on “Trams around Weston”. All are welcome.

When the Railway Walk was created in the early 80s it received lots of publicity, however this has diminished with time as have many of our original members.

The Railway Walk goes from Yatton to Cheddar and each section manages its own maintenance; our section is Cheddar and Axbridge and has never been better maintained. The Line is walked by many people but it is not known that we need membership monies to keep it maintained.

Annual Membership is £5 single £7 couples or £75 or £100 for Life Membership. If you walk the Line regularly would you like to become a member and help us keep the Line looking so spruce? Forms can be obtained from our excellent website, www.thestrawberryline.org.uk, from the library or from me, Irene Threasher 843030.

ST LEONARD’S CHURCH CHRISTMAS GIVING 2015

From the cash offerings at the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services this year, we have been

able to give away a total of £417.26

to:

The Children’s Society

(Christingle service) 257.26

Alabaré 160.00 Thank you to everyone who gave so generously!

23

SHIPHAM SCOUTS

Julie Leader writes: Many households in Shipham received Christmas cards delivered by Shipham Scouts last year. The Scouts wanted to make life easier for parishioners by delivering their Christmas cards.

Shipham Scouts would like to thank every one who supported The Scout's Christmas Post. It raised £130.94, from which a donation will be made to Street Children in India. The rest will go towards our next Scout Camp. Many thanks also to Jill Lewis for allowing us to use Lenny's as a posting station, where we were able to serve customers some light refreshments on the last posting day. We are also very grateful to Tim Hawkings for his support in helping to promote the venture.

SALLY HANSFORD SHIPHAM UPDATES

Progressive Supper: Although it seems a long time ago now, our Annual Progressive supper was, as always, a great success, raising funds for our Guide, Brownie, Scout and Cub units. On behalf of everyone, a huge ‘thank you’ to all who took part and to those of you who opened up your homes, giving a warm welcome and wonderful food to guests.

This year’s supper is on Saturday, 1 October.

Carols Around The Tree: It was lovely to see so many people gathered in The Square once again to sing carols, and visit Santa’s Grotto.

There were an amazing amount of people who met at the school to follow Santa in his “special Landrover” to The Square. The pork rolls, mulled wine and mince pies went down well too!

Every year, at the start of December, a small group of men meet in The Square to put up the tree and, at the end of the

Christmas season, meet again to take it down. It is very much appreciated by everyone and special thanks go to Sid Busby who donated the lights for the tree and keeps us “well lit up” each year. Thank you one and all.

1st Shipham Brownies: If you would like to put your daughter’s name on the waiting list for Shipham Brownies, or, if she is seven-years-old already and wishes to join us, please contact Sally Hansford on 07979 843639. We do have some spaces available.

SHIPHAM COMMUNITY CINEMA

Norma Scanlon writes: Two questions: did you know that you don’t have to be a member to come to a Shipham Community Cinema film? And did you know you don’t have to live in Shipham? We cross all boundaries! Film times are easy to remember: on Fridays, doors open at 7.15pm and the programme starts at 7.45pm; for Sunday matinees, it’s 3.45pm for a 4pm film start. Excellent refreshments are available at every screening at reasonable prices and a guaranteed warm welcome from us all. Irresistible I would say! All the necessary information is on our lovely website:

http://cinema.shiphamhall.co.uk as well as Facebook and Twitter. The Falling (cert 15), written and

directed by Carol Morley, is on Friday, 12 February. It features the always wonderful Maxine Peake and rising star Maisie Williams (Doctor Who/Game Of Thrones). Some of the critical comments it received include: “it casts an hypnotic spell”, “an entirely absorbing film”. The reviews were excellent for this psychological drama set in an all girls’ school in 1969, so we think it will be a popular and enjoyable choice for our audience.

Our matinee film is the new version of Far From The Madding Crowd (cert 12) on Sunday, 12 February, with Carey Mulligan in

the role of Bathsheba Everdene; she is excellent, as is Michael Sheen and Matthias Schoenaerts as William Boldwood and Gabriel Oak respectively. The only character I didn’t feel convinced by was Sergeant Troy, portrayed by Tom Sturridge (think it was the moustache, apologies to any moustached readers!). Come along to the village hall and see what you think.


24

FUN AT THE CHURCH

Saturday 7 May: 9am until noon

at the Church of St John the Baptist, Axbridge

Jumble

Coffee Morning

Live Music

“NEW TO YOU” SALE

Jewellery Crafts

Come along, browse, relax with coffee and live music

and enjoy a morning with a difference.

Cakes

25

SENSING GOD

Loraine Goddard writes: Learning to Meditate During Lent is the title and subject of a recent SPCK publication by Laurence Freeman OSB, a Benedictine monk and the spiritual guide and Director of the World Community for Christian Meditation. He takes the reader through Lent day by day, drawing on scripture with his own lived experience, plus the wisdom of a Christian Prayer practice extending back to the very earliest days of Christianity. The reader is gently introduced to the practice of Contemplative Prayer/Prayer of the Heart, as a spiritual practice firmly rooted in all the vagaries of our humanity!

If Contemplative prayer is a part of your journey or a road waiting to be explored, then travelling with this book may be for you. It is available through Amazon as paperback (ISBN 978-0-281-07546-1) or e-book.

If you would like to know more, or would appreciate the opportunity to chat over anything from the book should you decide to explore please do feel free to contact either Loraine or Andy Goddard (01934 732007). There are also two Christian Meditation groups meeting most weeks in Axbridge to support folks in their practice (see page 10 for details).

LIVE MUSIC AT SHIPHAM VILLAGE HALL

The Homekeys return to Shipham Village Hall on Saturday, 13 February for the second of their intimate Thiery Room Sessions. Following the success of their Winter Warmer in December, The Homekeys will be treating us to some inspirational guitar inter-play, classic songs and well-loved tunes. February’s session features Kit Morgan (Jethro Tull, Curved Air, Vanessa Mae) on guitar with Jerry Crozier-Cole (Ronan Keating, Ruby Turner, The Proclaimers), Jo Crozier-Cole (Elliott Randall, Cirrus) on vocals and Pasquale Votino (Andy Sheppard, Ian Matthews/Kasabian) on double bass.

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an intimate concert and get up close to some exceptionally talented musicians. Tickets are on sale now at £12 each and are available from Hansford’s Village Store or from Jo Crozier-Cole on 01934 842306/07816 953456, email: [email protected]. Limited availability, so be quick to avoid disappointment.

And the full band, Backyard, return to the main stage at Shipham Village Hall on Saturday, 19 March for another night of exciting live music and dancing. Save the date and be sure not to miss it!

QUIET DAY

Ammerdown’s Guided Quiet Days offer an opportunity to take time out from our busy lives to pray, reflect and meditate in the Christian tradition with the help of Libby Dobson and Sarah Chabowska. They invite you to travel with God on a journey of discovery.

The theme for this year will be ‘Journey of the Heart – Finding a Spacious Place’. Each day stands on its own or together they create a journey throughout the year.

The cost of the day is £45 which includes coffee, lunch and afternoon tea.

For further information or to book a place, please go to the website:

http://www.ammerdown.org/

or ring 01761 433709.

The details of the day are as follows:

Date: 5 February Time: 9.30am to 4pm Venue: The Ammerdown Centre, Ammerdown Park, Radstock, BA3 5SW

DRAMA OF SALVATION

Canon Eric Woods, the Vicar of Sherborne, asks ‘What exactly is the Eucharist, the Holy Communion, the Mass, the Lord’s Supper? He will suggest that it is essentially the drama of our salvation, in which Christ’s saving work is made present again for us, and in which we are all caught-up as the ‘dramatic company’ – together taking, blessing, breaking and sharing, and in the process being re-fashioned and renewed as a Holy Community.

There is online booking or tickets may also be reserved by contacting the Parish Office during office hours on 01935 812452.

Event details:

Date: 1 February Time: 7.30-9pm Venue: The Digby Church Hall, Digby

Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3NL.


26

REFLECTION ON JERUSALEM

Following the gifts that have been sent from our Benefice to Jerusalem to support the ministry of the Anglican Church amongst refugees in Jordan, this is a reflection by the Archbishop in Jerusalem, The Most Reverend Suheil Dawani, on the situation for refugees in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East that appeared in the October Diocesan newsletter.

The Samaritan “bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’” (Luke 10:34-35

The story of the good Samaritan is one that is a guide to Christians across the globe as to how we can be neighbours for those who need us, whoever she or he may be; and it is, I believe, relevant all the more so in our approach to how we as individuals and communities welcome and care for refugees. It is with this in mind that I write, aware of the extraordinary work that ordinary men and women in our Diocese are doing in caring for refugees from Syria and Iraq. The refugee crisis is serious – very serious – and demands that we respond with compassion and care to people who have faced untold horrors, and who have had to leave their martyrs behind.

As refugees seek sanctuary, we as Christians are challenged to open our doors and share what we have with strangers. Archbishop Mouneer in his article Our calling: Welcome refugees, support development, make peace, (posted on the ACNS, Anglican News Service, 28 September 2015) cites Jesus commandment that we must share what we have. If we cannot for whatever reason share our house, then we must share our gifts and our resources.

Hospitality is one of the hallmarks of this diocese: for centuries we have shown hospitality to pilgrims, to people who went on their way “sometimes not knowing whither they would come”, but seeking an expression of the Kingdom of God, as Abraham did. On other occasions and throughout history the Churches of the region extended hospitality to the thousands of people forced to leave their homes for an unknown destination. During the past one hundred years there were Circassian refugees from Russia, Armenians from Turkey, Jews from Europe, refugees from Palestine, Iraq, Sudan, and many other places. Now our challenge is to show hospitality to yet another traveller, refugees

and migrants from Syria. At the moment Jordan welcomes some

1.25 million Syrians, 300,000 Iraqis, 400,000 Egyptians, 100,000 Libyans and 50,000 Yemenis. In Irbid (Northern Jordan) there are 250,000 refugees; and in the refugee camp of Zaatari’s on the Syrian border there are some 120,000 people who live in tents and caravans. Places that were once desert are now large towns, which require infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, electricity and water, shops and roads, and much more.

One way the Church has managed to respond is through “The Network”, which, under the supervision of The Rev’d Canon ‘Brother Andrew’ De Carpentier of the Anglican “Holy Land Institute for Deaf and Deafblind Children” in Salt, has brought together different local organizations providing essential medical and paramedical care to thousands of refugees with disabilities in need. The “Network” is a partnership between: The Dhia Society (a Jordanian charity for visually impaired children), The Raja society (a school for the education and training of those with cognitive issues), The Avicenna (Ibn Sina) society (a Jordanian organization for helping those with mobility issues); and the Palestine Hospital (A Church-affiliated specialist hospital for Trauma and Neurology).

LONGWELL GREEN COMMUNITY

ORCHESTRA CONCERT

There was a splendid Orchestral Concert in Shipham Church in December when an audience of around 50 people enjoyed a wonderful evening of Christmas music and Carols. The Concert raised £717 for the "Save the Children Syrian Refugee Appeal" which included £423 in donations. We thank Trish Ashmore and Peter Rutter for organising this event and everybody that helped on the night, bought tickets, attended the concert and gave donations. The government has promised to match our fund raising pound for pound and so the Appeal should receive £1,434 in total.


27

The Directory for Axbridge, Rowberrow and Shipham

Axb. ACTIVE LIVING Vicky Brice 07884 264033 Axb. ARCHEOLOGY & LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Robin Goodfellow 732874 Axb. BELLRINGERS Roy Shallish 732137 Axb. BROWNIES Liz Foster 732935 Axb. CAVING GROUP Alan Gray 01761 52288 Axb. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Pat Filer 733078 Axb. COMMUNITY ALLOTMENT Dave Maclay 733221 Axb. COMMUNITY THEATRE (drama group) John Bailey 733547 Axb. CRICKET CLUB Phil Saunders 732354 Axb. CYCLING CLUB Jennifer Trotman 733306 Axb. FAMILY GROUP (young family support) Anne Beech 732109 Axb. FIRST SCHOOL ACADEMY (C. of E.) Secretary 732391 Axb. FRIENDS OF AXBRIDGE CHURCH Penny Cooke 733304 Axb. FRIENDS OF AXBRIDGE MUSEUM Kate Browne 733208 Axb. GUIDES Bev Davies 732168 Axb. INDEPENDENT WOMEN Patricia Clarke 733658 Axb. METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Carole Chaplin 852897 Axb. MUSEUM TRUST Kate Browne 733208 Axb. PAGEANT ASSOCIATION John Kendall 732103 Axb. ROXY CINEMA Juliet Maclay 733221 Axb. ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Brian Winder 01278 785696 Axb. SAXONS JUNIORS (football) Pete Thomson 733218 Axb. SAXONS VETERANS (football) Stuart Butlin 734626 Axb. SEA CADETS Baz Hamblin 733939 Axb. SINGERS (mixed choir) Stella Moore 732282 Axb. SPORTS AND SOCIAL (fundraising) Pauline Ham 732062 Axb. SURGERY Reception 732464 Axb. SUSTAINABLE AXBRIDGE NETWORK David Parkin 733762 Axb. TOWN COUNCIL Town Clerk 07884 264033 Axb. TOWN HALL (booking) Sarah Emery 07748 561114 Axb. VOICES PROJECT (recording oral history) Maggie Tur 732855 Axb. YOUNG ACT (junior drama group) Wendy Mace 734603

Benefice CHOIR Martin Latham 733010 Benefice MOTHERS’ UNION Janet Angle 733695

Rwb. BELLRINGERS Adrian Adams 820058 Rwb. FRIENDS OF ROWBERROW CHURCH Maggi Fiske 842321

Shp. ACTIVE LIVING Gloria Tyson 842360 Shp. AFC (football) Steve Dodd 843660 Shp. AFC VETERANS (football) Ian Shaw 842114 Shp. ART GROUP John Moorhouse 842272 Shp. BABY & TODDLERS Becca Wilson 853646 Shp. BADMINTON Ann Bracegirdle 843233 Shp. BELLRINGERS Lynne Binnie 744480 Shp. BROWNIES Sally Hansford 842879 Shp. CALLIGRAPHY Sue Waterhouse 01278 722793 Shp. COMMUNITY CAR SCHEME Don Hurrell 842717 Shp. COMMUNITY CINEMA Norma Scanlon 842845 Shp. CUBS Dave Peake (Akela) 844612 Shp. FIRST SCHOOL Secretary 843485 Shp. FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE Ian Sutton 842450 Shp. GARDENING CLUB Jenny Humberstone 843149 Shp. GUIDES Jenny Hill 742480 Shp. K@CH (church for children) Christine Prince 844909 Shp. KEEP FIT Lorraine Beer 842764 Shp. LENNY’S COFFEE SHOP Jill Lewis 782845 Shp. PARISH COUNCIL (clerk) Samantha Peake 844612 Shp. PLAYERS (drama group) Daniel Jeffery 744882 Shp. PRE-SCHOOL Administrator 844511 Shp. SAVE THE CHILDREN LUNCHES Kate Baldock 842882 Shp. SCOUTS Paul Bradshaw 844954 Shp. Shipham, Rowberrow & Star History Society Jill Smith 842291 Shp. VILLAGE HALL (booking) Kate Meadows 01173 182357 Shp. WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Sandra Newton 843464 Shp. YOUTH CLUB Paula Barrow 843577

Local Food Bank (Cheddar Valley) Matt Dumelow 07992 309369 Local RNLI Ann Hart 852258

Unless otherwise stated, the area code is 01934

28

SERVICES IN FEBRUARY

Sunday 7 February: Sunday before Lent

8.00am SHIPHAM (Holy Communion)

10.00am AXBRIDGE (Parish Communion)

10.00am SHIPHAM (K@CH)

4.00pm ROWBERROW (Evensong)

Ash Wednesday 10 February


8.00pm AXBRIDGE (Benefice Communion)

Sunday 14 February: Lent 1

8.00am AXBRIDGE (Holy Communion)

10.00am SHIPHAM (Together in Worship)

10.30am ROWBERROW (Matins)

6.30pm AXBRIDGE (Celebration of Marriage)


8.00am ROWBERROW (Holy Communion)


10.00am SHIPHAM (Together in Worship)



10.00am SHIPHAM (Parish Communion)

3.00pm AXBRIDGE (Civic Awards Service)


Sunday 6 March: Mothering Sunday (Lent 4)


10.00am AXBRIDGE (Mothering Sunday Service)

10.00am SHIPHAM (Mothering Sunday & K@CH)


Midweek Communions in February

10.30am 3 February Rowberrow

10.00am 10 February Shipham

10.00am 17 February Axbridge

11.00am 24 February Axbridge Court

Late Night Prayers of Compline

9.00pm 13 February Axbridge

Please note that during the Winter, the Evening Services at

Rowberrow will start at 4.00pm

catch this - february 2016

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