Hemyock

The village were shocked to hear of the death of 3 year old Erin Thompson following a car accident in which her father also died.Her brother Jack, 4 years was also involved but was not badly injured and is now at home with his mother Jilly and partner Simon at Mill Leat.

What a joy it was to see members of 1st Hemyock Scout Group proudly carrying their new flag into St Mary's for a blessing recently and to see them, along with the Brownies, honouring the Fallen at our Remembrance Sunday service. The parish church was almost full for this service and the act of everyone placing a petal on a poppy outline followed by the reading of the poem 'In Flanders Fields' was for many most moving. No doubt a lot of these young people will be looking forward to working with the new youth leaders at the Baptist chapel, and we send a very warm welcome to Ray and Becky Thomas.

Proving popular is the Tempo for Tots held every week at the Chapel. I have heard that they would welcome more so if there are any parents with young children, including babies, Wendy would be pleased to see you.

There have been many people who have been or are unwell. We send them all good wishes for a speedy return to good health. We also send condolences to those recently bereaved.

Donald McLintock as most will know is taking part in an expedition to South America, Brian and Sheila are once again visiting Uganda and Anna Bimson is preparing to spend part of her GAP year on the outskirts of Calcutta, India where she will be working in a leprosy orphanage hoping to teach English and music. As our babysitter she will be very much in our thoughts and prayers and she will be missed by the girls we foster.

Once again our local Young Farmers Club has been in the news with Helen Williams coming 2nd in a YFC national flower arrangers competition. Over the past year the club has raised £6,000 for charity. This has been shared between the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, The Chestnut Appeal and MASK, a charity for children with special needs.

The Pre-School are getting nearer to moving to their new premises at the school. It was good to hear that the recent fire did not cause too much damage to their property.

Many residents will remember the Hellyer family, who still have many relatives living locally. John, son of the late Cecil and Barbara, and grandson of the late Phyllis was recently appointed Chairman of the newly created SE District of the Methodist Church. This position is on a par with a Bishop. We send him warmest congratulations.

The parish churches of our United Benefice were delighted to share a special birthday with David Sherwood on a Sunday in mid November when he was presented with a painting of all the churches from Hemyock, Culm Davy and Clayhidon.

We also welcome Pat & Anne Salter, Digger, Sybil & Custard who have moved to Ashculm from just over border in Somerset.

There are many people in various parts of the country as well as those living abroad who are sent copies of this magazine and we send good wishes to them. Although some may not be able to be with their Hemyock family we know they will be in many people's thoughts at this festive time. We also wish all past residents now in care a very happy Christmas.

It's that time of year when we look forward to a dozen new months and with that in mind a recipe we may like to use:

Prepare one day at a time, and into each put 12 parts of faith, 11 of patience, 10 of courage, 9 of work, 8 of hope, 7 of fidelity, 6 of open- mindedness, 5 of kindness, 4 of prayer, 3 of rest, 2 of meditation and 1 of well selected resolution. Add a teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play and a heaped cupful of good humour. Pour love generously into the whole,
cook thoroughly, garnish with a few smiles and a sprig of joy; then serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness.

May the peace and joy of Christmas be with you and all those in your heart,
Janice Bawler
01823 680352