THE parish church was decorated with flowers and vegetables for the harvest festival on the first weekend in October.

On Sunday morning the celebrant at harvest communion was the Rev Ruth Hansford, and organist was D Chivers, and Mrs T Haycocks read the lesson.

Northlew Silver Band played at the evening 'Songs of Praise' at which the Methodist Minister, the Rev Nigel Coke-Woods was the guest preacher. The lesson was read by Michael Dufty on behalf of Northlew Farmer's Club. Mrs R Squire and Mrs P Carter were sidesmen and the bells were rung for the service.

The school harvest service was held in church on Monday and the harvest supper followed in the Victory Hall in the evening.

The Vicar said Grace and all sang a verse of 'We Plough the Fields and Scatter' and then all enjoyed beef, ham, salads and potatoes, followed by apple pies and trifle, chased down by cider. Although less in number than usual everyone spent an enjoyable evening.

Thanks were expressed to all the cooks and helpers, and to Frank and Gary for conducting the auction of the produce.

A profit of £506 was made for church funds — less a donations to the primary school, which they will forwards to their chosen charity.

THE Women's Guild and Fellowship met in the Methodist Hall. Mrs Hazel Gilkinson of the Faith Mission led the meeting and gave a talk about the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' gown and was healed. Miss B Curtis welcomed members to the meeting and refreshments concluded the afternoon.

MRS Margie May and Mrs Cynthia Friend organised their annual dance in aid of chapel funds. A good number of people attended, and £204 was raised. Thanks were expressed to all who supported the event.

THE bridge at the bottom of Harpers Hill, going out of Northlew, has been closed for just over a week, which means fairly long diversions for drivers from the village to Okehampton.

The work being done is to strengthen the bridge. The road through will be closed until approximately the third week of November.