Colyford is a village on the A3052 Lyme Regis to Exeter road, situated mid-way between Lyme Regis and Sidmouth. Seaton is 2km. away on the coast and Colyton 1km. further inland. Colyford was formerly an Ancient Borough of long-standing and still elects a Mayor. Colyford is a linear village, and on the current Ordnance Survey maps it is still possible to make out the original narrow burgage plots running back from the main road.

There is a strong sense of community within the village and the social scene is centred on the Memorial Hall. Much village effort is put into the annual Michaelmas Goose Fayre, held on Springfields on the south side of the village. Villagers and friends dress in medieval costume, with mummers and medieval music, as they follow the Mayor and his Lady, in a horse-drawn cart, as they process along the main road to the fayre ground.

Colyford has a chapel-of-ease, dedicated to St. Michael and All Angels, also a village Post Office, a Butchers, and two Pubs, the Wheelwright and the White Hart. Unfortunately we recently lost the service of our village Filling Station.

Another of the attractions of the village is the Tramway that runs along the discontinued railway branch line from Seaton to Colyton.
Very popular with tourists, the Tramway runs a regular service from Spring to Autumn.

More information can be found on the Tramway website.http://www.tram.co.uk

It is generally agreed that Colyford is a very friendly and agreeable place to live and visit.

If you require further information about Colyford or any of the events staged by the village then please e-mail:-

welcome@colyfordvillage.co.uk

The Old Manor 1976.

COLYFORD VILLAGE NEWSLETTER: FEBRUARY 2012

CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PARTY: This took place on Saturday 10th December, it was a really lovely event and greatly enjoyed by the children. Thanks again to Tammy Norcott and her team of helpers for organising everything so well.

MAYOR'S DINNER: Will be held on Saturday 3rd March at 7.00 for 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall. Thank you to those who gave us their views about changes to the format of the evening, in response to this the dancing to Lee’s music will begin later than usual and there will be an interval for conversation and social time following the meal. Please see back page for menu and booking details. There will be a glass of sherry or orange juice on arrival, please bring your own bottles for your table. Tickets (£20.00) are available from the Post Office until 20th February, numbers are limited so please reserve your place as soon as possible. There will be a raffle and prizes will be gratefully received on the night or at Dolphins. We look forward to seeing you there.

GOOSE FAYRE: Following a very successful Fayre in 2011 the AGM will be held on Friday 20th April at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall. (NOTE CHANGE OF DATE). Requests for donations to local clubs and societies may be made in writing to: David Horrill (552618) or Vicky Mills (553666) by 16th April. Several committee members will be stepping down this year or next and to ensure the continued success of the Fayre new members are urgently needed. PLEASE COME ALONG TO THE AGM AND OFFER YOUR HELP WITH ORGANISING THIS YEAR’S FAYRE.

NEWS FROM COLYFORD MEMORIAL HALL: Jumble Sale Saturday 25th February at 2.00pm. All donations are welcome,(not electrical) All funds go to the Memorial Hall, which is a charity. If you require a collection please phone: 551375. Please do your bit to recycle, better quality items are sold in our Fairs. Future events in aid of the Hall will include: Spring Fair – 19th May, Jazz Evening – 30th June, Autumn Jumble Sale – 6th October and Christmas Fair – 24th November.
Would you be interested in a Village Quiz Night - Friday or Saturday evening for a light hearted get together. Please phone: Anne West 551375
We are getting feedback that villagers do not know what is on in the Memorial Hall. Here is a list:- Line Dancing; Bingo; Short Mat Bowls; Sequence Dancing: Upholstery; Keep Fit; Stitch & Natter; Pilates; Flower Arranging; WI; Gardening; History; Painting; French; Lace Group; National Trust; Tea Dances. If you want more information please phone Anne West, who is also the Bookings Secretary. There are also Cream Teas and Coffee mornings etc. held by various groups throughout the year. The list of events is on the board by the road, or just inside the foyer at the Hall, also look at www.colyfordvillage.co.uk.
Please note that we have opened a new gateway in the hedge, opposite the church, and the existing opening has been closed off.

COLYTON PARISH COUNCIL: There is a Colyton Parish Council meeting at 7.00pm on Monday 12th March at Colyford Memorial Hall. Your Parish Councillors in Colyford are: Colin Pady 552316; Alan Davis 552472; Howard West 551375 Please come and support them. If you would like to read the minutes of Colyton Parish Council meetings please look at www.colytonparishcouncil.co.uk.

HOLYFORD WOODS LOCAL NATURE RESERVE: Working party Wednesday 15th Feb. Meet at Horriford - 10am. Bluebell Day Saturday May 5th 10am to 4pm.

DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS: Representatives from various local organisations attended the committee meeting on 18th January. It has been agreed that a range of events will take place in Colyton on June 3rd and 4th. So far there has been no representative from Colyford and so if anyone would like to attend the next meeting on 29th February please let us know. Thank you – John and Vicky (553666).

CPRE BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION 2012: Following our success in 2010 it would be good to enter again, so we are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to lead the campaign for Colyford. First judging in May. Contact Colin Pady on 552316.

COLYTON LINK: Please contact Howard West (551375) or Vicky Mills (553666)for more details. LINK urgently needs more volunteer car drivers. LESS THAN 5% OF DRIVERS LIVE IN COLYFORD but LINK receives plenty of calls from Colyford residents. Please contact us if you could join our list of drivers.

STOP LINE WAY: Lobbying of Devon County Council and our County Councillor to consider an off-road alternative route continues. DCC still favour an on-road route through the village from the Colyford Common entrance opposite Popes Lane along Seaton Road to the A3052. They plan to install a toucan crossing near Yeoman’s Acre, very welcome but we really need a crossing near the church and Colyford Memorial Hall. Their route continues across the junction to Colyton at Pear Tree Corner and over the River Coly bridge where a priority system is supposed to control traffic. The Burgesses and Colyton PC will continue to press for a hold on these works and seek approval for an off-road option. Alan Davis - 552 472.

NEWS FROM ST MICHAEL’S AND FRIENDS OF (FOSM): Epiphany Party - Wow! what a party – all good fun thanks to everyone who came from the youngest, Leo, at 6-months’ old to Harold at, shush … 96? who was skipping around to the end. Thank you, too, for all the help and support, raising £86.00 from the raffle alone.
Forthcoming events include: “Soup and Puddings” run by the FOSM, Fri 10th February, 12 noon- 2.00 pm (slight change, please pay (£5.00) as you enter). FOSM AGM is on Mon 27th February at 2.30 pm with tea afterwards – always appreciate support. The Children’s Easter Egg Hunt and Party will be held on Sat 14th April at 2.30. Colyford children of primary school age will be sent invitations, if any child hasn’t received an invitation by the 24th March please let us know, tel. 552499.
Do please come and bring family and friends to “SONGS OF PRAISE” on Sun 22nd April at 6.30. On Fri 27th April, Simon and Mary Card are very kindly hosting a coffee morning at Harepath Farm in aid of the Friends of St Michael from 10.30 – 12.30. For HOLY WEEK & EASTER services please see special leaflet available nearer the time.

COLYFORD WOMEN'S INSTITUTE: Meets at the Memorial Hall on the first Wednesday of each month at 2.30pm. We have speakers on a wide range of topics – many tell us of their humorous experiences, while others speak on more serious subjects. The talk is followed by tea, and a chance to chat to fellow members. The WI provides friendship, entertainment, education and the opportunity to meet like-minded people. Many long-lasting friendships have started at WI!
Please come to one of our meetings, you can attend as a visitor with no obligation to join. We look forward to seeing you!

COLYFORD AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB: Meets at the Memorial Hall (usually) on the first Tuesday of the month starting at 2.15pm. Next meeting – Tues 7th February.

COLYTON GARDEN SOCIETY: Meetings are every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm either in CMH or Colyton Peace Memorial Hall. New members and guests will be welcome at any time. Our speakers cover a wide variety of topics, there is no need to be an expert, just enjoy gardening. Please ring Sue Price (552362) or Peter Clark (553341) for more details.

THE NATIONAL TRUST - AXE VALLEY CENTRE: Events include – Talks, Spring and Autumn Fairs, Outings, Theatre and Concert trips, Walks, Holidays (both home and Overseas), a Christmas Lunch and special events such as this year's Diamond Jubilee Lunch. Please see the diary page for meetings and events during March, April, May. Membership (£5) is open to existing NT members. Non members are welcome where coach seats or tickets are available, and can join the newsletter subscription list (£5) to get more details and application forms.
Further details from: Membership and Newsletter subscription list: Mrs Janet Creasey (01297 35880) Outings: Roger Findlow (01404 549503); Walks:Sue Back (01460 220636) Theatre:Mrs Beryl Chesterman (01297 551419); Concerts: Malcolm Steer (01297 631831) Holidays:Michael Goodliff/ Sylvia Fraser (01297 552137/32306); Garden days: Jim Marks (01460 220266).
ALL WELCOME to the Spring Fair (including Killerton Garden Plant Stall) on Saturday 21st April from 11.00am to 2.00pm at the CMH. BBQ and ploughman style lunches from 12.30pm. Entry £1 to include coffee & biscuits served up to mid-day

COLYTON PARISH HISTORY SOCIETY: New members are welcome, please contact Shirley Campbell Brown (553557) for further details.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UPDATE: Keep up to date with events and news in your community, visit www.neighbourhoodpolicing.devon-cornwall.police.uk and select the Seaton Rural neighbourhood from the ‘Find My Neighbourhood’ drop down box.

GARDEN FAIR AT COLYTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL: Saturday 28th April 10.00am – 4.00pm. Indoor and outdoor garden and craft stalls, musical entertainment, all day refreshments and much more. Entrance £3.00 for adults, children free. (01297 553211).

Next Newsletter - May: Finally, please don’t forget to visit our website – www.colyfordvillage.co.uk.