Desert leanings… As the world was being created, the Jewish story goes, all the angels of God were busy with different tasks. To one was given the job of planting trees and sowing seeds throughout the earth. Another was sent with a huge carrier of water to distribute as oceans and rivers. Another was given an enormous bag of stones to spread round the world. And as he was flying over Israel - the bag split! The story is told by David Runcorn in his helpful little book Space for God (Daybreak 1990) which explores silence and solitude in the Christian life. Certainly any visitor to Israel, or I suspect, most of the countries of that region, will recognise the picture - there are stones and boulders everywhere. The heat and light and rugged terrain give the land ‘an intensity of life and spirit’, as David puts it. When I see TV coverage of the conflict in Afghanistan for instance, I almost always find myself remarking what a ‘God-forsaken land’ it appears to be. God-forsaken? Maybe it is in terms of the political, social and religious tensions. But in the Christian understanding, the desert is the place of encounter with God. The way of life, worship and prayer taught in the Bible is a belief shaped and learned in the desert. Kenneth Leech writes: “Yahweh is first and foremost a God of the Wilderness”. (True God, Sheldon Press, 1985) Now, I am not suggesting that this Lent we all trek off to the nearest desert! Or perhaps I am… Lent, of course, is a period of 40 days of prayer, penitence and preparation for the great Easter feast. And 40 days? Well that’s the time we are told that Jesus fasted and prayed in the wilderness. It was the place where he encountered and resisted his demons; and, as we seek our own place of reflection and prayer through the 40 days of Lent, we shall face our own temptations and trials. Perhaps you would like to use this prayer with me throughout this time?
Jesus, like a mother you gather your people to you; you are gentle with us as a mother with her children. Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness;
through your gentleness we find comfort in fear. Your warmth gives life to the dead,
your touch makes sinners righteous. Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us;
in your love and tenderness remake us. In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness,
for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us. Anselm (1109)
Sunday 3rd February Presentation of Christ in the Temple 11.15am Parish Communion Ideford Sunday 10th February Sunday before Lent 10.00am Village Worship Ideford 11.15am Family Service Ashcombe 6.30pm Evensong Luton Sunday 17th February 1st Sunday of Lent 10.00am Family Communion Ideford Sunday 24th February 2nd Sunday of Lent 11.15am Parish Communion Ashcombe 6.30pm Evensong Ideford
IDEFORD READINGS
Reading Reader Sidesmen Feb. 3rd Hebrews 2.14-18 Alan Wooderson Alan Wooderson Luke 2.22-40 Vanessa Morby & Vanessa Morby Feb. 10th 2 Corinthians to be decided Sara & helpers 3.12-4.2
Luke 9.28-36 Feb. 17th Deuteronomy Alan Wooderson Alan Wooderson 26.1-11 & Nicki Horseman
Luke 4.1-13 Nicki Horseman Feb. 24th Genesis Jill Turner Jill Turner 15.1-12, 17-18 & Barry Mohan
Luke 13.31-end Barry Mohan
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CHURCH KEY ROTA February Tony & Julie (Church End) LUTON ALTAR FLOWERS AND BRASS CLEANING February Emma Vooght IDEFORD CHURCH FLOWER ROTA February 3rd & 10th Lyn Edwards February 17th Lent (no flowers) Wanted: Volunteers to go on the flower rota for Ideford Church. Many people like to do this to coincide with an anniversary or birthday, maybe of a loved one. If you would like to volunteer or just find out what is involved, please call Liz Hill on 01626 854934
PAPERBACK BOOKS There are about 100 paperbacks left over from the Ideford Christmas Craft Fayre. Rather than take them to the Charity Shop just yet, we've stacked them in the bookcase at the back of Church. You are ALL very welcome to borrow, swop, add to or just take! CHURCH KNEELERS There are some unwanted kneelers stacked at the back of Ideford Church. If they were re-covered, they might make nice little kiddy TV seats or rather useful footrests. We're happy for you to help yourselves. If you wish to make a donation for a book or a kneeler, just pop something in the wall safe by the door.
Vanessa Morby, Churchwarden
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GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT, OR BOTTOM OF THE HEAP…? I have been a conscious member of the Church of England for over 30 years. By which I mean that when worshipping in a little country church in Sussex, my Vicar invited me to join the PCC. He discovered that I had grown up in a Roman Catholic family and explained that I needed to be ‘received’ into the C of E. So, one Sunday evening, my wife was confirmed and I was ‘received’ by our local Bishop. Which led many people to assume that I had just gone forward with Marion to keep her company! It’s been my experience ever since that most of us have only a tenuous grasp of the processes of the church of which we are members… One author describes the Electoral Roll as “the foundation of the whole structure of synodical government in the Church” as the people on the Electoral Roll elect the new PCC each year; elect the new Deanery Synod Reps every three years; who in turn elect Diocesan Synod reps from each Deanery every three years, who elect General Synod reps every five years. So the electoral roll members are the bottom of the heap or the grassroots of the C of E depending on how you look at it! Every six years (are you still with me?) we completely revise and renew the Electoral Roll in each parish - and by now you may have discerned that it’s time to do so again. In the coming weeks, Electoral Roll officers in each of our parishes will be preparing to write to every member on the current roll inviting them to re-apply for membership. We shall be publicising that it’s time to tear up the old roll and form a new one, which will be displayed in our respective churches for 14 days before our next annual meeting. I encourage you to take an early opportunity to complete an application form. And just to be clear - everyone needs to act for themselves to get their name on the new roll. Absolutely no names are carried forward! Please play your part in the affairs of the church of which you are a member.
Graham Stones
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY - Regular Events
TUESDAY COFFEE MORNINGS February 5 Frank and Audrey Ralph, 57 Maudlin Drive, Teignmouth February 12 Ann Rigby-Jones, 1 Town Farm Court, Ideford February 19 Angela Fox, Well Barn, Olchard February 26 Ann Rigby-Jones, 1Town Farm Court, Ideford
IDEFORD SHORT MAT BOWLING
Tuesdays (Except the 2nd in the month when we meet on the Wednesday) and Sundays 7.30pm in Ideford Village hall. New members welcome. ART GROUP Thursdays from 6.30 - 8.00pm, Ideford Village Hall. Adults - £5.00per session, 16 and under - £3.00 per session. Everyone is welcome from 8 years - 108! More information from Angie on 01626 854898. IDEFORD PARISH COUNCIL Wednesday February 6th at 6.30pm in Ideford Village Hall. Everyone is welcome to come along. BISHOPSTEIGNTON PARISH COUNCIL Meetings are held at 7.30pm February 4th - Parish Council Meeting, Community Centre, Shute Hill February 18th - Planning Meeting BELL RINGING PRACTICE Practices normally in Ideford Church on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm until 9.00pm, Please contact Ann Rigby-Jones (852344) or Martin Sampson (853391) for more information. IDEFORD SOCIAL GROUP February 12th, 7.15pm, Ideford Village Hall Cooking demonstration by Justine Bettison Members’ subscription - £16 per year, £2 per meeting as a visitor. More information from: Enid Vooght 775291, Alicia Normand 773908 or Kath Mortimore 866232. POLICE SURGERY With Colin Rider, Police Community Support Officer for Ideford Sat. February 23rd Sat. March 23rd Sat. April 20th Ideford Village Hall, 9.30am –10.30am. Radiophone: 0845 6566935, General Police Number: 101 e-mail: [email protected]
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Other Events
ONE HEART, ONE VOICE A ‘mini’ music day bringing church musicians together at St Andrew’s Church Plymouth on Saturday 2nd February 10.30 am to 4.00 pm, directed by Andrew Maries. Further details from Ann Rigby-Jones (tel 852344, [email protected]). KENN DEANERY SYNOD The next meeting is on Wednesday 6th February at 7.30 pm at St John’s Church, Bishopsteignton, when the speaker will be the Revd Canon Anna Norman-Walker on ‘Growing Churches’. Anyone, not only Synod representatives, is always welcome to attend these meetings. If interested, contact the Ideford representatives, Nicki Horseman and Lee Martin, or the Ashcombe representative Ann Rigby-Jones. IDEFORD SOCIAL GROUP The Pampered Chef - February 12th at 7.15pm, Ideford Village Hall We are having a demonstration by Justine Bettison who will demonstrate cooking techniques and cooking utensils - there will be an opportunity to purchase top quality equipment. We would welcome anyone to join us on what will be an interesting and informative evening. PUBLIC MEETING regarding Affordable Housing on Wednesday 13th Feb 2013 at 6.30pm in the Village Hall CHUDLEIGH AMENITY SOCIETY The next meeting is on Friday 15th February, Woodway Room, Chudleigh Town Hall, at 7.30 pm. Brian Portch will speak on “Richard Caton Woodville (1856-1927) – Battle Artist”. ADVANCE NOTICE On Saturday 16th March The Good Company Singers will be joined by musicians of 'The Crypt School' Gloucester and members of The Greenwood Consort for a concert of Baroque Choral and Orchestral Music. The choir will perform Vivaldi's 'Gloria' and one of Henry Purcell's Odes for the Birthday of Queen Mary: 'Come Ye Sons of Art Away'. The instrumental items will be a Concerto for Wind and Strings by Heinichen and the Recorder Concerto by Babell. More details in next month’s newsletter but please note the date in your diaries now! And even more advance notice... SHALDON FESTIVAL Choral Workshop directed by Brian Kay on Saturday 22nd June at St Peter’s Church, Shaldon – Vivaldi’s Gloria and Poulenc’s Gloria. Early booking is advised – [email protected] .
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Beetle Drive
Friday 1 March at 6.30pm
in Ideford Village Hall
Tickets: £8.00 for adults £4.00 for under 12s.
Includes 2 games of Beetle,
Jacket Potato supper and dessert
Join us for ‘All Age’ Family Fun
Tickets from: Vanessa (853991)
or Jane (859571)
Raising funds for St Mary’s Church, Ideford
IDEFORD VILLAGE HALL
Christmas Supper 2012
The Village Hall Trustees would like to say big ‘Thank You’ to all of you who attended our Christmas Supper on Saturday 8th December, we were full to capacity and an excellent evening was enjoyed by all.
Many thanks to those who donated prizes for the Christmas Draw, to the trustees and those from the village who helped with food preparation, cooking and waiting at tables and of course to Angie and Julie for providing the excellent food! All of which ensured the evening was a great success.
We look forward to your continued support and company at our various events throughout 2013 and wish you all a Happy New Year . Our next event will be: Ideford Village Quiz
7.00 p.m. Saturday 16th March 2013 More details to follow.
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WANTED A piano or keyboard with more than 4 octaves. Old or new. To borrow or buy. Please leave a message for Sue on 01626 770627
TEIGNBRIDGE GREEN SPACES The new ‘Events Diary’ for the Green Spaces across the Teignbridge District is out and has been delivered to Tourist Information Centres and Libraries. The diary covers the whole year with lots of exciting events for both children and adults. Events include guided walks, workshops, volunteer conservation events as well as Junior Rangers. All events are run by the Green Spaces Rangers at the Local Nature Reserves and open spaces across the district. If you would like a copy/ies please visit www.teignbridge.gov.uk/greenspacesevents or contact Jane Sharp 01626 215751 / [email protected] DOG MESS Recently we have found dog mess right outside our back door and in the same week, found several bags of dog poo stuck into the hedge on the corner of Butts Lane and Church Rd. We have also, in the last couple of months, had loose dogs running into our garden with no-one in sight to whom they might belong. PLEASE, if you have your dog off the lead down any residential area in the village, keep your dog under control and clear up your dog mess. That means if you bag it up, take it home or put it in a bin - don’t just dump it at the side of the road. I’m also aware that a resident of Town Farm Lane witnessed (a while ago) a resident of the village (who shall remain nameless) watch their dog do a poo outside their house, look round to make sure they weren’t seen (they were!) and walk off and leave it. If we see the culprits, we will report you –sorry, but there really is no excuse. Please don’t MUCK UP our village.
A resident from Butts Lane IDEFORD PARISH COUNCIL Public Meeting regarding Affordable Housing on Wednesday 13th Feb 2013 at 6.30pm in the Village Hall Public Meeting regarding Neighbourhood/Parish Plan on Wednesday 13th March 2013 at 6.30pm in the Village Hall
*** Parishioners can report on line to Devon County Council potholes/street lighting/faulty road sign/drains and ditches and many other items. Just log on to http://www.devon.gov.uk and find the box report it, this will take you to the next
page to choose which item you wish to report, or follow the links on the DCC page of the
MRS MARION VOOGHT It was with great sadness that we learnt, on 30th November, that Mrs Marion Vooght had passed away after a short illness. She was such a good help with anything in the Church and I, personally, will miss her for all her help and work, especially her brass cleaning which had to be shining so you could see your face in it! She was a regular member in our congregation and will be greatly missed. Another of her great attributes was running the draw at any of our events, she had done this for years and will be very hard to replace. Luton Church has lost a great friend. From all at St John's we send our sincere sympathy and love to Elizabeth, Christine, Michael and families.
Kath Vooght
JEAN SILVESTER
The Silvester Family came to live at Rookland in Ideford early in 1969 (the year after I had put down roots next door at Ty Gwyn). Jean soon made new friends and became very much involved with the church and village – WI, Garden Club, Square Dancing, Weekly Draw, etc, etc, and when the school closed in 1972, helped to raise funds to keep the building for the community. Visitors to her home, both new and old friends, were always made very welcome and the swimming pool at Rookland was much appreciated by all who used it. Her mother and mine (both Welsh ladies) came to live in Ideford for the final years of their lives; they met regularly over a cup of coffee or tea and eventually, Jean initiated what was to become a regular village feature – the Tuesday Coffee Mornings. In spite of a series of health problems, Jean always had a positive and cheerful attitude to life, and, for as long as she was able, could be seen round and about with her ‘Maserati’ as she called it! Later, thanks to her good friends Bet and Terry Dore, Eve and Reg Olver, Sally Watkin and her marvellous carer Elaine, she was able to remain in her own home. Her move to live near her daughter Rosemary was a sad time for us all, but Jean appreciated that she could no longer live on her own. We realised that she had reached the end of her time on earth and was ready for the next one. She died peacefully surrounded by Rosemary, Jeremy and her granddaughter Shelley. The full church for her funeral service was a mark of the love and respect in which we all held her, someone who will be very much missed in our lives here. Rest in peace, Lady Ideford!
Ann Rigby-Jones Ann R-J
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Thank You!
CHRISTMAS AT ST MARY’S, IDEFORD Many thanks to everyone who supported the Christmas Fayre held in St Mary’s on December 1st. The church looked very festive and was full of Christmas ‘goodies’. A good time was had by all and £800 was raised towards the upkeep of our beautiful church building - a successful day! The Christmas services in Ideford were all well supported, especially the carol service, when the church was full to capacity! There are too many people to thank individually - but if you played any part in any of the services - thank you very much!
Vanessa Morby CAROLS IN THE COURTYARD Thanks to everyone who came along. About 8 members of the Salvation Army Band arrived to lead our carol singing. Everyone enjoyed the mulled wine and mince pies and of course, Father Christmas' surprise visit! We raised nearly £96.00 for the Salvation Army so they were delighted. Thanks for your support, from all at Higher Colleybrook Barns.
LUTON CAROL SERVICE Our Carol Service held on the Sunday before Christmas was very well attended and I would like to thank all who helped to make it a success. The children were brilliant in singing the LUTON edition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" accompanied by Joanna on the piano. A big "Thank you" to their mums for helping and arranging the practices. William and his mum, Emma, beautifully sang "Once in Royal" and we were very proud to have Mrs Kath Mortimore singing a carol which was written by Linda, her daughter, when she was at Primary School. A big "Thank You" to the readers, especially the children who really read with confidence and to Joanna for producing the order of service for us. My thanks also go to the Revd Sue Astbury, Nick Gardner our organist and the Bishopsteignton Choir for giving us such a lovely service. We afterwards went to the Schoolroom to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies and toast the refurbishment of the room. Yes! we are now back in business after the turmoil of the flooding. A big "Thank you" to all the ladies who prepared the wine and food.
Kath Vooght THE BOXING DAY CHARITY AUCTION The Boxing Day Charity Auction was held at the Royal Oak and was a success for the second year running. The auction was conducted by Steve Cornish, who was assisted by Gordon Grylls, raising a total of £183 which was equally divided between the Church and the RNLI. We would like to thank everyone who donated 'lots' and those who came and supported the event by bidding. It is hoped that this will become an annual event.
Phil & Caroline
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NEWS FROM ST MICHAEL’S Jazz Festival St Michael’s hosted 2 events as part of the Annual Teignmouth Jazz Festival at the end of November last year. Two local choirs performed on the Friday evening and Saturday afternoon and were both very well supported by locals and visitors to Teignmouth. We have already arranged to be part of this year’s festival. Whilst a good 10 months away, preparations start to be made in the next couple of weeks. Christmas at St Michael’s We had a very busy Christmas period with many additional events taking place such as school carol services, a Christingle service and the additional church services that take place at Christmas. The PCC at St Michael’s wishes everyone a happy and peaceful New Year. Spring Music Concerts St Michael’s are planning to host some events in March, April and May as part of our aim to engage with the local community and open the church up for a wider range of uses. There are no confirmed dates as yet but please watch out for further details nearer the time. All are very welcome to attend any of these performances NEWS FROM SHELDON Ash Wednesday Quiet Day led by Canon Andrew Codsall. £18 inc. lunch. Enneagram Introduction Workshop - 3 day workshop with leading Enneagram teacher, Karen Webb, February 20th - 22nd. £210 non-resident. Spirituality & Evolutionary Theory - Friday Fringe evening with Dr Richard Skinner., Friday February 22nd - no ticket required but please advise if planning to attend. Moving into the Psalms - weekend workshop with Springs Dance Company. Meditating on the psalms through movement and stillness. March 1st - 3rd, £160 resident.
Society of Mary and Martha at Sheldon, Dunsford, Exeter EX6 7LE. www.sheldon.uk.com [email protected] 01647-252752
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER RAINFALL
2012 2011 2010 2009 Rain for November 5.68" 2.58" 34.28" 8.42" Rain for December 6.12" 2.20" 1.46" 6.05" Rain for Year 49.10" 23.18" 37.43" 41.27"
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IDEFORD VILLAGE TRANSPORT TIMETABLE Ring & Ride Destination Fares (return) Monday Newton Abbot (will stop at Sainsbury's) £4.20 Wednesday Newton Abbot (will stop at Tesco) £4.20 Thursday Teignmouth £4.20 How to make a Ring & Ride Journey
Choose which day you wish to travel. Telephone 01626 888777 between 9am-1pm, Monday to Friday, NB: Please ring before 8.30am for same day travel.
Please be ready by 9.45am. Be ready at 1.00pm to be collected at the ‘Boarding Point’ for your journey home. Please cancel booking if you are not able to travel. Please wear seat belts at all times.
Dawlish Community & Disability Transport Service operates in the area to transport elderly, frail or disabled passengers of any age, on a private hire basis. All our vehicles are adapted to take wheelchair seated passengers, have lowered steps and tail lifts. For more information please telephone 01626 888777 or 888890
MOBILE LIBRARY - February 13th & 27th Ideford (Royal Oak) 16.00 - 16.30 Luton (Church Street) 16.40 - 17.10 Tunes for Toddlers Come and listen to stories, make simple things to tie in with the stories and sing songs. Every Thursday during term time, 10.30am - 11.30am.
No need to book - just turn up!
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ASHCOMBE VILLAGE CLUB
Opening times: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 7.30-11pm. Friday 7.30pm-Midnight. Sunday 1-5pm. Skittles Tuesday & Thursday. Meat Bingo 1st Wednesday of the month. Early Doors 1st Friday of the month. Membership: Single £10, Couple £15. See website for further details: www.ashcombe-villageclub.co.uk
