Hemyock

The Parish Council has received a Planning Application to put a block of flats on the old tennis courts.

Almost 300 people including Bishop Richard Hawkins and many clergy gathered at St Mary's parish church, where extra seating was brought in, for the funeral service of Revd. Malcolm Beal which was conducted by Revd David Sherwood. Family and friends had travelled from as far afield as Canada and the Channel islands to attend the service.  Malcolm had passed away following a long illness. 

A standing ovation by 200 people saw the final day of the Rev David Sherwood's ministry in the Upper Culm Valley draw to a close.

Hemyock Senior and Youth Football teams are energetic and very well supported, with two senior teams and over 65 children participating in youth football.   Longmead Management Group work in conjunction with the Football Foundation to deliver a progressive and exciting operation with a very dynamic development plan going forward.   We now need additional resources to take our new five year plan forward - and are looking for a Development Officer to work within a dynamic team using fantastic facilities.

Sunday 16th January will be the last service to be taken at St. Mary's Parish Church by Rev. David Sherwood before he and his family leave Hemyock for Ashburton.

The service will begin at 11a.m. and be followed by a  hot 2 course lunch (with vegetarian option) at the Parish Hall. Tickets will be £3 pp. and are available from Hazel  (01823 680069), Maurice (01823 680665), Anthea (01823 680430) and Hazel (01884 840646)  and need to be purchased by Weds 12th January.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to David's farewell gift is asked to pass it to David Bawler, 4 South View, Hemyock or their local Churchwarden as soon as possible.

‘Mind the Gap’ was a mini conference held in Hemyock recently to consider the provision of increased elderly care services in Hemyock and in particular housing.  Hosted by the Parish Council and including representatives from the Abbeyfield Society, WCHA the local housing association and Mid Devon District Council the group began by reflecting on the existing services available to local people provided by both public and voluntary sector.  These were not insignificant and the work of organisations such as the Healthy Living Centre, Blackdown GP Practice and Blackdown Support Group were highlighted and commended.

There is a warning of snow on the way.  Are you prepared?  If you follow this link to the DCC Emergency Planning Newsletter you will find sections of interest to help you prepare.    http://www.devon.gov.uk/ep_newsletter_dec10.pdf

If the snow does come, please check on your neighbours, especially the elderly.

Let's plan for the worst whilst expecting the best.

As darkness fell and with lights switched off, candlelight shone on the faces of excited children as they and the congregation at St Mary's formed a circle within the church to celebrate the annual Christingle service and to sing the well loved carol 'Away In A Manger'

 Due to the weather numbers attending were lower than normal but the joy and fellowship was unmistakable. The service was conducted by Val White, the talk given by Becky Doble, Peter and Frederike Reed with readings by Cheyenne and Erika Jordan. The service is organised on behalf of the Children's Society to whom the collection will be sent.

The Christingles consist of an orange to represent the world, cocktail sticks to represent the four seasons along with fruit and sweets for harvests, a red ribbon for Christs blood and the candle to show Him as Light of the World.

This very special annual service will be held at the Parish Church on Sunday 5th December at 4pm.

All are warmly welcome especially those with children.