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August 2002Richard's MBE AwardI would like to thank the people of High Bickington that sent me cards and congratulated me on my recent MBE award. My love for my job as a postman and the love and respect I have for the people on my Post round at High Bickington has blossomed over the years since I started delivering in 1982. You in turn have returned that love and respect back to me and recently you took that relationship one step forward when you wrote to the Prime Minister asking him if he would submit my name to the Queen with a recommendation that her majesty graciously approve that I should become a Member of the British Empire. She duly accepted this recommendation and honoured me with this award on the 15th July. The award was for services to the Royal Mail and the Community of High Bickington and I only received this award through your efforts spearheaded by Colin alongside Tim, Michael and David and of course your good selves by putting your names against the petition. You could not have given me a better honour and I am proud to receive it and will always be in your debt. I will give you a fuller account of later on in the year when I go up to Buckingham Palace to receive it. In the mean time thank you once again.
Love and best wishes, High Bickington Methodist ChapelHazel Pearce The children of the Sunday School led both morning and evening services on June 30th, on the life of Joseph. Congratulations to all on their hard work. Rev Mark Noakes presented books to the children for regular attendance. We thank Tony Pert who very ably led the morning service on July 4th. Sunday School will re-start after a summer break on September 8th, all children are welcome. Children's Clubs will be held again in September, more details next month. After a short service on August 4th, we are holding a picnic at Landacre Bridge (weather permitting). Al are welcome, bring a picnic lunch. Children to be accompanied by adults please. We are pleased to see that Mrs Betty Rouse is able to worship with us again. We hope that Mrs Margaret Bolt will make a speedy recovery after her unexpected eye operation for a detached retina. Welcome home Rosie from your voluntary work in South Africa, looking forward to hearing all about your experiences. Also to Fiona Stewart home for the summer from university, it's good to see you. St. Mary's Church - AtheringtonThe PCC would like to thank everyone who helped to make our Flower Festival held on 14th - 16th June such great success. The church looked beautiful and we had a full house on the Friday for the concert and for the Songs of Praise service on the Sunday. The flower arrangements must have taken their originators a great deal of thought and time in preparation as well as construction - they were magnificent. But thanks also to all those who helped make tea, baked cakes and manned the stalls as well as cleared up. The sum raised stands at £1,927.00. Truly a great effort. Bob Maidlow of Dobb's Cottage, Atherington took some lovely photographs of the Flower Festival and he is willing to sell them for £1/£1.50 in aid of Church Funds. They can be seen at Atherington Shoppe. CONGRATULATIONS: To Lucy Leatham for her first place in the senior show jumping at Bicton on her own horse as well as fourth place on her mother's hunter. Best wishes for the regional finals. From the ArchivesResearched by Richard Lethbridge, MBE
10th December 1942 JOHN SMALE and Co., instructed by the Representatives of the late Mr. W. B. Slee, will Sell by Auction, at the BRIDGE HALL, BARNSTAPLE, on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18th, 1942, at 3 p.m. the following desirable FREEHOLD PROPERTIES viz.: LOT 1. - All that DETATCHED MODERN RESIDENCE, known as "QUICKS," pleasantly situated on the outskirts of the Village of High Bickington, with southern aspect, and commanding extensive views. The Residence is well constructed of brick, with slated roof and contains:- Entrance Hall, Sitting and Dining Room, Kitchen, Scullery, Larder, 3 Bedrooms, Box Room, Bathroom, Airing Cupboard, Upstair and Downstair W.C.'s together with brick-built and slated GARAGE and small ORNAMENTAL AND VEGETABLE GARDENS, in all about ¼ of an Acre. VACANT POSSESSION of this Lot will be given up on completion of the purchase. LOT 2. - A substantially-built, 6-roomed COTTAGE, situate in the village of High Bickington, as now in the occupation of Mrs. Gill, as Tenant thereof. LOT 3. - A substantially-built, 6-roomed COTTAGE, adjoining Lot 2, as now in the occupation of Mr. F. Rawle, as Tenant thereof. To view, apply to Mr. R. B. Slee, Butcher, High Bickington, or Mr. Pidler, Town Farm, High Bickington, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays (or otherwise by appointment). For all further particulars, apply to the AUCTIONEERS, or to: PITTS TUCKERS, Solicitors, Barnstaple. St Mary's GuildRosemary Munson Our next meeting is on Monday September 9th at 2pm at Miss E. Thorne's home The Parsonage, new members and friends are always welcome. We had a successful stall at the Church Fete. We have a stall at the North Devon Show in August, this will be for crafts. Our outing to Teignmouth went ahead on a wet Monday, thanks to everyone who came with us, better weather next time we hope. Hope everyone enjoys their August break. High Bickington United Anglican & Methodist ServiceThe United Service on Sunday July 14th at 6.30pm was an Open Air Service in the school playground with the "Two Rivers Wind Ensemble" band. Rev John Carvosso led the service and the Readers were Stella Burrows & Robert & Judith Domleo. It as a lovely sunny summers evening and the hymns were sung with great gusto! The collection of £72.25 went to the Barnstaple Poverty Action Group & Christian Aid to alleviate starvation in Southern Africa. The next United Service will be at the Parish Church on Sunday 11th August 6.30pm with Rev Peter Nock. EVERYONE VERY WELCOME. HIGH BICKINGTON WIJosie Maskell We had three visitors at our July meeting to see a demonstration on flower arranging by Sandra Huxtable. Eight members attended the Strawberry Tea at Chulmleigh and had a lovely time being shown around the garden, the antique implements in the farm and looking around Rosemary Wedlock's cottage plus the wonderful tea. Four of our members had a very enjoyable time at Denman College over a weekend and pursued various crafts. Names were invited for two heritage walks, one in July at Chittlehampton, the other at Bideford n 16th August. Our President asked us to support the Church Fete on July 13th by supplying cakes for the cake stall. Stella Burrows is having a Coffee Morning on 11th September in aid of the Peninsular Medical School - everyone welcome between 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Sandra was then introduced and started off with a silk flower arrangement, very useful when flowers are scarce. Her second arrangement was very elegant using a few bought roses, the remaining flowers and foliage coming from her garden. Her aim was to show us that we don't need to buy a lot of expensive flowers to make quite a stunning arrangement. Finally she showed us a very pretty tapestry of flowers made by grouping small clusters of different flowers and foliage together to form a circular cushion effect. Stella Burrows gave the vote of thanks. The competition for a buttonhole was won by Jean Checksfield. Jane Gibson won the raffle and Josie Maskell won flower of the month with a peony. Our next meeting is on 4th September when Sylvia Mercer will be talking on "Travels in India". Everyone welcome. The Late Mrs Joan CookThe ashes of the late Mrs Joan Cook were interred at St Marys Churchyard on July 13th beside her late husband. Mrs Cook lived in North Road for many years and then in Barnstaple and in her late years near her daughter Sue in Olney, Bucks. Mrs Cook was a WI member and Chairman of High Bickington Parish Council. ATHERINGTON PARISH COUNCIL At a recent Parish Council meeting, Marcus Milton was co-opted as a parish Councillor. Dear Friends, We were very impressed, when we were at our son’s graduation (Warwick ..BSc) back in July, at the enormous variety of nationalities of fellow students graduating. The Faculty member reading out the names must have studied and practiced the names on the list, (over 600) and he got a clap as well as the graduating students. Jesus told the crowds and His disciples (& us through His words to them) that to live as God requires & longs for us to we must do two things: Love God with all our heart, mind, soul & strength.
What all those we meet ? Who is my neighbour ? Is it possible ? Yours in His Service John Carvosso High Bickington Parish Council Meeting - Wednesday 10 July 2002Mike Leatham attended the Parish Plans workshop organised by High Bickington Project 2000 on 3 July. Architects will be drawing up three sets of plans for possible uses of the Little Bickington Farm site and making suggestions for other parts of the village affected such as the school, church hall and Barton Meadow. The plans will be presented to the village for comment, but we must remember that Devon County Council cannot just give away the farm. However the proposal to relocate the school and other facilities will make up much of the value, so the project is going ahead with the full support of Devon County Council and Torridge District Council. The Parish Council agreed to fund the expenses of a landscape assessment of the farm which David Venner, who is a qualified ecologist, has volunteered to carry out for the parish, preparing maps, photographs and a report. The Parish Council was very concerned about not receiving replies to letters to the Chairman of Torridge District Council, and Planning Committee about Mr Tanner's proposals for housing and workshops at North Road, and since the Secretary of State has decided not to review the application, it would normally just go ahead. However Cllr Ridd has apologised and withdrawn his letter, so the Parish Council will write asking Torridge District Council to reconsider the application since the evidence on which it based its decision was misleading, and ignores the parish's wishes. Chairman Peter Tucker urged everyone to help keep the village tidy, especially the bus shelter and recycling facility. South Molton Recycling will be asked for a bigger facility in the future, and in the meantime if the present one can be cleared weekly. From tenders D Jones & Son was awarded the contract to cut grass and strim at Barton Meadow, and the Playing Field Association will maintain the grass around the recycling pavilion. If anyone is prepared to look after the bus shelter the Parish Council would like to hear from you, and local contractors will be approached to move the fence at Barton Meadow. Peter Tucker also urged everyone to look at the Devon to 2016 Draft County Structure Plan which is open for comment until September. Devon is growing, 10,000 more people move into the county every year than move out, which means that more houses and facilities are needed. High Bickington is in the rural regrowth area, and we are also in the area for wind generation and other small renewable energy projects such as energy crops, for which grants and support may be available.
The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday 11 September 2002, and all residents are welcome to attend. ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WIJudith Domleo At the July meeting Penny Blower gave a talk & demonstration on "A Way With Scarves". Penny showed us how to wear our scarves to best effect & as usual we had a fun evening. The competition for "An Item of Pottery" was won by Jane Kneil. Flower of the month winner was Jean Lynch with a beautiful dark maroon dahlia. Refreshments were served by Ann Allen, Mair Pluckwell & Jean Lynch. Speaker's hostess was Eileen Chambers. Birthday plants were presented to Jennifer Gooding & Melanie Kan. Members NCH Boxes have been opened & the total came to £128.87 for which very many thanks. On a lovely sunny day several members had a day at Rosemoor. In the morning we had a talk in the lecture hall by David Loder on organic gardening, followed by a delicious buffet lunch. In the afternoon we had a guided tour of the gardens with a particular interest in the fruit and vegetable garden. On the last weekend of June, three members went to Denman College with the Devon Federation. Jennifer D'Olley won our Denman Bursary and went on the beginners T'AI CHI course of simple and beneficial Chinese exercises which are revitalising and encourage a sensitive mind/body awareness. She was thrilled with the bedroom in Oak House that had furnished by the Isle of Ely W.I., and thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend. She gave an account of her Denman visit at our July meeting. The other two members went "Walking in the Cotswolds". The walk went along the scenic limestone hills along the River Windrush, through attractive small stone built villages to Burford. The weather was perfect for walking and the two guides were excellent. On the last morning the walkers went to Abingdon and explored the historic quarter of the town and Abbey, which included a stroll along the Thames towpath. On a VERY WET evening three members plus one husband, went to the W.I. Golden Jubilee Garden Party at Killerton. We squashed into a large marquee to have our gourmet supper. There was a steel band playing to make us forget the rain! We could not walk around the beautiful gardens, because the rain never stopped! We went around the house where there was a lace exhibition on display and there was a harpist playing & a pianist. In spite of the dreadful weather we had fun. Our annual outing was a most enjoyable day in Topsham. The coach took us to Exmouth and we then had an hour's trip up the River Exe to Topsham. After lunch we had a guided walk around the town which is so attractive. We finished our visit with a delicious tea provided by Topsham W.I. The Heritage Walk around Chittlehampton was a great success & enjoyed in glorious sunshine. Our W.I. provided tea in the village hall. Our President, Edna Ford, is having a Garden Party at Bartridge House on Tuesday August 13th at 2pm. Bring & Share Tea, Quizzes, Bring & Buy Stall, Games, Raffle. Everyone welcome to come and join in the fun. Do not forget the N. Devon Show on Wed. 7th Aug. as we have entered the Competition also Umberleigh Garden Show on Sat. 3rd Aug. Enjoy the Summer break. Charity Cricket MatchJoe Umpleby The match between High Bickington Cricket Club and the Veterans' XI took place on Wednesday 19th June. High Bickington batted first, and displayed enormous style and flair in order to achieve rather unnoteworthy results, producing a total of 98 runs from their allotted overs. This was, nevertheless, a creditable score in view of the dazzling skill, energy and aplomb of the Veterans, who bowled and fielded with almost professional competence. The Veterans' innings was also characterised by consummate skill and courage, lightning reactions, daring strategy and intrepid running between the wickets. Although the number of runs scored by the Veterans exceeded the score of High Bickington, a small arithmetical problem arose in that the Veterans seemed to have thirteen or more team members, and on occasion flatly refused to leave the crease when given out. This was attributed to poor counting and unfairness on the part of umpires appointed by High Bickington, and in no way diminished the joy and enthusiasm of the watching crowd! In the end, High Bickington very graciously conceded defeat [for the first time in four years], and the Veterans were very grateful! Unfortunately some dolt failed to collect the shield from the engravers, so the presentation could not be made. Following the match, proceedings were adjourned to the Old George, where excellent food and hospitality were greatly enjoyed by all. The sum of £170 was raised for Pathfield Special School, and huge thanks go to High Bickington Cricket Club, the Old George Inn, and all those who kindly donated prizes for the draw, not to mention the devoted members of the Veterans' team who turned out to play when they really should know better! POEM for AUGUST
Fairest of months! ripe Summer's Queen R.Cambe Miller
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