By the time you read this Pancake Day will be over and we will be into Lent.

If you are thinking “What do I give up for Lent?”, then, like most of us, don’t, and think “What can I try that is new and interesting?”

As well as buying up Easter Eggs, why not join our Lent course? At St Peter’s in Westfield we are running a Lent course every Wednesday at 7pm, in the Church, from February 25 until Easter and we will be looking at ‘The Lord’s Prayer’.

You don’t have to come every week but when you do it will be lively discussion than lectures and homework. All are welcome.

On a more fun note, we are holding a Silent Auction and Buffet Supper on February 28 from 7pm. This is a community social event so again please come in and join us.

For catering purposes, can you please email beforehand to [email protected]. The charge is £7.50 for adults and £5.00 for children.

On Ash Wednesday, new Bishop of Taunton Fiona Gibson was joined by Precentor at Wells Cathedral Tim Stevens, and Bishop’s Chaplain Kate Scott, in Wells Market Square to offer people the opportunity to take part in the Ashing Service.

Many local residents, traders and visitors joined with her to pause, pray, reflect and receive the sign of the cross with ashes on their forehead, or hand. Some also received the cross on a printed card which they could take home.

The ashes are usually made from palm crosses used in the previous year’s Palm Sunday. Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter.

Sharing why the ashes were being offered to people, Bishop Fiona said: “It was wonderful to take the offer of God’s love and forgiveness out to people where they are, where they are going about their ordinary business, just like Jesus did.

“He was frequently found meeting people in the marketplace, in their homes, or places of work; going to where they are to reach them with the love of God.”