AS harvest time approaches, I have drawn on information from past days that will perhaps be of interest to Times readers today. 

Methodists with people of other Christian denominations, might be interested to know that on Sunday, September 22 2013, it will be 270 years ago, that John Wesley returning by horse-back along the old road, with some pot holes, from Cornwall, first preached in the village of Sticklepath. 

The White Rock, a granite boulder on the Mount not far from the old 'stickle' ( steep) path, up which travellers to Okehampton used to have to climb, receives a regular coat of white paint in honour of the fact that John Wesley (1703-91) visited and preached here.

I understand the house in which he was entertained still stands in the main street. Oh, I wonder who played host to the gentleman?

In 1811, a new Methodist Mission Circuit sprung up gathering groups of people in the surrounding villages, and records show that in 1814 Mr William Finch took over the Manor Woolen mill and set up the Edge Tool factory. Today, it is affectionally known as 'Finch Foundry'.

What perhaps is not generally known is that over the years Sticklepath sent eight of its sons into the Methodist ministry to preach the gospel, four of which were members of the Finch family.

It would seem that John Wesley had rather a liking for Sticklepath, because he made no less than five visits there as Methodism became established in Devon and Cornwall. It is also understood that brother Charles Wesley (1707-88), the hymn writer, called on some Quaker Friends in July 1744, when passing through to Cornwall, but did not preach.

Finally, it's fast forward, bringing us to recent days when it was good to see the Union flag flying high from the pole over the white rock in celebration of the birth of the new Royal baby, Prince George.

I feel sure a word of thanks is due to whoever arranged to fly the flag, and also not forgetting the painter(s) of the white rock. 'Bless them all', the Wesleys would say!

Donald Bibey

Okemoor Park

Okehampton