January 2021 Price 90 pence - Conversion of St Paul on the road to Damascus - Crediton Parish Church
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January 2021
Price 90 pence
Conversion of St Paul
on the road to Damascus
Advertising
If you are interested in advertising in this magazine the cost is £55 per annum for
an advertisement eighth A4 page (landscape 90mm x 60mm) and
£95 for a quarter A4 size (portrait 90mm x 130mm).
Please contact Rose Grisman - rpjgrisman@gmail.com - for more information.
Magazine readers please note that we are unable to guarantee the services
provided by any of our advertisers. If responding to advertisers please do mention that
you saw their advertisement in the Crediton Benefice Community Parish Magazine.
Thank you.
Contacts in the In this month’s magazine:
Contact and Pastoral Care
Crediton Benefice Community Page 2
RECTOR Rector’s Notes
The Reverend Matthew Tregenza 01363 894038
Page 4
PRIEST AT SANDFORD Giving is a Privilege
The Reverend Paul Fillery 01363 777372
Page 5
LICENSED READERS Helen Lawes
Carol Price 01647 24468
Page 6
Sandra Collier 01363 777013
Sunday Worship at Holy Cross
PARISH OFFICE
Page 7
Parish Administrator: Gill Lee
(Tuesday and Friday 9.30am – 12.30pm) News from around the Benefice
The Boniface Centre, Church Lane, Crediton, EX17 2AH Page 8
01363 773226 admin@creditonparishchurch.org.uk Crediton PCC Feedback
Website: www.creditonparishchurch.org.uk Page 10
CLERK TO THE CHURCH GOVERNORS Cadbury Deanery Synod Feedback
Sandra Thresher Page 14
01363 85467 sandrathresher@yahoo.co.uk
Life Back in Lockdown continued
CHURCHWARDENS Page 18
Crediton: Sheila Ralph, Mike May, Peter Brewer
Sandford: Linda Bennett-Smith, Chris Tucker Boniface Centre
Shobrooke: Rosemary Barber, John Lee Page 19
Yeoford: Carol Price (Licensed Reader) Festival Competitions
Posbury: Fiona Mortimer (Chairman), Ruth Vigers (Treasurer) Page 20
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC (ACTING) Comfort and Joy Events
Richard Stephens 01363 775170 rewstephens@aol.com Page 22
BELL TOWER Devon CPRE Calendar
Tower Captain: Geoff Sparling 01363 776681 Page 27
geoffreysparling@btinternet.com Plus regular features:
BONIFACE CENTRE BOOKINGS Choir Notes – Page 26
Robin Lavery 01363 772536 robinlavery@btinternet.com Friends of Crediton Church – Page 17
CREDITON MOTHERS’ UNION From the Archives – Page 16
Anne Jerman 01363 772865 Mothers’ Union – Page 23
HOLY CROSS FACEBOOK PAGE Prayer Diary – Page 12
James Turner JMF.turner@icloud.com Reverberations – Page 16
PARISH MAGAZINE Rhymes and Things – Page 24
Editor and Advertising: Rose Grisman
9 Yeo Crescent, Crediton, EX17 3FL To all contributors to the magazine
07972 028069 rpjgrisman@gmail.com
The deadline for items to be included
Distribution: Kathleen Hughes 01363 777371 in the FEBRUARY 2021 edition
If you would like a copy of the magazine delivered each of the magazine is
month please contact Gill Lee or Kathleen Hughes SUNDAY 17th JANUARY
Thank you for your co-operation
Annual subscription £9
**********
© ROOTS for Churches Ltd 2002-2013. Material in Prayer Diary Distribution of the magazine will be
reproduced with permission www.rootsontheweb.com by delivery and email, and hard
copies will be available at
All articles and correspondence in this magazine reflect the Evans Newsagents from
views of the writers and should not be read otherwise SATURDAY 30th JANUARY
1
JANUARY SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE
CREDITON SANDFORD SHOBROOKE Others
8.00 Holy Communion (BCP)
POSBURY
3 Jan 9.30 Holy Communion
10.00 Holy Communion 11.00 Holy Communion
Christmas 2 11.00 Holy Communion
(BCP)
6pm Epiphany Carols
10 Jan 8.00 Holy Communion (BCP)
YEOFORD
Baptism of 9.30 Holy Communion 10.00 Holy Communion 11.00 Family Service
10.00 Christingle Service
Christ 11.00 Holy Communion
8.00 Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30 Holy Communion POSBURY
17 Jan 11.00 Holy Communion 10.00 Sung Communion 11.00 Holy Communion
Epiphany 2 6pm Service for Christian (BCP)
Unity
8.00 Holy Communion (BCP)
24 Jan 9.30 Holy Communion
10.00 Sung Communion
YEOFORD
Epiphany 3 11.00 Holy Communion 9.30 Holy Communion
6pm Said Compline
31 Jan 8.00 Holy Communion (BCP)
Presentation of 9.30 Holy Communion 10.00 Holy Communion 11.00 Holy Communion
Christ 11.00 Holy Communion
Contact and Pastoral Care during the ‘Lockdown’
Gill has returned to working in the Parish Office but due to Covid-19 working
restrictions, please don’t call at the office but continue to make contact by telephone
(01363 773226) or email admin@creditonparishchurch.org.uk.
There is also lots of information and the resources for the Sunday services on the
church website: www.creditonparishchurch.org.uk
And don’t forget the Holy Cross Crediton Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/
CreditonParishChurch/ where you can also view the Sunday service. You don’t need
to have a Facebook account to view the posts that have been made.
There are Pastoral Care arrangements in place. Do contact the Pastoral Care group
by email: holycrosssharing@gmail.com or phone Matthew (01363 894038) or Stella
Stephens (07960 388198) if you, or someone you know, needs some help or would
appreciate a phone call. Please use the same contact details to offer help. There are a
small number of people where we are helping with shopping in particular and the
team are also maintaining telephone contact with the church family.
2
3
Rector’s Notes the network of churches that make up the
Minster to act like the body of Christ. One
As we enter 2021, although we still have
body, with many parts; a group of
various Covid-19 restrictions in place, I
churches intentionally, structurally, and
hope that we can do so with a sense of
strategically sharing resources to support
optimism.
the collective mission and ministry
For us, the new year will see significant offered within Cadbury Deanery. What
change as The Revd Paul Fillery moves to this will probably look like on the ground
a new post as Vicar of the Benefice of is parishes teaming up in clusters,
Martock with Kingsbury Episcopi and sharing resources and discerning what
Ash in the diocese of Bath and Wells. Paul God is calling them to do in their
will be missed very deeply in Sandford particular communities, whilst also
and across the wider benefice as a friend having more than an eye on the wider
and I shall certainly miss him as a Church too. Let's not forget that as well as
colleague as well. We shall also see plans the local church, we are part of The
progress, across Cadbury Deanery, Church, which is global or to put it
towards a new Crediton Rural Ministry another way... universal.
Hub.
A key element of us acting like the body
The Crediton Rural Ministry Hub offers us of Christ... one body, with many parts... in
an opportunity to explore new ideas and this part of Devon is the empowering,
vision for rural ministry. Our hope is to equipping and resourcing of lay people to
bring together rural churches to share in exercise their skills and gifts in Christian
mission and ministry, creating a ministry. There has perhaps been a
sustainable model of church for rural tendency in the Church for the Vicar to do
communities; rooted in the Diocesan everything and sometimes clergy have
Vision of Pray, Grow, Serve. The model for colluded with this. Each one of us has a
the Crediton Rural Ministry Hub, which baptismal vocation and so each one of us
the Archdeacon has proposed, is what is is called to take our part in serving God in
called a Minster Model. this part of Devon... the Crediton Rural
The Minster Model of Church looks back Ministry Hub is a major step towards
to a time before we created the parish realising this vision. Discipleship and
system, and forward as we embrace a prayer and good communication links are
new future for the rural church. It seeks key to the success of the opportunity
to enable churches, people and before us.
communities to work together to provide My hopes and longings are for a Church
ministry across a large area. It has which is set free to serve God using all the
collaboration and cooperation at its resources He has given us (and these are
heart; as it seeks to find ways for the local countless) and through which the Holy
church to share resources. Spirit blows encouragement for people to
A Minister Model is different from discover their giftings and then to use
previous church models in that it has a them. I long too for a Church which goes
bold vision which breaks away from outside of its 'comfort zone' to take risks
traditional patterns and looks to for the sake of the Gospel. The Crediton
supporting other churches in their Rural Ministry Hub encourages us to do
common mission. Its vision would be for all these things... let's not lose the
4
opportunity so richly given to us, but let's we show we are grateful. We say thank
boldly walk this path together as fellow you to God for what he has done for us.
pilgrims and disciples of Christ! We know we have been saved and we
A very happy 2021 to you all. recognise that.
Your friend and Rector Secondly, giving to the Church is sharing
in God’s joyful and exciting mission. We
Matthew Tregenza are helping to bring the kingdom of God
PS Please don't hesitate to be in touch if to where we live. We’re investing in
you'd like to know more about the seeing the Church grow. It’s like being a
Crediton Rural Ministry Hub... I'd be season ticket holder for a football team.
delighted to talk to you about it! We’re a serious supporter if we are
generous. We want to be part of the fun.
Thirdly, when we give, we show where
FROM THE CHURCH REGISTERS our treasure is and so where our heart is.
OF THE BENEFICE 2020 If we give generously, we demonstrate
Funerals our treasure is in heaven.
November 20 John Siddons Fourthly, when we give we acknowledge
December 1 Bryan Ware (at Sandford) God as rightful owner. Everything I have –
December 4 Les Burridge house, health, family, life – has been given
to me.
Fifthly, when I am generous I am saying I
Giving is a Privilege belong to God. If I belong to God,
everything I have belongs to God – my
I read recently that 30% of Anglicans time, my skills, my possessions and my
never give money to a church. After life.
picking myself up off the floor and
Giving isn’t just about money. A friend
checking I had read it correctly, I
said she gave little money to the church
wondered why.
because she has so little herself. However,
The report said the main reason for not she didn’t realise how generous she was
giving is they don’t think the church being. She had spent the day helping at
needs it. Why are churches so terrible at the local food bank and she has run the
communication? toddler group for forty years. She always
However, my next reaction was to feel gives so freely of her time.
sorry for them because they are missing God is asking us to take a look at what
out on a great privilege. Let me explain we’ve got and offer it cheerfully to him.
why. He doesn’t want ten pounds or ten per
Firstly, generosity is at the heart of God. cent; he wants our whole lives. God
The Bible starts with Creation, which we doesn’t need our money; he wants our
have been given to look after. But that hearts. He wants us to discover the joy
pales into insignificance when we and privilege of giving, and to grow as
consider the greatest gift: God gave his Christians through generosity.
only son to die for us while we were still When we give, we are imitating God.
sinners. He took what was most precious
and sacrificed him for us. When we give Stephen Mitchell
5
Helen Lawes on offer but they included a
I had already written ‘Blockbusters’ book signed by Bob
this piece for the Holness, a tie from Noel Edmonds and a
parish magazine after ‘Dynasty’ script annotated and signed by
learning that Helen Joan Collins!
had moved into Helen worked for the Probation Service
residential care. But for a number of years where I’m guessing
sadly this has now her skill at shorthand came in handy. At
been followed by the one time, there was a parish magazine
news that Helen has editorial committee which consisted of
passed away. It seems Helen, Bob Ralph, Anthony Geering and
more appropriate than me. I used to watch her making notes in
ever to reflect on the huge part she shorthand at committee meetings and felt
played in our church life at Holy Cross for slightly envious – even more so when I
over 50 years. became PCC Secretary myself!
Helen had been unable to attend church Searching for a photo, I found this one
recently and there are probably newer taken at the Boniface Centre of Helen, her
members of the congregation that have mother, Vi ‘Nanny’ Friday and my mother
no idea of the contribution she made. Margaret Borwell:
Although there are big gaps in my
knowledge as I didn’t start attending
church until the early 80s. Helen and her
late husband Don moved here in the early
1960s and I believe that one of the first
people she met was Enid Clifton who
moved here with John around the same
time and became a lifelong friend. By the
time I got to know Helen, she was already
heavily involved in church life. Over the
years, she’s been the PCC Secretary; a
staunch member of the Mothers’ Union;
part of the Boniface 1980 celebrations; I can’t remember the occasion but Helen
editor of the Parish Magazine; on the and Nanny did run a charity event every
committee that planned, fund raised and
year to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis
built (not literally but you know what I as Helen’s brother had this incurable
mean!) the Boniface Centre; on the illness. Bill reminded me that Helen was
catering team for the Festivals; and
always reluctant to be photographed so
organised the St Nicholas Fair. I this is a rarity!
remember that she used to run the most
amazing lucky dips/bran tub and I was Her sense of fun and droll sense of
always astounded by the huge supply of humour were exemplified by her love of
small, suitable gifts that she produced for all things Star Trek and she was one of
this. She also organised an auction of the few people I know that actually got
items donated by celebrities and spent tickets to attend part of the 2012 London
many hours tracking down contact Olympics. I was very envious, having
details and writing to people requesting tried unsuccessfully myself.
items. This was before the days when so But perhaps her biggest claim to fame
much information became available on was being appointed as the first female
the Internet. I can’t remember everything Church Governor since the Crediton
6
Church Corporation was established in
the 16th century – serving for over 20
years. She was also following in Don’s
footsteps as Governor. Helen used to
decorate the Governors’ tree for the
Christmas Tree Festival. She took the role
of Governor very seriously and her
knowledge of the church and church life
was no doubt invaluable.
Thank you, Helen for everything you did
for Holy Cross.
Anne Jerman
Sunday Worship at
Crediton Parish Church
If you have downloaded the NHS Track
and Trace app to your mobile phone,
please note the necessary QR readers are
on display at Holy Cross, St Lawrence
Chapel and Holy Trinity Yeoford.
Sunday Worship continues with services
at 8.00am, 9.30am and 11.00am and
6.00pm. For the 9.30am and 11.00am
services, contact Anne Jerman on 01363
772865 or email:
jerman@12blagdon.eclipse.co.uk if you
cannot attend or wish to attend at a
different time to your ‘normal’. Please
note that it is now compulsory to wear
face coverings when attending a place of
worship, apart from those who are
exempt from doing so. Everyone that has
attended a Sunday service has received a
service booklet to take home and bring
back each week. The church toilets are
available on Sundays. Please do not
attend church if you have any of the
symptoms of coronavirus. The 9.30am
service is live-streamed via the church
Facebook page: https://
www.facebook.com/
CreditonParishChurch/. It will then be
available to view at any time. The
readings for the week are available on the
services page of the church website.
7
News from around the Benefice advice that you all gave me that enabled
me to launch out in ministry. I have found
Sandford the same dynamics here in Sandford
with Upton Hellions Parish, and so (wonderfully supported
As a New Year dawns, I doubt that any of and encouraged throughout by Tracey), I
us will look back with any sense of now find myself moving to a full-time
nostalgia over 2020! The events of the post in Somerset - with a team to manage
last year were summed up in the and work with, as we seek to see God’s
frequently repeated word Kingdom grow in that Benefice.
‘unprecedented’. However, as I reflect on It is never easy to leave a place and
life in the Parish of Sandford as the old people that are dear to you, and the
year fades and a new one begins, I am decision to do so was one that we took
grateful to God for the kindness and time and careful consideration to reach.
faithfulness of so many here, and the new However, the time seems right as the
friends we have made through ‘on-line’ Benefice here embraces significant
church and ‘live-streaming’. The need for changes and adopts new working
constant flexibility and adaptability has patterns of ministry in the days to come.
been tiring and frustrating at times, but We have been so grateful to the people of
also freeing and stretching as we have Sandford Parish for their encouragement,
sought new ways of being church in these support and understanding as we have
times. God has been at work in many started our journey towards our eventual
hearts and lives, evidenced by the large move to Somerset. We have seen God at
‘congregations’ we have witnessed work in so many ways and in so many
joining us weekly ‘on-line’. Time will tell lives here, and we are confident of God’s
both what we will leave behind after ongoing purposes for the Parish and
COVID 19, and what we will take with us wider Deanery in the days to come.
from this season; but a pause for
reflection would no doubt be in order as It has been a privilege to journey with
we begin a New Year. you all, and a privilege to serve here as
part of the clergy team over these last ten
Sadly, this will be my last article for the years. My thanks to all my colleagues and
Crediton Parish Magazine as Tracey and I especially to our Rector Matthew
will be moving to new pastures in the Tregenza for his kindness and
early Spring as I take up the post of Vicar unwavering support. Thank you all and
of the Benefice of Martock, Kingsbury God bless you in the months and years
Episcopi and Ash in Somerset. This is an ahead. Our hope is to retire back to our
ideal moment to thank all of you in the cottage in Sandford when the time comes
wider Benefice who have been so actively to pull up stumps, so God willing – we’ll
involved in my formation as a priest over be back!
a period that now spans 10 years. I
remember so vividly standing beside Until that time, love and blessings from
Nigel on my first Sunday as a newly us both
ordained deacon, staring out at the Holy Paul & Tracey x
Cross congregation, with a mixture of
both excitement and terror all at once! Shobrooke
But it was the freedom to make mistakes, We are anticipating the three Christmas
and the kind remarks and constructive services “with a difference” that we will
8hold in St Swithun’s Church this year, and Holy Trinity Yeoford
are waiting to find out what we will be Grateful thanks to Jenny Francis who has
able to do in 2021. What an extraordinary helped me with Zoom Services during the
year 2020 has been for us as individuals second lockdown. Her thoughtful
and collectively. We are thankful that we sermons and input have been wonderful.
have been kept safe and well and for our
blessings to live in such a beautiful part of We will plan January Services but the
the country, and in a community where weeks we do not have a service in Church
people care about their neighbours and we will have a Zoom service.
do all in their power to help and support I hope you all have a very Happy
each other. Christmas and let’s pray 2021 year will
We wish everyone a Happy, Healthy, be better than 2020.
Peaceful New Year. We will let folk know January 2021 Services:
about our suggestions for plans for the
January 10th - Christingle Service 10am
continuing use of our church in 2021 and
we pray that we will all be able to feel January 24th - Holy Communion 9.30am
less anxious and safer and lead more 3rd, 17th and 31st - Zoom at 10am
normal lives. Carol Price
Rosemary Barber 01647 24468
Churchwarden
Tel: 01363 773419
Email: bryherrose15@gmail.com
St Luke’s Posbury
At the time of writing we have had our
first service back in the church, led by
Rev David Francis. We are looking
forward to David being with us again on
Christmas Day as we celebrate Holy
Communion.
It seems appropriate to reflect on the last
year. We are grateful to the clergy who
facilitated our continued fellowship
whether via zoom services or in person at
the church, we thank those who have and
are still caring for the sick, particular our
very own, Ruth Vigers, who has been on
the frontline in the Intensive Care Unit in
the RD&E. Thank you to all those who
have continued with to attend services
whether in person or on zoom. We know
that the next few months are going to be
key steps to our country’s recovery, and
we really look forward to being able to
reopen the church fully very soon
Fiona Mortimer
9Feedback from the Crediton PCC Placement – there would be a curate
Meeting on 25 November 2020 arriving in January or February for a
month’s placement.
Elections and Co-options – the following
people were elected to positions within Netherexe Mission Community – Revd
the PCC:- Katie Cross, the incumbent of the
Vice Chair – Sheila Ralph; Netherexe MC, was moving to the Diocese
Secretary – Anne Jerman; of Coventry in January. This would leave 3
Co-option and Treasurer – Glenda Hills; of the 4 Cadbury Deanery Mission
Co-option (Health & Safety and Communities in vacancy. Netherexe MC
Governors’ Representative) – Ernie was not included in the Crediton Rural
Heard; Ministry Hub proposal and the
Sidespeople – these were elected en Archdeacon of Exeter had a plan in mind
bloc and the list included some new for dealing with the vacancy.
volunteers. Bill Parr had stood down Crediton Rural Ministry Hub – further to
after many years service and it was the meeting with the Archdeacon, the
agreed to send a letter of thanks to him PCC had been sent a presentation on the
from the PCC. All the that had been proposal. The formation of the Hub
acting as stewards under the current would not make a huge difference to
Covid arrangements (not all of whom Crediton and its church members.
were sidespeople) were also thanked. Interview dates were pencilled in for
Church Flag – Jack Robson had taken the March 2021 to fill the vacancy in the
flag down which was found to be in a very North Creedy West area with one full-
poor condition as it had been flying time stipendiary clergy. The vacancy in
continually for around 8 months. The the North Creedy East area was likely to
damage was caused by the flag getting be filled towards the end of 2021 by
caught in the fittings during high winds. either 2 x 0.5 stipendiary clergy or one
It was agreed to purchase a replacement full-time. The Hub was not about
flag. centralising everything. That might be
feasible and sensible for training and
Christmas Services – it was a great
some admin functions but individual
disappointment that the church wasn’t
PCCs would retain all their
open for public worship on Advent
responsibilities. There would be scope for
Sunday. Services during the Christmas
collaboration and information sharing.
period would be as follows:-
12th December from 10am to 12noon – Finance Report – Bank balance as at
Christingle Takeaway 26.11.20 was £15,081.12. This included
19th and 20th December at 6pm – Gift Aid just received of £2,761.75, which
Lessons and Carols would be transferred to EDBF against our
24th December at 4.30pm – virtual current Common Fund. Common Fund
Crib Service 2020 – the Treasurer proposed a target of
24th December at 9.30pm and 90% (i.e.: £70,574.00) paid at the year
11.30pm – Midnight Mass with Bishop end and felt this was achievable. It was
Jackie present at at least one of the not intended to bring the shortfall in
services Common Fund in as a creditor in the
25th December – one service at 10am 2020 accounts. Payments Review – the
27th December – one service at 9.30am proposed payments from January 2021
10for services provided were agreed. There which set out six pastoral principles to
was discussion on the payments made to acknowledge prejudice, to speak into
the five charities. The PCC had been silence, to address ignorance, to cast out
supporting Christian charities for many fear, to admit hypocrisy and to pay
years. It was felt that the PCC should be attention to power. It covered areas such
seen to support those less fortunate than as gender and sexuality with a wealth of
ourselves. As well as providing an material and resources available online.
important role model, generosity was The next was the Church of England’s
vital to discipleship. Common Fund 2021 - commitment to achieve net zero carbon
the amount due for 2021 was £74,950 emissions by 2030. The Secretary had
which was a reduction of £3,500 from attended three webinars on the subject
this year. We currently paid £4,600pcm with one more to come on ‘Action
to EDBF and after discussion, it was Planning’. The final item was the
agreed to raise this to £5,200 each month Covenant of Clergy Care and Wellbeing. It
which was felt a realistic possibility. Next was agreed at Diocesan Synod in October
year could be easier with regard to that our clergy needed all our support
church collections and fund raising especially at the present time and that
although that couldn’t be taken for the relationship between clergy and
granted. The amount could easily be congregations was really important. The
reduced if necessary. Diocesan Synod had adopted the
Choir – it was a great delight to enjoy real Covenant and the intention was for it to
singing once more. There had been a lot be considered and adopted in local
of work to make this Covid secure with communities e.g. by Deanery Synods and
distancing, cleaning, choir practice and PCCs. Three booklets would be made
rotas to be managed. Recordings had available in parishes, aimed at clergy;
been made prior to the second lockdown local congregations; and Bishops, senior
for use in livestreamed services when the staff and the wider church.
church was closed for public worship. For more information on any of these
Since Covid restrictions began in March, subjects, speak to Anne Jerman, Crediton
there had been six new recruits (with one PCC Secretary on 01363 772865 or email:
more hopefully in the wings). The PCC jerman@12blagdon.eclipse.co.uk
greatly appreciated all that Richard was
doing and expressed their thanks.
Yeoford – Services were being held each
Sunday via Zoom and the church was
open for private prayer on a Monday.
Fund raising and grant applications for
the provision of kitchen and toilet
facilities continued and a builder’s quote January Anniversaries
was also needed. Happy Birthday to:
Deanery Report – There were three big Sue Barker, Keith Bolt, Jack Shelley and
issues coming down the line from Ted Staite.
General to Diocesan to Deanery Synods to Happy Wedding Anniversary to:
PCCs for consideration. The first of these
Bert & Margaret Jewell.
was the ‘Living in Love and Faith’ project
11Prayer Diary for January
1st – Naming of Jesus – Eternal Father, you gave to Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people,
your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine
sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart the love of with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be
him who is the Saviour of the world, our Lord Jesus known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the
Christ. earth.
2nd – Open Doors – However you are celebrating 18th – Confession of St Peter – Almighty Father,
Christmas and Epiphany, remember those that have who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles, to
to follow Jesus in secret and do not have Christian confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God:
family with whom to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Keep your Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith,
3rd – Christmas 2 – Christ is the morning star who, so that in unity and peace we may proclaim the one
when the night of this world is past, brings to its saints truth and follow the one Lord, our Saviour Jesus
the promise of the light of life and opens everlasting Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
day – The Venerable Bede Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
4th – Give thanks for the work of the Parish 19th – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – God of
Administrator and all the PCC Secretaries and all peoples, teach us to go through Samaria to meet
Treasurers of the Benefice. our brothers and sisters from other churches. Allow us
5th – Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing to go there with an open heart so we may learn from
love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I every church and culture. Grant us the unity that
should go, for to you I entrust my life - Psalms 143:8 Christ wills for us.
6th – Epiphany – O God, by the leading of a star you 20th – When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet -Proverbs
Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, 3:24
where we may see your glory face to face. 21st – Pray for the work of Connect and all our local
7th – Pray for work of Social Services and all Social youth workers and youth groups.
Workers as they seek to help people and deliver 22nd – Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in
services in often difficult circumstances. everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in
8th – Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are Christ Jesus -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long - 23rd – Pray for all those involved in the production
Psalm 25:5 of the Crediton Courier as tomorrow we remember
9th – Give thanks for the work of the Governors and St Francis de Sales, Patron Saint of journalists.
the Restoration Committee in repairing and 24th – Epiphany 3 – Give us grace, O Lord, to answer
maintaining Crediton Parish Church. readily the call of our Saviour Jesus Christ and
10th – Epiphany 1 – The Baptism of Jesus – Father proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation,
in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of
Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed his marvellous works.
him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are 25th – Conversion of St Paul – Blinded by light from
baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they heaven which blazed down from above, fired by the
have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and glorious vision, Paul chose your way of love. So Lord,
Saviour. like Paul, convert us, transform our night to day;
11th – Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our empower us by your Spirit and guide us in your way.
strength every morning, our salvation in time of 26th – May my prayer be counted as incense before
distress - Isaiah 33:2 You; The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering
12th – Pray for the work of the five charities - Psalms 141:2
supported by Crediton PCC – Christian Aid, CMS, 27th – Pray for the staff and residents of our local
Farming Community Network, Mission to Seafarers residential care and nursing homes.
and Connect. 28th – The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
13th – Ask for God’s blessing on the Mothers’ Union his mercies never come to an end; they are new every
AGM which takes place today. morning - Lamentations 3:22
14th – Ask for God’s blessing on the volunteers and 29th – The heavens declare the glory of God, and the
supporters of the Crediton Food Bank and pray for sky above proclaims his handiwork - Psalms 63:3-4
the families it helps in a time of need. 30th – Pray for Rose Grisman, Parish Magazine
15th – In the morning, O Lord, I will direct my song Editor as tomorrow we remember St John Bosco,
and my prayer unto You and will look up - Psalm 5:3 Patron Saint of editors.
16th – Remember the teachers, teaching and 31st – Epiphany 4 – Almighty and everlasting God,
classroom assistants and pupils at Haywards and you govern all things both in heaven and on earth:
Landscore Schools. Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and
17th – Epiphany 2 – Almighty God, whose Son Jesus in our time grant us your peace.
1213
Feedback from the presence of the church in every
Cadbury Deanery Synod Meeting community – but it needed to be for the
on Wednesday 18 November community not just the congregation.
65% of churches were rural with 70% of
Introduction from Rural Dean and Lay churches in multi-parish benefices. 40%
Chair – Revd Matthew Tregenza thanked of churchgoers were in rural
Revd David Francis for all that he had congregations with 18% of the churches
done as Rural Dean during the last 2½ growing whilst 25% were decreasing.
years. Matthew said that he was grateful Whether our ancient church buildings
to be supported by a great team. The were a blessing or a burden continued to
Deanery had an able and wonderful Lay be a subject of debate. The rural church
Chair in Laura and both the Treasurer could be likened to a tractor – slower
and Secretary were efficient and moving but strong and powerful with the
committed. He hoped that in due course, ability to manage bumpy, uneven
depending on the Covid restrictions in surfaces. The effects of the Covid
place, he would be able to get around the pandemic were both short and long term
parishes in the Deanery and meet people. and had also accelerated some issues –
Matthew highlighted three areas to focus the need to embrace social media, IT and
on:- digital ways of communicating and the
he hoped to achieve a push on lay
possible closure of churches.
ministry and commended Foundations Andrew then spoke about the proposed
in Christian Ministry. Some people had Crediton Rural Ministry Hub which had
taken the course (one of whom was been formulated due to the vacancies in
now in Reader training) and others the North Creedy West and East Mission
were thinking about it. He would love Communities. The Ministry Hub should
to see greater take-up and encouraged be seen as a model for a centre of
everyone to discern the gifts and skills excellence for rural ministry. It would - be
of themselves and others and point able to encompass a variety of traditions;
people in the direction of FiCM; develop ways of working together; have
development of a communications good and creative administration;
network; provide outreach to the local community;
prayer – Matthew would like everyone train clergy and laity; encompass the new
to recommit to a life of prayer, and creative as well as the more
connecting parishes to pray and traditional. The Ministry Hub would offer
encourage prayer for each other. It a mixed ecology - local church but wider
should be the bedrock for the future. working together.
Laura Armstrong said that as Lay Chair,
she was so pleased by Matthew’s Deanery Accounts – the accounts had
appointment as Rural Dean. He brought been issued with the agenda and were
with him a wealth of experience and a not expected to change before the end of
true love of God and the Gospel. She the year. The parishes would not be asked
would be talking later in the meeting for a contribution to Deanery funds in
about community marked by generosity. December 2020.
Speaker – The Ven. Andrew Beane, Common Fund – the collection of
Archdeacon of Exeter – Andrew spoke Common Fund across the Deanery was
about the rural church. The Church of holding up well, although the % paid in
England was keen to promote the the year to date contributions was
14reducing slightly each month. The the most obvious things that go un-
Common Fund figures for 2021 had been remarked and uncelebrated.
issued with only a slight change overall. So, let’s think about Generosity for a
While the Diocese had used the 2019 minute. Generosity is one of those things
participant figures again, the 3 year that doesn’t make sense outside of
rolling average used in the final Community. So Christian generosity is
calculation which meant that a small lived out through a Christian community.
number of parishes would see an And how do we know if we are behaving
increase for 2021. like we live in a Christian Community?
Annual Report and Accounts – The first attribute of a Christian
churchwardens, secretaries and community is Accountability: We are
treasurers all had a part to play in the ultimately accountable before God and
production of these and this would be we are accountable to one another. We
explained to all the parties involved. The must ask for what we need and give what
documents had to be accepted and is asked from us. In our Gospel on Sunday
approved by the PCC and could then be we will be reminded that whatever we do
submitted to Amy immediately. It was for one another we do for Christ and
not necessary to wait until after the whatever we do not do for one another
APCM. we did not do for Christ. As Christians,
that is how we will be judged.
Generous Community – Laura Hospitality: We are marked by this. Are
Armstrong – we are at a place of new our spaces, physical, mental and spiritual
beginning – which is faced with inviting? Do we extend our hands to
excitement by some of us, trepidation by those outside? Are we accessible? Do we
others and if you are like me, a little of make time for each other? Do we listen?
both. Whatever is coming next, we need Do we make sure that those around us
to prepare ourselves for the one thing we have what they need to be comfortable, to
can be certain of: the church out here in thrive?
mid-Devon will not be the same as it was. Connection: The Church is meant to be
Whether we like it or not, change is here. in connection with all things and all
And as all change is, it is both an ending people. We are to be aware that what we
and a beginning. do and say matters in ways we cannot
Our faith, though, is founded on an event always see. So, we must make sure that
that is both an ending and a beginning. all we do and say is marked with
The Cross was the end of Jesus’ earthly generosity.
life and the beginning of his glorious Community: We cannot be Christians by
risen one. We don’t get the resurrection ourselves. We are to worship together. We
without the crucifixion. It was the end of are to look for guidance in scripture,
our lives of darkness and the beginning of prayer and each other. We are to carry the
our lives in the Light. gospel of reconciliation with us wherever
We are at the end of one Synod and the we go. But we are to be aware that God
beginning of another, so we thought it moves in unlikely and surprising ways –
might be helpful to talk about Generosity we won’t always know who holds the
as one of the markers of a Christian next piece of our puzzle – who we are to
community. None of this information is help next or who will show up to help us
new – we all know it. But sometimes it is when we need it. We are to notice this
and tell stories of this to each other.
15Ambiguity: I came across this saying
recently: There is so much good in the Reverberations
worst of us and so much bad in the best from the Tower
of us that it ill behoves any of us to find
If you haven’t got much to say, then don’t
fault in the rest of us. We must forgive
say it! That is my mantra, and it certainly
each other and be generous in all ways.
applies this month.
We must be generous of heart and Spirit.
We must be willing to try and to fail and Just 2 pieces of news. First we were able
to try again. to ring for Les Burridge’s funeral that
Sense of humour: We need to laugh took place after lockdown 2, but only
together. We must laugh at ourselves. Life ringing 2 bells. Maybe we can do better in
is hard, but it is also joyous. A generous his memory when circumstances allow.
heart is one that laughs and sees the You may notice that for the time being we
humour in most situations. will be ringing just 2 bells prior to
General Synod Report – the publication services. Guided by Tier 2 regulations the
of the report ‘Living in Love and Faith’ Central Council of Church Bell Ringers
was highlighted and was available online has stipulated that bells may only be rung
for free download. The purpose of by members of the same household. In
resources available through the LLF our case that limits us to 2 bells only
Project was to enable the Church of (although we have three such couples
England churches across the country to available!). Oh Dear!!
participate in a process of learning and Robin Lavery
praying together as part of discerning a
way forward in relation to matters of
identity, sexuality, relationships and
marriage. Over the next year, Dioceses,
Deaneries and parishes would discuss the
various publications with views then From the Archives
going back to General Synod. The 90 years ago - January 1931
advisory Covenant for Clergy Care would From the Cadbury Deanery Magazine:
go first to every Diocesan Synod for
consideration. PCCs had a role in helping Not much seemed to be happening this
their clergy to thrive in what was a month!
difficult and demanding job. There had Sandford–Hellions – the Sir John Davie’s
also been discussion on lay ministry, the Trustees (founded in 1674) met and
mission of the laity and learning how to allotted a suit of clothing to five boys and
be an evangelist in the community – not five girls from among those children who
something many of us felt comfortable attend the Central School, and a number
with. of bibles also to be distributed among
past and present scholars.
For more information on any of these
subjects, contact the Cadbury Deanery The Sandford Amalgamated Society also
Synod Secretary – Anne Jerman on 01363 met and allotted about £80 among some
772865 or email: four hundred persons of the working folk
jerman@12blagdon.eclipse.co.uk. for whom applications had been made.
Special gifts were also made in
exceptional cases.
16Thank You! Friends of Crediton Church
Ethel Robertson would like to say a HUGE Membership: We are very sorry indeed
thank you for all the support she has to hear of the passing of Judy Tucker,
received since March. After falling and wife of Paul. Judy had been an annual
breaking her back in early lockdown she member, then life member, for over 40
is now home and doing really well. She years and in recent years she joined the
has valued the weekly church Council of the Friends, where her
newsletters, magazines, prayers and well knowledge and experience were a great
wishes, especially when in hospital. She help. We send our sincerest condolences
would like to wish all her friends the best to Paul and to son David.
of health for 2021 when she hopes to Seasonal Greetings. The officers of the
return to Church. Executive Committee take the
opportunity to send seasonal good
wishes to all members and readers. We
trust that the new year 2021 will prove
healthy and peaceful.
Contacts:
Church Shop Marilyn Daw (Secretary): 01363 877238
From now until the end of the year, Mike Beskeen (Membership):
virtually everything out on display will be mikeandjoycebeskeen@gmail.com
Christmas items. Bill and I usually do the
stock take on Boxing Day (we know how
to live!). Following this, the church shop
will return to its normal display of items.
Anne Jerman
Preparing for Advent and
Christmas 2020:
Comfort & Joy
Building on the success of
#FollowTheStar, the Church of England
will be launching a new Advent and
Christmas theme to reflect the current
Covid context. It is hoped that Comfort
and Joy will better enable us to reflect
where the country is and will be by the
end of this year. Click here to Find out
more.
17Life Back In Lockdown - never driven, the green lights indicator
continued meant nothing to him so thinking it was
an electrical blip, we left it at that. I must
Where does the time go? You may recall have knocked the switch getting out of
that early on in the first lockdown, I the car. Five hours later, our neighbour
sponsored two Guide Dogs, Willow and came round to say the lights were on. At
Cooper and as promised in the TV appeal exactly the same time, I received a phone
for sponsors, I do indeed receive my call from my sister Rose saying the car
regular Pupdates. And how they’ve had sent her a message telling her to go
grown! Here’s the latest photo and news and turn the lights off! These modern car
of Willow. As part of her training, she’s computer systems which Rose is linked to
being taught how to jump happily and via her mobile never cease to amaze me.
safely into different kinds of vehicles and It’s a long story why it’s Rose, not me,
to ‘wait’ until asked to jump out. Here she that’s connected to the iDrive system that
is wearing her puppy jacket and showing I won’t bore you with.
how it’s done during car travel practise:
During the second lockdown, Bill came
rather late in the game to bread making.
We had a bread maker some years ago
which wasn’t very successful and was
thrown out. So when Bill said he was
buying another, I was a bit ‘Why would
you do that?’. But the new machine is
brilliant. Bread making is the new
pastime in Blagdon Close although some
people prefer the cathartic effect of
REALLY making and kneading bread. And
it’s all been delicious – especially cheese
and sundried tomato.
Being in Tier 2 rather than where we
were before the second lockdown made
very little difference apart from having to
cancel various lunch engagements. There
are now a number of friends that I simply
Hedgehog news – or rather no news. We won’t get to see before Christmas but I’m
haven’t seen the one hedgehog that was not alone in this. It was great to get back
still coming for about three weeks now so to church and it was certainly far easier
that’s probably it until next year. There is to reopen this time. With all the extra
no-one occupying either of our hedgehog services and limited numbers, I’ve got 8
houses but Sandy Hall tells me there’s lists on the go of who’s attending what so
one in hers. I just have to be careful and disciplined in
Back at the car, I arrived home from recording the details as they come
physio and on getting out was greeted by through.
some warning beeps. As I was already in And then disaster struck! I couldn’t
the wheelchair, I asked Bill to look at the understand why there were very crunchy
dashboard for any messages or if there bits in the pizza I was eating. Then I
was anything else to see. Sadly, as Bill has realised it was part of one of my teeth. I
18phoned the dentist (who I haven’t seen
since before the first lockdown) but the
earliest appointment available is on 23
December. Luckily, it’s not hurting…..
Watching ‘Strictly’ draw to a close on
TV where it seems to close to call on
who might be the eventual winner.
Recently discovered Sky Arts on
Freeview channel 11 and thoroughly
enjoyed watching The Who (or rather
what’s left of them) performing their
rock opera ‘Tommy’ which I have
always adored.
Anne Jerman
Boniface Centre
Readers will know that we were not
able to hold the St Nick Cafe on 5th
December which was a great shame as
we were all prepared and we had a full
complement of helpers ready to go.
As we had feared Devon was placed in
Tier 2 and that means that the Rule of
Six that had previously applied indoors
can now only apply outside. It means
that the Boniface Centre is now closed
for social occasions and that
regrettably means Drop-in is
suspended until there is another
change. All that can be said is that as
soon as the situation changes, we will
resume, but please watch out for
updates.
Certain functions of a business nature
can continue and the NHS Blood
Service will still operate (although it is
not due again until February).
Robin Lavery
19Christmas Tree Festival The Adult Winner of the Christmas Card
Competitions Competition was Sarah Pressland:
The judges of the Christmas Card and
Colouring Competitions were Frank
Letch, Eileen Brassington and Judith
Harries:
The Winner of the Children‘s
Christmas Card Competition was
Kyle of the 1st Crediton Scouts. The
judges really enjoyed his hand drawn
picture which they felt really stuck to
the theme of 'Comfort and Joy'. The
mug on the table they thought had a
wonderful hot chocolate with
marshmallows. Judging was on a
cold day and it brought warmth to
the proceedings:
Lucy-Grace Reynolds’s entry to the
Christmas Card Competition was Highly
Commended. She put on the back of her
card that she chose a snowman because
the snow brings her joy.
Frank Letch thought that this snowman
was reaching out to give everyone a hug.
It made him smile as soon as saw it.
20The Colouring Competition Winner was
Lucy-Grace Reynolds. The judges felt that Florence Rous’s entry was Highly
the colouring was very apt for this year Commended because it was so
especially with the rainbow stable. But it colourful with all the colours of
also looks as if Joseph is wearing a mask. the rainbow:
They also loved the fact that it had been
coloured in completely:
Bishop Furry came out of quarantine to make his selection of his favourite entries….
His favourite colouring competition entry
(pictured above) was by Gracie aged 9 from
Kidz Star Club. He was very impressed by all the
detail on the letters and keeping within the
lines.
His favourite Christmas card entry (pictured
right) was a multiple entry from Newton St
Cyres Primary School Nursery Class He thought
it was very apt that the trees were covered in
rainbow stripes for all those working so hard to
look after us.
21Comfort and Joy Events and see the tree up close and personal.
2020 We were delighted to have around 100
visitors during the day. Thank you to the
A massive thank you to all those that have amazing team of volunteers that swapped
been creative in replacing the Christmas from St Nick Cafe duties to church duties
Tree Festival this year. at the last minute with special mention to
Special thanks to Jo Ward and his team Sue Lavery for planning and re-planning
for all the work on getting the tree the cafe.. not sure how many times.. and
decorated and the floodlighting of the also to Anne Jerman for similar flexibility
church and also the star above the south on the church shop and bric-a-brac stall...
porch for the 5th December opening. and Alan Quick of the Crediton Courier
Thank you to George Mortimer for kindly for changing information right up to the
donating and erecting the tree. brink. I hope you have all enjoyed the
The nativity scene on the south porch treasure trail - it was lovely to have an
was made by Sarah Pressland and is outside activity that brought the
absolutely stunning. She was only given a Christmas Tree Festival into the High
few weeks notice and it is absolutely Street. Special mention to Peter and Debs
amazing. The intention is to store it for Bunn for organising all this.
next year in the hope that the nativity Last but not least is Mel Collier - thanks
scene might grow!! for posters, publicity, photos but also for
the mammoth task of creating the Online
Family Carol Service with all the pictures
of trees taken over the last few years.
Absolutely stunning and a wonderful
record for the future.
At the time of writing this we are very
pleased to announce that we raised about
£400 from the events above and the
floodlighting donations. We also enjoyed
family carols on the Saturday and Sunday
evening with the opportunity to listen to
the choir. I'm sure you will agree with me
that we all look forward to the day when
the congregation are allowed to sing too.
Looking forward we will start planning
the Flower Festival for 2021 in January..
so watch this space... along with
government guidelines!!
Sarah in front of the crib scene Have a Happy Christmas and a healthy
New Year.
It was extremely lovely to be able to open Stella Stephens
the church on Saturday 5th December for Festival Coordinator
the day to invite people to light candles
22There are two courses running in
February 2021, each has a maximum of
15 participants so if you wish to attend,
please ensure that you sign up as soon as
As I write this piece, we are subject to Tier
possible to secure your place. Please find
2 restrictions which means that we are
the Eventbrite links to sign up below
unable to hold our normal monthly
(please note that these are two separate
meetings. The AGM is due to take place at
sessions so only sign up to one):
10am on Wednesday 13 January and
could be held in the Boniface Centre (with Wednesday 10th February 7-9pm
all the usual Covid secure arrangements) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/county-
as it is a business meeting – rather than a lines-awareness-raising-tickets-
social gathering. However, if we’re back in 131477192823
lockdown post Christmas, it might be Saturday 27th February 10am-12pm
necessary to hold it remotely via Zoom https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/county-
and telephone. For the moment, can I just lines-awareness-raising-tickets-
ask that you put the date in your diaries. 131482823665
There is no other news from the local
Crediton with Newton St Cyres branch. If you would like any more information
We are drawing up a very tentative about the courses please email
programme for 2021 but remain clewerinitiative@churchofengland.org
conscious of Covid related restrictions Anne Jerman
outside our control which will have an
impact on any plans.
Midday Prayers - members of the MU
who don't have access to the internet at
home can hear our MU midday prayers
thanks to the Church of England's Daily
Hope line. Just call 0800 804 8044 from a
UK mobile or landline and press option 4,
then option 8.
County Lines Awareness Raising
Sessions - County Lines is one of the most
prevalent forms of modern slavery in our
country. It affects the lives of young
people and the vulnerable across the UK.
The Clewer Initiative are running a two-
hour course on 10th and 27th February
2021 to raise awareness of county lines,
focusing on the key facts, how it affects
young people and how we might respond
within our communities. The course will
take place via Zoom and include a range of
teaching, group discussion and the use of
online resources. It is aimed at those who
want to find out more about county lines
and how we can help our children and
young people to stay safe.
23Rhymes and Things
by Bert Jewell
January
There’s a local vicar, just outside of town,
A jovial chap, face pleasant and round,
His welcome is warm, his manner is kind
A nicer person would be quite hard to find.
Loving his job, that’s so easy to tell
His sermon, O Boy! He tells it so well
The message is refreshing, in church or online,
Giving us directions, therefore easing our mind.
Then standing by the altar, he’ll welcome you there
to kneel at the front, bread and wine for to share
and then for the blessing to wish you good day
“May God keep you safe” as you go on your way.
But alas he is leaving to seek pastures new,
Leaving us wondering as we sit in our pew,
What of the future, can it still be the same,
Will we have a new vicar? only different by name.
Or will all that’s been gained be lost for a while
if the new vicar brings their own unique style,
But hey, let’s not worry, it will all turn out fine,
Supporting each other in the fullness of time.
Things to do in the January Garden
The start of a brand new year, how will it pan out I wonder? We know that
from how things went last year a lot of things will be different. Like how to
contact your doctor, they want you to do it online! How can they tell what’s
wrong with you by looking at an email? And with everyone shopping online,
what will happen to the small High St shops. Will the High St become
redundant? Heaven forbid.
Another thing which really makes me see red is the irritating automated
answering machines used by, for example, insurance companies. I recently
tried to insure our car over the phone greeted by said machine: “What are you
calling about, it can be house or car.” Me: “Car.” Machine: “Sorry I didn’t catch
that, you can say house or car.” Me: “Car.” Machine repeated what it said last
time. I didn’t answer. It then said it would put me through to the next available
member of staff, I then got cut off, grrrr. This happened twice. My next course
of action was to write a strong letter to head office. I am glad to say our car
was insured without any further problems together with an apology.
We are fortunate in the fact that we have a garden and I can forget all of these
problems when I get out amongst the plants, my fingers in the soil and a pair
24of secateurs in my pocket. Even if you don’t have a garden a small pot on the
patio containing winter flowering pansies, or a small shrub, or some herbs like
marjoram or thyme. If you only have an inside windowsill, buy some pots of
herbs from the supermarket, place them on the windowsill, keep moist and
pick a little of what you want little and often.
It has been proven that being in the garden with plants during lockdown has
benefited the health of a good number of people, so go on give it a try.
If like us you have a garden there are jobs to do, like plan your veg patch. What
are you going to plant and where? It is a good idea to move things around each
year to avoid the build up of any soil based pests and diseases. Buy the seeds
you need asap to avoid disappointment later.
Prune Apple and Pear trees but not Plums, Cherries or any other stone fruit
trees. Clean tools and sharpen secateurs and service and sharpen the lawn
mower. There is nothing worse than having the mower not start the first time
you need to cut the grass.
Plant of the month
Deciduous trees and shrubs can come into their own at this time of year, none
more so than the Birches. These are far too big for the small gardens of today
but can be enjoyed in large gardens that are open to the public. We have one in
our garden that was planted many years ago when the garden was much
bigger. We decided to leave it when we built the new house. Its silver white
trunk can really light up a dull corner of the garden, the pendulous branches
also gives it a graceful appearance. The trunks can be washed to make them
stand out even more.
Enjoy your gardening
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