Society of Mary and Martha at Sheldon

Reader reviews/comments on The Fat Pigeon Flies are reproduced uncensored and unedited below. If you have read the book and would like to add your comments, please email them to Sheldon.

I read it with immense thanksgiving and appreciation for all that has been accomplished at sheldon. You told the story with great warmth and humour. It was heartening to read how so many obstacles and set backs had been overcome by prayer, ingenuity and humility. Your own story is a bit of a parable about what you are helping others to do: for that reason it gives real authenticity to your ministry. Adrian Dorber.

During my stay I read "The Fat Pigeon Flies". It was such an inspiration to me. An amazing read ... a light-hearted warm detailed account of the birth & unfolding of a great vision.

I enjoyed reading The Fat Pigeon Flies - beautifully produced and illustrated, the book is a real testament to all you are and do. Although my Sheldon memories don't go back too far, I was intrigued by how everything has developed over the years. I had not seen the old chapel after its recent upgrade, and found it a very special space; the photograph of the building half standing gave an added depth to that experience.

Having picked up the Fat Pigeon Flies last night I couldn't put it down and was very late to bed (hopefully not undoing all the good work of the previous few days at Sheldon). Most of the names meant very little: it was rather the encouragement of generous faith and enormous sacrifice. I knew there was a cost to your ministry, but had not appreciated the extent. Nor did I realise quite how fragile the economics have been in the past. It makes it a little easier to face the huge financial and spiritual challenges here to have read your story, and increases my gratitude for your ministry.

A great read: humbling and awe-inspiring. Ann McKenzie.

I have just finished reading your new book - it's very well written,
beautifully produced and a good read! Congratulations to all
concerned.
I can add a little detail - the photo on Page 14 includes me (back
row at far right, with my head on one side as ever!) and my friend
from school who came with me to that workparty, Sue Roberts, who is
the second from the right in the front row. Martine spotted me,
which was pretty good considering he didn't know me that young!!
Ruth Somerville

Hi folks - book has arrived and I'm reading it avidly - great publication and good value! (you can quote me if you wish) Janice Lamb

I received my copy of the book last week and must congratulate on a good story well told. Terry Drummond (full review)

The Fat Pigeon Flies is a lovely publication. If it didn't sound so patronising, I'd say "Well done", but it does, so I won't! Suffice to say I've enjoyed reading it immensely. Richard Allen

Mum bought me a copy of the book which is a fascinating read and successfully delaying my bedtimes. I hardly knew what happened at Sheldon and regret not thinking of it for my gap year. Alison Roberts

I read the book cover to cover with my cuppa and after lunch rest, I could not put it down. It is presented in such an interesting way with the varied photos and chapters. Privileged to get a mention and a photo in it!!! Memories flooded in. Before I bought it I had thought and hoped it might be dedicated to dear Steve. Jill Halliwell

Thank you for sending The Fat pigeon Flies. I really, really enjoyed it. It brought back such a lot of happy memories. I so enjoyed my time as chaplain to Sheldon. Derek Atkinson

This is just to let you know that The Fat Pigeon landed safely in Maitland (Australia). I must say I am very impressed by the Sheldon book which must have taken ages to put together as well as unearthing all the photos that illustrate how it has grown over the years. Do congratulate Sarah too for the excellent layout and design. It really is a joy to read and I feel I know much more now about how Sheldon does work and everything that goes on behind the scenes. It is amazing what just a few of you have achieved over 21 years and how quickly the time seems to have flown. John Rushby

I received the book as a Xmas present from mum and read it with great interest. A great read. Interesting and well written with good pics so I could read it like a comic! Congratulations to you all. I look forward to the sequel! John Robbins

"Congratulations on 'The Fat Pigeon Flies' - fascinating and fun!" Peter Wadsworth

I am still taking the book slowly - deliberately to make it last! - and enjoying it - as I said before, I am finding it most interesting, for I was working in other parts of the country when all these things were happening. I think it's a most inspiring and visionary story. Margaret Godsland.

What a great success your new book looks and what a lot of work! Thank you so much. Judy Grimes

I LOVE your book and will write about it in the New Year! Mavis Eccles

I have to say that I think the "Fat Pigeon" book is excellent! An awful lot of work has obviously gone into it and what comes across is just how much hard work and care you have all put into making the place and ministry what it is today. Glasses of champagne all round! I notice from the back cover that Sarah is looking particularly distinguished these days and not at all the wan hippy-look-alike on p20. I learnt several things I hadn't known such as the spotting of a naked staff member by a CA officer, and was pleased to hear that Sue is more mobile these days. Hadn't realised that Bob had also produced some Sheldon Offices. I'd have been interested to see how different they were from those old ones of mine. You did ask for any instances of where others' memories differed from those in the book. I noticed a couple of minor things: I seem to remember having something to do with beach missions in Dawlish and Torquay (p98) and concerning the Christ the Servant statue, it was my idea and remember paying the fee out of the sale of lambs. Admittedly I was remiss in making the artist wait for her cash which was unthinking of me, but I don't think I left Carl to find the money. Er ... am I hallucinating? Anyway, I do hope I'm well enough to see you next year and hope the 21st birthday goes well. Stephen Colver

I opened your book with great pleasure, looking at the quality of the paper I knew that you had gone for quality not cheapness. I just hate books on poor paper. I was so very pleased to see that you had dedicated the book to Steve, he would have been very pleased with all your hard work, thank you so much, it means a lot to me to know that others still think of him with affection. I read the book with interest and it is very clearly set out and not at all pompous or dry but very funny in places, mind you with so many alterations over the years I would not know my way round now. I am amazed, but very pleased that you kept all those records and photographs over the years. All the very best to all at Sheldon. Wendy Thompson (Steve's Mum)

"This is a fascinating read for all supporters of the Society of Mary and Martha who are interested in the history of the Society, and what went before. I have seen the development of Sheldon, and at times been closely associated with the Community, over a period of some thirty years, and this book has taught me a great deal that I did not know before. It is a must for your book list." Sheila Atkinson.

This is just to let you know how much I have enjoyed reading "The Fat Pigeon Flies". As a supporter of Church Army from when a mission was held in our parish in the 1950s I read of them buying Sheldon, and how Carl 'bought them out' a few years later.Then when I was on our Deanery Synod we had a presentation on the Society of Mary and Marhta. Imagine my surprise when I found it was the same place, with Carl still in charge! So I began supporting you at once, and later became a Friend, and have recommended your care to various clergy acquaintances of various denominations. I've really enjoyed reading the history of the community and premises, and 'seeing behind the scenes'. Thank you for the opportunity. June Kirkland.

"I much enjoyed the Fat Pigeon, it is a very well produced and written book, and I expect it will serve to increase the ‘reach’ of Sheldon, partly because it is so interesting and attractive." Mark Beedell

"This is the autobiography of a small, remarkable lay Community set in the heart of Devon. In 2008 it will be 21 years since Carl Lee and his wife Sue had the vision and determination to begin their ministry of care, compassion and support for those in ordained ministry who were finding life difficult. It is a story told with honesty, openness and integrity in which all the Community members share with us their joys and sorrows and vulnerabilities. The development of their buildings in order to serve the needs of those who come is deeply moving. The highest standards have been achieved but not without frustrations and anxieties along the way! Their ministry is extended to all and they offer a wide-ranging programme of activities both residential and day, and welcome those who wish to enjoy the fun and excitement of their extensive grounds. The joyful way each new step has been celebrated over the past 21 years is evidence of the warmth, affection and appreciation in which this unique community is held in many hearts and prayers, both near and far. Throughout this transformation, and at the heart of their Community life, run the golden threads of stability, compassion, hospitality and pastoral care. Always looking to the future, the Community is seeking to increase its own membership as the opportunities arise. Here is a unique lay vocation for those ready to be used by God in his service on a long or short term. Read the book, visit Sheldon, and allow God to guide. Richard Gilpin.