Bembridge Parish News

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1 Bembridge Parish News SERVING THE PARISH CHURCH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THE METHODIST CHURCH September 2015 The War Memorial photographed soon after it was erected in the 1920s when there was a brick wall all around the garden. VICAR: Vacancy ASSOCIATE PRIEST: Rev d Linda Bushell Tel: vicar@bembridge.com curate@bembridge.com METHODIST MINISTER: Revd. Frances Watson 12 Gordon Cl. Sandown Tel: franceswatson18@hotmail.co.uk CATHOLIC PRIEST: Fr. Anthony Glaysher Tel: Please inform the clergy of sick persons and other needs for visiting and prayers Editor: Anna Driver 1 The Ruskins, Kings Road, PO35 5NY Tel: annadriver@talktalk.net (Copy deadline - 8th of the preceding month) Distribution Secretary: Mrs Jenny Austen 31 Beachfield Road Tel: , jennya@compcrim.demon.co.uk Advertising Manager: Mrs Olive Light 1 Trelawny Way, PO35 5YE Tel mlight1485@aol.com Hard copies of the Parish News are available locally, please buy a copy and support our advertisers to make continuance of this magazine possible 1

2 Bembridge Parish News No. 598 The Feast of St Michael September is always a time of celebration for the community of St. Michael s because it is the month of our patronal feast. St. Michael s day (or Michaelmas) is 29 th September. You probably know that it is one of the traditional quarter days when in the farming community workers were hired and rents had to be paid. I may be the last person in Britain who still listens to The Archers, but I m sure the poor down-trodden Grundy family have to pay their rent on Michaelmas, with lots of moans, Oohs and Aahs. It used to be believed that the harvest had to be safely gathered in before Michaelmas. In days gone by a goose was fattened on the stubble from the fields after harvest and eaten on Michaelmas Day to protect the farmer and his workers against financial need in the year ahead. For this reason Michaelmas is sometimes known as Goose Day and the Nottingham Goose Fair originated around this time. It is now held on 3 rd October. St. Michael, our patron saint, is one of God s Archangels. The name Michael means who is like to God and St. Michael is usually pictured wielding a double edged sword. One edge is truth and the other justice. Because he is seen as a battler for truth and defender of heaven, St. Michael is said to be the patron saint of policemen. St. Michael the Archangel is mentioned four times in the Bible. Twice in Daniel where he is the special guardian of the chosen people of Israel, once in Jude disputing with the devil over the body of Moses, and once in Revelation where he defends the Mother of Christ and the Church by fighting against Satan and his demons. In Egypt, the Christians believe that St. Michael is the patron of the Nile River and is responsible for the tides of this great river. As had been explained in earlier editions of this magazine, 2015 marks 50 years since the opening of St. Michael s Church in Walls Road. We give thanks for St. Michael s, for all those past and present parishioners who worked hard to create and finance our building and to the community who regularly worship there. A great joy for us all will be the visit to St. Michael s of our Bishop on 19 th September. It is a date greatly anticipated and we hope that the whole of Bembridge will join us in celebration. God bless, Christine Behan (See a new photograph of our church on p15) 2

3 The War Memorial Have you noticed how lovely the War Memorial garden is looking, it really does the village proud. It s nice to see people sitting on the benches enjoying the view and the peace and quiet, just sitting and watching the world go by. The happy band of gardeners who Front cover picture from 1920 s tend the area all the year round deserve all the praise from us all. The War Memorial garden used to have a wall all around it but this was taken down many years ago. Also gone are the Almond trees that were planted soon after the memorial was erected. As boys we tried to crack open the almond nuts but usually failed as they were so hard. The wall had a gate in it but the garden was regarded as hallowed ground, so only on Remembrance Day was it open to the villagers, except for the man who kept it tidy and the grass cut. The photo shows the War Memorial with the wall soon after it was erected and shows the school in the background, the Almond trees are not to be seen as yet. The school roof has a fine selection of chimney pots. I am certain that all the people whose names are carved on the Memorial would be pleased to know how much the villagers care about them John Woodford July 2015 The same view taken from a postcard postmarked 1934 which shows the school almost hidden by foliage. 4

4 Great Bembridge Paper Boat Race 2015 What an event this year s GBPBR turned out to be. We had fast boats, beautiful boats - the model Scow that won the best built boat award was amazing - and we also had some boats that were effectively cardboard boxes which actually sailed as well as some of the much more technical boats. We saw an incredibly quick catamaran in the Seniors Race that left everything else for dead but sadly went slightly North with about 2 metres to go to the finish and tripped over the line that had been laid to keep competing boats within the area between the East and Centre pontoons. There were some amazing craft including the one entered by the Volvo Ocean Race team members which set off at high speed but nosedived as many others did. This was a beautifully built boat that was one of three short listed as Best Built, losing only to the previously mentioned Scow. It was obvious after the event that in the fairly brisk winds we had on the day it is desirable to have some weight in the after part of the boat. We also had a Birthday Boy in the shape of Lucas Richards for whom a large number of people sang Happy Birthday to You and who had a surprise Birthday Present in that his boat won Race 2. There were several exceedingly well built boats that failed to live up to the expectations their builder s as well as those of the spectators. We hope they will not be deterred from entering again next year. A total of 42 boats were entered, most of which turned out on the day and gave the spectators a fascinating spectacle. The prizes were given by Fiona Thorpe and included some beautiful engraved glasses donated by the Harbour Authority. 6

5 The actual results are as follows: RACE 1: 3 rd John James Gabbani, 2 nd Henry Powell, 1 st Charlotte Salmon RACE 2: 3 rd Oscar Wall, 2 nd Barnaby Bucknall, 1 st Lucas Richards RACE 3: 3 rd Derek Underwood, 2 nd Dean Lyle, 1 st Chris Lawrence Jessica Wall with father Jonathan Wall We look forward to seeing everybody again in Thanks to the Scrutineers, Steve Lymn and John Jefferies, to Robin Lobb who rowed beautifully and collected a few non finishers, to Peter Hudson who prepared the course, to Malcolm Thorpe who monitored the finish for each Race, to Noreen Finlay who issued the life jackets and to Gemma Wall who helped in many ways and recorded the finishers. Thanks too to Les Eden and Rob Brien from the East Wight Photography Group who took an amazing number of photographs of the event. How to obtain copies of these will be announced shortly. A contribution of 120 has been given to the Lucie Blackman Trust, the nominated charity for the GBPBR. Robin Powell

6 A Meditation Spend a few minutes getting comfortable and relaxed. 1. Recall the presence of the Risen Lord Tell Him you believe He is present here with you. 2. Reflect on the fact that He accepts and loves you just as you are. Sense his unconditional love. 3. Speak to Christ or just stay lovingly in silence. Come and join us this Autumn Lunch Club at The Cloisters Tuesdays and Thursdays Freshly cooked 2 course Lunch for 5.50 Booking essential Phone: Christine or Diana Transport can be provided for a nominal fee September at Carisbrooke Priory Open Door Speakers: 3rd September Alan Brown (Communion) 10th September Frances Watson 17th September David Marrow 24th September To be confirmed Open Door Service every Thursday at 12 noon followed by lunch in the Dining room approx 1.00pm On 5th September, we will be holding a Day of Celebration to which all are invited. Please bring your own lunch drinks will be provided Priory Art, The Art Group resumes on Monday 7th September All enquiries to Carisbrooke Priory Trust Phone: Prayer Ministry available by arrangement Please ring for appointment opendoor@carisbrookepriory.org.uk Website: 10

7 Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Guild News Lifeboat action during July: July was a busy month with a total of six calls to action. The first occurring on the 1st July, when the inshore lifeboat Norman Harvey was launched just after 8pm to an open sports boat, with 8 persons aboard, broken down close to the lifeboat station. On arrival, as it was found that a rope was blocking the boats jet drive outlet pipe. The vessel was towed into Bembridge harbour and the lifeboat returned to station at around 9pm. On the 5th July, the all-weather lifeboat Alfred Albert Williams launched at 2.20pm to take over the tow off Howegate of an 8 metre RIB from the Sandown-Shanklin Independent lifeboat that they had been towing from where it had broken down in Sandown Bay. The lifeboat took the vessel across to the entrance to Chichester harbour and transferred the tow to the Hayling RNLI inshore lifeboat. The Alfred Albert Williams returned to station by 4.45pm. A broken down 27 foot angling boat with 2 persons aboard off Dean Tail channel buoy was the reason for the launch of the Alfred Albert Williams at 8.40am on July 9th. Upon arrival, the lifeboats mechanic, Bryan Jones was able to jump-start the vessels engine, enabling it to make its own way back to Hayling Island. The lifeboat was back on station by 9.45am. On the 13th July, in a gusty Force 7-8 south-westerly wind the Alfred Albert Williams was launched to assist the 37 foot catamaran Living Dream, rapidly taking in water in the rough sea and in danger of sinking, near the main Portsmouth Southampton shipping channel. In attendance was a yacht which had been standing by until the arrival of the lifeboat, such was the urgency of the situation. The Alfred Albert Williams arrived within minutes of the launch, with the Portsmouth lifeboat arriving a few minutes later, having also been tasked by Solent Coastguard to attend. A salvage pump was quickly put aboard from the Bembridge lifeboat, enabling the casualty to be kept afloat whilst a slow passage under tow was carried out, taking the vessel to the safety of Haslar Marina at Gosport. The lifeboat was back on station by 4.30pm. The America s Cup World Series racing, off Portsmouth on the 25th July saw the Alfred Albert Williams in attendance in the role as safety cover. Just after the all-weather lifeboat had completed its display along with the HM Coastguard Rescue 104 helicopter, it was required to assist a 27 foot motor cruiser, with a fuel problem, that the owner had only bought the 11

8 previous day. As the lifeboats mechanic was unable to rectify the problem, the owner was advised to contact the boats sales broker, who arranged for the vessel to be towed back to the Hamble. A medical evacuation of a crew member from the classic vintage yacht Eleanora was carried out by the HM Coastguard helicopter Rescue 104 on the afternoon of the 28th July. The all-weather lifeboat Alfred Albert Williams stood by as a back-up measure whilst the helicopter carried out the lifting operation, close to St Helens Fort. The lifeboat returned to station at 3.45pm. Naming of the new D class inshore lifeboat, D 778 Norman Harvey : On Saturday, 18th July, a large crowd gathered at the inshore lifeboat station to watch the naming ceremony of the new inshore lifeboat Norman Harvey. Principal guest was lifeboat supporter Joan Harvey, representing the donor Norman, her late husband and after whom the boat is named. Officials and guests were welcomed by Robin Ebsworth, Chairman of the Lifeboat Management Group and the lifeboat was accepted by the RNLI s Operations Director, George Rawlinson. Mike Samuelson, Bembridge s Lifeboat Operations Manager formally accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the station and after a service of dedication conducted by the Reverend Canon David Low, the lifeboat was officially named by Joan Harvey at the invitation of the Lord Lieutenant, Major General Martin White. Bembridge Lifeboat Operations Manager, Mike Samuelson (right) formally accepts the new inshore lifeboat D778 "Norman Harvey" from RNLI Operations Director, George Rawlinson. 12

9 Presentation of certificate to Tewkesbury School after 20 years of support for Bembridge lifeboat: Over 20 years of fundraising support and association with Bembridge lifeboat were recognised with the presentation of a framed certificate to the Head Boy and Girl of Tewkesbury C of E Primary School at their annual visit, by Operations Manager Mike Samuelson. The presentation was made following the donation by the Gloucestershire school of a cheque for 525, received on behalf of the lifeboat by long-standing Lifeboat Guild member, Joan Crabtree. Coffee Morning, 12th September: See below Crew and Guild BBQ Steyne Battery: Many thanks go to John and Anne Margetson for hosting the annual barbeque for the lifeboat crew and Guild members at Steyne Battery on 3rd July. As always, it was an evening greatly enjoyed by all present. Opening times for September: The RNLI souvenir shop and offshore boathouse will be open from 11am to 4pm up to the 26th September; from then on open from 2pm to 4pm. Ken Orchard ~ Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Guild Press Officer There will be a Coffee Morning in support of the lifeboats at the Village Hall on 12th September from 10am to 12midday There will be sales of cakes, books, jewellery, bric-a-brac and lifeboat souvenirs, as well as a raffle As always, all money raised will go directly to the lifeboats, helping to save lives at sea 14

10 St. MICHAEL S CATHOLIC CHURCH WALLS ROAD, BEMBRIDGE Joint Parish of St Mary s Ryde with St Michael s, Bembridge Parish Priest for both churches: Father Anthony Glaysher Tel: (01983) Parish Office: stmarysryde@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Parish web site: WEEKEND SERVICES ALL YEAR Saturdays: 6.00 pm Vigil Mass at Ryde Sundays: 7.45 am (said) Mass at Ryde 9.15 am (sung) Mass at Bembridge 9.15 am Mass at St Mary s Ordinariate mass Father Jonathan am Mass at both at both Quarr Abbey and St. Cecilia s Convent am (sung) Mass at Ryde Mondays: 2.00 pm Rosary St Michaels, Bembridge Tuesdays: 9.30 am Rosary & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament am (said) Mass at Bembridge 15

11 Newman Weekend 12 th /13 th September Report from St Michaels This is to commemorate the visit of Cardinal John Henry Newman to the Isle of Wight in the late 19 th century. He was an influential Victorian religious leader who founded the Oxford Movement. There will be an exhibition on his life at St Mary s and visiting speakers. Cardinal Newman Saturday 19 th & Sunday 20 th September Visit of Bishop Egan to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of St Michael s Church. There will be mass on Saturday morning, followed by lunch at the Spinnaker Hotel. Benediction at St Michael s at 3pm followed by a light tea at the church. The bishop will stay overnight and preach at mass on Sunday morning. Father Glaysher and Bishop Egan Annual Parish walk from Ryde to Quarr Abbey This will not take place in September this year having already taken place on Sunday 23 rd August. Yvonne Rowles 16

12 HOLY TRINITY CALENDAR Associate Priest: The Reverend Linda Bushell (400261) website: Churchwardens: Mrs Sheila Low (874306) Mrs Sally Davies (872864) During the vacancy please contact any of the above for church matters SUNDAY SERVICES 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (Book of Common Prayer) 10.30am Parish Communion with STEPPING STONES for children at Holy Trinity (Common Worship) 1st SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH (except January & Easter Day) 10.30am Thank God it s Sunday! Worship for all ages SEPTEMBER 2015 Wednesday 2nd 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am MU Corporate Holy Communion at St Luke s SUNDAY 6th THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 8.00am Holy Communion at Holy Trinity (BCP) 10.30am Thank God it s Sunday worship for all ages at Holy Trinity Monday 7th 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity Tuesday 8th 7.00pm Taizé worship & prayer at Holy Trinity Wednesday 9th 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s Saturday 12th 10.00am 6.00pm Ride and Stride Church Open for visitors with 11.30am 2.30pm Coffee morning and brunch in the Cloisters SUNDAY 13th THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) 10.30am Parish Communion with Stepping Stones at Holy Trinity Monday 14th 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity Wednesday 16th 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s 3.00pm Bereavement Triangle Group meets in the Cloisters 17

13 Saturday 19th 12.00noon Wedding of William Amery & Rosemary Drake-Knight at Holy Trinity SUNDAY 20th THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) 10.30am Parish Communion with Stepping Stones at Holy Trinity 4.00pm Chepstow Male Voice Choir Concert in Holy Trinity Monday 21st 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity Wednesday 23rd 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s SUNDAY 27th THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) 10.30am Parish Communion with Stepping Stones at Holy Trinity Rev d Canon Graham Morris talking about IDWAL MONDAY 28th MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity Wednesday 30th 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am Holy Communion at St Lukes BAPTISMS 19th July Louise Bottriell FUNERALS 2nd July John Whiteside 9th July Gwendoline Hartopp 24th July Peggy Crickmay 28th July Maureen Bean 30th July Pamela Stubbs WEDDINGS 18th July Robert Williams & Alice Harbord-Hamond 18th July Dominic Sothcott James & Hayley Brown 18

14 Rev. Frances Watson Ph SEPTEMBER 2015 CALENDAR MIDWEEK EVENTS AND SUNDAY WORSHIP Sunday 6th 10.30am Morning Worship Sylvia Ash, Local Preacher Saturday 12th 12.30pm Harvest Curry Lunch with Barbara Dickinson Sunday 13th 10.30am Morning Worship, Barbara Dickinson Former Missionary Nurse 6.30pm Our church is situated in Foreland Road 19 Prayer and Praise Service with Sacrament of Holy Communion Sunday 20th 10.30am Morning Worship June Parsons, Local Preacher Sunday 27th 10.30am Harvest Festival, Morning Worship Rev. Frances Watson Sacrament of Holy Communion ACTIVITIES AND GROUPS IN THE CHURCH Every Wednesday in month 10.00am Café Church discussing the previous Sunday s sermon and a look at the chosen Bible readings in more detail. An informal time learning from our joint experiences and different opinions. All Welcome (Restarts on 2nd September 2015) 2.45pm Wednesday Welcome A pleasant time of friendly fellowship with a varied programme to which all are welcome. Further details from : Val Pollard (Restarts on 23rd September 2015) Every Wednesday 6.30pm to Rock Solid in term time 7.45pm Activities nd Fun for School Years 5, 6 & 7 (Restarts on 16th September 2015) Every Thursday am to in term time 12 Noon Tots (During term time)

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17 BEMBRIDGE BOWLING CLUB Bembridge Bowling Club has enjoyed a satisfying season to date with some notable results. Congratulations, firstly to Clive Wade who reached the final of the men s county 4 wood championship. Clive and the eventual winner will represent the Isle of Wight at Leamington playing against other county finalists. A men s team of P Green, C Emms, C Wade, J Liddiard and B Davis won the Sandown Cup played for annually at Ryde Bowling Club in June which attracts many teams from various clubs across the Island. Not to be outdone, a ladies team of G Allen, R Emms, A Halls P Liddiard and J Robertson won the Jubilee Shield which is County competition played at Plessey Bowling Club. The well established Bembridge Tournament will take place from Sunday 30th August until Friday 4th September at Mitten Road. All visitors welcome to come along. Refreshments available. Alan Mayhew The REVD ALEX TANA will be holding a HEALING SERVICE on Wednesday, 30th September at 7pm in BEMBRIDGE VILLAGE HALL Come and join us as we come into the presence of God and experience His healing power. The meeting will be led by REVD ALEX TANA who is an International Speaker and founder of Rivers of Joy Ministries International which oversees over 200 churches in 20 nations. He has been a Pastor for many years, and is the author of a number of books. Alex lives on the Island and ministers in a number of churches both here and abroad. Come and let the healing presence of God touch you. Everyone welcome! 24

18 BEMBRIDGE LIBRARY JOINS THE TOURIST TRAIL Following an application in the spring to become an official Isle of Wight Tourist Information Point, Bembridge Community Library has successfully become the latest location to join the 15-strong voluntary island-wide network of tourist centres. Offering an extended range of literature covering island attractions, events, guides and accommodation information, the community library has now consolidated its position as a local information hub for Bembridge. For anyone visiting or holidaying on the Isle of Wight, Tourist Information Points provide all the inspiration needed to make the most of a stay, and, in Bembridge, thanks to the library s friendly volunteers, visitors will be helped to discover the best things to see and do, the best places to go and the easiest way to get there. You can pick up bus timetables, the ever-popular annual Bembridge and St Helen s Guide produced by the Bembridge Business Association, as well as leaflets and brochures covering the myriad tourist attractions on the Island, restaurants, accommodation choices and so much more. Supported by library management committee chairman Cclr Jonathan Bacon and lead volunteer Chris Brennan, library volunteers Richard Beet and Julie Hickman, who initiated the latest bid, were able to push the proposal to a successful conclusion. Said Chris Brennan: The library was already fulfilling a valuable tourism role by stocking and distributing local information. Now, with official backing, we can draw on wider resources and provide the service Bembridge residents and visitors deserve. The new Bembridge Tourist Information Point s opening hours mirror the current opening times for the library, namely: Monday (09:30 12:30 and 13:30 16:30), Wednesday (09:30 12:30), Friday (09:30 12:30 and 13:30 16:30) and Saturday (09:30 12:30). 26

19 The Ride and Stride The event takes place on Saturday 12th September Ride and Stride involves people of all ages raising money for repairs and restoration to the churches and chapels of the Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust. Walk, cycle, drive, ride or run to as many churches as you wish you will receive a list of all the churches on the Island that will be open on the day. Half the money you raise goes to your own church and half to the Trust. Holy Trinity Church will be open on the day, and we will also have a Coffee Morning and Brunch in the Cloisters from 11.30am to 2.30pm to raise funds for the Trust. Please contact Christine Ward, on , if you can help at Holy Trinity during the day or if you would like a sponsorship form to take part. PRAYER CIRCLE Would you like us to pray for you? We are a small prayer circle in the village willing to pray for anyone who asks us. We all have times when problems weigh heavily: maybe due to bereavement, money worries, ill health or family problems to name just a few. If you would like us to pray for you in confidence then just contact either Robert , Jean or Jackie (after 9am and before 7pm) 28

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21 ROCK SOLID RETURNS WHO IS IT FOR: SCHOOL YEARS 5 & 6.. and 7! WHERE: Bembridge Methodist Church WHAT DO WE DO: GAMES ACTIVITIES AND FUN! WHEN: Every Wednesday in term time pm HOW MUCH: 50p per person per evening WHY NOT FIND OUT MORE: avdlhough@hotmail.com Supported by the Parish and Methodist Churches PRAYER CONCERT FRIDAY 25th SEPTEMBER - AN EVENING OF CONCERTED PRAYER On Friday 25th September pm at Bembridge Methodist there will be a fifth in a series of Prayer Concerts for the island. The previous evenings held from April to July were a great encouragement and an uplifting way of praying together corporately. Each evening consists of times of open prayer, led prayers, silence, singing (unaccompanied) interceding, watching, waiting and listening to the word of God. Each section lasts approximately six or seven minutes and we use creative ways to pray e.g. on previous occasions we have prayed over a map of the world, used a huge floor map of the Isle of Wight to intercede for different areas of our diamond Island and we have also focussed upon our neighbourhoods. We also focus upon situations, organisations and agencies that need our prayers. Further prayer concerts are planned for October and November. Any queries please ask or Andrew Hough avdlhough@hotmail.com 32

22 Meetings: Friday September 4th at 7:15pm - Brian Kidd Friday September 18th at 7:15pm - Animals at Home Our meetings resume this month with a visit from Brian Kidd. Brian is President of the Friends of Ventnor Botanic Garden and gardening correspondent on the Portsmouth News. He s both a very knowledgeable gardener and a highly entertaining speaker, so it s an evening not to be missed Year of the Sunflower Jobs to do in September 1. This is a good time to give hedges their final trim of the year. There shouldn t be much more growth now, so they will retain their sharp outline throughout the winter. Always check there are no nesting birds or other wildlife first, and taper the sides slightly to allow light and moisture to reach the lower branches. Sunflowers have a lot going for them They re easy to grow and, with their cheerful faces, an ideal way of getting children interested in gardening. They re rich in nectar for bees and their seed is great for birds. They make a dramatic statement in the garden but are equally good as cut flowers. And sunflowers have come a long way from the traditional yellow variety you have to crane your neck to see. (The British record for the tallest sunflower, recorded at Wigan in 2014, stands at 26ft!) There are now lovely dwarf varieties such as Teddy Bear, multi-stemmed varieties and many different shades from cream to red. 2. Time spent looking after your lawn now will pay dividends next year. Scarifying (removing the thatch with a rake), aerating (pushing a garden fork into the soil) and applying a special autumn fertiliser and moss killer are all hard work but worth the effort. Finish off by using a halfmoon edger to neaten edges and create a smart finish. 3. Reward yourself with a visit to your favourite garden centre. They should all be full of springflowering bulbs now so you ll be spoilt for choice. With the exception of tulips, most are best planted right away so they have plenty of time to make good roots for a fine display next year. 33