Congratulations to Rodney & Sally Clist on their 50th Wedding Anniversary, to Alec and Ann Smith on their 50th Wedding Anniversary, and finally, to Roy and Doreen Perrott on their 40th Wedding Anniversary.  With love and best wishes from St Mary's Ringers.

As the Coffee Morning we held last year was so successful, we are holding the event again on Saturday June 13th, from 10:00am until 12:30pm. We are also having an evening event in Autumn, the tickets will be on sale from April 30th and will be £6 each.

The Blackdown Community Choir is now recruiting for the summer term, to start after Easter. All voices welcome, especially men! Ability to read music is not required, but you must be able to hold a harmony part. Singers need to commit to Wednesday night practice. For more information ring Gabrielle Newman Turner on 01823 680690.

We started the New Year with a meal at the Catherine Wheel, enjoyed by all. In February we were all enthralled and amused by Irene and Geoffrey Dearsley telling us about "Nigeria then and now." In March we were entertained by Hazel Partridge who told us about "A Year in Spain." This was accompanied by beautiful slides as well as bangs in the kitchen (a new window was being fitted). We rounded off the afternoon with delicious sweetmeats and nuts.

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.