August 2000

DEEPEST SYMPATHY: To daughter Heather, son Graham and family and all the relatives and friends of Sheila Bolt, who died recently.

CONGRATULATIONS: To Roy and Sophia May on the birth of daughter, Morwenna.

THANKS: Joan and Linda Brayley would like to thank everyone who attended the baptism reunion services at Atherington and the people who helped us with addresses and refreshments; very many thanks.
Photographs taken from outside the Church are now available for ordering from 1 Coronation Cottage. Joan Brayley

SORRY TO: Mrs D’Olley for missing the apostrophe from her name. Now we understand how Hyacinth Bucket feels !

THANKS: Caroline and John Clarke would like to thank everyone who helped to make their Wedding Day so marvellous. Especially the “Flower Ladies” – Maureen, Andrea, Heather, Mabel, Margaret, Lesley and Rosemarie. Jo, from the shop, who kept the flower ladies supplied with tea and coffee!! Jeff for the water supply. Chris Hart for the Pearl of Bells. The grass cutters who timed the churchyard cut to perfection and Jim for parking the cars. It was marvellous to see so many people from the village to greet us at the Lytch Gate.

CHURCH FETE 2000

The Fete on July 8th raised Ł458. Many thanks to everyone who gave their time, money and gifts to make the day such a success. There was a good turnout to support the Fete and very encouraging to receive help from the younger mums and dads. Thank you to everyone once again.

Roger Keen, P.C.C. Secretary

A Poem for August

THE BRAMBLE AND THE BRIAR

“I pass’d by his garden and saw the wild briar,
The thorn and the thistle grow broader and higher”
Isaac Watts – “The Sluggard”

In truth they are pernicious weeds
Which, trailing and rambling, spread and spread
Out from the hedges and edges of fields,
Extending their range where the cattle tread.

Through the late summer months they scratch the cars
In the narrow, high-banked lane;
They snag our clothes and scratch our arms,
To passers-by they are a bane.

But on warm summer eves, there’s a scent in the air,
The scent of the eglantine
And the buzz of the bees on the blackberry flowers
Sounds the promise of blackberry wine.

And when the blackberries turn from red to black,
In the warmth of an August day,
We can savour their juice as we walk along
And then spit out the seeds by the way!

What would life be, when it’s time for tea,
If blackberry jelly were only a dream
Or we dined without apple and blackberry pie,
Enhanced by a generous dollop of cream?

And thinking back to the days of war,
When (in modern slang) it was “cool”
To pick rose hips by the basketful
And to carry them to school,

To be processed to “Rose Hip Syrup”,
As a source of vitamin C,
When the fleets, which once brought citrus fruits,
Were depleted by hazards at sea.

Sometimes so prickly, yet sometimes so sweet,
The briar and the bramble are much as we:
So pehaps it behoves us to cherish the good
And not to dwell on the bad that we see.

July 1998 - Robert Domleo

Christians Together

Our August meeting will be held at The Meeting Point on Monday 14th August at 7.30pm when we shall continue with our Studies on the life of David. We look forward to seeing you there. The meetings are open to all, are very informal and provide an excellent opportunity to cultivate the good relationships enjoyed between our local churches.

St. Mary's Guild

Rosemary Munson

Our outing to the Lost Gardens of Helligan was very successful, 50 of us made the trip. We saw the Eden project on our way; that is for another time. Thanks to everyone who supported our outing.

The next meeting will be on September 11th on Monday at 2.00p.m. at The Parsonage, Miss E. Thorne's home.

The Parish Council met on 12 July.

The main matters discussed were:

Barton Meadow Amenity Land No reply had been received to the request for clarification from Torridge about when the verges and roads would be adopted by the relevant authorities. Another letter would be sent and the bad condition of the verges where the Barton Meadow road narrows would be pointed out. It was expected that the transfer of the amenity land would occur soon, meanwhile the drainage of the land was awaited.

Traffic Calming The Council had sent a further letter dated 17 May to Mr T Lawrence, Local Services Officer, Devon County Council, Gas Lane, Torrington, EX38 7BE which it was requested be published in the Ramblings. The main content was:

“Councillors’ requests at the (recent) site meeting were:

That a large white painted SLOW sign be placed on the road surface at the most suitable place prior to the chicane for traffic exiting High Bickington.
That the chicane itself by highlighted, for example by painting the kerbstones in white or black and yellow bars, preferably using luminous paint.
That the sign for traffic exiting High Bickington be made more noticeable. It is difficult to see, especially now the trees are growing, and more importantly lacks the “Road Narrows” element. The sign for traffic entering the village is ideal, the one for exiting traffic needs to be brought up to the same standard.
The BUS STOP needs clearly marking and double yellow lines would prevent vehicles parking in the bus stop and opposite. The pavement lines in the village are wearing out and need renewing.
Councillors still strongly feel that matters would be made much safer if the derestriction sign currently, and they feel illogically, placed directly on the chicane were to be moved 50 yards out towards Atherington, thus extending the 30mph zone around the chicane area. Councillors feel it is a psychological fact that immediately a derestriction sign comes into view, drivers put their foot on the accelerator pedal, which is exactly the opposite to what is wanted.

It is these points that you said you would consider, and the Council awaits your comments.

The question of traffic through the Barton Meadow estate was again raised at the Parish Council meeting (on 10 May).

Now that the building work has been completed, traffic is funnelled through the estate out from Mill Road to the B3217. As a result the number of vehicles has increased considerably and residents are concerned about their children’s safety and complaining that vehicles speeds are excessive. Work is about to start on the new play area and residents have asked again to have a 20mph limit on the estate roads together with strategically placed signs such as “Children Playing” or “Mind that Child” etc. Could we please have your response to this request as well.”

Councillors felt that the response to this finally received on 7 July was inadequate. Mr Lawrence stating again “that the positioning is at the optimum location in terms of DETR guidance, speed reduction and conspicuity”. He said that he anticipated the further SLOW marking and markings in the vicinity of the exit from the surgery would follow resurfacing works in the vicinity of the village on the B3217 during August. No response was received regarding the Barton Meadow signs requested. It was felt that if concerned residents wrote directly to Mr Lawrence on this matter (copying letters to the clerk) he would be aware of the strength of feeling on this matter.

Sewage Pollution This was largely resolved, only one item remaining outstanding.

Planning No objections were made to the applications for a public entertainment licence for the open air concert at Langridge Ford on 9/10 August or a conservatory at 7 Church Meadow.

Diana Lunn, Parish Clerk

HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL has received a copy of the following notice (which is posted on the Church Hall notice board.

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14

THE COUNTY OF DEVON
B3217 BETWEEN LIBBATON GOLF CLUB AND HIGH BICKINGTON
(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF THROUGH TRAFFIC) ORDER 2000

NOTICE is hereby given that Devon County Council intend, not less than seven days from the date of this Notice, to make an order the effect of which will be to prohibit through traffic between Libbaton Golf club and High Bickington (approximately 890 metres).

The alternative route will be B3217 Week Park Cross – Kingford – A377 – B3227 to Atherington – B3217 towards High Bickington and vice versa.

This restriction is necessary to enable surfacing works.

The restriction will be in operation only on the days and during the hours that the appropriate traffic signs are displayed.

The proposed Order will come into forced on 7 August 2000 and continue in force for an initial period not exceeding 1 month or until the works which it is proposed to carry out on the B3217 between Libbaton Golf Club and High Bickington have been completed, whichever is the earlier. It is anticipated that the works will take approximately 2 weeks to complete. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Deputy Local Service office.

Dated 19 July 2000 - ROGER GASH, County Solicitor

ATHERINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Sue Letchford

Highways Concern was expressed about the closure of the B3227 through the village in mid August, letters are to be sent to both DCC Highways and WorldCom requesting that the planned closure be moved out of the peak tourist season.
The chestnut tree is in need of loping and DCC are to be asked to arrange this.

Local Plan At a meeting attended by Craig Drydon the consensus of opinion was that where small villages wanted to erect houses they should be allowed to do so, however these opinions are now going into the pot and we all await the overall view with interest.

Best Kept Village Atherington has made it to the finals again - well done and thank you to everyone who has helped.

Neighbourhood Watch A plea to all dog owners please keep your dogs under control. There have been several incidents with dogs (usually black and white border collies) chasing livestock resulting in a number of sheep being killed. Remember that dogs worrying sheep can be shot! A reminder to everyone to be vigilant especially after the spate of break-ins in High Bickington and the intruder in the woodyard.

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI

Judith Domleo

At the July meeting Bridget Summers gave a talk on “Aromatherapy & Reflexology”. Refreshments were served by Beryl Troup, Joy Padworth and Mary Martin. Speaker’s hostess was Jennifer Gooding.

The competition for a “Musical Item” was won by Carole Hurst with a harp. Flower of the month winner was Edna Ford with a blue hydrangea. Birthday gifts were presented to Caroline Sinclair,. Jennifer Gooding and also to Jean Lynch, Eileen Chambers and Pearl Arscott who have birthdays in August when we have no meeting.

We have been on six visits this month. A day trip to Longleat. An evening visit to Braunton burrows in glorious sunshine with Mary Breeds who is an expert on all the many unusual flowers that grow there. On another lovely sunny day Torrington was explored. A guided walk of the town and then a visit to Torrington 1646, the exciting new Civil War Heritage Centre.

On the wettest afternoon of the year we went on a Rock Pool Ramble at Lee. It rained and rained and then it poured! Although we got wet to the skin we had a very knowledgeable marine ranger and we enjoyed ourselves. Lee WI provided us with an excellent tea and warm towels to dry ourselves! We joined seventy other members for a very interesting visit to County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter to see and hear Local Democracy At Work. We had a guided tour of County Hall including it’s history. It was good to have Peggy Elliot with us again on a visit from Portsmouth. Several members had lunch with her at the newly opened Fishleigh Farm Shop.

We have no meeting in August but we invite everyone to Rose’s Pudding Evening on August 9th at 7 pm at ‘Windrush’, Chittlehampton (next door to the village hall where you may park). Have your main course at home then join us for Desserts, Coffee, Cake Stall, Raffle – entrance Ł2 in aid of WI funds. Non members and friends are very welcome.

From the archives

Researched by Richard Lethbridge

Potato 'sack look' wins procession prize for Torrington trio

HIGH BICKINGTON CARNIVAL - 5th June 1958

Three Torrington mothers decorated a tableau for High Bickington Carnival on Saturday, and then decided to enter themselves - dressed in potato sacks. Mesdames M Kent, N Smale and A Vanstone, all mothers of members of the Matadors Skiffle Group, from Torrington gave their version of the "sack look" and were awarded a first prize. The Matadors' tableau, which they helped to decorate, won a second prize.

The carnival was organised by the High Bickington Athletics Club, and the proceeds were to help clear a debt of Ł195.

Many of the younger entrants had taken part in previous local carnivals. One, a nine-year-old Timothy Shapland, who was a prize-winner in "The Crossroads," walked in the procession for the third time. Last year he depicted a "barrow boy." The eight-year-old Tucker twins, Michael and James, of High Bickington, who entered as "Just like the Ivy," have taken part in each of the village carnivals since they were three-year-olds.

Tame Lamb

One of the novelties was a tame lamb, entered by Mrs O H Keen, as "Mary and her Little Lamb". A tableau entry, "Street Lighting", was topical locally because High Bickington has been seeking this amenity for several years. "High Bickington Rocket Research" and "Space Men" both gave the procession a scientific flavour.

The marshal was Mr W Mardon, who has been the carnival marshal ever since the event was started about eight years ago.

A 15-year-old High Bickington girl, Miss Sandra Goss, was the carnival queen. She was crowned before the procession by one of the judges, Mrs R E Stacey of Barnstaple. Her attendants were June Mardon and Judith Squire. Daphne Gammon was the crown bearer and the pageboy was John Tucker.

The judges were Mr and Mrs W T Rowland of Braunton; Mr and Mrs W G Glover and Mr and Mrs R E Stacey of Barnstaple. The procession was accompanied by North Tawton Town Band.

Thought for the month...

Yes, I did enjoy that game of Cricket in the middle of last month.
No, I don’t think people of 55, unless they are super fit, can play regularly or well ...so I am just going back to lie on the floor when this letter is finished as my back is suffering --bad enough for a trip to the Osteopath on Monday.
Someone said to me once
God puts us on our back so that we can look up
I haven’t found this quoted in the Bible yet, but one of my favourite verses expresses the same thought
All things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8 v 28)
If we can find His Presence in everything good .....what a difference!
Life seems to be pretty hectic too ...it’s good to keep busy but!
Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46 v. 10)
Someone told me recently that there are only three things that we need to Remember....

To worship, love and serve God
To belong to His family and lovingly serve all in that family
To help others join us in His family

Putting these things into practice is our life’s work! Sometimes difficult, mostly joyful, and always possible by God’s grace.

Yours in His Service, John Carvosso

HIGH BICKINGTON WI

Josie Maskell

There was a lovely display of handmade pottery to greet us at our July meeting. Our Speakers for the evening were Mr & Mrs Rogers who came to Devon three years ago and run a pottery in Barnstaple. The business was kept short with a reminder about the Church Fete on 8th July and the barbecue at Rosemary and Derek Munson’s on 28th July.

We will be entering the whist and skittles competitions and discussed the schedule for the north Devon Show hoping to take part in this - the theme being ‘a picnic by the river’. Plans are being made for our two walks around the village on September 13th finishing with a cream tea.

Rosemary Munson read her report at the AGM at Wembley where all the Resolutions were passed. Mr and Mrs Rogers were then introduced to us and Mr Rogers were then introduced to us and Mr Rogers told us how they buy their clay from St Agnes in Cornwall and how they use the slab, coil and modelling methods, passing several items of pottery around for us to examine.

On to Mrs Rogers who demonstrated her skills using all three methods to make various pieces including a vase, a hedgehog and a mouse. Now it was our turn. We were each given a small piece of clay and asked to make a mouse – not so simple as it seems! There were mice of all shapes and sizes with different expressions. Jean Checksfield’s was judged the winner and she was rewarded with a small pottery vase for her efforts. The vote of thanks was given by Stella Burrows.

The competition for a piece of pottery was won By Jean Checksfield. Christine England with a rose and Rosemary Munson with a penstemmon tied for Flower of the Month. The raffle was won by Rosemary Munson. We decided not to have an August meeting but will be meeting on September 6th at 6.20pm at the bus stop for our guided walk around Bideford. Visitors are always welcome to join us.

The Book of High Bickington – A Devon Ridgeway Village

Avril Stone

The Book of High Bickington is progressing very well and Avril has all the photographs she needs at present. Millennium occasions will be included. Illustrated pamphlets are soon to be distributed and these must be used to order and pay for the book. The publishers need 250 orders before 1st September 2000 or printing will not take place. If 300 orders are received the publishers will give a village party to all who have subscribed – OVER TO YOU !

A ROMANCE OF TUDORS

Stella Searson made a welcome return to High Bickington with Jenny Goldsmith to entertain us to an evening of words and music, reflecting the robust and colourful age of the Tudors, King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. Both ladies were resplendent in beautiful period costumes, which Stella had made herself.

They commenced the evening with a graceful parade around the church so that everyone could admire the dresses. Jenny recounted the lives and loves of Henry and his wives and with great charm emphasising Henry's love of a pretty face, whilst Stella enthralled us with music from the Tudor era on her wonderfully restored Spinet. In the second half, in wonderful Elizabethan costumes, we heard about the loves and foibles of Queen Elizabeth, again accompanied by music from Stella on her spinet. The evening came to an end with a graceful Pavane down through the church.

The church was beautifully decorated with posies of flowers and our very grateful thanks go to Eileen Tucker and her helpers for all their work.

After the service most of the audience joined us in the church hall for a sumptuous buffet supper. For this we are indebted to Eileen Thorne, Glenda Tucker, Mia Rothwell and Betty Harpum. Thank you ladies most sincerely for all your hard work.

Our thanks also go to the Bell Ringers who peeled a welcome to everyone as they arrived and to Bernard Burke who organised music as we enjoyed a glass of sherry and during the interval. We all enjoyed a night to remember.

Once again our very sincere thanks to everyone who gave so freely of their time, from the High Bickington Millennium Committee.

Jane Gibson

High Bickington Methodist News

Hazel Pearce

The Children of the Sunday School led both morning and evening services on June 25th with their presentation of Hopes and Dreams. For both children and teachers the Morning Service seemed like a final practice while the evening was hopefully a more polished performance. Jack Matkin presented the children with books for regular attendance throughout the year.

A few weeks later the Sunday School enjoyed a lovely day at Killarney Springs and are looking forward to the Family Barbecue/Picnic at Landacre Bridge on August 6th. We will be meeting outside the Chapel at 12 noon; please bring your own food and drink for the BBQ.

Rev. Jack Matkin and family have now returned to America; we shall all miss them and hope they will return to visit in the not too distant future. During Jack's final service at High Bickington, Judith Domleo presented Jack with a Scrap Book, a photograph record of all the events he attended and the people he met whilst in charge of the Chapel. Michael Down also presented a collage of hand-drawn self-portraits from the Youth Club.

Rosie Venner, Laura and Louise Clarke, Fiona Stewart and Lucy Hedges organised a cream tea afternoon in aid of various Children's Charities, which raised Ł100. They wish to thank all those who supported them.

Sheila Bolt

It is with great sadness we record the death of Sheila Bolt on 17 July aged 63, after a long illness, fought with great courage. No-one who has come into contact with Sheila can have failed to be impressed by her determination to overcome any disabilities and make the most of her life, without complaint. Her faith in God has been her strength through all her life but especially during her illness and the sudden death of her husband Tom six and a half years ago.

From her marriage in 1960 until very recently she has taken her turn as organist at the Methodist Church, she was a Sunday School teacher, Overseas Missions Secretary and a very regular member of the Congregation. She will be greatly missed. Our love, prayers and sympathy go out to Heather, Graham and Rachel who have all been such a support to their mother.

ELECTRICS

What do I mean?
I am talking about plugs, flexes, sockets & wiring.
So what about them you may say?
Well there were over 2,500 fires in homes, resulting in 7 deaths and over 300 injuries in 1997 caused by electrics.

Here are a few safety points and warning signs to look out for:

HOT PLUGS AND SOCKETS
FUSES THAT BLOW FOR NO OBVIOUS REASON
OVERLOADING OF SOCKETS (use of adapters, general rule one plug to one socket)
ROUND PIN PLUGS (if you have any of these get them changed by a qualified electrician)
LIGHTS FLICKERING
BROWN SCORCH MARKS ON SOCKETS & PLUGS
CABLES RUNNING UNDER CARPET (you can't see if there is any damage)
CORRECT FUSES USED IN PLUGS
DAMAGED FLEX/CABLES

If there is anything you are unsure or concerned about don't take a chance you may be gambling with your life. Get it checked by a competent person/qualified electrician who is registered with either the NICMC or ECA.

Readers Letters

Ed. Three more letters about children in the churchyard, the first one from a reader (no name given) and then two from the school:

Many people have noticed children playing in the Churchyard, climbing trees, bottles and papers left. The Churchyard is a disgrace and the lady who left half her money wouldn’t have left a penny if she knew. So think of that and keep her wish. The subject of children playing in the Churchyard has been on for years. Please P.C.C. members think about this, not a place to play in, it is a holy place.

Dear Sir,

High Bickington Church of England school is very grateful to the PCC for allowing us to use parts of the Churchyard as a quiet area and environmental study area. During school hours the children will be under the direction and supervision of staff studying the plant and animal life, or using the area adjacent to the school as a place for quiet reading and listening.

Having access to a grassy space has meant we can offer better educational opportunities for the children.

We have impressed upon the children the special nature of the Churchyard and reinforced the need for respectful and appropriate behaviour.

We hope this letter, together with the reply from the children, will allay any disquiet on the school’s use of the Churchyard.

Yours faithfully,
Mrs J Rudman, Headteacher

Dear Sir,

We the children of High Bickington School were very sad when Mrs Rudman told us about the letter of complaint in the Ramblings. We did not wish to upset anyone and we can understand how you feel about war games going on in a place of peace.

Those children from this school who have played in the churchyard in a thoughtless way did not mean to be disrespectful. They are sorry to cause upset.

We use the Churchyard for Science and we have measured and made maps of the environmental area, and started to record the types of animals and plant life found there.

It has made a big difference on hot days (we have had one or two) to be able to sit on the grass instead of having to stand up in a hard hot playground.

Thank you PCC for letting us use the Churchyard. We will take care of it.

Yours sincerely,
The Children of High Bickington Church of England School

Go to September 2000 issue