A COLLECTION of acrostic poems for each of the 22 churches in the West Devon Methodist Circuit has recently been published by South Zeal man Edgar Hucker.

Acrostics are poems where the first letter of each line spells out the name of the poem when read vertically.

As well as the 22 acrostics, Mr Edgar has also collected a selection of his poems and hymns written on previous occasions.

Some of the poems and hymns were written four or five years ago and have been used in various churches as well as further afield, including a millennium hymn which has been sung in churches in Gloucester.

Mr Hucker said the acrostics, except the one for Fairplace Church in Okehampton, do not describe the Church to which they refer, but instead give a general Christian message.

Mr Hucker has visited each of the churches many times in his 40 years as a lay preacher around the circuit.

Mr Hucker has already sold around 100 copies of the book so far. Proceeds from the book go to the West Devon Methodist Circuit.

The churches which are featured in the book are: Beaford, Belstone, Boasley, Bridestowe, Broadley, Broadwoodkelly, Chilla, Eworthy, Exbourne, Fairplace, Hatherleigh, Iddesleigh, Lakeway, Madworthy, Monkokehampton, Northlew, Petrockstowe, Providence, Sampford Courtenay, South Zeal, Sticklepath, Winkleigh.

The book is available from the 50/50 shop in Okehampton Arcade or by contacting Mr Hucker on 01837 840347.

Fairplace

From the spire the birds have seen

All that's 'new' and all that's 'been'.

In one hundred years of praise

Recollections cheer our days

People here have known God's grace.

Loved to worship at Fairplace,

And the Church still stands today

Calling all to walk God's way.

Eternal is his love.