News: Calverleigh July Round Up 2026: News: Calverleigh July Round Up 2026

News: Calverleigh July Round Up 2026

Date Added: 01/07/2026 @ 8:49am

Gardens are really starting to show off their wonderful colours, bees are buzzing, birds are flitting from tree to bush and back again and the on off promise of summer may just be around the corner. Mother nature gives us many surprises through each season in one way or another.

The Explore service back in April was led by Tash who talked on the road to Emmaus. The congregation were each given a piece of playdough and asked to shape a loaf of bread and then reflect on something, change it to another kind of bread, reflect, then change again and a final reflection. Thank you to all who took part and to Dave E for providing the music.

Explore on 17 May was about supporting each other and led by Nik. Tilly, Francis and Lauchlan took turns to read a part of the bible reading.  Well done to the three of them, their confidence is really growing.

Our annual day of prayer was held on 2 May from 9am - 9pm.  Over 30 people took part with prayer in half hour slots, wherever they felt most comfortable.  Thank you to all who joined in with this special time of prayer.

The following day saw the baptism of Francis. A special day made even more special as Nana, who conducted the service, is Bishop Helen from Qu’appelle in Canada. It was quite an emotional time. Mum, Julia, made cakes that were enjoyed by the congregation, with tea and coffee after the service.  Thanks to all involved in making this an occasion to remember.

The coffee morning held on 9 May to raise money for ‘Restore the Floor’ also saw the launch of the
Big Picture. Those taking part bought a square of a larger picture of the church to colour or paint however they wish.  When they are all received back the squares will be assembled and displayed somewhere in church.  Over £1,000 was raised towards the floor repair fund, during the morning. Thank you to all who helped with serving drinks, making cakes, supplying draw prizes, provided produce, plants or helped out on a stall and of course to those who came along on the day.  Your help and support has been really appreciated.  As this goes to print here are still a few squares left, if anyone else would like to have a go and have your name recorded as taking part. The cost of a square is £5. Please contact Aubrey on 01884 255248.  

Calverleigh Village Hall Committee has started a series of fundraising events to contribute to the refurbishment of the old Billiard Room. They will also be applying for grants, with advice from Devon Communities Together, and will eventually have a room with modern facilities to use for community events and for hire by outside organisations. 

On Thursday 23 May the hall committee held a very popular Antiques ‘Call My Bluff’ evening. They were visited by three Auctioneers from Bearnes, Hampton, & Littlewood who brought with them a series of objects and presented each one to us with contrasting descriptions. Those present then had to choose the genuine antiques, and the person with the most correct answers won a prize. Refreshments were served during the interval, and a raffle drawn. The evening proved a resounding success and £760 was raised for towards hall funds. A big thank you to everyone who came to support us.

The daughter and granddaughter of Rev’d Stuttaford, who was the vicar of Calverleigh and Withleigh from 1944 to 1961, came to visit both churches as part of a trip to Devon.  Aubrey met with them when they visited St. Mary’s and was able to show photos of the time and share a few memories with the family.

Congratulations to Ben and Zoe who were married at Chevithorne church recently.  We wish you a long and happy marriage.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have recently died thinking of Herbert Smith (of Rackenford) and Margaret Tidball (of Loxbeare) both who have played a very active part in church and village life in throughout the Exe valley over many, many years and will be greatly missed.

Best wishes to all who have been or will be celebrating either a special birthday or anniversary in the coming two months and hoping that you have a lovely time whatever is planned.

If you’d like your special birthday, anniversary or a special event here? Please contact Dave by emailing: calverleigh@exevalleychurches.org or call 01884 561499.