Edition 147 - December 2013

 

EDITORIAL

December and another year nearly over, with Christmas only a few weeks away . . . cards, cake, puddings, presents to organise!

Lots of thanks - to Carol Lucas and the Elderberry pupils of our school who have produced the wonderful colourful covers, front and back and inside; to everyone who once again sent Christmas Messages and for their very generous donations supporting both the Manor Hall and the Newsletter, Debbie for once again enhancing the messages with her delightful art work; and, of course, the contributors, especially the regulars - the backbone of our Newsletter.

The first issue of 2014 - can it really be fourteen years since we were all worrying about what would happen when we hit the millennium! - will be February and articles are always welcome as soon as possible and please by the 6th January at the latest. Apologies that this does not give you much time following the indulgences of the festive season! Do have a go at the Christmas Crossword and hand it in in the hopes of the prize by the same date.

We welcome all newcomers to the village and hope that all those 'under the weather' will soon be feeling a lot better. Interestingly, one explanation of this phrase comes from a nautical source. When a sailor was unwell he was sent below to help his recovery, under the deck and away from the weather!

. . . and talking of weather, not too nice just now but we must not lose sight of the fact that summer was good, better than in recent years. But what will Christmas bring us? There is talk of a hard winter and snow, but let's hope that for us it will be crisp [but cold] and sunny.

My sincere thanks to everyone - contributors and readers - for your continued support and my best wishes to you all. Have a Happy Christmas and New Year, and a peaceful and healthy 2014.

Judie - Ed

1

ST. PETER'S CHURCH

Memorable Harvest celebrations were held at the beginning of October.The Sunday service was attended by 80 of us, including families with children. Well known harvest hymns were sung and a full choir joined by children from the school sang John Rutter's 'Look at the World', earning spontaneous applause at the end. Much rehearsal had gone into this and our thanks go to Stuart Neale for his time and inspiration. The church was beautifully decorated again thanks to Sue Neale and her team. Boxes were provided in the Shop, Church and Manor Hall for contributions to the Food Bank and we were able to take 3 full boxes to the Freedom Centre in Barnstaple. A proposal has been put forward to collect food on a regular basis and your opinions on this would be appreciated.

It was a pleasure to welcome so many to the Harvest Supper on the Wednesday - twice as many as last year, we shall be better prepared next time [and perhaps people will buy their tickets a bit earlier] but as always there was a lovely spread and plenty for all. Special thanks to everyone who provided the mouth-watering desserts and to Doreen Prater and Sue Neale who took overall charge. The evening was rounded off with a sing-a-long led by Stuart and a quiz compiled by Malcolm Sayer. The Bell-ringers were the worthy winners. Finally our thanks to Rev. George for conducting the auction of produce, raising over £30. Thanks to everyone's generosity, in addition, the PCC were able to send a cheque for £160 to the Freedom Centre.

Rev. Chris conducted a sensitive service on 3rd November. All members of the congregation went up to the altar to light a candle in memory of loved ones and there was time for a cup of tea and conversation afterwards.

The Remembrance Sunday Service on 10th November was heralded in by the muffle peal of bells. The sun was streaming in through the church windows and along the altar rails were poems written by the school children. This year they had addressed their poems to names taken from the War Memorial, making them more personal and poignant. The service was led by Rev. George and the wreaths laid by the Parish Council and the Church. Ivan Clark sounded the Last Post and the Reveille. The service continued in church with the lesson read by Adam Stanbury, Chairman of the Parish Council. The song from 'Band of Brothers' was sung by a full choir. A collection of £193 was taken up for the Royal British Legion.

Christmas Services will be as follows:

• Wednesday, 18th December 6.30 p.m. - Carol Service with choir and the school. Mulled wine to follow.
• Christmas Eve, 9.30 p.m. - Blessing of the crib and first Communion of Christmas
• Christmas Day, 11.00 a.m. -Family Service with Carols.
• Sunday, 29th December, 11.00 a.m. - Joined by members of Combe Martin church for Family Praise with Carols.

Cards will be distributed round the village inviting everyone to come to services as often as they can.

During January our services will continue in their normal pattern beginning at 11.00 a.m. and the Epiphany will be celebrated on the 5th. We are looking forward to the initiative and activities planned for the New Year as we seek to draw more people into church.

There will be no Friendship Lunch at The Globe in December and the January date will be made known later.

Mary Tucker

2

IN MEMORIAM

Love is immortal, and death is only a horizon,
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.

Rossiter W. Raymond [1840-1918]

DAVID HANN

Having suffered ill heath for a number of years, David died on August Bank Holiday. He and his wife Val lived for many years in homes in the village and the surrounding area. They were both keen supporters of our Primary School and involved in the many events of its newly formed Parents' Association in the 1970's. A silversmith by trade, David worked as a manager at Luscombe House in Barnstaple and as a Social Worker at the North Devon District Hospital. He and Val retired to West Sussex in 2003.

Our thoughts are with Val and their sons Jeremy, Simon and Ben and their families.

MARIE BOLTON

Marie and her husband Ray from Erdington, Birmingham, have been regular visitors to our village for many years, staying at Whitely Cottage until 1998 and then other places in the village and Combe Martin. They were supporters not only of our new Community Shop, being shareholders, but also the Newsletter - two of its greatest champions!

It was so sad, therefore, to learn that Marie had passed away aged only 70 at the end of May, having suffered for several years with dementia-Alzheimer's. Ray continues to come down to the village and we send him our sympathy and best wishes.

TOM GREENAWAY

One of the village's kindest and most generous men, Tom passed away at the end of August. Although living at the time at Hore Down, he and his wife Vera had lived in our village for many years. Tom was a first class builder constructing homes at The Lees, Hagginton Hill and other places in the village as well as their own home for a while, the Haven.

Tom was a great supporter of our Church, acting as a Warden for very many years and, in fact, constructing the impressive gates for the lychgate.

He will be sadly missed by many but none more than his family and our thoughts are with Vera, June, Betty and Tony at this sad time.

Vera and the family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and messages of sympathy at this time of sadness, and for attending Tom's funeral. A sum of £420 in his memory has been sent to the Chemotherapy Unit Appeal at the North Devon Hospital.

ROWENA MASON [MITCHAM]

One of the most cheerful past residents of the Sterridge Valley, it was with sadness that village friends learnt that Rowena [or Mitch as she was known] had died on the 7th October, just 3 days short of her 90th birthday.

Our thoughts are with Don, her three boys, Michael, Dennis and Paul and all their families. Friends from the village were present at her well-attended and warm funeral, leaving the chapel to the sound of Gracie Fields singing 'Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye'!

Many of the older residents of Berrynarbor will remember Rowena as a proud member of the village community. It must be some sixty years ago that the Mitcham family arrived in Berrynarbor, first living in the cottage next to what was previously the butcher's, and then moving to the Sterridge Valley.

Rowena's husband Tom was a footballer, lured to North Devon from Boston United to play for Ilfracombe Town, and Rowena and her sons duly followed. Soon afterwards Tom was asked to move again to Southampton but Rowena put her foot down and said she was not going to uproot the family again!

Tom sadly passed away suddenly in 1966 leaving her to raise three boys on her own.

For many years she worked for the Richards family at Moules Farm before going to Coutant Electronics [now Lambda TDK] in Ilfracombe where she stayed until her retirement.

In 1975 Rowena married widower Don Mason and they lived in the Valley for many years before moving to a bungalow in Ilfracombe where they spent over 20 years. Both keen gardeners, their front garden was their pride and joy.

Eventually they both moved into Pinehurst Residential Home where they were well looked after for 4 happy years until Rowena was taken ill, passing away from pneumonia in the hospital in Barnstaple.

3

FROM THE RECTOR ...

As I write these words, there are serious problems being reported in the NHS. I don't know what your experience is of accident and emergency, but A & E seems to be a barometer of the pressures on hospitals, especially in the winter. In addition, some hospital waiting times seem to have been falsified. Santa doesn't have that problem with his national elf service!

We have arrived once again at Advent. Great themes will start to play - darkness to light, conflict and peace, life and death, heaven and hell, time and eternity, judgement and healing! Nothing too serious then!

A problem this Christmas will be the squeeze on the cost of living. Families struggle with rising prices of food and especially energy. How on earth will we pay that electricity bill? One initiative that the church is getting involved with in Combe Martin this Christmas is a Food Bank. This will operate for the first two weeks of December and cardboard boxes will be around the village. Retailers and landlords are coming on board which is great! Please bring some non-perishable items and place in the boxes which will be emptied at regular intervals. Distribution will take place in the week leading up to Christmas, probably in the foyer of the town hall each morning. Families will be able to have between 3-5 items according to how much comes in. If more is needed, proof of being unemployed, etc. would be helpful. Look out for more details. This is for people in Berrynarbor as well, both to give and to receive.

Advent is about waiting, not just as children think. There are different forms of waiting. Waiting for Christmas is one thing but what about waiting for an operation? Or when you suffer from depression, perhaps you lie there waiting for morning and then wait for the end of the day. Advent is about waiting with hope, waiting with openness, looking to God with anticipation. I have had to sell the house at different times in my life; you have to be ready. Anyone can come anytime! Preferably by appointment, people can come to view. That is what it means to be open to God. You have to be ready, you have to live with anticipation, being prepared to open the door. This is the right attitude to make the most of the Christmas season. We get everything else ready but most of us will leave out the spiritual dimension and what that can mean to us if we are open. Fancy confusing that with tinsel!

It's sad. One of my favourite carols rarely heard or performed uses an old Andalusian tune which makes it as haunting and beautiful a melody as you can imagine. The 'Carol of the Birds' was a favourite of the 'cellist Pablo Casals, and Joan Baez sang it on a Christmas album some may remember. The second verse goes like this:

The eagle then did rise, went flying through the skies
To tell the wondrous story.
Sang: "Jesus born is he. From sin we are set free
He brings us joy and glory."

Rev. Chris

4

THE VENTURE COTTAGE RING

 

 

When Sue and Eric Longstaff lived at Venture Cottage in the 1960's-70's, they had a problem with an old crumbling fireplace. In the process of renovation a silver ring fell out from amongst the old masonry.

The ring, made like a miniature belt, is stamped 'Persian Silver'. I should love to know how old it is as it could possibly have been lost in the original structure. On the other hand, it may have been hidden there to ward off evil spirits and witches, a common practice in Medieval and Tudor times.

Barnstaple Museum was unable to help with dating the ring. But as Peggy and Laurie Harvey have traced the origins of Middle Cockhill to the early thirteen hundreds, it is feasible to date Knacker's Hall, Venture Cottages and Lower Cockhill's origins to a similar date.

These dwellings are built along the ancient Parish Road which was the only way through this part of the Sterridge Valley until the late 1800's. It was long established when John Jewell and his family made their way along it to church in the early 1500's.

Lorna Bowden

5

MARWOOD HILL GARDENS

The Gardens are now closed for the winter but will reopen on Saturday, 15th March 2014, 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. However, the Gardens and Tea Room will be open for two Snowdrop Days in February, on Sundays 16th and 23rd February from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. with a special entry price of £4.00, or, of course FREE to season ticket holders.

Looking for that elusive Christmas present for someone who has everything? Why not give them the opportunity to enjoy the Gardens whenever they like for a whole year! A single Season Ticket costs just £25 or for two people living at the same address £40, which includes a free tea or coffee in the Tea Room every visit. Season ticket holders last year made over 1350 visits, with two people making 29 - less than 70p a visit!

For all enquiries speak to Patricia on [01271] 342528 or e-mail marwoodgardens@btconnect.com.

6

THE PAVILION

Have you ever walked along the front at Lynmouth and been saddened by the sorry state of the building near the cliff railway - the Pavilion - and wondered why it should be so? Well, wonder no more, it has been rejuvenated!

The Pavilion was opened in 1932 and was once the steamboat terminal with passengers waiting on the ground floor. Upstairs was a theatre.

Having spent the last ten years operating from a portakabin, the Exmoor National Park Centre now has its home at the Pavilion. Following an incredible rebuild, the Centre was opened by our own North Devon District Councillor, Andrea Davis, on the 17th October.

Here, not only can you find all the information you need about Exmoor and how to enjoy it, there is a small comfortable cinema showing a ten minute film to help you discover one of England's finest landscapes, exhibitions and a dining room and delicatessen serving delicious food, and with a view of the sea and the cliff railway.

You are made very welcome by all the staff and access is buggy and wheelchair friendly with a lift to the upper floor, restaurant and well- appointed toilets.

So, when you are next in Lynmouth, do call in at the Pavilion.

Exmoor

Discover one of England's finest landscapes . . . A unique landscape of moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland, shaped by people and nature over thousands of years. Where high cliffs plunge into the Bristol Channel, and cosy pubs and tea rooms offer delicious local produce.

Then . . . and . . .now

7

BERRYNARBOR WINE CIRCLE

Wine Circle meetings resumed on Wednesday, October 16th, the first of the eight meetings in our new season: 2013-14. It was pleasing to see many familiar faces and several new members. Geoff and I joined in October 2007 and have enjoyed every meeting attended and I'm sure our forthcoming programme will not disappoint.

John Hood, in his inimitable fashion, invited us to taste six wines from the Iberian Peninsula, which has a greater wine-growing area than any other country, but is only the world's 3^rd producer and this is because the vines are placed further apart than in other areas. All wines were sourced from Averys in Bristol, which were couriered.

Two of the three whites and two of the reds were Spanish. The Pazo do Mar Expression 2012, from Galicia, N.W. Spain, is made from a single grape: Albarino, and priced at £11.99. Quinta Nova Pomares 2012 is from the Douro region of Portugal, a triple-grape mix, £10.99, but both gained appreciation.

All reds were from blends of grapes, but the Clos del Pinell, Gran Reserva, 2005 closed John's presentation. At £10.99 it was the dearest. There seemed to be a general consensus of opinion that the dearest were the preferred tastings. Perhaps this proves that you only get what you pay for!

The last meeting of 2013 is Wednesday, December 11th. It doesn't matter if you have missed November's meeting, we are always pleased to see new faces. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, our December meeting is our Christmas special: our Food and Wine gathering. Incredible edibles are produced by our members for a specific number, and, therefore, it would be very useful, prior to the meeting, to know if you think you may join our Circle in December. The first meeting of the new year will be on Wednesday, 15th January - an evening of 'Call My Wine Bluff'.

Judith Adam - Secretary and Promotional Co-ordinator

8

REPORT FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL

Reports were received from the Police, District Councillor Yvette Gubb and the Parish Clerk.
An application form had been completed and submitted in respect of a DCC Locality Grant from County Councillor Andrea Davis and Community Councillor Grants from District Councillors Julia Clark and Yvette Gubb in respect of repairs to the War Memorial.
 
Councillor Steve Hill was pleased to report that interest had been shown by parishioners in respect of assisting the preparation of an Emergency Plan, the first draft of which was available.  A wire cage had been generously offered for the storage of emergency equipment.
The Clerk to make arrangements for sandbags to be available for collection from the Civic Centre by District Councillor Yvette Gubb.  

Post Meeting note:  This had been done.
 
Discussions were on-going regarding sports facilities at the Recreation Field.
An Expression of Interest had been submitted to the Fullabrook Wind Farm Company in respect of a local housing need.
 
Issues were being addressed at the public conveniences following an inspection by North Devon Council.  Door closures and a more user friendly handle for the disabled toilets were being purchased.
 
The Parish Council was in dialogue with North Devon Council regarding signage in the car park and arrangements to be made to have a site meeting to obtain more information with an official following an enquiry as to whether the Parish Council had an interest in managing the car park.
 
Councillor Mrs Thomas had attended a Planning and Environment School organised by North Devon Council.
  Finances were approved. A Planning Application at Bountree, Smythen Farm, was recommended for refusal on highway grounds, also the plans do not reflect the accuracy of the existing building, and concern was expressed about the original horseshoe bat population.
 
Details of a temporary closure of Footpath 20 were given.
Parishioners are reminded that Parish Council Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.00 p.m. now in the Parish Rooms, not the Penn Curzon Room of the Manor Hall.

Sue Squire - Parish Clerk

Emergency Plan

As you will see from the Clerk's report, the Parish Council are putting together an Emergency Plan for the village. The main objective is to let people know they are not alone in an emergency and can call upon others to help.

The first port of call would always be the Emergency Services on 999, and we suggest that no one puts themselves at risk of danger. But sometimes we can call upon villagers to assist as well. They will be co-ordinators who hold a list of people who can help.

What we are seeking is volunteers, maybe with first aid experience, access to a 4 x 4 vehicle or a chainsaw, and volunteers to put sand in the bags, or if they have another skill that can be used.

If you think you can help please contact me, Steve Hill on [01271] 882647 or e-mail me at stevemillpark@aol.co.uk. Thank you.

9

HUNTING THE GIANT'S DAUGHTER AT THE MANOR HALL

One thing you can rely on is that the Beaford Arts presentations are different, thought provoking and poorly attended in Berrynarbor. Well, this representation of Tales from the times of King Arthur was no exception, so again most villagers missed out on an interesting and entertaining evening.

The event started with a school workshop run in the Manor Hall. Michael Harvey told the story, while Lyne Denman sang the songs with harp and accordion accompaniment from Stacey Blythe. The end result was enchanted children and a picture story frieze. Some children were enthralled enough to come along in the evening for a second helping.

The format of the staged show started with poetic singing in Welsh of 'I am the beginning', Then began the Tale of Culhwch seeking out his defined Lady Olwen in the lands surrounding the Bristol Channel. This is one of 11 Welsh Tales from the 12th Century. We were invited into a fantastic, primitive world where men and beasts were equal, with shape changing and magic everywhere. Not so different then from Dr. Who and Star Wars, but presented verbally and musically, on stage, to an enthralled audience. The presentation by the cast was brilliant - their diction was clear and exciting, the background music extensively amplified the storyline and the Welsh singing with a distinctly jazz feeling set the time and place into Wales, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. What could have been better?

Berrynarbor was very lucky to have this Beaford event here and to have been so well entertained so surprisingly in this 21st Century. The cast were all world-famous in their fields and the production support matched them.

Many traditional tales have a moral, and the one from this Beaford event has to be: Always attend Beaford Arts events in the Manor Hall. They are always entertaining or thought provoking and frequently both. The risk is that they pass this way only once, and you'll never know how much you're missing out, because it's gone.

Congratulations to the PTA and the Manor Hall for organising this entertaining event.

Alan

10

WEATHER OR NOT

September was a fairly quiet, warm month. Temperatures were mainly in the high teens and low twenties with a daytime high of 24.1 Deg C and a night low of 7.2 Deg C, although most nights the temperature remained in double figures. It was often overcast but we missed a lot of the rain up here compared with South Devon and with only 43mm it was the second driest September we have recorded. 120.57 hours of sunshine were recorded which was almost identical to last year. Winds were mainly light with a maximum gust of 24 knots.

October was generally very mild even at night with a maximum temperature of 20.8 Deg C and a minimum of 5.6 Deg C, The sunshine hours recorded of 71.09 hours was the highest for October since a note has been kept. Many days were damp or had rain but the total rainfall was only 162mm which was lower than average. The first part of the month was often breezy but then it became more and more stormy. On the 16th we recorded 31 knots, then on Sunday 27th we had a gust of 35 knots which was the strongest gust in the month. It was also the wettest day of the month with 27mm. The severe storm that was forecast for Sunday into Monday fortunately didn't hit this part of the county too badly, in fact we couldn't hear any wind at all but the barometer dropped from 998mb at 2000 on the Sunday to 982 by 0400 Monday.

Unfortunately the unsettled weather has continued into November though at the moment it is still reasonably mild for the time of year. We have heard scare stories that it is going to be a very bad winter so the longer it remains mild the better.

A Happy Christmas to you all. Which will it be - wet or white?

Illustration by: Paul Swailes

Simon and Sue

11

LOCAL WALK -141

Bats in the Chancel

Described by the nineteenth century clergyman and historian, Sabine Baring-Gould as 'picturesquely seated in a nook', the small and remote church of St. Peter at Trentishoe is about half a mile inland from the rugged Exmoor coast.

In early autumn we walked to it along Trentishoe Lane, a level and straight road for most of the way until it does a sudden right-angled turn and dips down to reveal the narrow tower beside a farm with a trickle of cottages and barns further down the hill.

At a field gate along the lane, with no human habitation nearby, trays of eggs had been placed for sale. Very trusting but can there be much passing trade here we wondered?

I remembered that when I had visited the church last summer swallows had been nesting in the porch. There was evidence that they had been back this summer too; a little mound of bird lime on the threshold. We turned round to see above the doorway three empty nests.

Inside the little church a large cloth had been spread on the floor before the altar and on it was a scattering of droppings. We looked up and saw, in a neat row, equal distances apart, twelve pipistrelle bats roosting on the chancel ceiling.

The church contains a compact organ in the form of a wooden rectangular box, which was salvaged from the Mauritania. Strange that this artefact from an ocean liner should find its way to this lonely spot on Exmoor.

A special feature of Trentishoe church is its eighteenth century musicians' gallery, a narrow wooden structure at the back of the church reached by some stairs. A hole has been cut in the parapet to accommodate the bow of the double base. It is unusual to see one of these galleries preserved because so many were removed during Victorian restorations when organs replaced the bands of village musicians.

There is a good portrayal of these church bands in Thomas Hardy's charming early novel, Under the Greenwood Tree. In a lot of Hardy's novels tragic events occur due to misunderstandings, missed opportunities and failure to speak or act at the right time, but Under the Greenwood Tree is a gentle study of rural life and rustic characters.

Hardy's original title for the books was The Mellstock Quire and in 1896 he wrote of his regret for the passing of the 'orchestral bodies' of up to a dozen players who provided the music in churches. He believed the result of their displacement by an organist or harmonium had been to reduce the direct involvement of the parishioners in the life of the church.

He pointed out that, 'the zest of these bygone instrumentalists must have been keen to take them on foot every Sunday, after a toilsome week, through all weathers to the church, which often lay at a distance from their homes.'

The gratuities they received barely covered the cost of fiddle strings, repairs and manuscript paper for them to copy out their music. Seeing a rare gallery like the one at Trentishoe is a poignant reminder of their dedication.

As it had started to rain and become darker in the church I'd switched on the light so that my friends could see to sign the visitors' book. Soon there was a barely perceptible, faint rustle. Foolishly, I had unwittingly disturbed the bats. I quickly switched off the light; the bats settled again and we went out into the drizzly churchyard to leave the creatures in peace.

Illustrations by: Paul Swailes

Sue H

12

 

13

14

BERRY IN BLOOM & BEST KEPT VILLAGE

We have had a busy autumn removing the summer bedding and re-planting with bulbs and winter flowering pansies and cyclamen. We also managed to re-use some small shrubs saved from the previous winter displays. We had some help planting the bulbs at the Manor Hall when the playgroup children joined in! They were doing a project about autumn so we hope they enjoy watching the tulips and crocuses grow.

Sorry to say that although we tried our best this year to win the Best Kept Village award we only managed runner up. Never mind, next year we will have another chance and hope that more villagers will join us. We held the last litter pick of the year in early November and look out for our poster in the New Year with the date of our first meeting for 2014.

On 19th September we held a musical evening in conjunction with the Horticultural & Craft group. It was a lovely evening and we are grateful to Ian Hudson for organising the singers and players. We raised £155.00. Another fun event was the Pumpkin Fair held on 19th October with the children dressed in their fancy dress costumes. Not much of a fundraiser but the kids and adults had a great time!

Wendy Applegate

15

Christmas Chutney

Last year I was making white chocolate and cranberry cookies to give as Christmas presents and this year I have been making chutney. There is still time to make some and if you use Christmas fabric to cover the lids and maybe pop a pretty spoon through the ribbon you use to tie the fabric what could be a nicer gift?

Makes about 2.5 kg / 5lbs

Peel core and slice the apples. Put into a large saucepan with the cranberries. Peel and finely chop the onions, add to the saucepan along with all the dried fruit (chop the figs and apricots roughly). Add half the vinegar and simmer covered until the fruit is tender (about 30 minutes). Mix in the remaining ingredients including the rest of the vinegar and simmer until the soft brown sugar is completely melted. Leave uncovered and cook until the chutney becomes jam-like in consistency, stirring frequently and allow plenty of time. Remove the bag of spices. Leave the chutney until luke warm then pot and cover. Label and store in the cool until Christmas.

I hope you and your friends and family enjoy this. Happy Christmas.

Wendy Applegate

16

NEWS FROM THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

I cannot believe we are already on the count-down to Christmas! We have all just enjoyed a two week half term. The children are now refreshed and looking forward to the busy end of term ahead.

Following half term, the children have started their swimming sessions. This is an essential part of the PE Curriculum and very important in the area in which we live.

For Remembrance Sunday on the 10th November, the Church was decorated with Poems and Bunting that the children made for this special occasion and we hope you were able to take time to look at them.

Dates for the Diary are as follows:

• Monday 2nd December - Christingle in the Church, family and friends are welcome.
• Thursday 12th December - PTFA Christmas Bazaar, Manor Hall, 3.10 to 5.30 p.m.
• Friday 13th December - Strawberry & Cranberry Classes Nativity Play in the Manor Hall, 2.00 p.m. Again family and friends are welcome.
• Monday 16th December - Y4 trip to Rosemoor gardens
• Monday 16th December - Senior Dudes Meal. This is a bookable event, so please look out for the poster in the Community Shop.
• Wednesday 18th December - Whole school Christmas Lunch
• Wednesday 18th December - Strawberries and Cranberries perform Christmas Nativity at the Lych Gate at 6.15 p.m. followed by Carol Service in the Church.
• Friday 20th December - Last day of term and School Carol Service in the Church

We should like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sue Carey - Headteacher

17

CHRISTMASSY CROSSWORD
Mike Hancock

A mixture of cryptic and straight Clues, most with a Christmassy Theme

Thanks must be given to Mike [from Southbourne] for this really tricky Christmas Crossword. Mike has kindly donated a £10 voucher for the best entry.

So, take your time and get all the family to have a go - at those times over Christmas when you need to sit down for a while over a cuppa! Send in your answers [either by number or by the grid] to the Shop or Chicane [for those long distance readers: Chicane, Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe, EX34 9TB] by the 6th January 2014 at the latest.

Don't hold back if you can't complete it - it is incredibly hard - send or hand it in however much or little you've achieved. You could well be the winner[s]! The answers will appear in the February Newsletter.

Clue: 41 across is CHRISTMAS!

18

SUMMER CAR TRAIL

Many thanks to everyone who took part in the Car Trail to raise money for the Newsletter. Hopefully you enjoyed it and found it took you to places you'd not been to before!

Only one car, with Chris and Phil Pocock of Berrynarbor Park got all the answers correct - well done!

Three entries were nearly there with 25 out of 26 - Jules Barnes and Graham Webster from Bristol on holiday at Stowford Farm Meadows, Sue and Simon Kemp with Trish and Joan, and Alan and Nora Rowlands.

Thanks go to Lorna and Michael Bowden for setting the trail and all entrants for their participation and support of the Newsletter.

19

ACTIVITY DAY
DIY and TAKE IT HOME ARTS & CRAFTS DAY
Manor Hall
SATURDAY, 15TH FEBRUARY 2014

By popular request a second Activity Day is planned for Saturday 15th February 2014.

Open to EVERYONE - children, parents and grandparents - you will be able to take part in one or more of the following activities: Floral Art, Stained Glass, Card Making, Patchwork, Pebble Painting and other crafts.

The day will include morning coffee, light lunch and afternoon tea both for those making something and those interested in seeing what is being made!

Full details will be available in the February 2014 Newsletter and look out for posters nearer the time.

Please make a note of the date in your new diaries and support this event if you can.

All proceeds for the Berrynarbor Newsletter.

20

QUICK QUOTES

"Ignorance more frequently breeds confidence than does knowledge."
Charles Darwin

"In peace there's nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility."
Shakespeare

21

 

Jane and Keith
at Rose Cottage would like to wish everyone
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 
Colin and Doreen wish everyone
A Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
 
A Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year
to our friends and neighbours in Berrynarbor.
From the Harris Family
 
Wishing all our friends in the village a
Very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.
Wendy and Chris
 
Norma and Tony
wish A Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year
to all their friends and neighbours in the village and on The Park.
 
A Very Happy Christmas and New Year to all friends.
Mavis Pesic
 
Christmas Greetings to all our friends and neighbours in the village.
We wish you a very Happy Christmas and the best of Health and Happiness in 2014.
Keith and Margaret
 
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2014
Gilly Loosemore
 
A very Happy and Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all our friends in Berrynarbor.
Ray and Marie Bolton, Birmingham
 
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
from Paula, Ray and Sandie
 
Eileen and Bob Hobson
wish their friends A Very Happy Christmas.
 
A Very Happy Christmas to all our friends and neighbours.
Much love, Jo and Mike Lane
 
Yvonne [and Brandy]
would like to wish all friends and neighbour in the Village a very Happy Christmas and send all good wishes for 2014.
Cherry Hinton, Barton Lane
 
Joan and Malcolm
send Season's Greetings to all.
 
Tom and Inge
send warm greetings for Christmas and wishes for a
Healthy New Year 2014 to all friends and neighbours, villagers and readers of the Berrynarbor Newsletter
 
Ron Toms at Lee Lodge
wishes all his village friends and visitors
A Very Happy Christmas and Health and Happiness in the year ahead.
 
Janet and Jasmine
wish all their friends a Very Happy Christmas and a good New Year.
 
We should like to send best wishes to all our friends and neighbours for a very Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year. However you plan to spend Christmas, we trust it will be a very special time for you all.
Chris and Jen, Berrynarbor Park
 
Jackie and Roy Pierpoint
wish all friends, old and new, a
Very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.
 
A very Happy Christmas to all my friends in the village and, of course, on Berrynarbor Park. I wish you all a lovely peaceful year in 2014.
Di
 
Pat and Maureen, Fuchsia Cottage
Sending all our friends and neighbours our best wishes for a
Very Happy Christmas and a great year ahead.

 
A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year
to all our friends and customers.
Joyce and Songbird
 
Colin and Wendy at Bessemer Thatch
send warm Christmas Greetings and best wishes for the New Year to all friends and neighbours in Berrynarbor.
 
Jill McCrae
sends Christmas Greetings and Good Wishes for 2014 to everyone.
 
Liz and Roger of Berrynarbor Park
wish friends and neighbours A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 
Ken and Judie
wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a healthy and peaceful 2014.
 
Betty Richards, Seascape, Barton Lane,
wishes friends & neighbours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 
Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year to all our village friends.
Janet and David [Steed]
 
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all friends and neighbours in Berrynarbor and best wishes from
Tim and Jill
 
The Parochial Church Council wish all members of the Church and Villagers a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year.
 
Patricia, Staff and Volunteers at Marwood Hill Gardens
thank all their visitors from Berrynarbor and wish them a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 
The Davies Family at Leeside
wish all friends and neighbours a Very Happy Christmas and New Year.
 
Pip and Tony
send Christmas Greetings to all friends and acquaintances in Berrynarbor and best wishes for Health and Happiness in 2014.
 
Don and Edith, Karen, Callum, Morgan and Roka,
Karl, Lou, Tyler and Corey
wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 
Mark and Hilary
wish all their friends and neighbours A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 
Jill
wishes all her friends back in Berrynarbor A Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. [Fleet, Hampshire]
 
Linda, George, Ethel, Allan, Jasmine, Tracey, Darren and Caitlin
would like to wish everyone a
Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
 
Pam and Alex of Damson Cottage
wish all friends in Berrynarbor
A Very Merry Christmas and Good Health and Happiness throughout 2014.
 
Chairman Adam Stanbury and members of Berrynarbor Parish Council wish everyone in the village A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 
Rainer, Jill and Amber
would like to wish all their friends and neighbours in the Sterridge Valley
A Very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year

22

Pictures by: Lawrence Eaton, Josh Richards, Anna Besford, Lydia Carless,
Poppy Cook, Sam Walls, Conor Holland and William Cook.

23

TREV'S TWITTERS

Jolly Good Ale and Old

I can but eat a little meat,
My stomach is not good;
But sure I think that I can drink
With he that wears a hood.
Though I go bare, take you no care,
I nothing am a-cold;
I stuff my skin so full within
Of jolly good ale and old.
Back and side go bare, go bare;
Both foot and hand go cold;
But, belly, God send thee good ale enough,
Whether it be new or old.
 
I love no roast but a nut-brown toast,
And a crab laid in the fire;
A little bread shall do me stead;
Much bread I not desire.
No frost not snow, no wind, I trow,
Can hurt me if I wold;
I am so wrapp'd and thoroughly lapp'd
Of jolly good ale and old.
Back and side, etc.

And Tib, my wife, that as her life,
Loveth well good ale to seek,
Full oft drinks she till you may see
The tears run down her cheek;
Then doth she trowl to me the bowl
Even as a maltworm should;
And saith, 'Sweetheart, I took my part
Of this jolly good ale and old.'
Back and side, etc.
 
Now let them drink till they nod and wink,
Even as good fellows should do;
They shall not miss to have the bliss
Good ale doth bring man to;
And all poor souls that have scour'd bowls
Or have them lustily troll'd,
God save the lives of them and their wives,
Whether they be young or old.
Back and side, etc.

William Stevenson
[1530-1575]

William Stevenson was an English clergyman and presumed playwright of the early English language comedy Gammer Gurton's Needle.

Born in Durham, he studied at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1553, his Master of Arts degree in 1560 and his Bachelor of Divinity degree, also in 1560. Account books at Christ's College list him in 1550-1553 and again in 1559-1560 as involved in putting on plays, though they do not mention Gammer Gurton's Needle explicitly. He became a prebend at Durham Cathedral in 1561.

The Means to Attain a Happy Life

Henry Howard
Earl of Surrey

 

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey
by Unknown artist
oil on panel
late 16th century, based on a work of 1546
Given by Thomas Stainton, 1880
NPG 611

© National Portrait Gallery, London
Licenced under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey [1516/17 to 19th January 1547] was an English Aristocrat and one of the founders of English Renaissance poetry.

 

Tomb of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey
Steve Parker, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

He was the eldest son of Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, and his second wife, the former Lady Elizabeth Stafford He was reared at Windsor with Henry VIII's illegitimate son Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Richmond and Somerset, they became close friends and, later, brothers-in-law. He became Earl of Surrey in 1524 when his grandfather died and his father became Duke of Norfolk.

 

Framlingham: St. Michael's Church
Framlingham: St. Michael's Church by Michael Garlick, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

His first cousin, Anne Boleyn, was executed on charges of adultery and treason. Henry VIII consumed by delusions and increasing illness, became convinced that Surrey had planned to usurp the crown from his son Edward and had him imprisoned - with his father - sentenced him to death and beheaded for treason on the 19th January 1547. His father survived execution as it had been set for the day following the King's death, but remained in prison. Surrey's son Thomas became heir to the Dukedom of Norfolk instead, inheriting it on the 3rd Duke's death in 1554.

Henry Howard is buried in a spectacular tomb in the church of St. Michael the Archangel in Framlingham.

Trev

24

RURAL REFLECTIONS 60

I recently came across my first Rural Reflections article. It was written at the height of the foot and mouth outbreak and made reference to the extent to which wind direction was playing its infectious part in determining where the disease spread. I likened the wind's pronounced visual impact to the Great Storm of 1987, a storm that could be clearly mapped out by viewing its path of destruction from the air. As is my disposition, I tried to look upon the storm's urban and rural devastation across southeast England with a positive outlook. I filled half a glass with water and saw through the half full section the new trees that had been planted where their forebears had stood; forebears that, where possible, had been left alone and allowed a respectable death so that their decaying trunks could become food and shelter for woodland creatures great and small.

 
Illustration by: Paul Swailes

My maiden article supported this latter point by likening the great storm to clearance work that we had recently undertaken in our garden. Trees had been felled, nettles severed, and brambles uprooted; actions that could be viewed through both halves of the glass. On the one hand we had robbed wildlife of a long established source of refuge and shelter; on the other we had allowed daylight to return to surface level, so encouraging previously suffocated wild and cultivated plants to bloom and flourish.

Yet there was one key aspect upon which the two clearances differed. Where Mother Nature had implemented her change without explicit warning and literally overnight, ours was planned and carried out over the course of six months. That's not to say we too could have undertaken our clearance of all the foliage overnight; a rotavator would have seen to that. But by refining the garden manually - albeit back breaking - meant that the transformation could be savoured over a longer period of time.

Of course Mother Nature knows in her heart that the human race copes better when change is gradual. It is for this reason that she subtlety transforms one season into the next. It is also why she ensures that even in the depths of winter an occasional red campion will peek out from a hedgerow; a reminder of the floral abundance that will progressively adorn our country lanes come spring. Remember - and I have written this many times before - that come Christmas day, the shortest hours of daylight have passed; and once the festive period is over the production lines in Mother Nature's factories will choke and splutter back into life.

Merry Christmas!

Steve McCarthy

25

PLANT SALES FOR THE CHILDREN'S HOSPICE

I am so pleased to be able to tell you that I have beaten last year's donation of £800.

This year I have achieved sales of £1,100 of which £1,000 has been donated to the Children's Hospice, £50 I am sending to Save the Children for the children in Syria appeal, and £50 to our village magazine both for the publicity for the selling of plants and for the many plant pots given to me in answer to my appeals, which help enormously.

Thank you EVERYONE who has made these donations possible.

Margaret

I must first thank Margaret for her generous donation to the Newsletter but we must all congratulate her on her achievement - through her hard work and dedication in propagating and planting out plants and shrubs and selling them, she has over the years raised a magnificent £10,000 for the Children's Hospice. An incredible feat for such a worthwhile cause.

Ed.

26

BERRYNARBOR WARTIME MEMORIES

Dance Classes, Concerts and Ladies Keep Fit

It was lovely to see, in the October issue, Gladys Dyer's (nee Toms) photograph of an act from one of the performances put on by Miss Mildred Hyams dance class. It brought back happy times and prompted me to search through my own memorabilia and discover that as well as three photographs of other acts I have the programme for the Concert at which they were performed in 1942.

The classes were held in the Parish Room and the Concerts were put on at the Manor Hall and some of the dances may have been performed at other occasions as well such as the Church fete. I think the photographs were probably taken outside the Manor Hall during dress rehearsals or in the Rectory garden. The Show simply called A Display of Dancing was performed in the Manor Hall in aid of The British Red Cross St. John Fund on Friday and Saturday the 3rd and 4th of July (two days after the start of the Battle of El Alamein).

As well as the group dance numbers there were several solo turns by members of the class including an energetic Tambourine Dance that I performed and acts by other local talents including songs by Gerald Beauclerk and Ivy Richards and pianoforte solos by Toni Wardell. It was a very full programme with 13 acts in part one then an interval and 12 acts in part two.

Gladys's photograph shows the last act of part one; 'The British Isles & Victory March', Scotland at far left and right was represented by sisters Janet and Monica Whiting, Ireland by Gladys Toms (2^nd from L) and B Human (2^nd from R), Wales by either Sheila Draper or J. Radley (4^th from L) and my cousin Jean Travers (kneeling 3^rd from R), the two boy scouts were the flagbearers and they were Brian Steadman (3^rd from L) and Geoffrey Blewett (standing behind Jean) another of my cousins who had come down to escape the war in London, Geoffrey is still alive and well and living in Devon. I am in the centre representing England and I think I may have danced a Sailors' Hornpipe in the show as part of this act and then appeared as Britannia in the final Victory March.

The photographs I am sending in show three of the acts from the second half of the Concert. The first shows act 4 'An Old English Cameo' in which several different dances and songs were performed individually by L-R, Sheila Draper, Maureen Peachey, Dawn Delbos, Elizabeth Lawford and Jean Travers (reclining at front) all in period costume.

 

This was followed by 'The Charladies' a Mrs Mopp turn performed by a group from the Berrynarbor Ladies Keep Fit Class also held by Miss Hyams in the Parish Room, they are L-R, Mylcie Meadows, Mrs Houston, Beth Stephens, Nellie Peachey my mother and Winnie Blewett my aunt and mother of Geoffrey (I got top marks for this photo in a 'Nutty Auntie' competition at my W.I. group recently!).

 

The next photograph shows the final act 'Operatic Ballet' with L-R, ?Sheila Draper, Janet Whiting, June Steadman, Monica Whiting, then either J. Radley or. R. Human, Maureen Peachey, Beryl Horrell, Jean Travers. After ending the show on this cultural high note everyone stood for God Save the King.

 

The last photograph is not from the show but depicts the splendid Keep Fit ladies in their smart and respectable exercising outfits (before the days of leotards) outside the Manor Hall.

 

On the extreme left is Mrs Griffiths, third in the back row is Mrs Dovell and fifth Mrs Houston, second and sixth are Misses Dovell and Chalmers but I am not sure which is which, they were cousins their mothers being sisters. On the far right is Mrs Smith but the name of the lady in the centre escapes me. Second, third and fourth in the front row are sisters Winnie Blewett, Nellie Peachey and Hilda Travers, my dear mother and aunts but I don't recall the names of the ladies flanking them at either end of the row.

Maureen Underdown [nee Peachey]

27

FATHER CHRISTMAS

 

The Jones family lived in a small rural village in Devon. It was Christmas Eve and the children, Ron seven and Jane eight were getting very excited with the prospect of Father Christmas calling. Looking out of the window, the children could see it was just beginning to snow.

Presently there was a 'phone call. It was from their uncle to ask if it would be possible for them to go over to baby sit their two year old baby as he, their aunt and cousins had been invited to a party.

It was all agreed and Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Ron and Jane set off. It was still snowing and on their arrival they were greeted with hugs and kisses before the family left for the party.

Time went on and it was late when the family arrived home again.

"You'll never get home tonight," their aunt said, "The snow is really quite deep. But don't worry, she continued, "I'll prepare the bedrooms so you can all sleep here."

By the next morning, Christmas morning, the snow had thawed enough for the Jones's to return home. They got in the car, eager to get back to see if Father Christmas had been. Arriving home, Mr. Jones opened the front door and the children rushed in.

Up to their bedrooms they went and there, lo and behold, were their stockings and pillow cases filled with all sorts of games, a doll, train set, sweets, teddy bears. Their rooms were decorated with paper chains, lanterns. They could hardly believe their eyes!

Mr. and Mrs. Jones followed their children up the stairs and stood there amazed at the sight. They looked at each other with puzzled expressions, shrugged their shoulders and went downstairs for a cup of tea!

Happy Christmas
and New Year to everyone.

---

Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat.
Please put a penny in the old man's hat;
If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do.
If you haven't got a ha'penny. God bless you

 

Tony Beauclerk - Stowmarket

'Christmas is coming' is an old English traditional poem or nursery rhyme, often sung as a 'round'. The charitable lyrics associate the traditional Christmas feast with geese, and the meaning that is conveyed to children in 'Christmas is coming' is that the festive season is a time when charity should be given, according to means, even if all they could give is their blessing..

The history of the penny is not commonly known. Its first documented reference is dated 790 AD when it was minted in silver. The design has frequently changed depicting images of various monarchs. The first Anglo-Saxon pennies depicted a cross on the reverse as a symbol of Christianity.

These crosses were used as guidelines to cut the penny into halves or quarters - cut coinage. The halfpenny [worth half of a penny] and farthing [worth a quarter or fourth of a penny] were then minted. The word farthing, which like the halfpenny is no longer minted, comes from 'fourthing'. The penny changed from silver to copper in 1797 - hence the colloquialism 'coppers' - then to bronze in 1860 and copper plated steel in 1992. [The farthing, 1/4d was last minted in 1960 and the halfpenny 1/2d in 1967.]

Illustrations by: Paul Swailes

28

 

29

MOVERS AND SHAKERS - NO. 48

CHRIS HANEY
[August 9 1950 - May 31 2010]

Canadian Journalist and Co-inventor of Trivial Pursuit

Had it not been for a chance game of Scrabble, with a few letters missing, the world may have been deprived of a game that gripped the nations - Trivial Pursuit. You may well have been given it for Christmas in the 1980's, it even outstripped Monopoly in popularity.

 
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The original game, introduced in 1981, was referred to by Time magazine as 'the biggest phenomenon in games history'. Part of its achievement was in its unique design and carefully chosen 6,000 questions [many of them devised by Haney on a prolonged holiday in Spain], based on everything from popular culture to science, sport and history, displayed on 1,000 cards. Since then the questions have been modified and updated, and up to 40 variations of the original game have been introduced, including Walt Disney, Star Wars and the Beatles. Many devotees, however, neglected these versions, sticking to the original game in its regal blue box.

Christopher Haney was born in Welland, Ontario. He dropped out of High School aged 17, a decision he later regretted, saying he should have dropped out at 12! His father worked for the Canadian Press Agency and helped him get a job as a copy boy with the company. He then moved to the Montreal Gazette, eventually becoming photo editor, where he met Scott Abbott, a sportswriter for the Canadian Press.

On December 15th 1979 he and Scott were at Chris's home enjoying a game of Scrabble - until they realised that some letters were missing. At a loss, they mulled over creating a new game. Chris came up with the idea of one based on trivial facts. By the time he went to the refrigerator for the second beer, they had mapped out the game with its six-spoked circular board and filled out a few sheets of paper listing various categories.

By the time of his death in 2010, global sales had reached 100 million in 26 countries and 17 languages and overall revenue from sales was in excess of $1 billion.

So how did they become so successful? Well, after that initial inspiration in 1979, they needed to check that their idea was good, and then they needed capital. Firstly, they posed as reporters and went to a toy fair in Montreal, quizzing game experts with questions, and came back with what Haney described as '$10,000 worth of information'. They brought in Chris's brother John and a friend of his, Ed Werner, a lawyer and fellow hockey enthusiast, and formed a company Horn Abbot Ltd., based on Chris's nickname 'The Horn' and a slightly shortened version of Scott's surname.

 
JIP - CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The four managed to raise $42,000 from 32 family members and friends. However, Chris would not let his mother contribute. He didn't want her to lose her life-savings!

Trivial Pursuit was trademarked on November 10th 1981 and 1,100 games were marketed by their company, selling at a loss at $15. They cost $75 to manufacture. Initially, buyers at toy fairs in Montreal and New York were cool about the design, but then word of mouth exploded sales and in 1984 they sold 20 million copies.

By 2008 Hasbro bought the rights to the game for $80 million. Haney, who had known real financial hardship, could now invest in golf courses, vineyards and racehorses - and could travel to Europe and around the world by ship. He was afraid of air travel.

Sadly, Chris Haney died of kidney and circulatory problems in Toronto aged 59 on 31st May 2010. His first marriage to Sarah with whom he had two sons, John and Thomas and a daughter, Shelagh, had ended in divorce. His second wife Hiam survives him.

Chris Haney fought and won a 13 year old battle against a man who said that when Mr Haney picked him up as a hitchhiker, he'd given him the idea of Trivial Pursuit. He also won a suit against an author who claimed that some questions had been taken from the author's book, not denied by Chris. Why did he win? The judge reasoned, "You can't steal trivia!"

Happy Christmas - and enjoy your party games!

PP of DC

30

NEWS FROM OUR COMMUNITY SHOP & POST OFFICE

Our new lower price milk from our new Cornish supplier is proving to be popular, along with our freshly baked rolls, pasties and pastries from the in-shop oven, so be sure to give these a go.

Christmas is nearly upon us, so come and take a look at our Christmas Stand which has a selection of unique stocking fillers including Chocolates, a new Festive Range of Festive Tea Towels, Hand Knitted Items, Jewellery, Hand Turned Wood Crafts and especially for that difficult to buy for friend or relative - 'Pixie Dust' !

Remember to order your poultry and other necessities - forms are available in the shop. All the usuals are also available such as Christmas cards, paper, mince pies, wines, spirits and much, much more. And of course don't forget that at this time of year it's so useful that we do stamps, parcels and cash withdrawals!

Finally, a big Thank You, Merry Christmas and New Year to all our customers and volunteers from Debbie, Karen and the Committee.

---

The Christmas opening times are as follows;

• Christmas Eve: 8.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
• Christmas Day: Closed
• Boxing Day: 8.30 to 10.00 a.m. [newspapers available]
• New Year's Eve: 8.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
• New Year's Day: 8.30 to 10.00 a.m. [newspapers available]

  If you have mail to go abroad, check on the last posting dates at the Post Office. For UK mail, last posting dates are: 18th December 2nd class, and 20th December 1st class.

  KN

31

BERRYNARBOR PRE-SCHOOL

Outdoor Classroom Fundraising

We have a programme of events planned for the rest of the year in order to raise money for our outdoor classroom.

In February we shall be holding a recycling month and will be collecting the following:

• CDs and DVDs [not promotional ones from newspapers]
• Old/foreign currency
• Used printer inks [any make - not toner]
• Jewellery [metal - we can take broken items including one of a pair of earrings]
• Clothes, shoes, handbags, belts, soft toys, towels, blankets, curtains, sheets [not duvets, pillows or sleeping bags]
• Old mobile phones

We'll hold a jumble sale to include everything good enough to sell. If you are donating any items to us for collection by Ragbag, please separate those you wish to be included in the jumble sale. Any items in the above list not sold at jumble will be recycled through the appropriate scheme and we'll receive cash for qualifying items!

There is a collection point at Pre-school for these items. Please drop them off during opening hours - please help us to build our outdoor classroom by donating as many items as you can

Over February half term we shall run a 'Matchbox Challenge'. This involves collecting as many items as possible and putting them into a large matchbox. This is free to enter with the donation of something on the list above! There will be a prize for the most items in a matchbox and the most unusual item. We'll supply a matchbox - you do the rest over February half term!

The Beetle Drive originally planned for Sunday 10^th November was postponed as it was Remembrance and lots of people had other commitments. It will be rescheduled for late January.

Many thanks

Natalie Stanbury, Chairperson 01271 882252

32

OLD BERRYNARBOR VIEW 146

Ye Olde Globe, Berrynarbor

This real photographic view postcard of Ye Olde Globe has been printed on Agfa photographic paper and might even have been a 'one off' picture taken perhaps by the owner of the car shown here with a young lady posing in front of it. The postcard has an August 3rd 1960 Berrynarbor Ilfracombe postmark, over a red Queen Elizabeth II 21/2d stamp.

The message reads: 'My dear Daddy. I'm just going to sample a pint in "Ye Olde" pub. God Bless, Raymond xxxxx' There is a postscript which says: 'Berrynarbor 5m up channel from Ilfracombe'.

Note that The Globe was at that time either owned by or sold Arnold & Hancock's beers and spirits. Directly under the wording on the white wall can be seen a glass globe light, the reflection of which shows that the time the photograph was taken was around mid-day. The original sign above the porch can be seen clearly and was certainly there when Charlie Blackmore was the landlord, taking over from Charlie Cornish around 1930.

Thanks to Don, Edith and now their daughter Karen, The Globe remains the centre of much activity for many of our residents. In fact a recent quiz night, organised by Karen for Manor Hall funds, was extremely well attended giving a great deal of enjoyment to all those who attended and participated.

Tom Bartlett
Tower Cottage, November 2013
e-mail: tomandinge40@gmail.com

33

YULETIDE

Season of mirth and plenty;
Food enough for twenty.
Wine and liquid freely flowing;
Happy little faces glowing.
Present spread around the tree,
Cards galore for you and me,
Twinkling fairy lights around
Will keep you smiling, I'll be bound.
A whopping pile of heavy logs,
Juicy bones for little dogs.
Turkey, apple sauce and sprouts,
Happy little kiddies' shouts
Pudding, mince pies and brandy butter,
Stuff yourself until you splutter.
Remember, too, old friends and true,
So here's a toast I give to you ...
'Happy Days!'

Illustration by: Paul Swailes

Trev

34

It's that time again and we shall host our traditional Christmas Card Exchange event again this year.

For those unfamiliar with this service, there is a posting box in the village shop into which you can place cards addressed to others in the village - for a 10p donation per card please, saves on stamps!. These cards will then be set out in street order at the Manor Hall for collection at a COFFEE & MINCE PIE MORNING on SATURDAY, 21ST DECEMBER, 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. Any cards not collected [or taken for delivery by helpful volunteers!] will be delivered by Committee Members. So please support the Manor Hall and enjoy a bit of old fashioned village activity in the process.

After a period of no change in the charges for hiring the Hall, new charges are now in place. In most cases, particularly for village events, the charge remains the same, the rest have only increased slightly by in some cases just 50p. The charge for private parties for children has gone down and wedding receptions stay the same. A separate charge has been brought in for Christenings at £24.50. To see all the new charges please look at the list displayed in the Hall.

In the hall itself, users will have noted that one of the heaters is no longer working and is, in fact, beyond repair. Organising a replacement is in hand but unfortunately it is very expensive. On the topic of building condition, we can advise that the full survey of the Hall finally took place in October, carried out by Smiths Gore at Exeter. It was an interesting day, and it's clear that we face some structural issues in the old roof [Manor House wing] and a backlog of other maintenance items. The Listed Buildings Officer from North Devon Council also joined us for what became a long conversation in the old roof space! A full report back will be made in the next newsletter. Thanks to Kevin Brooks for arranging access, ladders, extra torches and some local knowledge.

In the meantime we can tell you that we are planning new signage for the Hall, Pre-school and Playground at the entrance to the driveway and a tidy up of the hedges and shrubs along the boundary with Birdswell Lane. I know people refer to this as being a 'garden' in the past - perhaps we can get back to that with some volunteer help in the spring!

Best Wishes for the Festive Season to All.

Len Narborough and the Manor Hall Committee

35

36

NEWS FROM THE GLOBE

37

AT-A-GLANCE DIARY

38

 

39