Village Voice by Rosie Warrillow, 13th April

It seems that there is good and bad news concerning the childrens play areas in our parish. The little play park at Icy Park has been around for many years and now needs some refurbishment. The good news is that as it’s owned by SHDC, they have allotted some funds to update this valuable amenity. The play parks in the village are also in need of attention  and the parish council needs some feedback on how this should be done. The present play equipment has been made of wood and its now also out of warranty and needs some serious TLC which will be expensive, so we need to find out what is required by our young people and their families. A meeting will be held in the village during this month and and suggestions that people may have for a future play area can be posted on the village facebook page or contact any of the parish councillors.                          

The Parish Project Group is being renamed and will now be known as the Aveton Gifford Heritage Group. The group has become smaller over the years as many founding members have passed away, so the remainung members have decided on a less structured approach. There is an enormous amount of material in the group mainly thanks to the diligence of late members Ken Doughty and others. There won’t be formal meetings any more but the group will host a website displaying photos  and historical information. The group will still man displays at the church fete and this summer has a display in the Cookworthy Museum in Kingsbridge , available all summer! So they will still be much in evidence and involved in regular events in our community.                                                              

As we are now technically into summertime, its appropriate to remind everyone that our village flower and veg show will be taking place on August 10^th this year, so get growing! There will be all the usual classes and special classes for the youngsters. This year there will be a craft table where people can display there craft for sale. Schedules will be available from the village shop in a few weeks time.. Further details can be obtained from our two wonderful ladies that run the show, Jenny and Maggie.                       

St Andrews has a full program of services and events for the Easter Period, starting on Sunday with the Palm Sunday Parade complete with a beautiful donkey, kindly loaned by John and Maggie Newsham. Palm Crosses will be handed out through the village on the way up to church. The parade will start at 10.30am, outside the Fishermans Rest. Good Friday will also see a parade, again starting at the Fisherman’s at 10.30am and ‘The Way of the Cross’ will take us on a journey up to church, stopping for readings on the way. The church will be open for those who are unable to do the walking and would just like to sit in church. The parade will be led by Reader Michael Tagent. Easter Sunday will have a communion by extension,starting at 11am and is to be led by again by Michael.