Edition 114 - June 2008

Artwork: Debbie Rigler Cook - Watermouth Cove,Berrynarbor

EDITORIAL

June - and will it 'flame' for us? Let's hope so. Where, I wonder, does the expression originate - was it an expression before Frederick Lord Leighton used it as a title for one of his paintings in about 1895? Lord Leighton [1830-1896] was one of the finest artists of the Victorian era and one-time President of the Royal Academy.

It is always a pleasure to hear from readers and Stanley Barnes, from York, tells me that his aunt, Bessie Stephens [nee Harding] used to play the harmonium in the church over many years, and his father - a part-time organist - would play in the church when holidaying in the village.

Alvina Irwin recognised her father, Edwin Archibald Richards, in the photograph of the dancing class at Old Court. Brother of Fred, seated on the left, he is standing on the far right, sporting, as so many of the young men are, a flower in his lapel but also his treasured watch and chain. Can anyone else identify some of the dancers?

Best wishes and get better soon to all readers not feeling at their best at the moment and our thoughts are particularly with Len and June and, of course, 'our' Ron.

Grateful thanks to everyone who has sent or given donations, but special thanks to Phil and Lynne for the £100 donation following the Barn Dance, and Jill and Rainer for the £87 from the proceeds of the sale of the Flower Pot Men books. 'Every little helps' - to quote we know who! - but these generous contributions are extremely welcome.

Do you remember last August's cover? Two views from Napps painted by Nigel and kindly sponsored by Mike and Sue Richards. Mike and Sue have very kindly offered to sponsor another cover and this time we have Debbie's views from Napps - a big thank you to all three of you.

More thanks to all contributors - poets, writers, artists, puzzlers - keep the items coming! August will be the next issue and it will incorporate the Schedule and Entry Forms for the Horticultural and Craft Show, so make sure you get your copy and get those entries in! All items are most welcome and they should be in at the Shop or Chicane as soon as possible please, and by Monday, 14th July, at the latest.

Judie - Ed

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BERRYNARBOR LADIES' GROUP

Twenty-three members and one visitor attended the Meeting on the 1st April when Mr. S. Hoddinett gave a talk about the work of the North Devon Hospice.

In 1981, a local doctor stressed the need for a local hospice. Subsequently Mr. Vivian Moon offered Webbers Estate Agents' old offices at Deer Park in Barnstaple for this purpose and Mr. Hoddinett was in charge of raising two million pounds for a bedded unit.

The nurses at the Hospice require a lot of special training to keep up to date with treatments and some are Macmillan trained. There are a variety of activities available on a day-care basis, from 10.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., or patients can just sit together and chat. Individual patients can have a bath or massage and there is an art room, pottery classes and an informal three course lunch.

In the bedded unit there are 8 individual rooms and a guest room. There are 24 nurses in attendance for 8 patients and 8 community nurses for patients able to live at home but need help. There are 5 doctors and trained counsellors. There is no charge for the care so the donations raised by individuals and groups are very welcome.

After Mr. Hoddinett's talk there was an opportunity for questions and then general "chat" over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before the end of the Meeting. The sales table, run by the two Jenny's, is well supported each month and brings in extra funds for the Club.

On the 28th April sixteen members and friends enjoyed an outing to Castle Drogo, organised by Janet Gammon and Liz Paget. The weather could have been better but we dodged the showers! The castle was actually the 20th century home of self-made millionaire, Julius Drewe (Home and Colonial Stores) and was the last castle to be built in England. The architect was Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Marion Carter took the Meeting on 6th May in Janet Gibbins' absence. She read a letter received from the Hospice thanking the Group for the donation given last month and Janet had raised £91.50p on the recent Night Walk, also in aid of the Hospice.

Following the 'business' part of the meeting, Mr. and Mrs. L. Tovey put on their Combe Martin Gardening Club hats. Mr. Tovey showed some lovely slides of gardens the Gardening Club has visited, which included Orchid Paradise near Newton Abbot, Sutton Seeds' trial beds at Ipplepen, Bicton College Gardens, Knightshayes Court, Rosemoor Gardens, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Marwood Hill Gardens - all well worth a visit.

The Gardening Club meets in Combe Martin Church Hall on the second Wednesday of every month at a cost of £6 per annum. Two outings per year are arranged.

During chat and cuppa time, the raffle was drawn and won by Joan Garbett. There will be a visit to Chambercombe Manor on the 10th June at 2.0 p.m. The cost will be £10.50p to include a tour of the house and a cream tea.

The speakers at the next two Meetings will be:

• 3rd June - Mr. I. Lyndsay - Coastguards
• 1st July - Mrs. Helen Latham - Cheshire Homes.

There will be no Meeting in August.

Doreen Prater

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MARWOOD HILL GARDENS

 

Now is the time to see the wisteria pergola at its best. This archway over the path leading down to the lake, is planted with twelve different varieties - blue, purples, pinks and white. It also contains roses and clematis which give it on-going colour during the summer.

As part of your visit, why not indulge in a light lunch or cream tea in the Garden Tea Room?

As part of the North Devon Festival, artist John Wright's Art Trek will be at Marwood from the 19th-22nd June, and he invites visitors to join him in painting and sketching in the gardens, but please bring your own materials and a board on which to work. Normal admission charges will apply and for more details please contact Patricia Stout, Property Manager, on [01271]342528.

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SENIOR MOMENTS!

NEXT WEEK

Lisa Shelley

6

ST. PETER'S CHURCH

Easter Services were well attended. The Good Friday 'Quiet Hour' was thoughtfully led by Reader Mike Taylor, a solemn time for reflection before the joyous celebration of Easter Day. Once again the flower arrangers did us proud - the church looked really beautiful. [Thanks again to all those who make regular donations towards the cost.] It was good to see the choir back with us singing Mozart's 'Ave Verum', and the hymn 'All for Jesus'. After Stuart's appeal, new members will hopefully have been inspired to come along and swell the ranks.

With summer approaching and a number of new people in the village, this seems a good time to recap on our regular Sunday services. Firstly, all services begin at 11.00 a.m. and last about an hour, with coffee and biscuits to follow and time to talk. A Songs of Praise takes place on the first Sunday of the month, with hymns chosen beforehand by members of the congregation, ensuring sequence and keeping up the momentum. Strangely enough, although favourite hymns are chosen at various times by different people, a theme always seems to emerge and it is never the same. The Eucharist on the second and fourth Sundays of the month follows the modern order of service for the Church of England, called Common Prayer, and is meant to be 'user friendly'. Members of the congregation take turns to read the lessons and sometimes lead the prayers.

The third Sunday in the month is the Village Service - a simplified form of Morning Prayer. The choir is present but when numbers are too few they join with the congregation giving a welcome boost to our singing!

During June there will be a special Evening Service on the 29th at 6.30 p.m. [St. Peter's Day] when Christians Together will be coming to Berrynarbor for a United Service. Do come along if you can. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

St. Peter's Gift Day will be on Wednesday, 25th June this year, when the Rector and PCC members will be at the lychgate all day, from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., to receive your envelopes and exchange news. Letters and envelopes will be delivered round the village the week before. Looking further ahead, the church Summer Fayre will be on Tuesday, 5th August, with all the usual stalls, etc. So please look out any books, bric-a-brac, etc., that you no longer need.

Friendship Lunches at The Globe will be on Wednesdays 25th June and 23rd July. For anyone who would like to join us, my telephone number is 883881.

Mary Tucker

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WEATHER OR NOT

The first week of March was fairly dry and breezy but then things went downhill, with the forecast of the severe storm for the 10th. Here in the Sterridge we got off fairly lightly with the worst of the winds going over the top of us; hence, we only recorded a maximum gust of 30 knots but our barograph dipped to the lowest point we have ever recorded at 965mb. By 8.00 a.m. on the 10th, 15mm [9/16"] of rain had fallen and in the next 24 hours we recorded a further 15mm [9/16"]. The rest of the month was fairly damp and there were only five days when we didn't record some rain. The total for the month was 108mm [4 1/4"] which was above the average for March. The maximum temperature was 13.8 Deg C, the lowest that we have recorded for a March, although the minimum of 0.1 Deg C was above average and the wind chill of -11 Deg C was normal. The maximum gust of wind was 37 knots - not out of the ordinary. Chicane recorded 67.70 hours of sunshine which was down on last year's 73.44, but fairly average for previous years.

April was a complete contrast to last year and was notable mainly for the cold wind that kept the temperatures down although the maximum gust recorded was only 26 knots. Last year there were only four days when the temperature did not reach 15 Deg C and the maximum of 21.8 Deg C. This year only eight days topped 15 Deg C and the maximum was only 19.9 Deg C. The minimum was 0.3 Deg C and on the 6th we had a wind chill of -11 Deg C. It was a slightly damper month than the last two years but with a total of only 42mm [1 5/8"], it was still pretty dry, although looking back through the records, April's rainfall has varied between 9mm [3/8"] last year and 171mm [6 3/4"] in 2000. So this is not unusual. The sunshine hours for April were 117.76, down again on last year when we had 154.62.

Let's hope that we get a better summer this year than last.

Simon and Sue

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MANOR HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Chairman's Report 2007-8

Work has continued on updating the Hall to meet the requirements of current legislation. New fuse boxes have been fitted and the switches have been rearranged to enable easy access. The Men's Institute was also updated and £100 was contributed by them to help with the expense. The wiring and lighting on the stage has been updated and is now in a safe condition.

Work in the kitchen includes a new hot water heater and sink taps, and a new electric cooker with associated new wiring was installed. To ensure children could not scold themselves, a thermostat was installed in the Penn Curzon area at the request of the Pre-School Group.

The Christmas card distribution and coffee morning was enhanced by the Primary School children singing carols.

In the winter the roof leaked and one of the electric fans in the roof was damaged and had to be replaced. The roof has been temporarily repaired and more money needs to be spent on the problem.

Our fund raising continued in the year but the money did not cover the cost of running the Hall this year. We are aware that interest in the Village Shop this year has taken preference over the Hall, but we hope this will change in the coming year.

Parish Rooms - we are hopeful that a new lease will be signed shortly and that the school, through the County, will be able to start work bringing the rooms up to the required standard for the use of children.

In the coming year a new heater replacement will cost over £1,000, we are working toward the new CCD Hallmark Awards for Village Halls and hope to repair the roof and redecorate the Hall.

Many thanks to all those who have put so much work into keeping our Hall going.

Bob Hobson - Chairman

NB - We are once again supplying hand towels, tea towels and dishcloths for use at the Hall, all of which have gone missing. Also, the new stapler has been removed. We regret that we cannot continue forever supplying these items.

Advance Notice - This year's Berry Revels will be on Tuesday, 19th August. Please make a note to keep this date free in your diary.

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WELCOME

Jenny and Robin have now left Middle Lee Farm and are in residence at Hawksridge, the newly-named Chatsworth in Barton Lane. We wish them good luck, health and happiness in their new home.

These good wishes go as well to our newcomers: Chris and Phil Brown, and Colin and Jackie Dewsbury who have moved in to No. 15 Berrynarbor Park.

Chris and Phil, who come from Kidmore End near Reading, have holidayed here and when the opportunity arose, decided to change direction and take on visitors, which they are now doing at Middle Lee. Teaching Assistant Chris and Chemical Engineer Phil have four children, three boys and a girl. Two of the boys are now living in the north - Aberdeen and Preston - whilst the younger two are at university. No. 3 son is completing his degree at Southampton whilst their daughter is studying at Brighton.

With little time now to spare for hobbies, Chris and Phil enjoy gardening and walking, and Phil enjoys a game of badminton. A no-pet family, they have now adopted Pat and Penny, the two little Shetlands at Middle Lee.

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A BARGAIN!

 
Windsor Castle from Coopers Hill - William Redworth [1873-1945]

The watercolour of Windsor Castle from Coopers Hill - on display at last year's Art Show in the Manor Hall and chosen by my late mother as a wedding present in 1932 - was beginning to 'fox'. Now was the time to give it some tender loving care.

Imagine my surprise when the fine art conservator rang me and said, "I think I've got some exciting news about your picture!" Still in its original frame, details of when and where it was exhibited and its price - ten guineas - were on the back. On removing the picture from the frame, a second watercolour by the same artist, unfinished and unsigned, had come to light! Painted on strawboard, I was told it was possible to split the board and I should then have two pictures. Twin watercolours - I agreed, and was anxious to see the new one; all I knew was that it depicted a tree-lined lane going downhill with a distant view.

The work was scheduled to take some time, so it was a couple of months later that I received another call. "A third picture has come to light!" Whilst separating the board, the original of Windsor had come away, revealing literally on its reverse a picture of a wooded valley. This would now be 'double' framed to allow both pictures to be seen.

In trepidation and excitement I waited to see my pictures and was not disappointed - three delightful watercolours all for the price of one! I now plan to have a print made of the third 'find' so that all three can be on display together. Wall space has become a premium.

The listed artist, William Redworth [1873-1945] studied at the Chelsea School of Art and was a founder member of the Slough Art Society. This was the neighbourhood in which many of his watercolours, pastels and oils were painted.

I believe that the second painting may be on the lane going down from Coopers Hill towards Windsor, but the third is a mystery. It would appear to be more reminiscent of the landscape of the Hereford/Welsh border. What do you think?

Judie Weedon

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BERRYNARBOR UPHOLSTERY GROUP

Another year has gone by and the group is still flourishing with countless chairs, stools and a chaise-longue all being completed during the year. Sadly, we have had to say goodbye to Nola who has been a regular for about three years as she is moving house from Lynton to the Taunton area. Good luck from all of us. However, although we have lost Nola we have gained one or two others.

Pat has rediscovered her interest after over two years' break and is working hard to finish the iron framed hoop back tub chair that she had started three years ago. It is going to look fabulous when it is done being finished in rich purple antique velvet with deep buttoning on the back. Marion Carter also joined us and has completed a caned chair and is now looking for her next project. We also welcome this week another new member, Christine, who is going straight into a wing back armchair.

Jack Gingell has missed a few months due to his house move from Berrynarbor to Combe Martin, but in the move has discovered a load of items that need to be done, including a set of 8 dining chairs! As for myself, I finished my chaise-longue - some of you may have seen it as a prop in the village variety show - and am now undertaking a nursing chair, a button backed tub chair, Victorian armchair and chaise-longue for my brother and his wife. That should keep me going for a while!

We always welcome new members, so look out that old chair or stool that would cost more to upholster than it would be worth should you have it professionally done and come and join us. Between us we have a wealth of knowledge and experience which we will be only too happy to pass on. The costs are minimal, as we only have to cover the cost of the hall each week [if you don't make it one week you don't pay] and we buy all our materials at trade prices. We will guide you through each stage of a complete renovation and at the end you will not only have a superb piece of furniture to be proud of, but like us you will probably be hooked!

Tony S [883600]

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STUDIO THEATRE COMES TO BERRYNARBOR

In the summer months, Studio Theatre is staging three shows, two of which we are pleased to be bringing to Berrynarbor. You can catch Noel Coward's 'Blithe Spirit', directed by Anne Bacon, at the Manor Hall on Wednesday, 23rd July. Other performances are at The Landmark [27th July and 3rd August] and Woolacombe [30th July]. 'When You're Smiling', devised by Mike Bennett and based on well-loved acts of the 1940's, comes to the Manor Hall on Friday, 15th August. It will be at The Landmark [26th July, 9th & 16th August], Combe Martin [1st August] and Woolacombe [22nd August]. 'Musical Magic', our third summer production and a celebration of 10 years of Lee Baxendale's spectacular musical shows, will be performed at The Landmark on the 10th and 17th August.

In the autumn we shall be staging a major musical production of 'Me and My Girl' at The Landmark on Friday, 17th [evening] and Saturday , 18th [matinee and evening] October. We're looking for performers and backstage crew for this production and are holding an introductory meeting on Sunday, 1st June, mid-day at the Landmark Pavilion, with full auditions taking place over the week-end of 6th-8th June. If you would like to participate in this production, please call Lee Baxendale on 07817 018229.

Finally, we need to raise funds to finance all these performances and are holding a fund-raising Car Boot Sale on the promenade at Ilfracombe on Sunday, 22nd June. Sellers from 8.30 a.m. [£6.00 per car, £5.00 if reserved in advance] and Buyers [FREE] from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Sellers are advised to reserve pitches in advance as our previous sale was popular and spaces are limited. Call Robert Zarywacz on 07971 176044. For full details of all Studio Theatre productions and activities, please visit www.studiotheatreonline.org.uk or call Robert on the number above.

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THE GREAT BERRYNARBOR PLANT SALE

I should like to thank everyone who donated plants for the sale on 5th May. The weather was favourable and the day was a great success, with nearly £500 raised for the new shop. Thanks are also due to the many helpers who ran stalls, prepared the delicious creams teas, sold raffle tickets and cleared up at the end of the day. Some of the plants that were not sold on the day will be offered for sale again at the next Farmers' Market - so if you missed the chance to buy at the sale, you have another chance on the 31st May.

Advance Warning: we may do it again next year!

Kath

 

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CROSSWORD CORNER
Brian Wright

 

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THE ORDERLY DAY
[A Slice of Army Life]

Oh orderly, orderly,
Oh the orderly day.
Poor sore orderly
Tralalalalalalalalalala

 

 

At six o'clock on a shining morn,
We start our little day.
And all day long
We're making meals
And clearing meals away.
We stoke the stoves
And butter the loaves
Then tenderly spread the squish,
And gently drop a porridge flop
In every waiting dish.
And it's "Orderly squish", "Orderly tosh",
"Orderly tea this way."
Oh who would be an orderlee
Upon an orderly day!

When breakfast's done, we've but begun
Our weary round of work
And evil light upon the wight
Who tries his job to shirk.
One cheery ray lights up his day
If labour he would spurn,
That when he's played the scullery maid
The others will have their turn.
And its "Orderly squish", "Orderly tosh",
"Orderly tea this way."
Oh who would be an orderlee
Upon an orderly day!

 

[Sung to the tune of 'Solomon Levi']
 
'Squish' is presumably jam, but what is 'Tosh'?
Could some ex-squaddie enlighten me [and others]?

Trev

BODY LANGUAGE

We all use it, to a greater or lesser extent, to reinforce or replace speech. For instance, we nod our head to signify agreement or recognition. What else do we nod? Nothing, can we? Because the word 'nod' is limited to a particular movement of our 'noddle'. Thinking along this line, led me to realise how many special words there are to describe particular movements of various parts of the body. The following list is doubtless an incomplete one and you can probably add several more to it, but here goes.

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BERRY

Tony Beauclerk - Colchester

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THE EVACUEES - DAVE & TOM

Part III

Continuing the adventures of our two evacuee friends during World War II.

Up at the cottage at Goosewell, Mary, Dave's mother, shook the covers on his bed. "Come on, Dave, I want you to go to Miss Cooper's." "Who's Miss Cooper?" muttered Dave sleepily, opening his eyes slowly. "It's the Berrynarbor village shop, you chump," his mother replied. "Take the ration books and get me some sugar and butter please."

Dave dressed and had his breakfast and got his bike out of the shed. He was just about to cycle off when, "Hold on a minute," his mum called, "You'll need your raincoat."

"Can't remember where I left it," replied Dave, it was his standard answer. He threw down his bike and went indoors to look. It took a while before he uncovered it under the usual pile of clothes in his bedroom. Meanwhile, although it had been raining hard, it had now eased up. He made his way along the road to the top of Hagginton Hill, gathering speed as he reached the steepest part near the bottom. As he did so, he pulled on his brakes, turning the bend to see a broken down tractor and trailer completely blocking the road.

He tried his brakes again, but to no avail. He was finding it hard to balance by now, as his wheels slid sideways on some loose stones. Harder and harder he pulled and at last the brakes began to bite. Suddenly, he managed to veer to the left and pulled up at the bottom of Pitt Hill.

"Phew, that was a close one!" he whispered to himself as he mopped his brow. Taking a deep breath, he began to push his bike up the hill to Miss Cooper's shop, where he leant it against the wall.

"Sorry, we are out of butter and sugar until the next delivery", the lady in the shop told him. As he left, who should he bump into but his friend Tom.

"What are you doing today?" enquired Tom. "Well, nothing now. They haven't got what I came for. What about going down to Broadsands", replied Dave. So that was settled and off they went.

Climbing down to the beach was not too hard until they got to the last few feet of shale. The tide was in and the sun was shining and the water looked very inviting. They sat down and began, as boys do, to throw stones.

"Bet I can bounce a stone further than you!" said Tom. You're on!" was the reply and the contest began. Each of them bounced stones up to seven times, but that seemed to be the limit. "You know what, the water is lovely and warm," Dave remarked as he dipped his hand in. "Wouldn't mind a swim but we haven't got our trunks." "Why not our underpants?" suggested Tom and so that was decided upon and into the water they dashed.

As they walked up the beach after their swim, Tom suddenly yelled as a rowing boat appeared between the island and the beach, "Watch out, Ian Cropper's coming in his boat!" Cropper was known for his bad temper and getting into scraps in Combe Martin.

"I'll get you lot!", he shouted as he quickly landed his boat. At that, Tom and Dave grabbed their clothes, putting them on over their wet underpants and running to the bottom of the cliff, as for no apparent reason, other than his bad temper, Cropper started throwing stones at them.

The boys discovered new energies as they scrambled up the cliff. Cropper was now enjoying their discomfort, each one getting a gash as they were struck. Once out of range and with bravado they jeered back. It was not long before they were back up on the old coast road and each lad making his way home.

"Did you get my sugar and butter?" Dave's mother asked him when he got back. "Sorry, they hadn't got any," said Dave as he handed back the ration book. "Got any elastoplast?" "What's that gash on your leg?" enquired Tom's mother as he arrived home. "I think I caught it on a stone", was the reply. "Oh boys!" she muttered quietly, as she went to the kitchen to get him something to eat.

Illustrations by: Paul Swailes

Tony Beauclerk - Colchester

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Events for June and July

For further information on any of the events given below, please contact the Fund Raising Team on [01271] 344248:

• Sunday, 1st June -Classic Car Run and Family Fun Day at Edgehill College, 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
• Friday, 20th June - Hartland Ball - don your glad rags and enjoy an evening of splendour in the delightful grounds of Hartland Abbey. Food, live music and lots more!
• Saturday, 21st June - Jazz at the Abbey - Kenny Ball and Others - an evening of great sounds at Hartland Abbey.
• Sunday, 22nd June - Country Fayre at Hartland Abbey
• Sunday, 29th June - Coast to Coast Challenge; 'On yer Bike', a challenging sponsored bike ride from north to south coast!
• Sunday, 6th July -UK National Sandcastle Competition at Woolacombe. Teams of 6 to build, or go to view.
• Sunday, 13th July - Ladies' Driving Day at Chivenor - try your skill behind the wheel of some challenging transport.
• Sunday, 20th July - Floating Bye This event is open to all, to join us at Instow beach at sunset to say goodbye to someone you love with a flower and a message placed on a raft on the outgoing tide. Contact Ali Hunt on the above number for more details.

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LETTER FROM THE RECTOR

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DEVON ADULT & COMMUNITY LEARNING

The following courses will be held at the Two Lanes Centre in Ilfracombe or the Combe Martin Community Centre during June and July. If you would like further information or to book a place, please ring [01271] 864171:

• 9th June, a.m. or p.m. Victorian Jewellery. Free. Ilfracombe
• 14th June, all day Willow Sculpture for the Garden. Combe Martin
• 26th June, a.m. Counselling - Try it Out! £5. Ilfracombe
• 14th July, evening Risk Assessment Workshop. £5. Ilfracombe
• 16th July, evening Dress Making - try it out! £5. Ilfracombe
• 17th July, afternoon Drawing & Painting - try it out £5. Combe Martin
• 17th July, evening Drawing & Painting - try it out £5. Ilfracombe

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WHOSE FAULT?

Yours sincerely -

When you sign off a letter 'Yours sincerely' do you ever wonder where the 'sincere' came from? Actually you have to go back nearly 3000 years to find the origin of the word. When the early Romans were busy making utensils for the storage of liquid, sometimes during the process of manufacture a pot might be cracked. They did not throw it away but filled the crack with wax, painting over the repair. But when warm liquid was poured in, the wax melted and there was a leak. Good Roman potters advertised that their goods were 'sine cera' - without wax. And, as language has developed, the Latin phrase has become 'sincere' which means that you are not waxing over imperfections.

Walter

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A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR BERRYNARBOR
brought to you by
Ilfracombe & District Community Transport Association

Would you like to spend a couple of hours in Ilfracombe now and again to: Visit friends, have afternoon tea or coffee out Go to the hairdresser, dentist, chiropodist, etc?

A minibus goes from Berrynarbor to Ilfracombe on alternate Wednesday afternoons - the next date is Wednesday, 11th June [same Wednesdays as the mobile library]. The minibus leaves the Church Steps at approximately 1.45 p.m., returning from Ilfracombe at 4.00 p.m.

If you, or anyone you know, would like to use this service on occasions, at a cost of £2.50 return, please 'phone Shirley on 879201.

Community Transport Theatre Group

Until eighteen months ago, many people in the surrounding areas of Ilfracombe were unable to go to the theatre for various reasons - disability, lack of transport or even the lack of confidence to drive at night. Since North Devon Theatres and Ilfracombe Community Transport started working together to provide transport to our two theatres, members of this group have been able to see many performances which in the past they would not, and feedback suggests they have thoroughly enjoyed them and greatly appreciate this service.

Members will soon be receiving a letter with a list of shows being offered in the summer brochure. If you are not already a member but would like to know more, please call [01271] 865655 and ask for Janice or Sandy, leave your name and address and you will receive the latest list. We are always happy to hear suggestions of shows not on our list and will do out best to arrange transport for them.

Still booking at present:

• Alfie Boe Wednesday, 11th June
• Bill Giles Weather Show Thursday, 19th June

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PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

The Annual Parish Council Meeting was held on the 13th May in the Penn Curzon Room at the Manor Hall. In attendance, together with the Parish Councillors, were District Councillor Yvette Gubb and County Councillor Andrea Davis.

I was pleased to be voted in again as Chairman and Richard Gingell as Vice Chairman, for this next year and I thank my fellow Councillors for their support. I look forward to the Council completing the refurbishment of the children's playground in the very near future, unfortunately the design of the first set of plans for the playground were not acceptable to the Council, I hope to be presenting a revised plan at the June meeting.

A local needs Housing Questionnaire should be delivered to each household towards the end of June, this is necessary to determine whether there is a shortage of housing for local people.

On behalf of the Parish Council, I should like to congratulate the staff and children at the Primary School for their recent Ofsted Inspection.

Sue Sussex- Chairman [01271] 882916

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THANK YOU

I should like to thank my kind neighbours and friends for their good wishes and help to me after my stay in hospital over Easter.

I was indeed sorry not to be able to help with the 'big move' to the new shop and I do congratulate the Committee, the Shop Managers and the volunteers on a wonderful achievement. It is a super asset to our lovely village and long may it continue to flourish. I am glad to be back on the rota again!

Jill McCrae

We are also glad to know that you are fit enough Jill to be back in our shop and hope that your recovery continues.

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On the whole it has been a cold spring, the advantage being that the daffodils and primulas lasted longer in the planters, whereas last year in the warm spring they were over in a flash.

This year we have added to the containers of plants around the village with new wooden planters outside our lovely new shop and post office. I hope you agree that the little yellow violas and cheery red daisies (bachelor's buttons) have added to the welcome. These will be supplemented with bedding plants for the summer. Thank you Jackie, Anita and the army of volunteers for keeping them watered.

The hanging baskets are due to arrive at the end of May and then the real work of keeping them watered starts. We shall also be changing the spring bedding to the summer display.

At the moment we are waiting for tenders to go out for work to begin on Claude's garden.

We had a donation of £100 from the barn dance in May and have donated this to the school, as we like to support and encourage the children in the gardening club. Last year the Britain in Bloom judge voiced a request to meet the children, so we are hoping that this year we can arrange it.

Our main fund raising event as usual will be the Open Gardens.

This year they will be:

We have one or two new gardens opening this year so let's hope for good weather and please come along and support us.

Just a reminder that judging for the Best Kept Village award has already started. The judges come unannounced from early May onwards and we rely on everyone to keep their area tidy. One of the things they look for, and for which they deduct points, are out-of-date posters and notices. If you display such items around the village, please make sure you take them down again once they are no longer applicable - put them in the litter bins or despatch them to Room 101!

We have already had a couple of litter picking afternoons followed by tea and cake (just a little bit of bribery!) and are always grateful to those who help in any way and always welcome new helpers. Just look out for our 'blooming' posters.

26

APPLE CRUMBLE CAKE

Apple cakes are always popular and this one is moist and very more'ish.

Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/Gas 4. Lightly butter a deep 20cm/8inch loose based or spring form tin. Line the base with baking parchment. Melt the butter in the microwave on high for 30 seconds to a minute. Cool the butter for 5 minutes. Crack the eggs in to the butter and beat well. Mix the flour with the cinnamon and the sugar. Core and cut 2 of the apples (unpeeled) in to bite sized chunks. Mix the apples in to the flour along with the dates and the first 50g/2oz of hazelnuts. Pour the egg and butter mixture in to the flour mixture and gently stir together. Pour in to the prepared tin and smooth the top. Now thinly slice the remaining apple (unpeeled) in to circles, discard the pips, and arrange over the top of the cake. Rub together the crumble topping flour and butter and add the remaining hazelnuts and Demerara sugar. Cover the apple circles on the cake with the crumble mix. Bake for 50 minutes to 1hour until the cake is risen and cooked. Check it is done by pushing a skewer in to the centre. Cool in the tin for 5minutes and then continue the cooling on a wire rack. This cake will keep for up to 3 days.

Note: This cake will be the item at the Horticultural and Craft Show to be made to a given recipe - so try it out now and keep practising!

If you tried to make the Tomato Soup cake in the last issue I forgot to list the fat in the recipe! Sorry cake makers but the recipe should have listed 3oz of white Flora type shortening. This should have been creamed together with the sugar. I don't think many of you have tried this one as no one has commented to me on the omission! Hope you all enjoy the apple crumble cake more.

Wendy

27

NEWS FROM THE GLOBE & SAWMILL INN

Quiz Nights: There will be one on Sunday, 1st June at 8.30 p.m., which will probably be the last one. However, keep in touch as there may be a final one on 15th June.

Sunday, 15th June - Fathers' Day:

• Treat Dad to a traditional Roast Lunch at The Globe [882465] or a Carvery at The Sawmill [882259]. Book early.
• Combe Martin Music Festival: We are again taking part in the festival, so join us at The Sawmill on Sunday, 6th July [afternoon] - 'Blues' with Tony Rogers; Sunday, 20th July [evening] - 'The Communicators' and on Friday, 25th July [evening] - 'Coverage'.

Summer Opening Times: at The Sawmill:

• Saturday 19th July to Saturday 30th August [inc.]
  • Breakfast 9.00 to 11.30 a.m. [except Sundays]
  • Bar Open 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m/midnight
  • Pub Food 12.00 noon to 9.00 p.m.

at Ye Olde Globe:

• We should very much like to open all day throughout the summer [dates and times as above]. However, this depends on staff levels and so times are to be confirmed. Look out for posters/boards informing you.

Raffle Money from Quiz Nights: Thank you to all who support the Quiz and the raffles. We have just divided the money and have been able to give £68.50 to our Primary School, Pre-School, Berry in Bloom and the Carnival Float. A big thank you to Bet Brooks for selling tickets each Quiz Night. and finally ...

I should like to thank everyone who sponsored me to do 'Nightwalk' when I raised £111.00. It was a good night and Helen and I [from the Sawmill] set off from Bideford Rugby Club around 8.15 p.m. and were led across the old bridge to join the Tarka Trail to Barnstaple. At Freminghton we were offered soup, but with only 3.5 miles to go, we opted to just get it over with, so accepted the 'Twilight' chocolate and carried on! We reached Barnstaple Rugby Club just before 11 o'clock, and just before the rain started - oh so glad we set off early! Luckily we didn't suffer too much the next day and I only got one blister - not too bad really. Many thanks for the sponsor money.

Karen

28

29

MOVER AND SHAKERS - No. 15

ARTHUR GUINNESS
[24th September 1725 - 23rd January 1803]

Founder of Guinness Porter [the black stuff!]

My 'bedside reading' at the moment is a fascinating account by Ian Marchant of his and his friend's month-long mapping of the British landscape in booze - from The Turk's Head on St Agnes, Isles of Scilly, to the public bar of the Baltrasound Inn on Unst, the most northerly of the Shetlands. Called 'The Longest Crawl', he not only tells amusing anecdotes, but also gives lots of information about, for instance, Plymouth Gin [made unlicensed and duty-free by gin-drinking William III], Burton on Trent ales [very hard water to produce light bitters] and London Porter. Eighteenth century London porters and stevedores favoured a mix of 3 beers: strong London beer, light London beer and Burton pale ale. This drove the potboys to distraction and in 1722, Ralph Harwood came up with a brew that combined all three. He called it 'Entire', but so popular was it with the porters that by the 1740's it had been renamed. It was almost black and heavily hopped to increase the bitterness and soon was imported to Dublin.

 

Arthur Guinness

User Morrison1917 on en.wikipedia,
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

And so we come to Arthur Guinness. His friends thought he was quite mad when on the last day of December 1759, at 34 years of age, he signed a 9,000-year lease for £45 a year rental on a near derelict brewery in Dublin's St James's Street. They would have been proud to know that next year, Arthur Guinness and Sons will celebrate 250 years at St James's Gate. It is no longer the largest brewery in the world [although the largest stout brewery] but it is certainly one of the most modern, and all brewing for Europe has been moved back there. It is also Ireland's most visited tourist attraction.

Arthur's father was land steward to Dr. Arthur Price, the Archbishop of Cashel. He brewed beer for the estate workers, although it was his wife's family who had the brewing expertise. When Price died in 1752, he left Arthur and his younger brother £100 each. It is thought that this encouraged Arthur to lease, four years later, a brewery on the upper reaches of the River Liffey in Co Kildare.

After three years, he left the brewery in his brother's care and took over the one at St James's Gate. His new brewery was no more than average, as with most of the 70-odd breweries in the capital. When import regulations favouring the London Porter breweries were extended, he took a gamble on public taste and produced his own version of porter. He produced a darker beer by adding roasted barley, and by 1769 his first export of 6 1/2 barrels of Guinness beer left for England. By 1799 he decided to stop producing ales and concentrate solely on porter.

Today, Guinness is brewed in 35 countries around the world, but all overseas breweries must contain a flavoured extract from St James's Gate, so that all of the 10 million glasses drunk daily still contain something of that special brew. Interestingly, when Arthur moved to his first brewery he took brewers' yeast from his father's brewery. This, unlike bakers' yeast, goes on growing. He then took it to Dublin, and it is quite likely that present day Guinness still contains some of the original yeast.

So what else is in it? Well, the specific recipe is closely guarded, but is made from roasted barley, malt, hops - and the yeast. Added to this is a unique mix of nitrogen and carbon dioxide that separates the black liquid from the creamy 'head'. If you watch a good barman pouring Guinness, he will tilt the glass at 45 degrees, pour in 3/4 of a glass, leave it to stand to let the surge settle, and then top it up. The whole process ideally will take 119.5 seconds - but worth the wait! On the other hand, you can buy from our shop a can of draught Guinness with a 'widget' in the base. This gadget first appeared in 1998 and produces the creamy 'head'. Three years later the 'widget' won the Queen's Award for Technology Achievement.

In 1761, Arthur Guinness married Olivia Whitmore. Together they produced 21 babies, but sadly only 10 of them reached adulthood. When Arthur died in 1803, his three sons took over and continued his work. He and Olivia founded a dynasty, which has been eminent in Ireland for generations, as parliamentarians and benefactors.

PP of DC

30

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

31

Quick Quotes

"I know why there are so many people who love chopping wood. In this activity one immediately sees the results."

On how his work had made possible the invention of the atom bomb: "If only I had known, I should have become a watchmaker."

Einstein

32

POEMS

Illustrated by: Paul Swailes

Thank-you Sun

Dear Sun,

Just a line to say 'thanks'
for this and every day.
Your dawns and sunsets
are just great,
bang on time,
never late!

Thank you Sun.

Sarah Prentice [9] Glenbridge

33

HORTICULTURAL & CRAFT SHOW

"Come up to the Manor Hall for lunch," said mum. So we did. Little did we know it would be so entertaining!

It was the Gardeners and Crafters Lunch, organised to raise funds for the Horticultural and Craft Show in August. When we arrived, the hall was pretty busy, though I guessed we were some of last to arrive to eat. We ordered our lunch and drinks and all seemed fine - the food was good and wholesome and I was enjoying the light chit chat with locals I'd not seen for a while. Over in the corner dad was busy helping Sally sort the raffle tickets ready for the big draw, and this is when the fun started. There seemed to be several books of tickets being used, at least two of the same colour ... hmmm. Sally had been writing the names on the backs of the top ticket but not all the way down the strips ... hmmm. The prizes had all been allocated a specific number ... hmmm.

Well the draw began and the gentleman who was invited to draw the first ticket drew ... hmmm ... his own ticket! Oh well, it's just a little village raffle, no bother and he took his prize. Next up, 'Oh it's a blue ticket', 'Oh there seem to be two winners' ... Oh there are 2 sets of blue tickets! Don't panic, they are slightly different, look the numbers are printed differently. There then followed a steady stream of tickets, consultations, 'It's mine, oh no it's not', that went on for quite some time, there were loads of prizes. On my table Doreen was getting quite anxious, she didn't seem to be winning anything, then hey she did, a pink pig in a bath thing-um-er-me-whotsit!

It was wonderful, I laughed and laughed, I felt as if I was in a scene from a pastoral sit-com, a sort of Vicar of Dibley, Jam and Jerusalem mix up. Thanks Berry folk, I thoroughly enjoyed my Saturday lunch in the Manor Hall.

Helen

Another successful Lunch - in more ways than one it seems! Thank you to everyone who supported the event - a very welcome sum of £250 has boosted the Show's account. Thank you, too, Jan and Sally for your help, and Jackie and Anita for donating the beautiful basket of fruit.

Have you made a note of the date of the Show? Saturday, 30th August in the Manor Hall. Details of the Art and Photography classes were given in the April newsletter [if this has been mislaid and you would like details, please ring Judie - 883544] and the full Schedules and Entry Forms will be available with the August newsletter or from the Community Shop.

The Show is open to residents and non-residents of the village and we hope there will be lots of entries and prizes for the Junior Sections - for which entrants must be under 14 on the 1st January 2008.

Remember, we're not looking for perfection, just some fun, so go on have a go and think about what YOU might enter.

Vi, Yvonne, Pip, Tony, Janet and Judie

34

NEWS FROM THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

 
Disnie Thornton [6]

Our SATs tests took place during the week commencing 12th May. This is a stressful time for our pupils and for a special treat they went to the Go Kart Centre in Barnstaple at the end of their tests. During SATs week we also received a visit from the Ofsted Inspectors.

 
Elyse Richards [6]

On the 10th June we shall be having a whole-school photograph taken. It's many years since the last one and we are hoping for a nice, sunny day!

Ron Toms kindly came in to meet Classes 2 and 3 because we had been learning all about village life, past and present. We took photographs and recorded his visit. We had a lovely afternoon and the children were really interested and listened intently.

We have this year's leavers reunion with last year's leavers on the 11th June. They have party food and lots of fun, and chat and share experiences about their life at secondary school since they left Berrynarbor.

Our older children will be going on their annual residential trip to the Exmoor Centre for a week on the 16th June, and they are all looking forward to a week away from school! Lots of exciting activities planned - part of the time they will be sleeping indoors and the remainder of the time they will be camping.

After-school clubs are well supported. This term we have Football [Scott Balment and Joe Ivan] until June, and then Athletics takes over; Recorder [Maria Howell]. Guitar [Mack Gray] and Gardening [Julia Fairchild].

Plans are well underway for the School Fete on Tuesday, 15th July. If anyone would like to run a stall at the fete, please contact the school office on [01217] 883493. Thank you.

The pencil drawings of Spring Flowers are the work of pupils in Reception and Year 1.

Susan Carey - Headteacher

35

News from our Community Shop and Post Office

It is great to be reporting about our NEW Shop and also telling you that thanks to everyone, sales are up on this time last year, in both the Shop and Post Office. This is much appreciated, because although we have the lovely building, we also have a mortgage to clear. The second May Golf Day, organised by John Boxall, brought in a useful £570; the wedding 'do' in Sloley barn on 26th April £100 and another £100 came from the Barn Dance held on 3rd May - a great total of £770. Kath Thorndycroft's Plant Sale on 5th May was also a success and yielded about another £500. Thank you John and Kath. Any other ideas for raising funds would be very welcome - please give your suggestions to Anita or Jackie.

Thanks also to the 'Berrynarbor in Bloom' group who have supplied the Shop with the splendid troughs of flowers.

No doubt we all appreciate the easy parking. Walkers have those few extra uphill strides, but then it's easier on the way down with all the shopping!

Sales of the personalised shop bags are going well. Hopefully, when British Telecom can sort out the problem, the Shop will get its old phone number back, but in the meantime you can reach it via the Post Office number - 883100.

New products are arriving weekly, including a delicious range of jams and chutneys, local 'goodies', a wide range of Soya products and new varieties of cans of beans [perhaps because Anita was told yesterday by her supplier that there is a national shortage of small cans of Heinz baked beans!]

Happy Shopping.

PP of DC

A Thank You from the Shop Treasurer

Well, your new shop is up and running and I should like to give a personal thank you to all the good folk who have contributed money in any way at all.

The raffles, events, books and the box on the counter, have raised a staggering £5,000 since we launched the appeal. This is an enormous contribution toward the cost of the building and all its equipment, to say nothing of additional stock.

I should also mention the people who bought Shares - this has raised another £4,000 and it is so rewarding to know that people have sufficient confidence in the business to invest their hard earned cash.

Of course, we now have additional overheads and the on-going support of all the villagers, and visitors, is vital to meeting these costs. So, to all of you, enjoy the facility which you have helped to create and thank you again everyone.

Brian

36

LOCAL WALKS - 108

'On the Road to Marazion'

From a distance, the string of figures making their way across the causeway to St. Michel's Mount appeared to be walking on water. This is only possible when tides allow. At other times the island can be reached by ferry boat.

As well as the magnificent former Benedictine Priory, with its perilously steep sub-tropical gardens, there are cottages, a church and small harbour. Returning to Marazion over the old stones, shaped and weathered by the action of the waves, we saw a few Guillemots dotted about the water, still in their winter plumage.

Further away, and diving frequently, was a larger bird - about the size of a goose - mostly black with a white breast. We suspected what it might be but for confirmation, when we'd reached the 'mainland', we continued along the coast to a jetty which brought us closer to the bird - a Great Northern Diver; an oceanic bird and scarce passage and winter visitor, also known known as a loon!

We went back through the town and along the coast road to Marazion Marsh, an RSPB Reserve, enjoying as we walked the view of Penzance, Newlyn and Mousehole to the west and The Lizard peninsula to the east. Mounts Bay claims to be one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

On the beach stood a small flock of whimbrels, like curlews but smaller with stripes on the crown and their downwardly curved bills shorter. They are most usually seen in spring and late summer.

It was late April and a good time possibly to see birds of passage stopping off at the wetland on their spring migration. As we arrived at the nature reserve we were told about two interesting and attractive birds which had been observed there that week.

One was a male Blue-Headed Wagtail, Motacilla flava flava, a sub-species of the Yellow Wagtail, Motacilla flava flavissima [flava meaning yellow, so flavissima being most yellow].

We did not think there was much chance of seeing the small bird but scanned the Pied Wagtails and Wheatears on the grass alongside the Red River, which runs through the reserve. And there it was, among the flag iris leaves at the water's edge! It was the buttercup yellow plumage and long flickering tail which drew our attention. The slender bird had a slate blue head with a white superciliary stripe, an olive back and brownish wings. It flew on to a reed, slid down it, tried again and clung on for a while. It was a beautiful and graceful bird, a treat to watch.

We crossed the bridge over the railway line to Longrock Pool and there, among a flock of Sand Martins was the other bird to which we'd been alerted, a Black Tern - about twice the size of the martins. It put on quite a show, exhilarating to watch, its buoyant aerobatic flight a few feet above the water, then suddenly dipping to skim the surface of the pool. The Black Tern frequents freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes and swamps and unlike the various sea going terns, it does not plunge into the water when it hunts for food. It was a very striking bird with a black head, neck and breast and slate-grey forked tail, back and paler grey wings. The forked tails of terns led to their country nickname, 'sea swallows', or Morwenna in Cornish.

Marazion Marsh is the largest freshwater reed bed wetland in Cornwall and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest with more than a thousand different species having been recorded there - two hundred and fifty of these being birds, five hundred plant species, five hundred insects and eighteen different mammals.

Illustrated by: Paul Swailes

Sue H

37

CONGRATULATIONS!

Sara and Chris of Woodlands Cottage are delighted to announce the arrival of their baby daughter, May Ellen. May was born on Friday, 16th April and weighed exactly 7lbs. For Chris's parents she is the third grandchild, but the first granddaughter, but for Sara's parents, she is the 8th grandchild!

Our congratulations and very best wishes to the proud parents and grandparents, and a very warm welcome to May Ellen.

38

39

A VERY SPECIAL OCCASION

At last, having patiently waited for nearly three years, it had come! The letter announced: I am pleased to be able to tell you that His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, would be delighted for your party to tour the Garden at Highgrove on 21 April 2008 at 12.50 p.m. Hurray!

On that day, as 'specially invited guests' our party of 25 set off on what turned out to be a magical day - worth every minute of the long wait.

Our Impressions?

The well thought out and carefully planned, atmospheric Garden was a delight and exactly what one would have expected from His Royal Highness. Our excellent volunteer guide was not only knowledgeable about the many species and varieties of plants, shrubs and trees, but gave a heart-warming insight to the support and work of the Prince's Charities. A garden to visit at all times of the year - if only that were possible!

James and Patricia

Our coach turned into a small, insignificant driveway without any indication where it was, except to say it was 'Private'. Rounding a bend we were met by security who were aware of our visit and after careful 'checks', we were directed to the reception area where we were introduced to our guide, who proved to be very knowledgeable about both the sights and plants in the Garden.

Following her we found ourselves in a very quiet, peaceful and natural garden, in fact many gardens as the grounds were broken up into different areas, about 15 in all. Each one had its own particular theme, from a wild flower meadow to topiary, a very elaborate tree house to a cottage garden.

If I had to choose a favourite one it would be the Walled Garden with its many different features of not only vegetables and fruit trees, but ornaments, plantings and perfume [evident in many parts of the garden].

His Royal Highness has used the myriad gifts given to him over the years to decorate his gardens, be they urns, statues, carvings, along with things he has collected from all over the world. These, mingled with the architecture of the plants, archways, gates and buildings of all kinds, make it a most interesting, tranquil and much loved garden.

After nearly two hours, we were treated to tea and biscuits, beautifully served, and an opportunity to view the paintings of His Royal Highness.

Highgrove was a very delightful experience.

Margaret

In His Royal Highness's own words, it is 'a garden which delights the eye, warms the heart and feeds the soul', and certainly there was a warm feeling which grew stronger as our excellent guide told us anecdotes and snippets of information, such as the fact that children and their families from CALM [Children's Cancer & Leukaemia Movement] were entertained here and at Christmas were invited to decorate the Christmas trees.

My favourite area? Difficult to choose but the Stumpery was fun and fascinating, whilst the Arboretum and Sanctuary, with its delightful bronze statue of the daughters of Odessa, peaceful and serene.

Judie

The Highgrove visit will almost certainly feature as one of the main highlights of 2008.

It is difficult to pick out any favourite of the many gardens created as they were all very different but appeared to work on the same green theme. This is to work with nature to create a concept that enhances the surrounding countryside - something I have been trying to do at Riversdale for the last ten years, perhaps not as successfully.

I should also like to pay tribute to the staff there, particularly our guide for the tour who was both patient and very knowledgeable.

Bill

I think the biggest surprise of the day was the very modest entrance to the drive - one could easily drive past and not realise that the heir to the throne lived there. The house itself was also very modest and plain - a real home rather than a stately one.

The gardens were delightful in their simplicity and informality. Our guide was very knowledgeable and informative and obviously very fond of the Prince. His love of gardening and the environment was evident everywhere; stones and recycled wood used for paths, fences and edging; gifts he had received and sculptures from the Prince's Trust studios, incorporated into interesting and unexpected features. I loved the way paths meandered around corners and the numerous seats - it is obviously a garden to be enjoyed. I could just imagine sitting in the shade on a lovely summer day with a Pimms and whiling away the hours.

I'm sure that like everyone who visits the gardens, I should love to go back another time to see a different aspect - when the wild flowers are blooming for example - and see the gardens in all their glory. Sadly, it will be a once in a lifetime visit as visitors are asked not to go again so that other people have the opportunity.

There were so many special features that it is hard to recall them all and, of course, photography was not allowed [we should have been there for hours!]. However, one of my favourite areas was the stumpery - the arrangement of the old tree stumps was fascinating, particularly as the shapes would change as and when the wood rotted away. I had never seen anything quite like it before. A real wild life haven, as was the whole garden.

As a result of my visit I've now stopped digging up the weeds in between paving slabs - if it's good enough for the Prince, it's good enough for me!

A really special day out - do go if you get the chance.

Dot

40

OLD BERRYNARBOR - VIEW 113

Briary Cave - Views at Ilfracombe III

This time I have chosen an upright multi-view postcard published by The Pictorial Stationery Co. Ltd. of London around 1904 under their "Peacock Brand" Trade Mark, All four views are in colour with the card having been printed in Saxony (Germany). In the bottom right corner we have Briary Cave, Watermouth.

At Watermouth the visitors would visit the caves, entrance 2d per person to view both Smallmouth and Briary Cave (see bottom right), and often take the small ferry across to Broad Sands beach.

The other three pictures show the "Capstone Steps" down to Cheyne Beach (see top left), and "The Admiral Rodney, Old Ilfracombe" (see top right), which was situated off Broad Street at the foot of Fore Street and is where the Amusement Arcade and the New Lifeboat House are now situated.

The original sign for the Admiral Rodney, which was closed down in 1913 when the magistrates failed to renew the Licence, can still be seen in Ilfracombe Museum.

The final picture shows "Hele Mill, near Ilfracombe" (see bottom left) which until recently operated and produced organic corn meal for sale. The postcard itself was posted from Ilfracombe at 4.30 p.m. on April 10th 1905, it has a "Thimble" postmark and was sent to a Miss Chawter at The Rectory Parracombe Barnstaple.

We should remember that in the early part of the Twentieth Century, Ilfracombe was one of the premier resorts in the U.K. and visitors would travel out to Watermouth and Berrynarbor in a two or four-horse drawn coach as shown in the second picture I have used (see below).

Such a horse drawn coach would leave each day from outside the Runnacleave Hotel, Ilfracombe at 2.30 p.m. and the trip would cost 2/6d per person, which was quite a lot of money in those days.

This particular photographic postcard was by Philipse and Lees of Ilfracombe, taken on July 13th 1908 and upon the coach's return to Ilfracombe, these postcards would be offered to the passengers at 1d each.

This was in the hope they would wish to purchase several postcards each and send them off to all their family, friends and work colleagues. In those days, each card could be sent off by post at just one 1/2 pence, arriving first thing the next day anywhere in the U.K., not like the postal service offered to-day!

The billboard on the coach reads "Sterrage Valley by the New Barnstaple Road Through the Woods returning via Berrynarbor & Watermouth Castle At 2.30pm Return Fare 2/6".

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

41

IN THE PAPERS 150 YEARS AGO

Tom Bartlett
Tower Cottage

NB Please note that these * extracts from the papers are reprinted exactly as published.

42

AT-A-GLANCE DIARY