December 1999
THANKS: To everybody who sent all good wishes and lovely cards after the car crash. I’m making steady progress -
thank you very much. Maureen Hale.
THANKS: The High Bickington Millennium Committee would like to thank Avril Stone very much indeed for holding a Coffee
Morning at her house on the 20th October in aid of our funds. We raised the princely sum of £120.50 which included some
forward orders of Millennium Mugs and the start of our “Little Silver Raffle”, in aid of the Tea Party to be held there
next June. Avril still has some Christmas cards for sale. They are taken from a beautiful photograph that she took of St
Mary’s Church in winter. If you would like some, please contact her.
THANKS: Ian and Jane Gibson would like to thank all those that helped them plant their narcissi bulbs in St Mary's
churchyard on October 30th. It was very much appreciated. Our thanks too to Jackie Rudman for making us all tea and
coffee afterwards.
THANKS: Joyce Thomas would like to thank all her neighbours and friends in the village for the prayers, cards, letters
etc. whilst she was in hospital. See you soon.
CONGRATULATIONS: To Corrie and Charles on the birth of their baby boy, Philip James. They are still at Fern Cottage,
Atherington but are soon to move to Essex where we wish them every happiness in their new home.
THANKS: From Pat to all her clients for showing kindness and support whilst she was helping in the Smithy Salon. A
very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year to you all.
Atherington St Mary’s
The Autumn Fair, which was held on 16th October raised £260 for the Churchyard Fund. My thanks to all those who gave
donations, draw prizes and helped in any way.
A happy Christmas and peaceful New Year to you all. - Shirley Shapland
High Bickington United Anglican and Methodist Churches
A Service of Remembrance was held on Sunday, November 14th at 10.50 am at St Mary’s Church. The address was given by Rev
Jack Matkin and the readers were Ian Gibson and Betty Harpum. The collection of £102-00 went to the Royal British Legion
Poppy Appeal.
One more year ---- life begins at 90
Today Dear Lord I'm 90 and so much I haven't done
I hope, Dear Lord, you'll let me live until I'm 91
But then if I've not finished with all I want to do
Would you let me stay a while until I'm 92
So many places I want to go, so very much to see
Do you think you could manage to let me make 93?
The world is changing very fast, there is so much in store
I'd like so very much to live until I'm 94
And if by then I'm still alive, I'd like to stay till I'm 95
So I'd like to and see what happens to the World when I'm 96
I know Dear Lord it's much to ask, and it must be nice in heaven,
But really I'd like to stay on earth till I'm 97
I know by then I won't be fast, and sometimes very late,
But it would be so pleasant to be around at 98
I will have seen so many things and had such a wonderful time,
So I'm sure that I'll be willing to leave when I'm 99
HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council meeting on 10 November was attended by 11 Councillors and 18 members of the public.
A letter to the Chairman expressing concern about the delay in the handing over of the amenity land and signed by 11
members of the Residents Group of Barton Meadow was read to the meeting. No response to the Parish Council’s proposal had
been received from Pearce Construction’s solicitors. As a result of this delay it was agreed that a meeting with the
various parties would be sought.
It was reported that signs had been altered on the traffic calming and were clearer but the meeting still had reservations
about the position of the traffic calming and the de-restriction signs. It was felt that the proposals suggested by Mr
Burke should still be implemented. Incidents at the calming were still occurring. It was noted that the trees at the
junction had still not been felled. The problem of difficult exiting from the surgery lane was mentioned. Devon Country
Council would again be contacted about all these matters. Mr Ridd reported that a meeting was to take place shortly in
connection with the problems with traffic speed at the Kingford junction on the A377.
The Local Plan was discussed and it was agreed to comment on:
- The lack of provision for a car park
- The problems with surface water and sewage disposal in the village.
- The proposed extra housing at Winkleigh causing increased traffic load through the village.
- The wish to create a cycle track from the village to the playing field.
The Clerk reported that the Certificates of Satisfactory Audit had now been received for the accounts for the years 1996/97
and 1997/98. The budget for the year 2000/2001 was discussed and the precept set. It was agreed that Mr Ridd would donate
a Christmas Tree for the village but the Council would pay for the lights and electricity.
Planning applications for an extension to 3 Crossways and provision of an entrance porch etc at Shuteley House were
discussed and no objections were raised. The application for a parking lay-by at Rose Cottage & The Cottage had been
approved by Torridge District Council.
The owner of the land over which the footpath at Windy Castle ran had been asked to clear the undergrowth. This would be
checked by Mr Keen. Gift trees from the International Tree Foundation had been ordered.
A problem with a gulley and sinking manhole near Dobbs would be reported and questions asked about the lack of street
cleaning in the village. Housing provision plans, a replacement memorial seat, the garages at Wardens Close and sewage
pollution were also discussed.
The next meeting will take place on 12 January 2000.
St. Mary's Guild
Rosemary Munson
We held our meeting at the Parsonage on the 7th November with 12 members present, this was good as I had the date wrong in
Ramblings, sorry will try to do better.
We spent our meeting discussing the decoration of the Christmas Tree in the Church and the windows, also the Christmas
Fayre and marking the goods for sale. The Fayre will be over by the time you read this and I would like to thank everyone
who has helped and contributed in any way. We welcome new friends at any time, you do not have to be a craftsperson.
I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a very peaceful and healthy New Year.
Our next meeting will be on Monday 10th January 2000 at 2.00p.m. in the Parsonage.
Thought for the month.
Behold, I bring you good news of great joy.
Even if you wanted to, it would be very difficult to avoid hearing or seeing “The News” in our twentieth – soon to be
twenty-first - Century world. For many years, we have watched the News at Ten and our evenings were quite disrupted when
this prime time slot was moved. But we soon discovered that, with so many other stations – both on T.V. and radio, not to
mention a variety of newspapers and journals, there was no need to do without the Daily News. What we can’t seem to change
is the fact that very rarely does the news seem to be good.
The lot of a shepherd in first century Palestine was not a particularly easy one and I am sure they had their fair share of
bad news. So when the angel came announcing “Good News”, they no doubt pricked up their ears. This good news, however,
was not just for them, but for all of us. Jesus, the Saviour of the world was born. God himself was demonstrating his
concern and care for us – right in the middle of all our bad news.
As we approach the last Christmas of the second Millennium A.D., may we all, with the shepherds, allow this same Son of God
to enter our own lives bringing his joy; peace and forgiveness, whatever our circumstances may be.
Mark Thomas
ATHERINGTON MILLENNIUM NEWS
There will be a Millennium Party on New Years Eve for the Parishioners of Atherington and their immediate family in the
Church Hall.
There will be a bring and share supper - bring your own drinks !!!!
Weather permitting we will also light a Beacon on the Playing Field sometime during the evening.
This event is FREE to Parishioners and their immediate family, however due to the limitations of space, it would be helpful
if the Committee could be given an idea of interest.
Any of the following will be happy to take names/ numbers:
Tony Kneil, Lesley Beer, Maureen Beauchamp, Chris Hart (Village Shoppe).
FORTHCOMING EVENTS ORGANISED BY ATHERINGTON MILLENNIUM COMMITTEE:
WED 23rd DEC 1999 Carols around the Village. Everyone welcome. Meeting on the Conservation area at 6.30pm.
Hot Punch and Bring and Share supper in the Church Hall afterwards.
Bring a lantern, carol sheets provided.
FRI 31st DEC 1999 New Years Eve Party in the Church Hall. More details nearer date. Look out for the posters!!
SUN 2nd JAN 2000 Joint Service in the Church at 3pm.
SUN 2nd JAN 2000 UNTIL WED 5th JAN 2000 Millennium Display in the Church Hall. If you have any items that could be
used in this display could you please get in touch with Maureen Beauchamp.
St Mary’s, Atherington - Kneeler Group
We had a good number turn out for our first meeting and most people seemed very keen if a little apprehensive about making
a kneeler. As a complete beginner myself, I too am a bit uncertain, but as Stella and Barbara have offered us their
support, I hope like me, the others will overcome their reservations and turn up for our next meeting on 30th November at
7.30pm. (I am hoping the Ramblings will be in print by this date).
If you were unable to attend the first meeting and wish to come along, please do so as we wish to make this a community
effort, each kneeler being 'a one off' and personalised either by design or dedication.
If you do not want to make a kneeler but would like to sponsor one, come along and bring a design, photograph or picture so
that Barbara can have shot at transferring it to canvas.
We would like to thank Stella, Barbara, Liz and Mike Braid for coming to our first meeting and being so informative and
encouraging.
Eve Butler
HIGH BICKINGTON PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
We have had a busy half term and are now preparing for our OFSTED inspection at the beginning of December.
Last half terms topic was people at work and we had visits from several people including Richard the Postman and Sue from
the Doctors.
This half term our topic is Winter Festivals and as well as celebrating Christmas we will also be looking at other
festivals such as Divali and Hanukkah.
There has been a change to the sessions, Monday and Wednesday are for 3 - 5 year olds and Thursday has now become an under
5's session. Anyone interested in any of the sessions please contact Lesley Beer.
We will be holding a Coffee Morning on Monday 13th December 1999, where the children will be performing a Nativity. They
have worked very hard on this and everyone is welcome to come and watch.
ATHERINGTON PLAYING FIELD NEWS
Thank You to everyone who turned out on a nice if cold evening for the Bonfire and Fireworks. I am pleased to let everyone
know that we took over £450.00 on the night.
Someone on the night left behind a buggy, it must have been missed by now. If you are the owner could you please contact
Lesley Beer so we can return it.
We have unfortunately been unsuccessful with our Lottery bid for the Ball court, mainly due to the fact that we had not
applied for floodlighting. This was something that we thought was inappropriate in this area. However we have not given
up yet and we have applied elsewhere. I must give a big thank you to David Blower who put so much time and hard work into
the bid.
ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI
Judith Domleo
November was our Annual Meeting held in Umberleigh Hall. After the ordinary business was completed the election of the
committee took place as well as the ballot for President. The result was President, Mary Wilson; Secretary, Judith Domleo;
Treasurer, Mary Burgess; Vice President, Rose Peters: other committee members: Eileen Chambers, Margaret Squire and Peggy
Elliot.
Jennifer Gooding had a stall for selling W.I. books and other W.I. goods. Birthday plants were presented to: Margaret
Squire (on her birthday) and Andrea Smith. Refreshments were served by committee members and afterwards Richard Lethbridge
showed the video of Di Drummond doing a sponsored abseil for North Devon Hospice down a 180 degree cliff at Hartland Quay.
President Mary Wilson also did the abseil.
Ten members thoroughly enjoyed the High Bickington Autumn Group Meeting where we had a delicious supper followed by “A
Wander Through This century” with flowers, music and verse. There were prizes for a hat designed for the millennium and
members produced some fantastic creations. Three members attended the Autumn Special Council Meeting at the Princess
Theatre, Torquay. The guest speaker was Nigel Rees on “Humour of Family Sayings.” He is best known as devisor and
presenter of Radio 4’s Countdown. Eight members went on the Northcott Theatre Day at Exeter to see Oscar Wilde’s “The
Importance of Being Earnest” which included a morning workshop giving an insight into the production of the play and a
chance to meet the actors and the director, Ben Crocker. The designer, Tim Heywood, explained the staging and costumes.
An excellent day out.
We entered the W.I. competition at the North Devon Autumn Show held at St John’s Garden Centre with the theme “Bonfire
Night”. Guy - Carole Hurst, Gloves - Irene Sutton, Pizza - Edna Ford and Jean Lynch, Dried Flower Arrangement - Margaret
Squire, Display - Margaret Squire and Judith Domleo. Tawstock were first and we came second.
President Mary Wilson had a tea party at her home, Bartridge House, for new members and the committee. After the Craft
Spectacular at Longdown, June Langer’s pottery jar has been short-listed to go on to the National Show at Tatton Park next
year - well done!
The next meeting will be on Tuesday December 14th , 7.30 pm at Umberleigh Hall. The speaker will be Kerry Mansfield
demonstrating Christmas Decorations (please bring a piece of cardboard, A4 size and covered one side only with decorative
paper or spray. Scissors, ruler, pencil and tube of glue). Visitors very welcome.
We wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year.
HIGH BICKINGTON WI
Josie Maskell
Our meeting on November 3rd was our AGM. The President, Eva Burke, welcomed us all and thanked everyone for their help and
support during her three year term as President. She, in turn, was thanked by Stella Burrows on our behalf for guiding us
through three busy and enjoyable years and presented her with a floral arrangement in a basket and a card signed by all
members present.
Our Group meeting in October was voted a success, all who came enjoyed the evening very much. Stella Burrows then reported
on the Autumn Council meeting where Jennifer Gooding was presented with her V.C.O. badge, those attending enjoyed the day
very much. We were told of the “Teddies for Tragedies” project where ambulance crew members want little knitted Teddies to
give to any little children involved in accidents, several members took patterns to make Teddies. Final preparations for
our entry in the St Johns Autumn Show were then discussed.
Both our Secretary and Treasurer read their annual reports, we seem to have had a very busy year with heritage walks,
skittles, whist, quizzes, driving days and days at Denman to mention just a few of our activities.
A ballot for a new sub-committee was then taken followed by nominations and votes for a new President. Jennifer Gooding
was elected President and Angela Norris, Vice President. New officers are Rosemary Munson as Secretary, Brenda Wood as
Treasurer and Jean Checksfield as minutes Secretary.
The business dealt with we had the competition for reciting a poem. Five members entered and all their ‘poems’ had a very
humourous theme. It was decided they were all ‘winners’. Flower of the month was won by Jean Checksfield and the raffle
by Shirley Terry. We rounded off with a delicious supper supplied by the committee.
Our next meeting is on 1st December when it will be our Christmas Party. Don’t forget a present for under the Christmas
tree and it’s a bring and share supper!
High Bickington Methodist News
Hazel Pearce
Our Carol Service led by the young people will take place on Sunday, December 19th at 6.30 pm in the Methodist Chapel. Tea
and mince pies to follow. Everyone welcome and all are also welcome to a short Christmas Day Service at 10.30 am.
The 4th Annual Eisteddfod on November 7th was a great success. Twenty-two children entered a variety of classes, including
handwriting, cookery, crafts and painting. Thanks to all the children who took part, to the parents for their
encouragement, to all the judges and to Shirley who organised the event. Rev Jack Matkin led a short Thanksgiving Service
and presented a cup to James manning who gained the highest number of points, the runner up cup was awarded to Olivia May.
Age group winners were as follows - Fraser Reeves, Phoebe Pidner, Katharine Reeves, James manning and Kathrine Dymond. We
aim to hold the next Eisteddfod in the Spring of 2001.
Both Childrens’ Clubs during the past months have been making various craft items towards the Eisteddfod including Paper
weaving, salt dough figures and decorated hard boiled eggs. Thanks to Jenny Herniman and Paul Watson who led an
interesting club evening. The children enjoyed the chance to carry out a bit of detective work and also to learn the
phonetic alphabet.
The guild met at High Bickington on November 16th when Me Ron Chapple spoke of the duties of a magistrate and how they are
appointed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Violet Parker and Mrs Freda Squire, both in Torrington Cottage Hospital and Mrs Betty
Rouse who has had a nasty fall in the village street. We trust they will soon feel better.
We wish all readers a blessed Christmas.
Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
Thank you to everyone who gave so generously to the Appeal. £413-09 was raised. Thank you to Mrs C England and Mrs J
Underhill for collecting in the village and parish. Thanks also to St Marys Church for the collection Sunday Service, to
North Road Stores, Libbaton, Old George and Golden Lion for having collecting tins.
Eileen Tucker, Hon. Organiser
When we came to Week (continued)
by Margaret Bolt
War Time
The recent evacuation of Instow (September '99) because of the discovery of a World War II landmine on the foreshore revives
memories of North Devon beaches being laid with anti-tank mines and cordoned off with barbed wire; any access for the
public forbidden by illustrated signs, erected to warn of the dangers of land mines.
At Braunton, visiting my mother's parents and sisters, I heard stories of dogs running onto nearby beaches being blown to
pieces, maybe exaggerated, but I am sure with some truth. Some beaches were cleared, if only partially, after the dangers
of invasion passed but I am not sure when. Outings by train to Instow and Ilfracombe were enjoyed just before or just after
we came to Week in 1946.
My first memory of seeing the sea was possibly in 1942 when Granny Eastman went to visit the tenants of her late brother's
house on the edge of the Teign estuary at Bishopsteignton, a delightfully named smallholding, "Happy Valley". Having
excitedly packed a small cardboard suitcase with a nightie and change of clothes, I also packed a gold silky material,
elastic, ruched swimsuit (passed on from a teenaged Aunt) which I had never had the opportunity to wear in water. I
thought it was to keep me dry and was very surprised that it did not!
From Portsmouth Arms we travelled to Exeter Central station, where the long flight of steps must have been an effort for
Granny carrying a heavy suitcase, packed not only with her clothes but also with two dozen or so Hacknell produced eggs as
a gift for our hosts. A welcome addition to their diet as shelled eggs were rationed from 1941 - I think one per person,
per week.
We were immediately aware of the bombing devastation of Exeter as we walked to the bus depot in Paul Street, and even more
so when sat in the stationary bus for a considerable time waiting for the rubble to be cleared in the High Street. Time
enough for us to share a small thermos of "Camp" coffee.
It was at this stage that Granny discovered an earlier hefty bump had broken some of the eggs, wrapped in newspaper and
packed inside her clothes. We can imagine the sticky mess by the time we travelled to the bus stop nearest "Happy Valley"
and then walking the final part.
I can still picture her with the suitcase on the table scooping out the gooey muck into a bowl for the dog - luckily not
all were smashed. No such thing as cardboard ½ doz. egg boxes then nor 2½ doz. Keyes trays. Boxes were sturdily made of
wood with inner divisions of slotted card, not something easily hidden, for I believe it was illegal for registered
producers even to give eggs away during rationing. No doubt a few of these eggs plus some home cooking were intended for
"Captain" Bennett a longtime friend of Granny's late brother, Alfred Way. I can remember visiting him in a black painted
shack on the very edge of the Teign estuary. He was in bed and very ill when we saw him. I had a paddle in the shallow
water while they talked - but where Granny could keep an eye on me!
Happy Valley lived up to its name, in a sunny sheltered spot, where a clear wide stream ran through the outer yard and "old
man's beard" flourished in the trees beyond - my first sight of this wild clematis. Having been told beforehand - probably
by "the boys" at Hacknell - that the water was supplied to the house by a "ram" which lived in the house where the stream
emerged from the hillside, I was very disappointed to discover that it was a submerged water-powered pump, not a sheep on a
treadmill!
Go to January 2000 issue
