Edition 150 - June 2014

 

EDITORIAL

Currently enjoying a beautiful spell of warm, sunny weather, let's hope it can be like that for the many events planned over the next few weeks - fetes, open gardens, bar-b-cues and a World War I Exhibition to mention a few. Make a note of the dates on your calendars!

My editorial is always a place for thanks and my biggest thank you this time must be to the Parish Council for their very generous financial support and encouragement.

It is amazing that the August issue will mark the 25th anniversary of the Newsletter - can I really have been producing it for a third of my life!

Always good to hear from mail readers and following the April issue, it was lovely to hear from Eric Leworthy. Eric was delighted to see mention of Maurice Draper and Don Thirkell and remembers happy days with them at school and in the church choir.

Once again we send our best wishes to anyone not feeling their best and to Pat who had a dramatic winching out of the Sterridge Valley after breaking her ankle.

We extend a very warm welcome to all newcomers to the village and wish those leaving us happiness in their new homes.

Another lovely cover from Debbie and drawings, as always, from Paul, a colleague from my days at Ilfracombe Arts College who has been regularly illustrating the Newsletter since 1990. Paul is retiring at the end of this term but has kindly said he will continue to illustrate our articles. Thank you Paul, we wish you and Chris every happiness in the future - you'll soon be wondering how you found time to go to work!

Thank you, of course, to everyone who has contributed to this issue and please keep the articles coming. For August they should be at the Shop, Chicane or e-mailed to me as soon as possible and by Wednesday 9th July at the latest.

My belated thanks and apologies to Gary, John Pearce, Don and Mick Bowden for their help with the article about Farmer Lerwill and Lower Rowes Farm in the April issue.

Judie - Ed

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IN MEMORIAM

WENDY AMOS-YEO
1956-2014

It was with profound shock, disbelief and sadness the village learnt that following a fall, Wendy had died suddenly on the 21st March. A loving and much loved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother and friend, she will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.

A sunny day and St. Peter's was filled with family and friends for a service that was both poignant and happy, a fitting tribute to a caring lady who was always full of fun.

Our thoughts are with Mike and all her family at this time of sorrow.

Lesley Holder

Mike and family would like to thank all villagers for their kind messages of sympathy and for attending Wendy's funeral.

Donations, for the Children's Hospice South West, are still on-going and have so far reached nearly £2,000.

URSULA ROUSE

Visitors to Lee Lodge will be so sorry to learn that they will no longer be greeted by the cheerful smile and 'Hello darling' from Ursula, who passed away peacefully at the Lodge on the 27th April.

Our thoughts are with Fenella and John, Fenella's sister Susan and cousin Nigel, and all the family at this time of sadness.

I should like to thank, on behalf of myself, John, my sister Sue in Australia and cousin Nigel, all those who have been in touch about Ursula:  letters, cards, calls and flowers, it has been quite overwhelming. To us she was our wonderful mother, aunt and "wife's relation", someone who had always just been there with her wicked sense of humour and very practical approach. But she obviously made a bit of an impact in her new home in Berry - be it as Mrs Reading Lady, in the shop, at the Berrynarbor Ladies Group, Friendship Lunches, as a neighbour or latterly as an enthusiastic singer at Musical Memories.  We are hearing lovely stories of her daily which makes her passing that bit easier.

We should love you to come and share yet more memories of her with us on Saturday 7th June at 3 o'clock at Sloley Farm, Castle Hill for afternoon tea.  She could always whip up a mean cucumber sandwich [and whisky and water] so we shall continue the tradition.  If you could just let me know numbers it would be a help on the cake front! We shall hopefully rise to the occasion as it was always a running family joke that Ursula had a well-stocked larder and could easily have fed the Russian Army should they have been passing! She would always welcome everyone into her home be it in Reigate or Berrynarbor.  Even at Lee Lodge she would politely ensure that the staff would rustle up a cup of tea for every visitor. This particularly delighted Shane who owns the place!

  Talking of Lee Lodge we must say an enormous thank you to Carol, Debbie, Tina, Aran, Beverley, Liz, Jan, John and the entire team of staff, who have cared so beautifully and lovingly for Ursula over the last five years.  Lee Lodge was a true home for Ursula; they treated her like their own mother and have over time become family to us all.  We cannot praise or thank them highly enough.  She will be sadly missed but never forgotten.

Fenella

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SLOW DANCE

This poem was written by a terminally ill young girl whose only wish was to tell everyone to live their life to the fullest, since she never will.

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ST. PETER'S CHURCH

The Annual Meeting took place at the end of March. As all the reports were read out we realised how much had been done over the past year. Again it was encouraging to note that church attendance has been maintained and we are still able to have a service every Sunday. Apart from all the help from members of the PCC, thanks are due to those who clean our church every week, to caretakers Bett and Kevin Brooks and to the Walls family who maintain the churchyard making sure the grass is cut regularly over the growing season. And we all appreciate the bell ringers who come in every Sunday. Special thanks were expressed to Marion Carter who was PCC Secretary for many years and who has now left the village. No one has yet come forward to take her place.

Stuart Neale has returned as churchwarden but we still need a second one and we are actively seeking two people to come forward to fill these posts. Malcolm Sayer has taken over as PCC Treasurer.

This year the very moving Quiet Hour on Good Friday was led by Rector Chris with more people attending - an opportunity to take a break, away from the hustle and bustle and busyness prior to Easter.

And what a joyous occasion on Easter Day! The service was led by Rev. George, who gave an excellent sermon, and a full choir [thank you Stuart] led the singing with a soaring descant in the last hymn and a beautiful rendering of the Sanctus from Faure's Requiem. As always the church was beautifully decorated by Sue Neale and her team.

Looking forward to June, Pentecost will be celebrated on the 8th with a Family Communion at 11.00 a.m. Then on the 23rd there will be an additional evening service at 6.30 p.m. with Christians Together and envelopes will be handed in for Christian Aid. St. Peter's Day falls on Sunday, 29th.

Gift Day will be on Wednesday, 28th June and the Rector and PCC will be at the lych gate all day. Letters and envelopes will be delivered around the village the week before and it is hoped everyone will take the opportunity to make a donation towards the upkeep of the church.

By comparison, July looks quieter at the moment. There will be a wedding on the 5th, the fourth this year, and three more still to come.

Friendship Lunches at The Globe will be on Wednesdays 25th June and 23rd July.Our main fundraising event, the Summer Fayre, will take place on Tuesday, 19th August, and will again be organised by Stuart and Sue Neale with help from us all.

Mary Tucker

MESSY CHURCH

We have now had two very successful Messy Church sessions at Berrynarbor School. One on 1st April and the second on the 1st May. We do various craft activities with a Christian theme which are for the whole family - Parents, Grandparents and Carers all attend with the children, it is open to all.
 
Refreshments are provided and the craft sessions end with a story and songs based on that day's theme. We have two more planned, come and join us!

• When? Thursday 5th June and Thursday 3rd July
  
• Where? Berrynarbor School
  
• What time? 3.15 to 5.00 p.m.
  

NB - children must be accompanied by a parent/carer

We could also do with some extra pairs of hands to help with the craft tables. If interested, please contact Teresa Crockett 01271 32889 or e-mail at Teresa.crockett12@gmail.com.

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WEATHER OR NOT

The first week of March was unsettled with the barometer falling to 980mb on the 3rd which brought in a lot of heavy rain. On the 7th high pressure moved in, the sun came out and the weather turned quite spring like, warm, dry and sunny for a few days. Apart from a couple of very foggy days it remained dry and settled until the spring equinox on the 20th when the weather broke and it became wet and windy. The temperature dropped with snow in some areas. The month ended on a warmer, dry note and 108.21 hours of sunshine were recorded which was a bit up on the average. After such a wet winter it was a relief to have a dry month and with only 64mm it was dryer than average. The maximum temperature was 19 Deg C on the 30th with the minimum of 0.8 Deg C on the 14th and a wind chill of -8 Deg C on the 22nd. The greatest gust of wind was 28 knots on the 21st.

April was a fairly average month with sunshine and showers. The total rain for the month was 73mm, most of which fell towards the beginning and end of the month with twelve days dry in the middle. The highest temperature was 18.1 Deg C on the 21st with a minimum of 2.2 Deg C. Winds were light for most of the month with a maximum gust of 21 knots on the 26th. As a result, the coldest wind chill was -1 Deg C whereas in 2012 and 2013 we recorded wind chills of -11 Deg C. Sunshine hours of 137.79 were also about average.

Simon and Sue

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CAN YOU HELP?

Sheila Robson [90] spent her honeymoon here in Berrynarbor 70 years ago, staying at a farm. Sadly she has forgotten its name but does remember that a nearby bell chimed 13 at 1 o'clock! Can anyone help solve this puzzle? If so, please give Judie a ring on 883544. Thank you.

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WEDDING

Adam and Beth Dennis were married on the 3rd May at Berrynarbor Church. It was also Adam's Mum and Dad's wedding anniversary, Steven and Jillian Dennis, on the very same day. The weather was good, the reception held in a beautifully decorated Manor Hall and many were there to help celebrate their day.

Beth and Adam would like to say thank you to everyone in the village who helped with the wedding and to all those who came and waited outside the church to see them both.

And we should all like to congratulate you both and wish you every happiness in your future together.

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North Devon Coast U3A

There are 923 U3A groups in the UK. They are learning cooperatives for people who are retired or semi-retired, and which draw upon the knowledge, experience and skills of their own members to organise and provide interest groups in accordance with the wishes of the membership. The teachers learn and the learners teach. U3As offer the chance to study different subjects such as art, crafts, local history, garden visits, opera, geology and walking and many others. The U3A approach to learning is - learning for pleasure. There is no accreditation or validation and there are no assessments or qualifications to be gained.

Our North Devon Coast U3A branch covers the area from Lynton to Woolacombe, including Combe Martin, Berrynarbor and Mortehoe. With an annual subscription of £12, it is one of the lowest in the country and offers great value for money.

We warmly welcome new members to our friendly group. If you enjoy company, and would like plenty of interesting things to do, or maybe you have a skill you could share, why not join us and see what we offer? We're sure you won't regret it! Please contact our Membership Secretary Malcolm Mills if you are interested or want to know more, on 01271 870009, Email u3amembership.devon@yahoo.co.uk or check out our website where you will find a lot more information.

www.u3asites.org.uk/northdevoncoast

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THANK YOU

I should like to thank everyone who attended my 40th Birthday Party at Ye Old Globe on the 14th March, and made it such a special evening. I had a wonderful time! I should also like to say thank you for all the lovely cards and very generous gifts.

Also a big THANK YOU to Karen and the staff at The Globe for a delicious buffet and for making it such a wonderful atmosphere. I have lots of lovely memories.

Mickey

I am on the mend now after a long and troublesome illness and wish to express my thanks for all the messages which I received, in person and by lovely cards, and to those of you who made the long trip to visit me at Derriford.

The family have been very supportive and helpful during this difficult time. Mother couldn't have done it without them. Thanks to Mark Dalgleish who gave up his time to help with the driving, and Pat and Malcolm for the trip to Taunton for scans. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff at Derriford - they are very dedicated folk.

Let's hope we have a good summer ahead of us to help with the healing process.

Thanks and God Bless.

I cannot believe how many cards, flowers and best wishes I have received. What a lovely village I live in, and what lovely people!

Thank you all so very much.

Joan [Wood]

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NOTES FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL

The Annual Parish Meeting was held on the 8th April when the meeting welcomed visitors from Devon County Council Highways and South West Highways.

Reports were given by District Councillors Yvette Gubb and Julia Clarke, and County Councillor Andrea Davis, who also spoke on the consultation being held by DCC on winter damage repairs, on street parking and Devon remembers the First World War, and Sue Squire, Clerk to the Parish Council, all of whom gave reports at the Annual Parish Council Meeting on the 13th May. A report was also given by the Police.

To comply with insurance requirements, Councillor Linda Thomas undertakes a weekly inspection of the Play Area.

The War Memorial repairs, the Emergency Plan, registration of land with the Land Registry, the bus shelters and public toilets, for which a grant of £705 had been received from DCC, were discussed.

It was agreed that future meetings of the Parish Council would be held in the Manor Hall.

At the May meeting Councillors Adam Stanbury and Dave Richards were re-elected as Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively, and other representatives elected were:

• Footpath Officer: Cllr. Clive Richards
• Dep. Footpath Officer & Officer to Check Invoices: Cllr. Dave Richards
• Highways Liaison Officer and Tree Warden: Cllr. Linda Thomas
• Emergency Plan Officers: Cllrs. Adam Stanbury, Dave Richards, Steve Hill [also Combe Martin & District Tourism], and members of the village
• Manor Hall Trust Committee: Cllr. Lorna Bowden

Planning and Financial items were discussed, noted and approved. The revised Code of Conduct circulated to parishes by North Devon Council was adopted.

As part of the Emergency Plan, Cllr. Steve Hill to hold the emergency box sent by Western Power Distribution.

To date there had been no applicants to fill the two vacancies on the Council. The date of the next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Manor Hall at 7.00 p.m. is Tuesday, 10th June.

Sue Squire - Clerk to the Parish Council

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CROSSWORD CORNER

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NEWS FROM OUR COMMUNITY SHOP & POST OFFICE

Here, at our Shop, we have the following Made In Devon Chiman's Authentic Indian Spice Blends at the Great Price of £1.80 [to buy from Amazon it will cost you £1.99!]

Making a great curry at home is easy with
Chiman's Authentic Indian Spice Blends

Our dry spice blends contain only premium quality spices - so they are free of all flavourings, preservatives and colourings - and they're gluten free. Many of our spice blends are also available in organic varieties.

The recipe on the back of the pack is easy to follow. Chiman's have been selling spice blends for over 20 years so our recipes have been tried and tested!

Each pack will make a delicious meal for around 4-6 people. If you're cooking for fewer, our tip is to cook the whole meal and freeze portions for another day. Alternatively, halve the ingredients and just use half the sachet. You can reseal the sachet and it will keep for 2 months without losing flavour.

So why not try a Curry tonight?

Have you tried our West Country Dry Cured Back Bacon at only £11.33 a Kilo? A better price than the Finest Unsmoked Wiltshire Cure Back Bacon at £14.13 from a local well-known supermarket. Also our Devon Ham Off the Bone at £18.25 a Kilo again a better price and taste than the local well known supermarket!

Our Sack Potatoes are only 65p per kilo - but you don't have to buy a 2.5 kg pack, just what you need!
 

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BERRYNARBOR WINE CIRCLE

A Ladies Night was a first for the Circle; six wines presented by six lady members. I appreciate that I am biased, but everybody around me and other members I managed to speak to on the night thought their selection produced another excellent evening.

We started with Camel Valley bubbles; Cornwall Brut was pretty special. It was fruity and dry with a great bouquet and the price was special too: £24.95 per bottle, but hey, it's for the Wine Circle!

Our next whites were French and New Zealand: a Picpoul de Pinet from the Languedoc region and then The Ned from Marlborough. Many thought that the Pinet was a bit thin, the flavour didn't last, but a Majestic employee described the latter as 'That's New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on steroids!' It is a punchy, fruity wine. Both of these are Majestic stock and were £6.99 if two bought.

We followed these with a mixed-grape, mid-Spanish red then two Pinotage wines from South Africa. If you're a red drinker, as I am, I should be surprised if the Spanish Gran Status failed to impress; it was fruity, a smooth red with soft tannins. It's £8.50 a bottle and from our marvellous shop. Fancy being able to purchase a good red from a village shop!

The first Pinotage was Kadette from the Stellanbosch region: the dearest red, at £10.50. It was typical of this grape: heavy and fruity, but some described it as a 'Marmite moment'! Many felt it needed to be drunk with food.

It is unusual at Circle gatherings to have two of the same, but our final sampling was also from the shop and another Pinotage, but from the Western Cape: Cappupino Ccintage. It had been compared to the Kadette, tried and tested you might say! Their presenters agreed that they were different; they were! It was described as smoky, obvious coffee smell, could or even should be drunk with smoky BBQ food!

Judith Adam - Secretary and Promotional Co-ordinator

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TREV'S TWITTERS

Hail, smiling morn, smiling morn,
That tips the hills with gold,
that tips the hills with gold,
And whose rosy fingers open wide
The gates of heav'n,
And whose rosy fingers open wide
The gates of heav'n!
 
And all the green fields,
That nature does enfold,
All the green fields, That nature does enfold.
At whose bright presence,
Darkness flies, darkness flies away,
Flies away! Flies away!
 
Hail, Hail, Hail, Hail,
Hail, Hail, Hail, Hail!

 

Reginald Spofforth [1769-1827], was an English musician, active as an organist, conductor and music teacher, but mainly remembered as a composer. His best known works are the glees Hail Smiling Morn [written in 1810 and described as having been 'possibly the most popular glee in the entire repertory'] and Hark! the Lark at Heaven's Gate Sings.

He composed about 75 glees, also three books of nursery rhyme settings and many songs and duets, including songs for various stage performances at Covent Garden in the 1790s and two elaborate hymns. It is thought he never composed any instrumental music.

Written at an Inn at Henley
William Shenstone

To thee, fair Freedom, I retire
From flattery, cards, and dice, and din;
Nor art thou found in mansions higher
Than the low cot or humble inn.

'Tis here with boundless power I reign,
And every health which I begin
Converts dull port to bright champagne:
Such freedom crowns it at an inn.

I fly from pomp, I fly from plate,
I fly from falsehood's specious grin;
Freedom I love and form I hate,
And choose my lodgings at an inn.

Here, waiter! take my sordid ore,
Which lackeys else might hope to win;
It buys what courts have not in store,
It buys me freedom at an inn.

 

The Leasowes
William Shenstone, Public domain
via Wikimedia Commons.

This poem was written in the Red Lion Inn in Henley. It is said that Shenstone scratched it on a window pane of the Inn with a diamond. A reproduction of the original pane of glass is now in situ.

The Red Lion was probably built in 1531, though it incorporates even older buildings including a 14th century Chantry House. Famous guests include Samuel Johnson (and his friend Boswell), Charles I and the Duke of Marlborough, who used the Inn as a stopping point on his way to and from Blenheim Palace.

Son of Thomas Shenstone and Anne Penn, Shenstone was born in 1714 at the Leasowes, Halesowen. He received part of his formal education at Halesowen Grammar School. In 1741, Shenstone became bailiff to the feoffees [trustees] of Halesowen Grammar School. He went to Pembroke College, Oxford in 1732 but took no degree. While still at Oxford, he published poems on various occasions and in 1741 he published The Judgment of Hercules.

Shenstone inherited the Leasowes estate, and retired there in 1745 to undertake what proved the chief work of his life, the beautifying of his property. He embarked on elaborate schemes of landscape gardening which gave The Leasowes a wide celebrity but sadly impoverished the owner! Not a contented recluse, he desired constant admiration of his gardens, and never ceased to lament his lack of fame as a poet. Shenstone died unmarried.

Illustrations by: Paul Swailes

Trev

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Happy Days are Here Again!

This song was copyrighted in 1929 by Milton Ager [music] and Jack Yellen [lyrics] recorded by Leo Reisman and His Orchestra in November 1929 and featured in the film Chasing Rainbows in 1930. From 1930 to 2006, it has featured in over 80 films, including the Great Gatsby and in 1962 was recorded by Barbara Streisand.

Years and number of times used in films in that year

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NEWS FROM THE EXMOOR PONY CENTRE
Ashwick, Dulverton TA22 9QE

In an exciting partnership, the National Trust at Arlington Court have taken Almond and Bergerac to help them demonstrate how to put on a harness. As Almond is destined to be one of our trekking ponies, as well as making an appearance at the Horse of the Year Show, he will only stay there for this season when his place will be taken by another pony ready to learn a new role.

A generous donation from Pluss, the Social Enterprise that helps disabled people to find work, was recently given to our representative at Exeter Football Ground by Ben Bradshaw MP. This goes a small way to helping with our weekly costs but in an ideal world we need to raise about £350 per day to ensure that the charity can continue. Is there any way that you can help us?

One of our ponies will be putting in an appearance at Witheridge Fair on 21st June along with some helpers, so please come and support us there.

In Winsford Village Hall on the 6th July at 2.30 p m., the High Park Music School Orchestra will entertain you in an hour's concert followed by a cream tea and the chance to meet an Exmoor Pony. The band of children will be playing Saxophones, Clarinets and Flutes with a programme of jazz and pop music. Please get your tickets in advance from Winsford Village Shop.

Please look at our website moorlandmousietrust.org.uk for more ideas of how to support us, follow us on Facebook or Text MMTX22 £5 to 70070. Thank you.

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TRINITY FAIR
Saturday, 7th June 2014

Ilfracombe's Famous Victorian Week climaxes with the Trinity Fair at the Holy Trinity Vicarage in St. Brannocks Road following a parade through the town by people dressed in Victorian finery. Prizes are given at the Fair for best dressed lady, best dressed man, best dressed couple, best dressed boy and best dressed girl.

All the fun of the Victorian afternoon with stalls and sideshows, afternoon teas and coffees, hot dogs, burgers and especially popular sales of cakes and plants.

You are all warmly welcome to come and take part in this very special event!

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PALS

Richard and Doreen Brown lived in a pleasant detached house not far from the river Blackwater, together with their son Chris and dog named Puzzle.

Chris and Puzzle were inseparable and Chris, who was only eight, often took her for walks.

One week-end Chris decided he would like to go fishing - he would fish in a dyke that ran alongside the sea wall to the river. That was where the eels might be. So, with a packed lunch box, fishing tackle and Puzzle, off they set. The dyke was close to home so all would be well.

Settling down on the bank of the dyke he cast his rod several times, but to no avail. 'Never mind.' he thought, 'I'll have a bite to eat.'

He had left his lunch box a little way up the bank and as he got up to get it, he twisted his ankle, badly. Despite his efforts to walk he could only manage to crawl along the ground. Quickly he had an idea. He still had the wrapping paper to his lunch box and fortunately a pencil.

'Help me, I'm hurt.' he wrote. Then he undid Puzzle's collar and threaded it through a hole in the paper and did it up again.

"Take this home," he told Puzzle and incredibly that's what she did. Arriving she stood at the front door on her hind legs barking to attract attention.

On opening the door, Richard was alarmed to see Puzzle on her own and upon reading the message, he quickly made off towards the dyke with Puzzle leading the way. When he arrived at the dyke, there was Chris.

"Sorry dad, but I had to get help somehow."

"Never mind," his dad replied, "Let's get you home" and he gathered up the bits and pieces and picked up Chris to carry him home. Puzzle followed.

About a week later, Richard had reason to return a book he had borrowed from a friend. He set off for the friend's home and had just put the book through the letter box when he heard a car approaching and at the same time, Puzzle who was not on a lead, spotted a cat across the road.

In a flash she was hit by the car and was lying on the road bleeding. The car carried on and Richard picked her up and carried her home. As soon as they got back, Doreen rang the vet who came straight away. Among her injuries, Puzzle had a torn ear and was spreading blood everywhere.

"We'd better put her in the outside toilet," suggested Richard, as this was tiled and could be cleaned up easily. A bed was arranged and Puzzle made comfortable.

The vet began his examination and turning to them said, "I'm sorry but I'm afraid I shall have to put her to sleep."

"No, no, please not that!" pleaded Chris, with tears running down his face, having arrived and overhead the vet, who was rather embarrassed, not knowing what to do in the presence of the young lad.

"Well, I'll give her a couple of injections but I don't hold out much hope," he said sadly.

The vet left and Puzzle, looking very down, curled up on her new bed, with a little food and a bowl of water.

That night and every night after, Chris would get up after his parents had gone to bed and go down with a torch and sit with his dog, often crying a little.

Slowly, however, Puzzle began to recover and gradually her wounds started to heal. After nine days she was allowed out in the garden, walking slowly and wagging her tail a little before returning to her bed. Chris kissed her on the nose with tears in his eyes, but this time they were tears of joy.

Puzzle miraculously made a complete recovery and she and Chris enjoyed many more happy years of each other's company.

Tony Beauclerk - Stowmarket
Ex-evacuee 1939-1946 Berrynarbor

Illustration by: Debbie Cook

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BERRYNARBOR SCHOOL NEWS

Well, what a busy time we are having - The children are really enjoying the first half of our summer term!

Strawberry and Cranberry class are learning about Growing Grub and have planted a variety of seeds.

Children in Strawberry, Cranberry and Blueberry have recently enjoyed a trip to Tesco to take part in their new Farm to Fork Trails. The children learnt about fruit and vegetables and their origin along with a visit to the bakery and a trip through the warehouse. The trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Elderberry class have been busy working hard for their SATS which they sat in May. Now they are complete, the children can relax, just a little, as they will now be working on their end of year performance.

The summer term always sees lots of events taking place and several of our KS2 children have taken part in a Tag Rugby and Striking and Fielding festivals.

We shall be holding our Sports Day on Tuesday 10th June, 1.00 p.m. in the playing field. Should we have typical English summer weather that day, we shall move to the 17th June.

Elderberry and Blueberry class will be going on their annual residential trips; Goblin Combe in Bristol and Embercombe near Exeter.

During the last week of June we hope that the children will be out and about as we suspend the normal curriculum for Community Week. The children will be out helping and getting to know our neighbours. As part of this week we'll invite you to visit our school and see what the children have been doing - please keep an eye on the notice board outside the shop for more details.

The whole school will enjoy a trip to the Landmark Theatre in July to see The Essex Dance Group. The children love watching this performance, all performed by children too!

Our pupils will also be enjoying a Federation Day with West Down School. This is a great and fun opportunity for the pupils from both schools to mix and get to know one another.

The PTFA are working hard to organise their annual Summer Fete. Beaford Arts will be visiting us again this year and the Fete will be held on Saturday 12th July.

We hope everyone has a lovely summer and the weather is kind to us!

Sue Carey - Headteacher

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KENTISBURY OPEN GARDENS - SUNDAY 22ND JUNE

10 gardens in Central Kentisbury, Kentisbury Ford and Patchole, open from mid-day to 5.00 p.m. Entry £5.00. Cream Teas £4.50 available at 3 venues.

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FROM THE SCHOOL PTFA . . . SUMMER FETE
12TH JULY

We shall be holding our Summer Fete on Saturday, 12th July - an action packed day guaranteed!

• 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon Farmers' Market in the Manor Hall
• 12.00 noon - 3.00 p.m. Fete outside Manor Hall with traditional stalls - hook-a-duck, tombola, raffle, coconut shy, BBQ, bric-a-brac, books, etc.
• 1.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. Beaford Arts Production of 'Boy Who Fell in Love with the Stars', each performance is 30 minutes long, guaranteed to be a fantastic story. Tickets on sale at £4 adults, £3 children and £12 family - call Jenny 07917 562216 for further information
• 4.00 p.m. Pet Show [details to be confirmed]
• 5.00 p.m. Final of Berrynarbor's Got Talent, Manor Hall - come and see all 10 finalists at the LIVE final. Entry tickets £2.00 adults, £1.00 children and includes your chance to vote for your winner.

To finish off the day we are hoping to hold an evening event with live music. Keep an eye open for details.

Note: If you have not yet auditioned for Berrynarbor's Got Talent, the final auditions will be held on Sunday, 22nd June in The Globe, from 3.00 to 5.00 p.m. Just come along.

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User Consultation in March - Thanks to all hall user groups who responded to the questionnaires circulated in March. These focussed on the general condition of the hall and the adequacy of facilities - overall these were seen as less than good, with a general need for updating. Works seen as necessary include a larger kitchen, improved storage, improved natural and artificial lighting, refurbishment of toilets, redecoration, improved heating and replacement or at least complete overhaul of the stage area. Externally, many respondents raised concerns about car parking. Copies of a summary analysis of the survey are being sent to all groups.

Meanwhile we are continuing to develop a work plan for a series of grant bids; costings for surveyor support, an archaeological review of the building to establish its heritage significance, plus planning further consultation and discussion on other potential needs in the area that could be met at the hall.

**And same message as last time, please note that actually carrying out the majority of the work is still some considerable time away. Do not hesitate to contact in the normal way should you want to book the hall for an event.

Local Fund Raising and Berry Revels - Many thanks to our local councillors for their prompt support of our plans. County Councillor Andrea Davis has granted the hall £2,500 from her locality budget, and thanks also to Councillor Yvette Gubb for supporting an award of £4,572 from commuted sums held by North Devon Council, and the Parish Council for a £1,000 grant in March and its statement of support.

Also watch out for the sale of raffle tickets, part of the North Devon Rotary raffle, with cash prizes of £100 to £300, plus 100 smaller prizes. ALL proceeds from our tickets sales go towards the hall refurbishment, so please support us when you see tickets on sale in the shop and elsewhere.

Berry Revels this year will be on 5th August, so please make a note in your diary. Again we should like wide support in our centenary year for the refurbishment of the hall

To all Poster-Producing People!

There is a new sign and notice board for the Manor Hall - these have been placed at the car park entrance. So for all those arranging events at the hall there is an additional opportunity for your posters. Notice board key holders are Len Narborough and Geoff Adam.

Len Narborough and the Manor Hall Committee`

25

LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

As a result of the discussions around the village about the planned repair works to the old manor house wing of the Manor Hall, and the possibility that the house may in fact be medieval rather than the oft-quoted Tudor, a few people have suggested that it would be good to explore the history of the village in more detail, with the Manor Hall and surrounding old buildings being a good starting point.

Whilst architectural and archaeological investigations are being planned to ascertain the history and built form of the hall, this research and evidence could extend to other village buildings and the way the manor influenced the development of the village and its way of life. Such organisations exist in quite a few villages and carry out some very interesting work.

So, I should like to propose that we establish a local history society for Berrynarbor. It is, after all, a Domesday village. I am sure we should un-earth some fascinating facts! Please contact me if you are interested in joining such a society.

Judith Adam, Flowerdew Cottage Tel: [01271] 882828

26

BERRY IN BLOOM & BEST KEPT VILLAGE

For gardeners this is the busiest time of the year but I like to take time to stop and admire Mother Nature as she does her bloomin' thing. How lucky are we to live in such a lovely place.

We have been busy planting up the tubs and containers with summer bedding, hanging up the hanging baskets and generally weeding and tidying up around the village. The plants we bought from Jigsaw have been very healthy and as always Streamways Nurseries delivers beautiful baskets ready for hanging up.

Best kept village judging takes place anonymously and at any time between May and August. The judging for the new R.H.S. Pennant competition takes place in July, so we will all have to be on our toes!

We ran a successful cake stall at Easter and had a very kind donation of almost £200.00 from a kind villager, so the coffers have been replenished. But as any of you who buy plants know, the cost goes up year by year.

This year the Sterridge Valley Open Gardens will be on 8th June between 2.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. with Teas in the Manor Hall from 3.00 p.m. The Village Gardens will be on September 7th, again between 2.00 p.m. and 5.00 p. m. Please come to either of the Open Gardens (or both) and support us, whatever the weather you are certain of a great tea. None of this could take place without the support and generosity of our helpers, so thank you all very much.

Wendy Applegate

27

Lime Cream Cheese Cake

With all the gardening to do, here is an easy to make loaf cake with a nice zingy taste.

You will need: 1x900g loaf tin (about26x12.5x7.5CM) greased and lined with a long strip of baking paper to cover the base and up the short sides.

Heat the oven to 180 Deg C/350 Deg F/gas 4

Put the soft butter and cream cheese in to a large mixing bowl. Add the lime zest and beat with an electric mixer until soft and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat in the caster sugar.

Break the eggs in a separate bowl, add the vanilla and beat with a fork. Add to the butter/cream cheese mix gradually beating well and scraping down the sides of the bowl now and then.

Sift the flour into the bowl and gently fold in with a metal spoon. Transfer to the prepared tin and spread evenly. Place in the heated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes until well risen and golden brown and a skewer comes out cleanly.

While the cake is baking make the syrup by putting the juice and caster sugar in a pan and heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then bring to the boil, remove from the heat but keep warm.

When the cake is ready and still hot, place on a wire rack but leave in the tin. Prick with a skewer and pour over the syrup. When the cake is cold run a knife around to loosen then remove from the tin. Make the glaze by sifting the icing sugar in a bowl adding the zest and enough lime juice to make a thick but runny icing. Spoon the icing over and allow it to run down the sides of the cake.

This cake will keep for up to 5 days - but not in my house!

Wendy Applegate

28

FREE REMEMBRANCE TREES

This August marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. The Woodland Trust is honouring all those who took part in the war effort by planting millions of trees that will stand as a tribute for centuries to come. Will you stand with us by planting a free tree pack in your community?

  We have over 4000 packs to give away in autumn and they come in three sizes - 30 saplings, 105 saplings and 420 saplings in various themes (hedge, copse, wildlife, wild harvest, year-round colour, working wood, wild wood and wetland). You can apply for more than one pack and theme with 420 saplings being the maximum quantity. You can find out more and apply online at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees, but I'd advise groups to apply sooner rather than later.

Please feel free to forward or share this information with any group or school that might be interested or include it in your newsletter - many thanks to those who have already helped to spread the word!

  Deadline for applications is 4th September but we may need to close early if oversubscribed. If you have any questions at all please do get in touch.

 Beverley Gormley - BeverleyGormley@woodlandtrust.org.uk
 

29

WEST COUNTRY WALK - 144

'In ancient times . . .'

Hidden in countryside between Penzance and St. Ives are the remains of Iron Age settlements. One of these, Carn Euny, was built more than 400 years BC and was still occupied during the fourth century AD.

We visited Chysauster [seven miles east of Pendeen], a village last inhabited at the time of Roman Britain.

From a quiet lane in the parish of Gulval we climbed up to the path across the fields to reach this fascinating relic of 'ancient times'.

Both Carn Euny and Chusauster consisted of cluster of round stone walled rooms grouped around a central courtyard, with an outer wall forming a circle around each homestead.

This pattern of dwelling is peculiar to West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

At Chysauster there are the remains of nine of these courtyard houses and we were free to spend an absorbing morning roaming among the carefully excavated dwellings; wandering in and out of the circles of low stone walls; the round rooms which would have been roofed with turf or thatch.

During the course of our visit there was a light drizzle. A kestrel hovered above and underfoot was a dazzling array of wild flowers. Bluebells with wood anemones and wood sorrel, but also lousewort, milkwort and tormentil.

In North Devon I should not expect to see all of these species occurring together in the same place - bluebells in woodland and on cliffs. Sorrel and wood anemone also in woods but the latter alongside rivers too; whereas pink lousewort, milkwort [blue, mauve or pink] and yellow tormentil would be largely confined to the moor. Perhaps it is the presence of the granite which gives rise to such a rich and varied flora.

At Chysauster the houses were alighted in pairs along a grass fairway or 'street'. With minor variations, the usual pattern consists of a main entrance facing away from the prevailing south west winds.

A paved passageway leads through the thick outer walls to an open space, the courtyard, about twenty-five to thirty feet wide. To the left a lean-to bay was used as a shelter for livestock.

Opposite the entrance is a large Round Room; on the right is the narrow Long Room and in some dwellings there is a Small Round Room. In the Round Rooms a stone with a hollow in it would have held the upright timber which supported the apex of the roof.

In some rooms there remains a stone hearth and stone querns had been found which were used for grinding grains. Water channels, lined and covered with stone slabs, connected to a sump for the storage of rainwater.

Once forested with oak and hazel, by Roman times these granite uplands had been cleared of trees.

The excavation of Chysauster took place at various times from the 1870's until the 1930's. It is understood that in the early 1800's, Chysauster was used as a venue for Methodist preaching and known local as the Chapels.

Illustrations by: Paul Swailes

Sue H

30

HOW SAFE A DRIVER ARE YOU?

As an icebreaker I regularly ask my audience at road safety talks, "Who amongst you are above average drivers?"

Of course the vast majority normally put up their hands - none of us like to think that we drive badly or are below average ability, and some of can get quite defensive over the subject. Strange also that from the date of our driving test we may go through our driving career without even a second thought of additional training. You might also occasionally hear it said that if most of us took our test now, we would almost certainly fail! Cars, motorbikes and the rest have changed immensely over the last few decades, not to mention the volume of traffic on the roads. Surely then it is vital that we retain our driving skills in line with changing road and traffic conditions.

There is an argument for introducing some sort of driving assessment in the later stages of our driving careers. Currently there is nothing compulsory in place to check our driving standards but there are options for voluntary assessments and coaching.

I'm talking about advanced driving and riding. This is basically the art of defensive driving where a system is put in place to help you plan your driving in a more methodical and safer fashion.

There are a number of organisations that will show you the ropes but the most well-known are the two national charitable organisations: ROSPA [Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents] and the IAM [Institute of Advanced Motorists]. There are many of these groups scattered all over the country including North Devon, all of which are singing from the same hymn sheet using the age old police system of car and motorcycle control called Roadcraft.

I know personally many of those volunteers who run local groups and can say with all confidence that they are a very friendly, enthusiastic bunch just trying to pass on some of the skills they have learnt over the years. It is so simple to make contact and pop along one evening to find out a bit more about safer driving and how you might become one of those brave enough to take a little constructive encouragement. You never know, you could even be helping with the assessing yourself after a year or two if you choose.

You might also say that it is giving something back to the community and if you are looking for a hobby, look no further. The ROSPA North Devon Group also has a keen social calendar with opportunities for visits as a group to attractions/venues/events near and far.

If you think this may be worth a little investigation please go onto the ROSPA or IAM website and look up the local contacts. Alternatively you could simply ring 01237 478982 and speak to Alan Powell who helps run the local ROSPA group. He will be delighted to give you more information and answer any queries.

If anyone has a topic or issue within road safety on which they would like more information or that may be of use to the wider community, please let Judie or me know and I shall do my best to find out more for the subsequent newsletter.

You can also contact me on paul@revolutionbiker.co.uk or 01271 882959 if you have any queries on safer riding.

Paul White

31

32

HOLWELL CASTLE

Not nearly as old as Chysauster and not nearly so far afield, Holwell Castle is just a stone's throw away from Berrynarbor.

Holwell Castle is an early and probably short-lived motte and bailey castle, built either at the time of the Norman Conquest or in the civil war of the 12th century. Its location suggests it was built to dominate the settlement at Parracombe and, more importantly, the river crossing.

Alternative explanations for its construction think it may have been built to obtain taxes at the River Heddon crossing or to protect and supervise the silver mining in the area around Combe Martin.

 

 

A motte and bailey castle is a fortification with a wooden or stone keep on raised earthwork called a motte, together with an enclosed courtyard or bailey, surrounded by a ditch. Relatively easy to build with unskilled, and perhaps forced, local labour, these castles were still militarily formidable. By the end of the 13th century, their design was largely superseded by alternative forms of fortification, but the earthworks remain a prominent feature in many European countries.

Well worth viewing, here at Parracombe the remains of this fine example can be seen clearly from the churchyard of Christ Church. Archaeological excavations and surveys record that it measures some 40 metres in diameter and 6 metres high above the bottom of a rock cut ditch 3 metres deep. Within the bailey are traces of five building platforms

Judie Weedon

33

BERRYNARBOR PRE-SCHOOL NEWS

The children have been learning about Spring. We have planted some bean seeds and are taking very good care of our strawberry patch and raspberry canes, which are all in flower. We created a wormery and a snail farm and visited a local farm during lambing. We were lucky to see lambs being born.

To continue our learning about spring, we should love to hatch some chicks. We are able to get the eggs and can rehome the chicks, we just need an automatic incubator to borrow. Can anyone help us please?

Recently we have been visited by a hamster named Darwin and two bearded dragons called Mango and Tinkerbell - all part of our learning about animals.

We are looking for new members to stand on our committee and a new chairperson from September/October and if anyone is interested in finding out more details to contact me on 07807093644. To stand on the committee will require undertaking a DBS check.

Emma

34

MOVERS AND SHAKERS - NO 51

DR. JAMES (JIMMY) SMART, MBE, VMH
[7th December 1914 - 24th May 2002]

Former Anaesthetist and GP and creator of Marwood Hill Gardens

In 1949, had it not been for a houseful of rhododendrons, North Devon might have missed out on one of its glorious gardens: Marwood Hill, created by Dr Smart over the next half century.

During the six years of World War II, he had served as a ship's doctor, seeing three of his ships mined, torpedoed and bombed. When HMS Hermes was sunk, with the loss of two thirds of its crew, he had swum between rafts, treating survivors for which he was later awarded the MBE.

After the war, Dr Smart settled in North Devon as an anaesthetist and Barnstaple GP. In 1949 he bought Georgian Marwood Hill which was sadly neglected, with no mains water, drainage or electricity and included a lawned garden in front of the house, and across the road a broken down walled garden with a few fruit trees, surrounded by less than 2 acres.

The rhododendron nobleanum alone, filling the house for his first viewing, almost persuaded him to buy it. Sadly this, the only plant of merit in the garden, died the following year from an acute attack of Honey Fungus!

With the help of his first one-day-a-week gardener, he set to on his front lawn and the walled garden. One of his early jobs was to grub out the fruit trees which were largely not keeping varieties and he started again. Although his day job occupied most of his time, he managed to protect the herbaceous borders from rabbits with wire netting and soon got the garden respectable enough to open it for the National Garden Scheme on one Sunday a year.

In the early 1960's, he bought rough pasture to the south and east of his land, including a small stream flowing through the valley. Here he planted an ornamental range of trees: birch, maple, eucalyptus and eucryphia, and by 1969, the stream was dammed to form two lakes. On the island created in the top lake is one of my favourite features, the delightful sculpture by Australian born John Robinson of a mother and her two children. The damp surroundings were planted with moisture-loving plants such as Primulas, Astilbes and Iris.

That same year, he built the first greenhouse in the walled garden for his large collection of camellias - now the largest number in the country - that flower best throughout March. If you miss those, then go in April to see the outdoor specimens. You won't be disappointed. There are now over 800 cultivars, some of which can be purchased from the Plant Sales Centre in the Walled Garden.

In April, too, the spectacular Magnolia 'Marwood Spring' with masses of deep red flowers and pale pink centres will be in bloom, just one of many different varieties and colours.

Where did he get all his plants and shrubs? Well, over the years he brought them from Australia, New Zealand, United States as well as scouring venues in Europe and the UK. Once, whilst being interviewed by a journalist from The Independent, he introduced her to a pair of Turkish rhododendrons and remembered driving them home 30 years previously.

"What, all the way from Turkey?" she exclaimed. "No" he grinned "From Exbury!"

He introduced several new plants into Britain, such as Prostanthera Cuneata from Tasmania, smothered in pretty white flowers throughout the summer, and Paradisea Lusitanica [Paradise Lily], also summer flowering.

By 1972, Dr Smart had built his new home overlooking his beloved garden. This he called Marwood Hill, changing the name of his former home to Marwood House. His living room now forms the Tea Room where we may enjoy locally sourced cakes, soups, hot dish specials, sandwiches and home-made scones for very special cream teas. Gluten-free food is also available and dogs on leads are welcome.

Also that year, he invited Malcolm Pharoah to join him as Head Gardener. They worked well together, and having come from Wisley RHS, Malcolm brought many new ideas. Over forty years later, he is still Head Gardener.

Dr Smart retired in 1975 and had the chance to buy 12 more acres, which were developed as and when they could be coped with. Firstly came the Bog Garden, which in his 1999 notes he wrote "has to have large masses of any individual plant to be effective and we are fortunate to have the space to do this". True to his words, it is in colour from May when the Primulas start, and carries on through to October with Astilbes, now the National Collection, and Iris Ensata, then Lobelia, Lythrum etc.

By 1982, further land had been bought downstream, making a third lake possible. Four years later, an arbour scented with honeysuckle, Spanish broom and a highly perfumed shrub rose hedge was in place, together with a folly complete with cherub. And still wanting more land, he acquired 2 more adjoining acres. The original 2 acre gardens have now expanded to over 22 acres.

In his 80's and still very fit, Dr Smart declared "I couldn't bear to have a level garden" [Berrynarbor folk please note!] "A sloping garden has advantages.as one can select the situation of a plant so that you can look up into the bloom of pendulous flowers from below and conversely down into the bloom of an upright flower".

On November 1st 1994, Dr Smart was presented with the Victoria Medal of Honour [VMH], established by Queen Victoria to honour British horticulturists. There are only 63 recipients at any one time, reflecting the years of Her Majesty's 'Glorious Reign'. The opening words at his presentation were, Jimmy Smart is a doctor and I feel that his patients must have been made to flourish with the same strength and good health as his plants so that he could spend as much time in his garden as in the surgery.

Sadly Dr Smart died in May 2002 at the age of 88, but Marwood Hill still remains privately owned under the care of his nephew, John Snowdon. He, with guidance and help from Patricia Stout and Malcolm Pharoah, is determined to continue to develop the Gardens for all of us to enjoy - this, our special and wonderful haven of peace, Marwood Hill Gardens.

And you may still feel Dr Smart's presence with the delightful bronze statue of him in working gear, overlooking the lower lake.

PP of DC

PS Last year, Folksy Theatre's production of 'Romeo and Juliet' was set outdoors near the Tea Room. This year they are returning on Wednesday 30th July at 6.30 p.m. to perform The Taming of the Shrew, which sounds great fun, so why not treat yourselves?

PPS You have until September 30th to visit the Gardens. Nearer the date, check when it will be open in October.

35

CAR BOOT SALE

There will be a Car Boot Sale at Blackmoor Gate Market on Sunday 3rd August. Sellers from 10.30 a.m. £5.00 per car, Buyers from 11.00 a.m. Refreshments. Proceeds to Kentisbury W.I. Contact: Viviane [01271] 882487

36

THE 'ANT'QUIZ ANSWERS

Thanks to those of you who had a go at this quiz, which is harder than it looks! One or two different but equally correct answers came in. The winner on the ship taking Miss Chichester to South Africa only scored 13, everyone here did better! The winner is Kate from Castle Hill with a score of 20/28 followed closely by Viviane from Kentisbury with 19/28. Congratulations to you both you deserve your prizes!

37

QUICK QUOTE:

"If you want to go fast go by yourself.
If you want to go far go as a group."

Old Chinese Proverb

38

RURAL REFLECTIONS NO. 63

It is mid-afternoon as a teenage boy takes the family's golden retriever for a walk through the local woods. The distinctive trill of a nearby wren is momentarily overwhelmed by the whine of an airliner decreasing in speed on its gradual descent into Heathrow Airport. Boy and bitch exit the woods and walk between two fields along a path recently narrowed by a bounty of white umbelifers that brush against the boy's arms. The boy visually acknowledges them and in so doing espies smaller flowers beneath the shady canopy. Noting their patriotic display, he wonders if the differing red, white and blue flowers are like those in his parents' garden in having familiar as well as Latin names. His pondering is then distracted as he looks up to observe another descending airliner with whirring engines that continually lower in pitch like the song of the greenfinch on a lone copper beech close by.

The wildflowers cease where the path runs between symmetrical high panelled fences cloaking two gardens. Adolescent feet and canine paws then feel pavement beneath as they tread the streets that represent the suburb of London in which they have lived. As he walks, the boy recalls recent enjoyable days spent with friends during the spring half term. It has been later than usual, running into the first week of June and meaning that the last day of his school holiday coincides with a family celebration. Seeing his close and distant relatives has always excited him, a feeling he feels hard to share with his peer group; for they seem to prefer the company of friends ahead of family.

As he reaches home he smells the distinct aroma of food being bar-b-q'd in the back garden and hears joyful conversation and hearty laughter. Everyone has arrived. Handshakes, hugs and kisses are taking place as another airliner purrs its way up above into Heathrow Airport. Whilst father is at the bar-b-q and mother is busy bringing out bowls of salad, aunts and uncles chat in seated groups on both the patio and the top lawn. A net has been put up across the lower lawn where the boy's brothers and nephews are playing badminton.

"Come on Uncle Steve!" one of his nephews calls out. "We've been waiting for you to get back. It's your turn to play!"

It was hearing my name being called out that jolted me. Where was I? As I looked around some things seemed similar. I was sat amongst family in a large back garden. Salad was being prepared indoors whilst on the patio meat was being cooked upon a bar-b-q. Just for a moment its sizzling noises were outstripped by the sound of an airliner's whirring engines decreasing in speed - heading over towards the suburb of London where I lived as a child. For it was my brother-in-law who was stood by the bar-b-q and my niece's children calling out my name - wanting me to play table tennis rather than badminton. Meanwhile two German shepherds sought shade upon the lawn having been walked earlier in the day through a local wood on the Surrey border. Moreover, a wood reached via a path that had been enveloped with cow parsley which in turn had provided a canopy for campion, stitchwort and bluebells; names of wildflowers, along with many others, that have become so familiar to me through coming to live in North Devon.

 

Illustrated by: Paul Swailes

Stephen McCarthy

39

BERRYNARBOR HORTICULTURAL & CRAFT SHOW

Firstly, we should like to thank everyone for supporting the Coffee Morning which has raised valuable funds for the Show and Berry in Bloom.   Thank you once again to everyone who helped.

Schedules for the Show will be available from the Shop, Sue's of Combe Martin, The Globe and Sawmill Inn from the beginning of July, so make a point of looking out for them and organising your entries.

To get your creative juices flowing, the Floral Art, Art and Photography details are again given here.

Berrynarbor Horticultural & Craft Show, 30th August 2014
Overall Theme:  Year of The Storms

We look forward to seeing you all at the Show on the 30th August.

Linda and the Committee

40

CRAFTING IN BERRYNARBOR

Our Manor Hall is home to several village and local crafting groups, to which everyone is warmly invited to join.

The Upholstery and Soft Furnishing Group meets on Monday mornings, from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Have you an old chair, sofa or stool that needs a face lift? Why not come along and join this friendly self-help group, or just pop in to see what they are up to. Upholstery materials such as webbing, hessian, etc. are available, and help can be given with tooling to start you off. The cost? £3.00 a session to include light refreshments.

With nearly 20 members, the North Devon Spinners meet all day on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays in the month when they spin, knit and weave using all sorts of materials including cotton, silk and both sheep and alpaca wool. Spinners pay £2.00 a day and £1.00 a half day.

The Craft Group, or Stitch and Bitch as it is affectionately known, meets every Monday afternoon from 1.45 p.m. Just £2.00 per session including tea, coffee and chocolate biscuits! Mainly knitters, the group also has beaders, sewers, embroiderers and on the first Monday in the month, watercolour painters, who also meet again during the morning of the 3rd Tuesday of each month and for which there is a charge of £5.00.

Never thought crafting was your kind of hobby? Everyone can achieve and enjoy such skills so why not come along, join in, see what everyone is up to or try a taster session to discover your talent!

For more information on these groups, please contact:

• Upholstery Tony Summers [01271] 883600
• Spinning & Weaving Kath Arscott [01271] 883278
• Mixed Craft and Art Judie Weedon [01271] 883544

41

NEWS FROM THE GLOBE AND THE SAWMILL INN

June 13th and 14th is the Beer Festival at The Sawmill. This popular annual event takes place over the Friday night and then the Saturday afternoon and evening. There are lots of ales to try, some great live music, stalls, face painting, a Raffle for the Hospice and guest appearances from Peppa Pig.

Father's Day is Sunday 15th June so book early for your Carvery/Roast Lunch.

We have Live Music at The Globe on Friday nights throughout the summer; kicking off with Sam Dowden on 4th July. For full list of music see the posters, but for now pop in your diary the 18th July as we have something a bit special planned for this night, with Zamba playing.

Captain Coconut is returning to The Globe for select Wednesday Nights during the school holidays. The show starts at 7.15 p.m., great fun for the kids so pop along. There's no charge for coming to watch the show. See posters for more details.

42

CROSSWORD ANSWERs

43

BERRYNARBOR CENTENARY EXHIBITION WW1
SATURDAY 2ND AUGUST 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Following my previous article in the April edition, our organising group are making rapid progress which in no small part is due to the many contributions from villagers with some wonderful stories and artefacts from their respective grandparents who took part or were involved in the 1914-1918 War.

 

Alfred Leete, Public domain
via Wikimedia Commons.

We still need more personal stories, photographs, medals, newspapers and other related memorabilia to compliment the Exhibition, so please feel free to contact me on [01271] 883893 at any time and I shall be happy to include these for all to view on the day.

We do have four excellent helpers in our organising group who are helping to put the Exhibition together and they are Linda Thomas, Judith Adam, Tony Kitchin and Tom Bartlett. If you wish to speak to any of our team about related items for the Exhibition then please feel free to do so. However, please use my telephone number as often as possible to minimise the chances of stories being duplicated.

As mentioned in my previous article there will be a wide range of memorabilia/artefacts to see and a really exciting range of foods to see, sample and indeed purchase in our Kitchen of the time.

We should strongly encourage parents to bring their children to this colourful and informative Exhibition and there will be a special Children's Corner where they can become involved in solving and sending secret messages in Morse code, plus a special Flag identification competition with prizes to be won!

Entrance will only be ten shillings or 50p in today's money! There will also be a special raffle held during the Exhibition and the proceeds will go to deserving organisations such as The British Legion and The Star & Garter Homes for disabled Servicemen & Women.

The Berrynarbor Choir has recorded much of the music of the period and our thanks go to Paul Crockett for producing this special CD. Tony Kitchin is contacting TV, Radio and other media in helping to promote this special Exhibition.

May I once again ask you to please note the date in your dairies and make every effort to support this event which we are confident will be informative, enjoyable and hopefully a really great success!

Stuart Neale

44

OLD BERRYNARBOR - VIEW NO. 149

WWI: Soldiers at Watermouth Cottage Hospital

These two photographic postcards were taken by Phillipse & Lees, the Ilfracombe photographers, during November 1914 and taken outside Watermouth Cottage. Watermouth Cottage is situated opposite the Sawmill Inn up the private road, which eventually links up with Watermouth Castle.

On the 24th October 1914, a total of 50 wounded World War 1 Belgian soldiers arrived in Ilfracombe. The 10 worst cases were taken to the Tyrell Hospital, 23 wounded were taken to Westwell, Torrs Park, and 5 were taken to the Cliff Hydro. The remaining 12 were, at the invitation of Lady Penn-Curzon [nee Bassett], brought to Watermouth Cottage Hospital.

In the first view, No.6, all twelve Belgians are posing just by the steps leading down to the small road which continues under the bridge to Watermouth Castle. Lady Penn-Curzon can be seen standing in the centre directly behind one of the Red Cross nurses. To the left of the nurse a wounded Belgian can be seen holding Lady Penn-Curzon's beloved spaniel dog on his knee.

The second view, taken on the same day at the same place - and numbered 1 - shows just the 12 Belgians. The majority of them remained for the duration of the war and in Ilfracombe many of them were joined by their wives and children. A special class was even set up in Ilfracombe for the children. Sadly, Camille Kerckvoorde, one of the worst cases at the Tyrell Hospital died towards the end of July 1915, and his well-attended funeral was held on the 29th July 1915.

I understand that flowers were sent over annually from Belgium to be placed on his grave at the Parish Church right up to the early 1990's.

Tom Bartlett
Tower Cottage, May 2014
e-mail: tomandinge40@gmail.com

45

AT-A-GLANCE DIARY

46

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