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MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR
SEPTEMBER 2003
Phew !
As I write the heat wave is continuing and records are being broken.
The record for me will be four months of almost unbroken sunshine in one year (two months of which were in France, of course).
Have you noticed how differently people behave when the sun is out; they will smile, say good morning, even chat.
The trouble is that in England we rush round trying to avoid the wind and the rain for most of the year.
And forget to relax and pass the time of day.
It was wonderful seeing so many people at Pen Fete enjoying themselves in the sun and sharing so much.
Was it the hot climate that made jesus the natural and brillant communicator to whom crowds flocked?
Certianly living in the open air enabled him to meet with people and have real conversations, but what really made the difference was his compassion for people and his ability to meet them where they were.
Perhaps we can all learn from this rare glimpse of a truly hot summer and continue to be more open and friendly, to share the compassion of jesus among those with whom we live, and try to understand their needs.
A word in session goes a long way!
May god bless you all.
Stafford Low
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For those who enjoy the sun, it was a splendid summer! When we took my eldest granson and his wife to the top of Alfred's Tower in June, I experianced renewed joy in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in which we live, especially after a recent trip to the urban sprawls of Calgary and Los Angeles.
In June we welcomed Stafford and Rosemary home after their Sabbatical and Stafford gave us a glimpse of future possibilities at the P.C.C. meeting on July 9th. The evening before many of us had had the privilege of seeing Stafford commission as the Rural Dean at Wincanton.
In August Dick Maydwell who gives us such splendid readings at Evensong achieved his ninetieth. Every blessing to him!
The Parish Council Meeting in the village hall on June 11th to discuss the pros and cons of a possible speed limit throught the village gave rise to vigorous exchange of views with special emphasis on the effect on the enviroment.The parsih council will pursue this matter at a later date.Rosie asks me to mention that Pen has been short listed for the finals for the Village of the Year Competition.
The Mobile Library stops at Queens Grove and Crossways on Wednesday. If people feel the need for a additional stop at the end of the village plese contact the parish clerk on 840305. Also look at the notice boards about proposed Cycling Byway signs. Any comments to your Parish Councillors. The next Parish Councillors Meeting is on September 17th at 7.30 in the Village Hall. Everyone welcome!
How does your garden grow? With help from Pen Selwood Garden Club - Talks, discounts, visits, etc! Information on 840282, 840526 or 840369.
South Somerset Ring and Ride now has 200 members who appreciate door-to-door transport at competitive prices. Available to people of all ages, especially those with mobility difficulties. Enquiries: Sue or Andy on 01963 33864/34596.
After the interlude of rain and gloom the sun popped out again to honor our Annual Fete on August 2nd. As a humble washer-up I can confirm that the event was enormous fun and, thanks to all the helpers and stall holders, we raised the record sum of £4,711!
The Horse Show and Gymkhana on August 10th, the hottest day of a very hot year, was also a great success. Thanks to the efforts of all the organisers and helpers, we raised £1,000 for the Devon and Sommerset Air Ambulance and £300 towards the Village Hall refurbishment.
FUTURE EVENTS
Yoga Classes resume on September 9th at 7 pm in the Village Hall. This is your chance to get fit and stay fit in congenail company. Please contact Anne on 01747 840129.
Any devoted cyclists who wuld like to cycle to as many local churches as possible on September 13th in aid of 'Friends of Somerset Churches and Chapels' please contact Olivia Bovill (01747 840022) for sponsorship forms Donations gratefully recieved and refreshments will be available for participants in the Church porch all day.
We celebrate this year's Harvest on October 5th with a service at 11a.m., followed by a harvest lunch and sale of fruit and vegtables in the Village Hall. Offers of help and delicious food and vegtables will be gratefully recieved. Look out for details on the notice boards.
The Annual Buffet Supper on Sat, October 11th is being hosted this year by James and Lucy Nelson at Forest Lodge.
This years Coffee Morning will be at Bleak Street Farm on November 15th thanks to the Pitman family.
The Sports and Social Club holds its A.G.M. in the Village Hall on Friday 21st November with an electrifying talk from guest speaker Adrian Carter!
Pen Players are ironing their costumes. look out for details in our December edition. Anyone interested in taking part please contact Jeff. You don't need to be a Thespian whizz kid!
Copy for December to Jeff pronto at Penstone (840526) e-mail: velee@waitrose.com
