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WEATHER OR NOT

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NOTES FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL

Following the change of Chairman and Vice-Chairman at the Parish Council Annual Meeting on the 9th May, the Council would like to thank Len Coleman and Ray Ludlow who served the Parish so well in those posts for the last twelve months. They have been succeeded by councillors Ann Hinchliffe and Bud Rice.

The Parish Council's new year begins with the sad news that the creeping tide of vandalism has reached our village. The children's playing field has been damaged by someone who first broke through the gate and then drove a vehicle over the ground. A number of roadside drain covers have been found to have been lifted, putting people walking along our lanes in danger, especially at night. We should be grateful if you would keep your eyes open and report any incidents you see to a member of the Parish Council. The co-operation of parents would be particularly valued but please, if you see adults committing offences, do not put yourselves at risk by trying to stop them. We, as a Parish Council, should also be appreciative if you would let us know if you see anything such as dangerous trees or uneven road surfaces that need attention.

On a happier note, consideration is being given to the planting of a small orchard for the Millennium with public access. If successful, this should give pleasure to future generations as well as ourselves.

Coincidentally, at the Parish Council meeting on 11th July, we shall have the pleasure of a talk by Mr. Tucker, the NDDC tree specialist who will tell us about tree preservation and new plantings. He will expect, and welcome, questions from the public and we look forward to seeing interested people at that meeting.

Ann Hinchliffe

Chairman, Berrynarbor PC

Further to the vandalism reported above, the following note has been received: We were recently very sorry to find that our electric fence activator had been stolen from Pixie Dean Meadow [opposite the forestry entrance]. This is alarming news to us all. If anyone can help with information about this theft, please contact Jannie Alcock on 882332. Thank you..

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17

COMBE MARTIN

OPEN GARDENS WEEK-END

24th and 25th June 2000, 2.00 to 5.00 p.m.

Visit a varied selection of gardens, large and small, with refreshments available at 3 of the venues. Also plants for sale. Programmes £2.00, available at the TIC and Combe Martin Stores, and Berrynarbor Post Office. Proceeds to Combe Martin Parish Church.

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WEDDINGS

Congratulations and best wishes for your future happiness to our newly-wed couples.

Geoff and Andrea Smith of Goodleigh House celebrated their marriage and sprung surprises on Andrea's parents! Their civil wedding at Barnstaple Registry Office took place on her mother's birthday, 16th February, and the Blessing at St. Peter's on the 25th March was also a celebration of her father's 80th birthday, when Andrea's sister came, as a complete surprise, from America. A wonderful family week-end. We wish you all health and happiness.

All the best fairy stories begin 'once upon a time' and finish with the prince and princess getting married and in this tale it is Diane Gouldbourn and Antonie Haines who celebrated their marriage at Northcote Manor, Burrington, on Leap Day, the 29th February 2000! Antonie, a partner at Watermouth Castle, and Diane first met in 1989 when she came down from Bolton to help at the children's theme park at Mortehoe. Antonie, Diane and their son William, born on the 8th August 1999 and christened at St. Peter's on the 6th May, live at Watermouth.

Sue Constantine and Andy Graham celebrated their marriage at St. Peter's Church on the 25th March, followed by a reception at the Woolacombe Bay Hotel and a honeymoon in America. Sue, daughter of Jean and Jim, and Andy live in Buckinghamshire and both work in the Prison Service - Sue as a Governor in London and Andy in Milton Keynes. Sue's brother, Nick, was an usher and he and his wife, Alyson, manage a hotel in Alcester near Stratford-on-Avon.

Jean and Jim plan to return to take up full residence in the village again next year. In the meantime, our best wishes to you all.

The Roebuck Hotel, Wychcross, East Sussex, was the setting for the wedding of Ben Fanner and Sara Bridle on the 20th May. Ben, son of Elaine and John, and Sara met when he was studying for a Civil Engineering degree at the University of Surrey and she was at the Guildford School of Acting. Ben and Sara are spending their honeymoon in Mexico before returning to their home in Exeter.

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21

OF THIS AND THAT...

Studio Theatre, Ilfracombe College - Following the very successful productions 'The First Noel' and 'Dracula Spectacula', Studio Theatre will be presenting, again at The Landmark Theatre, Peter Shaffer's 'Amadeus' from the 29th June to 1st July. Please put the dates in your diary and join them at the theatre.

Berry Revels Plant Stall - John's pleas for help with the plant stall, following the retirement of Bernard and Eunice, has borne fruit! This year Michael Lane, Vice-Chairman of the Manor Hall Management Committee, and Peter Hinchliffe will be doing their best to run the stall. The Revels will take place on Tuesday, 15th August. Will potential donators of plant6 please lay their plans and give any items to either of us nearer the event. All profits benefit the village, 60 please help us out!

Peter and Michael

Good Luck and best wishes to all students from the village at school or university - who have been or will be taking examinations over the next few weeks.

Berrynarbor Junior Youth Club wishes to thank the Millennium Committee for the kind donation of £50.00. This will go towards buying new equipment and repairing some old!

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Parish Council Election

Due to the resignation of Councillor Matthew Walls, there is a vacancy on the Parish Council. This will be re-filled by Co-option at the meeting to be held on Tuesday, 13th June.

Parishioners are invited to apply for this position in writing, stating why they would like to be a Parish Councillor. Letters of application should be sent to the Clerk or Chairman and be received by Friday, 9th June 2000 at the latest

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Combe Martin & District Friends

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100 IN AUGUST!

In 1936, Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, became Queen Consort, remaining so until the death of her husband, King George VI, in 1952. On the succession of her daughter, Elizabeth, she became known as The Queen Mother, some 48 years ago. This much loved lady will be celebrating her 100th birthday on 4th August 2000.

But did you realise that in 1936, we had not only two Queens but also three Kings!

Valentine's Postcard 'Famous throughout the World'

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OUR HOLIDAY IN BERRYNARBOR

In 1947, at the age of 17, life was becoming exciting. Living through the war years with all the food rationing and restrictions we had to endure, it was a welcome suggestion when my parents thought we should have a family holiday somewhere in Devon. They decided to advertise in the local paper for suitable accommodation for themselves, my two younger brothers - Bryan [13] and John [9] - and myself.

Having received only one reply, it was agreed that mum should go down from Swindon, in Wiltshire, to view this establishment, taking Bryan with her. Mum must have travelled by train as although dad had a little Austin car for business, she did not drive. Having viewed the property quite near the church she felt it was not suitable and took tea and something to eat at Mrs. Toms Tea Rooms - now Miss Muffet's - where, after some discussion with Mrs. Toms, adequate accommodation was found for all the family.

I remember we travelled down in the car, with 5 of us and all the luggage. At Porlock we had to get out and walk up the hill as the car began to overheat, but we made it and so began a most enjoyable holiday!

As I had started work as an indentured apprentice plumber a year earlier, at a weekly wage of 12/6d., I imagine this was my first, paid annual leave. Sadly, it was during this holiday that my grandmother passed away [19th August 1947] and so, on the 21st, my parents travelled to Tooting, London, to attend the funeral, leaving me in charge. You can imagine that this gave us the opportunity to get up to mischief and we did!

At that time, most foods were still rationed, but this didn't seem to apply to Berrynarbor as I remember there being no shortage of good food, and being three growing lads, we were always ready to tuck in. Most days we travelled on the local village bus out to the main Ilfracombe-Combe Martin road and then walked to the headland at Broadsands, traversing a very steep path down to a lovely beach. To assist you on the return upward journey, there was a rope handrail which enabled you to pull yourself up - very necessary for all who used this only approach to the beach. One day, having reached the top leaving quite a few bathers still on the beach, it was suggested that for a laugh we pull up the rope and leave them to their fate. Perhaps they are still there - if so, our apologies for this cruel trick!

It was on one of the return journeys by bus from a beautiful day on the beach that the driver had to make an emergency stop to avoid a collision with another vehicle in the narrow approach road to Berrynarbor, that I hurt my hand. As the bus stopped, everyone shot forwards and like everyone else I tried to stop myself with my hand on the seat in front. Unfortunately, the seat was broken and I finished up with my hand between the seat and the frame, jammed with the weight of the people behind. This cost me the loss of several fingernails and a very painful hand for some time, which had to be dressed each day in Ilfracombe.

When we returned home, I couldn't go to work, so I had an extended holiday, but not nearly as good as the one we had had in Berrynarbor. My father wrote to the Bus Company and complained about the condition of the bus, and they paid sufficient compensation for my injuries for me to buy a new bicycle!

Over the last fifty years, a lot has changed. My parents moved to Plymouth after we lads had left home. Dad transferred his job there and retired in 1969. Mum passed away in 1986 and father on the 4th December 1999. John, who now lives in Toronto, Canada, came over for the funeral just before Christmas, but sadly his wife Jill could not make the journey due to ill health.

Early February was a nostalgic and memorable time as my brother, myself and our wives took dad's ashes to Plymouth, to scatter them in the memorial garden where mum's were scattered some fourteen years before. It was a golden opportunity to revisit Berrynarbor and try to remember and reflect on some pleasant and old memories.

Michael S. Leonard on behalf of the Leonard Family

Michael, who now lives in Poole, Dorset, called at Tower Cottage in early February, when I suggested he might put pen to paper, which he has kindly done.

Tom Bartlett

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NEWS FROM THE SAWMILLS

You may have noticed things are changing at the Sawmills. New for 2000, we now have a Children's Certificate which allows children of any age to be in the bar area. The magistrates were generous enough to extend the hours that children can be in our bar area until 10.00 p.m. for the period 1st April to 30th September. During the winter, however, it will revert to the normal granted time of 9 p.m.

We also have two indoor play areas a small area in the 'no smoking' dining room for 1 1/2 to 3 year olds, and a larger play area with climbing and two slides in the room to the left of the bar for 3-8 year olds.

We have also made improvements to our baby-changing facilities and have more highchairs/booster seats, but if needs be, you may bring your pushchair/pram in to your table.

Our menu has been 'spiced up' but it still contains traditional pub meals, and if you can't find what you want on the menu, look at our 'specials' board or put in a request for us to cook it for your next visit - we shall do our best!

From Easter to September, we serve food from 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m., but on Sundays, with the addition of our popular plateful of roast [beef, pork or chicken) meals, we serve food from 12 noon to 9.30 p.m. Sorry, we can't open for breakfast on Sundays, but Monday to Saturday our ALL DAY [until 5.30] BREAKFASTS - regular, large or veggie - are going a treat and we even supply a selection of morning newspapers!

As well as the 'specials' on the food counter, look out for the Bar Specials.

There will always be something at a special price, so watch the board.

Entertainment has been intermittent through the winter and recent months, but things really kick-off on 7th July when our entertainment, until 1st September, will be:

• Monday - Balloon Magic, 7.00 - 8.00 p.m.
• Tuesday - Live Band 'Seven Days', 9.30 - 11.15 p.m. Covers include Bryan Adams, Chuck Berry, Stereophonics, Pulp, Manic Street Preachers
• Thursday - Keyboard and Singing Duet 'Eclipse', 9.30 p.m.
• Friday - Disco, 9.00 to 11/11.30 p.m. [the first half hour is especially for kids]
• Saturday - Karaoke, 8.30 p.m.
• Sunday Quiz - Sheets available 6.30 to 10.00 p.m. at £1.00 each. You could win a case of San Miguel!

The bar is open until 11.30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, for 5 weeks starting from Friday, 28th July.

Our aim is to cater for the requirements of our customers [holidaymakers and locals] so if you have any comments or suggestions, we should love to hear them. If you don't want to talk to Karen or one of her team of supervisors and staff, then fill in a 'comments card' and pop it in the box.

We have got lots of ideas and plans which we are still working on, so whatever you suggest may already be in the pipeline, but we need to know what you think in order that we can try to provide what you are looking for.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Karen and Wayne

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LETTER FROM THE RECTOR

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Illustrated by: Debbie Rigler Cook

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LOCAL WALKS - 60

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep"

Robert Frost

A walk along the River Yeo where it passes through the extensive woodlands of the Arlington estate. A quest for 'the red' and 'the green' - both shy creatures and an encounter with either transforms any walk into a special occasion.

As we walked down the field towards the river, a green woodpecker landed on a post near the bridge. Soon it went with undulating flight across the river and landed high in a tree. It spiralled up the trunk before bounding off [its bright yellow rump particularly eye-catching] and finally it disappeared into the dense cover of Woolley Wood.

It was a female green woodpecker as she lacked the red centre in the black moustachial stripe, characteristic of the male. The female's 'moustache' is wholly black. Both have the distinctive olive green plumage and black eye mask. The crown of the head and nape are bright red - certainly a very handsome bird and the deciduous woods and open parkland of Arlington provide the ideal habitat for it.

In his book, 'Birds of the Wild Places', J. Wentworth Day wrote, "He is a dweller in old parks where deer lie above the bracken tops; ancient woodland." He flies "in from the green park, laced with watercress brooks, from stag-headed oak trees . . . dipping and falling in coloured flight."

The juvenile green woodpecker has pale grey green underparts with speckled and barred markings.

The woodpecker removes insects from crevices in the bark and when there is an insufficient supply of grubs and beetles, it will eat nuts and berries. It is especially fond of ants and will seek out their nests, excavating large holes in lawns with its strong, dagger-like bill.

Often its presence is betrayed by the famous 'yaffle' - the loud series of 'laughing' notes, which can echo across a valley. Yaffle is one of the old country names for the bird, along with awl bird, referring to its bill, and rainbird.

We tend to assume that a century ago, birds which are not very frequently seen today, would have been a common sight for country dwellers. However, in his account of 'Birds in a Village', the naturalist W.H. Hudson observed: "In all those fruit and shade trees that covered the village with a cloud of verdure and in the neighbouring woods, not once did I catch a glimpse of the green woodpecker, a beautiful, conspicuous bird."

A flash of blue was all we saw of a kingfisher, heading up river towards Tucker's Bridge. At the pretty stone bridge, we crossed the Yeo and climbed up through Deerpark Wood.

Here it was silent and still; no rustle or movement of any living creatures but beneath the oak trees, bugle, yellow pimpernel and sanicle grew among the haze of bluebells. Below the wood, in a tributary of the Yeo, were clumps of marsh marigolds [or kingcups] and lady's smock flowered in the damp grass alongside.

Then, as we decided to make our way back towards the car park, we noticed a group of animals a few fields away, rich brown in colour - no, not cows - they were red deer. Twelve of them were grazing in the corner of a sloping field, bordered on two sides by a wood.

The stag was wary, looking about him at regular intervals. The hinds very gradually moved in the direction of the wood; but bending their long, graceful necks to the grass as they went, their prominent ears alert and listening.

Illustrations by: Paul Swailes

Sue H

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The National Trust

ARLINGTON COURT

Arlington Court, one of the county's most attractive country estates, with its Victorian mansion, outstanding collection of horse-drawn carriages and working stables, wonderful gardens, woods and parkland grazed by Jacob sheep and Shetland ponies NEEDS VOLUNTEERS.

If you could spare some time each week [or even fortnightly] to help look after this treasured property, whether your interests are in the mansion, the gardens, woodlands or assisting with special events, WE SHOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

For further information please call us on [01271] 850296 to find out how you could become part of the country's largest conservation charity - The National Trust.

Regular volunteers receive an NT discount card and we organise social functions both on and off the property.

Illustrated by: Peter Pothwell

As a volunteer, stewarding the house, I can endorse that volunteering is both interesting and worthwhile. I have learnt so much about the history of this beautiful house and the grounds, which are particularly spectacular at the moment with the azaleas and rhododendrons in bloom. If you can help, why not ring them NOW, or if you would like to learn more, please give me a call on 883544.

Judie

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OLD BERRYNARBOR - VIEW NO. 65
Bessemer Thatch

This photographic postcard showing Bessemer Thatch from the back garden was taken by Wm. Garratt, the Bristol Photographer, around 1935. I obtained the card around November last year at the Exeter Postcard Fair and written on the back is 'Bessemer Cottage, Berrynarbor, N. Devon'. It was certainly taken before 5th May, 1937, when Bessemer Thatch House was burnt down. Next morning the following article appeared in the Western Morning Newspaper:

"Two Brigades Fight Fire Berrynarbor Hill House Destroyed - Outbreak starts in thatch".

"Known to thousands of visitors, and situated on the top of Berrynarbor Hill, North Devon, the picturesque Bessemer Thatch House was destroyed by fire last evening. The damage is estimated at nearly £1,000. The lower portion of the house, with its modern interior, is owned by Canon Jolly of the Deanery, Southampton. Every summer he visits the place and has done so for a great number of years. At the time he was not in residence, but the news of its destruction was conveyed to his wife, who told the Canon, who, it is understood, had left hospital only yesterday after an operation. The higher portion of the Thatch is owned and occupied by Miss L.C. Veale, head mistress of the Berrynarbor Council School. She was at home at the time."

"Spark from Chimney? It appears a spark from a nearby chimney caught the thatched roof on fire shortly after five o'clock. The first to notice the thatched roof on fire was Mrs. D. Toms, who lives almost opposite [Dormer cottage], and she at once sent for Ilfracombe Fire Brigade. Men in the village also noticed smoke coming from the thatched roof, and with buckets of water endeavoured to put the blaze out, but it spread so quickly their efforts were ineffective. They removed all the furniture of the both sections. Ilfracombe Fire Brigade under Officers Westaway and Webber, were quickly on the scene and began to pour water on the blaze. In the meantime, Mr. F.J. Richards, a county councillor of the district, had arrived on the scene, and immediately sent for the Barnstaple Rural Fire Brigade, which arrived some time after under Capt. F. Parker."

"Water from stream. The Barnstaple Rural Brigade, with their powerful engine, pumped water from a stream down the village, while men of the Ilfracombe Brigade worked very hard in throwing off the burning thatch. Among others who rendered great help were Sergt. Hulland and Cons. Munton and Northey of Combe Martin. Up to a late hour the brigade were still at work, but were expected to finish about midnight, as they had to take the thatched roof completely off."

Bessemer Thatch was originally three separate cottages, Nos. 47, 48 and 49, with Little Gables, No. 50, on the corner. The Watermouth Estate Sale of August 1920, with completion date of 25th March 1921, states:

Lot 52
All those Four Cottages, Gardens and Premises,
adjoining Lot 51, being Nos. 46, 47, 48 and 49, in the occupation of
Messrs. Kemp, Bowden, Hicks and Stapledon as Quarterly Tenants

Canon Jolly became the sole owner following the fire and arranged for the rebuilding of Bessemer Thatch, alas without thatch! He remained as the owner/occupier right up until his death in 1972.

Bessemer Thatch was then bought by the Delve Family, Ron and Marian, Dora and Granny Gray. They modernised the entire building reopening it as a private hotel and restaurant, which they ran very successfully until 1990 when they moved to Yeoford and Heather and Les Levi took over. Heather and Les held the reigns until late 1997, when it was taken over by today's owners, Wendy and Colin Applegate.

Tom Bartlett
Tower Cottage, May 2000

P.S. I am sure that everyone who visited 'A Country Collection' held at the Manor Hall on Saturday and Sunday, 6th and 7th May, will endorse my thanks to Judie Weedon for the immense amount of work and effort she put in before, during and after, to ensure that it would be successful, and thanks to husband, Ken, who carried out the wiring and lighting.

Illustration by: Nigel Mason

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AT-A-GLANCE-DIARY

JUNE
1st	St. Peter's Church: Ascension Day, Holy Communion, 10.00 a.m.
5th	Primary School and College: Return after Half Term
6th	W.I. Meeting, 2.30 p.m., Manor Hall: 'Unexplained Phenomena - Peter Christie
7th	Mobile Library in Village from 11.30 a.m. N.D. Hospice AGM, Community Centre, Combe Martin, 7.30 p.m.
11th	St. Peter's Church: Whitsunday, Sung Eucharist, 11.00 a.m.
13th	Parish Council Meeting, 7.30 p.m., Manor Hall
15th	W.I. Coffee Morning at Southerley, Castle Hill, 10.30 a.m. onwards
18th	Berrynarbor in Bloom Planting Up , Manor Hall, 2.30 p.m.
21st	Mobile Library in Village from 11.30 a.m. N.D. Hospice Strawberry Tea at Middleton, 3.00 p.m.
24th	and 25th: Combe Martin Open Gardens Week-end, 2.00 to 5.00 p.m.
25th	St. Peter's Church: Christians Together Evensong, 6.30 p.m.
28th	St. Peter's Church: Gift Day
29th	to Saturday, 1st July: Studio Theatre presents 'Amadeus' at the Landmark Theatre
JULY
4th	W.I. Meeting, 2.30 p.m., Manor Hall: Annual Tea for members of Ilfracombe Disabled Association
5th	Mobile Library in Village from 11.30 a.m.
11th	Parish Council Meeting, 7.30 p.m., Manor Hall Guest Speaker: Mr. Tucker, NDDC Tree Specialist
18th	PTA School Fete, 6.30 p.m., Manor Hall
19th	Mobile Library in Village from 11.30 a.m.
21st	Primary School & Ilfracombe College: End of Summer Term
AUGUST
1st	St. Peter's Church: Summer Fayre, Manor Hall, 6.30 p.m.
2nd	Mobile Library in Village from 11.30 a.m.
4th	Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's 100th Birthday N.D. Hospice Centenary Birthday Tea, Scaena, Shackhayes, Combe Martin

Manor Hall:

Mondays - Badminton

Tuesdays - Yoga, 7.00 p.m.

Thursdays - Whist Drive, 7.30 p.m.

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BERRYNARBOR WINE CIRCLE

The April meeting, albeit one of our shortest, was very well attended. Catherine Lightfoot of St. Austell Brewery gave a presentation, the highlight of which was the Australian McGuigan Millennium Shiraz, which was unbelievable.

Our May meeting was the AGM, with an attendance of almost 50 members. Discussion was held regarding whether or not to close the membership list, presently at 73 members, but with the average attendance at meetings being 53, it was decided to take no action but review the situation again at next year's AGM.

Once again the retiring Officers and Committee were re-elected 'en bloc'. Chairman - Alex Parke, Secretary - Tony Summers, Treasurer - Jill McCrae and Committee - Tom Bartlett, John Hood, Inge Richardson and Jan Tonkin.

Chairman Alex Parke then gave a presentation acclaimed by all present as one of the best ever held by our Wine Circle. He opened with a 'Champagne', with its labels hidden, which to everyone's surprise was English! Produced by Camel Valley Vineyards of Cornwall and priced at £13.95 per bottle. We also sampled Camel Valley's 'Seyval Blanc' and from Italy 'Tormaresca Bianco di Puglia', obtained from Jolly's at Bideford. The three red wines were of excellent quality, the last of which was a 'Vino Santo' from Antinori Tuscany, Italy, a 17% fortified wine. Thanks were expressed to Alex and we are all looking forward to his next presentation.

The Wine Circle now goes into recess for the summer and will recommence in the Autumn. It is hoped to publish the 2000-2001 Programme either in the August or October Newsletter.

Tom Bartlett
Publicity Officer

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OCCUPATIONAL DESCRIPTIONS

Unearthed by PP of DC

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AN OTTER'S TALE

The otter is one of Britain's rarest and most beautiful mammals. On several occasions during the last few years, I have greatly enjoyed helping my close friend, David Chaffe, on excursions around the country with his bitch otter, Storm.

Storm in David's arms

These trips have included presentations to wildlife groups and schools, picture shoots for water authorities with David Bellamy, and filming in Norfolk for ITV Survival programmes.

One recent outing involved a two-day visit to Newcastle, where filming was taking place for a new series of 'Byker Grove', a popular teenage soap shown on early evening television. The programme researcher had asked David to take Storm for a sequence of shots they needed with a wild British otter, and Storm was well used to working in front of a camera crew.

We travelled to Newcastle in David's van with Storm in her crate, fast asleep, surrounded by bales of straw, buckets, chairs and mats. We stayed overnight in a small guest house on the outskirts of the city - Storm having been well fed and watered in the back of the van - and next morning we were taken to a remote parkland area in the hills, where the day's filming was to take place.

When we arrived at the site, the film team were shooting a sequence involving a barn owl and birds of prey. We watched with interest as the falconer managed to guide the birds from one tree to another [enticed by tit bits on his glove!] until the cameramen were satisfied they had what they wanted. It was Storm's turn to take centre stage!

The storyline involving Storm is that two teenagers have found an injured otter in the woodland and that she is being looked after and making a good recovery under the watchful eye of a local gamekeeper.

David and I carried the crate into a large, fenced pen and after a couple of minutes Storm emerged to track round the enclosure and explore her surroundings. She was used to audiences and flashlights, so the fact that there were some forty people straining to get a close look at her did not frighten her in the slightest. For the best part of half an hour, she glided round her pen in an inquisitive and playful way, the film cameras 'whirred' and the actors spoke their lines with the otter close to them - just what the Director wanted! Storm also entertained everyone by splashing in and out of a large bucket of water and rolling over on the soft ground.

Once the film is cut and edited, probably no more than twenty seconds will be included in the TV programme, but Storm had certainly earned her fee! Everyone was delighted with the morning's work and after a wholesome lunch, provided on site by the catering team, Storm was lifted back into her travelling crate by David and set off on the long journey home.

Very sadly, this was to be my last excursion with David and his otter, for within a few weeks Storm had passed away.

In the autumn of 1999, David's book 'Stormforce' was published - the remarkable true story of an orphaned wild otter cub rescued from Exmoor and a record of David's life work with otters and wildlife conservation. In the Daily Mail, June Southworth wrote: "Stormforce is a touching illustrated account of an otter's rescue and struggle for survival." If you would like to obtain a copy of the book [and the author would be happy to personally dedicate and sign copies], please order direct from Stormforce Publications on [01736] 798289, cost £14.99, or contact me on [01271] 882459.

Malcolm Sayer
Woodvale, Sterridge Valley

© Stormforce Publications

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Otter

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