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Heating the Minster

Your environmental task force have been busy the last few months.

As you may remember we were awarded a stage one demonstrator grant last year.

This has enabled us to have a detailed options appraisal for different heating systems which will help bring us towards ‘net zero’ and be more reliable than our current gas boilers (those of you who regularly use the upper room will have felt the chill recently!), and keep old father Willis happy.

The preferred options is to use air source heat pumps, linked to our current heating circuit, plus a few extra radiators, with some additional infra red for the cafe.

Some of the extra electricity this will require can be backed up by solar panels and batteries.

We have now appointed an engineering company to do detailed designs, an architect to support pre planning and faculty permission, a structural engineer to check the roof will cope, National Grid to review electrical requirements, and commissioned a bat survey!

This team will help us decide where to position the pumps (on the roof or in the churchyard?), and the next steps.

Fundraising

 The next step for us will be fundraising – watch this space, we will need your support and prayer.

Bike Racks

We continue to work towards getting bike racks installed in the churchyard, to encourage sustainable transport, and help protect our listed railings!

We have put in faculty applications, had several meetings and discussions with the County Council, and have a small grant from the Town Council towards costs.

We really hope to deliver on this project over the next year.

Churchyard

We have a close relationship with Somerset County Council in maintaining our churchyard. We are actively managing it to give more space for wildlife. This involves allowing some areas to grow, whilst mowing others, planting and caring for new trees, donation of a small pond and monitoring of the new species which has been incredibly rewarding.

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https://thechristmasorchestra.co.uk/

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The Royal Foundation has informed us that a gift donated by Hobbycraft is subject to an official recall, issued in coordination with Trading Standards.

While neither Taunton Minster nor the event organisers were aware of this issue at the time, it is our responsibility to ensure this information is shared as widely and clearly as possible.

Official Notice from The Royal Foundation

Dear Parent / Carer,

We are writing to inform you of an important safety notice relating to a craft box that may have been received at a Community Carol Service on 6 December 2024 at Taunton Minster.

Hobbycraft has recently issued a recall of certain Giant Craft Boxes. This recall is being undertaken in coordination with Trading Standards after independent testing identified traces of asbestos in a limited number of samples of the sand contained within the box.

We have been advised that the craft box distributed at the Community Carol Service you attended is among those included in the recall.

We appreciate that this information may be concerning. The safety and wellbeing of children and families is of the utmost importance, and we are working closely with Hobbycraft to manage this matter responsibly and in line with official guidance.

What to Do

• Stop using the product immediately.
• If the sand is still in its packaging:
  • Place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag
  • Double tape securely
  • Clearly label the bag
  • Store it safely out of the reach of children
• If the sand has been used:
  • Clean affected areas using wet cloths to avoid generating dust
  • Wear gloves and a mask
  • Double-bag the sand, gloves, mask, and cloths
• Keep children and others away from the area until cleaning is complete
• Return the sand vials to your nearest Hobbycraft store
  • If this is not possible, follow the steps above and dispose of the sand in your general household waste

At this time, there is no evidence of any injury or harm.

We apologise for any concern this may cause and thank you for your understanding.

If you have immediate concerns, please refer to the official recall advice issued by Hobbycraft or contact their Customer Service team on 0330 026 1400.

Kind regards,
The Royal Foundation

Additional Information

Affected product numbers:

• 6686021000
• 6505261000
• 6099201000
• 6597221000
• 6606171000

Further information is available via the official Hobbycraft recall notice:
Hobbycraft | Product Recall – Giant Box of Craft

Our Commitment

Taunton Minster takes the safety of all children, families, and visitors extremely seriously. While this issue was unknown at the time of the event, we are committed to sharing this information promptly and transparently, and to supporting families in following the appropriate guidance.

If you know of someone who attended the service and may not see this notice, please consider sharing it with them.

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• Paying for care
• Finding the right care home
• Specialist care
• Help for carers

The social care guide also gives you a comprehensive list of care providers in Somerset, so whether you’re looking for a nursing home for dad in Frome, or a home care service for mum in Taunton Deane, this health and social care directory can help you.

Social Care and Support for Adults – The Somerset Care Services Directory

Download Somerset 2026 Ebook PDF

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Being a demonstrator church also provides the opportunity to share what is learned so that other churches in Bath and Wells and neighbouring dioceses can be encouraged and supported on their own path to net zero and take important steps towards reducing our overall carbon impact.

Speaking about the award, Dan Wills Bath and Wells Net Zero Adviser said,

“We’re really pleased Taunton Minster has been chosen as a Demonstrator Church. It’s a great opportunity to explore what a realistic path to net zero looks like for a large and much-loved church building. The work they do will help other parishes in the diocese and beyond understand what’s possible and what support is available to help them get there.”

Taunton Minster is one of the larger churches in the Diocese of Bath and Wells. It is situated in the heart of the town. It has a dedicated and committed environment team who have worked for some time to improve energy efficiency at the church.

Nicola Johnson, the environment lead for Taunton Minster says, “We are delighted to have been awarded stage one of the Demonstrator Grant. It will

make a huge difference to the work we want to do here and also means we can share what we learn so that others can also take practical steps towards net zero. The church is such a big part of our lives, and it too has an environmental impact. If God has told us anything, it’s to look after creation.”

Under the stage one grant, The Minster will also have access to expert advice to identify the best low-carbon heating and energy options available to them, and fundraising advice to help raise the 50% match funding needed to qualify for the next stage of capital support.

The project will focus on identifying a suitable retrofit heating and energy system for the main church building. This will include exploring air-source heat pumps, infra-red heating and under-pew heaters, as well as feasibility work for solar panels and battery storage. The funding will also support design and procurement planning, and guidance on the right time to replace the church’s existing 2013 gas boiler.

Murray Cochrane is also a member of the Taunton Minster Environmental Task Force, he says the Minster’s congregation will be involved in all aspects of the decision making. And says the team are looking forward to working with other churches and diocese to support the work they are doing to reach net zero. “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to support others. At the beginning of our journey, we were often thinking. ‘Where do you go for this advice? How do you know what to do? So, it’s going to be great to be able to provide that advice to others. But the support will go both ways – every interaction with other churches brings learning for both sides.

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It is with great joy that we welcome Caryl Plewes to Taunton Minster as she prepares to be ordained on 28th June. Following this significant step into her ministry, we are delighted to announce that Caryl will deliver her first sermon at the Minster on Sunday 13th July, when she will be formally welcomed into our church community.

Caryl joins us at an exciting time of growth and renewal, and we look forward to walking alongside her as she begins this chapter of her vocation. Her presence among us is a blessing, and we are excited to support her as part of our contribute to the future leadership of the wider Anglican church.

Please do join us in prayer and fellowship as we celebrate her ordination and the gifts she brings to the life of Taunton Minster and the wider community.

Welcome, Caryl — we’re so glad you’re here.

Caryl’s Introduction

1. Tell us about yourself –
   • Your family:
     I have two young adult children, both at university.  Mike Eaton, my husband, is a semi-retired engineer and as a keen amateur musician spends much of his non-working time making music with the various bands he belongs to.  We have been married for 23 years.
   • What part of the country you are from?
     My family moved frequently in my childhood, which meant I went to three primary schools and three secondary schools.  We eventually settled in a small village south of Birmingham when I was 13.  I went to school in Edgbaston and then Bromsgrove for my A-levels, so this is where I say I am from.
   • What you like to do in your spare time?
     I enjoy singing and have been part of many choirs and church music groups.  Since having my family I have discovered the joy of tending a garden.  I also enjoy cooking and making things; I have made my own clothes in the past and have just made a rug out of old socks for my youngest daughter to take to university.
2. What did you do before you began your ordination training?
   • My career has been varied, beginning with academic research about fossils before switching career to be a project manager in the NHS.  I moved to Somerset to get married, and while my children were small, became the Parish Administrator for our church, St James in Yeovil.  After this my career took a different turn and I worked as a Family Link Worker for local charity ‘Yeovil 4 Family’.  When my first daughter started school I became a school governor and this led years later to my most recent job with school governance.  It was being made redundant from this job that began my journey towards ordination, exploring an idea that had been in the background since my twenties.
3. Can you outline a little of your faith journey?
   • It was through a teenage school friend that I first found out that Jesus wanted me to choose to follow him and this led me to be confirmed.  However, it was when I went to university that I really began to explore my faith and learn what being part of church meant.  Those university years gave me a love of the Bible, worship and talking about things of faith.  After leaving my university church I moved for jobs and belonged to some very different churches: I spent three years in a small Vineyard church in Redditch, an Independent Methodist church in Warrington and a large Church of England church in Muswell Hill in London.  They all taught me about what church is and even though music styles and liturgy can be very different, I could find a home with others who love Jesus.  After my marriage and our move to Yeovil we settled in St James where we have worshipped since, and this has been the church I have belonged to the longest.  There are blessings and challenges to staying, but this has been the church where I have been encouraged to grow and explore what ministry God is calling me into.  This began with being a Lay Worship Assistant, then a Reader and now being called to Ordination and moving away to follow that call.  My faith has grown and changed over the years, but still rests on my call from Jesus to follow him, trust him and that he will be with me and bless me through whatever arises.
4. And finally if you could tell us one unusual thing about yourself what would it be?
   • My friends and family know that occasionally, when we are out, I will suddenly stop and point out fossils in polished stone floors, walls, or pick up a belemnite or gryphaea fossil oyster in the gravel we are standing on (which I did recently in my mum’s garden).  My good friends admire the find with me, others have been known to march on, away from the embarrassment.

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The Digital Café will run every first and third Wednesday of the month, starting on Wednesday, 18th Septemberfrom 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Whether you are looking to build confidence in using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or you want to learn new digital skills, this is the place for you.

What Can You Expect at the Digital Café?

Our Digital Café is a welcoming and inclusive space where you can:

• Boost Your Confidence: Get one-on-one support with using your phone, tablet, or laptop. No more struggling with technology alone!
• Learn New Skills: Discover new ways to use digital tools that can improve your health, wellbeing, and everyday life.
• Get Access to Devices & Data: For those who may not have access to devices or the internet, the Digital Café can offer support and advice on how to get connected.

Why Join?

The world is becoming more digital by the day, and it’s easy to feel left behind. Whether it’s checking your emails, attending a virtual appointment, or staying in touch with friends and family, having confidence in using your devices can open up new opportunities and make life a little easier.

The Digital Café is free of charge and offers a supportive environment where you can ask all those “How do I…?” questions. It’s a place for anyone who struggles with digital technology or just wants to learn something new.

Plus, for those who don’t have the means to afford a device or internet access, the café will act as a hub to help you find solutions.

When and Where?

🗓 Every first and third Wednesday of the month
📅 Starting Wednesday, 18th September
⏰ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
📍 Taunton Minster, St Mary Magdalene

No need to book—just drop in and let us help you on your digital journey!

We can’t wait to see you at our first Digital Café. Whether you need help getting to grips with a new device or simply want to increase your digital skills, we’re here to help.

If you have any questions before your visit, feel free to get in touch with us at Taunton Minster. Together, let’s embrace the digital age and make technology work for everyone!

#DigitalCafe #TauntonMinster #SparkIT #DigitalInclusion #SomersetSupport

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