You may be aware of the planning application currently being considered for a large wind turbine to be erected just outside Hemyock.  The proposed turbine is very tall at over 34 metres - this is two thirds the height of Wellington Monument, or about the height of an 11 storey building.  At higher wind speeds the volume of noise generated is similar to that of a chainsaw.  This really is out of keeping with its surroundings, in an AONB where many people go to get away from it, and take a walk, ride a horse, exercise the dog in exceptional beauty, peace, and tranquillity.

If you would like to object, but don't know how to go about it, or think it will take too long, you can now do so exceptionally easily, just visit this page:

http://lickham.co.uk/turbine

and enter your name and address, and click 'Send' - it really is that easy!  Your objection will then be registered with MDDC Planning. Please could you spread the word to anyone else you think would feel the same way.  UPDATE 2: deadline for objections changed again, now Monday 4th June...

The Hemyock Litter Pickers are looking for new volunteers to help keep a stretch of Hemyock road tidy; the more we have, the shorter the area!  Find out who your Chief Womble is and volunteer.

The Police have issued a report on recent crimes in the area, and request we keep sheds locked as they mostly concerned theft of power tools.

The Parish Council are promoting a scheme called Community Speed Watch, where trained local volunteers help police officers and PCSOs man speed guns to drive down local speeds.

It would appear that the bridge at Culmstock has been closed due to an accident on Thursday 18th May.  Further details http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-18123457

If you find out what is happening, please contact me and I will update this.  Email me here

Over the May Bank Holiday members of the Upper Culm Twinning Association made their biennial visit to our Twinning partners in France.  For those of you who are not familiar with the association, we are twinned with a group of villages in the LoireValley about halfway between Nantes and Angers.

Forty one Upper Culm residents, including several new members, enjoyed a superb weekend of French hospitality. Thirty seven of us travelled aboard our coach, hired from Redwoods, whilst four members travelled independently.  We left Hemyock on Thursday evening for the overnight ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff arriving in France at around 8a.m.  We followed the coastal route down through Brittany, heading for the harbour town of Vannes on the Gulf of Morbihans.  We had plenty of time in Vannes to explore the town and take a leisurely lunch before continuing our journey south towards our destination in the Loire Valley.

As part of the Jubilee Celebrations, we are having a photo competition. It covers past and present royal occasions. 

Entry is open to non-professional photographers.  Cash prizes. Entries close at midnight on June 29th, so get snapping! 

Entries will be posted on hemyock.org after the competition closes and  can be voted for by anyone.  Judging of the top 3 in each Category is on Saturday 29th June.   There is even talk of making them into a Hemyock Calendar for next year!

We have reduced the number of categories, to coordinate better with St Mary's, who seem to be having a photo competition too!

Erection of 1 50kw wind turbine - Land at NGR 312536 111830 (Highlands Farm) Hemyock, Devon – Planning Reference: 12/00456/F​​​ULL

Due to the concerns expressed to the Parish Council, an Open Meeting will take place on Thursday 17th May at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall to discuss the above planning application.

You can see the full application online by visiting http://planning.middevon.gov.uk/online-applications/ and entering the reference 12/00456/FULL into the search

Due to the flooding, many people are unable to get to The Blackdown Healthy Living Centre.  As a result, some activities will be cancelled.  Please contact your respective group organiser for more information.

Cameo Club will be closed Monday 30 April, to avoid putting our volunteer drivers and members at risk.  If similar conditions exist on Thursday, we may also be closed.  Call before you set off.

01823 680687

Sunday 29th April will see a special service at St Mary's church at 6.30p.m taking an informal Iona style form of worship which will be led by Rev. David Burton. All are welcome.

The morning service will see the churches of Hemyock, Culm Davy and Clayhidon joining All Saints, Culmstock at 10a.m. for Holy Communion.  The following weekend (5th - 7th May) All Saints will be holding a Flower Festival with Wellington School Choir singing Evensong at the church  on the Sunday at 6.30p.m.

Don’t forget the Annual Parish Meeting this Thursday (19th April) in the Parish Hall at 7pm. There will be various displays around the hall and the following speakers:-

A new weekly class coming to The Blackdown Healthy Living Centre. Starting on Thursday May 24th from 10am to 12.30pm. 10 weeks every Thursday.

Tonight, Maundy Thursday, Hemyock Singers, conducted by Ron White, will be presenting 'Requiem' written by Bob Chilcott.  The concert will begin at 7.30p.m. and last around 35minutes. Soloists will be Jenny Doble (soprano) and Glyn Jones (tenor) with Nigel Atkinson as organist.  Admission is free but there will be a retiring collection which will be equally shared between 1st Hemyock Scout Group and 1st Hemyock Brownies.

For many years Hemyock Singers have given a performance at the Parish Church as part of worship during Holy Week and as usual the concert will be followed by an optional service of Holy Communion.  

Just a quick reminder that some groups at The Blackdown Healthy LIving Centre will be closed for Easter. 

If you are not certain if this affects one of the groups you attend, please contact the respective organiser.

Happy Easter from all at The Centre.