December 2001

An appeal to you all for 2002

High Bickington is a lovely place to live. The people are so friendly and the scenery amazing. However, over the last year or so there has been an increasing problem with litter in the village.

If animals open your rubbish bags, please take the time to pick up what is spilt, the wind will surely spread it far and wide.
If your youngsters wait for the school bus at the bus shelter, encourage and remind them to use the litter bin provided for cans and wrappers.
If like me you are a dog owner, don’t let it roam alone and if it should foul the village, please pick up after it and dispose sensibly. Hopefully we shall have dog litter bins available in the near future. 2001 was a really devastating year for so many local people, let us all try and do our bit to make 2002 much nicer for all.
Thank you.

Jean Checksfield

CONGRATULATIONS: To Richard Lethbridge after completing twenty years as a postman based at Umberleigh. Richard was presented with a certificate by his area manager, Mr John Woolacott, and chose a television out of several gifts available to him.

THANKS: Brenda Friend and family would like to thank everyone in Atherington, High Bickington and Libbaton who kindly helped in so many ways following Gordon's sudden death. Thank you also for the numerous messages of sympathy and generous donations. Ł600 has been sent to Devon Air Ambulance with a similar amount going to St Mary's, Atherington.

THANKS: Thank you to everyone who so generously supported me for the CLIC walk, which with your help raised a total of Ł270. I thank you all.
George Crocker

On behalf of Atherington PCC I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas, and a peaceful New Year.
Shirley Shapland

High Bickington Methodist News

Hazel Pearce

The annual Christingle Service will be held on Sunday, December 2nd in the parish Church at 6.30pm. all are welcome to this special annual service.

Our Carol service led by the young people and entitled 'The Christmas Present' will be held on Sunday, December 17th at 6.30pm in the Methodist Chapel. Tea and mince pies to follow, again everyone very welcome. All are welcome to a short Christmas day Service at 10.30am in the Methodist Chapel.

Our Superintendent Minister, Rev Mike parsons led the November Service. The theme of the service was Zaccaeaus a tax collector by trade. He then asked the children the most unpopular job they could think of and the best job – a dentist and working in a sweet factory were mentioned!

The 5-7's Children's Clubs have made decorated paper lanterns and painted jam jar night lights while the 8-11's have held a games evening, made Christmas stained glass windows and painted jam jar night lights.

The next waste paper collection will be on Monday, December 10th at 9.30am in the village. Any offers to help load most welcome.

Thought for the Month

Don Chitty, Atherington Baptist.

This comes with our sincere Christmas Greetings. It has been a joy and privilege to contribute to your magazine over the last 18 months or so, but with a pastorate opening for us in Bristol we have to say our farewells today. We expect to commence the 'work' there on the 2nd December. We would value your prayers. Thank you.

Christmas is such a great theme to leave by. What a wonderful story! How we praise God for sending His Beloved Son to be born in such circumstances that He might reach the poor and rich through His love. Luke records the amazing Proclamation and Promise from heaven. Luke 2:10. God's interest in us. God's provision of salvation. God making Peace and bringing Joy to all who receive His Son.

Recent events in our world have reminded us of the terrible fear that exists in many hearts. We cannot but acknowledge our vulnerability in an uncertain world.
Christmas tells us we are not abandoned or forgotten by God. His love is demonstrated in the coming of Jesus. The Cradle anticipated the Cross. For there the Saviour died that He might forgive us all our sins and bring us to God. Making Peace through the blood of His Cross! Peace through faith in the One born in Bethlehem.

May God grant His Peace, Joy and Love to be yours through Jesus Christ our Lord. Happy Christmas.

From the archives

Researched by Richard Lethbridge

25th May 1905

By Order of the Administrator of R. Greenwood Penny, Esq., Deceased

HIGH BICKINGTON, DEVONSHIRE

Within Two Miles of Portsmouth Arms Station (L. and S.W.R.), between Exeter and Barnstaple, close to a good Village, Church, Post, and Telegraph Office.

The singularly Beautiful and Attractive FREEHOLD, RESIDENTIAL, SPORTING, AND AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY, known as the “NETHERGROVE ESTATE”, High Bickington, comprising the handsome Stone-Built and Slated residence, “NETHERGROVE” situated in an elevated but sheltered position in its own charming grounds, commanding panoramic views of delightful scenery, approached by two carriage drives (one with lodge entrance), and containing dining, drawing, morning, and billiard rooms, 9 bed and 2 dressing rooms, store rooms and offices, with stabling and outbuildings, ornamental grounds, fruit and vegetable gardens, vinery, peach-house, and conservatory, pasture, orchard and arable lands, and coverts and plantations in hand, together with WARD’S COTTAGE and six acres of meadow land, in all about 93a. 1r. 0p.; MIDDLEWOOD AND NORTHWOOD FARMS, with farmhouse, cottage, ample buildings, and about 117 acres of useful pasture, arable and orchard land, coverts and plantations; SOUTHWOOD FARM, of 106a. 1r. 17p. of well watered and fertile pasture, arable, and orchard land, coverts and plantations, conveniently situated for roads, stations, and markets, with excellent farmhouse and modern buildings, all let to good tenants.
The whole estate extends to about 316 Acres 1 Rood 30 Poles. It is heavily timbered, and the coverts are well stocked with game. Excellent salmon and trout fishing is obtainable in the River Taw, within 1˝ miles of the residence, and several packs of hounds hunt the immediate district.
Also Chief Rents, amounting to Ł1 12s. 10d. per annum.

WHITTON AND LAING will offer the above Estate for Sale by Auction, first as a whole, and if not sold then in 3 lots, at the New London Hotel, Exeter, on Friday, June 23rd, at 3.30 precisely (unless previously sold privately).
Particulars and conditions of Sale, with orders to view, may be had of the Auctioneers, 24, Gandy Street, Exeter; or of MESSRS. WOODHOUSE AND DAVIDSON
Solicitors, 10 and 11, Lime street, London, E.C. 9642

HIGH BICKINGTON YOUTH JUDO CLUB
INSTRUCTOR AND EXAMINER BOB OTTO 3RD DAN
2001 OCTOBER CLUB GRADINGS

CLUB INSTRUCTORS: DAVE WEIR 2ND DAN, RICHARD PINCOMBE 2ND DAN, ANDY ANGELL 1ST KYU

JUNIOR GRADES

Sam Harper - Green belt
Joe Collingwood Burke - Orange belt 1 green stripe
Rebecca Collingwood Burke - Orange belt 1 green stripe
Tara Finn - Orange belt 1 green stripe
Abbey Harper - Yellow belt 3 orange stripes
Guy Newton - Yellow belt 2 orange stripes
Lisa Pidner - Yellow belt 2 orange stripes
Lauren Reeves - Yellow belt 2 orange stripes
Amber Rose - Yellow belt 2 orange stripes
Angelo Areington - Yellow belt 1 orange stripe
Olivia Finn - Yellow belt 1 orange stripe
Richard Scott - Yellow belt 1 orange stripe
Robert Scott - Yellow belt
David Gordon - White belt 2 yellow stripes

PRIMARY GRADES

Katherine Reeves - White belt 2 blue stripes
Shona Ardy - White belt 1 blue stripe
Michael Down - White belt 1 blue stripe
Charlie Finn - White belt 1 blue stripe
Phoebe Pidner - White belt 1 blue stripe
Christopher Newton - White belt 3 green stripes
Jason Jones - White belt 2 orange stripes
Anna Pincombe - White belt 2 orange stripes
Daniel Finn - White belt 1 orange stripe
Chloe Jones - White belt 1 orange stripe
Daniel Pasifull - White belt 1 orange stripe
Scott Pert - White belt 1 orange stripe
Harriett Pincombe - White belt 1 orange stripe
Oliver Harper - White belt 3 red stripes
James Jenkins - White belt 3 red stripes
Chloe Pidner - White belt 3 red stripes
Alexander Urwin - White belt 3 red stripes
Ben Ainger - White belt 2 red stripes
William Brown - White belt 2 red stripes
Alison Down - White belt 2 red stripes
Adam Linley - White belt 2 red stripes
Joe Warburton - White belt 2 red stripes
Craig Barrett - White belt 1 red stripe
Jessica Ravenhill-White - White belt 1 red stripe
Martyn Short - White belt 1 red stripe

St. Mary's Guild

Rosemary Munson

The Guild held their November meeting at Miss E. Thorne’s home. There were 12 members present, with one apology for absence.

We spent our time sorting our crafts and goods ready for the Christmas Fayre.
Thank you to everyone who supports us. There will be a report on the Fayre in January.

Our next meeting is on Monday 14th January 2002.

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and all you wish for yourselves for the New Year.

HIGH BICKINGTON WI

Josie Maskell

Twenty-one members attended our November AGM which began with the singing of Jerusalem. All agreed the Atherington and Umberleigh Group meeting was a great success and the quiz at Ashreigney most enjoyable.

Plans were made to enter the whist and skittles competition next year. The story sacks were so popular a request has been made for more and also for more knitted teddies. Stella Burrows gave a report on the Annual Council Meeting.

The president presented Jean Checksfield with both the competition and the flower of the month cups. The annual report and the financial report were read and accepted. The President thanked the committee for their support over the past year. She in turn, was thanked by Stella Burrows on behalf of the members for making the past year so interesting and enjoyable.

The ballot for President resulted in Jennifer D’Olley being declared our new President. The new committee remains much the same – Jean Checksfield and Josie Maskell being replaced by Millie Finch and Peggy Powell. The bursary was drawn and won by Rosemary Munson this year.

After the business was finished there were several collections – all very different – which some members had on show for us to look at and refreshments from the committee to enjoy.

The competition for the funniest cartoon was won by Jackie Heyster. Marion Halstead won both the raffle and flower of the month.

Next month will be our Christmas Party with a bring and share supper. Don’t forget to bring a present for under the Christmas tree please.

The President and members would like to wish you all a Peaceful and very Happy Christmas.

Armistice Day - Remembrance Sunday

Margaret Squire

Around fifty people attended the short service around the War Memorial on a lovely warm November day.

The order of service was prepared for United Nations and brought us up to date with September 11, 2001. Below is a poem by Robert Domleo who also had this is mind. It was good to remember them.

At the Baptist Chapel following the memorial service Mr Clive Mason touched on the Marshall Plan. Has anyone any memories of this? I'm sure it was important then and relevant today.

It would also be interesting to hear of Armistice parades locally. I understand the banner used is situated at Umberleigh Church?

OCTOBER IDYLL?

The sun shines warmly on my face,
The hum of summer fills the air,
The zephyr, blowing from the south
Combine to make an all too rare
Chance to enjoy the autumn sun
And soak it up without a care.

The chaffinch "pinks" the sparrows chirp;
The cats lie sleeping, stretched not curled,
Exhibiting their tails' full length,
Which round them are so often curled.

A tiny spider, darkish brown,
Drifts right across the script I write,
Anchored by gossamer yet free,
Free to float in passive fight.

All is contentment, joy and peace
"Yes God is good in earth and sky!"
Across the world, mankind makes war,
Where innocents and soldiers die.

R Domleo 12th October 2001

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2001

Thank you to everyone who gave so generously to the Appeal, Ł434.59 was raised.

Thank you to Mrs C England and Mrs J Underhill for collecting in the Village and the Parish and to North Road Stores, Libbaton, the Old George and the Golden Lion for having collecting tins.

Eileen Tucker, Hon. Organiser

HIGH BICKINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Coffee Morning and launch of the Society's project on Little Bickington Farm and the School Log Books.

The Rev John Carvosso is hosting a Coffee Morning on Saturday 19th January 2002, 10.00am, at the Meeting Point, High Bickington. There will be an exhibition of the Society's research, maps, photographs and videos on these exciting projects.

Bring and Buy, Raffle - all proceeds to the Society's funds - see you there!

Reminder to members - planning meeting at the Meeting Point, Wednesday 12th December.

We are delighted to announce that at our recent AGM, Mrs Avril Stone is now president of the Society, Chairman Mrs Margaret Bolt, Secretary Mrs Stella Burrows, Treasurer Rev John Carviosso. New members are always welcome - subscription Ł5 per annum per family.

Stella Burrows, Secretary.

St Mary's, Atherington

Many thanks to all those who supported the 50/50 sale, to Jane and Julie for organizing the sale and to those who gave draw prizes and donations. Thanks also to Richard our auctioneer. Ł420 was raised, to be divided between the Church Fabric Fund and the Bell Restoration Fund.

POEM FOR DECEMBER

THE WAITING

Only fifteen days to Christmas
And the lights illuminating
Every street and every precinct
Are with colour coruscating.
There are mums with fractious children
Round the shops perambulating;
"Can I have?" or "I want that--"
"Oh don't be so aggravating!"

Full of customers, the stores
With Christmas music are vibrating,
Out of tune with tills, whose whirring
Shows that spending's escalating.
Yet the joy is in the wonder
And the wishing and the waiting

Choirs throughout the country
Stand in churches cantillating
The music of all ages
For our spirit's elevating:
And preachers in their pulpits
Urge us "Do away with hating",
To messages of Peace and Love
Their sermons are translating

Do we listen without hearing?
Are we cheerfully donating?
To those in greatest need
Are our actions mitigating?
For the joy is in the giving
And in giving, celebrating.

The Christ-child in the manger
On those actions will be waiting
But even now He's willing us
And wishing while He's waiting.

Robert Domleo 10.12.98

HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk: Myc Riggulsford.

ELECTION of COUNCILLOR PARISH OF HIGH BICKINGTON - Thursday 13 December 2001

Three people have now been nominated to fill the Parish Councillor vacancy, and so Torridge District Council has organised a new election which will be held on Thursday 13 December 2001 in High Bickington. Poll cards will be issued by the Returning Officer.

The candidates are:

Jean Checksfield of Rose Cottage, High Bickington, proposed and seconded by J M Gooding and S G Terry.

Stanley Herbert Parker of Lower Farm, High Bickington, proposed and seconded by D G Herniman and J Rowden.

Ian John Robinson of 10 Highfield Close, High Bickington, proposed and seconded by Michael Morrison and J S M Morrison.

After this one vacancy is filled, the next full elections for the Parish Council are due to be held on the first Thursday in May in 2003.

High Bickington Parish Council Meeting

Wednesday 14 November 2001 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall

Parish Council Grants for 2002/2003

At the Parish Council meeting on 14 November councillors agreed grants for village organisations for the financial year 2002/2003 and set the parish precept needed to cover parish costs. The parish grants for 2001/2002 have now been paid.

The grants agreed for 2002/2003 are:

High Bickington Parochial Church Council for upkeep of the churchyard used as a nature study area by the schoolchildren: Ł30
High Bickington Parochial Church Council towards the costs of the church hall used as the parish hall: Ł40
Barton Meadow Recreational Area Group towards the costs of improving the amenity area: Ł100
The Meeting Point towards the costs of providing the drop in centre for elderly residents and the youth club: Ł30
High Bickington Pre-school Playgroup: Ł100
High Bickington Play Area Group for upkeep of the churchyard used as a nature study area by the schoolchildren: Ł35
The Women's Royal Voluntary Service towards the cost of providing meal-on-wheels service in the parish: Ł50

Myc Riggulsford, Clerk to the Parish of High Bickington

ATHERINGTON PLAYING FIELD COMMITTEE

The Bonfire Night was a huge success with "balmy" weather, colourful fireworks and Ł161.06 profit.

The committee would like to thank all those who attended and look forward to seeing them all next year.

David Blower

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI

Judith Domleo & Margaret Squire

At our November meeting photographs were on display of a very successful group meeting held in October. "Carnival in Rio" was nothing compared to carnival held in the Umberleigh Hall. Members were dressed in the most colourful clothes imaginable, with hats decked with fruit/flowers they danced as I'm sure they have never danced before. All of this was due to very hard work and planning of Di Drummond. As with all Di's efforts it was an evening never to be forgotten. Thanks again Di.

The November meeting brought us to the Annual Meeting. After the yearly reports from the Secretary and Treasurer, the voting for the president took place. Mrs Edna Ford accepted the honour with pleasure and expressed her thanks to the committee for their continued support. It was announced that Rose peters and Margaret squire are to stand down this year (temporarily we hope). Our new president entertained us with a Devonshire dialect reading - dressed of course, to fit the part.

As our retiring President was on holiday - her parting gift, so to speak, was a large iced cake decorated with a map of North and South New Zealand and a glass of wine to go with it. Mary sent a message to say she would be thinking of us on November 14th at breakfast New Zealand time. We all hope she enjoys her well-deserved rest?!!

The Autumn Council Meeting was attended at Exeter University. We were welcomed by the Mayor of Exeter. Our Chairman, Tania Haycocks gave an account of her visit to the Buckingham Palace Garden Party. The three emergency services still want us to knit more teddies. We have been collecting pre-decimal coins for the Children's Hospice South West "Penny Farthing Campaign". We were told that Ł3,000 has been collected so far - keep collecting until the end of February. There will be a special "Open Day" for WI members on Wednesday 16th January 2002. The afternoon speaker was Sue Stockdale, the first British woman to walk to the Magnetic North Pole. A spell binding account.

Our WI hosted the Annual Group Meeting when we entertained our guests to a "Carnival in Rio". There were members from Burrington, High Bickington, Harracott, Tawstock and the five villages around Newton Tracey. It was a very colourful evening and we were entertained by Di Drummond who was a real star. Very many thanks to her and all who provided the delicious supper or helped in any way. A good evening was had by all.

Four members went on a WI trip to the "Eden Project". What a fascinating place - we could hardly believe our eyes. The weather was perfect and there were no crowds. An exciting day out. We entered the WI competition at the Barnstaple Autumn Show in St. Johns Garden Centre. The theme was "In the Kitchen" with the items being a date and walnut cake - Eileen Chambers, an oven glove - Jane Kneil, jar of lemon curd - Judith Domleo and flower arrangement - Wendy Waldon, Margaret Squire and Christine Clemens. Surprise, surprise - we were the winners - well done everyone.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 11th, 7.30pm at Umberleigh Hall when the speaker will be Mrs Helen Chugg giving an illustrated talk on "Floral China". Visitors very welcome. Happy Christmas to all.

From the text of the Remembrance Day Service...

A Service for Remembrance Sunday

We the people of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind; and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small; and to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained; and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom; And for these ends to practise tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security; and to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest; and to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples; Have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish these aims.

FOOT AND MOUTH INQUIRY PUBLISHES PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

A series of key findings to tackle any future outbreak of Foot and Mouth have been published in a preliminary report by the Devon Inquiry into what it calls the "lamentable" handling of this year's outbreak. The report criticises the way the Government and its agencies treated individuals and communities in one of the worst Foot and Mouth affected areas of the country. Copies of the findings have been sent to the Prime Minister, Lord Haskins, the Government's Rural Recovery Co-ordinator, and Lord Whitty, Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The preliminary findings are a precursor to a full and definitive Devon report which will be published later in the year.

FOOT AND MOUTH HALVES SMALL FIRMS' INCOME - NEW REPORT

According to a new report by Devon County Council, Foot and Mouth has halved the income on average of small firms in the worst affected areas. Research suggests the number of people out of work in Devon has risen by as much as 3,000. Analysis of small firms receiving support from a business information service revealed 89 per cent are suffering a downturn and the average loss of income is 49 per cent.
The report "Impact of Foot and Mouth", says there are 20,000 small businesses in Devon each employing less than 5 people and points out that the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in the county normally falls by between 4,500 and 5,000 between January and July - this year the fall has been only 1,900.
The report highlights a worry about the impact on the self-employed – a characteristic source of employment in the agriculture and tourism industries and says the impact of Foot and Mouth on top of low average wages will further reduce household incomes. Earnings in Devon are among the lowest in the country with 32 per cent earning below the European Union definition of low pay.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS BACK DEVON RECOVERY PLAN AIMS

The aims of the Devon Foot and Mouth Recovery Plan have been backed by two influential Government reports. Devon County Council, which developed the Recovery Plan in partnership with 150 organisations, has welcomed what it described as "significant backing" in the reports and said it would continue lobbying Government to ensure enough money is available to drive the recovery.
Lord Haskins' report "Rural Recovery after Foot and Mouth Disease" recommends Government support for the Devon Recovery Plan. Elsewhere in his report, Lord Haskins states that his recommendations to minimise the impact of Foot and Mouth apply to all relevant rural economies including Devon. The report of Rural Task Force, chaired by Rural Affairs Minister, Alun Michael, also supports many of the proposals advanced by the Devon Recovery Plan.

PUPILS HAVE THEIR SAY ON CLASSROOM OF THE FUTURE

Pupils from 10 North Devon primary schools will have had the opportunity to say what facilities they think a high-tech 21st century classroom should contain. The pupils took part in a special Technology Day at Chulmleigh Community College which has been chosen as the site for a pioneering Classroom of the Future project with Winkleigh and Witheridge Primary Schools. Devon County Council has been awarded Ł900,000 by the Department for Education and Skills to take forward the innovative scheme to help boost learning opportunities in rural communities for children and adults alike. Devon is just one of 12 local authorities selected following an invitation by the Government to councils to come up with plans for "a classroom of the future".
The aim is to build a "classroom of the future" at each of the three schools which would be equipped with the latest computers as well as audio and video technology. This would allow both school pupils and adult learners to benefit from video links with experts at three of Devon's technology colleges - Knowles Hill in Newton Abbot, Queen Elizabeth Community College in Crediton and West Exe in Exeter.
They would be able to take lessons or give lectures without moving from their home base.
The idea is to provide greater learning opportunities for people living in rural areas and help to cut down social exclusion in isolated communities. All the facilities would be available to the whole community.

Go to January 2002 issue