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23

SOME INCIDER INFORMATION

The Start: Just before Barnstaple Fair Week, an old friend, Mitch Warburton, asked if I would be interested in making some cider. As a few village worthies, myself included, had been thinking about this for a couple of years, "Yes", was my reply.

The next week, the Warburton Apple Processing Plant, Mk 2, was dropped off at Wild Violets. The press, which is portable, was sited behind the weeping ash tree and after a few site adjustments, was ready for use!

The Process: The apples, delivered in trugs, wheelbarrows, trailers, plastic bags, sacks, etc., are first cut into quarters. Then they are shredded, by an old garden shredder, into a mash. This is then put in between layers of straw which are laid in the barrel of the press ready for pressing when sufficient mash has been made. When pressing takes place, the juice is collected in a bucket before being strained into a barrel. The process is then repeated.

The Workforce: In part, the idea of 'the press' is to bring people together. T'was truly international! There were Combemartians, Barnstaple folk and, of course, a fair smattering of Berry people. The children were getting the apples from wherever and taking them to the ladies who were sitting around tables slicing them before they went through the shredder, to the press and then to the barrel.

The apples that were brought were loaded into a builder's trug [1 trug = 2 gallons], that way we were able to measure how much everyone had brought.

Finally, it was the turn of the 'tasters' [the men took that in turns!].

The Result: After two days' work we had made 140 gallons of cider, not bad, eh? Each day finished with a BBQ and, surprise, surprise, music supplied by our local musicians. The press was then taken to Barnstaple to do its job again.

The Future: Having surfed the net for information on the keeping of cider we've found diverse accounts. Some say it can be drunk after 3 months, others say leave it a year. One says it should be drunk only after the cuckoo sings, and given the number of cuckoos I've heard over the last few years, it could be some time! So, I think its going to be up to the individual's willpower.

This year's press has now been racked, so those of you who have yet to collect your spoils, it's ready and waiting. We hope to make this an annual event, so if you have some apples or pears, even better I think, and the inclination, bring them next year.

Songbird, on behalf of the Berry Suiciders

24

 

ARRIVALS

Peter and Zoe Bowden are pleased to announce the safe arrival of their second grandson, Rory Hayes, born on the 9th September at St. Johns Hospital, Livingston, Scotland and weighing an eye-watering 11lb 9oz. A little brother for Jamie and second son for Vicky and Martin and a second nephew for Becky and Daniel.

June and Len Coleman are delighted to welcome the arrival of June's first grandchild. Weighing in at 7lbs 7oz, Max Lucas was born to Katharine and Chris in Romford on Christmas Day, 3 weeks early!

Colin and Doreen Harding are delighted to announce the arrival of their seventh grandchild, a fourth grand-daughter, a little girl for their son Guy and his wife Caroline. Romily Victoria was born on the 19th January, weighing 5lbs 4oz.

A warm welcome to the three little ones and congratulations to all the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles!

25

 

WEATHER OR NOT

Before we look back at last year, let's just have a look at the last two months in more detail.

November was only slightly wetter than October and with a total of only 76mm [3"] it was the second driest November we have recorded, in 2004 we had only 59mm [2 5/16"]. It was a fairly mild month generally with the maximum temperature of 16.2 Deg C, which was about average for the last few years. We did have one sharp frost on the night of the 23rd/24th, when the thermometer dropped down to -1.3 Deg C. Winds were generally fairly light but picked up on the 30th with a maximum gust of 29 knots as the pressure started to drop.

December started off very unsettled. On Saturday the 8th, we had 18mm [3/4"] of rain in about three hours, added to the previous night's rain this deluge caused quite a bit of localised flooding on the roads. On Sunday the 9th, the forecast was for winds up to violent storm 11 but we were sheltered here and recorded a maximum gust of only 32 knots but in areas exposed to the wind, it was very severe. By Monday the 10th we had recorded 112mm [4 1/2"] which was more than any whole month since August. After that the pressure rose and the weather settled right down and the week was a complete contrast to the previous one. There were some sharp frosts overnight with temperatures dropping to -3 Deg C on the 20th. The last few days of the month the temperature rose again and we had some stronger winds and more rain with the 24th/25th being the wettest 24 hours with 28mm [1 1/8"]. The total rain for the month was 167mm [6 5/8"] which was probably about mid range for the Decembers that we have recorded previously. The maximum temperature of 13.9 Deg C was slightly higher than average, while the minimum of -3 Deg C was a bit below average. We also recorded a wind chill of -9 Deg C which was not unusual.

18.72 hours of sunshine were recorded in November which was less than the last two years, Decembers 7.60 hours was about normal. These figures are very local to the Sterridge Valley due to the low angle of the sun which means that it hardly rises above the hills at this time of year.

2007 was a year of extremes as far as rainfall went: January and February were about average, March was dry and April was the driest month we have ever recorded. This was followed by May and June which were up with the wettest and July which broke our July rainfall record of 59mm [2 5/16"]. August was average but September, October and November were again very dry, finishing with average rain in December. As a result of all this, 2007 was still overall a comparatively dry year with a total rainfall of 1308mm [51 1/2"]. It was also a disappointing year as far as temperature went; the maximum recorded throughout the year was 26.7 Deg C in June, which was the only month to climb above 25 Deg C. The minimum temperatures were not out of the ordinary. There were only two days in the year when there was some snowfall and they were in February. Looking at the barograph readings, we recorded a high of 1037mbs in February and November and a low of 982kbs also in February.

We should like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Simon and Sue

26

Ilfracombe Rotary Club's 'Startrek 2008'

The 17th annual 'Startrek' Challenge will take place on the night of 1st March, over a figure of eight course on Exmoor. Teams of four to six people (minimum age 16) are invited to enter and help raise sponsorship for the North Devon Hospice, Children's Hospice South West and other local charities and organizations. Over £400,000 has been raised so far. Please give one night of your time and add to the growing numbers who enjoy this challenge - if you can't do the walk, then please sponsor some one who is. Full details and application forms can be found at www.rotary-startrek.org .uk or ring Stan Westlake on 01271 863662.

Richard Sussex - Ilfracombe Rotary Club

27

DIAL-A-BONE WITH BARKING HAPPY

Hi, my name is Debbie. I live in Berrynarbor and if you own a dog which has been to training classes in Chivenor, you may well have met me at the Canine Etiquette's dog centre. I have been a helper/trainer at the North Devon dog training behaviour and education centre for several years, since attending classes with my own dogs. Canine Etiquette offer puppy socialisation classes, beginners classes for adult dogs, advanced courses and behavioural work. They also provide free educational talks on responsible pet ownership to local schools, clubs, various events and run regular puppy parties at local vets giving up much of their valuable time.

I was so impressed with the work at the centre that I offered my help. Directors and highly qualified Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Tracey Berridge and Sally Ansell, took me under their wing and with their combined experience taught me lots about our four legged friends.

Last year I went on to qualify as an assessor for the 'Pets as Therapy' charity and I am currently studying a C.O.A.P.E. (Centre of Applied Pet Ethology) companion animal course and learning lots more.

To help fund my fuel costs as a volunteer at Canine Etiquette, and buy books for my courses, I created a company called Barking Happy, selling essential pet products at reasonable prices. Barking Happy proved very popular and has now expanded into a pet product home delivery service offering all types of pet commodities, cat, fish, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, chicken and wild bird, not just dog. We supply food, treats, grooming equipment, training gear, activity toys, leads, food bowls, cleaning sprays, cat litter, fish flakes, tick removers, natural remedies and lots more. We deliver free of charge to Berrynarbor, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, West Down and surrounding villages. Orders can be placed by 'phone or e-mail and must be received by midnight Monday for delivery that week. Orders will be confirmed and a suitable delivery time arranged. If you need something urgently please call, we may have it in stock and will do our best to get it to you as soon as possible.

Here at Barking Happy, we try our best to be competitively priced, and offer a prompt efficient service to keep pets and owners happy! If you have a pet we hope you will give us a try. Tel: [01271] 883773

28

 

Berrynarbor VC Primary School

HEADTEACHER'S REPORT

We are pleased to welcome Anna, Zoe, Indiana, Freya and Bradley to our Reception intake for January. We should also like to welcome James to our Year 5 group. We hope they will all be happy and fulfilled during their education at our school.

Katy, our temporary Kitchen Manager, has finished her temporary position with us and we thank her for our lovely school dinners - Sarah has returned from maternity leave and we look forward to more lovely school dinners! George has now relinquished his post as temporary Caretaker and we are grateful for all his hard work, we will miss him. We say 'Hello' to William, our new Caretaker, and hope he will be happy with us.

Senior Dudes Christmas Meal - once again, this was a great success. 35 senior dudes came along for the Christmas evening. The children prepared and served the wonderful turkey dinner, with all the trimmings, and sang carols to our guests. Some memorable photos of the event are here for you to see.

Spring Term 2008 - The children all returned from their Christmas break full of excitement and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, we have been hit by the much-publicised flu virus which seems to have dragged on a bit and our numbers have been somewhat depleted. We are looking forward to some improved weather to get us all back on track again. We have received many enquiries from parents and residents within the village to come and help at school on a voluntary basis. All our volunteers are CRB cleared to enable them to be involved in working with children.

Years 2, 3 and 4 are embarking on their 10 sessions of swimming instruction this term and Reception and Year 1 will have their tuition during the Summer Term. Swimming is part of the curriculum and it is vital our children know how to swim living in a seaside locality.

The Fire Service will be coming in to give a safety talk to our Years 2 and 5/6. We've had lots of wet weather playtimes and the children are hoping for snow ... not something I'm sure you are wishing for!

Love from us all at Berrynarbor School.

Sue Carey - Headteacher

29

 

The Good News & The Bad News!

The Good: Thank you to everyone who helped us raise just over £300 at the children's Christmas Nativity Coffee Morning. It was a huge success and enjoyed by all. It was a delight to see all the young children performing and a big thank you must go to Emma and her staff for all their hard work.

The Bad: Unfortunately, during the Christmas holidays we have had two of our ride-on toys stolen from the shed. We have informed the police and the North Devon Journal but if anybody has any further information or can help us in either locating the people responsible or assist us in replacing the stolen items, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jenny Beer [nee Bailey] - Chairperson

30

MOVERS AND SHAKERS - No. 13

RAY ALBERT KROC
[October 5th 1902 - January 14th 1984]

Builder of the McDonald's Hamburger Chain

Just before last Christmas, Alex and I "sloped off" to Prague for 3 days. The excuses? To have a rest before the onslaught of festivities, to see the Castle and Christmas Markets - and [what the hell!] for me to fulfil a long held dream.

Prague had all the answers! It also had a few surprises such as Tesco and MacDonald's.

I knew a bit about the starting of Tesco, but nothing of "Big Mac", other than the outlet on Barnstaple's "Tesco" road, so on our return, I checked "Google". McDonald's Corporation all started with a Mr. Kroc in the mid-1950's.

Ray Albert Kroc was a former piano player, who after ambulance driving and a few other jobs, became a salesman for the Lily Tulip Cup Company [selling paper mugs] for 17 years, ending up as Sales Manager for United States Middle West. But then, approaching 40 years of age, he felt it was time he was on his own. He mortgaged his home and invested his life savings to become the exclusive distributor of a machine that could prepare 5 milk shakes at a time: the Multimixer.

By 1954, now aged 52, Mr. Kroc heard about Richard and Maurice McDonald who in their fast-food emporium in San Bernardino, California, were using eight of his machines. As a milk shake expert, he later said in a memoir published in the New York Times, "I had to see what kind of an operation was making 40 at one time".

He had never seen so many people served so quickly! He seized the opportunity to suggest to the brothers a franchising scheme based on their restaurant, thinking initially that he could then sell eight machines to each one. However, he was an entrepreneur. He struck a deal, became their first franchisee and opened his first McDonald's in Des Plaines, Chicago within the year. This is no longer a restaurant, but their Museum, containing memorabilia and artefacts - including the Multimixer.

The motto became: Quality, Service, Cleanliness and Value. Within 5 years there were 228 restaurants, and just two years later, Ray Kroc bought all rights to McDonald's from the McDonald brothers for $2.7 million. So what was the reason for his success?

Ray Kroc was born in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, the son of an unsuccessful real estate man whose family were from Bohemia in what is now the Czech Republic. He pioneered automating and standardising operations in what was a fiercely competitive multi-billion dollar fast food business. He concentrated on opening outlets in suburbs, where family outings to the local McDonald's became almost like tribal rituals. He chose his franchised owners to manage the new outlets with great care, looking for, as he said later, "Somebody who's good with people, we'd rather get a salesman than an accountant or even a chef." What he wanted were people like himself - driven by a never-ending urge to build and to excel.

"We want someone who will get totally involved in the business", he said, "If his ambition is to reach the point where he can play golf four times a week or play gin rummy for a cent a point, instead of a tenth, we don't want him in a McDonald's restaurant"

He trained his franchisees at his "Hamburger University", where a training led to a bachelor of Hamburgerology with a minor in French Fries! Instruction covered grill cleaning, flipping hamburgers and how to tell if a hamburger was done, "It starts browning around the edges." He stressed quality, but then to keep operating costs down, he made innovative use of part-time teenage help. He also advertised a lot.

Mr. Kroc was an impressive man in appearance. His thin hair was sleeked down, his made-to-measure blazers impeccable, and his eyes were constantly on the alert for any dirt in his restaurants!

His 3,000th restaurant was opened in London in1974, and in1990 a Russian McDonald's was hailed as "an emblem for the new friendships between our people".

In 1955, Ray Kroc had made himself President of the Mcdonald's Corporation, by 1968 he became Chairman, and in 1977, now aged 74, he was Senior Chairman.

Mr. Kroc had a stroke later that year and soon after, entered an alcoholics treatment centre in Orange, California because, he said, "I am required to take medicine which is incompatible with the use of alcohol." He died aged 81 in 1984.

Now, whilst waiting for your 'Big Mac', you know it really shouldn't be called that, but would it sell as well if it was called a "Big Kroc"? Still, he was one 'helluva' guy.

PP of DC

31

 

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Illustration by: Paul Swailes

32

 

RURAL REFLECTIONS - 35

Mid morning in late February. The wind swiftly moved patches of blue across the sky; a cold wind, but one worth tolerating, the bright day a refreshing change to recent mild but wet and cloudy weather. Heavy rainfall is reflected by the quaggy earth around the style beside St Brannock's Road. A little stream flows beneath the style, its water originating out of the moss opposite. The moss blankets a high rock face, providing shelter for both red campion and herb robert to grow.

The brighter day has encouraged birdsong to be heard once again on the Cairn. Blue tits and great tits whistle their merry little tunes within buddleia which lines St. Brannocks Road, whilst in the trees of Bailey's Wood two robins are having conversation with each other. The birdsong competes with the noise of the traffic so, with my folding seat over my shoulder, I headed up through Bailey's Wood to seek a place to sit and listen to the birdsong. As I set off, the sun peered through one of the breaks in the cloud. It's good to see the sun once again creeping over the hills, sending its rays into the Score Valley. What a lovely time of year this is, knowing that each day the sun will rise a little higher in the sky and hopefully bring with it a little more warmth. I stood to let the sun's glow hit my cold cheeks. For a moment I was tempted to take off my gloves and woolly hat, but no sooner the sun was behind a cloud again, the wind blowing to send the temperature plummeting. At least the weather was dry and bright and the birds felt the same.

As I headed up through the woods, the cooing of a pigeon added to the whistling tunes of the robins, blue tits and great tits whilst further up rooks squawked loudly. But it was a sight at ground level which brought a smile to my face; coltsfoot and the first lesser celandine were in flower on the Cairn. Their arrival showed that spring really must be around the corner, bringing with it other spectral delights. Climbing some steps, I admired the coral-spot fungus growing on branches put in place for path protection. Their orange colour enhanced by another burst of sunlight, reflecting on the shiny leaves of harts tongue fern which dominates the ground.

I gradually left the sound of the traffic behind and heard instead the melodic tune of a song thrush. It was coming from the summit of Bailey's Cleave, out of sight but still managing to throw its voice for all to be heard. As I neared the top of Bailey's Wood the trees gave way to blackthorn. Dense in places, a small opening allowed me to open up my chair which, having cleared it of ivy and debris, enabled me to get it in a comfortable and level position. A branch running along my right hand side made the perfect armrest, which in turn curved downwards and then in front of me, to make an ideal foot rest too.

Having made myself comfortable, I prepared to enjoy the surrounding birdsong. It was only then that I realised the wood had gone silent, but for the "teacher-teacher" call of a great tit down in the buddleia bushes. Its call became faster and harder to hear as the wind increased and caused the blackthorn's branches to clatter. I peered through the branches above and noticed the sky fast turning black. As the wood darkened, the great tit's call became desperate as though about to take its last breath. Then it stopped. For a moment, all in the wood went quiet.

The silence was broken by a drop of rain hitting one of the nearby branches. One by one, the drops increased until the wood became a deafening deluge of rain. The surrounding branches offered little protection and I wondered whether I was better off staying put or getting on the move. Yet before I had the chance to make a decision, the rain came to an abrupt halt. As it did so, the great tit began its call once more, soon followed by the blue tits, the robins, the pigeon and finally the song thrush. Through the branches I watched the black cloud move off to the south, the sound of a seagull following on behind the shower.

To my right, I sensed movement. At first I took it to be the wind disturbing the decayed leaves, but the sound was more distinct. Suddenly a blackbird came into view, just a few feet away from me, overturning the rotted debris in search of food. I was keen to observe its activities but another sound to my left distracted me. Clearly, something was hopping from branch to branch. Minutes passed by and the sound gradually got louder. All at once, the branches close by began moving. I wondered if, like the blackbird, this creature would become aware of my presence. Then, for a fleeting moment, the source of the noise appeared just a few branches away. It caught sight of me and immediately fluttered off through the blackthorn. However, the size of the bird and its unique little upturned wing, were all I needed to see to recognise the bird species.

I then became aware of other steps. Heavier this time, I guessed they were unlikely to be that of a bird. I was right. Rather than the feathered variety, this was a species of the four-legged variety. Having caught my scent, a collie dog had made its way through the little opening and, with little space for both of us, had its wet nose virtually touching mine. Panting heavily and excited with his find, I could tell he desperately wanted to bark in order to inform his owner. I instinctively put one finger to my closed lips (as if the dog was going to understand). It clearly took my action as a sign for some sort of game. With that, both of his front muddy paws came up on to my chest and pushed me off my seat. By now its owner was calling its name, and all I had wanted was to find place of solace to listen to birdsong! Time was against me. The owner's call was getting louder. In a desperate attempt to divert the dog's attention, I pointed to the opening, gave my face a surprised expression and whispered "Look!" It was something I did with my own dogs to send them away, although the command also led them to bark extremely loudly. Thankfully, this dog turned his head and decided to go and look for what I had said. And didn't bark!

I considered staying put but then realised that when the owner walked past, the dog would merely come in through the opening again. Thoughts of what the owner might think having found a strange man sprawled out among bushes on a cold February day, made me hastily decide to get out from under the blackthorn. Having managed to pull myself to my feet before both dog and owner appeared from the summit of Bailey's Cleave, I began walking through the woodland as though nothing had happened - although I did place one arm across my chest to cover up the two muddy paw prints. As we passed on the path, we bid "Good day" to each other. It appeared that the owner was none the wiser.

"What are you doing in there?" I heard the owner ask. I turned to find him trying to get his dog out from where I had been sat. "It's okay," he said to me, "He loves foraging about in the undergrowth." I smiled and went to walk on. "By the way, does this belong to you?" I turned to see his collie stood beside him - his tail wagging frantically - having become the proud finder of a collapsible chair!

Illustrated by: Paul Swailes

Stephen McCarthy

33

Watermouth Cove Footpaths update

The County Council is holding a public consultation on an application by Berrynarbor Parish Council to record paths at Watermouth Cove as public rights of way. Notices have been put in the North Devon Journal, posted on site and on local notice boards, with details sent to user and landowner groups, the landowners and made available for the public to see at the Civic Centre in Barnstaple, at Bideford Station and at County Hall in Exeter. The consultation provides an opportunity for any evidence to be submitted in support of or against the application. That will be considered, along with evidence submitted with the application and from other research, for a report to the County Council's Public Rights of Way Committee later in the year, leading to a decision on whether or not an Order should be made to record the routes as public rights of way. The consultation is open until the 14th March 2008. For further information, contact the County Council on [01271/01392] 382856.

Sue Sussex - Chairman, Berrynarbor Parish Council

34

 

News from our Community Shop

PP of DC

35

BERRY IN BLOOM & BEST KEPT VILLAGE

Little to report at present, but once again we hope you enjoyed the Christmas Tree in the village, kindly provided by John and Fenella and decorated and lit by Berry in Bloom.

It won't be long now before we need to plan for planting and baskets for the spring and summer. There will be an open meeting, probably towards the end of February, so please look out for the posters and we hope you will be able to join us for 2008.

36

 

UPSIDE DOWN GINGER APPLE PUDDING

As February is probably one of the coldest months of the year, comfort food is called for. This dark, sticky gingerbread can be served hot from the oven as a pudding or cooled and eaten as a cake.

Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 3 [325 Deg F or 170 Deg C ]. You will need a tin or dish measuring 8" x 12" and at least 2" deep, lined with baking parchment.

First prepare the base of the tin or dish by creaming together the butter and Demerara sugar with the lemon juice. Spread this mixture over the lined tin or dish. Next cut the peeled and cored apples into quarters, thinly slice and lay all over the base.

Now for the gingerbread. Sieve the flour, spices, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda into a large mixing bowl. In a saucepan warm the golden syrup, treacle, sugar and butter together until they are all melted but not too hot. In another pan warm the milk and beat the egg in to it.

Now pour all the liquids in to the flour mixture and beat together until all are well mixed. Pour over the apples in the tin/dish and bake for 1 hour. Leave in the tin/dish to cool for 30 minutes. Turn it out and carefully peel off the paper. Or just eat it hot with custard or chilled with pouring cream. Yum, yum!

Happy New Year - Wendy

37

THE GREAT BERRYNARBOR PLANT SALE

Save the Date ... Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May

Please keep tending your excess plants for the sale. If you are planting seeds this spring, can you do a few extra for the sale please? We hope to have plants from all categories, including:

Trees & Shrubs, Herbaceous Perennials, Fruit & Vegetables
Indoor & Pot plants, Bedding and Annuals

There will also be some space for stalls connected with gardening and plants. If you would like to have a stall to promote and advertise your business or cause, please contact Kath Thorndycroft on [01271] 889019.

All proceeds to Berrynarbor Community Shop

38

LOCAL WALKS - 106

"Listening to the swell born somewhere in the Atlantic
rising and falling, rising and falling
wave on wave on the long shore ... "

It was my sixty-first birthday so we had gone to Woolacombe for lunch; kleftican of lamb - shoulder cooked very slowly in red wine with coriander seeds and oregano, served on a bed of couscous with a Greek salad.

The chance of a walk afterwards did not seem likely as the weather forecast had not been good; a possibility of severe gales with winds gusting up to seventy miles an hour along the North Devon coast. [Later it was reported that Donegal had achieved winds of an incredible 107 mph.]

However, it is rare that we don't have a pair of binoculars and warm hats stashed away in the car 'just in case', so as the rain had not yet arrived we set off at a brisk pace along the sea front to Mortehoe. Baggy showed clearly and beyond it Harland Point but Lundy was only an indistinct blur on the horizon. The big waves thundered in, crashing over the grey rocks at Barricane Beach.

It was not until we turned back that the wind had strengthened and was roaring in our ears. We were sheltered by the high walls composed of thin slivers of silvery slate, arranged in a neat herring-bone pattern, which are such an attractive feature of Woolacombe. The broad slate gate posts splay outwards like buttresses.

The builders of the Edwardian villas adopted a variety of architectural styles and interesting features, many of which survive today. All along the esplanade the hebes were still in abundant flower although it was early January. A large unseasonal bumble bee was 'working' the purple blooms.

Recently, Woolacombe received some good publicity from an unusual source when two young characters in 'The Archers', who had just fallen in love, selected Woolacombe Bay for a romantic winter break. The resort was described in glowing terms.

A little way up the hill leading out of Woolacombe, the Church of St. Sabinus is well worth a visit. Sturdy red sandstone on the outside with its stocky tower; light and airy inside with a saddleback roof. Built in 1911, the church is dedicated to an Irish saint who was shipwrecked at Woolacombe.

Most years the bushes and shrubs of the Sterridge Valley play host to a rather special little bird and this winter was no exception; a firecrest making an appearance in the Valley several times in late November and December.

Europe's smallest bird [measuring three and a half inches] and related to the more common goldcrest, the official status of the firecrest in Devon is that of a scarce [mainly autumn] passage migrant and winter visitor. It is more often observed on the south coast and on Lundy than in North Devon.

Like its cousin the goldcrest, the female has a yellow crest and the male has an orange one bordered by a black stripe on each side. But the addition of a broad white supercilium and below black eye stripe, gives the tiny firecrest a vibrant and unmistakable appearance. Its shoulders glow with a golden bronze iridescence which the goldcrest lacks, and it is constantly active in search of insects and spiders.

A little egret has also been frequenting the valley this winter, dabbling its yellow feet in the stream beside Ruggaton Lane and landing several times in the River Sterridge.

Sue H

39

AT-A-GLANCE DIARY

FEBRUARY
3rd	[and fortnightly] Quiz Night at The Globe, 8.30 p.m. start
6th	Ash Wednesday Mobile Library in Village from 11.20 a.m.
11th	Craft Group KNIT IN, Manor Hall, 2.00 p.m. Everyone welcome!
12th	Parish Council Meeting, 7.00 p.m., Manor Hall
14th	St. Valentine's Day: Special Meals at The Globe & Sawmill Inn
18th	to Friday, 22nd: School & College, Half Term
20th	Mobile Library in Village from 11.20 a.m. Wine Circle, 8.00 p.m., Manor Hall: Andy Cloutman, Quay West Wines
23rd	Jumble Sale, Manor Hall, 2.00 p.m. [Items in morning, 10.30 a.m.]
25th	School & College return after Half Term
27th	Friendship Lunch, The Globe, 12.00 noon onwards
MARCH
2nd	Mothering Sunday St. Peter's Church: Special Service
5th	Mobile Library in Village from 11.20 a.m.
11th	Parish Council Meeting, 7.00 p.m., Manor Hall
16th	St. Peter's Church: Palm Sunday
17th	Deadline for Newsletter Items for April issue
19th	Mobile Library in Village from 11.20 a.m. Wine Circle, 8.00 p.m., Manor Hall: Presentation by Alex Parke
21st	GOOD FRIDAY School & College: Closed
23rd	St. Peter's Church: EASTER SUNDAY
24th	EASTER MONDAY School & College: Closed
26th	Friendship Lunch, The Globe, 12.00 noon onwards
28th	BBC Show, Manor Hall
29th	BBC Show, Manor Hall
30th	British Summer Time begins
APRIL
2nd	Mobile Library in Village from 11.20 a.m.
4th	School & College: End of Spring Term [return 21st April]

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.
Wednesdays	9.00 - 10.00 a.m. Pilates Keep Fit Workout
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

40

 

NEWS FROM THE GLOBE AND SAWMILL INN

A Happy New Year to you All.

• Valentine's Day, Thursday 14th February: Bookings are now being taken for both pubs for a Special Valentine Meal, table service, and in the dining room at The Globe. Booking is advised.
• Sunday Lunches: Traditional roasts served from 12.00 to 2.00 p.m. every Sunday. The Globe - main course £5.95 or a 3-course lunch for £9.95. The Sawmill Inn - Carvery £7.95
• Mothering Sunday: 2nd March: Book early for this one - it gets very busy.
• Quiz Nights: Every fortnight at The Globe, 8.30 p.m. start. Next Quiz is on Sunday, 3rd February.
• Parties: If you have a special occasion to celebrate coming up and would like menus and prices, please contact Karen on 882259. We can cater for birthdays, christenings, kids' parties, etc., with choices of buffet menus or set menus.

To book for any of the above, our telephone numbers are:
Ye Olde Globe [01271] 882465
The Sawmill Inn [01271] 882259

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IN THE PAPERS 150 YEARS AGO

Tom Bartlett
Tower Cottage

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HORTICULTURAL & CRAFT SHOW 2008

"It can't be that time again!" you can be heard to be exclaiming, but the organising group are already thinking ahead to this year's event - contacting judges and gleaning ideas for classes - which will take place on

SATURDAY, 30TH AUGUST.

Details of subjects in the Art and Photography classes should be available in the April Newsletter, giving you all time to start painting, drawing, etc., and getting just the right photograph.

Also in April, on Saturday 12th, to raise money to help with the costs involved in running the Show, there will be another Gardeners' and Crafters' Lunch at the Manor Hall. Come along for a coffee and stay on for a lunch of home-made soup and a roll and filled jacket potatoes.

Please make a note of this date in your diary and keep it free. Look out for posters nearer the time.

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WOT, NO PANCAKES!

Sadly, for the first time in many years, there will be no Pancake Coffee Morning on Shrove Tuesday. Thank you Sally and all your many helpers for keeping us supplied with delicious pancakes over the years - we'll be having withdrawal symptoms! - as well as raising funds for the Sunday School and Church.

So, what about the Knit In this year? Over the last four years, the pancake morning has been host to our North Devon Hospice's sponsored Knit In. During that time, the knitters have raised an astonishing £2,335 for the Hospice!

From these knitting and nattering gatherings, the Monday Craft group was formed. Meeting on Monday afternoons at the Manor Hall, from 2.00 o'clock, the group spends time 'doing their own thing'. Some embroider, some make cards, others do beadwork, knit, and quite a few have learnt to make lace as well as a lovely patchwork quilt that had been on the go for some time, being completed. If anyone is interested in giving yourself time to relax and indulge in a pastime, just bring whatever you are working on.

On Monday, 11th February, the group will be putting aside their own projects and knitting strips for the Hospice [size 4 or 8 needles, 20 stitches and double knitting wool]. Rather than seeking sponsorship from the same ever-generous friends, it has been agreed that each knitter will give a donation of £5 to the Hospice.

If you would like to join in - and EVERYONE is welcome - come along to the Manor Hall at 2.00 o' clock with your wool and needles [there will be some spare if you haven't got any]. To assist with the knitting and nattering, tea, coffee and biscuits will be available.

The more the merrier, so hope YOU will be there!

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OLD BERRYNARBOR - VIEW 111

St. Peter's Church, Berrynarbor

The postcard I have chosen this month is a sketch of St. Peter's Church by the artist Harley Miller. Harley Miller had his pen and ink sketches reproduced as postcards by Harvey Barton, the postcard publishers of Bristol. I believe he came to the village around 1971-1973, and as a result, this card, and one of Ye Olde Globe and looking down Pitt Hill, were published. Through the internet and Google, I have managed to contact Harley Miller, who now lives up in the Scottish Highlands. He was born in Surrey in 1934 and moved, around 1961, down to Sidmouth, Devon, where he worked as an architect and artist. As the latter, he had commissions with the South West National Trust and produced many pictures for them. In 1971, in partnership with the Maritime Trust, Harley published a Maritime Calendar featuring twelve fine line drawings of their collection of historic ships and boats and through this work was introduced to the Bristol publishers Harvey Barton, who were so impressed with his work that they retained him for a period of approximately three years, 1971-1974, to give them the first opportunity to print any of his pictures as postcards. In 1974, Harley moved away from Sidmouth to Horning in Norfolk and three years later moved to the Scottish Highlands.

He told me how he would visit certain villages and towns and as well as producing a rough sketch, would also take a photograph, with an old black and white camera, and then produce the true sketch in his studio.

I, myself, have eight of his postcards, six printed by Harvey Barton of Bristol and two of The Bowd Inn, near Sidmouth, by Sydney Lee [Exeter] Limited. The other four cards in my collection show Exford [Crown Hotel, etc.], the Chichester Arms, Bishops Tawton, St. John the Baptist Church, Bishops Tawton and lastly the card above showing an old boat with 'YH89' on its bow.

From this particular card I worked out the 'YH' as being Yarmouth and fortunately someone has written on the message side: "Lydia Eva, Steam Herring Drifter, built Kings Lyn 1930, now at Great Yarmouth". Harley informed me that this postcard was reproduced from the 1972 Maritime Calendar. Anyone who has the opportunity to go on the internet can go on to Harley Miller's website www.harleymiller.com.

You will immediately realise what an accomplished artist he is and how from his base in Moray, he is encouraging fellow artists to fulfil their dreams through his personal mentoring and articles. He will also, on the 27th January, present a talk entitled 'A Proper Living from Your Art' at the Moray Arts Centre, Findhorn Bay.

Tom Bartlett
Tower Cottage, January 2008
e-mail: tomandinge40@gmail.com

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THE SNOWDROP

Hartley Coleridge
[1796-1849]

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