It's the second week in July so it must be time for the magazine. Like last month, I have just got back from my "stint" on 10 Radio which, if you haven't heard about it, is a local radio station covering the ten parishes of the Deanery, including all three in this benefice. It broadcasts on 105.3fm each day and is well worth a listen. They are there to serve the community so if you want further information or a request then why not contact them on 01984 624137. Something else worth drawing to your attention, if you don't alr eady know, is Aromas, the new cafe and delicatessen in Bishops Lydeard. It's great, we've even taken to going there on Wednesday mornings after the church service. So if you haven't yet had a chance to sample the excellent coffee pop in and have a cup, you will be pleasantly surprised by the new lay out.
Not surprisingly some things stay the same each year, like the weather! Perhaps like me, you are waiting for the summer to start, we hear a great deal about global warming and I, for one, am waiting for it to happen.
Surely it shouldn't be this chilly and wet and with St Swithin's Day tomorrow I fear for the next 40 days! Never mind the rain, for those going to Beijing for the Olympics you had better take a gas mask as the atmosphere is so polluted that there are fears for the long distance races! The Chinese authorities hope to have it all clear by the start of the Games, so let's hope they do. China's record on human rights, Tibet and other issues has already brought controversy to the Games which is a shame, for it is such a great platform for athletes to test their skills against their peers. Young people train and compete for years to achieve a place in their national teams and it's a pity to have all that effort undermined or tarnished by the venue. I have often thought that it would be a good idea for Greece to donate one of its islands which could be developed as a permanent home for the Games. Each country could contribute financially for its construction and maintenance and this would free the Games from the ridiculous nationalistic one-upmanship that now goes on, which is not in the spirit of the games. Such a venue could be used for all sorts of international sporting events so that its constant use would justify its creation and in the home of the Olympic ideal. But what do I know? Another thing that rarely changes is the West Bagborough Fete which takes place on 9 August (always the second Saturday in August) and hopefully it will be as successful as last year. It promises to a lovely afternoon with something for everyone, including a dog show for those of you who have dogs that they like to show. So make a date in your diaries and for further details look out for the posters or 'phone Dr Radford on 432526.
We are running another Holiday Bible Club this year from 6 to 8 August in the Church Centre, Bishops Lydeard, with a special service at 9.30am the following Sunday in St Mary's. The theme this year is Joseph and his multicoloured coat and a quick glance at the programme shows that those who attend will have a fabulous time. Again we have registr ation forms which have to be filled in and they can be returned to the Rectory by 1 August.
There are a few saints day in these months which we will observe (see List of Services) including the Patron of Marks & Spencer, namely St Mic hael but his day comes wit h "All An gels ". It is one of my favourite saints days since my college is named after St Michael and angels keep us on our toes in the Christian life for as St Paul said, we never know if we are entertaining angels unawares. The stranger that we meet, the person who may need our help, even someone that we have known for years (or think we know) could just be an angel in disguise. A ridiculous concept? Perhaps, but then again, perhaps not. These two months are, of course the favour i te for hol idays particularly as the schools are about to close for the summer but of course, at the beginning of September the new term starts. Let's hope that the intervening time enables you to have a refreshing break and a most enjoyable holiday. If it means a holiday at home try not to wear yourself out in gardening or DIY, make sure you give yourself time to get out and enjoy this most beautiful of counties. Whatever you are ho pi ng to do or wher ev er you go , may you go an d come ba ck in safety, refreshed and renewed.
God Bless us all,
Michael Wishart