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{Also available at www.mertonmonthly.com}

February 2020

Please send articles to dave.folland@btinternet.com by the 15th of February for inclusion in the March issue.

WHAT’S ON DIARY – other info, where applicable, in newsletter

Every Monday - Circuit Classes, Clinton Hall, 7.15 - 8.15pm

Every Monday - Kettlercise, Clinton Hall, 6 -7pm

Every Thursday - Kettlercise, Clinton Hall, 6.30- 7.30pm

Every Thurday Ultra Gentle Hatha Yoga, Clinton Hall, 10-30—11-30am

Thursdays - SMB, Clinton Hall 7.00-10.00pm

2nd Friday of the month Merton & Petrockstowe Heritage Group (dates in members’ programme)

DOG FOULING ON THE SPORTS FIELD

A cleaner neighbourhood … we all want it and we can all help to achieve it. Unfortunately the Clinton Hall has been made aware of a number of instances of dog fouling on the sports field – not nice for the football players or the school children who also use the field – and have come across dog poop bags left in the hedges, on the field and behind the gym.

No-one likes dogs’ mess; it’s a nuisance, an eyesore and poses a risk to humans, particularly children who are more likely to come into contact with it and are susceptible to the dangers of Toxicara canis, the roundworm larvae. This parasite, if swallowed, can cause a range of symptoms, from aches and pains to bronchial conditions. In rare cases it can result in blindness.

Dog faeces also carry disease to other dogs and livestock.

The majority of dog owners are responsible and do clean up after their dogs when necessary or train them ‘to go at home’. There are, however, those who still choose to be inconsiderate to others.

It is an offence for any person to allow a dog to foul public areas within the Torridge District area, the maximum fine being £1,000.

Should the Council have knowledge that a dog owner has not cleaned up any mess left by his or her dog, a fixed penalty notice of £75.00 may be issued or a fine of up to £1,000 be imposed by a Magistrates Court.

Clearly it’s far cheaper to ‘Scoop that Poop’

So if you are a dog owner:

Always carry a poop scoop with you just in case your dog decides to foul where he/she shouldn’t

Be considerate, do not exercise your dog in a children’s play area, a school field or sports ground

If there is no poop scoop bin available, please take the waste home with you to dispose of

The Clinton Hall Management Committee, Merton Football Club, school children and all users of the sports field really appreciate your consideration.

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All Saints Church

Team Rector: Revd Martin Warren, tel: 01409-281424

Team Vicar: Revd Susannah Metz, tel: 01837-810621

Methodist Minister: Rev Liz Singleton, tel: 01837-52302

Dear Friends,

Many of us will have flown Flybe, especially with it being based at Exeter. We may even know people who work for the company, and so will have felt the pain of the recent threat to the airline. But it does seem somewhat strange that just at the moment when a company is being confronted with people flying less - as all indications of climate crisis suggest we must learn to do - the govern-ment, on our behalf, steps in to reduce costs, and so presumably encourage more people to fly again. Just what are we thinking of?

I have every sympathy with people telling me – normally with great delight – how they have got a bargain price for a flight to Glasgow, or Norwich, or wherever. It seems a no-brainer, when train travel is so expensive and often crowded. But so often those bargains cover up the true costs involved. And too it’s those regional flights that are so damaging environmentally with huge amounts of fuel burned in the going up and the coming down.

We have to start thinking differently. So here’s a chance – Lent is approaching. Traditionally a time to rethink our habits and exam-ine our ways. Climate crisis demands of us not just a few adjustments here and there, a tweaking every now and then. That simply will not do. Indeed every change so far seems to have made matters worse. ‘Oh, car engines are more efficient, so I burn less petrol per mile … that means I can go further!’ Result: just as much CO2 produced.

Actually we need a whole new attitude, a whole new way of life – what Jesus called a change of heart. It’s a way that values people before property, the world before wealth, relationships before luxury. It might all feel too big a change – ‘I’m too old’, ‘Life is too hard’, ‘I’m far too busy’ – and probably it is on our own. We need each other. And God promises us his help too, if we ask. Maybe we can make a difference. Use Lent this year to have a go. And that has to include flying less for those of us that do.

Yours,

Martin Warren. Services at All Saints

2nd Feb 11.00am Morning Prayer

9th Feb 9.00am Holy Communion (at Huish)

16th Feb 11.00am Family Service (Petrockstowe Methodist)

23rd Feb 11.00am Family Service

1st Mar 11.00am Morning Prayer

Merton AFC 150 Club Draw

December 2019

£20-00 Shaun Hamley

£10-00 Ian Walls

Black Bag & Green Waste Collections for February

Black Bag collection Thursday: 6th Feb & 20th Feb

Green Waste collection Thursday: 13th Feb & 27th Feb

Recycling & Food Caddy: Collected every Friday,

From the Registers

Funeral: Our prayers for the bereaved

16th Jan Barry Wright

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The Merton Friendship Group Once more the festive season has come around and the Group Members celebrated in their usual manner. On the first Wednesday of December the Group celebrated Christmas early by meeting at a local hostelry for their Christmas lunch. The Group welcomed in the New Year, on the second Wednesday of January, in their time honoured fashion by having a games afternoon combined with a bring and share afternoon tea. Group business was discussed and it was unanimously agreed that due to our depleted membership and continued lack of support from the Merton community the group should be disbanded. It was with much regret that the group had to make this decision especially as the group had been meeting monthly for more than thirty years.

David Asteraki

A message from Mrs Christine Wickett

It is with regret that I have to announce my resignation from the Merton Friendship Group, due to having a stroke and also

moving to Landkey.

However I would like to wish them all the best for the future.

Mrs Christine Wickett

Merton AFC 150 Club Draw

December 2019

£5-00 Liam Landymore

£5-00 Andy Varney

£5-00 Spencer Kirk

£5-00 Jamie Hancock

£5-00 Teresa Paddon

£5-00 Charley Roberts

Merton AFC Home Fixtures

Sat February 8th North Molton 14-30 K.O

Thank you for the Gifts Just before Christmas, we took a car full of donations down to Plymouth to the Refugee Centre. As always, it was very gratefully received.

The centre is in the middle of Plymouth. There is no easy parking nearby, with double yellow lines along the road. Every time, it is something of a fleeting visit, as the car sits outside the centre with flashing lights, and rapid help comes from the centre to unload. Each time, there is someone to help from a different country. One year it was a Somali experiencing his first cold English winter – and it was very frosty! I did feel for him. This time it was an Iraqi. Sadly no time to stop and hear his story. But it all makes the news reports of numbers coming to our country suddenly very personal.

Thank you for your support and help.

Martin Warren.

Joy 2020

Fri 6th – Sun 8th March Celebrating the goodness of God in our midst.

The bishops of Devon will be hosting events across north Devon

in schools, with a beach clean-up, at a lifeboat station, with businesses, etc, etc

Local to us:

Sat 7th Morning

Holsworthy Market

Sat 7th Afternoon

Big Sing at the Big Sheep

Sun 8th 3pm oy 2020 Worship at Rosemoor

plus

Celebration of creativity: exhibition at Rosemoor

Saturday and Sunday Free access

Merton AFC 150 Club Draw

January 2020

£20-00 Phil Crocker

£10-00 Matt Wright

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Merton Short Mat Bowls

The results for November through to January and the fixtures for February are listed below:

RESULTS Mer-ton

Against

Tue 19-Nov

North Tawton B After-noon

Away 18 15

Tue 26-Nov

Winkleigh Away Evening Away 6 31

Tue 03-Dec Okehampton After-noon

Home 25 11

Wed 11-Dec Winkleigh B After-noon

Away 5 25

Mon 16-Dec Okehampton After-noon

Away 15 17

Mon 13-Jan Shebbear Evening Away 14 15

FIXTURES

Thu 06-Feb Wick B Evening Home

Thu 13-Feb Wick A Evening Home

Tue 18-Feb North Tawton A Afternoon Home

Thu 20-Feb Shebbear Evening Home

Tue 25-Feb Halwill Shunters Afternoon Home

Thu 27-Feb Club Night Home

We’ve got a flower rota for the church, taking turns to put flowers on the altar for one month in the year. It would be lovely to have a few more people. So, if that is something you enjoy doing, please come and speak to me or sent me a message!! Judy Winsbury, 3 The Square judy.winsbury@gmail.com

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Booking Secretary/Office Administrator.

A position is becoming available for a Booking Secretary/Office Administrator at the Clinton Hall,

commencing on the 1st March 2020

For further details please phone Steve, {Chairman of the Hall Committee} on 01805 603 146

Closing date 15th February 2020

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Merton and Huish Wildlife Group

For further information please contact Trevor Higton on 01805 603325

Remember we have a Facebook page, Merton and Huish Wildlife Group

Merton and Petrockstowe Heritage Group

The AGM of the group was held on Friday Jan. 10th at 7.30 p.m in the meeting room of the Chapel in Petrockstowe.

Twelve members attended and each had brought many items of interest to look at and chat about.

Apologies were received from Philip Collins and Kate Ripley.

The minutes of 2019's AGM were read and signed as a correct record.

The treasurer gave her report which showed a healthy balance and it was felt subscriptions should stay the same.

The Chairman then gave his report and thanked Ann and Jennie for their support during the year in organising speakers and trips which he felt were varied and interesting. It was agreed by all present to hold all meetings in the Chapel meeting room instead of the larger village hall as it was a smaller space. We would contribute towards the cost of heating.

Election of officers then took place and are as follows, Chair Roger Vooght, vice chair Chris Smith, Sec. Ann Luxton and Treas Jennie Wright.

Among the items brought by members was a 1976 edition of the Petrockstowe News and a map of Petrockstowe show-ing the wells and footpaths around 1985, photos of local and national cattle markets, pottery, pictures of Winscott House that used to be near the entrance to the clay works, a programme of a concert and photos put on by the pupils of Adalaide College Ilfracombe and other treasures. All proved a wonderful talking point.

The February meeting will be held on Feb. 14th at 7.30 p.m. in the chapel.

The speaker is Dr. Stuart Windsor whose Gt. Grandfather, Tom Robbins was an Exmoor hill farmer. He started farming in 1908 and was know affectionately as the Emperor of Exmoor or farmer Tom and kept a day book for over 50 years. Stuart has all these diaries and his talk tells the story of Toms life who was awarded the MBE in 1954 in recognition of this contribution to farming on his beloved Exmoor. It should be a very enjoyable presentation.

In March on the 13th we hope to have a speaker on ship wrecks and smuggling around the North Devon coast.

If you would like to attend a meeting they are open to anyone. Subscription for the year is £6 and £2 per meeting, visitors are £4 per meeting. Light refreshments are provided.

Ann Luxton 01837 810728—annluxton@hotmail.co.uk

Merton AFC Supporters Club

Anyone wishing to support our Football and would like to join the £150 Club — £1-00 per month or £12-00 per year.

Draw every month.

Prizes of £20-00 and £10-00.

Ring Ron on: 01805 603 947 or see me at Wring House, next to the Malt Scoop.

We must keep Merton Club kicking!

Ron Down

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With Thanks

Steve Jennings and Family wish to thank everyone who donated to The Devon Air Ambulance when their Mum “Dot” passed away in August.

The sum raised was £480-00.

It is greatly appreciated.

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Remember the new deadline. 15th February to be included in the March edition.

Merton Monthly e-mail notification.

If you are not all ready on the mailing list, would you like to be notified when the next issue of the MM is available to

view online?

If so, please send me an e-mail requesting your name to be added.

Send to dave.folland@btinternet.com

Thanks for your support.

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Little Otters Pre-School, Merton

Opening times: Term time Monday - Thursday 8-45am – 3-30pm

We aim to provide a safe and stimulating pre-school environment and to work within a frame-work, which ensures equality of opportunity for all children and families.

We believe that early years’ education is much more than teaching sounds, colours, numbers and letters. It is about developing strong, curious and confident children. Our aim is to make learning fun and for children to enjoy learning as they start their journey in life.

Your child is entitled to 15 hours, funded, the term after they are 3 years old. We are also able to provide 2gether funding for 2 year olds.

For more Information please contact the school on

01805 603357 or email admin@clinton.devon.sch.uk

Little Otters Parent & Toddler Group

Fun and stimulating activities for children aged 0-5 Years.

Activities available vary from messy play, story/singing sessions, small world play and much more!!

A chance for Parents/Carers to have a catch up while your children play in a safe environment.

A healthy snack & drink will be provided for the children & tea/coffee & biscuits for the adults.

Where - Merton Pre-School

When - Every Friday, 9am - 11.30am

Contact the school on 01805 603357

Freecycle/ For Sale

Any items for sale, or just looking for a new home, just let me

know.

dave.folland@btinternet.com

Or drop a note in my letterbox at :

Laburnum Cottage, halfway between the Pub and the Garage.

Merton Monthly Advertising.

Advertising is available in the Merton Monthly.

For further details please contact: - The Clinton Hall, e-mail: -

info@clintonhallmerton.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming advertisers old and new to our

newsletter.

Producers & Stockists

of Building Lime Products

Specialists in Cob & Stone Repair

www.jjsharpe.co.uk

On Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/JJSharpeLtd

TERM DATES 2019/2020 4th Sep – 18th Oct 2019 Half Term – 21st Oct – 25th Oct 2019 28th Oct – 20th Dec 2019 Christmas Holidays – 23rd Dec – 6th Jan 2020 7th Jan – 14th Feb 2020 Half Term – 17th Feb – 21st Feb 2020 24th Feb – 27th Mar 2020 Easter Holidays – 30th Mar – 14th Apr 2020 15th Apr – 22nd May 2020

Half Term - 25th May – 29th May 2020 1st Jun – 26th Jun 2020 Non Pupil Day - 29th Jun 2020 30th Jun – 21st Jul 2020

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~ Peter Bright ~

THATCHER

Wheat Reed – Water Reed Tel. 01837 810148 (Petrockstowe)

POUND-WISE BOOKKEEPING SERVICE

Tanglewood, Merton, Okehampton, EX20 3EA

01805 603405/07970 541448

julie@pound-wisebookkeeping.co.uk

FOR THE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESS

- Accounts and VAT - Tax Returns - Payroll (Real Time Information) NB Non-compliance with RTI could result in fines

being levied by HMRC

D

W

Decorating

Painting & Decorating Specialists

Interior * Exterior * Commercial * Domestic

Also guttering and down pipe cleaning

Merton Mill, Merton

Grascott Firewood Quality Seasoned Firewood

£85: Single Load £160: Double Load £230: Triple Load

Delivery charges may apply

Tel: 01409 281393 E-mail: info@grascottfirewood.co.uk

WCM PLANT

3 – 14 TON EXCAVATOR HIRE

ALL ASPECTS COVERED

GROUND WORKS & DRAINAGE

Also logs for sale

01805 603603 – 07860 754853

Wayne Mansfield - Merton Devon

HANDY-VAN

Man & Van

For Hire Call Richard: 01837 811172

Remember the new deadline. 15th November to be included in the Dec/Jan edition.