March 2016

A Lutheran depiction of the Last Supper by Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472 –

1553) who was a German Renaissance painter and printmaker in woodcut and

engraving. He was court painter to the Electors of Saxony for most of his career,

and is known for his portraits, both of German princes and those of the leaders of

the Protestant Reformation, whose cause he embraced with enthusiasm,

becoming a close friend of Martin Luther. He also painted religious subjects,

first in the Catholic tradition, and later trying to find new ways of conveying

Lutheran religious concerns in art. 60p

2

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)

3

The Kingdom of Aslan Last month Shipham

Players put on a production of The Lion,

X the Witch and the Wardrobe. (You can read the

proper review on page 15, which rightly praises the wonderful show they put on!).

The story was the first of C S Lewis’ tales of Narnia. It’s all about the four Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, after they had been evacuated from London during the wartime Blitz to the large, old country house of a professor in Dorset.

As the children explore their new home, Lucy manages to stumble her way into a wardrobe, which initially looks as though it simply contains some old fur coats, only to find that it doubles as a magic doorway to a forest in the land called Narnia. She returns and tries to tell the others what she has seen, but they do not believe her story about another world inside the wardrobe. It’s not surprising; when they inspect it, there is nothing unusual about the solid back panel.

During a game of hide-and-seek, Lucy again passes through the wardrobe into Narnia. This time her brother Edmund follows her. When Lucy and Edmund return from their adventures, Edmund denies to the others that he has been anywhere. So Peter and Susan are puzzled by Lucy's insistence, and consult the Professor, who surprises them by taking Lucy's side and is the first to believe that Lucy did indeed visit a land called Narnia. He tries to convince the others that she didn't make it up.

There is more than a hint that he knows more of this kingdom than he lets on. Before long, all four children hide in the wardrobe to avoid the professor's dour housekeeper, Mrs. Macready, and find that it is true. So a new world opens before them, outside the normal boundaries of time and space.

In the Shipham Players’ production in the Village Hall, on a very soggy Saturday

afternoon, when the curtains drew back from the wardrobe to reveal the magical kingdom beyond, there was a gasp of delight from the audience.

But still some just cannot see—and it remains just a wardrobe. There is a growing number of people in our society for whom any talk of a spiritual dimension of life is nonsense and the wardrobe you see before you is the only reality. Undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing the Christian faith today is how to communicate that faith in a way that makes sense to a modern ear.

When The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was first published in 1949, the initial critical response was less than enthusiastic. I understand that at that time it was fashionable for children's stories to be realistic. Fantasy and fairy tales were seen as appropriate only for very young readers and potentially damaging to older children, harming their ability to relate to everyday life.

By 2012, though, a survey showed that this was the second most common book that adults had read as children, after Alice’s

Adventures in Wonderland. So much for not wanting fantasies of other worlds – not to mention The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Harry Potter! I don’t want to spoil the story for those of you who were not fortunate to go last month and haven’t yet read it, but this is

first of the chronicles of Narnia. It can be understood to reflect a world that needs saving from evil, and of the supreme sacrifice made by the one who is the rightful King of Narnia.

It makes interesting reading as this month we remember the events of the first Easter. C S Lewis wrote that "The Narnian books are not as much allegory as supposal. Suppose there were a Narnian world and it, like ours, needed redemption?”

Catch this — March 2016

On the spotOn the spot

4

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

5

MESSAGE FROM BISHOP RUTH

Bishop Peter reminded us last month of the hope we have in the God of promises as we look to uncertain futures. We can trust God to remain faithful and immoveable whatever our circumstances. Easter has always been a moveable feast although the Archbishop is now

taking soundings from other church leaders to see whether we can ‘fix a date’ for Easter. I wonder how easy that will be!

We are now part way through Lent and the first Sunday of this March is Mothering Sunday which is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This was traditionally the day when people would gather to worship, to ‘rejoice’ (‘laetare’), at their ‘mother’ church, a large local church or often the Cathedral. As this practice developed so those in service would have the opportunity for a short holiday, to return to their homes, to their mothers, often bringing small presents or gifts. It was a welcome moment of festivity in the season of abstinence and austerity. A sign of things to come…

However for some of us, Mothering Sunday can be the most painful day of the year as we remember the loss of a loving parent, whether known or not; or the bereavement of never having been able to be a parent oneself; or the death of a child we have loved and longed for. It can mean that some find it too difficult to be in church that week. Perhaps as we approach Good Friday it gives us a small insight of what it might mean to have been Mary watching her Son die on that cross.

So how about a different take on Mothering Sunday this year? We might focus on remembering those who have ‘given birth’ to us by inspiring our faith or where we ourselves have played a part in someone else’s discovery of Jesus as a friend and Saviour. Who might you remember, give thanks for and pray for?

+ Ruth Taunton

EVEN MORE AXBRIDGE TALENT!

Kevin Walke writes: Last month I wrote about the upcoming Earth Hour concert (19 March at 7.30pm) and how this year we will also be enjoying the young talents of the “Earthlings Music Group”.

Axbridge offers so much talent and these four young voices from the Benefice Choir are bringing their individual and combined gifts and musical flair to entertain us for the first half of the concert.

They have been practising hard and I am positive that the addition of these budding talents to our regular annual concert will be appreciated by everyone.

We had a record attendance at last year’s concert so book early and don’t miss out on what I can promise will be a great evening of wonderful musical entertainment

For tickets and further information please go to:

http://www.kevinwalkemusic.com/supporting-earth-hour.html

The above website accepts PayPal payments for tickets but you can also call me on 07821 186702 or email me at axbridge.earth.hour@hotmail.co.uk

We look forward to greeting you on the 19 March and having you share your Earth Hour with us in the candlelit serenity of a most beautiful building.

Catch this — March 2016

6

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

7

EASTER FLOWERS AT ST LEONARDS

Jill Lewis writes: It has been a custom for many years for remembering loved ones by donating money towards the Easter Flowers so if you would like to contribute please contact Jill Lewis or one of the church wardens. A list of people to be remembered will be placed on the church door. The contributions are much appreciated by the flower arrangers as we wish to fill the church with love and sunshine on Easter Day!

Contact details are:

Email: vegi.patch@tiscali.co.uk Phone: 01934 842289

Other contact information for Shipham can be found on page 2.

SHIPHAM GARDENING CLUB

Sally Herring writes: The meeting next month will be on 17 March at 7.30pm in the Thiery Room, Shipham Village Hall. The subject is "Fuschias: cuttings and over-wintering". Visitors are welcome at a cost of £2 each and refreshments will be served.

Just a reminder: Open Gardens weekend 2nd/3rd July; if you would like to open your garden, please contact Ruth Ardron 01934 842550.

BLACKBERRY CARNIVAL

Wendy Mace writes: The Blackberry Carnival Committee plan to restore this traditional event to its former glory. In the last few years the number of entries has been disappointing so we are calling on all local businesses and societies to support us with entries on this year.

The theme is Time Travel, Past Present and Future, which, we hope, will give scope to everyone’s imagination and initiative. Entries can be walking or floats with all the usual categories, and if you have problems finding vehicles for your entry, we are here to help.

The date of this year’s carnival is Saturday 24 September, but we are launching it with a public meeting in back room of The Lamb at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 27 March. Anyone interested in finding out more, is welcome to attend. We are particularly keen for each society or business to send a representative to give ideas, discuss any concerns, and perhaps even ‘sign up’ on the night. See You There!

If you have any questions or need further information please email Wendy on:

wendy.mace44@gmail.com

Catch this — March 2016

8

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)

9

CHEDDAR FOODBANK UPDATE

Dave Rogers writes: In the last six

months Shipham School and Church have

donated 117kg of food. Since 1 April 2015,

58 vouchers have been issued to customers

in Cheddar and Shipham providing food for a

total of 92 adults and 57 children. As you

can see there is a real need for the Food

Bank in the local area and it is anticipated

there will be a similar if not slightly increased

demand in the coming year.

For those who wish to donate, there is a

list of suggested items for donation next to

the boxes in the Church porch, School

reception area and village web site.

However at the moment there is a shortage

of sugar (granulated is fine) also tinned

vegetables, tinned potatoes, cereal for

children, deodorant, washing powder and

washing up liquid. Cartons of fruit juice/long

life milk would also be very welcome as

would treats for children.

Many thanks for your continued

support.

SHIPHAM ROWBERROW AND STAR

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE

On Thursday 10 March Mrs

Hazel Atherton will be giving us

a talk about her experiences as

a “Film Extra”. We will meet as

usual in the George Thiery

Room at Shipham Village Hall

at 2.30pm. There will be tea and cakes and

the 50p raffle. Looking forward to seeing

you there.

For further information please contact

Ian on 01934 842450.

EASTER PEACE

It does not mean to be in a place where

there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It

means to be in the midst of those things and

still be calm in your heart. (Author unknown)

Catch this — March 2016

FUN FOR THE

WHOLE FAMILY

ALL ages invited

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

biscuits) are available from Alison Walke:

01934 732256

alison.walke@hotmail.co.uk

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

AXBRIDGE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

The Axbridge Branch of the Royal British

Legion now meets on the first Tuesday of every

month at 11am in The Lamb Inn, Axbridge.

February's meeting began with a most

interesting and humorous talk by Cyril Routley

the subject being “Gadgets of yesteryear”.

The next meeting will be 1 March at 11am

and will begin with a talk by Roger Francis

entitled “Deep Sea: A 25-Year Apprenticeship”.

Visitors and new members are always

welcome so do come along and join in.

If you have any questions or require

further information please contact either the

branch secretary Brian Winder (01278 785696)

or the branch chairman Dennis Bratt (01934

732352.

10

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

11

REFUGEE ACTION

David Parkin writes: Shipham has become the focus for some inspiring efforts across the benefice to respond to the ever-growing number of refugees in Europe, and beyond. Political responses to this crisis keep going off in different, sometimes conflicting directions. Meanwhile the daily practicalities of life for thousands of adults, and especially children, become more and more difficult.

An initial meeting before Christmas led to an impressive pile of donated clothing. We soon found that the best onward route for it was through RAFT - Refugee Aid from Taunton - a team of people who have got hold of a disused warehouse and a load of expertise about what is actually needed, where it's needed, and the best ways of getting it there. Destinations so far include Calais, Dunkirk, Greece, Turkey, and even links into agencies coping with the shifting dangers of getting aid actually into Syria. Volunteers to help sort and dispatch donations are always needed. Here's their website, and a list of the major needs. http://www.refugeeaidfromtaunton.org.uk

The second February meeting in Shipham rounded up many more carloads to take to Taunton. But as well as donations in kind, money is needed to buy desperately needed medicines and pay for transport. A fund-raising event is planned for 14 May. If you can help to organise the event, or want to make further donations please contact Wendy Cox on 01934 844166 or email wendywoodcutter@btinternet.com

Meanwhile, it would be good to build up an Axbridge team to keep supporting the work in Shipham. If you feel able to help in any way (leafletting, receiving Axbridge donations, taking stuff to RAFT and so on)please give David Parkin a call on 07974 969557 or email davidhparkin@gmail.com.

DIOCESAN MOTHERS’ UNION

Saturday 13 February was a special day of celebration for the Diocesan Mothers’ Union in Bath Abbey. The Diocesan President, Archdeaconry leaders, a new chaplain and Diocesan Trustees were all commissioned by Bishop Peter.

Our own Branch and Axbridge Deanery Leader Janet Angle became a General Diocesan Trustee but with special responsibility for the Contact Centres in the Diocese.

The Contact Centres give parents, where there are difficulties of access, the opportunity to meet with their children in a secure and congenial environment. The Mothers’ Union is one of the leading world wide organisations supporting and encouraging family life, it has over four million members in 80 countries. The Diocese of Bath and Wells is linked with three areas in South Africa and Vellor in India. The Benefice group meets monthly in Axbridge.

Throughout 2016 there are some interesting sessions planned, looking at a variety of social issues relevant to family life. For further information contact Janet on 01934 733695

Catch this — March 2016

12

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

13

QUIZ NIGHT RAISES £600

A number of records were broken at the annual Axbridge Quiz Night held on 7 February. Firstly there were 12 teams taking part (more than ever before) and an amazing £600 was raised for church funds which was almost 15% more than last year’s record amount.

Rumours that the pressure was too much for the defending 2014 and 2015 champions who decided to leave the country for four months are mere mischief spread by a pernicious editor, but they have vowed to return next year and win back the trophy.

This year’s winning team (“Team NPRR”) was the last record-breaker of the evening as it consisted of just three members: Alex Denman, Antony Jones and Mandy Coombs. Team NPRR won by just one point from

“Strangers in the Night” who were followed in third place, only two points further back, by “Roxy Rebels”.

Alison Walke would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported the evening, despite the dreadful weather, and especially the following support team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes both leading up to as well as on the day itself, and without whom the event could not have taken place:

Yvonne Brown, Ruth Day, Sue Day, Liz Foster, Loraine Goddard, Margaret Hind, Teri Taylor and Maddy and Ella Samways. You were all fabulous!

AXBRIDGE MOTHERS' UNION

The Wave of Prayer Service held at the beginning of February was well supported and with every one taking part, the theme

being Walking Together. February's meeting on Ash Wednesday

began with notices and the usual time of worship followed by the AGM. The Leader's report reminded everyone what a busy and interesting year it had been and the Treasurer's report was reassuring and

pleasing to know how much the branch had contributed to the many causes M.U. Supports. Once the business was over we had a most interesting talk on the work of Gemini Services and their work in supporting the victims of domestic abuse - men, women and children.

The next meeting is 9 March at 2.30pm in the Church Rooms when the speaker will be Pam Cavallini from the Diocese Action and Outreach Unit. Do come along and hear what she has to say. You do not need to be a member and you will always be welcome, male or female.

BACKYARD MUSICAL MAYHEM

Saturday 19 March

Yes folks, it’s time once more to dust off your dancing shoes and Shimmy down to Shipham Village Hall, as Backyard take to the stage for another night of musical mayhem. Five decades of Soul, Funk, Pop, Disco, Motown and Rock on the menu, promising a feast of exciting live music, served up by some of the South’s tastiest musicians. There will be some very special guests and our in house Magician will be circulating with his deck of cards and spell binding appeal.

Fine music, good company, a little magic and a bar.......

(please note – dancing not compulsory but may be unavoidable)

So don’t dilly dally Get your tickets from Nick and Sally Or Jo if you can’t go To Hansford’s

Tickets are £10 each and doors open at 8pm. Contributions from the event will be made to St Peter’s Hospice.

For further information please contact: 01934 842306 / 07816 953456

AXBRIDGE COMMUNITY THEATRE

The next Axbridge Community Theatre production will be Arthur Miller’s "All My Sons" directed by John Bailey. Performance dates for this excellent Town Hall-based

theatre group are 20-23 April. Tickets will be available from 14 March

from Axbridge Chemists and Axbridge Post Office, or online at:

www.axbridgecommunitytheatre.org.uk

or follow them on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Axbridge-Community-Theatre-484460588292249/

Catch this — March 2016

14

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: mail@cvgower.co.uk

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: churchoffice@uwclub.net

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 vastly improved chance of inclusion in the magazine if submitted early.

Copy to: catch.this.magazine@outlook.com

Adverts to: Kevin Walke 01934 732256

catch.this.advertising@hotmail.co.uk

Editor: Kevin Walke 01934 732256

catch.this.magazine@outlook.com

Correspondents:

Shipham Julia Bradshaw 844954

Rowberrow Vacancy

Axbridge Paul Passey 733373

15

SHIPHAM PLAYERS REVIEW

Shipham Players would like to thank everyone who helped to make our latest production of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe such a success. We played to full houses each night and value the continued support we have from our audiences, all of whom loved the show.

The following review is based on feedback we received from an audience member from another drama group.

“A magical evening! A good way to judge the success of a performance is to listen to the audience when they leave, and I heard nothing but praise from them. A huge amount of work had gone into the costumes, make-up, lighting, effects, sound and scenery. All these areas stood out for me, the highlights being encompassed in our visit to Narnia when we saw the white-topped mountains, the fir trees, the lamp post and the snow gently falling - all lit with a cold and wintery light.

It was a joy to see so many young people on the stage and the four leading

characters, Peter, Susan, Lucy and Edmund, coped well with their transition from school children to rulers of a strange country, and then their return to normality as they came back through the wardrobe. Mr Tumnus and Mr & Mrs Beaver made talking animals believable and created their own distinct characters. Aslan had commanding stage presence and the White Witch gave a nicely judged performance, building up to her raging fury prior to the battle scene. There was a round of applause for this scene carried out in slow motion with subdued, red-tinged lighting.”

A special mention of the scene changes: having them carried out by the quietly efficient stagehands in full view of the audience meant the pace of the production didn’t waver. From the menacing wolves, slightly comical leopards, and the smallest woodland creatures to the invisible but frightening giant Rumblebuffin, the whole cast and backstage crew contributed to the success of the evening. Congratulations to Jane Dawes who directed and Daniel Jeffery who produced.

Catch this — March 2016

AXBRIDGE ACTIVE LIVING

We meet every two weeks usually in the Town Hall at 2pm. If you are over 50 do come along and join us for tea, cakes and a speaker, and all for just £2.50.

The programme for the next two months is as follows:

9 March: Lunch at the Lamb 23 March: NO meeting (it's Easter) 6 April: A talk on the history of the

Hunting Lodge by John Page 30 April A visit to the Roxy Cinema For more information please ring Vicky

Brice 07884 264033

SHIPHAM ROWBERROW & STAR W.I

Our next meeting is on Monday 14 March in the George Thiery room at Shipham Village Hall. Our meeting starts at 7.30p.m. John Dando

will give a talk and show slides about Carnivals.

Refreshments are provided, 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.

16

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: info@lavenderandco.co.uk

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

ST LEONARD’S

CHURCH,

SHIPHAM

MOTHERING SUNDAY

6 March at 10am

A service for all the family

when posies will be given out.

A Collection will be taken for Chapter One which helps abused families.

Everyone very welcome.

Candlelit concert

19 March at 7.30pm

07821 186702

17

SHIPHAM ACTIVE LIVING

February has been interesting with rain, hail, almost snow and freezing 2 to 10 degrees. Hats and gloves and then no hats and gloves! I hope no one caught the bugs that

were circulating and that you all received a Valentine card or flowers!

As always you will receive a warm welcome at our 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 11am and there is no charge. A freshly cooked lunch is served at noon to those who have pre- booked. (Limited numbers so please book early).

Programme for March Friday 4 March

Once more, we welcome Don Hurrell with a seasonal bird talk, which we enjoy so much. No doubt Don will have pictures and a bit of fun too!

Lunch: Faggots with potatoes and vegetables

Dessert: Lemon Cheesecake Friday 18 March

Pre-Easter activity today as Myra has kindly offered to help us make a special Easter card for either a Friend or Family member.

Lunch: Sausages and Mash with seasonal vegetables

Dessert: Sultana Sponge with custard Contacts Gloria (lunch booking) 842360 Ray 843562 Liz 843038

SHIPHAM COMMUNITY CINEMA

We are showing films on the first two Fridays in March, the 4th and 11th, so that’s easy to remember!

Our main feature is on 11 March, “Slow West” (cert.15) and it’s a must if you’re a fan of the Western genre. Michael Fassbender (terrific as usual) plays the tough and seasoned killer who agrees to escort the innocent and callow Kodi Smit-McPhee across the wild lands of 19th century Colorado on his quest to find his lost love, Rose Ross.

Packed with droll humour and cynicism, but ultimately a blackly comic love story, this is the first feature film of director/musician John McLean. It was actually shot in New Zealand, by the way, as is our other March film.

Our Friday Extra on 4 March is “What We Do In The Shadows” (cert.12), and it’s a truly great rollicking Vampire comedy, 5 star rated by most reviewers. The four main characters, ranging in age from 183 to 8000 years, are flatmates in the modern world. Their struggles with technology, fashion, housework, etc. provide a continuous flow of top-quality gags: one critic confessed to giggling throughout. I wouldn’t normally go to see a Vampire movie, but this one is irresistible – do come and see if you agree.

Our Friday films start at 7.45pm, with doors open at 7.15pm, giving time for a drink and catch up with friends. Members and under 18s pay £2 admission, and it’s £4 for guests.

All details and trailers are on our website http://cinema.shiphamhall.co.uk – and you can find us on Twitter and Facebook.

ROXY FUNDRAISING

A “Northern Soul” event will take place on Saturday 12 March in Axbridge Town Hall. This is a fundraising dance for the Roxy Cinema. For further information or to book tickets please call 07725 051523.

To find out more about our local cinema please visit the Roxy website:

http://www.axbridgeroxy.org.uk/

Catch this — March 2016

Candlelit concert

19 March at 7.30pm

07821 186702

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: obriensusan11@gmail.com

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

Craft Fair/table top sale the first Saturday of every month

For further information contact Rebecca Thomas on: 07500 937691

or email: axbridgetownhall@gmail.com

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

DIOCESE OF BATH AND WELLS

Somerset originally came under the authority of the Bishop of Sherborne, but Wells became the seat of its own Bishop of Wells from 909. King William Rufus granted Bath to a royal physician, John of Tours, Bishop of Wells and Abbot of Bath, who was permitted to move his episcopal seat for Somerset from Wells to Bath in 1090, thereby becoming the first Bishop of Bath. He planned and began a much larger church as his cathedral, to which was attached a priory, with the bishop's palace beside it.

In 1197 Bishop Savaric FitzGeldewin officially moved his seat to Glastonbury Abbey with the approval of Pope Celestine III. However, the monks there would not accept their new Bishop of Glastonbury and the title of Bishop of Bath and Glastonbury was used until the Glastonbury claim was abandoned in 1219. His successor, Jocelin of Wells, then returned to Bath, again under the title, Bishop of Bath. The official episcopal title became Bishop of Bath and Wells under a Papal ruling of 3 January 1245.

By the 15th century Bath Abbey was badly dilapidated. Oliver King, Bishop of Bath and Wells, decided in 1500 to rebuild it on a smaller scale. The new abbey-church was completed just a few years before Bath Priory was dissolved in 1539. Then Henry VIII considered this new church redundant, and it was offered to the people of Bath to form their parish church; but they did not buy it, and it was stripped of its glass and lead. The last bishop in communion with Rome was deprived in 1559 but the succession of bishops has continued to the present day.

AXBRIDGE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

On 16 March in Cross Memorial Hall (BS26 2EL) at 7.30pm we have a talk entitled “The Draining of Allerton Moor: the Power of Maps” given by Fiona Torrens-Spence.

Detailed maps of the Manor of Chapel Allerton (1785) and of Weare Parish (1815) give us fascinating insights into the impact of the drainage of the Somerset “wastes” on rural communities.

This talk will focus on the forces driving wide-scale drainage of Somerset moors in the late eighteenth century and on how this was carried out on Allerton Moor. It will also examine the short and longer term changes the draining of the moors bought to the rural communities on the edge of Allerton Moor.

Catch this — March 2016

A woodcut illustration of Investiture, or the

ceremonial granting of the symbols of an

ecclesiastical office, by a king. From Mediaeval

and Modern History by Philip Van Ness Myers,

"The Way of Meditation:

Roots in the Desert”

Led by Liz Watson

Saturday 16 April 10am – 4pm St Mary’s Parish Hall, Glastonbury

The day will include an introduction to

Christian meditation and an exploration of the

teachings of the desert fathers, their

motivation and asceticism and how their lives

and teachings speak to us today. There will be

periods of meditation as well as time for

discussion and reflection.

Liz has been a member of the World

Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM)

for over 20 years and has served the

community in a variety of capacities including

UK national coordinator and director of the

school of meditation. She now focuses on

teaching meditation, leading retreats, offering

spiritual direction and writing.

Everyone welcome! New and experienced

meditators from all faiths or none.

Cost: Suggested donation £10

Booking essential

Refreshments provided. Please bring a packed

lunch/plenty of local cafes

See http://tinyurl.com/somerset-cm-talk-pdf for

more details

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

SHIPHAM FIRST SCHOOL

My name is James Leader and although it has been many years since I last visited Shipham First School as a pupil, I find myself writing this article about my old school's activities.

As part of my silver Duke of Edinburgh's award I've volunteered to be a sort of roving reporter for the school; much to the amusement of my peers at the Kings of Wessex, I might add. So, now you know not to blame the school for any decline in readability you might notice over the coming months, let's get on to the real subject of the article.

Shipham School's Green Club have made a flying start to the new year: last month the club visited Ham Wall Nature Reserve and were rewarded with a mesmerising display as tens of millions of starlings settled into the marshy reed-beds for the night. The children were fixated as the individually unremarkable starlings swooped and swirled in huge groups with each group's beautiful convulsions perfectly and seamlessly co-ordinated as if each entire flock shares a single mind.

The starling visit hasn't been Green Club's only bird-related activity this term. The children have also made new bird feeders from oranges and

installed them in the forest school to encourage birds in preparation for the RSPB's Big Birdwatch. In the week starting the 25 March, the Green Club will dedicate an hour of their time to counting the number and recording the species of all the birds

that alighted in or flew over the school's playing field. The data they collected will be sent to the RSPB and analysed as part of their annual bird census.

In other non-bird related news, Blackrock class have begun learning the violin. Every single pupil in year 3 and 4 has started violin classes in an effort to embrace their musical side. As somebody who never had the tenacity to stick at a musical instrument myself, I wish them the best of luck!

SHIPHAM MINIBUS SERVICE

The Churchill & Sandford Minibus Society has extended its service to Shipham. There is a monthly service, on different days, to Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon and Wells. Membership of the Society is free, and there is a donation of £2 or £3 for the return journey, depending on the destination.

The dates, times and destinations for March are:

Second Monday (14th) 9.30am to Weston: Tesco and High Street;

Third Wednesday (16th) 2.00pm to Clevedon: Aldi/Lidl;

Fourth Wednesday (23rd) 9.30am to Wells: Market Place, Tesco, Waitrose.

The stay at each destination is two hours. Convenient pick-up points in Shipham arranged by mutual agreement. The organiser for journeys from Shipham is Gloria Tyson. Please contact her on 842360.

For future journeys please refer to www.shipham.org.uk

AXBRIDGE DISTRICT TREFOIL GUILD

February's Thinking Day Lunch was its usual enjoyable occasion. Before lunch two new members were enrolled and after lunch Ange

Brooks gave an illustrated, lively and interesting talk on her visit to Sangam in India. The afternoon closed with tea. Altogether a most enjoyable time.

The Guild's next meeting will be on 8 March at 2pm at Cheddar Chocolate Factory. There will be a chance to attempt the skills of making chocolates. Contact Eileen 741255 or Margaret 732080 to book a place as soon as possible.

Catch this — March 2016

22

FORWARD EVENTS

12 Mar Northern Soul, Roxy Cinema 19 Mar Earth Hour Concert by Candlelight 7.30pm at St John’s (see pages 5&7) 19 Mar Backyard at Shipham Hall (page 13) 3 Apr Rowberrow Church APCM (after the 6.30pm service) 9 Apr Axbridge Beetle Drive 6.30pm (p9) 17 Apr Axbridge APCM (after 10am service) 20-23 Apr ACT Spring Production “All My Sons” 23 Apr Axbridge Branch Bell Ringers Striking Competition; Shipham 2:30pm 23 Apr Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society Great British Classics, 7pm 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: 2pm 24 Sep Axbridge Carnival 1 Oct Shipham Progressive Supper 15 Oct St Leonard’s Quiz 23-26 Nov ACT Autumn Production

Further information is also available from:

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

www.axbridge-tc.gov.uk

THE REAL EASTER EGG

CHOCOLATE PRODUCTION for The Real Easter Egg has been moved from Europe to the UK: due to increased demand.

More than a million eggs have been sold in the past five years and in a recent public poll the product was voted the UK's favourite Fairtrade Easter Egg. Such a large volume of chocolate is now needed that production has moved from Europe to Barry Callebaut in Banbury.

Launched in 2010 following a trial involving churches in the Diocese of Oxford, The Real Easter Egg became the UK's first and only Fairtrade egg to include a copy of the Easter story. It is still the UK's only charity egg.

By Easter 2016 The Meaningful Chocolate Company (MCC), makers of the egg, expects to have given away more than £200,000 to charitable causes.

The Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, acting Bishop of Oxford, said: 'The Real Easter Egg began its public life in 2009 encouraged by individuals, churches and schools in Oxford Diocese. So it is fitting that sales are sufficient to warrant Fairtrade chocolate being moved to Banbury. I pray for all those involved, the workforce, the creative team behind the idea and those who will read the Easter story for the first time in 2016 and discover the Good News of hope and new life.'

Increased sales of the chocolate have also meant a bigger Fairtrade Premium is paid to farmers who grow the sugar and Cacao. Cash from the premium is used to invest in their communities, where everything from school books to solar panels have been purchased.

David Marshall, CEO of MCC, said: 'The move to Banbury means the Real Easter Egg is now a fully UK manufactured product. We have also taken the opportunity to improve our blend of chocolate so it is better than ever. Our customers include ethical retailer Traidcraft and hundreds of independent retailers.

‘We sell direct to thousands of customers, churches and schools and our eggs are also stocked at Tesco, Morrisons and Waitrose. Most significantly, lives have been transformed through the work of the global Fairtrade movement and the Fairtrade Premium – reversing the legacy of the slave trade.'

Chief Adam Tampuri, representing one of the cooperatives supplying the chocolate used by MCC, thanked Marshall for the company's support. 'The money paid to us through the Fairtrade Premium has meant such a difference to our community,' he said.

Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, acting Bishop of Oxford (left) with Kieran Shaw of Barry Callebaut, producers of Oxfordshire

Fairtrade chocolate and the 2016 Real Easter Egg.

23

NEW FAMILY HISTORY GROUP

A new group of people interested in researching their Family History has just been set up, and plans to meet once a month informally in Axbridge.

The idea is to help each other with advice, tips, and ideas, and anyone interested, whether they are just starting out or have been researching for years, can call Paul on 01934 733373 or email paul.passey@yahoo.com for more information and the date of the next meeting.

Any ladies interested may also like to know that ‘IW’ (Independent Women of Axbridge) are holding a talk on Family History in Axbridge Town Hall on Tuesday 22 March at 7.30pm. For more information contact Trisha on 01934 733658 or Jane on 01934 732990. Non-members welcome.

JUNIOR YOUNG MUSICIAN 2016

Thursday 4 July 2015 was the date when eight junior young musicians from four local primary school competed for the first Young Musician of the Year competition held by Wrington Vale Rotary Club.

This was a very successful evening with instruments being played ranging from the electric guitar, flute, piano, drums, violin, clarinet and a singer. The performance and standard from each of the participants was extremely high and the adjudicator, Mr Paul Harrison, was extremely complementary in his remarks to each of the children when giving his analysis of their individual presentations.

Following his summing up of the talent within local Primary Schools, especially for those who are able to participate in a further two annual competitions before moving to a junior school, he announced the three leading competitors.

The third place went to Kimi Powell from St Andrews Primary School who played drums, second place was awarded to Emily Kendrick who played the piano, also from St Andrews. The winner from Burrington Primary School was awarded to Poppy Hill who was the soloist.

This was a most enjoyable evening organised by the Wrington Vale Rotary Club and is the prelude to what will now be an annual Junior Young Musician of the Year competition.

Future events include the District Final of the Senior Musician of the Year to be held on the afternoon of Sunday 28 February at Kings of Wessex. Taking part in this final will be participants from both Churchill Academy and Kings of Wessex plus other competitors from schools within the Rotary catchment area.

ROTARY EVENTS

Future Wrington Vale speakers include John Suddell speaking on Bomb disposal on 23 March and David and Larraine Willmot speaking on the ups and downs of a pilot’s life on 30 March.

For further details please go to www.wringtonvalerotaryclub.org.uk

Catch this — March 2016

Cheddar Valley Voices

St John the Baptist Church, Axbridge

30 April 2016

6.30pm for a 7.00pm start

Friends of Axbridge Church invite you to an evening with Cheddar Valley Voices

Cheddar Valley Voices consists of singers aged from eight to eighty years old. The four groups which make up this community choir rehearse separately but are coming together for the evening to form a massed group of 80 to 90. Led by Kate Lynch, this will be their first “solo” concert and we're in for an eclectic musical treat: from African harmonies to pop songs, and Native American love songs to show stopping musical.

Don't miss the chance to see this vibrant local group in action! There will be a bar so come

and sit back and enjoy the evening.

Tickets £6 adults, £3 children

Available from : Priscilla Chard (01934 732834) Penny Cooke (01934 733304) Axbridge Chemist The top three from left to right: Poppy Hill,

Kimi Powell and Emily Kendrick

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

SUE’S SERMON

This was Sue’s talk at St. Michael’s Cheshire Home on Sunday 24 January.

Well, you missed a fine show and no mistake. But I knew you’d want to hear what happened so here I am to tell you. And it’s no use looking like that, Hephzibah: I was there and you wasn’t. If you don’t want to listen, you don’t have to stay here.

We’d all heard how wonderful he was, all the other synagogues singing his praises so when he turned up here, of course we were excited. We’d been waiting for this; we’re his home town after all. We can take some of the credit for him.

Well, they gave him Isaiah to read, and he went to the bit where the prophet says “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” See? I can remember every word the way he said it.

Nothing wrong there, you’d have thought. One of the best bits in Isaiah, after all. But he hadn’t finished. He rolls up the scroll, very deliberately, all eyes on him and our ears flapping – was he going to do something special? Was he ever?

He rolls it up, like I said, hands it to the attendant, and sat down; us all staring and not a sound in the place. Then he rests his hands on his knees and says “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

You could have heard a mouse fart. We were waiting for him to explain what he really meant was something like we all need to work harder to bring about, so it would happen sooner, something like that. But he didn’t. What he really meant was what he said. It’s come true. Now.

The scriptures had come true. God had anointed him – him! I ask you! He’s not a bad lad, but the Lord’s anointed? The cheek of it! And just when was it supposed to have happened? In the desert? Very likely I don’t think. And what had all those other people in Galilee made of it? There we were thinking everyone was jealous of us having Jesus as one of our own, when they were probably laughing themselves sick. Or horrified. Or something. I feel sorry for his family, especially his Mother.

Of course it isn’t true. And the worst bit is just for a moment – not even a moment, a few seconds – we thought it was. The joy of it … So waking up was really hard. It can’t be true, of course it can’t. Wrong place, wrong time, wrong people. Jesus of Nazareth? As if.

All the same – just for a moment – just for a moment it was wonderful. Wonderful!

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME?

The following was kindly sent in by John Hawkins:

PASTOR: "The Lord be with you!”

CONGREGATION: And with your spirit"

PASTOR: "Will everyone please turn on their tablet, PC, IPad, Smart Phone, and Kindle Bibles to 1 Corinthians, 13:13.

And please switch on your Bluetooth to download the sermon.."

P-a-u-s-e...... "Now, let us pray committing this week

into God's hands. Open your Apps, BBM, Twitter and Facebook, and chat with God"

S-i-l-e-n-c-e "As we take our Sunday tithes and

offerings, please have your credit and debit cards ready." "You can log on to the church Wi-Fi using the password 'Lord909887'.

The ushers will circulate mobile card swipe machines among the worshipers:

a. Those who prefer to make electronic fund transfers are directed to computers and laptops at the rear of the church.

b. Those who prefer to use IPads can open them.

c. Those who prefer telephone banking, take out your cell phones to transfer your contributions to the church account.

The holy atmosphere of St. Matthew's becomes truly electrified as ALL the smart phones, IPads, PCs and laptops beep and flicker!

Final Blessing and Closing Announcements.

la. This week's ministry cell meetings will be held on the various Facebook group pages where the usual group chatting takes place. Please log in and don't miss out.

1b. Thursday's Catechism Study will be held live on Skype at 1900 hrs GMT.

Please don't miss out. 1c. You can follow your Pastor on Twitter

this weekend for counselling and prayers. God bless and have a nice day.

And Jesus wept....

Catch this — March 2016

COFFEE MORNING

Saturday 5 March

There will be a Rotary Coffee

morning in Axbridge Town

Hall from 9am until noon on

the 5 March. Cakes, teas

and coffees will be available plus several stalls

selling items from books to jewellery.

26

SHIPHAM ROWBERROW & STAR HISTORY SOCIETY

Jill Smith writes: On probably one of the worst evenings to venture from home we saw a totally full house on 9 February to welcome Bill Hudson and listen to his talk on The Construction of Wells Cathedral.

Bill has been a Cathedral Guide for about 15 years, and is steeped in the whole history of this magnificent building. The current Cathedral is 800 years old, when the total number of inhabitants of Wells was about 900 souls, however there has been a Christian building on the site for some 1300 years. Bill explained the reasons behind building in Wells, by the Holy Springs of St Andrew.

To build a Cathedral you have to have a Patron – Reginal de Bohun was a high ranking bishop in the service of the Pope, a Patron sufficiently wealthy to start the building, the land to be built on was given to the Bishop of Sherborne by King Ina of Wessex, probably originally used as a pagan site. In early Christian days pagan sites were often used to build churches.

A Master Mason was often the architect of these great buildings, in current parlance they were equivalent to a big civil engineering concern, they had extensive practical experience having served as an apprentice for seven years, they would have progressed to a journeyman and finally with four Masons of good standing confirming their ability to undertake the work they would gain the contract. Adam Lock was the Master Mason at the beginning of the Wells Cathedral build.

Bill explained the hierarchy within the Stone Masons and the other trades who worked with them, including the unsung heroes (according to Bill) of the Carpenters who were absolutely vital to the entire project, as well as blacksmiths who kept the tools used on the site repaired and sharp, and of course the skilled, semi-skilled and labourers all worthy of their hire.

Stone was acquired from Doulting Quarry or from Chilcot Quarry the former being owned by the Abbot of Glastonbury the latter by the Bishop.

The cost of hauling the stone from the Quarries to the Cathedral site was expensive and hence the Quarry Stone Masons cut the stone to as near the exact size to save on haulage costs.

Bill has incredible knowledge of his subject and the technical details, which were so interesting, with many highlighted by slides and photos, that I have pages of notes relating to the build as well as the problems encountered and how they were

overcome; the buttresses internal to the roof, the way oyster shells were used as the shims, how the building was started at the East end, and as that section was finished services were held, whilst the work progressed. It was all incredibly fascinating and thus quite difficult to do justice to Bill’s talk on just one page of magazine. He also included amazingly details on such things as how the artisans lived and the hours they worked as well as their life expectancy – bearing in mind that it was all built by hand – no machinery and certainly no health and safety; also the Choristers gallery behind the West Face the original plan of 500 painted sculptures Knights, Holy men, Saints, and Kings. It was a really first class evening enjoyed by all of us and our very grateful thanks go out to Bill.

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 8 March at the usual time of 7.30 pm in the G.T. room when Roy Fisher will be telling us all about the Silk Road and the Spice Route. All members and visitors will be made very welcome.

And now I can give you some advance notice: on the 14 June our annual outing will be to the SS Great Britain. It would be advantageous if anyone who is interested could let me have their names as soon as possible, as I am sure it will be very well supported, and it’s a question of first come, first served. The new Museum will be up and running by then.

SAVE THE CHILDREN LUNCHES

Kate Baldock writes: The dates for the March and April Save the Children Friday lunches will be as follows: 11th and 25th March and 8th and 22nd April.

With the lengthening days and the Spring bulbs well and truly out it must almost be time to start thinking about Easter. This year's Good Friday lunch will be held on 25 March when you can look forward to homemade soups and Hot Cross Buns, at the usual time of 12.30pm, Shipham Village Hall (£3.50 per person). A lovely start to the Easter weekend!

We have always been very fortunate at the Friday Save the Children Lunches to have a loyal band of volunteers working together to ensure the smooth and continued running of the Lunch Bunch. However, numbers have dwindled lately, especially amongst those able to help out during the lunch on a Friday. If you would like to come along either as a regular or 'reserve' volunteer or would just like to find out more about what is involved, do contact me (Kate Baldock 842882); we would love to hear from you.

Catch this — March 2016

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 MARCH

Sunday 6 March: Mothering Sunday

8.00am SHIPHAM (Holy Communion)

10.00am AXBRIDGE (Parish Communion)

10.00am SHIPHAM (Family Service & K@CH)

4.00pm ROWBERROW (Evensong)

Sunday 13 March: Lent 5

8.00am AXBRIDGE (Holy Communion)

10.00am SHIPHAM (Parish Communion)

10.00am AXBRIDGE (Parish Communion & Baptism)

10.30am ROWBERROW (Matins)

Sunday 20 March: Palm Sunday

9.30am ROWBERROW (Palm Sunday Communion Part 1)

10.15am SHIPHAM (Palm Sunday Communion Part 2)

6.30pm AXBRIDGE (Fauré Requiem for Palm Sunday)

Holy Week Services

Monday 7.30pm Ecumenical Stations of the Cross (Cheddar RC)

Tuesday 8.00pm Scenes of Holy Week (Shipham)

Wednesday 8.00pm Tenebrae—Service of Shadows (Axbridge)

Maundy Thursday 8.00pm Celebration of the Last Supper & Vigil

(Axbridge)

Good Friday 9.00am Good Friday Walk begins at Shipham Church

11.30am Axbridge Square—Good Friday

2.00pm The Last Hour (Rowberrow)

Easter Eve 8.00pm Easter Vigil (Rowberrow)

Sunday 27 March: Easter Sunday

8.30am ROWBERROW (Easter Communion BCP)

10.00am AXBRIDGE (Easter Communion)

10.00am SHIPHAM (Easter Communion)

Midweek Communions in March

10.30am 2 March Rowberrow

10.00am 9 March Shipham

10.00am 16 March Axbridge

11.00am 23 March Axbridge Court

10.00am 30 March Axbridge

Please note that during the Winter, the Evening Services at

Rowberrow will start at 4.00pm