5ALIVE! July/August 2019 - The Mells Benefice
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5ALIVE! July/August 2019
News from Buckland Dinham,
Chantry, Great Elm,
Mells with Vobster and Whatley
FROM THE EDITOR
I’VE BEEN SITTING here (NB not SAT here. Sorry for being pedantic!)
trying to decide what to write about this month. The weather? No,
we’ve had enough of that and in any case it changes day by day, may-
be even hour by hour. Politics? Not bloomin’ likely – had enough of
that. Brexit? Ditto. Sport? By the time you read this the Cricket and
Women’s Football World Cups and Wimbledon will have been
decided. Gardening? Hazell’s beaten me to it.
So maybe I’ll just keep it short and wish everyone a great summer
holiday. Lin and I will be back in September. See you then.
And by the way, very many thanks to Tony Thomas for our front
cover photo, of the weather vane at the top of St. George’s church,
Whatley. If you’re an aspiring (deliberate pun there!) snapper and
have a photo you think would look good on the front cover, do wing it
over to us. Can’t promise we’ll use it but…
One other thing - do read the advice on scams on page 24 of this issue.
Could save you from becoming a victim. Peter
FROM THE RECTORY
SOME PORTERS WERE HIRED to carry a group’s possessions on a
trip through the jungle. The pace quickly in-
creased until the head porter called a halt:
‘We’ve come so far, so fast we need to take a
break and allow our souls to catch up with
our bodies!’
How often do we feel like this? July and Au-
gusts are months when many of us take a
break. Jesus and his disciples often took time
to withdraw from the crowds ‘because so
many people were coming and going that
Editors: Lin Taylor and Peter Corbett mellsmag@hotmail.com
Advertising: Peter Corbett, 466536, mellsmag@hotmail.com
Deadline for September 2019 is August 16th
Printed by Best at Print Ltd 01373 800 300
1
CONTACTS
Rector, Mells Group of Churches, Rev Clive A. Fairclough
The Rectory, Gay Street, Mells, BA11 3PT 01373 673431
cliveatmellsgroup@gmail.com, twitter @clivetherev
Benefice administrator Tracy Hughes tracyhughes523@yahoo.com
Church laymen and women Parish council
Church wardens chairs and clerks
Buckland Suzanne Westlake Peter Corbett 466536
Dinham 07817 059651 Pauline Short 472188
Chantry Mrs D Blacker 836668
Mrs H Tovey 836384 See Whatley
Great Elm Judy Duffus 813215
Edmund 812283
Thompson
Mells with Vobster Joy Book 300184
Jenny Waller 813852
John Earl 812450
Whatley Mrs K Gay 836175 Joy Book 300184
Martin Payne 07595 281063
Joy Book 300184
Roman Catholic Services
Mells: Sundays at 11.30am Frome: Sundays at 9.30am and 5.30pm
County Councillor Philip Ham 01373 812152
District Councillors Buckland Dinham, Great Elm and Mells
(Ammerdown Ward) Alison Barkshire, 07432 003382,
Cllr.Barkshire@mendip.gov.uk
Chantry and Whatley (Cranmore, Doulting and Nunney Ward)
Francis Hayden, 07970 839532, Cllr.Hayden@mendip.gov.uk
Police: emergencies: 999, non-emergency:101, local contact
information visit www.avonandsomerset.police.co.uk
2
they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them. ‘Come with me
by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ (Mark 6: 31,32).
Jesus saw how tired and stressed his disciples were and wanted to give
them a break from their busy lives. He loved them and cared about
their wellbeing. He longs to do the same with us, so we can restore the
balance of work, rest and play in our lives. Going on holiday or taking
time off gives us an opportunity of letting go the burdens of everyday
life and renewing our rest in him. This enables us to entrust Jesus with
our issues and concerns, as we take time aside declare a holy day or
holiday!
The story is told of the aged Apostle John playing with doves. A pass-
ing hunter expressed surprise at what a man as pious as John was do-
ing. John pointed to the bow in the hunter’s hand and asked him why
he carried it with a loosened string. The hunter replied: ‘It loses its
strength unless it is given the chance to unbend.’ John replied: ‘Why
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If you want to keep an eye open for any changes to
services, you can check the schedule on the Mells
Group website, www.mellsgroup.church/whatson.
4
5
are you surprised that a servant of Christ should not relax to keep
himself stronger for his work?’
A note for our schoolchildren.
With the ending of the school year, many of us face big changes. Here
are some quotes which might help….
Keep praying but be thankful that God’s an-
swers are wiser than your prayers! – William
Culbertson.
First say to yourself what you would be; and
then do what you have to do. – Epictetus
I was trained from the beginning to work, to
save, and to give. – John D Rockefeller, Jr.
We judge ourselves by what we feel capable
of doing; others judge us by what we have
done. – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Have a happy holiday whether you end up
going away or just being with the family! Many blessings !
Fr Clive, Rector
JOTTINGS FROM A COUNTRY
CHURCHYARD
I AM SURE that this time last year I – or possibly Lin or Peter –
quoted the old Oklahoma song ‘June is bustin’ out all over’. Well, this
year it seems to have exceeded itself in bustin’!
Roses! I’ve never had such a profusion. I can’t grow tidy, tamed
hybrid teas (well, let’s face it – nothing is tidy or tamed in my
garden/jungle) but the old climbing roses have gone mad, not only
my favourite, the thornless Zephyr Drouhin but all of them, like
scented fairy cabbages.
And my wisteria, although not so rich in colour or so beautifully
trained as John Reckless’s on last month’s cover, was so loaded with
6
blossom the vines fell off the wall in lumps and draped themselves
over nearby sheds, garden seats etc.
All the spring blossom was fantastic too this year, wasn’t it, so
something in last summer’s mixed climate must have encouraged
everything to build up such a colourful display.
Not only trees and shrubs. The Queen Anne’s lace and lesser hogweed
has been wonderful by the roadside and in my orchard is now
shoulder high. In some places it obscures the view so that I can’t see
the path ahead and only the trembling flower heads show where
Frisky, my younger dog, has pushed through.
Sadly Faye, my dearly loved older dog, has reached her last weeks – or
even days. She has become increasingly frail and so wobbly on her
back legs that if she doesn’t decide soon that she has had enough I
shall have to make the decision for her. Hard as that will be, as we all
know, it is the final kindness we can offer a dear friend.
This morning I had a trio of great tits cheekily hopping over the
threshold of the kitchen door to gather up dog hair by the beakful. The
door stays open all day for the dogs to come and go and the birds
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seem to regard it as an extension of the stable yard outside. I was
surprised to see them gathering nesting material in mid-June. Perhaps
the first nest has been destroyed by predators and they were having to
rebuild for a second brood. I closed the door when they hopped out as I
hate to have a bird flying around the house; I always worry it may get
trapped behind furniture.
Nevertheless, one of today’s visitors had not hopped out but,
unnoticed by me, had ventured into the nearest dogs’ bed to forage. He
flew up to the window over the sink but unfortunately because of the
thick walls creating deep window sills and that fact that I am only
4ft101/2 inches I can’t reach to open this window.
I carried a chair to the sink, climbed up and struggled with a seldom
used catch and all the while the spunky little tit, far from being afraid,
hopped and flew up and down the window scolding me for taking so
long. I even considered grabbing him and putting him out of the door
instead but that would have meant climbing down with the bird
clutched in one hand and, at 87, good sense prevailed.
My good friends down the road have a swallow’s nest in their porch
again this year. I watch in wonder and envy as they come and go,
swooping in to feed the youngsters. The hen, I am told, swoops straight
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8in and does an angled turn in one flight and does an angled turn in
one flight but the cock has to perch on a ledge on arriving and adjust
his flight path from there. And still my RSPB imitation swallow’s nests
remain uninhabited for their 46th summer! Perhaps I should
reposition them? Who knows what will appeal to a swallow? I should
do as dear old Bill Oddie suggests and ‘think like a bird’.
Reading through this so far I realise that I haven’t once mentioned the
churchyard. The trouble is there is not much going on there at present.
Spring bulbs and blossom over, conkers yet to come. All is green.
One thing in particular has flourished there and in my orchard,
speedwell. I have never seen so many and so richly coloured little blue
starry jewels, each with a tiny white eye and daisy-wheel effect darker
blue veins. Beautiful, scattered like gifts among the grass and being
low growing they mostly escape the mower.
As I write this, the rain is pouring down and the forecast is for more
and yet more. This edition of 5Alive covers both July and August so I
hope we will have some lovely summer weather then. And I hope the
day will be fine for my Garage Sale on August 24th (it poured with
rain last year!).
Do come and look for a bargain and help support the church and the
Dogs’ Trust.
See you then, perhaps – if not I’ll be back in September. Hazell
9Garage Sale at Birdshadows, Chantry,
Saturday August 24th from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Something for everyone from 9 months to 90 years.
Come and browse - books, bric-a-brac and small furniture items, you
name it I have it.
Proceeds to be shared with Chantry Church and the Dogs Trust.
ROUND AND ABOUT
KILMERSDON GARDENERS
Unfortunately the speaker we had lined up for our June meeting was
unable to be with us but a visitor stepped in a visitor stepped in at the
last minute and gave us a talk on homeopathy. Her intervention was
very much appreciated and we gave her very warm thanks.
On the evening on July 10th at 7.30 we will welcome Charlotte
Popescu, who will enlighten us with a talk on apples, in fact a talk
entitled ' IN PRAISE OF APPLES.’ So if you love apples and want
10to know more about the varieties which can be grown and their
flavour do come along and hear her talk.
We are a small friendly group and are always keen to welcome
visitors, so do come along, have a cup of tea or coffee and a chat,
try and win the raffle , and at least at this season, you will not
have to clean the ice off your car windows when you leave!!
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THE GREAT HARVEST TRAIL AND FLOWER FESTIVAL,
21 SEPTEMBER 21ST TO OCTOBER 6TH
Announcing two weeks of events to celebrate the harvest, with a
Flower Festival trail across the five parishes of Buckland Dinham,
Chantry, Great Elm, Mells with Vobster and Whatley.
The five parishes are coming together for a very special harvest time,
with church services, a flower festival, harvest suppers and music.
And we’re excited to have been selected by Love British Food to
carry the Harvest Torch to the National Harvest Festival in Wells
Cathedral, along with the Somerset Young Farmers.
The Flower Festival is planned for September 20th - 22nd and will
showcase the five beautiful churches in the Mells group of parishes, so
we need help and support from as many people as possible from all
the villages.
If you could spare some time to eat cake, laugh and share some ideas
and enthusiasm with seasonal flowers please come our planning
11meeting at 905 Downhead on Tuesday 2nd July at 6.30pm. Phone
call 01749 880283 for more information or for directions.
BUCKLAND DINHAM
CHURCH NEWS
After the cold and wet start to June let us all hope for some sunshine
for the rest of the summer. A big thank you to all who helped at the
church tombola stall on our Village Day, donating gifts for the stall
and running it on the day. We were very lucky that at least it did not
rain although it was quite a battle to keep things on the table with the
strong wind blowing. However, following the delicious lunch many
more friends arrived to enjoy the various stalls and games and listen
to the Mells Choir singing so once again we are grateful to all who
helped organize this special day for Buckland Dinham.
Congratulations to our Church Warden for completing the cycle ride
in Albania, you can see her comments and pictures on Buckland
Dinham Facebook Page and she obviously really enjoyed the
experience.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
August 31st Nick Cary will be entertaining us and setting a quiz. Full
details will be on the village website, bucklandinham.com, and on
village notice boards but meantime names can be taken for tickets.
Please contact any member of the PCC.
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12September 22nd. Flower and Harvest Festival followed by Harvest
Supper in the Village Hall.
Offers of help for both these special events would be very welcome.
Maintenance, July and August. Please contact Debbie Cary
Flowers July and August Please contact Peggy Harris
Sidesmen
July 14th, Peggy Harris; 21st, Sue Simenton; 28th, Jill Wright
August 11th,Jill Wright; 18th, Ros Bradbury; 25th, Peggy Harris.
Please Note July 7th Group Service at Chantry, August 4th Group
Service at Great Elm both at 10.00 a.m.
VILLAGE WEBSITE
We’ve finally got to the bottom of the technical problems we’ve been
having with the website (bucklanddinham.com) which is why it hasn’t
been properly updated for a while. Thanks to Stellasoft in Frome (they
manage the parish council’s website bucklanddinham.org), the village
site is now up and running so if you want to add anything to the site,
just email webmaster@bucklanddinham.com and it will be done –
PROMISE!
VILLAGE DAY
Weren’t we lucky with the weather! It was bit blustery and we did lose
a gazebo which was fortunately tied to the fence so it didn’t go into
the road, but not a drop of rain all day. Thanks to the team for
organising that! The final total raised had still to be confirmed as this
issue of 5Alive went to press but it looks like more than £900 will be
shared among the village groups and organisations who contributed
to the day. Very many thanks indeed to everyone who helped in any
way to make it the success it was!
CHANTRY
CHANTRY CHURCH
In September all churches are holding a Flower Festival, the idea is
that we all decorate our local Church on the same weekend then pay
each other a visit. More details will be in the September issue.
1314
The other date to mention for September will be the Harvest Festival
Service. This will be on Sunday September 15th, followed by supper at
Birdshadows. As in other years we would appreciate donations of
tinned and dried foods to be given to the food bank.
Coffee mornings: Saturday July 6th and Saturday August 3rd from
10.00 to 12.00.
Maintenance: July 7th, Ann and Pete; 14th, Dee and Mike; 21st, Dolly
and Val; 28th Hazel and Jean; August 4th, Ann and Pete; 11th Dee and
Mike; 18th, Dolly and Val; 25th, Hazel and Jean.
Flowers: July 7th, Laureen; 14th, Val; 21st, Val; 28th; Hazel;August 4th,
Laureen; 11th, Val; 18th Val; 25th Hazel.
WACCA
Please see report in Whatley section
GREAT ELM
COFFEE, CAKE AND PLANT EVENT
Thanks to friends who helped organise this event at the Village Hall
on May 25th, and to all those who came and enjoyed chat in the sun
with unlimited coffee and cake. It is amazing that we raised £250 for
church funds on the Saturday of Bank Holiday weekend when there
were so many other local events and many people away.
We have recently had our church five yearly inspection and expect a
few upkeep expenses when the architect's report arrives, so every little
helps at a time when everyday running costs exceed income.
Judy Duffus
HARVEST CELEBRATION WITH FLOWERS EVENT
An event is coming up on the weekend September 20th - 22nd, a
Harvest Celebration with Flowers in all the five churches of our group.
This will be an opportunity to show how special our 800 years old
church is to as many visitors as possible.
Displays might include photography, art and crafts, if the talented
people in the village can come up with interesting ideas, all on the
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harvest theme. There could also be music at certain times and produce
for sale. Further information from Judy Duffus or on
greatelm.org/whats-on.
ST MARY MAGDALENE DAY
July 21st is St Mary Magdalene Day. We are having a service at 9.30am
as usual followed by coffee and a game of croquet on the lawn at
Glebe House (weather permitting), courtesy of Sally and Ricardo Rosa,
after which there will be an early "Bring & share lunch".
VILLAGE HALL
Now after refurbishment the hall is an ideal venue for parties; indeed
children's parties are very popular at the moment. For enquiries
contact Jim Duffus , 07794496727 or jimduffus@hotmail.co.uk or see
greatelm.org/village-hall/
MELLS WITH VOBSTER
BIG TEA PARTY JULY 28TH
Please come to a very enjoyable fundraising event for Rethink Mental
Illness, rethink.org. Afternoon teas are being served at Stradbrook
Ford garden, Bottom Road, Mells from 2.30pm - 5.00pmon Sunday
28th July 2019. Suggested donation £5 per head.
ELEANOR LUCY OSWALD AND IAN GRAEME MARTIN
RAMPERSAD
On Saturday June 8th, on a bright but breezy summer day, Kent
couple Eleanor Oswald and Ian Rampersad were married in St
Andrew’s church in Mells. The church looked beautiful for the
occasion, decorated with posies at the pew ends and on the pillars, and
with roses around the church entrance and on the rood screen.
The bride looked beautiful in a strapless cream dress trimmed with
lace and a sweeping train fastened to her hair with a sparkling clasp.
The bride was accompanied by two bridesmaids in elegant dark
1819
mauve gowns, and by a flowergirl.
The service began with the two candle ceremony, where candles from
the bride and groom come together to light the wedding candle.
Readings were from 1 Corinthians 13 and, more unusually, Captain
Corelli’s Mandolin, both describing the nature of love. The service was
conducted by the Reverend Clive Fairclough who spoke about life’s
greatest theme as being to love and be loved.
In addition to the congregational hymns ‘Make me a channel of your
peace’ and ‘Shine Jesus Shine’, music was provided by the Vocal
Works gospel choir whose performances including Amazing Grace
and Oh Happy Day filled the church with joy and celebration.
The bride and groom left for their reception at Orchardleigh House in
a magnificent Rolls Royce.
We wish the happy couple all the best as they start their new life
together.
MELLS NATTERJACKS
We were very lucky with the weather for our trip to the Cotswold
Wildlife Park. It was not very warm and sunny but at least it stayed
dry which was a bonus considering the dreadful rain we have had
lately.
The next trip will be a canal boat ride on the Brecon Canal with a
buffet lunch. In August we will be having our annual trip to
Weymouth. There will be seats available at £12.00. If anyone is
interested please ring me on 836668.
The speaker for the July meeting on Tuesday 30th is from the National
Trust at Stourton and will be talking about the various trees in
Stourton Gardens. There is no meeting in August.
WHATLEY
NEWS FROM ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH
The Group Service collection for the Central Diocese of Zambia
amounted to £90.02, including Gift Aid Tax to be reclaimed.
We’re asking for your creative help in September. There is going to be
a big Flower Festival throughout the five parishes in the Mells Group
2021
combining the theme of Harvest and Best of Britain Food Festival,
running from September 21st to October 6th.
It’s entirely up to every parish as to how this is interpreted and
enlarged. Some churches have already organized concerts during the
festival, so any idea you may have and are able to put into practice
would be most welcome. A church ‘treasure hunt’ for the children? A
‘Best of British Beer/Wine’ tasting?
Our wonderful team of church flower arranger volunteers will have a
free rein to create a ‘special’ decoration for somewhere in the church,
and, of course, those with you who enjoy flower arranging will be
welcomed to do a ‘one off’ for this event.
Please contact our church warden, Katie Gay, with any idea of offers
to help. Please!
ST. GEORGE’S ROTA, CLEANING AND FLOWERS.
July 6th, J Butcher; 13th , M Scott; 20th,K Gay; 27th, M Ransome;
August 3rd, White family; 10th,L Thomas; 17th, P Witt; 24th, J Norris;
31st, S Pollock.
22VILLAGE NEWS
There are a few days left before the July 5th deadline for applications
to join the Parish Council, chantryandwhatley.webs.com/parish-
council.
WACCA
On July 20th all are invited to the Old Rectory, Whatley, 4.00pm
onwards for a summer gathering. Tennis and swimming available
(individual responsibility!) Bring food for picnic or barbecue and your
favourite tipple. Weather dependent, so check nearer the time if in
doubt, to our host Jane Butcher, jane.thorne@zen.co.uk
Other events are in the pipeline! Remember, to keep updated give
your email address, or phone number, to Chris White
chris@southwaestmarquees.co.uk or 07977 53242
Finally, of course you (and your friends) are welcome at Venue 23 any
time during Open Studios every day July 6th-14th, 11.00am-5.00pm,
but The Stables, Whatley, is pushing the boat out to especially
23welcome Whatley and Chantry neighbours on the last Sunday, 14th
July.
There will be copious amounts of tea/coffee (and maybe something a
little stronger) plus delicious cream tea. Explore an artist’s fabulous
garden in addition to enjoying the studio and gallery. Sunshine has
been ordered, but in case of non-delivery, a café style area with comfy
chairs will be ready for you in upstairs gallery. It will be an occasion
for gentle neighbourly meeting without pressure of time or distant
travel. Parking by courtesy of Southwest Marquees in Brook Farm.
Thank you, Fi and Chris White.
Wishing you all a happy summer!
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