Page 77 - br-april-2019

April 2019 April 2019

convinced that this would make her
sites contributes as these days we keep our buildings tidy and in a better state of
well. Jesus felt the healing power go repair than we have before. There are fewer insects around for swifts to feed on
out of him. He stopped and praised which may be another factor. Scarily, gone are the days when we had to scrape
her for her trust, saying this had insects from the car windscreen after a long journey.
made her well. In the meantime the
important official was worrying Swifts like to nest in colonies and the centre of our small population is around the
whether the delay would mean they middle of the village, although historically there was a thriving colony in Bladen
were too late to save his daughter, Valley. At the moment ‘our’ swift numbers seem to be steady but their success
but Jesus considered both to be each year is very weather dependent. Ideally I would very much like to see the
important and was able to bring numbers increasing. There are now five nest boxes at the village hall and we are
both back to health. hoping for a ‘full house’ this year.

The drama involved lots of This is where you all come in. Now is a good time to put up swift boxes and swifts
characters and was acted out in are excellent neighbours – they use the absolute minimum of nesting material,
three different settings, so the action they don’t pooh down the house walls and, excluding the screaming parties, are
took place over the full length of the church. There were a dozen adults and six quiet neighbours. They will also entertain you on summer evenings with their
children involved. One child acted the part of the sick daughter, by lying on a amazing flying displays and screaming parties. But they do go to bed at sunset!
bed in front of the font. She finished the drama by waking up after Jesus healed Perfect neighbours.
her with the words “I’m hungry”.
There are various different
Also on the last day in March the Junior Church will be in action with their own designs of nest boxes for
brand of worship for Mothering Sunday. At the time of writing that has not swifts – something to suit
happened yet, but the theme will be based on how the Mother of Moses saved everyone’s pocket. The
him from the wrath of Pharaoh. Then two weeks after that the Junior Church will box needs siting quite high
be back in their normal slot of the second Sunday in the month for Palm Sunday on a wall, 4.5m if possible,
(a week before Easter). and swifts need a clear
flight path as they come in
I expect that you have read in other parts of this magazine that our parish, with FAST! Avoid a site with
Affpuddle, has joined with Wool to become the benefice of “West Purbeck”.
Between us there will be children’s work on most weekends. As a general rule it trees or bushes nearby. A
north facing wall is ideal, if
will be as follows:-
the wall is facing east or
First W/K Saturday PM Wool Messy Church west the box must have
some shade from eaves or
Second W/K Sunday AM Bere Regis Junior Church an overhang. Avoid a south facing wall. Make sure that predators – cats, crows,
magpies, squirrels and rats do not have easy access. See www.swift-
Third W/K Sunday AM Wool Family Service
conservation.org for loads of useful information especially on nest boxes. The
(There is also a lively “Buggies & Brunch” at the Methodist chapel monthly, but not boxes do not need cleaning out each year unless the house sparrows have used
on a set W/K. it happens on a Saturday morning. This month it was on the16th, but the box and filled it (literally) with the sparrow’s idea of cosy bedding!
the telephone number below will have the details) If you would like any more
information about children’s services do phone Pat on 472246. And please note Please be patient if you do put up boxes as it may take a while for the swifts to
these services are not meant just for children and families. Many others find them move in. If you have sparrows in the vicinity you may want to block the entrance
hole with a rag when the swifts are not here. Please take great care if using a
o good way of worshiping as well.
ladder or ask a friend or neighbour for help and stay safe.
Pat Wharf
Angie Talbot

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