Hemyock

The Blackdowns look great in white, but maybe you know someone who is living alone and for whom you might have safety concerns. There are elderly people living alone in the Hills around us and your Parish Council is suggesting that we should all be good neighbours and phone a friend.

For some time now the historic raised walkway which links the Millhayes area of Hemyock with the main village has been falling into disrepair. A responsibility of the Highways Department of DCC, the County Council are not willing to spend money in order to repair and upgrade it to modern standards of health and safety. Concerned parishioners have raised the issue of its continuing deterioration and dangerous condition with Hemyock Parish Council who regrettably have decided to ask DCC to remove it.

With all the decorations safely packed away for another year, Christmas and all it's celebrations now seem far away but what enjoyment we were able to get from them - Christmas Fairs, parties, discos, sporting activities and a variety of services at St Mary's and the Baptist Chapel. It was good to see so many children and young people taking part in the services. As always the school carol morning was a delight (and as someone said it wouldn't be Christmas in Hemyock without the 'Innkeeper's Song' sung so enthusiastically by the youngsters), the Christingle afternoon an absolute joy, the Crib service full of warmth and it was standing room only for Papa Popov's Special Christmas.

Can you help to improve and care for wildlife habitats across the Blackdown Hills? The Neroche Conservation Volunteers are a new group who meet on the second Wednesday of each month and are really keen to welcome new members.

Would all those who have expressed an interest in having an allotment please register this interest in writing, if they have not already done so, and as soon as possible. The address to send it to is: The Parish Clerk, Mrs A Kingston, Fourways House, Hemyock, EX15 3PF

If you still have an uncompleted Parish Appraisal form sitting on the sideboard at home and would like another day or so to complete it, please take it along to the Post Office in Hemyock by 10th February. If you have lost your copy please contact Heather Stallard today on 680237 for another.