PARISH MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2012

The Vicarage, Gouldsbrook Terrace, Crewkerne


February 2012

Dear Friends,

Well, folks, I have finally made it - and the ambition of a lifetime has been achieved - I have been invited to appear on Desert Island Discs! Before you get too carried away with excitement, I'd better make it clear that is isn't the Radio 4 version! No, this will be our very own St Bart's version in the Church Hall on the evening of Saturday 25th February. It won't be Roy Plumley or Sue Lawley in the chair, but nevertheless it's a bargain at £7, because it includes a fish and chip supper. Plus me of course, and my selection of music. Do come and join us.

Choosing my 'records' has rather made me feel my age. Firstly because today no one has 'gramophone records' any longer, but CDs, or mp3 players; also because my non-classical choices (and if you want to know what they are you will have to come along) are all of them from the 1960s. (Actually not true, one is from the early 1950s! Gosh that dates me!)

I haven't chosen any Beatles numbers - but I can remember hearing them singing "When I'm 64" and thinking that being 64 was a very ripe old age. And yet later this year, "if I'm spared" (as my grandma always said) 64 is how old I will be! I can hardly believe it!

Well many of you, who have a few years on me, know that being 64, or indeed any age, isn't something to fear. Next week I will be attending a birthday lunch for my mother-in-law who will be 102 and she is still going strong! I have learned by watching people who are older than I, that the date on their birth certificate often bears no relationship to the life they lead. I am reminded that Michelangelo did some of his best paintings when past 80; George Bernard Shaw was still writing plays at 90 and Grandma Moses didn't even begin painting until she was 79.

Of course we may have physical or financial constraints which will limit what we can do as we get older. Sometimes the right thing to do, might well be to take life a little more gently.

But let's be people who continue to love life for as long as we are able, who listen, have fun, get involved where we can, who are interested in others and who, by that very attitude, can help make this world a better place. It's playing our part in what we Christians call "The Kingdom of God".

As the American poet Diane Ackerman wrote, "I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well"!!
Have a great 2012!
Your Parish Priest and friend

Michael

WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

The Women's World Day of Prayer service will be held on Friday, 2nd March 2012, at 2.30 pm at the Baptist Church, North Street.
The title of this year's service is "Let Justice Prevail". All are welcome to come to this service, prepared by Christian women of Malaysia, which will be held around the world on that day.
Robina Colledge

LENT COURSE 2012 - MATURING IN CHRIST

Using Lent to grow in faith - A course about Christian Discipleship (following Jesus).
Once again we will be having a Lent Course (written by our Parish
Clergy) based at the Vicarage.

It will begin on Tuesday 28th February at 7.30 pm and run for five Tuesdays. Then again on Wednesday 29th February at 11.15 a.m. ,running for five
Wednesdays.

As always the course promises to be both stimulating and friendly - and
will be much better if YOU are a part of it!
Michael Gallagher

MOTHERS' UNION

On 13th December members enjoyed a Christmas lunch held at the Rectory. A big thank you to Janet for acting as hostess, and thanks to all who helped to supply the various items on the menu. A very enjoyable time was had by all.
The speaker at the January meeting was Marian Pattison who gave a very interesting talk on "The Kindness of Strangers", based on the experiences of her husband and herself among the different cultures of the people they had met in their trips to so many countries around the world.
The next meeting will be on 14th February (St Valentine's Day) at 2.45 pm in the Church Hall. The meeting will be a social afternoon: "Pancakes and Puzzles". If any member has something amusing or of interest to add to the programme, please contact Christine on 271496 or Phyllis on 72105. Please make sure when you come that you have a pen or pencil in your handbag.
Phyllis Wright

BISHOP'S LETTER

Celebrating our common humanity

I am surprised at how caught up I became in the Stephen Lawrence case which offered some closure to his family with the conviction of two of his killers at the turn of the year. I was a parish priest in South London at the time of Stephen's murder and was Vicar of a parish in Surrey Docks in which racism was never too far from the surface - indeed for some black members of our congregation exposure to racism was a daily occurrence.

Some commentators have suggested that the Lawrence case marked a watershed for race relations in this country. 'Britain', said one, 'is a much more tolerant and open country. We have new laws to prevent the stirring of racial hatred and our public institutions are better representative of and responsive to all the people.' It is certainly true that the determination of Doreen Lawrence to get justice for her son did lead to a root and branch review of policing through the McPherson Inquiry and that has seen some change for good.

However, as Doreen Lawrence herself has said, 'The fact is that racism and racist attacks are still happening in this country and the police should not use my son's name to say that we can move on.' Around the week that Stephen's trial concluded a young Indian, Anuj Bidve, was shot and killed on the streets of Salford and a young black footballer from Oldham was racially abused by an opposing supporter at Liverpool's ground.

Why do I raise all of this now? At the beginning of February the church celebrates the Feast of Candlemas and we hear again the prophetic message of Simeon who declares that Jesus is to be a light for all the nations - Jews and Gentiles. It is a radical message that requires all of us, in the words of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, 'to see God's image in the one who is not in our image.'

As the Bosnian born theologian, Miroslav Volf says in his award winning book, 'Exclusion and Embrace', it may not be too much to claim that the future of our world will depend on how we deal with identity and difference. So, on the feast of Candlemas let us light a candle in celebration of our common humanity.
+Peter Taunton

THANK YOU

Two ladies who have played a major part in our church activities over the years are taking a slightly lower profile in 2012, they are Geraldine Clotworthy, who has organised most of our social events with a great deal of ability, hard work and efficiency for some time has decided she needs to stand back a little to give others the opportunity of leading the group. I have no doubt the she will continue to do what she can to help in other ways, she is for instance to continue organising the team who make coffee on Sunday mornings.

Then there is Heather Wyatt, who has been involved in flower arranging at St Bart's for around 40 years, and in more recent times has been the Team organiser. A very skilled flower arranger herself she helps others on occasion to be more adventurous in their own work.

Both Geraldine and Heather have been pivotal parts of our services and outreach, so we are relieved that they will still be involved in the work of the church, but in a less demanding and high profile way.

I would like to say a very heartfelt "Thank You" to both Geraldine an Heather for all that they have done, I know I speak on behalf of Michael and John when I say how much your work has helped us do ours and I am sure that all the congregation will join us in these sentiments.
Dorothy Tozer

CAN YOU HELP?

I have been contacted by a gentleman in a wheelchair from Woolminstone, who would very much like to attend St Bartholomew's Church occasionally, having attended the Christmas Service and enjoyed it very much. He would be so grateful if there is anyone who could help with transport; his wheelchair folds up to fit a car boot. If anyone can help would they let me know on 01460 78875 and I can put them in contact.
Thank you
Dorothy Tozer

OPEN THE BOOK

Many of you will know that our church is much involved in the life of the schools of our town, and that in appropriate ways the Christian message is taught to our children in them. We have been invited by our Methodist friends to join them in a new outreach initiative to the First Schools (children aged 5 - 9) called "Open the Book". It will involve a small team of people going to school assemblies and acting out a Bible story. The material is all provided, acting experience is not necessary - just a desire to bring the Bible to young ears.

It would probably involve any individual on 6 or so occasions a year - so it is not a huge time-commitment. If you think you might be interested and (without committing yourself) would like to know more, please let the Vicar know.

CHURCH FLOWERS

Please can I welcome Mrs Sue McCallum, who will be organising the flower rota from this month - Please give her your support as you have me, over the many years.
I will not be disappearing from the scene, but will be helping Sue through her first year, and still doing flowers when needed!
A big thank you to all who have helped me for the many years I have organised the rota.
Heather Wyatt

There will be a meeting in the church on Wednesday 8th February, at 2.30 pm, for all those interested in helping to supply flowers/potted plants/ foliage etc. for the church. Some of you already know that I have volunteered to take over the running of the Flower Roster. I will only be able to do this with help from people who are willing to give a little time a few times a year, and at special times such as Easter, Harvest and Christmas. I am not an expert flower arranger, just someone who likes to have a go. It is hoped to use potted plants and foliage during the winter months and then hopefully garden flowers during the summer.
Brian and I moved from Misterton to 1 Curriott Hill Road in August and are enjoying settling in and being able to walk to the shops and of course St Bart's.
Please come along even if you do not 'do ' flowers as there will be just checking during the week, removing dead leaves etc., and all help will be very welcome.
Susan McCallum (01460 78923)

SOUTH SOMERSET PEACE GROUP

On Tuesday 28th February South Somerset Peace Group are holding a public meeting with Craig Murray, the former Ambassador, human rights activist and incisive blogger (www.craigmurray.org.uk). His current interests include, "the seamless link between western government promotion of dictatorships and terrible human rights abuses abroad, the undertaking of illegal wars for resources, and the sucking up of internal resources in our country for the benefit of the wealthy."
The meeting will be held in the Minster Rooms, Ilminster at 7.30 pm.
All welcome - entry £3 including tea/coffee.
Saturday 25th February Peace Vigil Crewkerne in front of Victoria Hall 11-12

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

A big thank you to all the organisations and schools etc. who entered a tree and took part in the festival, everyone who volunteered to help with stewarding and serving refreshments throughout the festival, and to those who visited the church, making the festival such a success.
I would also like to say thank you for all the help given in organising and getting ready for the festival, and thank those who kept the church clean and tidy throughout, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Your support was much appreciated.
Two prizes were given for the best decorated trees. Congratulations to Ashland's School, (Junior Prize) and the Bellringers (Adult Prize).
The Film Crew has informed me that the winner of the cartoon quiz on their tree was Ben Gentle.
Vivienne Stuckey

CHRISTMAS TREE

One might have thought that with so much competition from the Christmas Tree Festival that 'our' tree would be lost, but no, thanks to Andrew Hutchings, from Hewish, who gives it to us each year, it was a BIG one, quite the biggest we've had, so it couldn't be missed. But that isn't all - the home team got cracking next, namely Ann & Dave Cossins and Peter Singleton. With some difficulty. you can imagine, they erected the tree and then decorated it, so there it was on Christmas Day in all its glory. Thank you all of you for your generosity of time and energy to make Christmas even more special for all of us.
Dorothy Tozer

THANKS

Very many thanks, from Crewkerne Churches Together, to all who made mince pies and helped to serve them to visitors to the Victoria Hall after the lighting up ceremony on 25th November.
Simon Colledge

SPICK AND SPAN

From time to time I like to say a particular 'Thank You' to those behind the scenes who get on with their tasks and whom we don't miss until they are not there.
Two such people are Janice and Bill Perry. Janice is the lady who cleans the church hall and keeps it immaculate - whenever we have a meeting or an event there everyone says how great it always looks. That's Janice. But I mustn't forget Bill, as he is our 'buy one get one free'. There he is whenever Janice is there, helping her to help us; they are a remarkable couple, never complaining, just working away on their own and keeping the hall spick and span. Thank you Janice and Bill for all you do and long may it continue.
Dorothy Tozer

YEOVIL CHAMBER CHOIR

Yeovil Chamber Choir will return to give a concert at St Bartholomew's on Saturday 17th March at 7.30pm. The main attraction will be Handel's Coronation Anthems and there will also be items by Purcell, Vaughan Williams, and John Blow. Tickets are £10 (accompanied under-16s free) and include interval refreshments. They are on sale at the Town Hall. This promises to be a good evening - put it in your diary now!

in and around Crewkerne this month

LEAVING starring Kirsten Scott-Thomas, will now be shown on the 3rd February 2012 (not 10th as previously advertised). The showing of Leaving will be preceded by a special showing of the Charlie Chaplin silent movie Shanghaied, accompanied on live piano by Chris Edmunds. Doors will open at 7pm for coffee and cake and the film will start at 7.30pm at Wadham School. New members always welcome - £15 for the rest of the season and guests £5.

Hinton St. George 'Flix in the Stix' presents 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' (15), on Saturday, February 11th in the Village Hall at 7.30 pm. Tickets £5 in advance from the Village Shop and Dorothy's Tea Room, or, £5.50 on the door. (Contact tel. 01460 72906.

Monday 6th February at 2.30 p.m. Neroche DFAS: at Seavington Millennium Hall, Water Street, Seavington St Mary. 'The Fascinating World of Playing Cards' by Yasha Beresiner Mr Beresiner is a lawyer and lecturer, and a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards. Admission to non-members:£3. Any queries: ring Peter Hill on 01460 67779

ZAMBIA LINK

As advertised before Christmas, there is going to be a meeting in St Michael and All Angels, Haselbury with Jenny Humphreys, the World Mission Advisor of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, to discuss a possible link with Zambia for the whole Wulfric Benefice. Anyone from St Bartholomew's, who is interested in such a project, is warmly invited to join us at 7.00 pm on Thursday 2nd February. Wadham School and Haselbury First School have expressed an interest. We are also going to hear from Nigel Lusby, the Reader in Ilminster. He recently visited their own Zambia link parish and has found their involvement with Zambia very rewarding.

HEWISH NEWS

In almost stark contrast to last year, when we slid and slithered our way to church in the bitter cold, this year we celebrated our Carol service in almost balmy conditions as on 18th December David Cuthbertson led our Family Service. It was such a joy to see our little church crammed full with 40 people who had come to join in the singing of carols . The church was decorated with pine tree branches and lit by a host of candles flickering in the windows. We listened to the readings which this year were read to us by Adam and Fiona, our veteran stars, and then we listened to poems chosen and read firstly by Ellie and then another read by Abi who made her maiden debut with much aplomb. Thank you to everyone who took part including the children who impressed us with their eager answers to David's questions about the interesting history of the Christmas Cracker. We were again fortunate enough to have Trevor Shears to play for us so that we could do justice to his playing and celebrate with song. It was especially nice to welcome John and Heather who joined our congregation; we hope their first Christmas in Hewish was a happy one.

We extend our best wishes to Jim and Hazel who have moved into Manor Barn and also to Pat and Michael who have moved from No6 Council Houses into Crewkerne. We also extend warm wishes to Claire and her three children who are now resident at No.6. Val Curtis

CLAPTON & WAYFORD VILLAGE HALL

Quiz & Supper evening - Saturday 4th February, 7pm. All welcome, but please book - either individually, or as a team/table - to assist with catering, by phoning Frances (01460 75380). £7 entrance includes hot supper; raffle; licensed bar; prizes for winning team.

Illustrated Travel Talk - well-known local resident Anne Mosscrop will recreate her 'Trans-Siberian Adventure' on Thursday 23rd February at 7.30 pm. Entrance £3.50 to include cheese & wine; proceeds to be shared between Christian Aid & Village Hall. All welcome; further information from Mary (01460 74849)
Sew, Knit & Natter - Wednesday 1st February at 10.30 am. All welcome; details from Jill (01460 72837).

Luncheon Club - Friday 10th February, 12 noon; all welcome, but please book your place by ringing June (01460 77057).

Clapton & Wayford Film Society - on Thursday 2nd February, showing 'Four Lions' - 'a comic tour de force'. Refreshments on sale from 7.30 pm; films starts at 8 pm prompt. Guest tickets available. New members very welcome; membership subscriptions taken any time - details from Marilyn (01460 77062) or Mick (01460 74849)

Mary Wilson (Hall Secretary)

IN THE FEBRUARY GARDEN

The things I often find in the garden are not put there by me but come from passers-by, including schoolchildren, who simply lob the items they no longer need over the fence, rather than wait till a council rubbish bin comes to hand. The list includes sweet wrappers, crisp bags, cans and even bottles - plastic and glass. Picking up these objects is a never ending task and one that I take for granted. The largest bits of rubbish were two lads who were fighting on the lawn.
When tidying up I often think back to the early days of the war when I used to pick up in the garden silver strips of paper foil dropped by German planes in an attempt to avoid radar detection. The one consolation then was that it was much better than bombs which could have made a terrible mess!

I should by now be sowing seeds but without a greenhouse this is not possible. I intend to buy small bedding plants by mail order to cope with the situation.
I have had to order a proprietary replacement greenhouse after much soul searching. It will be smaller than the old one due to the manufacturer's modular design limitation. It will be made of western red cedar, more costly than metal construction, but suitable from the appearance point of view, A recent innovation is the use of toughened glass, which is a good thing. I realise I shall never get the full benefit from it, as it will most certainly outlive me. But first of all the old greenhouse has to come down and the area has to be cleaned up, which is a task I'm not looking forward to.
Trevor Shears

DIAMOND JUBILEE

I have never had any difficulty in remembering the date of the Queen's Accession, because 6th February was also my grandmother's birthday. On Monday, 6th February, this year, the Queen will complete 60 years as our Sovereign. The day itself has a sadness to it, for it is of course also the anniversary of the death of the Queen's father, King George VI. That is why the main celebration of the Diamond Jubilee will be on 2nd June, which is actually the 59th anniversary of the Coronation.
My memory of 6th February 1952 is of lessons being interrupted in the middle of the morning, and the headmaster telling us all of the King's death, and that Princess Elizabeth was now Queen. I don't remember all he said; there were trivial things like the fact that he and the other masters would wear black ties; but my clear memory is of him saying that between that day and the Coronation there would be solemn and important events taking place, such as we might not see again in our lifetimes, and that we should do well to watch and listen carefully.

It is suggested that the June edition of Voice should be a 'Jubilee Edition', so it would be good if you could let me have some of your memories of the past sixty years, preferably but not necessarily ones connected with royal events. How did Crewkerne celebrate the Coronation? the Silver Jubilee? Have you met Her Majesty? How have things changed in 60 years? Please let me know!
David Newman

BIBLE QUIZ

In the November edition, we printed a text which contained 36 phrases claimed, by whoever composed it, to be found in the King James Version of the Bible and still in common use. You were invited to identify the verses in the Bible where they are to be found. The winner was Marian Pattison with a score of 33 out of 36 - congratulations.

Here are the answers - though there are alternative answers in many cases - and a few comments:
three score and ten Genesis 46, 27
it's better to give than to receive Acts 20, 35 NB should be 'it is more blessed to give…'
let us eat, drink and be merry Ecclesiastes 8, 15 Luke 12, 19
as you sow, so shall you reap! Galatians 6,7 (not exact quotation)
Man does not live by bread alone Deuteronomy 8, 3
as old as the hills Job 15, 7 is similar idea, but the actual phrase is not Biblical
at his wits' end Psalm 107, 27
by the skin of his teeth Job 19,20
a man after his own heart 1 Samuel 13, 14
Am I my brother's keeper? Genesis 4, 9
sour grapes Ezekiel 18, 2
the apple of his eye Deuteronomy 32, 10
fall from grace Galatians 5, 4
spare the rod and spoil the child Proverbs 13, 24 - but no mention of spoiling the child! The complete saying only dates from the 17th century.
How are the mighty fallen 2 Samuel 1, 25
Can a leopard change his spots? Jeremiah 13, 23
casting pearls before swine! Matthew 7, 6
eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth Exodus 21, 24
Blessed are the peacemakers Matthew 5, 9
For everything there is a time and a season Ecclesiastes 3, 1
love covers a multitude of sins 1 Peter 4, 8 should be 'charity' not 'love'
flesh and blood 1 Corinthians 15, 15
a thorn in the flesh 2 Corinthians 12, 7
cast the first stone John 8, 7 An interesting misquotation - Jesus actually said: 'He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.'
salt of the earth Matthew 5, 13
gave up the ghost John 20, 30
the root of the matter Job 19, 28
fly in the ointment Ecclesiastes 10, 1 (not exact quotation)
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush Not in the Bible!
a lamb to the slaughter Isaiah 53, 7
baptism of fire Matthew 3, 11 (the actual phrase is not in the Bible)
burnt offering Genesis 8, 20
ashes to ashes, dust to dust The phrase is from the Prayer Book funeral service, but see Genesis 3, 19 & 18, 27 and Job 42,6
bite the dust Psalm 72,9 has 'lick the dust'
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak Matthew 26, 41
Sarah laughed Genesis 18, 12

Incidentally, the opening sentence of the passage included the phrase 'sent out many invitations' which can be found in Luke 14, 17 in the New English Bible.
David Newman

Apologies for a mistake in the anagrams in the December edition. "Glory! I'm grinding Hendon." is actually an anagram of "Ding! Dong! Merrily on 'igh" - the Cockney version of the carol!

Apologies to Trevor Shears for the non-appearance in his piece 'In the February garden' of his cartoon of himself (?) puzzling over a parcel marked DIY Greenhouse. I have recently replaced my old slow computer with a new one, delightfully fast, but not compatible with my old scanner. For the same reason, the more sharp-eyed amongst you will notice some subtle changes in things like typefaces.

Please let me have any contributions for the March Voice - if possible by e-mail to stbartsvoice@hotmail.co.uk - by 12 noon on Wednesday, 15th February.