News:

At the time of writing we are heading very quickly towards Christmas with hopefully time to reflect on the 'reason for the season' - the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, born into a lowly family in a stable.

Reports from our Christmas activities will be in the next magazine but until then we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2024!

On October 16 the funeral of Reg Holley was held at Calverleigh. Reg had lived in Calverleigh since the 1970s and was a member of 'The Party Six', a group of six friends who raised a great deal of money for charity locally over many years holding various events. When he was able, Reg would visit the graveyard daily to visit the grave of his late wife, where he was laid to rest, and would spend a period of time in the church as well. Whenever people were working in or around the church there would always be a good conversation before Reg made his way home. In latter times he was accompanied by family members until he was unable to do so anymore. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

The family bingo arranged by Maureen and Paul on November 11 was well supported with a good mixture of young and young at heart people enjoying a fun evening. There were lovely prizes to win throughout the evening and light refreshments were served. Our thanks go to everyone who supported by attending or donating draw prizes and of course to Maureen and Paul for organising this fundraising event which raised over £400 for church funds.

Thank you to all those that supported the Family Bingo on Saturday 11 November, either by attending, giving donations, draw prizes, or helping on the day. Of course, we also need to thank Maureen and Paul for organising this fundraising event which raise a grand total of £430 for the Church.

On the following day the Remembrance Sunday service was led by Julie with Dave Edwards providing the music.  A reflective time of music to remember those who gave their lives for our freedoms was included, along with the traditional time of remembrance and thought-provoking talk.

Saturday 18 November was our annual Autumn Fayre in the village hall. This really is a good time of fellowship with many friends from neighbouring parishes joining us to see what is on offer from the stallholders, along with the opportunity to enjoy a light lunch and have a good natter. Our thanks go to all the stallholders, those donating, attending and spending and to all who were kept busy in the kitchen with serving delicious homemade soup, hot dogs or bacon baps and drinks. The grand total of just over £1000 was made for church funds. Thank you everyone. Your support is very much appreciated.

The Baptism of Wilbur took place on Sunday 19 during the family service, with Rev'd Claire Curtis officiating. Many family and friends were there to support Wilbur and his parents as he begins his faith journey. Music during the service was provided by Sam on the organ and also Dave playing his guitar. It is always good to hear the organ being played as this is not a regular occurrence these days. During Rev'd Claire's talk the congregation were handed sycamore seeds to take home and plant.

It was with great shock and sadness that we learnt of Rev'd Robert Gordon's sudden illness and equally sudden passing. Whenever you saw Robert he always had a friendly smile, a twinkle in his eyes and you always felt that he was pleased to see you. Robert's funeral was held in St. Peter's, Tiverton on November 30th where he was the Rector for a number of years. Our love and prayers are with our Rector Steph and family at this difficult time for them all.

On December 6 a Service of Thanksgiving was held for Linda Pryce at Calverleigh church.  Linda lived in Calverleigh for many years, raising her family, before moving a little further up the road to Templeton.  Her family spoke of the lovely lady that she was known to be, by many people. The service was relayed to the village hall as well because of the number of people that wanted to pay their last respects. Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda’s family at this sad and difficult time.

On Saturday 2 December the Exe Valley Community Choir sang at the Cathedral as part of the Come and Pray day, closing service. They sounded amazing inside the building and also outside when they sang carols to the Christmas market shoppers afterwards. A few parishioners from Calverleigh were there to support them. The choir members have practised hard to get to this point and we are sure that they were proud to be singing in such magnificent surroundings. Well done to you all.

Our Christingle service took place on Sunday 3 December and the subject was 'being prepared'. Are we ever at this time of year?  An interesting talk was given by Nikki, once she had 'found' her bag. Our thanks go to Doreen who provided the Christingles and to Aubrey who made them up along with those who supplied cake etc for after the service. A donation from the collection will go The Children's Society for their work with vulnerable children, teenagers and young adults.

We also send our condolences to anyone else that is grieving the loss of a loved one, either now or longer ago. It's been such a sad couple of months all around the Exe Valley. Remember, the church is open most days during daylight hours for prayer. There is also a prayer box in the church if you wish for us to pray for you.

Our thanks go to everyone on the cleaning, flower or churchyard mowing rota's for keeping our church, inside and out, looking at its best all year round for all parishioners and visitors alike. Your time and hard work is really appreciated by many.

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