My Somerset Life

A diary by Brian Snellgrove

Visit to my acupuncturist in Frome – a nice coffee and service

The acupuncture meridians are not to be dismissed  – lightly or otherwise. They are streams of energy that flow though the human body and probably through the planet (though the name for that is a lay line).

When Martin put a needle into me at one place, I can feel the merest prickly sensation. When another needle of the same size is inserted somewhere else, it feel like a red hot nail.  I lie on the table with about 10 needles in me, some in the feet, four in a line in the stomach and three each in the left and right hand. Cooking time is about 20 minutes. I seem to be getting better. Mind you, I work on myself between each session as I don’t want to spend unnecessary money and time if I undo Martin’s careful work.

I went to a local community centre cafe  and had a coffee and a slice of date crumble.  The lad who served me was a delight. I reckon he was about 16. He had a boyish sense of humour, was glad to have a banter with me and was really proud of his work. He made me a latte (below) with a lovely design. He whistled as he worked on cleaning up the floor in preparation for closing.

This evening to another Vineyard meeting. There were six of us. How do we communicate the Gospel when meeting people in the street.  Some of our number believe that asking if they can pray for the people is a good way forward. Others feel that demonstrating unconditional love is the best introduction.

I testified that all the people who had really influenced me towards faith did not preach nor did they try to convert. Rather they were a shining example.

I said that at Glastonbury this last Monday I just talked to people, listened to them and showed something of God’s unconditional love for my fellow human beings. It did not come naturally. I was so bereft of example from my parents that I did not know how to behave socially and it took me a good 20 years to get the hang of it but now I am satisfied that my social skills are adequate – nay more than adequate to take me through situations that would have previously frightened me. The final breakthrough occurred when I found out that people loved to be listened to and valued. I do not blame my parents for anything. They themselves were not shown the example by their parents. My dad was born in 1906 by the way.

I drove home with wind and rain prevailing. One has to concentrate so much when driving on such nights.



My Somerset Life

A diary by Brian Snellgrove

To bear in mind if growing a church

Our local Vineyard group had a discussion this evening on what factors attracted us to the Vineyard church.  There were only a few of us there but a lively debate ensued never the less.  From my point of view:

I have a distrust of hierarchies and hierarchical thinking.

Everyone, even someone off the street, can be inspired to say something useful to all

We must try and deal with our own ‘judgement on sight’ of those who present with less than perfect attention to detail. I have written a ‘micro-app’ which prompts me to say when I see such people ‘that was me 20 years ago’

It is so important to give an indication of welcome by the door, for example a balloon, a scarf tied to the door, a welcome notice, a flag, some flowers.

I like the informal style of the Vineyard ways of doing things, for example starting a service when people are ready rather than at a particular time

I also like the fact that couples lead the groups and churches, rather than one person.  This gives a wholesome family feel.

I very much enjoy the meeting of souls over coffee before the formalities start

I like the emphasis on going out of the church and doing practical things in the community

Many people are shy of coming to any new place.  When I was in my father’s church ( I was a vicar’s son) he told of a man who walked round the local common three times before summing up the courage to enter the church
That people often present to a group damaged with a very low level of trust.

We need to meet them where they are and talk about the things that they are familiar with. Thus we get to know each other as people, human beings, and then when it is safe and appropriate we can discuss things like belief and faith.  We need to get our timing right so we should I suggest wait for a sign of interest before mentioning something spiritual.

There was at the gathering this evening a woman who came from a catholic background. She felt she was being led towards a different approach.  I teased her and asked how her ‘guiltometer’ was.  Guilt infuses Catholics quite extensively I find. She has been feeling like breaking from the catholic church since 2019 so with the lockdown and so on, not long.

I said that if she could describe to us her situation,  a feeling of ‘not belonging’ and jumping from group to group, she was probably doing quite well.  I described her situation as ‘taking off overcoats’ – removing layers of fear and mistrust and indeed – guilt. I was moved to congratulate her on her progress.



My Somerset Life

A diary by Brian Snellgrove

Another Amazing day, this time at Glastonbury for the Spring solstice

As we left home for the spring equinox celebrations in Glastonbury, the  rain started. First, in spots and then more continuously. However the overall forecast seemed promising enough if you did not expect sunshine as was the case yesterday Sunday.

We arrived about 11am for the midday celebration. It is always pleasant to arrive early before the crowds come. Fairly soon I was tempted to buy a good slab of pizza, made with wonderful healthy dough and good ingredients.  As I always do I started talking to a lady sat on her own around the camp fire. It turns out that she was guided to move to Glastonbury from Manchester, She arrived in January 2023. She was very well aware of many esoteric things and we chatted away.

I went to the office to check if Caroline, one of my mentors, was there and sure enough she was. We agreed to meet after the ceremony. The well head had as usual been dressed for the occasion. The area was packed about 10 minutes before the midday hour. We started with talks about the importance of love and peace, the development of consciousness,  the changes that are happening in the world – good and bad. We then had a ten minute meditation to collect our thoughts and bless the earth.

It is a tight squeeze for everyone. There are two viewing areas. The ‘stalls’ i.e. the area around the well itself and the Gallery, the path that leads up from the well to the top field.

After the ceremony I mingled and mixed as I usually do. There is a new Head Groundsman called Dave. I sought him out as I wanted to say hi to him and welcome him to the fold. He had a lovely healing voice, fitting so well with the gentleness of Chalice Well, and I drew this to his attention. I went round to the other trustees and staff and congratulated them on their choice. Someone said that they put out the intention and got the right person. I feel I am in the world to make a difference to others. I absolutely love the role

To the High street as per normal.  To the health food shop where we stocked up with quality provisions.  I love the busy notice board, always a sign of a  healthy community.

Me to Burns the Bread for my sausage roll and a chocolate bun.

Francoise to a shop (Starchild)  that sells essences. A real Aladdin’s Cave of esoteric substances.

 

Realisation of the day – spend time with those who are already on the path of growth. If those who are asleep have chosen to be asleep, why bully them against their will and their disposition.
The biggest treasure in the world is to quantumly entangle (i.e. love) with others.  If we want to go to heaven then we should take as many people with us as possible.



My Somerset Life

A diary by Brian Snellgrove

Rockaway Park Mothering Sunday lunch and an occasion for fellowship

Always fun to go to Rockaway Park for my sanity fix. This was mothering Sunday so there were lots of families taking time out together.

BELOW We visited the man (Beam) who made knives and I decided he should be declared an alchemist for his professional attitude to his work. We told him he should charge more for his labours.

This is an example of their anarchistic sense of humour

BELOW This is the first site of Rockaway Park as you walk up an incline. It is a jaw dropping moment for most people visiting for the first time.

BELOW This car would probably fail it’s MOT. However the owner thinks that with a bit of spit and polish it would go fine. It may well be mechanically sound. Having said that, maybe the owner was joking.



My Somerset Life

A diary by Brian Snellgrove

I met an amazing woman

It was my privilege to attend the morning meeting of the Vineyard group at Radstock Methodist church of yore. This morning there was no service as such. Instead the event was centred around children. There were games, constructions and a bouncy castle. Us adults milled round chatting to each other.

I was fortunate enough to meet a lady called Alisha. She had been born in UK but worked in Milan, Australia and America where she is currently with a non profit organisation which assists with the poorest of the poor. She is back here in the UK renewing her visa. Normally work visas are issued every two years. I lived in NY NY for some time in the late 90’s so I reminisced.

Alisha said that the homeless problem was severe. Under the new Mayor Eric Adams, police have the power to take any homeless person off the street if they consider them to be mentally challenged. That could mean just about anyone. She also said that prices had gone through the roof. A cocktail was $16 or $15 on a good day.  So, a drink and a couple of snacks could set you back $30. Also people were of enormous size physically. She attributed this to ignorance. She eats no meat so in certain areas there is nothing offered. There are few if any fresh vegetables.

Alisha lived for a time in Melbourne which is now a cool and sophisticated city challenging Sydney as the cultural capital of Oz.

However what impressed me most was her practical application of faith. God has definitely opened up ways for her and ‘made her paths straight’ as it says. Her apartment on lower East side ‘had her name on it’

I shared some impressions of her which some would construe as a compliment. I found talking to her a transparent and ‘clean’ process. I find this with people who have worked through their personal stuff. She says that when she is on her own the reads the Bible a lot.  I also found that she came across as someone who ‘walks their talk’. There was a joy and a glow about her that indicated that God was present. No question – if you trust God a lot, God will guide and help you.  If you do not trust, then God cannot whisper in your ear so although you might get guidance it would not necessarily be from the right source.

I also commented about what I had observed about single people.  Sometimes it is not our destiny to be with someone. I suppose you could say being married to the community is a good alternative. I have advised single people ‘ get married to yourself, the rest will follow’. I added that I had met married couples who might as well be in prison.

I left the meeting enriched and encouraged. I need such meetings like a piece of coal in a fire needs another piece of coal. It keeps the fire burning and two or more together is more effective than one on its own. I know that that is the way we are made. ‘ No man is an island’ as John Dunne said or ‘We are members one of another’. St Paul’s Epistle to the Romans 12:5