STAFF

Prebendary Noël Hector The Rectory, 32 All Saints’ Lane, BS21 6AU (Rector) (Tel: 873257) [email protected]

Associate Clergy The Rev’d Sister Anita CSC St Gabriel’s, 27a Dial Hill Road, Clevedon BS21 7HL (Tel: 544471) [email protected]

The Rev’d Caroline Sackley 5 Chestnut Grove, Clevedon BS21 7LA (Tel: 792212) [email protected]

The Rev’d Nicholas Maddock 3 Friary Close, Clevedon, BS21 7QA (Tel: 870751) [email protected]

The Rev’d Tim Daplyn 1 New Park House, Old Park Road, Clevedon, BS21 7HU (Tel: 219810) [email protected]

Lay Ministers Mrs Angela Hector, M.Sc. 52 Thackeray Avenue, Clevedon, BS21 7TA (Tel: 871247)

Mrs Robb Robinson, B.Ed Boxwood Cottage, Clevedon Road, Parish Office: 01275 873257 or [email protected] Weston in Gordano BS20 8PU (Tel: 399097)

Safeguarding Officer Mrs Lindsey Ivens (07702 082192)

Hall Bookings: All Saints’ Parish Rooms: Trish & John Dean Tel: 07763295495 (Texts preferred) email: [email protected] MAY 2021 St Mary’s Church Hall: Mrs Diana Fleming Tel: 01275 875081

The Parish Office, The Rectory Tel: 873257. The office is normally open 9 am - 1 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. [email protected]; www.eastclevedonchurches.co.uk

CHURCHWARDENS All our benefice churches are now holding regular services All Saints’ East Mrs Kay Osborne, 2 Seymour Close BS21 6DU (342013) and are open for private prayer during the week. Clevedon with St Michael’s, Mrs Monica Gore, 4 Plumers Close, BS21 5AW

Clapton in Gordano (791764) For the latest advice please see the benefice website St Mary’s Walton Cheryl Parry, 10 Edward Road West, BS21 7DY (873723) or the diocesan website (addresses below). Mrs Diana Fleming, Flat 5, 29 Edgehill Road, BS21 7BZ (875081) There is a large amount of online ministry available on: St Paul’s Mrs Sue Betts, 1 Kings Road, Portishead, BS20 8HH (848645) Diocesan website: www.bathandwells.org.uk Walton in Gordano Mrs Sheri Russell, 1 Manor Cottages, Walton in G, BS21 7AN Benefice website: www.eastclevedonchurches.co.uk (873136)

St Peter & St Paul Mr John Bridges, The Bellows, Clevedon Road, Weston in Gordano If you or someone you know is feeling isolated Weston in Gordano BS20 8PU (843380) or needing support please contact the parish office.

Contact for St Michael’s Clapton in Gordano - Derek Roberts tel: 01275 818352

Website: www.eastclevedonchurches.co.uk Facebook pages : All Saints East Clevedon Church; St Marys Clevedon; St Pauls Church Walton in Gordano; St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Weston in Gordano 32

SERVICES

All Saints’, Sundays 8.00 am Holy Communion East Clevedon 10.30 am Sunday Worship

St Mary’s, Walton, Sundays 10.00 am Sunday Worship Clevedon Wednesdays 10.00 am Holy Communion

St Paul’s, Walton Sundays 11.15 am Sunday Worship

St Peter & St Paul, Sundays 10.00 am Holy Communion (1st ) Weston in Gordano 6.00 pm Evensong (2nd & 4th) 10.00 am Sunday Worship (3rd)

HELPFUL INFORMATION

Please contact the parish office if you would like to receive a weekly email with Readings and Prayers for the week and links to the YouTube Reflection and Monday Zoom.

If you do not have internet access please contact the parish office and we will make hard copies available for you.

Mondays at 10 am - Morning Prayer on zoom. Please contact the parish office for the link.

Please also see www.eastclevedonchurches.co.uk for Clergy Reflection videos, copies of Morning and Evening Prayer and the current edition of the parish magazine.

In addition to this Sister Carol suggests we pray in our homes on Thursday 2021 evenings between 8.15 - 8.45 pm giving us an opportunity to pray for the Covid situation together (and yet be apart). This time of intersession can end with Compline, copies of which are available in church. Should any readers want to find out more they may contact the Parish Office.

2 31 FIRST WORD from THE RECTOR

Can you imagine the scene in a maternity ward some time ago. Father anxiously pacing by the hospital cigarette vending machine (this was the 1960s so that was alright), new mother abed waiting for her baby to be brought to her, various doctors, midwives and nurses in conversation.

Midwife: Mrs (being the 1960s she was married) Smith? Might I have a word?

Mrs Smith: Yes, there’s nothing wrong is there?

Midwife: No, no. Nothing wrong. It’s just that…

Mrs Smith: Tell me, tell me. What is it?

Doctor: It’s just that… that… have another drink Mrs Smith (being the 1960s…)

Mrs Smith: I don’t need a drink. What is it, is my baby alright?

Midwife: It’s just that your baby is a, is a, is a…

Mrs Smith: Is a what?

Midwife: (blurting in a high tone) Introvert. Mrs Smith, your baby is an introvert.

Mrs Smith: Do you mean…?

Doctor: Yes. I’m afraid I do. Your daughter may not really enjoy parties that much.

Hot On Gas Limited Gasps, gas and air all round.

Plumbing and Heating Engineers Ever since Carl Yung, we have divided people between Introvert and Extrovert. If you are an introvert it will mean that your personality tends to focus on your internal feelings rather than external sources of stimulus. You’ll like your own Energy Efficient Boilers, company and although you may well enjoy meeting other people you may need time Central Heating Systems installed alone to recover your energy. Being an introvert is very different from being “shy” Repairs, servicing and Advice as introverts can be very confident people, frequently more so than extroverts, as

Jon Bell, Registered Gas Installer their energy comes from within. An extrovert, by contrast, gains refreshment and 10 Robin Lane, Clevedon energy from external stimulus, especially social life, and finds time alone trying and sometimes depressing. An introvert sees a blank page in the diary as a good thing North , BS21 7EX and will much prefer to plan ahead for social commitments, whilst an extrovert will

do all they can to fill that blank page with activity and will probably love being Tel: 01275 340734 spontaneous.

Mobile: 07884393378 Although some 15% of the population is markedly introvert and 15% markedly extrovert, most of us fall into a mix of both. Most of us enjoy a social life and its Email: [email protected] commitments and we appreciate friends enormously but also need times of quiet and reflection where we can be ourselves.

30 3 I mention this because as little by little we emerge from the Covid restrictions we will have very different feelings about entering “normal life” again. Obviously for some this year has been very difficult. We have all noticed the isolation, anxiety and loneliness that many have felt. For both young and old these may well have been difficult months. We have also been only too aware of the financial pressures this has caused as well as the tragic loss of life and health. But equally for many this has been a refreshing year and many have genuinely appreciated a quieter way of life – it has been an introverts year probably for the first time ever. There have been very few social occasions to live through, and those they’ve been have been controlled. We haven’t shared the peace in church – to the delight and relief of some.

So in spite of my bad joke above, for many the thought of coming out of lockdown is no joke at all and may itself be a cause of anxiety. As the more familiar pattern of life re-establishes itself it will come as a relief and as a challenge in equal measure. For those who can’t wait to get back into a fuller life there is much to look forward to as things open up. But equally there will be others who simply don’t want to simply go back to how things were and they might prefer to be a little more choosy about what they do and don’t do.

So our advice needs to be to take time in the readjustment. If you feel in any way anxious, or that a somewhat precious new way of life is about to be removed, then take time to feel your way and have the courage to hold onto the changes you want to keep. For those who can’t wait to get going there will be lots of opportunities. This will be true for our churches as it is for individuals. We’ll need to reflect deeply on what we want to be in the future and what aspects of 2020/21 we want to hold onto.

If the government’s timeline holds then by the 17th May up to two households will be able to meet indoors, pubs (and presumably churches) may be able to serve drinks and meals at tables, entertainment venues (cinemas and theatres etc) may open again and after 21st June the restrictions on numbers in churches may well be lifted, hymns may be able to be sung later in the year and communion will become more available. All of this is subject to change, of course, but the direction of travel is clear. Normal life is gradually returning.

So let’s celebrate the good changes and be pleased for all those for whom they will come as a welcome relief. But spare a thought too for those who in spite of the difficulties have enjoyed this quieter pace of life and appreciated the space and time it afforded. We all need each other – introvert or extrovert as we may be. Noël

The deadline for copy for the June magazine is Monday 17th May and the magazine will be in church on Sunday 30th May 2021

4 29 HRH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

It was with great sadness that we have learned of the death of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh on the 9th April, at the age of 99. Our benefice offers our heartfelt prayers and condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family. He was universally recognised for his outstanding support for Her Majesty and for the devoted public service he undertook for so many years. Our sadness and our thankfulness will be of equal measure as we remember him, the Queen and and the wellbeing of the he did so much to serve. Noel

A prayer for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh published by the Church of

God of our lives, we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip, for his love of our country and for his devotion to duty. We entrust him now to your love and mercy, through our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen.

***********

Christian Aid Week Appeal 10 - 16 May 2021

Climate chaos is one of the greatest injustices we face. Together we STOP this climate crisis.

Rose fights hunger every day. This is her climate crisis; this is her story. Rose strives to provide for her grandchildren who live with her. She does all she can to give them happy childhoods, like the times she remembers when there was plenty of food. But the climate crisis is driving her to the brink. In times of drought, Rose sets out on a long and dangerous journey every morning to collect water for her family. She walks on an empty stomach.

‘Because I am old, I can’t walk very fast. When I get home I just rest in the evening. I have no energy to do anything else,’ Rose says.

Even when the rains do come, relief for Rose is often short lived. There is a nearby earth dam just minutes away from Rose’s home. It should be a lifeline. But it’s not wide enough or deep enough for everyone’s needs. It runs out of water too quickly. Imagine how dispirited Rose must feel watching the rain fall for days, only to find the dam empty just a short while later. What’s more, the rains are much heavier than they should be, putting Rose’s community at risk of flooding.

28 5

Rose is over 60 years old and simply won’t have the strength to fetch water from further afield for much longer. We need to fight this climate crisis together. With a reliable source of water, people like Rose would be free from long, painful journeys. They would be able to grow fresh vegetables to eat. And they would be able to protect themselves from the dangers of coronavirus. With such dire need, every last drop of water that falls in Rose’s community is precious.

This Christian Aid Week, will you stand with people like Rose for every last drop and help them fight the climate crisis? Your gifts could help communities build better earth dams to harvest more water; sow drought-tolerant crops that grow even with the fewest of drops; or set up an advocacy group to demand change at the highest level and put a stop to this climate crisis.

People like Rose need every last drop to survive this climate crisis. Your gifts will help ensure they can. Give today and help ensure people like Rose have the water they need to live.

This year there will not be a house to house collection in our parishes but you can donate online at christianaid.org.uk

MESSAGE FROM BISHOP PETER

Called to serve and care

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 Advertising in the East Clevedon Parish Magazine 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, If you would like to advertise in this magazine please email to preach and to share in your worship. I am conscious that despite getting out and [email protected] for more information. 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

6 27 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 C & F Services 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 Caring & Friendly be with you.

Yours with the love of Christ, ******* Bishop Peter We can cater for your needs

Companionship Light household duties A MESSAGE FROM JOSHUA FOWLER Shopping Doctors/Hospital Appointments Dear All, Trips out I am writing this to you from my placement in sunny Salcombe Dog walking seeing the blue sea, white waves and golden sands. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your Call for more details kindness and support during my time with you. I am placed here in the Salcombe area for three months to support the church in a Caroline - 07444 249842 or 01275 792609 variety of ways and am carrying all that I have learnt from you with me. Fran - 07900 224629 Wishing you all the best until we meet again, Joshua

HOLIDAYS! Counselling, Psychotherapy, Coaching Whether holidays will be possible this year many people will not time for you, time to talk, time to work things through know. Certainly, if they happen they are likely to be very different time to understand, time for solutions in one way or another! As Liz and I go forward from our 60th Anniversary, we inevitably look back on some of the family Fiona Slade – CNHC, APHP holidays we have thoroughly enjoyed. Let me take you back to Clinical Psychotherapist, enhanced DBS the end of the 1960s when, together with our children, for five consecutive years, we shared camping holidays on the island of Guernsey……….! 01275 810200 [email protected] www.counsellingplus.info Since the 1950s, the Vicar of my second curacy parish in south-east London used to lead “parish camp” holidays based on the North Kent coast but with retirement Clevedon, Nailsea, Bristol - other locations by arrangement in view, he bought a field in Guernsey on which to have built a retirement Zoom and telephone consultations also available bungalow. (It was possible to do that in those days). So, meantime, the annual Talking therapies really do help resolve so many things. venue was switched “overseas!” We joined this enterprise in1965 in the days when the journey to and fro the Island was by British Rail ferry from Weymouth. The age-range of the company - from OAPs to babes in arms! The excitement

26 7 (for the children!) began by taking all our camping luggage beforehand to the Vicarage where, waiting in the front garden, was a railway container which was transported and shipped over to the field in Guernsey where we next saw it unloaded. The other thrill was to see all the cars, ours included, being winched from the quayside and “deposited” in the hull of the ship – to be winched up and unloaded at St Peter Port. (Roll-on/ Roll-off ferries were yet to be invented!) The four-hour crossing was a marvellous start to the holiday….

Once at the field, family tents were pitched in some sort of pre-arranged order. But not before an advance-party had arrived a few days earlier to extract (from a barn belonging to a kindly farmer nearby) large marquees, large wooden kitchen tables, calor-gas stoves and much other basic equipment to become a kitchen/ dining areas for 50/60 people - not to mention a large quantities of hessian and poles to construct washing and latrine areas (with disposal pits!) and in addition, tents that were for First Aid and, most importantly a very large Chapel Tent for Sunday (and daily) Eucharists. Not forgetting a garden-shed construction that was erected each year to become the Camp Shop selling anything from sweets and ice- creams to wines and spirits at Guernsey prices! The water supply came from a nearby vast tomato-growing greenhouse.

Once established, the daily routine involved a rota system for the preparation of meals under the supervision of the Vicar’s wife. Between meals there was much free time to explore Guernsey’s many sandy beaches, to take a day trip to Herm Island, go shopping and generally enjoy life! There was an expectation (but not compulsion!) that we would join in the Chapel worship and also actively participate in the Concert (which unearthed a multitude of hitherto undiscovered talents!) There was also a “Sports afternoon” which was great fun! Spacehopper races were in vogue then!

One memorable clergy feature of the holiday was to take a Sunday service at the vast church in the town which was used regularly during the war-time German Occupation by the German army for their own church parades. More than once, I found myself leading a Service there on or near August 6th - the festival of the Transfiguration of Jesus. It so happened that there is an enormous three panel tryptich painting of that Gospel event behind the altar, I have never had such a large and ready-made visual aid to help a sermon along!

We have one lasting (quite bizarre ) memory. Arriving back at Weymouth one year, we saw our Renault 4 car being winched up and deposited on the quayside. Then we watched as the workman drove the car towards the water’s edge parking spot only to see him trying frantically to find and apply the steering column hand- break to prevent the car from dropping into the water! Luckily he succeeded! David Frayne

8 25 Age UK Somerset encourage a move towards “normality” with their “Let’s move together and improve together” campaign

The last year has been an unusual and difficult one for most but for many older Plant Sale people it has been particularly hard, with long periods of self-isolation impacting both mental and physical wellbeing.

Research by Age UK has shown that many previously independent at older adults have reported a loss of physical strength and capability, finding it harder to do daily activities such as going up stairs or walking the same distances they used to. Some have embraced modern technology, learning new skills and Weston in Gordano participating in online activities, helping them to maintain their existing levels of fitness but this has not been as rewarding as getting out and spending time with friends and family. Saturday and Sunday Throughout the pandemic, Age UK Somerset have supported older people in the 22nd & 23rd May County. Because they help those who are most at risk from severe illness due to coronavirus, and those whose movements have been most restricted, they have 10am-5pm been busier than ever. Despite some services being paused due to their physical nature, others sprung up to meet the new needs of this strange time, for example their telephone service called “Friendly Phone calls”, to help alleviate feelings of Village Hall Patio isolation and boredom.

The charity’s Ageing Well team, who normally run and manage hundreds of Weston-in-Gordano community-based exercise classes, have held a wide range of online exercise sessions since last July. These classes have encouraged older people to maintain Ample parking on the field behind the church their current levels of fitness and given them a chance to see familiar, friendly faces. Full technical support has been given by the team and classes have included Tai Chi, yoga, pilates, general fitness and relaxation sessions.

With plans to resume their community-based classes from the 17th May, Ageing Well have launched an inspiring “let’s move together and improve together” campaign. Whilst wanting to encourage older people to start coming to classes again, they are aware that many are nervous of doing so. They are putting in stringent measures to provide the greatest level of reassurance, reducing the number of participants allowed in each class and introducing a new booking system. Classes will be re-started over a number of weeks, so that the team can oversee and manage them safely and effectively. A variety of online sessions will continue to run for those who would prefer to stay at home for the time being.

The charity’s “stay strong, stay steady” classes – falls prevention sessions run in conjunction with Somerset County Council and the NHS – will also be resuming and hope to have a positive impact on the strength and balance of vulnerable adults. If you would like to find out more about any of Age UK Somerset’s classes, please call 01823 345626 or email [email protected] or visit www.ageuksomerset.org.uk

24 9 GARDEN TALK

It is a glorious time of spring flowers, camellias, magnolia stellata, spring bulbs etc. have been so prolific and beautiful. All set off by masses of lime green euphoria - which has gone mad – usual for this St Mary’s, Walton time of year. Pieris, flowering currant, and flowering cherry completes the picture. And to top it all it is now known that gardening is good for health and well-being. 2nd 10.00 am Sunday Worship - The Rev’d Nicholas Maddock Doctors even prescribe it as a therapy for high blood pressure etc. 9th 10.00 am Sunday Worship - The Rev’d Caroline Sackley I bought some packets of bare root perennials again this year – Asiatic lilies and Echinacea. Potted up in some multi-purpose compost three weeks ago, they are 13th Ascension Day growing well, 6" tall already. Cuttings of hydrangeas and hardy fuchsias taken last 7.00 am Holy Communion - The Rev’d Nicholas Maddock Autumn are ready to be planted out when the risk of frost has passed. It’s time to plant out summer pots. Last year I planted several terracotta pots of different 16th 10.00 am Sunday Worship - The Rector design with lemon dwarf antirrhinum. Lined up to edge a path, they were very effective, as were pots of bright red pelargoniums, placed where spring bulbs had 23rd Pentecost left a bare place. A large pot could be planted with a permanent centrepiece such 10.00 am Holy Communion - The Rev’d Caroline Sackley as a small conifer or a cordyline, and surrounded by bedding plants – petunias, verbena or impatiens. Followed by some winter bedding in the Autumn. Violas?? 30th 10.00 am Sunday Worship - The Rector

The spring flowering shrubs will need pruning after the blossom has died off. Remove the thickest oldest branches and any dead wood, leaving the recent Every Wednesday 10.00 am Holy Communion at St Mary’s growth. Thin out weedy or diseased branches. Trim the tops of tallest stems to a side shoot which will produce new shoots for next years flowers. Aphids can be a problem on new growth. I have already had an infestation on a canna in the conservatory. I use a small handspray filled with water and just one drop of St Peter & St Paul, washing-up liquid. Spray the affected plant two or three times a day to start, then daily, and at the first sign of recurrence. Hardy fuchsias can be eaten by the capsid Weston in Gordano bug, nipping out the very first tiny shoots. An old remedy for this is to add about a tablespoon of Jeyes Fluid to a 3 or 5 litre can of water, and water this on the young 2nd 10.00 am Holy Communion - The Rev’d Caroline Sackley plant shoots and around the base. This works on other plants too, but as it becomes systemic is not suitable for anything edible such as tomato or bean plants. 9th 6.00 pm Sunday Evensong - The Rev’d Nicholas Maddock Ella Howcroft Preacher - The Rector

16th 10.00 am Sunday Worship - The Rev’d Nicholas Maddock FROM THE REGISTERS…. 23rd 6.00 pm Sunday Evensong - The Rector FUNERALS Preacher - Sister Carol

8th April South Bristol Crematorium Robert Free 30th 6.00 pm Holy Communion - The Rev’d Sister Anita CSC Preacher - The Rev’d Caroline Sackley We remember the above in our prayers

10 23 MAY SERVICES ALL SAINTS THEN AND NOW from the archives Correct on going to press - please check with the parish office or www.eastclevedonchurches.co.uk Father Hoult writing in the Parish Magazine, May 1947

CHRIST IS RISEN

The Church looked lovely at Easter. The gorgeous altar piece opened once more, the pictures unveiled, and the banners out. During Passiontide, when these things All Saints, East Clevedon were hidden from us, we had missed the colour and the gold. Now the jars at the screen were filled with forsythia, silver bowls of daffodils were on the windowsills, 2nd 8.00 am Holy Communion - The Rector while golden tulips made a glory round the Paschal candle. Spring was so late that 10.30 am Sunday Worship - The Rector the scarcity of flowers made us appreciate them all the more. Then on Easter Monday – the day the Church calls a Holy Day because it is a day she would like 9th 8.00 am Holy Communion - The Rev’d Sister Anita CSC everyone to have a holiday – the sun came out, and shone the whole day long. In 10.30 am Sunday Worship - The Rev’d Tim Daplyn the church it touched the white walls, the golden altar, and the flowers; and it bathed our houses and our gardens with warmth and light. After the long winter 16th 8.00 am Holy Communion - The Rev’d Caroline Sackley we had almost forgotten the difference it could make. Good and beautiful things, 10.30 am Sunday Worship - The Rev’d Caroline Sackley which wear out, change, or die. Do they mock at us? Or are they a foretaste of what God has prepared for those who love Him? It all depends on what we 23rd Pentecost believe about God. And what we believe about God we bear witness to, quite 8.00 am Holy Communion - The Rector clearly, in the way we keep Good Friday and Easter. 10.30 am Holy Communion - The Rector Julia Elton ****** 30th 8.00 am Holy Communion - The Rev’d Caroline Sackley

10.30 am Sunday Worship - The Rev’d Tim Daplin ALL SAINTS’ FLOWERS 4th April - The lectern flowers on Easter Day were in celebration of Liz and David Frayne’s 60th wedding anniversary on 8th April. 11th April - The lectern flowers in celebration of our 8th Wedding Anniversary and Ernest’s 95th birthday on 13th April. Christine and Ernest Woolford St Paul’s , Walton in Gordano 17th April - The lectern flowers in memory of my beloved Mum, Pat Tyrrell, on her birthday. So many wonderful memories and so much missed. All our love, Mo 2nd 11.15 am Sunday Worship - The Rev’d Caroline Sackley and Geoff xx.

9th 11.15 am Sunday Worship - The Rector ALL SAINTS FLOODLIGHTING 10th May - We are so blessed with our beautiful granddaughter, Juliette, who is 10 16th 11.15 am Sunday Worship - The Rev’d Nicholas Maddock today and we thank God for the sunshine she brings into our lives. Mo and Geoff King 23rd 11.15 am Sunday Worship - The Rev’d Caroline Sackley

30th 11.15 am Sunday Worship - The Rector Ascension Day - Thursday 13th May 2021

7 am Holy Communion at St Mary’s

22 11 READINGS AND PRAYERS simple refreshments but we won't know until the last minute. Robb would welcome offers of cakes for the event (399097) ...she will freeze them for the fete Sunday, 2nd May – Easter 5 if they are not consumed at the Plant Sale! The field below the church will be Acts 8:26-end John 15:1-8 open for parking.

Risen Christ, your wounds declare your love for the world and the wonder of your Sat. 10th July...Summer Fete. Becs Jonson/Hall has had her arm twisted to plan the risen life: give us compassion and courage to risk ourselves for those we serve, to event with members of the Social Committee. Many thanks Becs. Please let John or the glory of God the Father. Becs know if you would like to help with the planning or in any other way.

Eternal God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life: grant us to Let's hope these events will raise a goodly amount towards a much needed new walk in his way, to rejoice in his truth, and to share his risen life; who is alive and boiler! Anne Chavasse reigns, now and for ever.

Sunday, 9th May – Easter 6 (Rogation) Acts 10:44-end John 15:9-17

Risen Christ, by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples: help your Pause for Thought Church to obey your command and draw the nations to the fire of your love, to the glory of God the Father. The church celebrates the Ascension this month (13th May, 40 days after

God our Father, whose Son Jesus Christ gives the water of eternal life: may we Easter). This touching poem relates to an evening walk in 1802 with his thirst for you, the spring of life and source of goodness, through him who is alive 9yr old daughter and offers the hope that God is sometimes experienced in and reigns, now and for ever. ways both known and unknown. Wordsworth is hugely affected by the beauty of the natural scene which has such strong spiritual overtones but Sunday, 16th May – Easter 7 the young girl seems oblivious to it. Wordsworth concludes, rather Acts 1: 15-17, 21-26 John 17: 6-19 wonderfully, that it is because being young she is a naturally at one with nature already and is therefore already close to God so hardly notices - Risen, ascended Lord, as we rejoice at your triumph, fill your Church on earth with “God being with thee when we know it not.” Noel power and compassion, that all who are estranged by sin may find forgiveness and know your peace, to the glory of God the Father. It is a beauteous evening, calm and free, The holy time is quiet as a Nun Eternal God, giver of love and power, your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the Breathless with adoration; the broad sun world to preach the gospel of his kingdom: confirm us in this mission, and help us Is sinking down in its tranquility; to live the good news we proclaim; through Jesus Christ our Lord. The gentleness of heaven broods o'er the Sea; Listen! the mighty Being is awake, Sunday, 23rd May – Pentecost And doth with his eternal motion make Acts 2: 1-21 John 15: 26-27, 16: 4b-15 A sound like thunder—everlastingly. Dear child! dear Girl! that walkest with me here, Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, ignite in us your holy fire; strengthen your children If thou appear untouched by solemn thought, with the gift of faith, revive your Church with the breath of love, and renew the Thy nature is not therefore less divine: face of the earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thou liest in Abraham's bosom all the year; And worshipp'st at the Temple's inner shrine, Faithful God, who fulfilled the promises of Easter by sending us your Holy Spirit and God being with thee when we know it not. opening to every race and nation the way of life eternal: open our lips by your Spirit, that every tongue may tell of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

12 21 services in church are allowed so we continued with Evensong, led by Tim. Robb Sunday, 30th May – Trinity Sunday read St Mark's very long gospel describing in detail Christ's triumphal entry into Isaiah 6: 1-8 John 3: 1-17 Jerusalem, his betrayal and crucifixion. Holy God, faithful and unchanging, enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your On Good Friday, the Rev'd Nicholas Maddock led a thoughtful hour of truth, and draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love, that we may truly meditation with readings from St John's Passion, poetry, prayers and carefully worship you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. chosen music.A large rustic cross made from a Christmas tree trunk, sited alongside the lectern, focused our minds on the crucifixion. Nicholas and Ruth Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed yourself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and live and reign in the perfect unity of love: hold us firm in this faith, that sang the Good Friday hymns which was very moving. we may know you in all your ways and evermore rejoice in your eternal glory, who

are three Persons yet one God, now and for ever. The Rev'd Caroline led our Easter day service. We renewed our Baptismal vows and celebrated Communion in one kind. During Communion, two most welcome young folk came to the rail to be blessed, one of them on lovely pink roller skates! The church looked so beautiful with yellow and white flowers on every window ALL SAINTS, East Clevedon sill. These were donated by Margaret and Paul Jacobs in celebration of their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. “Many Congratulations Margaret and Paul and On Palm Sunday we were unable to have our usual palm procession thank you”. Well done Pam, Beryl, Louise, Michelle, Diane and Gwyneth for the but we were all given palm crosses which were blessed during the service. The skilful arrangments and to Ann Bridges for creating the lovely Easter garden. The dramatized Passion Gospel was read, with Mo narrating, Joshua taking the part of flowers are still beautiful two weeks later. Jesus and Noel taking the other parts, and the congregation being the crowd and disciples. This is always such a moving experience, those of us who were able, The steep North facing nave roof lost a number of tiles in recent winds. We were standing throughout the reading. It gives some indication of what it must have been grateful for a speedy repair job by PRJ. Fortunately the tiles missed passing walkers like in those final days. We had a very interesting Monday zoom the following day and traffic. when we learnt more about Judas - for those of us with less biblical knowledge we are very lucky to have some well informed participants on zoom! It is very disappointing to have to report that the sanitiser gel bottles and face We had our APCM after the Palm Sunday service. Many of the congregation stayed masks, provided for the safety of visitors, have disappeared/been taken on two on and there were 23 present. Kay Osborne and Monica Gore said they would separate occasions recently...especially worrying after recent missing keys and stand again as churchwardens and there was unanimous thanks to them for all they torches. All churches in this benefice are open in daylight hours for anyone to have done during the pandemic to keep All Saints running smoothly. We are all come in to sit quietly, pray and find hope in these difficult times. extremely grateful to them for continuing as churchwardens for the next year. One

issue which came up is the problem with the church carpark being full on Sunday Two village friends have died recently and we send love and sincerest condolences mornings with cars of walkers and cyclists going into Court Woods. A sign was to Anne Round on the loss of her partner, John Harrison, the 's proposed that car parking is for church goers only on Sunday mornings. Noel also much respected Common Man and Janet Free on the loss of Robert (Bob) after mentioned that during the very cold weather when the church was not being used, 61 years of marriage. there was an extremely bad situation with condensation and the walls had to be

wiped down to reduce the amount of water. Thanks were given to Kay, Monica We are sorry to hear that Janet Bull is in hospital with a nasty foot injury and hope and everyone who dealt with this. she will soon be home again. Trish presented the Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2020. It was Plant Sale... Sat 22nd May & Sun 23rd May 10am – 5pm on Village Hall Patio noted that income had been reduced because of the pandemic as we were unable We are holding the sale over two days in the hope of avoiding overcrowding. As to hold weddings and funerals and there were no fundraising activities. Noel gave usual we hope to have a variety of all sorts of plants on sale at bargain prices. We thanks to everyone who had continued with their planned giving during the time the are very grateful for the help and support of the village Gardening Group. Gifts of church has been closed, which, he said, put All Saints in a much better position than additional plants to sell will be very welcome. Please bring them to the patio by many other churches. So a big thank you to you if you have continued to support Friday 21st (or phone Ann (842296) for collection).. We may be able to offer our church! A full copy of the minutes are available and if you would like a copy.

20 13 The benefice service for Maundy Thursday was held at All Saints. The church And finally, our Mouse Musings: Please don’t forget that everyone is looked beautiful with the flowers around the altar representing the garden of always most welcome here at our home – St. Paul’s Church –whether Gethsemane and the congregation were invited to stay for the ‘Watch’ after the you wish to come and sit awhile and find peace, and some space and service if they wished. Then on Easter Sunday, a full (covid compliant) church to time for quiet reflection (please ignore the occasional rustling – we celebrate Easter at 10.30 am. A very happy service with Noel leading, Tim giving us will try not to disturb you) or if you would like to join in with a the sermon and Joshua the prayers. The flowers, in celebration of Liz and David service on a Sunday. You can be certain that despite the partial easing of some of Frayne’s 60th wedding anniversary, were fantastic - thank you so much to the the lockdown restrictions we mice insist on maintaining social distancing from you flower arrangers. Also thanks to Carol Batt for once again providing the beautiful humans and expect you to do the same with each other. So be assured that there Easter garden. Liz and David also had a cake baked by Monica - but unfortunately will be no lessening of safety measures to keep us all safe. Love Miss CM we weren’t allowed to share it. We also missed Joyce’s simnel cake when it was Mothering Sunday - hopefully we can make up for it next year!

We heard of the death of HRH Prince Philip on 9th April and on Sunday 11th we remembered him in our prayers and as Sr Anita lit the Paschal Candle. Our organist, Rosemary, played some moving music including ‘I vow to thee my ST PETER & ST PAUL, Country’ and we finished with the National Anthem. Sadly because of covid we Weston in Gordano were unable to sing. Happily that morning we were able to celebrate with Christine and Ernest as it was their 8th wedding anniversary. March 23rd was the anniversary of the first lockdown last year. All over the The wedding of congregation members Margaret Caddy and Luke Jackson takes country people were invited to stop for a minute to remember those lost during place on 29th May at 12.30 pm. A very proud day for their families, including the year. A small group gathered round the churchyard cross while Derek tolled Margaret’s parents, The Rev’d Michael and Mrs Anne Caddy, Unfortunately the the church bell for a minute. Prayers were said and daffodils laid. Little did we wedding will be limited to thirty guests but I am sure some of us will go along and think that the bell would be tolling again so soon to mark the death of HRH watch safely distanced outside. We send them all our prayers and best wishes. Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, this time 100 times at mid day on April 10th. Sandra Sallis ([email protected]) During the evening service the following Sunday we gave thanks for the Duke's life and a small choir, well spaced, made the service extra special by singing the Hymns and the National Anthem.

On March 21st our Vestry meeting and APCM were held in church after the ST MARY’S, Walton Clevedon morning service. John Bridges was elected Churchwarden for another year which is excellent news. Likewise Ian Robinson and Elizabeth Williams will continue as In last month's magazine we mentioned the Wilder Churches Treasurer and Secretary respectively for another year. PCC members remain the project, a new partnership between the Diocese and Somerset same except for David Bullivant who wished to stand down. Keith Gaubert was Wildlife Trust aimed at anyone interested in managing churchyards with wildlife in thanked for auditing the accounts once again. The minutes of the meetings and mind. We attended the introductory session (via Zoom) and the next is booked for audited accounts can be found on the porch notice board if you would like to about the time this magazine is published. read them.

The charity Caring for God's Acre also attended the first session and we were Palm crosses and The Rev'd Nicholas Maddock's booklet for Holy week were amazed to discover that there are about 20,000 burial grounds in England and delivered to people unable to attend church during Holy week. Our traditional Wales, spanning different religions and cultures. That's quite a lot of land that is Palm Sunday service format had to be altered thanks to covid restrictions. The generally quiet and has never been subject to development in the usual way, Rev'd Tim Daplyn blessed our Palms from the stone pulpit in church instead of offering an ideal habitat for all sorts of wildlife. It makes you wonder what might be from our Palm Sunday Gallery because the porch couldn't accommodate a socially hiding amongst the shrubs at St Mary's. distanced congregation. The traditional procession round the church singing 'All glory, laud and Honour' was not possible either. However, unlike last year,

14 19 Church alive at the centre of life here in Walton –THANK YOU to you all for your We'll need to discuss this at PCC to make sure there's support for taking the idea hard work and dedication - Sheri, Sue and Brodie, to Tom Chown, Tracey Clamp, forward. It isn't quite as simple as not cutting the grass while the primroses are and to Emma –who we also thank for putting a replacement bench in the blooming, something we already do. To start with, we're being encouraged to find churchyard to give that chance to sit and be still in the quietness of the out what wildlife our churchyard already has. (Plants, invertebrates, mammals and surroundings; and of course to Kevin for doing such a wonderful job at keeping the reptiles.) We're very lucky that we already have the plant survey that was done churchyard in such brilliant condition, making is obvious that it like our Church as a during the first lockdown and we're reliably informed that there's someone in whole it is in safe hands. Clevedon who would be able to do something similar for us with insects.

We close by remembering His Royal Highness Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh. Online training will be available to support us in identifying ways to help wildlife What an exceptional man, and what a remarkable life. Having overcome a difficult flourish in our churchyard and eventually to come up with a plan that will work for start Prince Philip gained confidence and self-reliance at Gordonstoun School and us, wildlife and the community. went on to serve this country with distinction in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. The challenges that he faced as a young person were the basis for his It all sounds so interesting and timely, a great opportunity to take a fresh look at hugely successful Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme – I remember Sue taking part surroundings that are so familiar. Cheryl Parry and Diana Fleming when we were much, much younger and I must admit that it wasn’t until fairly recently when Sue’s son Laurence started teaching that I realised that the scheme was still going strong. Laurence and some of the other staff took a group of inner- St Mary’s Facebook - we received a Facebook message from Steve Kmoch in city children firstly out to Epping Forest, and then later to the Brecon Beacons, to the USA saying that he had inherited some items from his sister whose husband what was for them a very alien and I imagine rather scary environment. They came from England to California in the early 1960s. He has inherited a clock which absolutely loved it –pushing and challenging themselves, as well as learning useful has an engraving saying it was presented to Rev B Field on his leaving St Mary’s lessons in life -like knowing not to walk through a bed of stinging nettles. Church in 1911. Steve would be very interested to hear from anybody who might know more about this. Please get in touch with me and I can pass a message on. Since Prince Philip’s death there have been lots of people recounting their Sandra Sallis memories of him but the one that I found most moving was a young man who is now a successful chef – he completed his Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of ST MARY’S FLOWERS Edinburgh Award badges while in prison and found a whole new world opening-up for him. What a wonderful legacy – a transformative programme, bringing 4th April - in loving memory of Andrew James Blease, requested by June; Robert opportunities for so many young people to fulfil their potential, not just here in (Bob) Latham - loved for ever, requested by Janet, Katie and Richard; John Sutton, Britain but throughout the Commonwealth. requested by Barbara; Peter de Lance Holmes, requested by Mary.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the cost of Easter flowers. On a personal note, Sue and I can both remember a lovely family outing to Bristol city centre to see the Queen and Prince Philip in Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee year. 24th April - in loving memory of June Honey, requested by Cyril. We arrived very, early so that we could get a spot at the front of the crowd – and there certainly were crowds aplenty (those were the days) – at first Prince Philip came down the side we were on and then they swapped over and the Queen came ST MICHAEL’S, Clapton in Gordano back our way. What a wonderful double act they were, the Queen and her ‘strength and stay’ always by her side. And in Her Majesty’s own words ‘Grief is April 12th in the UK has brought us, partially at least, out of the the price we pay for love’ a fitting way to speak of her own sorrow for a man who previous three months lockdown. A relief from the harsh lived a life of devotion and service, and who gave generously of himself and who restrictions imposed on us to help prevent the spread of the covid virus. was much loved in return. We, ‘The Friends’ are looking forward to getting St Michaels back to a functional We remember Her Majesty the Queen and all the Royal family in our thoughts and community church, by hopefully incorporating a couple of modern touches. We offer our prayers of condolence. Ruth Long have traditionally offered refreshments ie tea, coffee and cakes etc after every service, thus allowing the congregation to mingle and catch up with events affecting

18 15 each other. Those who serve the refreshments do so with great difficulty using very The weekend before we had our ‘Easter at Home’ Easter Fayre. Sue had received a basic facilities within the north chapel. Our thanks to their patience and tremendous number of orders – but unphased by the last-minute surge in demand, understanding. To allow us to go forward we need to install a servery within the the team swung into action and everyone got their delicious Easter Cream Teas, building, so as to provide a working set of kitchen units, with sink, running water accompanied by a delightful spring flower arrangement. An amazing £761.60 was and waste drainage. But to do so we require the permission of the buildings raised for Church funds, and a wonderful event once again carried out within the guardians, the CCT, as certain historic features currently in the north chapel, will covid restrictions. Sue has had loads of positive comments from those receiving the ensure to be preserved. Teas, including a lovely thank you card from Sally Lawrence which is on display in the Church – thank you to Sheri and Steve for their kindness in delivering her Tea We also are investigating to provide modern toilet facilities. Both projects will not to her. be easy but with planning, permission and thoughtful appreciation of the existing grounds and building structure, we will succeed. There were also delighted comments from the many ‘deliverers’ who felt they had been given the chance to have a ‘nice chat’ (socially distanced of course) as they A word to mention here, to the tremendous effort put in by the lady who prepares handed out the Easter Teas. Thank you to everyone doing the deliveries –these the church’s decorations matching the season each service coincides with. The events are so very much dependent on your time so generously given. Thank yous atmosphere of St Michaels is transformed and lifted. Our sincerest thanks. Thus to Sarah and her team for the beautiful flower arrangements that made the Easter the mood of optimism is with us for a form of normalcy for now and in the not too Teas that bit more special, and to all who helped on the delivery days, and to all distant future. The Friends of St Michaels, Clapton who contributed cakes and scones.

Part of the amazing total that was raised, over £70 in fact, came from the sale of the lovely handicrafts that had been donated to the Church. Thank you to Jenny ST PAUL’S, Walton in Gordano Brown, leading the way with her wonderful items, and to Jan for the array of beautiful knits she brought along. And we round off our thanks by saying thank you Bounty to Jo who created a beautiful flower arrangement to decorate the Church for The full woods overflow Easter. Among the meadow’s gold! A blue-bell wave has rolled On Sunday 18th April we had our AGM here at St. Paul’s. If you can think all the Where crowded cowslips grow. way back to March of last year – know it seems like an eternity ago –we were able The drifting hawthorn snow to have a celebratory lunch, altogether in the Church, to follow the AGM. Sue had Brims over hill and wold. made one of her enormous cakes to guide us through the Church finances with her The full woods overflow own brand of economics – ‘cake-o-nomics’, Brodie had reminded us of all the Among the meadow’s gold; events that had gone on in the previous year and Sheri had talked us through the The ditches are aglow! work that was going to be needed to maintain the Church. This year obviously The marshes cannot hold things are different and sadly it wasn’t possible to have lunch after the service, even Their kingcups manifold outside, and Sue made changes to her cake-o-nomics producing ‘money muffins’ Heav’n’s beauty crowds below, instead, but with the service outside in the churchyard it allowed for the singing of The full woods overflow! Mary Webb (1881-1927) some hymns and of course it was still possible to look back over this time and remember with pleasure the things that it has been possible to do. We begin this month with a look back to two brilliants events before Easter. In reverse order we start with Alison Stott’s Plant and Cake Sale on Good Friday to We are fortunate to receive some positive news about the money in the bank. The raise funds for that hard-working charity - Marie Curie. It was a lovely day and the ‘at home’ events have been tremendously successful and have shown a way of good weather brought plenty of people to the Manor House Drive to buy the carrying on the sociable ethos of St. Paul’s while still putting safety at the core of wonderful array of plants and delicious cakes that were on offer. Well done to what can be done. At the heart of this annual service has always been the chance Alison -the sale raised £500 – and a huge thank you for the generous donation for the PCC to say a big thank you to our Church family for all your continued given to the Church. support, always greatly appreciated, but even more so in these difficult times. This also seems the perfect opportunity to thank all of them as they work to keep our

16 17