Church Peeps

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?

To encourage and celebrate those who are involved in GF
To re-enthuse people by giving them the chance to meet and inspire each other, building relationships, rekindling the vision
To be a gathering place for those involved in any of our workstreams who could use the time fruitfully
To inspire and inform those who would like to start a GF approach in their own parish / school / diocese
To pray together for the work of God through GF
To listen to the children and young people involved in the Hub
To see what difference a GF approach can make locally
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.

Luke Jerram with Gaia at Dresden Cathedral, Germany, 2023. Photo (c) Oliver Killig.JPG

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/

BUBBLE CHURCH: The very first Bubble Church service is on Sunday, October 20, at Trendlewood church. It's a puppet-packed, Jesus-centred, coffee-and-croissant-fueled, 30 minute kids and families adventure. Trendlewood is a Church of England church set up by Christians from Holy Trinity, Nailsea. It usually meet on Sundays at 10.15am in Golden Valley School. Find out more about this exciting new church service for young families by scanning the QR code on the image. If you are wondering what Bubble Church looks like these photos give you a taste of how it looks at Ascension, Balham, who started Bubble Church

For the past few years St Quiricus and St Julietta church on The Causeway at Tickenham has invited village organisations and residents to show their talents by putting together a display based on a Christmas theme.

Previous years have shown some really imaginative and colourful exhibits based on Christmas carols and pantomimes.

This year it will be all about fairy tales.

There is a wide range to chose from.

The church will be open noon-3pm every Saturday and Sunday in December. Admission free and everyone is welcome.

There will be a candlelit preview evening on Saturday, November 30, from 6-8pm. Admission £5, which includes a glass of prosecco. Children free.

Fairy tale theme

Nailsea urged to give peace a chance

Holy Trinity church is hosting a 12-hour prayer vigil for peace on Monday, November 11.
The photos in the slideshow are of an inspiring three metre art installation on display in the church.
It is called Peace Be With Us and is made up of 381 doves with messages or prayers of peace from the children of Hannah More Infant and Grove Junior schools.
Holy Trinity community and youth minister Adam Griffin said: "It was an absolute honour to read every prayer and message while building the installation.
"It was heart-rending to get a glimpse into the minds of the youngest and most vulnerable in our society, who clearly feel the pain and hold onto the fear instilled through living in a world where war and suffering is so prevalent.
"Their messages and prayers are all so clear, simple and crucial, ‘let there be peace’."
The display will be in place throughout November and if anyone would like to view it, when better than during the 12-hour prayer vigil for peace on Monday, November 11, between 9am and 9pm at Holy Trinity Church.
All welcome.

The peace vigil is being held onf the 11th day of the 11th month which is Remembrance Day also known as Poppy Day.

It has been remembered since the end of the World War 1 and is to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.

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.'

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
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."

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.

Gentile_da_fabriano,_adorazione_dei_magi.jpg

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/

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:

Reinstate the foreign aid budget to pre-COVID levels
Secure agreement from rich countries to double the commitment of $100bn a year for climate finance
Collaborate with other governments and international organisations to develop a new regulated climate loss and damage mechanism which not only saves lives but livelihoods
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.

Palm Sunday, March 28
Maundy Thursday, April 1
Good Friday, April 2
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

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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:

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:

Nailsea Carnival -- what went on? What stories can you tell about the carnival? Bring photos, programmes, anything!
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?
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.

CHRISTMAS TOGETHER: Photographs of the community Christmas Day lunch hosted at the Holy Trinity Centre are in Gallery 2019

CHRISTMAS CHEER: The heavens opened so this festive event was moved indoors. Thank you Phil Williams for the photos

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MODEL EVENING: The charity fashion show staged at Holy Trinity church, Nailsea for orphan children living in Myanmar was a great success. Strutting their stuff wearing clothes from M&Co on Saturday, October 19, at 7pm, were a team of local models. All profits from the £10 entrance fee and raffle (not added up yet) are going to Stand By Me. Organised by Lynda Dicks the models used the church aisle as a catwalk. Margaret Rawlings said: "It was a real fun evening and we enjoyed it...well done Lynda."

CHURCH PARTY: Nailsea Methodist Church is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its new building which it shares with the community by hosting a party on Saturday, October 12, 2-4pm. There will be drinks and cake, challenges, games and a quiz, at an event suitable for all ages! All users of the hall from the dance classes to the senior citizens lunch club is invited to the celebration at 74 Silver Street.

SUPPORTING NAZANIN: Singing at Holy Trinity church, Nailsea in support of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her family a song composed by Wendy Martineau. Visit the Free Nazanin Facebook page to support the campaign and see updates. Wendy said: "A very special evening singing the Song For Nazanin with a big group of singers and musicians who've come together in the space of two weeks to show our solidarity with Nazanin and her family. The story is being shown on on BBC Points West soon."

GOING UP TO BIG SCHOOL: Trendlewood Church is moving schools for the summer. Golden Valley Primary School where it usually meets is not available during Augst and as St Francis RC Primary School or The Old Farmhouse pub can't accommodate the Sunday morning service the congregation is moving to Nailsea School from Sunday, July 28 until Sunday, September 1.

Getting ready for rehearsals for shopping centre play

The Passion Play being performed in Nailsea town centre tells the story of Easter week from Palm Sunday right through to the resurrection including a crucifixion scene.

Scenes will be in various parts of the precinct and the cast and crowd will move around accordingly, said Trendlewood curate Michelle Taylor.

The first 'casting' at the Methodist church centre attracted lots of volunteers but there is room for more.

The next meeting is on Wednesday, July 17 at 7.30pm in the main workship room.

Michelle added: "The first meeting went well and several Trendlewood people have agreed to be involved.

"On the 17th we will agree people's roles.

"We still need lots more people with gifts such as acting, singing, stewarding, technical skills, administration and making refreshments for rehearsal times.

"This is a great opportunity to take the Easter story into the community in a fresh and vibrant way."

The Lent play for Nailsea

Nailsea People are invited to take part in a Passion Play next Easter but perhaps not on the scale of Oberammergau.

Trendlewood Church curate Michelle Taylor is planning an outdoor community Passion Play to be performed on Saturday, April 11, at Crown Glass Shopping Centre.

She said: “We are holding an initial 'register your interest' meeting on Sunday, June 23, at 4pm at Nailsea Methodist church.

“We are looking for people all ages, all faiths and none, to be involved in areas such as acting, stage management, sound and technical areas, logistics, admin, costumes, tea and cake making.

“Those interested but who can’t make the initial meeting can register their interest on the Trendlewood Church Facebook page or email me at michelle.taylor@htnailsea.org.uk.”

The Passion Play or Easter pageant (senakulo) is a dramatic presentation depicting the Passion of Jesus Christ: his trial, suffering and death and is a traditional part of Lent which dates back to the 14th century.

The 42nd Oberammergau Passion Play is an open-air stage performance that takes place every 10 years in the tiny Bavarian village.

It has already begun preparations for its 2020 production.

GOD SLOT: Evangelist Gavin Calver followed in the footsteps of Victorian Christian Hannah More when he journeyed to Nailsea Iin mid-June to speak at a Thy Kingdom Come event. The Evangelical Alliance director for mission England, football fan and author spoke to an enthusiast audience from all Nailsea churches hosted at the Methodist centre

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BREAKING BREAD: Day break Easter communion service with Holy Trinity church congregation at Backwell Lake attended by 74 people plus a small baby and eight dogs. More Easter services to come plus Easter egg hunts.

PHOTO: Sally Winsor

Courtesy of the Nailsea Paper

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The annual Salvation Army Christmas concert organised by Nailsea and Backwell Rotary Club is on Sunday afternoon, December 2, 2-5pm at the Methodist church, Silver Street, Nailsea. Entry is free but there will be a collection for a nominated chartiy.

Methodist craft fair

This is an opportunity to shop early for Christmas at one of the biggest and best craft fairs in at Nailsea Methodist Church.

This year the annual fundraising event is on Saturday, November 10.

In 2017 monies made at the fair went to maintaining the fabric of the Silver Street building, school in Peru, training centre in South Africa and other missions at home and away.

Tables are available in the Church Hall and in the adjacent Wesley Hall, which also houses the refreshment room.

For more information click HERE.

hot drinks, light lunches and refreshments will be served at the all day fair.

DIARY DATES: Time to get your thinking caps on for The Big Quiz Night for Tearfund at Nailsea Baptist Church.

The event on Saturday, November 17, is from 7-10pm at The Centre, 79 Silver Street.

Fairtrade sale on Saturday, October 13, at Backwell Parish Hall from 10am-noon organised by St Andrews church.

Creating culture

Café Create is a local expression of culture and the arts which allows musicians, singers, poets, comedians and karaoke kings and queens the opportunity to step into the limelight.

On Friday, July 20, at its 'open mic' night it has live music from Dave Cox, Josh Faulkner and Jim Reynolds.

It runs six times a year on alternate months in the Trinity Centre next to Holy Trinity Church, always on the third Friday evening of the month.
Here are the dates on poster for 2018 Café Create evenings.
Admission from 7.30pm is free but donations are very welcome and all events finish at 11pm.

There is a fair-trade donations based café, serving refreshments including fair-trade wine and local beer.

Café Create also hosts open mic evening for homegrown performers to get up and sing a song, play a tune recite a poem, tell a story or joke, or simply entertain, phone 01275 543332 or email steve.tilley@htnailsea.org.uk to book a slot.

For first time performers Café Create provides a sympathetic audience and for the seasoned entertainer somewhere to shine.

Please note acts must pre-book.

Since beginning in Nailsea in 2007 entertainment has included live music (electric and acoustic), DJs, comedy, story-telling, poetry and a live artist doing sketches.

Performers whose work is unknown may be given a short slot on the first occasion.

New curate at Trendlewood

From a childhood in Birmingham worshiping at the Pentecostal Church Michelle Taylor never envisioned being able to serve or preach.

But Nailsea is made of better things with a history that dates back to the Victorian envangalist Hannah Moreand.

Back in the mid 1980s Patrice Sessions took over at the United Reformed Church at Stockway North and I put in on the front page of the Clevedon Mercury.

Nowaways women holding high office in the church is much more common place although the Vatican is still holding out.

On the first Sunday in July Michelle, pictured with her family, was ordained as a Deacon at Wells Cathedral alongside eight of her peers and appointed curate at Trendlewood.

She trained as a drama teacher she is used to working with young people and we wish her well.

Carol Deacon

FAMILY FUN: Holy Trinity church, at Church Lane, Nailsea has a family fun day on Saturday, June 16, noon-3pm with bouncy castle, games, craft, tug o' war and much more - put date in your diary now.

Competition is for a decorated cap or sun hat on the theme Creation.

There are three age groups:

Under eight-year-olds;
Eight to 16-years; and
Aged 17 and over.

Judging is at 2.30pm.

New man for Holy Trinity ministry

Ringing the changes at Holy Trinity as the rector James Packman and his family - wife Sarah and children Lydia and Silas are welcomed to the church.

He said: “My family and I are absolutely delighted to be joining the church family at Holy Trinity.

"God has made it very clear to us that this is where he wants us, and we’re looking forward to finding out how he wants to use us in his service.”

James and his family have moved to Nailsea from Tunbridge Wells where he was rector of two village churches for almost a decade.

He takes over from former barrister, the Rev Jolyon Trickey, who resigned last April and has moved to the Home Counties.

On the 11th day of the 11th month a 100 years ago World War 1 ended.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great War church bells with be ringing up and down the country.

More than 1,400 of the bell ringing community at that time laid down their lives for peace in the ‘war to end all wars’,

We know in retrospect that wars were not ‘ended’, but we also know that there is an ever increasing movement to address this.

Fallen bell ringers came from all walks of life, as they still do today (from skilled workers to academics to business people – you name it!), and today we are all united in wanting to ring out a message of peace around the world.

The plan is for on Armistice Day the Ring For Peace message to sound up and down the country and to recruit 1,400 new ringers for 2018, the same number as those who fell in the Great War.

To find out more go to armistice100@cccbr.org.uk.

Holy Trinity church has a team of ringers who regularly climb the tower steps to peal.

The bells were totally refurbished in 2013-14.

Practice night is every Tuesday at 8pm.

They ring regularly for Sunday services, and are available for weddings throughout the year.

The tradition of bell ringing dates back to the 17th century.

If you would like to get involved in bell ringing contact tower captain, Jill Stanton on 0792 976 0424

SUNRISE: Christians Together in Nailsea & District celebrate with a Sonrise service at Backwell Lake at 6.30am on Easter Sunday and walk home over Morgan’s Hill afterwards. Photos: Sally Winsor

Artwork courtesey of the Nailsea Paper to download click HERE

CAPTION COMPETITION: Look at the chap behind Steve Tilley - is he looking for divine intervention...

PRAYING TOGETHER: Because of the recent bad weather the Women's World Day of Prayer service has been rescheduled or Friday, March 9, at 2.30pm at Christ Church, Nailsea

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: More than 30 hardy souls braved the snowy conditions to attend a mens' breakfast with guest speaker Hilton Baker, of The Kenya Trust, on Saturday, March 3. Those who had trekked through some pretty large drifts to get to The Old Farmhouse, off Trendlewood Way, were rewards with a full English or veggie option meal. The registered African charity works where poverty affects the ability of communities to provide adequate schooling or care for special needs children

New Baptist minister

Nailsea Baptist Church is very pleased to be welcoming the Rev Peter Burns and his wife Sue, who will be joining us in Nailsea at the beginning of March.

Peter and Sue are moving from Castle Hill Baptist Church, Warwick, where Peter has been the minister for the past 15 years.

He moved to Warwick with his family after three years training at the Bristol Baptist College.

Peter is looking forward to being part of the community in Nailsea and serving God in a new area.

All are welcome at his Induction Service on Saturday, March 10, at 2pm or at any of services or activities held throughout the week.

For further information contact the church office on 01275 859339 or email office@nailseabaptist.com.

HEAVEN SENT: Tickets for Holy Trinity church Ladies Conference on Saturday, March 10, have sold out. Guest speaker is Tina Hodgett who is the evangelism team leader in the ministry for mission department of the Bath & Wells Diocesan board of finance. She was previously working in Portishead parish.The theme for the event is Blessings From Heaven and it is billed as a great day with worship, teaching and fellowship.

Creating culture

Café Create is a local expression of culture and the arts which allows musicians, singers, poets, comedians and karaoke kings and queens the opportunity to step into the limelight.

Admission is free but donations are very welcome and all events finish at 11pm.

There is a fair-trade donations based café, serving refreshments including fair-trade wine and local beer.

For first time performers Café Create provides a sympathetic audience and for the seasoned entertainer somewhere to shine.

Please note acts must pre-book.

Since beginning in Nailsea in 2007 entertainment has included live music (electric and acoustic), DJs, comedy, story-telling, poetry and a live artist doing sketches.
Booked to play in March are The Magpies - more later but band is pictured below.

Performers whose work is unknown may be given a short slot on the first occasion.

MAGPIES: Hilary Pavey Mills, Richard Burley, Mike Bowles and Helen Bonner. Photo by Mireille Mathlener

Play away

Morning Break is a Tuesday parent and toddler group with a difference.

It provides an opportunity to socialise with other parents while children play and offers an interesting programme of talks, discussions and activities for parents to enjoy.

A crèche and activities for babies and children are available in separate rooms, for part of the morning,, giving parents/grandparents/childminders/carers the freedom to participate in its sessions 10.15–11.15am.

On Wednesday, February 14, it is holiday club morning from 9.30-11.30am - free for schoolchildren.

All at Trinity Centre, 2 Church Lane.

For further information email Sharon Matthews at: sharon.matthews@htnailsea.org.uk.

Trinity Garden

The garden at Holy Trinity was officially opening by archdeacon Chris Hare on Sunday.

The event also celebrated many years of dedicated building projects at the 15th century church.

The father-of-three used a favourite bedtime children's story to illustrate sharing in his introduction.

He talked of The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde.

This tells of a selfish giant who has a beautiful garden but he won't let children play in it.

'Winter comes and never leaves, until the power of love brings spring and joy into the giant's garden and his heart,' he said.

People of all ages listened as Grove Junior School choir sang beautifully in the Trinity Centre.

After cutting the ribbon and a prayer of dedication almost drowned out by a loud peal of bells the Mothers’ Union served cream teas.

Phil Williams took the panoramic photo top and Nailsea People took those in the slide show - thanks go to everyone for posing.

This show is at Backwell WI hall, Station Road, for one night only on Friday, October 27, at 7.30pm. Hosted by Backwell Baptist Church pre-booked tickets £8.50 from the box office by clicking HERE or calling Jeff on 01934 842170.

GOSPEL STREET: retelling the news at Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street

What would happen if Jesus were to meet with people in today’s world?

Would the writers of the four gospels have done things differently?

Riding Lights Theatre Company is marking the beginning of its 40th year with a radical re-telling of the good news.

Gospel Street is a collaboration between award-winning writers, including rapper and hip-hop artist Testament, to create a powerful mix of theatre, comedy and spoken word.

Another generation is looking for answers - a rich young career girl, an angry gang leader, a charming church-goer, misfits, activists, crooked bankers, a surprising refugee and the bloke who bought himself seriously expensive jewellery.

People who stood face to face with Jesus. There are anecdotes, bust-ups, blogs and posts. It’s a wild ride through issues of life, death and miraculous street food.

Despite their differences and social divisions, 140 characters want to meet one extraordinary person.

Jesus has arrived on their street and he’s on the lookout for trouble – looking to do something about it.

Four young people - two women, two men - like the first evangelists, tell the startling story of what happened, just now, on that street.

The result is a powerful mix of theatre, music, comedy and spoken word.

Riding Lights is doing what it does best: bringing everyone together to hear some of the good news with wisdom, laughter, energy and insight.’

Opening in York, Gospel Street is touring the UK in the run up to Christmas.

The performance in Bath and Wells diocese is at Nailsea Methodist on Tuesday, October 17, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 with £8 concessions.

To booked call the box office on 01904 613000 or online by clicking HERE.

FACE BOOK: Moving with the times youth worker Jon Coysh, of Holy Trinity church, has created a FB page to help promote its youth groups and other events. Click HERE to learn more

Top comedy night at Nailsea

Funny woman Heidi Regan is booked for the next Café Create comedy evening on Friday, November 17.

The Australian comedian who came to the Uk nine years ago and is now based in London won this year’s BBC Comedy Award.

On winning the award Heidi said: “I feel completely blown away to have won, especially against such great competitors. It’s just amazing – a dream come true.”

Heidi is clearly on a winning streak, having won last year’s So You Think You’re Funny? and in 2010 an Australian Writers Guild award for Best Unproduced Feature Film Script, for a comedy about a killer shark.

Heidi says her comedy style is 'slightly surreal and silly'.

The BBC Comedy Award final was broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 in the BBC tent at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, hosted by Mark Watson.

Heidi was up against five other finalists, Aaron Simmonds, Sikisa, Jacob Hawley, Andy Field and Morgan Rees.

Hugh Dennis and Jenny Eclair, and Radio 4’s Commissioning Editor for Comedy Sioned Wiliam made up the judging panel,

Sioned said: “All six finalists were dazzling.

"We agonised in the judging room and there was a huge amount of love for all of tonight’s performers, but in the end one edged over the line, and this was because of her distinctive material and hugely confident performance.”

Heidi wins £1,000 and a 15-minute script commission from BBC Studios.

Appearing alongside Heidi at Nailsea is stand-up comedian and after dinner speaker Ian Macdonald and Rob Thomas who is described as a quirky, storytelling comedian with a razor-sharp wit and off-the-wall physicality.

Doors open 7.30pm at the Trinity Centre next to Holy Trinity church at Nailsea.
There is a fair-trade donations based café, serving refreshments including fair-trade wine and local beer.

Please note acts must pre-book.

Café Create is a local expression of culture and the arts which allows musicians, singers, poets, comedians and karaoke kings and queens the opportunity to step into the limelight.

For first time performers it provides a sympathetic audience and for the seasoned entertainer somewhere to shine.

IIt runs six times a year on alternate months in the Trinity Centre next to Holy Trinity Church, always on the third Friday evening of the month.
Doors open at 7.30pm and the event finishes at 11pm.

Since beginning in Nailsea in 2007 entertainment has included live music (electric and

acoustic), DJs, comedy, story-telling, poetry and a live artist doing sketches.
The music of Vervain, Nicky Coates and the Bad Vegetarians, Kirkpatrick and Shaw, Atlum Schema, Ewan Jones and The Channellers, to name but a few, has been much enjoyed.
Performers whose work is unknown may be given a short slot on the first occasion.

Worship on Wheels 2017

Building on the success of last year, a second Worship on Wheels service was held at Nailsea Methodist Church on Sunday.
As before, it was a café style service enabling scooter and wheelchair users to bring their wheels to the tables and be fully involved in the worship.
Alison Morgan interviewed her fellow Access For All campaigner, Steve Ledbrook, of Backwell, who has Becker Muscular Dystrophy.
Steve inspired everyone with his positive ‘can do’ approach to life.

He is a volunteer with Sunshine Radio at Weston Hospital.

He gave a glimpse of some of his whacky fundraising antics for Muscular Dystrophy UK, including climbing across the top of the O2 Arena in London in his wheelchair, sitting in a pod on the Weston Wheel for 30 hours and going down the longest zip wire in Europe!
Steve told of his campaign work with Trailblazers, a group of disabled campaigners, part of Muscular Dystrophy UK, who tackle issues affecting young disabled people.

Trailblazers aim to fight social injustices and ensure people can gain access to higher education, employment and social and leisure opportunities
As well as all the above, Steve is also a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Young Disabled People and Muscular Dystrophy UK, First Bus Passenger Forum, and North Somerset Council’s Disability Access Group.

He is encouraged by seeing positive outcomes from campaigns and is hopeful that his dream of a totally accessible public transport network will one day become a reality.
The Rev Deborah Mallett reflected on Jesus’ promise of inclusion and liberation for all, set out in Luke 4 16-21.

Jesus gave his time, attention and priority to people who others side-lined.

He taught his followers to do the same.

Deborah noted that the motto of the Paralympic movement is ‘Spirit in Motion’ and suggested this should be a motto for all.

Talented musicians added to the welcoming warmth of the service, accompanying the hymns and finishing with a super rendition of ‘Wheels Cha Cha’.

The fellowship continued with tea and fabulous homemade cakes.

No one was in a hurry to leave.

Alison Morgan

July 2017

HAZY DAYS: More photos from Christ Church summer fete in the Roll Our Summer slideshow in Galley 2016

YOUNG PEOPLE PRAISE: Peter and Meryl enjoyed strumming to the beat of Messy Church songs while the children had fun singing and dancing!

The creative and imaginative event for young people is at Nailsea Methodist Church, 74-76 Silver Street, every second Sunday of the month 4-6pm.

Nailsea church times

Holy Trinity is an Anglican church at St Mary's Grove, Nailsea.

It dates from the 15th century and is a Grade I listed building.

It features a tower with six bells which was used as the setting for the millennium beacon celebrates, cemetery and The Trinity Centre used by the community.

Known for its support of charitable causes from providing water to African village to helping Burmese street children it also helps at home.

It hosts coffee mornings and preschool groups, youth meetings and Alpha courses as well as the annual Christmas day lunch for those home alone during the festive period.

It is currently without a vicar as the Rev Jolyon Trickey who served the parish for eight years has moved to pastures new.

During May the congregation is holding a consultation to talk about the future of Holy Trinity and agree what they felt were the important qualities a new Rector might have.

They are also asking people from the community for their thoughts.

You can pick up a survey at the church, Monday – Friday mornings, or Sundays.

For more historic information click HERE.

For details of church services and/or activities at HT click HERE.

The church produces a monthly newsletter called Trinity Times delivered free to 3,000 Nailsea homes.

To read the latest edition click HERE.

The photographer was local mum Clare Garland who has a series of beautiful images feature of the outside of the church and Church Lane graveyard in Gallery 2017 on this website.

Nailsea congregation helps needy children

Three people from a Nailsea church made the long journey to Myanmar - formerly Burma - in south east asia to visit an orphanage they helped to build.
Retired teacher Lynda Dicks, aged 69, Mike Youings, 74, and Janet Pike, also 69, all members of Holy Trinity Church first went to a Bible college in Yangon to meet students preparing to go on missions.
They then flew to Shan State to an orphanage called Haven of Peace which the Nailsea congregation helped to build through the Stand By Me charity.
Lynda sponsors a young girl called Elizabeth who lives at the orphanage and got to meet her for the first time.
She said: “Elizabeth is doing really well at school and is top of her class.
“Many of these children have never been to school, slept in a bed, had shoes, or medical treatment.
“I had always felt God wanted me to go abroad, but it never came about.
"I hope my teaching skills can now be used.
"I am a grandmother of nine, but feel I have love to share on the almost other side of the world.
“If we can just show that people in Nailsea send love, that would be great.”
The trio have now embarked on a series of talks to the wider North Somerset community to share their experiences and some of the 1,000s of photos they took during the two week trip in February.

The trio's next presentation is on Thursday, March 2, at 7.30pm in the garden room of the Trinity Centre.

They are also booked for Saturday, March 18 at the 9 o'clockers afternoon social

This is at 2.30pm in the main lounge.

To find out more about the work of Stand By Me which builds schools, homes and care centres to help rescued children click HERE.

Nailsea junior film fun

Nailsea Bapist Church family film club shows on last Saturday of each month at 'the centre' starting at 5pm.

This gives families an opportunity of watching a suitable film on the big screen with surround sound.

There is no charge and hot dogs are available after the film.

The next film on March 25 is Storks.

To find out what is showing contact Anne in the church office on 01275 859339.

The church has started a new parent/carers and toddlers group on a Friday morning from 10-11.30am.

There is also a group that meet on a Monday morning at the same time at the Silver Street venue.

No charge for either group.

Church garden project in final

Voting has closed in the Aviva community awards and a project from Nailsea is among the finalists.

Out of the nearly 4,000 entrants nationwide there are approximately 400 finalists.

Now it is down to the judges.

Awards range from £1,000 up to £25,000 and the Trinity House community garden is in with a chance of winning £10,000 to landscape the grounds of the old rectory.
The judges' results are announced on Tuesday, January 10.

Nailsea projects need votes in funding bids

Two Nailsea church inspired projects are among nearly 4,000 nationwide competing for monies from The Aviva Community Fund.

Aviva provides life insurance, general insurance, health insurance and asset management to 33 million customers, across 16 markets worldwide.

Its community fund offers the chance to support local projects.

To register you can use a FaceBook account or sign in and then you get 10 votes.

Awards range from £1,000 up to £25,000.

If you type in Nailsea you get the option of using your votes for 12 nearby projects.

You can use all your votes for one project or divide them to help more people.

Voting closes on Friday, November 18 2016.

Holy Trinity Church has applied for up to £10,000 to landscape Trinity House Community Garden in the grounds of the old rectory.
Its vision is to make a beautiful outdoor space available for the whole community, young and old, able bodied and disabled.
The garden will include lawns and a series of ‘rooms’; each one designed with a different theme, including an area with sensory plants, a natural garden with wild flowers, a fruit garden and a dry garden with a refreshing water feature.

Initial preparation work has already been carried out by volunteers from the community including the Brandon Trust which support people with learning difficulties.
The total cost of the project is approximately £78,000.

Trendlewood Community Festival is a bonding experience using music, food and fun - basically a big street party for people living on the 1980s housing estate to the east of Nailsea.
Many ancient communities have village green happenings, church fêtes and garden parties in mid-summer.

But many new communities have no central gathering place or traditional history.

There are approximately two and a half thousand people living on Trendlewood, served by just three public buildings - two junior schools and a pub.
Building memories and community coercion TCF is asking for £5,000 towards its annual summer festival which has been running since 2011 and is staged on Golden Valley Primary School playing fields.

To vote click HERE.

Lunch club needs more helpers

Many hands make light work on Wednesdays at a Nailsea lunch club for senior citizens.

But as volunteers grow older Nailsea Methodist Lunch Club could urgently do with a few more helpers.

Originally run by the WRVS it was taken over in the 1990s by Marjorie Town, wife of the then Methodist minister Keith Town.

Today it is still going strong with 50-60 members supported by a team of volunteers.

Co-ordinator Irene Hughes said: “We are worried how long we can continue as our volunteers are getting older and we urgently need more help preparing meals.

“We have a rota system for washing up and making coffee and would love extra help – new faces would be made very welcome.”

Tea or coffee with biscuits is served from 10am and then a two-course lunch at noon.

This is followed by a second cuppa, more biscuits and a game of bingo or light-hearted quiz.

Tables seat six or eight people and everyone enjoys the socially friendly setting including the helpers.

People do not have to belong to the church but all join in to celebrate Christmas, Easter and harvest festivals.

Call Irene on 01275 798522 if you have a few hours to spare on Wednesdays.

Tuesday's Fellowship

Nailsea Methodist Church's Tuesday Fellowship and invited friends enjoyed a special harvest themed anniversary service and tea with the Rev Jill Flowers, of Yatton.

The group began Women's Fellowship approximately 80 years ago and now welcomes men and women of all ages.

One member and life long Nailsea resident, Mary Hallett, shared her memories of going to the fellowship with her mother when she was a child.

Tuesday Fellowship meets fortnightly at Nailsea Methodist Church on Silver Street at 2.30pm.

It is a time of worship, fellowship and refreshments with guest speakers covering a variety of subjects.

A collection is taken at each meeting to support charities such as the air ambulance, The Mission to Seafarers at Portbury, Action for Children and food banks.

The next meeting is on September 27.

For more information contact Barbara Bees on 01275 219082.

A house of many faiths

From Baptists to Calvinists, from pagans to Plymouth Brethren, from CoE to Catholicism - Nailsea has seen them all.

Never has a town been so diverse in its believes but when evangelist Hannah More arrived back in 1792 the village housed in overcrowded hovels dirty, drunken non-believers.

In contrast to the opulence of those who lived in the vicarage Quaker John Whiting’s cottage at Kingshill wasn't a grand house.

Today in the cash-conscience 21st century many parishes share a minister.

All Saints Church

Wraxall Rectory, Wraxall Hill, Wraxall BS48 1NA

Tel: 01275 852442

Christ Church CofE Church

Christchurch Close, Nailsea BS48 1RT

Tel: 01275 859210

Holy Trinity Church

Church Lane, Nailsea, BS48 4NG

Tel: 01275 853227

Nailsea Baptist Church

The Centre, 79 Silver Street, Nailsea BS48 2DS

Tel: 01275 859339

Methodist Church and Community Centre

74-76 Silver Street, Nailsea BS48 2DS

Tel: 01275 854304

St Quiricus & St Julietta

The Causeway, Tickenham BS21 6SB

Tel: 01275 859210

St Francis of Assisi RC Church

Ash Hayes Road, Nailsea BS48 2LP

Tel: 01275 851530

Southfield Church

85 Southfield Close, Nailsea BS48 1SB

Tel: 01275 854575

Trendlewood Church (Church of England)

Meets on a Sunday at Golden Valley Primary School at 10.15am. Always welcoming and children-friendly. We either have groups for children or short and punchy all-age services.

Vicar: Steve Tilley: 01275 543332

Website: www.trendlewoodchurch.org.uk

Twitter: @trendlewoodch

United Reformed Church

Stockway North, Nailsea BS48 1AQ

Tel: 01275 849083

Worship on wheels 2016

On possibly one of the wettest and windiest Saturdays of the summer, a few adventurous scooter and wheelchair users, together with their families and friends, braved the elements to enjoy the first ever Worship On Wheels service at Nailsea Methodist Church.

It was part of the Nailsea & Distrcit Christians Together initiative called Al16ht.

The cafe-style service enabled scooter and wheelchair users to bring their wheels to the tables and be fully involved in the worship.

Access For All campaigner Alison Morgan was at the service.

She said: "It reinforced the message that we are all valuable parts of one body, acknowledging our diversity and our unique gifts and experiences of life.

"Afterwards there was chance to get to know one another over a cup of tea and a wonderful array of homemade cakes.

"It is hoped that this joyful event will become part of the Church calendar."

Those supporting AL16HT are running lots of special events with comedy, drama, music and pub nights, holiday clubs for senior citizens and visits to schools and family events to ensure their is something for everyone.
To find out more click HERE.

Methodist minister at Wesley chapel

A coach full of people from Nailsea and Backwell Methodist churches went to London for the official ordination of the Rev Deborah Mallett.

Deborah has been a probationer minister at Nailsea Methodist Church and West Town Methodist Church Backwell since September 2014.

The group were joined on the coach by representatives and ministers from other district churches and Access For All campaigner Alison Morgan.

Alison said: “We were full of excited anticipation to support our minister Rev Deborah Mallett in her official ordination service at Wesley’s chapel in City Road London.

“This service marked the culmination of two years as a probationer and affirmed her commitment to her calling.

“Fifty of us from the churches boarded the coach with memories of Sunday School outings from years ago.

“One hour along the road and the packed lunch came out, and then it was lots of exciting chatter alongside knitting and crochet, reading or watching the world go by.

“After a brief stop at Reading and a rather slow journey through London’s traffic, we arrived at Wesley’s Chapel, with 30 minutes to spare.

“This chapel is often called the mother church or the ‘Cathedral of Methodism’ and it was a fantastic setting for a powerful service that touched all of us.

“It was a privilege to be there to support Deborah and the other six ordinands as they made their promises, and to be able to declare our intent to support them in their ministry.

“What a thrill to feel the power of the singing of the hymns filling the church with rich harmonies and heartfelt words in true Methodist tradition.

“And how meaningful to take communion in a church rooted in the birth of Methodism, side by side with Christians from all parts of the global church.

“We were blessed with a beautiful sunny day and on occasion the interior of the church was bathed in the glow of sunshine through the stained glass windows.

“After the service refreshments were served in the courtyard in the evening sunshine and it was a time for hugs and photos and chats with friends.

“The coach then picked us up outside the church and we set off on our way home. Paul, our driver, gave us a taster of the Iceland - France football match, but was soon shouted down by the ladies and we returned to background music and enjoying the chance to share our collective enjoyment of what had been a fantastic experience.”

Pictured is Deborah outside Wesley's Chapel with from left her father the Rev Barrie Cooke who helped with the service, Deborah, Methodist Conference president the Rev Dr Roger Walton, Deb’s sister the Rev Naomi Cooke who was also getting ordained and the Rev Karen Webber.

Ugandan bishop Nailsea visit

Birthday beacon for Queen's 90th

Early Christmas present for church

Parishioners at Holy Trinity church Nailsea are rejoicing as their new community and resource centre is finally finished.

After two long years and a builder who went bust the congregation pulled together and raised a massive £300,000 to complete the project.

With the old rectory refurbished, parts of the 15th century Anglican church modernised and extended this completes the £1.3 million new build at The Trinity Centre.

At a special service on Sunday the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev Peter Hancock came along to officiate.

He told the congregation: "And as we dedicate this building to God we also dedicate our lives.

"When Solomon dedicated his temple he prayed that it would be filled with the presence and peace of God - may that be the same for us here.

"Let's pray that all who come here will be aware of God's love and healing power.'

The Rev Jolyon Trickey said: “It was our vision to provide a community building for the 21st century.”

CHURCH NEWS: Top the choir sing praise, centre the vision for the community centre and right the historic church

All images courtesy of Holy Trinity

Linvoy Primus with God on his side

EGG HUNT: On Wednesday, April 5, from 11am-1pm the Great Eggscape is happening at Golden Valley Primary School organised by Trendlewood Church. More details sarah.vicarintraining@gmail.com

EASTER 2023

Good Friday is on April 7 for 2023;
Easter Sunday is on April 9; and
Whitsun is on Sunday, May 28.

On Thursday, March 23, 7.30pm at St Nicholas Church, Brockley, will host a Spring Awakening.
Tickets adult £8, children £4 on the door.
After its successful and well attended Midwinter Evening, Markling Time presents a second evening at the ancient church below the rocky, mossy, leafy delights of Brockley Combe.
This is an invitation for eveyone to be a part of its spring gathering, marking the new season inspired by the theme of Freedom, the burgeoning of spring, the return of the light, the flurry of birds and a reawakening of the bees.
Listen and dream in the choral sounds of Bristol’s In Accord choir, marking and celebrating Seven Freedoms inspired by the 2022 Reith lectures.

Hear the hum and buzz of bees in a spring time tale from storyteller Michael Loader;
Help in its telling, collaborate in a starling soundscape;
Be charmed by the sound of birdsong within the walls and riddled with wordplay;
Be part of a own prose poem creation, welcoming the return of spring; and
Be fanfared by the tooting of trumpipes!

An evening of playful and soulful connection for all the family interwoven with songs old and new, to bring new life to the freedoms that we experience and those we long for.
The first half will be more orientated to younger ones with story, song and starling soundscape, followed by an interval and the second half of prose poem creation and further song.

Spring Awakening

SOLE MESSAGE: Nailsea Mothers Union exhibition at Christ Church highlights the horrific impact of domestic abuse through a powerful shoe exhibition. The exhibition was first shown at Mother’s Union’s General Meeting in Edinburgh in September 2017 and is now being used throughout the UK and Ireland by other members. The three day display in the town centre church ends on Saturday morning, March 18.

Bell -ringers from four local churches have answered the call to Ring For The King. At 9.30am on Saturday, May 6, bells will be ringing from Holy Trinity, Nailsea; Church of St Quiricus & St Julietta, Tickenham; and All Saints, Wraxall for the coronation for King Charles and Queen Camilla.

People in Nailsea and adjoining villagers should be able to hear all three peals.

A national call was been made to recruit thousands of new bell-ringers to ring in the new king in May and to keep the ancient art from dying out in the long term.

Church bells rang out across England last June to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II back in June 2022 and many of these were rung again, fully muffled, on her death in September last year.

The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers has established a recruitment drive to ensure that there are enough ringers to go around.

On bank holiday Monday, May 8, to celebrate the coronation the church tower at St Andrew’s at Backwell will open to visitors to climb to the top to see the view, see the bells and watch a bellringing demonstration.

There are three tours at 1pm, 1.45pm and 2.30pm.

This follows a busy weekend with ringing on Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the start of the King’s reign.

The beautiful coronation themed crown floral tribute is in the foyer at Holy Trinity church, Nailsea

Let the bells ring out

Former Premiership footballer Linvoy Primus was a guest of Nailsea & District Christians Together at the weekend.

Speaking of his career at Charlton, Reading and Portsmouth football club he engaged several audiences, not least 76 men at a breakfast at The Old Farmhouse pub at Trendlewood on Saturday morning hosted by Holy Trinity with Trendlewood associate vicar the Rev Steve Tilley,

Linvoy spoke of some of his own life struggles, as well as an FA Cup victory and the occasional goal, challenging his audience to explore further the Christian faith he had found to be real.

Linvoy, aged 40, was born at Forest Gate – the London home of West Ham football club.

Both his parents originate from the Caribbean.

Married with three children Linvoy is involved in the Christian charity Faith & Football and walked the Great Wall of China to raise £100,000 for their cause.

Other charitable causes he has supported are the Alpha course, a cinema advertisement about Christianity and the formation of a prayer group at Portsmouth.

In 2007, he released his autobiography, titled Transformed which details his conversion to Christianity.

While in Nailsea Linvoy also attended a quiz night at the Grove Sports & Social Club and football training session at The Link, the community centre based at Nailsea School.

Parishioner Yvonne Donin said: “I heard him speak few years back when he was still playing.

“He is such a nice guy.”

Four years ago more than 4,000 beacons were lit worldwide to celebrate the Queen's diamond jubilee including one at Nailsea.

And now for the Queen’s 90th birthday another beacon will be lit from the top of Holy Trinity church tower at St Mary’s Grove.

Her Majesty is to light the first beacon on Thursday, April 21, at Windsor Castle.

This will be followed by the lighting of a number of beacons throughout the United Kingdom and overseas.

Nailsea Town Council is supporting Holy Trinity Church and Nailsea Scouts by inviting everyone in the community to come along and join in the celebrations.

The evening will begin with a short celebratory service at the Tithe Barn at 8pm.

This will be led by curate James Pennington and be immediately followed by the lighting of the beacon at Holy Trinity at 8.30pm.

Afterwards refreshments will be served at the Trinity Centre beneath the church

The belfry tower at Holy Trinity church is the highest vantage point in the town and the flame will be seen for miles.

Obviously for health and safety reasons it isn’t possible to lit a bonfire at the top of the church so Nailsea will be firing up a gas-fuelled beacon with a burner head in the shape of a rose,

There is a long and unbroken tradition in our country of celebrating Royal jubilees, weddings, coronations and special birthdays with the lighting of beacons - on top of mountains, churches and castle battlements, on town and village greens, farms, country parks and estates, and along the beaches surrounding our shores.

The 90th birthday beacons will also be lit by the district council.

North Somerset Council is lighting a beacon to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday at 8.30pm lighting at Uphill Tower.

The Queen's real birthday is April 21 but it is s officially celebrated in June.

Other official birthday events scheduled are on Friday, June 10, t he Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will attend a national service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, London.

On the next day Saturday, June 11, Her Majesty accompanied by members of the Royal Family will attend at The Queen’s Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade.

And on Sunday, June 12, the Queen will attend the Patron's Lunch, a celebration of Her Majesty's patronage of more than 600 organisations in the UK and around the Commonwealth since 1952.

PHOTOS: Top from 2016 celebrations

The Bishop of Muhabura Diocese, the Right Reverend Cranmer Mugisha and his wife Hope are visiting Nailsea this week.

Contact was established with the African bishop when the Nailsea Uganda Water Project was launched in 2012 by churches in the town.

Schools, businesses and Nailsea people backed by Tearfund took three years to raise £90,000 to transform the lives of 20,000 people living in south west of Uganda by mobilising them to provide their own safe water and sanitation.

The water project made a dramatic improvement in their lifestyle of the women and children of Muhabura who had to walk up to three hours daily to fetch water which was often polluted.

The district has a relatively heavy rainfall of approximately 1,200mm per year and the NU Water Project sought to install rainwater-harvesting by building water storage tanks next to village homes.

Bishop Cranmer has been invited to preach on Sunday morning at Holy Trinity.

Like many Anglican churchmen in Africa the bishop has strong views and fears on homosexuality.

He will be in Nailsea from Thursday to Monday, June 2-6.

The previous day the couple will be at a bring-and-share lunch 12.30-2.30pm on Saturday, June 4, at Holy Trinity main lounge.

AUTUMN FEST: Julia Miners photo taken at St Bridget's at Chelvey for church harvest flower festival. The building dates from the 12th century, and has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building. It is dedicated to the Irish saint Brigid of Kildare

Would you like to know more about the early history of Nailsea's oldest building, Holy Trinity Church?

Come along to a guided talk at 10am and 2pm on Saturday, October 28.

There may be an opportunity of an accompanied tour of the tower! Refreshments will be available.

Holy Trinity Church is an Anglican church where Hannah More once worshipped.

Parts date from the 15th century and is a Grade I listed building. It features a tower with six bells, cemetery (full) and The Trinity Centre.

The church was significantly refurbished in 2003-04 to make it more modern and flexible in its usage.

The changes included the removal of the pews, replaced with single movable chairs.

Further information from the church office 01275 853277 or Lynda Dicks 01275 853495.

To book go to https://holytrinitynailsea.churchsuite.com/events/fuofvfex

Church open day

Nailsea in Bloom gardeners are putting sponsored poppies in their flower beds again this year to remember those who are no longer with us.

For a minimum £5 donation you can have the names of up to four people you want to remember put on the poppies

Forms available from the Tithe Barn and 65 High Street.

And the gardeners manned a stall at at the farmers market and the Eat:Nailsea street food and drink festival with more forms.

Poppies will be placed in flower beds from week beginning Monday, October 30, until week beginning Monday, November 20.

The flower beds used are by the fire station at Pound Lane, the flower bed opposite Iceland supermarket on Station Road, in the bed at the Garden of Remembrance off Stockway North and opposite Tesco supermarket on the corner of High Street where the Tommy silhouette stands to attention.

All monies raised go to Royal British Legion.

Nailsea in Bloom volunteers take great pride preparing new seasonal planters and winter garden beds around the town.

This friendly sociable group of people enjoy making Nailsea look lovely all year around.

The group would welcome new volunteers.

Chairman Wendy Mobbs said: “When we are not making up the flower beds and planters we often meet for coffee and to socialise.

“It’s a great opportunity to make new friends.”

For more information call Wendy on 0785 503 7555 or email wendy.mobbs@outlook.com.

In memoriam poppies

Royal British Legion

National Poppy Appeal 2023

official appeal starts on Saturday, October 28

Armistice Day is Saturday, November 11

Remembrance Sunday is Sunday, November 12

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 5, 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.

Candles of Remembrance

Luxmuralis: Force of Nature Light Show left us speechless, it is spectacular - a kaleidoscope of shapes and colour which we have shown in the slideshow above.

Life on the earth, an evolution in lights with ancient scripts, dead sea scrolls and jelly fish beamed on to the walls of Bristol Cathedral.

The sounds filled the space inside the majestic Grade 1 listed building on College Green as the shapes project on the ancient stone walls.

Full of Eastern promise with abstract portrayals of renaissance and modern art.

Was that Chaucer amid the thunder and lightning, a sensory overload of ancient texts and imagery.

Amoebic life forms, jellyfish and then along comes Eve in the garden of Eden, wow.

The blurb says: 'Join us for a dazzling journey of light and sound as the Cathedral architecture turns into a virtual canvas for the forces of nature and the elements. Witness the flaming power of volcanoes as an exploration of Fire, become immersed in the sky and environment as a conveyance of Air, watch as the Earth evolves through dramatic historic and artistic imagery and take in the immensity of the oceans and storms, while sharing stories linked to Water.'

The circle of life is complete with an image of Jesus praying.

We went early on opening night with other invited media but by the time we left it was full of people describing the experience as 'mesmerising'.

Please note many of the small children running along the aisle wore protective headphones.

For more details and to book tickets for the show which runs until Saturday, November 4, go to https://www.yuup.co/experiences/luxmuralis-force-of-nature-light-show/orders/new.

As we head towards Advent and Christmas, there's lots going on a Bristol Cathedral. From carol concerts and Christmas trees to recitals and children's services, there's something for everyone this winter.
Visit its website here https://bristol-cathedral.co.uk/ for the latest news.

UPDATE: Showcasing the city at its brightest, the award-winning Bristol Light Festival brings light, fun and colour to the city centre. The 2024 edition will feature the addition of a World Premiere light artwork from UK-based creative duo, Studio McGuire, currently collaborating with Dior for Christmas in Manhattan. Welcoming 250,000 visitors and encouraging a £3.3 million increase in spend to the city in 2023, the fourth iteration of the festival will take place between Friday and Sunday, February 2-11, 2024 - and will welcome the global premiere of the cosmically wistful Ascendance. Joined by the enveloping bubble experience, Evanescent, and the nature-inspired, immersive installation The Nectary, Bristol’s spaces will shine bright at a traditionally dark time of year.

Bristol Cathedral shows the light

WhatsApp Image 2023-10-30 at 15.24.20_3cf3a4a5.jpg

Holy Trinity church open day on Saturday, October 28 was a great success.

Community and youth minister Adam Griffin who supplied the photos said: "We had around 100 people attend the fascinating Holy Trinity Church history talks, led by Lynda Dicks and four groups were accompanied up the tower to see the bell ringing chamber, the clock room and then enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Nailsea from the very top."

All around bell tower

WAR MEMORIAL: The annual Remembrance Day service and laying of wreaths at the war memorial at Holy Trinity church is on Sunday, November 12. Scouts, Guides, Army and Air Cadets will be marching at 10.15am from 2nd Nailsea Scout HQ at Hannah More Road making their way to Holy Trinity church for the roll call and service at 10.30am. See poster for more details. Community and youth minister Adam Griffin said: "We are keen that as many people as possible are able to share in commemorating the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war so intend to hold the last bugle call and two minute silence outside of the church this year (weather permitting) to facilitate this for the whole community."

POPPY COLLECTION: Stephen Rowan will be collecting on Wednesday, November 1, and Friday, November 3, at Tesco supermarket. On Thursday, November 2 and Saturday, November 4, he will be at the High Street Waitrose store. There is also collection box at Scotch Horn Leisure Centre

Remembrance Day 2023 Instagram Post (2).png

REVIEW

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Laura Durrant reviews this brilliant show for Nailsea People which opened at the Bristol Hippodrome on Monday, March 11.

She said: "Ian McIntosh gives a very powerful performance as Jesus.

"In his final moments you could see the torture on his face, and there was not a sound in the audience as people sat transfixed."

24hr wave of prayer from Archbishop of Canterbury

Despite his busy schedule, he is visiting Somerset in a tour that will be marked by a '24-hour wave of prayer' in local churches.

Bishop of Bath and Wells Michael Beasley said: "Across our Diocese our churches support local communities in a host of different ways - from running summer holiday clubs and foodbanks, to hosting memory cafes and film clubs.

“Earlier in the year I asked them all to consider, ‘what is the change your communities want to see and how can we come together as churches across Somerset to support them in prayer?’.

“There’s been a wonderful response and together we will be sending a wave of prayer across Somerset over these 24 hours.”

The Archbishop's tour of the county will begin with a night of worship at St Michael's Without in Bath on Friday, September 6. The next morning the Archbishop will visit Sedgemoor Cattle Market in Bridgwater to pray with local farmers.

The Archbishop will then be welcomed to St Francis' Church in Bridgwater before continuing on to the Nailsea School to pray for young people and their caregivers.

He will be at the Mizzymead Road school 12.15–1.45pm on Saturday, September 7

Finally, he will visit a Christian community in Frome that has just converted an old disused shed into a 'Prayer Shed'.

Friday night film night Holy Trinity

PHOTOS: Christians Together in Nailsea & District taken at

Nailsea School and Bath & Wells diocese

Church peeps

Managing your money

Fairy tale theme

Nailsea urged to give peace a chance

Nailsea St Peter’s Hospice High Street shop volunteers

Nailsea church weds all

Towering talk

Silver Street

Nailsea Methodists

Friday night youth club

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

Whistlestop at Christ Church, Nailsea

Easter 2021 in Nailsea

Trendlewood vicar to retire

Goodbye Captain Sir Tom Moore

Meet and greet in shopping centre

Hidden Histories at 65

CHRISTMAS TOGETHER: Photographs of the community Christmas Day lunch hosted at the Holy Trinity Centre are in Gallery 2019

Getting ready for rehearsals for shopping centre play

The Lent play for Nailsea

Courtesy of the Nailsea Paper

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The annual Salvation Army Christmas concert organised by Nailsea and Backwell Rotary Club is on Sunday afternoon, December 2, 2-5pm at the Methodist church, Silver Street, Nailsea. Entry is free but there will be a collection for a nominated chartiy.

Methodist craft fair

Creating culture

New curate at Trendlewood

FAMILY FUN: Holy Trinity church, at Church Lane, Nailsea has a family fun day on Saturday, June 16, noon-3pm with bouncy castle, games, craft, tug o' war and much more - put date in your diary now.

Competition is for a decorated cap or sun hat on the theme Creation.

There are three age groups:

Under eight-year-olds;

Eight to 16-years; and

Aged 17 and over.

Judging is at 2.30pm.

New man for Holy Trinity ministry

New Baptist minister

Creating culture

Play away

Trinity Garden

This show is at Backwell WI hall, Station Road, for one night only on Friday, October 27, at 7.30pm. Hosted by Backwell Baptist Church pre-booked tickets £8.50 from the box office by clicking HERE or calling Jeff on 01934 842170.

GOSPEL STREET: retelling the news at Nailsea Methodist Church, Silver Street

Top comedy night at Nailsea

Worship on Wheels 2017

Nailsea church times

Nailsea congregation helps needy children​

Nailsea junior film fun

Church garden project in final

Nailsea projects need votes in funding bids

Lunch club needs more helpers

Tuesday's Fellowship

A house of many faiths

Worship on wheels 2016

Methodist minister at Wesley chapel

Ugandan bishop Nailsea visit

Birthday beacon for Queen's 90th

Early Christmas present for church

Linvoy Primus with God on his side

Spring Awakening

Let the bells ring out

Church open day

In memoriam poppies

Royal British Legion

Candles of Remembrance

Bristol Cathedral shows the light

All around bell tower

24hr wave of prayer from Archbishop of Canterbury

Friday night film night Holy Trinity

Nailsea congregation helps needy children