1 February's Ministry Team Reflection. How Many of Us, I Wonder, Have Experienced the 'Eureka' Moment? a Time in Our Lives

Home , Ilton, Isle Brewers, Seavington St Michael

February’s Ministry Team Reflection.

How many of us, I wonder, have experienced the ‘eureka’ moment? a time in our lives when everything seems to drop into place almost as though our whole existence had been leading us to this precise moment in time, a blinding light of revelation followed by a cry of joy! It may have been a wedding, or a birth or a hard-won personal achievement? For me it was Ordination, the culmination of a lifetime’s searching for where God was calling me to be. My world suddenly came into sharp focus, and for the first time, made complete sense.

How many of us, I wonder, find moments of elation in our daily lives? perhaps glimpsing Christ in the sacramental beauty of the world. Here at home, my day begins with the poetic liturgy of Morning Prayer ‘The night has passed, and the day lies open before us’.

A cup of tea usually follows, and I look out into the garden waiting for my friendly Robin red breast to appear as she always does. This beautiful little bird brings me joy as she ushers Christ into my day, displaying him proudly on her crimson chest. We look at each other for a few moments and then she is gone, I am dismissed, but not dismayed. Christ reveals himself to me in this fleeting way and equips me for the day ahead.

From the revelation of the Epiphany, we are carried liturgically through time and season towards lent, but first to Candlemas and the presentation of Christ in the temple.(Lk 2: 22-38.) Here we find two remarkable characters, Simeon and Anna, they have spent their entire lives waiting patiently for this one moment, the moment when God rewards their patience. This is their eureka moment when Jesus and the kingdom of God manifest before them in the loving arms of Mary, mother of God. Their lifetime’s waiting culminates in these astonishing few minutes spent with the Messiah, and they want for nothing more from this life, they are contented. ‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace’ (vs 29. Nunc Dimittis).

As I write this piece, my little Robin is back again, joyfully reminding me that through perseverance we are all truly blessed with Christ’s reassuring and eternal presence.

“He did not come to visit us, and then leave; He came to dwell with us, to stay with us. He wants us to share with Him our joys and sufferings, desires and fears, hopes and sorrows, people and situations. Let us do this, with confidence: let us open our hearts to Him, let us tell Him everything…” (Pope Francis 2021)

Blessings dear friends,

Revd Philip.

What does love require?

A message from John Davies, Dean of Wells

Having heard the announcement about the latest lockdown, I walked over to the Cathedral. I sat at the back and looked up at the Cross in the Nave. A question welled up as I sat: ‘what does love require in the cold climate of Covid?’, with empty streets, people shut in, schools and businesses closed.Like many clergy I have a list of people to lift with a phone call or email. Everyone can of course ring neighbours and friends and family. And offer a word, distanced, in the street; a wave to a window; a card through a letterbox. My neighbour is those I know and care for. But Christ teaches that my neighbour is also on the streets, needy and destitute. Foodbanks and charities need urgent assistance in a cold climate where

1 indifference is not unknown. It might be quite simple: shopping, love taking us to the supermarket. It might be conversation: love says listen as they pour it all out. It might be a bit more complicated. My neighbour might be disabled – is practical help needed? My neighbour might be held as a slave at a car wash. How do I discreetly ask? When do I alert the Clewer initiative? My neighbour may be gay, does love ask me to affirm or keep a distance? My neighbours may be black. How do I show my belief that black lives really matter?Love becomes brittle and bossy if it is given but not received. Love means that I must be open to others, for they may want to love me and be a neighbour to me by loving me. God is love, so in the cold climate of Covid, when community is weakened, let us give and receive love. And the coldness will vanish because love has come to stay

Readings for February 2021

PSALM OLD EPISTLE GOSPEL TESTAMENT 7th February Psalm 104 Proverbs 8 Colossians 1 John 1 2nd Sunday before Lent 26-end 1, 22-31 15-20 1-14 14th February Psalm 50 2 Kings 2 2 Corinthians 4 Mark 9 Sunday next before Lent 1-6 1-12 3-6 2-9 21st February Psalm 25 Genesis 9 1 Peter 3 Mark 1 1st Sunday of Lent 1-9 8-17 18-end 9-15

28th February Psalm 22 Genesis 17 Romans 4 Mark 8 2nd Sunday of Lent 23-end 1-7, 15-16 13-end 31-end

7th March Psalm 19 Exodus 20 1 Corinthians1. John 2 3rd Sunday of Lent 1-17 18-25 13-22

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:

17th November Sylvia Trump Donyatt 8th December Nancy Cox Broadway 15th December Leslie Sparks Broadway 21st December Phyllis Remphry Ilton 22nd December Heather Thresher Hambridge 6th January Brian Rust Ashill 7th January Joyce Green Broadway

Anniversaries: We remember, with thanksgiving, the life and witness of:

3rd February Donyatt Gerald Vaux 5th February Broadway Ernest (Manuel) Barrow 5th February Horton William Gerald Lawton

6th February Horton Edward King 7th February Ilton George Edward Haines 9th February Horton Brian Fry 12th February Donyatt Jean Cleveland 13th February Horton Stephen Lewis 13th February Donyatt Nicholas Ingle 15th February Ashill Leslie Thyer 17th February Broadway Norman Taylor

17th February Ashill Olive Kearns 17th February Donyatt Wilf Grabham 18th February Donyatt Mary Trapnell 19th February Benefice Nancy Margaret Tatham 20th February Donyatt Alan Rocket 20th February Donyatt Henry Grafton 21st February Isle Brewers Anne Bush 22nd February Broadway Les Cornall 23rd February Donyatt Patience Bastow 25th February Horton Eileen Alice Fry 25th February Ashill Caroline Pyle 26th February Broadway Gerald John 26th February Broadway Linda Clements 27th February Horton David Whitefield 27th February Donyatt Margaret MacGregor February Isle Brewers Len Langdon

Intercessions

In praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness, we pray.

Benefice Prayer Cycle Please Pray for:

The people of All Saints Isle Brewers Reverend Phil Denison

Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy. Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may find comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

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: !st, 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 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 will continue at 9.15am every Monday via Zoom meeting 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

FEBRUARY AT MONK’S YARD

2020 has been a year of great change caused by a virus that cannot be tamed. As the virus ran riot, at terrible cost, thousands now grieve for those they have lost. We now are a nation who have restrictions imposed which, for the sake of others should not be opposed. But as a result of this virus good things have occurred, as life structures changed and routines became blurred. For many their work-life balance was well out of line, with people so busy that they could not spend time with neighbours or family, and those needing support. But, due to the virus community spirit came to the fore with people speaking to those they’d not noticed before. Strangers helped one another, where needs were exposed, with wonderful solutions being composed. Key workers were given the praise they deserve as they worked to help others, whilst their own lives preserve. Teachers were given the respect that they merit, as parents discovered how hard teaching is [once they had to do it]. As people were working from home, and no longer commuting the air became cleaner with carbon footprint reducing. People became more active and meet outside for a talk, and could appreciate nature as they went for a walk. Suddenly people found culture without having to travel, taking virtual tours of museums without all the hassle, accessing live-stream events and online courses, acquiring new knowledge from valuable sources. Many employers switched from outdated practice as technology proved meetings online were just as effective. This crisis has been a reminder of how important it is to correct the things which have gone amiss, to become aware that, because this virus can leave lives in tatters, we need to reflect on what we’ve been doing, and on what really matters. Alison, 1 January 2021

We are still ‘meeting’ on Zoom at 4.00pm every Sunday so would be lovely if you could join us, contact us for details of how to connect.

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

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

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 We would like to wish all our members a Happy New ‘Gardening’ Year and we hope you have all stayed safe and well over the festive period.

We would have loved to have been able to update you on what would have been our first meeting and talk of the year, but with respecting the Government’s advice on being able to safely meet, sadly we have had to put back our meetings until advised. We are keeping hopeful that we may be able to meet up again soon and re-organise the Plant /Seed swap, hopefully before Spring arrives! We shall keep everyone updated by email, the Facebook group (www.facebook.com/groups/2710049232365684) and the Barrington website.

With gardening becoming an extremely popular hobby especially during the lockdowns, we would like to welcome any new members, who would be most welcome to come and join our meetings. Once our programme of talks is up and running, feel free to come along as a visitor, as 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).

A gentle reminder to all our members, we hope that by now you have in your possession the Gold Club 25% off everything Discount Voucher for January / February. The discount cards can be used more than once, (you will be given a new voucher after every purchase). Unfortunately, this cannot be used on their new website shop, but compost etc can be ordered on there and delivered as normal. Please contact Robin if you have not received your voucher and we shall get one delivered to you.

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

Blythswood Christmas Shoeboxes. If you are clearing out at home, any new stationery, school pens, pencils and crayons or new toiletries would contribute to the 2021 boxes. Some folks are spending time knitting; there is a need for teenage boys’ items as well as for all ages. 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, Ilminster. Please mark Food Bank on the back. Thankyou!

Recycling Milk Bottle plastic tops – are not being collected at present for the Air Ambulance due to guidelines. However, those that are deposited are taken to recycling and placed in the residual skip for energy production, so avoiding landfill.

Used postage stamps and collectables are being gathered and quarantined before preparing for the Leprosy Mission.

World Day of Prayer 5th March 2021 The women of Vanuatu have created a 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 enables the reader to learn about the situation. Even at home we can pray and think about a donation for the grants that are awarded each year for literature and social projects across the globe and in UK. Please let Sue know (details below) if you would like a copy of the service and supportive material by the end of February. Donations, as cheques, may be sent to Anna Field at 4, The Lane Horton Ilminster TA19 9QJ by the end of March 2021.

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

Census 2021 will provide a snapshot of modern society

Households will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021.

The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941.

It will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

“A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed,” Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said.

“This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.”

Census day will be on 21st March but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March.

The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.

For more information, visit census.gov.uk.

ASHILL

The Church of St Mary

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

Ashill Church will be open for private prayer between the following times from 9th July:

Thursday 10.30 - 11.30am Sunday 10.00 - 11.00am Tuesday 6.30 - 7.30pm

Our thanks to Peter and Sylvia Smith for cutting the grass and trimming the path during these difficult times. Thanks also to John Hoare and Alan Knight for what they do and are about to do - virus permitting!

A message from Di Singleton

Following the collection at Higher Barton for empty (clean) pet food pouches, Di has found out that this goes to a wildlife rescue centre. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

BROADWAY

After much consideration the Parochial Church Council has, with sadness, decided that the church should remain closed for the immediate future.

Nearly all the congregation are over 70, many over 80, and are therefore very vulnerable to the Covid virus, especially in its new variant form.

There are Zoom Services every Sunday

1st, 2nd & 3rd Sunday at 9.25am Communion Every Sunday at 5.50pm Evening Worship 4th Sunday Evening worship inc. Communion.

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.

Broadway Fundraising Group

We would like to thank Linda Vijey for hosting a very enjoyable Christmas Quiz on Zoom in December, and the folks who took part.

Also many thanks are due to Audrey Cooksley for holding her ‘Covid safe’ porch sale and raising £180 for church funds.

At this time, it is difficult to plan anything, let alone any fun social events! However, the Fundraising Group is hoping that when we can all get together again, we can plan and enjoy some really lovely occasions.

Until then – thank you for your continued support. Despite the building being closed, bills still have to be paid and funding is vital.

THE JAB By Beryl Muskett

If you, like me, are glad to see the back of 2020, And you’ll agree it was a year of fear and grief aplenty. But hey, we’re now in ’21 and hope is rising fast, The scientists have done their stuff, a vaccine’s come at last. And I, like you, will join the queue, with arms akimbo ready, We’ll stick to rules, a short while more, and take things at the steady.

The NHS have stood the test, we’re brimming o’er with pride, They each deserve a medal –2 feet high and 2 feet wide. And so last week he got the call. My hubby’s on the list, We’re so relieved, after so long, a chance that can’t be missed. We mark it on the calendar, as if we might forget, After months of such anxiety, it is the best thing yet.

They are super slick in Ilminster, he’s in there bang on time, While I sit in the car and do a crossword passing time. Out he comes, with a wide smile underneath the mask, Was that OK I rush to say, but I did not need to ask. We drive home for a cup of tea, and face another “telly” night, But now, at the end of the tunnel, a light is shining bright.

A Note of Thanks from Broadway Church Treasurer

Thank you everyone who has helped to keep our church afloat during 2020.

Thank you to those people who commit to giving a regular payment either by Standing Order or monthly cheque. Whether your money goes towards supporting the everyday running costs of the church (clergy stipend, insurance, electricity, etc) or towards the maintenance of our beautiful church, it has been vital in allowing us to keep everything going.

Thank you too to those people, some from our regular congregation and others from the community, who have put cheques through my or the Rector’s door, and to those who have arranged payments through the bank directly into the church’s account. With the church closed for much of 2020 our weekly church collections have not been possible and we anticipate this will result in a reduction of around £2,000 in our 2020 income. Hence these donations have helped to reduce this loss in income, and ensured all our bills have been paid.

A heartfelt thank you to you all for remembering our church, and supporting it, during a very difficult year for us all.

I wish you a healthy and peaceful 2021.

Jean Brading Treasurer – St Aldhelm & St Eadburga Church, Broadway. 01460 259589

DONYATT

St Mary’s Church

Repair work and Organ

The extensive repair work to the Chancel Arch and East Window is now nearing completion and hopefully the Church will re-open soon subject, of course, to Covid 19 restrictions.

We have been aware for some time that the Church organ was badly in need of restoration and repair but financial restraints have precluded us from undertaking this work. However, having had to remove the organ recently, in order to enable the re-plastering and decoration work to be completed, it would be a greatly missed opportunity not to have the necessary work carried out now.

We have to obtain a Faculty (permission) from the Diocese to carry out this work and this is currently in hand. As part of the process we had to have the organ inspected by the Diocesan Organ Adviser and he has produced a report which confirms the work to be done. We have also obtained reports and quotes from two established and recognised organ builders and have opted to have the work carried out by Mr. Brian Hooper who has worked on the organ in the past. He is very complimentary about the origins and original build of the organ - by a Mr James Philpott of Exeter in the latter part of the 19th century. He confirms it is certainly worthy of restoration.

The cost of the work is going to be in the region of £11000 and in addition, on removing the organ, it was discovered that the floor on which it stood had rotted and it has had to be replaced at a cost of £1800. Thanks to various donations and in particular one extremely generous donation, we have funds to cover the cost of the structural repairs now nearing completion but will not have sufficient for the organ repairs.

So we are appealing to the residents of Donyatt and beyond and to the friends of the Church to help us to carry out this very necessary work. The repair of the organ will be the icing on the cake for all the work done at the Church in recent years and will make St Mary’s a place that Donyatt can be proud of and a place for people to visit and worship at, in beautiful surroundings, for many years to come.

Donations, large or small, will be greatly appreciated and if you feel able to support us, please send a cheque to our Church Warden, Trisha Hands at Farriers, Seavington St Michael, Ilminster TA19 0QQ or if you wish you can make a payment on line or through your bank to our bank account at NatWest - St Mary’s Church Donyatt PCC Sort Code 60-11-38 account number 70953708. If you make a payment direct, please let Trisha know. If you are able to Gift Aid your donation, please tell us and supply your full name and address.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Trisha on 01460 249734 or 07796 656538 or [email protected] or our Treasurer David Forbes on 01823 276428 or 07976 281000 or [email protected]

Donyatt 100 Club

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

November 2020 Draw Winners

1st £30 Louise Cave 2nd £20 Cynthia White 3rd £10 Sue Wood

December 2020 Winners

1st £30 Pam Hull 2nd £20 Jane Warde 3rd £10 Andrew Warde

Numbers drawn by computer Random Number Generator by Mike Toop, Chairman DVHC overseen by Becky Liptrott and Anne Beveridge 30th December 2020.

HAMBRIDGE

St James the Less Village Website – hambridgeandwestport.org There won't be any more services in church for a while due to the coronavirus situation but we will continue to hold our usual services on zoom, which you're very welcome to attend.

Monday morning prayers at 9.15am Thursday coffee morning at 10.40am Sunday morning communion at 9.30am (provide your own bread and wine) Sunday evening service at 5.50pm

If you would like to join any of the above please contact Gill (01460 282913) for log in details.

Please take care of yourselves and stay safe

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

Best wishes for a happier New Year

As we start a New Year, a big thank you to all those that keep the wheels of St Peter’s Church, Horton turning.

There are so many unsung heroes working so hard behind the scenes.

Jan - Churchwarden

Jan’s Message for the New Year Well, here we are again at the beginning of a New Year filled with some concern, but with hope, and optimism, at the good news of the vaccine. Sadly, we find ourselves back in lockdown, and our lives are put on stop once again. It must be difficult for those who live on their own without family, or friends, but the Horton community have shown over the last 10 months how caring they can be.

It is with profound sadness that we felt it necessary to close the Church, but we felt it important so as to protect all our Parishioners.

Thanks must go to Revd Phil for his commitment during this pandemic. He has provided us with an evening Sunday Zoom service at 5.50pm, and is going to offer us Sunday Morning Zoom service at 9.30am as well - details of log-on can be obtained from Revd Phil, or from myself.

Thanks also to Revd Phil, Philip Albrow, our Curate, and all those who led us at our Christmas services. So, now let us focus our thoughts towards the time when we can enjoy a sense of normality, and life will offer us change for the better.

For now, let us be thankful for what we have, especially all those around us giving us love, and support. God will guide us through, so all is not lost, as there is a chink of light at the end of the tunnel

St. Peter’s Carol Service Our Carol Service was arranged by Jan, & Wendy, and included carols, readings, and poems. Thanks to Mrs Cynthia White, Revd. Phil, St Peters’ Choir, and all those who took part in a wonderful, though restricted Carol Service.

Thanks also to our dedicated band of Flower Ladies for their beautiful arrangements.

The collection from the evening was donated to the Children’s Hospice, South West

United Family Praise Christingle Service It was a lovely service led by Revd Phil. The Christingles had been made by Jan, and Wendy before the service. Altogether it was a very happy, and inclusive morning full of friendship. Thanks to Mrs Sue Parsons for accompanying us on the organ.

The collection from this service was donated to the Children’s Society.

Parish News Thank you to Loraine, and Derek Butterfield for coordinating delivery of the magazines in Horton, and to our deliverers.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony The Christmas Tree at St Peter’s once again looked wonderful as you entered the Village. During the lighting ceremony Revd Phil blessed the tree, several carols were sung ( socially distanced ), and we enjoyed? Revd Phil’s jokes. Many thanks to Mike Baker, and Roger Allen for donating the Christmas tree once again.

Parish Churchyard Maintenance

A really big thank you to Dave Newman, and Christian Guppy, for keeping our Parish Churchyard in such good order.

Meat Draw 2020

Here are the final winners :-

10th November £20 Julie Patuck £15 Briane Davies £10 Jill Taylor £5 Rob Hutchinson

17th November £20 Bea Long £15 Jonathan Allen £10 Richard Parkinson £5 Briane Davies

24th November £20 Caroline Bradbury £15 John Le Brom £10 Jane Collins £5 M McIver

1st December £20 T McIver £15 Christine Davies £10 John Underhill £5 Bob Darbourne

8th December £20 Loraine Birt £15 Trevor Lant £10 Roger Allen £5 Brenda Dunford

15th December £20 Sandra Ireland £15 Jan Allen £10 John Le Brom £5 Beryl Irish

22nd December £20 Harold Poole £15 Angela Meaden £10 John Le Brom £5 Briane Davies

Thank you so much for supporting the meat draw, which enabled a surplus of £500 to go to much needed Church funds. Thanks once again to Mike Baker, Loraine Birt, & Roger Allen for organising the draw, and Mr Clinton Bonner for his continued support.

Broadway Hill Methodist Church (BHMC ) TA19 9QT

Greetings from friends at Broadway Hill Methodist Church. During the current Lockdown, there is much to lament, with work, schooling and social restrictions; difficulty of planning ahead. We feel for those who are ill, whether due to Covid or not and our sympathy for those who have lost loved ones.

Chattabox Coffee Group, Horton Computer Hub and worship services have been closed until Covid Guidelines allow. But Broadway Hill MC is ready to start again as soon as possible.

Meanwhile…. What are you thankful for today? Is there someone for whom you could make a difference by phone or snail-mail? What can you look forward to this week? Is there an “I wish” that you could make happen even at home?

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 Rantzen • 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.

Ding Gardening Club Update

As we start the new year, I was hoping to bring you our start date for 2021. But with the virus still around and we go into Tier 4, that date is still unsure. Our hope for a March start looks like a No-Go.

Many of our members are in the “At Risk” category and until all have had their inoculation, they should not be attending events at village halls. Also there is the question of whether the speakers will be

15 prepared to visit to give their talks.

The Committee has had a few meetings. The AGM took place in Peter Durden's garden, accompanied by tea and cake, and took two hours instead of the usual 7 minutes! As the finances are very healthy, it was decided that no-one would have to pay a membership fee for 2021.

The seed order was very popular with the value totalling £2,000, which gave a big saving for those who participated. We look forward to seeing the results of all the growing.

Hopefully the next update will be informing you of a start date - but in the meantime enjoy your gardening (even if from an armchair).

Best wishes for 2021

Les Bayliss, Chairman, Ding Gardening Club

Horton and District W.I.

To all members and friends of Horton & District W. I, nearly a year on and our monthly meetings remain suspended, as are our fortnightly coffee mornings.

In the meantime, we are continuing to do our utmost to keep our members updated and informed via monthly newsletters, emails and phone calls. To keep us all engaged during the lockdown, our County Federation continues to provide free regular Zoom meetings covering a wide range of informative talks and there are a number of online courses also available (for a small fee) via Denman College.

We are currently looking for new committee members, if you are interested please contact either myself or Ann. If you would like to know more about your local WI or would like to join then again, please contact either myself or Ann (contact details below).

A number of our members are vulnerable and their safety and well-being is of the utmost importance to us all and so we ask everyone to follow the Government guidance. Please stay at home, wash your hands and protect the NHS

Keep safe and well. Kat Ready (WI President)

Kat Ready 01460-250859 Ann Welch 01460-53343 [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

We are back online again and I want to thank the whole village for caring in so many different ways for our church St Peters, all through the awful time of no roof and covid.

I am hoping that if you don't have access to the online IVN contact me and I will print copies for you. There are advertisements on notice boards as well.

So thank all of those who decorated the church for Christmas as best we could and tried to celebrate this wonderful time. We had a service on Christmas Eve respecting all the covid rules Fr Tim Gibson celebrated Holy Communion and our organ was played by Richard Gibson. The organ has not been used for months. It was so lovely to be back in church but we fear this won't be possible for some time again. Many thanks to Chris and Robert Bragg who answered an advertisement for the wonderful tree which was gifted to the church, they also collected and arranged it so beautifully in the West end. They sold "in memoriam" tags to hang on the tree which raised a wonderful total of £100.

The crib was very special this year as the figures were knitted by Dinah Harding and looked so natural. many thanks to her and John Chapman for organising the crib.

The thanks go on this time to Jak Bennett who walked to every house in the village asking people if they could contribute to help clear up the mess done by the rain whilst there was no roof (thanks to thieves) She collected £1300 so many thanks to her and all those who contributed.

We have to thank the 2 Robs (Bragg and Butler) for organising the lighting on church paths so that we could see safely after the carol service and at Christmas.

We have been blessed with a grant from Historic England to repair damage in the church so builders ( George Baker from Broadway) will be starting work soon so we will have to lock the church but there will be notices on the doors.

So, the PCC all wish everyone a Happy New Year and free from covid.

Flower and cleaning rota for February

1st February Michelle and Robert Butler 15th February Christine and Robert Bragg

ISLE ABBOTTS

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

February Flowers Services Sidesman/Reader 7th Emily Colenso 9.30am Parish Service Barbara Rickitt 14th Emily Colenso NO SERVICE 21st Susan Robson 9.30am Morning Praise Martin Rickitt 28th Susan Robson 9.30am Holy Communion (PD) Liz Lockley

Since the government has permitted churches to continue opening for worship and private prayer during this latest lockdown, we will continue to hold services in our church for 3 Sundays a month as long as we are able to and there are parishioners who would like to attend. These being the 1st, 3rd and 4th Sunday's at 9.30am. Details of services for February are as above. Hand sanitizer will be provided on entry and please ensure you wear a mask for the duration of the service and keep your distance from others not in your household. Services will be no longer than 30/40 mins and offerings can be left on a plate in the porch.

Unfortunately, we are having to resort to electronic copies of this month’s, and next month’s IVN due to the latest restrictions.

We were able to hold an indoor carol service in December which was quite different to the normal service. There were readings and poems and the Singers Six lead the singing as well as performing a couple of their own Christmas carols. At the end of the service we all went outside so that everyone could join in the last carol. Thanks go to Greg Hoare for leading the service, to David Sutcliffe for leading the singers, to the flower team for making the church look so festive and for all those taking part. Thanks also to all those who donated gifts for the young homeless people based in Yeovil. They were very gratefully received. For all those that attended the service we hope you enjoyed it under the difficult circumstances.

Happy New Year

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.

The church is open for Private Prayer on Wednesdays and Sundays from 10.00 - 17.00.

Cleaning Rota: February w/c 1st & 8th Trevor Lockley w/c 15th & 22nd Tony Habberfield

100 Club winners for December First Prize Paul Matravers (58) Second Prize Janet Smith (76) Third Prize Lorrain Vaun-Davis (69)

Village Hall

Due to the present lockdown all activities in the Village Hall are suspended.

ISLE BREWERS

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

Happy New Year to you all.

It was with great relief and joy that we held our first service in the restored All Saints on Christmas Day. Finally. after months of problems, challenging events and delays we were able to celebrate our return on the most special day in the year.

Thanks to David we had every Covid 19 precaution in operation and thanks to social distancing just about as many people as we could accommodate.

And now we are in lockdown once again. Our hope of having an event to celebrate having a dry, warm place in which to party has had to go on hold. The important thing now is to follow the guidelines, have patience and confidence that this evil virus will be overcome.

Despite the restrictions on our lives Gill and Peter held the village Hamper Raffle, raising £450 for cancer research. Mike and Penny raised £200.00 for Crisis and the village Poppy Appeal raised £165 for the Royal British Legion. Many thanks to the organisers and the supporters.

The church building is looking very different. A smart new roof and retiled spire. It is dry and warm. The open space in the nave just waiting for a celebration. The re-arranged Chancel will work well for our services and we will all have the wonderful East window to look at. It’s restoration to its former glory has changed the whole look of the church. The light in the early morning reminds us that light will overcome darkness.

I very much hope that we will soon be able to invite everyone to come and see the results. All our services for the next few weeks will be on line. There will be a service on the first three Sunday mornings and evening at 5.50pm on the fourth Sunday. There are Monday morning prayers at 9.15am See the magazine for all the details of times and joining.

The magazine will be provided on line for February and March.

In these unsettling times although we cannot leave the church open unattended if you would like to go for private prayer and meditation please call me and we can arrange for you spend time there. Call 01460 281554.

If you would like prayers said for special times or people please feel free to contact me as there is a benefice prayer group.

I pray that we will all take great care of ourselves and others and stay safe. Love and prayers. Delia

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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. 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:

March 2021 9th February April 2021 9th March 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

LATE COPY WILL NOT BE INCLUDED

These dates may be dependent on summer holidays, but this will be advised nearer the time.

Name of Business Service Contact Email Website

2020 Accounting sm & Med business acounting 01823 481479 [email protected] A & C Joinery Bespoke hard and softwood joinery 01460 55222 [email protected] www.aandc.biz Arb Resolutins (Tom Albrow) Tree surgery and hedging 07926 878557 [email protected] B Gibbs Funeral Services 01460 929100 [email protected] www.bgibbsfuneralservices.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 Charlotte Bly Dance/exercise classes 07764 301304 [email protected] Current Electricate Services Electricians 07720 206887 [email protected] www.currentelectricalservices.co.uk D Mitchell Building maintenance, painting, carpentry etc 01460 250888 [email protected] Finding the Amazing (Anna Labrom) Solution focussed hypnotherapy 07585 469635 [email protected] G.O.T. Decoration (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 accoutancy and tax 01460 52666 [email protected] www.handhaaccountants.com Helen Foster Carer and house sitter 01823 480449 [email protected] Helen Rose Upholstery Modern and antique upholstery 01460 62621 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 289290 [email protected] www.themeadowspodiatryclinic.com Mike Lee Heating, plumbing, boilers etc 07733 030199 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 (Orlando Jackson) Pest Control 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 & elec) General building, maintenance. Electrical 01823 480812 Roderic Baillie-Grohman Stonemason. Headstones 01458 252701 www.RGBstonemason.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 and garden services 01460 53512 [email protected] The Clover Press Private and commercial printing 01823 481101 [email protected] www.thecloverpress.co.uk The Dog Shed (Adrian Attebury) Dog grooming, waking 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 Lanscaping, grounds maintenance etc 01460 247161 [email protected]