MOMSS MAY 2021 News & Views for our MOMSS villages of Middlezoy, Othery, Moorlinch, Stawell, Sutton Mallet and Greinton Printed by: Media Edge UK Ltd, Bridgwater, 01278 450406 Our advertisers enable us to provide the MOMSS magazine free of charge to each home in our villages. Please support them if you can, and mention this magazine. 1 MOMSS MAGAZINE MOMSS Publishing House Style This publication is hand delivered Articles submitted to the magazine are put FREE to over 1,040 homes within the into MOMSS house style. This uses Gill villages in the United Benefice: Sans 10pt for general text with Gill Sans Middlezoy, Othery, Moorlinch, bold 10pt for sub-headings. Arial Black 10pt Stawell, Sutton Mallet & Greinton is used for main headings. Example of our date format is '25 December’ – the st, rd, th are only used after dates with no month MOMSS is issued 11 times a year (there is alongside. There is no need to insert year a joint December/January issue) and is unless referring to year ahead. We use a 12 designed as a Community Magazine. hour time format eg '5.30pm'. Italics, bold It is produced by volunteers, with the or underlining will not be included. authority of the United Benefice Churchwardens, for the villagers’ benefit. Advertising costs Quarter Page: (A7 size): EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Single edition £20; Three editions £50; Committee: Richard Graham, Anita Six editions £95; Annual £175. Winslade, Jane Stryker, Isobel Davis and Half Page (A6 size): Gill Wilkinson. Single edition £40; Three editions £100; Editor this month: Anita Winslade Six editions £190; Annual £350. Compiler this month: Jane Stryker For further pricing information and NEWS ARTICLES technical details phone We regret we cannot guarantee inclusion Jane Stryker Tel: 01458 210661 of articles or photographs and may need E-mail [email protected] to edit copy due to space limitations. Please note: Copy and payment for adverts Submitting articles: Copy preferred in th Microsoft Word format. must be received by 12 of the month Email to [email protected] (see date of deadlines on this page). 300 word limit please. Advertising space is limited. We cannot Submit handwritten copy via one of the guarantee single adverts will be accepted members of the committee if you are for publication. unable to find someone to help you MOMSS Account details transfer it to email. We cannot guarantee Account name: United Benefice MOMSS its accurate inclusion. Sort Code 09.01.53 Submitting photos or artwork: Account Number 79133288 also [email protected] Reference 'Magazine'. We gladly accept news and views from all groups or individuals, however, the Committee has overriding editorial This magazine is edition control. We cannot accept liability for number 4 of volume 18 loss or damage arising from any error, inaccuracies or omission from any copy or advertising. The views expressed in the DON’T FORGET ! magazine are not necessarily those of the June edition deadlines: United Benefice, the Editorial teams or the Adverts 12 May publisher. Articles 15 May 2 FROM THE EDITOR Spring is now in full flush with beautiful blossoms in gardens, parks and hedgerows. A good sign of cheerfulness as we are gradually emerging from the severe restrictions necessary for the overcoming of the coronavirus. During these past lockdown months we have had the joy of the birth of adored babies but also the sadness of many people suddenly departing from our living world whether from old age, illness or accident – people we personally knew or people who have been part of the fabric of Britain's history. HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, beloved husband of the Queen for 73 years, died peacefully on Friday 9 April, aged 99, and his funeral was held on Saturday 17 April. Bells were tolled half-muffled around the nation and the Commonwealth in tribute and commemoration. The Queen will now recontinue her duty as monarch with the sup- port of her extended family, staff, the government and the public. Locally our villages are planning future events, businesses are opening their doors again – all within regulations and guidance – so there is much to look forward to in the com- ing months and years. So roll on Summer, Autumn and Winter – we await your beauty and variety with pleas- ant anticipation and look forward also to 2022. In the meantime read through our magazine, hopefully enjoying its reports, adverts, wit and wisdom and all good wishes to everyone. Anita Winslade (Editor, May edition) 3 BENEFICE, DEANERY AND DIOCESAN ITEMS FROM THE REGISTERS Funerals and Interments The funeral of Grace Cane of Middlezoy, who died on 26 March, was held in Holy Cross Church, Middlezoy, followed by burial in the churchyard on Monday 12 April. The funeral of Barry Peacock of Othery, who died on 21 March, was held in St Michael's Church, Othery, followed by burial in Othery Village Cemetery on Friday 16 April. CHURCHES AND CHAPELS Private Prayer You are most welcome to visit either Holy Cross Church, Middlezoy, which is open daily 10am to 4pm just for Private Prayer (contact Ian Campbell 01823 698790) or St Francis Church, Stawell, which is open on Wednesdays from10am to 12 noon just for Private Prayer (contact Rachel Fortune 01278 723416). To comply with current Covid-19 regulations if either of these churches is required for special services (baptisms, weddings, funerals) it will be necessary to keep them closed for two days before and afterwards. Notices will be displayed, but if you are travelling it is advisable to check before you set out. The Levels Methodist Chapel in Middlezoy is closed on weekdays but open when organised services are held there. Local contacts are: Pauline Stewart 01823 698351, Sandy Rogers 01823 698220 or the Minister Rev. Deborah Kirk 01823 334854 for further information. Sunday Services See details in the chart of Services on the outside back cover. PRAYER REQUESTS Send any prayer request in at any time to [email protected]. We realise that the situation we are in at the moment is very changeable therefore please ask for prayers when they are needed. A group of us are ready to add your requests to our prayers. You can be sure everything is done in the strictest confidence. This prayer initiative is open to anyone in the benefice or beyond. Prayer and reflection are regularly posted on the Holy Cross Church Middlezoy Facebook page. 4 FROM THE BISHOP CALLED TO CARE AND SERVE There are many things I shall miss when I retire. One is writing these brief articles for parish magazines. After some 41 years of writing articles and editorials you might think I would be pleased to stop. However, over the years this is one way I have been able to keep in touch with people and offer encouragement and support to all that is happening in the life of our churches and communities. In the ordination service for bishops the liturgy begins with the words: ‘Bishops are called to serve and care for the flock of Christ. Mindful of the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for the sheep, they are to love and pray for those committed to their charge, knowing their people, and being known by them.’ These monthly articles are one way in which I seek to ‘be known’ across the diocese. As I prepare to retire, I want to express my huge appreciation for the welcome I have received in all the parishes and places that I have visited. It has been an enormous privilege to join the churches of the diocese to see what you are doing, to preach and to share in your worship. I am conscious that despite getting out and about across the whole diocese there are still some churches which I have not visited, and I am sorry about that. Reading the ordination service, I see that as disciples we are all called to ‘witness to the resurrection and to preach the good news of salvation in all the world.’ That is a calling and a privilege which will not stop as I lay down the See of Bath and Wells. It is at the heart of what it is to be part of the Body of Christ. So, as I say my farewells, I send you my blessing. Please know that my prayers will continue to be with you. Yours with the love of Christ, Peter The Rt Rev Peter Hancock, Bishop of Bath and Wells GENERAL INTEREST ITEMS LOCAL ELECTIONS POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONER (AVON & SOMERSET) The election is taking place on Thursday 6 May when Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. Every vote matters – make sure yours is counted. HOME LIBRARY SERVICE Somerset Libraries provides a Home Library Service, available to anyone who is unable to visit their local library. This includes people who may be housebound, living in long term care, carers, or people who are vulnerable due to long term conditions or disabilities. The service is open to people of all ages. For more information about this service contact Kirsty Jenssen – email: [email protected] or tel: 07814 079831 How it works When you contact us, we will arrange for a volunteer to visit you. You can discuss what you like to read and the best times to visit you, usually on fortnightly or monthly basis. 5 The volunteer will go to the library to choose your books and deliver them to you. Volunteers can also support you in accessing free e-Books, e-Audiobooks and e-Magazines. They can also provide you with audio books, DVDs and other items.