Dear Friends,

How the time and Seasons slip by; Christmas and Epiphany over, and by the time you

read this, Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent calling for our attention.

When I called into the supermarket (I won’t say which one) on New Year’s Eve to

purchase a haggis for Hogmanay, I found Easter Eggs on the shelves (yes really!),

quickly followed by hot cross buns and Easter biscuits just a week later.

How glad I am that as a very young child, not only did I learn the months of the year

and the seasons, but also the rhythm of the Church year and its seasons.

“A Crusty Elephant Likes Eating Apples When Tired.” That is what the priest said

when he came into school on one of his regular visits. I must have been about six at

the time (yes a very long time ago), but I still remember thinking” what on earth have

elephants got to do with Jesus in Nazareth?”

However I have never forgotten Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Ascension,

Whitsun and Trinity – although these days it is Pentecost rather than Whitsun.

Commercialism has overtaken most of our Christian Festivals. Technology has taken

over our work life balance. The whole natural rhythm of life dulled by the pressure of

modern day living. “Self” leaves no room for “share”. Help, though, is at hand. It is

Lent, time for reflection and maybe to adjust.

I don’t mean just leaving that chocolate bar in the cupboard (after all, did that really

do you – or anyone else any good last year) but, think about what Jesus did when he

fasted, alone, in the desert. He made some really big decisions, and tempted as he

was by the devil, did not take the easy way out. He resisted and denied the devil. He

knew what he had to do. He knew it would not be easy, but he followed God’s plan

in God’s time.

If you are reading this you have already been called by God in some way – remember

John 15: 12 – “you did not choose me, but I chose you” – so I urge you to set some

time away from all the hustle and bustle and listen to what it is that you are called to

do. There is plenty of opportunity open to you in the Parish, but also please

remember to take some time for you to be quiet and on your own to assemble your

thoughts and your response to God.

I do pray that Lent will be fruitful for you and a fertile ground for God’s plans.

Joyce Cappello

What do I really know of love?

The words of 1 Corinthians 13 often form part of the readings at a wedding. I can

understand why, since they speak eloquently of love.

Problem is, as life gently unravels over the years, I am forced to consider, what of love

do I really know? My life’s work includes impatience, unkindness, envy and boasting,

exaggerating my accomplishments, and rudeness on many occasions.

I do have a soft heart and am moved by the plight of humanity, yet with those who

are closest, my behaviour often fails the love test. This has been most recently

highlighted as Mum has made her home with us.

After the natural initial honeymoon period, life has fallen into a pattern from which

it’s difficult to know if she is happy.

Also, I can’t tell if she feels I care and support her out of sufferance or because she is

a welcome family member in our home. In all honesty, sometimes I don’t even know.

Publicly, Mum says wonderful things, yet I can’t help sensing that she is not as

comfortable or as happy as her public pronouncements declare. We seem incapable

of holding a conversation that would clarify her feelings, and mine.

So, while Paul’s declaration is crystal clear, working it out in practice while developing

a handy measure against which to quantify his love values is far from easy.

Love, it appears, is far from the external acts that an observer might describe as acts

of love.

For love is a complex internal set of emotions that fuel thoughts and can build glass

walls between us. We live in close proximity yet separated from each other as if by

1,000 miles.

This is the overwhelming challenge of love. It can be taught and understood, yet is

elusive in practice. The very steps we take to close the space between us can in fact

create an ever-widening gulf.

This first appeared as a daily devotional from Dr Micah Jazz on Premier

Christian Radio

Different shades of church are on the move

The music group prepare for the 10am 'satellite' church service

February 5 2017 marked a big day in the life of the Parish as the new “Satellite”

Church opened in the Coverdale Centre.

It's a new departure in the way we do church on a Sunday morning as 25 people

arrived at the hall for the new 10 am inter-active service.

And it demonstrates that different types of church aimed at attracting non-

Christians and those who prefer an informal form of worship are looked after

along with those who prefer a more traditional service.

A family time of worship, fun and teaching was on the agenda with Captain Jeff

bringing teaching and Gill taking the first part of the worship with some

interactive thinking about salt and light.

The music group led our singing with style and confidence.

Gill told us:

“I remembered the many times in Nigeria when the electricity would go off, we'd

have to start the generator for the whole compound and that would power one light

in each house.

We would light our pressure lamp, and we knew exactly where to hang it so that it

would give light to the whole house.

And that is exactly what Jesus said: “Let your light shine so that the whole house

benefits - and get that salt out of the pot and into our community.”

We used maps of the parish to work out where we lived and where there was need,

and we discussed what else we might do to share the flavour and life of Jesus with

those we meet every day.

We finished with coffee and chocolate biscuits, and a discussion by everyone -

children included - as to what our purpose is for our new family-friendly church. Next

stop - a Pancake Party!

Please pray with us that God would bless this new venture, and help us to find the

best ways of sharing his love with others.

Fr Bob's back!

It certainly doesn't seem as if three years has passed

since Fr Bob and Brigid left for the Isle of Man.

But his time there is now completed and he has the

chance to decide where his retirement may be it's

not surprising they have decided to return to this

part of the world.

Fr Bob has accepted the invitation of associate

priest of Dartmouth and Dittisham. Dartmouth has

three churches – St Saviour's in the town (pictured

left), St Clement's at the top and St Petrox, at the

mouth of the river adjoining the castle. It is a lively

and busy parish.

The licensing will be by the Bishop of Plymouth at St Saviour's on Wednesday March

8 at 7pm and it is good that so many from our parish will be there to support them.

We have a 53 seater coach leaving the Parish Church at 5.15pm and at St Andrew's

for 5.20pm. We will return from Dartmouth at 9.30 pm.

There may be a spare seat on the coach nearer the time so if you have not already

booked and are interested then please contact me.

Brigid has of course as ever been supporting Fr Bob every day and now we hope they

have a little more time on their days off to enjoy South Devon once again. Our

prayers are with them both as they come to minister in south Devon.

Sadie

Mothers Union News

Halfway through Lent, on Sunday, 26th

March, it is Mothering Sunday or

Refreshment Sunday. Our Mother Church

presents us with either a pretty

polyanthus or a small bunch of flowers –

given out by the children as this will be a

service for all congregations.

The tradition is that servant girls went home to visit their mothers and picked

flowers on the way. It is also associated with the baking of a cake.

The Mothers’ Union will have an appeal … the donations will provide help for

families in this country and also abroad with such projects as the literacy

campaign.

Members can choose to make an individual contribution or may prefer to

donate to the Branch contribution, as they wish. If non-members would like to

help, please see our Branch Treasurer, Mrs Susan O’Brien.

The MU Prayer in Families Worldwide for Mothering Sunday is as follows:-

We pray today for God’s Blessing on all who have a mothering role in the lives of

children of every age. May they be sustained by God’s grace as they look after those

entrusted to their care. Amen.

The March Corporate Communion falls on Wednesday, 1st March, which is of course

Ash Wednesday. MU members share this communion with others who attend on

Wednesdays, and there are usually more communicants during Lent.

The MU have a card and gift catalogue … there are lovely Easter cards and also gifts

for Baptisms and Confirmation and some really pretty general gifts – order on line

and view what is offer at mueshop.org or order by telephone 020 7227 9730.

You may be asked if you wish the Diocese to have a small discount … of course our

Diocese is Exeter. Looking ahead, Fairtrade Easter Eggs come with a little Easter story

book illustrating the real meaning of Easter – the Mothers’ Union supports Fairtrade.

Paula Christian –Branch Secretary

Hands together – eyes closed

Prayer for those starting something new May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been

given to you.

May you be confident knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to

sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

- attributed to St. Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Theresa of Avila

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Your Father heart is full of wisdom, truth and love. You lead us to enjoy the beauty in

creation, to engage each day with love in our hearts. You teach us to

live lives brimming with your love and goodness.

We are so blessed to live in your care. Thank you for your guidance into true love by

your gentle hand. We choose to give our lives to you each day.

Amen.

Parish Ladies Group

John Risden was our speaker in January and his topic, beautifully illustrated by slides,

was Historical and Present Day Totnes. As several of us in the group went to school

in Totnes and still belong to the Old Girls’ Association we found the presentation very

interesting. Thank you, John.

Our AGM, followed by a talk takes place at 2pm in the Coverdale Centre on Monday,

March 27th.

If you wish to nominate somebody for office at this meeting please ask that person

first if she is willing to serve. This will save embarrassment.

Our Snack & Chat Lunch on March 20th will be at the Redcliffe Hotel at 12.30pm.

Thank you.

Audrey Smith

Never give up on the Father's promise

"In the same way I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born,'

says the Lord. 'If I cause you the pain, I will not stop you from giving birth to your

new nation, ' says your God." - Isaiah 66:9.

Do you have a dream, a promise the Father has embedded in your soul, that

sometimes seems too far out of reach that your faith becomes dull and your heart

becomes faint?

Have you ever been gripped with the pain of loss after you thought it was time for

your dream to come alive? Have you ever asked the Father to take the dream away

because it was too much to bear after so much heartbreak?

Today, may you remember that He has never left you or forsaken you. May you come

to life knowing the Father of all creation lavishes His love upon you and has given

you words and dreams and promises that are never void.

He makes all things new.

Whether you laid down that dream for a while or totally lost your way, He has walked

alongside you calling your name with the promise in mind - He is faithful.

Whether your dream is new or old, for a single person or for a nation, for something

small or something miraculous, our Father is the author of those dreams and the

fruition of the promise is also in the process.

He will not cause pain without something new to be born. He is a good Father. Take

heart today and embrace the process to your promise!

Chelsea Jones, One By One U.S. Coordinator

Rolling on at Foxhole

We’ve got events to look forward to with a special pancake themed 4:taste café

church on Sunday 26th Feb at 4pm where we hope to attract folk mainly from our

regular activities but also encourage new folk to try us out.

We recently had one or two new dads at our toddler group and other folk at the Hot

Pot Lunch so hope to integrate these.

The Messy Church event continues every month on the second Sunday and it was

great to have 30 at this in February. We have a holiday club planned for Holy week in

April – more on this next month.

One of the great things about doing messy Church over the last two years has been

seeing young people come through the ranks to the age where they can lead

activities.

Because we have around 8 young people who are ready for something else now,

Captain Ade is going to start a Lumen group. Based on YFC materials, it is a resource

for discipleship and training young leaders and will begin at St Boniface on 5th

March running fortnightly.

Captain Jeff will support this project by encouraging the young people to attend and

helping to run the social side of their programme.

The next initiative to help us engage is a Saturday morning French style café called

TRÈS BON.

DEVONCHURCH OF ENGLAND GOOD NEWS FROM THE

DIOCESE OF EXETER MARCH 2017

Fund award will help refugees

FUNDING TO HELP house Syrian refugee families in North Devon has been included in the second round of awards from the diocesan Mission and Growth fund. The TARKA

Community Refugee Sponsorship in the Bideford, Landcross, Littleham, Monkleigh & Weare Giffard Mission Community has been awarded £10,000 towards supporting a Syrian family relocating to the UK.

Lead sponsor on the project Brian Walker said: “Thanks to the fund we already have enough to welcome our first family. We are now searching for two 3/4 bedroom houses. The Syrian families will pay the local market rental for a lease of two years, with us helping when necessary. We need furniture, appliances, household goods and more, for two family homes. Our initiative is open to all who wish to help refugees.”

A total of 13 grants were received. Five applications were unsuccessful but all were encouraged to resubmit their applications taking into account the comments and suggestions from the panel.

● St Andrew’s, Cullompton has been awarded £15,000 towards the cost of funding a Pastor to families in severe need and a parish safeguarding officer.

● Plymouth City Deanery has been awarded £5678 to host a ‘Leading Your Church into Growth’ conference.

● The Edgemoor Group (Bishopsnympton, Charles, East Anstey, High Bray, Knowstone, Mariansleigh, Molland, North Molton, Twitchen, Rose Ash and West Anstey) has been awarded £12045 towards the cost of funding a Group Administrator.

● St Mark’s, Exeter has been awarded £3000 towards the cost of relocating their coffee servery and the provision of a children’s area.

● St Peter’s Foundation, Salcombe has been awarded £15000 to help further the work of the Foundation.

● St Paul’s, Stonehouse, Plymouth has been awarded £12000 towards the cost of funding a full time Project Worker.

● Bideford and the 4 parishes Mission Community have been awarded £15000 towards the cost of funding a part time Children’s and Family’s Co-ordinator.

Visit facebook.com and search for TARKA Community Refugee Sponsors, and North Devon Refugee Solidarity for gifts in kind. To donate online, visit justgiving.com and search for “Tarka”.

The slogan of hope from the Calais Jungle camp

THE VICAR OF GOODRINGTON GARY DEIGHTON is to spend the whole of Lent sleeping rough to raise awareness of homelessness and rough sleeping, and to raise money for charity. He said of his six week challenge: “Homelessness kills: average life expectancy in the UK is now over 80 - but if you sleep rough it’s 42. Homelessness cuts away at our most basic human needs of shelter, food and

safety and we need to keep awareness of that on the agenda.” For details and to sponsor Gary call him on 01803 843038 or email fr.gary@outlook.com

A MAJOR Pilgrim conference is to take place this month led by series authors

the Bishops of Exeter and Chelmsford Robert Atwell and Stephen Cottrell.

Pilgrim is a major teaching and discipleship resource from the Church of England designed to help people explore the Christian faith in their local churches.

Director of Mission and Ministry Philip Sourbut said: “We’re very excited to be able to announce that Bishops Robert and Stephen will be running the event. There will be recorded contributions from the other Pilgrim authors.”

Justin Welby (centre) meets Pilgrim authors (l to r) Stephen Cottrell, Stephen Croft, Paula Gooder and Robert Atwell

To be a Pilgrim

The day is aimed at all those involved in parish mission, lay ministry, education and training and who are interested in finding out more about the materials available.

To book on the event which runs from 10am to 3.30pm, with free lunch provided, on 29 March in Cullompton Community Centre visit www.exeter.anglican.org/events

A FUNDRAISING LUNCH in Escot church has raised £312 to support the work of the Melanesian Sisters through the Melanesian Mission charity based in East Devon

and with whom we are linked as a diocese. Around 50 people enjoyed the event. Katie Drew, Executive Officer of the Mission said: “This donation will ensure that all the Sisters and Novices at the religious orders’ headquarters and training centre will have lunch for the next three months. Before this appeal was started only those in most need would have lunch, and the health of the Community was suffering.”For details visit: www.mmuk.net

Melanesia event raises funds for Sisters

The Sisters and Novices enjoying rice and fish thanks to the Melanesian Mission ‘Lunch Appeal’

Fairtrade rep, chaplain and minister

JULIE CARTWRIGHT is lead Chaplain at North Devon District Hospital, part of the Torridge clergy team and a Fairtrade champion, running a monthly Traidcraft stall. Fairtrade Fortnight runs

until the 12th of this month. Julie said: “I have always been

interested in Fairtrade goods, using the Traidcraft catalogue to shop for personal gifts. When I found out that we had, in the past, had a Fairtrade rep with a stall selling goods locally and that the church community would support its reintroduction, I volunteered.”

Julie is supported by her husband Tim who takes the stall to the monthly community market in Black Torrington, if Julie is unable to go. She adds: “We were very pleased recently to be part of Bishop Sarah’s Fairtrade Coffee Morning and thanks to everyone’s generosity sent a sizeable donation to Traidcraft alongside the sales for the producers.”

When Julie is not championing Fairtrade she has responsibility for providing pastoral and spiritual care, through a team of chaplains and volunteers at Barnstaple

Hospital as well as to South Molton, Bideford and Holsworthy Community Hospitals. She has been employed as a Chaplain since 1990 and describes it as an ‘incredible privilege’ to be part of the healthcare provided to people in a variety of circumstances. She adds: “As part of my role I am one of the Dementia Champions for the Trust, leading Dementia Friends sessions and supporting individuals and their relatives through this most difficult time. I have a personal interest in promoting the best practice that we can as my mum has Alzheimer’s and I know from first-hand experience the affect this disease has on both the individual, their family and the wider community too.”

Of Fairtrade Julie adds: “One of the most interesting things is to read the stories of the producers and hear of the ways in which, by being part of the Fairtrade movement, lives and communities are transformed and hope is offered. We really can make a difference. Go on, cup of fairtrade coffee and a catalogue anyone?”

For details call Julie on 01409 281554, evenings are best, or visit www.traidcraft.co.uk

Diocesan Communications Unit www.exeter.anglican.org twitter.com/cofedevon facebook search diocese of exeter

DIOCESE OF EXETER

THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

IN DEVON

“GOD IS RATHER LIKE a stamp collector, you know.” I remember hearing this in a sermon by that great Biblical scholar Canon John Fenton.

There was a collective silence wondering what on earth he meant. “You see, the thing about stamp collectors,” he continued, “is that they love stamps with oddities and quirks, the ones that aren’t completely perfect. God is the same with us. He loves us as we are, with all our oddities and quirks; he delights in them.”

I found this immensely reassuring - the thought of God delighting in the real me with all my mistakes, rough edges, and bits missing – the individual me, the whole me, warts and all.

Of course, I can’t deny that there are aspects of me that go beyond oddity into sinfulness – things that need righting and transforming. That is true for all of us, and Lent is when we bring the real me to God for his forgiveness and healing. But any such healing will surely respect the individual people we have become. I’m sure serious stamp collectors gently clean and restore

Stamp Collecting

their prized possessions; but they still preserve the quirks and oddities which make a particular stamp unique.

God has made a creation in which we each emerge as the unique people we are. He rejoices in our individuality. And Christ’s resurrection suggests that individuality will continue into eternity: Christ is recognisably himself, even down to the holes in his hands and feet.

If God rejoices in our individuality, and all our quirks and qualities, then so should we. He loves us as ourselves, as you, as me. Remembering that may stop us beating ourselves up for falling short of some image of perfection which we think we should be striving for, but inevitably never attain. We’re not called to be alabaster saints; we’re called to be ourselves.

So do pause on your Lenten journey to feel God’s love for you as you. Do thank him for transforming you now and in the future into the perfection of yourself. And do delight in who you are, just as he does.

THE VEN DR MARK BUTCHERSARCHDEACON OF BARNSTAPLE

The difference with this type of café is that it is also a repair café where people can

bring furniture and broken things from home so we can all help to fix things up.

We might even fix up some bits around the church while we are at it. So if you’ve

anything that needs mending, bring it along and enjoy your fix of French pastries and

coffee as your item gets a fix.

Diary St Boniface/Foxhole

Toddlers Stay and Play (under 5’s & families) - Thursday March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

Hot Pot lunches March 14 & 28

Kings Ash school assemblies March

Messy Church March 12, 10am-12

4:taste café church March 26 - 4pm

Lumen youth group begins March 5

Très Bon repair café March 4, 10-12

Holiday Club April 10-14 –volunteer helpers required for morning sessions 10-

12

A weekly Eucharist takes place on Tuesday’s at 9.30am.

A Home group including Bible study, prayer nights and mission to the

community takes place fortnightly.

Memorable quotes The art of love is God at work through you.

Wilfred A. Peterson,

God's love is the most powerful love there is. It is a bond that draws us to God

and motivates us to serve Him successfully.

Regina Clarinda, Encounter with Jesus Christ

Those in the circle of Christ had no doubt of his love; those in our circles should

have no doubt about ours.

Max Lucado -Just Like Jesus

Love leaves a legacy. How you treated other people, not your wealth or

accomplishments, is the most enduring impact you can leave on earth.

Rick Warren-What On Earth Am I Here for?

In a world characterized by loneliness and despair, we can reach out in love to

those around us. Or, as St. Francis once said, we can "preach the gospel all the

time; if necessary, use words."

Phil Callaway, Making Life Rich Without Any Money

We are to enjoy what we have while we have it, but we are never to get to the

point where we think we could not love without it.

Joyce Meyers, Be Anxious For Nothing

The more we love, the more love we have to offer. So it is with God's love for us.

It is inexhaustible.

Mary C. Neal, MD, To Heaven and Back

If we claim to love God but don't love each other our love is nothing and

meaningless.

David Alley, 20 Things to Know About Apostles Today

Poll says Govt has church finance role

A new poll has found most Britons believe the government should keep providing

financial support for churches in order to preserve them for future generations.

According to the ComRes poll commissioned by the National Churches Trust, 57 per

cent of respondents felt the government should continue putting forward some

monetary assistance to keep certain churches intact.

The poll also found more than four in five Brits (83 per cent) believe churches and

other houses of worship are an important part of the UK's heritage, with nearly half

(49 per cent) saying they should also be used as community centres as well as places

for religious observance.

Nine per cent of Britons didn't think churches had any important benefits to the UK

at all. The findings of the survey come as the Department of Culture, Media and

Sport's English Churches and Cathedrals Sustainability Review considers what is the

best way to finance historic churches and cathedrals.

The Review is also assessing how houses of worship can be opened up more for

community use.

Luke March DL, Chairman of the National Churches Trust said: "The UK's 42,000

church buildings represent a tremendous national asset much loved by the public.

However, the costs of keeping historic churches in good repair and installing modern

facilities is simply beyond the reach of most congregations."

"With 57 per cent of British adults backing government financial support for church

buildings, I hope that government funding will continue to be made available to

protect the heritage and history of churches.

"In good repair and with the right facilities to allow greater community use, church

buildings, chapels and meeting houses can continue to play a vital role in the life and

well-being of the nation for many, many years to come."

57 per cent of British adults visited a church or equivalent meeting house in the last

year, according to the poll. The figure equates to roughly 33 million people.

Actor Adrian's conversion from atheism

Andrew Garfield unearthed something far greater than

his character whilst preparing for the role of Father

Sebastiao Rodrigues in the film 'Silence.'

As he investigated Christian theology and spent time

with Jesuit priests for a year he made the final steps in

a long journey from atheism to Christianity.

He explained: “What was really easy was falling in love

with this person, Jesus Christ.

That was the most surprising thing,” he said in an

interview with American magazine.

Garfield spent time with Father James Martin, a Jesuit priest, who taught him more

about spiritual life.

He said: “It’s almost like a 12-step program,” he explained.

“In fact, it’s the basis for a lot of 12-step programs, a long-form meditation and

prayer spent imagining the life of Christ, story by story, Gospel by Gospel, and sitting

with his teachings, sitting with Him as He discovers who He is in the wilderness, and

really meditating upon His life and even crucifixion.”

The experience radically changed Garfield by encouraging him to be a service to a

greater good, to a greater service of love and to a greater service of the Divine.

He said: “I feel like this is what God is showing me. And it hurts when I feel

misunderstood or not seen…but I’m longing for it to hurt less so that I can keep

offering myself vulnerably,” he said.

He said: “You make all these sacrifices in service of God, in service of what you

believe God is calling you into.

And even after all of that heart and soul, that humble offering…that humility…even

after all of that someone is going to throw a stone and dismiss it.

“It’s a wonderful, wonderful grace to be given, to be shown,” he said.

Welcome to the world of bell ringing

Bells are the largest and loudest instrument in the world. The way they are rung is

what makes English style ringing so unique.

Learning to ring

If you are interested in learning to ring, please do not hesitate to contact the Captain,

John Kelly on 556208, in the very first instance to see ringing in Paignton Parish

Church.

Bell ringing is a pastime which is an essentially English tradition. It is a skill which re-

quires coordination and mental agility. When you learn you are guided through the

steps required to develop the skill of handling a bell - that is how to control the bell,

to make it sound with great accuracy in striking amongst the other bells. After this

you learn how to ring call changes. You become part of a team which itself is part of a

much larger ringing fraternity.

Bells are made from bronze, an alloy of copper and tin and are arranged in the tower

down the musical scale from the smallest, called the treble, to the biggest, tenor,

which has the lowest note.

The bells at Paignton are hung within a wooden frame and attached to a wheel. For

English ringing the bells rotate through 360 degrees, with the clapper striking the in-

side of the bell, at the end of the swing, to sound the note.

There is a model bell in the ringing chamber so that you can see the special features

which may up English bells. For those a little bit more inquisitive, we hope that a visit

to the tower is possible where you can see the 8 bells of the Parish Church.

Each bell is tuned to one particular note, despite actually producing a range of notes

at the same time. The range of notes are called harmonics and can be tuned accu-

rately at the time of manufacture. They are tuned by slowly carving metal from the

inside of the bell as it is spun round on a vertical lathe.

Bells have been made, or cast, in Britain for hundreds of years and, whilst being re-

fined, the process has changed little. Moulds are made for the bells then molten

metal is poured in. The bells are left to cool for several days, often in pits in the

ground, as has been done for centuries. There are two bell foundries remaining in the

UK and it is possible to visit them and have tours of their premises, sometimes even

seeing a casting.

Sadly, on 1st December 2016 one of the foundries, the Whitechapel Bell Foundry Ltd,

announced that by May 2017 it will cease its activities at the Whitechapel Road site

that it has occupied since its move there in 1738.

The company intends to complete work on all projects presently in hand during the

coming months. It will not be entering into new contracts for the time being whilst

discussions with the company's staff and other interested parties regarding the future

direction, ownership, and location of the company are ongoing.

Paignton’s May Day Outing – 6 May

We are planning a bell ringers’ outing for May Day 2017. Although the cost of the

coach hire is expensive, we would consider a coach for the day if there is sufficient

demand from others to support us and this includes non-ringers. If you are interest-

ed, please do contact John Kelly. We do need a good number of people if a coach is

to be considered. If a coach is not viable the ringers are likely to use their own vehi-

cles.

Michael Webster

I would like to thank the Outlook Shop, Paignton the Parish

Ladies’ Group and all friends at the church for the cards, flowers

and offers of help while I have been unwell. Also for your prayers.

Thank you very much, Pam

Since moving to Roundham Court Care Home last summer,

everyone has been exceptionally kind and caring.

Your visits gifts and cards have been much appreciated and I

would like to sincerely thank you all. Edwina.

Coach trip

A coach trip to chase away the winter blues to Jack's Patch for coffee and on to our

favourite restaurant - "The Smugglers Inn” Dawlish for lunch (your choice).

Carvery prices £5.25, £8.95, £10.50 or choice from the menu.

The day is Thursday March 23. £8.50 - money taken on the coach.

We leave Church Street at 9.30am/library 9.45 am

Contact no: 01803 526463 -- Cynthia

Parish Registers Baptisms 19 February 2017 Freya Joanne Steward &

Ariarna Florence Ellen Steward

In memorium 27 December 2017 Nora Anderson

28 December 2017 John Perrett

14 January 2017 Lee Sweeney

27 January 2017 Jean Williams

Calendar for March

1 Wed 10.00am Mothers’ Union Corporate Communion: Parish Church

7.30pm Ash Wednesday Sung Eucharist: Parish Church

2 Thu 9.30am Stay & Play at St Boniface

10.30am Coffee, Chat & Creativity: St Andrew CC

3 Fri 9.30am Stay & Play at St Andrew CC

4 Sat 10.00am Très Bon Repair café: St Boniface

5 Sun 10.00am Satellite - all age worship: Coverdale Centre

6.30pm Evening Prayer BCP (said): Parish Church

6 Mon 9.00am Time Out: Coverdale Centre

8 Wed 11.00am Mass at St Andrew followed by lunch

1.30PM Rosary Group: St Andrew’s

7.00pm Fr Bob’s Licensing: St Saviour’s, Dartmouth

9 Thu 9.30am Stay & Play at St Boniface

10.30am Coffee, Chat & Creativity: St Andrew CC

10 Fri 9.30am Stay & Play at St Andrew CC

12 Sun 10.00am Satellite - all age worship: Coverdale Centre

10.00am Messy Church: St Boniface

6.30pm Choral Evensong: Parish Church

13 Mon 9.00am Time Out: Coverdale Centre

14 Tue 12.15pm Hot Pot Lunch: St Boniface

15 Wed 11.00am Mass at St Andrew followed by lunch

16 Thu 9.30am Stay & Play at St Boniface

10.30am Coffee, Chat & Creativity: St Andrew CC

17 Fri 9.30am Stay & Play at St Andrew CC

19 Sun 10.00am Satellite - all age worship: Coverdale Centre

6.30pm Evening Prayer BCP (said)

20 Mon 9.00am Time Out: Coverdale Centre

12.30pm Parish Ladies’ Snack & Chat Lunch: The Redcliffe

2.30pm Parish Prayer Group: Parish Church

22 Wed 11.00am Mass at St Andrew followed by lunch

23 Thu 9.30am Stay & Play at St Boniface

10.30am Coffee, Chat & Creativity: St Andrew CC

24 Fri 9.30am Stay & Play at St Andrew CC

25 Sat 9.00am Men’s Breakfast: the Park Hotel

26 Sun 10.00am MOTHERING SUNDAY UNITED SERVICE:

Parish Church

4.00pm 4:taste café style church: St Boniface

6.30pm Evensong & Benediction: St Andrew

27 Mon 9.00am Time Out: Coverdale Centre

2.00pm Parish Ladies’ Group AGM: Coverdale Centre

28 Tue 12.15pm Hot Pot Lunch: St Boniface

29 Wed 11.00am Mass at St Andrew followed by lunch

30 Thu 9.30am Stay & Play at St Boniface

10.30am Coffee, Chat & Creativity: St Andrew CC

31 Fri 9.30am Stay & Play at St Andrew CC

All articles for the April issue must be with the Editor, Hugh Southon, by the 12th March.

We await your contributions for the magazine we are interested in anything that is

happening within your areas of interest please send to hugh.southon@sky.com