Hemyock

During what many were describing as one of the best Twinning visits so far, over 60 French friends from the St Herblon area of Brittany visited Hemyock and the Upper Culm over the weekend. Outings included the Plymouth Aquarium, Montacute House and Julian Temperley's Somerset Cider Brandy Company at Kingsbury Episcopi. There was also a very special evening of folk music and dancing at Hemyock Parish Hall on the Saturday evening.

It gave us great delight to be able to make a presentation to our Vice President, Joan Lawrence, on her retirement as rehearsal pianist for our choral group. Joan has always gone that extra mile for the Group: she is unstinting in her support and encouragement and her musical knowledge has helped many a singer over the years. So from all past and present members we say a huge "Thank you"

In February we took part in the East Devon Group drama competition with our play "Zartan", produced by Lorraine Penngelly in which we came first, qualifying us for the Devon round which we also won. We then went on to represent Devon at the south west area round in Weymouth which we came second, again qualifying us for the next round. So then we went up to Cheltenham to compete in the National semi finals which we came a very respectable third. Also throughout our performances we picked up the best moment cup at the group round and the best actor went to Mark Davis at the group and county round as well as the national semi final.

The April meeting was held in the Forbes Lounge where members and a visitor were welcomed by the president Lynn Taylor. The recent group meeting at Uffculme had been enjoyed by the 12 members who had attended, where Hemyock were presented with a large silver cup for winning the group competition for skittles.

On the afternoon of Sunday 1st July, Hemyock Tennis Club is holding a mixed-doubles tennis tournament for players around the Blackdowns. The idea is to have a sociable afternoon of fairly gentle tennis (+ tea and cakes), and, in the process, to raise some money for the Blackdown Support Group.