Country News Sep 2021

COUNTRY NEWS SEpT 2021 Parish Magazine of Dunchideock and Shillingford St George

From the Rectory, Christow September is a month of new beginnings - a new school year and perhaps a good time to join a club or start a course. Sometimes it may be necessary to look carefully at current commitments and reassess priorities in order to start something new. This can be challenging: I only need to look at my own diary to understand the time pressures many of us experience on a daily basis. Someone asked me recently what I did apart from Sunday services, so here’s a snapshot! I have a regular timetable of tasks and regular commitments: preparing the rota of services so that all six of our church communities have a rhythm of worship; putting together the weekly telephone services - at 9am on Sundays and Evening Prayer at 6pm on Wednesdays; writing the sermon/reflection. Some services need more preparation than others and the Christmas, Easter and Harvest seasons are very busy. I arrange readers and encourage leaders for these services and send the orders of service by email to all on our circulation list. Please let me know if you would like to be added to the list! The list of Harvest services features later in the magazine. When the phone rings - at 8am or 8pm - I never know what the call might be. Often it is someone who needs to talk or who may want me to visit. Sadly it may be to tell me that someone is seriously ill and can I help. It is impossible to plan funeral ministry but, however full my diary may be, as a priest I am called ‘to comfort all who mourn’. Conversations, tears and laughter are all part of my day. Or the call could be from a newly engaged couple, anxious to arrange a wedding. How wonderful it is to celebrate God’s gift of love that calls a couple to a lifetime together. The phone call is the first of many contacts and meetings before the happy day. Ministry is all about meetings - and emails! Meetings to ensure the smooth running of our parishes: six PCCs meeting four times a year and the six Annual Parish Meetings involving the whole community. And in addition to the meetings in preparation for baptisms, weddings and funerals there are the meetings outside the church: coffee mornings, fundraising, fetes or working with local organisations to ensure that the church plays its part in the wider community. These pastoral contacts are so important for making the relationships that build up community; it is always a great pleasure to visit people and chat. A highlight in the monthly calendar is taking Holy Communion to members of our Scattered Church around the valley who are unable to come to church. Please let me know of anyone who would like me to visit. I also have a responsibility to the wider church, who trained me and supports me. I am elected to the Exeter Diocesan Synod representing our local church communities to the Church of England’s governing structure. I, in turn, help 2

train people for ministry: I facilitate lay members of the congregation to lead and otherwise assist in services; and I help train people called to ordination. This month we are welcoming the Rev’d Eleanor Oelmann as our curate in the Mission Community. She will be ordained on 11 Sept in Exeter Cathedral by Bishop Robert and will be with us for the next stage of her ministry. I hope you will all get to know her while she is here; I know we shall benefit from her presence and learn from her wide experience. I have asked her to introduce herself in our November magazines once she is in post and has begun to familiarise herself with our community. My diary shows that communication is at the core of everything I do. It is cross- shaped: vertically, I am here to deepen people’s relationship with God; horizontally, to help us help each other. It is all summed up in the two commandments: Love God and love your neighbour as yourselves - and we are better able to love ourselves, and respect ourselves, when we understand how much God loves and values us. Revd. Ruth Frampton Please note: All items planned for the villages are subject to the latest regulations. Keep an eye on the noticeboards for any further postponements or changes! COUNTRY NEWS EDITORS…. If you would be interested in joining the team of Country News editors, please contact Steve Cook (01392 832332 or [email protected]) Editors take it in turn to edit the monthly magazine and you would be very welcome. There is an Editors’ Meeting on Monday 27 September at 7:30pm at Webberton Meadows, when plans for the year will be discussed. Please let Steve have any ideas or suggestions you may have for improving Country News. Best wishes, Steve Cook 3

Shillingford St George Church Calendar for September 2021 Date Service Time 9.30 am 5 September Morning Praise 9.30 am Trinity 14 6.00 pm Sidesman Di 9.30 am 9.30 am Reader Di Readings James 2.1–10 [11– Mark 7.24–37 13] 14–17 Prayers Christopher Ash Court & St George’s Terrace 12 September Holy Communion Trinity 15 Sidesmen Tom & Gwen Reader Derek Readings James 3.1–12 Mark 8.27–38 Prayers Nick Our Mission Community with Alphington & Ide 19 September Evensong Trinity 16 Sidesmen Tom & Gwen Reader Tam Readings James 3.13 – 4.3,7– Mark 9.30–37 8a Prayers Clergy The Willows & Ilex Close 26 September Holy Communion Trinity 17 Sidesman Norman Reader Norman Readings James 5.13–20 Mark 9.38–50 Prayers Delia Manstree Lane & Manstree Terrace 3 October Morning Praise Trinity 18 Sidesman Di Reader Ken Readings Hebrews 1.1–4; 2.5– Mark 10.2–16 12 Prayers Christopher Glebe Lane & Place Farm Area 4

Church Gift Day Cream Teas The weather stayed dry, and despite a cooling “midsummer” breeze on Saturday 26 June, it turned out to be a real escape from “lockdown” restrictions. Over thirty people took advantage of the occasion to join together for the first time in ages; around the new tables & chairs set up around the village hall - for a chat and consumption of scones, cream, jam & tea. What could be better? Grateful thanks to: Rodda’s for cream & jam as part of their National Cream Tea Day Rod & Ben’s for soups to take away Lesley for baking scones & liaising with Rodda’s and Rod & Ben and the kitchen team for making the teas & washing up By the end of the day, we had raised £126 from the Cream Teas & £1196.50 for Gift Day. This money goes towards our annual Parish Share (to the Diocese for the clergy) & Insurance commitment of £10,634 (before any other church operating costs are considered). Au Revoir On Sunday 1 August we bid Patsy Graham “au revoir” as she moved from The Willows up to Wiltshire with her family. Patsy has been so much part of Shillingford village life for many years with her support for the church and village hall all that time; along with her being a “very good neighbour”. Cake (what else?!) was shared with coffees after the service, along with our best wishes in her new home. We hope to see her often as she visits family remaining here in Exeter. Dates for the diary There will be a Prayer Breakfast in Church on Saturday 11 September from 8.30 – 9.30; all are welcome to come along. This will be followed by a church maintenance morning, when the church will remain open until lunchtime for visitors (as part of the Devon Historic Churches Day) to come along and see our lovely church; and coffee will be available. Harvest Festival is planned for Sunday 10 October at 9.30, with the Harvest Supper booked in the Village Hall on Monday 11 October. Please look out for posters & further details closer to the date. From the Registers The ashes of John Nelmes were interred in the churchyard on Monday 26 July. Our love & prayers to Wendy. 5

Evensong in the Churchyard After many months without singing, Shillingford Church was able to celebrate Evensong outside in the Churchyard on the 18th July. It was a beautiful summer evening & together with musical accompaniment, regulars & visitors made it a perfect return to somewhere near normal. In addition to the welcome singing of hymns, Mike Partridge our vicar, as part of his sermon, shared a number of ‘churchyard anecdotes’ & this prompted others to share their experiences. A truly lovely evening, which we hope is a sign of things to come. Peter & Liz Wareham Shillingford Village Hall Art Classes We managed to get through a whole term of art classes in the Spring - let's hope we can do it again, starting on Friday October 15th at 10 am. We will be looking at watercolour and mixed-media landscape work. All abilities are welcome. £70 (or £67 for over-60s) for eight-week term. For more details phone 01626 891245, or visit https://www.mikemcdonald.co.uk/. Bedroom to Business Programme September - November 2021 The Business & IP Centre Devon (BIPC) is excited to announce the Bedroom to Business programme. Do you want to make your business idea a reality? Not sure where to start? Our Bedroom to Business programme includes a Growth Accelerator course with sales trainer James White. In addition, our team of 30 experts will provide supplementary workshops covering topics including: mindset, visioning, profit/loss forecasting and writing a business plan. All the webinars are delivered online and all are FREE to access! The 13-week programme includes all the steps and tools you need to make your dream a reality. For more details including the full programme see the BIPC Devon website: https://bipc.librariesunlimited.org.uk/ In other exciting news, we have partnered with NatWest to provide Start-Up grants and support for female founders. For more details on how to apply for a 'She Started It' grant check out: https://bipc.librariesunlimited.org.uk/startup- grant-for-female-founders/ Lisa D'Alberti Senior Supervisor: Resources and Information, Barnstaple Library 6

RE-WILDING WILL IT SAVE OUR WILDLIFE? An Illustrated Talk by John Davidson Geographer and Ecologist Tuesday 21st September 7.30 pm Shillingford Village Hall £3 Donation includes tea and biscuits 7

Fund Raising Update We, The Friends of Shillingford Wood, would like to give everyone an update on our progress to raise the funds needed to purchase the wood. Due to a successful grant application we are now up to a massive and the staggering total of … £60,000. (£10,000 away from our target) We still need to keep going but this is all very encouraging and positive so thank you to everyone. People have been extremely generous and supportive of our efforts. All donations are always gratefully received. Anyone who would like to donate please email me ([email protected]) for bank details if a bank transfer is preferred, there is the Givey page on FB or drop a contribution into 3 Ilex Close or \"Blacksmiths\" cottage, Shillingford St George. The 100 Club This will be running each month and proceeds will be going to our Shillingford Wood fund. Tickets are £1 each month for each number chosen but an individual can have as many tickets / numbers as they wish. There will be a first, second and third winner each time, winning amounts will vary depending on how many participants there are. Please contact Claire at 3 Ilex Close, Shillingford St George or email [email protected] for information and tickets. Calendar 2022 & Christmas Cards The Friends of Shillingford Wood calendar and for the first time, Christmas cards, will soon be available, hot off the press. They will show scenes in and around the wood and nearby villages. All proceeds from the sales going towards funds to purchase the wood. Unfortunately on a negative note, someone has been removing the posters and leaflets from the holders that were in and around Shillingford wood. If anyone knows who this is, please ask them to stop, or they if they are reading this, please stop. We are trying to purchase the wood for the benefit of the community so that we can all continue to use the wood for many years and generations to come. Thank you. Claire Dummett 8

News from Shillingford Parish Council Parish Council Meeting Shillingford Parish Council held its most recent meeting on Tuesday 10th August 2021 at 7:30 pm. The meeting at the village hall was attended by just one member of the public. The next meeting will be Tuesday 13th October 2021. Further information will be published on the notice boards and the community website. New Councillors The Parish Council was left with two vacancies following the recent resignations of Les Howard and Bernard Stamp. After advertising the vacancies, the Parish Council voted at the August meeting to elect Peter Wareham and Claire Dummett to join the council - we welcome Cllr Wareham and Cllr Dummett! Road Closure Monday 20th September until Friday 24th September 2021 temporary prohibition of through traffic and parking road past Higher Brenton Farm, Kennford. Internet at Shillingford Abbot Cllr Carr (with help from his grandson) and Cllr Parrott have been hard at work trying to improve internet speeds in Shillingford Abbot and part of Shillingford St George. They have signed up to the Community Fibre Partnership and there has been enough uptake to go ahead with the upgrade; BT Openreach has been surveying the area and Cllr Carr will be contacting them to find out when the upgrade will take place. Village Meeting, Queens Jubilee and Local Plan A village meeting on 20th July 2021 was held to discuss how to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and discuss the Teignbridge Local Plan. Following on from this meeting a committee has been formed to work towards installing new Welcome signs to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022. The Parish Council would like to thank all those who responded to the Teignbridge Draft Local Plan Consultation - the response from the Parish Council can be found on the Shillingford Community Website – https://www.shillingford.org.uk/ – under the Local Plan section. Planning The Parish Council supported one planning application at the August meeting: Barton Cottage, Shillingford St George - Change of use and conversion of garage to holiday accommodation. It was also proposed to support an appeal against the refusal of planning applications 21/00125/HOU and 21/00126/LBC Brookes Barn, Pengellys Farm – Single storey garden room extension. 9

Teignbridge Local Plan Review 2020-2040 Teignbridge District Council have proposed the development of a number of areas in Devon, two of which will have an impact on the local communities, The Markham’s Farm (727 houses) and Peamore site (900 + houses) Full details of these proposals can be found at https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/planning/local-plans-and-policy/local-plan- review-2020-2040/ Shillingford St George Parish Council have formulated a response which reflects the concerns of the communities regarding both developments. Whilst it is recognised the need for affordable/social housing the impact will be huge i.e. increased traffic on already very busy roads, pollution, loss of agricultural land and green spaces to name some of the issues raised. The strain on a health care system that is already under pressure is very concerning. There is a petition on line to try to prevent the selling by Devon County Council of Markham’s Farm for development., https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/keep-devon-county-s-farms-farming Claire Dummett Thank you to all those who have joined the consultation on building sites for the local plan part 2 which has now closed. People need homes, and some of the sites will go forward but not all. There is strong opposition from many people in Ide and Shillingford, to the development at Markham Farm which is also close to Dunchideock. This is actually a Devon County Council owned farm and our group has committed to protecting the council owned farms ensuring they are not sold for building. Councillor Alan Connett is pushing this at county level and my district colleague Alison Foden has started a petition adding further pressure on DCC to protect their farms. https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/keep-devon-county-s-farms-farming The petition already has over 700 signatures and has been covered in Devon live. There are more sites in the consultation than are needed to meet the numbers imposed by government. Andy Swain Teignbridge District Councillor 10

Teignbridge District Council – Dog Public Space Protection Order One of our top priorities at Teignbridge is keeping our district clean, and we know dog fouling is an issue Teignbridge residents feel strongly about. We are reviewing our power under the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that will help us continue to enforce dog fouling and control other issues across the district. The PSPO helps the council deal with the few irresponsible dog owners who don’t clear up after their dog or control it. For the many responsible dog owners who pick up after their dog wherever they go, nothing will change. Inconsiderate dog owners will continue to be targeted through awareness and enforcement. Registered blind people and assistance dog users will be exempt. The order currently requires: • Dog walkers to pick up after their dog and carry a bag or other means of cleaning up after their dog has fouled at all times. • Dogs will not be allowed in defined dog exclusion areas (e.g. beaches during April to the end of September, children’s play park excluding assistance dogs). • Dogs will be required to be kept on leads next to roads. • For authorised officers to have the power to immediately request dogs are placed on a lead. • To restrict the number of dogs that can be walked by a single individual, on and off the lead. • Dog walkers to control their dogs when in public places Our aim is to promote responsible dog ownership and care for our local areas, keeping them safe and accessible for all. Before we review the current PSPO, we want to hear your views. Please take part in this survey at https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/environmental-health-and- wellbeing/dogs/dog-pspo/. The survey will run until the 3rd September. During that time, we will promote this as much as possible to capture the views and opinions of Teignbridge residents, including dog owners, dog walkers, and local businesses. Thank you for your support and we look forward to hearing your views. David Eaton Environmental Protection Manager Tel: 01626 215064 Email: [email protected] 11

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EXMINSTER FARMERS CLUB IN THE MID-19TH CENTURY part 2 The ploughs which the district’s farmers used at the Grand Ploughing Match at Trehill, Kenn in 1833 were all of the improved “wheel plough” design. These ploughs had been recently introduced into Devon, and were recognized as superior to the old ploughs made by “hedge carpenters” – but they were still encased in wood. There were two ploughing classes – the first was for boys under 21 who were apprentices or employed for at least two years, with a first prize of £1. George Turner of Barton Farm, Shillingford Abbot entered two ploughboys and Samuel Drew of neighbouring Pengelly’s Farm entered one in this class - though neither won. Among the masters who entered their ploughmen in the men’s class were John Wippell of Lower Brenton Farm (now the site of the Orange Elephant Ice-cream Parlour), and Samuel Drew of Pengelly’s, whose ploughman won first prize of £1.10s. In the afternoon, 62 persons sat down for dinner in an outdoor booth, with music from the Chudleigh Yeomanry Band and the pealing of Kenn church bells. Two years later, in 1835, John Wippell of Lower Brenton was invited to judge the ploughing match held at Payhembury in East Devon, and to speak at the dinner which followed. He expressed the hope that competitions of this type would be kept up, as when he had first come to farm in the parishes of Kenn and Exminster, he found the local ploughmen “slovenly and indifferent” and had gone elsewhere to find competent men – but the competitions had done the greatest good and he felt that the local men could now compete against any in the county. So, in November 1838, the Exminster and Kenn ploughing match was held on his own farm, in two fields adjoining Peamore. This was larger than previous competitions, with a class for prize-winning ploughmen from anywhere in the county, attracting nineteen ploughs. The first three places were filled by ploughmen from Sandford. The second class, for local men living within eight miles of Kenn had sixteen competitors; the boys’ class attracted eleven ploughs, and five entered a special class for ox-ploughs. The latter class was won by Samuel Bright, the ploughman who worked for John Wippell himself. Landowner Samuel Trehawke Kekewich of Peamore took the chair at the dinner which followed at the Stowey Arms in Exminster, and 14

proposed a toast to the health of Sir Lawrence Vaughan Palk, alluding to “a domestic affliction” which prevented him from presiding at the dinner – even though Lower Brenton was one of his properties. Thomas Hussey of Waybrook – another Palk tenant - responded to the toast. From 1843 to 1852 all of the annual ploughing matches held in Exminster district were reported by the local newspapers. In November 1843, the Western Times newspaper reported that the Exminster ‘Agricultural Association’ had held its match at Marsh Farm near Kenton; the Earl of Devon, who presided over the dinner in the evening, and other Courtenay family members were present on this occasion. This seems to have been the first match organized by the newly formed Exminster Farmers Club, which also held monthly meetings where agriculturalists spoke on topics of interest to farmers and their sons. The match of 1844 was referred to as the “second Great Annual Ploughing Match and Agricultural Meeting of the Exminster District or Exminster Farmers Club.” John Drew Junior was Secretary, and the fields chosen were twelve acres on his own Peamore Farm, five acres on Matford Farm, Exminster, and five acres in Alphington – both of these occupied by William Nicks. Among “the distinguished company” out on the ploughing fields that year were the Earl of Devon, the Honourable Lord Courtenay, and members of the Kekewich, Newman, Ley and Palk families – the major landowners in the district. This year there was a silver cup awarded to the winner of a class solely for farmers’ sons, as well as prizes for the usual classes for ploughmen and ploughboys. John Cornish of Bickham Farm, Kenn, ploughing for his mother Mrs. Mary Cornish, was the winner of the cup. He had won first prize in the men’s competition the year before as well. James Hill, a boy working for William Lear of Shillingford Farm (now known as Place Farm) in Shillingford St. George, won first place in the ploughboys’ class. From 1843, the club had also awarded prizes or “premiums,” together with a framed certificate, to male and female agricultural labourers and servants under various categories. There were cash prizes awarded to those farm servants with testimonials to their good conduct, who had served the longest in one household; and to those labourers who had raised the largest family without resorting to parish poor relief. The latter was some achievement, considering the paltry wages paid to Devon farm labourers – known to have been some of the lowest in the country. Thus in 1844, Robert Bright, who had brought up seven children without parochial aid and had worked for 17 years on Barton Farm in Shillingford Abbot for George Turner, was awarded first prize of £2, and Richard Westcott, father of seven children, who had worked for 14 years on the same farm, was awarded second prize of £1.10s. From 1848 onwards, there seems to have been a shortage of club funds, and this was mentioned by the Chairman in his speech at the annual ploughing match dinner. The club continued to hold its annual ploughing matches into 15

the early 1850s, though at the ploughing match dinner in November 1851, when James Samuel Pitman of Dunchideock House was in the Chair, Mr Thomas Newman of the Mamhead Estate pointed out that the various agricultural clubs in the county had been for some time past on the decline…though he assured the guests that the meeting that night had convinced him that the prosperity of Exminster Club would continue for many years. Mr Drew the Secretary also spoke – he was less anxious about the club’s finances than on one or two previous occasions, when he feared the club was dying…it seemed to him that from the current event, and the meeting a short time ago at Kenton, that the club was resuscitated. However, it seems likely that his optimism was misplaced, as the ninth ploughing match, held in autumn 1852 at Crablake Farm in Exminster, followed by a dinner held at the Devon Arms in Kenton, seems to have been their last ploughing match – or at least the last reported in the Devon and Exeter newspapers. Jan Wood Teign Valley Larder - Perception versus reality With all restrictions on social gatherings now lifted, does this now mean the pandemic is over, and the Teign Valley Larder is no longer required? Absolutely not. In fact, the larder is needed now more than ever, and here’s why. News reached us recently that some people in the Teign Valley believe that since life appears to be returning to normal, the Teign Valley Larder should wind up operations. This was accompanied by the assertion that poverty levels are very low in the area. Well, I can begin by saying that all of us working on this project – the board members and all the volunteers who keep the larders stocked – would be happiest if Teign Valley Larder didn’t need to exist. But staple food and other essential items are still being taken regularly from all our larder locations. I don’t know about you, but I feel very uneasy when I think that there are people in my community who could be missing meals unnecessarily, so while demand continues then we will continue to provide that service. Yes, everyone can use the larder, but we are confident that those who use it for convenience also donate items or money in return. And we want as many people as possible using the larder so as not to draw attention to those who rely on it. Tellingly, we see a particular uplift in larder use at the end of the month, which suggests that household finances are struggling to reach payday. Unfortunately, rather than getting better, all the evidence points to greater pressure being put on family finances, and a greater need for services such as the larder. According to Devon County Council, more families in Devon are eligible for free school meals for their children than ever before, with numbers soaring during 16

the coronavirus pandemic to the highest levels on record: 16% of all school children across Devon. Thankfully, the council is providing supermarket vouchers for families who qualify for free school meals so their children don’t go hungry over the school holidays. However, at only £15 per week, per child, the scheme isn’t going to solve the problem on its own. Indeed, that ‘problem’ will only get worse. Charities such as IFAN (Independent Food Aid Network) are talking about a ‘September cliff-edge’. This is because the £20 a week uplift in Universal Credit is coming to end, and the vital furlough scheme is being wound up. Lockdown restrictions may be coming to end, but the aftereffects will still be felt for some time yet. We know that the pressures on household finances are only likely to get worse. And please don’t think that food poverty only happens to other communities. It’s very real here too – just a bit better hidden. The Teign Valley Larder currently spends nearly £500 a month on keeping the basic items in stock, and we are looking for extra volunteers to help manage the different locations. If you can donate money (£5 a month?), food, or your time, please get in touch. You can be certain that you will be helping those among us who need it most. Call 01647 253059 or email [email protected] or go to teignvalley.org/larder/ for information on how to donate and/or to send us a message. Nathan Bushell 17

Christopher Pidsley writes: It was back at the beginning of April that I suffered a blackout on my regular circular walk via Markhams Lane and the Barton Farm track. After a few minutes in a crumpled heap I regained consciousness and managed to stagger down the track to Shillingford Organics leaving a trail of blood in my wake, my head having taken the full force of my fall. I was driven home and then taken to the RD&E. Twelve days in Bolham Ward followed. On my discharge I was told my permission to drive would be withdrawn. The purpose of this personal note is to underline my gratitude to the many people who have offered and provided practical help with shopping and follow-up visits to the hospital and surgery etc. In common with many societies and clubs the Shillingford Local History Society has been on pause for many months. Hopefully there will be a meeting in October. In the meantime we are grateful to our Chairperson Jan Wood for writing a series of articles for Country News on the failures and fortunes of local farming families. Thank you Jan! VILLAGES PRAYER An opportunity for anyone to pray for situations in our villages and beyond to meet at 5.00-6.00pm on Tuesday September 5th. Venue to be confirmed. Anyone is most welcome to come or ring with a request for prayer. For more information ring Steve and Tina on 01392 832057 Wedding gift thanks A massive thank you to everyone who contributed so generously to the wedding gifts which greeted us on our return from honeymoon in June. Also a special thanks to Alison and John for organising such a lovely surprise. Cath and Trevor EXETER GROWERS CO-OPERATIVE Growing organically in Shillingford OPEN DAY Saturday 25th September 2021 2pm – 5pm We are on the road from Shillingford Abbot to Shillingford St George Look out for the signs nearer the date. Do come along and see where we grow our fruit and vegetables. 18

NEW! PiYo Exercise Class With Experienced Instructor Sally White Starting Saturday 9th October 9.30 – 10.30 am Shillingford Village Hall First Session as Taster FREE! Then £7 per session at the door Beginners Welcome Please bring a Mat Contact Sally for more information 07803 568716 or just see you there! 19

Shillingford St George and Shillingford Abbot Hedge Trimming Once again this year the Village Hall committee, along with Mr Chris Carr are organising a local contractor to carry out hedge trimming of house-hold hedges that border the roads around the two villages. This has been done successfully for the past few years. This is a quick and easy way for you to get your hedges trimmed. All that may be needed after is a quick sweep up after the work has been completed. NO trips to the tip, No sweat, all just very simple for you. *Please be aware that due to the limited reach of the cutter it may not be possible to cut the tops of very high hedges.* Depending on the weather and contractors workload the cutting should be done during September. All we ask in return is for a donation to be made to us (commensurate with the amount of work involved) the proceeds of which will be split on an equal basis between the village hall and the church. We don’t require your donation until after the work has been completed. Payment options include cash or cheque (made payable to Shillingford St George Village Hall) delivered to Trevor Ridgers or BACS payment to the village hall committee (BACS details available upon request). If you have participated in the scheme before and wish to have your hedge cut again you do not need to take any further action as we have your cutting details on file. However, if you wish to withdraw from the scheme, make alterations to your cutting requirements, have your hedge cut for the first time or any other queries please contact via email [email protected] as soon as possible. On behalf of the Village Hall Committee Trevor Ridgers, Hackers, Shillingford St George 20

Many thanks to Boyces Nursery, Shillingford St George, for the floral displays at the entrances to the Shillingfords Dunchideock Church Calendar Date Service Time 10:30 am 5 September Mission Community at Bridford 8:30 am Trinity 14 Order 1 10:30 am 11:30 am 12 September Holy Communion – BCP 11:30 am Trinity 15 Sidesperson Ray Mallett Readers Ann Mallett and Shirley Phillips Readings Isaiah 50:4-7a and James 3:1-12 19 September Holy Communion Order 1 at Trinity 16 Doddiscombsleigh 26 September Harvest Thanksgiving at Ashton, Trinity 17 at Oxenpark Farm 3 October Harvest Thanksgiving followed by Trinity 18 Refreshments Sidesperson Steve Cook Readers Jamie Cumming and Ray Mallett Flower Arranging List Church Cleaning Rota 4 & 11 Sep: Stevi Cumming 11 Sep: Pat Ouseley & Belinda Watson 18 & 25 Sep: Alison Alexander 2 Oct: Ann Mallett & Elizabeth Jenne 2 & 9 Oct: Madie & Sue 21

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 (Rector) 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 (see Getting in touch… below). Private Prayer - Days and Times of Opening: All our churches are now open for visiting and private prayer as follows: Ashton – 8am to 6pm Bridford – 8am to 5pm Christow – 9am to 5pm Doddiscombsleigh – 8am to 9pm Dunchideock – 8am to 6pm Dunsford – 9am to 6pm Sunday Services There is a 9am telephone service each Sunday - see details below for how to join. With the easing of lockdown, all our church buildings have re-opened for public worship and details are provided in the separate schedule of services. As the situation can, however, change quickly, please check the “A Church Near You” website for your parish for updates (search for e.g. “A Church Near You Bridford”). • Please do not come if you are suffering 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 In line with current national requirements, church services continue to have measures in place to ensure people’s safety e.g. hand sanitisers, social distancing of 2 metres, additional cleaning. Limited singing and the removal of face masks when sitting is possible in some of our churches, but in all our churches there will be a safe space reserved for those who wish to continue to wear a face mask and/or not sing. Currently communion is available in one kind 22

only. Please do not hesitate to ask those welcoming you, or contact Ruth or Steve if you have questions about COVID safety in church. 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 below for how to join. 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. Messy Church We are finally able to start holding Messy Church again! Don’t miss Saturday 18 September from 3pm to 5pm at the Teign Valley Community Hall. Messy Church is for adults and children to enjoy together. It’s creative and fun! It’s primarily for people who don’t normally go to church and explores biblical stories introducing Jesus through song, getting messy doing craft activities and sharing a meal together. Families with primary school children welcome - older children and others please do come and help! Watch out for posters and come along and discover what Messy Church is about! Treasurer Wanted! Christow Church is still looking for a volunteer treasurer to supervise its money and prepare the accounts. Phil Trotter, our valued treasurer has retired after many years' service. We are very sorry to see him go and wish him well. He is happy to help whoever is willing to take over and to lead them through the systems. Full training is available! 23

Harvest Services Special harvest services to celebrate God’s provision through creation are taking place as follows: Church Date Time Notes Ashton 26 Sep 11:00am At Oxen Park, including lunch Bridford 10 Oct 11:00am Followed by lunch Christow 19 Sep 11:30am Followed by lunch Doddiscombsleigh 10 Oct 4:30pm Dunchideock 3 Oct 11:30am Followed by lunch 3 Oct 10:30am Family Harvest Service Dunsford 3 Oct 6:30pm “Cider and Song” with light refreshments afterwards Silver Award for Eco Church Congratulations to St Mary’s, Dunsford for gaining a Silver Eco-Church Award “in recognition of their efforts to care for God’s earth in Worship and Teaching, Management of Buildings and Land, Community and Global Engagement and Lifestyle”. The award is part of the A Rocha UK Eco Church scheme – see https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk. 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. From the registers… Weddings: 13 August Tjaart Steyn and Victoria Kingdon (Dunsford) 14 August James Coe and Ceri Davies (Christow) Funerals: George Wadia (Bridford) 30 July Peter La Trobe (Christow) 2 August Mary Pim (Dunsford) - interment 6 August Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been bereaved. 24

Getting in touch… If you wish to discuss plans for a postponed or future baptism/christening, banns of marriage, wedding, funeral, interment of ashes or memorial service, or have any other enquiry, please contact Steve Cook, the Churches’ Administrator, on 01392 832332 or email [email protected]. 25

Samaritan’s Purse If you wish to fill a shoebox for a Christmas present for a deprived European child and want to start collecting the contents for it, I have the flat-pack boxes and leaflets to go with them now. Best wishes, Elizabeth Jenne Webberton Meadows, Dunchideock 01392 832240 26

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South West Coast 2 Coast Challenge Peter Hendy-Ibbs On the 24th July I tackled the inaugural Coast 2 Coast challenge from Minehead to Dawlish. I had been invited to take part by Children with Cancer UK, whom I have supported for the last four years since my grandson was diagnosed with lymphoma, aged four, and it is the friendliest, most supportive charity I have ever assisted. Though a recreational runner for many years, I had never previously run more than a marathon. This was 100km - my first ‘ultra’. The run itself was brutal. The first 10km was a steep climb, in horizontal rain, mist and thunder, up to the highest point on Exmoor. Later, I navigated from Tiverton along the Exe valley to Dawlish in the dark and on my own. The ‘jog’ took just under 16 difficult hours and with meals and refreshments the event was completed in under 21 hrs. Why? The charity helps families and funds most research into childhood cancers. Thirty years ago my nephew had leukaemia and was treated with exactly the same cocktail of adult, toxic drugs. Nothing has changed since then and children deserve better. So the run was not for my grandson, but for future children to benefit from kinder, more effective treatments. THANK YOU for your support. I raised over £700 and am well on the way to achieving my 2021 target. If you would like to donate please use the following link: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JoshJourney 28

Dunchideock Produce Show – 7th August 2021 Weather – Raining all day but cleared around 3pm. The village hall committee decided to go ahead with the Annual Garden & Produce Show since COVID restrictions had ceased back on 19th July 2021. The team thought it would be best to be cautious by providing people space and at the same time keeping restrictions, like wearing face masks and sanitising hands on entry in place, so that residents felt safe. During the wet morning there was a slow but steady flow of people bringing their produce and advising that the current weather conditions had limited the entries due to damaged roses and other flowers & vegetables, but the Cookery and Preserve sections were well supported. The Children’s Category was also well supported and saw various designs of animals made from fruit. How creative they all are! This year we had new judges and they were surprised at the volume of cookery items that they had to taste and sample, but after much deliberation they finally came to the same conclusion for 1st and Runner Up prizes. Certificates were produced for each category and for Best in Category. Finally the Best In Show went to Jenny Tuckett for her lovely floral arrangement and a shield was presented in the afternoon. Well done Jenny. Later in the afternoon when the hall was reopened for viewing, a raffle and auction of Bug Houses took place, along with serving tasty scones with jam & cream and teas and coffees. This was greatly supported and many people were happy to liaise with other residents and discuss the competitiveness between them. The Village Hall Committee would like to thank everybody for their support, and would like to welcome them all back in a safe environment. Karen Robson 29

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Villages Diary Date Time Event Place Tue 7 Sep 5-6 pm Villages Prayer Evening To be confirmed Sat 11 Sep All day Devon Historic Churches Day – ride Dunchideock Church & stride fundraising for Devon Sat 11 Sep 8:30 am churches Shillingford Church until Devon Historic Churches Day – lunch prayer breakfast followed by church Shillingford VH maintenance morning with coffee Dunchideock VH Sat 11 Sep 12 noon Free barbecue and get-together Higher Brenton Farm, Tea Afternoon Kennford Sat 18 Sep 3-5 pm Temporary road closure Shillingford VH Mon 20 Sep to Dunchideock PCC Fri 24 Sep Shillingford Wildlife Group talk – Dunchideock VH Re-wilding: will it save our wildlife? Mon 20 Sep 5 pm Macmillan Coffee Morning Growers’ field, Shillingford Tue 21 Sep 7:30 pm Exeter Growers Co-operative Webberton Meadows Open Day Shillingford VH Sat 25 Sep 10 am to Country News editors’ meeting Sat 25 Sep 1 pm The Exchange Dunchideock Church 2-5 pm Decorating the church with fruit and Dunchideock Church vegetables Mon 27 Sep 7:30 pm Harvest Festival and lunch in church Shillingford VH Sat 2 Oct or churchyard 10:30 am PiYo Exercise Classes start Shillingford Church Sat 2 Oct to noon Shillingford VH Harvest Festival Shillingford VH 2:30 pm Harvest Supper Shillingford VH Shillingford Parish Council meeting Dunchideock VH Sun 3 Oct 11:30 am Start of Autumn Art Classes Dunchideock VH Tea Afternoon Sat 9 Oct 9:30- Halloween Drinks 10:30 am Sun 10 Oct 9:30 am Mon 11 Oct t.b.a. Tue 13 Oct 7:30 pm Fri 15 Oct 10 am Sat 16 Oct 3-5 pm Sat 30 Oct 7 pm until late 35

Shillingford St George & Shillingford Abbot Priest in charge: Revd. Mike Partridge, The Rectory, Alphington. (day off Thursday) EX2 8XJ Tel: 01392 491476 or 07751 725306 Email: [email protected] Churchwarden: Mr. N. Mansell Tel: 01392 832660 Email: [email protected] Dunchideock Priest in charge: Revd. Ruth Frampton, The Rectory, Christow. (day off Thursday) Tel: 01647 253164 Email: [email protected] Churches Administrator: Steve Cook Tel: 01392 832332 Email: [email protected] Editors for September: Country News Editor for October: Front Cover: Tam Mucklow and Edmund Gooch Advertising Editor: Treasurer: Tom Tompkins (01392 832352) Main Distributors: [email protected] Judith Travell (01392 832600) [email protected] Michelle Saunders (07856 663696) [email protected] Mrs. E. Jenne (01392 832240) [email protected] Mr. P. & Mrs. L. Wareham / Mrs. E. Jenne Articles for inclusion in the October edition of Country News should be passed to the Editor by 15 September. Classified Adverts: £1 for up to three lines (for one issue). Box Adverts: Full page £16 for one issue or £120 for one year (10 issues), or pro rata for half-page or quarter-page adverts. All advertisements should be sent to the Advertising Editor, who will forward them to the Editor for that month. Payments should be made in advance to the Treasurer. 36