When he saw the city he wept over it. Tears have been shed in so many cities There has been so much violence, wounding, fear and despair in New York, Madrid, Baghdad, Jerusalem and other places too numerous to mention. Yet if he came to those cities, to our cities we might welcome him as the deliverer, as the bringer of peace. He would get a great welcome but people are as fickle as we are and the mood can soon change to discontent and rejection. Palm Sunday is always happening in our world, there is expectation and excitement but there is also fear as to who might enter our city, our country. Will they bring hope and peace or will they come as occupiers to subdue? May we see our cities; shed more than a few tears and let peace and justice be our companions s we journey to them.

This is when the working week starts and he goes to the centre of business which happens to be a temple but traders have turned it into a market. There is a real push to have the culture of the market at the centre of our lives. Hospitals, schools and other public services benefit from the market. Materialism is very seductive and Mammon is our guide to prosperity. He disagrees and causes quite a storm; tables are upset and exploitation challenged. This place, this earth is for all the nations. In our best moments we may assent to this but in the real world, in the market place, as politicians seeking to persuade people to vote for us our prosperity and well-being come first. You have to be bold to confront the prevailing culture of the West, to clean up the temple.

He comes to the centre of power and those in authority do not like his approach. Princes, governors and leaders are sensitive about their importance and their position. They exercise rule, they may proclaim democracy and freedom and yet they restrict liberty and rights in the name of security. He challenges the High priests, the Romans and Herod, questions their faithfulness to their people and their stewardship. Words are exchanged, egos are bruised and stances are fixed that breathe seething resentment. It is always difficult to recognise and admit to failings. Who does he or she think they are? Leaders are not infallible, they need to say sorry and to be forgiven. Yes, and they need our prayers.

He needs a break from the stress and the pressure and finds rest and refreshment in a friend’s house. It’s salutary to retreat to an oasis of calm to recharge the batteries and to be with friends. May our homes be like that home in Bethany, havens of welcome and understanding in the midst of struggle. But soon the world breaks in and he experiences two contrasting acts. The woman massaged his body with expensive ointment, preparing him for the strife and what was to follow. The man hurried away to the authorities, betrayed his principles and sold his soul. How often sin and goodness are interwoven in our lives. May we confront the Judas in us that can spoil everything and let the Mary in us do something beautiful for God.

Sometimes things happen thick and fast. Today is like that. He takes a towel and a basin of water and washes his friends’ feet. This is a bit much for one of them; my feet are too dirty for you to touch. Nobody is too dirty, too smelly or too objectionable to be beyond your healing care. Then comes the meal when they all sit round the table, sharing and enjoying the company and trying to understand why he says remember this supper in the years ahead. A meal should be a social occasion, a time for sharing and remembering. But soon he is in the garden for his last moments of peace, reflecting and preparing for the morrow. In an instant the silence is broken; they come for him and take him away. Those who had their feet washed and shared the supper turn their backs in confusion and shame.

Today is called good and it does not seem so. He is brought before the powerful there is a trial of sorts and sentence is pronounced. Hands are washed and he is put to death It doesn’t seem fair, he is a good man who helped, healed and cared and now they are hurting him badly, they are killing him. But still he speaks and we need to listen.

The hungry are begging for food and water and we don’t know how to help them, to ensure our aid is given to them. Forgive us.

Wars scar people, lands, hands, his hands and feet. Forgive us

Earth’s beauty is destroyed, trees are cut down, rivers and seas are polluted. Forgive us

Arms and weapons of mass destruction are sold, terrorists are equipped and we are complicit in the cruelty and violence. Forgive us.

Yet perhaps today is good and future days will be good for all the nations he spoke about in the temple/market at the beginning of the week, but only if we listen to him and walk the way of love.

Fair trade fortnight runs from the 1st to the 13th of March and this year the focus of the campaign is the unique contribution the fair-trade mark is making to the way we shop and trade. “We are shopping with our hearts as well as our stomachs” (William Sutcliffe, The Guardian 7th August 2004)

Did you know that the UK is the largest market for fair-trade sales by volume and that Leeds is the UK’s largest fair-trade city?

Many small farmers and producers in the areas of Sri Lanka and Thailand hit by the tsunami will need the support that fair-trade brings them, by guaranteeing a fair and stable price for their produce and

providing extra income, fair-trade will help these people to rebuild their shattered lives.

Beginning in March, fair-trade coffee and tea will be offered as an option in St Mary’s Boston Spa. Whilst you do not have to take this up, please consider the difference choosing and using fairly traded produce has on the lives of those growing and producing it.

The Justice and Peace Group are also starting a small stall selling fairly traded products. For this to succeed, we need the support of everyone in our group of Churches. There are now over five hundred products available so we will only be stocking a limited selection, but if you have any requests, please contact me on 844591.
 

If you would be interested in helping in some way, large or small, please let us know and then we will get together and decide how best to divide up the work and how to proceed. At the moment we have four people willing to help, but we do need more. A team of no less than 12 volunteers is needed before we can consider taking it further.

We are already looking for sponsors, so if you are unable to help physically but would like to sponsor a flower bed, a hanging basket or trough please let us know.

Please contact or ring either of the following:-

Ernest or Meryl Nicholls Tel: 841195

Gillian Young Tel: 843129

Juliet Binns Tel: 841383

Elizabeth Hill Tel: 841000

Martin Batt Tel: 842220

Having watched, and taken part, in some very pleasant Beauty Demonstrations of Virgin Vie products by Christine, at our January meeting, our meeting in March is our Annual General Meeting.

This will be on Wednesday, 16th March at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall and will be followed by some special refreshments and, hopefully some audience participation activities!

Jean Dale

The group will continue to meet every Monday at the Methodist Church on Low Way between 10.00 am and 12.00 noon.

Anyone who is caring for a baby or toddler is welcome to come along with them to the session. We have a great selection of toys for the children to play with, in a safe and friendly environment.

If you require any further information, please contact Alison St John on 01937 541744 or call at 19 Firbeck Road, Bramham

To update readers on what has happened in January….

Users of the Village Hall will find new small tables available for use. These will replace the old and worn round tables that have seen better days. The committee hopes that they are suitable for most events. They were purchased with grants we received in 2004.

During the February half term the floors in the main hall and supper room were stripped and polished by Kevin, the school caretaker. They positively sparkle and gleam. Thanks to Kevin for 3 days of hard work. The committee hopes that users of the hall will try to minimise damage to the floors

We are still trying to obtain quotes for the various planned works that the hall requires. It is disappointing that we struggle to find businesses willing to quote and without the quotes we cannot apply for the many grants available to the hall.

Forthcoming events:-

19th March 2005 – an evening of Indian music and food. For more information contact Paul French (01937 845266).

5th April 2005 – Village Hall AGM 8.00 pm in the supper room. Users of the hall will be particularly welcome.

Can we remind those who have draw numbers and have expressed a desire to pay by standing order, that the payments should start in 2005. Please make sure your bank has been provided with the mandates. Further mandates available from Tess Ferres.

The winning numbers in December were 70(£25), 21, 54, 59, 99, 100, 115, 127, 138, 148, 152 (all £5) Christine Suddaby on behalf of the Village Hall Committee.

We shall be decorating Bramham Church for Easter on the morning of Saturday 26th March from 10.00 am.

If you would like to help we should be delighted to see you.

Even if you feel unable to arrange flowers, we would welcome help with clearing up and carrying buckets!!!

“We are delighted to hear that the Prince of Wales and Mrs Parker Bowles have decided to marry. They are making a serious commitment to each other and we pray that it will enrich their love for each other and be a source of strength for them both.

We are sure that a civil ceremony followed by a service of prayer and dedication by the Archbishop of Canterbury is the right way forward for the Prince and Mrs Parker-Bowles, and we wish them every happiness”

A PASSAGE TO INDIA VIA BRAMHAM

Shruti & Sawa Teen in Concert

On the 19^th March 2005, Bramham Village Hall will be transformed into an exciting cultural hub, featuring inspiring music and delicious food originating from the Indian subcontinent. The event is one of the stops on the Raagtime tour – a tour of new South Asian music that has been put together by SAA-uk (South Asian Arts – uk).

The evening start at 7:30 pm with some tasty Indian snacks to warm everyone’s palettes. A concert will follow, showcasing two new music groups –Shruti and Sawa Teen.

Shruti’s music will take you on an unforgettable journey of the mind, body and spirit through the exploration of North Indian Classical raags. This group’s unique sound combines both Indian and Western instruments, creating rich textures and colourful musical tapestries. The

instruments played include sitar, santoor, vocals, oboe, cello and tabla.

Sawa Teen’s music (which they write themselves) is a true blend of Eastern and Western sounds from Jazz to Indian, with Arabic, Flamenco and Eastern European influences also in evidence. The instruments played include sitar, vocals, saxophone, guitar, bass and tabla.

The evening will round-up with an authentic Punjabi vegetarian meal, cooked by a chef with over 40 years experience! The night promises to leave audiences inspired and well-fed!

The Raagtime tour has made two stops so far in Leeds & Otley, where performances have garnered high praise from audiences; comments such as: “A fantastic evening! I felt transported to another place and it was amazing!” being typical of the audience’s response.

Tickets are available by calling 01937-845266 (open Mon-Fri 6pm to 10pm, Sat & Sun 10am to 4pm). Book in advance to guarantee your place as numbers are limited!

For more information about the rest of the tour, contact SAA-uk on 0113 244 5523 or info@saa-uk.org.uk. Or check out their website at www.saa-uk.org.uk.

Paul French

Recently moved to Bramham?

Bramham Drama Group is a local dramatic group made up of villagers from all walks of life who enjoy putting on amateur productions of a high standard. We also meet for social events when we are not rehearsing.