Hemyock

In the spring of this year, the Rectory received a new resident - a Springer Spaniel puppy called Coco. He was born on Easter Day, is now seven months old and keeping us all on our toes. He's a delightful character and a good companion to whoever he happens to with at any given time. But of course, like any dog, he can be hard work and expensive - what with vets fees and a splendid appetite - and there are moments when the full reality of his reliance upon us hits home. Fortunately, I have kept dogs before and am fully aware of the tremendous commitment we undertake when buying one. Sadly, not everyone thinks this through and they fail to hear the RSPCA's warning that 'A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.'

The village and surrounding area has been shocked with the recent tragic deaths of Terry Frost and teenager Laura Persey and through the Pump we send love and condolences to their families and friends. Laura is the third young person connected to the Culm Valley Young Farmers Club to die in recent years through exceptionally sad circumstances and our thoughts are with members of the club.

Official opening of the Longmead Field a great success

The Shoebox appeal organised by the charity Samaritans Purse which delivers Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children throughout the world is now in full swing and a number of boxes have already been delivered to the home of local organiser Janice Bawler of Hemyock along with a number of hand knitted hats and glove puppets.

Parish Councils in Devon are encouraged by County and District Councils to write simple self help emergency plans to enable a parish to respond in the event of a universal threat occurring where overstretched blue light services are unable to attend immediately.   The aim of the recently launched Hemyock Emergency Plan (HEP) is to show how the parish council can contribute to the recovery from an emergency.  This can be nothing more than an outline idea given local resources, training and preparedness for every type of potential emergency.  However the HEP Team led by Councillor Steven Reed carried out an assessment and considered that the key threat to the village was prolonged poor weather (heavy snow and/or flooding) with a loss of electrical power.

Grand Opening of the Longmead Sports Field on Sunday 4th November at 2pm

It’s never too early to……. Start packing a shoebox for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Appeal.

It is widely recognized that Hemyock has had significant housing development over recent years. 

Members of Hemyock Parish Council held an additional meeting in order to discuss the Culm Development Plan (see here).  This was because of their real interest and deep concern about areas of the village which were being considered by Mid Devon District Council for future affordable housing and employment development.  The plan identifies three areas within Hemyock where affordable housing and/or employment construction could take place. 

After a short period of having a dedicated Beat Manager who showed real signs of getting to know the community and its inhabitants, Hemyock and the surrounding area is again without a police presence.