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June 2021 Price 90 pence Artwork reproduced by kind permission © KAREN CATER
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:
Living in Love & Faith
Crediton Benefice Community Page 3
RECTOR Rector’s Notes
The Reverend Matthew Tregenza 01363 894038 Page 4
PRIEST AT SANDFORD Churches Count on Nature
Vacancy Page 5
LICENSED LAY MINISTERS Festivals Update
Carol Price 01647 24468 Page 6
Sandra Collier 01363 777013 St Lawrence
PARISH OFFICE Page 7
Parish Administrator: Gill Lee News from around the Benefice
(Tuesday and Friday 9.30am – 12.30pm) Page 8
The Boniface Centre, Church Lane, Crediton, EX17 2AH Life Coming Out of Lockdown
01363 773226 admin@creditonparishchurch.org.uk Page 10
Website: www.creditonparishchurch.org.uk
Thika Link Report - April 2021
CLERK TO THE CHURCH GOVERNORS Page 16
Sandra Thresher Alcoholics Anonymous
01363 85467 sandrathresher@yahoo.co.uk Page 21
CHURCHWARDENS Tours of the Churchyard
Crediton: Sheila Ralph, Mike May, Peter Brewer Page 22
Sandford: Linda Bennett-Smith, Chris Tucker
Crediton PCC Feedback
Shobrooke: Rosemary Barber, John Lee
Yeoford: Carol Price (Licensed Reader)
Page 24
Posbury: Fiona Mortimer (Chairman), Ruth Vigers (Treasurer) Diocesan Synod Elections
Page 30
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC (ACTING)
Richard Stephens 01363 775170 rewstephens@aol.com Congregation invited to join
PCC Sub-Committees
BELL TOWER Page 32
Tower Captain: Geoff Sparling 01363 776681
geoffreysparling@btinternet.com Plus regular features:
BONIFACE CENTRE BOOKINGS Choir Notes – Page 20
Robin Lavery 01363 772536 robinlavery@btinternet.com For All the Saints – Page 14
Friends of Crediton Church – Page 7
CREDITON MOTHERS’ UNION From the Archives – Page 23
Anne Jerman 01363 772865 Mothers’ Union – Page 22
HOLY CROSS FACEBOOK PAGE Prayer Diary – Page 18
James Turner JMF.turner@icloud.com Reverberations – Page 7
PARISH MAGAZINE Rhymes and Things – Page 28
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 JULY 2021 edition
of the magazine is
If you would like a copy of the magazine delivered each
month please contact Gill Lee or Kathleen Hughes SUNDAY 13th JUNE
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 26th JUNE
1
JUNE SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE
CREDITON SANDFORD SHOBROOKE Others
8.00 Holy Communion (BCP) 10.00 Family Church
6 June 9.30 Holy Communion POSBURY
11.00 Holy Communion BEACON 11.00 Holy Communion (BCP)
Trinity 1 8.30 Holy Communion
6pm Choral Evensong
8.00 Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30 Holy Communion
13 June 11.00 Holy Communion 9.30 Holy Communion 11.00 Family Service
YEOFORD
Trinity 2 9.30 Holy Communion
6pm Evening Prayer
at St Lawrence Chapel
8.00 Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30 Holy Communion
20 June 11.00 Holy Communion 9.30 Holy Communion
POSBURY
Trinity 3 11.00 Communion by Ext (BCP)
6pm Sacred Space
at St Lawrence Chapel
8.00 Holy Communion (BCP)
27 June 9.30 Holy Communion 9.30 Holy Communion
11.00 Holy Communion
YEOFORD
Trinity 4 11.00 Holy Communion or Matins 9.30 Family Service
6pm Compline
Sunday Worship at Crediton Parish Church
The easing of Covid-19 restrictions which have been announced and take effect from Monday 17 May
make no difference to the current arrangements. Holy Cross is open for public worship with services
at 8am and 9.30am (repeated at 11am). Precautions continue as we are mindful of the need to stay
safe as the lockdown eases and the vaccination programme continues to roll out. Please let Anne
Jerman know (01363 772865 or jerman@12blagdon.eclipse.co.uk) if you are seeking to change the
time you attend church; or will not be attending a service for some reason; or will be returning to
church for the first time since March 2020. Please do not to attend church if you have any of the
symptoms of Covid-19 and people in the clinically extremely vulnerable category are advised to
continue to exercise caution in their social contacts. The 9.30am service will continue to be 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.
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.
Contact and Pastoral Care during Covid-19 Restrictions
Gill continues to work 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 (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
Living in Love & Faith
Throughout 2021, everyone in the Church of England is invited to take part in a
conversation about sexuality and gender. The Diocese of Exeter tells us “This is crucial
for the church’s direction in the coming years. The outcomes could have far-reaching
consequences for the mission and unity of the church but this is a conversation that
has been going on already for many years.
Sadly, in the past, this has not always been a helpful conversation and has sometimes
been conducted in confrontational ways and with polarised views. We can do better. If
we are committed to listen to one another, to articulate our own views with love and
respect, and to make space for voices we have not heard thus far, we could have a
really fruitful encounter.
To help this conversation, the Church of England has developed Living in Love and
Faith, a set of resources and a call to talk, listen, and feedback. The resources include a
book; a website and learning hub with videos, podcasts, and more; group material to
guide the conversation; and ways of feeding reflections back.
It is important that you take part. This process will contribute to decision-making in
the Church of England in 2022. We can be certain that there are loud voices who wish
to be heard during it. We need other voices also to contribute, so that we have as
broad, inclusive, and grace-filled listening as possible. Please join in.”
The intention is to run a 5 week course later in the year for the churches in Cadbury
Deanery and feedback from the course will be passed on to General Synod. Further
details on the course will follow.
3
Rector’s Notes Lewis's 'Welcome Fund'. The generosity
of spirit of so many people has been a
June 5th real joy to see.
June the 5th is of course, St Boniface
Day and there will be the customary Hospitality
prayers at the statue of St Boniface in The kindness and welcome which you
Newcombe's Meadow at 1pm. Following have shown to Lewis, even before his
this, from 2pm onwards, it is really good arrival in Crediton, has led me to reflect
that we'll be able to have a variety of on the idea of hospitality and all that
activities at Holy Cross to celebrate this goes with it, such as generosity of spirit
special day. Devon cream teas will also and welcome - especially to the stranger
be on offer ... go on give in to temptation in our midst.
just this once! Hospitality. It's rather a nice sounding
Lewis Eden virtue, but what is it? I like to think that
There is much excitement as we prepare it makes our lives and the lives of others
to welcome our new assistant curate, more comfortable. However, it is much
Lewis Eden, this month. Lewis hopes to more than just a nice virtue. It is
arrive on June 5th and when I reminded essential!
him that it was also St Boniface Day, he If we look around, we are given precious
was delighted with his sense of timing! glimpses of the hospitality of God when
Lewis will be licensed as a lay worker we perceive all that God provides for us
by Bishop Robert at the end of June and through the created world. He gives us
this will give him the opportunity to the gift of life, with our bodies, all our
learn something about the life of the senses, and all our talents and abilities.
Mission Community prior to his Then, hopefully, he gives us the sun to
ordination as deacon on 11th warm us, water to refresh us, food to
September at 3pm in the cathedral. I'm nourish us, a family to belong to, friends
very much hoping that many of us will to stand by us, along with music, the
be able to be present at that service, arts, laughter, and all that is good and
restrictions permitting of course. beautiful.
It is very exciting and a great privilege Jesus was a master of hospitality, as a
for us to be able to contribute in this look through the Gospels shows us. He
way to the formation of a new provided wine for the wedding feast at
generation of clergy. I am especially Cana. He fed the five thousand that
looking forward to working with Lewis came to hear him preach. After the
as a colleague, and as learning is a two- resurrection we find him cooking
way process, I am sure that we shall breakfast for the apostles on the beach.
learn from him too, and that he will Hospitality involves more than food and
contribute new insights to the life of the drink ... it involves a whole host of other
Mission Community. things, such as:
On Lewis's behalf I'd like to thank those I was ignorant so you taught me.
who have donated furniture and those
who have kept the garden of the curate's I was lonely and you listened to me
house at Beech Park looking tidy. Also, I was misunderstood and you
thank you to those who have donated to appreciated me
4
I was scared and you made me feel safe, Churches Count on Nature
I had self-doubt and you believed in me. Saturday 5th June
I was shy and you paid attention to me." As one of the activities during the
I'd lost my way in life and you gave me a St Boniface Devon Day celebrations, you
good example. are invited to join in the Count on
Hospitality includes feeding the mind Nature. This is intended to bring people
with truth, providing the soul with together to discover the wildlife in their
beauty, nourishing the heart with local church yard, recording the species
patience and forgiveness, and serving they find and combining their results
those who thirst for love. with others which will be collated on
the National Biodiversity Network
At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and (NBN), a nationwide database of
said, “This is my body given up for you.” wildlife in the UK.
He took a cup of wine and said, “This is
my blood poured out for you.” Then he The count will take place between 2pm
said, “Do this in memory of me.” Do what and 5pm. The Churchyard Treasure
in memory of him? Give up our body and Trail will also be available – thanks to
pour out our blood for others. He was Peter and Debs Bunn for this. Please
talking about sacrifice ... giving without wear sensible footwear and children
counting the cost. Hospitality involves a must be accompanied by an adult. There
lot of dying to self, and that makes us is uneven ground throughout the
Christlike. churchyard and there will be stewards
around.
May the virtue of hospitality continue to
abound in our community and, in so
doing, may we continue to become more
Christlike!
Your friend and Rector
Matthew Tregenza St Boniface Day Celebrations
a poem by Claire Duthie
Come one
FROM THE CHURCH REGISTERS Come all
OF THE BENEFICE 2021 In groups that are small
Funerals Mingle with groups of one to six
May 5 Martin Wreford No hankies in our midst
May 14 John Brown No Coronavirus around us
Do have a jolly
Eat and drink your fill
Accommodation wanted Without a care or a worry
Professional female, Pursue our bric-a-brac
looking for accommodation Perhaps have a snack
in Crediton near the town centre. Maybe silently hum along
Please contact May on 07759 439558 To a song.
5
Festivals Update Items would need to be delivered to the
As this Parish Magazine comes out at the church on Monday 19th July and then
end of May I hope you are either looking collected on Monday 26th July in the
forward to or have enjoyed the morning – we may be able to organise a
St Boniface Devon Day activities that collection service so please get in touch.
are/were planned in celebration on the If you would like to get involved in setting
Saturday 5th June 2-5pm. As I am up the displays, we are always interested
writing this in mid-May we do not know in hearing from YOU.
what July will hold however we are Look forward to seeing you on 5th June
planning another celebration. ‘Rainbows and then again over the weekend of the
and Lockdown Hobbies’ will run from 23rd July to 25th July, if not before.
Friday 23rd July to Sunday 25th July –
Stella Stephens
there will be more details in the July
On behalf of the Festivals Team
Parish Magazine but please put the dates
in your diary not only for coming and
enjoying what we are planning but we
will also need wonderful teams of
volunteers.
So more about how YOU can be a part of Festival Catering
making the July event... ‘RAINBOWS AND There is to be a mini festival on the
LOCKDOWN HOBBIES’. weekend Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th
We are in need of your lockdown projects July. In preparation, there will be a
– what have you completed – a jumper, a meeting of caterers on Wednesday 23rd
picture? Have you learnt a new hobby – June at 2pm in the Boniface Centre.
woodworking or needlecraft perhaps? Please come if you would like to be
Would you be willing to loan us your involved in the Cafe in any way. New
project to display? If so, please contact people very welcome!
Stella who will pass your details on to the
relevant member of the team – either by If you are unable to attend, please contact
phoning 07960 388198 or preferably me on 01363 772536 or email
email creditonflowerfestival@gmail.com. sue.lavery1@btinternet.com.
If you could let us know by 1st July we Sue Lavery
would be very grateful.
If you have been too busy for a project we
are also in need of ‘artefacts’, ‘household
decorative items’ in a single plain colour
in the colours of the rainbow (Red,
Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and
June Anniversaries
Violet). Hope that makes sense – so for Happy Birthday to:
example an orange tablecloth or indigo Keith Barker, Jean Cope, Rose Grisman,
vase. Also if you have any redundant Sue Lavery, Jenny Stallard and Matthew
technology - laptop, phone for example. If Tregenza.
you could let us know again by phoning Happy Wedding Anniversary to:
07960 388198 or preferably email to Gill & Simon Lee, Rose & Mike Grisman
creditonflowerfestival@gmail.com by 1st and Stephanie (nee Heard) & Christopher
July we would be very grateful. Archer.
6
St Lawrence
Reverberations The garden is looking good with the
from the Tower amount of rain it has received during
Picking up from last month’s early May!
Reverberations the 11th bell was tolled Both May services, Evening Prayer and
immediately prior to the funeral of Prince Sacred Space were well attended, with
Philip. capacity numbers, due to the social
From May 17th we are able to ring 6 bells distancing. The dates for June are:
at both Crediton and Shobrooke although 13th - Evening Prayer
the advice is that masks should be worn.
That is not particularly comfortable when 20th - Sacred Space
ringing for more than a couple of Please continue to book in with either the
minutes. So, by the time you are able to Church Office, or Sandra, 777013,
read this we should have rung for two sandrcollier57@gmail.com
Sunday services at Crediton and for 3 Advance notice of the Patronal Weekend:
weddings, 2 of them at Shobrooke.
Saturday 7th August - an Open Afternoon
We look forward to being able to ring with teas, but not the usual stalls, due to
continuously from then on and to get space in the event of bad weather.
back to weekly practice nights, but the
Indian variant may have other ideas! Sunday 8th - Patronal Evensong at 6pm.
Robin Lavery 2021 sees the 100th Anniversary of the
reconsecration of the Chapel for Worship.
With this in mind there is to be an Open
Day on Saturday 18th September, where
the new handrail will also be dedicated.
Further details nearer the time.
Friends of Crediton Church Please contact Kathleen, 777371,
(Registered Charity)
kathleenhughes68@btinternet.com if you
Membership: We are delighted to would like to become a member of, the
welcome Eve Kingdom as a new member. friends of St Lawrence Chapel. Just £10
Eve is new to the area and we trust that per annum or £15 for a couple.
members of the Friends and of the
congregation will make her feel at home.
AGM: This is going ahead on Tuesday
15th June at 7.30pm in the Boniface
Centre. Numbers are limited to 30. The
usual cautionary measures will be in
place and contact phone numbers or
addresses will be asked for. Please look at
the weekly notices in the meantime to
check for any late changes.
Contacts:
Marilyn Daw (Secretary): 01363 877238
Mike Beskeen (Membership):
mikeandjoycebeskeen@gmail.com
7
News from around the Benefice Staying Connected, which was
Sandford reinforced by readings by some of the
young people, as well as adults.
with Upton Hellions
Happy June! Even though Covid restrictions
prevented us from singing, some
At the time of writing this piece, we’ve congregation members were seen
just heard that things will be opening up gently swaying to the contemporary
from 17th May, and, hopefully, from 21st songs. The music was inspirational and
June, we’ll be largely out of the woods, upbeat, which added energy and
Covid-19-wise, albeit with some rules liveliness to the proceedings. At the end
remaining, no doubt. we had a thought-provoking quiz about
At St. Swithun’s we’re happy to say that, key words to do with the service’s
despite having to say goodbye to Paul message, and everyone was offered a
and Tracey, our congregation has chocolate when departing. Perfect! The
remained loyal and buoyant, with guest 45 minute communal worship flew by,
clergy continuing to ensure that we with people agreeing that the service
have inspirational and spiritual was very spiritual and uplifting.
worship, usually with 30 or so people We’re so pleased to offer St. Swithun’s
attending the regular Sunday services, Family Church to the community, and
which is similar to pre Covid times. we hope that you might give us a try.
We’re also now having a Family Church Whether you have children or not,
service on the first Sunday each month, you’re welcome to join us for this
which takes place at 10.00am (rather service on the first Sunday every month
than the 9.30 start time for all other for an informal, enjoyable way to
Sundays). We hope this is a more connect with God and our community!
convenient time for families to join us. Remember, our regular services start at
Jean Hope has been working hard with 9.30am, and Family Church starts at
Laura Armstrong, Lay Chair of Cadbury 10.00am. The next one is on 6th June.
Deanery, who lives in Kennerleigh, and, We hope you’ll join us in the future.
together with the help of Jean’s Please feel free to spread the word to
daughter, Emily, put together our first your family, friends and neighbours.
Family Church service on 9th May. It
was most entertaining and worshipful, Linda Bennett-Smith
with 28 adults and 10 young people Churchwarden
involved.
Shobrooke
A friendly group of teenagers welcomed Shobrooke Church was re- opened for
people when they arrived, and the services on Easter Sunday which was
service included joyful music, joyous! Since then we have continued to
complemented by YouTube footage on a hold a service on the second and fourth
large white screen, creating a lively and Sundays in the month and that will
engaging atmosphere. The theme was continue for the time being. On
Jesus saying he was the Vine and about Rogation Sunday led by Sandra Collier
837 of us met in Shobrooke Park with the St Luke’s Posbury
kind permission of Clare and Jack At the first Service in May which was
Shelley and we enjoyed celebrating the taken by Revd David Francis, we held
beautiful countryside which surrounds our Annual Meeting, the committee
us and which also reminds us of the role were re-elected en bloc, and the
we can all play in looking after creation. attendees heard about plans for this
We walked down to the Holy Well which years work to protect and repair the
was specially decorated with thanks to stained glass window in the
Lindy Toms, our Guardian of the Well. church. The second service in May was
We then went into the churchyard and led by Jack Shelley. We are continuing
Lesley Browne spoke about the plans to consider fund raising activities for
for maintaining our lovely churchyard, the summer as and when Covid
before we went into the church for a restrictions allow, but we are planning
short service. Throughout we were another litter pick in September in aid
delighted by the singing and guitar- of Devon Historic Churches
playing of Bec and Steve Gooding, and Trust. Watch out for more information.
are so grateful to them, as well as to
Geoff Sparling who played the organ for Fiona Mortimer
us.
Holy Trinity Yeoford
Thanks to Sally Foot we now have
We are delighted that Cafe Company is
Welcome to Shobrooke packs which can
opening on 17th May and continuing on
be given to newcomers to the village.
Monday mornings. We are looking
The Foodbank wheelie bin outside the forward to seeing our friends again after
Red Lion is being well- used. such a long time. As well as the cafe we
Sadly Ron Woodgates, Bill Milford, are hoping to start a lunch club in a few
Margaret Saunders and Stevie Fey have weeks. Don’t forget the library now in
all died within the last three months the church as we have a good variety of
and we send our sympathy to their books to borrow.
families and friends and remember Services are still on the 2nd and 4th
them in our prayers. Sundays and we are looking forward to
On a happier note four weddings are welcoming more people as lockdown
planned to take place in our church eases.
within the next three months and we I will give an update on the building
wish the happy couples every blessing. project next month.
The church is still open for private Services for June
prayer once a week on Tuesdays from Sunday 11th June
12- 1.00pm. Holy Communion at 9.30am
Rosemary Barber Sunday 25th June
Churchwarden Family Service at 9.30am
Tel: 01363 773419
Carol Price
Email: bryherrose15@gmail.com
01647 24468
9Life Coming Out of reminder – send us your old passport;
Lockdown we’ve received your old passport; we’re
processing your application; your
Life has certainly feels brighter and application has succeeded; we’re
busier as the days lengthen and we enjoy printing your passport; your passport
the sunshine while dodging the rain! has been sent to you; sign your new
This month, I gave to talk to Sister Act passport as soon as you receive it; we’re
about working for 38 years in the sending back your old passport’. I then
Department for Work and Pensions and received a text purporting to come from
its many predecessors. Looking back, I Royal Mail, wanting me to ‘click here’ to
was particularly struck by the prevalence agree to pay £2.99 before they delivered
of what were known as ‘common lodging a packet to me that had insufficient
houses’ in the 70s and early 80s which postage. After talking to Bill, we decided
provided bed & breakfast mostly for it was a scam and deleted the text. But
single homeless men, struggling to find because receiving it coincided with
accommodation. These have all but expecting my old passport back, I did
disappeared now. Bill did some family consider responding. I now see online
history research for a couple from Wales that this IS a whole new scam so beware.
who couldn’t understand why Exeter City My love of eating out is back on the cards
Council had registered the death of the with lunch at the Horner Tea Gardens on
person they were seeking information Exmoor with a friend and lunch at the
about. We recognised their last address Bridge Cafe, Winsford to come. Bill likes
as a common lodging house so were able Dartmoor best but I find it a bit bleak
to tell them all about this and how Exeter and prefer the softer landscape of
City Council would undoubtedly have Exmoor. Bill’s dream would be to live in a
arranged the funeral as well. The house at Belstone on the edge of
landlady, Mrs Norah Andrews ran a Dartmoor but handy for Okehampton –
number of lodging houses in Alphington I’ve told him he’d be moving there by
Road, Exeter including Sydney House himself! Here’s a photo of Leedown Tor
which was ultimately pulled down and on Dartmoor:
provided the site for the McCarthy &
Stone flats in Alphington Road.
I realise this is no comfort to anyone who
can’t access the internet but I’ve recently
renewed both my Blue Badge and my
passport online and it was So Simple. Bill
took the photo of me at home so I was
also spared the excitement of trying to
get into a photo booth. It also meant that
I didn’t have to pester Matthew with
signing the back of a photo. There was I’ve also been going up to Share in the
one downside – the Passport Office Square on Fridays as sister Beth and her
certainly believe in keeping you husband Jack have been performing –
informed of progress and there was a along with other local singers. There’s a
barrage of emails. ‘We’ve received your lot of local talent out there! It’s a lovely
application; send us your old passport; atmosphere and always enjoyable. To be
10honest, I hadn’t been going as I was the canon fire followed by the single bell
worried there wouldn’t be a free table especially poignant. But I have to confess,
but that’s not been a problem and as I fell asleep for about 10 minutes during
others had told me, it’s a great place to the service and woken by the buglers,
see people – and I always spot someone was somewhat perplexed to discover the
from church. I met three people early on coffin had disappeared! Catchup revealed
a very showery Saturday where the rain what had happened to it. Prince Philip
gave a whole new meaning to ‘moist’ was Colonel-in-Chief of the Intelligence
chocolate cake and helped cool my Corps and here he is in a photo taken by
coffee! my sister Charlie (who served for 22
years in the Int. Corps) at the 75th
anniversary Intelligence Corps Day in
2015:
Jack is the administrator at the Crediton
Arts Centre which I support as a Friend.
I’m surprised when I talk to people that
they’ve never been to a performance or
event at the Centre and would encourage
everyone to give it a go. For the quizzers
amongst you, there’s a great quiz every
December. There is normally a varied
programme but the Centre has been I Zoomed to the U3A meeting to hear all
severely impacted (like much of the about Venice and the problems caused by
performing arts) by Covid-19. But they severe flooding and huge cruise ships
are in rehearsal now for an outdoor and to hear actor/comedian Hugh
production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Merry Dennis in conversation with Revd Lucy
Wives of Windsor’ with three Winkett. His father was a vicar and later
performances in early July in a Bishop so it was interesting to hear
Newcombes Meadow. More information about his vicarage childhood. Tickets for
and tickets are available on the website - this were sold in aid of the National
https://www.creditonartscentre.org Churches Trust, the grant-making body
Like many people, I watched HRH the which Holy Trinity Yeoford are applying
Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral but always to for a grant towards the cost of their
watch such events on the BBC Red proposed kitchen and toilet. I’ve also got
Button where there is no commentary. I online tickets to hear Jay Blades of ‘The
enjoy hearing all the military band music Repair Shop’ talking as part of the
and watching the general moving around Stratford Literary Festival. Online
without interruption. The whole event opportunities to ‘attend’ something like
and service was very moving – I found this are a benefit of the current situation!
11On TV, the return of ‘The Great British video clip of our hedgehogs scrapping
Sewing Bee’ is a delight. ‘Line of Duty’ with each other available to view. Just
was a challenge to understanding as phone 01363 772865 to book your
usual with all the references to previous evening of spiky fun. With the lighter
series that pass me by. I’m not sure I’m evenings, we’ll probably have to suspend
convinced that Buckells is ‘the Fourth ‘Hedgehog Watch’ over the summer and
Man’. I like snooker but was so restart in the autumn.
disappointed after ‘Rocket’ Ronnie Anne Jerman
O’Sullivan was knocked out that I didn’t
watch it again until the final. And there,
I was rooting for Sean Murphy and he
got beaten! Finally, I saw a news item on
BBC Breakfast about ‘classic’ cars from
the 60s and 70s. This certainly sparked Church Governors
some memories as when I was 16, I The Governors have recently been able to
spent a week travelling around and make the following grants (amongst
camping in Yorkshire with my mother, others), from the charities they
brother Ian (the driver), and two administer:
younger sisters Rose and Charlie (aged
£5000 to Age Concern, Crediton (ex Kelly
14 and 8) in Ian’s Mini – 99 KOJ. It was
Trust (Crediton))
an exciting trip but a tight squeeze in
the car! Ford Cortinas also got a £500 to Age Concern, Crediton (ex
mention – I drove Rose’s when learning Charity of B W Cleave)
for the second time (having failed 20 £1000 to Crediton Foodbank (ex Charity
years earlier) and passed my test 25 of B W Cleave)
years ago this month. I always feel that I
passed first time really considering the Sandra Thresher
enormous gap. I knew that I was Clerk
destined to fail on my original test as I
mounted the kerb reversing round a
corner and was heading for a wall at
speed when the examiner jumped on
Recipe for
the dual controls! June
We have hedgehog activity nearly every
Potato salad
night with about 6 of them constantly
coming and going from 9pm. At last, as New potatoes are good as a salad.
Covid-19 restrictions relax, we are Boil the potatoes in salted water with
offering Hedgehog Watch evenings to 1 mint. Drain, and when cold slice or dice.
or 2 people at a time between 9pm and
10pm each evening. Although we can’t Add a generous helping of chopped
guarantee their appearance, you’d be chives and finely chopped radishes.
unlucky not to see any. Donations Season with freshly ground black
invited to raise funds for the Devon pepper and mix with mayonnaise and a
Historic Churches Trust where 50% of splash of cider vinegar.
the total raised comes back to the PCC. Paul Cleave
Tea/coffee and biscuits provided and a
1213
For All the Saints Levite, of the tribe of Levi, and so
Here are this month’s offerings, courtesy charged with Temple duties. I suppose he
of Revd Caroline Luff, one of the Exeter was the equivalent of our licensed lay
Diocese Mothers’ Union Chaplains:- ministers. So it's remarkable that
someone so involved with the Jewish
9 June – St Columba religious system had come over to the
Columba was born about about 521 into followers of the New Way.
an Irish royal family but preferred the His real name was Joseph, but he'd been
religious life. He lived in monasteries given the accolade Barnabas, which
under the guidance and instruction of means Son of Encouragement - what a
several notable teachers including St. wonderful designation! Being from
Finnian. After a battle for which he felt Cyprus, Barnabas had grown up in a
some responsibility, that of Cul-drebene, pagan environment, just like Paul, so it's
he fled the country with a small group of perhaps not surprising that it was he
monks as "a pilgrim for Christ" and who introduced Paul personally to the
fetched up on Iona. He founded a Apostles, who were understandably a
monastery and became abbot. It was trifle wary of Paul's commitment and
from there that missionaries travelled intentions - a real act of faith in God's
around Scotland and eventually, via purposes in calling Paul. With that
Lindisfarne, brought the faith to England. background too, he was sent to Antioch
Columba established links with Pictish to help the Jewish Christians work out
kings and chiefs, so had considerable their relationship with those Gentiles
influence and is venerated by Scots to who were being converted - and we
this day. When failing health precluded know from what had already happened
journeys, he transcribed books of the in Jerusalem that the differences in
Gospels for the monks to use as they background could cause friction.
travelled around. He died on this day in Barnabas accompanied Paul on some of
597. His Collect: his missionary journeys, but eventually
Almighty God, who filled the heart of returned to Cyprus, where tradition has
Columba with the joy of the Holy Spirit it that he was martyred in the year 61.
and with deep love for those in his care: His Collect:
may your pilgrim people follow him, Bountiful God, giver of all gifts, who
strong in faith, sustained by hope and one poured your Spirit on your servant
in the love that binds us to you; through Barnabas and gave him grace to
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is encourage others: help us by his example
alive and reigns with you in the unity of to be generous in our judgements and
the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. unselfish in our service; through Jesus
Amen. Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and
11 June – St Barnabus reigns with you in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
We first meet Barnabas in Acts 4, where
we learn that the young Christian Church 16 June – St Richard of Chichester
was pro-active in caring for the needs of St. Richard (1197 – 1253) was born near
those in distress, so much so that they what is now Droitwich and worked hard
were contributing very generously to a with his father, a yeoman farmer, to
common pot. Among them was restore the family fortunes. Then he went
Barnabas, who sold an estate and "laid up to Oxford and later to Paris and
the proceeds at the Apostle's feet". He Bologna, studying ecclesiastical law -
apparently came from Cyprus and was a
14another reminder of the international his new-found faith, was marched up the
character of learning. He returned to hill and beheaded, becoming the first
England in 1235 and became Chancellor known martyr of Britain. We are
of Oxford and then to the Archbishop of speaking of a time over 250 years before
Canterbury, Edmund of Abingdon. After Columba and nearly 300 years before
his appointment as Bishop of Chichester Augustine, both credited with "bringing
he devoted himself to his clergy and Christianity to Britain". There is a
people - a model bishop. He travelled tradition that the executioner's eyes
round the diocese on foot and it became dropped out after striking the fatal blow,
known that he was available to any who but that may be medieval
sought his ministry. He was particularly embellishment! His Collect
concerned for the disadvantaged. He Eternal Father, when the Gospel of Christ
encouraged his clergy to study and first came to our land you gloriously
insisted on worship being conducted in a confirmed the faith of Alban by making
seemly manner and the sacraments him the first to win a martyr's crown:
administered with no payment - so we grant that, following his example, in the
can see there must have been areas of fellowship of saints we may worship you,
Church life in need of reform. He died the living God and give true witness to
while on a recruitment campaign in Kent Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord, who is
for the Crusades and his remains were alive and reigns with you in the unity of
transferred to Chichester on this day in the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever.
1276. Amen.
22 June – St Alban 29 June – St Peter and St Paul
Sometimes referred to as the first British Today we celebrate St. Peter and St. Paul.
martyr, St. Alban was presumably an St. Paul has a second Feast Day - 25th
Italian as he was part of the Roman January - when we remember his
occupying forces, stationed at miraculous Conversion but they are
Verulamium, the Roman name for the celebrated together today because it is
city, where you can still see stonework believed they were martyred at roughly
from their buildings in the green area at the same time in AD 64, both in Rome. As
the bottom of the hill on which the a Roman citizen, which he had proudly
Cathedral and Abbey stands. asserted, so had been sent to Rome for
We are talking of the year 250 and trial, Paul was beheaded. Peter was
persecution of the Christians had crucified - reputedly asking to be hung
reached this island. Alban courageously upside down, feeling unworthy to share
gave shelter in his home to a priest who his Master's image. Here is the Collect for
was fleeing for his life. This would imply the Day:
to me that he was an officer, because the Almighty God, whose blessed apostles
bulk of the troops would have been in Peter and Paul glorified you in their death
barracks. He was impressed by the as in their life: grant that your Church,
priest's disciplined prayer life and his inspired by their teaching and example,
faith, so asked to learn more and came to and made one by your Spirit, may ever
believe himself, but had not been stand firm upon the one foundation, Jesus
baptised. However, when the arresting Christ, your Son our Lord, who is alive and
personnel drew near, he disguised reigns with you in the unity of the Holy
himself as the priest and surrendered. Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Under torture, he refused to renounce
15Exeter Thika Link Report - April 2021
General news
The short rains in October were somewhat inadequate and now the long rain season has begun with
much prayer that the rain will be sufficient for a good harvest in Thika. Following a very long
lockdown all the schools returned in January, but Covid numbers have risen sharply resulting in a
new lockdown in five counties. This means no travel between counties, which cuts Thika in half,
making life very difficult there at present. Lockdown means a night-time curfew, restrictions on
gathering, schools are closed again and church services are on-line only. Medical facilities are over-
stretched and the vaccine roll-out is moving slowly. Our prayers are much needed at this time for our
friends, who continue to trust God and encourage one another, but life is tough.
Thungururu ‘Farming God’s Way’ Project
Hot sun in January and February helped with drying the crops produced by the project farmers, with
one farmer saying she harvested nearly four times the amount she managed in the past. The farms of
the trained farmers had a remarkable difference in crop performance which has attracted many
other farmers to join the training scheme. The field officer is now seeking to widen operations and
has held community meetings in three new areas where new farmer groups or ‘Freedom from
hunger’ groups have now been formed. Thanks to some great donations towards the project, the field
officer will continue to be employed with our help for most of the current year. He is encouraging
tree planting and planning to involve school children in environmental conservation. Natural
pesticides are being made and community saving for water tanks is ongoing.
Maize planted in a piece of land using zai pits as Maize planted in a piece of land (same day)
way of moisture and fertility conservation using the normal way.
A farmer tends her tree nursery. In the A farmer happily displays bananas (harvested
background are container vegetable gardens for in the dry period) grown after harvesting
intensive kitchen gardening water in trenches
16Umoja Project (Church and Community Mobilisation)
Through Umoja bible studies, the participating churches are awakened to see that they can meet
their own needs without outside help, and that they can also reach out to their community and
enable sustainable development in a great variety of ways. Benson is the Umoja coordinator in Thika
Diocese and the project has now been running for nearly six years with remarkable results.
Benson says he is well aware that funds mobilization may be difficult this year, with the phasing out
of support from Tearfund and the Devon-Thika Umoja Project. They had earlier thought Umoja
funding would be integrated in the general diocesan budget (mainly quota allocations across all
parishes). However, the parishes are already struggling to raise their normal allocations. In fact, he
says, the bishop has been so gracious to the parishes by reducing the targets due to COVID (which
they are still struggling to raise). He planned to have a forum with the Bishop, Administrative
Secretary and all Archdeacons in March to deliberate on sustainable Umoja management and
resource mobilization and hopes to have fruitful discussions that will speak to the future of Umoja in
Thika.
Umoja implementation is being moved from local church gatherings to the prayer cell level. Prayer
cells are home based fellowships where Christians within one locality from a certain local church
meet for deeper prayer and the word during weekdays. Here, there is more time for Umoja bible
studies and taking grassroots actions.
Benson has identified five key people to train as ‘Trainers of facilitators’ and their training is going
ahead. He has held reflection meetings with the facilitators in each of the Umoja parishes and
continues to mobilise the ‘Common interest groups’ which are mainly doing poultry keeping. Rev
Leah, the children’s minister at the Cathedral, is working on a manual for Umoja with children and
youth.
The plans to launch Umoja in each of the four Archdeaconries in April may have to be put on hold for
the moment, but the aim is for the Bishop to envision each Archdeaconry Council and task them to
implement Umoja in all their parishes. This, together with the training of the five ‘Trainers of
facilitators’, will make the spread of Umoja possible in many new areas and ultimately right across
the Diocese.
No stories or pictures for you this time, but we hope you will feel as excited as we are at the
strategies Benson is putting in place for the future. The Devon-Thika Umoja Project can be justly
proud of what has been achieved in our partnership over the six years it will have been running by
the end of 2021, when our commitment to support comes to an end. Of course it would not have been
possible without our generous supporters and the working partnership with Tearfund which
enabled it all to happen. Meanwhile, for the rest of this year, we need to continue to give as much
financial support as we can, to help Thika get over the serious problems caused by the pandemic, so
they are in a position to take Umoja forward sustainably into the future.
Parish Links
Several Devon parishes are communicating with their linked parishes in Thika using Facebook,
WhatsApp or other media platforms. These tend to work better than emails but there’s nothing like a
phone call or SMS for instant communication. It’s so good to know how to pray and also to be upheld
by the prayers of our friends who certainly know the power of prayer and live every day trusting in
God’s strength and protection.
What about visits?
As we said in the last update, with the Lambeth Conference postponed to 2022 we are just
wondering whether it might be possible to invite some folk from our linked parishes next year -
maybe in September 2022. Of course we have to wait for now to see how things go, but those linked
parishes which indicated that they would like to be involved might be able to continue to make
preparations and we will get in touch when things become clearer.
For more information see the Overseas Links page on www.exeter.anglican.org or contact Thika Link
Secretary thika.link@exeter.anglican.org
17Prayer Diary for June
1st – This is National Volunteers Week. Give 17th – Open Doors – Pray for Christians in India
thanks for all the local volunteers and support who are socially boycotted in their villages and not
groups that have helped in so many ways during the allowed to get water from the community tap. Ask
pandemic. God to provide for these believers, and soften the
2nd – Ask for God’s blessing on our all sidespeople hearts of their neighbours especially at this time
and stewards, especially Mandy Tomlinson as Head during Covid-19 pandemic.
Sidesperson. 18th – Ask for God’s blessing on your neighbours
3rd – Corpus Christi – Lord Jesus Christ, we thank and all the residents in the street where you live.
you for the wonderful sacrament you have given us as 19th – Tomorrow is Father’s Day - pray for fathers
the memorial of your passion: grant us so to everywhere, especially those unable to see their
reverence the sacred mysteries of your Body and children for whatever reason.
Blood, that we may ever know within ourselves and 20th – 3rd after Trinity – The Spirit came as your
show forth in our lives, the fruits of your redemption. word foretold, with dreams and signs, visions and
Amen. wonders.
4th – Ask for God’s blessing on tomorrow’s St 21st – Pray for continuing progress in dealing with
Boniface Devon Open Day, the oganisers, the Covid-19 as hopefully, the legal restrictions are
volunteers and those attending. lifted and as we begin to consider welcoming
5th – St Boniface – God our redeemer, who called tourists and visitors once more.
your servant Boniface to preach the gospel among 22nd – St Alban – I am called Alban and I worship
the German people and to build up your church in and adore the true and living God who created all
holiness: grant that we may preserve in our hearts things.
that faith which he taught with his words and sealed 23rd – Pray for those attending either of the two
with his blood, and profess it in lives dedicated to meetings taking place today – the Mothers’ Union
your son Jesus Christ our Lord. and Flower Festival Catering Planning.
6th – 1st after Trinity – The Spirit came and your 24th – Birth of St John the Baptist – Almighty God,
Church was born, in wind and fire and words of by whose providence your servant John the Baptist
power. was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of
7th – Pray for Lewis Eden as he settles into his new your Son our Saviour by preaching repentance: Make
home and prepares to begin his ministry amongst us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may
us. truly repent according to his preaching; and,
8th – Pray for magistrates and judges and all those following his example, constantly speak the truth,
that help administer justice. boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's
9th – St Columba – Be a bright flame before me, O sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
God; a guiding star above me; a smooth path below 25th – Pray for all the staff and pupils at Sandford
me and a kindly shepherd behind me - today, tonight and Yeoford Schools.
and forever. 26th – This is Armed Forces Day. Pray for all those
10th – Pray for all the members of Sister Act as they serving in the armed forces at home and abroad and
meet this evening. for peace where there is conflict.
11th – St Barnabas – Grant, O God, that we may 27th – 4th after Trinity – The Spirit came and is
follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, here today, to feed the hearts of a world that hungers.
who, seeking not his own renown but the wellbeing 28th – Pray for all who feel lonely and isolated.
of your Church, gave generously of his life and 29th – St Peter and St Paul – Almighty God, grant
substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of that your Church, instructed by the teaching and
the Gospel. example of St Peter and St Paul and knit together in
12th – Give thanks for the wisdom and quiet unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the
reassurance of Queen Elizabeth II on her official one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord.
birthday 30th – Prayer of the Month
13th – 2nd after Trinity – The Spirit came blowing Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit that my thoughts may all
fear aside, and in its place weak hearts were be holy;
stronger. Act in me, O Holy Spirit that my works, too, may be
14th – Pray for members and supporters of our holy;
local badminton, squash, swimming and cricket Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit that I love but what is
clubs. holy;
15th – Remember tomorrow’s meeting of Crediton Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit to defend that is holy;
PCC and pray for all its members. Guard me then, O Holy Spirit that I always may be
16th – Richard of Chichester – Day by day, dear holy.
Lord, of these three things I pray: to see thee more St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-430)
clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more
nearly, day by day. All the Sunday prayers courtesy of
Johnbirch@faithandworship.com
1819
and hearing aid, not to mention a
Choir Notes microphone that persistently jumped out
of its holder with the alacrity of a gazelle
Maintaining choral support for the who had just spied a lion, proved to be a
weekly Sunday Worship has remained bit tricky! But... having heard the
the choir’s primary task, despite the playback we were more than just
pandemic’s consistent efforts to disable passable, albeit I attribute that success
this! Each week, Acting Director of solely to my peers John and Paul,
Music Richard Stephens has put on call particularly Paul who sang a masterful
a duet, trio or quartet of choristers for a solo verse for the anthem. It proved to be
Friday evening practice and to sing for better second time round – for the record
the Sunday Services and other mid those of us on duty cover both the
week commitments, including 9.30am and 11am services complete with
Ascension Day. He has taken care to two sermons and sets of prayers – I do
spread the load fairly and just about hope the Almighty has taken notice of
everyone has taken part or will take this!
part at some time or another. Things
don’t always go to plan – my good lady I’m writing these lines on a very wet
wife Jenny found herself singing solo Sunday afternoon, having just witnessed
when the other three microphones our oldest and most senior member, Jane
failed, something she tends to avoid Jewitt, along with fellow altos Sandra
almost as much as me! Herein lays the Thresher, Marianne Connors, and
positive side in that singing in such soprano Sarah Tiley, take their turn for
small groups leaves little room for error this morning’s services. I must emphasize
and (most of us...) gain considerable to the readership to appreciate that
confidence having been pleasantly singing hymns, especially well known
surprised when the live streaming is hymns almost universally in unison is not
played back. I do not count myself an easy task for an alto or for that matter,
amongst this advanced set! Having said a bass! Apart from holding the notes,
that, I received an electrifying (Jenny there is a huge temptation to lapse into
called it ‘electrocuting!’) phone call mid- the bottom line! At least Richard had not
week from Richard asking me to attend thrown in any Top Cs, but I have to
a practice on the coming Friday evening commend this morning’s quartet for their
with my fellow basses John Wakefield faultless singing whilst maintaining the
and Paul Evans. Well... you will have melody line on two of the best known
heard of the ‘three tenors’ – now you harmony hymns in the book.
will not have heard of the ‘three basses’! So, albeit more like a winters day outside,
Between the three of us we must have we move into the English summer and
some 200 years of knowing the hymn hopefully a less restrictive scenario in life.
book rote and Richard bless him, still The choir has laboured on extremely well
managed to find one we have not sung during the repeated lockdowns and there
before! For good measure he also will be much rebuilding to do come
decided to rewrite the music for the autumn, especially among the trebles. But
anthem ‘Ubi Caritas’ into plainsong, I am glad to say that the membership has
assuring us that this would be much not dwindled and we should hopefully all
easier. This might be so, but as I have be able to sing all together in the not too
said – things don’t always go to plan! distant future. Perhaps Parry’s ‘I was
Singing a new piece whilst trying to Glad’ would be a good starter!
marry up a mask, together with glasses Philip Stallard
20Holy Cross Treasure Hunt ‘Hearts and More Hearts’ display made by
Report that was in the Crediton Courier the church’s junior choristers; it was also
the ‘Good Friday’ station for CTiC’s Easter
Congratulations to Glen Chudley and Nell trail. Watch out for more information
Hodgson who were the joint winners of shortly on how it will feature in the St
the Holy Cross Church’s post-Easter Boniface Day celebration on 5 June!
“Treasure Hunt” competition. This was
based on identifying various churchyard
locations photographed from unusual
angles, finding the appropriate letter
matching the clue for each location, and
then solving the resulting anagram. Alcoholics Anonymous
On 12th April local AA members gave a
presentation (on Zoom) to local churches
on how AA works and how to signpost
individuals to AA if necessary. This was
followed by 3 recovering alcoholics
sharing their stories of recovery through
AA and one Al-Anon member (the
organization for families of alcoholics)
sharing her experience. Twelve people
attended from local churches and from
churches in Exeter. The session was
Glen and Nell receiving their prizes from Matthew followed by questions and answers.
Glen, who describes himself as a keen AA and Al Anon meetings have carried on
England cricket fan, is a former pupil of throughout lockdown both through Zoom
QE College. He is looking forward to using and in person, both in Exeter and
his share of the prize - a Crediton Crediton. The Tuesday AA Crediton
Community Bookshop token - on a meeting is hoping to become “live” once
history book, while Nell’s active interest more when a suitable venue is found.
in drama may influence her choice. Posters and contact numbers have been
sent to the Church – this includes the
Revd Matthew Tregenza, Rector, said national and local helpline numbers.
“Following the contemplative pre-Easter
town trail devised by CTiC, we wanted The local helpline (telephone number
something a bit different but 01752) is open 365 days a year and the
complementary, and which would appeal National number is free phone 0800 917
to all ages. We know lots of people had 7650.
fun attempting it but congratulations to Local meetings and whether they are live
Glen and Nell for correctly solving our or on Zoom can be accessed on
cryptic challenge.” www.devonaa.org.uk.
Holy Cross’s churchyard is a much loved Further information can obtained from
community resource which has had some Jennie Ford, Health Liaison Officer
more creative uses because of the Central Devon, by email at
constraints on indoor events during the healthdcig@gmail.com or by telephone
pandemic. Before Easter it hosted the 07967 121274
21ruthcollop@btinternet.com 01803
843452 for details.
Saturday 18th September –
Celebration of 150 years of Melanesian
At our April meeting, Ann Leigh spoke Mission in Cathedral - Archbishop
about ‘Behind the Scenes at Justin Welby will be preaching. Watch
Oberammergau’ which gave a different this space!
perspective on attending from the point
of view of a party organiser. I’m sure Midday Prayers – members of the MU
much of what she said would have who don't have access to the internet at
resonated with Ted Staite and John home can hear our MU midday prayers
Wakefield who arranged a Parish trip to thanks to the Church of England's Daily
see the Passion Play. At our May meeting, Hope line. Just call 0800 804 8044 from a
we welcomed Anna Venables who spoke UK mobile or landline and press option 4,
about the Tree of Life and its many then option 8.
representations throughout time and Anne Jerman
across cultures – from the Egyptians to
the Victorians and beyond. Not
surprisingly, St Boniface got a mention!
Our next meeting is on Wednesday 23rd
June – a little later in the month than Tours of the Churchyard
normal - when Keith Barker will speak
about the Buller Memorial. I’m hopeful Later this year in July, August and
that the meeting can be held in person at September Bill Jerman will be offering
the Boniface Centre following the further tours of the Holy Cross churchyard with
lifting of restrictions under the donations invited in support of the Devon
Government roadmap. We have also been Historic Churches Trust. Tours will need
able to draw up a programme until the to be pre-booked and groups of up to four
end of the year. I’m aware I don’t mention in number can be accommodated but it
this often enough but anyone interested should be noted that the tours are
in the Mothers’ Union – both locally and unsuitable for those with limited
nationally – who might be interested in mobility.
joining only has to speak to me. Bill is planning to produce a digital
In other news:- version of the tour. The tour will cover
lost buildings, paths, trees, walls, gates
Connected – the first edition of the
and railings, and some of the more
new membership magazine interesting individual and family burials.
‘Connected’ has been received by the These include former clergy, a well
members. Any feedback on format, known Dartmoor writer, war graves, a
style or content can be given to me to victim of a submarine disaster, the
pass on; partners of Dart and Francis, former
Monday 13th – Thursday 16th organists, a Victorian antiquarian and
September – Diocesan MU Retreat – those associated with Winswood House
subject to potential Covid restrictions, from around 1800 through to 1930.
this will take place at Millhouse Anyone wishing to book a tour or
starting on Monday afternoon through wanting further information should
until Thursday morning. please contact Bill on 01363 772865.
Please contact Ruth Collop
22You can also read
