Edition 111 - December 2007
Artwork by: Debbie Rigler Cook
1
EDITORIAL
After a rather wet summer, or so it seemed, we've had some lovely autumn days and the turning leaves have again been, perhaps even more, gloriously coloured. Although half way through November, the weather remains very mild.
Now we are entering those hectic - even panic - weeks leading to Christmas. Why we do it, I'm not quite sure but one thing I do feel sure about is that it should remain Christmas - Winter Festival? No way!
Thank you Debbie for another, as always delightful, seasonal cover and 'Hammy' hamster bordering the Christmas greetings - thank you, too, to those message senders, the contribution we make to Manor Hall funds will again exceed £100 - and, of course, thanks to those who have sent in articles and Paul for illustrating them.
With Christmas and New Year behind us, it will be time to think about the February issue! Items and articles for same as soon as possible please, but by by Monday, 14th January at the latest. Thank you.
In the meantime, my best wishes to you all for Christmas and the New Year.
Judie - Ed
2
BERRYNARBOR
LADIES' GROUP
At
the October Meeting we were lucky that Mrs Diana
Lewis, accompanied by Mrs. Pauline Bussell, was able
to come at short notice to talk about the North Devon Animal Ambulance
Service. The demonstration of hedgerow baskets, to be
given by Mrs. Cooke, was postponed as her husband had to go into hospital. The Animal Ambulance service is strictly a
Marion
Carter had a successful coffee morning at her home on 1st November when £142
was raised. Half this amount will be
donated to the Mission Aviation Fellowship and the remainder to the Pattaya Orphanage in
A
cookery demonstration was given on the 6th November by Lesley Nicholas and
Carmen Lethaby.
They prepared a three course meal
showing the versatility of puff pastry which included various hors d'oeuvres, beef
Wellington with vegetables and Dauphinois potatoes followed
by mince pies and mille feuilles. Members enjoyed sampling the finished
products! The raffle was won by Sylvia
Yates.
Fourteen
members enjoyed a day in
The
December Meeting will be the Christmas Party when sherry and mince pies will be
on offer, as well as tea and chocolate biscuits! Norma and Tony Holland will be giving musical
entertainment. Members are looking
forward to the Christmas lunch at The Lodge on 17th December.
Because
the first Tuesday in January is New Year's Day, the Meeting has been
transferred to the Thursday afternoon, 3rd January, when the speaker will be
our own Marion Carter. Her talk will be
entitled "Oh no - not another elephant!"
There will also be a short annual general meeting.
Mrs. Cooke will be coming with her hedgerow
baskets on 5th February and Gerry Marangone will be
telling us of his early years living in
All
these Meetings take place in the Manor Hall at
Doreen Prater
3
ST.
PETER'S CHURCH
Harvest Festival time came round again
and was celebrated on Sunday, 30th September.
As we are still in the midst of redecoration [to be finished by
Christmas], not so many flowers were in church this year but the entrance was
welcoming with fruit and vegetables along the back shelves and a huge basket of
flowers placed for Mrs. Dummett in memory of her
husband. Sunflowers and marigolds
brightened up the pulpit and reading desk and, as always, there was a beautiful
arrangement at the altar.
The Evensong and Supper on the following
Wednesday were enjoyed by everyone and the buffet meal was a great success
thanks to Doreen Prater and
helpers. A lively auction of produce
rounded off the evening and once again we shall be able to send £100 to Water
Aid.
Two moving services were held at the
beginning of November. The Candle
Service on the first Sunday was very well attended. Our own choir was joined by choir members from
Combe Martin to sing 'There's a Place
for Us' and 'Ave Verum'. The congregation were all invited by Rector
Keith to go up to the altar to
light a candle in memory of loved ones.
The following Sunday, 11th November, saw well over 70 of us
gathered in church for the Remembrance Service, conducted by Rev'd. Steve Painting.
On this occasion we were joined by the Parish Council and Ann Hinchliffe
read the lesson on their behalf.
After the first
hymn, everyone gathered at the War Memorial for the two minutes' silence and
laying of wreaths. The collection of
£165 has been sent to the Royal British Legion.
On Advent Sunday, 2nd December, the
first candle will be lit on the Advent Wreath as we begin to anticipate
Christmas. This year the services will
be as follows:
-
Wednesday, 19th
December,
-
Sunday, 23rd
December,
-
Christmas Eve,
-
Christmas Day,
- Sunday, 30th December - Communion Service with Carols
- Sunday, 6th January - Epiphany [last day of Christmas] Songs of Praise with Carols
Cards will once again be distributed
around the village and a sincere welcome is extended to everyone to come and
join in the celebrations.
Donations towards the cost of flowers in
church for Christmas will be gratefully received. We are sorry to report that Linda Brown has
now left the village and will no longer be in charge of the flower arranging
team. Thank you, Linda, for all your
hard work and patient help - we are going to miss you. Sue Wright has agreed to take Linda's place
and all queries should be addressed to her, telephone 883893.
There will be no Friendship Lunch in
December and the date for January will be announced later.
Mary
Tucker
4
JOHN PETER JAMES VALLANCE
For those of you in the village who knew
or remember John, it was sad to learn that he had died at the age of 71 on
John lived in Berrynarbor from an early
age with his mother Maude Perrin. He
had lived in Ilfracombe most of his life and spent many happy times there. He was known mainly for his work as a
plumber and builder by trade. John was
a keen football player most of his life, and a follower to the end.
His funeral took place at the North
Devon Crematorium on the 2nd May and the
chapel was filled with his family, many friends and neighbours
from Berrynarbor, Combe Martin and Ilfracombe.
The family would like to thank everyone
for their cards and kind contributions.
Money received in his memory amounted to £530, which was donated between
the Rainbow Family Trust and the Greater World Church,
Ilfracombe. I should be interested to
hear from anyone with photographs of John and any stories about him that you
may have. I am woking
on the Vallance family history and will be taking it
to
Patricia
It was with
sadness that I learnt from Patricia about John's death - for some time he had
been a contributor to and recipient of
the Newsletter. If anyone can help her in
her quest, please contact me on 883544.
Ed.
5
Some years ago now we were introduced to
the Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre in
The village barbecue, sadly postponed
due to the wet weather, was held in the barn at Sloley Farm at the end of
September, and the stalwarts faced the weather again to support the event and
enjoy great grub and good company, raising a healthy amount shared between the
Medical Centre and our own North Devon Hospice.
This year June and Bernard will have
raised more than £500 and sent more than 150 bonnets, to add to the several
thousand pounds raised over the last few years.
Mary spends 6-8 weeks of her annual
holiday revisiting Blantyre and her 'update'
following her return in May this year makes not only interesting reading, but
the humbling realisation of how lucky we are in
comparison to so many in this world.
It is a little over four years since I
left
The hospital is much as I remember it -
a sprawling, chaotic complex of buildings.
The modern charity-funded constructions continue to pop up in the spaces
between and around the original government buildings. Now, with a more distant eye, I can see that
this place really is developing in a way that I failed to recognise
when I worked here.
Queen Elizabeth Central, the tertiary
referral hospital for the whole southern region of
I worked in the department of anaesthesia. I had
been six months away from completing my long specialist training in the UK, a
little frustrated with the seemingly endless life as a 'junior doctor', but with
a sense that I wasn't quite ready to settle into a consultant post. I was fortunate that the anaesthetic
department at
The clinical workload here is heavy and
challenging. It takes time even with
previous experience to acclimatise to the lack of
resources and consequent standard of care achievable. Even the smallest task becomes a huge
challenge, and every clinical situation inevitably involves some form of
uncomfortable compromise. Success when
it comes is sweet. Here I have
experienced bitter frustration and incredible job satisfaction in extremes
never imagined back home.
Patients present very late with advanced
disease and pitifully low expectations.
Yesterday was a typical day.
At the handover meeting at
We had just managed to wean at 16-year
old patient from his ventilator, following surgery the previous day, when I was
summoned to assist in theatre. I was
diverted again by another call, this time to help resuscitate a patient who had
had a cardiac arrest under anaesthesia. The unfortunate patient was a desperately
puny 18-month old boy in hospital for nutritional support and in theatre for
incision and drainage of a neck abscess.
We were successful and restored his heart-beat and circulation. After several hours delay, he was wheeled
into intensive care with his breathing assisted by a ventilator but already
developing signs of possible brain damage.
Room for him had been made by the death, following an uncomfortably
hasty withdrawal of treatment to an elderly man who had somehow hung on to life
despite an obvious catastrophic and irreversible brain injury. With average life expectancy somewhere in
the middle to late 30's, those that make it to qualify as elderly tend to be
made of tough stuff.
I took a phone call from a district
hospital 80km east and an anaesthetist asking to bring
a year-old baby with a head injury for assessment. Over a terrible line I eventually managed to
establish the details and accept the patient.
They arrived in a van with all the relatives two hours later. We didn't bring the child into the hospital
- although they had done their best to treat her, the little girl was barely
alive and certainly beyond retrieval.
The van turned around and went back home.
An 18-month old girl was pushed on a
trolley into intensive care unannounced.
She had burns over 40% of her body from a petrol explosion nearly a day
earlier. After an hour-long struggle to
find a vein in which to site a drip, we started to give her fluids and drugs
but with little hope she would survive.
With full facial burns she was struggling for breath. I decided not to put her on a ventilator
although it would certainly have been the best treatment for her. With limited resources one is forced to save
drugs and equipment for the patients with the highest chance of survival. It makes for very difficult decisions, this
gamble with life. By now, the tiny boy
who had had a cardiac arrest earlier was wriggling and even trying to
breathe. We took him off the ventilator
and within minutes he enthusiastically accepted a finger feed of milk.
The intensive care unit was suddenly
calm and the operating theatres were coming to the end of the day's work. There was just time to give a short tutorial
to the students before joining the crowds on foot heading out of the city
centre for home before dusk.
At home I found we had no water, but
happily the electricity was working so the beer in the 'fridge was lovely and
cold.
It's good to be back.
Mary
-
6
AN
INSPIRATION
"Mum
is an inspiration. She has never moaned
or made a fuss.
She
has just got on with it."
You may well have read Linda's story in
the Journal, but here in the village we are all proud of her achievements and
congratulate her, her daughter Tracy and her granddaughter Caitlin, on their
success in the recent 10-mile Great South Run in Portsmouth.
Having completed her chemotherapy
treatment two months earlier, Linda was determined to take part in the race to
raise funds for Cancer Research
Tracy, who ran at her faster pace,
completed before going back to find Linda and join her to finish together, and
Caitlin ran in the mile Mini Run the day before. Between them they raised the magnificent sum
of just over £800 to help the fight against cancer.
Well done all of you.
Thank
You
We should like to thank everyone who
sponsored us for the Great South Run in
Thank you very much.
Linda,
Tracy and Caitlin
7
WEATHER
OR NOT
After a rather dismal summer, September
and October were quite an improvement with some nice, dry, warm days.
We recorded no rain at all in September
up to the 13th, after which we were away for a fortnight. We therefore only have a total for the
month, which was only 48mm [1 7/8"], making it a fairly dry September although last
year only 37mm [1 1/2"] of rain fell in the month. The maximum temperature of 22.3 Deg C was
slightly below the average but the minimum of 7.7 Deg C was over 1 Deg C up. The sunshine hours of 111.67 were down on previous
years, last year we had 139.29 hours.
The strongest gust of wind was 24 knots on the 16th, which is about
normal.
With a total of only 53mm [2 1/8"]
- of which 32mm [1 1/4"] fell in one 24 hour period - it was the driest
October that we have ever recorded. To
illustrate how unusual it was, since 1994 we have recorded under 180 mm
[7 1/4"] in only four years, including this one, and in fact for five years
October was the wettest month of the year.
The nearest comparable year was 2003 with 95mm [3 13/16"]. It was a fairly mild month although the
maximum and minimum temperatures were both slightly below the average. 68.06 hours of sunshine were
recorded, the highest recorded for October so far. The winds were light for all but two days of the month
at 17 knots or below, and the maximum recorded was 25 knots on the 28th.
We have already recorded more rain in
the first ten months of this year than the whole of 2006, but unless November
and December are very wet, it will still be a dry year overall.
Simon
and Sue
8
9
WARNING!
If you receive a card from a company
calling themselves Postal Delivery Service saying that they couldn't
deliver a parcel to you and to ring them
on 0906 6611911, DON'T. This is a scam and the call will cost you
£15!
10
MEN'S
INSTITUTE
At the Annual General Meeting of the
Men's Institute, the following members were elected:
- President: John Huxtable
- Chairman: Tony Summers
- Treasurer: John Hood
- Secretary: John Huxtable
- Committee: Clive Abbott, Kevin Brooks, Ivan Clarke, Vic Cornish, Maurice Draper, Bob Hobson, Gordon Hughes
Special thanks were conveyed to our
retiring Chairman, Gordon Hughes, for his untiring efforts to the Club over the
past years.
John
Huxtable
11
ELLIE
As many of you know, last year we
acquired a little black rescue dog named Ellie. Ellie came with all sorts of problems and if
you tried to stroke her she just went rigid.
She was terrified of everything and anything.
A year and a bit on and Ellie still has
a lot of problems which we are working on.
She is still frightened of dogs and wary of people but is happy to greet
her friends and be made a fuss of. She
now knows what love and cuddles are all about and responds, and that a
newspaper is for reading.
So this is by way of thank you to all
those dogs and people who have been so kind, understanding and patient with
Ellie and a special thank you to Jasmine and Saffron for teaching Ellie how to
play.
Marion
and Ellie
I should like to thank all those kind
people who sent me birthday cards for my 94th birthday - it was very much
appreciated.
Daisy
Carter
12
GET WELL
Get well wishes to everyone on the sick
list. Our thoughts are with Len and
June and also our two 'bionic' ladies with new knees - Norma and Mavis.
13
THE
GREAT AMERICAN RAILWAY
[A
Campfire Song]
The American Railway was begun.
The American Railway was begun.
The great American Railway.
Patsy ooh-reeah-reeay
Patsy ooh-reeah-reeay
Patsy ooh-reeah-reeay
The great American Railway.
In Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-two
I found myself with nowt to do.
I found myself with nowt to do.
Beside the American Railway.
Patsy, etc.
In Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-three
The overseer accepted me.
The overseer accepted me.
To work upon the Railway.
Patsy, etc.
My hands were tired and my feet were sore.
My hands were tired and my feet were sore.
Through working on the railway.
Patsy, etc.
In Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-five
I found myself more dead than alive.
I found myself more dead than alive.
Through working on the railway.
Patsy, etc.
In Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-six
I went and trod on some dynamite sticks.
I went and trod on some dynamite sticks.
While working on the railway.
Patsy, etc.
In Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-seven
I found myself on t'way to Heaven.
I found myself on t'way to Heaven.
Through working on the railway.
Patsy, etc
I found myself at the Golden Gate.
I found myself at the Golden Gate.
Through working on the railway.
Patsy, etc.
In Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-nine
An angel's harp and wings were mine.
An angel's harp and wings were mine.
Through working on the railway.
Patsy, etc.
In Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-ten
If you want any more you can sing it yoursen.
If you want any more you can sing it yoursen.
About the American Railway.
Patsy ooh-reeah-reeay
Patsy ooh-reeah-reeay
Patsy ooh-reeah-reeay
The great American Railway.
The
last chorus should be sung with increasing tempo and volume to give a rousing
finale.
Illustrated by: Paul Swailes
Trev
14
HATCHED
Somewhat belated, we have two new babies
to welcome and one very new one!
Congratulations to Ann and Brian Bailey on the birth of their third
grandchild. Benjamin Francis Beer, son
of Jenny and Lee, was born on the 19th July, weighing 8lbs 4oz., a beautiful
little brother for Louis.
We also congratulate Juliette
and Pyers Cameron on the birth, on 9th August, of their daughter Isabella. A sister for Alex, Isabella weighed in at
6lbs 4oz.
Our Ron is delighted to announce that he
has just become a Great Grandfather!
His first great-grandchild, Sophie May, was born in
16
BUSH
TUCKER QUIZ
Meet it! Greet it!
Eat it! Did that put you off
turning up at the Manor Hall on the 13th October [or was your excuse that the
rugby was on]? It certainly did us, but
on learning that for only £1 we could just spectate
and enjoy other people's discomfort, we went along. Spectate? You must be joking - we were soon roped in
to savour the delights in store!
Under Quiz Master Steve Eddy, the
Education Officer from the Exmoor Zoo, our knowledge
of animals and insects was put to the test with some very interesting questions
and facts. We were introduced to a
4-legged, furry, long-tailed rat-like creature and learnt that it came from
Extra points were awarded if a team
member held and named a visiting large bird spider. Forfeits were also imposed on low scoring
teams but grubs and other creepy crawlies were not on the menu! However, ostrich, kangaroo, zebra and camel
were. All quite edible.
With a very high score - and not much to
eat - the quiz was won by Shaun and Debbie Gallagher from Combe Martin, and
their sons Jack and Luke.
Next time, be brave because you missed
an interesting and enjoyable evening - and we even managed to see the final
minutes of that exciting rugby match!
The
Valley Team
17
DITCHING
YOUR SPARE TYRE!
I was feeling really down, fed up and
'bottom of the pile', having gained 3 stone since giving up smoking. Then I discovered the Slimming World group
in Ilfracombe, who meet every Wednesday evening at
In the past, dieting has been about
denial and self-control and avoiding most [delicious] foods, but this is NOT
the case with Slimming World. Food Optimising is
about knowing what you can eat in large quantities, learning how to make
informed choices about when to have your treats [they call them 'syns'] and ensuring that you make daily healthy
choices. After ten weeks I am only 3lbs
away from losing my 2 stone target. I lost 10% of my initial body weight in
only 8 weeks and that brings enormous health benefits - and an extra free week
at the group meetings! The GMC [General
Medical Council] and the Royal College of Midwives approve of Slimming World's
eating plan as it is just that, an eating plan for a healthy life, not a fad
diet.
Attending the weekly group is the thing
that I have found most helpful. If
someone has a poor weight loss, the group offers ideas and support to help keep
on track. Also sharing recipes,
experiences and celebrating success is great fun! So much so that I now
feel like the 'Remington man who liked the razor so much he bought the company'
as I shall become the new Slimming world Consultant on the 21st November.
If you are concerned at all about your
weight or worry that you might pile on the pounds over Christmas, why not come
along and see how we work - you would be very welcome to attend a free 'taster'
session to see if Slimming World can help you or give me a ring on 07903 851292
or [01271] 863743 to find out more.
So, I hope to see you on a Wednesday
evening,
Liz
Sansom - Widmouth
18
ORCHARD
HOUSE
It was most interesting to read my
cousin Vera's article 'Old Times' in the October 2007 Newsletter, as I have
happy memories of visits to Orchard House as a child, when living near
Braunton.
It seemed a lovely, large house and
garden, which my Uncle Tom had built. I
remember him well, as he accompanied Vera and myself
when she and I went to a Christmas Dance at the Village Hall. This was a great event for me and terribly
exciting, as I guess I was about 14 years of age! The popular song at the time was 'All by
yourself in the moonlight', to which we danced a foxtrot.
I enclose a photograph of Vera on her
wedding day - she was a very pretty bride.
Audrey
Flower - Hitchin
Vera & William Lewis on their wedding day 1937
19
THANK YOU
A big thank you
once again to villagers and visitors who have bought plants from my stall
outside Higher Rows. I am pleased to
say that I have again been able to give a donation of £500 to our Children's
Hospice at Fremington, which I hope will in some small way help the children
and their families at Little Bridge House through such sad times in their
lives.
Thank you all.
Margaret Walls
20
MANOR
HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Dear Manor Hall
Users
Due to the new legislation under the Landfill Directive, the handling of waste on
commercial premises,
which includes the Manor Hall, has changed from
We are now obliged to recycle all our
waste which in the past has been put into the black bin. To help with this process at the Manor Hall,
we shall provide a green bin for cardboard only. All other recyclables will
have to be removed by you, the hirer of the Manor Hall.
The following cannot be left at
the Hall:
- Glass - green, white [clear], brown
- Drink cans and food tins
- Any plastic bottles
- Paper [newspapers, magazines, office paper, etc.]
Cardboard placed in the green bin will
be collected by South Molton Recycle Ltd. at a cost to the Manor Hall.
All other waste, such as tea bags, wrappers, etc., should be placed in
the black bin provided by North Devon District Council.
Thank you for your help.
Bob
Hobson - Chairman, Manor Hall Committee
21
The day of the event to raise money for
Outside in the sunshine were games to
play and a very well displayed and well manned [or rather woman'd!]
bric-a-brac stall. Lily the pig was
there to have her weight guessed as she snuffled for truffles.
Back inside, displayed on a long table,
a silent auction was set out with a wonderful selection of first class gifts.
After consuming delicious lunches of
soup or chilli, everyone was ready for the main event
of the day - the Grand Auction of Promises.
How did so many promises of activities come about? The answer is because of the generous spirit
of so many people, not only from the village but farther afield - the milk of
human kindness by the
buckets full. Under the
direction of auctioneers Tony Summers and Ann Davies, items as diverse as a romantic week-end break, having your home
'Dun and Dusted', garden and home maintenance, to fishing and sailing trips -
and many, many more - the hammer fell on some incredibly generous bids. The same generosity was shown in the silent
auction, raffle tickets were issued ceaselessly
throughout the day and the stalls were soon selling Christmas cards, bedsocks and other gifts.
Competitiveness was rife as guesses were
made as to the secret ingredient of Wendy's cake worth drooling over - yes, it
really was tomato soup! And outside the
rat was well batted, the skittles bowled over time and time again, and Lily's
weight guessed by all and sundry.
Throughout the day,
As the event came to an end it was
obvious that a lot of money had been raised towards the cost of a new
wheelchair for
So, think of the number we first thought
of raising and double it. That's what your generosity achieved -
£4,400! To everyone who bid and bartered,
who offered their skills and time, who manned the stalls and provided and
served refreshments or who helped in any way, a very sincere thank you.
Jane
and Gilly
What can we say? There are successful events and then the
Never-ending thanks to everyone who
attended the Auction at the Manor Hall and to those who donated promises or
helped in any way. Jane Jones and Ann
Davies deserve to be singled out for special thanks for all the hard work they
put in to organising the whole event.
We have raised
over £10,000 and are now able to seek further advice from
We are truly grateful to you all and
although we've moved up the road, feel honoured to
still be a part of this wonderful village community that is Berrynarbor.
Thank you.
Louise,
Martin, Holly and
22
THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
But the plural of ox becomes oxen not oxes.
One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese,
Yet the plural of moose should never be meese.
You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice,
Yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.
If the plural of man is always called men,
Why shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen?
If I spoke of my foot and show you my feet
And I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet?
If one is a tooth and a whole set of teeth,
Why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth?
One may be that, three would be those,
Yet hat in the plural would never be hose,
And the plural of cat is cats, not cose.
We speak of a brother and also of brethren,
But although we say mother, we never say mothren.
Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him,
But imagine she, shis and shim!
A few more
reasons to be grateful if you grew up speaking English:
- The bandage was wound around the wound
-
The
farm was used to produce produce
- The dump was so full it had to refuse more refuse
- We must polish the Polish furniture
- He could lead if he got the lead out
- There is no time like the present, so he decided to present the present
- I did not object to the object
- The insurance was invalid because he was an invalid
- There was a row among the oarsmen on how to row in a row
- He was not close enough to the door to close it
- The wind was too strong to wind the sail in
- After a number of injections, my jaw became number
- After seeing the tear in my dress, I shed a tear
- I spent the evening evening out a heap of soil
Let's face it, English is a crazy
language! There is neither egg in
egg-plant or ham in a hamburger. No
apple or pine in a pineapple. Why does
quicksand work slowly and boxing rings are square? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a
humanitarian eat? In what other
language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by boat? Have noses that run and feet that
smell? How can a slim chance and a fat
chance be the same, whilst a wise-guy and a wise man are opposites. And finally, if dad is pop, how come mum
isn't mop? Enough!
23
The
December 12th [please note a
week earlier than normal] sees the Christmas Food and Drink evening with wines
selected and presented by myself. I hope
I can match the earlier presenters with some interesting wines for the festive
occasion. At the November meeting and for
this meeting only, members will have grouped themselves into tables of 12 and organised jointly their starter, main course and dessert
and hopefully a great time will be had by all.
In January, in response to
many requests from members, we are repeating the wine quiz - "Call my Wine
Bluff". This is based on the TV panel
game "Call my Bluff" where three panellists give
their interpretations of an obscure word and the other panel
have to guess which of the three was telling the truth. In our version,
the members, divided into teams, have a wine to taste from a covered bottle and
then listen to three different explanations from the panel as to what they are tasting. They
then have to decide which panellist is telling the
truth, estimate the age of the wine and also its price. The team with the most points at the end of
the evening wins a small prize.
If anyone wishes to join us
for either the December or January meeting, we should be delighted to see them
provided that they have contacted us to arrange membership at least 24 hours
beforehand. We regret that to comply
with licensing laws we cannot sell tickets at the door to members of the
general public.
Tony Summers - Secretary
[01271] 883600
24
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
25
WELCOME AND FAREWELL
Although their leaving was on the cards,
Fred and Linda's sudden departure has left a hole in many of the village activites, but we wish them well in their new home in Farnham,
Devon Cottage on Hagginton Hill had been
their home here for 14 happy years and Linda's floral skills have
been much appreciated during that time - not only the regular decorating of St.
Peter's Church, but also her work in organising and
helping with the Flower Festivals. A
stalwart of the W.I., Linda was disappointed at its demise - hopefully there
will be an active institute near her new home - and from 1996 until 2003, Linda
chaired the organising committee of our Horticultural
and Craft Show, running seven excellent Shows. Whilst Linda was in the fore of village
events, Fred was always there for support, his enjoyment being in more solitary
pursuits - music, books and beautiful woodcarving - but he also played a mean
game of golf and was a one-time member of our Badminton Club. You will be missed!
Devon Cottage is now home to Nick and Zoe Williams from Highgate,
Sally Barten has moved next door! Now settled in her new, smaller home,
Poppies, she says housework only takes five minutes! Please would visitors now call via the gate
to the side.
We all wish you well in your new cosy home.
Berri Home
will be the temporary home of Mike Floyd, a member of the Prison Service, who
comes from
Also not moving very far, we wish Stuart
Neale well in his new home at No. 23 Berrynarbor Park.
26
27
PARISH
COUNCIL REPORT
The last Council meeting was held on the
13th November, when all Councillors were present; also attending were
District Councillor Yvette Gubb and County Councillor Andrea Davis.
It is sad to report that Parish Councillor Len Coleman has now resigned due to ill health. The Council would like to say thank you to
Len for his many years of service to this village and also to June for her
support in enabling him to carry out his various duties.
As a result of Len's resignation, there is
now a vacancy on the Council. Anyone
wishing to apply to fill this vacancy should please contact the Clerk, Mrs Sue Squire, telephone 01598 710526.
County Councillor
Andrea Davies told the Council that there will shortly be a traffic
questionnaire delivered to every house in the village to determine where the
30m.p.h. speed limit should start.
Plans
are in the process of being drawn up for the children's playground and these will
be shown to the public before any decisions are taken.
For the winter months only, the disabled
toilet will be the only public toilet open in the car park, which will save
money that can be spent elsewhere in the village.
The report in the North Devon Journal
regarding North Devon District Council and Torridge
District Council merging is untrue. There
maybe future discussions regarding some services merging if there is a
possibility of reducing costs and improving services.
Finally, as we come near to the end of
2007, on behalf of the Parish Council thank you to all who worked for the
Council and also those who give their time voluntarily, a special mention must
go to Sue Squire the Parish Clerk and to
Judie for the ever popular newsletter.
Sue Sussex -Chairman
28
RURAL REFLECTIONS
- 34
At Christmas time there is a great
emphasis on the value of the family. Yet for some people friends can be just as
valuable. If not more so. At least we can choose which friends we want
to be with at Christmas; we can't always our families. And it is a fact of life that for some
families this can cause a little stress.
On Christmas day I am looking forward to
seeing one of my best friends; and what a dear friend she has been. Like any good friend, she is always there for
me. She has helped me through some of
my most difficult times and never minds what time of day or night I contact
her. It is such a comfort knowing she
is there for me at a moment's notice. I
feel I can tell her any of my problems. Best of all, she never judges me on what I
tell her, preferring instead to just listen whilst I ramble on. Sometimes I don't have to speak, yet she is
still able to read my mind and interpret my muddled thoughts. Always at one with herself, her calm demeanour helps me to unwind and relax.
One of the things I like most about her
is her appearance. She has an
immaculate dress code and a wardrobe of clothes with colours
ranging through the whole spectrum. And
oh, how she loves her brooches.
No doubt on Christmas day she will wear
one of her silver brooches attached to her holly coloured
dress - a dress which only comes out of the wardrobe once a year. Green is a colour
she wears off and on at the moment although as a rule she wears outfits of a
softer shade during the winter months, cream and beige in particular. They match her hazel eyes beautifully. As winter turns to spring she wears but one colour: yellow.
Blouses, jackets and sweaters are all of varying shades yet all the while she
wears but one brooch -
made out of amethysts, and in the shape of a violet. By mid-spring she will vary her colours once more, wearing pinks, blues and whites in
particular. The amethyst is put away
for another year and is replaced instead by a sapphire brooch.
Come summer I never know what colour she may be wearing when I see her! But
whatever it is, it's sure to be shocking. It could be a dazzling scarlet or lemon, or a
deep purple or burgundy. It's a time when she really does show how many
colours are available. Yet for her brooch, she wears an emerald. Always an emerald. Then in the middle of summer she will
surprise me by occasionally wearing a much softer colour lavender.
And as summer progresses she'll wear it
more and more frequently. Yellow, too,
appears once more although these outfits aren't the bright yellow colours she wore earlier in the year. Instead, they are mustard in shade. This change to more mellow colours
is a sign that she'll soon be wearing her orange clothes again along with her
gold brooch, both colours perfectly matching her
ginger hair.
In time she will start to wear brown, a
sure sign that the holly coloured dress is once again
being aired in preparation for Christmas day.
Wondering how she will look when I meet up
with her and never failing to be amazed by the wonderful colours
she wears, is just one small attribute that makes her the special friend that
she is. Her name?
Mother Nature.
And to be specific,
the trees and flowers of our beautiful countryside.
Merry Christmas.
Stephen
McCarthy
29
On the whole we have had a lovely autumn
- just what we all needed after the miserable summer, but now winter is upon
us. The group have
had a year of litter picking, planting and tidying up the village and can now
rest until the spring. We hope you've
enjoyed the floral displays around the village and may be you will consider
joining us next year.
This year we again won a Silver Gilt
Award from the
We hope to see you next year, our first meeting will be some time in February, so
look out for 'blooming' posters!
30
Recipe
for December
Last Minute Christmas Mincemeat Cake
If you have been harassed and a bit late
making your Christmas cake, this one tastes lovely and is quick to make.
- 1lb [450g] good quality mincemeat - [you must use best quality as cheap brands have too much liquid]
- 8oz [225g] wholemeal flour
- 3 level teaspoons baking powder
- 5oz [150g] dark brown sugar
- 5oz [150g] butter/soft margarine
- 6oz [175g] mixed dried fruit
- 2oz [50g] walnuts
- Grated zest of a small orange
- Grated zest of a small lemon
- 3 free-range eggs, size 1 or 2
- 4oz [110g] whole, blanched almonds [if you don't intend to ice the cake]
Place all the ingredients except the
whole almonds in a large mixing bowl.
The eggs can go in whole but give the flour a sifting to get in some air
and then tip in the bran left in the sieve.
Using an electric beater [or wooden
spoon], beat everything until well mixed.
Spoon the mixture into an 8" round cake tin, greased and lined with
greaseproof paper. If you are not going
to ice the cake, arrange the whole almonds in circles over the top.
Bake the cake at gas mark 3 [325 Deg F or
170 Deg C] for about 1 hour 30 minutes or until the centre springs back when
lightly touched. Let it cool in the tin
for 30 minutes before turning it out to finish cooling on a wire rack.
If you have time you can feed it with
brandy by making holes with a darning pin and pouring on brandy. This can be done as many times as you
like! Store the cake wrapped in
greaseproof paper or foil in a polythene box or cake tin.
Happy Christmas!
Wendy
31
OUR OWN
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW
What fun we had! A goodly band of friends turned up to arrange
the hall. Judie's tablecloths, balloons
and table arrangements in Macmillan colours brightened the scene. I wish
I'd had a camera when she emerged from the back seat of the car with a dozen or
so helium-filled balloons threatening to whisk her off like Mary Poppins!
71 tickets were sold and 69 people turned up
- quite a squeeze! It was exciting
watching folk turn up with their packages and bundles for valuation - just like
the genuine BBC Roadshow. The items were displayed on tables in front
of the Valuer and everyone sat around
enjoying excellent 'nibbles' generously provided by our shop suppliers and
friends, washed down with a glass of wine. Janet, Vi and
Margaret performed miracles in the kitchen, working like beavers and presenting
a superb spread.
Some people brought various items for a
table auction where bids were placed and the highest bidder won. This added £177 to the kitty.
The raffle, all prizes donated, raised
£106, whilst Fenella's 'Guess the Age of the Chair'
caused some interest and raised a bit more cash. 1815 was the date and Jill Massey won a
gorgeous bouquet of flowers arranged by Sue Wright [now an area floral art
demonstrator - congratulations, Sue].
Everyone agreed that Christopher Hampton
[of Hampton and Littlewood, Auctioneers and Valuers,
The evening raised a total of £740 with all
expenses paid, so that Macmillan Cancer Support and our new Community Shop
are richer by £370 each. We were
very grateful to all who contributed in whatever way - including those who
turned up and then generously supported the various money raising events. Thanks, everyone! PP of DC
32
MEMORIES ARE MADE
OF THIS
The very successful Antiques Roadshow in the
Manor Hall reminded me of an article in a glossy 'Homes' type magazine I read
recently.
The
writer had inherited articles and memorabilia from her parents, but as they did
not fit in with her 'minimalistic' decor of stainless
steel and glass, she had got rid of them.
My
daughter and I once caught my granddaughter staring into an old glass
paperweight in which a flower was encapsulated. As she turned the paperweight around, my
daughter said she could remember doing the same thing to this paperweight in my
parents' home, many years ago.
The
articles brought in by residents last Friday were fascinating,
in the stories and memories they held.
What a loss to our society it would be if we stopped handing down the
memories of our, and our parents' past.
Yvonne
Davey
33
NEWS FROM OUR
COMMUNITY SHOP
Finally, after a last minute hiccup, the
first sod was turned on Friday 2nd November [with gilt spades no less!], the
honours being performed by Ron Toms and Hazel, youngest daughter of Kate and Seretse. Thank you
both, you did a great job. Since then,
the footings have been dug, the first of many
breezeblocks laid and now our new shop is underway just over 3 years after the
village took over from Alan. We apologise for the disruption in the car park. When work is complete [hopefully by next Easter], it will be
laid out differently with only 2 or 3 spaces lost.
We haven't yet had a chance to evaluate
the results of the questionnaire recently circulated. Didn't get one? Please 'phone Alex on 883758. Haven't filled it in yet? It's not too late. If
it's not been collected, do please take the completed form to the shop. It
really is helpful in deciding future policy. The generosity of so many people in the village
is overwhelming. In the last two weeks the shop has benefited
by: an increase in shares of £1650, a donation of £1,000 from
Jackie has the shop full of Christmas
cards, wrapping paper, pretty boxes of biscuits, sweets and chocolates, tea and
other gifts. It is also time to order
your Christmas poultry and meats. Ivan
Clarke's order forms are already in the shop and no doubt Westgate Angus will
follow shortly. It's also not too early to order fresh fruit and vegetables from
Edds and so save a last minute panic? Oh - and post early for Christmas [although
some dates have already passed!].
Last
date for sending internal mail is: parcels - Friday 14th December, 2nd class
post Monday 17th December and 1st Class on Thursday 20th.
By
the time you read this, the number of shopping days to Christmas will be
diminishing rapidly, so Happy Christmas Shopping everyone! PP of DC
34
HELEN'S
Many villagers will remember Helen Armstead. Helen was
not only a competent artist who produced many delightful watercolours
of local views and delicate floral prints, but she also made models of many of
the cottages and other buildings in the village. For some years these models have been
displayed in the Sunday School corner of the church
and used for informal dioramas for church events. Sadly, they are now deteriorating and need
some TLC if they are to survive, together with better storage or display
facilities. The buildings include the
Church, School, Manor Hall, Bessemer Thatch, Briar Cottage and Shop, and Miss
Muffets.
Has anyone any suggestions as to how
these models could be refurbished and where they could be stored? If you can help, please give me a ring on
889393.
Alan Rowlands
35
MOVERS AND SHAKERS - No. 12
DEREK J MILES
[1931 - ]
Purveyor of fine Tea
It's Saturday
afternoon in summer. Visitors have
found our Community Shop by SatNav and are now
stocking up for the weekend - bread, butter, bacon, eggs, and PG
Tips. I'm duty volunteer with Hedy.
"Have you tried Miles tea?" I
ask, "It's very good with our local water."
The PG Tips are quickly returned to the
shelf, Miles Original picked up and another customer is converted.
But who is D J Miles? With
some trepidation I check that Mr. Miles is happy to appear in 'Movers and
Shakers', after all, this is the first time that the
subject can correct what I've written!
The website reveals a fascinating
history, written by Derek Miles, of a family business going back more than 100
years and run by three generations, all experienced in the tea and coffee trade
and all contributing their expertise.
Derek started working in the tea trade in
the early 1950's in
A problem arose when the
The Company grew rapidly and tea was sold
locally and in
In 1974 he went into partnership with a
friend, Norman Halls and bought out Henry Miles and Co. Henry
Miles, Derek's grandfather, founded the Company in 1888 in
This was then incorporated into Derek's
existing company.
The daily ritual of tea tasting is carried
out by Derek, Paul and John who are experts in this field. Samples are carefully weighed into pots using
an old sixpenny piece. Freshly boiled water is poured on; the tea allowed to
infuse and then drained into bowls. The
batch of teas is then tasted and discussed and up to 100 teas may be tasted
before one is selected for blending.
The daily coffee roasting continues in Porlock, its aroma drifting across the streets of this
beautiful and friendly
Their most popular products are still the
Original teabags and loose tea, but coffee is catching up fast and a wide range
of Miles products is on sale in our Community shop. Miles
will be in the Food Hall at the Devon County Show next May 15-17 where tea,
coffee and hot chocolate will be on sale.
Miles provide talks and tours for local
groups. These are very popular and need
to be booked well in advance and there are plans at some stage to introduce
weekly tasting sessions at Porlock. The Company has done some promotions with Paignton
Zoo over the past two years. In the
first year they raised enough money to buy a special set of scales to weigh the
elephants which is vital for maintaining their health!
And after 46 years, Mr
Derek Miles continues as Chairman. Long
may this family business continue to provide quality products that give
pleasure to so many.
PP of DC
36
THE
BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING IN THE WORLD
This event seems a long time ago now,
but it happened too late to be included in the last Newsletter.
The Manor Hall hosted the event, Macmillan supplied the advertising posters, banners,
balloons and two gigantic blow-up mugs, which nearly blew away! However, we were 'blown away' by the support
given. Visitors came, not only from the
village, but families and friends from Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and many
surrounding villages.
Cakes were baked to provide a truly
luscious coffee morning. Tables were
beautifully decorated by Judie and the band of 'good fairies', who seem to live in the Manor Hall kitchen, were at work
once more. Stuart's musical support was
thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The raffles contained prizes generously
donated from the whole area and we thank the kind donators for their
support. The White Elephant stall
groaned under the weight of articles donated for sale, and the Fabulous Wine
Company from
A really good time was had by all and,
with all this help, we raised the fantastic total of
£718. All money raised in Devon for
Macmillan is spent on care in
Yvonne,
Vi, Ann and Pam
37
NEWS
FROM THE PRI
We are pleased to welcome Bill and Disnie to our School.
They have moved from Nuneaton and we wish them
and their families lots of happiness in
We also have two new Governors. The Governing Body works hard to support the
school and we are delighted to welcome Mrs. Linda Balment
as Community Governor and Mrs. Sian Barten as Parent
Governor.
Operation Christmas Child - We have received a lovely selection of
filled and wrapped shoe boxes to bring hope and a smile to some of the world's
poorest children. These have now been
delivered to a centre in
Children In Need - On Children in Need day, pupils and staff
all went to school in their pyjamas! To raise money, they made a trail of 1p and
2p pieces and cooked Pudsey Bear biscuits. Photos were taken throughout the day and a
sum of £78.21p was raised.
Christingle - We shall be holding our Christingle in the
Church at 9.15 a.m. on
Monday, 10th December. This is a
magical time and everyone is welcome to come and join us. The service will last approximately 30
minutes.
'Senior Dudes' Christmas Evening
Dinner - Children from our Years 5
and 6 will be cooking this special dinner on Thursday, 13th December, for the
Senior Citizens of Berrynarbor. It
starts at
School End of Term Christmas Service - Our end of term service will take place in the
Church on Monday, 17th December at
We break up for Christmas on Wednesday,
19th December and return to school on
Hockey - Mrs. Lucas is very keen to teach hockey to
our oldest children. Unfortunately, we
do not have enough suitable hockey sticks.
If anyone has any unwanted hockey sticks that they feel able to lend or
donate, we should love to hear from you.
Susan Carey - Headteacher
38
MANOR
HALL CHRISTMAS CARD COLLECTION & DELIVERY
& COFFEE MORNING, SATURDAY 15TH
DECEMBER
Once again we shall be running a
Christmas Card Collection where you 'post' your cards, together with a donation
to Manor Hall Funds,
in the special box in the Shop and we deliver them on Saturday,
15th December.
The Saturday morning in the Manor Hall
will be very special this year as the cards will have been sorted by the
Primary School children and delivered by them on that morning.
We shall be providing coffee, mulled
wine and other 'goodies' during the morning from
Bob Hobson - Chairman,
Manor
Hall Management Committee
39
Once again we want to thank so many of you for your invaluable support over the years. As Christmas can be a lonely time of the year when we think about friends and family who are no longer with us, we have found the Light Up a Life Appeal engenders an unforgettable feeling of togetherness and remembrance. For those unsure about the Appeal, every December we encourage people across North Devon to celebrate the honour the lives of loved ones, by lighting candles and having their names written in books of remembrance.
We invite you to join us at one of our special services in memory of someone who has touched your life in a special way. If you are unable to come, we should be delighted to light a candle on your behalf. Over the year your contributions have enabled our hospice to continue to provide essentials services to local people living with life threatening illnesses, as well as offering them and their families, spiritual and emotional support.
Finally, if you know of someone else who may be interested in this year's Light up a Life Appeal, please pass on the details or call the hospice for the leaflet giving more information [01271] 344248.
Ali, Emma and Gerrard
- Sunday, 2nd December: Holy Trinity Church, Ilfracombe, 6.30 p.m.
- Monday, 3rd December: Christchurch, Braunton, 7.00 p.m.
- Saturday, 8th December: Combe Martin Methodist Church, 7.00 p.m.
- Monday, 10th December: St. Sabinus Church, Woolacombe, 6.00 p.m.
- Wednesday, 19th December: St. Michael & All Angels, Marwood, 7.00 p.m.
winter . . . and one more morning
unfolds the gathering light of
one more day
come now
light the candles watch the flames
which hold all the warmth
of loving and living and shared remembrance
watch and linger and remember once more
then later
sleep deeply softly
eased for the moment ... in the knowing
tomorrow is on its way
40
LOCAL
WALK - 105
A Memorable Day at Raparee Cove
It was on the Today programme
that I first heard about it;
how the day had been dubbed 'Emancipation Day' and that
afternoon, Friday the first of August 1997, there was to be a ceremony at Ilfracombe's Rapparee Cove to
commemorate the St. Lucians who lost their lives when
the ship they were travelling on, 'The London', had
been wrecked on the rocks there, on the night of the ninth of October 1796. As well as a detailed report in the programme, the Bishop giving his 'Thought for the Day' had
chosen the event as the topic for his talk.
Earlier in the year, February 1997,
severe weather had caused erosion in the cove and this had led to the discovery
of human skeletal remains and iron shackles. At the time of the shipwreck, two
hundred years ago, the bodies of the sixty or more men, women and children from
There has been some uncertainty as to
whether they had been slaves or prisoners of war. It was the time of the French Revolution and
the Napoleonic Wars.
On 'Emancipation Day' in 1997, I walked
from Larkstone down to Rapparee
Cove. Families of Rastafarians were
walking slowly about the beach and down to the water's edge, solemnly selecting
pieces of seaweed, pebbles or shells. Although it was the height of summer, it
was a grey day and soon a grizzly drizzle started which lasted throughout the
rest of the afternoon.
Illustration by: Paul Swailes
Dignitaries in African robes of gorgeous
fabrics and colours; some with swathes of cloth around
their heads like turbans, others with round embroidered caps, appeared at the
top of the cliff and wound their way down the path.
I held back, trying to look
inconspicuous, but some kind ladies took me under their wing and drew me
forward. They had never been to
A minute's silence was held and when we
looked up again the scene was transformed by a sea of white as men and women
dressed in white from head to foot had arrived and were assembling on the
little platform at the back of the cove.
They were members of a choir.
We were addressed by a king who was
robed in emerald green. Reporters and
camera crews from the BBC and ITV were recording the event and Bonnie Greer [a
regular on Newsnight Review] wrote a radio play about
it, starring Tony Armatrading.
In the intervening years, Rapparee Cove has looked rather neglected. Recently we walked up from
It was a mild, sunny autumn day but the
beach was deserted apart from a grey wagtail flitting about the stones near
where the waves were breaking and a pair of ravens 'kronking'
overhead. There was a lone cormorant swimming and
diving at the mouth of the Cove as there had been on that afternoon ten years
ago but it was difficult to believe that this tiny cove could have held such a
large gathering of people.
We walked up to where a memorial stone
has been placed and stood to watch the great bulk of a ship, of the Grimaldi Line of
Sue H
41
42
AH,
YES, CHRISTMAS
Following my father's death in 1936, my
half-brother Gerald took it upon himself to look after my mother, sister and
myself. Although time leaves a haze on
things which happened in the past, there are still plenty of memories to
recall. It must have been Christmas
1936 when Gerald booked the family into a house at Seaford in
Mornings were usually a walk along the
beach or a trip to the recreational ground for goes on the swings, roundabout
or slide and it comes back to me now that both Gerald and my mother had several
goes on the slide, which was, of course, only meant for children! I was on the high end of the seesaw, and a
lad who had come along on the low, when suddenly his mother called him and he
jumped off. I went down with a wallop,
winded - a very unpleasant feeling, particularly as the other didn't seem to
understand why I was gasping for breath!
Illustration by: Paul Swailes
We would also go for a walk up Seaford
Head, flanked by the cliff. I have been
back there more recently, and they seem to have increased the gradient! You may have experienced the same kind of
thing.
Before going to see the pantomime in
On another Christmas at
Next morning after breakfast, we hurried
off to the carpenter's and the snow was still falling. After paying, we hurried off to Seaford
Head, where tobogganing was reasonably safe as the land sloped upwards towards
the cliff edge. I think the whole of
I have told you about two Christmases
before the War, but there is one particular one after the War that comes to
mind. For some reason I decided to have
a holiday in your part of
I hope and trust you all have a
wonderful Christmas, but please give a serious thought about the reason we
celebrate Christmas. Thanks.
This picture of Christopher Beauclerk's milk float was taken in February 1984, when he
was the roundsman at the hamlet of Hardy's Green. He
carried crates of milk to the customers as he was unable to get through! The
picture, which
appeared in the whole of Lord Raleigh's dairy
area, was taken by a customer.
CHRISTMAS CRACKERS!
How observant are your friends? Whilst sitting around in chairs, take a walking stick in your right hand and tap it three times on the floor. Casually swap the stick to your left hand before handing it to the next person and ask them to repeat what you did. The chances are that others will forget that you changed the stick from your right hand to your left before handing it on and you tell them they didn't do it right. Several people will probably do this before the 'penny drops'!
Tony
Beauclerk -
43
The Rectory,
Combe Martin
Dear Friends,
Many years ago when I was a student in the east end of London, the person I lodged with used to be a Company Secretary in the City of London, and when it came to Christmas he used to work out his Christmas list by putting his friends under different priced presents; so there were £2.50 friends, there were £5 friends, and there were £10 friends.
This reminded me of O'Henry's story about the young couple who couldn't really afford Christmas presents for each other. The only thing of value was his pocket watch which had been his father's, but it didn't have a chain. She had long, flowing, red hair but no comb to hold her hair in place. Imagine his joy and disappointment when he found a shell comb in the market but could not afford to buy it for her, unless he pawned his watch, which is what he did. At the same time she saw a beautiful watch chain which she could not afford, unless, of course she could sell her wonderful hair to a wig-maker, which is what she did.
Imagine their horror and delight when they faced each other that Christmas Eve. She was left with red stubble on her head, and he was without his watch! Yet, their love for each other had been so great that they had given their most valuable possession for each other, as a token of that love. Monetary value could not compare with the value of their love.
Our Christmas gifts cannot compare with God's gift to us at Christmas. His love cannot be priced in financial terms, only in the sacrificial love he showed on earth and in his death on the cross. He loves us so much that he gives himself to us in his Son, in that small, valuable baby at Bethlehem. I reckon that that young couple knew something of the value of God's love that Christmas.
With all good wishes for a joyful and blessed Christmas,
Your Friend and Rector,
Keith Wyer
Illustrated by:Paul Swailes
44
OLD BERRYNARBOR - VIEW
110
General View.
Berrynarbor
This photographic postcard of Berrynarbor
was published by Francis Frith & Co. Ltd. of
Whilst I believe the photograph was taken
around 1960, the actual card was sent from Berrynarbor to Holt in
©Copyright The Francis Frith Collection
The writing on the reverse I found quite
interesting: "Left Harrow at
We can see that it had taken 8 hours to
cover the 200 odd miles from North West London and the beach they had visited
had been Broadsands.
Is there anyone who can give me a date as to when the picture had been
taken?
Tom Bartlett
Tower Cottage,
November 2007
e-mail:
tomandinge40@gmail.com
45
IN THE PAPERS 150 YEARS AGO
ILFRACOMBE
and WATERMOUTH - DANGEROUS FOOTPATH
To
the Editor of the "
SIR - Having just returned from your
excellent
I cannot refrain from calling the attention
of the authorities to the frightfully dangerous state of a short portion of the
path to Watermouth. The earth and rock
have broken away on the left-hand side of the originally narrow path, leaving
barely room to pass, and exposing the unsuspecting traveller
to a precipice of such fearful depth that falling from it must be instantly
fatal.
It is a shame that a peril so easily to be guarded against should exist amidst such beautiful and attractive scenery, and I trust a regard to the public safety will induce the responsible party at once to prevent the sacrifice of life which, if the path be neglected, I expect to hear has arisen. Hoping the insertion of this notice may be useful.
I am Sir,
yours &c.Leicester,
Aug. 1857 - A
VISITOR
COMBEMARTIN PETTY SESSIONS
Monday
Dec. 7th [Extract]
GAME LAWS - James Tucker, was charged by farmer Dermaid of Hele, near Ilfracombe, with trespassing in search of rabbits in a field of his in the parish of Berrynarbor, on the 10th September. Complainant heard the report of a gun and going in the direction of the sound, he found the defendant in his field with a gun with which he shot a rabbit. - Richard Gammon, a witness called by the defendant, said that on the day in question, he invited him [defendant] to come and shoot some rabbits with him on his land. They went to Mr. Watt's where they had leave to shoot, and acknowledged having passed over one of Dermaid's fields, but denied having fired a gun there. The Bench considered the charge proved, and fined defendant 10s with 8s 6d costs.
Tom Bartlett
Tower Cottage,
November 2007
e-mail: tomandinge40@gmail.com
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CHRISTMAS
PAST
[Reminiscences of Childhood]
My father, a true Yorkshireman
- albeit half Welsh - was careful with his brass, for most of the year that
is! But, as Christmas approached a
kind of spending madness took over and he would lavish a veritable cornucopia
of gifts on his family, mother, my elder brother and me. All in the name of Father
Christmas, of course.
My brother and I would wake to find
bulging pillowcases by our bedside [stockings would have been hopelessly
inadequate], crammed with books, toys, games, toffees, chocolate, boiled
sweets, etc. To support the deception,
father and mother also had pillowcases containing gifts, though never so full
as ours. Mother would usually get some
much-desired item of finery, a silk blouse perhaps which had previously been
beyond our means, but became suddenly affordable. We boys also might receive items of
clothing, no doubt at mother's insistence.
Boylike I would
have to sample the various sweeties and, although never actually sick, I had no
appetite for breakfast.
Besides the largest available goose or
turkey, father would also buy a large joint of spare rib pork. Not for the day itself, but for later. Mother would be up half the night preparing
the bird for the oven and would be up early lighting the fire to get the oven
hot and start off the bird on its slow roast.
She always made 5 puddings - one for Christmas, the others for each of
our birthdays which conveniently were all in January and February.
On mother's shopping list were always a
bottle each of brandy [for cakes and puddings], rum [for the sauce], and
whisky, all at 7/6d. [36p] each. When our milkman came with the morning milk,
he was offered a choice of drink. I
think he usually had whisky, which he drank neat. As no doubt he was offered similar
hospitality at other homes, I imagine he relied on his faithful nag to get him
home safely in the milk float to his hill farm.
Dinner was usually ready about
I went on believing in Father Christmas [we
never called him Santa Claus] until I was 12 or so, because my brother kept up
the pretence and I strongly contended anything my pals said about him being
just father.
Ah, the innocence of youth! Happy Days!
Trev
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AT-A-GLANCE DIARY
| DECEMBER | |
| 2nd | Advent Sunday |
| 4th | Ladies' Group: Christmas Party, Manor Hall, 2.00 p.m. |
| 7th | Ladies' Group: Visit to Dunster by Candlelight |
| 8th | Christmas Market, Manor Hall, 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. |
| 10th | Primary School Christingle Service, St. Peter's Church, 9.15 a.m. Everyone welcome. |
| 11th | Parish Council Meeting: Manor Hall, 7.00 p.m. |
| 12th | Mobile Library in Village from 11.20 a.m. Wine Circle, Manor Hall, 8.00 p.m: Christmas Food & Drink - Tony Summers |
| 13th | Berrynarbor Pre-School Nativity Play & Coffee Morning, Manor Hall, 11.00 a.m. Primary School: Meal for 'Senior Dudes', 5.00 p.m. |
| 15th | Manor Hall: Christmas Card Collection Coffee Morning, 10.00 a.m. onwards, Primary School Entertainment, 11.00 a.m. |
| 17th | Primary School: End of Term Service, St. Peter's, 2.30 p.m. Everyone welcome. Ladies' Group: Christmas Lunch at The Lodge |
| 19th | Primary School & College: End of Autumn Term St. Peter's Church: Carol Service, 6.30 p.m. |
| 23rd | St. Peter's Church: Family Communion Service, 11.00 a.m. |
| 24th | Christmas Eve - St. Peter's Church: Blessing of the Crib and First Communion of Christmas |
| 25th | CHRISTMAS DAY - St. Peter's Church: Family Communion with Carols, 10.00 a.m. |
| 26th | Boxing Day |
| 30th | St. Peter's Church: Communion Service with Carols |
| 31st | New Year's Eve |
| JANUARY 2008 | |
| 1st | New Year's Day |
| 3rd | Primary School & College: Start of Spring term Ladies' Group: Manor Hall, 2.00 p.m. Speaker - Marion Carter |
| 6th | St. Peter's Church: Epiphany Sunday [last day of Christmas], Songs of Praise with Carols |
| 8th | Parish Council Meeting, Manor Hall, 7.00 p.m. |
| 9th | Mobile Library in Village from 11.20 a.m. |
| 15th | Wine Circle: 'Call my Wine Bluff', Manor Hall, 8.00 p.m. |
| 23rd | Mobile Library in Village from 11.20 a.m. |
| FEBRUARY | |
| 5th | Ladies' Group, Manor Hall, 2.00 p.m: Hedgerow Baskets |
| 6th | Mobile Library in Village from 11.20 a.m. |
Manor Hall Diary:
| Mondays | Craft Group, 2.30 p.m. Badminton, 7.30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Tuesdays | 2nd & 4th in month: N.D.Spinners Yoga, 7.00 p.m. |
| Thursdays | Whist Drive, 7.30 p.m. |
| Fridays | Short Mat Bowls, 7.00 p.m. * |
| Sundays | Short Mat Bowls, 2.00 p.m. * |
[* winter time only]
Mobile Library:
(Assistant - Jacqui Mackenzie)
| 11.20 - 12.05 p.m. | Sandy Cove |
|---|---|
| 1.15 - 1.35 p.m. | The Square |
| 1.45 - 2.05 p.m. | Sterridge Valley |
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NEWS FROM THE GLOBE & SAWMILL INN
WINTER OFFERS - OCTOBER TO MARCH
At the Sawmill:
Every Tuesday, 6.00 to 9.00 p.m. Curry & Pint [or wine or soft drink] £5.95
"2 for 1" Meals - choose 2 meals off the "2 for 1" board, get the cheapest one free.
Every day 12.00 to 2.00 p.m. and 6.00 to 9.00 p.m.
[except Saturday nights and Sunday lunchtimes]
Look out for Bar Specials, e.g. Guinness £2 per pint - these change, so look in bar for details.
B & B Double En Suite Rooms at £25 per person per night [3rd night free]
At Ye Old Globe:
"Kids Eat Free" - Monday to Saturday [inc] 12.00 to 2.00 p.m.
Buy 1 adult's meal [£5 minimum] get 1 kid's/tot's meal free [11 years and under]
6.00 to 7.00 p.m. "Teatime Special", Sunday to Wednesday nights [inc], choose from the board traditional meals,
such as cottage pie, beef casserole, etc., for just £4.00 each!
CHRISTMAS MENU
Available from the bar now.
Served 1st - 24th December [inc.] at Globe and Sawmill
Lunchtimes & Evenings, but BOOKINGS ONLY
Quiz Nights:
8.30 p.m. start - everyone welcome. Alternate SundaysNext Quiz 2nd December. Christmas Quiz: 16th December.
"End of Year Quiz": Boxing Night.
It is strongly advised to book for this night as the fortnightly quiz teams reserve their tables and it is always a busy night.
Last year's Quiz was attended by 95 people!
Other Events Over Christmas:
Children's Christmas Party:
Wednesday, 19th December 3.30 to 5.30 p.m. at The Globe.
Free party for customer's children aged 8 years and under. Entertainment, food and present from Santa.
Please put names down at either pub EARLY, as places are limited to 25.
Games Night at The Sawmill: Sunday, 23rd December 9.00 p.m.
Skittles, Pool, Darts - just for fun and a box of chocolates
NO serious teams, thanks!
Christmas Draw:
The Globe, approx. 10.00 p.m. on Christmas Eve
Christmas Day:
The Globe - Bar open 11.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. [no food]
Boxing Day:
The Globe open as normal, food 12.00 to 2.00 only.
Sawmill Inn:
Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day
New Year's Eve:
Party at The Globe, 6.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m. Buffet, dancing, fancy dress [optional - no specific theme].
Sawmill open for food from 7.00 to 9.00 p.m. will close at 10.00 p.m.
New Year's Day:
Globe open and food as normal. Sawmill closed.
We should like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy 2008.
Best wishes from Don & Edith, Karl & Lou, Karen & Boys, and Staff
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Artwork by: Debbie Rigler Cook
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Artwork by: Debbie Rigler Cook
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