News: Calverleigh March Round Up 2026: News: Calverleigh March Round Up 2026

News: Calverleigh March Round Up 2026

Date Added: 01/03/2026 @ 9:00am

At the time of writing, we have been going through an extremely wet spell, but nevertheless there are signs of Spring around us. It has been lovely to see the sturdy little snowdrop popping up in the hedgerows and the woodlands, a very welcome sight with flashes of white to brighten the dreariness of the past few weeks and buds appearing on trees and bushes. The daffodil is emerging from the ground and in sheltered areas they have already been showing off their bright yellow heads. A sure sign of what is to come.

Looking back to the Christmas period, our Carol service was a busy one with over 60 people coming together from as far afield as Greece, to listen to and sing about the birth of Jesus. A number of our children sang Away in a Manger, the choir sang Silent Night and Tasha and Nikki became ‘angels’ to tell us about the birth of Jesus from their point of view. The service was followed by refreshments of cake, biscuits, mince pies and a hot drink or squash. Our thanks go to all those who read the lessons, prepared food, decorated the church in readiness for the Christmas period or just supported us by coming along.

We had a successful two nights of carol singing with the Loxbeare and Calverleigh carol singers trying something a little different this year.  Instead of clogging up the country lanes it was thought to give a go to being “static”.  On Monday 22 December we met in the car park of Loxbeare church and had a good sing song working our way through the Bethlehem carol sheet and were joined by some local residents as we did so. The evening was rounded off with a warming spiced drink, mince pies and biscuits served from the back of a car.

The very next evening we met at Calverleigh village hall car park.  We began as a modest group but as the evening went on we were joined by more and more people.  Between the singing we were entertained by some of the younger singers with Christmas cracker jokes.  Again, we managed to work our way through the carol sheet and at the end of the evening we were treated to a supper that had been arranged by Maureen, Paul, Alison and Eric.  This was very much unexpected but appreciated.  A grand total of £382.50 was raised for Mid Devon Messenger (talking books and newspapers) for the blind and partially sighted.  We went to a couple of homes on both nights of those who wanted to hear the carol singing but were unable to attend in person. Thank you to all who braved the cold on both nights, for the wonderful supper provided and to all those who donated so generously.  We hope that we will be able to do it again this December.

Our Christmas Day Holy Communion service was led by Rev’d Christopher Rowley.  Over 30 people, both local and from further afield, came together to celebrate the birth of Jesus in a lowly stable in Bethlehem.  Thank you, Christopher for a great beginning to a day of celebrations and togetherness.

Over Advent a collection of dried or tinned goods along with toiletries was donated by many for CHAT.  A good number of items were delivered to their office in time for distribution to those in need before the Christmas period.  Thank you to all who gave to this worthwhile cause. CHAT are always so grateful for these donations.

Plough Sunday was 11 January, which was a Group Holy Communion service and we were pleased to welcome Rev’d Steph Gordon-Jeffs and four members of Cruwys Morchard Young Farmers who brought along a plough that was blessed during the service for a good growing season ahead and plentiful harvest later in the year.  Hopefully, the fields will start to drain and recover over the next few weeks so that farmers can get onto the land and begin to work it.

As you may know, there is an issue with an area of flooring in the church where there has been a partial collapse at the east end of the south aisle.  Initial investigations have taken place and we are now at a point of moving on to the next stage of obtaining quotes from the specialist companies who will be stabilising the floor to prevent damage to more of the flooring and the inlaid tombstone.  When these details are known we will be able to start applying for grants and organising more fundraising events.

Congratulations and best wishes go to those who have been celebrating a family event, a significant birthday or wedding anniversary. Many Happy returns to Dave who celebrates his birthday on Good Friday!

Many people have been unwell with various bugs/coughs and viruses recently and we trust that you are over the worst and feeling much better. For those who are awaiting treatment or recovering from operations we wish you well.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with all who are mourning the loss of a loved one either recently or longer ago.

Forthcoming Events

Please see the calendar for Easter activities and services

Annual Day of Prayer - Saturday 2 May.  Time sheets and prayer suggestion sheets will be available in church closer to the date. A prayer sheet will be circulated closer to time and can always be downloaded from the website!

Monthly Prayer: You don’t have to wait until May to pray, however, on the first Saturday of each month between 9am and 11am, we also pray at your home, at the church or wherever you are.

Saturday May 9: Coffee morning in the village hall in aid of ‘Restore the Floor’ 10.30am - 12.30pm. Draw, cake stall and competitions.

Our monthly Explore Service is a fun and interactive all age family friendly service starting at 9.15am with tea, coffee, squash and biscuits for a 9:30am start. The next Explore service will take place on 15 March. Do join us if you can!