NAILSEA
PEOPLE
Church peeps
Christian’s Against Poverty’s (CAP) Gordano Valley team is celebrating helping local people out of a combined debt total of more than £250k.
Gordano Valley CAP Debt Centre, which is supported by eight churches within Clevedon, Nailsea and Portishead, offer free debt advice and money coaching sessions to help people in Gordano Valley gain new budgeting skills
Gordano Valley Debt Centre manager Ann Tarr said: "This is a significant milestone for us and we’re celebrating every local person who is now debt free after working with the local churches in Gordano Valley and Christians Against Poverty!
“We launched the CAP Debt Centre in 2018 and in that time we’ve seen how debt can happen to anyone for a range of reasons and has a devastating impact on people’s lives.
"Many of the people we help have got into debt because they are on a low income, struggling to afford basics like food and energy, and then a change in circumstances or an unexpected bill pulls them into financial trouble.
“What we do is offer free, face to face, non-judgemental help.
"We meet with the person in debt and work with them alongside CAP’s expert debt advisors to find the best solution for their situation.”
Gordon Valley Debt Centre also offers budgeting advice and support for people in the community, and will be running money coaching sessions in Nailsea this October.
Ann added: “It’s so important that people know how to successfully manage their money, whatever their income.
"It’s vital that we know how to balance what we have, save for emergencies and stay out of debt – especially with rising costs this winter.
“Our money coaching course is here to equip people in Nailsea.
"We’ll look at things like building and balancing a household budget, and prioritising spending.
"Money coaching can also have a positive impact on mental health,
Managing your money
physical health, relationships, work life and self-belief.
“The course is completely free and will run over three weeks at No 65 High Street.
"There’s something for everyone to learn – from those who have never used a budget before to those who simply want to reevaluate their financial situation.
"All are welcome.”
Money coaching launches on Tuesday, October 1, at No 65 High Street, Nailsea BS48 1AW. Sign up at capuk.org/trymoneycoaching
On Wednesday, November 13, 10am-2.30pm at Holy Trinity Church, Nailsea, The Backwell Junior School Learning Hub and the Growing Faith team are delighted to invite people interested in developing a Growing Faith approach, to its next Big Lunch.
It's just £10 per person, but if finances are a barrier, please do get in touch at growingfaith@churchofengland.org.
A simple soup and bread lunch will be provided, but please bring a pudding to share, plus - if you can - a travel mug to help save the planet.
What is the Big Lunch for?
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To encourage and celebrate those who are involved in GF
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To re-enthuse people by giving them the chance to meet and inspire each other, building relationships, rekindling the vision
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To be a gathering place for those involved in any of our workstreams who could use the time fruitfully
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To inspire and inform those who would like to start a GF approach in their own parish / school / diocese
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To pray together for the work of God through GF
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To listen to the children and young people involved in the Hub
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To see what difference a GF approach can make locally
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To share practical ideas and resources
Who is it for?
Members of local churches, headteachers, deputies, vicars, curates and
CYF ministers; children and young people from the local Hub school; Diocesan GF Champions; diocesan representatives from Education and Mission; school chaplains; bishops; MAT CEOs, parachurch colleagues, and more!
LET'S REMEMBER: All are most welcome at the annual Candles of Remembrance Service for those who have been bereaved, being held at Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street, on Sunday, November 3, at 4pm. In reflective worship we remember loved ones and draw strength from the prayerful support of others. Refreshments are served afterwards. Come along and be among friends.
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HEAVENS ABOVE: Bristol Cathedral launched its What’s On autumn 2024 programme with a view of Luke Jerram’s suspended artwork or should that be earthwork and a performance its choristers and by Horfield C of E Primary School. A small booklet containing concert, exhibitions, tours and other services was given out during the special evening under the huge global painted planet. Really worth a visit. Luke’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. This is called Gaia – our home planet. Luke is pictured with Gaia at Dresden Cathedral, Germany, 2023. This photo is by Oliver Killig. The other images were taken by Nailsea People at the launch. Learn more here https://bristol-cathedral.co.uk/
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GIVE PEACE A CHANCE: Holy Trinity community and youth minister Adam Griffin said: "I would love to see the whole community of Nailsea, faith or no faith, young and old coming together to light a candle in a united expression of hope for an end to the loss of life, suffering and misery caused by the current conflicts around the globe."
IN A MANGER: Friends of Wraxall School Association crib service at All Saints church is on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, at 4pm. Hosted by Wraxall and Failand Churches this is another opportunity for the children to wear their nativity outfits
Church warden Lindsay Hutchinson said: "Look out for gardens in Trendlewood decorated with stars to publicise this great family event and entertain the children in the run-up for Christmas,"
Nailsea St Peter’s Hospice High Street shop volunteers
Have you considered volunteering? St Peter’s Hospice are looking for people to join the volunteer team at their Nailsea shop.
All roles are flexible to work around your lifestyle and offer a chance to form friendships, build confidence, and most importantly support the local hospice and give back to your community.
They are looking for people who would enjoy being on the shop floor and interacting with customers along with hanging and steaming or creating enticing window displays.
If this sounds like your cup of tea, then visit the volunteering page on their website www.stpetershospice.org.
They are particularly looking for volunteers on a Monday, Wednesday or Saturday.
Alternatively drop into the store at 126 High Street for a chat.
Wendy and her team are ready to welcome you and organise a trial shift to give volunteering in a charity shop a go!
Nailsea church weds all
Same-sex couples in North Somerset can now marry in a church for the first time ever after a religious order changed its rules.
Last year the largest Christian denomination in Britain, the Methodist Church, permitted same-sex marriages after a conference voted overwhelmingly in favour of the change.
Now in a huge move, Nailsea's Methodist Church, in Silver Street, has opted to authorise the matrimony which has been legal in the UK since 2013.
The decade-old act saw thousands of marriages in religious ceremonies but only for organisations that had opted in to the law.
A religious council at Nailsea Methodist Church recently voted for the change which makes it the first church of any denomination in North Somerset to be authorised to conduct gay weddings.
The momentous decision gives Methodists the option to conduct ceremonies where local members and ministers support the move.
Minister Deborah Mallett, said: "We are delighted to become the first church in the area to conduct same-sex marriages.
"We aspire to be a community that welcomes, encourages and supports all people on their journey of faith. As justice-seekers, we are eager to affirm and include gay and straight people as equal partners in Christ’s church.”
“Christian marriage is ultimately an invitation to experience, explore and express the gift of love within a committed relationship of life-long intention.
"As a church community we want to express God’s gracious and enabling love for all. We welcome the opportunity to extend that blessing to those who have previously been prevented from getting married in church."
The church will also begin to offer services of blessing for same-sex couples who are already married.
Deborah is now inviting prospective couples to contact the church for more information at www.nailseamethodistchurch.org.uk.
LEST WE FORGET: On Sunday afternoon, November 6, Nailsea people are most welcome at the annual Candles of Remembrance Service for those who have been bereaved, being held at Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street, at 4pm. In reflective worship we remember loved ones and draw strength from the prayerful support of others. Refreshments are served afterwards.'
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Nailsea in Bloom is promoting sponsored poppies in the town centre flower beds. For a minimum £5 donation you can have the names of up to four loved ones written on the poppy. The poppies will be placed in the in beds from Monday, October 24 for four weeks. All monies raised goes directly to the Royal British Legion. At the farmers' market on Saturday, October 15, the horticulturists will be selling metal poppy pins and paper poppies. Chairman Wendy Mobbs said: "We will be attaching large poppies to the poles in the High Street." For more details email wendy.mobbs@outlook.com or call 0785 503 755
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Stephen Rowan is the new coordinator for Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal for Nailsea. Steve is an RAF veteran who served for two decades with Avon Fire & Rescue Service. He is looking for people to help him collect and shops and businesses to take a collecting tin. Email steverowan999@yahoo.co.uk for more details.
Towering talk
Maintenance work at Holy Trinity this week saw stonemasons suspended from the tower to carry out specialist repairs.
The photographs were taken by Jane Phillips on Thursday, August 18.
She said: "The clock says the actual time.
"There was one man on the front by the clock and the other was on the opposite side very high up.
"He was talking to someone so I guessed there was another person on at the top.
"I saw a third rope on the door side of steeple.
"I didn’t like to shout up to ask what they were doing.
"Definitely looked like repair work though."
Thanks for sharing Jane.
Holy Trinity is an Anglican church which dates from the 15th century and is a Grade I listed building.
It features a tower with six bells.
And in other church news North Somerset Council conservation officer has questioned whether the proposed tower block for Somerset Square will spoil the setting of the old Christ Church vicarage and the church itself.
The vicarage is now rented out for commercial purposes as the priest-in-charge lives next door in a modern bungalow.
On the planning application for the area which includes the former Weston College/health centre complex is conversion of the three-storey building with an added five-seven extension to provide 38 apartments.
Development management case officer Neil Underhay said: "The proposed development will see a large increase in the height of the built form, which will result in a change to the wider setting of these two listed buildings."
Christ Church and the vicarage are Grade II listed.
Mr Underhay adds: "Overall proposed new development will cause minor harm to the wider setting of the listed buildings it is therefore contrary to policy DM4."
Read more HERE.
MATCHING WAGS: Really busy sunny Saturday morning, July 16, in Nailsea - priest-in-charge Jules Harris and former GP and church warden Robin Lambert, wearing the wig he was bequeathed to sell candy floss, were at Christ Church summer fair in the vicarage gardens. Meanwhile the farmers' market was in High Street and the skatefest people were setting up at Millennium Park...
SCHOOL MEETING: The church which began in people's homes and progressed to the pub before holding services at Golden Valley Primary School celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special cake. Its second decade came as a detailed planning application to development land they once hoped would accommodate a community centre and place of workship. More details on our property page HERE. The background to this is the late Mary Shepstone of Bucklands Drive, owned Trendlewood Fields. Her father built many of the houses in the Bucklands Batch area in the early 20th century. It was widely known by local residents as 'Shepstone's Fields'. Miss Shepstone told many local residents that she wished the fields "to be used for the benefit of the community" and, before she passed away in 2001, made it clear that this wish be upheld. Sadly, Miss Shepstone did not specifically mention this as a covenant in her will and donated a two thirds share of Trendlewood Fields ownership to Brunelcare and a one third share to St Peter's Hospice, believing the charities would put the fields to use for their charitable causes. The charities sold the land to builders to use the money for their own work...
Silver Street
Nailsea Methodists
Trendlewood Church special licensing service on Sunday morning, January 30, saw the Rev Morey Andrews become its new vicar.
The service at Golden Valley Primary School was conducted by the Archdeacon of Bath, Adrian Youings.
Trendlewood church warden Linday Hutchinson said: "We welcomed a congregation of 52-strong.
"Morey has already been licensed as rector of Wraxall & Failand churches and on Sunday also became minister of Trendlewood Church.
"This is a new arrangement to work in partnership together and follows the recent retirement of our vicar, the Rev Steve Tilley."
Steve also 'retired' after eight years of presenting TFTD at BBC Radio Bristol knotching up 173 broadcasts. He writes a blog HERE.
Trendlewood Church is a Church of England church dating from 1989 when a group of Christians from Holy Trinity, set up a worshipping community on a new housing estate in the parish.
Its curate is Michelle Taylor who in 2020 organised a fantastic drive-in carol service at Nailsea School.
In the beginning Trendlewood held its church services including a baptism at local pub The Old Farmhouse which attracted much media interest.
As well as Sunday services in the past it has run men’s breakfasts, open mic nights and skittles evenings as well as supporting the successful bi-annual free festival.
Sporting Morey's claim to fame is he once abseiled down a church tower at Eynsham for charity.
Trendlewood will be represented at the next meeting of Christians Together on Wednesday evening, February 2, at Nailsea Baptist Centre.
To learn more go to https://www.trendlewoodchurch.org.uk/.
Friday night youth club
Heulwen Evans is the youth worker at Nailsea Baptist Church.
He said: "I just wanted to let young people know about its Friday night youth group.
"Masks are required at present, but if you know a young person we'd love to have them along.
"We have structured games, open games, free time, a brief talk time and tuck shop.
"The group is run by DBS checked leaders and we run in accordance with our safeguarding policy."
ON A MISSION: Church chaplains led by the rector of Christ Church Nailsea with St Quiricus and St Julietta Tickenham Jules Harris will be in the town centre on Wednesday morning greeting shoppers. The group will also be out and about 11am-noon on market day which is Saturday, December 18. Jules said: “Please say hello if you see us.”
WEEKEND WONDERS: St Quiricus and St Julietta church at Tickenham is open 10am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays during December with some wonderful displays made by villagers representing famous Christmas carols. Rector Jules Harris said: "Why not pop along and see these wonderful festive works of art." This picture depicts We Three Kings Of Orient Are. This traditional carol also known as The Quest Of The Magi was written by John Henry Hopkins Junior in 1857. At the time of composing the carol, Hopkins served as the rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and he wrote the carol for a Christmas pageant in New York City. It was the first widely popular Christmas carol written in America
We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
Refrain:
Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshipping God on high.
Refrain:
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.
Refrain:
Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.
CHRISTMAS IN CHURCH: Nailsea and nearby. Image by Jo Hanley of One2one Design and courtesy of the Nailsea Paper
It's okay, ask for help
People across North Somerset are being encouraged to complete free suicide prevention training to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on Friday, September 10.
Earlier this year North Somerset Council joined the Zero Suicide Alliance, a collaboration of National Health Service trusts, charities, businesses and individuals who are all committed to suicide prevention.
The Zero Suicide Alliance offers free online training, which only takes around 20 minutes to complete and can be done at any time on a phone, tablet or computer.
The training aims to help people have conversations with friends and family about suicide and supports them to help others who may be having suicidal thoughts, directing them to sources of support.
North Somerset Council along with partners across the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire region are calling for 10,000 people to complete this free suicide prevention training.
North Somerset Council deputy leader and executive member with responsibility for health Mike Bell is the Lib Dem ward councillor for Weston Centre.
He said: “We need to break the stigma attached to talking about suicide so we can have open and honest conversation with our loved ones.
“Suicide is a tragedy. It’s also preventable. And we can all do something to potentially help save a life.
"This free training from the Zero Suicide Alliance will help you identify when someone’s presenting with suicidal thoughts or behaviour, be able to speak to them in a supportive way and signpost them to the correct services or support.
“The training is free and only takes about 20 minutes to do.
"That’s 20 minutes which could help you save someone’s life in the future. I’d really encourage everyone to do it.”
To do the training go to www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training.
For more information about free mental health training courses in North Somerset go to http://ns-pmhtraining.eventbrite.com/
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A Candles of Remembrance Service will be held at Nailsea Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon, October 31, at 4pm. This quiet time of worship invites people who have been bereaved to reflect on the person who has died; to give thanks and to light a candle in their memory.
Whistlestop at Christ Church, Nailsea
A group of young Christians stopped off at Christ Church, Nailsea, for breakfast and a blessing on Monday morning on route to Bristol and beyond.
Part of The Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN), this an action-focused community of people aged 18-30, organising a relay from the G7 in Cornwall in June 2021 to the COP26 UN climate talks in Glasgow in November.
And Nailsea was part of the July leg to Bristol.
Their aims are for the UK Government to:
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Reinstate the foreign aid budget to pre-COVID levels
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Secure agreement from rich countries to double the commitment of $100bn a year for climate finance
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Collaborate with other governments and international organisations to develop a new regulated climate loss and damage mechanism which not only saves lives but livelihoods
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Push for the debts of the world’s poorest countries to be cancelled so they can better confront the climate crisis and other urgent priorities.
Linked relay groups will be walking in total more than 1,000 miles over 139 days with stopovers to visit important landmarks on route.
After Exeter and Bristol the cities of Reading, London, Oxford, Birmingham, Manchester, York, Newcastle, and Edinburgh will be visited.
Easter 2021 in Nailsea
Easter is much more than chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, Easter cakes and biscuits, and even edible Easter gifts.
The tradition of eating eggs on Easter is tied to Lent, the six-week period before Easter during which Christians traditionally abstained from all animal products, including meat, dairy and eggs.
Eggs are a potent symbol of life, renewal and rebirth dating back millennia.
The egg was adopted by early Christians as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter.
The hard shell of the egg represents the tomb and the emerging chick represents Jesus, whose resurrection conquered death.
Since chickens continue to lay eggs throughout Lent, people would hard boil the eggs, decorate them and save them for Easter.
The modern tradition of eating chocolate eggs at Easter is a fun, child-friendly twist on this ancient religious ritual, which originated in Europe during the early-19th century.
On the 2021 Christian calendar Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 17, and will end on Easter Saturday, April 3.
According to the Christian calendar, a period of 40 days before Easter, is observed as Lent.
Lent is a season of preparation and remembrance before the celebrations of Easter.
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Palm Sunday, March 28
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Maundy Thursday, April 1
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Good Friday, April 2
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Easter Sunday, April 4
EASTER HUNT: Christians Together in Nailsea and District have put together a community Easter adventure and puzzle trail. This will happen on the first week of the Easter holidays from Monday to Sunday, April 5-11. A map will be uploaded nearer to Good Friday with answer sheets giving people plenty of time to think about setting out. Alternatively an answer sheet that has the map on the back at Location 1 which will be the Nailsea Community Larder which is at 26 Somerset Square.
For more details follow this link to fill out a query form https://forms.gle/tCBQwSoQcMy6QFYMA.
REFLECTION DAY: Since the first lockdown began in March 2020, many people have died in Nailsea. Too many lives have been cut short and many have been bereaved. Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for the people left behind. On Tuesday, March 23, the first anniversary of the first UK lockdown, there will be a National Day of Reflection to reflect on our collective loss, this is initiated by Marie Curie. To mark this occasion of the loss of loved ones and the first year anniversary of Lockdown, there will be an opportunity for people to come and lay a daffodil at the west door of Christ Church, Christ Church Close, Nailsea. Priest Jules Harris said: "Some of you may wish us to remember your loved one by naming them at noon before the one minute silence. If you wish us to do this email church.office@christchurchnailsea.org.uk or call on 01275 859210."
Trendlewood vicar to retire
Steve Tilley who has been the vicar at Trendlewood, Nailsea, for a decade is to retire next year.
Made famous by his Radio Bristol thought for the day early morning broadcasts Steve's parish role is to be combined with Wraxall and Failand.
In his time, he has also chaired political meetings, held marquee question and answer sessions, and become a regular at the local beer and cider festival.
Trendlewood Church which was set up in 1989 to look after a growing population on the end of Nailsea is a Church of England church set up by Christians from Holy Trinity, Nailsea.
Pre-lockdown it would meet on Sunday mornings at Golden Valley Primary School but due to COVID19 restrictions the group has been online.
The Church of England group dates from 1989 when a group of Christians from Holy Trinity, set up a worshipping community on what was a new housing estate.
Since its formation, the CofE congregation has meet in numerous locations in Nailsea east including a pub, people's houses and St Francis RC Primary School before relocating to Golden Valley when building its own church was thwarted by even more homes going up on the allocated plot.
In 2011 he answered a Nailsea People questionnaire and sadly these things come back to bite you on the bum. He is what he said:
Question 1: Name, rank and serial number (seriously full name, age, profession and social status)?
Answer: James Stephen 'Steve' Tilley, aged 55, a married clergyman
Question 2: What is your connection with Nailsea?
Answer: I live and work here
Question 3: Your hopes and aspirations for Nailsea – does it have a future?
Answer: To have a reputation as a town that cares for and welcomes outsiders. To see it grow in community spirit and economically. To be a town where the faith communities contribute much to the life of the whole community
Question 4: Your favourite place in Nailsea – view, shop, restaurant (can be more than one)?
Answer: Holy Trinity 'Old' Church and Waitrose supermarket
Question 5: Your worse place in Nailsea - view, shop, restaurant (can be more than one)?
Answer: Somerset Square and Colliers Walk
Question 6: What do you consider to be the most important improvement that could be made in Nailsea?
Answer: Attract investment and newcomers through outstanding hospitality. Rethink the shopping centre
Question 7: How would you describe Nailsea to a stranger?
Answer: A small island in the middle of the land
Question 8: Would you recommend Nailsea as a good place to live?
Answer: Yes for safety, quiet and lack of excitement.
No if you want liveliness and multi-culturalism.
Question 9: Which hairdressers/beauty salon do you use in Nailsea and why?
Answer: None
Question 10: Who is your favourite Nailsea personality and why?
Answer: Phil Williams for organising the annual Skate Festival
Nailsea People say thank you very much Steve
The news was announced by letter to parishioners and it now posted online.
It says:
The members of the church learned this news in a letter form the Church Wardens yesterday:
Trendlewood Church has had many chapters on its journey over the last three plus decades, with many families joining us and then following their calling, either into ministry or the development of other opportunities. Most recently, the planting of Andy’s. Another chapter is about to end and a new one will begin. After over a decade as our vicar, Steve has announced his retirement will be in early 2022, and will announce the date later this year.
Steve spends part of his time at Trendlewood and part with what was known as Nailsea Local Ministry Group. We have often benefitted from Steve’s additional activities from the other role, such as Café Create and the inception of Andy’s. Unfortunately, due to Diocesan funding constraints, the second part of his role will end when Steve retires.
It has become clear to the Church Council, through discussion with the diocese, that the number of vicars interested in part-time roles are few and far between. This will really limit our options to bring in someone with a passion for mission and energy to expand and grow our church.
The Deanery Mission and Pastoral Group has approved the idea for Wraxall with Failand to share a vicar with Trendlewood. Bishop Ruth and Archdeacon Adrian think this makes sense. So, after many hours of conversation and prayer, our Church Council unanimously feel this represents an exciting opportunity for us and is the best option for Trendlewood. That is, to job-share a vicar.
This will allow us both to benefit from recruiting someone into a full-time post. Someone who enjoys the challenges of different worship styles. There is no plan to merge the parishes and we remain a conventional district within the Holy Trinity parish.
This plan should also allow us to skip having a vacancy and allow a period of handover whilst the new vicar settles in, something exceedingly rare.
We appreciate this news is likely to come as a surprise, and it has taken most of the Church Council a little time to adjust to and reconcile. We recognise many of you will need some further time to absorb this news and will have more questions as a result. We, therefore, are arranging a Zoom meeting with Archdeacon Adrian and the Church Council to allow people to ask questions. We expect this to be on the 14th of March and will let you know the details when we have them.
You can read here https://www.trendlewoodchurch.org.uk/announcement-about-future-ministry-at-trendlewood/
Goodbye Captain Sir Tom Moore
Church bells across North Somerset sounded in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore on Saturday, February 27, to mark the funeral of this inspirational old soldier.
Churches rung their bells 100 times at noon to mark the life of the 100-year-old who raised a staggering £32.7 million with his sponsored garden walk for the NHS.
The bells tolled at Backwell, Nailsea, Tickenham and Wraxall churches.
The parish church of St Andrew at Backwell, St Quiricus and St Julietta at Tickenham, All Saints parish church at Wraxall and Holy Trinity at Nailsea all joined in.
It was a solo bell ringer in each church pealing 100 times.
Paul Balmer, pictured top left, on behalf of Nailsea Ringers was pealing at Holy Trinity.
He started slightly after noon to miss the midday clock chimes from the belfry tower.
His wife Christine who took the photo also took a turn tolling the bell.
At Tickenham it was farmer Andrew Triggol, pictured right, who climbed the church tower and rung the three quarters of a ton bell 100 times.
At All Saints Wraxall one of the bells was tolled for 100 strokes by the All Saints deputy tower captain.
In the village of Marston Moretaine where Captain Tom lived, St Mary’s Church joined the commemoration.
His family had asked people to follow coronavirus restrictions and stay at home.
Captain Tom died at Bedford Hospital on February 2 after testing positive for Covid-19.
In line with current restrictions his funeral was attended by eight members of his immediate family including his daughters and four grandchildren.
CHURCH TIMES: Two Nailsea churches getting ready for Sunday service in these spaced out coronavirus times. While Government guidance has been revised to allow certain activities to take place in church buildings, it is still vital that the necessary hygiene and social distancing precautions are kept in place in order to protect the NHS and save lives. Weddings and funerals still have strict rules and limited numbers too. This is Nailsea Baptist church and Trendlewood church switching from online to actual on Sunday, October 25. Trendlewood curate Michelle Taylor is organising a drive-in carol service for Sunday, December 20, at 4pm at Nailsea School with Aviator Brass quintet playing the carols. There are 100 spaces available so a first come first served booking system will operate. For further information emai lmichelle.taylor@trendlewoodchurch.org.uk
EIGHTEENTH CENTURY FOUNDATIONS: These lovely atmospheric photographs of Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street were taken by Ben Daniels . The church was founded in 1789 with its first building opening three years later. In 1914 a new chapel was opened on Silver Street, and a youth club was added in the 1960s. In early 1992 the old church was replaced with a larger, flexible, multi-purpose building and the youth club was refurbished and renamed the Wesley Centre after Methodism’s founder, John Wesley
Meet and greet in shopping centre
Jules Harris became priest-in-charge of Christ Church Nailsea with St Quiricus and St Julietta Tickenham at the beginning of June.
But because of the coronavirus crisis she had been unable to meet many of her congregation in person and was relying on Zoom and Skye for face-to-face contact.
However, on Tuesday she decided enough was enough and went walkabouts in Nailsea town centre to say hello to the people.
Jules said: “It was a real gift to be able to meet (at last) some of the congregation of Christ Church Nailsea and beyond.
“It was lovely that people made the effort to come and say hello.
“Thank everyone, what great people Christ Church and Nailsea has, I look forward to meeting more of you very soon.”
Jules is not new to Nailsea where she lives with husband Graham and two small dogs as she was previously assistant curate at All Saints, Wraxall.
Jules is pictured at Somerset Square with some of her ‘flock’ including retired doctor Robin Lambert who is a church warden at Nailsea.
Jules added she is looking forward to churches opening for worship and weddings as lockdown restrictions are gradually lifted.
DIVINE INTERVENTION: Church services are now mostly online during the coronavirus crisis although North Somerset MP Liam Fox is among a group of Tory MPs who has urged the Church of England to allow small scale funerals to be held in churches again
CHRISTIANS TOGETHER: Joint services known as IGNITE are held on Sunday evenings three times a year, this one is at All Saints, Wraxall. CTIND includes Nailsea Baptists, Methodists, Southfield Church, United Reformed Church, St Francis Roman Catholic and the Anglican churches at Holy Trinity, Trendlewood, Christ Church, Tickenham and All Saints at Wraxall. This is a monthy gathering with the ministers/leaders of each member church who takes it in turns to lead the group for a year before handing the reins over to another church. Prayer For Nailsea is on the first Tuesday in the month at 3pm and rotates around the churches. On average, about a dozen folk attend to pray for concerns in Nailsea and projects, events and needs. Christ Church lay representatives attend quarterly meetings to share information and pray for current joint projects which include housing Syrian refugees, Christians Against Poverty, Nailsea Foodbank, Open The Book Schools Ministry, Welcome Packs for residents of new retirement apartments and Nailsea 2020 Passion Play. Christ Church supplied these words and Phil Williams the photo, thank you
Hidden Histories at 65
The Hidden Histories group who explore different aspects of Nailsea's past has its next open session on Friday, January 24, from 10.30am at 65 High Street.
The topic this month is:
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Faith Groups of Nailsea -- Methodists, Quakers, Churches Together ... where is faith history most visible/invisible? What is your experience of faith communities in Nailsea? Are non-Christian faiths visible here?
Its monthly sessions continue on the fourth Friday of the month. The next few dates are: February 28, March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26 and July 24.
Future topics being considered are:
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Nailsea Carnival -- what went on? What stories can you tell about the carnival? Bring photos, programmes, anything!
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Waters of Nailsea - the ponds, rhines, inlets, wells, millponds, Towerhouse Woods bubbling pond ... fishing, swimming, accidents, pre-plumbing life). What memories do you have of Nailsea involving water?
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Food in Nailsea -- in the 1940s it's been said the population of Nailsea was just over a couple thousand, and they supported five independent butchers. Who had family in the food business? Have you got a recipe from the past?
Writer and heritage curator Heidi Hollis said: "Please do let me know if you have more suggestions for a topic of focus one month.
"If for some reason you can't come along, do please reply and let me know if you have any stories on these topics so I can meet or ring you to hear more.
"I will soon be asking for volunteers to join a steering group to look at how Nailsea's history can be more fully expressed to the wider community.
"If you are interested, please get in touch and I'll make sure you get an invitation to a meeting to hear more."
You can email Heidi on hiddenhistoriesnailsea@gmail.com.