Oh dear, what a dismal summer we are having but whilst some events have been badly affected by rain we have been quite fortunate here. One lucky couple who really had a gloriously sunny day for their wedding were Sarah Bourne and Trevor Jackson. Their Ugandan theme day was a delight and we wish them and their family all happiness as they move to Dorset where Trevor will begin training for church ministry. We also say a fond farewell to the Morgan family returning to Australia where Dan will be taking up a teaching position at the NSW State Conservatorium of Music in Sydney and to Gill and Ian Richardson who with their 3 children have bought a shop near Lot, France. The Parish Church Summer Fair, Friends of St Mary's open garden afternoon, and Baptist Chapel barbecue were other events where the rain held off whilst the school fete just carried on despite the showers with a good time had by all.

Unfortunately the Scout Centenary Camp at Powderham Castle had to finish early due to a washout with water running through the tents whilst the weekend at Huish Woods that youngsters from Rock the Boat attended may not have been particularly wet for them but what a downpour as they returned to the village! …… rather as we're having as I type this and the thunder rattles around.

Best wishes are sent to all those who are, or have been, unwell remembering by name David and Meg Palmer, Lyn Taylor, Beryl McCulloch, Arthur Fuller, Jack Burnett, John Dimmock and Richard Betteridge who finds himself on crutches just before he flies to Denmark with the Scouts.

To the families of those who have recently lost a loved one we send our love and condolences thinking especially of Ken Hole and Daphne Lutley.

Ken, 85 years will be remembered by many as a keen camera man photographing and filming many local events. Although Daphne, 95 years, left Hemyock to be with her son near Bedford some years ago many will remember her involvement with the WI; as a cellist with a musical group and as a keen gardener for her loving care of our churchyard.

Despite the horror of hearing Brookridge had a fire we were all grateful there was no loss of life or more serious damage: and it was disappointing to hear someone had their purse stolen at the Summer Fair.

The Scouts really don't appear to be enjoying the best of weather for some of their Centenary Year events. After their exceedingly wet camp, the morning of the celebratory service at St Mary's saw them having to shorten their parade to church to avoid the storms. The service though was an absolute delight with many of their members taking part. There were also a number of past membersof the Scout and Guide Associations present. John Northam, a past leader of 1st Hemyock and wearing a Danish uniform, returned to speak of the link with Denmark now in its 35th year and forged so strongly by Ron 'Skip' Lowman with yours truly, an ex Guider, reading prayers written especially for the day. After the Scouts had renewed their Promise a highlight of the service was seeing David
Sherwood being invested as the Groups Chaplin, repeating his Promise and being presented with his scarf by Julie Betteridge, Assistant District Commisioner for Cub Scouts which he promptly wore.

As I write this the Scouts are just 4 days away from a trip to Denmark where they will enjoy a week's camp with their Danish friends before enjoy a weeks home hospitality …… and no doubt they are hoping for fine weather!

The ever popular Holiday Club for primary age children takes place during early August followed by the Brownies off on their annual Pack Holiday. The Friends of St Mary's have sponsored walks arranged, gardens will be opened, the Gardeners Show takes place in the Parish Hall, Heritage Sunday including teas at St Mary's will be enjoyed, locals and visitors will be able to enjoy the new (and
old) play park and sporting facilities, children will be starting new terms at perhaps new schools with others looking forward to university life; whilst the end of September sees the village celebrate Harvest Festival at church, chapel and school.

A warm welcome to any visitors and those new to the village and a fond farewell to all who are moving to pastures new - we wish you well.

Happy Holidays!
Your news is always welcome
Janice Bawler
680352
jbawler1947@hotmail.co.uk