Hemyock Parish Council has negotiated with some residents to give up property frontage in order to make way for pavements. This ongoing project is proving successful and very popular. It has also become normal for planners to make the provision of pavements outside properties part of their consent on major works where this is reasonable. An example is the recent new builds along Station Road. But an interesting planning question has arisen; “who then owns the pavements?”

It's that time again when we will be holding our annual Chocolate Event. March 14th in the Forbes Lounge will be the venue for all things chocolate. Come along and enjoy the company of friends and buy all your Easter Chocolates. There will be a cake stall, chocolate tombola, chocolate fountain, Chocolates for Chocoholics and a grand draw. Of course if you don't like chocolate you will be able to have tea or coffee! If you would like to order chocolates but can't make it on the day please contact Lynn Taylor on 01823 680104 who will be pleased to show you the catalogue. If you have a problem with transport give Lynn a ring and she will sort something out.

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.