The history of the Parish Paper started with a monthly magazine produced by the Exeter Diocese in the 1930s, dealing with Cathedral matters, in which the parishes of Payhembury, Broadhembury, Talaton and Plymtree each had its own page of news and events. This was discontinued during the war. Next the Reverend Charnley produced a leaflet detailing events in the parish, then when he left Betty Johns went to the Parochial Church Council with the suggestion of a Parish Paper as it is now.
So it was that in July 1967 Betty, Trevor Collins of Moneyglass Cottage in Colestocks and Ken Whitaker who lived in Lower Milton produced the paper is its present format with the help of a good old-fashioned Roneo machine! The paper was to be delivered to every house in the parish without charge and that is a philosophy which the committee are keen to keep to this day.
This is a paragraph which was in that first edition – and was printed again in the 2007 edition on its 40th anniversary:
“To the Readers: The success and values of this paper depends upon the news that it carries, apart from the various organisations in the village, this news can only be provided by readers.
We ask you to provide this — births, engagements, marriages, Silver & Golden anniversaries are all news. Notification of anyone in hospital, stating which hospital and visiting times, could bring the patient welcome visitors.
Departure from the parish, deaths and all items of general interest will be published, space permitting. Please put in the box on the church gate as early as possible, and not later than the 20th day of the month, for inclusion in the next issue.”
We, the committee, don’t think a lot has changed since then – although we could do with more news of special events which people wish to share with the village – except perhaps the fact that it is now produced on a computer, put on this website and printed professionally!
Contact: Editorial Team (Kate Duggan – 849159, Marian Edwards – 841041, Christine Thair – 841322, Victoria Lincoln – 07967 313035)
Contact email: payhemburypaper@yahoo.co.uk
PLEASE NOTE: In order for your article to reach the editors, please use email address above or post in the box on the church steps
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