Issue 268 October 2020
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Issue 268 October 2020 Dates for your Diary 2 Withybrook, Stoke St Michael From a Church Warden ‘You’ve written a couple of pieces before about the farm’ was Anthony’s response when I hesitated on being asked to write the letter for the October magazine. Those who read The Village Connection, the magazine for Leigh, Stoke and Downhead, will have seen them, for readers in Postlebury I should explain that I spend four mornings a week generally trying to help on my cousin’s dairy farm, and have done for the last ten years. ‘Give it a harvest theme’ was the other piece of advice he gave me. October is certainly the month most associated with harvest but on a farm, particularly a dairy farm, their harvest comes twice a day in the form of milk, and to ensure that constant supply another harvest of new born calves arrive regularly through out the year. Over the years I have seen, and in some cases assisted with, many calves being born and it never ceases to fill me with wonder to see the new born, within minutes, struggle to its feet and head to the milk bar for the rich yellow colostrum so essential for its future health. If we asked most people what does harvest mean to them - and ask yourself, would they/you think of milk and calves. 70 years ago there were at least 19 farms in the parish of Stoke, most if not all had cows, there are now only three working farms in the parish, all dairy, plus a couple of small holdings. Because of this farms have become rare places and few know or appreciate what happens on a farm these days and of the joys and despairs of daily life. Joys - new birth, a stable milk price, a good price for cattle sold, good weather - rain and sun to make the grass grow for summer feed, sun to dry the grass for winter feed. Or the reverse despair - death of cow or calf, low milk price, poor market prices, bad weather - turning fields to mud or so dry nothing grows. Weather is beyond their control as is the thoughtlessness of others who leave gates open, dogs out of control that injure even kill livestock, fly tipping that not only costs them to remove but can also injure or kill their animals, plastic bags and containers thrown out of cars, cows are curious creatures and will try to eat anything. Many say that farmers are always moaning, but as listed above they have reason it’s a solitary life with the highest rate of suicides. They work 24/7 with animals that are unpredictable and machinery that can be dangerous. Cont overleaf 3 Having known the farm all my life I thought I knew a fair bit but I have learnt so much during my mornings scrapping the yard. Farmers are a special breed, Covid19 has affected us all in some way but farmers have just carried on. We have praised our NHS and supermarkets, rightly so, but I have heard very little thanks or praise for the work of farmers supplying the food for those supermarket shelves. Where would we be without them? I’m biased but I think we should thank God for farmers. With all good wishes Jane Evans Church Warden at Stoke St Giles Concert Thank You A big thank you to everyone who watched our first online concert and con- tributed to the total of £240 collected for St Giles Church. Like so many of our village organisations the PCC has been unable to hold any of its normal fundraising events this year so we are very grateful to Nicola and Tom for using their time and talents to produce this lovely informal concert which has provided a very welcome boost to church funds. The concert was first broadcast on Saturday 29 August but is still available to watch online at: bit.ly/stgileschurch All Saints Church Harvest Festival Downhead AS a result of the latest legislation with regard to the Covid-17 pandemic we unfortunately had to cancel our Evensong service on September20th Our Harvest Festival which was a planned combined Evensong with an Auction of produce , sharing the Harvest loaf , local Cheese and cider. was and was going to be held in the Barn at Green Farm .The evening last year was a huge success and we raised considerable donations towards the church repairs of which we are still in great need ! Please do not forget our little Church , it is open for silent prayer and meditation on Wednesdays and Sundays Stephen Britten 01749 840291 4 From the Registers Funerals Eileen Wilson Service and burial at Wanstrow 3rd September Letter from Bishop Ruth I was expecting to be on sabbatical as I write this but of course you will all now be aware that Bishop Peter is receiving treatment for leukaemia and thus I am back in the diocese. He is as cheerful as ever and very much values your care, thoughts, prayers, cards, flowers and so many warm messages. Thank you! Please keep praying for him, Jane and the family. Coping with the ‘unexpected’ ,whether it is news about health, the pandemic or a personal diagnosis like +Peter’s; or a change of plan such as my sabbatical, can set us in a spin. We don’t always know how to respond. It requires us to adapt, to change, to rethink how we will live. I’m reminded of the story of Elijah who felt overwhelmed by the circumstances around him. A national drought both from rain and faith left him feeling vulnerable and alone. And although God made Himself very evident in the events of Mount Carmel, Elijah still felt under siege and fearful, wanting to die rather than face the wrath of Jezebel. And so he ran! And in the book of Kings we find God meets with him. First of all bringing him refreshment of body and mind through sleep and food. And then, when his well-being is restored, he discovers the voice of God, not in the strength of storm or wind but in a ‘still small voice’. I wonder where and how you might hear the voice of God? Across the diocese we are entering into a listening project to hear what God might be saying to us, in and through the strange times in which we now live. We welcome your thoughts so please do share them with us. Praying God’s blessing on us all Bishop Ruth 5 Sidesmen and Flowers Leigh on Mendip Sidesmen Flowers 4 October Brian & Margaret Loten Caroline Harris 11 October No service at St Giles - 18 October No service at St Giles - 25 October Alastair Weston Barbara Turner 1 November No service at St Giles - Church/Brass Cleaning October – Margaret Loten & Jackie Longley November – Caroline Harris & Jane Weston Stoke St Michael Sidesmen Flowers 4 October Malcolm Martin Hazel Tucker 11 October Jane Evans - 18 October Peter Vicary Peter Vicary 25 October No service at St Michael’s - 1 November Janet Gilham Irene Webb Church Cleaning October - Jane Linthorne November - Cicely Middle Magazine Co-ordinator Wanted for Leigh After many years of faithful and cheerful service as co-ordinators for the magazine delivery in Leigh on Mendip, Tadhill and Downhead, Gerry and David Duncan have regretfully made the decision that it is time for them to retire and we are now in need of someone to take up the post. The magazines are printed at Nunney Rectory and delivered to the village co- ordinators by either the Reverend Anthony Dickson or Jane Evans. The role of the co-ordinator is to sort the magazines into the number needed for each of the 8 local rounds and distribute them to the people who deliver them. 6 If you think you might be interested in taking on the role and would like to find out more about what is involved please get in touch with either: Jane Evans – 01749 840660 or Margaret Loten – 01373 812922 We would like to thank Gerry and David for all of their help with the magazine over the years and wish them a long and happy retirement. Annual Parochial Church Meeting for Leigh on Mendip and Downhead The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is responsible for the grounds, buildings, and use - including worship - at St Giles church in Leigh on Mendip and All Saints church in Downhead. Both are historic buildings with a long history of use dating back over 500 years and both have many fascinating and nationally significant features. The PCC holds an Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) where they report on the status of the church, both worship and building, to the parishioners who live alongside the church and, in the case of Leigh on Mendip, are daily accompanied by views of the outstanding tower – it has been called ‘the jewel of the Mendips’. The APCM reporting activities in 2019 has been delayed due to the Coronavirus pandemic but will now take place on Monday 12th October. The meeting is traditionally held in a public venue such as the Memorial Hall or a church but this year, to minimise risk to attendees, it is to be held online. For many reasons these are difficult times for the church as well as ourselves so the PCC would welcome you to attend the meeting and hear of our achievements as well as our challenges. If you wish to attend, then send an email to djmattick@btinternet.com and you will receive an invitation along with copies of the Agenda and reports before the meeting.