Whale of a time in South Tawton
The promise of an encounter with whales, elks and pelicans in the middle of west Devon may be hard to believe but those that attend any of the Encounter series that are regularly presented in the historic Church House, South Tawton, will already know that many things are possible. The encounter visitors to the meeting place can enjoy on Thursday, December 7th at 7.30p.m. is with North America's pacific coast and the region’s fascinating wildlife to share the experiences of Richard and Ann White when they bring views of creatures great and small in their natural environment for everyone to enjoy and marvel at.

Advent quiet day
Church House, South Tawton assumes another of its community roles on Friday 8th December from 10.00a.m – 4.00p.m. when its unique calmness provided the ideal venue for an Advent ‘quiet day.’ A bring and share lunch is planned, with drinks provided please and there is till time to contact the Rev. Michael Thayer on 01837 849 048 for information on attending.

He’s back
It has definitely been confirmed that Father Christmas will be visiting South Zeal on Saturday, 9th December and will be found at the Pre-School Christmas Bazaar the Victory Hall taking place from 10.00a.m until 12.00 noon. Santa’s been a regular visitor to the annual bazaar for years and years and is again looking forward to meeting children of all ages in his grotto. And there’s much more to see and do at the bazaar. There’s the cake stall, card making, book stall, lucky dip, teas, coffees, and much much more.
School Key Stage 2 Christmas Performance
South Tawton County Primary School’s main presentations of the School Key Stage 2 Christmas Performance take place on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th December and while the 98 seats for the evening performances are already filled it is expected that seats will be available for performances at 1.45p.m. each day but for anyone from a distance a quick call to the school office will confirm last minute availabilities.

Children in Need
Congratulations to all the children of South Tawton County Primary School, and their parents also who so generously supported the school’s Children in Need Day. A grand total of £290.45 was raised from donations for wearing non-uniform and for the coin trail.

Gifts and crafts
Anyone looking for Christmas gifts in South Zeal on Saturday, 9th December need look no further than South Tawton County Primary School where the school’s Christmas Gift and Craft Fayre is being held from 11.00a.m. – 3.00p.m. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely browse around the stands of exhibitors that include Usbourne Books, In House Homeware, Woodball Foods, Bags of Character (a collection of gorgeous bags and accessories), The Store Cupboard Stall, Body Shop, The Pampered Chef, and lots of new ideas to inspire and delight Tea, coffee, cakes and mince pies will all be available but best, the school promises, there will not be a raffle.

Toddler Group Invitation
South Tawton Baby and Toddler Group organisers extend an invitation to those with small children, 0 – 5 years to come along and join them at their Christmas Party on
Wednesday 13th December, 9.15 - 11.45am. At the party being held in the South Zeal Methodist Church hall, Dizzie Lizzie will be coming along to entertain the children with music and movement party fun. There will also be a visit from Father Christmas.

Postponed ‘til spring
Unfortunately, because of the village's busy pre-Christmas programme Sticklepath Sports and Social Club had to cancel the ‘Posh Frocks Dance’ which it had hoped to hold in the Village Hall on Friday 1st December. The club now hopes to hold a similar event in the spring of 2007, after Music Hall Night. As the club prepares for a new year it will welcome those that would like to join in more fully to help with future plans and provide ideas for organising more fun village events. Anyone interested should call 01837 840 626.