News: Calverleigh March Update 2025: News: Calverleigh March Update 2025
News: Calverleigh March Update 2025
Date Added: 01/03/2025 @ 9:00am
As we move further into 2025, there are signs of Spring around. The daffodils were making an appearance at the same time as the snowdrops despite the cold winds and the primroses are looking colourful in gardens and hedgerows.
Recalling events and services leading up to and during the Christmas period we can report that the Christingle service which was postponed because of bad weather was held on 15 December in the morning instead of the normal 3pm and was led by Nikki. Our thanks go to Doreen for donating the Christingles and to all who helped to make them up. £60.00 was sent to The Children’s Society as a donation towards their valuable work with vulnerable children and young people.
As a result of three evenings of carol singing, the Loxbeare and Calverleigh carol singers collected £651.76 around the two villages. This was split between Devon Air Ambulance and HospiceCare. Thank you to all who gave of their time to take part in this enjoyable activity, taking the message to the people and especially to Myrtle and family for inviting us back for supper after the last evening of singing. Delicious food was provided along with a little more carol singing to end the evening.
Our carol service took place on 22 December, led by Tasha, and over 70 people were welcomed into the church. Children attending the service sang Away in a Manger and it sounded lovely. Following the 9 carols and 7 readings refreshments were served. Our thanks go to everyone who decorated the church ready for Christmas, all who took part in the service or provided goodies to accompany tea and coffee.
Christmas Day saw another good-sized congregation to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Rev’d Tim led the service and voices were in good form. Thank you, Tim for a lovely service. It was lovely to welcome people from around the village and further afield along with those who had returned home for Christmas.
A sizeable collection of goods for CHAT which were donated during Advent were delivered to their office early in the new year. A letter of thanks has been received and can be viewed in church along with a letter from Devon Air Ambulance and The Children’s Society.
We will be collecting dried and tinned goods and toiletries once again for CHAT during Lent.
Our new 'Explore' service was introduced to Calverleigh in January with Rev’d Steph leading and David Edwards providing the music. This was instead of our Family Service and was well supported. An ‘Explore’ service will be held on 3rd Sunday of each month unless otherwise advertised. It is a service designed specifically for children and families, but all ages (especially the young at heart) are certainly also encouraged to come along too. While it starts early at 9.15am, it starts with refreshments and the actual service begins at 9.30am. It’s usually a short service, with interactive elements to hopefully keep everyone engaged.
Congratulations go to Harry and Violet on the arrival of their daughter. A welcome sister for big brother Wilbur. We trust that mother and baby are doing well.
Our best wishes go to all who are celebrating special occasions in the coming months with either a birthday, wedding, anniversary or birth of a child. If you have news, pictures or events that you would like to share please contact Dave Burton (calverleigh@exevalleychurches.org). We’d like to wish a very Happy Birthday to Dave himself in April!
It was with sadness that we learnt of the passing of Bridget Simmons (nee Wigram) who grew up in Calverleigh before moving away and often returned to worship with us when she was able. A service of thanksgiving took place in Chittlehampton and on 27th January Bridget’s ashes were interred at Calverleigh in her sister’s grave. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Bridget’s family and friends.
Condolences go to those who have lost loved ones either recently or longer ago. Our thoughts and prayers are will you all.
