December 2019 - January 2020 Price 50P

December 2019 - January 2020 Price 50p

FOLLOW THE STAR

Well, it’s happening already, and we still have some time to go. That Christmas thing! As soon as the pumpkins have gone, the novelty gifts appear, and I’m trying to think positively about it all. Soon everywhere you go you’ll hear the same music, a glorious mixture of the old (Hark the Herald), the seasonal (Deck the halls) and the popular, with the Pogues and Slade stealing the show, all competing for the top sing-a-long slots, as you queue up at the checkout. And I really, really, really don’t want to get fed up about it, because I think that the Christmas story is one of the best stories ever - when God became a human being and said to each one of us (before Mariah Carey had sung a note), ‘All I want for Christmas is YOU!’ So – come and join us - and “Follow the Star” - as we sing and worship throughout the Mission Community. The times, dates and venues are in the middle pages.

And in the meantime, just to whet your appetite, put on your Christmas Jumper, and croon along with me! I’m dreaming of a white Christmas I’m dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know With stockings full of precious things Where treetops glisten and children listen That we bought last summer To hear sleigh bells in the snow Each one a stunner Don’t search in vain for diamond rings! I’m dreaming of a white Christmas There’s not a freezing church in sight I’m dreaming of a white Christmas With all heating working That just keeps going on and on. And plumbers lurking And the love of Jesus To keep us warm through Christmas night. It thrills and frees us Despite the length of each sermon !! I’m dreaming of a white Christmas Where every church is full of song I’m dreaming of a white Christmas And the people love it Blessings to each community. And rise above it And this rhyme is tricky If they cannot sing along. It’s very tricky.. To rhyme and scan like Calverleigh … I’m dreaming of a white Christmas And there’s a love for old and new. Where there’s no complaining No spirits waning And a bum on every pew. Wishing you peace and joy this Christmas I’m dreaming of a white Christmas and throughout 2020 With shepherds starring in a play. And in striped pyjamas Steph Three kings on llamas Bring socks for Jesus in the hay. Please read additional information from Steph on Page 3, 10 & 11

Copy Deadline for February / March 2020 issue Monday 13 January 2020 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020

THE EXE VALLEY CHURCHWARDEN CHILDREN’S MISSION COMMUNITY CONTACT DETAILS GROUPS Calverleigh, Cruwys CALVERLEIGH EXE VALLEY TODDLERS Morchard, Loxbeare, Aubrey Goldsworthy 01884 255248 (For under 5ives) [email protected] Friday mornings during Term-time Jackie Herniman 01884 255814 Oakford, Rackenford, at Calverleigh Village Hall [email protected] Stoodleigh, Templeton, 10 am - 12 noon CRUWYS MORCHARD Washfield and Withleigh Toys, snacks, songs and more !! Diana Vincent 01363 860227 For more information contact [email protected] Sophie Webber on 07792259081 Sarah Cruwys 01884 860287 [email protected] [email protected] You can also find us on Facebook RECTOR LOXBEARE Ron Tidball 01884 881362 EDITORIAL The Rectory, Withleigh, [email protected] Jean Heard 01884 881400 Tiverton, EX16 8JQ [email protected] Tel: 01884 250417 OAKFORD Email : Steph@ Wendy Boynton 01398 351383 exevalleymissioncommunity.org [email protected] Dawn Williams 01398 324035 [email protected]

PERSONAL ASSISTANT RACKENFORD Patience Strong Please contact Personal Assistant Stephen Hirst Steven Hirst We are very fortunate this year, that Steph C/O The Rectory Details in first column has waved her magic wand and conjured up three opportunities for us all to take Tel: 01884 250417 STOODLEIGH Holy Communion this Christmastide. Email: office@ Margaret Cuningham 01398 351252 Two are on Christmas Eve and one is exevalleymissioncommunity.org [email protected] Christmas Day morning. You are Peter Broadbent 01398 351374 welcome to attend whichever is most READER [email protected] convenient for you and your familes. It TEMPLETON would be wonderful to hear packed William Withers 01884 253030 Churches singing all the rousing Carols The Paddock, [email protected] and joining together in love. 2 Kensington Court, Reg Coffin 01884 860246 Please check the Middle Pages for full [email protected] details of these and all the other Services Washfield,Tiverton,EX16 9QU for December and January. Tel: 01884 253463 WASHFIELD Jeanne Jones 01884 254306 We would like to wish you a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. [email protected] [email protected] 2020 already!!! It only seems like MAGAZINE EDITORS WITHLEIGH yesterday that it was the Millennium. Brenda Tucker 01884 252431 [email protected] Jenny and Geoff Keepers Cottage, Paul Iliff 01884 253473 Lower Washfield, [email protected] BROWN ENVELOPES are enclosed Tiverton, EX16 9PF Tel: 01884 254402 [email protected] ADVERTISEMENTS

As above - using email address [email protected]

Advertisements are accepted and included in good faith - but the Exe Valley Mission Community accepts no responsibility for the performance or non-performance of the Advertisers

2 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020

FROM Steph … …

Create space for prayer in You are invited to attend ADVENT at The Rectory, Withleigh A MARRIAGE PREPARATION DAY Preparation – Examen – Lectio Divina - Reflection Still A day of preparation for your Friday 22 November 2019 at 12.00 noon or Wednesday 27 November 2019 at 7.00pm married life together, at Still waiting Cruwys Morchard Village Hall Friday 29 November 2019 at 12.00 noon on Saturday 1 January 2020 or Wednesday 4 December 2019 at 7.00pm Still waiting here 10.30am - 2.30pm Friday 6 December 2019 at 12.00 noon or Wednesday 11 December 2019 at 7.00pm Tea, Coffee, Lunch provided - please inform us of Still waiting here and now any special dietary requirements Friday 13 December 2019 at 12.00 noon or 18 December 2019 at 7.00pm RSVP:- [email protected] Everyone welcome It would be helpful to let the Office know if you are hoping to come - on 01884 250417 Andy Humm ~ Robert Gordon ~ Steph Gordon-Jeffs or [email protected]

Prayer Breakfasts The times they are a-changing! Come and meet to pray From February 2020, our Morning over a Croissant and Coffee Service pattern is changing. 25 January 2020 at 9am in The Rectory, Withleigh All Services throughout the Mission Everyone is welcome ! Community will take place at either 9.00am or 10.45am. This is to allow Steph enough time to get from one Service to another, Sing Praise! for organists to play at more than one Service, NO “SING PRAISE” and for everyone to have in December 2019 an earlier lunch! or January 2020

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3 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020

The singing at Stoodleigh’s Carol Service In particular it is the use of the Sukkah FROM THE ARCHIVES had been boosted by choirs from and an emphasis on ‘getting back to Rackenford, Washfield and Withleigh. nature’ whilst reflecting on the ‘TODAY’ 50 years ago ephemeral nature of life. The sukkah December, 1969 / January, 1970 It looked as though Templeton had now particularly epitomises this, and is a reached the point where a screen could temporary structure built outside the ecember’s editorial spoke of the be erected to separate the draughty belfry house, often of the thinnest plywood but DNativity Scene that is familiar to us, from the main body of the Church. A with a roof of plant material. Those all clean and sweet-smelling, a far cry boom of children in the community had celebrating the festival eat and from the reality of the situation – cobwebs, resulted in appropriate changes to sometimes sleep in these bivouacs that insects, dirt, squalor, and smelling of the Services and Sunday School. would not withstand a gale, leak and animals and all that goes with them; the have sometimes been burnt down by a last place in which you would wish to give Washfield’s very successful ‘First Annual well meaning granny who drags in an birth. And, amongst all the clamour of the Pantomime’ took place over three nights unsuitable electric fire. season, a plea, “Oh hush your noise, ye during December. The Carol Singers men of strife, and hear the angels sing”. braved terrible weather on 20 December, I have witnessed genuine attempts by collecting for Blind Housewives. The adults during this period to impress on January’s put forward the suggestion that children’s party took place on 3 January. children the importance of nature. The airport runways should be circular(!), message (especially in towns) in the since life is rather like going round in Withleigh’s Sale in Tiverton Market had dark and cold with the smell of gently circles, with the cycle of seasons, days raised £30 for Church Funds. The Choir rotting vegetation is stark, and helped by and phases of the moon, all akin to the and Sunday School Party took place on the contrast of the inaccessible but book of Ecclesiastes. But, in going round 20 December, and the Withleigh inescapably warm home nearby. and round, we shouldn’t remain in the Orchestra gave its first public same plane, but our lives should be ever performance at the Carol Service. I cannot report on the success of these spiralling upwards towards our Heavenly Organised by the Kingstons, two full lessons but the excitement of the destination. Arctic weather and a flu bug evenings of Carol Singing at every house children in unusual surroundings lifts had combined to make life difficult across within the effective boundary of the Parish everyone. However I find you do not have the Valley. had raised £15 to suffer hardships or look far at this time of year to have your spirits raised. An A simplified Evening Service took place at Paul Iliff individual tree whilst dripping and both Stoodleigh and Calverleigh on 28 holding on to its remaining leaves and December, followed by the screening of colour, shimmers and is covered in fairy the film “The Candle-Maker” lights if the low lying sun manages to NATURE NOTES beam down the valleys. The cuttings in Christmas Fayres / Sales were in full yoghurt pots on the kitchen window-sill swing, Rackenford’s having raised £60 n these dark days of Autumn it is hard continue to throw wispy blond roots. for Church Funds, and that at Stoodleigh Inot to sympathise with a pagan’s Similarly, the discarded branches having raised £63. yearning for the return of light or indeed chopped from laurel gamely sprout question whether some arks may not emerald green roots that become Oakford’s Halloween Sale had raised come amiss in the West Country. Most snakelike in search of a home. Wizened £32.9s.0d. A special Service had seen look for something to celebrate, and in bulbs from last year show signs of life the dedication of the Girl Guides’ new this time the Jewish faith enjoys their and have joined firmer, younger colours. festival of Sukkot. It was originally contemporaries and sit comfortingly in associated with the wanderings of the pots in a dark corner. Yes, light can Rackenford’s Carol Singers raised £20 to children of Israel combined with giving always be found. be split between the Blind and the thanks for the annual harvest, but now it Children’s Society. The Young Anglicans seems to an outsider to have more subtle Thomas More had excelled with their Carol Service. overtones.

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4 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020

PARISH ROUND-UP See Dates for Your Diary for details ... Over the Christmas period there will once CALVERLEIGH again be a collection box under the On 5 October a Quiz Night was held at the Christmas Tree for dried or tinned goods Village Hall. There was a great turnout and toiletries for CHAT. This has proved ith the clocks now changed and the and with a bit of jiggling, we managed to to be popular and CHAT are extremely nights drawing in we look forward to W fit in enough tables and chairs for all the grateful for all contributions, which will a time of reflection and celebration as we teams that had signed up. Quiz Master Mr be delivered to their office in early prepare for the arrival of the Christ child. Busby set a good variety of challenging January for distribution. To begin with an apology for printing a questions. Well done to the Amory family wrong name. Our congratulations go to and friends on winning the quiz and also We remember at this time all who are Daniel and Lorna on the arrival of Evelyn, to all who took part to help raise over going through difficulties with ill health or a granddaughter for Eric and Alison £400 towards the Window Restoration numerous hospital appointments and Webber. Congratulations also go to Jess Fund. Our grateful thanks go to Barbara pray that the skill of doctors and nurses and James Robison who have welcomed and helpers for organising this event and will help to ease the anxiety or pain. the arrival of their first child, a son, also to Mr Busby for an entertaining Chester Ivan, a grandson for Maureen and evening. Thank you to all who are on any of the Paul Furneaux. It is lovely to see Myrtle's Church rotas, who give generously of excitement as each new great-grandchild The Funeral Service of Mary Gard- their time to make the Church and comes along. Richards took place at North Devon churchyard look clean and tidy for all our Crematorium on 8 October. Mary lived in visitors throughout the year. Our Harvest Thanksgiving weekend took Calverleigh, growing up, with her parents place on 14/15 September. The Harvest at Manitoba and for a number of years at The Calverleigh and Loxbeare Carol Supper was well attended and the guest Woodlawns before moving away. Our Singers will be doing the rounds as speaker was Kevin from Devon condolences go to all her family and usual in the weeks leading up to Freewheelers who gave an insight to the friends at this sad and difficult time and to Christmas, do contact your valuable volunteer work that they do all who are mourning the loss of a loved Churchwardens for details if you want to around the county, delivering blood and one. get involved. breast milk to hospitals and homes. They are an out of hours service and our A Songs of Praise Service was held on 13 We would like to wish all our readers a speaker was going to be on duty when he October with nine favourite hymns being very Merry Christmas and a Happy New left us. A donation from the evening was chosen and sung. It was also good to Year. May God Bless you this Christmas. given to them, along with the contents of hear the choir singing once more. Thank a collection tin. you to all who picked hymns and to Dave Dates for Your Diary: for spending the time to get them 1 Dec - Christingle Praise Party at On the Sunday our Service was led by uploaded on the laptop - we are very lucky 3.30pm in Calverleigh Church, followed Julie, who brought back memories of to have you. by craft and refreshments in Calverleigh school dinners with the Grace that was Hall. sung at the beginning of every dinner-time, A pilgrimage by the Presentation Sisters, 22 Dec - Christmas Coffee, Cake and “Thank you for the world so sweet. Thank Company at 10am in Church. All you for the food we eat. Thank you for the Brothers and Christian Brothers took place on 22 October. Founder Joseph parishioners are welcome to come for birds that sing. Thank you God, for some pre-festive refreshments and everything” Visions of soggy cabbage and Nagle has a memorial in Church, with his and family graves in the churchyard. A fellowship. It is a chance to sit and talk Frog's Spawn (sorry Tapioca or Sago) to neighbours, friends and to meet new sprang to mind. short Service was held in Church followed by a light buffet lunch in the Village Hall. people from far and near. We held one of our Informal get-togethers Parishioners were invited to join them and in the Church on 29 September. These lunch was provided by a group of willing Please see the middle pages of the are held occasionally throughout the year, helpers. Thank you to all who had a part magazine or view the website for our where we gather for coffee (and tea), in helping this to happen. Christmas and New Year Services. cake and conversation. DEEPALLER FARM B&B Exe Valley Osteopathy LOXBEARE, TIVERTON, EX16 8BX Sam Mildren & Lauren Mildren

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5 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020 PARISH ROUND-UP Cleaning Rota COMMUNITY LUNCH MOWING ROTA 25 Nov / 7 Dec - Miss J Herniman The Community Lunch held in October Thank you everyone who has helped to 9 / 21 Dec - Mrs M Furneaux was the largest held so far, with many of keep the Church Yard well mown and 23 Dec / 11 Jan - Mrs J Goldsworthy our parishioners enjoying a three course clean and tidy all this year, especially the 13 / 25 Jan - Miss S Goldsworthy meal. A big thank you to Judith for Berry’s who tuck it up ready for the 27 / 8 Feb - Mrs A Webber organising the menu and to all the ladies Winter. We badly need more volunteers who helped with the preparation and for 2020. Please ring Sonia on 01363 Altar Flower Rota serving. Hopefully we will have another 866864 if you would like to help. 1 / 8 Dec - Mrs A Webber Community Lunch in the Spring. 15 / 22 Dec - Mrs M Furneaux APPLE DAY CAROLS and CHRISTINGLES Apple Day was held on Saturday the 26 5 / 12 Jan - Mrs S Greenslade This year’s Carol and Christingle Service 19 / 26 Jan – Lady L Amory September. It was a day that was notable at Cruwys Morchard will be held on for persistent rain and a successful semi- Sunday 22 December at 11am. We would final rugby match when England beat Have we missed anything? If there is be pleased to hear from anyone who New Zealand. It was attended by those something that you think we should have would like to take part in the Service. We who wished to have their Apple crop mentioned, or you have something for will once again be putting on a Nativity pressed and also by others who enjoyed inclusion in the next Magazine, please and any children wishing to take part it as a social occasion with mulled cider, contact Dave Burton 01884 561499 or should, please, contact Cindy 01363 pasties and hot dogs. The people taking [email protected] and 866621 or Diana 01363 860227 There part brought their apples, had them get the latest on the website at: will be a rehearsal on Saturday 21st in the washed, diced (or more correctly www.exevalleychurches.org/calverleigh Church at 10am. “scratted”) and pressed with the juice being returned for them, to bottle and During the Service we will collect for take away. Some people used the juice CHAT, who distribute food and essential for cider making and others for drinking. CRUWYS supplies to the homeless and those in Apparently Apple juice freezes well. need in the Tiverton area. Tinned and There were not as many participants MORCHARD dried foods, cereals, UHT milk, toiletries bringing apples for pressing as usual. and cleaning products are the most This was probably accounted for by apple useful. Please make sure all donations scarcity, the rugby and the rain but there IRSTLY THIS MONTH, we must say are in date. No fresh food or Christmas were plenty of apples to press. It was FThank you, Thank you, Thank you to gifts please, as donations will be accomplished thanks to the great efforts Shelby Parris for his very beautiful delivered after the New Year. Please stay of the Flower Show committee who CROSS which he made and gave to the and join us for refreshments which provided willing helpers and expertise. Church, where it stands proudly in front include coffee and mince pies after the Thanks goes to them for a very enjoyable of the Altar. Steph blessed the Cross at Service. We will be making Christingles and social day at Cruwys Morchard a Family Service on 13 October. on Saturday 21 December at Cindy Parish Hall with the donations and Trick’s house, Valley View, Pennymoor proceeds of a draw and the catering from 2pm, if you are able to help please profit going to the Flower Show funds. HARVEST FESTIVAL do come along and join us. We celebrated Harvest Festival with a CLEANING and FLOWER ROTA CRUWYS ARMS GARDENERS Service on Saturday 28 September Nov 25/2 Dec - Denyse Standen/Jo Hilton In October Gerry brought some apples to followed by sports. Fortunately the rain Dec 9 - Carole Chisholm/Jackie Mitchell try, all Devon varieties. There were also held off until after the sports and Dec 16 - Decorators for Christmas some figs, as well as pickled garlic. The afterwards we had tea in the Hall, which previous month, we took things we had Dec 23/30 - Diana Vincent/Val Randerson was enjoyed by all. Thank you to all grown, for a sampling session. Clare had Jan 6/13 - Cindy Trick helped to organise and to those who potatoes, tomatoes and beans to try. helped on the day. On Sunday 29 Jan 20/27 Sonia Notley/Claire Miller October, these celebrations were Feb 3/10 - Sue and Pauline Guscott followedAffordable by fares Harvest : Free Festival with Senior in the BusChurch. Pass EXE VALLEY MARKET AND COMMUNITY BUS

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6 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020

LIGHTHOUSE NEWS PARISH ROUND-UP CRUWYS MORCHARD YOUNG Proclaiming the Gospel since 1988 FARMERS By serving Him, we are serving you The Young Farmers held their Annual Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk General Meeting in September. Jess in darkness, but will have the light of life’. Parkhouse has taken on the role of Chair. John 8:12 (NIV) An End of Year Presentation Evening was Billy Graham, when asked during a radio interview, what his first reaction would be when held which proved to be a very he got to heaven replied, “Relief! Relief that I actually made it”. successful evening. The Club will he holding Bingos on the We had similar feelings at 9:30 am on Monday, 28 October when Lighthouse opened its last Saturday of January and February door to the public for the first time. The previous few weeks had been hectic as the long 2020. If you are interested in becoming awaited move to premises closer to the town centre became ever nearer. There were times when it looked like we might not be ready, but Penny and Kim, with a band of a member, please come along to our volunteers, worked long hours and managed it, just. We still had the carpenter and monthly meetings, which are held on the kitchen fitter finishing off their work on the Saturday morning. But finally, praise the Lord, first Tuesday of every month at 7.30 pm we were ready to, at least, open the shop and café on time. at the Parish Hall. Downstairs and in the rooms beyond the “black door” there was still some work to be done. And we had to completely clear out the old New Creation premises ready to hand MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING back to the landlords. Congratulations and thank you very much to Carol for such a successful There will be an “Official Opening” from 9.30am to 1pm on Saturday 30 November, to event on 11 September, making £325.50 include a drink and mince pie for all our customers. It will be your last chance to buy your for MacMillan Nurses. Christmas cards etc. Now that we are in the new shop, Penny has been able to put out the Christmas stock, including a good selection of cards that convey the true meaning of Christmas. We always have a few customers who leave it till the last minute and then YOGA wonder why we have so few cards left. Our aim is always to sell our last cards just Yoga continues every Thursday morning before closing on Christmas Eve. split in two groups, the first at 9.30am- 10.55am, which is a general Hatha class. Please remember that we will be closed the week following Christmas, not opening again until Thursday, 2 January, 2020. Don’t forget to call in for your January Bible notes etc. The second 11.05am-12.30pm. A similar before Christmas. class set at an easier more gentle pace. For further information ring Hilary 01363 While in the shop, why not take a look at the updated menu. Kim has had some new 866245. [email protected] ideas and so we now have paninis, wraps and toasties, all with a choice of various fillings. Unfortunately, we have had to drop the omelettes, as the much smaller kitchen A DATE FOR THE NEW YEAR has thrown up some restrictions on what can be produced, although most of your Friday, 24 January 2020 favourites are still available. You can check out the new menu on our website, 7pm at Cruwys Morchard Parish Hall www.lighthousetiverton.org.uk. BURNS' NIGHT SUPPER WITH A DEVON TWIST The staff, volunteers and trustees of Lighthouse would like to wish all our supporters, customers and prayer partners a truly blessed Christmas and a Spirit filled New Year. Dancing to Dumbo's Feather Bar & Raffle Tickets £17.50 with proceeds going to Lighthouse Christian Book and Coffee Shop Hospiscare To buy tickets contact Angela 13 Bampton Street, Tiverton EX16 6AA Tel: 01884 255769 Culverhouse after 1 December on: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] or phone www.lighthousetiverton.org.uk 01363 866143 Charity 1063294 Please come and join us. Trustees: Rikky Apps; Val Bloxham; Bruce Govett; Holly Haig; Maureen Rendell

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Thank you to everyone who helped also gave ready filled boxes. 362305, or ring 01884 860620, in any way for the Harvest Celebrations Welcome and congratulations to Poppy, and we give thanks to God for His Bottle Top Re-cycling for Charity daughter of Louise and Nathan Horne wonderful and abundant provision. Jean Heard is very disappointed to report upon her Baptism on 13 October. that she can no longer re-cycle the bottle Welcome to Anna and Guy Anderson and A PCC meeting was held on 30 October tops for Charity. I have enquired with the baby Genevieve to Sandpipers; Bob and and the next meeting will be in February. Council and they advise that we “Wash Louise Hamilton in the Smithy and also and Squash and replace the Top” before Ollie and Lydia Rowlands in Lower Christmas will soon be upon us, with putting our bottles, complete with tops, Lugsland. many Services and Celebrations of into our normal re-cycling, as the tops Christ’s birth. This year we will be joining can now be re-cycled by them. If anyone Our prayers and best wishes to all those with the Christingle Praise Party on knows where they can still be re-cycled in the Parish who are suffering and not Sunday 1 December at 3.30pm in for Charity, please let Jean know on well, especially Pat Cross. Calverleigh Church. The Carol Service 01884 881400. will be on 15 December at 6.30pm with PENNYMOOR CONGREGATIONAL the offering being given to the work at Many thanks and much appreciation to CHURCH Vranch House. Do come and join us. On all who have helped keep the Churchyard First Sunday All ages Service 22 December there will be an informal looking so nice and tidy during the past Second Sunday Communion service time at 11.00am in the Church. There will year and with the general maintenance of be no Christmas Day Service at Loxbeare, Third Sunday Join Way Village at 2:30 the Church. Also to all who have helped, or Washfield but see middle pages for Fourth Sunday Prayer & Praise supported and contributed in any way to details of Christmas Service in Calverleigh. the smooth running of the Church, to Fifth Sunday Film those who have taken Services, played Coffee Morning every Wednesday 11 - Carol Singing evenings will be on the organ, cleaned the Church, provided 12:30 19/21/23 December. The collection will be flowers etc. Watch Notice board and Facebook for for ‘Open Doors and Mind’. Do come and Special events, or contact Rev. Ruth on join in. Details from Ron 01884 881362. It is good to hear that Graham Radford 01363 83451 has recovered from his finger injury and There will be a Family Service on 12 stay in hospital. Our thoughts and January and a Morning Praise Service on prayers are with Leslie Tidball, Derek 19 January - both at 11am. and Avril McManus recovering from LOXBEARE operations and anyone else who is not It is good to hear that the New Creation well or awaiting operations/treatments. ur Harvest Celebrations were held Christian Bookshop, now called the Oover the weekend 28/29 September Lighthouse, have agreed their new Congratulations to Henry and Hannah with the Rev Andy Humm from St Paul's premises at 13 Bampton Street and Frankpitt on the birth of their precious speaking at the Saturday Service, led by moved in. little girl Martha Florence in September. Ron, followed by Sports and Tea. The We send our prayers and good wishes to offering of £220 was given to Tear Fund. We give God thanks for his guidance and you both. provision and we pray for his blessing on The Sunday Harvest Songs of Praise was their work of providing a place of Also congratulations to all celebrating led by Jean and Carol with Harvest hymns refreshment and encouragement to all. special occasions and Happy Birthday to chosen by the congregation, with Steph Well worth a visit. all with birthdays in December/January. THE MILL, LOWER WASHFIELD STUART HAGLEY Comfortable En-suite Bed & Breakfast GENERAL BUILDING Accommodation and MAINTENANCE Special diets - No problem For a Quote Daycare Nursery From 3 months to 12 years Contact Stuart on 01884 881487 Warm and friendly welcome Rackenford, Tiverton, EX16 8DT 01884 881272 or 07926 291 442 Tel: 01884 255297 Email:- [email protected] Rackenford, Tiverton Website:- www.littleangelschildcare.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] email: [email protected]

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8 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020 PARISH ROUND-UP The Christmas Fayre will be on 7 [email protected] or pick up a Village Hall Events – Burn’s Night Race December 2-4pm in the Village Hall for leaflet at the back of the church if you Evening on Saturday 25 January. Look Village Hall Funds. would like to join the many others in out for posters or contact Dawn Williams supporting the church. 01398 324035. Bingo Evening on the 9 December 7 for 7.30pm. Contact Carol on 01884 881480 Next Bell Tower Fundraiser – Forward date: Village Party will be the 12 January at 7pm Afternoon Tea with author Liz Shakespeare Friday 6 March – Taste Off – prizes will be in the Village Hall with Bring and Share on Saturday 1 February. Liz was born in awarded in the following classes: Sloe Supper. Contact Ron on 01884 881362. Bideford and has written five books set in Gin, Fruit Vodka, Flavoured tipple such as Social Evening, also in the Hall, will be Devon. She draws her inspiration from the Brandy, Rum or Whisky, Non-alcoholic 25 January 7 for 7.30pm. North Devon countryside. Her talk this Fruit Cordial. Start foraging. Go hunt afternoon will be focussed on, but not and gather! Details in the next edition of limited to, her book ‘The Postman Poet’. ‘Today’. Oakford Village Hall will be the venue. OAKFORD Further details from Mary Shere 01398 Christmas is coming at last. The retail 351154. industry has been promoting it since September (or late August in some hank you to everyone who helped with We are saddened to hear of the death of cases) so maybe the idea of it in Tthe Supper and Auction following the Dawn Patricia Caesar, mother of Tracey commercial terms is wearing a bit thin by Harvest Service. A most enjoyable evening. Holmes, on 20 October. We offer now. One thing for sure is that as you condolences to Tracey, her sister and advance in years, it comes around a lot Christmas Carols by Candlelight will be their families and friends. A Service was quicker. Leaving aside the ‘hard sell’ on Sunday 22 December in St Peter’s at held at Taunton Crematorium on 4 there are many meaningful things to enjoy 6pm. All are welcome to join in singing November. in the festive season. And love is at the traditional carols, in the decorated Church heart of it. We wish you love this and stay to chat over mulled wine and The two patches of garden by the Church Christmas and happiness and good mince pies, afterwards. Lych Gate have gone wild and are looking health in the New Year. neglected. Are there any kind souls who There will be no Service on Christmas Eve would be prepared to have a go at or Christmas Day in St Peter’s, so do restoring these areas – mainly weeding come along to celebrate the Season with and forking over. If so please get in touch RACKENFORD the Carol Service at 6pm on 22 December, with Jean Marcus 01398 351241. Thanks. which will include Holy Communion. irstly, we pray for better health for the Quiz Nights following who have needed hospital There has been an encouraging response 18 December – The Christmas Quiz F to the Parish Giving Scheme recently treatment, operations and undergoing launched. You can pledge to give as little 15 January – normal Quiz Night. Both at regular checks, Peggy Hookins, Graham as £1 per week through the scheme which The Red Lion, 8pm for 8.15pm start. Fennel, Dennis Soupe, Herbert Smith, will help towards the maintenance of the Vera Sutton, Eileen Defew, Philippa Church and restoration of the Bell Tower. The Moorland Club Fraser and Andrew Shovelton and not We are particularly grateful to all the non- 17 December – Christmas Lunch at The forgetting Jacques Cann. Our prayers church goers who have signed up to the Toucan, Bampton. 12 noon for 12.30pm. also go to Vera Sutton’s daughter Heather, scheme. Thank you to all who feel the Contact Jennie Chappell 01398 351666. living in Leamington Spa, who is very value of having a Parish Church at the hub 9 January at 2pm – a talk by David Jury poorly. of our community. Your generosity is entitled ‘A Pilgrim’s Walk’. Meet in the helping to keep alive our plans for the Village Hall. New members always Our Harvest was once again a great future of St Peter’s which in some way will welcome. celebration as we gave thanks for all the benefit everyone in the parish of Oakford. Contact Mary Shere 01398 351154 Ian Curtis Painter & Decorator Interior Exterior Tiling Wallpapering Minor repairs Free estimates No VAT Friendly & efficient local service Contact Ian on CallCall us us on: on: 01884 01884 370073 370073 07821 349314 (mobile) www.devonsurfacecare.co.ukwww.devonsurfacecare.co.uk

9 TODAY December 2019FOLLOW / January 2020 THE STAR THROUGH DECEMBER 1 DECEMBER 8 DECEMBER 15 DECEMBER CALVERLEIGH CALVERLEIGH CALVERLEIGH 11.15 am Cluster Service 11.15 am Family Service 3 pm Carol Service See Washfield CRUWYS MORCHARD 3.30 pm Christingle Service CRUWYS MORCHARD 11 am Family Service 11.15 am Cluster Service CRUWYS MORCHARD LOXBEARE See Templeton 9.30 am Morning Prayer 11 am Family Service LOXBEARE LOXBEARE OAKFORD 6.30 pm Carol Service 11.15 am Cluster Service 11.15 am Cluster Service See Washfield See Rackenford OAKFORD OAKFORD RACKENFORD No Service 3.30 pm Christingle, Calverleigh 11.15 am Cluster Service RACKENFORD RACKENFORD with Holy Communion 9.30 am Family Service 9.30 am Morning Worship STOODLEIGH STOODLEIGH STOODLEIGH 6.30 pm Evening Praise 11 am Morning Praise 11.15 am Cluster Service TEMPLETON TEMPLETON See Rackenford 11.15 am Cluster Service 10 am Morning Service TEMPLETON with Holy Communion WASHFIELD No Service 11.15 am Cluster Service WASHFIELD WASHFIELD with Holy Communion 3 pm Evening Prayer 11.15 am Family Service WITHLEIGH WITHLEIGH WITHLEIGH 4 pm Christingle Service 11.15 am Cluster Service 10.30 am Advent Service See Templeton

21 DECEMBER 22 DECEMBER 24 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS EVE STOODLEIGH CALVERLEIGH 6 pm Carol Service 10 am Informal Get-together PLEASE ATTEND WHICH SERVICE IS MOST CRUWYS MORCHARD CONVENIENT FOR YOU All Welcome 11 am Carols and Christingles 6 pm WASHFIELD You are invited to a LOXBEARE Carol Service 11 am Informal Worship Christingle Praise with Carols 6.30 pm STOODLEIGH Party OAKFORD Holy Communion 6 pm Carol Service for Christmas on Sunday with Holy Communion

1 December 7 pm at 3.30pm in RACKENFORD TEMPLETON 6.30 pm Carol Service Carol Service Calverleigh Church STOODLEIGH 10 pm 11 am Morning Praise CRUWYS MORCHARD TEMPLETON Holy Communion No Service for Christmas WASHFIELD 9.30 am Morning Prayer 11.30 pm We do hope you can WITHLEIGH WITHLEIGH join us !! 6.30 pm Carol Service Welcome in Christmas

10 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020

25 DECEMBER 29 DECEMBER 5 JANUARY CALVERLEIGH See Loxbeare

CRUWYS MORCHARD OUR OUR LAST 9.30 am Morning Prayer HOLY MISSION LOXBEARE 11.15 am Cluster Service COMMUNION COMMUNITY with Holy Communion CHRISTMAS DAY GROUP SERVICE for 2019 OAKFORD is at 10 am Morning Praise is at 9.30 am in RACKENFORD St Mary’s Church 10.30 am in 9.30 am Morning Worship St Margaret’s CALVERLEIGH STOODLEIGH Church 11 am Morning Praise TEMPLETON TEMPLETON No Service Let us all welcome Christmas together WASHFIELD See Loxbeare in love Happy New Year Greetings WITHLEIGH 10.30 am Family Service

12 JANUARY 19 JANUARY 26 JANUARY

CALVERLEIGH CALVERLEIGH 9.30 am Morning Worship 11.15 am Family Service GROUP SERVICE

CRUWYS MORCHARD to celebrate CRUWYS MORCHARD See Withleigh PLOUGH 11 am Family Service LOXBEARE LOXBEARE 11 am Morning Praise SUNDAY 11 am Family Service with OAKFORD OAKFORD 6.30 pm Evening Praise 11.15 am Cluster Service RACKENFORD with Holy Communion in 9.30 am Family Service WITHLEIGH

STOODLEIGH RACKENFORD 10.30am 6.30 pm Evening Prayer See Oakford Please come to STOODLEIGH TEMPLETON See Oakford join us, and the See Withleigh TEMPLETON Young Farmers, WASHFIELD 10.30 am Morning Service 11.15 am Family Service as we ask for WASHFIELD God’s blessing on WITHLEIGH 3 pm Evening Prayer 11.15 am Cluster Service the land and all WITHLEIGH with Holy Communion who work on it. 10.30 am Morning Worship

11 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020 PARISH ROUND-UP crops and produce that we are so lucky Bishop Jackie, who gave the sermon. Many people enjoyed the spectacle of the to enjoy. Thank you to Rackenford Representatives from all parishes made bonfire, fireworks lighting up the skies Church of England school who brought up a large congregation to enjoy this and the food available on Bonfire night. A their gifts into the Church. These were a special Service. A chat with refreshments big “Thank you” to all involved in keeping great benefit to the auction and enhanced was available, and enjoyed by many, after up this Village tradition. the beauty of the church, along with all the service. The following people have moved to the other gifts received. We much Rackenford. Sorry we are late welcoming appreciate the flowers and foliage left in The PCC held a get-together with a lovely you but we don’t always get the news till the porch. This was a great help to the buffet, pudding and drinks to thank later, so welcome to Mr & Mrs Bloomfield, ladies who came along to help decorate - Herbert for his 42 years as Peter and Jane Wood ( Little Acres ), so many thanks to you. Churchwarden. He was presented with a Jeremy Bazley and Jasmine money gift towards a holiday and flowers [Woodpeckers ), and anyone else who Our Harvest Praise on 13 October was a were presented to Marjorie. Liz made a has joined us. joyous time with the bells ringing, speech thanking Herbert, who has children playing their Bell Plates and a worked tirelessly over those 42 years How sad to hear that in the future we will song beautifully sung by our choir. Many and has been at the helm for the be saying goodbye to Geoff and Jenny thanks to them and to Marjorie for all her celebratory and sad occasions, seeing Parnell. We hope and pray someone will work in practising with the choir and many changes within the Church and come forward to take on this position - children. Rev’d Steph Gordon-Jeffs took Village during this time. We hope you they will be blessed to learn from the best. our Service and gave an interesting talk. enjoyed your holiday Herbert and will enjoy taking a step back from Congratulations to all who have The following morning our preparations Churchwardens duties. Herbert has celebrated any special occasions . As began for the Harvest Supper, decided that, at the moment, he would early as it may seem this is the last dismantling everything in Church and like to stay on the PCC. Many thanks to opportunity to wish everyone amongst us transporting it to Mary and Jacques Graham and Ruth Fennel for hosting our and our friends in the Exe Valley a very spacious barn ready for the supper and celebration. Mary Cann was also happy Christmas and healthy New Year, auction. A delicious salad, meats, pasta, presented with flowers as a little thank as we celebrate our Lord’s birth and enjoy veggie options, mashed potatoes, bread you, in appreciation for all she is doing. Services together. rolls and pickles followed by a wide We will be very sad when the time comes choice of puddings and cream with for Mary and Jaqcques to leave us. Look out for our Recipe Book which cheese and biscuits, tea and coffee to should be on sale soon. It could make an complete the supper. We were once At the present we no longer have a ideal Christmas Present. again blessed to have Stafford Sampson Churchwarden. We hope the following as our auctioneer who gave us many names and numbers may be of help Last but not least, Rackenford hit our laughs with his wit and humour and he should you need to contact someone television screens - with Rackenford was assisted by our kind helpers. Thank concerning Church matters. Tales - back in October. If you saw it you you to all the amazing bidders for their fun Ruth Fennel (Secretary) 881488, may have recognised some faces and and generosity, to Annette Reed for Elizabeth Paxton 881331, Hilda Nott places that were mentioned. running the draw, for all the food and (Church key holder ) 881248, Fiona puddings given so kindly and of course, Maddocks 881204, Herbert and Edward to Jacques and Mary Cann for their Smith 881375, Joy Moore (non PCC hospitality. A wonderful profit of )881219, Mary Cann 881696. We are all £1,740.50 was made over the Harvest. happy to assist if we can. STOODLEIGH Thank you all so much . We hope you all enjoyed our Service and supper. Once again we had children visiting on ork on repairing the Church Tower is Hallowe’en, dressed in amazing Wprogressing well and those living by On 27 October a Group Service with Holy costumes and very grateful for the treats the Church have had the thrill of seeing Communion was held in Oakford where they received. Hope you enjoyed your the two abseilers descending from the top Rev’d Steph Gordon-Jeffs welcomed evening. of the tower, battling winds and rain but

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12 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020 PARISH ROUND-UP also enjoying some sunny days, in order The following events are coming up: the The Christmas Draw will also be held on to carry out the repair work. It is hoped Church Christmas Fayre in the Parish that evening. Tickets are already on sale that it will be finished by the middle of Hall on Saturday 7 December, from and again there will be some fabulous November. We have missed the sounds 10.30am to 12 noon. Father Christmas is prizes including a luxury hamper, of the bells on Thursday evenings and on again expected and there will be a variety vouchers from local businesses, spirits, certain Sundays, but we know that when of stalls and the usual generous raffle. chocolates and more. Members of the it is safe to do so, the bell ringers will Please do come and support this annual Parish Hall Committee will be calling on return to the tower. We hope that the bells event. you so that you can buy Draw tickets or can be rung for Christmas. The lime you can ring Sheila Davis (351756) for pointing needs about three weeks to The Church Carol Service will be held on more information. settle after completion. Funding has been Saturday 21 December at 6pm, when we coming in and we are particularly grateful will welcome the Rector who hopes to Stoodleigh welcomes Mike, Jake, Tom, to the Allchurches Trust, the Devon have something exciting up her sleeve for Cee, Tiger and Pippin who have come to Historic Churches Trust, the Cooper the children. live at Aldridge Mill and we also welcome Legacy Church Repair Fund, Viscount the new residents at Ford Cottage. We Amory’s Charitable Trust and the Prince Carol Singing in the village will be on hope you will be very happy in Stoodleigh of Wales Trust Fund. In addition, special Monday 23 December, starting at 6pm and we will look forward to seeing you at thanks are due for a number of generous and departing from the Parish Hall. forthcoming events in the village. private donations from people in the Please let Jennifer Rowlandson (351402) village. The final target to cover the know if you would like to join the singers Classes at the Parish Hall overall cost of £33,000 has yet to be met or would like them to call at your house New – Yoga sessions for beginners: and further fund-raising will be that evening. Wednesdays at 7.30pm, from 13 undertaken in 2020. November until 18 December. Pay as you The Autumn Market and Coffee Morning go or subscribe for six sessions. Ring The Church looked wonderful for Harvest was held on 26 October. Despite bad Claire Weeks (07793 289461) to find out Festival and many congratulations and weather and the compelling England v more. thanks to our group of Church flower New Zealand rugby semi-final, it was Zumba/Aerobics/Toning classes: arrangers, who seem to excel themselves great to see everyone who came to the Thursdays from 7 to 8pm. All abilities for every event. The Harvest Supper and Parish Hall. Our thanks go to the stall- welcome. Ring Kim Grimston (07773 Skittles evening in the Parish Hall was a holders and the many visitors who 019564) for more information. great success, with around 45 people shopped and enjoyed the coffee and Pilates classes: Mondays from 7 to 8pm. enjoying cottage pie followed by a variety cakes. We are also grateful to the bakers This class is currently full but ring Karen of fruit crumbles. Many thanks to the for their cakes, the gardeners for their Sharpe (01392 439660) for information. talented cooks who provided the food. plants and the volunteers who helped The skittles were popular and the final with stalls and ran the Kitchen Café. For dates and events taking place in ‘killer’ match was tense, with Michael This was an enjoyable morning for all and Stoodleigh, please see the parish website Brice being the final winner and donating just over £400 was raised for Parish Hall his winnings to our chosen charity, the https://parish.middevon.gov.uk/stoodleig maintenance and improvements. The h/events-calendar/ Devon Air Ambulance Trust. The evening Stoodleigh Parish Hall Management raised £270 for the charity. Committee would like to thank all those Stoodleigh Inn who helped make the event such a Christmas opening hours :- Our annual churchyard clearance is 10am success. Saturday 23 November . This event to tidy Christmas Eve: open from 3 to 11pm. up for the winter could not take place Chinese Buffet around 6pm. Cost £7.50 The Christmas Bingo evening will be per person. Please come to the Inn to without the help of our volunteers, in held on Monday 16 December at the particular, Angela and Richard Hill. reserve and pay by 5pm. Parish Hall. Doors open at 7pm, eyes Christmas Day: closed. Please come to help if you can. down at 7.30pm. There will be a great Boxing Day: open from 4 to 9pm. selection of festive prizes.

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13 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020 PARISH ROUND-UP New Year’s Eve: open from 8pm to late. by the village for the Haven Centre (Age Contact Bruce and Chris (881408) Free buffet and music. UK) in Tiverton. The Haven Centre was [email protected] Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 January: delighted with all the food and they have [email protected], closed. Thereafter open as usual. passed on their thanks to all the Bindy (860655) Templeton Community for their generous [email protected] or Church Flower Rota donations. Allyson (860868) [email protected] to 1 & 8 December Linda Sharrock book a place at the quiz (deadline 20 December Christmas Flowers – all Bonfire and Firework Night on Saturday 2 Wednesday 4 December) or for more help please November. Will they, won’t they? Well, information. yes we did! Templeton Weather Centre 5 & 12 January Betty Wotton monitored the conditions very carefully 19 & 26 January Phyllis Hill Christmas Children’s Party (with you- and identified a sweet spot between know-who at around 5.30pm) 18:00 hrs and 20:00 hrs. Sure enough, Congratulations to the following prize in Templeton Village Hall! right on cue, the winds settled, the rain Saturday 14 December from 3pm - 6pm winners in the Stoodleigh 100 Club stopped, and the skies cleared in time for September: 1st Yvonne Lang; 2nd David This is a wonderful annual family event another brilliant firework display and organised by Tony Loosemore. If your Wotton; 3rd Cathy Thorpe; 4rd Nonie bonfire! Hot dogs, hot drinks and a full Neusinger children would like to join the children’s bar completed the evening to make it party, please let Tony know beforehand October: 1st Alison Palfrey; 2nd Betty another great Saturday night out for all so that he can cater enough food for Wotton; 3rd Pat Robinson; 4th Jeannie the family! This is one of those special everyone (07510128683). Please Morrisey times in the Templeton calendar when remember to bring a wrapped and named our small community comes together and gift for your child. This year, by popular Finally, may we wish a very Happy does us proud. It takes many volunteers demand, there will be a special Christmas and the very best for 2020 to to run this event and we would like to Christmas disco and yes, we are all our readers. thank all those who gave their time to expecting the big man in the red hoodie. help and support us. But shhhh - it’s a surprise! Remembrance Sunday Service on 10 The Annual Christmas Bar Games November will have been and gone by the TEMPLETON (table tennis, pool, darts and skittles) will time this magazine goes to print. Martin be held at Templeton Village Hall every Hansford has once again kindly agreed to Saturday evening in December from he Harvest Supper at Templeton lead the service, which honours the Saturday 7 December until the Grand TVillage Hall on 5 October was a great sacrifices of our Armed Forces, veterans, Finals on Saturday 22 December. Please success with good food, good company and their families, from the two World come and take part in this fun event – still and great music by Andrew Curtis, Wars and later conflicts. During this plenty of time to practice on club nights! organist and music director of St Peter’s Service, there will have been a two- Church, and his talented friends, Sue minute period of silence which will be Rivett, Paul Vickery and Peter Searle, reflected throughout the country at 11am. A Candlelit Carol Service will be held in who form the folk band called ‘Stick the St Margaret’s Church, Templeton, on Fiddle’. The communal singing was Future events in Templeton Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24 December at especially popular and enjoyed by all. The A Festive Christmas–themed (paper) Quiz 7pm. This is such a lovely Service where draw made £143 and the ticket sales Night Friday 6 December at 7pm (doors the whole village joins together to were £432. A huge thank you to the band open at 6.30pm) Bruce and Chris celebrate Christmas. And for those who and to all who came and made it such a Pearson have kindly agreed to run this so wish to join a later Service with Holy fun evening. please come and take part and join in the Communion, the Cluster Service is in fun. £7.00 adults, £3.50 children under Cruwys Morchard.10pm on Christmas Eve. The Harvest Festival Service on Sunday 6 14. Teams of up to six people so get your October, was led by Reg and William, and teams together now! It’s Burns’ Night! Saturday January 25 was well attended, with lots of fresh, Delicious pasties and puddings. Supper in Templeton Village Hall, 6pm for packaged and canned produce donated at half time. 6.30pm start. Bef LOGS

After

contact Lloyd Adams on Quayside House 5 Highland Terrace Barrington Street Tiverton Devon EX16 6PT

14 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020 PARISH ROUND-UP This will be an entertaining evening and a e need something cheerful to think The Christingle Service, followed by a great opportunity to catch up with friends Wabout in these 'dark days before Party and Tea, is on Sunday 1 December and neighbours. Hamish and Corinne Christmas' and we can think back to that at 3.30pm in Calverleigh, when all our Miller, who used to live in Stoodleigh, beautiful sunny day in September on children can meet, together with the have kindly agreed to lead the evening which Abie Gill and Daniel Ayre were Toddlers Group and others who came to with a Ceilidh, and there will, of course, married. It was a great day of celebration Holiday Club. be plenty of delicious food, including in Washfield Church and their Reception Haggis (non-liver), sausages, and in the Village. We send them every good The Annual Coffee Morning at The vegetarian alternatives. Please come and wish for their life together. They will have Cottage is on 7 December and we look enjoy the Scottish Dancing. You are most many happy memories! forward to seeing you there if you can welcome to join in or just watch the fun! manage it. Contributions for the stall and The Haggis will be serenaded prior to We had a wonderful Service in Oakford on raffle will be gladly received, but most of supper. The evening will start early at 27 October when Bishop Jackie joined us all your company is needed! 6pm so that the whole family can take for a Group Holy Communion Service. part! Book your tickets now! £8 for adults, Steph gave her a very warm welcome and The departure from Washfield of Jenny and £4 for children 14 and under. Please she was an inspiring preacher. She and Geoff will leave a huge hole in our contact Lynda (881318), William (251153) stayed to talk to everyone afterwards and Church and wider community, not to or Bindy (860655) for tickets or any more we do hope she took away with her a mention our friendship. Farewells will information. hopeful picture of rural ministry. come later but for the moment we send them every good wish for their future plans. In our thoughts Christmas will soon be upon us and that Our thoughts and best wishes go to those is a hopeful and happy thought, too! It will Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are unwell, in hospital, receiving or be good to see families returning and those going through a difficult time. If the awaiting treatment, or going through a children getting excited. Church can be of help at any time, please tough time, and hope that they will be do ask. The Rector, too, would like to feeling better soon. Our traditional Carol Service will be on know if she is needed for a visit. Christmas Eve at 6pm, followed by Church Flowers and Cleaning Rota refreshments and chat! This year there We were saddened to hear of the death of Teresa Pancherz Advent - are three Holy Communion Services with Robert Julier at the end of September. No flowers 24Nov/1 Dec Steph Gordon-Jeffs, across the Mission Robert and Mary had lived at Marsh Gloria Woollacott Advent - Community and you are welcome to Cottage for many years before leaving No flowers 8/15 Dec attend which Service is most convenient Lower Washfield to live in Culmstock. Ginah Palmer Flowers & Cleaning for you and your family. One of Robert's legacies will live on in the Village with a fine example of his exquisite 22/29 Dec calligraphy (documenting past clergy) on Teresa Pancherz Flowers & Cleaning On Christmas Day we are invited to Family Holy Communion in Calverleigh, display in the Church. A lovely man and 5/12 Jan former neighbour, sadly missed. Gill Rose Flowers & Cleaning where we shall have a warm welcome, as 19/26 Jan always, when we join together with them and Loxbeare to celebrate Holy We wish all those amongst us who are not Communion, with our three churches feeling well, receiving or awaiting together. This is the only way we can all treatments at present, our heartfelt good have a Communion at Christmas because wishes. Somehow illness in Winter (and WASHFIELD our Rector has nine congregations to especially around Christmas) seems to serve and we are learning to be flexible. be magnified and can cause greater December's Wintry breath is already We hope your returning families will discomfort and mental anguish. We hope clouding the pond, frosting the pane, understand and enjoy the necessary our caring community can reach out to obscuring Autumn's memory. break from tradition. Our turn will come to you if this is the case. Just talk to us … It is growing cold. Winter is putting host another year. we are listening. It's OK not to be OK. footsteps in the meadow.

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15 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020 PARISH ROUND-UP

To those celebrating special birthdays or Carol Singing will take place around the ‘Withleigh Entertains’ in 2016 and again anniversaries we wish you many good Village, as is customary. The songsters in February of this year, including the wishes. will gather outside the Hall at 6pm on writing of the plays performed at each. Tuesday 17 December and return to the Our thoughts and prayers go to Ron and We have some new residents in the village. Social Club later (and hoarser) for a bring the rest of the family. We would like to welcome Alan and Sally and share supper. Proceeds will go to and also James, Byron and the dog !! We charity. Wrap up warm and join them. By the time you read these notes, the hope you will all be very happy living in redecoration of St Catherine’s should be Washfield. Dates for your Diary complete. From the fact that nobody can Tuesday 26 November Social Club AGM remember differently, it seems that this Two events have taken place at the Social in Hall. Current members welcome plus will be the first redecoration since the Club. Firstly, the culmination of the annual new members of club, volunteers and church was repaired and refurbished in pumpkin growing competition at the end committee members always welcome the 1960s. Inevitably there have been of October which saw Ann Roberts Friday 13 December W.I. Party in Hall. 3 additional works, by way of repairs, declared the winner of the largest fruit. course Christmas meal plus which could not have been foreseen Ann's pumpkin weighed in at 102lbs! Well entertainment £22. Ring Jean 257703 for when the original quotation was done you and all the other growers. The menu, further details and booking submitted, and which have delayed the evening also incorporated children's Saturday 21 December Social Club Draw completion. Dare we hope that the activities, food and fun and all of these present work will last another fifty years? elements meant that a sizeable donation 2020 Our thanks to the committee for letting us of £240 was raised for the charities, Thursday 9 January W.I. in Hall at 10am. use the Village Hall for our Services FORCE and E.L.F. Thanks to all the Tuesday 14 January teatime@thehall. It while the Church was ‘out of bounds’. volunteers who made the evening a may be cold outside but there's a warm success. welcome awaiting you at teatime. All Our grateful thanks to Brian King for welcome for tea, cake and providing the handrail at the entrance to The second event didn't have quite such a companionship from 2.30pm the Village Hall. positive outcome … well, not for the England rugby team anyway! A group of Church Altar Flowers Rota Our Team Skittles competition held on ardent supporters gathered early in the Friday 25 October, in the Village Hall, Dec 1/8 Mrs A Trout Social Club for bacon sandwiches to was won by Tania Sampson's team and Dec 15/22 Mrs Jones watch the final, with high hopes of a win - the gallant runners up were Christine but sadly it was not to be! Thanks to the Dec 29/Jan 5 Mrs Ellis Luxton's team. Well done to everyone ever confident James for organising this Jan 12/19 Mrs Parnell who took part and made the evening so and for cooking the sarnies. enjoyable. Thank you, Duncan, for Church Cleaning Rota organising the skittles and Sara for Events to look out for: Christmas Draw Dec 2/9 Mrs French providing the refreshments. tickets available from the bar. Draw date: Dec 16/23 Mrs Harding/Mrs Jones Saturday 21 December. Club bar open as Dec 30/Jan 6 Mrs Albery Our Community Mid-day Lunch seems to usual at lunchtime on Christmas Day. Jan 13/20 Mr & Mrs Ellis be growing in popularity. This year’s Also, the Social Club is upgrading its Jan 27/Feb 3 Mrs French Autumn Lunch was held on Tuesday 5 licence to show films. With luck its first November, when 53 people sat down to film night will be in December. Look out Beef Stew or Chicken Pie, with Roast for posters. Potatoes and vegetables, followed by Remember: Social club subs are due on WITHLEIGH delicious home-made desserts and a 1 December and are now just £5. Please cup of tea or coffee. Many thanks to all join to help the club grow and thrive and n the 8 September, Withleigh lost a who helped produce the meal and continue offering the best of social Ogood friend with the passing of Janet supplied the desserts. interaction it can for its members; thereby Stacey. Renowned for her ‘dialect lessening social isolation in our dialogues’ with Janet Sellick, she was We are back again for the Winter months community. also responsible for the productions of with Giles’ Scottish Dancing classes.

Non Sibi

PREPARATORY SCHOOL & NURSERY ______Your child’s school years are the most Important in their lives and should be filled with opportunities to develop confidence, knowledge and curiosity in a supportive and exciting environment. We invite you to join us for a guided tour of the school, during which you can meet our children and staff. Blundell’s Preparatory School Tiverton, Devon, EX16 4NA Tel: 01884 252393 Email: [email protected] www.blundells.org/prep Outstanding Independent Education for children aged 2-11 years 16 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020 PARISH ROUND-UP

Do come along and join in the fun, blessed, will be a Group Service at St Forthcoming Events; beginners welcome. The classes are Catherine’s on Sunday 26 January at Monday 2 December - Christmas Whist Monday evenings starting at 7pm. The 10.30am. Do join with us as we seek Drive, in the Hall at 7.30pm. next dates are 9 & 16 December and after God’s blessing on another farming year. Thursday 5 December - Christmas Bingo, the Christmas break we resume on 6 in the Hall, eyes down 7.30pm. January, then 20 & 27th of January. For An advance notice that, as from February Sunday 8 December – Christingle more information please call Giles 01884 next year, the normal time of our Morning Service at 4pm. 257123. Services will be changing from 10.30am Monday 9 December - Scottish Dancing to 10.45am. Churchwardens’ Council in the Hall at 7pm. Our Christingle Service will take place in recently agreed to the times of Morning Thursday 12 December - WI Xmas Party Church on the afternoon of Sunday 8 Services within the Mission Community in the Hall at 7.15pm. December at 4pm. being standardised at 9am and 10.45am. Sunday 15 December – Carol Service at See the centre pages in each issue for 6.30pm, followed by mulled wine and Our Carol Service will take place on the the times of all our Services. mince pies. evening of Sunday 22 December, at Monday 16 December - Scottish Dancing Get well wishes go to all those known to 6.30pm. The Service will be followed by in the Hall at 7pm. mulled wine, coffee, mince pies and us who are receiving treatment, Christmas Eve – Holy Communion shortbread. During the service, gifts of recovering from operations, or who are Cluster Service at Cruwys Morchard at non-perishable food, toiletries and not well at the moment. 10pm. cleaning items will be collected for CHAT. Our best wishes to those recently married Christmas Eve – ‘Welcome in Christmas’ in Church at 11.30pm. Due to an ongoing lack of retired clergy in our Church. Christopher Bennett and available to help out, Steph will now be Beverly Langdon on 31 August, and 2020 conducting just three cluster Holy Patrick Jeffs and Imogen Turner on 7 Thursday 9 January – WI New Years Communion Services over Christmas. September. Lunch, venue to be confirmed. The Service for our cluster will be at Saturday 11 January - Late Christmas Congratulations to Henry and Hannah Meal in the Hall, 5.30 for 6pm. Cruwys Morchard at 10pm on Christmas Frankpit on the birth of Martha – first Eve. Please do try to attend this Service. Monday 20 January - Scottish Dancing in grandchild for Mark and Cathy Luxton, the Hall at 7pm. There will be no Communion Service at St and first great-grandchild for Christine Catherine’s but, for those who are unable Sunday 26 January – Group Plough Luxton and Harry and Sylvia Hann. Sunday Service in Church at 10.30am. to go to Cruwys Morchard, we will be Congratulations, also, to all those Monday 27 January - Scottish Dancing in holding a non-Communion Service at celebrating special birthdays or the Hall at 7pm. 11.30pm on Christmas Eve to ‘Welcome in anniversaries. Christmas’, led by our own Church members. Congratulations go to Richard and Becky Flower Rota: Tucker on the birth of Annabel Elizabeth December 1, 8 - Linda Taylor Just to make Christmas last a little bit on 5 November, first grandchild for Nigel December 15 - CHRISTMAS longer, we are having a Late Christmas and Brenda. December 29 - Margaret Gale Meal on Saturday 11 January, in the Village January 5, 12 - Margaret Gale Hall. Hopefully the Turkey will last that Wishing you all a Joyous Christmas and a January 19, 26 - Brenda Tucker long!! Please bring your own drinks, Happy and Healthy New Year. 5.30pm for 6pm. Tickets are £12.50 Weekly Events; each for a three course meal. Please Withleigh WI meet on the 2nd Thursday Tuesdays - Yoga in the Village Hall at 7pm. book your tickets from Sara 252949, of each month, at 7.15pm. The new Wednesdays - Short Mat Bowls in the Christine 257571 or Brenda 252431. program will be out in December. For Village Hall at 7.30pm. Numbers are limited, so do book your more information - Rosie 01884 257123. tickets early. Thursday 12 December - Xmas Party with Secret Santa. Monthly Diary Dates: Our Plough Sunday Service, when the Thursday 9 January - New Years Lunch, Second Monday – Whist Drive plough is brought into our church to be venue to be confirmed. Second Thursday – W.I.

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We are very keen to spread the word as widely as possible about the all the things that FORCE can offer. That’s where we need your help.. We would like to be able to use your magazine/community and website to let people in your area know more about Tiverton Model Engineers at Rackenford FORCE is all about supporting local FORCE. The club meets twice monthly at our people living with cancer. We are Kay Jeffery track at Worthy Moor, Rackenford. passionate in our belief that professional Fundraising Assistant support - face-to-face, close to home and At our open day on Sunday 20 October free of charge – is what everyone affected FORCE Cancer Charity we were pleased to entertain 8 members by cancer deserves. We recognise that Phone: 01392 402875 from the Salvation Army Men’s Group people need all sorts of help when a from Tiverton. 3 Electric locomotives and cancer diagnosis rocks their lives. one steam locomotive were running, and the visitors enjoyed plenty of rides FORCE offers physical, emotional, around the track, and one or two even psychological and practical support to tried their hand at driving a train. patients but we recognise that their On Saturday 26 October we had a stand families and carers also suffer so we’re at the Exeter Garden Rail show where we here for them too. Whether it’s advice on LIGHT UP A LIFE APPEAL displayed many steam, diesel and how to tell your child that mummy or electric trains, stationary engines and daddy isn’t going to be looking or feeling Light up a Life this Christmas and other model engineering items. like they usually do for a while, getting support Children’s Hospice South information on what money you might be West and North Devon Hospice The club welcomes visitors and the “just able to claim when you can’t work or This year’s Light Up a Life Appeal will be curious”. We meet throughout the year. simply taking an hour for a relaxing launched at the Barnstaple Christmas Please see our website for details. complementary therapy session, FORCE Lights Switch-on Event in Barnstaple http://tivertonmodelengineering.org.uk is here to help. Pannier Market on 28 November 5.30pm. A New Cross made and presented to We have a Cancer Support and You can light a candle in memory of your Cruwys Morchard Church by Shelby Parris. Information Centre in Exeter and we also loved ones, at one of the special Services It was Consecrated by Rev’d Stephanie offer support and information and fund taking part across the region throughout Gordon-Jeffs on 13 October the delivery of chemotherapy once a week December. These Services are open to in Okehampton, Tiverton and Honiton. anyone and the most local dates are : Sunday 8 December: Cheriton Fitzpaine. We fund local research and buy St Matthew’s Church 6pm (CHSW only) equipment to improve patient care at the RD&E. Wednesday 11 December: South Molton Methodist Church 7pm All of this is done without NHS or For more details go to either Government funding. We rely completely www.chsw.org.uk/lual on voluntary donations from the www.northdevonhospice.org.uk/support- communities we serve. us/events/light-up-a-life or [email protected] 01271 325270 Read the TODAY magazine, in colour, on-line at exevalleychurches.org/magazine/index.php

“The new Rector is really cool, Dad. She told us that God emailed the Ten Commandments to Moses’s iPad “Who knew that ??”

18 TODAY December 2019 / January 2020

Their 'service' soon caught on and now STOODLEIGH CHRISTMAS FAYRE every Tuesday evening they can be seen SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER trundling up and down the hilly roads in 10.30am to 12 noon Oakford collecting cans for the Church Bells appeal. in PARISH HALL Interesting Stalls, Jack and David's support is about more Coffee and cakes, Earlier this year Mary Shere had an idea than just collecting cans for recycling. great Raffle Prizes, to save aluminium cans with a view to Their commitment to a weekly round is raising money for the Tower Fund. When enabling the whole village to play an and a visit from Jack Otton and David Murphy ( who both active part in the fund-raising appeal and Father Christmas live in the village) heard about this, they is a great way to encourage us all to pull All proceeds to repair of decided that they would like to get together ! Well done them !! involved and help out. St Margaret’s Church Tower Without any prompting, they built an John and Marion Roberts amazing cart and started going from Marion and I are so thankful for people's door to door collecting aluminium, which generosity. We have bought a beautiful Mary can sell for recycling and donate Persian rug, second-hand of course, but the proceeds to the Tower Fund in perfect condition and just right for our dining room. It will be a constant reminder of our happy 27 years in the Exe Valley. 'FALLING UPWARDS" A Retreat Day for Church Officers The Old Deanery David Wells, an inspirational and very well-known speaker worldwide, was the speaker at this extemely helpful and interesting day run by the Diocese. Everyone there went home feeling much encouraged and lighter in spirit! He advised that we all should bring joy RACKENFORD SCHOOL into what we are doing; not to take CHRISTMAS EVENTS ourselves too seriously, not to feel stress or compare ourselves with others and not FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER to feel guilty about doing nothing CHRISTMAS FAIR sometimes! He spoke with great humour and understanding and told lots of amusing anecdotes which illustrated his points. We all exchanged experience and gained from hearing about other churches in CHRISTMAS Devon. It was all very relaxed, with coffee WREATH-MAKING breaks and lunch. It was a very worthwhile day indeed. DATE TO BE CONFIRMED Jeanne Jones Phone Rackenford School on 01884 881354 for more details. BISHOP JACKIE IN OAKFORD, WITH STEPH Churchwarden Washfield AND CHURCHWARDENS 27 OCTOBER 2019 ernside DEVON & SOMERSET MARQUEES LIMITED For that Special Occasion Bed and Bed & Breakfast 30 years in the Marquee business Breakfast 2019 Gold Award Telephone 01398 351210 Award winning AA 5-Star Gold B & B E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.dsmarquees.co.uk Warm Welcome. En-suite rooms.

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