Country News Dec 2020/Jan 2021

COUNTRY NEWS Dec 2020/ Jan 2021 Parish Magazine of Dunchideock and Shillingford St George Mary & Joseph had to self isolate after travelling... But enjoyed their time alone with their new baby! Chill December brings the sleet, Blazing fire, and Christmas treat. Please see inside for Santa’s important Letter to all!

From the Rectory: I write this as we go into lockdown at the beginning of November. Please God, by the time the magazines are distributed and read we will be emerging from that dark period of physical isolation and able to pick up the threads to reweave our lives. We emerge from lockdown to re-engage with family and friends, to resume companionship in safe situations, to begin to knit together the strands of connection which we will have tried to maintain, however tenuously, by means of the telephone, the post, the computer. Though we may have been deprived of hugs, embraces and body language, we have kept in touch by sight and sound and the written word, even if only on a virtual level. There is no guarantee as to what we shall find as we emerge from this Covid lockdown. What is certain is that the year has moved on: the church’s new year began on Sunday 29 November as we entered Advent. December is the season of Advent, the season of waiting and preparation for the dawning of the Light of the World: we use this time to consider the darkness of the world and the darkness within ourselves as we prepare for the birth of Jesus. So in a sense we emerge from one darkness into another, from lock- down into Advent. But whereas, in lockdown, it was difficult sometimes to identify any light, we know that in Advent we are moving slowly but surely towards the light of Christmas. And this Christmas will be unlike the celebrations we have become accustomed to. We don’t know at this stage how Covid will restrict our movements. But we do know that many people will find Christmas a hard time: there may be empty spaces around the ta- ble due to safety or travel restrictions, or illness, or bereavement; there may be far fewer presents due to loss of income or employment; some families we know are struggling to put food on the table; some vulnerable people will be at home alone. Christians are called to follow Jesus the Light of the World. We are called to reflect Jesus’s love into our communities, and so we support all the efforts of our churches and community or- ganisations to feed the hungry and befriend the lonely. I hope by the time this goes to press we will be able to list below more details of what is happening in our communities at Christmas. Someone asked recently what I do during lockdown when we are not allowed to hold public worship. Well, I am living by a Rule of Three! A third of my time is spent recre- ating and enabling worship to make it accessible to people from their homes and to en- courage the churches to persevere and not to lose heart. Another third is making pastoral connection with individuals who are sick or isolated at home; with the schools; with marriage couples who, in many cases, have had to postpone their weddings; with the lonely and bereaved, and leading funerals and burials. 2

The final third is connecting more widely with groups and organisations, both church and secular, who are working to mitigate the hardship caused by Covid: in countless virtual Zoom meetings to keep our churches safe enough to open for private prayer and to learn about initiatives elsewhere which could help our rural communities; and very specifically, with the Teign Valley Larder and Acorn Community Support to help people who are really struggling here in the Valley as a result of the hardships caused by this pandemic. And most importantly, as the foundation underpinning all of this, I pray. I pray for all the inhabitants of this Valley – for those of you I know by name or by face, and for those of you I don’t know and may never have met but whose houses I pass as I walk round as I try to keep fit, or whose vehicles I squeeze past on the narrow lanes between the villages. I pray for those of you I meet at the Farmers’ Market in the nursery on Saturdays, or collecting my bag of veg in Ashton on Tuesdays, for those of you I encounter on Facebook or walking the dog or queuing outside the shop or surgery. I pray that you will be safe and well, that the light of the Christ-child will shine on you and your families this Christmas and kindle in you the warmth of God’s love, that you will shine out as candles of hope in a dark world. Wishing you all a blessed and peaceful Christmas! Ruth Teign Valley & Haldon Hill Mission Community The Teign Valley & Haldon Hill Mission Community includes the parishes of Ashton, Bridford, Christow, Doddiscombsleigh, Dunchideock and Dunsford. Rev’d Ruth Frampton (Priest-in-Charge) can be contacted on 01647 253164 or [email protected]. Pastoral Care: If you would like, or know someone who would be glad of, a call or “virtual” visit from Rev’d Ruth Frampton, or another member of the church community, please contact the rectory (contact details above), or the Churches’ Administrator Coronavirus - Our church buildings are now able to open for private prayer and reflection: · Please don’t come if you have any symptoms of coronavirus, but contact NHS 111 · Please ensure that you clean your hands on entering and leaving the church building · Please observe social distancing and follow all the safety guidance inside the church Private Prayer - Days and Times of Opening: Friday: Dunchideock 10:00am – 12 noon (on Sundays only if there has been no service in the morning – see below) Sunday Services During lockdown, the 9am telephone service continues (see details below for how to join). In line with national regulations there are no services of worship in church. 3

It is currently unclear what the arrangements for church services will be following the current lockdown. At present we are planning to hold services of worship in church from 6 December, but please check on the A Church Near You website for any changes. As previously, church services will have strict measures in place to ensure people’s safety e.g. the wearing of face coverings, increased cleaning, hand sanitisers, social distancing of 2 metres, no singing, communion in one kind only, no refreshments or meeting afterward. You will be asked to give your name and contact details in order to comply with “track and trace” requirements. This information is covered by GDPR and will be destroyed after 21 days. Alternatively you can use the NHS app to scan the “track and trace” QR code. Wednesday Evening Prayer There is a regular, short service of evening prayer each Wednesday at 6pm by telephone – see details further on for how to join. Advent and Christmas Services Subject to any changes in Coronavirus restrictions, we are planning the special Advent and Christmas services as detailed elsewhere in the Magazine. For telephone services, you do not need internet access, but simply a landline or mobile telephone. Between 5 and 10 minutes before the service begins, please dial 0333 011 0616 and enter the code 334 7721, followed by the # key, when asked. You will also be asked to give your name. The cost of the call is the standard cost for any 01, 02 or 03 number, but will vary according to your telephone contract. It may well be covered by your “inclusive” minutes, or by free evening or weekend calls, but you are advised to check. Giving: It is now possible to make a donation towards the general mission and running costs of each of our six churches through an online giving page on the “A Church Near You” website – see https://www.achurchnearyou.com and search for the relevant parish. The “Give Now” button will enable you to make an online donation, which can also be Gift Aided. Resources: During this time, you may find the following online and telephone resources helpful. For Christmas: The national church is producing a wealth of “Comfort and Joy” material, including a booklet with daily reflections, a free app for Apple and Android devices, and daily emails during the Advent and Christmas period. See https:// www.chpublishing.co.uk/features/comfort-and-joy for details. Generally: Daily Prayer: https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us- service-daily-prayer. General prayer resources: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/ coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-parishes/coronavirus-covid-19-liturgy-and-prayer 4

Daily Hope – a free phone line of hymns, reflections and prayers – 0800 804 8044 Recording of Rev’d Ruth Frampton’s “Reflection” from the previous Sunday – 01647 407047 If you are anxious about the current situation or would like prayer or pastoral support (e.g. because of illness or bereavement), please do not hesitate to contact Rev’d Ruth Frampton or the Churches’ Administrator (Steve Cook) There is a separate notice elsewhere in the magazine giving details of how the churches are working together with local parish councils etc. to co-ordinate shopping, collect medication etc for those who need to “self-isolate” or who can’t leave their homes. Teign Valley Larder Please see the separate information in the magazine about the Teign Valley Larder. Anyone can use it – it’s for the whole Teign Valley area, not just for Christow! We’d like to help reduce food waste, and we especially hope it will help people who are struggling at the moment. This initiative is supported by Dartmoor National Park Authority. Getting in touch… If you have any other enquiry, please contact Steve Cook, the Churches’ Administrator, on 01392 832332 or email [email protected] 5

Services in the Teign Valley and Haldon Hill Group of Churches Dec 4th Open Church for private prayer Dec 6th Advent 2 Holy Communion at Christow 10.30am Dec 13th Advent 3 Holy Communion at Dunchideock 10.30am Sidesperson Tina Cook 4.00pm Readers Steve Cook and Ray Mallett Readings Isaiah 61 v 1 - 4 + 8 - 11 & 1 Thessalonians 5 v 16 - 24 Dec 20th Sidesperson Advent 4 Family Christmas at Dunchideock Ray Mallett Dec 24th Christmas Eve Christmas Night Eucharist at Doddiscombsleigh 10pm Dec 25th Christmas Day Family Communion at Christow 10.30am Dec 27th Christmas 1 Holy Communion at Bridford 10.30am Sidesperson Readers Epiphany Holy Communion at Dunsford 10.30am Readings 10.30am Jan 3rd Baptism of Christ Holy Communion at Dunchideock Jan 10th Shirley Phillips Sidesperson Ann Mallett & Peter Goodchild Readers Genesis 1 v 1 - 5 & Acts 19 v 1 - 7 Readings Jan 17th Epiphany 2 Holy Communion at Ashton 10.30am Jan 24th Epiphany 3 Holy Communion at Doddiscombsleigh 10.30am Jan 31st Candlemas Holy Communion at Christow 10.30am If Bible Characters had twitter over the New Year…. Adam: “Seems like everyone’s all about ‘high fibre’ diets. Me? I plan to eat LESS fruit next year!” David: \"Done fighting lions and Philistines. Taking a safer job playing my harp for the King. #Can'tLose.\" Naaman: “Start bathing more, does wonders for your health” WiseMen: This year we’re inventing Maps. No more asking a random star for directions! Bathsheba: “Start bathing less. Who puts a bath tub on the roof anyway?” Ruth: Turning over a new sheaf! So done with multi-faith online dating! Thomas: “Not playing this again, last year I resolved to be less gullible!” 6

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Coronavirus – help for those “self-isolating” who need shopping and/or medications collected – STILL AVAILABLE! The situation with Coronavirus continues to change, so these arrangements may well have to be reviewed. We plan to keep this scheme running as long as it is required. Government and NHS advice is available as follows: NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ Government information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus- action-plan/coronavirus-action-plan-a-guide-to-what-you-can-expect-across-the-uk Teignbridge District Council: https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/ coronavirus-help-and-advice/coronavirus-updates/ Significant numbers of people in the valley are still having to “self-isolate” or not leave their homes to go shopping etc. The churches and other groups are working together to try and ensure that those who may need practical help with shopping, collecting medication etc in this situation can receive help if needed. Details are available at the following: Other Useful websites: Dunchideock – https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/8770/page/53671/view/ Dunchideock website - https://www.dunchideock.org.uk Mission Community Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/tvhhmc/ Each village has a local co-ordinator to link up those offering to help with shopping and/or collecting medication with those who need some assistance. Arrangements are currently as follows: Dunchideock: Steve Cook – T: 01392 832332 or E:[email protected] A small boy was writing a letter to God about the Christmas presents he badly wanted. “I’ve been good for six months now.” he wrote. But after a moment’s reflection he crossed out “six months” and wrote “three months.” After a pause that was crossed out and he put “two weeks.” There was another pause and that was crossed out too. He got up from the table and went over to the nativity scene that had the figures of Mary and Joseph. He picked up the figure of Mary, wrapped it gently in a cloth, and put it in a drawer in his room. He then went back to his writing and started again: “Dear God, if ever you want to see your mother again!” 8

To Whom it may concern: Christmas is NOT cancelled! It will be different though. Here at the North Pole, all my Elves have been safely kept away from any possibility of catching Covid-19 since the start of September. Yes, we’re in Lockdown at the Pole! (There are plenty of snowball fights going on as exercise.) We are making presents as fast as possible to try & catch up with Merry Sparkytights what we think we will need (I’ll need to check my naughty list getting ready. twice on the night as usual!). It may not be as much as previous years (we haven’t had a full year to prepare) but we will get something to you in a covid-safe way. I have planned my usual route around the world. Given that we fly in the open air, we will be fine there. We will also (as usual) avoid crashing into planes! I would ask that all windows are as clean as possible inside on the night, so my magic can get the presents in. I will not be entering your homes (too much cleaning to do between households otherwise) so I have to be outside using my Christmas Magic to get the presents where they need to be. If you would like to leave carrots for the Reindeer or Milk & Biscuits for me to keep us going, please leave them on your doorstep. Santa (socially distanced) Christmas Hugs, Editor’s note: This appeared for inclusion in the Magazine, so I thought I’d better get it in. Oh, and see how many other Elves (and other things) you can spot in the Magazine! (answer on page 27) Watercolour at Shillingford Village Hall We are starting a new term of art classes at Shillingford Village Hall on January 8th at 9.45am, hoping to brighten up a dismal winter by studying some classic watercolour techniques. All abilities are catered for, and the classes are covid safe. The ten week term costs £70/ £67 (060s). Further information from 01626 891245, or visit mikemcdonald.co.uk 9

www.dunchideock.org.uk Dunchideock Village Hall 100+ Club 1. G Brooks November 3. M Byrn 2. S Moore Dunchideock Village Hall Registered are proud to present their annual Charity No. (mostly ‘coz they didn’t know about it!) 301096 Quiz! (Socially Distanced of course) Saturday 12th December Quiz sheets will be available for £3 at the Village Hall Car Park between 1pm & 2pm from Judith’s car, or will be delivered to your door after 2pm. To get one delivered please call 832600 (answerphone) and leave your name & address clearly on the message! I will be acting appropriately under the latest regulations to deliver (mask, gloves) All who buy the questions will be entered in the draw for a Prize, the sheets will either need to be delivered back to Haldon House or reception at the Hotel by 18th Dec, or call me & I will collect them from you on Saturday 19th. If you’d rather just have the answers at the start, it’ll cost you an extra £2! All proceeds go to Dunchideock Village Hall. 10

Dunchideock Parish Council Newsletter Litter: Following the cancellation of our village Litter Pick in November due to the Coronavirus lockdown, it is so nice to know some local residents are demonstrating their civic pride and taking on personal litter picking close to their home. This is applauded and we pass on our grateful thanks on behalf of us all. Litter is often visible – some after our refuse collections, some when plastics, paper etc have blown out of the boxes and some discarded by uncaring motorists driving through our village. If you have a pride in keeping our village litter free, please take great care when litter picking by ensuring that you are completely visible to motorists and be vigilant. It is also recommended that you wear gloves and masks to reduce the risk of infection etc. Vacancy: Dunchideock Parish Council still has a vacancy for one councillor. If you are interested or you know of someone who might be interested and you or they would like further information, please contact the Chairman, Stephen Moor, 01392 832697, [email protected] or the Parish Clerk, Norman Harvey, 01392 422390, [email protected] or any other councillor. An application form should be obtained from the Parish Clerk and returned by Wednesday 6 January 2021. Candidates will be invited to speak in support of their application at the virtual parish council meeting on Tuesday 12 January 2021. The official notice will be published on our notice boards and on our website: www.dunchideock.org.uk Haldon Clearway: Devon County Council has proposed the Haldon Forest Clearway Order along the “ridge road”. However, as a result of various objections, the full extent of the revised proposals is now between (the first section) Haldon Gate (near the Haldon Belvedere/Lawrence Castle) and Haldon Plain (which is the junction with the Chudleigh road otherwise known as Haldon Forest Park or Buller Hill and then onto the mini roundabout near the racecourse and the A38. The second section is between “Lambs Ball” on the road to/from Clapham and Milestone Cross which is opposite Whiteways on the Chudleigh Road. Anyone who is interested should make representations without delay to :- Neil Oxton, Assistant Traffic Technician (Programme), Traffic Orders, Policy and Programme Team, Traffic Management Team, Great Moor House, Bittern Road, Exeter, EX2 7NL tel: 0345 155 1004 e-mail: [email protected] 11

Advance Notice - Road Closure - Penhill Cross to Dunchideock Bridge Over the last few years there have been problems with the drainage on Blacksmiths Hill which have caused icy patches in the winter. Dunchideock Parish Council has been in frequent contact with DCC Highways to request that the problems are resolved and the council has been advised that the repairs are in the programme of work to be completed. In order for this to be done it is understood that the road from Penhill Cross to Dunchideock Bridge will be closed for four weeks from 4th January 2021. When the formal Road Closure Order is received, copies will be placed on the website and Notice Boards. Christmas & New Year Dunchideock Parish Council wishes all residents a very Happy Christmas and a healthy and rewarding New Year. A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS - Jan Wood In the 1920s, Dunchideock had its own school, attended by children from Dunchideock and the surrounding areas. At Christmas 1929, the children were given a treat on the last day of school, paid for by the proceeds of a local whist drive and dance. There was a Christmas tree hung with presents for each scholar, as well as a handbag for head teacher Miss Mary Radley. The children subscribed towards this present, as Miss Radley was retiring that Christmas, after 35 years of ‘devoted service’. Among her other farewell presents subscribed to by parishioners, friends and old scholars, were a ‘handsome’ silver teapot, a gold brooch and a travelling clock. In the years following the Second World War, an annual Christmas party was held at Shillingford Village Hall for local children. At Christmas 1946, 50 children were entertained by the Shillingford and Dunchideock Women’s Institute; they played games, and the Reverend O’Ferrall, Rector of Shillingford and Dunchideock, gave a film show after lunch – rationing was still very much in force, so any treats were welcomed. The following year, Shillingford St. George gave a party in the hall to celebrate Princess Elizabeth’s wedding to Philip Mountbatten. About 60 children enjoyed games, followed by films shown using a small cine projector. The children’s party for Christmas 1949 was held in early January. The Women’s Institute organised games in the morning, followed by a ‘wonderful’ dinner. While the children played, the Women’s Institute members had their dinner, and Antony O’Ferrall, the Rector’s 14 year old son gave a conjuring show. The Rector then gave his usual film show, and a light tea followed. 12

(We continue the story of the early days of Shillingford Village Hall. Last month we left the villages anticipating the completion of their hall by September 1933…) In fact, the hall was completed by then, and was opened in October 1933 by Mr. Lewis Pendarves Kekewich, the owner of Peamore, in the presence of a large crowd. The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette newspaper claimed that Shillingford and Dunchideock “now possessed a parish hall of which the district may well be proud, one that would be of great service in connection with the social activities of the two villages”. The original hall trustees were well-known local dignitaries – Lord Mamhead, Lieutenant-Colonel T. L. Ormiston of the Indian Army who lived at Trood House near Matford, Lewis P. Kekewich of Peamore, Mrs. B. F. Wrightson (M.A. Oxon), the Reverend Munk, Rector of Shillingford and Dunchideock, and Mr. John Courtenay Bonus of Alphington Villa. All except Lord Mamhead were present at the opening ceremony, and of course several of them spoke at the opening, or were thanked for their interest by members of the Building Committee and the Reverend Munk. Mrs. Wrightson described the hall as “a monument to Devon enterprise.” The new hall, which was of brick with a slate roof, was decorated inside in cream and beige, with dark oak panelling, cloakrooms and a “well-fitted” kitchen. The voluntary labour provided by parishioners meant that the committee had been able to save money, so that some of the £170 loan was returned, and money was also put aside for equipping the hall, so that when it was opened, the hall was carrying a debt of £120. This was considered an “unusually rosy” financial situation by Mr. Hall of the National Society of Social Service, who attended the opening ceremony. He spoke of the Minister of Agriculture, who a fortnight earlier had referred to the funds which the Society had been distributing for the building of village halls. The Minister had remarked that it was “one of the questions of the moment” whether such country halls would be looked upon “with amusement”, or whether they would become a “serious part” of village life. His comments suggest that he was not entirely in favour of spending money on this type of project. Mr Hall, of course, was of the opinion that Shillingford Village Hall, if used wisely, would be of considerable value. In the evening, the village hall was crowded out for the concert, whist drive and dance held to celebrate the opening. And the following year, a fortnightly series of whist drives and dances were held on Wednesdays to raise money for paying off the deficit on the hall. The fund-raising dances held at the hall over the next four or five years were popular and attracted a number of outsiders; refreshments were provided, of course, by the Ladies’ Committee. In January 1935, a special request dance with the added attraction of a silver medal foxtrot competition was held at the hall, with music provided by Ralph Ellis and his Blue Rhythm Orchestra from Torquay. In August of that year, the Shillingford and Dunchideock Women’s Institute held a successful first Flower Show in the hall. There were classes for table decorations, wild and garden flowers, 13

round, kidney and boiled potatoes, runner beans, onions and shallots. Miss Drew of Peamore Cottage judged the flowers and Mr Tapson of Exminster the vegetables. In 1938, Grand Dances held in aid of Hall Funds were still being held during the summer at Shillingford Village Hall, with the six-piece “Majestic” Dance Band playing from 9.00 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. These were advertised in the Exeter newspapers: admission was 1/-, car parking was free, and refreshments were offered ‘at popular prices’. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) - Poultry and captive birds An \"Avian Influenza Prevention Zone\" has been declared across the whole of England from 5 pm on 11th November. All poultry keepers in England (whether they have commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) are required by law to take a range of biosecurity precautions. If you keep poultry (including gamebirds or pet birds) or other captive birds, you must act now to reduce the risk of disease in your flock by following the relevant biosecurity measures required within the AIPZ. Your stock needs to be fed and watered under cover to prevent contamination from wild birds. For more guidance please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu. An Information Poster is being placed on parish council websites and parish notice boards. Parish council clerks have further details which may help. Norman Harvey, Clerk, Dunchideock Parish Council If you would like a FREE door safety sticker like this, please contact Able Community Care: Telephone 01603 764567 Email [email protected] or write to: The Old Parish Rooms, Whitlingham Lane, Norwich NR14 8TZ When my niece was a student, her class of six-year-olds sang “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” at a Christmas concert. The line “God and sinners reconciled” was a tricky one for this age group. One little boy, with a voice that completely drowned out the rest of the choir, happily belted out, “God and sinners dressed in style!” 14

January Bridford, Christow, Ashton, Doddiscombsleigh, Dunchideock Dunsford 3rd 9.00am Scattered Church by Telephone 10th 10.30am Holy Communion at Dunsford 9.00am Scattered Church by Telephone 10.30am Holy Communion at Dunchideock 10.30am Service of 17th 9.00am Scattered Church by Telephone 10.30am 10.30am Holy Communion at Ashton Service of 24th 9.00am Scattered Church by Telephone 10.30am 10.30am Holy Communion at Doddiscombsleigh Service of 31st 9.00am Scattered Church by Telephone 10.30am Holy communion at Christow 10.30am Service of the Word For Telephone services, please dial 0333 011 0616 and enter the code 334 7721, followed by # when asked. * for tickets for Dunsford Carol and Crib Services, please contact Susie Ursell ([email protected] or 01647 270061) 15

December Bridford, Christow, Ashton, Doddiscombsleigh, Dunchideock Dunsford 6th 9.00am Scattered Church by Telephone 10.30am Holy Communion at Christow 10.30am 13th 9.00am Scattered Church by Telephone Service of the Word 10.30am Holy Communion at Dunchideock 10.30am Service of the 20th 9.00am Scattered Church by Telephone Word 10.30am Holy Communion at Ashton 10.30am 4.00pm Family Christmas at Dunchideock Service of the 6.00pm Christmas Carols & Readings by Telephone Word 5.00 & 7pm 24th 6.00pm Christmas Worship at Bridford Carol Service Christmas (ticketed)* Eve 2.30&4.30pm Crib Service 10.00pm Wolcum Yole! 10.00pm Christmas Night (ticketed)* 10pm Christ- at Ashton Eucharist at Doddiscombsleigh mas Night Eucharist 25th 9.00am Christ is Born! Alleluia! (by telephone) Christmas 10.30am Christmas Day Family Communion at Christow 10.30am Christmas 27th 9.00am Scattered Church by Telephone Morning 10.30am Holy Communion at Bridford Worship 16 10.30am Service of the Word

St George the Martyr - Shillingford St George Due to Covid 19, the Annual Parochial Church Meeting had to be postponed in April. It was re-arranged & held in the Parish Church on Wednesday 21 October 2020. Officers elected were: Churchwarden – Nick Mansell Secretary – Liz Wareham Safeguarding Officer – Peter Wareham Electoral Roll Officer – Pauline Lewis Deanery Synod Reps – Ken & Delia Law Due to the current November lockdown, the Church is sadly closed for weekly services but is open for private prayer on Sunday’s from 9.30 – 10.30 AM. We are planning for modified services on each Sunday during December. Further details will be available locally. Liz Wareham – Secretary Friends of Shillingford Wood 2021 Calendar As the year begins to turn and thoughts turn to better times in 2021, the last remaining copies of our local A3 Calendar are available to purchase now. The calendar costs £10 to buy via the Friends of Shillingford Wood from Ian and Penny Merrett at Blacksmiths Cottage, Shillingford St George (please ring in advance on 01392 833183) or by contacting Claire Dummett by email : [email protected]. We have been overwhelmed by the support you have shown in purchasing the calendar and the boost to the campaign to buy the Woodland for our community. It is a great start and a real testament to local efforts. There have been 3 print runs and 200 calendars produced, our grateful thanks to Stormpress ,the Printers in Exeter, who have produced a high quality calen- dar and whose generous support and sponsorship is much appreciated. We hope you enjoy your calendars and seasonal greetings to one and all. Anne Whiteley and Trevor Ridgers\" Christmas Greetings! Christopher Pidsley sends his warmest good wishes to his many friends in Shillingford & Dunchideock. May you have a Joyful Christmas and enjoy the renewal of Hope for 2021. Janet & Judith would love to wish all their friends in both Villages a very peaceful (!) Christmas, and a better New Year. 17

Shillingford Christmas Services 2020 It will certainly be a “different” Christmas this year, but we are aiming to provide as much “normal” in church as we are able, given the various restrictions required to keep congregations safe in the Covid era. At the time of writing, we are expecting to be able to re-start our services in church from 3rd December; and are planning to do so - as it is easier to cancel something arranged rather than set something up from scratch! Traditionally, our pre-Christmas services are the most attended during the year and the planning outlined below is to enable the space within our small church to be available for the most to enjoy. The Advent Candle Service on 6th December at 9.30 (replacing Christingle), Carol service on 20th December at 6.30 and “Midnight” Communion on 24th December at 10pm will be “by reservation”. The layout of the church will enable us to have “bubbles” of up-to-three adults sitting in a pew, with face coverings, spaced at 1+ metres between “bubbles”. So, people who may live at different addresses but are in the same social “bubble” will be able to share the same pew. To reserve your place in church at any of these 3 services, please contact Nick Mansell by email ([email protected]) or phone (832660) or on the list at the back of church with the names of all who are attending, and a contact number. This list will be used to comply with the track-and-trace procedures and be destroyed at the end of January. Please do not come if you are showing signs of illness or have been told to self -isolate. The collections at the Advent Candle and Carol services will go to support the work of the Children’s Hospice SW. Sadly, we are unlikely to be able to sing, even behind face coverings, but we will be able to listen to carols being sung and can hum along with them! For access to the Zoom services on the last Sundays in December & January, and any other matters regarding local church services, please go to the church website: www.alphingtonstmichaels.org/ide-and-shillingford/st-georges-shillingford/ Other matters It is with sadness I have to inform villagers again, that flowers and plants have been STOLEN from the churchyard. This is a disgraceful act by somebody who has removed flowers lovingly placed on graves, and in this case of particular callousness as the plants were cuttings from the deceased’ garden, and therefore of particular significance to the family. There is a public right of way that many people use, and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of our country churchyard. The PCC would not want, or expect, to put up security cameras to catch those involved in this selfish act. 18

If the person(s) doing this are reading this article; we ask you to STOP and show more respect to the memory of those who have died. For the rest of us, please keep your eyes open as you walk around the village and contact the police and/or the churchwarden if you witness anything amiss around the church. Reserve a Duck for Xmas/ New Year Frozen, oven-ready Muscovy duck Delicious flavour and very low fat Weights from 3lb to 6lb + Excellent value, still at £3.00 per lb Can be delivered locally free of charge (recipe included) Phone : Alexis Swain 01392 833 353 (Dunchideock) RURAL TIP RUNS: Need something taken to the tip? Give me a call or text on 07810 003 337 - Gary. 19

Children’s* Christmas Quiz! 1. What colour is the Grinch? 2. Where was Jesus born? 3. Myrrh, Frankincense and what were given to Jesus? 4. Who did the angels tell about Jesus’ birth? 5. How many geese are there in the Twelve days of Christmas song? 6. What is the name of the snowman in the film ‘Frozen’? 7. Samoa and which other island will be first to welcome Christmas Day? 8. How many Sunday’s are there in Advent? 9. How many Reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh? 10. What are the two most popular items for the top of the Christmas Tree? 11. Which Christmas movie features Swirly Twirly Gumdrops and Candy Cane Forest? 12. How many Ghosts visit Scrooge? 13. Where does Santa live? 14. What food item might be set fire to at Christmas? 15. What type of tree do you decorate at Christmas? 16. When Jesus was born, what did his Mother place him in to sleep ? 17. Which famous Christmas movie features a character called Jack Skellington? 18. What job did Jesus' father Joseph do? 19. In what film is it 'Always winter but never Christmas'? 20. What colour are mistletoe berries? BONUS! Can you name all eight of the Reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh? Answers page 27. 20 *All children must be under the age of 107

Shillingford St George Church Calendar for the period … December 2020 – January 2021 Date Name Service Time 6 December Advent 2 Advent Candle Service 9.30 Sidesmen Di Readers Various The Willows & Ilex Close 9.30 Prayers Holy Communion 13 Dec. Advent 3 Sidesmen Liz & Peter John 1:6-8, 19-28 Readers Peter Manstree Lane & Manstree Ter- Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 race Prayers Nick “Carol” Service 20 Dec. Advent 4 6.30pm Sidesmen Tom & Gwen Readers Various Glebe Lane & Place Farm Area 10.00pm Prayers Clergy “Midnight” Holy Communion 11.00 24 Dec. Christmas Eve 9.30 Sidesmen Nick Nick Readers Di Luke 2:1-20 Reading Isaiah 9:2-7 Prayers Clergy Zoom Communion 27 Dec. Christmas 1 Sidesmen No service in Shillingford Luke 2:22-40 Reading Galatians 4:4-7 Road through Shillingford St Prayers George Morning Service 3 January Christmas 2 Sidesmen Nick John 1:10-18 Readers Patsy Surrounding parishes of Reading Ephesians 1:3-14 Dunchideock, Kenn & Exminster Prayers Delia The Nativity will be different this year; The three wise men are facing a travel ban, The Shepherds have been furloughed (apart from 1, who is far too busy) and the Innkeeper is currently closed under tier 3 regulations. As for Santa, he will have to watch how many reindeer he travels with under the rule of 6, and for Rudolph, with that red nose he should be self-isolating and booking a test! 21

Date Name Service Time 10 January Baptism of Christ Holy Communion 9.30 Sidesmen Tom & Gwen Reader Ken Mark 1:4-11 6.00 Reading Acts 19:1-7 Barrack Lane & Barton Lane Prayers Christopher Evening Prayer 9.30 17 January Epiphany 2 Sidesmen Di John 1:43-51 11.00 Readers Nick 9.30 Reading 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Prayers Clergy Oak Close & Waybrook Lane 24 January Epiphany 3 Holy Communion Sidesmen Liz & Peter Readers Peter Mark 1:14-20 Reading 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Prayers Nick Road through Shillingford Abbot 31 January Epiphany 4 Zoom Church Sidesmen No service in Shillingford Reading 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28 Prayers Ash Court & St George’s Terrace 7 February Epiphany 5 Morning Service Sidesmen Tom & Gwen Readers Christopher Mark 1:29-39 Reading 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Our Mission Community with Prayers Delia Alphington & Ide * May the Christmas GIFTS remind us of God’s greatest gift, His only Son. * May the Christmas CANDLES remind us of Him who is the “Light of the world.” * May the Christmas TREES remind us of another tree upon which he died. * May the Christmas BELLS remind us of the glorious proclamation of His birth. * May the Christmas CAROLS remind us of the song the angels sang, “Glory to God in the Highest!” * May the Christmas SEASON remind us in every way of Jesus Christ our King! 22

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Leaps and bounds - Teign Valley Larder The Teign Valley Larder has made some monumental gains in the last month, buoyed by the fabulous support we continue to receive from residents and businesses up and down the valley. After we submitted our copy for the November issue, the campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford to persuade the government to provide free school meals through the school holidays became a national conversation point. There followed more news about food bank use, and about how many new families were turning to charity after incomes were being restricted due to the pandemic – families who are often described as ‘middle class’ and who are not usually associated with food banks. We are certainly seeing this in the valley, and we know that your donations – whether food or money – are gratefully received by people who are finding their cupboards bare. The role that the Teign Valley Larder is playing in keeping families fed has been recognised by organisations that provide grants for community projects, and we are delighted to announce that we have received £5,000 from the National Lottery towards the cost of a new trailer (to replace the Christow church porch larder) and £3,000 towards the ongoing costs of keeping it stocked. This fantastic news allows us to improve upon the positive work we have already done, and we are getting requests from other villages in the region to extend the scheme so that more people can benefit. Furthermore, we continue to be grateful for everyone who has donated, and those who have set up a regular direct debit payment – money which is vital to ensure that the most popular items are always in stock. A special thanks go to those farms who regularly provide fresh food. Teign Greens, Whippletree Farm, and Windout Farm continue to donate fresh vegetables and eggs, which are always exciting to find when you visit the larder. It is worth pointing out here that the larder is free for anyone to use; all we ask is that you donate if you can. This way, the larder is constantly being refreshed and people don’t feel conspicuous using it. (I picked up a celeriac recently, which I turned into a rather excellent mash, even if I say so myself.) And finally, children from Oak, Willow, Cedar and Maple classes at Dunsford School have shared their Harvest Festival donations between Teign Valley Larder and Exeter food bank. Needless to say, we are extremely grateful for their thoughtful and valuable donation. 26

A Trial to boost the re-use of electrical items is taking place at five Household Waste Recycling Centres across Devon. The project, will initially focus on flat screen TVs, vacuum cleaners and lighting. The trial aims to capture any items that are still in good working order to keep them in circulation for longer. Your local participating trial sites are:  Pinbrook Recycling Centre, Exeter  Brunel Road Recycling Centre, Newton Abbot Residents arriving at participating recycling centres with electrical goods will be asked by site staff if the item is still working and in good condition. Items that can be reused, will be PAT and function tested by trained site staff and then made available in the site’s reuse shop for the public to buy, along with other re- useable household items. Non-working electrical items and any failing the testing procedure will be recycled. Public demand for re-sale shops to include electrical items has grown as budget savvy shoppers embrace the cost savings of buying re-usable goods, whilst also benefiting the environment. The grant funding has helped provide workshop and testing facilities as well as staff training to allow re-useable items to be function and safety tested prior to re-sale. Subject to the success of the initial 5 site roll-out, other sites and other electrical items could be added to the scheme in future to further boost re-use in Devon. For more information visit www.recycledevon.org. My children are still able to partake in the tradition of getting a real Christmas Tree by accompanying my parents when they cut down theirs. When I announced we would be helping them pick a tree the following weekend, I expected Ethan, my six-year old, to be excited about the outing. Instead, he furrowed his brow, puzzled, and asked, “What did they do with the one we got them last year?” Answers to the ‘Children’s’ Quiz 27 1. Green 2. Bethlehem 3. Gold 4. Shepherds 5. Six 6. Olaf 7. Christmas Island 8. Four 9. Eight 10. Angel & Star 11. Elf 12. Three 13. The North Pole 14. Christ- mas pudding 15. Pine tree 16. A manger 17. A Nightmare before Christmas 18. He was a Carpenter 19. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe 20. White. Bonus: The Reindeer are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen There are 18 elves, a penguin, Reindeer, & tree as extras, and some bells & a snowman!

Priest in charge: Shillingford St George (day off Monday) Rev. Mike Partridge, The Rectory, Alphington. EX2 8XJ Churchwardens: Tel: 01392 491476 or 07751 725306 Email: [email protected] Mr. N. Mansell (832660) [email protected] Dunchideock Priest in charge: Revd. Ruth Frampton, The Rectory, Christow. EX6 7PE (day off Thursday) Tel: 01647 253164 Email: [email protected] Churches Administrator: Steve Cook 832332 or [email protected] Editor Dec/ Jan: Judith Travell Editor Feb: Front Cover: Anne Barwell (833958) [email protected] Advertising Ed: Judith Travell (832600) [email protected] Michelle Saunders (07856 663696) Treasurer: Main Distributors: [email protected] Mrs. E. Jenne (832240) [email protected] Mr & Mrs P Wareham / Mrs. E. Jenne Contributions should be sent to the Editor by the 15th of the preceding month COUNTRY NEWS - ADVERTISING RATES The current rates for advertising in this magazine are: Classified Quarter Page Half Page Full Page £1.00 for up to £4.00 or £8.00 or £16.00 or Three line maximum £30.00 per annum £60.00 per annum £120.00 per annum All ads should be sent to the Advertising Editor, who will forward them to the Editor for that month. Payments in advance please, and should continue to be sent to the Treasurer.