April 2000

THANKS: Mr and Mrs Loosemore would like to thank everyone who supported the ‘Guess the name of the Rabbit’ draw in aid of RNIB at Atherington Post Office. The draw raised Ł50 and congratulations to Debbie Kingdom who guessed the correct name of Paul.

GET WELL SOON: To Eve Hill who is not so well at present.

THANKS: A Coffee Morning was held at Stone Cottage, North Road in aid of the Mozambique Disaster Appeal on Thursday 9th April in which we raised Ł240. Many thanks to all who attended and for all donations sent to us.

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Don Chitty - ATHERINGTON BAPTIST

We might say ‘officially’ this month that “Spring has sprung”! Sunshine and showers are the ideal condition for wild flowers to really burst out in their glory. However, the long nights and dark cold days have been gradually conceding since February ‘opened the year’ with brave snowdrops heralding the coming of NEW THINGS. The excitement and joy in expecting NEW LIFE never ceases to thrill us.

Wild daffodils sway in the wind, daisies carpet the fields, soon add their glory to the picture! Lesser Celandines, like drops of gold cover the hedgerows, and the floor of the wood anemones that is meant to herald in the swallow, all unite in obvious praise! Birds singing and nesting. Lambs playing. Everything in perfect harmony declaring GOD IS GOOD, and NEW LIFE is breaking out in abundance.

What a picture of the spiritual LIFE that Jesus came to give? We are reminded that Jesus gave His life (the grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die that it might produce much fruit) that we may have life abundantly.

We may have felt the darkness of those hours when Jesus died on the cross. Watch those who loved Him make their way to the tomb where they laid Him. Imagined their fear and surprise in seeing the empty grave and hearing that Jesus who was crucified, was not there but RISEN! What was the point of them looking for the “living among the dead?”

Just as Spring emerges from the dark winter, bursting out in amazing colour and sound, so Jesus rose from the dead, to give us a certain Hope, Peace and Joy in believing. We too, may know the forgiveness of sins, freedom from dark bondage, and thrill of being made a NEW CREATION IN CHRIST! Natural things are for a season, their glory soon passes, but Jesus makes ALL THINGS NEW FOR IN THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO TRUST HIM.

From the archives

Researched by Richard Lethbridge

December 11th 1959

J. GORDON VICK, F.R.I.C.S., F.A.I., Okehampton (phone 21 and 22)

NEXT FRIDAY, December 11, 1959, HIGH BICKINGTON

VICK & PRICE will submit the below mentioned Freehold Properties for sale by Public Auction (unless sold privately meanwhile and subject to conditions to be then produced and read) at The Bridge Hall, Barnstaple on FRIDAY, December 11, at 3 p.m :-

Firstly for Mr. E. Ellicott, the well-modernised Freehold DWELLING HOUSE with OUTBUILDINGS and Productive Garden, situate and known as:

MYRTLE COTTAGE

Comprising an Excellent Stone and Slated SEMI-DETATCHED HOUSE containing: ground floor - larder or store room (once used as a shop), sitting-room (with modern tiled fireplace), kitchen (with Rayburn cooker and water heater), scullery (with sink, h and c.), modern bathroom (with panelled bath, h and c, and pedestal basin, h and c); first floor – 3 bedrooms. Outside W.C. Main services of electricity (also to the buildings, water and drainage. Excellent outbuildings (3 to 4 opening on to the road and ideal for use as garages for letting), including: large store shed (approximately 25ft x 16ft), 2 store sheds (one with concrete floor), 2-stall stable 9with loose box and loft over), and tool shed, together with the productive walled vegetable garden (measuring approximately 143ft x 54ft at widest).

Vacant possession upon completion. To view, apply Mr. E. Ellicott, in occupation (phone High Bickington 203).

Solicitors: Messrs Toller, Oerton and Baladon, 109, Boutport Street, Barnstaple (phone 4132).

Secondly, for Mrs. M. Hare, of Wards Cottage, High Bickington, (for viewing, phone High Bickington 389), the Valuable Freehold

ACCOMMODATION FIELD

Situate and known as WARD’S MEADOW, being O.S. Nos Pt. 1350 and 1316, now together and Pasture, with main water connected to a trough, extending to a total area of approximately 5˝ acres (5 acres, 2 roods, 10 perches). Extensive road frontage.

Vacant possession upon completion.

Solicitors: Messrs. Morgan and Harrison, Parliament Mansions, Abbey Orchard Street, Westminster, S.W.1 (phone Abbey 7176).

Full particulars of both properties from the Auctioneers, Vick and Price, 79, Boutport Street, Barnstaple (phone 4388/9).

TAW VALLEY GARDENING CLUB

This month Roger Stuckey made a welcome return to the Club to give us an interesting talk entitled “A Miscellany of Bulbs”.

It is always a pleasure to listen to speakers who are knowledgeable on their subject and Roger aptly fits this category. He made the most technical aspects of his subject sound interesting and the time sped by.

From the wide-ranging title we soon found that the bulbs in question can be corms, tubers, rhizomes and true bulbs. True bulbs we all know as daffodils and corms as crocus. Tubers cover the well-known plants such as anenomes and rhizomes as iris. Bulbous plants are found growing anywhere from the Arctic down to the tropics, and more locally in our garden borders, in grass, under trees and shrubs and in containers.

It was interesting to learn of the need for conservation and that many varieties have now become extinct. Bulbs can be propagated from seed - which will take up to 10 years to develop, and by division.

Roger finished his talk with a beautiful selection of slides covering the whole range of bulbous plants.

Our next meeting will be held at 7.30 p.m. on the 19th April at High Bickington Church Hall when Mr. Johnstone will be talking on the propagation, growing and showing of fuchsias.

You are most welcome to come and join us and anyone who would like to know more about the Club should contact Barry Checksfield.

Shirley Hill

The Atherington Millennium Committee would like to apologise to all children and parents for cancelling the Mad Hatters Tea party.

At the time that the decision was taken we only had one potential “Mad Hatter” which meant it would have been very difficult to arrange the catering.

This Month At The Meeting Point
North Road High Bickington

Coffee Shop - Mondays 3rd and 17th April from 10.00am to 12.00 noon.

Why not pop in for coffee/tea and cake?
Bring your friends, have a chat and enjoy good company!

ALSO THIS MONTH

Every Wednesday from 7.00 to 8.30pm – YOUTH CLUB for 11 to 14 year olds.

Thursday evenings from 7.30 to 9.00pm A SERIES OF OPEN MEETINGS FOR LENT
“How can we be salt and light in the community”

April 6th – ‘Working with people who have drug and alcohol dependency’
Speaker: Pat Prosser – General Director of Life for the World Trust.

April 13th – ‘Supporting Schools and Teachers’
Speaker: David Warden – Head of Religious Education at Chulmleigh Community College.

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU

ATHERINGTON MILLENNIUM CELEBRATIONS

14 April - Sixties NightSee advert elsewhere in Ramblings

13 May - The Three Parishes Millennium WalkWe will be joined by parishioners of Tawstock on what we hope will be a most enjoyable walk. 1.30 pm for a 2.00 pm start at St Mary’s High Bickington walk to St Mary’s Atherington where there will be a short service followed by a bring and share afternoon tea.More details in the next issue.

27 May - Garden open 2 – 5pm, Easter Hill Barn, Atherington.

HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Diana Lunn

The Parish Council meeting on 8 March was attended by Councillor Brook as well as Parish Councillors and five members of the public.

Councillor Brook gave a resume of the implications of the “Best Value” initiative as it relates to Torridge District Council. The question of long term responsibility for the “Boundary Stones” to be erected at each end of the parish was discussed and the clerk will be investigating this with the Council’s insurers.

Barton Meadow Amenity Land Despite the best attempts of the Parish Council this matter was still in the hands of solicitors. The solicitors would again be pressed to hurry things up and it was hoped that the matter could be concluded in the not too distant future.

Traffic Calming A meeting on site would be arranged between Devon County Council and the Parish Council.

Memorial Seat The replacement seat for Mollie Hare had now been completed by Derek Herniman and would be fitted by Maurice Ridd as soon as possible.

Sewage The problems of mis-connection of sewage outlets was in the process of being resolved and the matter would be kept under review.

Recycling There had been problems with the recycling pavilion overflowing on several occasions and broken glass etc. littering the surrounding area. The clerk had written to South Molton Recycle on several occasions and had received a complaint from the Playing Field Association. Consideration was given to re-siting the pavilion in an overlooked area to reduce vandalism but no suitable site was available. The Council would be keeping this matter under review.

Daffodils All at the meeting agreed that the daffodils recently planted in the village looked wonderful. Thanks were expressed to members of the Taw Valley Gardening Club and the Millennium Committee for their hard work.

Planning Planning applications at North Heale Farm, Seckington Barn and High Downs, Ebberley were all considered and no objections were raised.

Post Office A letter of support was to be sent to the Western Morning News for their Post Office Campaign.

The next meeting will take place on 10 May 2000, which will also be the annual meeting.

ATHERINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Sue Letchford

Highways A377 Council is still very concerned about this road and has suggested that the 30mph zone through Umberleigh be extended in all three directions. Having expressed concern in the past, and in the wake of January's very serious accident, Council has asked The Highways Department whether anything else can be done to improve safety on the bend at the top of Rock Hill.

Planning Proposed changes to garden and tennis court at Overweir and the garage and store at Orchard Cottage, Langridgeford were approved by APC.

Amenities Only 1 person has volunteered to help with the village Christmas tree. It was hoped that further volunteers would come forward nearer the time.

Playing Field The oak tree has now been planted along with other saplings.

Millennium Skittles evening was great success.

Correspondence Letters were read explaining the proposed closures of Magistrates Courts and the reason for the increase in Council Tax.

The AGM will be held on 17th May 2000.

Surprise!

A young recently married couple were expecting their first baby. They arranged with their parents to send in code via e-mail the following message...

If a boy, Saturdays joint's arrived. If a girl, Sunday's joint's arrived.

Imagine the parents surprise when they received the following e-mail a week later.

"Saturday's and Sunday's joint's arrived expecting a rabbit on Monday"!

St.Mary's Guild

Rosemary Munson

We held our Annual Meting in March with 10 members present. Our Chairman, Miss Eileen Thorne thanked the members for their support during the year and at our various events, which were all well supported.

The committee were all re-elected.

There will not be a meeting in April as we are going to Bath. For those going on the coach, it leaves High Bickington Bus shelter at 9.00 a.m.

Our summer outing will be on Monday 10th July to the Lost Gardens of Helligan. We will be taking names after the Bath outing.

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI

Judith Domleo

At the March meeting, John Breeds the warden of Braunton Burrows, a national nature reserve, gave an illustrated talk of the plant and animal life there. Also the difficulties of maintaining it, due to the weather, humans and lack of rabbits! We will be following up the talk with a guided walk on the burrows on the evening of Tuesday, 27th June.

The competition for a wild flower painting was won by Judith Domleo who also won the flower of the month with a double yellow and cream daffodil.
Refreshments were served by Eve Butler, Cheryl Barrett and Christine Clemens. Jennifer D’Olley was the speaker’s hostess.

Seven members went to a Spanish day at Exeter University where Dr Richard Hitchcock, lecturer in Hispano/Arabic Studies gave a morning lecture entitled "Islam in the Iberian Peninsula". In the afternoon he gave a lecture entitled “English Travellers to Spain”, taking a particular look at southern Spain and the cities of Granada, Seville and Cordoba. A visit to this particular area of Spain has been arranged in September.

Four members went to the Devon WI 80th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service at Exeter Cathedral. It was a moving service well attended with uplifting singing led by the WI Festival Choir and an excellent address given by the Very Rev. Keith Jones.

Birthday plants were presented to Mary Burgess, Judith Domleo, June Langer, Joy Padworth, Susan Pasifull and Ann White.

A “Bring and Buy” made Ł16 for “A.C.W.W. Papua New Guinea Project” a community women’s health training centre.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 11th when Mrs Rosie Don, the “Galloping Gourmet” will give a demonstration on food preparation with samples to taste. A cookery demo. With a difference! Visitors are very welcome – just come along to Umberleigh Village Hall at 7.30 pm.

ST MARYS, HIGH BICKINGTON

The Annual General Meeting of St Mary’s Church will be held on Tuesday, 11th April at 7.30 pm in the church. There will be a short service before the meeting commencing at 7.00 pm. The public – especially those on the electoral roll – are most welcome to attend.

Roger Keen, PCC Secretary

MILLENNIUM GARDEN SHOW

It is hoped to hold a Garden Show on Saturday, 2nd September 2000. Details of classes etc will be given later. The Gardening Club has agreed that this will not be a too serious event, but hopefully with more support we could arrange a more competitive event in future years.

Roger Keen

High Bickington United Anglican and Methodist Service

The United Service on Sunday March 12th at the Methodist Church was conducted by Rev Hugh Pollock. Readers were Roger Keen and Betty Harpum. The collection of Ł41-30 went towards “Hopes and Dreams” – the Christian Musical being staged at Barnstaple’s Queens Theatre (on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th of April, both at 7.30 pm).

The next United Service will be on Palm Sunday, April 16th. There will be a procession (leaving the Methodist Church at 2.30 pm) headed by a donkey, winding through the village to the Parish Church. The service will be at 3.00 pm led by Rev Jack Martin.

Everyone is welcome, do come and join us.

HIGH BICKINGTON WI

Josie Maskell

Members brought a lovely lot of flowers to our March meeting. These will be distributed to the sick and elderly in the village. A petition to save our small post offices was available for us to sign and a reply has been received from our letter of protest to John Burnett. He assures us he will continue to challenge the government on the issue.

Jennifer Gooding and Jane Gibson are through to the Whist finals. The Tea Party at Little Silver was discussed and many offers of cake and sandwich making were offered as well as help on the day.

Our speaker for the evening was Maureen Dennis with an audio-visual presentation entitled ‘My Personal View’. We enjoyed a very relaxing and entertaining time with her wonderful slides and accompanying music. She took us down the river Camel in Cornwall, on a seven-mile walk to the top of Mount Snowdon in Wales, and on a hot air balloon trip around the Exeter area. She also showed us many close up shots of the wonderful wild life we are so fortunate to have in this part of the world. Jane Gibson gave the vote of thanks.

The competition for a photograph of a garden was won by Josie Maskell who also won the raffle. Jean Checksfield won the flower of the month with Japonica.

Our next meeting is on April 5th when Dr Jean Tyler will be reading her own poetry. Everyone is very welcome to come and join us.

THINK SAFETY BEFORE DOING IT YOURSELF

As spring is upon us and summer is approaching Devon Fire Brigade has issued timely advice to all would be Do It Yourself enthusiasts.

"Statistics and experience show that at this time of year there is an increase in calls, which are found to have been caused by activities associated with DIY said, Fire Chief Young. "These range from fires ignited by blow torches involved in paint stripping, to electrical appliances and other equipment which may have been stored in a damp garage or shed over the winter period."

Highlighting important safety points to be remembered CEO Young said, "Always check that the task you are undertaking is within your capabilities. Take expert advice. Many of the modern DIY Superstores from which materials and equipment are bought will offer such advice. Safety instructions should be read in full and complied with."

Always: -

Check you have the correct tool for the job.
Ensure children and pets are safe, with obstructions removed from your workplace.
If you have to check or repair an electrical tool turn it off at the main. Don't be tempted to cut corners because you are some distance from the power switch.
Always uncoil electrical extension cables fully, as these can overheat and cause a fire.
Never use multi-way adapters when working with high amperage tools.
Gas appliances should only be repaired by an approved contractor.
Flammable liquids should be used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, secured in containers and used in small quantities, well away from the house and other risks - naked flames or cigarettes.
Ventilate when using adhesives and flammable liquids by opening windows and door and always ensure that no naked flames or power tools are close by.
If you spill a substance on your clothing or overalls remove them and clean them thoroughly.

Concluding. Mr Young said: "DIY is a pleasant pastime from which many people gain a great deal of pleasure. By following these simple rules, accidents, fires and tragedies will hopefully be kept to a minimum."

High Bickington Methodist News

Hazel Pearce

Mr S Blake of East Anstey led the March Family Service, with the theme ‘You can’t judge by appearance’ as Phoebe found to her cost when choosing a chocolate!

Both Children’s Clubs have been busy with various activities during the past month. The 5-7’s have made and painted salt dough figures while the 8-11’s have played games and enjoyed a visit from a first aid instructor.

The winter season of weekly guild meetings closed with a concert by the Stowford Meadow Singers from Halwill on March 21st at Ebberley with a collection for Devon Air Ambulance. The previous week the meeting was at High Bickington, when a varied programme of music and tape recordings was enjoyed.

The Womens World Day of Prayer service on March 3rd was well attended. A dramatic entrance by Judy Down and a group of four ladies at the start set the scene for a thought provoking service, ably led by Mrs Ruth Carvosso. She introduced the speaker Mrs Marion Sanders née Goss, who began by bringing greetings from her sisters Pat and Sandra and speaking of the gratitude they all felt for the love and support they received from High Bickington ladies when their mother died quite recently.

Marion is training for lay readership, and on the basis of her talk to us, we believe she will be an asset to any team ministry.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheila Bolt who is soon to have further treatment at Exeter.

St. Mary's Atherington, Kneeler Group

A very successful 'Pub Quiz' was held at the Rising Sun, Umberleigh on the 15th March. 14 teams took part under the professional auspices of Geoff Shallcross - a real busman's holiday for him - and a total of Ł206 was made for the kneeler fund. The quiz was won by the "Little and Large" team, who keep the trophy for a year. The runners-up were "The Allsorts" who fared somewhat better because they keep their baseball hats for all time!!

Many thanks to Geoff and Kevin Stuckey for organising the questions and keeping the teams in order, to Heather and Chas for hosting the quiz, to George Stuckey for making the trophy, to all those who generously donated prizes for the raffle, to Lorna Squire for the idea and organising the evening and last but not least for the all the contestants who took part. We couldn't all be winners, but quoting the old adage "it's the taking part that counts". I hope you all enjoyed the evening, from the decibel level it sounded like it. See you next year?

Out next kneeler meeting is on Tuesday 4th April in the Tea Rooms, Atherington at 7.30 pm. On a more sombre note, Barbara Neville our designer and art worker is in hospital, so we wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her back with us very soon.

Eve Butler

The Photograph Exhibition

Our Photograph Exhibition in February was a great success. A big thanks to everyone who attended, we had over 200 visitors plus all the young people. The Millennium Committee would like to give a special thank you to Avril Stone and Richard Lethbridge for their wonderful and stimulating photos. We raised a super Ł263.50 after paying the expenses, to boost our funds. This is badly needed, as we were not successful in attracting any funding from Lottery Grants "Awards for All".

The next two events will be in May.

Saturday May 13th "A Three Parishes Millennium Walk" to St Mary's Atherington, which includes St Peter's Tawstock as well as the two St Mary’s. Those who would like to be included in this event but cannot do the walk should contact one of the Millennium Committee and we will do our best to arrange transport.

Sunday May 14th The village Photograph and the children will receive their Commemorative mugs.

So look out for the notices for these events. We want the entire village to be there.

....and from some of the children in Class 2 at High Bickington School:

My Diary by Joshua Thomas Phillips

On Sunday I watched the worst football match ever
On Monday I made a den and it was quite clever
On Tuesday I saw a dog
On Wednesday I got a pog
On Thursday I went to judo
On Friday I went to Pluto
On Saturday I stayed at home.

I wish by Alice

I wish I could swim with dolphins
I wish I could have a better sister
I wish had two kittens
I wish I had a puppy
I wish I had my own room
I wish I stayed at school all the time
I wish I could see fairies.

My Diary by Rachel

Monday, hop on a coach and then on a train
And then on a plane I'm in Australia.
Tuesday, bad day the manager's given
me the SACK, very BAD.
Wednesday, my day off how very strange.
Thursday, my best cousins are coming
NO it's my worst cousins.
Friday, party day, but it's my party day.
Saturday, I don't know what I'm doing
today.
Sunday, in bed I've got the 'flu.

My Diary by Joe

On Sunday it was my birthday
On Monday it was school day again
On Tuesday I was sick
On Wednesday I was cut
On Thursday it was a day off
On Friday it was my best day
On Saturday it was the sale.

My Diary by Verity Lunn

On Sunday I went to the park and had a bun
On Monday we went to the circus and had fun
On Tuesday I had a snooze in the afternoon
On Wednesday I made new friends
On Thursday we met her, (the Queen)
On Friday we went to a cafe and I had cheese pie
On Saturday I got splattered with mud
So I have been busy
So I haven't found
Time to write this
But I have now!

HIGH BICKINGTON CRICKET CLUB 1999 CRICKET SEASON

Honours

Batting - Chris Lintin
Bowling - Derek Herniman
Catch of the Season - John Bennett
Most improved player - James Lintin
Best young player
Nick Crew Trophy - Gary Kingdon

CAPTAINS REPORT FOR 1999 SEASON

I would like to thank all the Ladies once again for the excellent standard of teas and Derek Herniman for all his hard work in the preparation of the wicket and the general upkeep of the ground throughout the season.

We had an average season by our standards partly due to a lack of decent batting order.

On a more sombre note we lost two of our most ardent supporters and Vice presidents being Bill Underhill & Grady Marden. Their presence and comments were sorely missed.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

QUIZ NIGHT - SATURDAY S'FH APRIL AT THE OLD GEORGE, HIGH BICKINGTON AT 8.00 PM - Ł8.00 FOR A TEAM OF FOUR - CASH PRIZES.

NETS WILL COMMENCE ON FIRST THURSDAY IN APRIL AND THEN BE EVERY THURSDAY EVENING FROM 7.OOPM UNTIL 9.OOPM EVERY WEEK.

THE CLUB IS LOOKING FOR ANY NEW PLAYERS OF ANY AGE, BUDDING HUSSAINS OR ATHERTONS ALWAYS WELCOME, PLEASE CONTACT ANDY PAYNE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

The Hospice Knit In

A Knit In was held at Jane Gibson's home on Wednesday February 16th, in aid of the North Devon Hospice. Eight ladies knitted away for 2 hours and raised the magnificent sum of Ł107.50. The Hospice was most appreciative of their efforts.

Readers Letters

To whom it may concern (High Bickington). Queue jumping on bus route 325 Barnstaple - Chulmleigh/Chawleigh, Tuesday and Fridays 2.10 pm by certain older people who should know better.

There are certain older people who just recently have taken to queue jumping when waiting for the above bus at 2.10 pm (Barnstaple - Chulmleigh/Chawleigh) in Barnstaple.

They are rude and ill mannered. They criticise students for doing it, but they have are doing it themselves and are no better and old enough to know better, but obviously they have no manners towards other people or thought for other people.

You who are doing it think about other people who wait patiently and queue up in line and you should do the same like everyone else.

You know who you are, wait in line like everyone else.

Ed. So come on you older people – hands up if are you a queue jumper – you’ve certainly upset one of our parishioners.

SMITHY SALON: Alison would like to wish Maria all the very best in her new job and would like to welcome Angela, from Winchester, to the Salon for two days a week.

When we came to Week

by Margaret Bolt (continued from last month)

People

A new experience at Week was seeing "Buffy' Short for the first time. A local man with relatives in the area, for some reason he chose to be "of no fixed abode" and slept in various barns around here and the Elscott area. Never having seen a tramp before, I was apprehensive at first, but he was never any trouble apart from having an effect on egg production when he was in the area. He was around for several years before dying, so I believe, in the South Molton Union.

At Lower Hacknell lived our nearest neighbours, Bill and Annie Mills. Mrs. Mills was a very smart lady, and noted for having new clothes as often as an excuse arose to do so, each outfit was completed with matching or contrasting, hat shoes, gloves and handbag. I was sometimes invited for tea when she had other children visiting and her house was as smart and neat as she was herself. My mother's Uncle, John Willie Webber, a thatcher and pig killer, I remember as a very kindly man, a sincere Christian, whose daily practice of kneeling by his chair for a time of silent prayer before his meal was ready, I witnessed on several occasions when I took my packed lunch, in the days before school meals were available, to be eaten either in his cottage at Barton Road or at Ticavin Cottage with Mrs. Lizzie Friend, fondly known to all as "Granny" Friend. I think of her whenever passing a knife to anyone and remember being gently corrected when handing the knife she had requested, point first towards her. Ever since it has been handle first.

Henry Heal worked at Lower Hacknell, living in Kingsland Cottages beside Charlie Smith, with his wife Barbara and children, Sylvia and Arnold. He had a metal crate on the carrier of his bicycle to hold bottles which were filled with milk at Lower Hacknell. At Hacknell we could hear the rattle of the empty bottles long before seeing Henry passing the yard, so punctual one could set their watch by him. He was another provider of dandelions and lettuce for my rabbits, Christopher and Mary, kept in hutches by the barn door. Adults were always addressed as Mr., Mrs. or Miss by most children fifty years ago; some family friends were given the honorary tide of Auntie and Uncle or occasionally a pet name such as mine of Max for Ern Miller (Max Miller - comedian) but that was about as informal as we were allowed to get.

Go to May 2000 issue