THE RURAL COMMUNITIES REGENERATION GROUP

This Rural Affairs Group, affiliated to the Deanery, held its AGM at Whitelackington village hall on 5^th February.  Forty people attended and, being Shrove Tuesday, were served pancakes before the meeting.  The speakers were Mrs. Liz Frazer, recently retired Headteacher from Shepton Beauchamp, and Rev’d Philip Wagstaff, Methodist Rural Affairs Officer for Devon.  Rob Walrond said that he hoped the evening would be a sharing of ideas - how best we can serve our communities as the Church. The meeting covered topics such as the relationship of the local school with the church and local businesses – how particularly older people can fill a vital role by helping in the schools (listening to reading etc). If the wider community supports the school then the children gain a great sense of unity and belonging. 

The Rev’d Philip Wagstaff spoke of the small rural church.  How church people in the villages have a great responsibility.  Everyone notices who goes to church in a village, whereas in a town it is easier to hide. The church must find answers to many urgent questions.  Housing in rural communities is vital. We must find a way to help young people to remain in the community without being priced out of the market.  We must speak with each other, interact. Don’t drive everywhere. It is easier to talk to people if we are cycling or walking.

 If you would like any further information or would like me to come and speak to any PCCs or church groups, then please don’t hesitate to contact Rob Walrond on 01458 253002 or thewalronds@hotmail.co.uk 

OPEN FARM SUNDAY *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * * 1^ST JUNE 2008

Open Farm Sunday is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to enjoy the living, vibrant countryside.  Take time to listen to the birds, soak up the scenery and really get in touch with the land that sustains us.  Discover what it means to be a farmer and what farmers are doing at this time of year.  Ask a farmer near you if you could plan a service on the farm, or arrange a farm tour.  If you would like to learn more about Open Farm Sunday then click onto www.farmsunday.org.

 Or, perhaps June is too close to begin to arrange an event like this, so why not think of celebrating Lammas Day (1^st August) on the first Sunday after that (3^rd August).  Lammas is a Feast formerly celebrated in England during which bread from the season’s first wheat was consecrated at Mass in thanksgiving for the harvest of the first fruits.  If you need any help with things Rural, then please contact Rob Walrond, the Deanery Rural Officer, who is only too happy to help and/or take part. Tel. 01458 253002 or thewalronds@hotmail.co.uk

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