ii

DIRECTORY Vicar Canon Bill Matthews The Vicarage, 18A Woolley Street 864444 e-mail: vicar@brad-avon-ht.org.uk Parish Deacon Revd Angela Onions 27 Berryfield Road 309001 Retired Clergy Ven John Burgess, Revd Alun Glyn-Jones, Canon Peter Hardman, Ven Ian Stanes Licensed Lay Ministers Graham Dove Dr Malcolm Walsh (retired) Churchwardens Joan Finch 40 Palairet Close 863878 Tony Haffenden 6 Folly Field 864412 Director of Music Gareth Bennett 01380 728772 ; Ministry of Healing The Vicar; Mary Burge. Times of Services (Check Bulletins and notices) Sundays 8 am Holy Communion 9.30 am Sung Eucharist (coffee after) 6 pm Evensong Service of Prayer for Hope & Health and Compline monthly) Holy Communion 10 am Wednesdays (weekdays) 8 am Fridays Times of Meetings Choir Practice 6.30 pm Church, Tuesdays Sunday School 9.30 am Church Hall Mothers’ Union 7.30 pm Church Hall, (usually) 3rd Thursday Bell Practice 7.30–9 pm 2nd and 4th Mondays Parish Web-site www.brad-avon-ht.org.uk Diocese Web-site www.salisbury.anglican.org Weekly Bulletin Notices to the Vicar not later than Wednesday for the next Sunday.

Please let the Vicar know if someone needs visiting at home or in hospital

1

Our new calendar gives us both Peter and Paul for the feast falling on 29th June, following an earlier pattern than our Prayer Book. They were originally celebrated together because part of Rome’s prestige and significance came from the belief that the city was the place of martyrdom of both great Apostles, and the place of their burial. But they represent an interesting combination. Peter, the impetuous disciple and natural leader of the gospel narratives shows himself as first courageous and then vacillating about the key issue of non-Jewish members of the early church, and the terms on which such people might belong. Paul, though he representatives a very ‘Jewish’ ethical conservatism, is revealed as very much more theologically radical, pushing hard, as a matter of the deepest principle, for repentance, faith and baptism as the means of entry into the church for everyone, and with no subsequent commitment to obey the ritual requirements of the Jewish Law. Paul states that ‘he opposed Peter to his face’ at Antioch. That very early theological ‘punch-up’ in the life of the church must have been something to see! Differences, divisions and disputes based on deeply-held convictions are certainly nothing new in our shared history. And, just as Paul continued to be vexed in his ministry, not only by Jewish opponents outside the church but by ‘Judaisers’ within, these things can drag on interminably. We may feel that there was once a golden age when these things didn’t happen. All the evidence proves to the contrary. So, we approach another Lambeth Conference with a range of feelings and expectations. It should be an opportunity for the leaders of a world-wide faith community to share insights, hopes and fears, and plan for new work in the future. The media, of course, concentrate on the clashes of views on our understanding of the scriptures and our ethical beliefs. I fear that this time they may be right to do so. But this is all the more reason for us earnestly to pray that this meeting of church leaders will show a real concern for unity, a real willingness to listen to each other at the deepest level, and a greater concern for the spiritual hunger of God’s children than for a set of ‘party’ issues that have little or no significance for those outside the church.

FROM THE VICAR

2

DIARY FOR MONTH

Baptism 20.4 Thomas Alexander Anthony Harvey Marriage 2.5 Matthew David Rickards & Kari-Anne Elizabeth Greaves-Lord

Burial of Ashes 1.5 Stewart Wheeler 1.5 Dorothy Violet Wheeler

FROM THE REGISTERS

1 SUNDAY TRINITY 2 9.30 am Sung Eucharist 6 pm Compline

8 SUNDAY TRINITY 3 9.30 am Solemn Eucharist - Vicar’s 40th

Anniversary of Priesting

6 pm Evensong Christ Church

11 Wednesday 10 am Barnabas the Apostle

15 SUNDAY TRINITY 4 9.30 am Sung Eucharist 6 pm Service of Prayer for Hope and Health

22 SUNDAY TRINITY 5 9.30 am Sung Eucharist 6 pm Sung Evensong

25 Wednesday For The Birth of John the Baptist

26 Thursday 7.30 pm Mothers’ Union: Mission Aviation Fellowship-Andrew Steele

Hall

29 SUNDAY PETER & PAUL Apostles / TRINITY 6

9.30 am Solemn Eucharist 6 pm Songs of Praise Unless otherwise stated, Holy Communion at 8 am and Sung Eucharist at 9.30 am each

Sunday Copy Date for July is 15th June

3

W ithin a month of hearing Barbara Lawes from Mary

Sumner House, St John’s, Studley, welcomed the Deanery to hear Reg Bailey, the Chief Executive of the Mothers’ Union. Having heard him before, and knowing what a great speaker he was, I was delighted to find I was not going to be in hospital at the time, and 6 of us went from our branch, sadly leaving Jonquil behind having had her cataract done the day before. After prayers from Selina Deacon, priest-in-charge at St John’s, and an MU member, Reg was introduced by Marguerite Treeby, the Diocesan Action & Outreach co-ordinator for the UK. He showed us video clips taken on his mobile phone, of MU members throughout the world, enjoying meeting together, and always appreciative of the help they receive from the MU Overseas and Relief funds. One woman, living in an island community had thanked him for the boat they had been given, enabling them to get from one island to the others, and then adding, “...and even more for the engine we received for it the following year!” We saw a woman from Burma dancing a national dance, and found she had had email contact with Reg until the cyclone hit but hasn’t been heard from since. Many lovely stories, bringing us together with the other 3.6 million members throughout the world.

Split into groups, we then heard about how we could reach out to

isolated parents in the community; about the travelling Easter basket, which compliments the Nativity Crib; Parenting; Baptism follow-up; Celebrating Marriage; and how to bring more members into the MU – a very heartfelt desire of mine! We were given lots of help to take back to our branches. Mid-day Prayers led by our Archdeaconry chairman was followed by lunch, either your own, or some lovely soups produced by the St Johns branch. Then another session from Reg, showing us how to try and fill people’s needs with what the MU can offer, from holidays to helping in prisons. It made me realise how little our branch does for the community, to my shame.

Two days later we welcomed Kathy and Ken Miller, of the Neem Tree Trust, and heard and saw what wonderful work it is doing for a disabled boys’ home in India. Kathy felt the need for a challenge in 1999, went to India for 3 months, and set up the Trust 5 years ago, with the full co-operation of Ken, and they continue raising money from their talks, and from selling items made by the boys to continue to help them, especially in getting them in work when they leave the school, and go back to their villages to support their families. It was wonderful to see the boys, mostly disabled by polio, thoroughly enjoying their Sports Day, Olympic style; learning to be tailors, or pressers; enjoying playing in water,

HOLY TRINITY MOTHERS’ UNION

4

completely uninhibited about their deformities.

Thank you, Kathy and Ken, for showing us the wonderful work you do, and thank you, Graham, for introducing them to me.

Six of us go to Cardiff on 19th June for the Mary Sumner House Roadshow, (and a spot of shopping in Cardiff beforehand?), which should be another splendid occasion

when we can learn even more about the work being done throughout the world. Our next meeting is on June 26th, postponed from 19th, when Dr. Andrew Steele is coming to talk about the work of the Mission Aviation Fellowship. Please join us if you are interested in hearing about it: you will be sure of a warm welcome!

Chris Hodge

News from Myanmar: a letter from the Sturmeys Dear Holy Trinity friends, Many thanks to all who have enquired about the well-being of our son and daughter-in-law in Yangon (Rangoon) following the cyclone that hit Myanmar (Burma) on Saturday May 3rd.

We were very relieved that Nick managed to get through to us on his satellite ‘phone very early on the Sunday to reassure us that they, and May Yee’s family, and their home were all OK. Since that time internet and land-line telephone connections have not always been available, but we have been able to be in contact with them from time to time.

We are therefore able to say that at the time of writing, some two weeks after the storm, they are still generally OK, with adequate water and food, etc., and just today their mains electricity was restored. Fallen trees, pylons, and other debris have been moved from roads and most shops are open again.

The International School suffered damage to some buildings and end-of-term closure has been advanced. This has created a lot of immediate work for Nick and the School staff, but it has meant that Nick and May Yee will now be back with us for their Summer holiday on 28th May ─ a week earlier than originally planned.

Thank you once again for your thoughts and prayers for our family. Please hold in your prayers all those in Myanmar who suffered from the cyclone and most especially those in the Irrawaddy delta whose lives have been devastated by the cyclone winds and the 12 feet tidal surge that wreaked such destruction across that area.

With love and best wishes,

Jennifer and Allan.

5

Sunday School News for June This last half year has been very quiet in the Sunday School. We have sometimes found ourselves with no children at all. The older ones are gone, and the very young come only on rare occasions. Some of the other children have to stay away for other reasons ─ visiting grandparents, sleeping over at friends’ houses, birthday parties (there are so many when you are 8 or 9 years old!). Some of the children are especially talented, and have to spend time competing at weekends. Rebecca is one of the best swimmers in Wiltshire for her age group. Sometimes she travels long distances to swimming galas, and performs brilliantly, often returning home very late into the evening. It can be hard to get up early to come to Sunday School after such an event! The older the children become, the more they are asked to participate in events at weekends. They are still part of our church family, and when they are not here, we pray for them, and thank God for the talents they have been given. All of our children are welcome to come to Sunday school, whether it is every week, or only once a term. Muriel has been working very hard on choosing songs for the children to sing. Some of them are especially to be sung in Sunday School, and some are the ones we have at Family Communion. She writes them and I type them up onto small sheets. We have now produced some song books which the children can decorate themselves. With the summer holidays looming, it is almost time for me to leave.

6

Annabel is going to Westonbirt School in September, so we have decided to move our family over to Gloucestershire to be closer to the school. Both Annabel and I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Sunday School at Holy Trinity, and I would like to say “Thank you” to June, Sue and Alison for allowing me to be in their team. I would particularly like to thank Bill for bringing me into his fold and allowing me the very special duty of tending to his little lambs. I cannot believe that it has been six years since we came to Bradford on Avon. We intended to stay for six months, but after the welcome we received here, we changed our minds and stayed. Thanks to everyone who made us so welcome!

Karen Bowen-Nielsen.

In the May issue of Parish News, Jackie Uncles asked if anyone had photos from any of the old Parish Concerts. This one is courtesy of Chris Hodge. No prizes for guessing which is Yum Yum, which Peep Bo, and which Pitti Sing!

Three little maids from school are we, pert as a school-girl well can be, filled to the brim with girlish glee...

7

Celebrations in Holy Trinity ... Peter and Frances Hardman celebrated their Ruby Wedding in April .... photo Chris Hodge

....and George Hurst celebrated his 80th birthday in May. Our congratulations to our friends. photos David Milne

George and cake!

8

BRADFORD ON AVON STREET MARKET

Westbury Gardens, Saturday 5th July 2008. We are counting down to our annual Street Market on 5th July and hope we can count on everyone’s help to make this year’s event as successful as ever. John Cox is busy selling pitches to outside organisations, and that is going well. We shall be welcoming back our entertainers from last year, with the Punch and Judy and Magic Shows between 10am and noon. In the afternoon we shall maintain the festive atmosphere with Trevor Lenton’s Apple Barrel Jazz Band. We had been hoping to have a face painter for the children, but so far we have been unable to find one. If anyone has a contact, please let me know.

Colin Johnston is working with the church stallholders and I shall be running around with posters and advertising as we move into June. If anyone could display a poster, or take one to their local shop or business it would be most helpful. I would like to hear from you.

Have you done your spring cleaning yet? Please look out for those unused gifts, the Saxon Club would love to have them. Any bottles of pickles, Pepsi or plonk would be fine for the Bottle Tombola. Check those shelves for books you have read and pass them on to the Book Stall. It’s time to think about baking for the Pantry and Refreshment Stalls! These are just a few suggestions. Look at the stalls below, and see where we can ‘recycle’ your items, or call one of us. If you do not want to store items until July, let us know, and we will do our best to store them for you.

Donations, of course, are most important, but we also need your time, receiving goods in the days leading up to the Street Market, and on the day itself, moving donations and equipment to and from the Church Hall and Shed, setting up and dismantling stalls and gazebos, serving customers, and many other things. Even an hour of your time would be most appreciated!

We shall need many extra hands early on Saturday morning to move everything from the Church Hall and Shed to Westbury Gardens and then at the end of the day to move everything back again. Please, please we need to know ahead of time, so let us know when you are available. There are volunteer sheets in church at the ‘crossing’, email or call one of us.

The Bottle Tombola photo David Rawstron

9

Church Stalls 2008

Bottle Tombola Ian & Sylvia Stanes Bottles, bottles and more bottles, 100s of bottles!

Bottles of your favourite ‘tipple’ will help us to sell tickets. Books Margaret Morris

Let someone else enjoy a good book, fiction and non-fiction Grand Draw Anthony and Kathryn Swift

Better prizes means more tickets sold. How about asking your favourite shop, restaurant etc. to help by providing a prize or voucher, NOW?

Pantry (Cakes and Preserves) Chris Hodge and the Mothers Union Think about your favourite recipes

Plants and Garden Colin Johnston Plants and cuttings from your garden

Quality Bric-à-brac, China & Collectables Tony Haffenden, John Cox & Vic Holden

A most popular stall for our discerning customers. Please ensure that contributions are in reasonable condition and are saleable items.

Please, no jumble, clothes or heavy items of furniture. Saxon Club Angela Onions

Unused presents, Christmas, Birthday, new items Teas and Refreshments Anne Carter and Joan Finch

Plenty of Cakes and Tray bakes will be needed Toys Alison Cook and Sunday School

To suit children of all ages The Church Hall will be open on Thursday and Friday, 3rd and 4th July from

6.30 to 8.30pm to receive items for the Street Market. Helpers needed on those evenings.

Please do not hesitate to call John, Colin or Stephanie if you have any questions or need help bringing items to the Street Market. We are hoping for a lovely summer day on 5th July, so looking forward to seeing you in Westbury Gardens!

John Cox – Community and Non-church Charity Stalls Tel: 864270 – email jandbcox@hotmail.com Colin Johnston – All Church related Stalls Tel: 868132 – email Jo.Johnstonboa@talktalk.net Stephanie Moorfoot – Communications and Marketing (ie. letters, advertising, entertainment) Tel: 863366 – email smoorfoot@hotmail.com

Stephanie Moorfoot

10

L ike most Anglicans I only had a hazy idea of 'The Last Rites': all I

knew was that there was anointing with oil and prayers. That is until I met John. John had advanced motor neurone disease. This is a very unpleasant disease that starts with weakness in the legs, followed by a progressive paralysis of all muscles until even talking, swallowing and breathing becomes impossible. John came out of the local hospital to stay with his sister in Keynsham, with his wife and family, for his remaining days on this earth. Early that memorable evening I was called for an emergency home visit to find that the family were giving him water (because he was thirsty), but because of paralysis it was all going into his lungs. This was exacerbating his breathing problems and making him very distressed. It was clear that he was going to die that night and I talked to his wife and sister about this. His sister suggested ringing for the priest, to which I readily agreed. They were Roman Catholics but the local RC priest was away; John’s sister however knew of a young priest in Kingswood and he came over straight away.

I gave John tiny doses of morphine intravenously until he became calm but remained semi-conscious. The service began with us all clustered round John's bed. John was indeed anointed and there were appropriate prayers, but I suddenly found that it was continuing into a Communion service as well. When this happened I also realised that I was going to be offered communion with the others ─

should I take it? Then I thought ‘We’re all in this together’ so I decided that I would. Even John managed a tiny amount of the bread and wine, although I'm not quite sure where it went. After the service had ended we all went downstairs for a cup of coffee. I admitted to the priest that I was a mere Anglican, but did go to church (and Communion) regularly, and apologised if I had overstepped papal edicts. He replied simply "God will understand". Talking further with him I found him a very impressive man and felt he deserved to go far ─ I now wonder where he is and what has happened. Meanwhile John's wife and sister were sitting with John, and they came down some half an hour later to say that he had passed away. After confirming this and saying my goodbyes I left to return home. The home visit had lasted almost three hours! The medicine was straight-forward and tragic, but the rest of the experience had been overwhelming.

My other experience of this remarkable service was with one of my elderly aunts, Aunt Joan. She fell at home, broke her hip, and ended up in Gloucester hospital. She had the standard operation, but unfortunately the wound became seriously infected, closely followed by a stress-induced bleeding stomach ulcer. She rapidly became critically ill and despite intensive medical therapy she did not improve. After two days (it seemed an eternity) I was sitting in the evening with Aunt Mollie at Joan's bedside as

THE LAST JOURNEY

Go Forth upon thy Journey, Christian Soul – Cardinal Newman

11

she slowly slipped away when Mollie asked whether we should call a priest. Again I readily consented. Mollie and Joan used to attend Gloucester Cathedral, so Mollie tried ringing the Canon who normally took the Wednesday service they attended. He was away but one of his colleagues came who did know my aunts a little. This time I knew what to expect since it was likely to be very similar to the RC service (it is). At this time Joan was unconscious with a dangerously low blood pressure. The service progressed exactly as expected until the prayer of Consecration. When the priest took the bread and wine to be consecrated, Joan in a low clear voice joined in with the words. The priest did not waver but he later admitted

(at Mollie's funeral) that it was one of his most moving experiences in over 50 years of priesthood. Joan was enfolded into the arms of her Saviour a few hours later.

I cannot pretend to understand exactly what happened on these two occasions. But something very special did, and I think it was a glimpse of the Spirit in action. None of us will truly understand God until we meet him; but glimpses such as these show that there are powers and forces that we cannot understand, and that for the Thomas’s amongst us that is all that we can hope for.

Requiescant in pace Nicholas Nutt

Sounds of Silence, Rhythms of Life: Music by Bach and Martinu

A recital by Cressida Nash (cello) and Jacquelyn Bevan (piano) Saturday, June 14th, 7.30 pm

Holy Trinity Church, Bradford-on-Avon

THANK YOU

Thank you to all those (too many to name individually) who were so kind during my recent bout of shingles — NOT to be recommended! Thank you for your cards, flowers, fruit and cakes, and also for your visits, help, and offers of help. All were much appreciated — you are all lovely people. Bless you.

Nan Webb

12

The latest meeting of Bradford Churches together was held in the Quaker Meeting Room on April 28th. It was attended by 11 delegates from local churches and Christian organisations, and presided over by the Chairman, Ambrose Stickney from St Thomas More. Also present at the meeting were Kirsten Ottley and Bill Huxley from Robin Hood Ministries in Bradford.

The Chairman opened by expressing 'frustration and annoyance' that there would be no BACT organised Pentecost celebrations this year as had been hoped. He proposed that planning for the 2009 Pentecost celebrations should commence now to ensure success next year. Steve Hughes from Bearfield church said that for the event to be meaningful it must have the support of all member churches. Also, it appears that lines of communication to member churches need to be strengthened. In the light of the continuing involvement of Faithworks with BACT it was suggested that Faithworks be welcomed as a full member of BACT – all were in favour. There are now two evangelical groups within BACT and it will be interesting to see if the balance changes in any way with these additions. Wendy Brown from Christ Church has volunteered to become Hon. Secretary of BACT.

Other items on the agenda covered :-

Faithworks: The Debt Advisory Centre now setting up at Fitzmaurice School is about to open – local churches will receive display boards to advertise the service.

Kirsten Ottley and Bill Huxley from Robin Hood Ministries were welcomed, and made a most interesting presentation about their work, including a number of slides. We were advised that : ROBIN HOOD MINISTRIES: is ‘In business to change lives’ RHM is a Christian charity whose purpose (with the help of finance from businesses) is to serve the poor and to provide hope and decency – the practical side of Christianity. They offer child sponsorship serving over 175 children in 4 countries :- Romania: A very poor country with areas of extreme poverty. People live underground to warm themselves by the public central heating pipes. They provide Medical Centres and Drop-in centres offering back-to-work programmes. Help in prisons is also provided as well as breaks in the country for children whose parents can’t afford a holiday. Nepal: Operating Starlight Children’s Home and providing food to local communities. Tanzania: Necma craft workshops make articles to sell as well as making paper. Aid to deaf and disabled is also provided India: Haven Children’s Home looking after 120 children. Robin Hood Ministries are also involved in sinking bore wells to provide clean water – these cost £550 per village

We were advised that there are opportunities for volunteers with certain skills, for example, people required to fit hearing aids, also solicitors, farmers and a range of other skills. RHM conduct awareness

Bradford Area Churches Together

13

trips as they continue to work with businesses to provide aid.

From 28th June to 5th July RHM will run a ‘Freedom from Poverty’ week in BoA to raise awareness of their activities :-

28th June: Family fun day in Westbury Gardens 2nd July: Business reception at ‘The Swan’ 5th July: Open day at offices (87 Trowbridge Road) followed by a fundraising dinner at the ‘Fat Fowl’ (50 seats available).

Your prayer and support are asked for. Please come to the fun day on Saturday 28th June (a week before our Street Market). Robin Hood Ministries will be making presentations at churches – look out for the advert.

The next BACT meeting will be on 7th July and I look forward to reporting to you all again then. Anyone from our parish can attend this meeting, so please contact me if you feel so inclined.

David Rawstron

Diocesan Link to the Sudan Deanery Link to Kadugali The Sudanese Bishops will be in the UK in July for the Lambeth Conference. All members of Churches in the Deanery are invited to meet Bishop Anadudu of Kadugali on Saturday 5th July at Keevil. Programme 4.00pm Tea will be served in Keevil Village hall. 5.30pm Evensong in St Leonard’s Church Keevil during the service we will be addressed by the Bishop. It is suggested that clergy sit in the congregation. Please make this widely known in your parish/benefice. To enable us to get a guide to the numbers attending tea tickets will be issued at the Synod for distribution in your benefice.

1. St Aldhelm. 2. Aust, on the banks of the Severn. 3. St Swithun. 4. Cuibane, near Porlock Weir. 5. St Dunstan. 6. St Alphege. 7. Shaftesbury. 8. St Arilda. 9. St Thomas Cantilupe of Hereford. 14. St Keyna of Keynsham

Saints Quiz Answers

14

Part 1

I had a very bad start to the holiday. Waking during the night, I thought about the booking

reference I had been sent for presentation at the airport, and I knew I hadn’t put it in my hand luggage. Searching in the morning proved useless. Getting rid of the clutter on my desk, I must have thrown it out, and Gerald had gone to paper re-cycling the day before! I had to wait 2 hours until Pax Travel opened their office, the longest 2 hours of my life, what if we couldn’t fly? It did encourage me to THINK, however, and when Pax did open, I had the sense to ask them to send a copy to the Vicar, as our old PC does not always get emails very quickly. Bill rang me within the hour to say he’d received it, for which I was truly grateful.

Although our coach was on time, Tony Green of Christ Church, through whom I had booked it, had allowed too much time to get to the various picking-up points, and we were at Palairet Close over 10 minutes early. Everyone was at their station, however, and we were off early, taking, we thought, a very round-about route to Bristol Airport, going near Shepton Mallet and through Blagdon. A beautiful run on a lovely day, which

everyone enjoyed, and we were still there an hour early! However, EasyJet did us proud: they had the luggage check-ins working and didn’t even want the booking reference. After all that worry! We got through in no time, and spent a relaxed couple of hours sitting, reading and shopping, of course!

Our flight left a little late, but landed on time. We had met our Polish guide, Marta, at Bristol, and, as soon as we all had our luggage, we set off for the 10 minute walk to the water taxi. We had to have 3 water taxis to take 30 of us and our luggage on the 20 minute trip to the Accademia bridge. We then had another 5 minute walk to the guest house, Domus Ciliota, where we dumped our luggage, and then met again for the walk to the taverna over the other side of the Accademia bridge. It was a bad time of night, past 10.30 by then, for Joan Godwin to climb up and down the steps of the bridge, but she did it

PARISH HOLIDAY TO VENICE, 22ND – 29TH APRIL 2008

The group at Domus Ciliota : our guide, Marta, is sitting at the front. photo Chris Hodge

15

manfully. Even though it was so late, we managed to eat the meal and get back to the unpacking. It was 1am when I fell into bed, and then couldn’t sleep!

Our breakfasts were in the guesthouse, and there was plenty of variety in the way of fruit, cereals, croissants and rolls. Our guide for the morning was Franka, and our walk included the Leaning Tower of Venice; a cistern, one of 6000 which were the only sources of fresh water in Venice in the early days; the grand staircase of the Palazzo Contarini de Bovolo, (it is called the Bovolo staircase, and means snail shell) it is a delicate piece of architecture, evidently best seen by moonlight; the Fenice Opera House, which we were all determined to see during the week; on to St Mark’s Square, where I was accosted by, of all people, Jeremy Irving, one of Pat’s sons! He was filming in the square at the time, and quite delighted to see a group from BoA. What a small world we live in!

Into St Mark’s basilica, which I still find very dark, and not very inspiring, but the Pala d’Oro, the gold altarpiece at the back of the altar, was something else: truly amazing. We had 1½ hours before we had to meet for lunch, so most of us went into the Doge’s Palace. Unfortunately there wasn’t time to see all that there was to see, and I didn’t go over the Bridge of Sighs this time, thinking we could go back in on the same ticket. Unfortunately, when we tried, we couldn’t!

Marta led us to the Rialto area for our lunch, and as the afternoon was free, some of us went back to the guesthouse to catch up on some

much-needed sleep. The intrepid group led by Joan & Gordon spent the afternoon sightseeing, and, I suspect, shopping, in the Rialto area.

Having done the trek again to the taverna for our meal, we returned to the guesthouse for Compline at 9 pm — a lovely ending to our first day.

The 24th, and George’s 80th birthday. We gave him a card and sang to him for breakfast. After breakfast, we left with Marta for a visit to The Frari church. A lot of us bought Chorus tickets for 6 euros which get you into a lot of churches and can be used for a year. Ours have now gone to our daughter for her visit later this month! We saw the tombs of Canova, Doge Pesarro, and Titian, before we saw Titian’s Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary above the High Altar. From there to the wonderful triptych by Bellini, which had a 3D effect, and was so beautiful, several of us stayed and looked at it for a long time. We’d asked for a much-needed coffee stop today, and this we had before going by vaporetto to Santa Maria della Salute, a church I had wanted to visit in 1986

St Mark’s Square photo Bryan Harris

16

but had found it closed. 22 years later, and now it’s shrouded in scaffolding! Circular inside, and very plain, its glory is on the outside. The custodian agreed to postpone his lunchtime so that we could visit the Sacristy, which had some wonderful paintings: a Titian of St Mark, and 'The ‘Wedding at Cana' by Tintoretto. There was a wonderful tapestry altar frontal of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Blessed Virgin Mary. Quite a lot of us had decided to go to the island of Murano in our free time, and so we went then and had lunch there. Pizza and salad taste so different in Italy!

Murano is a pretty place, with so many shops all full of the glass blown on the island. A lot of shopping was done, and Marta arranged for us to have a glass-blowing demonstration. I don’t think

any of us would have taken the item home if it had been given to us, but it was a very intricate piece of work and we enjoyed watching it being made. The shop attached to the factory seemed very expensive compared to the other shops and not a lot was bought there!

Getting back to Venice, Marta went off to the Post Office to buy about 150 stamps ordered by the group. You can only buy them in the PO now and she knew it would be difficult. She rang me an hour

later to say she would be queuing for another ¾ hr, and would meet us at the taverna for dinner! She had rung ahead, and asked them to make a small cake for George. When we got there she showed it to me: it was bigger than the ones I make for

church, and covered in strawberries. When they brought it out, George’s face was a picture. They had given us ice cream for dessert, which we could have done without and just had the cake instead. There was plenty for everyone, and it was delicious. A speech from George followed, with a lovely joke. As we’d had an early dinner, a number of us decided to go into St Mark’s Square that evening and see it all lit up. It was amazing, a small orchestra

playing outside one of the cafes, and all the stalls plying their wares. Most enjoyable. Getting back after a tiring

The gondola race photo Bryan Harris

San Lazzaro degli Armeni photo Bryan Harris

17

day, I slept for 6 hours on the trot. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven!

St Mark’s Day (also known as Liberation Day), and a huge festival in Venice, with everyone on holiday. Gondola races were taking place, and a lot of us were on the Accademia Bridge to see them go past soon after 10am ─ four in each boat, and didn’t those boats move! We cheered them on with the rest. From there to find the church of the Angel Raphael, where we knew there were paintings of the story of Tobias and the Angel. A lot of us had read the book ‘Miss Garnett’s Angel’, and we wanted to see what it referred to. The pictures were delightful, and well worth the walk. Making our way back to the Grand Canal, Gerald & I stopped for a beer and a hot chocolate, the kind the spoon stands up in! We were in the

square of St Barnabas, which wasn’t even on the map supplied by the guesthouse! On to the Rialto, which was buzzing with hundreds of people trying to cross the bridge. We managed to get into the middle section, which was less crowded, and spent a good hour looking at the stalls in the market, and making some small purchases.

Marta had offered to take us to San Lazzaro degli Armeni that afternoon, which, she said, would be most interesting. Only 12 of us decided to go, and we had to fight our way over the bridges to the vaporetto stop. Heaven help anyone with claustrophobia, if you’d died in the throng, you’d have been carried along upright until it cleared!

We went to the Armenian Friary, where the church was beautiful, but the friar giving the talk was more interested in the Italians than the English! He told us that the 24th had been the 93rd anniversary of the genocide of the Armenians by the Turks. Even now the Turks won’t admit to it. We saw the oldest and best preserved mummy in Europe, but beat a hasty retreat after that, as we’d all had enough. A lot of fun on the quay though, as 2 Italian gentlemen took, or tried to take, some photos for us but, because they were a bit the worse for wear, didn’t succeed. When I remonstrated, I was swept off my feet by a great bear of a man, he needed to be, didn’t he, to pick me up! Caused great delight for the others, with threats of photos in magazine! (surely not? Ed.) Another lovely Compline after dinner, and then an early night, for a very early start next morning.

to be continued...

Chris Hodge

Our leader gets familiar with the locals. photo Bryan Harris

18

WILTSHIRE BUTTERFLIES – 2008/6 We have just experienced a two-week mini heat wave and it has been a good period for butterflies following the rather dismal April weather. Several of you have commented on seeing Holly Blues in gardens and urban areas and four were seen together in Cricklade churchyard. Brimstones and Orange-tips have also been very frequent but the real thrill has been the numbers of some of the scarcer species. (Many of you may switch off at this point, but for the real enthusiast —) Dingy and Grizzled Skippers are out in good numbers, as is the beautiful Marsh Fritillary (Europe’s most rapidly declining species), on the chalk grasslands.

As I write, Brown Argus, Small, Common and Adonis Blues and Small Heaths are just emerging and Pearl-bordered Fritillaries are having a good season in some of the south Wilts woodlands. Large and Green-veined Whites and Speckled Woods (2 in the churchyard on 23rd April) are now frequently seen and the occasion tattered Peacock is still around. We shall see their next generation in late July.

One butterfly that deserves a special mention is the Duke of Burgundy. The origin of the rather grand name remains a mystery. It was given by Moses Harris in 1766 and he appeared to use the name already widely accepted at that time. It is the only European representative of a large family of butterflies occurring in North and South America referred to as Metalmarks. It is small but very attractive and has so far been reported from seven sites this year in Wiltshire, which is considered to be its UK stronghold. We believe there are about 46, mainly very small, colonies in the county with a national total of about 80. It is

another species that is in rapid decline and we are trying very hard to work with farmers and landowners to save its remaining habitats. The caterpillars only feed on the leaves of cowslip and primrose plants growing in scrubby grassland situations.

The weather has now returned to cooler, damper conditions, when butterflies wait for the next opportunity to become active. I hope that they and we don’t have to wait too long.

©Mike Fuller Wiltshire Butterfly Recorder

Vice-Chairman, BC Wiltshire Branch

Marsh fritillary, Sidbury Hill. photo Bob Hastie

19

WEST COUNTRY SAINTS QUIZ

1. This saint, who became Bishop of Malmesbury, died at Doulting in 709 AD. Who was he?

2 St Augustine reputedly met the Welsh Bishops here in the 6th century. Where?

3. This Wessex saint's day will be forever connected with weather forecasts. Who was he?

4. St Bueno, a Celtic saint, is associated with this tiny Exmoor church. (Clue: it's reputedly the smallest parish church in England

5. This Saxon saint. advisor to kings, was born at Baltonsborough, near Glastonbury. Do you know who he was?

8. This Somerset born Archbishop of Canterbury was put to death by the Vikings. Who?

7. St Edward the Martyr, the murdered boy king, made this Dorset town a place of pilgrimage. Where?

8. This virginal, decapitated saint is still honoured in Oldbury, near Thornbury. What is her name?

9. Hereford cathedral holds the bones of this saint, the last Englishman to be canonised before the Reformation. Who is he?

10. This female saint was honoured for banishing snakes from the neighbourhood. Who was she?

Originally published in West Country Life, Provided by Kathleen Thompson

Answers on page 13

Wrong number Customer: 'I've been ringing you on 0800-1830 for two days. Why didn't you answer?' Travel agent: 'Where did you get that number from, sir?'. Customer: 'It's there on the door to your Travel Centre'. Operator: 'Sir, they are our opening hours'

Crossword solutions

Across 1 Natural 5 Bowed 8 Zebedee 9 Cider 10 Rain 11 Solomon 14 Talent 16 Weaker 18 Washing 19 Iron 23 Ashes 24 Tribute 25 Dared 26 Holiday Down 1 Nazareth 2 Tibni 3 Ride 4 Lie low 5 Beckoned 6 Wedlock 7 Dark 12 Enthused 13 Princely 15 Leather 17 Snatch 20 Round 21 Hand 22 Till

20

NATURE DIARY 3

More extracts from my diary: April 2008

“April is the cruellest month”, says TS Elliot in The Wasteland. Our magnolia tree would certainly agree as, when in full glory, it was burnt brown by frost. Tuesday 1st: A robin is constantly on the feeder, perching happily or doing an impression of a humming bird to frighten off the bullying greenfinches. Went to Warminster and on the way saw a buzzard and a sparrow hawk. Spotted first bluebells and a rook with a stick twice its size. Thursday 3rd: Most of the daffodils are over – dandelions taking over the yellow mantle. Saw three buzzards over Cumberwell Golf Course. Brian heard the first chiffchaff. Friday 4th: Went out to Broad Hinton. On the way up to Devizes saw three buzzards and noticed that the riverside willows were out. On way back saw three more buzzards – not the same three — and one being harried by crows. It’s so easy to take sightings of buzzards for granted. It’s not that long ago that they were hunted to near extinction, and my friend, Peter, tells me that they are still a rare sight in Norfolk. Saw first field of rape in full yellow flower out near Bromham. Monday 7th: Took a friend to see the Hackpen White Horse, saw six kestrels, one after the other, all about three hundred yards apart, each patrolling its territory. At Anne’s heard two starlings imitating machinery! Wednesday 9th: Saw wood anemone flowers in woods near Kingsdown Golf Course. Excitement: ─ Saw two huge birds over Kingsdown Village. At the time I was almost sure they were Ospreys passing through, (perfectly possible) and on checking the web site of ‘bird sightings in Wiltshire’ noted that an Osprey was seen over Swindon town centre the day before ─ so I’m claiming my sighting and reported it to the website. Heard my first chiffchaff. Leaves out on our beech hedge. Beautiful bullfinch on the feeder. Thursday 10th: Leaves out on our weeping birch and on the hazel tree opposite. A pipit on the wall ─ most unusual! Shepherd’s purse in flower. I can remember, years ago, when I first got interested in wild flowers, wishing I could see a shepherd’s purse ─ and then realizing there was one just in front of me! For such an insignificant little plant their spring-loaded seed expulsion method is so effective. Sunday 13th: On the way back from Stow saw what I at first thought was a large, ornamental butterfly on a wire across the road; then realized that it was two rooks sitting back to back (see drawing). Amazing! Jackdaws are altering their flight paths in to roost. Much lower and far fewer of them ─ must be the singles!

21

Tuesday 22nd: Brian found a delightful tiny yellow ladybird. Argument! He thinks it’s the 22 spot and I think it’s the 24 spot! It flew away, so useless discussion! Friday 25th: Some hawthorn in flower now, but not much locally. Oak trees in leaf and saw first lambs this Spring at Wingfield Crossroads. Sunday 27th: You blink and the world turns green. Extraordinary. Cow parsley showing signs of flowering. Monday 29th: Saw swallows for the first time this year. One could almost imagine they were shivering. At dusk watched bats playing ‘catch me if you can’ over the rooftops opposite. Wild garlic out in Sally in the Woods. Wednesday 30th: Saw honesty flowers out at Wingfield cross roads. Cow parsley flourishing. Copper beech leaves tanning nicely and the poplars have that lovely amber look to their leaves before they green. The trees that are not in leaf are now the odd ones out.

Liz Netley

Tappen Zee High School Choral Concert: 22nd April

Great credit must go to Russell Wagoner, the conductor of the visiting Tappen Zee High School Choral Ensembles, Orangeburg, New York, for training and inspiring the young ladies and young men to sing with such precision and enthusiasm. The choir presented a programme of high quality, introducing the audience to works by American composers and works more familiar to us by Tallis, Wilbye, Clements, Purcell and Charles Villiers Stanford.

We heard two world premiers ─ Russell Wagoner’s It is the Hour, with words by Lord Byron, and Gerald Custer’s Under the Greenwood Tree, with words by William Shakespeare. Both works were written especially for the choir’s London tour to show the versatility of the young singers. The works were skilfully written and were enjoyable to listen to. The whole programme, lasting an hour, was committed to memory by the choir, no mean feat considering the complexity of the music.

We were privileged to hear this youthful American choir which Russell Wagoner trains afresh year after year as the students leave school. In many cases the young people carry their singing experiences into future musical careers.

Our thanks go to Stephanie Moorfoot, who first met Russell Waggoner when she lived in America, for organizing the visit of the Tappen Zee High School Choir. Their tour included singing in Southwark Cathedral and Trinity Church, Stratford on Avon.

Muriel Freeborn

22

June “The Glorious First of June.” We laugh as we shrug Into our woollies And put up our brollies And switch on the fire When we come home. P’raps the weather will change with the change of the moon. Sad roses droop and drip Pinks lie flat Their buds still tight. Lawns like meadows. Weeds stand tall Like favoured flowers. What witch has played this mad cantrip?

Is the greyness higher? Is the sun Almost seen Beyond thin cloud? Blackbird hopes With a burst of song, Winter may yet see fit to retire.

Joan Fletcher

Sarum Pilgrimage, 12th July 2008 This year Salisbury will be celebrating the 750th Anniversary of the consecration of the completed Cathedral in 1258 and the 35th Anniversary of the special link between the Diocese of Salisbury and the Episcopal Church of Sudan.

As part of the celebrations there will be a Pilgrimage on 12th July from the site of the original Cathedral at Old Sarum to the Cathedral Close via the water meadows along footpaths, starting at 10.30am. We hope that as many school, parish and youth groups as possible from across Wiltshire and Dorset will be able to participate and that you will be able to send a group to make this historic pilgrimage with us.

Please confirm the numbers you are hoping to bring and join us on 12th July by contacting danela.adams@salisbury.anglican.org or by telephoning 01380 729808 by 20th June.

To find more details about the celebration, please look at the website http://www.salisburyanglican.org.uk/sarumpilgrimage

23

For Prayer in june

We pray: • for the church and people of Burma • for the forthcoming Lambeth Conference in July • for our Street Market team • for those preparing for the Sarum pilgrimage • for our neighbouring parish of Christchurch,

Westwood and Wingfield

Saxon Club Programme for June

We meet in the Church Hall at 2 pm on Tuesdays. You are very welcome to join us.

3rd June: Hospital Plans —- John Cottle 10th June: Favourite Places and Things 17th June: Flower Festival 4th June: Fete Preparation Flower Festival: Would those who have not yet paid for the Flower Festival, please let me have their money as soon as possible, as I have to pay for this in advance! The coach will leave the Station Car Park at 10am so please don't be late!! If you want any other details please ask me. Many thanks. Angela.

Interfaith Group Meeting The Annual Meeting this year will be held on Tuesday 10th June 2008, at the Conference Room, Bridge House, Stallard Street, Trowbridge. The meeting will start at 7pm with a talk by The Revd Heather Pencavel, Director of faithnetsouthwest, on her work with diverse communities and difficulties experienced in reaching out to communities. Kamel Jeddi from the Muslim community will also give a short talk. The AGM will follow, and then our Patron, Dr Andrew Murrison MP, will speak. Refreshments will be served at 8pm, followed by the election of the Committee.

Farzana Saker

24

Quick Crossword Bible version is the NIV

Solutions on page 19.

Clues across 1 ..who has died a _______ death (Num 19.16) (7) 5 Bent the body, like Moses in Exodus ch. 34 (5) 8 Father of James and John in Mathew ch. 4 (7) 9 Drink made from apples (5) 10 In Genesis ch. 7 it fell for forty days (4) 11 King of Israel renowned for his wisdom (7) 14 Weight equal to 60 minas (6) 16 1 Peter ch. 3 describes a wife as such a partner (6) 18 What the fishermen were doing to their nets in Luke ch. 5 (7) 19 Of which Og's bed was made in Deuteronomy ch. 3 (4) 23 Burnt remains eaten as food in Psalm 102 (5) 24 King Xerxes imposed _______ (Esth 10.1) (7) 25 Had the necessary courage (5) 26 eg Christmas or Easter (7)

Clues down 1 Jesus' home town (8) 2 Son of Ginath in 1 Kings ch. 16 (5) 3 ..no galley with oars will ____ them (Isa 33.21) (4) 4 Remain in hiding (3,3) 5 Made a summoning gesture (8) 6 Matrimony (7) 7 Like the clouds in Psalm 18 (4) 12 Showed great excitement (8) 13 Like the mansions in Psalm 49 (8) 15 John the Baptist's belt was made of this (7) 17 As heat and drought ______ awat the mented snow (Job 24.19) (6) 20 Circular, like the loaf of barley bread in Judges ch. 7 (5) 21 A disembodied one wrote on the wall in Daniel ch. 5 (4) 22 Cultivate the soil (4)

Source: Parish Pump

iii

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL - OFFICERS

Canon Bill Matthews (Chairman) Tony Haffenden (Churchwarden) Joan Finch (Churchwarden & VC) Graham Dove (Hon. Secretary) Jeremy Lavis (Hon. Treasurer) Revd Angela Onions (ex officio)

STANDING/FINANCE COMMITTEE Vicar; Churchwardens; Secretary; Treasurer.

CHURCHWARDENS EMERITI

Norman Hanney, Jeremy Lavis, Mike Fuller, Anne Carter

FRIENDS OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

Patron: Dr Alex Moulton Chairman: Bob Cherry Secretary: vacancy Treasurer: John Woods Committee: Anne Carter; Bryan Harris; Jeremy Lavis; Revd Angela Onions; Mike Smith Ex officio: Canon Bill Matthews; Joan Finch; Tony Haffenden

PARISH NEWS Editors: Ann Holland (862731) & Bryan Harris (863011) e-mail: HT.ParishNews@googlemail.com Distribution: John and Beryl Cox (864270) Subscriptions Collector: Mary Ford (863984) Price: Annual subscription £4.00 in advance .

BRADFORD GROUP MINISTRY

This comprises the three benefices of Holy Trinity, Christ Church with Westwood and WIngfield, and Monkton Farleigh, South Wraxall and Winsley. The clergy meet

regularly for prayer and shared planning, and there is an informal Group Council consisting of the licensed clergy and churchwardens, with Readers. The Group was

established in 1975.

Pat Astill Peggy Leach

Janet Brown Dr Nick Nutt

Mary Burge David Rawstron

Anne Carter Edward Shaw

Bryan Harris Malcolm Walsh

June Harrison Anne Willis

Cecilia Hynes-Higman John Woods

One Deanery Synod vacancy

iv

OTHER OFFICERS & ORGANISERS PCC Secretary Graham Dove 868654 PCC Treasurer Jeremy Lavis 862702 Bellringers Phil Gaisford 863538 Bookstall Revd Angela Onions 309001 Brass Cleaning Chris Hodge 863543 Brownies Jennifer Hazell 863860 Choir Gareth Bennett 01380 728772 Church Stewards David Milne 864341 Church Hall Bookings Anne Carter 862146 or 07981 742361 Coffee on Sunday George and Ivy Hurst 868795 Display Co-ordinator Revd Angela Onions 309001 Electoral Roll Officer Pat Irving 862903 Flowers Jonquil Burgess 868905 Guides Judith Holland 866215 Mothers’ Union Chris Hodge 863543 MU Prayer Circle Chris Hodge 863543 Publicity Officer Ann Holland 862731 Servers Mary Ford 863984 Sidesman’s Rota Joan Finch 863878 Stewardship Secretary Graham Dove 868654 Sunday School Karen Bowen-Nielsen 07732 786440 Verger Peter Wills 867593 Midsummer Market John Cox (Community Stalls) 864270 Colin Johnston (Church Stalls) 868132 Stephanie Moorfoot (Communications) 863366 Parish Representatives on other organisations: Bradford Group Council: The Churchwardens Children’s Society: Anne Carter Christian Aid: Jonquil Burgess Deanery Synod: June Harrison, Canon Bill Matthews, Revd Angela Onions; Dr Malcolm Walsh; John Woods; Anne Willis (Deanery Information Officer) Churches Together: David Rawstron The cover picture is from a drawing by Frances Taylor. Printed at the Parish Office, 18A Woolley Street, Bradford on Avon.