AN endless stream of visitors, being mistakenly asked to join the Mother's Union - these are just some of the experiences of a vicar's husband.

A new website, ironically titled www.cucumbersandwiches.org, provides a forum for spouses of clergywomen to share their experiences and tips on how to keep sane.

The site created by Barry Irvine, husband of Hampshire vicar, the Rev Kate Romsey, contains useful advice, such as how to keep toddlers occupied during church activities and using a shed "to sit in while the chaos passes you by."

For Gwent vicar's husband Christ-opher Powell, of St Thomas' Vicar-age, Monmouth, one way of coping is to harness all the fun of the fair.

Civil servant Mr Powell, 36, works in Newport four days a week and is a big fan of funfairs.

He has a small carousel 'Frogitt' game in his back garden which he brings out for fetes, and runs a candyfloss stall each Saturday at Monmouth market.

His wife, the Rev Valerie Powell, 35, is in charge of the Monmouth group of parishes. She took over nine months ago.

Mr Powell said: "Our lives are different. She doesn't like fairground rides because they make her sick and I don't do the God thing. Sunday is my day of rest and it's her busy day."

Mr Powell is a self-confessed atheist.

But far from their marriage being a recipe for constant theological arguments, his clergywoman wife regards the difference in beliefs as an asset.

"Actually, it helps keep my feet on the ground," Mrs Powell confessed.

"It allows me to communicate with the non-religious world!"