Author: Jo Claridge

On Sunday 6th July we held a Pet Praise Service in the Church Centre. We arrived unsure of who would attend and which of God’s creatures might put in an appearance but we were prepared for anything!

So, it was wonderful to see so many people and pets gathered together by the time the service started at 10.00 am. There were lots of dogs of different shapes and sizes, one cat in his carrier and two tortoises in attendance as well as a whole range of cuddly toys representing pets and photographs too, which extended the menagerie to a diverse range of animals including snakes, a guinea pig, hedgehog, tigers, a penguin and even an a axolotl!

It was very touching that some people chose to ‘bring’ pets that had recently died to give thanks for them and remember how special they had been.

We gave thanks and praise for God’s creation and the unique role that pets play in our lives. We thought about how important it is to care for the natural world and our prayers included animals who are mistreated, the work of animal charities and working animals. Two of our songs had words specially written for the service to include popular pets.

The long awaited new outdoor lighting at St James’s has been installed over the past week (June 9th to 13th). Our thanks go to the Friends of St James for funding this important project which not only enhances the churchyard but makes it a safer place after dark for all who visit the church.

A huge thank you to the Cubs and leaders from 1st Winscombe group who came to the Church Centre on Monday 9th June and helped to tidy the grounds as part of their community service and work towards the Gardener badge. They chopped branches, weeded and swept and the results of their hard work were amazing and much appreciated by everyone who uses the Church Centre.

VE 80 Breakfast

Our breakfast in May came at the end of the week when the village commemorated VE Day. It therefore seemed appropriate to finish the week with a guest speaker with a military background, to remind us that the peace we have enjoyed for the last 80 years continues, but at a price. We were pleased to welcome Mike Bravery for his presentation; ‘At Sea in a Nuclear Deterrent Submarine’. Mike had served in the Royal Navy for 24 years and was able to explain the realities, the hardship, the dangers and the isolation endured, spending months submerged, undetected and with only incoming messages from the outside world. Many illustrations, and some videos of the training exercises, enlivened his fascinating talk. Mike generously waved his expenses fee and free breakfast offer in return for a donation to the Royal British Legion.

On Saturday 10th May a week of activities commemorating the 80th Anniversary of VE Day concluded with a party at the Church Centre.

The hall, decorated with bunting and patriotic flags, was packed, for this sell out event, truly evoking the spirit of the many parties that took place in 1945.

Several people came in 1940’s style costume including Home Guard, Land Army and many glamorous ladies wearing their Sunday (or Saturday) best not to mention the handsomely turned-out chaps!

The entertainment was provided by the duo, Belle Street, with music conjuring up the feel of the 1940s, delivered with a touch of lighthearted, tongue in cheek banter. The audience loved it and were soon up on their feet dancing the night away.

The ration cards were temporarily cast aside, now that war had ended, and Ploughman’s platters served to each table. The bar was well stocked too so there was plenty of liquid refreshment too!

Tables were also challenged to complete a VE Day Quiz which included rounds on Dad’s Army Characters, WW2 films and song lyrics.

As well as being great fun and bringing our community together to celebrate and important national event, the party raised over £780 for St James’s Church funds.

Yet another blanket for Ukraine has been created by our churches and presented to Barley from Sidcot School.

Easter Sunday was celebrated in each of our three churches with services of Holy Communion, beautiful flowers, music and of course Easter Eggs!

It was ‘eyes down’ on Friday 28th March for a fun evening of Bingo at the Church Centre, an event organised by the St James’s Events Team.

Hot dogs and snacks were enjoyed in the interval which was followed by a game of ‘Play Your Cards Right’ and a round of ‘Heads and Tails.’

Together with a raffle the event raised over £440 for church funds but more importantly a good time was had by all and we welcomed several newcomers to the village to the event.