If you have a problem with this site Please contact: webmaster@high-bickington.org.uk |
 |
December 2002and from the editor ..... I've had a complaint about Ramblings. What only one I hear you say! The complaint is that when St Mary's Church is mentioned the one in Atherington is always called St Mary's Atherington but the one in High Bickington is just called St Mary's. Now, I have to say that I agree with this and my reason (excuse) is that I just type, or at least do my best to type, what people write when they send me items. So if you have put St Mary's Atherington then I type that. Anyway I'm all for a peaceful life and happy readers. So, in future I'm just going to put St Mary's and leave it up to you to decide which church is being referred to. This may or may not bring further complaints - ho ho ho! In the meanwhile from us all at Ramblings we wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and New Year. Please especially remember those who are alone or unwell and may need cheering up. Notice in a dry cleaner's window: Anyone leaving their garments here for more than 30 days will be disposed of. Notice in an office: After tea break, staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board. POEM FOR DECEMBERfrom The Setting Sun
Then comes the Winter, like a hale old man James Hurnard (late 19th-early 20th century) Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2002Thank you to everyone who gave so generously to the appeal. £500.00 was collected. I would like to thank Mrs Christine England and Mrs Joyce Underhill for collecting in the Parish and to Libbaton Golf Complex, North Road Stores, Old George and Golden Lion for having collecting tins. Also to St Marys Church for the £148.30 collection at the Remembrance Service. Also to Mrs Betty Mitchell for helping to count the final total. Thank you all. Representing Devon Mrs Christine England was one of two ladies who paraded as Poppy Collectors at the Great Hall, Exeter University on November 7th at the royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance. Congratulations, Christine. Eileen Tucker, Hon. Organiser BARBARA'S CYCLING CHALLENGEAn enormous THANK YOU to all of you who came to one of our recent events at Little Silver House in aid of my challenge to raise urgently needed funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care -- and a special THANK YOU also to those of you who were unable to come and generously sent donations to support the cause. 'We managed to raise a combined total (net of expenses for the two events) of £672 : it was all very encouraging. Now that there's no escaping it, I have to start cycling/training for the trip in January, so if you see this weird cyclist wobbling around the local lanes - don't be surprised!! Thank you again for your support./p> Barbara Winship What do eskimos sing when they get their Christmas dinner? "Whalemeat again, don't know where, don't know when." From the ArchivesResearched by Richard Lethbridge, MBE
4th June 1931 The Late Dr. S. A. Good
There was a representative assembly, drawn from all parts of North Devon, at the memorial service to Dr. A. S. Good, at High Bickington Parish Church on
Sunday. Dr Good, whose death at sea whilst returning from a voyage to the West Indies for his health was recorded in our last week's issue. During the
service the Rector of High Bickington (Rev. C. V. Wansborough) made feeling reference to the deceased gentleman, who was one of the most popular residents
in the district. Dr. Good, he said, was a man of unbounded activity, and they could hardly think of such a man at rest. He did not think Dr. Good would
have wished them to think of him at rest, but would like them to think of him as still alive. ATHERINGTON PARISH COUNCILAtherington Parish Council is pleased to announce that Mr & Mrs C. Hart have kindly agreed that in future a copy of the minutes of Parish Council meetings will be available at the shop for inspection by members of the public. ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WIEdna Ford The A.G.M. was held in Umberleigh Village Hall on the 12th of November 02. Edna Ford presided and in her address commented on the Secretary's (Judith Domleo's) written report, which read we had had another year of Fun, Fellowship, Learning and Competing. She also said she was pleased that the Institute has 44 members to date and thanked the Committee and everyone who had worked hard in various ways and helped her through her first year in office as President. The Treasurers report proved that it had been a financially successful year, which had enabled us to sponsor a member to take a course at Denman College, the lucky member this year was Jennifer D'Olley. During the past year several members have enjoyed events organised by D.F.W.I. and our own outing to Topsham in August was great. Members also helped to raise a substantial amount for Cancer Research U.K. etc. and took part in the Knit In for North Devon Hospice. Competition wise we won the Six Hills group Skittles Competition, at Harracott, the first prize at the Spring Group Meeting at Burrington and the Presidents Salver (first prize) for the 2nd consecutive year at the Barnstaple and District Autumn Horticultural Show held at St Johns Garden Centre. We also entered the North Devon Show W.I. section for the first time and came 11th out of 24 entries. This year saw the passing of four former members, Elizabeth Wright, Ruby Beer, a founder member and our first President, Norah Maynard, a member for many years and Vanessa Douet another former President who served on the Federation Executive Committee, also Education, Public Affairs and Music and Dancing Sub Committees in the past. They served our Institute well and we are grateful to them. The newly elected Committee for the coming year are; Edna Ford (President), Judith Domleo (Secretary), Mary Burgess (Treasurer), Eileen Chambers, Ann Harrison, Carole Hurst, Jean Lynch, Wendy Waldon, Mary Wilson, and two new members, Jean Blewitt and Ruth Thomas. Jennifer Gooding thanked the President and Committee for their services during the past year on behalf of the members and concluded the evening with some Funny Stories and a Quiz. We meet on the second Tuesday of the Month at Umberleigh Village Hall 7.30 p.m. New Members are always welcome, so why not come along as a guest for just £1.50 and see what we are all about. The next meeting is on the 10th of December. Speaker Mr Harry Juniper the Potter from Bideford on the History of Pottery (bring along an item of Pottery if you wish for his comments). Competition: your Favourite Scarf. High Bickington Methodist NewsHazel Pearce The annual Christingle Service will be held on Sunday December 1st at 6.30pm in the Parish Church. All are invited to this special united churches service. Our Carol Service led by the young people entitled "N is for Christmas" will be held on Sunday December 22nd at 6.30pm in the Methodist Chapel. Tea and mince pies to follow. Please come along and support the children. A short Christmas day Service will be held at 10.30am in the Methodist Chapel and all are welcome. A lady from Children's Hospice South West spoke on the important work that 'Little Bridge' carries out with terminally sick children and their families and of the on-going fund-raising. Our prayers and best wishes are with Mrs B Rouse who has had an operation and is recovering at home. Also with Mrs B Crudge who is doing well after her recent hip replacement. To all those who remember Mrs Doris Yates and her late husband Ralph, she sends best wishes for a blessed Christmas. She has many memories of their eight years in North Devon in the 1950/60s. She was celebrating her 96th birthday the day we visited. Rev John Glover now at Helston was also very well, fully recovered from her nasty fall last year. We are sorry to say goodbye to Betty and Arthur Rouse. Betty has been such a loyal supporter and willing helper at the chapel, it will be a great loss when they move to the Cotswolds. After 17 years at High Bickington failing health makes moving near her son the sensible option. We wish them well in their new home. We wish all our readers a blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Sign warning of quicksand: Quicksand, any person passing this point will be drowned, by order of the district council. HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCILClerk: Myc Riggulsford, Dadland High Bickington Umberleigh Devon EX37 9BS High Bickington Parish Council Meeting - Wednesday 13 November 2002
School Cllr Rawlinson said High Bickington can help advance its case by being a regular and constant nuisance. Whenever a problem arises such having to spend money on building repairs, the parents, Governors and the Parish Council should all write separately to Mr Steve Daw, Assistant Education Officer, Capital Buildings; Mr Tony Smith, Director of Education, Arts & Libraries; and to Cllr John Hart, Portfolio Holder for Schools. All addresses are The Education Department, County Hall, Exeter EX2 4QG. Devon currently receives a lower allowance per pupil than other areas of the UK such as the North or South East. Yet Devon is a rural community which has to spend more than the average at £14million every year transporting pupils to these decrepit schools. Devon has £1million a year to replace schools, which is only enough for one school every year. David Brown, Chairman of School Trustees thanked Cllr Rawlinson for his support, and Council Chairman Peter Tucker said that the governors will not allow neglect of the school and fabric of the interior to the detriment of the pupils, but recognise that the main structure is a bottomless pit which needs replacement as soon as possible.
Traffic Residents asked about the heavy traffic which frequently gets jammed and has accidents on the B3217 main road between High Bickington village and the top of Kingford Hill, and if more passing places for lorries would help. Mr Wilde said more passing places would make it easier and more attractive for bigger lorries, and encourage more of them. Larger lorries provide economy of scale for transporting goods for the big retailers, and if everyone shopped at their village shops we would get less of this large-scale traffic.
Mr Wilde was asked if weight or size restrictions can be put on the main road. Hauliers pay thousands of pounds per vehicle every year, and as ours is a
classified B road, everyone is entitled to use it and it cannot be restricted. Restrictions can only be imposed if there is a genuine reason such as a
weak bridge. Vice Chairman Tim Webb asked if Chantry Lane in Atherington could be closed to lorries or restricted to discourage them from heading on
through High Bickington. Mr Wilde said that Chantry Lane is in North Devon District, but making it one-way could be investigated. Addressing the problem of poor sight lines in the roads at Barton Meadow, Mr Wilde said that the estate was designed to force drivers to travel at 20mph, and the more it is opened up the more drivers would perceive that it is safer to go faster. These days planners narrow roads to make them safer for other users. Stan Maskell asked if a safety rail could be installed to discourage children from playing out onto the road. Mr Wilde said that they cannot put barriers down every minor road, education is the safest option. On speeding in North Road, Mr Wilde said they did a recent count and 85% of the traffic using the road is travelling at 33mph or less, and the average speed is 29mph, so compared with similar villages, High Bickington has not actually got a speeding problem. In 1994 the 85% speed was 37mph, so it is down by 4mph. The concern is the fear of speed due to lack of footways, and the narrow roads. The village already has traffic calming measures which make other communities jealous, and does not have a fatal accident record. His department has new interactive signing, flashing up actual or recommended speeds to drivers, which will come on rotation to High Bickington. Maurice Ridd asked if parking outside the shop and on North Road could be prevented since a fire engine was delayed when it was unable get through. Mr Wilde said that obstructing the highway is a police matter, but the safely parked cars are the most effective traffic calming we could have in North Road. Getting rid of them would speed traffic up through the village, we cannot have low speeds without the parking. The parish must decide which it wants. Repairing the road surfaces would also speed traffic up. The roads have been deteriorating since 1977, and the maintenance budget has been cut by 33% in the last 10 years. Now central government has promised extra funding and the targets are for the deterioration to stop by 2004 (in other words it will go on getting worse for two more years), and eliminate the backlog of repairs by 2010. Money is available through the Devon Local Transport Plan for safety, pedestrian measures and cycleways, so make recommendations through the High Bickington Project 2000 and the Parish Council. Mr Wilde suggested that the parish develop a Community Travel Plan. People should make suggestions to the Parish Council and at the Parish Plans Exhibition, prioritise the requirements, and they will try to get funding and have our plans incorporated into the Local Transport Plan. However re-siting the school and hall will have a major impact on travel, so no major works will be installed until the new school is built.
Affordable Housing
Matters Raised by the Chairman Chairman asked Maurice Ridd as our District Councillor and member of the Plans Committee to update the position on Mr Tanner's Affordable Homes and Rural Workshops application, the Section 106 agreement and the promise of £100,000. HIGH BICKINGTON WIJosie Maskell Our November meeting was our AGM and Stella Burrows presided in the absence of Jennifer D'Olley. Our committee for next year remains the same apart from Marian Halstead stepping down and being replaced by Jackie Lester. Brenda Wood remains on the committee but no longer as Treasurer. Stella thanked her for all her hard work over many years. Arrangements were made to play skittles at Lovacott, the quiz at Ashreigney and the carol service at Exeter Cathedral. Stella gave us her report on the Annual Council meeting. Several members attended and enjoyed a very interesting day with excellent speakers. There was a request for more knitted teddies for the Fire Service. Both the Annual and Financial reports were read, seconded and adopted. Jennifer D'Olley who is stepping down as president sent a message thanking everyone for their support during the year. She has enjoyed the term but owing to family commitments cannot continue but will remain on the committee. The ballot for our new President took place with Mary Burgess acting as our Teller. Stella Burrows was elected. We hope to have our New Year's dinner at Libbaton, the date to be confirmed later. The competition and flower of the month cups were then presented to Rosemary Munson and Josie Maskell respectively. The business finished, we went on to enjoy a demonstration by Stella of a chocolate and raisin pudding cooked in the microwave. We were able to taste afterwards and agreed it was a quick and good alternative to Christmas pudding. Rosemary Munson gave a vote of thanks. The flower of the month was a tie between Greta Woollacott and Rosemary Munson, both bringing a pink kaffir lilly. Christine England won the raffle. The next meeting is our Christmas meeting when Doreen Stevenson will be cooking Christmas food for us. Don't forget to bring a present for under the Christmas tree and a few refreshments for a bring and share supper. Our President and all members wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. High Bickington Project 2000Exhibition of Plans and Parish Consultation Exercise Around 250 people visited a very successful Exhibition of Plans and Parish Consultation Exercise held over the weekend of 23rd and 24th November. Work is now underway to assess the responses made during the weekend, to agree any changes that need to be made to the initial sketch plans and to consider the part that alternative crops might play in the future development of local agriculture. In their opening remarks both our local M.P. John Burnett and Vice Chairman of the County Council, Des Shadrick, paid tribute to the way in which our community has responded to the challenge of finding new ways to plan the development and regeneration of rural areas and to ensure that the views of local residents are fully taken into account. “What you are doing in High Bickington is of both local and national interest” said John Burnett “and you can be rightly proud of all that is being achieved. You have my full backing and I shall be doing all I can to support you.” There are many challenges ahead and we continue to need your help and support. Thank you to all who completed and returned their ‘Comments Sheet’ during the weekend. There is still time to let us know your views. If you took away a form so that you could make a considered response then please return it as soon as possible to either the Meeting Point or to a member of the Project 2000 Committee. If you do not have a form but would still like to make a response then please call David Brown on 01769 560873 for a form or just jot down your thoughts on paper and return it as above by 7th December at the latest. A Memorable Day at Buckingham Palaceby Richard Lethbridge A memorable day was had when I visited Buckingham Palace on November 12th to receive my MBE from the Queen. I was allowed to take three guests with me which included my mum, my sister and my late uncle's step-daughter. On the day we had to arrive at 10.30 am so our journey began the day before to make sure we arrived on time. From Tiverton parkway we travelled on the train, our destination being Paddington station and had forgotten the comfortable and smooth ride one has on a high-speed train trip as this one. It being more comfortable than the Barnstaple - Exeter line. On arrival in London we travelled to the "Regent's Park", a small family run hotel close to Marylebone station. After getting settled in our rooms we then hit the high lights of London's Oxford Street and finished the evening by going on the London Eye. The following day of the investiture we arrived by taxi at the gates of Buckingham Palace where there was a security check. On entering the palace the guests and recipients were separated through two different doorways. On walking up the stairway two or three of the horseguards in uniform were standing to attention in prominent areas. Like any stately home, guides were also in position to direct us on the short walk to the picture gallery. On arrival our names were ticked off and a hook pinned to us so the Queen could easily pin on our awards. In this big room the MBE's were separated by ropes you would see in any stately home from the OBE's etc. It was then time to get to know our fellow recipients over a glass of either orange juice or mineral water and this is the only time we were to have a drink throughout the whole ceremony, at no time was there any food to partake of. At the same time a video was being shown of past investitures, in due course one of the Queen's officers introduced himself telling us of the procedure that was about to take place. We were then called out and lined up and escorted at intervals in groups of ten on our journey to see the Queen. With 130 to get through, it was a long wait for some of us. Eventually after two more staggered checkpoints it was my turn. On approach, a bow is the order given and as the Queen is fixing on your award she is talking to you at the same time. One of the questions she asked me was "Did I ride a bicycle on the Post round?" As soon as she shakes your hand you know it is time to go, a few paces backwards and another bow concludes your very short audience with her majesty. Then it's onto the last checkpoint where your medal is taken off you and put in a case and handed to you, then you are guided to a seat with the other recipients. A selection of music is playing all the time by the Welsh Guards. With the ceremony over we all joined up with the guests and congregated within the grounds of Buckingham Palace to have a professional photograph taken. Throughout the ceremony a video is being taken including your short time spent with the Queen. The video lasts 20 minutes and also includes your guests and other recipients. On returning to the hotel we were told of the Landmark restaurant nearby which rounded off our memorable day with smoked salmon and my sister treating us to a bottle of champagne. The Freewill and Gift Aid envelopes will soon be ready for 2003 for non-tax payers and taxpayers respectively. If you would like to give financial aid to St Mary's Church it would be most appreciated. With a common fund payment of £8,000+ this year and large maintenance bills for church repairs, we would really appreciate the financial commitment from all the people of the parish. Roger Keen, Planned Giving Officer
|