The amount collected for the Poppy Day Appeal by Francis Gillard amounted to £645.

Francis has done this collection for many years, walking locally and driving, not only to parishioners but also to many other locations within the parish boundaries.

This could be a record amount for a very worthwhile cause.

Leaf clearance. The weather lived up to its forecast for the annual clearance of leaves from the churchyard.

A very early start was made by some volunteers starting with a drizzle and gale force wind.

As more people arrived, so the rain gradually worsened becoming very heavy by noon, when the clearance was completed.

The wardens offer thanks to Richard Brook and family for providing the trailer to move the leaves away, to John and Elizabeth Williams for providing a much welcomed mid morning coffee and cakes, made and provided by Isabel Brook.

Thanks are also extended to the many people who braved the conditions to enable the leaf clearance to be completed. However, many people did need a change of clothes when they arrived home.

Whist drive. The November whist drive was held a week later than normal and was held in the village hall.

There were more than 15 tables in play, braving the stormy weather outside the hall. Many people encountered pockets of flood water on their way home.

The main prizewinners were: Ladies - S Vile, P Reed, D Evans, J White, M Jewell, K Reed, J Western and J Phare. Gents - Evelyn, W Greenslade, D Callard, M Dinnis, R Bowden, J Rendel and Peggy and Tony.

The whist was organised by Ken and Sylvia Vile for the Spreyton Churchyard fund. Other helpers were: D Toms, M Riddaway and A Hawkins, plus many players helped to remove tables and chairs afterwards. K Vile was MC.

The amount raised was £115. Before the start of the whist, the MC asked for a period of silence in memory of a regular whist player in the area who suffered a fatal accident in the Exeter area on Friday.

KJV