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Merton MonthlyMerton MonthlyMerton MonthlyMerton Monthly November 2017
(also available online at www.mertondevon.com)
December and January Editions of the Merton Monthly
Due to print deadlines during the December holidays any articles or letters that you would like included in either the December or January Merton Monthly must be submitted by 20th November.
When sending in your articles please indicate which month it is for. Anything after this will be put into the February newsletter.
Thank you for your help with this.
Please send articles to either: [email protected] or [email protected]
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All Saints Church
Team Rector: Revd Martin Warren, tel: 01409-281424
Team Vicar: Revd Susannah Metz, tel: 01837-810621
Dear Friends
This month we mark the centenary of one of the most significant events in history – the Russian Revolution of 1917. Or rather, it did seem one of the most significant events ever to most of us for a very long time. With the Russian Revolution came communism, which came to dominate many parts of the world and threaten the rest of it. Remember the Cold War; Reds under the bed, the fear of nuclear annihilation as West and East embarked in a terrifying stand-off. The Iron Curtain came down; we watched the Berlin Airlift and cowered at the Cuban Missile Crisis. Even chess matches became must-win propaganda events. The extraordinary thing is that it has all gone – bar one crazy regime in North Korea. Communism is effectively history; Europe looks very different to what it did in 1989, less than 30 years ago. Within weeks the whole overwhelming structure of communism had collapsed in one country after another, those fearsome human constructions had vanished into dust. Now we hardly remember them. I recall a youngster asking not long ago, ‘Was Lenin a communist?’ As we grew up there was no doubt, he was one of the bogey men – worse than the devil. Maybe it wasn’t so significant a moment in history after all. Human institutions; they can seem so big, so dominating, so controlling - and then they are gone. At Remembrance we are grateful for that truth. The kingdoms of this world don’t last, however bad or good they might be, they come and go. The Psalms in the Bible, (the hymn book of the Bible) describe God laughing at the pretentiousness of human rule. The contrast to their temporary nature is the continuing presence of God. His Kingdom will outlive them all. Thank God for that. Yours, Martin Warren.
Services at All Saints 5th Nov 9.30am Morning Prayer 12th Nov 9.00am Holy Communion (at Huish) 10.30am Remembrance Service (Petrockstowe Methodist Chapel) 19th Nov 9.30am Holy Celebration 26th Nov 11.00am Family Communion 3rd Dec 11.00am Morning Prayer 6.30pm Advent Carol Service (Huish)
Friends of All Saints Church The Friends of all Saints would like to correct an error in last month’s Merton Monthly. Although there will be the usual Carol Service on Tuesday 19th December, there unfortunately won’t be a Christmas Tree festival this year. A member of the PCC decided that artificial Christmas trees were not appropriate and it would be more fitting to decorate with greenery and candles. We are very sorry about this as we would have loved to decorate the church in our usual way. If anyone would like to make a display of greenery and candles please contact Judi Higton for more details. It is hoped that we will at least still have one live Christmas tree. Tony Williams, Secretary Friends of All Saints Church.
Huish Church
The annual Candlelit
Service will be held on
Sunday 3rd
December 2017
at 6:30pm.
Preacher - The Archdeacon
of Barnstaple.
Refreshments to follow.
Everyone welcome.
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The Clinton Hall Update from the Committee
The Clinton Hall Committee is looking for a
volunteer to come and take Minutes at committee
meetings which are held once a month at The
Clinton Hall. If this is something that you are able
to help with please contact Philip Collins on
603334.
We look forward to hearing from you. Committee members include: Philip Collins, Janette Newell, Janet
Nancekivell , Jeannie Sheppard, David Kirton, Kath Welch, Alana
Mabon, Tracey Laughton, Kevin Stacey, Paula Soutinho, Kenny
Heaman, Nick Ward.
For booking information please email
WHAT’S ON DIARY – other info, where applicable, in newsletter
Every Monday - Craft Group, Clinton Hall, 1.30 - 3.30pm Every Monday - Circuit Classes, Clinton Hall, 7.15 - 8.15pm Every Monday - Kettlercise, Clinton Hall, 6 - 7pm 1
st Wednesday of the month - The Friendship Club, Clinton Hall, 2pm
Every Thursday - Kettlercise, Clinton Hall, 6.30 - 7.30pm Thursdays - SMB, Clinton Hall 7-10pm 2
nd Friday of the month - Merton & Petrockstowe Heritage Group (dates in members’ programme)
Merton AFC 150 Club
Draw
September 2017
£20 Mr Harris
£10 H Harris (Petrockstowe)
Merton and Petrockstowe Heritage Group
Robert Hesketh gave a very enjoyable talk to over 20 members in October, his subject was Smuggling in Devon: the Truth Behind the Fiction.
Between 1700 and 1850 smuggling was a huge industry in Devon. The coastline was particularly suitable, plus there were so many fishermen and sailors and the nearness
of the Channel Islands and France made it very profitable. All classes were involved including clergymen and aristocrats. All kinds of contraband was smuggled; spirits,
silks and tea to name some of them. None thought cheating the government of exorbitant taxes was wrong and smugglers brought to trial were usually acquitted. It
only stopped when the government cut the duty on imported goods.
The November meeting will be the AGM followed by a members evening so bring along something of interest to show and talk about. This will be held at Petrockstowe on the 10th at 7.30pm in the Baxter Hall.
The programme for next year is nearly completed. Membership is £5.
Ann Luxton 01837 810728 - [email protected]
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Freecycle / For Sale
Extending dining table and 4 chairs
Dimensions:
Closed 1.2mtr {4ft} long x 800mm {30ins}
Open 2.00mtr {6ft 6ins}
£80-00 ovno
Contact: Joyce Gray 01805 603112
Merton and Huish Wildlife Group
Blinsham Marsh Walk – Sunday 17th September 2017 Izzy Moser of the Devon Wildlife Trust lead this walk and talk focussing on freshwater pearl mussels, a species which is considered to be critically endangered. They can live for up to 100 years but declining water quality have rendered the mussels unable to breed for half a century. Devon Wildlife Trust has set up a breeding programme with the West Country Rivers Trust in an effort to save the species. We would like to thank Izzy Moser and also Clinton Devon Estates for granting access to their land. Higher Winscott Farm Visit – Sunday 8th October 2017 A total of 16 Wildlife Group members met at Higher Winscott, Jimmy Mann’s sheep and arable farm near Peters Marland for a fascinating afternoon which began with a briefing on Jimmy’s sheep breeding enterprise. Jimmy explained the various breeds of sheep which he keeps to optimise breeding potential. We then embarked on a walk around some of the 120 acres which Jimmy farms with a special emphasis on wildlife and the environment. Jimmy farms in a very environmentally sensitive way and is able to claim EU funding for doing so. This includes maintaining hedgerows which are not cut, leaving a profusion of berries for birds to feed on during the winter and a dense habitat for nesting. He also sets aside areas around fields which are
planted with wild flowers and various grasses. One field had been entirely set aside for birds and bees, planted with a combination of kale, quinoa, linseed and triticale for winter feeding, and a mixture including winter barley, fodder radish, common clover, birdsfoot trefoil, gold of pleasure, kale, common vetch and oxeye daisy which is known as ‘Bumblebird’ because it is designed specifically to provide food for birds and bees during the spring and summer. We then wandered through some of the woodland which Jimmy has replanted with a view to producing a useful timber crop in the long term. Sadly, he also showed us an example of ash die-back. By the end of the walk we were all ready for the
excellent cream tea, generously provided by Jimmy’s wife Edna. A huge thank you to Jimmy and Edna for a very well planned and extremely informative afternoon and for their kind hospitality. Hedgehog Hamlet Rescue – Thursday 16th November 2017 Our winter talk season starts off with a talk by Janet Skuse who runs the Hedgehog Hamlet Rescue. The talk will start at 6.45pm at The Clinton Hall, Merton. There will be refreshments available.
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The MALT SCOOP INN Pub, Restaurant & Bed & BreakfastPub, Restaurant & Bed & BreakfastPub, Restaurant & Bed & BreakfastPub, Restaurant & Bed & Breakfast
Open daily Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 12pm - 3pm & 6pm - 12pm
Closed Tuesday daytime and reopens for drinks and food from 6pm - 12pm
Friday 12pm - 1am
Saturday 9am - 1am
Sunday 12pm - 10.30pm
Food served daily 12pm - 2pm and 6pm - 9pm
Saturday breakfast served from 9am - 12noon
Sunday Roast served between 12pm - 2pm and subject to availability 6pm - 9pm
Now taking bookings for Christmas
Party lunches and Christmas Day
Menus are available to view on our
website www.themaltscoop.co.uk pop into
the pub for details or call 01805 603924.
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The Merton Friendship Group The Chairman, Mr. Roy Watts, welcomed us all; we had one visitor. The Revd. Susanah Metz from Petrockstowe was our speaker and she entertained us all very well. She spoke about growing tobacco and had films as well which helped a
lot, it was very interesting and everyone enjoyed the talk. She was much thanked but unfortunately couldn’t stay for tea, which was such a pity.
We had a tea break and Pat served us with lovely cakes, Doreen and Pat gave us all a lovely cup of tea or coffee.
Our next meeting is Wednesday 1st November 2017 when our speaker will be Maggie Ware, giving a wonderful account of her experiences on a working holiday with the Jubilee Sailing Trust. Wednesday 6th December 2017 is our Christmas Lunch. Roy has booked us in at The
New Inn, Sampford Courtney. Our New Year meeting will be Wednesday 10th January 2018 when we have a get together, bring some refreshments and play some games.
Any questions make contact with Christine Wickett on 01805 603258
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Merton Short Mat Bowling Club The season started off with mixed results. Our first match, an Afternoon Triples match against Halwill,
had to be postponed due to lack of players on both sides. However we won our second match against
Hatherleigh in the Merton Charity League 32 to 6 and our third match, an Afternoon Triples against
Fremington Flippers, 65 to 23. The fourth match, an Evening Triples against Westward Ho! Sandpipers,
was not so good - we lost 22 to 46.
Please see below for November fixtures. Please note, although evening matches are scheduled to start
at 7.30pm members are requested to arrive by 7pm to prepare the hall in readiness for our visitors.
We will be running our annual Clinton Gates Tournament on 25th
November 2017; all members are
urged to help at this event if possible.
We are still recruiting new members, so if there is anyone out there who would like to join us please
speak to either Jeanie on 01805 601125 or Julie on 01805 603405.
FIXTURES
Thu 02-Nov 07:00 CN CLUB NIGHT
Fri 03-Nov 02:00 AT Anstey Antlers Away
Thu 09-Nov 07:00 ET Christ Church Home
Tue 14-Nov 02:00 AT Winkleigh Typhoons Home
Thu 16-Nov 07:00 ET WH Seagulls Home
Fri 17-Nov 07:00 CL Wick Away
Thu 23-Nov 07:00 CL Winkleigh B Home
Fri 24-Nov 07:00 SPEC Tournament Set-Up
Sat 25-Nov 09:00 SPEC WINTER TRIPLES TOURNAMENT
Thu 30-Nov 07:00 ET Woolsery Wasps Home
RESULTS
Tue 10-Oct 02:00 AT Halwill Home Postponed
Thu 12-Oct 07:00 CL Hatherleigh Home 32 6
Tue 17-Oct 02:00 AT Fremington Flippers Home 65 23
Thu 19-Oct 07:00 ET WH Sandpipers Home 22 46
From Our Reader’s
If you would like to add a letter, notification or comment on something in the Parish please email Dave or Elaine or letter box drop 9 Meadow Vale, Merton
What a Sunday treat to hear our lovely Bells
ringing again. Our thanks to the Bell Ringers.
Margaret Down. Wring House.
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Merton Post Office & Shop (part of Agrimotors Merton Garage and Petrol Station)
Bill Payments - Phone Top Ups - Personal Banking National Lottery – National Express Tickets – Health
Lottery Foreign Currency –Stamps - Greetings Cards - Wrapping
Paper Newspapers & Magazines - Milk
Devon Air Ambulance Lottery …..and lots more
Tel: 01805 603200
Agrimotors Merton Garage MOTs – Tyres – Batteries – Servicing
CoolCar Air Conditioning Centre Eclipse Automotive Diagnostics
Tel: 01805 603324
WCM PLANT
3 – 14 TON EXCAVATOR HIRE ALL ASPECTS COVERED
GROUND WORKS & DRAINAGE
Also logs for sale
01805 603603 – 07860 754853 Wayne Mansfield - Merton Devon
Kid’s Corner
Little Otters Pre-School, Merton
Opening times: Term time
Tuesday 9am – 1.45pm
Wednesday 9am – 12.45pm
£3.75 per hour
We aim to provide a safe and stimulating pre-
school environment and to work within a
framework, which ensures equality of
opportunity for all children and families.
We believe that early years’ education is much
more than teaching sounds, colours, numbers and
letters. It is about developing strong, curious and
confident children. Our aim is to make learning
fun and for children to enjoy learning as they start
their journey in life.
Your child is entitled to 15 hours, funded, the
term after they are 3 years old. We are also able
to provide 2gether funding for 2 year olds.
For more Information please contact the school
on
01805 603357 or email
Clinton C of E Primary School, Merton
Autumn Term Dates 2017
Last Day of Half Term: Monday 30th
October
Return to School: Tuesday 31st October
Last Day of Term: Friday 15th December
Spring Term Dates 2018
First Day of Term: Wednesday 3rd
January
First Day of Half Term: Monday 12th
February
Last Day of Half Term: Friday 16th
February
Last Day of Term: Wednesday 28th
March
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01837 811172
POUND-WISE BOOKKEEPING SERVICE
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01805 603405/07970 541448 [email protected]
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Alan Davison
Plumbing & Heating Services
Oil boilers and Rayburn services
and repairs
Tel: 01805 603233
Elm Cottage
Merton, Okehampton EX20 3EA
BUCKLAND ACCOUNTS SERVICES Farm and Rural Business Accounts
Accounts / VAT - Day to day accounts, VAT,
Cash flows / Budgets
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Animal Movements - On-line submissions
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Buckland Filleigh [email protected]
D W Decorating Painting & Decorating Specialists Interior * Exterior * Commercial * Domestic Also guttering and down pipe cleaning
Tel - 01805 603011 Mob - 07515100827 Merton Mill, Merton
GRASCOTT FIREWOOD Quality Seasoned Firewood
£85: Single Load
£160: Double Load
£230: Triple Load Delivery charges may apply
Tel: 01409 281393 E-mail: [email protected]
~ Peter Bright ~
THATCHER
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Tel. 01837 810148 (Petrockstowe)
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