815 AND ALL THAT…

A piece of local history was marked in Shebbear on Saturday 30th May 2009 when Bishop Bob from Crediton and Rev. John Carne, Chairman of the Methodist District came together in a symbolic Act of Reconciliation marking the formal end of the breaking away from the Anglican Church in 1815 which saw the formation of the Bible Christians who founded Shebbear College and built what is now Lake Chapel, part of the Methodist circuit. In the middle of a Farmers’ Market in Shebbear Village Hall, at 11.00 a.m. the Bishop and the Chairman who had walked from St.Michael’s Church and Lake Chapel respectively, met together and said a few words in front of a good crowd who had come to shop and witness this event.

In the evening there was a chance to celebrate the work the Anglican and Methodist Churches do together, particularly with young people in the area with an ecumenical service in St. Michael’s, the church where it all began in 1815.. Chris Andrew talked about Rock Solid, the thriving youth group in Shebbear, and Penny Warren spoke about the work Lizz Prangle the ecumenical youth worker has been doing in the three years she has been in the area. Lizz moves on to another post, but fortunately is able to offer a couple of days each week to continue to build on the success she has had. Shebbear Circuit Choir and the Dance group also made contributions, showcasing how the two churches work happily together in Shebbear.

Fourteen local producers selling beef, sausages, chilled food, vegetables, cakes, honey, jams and chutneys, Fairtrade products, soap, willow baskets, yoghurt and plants sold well during the morning, and shoppers also enjoyed tea, coffee, squash and cake. Proceeds of over £230.00 will be sent to Farm Crisis Network.

DEVON ASSOCIATION OF RINGERS MINOR FINAL

Apologies for the extended spell of Bellringing on Saturday 26th May! This was a Competition equivalent, if you like, to a League Division One Football Match, but featuring 12 teams! The Devon Association of Ringers chose Shebbear to host this year's Minor Final, the accumulation of many months of competition.

Shebbear's job as host was to provide a six-bell tower and a delicious tea in the Village Hall for everyone taking part. The keen ears of four judges and a scrutineer marked the peals on their striking, also making sure that each peal lasted the minimum required fifteen minutes. In the end, the team from South Brent won with just over 28 faults, closely followed by Lamerton. These two Teams will now go through to the Major final on June 9th at Blackawton.

The competition also included a Novice Section, which aims to encourage those new to the art of campanology, and this section was won by Inwardleigh.

Our thanks to Dr and Mrs Miller for allowing the judging to take place in the comfort of their home, to Rev Christian Merivale who took the service and to all who helped provide and serve the tea.

Advance Notice! Shebbear's own Ringing festival this year will take place on Saturday 11th August - you have been warned!!
Jo Barnes, Vice Captain

The Results: Top Eight 1. South Brent - 28¼ 2. Lamerton - 30¼ 3. Inwardleigh - 41¼ 4. Littleham - 45½ 5. Zeal Monachorum - 49½ 6. North Bovey - 52½ 7. Mariansleigh - 55 8. Holberton - 63

Picture shows this year's Devon Association of Ringers President, Mr Claude Nicholls of Littleham, with his team in the Tower.

There will be an Easter Sunday worship at 11am at St.Michael's Church. All are welcome.