At the beginning of January we all went around wishing each other a 'Happy New Year' and I suspect that, given the current climate, there was considerable feeling behind each greeting. The Credit Crunch is has now become a financial crisis and this country, as well as many others in the world are moving into a recession which is set to last for some time. It is a difficult time for all of us. Those who are employed are worried about the security of their jobs. Others have lost their jobs and face an uncertain future. Those who are retired are finding their income restricted as savings or investments show poor returns.

Late on the afternoon of Sunday 7th December the Church was almost full as people of all ages joined together to sing carols at the village Christingle service conducted by Rev David Sherwood. The history of the Christingle was dramatised by youth members from Hi-zone and the Tower Room Club, carols were sung by Hemyock Primary School choir accompanied on guitar by head teacher Mrs Gill Peters and Christingles were distributed amongst the congregation before being lit, as church lights were extinguished and Away in a Manger sung.

The Christmas Fayre was opened by David Bawler, recently retired Churchwarden, who was presented with a buttonhole by Isabelle Cole. The fayre, in conjunction with Culm Davy Chapel, was held at Hemyock parish hall, and raised over £1309.

Many thanks to all those who donated a shoebox of presents which will bring great happiness to a child somewhere in the world this Christmas. 100 were eventually sent from here. Thanks also to those people who over the year have been busy knitting mittens, hats and scarves for the charity as apart from helping keep children warm the mittens - all with faces - may well provide a 'friend' for a child in need.

Very many thanks to all who responded to my call for empty drinks cans to be sold for recycling to help finance our grandaughter's venture next year. She plans to go with her college to give sports training to youngsters in South African Townships.