Edition 130 - February 2011


EDITORIAL
A white Christmas - it was this year, and hopefully the snow did not upset too many travel arrangements for coming or going to families for the festive break.
Let's hope that the worst of the winter weather might be over and the delightful and delicate blossom and fishes on the cover, the talented work of Mary Hughes, is a reminder that spring can't be too far away, and British Summer Time begins on the 27th March!
Another bumper crop of Christmas messages in the December issue boosted the Manor Hall and Newsletter funds by the very welcome sum of £170 each. Thank you to everyone who participated. Thank you, too, for the many cards I received, it was lovely to hear from you, especially the far-flung readers and Betty Parker sends: 'Best Wishes to anyone who remembers me!'
The cold spells have brought with them 'coughs and sneezes' and get well wishes go to everyone who has suffered or is not feeling their best at present. Good wishes also go to all newcomers to the village and those who have left us.
There are a number of events planned for the next few weeks, so make a note of them on your calendar and support them if you can.
Although I say it in every issue, I really do sincerely thank everyone who contributes to the Newsletter in any way, especially those who regularly do so with articles and illustrations - where would it be without you?
Did you make a resolution that 2011 would be the year you contributed? Let's be having something then - I look forward to hearing from you! Articles and items for the April and Easter issue are welcome as soon as possible and before the middle of March, that is the 14th, at the latest please. Thank you.
Judie - Ed
1

ST. PETER'S CHURCH
Christmas
celebrations began with the Carol Service on 23rd December. The church had already been decorated and
was bright and welcoming with the tree and crib lit up and festive flower
arrangements on every shelf and sill.
The pews were full and as well as the well-loved carols and readings,
the service included the school choir singing 'I Saw Three Ships' and the
village choir singing 'The Angel Gabriel' and a Christmas lullaby.
Services
on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were as well attended as usual, in spite of
the icy weather, and Readers and Clergy must be thanked for making difficult
journeys to reach us and also the bell-ringers who missed no services,
including the one held on Boxing Day.
This dedication was all made worthwhile by the numbers present in
church. Collections taken up for the
Children's Hospice came to £250.
The
new Rector, the Revd. Christopher Steed, will be moving into Combe Martin
Rectory soon and as he will be Rector of the whole North Devon Coast Team, the
licensing is due to take place in
Easter
is not until the end of April this year and Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 9th
March. Mothering Sunday will be on 3rd
April when there will be a Family Service - more details next time.
'How
many Loaves have you?' This year the
service for the Women's World Day of Prayer will be held here at St. Peter's on
Friday, 4th March, the time to be confirmed but it is usually early
afternoon. We shall be joined by
members of all the churches in Combe Martin making up Christians Together.
The
service this year has been written by the women of
Stretching
from
violence in
Although
organised and led by women, this is essentially a day of prayer for everybody
as solidarity with those in other countries is demonstrated, and all are welcome
to attend.
Our
thanks to Karen and the staff at The Globe for continuing to host the
Friendship Lunch once a month. Numbers
have dwindled over the past year, so do come and join us for a meal and
company. We usually meet on the last
Wednesday of the month - turn up for 12.00-12.15 and order whatever we want
from the menu, everyone paying for themselves.
It is all quite informal. The
next lunches will be on Wednesdays, 23rd February and 30th March. Please ring me [883881] if you would like to
come so we can give The Globe a rough idea of numbers.
Mary Tucker
2

JOSEF BELKA 1962-2010
Many
of us in Berrynarbor will remember Hedy's son, Josef.
Christmas, a year ago, he was in the village, staying with his
mother, when Hedy slipped on a walk at Hunters Inn and broke her leg. Josef stayed on for many weeks to help her,
and was a familiar face around the village and visitor to the Shop.
On
previous visits, he also joined in the walks on
This
Christmas he had arranged to come and stay with his mother, but 'phoned a few
days before to say he was ill with 'flu and so unable to travel. On the 23rd December, Hedy was unable to
contact him on the 'phone and became concerned. Josef was found later that day, having
passed away in his home.
His
funeral took place on the 26th January and Josef's ashes will be brought to
Berrynarbor where they will be buried with his father's ashes, in the village
church cemetery.
Our
thoughts and love are with Hedy and her family at this very sad time.
YD
3
FINANCES
February
is finance time, when postal readers need to renew their subscription and for
those of you to whom this applies, a letter is enclosed. Thank you to everyone
who has already renewed and sent donations.
Although
the costs for printing and stationery, like everything, continue to rise, and
postal charges will again be going up in April, to receive your Newsletter by
post will continue, for this year, to cost you just £5.00 [February to
December, inclusive]. This does not,
however, include the actual cost of the newsletter itself, which although
nominally a 'freebie', does in fact cost approximately £1 per copy per
issue. Therefore, donations towards
that cost would be very welcome and appreciated.
If
you would like to join the mailing list and receive your copy this way, please
give me a ring on [01271] 883544.
Again,
the charges for advertisers will remain the same and I thank advertisers for supporting
the Newsletter in this way. Current
charges are: Quarter Page £5.00
or £25.00 for six issues. Half Page £10.00
or £50 for six issues etc.
I
take this opportunity to thank the Parish and Parochial Church Councils and
other organisations for their continued support and everyone who kindly donates
via the Shop, Sue's, The Globe and the Sawmill and by post. The Newsletter can only survive with your
support. I also thank Sue's of Combe
Martin and Dave, who deliver copies with the newspapers.
4
LITTLE BRIDGE HOUSE
Children's Hospice South West
All
Year Round Visit Days
[by appointment only]
Each month we open our hospice doors to our
supporters to give them an insight into children's hospice life. We do not have any planned family stays at
Little Bridge House during these days and use it as an opportunity to carry out
annual maintenance and provide our donors and volunteers with a day of thanks
for all their ongoing support.
Future
dates are: Mondays 14th February, 14th
March, 11th April and 9th May. To make
arrangements to visit, telephone [01271] 325270.
We
are looking for runners who have their own place in the Bath Half Marathon on
6th March, or the London Marathon on 17th April, who might like to use it to
raise funds for Children's Hospice South West, when we would support you with a
fundraising pack, other help, and a running vest or T-shirt. If you would like to run for us, please
e-mail us at events@chsw.org.uk.
Having
attended one of the visiting days and seen for myself the wonderful care and
support the children and their families are given, which is beyond belief, I
can only recommend that if you can, do visit, you will be humbled and amazed. Ed.
5

MANOR
Christmas
and New Year seem weeks ago now, as does the Manor Hall Christmas Card
Distribution and Coffee Morning.
However, it's never too late for saying a big 'Thank you all' for
supporting the event, and for coming along on that snow-covered Saturday to enjoy
the morning festivities and join in the carol singing led by Stuart and the
village choir. A very relaxed and
informal couple of hours and a sum in excess of £300 raised to support Hall
funds. A major slice came from the
donations for Christmas messages published in the December Newsletter. Thank you all and thank you Judie and the
Newsletter!
As
we move into 2011, your Committee has been busy behind the scenes. Firstly, a number of updates and improvement
to some of the electrical circuitries have been completed, and secondly, our
heating engineer has been grappling with the dreaded gas heater No. 4, seeking
to sort out what has been a long standing problem. Hopefully this should be sorted by the time you're
reading this.
The
third area of activity concerns the kitchen where we're near concluding the
plans for a major refurbishment. Part
of the planning will be to carry out the work with minimum disruption to our
valued regular bookings, but some impact may be unavoidable. If you are the organiser or leader of a
regular activity in the Hall which would rely on kitchen access, then you will
be contacted ahead of any work.
Everyone's patience and understanding would really be appreciated.
A
concluding note has to be a vote of thanks to Tom Bartlett for his help and
support on the Committee for several years now. Tom has resigned his duties . . . to free up
more time for even more holidays?!
Enjoy!
So,
the Committee presently stands at eight members, at least two of whom have
served on the Committee for close on ten years, and could be seeking to stand
down this spring. So, again, comes the
question of new members. Of possible
interest? Want to know more? If so, please do give me a call on [01271]
889298. Kind regards.
Colin Trinder - Chairman 6

WEATHER OR NOT
November
was an interesting month which started with rain and strong winds. On the 11th there were gale warnings for
every sea area bar two: for Lundy the
forecast was up storm 10 and for the
December
broke a few records, it was a very cold month, the coldest in the south west
since records began. It did warm up in
the last few days but up to the 28th, the temperature never reached double
figures. The average maximum for the
month was 5.1 Deg C, with an average minimum of 0.59 Deg C. We recorded our lowest ever temperature on
the 7th when it fell to -6 Deg C at 0737.
We also recorded a wind chill of -14 Deg C, which was not a record but still
pretty cold! The coldest day was
Christmas Day when the thermometer only reached a high of 0.2 Deg C and then fell
away to -5.6 Deg C overnight. Several
inches of snow fell but with a total of only 32mm [1 1/4"] of precipitation,
it was the driest December that we have ever recorded by a long way, the
nearest was 88mm [31/2"] in 1996 and again in 2008. The 10.89 hours of sunshine were slightly up
on average.
2010 also broke records for being the
driest we have recorded and nationally the driest since 1953. We had only 1019mm [40 1/8"], slightly over
half of our wettest year which was 1994 with 3032mm [80"].
Simon and Sue
7

Usually,
our monthly format means that a member selects six wines and, therefore, spends
the entire evening describing their selection, waiting for opinions, answering
questions and seated on their own before their audience. A new idea, 'Committee's Choice' proved to
be an excellent decision for our Christmas gathering on December 8th, as wines
were presented by six members. These
discrete deliveries enabled everybody to make their presentations, participate
in the generous three or four course buffet and
the camaraderie that always prevails.
Star of the alcoholic show was for many the dessert wine: a liquid
Christmas pudding if ever there was one!
'Call
My Wine Bluff' was another success, as usual.
Typically, the panel trio teased us with
February's
meeting, on the 16th, will be another interesting and varied sextet: a small
sample from the numerous, excellent wines produced by our nearest European
neighbour - France. Nicola Keeble lives
and works in the
A
date change means now that the March meeting will also be devoted to
Tony
Summers will 'travel' west to present 'South America Revisited' in April; Jan
Tonkin completes our 2010/2011 season in May and will 'head east' to supply
tastings from
New
members are always welcome; it is a great way to meet more locals and make
friends, particularly if you are newcomers.
Our party consists of a few 'Wine Buffs'; most of us just enjoy,
thoroughly, the ability to imbibe, learn a little, laugh a lot and, perhaps,
walk home!
Judith
Adam - Promotional Co-ordinator
8
QUICK QUOTE
"Ask
yourself if you are happy and you cease to be so!" - John Stuart Mill. 1806-1873
[Philosopher and campaigner for votes for women].
The
Government is to produce "An Index of National Happiness" at a cost
of 2 million pounds.
9
On
my way to a six-week stay on the
The
interview was a fiasco - Fred translated and I soon dropped out. Fred gave me an account afterwards.
Helmar Hanssen, by then an old man, had been
one of the five in Amundsen's dash for the South Pole, when he pipped
Scott. He had always, each day, been
the lead team in the line of Amundsen's five sledges. They kept well apart, mostly because each
husky team fought any other like hell, given the chance. Also, well spaced helped the five keep to a
straight course. A few miles short of
the pole, H.H. had an 'accident', fell to last in the line, and so not H.H. but
Amundsen was first at the pole.
He
also lectured me on the difference between the English and the Norwegians in
polar work: the English erratic,
disorganised amateurs - the Norwegians serious effective professionals. But
. . .

Amundsen's dog team
reach the South Pole, December 1911

Scott and his men
find the Norwegian flag flying at the Pole, January 1912

I
sent the postcard to my father after the meeting - the signature is that of
H.H., the note 'South Pole 14th Dec. 1911' is mine.
Dick
Pool
10
MUMMERS AT THE GLOBE
On
the 5th January, the North Devon Mummers put on a lively Christmas play at The
Globe.
The
play dates from the 18th century, and the players had costumes and masks
depicting St. George and the Dragon, Father Christmas and other characters
originating in Medieval times. It was
great fun, with many cheers and boos from the audience on the antics of the actors.
The
entertainment continued with impromptu music and the singing of folk tunes from
the cast and audience - including our own 'bard' Tony Summers.

The
money raised at The Globe, and five other local pubs, was donated to the North
Devon Volunteering Services in Ilfracombe to help run our Direct Services
project. The office, next to Mike
Turton's butcher's shop, always welcomes new volunteers. It runs a transport scheme and wheelchair
hire service, as well as other forms of practical help to those in need. To learn more about what is on offer or if
you would like to know more about volunteering, just call in.
Yvonne Davey
June
Coleman is delighted to announce the safe arrival of her fourth grandchild, a
first granddaughter.
Jessica was born in
Our congratulations
to you all and a warm welcome to the little one.
11

RURAL
REFLECTIONS - 48
In
my last article I described the first part of a car journey, undertaken late at
night, one week before Christmas in 2003.
Earlier on in the day, low grey clouds had deflected the setting sun's
intense orange rays, reddening the landscape.
Red for danger, perhaps? Quite
possibly - nature's rural creatures did seem to have an aura of urgency about
them, as though sensing an impending change in the weather.
Whilst
birds and livestock took note of the skies and sought refuge from the
heightening gusts of wind I, however, decided to ignore the signs and drive as
planned to a Christmas meal in
Having
met signs at a deserted Chivenor roundabout preventing me from progressing
further along the A361, then meeting a string of cars reversing on the lane to
Ashford [Plan B], I had attempted the back road to Ilfracombe [Plan C], only to
discover the road flooded and impassable at Muddiford. My next plan was also my final one - left
until last as it was both the longest route home and, more significantly, along
a road I had never driven before, although we had been in
Within
minutes I was questioning if I had made the right decision. The rain, so it seemed, merely strengthened
with every broken white line of the road.
At Burridge I made out a few smudged house lights; but before I could
decide whether to stop, the properties were past me, disappearing into the
murkiness of the night. Ahead of me was
nothingness; just blackness all around and only the deluge of raindrops,
highlighted by my car's headlights, to visually keep me company. Our uncomfortable partnership would
occasionally be supplemented by a flock of dazzled eyes in an adjacent
field. Their reflective stares seemed to
send back a message that only madmen would choose to be out on such a monstrous
night. They were probably right! But still I carried on, slowly and
cautiously, peeking through my windscreen in an attempt to make out anything
ahead.
Just
for a moment the rain fractionally eased, enough for me to read a sign, saying
'Shirwell'. On reflection, I should
have stopped and called for assistance at one of the village houses, but it was
now just past
Just
out of Shirwell, the pounding rain returned.
By now I felt my only option was to carry on - I had gone too far on
this cross-country route to begin the return journey. Panic started to set in whilst the noise of
the rain, pelting upon the car's roof, faded in my ears and was superseded by
my own pounding heart beat. All my
fears of the dark began to overtake me.
How I wished I could instantly return to my urban roots where, after
nightfall, I felt secure knowing people were all around me!
These
thoughts were, however, soon put aside when the relatively straight and
hedge-lined route I had so far taken, suddenly became a steeply descending road
with hairpin bends. I could just make
out a vertical bank of earth rising beside the road, up from which tree trunks
vanished into the night sky. I tried
to comfort myself, knowing that having completed the descent and then crossed
the River Yeo, I should begin climbing Windford Hill and eventually reach
Blackmore Gate - familiar territory, nearer to home.
But,
just like at Braunton and Muddiford, my journey came to an abrupt halt. The River Yeo had broken its banks and made
the road utterly impassable. Would I ever
get home? One thing was
certain. I had to move away from the
rising pool of water in front of me. This
time though, my U-turn would be at a
hairpin bend on a steep gradient. If a
vehicle failed to stop as it came around the corner . . .
[to be continued]
Stephen
McCarthy
12

This year, Berrynarbor has been asked to
represent the South West in the National Britain in Bloom Competition, and we
have again entered the
Firstly though we are having a fund
raising evening in the Manor Hall on Friday, 25th February at
This will be followed by a meeting in The
Globe at
Forget the February cold weather and the
chilly economic climate and try this winter warming pudding. Look out for supermarket Stollen going cheap
at this time of the year or one that you have not used since Christmas.
13

Stollen
and Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding
[if you don't have quite enough Stollen make it up with bread or tea cakes]
75g/3oz butter
150g/5oz dark chocolate
3 large free-range eggs
110g/4oz caster sugar
600ml/1 pint whipping cream [or 1/2 and 1/2 milk and cream]
Lightly grease an oven proof dish around 18 x 23cm - the exact
measurement does not matter. Slice the
Stollen and spread with the butter.
Whisk
the 3 eggs, sugar and cream, [or milk and cream] together in a separate
bowl. Pour a little of the egg/cream
mix into the base of the buttered dish and then arrange half the Stollen slices
in the dish and scatter with half the chocolate chunks.
Pour
over half the egg/cream mixture and then cover with the other half of the
Stollen slices and finish with the other half of the chocolate chunks. Pour over the rest of the egg/cream mix.
Cover
with cling film and stand for half an hour.
Bake
in the oven 180 Deg /gas mark 4 for 30-35 minutes until golden and crisp. Allow to stand for 5 minutes and then serve
with lashings of cream, custard or ice cream.
This
pudding is very rich so I hope you will feel like a millionaire whilst eating
it.
Wendy
14

NEWS FROM THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Happy
New Year to you all. January
already! We are nearly half way through
our school year - where has the time gone?
We
have welcomed
The
lead up to Christmas is always busy and last term was no exception. The highlights were the whole school visit
to the Panto in Barnstaple, visits to the Exmoor Zoo - very chilly but lots of
fun - and, of course, the Senior Dudes Meal.
Our Christmas service was wonderful and we were joined by lots of families
and friends. The

The
children had an extended holiday because of our inset days and so returned to
school on the 10th January well rested.
The term ahead looks a little quieter, at the moment, but we still have
lots to look forward to including Aquasplash for Years 3 and 4, a visit from
the Explorer Dome and Arts Week.
The
whole school are working on a History topic this term. The children will be finding out about
On
Friday, 11th February, we shall be saying goodbye to our School Administrator,
Barbara Jordan. Mrs.
assembly to share those precious memories and
to say thank you and farewell.
Half Term:
Monday 21st to Friday 25th February, inclusive
End of Term:
Friday, 8th April
Start of Summer Term: Tuesday, 26th April
Su Carey - Head Teacher

Pictures by Johnnie Goring - Year 6
15
THE MEN'S INSTITUTE
The
Men's Institute members and guests had a very enjoyable evening at The Globe in
November, celebrating their annual Presentation Evening.
Winners were:
Winner | Runner Up | |
---|---|---|
Team Event | Tony Summers, Colin Applegate, Bob Hobson and John Huxtable | |
Winter League | Gerry Marangone | Karl Ozelton |
Scratch Singles | Tony Summers | Brian Draper |
HandicapSingles | Gerry Marangone | Tony Summers |
Doubles | Phil Bridle and Maurice Draper | Ivan Clarke and Kevin Brooks |
Summer League | Brian Draper | Kevin Brooks |
Highest Break | Kevin Brooks - 25 |
John Huxtable
16
SUPER TED

Many
of you will remember Wendy Hilling and her canine partner Edward [Teddy] who
visited us a year ago and astounded us with their incredible partnership.
Wendy
tells us she is now a Trustee of Living Options in
Wendy
and her husband Peter now totally rely on Teddy for her care at night, when she
can stop breathing, and he has never let them down.
They
were all very taken with Berrynarbor and have visited since and hope to come
again soon. We look forward to seeing
them.
17
ERRATUM
Having
enjoyed dancing to his music in those days - sometime ago now! - of dinner
dances, and following Tony's article in the December issue, it was lovely to
hear from Ted Manley himself.
He
says that unfortunately Peter Sellers did not play in his band, it was the
season prior to the time he played on the Pier. His drummer was Max Farman.
Ted
also says that his mother's maiden name was Olive German and that she was born
at Goosewell. Her brother Tom, was the
Berrynarbor Blacksmith and her father, Ted's grandfather, was the village
postman. His mother, Olive Manley, and
her sister, Lillian Bradbear, are buried in St. Peter's Churchyard.
18
PILATES
Pilates was developed in the early 20th
century by Joseph Pilates in
Joseph Pilates had practised many of the
physical training regimes available in
Pilates is a flowing
movement - outward from a strong, centred core. Stamina and strength is built
up in a very gentle way.
However, we have all moved on since the
1930's and 1940's - yet the original basic principles of Pilates still
apply. These are concentration,
control, centre, flow, precision and breathing. There are many forms of Pilates today and
Joseph Pilates's methods have been modernised.
My form of Pilates has evolved through many years of fitness teaching.
Originally I started as an aerobics instructress. However, as I have matured, so has my
exercise teaching. I have studied
medicine, physiology and anatomy; plus many forms of exercise, including The
Alexander Technique. I have been a
qualified Pilates instructress for over 10 years and 5 years ago I qualified to
teach Pilates instructors.
Our group in Berrynarbor is a happy, fun
group and the Manor Hall is an excellent venue for a class where there is
plenty of room and a good atmosphere. In my classes everyone is encouraged to work
at their own pace. We do not jump or
leap about, and we do not work through pain or discomfort. So age or ability is no restriction. You will find class members working at all
different levels. However, exercises
can be built up to a very challenging level if required.
We work through posture correction;
learning how to use our bodies correctly and safely. Re-educating our bodies how to work after
many years of misuse; therefore helping
greatly neck, shoulder, spine, hip, pelvic, knee and ankle problems. Strengthening weaker areas through centring,
alignment and developing strong, central core muscles. You will learn how to
breathe correctly and effectively - alleviating stress and tension. Also, improving circulation, balance and
your whole outlook on life. Pilates can
be effectively used as part of a weight loss/control programme. We are not training to run a marathon! However, Pilates exercises are valued by many
top sportsmen and women, ballet dancers, etc., where the many benefits of
Pilates, including increased bone density and greater joint mobility
apply. This creates fewer injuries and
improves performance, plus a greater ability to deal with stress and a boosted
immune system.
Our class, open to both womenfolk and
menfolk, starts with a gentle warm-up, followed by toning and strengthening
exercises, finishing with a cool-down and relaxation.
All you need is to wear loose fitting
clothing and bring a drink. For more
details e-mail valerie@may01.demon.co.uk or ring 01271
343944. Otherwise just turn up ready to exercise at
We look forward to seeing you. Valerie May
19

NEWS FROM OUR
COMMUNITY
Well,
our Community Shop is now in its seventh year!
Thanks to Anita and Debbie, it is well stocked, a pleasant place to shop,
and as promised, credit cards are now accepted.
Following
requests, please note that as from 1st February there will be a change to the
lunchtime closing hour, which will be
By
now you should have had a note from the shop through your letterbox saying that
the revenue is slightly down - probably partly due to the economic climate -
but if every shopper spent just 50p more each visit,rather than spending it
elsewhere, or if there were a few more shoppers, the shop would be much more
viable
The
committee is always thinking of ways to help:
* Kath and Anita are organising a
* Arrangements have been made with the two
Tims to give us another presentation.
Full details follow this article.
* Part of the first floor will be available to
let shortly for individual sessions e.g. chiropodist, hairdresser etc. Please
let Anita know if you would like to make use of it and keep your eyes open for
what is on offer.
* Debbie is aiming to produce a 2012
Berrynarbor calendar in time for Easter, and needs J-peg photographs to select
from [either e-mailed to her at burntbymarconi@hotmail.com
or on a memory stick] not later than the 26th February. So take a look at your local pictures [any
season] and please submit them. You
could well be 'flavour of the month'!
* FISH
FRIDAY We can now supply you with
fresh fish from the Fish Shop on the Quay at Ilfracombe. Order before
We are currently looking very
closely at the range of products we stock and are always looking for
variations/changes to better cater for your needs. We shall be trying out more local suppliers
and would welcome your feedback. There
will shortly be a sale of the slow moving items that we no longer want to
stock.
If
you have any extra ideas, please let Anita or Deb know.
Incidentally,
due to several requests, there is now an extended range of vegetarian products
in our shop. Do take a look.
Before
the next issue of our popular newsletter, Valentine's Day will have passed -
and Mothering Sunday will be upon us.
There will be suitable recipes in the shop and lots of chocolates to buy
for the special ones in your life!
Happy
Shopping!
PP of DC
20
A YEAR IN THE GARDEN AT HARPERS
On
Wednesday, 23rd March, in the Manor
Hall, Tim and Tim will take you around the Garden at Harpers Mill through the
year, looking at the variety of wildlife that the far-flung reaches of the
They
will take a light-hearted look at the challenges and opportunities of making a
garden in a steep-sided valley on a north-facing slope in one of the wettest
parts of the country! Does that sound
familiar to anyone?
The
Manor Hall doors will open at 7.00 for a
Community Shop or on the door on the
evening. Proceeds from the evening will
go to our Community Shop.
21

THE CRYSTAL SET
In
the '40's and living in
One
of these was for a
Not
being able to resist for long, I decided to send for one.
I
was on my way to the Post Office to get the necessary postal order to cover the
cost when who should be passing our gate but Captain Adams from On-a-Hill
garage. Now, as he had done some radio
repairs for the family in the past, I asked him if he had any advice on the
subject.
"Well,"
he said "All I can say is get the best possible aerial.
I
thanked him and continued on my way to the Post Office. I knew it would be a few days before the
crystal set arrived so I took the bus to Ilfracombe the next day. I lost no time in calling in at FRIENDS and
they were very helpful.
"Oh,
go on, you can have it for nothing", the lady in the shop said as she
handed me the remains of a roll of bell wire.
As
I sat on the bus travelling back to Berrynarbor, I was trying to think where I
should string the aerial. It was just
as I was about to open our front gate that a good [as I thought] idea formed in
my mind.

Illustration by: Paul Swailes
I
could get out of my bedroom window on to the lean-to roof. From there I could climb onto the mezzanine
roof to the bathroom and from there walk up on to the main roof. I could then walk along the ridge and string
the aerial wire around the chimney at each end.
The
next day was dry so I carried out the rigging of the bell wire quite regardless
of the danger of falling, and how stupid was that.
Within
a few days there was a nice little package in the post from
I
soon found out what the next dangerous thing was! That was going to sleep with the headphones
on only to wake up and find the wire twisted around my neck. Do I need to say, "Don't do these
things at home!"
Tony Beauclerk - Stowmarket
22

REPORT FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL
At
the December and January meetings, reports were received from the Police,
County and District Councillors.
The
Parish Council continues to be in dialogue with the company who installed the
play equipment regarding the poor workmanship.
Arrangements have been made for the Royal Society for the Prevention of
Accidents to inspect the equipment when they carry out annual inspections in
Other
long standing items on the Agenda continue to receive attention with a view to
satisfactory resolving matters in the near future. Responses have been made to Planning
Applications.
The
Council is in the process of revising the Standing Orders, a model copy of
which has been obtained from the National Association of Local Councils.
There
is to be a Public Meeting at
with the scheduled Parish Council Meeting
commencing at
Arrangements
are in hand to change the energy supplier for the power at the public toilets,
for which the Parish Council is responsible.
It had been noted that the Standing Charge and amount per kilowatt was
high and a more competitive price has been given and accepted with another
company.
Sue Squire - Clerk [01598 710526]
23

BERRYNARBOR HORTICULTURAL COMMITTEE NEWS
Newly formed Committee are: Linda Camplin [chair], Tracy
and Darren Burgess, Kate
Rees, Keith
Thomas, Mick
and Sandy Gadd
We
should like to take this opportunity to thank the previous committee for their
hard work over the past few years in keeping the Show a success.
Date
for your diary: 16th April - Coffee
Morning in the Manor Hall in association with
Please
keep checking the Newsletters for further information. Feel free to give Linda a call on 883322 if
you have any queries.
24
SPLATT!!!

On the wall of the dining room in a renowned
Ilfracombe residential home is a notice posted for the guidance of residents. The
notice is headed 'SEAGULLS'. The text
reads:
Please do not feed
the seagulls as
they are becoming a
nuisance. Thank you.
Now,
the population of seagulls in Ilfracombe consists of a bunch of highly
sophisticated and educated birds, and those gulls have decided to retaliate!
Observers
have seen flocks of birds gathering and then dive-bombing the home, leaving
their marks on the windows. The local
window cleaner is certainly kept busy!
Did
Homer nod, or did I hear someone say 'tut-tut'? But after all, the birds have got to eat,
haven't they?
Walter
25
Berrynarbor
Community Shop is about to open its doors to a new venture - complementary
therapies will soon be available. To
start with, Liz Lillicrap will be offering Reflexology sessions and Valerie May
Spiritual Healing.
Reflexology is an ancient
healing art practised by the Egyptians, Chinese and other civilisations, and it
did not come to the Western World until the 19th Century. It is usually carried out on the feet, as
these, surprisingly, are more sensitive than hands, face or ears. It works on reflex areas of the foot, and on
acupressure meridians, to bring about a 'balance' or homeostasis , helping to
combat and prevent a wide range of conditions.
If you would like more information, please contact Liz on [01271] 882179
or e-mail: liz@patcholeherbs.co.uk. If you have not tried Reflexology before and
would like to, for a limited period half an hour taster sessions will be
available at £10.00.
Healing
is a
very effective holistic form of healing.
It is a gentle and unobtrusive therapy that clears the whole of the
energy field in and around your body and re-balances and re-aligns the entire
energy system to promote a speedy recovery and good general health. Natural healing opens up and increases the
natural ability of the body to heal itself.
Healing is effective for all ailments from emotional and stress related
problems to joints and back, etc., ailments, MS, ME to cancer, or even just as
a pick-me-up. For all ages, including
babies. No religious or spiritual
belief required. If you would like more
details or would like to book a session, please ring Valerie on [01271] 343944 or
e-mail: Valerie@may01.demon.co.uk.
26
LOCAL
"It's only just
out of reach,
round the block, on
the beach,
under a tree . . .
"
Stephen Sondheim
We
were standing on Grey Sand Hill at the edge of Northam Burrows watching groups
of Brent Geese flying along the estuary to assemble on the Skern.
It
was New Year's Day and a brutal wind was blowing; penetrating the wool of our gloves and making
our fingers numb but these handsome geese are always a joy to observe whether
on the water or on land. But in flight
they make a fine spectacle.
The
seaweed on the shoreline was moving.
Closer inspection revealed several Turnstones flipping over the strands
of seaweed searching for invertebrates.
These small industrious waders, with tortoiseshell patterned plumage,
are capable of tipping over quite large pebbles.
We
followed around the edge of the Skern where there were a lot of Shelduck, a few
Curlews and Widgeon. As we crossed the
little bridge over the Pill, a flock of gold finches took off from the corner
of a small paddock and below them something moved by the hedge. It was a Snipe, just a fleeting glimpse
before it disappeared.

Illustrated by: Paul Swailes
From
the lane we heard a hoarse rasping cry so crept back to look in the field again. There were Redwings and Lapwings and then
between the horses, two stripy heads and long necks appeared above the tussocks
of grass.
As
they emerged, the cream stripes on their backs could be seen clearly. We watched them jabbing their long bills
into the ground for worms. Snipe are
shy birds, often staying hidden but they tend to be more conspicuous in cold
weather. The collective noun is a
'wisp' of Snipe.
A
man had arrived with a telescope so we pointed out the Snipe to him. He told us he had only recently started
watching birds having been active in a group which studied moths. A fellow member of the group had encouraged
him to extend his interest in natural history to include birds.
When
out walking and there's a sudden movement on a beach, up a tree, in a field,
under a hedge - it's always worth a second look. It could be something special. Who knows?!
Sue H
27
A GOOD READ FROM THE VILLAGE
In
This
winter I've felt I was in
I
had previously read 'The Lost Heart of Asia' by Colin Thubron, an account of
his travels through 'the Stans' [
Colin
Thubron's journey of 15,000 miles took him through bleak and desolate
terrain; mountain ranges, vast forest
and ice fields. He endured the harsh
climate but most interesting were the people he met along the way, each with a
story to tell, strange poignant, tragic - against the upheavals of the 20th
century; revolution, war, the Stalinist
era and the break up of the
When
Thubron travels he travels alone believing that taking a companion insulates
and protects you, preventing close encounters with the inhabitants. As a lone traveller he is befriended and
given hospitality by a great variety of people who share their hopes and
disappointments, opinions and beliefs.
I
see the 'bad book' Robin Ince donated to the village shop, when he presented
his 'Bad Book Club' show in the Manor Hall in November, is still there unsold!
But
there are plenty of good books too, so have a browse.
28
WALTER'S WHISPERS
Genius
of Electricity
This
book, written by Henry Ford, the motor magnate, contains a paragraph in which
the author recalls visiting a business acquaintance in
Their
host asked them to sign his guest book.
As well as names, the book had columns for 'Home Address', 'Occupation'
and one headed 'Interested In'.
The
great car maker watched as Mr. Edison duly signed. In the final column he wrote without an
instant's hesitation, 'Everything'.
What a wonderful way to really live a life!

Mistakes
We
all make them. And there's no denying,
it can be a painful process. If, like
many of us, you have made one recently, here are a few encouraging words to
keep in mind.
Samuel
Smiles wrote: He who never made a
mistake never made a discovery.

And George Bernard Shaw had this to say: A life spent making mistakes is not only more
honourable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.

Sir
Walter Scott
In
his final days, Sir Walter Scott cast his mind over the many volumes he had
written and was comforted by the thought that, in his work, he had 'tried to
unsettle no man's faith, corrupt no man's principles and written nothing I
could wish blotted out.'
Those
of us who write can all aspire to follow his code.

Pandora's
Box
The
old story about Pandora tells how she was sent to earth with a box which she had
been instructed to guard but never open.
Curiosity got the better of her.
She lifted the lid and out escaped all the evils and sorrows of mankind.
What
is often forgotten is that something remained safe inside the box. It was Hope, and it has been here to see us
through all our troubles ever since.
That is the real lesson of the myth of Pandora's Box.

John William Waterhouse
[1849-1917]
English Pre-Raphaelite painter most famous
for his depictions of female characters from Greek and Arthurian mythology
29
MOVERS
AGATHE
JOHANNA ERWINA GOBERTINA VON TRAPP
[The real
oldest daughter of Baron Georg von Trapp]

I
had in mind to write about yet another male 'Mover and Shaker' when it was
whispered to me, "What about the Wimmin?"
What justified criticism! I had
notes in my file of three noteworthy females - and then I read the obituary of
Agathe von Trapp - just after the annual Christmas showing of 'The Sound of Music' [first seen in
1965].
So she's the one for this newsletter.

Better
known as Liesl [played by Charmian Carr] in the film, she was born on
The
Sound of Music was based loosely on the
first part of a book written by Agathe's step-mother, Maria, published in 1949,
and entitled The Story of the Family von Trapp Singers.
Maria
Augusta Kutschera joined the family in 1926 from nearby Nonnberg Abbey as tutor
to one of Baron von Trapp's sick children, who had been too ill to go to
school. Her contract was for ten
months. She and the children got on so
well, that she was asked to stay as governess to them all. Georg then fell in love with her, asked her
to marry him and be a mother to his children.
She hesitated because she liked him but didn't love him and was also
reluctant to give up her religious calling.
However, she loved the children and the nuns advised her to do God's
will and marry him. Later, in her
autobiography, she confessed that having married him for the children, she
'learned to love him more than [I have] ever loved before or after'. They married in1927 and had three children.
Maria
was not the pretty and kind mother portrayed by Julie Andrews. She had a very
forceful personality, although caring and loving, she could fly into rages,
throw things and slam doors - very unsettling for her family, particularly her
husband. Fortunately, as her eldest
step-daughter said: "She had a terrible
temper . . . we were not used to this.
But we took it like a thunderstorm that would pass, because the next
minute she could be very nice."
In
case you think that her husband was like Christopher Plummer, when the film was
first seen by Agathe, she burst into tears because of the way he had been
portrayed as a strict and distant disciplinarian, although she admitted that if
the film had been about another family, she would have enjoyed it. In an attempt to put things right, she
dedicated a book to her father, called 'Memories before and after the Sound of
Music', which was published in 2004. He
was shown as a gentle, warm-hearted parent who enjoyed musical activities with
his children. Born in1880 in Zadar [now
During
the mid '30's, they lost most of their money following the world depression
when their bank failed. To cope, Maria
dismissed most of their servants and took in lodgers. The family had always sung as a hobby and
now considered singing as a profession.
The Baron was dubious, feeling it was below their dignity. However, they did sing and they did
win the Salzburg Music Festival in 1936, achieving fame singing Renaissance and
Baroque music, madrigals and folk songs around
Georg
and Maria's last child, Johannes, was born the next year. After their 6-month visa expired, they did a
tour in
In
the early 1940's they bought a farm in
Enough
of the family. What of Agathe? The singing troupe continued until1956 by
which time Agathe was 43. Later she
declared that until then she had never been independent, had never made a
'phone call nor written a cheque. So
how did she cope?
According
to her brother Johannes, "She was a very private person and also a
talented sketch artist." She
established a kindergarten near the family home, but in 1958 moved to
She
died at the end of last month at the age of 97 and will be buried in the spring
at the Trapp Family Lodge in
After
they left the
Now,
if you look up Villa Trapp on Google, you can 'sleep in the family's rooms'
[even the Baron's suite] in this villa 'maintained in the style of the period'
[1923- 38].
The
family, incidentally, didn't gain much from the huge profits of the film. Maria sold the film rights to German producers
who made two films, one in 1956, 'Die Trapp Familie' and two years later, 'Die
Trapp-Familie in Amerika'. The German
producers sold the rights to
PP of
DC

30
CRAFT GROUP
"This
is fun, we should do it more often!" said a knitter at the first North
We
meet each Monday afternoon in the Manor Hall, from
Last
September we enjoyed a day out visiting The Cheristow Lavender Farm in the
morning, and Hartland Abbey in the afternoon.
Once again we all enjoyed a Christmas Meal at
New
'crafters' are always welcome - there is always room for more. Why not come along and see what we are up
to.
We
shall again be supporting the North Devon Hospice Knit In and this year plan to
knit at the Manor Hall on Monday, 14th February from
31

OLD BERRYNARBOR NO. 129
Berrynarbor

This photographic postcard was taken and
published by A.H. Hawke of Helston around 1928. Albert Herbert Hawke was a well-known and
highly acclaimed photographer and postcard publisher. He carried out his business from a studio and
shop in
Manor
Cottage, 53 The Village, was included in Lot 45 of the Watermouth Estates Sale
of 17th August 1920, with completion set as 25th March 1921:
'also a conveniently
arranged Five-roomed Tiled Cottage, with potato house and wash house, No. 53,
situate adjoining the grounds of Court Cottage [The Old Court] as now in the
occupation of Mr. T. Latham as a quarterly Tenant. The apportioned Tithe on this lot is
4s. The Timber to be taken in the sum
of £5.0s.6d. There is a water-tap, W.C.
and
In the same
'Lot 45 A charmingly situated Slated Detached
Private Residence known as Court Cottage, situate in the Village of
Berrynarbor, in the occupation of Mrs. Harris, whose Tenancy expires at
Michaelmas next, comprising:
A Porch Entrance,
Entrance Hall, Morning Room, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Back Lobby, Kitchen,
Larder, Pantry, W.C., Five Bedrooms, Two Dressing Rooms, Two Boxrooms, Upstairs
W.C. &c. Lawn, Flower and
[A rood is a measure of land, 40 sq. poles or
a quarter of an acre. This term varies
locally, especially as a loose term for a small piece of land.]
Lot
45, Court Cottage [The Old Court - not shown on the postcard] and Manor Cottage
sold for £850.
Berry
Mills [
'A very desirable
Grist Mill and Dairy Farm, comprising Slated Dwelling-House containing: Sitting Room, Kitchen, Back Kitchen, Dairy
and Four Bedrooms, with Garden, Mill and Water Wheel, Tiled Six-stall Shippen,
Dutch Barn, Tiled Piggery, Tiled Shippen, Slated Two-stall Stable, Tiled Calf
House and about 16a.2r.29p. of Rich Watered Meadow, Pasture and Woodlands, as
now in the occupation of Mr. C.H. Burgess, as a Yearly Michaelmas Tenant.'
Tom
Bartlett,
Tower Cottage
e-mail:
tombartlett40@hotmail.com

Manor
Cottage, with Court Cottage
Illustrated by: Nigel Mason 1996
32