Edition 82 - February 2003

Artwork by: Peter Rothwell

EDITORIAL
Another Christmas over and best wishes to everyone for the year ahead - the days arc lengthening and spring is on its way.
We have had our fair share of wet and windy weather, but have also seen some sun, frost and cold, very cold, days and nights. However, a lack of sustained cold weather is bringing early growth in the gardens the magnolias and camellias are well in bud, bulbs are shooting up fast with snowdrops out and evidence of daffodil heads not far off flowing. Once again my yucca doesn't know whether it's coming or going, Its spike having struggled to flower since November. Sadly, following the recent very heavy frost in the Valley, I think the battle is over.
On cold nights there is always a warm welcome at Ye Olde Globe as depicted on the cover of this issue - another delightful, but different, view of our village from Peter, this time from behind his pint! Thanks, Peter.
Once again I must thank everyone who has contributed to this issue a varied and interesting selection of articles and some beautiful illustrations.
The next issue will be April and Easter - late this year - and articles, etc., will be needed please by Friday, 14th March at the latest.
Enclosed with your Newsletter is a poster for the forthcoming Berry Broadcasting Company's Show on the 14th and 15th March. Make a note in your diaries and get your tickets in good time!
On the reverse of the poster you will find details of the jigsaws you have kindly donated to the Library and which are available on loan at 25p a time to raise funds for the Newsletter. Please do take advantage and borrow them!
Ed
1

BERRYNARBOR W.l.
For our December meeting on the 3rd, we were very pleased to welcome our Group members to the Carol Service held in St. Peter's Church. Andrew Jones took the Service of Seven Lessons and Stuart Neale played the organ. Berrynarbor Primary School sang 'Christmas has started', which was very much enjoyed. The retiring collection of just over £50 was donated to the Peninsular Medical School Trust and after the service, tea and mince pies were served in the Manor Hall. Votes of thanks were given by Andrew Jones and Sheila Hale, Group Secretary.
In January we welcomed two new members and then Tim and Jill Massey gave a very interesting talk, with slides, on their holiday in New Zealand. The vote of thanks was given by Margaret Andrews and the raffle was won by Beryl Brewer.
Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 4th February, at 2.30 p.m. in the Manor Hall when Mary Irwin will tell us about 'Guiding in India'. The competition will be for a floral decoration for the top of a wedding cake and we look forward to welcoming any ladies who would like to join us. The March meeting - same place, same time and again visitors are welcome - will be on Tuesday, 4th March. Debbie Lewis will be talking 'Hats' and the competition will be a simnel cake or watercolour.
Marion Carter - Secretary
2
HI!, FROM OZ
Sitting here with a cuppa - 13,000 miles from the UK - it is hard to believe Christmas is around the corner when outside it is 30 Deg C in the shade, there is a warm wind blowing, the sun is shining, the sky is blue and there is not a cloud in sight. Winter and spring have been most enjoyable with an average temperature of about 20 Deg C.
We have settled in Australind, Western Australia, 170 kms south of Perth. We live in a house half way up a hill with views to the hills and the bush where, amongst the trees, the roos, wildflowers and birds have to be seen, especially the orchids, freesias, wattles, kookaburras, parrots and possums. We are not far from the Indian Ocean and only a few minutes' walk to the village and the Leschenault Inlet with its dolphins, pelicans and kite surfers. It's paradise if only the mossies would not bite occasionally to remind you they are there.
Back to Christmas. We are writing rather belatedly to thank everyone for the wonderful send off you gave us and hope you all have a Merry Christmas. We have not forgotten you, far from it, just been a bit busy unpacking, packing and unpacking. We have just spent a most enjoyable few days with June and Bernard, from Pink Heather, catching up with all your news. If anyone else is this way, they would be very welcome.
We wish all our friends in Berrynarbor A Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2003.
John and Jacqui Weaver
3
THE TWELVE DAYS AFTER CHRISTMAS








My true love and I had a fight.
And so I chopped the pear tree down
And burnt it, just for spite.
Then with a single cartridge
I shot that blasted partridge
My true love gave to me.
The second day after Christmas
I pulled on the old rubber gloves,
And very gently wrung the necks
Of both the turtle doves.
On the third day after Christmas
My mother got the croup,
I had to use the three French hens
To make some chicken soup.
The four calling birds were a big mistake
For their language was obscene.
The five golden rings were completely fake
And turned my fingers green.
The sixth day after Christmas
The six laying geese wouldn't lay,
So I sent the whole darn gaggle to the R.S.P.C.A.
The seventh day after Christmas
What a mess I found,
The seven swans-a-swimming,
All had drowned!
The eighth day after Christmas,
Before they could suspect,
I bundled up the
Eight maids-a-milking,
Nine ladies dancing,
Ten lords-a-leaping,
Eleven pipers piping,
Twelve drummers drumming
[Well, actually I kept one of the drummers]
And sent them back 'collect'.
I wrote to my true love,
"We are through, love!"
And I said in so many words
Your Christmas gifts were for the ... birds!
With thanks to Steve and Cindy
Illustrated by: Paul Swailes
4
MAKING MARKET HISTORY
Do you remember the good old days at Barnstaple Cattle Market? Have you ever thought that unless these memories are recorded they will be lost to future generations?
Then you will be interested in an exciting new project being run by North Devon College and the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon to put together a permanent record before it's too late. The aim is to produce a booklet of rnemories - your memories - of the good tirnes and the bad, the funny stories and the sad, the people and the animals - of everything that made the market such an important part of North Devon life.
As well as talking about what you remember, you will have the chance to write it down. Don't worry if you have no idea where to start, as help will bc given and there will be an opportunity to learn skills you may not have had time for in the past.
Why not come along to the Henry Williamson Room, Barnstaple Library, on Friday 7th February at 10.30 a.m. to find out more? Bring your photos and mementoes, meet up with old friends and chat about how it used to be. Refreshments will be provided and it's all completely free.
If you do decide to take part in the project, you will receive your own copy of the finished booklet, which will also be put on display at Barnstaple Museum and eventually become an important part of its permanent archive.
5
THE REUNION THE CLASS OF 1984

Living in New Zealand and having a seven month old baby at the proposed date of the reunion meant it was never going to be easy to attend, despite being given nearly two years' notice! However, three weeks before, and the news that my English houseguest couldn't be with us for Christmas as planned, spurred me into action.
Arriving the day before the reunion after a 25-hour sleepless flight with my baby, I seriously wondered whether I'd be in any fit state to enjoy it! Sure enough, the next day found me extremely tired, especially as baby Thomas couldn't understand why I wanted him to sleep through the night, during what is normally his day!
Did I really want to go and party and see people I hadn't seen for nearly 19 years feeling, and more importantly, looking shattered? However, I didn't bargain on the huge adrenalin rush the whole event would give me.
Dot [my Christmas houseguest, who was my main reason for changing my mind and being here] and I decided to go and say hello to Wendy, the main organiser of tonight's reunion. After seeing her and a few others who were in the hotel, and seeing all the preparations happening, the excitement began to build, and so did the nervousness! Why hadn't I lost all my weight since the baby? How was I going to talk to people after being so long away? Would I still get on with my old friends? So many thoughts buzzed round my head and the last 19 years dropped away and I felt like a nervous teenager all over again!
Dot and I had decided to stay in the hotel and get a baby-sitter to look after Thomas in my hotel room. This proved to be a godsend as he certainly didn't want to sleep much. The time arrived and we went downstairs and the party started what can I say except What a night!" The buzz and excitement in the room was similar to the atmosphere at a rugby test match back in New Zealand - and just as loud! It was amazing. Seeing old friends walk through the door whom I hadn't seen since school was just fantastic. I spent almost eight hours at the party, but when I finally went upstairs to bed it felt like itt d all been over in a minute. Had it been worth flying several thousand miles to attend? Definitely!
A couple of days later I had a wonderful night with two special friends from school who come from Berrynarbor - Louise Walls and Lisa Stevens. Once again, the years just dropped away as we chatted like we used to as teenagers. If either of you are reading this - thanks for a wonderful night. It will stay with me for a long time.
As for Wendy who organised the reunion - what an amazing person. She 'phoned me in New Zealand three or four times over the last eighteen months and kept the possibility of coming over in my head. I'm so very glad she did. She did a wonderful job and has left so many people with so many special memories.
Lastly, to all those who didn't attend you missed a night to remember ...
Jackie [nee Eastwood]
6

POST OFFICE NEWS
As all regular customers will know, your Berrynarbor Post Office and Stores is still open for business. The small committee working towards a long-term future for a shop in the village is making progress, and the future is bright. In the meanwhile, however, nothing stays constant and the prospect of Pensions and Benefit payments directly into bank accounts is rapidly approaching.
In order to benefit your Post Office, people should opt for receiving their benefits and pensions via the post office. To achieve this aim, the following options are listed in order of preference:
- A Post Office Card Account will be operated with a plastic card a personal identification number [PIN]. This will be the only method available for those who do not wish to have a bank account. The card replaces your payments voucher book. To receive a card, just wait until you receive a letter asking you to select an option. Then please send off a simple letter in response requesting a Personal Invitation Document - a preprepared letter for this is available from the post office. Once received take it to the post office in order to open an account.
- A Basic or Introductory Account will be provided by all major UK banks and other financial institutions. This account will enable anyone to pay money in and draw money out at the post office, and provides further limited banking facilities. The options letter will explain how to open such an account.
- A full normal bank account at Lloyds, Barclays, Co-op or some other bank which utilises the Post Office as its agent for cashing cheques and making deposits.
- A full account at a non-co-operating bank - currently this includes Nat West and HSBC and this option does not benefit your post office in any way.
Whatever method you choose, the post office and shop will continue to operate as a local convenience store and a centre for social interaction, information exchange and advice, if there is a regular flow of custom. The weekly benefits and pensions collections are a major feature of this - and long may it remain so.
Alan Rowlands
7

ST. PETER'S CHURCH
A beautiful Christmas was celebrated in Berrynarbor. Best attendance [well over 100] was for the Carol Service, closely followed by the evening service on Christmas Eve. Fortunately, several visitors came to swell the congregation on Christmas morning! It was interesting to note that about a third of those who came to join us did not take Communion, which seems to indicate that, although not regular church-goers, there are quite a few who do not place all the emphasis on presents and food, but still seek out the true meaning of Christmas.
Our thanks to everyone who took part in any way. The Choir's rendition of 'Silent Night', partly in German, and the Sunday School play with an anxious Baboushka searching for the Christ Child will long be remembered. As will the shepherd who fell asleep just before his acting debut, snored gently through the performance and woke up when it was all over!
Collections for The Children's Society amounted to £280.
Services will follow the usual pattern through February and March. Special dates:
- 9th March - First Sunday in Lent
- 29th March - Mothering Sunday - special Family Service with the Sunday School
Our next Friendship Lunches at The Globe will be on Wednesdays, 26th February and 26th March. Anyone is welcome to come and join us. Please ring me first [883881] to add your name to the list.
Mary Tucker
8

SUNDAY SCHOOL
Christmas over, a new year begun with a very cold start, but a few bulbs are poking their heads through the hard ground, bringing assurances of warmer days ahead.
The Sunday School's performance of Baboushka was a great success, despite a problem with the microphones. Congratulations to Juliet for all her hard work in its production. All the children played their various roles with enthusiasm, particularly Eloise who was a very realistic house-proud Baboushka - well done all of you.
The children's party went with a swing; Edith and Karen put on a wonderful spread and we thank them for such a variety of food and for allowing 30 children to swarm all over The Globe!
Now a new term has commenced. Our next date to remember is Pancake Day, to be held again this year in the Manor Hall, on the 4th March at 10.30 a.m.
True Story
The beginners dancing class was giving a display. For the final item, the children had to perform something of their own choosing. The first little girl gave her impression of a butterfly, the next interpreted a swan, another a deer and so on. Last was five year old Irene - she baffled everyone by wobbling from side to side and finally disappearing into the wings with a big lurch.
Stumped, the dancing teacher asked what she was representing. with a triumphant, gappy smile, Irene answered, 'A loose tooth!'
A happy, healthy and peaceful New Year to you all - from the Sunday School.
Sally B
9

A WARM WELCOME
to our new, young arrivals
With work nearly complete, the new Monks Path is now home to Gemma and Matt Bacon, who moved in just before Christmas.
Gemma, who helps with the family business at Napps, and Matt, who runs his own scaffolding company, are expecting their first baby in February. We wish you both every happiness in your new home and look forward to hearing about the new arrival in the April issue.
With Olive happily settled in her new home, it is good to be able to welcome Sarah and Chris Townsend to Woodlands Cottage. Sarah and Chris have a job on their hands, renovating and repairing, but are looking forward to the challenge.
Chris has come from Devon - his parents farm at Tiverton - whilst Sarah hails from Birmingham. They have, however, moved here from Holland, where their cat, Mushroom, is waiting for her passport to enable her to join them.
Chris is with Marconi and Sarah is currently a lady of leisure [!] - learning to drive is her no. 1 priority!
Welcome to Berrynarbor, we hope you will be very happy in your new home here.
10
GET WELL
The District Hospital is often referred to as the 'Pilton Hilton', but there have been too many villagers staying there, or the Tyrrell, recently!
Gerry Marangone is home and recovering very well from his operation, and Reg Gosling is also home. It is hoped that by the time you read this, Doreen Siviter will again be home, although sadly Vi still remains at the Tyrrell. We send our best wishes to you all.
Keith Cooper, after a rough time over Christmas, is progressing slowly. Our thoughts have been with you, Keith - keep your 'pecker' up - and with Maureen and all the family.
Ivy White is also in hospital and we hope you will be more comfortable and home soon.
Carol Hamer unfortunately had an accident on New Year's Eve resulting in a broken collar bone, hopefully you are now in less pain and able to get out and about.
To you all, and everyone else who has been or is unwell, keep smiling and we hope you will be feeling better soon.
Gerry and June would like to thank their many friends in Berrynarbor for their care and concern, cards and telephone messages whilst Gerry was in hospital. He is fine now!
11

WEATHER OR NOT
Here we are in 2003 already, whatever happened to 2002? We have collated the weather information for the last year, but first we'll have a look at November.
Chicane's sunshine total of 16.93 hours reflects the wet, gloomy month. We collected 245 mm [9%"] in the rain gauge which was quite a lot of water, but although it was the wettest month of the year, it did not break any of our records. The wettest day was the 2nd, with 39mm [11/2"], but we did record some rain nearly every day. The temperatures seemed a little higher than the previous November, with a high of 17.3 Deg C on the 5th and a low of 3.5 Deg C on the 17th. In 2001, we did have a small amount of snow. The winds were pretty average for the time of year, with maximum gusts of 30 knots on the 8th and 22nd.
December was a month of contrasts, starting wet and muggy with a nice crisp, dry spell in the middle, then back to wet and muggy. Chicane's solar panels only received 5.75 hours of sunshine in the whole month! I[However, the sun is behind the hills for a good part of the day]. The total rainfall for December was 182 mm [7%"] with the wettest day being the 21st with 29 mm [1 1 /8"]. This was up on the previous year but down on 2000, and well down on 1999 when we recorded 378 mm! No doubt those who were flooded remember it well - Temperatures were similar with a maximum of 12.9 Deg C on the 23rd and a minimum of -I Deg C on the 18th. The average temperature for December 2002 was 6.95 Deg C. We recorded a wind chill of -13 Deg C at 06:41 on the 10th and a maximum gust of wind of 31 knots on the 1st.
Our records go back to 1994 and here are a few comparisons with last year:
- Total Rainfall: 2002 1548 mm [61"] 1994 2032 [79%"]
- Wettest month: 2002 Nov. 245mrn [9%"] 1999 Dec. 378 mm [15"]
- Wettest day: 2002 17 May 59mm [2 5/16"] 1996 24 May 60 mm [23/8"]
- Dryest month: 2002 Aug. 39 mm [1 1/2"] 1995 Aug. 11 mm [1/2"]
- Max. Temp: 2002 16 May 27.- 1995 11 Aug. 32.4 0C
- Max. Wind: 2002 27 Oct. 51 knots 1998 4 Jan 54 knots
- Wind Chill: 2002 10 Dec. -13 - 1996 31 Dec. - 20 0 C
Barograph records from 2000:
- High: 2002 6 Jan. 1036 mb 2000 16 Jan. 1043 mb
- Low: 2002 14 Nov. 972 mb 2000 11 Oct. 973 mb
We should like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Sue and Simon
12
Three Verses from
FEBRUARY
John Clare 1793-1864
The thatch moss grows in brighter green;
And caves in quick succession drop,
Where grinning icicles have been,
Pit-patting with a pleasant noise
In tubs set by the cottage-door;
While ducks and geese, with happy joys,
Plunge in the yard-pond brimming o'er.
The sun peeps through the window-pane;
Which children mark with laughing eye,
And in the wet street steal again
To tell each other spring is nigh:
Then, as young hope the past recalls,
In playing groups they often draw,
To build beside the sunny walls
Their spring-time huts of stick or straw.
And oft in pleasure's dreams they hie
Round homesteads by the village side,
Scratching the hedgerow mosses by,
Where painted pooty shells abide,
Mistaking oft the ivy spray
For leaves that come with budding spring,
And wondering, in their search for play,
Why birds delay to build and sing.
John Clare

Artwork by: Paul Swailes
Known as a 'nature' poet, John Clare was deeply attached to the place of his birth, Helpstone in Northamptonshire, where he worked as an agricultural labourer. Writing his poetry mainly between 1821 and 1835, he suffered from fits of melancholy and was pronounced insane in 1837, spending most of the rest of his fife in an asylum.
Today John Clare is recognised as a poet of truth and power and is appreciated for his highly personal evocations of landscape and place. His work, characterised by the use of dialect and idiosyncratic grammar laments lost love and talent, vanished innocence and the death of an earlier rural England.
13
FUN WITH LADY FUCHSIA
I forgot to tell you in my last letter of the fun Queenie and I have together. She loved my pink wellies so much that we thought it would be funny if she wore them for a special occasion, so she put them on under her beautiful cream gown and long blue velvet cloak to wear to the State Opening of Parliament. Following her speech, she was going to sit on the throne, cross her legs and lift her hem a little to flash the wellingtons! But on the way in the state coach, dear old Phillip saw them and banned her from doing it - such a Party pooper that man! Mind you, she did have fun as the wellingtons made all sorts of noises on the thick carpet as she walked towards the throne - she almost burst into a fit of giggles but just managed to stop herself in time. Now she borrows them to walk the corgies every morning - well, us girlies must stick together!
Love to you all,
Lady F.
14

BIKERS OF BERRYNARBOR
Members and their partners enjoyed an excellent Christmas Dinner togcther at The Globe on 13th December. It was good to have a social evening and the ladies steered the conversation away from bikes for at least some of the time!
January kicked off With a 'chat' evening and some plans were made for the coming year. Our first event is on 5th February when Paul White of will be corning to discuss all matters relating to advanced riding techniques. We should welcome any other riders who have not previously joined us to come along and hear what Paul has to say.
If the weather permits, we plan to attend the Classic Bike Show at the Royal Bath and West Showground on 8th February - watch for the poster in the Post Office or ring Brian on 882388 for the current situation. On 23rd March there is a Hill Climb at Hartland Quay and a group will ride down there to watch the fun. Please contact Brian for details. March should see the resumption of our ride-outs, but due to dark evenings the first one will be on Saturday, 15th March at 1.30 p.m. Meet at the rear of The Globe.
Brian
15

MANOR HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The Christmas Card, Sherry & Coffee Morning was again well attended. It is really nice to see so many people coming together for a mince pie and a chat and then helping with the distribution of the cards afterwards.
Although I lost count past 800, I think we must have handled about a thousand cards all told and the Hall funds have been swollen by about £150. Many thanks to you all for your support.
Here are a few dates to enter on those brand-new calendars:
- Wednesday 2nd April - Annual General Meeting, Manor Hall, 7.30 p.m.
- Saturday 19th July - A Musical Evening, 'Songs from Films' by the South Molton Singers
- Tuesday 29th July - Berry Revels
- Saturday 6th September - Horticultural and Craft Show
John Hood
16

BERRYNARBOR WINE CIRCLE
Alex Parke and Ted Paynter gave us a wonderful ()Christmas Wine Evening, ably supported by Pam and other ladies who provided suitable 'eats' to compliment the wines and champagne. There were even delicious mince pies by courtesy of Julie and Carmen.
The Members' Own Wines meeting in January was again a great success with a very wide range of wines, mostly red, being enjoyed by all the members present.
Our February meeting on Wednesday, 19th February, will be Jan and Tony's 'Special' evening, and we are still guessing! This will be followed in March - again on the 19th - with Kath Arscott presenting Spanish 'Rioja' wines - one definitely not to be missed if Kath's previous presentations are anything to go by.
Tom
17

HATCHED
It is a pleasure to report that Alan and Anne Bacon are delighted to announce the arrival of their first grandchild. Hannah Rachel, weighing in at 7 lbs 70z, was born at 3.00 a.m. on Boxing Day at Leeds Infirmary.
Congratulations to the proud parents - Sarah [nee Bacon] and Andrew - and the grandparents and a warm welcome to baby Hannah.
Alan and Anne are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second grandchild, due in February.
18

CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations and very best wishes to Margaret Andrews and Michael Taylor who, on the 8th December 2002 at a Special Service Of Admission and Licensing conducted by the Bishop of Crediton, were admitted as Readers in the Church of England, North Devon Coast Team.
Michael arid I thank you for your prayers and attendance at our Service of Admission... We were overwhelmed by your cards, letters, presents and good wishes, and are at your service should you need us.
Margaret.
Congratulations and best wishes to Olive Kent who celebrated her 90th birthday on the 16th December. The staff and other residents at Park View, where Olive is happily living now, did her proud with a wonderful tea party for family and friends, when she was overwhelmed with gifts and cards.
Thank you so much for remembering me on my 90th birthday and at Christmas. It was lovely to hear from so many friends in Berrynarbor.
Olive
19

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
Ode to Berrynarbor
And Berrynarbor is dear to me.
Remembering places like the Manor Hall
Gatherings for dances, drama and all.
There's Broadsands, Sandy Cove, Sandy Bay,
The summer months - one long holiday.
Sawmills, Berry Corner, Watermouth Harbour,
Lots of places close to Berrynarbor.
When I was a lad it was all the rave
To collect stalactites and see bats in Napps Cave.
At nearby Combe Martin there are Hangman Hills,
A walk up these gets rid of your ills!
Newberry Beach, a beautiful sky,
Camel's Head and Camel's Eye.
Birdswell Lane, Sterridge too,
The Globe, the Church for me and you.
Many farms I can name,
North and South Lee are not the same.
There's Moules, Ruggaton and others
Often run by relations or brothers.
From time to time I return to see
Berrynarbor that is dear to me,

Illustrated by: Peter Rothewell
Tony Beauclerk - Evacuee, 1939-1945
20

LETTER FROM THE RECTOR
The Rectory
Combe Martin
Dear Friends,
One of my favourite pastimes is to listen to classical music, when I get the chance! I love listening to the symphonies of the great composers. I love the variations, the different textures, the different harmonies, and the different combinations of instruments and the different speeds of the four or so movements of a symphony.
Always the music is moving onwards towards the end, until we reach a memorable climax. At times the music is soft and gentle, at other times it is agitated and threatening. The first movement is often fairly quick in tempo, while the second movement is slow and thoughtful, the third movement is often dance-like and the final movement often march-like and quick! Very often the symphony paints a picture in your mind, like Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony or Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.
All this seems to be saying something about a New Year and changing circumstances and the different problems we have to face. We can often feel overwhelmed by what is happening, but if we have faith, then it's like trusting the composer with his symphony. There has to be change and modulations in the music. There is often change and modulations in our life, but with a faith in a loving God who cares for and loves us, we can feel secure in our spiritual journey and that we are in good hands. Whatever happens there are 'the everlasting arms' of a loving God [see St. John 3:16 and 17].
The world is always changing and we often change our minds, but God's love for us never changes. He is like the Good Shepherd who is always looking after his sheep, even when they wander off.
With all good wishes,
Your Friend and Rector,
Keith Wyer

Illustrated by: Debbie Rigler Cook
21

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS
1st May 2003
Elections take place every four years to give an opportunity for the electors to choose who shall serve on their Council.
It should be your choice of volunteer who serves on your Council.
Unfortunately, at the last two elections in Berrynarbor, the number of candidates has equalled the number of seats available that is NINE. So no poll was required and everyone was returned unopposed. It is twelve years since there was a contested Parish Council Election in Berrynarbor.
lnmy view that is terrible!
The 2003 Election is on 1st May and the Nominations will close at noon at 1st April.
Nomination Papers are very simple to complete and will be available from 10th March. They can be sent to the Civic Centre at any time from the 10th March to noon on the 1st April.
The work, should you be elected, is neither difficult nor complicated. Debates take place in a friendly and courteous manner. Decisions, once taken are usually respected by everyone.
The Council normally meets on the second Tuesday in every month, except August. From time to time, members will be asked to do other things, but the entire time commitment is not huge.
If you can persuade a dozen or more people to offer themselves for election, that would enrich our village and create real interest.
Don't forget, you can vote by post rather than go to the polling station. Applications for postal voting close on 23rd April.
Graham E. Andrews
Chairman
Berrynarbor Parish
Council
22

OLD BERRYNARBOR VIEW NO. 81
Sterrage Valley. 1. near Ilfracombe
This is another photographic postcard taken by A.J. Vince of Ilfracombe in 1908, or possibly earlier; numbered \/45 it is the second of his two views of the Sterrage Valley [see Newsletter No. 81, December 2002].

It is my belief that this view has been taken from just above Middle Lee Farm, looking south down the Sterrage Valley with parts of South Lee Farm just showing on the left between the trees and bushes. The field in the Valley was known as Broad Meadow and now has several properties on it, All were built after 1950 when by Compulsory purchase order, Broad Meadow was bought from Mrs. Ley for n 20, and the four council houses built at the southern end.
Half way up on the left, part of the old Temperance Hall can just be seen. In the late 18001s and very early part of the last century, the Temperance Hall was used for village dances, concerts, Bible classes and meetings. [See Newsletter No. 40, February 1996.] These days only parts of some walls and foundations of the Hall remain, situated behind and to the north of Orchard House.
Orchard House was built by Tom Ley in 1926 [see Newsletter No. 29, April 1994].
Tom Bartlett - Tower Cottage,
January 2002
e-mail: tombartlett40@hotmail.com or:
tombartlettbooks@berrynarbor.fsnet.co.uk
23
First Verse of
FROST AT MIDNIGHT
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
1772-1834
Unhelped by any wind. The owlet's cry
Carne loud - and hark, again! loud as before.
The inmates of my cottage, all at rest,
Have left me to that solitude, which suits
Abstruser musings: save that at my side
My cradled infant slumbers peacefully.
'Tis calm indeed! so calm, that it disturbs
And vexes mediation with its strange
And extreme silentness. Sea, hill, and wood,
This populous village! Sea, and hill, and wood,
With all the numberless goings-on of life,
Inaudible as dreams! the thin blue flame
Lies on my low-burnt fire, and quivers not;
Only that film, which fluttered on the grate,
Still flutters there, the sole unquiet thing.
Methinks, its rotation in this hush of nature
Gives it dim sympathies with me who live,
Making it a companionable form,
Whose puny flaps and freaks the idling Spirit
By its own moods interprets, everywhere
Echol or mirror seeking of itself,
And makes a toy of Thought.

Illustrated by: Nigel Mason
24

NEWS FROM THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
The school community would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.
Last term ended on a very successful note, with the excellent pantomime performances, beautifully presented Carol Service and a special Christmas Dinner for senior citizens. This was planned, prepared and presented by the children of Class 4 and Mrs. Lucas.
Ww also had a letter from OFSTED confirming that the latest visiting Inspector was pleased with the progress the school is making towards achieving its school improvement targets. Staff and children were proud of the press coverage given to the outstanding results achieved in Key Stage 2 SAT's, 2002 - the result of good work by staff and pupils during the last academic year.
The Spring Term is very much a time for working hard at the basics in school, as Years 2 and 6 prepare for this year's SAT's Tests. The children will have a little light relief on Thursday, 30th January, when a visiting theatre company will be performing a pantomime for them in the Manor Hall. We shall be joined for this event by pupils from Parracombe and Kentisbury Schools.
The Governing Body has a busy schedule of meetings lined up and continues its seach for a new permanent Headteacher. Governors work in a voluntary capacity and the school is grateful for the time and energy they offer so unstintingly.
Advance warning - the PTA will be holding its Summer Fete on Tuesday, 15th July.
Do contact the school if you would like further information on any of these issues.
Linda Simmonds - Interim Headteacher
A Very Special Invitation
It arrived - a week before the day - a hand-written, decorated invitation from the children of our Primary School, to a Christmas Dinner at the school at 1.00 p.m. on 19th December.
We, thirty elderly village residents with a few specially invited guests, were there 'on the dot', being welcomed into the warm and beautifully decorated school by a team of smartly dressed children, in their white shirts with smiling faces, who took our coats and offered us 'nibbles' and a seat until, in a few minutes we were ushered into the Dining Room - to our tables. Once settled, we were welcomed by the Headmistress, who stressed that the whole event had been taken over by the children themselves - preparation, cooking and serving, writing the invitations and decorating the room.

Artwork by: Reve Williams
While gentle Christmas music played in the background, teams of children came in and out, serving each course immaculately with 'silver service'; helping each one of us with courteous and cheerful attention and watchful of our every need. We were given a starter of melon balls in syrup, a fuli Christmas turkey dinner with all the accompaniments, the most delicious Christmas pudding we have ever tasted or a tasty trifle. There was cider to drink and afterwards tea or coffee with hand-made chocolate coated mints. What a feast! One could not fault the care and attention to detail and lovely happy attitude of our village school children, who gave us such a lovely Christmas experience - even entertaining us afterwards with songs, poems and carols, and then giving us a gift of home-made sweets to take home.
It seemed that every child in the school had a part to play. Thanks to all you lovely children and your staff, It makes our hearts swell with pride to think we have such a lovely spirit in our local school.
Grateful thanks from a pair of appreciative 'Oldies'!
We made a Christmas meal
In the Christmas pud we put peel
A Christmas meal to Remember
That was in cold December We prepared and cleared
We sang and they cheered.
Rebecca Farrell

Artwork by: Charlotte Ross
The Berrynarbor Class 4 children set up a lovely Christmas meal for the pensioners.
The children made, cooked and served a starter, main course and a pudding. After the food, the whole school entertained them with Christmas songs. We all say it was a day to remember.
Becky Walls
School Dinner
What memories those two words evoke! Very different from the delicious Christmas meal which some two dozen of us senior citizens sat down to at Berrynarbor School on the 19th December.
Everything was perfect - we were greeted at the school gate by smiling, polite pupils who took our coats and led us into school where we met our fellow diners.
Then we were shown into a classroom which had been transformed into an attractively decorated dining room. We were served with a delicious roast turkey Christmas dinner. The children had helped to prepare and cook the food and waited upon us. I understand the proficient silver service had been perfected by practising with raw carrots! There were plenty of second helpings, apple juice and crackers. Then a choice of super Christmas pudding [my choice] or trifle. This was followed by coffee or tea.
After the meal, the whole school entertained us to Christmas songs which were beautifully performed. Finally, time to go home but, in the tradition of all good parties, we had a gift to take with us. Everyone received a beautiful hand-made decorated box which contained delicious hand-made sweets.
What a very enjoyable experience! Our thanks to everyone involved and our good wishes for happiness and success in 2003.
Jill and Iain McCrae
Christmas Dinner
Christmas dinner, "please sit here. Ryan Beal |
T'was the day of the school Christmas meal Daisy Ivan |