Author: Mervyn Mugford

Only a brief respite in January and all too soon it’s time to gather the news for Parracombe Pieces, but much seems to have happened to catch up. Firstly, Craft Group news, Carol reports; there were nearly forty Christmas stocking decorations sold in December at Parracombe stores. The final result was an impressive £70 which was sent…

Firstly, some dates for your diary; Wednesday, December 3rd – there is a Christingle service in Christ Church at 5pm and on Wednesday, December 17th, the Children will be presenting their Nativity also at 5pm. On Sunday, December 21st at 6pm a Service of Nine Lessons & Carols will be followed by mulled wine, mince…

I think everyone enjoyed the weekend of the Flower Festival and Railway display. It was indeed fortunate that it coincided with the Steam Gala at Woody Bay as visitors were riding to Killington Station and walking down in to the village to visit the model railway display. The weekend was not without its problems, there…

At Christ Church, parishioners were sad to see the departure of Rev Yvonne, her final service here being a very well-attended Family Service at the beginning of September. Parracombe was privileged to offer the venue for the ‘Leaving Do’ and the Village Hall was filled with much laughter as everyone came together to say thank…

On Michaelmas Day, the devil puts his foot on the blackberries is one old country saying though in some versions it says the devil spits on the blackberries, meaning that St Michael’s Day, September 29th is the last day that blackberries are fit to pick and eat. Michaelmas is also closely associated with goose fairs…

  On the outskirts of Paignton where I used to live as a child there was, well still is, a Lammas lane where we often went for a walk. Of course, at the time it was a country lane with hedges, now it is a built up residential area. But it got me thinking about…

The Beacon bonfire, which started out as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations seems to have become an annual event and plans are underway for the 2014 version. Bruce sends this advance notice; The now traditional annual bonfire party organised by Martinhoe and Parracombe parishes will be held at Beacon Down Quarry, Parracombe on Friday…

Perhaps we should begin with the best news so far this year, the official reopening of the newly rebuilt school on Tuesday, 20th May at 12 noon. All parishioners are invited to attend, there will be a buffet lunch, but you need to book in advance to help with catering numbers. If you have walked…

“April cold and wet, fills the barns best yet.” Indeed I find there are a number of weather sayings supporting the idea of a cold April being the forerunner of a good summer. “East wind in Spring a brilliant summer will bring” is another. As I write this, after the balmy weather of the past…

My Grandfather was an inveterate collector of bits. Walking down the street, he would spot a nail, screw or washer on the path, take it home to add to his collection in multiple tins and jars, saying, “that might be useful for something”. I have been accused of being like him. Perhaps a house full…