DURING the recent spell of bad weather which affected travel in rural areas it was impossible to meet the deadline for the last issue of the Courier which means that reports of some of the Christmas events are appearing a little late!

Crib Service. The Christmas Eve crib service as St Michael's Church was almost a "full house" with many children, parents and visitors among the congregation.

The service was conducted by the Rector Prebendary Anthony Geering and Shirley Gillard was the organist.

The arrangements for the service were by Tony and Judith Talbot and John Williams.

The children placed pieces of the nativity scene in the crib and the story explained by the rector. While at the crib the children sang Away in a Manger with lighted candles.

Among the helpers and providers of refreshments at the end of the service were Judith and Tony Talbot, John and Elizabeth Williams, Anne Rich, Alethea Kennerly, Eve and Cleave Collins and Jane Talbot.

Christmas Day. Travel conditions for the early morning Christmas Day Holy Communion service were not very good. However, a large congregation attended for the ringing of the bells.

The service was conducted by the Rev David Muir who is the pioneer priest to the Okehampton Deanery. Organist was Shirley Gillard.

New Year ring. Because of the weather or illness many of the regular ringers were unable to take part in the traditional end-of-year ring out the old and in with the new.

However, those few who were able to attend did keep up the tradition.

Monthly ring. The planned joint monthly ring with the Winkleigh team for January which had to be postponed due to the weather has now been re-arranged for February 2.

This will be the occasion when the home team (Spreyton) provide mince pies and cream plus tea or coffee.

Monthly whist. The January whist on the second Saturday was another event which was a victim of the road conditions. The next monthly drive will be February 13 at the village hall.

Service. The last service, held at St Michael's Church, was on Christmas Day. The next service will be on Sunday, January 24 at 4.30pm.

With the future shortage of clergy in the benefice, this will be a trial afternoon Communion service.

Snowmen. Many giant snowmen were constructed in the village during the snow fall. The largest was as you enter the village at the Crossway,o ne of the landlord by the pub doorway and one with a dog on the village green.

Many people have made use of the sloping fields to the north of the village with many home-made sledges on show.

KJV