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August 2003CONDOLENCES: To Mr & Mrs Doyle and Family on the death of Pam Wallace. To Sharon and Simon on the sad death of baby Emilia. To Richard Beer and Family on the death of John. The patriarch of Atherington village has left us, but his stories will be remembered for many years to come.
THANKS: Words cannot express our sincere thanks to family, neighbours and so many lovely friends for their prayers, kindness, cards and so many
messages. The village has been so wonderful. Cliff is now home and making progress after stays in Macclesfield and Barnstaple Hospitals. CONGRATULATIONS: To Fred and Gwen Gower on their Ruby Wedding Anniversary on August 24th. CONGRATULATIONS: Atherington villagers would like to congratulate our Parish Clerk Joe and his new wife Annie on the occasion of their recent marriage. Best wishes to Ali and Tom on their marriage on 21st June. To Caroline and John on the safe arrival of baby Oliver.
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| Josie Gordon | Gold medal |
| Isabel Domleo | Silver medal |
| Chloe Jones | Silver medal |
| Jason Jones | Silver medal |
| Scott Pert | Silver medal |
| Charlie Finn | Bronze medal |
| Daniel Finn | Bronze medal |
| James Jenkins | Bronze medal |
| Jessica Ravenhill White | Bronze medal |
| Joe Warburton | Bronze medal |
In addition, Daniel Pasifull and Martyn Short were both awarded Certificates for outstanding effort.
... and a message from Dan McDonald at the High Bickington shop ...
Well thanks again to every one in the village, I just can't believe the continued support we are getting. The bakery is a big success and we aim to add a further service within the next month (subject to paypoint). We are trying to get an ATM machine and a cheque deposit facility set up with Natwest and HBSC so customers can deposit their cheques at the store. In turn we deposit them at the main branch in Barnstaple in sealed envelopes, which the customer gives to us. I know this will be useful to our older residents.
I also want to set up a neighbour check as many of our older and of course more vulnerable residents visit the store nearly every day and I get a bit worried when I don't see them for a few days. Could someone, maybe Mike via Ramblings, set up a directory of a few people we can contact to check on them if we don't see them for a day. Just an idea but I would hate it if one of them was ill and could not get in touch with someone.
Charity we are committed in the store to helping any local charity events by donating prizes or highlighting fund-raising. Anyone who needs a few bits for raffles etc. please see Dan. We want to help - we might not live in the village - but it is becoming our second home.
Lastly, thanks to all who made me blush by singing happy birthday to me and making Linda and I welcome at what must have been the best karaoke night I have ever attended. I've seen real Devon fun and I loved it.
I know this goes on a bit but I really mean it - I am very grateful to you all at High Bickington for making myself and Linda so welcome in the community.
God bless,
Dan
HIGH BICKINGTON YOUTH JUDO CLUB
CLUB GRADINGS
EXAMINER Bob Otto 3rd Dan
JUNIOR GRADES
| Guy Newton | Orange belt 2 green stripes |
| David Gordon | Yellow belt 1 orange stripe |
| Sarah Aldridge | Yellow belt |
| Thomas Allbrook | Yellow belt |
| Katie Brown | Yellow belt |
| Jason Jones | White belt 3 yellow stripes |
| Daniel Pasifull | White belt 3 yellow stripes |
| Charlie Finn | White belt 2 yellow stripes |
| James Jenkins | White belt 2 yellow stripes |
| Christopher Pearce | White belt 2 yellow stripes |
| Ross Pearce | White belt 2 yellow stripes |
| Phoebe Pidner | White belt 2 yellow stripes |
| Harriet Pincombe | White belt 2 yellow stripes |
PRIMARY GRADES
| Scott Pert | White belt 1 blue stripe |
| Ben Ainger | White belt 2 green stripes |
| Daniel Finn | White belt 2 green stripes |
| Chloe Jones | White belt 2 green stripes |
| Chloe Pidner | White belt 1 green stripes |
| Jessica Ravenhill-White | White belt 1 green stripes |
| Joe Warburton | White belt 1 green stripes |
| Danny Pearce | White belt 3 orange stripes |
| Martyn Short | White belt 3 orange stripes |
| Josie Gordon | White belt 2 orange stripes |
| Erin Beer | White belt 1 orange stripe |
| Indianna Beer | White belt 1 orange stripe |
| Benjamin Wiskin | White belt 1 orange stripe |
| Alex Cotton | White belt 3 red stripes |
| Isabel Domleo | White belt 3 red stripes |
| Georgina Phillips | White belt 3 red stripes |
| Matthew Walker | White belt 3 red stripes |
| Robyn Walker | White belt 3 red stripes |
| Harry Brown | White belt 2 red stripes |
| James Brown | White belt 2 red stripes |
| Charlie Harding | White belt 2 red stripes |
| Christopher Harding | White belt 2 red stripes |
| Ashley Jenkins | White belt 2 red stripes |
| Ashley Maris | White belt 2 red stripes |
| Christopher Maris | White belt 2 red stripes |
| Lesley Milton | White belt 2 red stripes |
| Benenice Phillips | White belt 2 red stripes |
| Alisa Snell | White belt 2 red stripes |
| Ben Snell | White belt 2 red stripes |
| Kara St John | White belt 2 red stripes |
| Yeen Wichaisri | White belt 2 red stripes |
| Kieran Jenkins | White belt 1 red stripe |
Letter to a problem page: My husband and I have just qualified for our old-age pensions and it's made him very passionate. He wants to make love to me every moment of the day. What am I to do?
P.S. Please excuse the wobbly writing.
Personnel Manager: I see that your birthday is on September 30th. May I ask what year?
Woman: Every year.
HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk: Mrs Di Carter, 20 Springfield, Four Seasons Village, Winkleigh, Devon EX19 8DP
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Wednesday 9 July 2003 in the Church Hall, High Bickington
Present: Peter Tucker (Chairman), David Brown, Stella Burrows, Jean Checksfield, Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Stan Parker
In attendance: 6 members of the public, Di Carter – Clerk to the Parish Council
1. Apologies for Absence: Apologies were received from Myc Riggulsford
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 12 June 2003 The Minutes, having been circulated and published on the notice boards, were accepted and adopted by the Council. The Chairman signed the Minutes.
3. Matters Raised by the Public
(a) The painting of white lines in North Road before the road is resurfaced was queried. The Chairman reported that John Wilde, Local Service Officer,
Devon County Council, had informed the Council that whilst resurfacing of the B3217 through High Bickington is on the priority list it is unlikely to take
place in the current financial year.
(b) The pathway below the notice board at Barton Meadow is covered in mud and slippery. The relevant authorities will be contacted to rectify this.
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Meeting held on 12 June 2003
(a) Dog fouling signs at Barton Meadow. Jean Checksfield is to meet with the Torridge District Council officer responsible to discuss the matter. The
Clerk reported a letter from a local company offering to supply and erect dog litter bins. The cost of these would be £25 for a metal bin, £35 for
polypropylene. Emptying and cleaning would normally be done weekly during the summer at a cost of £2 per bin.
(b) Street cleaning - a schedule for street cleaning is being obtained. Torridge District Council officers have asked for information regarding any
specific areas of concern.
5. Local Housing Needs
Liz Steele, Senior Housing Services Officer at Torridge District Council was unable to attend this meeting but has agreed to attend the next meeting to be
held on 10 September 2003. She has asked for any specific questions to be put in writing to her prior to the meeting.
It is important to obtain the names of all eligible people who require housing in the village. Notices are displayed on the notice boards and in Ramblings. Mike Leatham reported that Lizzie Uttley, Rural Housing Enabler, Devon County Council will gather information on numbers, level of affordability etc and will speak confidentially to applicants. The housing at Little Bickington will give first preference for local people but is not aimed at any specific age group. David Brown felt it important to get agreement in writing from Torridge District Council on this point.
6. Village Plan The Plan has now been printed and all Parish Councillors have received a copy.
Torridge District Council have also supplied copies to all their Councillors. Copies are available on loan or can be purchased at £25 per copy. A small
number of CDs are also available at £15 each.
Available funds will be assessed to facilitate the printing of the Directory, and also for the launch of this, the Parish Plan and the Landscape Assessment. Following a discussion it was felt that the launch should be sooner rather than later, either an evening or Saturday morning date. The Chairman will liaise with David Brown on signatories, press etc to be invited and asked for any suggestions of people to be included.
It was noted that Alun Michael is proposing to visit the village later in the year, the date is yet to be confirmed.
The Clerk was asked to apply for the last monies from the Vital Villages Fund once the Directory is printed.
Proposed by David Brown, seconded by Jean Checksfield, it was unanimously agreed that the Finance Committee be allowed to approve the release of monies from the Vital Villages Fund.
David Brown reported on the progress of the bid for £170,000 from Leader Plus to take the project further. 50% would be recouped from Leader Plus, 25% from DEFRA. A final decision on the award of the monies would be made at the end of August, but David Brown is hopeful it will be successful. He outlined the ways in which these funds could be utilised.
7. Maintenance
(a) Quotations from builders. Jean Checksfield declared an interest and left the meeting.
Seven tender letters were sent out and two quotations received as follows:
Barry Checksfield £11.25 per hour. Maurice Ridd £7.00 per hour.
Proposed by Stan Parker, seconded by David Brown, it was unanimously agreed to accept the quotation from Maurice Ridd. Jean Checksfield rejoined the
meeting.
(b) Chairman’s meeting with Highways Engineer.
(i) Bollards outside surgery – Highways deemed this to be a car parking problem and therefore the responsibility of the Police.
(ii) Dobbs Corner – kerbs and verges. It is on the priority list to renew kerbstones when funds allow.
(iii) Planted areas at Barton Meadow and Highfield Close. Highways are unable to take on the replanting but would be happy for the Parish Council to
undertake the work. If grassed, Highways would be prepared to cut it. The Chairman said the Council is unable to undertake this work but will keep in
touch with residents on this problem.
(iv) Village sign – on order.
(v)Letter from Mr D Venner regarding cobblestones around the centre of the village. There is some uncertainty as to who is responsible for these, the
householders or the Highways Department. The Clerk was asked to make enquiries.
(vi) Telephone Kiosk. The Clerk reported that BT has confirmed they are responsible for the upkeep of the kiosk and have put repainting on the schedule
to be carried out between now and October 2003.
8. Finance
(a) The financial statement as presented at 30 June 2003 was approved and accepted by the Council.
(b) The Chairman reported new financial monitoring arrangements which will enable items of expenditure to be recorded monthly with a quarterly financial
statement produced.
(c) New banking arrangements. The Chairman confirmed that the Finance Committee recommended transferring funds from the Portman Building Society to a
Community account with Barclays Bank, which would give easier access to the account. Councillors agreed that all monies currently deposited with Portman
Building Society be transferred to Barclays and the Clerk was asked to arrange this.
(d) Cornhill Insurance Policy. The Clerk confirmed that Cornhill has added two notice boards and the car park sign to the policy at no extra cost.
(e) Planning application for Barton Meadow. Helen Carn confirmed this is in hand and the Chairman asked for information on the area to be included in
order that the Parish Council’s contribution to the cost of the application can be agreed.
9. Matters Raised by the Chairman
Notices regarding the annual grants awarded by the Parish Council are being displayed on notice boards and in Ramblings. All applications to be received
by 8 September 2003.
10. 106 Agreement
The Chairman read a letter from Stephen Mottram confirming that a new 106 will be required for any new application. He also read a letter from Midas Homes
who are in negotiation with Mr Tanner to purchase the land and complete the overall development. Their Company would be happy to work with the Parish
Council on the wording of a new 106 agreement.
The Supplementary Planning Guidance contains useful information on community benefits (circulated to Councillors in pack).
11. Planning
(i) Notice of application no. 1/1222/2003/27/0005 – Erection of garage, 7 Wardens Close, High Bickington. As detailed plans were not yet available
Councillors agreed that Peter Tucker, David Brown and Stella Burrows be allowed to consider this application and if there were no problems to send comments
to Torridge District Council before the next meeting in September.
(ii) Development at High Bickington. The Chairman declared an interest and left the meeting. Stella Burrows reported that she had spoken to the District Councillor, Mr James Morrish, and he is prepared to speak, following briefing, on behalf of the Parish Council before the next Torridge District Council Planning Committee meeting.
(iii) Development at High Bickington – Parish Council’s resolution. It was noted that copies of this letter had been sent to John Burnett, MP, John Rawlinson, Devon County Councillor, and Des Shadrick. The Chairman rejoined the meeting.
12. Correspondence
(i) Torridge District Council – Working Together – A community strategy for Torridge. To be circulated.
(ii) The Land between the Moors – an invitation to a special meeting. To be circulated.
(iii) Village Green - Community Council of Devon – membership invitation. The Clerk to discuss this with Myc Riggulsford.
(iv) DEFRA – Quality Parish Council Scheme – to be circulated.
13. Outstanding Matters
(i) Clerk’s contract of employment. This has been agreed and will be signed shortly.
(ii) A response from the Standards Board had been received by Myc Riggulsford. The Chairman deferred discussion on this until a future meeting when Myc
was present.
14. Items for information
Stella Burrows reported that PC Tony Hagan is now the Neighbourhood Beat Manager. She also reported details of the Police Liaison meeting she attended
on behalf of the Parish Council on 24 June 2003 at the Pollyfield Centre, Bideford.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.15 pm.
On behalf of the Church Council...
May I thank all who came to the Church Fete on July 12th and helped to raise £560.76 to date. Many thanks to all those who helped with the teas, games and stalls, gave donations and gifts, and especially the local fire brigade for kindly bringing their engine, and not forgetting the pig from Little Bickington!
Roger Keen, P.C.C. Secretary
HIGH BICKINGTON CHURCH FETE
Guess the weight of the pig!
127lbs 8oz
Prizes awarded:
DECANTER AND TWO BRANDY GLASSES
Won by Kathy Jay who guessed 130lbs
BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE (donated by High Bickington Shop)
Won by Stella Burrows who guessed 125lbs
HEMP T-SHIRT
Won by Barry Checksfield who guessed 123lbs
TEDDY BEAR
Won by Janet Lickerish who guessed 132lbs
MEDITATION CD
Won by Jane Gibson who guessed 132lbs
A man takes a gorilla out golfing. At the first tee, the gorilla says, 'So what am I supposed to do?' And the man says, 'You see that little round green area about four hundred yards away? You've got to hit the ball on to that.'
So the gorilla grabs a club and whacks the ball and it goes screaming down the fairway and lands on the green. Then the man drives his ball and it travels about 150 yards. He takes a second shot and then a third shot and finally his ball arrives on the green just near the gorilla's ball.
The gorilla says, 'So what do I do now?' And the man says, 'You hit the ball into that little cup.'
And the gorilla says, 'Why didn't you tell me that back there?'
From the Archives
Researched by Richard Lethbridge, MBE
1858
THAT SPLENDID HORSE
BLUE JEMMY
The winner of the Premium in 1854 and 1855 at the Braunton Agricultural Society’s Show, the Property of Mr. WILLIAM PRIDHAM, Barnstaple and Bideford, will be allowed to Serve Mares this season, at One Pound each Mare, and 2s. 6d. the Groom; the Groom to be paid at the first time of serving, and the remainder on or before Midsummer day, otherwise 5s. extra will be charged for collecting.
He is remarkably powerful, exceedingly handsome, and possesses extraordinary muscular power, is speedy, staunch, and a sure and good stock getter, aged nine years, height 16½ hands, colour bright bay. He is by Rival, winner of the premium at the Barnstaple Agricultural Show, Dam by Old Scrivaton.
BLUE JEMMY will leave Barnstaple (Fairs and Sickness excepted), Monday April 19th, and every other Monday, and pass through Horwood, Eastleigh, Westleigh,
‘Skinner’s Hotel,’ Instow, from 2 till 4, and Bideford the night: Tuesday, the 20th, and every other Tuesday, at ‘Angel Inn,’ Bideford, from 9 till 5, and
Woolfardisworthy the night: Wednesday, 21st, and every other Wednesday to ‘New Inn,’ Parkham, from 1 to 3, and to the ‘Coach and Horses,’ Buckland Brewer,
the night: Thursday, 22nd, and every other Thursday, to ‘Black Horse,’ Great Torrington, from 1 to 3, through Huntshaw, Alverdiscott, to the proprietor’s
Stables at night: Friday, 23rd, and every other Friday, at ‘Angel Inn,’ Barnstaple, from 10 to 6: Saturday, 24th, and every other Saturday, through
Bishop’s Tawton, to ‘Golden Lion,’ Chittlehampton, 9 to 10, to ‘Anchor Inn,’ South Molton, till 5, and to ‘Warkleigh Hotel,’ until Monday morning 10
o’clock: Monday, 26th, and every other Monday, to ‘New Inn,’ King’sash, from 1 to 3, and to ‘Clatworthy Arms,’ Winkleigh, the night: Tuesday, 27th, and
every other Tuesday, through Monkokehampton to ‘New Inn,’ Hatherleigh, till 3, and then to ‘Green Dragon,’ North Lew, the night: Wednesday, 28th, and
every other Wednesday, to ‘Golden Lion,’ High Hampton, from 12 till 2, and ‘Union Inn,’ Black Torrington, the night: Thursday 29th, and every other
Thursday, to ‘White hart,’ Sheepwash,, from 12 till 2, through Petrockstow, to ‘New Inn,’ Meeth, the night: Friday, 30th, and every other Friday, to ‘Royal
Oak,’ Dolton, from 11 to 1, to ‘Globe Inn,’ Bolford, from 4 till 6, and to ‘New Inn,’ Roborough the night: Saturday, May 1st, and every other Saturday,
to ‘Black Horse,’ Highbickington, from 12 to 2, through Atherington, and to his own Stables, Barnstaple.
P.S. – At all the above mentioned places regular attendance will be given by JOHN MAY, the Groom.
NOTE: Richard points out that: The stallion, Blue Jemmy, used to tour around the area serving the mares. On every other Saturday this took place at the Black Horse, High Bickington, now the home of Betty Mitchell.”
High Bickington Project 2000
FUNDING FOR PROJECT MANAGER A STEP NEARER
A funding package amounting to more than £170,000 came a step closer on 18th July when the North Devon Leader+ Action Group agreed to recommend that Government and European Officials give approval to a cash grant of around £117,500 over a two year period. It is expected that a final decision on this will be made in the next few weeks. In order to meet the requirements of the Leader+ scheme this cash sum has to be supplemented by locally raised funding amounting to more than £50,000 either in cash or by costing the work carried out by local volunteers and staff from partner agencies such as the County, District and Parish Councils and the Wessex Reinvestment Trust/University of Salford. We are delighted that this latter part of the funding arrangement has already been confirmed.
The funding will enable us to appoint, for a two year period, a full time Project Manager and a part time administrator to work on the detailed implementation of the proposals set out in the recently published High Bickington Parish Plan. Money will also be available to cover general administrative costs and to pay for necessary external professional and legal services. The availability of this funding will mark another major milestone in taking the project forward to a successful conclusion.