Hemyock

On Wednesday December 6th, Members of St Mary's guild met to enjoy their
Christmas Party which proved to be a very pleasant afternoon.

After participating in a light hearted Christmas Quiz, we enjoyed some festive
fare including Mince pies, Stollen and mulled wine - scrumptious.

At this time of year the number of people visiting Lapland increases tenfold. There are now regular flights to this icy outpost of northern Europe and many families take the opportunity to visit 'Father Christmas'. It's a sort of seasonal Disneyland for children of all ages to experience the magic of meeting Santa Claus on his home turf. In fact, the idea of travelling to Father Christmas's home is so popular, that it was one of Jimmy Saville's most requested 'Fix-its', even back in the days when there were no direct flights. Being able to grasp
tangible evidence of what Christmas is all about seems to be so important to people, that they are willing to pay what amounts to the cost of an annual holiday to go there. The problem is - this isn't what Christmas is all about.

The village were shocked to hear of the death of 3 year old Erin Thompson following a car accident in which her father also died.Her brother Jack, 4 years was also involved but was not badly injured and is now at home with his mother Jilly and partner Simon at Mill Leat.

What a joy it was to see members of 1st Hemyock Scout Group proudly carrying their new flag into St Mary's for a blessing recently and to see them, along with the Brownies, honouring the Fallen at our Remembrance Sunday service. The parish church was almost full for this service and the act of everyone placing a petal on a poppy outline followed by the reading of the poem 'In Flanders Fields' was for many most moving.

The cubs and scouts from 1st Hemyock (pictured) paraded the new Cub Scout flag to the morning service at St Mary's Church, where it was blessed by the Rev David Sherwood who conducted the service.

Public Question Time

The following matters were raised before the meeting by members of the public attending:

At Longmead: sewer problem, car parked over manhole cover in car park for months last winter, slow progress over childrens play area. (Mr Lowman).

Public Question Time

28 members of the public attended the June meeting to discuss the application submitted by Hemyock Baptist Church to provide a mobile classroom in the grounds of the Church.

Mike Eastick from Upper Culm Twinning Association asked whether the Parish Council would give their support to the twinning being made official.

John Churchill enquired why County Council had spent money digging out and tarmacing the landing on Lemons Hill.