Church artists produce Christmas cards to help cancer charity

A SET of colourful Christmas cards has been produced to support a charity push by a West Somerset church - thanks to the artistic talents of parishioners, one aged just nine years.
Matthew Legg was the youngest member of Minehead’s Sacred Heart Church whose drawing of a shepherd was chosen to feature on one of the church’s cards.
Matthew, who is an altar server at the Catholic church, said: “I drew the shepherd because Jesus is a shepherd to everybody. And I drew the sheep because a shepherd needs a sheep!”
Manger paintings by Judy Hollier and Jackie Moore feature on the other two cards in the series.
Judy said: “I enjoy painting for fun. I am really pleased that my manger scene has been made into a Christmas card. I hope people will enjoy sending it to friends and family.”
Sacred Heart parish priest, Father Michael Thomas said: “The cards were chosen from a large number of entries submitted by parishioners as part of a little competition.
“Local artists Alex Courage and Glyn Stringer joined me in selecting the designs. It was a tough choice, but it was lovely to see so many fantastic paintings and pictures.
“We were bowled over by the wide range of talent we have in Minehead.”
The parish community was asked to vote on the good cause they would support with the proceeds of the card sales, and they decided on Macmillan Cancer Support.
Father Michael said: “Several parishioners have fought cancer this year and I think this was on our minds when we thought about how we could help people.
“If we sell all our cards, we could raise about £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
“We are praying each week for the valuable work of the Macmillan nurses. Leading up to Christmas, we will be giving support to patients in our local hospices.”
The cards are on sale at the Sacred Heart Church, in Townsend Road, at £4 for a set of 10. Minehead Tourist Information Centre, in Friday Street, is also stocking the cards.
Father Michael said: “If people from further afield would like to buy some cards they can give me a call on 01634 702201 or drop me an email at minehead@cliftondiocese.com.”
The cards have been printed by Friday Print, in Mart Road, Minehead.

• Our photographs show (top) Father Michael Thomas with artists (left to right) Judy Hollier, Matthew Legg, Jackie Moore; (below) Matthew Legg’s drawing of a shepherd. Photos submitted.
  

Young soloists delight audience at second concert

A SECOND soloists concert was presented in Alcombe Methodist Church by Jeannette Owen, who selected the performers for their talent and conscientiousness.
During the evening, there was an announcement of successful auditions by Abigail Munson (flute) and Wilfred Owen (clarinet), who had been accepted by the Somerset County Youth Concert Band.
Their audition pieces were performed as part of the programme.
Also included in the concert were ‘Turkey in the Straw’ (trad) by Edita Knight - piano, ‘Tanz des Burgermeisters’ by Holly Pye - clarinet, ‘Georgia on my Mind’ (Carmichael) by Dan Thompson - clarinet, ‘Allegro’ (Mozart) by Sophie Lintern - flute, and ‘The Billiard Sonata’ (Giardini) by Abi Owen - viola.
Pianists Lydia Cunningham-Thole, Tayla-Jayne Healy, and Yolita di Filippo played well, as did Wilf Owen on bassoon with ‘Teddy Bears Picnic’, which everybody foot-tapping.
Abi Owen's solemn opening on saxophone with ‘Marche des Funebre’ (Mozart) held the listeners’ attention, as did her brother Bertie’s trumpet solo ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ (Elgar).

• Our photograph shows the young musicians, including Ellie Stone, in Minehead’s Alternative Quartet, who played ‘Rondo’ (Boccherini) arranged for two flutes, viola, and bassoon, with teacher and accompanist Jeannette Owen. Photo submitted.