Exe Valley Mission Community

News:

Calverleigh September Round Up 2022 (Updated)

(Updated 12th September 2022)

August is the month for exam results and we hope that those of you who have been awaiting results have gained what you need for the next step of your education. At this time as well, we wish all those children who are starting school, or are moving up from Primary to Secondary, or onto further education a good start to the school year and that staff and children alike have had a relaxed, happy and safe Summer break.

Our thanks go to Jackie Herniman for her kind donation of material for new curtains in the belfry.  The old ones had been there for a great many years and were looking the worse for wear.  The new curtains were expertly made by Bet Bowden. Thank you Bet, they do look very nice and it are much appreciated. Thank you too to Mandy Cotter who assisted Bet with the hanging of the curtains.

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Alison Mallett in May and her funeral was held at St. Mary’s on 16 June.  Alison and her late husband Tony lived in Lurley and were regular worshippers with us and also supporters of village and church events.  Alison was part of a music group and a few years ago arranged a concert in church.  Members of the group played music at the funeral and also at her home afterwards.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.

The much anticipated Fun Day was held on 25 June.  It had been on the cards to happen for the past two years but because of the different restrictions over that time it was put on hold until the confidence was there to proceed.  In the morning there was a car boot/tabletop sale.  The weather was good to begin with but unfortunately the sky clouded over and the rain arrived so there was a mad dash to help a stallholder move goods indoors. There were competitions to take part in and hopefully win some goodies. A draw was held through the day and continued in the evening where there was also a painting of Calverleigh church to be won, which had been donated by a local artist.  A display of photos showing old Calverleigh and some of its' residents were well received. Bacon or sausage baps were on sale along with hot drinks and squash.  In the evening there were more fun and games for all ages to join in with along with some Old Time dancing and party favourites such as musical chairs.  Thank you Aubrey for your fun games and all the hard work put in to arrange this day.  A request was made for more of the same in the not too distant future.  The money raised from this event went towards church funds.

On Sunday July 3 an Open air service was held in the churchyard.  The weather was good and the service was led by Natasha.  During the service the congregation listened to two pieces of music 'Turn, turn, turn' by The Byrds and also 'Ten thousand reasons', both songs allowing a time of reflection amid birdsong and amongst nature at its best in such wonderful surroundings.  This was followed by refreshments.

The annual Potato Competition was held in July with the weigh-in carried out at Calverleigh village hall.  Our thanks go to Gillian, Mary, Tim and Louise for organising and hosting the evening once again.  Gillian has said that the first Potato Comp was held in 1982 so congratulations on 40 years of encouraging experts and newbies young and not so young to have a go.  A bring and share supper was followed by the weigh-in and this year’s prize winning growers are:

  • Men - Richard Wood 7lbs 4ozs, Kipper Haywood 6lbs 9ozs, Geoffrey Thomas and Charles Pugsley both with a weight of 6lbs 4ozs.
  • Ladies - Brenda Tucker 11lbs 2ozs, Lorna Thomas 7lbs 7ozs, Pat Clark 6lbs.
  • Children - Freddy 5lbs 3ozs, Wren 3lbs 10ozs, Evie and Seb 3lbs.

Well done everyone and our thanks go to all who supported in any way.  A total of £650 was raised with £100 going to Devon Air Ambulance and £550 to church funds.

It was lovely to welcome Rev'd Claire Curtis to the service of Morning Praise on 17 July.  Claire gave a talk which included speaking about her Ukrainian guests and their experiences so far of living in rural Devon.  Thank you Claire, you gave a good insight into what it is like for them to live in a foreign land.

On Friday 29 July the funeral service of Stephen Troake was held at St. Mary’s.  Over the years Steve had been a good friend to many and was a talented metalworker who also had a great enthusiasm for renovating cars and trucks.  The service was also relayed to the village hall to cater for the many friends who joined family and villagers to give Steve a good send-off.  This began by taking Steve on one last drive, on the back of a red truck that had been renovated by him and the owner, into Tiverton followed by a convoy of classic cars and motorbikes.  A flower stand, made by Steve, had been donated to St. Mary’s and was decorated for the day along with flowers placed around the church by friends of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue, Jamie, Hayley and families at this time.

Our congratulations go to Aubrey and Julie who celebrated 40 years of marriage at the end of July.  Best wishes also go to anyone else who has had a birthday, wedding anniversary, birth or wedding.  Please let us know if you would like to mention a special occasion.

Our best wishes also go to those known to us who have been very unwell recently, to anyone who has been affected by the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak, those who are waiting for or receiving treatment, those who are recovering from an accident or any other medical condition.  Our prayers are with you all.

Events Coming Up

Out of respect to Her Late Majesty The Queen, This years' Harvest Supper will now not take place.  Our Harvest Thanksgiving service will now be at 10.45am on Sunday 2 October - replacing our planned Songs of Praise Service, which may now be rescheduled for the new year.

A special commemoration service marking the death of her late majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be held on Sunday 18th September 2022 at 10.45am. All are welcome. A book of condolence is available in church daily until the day after Her Majesty’s funeral

A Bingo evening will take place on Friday 28 October 2022 at Calverleigh Village Hall. Doors will open at 6:30pm, Eyes down at 7pm. This will be a fun event in aid of Calverleigh Church, all welcome. Please phone Maureen or Paul to confirm 01884 258770 or 07967 989724.

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