August 1998

THANKS: On behalf of all your customers to Jenny Copp and Lyn Kingdom for your excellent Sunday paper delivery service over the last four years. Their final deliveries were on on Sunday, 26th July.

THANKS: Again, to Linda Cannon for typing out a number of the articles in this month’s Ramblings.

HIGH BICKINGTON YOUTH JUDO CLUB

* SCOOP AWARDS *

On Sunday, 12th July 1998, nine children from the Club ventured to an extremely wet and windy Ilfracombe College to take part in the BJC Devon Area Judo Competition.

This was the first time that any of the children had taken part in a competition of this type and they were a little overawed by the number of people taking part; the officials with their jargon, gestures and flags and the atmosphere of the occasion - (although at times the adults were more overcome with nerves than the children!!).

Each child fought with children of the same height, although this sometimes meant that they were fighting older, more experienced and higher-graded opponents. Each one tried their hardest and put considerable effort into every fight.

The Club came away from the Competition with three Golds - Ricky Galbally, Sam Harper and Kim Short. Two Silvers - Olivia Finn and Peter Short, and three Bronzes - Angus Dodd, Henry Dodd and Samantha Short. Tara Finn took 4th place in an extremely difficult pool.

Beverley Short - Secretary

FROM THE ARCHIVES -

Researched by Richard Lethbridge

HIGH BICKINGTON’S GRAND ACHIEVEMENT - 18th May l944

Over Ł230 for the Red Cross

In connection with High Bickington Fair and Red Cross Day, Messrs. Hannaford, Ward and Southcombe Ltd. kindly conducted a gift auction. A garden fete was held in the Rectory Grounds (lent by the Rev. G.A.B. Jones) at which there were various stalls and side shows, skittles, darts and miniature rifle shooting. There was folk dancing on the lawn and a public tea was held. The day’s proceedings concluded with a dance in the Church Hall for which music was provided by the Torridge Dance Orchestra. Mr. L.R. Woollacott was the hon. secretary and Mr. R.B. Slee the hon. treasurer. As a result of the effort the Red Cross will benefit by over Ł230.

HIGH BICKINGTON - 9th October 1959

VICK & PRICE and KIVELL & SONS have been instructed by R.B. Slee, Esq., to submit for Sale by Public Auction, at the Bridge Hall, Barnstaple, on FRIDAY, October 16th,1959, at 3pm (unless sold privately meanwhile and subject to conditions to be then produced and read) as a whole or in two lots, the following Valuable Freehold PROPERTY, viz:-

Lot 1. - The important BUTCHER’S SHOP with a fine modernised freehold Dwelling house attached, situate and known as Lawn House. The house is built of stone with a slated roof and contains: 2 reception rooms, kitchen with double sink unit and Aga cooker and water heater, domestic offices, 4 bedrooms, modern bathroom and W.C. etc. Main electricity, water and drainage. Modern Shop with 17ft. frontage and small office, 2 garages, licensed slaughter-house, fasting houses, hanging room and a sausage making room. R.V.Ł52.

Lot 2. - The Exceptionally Choice Parcel of Attested ACCOMODATION LAND known as Quicks. This lot is situated about a quarter of a mile from High Bickington, and consists of some excellent warm, dry, south-facing, healthy, well-watered land, mostly pasture. It is all situated together in one compact block, bounded on two sides by roads and on another by a stream. The total acreage is approximately 50 acres On the land are some useful buildings, comprising: Yearling shed, open cattle sheds and yard, root house and large barn. Vacant possession upon completion. To view, apply Mr. R.B. Slee (phone High Bickington 372)

Full particulars from the Joint Auctioneers: Vick and Price, 79 Boutport Street, Barnstaple (phone 4388/9), or Kivell and Sons, Stanhope Chambers, Holsworthy (phone 275). Solicitors: Messrs. Pitts Tuckers, Bridge Chambers, Barnstaple (phone 2559).

HIGH BICKINGTON WI

Rosemary Munson

Our July meeting was a guided walk around Barnstaple. Tom, our guide, was superb. He opened our eyes to the buildings and signs that we never see as we rush to do our shopping. The Guildhall was very impressive and I loved St Anne’s Chapel. We certainly learnt a lot on our walk. We had a good barbecue at our President’s home on a fine evening. It was great fun, thanks Eva and Bernard.

I hope everyone has a good August, and we meet back on September 9th at Eggesford Gardens at 7.00pm, 6.30pm at the bus shelter. New friends are always welcome to join us for learning new skills, information, entertainment and most of all, fun.

THE COMMON PLAYERS present
THE PODFATHER
in ATHERINGTON PLAYING FIELD
on Friday 7th August at 7.00pm

Once again the Common Players are visiting Atherington with their Summer show, the Podfather. It is a tale of one man’s dream to impress the woman he loves with his horticultural prowess. But at what cost? The show tries to explore the dilemmas of using chemicals on our food and land and other issues concerning genetic engineering. A serious theme dealt with in a way to appeal to all ages, with comedy, surreal props and even singing vegetables.
As the show is supported by North Devon District Council there is no admission charge.

St Mary’s Guild - Rosemary Munson

There was no meeting in July, instead it was our outing to Brixham. We couldn’t believe that we had a day of sunshine after all the rain at the weekend. We stopped at the House of Marbles at Bovey Tracy for coffee on the way, the largest coffee cups, I and many others, had seen. Well worth a visit, we then continued to Brixham. A great day - thanks to Miss Cole for doing all the arranging.

We had our stall at the Church Fete which did well. Our next venture is the North Devon Show, where we hope to sell our crafts. Any crafts would be most welcome.

Christians together in High Bickington

The next meeting is on Monday, August 10th at 7.30pm at Wixland. If you have never been before, you are encouraged to come and join us.

This informal meeting provides an opportunity for Christians of all denominations to demonstrate their unity in Christ. There is a time for worship including some singing; a short Bible study (so bring your Bible); and some prayer. It is currently supported by both Anglican and Methodist churches and by Umberleigh Christian Fellowship.

If you would like us to pray for a particular need even if you can’t come personally, please let us know. We generally meet on the second Monday in the month in a different home each time, so look out for further notices during the year.

ST MARY’S, ATHERINGTON

We are planning a working party to preserve the screen in the church. Anyone interested in joining us for an hour or two, to help restore this beautiful part of our heritage, please contact Shirley Shapland, Church Warden, or a member of the P.C.C.

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI - Judith Domleo

The July meeting was held at Atherington Hall when Anna Pawlyn gave a very informative and thought provoking talk on “Recycling”. A really good “rubbish evening”! The competition for a holiday souvenir was won by Di Drummond. Flower of the Month winner was Wendy Waldon with poppies. Refreshments were served by Mary Martin, Jean Petts and Mair Pluckwell. Speaker’s hostess was Eileen Chambers. A birthday plate was presented to Jennifer Gooding.

Four members went on a heritage walk around Tavistock. A most interesting little town steeped in history form the Benedictine Abbey founded in 974 to the dissolution of the monasteries when the lands passed to the Dukes of Bedford - where his influences are very much in evidence everywhere in the town. A delicious tea awaited us on the completion of the guided tour.

Four members went to the Devon Hotel, Matford, Exeter for a literary lunch and a talk by Prof. Peter Thomson, head of drama at Exeter university. He gave us a talk on the short and colourful life of Lord Byron, whose extensive travels throughout Europe greatly influenced his writing. He also had a very colourful private life!

There will be no meeting in August - but several of us will be going to the new Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe to see “Barnum”.

ATHERINGTON FLOWER FESTIVAL
Stop Press - Late News

The Atherington Flower Festival and Garden Safari has proved a great success in every way. Early indications are that about Ł1,000 was raised for the Church and Ł480 from the Garden Safari for the Village Amenities Fund.

VERY many thanks to EVERYONE who helped in ANYWAY. Full details will be in next month’s Ramblings.

DIAMOND WEDDING

On September 3rd, Audrey and James Winter, whom older residents will remember lived at High Bickington from 1973 to 1983, celebrate sixty years of happy marriage.

H.M. The Queen has honoured them with a message of congratulation.

They met in 1937 at an OTC Ball and married in 1939. Three weeks later James became Scientific Advisory Officer to the Indian Tea Association in Assam, where Audrey joined him after six months.

During the war he served in the Indian Army, was three times wounded and decorated, while she served in Bristol Auxiliary Fire Service throughout the devastating Blitz.

After the war they returned to India, but following Independence found it impossible to serve both India and Pakistan who were more or less at war, so they returned to England. James worked at the National Vegetable Research Station for 24 years, and Audrey took various school jobs from catering to teaching infants.

When James retired they built the bungalow ‘Marigold’ at High Bickington and for the next ten years were involved with the W.I., Youth Club, P.C.C. (James was vice-chairman) and National Trust. With Rev. Paul Barrett they started and printed Rectory Ramblings (which later became the present Ramblings).

They were founder-members of St. Mary’s Guild and worked many of the kneelers now in the Church. James wrote the Church History and a study of the Pew-Ends. Eventually they moved to Portmellon, where they now live a much quieter life. They have three children, five grandchildren and one great-grand-daughter. The one tragedy of their lives was the death of their younger son in a road accident.

At 84 and 82 they continue in good health, walking and swimming for exercise, often revisiting old haunts in North Devon.

Below is another in a series of articles from Margaret Bolt:

WHEN WE CAME TO WEEK (continued)

Childhood Treats

At Christmas 1946 presents were as usual few and simple. I was given a pink cotton nightdress with a patterned bodice and a pair of slippers by Mum and Dad, a blue mottled-case fountain pen from Gran and Granfer Hewitt, and writing paper and envelopes from Auntie Cissie - one of Mum’s six sisters. I cannot remember what I was given by Granny and Granfer Eastman, probably something to wear, but I do remember the make of pen - it was “De la Rue”. Having had one term of French lessons from Mademoiselle at Crediton High School, I could translate it as “of the street” possibly the only reason I can still recall my presents for that Christmas and not for many others.

Without the prompting of present day television, radio and advertising from September to December promoting the toy/game/ clothes/shoes etc. of the year, I think we were all pleased with whatever gifts we were given.

Looking back to that time of post-war shortages, beginning farming on our own at Week and the need to purchase quite an extensive school uniform for me, I now appreciate how difficult it must have been for Mum and Dad.

Granny Eastman provided a brown leather school satchel from Jim Gubb, a saddler in Boutport Street, Barnstaple and, thanks to some minor repairs by Mr. Jim Western, it was still in good condition after five years continual use and is still useful fifty years on to carry clippers and sprays for trimming and treating sheep’s feet.

My one and only ride on a tricycle was when sent to post a letter at Northcote Cross at eight or nine years old. I passed the crossway without finding the post box and had almost reached Northcote Lodge when I met Mrs. Jim Harris out for a walk with her young son, Ken, on his tricycle. She re-directed me back to Northcote Cross - known as Donkey’s Lodge in those days - and there was the post box - a large brown box inside the garden hedge (Mr. & Mrs. Willis’ garden).

Col. Gracey had a private and presumably paid-for arrangement with the Post Office to collect parcels and letters from this box. Local people also made use of the facility to save walking to Burrington. Before retracing my steps, Mrs. Harris asked if I would like a ride on Ken’s tricycle (I thought she would never ask!) I remember Ken as being very reluctant to give up his seat, but I was more than eager to take advantage of the unexpected offer and this made it well worth the one and a half mile walk from Hacknell.

A note from John and Avril Harrild ….

A number of local people have been asking after the elderly couple who used to visit the village and our shop. Their names were Mr and Mrs Stanley and Joyce Senior and they have stayed in this area for over thirty years - a lot of that time at Little Hall.

In recent years they have both been in poor health and we recently received a letter from Joyce saying, sadly, that Stanley had died.

Torridge District Council Internet Site

Torridge District Council is developing its own internet or web site which will contain information about the Council and the district’s main towns and tourist attractions.

Earlier this year they contacted the Parish Council to ask if we wished to include any information about High Bickington. This may include any special features of the area, the services available and particular tourist attractions.

If anyone would like to provide information to Torridge for inclusion they should contact Anne Harland, Information Technology and Audit Manager, Chief Executive’s Department, Bridge Buildings, Bideford, Devon EX39 2HT.

To show you how little information there is on the internet about High Bickington, the editor has “searched the web” and found this:

HIGH BICKINGTON

A parish in North Tawton Hundred, the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple, and Diocese of Exeter, 7 1/4 miles N.E. of Great Torrington, which had 853 inhabitants in 1831.

Church History

Bolt, Margaret R. High Bickington Methodist Church 1834-1984: a brief history. [High Bickington]: M.R.Bolt [1984] 20p. [Barnstaple Library - 726.5/HIG 1/BOL]

Church Records

Parish Registers going back to 1707 are held in the Devon Record Office - for details see Parish Registers in the Devon Record Office.

Transcripts of the Parish Registers going back to 1707, and of the Bishops' Transcripts going back to 1597, are held in a special collection in the Westcountry Studies Library - for details see Parish Registers in the Devon & Cornwall Record Society's Collection.

Entered into the IGI (as of Jan 1993): Parish Church Christenings 1597-1812 and Marriages 1597-1598, 1610-1644, 1670-1837.

Hingeston-Randolph, F.C. The Rectors of High Bickington in the Deanery of Torrington. (1891) [Westcountry Studies Library]

High Bickington burials, 1813-1837. Devon Family History Society,1996, [7] leaves.

Last updated 20 Feb 1998, B. Randell.

Editor: In case you live in Atherington and feel you have been missed out, the information on Atherington from the internet is given below:

ATHERINGTON

A parish in North Tawton Hundred, the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple, and Diocese of Exeter, 7 miles S.E. of Barnstaple, which had 592 inhabitants in 1831.

Church History

Rose, Lilian. St. Mary's, Atherington, Umberleigh, North Devon. Atherington: L. Rose (1973) 3p. [Barnstaple Library - 726.5/BN:ATH/ROS]

Church Records

Parish Registers going back to 1538 are held in the Devon Record Office - for details see Parish Registers in the Devon Record Office.

Transcripts of the Parish Registers going back to 1538 are held in a special collection in the Westcountry Studies Library - for details see Parish Registers in the Devon & Cornwall Record Society's Collection.

Entered into the IGI (as of Jan 1993): Parish Church Christenings 1541-1812 and Marriages 1548-1812.

Granville, Roger & Mugford, W.E. (eds.) Atherington, marriages, 1607. Abstracts of the Existing Transcripts of the Lost Parish-Registers of Devon, 1596-1644, and short notes on the extant pre-reformation registers of all the parishes in the county, from particulars furnished by the several incumbents thereof. Vol. 1 A-Bra. Exeter: W. Pollard (1908).

Last updated 4 Apr 1998, B. Randell.

Editor: I don’t know if North Devon District Council has an internet site but they will sometime. If you want to start writing something about Atherington, I suggest you make a start.

......and whilst still talking about the internet...

Many people think computers are complicated and that you have to be clever to use them - don’t believe a word of it. My father is 78 years old and bought a computer about 2 or 3 years ago. He has taught himself to use it can use it and now he sends us e-mails and surfs the net with the rest of them.

High Bickington Methodist News - Hazel Pearce

We thank all the young people who took part in the Sunday School Anniversary services, it all came together on the day! This year’s theme “Rock the boat” (Noah and the ark) was depicted through drama, song and narration. Our thanks to the Sunday School teachers for their hard work and the parents’ co-operation. Mrs J Domleo presented books to all the children at the end of the service.

Mrs Marion Ridd-Jones led the July family service. She took us through the Jewish Passover meal, each item of the meal has a special reference to their own history. The children enjoyed a taste of the various courses. We thank Marion for her time and message. We followed with a ploughman’s lunch and delicious sweets in the school room. About thirty children and adults enjoyed this simple meal, thanks to all who prepared and gave sweets.

Sunday School re-starts after the summer break on September 13th, all children are welcome.

From Rev. Marilyn Tricker....

Did you watch the World Cup matches to the very end? Or did you lose interest before they even began?! At the end it was not only the team who came on to collect their medals, but all the behind-the-scenes staff as well. And at the end of the T.V. film when everyone dashes off to put the kettle on, there is a list of credits, which seems to go on forever. Time to turn the T.V. off, maybe - unless you are one of the backroom people and are anxiously waiting to see your name come up.

Many things we enjoy - not just sport or entertainment - would not be possible without real teamwork. It’s true for families, schools, churches and our work too. Of course no-one is indispensable, but often we don’t appreciate the links in the chain until someone moves away or retires. However much we may want to be independent, we need one another.

The other night I turned the car radio on and began listening to a play about the Lynmouth lifeboat - how at the turn of the century the lifeboat team, supported by the whole community, carried the lifeboat five miles overland to Porlock in order to reach a ship in distress.

When we get irritated with one another, and want to go off and do our own thing - remember that we need one another, and thank God for all that can be achieved by working together in co-operation and trust. Pray for families, communities and countries where it seems that the teamwork has broken down; but celebrate indeed when we are part of a team that really pulls together - it feels good!

Atherington History

A new folder has been put together, first made available at the Flower Festival, of selected historical notes on the parish of Atherington. The cost of the folder is Ł10 available from the church or the vicar with all the funds raised going to the repair of the church building.

Children’s guide

We have also tried to produce a ’child-friendly’ leaflet for our young visitors. If anyone can suggest an improvement in it’s format then please let Hugh know.

Lost chain ?

Someone ‘phoned the vicar about loosing a chain in High Bickington Church but the message left on the answer phone was unclear as to whom to contact. Can anyone help?

The Church Fete

Held on the 11th July raised a total of Ł508.60. Despite the weather many turned up to support us. Many thanks to all who gave their time to help with stalls and teas. Also to all who gave donations, produce, cakes, bottles, etc. They were all very much appreciated.
The sponge competition winners were, Ladies: 1st Mrs Stella Burrows, 2nd Mrs Vera Stevens. Children: Melanie Pert. Men: (there was only one entry!) the vicar.

Thank you again to everyone. - Roger Keen PCC Secretary

Wanted

Choice of hymn suggestions for the United Songs of Praise planned for the 9th August at 6.30pm. Please contact Mr Gordon Thomas.

Fourth Sunday Service High Bickington
The PCC has arranged for this service to be a non-communion service at the usual time of 11am, starting in September, which coincides with the Harvest celebration.

Go to September 1998 issue