The annual village Harvest Festival service will take place at St Mary's on Friday 19th September at 7p.m. This will be followed by a bring and share supper in the Church Room.

The church is always beautifully decorated for this traditional service and it is hoped many will come and celebrate the joys of Harvest as well as seen to be supporting the farming community.

Janice Bawler

For several years, I have been collecting information about house martins in this area. Such information includes date of arrival and departure of the birds; number of nests being used; address of the site etc.

I am still drying out after the Church Fete - but, despite the atrocious weather, our stall was well supported and we made over £100, so thank you to all members who donated plants and "braved" the elements.

We are all sadden with the loss of a loved one but the shock and sorrow felt by many on hearing of Lorna Pinder's sudden death has been great.17 year old Lorna was a pupil at Richard Huish College and a vibrant young lady who will be missed by many. We send our love, prayers and sympathy to her family and friends.

Pre-school children have been busy busy busy over the last couple of months: The arrival of a Fire Engine plus four firemen caused much excitement, and that wasn't just amongst the children! No fires I hasten to qualify; the visit was purely educational and the children toured the engine and used the hoses.

Hemyock Football Club enjoyed another successful season winning the Intermediate 2 title in their first season in the Devon and Exeter Football League. The club enjoys fantastic facilities down at the Longmead playing field that are the envy of every team that comes to play in Hemyock.

In June the members enjoyed a challenging Treasure Hunt around the village. This was organised by Julie and Elaine. Luckily, the weather was favourable as some members took a long time to complete their tasks. The winning team was 'The Young Ones.' All were able to enjoy the meal provided at the Ivy Café which is conveniently situated in the centre of Hemyock. Lynn thanked all who took part and reminded members that the next Meeting will be on July 1st at 7.30 pm in the Parish Hall when Neil Moralee will give a talk which he calls 'Harley and me in the USA.' As well as the competition for 'a flower from the garden' there is another for a 'Holiday Snap.'

Hemyock Acorns meet at 2.45pm on the third Wednesday of each month. It is a club for anyone aged 55 or over Subscription is only £5 per year. Interesting speakers are followed by free tea and biscuits and there is always an excellent raffle.

A few weeks ago I received the leaflets reminding me that once again the charity will be running the appeal from now until early November.

Many of you have supported the Shoebox Appeal in recent years and been extremely generous in your donations. For those who have not come across the charity before they aim to meet critical needs of child victims of war, poverty, famine, disease and natural disasters throughout the world. Samaritan's Purse are the world's largest children's Christmas project and with our help will continue to be so.

You will be aware that Hemyock Singers recently made the decision to split and from this a new group has been formed. Hopefully each will continue to provided a variety of entertainment throughout the year with plans already in hand for another Supper Concert in November.

The Blackdown Community Choir is now recruiting for September.  Men particularly welcome!  We sing a variety of light material such as folk, gospel, African songs and Taize.

People looking to protect their home against the results of a heavy downpour often consider sand bags. However, a filled sandbag soon rots. Similarly, having empty sandbags means that sand has to be found.