1 I've Met Many Special People in the Last 4 and a Half Years I Have Spent in the Delightful Isle Valley. Sadly, Some of Them

Home , Donyatt, Ilton, Isle Brewers

I’ve met many special people in the last 4 and a half years I have spent in the delightful Isle Valley. Sadly, some of them have reached the end of their earthly journey and we have had to say farewell. One such was Hilary Bolitho MBE lately of Broadway. She was the first person who called on the rectory after I moved in to give me a warm welcome and to ask if there was anything she could do to help. I was having difficulty fitting my washing machine. You know what it’s like when you move home – you remember the kettle but forget to leave the monkey wrench handy. 30 minutes later there was the resourceful Hilary walking up the drive with said implement. That was the first of many examples of how Hilary helped me over the coming months and years. Most of all I enjoyed sitting in her front room with a glass or two of wine and some nibbles and hearing her stories of people near and far. She was known to all the dairy farmers in Somerset and gained their respect for you had to be on your toes when Hilary paid a visit on behalf of the Milk Marketing Board – tough but fair they say! She poured heart and soul into church, village and county (though Cornwall remained her first love) and was recognised for her service with an MBE, chosen to be a recipient of maundy money from the Queen’s hand, and the Somerset Community Service Award. She was a true friend to me, to the blind of Somerset and to many.

But I must move on to thoughts of Easter – that greatest of great festivals in the church. It always comes at that time of year when the earth is being renewed, and the birds are busy, trees are budding and flowers are stretching out to sky and sunlight. This year has special significance when after a whole year of fallow lives and fear of drawing too close to family, friends and neighbours, our hearts and souls are embracing the hope of restored and renewed opportunities to love, laugh and LIVE as we did before.

Of course, thinking of Hilary and Easter are intimately connected. For the faith that she believed and practised her whole life – that of a loving God who gave us the ultimate example in Jesus Christ of loving service, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in dying in our place, and gained the ultimate victory as He rose to new life means that she and we and all who are grateful for what He has done can look forward with confidence to a wonderful warmest of warm welcomes in the heavenly home prepared for us combining the very best of Somerset, Cornwall and even Yorkshire, and all that has been special to us in our earthly sojourn. Most of all I am looking forward one day to enjoying her excellent company once again with a glass of something and some tasty nibbles.

From Hilary and the heavenly hosts - Happy hopeful Easter

Revd Phil

Readings for APRIL 2021

PSALM OLD TESTAMENT EPISTLE GOSPEL 4th April Psalm 118 1 Corinthians 15 Acts 10 John 20 Easter Sunday 1-2, 14-24 1-11 34-43 1-18

11th April Psalm 133 1 John 1.1 Acts 4 John 20 2nd Sunday of Easter 1-22 32-35 19-end

18th April Psalm 4 1 John 3 Acts 3 Luke 24 3rd Sunday of Easter 1-7 12-19 36b-48 25th April Psalm 23 1 John 3 Acts 4 John 10 4th Sunday of Easter 16-end 5-12 11-end 2nd May Psalm 22 1 John 4 Acts 8 John 15 5th Sunday of Easter 25-end 7-end 26-end 1-8

Holy Week Join with us on Zoom for Services 5.50pm Maunday Thursday (Eucharist) 5.50pm Good Friday (Service of Reflection) 5.50pm Easter Saturday (Service of Light & renewal of Baptism vows) 5.50pm Easter Sunday (Eucharist)

‘Poets Gospel’ Readings for Holy week will continue each evening at 7.30pm Log in details available from Revd. Phil Denison : [email protected] Or Sarah Crook: [email protected]

Good Friday

Revd. Phil, Revd Philip and Mr Greg Hoare will be completing walks around the villages, with pauses for prayer. They may be accompanied by up to 5 people, socially distanced. Each walk will begin and end at the church allowing the option for people to wait at the church for final prayers. Each minister will be carrying a cross and it is suggested that anyone accompanying may carry a palm cross. Walks will commence at: Ashill 2.00pm Revd Phil Denison Broadway 12.30pm Revd Phil Denison Donyatt 11.00am Revd Phil Denison Hambridge 11.00am Revd Philip Albrow Horton 1.30pm Mr G Hoare Ilton 2.00pm Revd Philip Albrow Isle Abbots Noon Mr G Hoare Isle Brewers 12.30pm Revd Philip Albrow

Easter Sunday - A short non Eucharistic service will take place in each Parish Church in the Isle Valley Benefice, with all appropriate safety measures in place

Ashill 11.00am Revd. Philip Albrow Broadway 9.30am Mr G Hoare Donyatt 9.30am Revd. Philip Albrow Hambridge 10.30am Mr G Hoare Horton 10.15am Revd. Philip Albrow Ilton 11.00am Revd. Phil Denison Isle Abbots 10.15am Revd. Phil Denison Isle Brewers 9.30am Revd. Phil Denison

FROM THE REGISTERS

From January 2016 ‘Anniversaries’ will normally only be included for 5 years after a death. If you would like the name of a loved one included for longer or on a special anniversary please contact the Parish Administrator.

Funerals We commit to the Lord’s loving care, praying that he will comfort, strengthen and guide their families: 25th February Geoffrey Collins Broadway 11th March Susan Snow Horton 11th March Hilary Bolitho Broadway

Anniversaries: We remember, with thanksgiving, the life and witness of: 2nd April Donyatt Alan George Barnes 3rd April Isle Abbots Bryan Foster 5th April Ashill Edward Jeffrey Williams 5th April Ilton Amy Welch 7th April Ashill Christopher Frank Parfitt 12th April Ilton Valentine Michael Richard Watts 12th April Ilton Michael Baker 12th April Horton Margaret Julia Lockwood- Clark 16th April Hambridge Ivy Rose Showers 23rd April Horton Joan Chambers 24th April Horton Stanley Stevens 24th April Taunton Crem. Francis Perry

Sunday Services

After much consideration and with sadness seven churches within the Benefice have decided to close for the immediate future.

All are welcome to join Reverend Phil Denison and colleagues as they lead Sunday services on line.

Time: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Sunday 9.25am. Communion (filmed within a benefice church) Every Sunday evening at 5.50pm Evening Worship 4th Sunday evening service includes Communion Place: The service is held using Zoom.

Details from Rev. P. Denison. E mail: [email protected] Sarah Crook (Adminstrator) E mail: [email protected]

For those without access to Zoom, you may like to join in lighting a candle during a minute’s silence at 6pm

Are you missing a friendly chat over a cup of coffee? Yes – quite a few of us are!

Why don’t you join us every

Thursday at 10.40am on Zoom

for a chance to discuss news and catch up with neighbours and friends?

Bring your own coffee and biscuits!! Details from Rev. P. Denison. E mail: [email protected] Sarah Crook (Adminstrator) E mail: [email protected]

Isle Valley Benefice Prayers Opportunities to join together via Zoom and pray

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 9.15am Tuesday at 8.30pm – Compline Details from Rev. P. Denison. E mail: [email protected] Sarah Crook (Adminstrator) E mail: [email protected]

Isle Valley Benefice Prayer Circle is privileged to pray regularly for all. The Circle will also pray for any people in particular need at this time. If you have any special prayer requests please send them to: Reverend Phil Denison, email:[email protected] or Sarah Crook (Adminstrator) [email protected] All requests will be confidential

Would you like some daily Bible readings with notes and comments that are readable and help with understanding?

Would you like the scriptures brought to life and made relevant for us in the here and now?

New Daylight provides four months of daily Bible readings and comments, with a regular team of contributors drawn from a range of church backgrounds. For further details and to order contact: Sarah Crook Email:[email protected] Tel: 01460 391375

Easter Day Sermon 2019, Bishop Ruth Worsley, Bath Abbey

None of us can have failed to see images of the burning steeple of Notre Dame in these past few days and the outpouring of grief shown by those weeping on the streets. To any French friends here today, we send our prayers and love. Today the Parisian people will be worshipping on the street outside their devastated cathedral as we worship in this glorious building, all of us giving thanks to God for the resurrection hope the Easter story offers us.

Here in Bath Abbey we are also in the midst of refurbishment and hence very aware of the lengthy and detailed work which was being undertaken at Notre Dame. A billion Euros have been raised and a commitment to rebuild made. Will it take 5 years as President Macron hopes or 50 years to bring it back to full restoration?

When Christopher Wren rebuilt St Paul’s Cathedral following the Great Fire of London it was upon the stone discovered in the ruins of the burnt out building, on which the Latin word ‘resurgam’ was written. ‘Resurgam’, meaning, ‘I shall rise again’.

Today, Easter Sunday, we recall those words of Christ spoken to those who followed him in Galilee. ‘The Son of Man will be crucified and on the third day raised’. At the time his followers didn’t understand. What did he mean? ‘The Son of Man will be crucified and on the third day raised’? Often they felt he spoke in riddles. Those accusing Jesus before the Sanhedrin, misunderstood his words too, thinking he meant that he would destroy the Temple building, their worshipping place, and rebuild it in 3 days. A physical impossibility!

And that is the miracle of Easter isn’t it. The physically impossible happens!

Not a building restored but a body resurrected!

Imagine those women early on that first Easter morning. Luke’s gospel tells us that they had stood at a distance watching Jesus die and witnessing the terrible events. As Jesus died and the crowd dispersed, they remained. They stayed whilst his body was taken down from the cross and placed in the borrowed tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. They noted where he was laid because they were going home to prepare all that was needed to ensure proper burial rites could take place. As religious women they wouldn’t break the Sabbath but intended to bring spices and perfumes as soon as it was over.

And here we find them on that ‘first day of the week, very early’ at the tomb. But nothing was as it had been. The stone sealing the tomb had been rolled away and the tomb itself empty! How must they have felt? Not excited and immediately assuming the impossible had happened. Of course not! Who would? We find them full of questions and scared. What is going on? They knew they had the right place. They weren’t mistaken. They had seen it all, Jesus dying, Jesus buried…

And then angels… Well we assume that is who they were. They certainly had a message to deliver and that is what an angel is… A messenger from God.

‘Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here he has risen!’

And that’s when they remember! Jesus had told them this would happen. His body would be destroyed and yet he had said he would rise again. ‘Resurgam’!

I wonder what it would be like to be among that group of women as they hurried home. Nervous excitement, pinching themselves, could this really have happened? When they got back it appears that the men at home certainly thought they had lost it. Nonsense! They weren’t believed.

In today’s world, we are conscious that much of society has lost touch with the stories of faith. As we walked through Wells on Good Friday, silently following the cross, I noted the bustling crowds, going about their usual Friday shopping, holiday sight-seeing, or just enjoying the sunny weather. Most were oblivious to the solemnity of the moment. Some paused to see what was happening.

Probably not dissimilar to Jesus’ day actually… A man carrying a cross through the streets was not unfamiliar. Crucifixion was commonplace in Roman society. The usual sights, smells and sounds of commerce would have accompanied Jesus’ journey through the streets. Curiosity as to who was the latest victim might have caused people to stop. Some would have recognised him as the recent man of the moment, the preacher from Galilee.

Many will join in with today’s celebrations however. Over 80 million boxed Easter eggs will be sold in the UK alone this year and that’s not including all the packets of mini eggs and crème eggs! Easter egg hunts, Easter Bunny events, will be an important part of this holiday weekend. However, how many will recall what Easter is really all about? Or is its message just ‘nonsense’ to those who will eat the chocolate? The chocolate, shaped as an egg, the symbol of new life, breaking free from a closed, tomb- like shell.

In Luke’s gospel, we are told that the disciples themselves thought the women were speaking nonsense, talking about Jesus having risen from the dead. However Peter is curious and something makes him go and look for himself.

What should be our response? Do we dismiss the women’s story as nonsense or one that bears looking at more deeply? Peter is left wondering as he discovers the empty tomb himself. Later he has his own personal experience of meeting the risen Christ and this changes him. Having found himself denying he even knew Jesus whilst he was alive, for fear of people’s disdain, we now see him courageously speaking publicly of his experience in our Acts reading. To Cornelius, a centurion, a Roman, associated to the very occupying force responsible for Jesus’ death. It results in the baptism of Cornelius and all his family.

Today we shall renew our baptismal vows. We will be declaring that we ourselves are dying to our sin and being raised to new life in Christ. We will be asked some challenging questions about how we worship, how we live, and how we share our faith. ‘Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of Christ?’ We will be asked if we will pray for the world, defend the weak, seek peace and justice.

Like Peter and Cornelius, we can only agree to these things if we have had our own experience of Christ’s resurrection life, restoring and renewing us. It means we have not dismissed the Easter message as nonsense but have discovered the hope that the love of God offers us. That hope is offered to every one of us, whether you are here as a committed follower of Christ or as someone who is curious enough to come and see for yourself.

Perhaps the most startling image from Paris was that which captured the gleam of the cross in the gloom of the burnt church, rising from the midst of the ash. It’s a reminder that in the depths of despair, even amongst the ruin of peoples’ lives, we can recognise God’s love is present. God’s love is for all people, for all time. There is no one who is outside of that love. Whatever our feelings of guilt, of fear, of our past, God holds out his arms of love for us. The cross speaks of a love which goes to death for us. A love that isn’t temporal and only of this world but one that overcomes death and promises new life, for him and for us. ‘Resurgam’! That is our Easter hope!

‘Alleluia! Christ is risen’ ‘He is risen indeed, Alleluia!’ https://www.bathandwells.org.uk/2021

From the Church of England Diocese of Bath and Wells April 2021

Embracing a wilder churchyard The diocese has teamed up with Somerset Wildlife Trust (SWT) on a joint initiative, Wilder Churches, to improve biodiversity in churchyards. SWT is running online training for church leaders and communities across the county, introducing the initiative and finding community Wilder Church Champions. Sara Emmett, assistant environment officer said, “With the diocese embracing a new environmental policy, we are delighted to be working together with SWT to support church leaders and communities to increase the value of churchyards and other church land for wildlife.” Initially, the initiative will focus on encouraging people to simply find out what wildlife their local churchyard already has, as well as getting to know those already involved with its management. Through ongoing online training, communities will be able to identify ways they could help wildlife in their local churchyard, as well as to communicate their ideas, consult others and come up with a plan that works for the church, wildlife and the community. Pippa Rayner, Engaging with Nature Coordinator for SWT says, “By regularly getting together online to celebrate successes, share expertise and solve problems as they arise, we will collectively achieve so much more, so this is a really exciting initiative to be involved in. ”People from churches across Somerset who manage our churchyards or had a particular interest in biodiversity have already taken part in some training events. Keep an eye on our website and media channels to find out details of future opportunities.

News in brief Abbey’s new eco heating goes live Bath Abbey’s innovative eco-heating system powered by sustainable energy from Bath’s famous hot spring waters has been switched on. As part of the Abbey’s Footprint project, a new distribution of underfloor heating pipework has been laid in the Abbey and ten custom-built heat exchangers collect heat from the thermal spring water that flows through the drain from the Roman Baths and down into the river. Every day around 1.1 million litres of

7 water flows through at a constant 40°C. There will be enough energy to heat the historic Abbey and its adjacent buildings.

Remembering Together People across the region have taken time to remember those lost during the Coronavirus pandemic. Early in March Bishop Ruth hosted a service streamed live over Facebook during which people were able to share names of those they wished to be remembered. Later in the month Bath RUH Hospital Chaplain, Revd Narinder Tegally organised an online community service of remembrance with Bath Abbey, Dorothy House Hospice Care, SWALLOW Charity and Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Young connections During 2021, the Go Team is focused on helping parishes to connect with young people and their families; an area that is a significant struggle for many churches. They are looking to challenge and equip households, churches and schools to: nurture and support young people (aged 11+) and help grow their faith; disciple young people effectively so they know how to live as Christians in the world and share the radical and compassionate love of Jesus with young people so they in turn know how to love, live and treat others. Check out their new pack of 19 Bible Chat Mats, themed around Christian values bathandwells.org.uk/bible-chat-mats.

Ashill Baptist Church

Listen to your life

Some of us have had a lot of time on our hands during the pandemic. Depending on our differing interests and temperaments we have no doubt used that time in a wide variety of ways. Some of us have spring-cleaned our house from top to bottom or done all those diy jobs we don't usually get around to doing. Others have read a lot of books. Others have done a lot of walking, running or cycling. I dare say we might also have binge-watched a lot of TV drama series about 'bent coppers'!

Whatever our beliefs, many of us have probably done more than the usual amount of pondering the meaning of life, the universe and everything during this time. I belong to a Celtic Christian network called the Northumbria Community, which offers lots of interesting and insightful spiritual resources to ponder. One short meditation - a quotation from the writings of Frederick Buechner - seemed especially appropriate for this strange and difficult season we have been living through:

"Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace." (Celtic Daily Prayer, Book Two, page 900)

I find those words speak to me in all kinds of ways. I like the idea of using all our senses - 'listen, see....touch, taste, smell' to seek out the 'holy and hidden heart' of life. This reminds me that we don't need any sophisticated or expensive equipment for our spiritual quest - just the five ordinary (yet extraordinary) human senses that most of us were born with and which we take so much for granted.

I am challenged by the thought that there might be as much to learn from the 'boredom and pain' as from the 'excitement and gladness'. Nature teaches us this. There is beauty and meaning in the darker seasons of autumn and winter as well as in the brighter seasons of spring and summer.

Above all I need to keep reminding myself that life itself is indeed grace and that every moment counts - 'all moments are key moments'. During these times when so many things have been put on hold, the temptation is to write off this entire pandemic season as a loss, rather than asking how I might profit from it.

If we can emerge from this trying time as better human beings - wiser, stronger, more loving, more patient, more generous, more compassionate - then we will have some genuine gains to counterbalance the all too real and obvious losses.

Norman (Minister: Ashill Baptist Church)

APRIL @ MONK’S YARD As we look at the plans to move out of lock down, let us remember that we have a hope and a future that is not dependent on man’s plans but on God’s plan that was put into place before the foundation of this world, that we that are in Christ and have an inheritance that is eternal and a deposit guarantee of the Holy Spirit. That Jesus dwells in our hearts through faith, that we are in Christ and Christ is in us.

So let our faith and trust in God rise, let our lights shine out to people as He leads us out into this ever changing world, knowing that we have a hope and a future that we can share with people that is beyond this world. Dave M We meet on Zoom at 4.00pm every Sunday, contact us for details of how to connect.

A ‘Thought for the Day’ from Marion is also available via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSDAb6LhdVY

Visit the Sanctuary Space You Tube channel to find multiple playlists and opportunity for worship. Copy and paste the link below into your browser for a welcome note and ‘How to guide’ from Phil… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_iIy-mU- 3k&list=PLIxeOLdKM2wz2dHbPrwOO5W1Sr83P3Xjy&index=3&t=0s

We meet at Monks Yard, Horton Manor near Ilminster Tel: 01460 200020, Email: [email protected] Web: www.mychurchuk.co.uk Or find us on Facebook – Monks Yard Church.

The Monks Yard Trust, Charity No: 1100060

Barrington and District Gardening Society It’s such a pleasing sight seeing blossom on the trees, daffodils, primula and spring flowering bulbs / shrubs, showing resilience to the diversity of weather conditions which April brings with it. Many of us are still in the process of planning this year’s growing season and looking forward to a return to normality!

Which means at long last, the Committee can once again prepare and plan activities for you, like our Plant Sale hopefully in May, monthly meetings resuming once again from July and the Summer Show in August! We shall keep you all updated on the progress of this and any other events, by email, the Facebook group. (www.facebook.com/groups/2710049232365684) and the Barrington website.

Visitors and new members from all our surrounding villages are always welcome to our meetings. On joining our Society, not only do you have an entertaining evening with refreshments, we have a wide variety of talks, visits, and our Annual Shows to look forward to. We also receive discounts from The Gardens Group Garden Centre and from Sutton Seeds. Our annual membership for all this is £8 and if you would just like to visit for an evening talk, then all we ask is for a £2 contribution, (which will be reimbursed if you decide to take up the annual membership).

Please contact Robin on 01460 54691, if you would like any further details, or you can find further information on the website / Facebook page as detailed above.

Stay safe and well, we look forward to seeing you all, hopefully again soon.

The Arts Society Neroche South Somerset After 47 years supporting and promoting interest in the Decorative Arts, the Society will sadly, by the time you read this, have closed. A local distribution of remaining funds to promote The Arts has been agreed. Details of other groups of The Arts Society can be found at www.theartssociety.org David Hussey, Chairman

Linda Vijeh has sent this article in the hope that it may be of interest to readers

In recent years I have been contacted by local residents, church officials, and the fire brigade, in relation to concerns over residents who hoard, and as a result of which, are putting themselves, and others, at serious risk of harm.

The people concerned have often been private reclusive types living alone, or those living in sheltered accommodation.

I admit to being a bit of a hoarder myself, but regular house moves prompt a good old clear out, and being confined to home as a result of Covid-19 has given me the opportunity to tidy up.

As outsiders, of course we have no right to intrude on how others lead their lives. The reason I raise this subject though is that the real danger of hoarding became all too real for me this week when the death of a dear friend from New York, who I had spoken to just a few weeks ago, made front page headlines.

This was the report on ABC News – ‘An 80-year-old woman is dead after flames tore through her apartment in the East Village. early Friday morning on East 5th Street. The victim was found unconscious and badly burned inside a 7th floor apartment filled with clutter. Firefighters say the fire is not suspicious. Officials said the 80-year-old victim appeared to be hoarder and had a large amount of clutter in her apartment. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries battling the blaze. The woman's cat was unaccounted for following the fire.’ What a terrible, terrible way to die.

Extreme clutter and unsafe and unsanitary conditions hamper the desire of retaining a level of independence for the hoarder and is not something that many family members, friends or carers can anticipate. It is a relatively common disorder among the elderly and gets progressively worse with age; as many as 6% of the population aged 55 or older fall victim to its perils.

As we get older, many of us face a dramatic decline in the quality and frequency of our social interactions. This often leaves people feeling lonely and separated from the outside world, leading to behaviour that helps them to cope with isolation and depression. In some cases, this can revolve around accumulating “things”, everything from clothes and knickknacks to food, and even animals.

Up to 13% of older adults experiencing depression report severe compulsive hoarding. People with a hoarding disorder are also likely to experience other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcohol dependence and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Other risks include fire hazards, poor hygiene and nutrition, and poor sanitary conditions. Where there are also age-related mobility issues, this increases the risk of trips and fall-related injuries. In extreme circumstances hoarding can result in eviction, especially for those in rented accommodation.

In addressing the treatment of hoarding, enabling the person to form a trusting relationship with a significant other, which may be a friend, relative or carer, or even a social worker, is crucial. To encourage them to de-clutter they need to feel in control so that they can better handle alterations to their home environment without experiencing extreme distress.

Isle Valley News subscriptions 2021 - a note from the Treasurer

Subscribers have graciously accepted this decision and most have already paid the normal annual IVN subscription of £5 to their Parishes. If you have not yet paid, please could you be prepared to pay the person bringing your May magazine?

THANK YOU

ASHILL

The Church of St Mary

Ashill Website: www.ashillvillaeg.net www.facebook.com/ashillvillage Email: [email protected]

Flowers for Easter

Many thanks to the team of ladies who knitted or crocheted flowers which form a display on the gate of St Mary’s Church, Ashill to celebrate Easter. Your efforts are very much appreciated.

The display will be available to see from 30th March for one month and we hope that as many people as possible to come and enjoy this lovely work of art.

Ashill Village Hall COVID update

It is now a year since the Hall had to close, and we are still not sure when we can open it again.

While the Hall has been closed however, we have fitted a new water mains pipe, as the other supply pipe was rusted out.

We are having to fit hand dryers in all of the toilets and the kitchen to meet with the COVID regulations, as hand towels are no longer allowed.

The Committee has also agreed to replace the curtains which have been up for a long time and are in poor condition.

The Hall has to be completely disinfected, and I believe I have found a specialized Company to carry this out.

I have been asked to open the Hall for Polling Day, and I am expecting the Council to clean it afterwards.

As soon as we know when we can re-open the Hall to everybody, the Committee and I will inform you.

Peter Lang (Treasurer)

Ashill School PTFA Happy Easter! A very belated thank you to all of you who kindly bought our Christmas raffle tickets - in the end we had 22 fantastic prizes including 14 hampers. The raffle raised an incredible £954.

Also, so many thanks to the two kind couples that responded following the appeal in the November magazine for gazebos. The gazebo will now be in use (finally) as all the children have returned to school and the school are deciding the best way to use the financial contribution kindly given. Both donations are much appreciated and I’m sorry it has taken so long to write these thanks.

Bags to School is booked again! Drop off in front of school before 9.15am on Monday 26th April. Please put any clothes, linen, bags, belts and paired shoes, towels and soft toys (no bric-a-brac) into a bin liner and leave on the morning. The PTFA gets paid for every kilo collected.

Ashill Easter Egg Spotting. Over the Easter weekend, Friday 2nd April – Monday 5th April, there will be a number of Easter Egg pictures on display for people to spot around the village and parish while they’re out for a walk. There should be a good few around the village, at Windmill Hill, Hastings and Southtown. You’re welcome to devise your own circuit, or do bits on different days or just be cheered when you happen to pass one. The pictures with letter clues will compile an anagram to solve. Contact [email protected] if you’d like further information as the plan may have evolved since writing this in early March. If you’d like to display an egg of your own making please do.

BROADWAY

The Church of St Aldhelm and St Eadburga

Our church building remains closed for Sunday services, due to the Coronavirus, but there are still opportunities to worship together and pray together via Zoom. Please will anyone finding it difficult to access this contact: Revd Phil Denison: 01460 259155 Sarah Crook: 01460 391375 Roger Sanders: 01460 54013

If anyone feels they have a prayer or pastoral need the clergy are available on 01460 259155

Further information will be available on the Village Facebook page and on the Church Near You website.

The church will be reopened again as soon as it is felt that it is safe to do so.

Sunday Services

All are welcome to join Reverend Phil Denison and colleagues as they lead Sunday services on line.

Time: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Sunday 9.25am. Communion Every Sunday evening at 5.50pm Evening Worship 4th Sunday evening service includes Communion Place: The service is held using Zoom.

Details from Rev. P. Denison. E mail: [email protected] Sarah Crook (Adminstrator) E mail: [email protected]

For those without access to Zoom, you may like to join in lighting a candle during a minute’s silence at 6.00pm

Save the date.. Save the date..Save the date.. Save the date.. Broadway Parish Church are holding the Annual Parochial Church meeting Tuesday 20th April 2pm All welcome Location to be confirmed – possibly via Zoom Save the date.. Save the date..Save the date.. Save the date..

Hurrah! The May edition of the Isle Valley News will be a paper copy and will be delivered to your door!

GRAVITY

Gravity was discovered, my teacher said When an apple fell on Isaac Newton’s head. It keeps us anchored to the ground, or else we would just float around.

If a situation has gravity – we should worry, If we are in grave danger – we should hurry. Gravity is downward and, there’s a thing, Down has a most unhappy ring.

If we feel down, that’s sad, If the economy is down, that’s bad. Down is where the devils dwell, We don’t like “down” that I can tell.

Up, on the other hand, is good you know, We look up, we pick up, we buck up, and so If we can choose which way we should be, It’s obvious up is the way for me.

Now, the earth is a globe spinning on its axis, hurtling through space round the sun, And that’s not all, this slightly squashed ball tips to and fro in its run.

So Gravity keeps us firmly pinned down, And we need to keep cheerful and bright, But will someone please tell me which way is up Then I’m sure that I will be all right. By Beryl Muskett

Sunday Services

All are welcome to join Reverend Phil Denison and colleagues as they lead Sunday services on line.

Time: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Sunday 9.25am. Communion Every Sunday evening at 5.50pm Evening Worship 4th Sunday evening service includes Communion Place: The service is held using Zoom.

Details from Rev. P. Denison. E mail: [email protected] Sarah Crook (Adminstrator) E mail: [email protected]

For those without access to Zoom, you may like to join in lighting a candle during a minute’s silence at 6.00pm

DONYATT

St Mary’s Church

Donyatt 100 Club February 2021 draw

1st £30 Rebecca Liptrott 2nd £20 Peter Mortimer 3rd £10 William Bagwell

Numbers drawn by computer Random Number Generator by Mike Toop, Chairman DVHC and overseen by Anne Beveridge and Becky Liptrott via WhatsApp 24.2.2021.

Information for current and new members for 2021-2022 Thank you to everyone who supported last year's 100 Club. It has really helped to raise money towards the ongoing improvements for our Village Hall. We are coming to the end of the financial year (end March 2021) and are giving you and your family the opportunity to retain your lucky number/s and the chance for others to join for the next 12 months (April 2021 - March 2022) Monthly prizes: 1st £30, 2nd £20, 3rd £10

For a form contact: Anne Beveridge, 1 Kings Cottage, Donyatt, TA19 0RQ. Tel. 01460 259835

HAMBRIDGE

St James the Less Village Website – hambridgeandwestport.org

Now things are relaxing a bit it's lovely to be able to look forward to meeting in church again. We are planning to hold Stations of the Cross on Good Friday and a service of celebration on Easter Day. Details can be found in the flier with this magazine. There will also be a zoom service on Easter Day

HORtON

Churches’ Partnership St Peter’s Church & Broadway Hill Methodist Church

The Church of St Peter’s TA19 9RN

Correspondent Mr Roger Allen – 01460 57702 [email protected] Village Website www.hortonvillage.co.uk

Flowers Wendy Green

St Peter’s Church TA19 9RN

Message from our Churchwarden – Jan Allen

Hello everyone,

Just a reminder that although our Church is closed at present, you can still access services online via Zoom – Sunday morning 9.30am, and Sunday evening at 5.50pm. There are also prayer sessions in the week at 9.15am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – Tuesday at 8.30pm – Thursday morning at 10.40am for a coffee, and a chat. All codes for these services can be accessed from Revd Phil, or myself.

A huge thank you must be given to Revd Phil, Revd Philip, and Team for providing us with these services. A great deal of thought goes into their preparation.

As you are aware each Sunday morning service of Holy Communion is set in a different Church in the Benefice, and Revd’s Phil, and Philip take their camera, and meet with the Churchwarden of the said Church to put the service together. These services are very popular, and we appreciate the fact that we can celebrate Holy Communion, albeit remotely.

We look forward to the time we can open our Churches again – hopefully plans are afoot for Good Friday, and Easter Day – so look out for further details on websites, facebook and posters.

Spring has definitely sprung, and I know we are all appreciative of the longer, brighter days. We look forward to enjoying our gardens, meeting family, and friends, and being able to venture a little further in our cars to breathe in the sea air – what a joy that will be.

So let us remain forever hopeful. The light at the end of the tunnel is becoming much brighter, and the darkness fading away. We are nearly there, so just hang on a little longer.

PS Our grateful thanks to David Ireland who has been providing Quizzes for over 50 weeks on Zoom/

Love Jan (01460 57702)

Annual Parochial Church Meeting The Annual Parochial Church Meeting for St. Peter’s, Horton will take place on Monday 19th April 2021 at 2.00pm in Horton Church Room, or by Zoom where we will elect Churchwardens, and PCC members. All parishioners are very welcome to attend, but only those on the Church electoral roll will be eligible to vote. Come along, and find out how your local church is organised, and maybe get involved yourself!

Roger Allen PCC Secretary, (01460 57702)

Lay Pastoral Assistant Jan Allen is a Lay Pastoral Assistant in Horton. Anyone who would like prayers said for any Family, or Friends who are unwell, or just for a chat please contact Jan on 01460 57702.

Broadway Hill Methodist Church TA19 9QT Greetings from friends at Broadway Hill Methodist Church!

Chattabox Coffee Group, Horton Computer Hub and worship services have been closed until Covid Guidelines ease. But BHMC is ready to start again gradually.

Posters at the Post Office, the BHMC noticeboard and www.hortonvillage.co.uk will provide up to date information.

World Day of Prayer held on 5th March 2021 The women of Vanuatu had created a beautiful service with the theme “Build on a strong foundation”. Vanuatu the South Pacific 300,000 population over 80 islands has been at the forefront of environmental effects of climate change for several years. This year enabled the reader to learn about the situation. All the 25 booklets were distributed and folk at home shared in the circle of prayer. Next Year 2022, on Friday March 4th the women from UK will have prepared the service. Hopefully there will be a local evening event.

With Covid still the focus, please know that the community, volunteers, neighbours, the Post Office team and the local churches are willing to give a helping hand;

• Our Village Agents can be contacted via Community Council for Somerset. The Village Agents can help whatever the problem. 01823 331 222 www.ccslovessomerset.org/agents -call-back email; [email protected] • Silverline -a 24 hour free confidential telephone helpline for over 50s 0800 4 70 80 90 founded by Esther Ransen • Community Transport (door to door) with Slinky Bus and cars to support appointments, vaccine visits and such. 08448 009 646. Each passenger needs a Senior Bus Pass. The drivers and call- staff are kind, patient and skilled.

Blythswood Christmas Shoeboxes. The collection would like to receive pairs of new socks if and when it is possible. Thank you for all the interest and care through the year.

Food Bank and Food Share are continuing to work hard to meet needs for local households. Donations of food for the Food Bank are collected in the Minster. Money donations can be sent to Food Bank c/o Parish Office, The Minster, Court Barton, Ilminster, TA19 ODU. Please mark “Food Bank” on the back. Thank you!

Recycling Milk Bottle plastic tops can be left on the bottles and collected at the kerb or with food trays at the Recycling Centre. However, those that are deposited at the BHMC door in Pound Road Horton are taken to Recycling.

Used postage stamps and collectables are forwarded to the Leprosy Mission. Keep safe.

Rev Anna Flindell 01460 261766 or [email protected] Sue Parsons 01460 54581 07771 952 799 [email protected]

ILTON

The Church of St Peter Churchwarden: Kate Cameron – 01460 55308 Secretary: Christine Bragg – 01460 54998 Committee: Anne Crow, Colin Thomas & Michelle Butler

As this magazine goes to print at last, we have very little news for Ilton.

We will be spending our grant from Historic England starting on Monday 15th March as builders (George Baker) will occupy the church for an estimated 3 months. During that time St Peter's will be locked when the builders go home.

As Easter services have not been worked out yet depending on covid restrictions, plans will be released later by advertising in the parishes.

We hope to have a service either on the Green or in the churchyard but watch notice boards The foot path through the churchyard won't be affected.

There are plans to cut some branches from the Wellingtonia (the large tree beside the church) which leans very slightly towards the church, to prevent the leaning increasing.

Other than that, we have no news thanks to the pandemic! If help of any sort is needed or any worries please ring me. Kate.

ISLE ABBOTTS

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin Correspondent: Lesley Sutcliffe – 01460 281440 [email protected] Village Website: www.isle-abbotts.org.uk

Once again there is very little to report, but signs of Spring are showing with the snowdrops and daffodils coming out and the occasional warm day! As more and more people are vaccinated against this awful virus there is hope that we can get back to some kind of normal very soon. Services for Easter, if any, are yet to be confirmed. We will advertise locally if anything is going on.

Our Annual Parochial Church meeting will take place on 20th April and we are seeking new members to join us. If you are interested in getting more involved in the church life please contact Elaine (01460 281407) or Tony (07967 802058).

We are pleased to announce that we have received a grant from Historic England to do some essential repairs to the south porch and are hoping this work will take place over the summer.

The book shop is still open in the porch of the Jubilee Room. Many thanks to those who have supported it and bought books from there. We now have a few DVD's for sale as well as a good selection of novels, autobiographies and reference books. Recently introduced as well – puzzles and games.

Cleaning Rota for April w/c 5th Susan Robson w/c 12th & 19th Peter Cottell w/c 26th Barbara Rickitt

February 100 club winners 1st Prize No. 70 Sara Bannister 2nd Prize No. 16 Alaistair Richards 3rd Prize No. 07 Peter Watts

ISLE BREWERS

The Church of All Saints Contact Point – Churchwarden – Delia Pearmund – 01460 281554

At last there is a plan for lifting many of the Covid 19 restrictions so that our lives can return to a more familiar and happy pattern - meeting family and friends, returning to work places, going to the shops and all the many things that have been denied us for most of the last year.

Many of us have had the Jab and those in the younger age groups are being summoned. Our scientists have excelled themselves with methods to take on the virus, and our NHS and volunteers have done wonders. It really is a case of ‘Thy hand O God has guided’. How thankful we will be, how proud of ourselves that we have kept to the rules and done our part in keeping people safe.

Now will come another hard bit, some will be over enthusiastic and some will be over-timid in gaining confidence to get out and about as the risks will still be here. Children will still need guiding through this

22 transition in behaviour so that they can become confident, socially aware, eager and ready to catch up on lost schooling. We must wish them and the teaching staff well.

As soon as we are able, we plan to open the church several times a week. What better place to go to give thanks for all we have to be thankful for, and to remember what has been lost.

We plan to return to our old scheme of having a rota of helpers to open and close the building. If you feel able to help please contact me on 01460 281554.

Sunday services are still on line every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday at 9.25am and every Sunday evening at 5.50pm for Evening Worship which includes lighting a candle during a minute’s silence at 6.00pm. This is a moment to join with others to pray for a successful way to learn to live with Covid 19, for reconciliation, unity and peace, and anything that is personal to you.

If you don’t have access to the internet but would like to join in just light a candle at 6.00pm.

We will hold a service in All Saints on Easter Sunday, details to follow.

In the meantime stay safe and look after each other. Love and prayers Delia

*****************************************

Advertising Rates 8.5cm x 5.5cm, portrait format, is £5.80 per month (£58.00 per year). 9cm. x 11cm, landscape, £8.65 per month (£86.50 per year). Annual rate = 1 free issue (11 issues per year)

Any requests for advertising should be sent to the Editor, Mrs Rosemary Pitkin, (email: [email protected]) in black and white, and as a word document or a Jpeg (not pdf). Adverts which contain any colour will not be included. An invoice will be provided by the treasurer of the IVN for any order received. Payment should be sent preferably by bank transfer (The Isle Valley Benefice 30-92-40 A/C 00976686), to Andrew Warde at [email protected] 01460 57673, or by cheque payable to The Isle Valley Benefice and sent to Mr A Warde, Coldharbour Farmhouse, Donyatt, Ilminster, TA19 0RN. The advert will not be included until payment has been received.

Disclaimer : The Editor, Clergy and PCCs of the Isle Valley Benefice, in publishing advertisements as a service to readers and local businesses, are not thereby endorsing or recommending any advertised product or service.

Material for any issue should be sent to Mrs Rosemary Pitkin, Clover Cottage, Kenny, Ashill, TA19 9NH ([email protected]) by 12 noon on deadline date. Electronic and earlier copy appreciated.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DEADLINE DATES:

May 2021 9th April June 2021 9th May July 2021 9th June August 2021 9th July September 2021 9th August October 2021 9th September November 2021 9th October December 2021/ January 2022 9th November

As the May copy of the magazine will be printed, it is important that contributions are received on time. Thank you.

Isle Valley News subscriptions 2021 - a note from the Treasurer

In accordance with Government rules to prevent the spread of Covid19, the Isle Valley Benefice has been offering digital copies of Isle Valley News until printed copies can be safely distributed again. The May 2021 edition will be printed and distributed as usual. Subscribers have graciously accepted this decision and most have already paid the normal annual IVN subscription of £5 to their Parishes. If you have not yet paid, please could you be prepared to pay the person bringing your May magazine?

Name of Business Service Contact Email Website

A&C Joinery Bespoke hard & softwood joinery 01460 55222 [email protected] www.aandc.biz

AJ Wakely Funeral Services 01460 52576 [email protected] www.ajwakely.com

Arb Resolutions (Tom Albrow) Tree surgery and hedging 07926 878557 [email protected]

B Gibbs Funeral Services Ltd Funeral Services 01460 929100 [email protected] www.bgibbsfuneralservices.co.uk 7817019641 Bare Fabrics Ethically sourced fabrics [email protected] www.barefabrics.co.uk Bluebird Care Own home care and support 01935 584184

Boilertec (Nelson Ryall) Heating services 07810 801000 [email protected] www.boilertec.org

Bond Build (Roger Moore) Building, repointing, renovations 01460 259305 [email protected] www.bondbuild.co.uk

Burrow Environmental Wastewater treatment plant instal 01935 507508 www.burrow-environmental.com

Charlotte Bly Dance/Exercise classes 07764 301304 [email protected]

Current Electrical Services Electricians 07720 206887 [email protected] www.currentelectricalservices.co.uk

D Mitchell Building maintenance, painting, carpets, 01460 250888 [email protected]

Finding the Amazing (Anna Labrom) Solution focussed hypnotherapy 07585 469635 [email protected]

G.O.T. Decorating (Gareth Tanner) Interior and exterior 07736 644452 [email protected] www.gotdec.co.uk Going to the Dogs Canine training, daycare, holidays 07947 229321

Grinters Building, carpentry, plumbing 01460 258949 [email protected] www.grinters.co.uk

H&H Accountants All aspects of accounting and tax 01460 52666 [email protected] www.handhaccountants.com

Helen Foster Carer and house sitter 01823 480449 [email protected]

Helen Rose Upholstery modern and antique upholstery 01460 62621 www.helenroseupholstery.co.uk

Hilary Norman Foot health (home visits only) 01823 490280 [email protected]

Hornsbury Mill Restaurant and bar 01460 63317 [email protected] Ian Cottage Painter/decorator, interior/exterior 01460 259422 Karen's Alterations (Karen Wrenn) Clothing alterations, curtains, etc 01460 55627

Kev's Cleaning, JJK Guttering Window cleaning, guttering services 01823 272260 [email protected] www.kevscleaningservices.co.uk

Lendology CIC SSDC loan scheme for home owners 01823 461099 www.lendology.org.uk

Martin Symes Wheelwright, woodturner, woodwork 01404 861340 www.martinsymes.co.uk

Meadows Podiatry Clinic Foot health 07594 289390 [email protected] www.themeadowspodiatryclinic.com Mike Lee Heating, plumbing, boilers, etc 07733 030199 25

Mitchams Chartered Accountants Accountancy and taxation 01460 52202 [email protected] www.mitchams.co.uk

Monument Fuels Heating oil, kerosene, red diesel, gas 01823 650999 [email protected] www.monumentfuels.co.uk N Russell Electrical Services Domestic, industrial, commercial 01460 929619 Nick Rutter Master Chimney Sweep 01460 52951

Oven Spa Oven cleaning 07843 998896 www.ovenspa.com Paul Nichols (Painter & Decorator) Interior and exterior 01823 480590

Paul Young Catering Bespoke menus, meals delivered 07792 456514 [email protected] www.paulyoungcatering.co.uk

Pegasus Pest Control Residential, commercial, agricultural 01458 252551 [email protected] www.pegasuspestcontrol.co.uk

Retter's Garage (Tom Retter) Tyres, repairs, fitting, balancing 07436 793158 [email protected]

Richard Ball Logs, kindling, stacking 01823 664553 [email protected] www.localfirewood.co.uk

Ringborough Design & Planning (G Dijon) Home design 01823 421049 [email protected] Robert Abel (Property maint & electrical) General building, maintenance ,electrical 01823 480812

Roderic Baillie-Grohman Stonemason, headstones 01458 252701 www.RBGstonemason.co.uk SA Windows Ltd (Steve Appleton) uPVC windows, doors, porches 01460 52290

Sam Musgrove Tree Services pruning, logs, mowing, hedging etc 01460 281201 [email protected]

Simon Ayres Handyman & garden services 01460 53512 [email protected]

The Clover Press Private & commercial printing 01823 481101 [email protected] www.thecloverpress.co.uk

The Dog Shed (Adrian Attebery) Dog grooming, walking 07875 027311 [email protected] The Flying Fish Pub and restaurant 01823 480467

Tracey Rackstraw House, garden and lifestyle care etc 07709 507855 [email protected]

Willoway Landscaping, grounds maintenance, etc 01460 247161 [email protected]