January 1998

ST. MARY’S GUILD

Rosemary Munson

Our Christmas Fayre in November was a great success and we raised Ł350 approximately. We would like to thank everyone for their support in providing goods, cakes and donations, and especially for coming and buying. A special mention to all Guild members for their hard work.

Our next meeting will be on Monday 12th January at 2.00pm, all being well, at Miss Cole’s home. New friends are always welcome.

We look forward to 1998 and thank you once again.

High Bickington United Methodist & Anglican Churches

The Christingle Service was held on the evening of Sunday, December 7th. It was so good to see families filling the church. Rev Marilyn Tricker led the service and Mark Thomas gave a brief address. The leaders were Robert Domleo and Roger Keen. The Sunday School members gave a short drama. It was lovely to see the children walking round the church with their Christingles when the lights were dimmed. The collection of Ł92.10 went to “The Children’s Society”.

The January United Service will be at St Mary’s Church on Sunday, January 11th. It will be a “Blessing of the Plough” service. A warm welcome to everyone.

The Advent Lunches have been well supported and very much enjoyed. A full report in next month’s Ramblings.

“OUT OF THE PEWS”

In October we had a games evening at Ashley Manor when we had much fun and laughter playing “Pictionary”. We had a “Beetle Drive” at the Methodist Hall in November when over forty people (young and older) had great hilarity. You should have seen some of the beetles! Samantha Pidner was the winner.

“Out of the Pews” will be planning more activities in the Spring. Watch this space.

CHURCH SERVICES FOR JANUARY AT THE ST MARYS

4th	8.45 Holy Communion HB	Is 60.1-6
Christmas 2	11.00 Holy Communion A	Matt 2.1-12, 19-23
6th	9.00 Said Communion A
Epiphany	7.30 Said Communion HB
11th	9.30 Holy Communion HB	Ephs 2.1-10
Epiphany 1	6.30 Joint Service - Plough Service HB	John 1.29-34
18th	10.30 Two Rivers Team Anniversary at
Epiphany 2	Yarnscombe followed by coffee
	6.00 Informal Worship HB
25th	11.00 High Communion at HB	Phils 4.10-20
Epiphany 3		John 6.1-14

HIGH BICKINGTON FOOTBALL CLUB

Skittles Competition Saturday 24th January at Burrington Village Hall

Teams to consist of at least two women

To enter a team contact either:

Andrew or Lorraine

PLEASE HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FOOTBALL CLUB

I'm looking for Hazel !

Woodland owners - do you have any hazel growing in your woodland
that might benefit from coppicing?

I will be pleased to offer free advice on restoring derelict coppice in
return for usable hazel rods. Please telephone:

David Venner
Garden and Countryside Services

ATHERINGTON AND UMBERLEIGH WI

Judith Domleo

At the December meeting Mrs Ann Prowse gave a demonstration on the making of home made sweets. They looked so attractive and mouth-watering - but unfortunately she did not give us a taste! The competition for a Christmas decoration was won by Judith Domleo who also won the Flower of the Month with Winter Jasmine. Refreshments were served by Margaret Squire, Beryl Troup and Sharyn Walker. Birthday plants were presented to Jennifer D’Olley, Chris Harris, Mair Pluckwell and Christine Squire.

The Six Hills Group Skittle Competition was played at Lovacott and we came second. Six members went on the Cardiff Trip - four went shopping and two visited the castle. Words cannot just describe it! It contains 2,000 years of history but from 1865 the Third Marquis of Bute employed the genius architect William Burgess to transform the castle lodgings. Within gothic towers he created lavish and opulent interiors rich with murals, stained glass, marble, gilding and elaborate wood carvings. Each breathtaking room has its’ own special theme. If you haven’t been - do go!

The next meeting will be at Umberleigh Hall on Tuesday, January 13th at 7.30pm. It will be a “Fun Evening” with a Bring and Share supper.

We wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

The next Parish Council meeting will take place in the Church Hall on Wednesday 14 January 1998 at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Matters discussed by the Council at its recent meetings have included traffic calming, the hall site in the new development and the financial budget for 1998/1999.

The new draft electoral roll has now been received and is on the Church Hall noticeboard.

The arrangements for the Ring and Ride scheme have been changed. The Atherington and High Bickington areas are now served fortnightly on Tuesdays. The telephone number for bookings remains the same - 01271 328866. Details on the Church Hall noticeboard.

Diana Lunn - Clerk

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Researched by Richard Lethbridge who writes

Norah Maynard, then known as Norah Hellyer gives up her post as assistant teacher ........

August 10th 1934

ATHERINGTON

Deep regret was occasioned by the passing of Mrs John Loosemore on Saturday last at the residence of her daughter, Mrs A Phillips, of “Bridgewood”, Umberleigh, in her 82nd year. Born at Smallmarsh in the adjoining parish, deceased had spent her long life in Atherington, where she brought up a large family in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” She was the oldest member of the Baptist Church and held in great respect and esteem by all who knew her. Tributes to her memory were paid on Sunday at both churches, also at Umberleigh Gospel Hall. Mrs Loosemore’s husband predeceased her by 23 years, and she leaves a family of five sons and two daughters.

A pleasing ceremony took place at the school on Thursday of last week when Miss Norah Hellyer relinquished her post as assistant teacher prior to marriage after six year’s service. The Rector (Rev H P F Scott), who presided, supported by Mrs Squires and Col Hamilton (school managers), in a humorous speech said it was a happy breaking-up day for all except Miss Hellyer, who was saying goodbye. He was sorry miss Hellyer was leaving, but glad she would not be far away. They must remember she was leaving for the best possible reason, and they thanked her for past services and wished her every happiness. Mrs Jones (headmistress) testified to Miss Hellyer’s valued help as co-adjutor. Little Myrtle Lavercombe then presented the children’s gift of a handsome case of fruit spoons and forks, and the Rector followed with the managers’ gift of a salad bowl and servers. A case of stainless knives from Mrs Jones completed the presentations.

A large party of scholars, parents and friends left at an early hour of Wednesday of last week for the annual Sunday School outing. After a pleasant ride Paignton was reached in good time and lunch enjoyed at Seaway Cafe, after which pier and paddling, bathing and basking were indulged in. Unfortunately continuous rain set in during the afternoon and proved a damper on the day’s pleasure, so that after tea a start was made for home - damp but not downhearted. Mr F Folland (superintendent) was the organiser.

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
St Mary’s Church Atherington
FLOWER FESTIVAL
Fri, Sat, Sun, JULY 17, 18, 19, 1998

ATHERINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH

Preachers for January 11am		Flower Rota	Door Stewards
4th	Own Fellowship	Phyllis	Andrew Spear
11th	Rev K Sykes (Communion)	Margaret	Simon
18th	Miss Jennifer McKendrick	Irene	Richard
25th	Mrs Martin	Mary	Bill

Power Point Sunday School - 11am

Bible Study - 2nd and 4th Wednesdays - 7.30pm

Wednesday 28th January Coffee Morning 10 - 12 noon

HIGH BICKINGTON METHODIST SERVICES in JANUARY

4th	11.00am	Mr G Harding
11th	11.00am	Miss Heather Bolt
	6.30pm	United Plough Service, St Mary’s Church
		Rev Marilyn Tricker
18th	11.00am	Rev Marilyn Tricker
25th	11.00am	Mr J Allen

Dieter’s Psalm

Strict is my diet, I must not want
It maketh me to lie down at night hungry
It leadeth me past the Dairy Queen
It trieth my will power
It leadeth me in the paths of starvation for my figure’s sake
Yea, though I walk through
the aisles of the pastry department
I will buy no sweet rolls
For they are fattening
The cakes and the pies, they tempt me
Before me is set a table with celery and lettuce
My day’s quota runneth over
Surely calories and weight charts
Shall follow me all the days of my life
And I shall dwell in fear of the scales forever

High Bickington Methodist News

Hazel Pearce

A combined Christmas Club family night took place on December 2nd, with over sixty children and adults filling the Schoolroom. It proved to be a very enjoyable and noisy evening.

The Four Churches Guild held an interesting quiz evening at High Bickington on December 2nd.
A United Christingle Service was held in the Parish Church. It was lovely to welcome so many families to this special service. About fifty children took part in the parade with Christingles and sang “Colours of Day.” The service was led by Mark Thomas and Rev Marilyn Tricker. Some children took part in a drama sketch about light. Lessons were read by Robert Domleo and Roger Keen. The collection to the Children’s Society amounted to over Ł90.

The Advent Lunches have been very successful. Many thanks to the organisers and those who have helped in any way.

A Peaceful New Year to all our readers.

ST MARYS CHURCH, ATHERINGTON

Flower Rota - January

4th & 11th January 1998 .......... Mrs M Lee
18th & 25th January 1998 .......... Mrs J Fuller
31st January & 7th February ........ Mrs H Otto

ATHERINGTON AMENITIES COMMITTEE

The Amenities Committee was delighted that the first phase of the Church Lighting Project was started at the combined Carol Service on Sunday 21st December with the turning on of the lights along the front path. These lights operate on the same principle as the street lights and therefore take a little time to “warm up”. The Lychgate and Victorian lights will follow later. On behalf of the village I would like to thank the Amenities Committee for all their work.

Eve Hill

Go to February 1998 issue