News:

The nights are drawing in, the leaves are changing their colour and there is a definite chill in the air both morning and evening. Many of us will be putting your gardens to rest for the winter but it has been lovely to see bedding plants still giving a good show of colour until the frosts appear.

On 14 August there were four Baptisms and a Blessing of Thanksgiving, along with Holy Communion and Holiday Club as part of the service at Calverleigh which was led by Rev’d Steph Gordon-Jeffs. We were pleased to welcome the families and supporters of Torin, brothers Louis & Henry who were baptised and Russell who was blessed. Torin's mum Megan was also baptised during the service. The church was full to overflowing but the churchwardens did well to have most people seated with a few having to stand, but what a lovely occasion it was and how pleasing to be a part of this celebration.

The annual Produce Show took place on 27 August and was this year organised by Maureen and Paul Furneaux who did a grand job. This year's theme for entries was Platinum Jubilee inspired. Our thanks go to them for all their hard work as well as to all contributors, judges, stewards and those attending to view the amazing talent of those taking part. Congratulations to all, young and not so young, who entered the different categories and were rosette winners. Best in Show went to Rita and overall points winner was Brian.

Thank you to all who helped including helpers, judges, stewards and scorers. Whether you were one of our talented competitors, you helped in setting up, packing away, working in the kitchen, providing refreshments, donating draw prizes or just coming along to support the event - Thank you all. We're already looking forward to next year! A total of £400 was raised for Calverleigh Church.

It was with sadness that we heard of the passing of Graham Webber on 12 August.  A service of celebration for the life of Graham was held on 31 August followed by burial in the churchyard and was led by Rev’d Claire Curtis. The church was full of his family, friends and neighbours. Daughter Sam spoke of his life, love of sport which included horse racing, cricket and more but the love of his family was uppermost.  Many of us will remember Graham growing up and playing a full part in village life. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Paula, Sam, Marcus, Myrtle and all his family and friends.

On Saturday 3 September, after postponement from earlier in the summer due to the happy couple contracting Covid-19, the marriage of Philip and Joanne finally happened. They were very grateful that the service was able to be rearranged. The service was conducted by Rev'd Andrew Blyth, the bridegroom's brother. Philip's parents have a long connection with Calverleigh as Ken was a Rector in the Exe Valley Group during the 1970's and has also taken services here at Calverleigh during his retirement. It was a lovely day and our best wishes go to Mr and Mrs Blyth for a long and happy marriage.

A service of Celebration was held for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on 8 September. Included in the service held on 19 September and led by Julie was one of the Queen's favourite hymns 'The Lord’s my shepherd'.  The hymn 'Tears and Celebration' by Katherine Jenkins was played during a time of reflection. The service at times was quite moving as we all sat with our own thoughts of our wonderful long reigning Queen and her faithfulness to God, our nation, the Commonwealth and her people. A book of condolence was available in church during the 10 days of mourning. We continue to pray for the Royal family at this time and look forward to the Coronation of King Charles III.

Our Harvest Thanksgiving service took place on 2 October, later than normal due to the special service held for our late Queen. The church was decorated with a large amount of fresh fruit and vegetables and flower displays. A speaker from CHAT gave a thought-provoking insight into the work provided by the charity and the staggering number of meals that have been handed out in the past year. Holly was thanked for giving her time to come and speak to us and donations of tinned and dried foods along with various toiletries were brought along to the service and delivered to CHAT the following day. The fresh produce was taken to The Salvation Army to be used for those in need. Our thanks go to all who prepared the church for the service and it looked beautiful as it always does at this time of year.

Baptisms were once again celebrated on 9 October where the family, friends and supporters of Aaron and Elijah, many of whom travelled from far and wide (including guests from Portugal and Wales), were welcomed to St. Mary's. As well as the baptisms it was also a Cluster Group service with Holy Communion led by Steph. The two well-behaved boys are related and were born a day apart - sharing a ward for a short time. Music for the service was provided by Dave and Levon. Thank you to all who had a part in the service and our best wishes are with both families.

A fully automatic defibrillator in a heated cabinet has been purchased by the Calverleigh Village Hall Committee, assisted by generous donations from Vicky nee Bowden (sorry Vicky, we don't know your surname) and the family of the late David Burnett who farmed at Loxbeare for many years. The defibrillator has been installed at the Village Hall in a prominent position and is registered with the Ambulance Service as ready for use.

Best wishes also go to anyone else who is having a significant birthday, wedding anniversary, birth or wedding. Please let us know if you would like to mention a special occasion.

Our best wishes also go to those known to us who have been very unwell recently, to anyone who has been affected by the ongoing Covid outbreak, those who are waiting for or receiving treatment, those who are recovering from an accident or any other medical condition. Our prayers are with you all.

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