Visits since 4th May 2002

August 2004

1.  GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Hemyock village

Hemyock is the largest village within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village itself lies in the valley of the River Culm, and it surrounded on all sides by rolling hills. The valley bottom and the sides of the hills are covered with fields, many with ancient hedges, and almost all of them supporting a number of diary and livestock farms.

The parish has a long and interesting history. A number of barrows show that a society existed here before recorded history began. Large fragments of slag occur all over the parish: recent analysis and research has shown that iron was smelted here during the late Iron Age. The industry flourished into the Roman and Saxon periods. During the Saxon occupation Hemyock gave its name to the Hemyock Hundred and this administrative unit existed well into the middle ages. Throughout its history our inhabitants have exhibited a great deal of independence, perhaps partially explained by the presence of our Castle, and the nearby Cistercian Abbey, but more so as a result of the woollen trade in the Culm valley from the C15th onward. This trade attracted merchants from Holland and the brought with them not only trade but the latest, often revolutionary, ideas from a country that was embracing new protestant thought. Later during the Civil War Hemyock was on the side of the parliamentarians, and because of this three of the inhabitants were hung in the village centre.

Religious non-conformity became strong in the parish. This feeling of independence continued. In the mid C19th local people constructed a railway that linked Hemyock to the main G W R line at Tiverton Junction and within a few years a group of local farmers formed a co-operative to produce butter mechanically for the first time in the West of England. This industry grew and continued until the mid 1990's. As a result of the factory the very first Young Farmers Club in England was formed in Hemyock in 1922.

This short description shows what an interesting and unusual village Hemyock has become. For a fuller description and information we would recommend the "Book of Hemyock", by Brian Clist and Chris Dracott, published in 1998'

The population of Hemyock is about 2200. For 200 years, until the end of World War II, it remained constant at about 1000. This was largely because the village was self sufficient in many things. The Milk factory provided employment for about 80 people, there was not a great deal of private transport, and there was no need for any vast variation in numbers. The late 1940's were a watershed as members of the services returning from war service needed housing and employment. A large development of council housing was then built. Estates have continued to be built ever since. At present 2 estates containing about 90 new homes are being built.

Hemyock has been designated as a Local Centre by Mid Devon District Council, and so it would fair to expect this expansion to continue. As a result of this doubling of population the social composition has changed; the majority of workers now have white collar jobs. Local jobs do remain: we have a large timber yard, the school, local shops and garages, a large medical centre and of course the remaining farms. For the majority though, their place of work is away from the village.

Unlike many villages we still have a healthy infrastructure. There are 2 shops, 2 garages, a pub, fish and chip shop, 2 hairdressers, 2 taxi services and a large coach operation. There is still a bus service but sadly no trains. The village also boasts a number of builders and small firms developing the newer technologies.

The Parish Council is forward looking, and currently involved in two major projects, the development of a new hall and the conversion of 11 acres of land into further recreational facilities. Both these were the offshoots, for nominal sums, of the current building developments.

See Appendix 1 for details of various village clubs/activities.
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2.  THE CHURCH

a) Congregation
       The Electoral Roll contains 63 names. The average congregation for the main service of the day is 50. Socially it is mixed. Economically it is not destitute but not wealthy. Age-wise there is a reasonable spread. Most people have a role within the church family and perform it with good grace. Historically it has been low or mildly evangelical in churchmanship though more recently it has received an infusion of moderate Catholicism.

b) Church Groups
       The following groups are associated with the church:-

St. Mary's Guild.
       20+ members. Monthly afternoon meeting with speaker.

Tuesday Group.
       20+ members. Monthly evening meeting with social programme.

Friends of St. Mary's.
       Organise activities to raise funds to maintain and improve church building. 10 people involved.

Church choir.
       16 members, including children. Sometimes augmented.

Bell Ringers.
       Enthusiastic group of about 11 adults.

Tower Room Club.
       For children and teenagers, who go to the Tower Room during the main services (except Family Service)

CMS (formerly MAM)
       Active link mission. There are other personal links with Uganda.

Bible Study group.
       Meet weekly.

Pram Service.
       Held monthly on Thursday afternoons .

Men's Group.
       This has merged with Baptist Men to form Hemyock Men who meet at the Catherine Wheel monthly.

Crusaders.
       Children and teenagers are catered for at Crusaders, jointly run by the Baptists and Anglicans. Meet Friday evenings.

c) Magazine
       The "Parish Pump" is the magazine for Hemyock and Clayhidon. It is published bi-monthly and delivered to every house in the two parishes. Circulation  - 1100 plus. Financed by voluntary donations and advertising and underwritten by the PCC if necessary. It provides a means of communication between church and people and a shop-window for all local activities.
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3. THE CHURCH BUILDINGS

a) The Parish Church
       Like a lot of rural parish churches the church of St Mary in Hemyock presents in stone some of the history of the parish over the past 900 years, predating any written records by some 100 years or more. A very detailed study of the building has been made in recent times by Robert Sherlock, which gives minutiae of information. The following is a very brief summary.

The church stands on land bordering St Margaret's stream, which runs from the hills to the south into the Culm. It is believed that this was a place of Saxon worship, and the Normans built a solid cruciform church with central tower on the site. A large part of that tower can still be found in the ringing room. Alterations were put in hand about 1290 when the shape was changed to roughly its present one with the tower now at the west end. Around 1330 the Chantry Chapel of St Catherine was added on the south side, and in 1767/8 further changes were made to the top of the tower and internally.

In 1846/7 the church was modernized in the style of the day, leaving us with today's low box pews, orchestra balcony, extended aisles and porch. Wall and floor memorials date back to 1664. Amongst the jewels of the church are the font, which has a mixed history but is basically from 1200, the clock, purchased in 1747 for £36 and now electrically wound, and the candelabra, also dating from the C18th.

The churchyard is closed and maintained by Mid Devon D C. The organ dates from the late C19th and is felt by some to be under powered for the size of the building. The tower houses six bells from a variety of foundries, the oldest dated 1624. These were re-hung in 1983. The tower has suffered some settlement since the summer of 1976 and has had various work done on it as proposed in the last Quinquennial report. There is also a risk from flash floods, but preventative measures are in place.

To mark the Millennium a new oak glazed screen was erected between the church and the ringing chamber and combined with this a Children’s Corner was created, complete with storage cupboards. This also gave more room at the back for coffee at the end of services. Recently we spent £8000 on updating the lighting and adding security lighting around the church.

All in all the church is considered to be the best of the three remaining churches in Devon which were originally Norman cruciform buildings

b) Culm Davy Chapel
       Culm Davy is mentioned in the Doomsday book. In 1133 the owner of the moor and valley, Sir William Widworth, gave the land to his son David, and the area became known David's valley or Culm Davy. The Chapel is the last remaining part of the old Manor House. Probably built in the C15th it was restored in the C19th. The Porch has a late C15th archway with concave and wavy moulding. The inner doorway has a two centred arch set in square heads, with foliated spandrel, the best medieval workmanship in the chapel. There is an unceiled wagon roof. combined piscina and aumbrey and a primitive wall monument dated 1705

Three of the tomb chests and stones in the churchyard are included in the list of items of Special Architectural or Historic Interest made by Devon C C. Recently a considerable sum was raised to repair the boundary wall of the Chapel and renovate the Mortimer Chest Tomb and West Door arches, The Chapel will seat 50 people and boasts an Harmonium, electric lighting and a single bell.

c) The Church Room
       Built as the Sunday School in 1897 this building is much used by church and village. It was modernised in the 1980s and has been re-roofed. A new extension has been built by the Cameo Club (Social Services) which will become the property of St Mary's when the club leaves. The PCC are discussing the redecoration of the interior.

d) The Rectory
       Situated on the road to Honiton. It was built in 1939/40 and has 5 bedrooms, two reception rooms, study and three toilets. There is double glazing, installed in 1993, and has central heating powered by an auto-feed hopper system. A large south facing garden includes a detached garage. It is currently rented out on a short term lease.
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4. SERVICES

The current services are listed on the “Services in The Benefice” page of this site.

a) At Hemyock services are normally Common Worship based, although Series 3 Communion and Baptism are used as well. Various translations of the Bible are used, although the Common Lectionary is probably the most used. Hymnbooks used are Hymns Old & New. A similar situation pertains at Culm Davy, where the hymns are from "Ancient and Modern ".

Average congregations are as follows:-

At Hemyock, regular services
       8.00 Communion                              7
       11.15 Communion                           59
       11.15 Family Service                      46
       11.15 Morning Prayer                      45
       10.30 Communion                            8 (Thursdays)

Special services
       Easter Communicants about            81
       Christmas Communicants about     110
       Harvest                                        72
       Carol service                              140

At Culm Davy
       Communion 9
       Evening prayer 23
       Carol service 68

b) Other Services
       It is somewhat difficult to completely quantify other services to the separate parishes. People have often very personal reasons for requesting, say. Baptism at Hemyock or asking the incumbent to take a funeral. Families have moved up and down the valley over many years and demarcation is often hazy.

c) Confirmations
       The previous Rector endeavoured to have a Confirmation in the Parish approximately every 2 years. Since 1998 33 people have been confirmed in 4 services, 3 of which have been at Hemyock, 1 at All Saints. This figure includes 18 adults. It is to be noted that some of the work in this area has for several years included the Culmstock congregation, long before the parishes were joined.

d) Joint Culm Davy/Hemyock figures

       Year                                   1999       2000       2001       2002       2003

       Funerals/Cremations            10          10             5            13           6

       Weddings                               2            4             0              6            2

       Baptisms                              14            8           10               7         10

Where possible Baptismal parties have been encouraged to have the service within the normal worship of the church, mainly during the Family Service.
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5.1 THE CHURCHES

a) Hemyock Baptist Church (HBC)
       The building dates from 1865. The present Pastor Rev Steven Reed is keen to work with other churches and be involved with the local community, e.g. the Chapel Café coffee and chat every Wednesday morning. Also Crusaders Groups run jointly with St Mary's on Tuesdays and Fridays for 5-13 yrs. There is a group known as High Zone for older teenagers meeting in a Baptist House which draws its membership mainly from Baptist and Anglican churches.

Services: 11am with Sunday school and 6.30pm Worship and Bible study, for all the weekly activities please see information in the Parish Pump.

b) Roman Catholic.
       The nearest churches are in Wellington or Cullompton.

c) Methodists.
       The church in Hemyock is now closed regular members now attend Wellington or other local churches.

d) Rosemary Lane Chapel (Brethren) Clayhidon
       We enjoy a good working relationship with them e.g. Lent Study Talks, although their link with St Andrew's is obviously stronger.

e) Salvation Army
       There are Citadels in Wellington and Cullompton.

f) Quakers
       Meeting Houses are found in Culmstock and Wellington.

g) The Community Church
       This fellowship grew steadily and has now moved to Wellington.
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5.2 WORKING TOGETHER

A Children's" Holiday Club has been held in the village for over 30 years, usually at the end of July, beginning of August. There is a Committee of volunteers who organize the Club made up of members of Baptist, Anglican and Brethren churches. They use Scripture Union materials. It caters for Primary School children with teenage helpers. About 90 to 100 young people attend, Monday to Friday at the school from 11am to 2.45 pm.

During Lent Ecumenical meetings have taken Place at various homes or churches around the Benefice and have been well attended. Other groups meet for Bible study during the week.

Various services in the Parish Church are held to be "village" events, and ministers and members of other churches, or none, will attend or take part in them. These would include the Harvest Home, the Carol Service and Remembrance Sunday Celebrations.

St Mary's has enjoyed working with the other churches in the area and few barriers exist between us. We feel it is important to show we are united in Christ.
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6. VILLAGE LIFE AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Hemyock is a bustling, thriving community in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It continues to expand with 100 houses at different stages of build at present. The old St Ivel (milk factory) site is well underway to become a residential area. There is some doubt as to the ability of the infrastructure, roads, shops and general facilities, being able to cope. The Longmead Sports Field, currently being formed, will provide new facilities for visitors as well as parishioners. The School rated very highly in the OFSTED inspections this year, and will have a new classroom shortly.

Hemyock also has a growing social environment. There is something for everyone, young or old. We twin with France, and have sport and other activities in abundance. No one need be alone.

 At a practical level at St Mary's, discussions are underway regarding building much needed toilet facilities. The reordering of pews in the main worship area is also being looked at to create a more flexible and user friendly space. Amid today's frantic pace of life, this wonderful old building needs to be a place of relevant spiritual activity for all the growing community of Hemyock.

Many of the St Mary's members are involved in the village organizations listed in the Appendices, and these give the chance to take the church into everyday life. Whilst there is no requirement for any priest to be involved in these, previous incumbents have acted as School governors. Scout group chaplain, been involved with the Cameo Club and of course, followed their own interests and hobbies. A very small number of local charities list the Incumbent of the parish as one of their trustees. These activities do offer an opportunity to meet the parishioners in daily activity and give the chance to talk, support, enjoy company and catch up on the latest news.,

Hemyock can grow spiritually as well. The Blackdown Hills saw a revival of sorts in the late 1800 "s. Chapels sprung up everywhere, though most are closed now. The seeds for a new revival are here. St Mary's and the Baptists share in the leadership of the growing Crusader groups. The Baptist Church now employs a youth worker. It is seeing growth and is thoroughly committed to an outreach strategy, some of which is ecumenical. They and St Mary's, along with the other churches, seek to support each other when and where they can.

With the potential and enthusiasm of the St Mary's membership, all that is needed now is a priest to lead them to "go in peace and serve the Lord".
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APPENDIX

VILLAGE ACTIVITIES

Acorn Club      Contact Tel: 01823 681039
      Provides companionship, speakers and outings for mature members of both sexes. Monthly afternoon meetings.

Badminton Club     Contact Tel: 01823 680652
      Meets twice weekly, afternoon and evenings.

Blackdown Hills Business Association     Contact Tel: 01823 680656
      Promotes the interests of all businesses from artists and farmers to solicitors and translators.

Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership
       A working partnership of local communities, businesses, the Local Authority and Regional and national agencies. Aims to safeguard the Blackdowns whilst fostering the social and economic wellbeing of its people.

Blackdown Medical Centre     Tel: 01823 680206
      The Hemyock Surgery is base for a medical practice which has 5 whole time equivalent Doctors as well as alternative medical practitioners. The Blackdown Support Group is attached to the practice and offers a wide range of support services. The group was recently awarded the Queens Golden Jubilee Award for Voluntary       Service in the Community.

Community Hospitals are found at Wellington, Tiverton and Honiton,

The nearest 24hr Accident Centre is at Taunton (Wellington has a limited service) and acute care is managed at Taunton and Exeter.

Bowls Club     Contact Tel: 01823 680293
      Has 50 members of all ages. Will celebrate its centenary in 2005.

Brook House
      A Bed & Breakfast establishment in The Square. It also offers a take away food service several times each week.

Cameo Club     Contact Tel: 01823 681064
       Day centre for a wide range of care services for needy and elderly residents in the Blackdowns. About 20 members meet twice a week in the Church Room. Communion is given about every 3 weeks.

The Catherine Wheel (Photo)    Tel: 01823 680 224
       Hemyock's last remaining public house. It has 2 bars, a games room and a restaurant. There is a possible link to the Catherine Chapel in the Parish church.

The Cemetery
       Situated in Culmstock Road. The Parish Church graveyard is "closed".
       Crematoria are found Taunton and Exeter.

Chapel Cafe
       Held at the Baptist Church on Wednesday mornings.

Cricket Club     Contact Tel: 01823 681051
       Has approximately 35 members, who play on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season. It is hoped to restart the Junior section later in 2004.

Crusaders     Contact Tel: 01823 680467  or  01823 681348
       Joint youth group between Parish Church and Baptist Church. Offers activities to children and young people between 5 and 14 years old.
       Different age groups meet each week.

Education.
       The Primary School is a thriving community with about 150 children on the roll. It was built west of village centre in 1982. There is no secondary school here, children usually go on to Uffculme.

      Comprehensive. Further education can be gained at Somerset College of Arts and Technology (Taunton) or East Devon College (Tiverton).

      F E classes take place in the Primary School and the Baptist Church.

      Public Schools are found in Wellington, Taunton and Tiverton.

Football Club     Contact Tel: 01823 680536
      One senior team and 60 juniors, girls and boys, who form 4 teams.

Gardeners Association     Contact Tel: 01823 680850
       Monthly evening meetings, outings and bi-annual shows.

Guest Houses.
       Several small ones in the area. No major Hotels, the nearest being at Wellington.

 Hemyock Castle
       Fortified manor house, occasionally opened to the public.

 Hemyock Education and Leisure Project.
       An elected management committee set up to develop the resources in the parish.

 Hemyock Market
       Held 3rd Saturday of each month, from 10 to 12 noon. Various local produce/craft/charity stalls. A good place to meet the community.

Hemyock Singers.     Contact Tel: 01823 680352
       Group of about 40 members aged 10 to 70t. Puts on stage show (pantomime or musical) in Autumn half term week. Choral group usually perform two concerts per year, in Spring and Autumn.

Keep Fit Group.     Contact Tel: 01823 680375
       Meets weekly.

Nature Reserves.
       Devon Trust for Nature Conservation manage two areas in the parish.

Old School Court.     Contacts Tel: 01884 840169   &   01884 840823
       Sheltered Housing scheme based in the old primary school. Managed by an independent trust and gives homes to a dozen people.

Parent, Baby and Toddler Group.     Contact Tel: 01823 681034
       Meets weekly.

Parish Council     Contacts Tel: 01823 680237   &   01823 680918
      Reports to Mid Devon District Council. Very active.

Parish Hall Management Committee.     Contact Tel: 680068
       Organises and upkeeps the Hall, recreation field and small playground in centre of village. The Hall was built in 1927, some parts have been recently updated.

Preschool group     Contact Tel: 01823 680768
       Meets Monday to Friday mornings. Also offers a lunchtime club. Excellent reputation.

Public Transport             Taxi (Allan's) Tel: 01823 680708          Taxi (D.H.) Tel: Mobile 0774 871 0779
       A limited bus services links Hemyock with Wellington, Taunton, Honiton and Seaton. There are two taxi services and a long established coach company. This provides holiday tours both at home and overseas as well as private hire.
       Train services operate from Tiverton Parkway and Taunton.

Residential Care.
       There are no homes in the village at present. Homes in Wellington, Churchinford and Cullompton offer short term and day care as well as long term care.

Scrabble Club
       Meets at the Baptist Church, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.

Sequence Dance Club
       Meets weekly in Parish Hall.

Sedgemoor Childcare.
       Charity using a house in Culmstock road as an assessment centre for boys with severe behavioural and emotional problems. Up to 4 boys aged 11 to 16 are assessed over a 13 week period before moving on.

Shops
       Two general stores, one housing the Post service and the other a Spar open until 10pm. These provide a large selection of goods for daily needs. There are 2 garages, 2 hairdressers, and an estate agent.
      Supermarkets are found in Wellington, Taunton, Honiton and Tiverton.
      Shops at Exeter are also within easy reach..

Snooker Club     Contact Tel: 01823 680106
       Has its own building alongside the Parish Hall.

Tennis Club     Contact Tel: 01823 680664
       Has courts alongside the Parish Hall. Puts special emphasis on teaching youngsters the rudiments of the game . Club sessions held for juniors and seniors during season. Club hopes to be included in the Longmead
       Sports Project to provide new courts.

Uniformed Youth Groups
       There is a long record of service to the community from the Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Brownies, and they are very active in encouraging young people to be good citizens. There is a long standing link with a similar group in Tender, Denmark, and regular exchanges are maintained. The annual Scout Sale is a village institution and regularly raises £1000 in 2 hour. 

Upper Culm Valley Twining Association.
       This has a strong membership exchanging with St Herblon , a village in the lower Loire Valley.

Veterinary Services
       The surgery in the village opens twice daily.

Women's Institute
       Meets monthly. Members join the W I Carol festival at Exeter Cathedral.

Young Farmers Club (Culm Valley)     Contact Tel 01823 680686
       Hemyock was the birthplace of the Y F movement, starting as the Calf Club in l927. It caters for people from 10 to 26. Organizes competitions, sports and social events, helps with community projects and takes part in agricultural shows.
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Hemyock Profile;     Photos (St Mary's, events);     Photos (Hemyock events);     Photos (village);     Bells & Ringers;
Hemyock Parish Council.

Benefice;     Services;     Contacts & Links;     Web-site Map;

Welcome;     Valley Events;     Hemyock;     Culm Davy;     Clayhidon;     Culmstock;     St Cyprian, Bonn.

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