Langford Chapel - the home of Langford Evangelical Church
Blackmoor, Lower Langford, North Somerset, England
"Holding forth the word of life" (The Bible, Philippians Chapter 2 v.16)
Pastor: George Beacham
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Archives
Too useful to bin!
Some of the information which has appeared on our news page and other photos and items continue to be of interest to visitors to our website, so we have collected them here.
Why do we oppose all forms of clairvoyance and other occult practices?
What is wrong with the occult? (pdf file)
George's first Pastor's Anniversary
On Sunday 14th November 2010 we celebrated the first anniversary of our Pastor's induction with a Fellowship Tea before the evening service. George and Christine say a big "Thank you" to everyone for this and all the expressions of Christian love and support.
Diamond Jubilee
As a fitting conclusion to the Diamond Jubilee weekend celebrations, we arranged a Thanksgiving Service on the evening of 5th June 2012.
A good number of local people joined us to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen and to thank God for her. Appropriate hymns and prayers were interspersed with audio recordings. A gracious letter from Her Majesty to the Church was read to the congregation. The Pastor shared personal reflections about the Queen and the evening concluded with refreshments and fellowship.
Church Rambles
We arrange occasional rambles to which all are welcome. A few reports from these, taken from our old news pages, are reproduced below.
Accounts of some of our rambles
West Twin Brook - September 2012
We resumed our rambles with a short circle around Burrington Combe. Unusually, this was an afternoon walk and we enjoyed warm sunshine. Meeting at the "Rock of Ages" car park, we made our way past the cleft in the rock, which is said to have led to the composition of the famous hymn, following the roadside path till turning sharply right towards Sidcot Swallet. Declining the chance to become cave explorers, we crossed and re-crossed the West Twin Brook, heading uphill to the lower slopes of Blackdown. Crossing the almost empty brook for the last time we continued upwards to the East Twin Brook and shortly afterwards came out of the trees, enjoying the extensive views to our left. After a gentle uphill stretch we turned left and down to the road, crossing it to reach Burrington Ham. The steep downhill path afforded magnificent views on this clear day. Then down the lane, with final glimpses over to Wales to return for a picnic near our starting point.
Rambling around Chew Magna
Chew Court drive
Our walk in September 2011 started in Chew Magna, at the gate of St. Andrew's Church. After strolling down the impressive drive of Chew Court, we crossed the road and entered meadows to follow the River Chew for a short way. Veering off across the fields by a waterfall we then joined the track to Stanton Drew. After walking through more farmland, we took a lane and then climbed a small hill to a pretty wooded area. We passed several horses grazing before climbing a hill to Newtown. Shortly afterwards we made the steep ascent of Knowle Hill to enjoy the sweeping view of Chew Valley Lake. Though it was a dull day the rain held off for our picnic before we made our way back to Chew Magna along a green lane and the riverside. The sun smiled on us as we got back to the start - but we consoled ourselves with the fact that during eleven different rambles we were never forced to cancel through weather. How about joining our next one? All are welcome, you don't have to come to our Church! Get the details by using the link on our Secure Contact Page.
Around Hutton
Looking towards Crook Peak
After a two month gap, we decided to run two rambles in August 2011, on the 6th and 13th, to enable more to have an opportunity to join in. Early rain on the first outing cleared up and on a cool, somewhat cloudy day we climbed the steep hill from Hutton through the woods, before following the hillside to cross Canada Combe. Glimpses of sea views were followed by dramatic sweeping vistas as we climbed a track to reach the highest point of our circle. Then we descended through more woodland to reach Windmill Hill and a welcome break at the Millennium Walk picnic site just above the village. Following this marked walk for a while, we crossed farmland and a small wood to reach the road. From here we went over a rhine and entered Locking village. Another footpath brought us back into Hutton. The following week's walk followed exactly the same route and the weather was similar.
Everyone is welcome on our rambles - get the details by using the link on our Secure Contact Page.
Litton Ramble
Picnic view
This was the ninth ramble and the fifth of 2011. It took the form of an easy, almost level circle. Starting from Litton we went across fields to join a lane into woods. It was a breezy day but dry and we made good progress to more open country. Crossing a common we finally came to the Upper Litton reservoir before reaching the dam and enjoying the view over the Lower Litton reservoir. A gentle stroll beside the water and along an old mill leat was followed by a quiet lane back to our starting point.
Ramble in Rowberrow
Rowberrow at the end of winter
Setting off from near the Swan Inn at Rowberrow in March 2011 under an almost cloudless sky, we descended into Rowberrow Bottom and followed the stream, climbing steadily and then more steeply to reach Tynings Farm and enjoy the fine views. A short stiff climb took us to the edge of Blackdown where even more dramatic scenery awaited us. A short length of track brought us back to the edge of the woodland and the long downhill route back to the ford we had crossed earlier. Up the last hill to reach the edge of Shipham and then along the track to rejoin the lane which took us back to the starting point.
The sixth ramble
At Dolebury Fort
This was our second outing in 2011 and we had fine weather, the sun coming through as we walked. Leaving our transport at the bottom of Burrington Combe, we climbed up The Link a short distance before taking the footpath into Mendip Lodge Woods. This pleasant stretch brought us to Dolebury Warren and another climb to the Fort. This was probably easier going for our four-footed friend Daisy seen in the photo above! After a break, we retraced our steps for a while, before skirting the foot of Blackdown to pass Bos Swallet and return via The Link. Anyone can join our rambles - if you want to know about future events, please use our Secure Contact Page.
First ramble of 2011
View from Wrington Hill
This was our fifth church ramble. After a great deal of rain, a dull start gave way to sunshine as we left Congresbury on 8th January 2011. First heading along the bank of the River Yeo, we then struck off across fields, passing through the rare breeds farm of our good friend, Andrew Sheppy. A steady uphill climb into woods, with a coffee break, brought us out to more open vistas on Wrington Hill. A long muddy descent into Wrington was followed by the last stretch back beside the river to complete the circle. Anyone is welcome to join our rambles, whether you worship with us or not. You can find out more by using our Secure Contact Page
Our fourth ramble
In Rodney Stoke
We set off again on a dull but dry morning from Draycott on 13th November 2010 and after initially following the route of the old Strawberry line, commenced the stiff climb up the spectacular Batcombe Hollow before making our way along Draycott Sleight. A slippery descent through Stoke Woods brought us to the pretty village of Rodney Stoke where we saw the waterfall pictured above. A level walk past the church and the many strawberry plantations led us back to our starting point for refreshment.
Our third ramble
In the Congresbury Estate woods
This was a circular route starting in Goblin Combe near Cleeve and we set off on a dry but chilly morning on Saturday 16th October 2010. This time six walkers (and a well-behaved dog) enjoyed the Autumn air and colours as we followed a track through the trees of the Combe then up to the higher ground of Wrington Hill before returning on the permissive path through the Congresbury Estate.
Our second ramble
Blagdon Lake
After the success of our August outing, eight people had enlisted for the next ramble on 11th September. Sadly, last minute hitches meant some had to drop out. The rain had gone off early so we set off from Blagdon and were almost immediately rewarded with a stunning view of the lake. Then followed a stiff climb out of the village to the top of the hill. Having paused for breath, the green Leaze Lane was easier and took us to a very special viewpoint in Ubley Drove. A sharp descent to Ubley village was followed by a picnic before returning over meadows and along a wooded path.
A special Aroma
On Saturday 28th August 2010 the monthly Aroma coffee morning took on a special flavour (sorry!) when a larger than usual number gathered. Combining the morning with the second "Food for thought" event meant extra goodies and a talk from Kathy Brooking on how she became a Christian and why her faith means so much to her.
Kathy chats to a visitor after her talk
An Irishman's story
The late Joe Noble
Our preacher for the evening service on 22nd August 2010, Joe spoke about Heaven and also related something of his early life in Ireland. He is a fine singer and included an appropriate solo during the service.
August ramble
Burrington Ham
On Saturday 7th August 2010 a small group met at the chapel in a heavy downpour and wondered whether to go ahead. A bold decision was made and when we reached the starting point at the bottom of Burrington Combe, the rain had stopped! Though the first part of the route, up onto the Ham was walked in dull weather, the sun finally came out. Dropping down to the top end of Blagdon, a picnic lunch overlooking the lake was enjoyed. Then we turned towards Rickford along the pretty walk through the woods. The charming scene of the quiet hamlet with its stream preceded the final leg back to Burrington. A second walk is planned for 11th September - make sure you don't miss it!
African triumph
We were delighted to see the chapel virtually full on 1st July 2010 for the quarterly get-together of North Somerset evangelical churches (P1:5). The speaker's subject was "Africa - Tragedy or Triumph?" He encouraged us by bringing the good news of the spiritual prosperity seen among African churches. It was a challenge to easy-going English Christianity.
Happy day at Langford
The wedding of Jane Lee and Stephen Blackwell took place on Saturday 20th February 2010. Jane attended the Church in earlier years and came back here for her big day. The marriage was conducted by the Rev. David Godfrey.
Ordination and Induction Service
Left to right: Rev. G. Bryn Jones (Moderator); Pastor George Beacham; Rev. William Summers (George's former Tutor).
On November 14th 2009 George Beacham was ordained to the ministry and inducted as Pastor (Minister) of the Church. Over 80 people attended the service, despite appalling weather and the road works affecting access. It was conducted by the Moderator, the Rev. G. Bryn Jones, and an address was given by George's former tutor, the Rev. William Summers. CD recordings made by our friend Ray Burgess are still available.
George and his wife Christine thank all those who came and encouraged us; those who helped and those who sent greetings and cards. They pray for God's blessing on you all and look to the Lord to bless the Church and through it the community around.
Read more about our Pastor on the About us and our friends page.
Langford Link
Back issues
You can read pdf copies of a selection of our older newsletters here.
Recent issues are on the news page.
Photos from our old website
Extension
On 3rd February 2007 we officially opened a new extension to the building. It has a fine modern kitchen and accessible toilet. It was carefully designed by architect Mr. Lyndon Hughes of Bath to blend in with the Church and to conform to Conservation Area requirements. Building work was carried out by Mr. John Vowles of Redhill.
We were pleased to welcome Mrs. Frances Gentry, the wife of one of our visiting preachers, to perform the opening ceremony.
