News:

With the clocks now changed and the nights drawing in we look forward to a time of reflection and celebration as we prepare for the arrival of the Christ child.

To begin with an apology for printing a wrong name. Our congratulations go to Daniel and Lorna on the arrival of Evelyn, a granddaughter for Eric and Alison Webber.  Congratulations also go to Jess and James Robison who have welcomed the arrival of their first child, a son, Chester Ivan, a grandson for Maureen and Paul Furneaux.  It is lovely to see Myrtle's excitement as each new great grandchild comes along.

Our Harvest Thanksgiving weekend took place on 14 and 15 September.  The Harvest Supper was well attended and the guest speaker was Kevin from Devon Freewheelers who gave an insight to the valuable volunteer work that they do around the county delivering blood and breast milk to hospitals and homes.  They are an out of hours service and our speaker was going to be on duty when he left us.  A donation from the evening was given to Devon Freewheelers along with the contents of a collection tin. 

On the Sunday our service was led by Julie, who brought back memories of school dinners with the grace that used to be sung at the beginning of every dinnertime, “Thank you for the world so sweet...” Visions of soggy cabbage and frog's spawn, sorry tapioca, sprang to mind.

We held one of our Informal get-together's in the church on 29 September.  These are held occasionally throughout the year, where we gather for coffee (and tea), cake and conversation.  See Dates for Your Diary for details...

On 5 October a Quiz Night was held at the village hall.  There was a great turnout and with a bit of jiggling, we managed to fit in enough tables and chairs for all the teams that had signed up. Quiz Master Mr Busby set a good variety of challenging questions.  Well done to the Amory family and friends on winning the quiz and also to all who took part to help raise over £400.00 towards the Window Restoration Fund.  Our grateful thanks go to Barbara and helpers for organising this event and also to Mr Busby for an entertaining evening.

The funeral service of Mary Gard-Richards took place at North Devon Crematorium on 8 October.  Mary lived in Calverleigh, growing up, with her parents at Manitoba and for a number of years at Woodlawns before moving away.  Our condolences go to all her family and friends at this sad and difficult time and to all who are mourning the loss of a loved one.

A Songs of Praise service was held on 13 October with nine favourite hymns being chosen and sung.  It was also good to hear the choir singing once more. Thank you to all who picked hymns and to Dave for spending the time to get them uploaded on the laptop - we are very lucky to have you.

A pilgrimage by the Presentation Sisters, Brothers and Christian Brothers took place on 22 October.  Founder Joseph Nagle has a memorial in church, with his and family graves in the churchyard.  A short service was held in church followed by a light buffet lunch in the village hall.  Parishioners were invited to join them and lunch was provided by a group of willing helpers.  Thank you to all who had a part in helping this to happen.

Over the Christmas period there will once again be a collection box under the Christmas tree for dried or tinned goods and toiletries for CHAT.  This has proved to be popular and CHAT are extremely grateful for all contributions which will be delivered to their office in early January for distribution.

We remember at this time all who are going through difficulties with ill health or numerous hospital appointments and pray that the skill of doctors and nurses will help to ease the anxiety or pain.

Thank you to all who are on any of the church rota’s who give generously of their time to make the church and churchyard look clean and tidy for all our visitors throughout the year.

The Calverleigh and Loxbeare carol singers will be doing the rounds as usual in the weeks leading up to Christmas, do contact your church wardens for details if you want to get involved. We would like to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God Bless you this Christmas.

Dates for Your Diary:

Dec 1 - Christingle Praise Party at 3.30pm in Calverleigh Church, followed by craft and refreshments in Calverleigh Hall.
 
Dec 22 - Christmas Coffee, Cake and Company at 10am. All parishioners are welcome to come along where it is a chance to sit and talk to neighbours, friends and meet new people from far and near.  Come along and meet us for some pre-festive refreshments and fellowship.
 
Please see the middle pages of the magazine or the services section of the website for our Christmas and New Year services.

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