THE annual Devon Historic Churches Trust sponsored walk was held on Saturday, September 10 and in Morchard Bishop 11 people took part, led by the local organiser Susan Gales.

She reports that they left from the school park at 10am and just as they were leaving Wendy Vere arrived with a plate of apple flapjacks and bottle of apple juice to take to each of the three churches that they were visiting. A mighty kind gesture and one very much appreciated, especially when they finished at Stockleigh English for their picnic lunches.

They drove to visit St Swithun’s Church, Sandford first, where they had coffee and the church warden, Mary Rose Somerville, treated them to a brief talk about the history of the church, which was very much appreciated, as well as seeing their wonderful catering facilities and the inside toilet.

From there they took footpaths towards Upton Hellions, and then were driven on to Shobrooke Park, where they walked up through the park and on to St Swithun’s Church, Shobrooke.

Again the church there proved interesting and well-appointed for catering; the earth toilet in the churchyard was of interest too!

After that more car travel, and one more footpath brought them to Stockleigh English and their picnics in the garden of the old rectory.

They were grateful to Angus and Margaret Gammack for hosting them, and the walkers from their parish who had walked to visit other churches who joined them at lunch time.

Christopher Maycock, the deanery organiser, visited them at lunch time, so he was able to thank them for their efforts in person!

A total of £300 was raised for the trust, so many thanks are due to the walkers, drivers, sponsors and the people who welcomed them en-route.

Karin Moffett