Hemyock

Previously we mentioned the small Bavarian village of Oberammergau where a Passion Play has been performed every 10 years since the time of the Black death. In 2010 they will perform it for the 41st time. The whole village is involved in the show.

We have been looking at the possibility of a visit to see the performance. It would be about 5 to 7 days, and the cost would be in the region of £1000 to £1400 depending on length and transport mode.

It's that time of year again! - The time for our annual Vestry and Church Meetings.  These will take place on April 20th in the Church room starting at 7.30pm.

The Vestry meeting elects the Churchwardens and is open to everyone in the parish. Voting at the Annual Church meeting, for Church Council members amongst others, is for those on the Church Electoral Roll.

The church fete will be held this year on Saturday 4th July, 11am to 4pm on the Parish Hall Recreation Field.

Many stalls including hot food, teas, refreshments, entertainment and much more entertainment. Fun for all the family. If any organisation would like a stall please contact Patricia Fuller 01823 680352. Look out for further details in the next pump and around the village.

There will be a service of Confirmation at St. Mary's Church Hemyock, presided over by the Bishop of Crediton, on the evening of Sunday 24th of May. The service is about 'confirming' our Baptism promises or those made on our behalf when we were infants.

A few months ago the British Humanist Society paid for an advertising campaign on the side of the nation's buses which read 'There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life'. I was in two minds when I heard about this. On the one hand, I was concerned about the effect this would have on young minds who have had little opportunity to explore their own understanding of God. Religion is taught in schools (by law) but young people are rarely given the chance to explore faith in any real depth, thus denying them the opportunity to make an informed decision. In their confusion, they are likely to follow the crowd or to accept what seems to be the easy option. And of course, declaring a faith God is far from easy in today's society.

The congregation of St Mary’s, Hemyock were joined by members of the local Baptist Chapel for the annual village Palm Sunday service held at the parish church. Prior to the service a large number walked through the village from the hall to the church led by Rev David Sherwood. Singing along the route was accompanied by Ron White and Nigel Atkinson on accordions.

After a two year wait, Police Woman Victoria Underhill is the new Beat Manager for the Upper Culm area including Hemyock. She introduced herself at a recent parish Council meeting when delivering the up-to-date crime figures which continue to be on the low side - which is encouraging. Vicki was warmly welcomed by Heather Stallard Chair of HPC. But our excitement may be premature!

Come and find out what is happening in and around the village - current plans and recent achievents.  Ask your questions and listen to interesting speakers.  Thursday 30th April at Hemyock Parish Hall 7.00pm.  Cheese and wine event.