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God bless her Majesty. Rest in Peace.
God Save the King!

EDITORIAL

Such sad times.

. . . and it with sadness that I begin this, my final editorship of the Berrynarbor Newsletter.

Over its 33 years and 200 issues, so many people have been involved that for fear of leaving anyone out, I cannot mention and thank you all by name! Hopefully, you will know who YOU are.

Other than the many contributors of articles of such a variety and interest, both past and present, and those who have reported on the activities of their various groups and associations, there have been the printers, collators, proof-readers, distributers, circulators, advertisers and, of course, the artists. And I must not forget those who have generously donated finance - your help has been most necessary! Without you all, the Newsletter could not have continued for so long nor been welcome by its many readers, and I thank you most sincerely, your help has been invaluable and so much appreciated. But finally, to you, the readers, the biggest thank you of all!

A warm welcome is extended to all newcomers to the village and we say a sad farewell to those leaving. And for those not feeling at their best just now, get well soon.

It will seem strange not to be nagging for articles before the deadline in future and although to produce the Newsletter involved many hours of work, it was something I have enjoyed!

Times they are a changing - let's look forward to new and exciting beginnings.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

First and foremost, I must thank Sue and Mike Richards of Napps, the view from which has been depicted by our Artist in Residence Paul, for again sponsoring the cover of this the August edition. Their long support of the Newsletter has been much appreciated! Thank you, too, Paul.

This is, I think, the first time that I have been editing a newsletter in a heatwave! The temperatures have never been as high as we live in darkened rooms with the windows closed. Keep safe from Covid - it's still here and around the village - and keep cool from the heat.

Thank goodness it has turned a bit cooler as I write this and there is even some gentle rain, but oh, the gardens are needing a good soaking! The wild fires around the country and the continent, especially London, are horrific!

It has been sad to say goodbye to some villagers but we also welcome newcomers and wish you all health and happiness in your new homes.

We also send good wishes to those suffering from Covid, other coughs and colds or are under the weather, we hope you will be feeling better really soon.

In my first editorial in 1989 I said "Keep those contributions coming!" and you have! Thank you to the regular contributors, our artists and all those who have put pen to paper for this issue and over the years - without you there would be no Newsletter, but please keep them coming for just one more time. Items for Issue 200, the final under my reins, will be welcome as soon as possible and by Friday, 9th September latest.

Thank you.

Judie [Ed.]

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EDITORIAL

'June ... and it's just a couple of days now until we'll be celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee here in the village. Let's all enjoy the events, free, that have been organised for us and keep our fingers crossed that the weather is kind!'

So I wrote in June 2012 and now ten years later those sentiments are repeated as we look forward to celebrating a truly momentous occasion, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, and give sincere thanks to everyone involved in making these events happen for our pleasure and enjoyment.

Another bumper one, this issue contains some varied and interesting articles and I thank everyone who has contributed in any way - writers and our artist.

I must also thank the Parish Council for their continued financial support and also the anonymous and generous donator who kindly boosted the funds at the end of April, that was really appreciated.

We send our best wishes and happiness in your new homes to all those who have left the village or come to join us, and get-well messages go to all not feeling their best just now.

With only two more editions, August and October, before my time as editor comes to an end, is there no one interested and willing to see that this important village asset continues? Please do give it some serious thought. Berrynarbor Happenings and Memories are wonderful ways to keep in touch, but a hand-held publication gives pleasure to many, especially those not using the internet.

So, for the first of those two issues, August, items are welcome as soon as possible and by the deadline which is Friday, 15th July please. Thank you.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

As I write this, the sun is shining, the sky clear blue and the daffodils everywhere making a glorious splash of gold to cheer us when 'All's well with the world!' is not quite true.

Although restrictions have eased, covid has not and to the many in the village suffering - and from other ailments too - it is hoped you will be feeling better soon. Good wishes also go to newcomers to the village, good luck, health and happiness in your new homes.

News has just come through that Central Convenience in Combe Martin are shutting shop on the 31st March. Newsletters have kindly been delivered here with newspapers for many years, originally by Sue's. For those readers who have received their Newsletter this way, copies will, of course, be available at our Village Shop.

The new website is coming along a treat with 1998's editions the latest to be put on line. If you have not already done so, take a look. So much village history and interesting articles, with the illustrations and Tom's postcards looking amazing!

Another full issue and a big thank you to all the contributors, especially our Artist in Residence who has been very busy! Do try to pop in to his Exhibition - The Passage of a Storm - on the Pier in Ilfracombe, from the 16th to 22nd April. Items for June, which is due out on the 2nd, are always welcome as soon as possible please, and by Friday, 13th May at the latest. Thank you.

After that, there will just be August and October before I hang up my Editor's hat and I am still hoping that someone will step forward and take over. Perhaps that could be YOU - think on!

With best wishes for a Happy Easter.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

2022 and what a topsy turvy world we live in! Climate change causing catastrophes, a pandemic with partying politicians and problem princes! We have so much to be thankful for living in a beautiful and peaceful part of the country.

The days are drawing out and bulbs pushing their way up whilst last year's flowers are still in bloom! If you are new in the village, we hope you will be happy here in your new home, and if you are feeling under the weather, do get well soon.

On the 6th February Queen Elizabeth II will have been on the throne 70 years. Through those years she has been amazing, giving wonderful service, and we wish her well in her Platinum Jubilee year.

Thanks to regular and all contributors, we have another bumper issue, their support is so appreciated - please keep up the good work and let's be having some new contributors for April. Items for that are welcome as soon as possible and by the Friday, 11th March deadline please.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2022.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

As I write this the sun is actually shining and although the evenings have drawn in and there is more of a chill in the air, the trees and hedgerows are still looking stunning in their bright, autumnal colours, and roses and other plants continue to bloom to cheer us up!

There has been movement in the village; we have said both goodbye and hello and we extend a warm welcome to all newcomers and a sad farewell to those who've left us. Good luck and happiness in your new homes.

Sadly, we are minus a missive from our nonagenarian, Tony B, who has not been well. We hope that he and all others, especially those who have succumbed to the virus, will be feeling fit and well again soon.

Steve, our Rural Reflector, received congratulations from the Exmoor Magazine, who also gave a nice plug to our Newsletter in their Winter edition. Thank you.

And big thanks must go - to Barbara for her kind donation from the collection made in memory of Alan; to the very many generous donations and Christmas messages, which will benefit both the Manor Hall and the Newsletter to the tune of £150 plus; to James and Harry for their continuing work on the website. When you are next sitting down with a coffee, take a look, those who have done so already have been agreeably surprised!

A final thank you must go to everyone who has contributed in any way to this, another bumper edition. Why don't you make it a new year resolution to contribute to the February one? Items for that are needed as soon as possible and by the deadline of Friday, 14th January, 2022.

... and now to Christmas! I wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Peaceful New Year. Stay safe.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Weatherwise, August was not too good a month. Why is it that it always seems to change when the schools break up and gets better when they start again?

So far September has been sunny and pretty dry - not really forecast - but there is a definite feel of autumn in the air and the evenings are really drawing in. Don't forget to put your clocks back at the end of October.

With a slight return to normal, classes, groups and events have taken place, but with all the summer visitors, needed, and a rise in cases of the virus, it is wise to stay vigilant and safe.

Hopefully those who have succumbed and those not well, are now on the mend - get better soon. We also send good wishes to newcomers to the village and hope you will be happy in your new homes.

We have a wonderful new Newsletter website! Please do make sure you read the article about it and take a look, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

As always, I must thank everyone who has contributed - we have an interesting, informative, humorous and enjoyable set of regular articles, but there is always room for the one from YOU! My especial thanks to Paul for his autumnal cover and his usual delightful illustrations. Do please support him and visit his Exhibition on the Pier, Wild White Horses, details are on page 47. Items for the December, Christmas and January edition would be welcome as soon as possible, and by Thursday, 11th November, at the latest. Thank you.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

It was August 1989 when the first edition of the Newsletter was 'distributed to every house in the parish'. Just 20 pages produced on a typewriter with stencils and an inky Roneo duplicator on behalf of the then Parish Council, much has changed since!

In August 2001 it had increased in size to 40 pages and looked more professional. At that time, we were in the middle of a foot and mouth epidemic and the Best Kept Village competition had been cancelled, but the Berry in Bloom team continued its campaign - where litter lies, beauty dies!

Ten years later and the now 44 pages included colour! But the summer's predicted heatwave never materialised.

Another ten years on and in spite of the Covid pandemic, the Newsletter continues with the support of the many contributors, and I must, as always, thank you all. Please keep up the good work as items for the October issue will be welcome as soon as possible and by Friday, 10th September - thank you.

A big thank you to Sue and Mike Richards for sponsoring, once again, the cover of this the August issue, with Sue's special photograph of sunset over Watermouth Harbour from Napps.

A warm welcome to newcomers to the village and get well wishes to all those not feeling at their best right now. It has been a sad time and our thoughts go out to all those who have lost family and friends.

At the time of reading, restrictions are due to have eased but, especially when welcoming all the visitors now holidaying at home and not going abroad, we should still stay vigilant.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and keep safe.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

By the time you read this it's impossible to think that we'll be just a few weeks short of mid-summer and the longest day - where have the months gone? April was beautiful but with a sneaky cold wind and cold nights, leaving its showers to dampen us in May, and what showers!

We welcome newcomers to the village and say sad farewells to those leaving, we wish everyone happiness in their new homes. And for those not up to feeling as bright as they might, please get well soon.

I thank Paul for his lovely cover and many illustrations in this issue, and for his support and dedication to our Newsletter, illustrating every issue since No. 7 in August 1990 - 30 years in all! Thank you, too, Debbie for your continued support and your illustrations in this and very many issues.

Other long-term support is also much appreciated. Thanks to Pam we have learnt about 93 incredible Movers and Shakers and Tom has shared his postcard collection with us in 191 views, just one short of in every issue. How many of Wendy's 96 mouth-watering recipes have you baked - try the latest white chocolate and rose gateau - or reflected with Steve 99 times? Sadly, not his 100th this issue as he has been unwell - get well soon, Steve, and the ton next time! The weather " that wonderful topic of conversation " has been wet and windy, hot and cold, sunny and frost, as reported for us on 132 occasions by Simon. And we mustn't forget Tony, our nonagenarian who has reminisced since just before 2000.

Sincerest thanks to you all, without your support and contributions, the Newsletter would be much poorer. But I must also thank everyone who contributes and has contributed with interesting articles and those who report on the happenings of the church, the shop and other groups.

But, no slacking please! Items and articles for the August issue, as the Newsletter starts its 33rd year, are welcome as soon as possible please and by Friday, 9th July, at the latest - thanks.

Although life is easing and events and activities starting up again, please check that the details given are still relevant.

Stay safe and enjoy the summer and longer evenings.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

By the time you read this we'll have sprung forward with the evenings longer, the flowers in full bloom and the hedges greening up by the day. Spring has arrived! We'll be celebrating Easter and hopefully an easing of restrictions so that we can meet up socially again.

There has been movement in and out of the village and we send best wishes to those leaving and warmly welcome newcomers. We hope you will all be happy in your new homes. We also send get well wishes to everyone not feeling at their best right now.

Newsletter funds continue to look quite healthy and I thank postal readers who have renewed their subscriptions and for all donations - keep them coming, they are so welcome and appreciated!

This is another bumper issue, and sincere thanks go to Angela for her delightful village map on the cover and to both regular and new contributors.

The next issue will be June, when unbelievably we'll be approaching the longest day! Articles and items for that will be welcome as soon as possible but by the 14th May at the latest please. Thank you.

In the meantime, stay well and vigilant.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Christmas has come and gone, different this year, but I hope you were all able to enjoy it, and the festive lights around the village. I wish all readers a safe and peaceful new year.

'The old year was ushered out with some relief and the new one ushered in with such hope.'

At the time of writing, we are waiting for Storm Christoph to roll in but also rolling in are the first cohorts of the vaccinations. By the time you read this, I hope many villagers will have been vaccinated. However, that does not mean we can go partying, we must still heed the restrictions in the hope that we may be able to enjoy some form of normality in the not-too-distant future.

Normality has, however, been possible for the Newsletter, which I understand has been appreciated - thank you - and thanks must go to the contributors, the printer and the means by which it is circulated. Thank you to Paul for the cover, reminding us that spring is not far away.

But, there's no peace for the wicked! Items for the April issue will be needed before too long - contributions are welcome as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 10th March at the latest. Thanks.

Finally, a warm welcome to any newcomers to the village and get well wishes for those not feeling their best right now. Get well soon.

Stay safe and keep well.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

First, I hope you are all keeping safe and well, but for anyone feeling under the weather, it is hoped you'll be better soon. And for all newcomers to the village, a very warm welcome.

Did anyone think or believe when we went into lockdown in March that we should be in lockdown again as we approach Christmas? Amazingly, this is Covid Newsletter No. 5 and the bumper issue to beat all bumper issues!

Lots of thank you's:

• to those who donated in Purple Week to Over and Above and the incredible work carried out in the fight against cancer at our North Devon Hospital
• to everyone who sent Christmas messages, both Manor Hall and Newsletter funds will be boosted
• to Stuart on his retirement as Chairman of the PCC, and for keeping us in touch for the last six years with the happenings of the Church, and his commitment to all things St. Peter's, especially as Organist and Choirmaster
• to Debbie for the front and rear covers and the mice enhancing the Christmas messages
• to all those who have contributed to this December Newsletter - new, old and, of course, the regulars.

February will be the first issue of 2021 and items are welcome as soon as possible and by Friday, 15th January.

Christmas is going to be different this year as we continue in these strange times, but I send my best wishes to you all, and your families, for a happy Festive Season and a Healthy and Peaceful New Year.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Can this really be the fourth Newsletter since the start of these strange and difficult times? I hope you are keeping safe from Covid, but for those who are unwell, we are thinking of you and hope you feel better soon. We also send good wishes and welcome anyone new to the village or new Newsletter readers.

This October issue, is dedicated to the late Margaret Ludlow as the donations given at her funeral have been given to the Newsletter. Thank you, Ken and Wendy, for this kind thought. Thank you, as well, to Angela [Bartlett] in Singapore, for her whimsical interpretation, on page 24 of the recent problems encountered at Woolacombe and for the new-look recipe page.

It's lovely to report a happy occasion and we send our congratulations and best wishes to June and Gerry who celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on the 17th September. Whilst the 45th anniversary is sapphire, this, the 65th is blue sapphire. In 2017, the term sapphire jubilee or blue sapphire was coined to mark the 65th anniversary of the succession of our Queen, Elizabeth II. Good wishes and thanks to Vicki Woodhouse who has been our Parish Clerk for the last four years, and a warm welcome to Sue Petters, her replacement.

Once again, I must thank everyone who has contributed in any way to this issue, No. 188. It is only with your help and support that the Newsletter continues. That help, perhaps with help from new contributors, will be needed for the December and Christmas [can you believe it!] issue! Items for this will be welcome as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 11th November at the latest. Thank you.

Finally, don't forget to put your clock back an hour before you go to bed on the 24th October, and remember that regulations are changing all the time and events scheduled may well have altered. The community spirit in the village continues live and well and thanks are due to all those who give their time, help and support to others. Stay well and keep safe.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

First and foremost a big thank you for the incredible response and support for the Newsletter following my plea in the June issue. Your Newsletter will continue well into its 32nd year! I am happy and grateful that it is appreciated and gives so much pleasure.

Once again, I hope you are all keeping well as we continue living in these strange times. The community spirit in our village is alive and well and thanks must be given to all those who have helped to make the situation easier, giving their time, help and support.

Thank you to Mike and Sue for once again sponsoring the cover and all the contributors, both regular and new, to this extra full issue - lockdown seems to have spurred readers to put pen to paper! Don't put those pens away, as articles and items for the October issue - can it really be that time again already! - will be welcome as soon as possible and by the Friday, 11th September deadline. Thank you.

By the time you read this, things reported may well have changed and as lockdown begins to ease, continue to take care and keep safe.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

I hope you are all keeping well. We are certainly living in strange and difficult times and as this Newsletter goes to print, there is little change in the lockdown situation. But the incredible weather we have had over the last eight weeks has been a blessing, allowing time to be spent in the gardens, both relaxing and working - gardens have never looked better!

The community spirit has, as always in this village, helped us to keep our chins up and here, in the Valley, we come out each week to clap and make a noise to thank the NHS, and on VE Day shared a celebratory tea from the distance of our gardens.

But most importantly, and speaking for everyone, we must give very grateful thanks to all those who have helped to lighten the situation: to our Shop, Staff and Committee, who have kept the village needs catered for, including having loo rolls when they disappeared off the supermarket shelves, and making up and delivering orders daily; The Globe for cooking and delivering ready-made tasty meals and to the Parish Council for collecting and delivering prescriptions; last, but not least, to the many individual helpers who have shopped, collected medicines and taken care of those in self-isolation. Thank you all!

And, of course, thank you to the contributors who have ensured that the Newsletter keeps going. Let's hope that by the time of the August issue [items for which will be welcome any time and by the 3rd July latest and which can be e-mailed to me [on judiew12@gmail.com] that we shall be in a position to socialise - we will meet again!

By the time you read this, things may have changed, but in the meantime, take care and keep safe and well.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

When I began thinking about what I should write in my editorial, it was a glorious day - slight frost followed by blue sky and all-day sunshine, but guess what!

We are living in troubling times, but I hope this issue will help relieve the boredom of those self-isolating and staying in. For those unwell, please take care and get better soon, and to newcomers to the village, we welcome you and hope you will be happy in your new homes.

My thanks, as always, to the contributors. To Debbie for the cheerful cover of Bailey in the tulips, Paul for his illustrations and all the regular supporters.

Many of the events planned and advertised will, by the time you read this Newsletter, have been postponed or cancelled, please check. Apologies, things are changing daily and information given at the time of going to print, will, I am sure, be completely out of date.

June will be the next Newsletter and items are welcome as soon as possible and by Friday, 8th May, at the latest please. They can be left at the Shop or Chicane, but preferably e-mailed to me at judiew12@gmail.com. Thank you.

In times of difficulty, Berrynarbor's wonderful community spirit always shines. A big thank you to everyone for their offers of help in so many ways.

My very best wishes to all readers, happy Easter, take care and stay safe.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

In December I wrote how unpleasant the weather had been for weeks and there has hardly been any let up since! Brendan is currently blowing a gale and lashing down with rain, and oh, if only we could send some of this down under to the poor folk in Australia suffering horrendous bushfires.

Christmas has come and gone. I hope you enjoyed the festive season without problems although I believe a number of unfortunate souls have suffered from flu like coughs. I hope you are now on the mend and I wish you and all readers a happy, healthy and hopefully peaceful 2020.

There are events planned to cheer up the dull February days. Berry in Bloom are holding a Fun Quiz and Supper on the 7th, the Craft Group will be hosting their annual Knit In for the North Devon Hospice on the 24th; and the Manor Hall committee will be tossing pancakes during the afternoon of Shrove Tuesday, the 25th.

Although the mornings still remain rather dark the evenings are drawing out and snowdrops are blooming and bulbs popping up through the sodden soil. The first day of spring is officially the 19th March, followed by Mothering Sunday on the 22nd. Gifts for Mother's Day, as well as Valentine's Day, will be in our Shop, and pots of bulbs and flowers on Josh Richards' stall at Moules Farm.

But don't forget to put your clocks forward an hour on the night of the 28th/29th March.

An interesting batch of articles for this issue and my thanks to all contributors but especially the regulars and Paul. Enjoy!

I'll be looking for another batch for April and Easter and these will be welcome as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 14th March at the latest. Thank you.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Here we are - December again! As I write this, the weather has been very wet and unpleasant for what seems like weeks, and our thoughts must go to the poor folks in the north whose homes and businesses have been flooded by rivers breaking their banks.

Christmas is not far away and now that frantic time trying to get ready - cakes, cards, puddings, presents!

Thank you to the message senders in this issue, whose generous donations will be most welcome by both the Manor Hall and the Newsletter. Thank you, as well, to Debbie for another delightful cover and for the border enhancing the messages. Debbie's continued support is very much appreciated, as is the support of all the regular contributors.

Congratulations are in order! To the Berry in Bloom team for achieving another Gold; to Alex for gaining another 'O' Level - 90 years young; to Ilfracombe reader Jeanette and her husband Norman on receiving a card from the Queen for their Diamond Wedding and Mick and Marg celebrating their Golden Wedding.

As always, we send get well wishes to all those not feeling at their best, and a warm welcome and good wishes for happiness in your new homes to all newcomers to our village. There are a lot of festive events planned in the next weeks, so make a note of them and enjoy! February will be the first issue in 2020 and items are welcome as soon as possible and at the latest by the 8th January. Thank you.

I send my best wishes to you all and your families for a happy Christmas and a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

With a dry spring and early summer, the autumn colours in the trees seem to be arriving early this year, with the beech looking particularly brown. There is some thought that climate change could be affecting them - hopefully not with our abundance of beech in the area.

Don't forget! The clocks go back on the night/morning of 26th/27th October - an extra hour's sleep!

The summer events have all gone well and in spite of the change of venue due to the weather, the Berry in Bloom Tea was a success. Congratulations to Charlotte and Mickey for their amazing Garden Party and a fantastic amount raised for Over and Above.

Talking of events, Be and Richard will be holding another Soup and Pud Evening, taking place on Saturday, 25th January - make a note to put it in your new diary.

Once again, a warm welcome to all newcomers to the village and farewell to those leaving, we wish you all health and happiness in your new homes. We are also thinking of all those feeling unwell and send our good wishes to get better soon.

In each issue I thank all the regular contributors for their continued support and I do so again for this issue - without you there would not be a newsletter - and I thank newcomer Pam Robinson for already putting pen to paper. But it would be lovely to welcome some more new contributors, how about it? Put pen to paper or e-mail me something for December, Christmas and the New Year.

Yes, Christmas, it's coming! Once again, your messages to friends will be able to be sent via the Newsletter, see page 45 for details. Those messages and all contributions for December would be welcome as soon as possible and by the 6th November at the latest. Thank you.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

With this issue, No. 181, the Newsletter, under the auspices of the Parish Council, celebrates its 30th Birthday! From humble beginnings of 20 pages printed with stencils and an inky Roneo, it has grown to 48 pages, printed professionally with drawings and photos in colour.

My sincere thanks to each and every one who has contributed not only to this issue but over the years. Especial thanks to Tom and his Old Berrynarbor and Postcard Collection who has contributed to all 181 issues. Hot on his heels comes our Local Walker who has taken us on 175 strolls, locally and further afield, always with the flora and fauna and architectural features in mind. Tony B, who has just celebrated his 90th birthday - and we send him our congratulations and best wishes - has entertained us with 126 of his memories and tales, whilst Simon has given us statistics on our wind, rain, snow and sunshine in 120 reports. Mention must also be made of Steve and his rural Reflections, Wendy and her delicious recipes and Pam's fascinating Movers and Shakers, all now approaching another 0 Level - 90!

Throughout its 30 years, the Newsletter has been enhanced by the fantastic illustrations of Nigel Mason and Peter Rothwell, but particularly Debbie and, of course, our incredible Artist in Residence, Paul.

Thank you must also go to the many generous donators who have kept the Newsletter going. The cover of this issue has again been kindly sponsored by Mike and Sue Richards of Napps - their 13th such cover.

Thank you all!

A very warm welcome to all newcomers to the village. It will be good to meet you and our best wishes for happiness in your new homes. It is always sad to say goodbye, but to those leaving for new homes, every happiness in your new homes too.

Best wishes go to our printer David Beagley - and our crossword puzzler - who has spent several weeks in hospital recently but is now home again. Those good wishes also go to anyone not feeling their best.

So, on to issue number 182! Contributions are welcome as soon as possible and by the 11th September please. Thank you.

I can't finish without mention of the weather! We've had some glorious summer sunshine, let's hope it continues now the children are on holiday, but the gardens do need some refreshing rain, so long as once it starts it knows when to stop! Happy holidays

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

I hope you all had a good Easter - we certainly could not complain about the weather, it was perfect! And as I work on this June and July issue, it's lovely again.

Referring to the old country rhyme ...

If the ash is out before the oak, Then the summer will be a soak!
If the oak is out before the ash, Then the summer will be a splash!

... unusually, the oak is well ahead of the ash this year, perhaps we might get a good summer, let's hope so.

Following the recent boundary changes, when we became part of the Marwood ward, and the elections, we congratulate and welcome Joe Tucker as our new District Councillor. In welcoming Joe, we must also thank Yvette Gubb and John Lovering who have served us so well for many years. We send them both our best wishes, Yvette who continues to represent Combe Martin and John on his retirement .

Congratulations and thanks must go to Julia, the members of the Manor Hall Trust, and all the voluntary helpers on their recent refurbishment of the Manor Hall following essential repairs. The hall looks and feels lovely - clean, light and airy - and their thank you tea was a deliciously enjoyable afternoon.

A very warm welcome to the newcomers to the village. We look forward to meeting you and hope you will be very happy in your new homes. That wish also goes to those leaving us for homes further afield.

There have been quite a few villagers spending time in hospital recently and to them and anyone not feeling a hundred per cent just now, take care and get well soon.

Without those who put pen to paper and send in articles, there wouldn't be a newsletter. A big thank you to everyone who has contributed not only to this issue but also to everyone who has contributed over the years. Unbelievably, the August issue marks the newsletter's 30th birthday!

Items for that issue are welcome as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 10th July at the latest - thank you.

Enjoy the events planned for the summer months and happy reading.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

When I began working on this issue, we were basking in an unusual spell of beautiful spring weather, but as I get ready to go to print . . . what can I say? And, what can be said about Brexit!

By the time you are reading this, we'll have put the clocks forward and the evenings will have lengthened. The spring flowers, in the gardens and hedgerows, are well advanced but sadly suffering from the wet and strong winds, but at least they make a splash of cheerful colour.

There has been an excellent response from readers who receive their copies in the post. Thank you all for your subscriptions, donations and support of the Newsletter. A big thank you, too, to Maureen and Pat for another enjoyable coffee morning at Fuchsia Cottage in aid of Berry in Bloom and the Newsletter. Cakes to die for and a happy and warm atmosphere. Take care of that leprechaun Tony!

Good wishes, as always, go to those unwell and newcomers to the village; we hope you feel better soon and happiness in your new homes.

For almost as long as there has been a Newsletter, it has been enhanced by the illustrations of our Artist in Residence, Paul, who doesn't even come from the village - he is a star! I am incredibly grateful to him for his help and support. Hopefully, readers will find time to support him and view his exhibition as part of the Ilfracombe Art Trail, details appear on page 33.

Obviously, I am also extremely grateful to everyone who contributes to the Newsletter in so many different ways, especially the regular article writers - keep them coming! And let's have some new contributors too. Items for the June issue would be welcome as soon as possible and by the 6th May at the latest - thank you.

Wishing all readers a Happy Easter.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Christmas and the festive events, enjoyed by all, are now over and we are well into the new year, but as this is the first issue of 2019, I wish all readers and their families, a happy, healthy and peaceful year ahead.

As always, winter and its dark and dreary days has brought the inevitable seasonal coughs, colds and other ailments. For those who could wish for better health just now, we send our warmest wishes and hope you will be feeling better very soon. We also send good wishes to all newcomers to the Village and to all those who have moved away. We hope you will be happy in your new homes.

Although the mornings still seem dark, the evenings are drawing out; the bulbs are popping up and there are snowdrops out - spring is on its way. British Summer Time begins on the 31st March, don't forget to put your clocks forward an hour on Mothering Sunday [1.00 a.m.] or you may miss church services!

Although technically a freebie, the Newsletter costs approximately £1.50 a copy, so your donations are still welcome, appreciated and necessary! Some postal subscriptions have now run out and if you are someone to whom this applies, a letter is enclosed with your Newsletter.

This issue has lots of interesting articles thanks to the regular contributors and everyone else who has put pen to paper or e-mailed me articles; of course, Paul, our Artist in Residence and Sue and Mike Richards for the frosty and misty view of Watermouth from Napps on the cover. Items and articles for the next issue, covering April, Easter and May, would be appreciated as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 6th March at the latest. Thank you.

Enjoy your Newsletter and the events planned for you in the coming weeks.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

We're nearly into December and Christmas is approaching fast. Are you ready or is it time to panic to get the cake and pudding made, and cards and presents organised? Festivities start this Saturday,

1st December, with a Christmas Sparkle flower demonstration, followed by fairs, coffee mornings, nativity walk and carol singing - enjoy!

A warm welcome to all newcomers to the village, we hope you will be happy here in your new homes, and get-well messages to everyone not feeling at their best right now - we hope you'll be feeling better soon.

Sending your Christmas messages to friends and neighbours through the Newsletter remains popular and thanks to the generous donations, the Manor Hall and the Newsletter funds will benefit. Thank you. Thank you, too, to Debbie for the moon-gazing hare enhancing the messages and the delightful red squirrel and robin cover.

Thinking beyond Christmas, the next issue will be February 2019, the year the Newsletter celebrates its 30th birthday! Items for that issue are welcome as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 9th January at the latest. My sincere thanks to all contributors, not only to this issue but throughout the year, and to all readers for your continued support.

My best wishes to you all. Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

It's been a lovely summer but currently it is wet and windy as Storm Ali passes through followed by Storm Bronagh. The evenings are drawing in and autumn is here.

This issue's cover, the autumnal rainbow scene from Napps, has again been sponsored by Mike and Sue Richards and sincere thanks to them for their continued support of the Newsletter.

There have been some comings and goings in the village of late and we welcome all newcomers and say goodbye to the leavers and wish them all health and happiness in their new homes, and send get well soon messages to anyone not feeling at their best right now.

A big thank you to everyone involved in the Shop's 10th Birthday Party - a lovely, happy event and you even managed to organise a beautiful sunny afternoon!

This is another full and varied issue due to the contributors - thank you all. We send get well wishes to Tony, our scribe from Suffolk, who is a bit under the weather and thank him for contributing 121 short stories over the years!

So, to our next Newsletter. This will cover December and Christmas, as well as the first month of 2019 - can it really be 19 years since we were celebrating the Millennium and wondering if computers would crash and 'planes drop out of the sky? Items with a Christmassy flavour are welcome as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 7th November at the latest please, and don't forget those Christmas messages.

In the meantime, enjoy this issue and think about how YOU could contribute.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

First, a warm welcome to all newcomers to the village and farewell to those who are leaving - good luck and happiness in your new homes. We also send get well soon messages to those not feeling at their best right now.

Ten years ago, I wrote 'the least said about the weather the better!' I could almost say the same although for a very different reason! The beautiful weather has been a bonus for village events but the prolonged drought is playing havoc with the grass and gardens as well as sapping our energy.

Don't forget the annual Horticultural & Craft Show takes place in just a couple of weeks. Have you got your entries ready? Do, please, give this event your support and good luck to all the gardeners, crafters, cooks, photographers and artists.

Your support for the Easter Barton Party raised £400 for Ovacome [the ovarian cancer charity] and Be and Richard thank all those who attended and donated so generously.

Thanks to everyone's general support, the Newsletter is going ahead and I don't think that in August 1989 anyone thought it would still be going into its 30th year - amazing!

By the next issue, autumn will be creeping up on us. Contributions for October may be handed in as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 12th September - thank you. Thank you, as always, to everyone who has contributed to this issue.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

First, a warm welcome to all newcomers to our village, wishing you happiness in your new homes. Sadly, we also say some goodbyes, and again we wish you well in your new homes, and to those not feeling well, get better soon.

The response from the mail readers has been great - so many subscriptions being renewed with generous donations - thank you.

I began work on this issue during the days of snow and as I write this introduction to the April and May issue, it's white, white everywhere again!

Hopefully, it will be gone again by the time you read this, especially as Easter will be upon us.

Take a quick look at page 16 for Wendy's Easter Chocolate Egg Cake and start baking NOW! And for the young, join in the Easter Trails at Marwood Gardens [page 26] and Arlington Court.

Jim Constantine has done a wonderful job of repeating Frith's 1911 photograph of the village as it is today! So much the same but a few more houses and in places less trees, especially around the church with more of the Manor Hall visible. Thank you, Jim.

Some interesting contributions again - thank you contributors. Please keep articles coming and they will be needed for the June issue by Wednesday, 9th May.

Wishing you all a Happy Easter.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Although we are now well into the new year, as this is the first issue of 2018, I wish all readers and their families a happy, healthy and peaceful year ahead.

Congratulations to the Parish Council and thanks for the delightful Christmas lights around the church and in the square, and thanks to the many Christmas messages and the very generous donations, the Manor Hall hopes to be lit up too next year.

Thank you to the Parochial Church Council for their kind donation and Richard and Be for theirs following the sale of Christmas trees.

The wet and unpleasant weather has brought the inevitable coughs and colds and what is called Aussie flu. To all sufferers, and I know personally how nasty it is, get well wishes, and that goes to everyone not feeling at their best at present.

A warm welcome to all newcomers, we wish you, and all those who have left the village, happiness in your new homes.

Regular readers may have noticed the absence recently of Rural Reflections. Unfortunately, Steve has been suffering from a debilitating case of double vision. It is understood that there has been some improvement, and we hope that continues. We send him all good wishes and look forward to hearing from him again before too long.

The days are getting longer and bulbs are popping up, so spring must surely be on its way! British Summer Time starts on the 24th/25th March, so don't forget to put your clocks forward an hour.

Once again the regulars have sent in their articles and it is lovely to have a return of Weather or Not. Thank you all. However, it would be nice to hear from some new writers! Why not send in a favourite recipe, poem or photograph, or tell us about that special day or trip? Items for the April issue, due out before Easter, would be very welcome as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 7th March, at the latest please. Thank you.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

We extend, as always, a warm welcome to all newcomers to the village, and wish all those not feeling too well at present, to get better soon.

Here we are in December and the weather report does not make good reading, but on the few sunny and crisp days, the autumn colours of the trees have been beautiful.

So, Christmas is nearly upon us and the festive rush is about to begin - cards, cakes, puddings, presents! If you are stuck with ideas for gifts, why not visit Fortythree in Ilfracombe. Paul, our artist in residence, currently in South Africa, explains it all on Page 5, and I thank him for continuing to enhance our Newsletter with his illustrations.

It was lovely to hear from Tony and Norma [Holland] from Chippenham, who continue to enjoy their choir singing - in Malmesbury Abbey during December. Unfortunately, Norma has not been well but is continuing to get stronger, whilst Tony remains fit, swimming regularly, averaging 280 lengths a week over 3 days.

Thank you to everyone who has sent Christmas messages to go in the Newsletter, your generous donations will benefit both the Manor Hall and the Newsletter.

I thank everyone who has not only contributed to this issue but throughout the year, your support is very much appreciated. Especial thanks to the Regulars and Debbie for her covers and borders for the Messages. It is also lovely to once again include a Letter from the Rector.

There are many events planned over the coming weeks, so make a note of them in diaries or on calendars and enjoy!

Items for February 2018 will be needed as soon as possible once Christmas and New Year are over, but by Wednesday, 10th January at the latest. Thank you.

In the meantime, I send you and your families very best wishes for Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Looking back at the issues of ten and twenty years ago, some things never change!

In 2007, we were again complaining of a wet summer but unlike today, as I write this we are having torrential rain, we enjoyed a warm and sunny September!

In 1997, you did not have to suffer a message from the editor! We were sadly paying tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, as we have been this year, 20 years after her death. Our W.I., under Vi Kingdon's Presidency, were enjoying their monthly meetings; Dave Beagley was baffling us with his Crossword; the Wine Circle was about to have a taste of Rioja, presented by Tony Summers; AA of BL had landed safely after her intrepid sky dive; 'Farewell to Hong Kong' was the theme for the Globe [village] float, winning 1st in Class and Best Overall at both Ilfracombe and Barnstaple Carnivals, and Tom told us about the Harvest Festival of the 1st October 1949. PP of DC had not embarked on her Movers and Shakers but told us about A Bit Of Hungarian Slap & Tickle! Also included were News from the Church, Letter from our Rector, Keith, Reports from the Parish Council and Manor Hall, and the Local Walker took us to the White House on Horsey Island . . . things don't change!

My usual thanks to everyone who has contributed to this issue, happiness in your new homes to all arrivals and departures, and get well soon messages for those not feeling at their best just now.

The next issue will be December and Christmas - can it be here again so soon? Items for inclusion will be needed by Wednesday, 8th November and don't forget, your Christmas message in the Newsletter will also be needed by that date. Thank you and best wishes,

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Before anything else I must say a sincere thank you to Sue and Mike of Napps for kindly sponsoring, once again, the cover of the August issue.

But "Why?" you might be thinking, is Hartland featured. Well, the explanation is thanks to Be and the article on page 14, the photos being taken on the travel through Devon.

By the time you read this, schools will have broken up and let's hope that that is not a signal for summer to disappear! We cannot grumble too much, the weather has been reasonable - Wimbledon passed with few matches cancelled although at present the Open golf at Birkdale is not fairing too well and it is lashing down here!

Our best wishes, as always, to all those unwell and to all newcomers to the village.

There are some dates to put in your diary or on your calendar: the annual Horticultural and Craft Show in a few weeks, the recommencement of the Badminton Club, St. Peter's Church Harvest Service and Supper, the Beaford Performance event at Bodstone Barton and the Wine Circle will resume on the 18th October.

My thanks for all the contributions: to Paul and Debbie for their illustrations and all the regular contributors.

"What could I contribute?" Please start thinking now and put pen to paper - a seasonal recipe, a tip, a favourite poem, congratulations, holiday photograph, gift idea, etc. All would be very welcome at Chicane, the Shop or e-mail as soon as possible and by Thursday 7th September latest. Thanks.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Although as I write this we have had a couple of very wet days, it was almost needed as we have enjoyed several weeks of nice, warm, sunny and dry weather, and unbelievably by the time you are reading this, we'll be just three weeks short of the longest day!

It has been a sad time in the village lately and our thoughts are with all those families affected. Our thoughts are also with everyone not feeling well and hope you will be better soon.

We extend a very warm welcome to all newcomers to the village and hope you will be very happy in your new homes.

My editorial is always a place of thanks and on this occasion, I must give my sincere thanks to our Parish Council, for their interest in the Newsletter and very generous financial support and encouragement. A reminder, however, that each copy costs approximately £1.50 and donations to ensure it continues are not only welcome, but also essential!

One observant reader noticed that Paul's February 2016's snowdrop cover had become April 2017's bluebell wood! Did anyone else spot this?

This issue's cover, again by Paul, shows Watermouth cove and harbour, one of his pictures on display in the recent Ilfracombe Art Trail. Don't forget, Paul's pictures - originals or prints, framed or not - are available to purchase. If you are interested, do please get in touch with me, either by 'phone or e-mail. It is hoped that there might be another display of Paul's work [and those of the two village art groups], later in the year. The Newsletter is extremely lucky to have its own Artist in Residence. Thank you, Paul.

More thanks! Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue - keep the contributions coming! For August, when we start the 28th year, they should be at the Shop or Chicane or e-mailed to me as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 11th July at the latest. Thank you.

Let's hope that in the weeks ahead, we'll all benefit from some true summer weather with only just enough rain to keep the grass and blooms going! Utopia?

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

The clocks have gone forward and the light evenings are getting longer. Spring has arrived and the daffodils everywhere have been looking magnificent, the hedgerows are beginning to show green and lambs are appearing in the fields.

April and another Fools' Day! Not a national holiday, it is, however, recognised and celebrated as a day when people play hoaxes and other practical jokes. The earliest recorded connection between the 1st April and foolishness can be found in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales [1392].

It is always good to have news from mail readers when renewing their subscriptions and I thank them for their continued support and generous donations. The mailing readership remains at over 100.

My thanks must seem rather monotonous but I do appreciate all the help I get to make this, I hope, a rather special Newsletter, enjoyed, it would seem, not only by villagers but many other readers besides. and its website all over the world. Your contributions, both regular and one-offs, literary, historical and artistic, etc., are always welcome and they will be welcome again come early May! Items for the June issue will be welcome at the Shop or Chicane, by post or e-mail, as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 10th May, at the latest please. Thank you.

Some articles are numbered indicating their longevity and Tom's Old Berrynarbor articles at No. 166 have been going the longest, only missing the first issue in August 1989. It is due to the continued support of so many that we still have a newsletter nearly 28 years later.

As always, we wish all newcomers to the village a warm welcome and we hope you will be happy in your new homes; and send our very best wishes to all those who are a bit under the weather at present.

Finally, it will soon be Easter and a welcome holiday for the schools, it has been a long spring term. I wish you all a very Happy Easter.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Although we are now well into the new year, as this is the first issue of 2017, I wish you all a happy, healthy and peaceful year ahead. A warm welcome to all newcomers and for you and for those who have moved away, we wish you happiness in your new homes.

The winter and festive season has brought with it the usual colds and unpleasant, lingering coughs, but you have been in good company! We send get well wishes to everyone not at their best and hope you will be feeling better very soon.

Although the mornings still seem rather dark, the evenings are definitely lengthening; the bulbs are popping up everywhere, the birds are singing to welcome the spring, which IS on its way! British Summer Time begins on the 25th/26th March, so remember to put your clocks forward an hour or you might miss the Mothering Sunday Service at St. Peter's.

Many of you have expressed concern and sympathy with Nigel on his misfortune due to the fire in Exeter, but have also much appreciated his covers of the December issue.

For those with computers, don't forget that the Newsletter has its own website: www.berrynarbor-news.co.uk. Although t it does not show the full issue, the pictures, photographs, etc., can be seen with far better definition. In January it had 212 visitors including one from Beijing, another from Taipei in Taiwan and two from Carnegie in Australia. Go on, take a look!

The bumper crop of Christmas messages and the very generous donations have once again given the funds of both the Manor Hall and Newsletter a substantial boost. Thank you.

This is another full issue thanks to the contributors, especially the regulars and our Artist in Residence, Paul, whose cover of Braunton Marsh reflects the Local Walk. His illustrations help to make our Newsletter rather special. Thank you, Paul.

I'll be looking for another batch of articles for the April issue, which will come out ahead of Easter this year. It would be good to have some new support - tell us about your Christmas or holiday, your favourite poem or photograph, or that special Granny's recipe that's been passed down the family. Items will be very welcome as soon as possible, but by Wednesday, 8th March at the latest please. Thank you.

Finally, please help support the wonderful work of our North Devon Hospice by joining the Knit and Natter [even if you only natter!] on Monday, 27th February.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Here we are in December again with Christmas only days away. Are you ready or will you, like me, panic to get everything ready in time?

We extend a warm welcome to all recent newcomers and hope that you will be very happy here in the village, and our best wishes also go to everyone currently feeling under the weather.

Talking of which, we've had some lovely sunny autumn days and the autumn hues of the trees have been beautiful.

As well as thanking everyone who has contributed to this bumper issue and throughout the year, I must thank Maureen and Pat for the donation from their Coffee Morning and Gary for the donations from the sale of his book. Stuck for ideas for presents? How about Gary's A Potted History of Berrynarbor or one of Tom Bartlett's Postcard View Books?

My special thanks to Nigel, who in spite of current problems [see his article, page 18], has enhanced this issue with his wintry weather covers, and Debbie for the border for the Christmas Messages, which will again boost the funds of both the Newsletter and the Manor Hall.

And so to the new year and the February issue. Items will be welcome as early as possible but by Wednesday, 11th January, at the latest please. Thank you.

My best wishes to you all and your families for a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Summer is over and for us here, it really hasn't been a great one weather-wise. Extraordinarily, only 50 miles away, around Taunton, they've had quite a good one. It's no wonder we live in a green and lush part of the country! So, with winter approaching, don't forget to put the clocks back an hour on the 29th/30th October - at least we get an extra hour in bed!

The cover, Lundy through the dunes at Woolacombe, is the work of our Artist in Residence, Paul, one of his beautiful illustrations for the poem, At Woolacombe and Mortehoe, on page 10. Thank you, Paul, not only for the illustrations in this issue, but for the many hundreds over the last 26 years, since issue No. 7

Here again I must thank all the contributors although it would be lovely to have some new ones to support our great regular writers.

We seem to suffer a lot of changes in the residents of our village and we wish all newcomers good luck and happiness in your new homes. Judging from the number of properties on the market, we'll be saying some good-byes with our best wishes to you too.

Sadly, not everyone is feeling too good and the weather does nothing to help, but we hope you will all be feeling better and very soon.

If you are reading this on the first or second day of its circulation, do look at the article about butterflies for the Children's Hospice on page 31 and get your order in fast. Also, don't forget that Gary's book - an amusing account of life in Berry before the flowerpot men - is available from the Shop, Globe and Sawmills.

We are privileged to be having the Military Wives Choir here at St. Peter's - tickets are now on sale at the Shop.

Finally, Christmas cards are already on sale in the shops, but if you would like to send your greetings via the messages in the Newsletter, details can be found on page 45 and messages should be received by Wednesday 9th November, which is also the deadline for articles and items for the December and Christmas issue, the final one of 2016.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Summer is over and for us here, it really hasn't been a great one weather-wise. Extraordinarily, only 50 miles away, around Taunton, they've had quite a good one. It's no wonder we live in a green and lush part of the country! So, with winter approaching, don't forget to put the clocks back an hour on the 29th/30th October - at least we get an extra hour in bed!

The cover, Lundy through the dunes at Woolacombe, is the work of our Artist in Residence, Paul, one of his beautiful illustrations for the poem, At Woolacombe and Mortehoe, on page 10. Thank you, Paul, not only for the illustrations in this issue, but for the many hundreds over the last 26 years, since issue No. 7

Here again I must thank all the contributors although it would be lovely to have some new ones to support our great regular writers.

We seem to suffer a lot of changes in the residents of our village and we wish all newcomers good luck and happiness in your new homes. Judging from the number of properties on the market, we'll be saying some good-byes with our best wishes to you too.

Sadly, not everyone is feeling too good and the weather does nothing to help, but we hope you will all be feeling better and very soon.

If you are reading this on the first or second day of its circulation, do look at the article about butterflies for the Children's Hospice and get your order in fast.

Also, don't forget that Gary's book - an amusing account of life in Berry before the flowerpot men - is available from the Shop, Globe and Sawmills.

We are privileged to be having the Military Wives Choir here at St. Peter's - tickets are now on sale at the Shop.

Finally, Christmas cards are already on sale in the shops, but if you would like to send your greetings via the messages in the Newsletter, details can be found on page 45 and messages should be received by Wednesday 9th November, which is also the deadline for articles and items for the December and Christmas issue, the final one of 2016.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

The year seems to be flying past and we are already in to June, but is it or will it be flaming?

The sixth month of the year it brings Summer, Fathers' Day and the Summer Solstice as well as rich foliage colourful flowers, grass cutting and Wimbledon. Its birthstones are pearl, alexandrite and moonstone and its flower, the rose. Spring ends and summer begins.

July, the seventh month was named after Julius Caesar in 444BC. Its birthstone is ruby and flower larkspur. Until the 18th century in English the stress was on the first syllable, rhyming with duly and truly. Although six months have passed, the 1st of July is not the mid-point of the year, the exact half-way point is at 1.00 p.m. on the 3rd July in a non-leap year.

Has Lord Byron got it right? 'The English winter, ending in July, to recommence in August . . .'

To all newcomers to the village, we welcome you and wish you happiness in your new homes; and to those leaving us, we wish you the same.

It is sad that so many villagers have spent time in or are in hospital and to you all and those not feeling at their best just now, get well soon.

As always, a big thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue in any way. The August issue is due out on the 4th and articles will be welcome as soon as possible but by Wednesday, 13th July, at the latest. Thank you.

However, in the meantime there are lots of events to look forward to including the Tea and Tiaras Tea Party, Ron's 100th Birthday bash, a Flower Demonstration and the Flower Festival at St. Peter's Church. Enjoy.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

First, a warm welcome to all newcomers to the village wishing you happiness in your new home. Sadly, we also say some goodbyes and again wish you well in your new homes.

Finance - the response from the mail readers has been fantastic with subscriptions being renewed together with some very generous donations. Thank you all and thank you for your kind words: 'I do enjoy reading it', '

'A most interesting read', 'Always received with great anticipation!' 'Many thanks for your hard work once again for such a good newsletter', 'Enjoying the mag as much as ever!' Such remarks certainly do make the hard work worthwhile.

At last some lovely blue skies and sunny days which hopefully have cheered us all up, but especially everyone who has not been feeling too well lately - get better soon.

By the time you read this Easter will be over, the clocks gone forward and spring will have officially arrived. It has been a long time coming with so many grey, wet and miserable days over the last four months. Now the daffodils and spring flowers are making a lovely splash of colour and the trees and shrubs beginning to bud.

How lucky the Newsletter has so many regular contributors including our artist in residence, Paul. Thank you all - keep the items coming! However, it would also be nice to hear from some new contributors and items for the June issue are welcome any time from now and by Wednesday, 11th May, at the latest please. Thank you.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

We are now well into the new year and still our wet and warmer than seasonal weather continues! Fortunately the village has not suffered any flooding but spare a thought for those poor folks in the north. The dreary days have inevitably brought coughs and colds and other ailments and we send our best wishes to those suffering and hope you will be feeling better soon. Good wishes also go to any newcomers to the village and those who have moved away.

The evenings are drawing out and the mornings getting lighter - spring is on its way, depicted by the snowdrop cover by our Artist in Residence, Paul. Thank you Paul. Don't forget to put clocks forward an hour on the night of 26th/27th March or you may miss the Easter Service at St. Peter's!

There are many events planned in the weeks ahead - jumble and table top sales, coffee mornings, a special visit from Beaford Arts and, of course, the Easter holiday.

Thanks to all contributors we have another full issue, and don't forget you can see an edited version of the Newsletter on line at www.berrynarbor-news.co.uk A benefit of viewing in on line is that many images and pictures are in higher resolution than the printed copy. Why not take a look?

I look forward to another bumper crop of items for the April issue and these will be welcome as soon as possible but by Wednesday, 9th March at the latest please. Thank you.

Happy Easter!

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

As I write, the weather is blustery but so far Barney has not brought the bad gales that were forecast. The weather has been grey and grim of late but at least we had some lovely weather in September and October, just as the children went back to school!

December is here and the rush up to the festive season is about to begin - cards, cakes, puddings, presents!

A big thank you to everyone who sent messages via the Newsletter, your generous donations will benefit both the Manor Hall and the Newsletter.

Thanks also go to Debbie for the 'Little Donkey' covers and the Greetings penguins enjoying the snow. Her continued support is very much appreciated.

That goes, too, to all the contributors and especially Paul for all his wonderful illustrations, all produced at the very last moment! And so to 2016 and items for the first issue of the year, February, will be welcome as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 13th January at the latest. Thank you.

As always our thoughts and best wishes are with those folk currently under the weather and a warm welcome to all newcomers to our village, and I send my best wishes to you all for a Happy Christmas and New Year.

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ANN VINCE

It was with sadness I learnt that Ann had died suddenly in October. Our thoughts are with John and all her family at this time of sorrow.

John was our Parish Clerk but resigned when he and Ann returned to South Devon in 1998 to be nearer their family. They have been mailing readers of our Newsletter since that time.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

The summer has not been that good, or not until the children went back to school, but it has not dampened the enjoyment or success of the many village events - the School, Manor Hall and Church fetes, the Horticultural and Craft Show, the Sterridge Open Gardens and the Celebration of the final end of World War II.

The cover by Holly Davies and the pictures on the centre pages are the Primary School winning entries in the Horticultural and Craft Show. One winner from each of the years, the work was based on Images of the Ocean and the theme of the Show, Cities, Towns and Villages. Congratulations to them all.

Once again a warm welcome to all newcomers to the village and farewell to those who have left, we wish you all health and happiness in your new homes. We are also thinking of all those not feeling at their best just now and send good wishes to get well soon.

If you have not already thought about taking part in the Games Night at The Globe, a reminder that this is imminent, following circulation day for the Newsletter on Thursday, it takes place tomorrow, 2nd October!

In each issue I thank the contributors for their continued support and cannot stress more that without you there would be no newsletter. However, it would be lovely to welcome some new ones! How about it?

Put pen to paper or e-mail me something for the December and Christmas issue.

Those items, as well as the regular articles, should be in the Shop, Chicane or e-mailed to me as soon as possible please, and by Wednesday, 11th November at the latest. Thank you.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

For the cover - scenes of and from Napps - I am again grateful to Sue and Mike Richards of Napps for their sponsorship, especially of summer covers, over the last eight years. Thank you both very much.

In August 2005 I repeated the August Editorial of 1995, and I wrote . . .

... and now, following on from 1995 and 2005, I am writing twenty years on as we start the 27th year of the Newsletter! During the last ten years we have gained but sadly lost contributions from our two late Oldies, Walter and Trevor, but we continue to enjoy the illustrations of Paul, Debbie and Peter, and offerings from Tom, Lorna, the Local Walker, Tony, Steve, Sue and Simon, and Dave has stepped in again to puzzle us with his crosswords as well as print the newsletter. In addition, we have been testing and tasting Wendy's delicious recipes and learnt some intriguing facts about Pam's Movers and Shakers. The local groups and organisations keep us up to date but sadly for the time being, we have lost the letter from our Rector.

So I repeat the message: I and the readers thank you all for without you there would be no Newsletter!

And, as usual, the request to keep going and items and articles for the October issue will be welcome as soon as possible and by Thursday, 10th September please at the latest.

The summer weather has been somewhat mixed but hopefully it will favour the Berry Revels, the Church Fayre and the All Day Village Celebration Party - enjoy!

Judie - Ed

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Are you wondering about the significance of Debbie's delightful wrap-around cover? If so, look no further than the article DIALECT for the answer! Thank you, Debbie and Sue.

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Firstly, a warm welcome to all newcomers to the village wishing you happiness in your new homes. We are also sad to say some goodbyes, and again we wish you well in your new homes.

Secondly, get well wishes to those who have not been feeling too well lately and those who have succumbed to the lingering 100 day coughs and colds!

Finance - the generous donations following the February issue are very welcome as are the subscription renewals and donations from the mailing readers, whose kind words are also much appreciated: "I always enjoy reading it - every page is interesting.'

The uncertainties of running a Pamper Day were, on the day, soon blown away! The response was incredible - both girls and guys - and the pamperers were all kept busy from start to finish, taking appointments to fit everyone in. Sincere thanks to them - Lesley, Mary, Jenny, Louise, Delphine, Jane and Mo. A big thank you, too, for help in the kitchen and keeping the event running smoothly to Fran, Denny, Wendy, Jane and Jan.

Although no more pampers could have been fitted in, a few more people enjoying cake and coffee, light lunches and cream teas, a net profit of £300 was raised, with £200 going to the North Devon Hospice and £100 to the Newsletter.

Thank you to everyone who came and enjoyed the day. That also goes to everyone who joined in the Knit In. Along with many colourful strips, the Hospice will benefit by a further £130.

The recommended book to read following the Local Walk in the February issue unfortunately got lost in the printing! It is: Wild Flowers of Braunton Burrows by Mary Breeds.

Judie - Ed

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Although we are well into the New Year, as this is the first issue for 2015, a happy and peaceful new year to you all. A warm welcome to all newcomers to the village and to those who have moved away, good luck and happiness in your new homes.

The somewhat dreary weather of late has brought with it the usual seasonal coughs and colds, coughs being particularly troublesome this year. Get better wishes go to all those not feeling at their best just now.

Thanks to another bumper crop of Christmas messages and your very generous donations, Newsletter and Manor Hall funds received substantial boosts.

Don't forget the Soup and Pudding Evening in aid of the Chemotherapy Unit and the Primary School this coming Saturday, 31st January - tickets £7.50 each available from the Shop. Details of the Pamper Day on 14th February to raise money for the North Devon Hospice and the Newsletter appear later in this issue. Do please try to support this event if you can.

Although the mornings still remain dark, the evenings are drawing out, bulbs are popping up everywhere - spring IS on its way! Don't forget to put your clocks forward an hour on the 28th/29th March.

Some interesting articles again in this issue and my thanks, as always, to those contributors but especially the regulars and Paul. Nigel had his arm twisted to illustrate the Rural Reflections - thank you, Nigel, its lovely to have some of your work again after quite a long time.

I'll be looking for another batch of contributions for the April issue, which will come out just before Easter, as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 11th March at the latest please. Thanks.

Judie - Ed

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December and Christmas is nearly upon us. Following a good summer and lovely autumn, winter and Christmas has almost caught us unawares!

We extend, as always, a warm welcome to all newcomers to the village and wish those not feeling at their best to get well soon, especially our centenarian contributor, Trevor of the Twitters, who recently fell and unfortunately broke his arm. Currently at Bideford, we hope he'll be home again very soon.

The Newsletter Fun Quiz was a case of quality not quantity. But hopefully those who braved a nasty wet and windy night enjoyed themselves. Sincere thanks to Ann and Phil and all helpers and participants, whose generosity made a nice sum of £182 for the Newsletter.

Congratulations to all those involved with our Community Shop and Post Office, both past and present, for reaching 10 years - long may it go on serving us!

As always I thank everyone who has contributed to this December and Christmas issue and throughout the past year. Once again your Christmas messages, enhanced by Debbie's penguins [echoes of Monty and the John Lewis Christmas advert for WWF] will boost funds for both the Manor Hall and the Newsletter. The Christmas Cover is also Debbie's delightful work - thank you.

There are lots of festive events planned over the coming weeks, so make a note of them on your calendars and in your diaries and enjoy! After Christmas as well - Soup and Pud Evening, Line Dancing and a Pamper Day.

Items for the February issue will be needed as soon as possible and by Friday, 9th January at the latest, but in the meantime my best wishes to you all and your families for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Judie - Ed

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After a lovely summer, although August might have been better, we are now enjoying some beautiful warm autumnal weather. But the dry spell is causing the leaves to turn and fall early. The evenings are drawing in and in a few weeks we'll be turning the clocks back again!

The summer events all went off with a swing - both the Manor Hall and Church fetes saw some rain but that did not deter the punters who came to enjoy and give their support. And the Berry in Bloom team could not have asked for a better day for the Village Open Gardens!

The wonders of modern technology - Paul, now enjoying retirement, was able to illustrate Trevor's autumnal poems whilst relaxing on a recliner by a swimming pool in Turkey! Thank you, Paul, and all the contributors to another full and interesting Newsletter.

Pictured on the covers are poppies planted by Mike in the fields of Lower Rows Farm - an amazing show.

Christmas cards are already on sale in the shops, so don't forget you can send your local greetings in the December issue. Full details follow but messages will be needed by the 5th November.

Although it seems very early, the 5th November is also the deadline for items for the December, Christmas and January issue - can we really be thinking of 2015, where does time go?

My best wishes to all contributors and readers, especially newcomers to the village, and get well wishes to those not feeing at their best at present.

Judie - Ed

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So, it was 25 years ago that Issue No. 1, just 20 pages, rolled off the duplicator! There have been many changes since then, both quantity and quality, but hopefully for the enjoyment of readers.

Some regular articles have been running almost as long - Tom's Old Berrynarbor will make 25 years with the October issue, and our Local Walker has been doing just that for 24 years, as has Paul with his illustrations,. Thank you all, your support has been marvellous and much appreciated.

My thanks and appreciation to the other regulars hot on their heels - Weather or Not, Movers and Shakers, Tony's Tales and Rural Reflections and not forgetting the reports from the various groups and Wendy's delicious recipes.

. . . . and all have contributed to this birthday issue. The cover, the work of our talented Debbie, who has also been illustrating from the early days, and once again it has been sponsored by Mike and Sue Richards of Napps, as they have for the last eight years.

We have already enjoyed many of the summer events but there are still some to come - the Berry Revels, Church Fayre and the WW1 Exhibition. So make a note of the dates and give them your support.

Welcome to all newcomers to the village and farewell to those on the move - we wish you all happiness in your new homes. We also hope that those in poor health will be feeling better soon. Articles and items for the October issue are welcome any time but they will be needed by Wednesday, 10th September at the latest please.

Enjoy the rest of the summer - the evenings are drawing in!

Judie - Ed

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Currently enjoying a beautiful spell of warm, sunny weather, let's hope it can be like that for the many events planned over the next few weeks - fetes, open gardens, bar-b-cues and a World War I Exhibition to mention a few. Make a note of the dates on your calendars!

My editorial is always a place for thanks and my biggest thank you this time must be to the Parish Council for their very generous financial support and encouragement.

It is amazing that the August issue will mark the 25th anniversary of the Newsletter - can I really have been producing it for a third of my life!

Always good to hear from mail readers and following the April issue, it was lovely to hear from Eric Leworthy. Eric was delighted to see mention of Maurice Draper and Don Thirkell and remembers happy days with them at school and in the church choir.

Once again we send our best wishes to anyone not feeling their best and to Pat who had a dramatic winching out of the Sterridge Valley after breaking her ankle.

We extend a very warm welcome to all newcomers to the village and wish those leaving us happiness in their new homes.

Another lovely cover from Debbie and drawings, as always, from Paul, a colleague from my days at Ilfracombe Arts College who has been regularly illustrating the Newsletter since 1990. Paul is retiring at the end of this term but has kindly said he will continue to illustrate our articles. Thank you Paul, we wish you and Chris every happiness in the future - you'll soon be wondering how you found time to go to work!

Thank you, of course, to everyone who has contributed to this issue and please keep the articles coming. For August they should be at the Shop, Chicane or e-mailed to me as soon as possible and by Wednesday 9th July at the latest.

My belated thanks and apologies to Gary, John Pearce, Don and Mick Bowden for their help with the article about Farmer Lerwill and Lower Rowes Farm in the April issue.

Judie - Ed

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Spring has sprung and the clocks gone forward - longer, lighter evenings. And, at last, we have been enjoying dry, warm, and sunny weather - long may it last!

My plea for financial help for Newsletter funds has had a fantastic response. Readers on the mailing list have renewed their subscriptions and included donations.

The Jumble Sale, kindly and so ably organised for me by Ann Davies raised the amazing sum of £500! My sincere thanks to Ann and all her wonderful helpers. The event was an eye-opener for me. The regular 'jumblers' from afar arrived an hour before opening and gathered like vultures outside the door, jostling for position! In they rushed and before very long the tables were looking quite bare. They were, however, good enough to not only buy refreshments and raffle tickets but to buy a cake to take home, even if they did try to bargain on the price! Then the villagers arrived, taking their time to look with dignity at the bargains on offer.

So, after a successful Activity Day, an amazing and highly profitable Jumble Sale and a kind donation from a new Sterridge Valley resident, the finances of the Newsletter are no longer critical. Thank you all, your support is very much appreciated.

Thank you, too, to all contributors to this issue - keep them coming!

Especially Pam, who has reached her half century - 50 articles about some remarkable and memorable Movers and Shakers. Thank you.

Items for the June issue will be very welcome as soon as possible but by the 7th May at the latest.

Finally. a warm welcome to all newcomers to the village, and get well wishes to those currently feeling a bit under par.

Judie - Ed

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Christmas is over and we are now well into the new year. The village festivities were enjoyed by all and special mention must be made of the wonderful singing of our Primary School Choir at the Carol Service held on a really foul night . . . and talking of weather, it has been horrendous with torrential rain and tidal surges.

The healthy crop of Christmas messages helped the Manor Hall and Newsletter, both suffering from ailing funds and the dark and dreary days have brought the inevitable coughs and colds and other ailments. To those who could wish for better health, we send our good wishes for speedy recoveries and we hope you will be feeling better soon.

We also send good wishes to all newcomers to the village and those who have moved away.

The evenings are drawing out and the mornings getting a little lighter - spring IS on its way! Don't forget to put clocks forward an hour on the night of 29th/30th March or you may miss the Mothering Sunday Service!

Below are the deadline dates for forthcoming issues which will hopetully be helptul, especially for the regular contributors:

• 12th March for April issue due out 3rd April
• 7th May for June issue due out 29th May
• 9th July for August issue due out 31st July
• 10th September for October issue due out 2nd October
• 5th November for December issue due out 28th November
• 7th January for February issue due out 29th January

There are lots of interesting articles once again in this issue and thank you to not only the regular contributors but everyone else who has put pen to paper or e-mailed me with articles, and Paul, our Artist in Residence. I'll look forward to another batch of contributions for the April issue as soon as possible and by the 12th March at the latest.

Judie - Ed

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December and another year nearly over, with Christmas only a few weeks away . . . cards, cake, puddings, presents to organise!

Lots of thanks - to Carol Lucas and the Elderberry pupils of our school who have produced the wonderful colourful covers, front and back and inside; to everyone who once again sent Christmas Messages and for their very generous donations supporting both the Manor Hall and the Newsletter, Debbie for once again enhancing the messages with her delightful art work; and, of course, the contributors, especially the regulars - the backbone of our Newsletter.

The first issue of 2014 - can it really be fourteen years since we were all worrying about what would happen when we hit the millennium! - will be February and articles are always welcome as soon as possible and please by the 6th January at the latest. Apologies that this does not give you much time following the indulgences of the festive season! Do have a go at the Christmas Crossword and hand it in in the hopes of the prize by the same date.

We welcome all newcomers to the village and hope that all those 'under the weather' will soon be feeling a lot better. Interestingly, one explanation of this phrase comes from a nautical source. When a sailor was unwell he was sent below to help his recovery, under the deck and away from the weather!

. . . and talking of weather, not too nice just now but we must not lose sight of the fact that summer was good, better than in recent years. But what will Christmas bring us? There is talk of a hard winter and snow, but let's hope that for us it will be crisp [but cold] and sunny.

My sincere thanks to everyone - contributors and readers - for your continued support and my best wishes to you all. Have a Happy Christmas and New Year, and a peaceful and healthy 2014.

Judie - Ed

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Was it a good omen that they didn't declare we were going to have a barbecue summer this year? And we did! Certainly we appreciated some lovely hot, sunny, summer days and hopefully we've ingested sufficient of the 'sunshine vitamin' to stave off a few bugs this coming winter. Perhaps, however, it has come already judging from the wet and windy weather we are experiencing whilst I write this, although there is promise of it improving again.

The outside summer events all went off very successfully and were enjoyed by villagers and visitors alike; and there are indoor events planned for the autumn and winter.

It is hoped that readers will enjoy the Autumn and November poems, suggested by Trev, illustrated with previous drawings by our artist in residence, Paul.

Christmas cards are already on sale in the shops so a reminder that you can send your local greetings via the Newsletter, full details follow, but messages would be needed by Wednesday, 6th November. 6th November is also the deadline date for items for the December/Christmas/January issue. They would, as always, be welcome any time before that!

Once again, producing this Newsletter is only possible due to the support of contributors. My thanks to them all, especially the 'regulars' and if you've not yet sent something in, how about doing so now!

My best wishes to all readers, especially the newcomers to the village and all those not feeling at their best just now.

Judie - Ed

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It is incredible how quickly two months go by, it only seems a very short time between the publication of one issue of the Newsletter before it is time to start on the next! Incredibly, too, this issue is the start of its 25th year - time flies!

With the current wonderful summer weather when siesta time has been between 11 and 5 o'clock, it has in fact been quite pleasant to be indoors, in the shade and in front of the computer, with a cool breeze blowing through the office.

My sincere thanks, as always, to the contributors - some of whom are also approaching 25 years of articles or illustrations. So, another two months will quickly go by and items for the October issue will be needed - by Monday 9th September, or sooner, please.

Once again, this year as in the past, I must thank Michael and Sue Richards for their support of the Newsletter by covering the cost of the August coloured covers, but also this time for supplying the delightful photographs taken from their Touring Holiday Park, Napps.

Now, let's hope the lovely weather continues and favours the forthcoming events - the Berry Revels, the Lee Lodge Fete, the Church Fayre and the Horticultural and Craft Show. See you there!

Judie - Ed

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I can't believe that by the time you read this we'll be just three weeks away from mid-summer and the longest day! As I write, winter's returned and the central heating has been put on again! Say no more...

Mailing subscriptions have now been renewed and it is gratifying that all but a very few have signed up for another year's newsletters, in all over 90 readers.

It is always a pleasure to hear from those readers with their news and Maureen Underdown from Diss in Norfolk has written:

"It takes me back to my school days during the War when I lived at Prospect in Birdswell Lane with my mother, brother and father [who was Lt. Peachey in the Home Guard]." Happy days!

Having missed its distinctive call recently, it was good to hear a cuckoo, which obviously for Trevor brought to mind the poem.

Thank you to all contributors to this issue and for getting them to me in such good time so that our printer Dave can take a well-deserved break from duty. But nagging doesn't stop, articles for the August Newsletter will be needed, as always, as soon as possible and by Monday, 8th July at the latest please.

Again we welcome all newcomers to the village and say goodbye to those leaving and wish everyone well in the new home and for those not feeling so good, get well soon.

Now let's hope the weather improves and warms up for the outside events planned for June and July.

Judie - Ed

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We have 'sprung forward' and put the clock on an hour but where is the spring? As I write this the South West is suffering from torrential rain [but fortunately not us!] and parts of the country are under six inches of snow!

However, spring is on the cover and thank you Debbie for illustrating a favourite poem of our first-ever centenarian contributor to the Newsletter - Trev.

I am also delighted to be able to wish Debbie, on behalf of myself and all readers, health and happiness in the future, for by the time you read this Debbie will have married Pete Rigler at St. Olaf's at Exeter. Thankfully she says she will continue to illustrate the Newsletter for us!

Faces come and go in the village and to all newcomers and those who have left, all good wishes for happiness in your new homes. All good wishes go, too, to everyone who has been or is not well - 'flu seems to have struck many and thank you Paul for continuing to illustrate articles for this issue whilst not feeling at your best.

And where would the Newsletter be without the regular contributors? Thank you all.

. . . and the usual plea, articles for the June issue will be welcome as soon as possible and by Tuesday, 7th May at the VERY LATEST. This is a special plea as our printer is taking a well-deserved holiday towards the end of May and has asked for copy earlier than normal. No pressure for me then!

Judie - Ed

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As this is the first issue of 2013, a happy and healthy new year to you all. A very warm welcome to all newcomers to the village and to you and those who have moved away, good luck and happiness in your new homes.

Not a white Christmas but a very wet one, especially for some! The constant heavy rain on the Friday and Saturday before brought floods to the area. Braunton suffered badly and we also did so in Berrynarbor, particularly in the Sterridge Valley. Our sympathy and thoughts go out to all those affected but thanks must be given to all the willing helpers who worked so hard and for so long - day and night - to help those in trouble.

The special community spirit we have here in our village once again came up trumps and is alive and kicking!

Money raised from the Christmas Crossword, Raffle and other sales has enabled us to continue supporting Canine Partners and we have been able to renew our adoption of Alfred and Amelia over the coming twelve months when they should both be being 'partnered' with their new owners. It will be interesting to learn how they get on and look out for their letters displayed in the Manor Hall.

Thank you to everyone who sent Christmas messages via the Newsletter - the best year ever with £200 going to both the Manor Hall and the Newsletter. You may be aware that due to funds slowly disappearing, an event to raise funds for the Newsletter is being held on the 16th February [full details later] - do come and join in the fun!

With £200 coming from the messages you may be wondering why funds are low. In fact most of that was spent in printing the messages! Each copy of the Newsletter costs approximately £1.00, that is £400 an issue in printing costs alone. So your support and donations at the Shop and The Globe are needed and very much appreciated.

A list of deadline dates for future articles also appears later but the deadline for the April issue is Monday, 11th March.

My continued thanks to all who contribute, especially the regulars and the illustrators but the one-offs are also very welcome.

Finally, remember to put your clocks forward an hour at 1.00 a.m. on Sunday, 31st March, or you might find that you've missed the Easter Day Service at St. Peter's!

Judie - Ed

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Thank you for once again sending your Christmas messages through the Newsletter. The Manor Hall and Newsletter are both set to get quite a boost to their funds. My thanks to Debbie, who has not only given us the colourful festive covers, but also the border for the messages.

With another full issue there is only enough room for me to thank everyone for their contributions and illustrations and say that items and articles for the first issue of 2013, February, will be welcome as soon as possible and by the 8th January at the latest please.

There are lots of festive events planned and 'fairs' to buy some Christmas gifts and produce, so make a note of the dates and enjoy!

A sincere thank you to you all for your support of the Newsletter throughout another busy and eventful year, and my very best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy year ahead.

Judie - Ed

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Wow, what a summer! The Queen's Jubilee, Bradley Wiggins and the Tour de France, the Olympics, Paralympics and the first British winner of a grand slam tennis final for 76 years, Andy Murray!

But we can be proud to live in Berrynarbor too, for in spite of it being the wettest summer for 100 years, we have celebrated and celebrated in style! Our Jubilee Events were fantastic; three excellent Summer Fayres; two great carnival floats, a first class Horticultural and Craft Show and two very successful - and on nice days! - Open Gardens in the Valley and Village. We deserve a gold medal!

And the article contributors and artists - Paul and Debbie - for this issue all deserve medals as well. The colourful pictures on the front and back covers are the work of the winners of the Primary School's entries to the Horticultural and Craft Show on the theme 'Jubilee Year'. Congratulations to them all.

A warm welcome to all newcomers to the village and farewell to those leaving, we wish you every happiness in your new homes. We also send get well wishes to those not feeling at their best right now. The evenings are drawing in and the mornings getting darker, but there are events planned for the village and classes and groups have reconvened for the autumn at the Manor Hall.;

The next issue will be December and Christmas - how time flies! Details are given later on how to send your Christmas messages to friends and neighbours via the Newsletter, and items for the December issue are needed as soon as possible and by Thursday, 8th November at the latest please. Thank you.

Judie - Ed

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Judie - Ed

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June . . . and it's just a couple of days now until we'll be celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee here in the village. Let's all enjoy the events, free, that have been organised for us and keep fingers crossed that the weather is kind!

For the cover and centre page, fitting the occasion, we are again indebted to Debbie Cook and her artistic talents. Debbie has produced the cover of so many of the 'special' Newsletter issues, much appreciated by us all.

This issue contains another set of varied articles for your enjoyment, many of which are currently pertinent, and thank you to everyone who has contributed in any way - writers and artists.

Articles for the August Newsletter, when it begins its 24th year, are welcome as soon as possible and by the deadline which is the 9th July please.

We send our best wishes and happiness in your new homes to all those who have left the village or come to join us, and a get well soon message to all those not feeling at their best just now.

A sincere thank you to the Parish Council for their continued generous support and grant of £500.

A final personal thank you, from Ken and myself, for the many cards and good wishes on the occasion of our Golden Wedding, for the help and support when Boston went AWOL but miraculously reappeared four weeks later, and your good wishes for Ken's recent spell in hospital. Thank you all.

Judie - Ed

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The clocks have gone forward and the lovely light evenings are getting longer. We are at another April Fools' Day, or All Fools' Day and although it is not a national holiday, it is widely recognised and celebrated as a day when people play hoaxes and other practical jokes - have you ever noticed the BMW advertisements which appear on that day? The earliest recorded connection between the 1st April and foolishness can be found in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales [1392].

It was good to hear from so many mail readers renewing their subscriptions and their generous donations were most welcome. It was also lovely to hear from Reg Ley, at school with Ron Toms and the only other survivor of the Home Guard featured in the December issue.

I always thank the contributors, especially the regulars and our artists in residence, and do so again for this issue. Some articles are numbered and as such indicate their longevity, but I should like to pay particular tribute to the un-numbered writers and those who report on their groups, etc.

Mary Tucker has kept us up to date on church matters since 1995, a total of 104 reports! Sue and Simon have been describing our weather since 1998. Crosswords have been compiled, with a few exceptions, by Brian Wright and Dave Beagley and Tony B's been amusing us with facts and fantasies over 81 issues. We've been kept up to date on what is happening at the School by Headteachers past and presently by Sue Carey and a warm welcome to Chris Steed and his letter after a short break since Keith retired.

The Wine Circle tastings have been described by Tom, Tony and now Judith, and Manor Hall Matters by John Hood, Bob Hobson and now Colin on his second stint! And last but not least, our nonagenarians Trev and Walter who have serenaded us in words and intrigued us with fascinating facts for the last four years. Thank you all. It's your input that makes our Newsletter, as so many people say, special and the best they've read!

Long may that continue and I'll be looking forward to hearing from you, and new contributors, as soon as possible by the 8th May at the latest for the June issue. There are lots of events planned for the coming weeks so do make a note of them and every effort to join in.

Finally, a warm welcome to all newcomers and get better soon wishes to those currently not feeling at their best.

Judie - Ed

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Christmas is over and we are now well in to the New Year. The Christmas festivities in the village were successful and happy, enjoyed by everyone. The bumper crop of messages in the Newsletter boosted Manor Hall and Newsletter funds by the tune of £150 each - thank you - and the Carol Singing in the Square raised over £100 for Devon Air Ambulance.

The season brought with it the inevitable coughs and colds and get well wishes go to everyone who has suffered or is not feeling too great at present. There have also been one or two 'comings and goings' and our good wishes go to everyone who has left the village and a warm welcome as well to all newcomers.

Thank you to Paul whose illustrations continue to enhance our newsletter and there are lots of interesting articles again in this issue and my thanks to everyone who has put pen to paper or gone on their computer and e-mailed me.

Our printer is anxious to have the 'copy' slightly earlier and so that I can do this, I must in turn put the deadline for articles earlier. Instead of mid-month preceding issue, I should appreciate having articles, etc., by the end of the first week. It might be helpful, especially to regular contributors, to make a note of the new deadlines:

• 8th March - for April issue - due out 29th March
• 8th May - for June issue - due out 31st May
• 9th July - for August issue - due out 2nd August
• 10th September - for October issue - due out 4th October
• 8th November - for December issue - due out 29th November
• 8th January 2013 - for February issue - due out 1st February

Whilst the evenings are drawing out, the mornings still seem very dark but spring is not far away. However, the flowers seem totally confused! There are daffodils, primroses, camellias and snowdrops flowering alongside roses and last year's summer bedding plants still giving bright colours!

A reminder that British Summer Time starts on Sunday morning, 25th March!

Judie - Ed

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December and Christmas is only a few weeks away ... time to finish all the preparations - cakes, puddings, cards and presents. Why, if you are like me, do we always leave it to the last minute? Some resourceful folk will be out in the January sales preparing for next year!

We extend a warm welcome to all recent newcomers and hope that you will be very happy here in the village. And our best wishes go to everyone who is not feeling at their best right now and hope you'll be feeling better soon.

Once again the Christmas messages sent via the Newsletter will boost the funds of both the Manor Hall and the Newsletter - thank you. A very big thank you, too, to Debbie whose borders enhance the messages, delightful colourful covers complement Trev's Christmas songs and lovely mermaid pictures illustrate Tony's fictional tale.

There are lots of festive events planned for the coming weeks, so make a note of them on your calendars and enjoy!

Thinking beyond Christmas to 2012 - the year of our Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics - the next Newsletter will be February and items for that issue will be needed as soon as possible and by 16th January at the latest please.

My sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed not only to this issue but throughout the last year and to all readers for your continued support.

My best wishes to you all and your families for a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.

Judie - Ed

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The delightful pictures of the village on the front and back covers are the winning entries for this year's Horticultural and Craft Show from pupils at our Primary School. Congratulations to them all.

Weather? Least said the better! However, the many village events over the last few weeks did not suffer too badly and were enjoyed by villagers and visitors alike.

But autumn has arrived and the evenings are drawing in as the mornings stay darker. Don't forget to put the clocks back at the end of October, on the 30th, and then winter will be really with us.

As always I must thank everyone who has contributed - we now have an interesting, informative, humorous and enjoyable set of regular articles, but there is always room for one from YOU! Especial thanks to Paul - a very busy man - who finds time, at short notice, to enhance the articles with his interesting and delightful illustrations.

The next Newsletter will cover December, Christmas and January and to meet the deadlines, items for that issue will be needed by Monday, 14th November please, but earlier would be welcome.

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CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Although it might seem early, now is the time to let readers know that Christmas Greetings for friends and neighbours will again be able to be sent via the Newsletter. Very popular over the last few years, this has raised substantial sums for both 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 and by Monday, 14th November at the latest. Messages may be left at the Shop or Chicane and I look forward to receiving them

Judie - Ed

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Another predicted BBQ summer - I don't think so! After a really fantastic April and spring, the weather has been unseasonal and this year even in advance of the schools breaking up - enough said!

However, most village events have managed to go ahead. Holding it earlier this year than usual, the day of the annual School Fete was grim, but the sun came out just in time to save the day, but on the day of the Village Open Gardens it rained and continued to rain without stopping all day ... a washout. 'Sitting in' at Tower Cottage we saw just eight visitors including an intrepid couple who had swum over from Swimbridge!

Now its fingers crossed for all the coming events planned for outdoors.

As you will see from the Report, our Parish Council is anxious to recruit some new members, so please give some serious thought to becoming a Councillor and helping our village in this way. Sue Squire, the Parish Clerk, would be only too happy to give you more information about what the commitment entails.

There have been some home movements of late and we wish everyone happiness in their new homes, here or away. And for those in the village not feeling at their best, we send get well soon wishes.

The Newsletter continues into another year thanks to the contributors - the regulars, the artists, the advertisers and the 'one-offers who all make editing a pleasure.

Keep up the good work! Items for the next Newsletter, October [can it really be that time again!], will be required by MONDAY, 12TH SEPTEMBER at the latest please - a few days earlier than usual.

Enjoy all the coming events and the rest of the summer.

Judie - Ed

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Were you 'fooled' by the deliberate mistakes in the April issue? Unfortunately, they were not deliberate and my apologies to those whose articles did not appear quite as they should!

No excuses other than tempus fugit and anno domini! However, in order to get the Newsletter to Len to print in time to come to you on the Thursday nearest to the first of the month, I have a deadline to keep. In turn, it is important that the deadline I give for articles is also kept and perhaps I have been too willing to accept items beyond, and well beyond this. Most contributors are very good [even if I have to nag!], and I can start working in good time, but in future items that are late will run the risk of not making it, so please do your best and stick to the deadline, which is usually mid-month prior to issue. Thank you in advance.

So, to the August issue. Items will be required please by mid-July and by Friday, 15th July at the latest.

Over the past four years, the coloured cover of the June issue has generously been sponsored by Mike and Susan Richards of Napps, and this year is no exception. Thank you both, your support is very much appreciated. Our four talented regular artists, Paul, Debbie, Nigel and Peter, have in turn painted their view of or from Napps, and they are all reproduced on the centre pages. This year it is the turn of village photographer, Colin Harding. Thank you all.

And thank you to all contributors for another full and interesting Newsletter.

Judie - Ed

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We have 'sprung forward'! The evenings are now much longer, the daffodils, magnolias and camellias are in full bloom and the hedges greening up by the day. Spring has arrived.

The last couple of months have been busy in the village, and the next two look set to follow suit. Make a note of all the events on your calendar and take part whenever you can.

Hopefully, the lovely sunny and warmer days of late have brightened up those who are not feeling at their best, and have proved a warm welcome to all newcomers to the village. We particularly take this opportunity to welcome our new Rector, Chris Steed, and his wife Clare.

Mary's delightful February cover has received many compliments and I hope we'll be able to enjoy another before too long. Nigel's work on the covers this time, inspired by a poem by Maurice Fleming and sent in by Judith. Thank you both.

Between the covers is another extra bumper and varied edition. Thank you to all contributors. However, what a headache for your poor editor! To keep it at 48 pages [the maximum], some articles have had to appear in a slightly smaller font size. I do hope that this doesn't spoil your enjoyment or make reading too hard and apologies to those contributors whose articles have been 'doctored' in this way.

The next issue will be June, when unbelievably we'll be approaching the longest day! Articles and items for that will be needed by Monday, 16th June, at the latest, but earlier than that would be wonderful!

My best wishes to you all for a Happy Easter.

Judie - Ed

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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

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Christmas is just around the corner! Are you all prepared or is panic about to set in? Cake, cards, puddings, presents ... all to organise!

The Christmas greetings in the Newsletter have again proved popular and with the generous donations of over £300, funds for the Manor Hall and Newsletter will be well boosted. Thank you.

I must also thank Debbie not only for the cover but also for illustrating Trev's contribution and the message borders. I'm sure that readers, like me, appreciate the many delightful illustrations she has contributed so willingly almost since the first issue. Likewise, sincere thanks to Paul who has, without fail, enhanced the Newsletter in spite of a busy life at the College. It is very pleasing, on this occasion, to include another illustration from Nigel - The Lake of Innisfree was a favourite poem of Win Collins.

On a recent visit to Broomhill, it was lovely to bump into Rita and Dave Duncan who were paying a visit to the area. They have now moved south to be nearer the family and send their best wishes to all friends in Berrynarbor.

There is movement in and out of the village and we send best wishes and good luck to those leaving and warmly welcome those coming to live in the village. We hope you will all be happy in your new homes. Get well soon is our wish to all those not feeling their best at present.

There are lots of festive events taking place over the next few weeks, so make a note of them and come along and join in the fun! But, once the festive season is only a memory, it will be time to think about YOUR contribution for the February issue! If you have not contributed in the past or for some time, why not make it a New Year resolution to do so in 2011! Items and articles for February will be very welcome as soon as possible and by mid-January at the latest please.

Now it just leaves me to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Judie - Ed

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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

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EDITORIAL

... and here we are 21 years later!

The fact that it has continued is very much due to everyone who has contributed over the years, and especially those who have committed themselves to many issues, particularly our artists, local walker and Tom, who has written for every issue, his first article being a tribute to the late Lewis Smith [1916-1989].

Nothing changes! My thanks to everyone who has contributed to this birthday issue and items for the October one will be welcome as soon as possible and by Monday, 13th September, at the latest please.

There are also several events going on in the village over the next couple of months. Firstly, the two village fetes, St. Peter's Summer Fayre on the 3rd August, and the Manor Hall Berry Revels on the 17th, and secondly ...

Coming of Age Celebrations for the Newsletter will be taking place on Saturday, 7th August, in the Manor Hall: Cream Tea and Birthday Cake for everyone in the afternoon, from 3.00 p.m., and a Murder Mystery and Supper in the evening, 7.00 to 7.30 p.m. For catering purposes, the evening will be by ticket only and numbers limited, so get yours in good time! Details are given on the posters around the village and on page 33 of this Newsletter. Please bring your own booze!

I look forward to seeing YOU at one or both occasions.

A very warm welcome to any newcomers to the village and, as always, we send our very best wishes to those who are either in or have been in hospital, or are unwell and not feeling at their best.

Thank you all for your continued support for, and hopefully enjoyment of, Our Newsletter - Happy Birthday!

Judie - Ed

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Although spring has been a long time coming, the cold nights lingering well into May, we've been very lucky with a lot of sunny days and clear blue skies. As has become tradition, the June cover belongs to 'Napps'. Again I thank Mike and Sue Richards for sponsoring the cover and Peter for his original and delightful birds-eye-view of Napps.

I should like to take this opportunity to thank Keith for his 'Letters from the Rector' and support of the Newsletter and wish him and Chris health and happiness in his retirement and their new life ahead.

On behalf of Ken and myself, thank you all for your good wishes and kind thoughts during Ken's recent stay in hospital and his recuperation. And whilst giving thanks, I do so to all the contributors to another article-packed issue.

From humble beginnings, like Topsy our Newsletter has 'grow'd', and unbelievably comes of age with the August edition. There will be birthday celebrations on Saturday, 7th August - further details follow - but please be sure to make a note of the date and do your best to come and join in the fun.

As always, we welcome any newcomers to the village and wish them happiness in their new homes and good wishes go to anyone not feeling on top form at present.

Finally, the usual plea - items and articles for the special Birthday Issue will be welcome as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 14th July, at the very latest. Thanks.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

It's incredible how quickly time goes between issues - here we are again!

By the time you read this, clocks will have gone forward and spring will have officially arrived. It has been a long time coming, but after a week or two of lovely sunny days, but very cold and frosty nights, rain has turned the grass a little greener and encouraged the daffodils to flower.

February was the time for renewing mailing subscriptions and it is gratifying that nearly everyone has renewed so that the mailing list continues to stand at nearly 120. Thank you all and for the generous donations that accompanied your subscriptions.

How lucky we are to have so many regular contributors and artists, thank you to all of you as well - keep them coming! Items for the June issue will be welcome as soon as possible but by FRIDAY, 14TH MAY at the latest please.

In the meantime, my best wishes, especially to newcomers to the village and everyone who is not feeling at their best just now.

Have a Happy Easter.

Judie - Ed

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Happy New Year to you all! We may not actually have had a white Christmas, but as I begin work on this issue, it has been white virtually ever since! Let's hope that by the time this reaches you, it will have warmed up a little.

The village itself seems to have suffered less than the outreaches and at times like this we should, perhaps, be aware of our neighbours and as always, the community spirit was here with everyone assisting with shopping and other helpful jobs. The staff and residents of Lee Lodge would particularly like to thank everyone for their kind offers of help.

For those of you who view the Journal website, hopefully this period of relative inactivity has produced larders full of jam and chutney!

Thank you to everyone who sent their Christmas greetings via the Newsletter. The Manor Hall and the Newsletter each benefited by the fantastic sum of £160.

It looks as if the weeks ahead will be busy with various coffee mornings, a musical evening and, of course, the annual BBC Show. This time last year we were all worried about Gary, so it is good to see him back at the helm again, this time with a pantomime. Do make a note of all the dates and support these events if you possibly can.

By the April issue, Easter will be upon us and hopefully we can look forward to another good spring but a better summer. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this issue and particularly Peter for his cover and poem, and please keep items coming for April. They will be welcome as soon as possible and by Monday, 15th March, at the latest.

Judie - Ed

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December and Christmas is just round the corner. Panic . . . cakes, puddings, presents, cards to organise!

Once again your Christmas messages sent via the Newsletter will boost both its funds and those of the Manor Hall. Thank you. Thank you, too, to Debbie for her borders [and teddies] to enhance the messages, also for the wrap-round winter scene cover.

Congratulations to Isabel and Tolly for their delightful Christmas cards that accompany the News from the Primary School.

Since the last issue I was delighted to hear from Mike Cottee, who many of you will no doubt remember. Mike was born in Combe Martin and says: "I worked for the late Claude Richards in the late '60's and early '70's . . . mainly at Hammonds Farm but on occasions did the milk round in Berrynarbor. I sometimes felt more at home in Berry than I did in Combe Martin." He was pleased to see that the community spirit in the village is alive and well and remembers, with pleasure, working with Ron Toms, 'a very kind and gentle man'.

I was sorry to read in the paper, following Walter's article on Gold Hill, Shaftsbury, that it is now on the 'slippery slope' and crumbling due to dispute regarding its responsibility between the Town and County Councils.

A warm welcome to all newcomers [and some returning] to the village, we hope you will be happy here. And a 'Get Well' message to anyone not feeling at their best just now - we hope you feel better soon.

Thinking beyond Christmas, the next issue will be February 2010, the year when the Newsletter will come of age! Items for February will be welcome as soon as possible and by Thursday, 14th January at the latest please. February is also time for finances. With ever-increasing prices, from February, I am afraid advertising charges will be going up: £5 per 1/4 page £25 for 6 issues] and £10 per 1/2 page £40 for 6 issues].

My sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed not only to this issue but throughout the year and to all readers for your continued support.

My best wishes to you all, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Twelve days without rain - and still counting - must be a record for what can only be described as a dismal summer! It would appear that we have suffered more than most and certainly the eastern side of the country appears to have fared better.

Never mind! A few sunny days have cheered us slightly as the evenings begin to draw in and unbelievably there are already signs of Christmas!

In spite of the inclement weather, all the village events have been very successful - for fun and finance. Our next big event - and there are others to follow - is the TONGUES OF FIRE. This whole village event, in conjunction with Beaford Arts, is taking place on Saturday, 3rd October. It promises to be fascinating and full of fun, from music to crafts to feasting. So, if you don't want to miss out on the fun, be there!

A good response to my plea for crossword puzzlers - thank you all. I was delighted to hear from Stanley Barnes who has had the ingenious idea of using Brian's grids [saves me a lot of time] with new words and clues. His crossword in this issue is based on that of June 2009. I now have a selection of puzzles-in-waiting.

Stanley, who is a long-distance reader from York and whose grandfather was our village blacksmith, Sam Harding, joins my wonderful band of nonagenarian contributors, having celebrated his 94th birthday earlier this year.

As Editor I am privileged to hear from and talk to readers - both near and far. And having been given a copy of the June Newsletter by neighbours who had stayed in the village, Eric Leworthy was fascinated to find the article about the Leworthy family. Now on the mailing list, Eric moved from Hagginton Hill in 1979 and is currently living in Exmouth.

Coincidence? Eric's father, Alfie, features in the first of Marlene's 'Local Characters' articles and Eric has kindly supplied photos of his parents.

Then there is the coincidence of Heather Fogg and the card that Marlene discovered at Abergavenny Market [April 2008/August 2009]. Marlene has just told me that it was sent by Heather to a Mrs. C. Evans of Llangollen - and here another coincidence as Ken and I had visited there only a week earlier!

Mention of the field where donkeys were buried stirred memories for Alvina Irwin [nee Richards] of when she was a little girl and living with her grandparents at Hammonds Farm. When walking up from school, the children would drink from the stream that ran down the side of the road. Hearing of this, her Aunt Audrey warned them not to do this, as the stream came from the field where horses and donkeys were buried! Alvina remembers that in the spring wild daffodils would flower there and wonders if they still do.

And is it really true that donkeys and horses were buried there?

Christmas greetings for friends and neighbours? Yes, these may again be sent via the Newsletter. If you would like to do this, please let me have your message, together with a donation [donations will be shared between the Newsletter and the Manor Hall] AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. They may be left at the Shop or Chicane but by Monday, 16th November at the latest please.

That is also the deadline date for items for the December and Christmas issue, which should be out on the 3rd.

And finally, after this long editorial, I must express my appreciation to everyone who has contributed to this issue, but especially those who contribute regularly, most of whom have done so for many years. Thank you all.

Judie - Ed

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With this issue, the Newsletter moves into its 21st Year! It has come a long way since Issue No. 1. It has doubled in size and from stencilled and roneo printing and minimal pictures of poor quality, it now sports coloured pages and photographs of a vastly improved quality. Over the years only a handful of articles have been repeated and no two covers have been the same.

Talking of covers, this issue's is 'A corner of the village from a pencil drawing by Isabelle Fogg'. It shows St. Peter's from Silver Street, with Briar Cottage and the old shop, and Brookside. Isabelle lived at Orchard House in the '50's and '60's and now you need to read the article 'A Further Coincidence' on page 22!

The promised long, hot, summer is still awaited! Yes, we've had some glorious sunny days, even lasting a week or so and some almost too hot, but there has also been some torrential rain - the Valley Open Gardens nearly drowned under deluges.

Out with the Newsletter are the Schedule and Entry Forms for the Horticultural and Craft Show [except for the far-flung readers]. Please give this event your continued support and don't forget the Berry Revels on 4th August and St. Peter's Summer Fayre on the 18th.

Included are two important notices. One gives Notice of the Public Local Inquiry to be held on the 8th September at the Manor Hall at 10.00 a.m. regarding the Footpaths at Watermouth; the other gives preliminary details of a Village Happening to take place on the 3rd October, for which fuller details will follow. Please make a note of these events and their dates.

We welcome any newcomers to the Village and hope you will be happy here, and wish all those currently 'under the weather' well and hope you will be feeling better very soon. Sadly, the supply of Brian's Crosswords will shortly be coming to an end. Can anyone help? Are you a crossword compiler and puzzle producer? If so and you could assist in keeping the 'Corner' going, please do get in touch with me.

As always, I must thank everyone who has contributed to this issue. With the next one - October - the evenings will be drawing in again and autumn with us. Items for same can always be handed in as soon as possible but by MONDAY, 14TH SEPTEMBER, at the latest please. Thank you.

I'm beating the shops and advertisers to declaring that Christmas is coming! So, remember if you are considering purchasing cards in the not too distant future, you can send your messages to friends and neighbours [with donations to the Manor Hall and Newsletter] via the December issue of the Newsletter. In the meantime, enjoy, hopefully, some summer days.

Judie - Ed

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The village has certainly been busy over the last few months. Things began to happen when the tenor bell broke and everyone rallied round to raise the necessary money for its repair - we made our way to the Manor Hall on many occasions - first in the snow for a Curry and Quiz Night; a Coffee Morning; a West Country Night Out with Tom and Barbara Brown; a Sing-a-Long Folk Night at The Globe and just a couple of weeks ago, an evening with David Chaffe and his barn owl, Phantom. The necessary money was raised and the bell repaired.

But, there have also been events raising funds for other village activities including the Horticultural Show's Gardeners' and Crafters' Lunch [by the way, how's your spud doing?], Alex Horne and his evening of bird watching fun, Tales of Time and Tide, the Country Collection Display week-end, a Barn Dance, the Great Plant Sale and, of course, the ever-colourful and professional annual BBC Show, Berry Entertaining. All first-class events, very well organised and equally well supported.

We'll shortly be in to the 'fete' season, beginning with the Primary School's on the 14th July, the Manor Hall Berry Revels on the 4th August, and St. Peter's Church Fayre on the 18th. But, it doesn't end there! Rumours abound that Fenella and Jane have something up their sleeves. In conjunction with Beaford Arts, they are planning a big village 'happening' - Tongues of Fire - in early October: bells will be ringing, choirs singing and children and villagers processing! So, watch this space as they say.

This year it has been Paul's turn to depict Watermouth from Napps and sincere thanks to Mike and Sue Richards of Napps for once more sponsoring our colour cover, and Paul for coming up trumps, as he always does. Within the cover - another bumper issue, thanks to all the contributors. Next issue - August - when in addition readers will receive the Schedule for the Horticultural and Craft Show. Can it really be that time again? Don't forget the date - 29th August. Articles and items for the August Newsletter will be required please as soon as possible and by WEDNESDAY, 15TH JULY, at the latest. Thanks.

So far the forecast long, hot summer seems to be eluding us but we can't complain too much. However, it would be nice if it warmed up a little, especially at night - after all, we are only four weeks off the longest day - keep your fingers crossed!

Judie - Ed

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The last couple of months have been both busy and varied here in the Village. Today the sun is shining and it is really spring-like, with daffodils 'fluttering and dancing in the breeze'. Yet a few weeks ago in February we had the heaviest snowfall for many years.

The temporary loss of the tenor bell at St. Peter's began a series of first-class events bringing villagers together to raise the required funds for its restoration. Now accomplished, the bells are ringing once again

I hope that in spite of the 'credit crunch' you have not given all your money away and will be able to support the Show during the week-end of 18th and 19th April to refill the Newsletter coffers. Details appear later. February was 'F' for finance time and I must thank everyone, especially the postal readers, for their generosity when renewing subscriptions. The many kind comments make the work involved in producing the Newsletter so worth while.

Unfortunately, it has also been a sad time, with the loss of Jack, the two Brians and David, Debbie's father and 'Matron' Betty Dudley-Ward. The good news, however, is that Gary is home again.

Don't forget that the Annual Parish Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 14th April. It will begin at 7.00 p.m. in the Penn Curzon Room when the postponed presentation from Digital UK, regarding the switchover in July, will precede the meeting.

Our printer Len and his wife are off on holiday at the beginning of June, which means that the printing for the June issue will need to be with him earlier than normal. So please make a note that articles and items for inclusion will need to be at the Post Office or Chicane by MONDAY, 11TH MAY at the VERY latest.

... talking of articles and items, thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue in any way.

Judie - Ed

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Happy New Year [now well on its way]! I hope everyone had a happy and healthy festive season and that not too many succumbed to the 'in' virus. If you did, or were otherwise indisposed, I do hope you are feeling better now. We have all been very concerned about Gary, and Joyce of course, and it is good to report that he is progressing, slowly but hopefully surely, and that Joyce is coping admirably with the added pressure of daily visits to Exeter. Joyce and Gary have asked me to thank everyone for the many cards, 'phone calls, messages and offers of help they have received throughout Gary's illness, they have been a great comfort to them, and they would like to wish everyone a belated happy new year. We continue to think of you both and send our love, a message that is also sent to Sally.

The weather over the last few weeks has certainly been more seasonal, with heavy frosts - could it possibly mean a better summer? It is good, however, that the evenings are beginning to draw out and lovely to see the snowdrops once again.

Thank you to everyone who sent their Christmas message in the Newsletter and for your very generous donations, boosting both Manor Hall and Newsletter funds.

It was very pleasing to hear from Pam that John Fryer- Spedding, of the Calvert Trust [MOVERS AND SHAKERS - NO. 18], had found our Newsletter "a really most interesting publication" and congratulated us on "providing such a useful service to the community." That congratulation goes to everyone who contributes in any way to it - there would be nothing for me to type or edit without your articles, items of news, reports of your group's activities, and the wonderful illustrations, so please keep them coming! Yes, they will be needed again soon for the April and Easter issue and by Monday, 16th March, at the latest. Thank you.

There are a number of events planned for the next few weeks, many of them raising money for much needed village funds, so make a note of the dates and support them if you can.

Judie - Ed

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Whilst completing work to get the December Newsletter to you on time, the sky is blue and the sun is shining, but there is a cold wind and a definite wintry feel - a little different from the temperatures Ken and I were enjoying in Florida a week ago!

Will we have snow this year? I think that Charlotte Cornish, whose wintry scene appears on the cover probably hopes we do. Her delightful picture, which did not appear with the other pictures from the Primary School in the October issue, was drawn as part of the school's entries depicting the four seasons for inclusion in the Horticultural Show and Charlotte was placed Joint Second in Class 3. Thank you, Charlotte.

With only a few weeks to go now, the pre-Christmas panic is about to set in - cakes, puddings, presents and cards, etc. Why, if you are like me, do we always leave it to the last moment - some resourceful people will be out in the January Sales preparing for next year!

Thinking only a few weeks ahead, our next Newsletter will be February and items for that issue are welcome as soon as possible and by Thursday, 15th January at the latest please. My thanks to everyone who has contributed to this, our December and Christmas issue, but especial thanks to Paul, who in spite of recently losing his mother, has continued to enhance it with his illustrations. Our thoughts are with you and your family, Paul, at this sad time.

There are an even greater number of Christmas messages being sent via the Newsletter this year. It looks as if with your generous donations [and still some to come] both the Manor Hall and the Newsletter funds will get quite a boost and my thanks to Debbie for the engaging Christmas scenes.

There are lots of festive events planned for our enjoyment, so make a note of them in your diaries and on your calendars - have you got your new one for 2009 yet?

In the meantime, my best wishes and thanks to you all for your support of the Newsletter, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Judie - Ed

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The Four Seasons, the subject of the pictures on the covers and centre pages, have been produced by pupils at the Primary School and judged as Section K of the Horticultural Show. Thank you to all the pupils at the school for their work and congratulations to the winners.

Unbelievably, as I write this the sun is shining and it has been another glorious but autumnal day. Let's hope that we get a few more similar days before we have to put the clocks back and winter sets in.

Newsletter monies are dwindling and it may be that a fund-raising event will have to be planned before too long. However, although officially a 'freebee', a very disappointing £50 was collected from the Shop, the pubs and Sue's following the August issue - I hope it was only a one-off. This amounts to the equivalent of paying 15p per copy, when in fact it costs nearly £1 a copy to produce in printing costs alone. There are a few other minor expenses and my time is, of course, buckshee. But, I do know that many of you are more than generous [especially the postal readers], for which I am extremely grateful. But do YOU contribute? Over 100 copies are delivered free with the newspapers [thanks to Sue's and Dave] - do you pop something in the box when you visit the Shop? Hopefully, you do. Or, perhaps, it is put in with your paper and you don't really want it. If that is the case, please give me a ring and let me know. Enough said - let's see if the boxes yield up more after this issue.

It is understood that the Manor Hall Committee will again be running their Christmas Card Collection and Delivery, but if you wish - and I hope many of you do - to once again send your Christmas greetings to friends and neighbours via the Newsletter, please let me have your message and a donation [this year donations will be shared between Manor Hall Funds and the Newsletter] AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. These can be left at the Shop or Chicane but by 17th November at the latest. Thank you. The 17th November is also the deadline date for articles for the December issue, which should be available on the 4th.

Last, but definitely not least, my thanks to all the contributors who keep our Newsletter going - the 'regulars', the artists, the new contributors and especially the two nonagenarians, Trev and Walter.

Sadly there will be no Christmas Fair this year, but there are many other events planned over the coming weeks, so make a note of the dates and see you there!

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

The least said about the weather the better! However, in spite of it the village events have been able to go ahead.

Out with this issue are the Schedule and Entry Forms for the Horticultural and Craft Show to be held on Saturday, 30th August, in the Manor Hall. Open to residents and non-residents of the village, the organising group hope that everyone will try to put in at least one entry [and more preferably] as well as coming along to the Hall in the afternoon to view the exhibits. All details are given in the Schedule [extra copies will be available from the Shop, Sue's of Combe Martin, the Globe and Sawmill Inn] but if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact one of the organisers. LOTS and LOTS of entries please and lots of visitors for the Show, the Prize Giving and the Auction.

Thank you the BBC and Berry in Bloom for your kind donations and my thanks, also, to all contributors, but I should especially like to thank Paul Swailes and I am delighted that some of his work, including the cover appear in colour in this issue. Paul has been illustrating our Newsletter with pen and ink drawings almost from the beginning - and he isn't even a member of our village! He never knows what I am going to ask him to illustrate or how many illustrations and this information is not usually, for obvious reasons, given until after the deadline, so he does not get much time, but he has never failed to get his great drawings to me in good time.

It is amazing that with this issue we are in to the 20th year of the Newsletter and by the next issue autumn will be creeping up on us. Contributions for October can be handed in as soon as possible and by mid-September, Monday 15th, at the latest. Thank you.

Although it is really far too early to be thinking of the festive season, Christmas Messages will again be able to be sent in the December issue when the donations made in lieu of Christmas Cards will be shared between the Manor Hall Card Distribution and the Newsletter. So, before purchasing your cards, remember this way of sending greetings to your friends and neighbours.

August will continue to be busy - The Berry Revels and St. Peter's Summer Fayre, the first outing of our village Carnival Float and gardeners, crafters, cooks, photographers, artists, etc., preparing for the Show. Good luck to you all.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Easter, the earliest since 1913 - and it will not be so early again until 2060 - is now past and after the long week-end break, schools are looking forward to breaking up for what is normally the 'Easter' holiday.

Again, this year, the spring flowers seem to be ahead of themselves - camellias and magnolias fully in bloom, snowdrops gone and daffodils going over. Certainly February was a crisp, sunny month, with blue skies by day and the occasional frost by night. However, at the time of writing March appears to be going out 'like a lion', wet and windy.

By the time you read this, our new Shop will be fully operational. On behalf of us all, a big thank you to the Committee who have worked so hard to ensure that we retain a shop and to Jackie, Anita and all their helpers. We wish you good luck and every success in the future. The new shop looks really great, so now we must all give it the support it deserves.

Our colourful cover is the delightful work of a new artist - Linda Hughes from Berrynarbor Park. Thank you, Linda, we hope we don't have to use our umbrellas too frequently with April showers!

With all but a couple renewing their subscription, over 120 readers remain on the mailing list and the additional donations they have included are very welcome. In recent months the cost of paper has increased which in turn puts up the printing charges, so that each copy now costs approximately 85p, or more than £5 for the six copies a year, to produce. Although donations received help to allay these costs, please give this some thought when picking up your copy and popping something in the collecting boxes.

There are quite a few events happening over the next couple of months, so make a note of them in your diary and join in wherever possible.

As always I must thank everyone who has contributed to another bumper issue, it is only due to them that the Newsletter continues and we are now at Issue No. 113. But, has anyone spotted the deliberate mistake? October and December both claimed 111, so No. 112 has gone missing! Items for the June issue will be needed by MONDAY, 12TH MAY please - earlier is very much appreciated, but later is not!

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

A Happy New Year to you all. I hope you had a good Christmas and managed to steer clear of the many 'bugs' in circulation. If not, our best wishes for a speedy recovery. That message also goes to everyone who is or has been unwell, at home or in hospital.

Although the days are getting longer [by the way, British Summer Time begins on the 30th March], and the evenings are drawing out, the weather has been horrible! Wet, windy, dull and depressing, even the odd clap of thunder to disrupt our power supply, but it has remained very mild. Climate change? Global warming? Nothing is new!

"It is strange what weather we have had all this winter; no cold at all, but the ways are dusty, and the flyes fly up and down, and rosebushes are full of leaves, such a time of the year as was never known in this world before."
Samuel Pepys Diary: 21st January 1661

Easter is early this year, very early. In fact, since the Newsletter began in 1989, on only four previous occasions has it been in March and then the earliest was the 27th in 2005. Certainly, I can never remember schools having a long week-end for Easter and then breaking up in April for the Easter holiday!

So with it on the 21st March it is covered by this issue. A few years ago, 'fixing' the date for Easter was mooted, but this idea seems to have died a natural death.

Items for April will be needed by Monday, 17th March please - earlier is always helpful, later not so helpful! Contributions, written and drawn, for this issue are much appreciated - thank you everyone. The cover, by Nigel Mason, shows Pitt Hill, with the cottages and The Globe.

The bulbs are well on their way now and there is a sprinkling of early flowers, spring IS on its way. In the meantime, my best wishes for Easter.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

After a rather wet summer, or so it seemed, we've had some lovely autumn days and the turning leaves have again been, perhaps even more, gloriously coloured. Although half way through November, the weather remains very mild.

Now we are entering those hectic - even panic - weeks leading to Christmas. Why we do it, I'm not quite sure but one thing I do feel sure about is that it should remain Christmas - Winter Festival? No way!

Thank you Debbie for another, as always delightful, seasonal cover and 'Hammy' hamster bordering the Christmas greetings - thank you, too, to those message senders, the contribution we make to Manor Hall funds will again exceed £100 - and, of course, thanks to those who have sent in articles and Paul for illustrating them.

With Christmas and New Year behind us, it will be time to think about the February issue! Items and articles for same as soon as possible please, but by by Monday, 14th January at the latest. Thank you.

In the meantime, my best wishes to you all for Christmas and the New Year.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

It has become a tradition that the cover of the October issue is provided by the pupils of our Primary School. This year, under the guidance of staff, the subject for their work was the Horticultural Show's theme of 'Music'. The winners received their awards and cups at the Show where their pictures were on display. Thank you to them all and to all the pupils for their colourful and imaginative work. Apologies to Keelan and Mia, the lovely silver on their pictures does not unfortunately scan on to the computer.

Weather - that inevitable topic of conversation! Well, the rain did eventually stop and we have enjoyed a few weeks of warm and sunny, but rather autumnal days. There is a nip in the air in the evenings, which have definitely drawn in.

Our thoughts have been with the Ozelton family following the kitchen fire at The Globe. Work is well in hand and we hope that 'normal service will be resumed as soon as possible'. Good luck and best wishes. We also send our very best wishes to all those in the village who are not feeling 'fighting fit' at present - we hope you will soon be feeling better.

The next few weeks look as if they are going to be busy, with various Christmas fairs, auction, road shows and other village activities - so make a note of the dates in your diaries and go along to give your support to these events - many to help others as well as our Community Shop.

As always, my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to this issue. Unbelievably, the next one will be December and Christmas - can another year nearly be over? Contributions, especially Christmassy ones, are always welcome early but items will be required by Monday, 12th November at the latest please. For those of you wishing to send your Christmas greetings to friends and neighbours via the Newsletter - and I hope many of you will do this again, perhaps even more - please let me have your message and a donation towards Manor Hall funds as soon as possible and again by the 12th November latest. Thank you.

Articles and messages may be left either at the Shop or Chicane.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Why did I mention rain last time? So, a little was needed but not the torrential downpours we've been experiencing. In spite of the weather, most village events have been able to go ahead except for the village Barbecue. Open Gardens survived and the School Fete was blessed with a beautiful day and evening, the incredibly heavy rain holding off until all was cleared away.

Enough of the weather! Out with this issue is the Schedule and Entry Forms for the Horticultural and Craft Show to be held on Saturday, 1st September in the Manor Hall. Open to residents and non-residents of the village, the organising group hope that everyone will try to put in at least one entry [and more preferably] as well as coming along to the Hall in the afternoon to view the exhibits. All details are given in the Schedule [extra copies will be available from the Shop, the Globe or Sawmill] but if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact one of the organisers.

Apologies to those receiving their newsletter by post [except those living locally] that the Schedule is not included. However, do give me a ring on [01271] 883544 if you would like a copy sent. LOTS and LOTS of entries please and lots of visitors for the Show, the Prize Giving and the Auction.

Again my thanks to all contributors, but especial thanks to Nigel for his colour covers of Watermouth and Hangman from Napps, which has been very generously sponsored by Mike and Sue Richards. Thank you all.

The next issue will be October with autumn unbelievably creeping up on us. Contributions will be needed as soon as possible and by mid-September, Monday 17th, at the latest.

Although it is really far too early to be thinking of the festive season, following the success of last year's Christmas Messages in the December issue [when rather than robbing the Manor Hall Card Distribution, takings were up and the Newsletter passed over a cheque for more than £100], before purchasing your cards, remember this way of sending greetings to your friends and neighbours.

August will continue to be busy: the Church Fayre, a Flower Festival at St. Peter's and the first outing of our village Carnival Float and gardeners, crafters, cooks, photographers, artists, etc., preparing for the Show. Good luck to you all.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

After a glorious April, May has so far been slightly more unsettled but the gardens were beginning to need if a bit of rain and now everything, including the weeds, is flourishing. With longer evenings, June and July seem to be the 'events' months, including the two Open Gardens, the School Fete and Berry Revels [to be followed by St. Peter's Church Fayre], a BBQ at Middle Lee and A Country Collection art display in the Manor Hall. So please do make a note of the dates and support the events when you can.

As always, my thanks to everyone for contributing to another full and interesting issue. Especial thanks to Peter for the cover [and other illustrations] and Lorna for her very interesting article on the Chichesters of Berrynarbor. Thanks are also due for the many generous donations received, in particular from the Berry Broadcasting Company.

Items for the August issue will be needed please by Monday, 16th August - or earlier if you can! Don't forget, the Horticultural Show Schedule and Entry Forms will be included, so make sure you get your copy.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Following a week of lovely dry, sunny and warmer weather, which hopefully made everyone feel better - especially those not in peak form at present - we are back to winter with a vengeance! Cold, strong northerly winds with hail, sleet and even snow, are battering the magnolias, the clocks forward, with lighter evenings and with luck a return of spring.

Thanks to the items sent in by new and old, regular and irregular writers and our artists, we have another interesting, informative and an even larger issue! The colour pages in February were, it seems, much appreciated and have been repeated.

Enquiries about 'A Country Collection' - the Newsletter Art Show, which has not been held for 3 years now - are being answered. Although funds are currently looking pretty healthy, this is an opportunity for our artists to exhibit their own work and plans are in hand for a shorter show - just a week-end this time - which will be held in the Manor Hall on the 23rd and 24th June. Details will appear in the June issue but in the meantime, please make a note of the date.

February was the time for collecting in postal subscriptions and it is lovely that all but one have been renewed, keeping our mailing list at just over 100. My thanks to you all for your support and the generous donations - and this also goes to everyone who contributes donations at the Shop, the Sawmill and The Globe, and Sue's of Combe Martin. My thanks, also, to the Parish Council for their support and annual grant.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

A Happy New Year and I hope everyone had a good Christmas.

Our rather dreary, but not cold, weather continues into 2007. However, the mornings and evenings in particular are drawing out, the bulbs and shoots are coming along and the birds are more cheerful - spring must be on its way!

The Christmas Greetings sent via the Newsletter was most successful and will probably be repeated this year. Rather than robbing the Manor Hall Card Distribution, takings for that and the Coffee Morning were up, and the Newsletter was able to pass over a cheque for £106. Thank you to everyone who participated.

I should also like to thank the person who kindly left a 2007 calendar of Australian Gardens for me at the Shop, with a message that they'd e-mail me. So far no word, but their kind thought was very much appreciated.

This issue sees the 100th contribution from Sue, our Local Walker. Thank you so much, Sue, for your continued support and encouragement and thank you Paul for the fitting illustrations for the Walks. Other milestones have been passed recently. December saw the 50th article from Tony Beauclerk and Sue and Simon's 'Weather or Not' covering November and December is their 50th report. Thank you all and well done!

I have had the pleasure recently of hearing from several people via the web site and it has been particularly nice to hear from Don Thirkell - who lived in the Valley - and Sonia Duckett from Middle Lee. Both say they have old photographs of the village - we look forward to seeing them!

Our printer, Len, has gone into 'glorious Technicolor', so let's give it a try and see how it goes.

With daffodils and other spring flowers not yet readily available, lilies are still in the shops, and so we have them on our cover - a delightful depiction from Paul and my thanks go to him and everyone else who has contributed to another article-packed issue.

There seem to be quite a few events coming up to put in your diary for February and March, so add to them that items for the April and Easter Newsletter are welcome as soon as possible and by MONDAY, 12TH MARCH [a little earlier than usual] please at the latest. Thanks.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

The autumn colours have been beautiful this year but are sadly, with the recent wind and rain, disappearing fast. Disappearing fast as well are the days to Christmas!

As you can see, quite a few readers have taken up the idea of sending their Christmas greetings, delightfully enhanced by Debbie, through the Newsletter - thank you and your donations to the Manor Hall funds have amounted to about £100.

Of course my thanks also go to everyone who has contributed to this issue - Debbie for her cover and poem illustration, Paul for his ever-appreciated illustrations for articles and poems and the 'regular' writers - another bumper issue!

The next Newsletter - February - will be the first in 2007 - it seems incredible that it is nearly seven years since we were preparing to celebrate the Millennium: how time flies when you are having fun! Items for February please as soon as possible and by Monday, 15th January at the latest. Thank you.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Whilst there have been some very heavy [but tree and plant needed] showers over the last few days, and the evenings are drawing in, we have had a good summer and a lovely September with the many village events benefiting in the main from the good weather.

As part of the Horticultural and Craft Show, pupils at the Primary School produced artwork on the theme of Brunel 200. The wonderful colourful winning entries make up the delightful covers of this issue. A very big thank you to all the children for their participation - both winners and non-winners because the task of judging them all was extremely difficult.

Christmas is creeping up on us again with some shops already decorated for the event! Although it may seem a little premature, please do make a note of the coming Christmas Fairs and Bazaars detailed later, as the December issue may be too late!

The Manor Hall Committee will be running their usual village Christmas Card delivery service, however, it was suggested last year that people might like to give a donation to the Manor Hall funds and send their greetings to friends and neighbours via the Newsletter. This you would be very welcome to do.

Such messages and donations, together with articles, and especially Festive items, will need to be at the Shop or Chicane as early as possible and by Monday 13th November at the very latest please. Haven't YOU something YOU could contribute? Don't always leave it up to someone else - in the words of Mr. Tesco, 'every little helps'!

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

We certainly can't grumble about our summer weather at present unless it's to say that we are too hot and the gardens need rain!

On the 21st August, post will be priced by size as well as weight. The first band of postage weight will go up from 60g to 100g. So for readers who receive their Newsletter in the post, this means that postage will not only be cheaper, but will also go First Class. Some things do come down in price! However, I'm sorry to say that there will be no reduction in the subscription rate [bet your bottom dollar postal rates will increase before too long], but you should get your Newsletter quicker.

Looks like another bumper issue to follow, so I shall be brief and just thank, as usual, all the contributors and illustrators and Debbie for her cover - Ginger in the hollyhocks.

Our 'big, friendly' printer, Len, and his wife Kay, are taking a well deserved holiday in late September, early October. This means that the October Newsletter will come out a week later than usual, on Thursday, 12th October. Items and articles for it should still be with me as soon as possible please by mid-month, Monday, 18th September at the latest. Thanks.

Enjoy all the forthcoming village events - fetes, concerts, etc., [details of which appear later] - and the rest of the summer.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Flaming June - well it's not quite that yet! June is associated with hot weather, and hence the expression, and also the summer solstice which brings the longest day. Coleridge described it as the leafy month and Burns associated it with the red, red rose of love.

The Old Dutch name for June was Zomermaand, summer-month, the Old Saxon Seremonath, dry month, and in the French Revolutionary Calendar it was called Prairinal, meadow month. It is, of course, the month of rich foliage, colourful flowers, the start of the strawberry season and Wimbledon!

The Newsletter is also rich - due to everyone's generosity the coffers are fuller than they've ever been, and articles have come in abundance! So I shall be brief and leave space and just say a sincere thank you to you all.

The August issue will be due out on the 3rd and articles will be welcome as soon as possible and at the latest by the middle of July, when we'll be in to our season of summer fetes - the Friends of the Primay School are holding theirs on the 18th July, St. Peter's will be on the 1st August and the Manor Hall revels on the 15th.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Support for the Newsletter has been overwhelming - thank you!

The Day of Celebrations marking 100 issues was a great success, both financially but more for having fun! My first thanks must go to Fenella whose ideas and organisation [before she shot down under] were original, interesting and amusing and had you all eager to see what was going on. Thank you for coming and enjoying yourselves whilst you spent money for Newsletter funds! Further thanks must go to EVERYONE who helped or participated in any way whatsoever, especially those behind the scenes, the cake makers and the ladies who spent the day happily preparing and serving food and washing up.

My Webmaster felt that 100 issues should also be marked by a new look website. This is currently underway and is already looking really good. So, if you have access to the internet, do take a look - www.berrynarbor-news.co.uk and see how it's going. Don't forget that the pictures, and particularly photographs, are much improved [and in colour!] when viewed on the website as they scan in their original form.

By the time you read this Newsletter we shall have put the clocks forward taking us into British Summer Time - time perhaps but not summer!

In spite of the still wintry weather, the next issue will be June! Articles and items for this are welcome at any time but by mid-May, 15th, at the latest please. Thank you in anticipation that they will come and thank you, too, to those who have contributed to this issue, but most of all thank you all for your support and encouragement.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Thank you to EVERYONE who has contributed in any way whatsoever over the hundred issues.

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Before Christmas I was approached for information about the village from another publication - Devon Life. I believe the February issue contains a feature on North Devon and we should have a mention.

Articles and items for the April and Easter issue will be needed by mid-March, 15th at the latest please. No, the bullying won't stop and don't forget that New Year resolution you were going to make to contribute an article!

Finally, thank you Jenny for your kind words and Debbie for our celebratory cover.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

Trevor's reminiscences of games past got me thinking too - did it stir up some memories for you? Do they play 'Jacks' [five stones or knuckle bones] these days? The old pavements were laid in a perfect way for a great game of hopscotch. Then there was 'Donkey', a game played with a rubber ball against a wall, performing various 'tricks' before you reached the final goal, and 'kick the cob', a variation of 'hide and seek'. I, too, collected cigarette cards as well as matchbox tops and cheese labels, but the biggest trade was in stamps and coloured beads!

As I start work on this, Issue 99 [December and Christmas], the rainy season appears to have passed and we are enjoying cold, crisp, frosty mornings with blue skies and sunshine - certainly a little more seasonal weather - let's hope it continues.

Now we are in to those hectic pre-Christmas weeks of panic - cakes, puddings, presents, cards - why do we do it?

Seeking your support!

As always I am indebted to the regular contributors - the mainstay of our Newsletter - but it really would be nice to hear from some others, particularly those who live in the village. If you enjoy the Newsletter - and I do hope, and believe, you do - why not make it YOUR New Year resolution to contribute just one item - article, photograph, poem, recipe, etc. - in the coming year. Just think what bumper issues we'd have!

After the printing of Debbie's delightful coloured cover, the kitty will be looking rather sick. So, to raise some money, plans are in hand to hold a Coffee Morning, to celebrate the 100th issue, at the Manor Hall on Saturday, 4th February. This may be a long way off and there will be more details later, but please make a note of the date in your new diaries or on your new calendars. Your coming for coffee will be appreciated, but it won't let you off coming up with an article!

Yes, the Newsletter will be 100 issues old in February and in thanking everyone for their contributions over the years and for this issue, may I ask for articles and items for February to be with me or left at the Shop by WEDNESDAY, 11TH JANUARY at the latest. Thank you.

With very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Autumn is here, the evenings are drawing in fast but we've had a pretty good summer weather-wise. Certainly nothing to grumble about when you think of the thousands of people affected by Katrina and Rita.

I have been asked, as a guide, to give a few details of the cost of producing the Newsletter. Currently the costs of printing - although paper prices are just about to go up again - and sundry expenses, such as toner cartridges, paper, telephone, amount to approximately 50p per copy. This obviously increases considerably for those issues with coloured covers or insertions. 450 copies are circulated, with nearly a quarter of these being sent by post to addresses all over the country, abroad and also to Berrynarbor itself! Yes, in order to ensure they get a copy, quite a few local readers are on the mailing list. If you would like to do the same, please let me know. There is a minimum subscription for this.

Costs are offset by the Parish Council and the Parochial Church Council who give annual donations, as do other businesses and organisation in the village, and advertisers are asked for a minimal donation. The previous biennial Art Shows have also produced welcome funding and, thanks to your donations, it manages to keep afloat!

As always I thank everyone who has contributed not only to this issue but past issues, but it is always good to hear from new contributors. If you feel unable to write an article yourself, why not help by putting forward your favourite photograph or even your favourite poem?

Is there a poem you first encountered when you were young, learnt by heart or which is in a long-treasured anthology which has stayed with you over the years? is there a poem that has influenced or affected your life? Or one that has helped or inspired you at significant times in your life? If so, it would be great to hear from YOU!

I shall look forward to receiving poems and photographs together with items for the December and Christmas issue as soon as possible, and by Monday, 14th November at the latest please. Seasonal items would be particularly welcome.

Read on and [hopefully] enjoy!

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Ten years ago I wrote . . .

Unbelievably, this issue starts the 7th year of the Newsletter. During this time we have discovered a wealth of talent within the village. Gifted artists - Helen Armstead, Debbie Cook, David Duncan, Neil Redwood, Peter Rothwell, Paul Swailes and Nigel Mason, not forgetting the delightful contributions from pupils at the Primary School. Tom Bartlett and Lorna Bowden have filled us in on Berrynarbor of the past, and if you have followed in the steps of our Local Walker, you will have learnt much of the flora and fauna of our area, as well as gained an intriguing insight into many of our local beauty spots and historic churches. Perhaps you have puzzled over Dave Beagley's crosswords. There have been original poems, recipes, travel memories, accounts of the 'doings' of the various organisations . . . and I and the readers, thank you ALL for without you, there would be no Newsletter.

... and the same goes for today - nothing changes! Yes, one or two things do. We are now starting the 17th year and sadly we no longer have Helen Armstead with us. David and Neil have moved to pastures new, as has Dave, but Brian has stepped most ably in to carry on our Crossword Corner. Tom, Lorna and the Local Walker continue to delight us with their offerings and have been joined by regular contributions from Tony, Steve, Sue and Simon and the bi-monthly letter from our Rector, Keith. The many organisations and groups, which have grown, continue to keep us up to date with their 'doings'.

So let's keep going - only another two issues before we reach our 100th - and discover more talent still! Items for October will be needed mid-September please, by Thursday 15th. As our printer is taking a well deserved annual holiday during September, it is hoped the October issue will be available on the 6th.

My thanks to everyone for your support and help and enjoy the rest of the summer.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

It is the month of June
The month of leaves and roses
When pleasant sights salute the eyes
And pleasant scents the noses.
 

The Month of June
Nathanial Parker Willis [1806-1894]

As I begin working on the June issue, a solitary cuckoo has just been heard, we are watering our gardens and for once, hoping for rain! And by the time you read this, we'll be only a few weeks short of the longest day - where do the months go?

May I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has donated to funds - the readers on the mailing list who have 'subscribed' for another year; the readers who put generous amounts in the collecrting boxes at the Shop, The Globe, Sawmills and Sue's in Combe Martin; the unexpected but very welcome contribution from the BBC, the donation from our Community Shop and everyone who supported the 'table' at the Table top Sale, when a fantastic £65 was raised! Thank you.

I must also mention here the wonderful support received over the years from Ray and Marion Bolton from Erdington near Birmingham, who have been visiting our village for many years. Not only to they support the Newsletter, they have become shareholders of our Shop. We thank you both.

I think this Editorial is entirely one of thank you's because as always I must thank the illustrators - particularly Nigel for this issue's cover; writers of articles - the 'regulars' and the 'one-offers', and our printer and distributors. A reminder to keep writing and before you dash off on holiday, don't forget the August issue! The deadline for items for which is the 15th July please.

My final thank you is to Anne Tattersall for featuring Berrynarbor, Ron and the Newsletter in her article in the North Devon Journal a few weeks ago. But please note, Ron will actually be celebrating his 89th birthday this year [not 90th] and Ken and I arrived here 1959, ten years too early, before we were married!

The next couple of months look busy for us all, so make a note of all the dates and join in the fun!

Photograph - 'Berry Goes Potty' float of 2001, by Ray and Marion Bolton

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

"Oh, to be in England
Now that April's there . . .
. . . And after April, when May follows,
And the whitethroat builds, and all the swallows!"
 
Robert Browning

With Easter and moving into British Summer Time behind us and, as heard on the Ken Bruce show, "the neighbour has returned the snow shovel and borrowed the lawn mower", we know that winter is past and spring has arrived!

It has been a busy time in the village just lately and thanks to those who have put pen to paper, details of the activities appear later.

Thank you, once again, to everyone who has contributed in any way to this issue and please keep writing - items and articles for the June issue will be needed as soon as possible and by Monday, 16th June, at the very latest. Thanks. They can be left at the Post Office or Chicane, popped in the post or sent by e-mail. If sending by e-mail, please note my new address: judiew12@gmail.com.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Would you believe that the coloured printing on the cover of the last issue would increase its weight? My digital scales are pretty accurate, but not accurate enough to save a scrupulous postal worker slapping overdue charges on many of the copies sent out by post. My sincere apologies to everyone who had to pay to receive their last Newsletter! Hopefully it was worth it and it won't happen again.

In October I thanked Nora and Alan for their support of the Newsletter and wished them well in their retirement. This time I should like to welcome Ross, the new Manager of our Community Shop, and his band of many merry helpers. More news from the Shop appears later. Alan was a great collector of news items for me and it is not so easy to do that with so many shop assistants. So, if you have any news - weddings, new babies, someone needing 'get better' wishes, or you have new neighbours - please do get in touch with me. No items appear without the consent of the people concerned.

Ten years ago I wrote 'Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Newsletter over the last twelve months - sharing the poems you write and enjoy and your interests and hobbies, letting us join with you in your moments of celebration and happiness, and giving us pleasure from your artistic talents; and thank you must also go to the printers and deliverers.' Those sentiments are the same today with the addition of my thanks to everyone who contributes regularly for each issue.

Christmas is nearly upon us [only something like 19 more shopping days!] with lots of events leading up to the festive season, details of which appear elsewhere and in the Diary. Please support and enjoy them.

Our next issue will be February and items will be needed by Wednesday, 12th January, at the latest. Will someone start the ball rolling by sending a favourite photograph or picture [old or new] and telling us of the event or the memories it provokes?

Finally, thank you Debbie for another seasonal cover and my very best wishes to all readers for a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Autumn seems to be approaching rapidly. The evenings are shorter, the leaves on the trees are turning brown and blowing off already - the result perhaps of a very dry spring and beautiful May - and the bushes and hawthorn in particular, are awash with red haws and berries. Summer has left!

Also leaving, in one sense, are Alan and Nora, who will be closing their door on the shop and post office. We wish them both health and happiness in their retirement. Details of where and how the shop is going appear elsewhere in this issue. I must thank Nora and Alan for their support of the Newsletter - collecting articles, donations and those 'gossip' items, and of course, distributing them, formerly with the newspapers and latterly for collection from the shop. I hope that you will continue to be able to collect your newsletter in this way. I was sorry to learn that Alan's mother had recently passed away and on behalf of everyone, send him and all the family, our best wishes and thoughts at this time of sadness.

For 'A Country Collection' - the Art Show held back in June - pupils from our Primary School were invited to produce a coloured cover for the Newsletter. Continuing the autumnal theme, the beautiful wrap-around cover of this issue is the work of William [front cover] and Daisy [back cover] and the inside covers show more of the pictures judged for the Horticultural Show as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Highly Commended in the three school classes. Thank you all for giving us so much colour and pleasure.

Believe it or not, the next issue will be the December one again and the countdown to Christmas and the New Year - time flies! Articles, especially some of a 'seasonal' flavour please, will be needed by mid-November and Monday, the 15th November at the latest. Thanks.

Judie - Ed

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As the school summer holiday begins, Peter's cover depicting the tree house at Tree Tops is most appropriate - let's hope the weather returns to the hot, sunny days so the children can all enjoy being out of the classroom and in the fresh air.

Our good luck wishes go to all students for September: the young ones starting at the Primary School; the Year 6 pupils who will be going on to llfracombe College or elsewhere; those leaving the College to seek employment and those who are progressing to further and higher education at the North Devon College and universities throughout the country.

Thank you, Peter, for another enchanting cover and thank you, too, Debbie, Paul and Nigel for your continued illustrated support.

Talking of our four artists, a big thank you to them all for displaying their talented work at our third 'Country Collection', and thanks too to Tom Bartlett for his pictures of Old Berrynarbor and the pupils of the Primary School for some delightful and colourful ideas for the October cover. Look out for some of their work in the next issue.

The Show has again filled the coffers, although it has to be said that the number of locals - and presumably newsletter readers - who attended was disappointing. You were heavily outnumbered by visitors!

However, those who came enjoyed the display as well as the delicious home-made cakes and drinks. Thank you to everyone who helped or supported the Show in any way.

Articles continue to pour in - thank you - and keep them coming! They will be needed please for the October issue as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 15th September, at the very latest.

Finally, a word about the forthcoming Horticultural and Craft Show. A copy of the Schedule and Entry Forms is being circulated with this Newsletter, and an article appears later in this issue. Don't forget, it is a 'friendly' show - not Chelsea or the Royal Academy - just a bit of fun in showing what YOU can do!

Judie - Ed

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It's amazing how quickly one issue follows another! No. 90 and June - where does the time go?

Talking of time, whilst up-dating the 'en suite' recently, we came across, tightly rolled and packing the space between the bath and the wall, an old newspaper, which unravelled turned out to be a copy of The Sun dated Monday, 29th December 1969. The headline of that day? "Solo British Pilot, Sheila Scott, landed her tiny Piper Comanche at Darwin yesterday, tired and distraught after 'seven days of sheer hell.' Her main concern was whether her plane, Myth Too had been sabotaged before the staff of the London-Sydney Air Race."

Sheila Scott [1927-1988] was the first pilot, male or female, to fly directly over the true North Pole in a light aircraft. She accomplished this 34,000-mile trip in a Piper Aztec in 1971 , traveling from the Equator, over the North Pole, back across the Equator and completing the journey by crossing the southern hemisphere. Although few Americans had heard of her, the U.S. Navy had orders: "Don't lose Sheila!" Their job was to keep her tracked via the American polar satellite Nimbus.

Does this bring back some memories? Memories were stirred by the April Newsletter, particularly by Tom's postcard of Lower Rows Farm, which are shared later in this issue. It was also exciting to be able to find information for Sally Moldrich, which again will feature later.

Thank you for those memories and thank you to all contributors to this issue - Debbie for the cover featuring a 'Yorkie', Paul and Peter for their illustrations and all the faithful regular contributors. Our next issue will be August and items will be needed by the middle of July, by Wednesday, 14th July at the latest, please.

However, before that the event which raises the most money for the Newsletter will have taken place. A Country Collection [No. 3] will be held in the Manor Hall from Monday 31st May to Saturday, 5th June, inclusive. Fuller details will be given elsewhere. Please do try to call in at one of the sessions and encourage friends, relatives and holiday makers to do likewise. If anyone feels they have the time and would able to help at one or more of the sessions or would be able to help supply home-made cakes or biscuits, I should be most grateful - just give me a ring on 883544.

Ed.

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EDITORAL

"For winter's rains and ruins are over,
And all the season of snows and sins;
. And in green underwood and cover
Blossom by blossom the spring begins."

Swinburne [1837-1909]

Hopefully the snow has gone now - only just - but rain is still preventing the grass being cut and gardens tended. However, spring is on its way and the daffodils and other early flowering blooms have made cheerful splashes of colour throughout the village.

Thank you to the regular contributors - both writers and artists - and everyone else who has responded to my ever-repeated pleas! It looks as if this will be another full issue. However, don't relax, the June issue will be upon us before you can say 'Jack Robinson', and with another Art Show planned in early June, it would be appreciated if items could be in a little earlier than usual - by Monday, 10th May. Thank you.

Yes, it is now a couple of years since the last 'Country Collection' and plans are in hand for a third exhibition of the work of our Newsletter Artists. Also on display will be a selection of cards from Tom Bartlett's Postcard Collection and it is hoped to have a display of work from the pupils of our Primary School.

A Country Collection will be held in the Manor Hall from Monday, 31st May to Saturday, 5th June. There will be two sessions, from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 2.00 to 4.30 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There will be a morning session on the Tuesday the afternoon session will be for the W.l. On Wednesday, there will be a moming session and then one in the evening, 7.00 to 9.30 p.m., to give those people working an opportunity to 'view'. Posters giving details will be displayed around the village nearer the time.

This is the half-term week when it is hoped visitors will be staying in the village. Please encourage them to come, together with friends and relatives and everyone else you know!

I feel sure this will be another fascinating show and as the main fundraiser for newsletter funds especially to cover the costs of the coloured covers and inserts - I do hope you will all come.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and my best wishes for a happy and, hopefully, peaceful new year.

After such a lovely summer, I think we all hoped for a colder, crisper winter. Not to be! Since Christmas, we seem to have had rain and wind in abundance, and talking of water, we are now well into the works of relining and replacing the mains water system in the village - chaos!

However, we are now becoming accustomed to early magnolia buds and daffodils virtually out in January. Certainly the snowdrops are here again, mornings are getting lighter and the evenings drawing out.

Sincere thanks to our artists and regular contributors for coming up trumps, once again, and to everyone who has sent in something for this issue.

Easter and April will be next, with issue No. 89, and it would be very much appreciated if items and articles could be in at Chicane or the Post Office as soon as possible and by Monday, 15th March, at the latest. Thanks.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

'Christmas comes but once a year', but doesn't it come round quickly! It is not helped by the ever-earlier appearance of Christmas decorations in the shops, which are already playing Christmas music! However, don't get complacent, by the time you are reading this, there will only be just over three weeks to finish off the present buying, ice the cake and make the pudding, ready for a further steaming on Christmas Day.

Thanks to the many recent generous donations to the funds - especially the continued support of the Parish Council - there is sufficient money to indulge again in a coloured cover, and once more, Debbie has done us proud, illustrating the two donkey poems on the insides of the front and back covers.

Thank you, as always, to all the contributors to this issue but particularly the many 'regulars' without whom the newsletter would look very thin! Items and articles for the February issue - the first in 2004 - will be needed by mid-January please as soon as possible but by Thursday, 15th January at the very latest. Thank you.

There are many events planned for the festive season, so enjoy them. Have a happy and peaceful Christmas and with all good wishes for the coming year.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Well, we certainly can't grumble about the weather this summer, although briefly as the children broke up from school, it looked as if it might change for the worse. And now here we are, in the middle of September, with blue skies, sunshine and temperatures in the 20s!

Contributions for Newsletter funds have been coming in steadily and I must thank everyone for their support. Special mention must be made of the proceeds of the raffle at the Open Garden Trails, the continued support of the Parochial Church Council and a generous cheque for £50 from the Devon North [Atlantic] Classic Motor Cycle Club following their successful international Scramble held at Sloley Park on the 16th and 17th August. The Chairman says that "the outstanding beauty of the North Devon countryside particularly impressed our European visitors, which should help the tourism industry next year.... but we are very aware that without the help and co-operation of the local community, we should be unable to stage the event. "

Don't forget if you have any problem picking up a copy of the Newsletter [that is if you don't have one delivered with the paper], a quick call to me can put your name on the mailing list.

Jigsaws aplenty! My stock of jigsaws in all shapes and sizes has, like Topsy, grown, and the loft is bowing under the weight of so many! So, thank you to everyone who has passed them on, but please no more! At least not for the time being as now I hope you will come and borrow them. So far requests have been slow but hopefully they will increase as the evenings draw in and we move into the winter months.

Having allowed Nigel some peace lately during the final year of his degree course, it is lovely to have another cover drawn by him - thank you. After five years of study, in Barnstaple and Exeter, Nigel has graduated with a B.A. Honours Degree in Fine Art at, as he says, the grand age of 51! Congratulations and well done!

I cannot believe that the next issue will cover Christmas and the New Year-again! Please hand in your regular and festive items for inclusion as soon as possible but no later than Wednesday, 12th November, either to Chicane or the Post Office.

It isn't always possible to hear of comings and goings, sickness, events or occasions that we should report or celebrate, so please forgive me if I have missed something, but also please, please contact me with your items of news - if I don't hear, I can't include!

Finally, thank you to everyone who has contributed to this, the 86th issue of our Newsletter.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

Issue No. 85 and into the 15^th year! In the August 1991 issue, two years after it all began, the question asked was "Where is the summer this year?" Not a good year, but two holiday pictures drawn by Lloyd Gove and Ashley Lane - from the Primary School- gave us a cheerful and sunny cover. I wonder what Lloyd and Ashley are up to twelve years on?

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

The April issue was a bit of a fiasco - articles appearing twice, articles not appearing at all, strange dates and incorrect telephone numbers! My apologies to all concerned, particularly the poor gentleman who found himself taking bookings for evening meals and 'Weather or Not' these lapses can be put down to a slight 'senior moment' remains to be seen!

Three reminders:

• Firstly, that the Newsletter has a website, www.berrynarbor-news.co.uk. If you have internet facilities, photographs, particularly Tom's postcards, are a little clearer on the website.
• Secondly, the Newsletter has its own account at Nationwide, and cheques should be made payable, please, to 'Berrynarbor Newsletter'. Thank you to everyone who has very generously sent donations or put contributions in the collecting boxes at the Post Office, Globe, Sawmills and Sue's of Combe Martin.
• Thirdly, don't forget that a varied selection of jigsaws are available for loan - either ring me on 883544 or call at Chicane to choose one.

Thank you, Tom, for sharing two of your postcards of cottages in the village, giving us the delightful coloured covers for this issue. Details of the pictures are given later in Tom's article. A big thank you, too, to everyone else who has contributed to another full Newsletter.

Finally, please hand in items for the August issue - this issue has completed our fourteenth year - to the Post Office or Chicane as soon as possible and by Tuesday, 15th July at the latest. Thank you.

Ed.

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Another Christmas over and best wishes to everyone for the year ahead - the days are 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

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EDITORIAL

Is it really just a few weeks to Christmas? It will be here before we know it! So, now begins that annual rush - cakes and puddings to be made, presents to be bought and wrapped, cards to be written and sent ... good luck!

Thank you to everyone who answered my plea for jigsaws. I have received a fair number [but more would still be welcome], in a full range of pictures and from 500 to 2000 pieces. We are working our way through them, especially those from jumble sales, to make sure they are complete. A list will be available shortly but in the meantime, if anyone would like to borrow one [or even help with the checking], please give me a ring - 883544.

You will have realised by now that this issue has been circulated on a Monday and this will be the arrangement in future - the Monday nearest to the first of the month. My thanks to Sue and Richard for taking on further deliveries of newsletters with the newspapers. Don't forget that if you do not have a paper delivered, you can have your copy posted to you. Just let me have your address and a donation to cover costs and postage. Copies are also available from The Globe, The Sawmill Inn and the Post Office & Village Store.

My thanks, as always, to everyone who has contributed to this issue, especially the many 'regulars'. The first issue of 2003 will be February and articles will be needed please by Wednesday, 15th January at the latest. The grapevine does not always 'creep' as far as the Valley so do please let me know of any 'comings and goings' or any other important events, etc. In the meantime, enjoy all the Christmas celebrations planned, have a happy and peaceful Christmas and all the best for the corning year.

Ed.

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EDITORAL

For the Children's Class sections at the Horticultural and Craft Show, pupils of the Primary School were given the project to produce a black and white cover for the October Newsletter. From the full selection displayed at A Country Collection, the judge chose one for the front cover and another for the back. The front cover of this issue was designed by Samuel Bowden [Age 8] and the back cover by Gareth Howell [Age 5]. Thank you both for your lovely pictures of autumn trees and leaves.

It has been another sad time in the village, but happily we are able to welcome some new babies and congratulate a bride and groom.

I must apologise to readers - and William Brighty Rands - for omitting the first line of the poem 'Lavender Beds' in the August issue.

The first verse reads:

The garden was pleasant with old fashioned flowers,
The sunflowers and hollyhocks stood up like towers,
There were dark turncap lillies and jessimine rare,
And sweet thyme and marjoram scented the air.

Many readers answered my plea to help cover the cost of printing and your response and generosity, together with the funds raised at A Country Collection and the Parish Council's generous annual grant, has put - bucking today's financial trends - the Newsletter fund in its best ever situation. Thank you.

I have also been made aware of an alternative printing facility should the situation arise again in future - and this issue is being printed, on a trial price basis, by Len Goddard of Combe Martin. I shall, however, continue to use the facilities of llfracombe College, and Colin, to whom I am most grateful for their continued help and support.

As I write we are enjoying a really beautiful spell of weather, if touched with an autumnal feel, but the days are shortening and the next issue will be December and Christmas! Items for that will be needed please by WEDNESDAY, 13TH NOVEMBER at the latest. In the meantime, my thanks to everyone who has contributed to this issue.

Ed.

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When you read this, A Country Collection - the Newsletter's own Art Display - will have taken place. I do hope that you found time to pop in and see not only the talented work of our illustrators but also work from the pupils of our Primary School and postcards from Tom Bartlett's fascinating and comprehensive collection. My sincere thanks to everyone who supported and helped this event in any way, and to those who attended.

Since the last Newsletter, the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the World Cup and Wimbledon have all come and gone, and so it seems has our summer! Let's hope that the predicted 'hot spell' in August becomes fact, because there have been few, if any, evenings when it has been fine and warm enough to linger in the garden.

After their moment of glory and the England team's defeat of Argentina in the World Cup, the Daily Telegraph printed the following sportive apology!

'David Beckham': an apology

The last time England played Argentina in the World Cup, David Beckham was sent off. At the time we described him as a 'Gaultier-saronged, Posh spiced, Cooled Britannia, look-at-me, what-a-lad, loadsamoney, sex-and-shopping, fame-schooled, daytime-TV, over-coifed twerp.' After yesterday's result, we should like to apologise to Mr. Beckham. The Daily Telegraph now accepts that he is an elegantly dressed, charmingly espoused, Golden Jubileed, self-effacing, paternally perfect, deservedly rich, superbly tasteful, uniquely televisual, gloriously maned hero.' !!

On a more serious note, I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to this issue: to Debbie for the cover - No. 4 in her dog series, the Cairn and West Highland White Terriers - and for her illustration for 'Lavender Beds'; Paul who continues to answer my pleas; the regular contributors and everyone who has found time to put pen to paper and sent in an item. My thanks, too, to Nora and Alan, and Sue and Richard for distributing copies with the papers.

Articles for inclusion may be left in the box at the Post Office at any time, and those for the October issue will be needed by Monday, 16th September at the latest please. Thanks.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

A new artist's work on our cover - the view of Hangman across Combe Martin Bay from Widmouth is the skilled work of Mary Hughes. Mary - winner for the last three years of the George Hippisley Cup for Art at our Horticultural & Craft Show - is probably better known for her delightful and delicate watercolours and I only wish funds would allow for more coloured covers. Thank you, Mary.

Talking of art, following the success of A Country Collection two years ago, arrangements are now in hand for a second exhibition of the work of Debbie, Nigel, Peter and Paul - not just the beautiful illustrations they contribute to the Newsletter. On display will also be the work of pupils from our Primary School and cards from the Tom Bartlett Postcard Collection.

A Country Collection II will be held in the Manor Hall for a week this time, from Monday, 22nd to Saturday, 27th July. There will be two sessions daily, with refreshments, from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 2:00 to 4.30 p.m. A poster giving details is enclosed with this Newsletter and posters will be displayed around the village nearer the time.

I do hope you will ALL find the time to come and see - perhaps even buy - what I feel sure will be another fascinating exhibition. If you have guests, either paying or friends and relatives, please encourage them to come, and everyone else you know, too! Thanks, I hope to see YOU there.

Thank you for all the contributions, which have continued to flow in - keep them coming! Especial thanks to Debbie for her tribute to the Queen Mother. For the August issue items will be needed by Friday, 12th July at the latest please, The earlier date is to give time for A Country Collection and for the Newsletter to still be out for the 1st August.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Spring is here and don't you know,
This is the time when daisies grow.

This childhood ditty always makes me smile, but daisies are not the only things growing - the spring flowers are all in bloom, the trees and bushes bursting into bud and the grass is in desperate need of a haircut! But, no sooner do you think you can go out and cut it, than it rains again!

Sadly, the cuckoo, the harbinger of spring, is increasingly hard to hear and its population has declined sharply over the last thirty years. Unique, in concealing its eggs in the nests of other, smaller birds, it may be suffering from a lack of 'desirable residences', or a lack of caterpillars on which to feed the chicks. An initiative has been set up by the Woodland Trust to monitor cuckoo numbers, as well as other spring events - the appearance of bumble bees, swifts, swallows. They ask that anyone willing to help should contact them or register as a recorder at www.phenology.org.uk. Let's hope that it won't be that we may soon be hearing the last cuckoo call.

My call for articles has, as always, been heard. Thank you all. Thank you, too, everyone who has sent items - particularly snippets from elsewhere - and if yours has not appeared yet, be assured it has not been forgotten or discarded. The pile is quite large but precedence is usually given to 'original' pieces, but keep them coming!

June, with its Golden Jubilee celebrations, will be the next issue and articles will be needed please by the middle of May, Wednesday, 15th May, at the very latest. Thank you.

I should like to take this opportunity to thank Phil and Lynne for everything they have done for our village and particularly for their support of the Newsletter. I wish them a happy 'retirement', although I'm sure they'll be off on a new challenge before too long, and welcome the Ozelton Family to The Globe. With all good wishes for Easter.

Ed

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I hope you all had a happy and peaceful Christmas - now over for another year except for paying off the plastic cards! The days are beginning to draw out, bulbs are beginning to shoot and yes, spring is on its way!

The cow is of the bovine ilk;
One end is moo, the other, milk.

Ogden Nash

If you are wondering about the significance of Paul Swailes's ten cows on the cover, turn over to the back page and for further enlightenment, you will need to go to the Show, so why not book your tickets NOW!

Over the last year we've welcomed quite a few newcomers to our village and if you are not already aware, the Newsletter is a bi-monthly publication. Usually available on the Thursday nearest to the first of the month of issue, it is kindly delivered with the newspapers by our Post Office and Sue's of Combe Martin, who hold extra copies, also available from The Globe and The Old Sawmill Inn. There is no charge, but donations are always welcome!

Articles for inclusion are required mid-month preceding publication, so items for the April 2002 issue will be appreciated and needed as soon as possible and by Wednesday, 13th March, at the LATEST please. Thank you.

My thanks to all contributors new, old and regular - and my best wishes to everyone for the coming year.

Ed.

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Can it be that Christmas is nearly upon us again! When you read this, it will be less than four weeks away, although for the shops and advertisers, the season of goodwill began back in September!

I should like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their cards, messages of sympathy and kind thoughts following the death of Ken's mother, peacefully in her sleep, at the end of September. A much-loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and a loyal supporter of our Newsletter she will be sadly missed.

It is amazing how often I am asked particularly by compilers of other village/church magazines - "How do you get all your articles?" I can only reply that I have wonderful contributors and artists, many of them 'regulars' and I rarely have to nag for items! Thank you all.

By the next issue we'll be well into the new year 2002. Items for February will be needed by Wednesday, 16th January, at the very latest, please. In the meantime, enjoy all the events and activities planned in December, have a happy and peaceful Christmas and with all good wishes for the New Year.

Ed.

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Although we have always enjoyed Peter Rothwell's illustrations enhancing recent articles, especially Steve McCarthy's 'Rural Reflections', his work, a wrap-around view of the Lees, from Wild Violets, makes a welcome return to our cover for this issue, complementing later articles. Thanks Peter. We also welcome the work of a new recruit to our pages Dave Walden from Lynton. How Dave, Phil's son and Chris's brother, came to be inveigled into this is another story, but ... 'ave you got a light boy?'!

I hope you have all had a good summer holidaying, relaxing or providing such things for others. Certainly the weather seems to have been kinder this year than last. However, the evenings are now drawing in, the clocks go back at the end of the month and it won't be long before Christmas is on us again!

'What could I contribute to the Christmas issue?', you might ask. Please start thinking now! There are only 49 more 'penning' days until WEDNESDAY, 14th NOVEMBER, when articles and items for December and Christmas will need to be at the Post Office or Chicane.

My thanks to all contributors, particularly the regulars, without whom our newsletter could not continue. So, if YOU have not previously contributed, please help them and give it some thought, put pen to paper - seasonal recipes, tips, poems, news, congratulations, best wishes, sales and want, book review, hobbies, gift ideas, tales, photographs, etc., the list is endless - all will be very welcome.

Ed.

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My thanks to Debbie for the Border Collie cover - the second in our dog series... and everyone else who has kindly contributed to this issue. Just to keep you on your toes, items for the next issue - October - will be need by Wednesday, 12th September at the latest please, and it would be lovely to hear from YOU!

Apologies to anyone who was either missing or had a blank page in the June issue, hopefully this is only a slight hiccup. Ilfracombe College, who kindly print the newsletter, have recently invested in a wonderful machine that collates, staples and folds, handling our 400+ copies in just over an hour. This as you can imagine, has cut the production time very considerably, probably by a complete day. However, it not so easy to catch the 'rogue' copies, so if you do find your copy is incomplete, please take another from the Post Office, Globe or Sawmill Inn, or give me a ring - particularly those of you who receive a copy by post.

As you know, the Newsletter now has its own website [www.berrynarbor-news.co.uk] and parts of each issue will go 'on line', probably about a week after circulation. If you have any concerns about your contribution or other information that appears, please DO contact me as soon as possible.

Sadly, due to the foot and mouth epidemic, the Best Kept Village competition has been cancelled this year, but by the time you read this, our entry - Berrynarbor in Bloom will have been judged. On a recent holiday in Ireland, on a visit to the beautifully kept Japanese Garden, part of the Irish National Stud at Tully, Kildare, we found their notice most apt.

Where Litter Lies, Beauty Dies

Whether you will be catering for visitors or preparing to be visitors yourself, enjoy the rest of the summer.

Judie - Ed

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The weather, as I prepare this issue, is glorious and we have been enjoying an extended [more than just one day!] spring holiday - so welcome after what seems to have been a long, wet and miserable winter. Certainly the flowers this year have been magnificent - first the wonderful displays of primroses and now the bluebells and wild garlic in abundance in the banks and hedgerows.

This issue's delightful cover by Paul Swailes depicts hedgerow flowers in all their glory - the colour and scent, however, must be left to your imagination!

My thanks go to Paul and everyone else who has contributed to this issue - long may your offerings continue!

In fact those offerings, articles and items, for the August edition will be welcome any time and by THURSDAY, 12TH JULY at the latest - the earlier date than usual is due to the imminent closure of the College, our printing facility, which is most appreciated.

Paul, one of our newsletter 'artists in residence' was educated at Barnstaple Grammar School and after attending the University of Leeds, where he studied Geography and Economic History, and teaching in Leeds, he returned to North Devon in 1986 to take up a post at Ilfracombe College. He and his wife, Lisa, who also teaches at the College, have two sons and live in Ilfracombe.

Although not formally trained in art, it clearly forms a major part of Paul's life and this, together with travel, photography and collecting British Victorian stamps, are his main hobbies.

Paul kindly [or was he foolhardy!] offered his services to our Newsletter for issue No. 7 in August 1990. Although it is some time now since his work appeared on one of our covers, there have been only four issues since then [the last of which was February 1992] in which there has not been at least one of his illustrations!

Not only has Paul illustrated the Newsletter - particularly the poetry and Local Walk - he has enhanced the covers of various village programmes, participated in 'A Country Collection' - our Art Exhibition last May - and his work, selling as Notelets, has put pennies in the coffers!

Always willing to help, and invariably at short notice, Paul's contribution and support of our Newsletter is greatly appreciated by me, as I am sure it is by all the readers. Our wholehearted thanks, Paul.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

April, Easter, spring on its way and another bumper issue!

Many contributors some old, some new with poetry from the Primary School and more delightful illustrations by pupils as well as by Paul, Nigel and the cover by Debbie.

Thanks to you all, and thanks too to the many people who have sent in donations and, of course, to those who kindly 'pop' something in the collecting boxes at the Post Office, The Globe, Sawmills and Sue's of Combe Martin every penny counts and its amazing how they add up! Our account at Nationwide in Ilfracombe is currently looking quite healthy. However, if you are thinking of making a donation, either now or in the future, please remember to make cheques payable to Berrynarbor Newsletter and not to me personally.

Our next issue will be June, by which time we shall be nearing the longest day! Let's hope we'll be enjoying some warm, sunny, seasonal weather for a change! With May being a busy month, it would be very helpful to have contributions as early as possible and by MONDAY, 14th MAY at the LATEST. Many thanks and with good wishes for Easter.

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Newer readers may be unaware that alternate covers of the Newsletter are the talented work of Debbie Cook, a self-employed illustrator, who fortunately for us spent several years living in the village. Debbie kindly offered her help in February 1992 [issue No. 16] and has been delighting us with her drawings of wildlife [as well as special Christmas covers and other illustrations] ever since - 28 covers in fact! Thank you, Debbie, we are so lucky.

Having depicted dormice to deer, frogs to seals and long-tailed tits to owls, the natural wildlife of the area has become virtually exhausted! So, dog-lovers will be delighted to learn that Debbie is embarking on a new series featuring breeds of dogs, beginning with the golden retriever. If anyone has a particular breed they would like illustrated, please let me know and I'll pass on your suggestions to Debbie.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

Happy New Year. Christmas, which I hope was good for you, is once again over, except for the last few outstanding bills! However, now the evenings are beginning to lengthen, we have had a dry spell of weather - cold but some sunshine - and bulbs are beginning to shoot up. Spring is on its way!

Debbie's Cover Christmas Cards were very successful and their sale, together with the sale of notelets and the many donations received, have put the Newsletter in a healthy financial position in which to start the year 2001.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue, particularly the 'regulars', Nigel for his wrap-round cover of Plaistow Mills and Paul for his illustrations.

Efforts to put us 'online' are still in hand and hopefully our website will be in place before the next issue. If you have concerns where telephone numbers and/or addresses appear [for example in advertisements] about these going on the Internet, please do contact me. However, we have to get there yet!

For the many newcomers to the village, the Newsletter is a bi-monthly publication, beginning with February, and should be available on the Thursday nearest to the beginning of the month. It is kindly distributed with the newspapers by Alan and Nora at the Post Office, and by Sue and Richard of Sue's of Combe Martin. Copies are also available at the Post Office, The Globe and the Sawmill Inn. There is no charge, but donations are always welcome!

Articles and items for the April issue [which will hopefully be out on the 29th March] will be appreciated as soon as possible and by MONDAY 12TH MARCH at the latest, please. Thank you.

The sentiments expressed in the poem overleaf, sent by a friend from Florida, are so appropriate that I thought you might appreciate them too.

Once again my best wishes for the coming year.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

Reading through back issues of the Newsletter, I was fascinated that in my editorial of five years ago, I said, "Christmas is coming but at the time of writing, the weather has only just become more seasonal after a wonderful summer and an incredible 'Indian summer'"! Certainly, Christmas is coming, but there any similarity ends! In fact, as I write it is, surprise, surprise, raining again!

Due to the many generous donations, particularly from Napps, it has been possible to have another coloured cover for Christmas and I'm sure you'll enjoy Debbie's 'little angel setting off for her nativity play' as much as you did last year's nativity scene. Thanks again, Debbie.

Thanks must also go to everyone who has contributed, not only to this issue but throughout the year - some old, some new and some regulars and, of course, our artists, Debbie, Paul, Peter and Nigel; also our deliverers, the Post Office and Sue's; Kingsley [Litho] Printers who print our colour pages; Colin who does our printing and Ilfracombe College for allowing us to use their printing facilities.

No sooner will the festivities be over than it will be time to think about the February issue. Please submit items to the Post Office or Chicane as soon as possible and by Monday, 15th January 2001 at the latest. A contribution from YOU would be very welcome!

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EDITORIAL

Here we are, summer nearly gone, the shorter evenings and winter closing in! Don't forget, the clocks go back at the end of the month.

This issue's cover is of Lundy and is one of Peter Rothwell's captivating illustrations for John R. Chanter's book, 'Lundy Island a Monograph'.

My thanks to the organisers of St. Peter's Fayre and the Berry Revels for allowing me and Jill a 'table' for the Newsletter at which to sell Debbie's cards and prints, notelets and provide the Nature Quiz. The sale of these items, donations both by post and in the collecting boxes and a most generous cheque from Napps following the first of their summer Bar-B-Q's, has swollen funds by the magnificent sum of over £200. Thank you all, but especial thanks to Mike, Julie and Gemma.

With less than a hundred shopping days to Christmas [!], the next issue will be December and the Festive Season and copy will be welcome as soon as possible and not later than MONDAY 13TH NOVEMBER please. In the meantime, I must once again thank Peter, Paul and Debbie for their illustrations and all the regular and new contributors to this issue.

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EDITORIAL

The August issue and where is the summer? Wimbledon has been and gone and they may have managed to play the matches almost to schedule, but someone over North Devon forgot to turn the tap off! In this issue is a poem - The Glory of the Garden - written by Rudyard Kipling, who also wrote 'If' - voted the country's best loved verse in the BBC's national poll in 1995 - with its lines:

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

The cover for this Newsletter is a 'Real Photo' postcard be E.A. Sweetman & Son Ltd. of Tunbridge Wells. "2967 Berrynarbor Valley" was taken about 1926 and shows the lake at Mill Park and the tower of St. Peter's Church from the coastal hill above Sawmills. It was republished during the War years 1944-1946 and on the reverse has the words "Help to make the world a better place and life a worthier thing - King George VI".

Included in this issue is a 4-page spread of photographs of 'lesser known' landmarks from the village - the postbox at Lower Rowes, the Monterey Pine, pinus radiata [now sadly no longer, which was approximately 125 years old and weighed around 25 tons] at Cherry Tree Cottage and the Victorian Tap House, all in the Sterridge Valley; telephone boxes at Berry Down and the Post Office, the Fountain at Sawmills, the hill stone at Buddicombe - looking down to Combe Martin - and Roger Turpie's grave in St. Peter's churchyard.

Thank you for keeping the contributions coming and to everyone who has contributed to this issue, especially those behind the scenes - Colin, who kindly organises the printing, and Alan and Nora [Post Office] and Sue and Richard [Sue's of Combe Martin] who cover the distribution with the newspapers.

August next, when many of you will be attending to the needs of the holidaymakers! Please don't forget the needs of the Newsletter and hand your items and articles in to the Post Office or Chicane by Wednesday, 12^th July, at the latest. Thank you.

Ed.

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EDITORAL

In the last issue, I gave advance notice of a display of the work of our Newsletter artists to be held in May. Arrangements are now well in hand and a poster giving more details appears elsewhere in this issue.

'A Country Collection' will be an opportunity for you to see more of Debbie's, Peter's, Nigel's and Paul's own work - not just the beautiful illustrations they contribute to the Newsletter - which will be on view in the Manor Hall on Saturday, 6th May and again on Sunday, 7th May. The price of entry will cover the costs involved in hiring and setting up screens, etc. There will be four separate sessions, 3 on the Saturday and I on the Sunday morning. At each there will be refreshments appropriate to the time of day included in the price.

I do hope you will ALL make the time to come and see - and perhaps even buy - what I am sure is to be a fascinating exhibition. If you have guests, either paying or friends and relatives, please encourage them to come and encourage everyone else you know too! Thanks. See YOU there!

Contributions have flowed in again - thanks. Keep them coming and for the June issue they will need to be at Chicane or the Post Office by MONDAY, 15th MAY, at the latest please.

With best wishes for Easter.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

"Drink in this beautiful place and leave refreshed"

Lorna B's apt words - the inscription on our Millennium Fountain, depicted on the cover of the first issue of 2000 by Peter Rothwell. Thank you, Pete, and thank you for your vision, together with Be Barten, which finally came to fruition on New Year's Eve, at the official opening of the fountain by Lorna Price. Thanks, too, to the many people involved in its erection - all of whom are mentioned elsewhere in this edition.

On behalf of everyone, thanks must go to all members of the Millennium Committee, their helpers and supporters, for the lasting reminders - the Fountain and the two Plates inscribed with the names of the children of the Parish - and all the wonderful celebrations and activities organised for us, they will long be remembered.

This Christmas will also be one remembered, especially by those who suffered the brunt of the results of the excessive rain. Our sympathy went out to you and thanks are due to Alan and Nora who, in spite of considerable damage and personal inconvenience, kept the Post Office and Shop open to provide our needs. The obstacle course and the need for 'wellies' was not a new experience!

Thank you to this issue's contributors - it is YOU who make our Newsletter. So, for the menfolk who describe it as 'mawkish', let's be having something less 'schmaltzy' from YOU!! Please have items for the April and Easter issue ready any time before but by WEDNESDAY, 15TH MARCH, at the very latest. Thank you. Please note my new e-mail address.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Since everything at the moment is 'the last this century', so this, the 63rd, is the last Newsletter of the 20th Century! Debbie's beautiful illustration of the poem, 'Christmas Morning' on page 42, gives it, for the first time, a fully coloured cover. My thanks to Debbie and all our artists whose illustrations help to make our Newsletter just that bit special.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this, another mega-bumper issue, and especially everyone who answered the plea [and Edward who forestalled it] to relate their eclipse experiences, and those articles of historical interest .. and here, another plea. Writers of articles about our village and residents of the past, always do so in good faith, but are well aware that their facts may be blurred by memory or not quite correct! If anyone is aware of such lapses, please DO let us know! Pop a note in the Post Office Stores or give me a ring [883544] so that hopefully the course of history can run straight! Items for the February issue will be needed by mid-January, with a DEADline of MONDAY, 17TH JANUARY, please.

In the meantime, have a happy and peaceful Christmas, enjoy the wonderful Millennium Celebrations that the Committee has organised for us all and very best wishes for the coming year. Ed.

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EDITORIAL 

Congratulations to Sebastian Seston-Ferdinand [10] for his delightful wraparound cover for this issue.

It is lovely to welcome a return of artwork by pupils from our Primary School. In this instance, their task was to produce a black and white drawing for the October cover, and with such a wonderful selection [over 30], it was an almost impossible task to pick just one. A selection of pictures appears in this issue, and others will be used in forthcoming newsletters. Thank you all for your splendid efforts.

Articles and items continue to come [this really is a bumper issue!] and thank you all for your contributions. I should like to pay especial tribute to Tom Bartlett and our 'Local Walker', whose continued support and encouragement have been invaluable. Tom's 'Old Berrynarbor' articles began in Issue No. 2, making this issue's No. 61; whilst our walker first stepped out round the coastal path, from Rillage to Widmouth, in August 1990, thus making the return visit to this delightful and short[ish] walk No. 56!

Although it may have been a bit of an anti-climax and old hat now, last month's eclipse was an occasion - more to some than others. Where were you? Did you go somewhere special to watch it? Or did you just ignore it? Please will you write and tell us your eclipse story - just a few lines [or more] so that we can record how Berrynarborites experienced this event.

Everybody's bit [so start writing right now!] should be in the Post Office or at Chicane by Monday, 15th November [latest], together with other items and articles for the December and Christmas issue. Thanks.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

Before anything else, I must thank Ann and Vi Davies and their helpers for organising the Coffee Morning for Newsletter funds - their continued support is very much appreciated. Perhaps, as it was the third such event that week, attendance was a little low, but quality rather than quantity was the essence, and those who came were extremely generous. Together with sales of the Notelets, the sum of £100 was raised and this has gone a long way to producing a healthier bank balance! My sincere thanks to you all.

Again I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to this issue [they just keep coming!]: to Debbie for her cover [my favourite green frogs!]; to Paul who continues to answer my pleas, usually at the last moment, for illustrations; to the 'regular' contributors and everyone who has found time to put pen to paper and sent in an item. My thanks, too, to Nora and Alan and Sue for distributing copies with the papers.

Items for October will be needed by Monday, 13th September, at the latest, and please let me know if you, or anyone you know, has moved in or away, is sick or has some reason for celebration and congratulation. Items can always be left in the box at the Post Office, at any time, or popped in to Chicane.

Thanks.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Here we are at the big 60 - this issue completes ten years of the Newsletter and thanks are due to everyone who has contributed to or supported the Newsletter in any way - without you it could not happen.

In the first issue, Jenny Taylor [Chairman of the Parish Council] wrote: "The aim is to make this an interesting and informative newsletter. Everyone is invited to contribute any item of interest . . . The success of this newsletter depends on YOU, the reader, and the input received." Thanks to YOU, I think we have fulfilled that aim.

Some new contributors have joined the band of 'regulars' this month and the wrap-round cover, East Hagginton Farm, is another of Peter Rothwell's charming pictures of the village. Thanks to you all.

Items for the August issue will be needed by mid-July - as early as possible please and by Wednesday, 14th July, at the latest.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

A big thank you to everyone who has contributed to this 'bumper' issue - to Debbie for the cover and the 'big furry bear', Paul and Peter for their illustrations, to first-time contributors and to the 'regulars', whose help has been the mainstay for so long. Thanks, too, to everyone who has recently given very generously to the funds, which were beginning to look a little sick following the colour photographs in the last issue!

You may like to know where your contributions go. We still print a run of some 400 copies at an approximate cost of £63.00, about 15p per copy, a rise from 12p in 1993. Since then, mailing costs have also increased, with an increase in postal rates and a doubling of recipients, now 58, with several copies going overseas. There are, of course, incidental expenses - staples, envelopes, telephone, etc. The cost of the coloured insertions is around £1.50, putting the cost of those issues up a further 38p! In spite of this, we are keeping our heads above water -just - but that is all that is necessary, we do not need or want to make a profit. So, your contributions at the Post Office and elsewhere are very welcome! Hopefully there will be some new Newsletter Notelets on sale soon.

Our next issue will be June, by which time we shall be nearing the longest day! Let's hope we'll be basking in warm, sunny weather as well. With a busy May and Spring Bank Holiday ahead, it would be very helpful to have contributions as early as possible please, and by WEDNESDAY, 12TH MAY, at the latest. Many thanks.

With best wishes for Easter.

Judieff Weedgrow - Editor C16th!

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EDITORIAL

A Happy New Year to you all! I hope everyone had a good Christmas. Like last year, 1999 has come in wet and windy and although the days should be drawing out now, the mornings still seem very dark and the evenings are not much better. However, the mild weather is again producing early buds on the magnolia trees and daffodils in flower in the Valley.

Thanks to everyone for keeping the contributions coming - to Peter Rothwell for another country cover [if not actually Berrynarbor this time], Nigel and Paul for their illustrations and all the 'regular' writers. Not to be forgotten are Nora and Alan and Sue Sussex who continue to kindly deliver newsletters with the papers, and the people behind the scenes that help with the printing, collating and stapling, etc. For newcomers to the village, newsletters [if not delivered with the paper] may be collected from the Post Office, the Globe and Sawmills. The mailing list continues to grow and if you know of anyone who would like to be added [including yourself if you do not always find it easy to collect a copy], please let me know.

Easter is quite early this year, with Good Friday on the 2nd April. So, items for the April and Easter issue will need to be in by mid-March, by Monday, 15th March, at the latest please. Thanks.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue and I apologise that as circulation day is the first Thursday in the month, some events in early December will have already taken place by the time you read this.Poems are prevalent in this issue and I hope you will enjoy the varied selection and beautiful illustrations by Debbie, Nigel and Paul.

Items for the February issue should be at the Post Office or Chicane by mid January, Wednesday 13th please, in the meantime, my best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Ed.

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RED DEER

The red deer, Britain's largest native animal, is common in parks, but in the wild is found mostly in Devon, the New Forest, Cumbria and Scotland. Living normally in dense forests, the red deer has in some areas adapted to moorland and open woodland. Mainly browsing animals, they eat young shoots and leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs, but also eat nuts and fruits. The reddish brown summer coat changes to a thicker brown-grey coat in winter, with a paler underside and a buff-coloured patch around the tail. Except at the autumn rutting [or mating] time, stags live in groups separately from the females. When mature, a stag can reach a shoulder height of about 48 inches with antlers up to 28 inches, with many points, or tines. The female, or hind, bears one calf born in early summer.

Continuing her wild-life series of covers, Debbie has given the red deer frequently seen around here - a seasonal touch for our Christmas cover. Thank you, Debbie.

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EDITORIAL

A welcome return to Peter Rothwell's talented work for the cover of this issue - a 'wrap round' picture of the cottages at Goosewell. Thank you, Peter. Thank you, too, to the many contributors to this issue and to the many readers who have kindly sent me donations.

With the shortening of the days and cooler evenings, summer seems to have passed us by this year [although while I am typing this, something appears to have happened!] and Christmas will soon be upon us again. Only 45 'penning' days left until items will be needed for the December issue!

"What could I contribute?" Please start thinking now and put pen to paper - seasonal recipes, tips, poems, news, congratulations, get well wishes, sales and wants, book review, hobbies, gift ideas, tales and photographs, etc. - all will be very welcome, either in the Post Office or to Chicane by Monday, 16th November.

Berry On-line

Most people think of sand, sea and wetsuits when you mention the pastime of surfing. Woolacombe and Croyde Bay have always been the surf capitals of North Devon, but not for much longer ...

As those who know their bits from their bytes will be aware, the phrase 'surfing the net' refers to the pastime of exploring the Internet. Not wanting to be left behind in the age of computing, the Berrynarbor Newsletter has now gone on-line! For those wishing to visit the web site, the address is: http:/www.users.globalnet.co.uk/-kweedon. *

Currently, the site consists of an on-line copy of the August edition of the Newsletter. Plans are underway to publish each edition on the web site. This should make access to the newsletter easier for those who live in far off places and may also introduce some new readers to the delights of the village.

Comments and contributions can also now be sent in via Email [preferably with attachments in Microsoft Word format]. The Email address is: Berry_news@kweedon.globalnet.co.uk. *

Happy surfing!

Ed.

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* Note: The URL and email address listed above have long since been removed.

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EDITORIAL

Pigs, it would seem, are 'in' and thanks go to Debbie for her amusing cover and for her charming illustration of A Parable of Nature on the centre pages. I wonder if readers have seen the recent advertisements for Royal Doulton's 'Pigs in Bloom' collection of plates?

Our congratulations, Debbie. How fortunate we are that in your busy life, you still find time to bring your delightful work to us all through the Newsletter.

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EDITORIAL

I hope you have enjoyed this month's Newsletter and its colour supplement Spring Blooms in Berrynarbor - for which thanks go to Jim Williams and Rotapress of Combe Martin. I must also thank Nigel for his wrap-round cover and the centre page illustration, and Paul Swailes for his 'touches' that enhance so many articles. Should it not have been possible to include the photographs this time, they will form part of the August issue [including details of the pictures] and a reminder that items for that issue should be in to the Post Office or Chicane by Monday, 13th July, at the latest.

Thank you.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

Easter is nearly here, spring just round the corner and lambs frolicking in the fields - just like the two on the cover. Thank you, Debbie, your beautiful covers are loved by us all.

My thanks must seem rather monotonous but I do appreciate all the help I get to make this, I hope, a rather special newsletter, enjoyed - it would seem not only by villagers but many other readers besides. Your contributions, literary, artistic and financial, have been most welcome and they will be welcome again come the middle of May! Items for the June issue should be at the Post Office or Chicane by Wednesday, 13th May, please. Thanks.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORAL

Another Christmas over and 1998 certainly came in wet and windy! I do hope that everyone is now over the loss of power, telephone, roof slates, tiles, trees and other 'flying objects'.

Wind and rain we have had in abundance but a lack of sustained cold weather has produced some strange happenings in the gardens - trees are budding, bulbs are well through, daffodils are flowering in the Valley and my yucca has been struggling to flower since November - it doesn't know whether its late or early!

With spring in our thoughts, I must thank Helen Armstead for her delightfully fresh and topical cover. Whilst chatting over ideas, she brought to mind the rhyme to help, children in particular, remember the number of days in each month, but neither of us could complete the last lines about February. On consulting the quotation books, I was intrigued to find two versions:

I wonder how many other slightly different versions there are!

In thanking Helen once again, I must thank so many of you for the kind donations received and everyone who has contributed to this issue [which at this point looks like a real bumper edition] - keep 'em coming and please let me have items for the April/Easter issue by Wednesday, 18th March, at the latest.

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EDITORIAL

Is it really only a few weeks until Christmas? The unseasonally warm weather doesn't help to get in to the mad, 'pre-pressie' mode, but it will be here before we know it!

By popular request, a reprint of the Notelets, especially of the Village Scenes, will be available shortly, hopefully in time for the W.I. Coffee Morning in the Manor Hall on Saturday, 29th November. My thanks to everyone who has already bought packets - the fund for another 'colour supplement' is growing - and to everyone who has sent donations or contributed to the collection box in the Post Office.

Our next issue will be February but before then I must thank everyone who has contributed to this issue: to Debbie for her lovely cover - how lucky we are that she finds time in her busy life, to delight us with her work - and for the Christmas Woodland Scene Colouring [please see later in the Newsletter], Paul for his patience in illustrating so well whatever I ask him, to Tom and 'Our Walker' for their unfailing support and Vi, Mary, Dave, Nigel and Peter, whose regular contributions are much appreciated. Thank you all.

Items for the February issue will be needed by mid-January and Wednesday, 14th January at the latest, please. I am still hoping that someone will start the ball rolling for a new series by providing a favourite photograph [old or new] and telling us of the memories it provokes.

In the meantime, have a Happy Christmas and my very best wishes for the New Year.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

My sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to this full and varied issue - Hungarian Massage, Parachute Jumping, delightful photographs of Old Berrynarbor and poems. Special thanks to the 'regulars' and to Peter Rothwell for the lovely cover and illustration for our 'Walk', Paul Swailes for his many illustrations and Debbie Cook for the beautiful tribute to Princess Diana.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

My thanks to Debbie for her illustration of the harvest mouse on this month's cover and to everyone who has contributed to this issue. I hope that by the time you read it, the better summer weather will have returned, because the next issue will be October and autumn, with another winter setting in! Items for that issue should be ready please by Monday, 15th September. Best wishes for the success of the many summer fetes and events.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

This issue is the final one in the eighth year of the Berrynarbor Newsletter - 48 in all! How time flies. My thanks to everyone who has contributed in any way, with articles and drawings and those people behind the scenes who have printed, collated and distributed. Thank you for making the task of editing a pleasure and, from your reactions, producing a newsletter you enjoy.

This month's cover showing Hammonds Farm is a welcome return to Peter Rothwell's talent and I hope we'll be seeing more of his work again in the future. Thanks, too, to all contributors - old and new - where would we be without you!

Items for the August issue will be needed by Friday, 11th July, so start thinking about YOUR contribution, NOW!

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue, especially Debbie for the front cover and Nigel and Paul for their illustrations. Items for the June issue will be needed by Friday, 9th May, at the latest. Thank you.

Ed.

A HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL

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EDITORIAL

A happy new year to you all. I hope everyone had a good Christmas and managed to stay clear of the unwelcome 'bug'. To those who succumbed, however, I hope you will be feeling better soon although it hangs on a bit! Once again I must thank all those people who have sent donations and everyone who purchased the Christmas cards and notelets - a healthy profit of £120 has boosted funds further.

Contributions for this issue have literally been pouring in - I think this could be the bumper issue to outdo all bumper issues! Thank you. Especial thanks to Nigel for the front [wrap-round] cover and Paul for his illustrations.

April is the next issue and hopefully this will be out before Easter, so contributions please by Friday, 14th March, at the latest.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

Lots of thanks! For your kind comments regarding the October issue and its coloured photographs and the many contributions left at the Post Office; to Phil and Lynn and the Parochial Church Council for such generous donations; and to everyone who has helped to re-boost newsletter funds by purchasing the 'Christmas Cat' cards and 'Nature Notelets' [from Debbie's originals].

These cards and notelets may be bought from me, at Chicane, for £1.75 for a packet of 12 cards with envelopes [all proceeds to the newsletter] or they will be on sale at the U.R.C. Christmas Coffee Morning on the 7th December.

Printed under threat of ... my special thanks to Ann and Marion for their poem, which is very much appreciated, as are all the other contributions to this issue, particularly our regular artists and writers Debbie [for another delightful seasonal cover - she will now be illustrating the April, August and December issues for a change!] - Paul and Nigel, and Tom, Dave, Vi, Mary and our 'Local Walker'. Thank you all.

February will be the next edition and copy will be needed by mid January, Wednesday, 15th, at the latest please. If you have not contributed before, why not spend one of those long, January evenings putting pen to paper and telling us about YOU - your holiday, your family, your pets or your hobbies, etc.!

In the meantime, have a very happy Christmas and my best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

For this issue's cover, Debbie has returned to one of her favourites - the fox.

The preferred habitat of the common or red fox is woodland, but they have become very adaptable and significant numbers are now found in the suburbs of London and other cities, although they try to keep out of sight. Part of the fox's adaptation has been to scrounge food, often from dustbins and other refuse receptacles.

Nocturnal by nature, foxes are comparatively small. Their body length is about 60cm, but their tail, or brush, constitutes a further 40cm. The fur is sandy brown to red above, with greyish white underparts and black markings on the front limbs and on the back of the ears. The tail, a coveted possession of the huntsman in the past, is usually tipped with white. Their diet is varied - small mammals, such as squirrels and rabbits, small birds and their eggs, grass, fruit and also insects.

The British fox is, perhaps, the most astute of all our wild animals. High intelligence marks all the species and it certainly lives up to its reputation both as the 'bad guy', as portrayed in children's literature - Brer Fox and the Foxy Gentleman who even got Jemima Puddle-duck to collect the ingredients for her own 'stuffing'! - and for its cleverness and cunning. Its tricks to baffle hounds are incredible - crossing a stream repeatedly to destroy its own scent, running through flocks of sheep for the same purpose, climbing up impossible places and hiding where it would not seem possible for it to conceal itself - and its daring in getting food at times is astonishing!

Debbie has pictured a young adult, one of this year's cubs, now almost fully grown and on the brink of leaving the lair to find a territory of its own.

Thank you, Debbie, and all contributors. The next issue will be December and Christmas - how quickly the festive season comes round! Please hand in your seasonal offers, as well as the regular features, to the Post Office or Chicane by mid-November and by Friday, 14th, at the latest.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

My thanks to Helen Armstead for this Issue's cover. With only basic printing facilities available, I'm afraid it has not been possible to do justice to Helen's delicate and delightful water-colour of fuchsias, but I hope that she, and you, will appreciate and enjoy the subtle tones that have created this 'different' cover.

At the time of writing, articles for this issue are pretty thin on the ground - perhaps they will come or perhaps everyone is busy in their gardens or watching Wimbledon? Don't forget though - no contributions, no Newsletter!!

Items for the October issue will be required by mid-September and by Monday, 16th September at the latest. In the meantime, schools and colleges will have finished for the summer and many readers will either be catering for visitors or preparing for their own holiday. Whichever it is, let's hope for a few weeks of more seasonal weather.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

Thank you, Debbie, and thank you to everyone who has already ordered prints of Debbie's cover illustrations. The last date for orders to be received will be the 15th June, after which the orders will be processed. [My apologies for the delay for the early orders.] So please put in your order NOW. Additional order forms may be obtained from and returned to the Post Office and cheques should be made payable to the Berrynarbor Newsletter.

My appreciation to all contributors and illustrators for this issue, without you there wouldn't be a Newsletter! Our next issue will be the August one, and items should again be handed in early, before the College breaks up for the summer holiday, and by MONDAY, 8TH JULY, at the latest. Thank YOU.

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EDITORIAL

Now and then

Hopefully it wont be long now before spring is really here with the trees in leaf again and the Valley, as seen from two rocks, looking like the front cover illustration by Peter Rothwell, 1995.

 

The photograph shows the "Cut Through" leading to Sterrage valley c1910 and previously produced in the December 1992 Newsletter.

Many thanks to Peter for the cover. This is HIS issue, as his talented work also illustrates the poem on the centre pages.

I am most grateful for the many compliments regarding the Newsletter, but credit where credit is due, it would not be possible without the help and support of the many contributors [especially of the regular features], the illustrators and the "backroom boys" who get it printed and put through your door. Thank you all.

And now, to keep you on your toes, may I ask for your help in getting items for the June issue to the Post Office or Chicane as early as possible in May and by Friday, 10th, at the latest. Has anyone an unusual hobby or pastime to share with us as a "Labour of Love"? If so, I should be delighted to hear from YOU.

Ed

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EDITORIAL

Thank you, Debbie, for illustrating this beautiful but lesser-known member of the titmouse family. Having seen a group for the very first time this autumn I have been delighted to witness several visits of flocks to my peanut feeder, especially during the very cold spell over Christmas.

May I take this opportunity to thank not only everyone who has contributed to another bumper issue, but also to those of you who have supported the Newsletter by sending donations or contributing to the collection box at the Post Office. In spite of printing problems with the December issue and I am most grateful to Jim Williams and Rota Press of Combe Martin for stepping in at very short notice - the financial situation remains very healthy. With luck, by the time this is ready, printing problems will not only be resolved but hopefully improved - fingers crossed!

Due to other commitments and the College holiday, may I ask for contributions for the April-Easter issue to be at the Post Office or Chicane as early as possible in March and by Friday, 8th, latest. Thank you.

Ed.

P.S. Apologies that distribution of this issue has also been delayed, due to the absence of our friendly P.M.G. Thank you, Alan and Nora, for all your help and we hope you have both had an enjoyable and relaxing well-deserved holiday.

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EDITORIAL

Christmas is coming... but at the time of writing this, the weather has only just become slightly more seasonal after a wonderful summer and an incredible 'Indian' summer. Nature has certainly played a few tricks, with plants flowering out of character and out of season - my amaryllis produced a September/October stalk with six [were they late or early?] blooms, and the normally one-head-a-year yucca has produced seven spikes, with two more still struggling against the cooler weather of the last couple of weeks. There has been a prolific and varied array of fungi and last week I was delighted to see, for the first time ever, a small flock of long tailed tits in the Valley. Peggy Eppingstone, like many other people, wonders "where have all the blackbirds gone?"

Debbie has generously donated one of her Harrods Bear tins of biscuits and this, with other items, will be raffled at the Post Office with tickets available from early December. Proceeds of the raffle will be sent to Children in Need and the Salvation Army. Thank you, Debbie.

My thanks to everyone who has contributed to this issue, especially ALL the artists whose illustrations really 'make' our Newsletter and Nigel for the cover. February will be our next issue and items will be needed by the middle of January, but before then have a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

Apologies that for the first time the Newsletter has not been out for the first of the month. I hope, however, that this "bumper" issue will in some way compensate.

My thanks to all the contributors and artists. Keep the articles coming! Items for the December and Christmas issue should be in the Post Office or at Chicane by MONDAY, 13TH NOVEMBER. Please try and think what YOU could contribute - a recipe, poem, tip, holiday memory, etc.

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EDITORIAL

Unbelievably, this issue starts the 7th year of the Newsletter. During this time we have discovered a wealth of talent within the village. Gifted artists - Helen Armstead, Debbie Cook, David Duncan, Neil Redwood, Peter Rothwell and Nigel Mason, who has provided the delightful wrap-round cover for this issue, and not forgetting the delightful contributions from pupils of the Primary School. Tom Bartlett, Lorna Bowden and latterly Terry Babbington, have filled us in on Berrynarbor of the past, and if you have followed in the footsteps of our "Local Walker", you will have learnt much of the flora and fauna of our area as well as gained an intriguing insight into many of our local beauty spots and historic churches. Perhaps you have puzzled over Dave Beagley's crosswords. There have been original poems, recipes, travel memories, accounts of the 'doings' of various organisations so many contributors, so many contributions and I, and the readers, thank you ALL for without you, there would be no Newsletter.

My thanks must also go to my colleagues at Ilfracombe College: to Alan Bacon for his support and encouragement, Paul Swailes for his lovely illustrations, especially of the poems, Maggie Randles who has supplied me with some wonderfully apt poems, and the printers Colin and Mark. Behind the scenes and not to be forgotten are Barbara Pickup and Marion Billett, the collators, and, of course, Alan and Nora and Sue Day who kindly distribute each issue with the papers.

Financially, thanks go to the Parish Council for their continued support, to the holders of the Coffee Mornings and YOU for your donations.

Let's keep it going and discover even more talent - it's certainly there! Items for October will be needed by mid-September, Friday, 15th, latest please. Thanks.

Ed

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EDITORIAL

You will, I am sure, have noticed the work of another new talented artist! My thanks to Nigel Mason who was cajoled into illustrating Patricia Beer's second poem in the series, and I think you will agree that we have struck gold again! My continued thanks to Debbie for another delightful cover and to our other artists, Peter Rothwell and Paul Swailes. My thanks, too, to everyone who has contributed to this issue.

V.E. Day was one of Remembrance and celebration in the village. About sixty people attended the short service and observed the two minute silence at the War Memorial, and the Square was the scene for afternoon celebrations with tea and an impromptu concert - much to the amazement and amusement of passing visitors lucky enough to witness a re-run of 'If I was not upon the sea'!

The Church is both the spiritual and social 'centre' of our village, making a unique setting for so many events - weddings, concerts, flower festivals, etc. - so please DON'T forget Gift Day and give generously to maintain its upkeep.

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EDITORIAL

Thank you! Thanks to everyone for heeding my plea in the last issue - your contributions since then and support of the Coffee Morning have been magnificent!

Donations in the Post Office and through the post have amounted to just over £60 and £120 was raised at the Coffee Morning. I thank you all, but especially Vi and Anne for arranging the Coffee Morning and their helpers, Joy, Ivy, Margaret, Jancy and Ron.

The cover's refreshing depiction of Bessemer Thatch is the talented work of Peter Rothwell, whose drawings have also recently enhanced the Church and Globe News. Pete, who lives up Hagginton Hill, lectures in Art at the North Devon College. I thank him and the many contributors to this issue - talent certainly abounds in our Village, you just have to "discover" it!

So, keep the articles, etc., coming and I shall look forward to another selection in May - and by Friday, 12th, please - either at the Post Office or here at Chicane.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

A happy new year. Christmas is over, except for the bills, and the days are beginning to lengthen again and even if the weather isn't improving, hopefully spring is on its way. However, February and March can bring their surprises, especially for the unsuspecting early flowers - daffodils are already nearly in bloom in the Valley

This issue gives details of a spate of Coffee Mornings - all for excellent causes. A big thank you to Vi and Anne Davies for arranging one to help Newsletter funds, which following this issue will be NIL. However, a well-supported Coffee Morning and the annual subsidy from the Parish Council should produce solvency again! Thank you to the many people who contribute to the collecting boxes in the Post Office, Globe or Meakings in Combe Martin, and to those of you who have sent donations. May I just remind anyone sending a cheque, this should be made payable to "The Berrynarbor Newsletter" [not to me personally] for payment into the account at the Nationwide Anglia in Ilfracombe.

Thank you to all contributors - artistic, literary, puzzling, etc. Please keep them coming - I shall be looking for YOUR item for the April/Easter issue. Finally, Debbie asks for suggestions for her wildlife series - birds, animals, etc., pertinent to Berrynarbor or North Devon. If you have any ideas, please pop them, with your other articles, in the box at the Post Office or to Chicane by Wednesday, 15th March. Thank you.

Judie - Ed

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The next issue of the Newsletter will be February and items for inclusion should be at the Post Office or Chicane by mid-January and by Monday, 16th January, at the latest please. Thank you all for your contributions - please keep them coming!

Finally, on everyone's behalf, I must thank Debbie for finding the time, in addition to her wild life series, to enchant us all with another beautiful cover for our Newsletter. Let's hope that we shall all be as contented as her Christmas Cat - with St. Peter's and Hagginton Hill depicted in the background - this festive season.

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EDITORIAL

Issue No. 33 and Christmas time once more! Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Newsletter over the last twelve months - sharing the poems you write or enjoy and your interests and hobbies, letting us join with you in your moments of celebration and happiness, and giving us pleasure from your artistic talents; and thanks must also go to the printers, collators and deliverers.

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EDITORIAL

Before starting on this issue's regular and special articles, I should like to take the opportunity to thank Graham and Maureen Jones, not only for their encouragement and support of the Newsletter, but for their friendly help to all of us in the Village. We shall miss you, but wish you and the family well in your new home at Lower Dean Farm. Thank you.

Looking after us now at the Post Office are Alan and Nora Rowlands. A very warm welcome to you both. Alan and Nora have moved, on Alan's retirement, after 36 years, from the R.A.F., from St. Athan's in South Wales. They have two sons - Kevin, who is a Policeman, and his wife Sam, and Tony who is an Aeronautical Engineer with Rolls Royce. Good luck in your new venture!

There has been considerable interest shown in Bishop Jewell of late and I am very grateful to Sheila Brain, of Jabob's Well, for her article which appears later in the Newsletter, the result of her research whilst working at Sussex University. By the time this goes to print, Sheila will have left the University to live permanently in the Village, and in her own words, "after 30 years of travelling backwards and forwards, it will be a relief not to be constantly checking my tyres and oil levels." It will be good to have you with us, Sheila.

Sylvia and Nick Cataldo send their best wishes to all their friends in Berrynarbor and hope to visit the Sterridge Valley before too long. Sylvia says that Sam, their white cat, does NOT sit in the middle of the road outside their new home!

The next issue will be for December and Christmas. Please keep your articles coming and spice them with a Christmas flavour . Items for inclusion should be at the Post Office or Chicane by the middle of November - Monday, 14th November, please. Ed.

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EDITORIAL

By the time this issue reaches you, schools will have broken up and many villagers will either be busy catering for the needs of holiday-makers, or partaking or looking forward to their own holidays. Let's hope that we shall be able to enjoy a few weeks of real summer weather!

I must first thank Helen Armstead for the most attractive cover. We are lucky to have so many artists willing to share their talents through the Newsletter. However, if there are any 'undiscovered' artists whom we could 'tap', please do contact me. Thank you, too, contributors for getting articles in early - now it's up to me to meet the printing deadline!

Secondly, I must apologise to Ann - a verse of her poem eluded me - and to Phil, who got left out!

Recipes, Book Reviews, your favourite Charles Causley or other poem, etc . - items for the next Newsletter by Thursday, 15th September, please. Thank you.

Ed.

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EDITORIAL

My thanks to everyone who has contributed to this issue - some new, some old, some regular! - and especially to Debbie and Paul for their illustrations. I must also thank the kind folk who have slipped me donations to assist with printing costs.

Due to summer holidays, the printing date for the August issue will be brought forward. so PLEASE, hand in your contributions a little earlier - to the Post Office or chicane by FRIDAY 8TH JULY AT THE LATEST. Thank you

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EDITORIAL

I am delighted to report that the Coffee Morning in aid of Newsletter funds was a great success and it was fortunate that the heavy rain first thing disappeared to become a beautiful, sunny spring morning. My grateful thanks to Ivy Richards for once again opening her home, to her helpers and the many villagers who attended. The final sum raised was £108. Solvency again!

As I begin to put this issue together, it looks like a bumper edition. Thank you to the many contributors - some old, some new. Crossword puzzle addicts, thanks to David Beagley of Brookside, will now be kept happy with our latest regular feature. Paul Swailes, one of our artists 'in residence' and a colleague at the College, has successfully taken us into the realm of multi-colour printing for the front cover and his generous support of our Newsletter is much appreciated. In thanking him, I must also pay tribute to Alan Bacon for his support and encouragement and Colin and Mark, who do the printing itself - always at short notice and with never a grumble at my often complex instructions! I must not leave out Maureen and Graham and Sue [distribution], and the many readers who so kindly 'pop' something in the collecting boxes in the Post Office, Globe and Meakings - every penny counts and it's amazing how it adds up! And finally, the readers, who make it all worth while.

Congratulations to the winners of the Disney Prize Wordsearch - Ben Sanders of Lee Cottages [8 years], Darren Lawson of Haywards Heath [12 years] and Anne Moseley [nee Billett] of Poole. The answers were: Pluto, Pinocchio, Mary Poppins, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Jungle Book, Snow White, Bambi, Goofey, Dopey, Bashful, Dock, Fantasia, Aladdin, Dumbo, Cinderella, Lady, Tramp, Pooh and Peter Pan.

Items for the June/July issue should be at the Post Office or Chicane by the middle of May please.

Enjoy this issue and have a Happy Easter.

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EDITORIAL

First I must make my apologies! I am sorry that the December issue was late, thereby missing one or two dates, and that the printed cover did not do justice to the artistic work of the members of the Sunday School.

I'm afraid that my knowledge of the printing world is sadly lacking and unfortunately the budget only allowed for very basic reproduction. Thus the delicate drawings and subtle colours of the pictures was lost. Now I know the requirements, perhaps we'll have better luck next time!

Debbie's pen and ink cover drawings also lose something in the printing and I wish you could share with me the delight of the 'originals' - you feel you could stroke the shiny fur of this month's sleepy little dormouse, and I am sure I speak for everyone when I say thank you, Debbie.

I must also pay tribute to the other regular contributors - Paul Swailes for his illustrations, Tom Bartlett for 'Old Berrynarbor' and other articles, and our intrepid ' local walker' , who had to wait for it to stop raining before doing the practical part, and everyone who lets me know what the various groups are up to. Without your help there would be no newsletter.

So, how about pulling YOUR weight and submitting that recipe, tip, article or favourite poem for the Easter-April issue? Items should be at the Post Office or Chicane by the middle of March.

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Dormouse is the name given to a group of small rodents, or gnawing animals, about the size of mice but with fairly bushy tails a little shorter than their bodies. The name means "the mouse that sleeps" and those that live in cooler climes do sleep through the winter, in comfortable nests in hollow trees or underground after fattening up in the autumn.

Dormice are sometimes confused with squirrels but the main difference is that squirrels are day creatures and dormice wake up in the evening and go about at night. They live in trees and, like squirrels, sit up on their hind legs holding their food - nuts, fruits, buds - in their front paws.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

It doesn't seem possible that this is the Fifth Christmas edition of the Newsletter! Guided by Sally Barten, the covers, back and front, for this issue have been designed, drawn and coloured entirely by the following children from Berrynarbor SUNDAY SCHOOL:

Thank you all. I hope you will be as delighted, as I am sure the readers will be, with the results of your hard work and enjoyment. I am also very grateful to Jim Williams of Rotapress for the printing.

The poems from Bettina Brown and Cynthia Parkin - both from Combe Martin - and Paul Swailes's illustrations, like all the contributions, are very much appreciated.

No sooner will the Festive Season be over than it will be time to start thinking about the next issue - February. As usual, items should be at the Post Office or Chicane by the middle of January.

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

One of our most common small rodents is the bank vole, and Debbie's delightful illustration for October shows one in 'seasonal' setting.

The bank vole can be seen both in daytime or at night, busily foraging for its food - nuts, seeds, berries, fruit, fungi - which it stores, often using old birds' nests for its larder. It nests both above and below ground and in its short lifetime [about a year] a female will produce several litters. Only a few will survive, however, either being eaten by foxes, owls or other predators, or succumbing to the cold weather in winter.

Voles may be mistaken for mice but differ in having shorter tails and faces with small eyes and ears.

Thank you again, Debbie, and my thanks also to Paul for his illustrations and the many contributors - especially the 'regulars' - to this issue, which I hope you will enjoy reading.

The next issue will be December and Christmas, so please start gathering up your items - news, recipes, poems, Christmas ideas, etc. - now and have them to the Post Office or Chicane by mid-November at the latest.

Thanks.

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EDITORIAL

My thanks to this month's many contributors. The next issue, our 26th, will be for October and if you can find time between looking after holidaymakers or taking your own holiday, please leave items and articles with me at Chicane or in the box at the Post Office by mid-September. I should very much like to hear from anyone who can contribute a Country Custom - either local or from elsewhere in the county or country - which has been enjoyed now or in the past. Photographs , memories or anecdotes of Berrynarbor's past would also be appreciated.

My continued thanks to Maureen and Graham and Sue and Mervyn for their help in distributing the newsletter.

Judie

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EDITORIAL

Last issue I reported solvency and following very kind donations from St. Peter's P. C.C., some far-flung readers and over £70 raised at the Coffee Morning, finances are looking pretty healthy.

A very big THANK YOU to Vi and Anne Davies and their helpers for arranging the successful Coffee Morning, and to everyone who supported the event by bringing cakes and bring-and-buy items, donating raffle prizes and bringing themselves, in spite of a rather inclement morning. Mary Jane Newell's beautiful cake, raffled and won by Marion Billett, was very much appreciated. Thank you all.

P.S. Would the baker of the really scrummy walnut and butter cream cake please let me have the recipe?!

This month's cover is the talented work of Neil Redwood, who is currently studying for a BTEC National Diploma in Art at the North Devon College. He is hoping next year to specialise in Fine Art leading to a Foundation Art Course and then Art College. We wish him luck. Thank you, Neil.

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EDITORIAL

The Newsletter is solvent again! My sincere thanks to everyone who answered my pleas in the last newsletter: to the many readers who have continued to contribute via the collecting boxes in the Post Office and The Globe and the Parish Council, but especial thanks to the W.I. for their gift of £25 following the April Coffee Morning and the Manor Hall Management Committee for arranging a Coffee Morning for funds on SATURDAY, 12TH JUNE - please give this YOUR support! Ivy Richards has also kindly offered to hold a Coffee Morning and this is planned for later in the year.

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EDITORIAL

I should like to take this opportunity to thank the Parish Council for their continued support and financial help with newsletter costs. Readers may be interested to know that some 400 copies are printed at a cost of approximately £50 an issue - that is about 12p per copy. 200 copies are distributed via the Post Office and Meakings, Combe Martin, and copies are always available from the Post Office, The Globe, Sawmills or direct from me at Chicane. Copies are sent to the local Libraries and another 25 are posted as far afield as Bristol, Exeter and West Sussex. If you know of anyone who has difficulty in obtaining a copy, a small donation to cover the postage could add their name to the mailing list.

Due to the recent increase in the size of the newsletter [which must be good so long as it doesn't get any bigger!], the account at the Anglia is looking rather sick (!) and even with the P.C' s donation, there will only be sufficient funds to cover the cost of this and the June issue. So, if anyone has any bright ideas on how to raise some money - and fairly quickly - I should be delighted to hear from you! [883544] Every little contribution in the collecting boxes helps.

A big thank you to everyone who has contributed to this 'bumper' issue - to Helen Armstead for the cover, to first-time contributors, to those who have contributed before and to the 'regulars' whose help has been the mainstay of our Newsletter. Keep 'em coming!

Contributions for the next issue, June, should be at the Post Office or direct to Chicane, Sterridge Valley, by mid-May, FRIDAY, 14TH MAY, at the latest.

Thank you.

Judie

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A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL

Thank you, Debbie, for another beautiful cover illustration - the fourth in a series of wild animals, squirrel, fox, badger and now the otter.

A word on otters: They are water-dwelling carnivores, related to weasels, and there are several species, all very much alike. They have slim bodies and short legs and grow to a length, including their tails, of up to six and a half feet. The head is broad and flattened with the ears almost hidden in their sleek brown fur. They are wonderful swimmers and catch most of their food in the water, which includes eels, crayfish, frogs and small mammals. They will often cover some distance on land whilst frequently moving from one lake or river to another. Talking of otters. .

Judie - Ed

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EDITORIAL

My sincere thanks to so many of you who have contributed items - original and otherwise - for this issue of the Newsletter, which I hope you have enjoyed.

I also hope that contributions will continue in their quantities [that does not mean that YOU can sit back and let someone else help out) in spite of it meaning that the last few issues have been larger and therefore take more time to produce! Long may that trend continue. Items for the next issue - April [and Easter) should be in at the Post Office or direct to Chicane, Sterridge Valley, by the middle of March, MONDAY, 15TH MARCH.

My thanks, too, to those of you who have either sent donations or put a contribution in the collecting box in the Post Office, and to Maureen and Graham and Sue and Mervyn for their continued help.

Judie

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Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this Autumn issue of our Newsletter, especially Debbie for "Brock" on the front cover, Miss Parkin for her poem and Fred Ward for telling us about Clog Dancing.

The next issue will be the December and Christmas edition and items should be in by the middle of November please. Following the series on Country Ways, it would be nice to learn some Country Customs - do you know of any of particular relevance for Christmas? All the usual items, too. 'Local' advertising [for a small contribution to newsletter funds] always welcome.

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OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

Please hand items for the October Newsletter in at the Post Office or Chicane before or by Wednesday, 16th September.

Items for this issue were down on previous occasions - please help with a contribution, however small, to keep the newsletter going!

Don't forget the Sales and Wants, Diary Dates, Congratulations, Get Well wishes and other gossip, and please think about that special item YOU could contribute - that favourite recipe, that favourite poem and that hobby you enjoy. Come on, let's be having you!

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EDITORIAL

My sincere thanks to Graham and Maureen and Sue and Melvyn for continuing to deliver the newsletter for us [and also for 'pushing' the collecting boxes which have produced a nice bit of extra income to help cover the costs].

For anyone not having their papers delivered, extra copies are always available, from the 1st of the month of issue, at the Post Office, the Butchers, Sawmills, the Globe and Meakings in Combe Martin, or from Chicane.

I am also very grateful to the many people who fill me in with snippets of news!

A very big thank you, too, to our artists - Helen Armstead, Debbie Cook and Paul Swailes - whose talented work has enhanced this and previous issues and will, hopefully, continue to do so.

Now we have the artists/ illustrators, how about the writers/ authors? Please see if YOU could put pen to paper and tell us of your hobbies, holidays, humorous happenings, or share a tasty recipe, gardening tip or your favourite poem. Please pop contributions for the June Issue in the box at the Post Office [or direct to Chicane] by mid-May at the latest.

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EDITORIAL

Many thanks to all this month's contributors. Items for this issue were rather slow coming in, but I hope it is only a general reflection of the time of year!

The next issue will be April and Easter and items and articles should be handed in at the Post Office [or at Chicane] on or before the 16th March. Thanks

I do hope there will be some 'Kingfisher spottings' and also some entries for the Quiz.

Judie
Chicane, Sterridge Valley
883544

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EDITORIAL

This is our August Issue, but where is the summer this year? Thanks to Lloyd Gove and Ashley Lane the sun is definitely shining and holiday-makers are happily swimming, boating, water-skiing and rock-climbing - even the helicopter is busy - on our Front Cover.

However, this month's poem is far more familiar ...

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EDITORIAL NOTE

Very many thanks to all contributors to this issue. Snippets, Sales & Wants, Quick Quotes items, articles and regular contributions for the August issue should be in the box at the Post Office or with me by 15th July at the latest please. Thank you.

Judie

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EDITORIAL

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THANKS

May I take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support for the Newsletter - keep the contributions coming! Very special thanks, however, to: Maureen and Graham at the Post Office and Sue and Melvyn at Combe Martin, for distribution; Barbara Pickup and Marion Billett for help with collating and stapling; Alan Bacon and Ilfracombe College for the use of facilities and encouragement; and to the'regular' contributors, particularly the "Country Contributor" for our Local Walks and other interesting articles. Thank you.

Articles, etc., for the June issue please in the box at the Post Office or with me by Wednesday, 15th May.

Judie

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CONTRIBUTIONS

Another bumper issue thanks to all your contributions. In fact the 'At-A-Glance Diary' has had to be printed separately - easier to keep handy!

Please keep writing and have your 'news & views' for April in the box at the Post Office by the 15th March at the latest. Thanks.

Judie Weedon

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CONTRIBUTIONS

Very many thanks to all this issue's contributors. Following a non-existent December issue at 15.11.90. and having to hastily put pen to paper myself, articles flowed in and so we have a bumper Christmas edition. PLEASE don't leave it until the last minute again [or you'll be bored by more prattlings from me!] and have your 'news and views; in the box at the P.O. by 15th January at the latest. Thanks.

Judie Weedon

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Thanks, once again, to this month's contributors - without you there would be no newsletter. I have every intention, if I can find time between newsletters, to try out the local walks and hope that these are to be a regular feature. However, would the mystery rambler please identify themselves - we'd like to be able to thank you personally! Putting on my deerstalker hat and puffing at my pipe, I feel sure that our Flower Quizzer is the same person. Am I right?

The next issue will be our second Christmas [December] issue and some seasonal tips, stories, poems, recipes, etc., would be very welcome. Please relieve my sleepless nights worrying about whether there will be material enough to produce a newsletter, and pop YOUR contribution in to the box at either the Post Office or Manor Stores, any time between now and the 15th November. Thank you!

May I take this opportunity to thank again Maureen and Graham Jones and Sue and Mervyn Day for distributing our newsletter with the papers. Don 't forget - if you know anyone who does not get a copy delivered, let them know that Copies are available from the Post Office, Manor Stores , Meakings [Combe Martin], The Globe, Lethaby's and myself.

You may be interested to know that copies of the newsletter are posted to Mrs. Whitehouse, Sid and Flo Russell, Mrs. Hockridge, Ron, Marian Delve and Family, Miss Kathleen Richards, Bob and Betty Parker, as well as being sent on to family members now living further afield. If you know of anyone who you think, or know , would like to learn of our village 'doings' , please let me know their name and address so that they can go on the mailing list.

Judie Weedon
Tel: 383544

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Thank you again to this issue's contributors, and although there are some articles in hand for the October issue, don't sit back - keep writing!

Congratulations, Thanks, For Sale and Wanted, Snippets, etc. are always welcome, so pop 'the gossip' in the boxes in the Post Office and Manor Stores for the October Issue by the 15th September at the latest, as well as that article telling us about your holiday, hobby or humorous happening!

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EDITORIAL

This is the sixth Newsletter - so we have now completed our first year! Contributions for this issue were very slow coming. so please remember that articles and other items for printing in the August Issue should be posted in the boxes at the Post Office and Manor Stores by the 15th July at the very latest. Don't forget, the Newsletter can only survive if EVERYONE does their bit, so put pen to paper and tell us of your hobby, that funny happening; your favourite recipe or what you did on your holiday; as well as keeping us up to date with 'Congratulations', 'Best Wishes' and 'Good Luck', and dates for diaries.

Ed

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EDITRORIAL

A project recently undertaken by pupils at our Primary School was to design a Cover for this Issue - April [Easter] - of the Newsletter. Many excellent pictures were submitted and it was very difficult to choose the winners. however, with the kind help of Helen Armstead, Barbara Pickup, the Art Staff at the College and others, a choice was made.

The overall winner, whose picture appears on our Front Cover, is Nicolle Denzey [9] of Lee View, with Ashley Lane [8], a very close second.

Congratulations to all the artists, but especially Nicolle and Ashley and the other Runners-up [see pictures in centre spread] : Lloyd Gove , Michael Jackson [8], Katie Neale [10], Jeff Bowden [7], Marcus Holley [8] and Daniel Franklin [9] .

A delightful entry from Edward Bowden [10] - perhaps not as topical as the other entries - will appear on the cover of a Newsletter later in the year.

Copies of the Newsletter [which is free] are always available, to those who do not have their newspapers delivered, from the Post Office, Manor Stores, Butchers and the Globe. If you know of anyone who has 'missed' their copy, please let them know where to collect one.

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EDITORIAL NOTE

Thanks for all the contributions, but please keep them coming! The deadline for February's issue will be the 15th January - just pop your piece in the boxes at the Manor Stores or Post Office.

To all our Readers:

A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR

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POSTSCRIPT Very many thanks to all contributors to this, our second Berrynarbor Newsletter. The response has been most encouraging and there are even an article or two in hand for the next issue.

The next issue, due out in early December, will be our Christmas Issue. So seasonal articles, poems, recipes, etc., please by WEDNESDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER, via the Manor Stores, Post Office or direct to Margaret King or Judie Weedon. We should also like news of the different activities in the village and don 't forget to make use of the "Sales and Wants" column.

Keep those contributions coming!