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	August 2003				Oatlands shearer,Don Fish impressed everyone with his demonstration of hand-shearing     The newly-shorn fleece became the 'altar cloth' in the shearing shed 'church'.
		The sheep was shorn . . .the fleece was blessed . . .and God was thanked by Bruce Mitchell
			A Patronal Festival with a difference was held in the woolshed at Lowes Park, Woodbury in the Southern Midlands on St Peter and St Paul's Day, 29 June. Anglican and Roman Catholic parishioners were joined by Uniting Church people to celebrate the dedication festivals of St Peter's Anglican and St Paul's Catholic Churches in Oatlands. Ian, Margaret and Chris Headlam, (yes, it was their son who had an altercation with a bull in Spain!), made their shearing shed available for this joint celebration. They went to a good deal of trouble to ensure that this ancient service of 'The Blessing of the Fleece' went smoothly. They even 'borrowed' a couple of sheep in full wool from a neighbour so that one could be hand-shorn by Don Fish, an Oatlands shearer. Dying art After the opening prayers and a reading from 2 Corinthians 9, reminding us of God's generous provision, Don Fish decided that he would hand-shear the sheep on the classing table so all could see. He demonstrated the dying art of hand-shearing and the speed and precision of his work was most impressive. Young children, parents and grand-parents were fascinated by the demonstration, with many remarking that they had not actually seen a sheep shorn, let alone hand-shorn. After the sheep was shorn the fleece was thrown on the classing table and then became the 'altar cloth' on which were placed the Christian symbols of the cross and lighted candles. Various items essential to the wool industry, a hand knitted jumper and woven Tasmanian Tartan scarf were presented and placed on the table. God's blessing was then asked on those involved in rural industry and those who produce the things necessary for our life and welfare. Squeezed Giving thanks to God was the theme of the intercessions; for the 'fruits of the earth', for the life of God's church in the Southern Midlands and all the blessings which he has so richly poured upon us. People from each of the churches took part and contributed to a very happy celebration and around 60 people of all ages squeezed into the shed and enjoyed a picnic and barbeque lunch following the service. Repeat Despite the rather chilly weather, a good day was had by all and requests were made to repeat a successful ecumenical gathering. Plans are already being made to do this on the 31st August at Melton Mowbray.