1. Art and Diseño

February 2015, Vol. 21 Issue 2
Congresbury Parish Magazine
Churches in Community
St Andrew's Church Contact points
Vicar
Rev. Matthew Thomson [email protected]
Curate
Currently vacant
Readers
Kay Friend
David Kemp
[email protected]
[email protected]
838185
853559
Churchwardens
Sue Hoskins
Ian Stocker
[email protected]
[email protected]
877143
833125
833126
07918
805673
Pastoral Care Team
Organist
Liz Chappell
835302
Administrator
Rosemary West
Youth Worker
Caz Carter
Children’s Worker
Mark Fuller
[email protected]
Church Office
Email:
Website:
[email protected]
standrewscongresbury.org
833126
Viewpoint
Marion Johnson
[email protected]
834106
[email protected]
833126
If you have comments on the St Andrew’s Church website and/or items for inclusion on it,
please contact Martin West, email: [email protected]
Front cover drawings by Michael Greaves
Congresbury Methodist Church Contact points
Minister
Rev. Julie Letts
[email protected]
Senior Steward
Ken Hill
[email protected]
Pastoral
Co-ordinator
Iris Belsten
Stewards
Iris Belsten
Kath Chaplin
Margaret Ivory
Cath Kemplay
Barry Sparks
Hall Letting
Steward
Edith Wilson
Magazine
Co-ordinator
Grace Isaac
833440
833693
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
833693
830128
834410
838687
834306
832456
[email protected]
833602
Viewpoint is produced by a team of volunteers from St. Andrew’s and Congresbury Methodist Churches.
Any articles for inclusion in Viewpoint can be sent to David Ashton-Hilton at 14 Weetwood Road (833592),
or sent by email to: [email protected] by the submission deadline of the 14th of the previous month.
Viewpoint (in colour!) is now available as a .pdf file, either by email or downloadable from our website. If you
would prefer to receive Viewpoint this way, please let us know. If you would like to contribute to the cost of
publishing Viewpoint, please send a cheque payable to ‘St. Andrew’s Congresbury PCC’ to the St Andrew’s
Church Office.
2
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
I can hardly believe that we’re already at the end of January as I write this., as the time just
seems to fly by. As John writes in his gardening article, the days are certainly lengthening
rapidly. Now if I can just get some more energy, we might end up NOT having the untidiest
front garden in our street!
Eight hundred acts of random kindness - what a way to
celebrate 800 years of our church building. I certainly
hope the idea grabs your imagination, for there are
more than enough opportunities to find out there, and
the world will be a better place for every single time we
perform some out-of-the-ordinary act of kindness,
whether it be big or small. Please read Matthew’s
article thoughtfully, then go see what you can do!
There’s more information on page 13. And I really like
the 800 logo - I hope you do too.
Tuesday LUNCHES
February 3 and 17
12.30pm
Congresbury Methodist Hall
Tel. Mary Krawczenko (832356)
or Kath Chaplin (830128) to book
TO COINCIDE WITH
CONGRESBURY OVER 60’S CLUB
May I also draw your attention to the fact that
IN THE WAR MEMORIAL HALL
Church@St Anne’s, which has been meeting up to now
which starts at 2.30pm
at St Anne’s School in Hewish on Sunday mornings in
term time, will be moving on Sunday the 1st February to
the new school - St Anne’s at West Wick. I attended (well - kind of gate-crashed) a meeting
there last week with Beth, and I was very impressed with the facility. So radically different
from the little rural school I went to as a child. If you fancy a change one Sunday morning,
why not give it a visit?
Love & blessings, David Ashton-Hilton
Save The Date
June 6th and 7th 2015
This year Love Congresbury will be a two day event. Each day until
2pm we’ll be performing Acts of Random Kindness around the village.
On Saturday 6th we’ll be holding a ‘Party in the Paddock’
Keep an eye out for further details.
www.facebook.com/LoveCongresbury
3
What Makes Us Human?
“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
(Part of the great “Song of Zechariah,” John the Baptist’s father at the birth of his son
– also known as “the Benedictus” – Luke 1:76-79).
I have listened with interest throughout this week to the short five, ten minute slots on Radio 4
all about “what is it that makes us ‘human?’” There have been philosophers, physicians,
humanists and theologians each with their own ‘take’ on something which, at one level can
seem quite abstract, and yet, at another, is one of the key reasons why governments go to war
and internally why people can become so angry and defensive, because their or our ‘humanity’ is
curtailed or disregarded.
And then, yesterday, it was Holocaust Memorial Day – the 70th anniversary of the liberation of
Auschwitz, and we saw these old men and women now speak with such passion and dignity in
the hope that the world, and particularly the young should never forget, and indeed, not just not
forget but reach for a better global understanding and appreciation of what humanity could be.
It was all very moving and inspiring, and it’s easy to say, “well I hope the world leaders, I hope
ISIS, I hope everyone else hears and takes heed of what these last three hundred have had to
say. Let us teach our children, lets us change our politics – it seems so trivial in comparison
anyway, let us change.... the world.”
And then I’m reminded of the words of a German Pastor, Pastor Martin Niemoller, himself an
outspoken critic of Hitler and Nazi and National Socialism. He was imprisoned in the same
concentration camps from 1938 -1945. His famous quote still rings true:
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a Socialist. Then
they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— because I was not a Jew. Then they came
for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
There are various versions of this quote with different groups attributed to it, but the underlying
point remains the same. Unless I speak out, unless I make the choice to change and live to the
ideals that I would so want everyone else to live by, then sadly, other holocausts, other
genocides, other atrocities, violence and bigotry will continue to occur because the polite
majority stay silent.
This, for me, was concisely put by one of the speakers yesterday, Roman Kent, himself a
holocaust survivor. Speaking to world leaders he said, “there should be an eleventh
4
commandment, ‘you should never be a bystander.’” In other words, do not stand by, may we all
do something. He also went on to say, “We survivors do not want our past to be our children’s
future.”
And yet, in the face even of such authentically true and powerful words, strangely, we can still
feel paralysed. Almost in a parody of the Monty Python film, “Life of Brian,” we ask, “what can
WE do? Such a task feels so big, so monumental. We feel so small, our actions so insignificant
in comparison. We are so busy. No time. So overwhelming.”
But we can ALL do something. It is a matter of WORK not just of sentiment, and it is a matter of
a way of SEEING not just of adding something else.
It may seem small in comparison but supporting the project
launched last month, “To do 800 Acts of Kindness in the 800 th
year of the present St Andrew’s Church” could act as an
inspiration. Great or small, outrageous or unassuming,
affecting many or affecting but one, PLEASE can you send in
your testimonies.
It could be that you just held the door open for someone today
and you haven’t done that for a while. It could be that you
shook the hand of a stranger, or saw a person’s humanity first,
foremost and last rather than race, creed, colour, disability or
sexual orientation. It could be that you let them see you, poor,
helpless being that you are. And maybe you let them bless
you.
DROP IN COFFEE MORNINGS
February 10 and 24
9.30a.m.-12 noon
For everyone 0 – 90!
Congresbury Methodist Hall
No charge; any donations
given go to charities
Relax, chat and enjoy!
Whatever your ACT is, please send in your stories. All will be collected and displayed
anonymously. Photos and names will be protected to comply with care of vulnerable adults and
minors.
So send your stories, anecdotes, photos in to our specially created email account just for this
purpose: [email protected] and we will acknowledge each story to let you
know we have included it. Alternatively, drop a hardcopy version in to the Church Office and we
will sort it from there. All being well we hope to be able to provide a Facebook Page in due
course. Let’s see how many Acts of Kindness we can achieve over the course of this year.
It may be a small step, but if it changes just how one person sees another then it will be enough
to try to stand in the tradition of the prophets of old, the protestors of yesterday and the
prophets who speak out today of a love that defines what it truly knows what it means to be
human. In the words of an American German Christian, Richard Rohr, “you know a ‘human’
being when you meet one.”
Matthew Thomson
N.B. An inspirational Youtube clip to get you thinking can be found by putting in: “Video that will
change your life. I have no words left” into the Youtube search engine. Alternatively go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT-HBl2TVtI
5
The Pet Studio
Sandford Station
Retirement Village
Dog Grooming & Boarding Kennels
The Grange, Smallway, Congresbury BS49 5AA
Choose from a range of properties to
buy or rent in this unique setting.
‘Providing you and your dog with the
highest professional care and attention’
Care and support services from
a dedicated team of staff
Professional dog grooming from fully qualified
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Licensed restaurant • Library
Spacious luxury boarding kennels
with 3 walks a day
Health spa • Indoor/outdoor bowls
Lots of social interaction and attention
Call 01934 824 296 for opening time to
receive a FREE information pack.
Doggy Day Care also available
Fully Licensed and Insured
www.sandford.stmonicatrust.org.uk
Tel: 01934 877 442
From st Andrew’s church registers
Congratulations to John Paul Bevan & Jennifer Elizabeth Miles, who were
married at St Andrew’s on 27th December.
We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Lucy May Irwin, who
died on the 2nd January. The funeral took place at St Andrews on 19th
January.
Also to the family and friends of Mary West, who died on the 22nd
November. The funeral took place at St Andrew’s on the 9th December.
Also to the family and friends of Samuel Charles Clark (Charles), who died
on the 2nd December. The funeral took place at St Andrew’s on 20th
January.
Also to the family and friends of Betty Mary Hopwood, who died on the 7th
January. The funeral took place at St Andrews on 23rd January.
Also to the family and friends of David John Woolley, who died on the 15th
December. The funeral is to take place at St Andrews on 6th February.
6
Village View - February
Promising signs of progress for our new village hall, as Fields in Trust have given permission for the
new building on the George V playing fields. . This opens the way for the scheme to be registered as a
charity, and, once this is approved by the Charity Commision, the £30,000 grant will be released.
Fund raising is continuing around the village, with Appeal meals and residents offering to provide soup
for walkers in return for a small donation. Residents are asked to donate old coins and notes
(including foreign), cameras., mobile phones, games consoles, etc., which can be left at NISA local
shop (Costcutters) in the Precinct, Morgans, and St. Andrew’s school. There will be a collection event
in the Tennis club pavilion, on Saturday, February 14, 10a.m.-1p.m. when the latest plans will be on
show and members of the Development Group to answer any questions.
Artist’s impression of proposed new village hall
Development seems to be the main topic of village conversation – apart from the weather! Strongvox
has now submitted a planning application for the 19 properties in Venus Street. Sunley Homes have
not yet sent in a planning application for the 53 proposed homes at the end of Cobthorn Way.
Barratts have produced a revised scheme for alleviating peak hour traffic congestion at the Cross
junction. They propose removing part of the memorial garden, in order to extend the link traffic lane
towards Weston. The current pedestrian crossing below the bus shelter would be moved and
incorporated with the other crossing, into three sections. Two islands would be formed in the centre
of the road, and the lights would be phased to allow crossing of one section at a time. There is strong
local objection to this scheme, as it is in a Conservation Area and the memorial garden is the only
landscaped area in the centre of the village.
Pedestrians, particularly those with children, buggies or handicapped, feel that the proposed
pedestrian crossings would be hazardous, as you could be isolated on an island in the middle of busy
roads with huge commercial vehicles turning. The application was deferred for further evaluation of
the scheme. North Somerset Housing officers recommended refusal of the plans for the development
of 80 properties on Brinsea Road on the grounds that it is unsustainable and out of keeping with that
area of the village.
Marion Johnson
7
KeithsKars
private hire
keith smith
DAVID J. BROWN
owner driver
Monumental Masons & Sculptors
† Memorials in Stone, Marble & Granite †
congresbury
bristol
† Additional Inscriptions †
Daytime 07802 468529
Evening 01934 862756
16 School Road, Wrington,
North Somerset, BS40 5PE
www.davidbrownstonemason.co.uk
07949 552063
01934 833229
Email: [email protected]
OLDFIELDS
FISH & CHIPS
Quality Traditional Fish & Chips
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Freshly prepared and cooked for you
6 The Precinct, Brinsea Road
Congresbury Tel: 01934 834 342
Telephone Orders Welcome
8
St Andrew’s church services for February
sundays
18th Feb - Ash Wednesday
1st Feb - Candlemas
8:00am - 1662 Holy Communion
10:30am - Holy Communion
9:10am - Holy Communion
7:00pm - Healing Communion
22nd Feb - 1st Sunday of Lent
4:00pm - Christingle
8th Feb - 2nd Sunday before Lent
8:00am - 1662 Holy Communion
10:30am - Morning Worship
8:00am - 1662 Holy Communion
10:30am - Holy Communion
6:30pm - Café Communion
6:30pm - Café Communion
15th Feb - Sunday next before Lent
8:00am - 1662 Holy Communion
10:30am - Family Communion
midweek
Monday, Tuesday, Friday
Morning Prayer 9:00am
First Wednesday of Month Holy Communion 10:00 am - Coffee served before
Healing Holy Communion 7:00pm - Healing Prayer afterwards
Other Wednesdays of
Month
Holy Communion 9:10 am - Coffee served afterwards
Healing Holy Communion 7:00pm - Healing Prayer afterwards
Congresbury Methodist Church Services for February
sundays
11:00
18:30
1st Feb - Ordinary 4
Emm
Lakin U
8th Feb - Ordinary 5
Young
Letts HC
15th Feb - Sunday before Lent
Hill/Isaac
Stewardship
22nd Feb - Lent 1
HC - Holy Communion; LA - Local Arrangement; U - United Service; STW - Sharing the Worship;
CA - Church Anniversary; F - Family Service; AS - All Saints
9
Congresbury Village Diary
A rolling 12 month Village Diary now operates.
Please submit all future events as soon as the date is
known and at least 2 months in advance to appear in
Viewpoint.
Date
Time
Event
Contact / Location
MON 02 19:00-21:00
Royal British Legion
War Memorial Hall
TUE 03
09:30-12:30
Footpaths Group
Riverside Car Park. A walk of approximately 4 miles from
Iwood. A steep start into the woods, across the top of
Wrington Hill and back through the fields. Meet at the
Riverside car park to share transport. Contact Sue on
01934 834992 for further information
12:30-14:00
Lunch Club - Tuesday
Methodist Hall. Everyone welcome. Anyone wishing to
come along should ring Mary on (01934)832356 or
Kathleen on (01934)830128
14:30-16:00
Over 60's Club
War Memorial Hall. Mike & His Music
WED 04 09:15-09:45
Bookstart Rhymetime
Congresbury Library. Free Bookstart Rhymetime for preschool children.
10:00-11:00
Area Officer Surgery,
North Somerset
Council
Congresbury Library. North Somerset Council Area
Officer Surgery
THU 05
19:30-21:00
Horticultural Society
Methodist Hall. The Care & Management Of Trees &
Shrubs with David Usher
FRI 06
10:00-11:00
Reading Group
Congresbury Library. Congresbury Library Reading
Group
SAT 07
12:30-14:30
Lunch - Timeline 800
Methodist Hall
MON 09 19:30-21:30
Parish Council - Full
Meeting
Old School Rooms. Full Parish Council meeting.
TUE 10
Coffee Morning
Methodist Hall. Aimed at the 0-90+ age group.
WED 11 10:00-11:30
Single Parent Group
Yeo Valley Children's Centre. Meet other people to share
experience, make friends and support each other.
Contact Shelley on 07568 184835 or email
[email protected]
THU 12
12:45-14:00
Senior Citizens Lunch
Club
Old School Rooms. Please arrive by 1:00pm
SAT 14
09:00-13:00
Book Sale
War Memorial Hall. A wide selection of good quality
books, jigsaw puzzles, dvd’s, cd’s and talking books.
09:30-12:00
10
February 2015
Diary can be viewed in full at www.congresbury.net
Call Mike Sweeting on 01934 838529 or email at
[email protected] with entries
Date
Time
Event
Contact / Location
SUN 15
10:00-16:00
Footpaths Group
Riverside Car Park. A 5 mile circular walk from Leigh-onMendip to Coleford. Not too strenuous, but a hill near the
finish. Bring a picnic, there is a pub for drinks at the end
of the walk. Meet at the Riverside car park to share
transport. Bluey will be available,cost £3.50 per person
return. Contact Sue on 01934 834992 for further
information.
MON 16 19:30-21:00
Allotment Association
AGM
St Andrew's Room, Old School Rooms
TUE 17
12:30-14:00
Lunch Club - Tuesday Methodist Hall. Everyone welcome. Anyone wishing to
come along should ring Mary on (01934)832356 or
Kathleen on (01934)830128
14:30-16:00
Over 60's Club
War Memorial Hall. Karaoke Songs - Tony Russell
Bookstart Rhymetime
Congresbury Library. Free Bookstart Rhymetime for preschool children.
10:30-11:30
Police Beat Surgery
Congresbury Library
10:00-12:00
Café Church
St Andrew's Church. Coffee, Doughnuts, Bookstall and
much more.
MON 23 19:30-21:00
Parish Council Planning Committee
Old School Rooms. Meeting of the Parish Council
Planning Committee.
TUE 24
09:30-12:00
Coffee Morning
Methodist Hall. Aimed at the 0-90+ age group.
10:00-12:00
Information & Advice
'drop in' - Age UK
Somerset
Yeo Vale Medical Practice, Yatton. For people over 60,
their family and carers with questions, queries, or need
for information or advice on any topic. For more details
ring 0845 643 4621 or email
[email protected]
WED 25 10:00-11:30
Single Parent Group
Yeo Valley Children's Centre. Congresbury. Meet other
people to share experience, make friends and support
each other. Contact Shelley on 07568 184835 or email
[email protected]
WED 18 09:15-09:45
SAT 21
Continued Overleaf....
11
Congresbury Village Diary - February 2015 Continued
Date
Time
Event
Contact / Location
WED 25 10:00-14:00
Information & Advice
'drop in' - Age UK
Somerset
Cadbury Garden & Leisure. For people over 60, their
family and carers with questions, queries, or need for
information or advice on any topic. For more details ring
0845 643 4621 or email [email protected]
THU 26
12:45-14:00
Senior Citizens Lunch Old School Rooms. Please arrive by 1:00pm
Club
FRI 27
10:30-12:00
Councillor Surgery,
North Somerset
Council
Congresbury Library. Councillor Surgery with Tom
Leimdorfer.
SAT 28
09:00-13:00
Book Sale
War Memorial Hall. A wide selection of good quality
books, jigsaw puzzles, dvd’s, cd’s and talking books.
800 Acts of Kindness
for the 800th Anniversary
of St Andrew’s Church
This is the 800th anniversary of the present Church building here in
Congresbury. As part of our celebration year we would love to hear from you if
you want to join in our challenge of doing 800 Acts of Kindness during the year.
Please send in stories, anecdotes, photos to our NEW email account just for this
purpose: [email protected]. Alternatively, drop in a hard copy
to our Church Office: St Andrew’s Church Office, Station Road, Congresbury
BS49 5DX. We also hope to get a Facebook page up and running as well.
We will protect anonymity of all stories, also take care over names and photos re
vulnerable adults and children.
So send your stories, none too great, none too small. Help us to rise to meet our
challenge.
Matt Thomson and the ‘800 anniversary team.’
12
PUZZLE PAGE
Across
8 Interrogated (Acts 12:19) (5-8)
9 ‘Burn it in a wood fire on the —
heap’ (Leviticus 4:12) (3)
10 Tobit, Judith, Baruch and the
books of Esdras and the Maccabees
are part of it (9)
11 Science fiction (abbrev.) (3-2)
13 Clay pit (anag.) (7)
16 Went to (John 4:46) (7)
19 ‘Therefore, I urge you, brothers,
in view of God’s mercy, to — your
bodies as living sacrifices’ (Romans
12:1) (5)
22 David’s plea to God concerning
those referred to in 14 Down: ‘On —
— let them escape’ (Psalm 56:7)
(2,7)
24 Royal Automobile Club (1,1,1)
25 How the book of Ezekiel refers to God more than 200 times (Ezekiel 2:4) (9,4)
Down
1 Seas (Proverbs 8:24) (6)
2 One of the sons of Eli the priest, killed in battle by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:11) (6)
3 Specialist in the study of the Muslim religion (8)
4 ‘Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but — him as if he were your father’ (1 Timothy
5:1) (6)
5 One of Esau’s grandsons (Genesis 36:11) (4)
6 Taking a chance (colloq.) (2,4)
7 God’s instructions to the Israelites concerning grain offerings: ‘ — salt to — your
offerings’ (Leviticus 2:13) (3,3)
12 Confederation of British Industry (1,1,1)
14 ‘All day long they twist my words; they are always — to harm me’ (Psalm 56:5) (8)
15 The crowd’s reaction to Jesus bringing back to life a widow’s son in Nain (Luke
7:16) (3)
16 Disappear (Psalm 104:35) (6)
17 How Jeremiah was likely to die if he wasn’t rescued from the cistern where he was
imprisoned (Jeremiah 38:9) (6)
18 What the prophets do to a wall, with whitewash (Ezekiel 13:10, RSV) (4,2)
20 Made by a plough (Job 39:10) (6)
21 Noah was relieved when the flood waters continued to — (Genesis 8:5) (6)
23 Jesus gave the Twelve the power and authority to do this to diseases (Luke 9:1) (4)
13
THIRD DEVELOPER TARGETS THE VILLAGE
Strongvox, a building company based in Taunton, has presented a proposal to build
19 properties on the south side of the village below Venus Street.
At a public participation event in the Memorial Hall, the plans showed a cul-de-sac,
approached from an existing farm driveway, with six affordable flats in a block 2.5
storeys high, one pair of semi-detached houses and the remainder detached. The
flats have been allocated one parking space each, with additional visitor parking,
and at least two parking spaces for the remainder of the properties.
The
development includes a small open space, and the developers intend to retain all
existing hedges. The access road has a pavement on one side.
Strongvox is a family owned company, who have already built a number of
developments in Somerset. They aim to give each home an element of individuality,
either in the external finish, the roofline, or the layout.
The Environment Agency classifies the site as the lowest flood zone. mj
St Andrew’s Church External Giving - February 2015
Immanuel Church Bethlehem
With over 200 members this active Palestinian-Christian church has a leading role
within the Palestinian Areas. For local believers in Jesus, life is often difficult and
even dangerous. The difficult economic situation creates severe additional
pressure.
Under the leadership of Pastor Nihad Salman and the team of elders, the church is
not deterred by the many hardships nor by the lack of support from the church in
general: “God has placed us believers here, to be a light to our people!“ Immanuel
Church is active in church-planting in the region. Right in the centre of Bethlehem
they run the only Christian Bookshop within the Palestinian Areas. With a large
selection of Arab bibles, books and CDs, the shop has become a point of attraction
in Bethlehem.
Palestinian Christians as well as Messianic Jews are minorities in their respective
societies and suffer increasingly from repressions. They are setting a much needed
example of hope and peace in this region.
14
15
This cartoon originally appeared in the Church Times and can be found in the
book Peculiar Goings On, available from good retailers.
Cartoon corner
ACROSS:
8, Cross-examined. 9, Ash. 10, Apocrypha. 11, Sci-fi. 13, Typical. 16, Visited.
19, Offer. 22, No account. 24, RAC. 25, Sovereign Lord.
DOWN:
1, Oceans. 2, Hophni. 3, Islamist. 4, Exhort. 5, Omar. 6, On spec. 7, Add all.
12, CBI. 14, Plotting. 15, Awe. 16, Vanish. 17, Starve. 18, Daub it. 20,
Furrow. 21, Recede. 23, Cure.
Crossword answers - see puzzle on page 13
GARDENING IN NOMIS PARK
Well into the New Year and the days are lengthening up fast and the weather better
that it might have been, so I have caught up on some digging.
Also I have pruned some apple and pear trees, as they will need to be done by the
end of February, if not done in November, as it was difficult last autumn when many
leaves were still on the trees.
Often at this time of year there is still rubbish lying around that needs gathering up.
Put it on the compost heap or in a bin – it does more good to the garden then
putting it in a green bag! I have topped up the five bins I have, and at the same time
poured in a bucket of rainwater to help it compost. Placing the bins where they
receive maximum winter sunshine, and keeping lids on, speeds up the process
considerably from the warmth generated.
I still have the odd rose in flower, and a few scabious. We have had a few frosts
that can only do good.
I have sown lettuce seed (mixed lettuce leaves) and in three weeks they are 2”
across and planted into trays. Also tomatoes, which are about 2” high.
It is now time to cut autumn raspberries (such as Autumn Bliss) down to ground
level and mulch with rotted manure or compost.
If growing broad beans in pots in the greenhouse to plant outside later, now is the
time to do it.
One thing often overlooked is scattering slug pellets at this time of year, which is
important, especially if outdoor chrysanthemums are left in the ground. If these are
nibbled continually during a few mild weeks, and then followed by a wet and cold
spring, many will die.
FEBRUARY JOBS
 Finish pruning apple trees
 Prune back black/red currants, gooseberries, blueberries late February or early
March (before new growth)
 Feed all ericaceous plants with iron sequestrine, especially those with yellowing
leaves
 Plant broad beans in 3” pots, prior to planting out in the garden in April
 Change the spent soil in the greenhouse, clean glass and disinfect
16
 Clean flowerpots and seed trays, etc.
 Sow herbs and peppers
 Sow more lettuce in the greenhouse
 Sow radishes into the soil of the greenhouse or in large pots
 Sow early carrots (Amsterdam Forcing) into the soil in the greenhouse
 Buy early/medium/late seed potatoes and put them in trays for chitting. They
need to be in the light and kept frost-free
 Late February/early March make a second pruning to roses, to a strong bud
 Plan where it is best to sow various seeds, keeping in mind that carrots and
parsnips should be grown in soil that was manured the previous season, to
avoid ‘forked’ roots
John Chaplin
NEVER TOO LATE!
Local preacher and parish councillor Ken Hill did not consider writing a book until
he was in his seventies, but now, at the age of 78, his published novel, Noah and
Satan’s Hammer, is in the bookshops and selling.
Aimed at the teenage market, but being avidly read by adults, the book is set in
modern times and tells the story of undergraduate Norman Oliver Alexander
Hastings.
Part adventure, with a crime twist, the story has a local connection, as the hero’s
girlfriend lives in Weston-s-Mare. Reaction from readers has been so positive,
with requests for a sequel, that Ken now has the next book on his computer,
ready for publication next Spring. mj
FULL HOUSE FOR THE FOOD!
Every seat was taken in the Methodist Hall last week as 70 villagers supported the
Mendip Friends group of the children’s hospice at their Soup and Puds lunch. The
morning raised £498. Some of the money raised goes towards supplying flowers for
the Wraxall Hospice and the money donated last week will pay for flowers for a
year. The next Soup and Puds lunch is on Thursday, March 19 at 12 noon (last orders 1.15.p.m) MJ
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CONGRESBURY WEEKLY EVENTS
Day
Time
Event
MON 6:30pm - not Bank Zumba
Holidays
Contact / Location
Memorial Hall. £5 on the door. Just turn up with
water and a sense of humour! Tel: 0117 963 4104
7 - 9pm Summer
7 - 8:30pm Winter
1st Congresbury Scout
Group
Congresbury Scout and Guide Hut, Mill Leg.
Adventurous activities and personal development.
8pm
Bingo
Congresbury War Memorial Hall
9:15 - 11:30am
Little Rascals Toddler
Group
Old School Rooms. Toddler group for children aged
0 to 4. Term time only. Contact Lucinda Daw on
01934 833731.
Pick up from 12
midday
Bluey Shopping Trip to
Weston-super-Mare
Home pick up by Congresbury Community Transport.
Phone Colin Edwards 01934 257247 for details
4:30 - 5:30pm
1st Congresbury
Rainbows
Congresbury Scout and Guide Hut, Mill Leg.
Camping, craft and other outdoor activities
5:30pm & 7:30pm
Congresbury Slimming
World
Methodist Hall. If you'd love to lose weight - without
ever feeling hungry - welcome Slimming World
7:30 - 9pm
2nd Congresbury
Guides
Congresbury Scout and Guide Hut, Mill Leg.
Camping, craft and other outdoor activities
7:50pm
Congresbury Singers
Old School Rooms. For more information call Liz
Sampson 01934 876104 or Paul Adams 01934
878740
Congresbury Slimming
World
Methodist Hall. If you'd love to lose weight - without
ever feeling hungry - welcome Slimming World
5:30 - 7pm
1st Congresbury
Brownies
Congresbury Scout and Guide Hut, Mill Leg.
Camping, craft and other outdoor activities
6:30 - 8pm
Congresbury Scout
Group - Cubs
Congresbury Scout and Guide Hut, Mill Leg.
Adventurous activities and personal development.
7 - 9:30pm
Congresbury Youth Club
Kent Road, Congresbury. Junior session - school
years 7 to 9
4 - 5pm
Congresbury Acro
gymnastics Club
St Andrew's Junior School Hall. Beginners group for
boys and girls aged 4.5 to 16 years. Contact 01934
876518
5:30 - 6:30pm
1st Congresbury
Beavers
Congresbury Scout and Guide Hut, Mill Leg. Making
friends, playing games, going on visits and helping
others
SAT
10am - 12 midday
Activity Club (Term time
only)
Youth Club (next to the Ball Court) Congresbury
Youth Partnership. £1 per session and tuck is
available. All children in Year 3 and above welcome.
SUN
8:30pm
Quiz
The Plough, Congresbury. In aid of local charities
and organisations
TUE
WED 9:30am
THU
FRI
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MARK THAT SPECIAL OCCASION...
Would you like to sponsor or contribute to the flowers in
church?
There is opportunity for people to make a donation towards the
Church flowers on a specific weekend - to commemorate a loved
one, or a special anniversary. Or you can help with, or take on
doing, the arrangements for a specific date. If you would like to
know more, please contact the Church Office (01934 833126)
The Church floodlights were sponsored on 17th December in memory of George Ridgewell
The Church floodlights were sponsored on 28th December in memory of Clifford Holder
Mark a special date or anniversary by ‘sponsoring’ the
Church Floodlights
There is an opportunity for people in the church or village to
‘sponsor’ the lighting up of St. Andrew’s Church in order to mark a
special date or anniversary - perhaps in memory of a loved one,
or as a celebration of a birthday, or whatever. Please contact the
Church Office (0134 833126) for details.
Café Church @
on Friday mornings
St CRIMINALS
Andrews WERE
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!
"Building community together"
Every Friday in Term Time
Saturdaywere
22ndbusy
November
Criminals
around
our 10.00am
area doing
their
- 12.00pm free
Christmas shopping.
in Congresbury Methodist Hall
The
police
have
reported
that
including
Village
Prayer
from 12.00
in December there were three
welcome three
thefts Everyone
from properties,
from
non-residential
premises,
Tea,
coffee,
hot chocolate,
squash
and Doughnuts
one from and
a vehicle.
cake In
addition, there was one assault
Bookone
and Puzzle
exchange of
and
investigation
criminal
damage
Activities
for. children
8.45 - 9.30am
Coffees, Teas, Coffee to Go
Juice and Biscuits for the little ones
Children’s Activity each week
at the back of Church
& time to stop and chat
“Take 5” operates by donation
rather than by fixed charges
Any profits will go towards
the “Log Cabin Fund”
Everyone very welcome!
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Harley Boarding Kennels & Cattery
TREE SERVICE
Your Pets – Our Priority
c/o Court Farm, Wrington, N.Somerset BS40 5LT
*Purpose built safe & warm boarding
for dogs and cats
Hardwood Logs
*Open all year round
£80 Truckfull - £150 Double Load
*Convenient countryside location with secure
exercise paddocks
FULLY INSURED - FREE ESTIMATES
Felling - Dangerous Trees - Tree Surgery
Hedges Trimmed - Conifer Reduction
*Pre-booking visits welcome
*Day care available from £8 per day
*Dog Grooming with professionally qualified staff
Visit www.harleykennels.com
01934 862229
07901 984311
Phone 01934 833442 for more information
Dolemoor Lane, Old Weston Road,
Congresbury, BS49 5ED
Anthony Chappell
Pianos
New and reconditioned instruments.
Piano stools, Pianos bought,
Violins, strings, music stands, etc.
The Smart Workshop
1 Station Road, Congresbury
Your local friendly Garage
North Somerset
Telephone 01934 835302
For all makes and models
– BUILDING ON TRUST –
Service, Cambelts, Exhaust, Tyres,
Clutch, Brakes, MOT’s also arranged
Plus much much more
You and your car could not be in better hands
For Your Complete Building,
Roofing & Maintenance Works
Halfway Garage, Bristol Road,
Congresbury, BS49 5BG
TEL/FAX: 01934 833011
The Birches, Mill Lane, Congresbury, BS49 5JD
Email: [email protected]
Est. 1956
Tel: Richard on 01934 833334
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