Edition 128 - October 2010
EDITORIAL
What a day we had celebrating the Newsletter Coming of Age! More about the day appears later. Importantly, I must thank everyone who supported the events in any way but more importantly, I should like to thank everyone for my special gifts - my fountain pen, unique mouse-mat featuring the cover of the 21st birthday issue and a lovely lavender plant. Having recently visited the Cheristow Lavender Farm, I now know how to tend and prune it! Thank you all.
So, we won't say too much about the weather - a little better at the time of writing this, but why does it always change the minute the schools break up? And now the darker evenings are setting in and at the end of October [30th/31st], we put the clocks back - winter is on its way!
As always we send our thoughts and best wishes to those who are unwell at present, but send a warm welcome to all newcomers to the village. We hope you will be very happy here.
The delightful and colourful pictures on the front and rear covers and the centre pages are the work of the pupils from the Primary School. These pictures were drawn at the end of the Summer Term on the theme of 'This Changing World' and judged as part of the Horticultural and Craft Show, and are the winners. Congratulations to them all.
The next Newsletter will be December/Christmas and items for that issue, including Christmas Messages [see page 41] should be at the Shop or Chicane as soon as possible please, and NO LATER than Monday, 15th November.
Once again my thanks to everyone who has contributed to this issue - without you there wouldn't be a Newsletter!
Judie - Ed
1
BERRYNARBOR
LADIES GROUP
After the summer break, the speaker on 7th
September was David
Nochar from the Citizens Advice Bureau. His talk was both informative and at times
amusing.
David is based at the Bideford office
which covers Bideford, Torridge, mid-Devon and Bude. The
CAB is an independent organisation receiving funding from the lottery, local
government and local fund raising, but receives no funds from the government. In 1935 the government felt there was a need
for this kind of service and the CAB was established in 1939. During the war the CAB operated from all
sorts of places, including a horsebox, and until the 1950s was government
funded. When money became tight, they
lost their funding. In 2010 the CAB
became computerised. The CAB provides
free, independent, confidential and impartial help and advice to everyone. At the
Bideford office there are eight case workers dealing with consumer rights, debt,
homelessness, income tax, breakdown of relationships and unemployment. They
are now receiving funding for a court desk to deal with home repossession. They also offer family support and advice
for cancer sufferers and their families in association with Macmillan
Nurses. Currently they are seeing
people with terrible debt problems due to unemployment as well as dealing with
increased redundancy and unfair dismissal cases. They can offer legal aid and have contact
with a legal advisor where necessary, and offer other languages when dealing
with cases involving migrant workers. The
Bideford office has twelve trustees, paid staff and volunteers as well as
specialist information which can be sought on-line. David said that although at times the work can
be very harrowing, he loves doing the job.
The vote of thanks was given by Rosemary
Gaydon. It was agreed to have a cream
tea at Pipcotts Tea Room in West Down on Tuesday, 2lst
September. The raffle was won by
Margaret Weller.
On 5th October, the speaker will be Deri
Rundle speaking about Water Aid in
Marion Carter and Doreen Prater
2
IN MEMORIAM
Never more shall we find you bright in the snow and wind.
The snow is melted, the snow is gone, and you are flown.
Like a bird out of our hand, like a light out of our heart,
You are gone.
Hilda Doolittle 1886-1961
PHYLLIS ROLLINGS
Phyllis was one of five
children, Winnie, Denzil, Margaret and Sheila being the others, born to William
and Nellie Draper at number "Ninety Four", Berrynarbor, now known as
Jacobs Well. In1946 the family moved to
Ilfracombe and Phyl subsequently joined the Army as a driver, based at
After Army life, she joined
the NAAFI at St Merryn in
During the war, twins Jack
and Jean Rollings were evacuated to
Sadly, last autumn Phyl broke
her hip, her recovery was forestalled by deep vein thrombosis, which resulted
in the amputation of her left leg. She
battled on valiantly but finally died peacefully on the morning of August 1st
at the age of 81.
She leaves husband Dennis
and two sons Philip and Martin and a grand daughter Lorna and is survived by
her sister Margaret Draper who lives in Ilfracombe.
Many villagers will
remember Phyl, and I am grateful to Philip Rollings for letting us know the sad
news and we send him and all the family our thoughts at this time of sorrow.
It was
very sad to learn that, when looking forward to her holiday in a week or two,
Win passed away peacefully in her sleep on the 16th September. A lovely way for her to be reunited with Dennis,
her husband of fifty years, but a shock for her family. We send them our condolences and prayers at
this time of sorrow.
Win and Dennis moved to
_____
A REMEMBRANCE
JANE MALCOLM
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
From
'For the Fallen' [1914]
by
Laurence Binyon [1869-1943]
Standing on the cobbled path that leads up to our Church
entrance, I have sheltered under an umbrella on several Remembrance
Sundays. This has been an occasion to
read the names of the Berrynarbor residents who died in
the two World Wars.
One name, the first name on the list of Second World War
dead, is a woman - the only female in this sad list. How did she, Jane Malcolm, come to be on the
list, and how did she die?
Mary Tucker and Bett directed me to a file at the back of the
Church containing details of all those named on the Memorial, and this proved
very useful.
Jane Malcolm was a Nursing Sister with the Queen Alexandra's
Imperial Nursing Service. She was the
daughter of Napier and Urania Malcolm, whose graves lie at the back of the
Church, near the water tank. Her
brother is also buried there. I
understand they lived, at one time, at The Old Court.
Jane died on
Unfortunately, I was unable to find out exactly how Jane
died. As this family lived in the
village, I am hoping that someone reading this remembrance story might be a
relative, or know of how this brave lady died.
Women are still serving all over the world in conflicts, and
in more diverse roles. On Remembrance
Sunday, 14th November, it may be opportune to remember them, through Jane
Malcolm of Berrynarbor.
Yvonne Davey
One such person, and perhaps there are more, is Kirsti
Richards, daughter of Julie and David, who having served as a Medic with the
Army in Iraq is currently completing her first tour of duty in
Afghanistan. We send her our good wishes.
3
ST. PETER'S CHURCH
Church services from July have gone well. All the stops were pulled out for the
Archdeacon's visit on the 18th. The
choir came in to lead the singing and the good congregation was further
augmented by family and friends of Betty Dudley-Ward, whose ashes were interred
in the churchyard after the service.
Since the beginning of August we have been very fortunate in
having the 'retired' Revd. Chris Tull coming over from Challacombe to celebrate
the Eucharist and other services have been led by our Readers and Churchwarden,
Doreen Prater, all well supported by our regular congregation.
At the end of August we received the devastating news that
Mike Taylor had died suddenly in Combe Martin.
As Reader, he had been working very hard holding the fort and will be
greatly missed. Our thoughts and
prayers are with his wife Janet and family.
To fill the gap David Rushworth, a Reader from Pilton, is
coming over to help as are Celia Withers from the
The Harvest Festival will be celebrated on Sunday, 3rd
October, with a Family Service at
buffet supper priced £5
for adults and £2 for children, will be on sale at the Community Shop, and the
evening will begin with the service in the church at
Looking forward to other special services: All Saints Day will be commemorated at the
Sunday
Fund Raising: The
final total for Gift Day came to £650.
Thank you to everyone. The
Summer Fayre on the 3rd August was a great success thanks to all the help
received in preparation and setting up on the day. The way everyone rallies round is much
appreciated and our sincere thanks go to all those who regularly give raffle
prizes and items for the various stalls, not forgetting those unable to attend
on the day who make donations to the church.
Special thanks are due to Ivan, June and family who having organised the
barbecue without any charge for many years, are finding pressures at work which
means they cannot commit themselves to continue in the future. With expenses paid, a splendid £1,165 has
been raised for church funds.
Again thank you to everyone who gave towards the village
collection for the Shelterbox Flood Appeal for
Friendship Lunches will take place at The Globe on
Wednesdays, 27th October and 24th November.
Everyone is welcome to come and join us, please ring Mary Tucker on
883881 in the first instance.
Mary Tucker
4
MANOR
I must start with a big Thank You to everyone who helped and
supported, in whatever way, to this year's highly successful Berry Revels. Whether through donations of raffle prizes,
baking of cakes and the like, the contributions were truly appreciated. Also of tremendous importance was the help
provided in setting up the event and running of the various stalls in the
evening, when we had the help of at least 45 volunteers! And finally, thank you to all those who
joined the activities and spent money!
You've probably already seen the notices around the village but, to
recap, the result was a net £1,360.
The next thing to report is a project in the Main Hall to
improve the options for lighting. Many requests for which came from our Hall
User Questionnaire earlier this year.
Hopefully by the time you're reading this article, the work will have
been completed and lighting improved for close-up work for craft, spinning and
upholstery people, and also capable of being subdued for parties, dining and
stage functions.
We've addressed the issue of heating the Main Hall and taken expert advice on different options,
remembering that the building is used just intermittently, at different times
of the day, with no two days being the same.
The big downside to most of the alternatives to the present system is a long
warm up time, requiring systems to be running for longer periods, with complex
programming and much higher running costs!
Against that background, I have to report on your Committee's decision
to stick with the current overhead gas heater system for the foreseeable
future. For the future, as technology
changes and improves, more cost effective options may arise.
There are Beaford Arts
Events for your diary in October and November [details appear elsewhere] .
. . please, please try and attend.
Finally comes a request for further help on the Manor Hall Committee. Essentially, we're in need of a new recruit
or two [even 3!] to join and help steer the future direction and running of
this key village facility. Ideally we'd
like to see new, younger blood coming forward.
Interested and want to know more?
Give me a call on [01271] 889298.
Colin Trinder
5
WEATHER OR NOT
We needn't have worried about a hosepipe ban, the first 24
hours of July produced 25mm [1"] of rain, which ended up as the wettest
day of the month. After the long,
settled period we had in June, July was more unsettled with a lot more cloud
and it was quite breezy. It rained onSt. Swithin's Day.
which was worrying, but since we have had several days without any rain. The total rainfall for the month was 92mm [3
11/16"] which was fairly average, as was the maximum temperature of 25.6 Deg C,
though the minimum of 10.7 Deg C was above normal.
Surprisingly, Chicane recorded 181.39 hours of sunshine, the second
highest since 2003, beaten only by 195.95 hours in July 2006. The maximum wind gust was 29 knots.
August was disappointing again this year, cool with some very
wet days. On Thursday the 20th, the
rain started after lunch and by 11.00 p.m. we had
recorded 3l7mm [11/2"] with another 6mm [1/4'] falling overnight and then
a week later we had 46mm [1 11/16"] in a 24 hour period. The total for the month was 167mm
[63/4']. the third highest total that we have recorded in August. Temperatures were below average with a
maximum of only 22.4 Deg C, which was lower than April, May or June. For most of August the thermometer hovered
around 20 Deg C at best. The minimum of 7.4 Deg C,
the lowest for the month since 1994.
The hours of sunshine for the month were well below average with only
2008 being lower. Winds were frequently
from a northerly direction which helped to keep the temperatures down and there
were some quite breezy days, although as we are sheltered from that direction,
we recorded a maximum gust of only 23 knots.
Simon and Sue
St. Swithun or Swithin was born c800 and became Anglo-Saxon
Bishop of
Subsequently he
became patron saint of Winchester
Cathedral. His historical importance as
Bishop is overshadowed by his reputation for posthumous miracle-working. According to tradition, the weather on his
feast day, 15th July, will continue for forty days.
6
CENSUS RECRUITMENT
The census is an estimate
of all the people living in the
This decade's census
will take place on
It is an important
tool in planning for the future. It helps the government and local councils
allocate funds, decide future policy and plan important services such as
transport, housing, health and schools.
The 2011 Census will offer
a wide range of employment opportunities throughout
* Flexible working hours that you can fit around your
current commitments
* The opportunity for a short-term income boost
*
* The chance to work within your local community
* The chance to play a part in ensuring decision
makers have the information needed to make effective decisions that could
affect local communities
Recruitment starts from 20th September. For more
information on how you could get involved, visit www.censusjobs.gov.uk
7
LAST
CHANCE TO APPLY FOR N.D.
The North Devon Access to Services Project [NDASP] is pleased to announce good progress
of the pilot of North Devon Taxi Voucher Scheme, which was introduced in
February this year. The scheme aims to help the residents of rural
Eligible residents can purchase a
voucher book of taxi vouchers with a travel value of £50 for just £5!
The scheme is for young people, elderly and/or disabled
residents of Mortehoe, East Down, Berrynarbor, Combe Martin, Kentisbury,
Trentishoe,
If you would like any more information about the Taxi Voucher
Scheme or other projects that NDASP are currently working on please contact
01271 855951.
8
POOR TELEVISION RECEPTION IN
BERRYNARBOR
Some of you will know that
I have been making enquiries about the poor television reception in our village
since our signal changed from analogue to digital in 2009. If you have satellite TV only you probably do not have the problem. So, to
keep everybody informed I thought you might like a summary of the progress
so far.
I have been in contact with
the Senior Viewer Relations Manager at Digital UK. The latter is a non profit
making organisation, independent of the broadcasters, and set up at the
government's request to give advice to the public about the digital switchover
and to refer queries and complaints to the relevant organisation who can best
deal with these matters. The transmitter
is operated by a private international company which can be investigated
by the broadcasters e.g.
Anyway here is the
letter I wrote to Digital UK on
I
am writing on behalf of the residents of Berrynarbor to complain about very
inferior television reception since our signal changed from analogue to digital
in 2009. The symptoms are:
Loss
of signal on one or more channels [
The problems commenced immediately we went
digital, but knowing there would be teething problems we kept quiet until after
we were told to retune in Sept 2009, as announced and instructed on the
regional TV news programmes. Thereafter the symptoms were worse, particularly
galling over Christmas and New Year. The
problems continue now to varying degrees of severity, reception is very
unpredictable.
A year later we have an appalling service
and you have a lot of very angry, frustrated, irritated and disappointed
customers in this area. I have conducted a sample survey of 35 households in
this village. Of these, 29 have problems
with TV reception. The other 6 use satellite TV only and don't have a problem. The households are in geographically different
parts of the village thus proving it is a village wide problem and not the
location of the house.
The anger is because: The population did not have a choice of
whether to go digital or not, it was imposed on us. We were told that we would have much
improved TV reception post digital switchover, in fact it is far inferior to
the anologue system. Most people have
had to pay for set top boxes, new televisions and/or aerials, not of their choosing. Some people have got so fed up with the bad
reception that they have bought satellite incurring more expense.
Business in the village has been
affected. Hotel and B&B guest rooms
have the problem leading to customer complaints. One proprietor was advised through Digital UK
to fix equipment, costing money and of course to no avail, all completely
unwarranted as it is a village not a household problem.
As a further example, during the first
Obviously the pleasure of watching a
favourite TV programme is spoilt but there are much more serious implications
if essential news and information is required in the event of a national
emergency.
We know this is not a new problem and that
other villages in this area have also complained and have
got nowhere. We know this is a
I got a very prompt
response to this letter and Digital UK have referred the complaint to OFCOM as
my enquiries had already ruled out the most common reasons for TV interference.
Digital
Regarding the recording of
incidences, I suggest noting date, time, length of time of interruption and
which channel and programme was affected. This may be either/or lack of signal, break up
of picture or lack of Freeview channels. The easiest way to display this information,
for me to analyse at a later date, is in the form of a simple chart or page
divided into columns. Please keep records from now until the end of January so
that we have some good evidence should we need to produce it. If we haven't had a positive response from
OFCOM and a resolution of the problem by then, you can pass on your records for
me to use. Don't forget to put your
name address and telephone number on your record so that I can continue
monitoring where the problems are in the village.
I was told by
Richards TV in Combe Martin that the residents there had also complained and
Digital TV informed me that Ilfracombe also had a problem. If necessary I will investigate these reports
to strengthen our case. Let's hope that we solve the problem sooner
rather than later but meanwhile watch this space!
Jill Massey
9
NEWS
FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL
I am pleased to report that the Council
is now up to full strength following the co-option of Councillor Mrs Lorna
Bowden. Many of you will know that Lorna already has an enormous amount
of experience as a Parish Councillor, having held this post in the past,
together with invaluable knowledge of the area, being a resident in the village
for many years, and without doubt, she will be an excellent member of the team.
Councillors were extremely pleased
to hear that Berrynarbor has won the Past Winners Category of the Campaign for
Rural England and
There has been a lot of
discussion regarding the War Memorial recently and the expectation is that it
will be cleaned and refurbished in time for the Remembrance Sunday Service on
14th November. The shrubs which are growing around the memorial have
grown to the extent that they are causing a damage to the area around it and I
have been asked to advise those who planted them that it is necessary for them
to be removed. Please let me know
if you would be willing to move them if you planted them, or have any objection
to their removal.
Councillors received a report from
the Police that there had been 4 crimes in total since the last Meeting, up
from this time last year, involving a burglary to holiday chalets and domestic
related incidents involving tourists from out of the area. Parishioners were asked to be especially
vigilant as rural communities appear to be targets, particularly farms from where
quad bikes and farm machinery are being stolen.
Tenders for the upkeep of
Parish Council assets were discussed and. If contractors would like to submit a
quotation, please contact me for tender documents to be sent to you.
I am booked on to the
Extreme Events Conference at the Met. Office in
Sue
Squire, Parish Clerk
Councillors may be
contacted on the following numbers:
| Mark Adams | 882191 | Lorna Bowden | 883559 |
| Angela Boyd | 882619 | Paul Crockett | 882631 |
| Richard Gingell | 882885 | Clive Richards | 883406 |
| David Richards | 882707 | Sue Sussex | 882214 |
| Madeleine Worth | 883485 | ||
| Clerk: Sue Squire | [01598] 710526 | Email: susan.squire@virgin.net | |
The Parish Council
normally meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at
10
RURAL REFLECTIONS - 46
Records reveal that the oak tree now buds at least twenty
days earlier than it did in the 18th century.
The same cannot be said for the ash, and with experts predicting that
climate change will encourage the oak to bud even earlier, we are unlikely to
see the days when the ash competed to be first out of the two in leaf. So what of the proverb? Will it always be a case of 'oak before ash,
there will be a small splash' rather than 'ash before oak, there will be a big
soak'?
This summer has seen a bit of both. Early on there were days with the occasional
splash of rain - by August the holidaymakers were regularly getting soaked
through! Maybe the summer months
couldn't decide which proverb to stick with.
For another saying goes, 'Oak before ash, will be wet and splash, Ash before oak, will be fire and smoke'.
As summer gives way to autumn, forcing daytime temperatures
and light levels to decrease, so the leaves of the oak and ash, along with all
other deciduous trees, will no longer receive the required sunlight to produce
the pigments chlorophyll and carotene.
Gradually the green chlorophyll will decay to reveal the orange carotene
beneath. But where in spring it was oak
before ash, in autumn it will be ash before oak. For the ash tree's carotene decays at such a
rate that its leaves are dropping well before they have had a chance to provide
an autumnal display.
The oak meanwhile is a complete contrast. Like the beech, it will hold on to its leaves
throughout autumn. So now is the time
to seek out your nearest oak or beech wood and enjoy the dazzling display of
yellows, oranges and shades of gold on offer.
Illustrated by: Paul Swailes
Whilst enjoying this autumnal splendour, spare a thought for
the old oak tree which is being allowed a respectable death in the nearby
field. If the saying is to be believed,
it will have lived at least two thirds of its allotted life - an oak tree
allegedly spends three hundred years growing, three hundred years resting and
three hundred years declining. If
allowed to complete this last stage, the tree's trunk will be hollowed out by
the fungi already inside it. This in
turn causes the upper branches to die and snap off, in effect, shrink like
humans do. The oak, however, takes much
longer to degenerate than a human body.
Eaten from the inside out, it will spend many years tilting near collapse
whilst its 'outer wall' protects it from falling. It is only once this wall becomes too narrow
to support its hollow, cylindrical trunk, that the tree collapses, and with no
innards to protect it, shatters into a thousand pieces as it hits the surface.
During their declining years, trees will provide the ideal
home for birds such as owls, woodpeckers, nuthatches and tree creepers. Bats also roost inside them and
invertebrates will take up home within, many of which are dependent on decaying
trees. Fungi begin to thrive, eating
the outside as well as the inside, whilst lichens begin to grow. Even once the old oak collapses, its
decaying process continues. Fungi carry
on breaking down the nutrients until the wood is completely rotted. This in effect provides space for new trees
and prevents soil erosion.
Invertebrates also move in, helping to break the wood down as they feed
upon it. Others choose to make it their
permanent residence with some, such as the stage beetle, spending its whole
existence living in and feeding on the decaying wood. Yet it is not just the wood that offers
excellent nutrition. The insects
themselves provide good sustenance, both for each other [many insects will eat
others] and for birds, with the great spotted woodpecker a particular
connoisseur of the oak bark beetle.
Maybe this will be the autumn that provides winds strong
enough to level the old oak, or perhaps its trunk is now so hollow it will
collapse naturally. Who knows? One thing is certain. This grand ancient tree would not have been
able to provide in its prime a splash of gold to match the golden soaking of
the nearby oak wood if it wasn't for the cooling temperatures and shortening
daylight hours of autumn.
Stephen McCarthy
11
WHAT A PUSH!
It Was a Saturday morning and our evacuees, Dave Brook and
Tom Clark were at Dave's cottage up Hagginton Hill, meeting as usual to decide
what to do over the week-end.
"Have you heard about the silver mine at Combe
Martin? Dave suggested.
"No, what about it?
Where is it then?"
Dave appeared to have done a little homework on the silver
mine which he had gained from the school library.
"We could go there tomorrow" the boys chirped in
unison. So that was decided upon.
Next morning, as arranged, they met up with their bikes at
Berrynarbor Corner.
"Right," said Dave, "It's off to Combe
Martin!"
"Well, that's OK because it's down hill all the
way," Tom replied.
"You may think so, but you might be in for a
surprise!" Dave smiled.
Once down in Combe Martin, they pedalled half way up the main
street and came to
"This is where we turn off," Dave said, and they
both dismounted and began the long push.
Tom shook his head and remarked,
"Do you remember at school during Assembly the
headmaster - possibly due to a near mishap - warned pupils not to cycle down
Oxford Grove? Whereupon some wag at the
back of the hall quipped 'They ought not to cycle up it either.' Well, this hill reminds me of Oxford
Grove."
At last the lane levelled off and they turned right towards
the site of the silver mine.
"Look!" said Dave, "That's the old smelting
works, or what's left of it."
Coming closer to the building they spotted a large heap of
spoil. Tom was very impressed and
looking to see if anyone was about, they started sorting through the ore.
"I've found a bit with silver in it!" Dave shouted.
"So have I!"
Tom replied.
The lads found several bits with what appeared to be silver
and then remounted their bikes for the long journey home.
That evening both told their surprised mothers of their
treasured finds found at the old silver mine.
Perhaps some day an entrepreneur will explore the possibility
of opening a part of the mine for people to see. However, it is said that the tunnels which
run under Combe Martin are flooded, so maybe that will not happen.
Illustrated by: Paul Swailes
Tony Beauclerk - Stowmarket
Tony is obviously
unaware of the Combe Martin Silver Mines Research and Preservation group, and I
hope that one of the group will submit a short article about their work for the
December issue of the Newsletter.
Ed.
12
A VISITOR AT PITT HILL
Returning from Ilfracombe one afternoon (Tuesday 7th September], you can, I'm sure, imagine my
surprise and delight when I saw a heron standing at Pitt Hill bus stop. Whenever I have seen one of these, they have
always been a distant view: on trees, at river banks or flying even further
away.
It looked interested in the waste bin contents and to my
amazement it stayed put, almost motionless, as I stopped, admired and thought
how fortunate I had been to see such a beautiful, normally shy bird in close
proximity. No camera at the ready, I
drove home.
Some minutes later, having collected it, just in case, I
walked down the hill, approaching quietly, hoping, but not expecting. It wasn't there, but I did a double-take,
when I happened to glance over the gate at Rose Cottage. Standing at the open
front door, was the back of a grey bird!
I didn't want to frighten it, so I started to walk towards
the driveway, but I was keen to grab this moment photographically. I returned to the gateway, opened it
carefully, hoping it wouldn't squeak and ventured down the path.
Jane saw me from a front window, "Is it the heron? It probably wants some fish." She
came to the door with what was to be their evening meal! The baby bird moved towards her, away from
the stream wall to take, eagerly, the fishy gift!
It had been seen on Ducky Pool's roof, so it could fly and
was 'interested in the stream'. Let's
hope 'life' allows this Grey Heron to participate in distant views too . . .
Judith Adam, Flowerdew
13
HORTICULTURAL & CRAFT
Blessed with another dry and sunny day, following a week of
torrential rain, the 31st annual Horticultural and Craft Show took place at the
Manor Hall on Saturday, 28th August.
Despite the good weather early in the year, followed by heavy
rain latterly, there was an excellent display of flowers, fruit and
vegetables. The judges took their time
deliberating over the hard task of judging more than 500 entries from some
eighty entrants - not only the many horticultural items but floral art, home
cooking, handicrafts, art and photography too.
Around 200 people visited the Show in the afternoon,
appreciating the many and varied skills and efforts of the exhibitors, partaking
of light refreshments, supporting the raffle and applauding the award winners,
making the Show another enjoyable and successful occasion and raising £430 as
well!
Cups and trophies were presented to: Sue Neale [Floral Art],
Pip Summers [Home
Cooking], Eileen Hobson and Judie Weedon [Handicrafts], Jill Reynolds [Art],
Colin Harding [Photography], Caitlin Burgess [Fruit and Vegetables], Stan Dart
[Potted Plants] and Tom Bartlett [Cut Flowers]. The award for the Best Horticultural Exhibit
was won by Sue Neale for 3 perfect potatoes;
the best Non-Horticultural Exhibit by
Jill Reynolds for her
outstanding textile art work, and the award on the theme of the Show, 'This
Changing World', was won by Tim Massey with a fascinating photograph of the
Millau Viaduct in
Another great day, another great Show thanks to everyone who
supported it in any way.
As you know, this was the last Show to be organised by the
current group and we should like to thank everyone who has supported us in any
way over the last seven years, far too many to mention you all by name. We are delighted that the Show will continue
in the capable hands of Linda and her new group - if you would like to be part
of that group, please give her a ring on 883322 - and we wish them every
success.
Yvonne, Vi, Jack, Pip, Tony,
Janet and Judie
14
The
We start on 20th October
with what should be a most interesting and enjoyable evening presented by Brett Stevens of the Fabulous Wine Company. He will again be providing both wine and
food, demonstrating the way in which they can complement each other. He will be accompanied by his wife Jane who will
provide all the 'tapas'. They did a
similar presentation last year for us and it was superb, one of the best ever,
so don't miss this one.
In November, on the 17th, John
Hood will be reviewing the 'Last Decade' for us. He always finds new ways of entertaining us
so another good evening is no doubt in store.
The Christmas Food and
Drink evening is on 8th December, and this will once again be
effectively a three course meal provided by the members between them and with
wines presented by the committee. Each
committee member will introduce a wine of their choice.
January will see the return
of our extremely popular Quiz Night - Call My Wine Bluff - always lots of fun!
New members are always
welcome, or if you can only attend one meeting, just contact me beforehand
on 883600 or email tony.veranos@gmail.com
. You will find it an enjoyable and
affordable evening out as membership fees are once again held at £3.00 for the
year and the monthly entrance charge has only to cover the cost of the wine and
hire of the hall each month.
Tony
Summers
15
HATCHED
Jane and Keith Jones are happy to announce the safe arrival
of their 9th grandchild.
Elliott David Trahar was born in
Congratulations to all - grandparents and parents, and
welcome to the little one.
16
NEWS FROM THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
We welcome Mr. Trefor Jones, Teacher for Years 3 and 4. We are pleased to welcome new pupils in
Reception Class and Years 1, 2, 3 and 4, and hope they will enjoy their
education at our school:
It's been a pretty 'full-on' start to the Autumn Term and all
the children and staff returned to school full of energy and anticipation! We have lots of things planned for the
months ahead.
The
Wild Nights Out on 6th/7th September were unfortunately
very wet but the children enjoyed the experience. However, Classes 1 and 2 had a wonderful
sunny day for their outing on the Wednesday.
Music: We are thrilled that so many of our children
are learning to play an instrument. We
now have three teachers [Mrs. Barrow, Miss Collingham and Mrs. Jones] offering
music lessons which can take place in school, either during or after the school
day. Lessons cost £12 for 30 minutes or
£8 for 20 minutes [small group lessons may also be available]. So far, the teachers are able to provide
lessons for piano, keyboard, oboe, saxophone, singing, music theory, recorder,
clarinet, violin, 'cello, viola and flute.
Tuition for other instruments may be available - please ask.
Christmas
Cards: The children will shortly be creating their
very own Christmas Card drawings for their parents.
Junior
Great North Run:
Congratulations to Caitlin Burgess in Class 4 who completed the Run on
18th September in
Swimming: The whole school is attending Ilfracombe
Swimming Pool over the next 10 weeks.
Pantomime
- Aladdin: The whole school, along with the Pre-School,
will be going to see Aladdin at the Queen's Theatre this year.
Samaritan's
Purse - Shoe Box Appeal 2010: This is our 7th year of participating in the
Shoe Box event and each year the children prepare more and more beautiful
boxes. A leaflet is available from the
School Office is you would like to take part in this scheme. If you would like to prepare a box at home,
please bring it in to Mrs.
Senior
Dudes' Christmas Meal: Class 4 will prepare this memorable meal
which will take place on Monday, 13th December. Watch out for details in the Community Shop
nearer the time.
Sue Carey - Headteacher
17
SING-A-LONG-A-
Sweet Lass of
More bright than May-day morn,
Whose charms all other maids' surpass,
A rose without a thorn.
This lass so neat, with smiles so sweet,
Has won my right good will:
I'd crowns resign, to call her mine,
Sweet lass of Richmond Hill!
Ye zephyrs gay, that fan the air,
And wanton through the grove,
Oh whisper to my charming fair
I die for her I love.
This lass so neat, etc.
How happy will the shepherd be
Who calls this nymph his own!
Oh may her choice be fix'd on me!
Mine's fix'd on her alone.
This lass so neat, etc.
I enjoyed singing this at school many years ago, so I was
delighted to come across it in a very old song book inherited through my
father. Unfortunately, it omits the
names of lyricists and composers. It
must be well over 200 years old, as the book is in its second edition dated
1808!
Trev
Looking this up on the internet I was interested to learn
from one source that the song has been the official song of the Green Howards
Regiment of Yorkshire since 1789, and celebrates a young lady who lived in
According to Wikipedia the tune was written by James Hook
[1746-1827], an English composer, and was published about 1790. Words are by Leonard McNally [1752-1820] and
were written in honour of Miss Janson of
The music was once
attributed to the Prince of Wales, later George IV. The subject was said to be Mrs. Fitzherbert,
wife to George IV, who was set aside when he married Caroline of Brunswick.
Ed.
18
PAST TIMES WITH WALTER
Although I have lived in
At
The Saxon church at Sompting, half a mile from Lancing, has a
four-gabled Rhenish helm style spire, unique in
William Blake [1757-1827] lived in a cottage in the
In 1906, the writer Hillaire Belloc [1870-1953] bought the
white smock windmill near his home at Shipley, close to Horsham. He would doff his cap to his 'beautiful Mrs.
Shipley' whenever he passed by and there is now a plaque to his memory above
the windmill door.
The church at Steyning, not far from Lancing, possesses what
is often described as the most magnificent
John Pellwas born in
Southwick, near
Well-known resorts in
Walter
19
MOVERS
SIR
GEORGE NEWNES BT
Publisher
and Philanthropist
As I approached the Town Hall in Lynton
on my way to Hollerday Hill, George Newnes was not on my mind - until I saw the
previously unnoticed bust of him in an arch to the left. Looking closer I saw that it has been there
since 2000.
Intrigued, I popped in to the Tourist
Information Centre to see if there were any leaflets. There I met a very pleasant man, Colin
Croxford who has published 'A Shortish Guide' for Lynton and Lynmouth that is
on sale there.
"What do you want to know about him?",
he asked. With no notepaper, but an
attentive husband, I listened intently for at least 15 minutes whilst he talked
about the life of this great man, who gave to Lynton its magnificent Town Hall,
the nearby Congregational Church, the cricket pavilion and much more. The gradient between Lynton and Lynmouth had
always been a 'put-off' for visitors and difficult for locals, so he used the
recently patented invention by a local engineer to build the water powered
cliff railway, which cost £8,000 and was opened in 1890. Largely due to his
efforts, the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway was opened in 1898, but if you've
read the delightful 'Lynton and Barnstaple Railway - an Anthology' by David
Hudson, you will find that the 19 mile journey took '1hour 32
minutes' and went so slowly that up hills, some passengers alighted, picked
flowers and re-boarded at the hilltop! It
had a narrow 1'111/2"
gauge [the same as the Ffestiniog line] as against the standard 4'81/2" of
standard rails. George Newnes was
thought to be very altruistic with this railway, but when he linked it not to
Minehead but to Barnstaple and cut it short 700 feet above sea level, it
avoided a viaduct across the valley that would have spoilt the views. Perhaps he wanted to keep 'Little
Switzerland' for the wealthier visitors!
But his philanthropy also gave his
hometown an electric tramway, finance for an Antarctic expedition and generous
donations to the Salvation Army.
George Newnes was born in Matlock Bath,
Derbyshire in 1851, the son of a Congregational Minister, who hoped that George
would follow him into his profession. Not so!
After a good education, in 1867 he worked as a
Eight years later, he met and married
Priscilla Hillyard and together they produced two sons, Frank and Arthur.
They moved to
In 1885 Newnes became MP for
Over the years, he brought his family to
Sadly, his younger son, Arthur, died
suddenly of a brain fever aged 6. The shock to George was so great that his
fair hair went white - he was 40. The only way he survived was by working with
even greater determination. However, by1908, his business was failing. He had fought diabetes for some years, and
had taken to drink. He died two years later at Hollerday House, a
broken man with heavy debts, aged 59.
After his death, the family were aghast
at these debts and put Hollerday House on the market. It lay empty for 3 years and was then
deliberately set on fire. Originally
this was blamed on Suffragettes, but some locals believed that local folk did
it in the hope that insurance money would pay off local debts. If so, they were wrong!
The ruins became a play area for local
children but then during World War II, marines from Chivenor were allowed to
use it for battle practice. No wonder
that only a few foundation stones are left!
If you've not been, it's well worth the
climb to see the site and views. To get there, from the front of the Town Hall,
take the hill to the right and just before The Honey Pot, a narrow steep track
on the right leads to it. The official, gentler approach [originally the main
drive] is 200 yards further on to the right. On the site, you can read on
information boards all about the house and the Daily Mirror report of the fire.
It's also worth diverting to the tennis
court - still grassed with not even a sapling to spoil it. One can almost hear
the racquet thwacking the tennis ball.
So there is the story of a great man who
died one hundred years ago, but whose memory lingers in these twin towns. With his philanthropic ideas, he helped
Lynton and Lynmouth develop into one of the most popular and elegant resorts on
the
PP
of DC
Grateful thanks to Colin Croxford and Lynton Tourist information Centre
for their help, and Alex for remembering the bits I didn't! A useful book [see www.archive.org] was The Life of Sir George
Newnes Bart, by Hulda Friederichs, published in 1911
Hollerday House
c1907 from the Tom Bartlett Postcard Collection
20
THE BIRTHDAY BASH
On a lovely August day, the Newsletter celebrated its 21st
Birthday in style at the Manor Hall.
Beautifully decorated by Sheila and Gary with gold and maroon balloons and
streamers [and incredibly, at the time of writing they are still going strong
and have enhanced the Berry Revels and the Horticultural and Craft Show!], the
Hall looked very festive. Not knowing
how many people would turn up for the afternoon cream tea and birthday cake, it
was lovely to see so many, and the scones, jam and cream, and the cake, donated
by the Parish Council, soon disappeared, only leaving a few crumbs on the many
plates. Fortunately there were willing
[?] hands ready to clear away, wash up and prepare for the evening event.
That went off with a real bang! Revellers were enjoying their glass of
bubbly and nibbles as the editor of the Cherry Harbour Newsletter, busy working
on the next issue, was blown to smithereens when her mouse and computer emitted
smoke and exploded! Who could possibly
have done this dastardly deed?
Was it Okra Peeking [Fenella Boxall], the gossip columnist on
temporary assignment from the glossy magazine 'HELLO
Fortunately for the village, Inspector Clouseau [Pete
Newell], with his defective accent and oriental sidekick, the karate expert
Kato [Pip Summers], on
holiday in
Could it be Anthony de Winter [Tony Summers], Chairman of
the
Then there is Wanda Ampleforth [Tony Kitchin], the twice as
large as life and very sexy Chairlady of the 'Let's Put the Bloom Back in my
Cherry', whose message on her answer 'phone is incriminating evidence
enough: "I am sorry I cannot answer
the phone right now, but please press 1 if you want your clematis trimmed,
press 2 if you want me to come . . .
slight pause . . . and sort out your shrubs and if you want to buy marijuana,
simply press the hash key."
In addition, her affair with her solicitor, Tim Tartlett
[Tim Jones], mad village historian, secretary of the Men's Institute and avid
collector of Victorian pornography is about to become known. When Clouseau arrests her for lewd
behaviour, she points the finger at Debs Marley.
Debs Marley [Alison Charalambous], Queen of Shops, an old
hippy heavily into plants has been forcing Wanda into dodgy horticultural
dealings and admits that she has sold their story to Okra for money to enable
her to make her shop the best, not only in the west, but all over the
Deputy Head of the village school, Angelina , who enjoys
taking her pupils on field trips to
At Clouseau's request, Kato, by standing on a box, puts
Izzie [Colin Applegate] in a double headlock arm twist and she confesses that having
become bored pulling pints for a bunch of no-hopers and by controlling them
instead, is running a very nice little business. At this, Clouseau declares that she is the Godmother of Cherry
Harbour!
Taking a break, the assembled company indulged in the
lasagne supper and delicious sweets whilst deliberating on who dunnit, after
which Clouseau asked Izzie to explain her dirty business.
"Well, they are such a bunch of country bumpkins, it's
been like taking candy from a baby.
First of all, Anthony - he needs wine for his wine circle. I just add a few bob to the price of a case
of wine. His wife, Rebecca, is always
in the pub, so sozzled she thinks tap water is neat gin - money for old rope.
"As for Timmy, I knew he dabbled in "fine arts", as he
likes to call them, so I could sting him and that half-stoned hippie Debs
Marley for a percentage of their smutty photos. As for Wanda, well she was growing the weed
and all I had to do was to provide the customers - easy.
" When Angelina Madonna began running out of children,
I was able to ship in a few more from the surrounding villages. They never miss them in Ilfracombe.
"It all adds up
you know. Mind you, I've been getting a
bit bored lately and was thinking of expanding my market, maybe moving into
"Well I am really
on my vacances and Kato is feeling homesick, so Madame, I sink you 'ave a
deal. Allons-y."
And the three of them did, leaving the suspects stunned and
amazed - rather like everyone else in the Manor Hall!
But who did do it?
Was it Okra? No, the culprit was
. . . ?
The evening was very much enjoyed by everyone and the cast of
this 'extravaganza', aided and abetted by Tim Davis, Will Luckham, Chris Townsend and Paul
Crockett, must be thanked and congratulated.
All that was left to do now was the clearing up, and those willing hands
were there again!
Who did it? - Debs Marley . . . Keep an eye open for her
behind the Shop counter!
21
SAVING
SWIFTS
Most Berrynarbor residents will be familiar with Swifts,
which arrive in the
In addition, their
habit of [literally] screaming at high speed low over rooftops, often in small
parties, especially towards dusk, makes them unmissable to anyone out and about
the village.
Swifts are the most aerial of birds. They feed on flying
insects and never perch on wires like Swallows. In fact, once a young Swift has fledged, it
is unlikely to land anywhere until it reaches maturity and looks for a nest
site of its own three or four years later.
But finding that desirable location in which to nest is becoming
increasingly hard for Swifts. Their
nesting places, in the eaves of rooftops and older buildings with cavities,
such as the Manor Hall, are
disappearing as buildings are modernised and access to roof spaces blocked up.
Ten years ago, when Tim Jones and I came to live in the
Now, we have a chance to help them. As
some of you may have seen in a recent issue of the North Devon Journal, a
conservation project has been launched within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
[AONB] to help Swifts. With funding from the North Devon AONB,
researcher Greg Ebdon has been visiting villages within the AONB to record the
numbers of Swifts and the location of nest sites, as well as looking for
appropriate sites where specially constructed Swift nestboxes can be put up. Four nestboxes have already been installed
at St Helen's Church in Abbotsham, for example.
If you would like to encourage Swifts to nest within the
eaves of your house or on the wall under the eaves, you can obtain a nestbox
from Greg by contacting him on greg_ebdon@hotmail.com. Note that because Swifts need height to take
off, single-storey buildings are not suitable; nest sites are usually located
at least six metres from the ground. Once
a nestbox has been installed, to stop other birds using it, the opening can be
blocked until the Swifts return. If you
are unsure whether your house is suitable, I should be happy to give advice. You can contact me on 882965 [daytime] or
883807 [evenings/weekends] or at tim.davis@djenvironmental.com.
Tim
Davis
For
more information on Swifts, including a short video and a sound recording of
their calls, visit www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/swift.
Artwork
by Mike Langman [www.mikelangman.co.uk]
22
CHILDREN'S HOSPICE SOUTH WEST
SUPPORTERS' EVENTS
October
Fridays
to 10th December:
Friday
8th October:
Ashreigney Country Fundraisers Concert, Burrington Village Hall,
Friday,
15th October:
Christmas Shopping Evening, St. Peter's Church Hall, Fremington, 7.00 -
9.00 p.m. Cards, Jewellery, Crafts and
more, 50p entry.
Saturday,
30th October:
Murder Mystery Evening, Cedars Lodge,
23
Winners
of the Best Kept Village in Devon 2010
[Past
Winners' Group]
We were
thrilled to hear that the village had won the
We were also
thrilled to win two gold medals and the Mary Mortimer Cup [Best in the South
West for our category - large village] for
Meanwhile, and
back to earth, we'll be commencing the autumn jobs of clearing the
summer bedding, putting away the hanging baskets and planting up the bulbs for
spring. We'll also be having a litter pick before the Presentation
[must keep our efforts up!] so look out for the blooming posters for more
information.
Congratulations Berrynarbor!
24
Butter
to grease the tins
4 free
range eggs
125g/41/2oz
caster sugar
125g/41/2oz
plain flour
50g/2oz
white chocolate finely grated
Heat the oven to 180 Deg C/fan 160 Deg C/gas 4. Butter
and line the bases of two 20cm round sandwich tins.
Whisk the eggs and caster sugar together in a large bowl,
using a hand held electric whisk, until pale and thick enough to leave a trail
when the whisk is lifted.
Sift the flour into the bowl.
Add the grated chocolate and
fold everything together with a large metal spoon.
Divide the mixture between the prepared tins and bake for
20-25 minutes until just firm to the touch.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Icing
150ml/3/4 pint creme fraiche
200g/7oz white chocolate broken in to pieces
75g/3oz unsalted butter
3tbs single cream at room temperature
125g/4oz icing sugar
white chocolate curls to decorate
sugared rose petals to decorate [optional] sifted icing sugar to decorate
To make the icing, stir the rosewater/rose essence in to the
creme fraiche and use to sandwich the 2 cakes together on a serving plate.
Put the white chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set
over a pan of barely simmering water so that the base of the bowl does not
touch the water and leave until melted. Allow
to cool a little and then stir in the cream and icing sugar and beat until
smooth.
Leave the mixture to cool and thicken a little and then
spread over the top and sides of the cake using a palette knife.
Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate curls, rose
petals and a dusting of icing sugar. Scrumptious!
Wendy
25
AN INTERESTING
In 1897, the organ was presented and installed, again by the
Bassett family. It was originally at Bett
26
WHO KILLED DEADEYE DICK?
Wild West Murder Mystery coming
to the Manor Hall
If you feel like dressing up Wild West style and dropping in
to the Berrynarbor Saloon on Saturday, 27th November, you could win a prize for
solving a murder mystery! The fun
filled evening includes a buffet supper, raffle, and you could also win a prize
for best dressed member of the audience!
The evening starts at
Proceeds to Children in Need and the Manor Hall.
27
NEWS
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
The summer is over and shops are already gearing up for
Christmas [some have been doing it for some time!]. By the time you read this, our shop will
have its extensive range of Christmas cards for sale and over the next two
months, seasonal presents will arrive. Do come and see . . .
. . . which brings me to another Bonus Scheme. If you remember, the last one was in April
this year. The idea is the same. If you spend more than £10 in the shop in
one go [excluding tobacco goods] 5 times during the month of November, you will
get a £5 voucher. The offer applies to
all family members living at the same address. Forms will be available at the shop. Simple isn't it? And useful just before Christmas. Anita and Debbie look forward to seeing you
Last but not least, nominations are due for the Countryside
Alliance Awards for the best village shop.
For the last two years we have been voted the best shop in the South West. Let's make it a third time lucky and perhaps we'll be a national winner! It would be great to get your support and if
anyone has ideas to put forward as to why it's the best, Deb and Anita
would love to hear from you.
PP of
DC
28
GREETINGS!
With Pam's talk of Christmas [and today mince pies were seen
on sale!] it might be pertinent to let readers know that Christmas Greetings
for friends and neighbours will again be able to be sent via the
Newsletter. This has proved very
popular in the past and has raised substantial funds shared by the Manor Hall
and the Newsletter. If you would like
to take part, please let me have your message, together with a donation AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE, but by Monday 15th November
at the latest. Messages may be left at
the Shop or Chicane. Thank you.
Judie
29
LOCAL
Sanderlings and
It was a glorious day in late August but as we crossed the
Burrows we'd only encountered a small party of cyclists.
On reaching the beach we found a sparse scattering of sunbathers
along the edge of the dunes. However,
about a mile away, at the popular end of the beach, through the heat haze, the
crowds of holiday makers appeared like an abstract pattern of flickering
colours, more shimmering mosaic than human.
A dog bounding along the water's edge disturbed a group of
small pale waders. They landed again a
short distance away and ran about the shoreline. They were Sanderlings, a scarce winter
visitor and passage migrant.
However, they occur on
the Exe Estuary and the Taw/Torridge Estuary, together with Saunton Sands more
than at any other sites in
Some way off we noticed a few Common Gulls resting on the
beach looking very docile. They, too,
are classed as winter visitors or passage migrants but in the last Devon Bird
Report, twenty-one were recorded in the area of the Taw/Torridge Estuary in
August, whilst there were few August records elsewhere in the country and in
single figures only.
The damp sand was firm underfoot which made the walk along
the beach a pleasure - none of that sinking feeling that can slow up a walk on
sand. As we came closer to the gulls
we found that the two birds at the edge of the group and facing the sea were
Sandwich Terns [a similar size]. They
were already in autumn plumage with a white patch of forehead showing between
the black cap and the long black bill with its yellow tip. The wispy crest at the back of the crown was
clearly visible. We heard their rasping
'kirrik' call as they flew out to sea to join another half dozen Sandwich Terns
which were diving frequently.
It is fascinating to watch these graceful, agile birds. When they have completed the dive they come
up again quickly without the need to rest briefly before taking to the sky, as
the considerably larger gannet does. It
is the commonest tern in
August and September
are the months to look out for Sandwich Terns on the coast of
Illustrations: Paul
Swailes
30
OLD BERRYNARBOR NO. 127
This picture of
Back
Row: Mrs. Cowperthwaite, Sidney Dennis, Raymond
Thorne, Neil Dalgren, Ray Toms, Paul Smith, Colin Weeks, Brian Dennis
Middle
Row: Colin Bryson, John Sledmar, Andrew
Cruickshank, Adrian Jelfs, Larry White, Roger Blackwell, Michael Warburton,
John Sidebottom, Michael Mitcham, John Harris, Stuart Thomas
Front
Row: Hilary Smythe, Elaine Crighton, Vera Coates,
Sonia Stoddart [Duckett], Edna Coates, Bridget Emmerson, Janet Lomer, Rosemary
Huxtable, Eileen Stanbury, Cheryl Layton, Diana Crick, Linda Thorne
At this time there were only two classes at the school. Miss
Muriel Richards taught the Infants Class [5-7 year olds] with around 15 pupils
and Mrs. Cowperthwaite the older Class 2 [7-11 year olds].
The Infants' classroom had an old-type coke heater with high
metal surround and wet clothing was put on railings to dry beside it. School dinners were cooked in the school by
Miss Brooks, who lived in Ilfracombe.
Elaine and Sonia both remember these dinners as being hot, good,
wholesome food - roast dinners, stews - with good fresh vegetables and, of
course, puddings of the steamed variety, and if you were lucky, an extra
spoonful of mock cream! Dinners,
enjoyed by all the pupils, cost
1 shilling a day, 5 new
pence. Sports were held in a field
owned by Bob Richards, Cheryl Layton's uncle.
Sonia and Elaine also remember one exciting outing to Cheddar Gorge and
Bristol Zoo where they were delighted to see Rosie, the famous elephant who
gave thousands of rides to children during the 1950's.
When the Queen was crowned on
The school had five outside toilets - three for the girls and
two for the boys - and in winter the children dashed in and out! Fresh milk was provided daily for all pupils
in 1/3rd pint bottles, delivered in crates from a local farm. Elaine remembers that every Friday was
spelling tests and occasionally they would go to Brimlands in Ilfracombe for
sports. Country dancing took place in
the playground - weather permitting - with a wind-up portable gramophone and
needles that needed changing frequently.
Always on Ash Wednesday the children carried a twig of ash to school and
nature walks, often going down the
The second picture shows the Infants Class back around 1920
with their teacher Miss Lily Richards, who later married Fred Huxtable. Previously shown in View No. 69, the pupils
are:
Back Row: Verna Richards, Reg Leigh, Rachel Irwin, Vera
Richards , Phyllis Watkins, Mary Lavinia Pinching
Middle
Row: Frances Huxtable, George Gear, Leslie Sydnam,
Ron Toms, Brenda Richards, George Irwin
Front
Row: Frederick Draper, Albert Adams, Eddie Courtney,
Further to my article in the August issue, Ron and Gladys
Dyer have kindly given me the name of their Best Man, Desmond Lee, and
Bridesmaid, Valerie Williams. Valerie
later married Gladys' brother Wilfred.
Tom Bartlett,
Tower Cottage - September 2010
e-mail: tombartlett40@hotmail.com
31
OUR ADOPTED PUPPIES
Hello, I'm Ruby, and I thought I would write and let you know
how I am getting on learning to be a Canine Partner.
My puppy parents have been working hard with me and they keep
telling everyone that I am a loveable and loving dog. I like my new experience including going on
the bus for the first time, visiting the supermarket and even going for a ride
in a lift!
I love food, walks and training, but my favourite is
food. I am not overly keen on standing
still and not doing anything, I much prefer to be busy. I have to learn to settle down though,
because when I am partnered with a person with disabilities I will need to lie
down quietly in shops and other places.
I have learned, when I think it is time for playtime or a walk, to nudge
my puppy parent gently just to remind them in case they've forgotten.
The most exciting task I have been taught recently is to
remove gloves and socks. Everyone is
very pleased with me as that is quite a difficult task and one that will be
very helpful to my future partner.
I am absolutely loving life and am as keen to work and train
as I am to play or enjoy a walk in the countryside. This makes me a very easy puppy and everyone
is convinced that I'll be a wonderful assistance dog.
Thank you so much for supporting me and I hope you enjoy
reading about my progress.
Ruby
32