August 1999

Taw Valley Garden Club

As some of you will know, we held an open garden and coffee morning at Stan and Josie Maskell’s house on the 8th July. This was to raise money to purchase bulbs to be planted in our three villages, High Bickington, Umberleigh and Atherington, to commemorate the Millennium. A staggering Ł167 was raised and we would like to thank each end everyone of you who attended and helped us to raise it. Thank you, all of you.

This months garden visit was delayed until the 22nd of the month and was to Littleham, near Bideford. A much loved plot of land and a very well tended garden. It was not huge but it had a water area, flower beds, a bonsai stand and a vegetable/fruit garden that were planted with a fairly wide variety of interesting bits and bobs, including some flowers and veg that were being trailed by the owners, Mr and Mrs Hocking. They had the most vivid orange Cosmos that hopefully we can all enjoy if the seeds are included in next years catalogues. Something to look forward to! We were made very welcome by the owners and were even given tea and cake made by Mr Hocking (Delia Smith eat your heart out!).

Next months meeting will be held at Park Gate, Umberleigh, 7 p.m. to see Ivan Huxtable’s Dahlias.

Anyone who would like directions or would like to know more about our club should contact Barry Checksfield.

THANKS: Geoff and Vera Stevens would like to thank everyone for their cards and messages, sent to Geoffrey after his recent heart attack. Glad to say he is recovering well, thanks to all.

CONGRATULATIONS: To John and Carrie Gower upon the birth of a daughter, Daisy, also to her grandmother, Ann Gower.

CONGRATULATIONS: To Catherine and Marcus Milton upon the birth of their son, John James, a fourth grandchild for Mrs Dorothy Milton.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH - HIGH BICKINGTON: A plea from Derek Munson to all members - if you have not paid your Ł1 subscription which was due earlier this year, then please do so.

Ed. It’s a fair cop Derek, I’m one of those who haven’t paid, but will do so shortly!

THANKS: From Margaret Squire to all those who supported the Atherington Amenities Committee Dance on July 10th. The profit of Ł80-50 will be spent on amenities in the Atherington parish.

THE COMMON PLAYERS

Will be returning to Atherington again this year with their tenth anniversary show. This year the company are working with a group of young adults to devise a show to go on tour in late August and early September.

The play called "Vermin!" will be a quirky new adaptation of the classic tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. In usual Common Players style, the show promises to be exciting, fun, bold, bright, energetic with music and humour. Something all the family are sure to enjoy. Much more than a cosy, children's fairy story, it is a magical yet macabre tale. Ideas about justice in society and the seductive lures of powers we cannot even begin to comprehend will be addressed in this modern production.

The show is FREE, with a voluntary collection, so come one and all and help keep the vermin off the streets!

Gravestones at North Road Chapel

As part of our refurbishment of the North Road Chapel we are considering the relocation of the gravestones to a new position within a small rose garden which is to be planted along the rear wall of the site. The change will make regular maintenance of the area around the building a much easier task.

The six gravestones involved all commemorate people who died prior to 1880. We would very much like to discuss our plans with any living relatives and would be grateful for information from any Ramblings reader who might be able to assist us.

If you need further information or are able to help then please contact David Brown.

St Mary’s Church, Atherington

Many thanks to Lorna and Patrick Squire for opening up their home and garden once again for a Coffee Morning on 24th June which raised a total of Ł580. It was a beautiful morning in a magnificent setting. There was lovely organ music played by Alan Sawyer for two hours non-stop and it is still ringing in our ears - many thanks Alan.

Very many thanks also to everyone for their hard work with the Cake and Plant stalls, Draw prizes and Donations and for your support in any way. Well done.

Christine Clemens who has worked hard arranging the Flower Rota for many years has handed the job over to me. If there are any new people in the village who would like to be on the rota or would like to give some money towards the church flowers please contact me - Shirley Shapland

Still running a car on leaded petrol?

To reduce pollution and improve air quality, leaded petrol will be withdrawn from sale by 1 January 2000.

What it means to you: If your car runs on leaded petrol you will still be able to use it. Many cars run on unleaded petrol with no alteration to the engine. Most of the remainder can run on lead replacement petrol which will be available at the pump. Or, they could use unleaded petrol mixed with special additives. A small minority of vehicles may require engine modifications to run on unleaded petrol.

Be prepared: Speak to your local garage or consult your vehicle’s handbook.

Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions

From the archives - Researched by Richard Lethbridge

Richard writes: “With the eclipse of the sun this month it is appropriate that I should submit an article about the eclipse in 1900. It is amazing to think that they knew as far back as then that on August 11th 1999 there would be another one to the exact day. I think I read in the newspaper the other week that the next one will be in they year 2094.”

From the North Devon Journal, 31st May 1900:

The eclipse of the sun on Monday was observed under very favourable conditions in North Devon, there being a clear sky throughout the afternoon. At Barnstaple large numbers of persons could be seen observing the eclipse through the medium of smoked glass. There was a curious light while the obscuration was the greatest, with a perceptible lowering of the temperature. According to Mrs. Todd’s book “Total Eclipses of the Sun”, certain regions of our globe must wait a long time for a total eclipse of the sun to visit them. Scotland, for instance, will not see another until the twenty-second century, and London must possess itself in patience for nearly 500 years. There will, however, be a very short obscuration in England on June 29th, 1927, the track lying from the Isle of Anglesey, Northumberland, and thence through Norway to Sweden. The briefness of totality will, indeed, constitute its particular interest. An eclipse occurring on August 11th, 1999, will be visible and total in England, the path crossing Cornwall and Devonshire.

“The last eclipse was in 1927, and a trip from Tiverton was arranged to Rhyl to see it, as you will see from below.”

From the Tiverton Gazette, May 3rd 1927:

Total eclipse of the Sun on June 29th - An expedition to Rhyl

In the Centre of the Shadow is being organised to start about 9am on June 28th. Arrive back in Tiverton about 3pm on June 29th, train will pick up passengers at Exeter and Taunton as well as Tiverton.

Fares: 1st class - 45/- return: 3rd class - 32/6 return, inclusive in both cases of supper, breakfast, luncheon in restaurant car.
For full particulars apply to Mr.E.G. Pearce, North Close, Tiverton, sending a stamped addressed envelope, early application necessary as accommodation is limited, next eclipse 1999.

From the Tiverton Gazette - 1927 eclipse:

The following story is vouched for by a well known Tivertonian, a party including many workers at a local business, assembled at one of the hills near the town, and waited anxiously for the mist to clear. One member was provided with a telescope, which he preferred to smoked glasses, and, as events turned out it was quite as useful. Through his cheap instrument he was peering westwards and eventually his seriousness attracted the attention of a companion.

The friend said. “You are not looking for anything over there are you?”. The owner of the telescope replied, “I am looking for the eclipse of course.” The friend quietly responded, “don’t be foolish Bill, look t’other way, the sun rises in the east.” Then the admonished one said, “I was up here last night and se’ed the sun go down thur, and whur ur went down ur must come up.”

Ed. Just a reminder to everyone - NEVER look at the sun through binoculars or a telescope - it is highly dangerous and can result in permanent blindness.

HIGH BICKINGTON WI

Josie Maskell

At our July meeting our Secretary was away on a course at Denman so notices were kept short.

Brenda Wood thanked the President for the lovely morning we all had at her home where she and her husband hosted a superb barbecue, a most enjoyable evening in spite of the weather letting us down. The Tea Party, also at Eva’s home was held on a beautiful afternoon and well attended by members and friends. The cakes and sandwiches were delicious and we all enjoyed walking around the lovely garden.

Stella Burrows raised the subject BST hormone being in some imported milk which is more than likely to be mixed with our own milk. She urged members to ask questions about the situation at the various supermarkets and will be writing to her MP about her concern.

Our speaker, an ex-Beauty Therapist from Clarins was then introduced as Stephanie. She gave us many tips on make-up and answered lots of questions as she applied her artistry to the lucky? Members whose names were drawn from a box. Brenda was the first, she had very discreet eye make up. Jean then had her lips coloured with a soft pastel shade. Margaret was shown how to apply a very natural looking foundation and Joyce was given a make over with a two in one pressed powder, again giving a very soft and natural effect.

Rosemary gave the vote of thanks. The competition for a piece of history was won by Joyce Underhill with a very old Bible which belonged to her school teacher. Rosemary won the raffle and Josie Maskell won the flower of the month with a rose - “Bonica”.

Wardens Hill Coffee Morning

Stan and Josie Maskell would like to thank everyone who kindly supported their Coffee Morning on 8th July, bringing plants and goods to sell. A special thank you to all our helpers, people who sent donations and for the loan of china, tables and chairs.

It was a beautiful day and Ł167 was raised for the millennium bulbs.

Well done everyone !

TAW VALLEY GARDENING CLUB

Many thanks to everyone who supported the Coffee Morning on 8th July and special thanks to Stan & Josie Maskell whose lovely garden was an ideal venue.

Barry Checksfield

HIGH BICKINGTON VC SCHOOL

Once again we have reached the end of a school year and it is time to look back - and more importantly - to look forward. The next school year will bridge the old and the new - an old year and a new millennium, and an "old" Head Teacher and a new one.

For Year 6 it is time to leave primary education and to move on to the next phase of schooling. Our best wishes go to Ricky Galbally, Kelly Raymont, Joshua Lohse, Lauren Beer, Lizzie Cooper, Clare Alderman, Krista Walker and Rebecca Plumpton who will be moving to Chulmleigh Community College, and to Francesca Lyon who will be transferring to Park School.

This term KS1 have taken as their topic - Beside the Seaside - and some distinctly fishy work has been going on. The classroom has been a delight - from a miniature submarine to models, painting and written work showing the breadth of the curriculum covered by children from 4 to 7. Two days at the seaside - by train to Exmouth and by coach to Plymouth Aquarium have provided extra stimuli, and at the Summer Fair there were some amazing costumes ranging from a rather portly octopus to a very glamorous mermaid.

Class 2 have been studying Home Life in Britain during World War 2 and linked this to Literacy Hour work on Raymond Brigg’s book Ethel and Ernest. Several family photographs and items of clothing have been unearthed and provided excellent primary evidence, and we have been pleased to welcome into the classroom grandparents who were able to tell us their first hand experiences of life during those dark years.

Class 3 have also followed a historical theme - Britain since 1948. (A case of History becoming rather too "first-hand" for some of us). Again we have managed to find a lot of artefacts linked directly to the period being studied - I think the old 78s record covers have provided one of the biggest talking points; a long way from the CDs of today.

A visit to the Imperial War Museum was most worthwhile, despite the early start and the late arrival home; and a group photo outside the door of 10 Downing Street will be in the school album. Are there any future Harold Wilsons in the picture?

On the sports front we have sent teams to the Football and Netball tournament at Chulmleigh, the Barnstaple Tag Rugby Festival and the Kwik Cricket competition. We have also played matches against other local schools and held our annual sports afternoon. Our thanks go to Rob Norton, Val Hutchings and Tony Strickland who have helped with coaching and to parents who have provided support and transport.

Class 2 & Class 3 have studied the life and work of Claude Monet and we have had many favourable comments on the work produced in a variety of media. Hazel and Cynthia Hedges have given much time to help with the textile project, and continue to come in regularly to work on our design for the Millennium tapestry.

Our SATs results are very pleasing and we have more than reached the targets we set, but staff are concerned at the changing mark schemes / levels which seem to operate from year to year and so make comparison invidious at times.

On a personal level I look forward to a new life with time to travel, enjoy my grandchildren and do all the things I've not had time for during my working life. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at High Bickington and have seen many changes since I took up my post in January 1985. The number of pupils has risen from 29 to 67, (I note that I have admitted 226 children in my 14 years and 2 terms in charge), and revisions of the curriculum have been too many to mention. I have always had the support of very hardworking and loyal staff, governors and parents - a school is a team effort and all need to work together for the good of the children in their care. I am sure that Mrs Jackie Rudman will continue to take the school forward and I wish her every happiness and success. I shall miss you all.

Margaret A Abbott

Dear Mike,

I am writing to you as the CDT contact for your village regarding this year's forthcoming Torrington Revels and Commons Fair to be held on 20th - 22nd August. Preparations are now well under way for this year's event, but this year we really want to try and forge closer links with all the outlying villages and to try to include them as much as possible.

In the hope of achieving this, we would like to invite each village to have a stall at either or both days of the fair. This could be a fund raising stall for a particular village project, or perhaps a favourite fair/fete game from your own village fete.

We would like also to include at least one event in which each village could take part on the day; this could be an event such as Tug of War, which could be great fun if enough villages entered.

I am writing to you in the hope that you can generate enough interest from fellow villagers to help ensure that as many l ocal villages are included on the day as is possible.

We are also looking for as much local talent as possible in the form of musicians, street entertainers, face painters etc. Who have you got tucked away in your village that would like to come and play and help make this major local event one of fun and merriment.!! All offers welcome.

We do hope that your village will be interested in joining in the programme of events which so far include- Farmers/Craft Market; Street entertainers; 30/40s Tea Dance; Film Evening, An evening at Rosemoor, Rock concert; Poets; Sealed Knot Displays; Pantomime Horse Race; The Best Orchestra and Ballet in the West; Teddy Bear's picnic; Treasure Hunt; Raft Race and much more.

Please get in touch as soon as possible to let me know if your village wishes to take part over the two day period, or if you know of any good local entertainment.

Thanking you in advance for your time.

The Annual Church Fete held in the Playground, Church Hall and School room on Saturday, 10th July was opened by Rev Hugh Pollock.

Many thanks to all who helped with stalls, teas and games etc. The many gifts and donations were greatly appreciated. Thanks also for the use of the School room and all who made the occasion such a success.

A sum of Ł420 was raised.

When we came to Week (continued) - Margaret Bolt

Portsmouth Arms station on the southern line in the Taw valley, opened on 1st August 1854, was a very familiar destination from Hacknell and continued so for several years after we came to Week.

The station was a far different place in 1946 with several attractive stone built buildings; sadly all demolished some years ago. The approach from the road and car parking area was through a door in the centre of a single-storey building stretching the whole width of this parking area. The door opened into a square entrance hall with a large set of platform weights on the right-hand side again the wall of the ticket and booking office. Another door and arched hatchway opened into this office. To the left of the entrance door was a long painted wooden form below advertisements and a railway timetable, pasted to the notice-board on this wall, at eye level if you were an adult! Another door led into the waiting room, complete with a fireplace - unused in those days, and furnished with a central square table and a few plain chairs. Diagonally across this room was another door into the "Ladies" toilet. Oil lamps lit these rooms and the platforms in wintertime.

From the entrance hall wide sliding doors with glazed top half opened onto the platform. A penny in the slot machine for a bar of Cadbury's cream chocolate had stood here before sweet rationing came into force.

Turning to the left, past the "Gentlemen's" toilet with its raised glass roof at the end of the long stone range, led to the wooden clad signal box. A good fire burned in the grate in the signalman's domain in winter and the handles of the row of levers shone bright with constant polishing. I remember a yellow duster always being used to grip the levers - at least by Mr. Fred Southcombe. Situated at the end of the down platform and reached by a flight of steps, a clear view of the line and signals could be had from the three windowed sides of the box.

Turning right from the entrance hall, past the station house where Mr. Southcombe lived, the railway line had to be crossed to reach the opposite "up" platform. Here were more stone buildings, firstly a goods shed, then an open-fronted passenger waiting shelter with a solid form as seating.

A laurel hedge grew the whole length of this platform with well-filled flowerbeds on both platforms. Prizes were awarded annually by the Railway Company for the best-kept stations. Mr.Southcombe won an award several times.

A full time porter was employed as well as a signalman, to deal with goods and passengers arriving and departing. I believe that farmers in the Taw Valley sent their milk chums to the Ambrosia Dairy at Lapford by train; feeding stuffs, artificial manure and many other goods arrived at Portsmouth Arms, and during the winter we sent hampers with dozens of rabbits to a firm in Cambridge - and at Christmas poultry was sent to London. I am not sure if we sent flatpols by rail, but I know Dudley Hellyer sent many thousands by train.

From Hacknell we walked to the station by way of Bowdown and Northcote Woods - fine going down but a long climb home. By horse and cart we used Lockbar lane, coming out just above the Sawmills office (Boutchland side).

The last train of the evening was known as the "mail" train, collecting letters cleared from the post box in the wall of the station at 8.30 p.m. People came from miles around to use this much later posting time.

After we came to Week, I used the station weekly during term time, catching the 7.50 a.m. to Crediton on Monday mornings - by the skin of my teeth usually - and sometimes Dad having to race to South Molton Road in his Morris Minor, where the train would have been slightly delayed by a 'phone call from Portsmouth Arms! The train departure time was in the middle of morning milking - by hand in those days!

The return on Friday evenings was much more leisurely. I could wait at the station to be fetched if it was dark or if light walk home.

When the monthly market was held (in the quarry where the Sawmills is now), cattle and sheep were tacked away from Portsmouth Arms. Although the market had ceased in 1935(?), the loading pens were still there beyond the station house in 1946, as was a crane for loading and unloading heavy items. All these along with the nostalgic steam engined trains of those days are just distant memories of half a century ago.

It’s the way YOU tell ‘em..

A panda walked into a restaurant, sat at a table and ordered a huge meal. After consuming every course down to the last crumb he was approached by the waiter with a bill. Drawing a pistol from his pocket, the panda shot the waiter and quietly left the premises. The manager of the restaurant pursued him hotly, catching him up outside.

“What do you think you are doing,” he cried. “You’ve eaten an enormous meal, shot my waiter and just walked out”.

“I’m a panda,” replied the panda, as if that explained everything.

“Well, that’s no excuse!” said the manager. “Why did you do it?”

“Because I’m a panda,” repeated the panda, and he strolled away.

The manager returned to his restaurant wondering if he had missed something. In the end he decided to look up the word ‘Panda’ in the dictionary. Sure enough, there before him lay the answer in black and white.

‘Panda: An Asian mammal who eats shoots and leaves...’

High Bickington United Anglican and Methodist Churches

On a lovely warm summers evening on Sunday July 11th at 6.30 pm we had an Open Air Service in High Bickington school playground with the Tarka Youth Brass band. The leaders were Rev Marilyn Tricker and Rev Hugh Pollock and the readers were Betty Harpum and Margaret Bolt. As it was sea Sunday the collection of Ł40 was sent to ‘The Missions to Seamen’ and Ł20 was given to the band for their expenses.

ST MARY’S GUILD

Rosemary Munson

Our outing on the 12th July to Otter Nurseries and Sidmouth was a great success. The weather was superb and really hot. The gardens at Sidmouth were beautiful. Our driver from Twine’s coaches was very helpful.

I am already taking names for next year’s outing although no destination is fixed. Thank you to everyone who supported us.

The Coffee Morning at Roundhouse Cottage raised Ł62-50 for the Flower Festival. Thank you.

Flower Festival. Arrangements are going well. We will have lists out in August for volunteers and will be grateful for any contributions for our stall, such as crafts, jams, pickles, cooking and plants. Thank you all once again.

Doesn’t our Church Clock look great!

Contraflow - from the Kent Messenger:

“It will not be too long before the crossing is working and disruption to traffic is back to normal.”

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI

Judith Domleo

At the July meeting Mr Chris Bright gave an illustrated talk on the “Houses and Gardens of the National Trust” in the British Isles. Having been at Arlington Court for many years he was able to give us interesting details.

The competition for a ‘Garden Photograph’ was won by Eileen Chambers and the Flower of the Month winner was Edna Ford with a magnificent blue hydrangea. Refreshments were served by Beryl Troup, Margaret Squire and Mair Pluckwell. Speaker’s hostess was Jennifer Gooding.

The Story Sack project, along with other North Devon W.I.s, was handed over at a presentation by the Devon County Council Chairman, Ginny Addison-Smith to the Barnstaple library. Our story book was Jemima Puddleduck by Beatrice Potter. Contributors were Rose Peters, embroidered Sack and Jemima Toy Duck, Andrea Smith Painted Picture of Jemima Puddleduck (illuminated), Di Drummond Jigsaw Puzzle of Jemima and Audio Tape of the story, Judith Domleo Non-fiction Book of Farm Animals. The Story Book sacks will stay in the North Devon libraries.

Eight members went to the Tiverton Parkway Hotel, Sampford Peverell for a literary lunch on ‘The life and works of Arthur Ransome’ by Donald Archer. Arthur Ransome is best known for his children’s stories, especially ‘Swallows and Amazons’, but before this he had a very varied career as ghost writer, reviewer, biographer, foreign correspondent, political journalist and essayist. He witnessed and reported the Russian Revolution meeting Lenin, Trotsky and Radek. During the day the things which influenced Ransome’s writings were examined and his skillful and detailed observations were explored. We enjoyed again some of the stories which delighted us as children. Many artifacts connected with Ransome were on display. All agreed it was a most enjoyable day.

Two members joined seven hundred other county members on a Summer Surprise Picnic. The surprise was the venue - which was Kingshayes. We were picked up by coach at Umberleigh. It was a perfect summer’s evening in beautiful surroundings. We were entertained by a brass band, a steel band and a Tudor costume display.

Several members went to the Marks and Spencer Mid Summer Madness Shopping Event which was to raise money towards the North Devon Hospital Ultra Sound Scanner Appeal.

Eight members went on the Ladies Driving Day at Chivenor Airfield where they drove fire engines, double decker buses, articulated lorries, JCBs, tractors etc. It was great fun and over Ł3,000 was raised for the North Devon Hospice.

Twenty-eight members from Liskeard W.I. came to Barnstaple for the day and we provided them with a cream tea on the way home. All very successful.

No meeting in August but do not forget the Dance at Umberleigh Hall on August 30th Bank Holiday Monday with Joe Kift 8.00 pm, W.I. refreshments. Everyone welcome. Details from Di Drummond.

HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Council took place on 14 July with all Councillors present and 14 members of the public in attendance. A petition was presented in connection with the traffic calming and members of the public expressed their concern over its safety. A committee of 3 Councillors and 2 members of the public was formed to discuss the matter. A public meeting will be arranged .

The Parish Council had consulted a solicitor about the transfer of the proposed Play Area to the Council. Problems were still being experienced about achieving agreement with Pearce Construction.

Other matters discussed were: Fly tipping; Tearing of rubbish bags waiting collection by animals etc.; Insurance Claim for stolen Mollie Hare memorial seat; Bridleway at Snape; Trees by telephone exchange; Financial Matters.

Planning applications for Nethergrove Farm, Steps Cottage and 24 Higher Meadow had been approved by Torridge District Council. The Council noted with regret that the toddler group would be closing due to lack of children.

The next Parish Council meeting will take place on 8 September.

Annual Grants … At the September meeting of High Bickington Parish Council, consideration will be given to the award of Grants for the financial year 2000-2001. These grants will be matched by Torridge District Council.

Any organisation in the village who wishes to apply for a grant should write to the Parish Clerk at Lower Broadwood, High Bickington, EX37 9BE by Monday 6 September.

TRAFFIC CALMING SYSTEM at High Bickington … A meeting has been arranged by the Parish Council It will be attended by the Local Services Officer of Devon County Council and a member of the Police Traffic Unit. This will be on: Wednesday 18 August 1999 at 7.30 pm in the Church Hall

Refuse Sack Damage As reported at the Parish Council meeting the advice of Torridge District Council to help cope with the problem of damage to refuse sacks awaiting collection was as follows:

1 - Do not put refuse out until the evening before the day of collection at the earliest.
2 - Make sure sacks are tied at the neck.
3 - Place an old piece of carpet over sacks.
4 - Place an old piece of wire netting over sacks.
5 - As a last resort use a dustbin to contain sacks.

Torridge District Council has no plans to introduce wheeled bins.

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 - ‘Parable of Jesus’ was depicted through song, drama and narration. Modern drama sketches of familiar biblical parables were portrayed by the young people. Our thanks to the Sunday School teachers for their hard work and the parents’ co-operation. Mrs Sheila Bolt presented books to all the children at the end of the evening service.

Mr Bob Hookins and the Magnificent group led the July Family Service. Their theme for the service was ‘You are never too young or too old to spread the news about Jesus. We thank them for all the thought and hard work that went into this service.

The Sunday School enjoyed a day at Putsborough beach on July 17th. There will be no usual Sunday School during the summer holidays although an informal Sunday School will run up to the end of the holidays for any children who come along. Sunday school re-starts on Sunday, September 12th, this will be the first Sunday School service our new minister, Rev Jack Matkin, will hold.

An introduction to: Rev. Jack Matkin, from Texas.

Jack will be spending 12 months as a minister with the Barnstaple Methodist Circuit team, and will have charge of High Bickington as part of his responsibilities. Jack, his wife Rhonda and their sons Chase (11) and Wesley (6),will be living in Barnstaple. In their introductory letter they write:

"We come from the eastern part of Texas - a rural area, where people raise cattle, horses and chickens. East Texas folks eat barbecue beef, chicken- fried steak, black-eyed peas, cornbread, home-made ice cream, and drink "iced tea!" It gets very hot here in the summer (100 degrees Fahrenheit from July through mid-September), so we are looking forward to your milder weather.

Barnstaple is twice as large as our hometown of Mt. Pleasant. Jack lived in Oklahoma and Indiana while working in college administration, but returned to Mt Pleasant ten years ago to work at the community college there. In May this year he completed training as a Methodist minister at Southern Methodist University in Dallas; while in seminary he served as an Assistant Pastor, and Rhonda was the real "bread winner," working as a dental assistant.

Our ambitions in England include visiting every castle (Wesley) biking wherever I can (Chase), buying English items too expensive in the States (Rhonda) and eating his way across England (Jack)!!

So listen for an American accent around High Bickington after September 1st and make Jack welcome!

Thought for the month

Rev Marilyn Tricker

What will you be doing on the morning of August 11th? The same old routine - or joining those waiting expectantly for a once-in-a-lifetime event, the total eclipse of the sun? Visitors wait for an exciting spectacle (weather permitting); those in the tourist trade hope for record takings; the police worry about traffic congestion!

I'm not sure which is most amazing - the event itself, with the tiny moon blocking out the great power of the sun, or the natural laws of science and the marvel of the human brain enabling scientists to predict the exact moment when the eclipse will take place.

Years ago an eclipse would no doubt strike terror as much as wonder into the hearts of less scientifically aware men and women. Their lives depended on the daily return of the sun, the regular pattern of day and night, summer and winter. Yet however great our understanding of the universe, our very existence still depends on that ball of fire millions of miles away.

Sometimes we feel as if the joy and hope in our lives has been eclipsed - blacked out by pain and grief and struggle in a world darkened by evil and suffering. Yet God promised an end to all of this; a relationship with him that can transform our lives and last into eternity.

If you are watching the eclipse - do so safely, enjoy it, and rejoice in the return of the sun again to its full glory. But remember the light of the glory of God, shown in Jesus, is there for all to discover; people from any of the local churches will be glad to share your journey of discovery.

Go to September 1999 issue