Parish News Holy Cross Group Of Churches
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The Parish News July 2020
Letter from Canon Sue
I’m writing this when I am very much hoping a booking I made at Holland House last year will be possible on July 27th. In my role, additional to that of being parish priest for the five churches of Fairfield, Blakedown, Churchill, Broome and Belbroughton, I am Worcester Diocesan Warden of Readers. This is a multi faceted and demanding unpaid role, supposedly one day a week, but inevitably it makes great demands upon my time. But the Study and Quiet Day I hope to be leading at Holland House focuses the mind on what are the priorities as we enter a new phase of dealing with Corvid 19. As Warden of Readers, one of my priorities for the 140+ active Readers/LLM’s of the Diocese is for their continuing ministerial development so they can be as effective as they can be. As a Parish priest that too is one of my aspirations, or something very like it, for those who are members of our churches. I would like to help everyone be the best possible disciple of Jesus they can be. That is what I try to pray for, why I have the Staff Meetings, what my aim is in preaching. But, as your Parish priest I have many other things I would like to do. I want these villages to be places where the Kingdom values of love, compassion, justice and freedom are evident. With that in mind I try to support village halls and schools, all of which, physically, have been difficult these last months. I do know that, inevitably, though it’s not my favourite, I have to do a fair bit of general organisation and administration. And in that I am, and you all are, blessed in the work of the Parish Office and both Chrissy and Christine and also Pauline Jones who produces service schedules far better than I can. And when we get back to the new normal safely, I want to appoint a Children and Family Worker for Fairfield and Belbroughton and get the Holy Cross Group Pilgrimage up and running. So you see, I haven’t been twiddling my thumbs during lockdown. I have tried to keep in touch with the vulnerable by telephone and am contributing to online worship, so well put together by Andrew Yardley. And I have been praying and reflecting on what are the priorities, given all the many responsibilities. One thing lockdown has taught me is that I do not want to go back to working the nearly 90 hours a week I was working pre lockdown so the priorities are the things to hang on to. The Archdeacon of Dudley too has been reflecting on her responsibilities during this time. Please read it all the way through. Don’t just focus your anxieties about the future on the one sentence: Dare we contemplate allowing our building to become perhaps a beautiful ruin? I don’t see that as the future for any of our village churches. I don’t want any of them to close. But I should so love them to be less burdensome to hard working churchwardens and PCC’s. And I do think we should be praying and thinking how we can all lessen the load. Read the article, listen to it on the following link if you can and try to work out how God wants his Kingdom values spread throughout our villages with the Church, the people, not just the building, at the very heart . https://viamedia.news/2020/06/09/we-cant-go-back-to-preserving-bricks- mortar/?fbclid=IwAR1uTzkzl6Tg8eIZxZmgewH_nQakBtU2F6nzmQsMvZUR1JLxecdjQgygxiM Prayers and Blessings, Canon Sue
1 The Parish News July 2020
We can’t go back to preserving Bricks & Mortar – the Ven Nikki Groarke
A small group of beleaguered disciples, tired, fearful and disappointed, uncertain about the future, meeting behind closed doors, wistfully reminiscing about the crowds who had at one time gathered with them. Now it’s just the faithful remnant. The Holy Spirit comes, and they are transformed, heading out into the public arena, living life fully as Christ’s followers, drawing others to join them by their love for each other and their neighbours, and their accessible, amateurish but heartfelt teaching and worship.
We have all reflected recently on a story something like this over Pentecost. However, what I am describing is not the early church, but rather what I have seen played out in many small congregations across my diocese in these last few months. In multi-parish rural benefices and urban teams, where previously ten to fifteen committed long term members met in multiple locations for worship, now a hundred or more gather online together, energised and engaged each week, making new friends and attracting others. It’s easier to join a crowd than a clique. For many years across the country, weary church wardens have with dogged determination, fought to keep regular Sunday services going in their church building, not wanting to betray their predecessors by allowing the church to die on their watch. Failure and local wrath have been constant threats. Then, overnight in March, the doors of every church building were closed, unilaterally. And they were not responsible. It was not their fault. A Kairos moment? Lockdown was dramatic and shocking for church communities. Emerging from it will be far more nuanced, and no less difficult. Already MPs and journalists are politicising the ‘draconian’ refusal to permit the use of church buildings for private prayer and funerals. Bishops across the country are tweeting (including my own)! Passions and anxieties are running high amidst uncertainties and swathes of guidelines for ‘whenever we can reopen’. Churches will soon be allowed to open again, and that is right. But please let’s not rush back to opening them all. Church buildings are different, have different purposes and callings, and can sometimes get in the way of God’s people truly being church. And we have too many of them. It’s very easy to say. “Open your church building from tomorrow” to gain some support from vocal campaigners. But what about the tiny rural church with no mains water, where handwashing isn’t possible? How do you clean an ancient building with nooks and crannies when you can’t slosh the bleach around? How do you safely open a huge cathedral with multiple entrances and many chapels, when staff are furloughed, closure of cafés and shops and no tourists has caused a financial crisis, and most volunteers are vulnerable or shielding? Practically there are many issues to be overcome. The challenges will be met of course. Clergy and church members will rise to the occasion creatively, just as they have adapted to the constraints of recent months with resilience and faith. 2 The Parish News July 2020
But what about the opportunities of this Kairos moment? Strategically is it right to go back to dispersed, fragmented and often insular worship in every place? Surely this is the time to courageously ask the questions few previously dared voice. Should this church be used for worship each Sunday in the future? Can we re- designate for occasional use – weddings, funerals, harvest and Christmas? Can we formally close, and recognise the building’s importance as a local heritage asset, treating it as such rather than trying to meet unrealistic expectations of it becoming a vibrant community hub when we all know in our hearts that this role is filled adequately by the village hall or pub? Dare we contemplate allowing our building to become perhaps a beautiful ruin? Place is important of course, and prayed in places are undoubtedly holy. It is important to have sacred space where we can gather, celebrate the sacraments, reflect amidst beauty. Buildings where key life events have been marked hold special significance and will always be places of pilgrimage. But not every church building is beautiful, many are not fit for purpose, they are often in the wrong places where settlements have moved. Some were built for dubious reasons – as follies or status symbols. One size does not fit all, and we need to grasp the freedom the current closure gives us to treat each case individually. If congregations and weary wardens can be released to be church, rather than being burdened with the responsibility of preserving bricks and mortar, maybe the new life we have seen emerge in lockdown might blossom and flourish – not forever online – heaven forbid! But in vibrant Christian communities meeting in the most appropriate church building in a grouping, or even in a school hall, focussing their energies and enthusiasm on serving their communities, fed by corporate worship with many others, sharing gifts and skills as they grow in discipleship together. My theological college principal often reflected that policy is usually at least ten years behind practice in the Church of England. Re-designating masses of church buildings can, if we are brave to seize the moment, be trialled instinctively as we begin to embrace the new normal. The legislation to make it formal will take Chancellors and Archdeacons and General Synod many years and tie us all in knots, but let’s not be deterred. We cannot go back to a uniform approach to church buildings draining the life from the church. Let’s invest in some, reinvent others, and dare to let some quietly stay closed for ever.
And who are these people? (This is an extract from a letter dated AD258 sent to Donatus by Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage.)
This seems a cheerless world, Donatus, when I view it from this fair garden under the shadow of these vines. But if I climbed some great mountain and looked out over wide lands, you know very well what I would see... Brigands on the high road, pirates on the seas…men murdered ...and under all roofs, misery and selfishness. It is really a bad world, Donatus, yet in the midst of it I have found a quiet and holy people. They have discovered a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of this sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are the Christians.
3 The Parish News July 2020
Cultivating thankfulness by Nikki Groarke, Archdeacon of Dudley
As I write this piece for you, at the very end of May, life is still full of uncertainty, and I have no idea what the situation in our country, or in our churches, will be like by the time you read my words. The year to date has been one of unprecedented change – much that we now regard as ‘normal’ would have been unimaginable this time last year. We have adapted our life styles, followed the guidelines, practised social distancing, closed our church buildings and endeavoured to stay alert to slow the spread of a global pandemic and save lives.
I wonder what you have most missed during these months of lockdown. And I wonder how long we will consciously treasure those things when we eventually have them back in our lives. Because we take so much for granted, until it’s suddenly not there, or not allowed. For me, it’s been all about people – my family and friends. Throughout April and May, there were many things we could only do with ‘members of our own household’. I, along with over eight million other people in the UK, live alone, so until late May I couldn’t do anything with anyone! Apart from my virtual encounters (which fill most days – the wonders of technology have enabled meetings to go on, so the world hasn’t ground to a complete halt). How I have missed being with my Mum and Dad, my wider family, sharing a meal and a hug. How I have craved a face-to-face chat with a friend. How I have longed to mingle with others over a coffee at then end of a church service, after having sung our hearts out in praise and shared communion and a sign of peace together.
Some of those joys are gradually being restored now. I can see my mum in the garden, but not hug her. I can run with a friend and chat to my heart’s content, but running a marathon with thousands of others is off limits. Church buildings are likely to be closed for gathered worship for some time yet. My spirits have been lifted wonderfully by these new freedoms, and I want to keep that sense of thankfulness and joy, never again taking such things for granted.
In his letter to a small church in Colosse, Saint Paul urges his readers to ‘be thankful’, to ‘sing with gratitude’. It’s easy to forget thankfulness when we take things for granted, the freedoms most of us have as able bodied people in a relatively affluent part of the world. When the freedom to leave our homes, walk the hills, get a haircut, worship together, hug our family gets wrenched from us, we are perhaps prompted to realise how little we appreciated all that was good. I hope to have an attitude of gratitude long after this crisis is over. I want to be thankful for all the things I have missed, not just for the first few weeks I have them back, but forever.
As we venture into whatever the new normal looks like, let’s cultivate thankfulness and grateful hearts, and never take our blessings for granted. 4 The Parish News July 2020
There is a weekly online Service video for ALL churches in the Holy Cross Group, the Services starting at 10 am each Sunday. People can join the Service by going to the "Services for this Sunday" page of the CBB website (see below). Some weeks will be led by Canon Sue, some weeks by members of the ALM.
The link to the "Online Service for This Sunday", is now: https://cbbchurches.weebly.com/online-service-for-this-sunday.html and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCToVq6Co2UxmbzgrvYbzfUg
Both these links can be found on the church website www.bfc-worcs.co.uk
We will also worship together with others from Hagley and Clent on Zoom. You are invited to “attend” Sunday Worship on Zoom – at 10.30 am every Sunday.
Join Zoom Meeting Please visit http://www.clent-worcs.co.uk/ for the link to this Or alternatively, contact Revd Richard Newton to be added to His email list for details nearer the time
Sermon Podcasts
Each week a sermon podcast is available to listen to and download from the Diocesan website. If you’d like a short reflection on the week’s readings, do have a listen.
5 The Parish News July 2020
Churches Reopening for Private Prayer – 7th June 2020
You will have seen that the government made known last night that churches will be allowed to open for private prayer from 15 June. I see this as good news which establishes an important principle in that, as the BBC put it, ‘the government was persuaded that if the public is ready to re-engage in retail therapy then people of faith ought to be allowed to enter places of worship.’
That having been said, it is vital to be clear that not all churches can or should open at present. There are many which cannot yet safely do so and no-one should feel bounced or pushed into this. Indeed, it is not straightforward to reopen the Cathedral even for limited access and the Chapter will be taking a very careful view about the date on which this will become possible.
The archdeacons have already pointed you towards guidance on risk assessments to determine whether not it is safe for particular churches to open for private prayer. In the next day or two they will be inviting churchwardens to briefings/consultations on Zoom together with Mark Carter to give input and advice and take questions. As bishops and archdeacons, we are here to support you in the decision you reach after careful consideration and consultation.
It is worth observing that the entry into lockdown was simple and straightforward but opening up is likely to continue to be more ragged and contentious. I hope that we shall be able to set a good example to society in remembering that not all things that are lawful are beneficial (cf 1 Corinthians 10.23).
Thanks you for your continuing ministry in these stressful times and God bless you in it.
+John
Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester
6 The Parish News July 2020
Bishops revise and produce further guidance
9th June 2020 The House of Bishops today discussed a range of issues around COVID-19 and approved further advice on funerals, the celebration of Holy Communion and ordinations. The guidance advises that funerals may be carried out in church buildings from June 15.
It has been issued in light of the easing of restrictions on individual private prayer in places of worship, the reduction in death rates linked to Covid-19 and the pastoral needs of those who have been bereaved. It is in line with guidance from Public Health England.
In keeping with the Church of England’s wider approach to a phased reopening of places of worship, it will be up to each diocesan bishop and senior team how they use the guidance to support churches and cathedrals depending on their local context.
The House noted that this guidance is permissive and not prescriptive. If a building could not open because staff were ill or shielding or could not be easily cleaned, for example, it would be a local decision by those with authority over the building as to whether the permission was used or not.
The funeral may take place at a local crematorium or cemetery if the decision is taken not to open the church as is the case now.
The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, who chairs the Church of England’s Recovery Group, said: “While the restrictions on everyday life necessary to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus pandemic have been difficult for us all, I’m only too aware that those who have lost loved ones have suffered most of all. I know that the grieving process has been even more difficult because of the limitations on funerals themselves.
“There are now least some signs of hope of an improvement with a fall both in the number of new infections and the death rate, but there will still, sadly, have to be significant limitations on how we mark funerals for some time to come.
“Nevertheless the House of Bishops has agreed that in light of the changing circumstances it is time to review our advice so that it will soon be possible for funeral services to be conducted inside church buildings following Government guidelines.
“At the same time we are actively planning for a wider phased reopening of places of worship when it is safe and practical to do so and look forward to the time when we can meet and worship together again in our buildings which mean so much to so many.”
Separate funeral and bereavement resources for clergy and officiants for funerals can be found on our website ( https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/funerals/funeral-and-bereavement- resources-ministers )
7 The Parish News July 2020
GIVING TO CHURCHES
Sunday Collections – Belbroughton & Fairfield
During the current pandemic, we continue to face many of our usual expenses such as insurance, utilities bills and churchyard maintenance, even though we are unable to use either of our church buildings. Many people give regularly to the church through Standing Orders. Others give through the envelope scheme or cash collection on the plate. Although we try to remain in touch via the computer, we obviously can’t take a collection, and we are concerned about what the effect of this reduction in income may be on our parish finances.
If you give by weekly envelope, please save them up and bring them to church when we can all worship together again. Alternatively, you might decide to give by regular standing Order or as a donation. If this is the case, we can accept either electronic bank transfer by computer or a cheque. Please send any cheques to the Church Office. If you can make an electronic bank transfer, the bank account for St Marks and Holy Trinity is HSBC in Stourbridge with a sort code of 40-43-17 and the account number is 91594095. As you may be aware, any amount that you give can be Gift Aided. There is no cost to you and the church receives at 25% rebate from the Government. For every £100 pound we collect, we can claim another £25 from HMRC. Please contact John Penlington for a simple form which you can sign saying you wish to apply Gift Aid to your donation for the past few years and the future. This is, of course, completely confidential and at no cost to you.
Sunday collections – St Leonard’s Church, Clent
Further to my note on giving during the coronavirus restrictions circulated at the end of March, there has been a very positive response – very many thanks on behalf of the PCC to those who have started new giving Standing Orders, increased existing ones or made donations over the last few weeks.
Just a reminder of the bank account details and my contact details if anyone else wishes to start regular giving or make a donation.
Bank: HSBC Account: Clent Parochial Church Council Sort code: 40-43-17 Account no: 31136593
Please contact me by email or telephone and I will send you a SO form which, if you are a tax payer, will also enable me to claim Gift Aid on your giving.
I look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for any help you can give in these unprecedented and challenging times.
Keep safe and stay well.
Jon Prior, Treasurer [email protected] Tel: 01562 730428 Mobile: 07880 740757 8 The Parish News July 2020
John Waters is the TreasurerThe in most the parish effective of Badsey approach with Aldington. to Before the lockdown began, the PCC had decided to explore using the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS). The first Treasurers Zoom Meeting gaveregular the extra giving incentive in to the register parish the parish, which is really quite simple and quick. He then decided to use the new telephone service to sign himself up as the first person to give to the parish in this way. Here he explains how straightforward the process*Amended was. requirements during Covid-19 response*
“I had previously"I wholeheartedly met commend with the the Diocesan Parish Giving Stewardship Scheme to every Officer, parish and Alison to every Maddocks, individual." (Bishop who hadJohn) talked me through the scheme. As a result, the PCC took the decision in January that we ought to give it a try, but hadn’t actually got any further than that.It was completely new to us – but perhaps we could be the guinea pigs for the other parishes in the benefice? Parishes already registered with Parish Giving Scheme can now encourage new “Adonors new parish to sign application up. If the needs donor to hasbe signed a donor off form, by the they treasurer; can complete vicar and this a and send it to churchwarden.the address given. Once Ifyou they have do that,not have along a withform, some they other need basicto go financialto the Parish information, Giving the registrationScheme website moves wherequite quickly. they are I was now given able ato parish register number their tointerest pass on in to becoming anyone who a donor. mightThe wantParish to Givingsign up Scheme and start team giving will to then the parishcall them in this back way. in due course to accept their donation instruction. For more information please contact Alison Maddocks / 07930 “After853433 registering the parish, I then signed myself up to be our first giver. It was important to me as treasurer that I understood what I was asking others to do. This was also really easy – I spoke to the Parish Giving Scheme team in Gloucester giving the parish number and all my personal details as well as defining the amount I wanted to give and whether it would be index linked.I was also asked whether I could gift aid my donations. If I want to stop my giving at any time, there is a number I can call. It was all set up in 24 hours!
“I can already see that the Parish Giving Scheme has real benefits for me as a treasurer – it will definitely help to make the job easier, not least because they automatically calculate the gift aid we’re entitled to, claim it back from HMRC for us and pay it into our bank account on a monthly basis. It will also improve our cash flow as we know exactly how much money we’ve got coming in each month.
“I would definitely encourage other parishes to have a look at the scheme. The process was remarkably simple. Our next job is to plan a stewardship campaign so we can encourage more individuals to sign up!”
If you would like to explore signing up to the Parish Giving Scheme in your parish, please contact Alison Maddocks, Diocesan Stewardship Officer. 9 The Parish News July 2020 PARISH REGISTER
HOLY TRINITY BELBROUGHTON
Ashes Interment: 28th May 2020 Marcus William Digby Brampton Aged 78
ST LEONARD, CLENT
Cremation at Wyre Forest Crematorum: 14th April 2020 Iain McAllister Gilmour Aged 75
Graveside service and burial: 1st June 2020 Martin Terence Pickford Aged 73
Graveside service and burial: 3rd June 2020 Pat Weston Aged 81
PAT WESTON
On the 18th May 2020, we lost a very special person from our church family. That person was Pat Weston, friend to so many. A beautiful soul with a kind and compassionate heart, a light that shine so brightly in these villages. Pat had a strong Christian faith that was at the centre of everything she did and said. She worked selflessly, always concerned for others; was a wonderful listener and always had some words of wisdom and a prayer to offer in response.
We have been sad that during this time of lockdown, we have been separated and when things return to normal over the coming months, Pat’s presence will be sadly missed. Even though she will not be with us physically, she will still be part of everything we do. Pat showed everyone she came into contact with a superb example of a Christian life of love, hope and faith and her influence will continue to send ripples through this world as we who knew her, try to continue in her footsteps.
Audrey, Lorna, Janet and Alison (Mission Group)
10 The Parish News July 2020
READINGS FOR ALL THE CHURCHES THIS MONTH
Sunday 5th July Trinity 4 (Green) First Reading Zechariah 9.9-12 Second Reading Romans 7.15-25a Psalm 145.8-15 Gospel Matthew 11.16-19,25-30
Sunday 12th July Trinity 5 (Green) First Reading Isaiah 55.10-13 Second Reading Romans 8.1-11 Psalm 65.(1-7),8-13 Gospel Matthew 13.1-9,18-23
Sunday 17th July Trinity 6 (Green) First Reading Wisdom of Solomon 12.13,16-19 Or Isaiah 44.6-8 Second Reading Romans 8.12-25 Psalm 86.11-17 Gospel Matthew 13.24-30,36-43
Sunday 26th July Trinity 7 (Green) First Reading 1 Kings 3.5-12 Second Reading Romans 8.26-39 Psalm 119.129-136 Gospel Matthew 13.31-33,44-52
The Weekly pews sheet is available by email; please contact the church office at [email protected] to be sent one, or visit our website for the latest news at www.bfc-worcs.co.uk
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Keep up to date with the Church of Your church relies on donations to stay England's latest advice on Coronavirus active and provide care and support to (COVID-19) at everyone in this community. Now more www.churchofengland.org/coronavirus than ever, please consider giving generously to support our mission and There is also a diocesan page of ministry. Thank you for your support. information at www.cofe- worcester.org.uk/coronavirus
11 The Parish News July 2020 KITCHEN CORNER
Thrifty Wartime dishes:
Potato Piglets
This fun and tasty recipe for potato piglets feeds six people but only uses six potatoes and six sausages. When served with a seasonal salad, this easy and nutritious meal will delight the children and provide a thrifty summertime meal using British or home-grown potatoes.
Ingredients: 6 medium fluffy potatoes, such as Maris Piper/King Edward 6 skinned sausages
To serve: 2 handfuls each mixed salad leaves, radishes, tomatoes and cucumber
Method: 1. Cut a fore out of the centre of each potato and stuff the sausage meat in its place. 2. Bake in the oven at 200C / 180C fan / gas 6 for about one hour 3. When the potatoes are cooked, remove from the oven and serve with salad.
This recipe was devised by Gee Charman for www.lovepotatoes.co.uk to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day.
Do you have a recipe to share? If so, please send it along to the Editor
12 The Parish News July 2020 BELLRINGING
The bells, the bells, as they say but we just wish. I have been sent wedding updates but this dreaded corona virus keeps putting things back again and again. We have had some zoom meetings (remember when that just meant fast) which have been fun but now we really just want normality and plaguing Belbroughton with our noise twice a week. Obviously when we can start we will have to check the bells for maintenance. There shouldn’t be any birds in there as it’s netted off – hopefully all will be well – they have been serviced this year (even bells need servicing – bolts checking etc). We do have quite a few ringers in the older category so we will have to be careful. When we do get back we have two quarter peals to ring – one to remember the life of John Partington from Clent who died aged 100 and was a stalwart ringer there for many many years, the other to celebrate the birth of Martin Whittaker’s grandchild – Martin being tower captain at Clent – something to look forward to. Hoping you are all keeping well yourselves.
Rosie Marshall Tower Captain Belbroughton
Did you know?
Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) invented the first known cat flap. While he was in his attic trying to conduct light experiments, his cat kept nudging the door open and letting the light in, spoiling his experiments. Whilst Sir Isaac Newton is best known for discovering the law of gravity as he sat under an apple tree, he also has other discoveries and inventions to his credit. The humble cat flap originated out of one of his other experiments when he was studying colour and the order it came in a prism. He went up to his attic where there was only one window and, in order to control light, he needed to black out the room. His cat loved to be with him, and she constantly nosed the door open, which would then let the light in – thus spoiling his experiments. Not wanting to upset her, he decided to cut a small opening in the doorway which he then covered with felt attached to the top of the opening – and voila! The very first cat flap had arrived!! Now cat and master were happy – the cat could come and go at will, and Isaac wasn’t disturbed by her comings and goings, and could continue his experiments in peace. It is said that all geniuses sometimes have a blind spot and when his cat had kittens, so anxious was he to please them, that he cut several smaller holes alongside the original one so that they could come and go whenever they wanted to. It didn’t occur to him they could use the existing one! Now for the scientific bit. The cat flap is like a pendulum – it takes the same amount of time to swing from one side to the other side. Every time your cat comes in or out (and all the neighbourhood cats), it demonstrates Newton’s third law of motion – for every reaction there is an equal and opposite reaction. Bet you didn’t know that then!
https://3milliondogs.com/catbook/did-you-know-issac-newton-invented-the-cat-flap/
13 The Parish News July 2020 BELBROUGHTON VILLAGE NEWS
BELBROUGHTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Founded 1961 Affiliated to The RHS Chairman Mr Alan Starling 07858 576532 Secretary Mrs Gill Barber (01562) 730983 Email [email protected]
Dear Parishioners, Summer is here (I hope) unless we have had all the nice weather too soon! At this time of year its all go in the garden. Here are some jobs you can be doing right now.
After the sunny dry spring lawns can be looking a bit the worse for wear. Remember to water your lawn, especially new turf to stop it drying out. New turf will shrink if allowed to dry so new lawns need more watering. An occasional feed would be good too. Try to water in the evening when the sun is low to avoid evaporation and help the ground soak it up. Grass will need cutting weekly now, not too low for new lawns.
You can plant summer bedding of any tender annuals etc. This is also a good time for lifting and dividing over crowded clumps of bulbs. Give hanging baskets and containers a liquid feed to keep them going throughout summer.
There should be lots to harvest in both the flower and vegetable garden but keep an eye on weeds as they are also growing fast and can easily take over. A regular hoe will help.
Pests are a problem, watch out for vine weevils particularly in pots and containers. A layer of grit on top of pots and containers about ½ inch deep will deter them from laying eggs. This will also help make life hard for slugs who when the rain comes will be out on night patrol for a plant snack.
Aphids are another pest, try to rub them off with your finger or spray with systemic insecticide. If you grow lilies look out for the scarlet lily beetle. A pest which seems to be an ever increasing problem in recent times. Wash off brown sticky lumps on stems which hide the young. The adults can fall off and run away so try to catch them unawares and crush them.
Stay safe Straplines
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. (Anon)
I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn one's back on life. (Eleanor Roosevelt)
The good thing about the future is that I have an opportunity to think differently and do things differently and the great blessing is that it always starts immediately. 14 The Parish News July 2020 BELBROUGHTON HISTORY SOCIETY – FROM THE ARCHIVES
Change for the Better? Over the centuries, villages go through change – schools, churches, countryside, structure. Towards the end of the C18th, C19th and C20th, Belbroughton’s population was presented with plans for consideration, any of which, if accepted, would change our village out of recognition. In the C18th, Belbroughton had been long established in manufacturing. The Belne Brook, running through the village from the Clent Hills, with its constant supply of water, provided the many mills in the area with power to drive machinery. Scythes and other agricultural tools had been made here for centuries. Mills and forges in the surrounding area, producing many other products, were also dependent on water for power. Revolution and Power The industrial revolution (starting c1760) brought change nationwide. In nearby Dudley, industry was expanding at an amazing rate, the power needed coming from coal mining and successful, innovative engineering. But products from all sources needed transportation across the country to depots and ports for distribution at home and abroad. The construction of canals was seen as a solution to solve the problem of an inefficient and virtually unusable road system. The period from 1770 to 1830 has been described as ‘the Golden Age of Canal Building’. A canal system was established in the Midlands and plans to ‘make and maintain a navigable canal from the Stourbridge Canal Navigation to the River Severn, near to the City of Worcester’, and channel it through Pedmore, Holy Cross and Bromsgrove, were seen to be advantageous to Belbroughton and the surrounding area. Good Idea? It was anticipated that the plan would be greeted with approval from the mill and forge owners and the community as a whole. However, the reaction was not as expected! In 1786, the Bill came before Parliament. The response was a fiercely worded petition from ‘the owners and occupiers of mills, forges and lands on the Belbroughton brooks against the Bill for making a canal’, also described as ‘ the owners and occupiers of the 36 forges, ironworks, paper, corn and other mills’. The petition stressed the hardship which the construction of the canal would bring to many in the community, described as ‘a large Body of Manufacturers and Labourers, their Wives and Children’. The deprivation of water supplying power to the mills would ‘injure, if not render useless, such Works and ruin and destroy the many beneficial trades dependent thereon’. Another document emphasises the threat the suggested plans would bring: ‘Observations to show the inevitable mischief which must ensue to the Owners of Mills etc., from the intended Worcester Canal’. The Bill had a second reading, rejected, but the debate carries on with another hearing in 1790. The canal was never built. Was that because ‘Belbroughton says ‘No’’? Look forward 100 years; what changes were brought up for consideration then? More to follow. Madge Vaughan Belbroughton History Society www.belbroughtonhistory.org.uk
15 The Parish News July 2020 CHURCH SERVICES
At the direction of the Archbishops, ALL Church of England CHURCHES are now CLOSED. Please note that this is currently being reviewed and check with your local church warden to ascertain the current status.
Although Sunday services are temporarily suspended, please visit our websites for details of live services online.
NEW!! There will be a weekly online Service video, the Services starting at 10 am each Sunday. People can join the Service by going to the "Services for this Sunday" page of the CBB website (see below). Some weeks will be led by Canon Sue, some weeks by members of the ALM team. The link to the "Online Service for This Sunday", is now: https://cbbchurches.weebly.com/online-service-for-this-sunday.html and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCToVq6Co2UxmbzgrvYbzfUg Both these links can be found on the church website www.bfc-worcs.co.uk We will also worship together with others from Hagley and Clent on Zoom. You are invited to “attend” Sunday Worship on Zoom – at 10.30 am every Sunday.
Join Zoom Meeting Please visit http://www.clent-worcs.co.uk/ for the link to this Or alternatively, contact Revd Richard Newton to be added to His email list for details nearer the time
The week’s Sermon podcast is available from the Diocese of Worcester and can be found under the news section of https://www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/news/ The Weekly pews sheet is available by email; please contact the church office at [email protected] to be sent one, or visit our website for the latest news at www.bfc-worcs.co.uk Readings for each Sunday are also available online.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Keep up to date with the Church of England's latest advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19) at www.churchofengland.org/coronavirus
There is also a diocesan page of information at www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/coronavirus The Parish News July 2020 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS
Please note: due to new Data Protection Laws, only those who have given consent to display their details will be shown. Please contact the Church/Village Hall for further contact details.
Belbroughton
Animal Sanctuary and Protection Gaye Hadley Tel: 01562 730539
Belbroughton Church Hall Diane Ash E:[email protected] Belbroughton Cricket Club A Boardman E: [email protected] Belbroughton Club - Function room hire Belbroughton History Society Undine Tel: 01562 730050 E: [email protected] Belbroughton Horticultural Society Gill Barber Tel: 01562 730983 Belbroughton First Steps Nursery Nina Read Tel: 01562 731840 Belbroughton Recreation Centre - Hall Bookings Andy Finnie Tel: 07970 957838 E: [email protected] - Belbroughton Dog Training Club John & Brenda Head Tel: 01384 825084 E: [email protected] - Talented K9s Tel: 07708 143024 E: [email protected] - Best Pals Dog Training Club (Evenings) Karin Sweryda Tel: 07759 775619 E: [email protected] - Jnr Football Training PSI Sports Ian Delo Tel: 01299 826379 Or 07809 625620
- New Aerobics & Body Conditioning, Pilates Julie Weston Tel: 07864 186403 - Tennis Club David Slann Tel: 01562 730322 E: [email protected] - Indoor Mat Bowls Sheila Booth Tel: 07758 207575
Belbroughton Royal British Legion Rodney Spencer Tel: 01562 730030 Belbroughton Scythe Fund Jim Brown Tel: 01299 489733 Roger Hadley Tel: 01562 730539 Belbroughton Scarecrow Committee - www.belbroughtonscarecrow.co.uk Belbroughton Spinners - Belbroughton Church Hall Jill Edwards Tel: 01562 730415 Belbroughton Toddlers Mary Hughes Tel: 07889 743532 - Wednesdays 9.30-11.30am Belbroughton Cricket Club A Boardman E: [email protected] The Parish News July 2020 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS Clent Clent Parish Hall James or Tricia Tel: 01562 730381 Clent Parish Council Nick Farress Clerk E: [email protected] Clent Church Guild of Bellringers Service ringing Sun 9.30-10.00 Martin Whittaker Tel: 01562 883891 Practice Monday 19.45-21.00 Kim Topham Tel: 01562 887441 Clent Cricket Club - Centenary Field Belbroughton Rd, Clent Clent Gardening Club – Chairman Martin Grange Tel: 01562 883009/07917 184762 4th Fridays 7.30pm Clent Parish Hall Clent Hills Rotary Club Thurs 7 for 7.30pm, The French Hen, Clent Clent History Society Meets in Clent Parish Hall Paul Timmins Tel: 01562 730421 Clent School PTFA Andrea Wilkinson Tel: 07733 163517 Clent WI – Secretary Heather Carter Tel: 01562 882904 COMIC (Comedy Opera and Music in Clent) E: [email protected] Social Dancing Ballroom & Latin Lynne Thomas Tel: 01384 918892 E: [email protected] Keep Fit - Fridays 9.30-10.30pm Jennifer Field Tel: 01562 882669 Tai Chi/Chi Gong (meets Mondays 6.30-7.30pm) Gail Johnston E: [email protected] Fairfield Fairfield Village Hall - Chair Conrad Palmer Tel: 01527 833583 E: [email protected] Bookings: Andrew Billau Tel: 07762 749943 E: [email protected] Fairfield Community Association – Chair Conrad Palmer 01527 833583 E: [email protected] Fairfield Ramblers Group George Gration E: [email protected] Bingo Joanne Barnes 07979 192422 Line Dancing Ann Waldron Tel: 01527 871645 E: [email protected] National Vegetable Society Roy James E: [email protected] Pre-School & Toddlers Sharon Shorthouse Tel: 07960 060024 Ramblers Group George Gration E: [email protected] Sequence Dancing Dennis Anelli Tel: 01562 885536 Welcome Club Fairfield WI - President Carol Hine Tel: 01527 873072 E: [email protected] Zumba Elisha Waldron E: [email protected] The Parish News July 2020 PARISH DIRECTORY
Church Office: 01562 730777 (Church phone unmanned during lockdown – please email instead) Clent Belbroughton Fairfield Priest: Revd Canon Susan Oliver Priest: Revd Richard Newton Priest: Revd Canon Susan Oliver 01562 701076 01562 882442 01562 701076 Churchwarden: Churchwarden: Mr Glynn Ashman 01562 730122 Churchwarden: Miss Rosemarie Buchan Mrs Mary Fairbairn 01527 368008 01562 700539 Pro -Warden: Mr John Penlington 01562 730888 Pro-warden: Vacant Mr David Stokes 07807 917319 Lay Reader: Lay Reader: Mrs Pauline Jones 0121 453 7785 Lay Reader: Mrs Kim Topham 01562 887441 Organist: Mrs Pauline Jones 0121 453 Secretary to the Church Council: 7785 Mr Harry Grove 01562 777967 Please contact Church Office Guild of Ringers Tower Captain: Treasurer: Mrs Rosie Marshall 01562 730535 Bookings Secretary for Village Mr Jonathan Prior 01562 730428 Guild of Ringers Secretary: Hall: Organist: Andrew Billau 07762 749943 Mr Harry Grove 01562 777967 Mrs Sarah Bradley 01562 731025 Belbroughton & Fairfield Parish Email: Mothers’ Union Branch Contact: Council Clerk: [email protected] Mrs Anne Harris 01562 730254 Mr John Farrell 01299 270722 Bookings Secretary for Parish Bookings Secretary for Church Hall: Belbroughton with Fairfield Mrs Tricia Bradbury 01562 730381 Hall: Email: Guild of Ringers Conductor: [email protected] Secretary to the Church Mr Martin Whittaker 01562 883891 Bookings Secretary for Rec. Council: Lenny’s Contact: Centre: Mrs Undine Yates 01562 730050 Mrs Kim Topham 01562 887441 Mr Andy Finnie 07970 957838 Clent Parish Council Clerk: Mr Nick Farress Parish Magazine Parish Magazine Parish Magazine DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION The Editor 01562 730777 Mrs Meriel Scurrell 01527 876485 Mrs Jenny Trigg OFFICE OPENING HOURS: CLOSED DURING LOCKDOWN FOR COVID-19 Mon-Weds 9-12am for Weddings, Funerals & Baptisms, Weds-Fri 9-12am for Parish Magazine/publications COPIES Can be ordered from the Distributors or purchased from: McColl’s, Belbroughton & the Churches CONTRIBUTIONS For consideration to Church Office, 19 Church Road, Belbroughton DY9 9TE Email: [email protected] COPY DATE Is the 10th day of the preceding month ADVERTISEMENTS / EDITOR Contact: The Editor (Christine Thomas), on 01562 730777 at Church Office, address above, or Email: [email protected] WEBSITE Three Churches website: www.bfc-worcs.co.uk Clent website: www.clent-worcs.co.uk Fairfield & Wildmoor Community Notice Board website: www.fairfieldvillage.co.uk Clent Parish Council website: www.clentparishcouncil.gov.uk MISSION GROUP website: www.thebeneficemissiongroup.weebly.com
The PARISH NEWS accepts NO RESPONSIBILITY for the service, products or otherwise of Advertisers in this publication. Advertisements are reviewed on an annual basis, although ad-hoc adverts may be placed throughout the year. Should you wish to place a new advert or make changes to an existing advert, please contact the Editor Tel: 01562 730777 or Email: [email protected] to be included in this publication The Parish News July 2020 BELBROUGHTON & FAIRFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council hopes all residents continue to keep safe during the health crisis and will follow the Government instructions. The Council remains functioning and is able to ‘signpost’ residents to support hubs and local groups. Please also use the below sites: http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/Here2Help https://supportbromsgrove.com/
Dolfor House, Wildmoor - Representations have been made to the Planning Inspectorate supporting both the County and District Councils’ positions following appeals by the appellant Mr James Williams seeking to appeal the breaches of planning (W.C.C.) and the refusal of a ‘ Certificate of Lawful Use’ (B.D.C). Become a Councillor? There remain two vacancies in the Fairfield ward and if you are interested in the role of parish councillor please contact the clerk. This is your opportunity to shape the future of the community. Application forms can be found on the website or posted to you. Belbroughton Recreation Centre – playground improvements: The project managers have produced a plan and are now seeking local residents’ comments. Please see the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vYBU_5loFE The Parish Council has agreed funding of £20,000 to support the project. Ram Ally, Belbroughton – The Council is thankful to local residents Mark and Marj Workman who have put in plants adjacent to the Belbroughton sign. Traffic - Stourbridge Road Fairfield – The hardstanding installed by the Parish Council has already been used by the mobile speed camera team and a large number of vehicles have been recorded exceeding the 30mph limit. Bell Heath – The County Council have agreed to put down speed monitoring strips on Heath End Rd. following residents’ concerns that traffic speed is too high. Little Bell Hall Pool, Drayton Rd. Belbroughton Council noted the March 2020 report from the structural engineer on the former pool site. Council approved carrying out remedial works as detailed in the report. Firstly, to the dam archway brickwork and secondly reluctantly, in principle to the removal of trees immediately adjacent to the footway boundary of the former pool area. It would aim to confirm its action on these trees after receiving comment from the District Council’s Tree Officer as regards possible future slippage of the footway and safety to the public. Council unanimously agreed a resolution, that the Little Bell Hall Pool should not be refilled. Parish Room, Hartle Lane, Belbroughton Council approved a request from the tenants seeking the Parish Council’s consent to proceed with an application to the District Council for an alcohol license for the retail sales of alcoholic beverages for consumption off site only. 16 The Parish News July 2020 Annual Report The Parish Council’s Annual Report will be uploaded to the website by the end of June, with paper copies available on request from the clerk. Council Meeting dates The next full Council meetings are on 6th July and then on 7th September. Currently, these will be held via video conferencing facilities and residents are very welcome to link up. Meetings start at 7.00 pm. The agenda and link for the video conference will be available on the website a few days before each meeting. Community Engagement The Council holds an ‘Open Surgery’ session of up to 15 minutes at the beginning of full Council meetings to give residents the opportunity to meet and discuss any issues directly with their councillors. Parish Council Website The site www.belbroughtonandfairfield-pc.info includes full details of council meetings, agendas and, minutes along with useful community information. John Farrell, Clerk to Belbroughton and Fairfield Parish Council E mail: [email protected] Tel: 01299 270722
JULY in the garden
This is often one of the hottest months of the year and a great time to sit out and enjoy your garden. Keep plants looking good by regularly dead-heading, and you’ll enjoy a longer display of blooms. Make sure you keep new plants well-watered, using grey water where possible, and hoe off weeds, which thrive in the sunshine.
Top 10 jobs this month:
1. Check clematis for signs of clematis wilt 2. Care for houseplant while on holiday – not too much of a problem there this year! 3. Water tubs and new plants if dry, but be water-wise 4. Deadhead bedding plants and repeat-flowering perennials, to ensure continuous flowering 5. Pick courgettes before they become marrows 6. Treat apple scab 7. Clear algae, blanket weeds and debris from ponds, and keep them topped up 8. Order catalogues for next year’s spring flowering bulbs 9. Give the lawn a quick-acting summer feed 10. Harvest apricots, peaches and nectarines
© RHS.org.uk 17 The Parish News July 2020 FAIRFIELD VILLAGE NEWS
FAIRFIELD VILLAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Dead Cow Averted - Balloon Found in Fairfield Livestock Field Please do not release rubber or foil balloons, they can land in fields & get eaten by livestock or bale wrapped with silage or hay. Livestock don't know that eating the balloon is bad, but if ingested they choke to death. Embankment Fire - Wildmoor Lane Friday 29th May at 1:42pm, an appliance from Bromsgrove Fire Station attended an embankment fire on Wildmoor Lane. The fire was extinguished using hose reel jet and the area checked for hotspots using thermal imaging camera. What’s On in Fairfield When it is permissible and safe, activities will gradually resume in Fairfield that follow Government guidance. Please follow the Fairfield Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/fairfieldinformation) and Twitter Feed (@Fairfield_Info) for up to date announcements. We look forward to seeing you and continuing the friendship that has grown stronger during the lockdown. Village Hall To maintain social distancing at the Village Hall, the following rules have been adopted (except Preschool, who have their own strict protocols): • People not from the same household to keep two metres apart; • Only one person is allowed into each of the toilets, cloakroom and kitchen; • Please follow Government guidance regarding hand washing; • We encourage people to wear face masks when in the building; • A hand sanitisation unit can be found in the foyer; • Whilst we have good weather, to leave doors open; • Surafces and door handles to be disinfected (there are some wipes) at the start and finish of each hall use. Further rules may be introduced as further Government guidance becomes available. Appeal from Farmers and Wildlife Groups - STOP Dumping Grass Cuttings & Other Garden Waste in Fields and Hedges Dumping your garden waste in hedgerows counts as fly tipping and is illegal Just because it may eventually compost down, does not make dumping acceptable or permissible. Your garden waste can harm livestock and prevent the growth of Hedgerow plants. Grass cuttings dumped in hedges, spill on to neighbouring footpaths, narrowing and making it dangerous for people that are elderly or have mobility issues. Please use a the District Council's "brown bin" collection service or use a composter.
18 The Parish News July 2020 The Fairfield Cafe Reopened Please preorder for collection wherever possible (tel: 01527 435019). Payment can be made contactless on collection/over the phone at time of order & we will accept cash if necessary. We share our premises with the Post Office and are limited to how many can enter, please don't enter if 2 people are inside at any one time. You will be asked to wait outside. Do not wear gloves into the Cafe, we have hand washing facilities for customers which is much more effective. Thank you for your understanding. See you soon, Kelly Don't Let Thieves Spoil Your Summer Never leave a shed unlocked and unattended, or leave tools and other property lying around for an opportunist thief to steal. Ensure all your tools, bicycles etc are security marked - FREE SmartWater Property Marking kits are available from the Community Association for residents of Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge, email [email protected] or pop along to a FVCA event.. Honour Someone That Has Supported Others During The Coronavirus Crisis Do you know someone that deserves a national honour for their contribution to the response to the coronavirus crisis? To nominate someone visit: COVID-19 honours nomination form - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-honours-nomination-form Worcestershire Walks Have a look at Walking in Worcestershire website, https://www.walkinginengland.co.uk/worcestershire that has hundreds of FREE walks to download and print, plus details of walking clubs in the country and loads more information. Don't Be Isolated - Get Support If you need any help or advice during this unusual and potentially difficult time, Support Bromsgrove are here for you. As a partnership of voluntary, community and public sector organisations, which includes Fairfield Village Community Association, they can assist in getting the help you need. Go to www.supportbromsgrove.com for more information or telephone 01527 306 490. Email [email protected] Speed Enforcement After a break, mobile speed enforcement recommenced on 22nd May, with many vehicles recorded driving at speeds in excess of 40mph (one at 48mph).through the village. Further speed enforcement will be taking place over the coming weeks and months. Full Fibre - To Your Door Over the past few months work has been taking place to deliver superfast broadband to properties in Fairfield (with an 01527 code). Currently there is fibre to the cabinet on Stourbridge Road (Mount Rd junction) and then copper to properties. Contractor for BT Openreach have been feeding rope through the underground network from the cabinet. Later this year it is hoped that this rope will pull through the fibre to the telegraph poles across the village. Residents will then be approached with regard replacing the copper wiring between the telegraph pole and their property with a fibre connection.
19 The Parish News July 2020 HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE COUNTRYSIDE CODE? It’s a proven fact that spending time outside in nature can improve our mental health and how we feel. But it’s also important to remember that the countryside is also our farmers’ workplace. Be sure to enjoy the outdoors safely and follow the countryside code. Keeping to the footpath, cleaning up after your dog, and leaving gates as you find them can all play a part in keeping everyone safe.
Can Age UK help? They are currently looking at ways to re-establish all of their At Home services (including our Sitting/ Respite service) in line with the latest Government advice. If you know anybody in North Worcestershire that might need an extra hand to make life easier, then please visit https://ageuk.org.uk/brwf/our- services/help-at-home/ or call the At Home team on 01527 87184. Statement from Chief Constable Anthony Bangham “We appreciate the support that the communities across West Mercia have shown during the Covid-19 lockdown, with most people abiding by the guidance and staying at home to minimise the spread of infection, requiring us to take very minimal enforcement action. “Now we are able to spend more time outdoors, there is opportunity to see friends and family on a one to one basis. Each of us needs to take responsibility for doing so sensibly, safely and within the parameters set out by the Government. I am confident that the vast majority of our communities will continue to play their part and take sensible steps to keep themselves and others safe. “We will continue to engage with the public, explaining and encouraging people in relation to the guidance and social distancing, and we will only take enforcement action where it is absolutely necessary - when there are clear breaches of the restrictions, predominantly people gathering in large groups. “We are fortunate to have some beautiful places within our counties, and many people will be glad they now have the option to make the most of them over the coming weeks. If you travel somewhere and it’s busy, please be sensible and go elsewhere or return at a different time. Keep in mind the purpose of the regulations and the ongoing national effort to protect the NHS and save lives. “In West Mercia we police the borders with Wales, where the legislation and guidance differ to those in England. We are aware of the challenges and sensitivities this will create, and we are working with our Welsh colleagues to provide clarity and support those affected. “Please be responsible and continue to work with us. We all still find ourselves in very challenging circumstances and we appreciate that the public has responded so positively to the extraordinary restrictions placed upon them. Remember that if you need our help we are here for you. Thank you for your continued support.” Record number of homes sign up to We Don't Buy Crime A record number of homes and businesses are better protected from would be thieves as almost 20,000 sign up to We Don’t Buy Crime in 12 months. For more information about We Don’t Buy Crime follow @WeDontBuyCrime on Twitter or visit the We Don’t Buy Crime Facebook page.
FREE SmartWater Property Marking kits, for residents of Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge, can be obtained from FVCA, email [email protected]
20 The Parish News July 2020
CLENT VILLAGE NEWS
In times like these
Everyone is grateful for something, Something little or everything, A family, a house, Or as small as a house.
Hope is like a flower it blooms And is grateful for a shower, You either have it or you don’t, It could be as small as a quote Or as big as a 20 pound note.
Sprinkle acts of kindness, Like wishing into a dandelion, Don’t let anyone write your chapter Just focus on your happily ever after
Phoebe Slim Aged 12
21 The Parish News July 2020
20 The Parish News July 2020 CLENT MOTHERS’ UNION
The sad news this month is that we have lost our dear friend and long term Mothers’ Union member, Pat Weston. Pat was always very caring and compassionate, especially for members who were not in good health. Her faith and love for her Lord shone out, she was an example to us all. Her friendliness endeared her to every member, she was loved by everyone and will be greatly missed when we resume our meetings again.
Anne CLENT PARISH HALL
We are keeping the Hall closed at present due to Covid19 but the trustees are constantly reviewing the situation and hope to reopen as soon as we are able to do so safely and stay within the government guidelines.
Next Year’s Bishop Certificate Course
It’s time to start thinking about the next Bishop’s Certificate. Could this be just what you’re looking for to grow your faith?
Because of COVID-19, we're still planning the best way to deliver the Bishop's Certificate Course, and considering whether to plan for mainly online groups, or wait until we can meet (properly socially distanced) for face-to-face group, or perhaps do a mix of both.
However, we are absolutely expecting new courses to start this autumn and winter. If you're considering doing a course, or leading one in your parish, we'd like to hear from you. Drop an email to [email protected] to express your interest as either a participant or a potential parish group leader, and we'll keep in touch about our plans. If you have a preference for online or face-to-face, then let us know that as well.
If you want to learn more about what's involved, then take a look at https://www.cofe- worcester.org.uk/mission-and-ministry/your-christian-calling/bishops-certificate/, or download the course flyer, which includes an outline of the course contents. 23 The Parish News July 2020 CLENT PARISH COUNCIL
ANNUAL FINANCIAL SUMMARY – 2019/2020
The Council’s total income for 2019/20 was £55,889. Of this, £49,850 came from the Parish precept with the other elements coming from grant income and rents. Spending to the end of the financial year amounted to £27,861.
The change of Parish Clerk in April 2019 and the settlement with the previous Clerk distorted our reserves over the last 24 months particularly at 31/3/2019. Our reserves at the end of March in previous years were: 2017 - £45058, 2018 - £58100, 2019 - £30597 and 2020 - £51624.
The Parish Council has tried to maintain around 1 year’s precept in reserve for contingencies and emergencies and that level has now been re-established. Although the Parish Council made savings in staffing costs in 2019/2020, when our previous Clerk's settlement is factored in any savings were offset by the settlement.
A comparative summary of income and expenditure is provided in the table below. 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Budget INCOME Precept £48,750.00 £49,850.00 £49,850.00 Bank Interest/Charity £1,781.19 £571.50 £525.00 Income/Rent Grants £2,949.20 £1,976.85 £2,518.00 Electricity Refund £0.00 £888.32 £0.00 County Cllr Karen May (goal £1,143.00 posts) VAT £1,458.88 TOTAL INCOME £53,480.39 £55,888.55 £52,893.00
EXPENDITURE Administration £49,478.24 £13,835.89 £17,990.00 Open Spaces £21,038.25 £12,622.59 £23,903.00 Highways £5,277.60 £1,403.00 £4,500.00 Public Lighting £1,761.29 £0.00 £6,000.00 Community Grants £844.95 £0.00 £500.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURE £78,400.33 £27,861.48 £52,893.00 END OF YEAR BALANCE £30,597.28 £58,624.35
Reserves as at 31/03/2020 Rotary Grant (Cricket Club) £1,000.00 Street Lighting Contract 2019/20 £6,000.00 Coronavirus Support Grant £5,000.00 New goals posts £1,143.00 General Reserves £45,481.35 24 The Parish News July 2020
FINANCIAL YEAR 2020/2021
In this financial year from April 2020, the Council has planned work on the pond, football pitch and footpaths around the allotments which will likely take place later in the year. The Council will also grant funds to the coronavirus support group in Clent and this money will come from the Council’s reserves.
Tips for Gardening – by Darren Rudge
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an effective and safe fungicide on the treatment of powdery mildew and several other fungal diseases. The best concentration of baking soda is a 1% solution. The remainder of the solution can be water, but coverage on the leaves and stems is better if some sunflower oil or soap is added to the mixture.
Silicone sealant: ever wanted a plant support that’s invisible? Using outdoor clear silicone sealant on young plants you are trying to train gives you this effect; place a good blob of the sealant on the wall or fence and then let it go tack. Push the stem into it and there you have it; a place support you’ll never see, doesn’t rot and roots or buds can penetrate through if necessary.
Physical distancing The God of Wonder In our responsiveness to the here-and-now, It's ok that you didn't clean the house today, in our wakefulness to the unexpected, It's ok that you didn't run six miles, in our living as if now were forever: It's ok that you don't know how to make the God of wonder is here with us. soufflé, Or that you're not always full of smiles, In the shaking of our security, Don't worry that you haven't learnt to in the danger which threatens to break in, crochet, in the heart-trembling fear of the unknown: Don't worry if you feel a little blue, the God of wonder is here with us. It's ok to relax sometimes, Just do the things that make you, you. In the gift of waiting in darkness, Take this time to re-evaluate, in the open-eyed receiving of mystery, The things you really need, in the now-ness of the present moment: Enjoy the sun that's right outside, the God of wonder is here with us. Read that book you want to read, Chat to a neighbour that you've never met, Re-read your favourite bible verse, Make sure that you're eating well, And just remember, it could be worse. Remember you are loved, Remember to be safe, Phone a friend, say a prayer, Remember to have faith. (Leah Plant)
25 The Parish News July 2020 NEWS AUTHORISED LAY MINISTRY (ALM)
In the Diocese of Worcester we seek to be a church – a Kingdom people – not only for those who already belong, but also for those who are not or not yet our members. We believe that a shared ministry of ordained and lay people develops a healthy Church and a world-facing discipleship, and so we pray “your kingdom come on earth as in heaven”. Ordained ministry, licensed lay ministry and authorised lay ministry all work together to support the shared witness and service of all who are called into Christ’s fellowship. Lay ministry is thriving in many different ways, and Authorised Lay Ministry further enables and affirms this. Many people want to offer their time and talents in particular ways, and this scheme offers them a short but focussed Diocesan training course, to equip them for specific roles in their parishes. It encourages local diversity and promotes diocesan collegiality. The training The training for ALM consists of a one-year course of common and specialist modules. At the end of the course, the Bishop holds a celebration in the cathedral, at which he presents all those who have completed the course with a certificate of completion. After receiving this, each ALM is authorised for their ministry by their incumbent in their own parish, where the congregation is encouraged to support, welcome and pray for them. As a diocesan training team we hope to offer ongoing support through spotting in-service opportunities and communicating these to ALMs, by encouraging local support in ministry teams, and by the provision of occasional study days. The team hopes to support the parish and the ALM in any ongoing process of discernment, training and vocational development. Each course concludes with a Celebration of ALM ministry when those who have completed this year's course receive their course certificates from the bishop. We hope that they will be well supported by their congregations, and other ALMs as we celebrate the contribution ALM ministry makes to the life of our diocese. See https://www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/your-church-role/alm/ for further details.
26 The Parish News July 2020
PUZZLE TIME Alphabetical Flowers S G A K J P D Y M H A S I R I W A R E B R E G E S A U A M S O L Y X L D W A A E C A N I H C E A V N E E N X Y E W Z I E T A P O L J A L Y W O A I O E T N G F J O D H R A N U N C U L U S L W K O L L I G U I N L L P U Z C U B A C I R E A U F H Z H G T S N B M A O P W M P E R K L A Q B L I H L L A X A X U G E S R W M U M R E P S O E T S O B T O D O P Y W H P R A D E K O C I A M G A A E L I O N W F M L Q Y T V O J Y R I A T G O I I V U I N Y N A E I O G U B N Z S W H I E A N L M L E N U A A K E I R B C O I I A E E S D I I O L I B R I Q P R T T Z D I R U N N I P E G F A N A Q E O B P N I R U S Y I U A N E G C M A O K G K U L D E E U O G O L K O S M I Y E G E E H G A A E L S V R N L J N W I A B H A S L L N L P U M A E Y X I D V A Y W A A P C V D Q A Z Q I I W F Z N S E O R C H I D M R F A C C B T U W V N L D A A N P L P E O N Y G K F R X E W L K F V K K C R N A T A L A E I O M B W N S E Y M B R E E A K Y N P Q U N O Y X T S I T A M E L C T Y E X T Q U E R S U X J W Q G P B N T V P L N U H P S K K R S R C K A F O B U M A R I G O L D O R F C O J O L S G S F G I M E L B L O N A R C I S S U S R U A T T B H I P G Q L L N N P N P H C Y V J V Z B C T K G L A T G U L L L M L R D G N L I Q Y N B E M I C O U O E E M A L N D X F U R S I N I A F J
AGAPANTHUS AGAPANTHUSHOSTA NARCISSUS QUINCE AUBREITA AUBREITA HYDRANGEANEMESIA ROSE BEGONIA BEGONIA IMPATIENS ORCHID SEDUM BLUEBELL BLUEBELL IRIS OSTEOSPERMUM SUNFLOWER CARNATION CARNATIONLILY PANSY TUBEROSE CLEMATIS CLEMATIS LUPIN PEONY TULIP DAHLIA DAHLIA MAGNOLIA QUEEN ANNE’S LACEURSINIA DIANTHUS DIANTHUS NARCISSUSQUINCE UVAURSI ECHINACEA ECHINACEANEMESIA RANUNCULUS VERBENA ERICA ERICA ORCHID ROSE VIOLA FOXGLOVE FOXGLOVE OSTEOSPERMUMSEDUM FRANGIPANI FRANGIPANIPANSY SUNFLOWER GERBERA GERBERA PEONY TUBEROSE GYPSOPHILA GYPSOPHILAQUEEN ANNE’STULIP LACE
2255 The Parish News July 2020 WALKS ABOUT BELBROUGHTON
Walk 2 – Through the Fields to Hurst Farm This easy walk goes through the fields to the south of Belbroughton as far as Hurst Farm. Start: Belbroughton REC car park. Distance: 5km/3m. Time: 1-1 ½ hours 1 – Leave the car park along the RHS of the REC building. Keep straight ahead through the gates and over the stile at the RH corner of the playing field. 2 – After 100m, turn right at the crossing of footpaths on the farm track towards Bradford Lane. Note a good view of Belbroughtonxxx 3 – At Bradford Lane, turn left and after 150y take the bridlepath on the left signed Hockley Brook Lane 3/4m. Notice the fine Regency-style Worcs brick house ‘The Lydiate’ on the RHS just before leaving the lane. 4 – The first part of the bridlepath has glimpses of the southern aspect of Bradford House with interesting outbuildings and a large duck pond which is home for a number of species of waterfowl. 5 – Just past the duckpond, keep right on the bridlepath (watch for mud), up the slop past Hill Farm, until it reaches Hockley Book Lane. Turn left and and almost immediately left again on to another bridlepath towards Hurst Farm. 6 – After about 300m the path goes between farm buildings to a metal gate. Go through the gate and after a few metres,
Turn left over the two stiles and descend the track downhill. With Hurst farmhouse on the left there are magnificent views of the Clent Hill to the north and, a little further on, the village of Belbroughton to the north-west. 7 – Just after crossing a stile with an iron gate there is a very pretty valley to the right with many newly planted trees and a dingle at the far end – but do not be tempted to walk along here as the land is private! 8 – At the bottom of the dip there is another 3-bar stile and a metal one at the top of a short climb up to New Barn. 9 – Walk round the outside of the barn and the footpath joins the bridleway at Primrose Hill, which is well known to local children and walkers. 10 – There is now a choice of ways back to the car park – here is the short walk (due to space here): 11 – Fork left off the bridlepath down a slope and across a metal stile, straight across two fields to another wooden stile and the Recreation Ground is straight ahead.
• Taken from Walks around Belbroughton & Fairfield © Worcs CC / Countryside Commission 28 NEW DAY CARE SERVICE at OFFMORE FARM We offer a high quality Day Care service in a homely & friendly environment Join us for a full day, half a day or just a few hours Enjoy home cooked meals or a cup of tea and homemade cake While chatting to new friends & joining in with a variety of activities We aim for you to get the best out of your time with us at Offmore Farm Day Care Please call Sophie Campbell on: 01562 515189 for more information
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