News: Calverleigh Summer Round Up 2026

After what has been a good (but very warm and dry) Summer, thoughts now return to the approaching Autumn with schools returning for a new academic year. We hope that all our young people that have received exam results have gained what you need for your next stage of education or employment. To those of you who are starting primary school for the very first time, we hope that you settle in well and enjoy it. Our prayers and best wishes also for those who are moving on to secondary education, and we hope that you enjoy the experience and make positive choices for the future.

During the past year several church members have been competing against each other once again in the form of Fantasy Football. Top of the league has changed hands a few times over the season with a few lucky people becoming manager of the month and receiving a small gift. The ultimate challenge though was to be at the top at the end of the season so: (drumroll please) the Head-to-Head winner was Nicola, the “It’s not the winning but the taking part” award went to Jackie, in third place was Rita with 2073 points, in second place was Tasha with 2084 points and in first place once again was Paul with 2269 points. Very well done to you and thank you for organising this fun competition. The new season will have started as you read this and new managers will have joined the Calverleague. Good luck everyone!

Back in June there was a very enjoyable Tea on the Green arranged by the village hall committee. It was a lovely sunny day with people from the village and further afield either seeking shelter inside or enjoying the sunshine alfresco. A good variety of sandwiches and cakes were on offer for afternoon tea at a small charge. Entertainment came from Stacey who sang a variety of songs.

Over the Summer months there have been a couple of weddings at St. Mary’s Church, firstly Henry and Chloe were married in June and then Rosie and Reece who had their wedding in July. The bells rang out for both couples as the sun shone brightly. We also learned that Sophie and Sam had a blessing at Sophie’s mum and dad’s farm in June on what was a beautiful day. Our congratulations go to all three couples, and we wish you all many happy years together filled with companionship, love and laughter.

At the beginning of July our Open-air service was held, but this year instead of ducking inside to dodge the rain for a change, seating had to be arranged to make the most of any shade that was available! Unheard of! Jackie led the service and gave us plenty to reflect on as we sat listening to birdsong in the lovely surroundings of the churchyard. Cake and biscuits along with tea and coffee were enjoyed afterwards. Thanks to all who provided refreshments.

Also in July was the annual Potato Competition evening. There was a good turnout of competitors, potatoes were weighed and growing techniques were talked about along with successes and failures. After all the totals were recorded the winners were announced:

Ladies: Brenda (17lb 12ozs), Lorna (12lb 10ozs), Pat (7lb 13ozs).
Men: Eric (11lb 4ozs), Anthony (9lb 5ozs), Kipper (9lb 3ozs) and Richard (8lb 9ozs).
A good number of children also joined in the fun: Halle (3lb 1 oz), Chester (2lb 1oz), Tilly (1lb 15ozs), Evie (1lb 4ozs), Seb (1lb) and Elijah (10ozs). Well done to everyone!

Thank you to the staff at the Rose and Crown who provided a lovely supper of varieties of hot potato - It was wonderful to be able to meet back in the Rose and Crown once again. £530.00 was raised from the event, which was split between St. Mary’s and Devon Air Ambulance. Thanks also to Gillian, Mary, Tim and Louise for continuing to arrange this event each year.

Explore & More in July was led by Tash and Nik with Rev’d Steph giving the talk. During the service children were invited to find pebbles hidden around the church with a word of encouragement painted on them. They were formed into a rock pile and the congregation were invited to write their concerns on a piece of paper that were then pushed into the pile. A representation of the rock that Jacob used as a pillow was in the form of rock buns that were handed out.

After the service we moved to the village hall and green to continue the fun. Crafts, junk modelling and face painting took place, games were played before picnics were eaten, a few more games played before it was time to leave. Thank you, Steph, Tasha, Nik and Dave for all you did on the day and all the preparations beforehand.

Our very best wishes go to those who have been celebrating a big birthday recently or in the very near future also to all who have or are going to celebrate a special occasion.

To those of you who have been feeling unwell recently or are waiting for test results or operations, we hope that you will be feeling better very soon. Our prayers are also with those families who are mourning the loss of a loved one. If you’d like to be prayed for in church, whether by name or anonymously, a prayer suggestion box is available in the church.

If you’d like your special birthday, anniversary or a special event here? Please contact Dave by emailing: calverleigh@exevalleychurches.org or call 01884 561499.

Forthcoming Events

Last minute reminder: The annual Calverleigh Produce Show will take place on Saturday 29 August. On the day all exhibits need to be in place by 11am (the hall will be open from 8:30am). Doors will open for viewing at 2:30pm. Any donations for a Bring and Buy stall or draw prizes would be very gratefully received and refreshments will be available on the day. This is a fun event, and hopefully there is something for everyone to have a go at or come along and see what a talented community we have, good luck.

Harvest Thanksgiving weekend: Our Harvest Supper Saturday 19 September at 7pm in the village hall with Bring and Share supper, guest speaker and fun competitions.

Our Family Harvest Thanksgiving service will take place on Sunday 20 Sept at 10.45am followed by games and bring your own picnic, on the village green or in the hall.

There will be a collection of dried and tinned goods along with toiletries as part of our harvest celebrations for CHAT. Boxes will be available in church by the font for any items you are able to donate. These are always gratefully received by CHAT and distributed to those in need.

The church’s regular Explore Service is a fun and interactive all age family friendly service starting at 9.15am with tea, coffee, squash and biscuits for a 9:30am start. Explore usually takes place on the third Sunday of each month, though exceptions do apply including in September for Harvest. See the magazine centre pages for dates and please join us if you can!

On Saturday 17 October, at Calverleigh Village Hall there will be a Fun Family Bingo, in aid of Calverleigh Church. Doors open from 6:15pm with 'eyes down' at 7pm. Draw prizes welcome. Any queries please contact Mo & Paul Furneaux on 07967 989 724

More Dates for your Diary:

Autumn Fayre - Calverleigh Village Hall
21 Nov 2026 @ 10:30am - 2.00pm

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News: Calverleigh Summer Round Up 2026: News: Calverleigh Summer Round Up 2026