News: Calverleigh September Update 2025: News: Calverleigh September Update 2025

News: Calverleigh September Update 2025

Date Added: 01/09/2025 @ 10:00am

As the new school year begins (where did that time go?), we hope that you had a fun and relaxing time through the summer holidays.  We send our best wishes to children starting “big school” for the first time, those moving on to secondary schools or college and also to those who may be moving away from the comfort of home to begin their next stage of education at university. 

It is great to hear that our Rector Steph is on the road to recovery after her surgery and we continue to pray for her and her family.  All through this time Dawn has been holding the fort in the church office, keeping things going.  Thank you, Dawn for all you have been doing!

A little bit of light-hearted fun and maybe a bit of rivalry was held through the 24/25 Premier League with members of the congregation in the form of fantasy football.  “Calverleague” was set up by Paul with many a discussion taking place before/after services to praise the merits/disappointments/injuries of players etc.  A presentation was held with the worthy winner being presented with a trophy.  1st place went to Paul – Hopefully FC, 2nd Rita – 2 metre Rita, 3rd Tasha – Tasha’s Titans.  Bringing up the rear with the ‘It’s not the winning but the taking part’ award of a wooden spoon was Dave.  Thanks, Paul for arranging this and we are now into the 25/26 season and doing it all again.  (See the Photo)

The Potato Competition was held in July with many saying what a poor growing year it had been.  This reflected in the weight of the individual crops which were grown from just two potatoes.  Congratulations to ladies Alison (8lb 8½oz), Wendy (8lb 2oz), Diana (5lb 8oz) with Mary’s weighing just 9½oz.  Men’s competition was won by Kipper (13lb 12oz), Eric (10lb 8oz), Richard (9lb 6oz) and Gary’s potato weight of just 7½oz.  Well done to you all and thanks go to Gillian for organising this annual event along with a draw, Mary, Louise and Tim for assisting and to Liz from the Stoodleigh Inn for hosting the weigh-in and providing a delicious potato supper.  Money raised will go towards Calverleigh church and Devon Air Ambulance.  Thank you to all who support this event.  We are extremely grateful for your donations.

After the Explore service on 6 July, which was led by Tasha, a Jar of Encouragement was placed inside by the church entrance.  The service focused on encouraging each other and the congregation wrote thoughts on strips of paper which were added to the jar.  Feedback was received that a person who later visited was very grateful because the paper taken from the jar was just what was needed at that time. 

The graveside funeral of Rupert Pilkington was held in July.  Rupert was the PCC Treasurer from 1994-97 before going abroad to work for a while and has been a frequent worshipper at St. Mary’s.  Our prayers are with Rupert’s family at this most sad and difficult of times.  Our thoughts and prayers are also with all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.  A service of Thanksgiving for the life of Rupert will be held on Friday 29 August at Chevithorne church.

Our open-air service was a bit of a “do we/don’t we” decision as to whether we would be brave enough to set up outside this year. In the end the right choice was made to hold it indoors as before the end of the service the heavens opened, so much so that people had to wait for the rain to subside a little, once refreshment had been served, before they could venture back to their cars.  Thank you to the ‘runners’ who accompanied people to their cars with umbrellas and to all who kindly brought goodies to enjoy with a tea or coffee.

A service celebrating the life of Rev’d Harold Whitty was held at Stoke Canon church at the end of July.  Harold was part of the Exe Valley Ministry Team during 1980s and 90s.  A good number of people from around the Exe Valley, along with many others, came along to the moving and fitting service full of music and humour for a lovely man, full of faith.

At the time of writing our Produce show, organised by Maureen and Paul, is approaching and we know that people will be busy with their preparations of either growing exhibits, flower arranging, baking, crafting or photography for the event which will take place on 24 August.  A report with results will appear in the next edition of the Today magazine.

Many happy returns to those who have celebrated a birthday recently and congratulations go to those who have been celebrating a birth in the family or special anniversary. Congratulations to Dave and Nik are celebrating 14 years of marriage this September! Please get in contact with Dave Burton (calverleigh@exevalleychurches.org) if you would like to share any news with the parish or advertise an event, or to add a birthday or anniversary message.