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

At this time of the year we are normally reporting on the progress of our Goose Fayre and 'begging' for help in all the different areas - however - you will all be aware that the Goose Fayre Committee reluctantly decided to postpone our next Medieval Goose Fayre until 2009. The committee agreed that the improvement works in progress and those planned by Henry and Wendy Pountney at Springfield presented some uncertainties for the planning of the event this year. Whilst they confirmed the field could still be used, the committee took the decision not to stage the Fayre in order to avoid delays for the works and to assist in their early completion. The committee did consider alternative venues or a possible mini fayre at the Memorial Hall but decided the Springfield site could not be matched. So - as was said at the meeting - "Glastonbury Festival took a break so I think we can as well, the Fayre should be better than ever in 2009". The next Colyford Goose Fayre will be on Saturday 26th September 2009 - please all make a note of the date and start to think what YOU will do to make the 2009 Fayre really memorable.
GOOSE FAYRE COMMITTEE members are pleased to report that they have a new Hon. Secretary, as Vicky Mills has kindly volunteered to undertake this task. We are still looking for a new Chairman!!

PARISH PLAN: The Parish Plan has been completed, copies widely distributed and reference copies and a CD are in the Colyton Library. The plan will be submitted to EDDC Development Committee this month for endorsement. Please note that a donation will come from the Parish Plan budget to the Colyford Newsletter as our distributors kindly delivered these questionnaires last year. The donation will help to pay for our printing costs. Further copies of the Parish Plan can be obtained from Colyton Town Hall or Alan Davis 552472.

NEWS FROM THE MEMORIAL HALL
The Hall is looking much better! The kitchen is now operational apart from the last details, the committee room has had a makeover and is a much more pleasant place in which to be. The toilets are next on the agenda and work for this will be carried out as soon as arrangements can be made. While there are sufficient funds available for this work there is still much to be done, including a new roof, so our fundraising must continue. The Hall Committee continues to apply for grants but these only cover part of the costs, the rest has to be raised by us. So if you can help in any way, donations, bequests, etc. please contact either the Chairman or Treasurer for details, or pick up a gift aid envelope from the hall. Also, please support our fundraising events. The Annual General Meeting will be on Wednesday, October 29th at 7.30 pm in the hall. You are all cordially invited to attend, so please consider whether you would like to come on to the committee, as new members are always welcome.

BEATING THE BOUNDS: This will be held on Saturday, October 25th starting from The Elms at 2.0 pm and followed by the usual tea in the Hall.

VILLAGE GATEWAYS – FLOWERS: We are very grateful to Nick Weldon of the Colyton Garden Shop for cultivating and planting, free of charge, the beds in front of the gateways which provide a very colourful welcome to Colyford.

COLYFORD & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB: will be holding an Open Meeting in the Memorial Hall on Tuesday, September 2nd at 2.15 pm when National Demonstrator Susie Edwards will demonstrate her chosen title "Doing What Comes Naturally". Visitors £6, Members £3, including refreshments.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY: will be held this year on Saturday, December 13th in the Memorial Hall from 3.0 - 4.45 pm. Further details later.

HOLYFORD WOODLAND: The next 2 working parties will be on Saturday November 1st and Saturday, February 7th (see Diary Dates).

COLYFORD KEEP FIT GROUP: After quite a successful term, it is having a break in August, restarting on Wednesday, September 3rd at 10.30 am (arrive at 10.20 and bring a mat). Please do think about joining us. As well as being fun, it is so good for us very slightly older folk! Phone Paula on 551518 if you would like to know more.

NEWS FROM ST MICHAEL’S
The concert and ploughman's lunches was a most happy and successful occasion. It was lovely to have the Senior Choir of the Grammar school and their Director of Music, David House. Thanks to all who supported and, of course, many thanks for all who helped to raise the £226. It was wonderful to have the help in the garden which has been looking very charming - any chance that we can keep this going? If anyone can manage just an hour or two on occasions to suit yourselves, please ring Gay on 552499.

The Cafe St Michael was heaving with people in July - again thanks for all the support. The little stall proves popular. Gifts from gardens are most welcome (beans, carrots, onions, parsley - whatever). Next Cafes: Wednesdays, 20th August and 17th September, 10 am - 12 noon.

Forthcoming events/services The Friends of St Michael's are organising another Treasure Hunt and BBQ supper on Friday 29th August starting from the Memorial Hall between 2.30-3.30. See posters/flyers for more details. On Thursday 11th September Lorrie and Robin Barnard are kindly offering cream teas at Lower Orchard, 2.30 - 4.30 pm. Lovely opportunity to sit on their terrace, enjoy the fabulous views and wander in the garden. Entrance & tea: £3.00, in aid of The Friends of St Michael's. Harvest Thanksgiving on Sunday 21st September at 3.30 followed by tea and sale of produce in the Memorial Hall. Proceeds in aid of Practical Action. Please come and make this a joyful and meaningful occasion.