Storm 'de-fences' were no good against the gale force winds which struck in Hemyock on Thursday.  Little was left of Janice Bawler's back fence after the storm had calmed at the end of the afternoon. The wind ripped out two panels, leaving a clear view through to her neighbour's garden.

Daniel Twyford, a 10 year old pupil at our primary school, is becoming well known locally for his photography with a number of his pictures displayed at the Surgery. Last year he won a competition in Exmouth and 10 of his photos have been purchased with a view to turning them into jigsaw puzzles.  Well done Daniel!

The famous 'kissing gate' in Station Road, Hemyock needs a new home or it will soon be scrapped says the Parish Council.

4th Oct, 1st Nov & 6th Dec 2006

Matters Arising

- Re state of road at South View, Mr White of MDDC had visited and found no problem. Query whether he had even visited the right road. To be followed up.

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.