Hemyock

Rev David Aylmer Evans retired to Hemyock following his final living as Vicar of a group of churches on the Somerset levels. His curacies had been in Wales and Maccelesfield, followed by a living in Chester before moving into school work and later becoming a counsellor at South Molton School and Community College. Born in 1928 in Burry Port near Llanelly he worked for a while in the family mine. He studied theology, classics .... and being Welsh, rugby .. at St David's College, Lampeter where he met his late wife, Anna. A man large in build and heart there he was known as 'Tiny' whilst here he was better known as a 'without notes' preacher. Aylmer was someone with whom you could easily talk with and many had also been inspired by his preaching. He worked in wood and a cross and candlesticks he made and gave are in St Mary's. He was also a writer and his book 'Why is God in the dark' was sent to a publisher only days before he died.

Amongst others who have recently passed away are John Kallaway, Brian Bird and Sidney Perry. Condolences are sent to their family and friends.

Through the Pump best wishes are sent to all who are unwell, wishing you a speedy recovery.

The official Twinning ceremony will have taken place by the time the Pump is delivered and many will have offered home hospitality to our French friends. Hopefully the future will see exchanges between local organisations and the primary school with their French counterparts. Links between some families are now strong as was shown when a word of appreciation was given by a French twinning friend as Brian Clist celebrated a milestone birthday recently.

Dan Morgan recently organised a musical concert in Exeter to showcase young people. Amongst those taking part were his daughter Anne, singing and playing her own compositions, and Erika Jordan on piano.

Despite the stormy weather over the weekend the Friends of St Mary's held an art exhibition many were impressed by the talent displayed by local people and a number of paintings now have new homes. Many of those who visited, and those who displayed, hope a similar event will be held in the not too distant future.

Congratulations to Lee Powell of Station Road who plays for Cullompton Rugby Club.He was in the winning team playing at Twickenham who won the EDF Vase.

As always a fond farewell to those leaving the area and a warm welcome to those new to the parish.

As you read through the Pump you will see that there are many events to be enjoyed during June and July. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us and we will all find something of interest be it a safari supper, cricket or meeting the Parachute Regiment Red Devils Freefall Parachute Team dropping in at the Church Fete on July 4th.

Janice Bawler. email: jbawler1947@hotmail.co.uk. Tel 01823 4680352