Uplyme Church wishes you a Very Blessed Christmas December 2023 Parish News Uplyme
Worship in Uplyme Church December & Early January December Sun 3rd 10am Holy Communion 6pm Advent Praise Mon 4th 7pm Compline (Night Prayer) Fri 8th 7pm Carols around the Christmas Tree Sun 10th 10am Festive Worship 4pm Telephone Service Mon 11th 7.30pm Beers & Carols - The Talbot Arms All are welcome to join in. Sun 17th 10am Together@10 - Christingle Family Service 6pm CAROL SERVICE Sun 24th 10am Christmas Eve Worship 3pm Carpark Nativity (No Uplyme Service) 11pm Midnight Communion at Axmouth A midnight Communion service at St Michael’s Church Axmouth - All are welcome Mon 25th 10am Christmas Day Holy Communion Sun 31st 10.30am AVMC Holy Communion - The Minster January 2024 Sun 7th 10am Holy Communion. 6pm Service of readings & music for Epiphany Mon 8th 7pm Epiphany Compline - Night Prayer Sun 14th 10am Morning Worship 4pm Telephone Service 4pm Telephone Service – A few minutes before 4pm call 0333 011 0616. When asked for the access code dial in 723 9782 followed by the hash key # These services are free to those who have a package which includes free 03 calls [most do] but you may be charged at normal call rates if not. Do check with your service provider
1 CONTENTS Service News Inside Front Cover Contents 1 Reflections from the Rectory 2 From The Editor & Cover Story 3 Uplyme Help@Hand & Eco Corner 4 Eco Church Award & Community Walk 5 Journeys of Faith 6 Local & Church Notices 7 Festival Choir & “A Peal Appeal” 8 Local Notices 9 Uplyme Pre School 10 Adverts 11 & 12 Views from the Parishpump 13 News from your Local! 14 & 15 Something is Missing - Rod Ovey 16 Christmas Eve & Can you get Benefits? 17 Horticultural Society 18 Was Jesus born on 25th December? 19 Winter Solstice & ALCSG 20 Adverts 21 & 22 1st Lym Valley Scout Group 23 Parish Council 24 & 25 Village Hall Booking Dates 26 Village Hall News 27 Adverts 28 Church Officers & Contact details Inside Back Cover Christmas Events at Uplyme Church Rear Cover Parish News Copy Deadlines Please remember the NEXT issue of the magazine is for January and all articles up to and including things for early February should be with us by the 10th December Email to - [email protected] December 2023
2 As I write this, I feel at a loss as to what to say as we approach this Christmas? I’d love to be able to say ‘Happy Christmas’ and of course I wish everyone a wonderful time, but as I write this the Holy Land, which is at the heart of the Christmas story, is at war. It feels a bit glib to wish you all a ‘Happy Christmas’ when there is so much blood shed and animosity in this most holy of places. I think God’s heart is breaking as so many innocent people die. And yet perhaps that is why we need Christmas? Every year it offers us a chance to focus again on the most wonderful story: the Christmas story that tells us that God sent his son Jesus to be the incarnation ‘God with Us.’ Jesus, who came to show us how to live. How to be people of love and compassion, working for justice and peace. There is hope if we choose to look for it and embrace it. Author Ann Lewin says: “Jesus came as the light of the world and remains with us and will go on calling us to live with him in light. That doesn’t mean that we shall be untouched by the darkness of the world, immune from sickness and suffering. But our faith is that Christ our Light is right in the middle of the darkness of the world and our lives, driving the powers of darkness back and inviting us to join our little lights to his great Light and draw strength from him and each other.” And as I write this, I am imagining all the family get-togethers and parties that will go on. I imagine tables of food, candle-lit carol services in church and everything set around light. The twinkle of the Christmas tree lights, the candles on the table and on windowsills – the light shining out: Us adding our little lights to God’s great Light. Vicar of St Martins in the Fields Sam Wells describes Christmas as a time when: “…the wall between humanity and God is replaced by a window. God sees us and we see God. The mystery of Christmas is this: Jesus shows us that at the heart of what it means to be human is to be wrapped up in God; and at the heart of what it means to be God is to be wrapped up in humanity. This is our Christmas present.” But what about those this year caught up in war, perhaps with no homes, no presents... well I see God’s love breaking through this Christmas in those caring for all those affected, those speaking out and taking action. Let’s all add our hearts and voices to work for peace. This year, can we let ourselves be disarmed by Jesus, by the swaddled bundle of joy and gladness, a tiny, defenceless baby being held out by a poor overwhelmed young mother. She is holding him out to all of us. How can we refuse this, the best present of all time…? Rev Nicky
3 Christmas Cover We are delighted that Trudi has allowed us to use her picture as the cover of our Magazine. She talks about it below..… “I painted the church for the upcoming Uplyme Gospel Choir Christmas Concert on Saturday 9th December. As a member of the choir and a local Artist and Art Tutor, I create all of the artwork for our posters and I wanted to paint the church of St Peter and St Paul as this is where the concert will be held. I hoped to make the church look warm and welcoming so that people will come and join us. I am delighted to say that the church will be selling Christmas cards of my painting, which you can buy at their Christmas Craft Fayre on Saturday 2nd December.” To see more of my art or find out about my art classes please visit www.trudiochiltree.co.uk Welcome to the December, Christmas and ultimately the final edition of 2023! It’s been a very busy year for the magazine, and I’m really pleased that we have had a few more advertisers contact us in the past few months. It’s nice to know that it is still valued by the parish, and pretty much all the 800 issues are taken in one way or another. We do like to have as much local news and other content as possible, so if you do have something to let the village know, we’d love to hear from you. There is a huge amount being organised by the church this Christmas. From singing around the Christmas tree in the Churchyard, Beer and Carols in the Pub to our very popular “Car Park Nativity” that started in lockdown, and has gone from strength to strength each year. Just turn up as a Nativity character and join in...... “There was more than one lobster at the birth of Christ”! Plenty of services to suit you all in Uplyme this season, but do remember that Midnight Communion this year is taking place at Axmouth Church. With reduced clergy (since Clive Sedgwick retired in the autumn) we have to share Nicky, our vicar, across the Axe Valley Mission Community. She can’t be everywhere at once! It just remains for me to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year Ed Ecclesiastical, who insure the church, will give us £130, when someone takes out a new home insurance policy with them. All you need to do is to nominate the church when taking out the policy. Since 2017 they given out to churches over £460,000. To get a quote call 0800 7830 130 and quote CM23. Their buildings and contents cover is a Which Best Buy and was voted the best home insurance in the Times Money Mentor Awards in 2022. The official name of Uplyme Church is St Peter and St Paul Uplyme. Don Draper
4 Uplyme Help at Hand General enquiries Anne: 01297 444799 Marilyn: 07885 859946 Transport Dave: 01297 444799 Fred: 01297 445647 Can we help with: • A meal if you’re unwell? • A liA to a medical appointment? • PrescripGons collected? • Emergency items of shopping? • Your dog walked if you’re not up to it? • A visit and a chat if you can’t get out? • Opportunity to go out for tea or coffee with other Uplyme residents? Other needs? Try us! Ring one of the above numbers Remember, it doesn’t have to be an emergency before you call on us! Eco Corner: Wishing you all a Merry Christmas – here are a few eco ideas for this festive season. Luke 2 8-10 That night, some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy.” 1. Be creative in the gifts you give this Christmas; make sure your desire to be loving is not damaging the environment. 2. Getting ready for the festivities of Christmas. Buy as much locally produced, in season food and particularly veg as you can. Try not to over cater and waste food. 3. Wrap and rewrap. Why not reuse your wrapping paper. Take a bit of care unwrapping your presents (it adds to the gift experience), save the paper and reuse next year. 4. Enjoy the feast of Christmas! Don’t forget to recycle your rubbish. Don’t waste unwanted presents find new homes for them through the charity shop or on ebay. 5. Get ready with your environmental New Year’s Resolution. How will your care for creation in the coming year? Jo Smith
5 Uplyme Parish Church achieves Eco-Church Silver Award You may have no;ced a few changes around Uplyme Church; we've fiAed some swiB boxes, installed cycle racks, updated our hea;ng system with a more efficient system, and numerous other liAle changes. We previously had a Bronze Eco Church award - these changes have allowed us to achieve the Silver level award. Uplyme Church recognises the importance of looking aBer our shared environment. Climate Change and biodiversity loss is hiMng vulnerable popula;ons around the world, and will have serious implica;ons for our children and for genera;ons to come. We also believe that God created the world for all to enjoy and share fairly and justly for all future genera;ons. The Eco Church awards are an ini;a;ve of A-Roche. A Rocha is a network of Chris;an organisa;ons present in more than 20 countries in six con;nents. This year the network is celebra;ng the significant milestone of 40 years engaging communi;es in nature and conserva;on. Rob Smith Community Walk and light lunch for all Saturday 16th November Meet at church 10.30am Next > Saturday 20th January If you don’t want to walk join us for lunch in church at 12.00 noon For more information : Contact Sue Wells 07912 272102
6 Journeys of Faith A special gift this Christmas. Let’s just suppose that this Christmas, we would like the gift of assurance of God’s forgiveness of all our sins and the guarantee of eventual, eternal bliss with God! Well, the Apostle Paul writes “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no-one can boast.” Actually, we will no doubt guess that it also involves our confessing our past sins to God. Our bible assures us that God has laid all our iniquity on Christ bringing us peace as we believe. These truths have been hard won for us. Five hundred years ago, in the 1500s AD, several developments shone the light of God’s love into a particularly dark period of history when corrupt church leaders were demanding payment of Indulgences to forgive sins:- Martin Luther launched the Reformation proclaiming that in the true Gospel, our salvation comes through faith in Christ not works; English scholar William Tyndale produced the first bible in clear English for the masses; Gutenberg invented a machine that could both print and bind this bible for the British Isles; King Henry the Eighth ruled that it be made available throughout our nation and in 1603, Queen Elizabeth the First (Good Queen Beth) was enthroned and established England as a Christian nation. Christ himself taught we need to “Ask, seek and knock” suggesting we take time to read our bible Gospels and pray for this free gift. David Dare.
7 Uplyme Bell Ringing Practice & teaching for those who’d like to learn. Thursday evenings 7.30pm - 9pm in the Church If you’ve always wanted to have a go at ringing church bells, we’d love to meet you and let you have a go. For further details please contact Jo Clarke, on 443050 she’d love to hear from you Please do come along and join in. KNIT AND CHATTER Who are we: A very friendly group who love to Knit and Chat Come and join us, bring yourself, your knitting or crochet if you like. Or we’ll start you off! Where and When: Uplyme Church, Wednesday afternoon 2 till 4 Who’s it for: Everybody is most welcome. Please do join us There's always a ready supply of tea, coffee and biscuits. Who to Contact: Elizabeth Cooper on 01297 445538 for under 5’s & their parents or carers e-mail: [email protected] www.uplymechurch.org.uk/worship-3-2/shining-stars/ Facebook page: Shining Stars Playgroup Scout Hut, Rhode Lane, Uplyme DT7 3TX Free parking Every Friday from 10am to 11:30am This term ends with our Christmas party on 8th December. We re-open on 5th January 2024. A service of Carols and Bible readings by candlelight followed by refreshments at Bethany Chapel Coombe Street, Lyme Regis Sunday 17th December at 4.00pm
8 UPLYME CHURCH FESTIVAL CHOIR All singers are invited to join Festival Choir to participate in any or all of three events at Uplyme: Carols around the Christmas Tree on Friday 8th December at 7.00pm. The inclusion of Rutter's Star Carol in the morning service of Sunday 17th December Uplyme Church Carols by Candlelight on Sunday 17th December at 6.00pm We sing in 4 parts but you are given lots of help to learn your part! You don't have to be a sight reader! Please ring Adrian on 01297 442902 if you'd like to learn more about getting involved this time or in the future. Church Bells Appeal to Peal! Could you help? The Uplyme Church Bells are being rung regularly, with Andy Jarvis (Uplyme Church newly appointed Bell Ringing Captain) leading the growing group of local bell ringers. Andy has been ringing bells since the age of 9 and has been teaching at various churches for over 20 years. Last year he set up a group of enthusiastic learners at Uplyme Church, who are now ringing as part of the team, and he is happily teaching a couple of young lads at the moment. The local Scout Group are involved with finding out about Campanology with both Cubs and Explorers coming along to Uplyme Church. The bell ringers practice every Thursday evening, they ring for weddings, funerals, special occasions, ring at other churches and at Uplyme on Sunday mornings. But, we have a problem, the bell frame and bell ringing chamber are due for urgent re-furbishment to keep the six bells in good order. We have raised £4,500 through grants but need another £3,000 to enable the work to go ahead and make the bells safe to ring for many years to come. Could you help? Any donation would be welcome and If you would like to know more details, please contact: Sue Wells 07912 272102
9 UPLYME SHORT MAT BOWLS MONDAY EVENINGS 6.30pm - 9.30pm AT UPLYME VILLAGE HALL ‘Short Mat Bowls’ is not a resident in the village but an established club run by a group of people who enjoy socialising whilst playing indoor bowls. Why not come along and try your hand and join us for a cuppa. No experience is required and it's an opportunity to make new friends. Please contact: Pauline McCarter. Tel No: 01297 442682 Love Uplyme and our community? Leave a gift in your will to Uplyme Village Hall CIO and you will be helping to secure the future of our village hall for Uplyme. Or commemorate the life of a loved one with a donation. If you are considering it, Thank You Any gift, large or small, makes a difference. [email protected] The last visit to Uplyme by the mobile Library will be the February visit, date not yet confirmed. Could all books be returned by then (or Axminster Library if after). Saturday Morning Football Saturday Mornings 9am Uplyme Playing Field Finishing December 9th Axminster 3G pitch Starting back January 6th A Church organised group which is open to children in Reception to year 6, although all are welcome to join us. 9.00am to 10.15 on the field. 9am to 10am at Axminster For further details please contact Fletch Hulbert on 07759 830128.
10 Uplyme Pre-school News We’ve had such a good start to our new pre-school year. We’ve welcomed in lots of new children who have all se:led in brilliantly, we’ve also welcomed Emily Ditchfield as a new member of staff, we are so pleased to have her on board. Our topic last half term was “This is Me” where we learned about different types of people, how they live and what their families may be like, we’re now learning all about Autumn and the seasons. We’ve been on a bus trip to Lyme, a welly walk round the playing fields to look for signs of autumn, we’ve also had a visit from the fire brigade where they explained how their fire engine worked. It’s been a busy term so far now we’re just gearing up for Christmas. Our toddler group has been really busy and we’ve loved seeing all of the li:le ones coming and enjoying playing and making new friends. Toddler group runs every Tuesday aMernoon (term Ome) from 1.45pm unOl 3.15pm, everyone is welcome. Do you know anyone who maybe wants a career change or is looking to return to work but needs something that fits in with school term Omes? We are considering taking on another Early Years ApprenOce and would love to hear if anyone is interested in finding out a li:le more about it. Please contact Alison for more details at: [email protected] You are invited to Uplyme Church’s family friendly all age services at 10am on Sunday 20th November & 18th December Together @ Ten Children’s activities Creche corner Refreshments Everyone welcome You are invited to Uplyme Church’s Family Christingle Service 10am Sunday 17th December For more info phone Rev Nicky 07931 413629 www.uplymechurch.org.uk
11 Mike Ebdon Electrician For all your Electrical needs Roseneath Venlake Lane Uplyme Devon DT7 3SD Home: 01297 442861 Mobile: 07774642740 FREE ESTIMATES All work Part P certified From a quick “Wash & Go” to a “Full Showroom Valet” 07341 402 021 [email protected]
12 CORNERSTONE Design & Build Design, planning & building contractors. Extensions, alterations and outbuildings including Listed Buildings. Local references available Fully insured www.cornerstonedesignandbuild.co.uk Design & planning enquiries: [email protected] Tel: 07825 210 681 Building work enquiries: [email protected] Tel: 07786 267 115 For all your dental care needs From regular examination and hygiene care to advanced referral services Join us for you regular care, self-refer or get you own dentist to refer to us for our advanced referral services Routine Dental Care - Including white fillings, cosmetic dentistry and crowns Dental Implants - From a single missing tooth to a full mouth and teeth in a day Endodontics - Getting you out of pain and saving your teeth Sedation - For those times when our TLC and caring team wasn’t enough Prosthetics - From a denture repair in as little as an hour to new dentures www.ashburydentalcare.co.uk 01395 444 432 53 East Budleigh Road Budleigh Salterton EX9 6EW DOES YOUR DAUGHTER OR SON ENJOY SINGING? So many children do but have maybe only sung as part of a group, in class or a choir. Would your child like the chance to discover their solo voice? My fun lessons, tailored to their age and experience and drawing from a wide range of songs appropriate to their level and interest, will increase your child’s confidence, nurture pride in performance and build a firm foundaMon for whatever exciMng musical journey lies ahead. *initial taster/trial lesson free *convenient studio in central Uplyme *optional practice online back-up *optional ABRSM exam opportunities Adrian Pearson B.A., Cert.Ed. (01297) 442902 [email protected]
13 Safeguarding Standards Published The Church of England has published a set of National Safeguarding Standards. They will serve as an ‘essential benchmark,’ enabling Church bodies to identify both their strengths and areas for development, which will in turn inform their strategic planning in respect of safeguarding. The five Standards have been developed after three years of consultation, and they build on existing policies and procedures including the previous Promoting a Safer Church statement. The Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop, Joanne Grenfell, said: “All organisations, including the Church, must be able to demonstrate how well they are fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities. “The standards are part of a vital quality assurance framework aimed at making the Church a safer place for all. I know they will be welcomed by all those involved in their local church.” Big Ben Do you stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve? If so, this year will be special – it is 100 years ago, on 31st December 1923, that the BBC first broadcast the chimes of Big Ben to welcome in the New Year. For it was not until 31st December 1923 that the chimes of Big Ben were ever heard outside of Parliament and Westminster. But then the BBC got permission to broadcast them to the nation, and history was made. That first year, the BBC engineers were not allowed into Parliament, and so had to access Big Ben from the roof of the Palace of Westminster. This meant that their microphone picked up not just the chimes, but a lot of traffic noise as well. But a tradition had started, and by 1924 the Big Ben bongs were being broadcast every day. By then the BBC had installed low sensitivity microphones very close to the bells, so that they missed the sound of the clock mechanism. The nation quickly came to love the sound of Big Ben, and during the Second World War the chimes were broadcast across occupied Europe – encouraging millions in their struggle against the Nazis. The Big Ben daily time signal on the BBC is still cherished today, and Big Ben rings live for important events such as Remembrance Day and New Year, when the BBC sends the sound right around the world. https://www.bbc.com/historyofthebbc/anniversaries/december/big-ben-new-year/ www.parishpump.co.uk
14 News From The Pub Hello All It is hard to believe, but here we are another year almost over as ‘mine hosts’ As in past years, our pub and personal lives have certainly endured many challenges, hard work, long hours and extreme family sadness, but we are still thankful .. we still have so much to be grateful for. We have found comfort in friendships, sustained our Village Pub with the support of wonderful loyal locals and visitors, and of course all with the help of our wonderful of young people ‘Team Talbot’ . We could not run this pub without these amazing young people. Please know how much we appreciate you all. Thank You xxxxx We had a happy few months with our lovely son and daughter in law Jonathan and Nia and their children when they came to stay from their home in Christchurch New Zealand. It was my dream come true having all our family and 4 grandchildren here all together, what a noise, what a mess, but what a blessing. Steve and I are so proud and love them all dearly. Lots of customers have been enjoying the monthly Friday Night folk music, I am sure they will continue in the New Year so please look out for the notices, Big Thank you to Jeremy for organising everything. We also have The Lyme Luggers practice at the pub once a month, come and enjoy please give pub a ring for future dates. Steve and I would like to send our personal good wishes to two of our great friends of over 30 years and wonderful village stalwarts James and Jane Thomas who have moved out of village to retirement in pastures new. I am sure we will continue to see you when you bring us freshly made Bara Brith !! How lucky are we to live in a village with lots of people working hard behind the scenes to ensure we are all ok. James Booth, Our Parish Council, Our Snow and Blocked Drain Warriors, Our Village Hall Manager and Committee, Our lovely Vicar and everyone involved with running our Church and of course our ‘Good Egg’ the Parish Mag Editor. From The Pub , our warm appreciation to you all xxx Steve and I with our 3 children have been part of our lovely Village since our children started school at Mrs E’s in 1990! We made friends with lots of village families back then and I am so pleased to say we are all still good friends to this day. Our children have wonderful memories of growing up here in Uplyme, and
15 they still have strong friendships with friends from Mrs E’s and Woodroffe School. We have enjoyed over 20 years as ‘mine hosts at The Pub’, and oh my goodness what great times we have had during these past years. There have been many tears but much laughter. I can vividly recall hours before our opening night my wonderful friends Anna and Jenni helping to make sure everything was spick and span in time for ‘open tap’. Our first customers were our good friends Davy Jones and the great character no longer with us John Kearney. I know lots of you reading this will have been part of our amazing memorable journey and will remember the great times and the parties, oh my goodness lots of parties! Parties for ‘whatever reason’ or parties ‘without a reason’ that we have had here at The Pub….. What a great privilege it has been for Steve, myself our family and all our past and present teams to serve this community. I could, (and maybe will !) write a book called ‘’The incredible Peaks and Valleys (ups and downs) Of Running a Village Pub.’’ Talking about Valleys!!!!……leads me nicely to tell you all… The time has come…..Steve and I have decided the time is right to prepare for our retirement and hang up our ‘matching aprons’. As we make our plans for our future, we will continue to do our best for you our wonderful, loyal, and much appreciated customers and visitors and of course when the time comes there will undoubtably be, ‘A Big Farewell Party’ !!!!! Instead of our usual Sunday Carvery on Christmas Eve we will be offering a Fish and Chip lunch, Steve’s very popular Fish Pie, or Vegetarian option, pop in and see the menu. As I write this, only a few spaces left so booking advisable. In the evening as is tradition, we will be having our Christmas Eve Raffle, tickets already on sale in the pub. New Years Eve lunch is our usual Sunday Carvery but gone are the days of NYE discos until 4/5 a.m in the morning!!! We are looking forward to our university students Ben, Charlie and Molly coming back to work for the festive period. In January we will be saying best of luck and farewell to Freddie who is embarking on his gap year travels, stay safe and keep in touch Fred we will keep you in the ‘chat’! xxxx. So, as 2023 ends, with our grateful Thanks and warmest wishes all that remains for me to say is. Thank You all once again. Diolch i chi gyd unwaith eto I hope you all have a Very Happy Christmas and Happy New Year. Gan ddymuno Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda I Chi. Much Love……Llawer O Gariad Wendy xxx
16 Something is missing We’re ready for Christmas, the shopping’s all done, It’s time to relax and get on with the fun. The turkey’s been ordered, we’ve lights on the tree, But something is missing, now what can it be? We’ve bought lots of presents we hope they will like, A doll for our daughter, our son gets a bike. Our friends and relations have presents galore, But something is missing, of that I am sure. We’re out every evening, from seven until late At parties and dances we know will be great. Our own will be special, of that there’s no doubt. Still, something is missing, what have we left out? The lonely old lady who lives down the street, We hope she’ll be happy, with plenty to eat. We’d have her around, but she’s just not our kind. This something that’s missing, it wont come to mind. We’ve food and there’s presents, it’s all looking good, A trip to the panto, to “Babes in the wood”. This something that’s missing, I know what we’ve done! We’ve left out the baby, no room for God’s son. No time for the Christ-child, no time for God’s son. Roderick Ovey All Faiths are not the Same For many religions, God is considered unknowable – just a supreme power or presence ‘out there’ somewhere. Not so Christianity. The heart of the Christmas message is His coming to us in peace and love – as the Bible says: ‘The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.’ (John 1:4 RSV) Jesus was born a baby, grew up amongst us, healed us, did many miracles, taught us, and then went on to die for us. He entered our time and our space, and we could approach Him and talk to Him. Jesus made clear that to see Him was to see the Father. What a wonderful God! He is the Creator of the Universe, but He is also Jesus, who calls us into a daily relationship of love and dependency upon Him. www.parishpump.co.uk
17 24 December Christmas Eve How do you celebrate Christmas Eve? It has its own customs, the most popular of which is going to Midnight Mass, or the Christ-Mas. This is the only Mass of the year that is allowed to start after sunset. In Catholic countries such as Spain, Italy and Poland, Midnight Mass is in fact the most important church service of the entire Christmas season, and many people traditionally fast beforehand. In other countries, such as Belgium and Denmark, people dine during the evening, and then go on to the Midnight Service. The British are behind some countries when it comes to exchanging presents: in Germany, Sweden and Portugal the custom is to exchange on Christmas Eve. But the British are ahead of Serbia and Slovakia, where the Christmas tree is not even brought into the house and decorated until Christmas Eve. Yule logs are not so popular since the decline of the fireplace, but traditionally it was lit on Christmas Eve from a bit of the previous year’s log, and then would be burned non-stop until 12th Night (6th January). Tradition also decreed that any greenery such as holly, ivy or mistletoe must wait until Christmas Eve until being brought into the house. Can you get benefits? Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has launched a campaign to help people gain access to the various benefits that are going unclaimed by eligible households. CAP estimates that in the past year, almost £90 million in benefits has gone unclaimed, because of the complexity of the application systems. Pension credit is the most under-claimed benefit, and yet it acts as a passport benefit to other support, including housing benefit and local assistance. Carers’ allowance is also underclaimed. About 800 churches have now signed up to work with CAP, to encourage people to check if they could be liable to claim benefits. CAP, in partnership with the debt charity Turn2Us, has created an online calculator to help people discover what they may be eligible for. Go to: https://capuk.org/money-and-debt-advice/benefitscalculator www.parishpump.co.uk
18 Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society www.ulrhs.wordpress.com For more information about the society and to view our full year’s programme please visit our website www.ulrhs.wordpress.com. Annual membership costs only £6 per person. Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens Illuminations, coach trip, Saturday 2nd Dec Join this evening visit to Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens to walk their illuminated trail and see their exotic plants in a new light (literally!). The on-site café will be open. Coach departs Uplyme Village Hall 3pm; gardens close 7.30pm. Cost £20, includes £5 non-returnable deposit. Non-members welcome for an additional £3. Please book with Jenny Harding [email protected] 07773 604137. Christmas Social, Wednesday 13th December Our Christmas Social is at Uplyme Church, commencing 7.30pm. There will be a special Christmas quiz with quizmaster Alan Vian. Complementary mince pies and punch (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be served. The evening will start at 7.30pm and there will be a raffle as well. Please wear a festive jumper if you have one, to get us all in the mood! Members free, non-members £3. Christmas Tree Festival 15th – 17th December We’ll have our usual presence at the Christmas Tree Festival on 15-17th December at the Baptist Church in Silver Street, Lyme Regis. Come along to see a wide array of Christmas trees decorated by many local groups. Membership 2024 Our membership fee remains outstanding value at only £6 per annum and gives you access to our fantastic talks and trips (nearly 30 in total in 2024) as well as a 10% discount at Groves, subject to obtaining a Groves discount card from our Membership Secretary. If you wish to renew your membership, or to join, here’s how: - Bring £6 cash to the membership table at any of our talks or Christmas Social - Contact our Membership Secretary Allison Crabbe 07711 312437, [email protected] if you can’t get to the talks, or wish to pay by BACS - If joining for the first time you may complete our online application form, found from the ‘Join Us’ page of our website www.ulrhs.wordpress.com Please note that membership runs from 1st January to 31st December each year. Subscriptions must be paid by 28th February. Members joining part way through a year pay the full annual membership and will renew from 1st January the following year. Tricia Boyd Children’s version of the Christmas story - When the three wise guys from the east side arrived, they found Jesus in the manager. - When Mary heard that she was the mother of Jesus, she sang the Magna Carta - Jesus was born because Mary had an immaculate contraption.
19 Was Jesus really born on 25th December? Almost certainly not. But the story of how that date came to be chosen as His ‘birthday’ is one that stretches back long before His birth. It seems to have started on the Greek island of Rhodes in 283 BC. That year the solstice fell on 25th December, and it was also the year that the Ancient World’s largest Sun God statue – the 34 metre, 200 tonne Colossus of Rhodes, was consecrated. By 46 BC, Julius Caesar had made 25th December the ofOicial winter solstice. In AD 274, the Roman Emperer Aureilian chose the winter solstice to be the birthday of the Sun God. He also decreed that Sol Invictus (the unconquered sun) was ‘Lord of the Roman Empire’. 50 years after that, and Constantine had become the Oirst pro-Christian Roman Emperor. He wanted the Church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on 25thDecember. Perhaps it was that to him, Jesus was more or less the same person as the mighty Sun God. Or perhaps he felt that the ancient Sun God’s association with goodness, light, warmth and life would help ease the people’s transition from paganism to Christianity. Whatever the reason, the Church went along with it, and chose 25th December to be the date of Christmas. And in an ancient mosaic in the crypt of St Peter’s Cathedral, Jesus is portrayed as adorned with sun rays and riding in a chariot – just like Sol Invictus. As for the huge, bronze 200 tonne Sol Invictus? He fell over during an earthquake and was sold off for scrap metal in 654AD by an enterprising Arab scrap merchant. Meanwhile, Jesus lives on… www.parishpump.co.uk
20 Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support aims to provide support for anyone living with and beyond cancer in our community, including relatives and carers. We provide information, educational literature and hold meetings around a variety of issues surrounding a cancer diagnosis or specific cancers. Please do check our website events page for up to date information on the services we provide. Our premises are now open at ALCS, Cross Keys House, Chard Street, Axminster, EX13 5EB where our weekly Drop-in will be Monday 2-4pm. We will still be providing regular events within the Lyme Regis area. Website - axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk Email - [email protected] Facebook - Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support Instagram - axminsterandlymecancersupport Phone – 01297 816559 or 07512 279663 21 December Winter Solstice A Midwinter festival has been a part of life since pre-Christian times. When the hours of daylight are fewest, the warmth of the sun weakest, and life itself seemingly at a standstill, our ancestors, the pagan peoples of Europe and Western Asia, kept festival by lighting bonfires and decorating their buildings with evergreens. Perhaps they believed that the dying sun could be enheartened by fire, and the life of the buried seed assured by the presence of evergreen branches. With the advent of Christianity, the Spring gods became identified with Christ, and the birthday of the sun with the birthday of the Light of the World. The early church father Tertullian did not approve of Christmas decorations. “Let those who have no light in themselves light candles!... You are the light of the world, you are the tree ever green....” But by the time of St Gregory and St Augustine, four centuries later, this had changed. Pope Gregory instructed Augustine not to worry about harmless outward customs, as long as the right God be worshipped through them. And so many Anglo-Saxon customs were never discarded, but simply endowed with a new significance. By 1598 one John Stow of London wrote how: ‘Against the feast of Christmas, every man’s house, as also their parish churches, were decked with holme, ivie, bayes, and whatsoever the season of the yeare afforded to be greene.’ www.parishpump.co.uk
21 Wool & synthetic carpets, vinyls & Karndean engineered woods, sisal, coir & seagrass, rugs to order Competitive prices with fantastic service For all your flooring needs come to: 01297 33771 Castle Hill, Axminster, EX13 5PY www.wellscarpetbroker.co.uk ~ Quality Tree Surgery ~ Tree Reports & Surveys ~ Forestry Maintenance ~ Felling ~ Estate Management ~ Decking ~ Landscaping & Patios ~Site & Garden Clearance ~ Hedge Trimming & Laying ~ Grass cutting & Strimming ~ Planting ~ Stump Removal ~ Logs & On site splitting ~ Wood Chipper & Man for hire ~ Fencing - Domestic & Stock BROADLEAF TREE SURGERY & GARDEN SERVICES For a free quotation & advice please call Alastair Down 01297 35364 07747 804 773 www.broadleafsouthwest.co.uk [email protected] NPTC Qualified Staff & Fully Insured CRW Accountants Ltd For all your Business, Personal Accountancy and Taxation needs dealt with confidentially and cost effectively. Contact: Hayley Perham BA(Hons), FAIA, CPA, FMAAT, ATT(Tax) On 01297 553286 [email protected] For a Free initial consultation www.crwaccountants.co.uk
22 Mike Maccoy Computer Tutor & sort-outer of problems 100s of satisfied customers New or Old, Bewildered or Terrified Specific or General One-off or Every-so-often --------------------------------------------- I come to you and help you on your own computer. I am experienced, speak your language, work with you at your pace to tackle everything from installation to general, Internet / e-mail, Broadband, wireless, printing, photos etc etc. Phone me at any time on 01297 442321 or 07970443631 07970 443 631 Tel: 01297 445626 Email: [email protected] www.pinhayhouse.co.uk “your home from home by the sea” Spacious rooms, in a beautiful house, in a glorious part of Devon We are Dementia Care Specialists Pinhay House Care Home
23 1st Lym Valley Scout Group (Uplyme and Lyme Regis) Last month the Group and Powder Monkeys ESSU took part in the Lyme Regis Remembrance parade culminating in the service at St Michaels Church. The Church was packed out with standing room only and all the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers looked really smart, and did us all proud. Christmas is the best time of year making decorations, parties, giving and receiving presents and meeting up with family and friends. All the Sections have a fully packed build up to the Christmas break. The Beavers are making their own Christmas crafts followed by the annual Christmas party. Cubs will be trying their arms at Bell ringing (put your ear plugs in) – only joking. The Scouts are working on the Entertainers Badge and will be performing their masterpieces at their end of term Christmas party. The Explorers are going bowling and will be having a Christmas Camp- not sure if it indoors or outdoors brrhhhh!!! Well done to Ollie who has achieved his Bronze Award, the highest award that Beavers can achieve – a very proud boy. After the Christmas break, we will be back at the beginning of January. There will be space in Beavers as quite a few will be moving up to Cubs. If you have a child who will be turning 6 years old soon or has just turned 6 and would like to join our group, please get in contact with me. All the other sections are full at this moment in time. We are not a Youth Club which some people think we are, we are a Youth Organisation helping and preparing the young to become responsible and caring adults and giving them skills and experiences that some may never get from anywhere else. If you think you may be able to help in anyway, to set these youngsters up for life and adventure please let us know. Yours in Scouting Karen Yelland Beaver and Scout Leader www.lymvalleyscouts.org.uk Instagram 1stlymvalley
24 Uplyme Parish Council c/o Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Uplyme, Lyme Regis DT7 3UY Tel: 07413 947067 Email: [email protected] Website: www.uplymeparishcouncil.org Parish News We’re focussing on self-help this month. Hedges, Trees and verges Hedges can help prevent problems such as soil erosion, and proper management of hedges, trees and verges is important for road safety. Many hedges and trees grow on the edge of the highway and mark its boundary with private property. In these cases the adjacent landowner or occupier is responsible for maintaining them. This also applies to trees that overhang the highway or fall on to it. If you are unsure whether you are the owner check your property deeds or The Land Registry. The Highways Act 1980 (SecKon 154) says the highway authority, i.e. the County Council, have to protect the safety of highway users by ensuring that owners and occupiers carry out their legal duty to maintain roadside hedges and trees. Owners and occupiers are required to: • trim hedges and trees to ensure growth does not obscure the view of road signs • trim roadside hedges to maintain visibility for road users, parKcularly at juncKons and on the inside of bends • trim any hedge that directly abuts a road, footway, cycleway or public right of way so that growth does not prevent the passage or affect the safety of the highway user, including cyclists and pedestrians • remove dead or decaying trees and other growth that may fall across the highway • remove branches and other growth that may prevent the passage of high-sided vehicles or obstruct light from a street light • ensure the highway (including the footway and ditch/drainage features) is leU clear of debris from any cuVng operaKons.
25 The County Council maintain all trees growing within the highway limits, with the excepKon of trees planted under special licence. What happens if I don’t maintain my hedges and trees? Where roadside growth is becoming a problem the Parish Council may send you a leZer to encourage you to recKfy the issue. Failing that, the County Council may serve a noKce on the owner or occupier requiring the work to be completed within a certain Kmeframe. If the work sKll isn’t done, they may do it and claim back the cost from the owner or occupier. You are ulKmately responsible for any damage to people or vehicles which a falling tree or limb from your land may cause. Emergency Planning The forewarning this Winter is that it’s going to be a cold one. You can help us and your neighbours get prepared by checking any grit bins in your locality and reporKng any which need to be topped up to the Clerk, with locaKon details (contact details in the heading). We have a group of emergency volunteers who get to work on the most heavily used areas of the parish, but they can’t get to everywhere, so spreading some grit or taking flood prevenKon measures in your part of Uplyme helps you, your neighbours and visitors to stay safe in their homes or move around safely. If you need sandbags, we have a small supply of empty bags which we can offer for your emergency use, just get in touch. AlternaKvely, any of the builders merchants locally in Lyme Regis or Axminster will be able to supply filled bags at minor cost. Make sure you are prepared in advance of any weather by taking note of weather warnings and following Met Office reports. If you would like to help in any way with winter preparaKons or to volunteer to help out should there be an emergency in the parish, then we would love to hear from you – just get in contact using the details above. Uplyme is a great community with lots of people willing to step in to help others, so if you know someone who is struggling to maintain their trees, hedges or ditches or to be adequately prepared for adverse weather, and you can help then please take the Kme to have a chat, and step in where requested. Christmas! It is coming into that fesKve Kme of year again, when the nights are drawing in and so there is a welcome return of the village Christmas lights. However, we need your help! Anyone who is able and willing to help put some trees and lights up would be most welcome to join the team at the Village Hall on Sunday 26th November at 10.30am – please get in touch with the Clerk or Cllr. Andy Turner for further details. Our new Bulle=n Lastly, in exciKng news, we have worked in collaboraKon with Lyme Regis Town Council to create a new annual bulleKn for residents. This first ediKon introduces you to our Councillors so you have a handy guide to who does what on Uplyme Parish Council. You can also contact them to discuss any issues you may have which are relevant to commiZees they may sit on and they will offer advice where they can, or take the issue to Council for consideraKon by all the Members. Keep a look out for this, our first ediKon, and let us know what you think! Chairman: Cllr. C James Vice Chairman: Cllr. A. Turner Cllrs: Mrs E. Daly, Mrs P Frost, P. Hackett, P. Oakley, C. Pratt, W. Trundley, Mrs C. Wiscombe
26 Village Hall Booking Dates December 2023 REGULAR HIRERS TIMES MAY VARY - Please check with the group/organisation Uplyme Pre School/ Term time only Mondays 9am-3.30pm Wednesdays 9am-1pm Tuesdays/Fridays 9am- 1.30pm Toddlers—Term time only Tuesdays – 1.45pm -3.30pm School – Mrs Ethelstons/Term time only Wednesdays 1.30-3.30pm (4.30 if club) Thursdays 10.30am- 3.30pm (4.30 if club) Fridays 1.45pm-3.30pm (4.30 if club) YOGA Thursdays 6.30pm-8.00pm Short Mat Bowls Mondays 6.30pm-9.00pm Parish Council 2nd Wednesday of each month 6.30pm Horticultural Society Usually 4th Wednesday of each month 7pm-9pm DECEMBER – 6th 6.30pm Mainly Ballroom Saturday 9th 7.30pm Quakers Sundays 9.30am – midday Village Hall Committee meeting 1st of the month 7.00pm Wed/Oct-March Tues/April-Sept Other bookings for this month 1st Charity Quiz Night 8th Turn Lyme Green Private Event 19th Private Event AM 24th Church Nativity in car park - 3pm To book the Village Hall please contact Amber Email: [email protected] M: 07396704980 - office hours only Visit our website/calendar www.uplymevillage.com Calendar/online calendar times are hire times not event times. Check with the individual organisations for event times.
27 By the time you read this, the fabulous cakes will have been eaten and the stalls browsed at our Christmas Coffee Morning, Fayre and Duck Race held on Saturday 25th November. A big to our generous ducky sponsors for the prizes with Bridec Melamine Boards donating a total of £175 for prizes with a couple of anonymous philanthropists donating another £150. Thank you to everyone who bought ducks, lured by duck offers you couldn’t refuse … and it’s all for a good cause, maintaining our beautiful Village Hall that is home to so many groups. Do you remember the old Hall shown here on the left? The foundation stone of what we all still think of as the ‘New Hall” was laid on 6th June 1993 and completed in 1994 – that’s 30 years ago! 2023 Highlights January – finally found a Treasurer, Simon Prior, who keeps our funds working for the maximum benefit. March – upgraded the broadband contract April - refurbished the floor. Oooh, it’s so shiny! + essential repairs to keep the old heating running. August - replaced old heating system thanks to a grant from the Abbeyfield; upgraded and replaced Hall lighting. Efficient systems that significantly improve the Hall. Over £28K of improvements for the Hall this year, but worth it! September – Claire McCarthy retired as Manager after many years exemplary service but has remained on the committee. A smooth handover to Amber Hussey, the new Manager, who is doing an excellent job and settled in well … as an added bonus, she also makes fantastic cakes which are a very welcome addition to our monthly committee meetings. The committee and helpers have worked very hard and successfully this year with lots of fund-raising, I’m sure many of you have supported and enjoyed our events. Next month, we’ll publish our 2024 event calendar. If you would like to find out more or help at any of our events, please talk to Chair Pete Hackett, Secretary Margaret Wiscombe, our lovely Manager Amber or any of our wonderful committee members. A Merry Christmas from all of us at the Village Hall [email protected] 07396 704980 THANK YOU
28 BIG ENOUGH TO HELP | SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE · Buying & Selling Property · Business Issues · Agricultural Issues · Wills · Powers of A�orney · Trusts & Estates · Matrimonial and Family · Personal Injury · Resolving Disputes · Negligence Claims · Employment · Debt Recovery www.scottrowe.co.uk AXMINSTER 01297 32345 CHARD 01460 63336 LYME REGIS 01297 443777 Artist blacksmith living in Uplyme designing and manufacturing garden plant supports, structures, furniture and art. Check out the whole range on my website or contact me for bespoke designs and commissions [email protected] www.thegardenersblacksmith.co.uk 07770 720 373 The Gardener’s Blacksmith
Uplyme Church Contacts part of the Axe Valley Mission Community Uplyme Church, Pound Lane, Uplyme, DT7 3TT Team Vicar Rev Nicky Davies email [email protected] Tel 07931 413629 Churchwardens Jenny Perham 07761 081424 Sue Wells 07912 272102 Licensed Lay Minister (LLM) Roger Grose 22107 Church Administrator Louise Collard 441986 email: [email protected] Admin Office Hours: Mon - Wed 09.00 – 12.00 Thurs 12.30 – 15.30 Fri 09.00 – 12.00 Hon Treasurer Sharyn Walker 444811 PCC Secretary Chris Buckingham Safeguarding Advisors Jo Clarke 443050 Noreen Watson Church Membership Mike Maccoy 07970443631 Pastoral Co-Ordinator Roger Grose 22107 Gospel Choir Jo Cursley 443642 Under 5’s Janet Impey 441986 Festival Choir Adrian Pearson 442902 Flower Group Carole Hodges 445180 Saturday Football Fletch Hulbert 07759830128 Mrs Ethelston’s School Head Katie Lyons 442210 School Link Jo Cursley 443642 Parish News Editor Robin Hodges 445180 Redlands, Lime Kiln Lane, Uplyme, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3XG Email: [email protected] Uplyme Church Registered Charity Number 1131962 All telephone numbers are STD code 01297 unless otherwise stated.
Beer and Carols The Talbot Arms, Uplyme Monday 11th November 7:30 – 9:30. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than an evening of Beer and Carols at The Talbot Arms on Monday 11th December. Join members of Uplyme Church for a beer or two, traditional carols, a few seasonal reflections. Cheers Rob Smith Join us to sing Carols outside around the Church Christmas Tree Uplyme Church Friday 8th December at 7.00pm Mulled Wine, Hot Chocolate and Mince Pies Sunday 17th December 6.00pm Uplyme Church Come and Join us on Sunday 24th December at 3.00pm Uplyme Village Hall Car Park (if raining in the hall) We will be acting out the Story of the Very First Christmas “Festive Fred Finds the Greatest Gift!!” (Children - do come dressed as a Nativity Character or borrow some of our costumes on the day.) Christmas Dates for your Diary