Vacancy for a vicar
The unexpected announcement that the Rev Michael Thayer would be leaving the South Tawton parochial area in April has left churchgoers wondering whether or not he may be the last full time vicar they might have. At present Rev Thayer is minister in the villages of South Tawton, South Zeal, Sticklepath and Belstone in a United Benefice but plans have already been locally approved for the villages to be divided between mission communities centred upon Okehampton the Whiddon Villages. Questions are now being raised on this decision made by Parochial Church Councils rather than the wider church membership that includes many volunteers in each of the villages, many of whom that have worked tirelessly for the United Benefice over the past quarter century. In the recent past in the absence of Rev Thayer for any reason it has not always been easy to find a stand-in for him to cover the services and needs of the parochial churches and parishioners. Rev Thayer has gained the respect of the community for his work in the area and his approach to Christianity as being a part of community life as well as individual living. His wife Rosaleen will be missed for her enthusiastic approach to religious faith as a benefit to all and her support to the communities in which she worked side by side with her husband. As parishioners wish them well for their future it is fondly remembered that during their stay they have witnessed and supported an increase in parochial community activities. But with the divisions that are looming there is a growing fear that ‘mission communities’ will herald in churches that are too often mothballed, part-time prayer and a decline in community activities.

Painting day workshop
International artist and South Zeal resident John Christian will be conducting a painting day workshop in Church House, South Tawton, on Wednesday 21st February. He has established his reputation as one of the foremost Dartmoor artists
with his eye-for-detail techniques applied to both his wide expanse landscapes of the moor in its many moods and the closer, intimate scenes of parts of the moorland that a painter can reveal. Further details of the painting day can be obtained by calling Teresa Christian on 01837 840227.

Popular house popular ale
The restoration of the ancient Church House in South Tawton has provided a venue for the community that has proved invaluable to groups, individuals, artists and entertainers alike. As a result of all this activity it has a bank balance that has increased by more than £7,500 over the year and has been host to a revival of a the Church Ale celebrations that were enjoyed in 15th century England at Easter, Whitsuntide, May Day, the Patronal Festival and other times in order to raise money and provide a social event for parishioners. The next Church Ale celebration in South Tawton will be on June 2nd this year. Income being received has meant that it has been possible to make a start on building up a reserve fund for future maintenance, which was a condition of obtaining the Heritage Lottery grant and the committee responsible for the premises would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the past year, whether by helping or by using the building.

Schools Charity Golf Day
The Rotary Club of Okehampton has invited South Tawton County Primary School to enter a team for their first Charity Golf Day taking place on Wednesday 30th May.
Rotary International raises funds for UK and overseas good causes and each club makes its own local decisions as to where to focus its support. This year, they wish to pledge support to local schools. The funds raised at this golf day will be made available to any local school to bid for to help with events, activities, and/or equipment. Priority will be given to schools that support the event by entering a team or teams but any school’s bid will be welcome. They have been offered the exclusive use for the whole day of the brand new, 6000 yard Kigbeare Course at Ashbury Hotel. Teams of two are invited to make it possible for smaller schools to participate – for the entry fee of £50 per team you will receive: Green Fees, Buggy Hire for the day, coffee and bacon bap on arrival, 2 course lunch, free buffet at evening prize giving and a chance to win superb prizes. Each team must contain either a Teacher or Governor. Anyone interested in taking part on the school’s behalf should please contact the school office for further information.

Music Hall - old and new
The Sticklepath Glee Club will be turning back the clock in Sticklepath Village Hall on Friday February 16th and Saturday 17th at 7.30p.m. with a presentation of a Music Hall each evening aid of the Village Hall Improvement Fund. Many well-known and highly talented artists will be appearing under the Chairmanship of Mr Bert Stead and the Musical Direction of Madam Katerina Mateus. Admission is by ticket, £6.50, which will include refreshments. Tea and coffee is provided but please bring your own wine/beer etc. and tickets are on sale at South Zeal Stores and Sticklepath Stores

Gardener’s Club
Drewsteignton Gardeners’ club members have invited their Cheriton Bishop counterparts to their February meeting on Monday the 12th when Vaughan Gallavan will be guest speaker to talk about Sir John Quicke's Sherwood Garden, where he is head gardener. Everyone else in the Parish - members or not - is invited too. Details of the club and its future events can be obtained from the Chairman, Philip Evans on 01647 281285 or the Hon Sec. Daphne Greener - 01647 281256.