December 2003
THANKS: We would like to express our grateful thanks to the people who sponsored the races for the Ferret Racing and thank you to everyone who bought
ownership of a ferret and the people who gave draw prizes. Also everyone who helped on the night - we raised £345 for St Marys Church.
And lastly, thank you to everyone for coming and making it such an enjoyable night. Thank you all.
Joan and Linda Brayley
ST MARYS CHURCH, HIGH BICKINGTON
Thank you to all the ladies who have put flowers in the Church and to all those who have given money. I do hope next year we will see more names on the
lists which will be in the Church in the New Year. Also the cleaning list will be in the Church.
Thank you to those who have cleaned. Special thanks to Tony Freeman and his trusty machine, you do a great job.
Eileen Tucker
St. Mary’s Guild
Rosemary Munson
Our last meeting of the year was held in November, when preparations were made for our Christmas Fayre. There were apologies from Mrs. Miller and Mrs.
Underhill.
If anyone has a small set of aluminium steps we would be very grateful, these are needed for ladies to decorate the church, instead of standing on a chair,
thank you.
We also need ladies or gents to do the flowers in the church, there is a rota in the church. Mrs. Eileen Tucker does most of the work, please help. Two
people can do it together.
I would like to wish everyone a happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.
James Morrish, Torridge District Councillor, writes ....
As I am sure many of you have read, Torridge District Council (TDC) has received a very poor rating in a recent Audit report. The outcomes are quite
serious and have resulted in an officer from The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister being present at TDC for at least two days a week for the foreseeable
future, certainly for six months. I do, however, strongly believe that the current Chief Executive of TDC, Trevor Smale, is “steering the boat in the
right direction” and, given time and commitment from his staff and district councillors, will be able to sort out the mess that we find ourselves in at the
moment.
On a more positive note, I still regularly hear people around Devon praising up the people of High Bickington and, as plans continue to be put into
operation on the various projects in the community, I am sure there is a lot more good news to come.
High Bickington Methodist News
Hazel Pearce
Our Carol Service, led by the young people, will be held on Sunday, December 23rd 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, led by Rev Mark Noakes, in the Methodist Chapel, all are welcome.
The 8-11’s Children’s Club have made and decorated Christmas cards, glass painted night light jars and created some yummy sweets.
Rev Mark led a very special service on November 2nd, when we welcomed Becky Down, Sammy and Phoebe Pidner into Membership at a service of confirmation.
They were presented with their first Membership Cards by the Stewards and each received a bible from the Sunday School teachers. It was a moving service
and we wish them well in their journey of faith.
At the group missions evening, Tom Harding sang, and Rodney Jenkins played the keyboard for an enjoyable evening of well-loved timeless songs, followed by
a generous supper. Many thanks to those who came, or sent donations. Those who were unable to come missed a treat. With the bring and buy stall £127.40
was raised for welfare and mission work at home or overseas.
We are very pleased to know that Mrs Beryl Crudge is home again, slowly improving, with her arm still strapped up, but more a normal size now. We trust
she will soon be well again.
Betty Rouse sends Christmas greetings to all her friends at High Bickington, and thanks them for letters and telephone calls. She is so grateful to hear
all the news, she does miss you all.
The congregation of High Bickington Methodist Church wish all readers a blessed Christmas.
From the Archives
Researched by Richard Lethbridge, MBE
October 12, 1922
ATHERINGTON TRAGEDY
Mute Evidence of a Broken Bicycle
INQUEST IN BARNSTAPLE
Mr. T. A. Bencraft (Borough Coroner) conducted an inquest at the North Devon Infirmary on Thursday afternoon relating to the death of Chas. Edwin Quick, an
Atherington postman. The Coroner having given a resumé of the evidence he proposed to call.
Arthur Marlow, postman, of Atherington, said he knew the deceased very well, being a postman attached to the same office as himself – Umberleigh. The
deceased had resided at Atherington, and was 28 years of age. On the morning of the 19th September Mr. Quick left home on his bicycle about 20 minutes
past four to catch the mails. Witness heard him pass his house about that time. Some eighty minutes later witness, while walking to Umberleigh, saw
something dark lying in the road at the bottom of Atherington Hill. He struck a match and saw it was a man in postman’s uniform. He immediately
recognised the form as that of his friend, Mr. Quick. He was lying with his face to the ground and his head pointing towards Atherington. The deceased
felt very cold, and witness rubbed him for about ten minutes, but failing to get any feeling in him he went to the nearest cottage to get assistance. The
deceased was shaking like a leaf. With assistance he removed him to his home. Mr. Quick was quite unconscious, and his eyes were closed. Witness then
went to the post office and wired for a doctor. Near the spot where he found the deceased was Mr. Quick’s bicycle. It had parted in two at the front
forks. Witness thought breaking of the forks caused deceased to fall on his head. Had the bicycle remained all right there was no doubt the deceased
would have reached Umberleigh safely. He was a very careful rider. Witness saw no evidence that he had collided with the hedge or with any vehicle.
There was no one about, and no motor car of vehicle had passed that way that morning. – The Coroner asked whether deceased was an able bodied man, and
active? – Witness: Yes. – You have never heard him complain of pains in the head or of anything which would lead to his perhaps having had a fit? No.
P.C. Challice, stationed at Bishopstawton, said he made enquiries following the accident, and had interviewed several people. Mr. Quick was a good
rider. As far as he ascertain no other vehicle passed along the road either before or after the accident.
The House Surgeon at the Infirmary said deceased was brought into the institution on the day of the accident. He was unconscious then, and had never
regained consciousness, passing away the day previous at the institution. When admitted, Mr. Quick was apparently suffering from concussion and laceration
and bruises of the face, nose and temple. – The Coroner: Such bruises and injuries as would be entirely consistent with his falling off a bicycle into the
road? Yes. – The Coroner: You have made a post mortem examination? Yes, and found the cause of death was pneumonia. He had a small fracture of the skull
internally and hemorrhage into the brain. The Coroner: The unconsciousness was due to the fracture, and the pneumonia was due to his low condition since?
Yes. – He died of the consequences of the accident? Yes.
The Coroner said it was perfectly clear that it was a pure accident, owing to the breaking of the bicycle. No one appeared to be to blame.
HIGH BICKINGTON WI
Rosemary Munson
This will be a short report as Mrs. Josie Maskell is on holiday.
Our Annual Meeting was held in November. We elected a new President Mrs. Peggy Powell, thanks were extended to Mrs. Stella Burrows our President for the
past year.
The cup for the competition for the past year was won by Mrs. Rosemary Munson and the flower of the month cup Mrs. Josie Maskell.
We competed in a quiz at Ashreigney, we didn't disgrace ourselves, we came fourth. Congratulations to Atherington and Umberleigh who won on their first
appearance.
We would be pleased to see any ladies who would like to join us, we are a friendly bunch. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 3rd December, it is our
Christmas meeting.
HIGH BICKINGTON YOUTH JUDO CLUB
CLUB GRADINGS - EXAMINER Bob Otto 3rd Dan
JUNIOR GRADES
Rebecca Collingwood Burke - Orange belt 3 green stripes
Olivia Finn - Orange belt 3 green stripes
Abby Harper - Orange belt 3 green stripes
Guy Newton - Orange belt 3 green stripes
Kevin Angell - Orange belt 1 green stripe
Lisa Pidner - Orange belt
David Gordon - Yellow belt 2 orange stripes
Sarah Aldridge - Yellow belt 1 orange stripe
Thomas Allbrook - Yellow belt 1 orange stripe
Jason Jones - Yellow belt
Daniel Pasifull - Yellow belt
Charlie Finn - White belt 3 yellow stripes
James Jenkins - White belt 3 yellow stripes
Christopher Pearce - White belt 3 yellow stripes
Ross Pearce - White belt 3 yellow stripes
Phoebe Pidner - White belt 3 yellow stripes
Josie Gordon - White belt 1 yellow stripe
Dirk Norman - White belt 1 yellow stripe
PRIMARY GRADES
Scott Pert - White belt 2 blue stripes
Ben Ainger - White belt 3 green stripes
Daniel Finn - White belt 3 green stripes
Chloe Jones - White White belt 3 green stripes
Jessica Ravenhill - White belt 3 green stripes
Chloe Pidner - White belt 2 green stripes
Martyn Short - White belt 2 green stripes
Joe Warburton - White belt 2 green stripes
Danny Pearce - White belt 1 green stripe
Erin Beer - White belt 2 orange stripes
Indianna Beer - White belt 2 orange stripes
Isabel Domleo - White belt 2 orange stripes
Benjamin Wiskin - White belt 2 orange stripes
James Brown - White belt 1 orange stripe
Jessica Jay - White belt 1 orange stripe
Ashley Jenkins - White belt 1 orange stripe
Georgina Phillips - White belt 1 orange stripe
Ben Tanton - White belt 1 orange stripe
Matthew Walker - White belt 1 orange stripe
Robyn Walker - White belt 1 orange stripe
Harry Brown - White belt 3 red stripes
Charlie Harding - White belt 3 red stripes
Christopher Harding - White belt 3 red stripes
Kieran Jenkins - White belt 3 red stripes
Lesley Milton - White belt 3 red stripes
Benenice Phillips - White belt 3 red stripes
Alisa Snell - White belt 3 red stripes
Ben Snell - White belt 3 red stripes
Kara St John - White belt 3 red stripes
Jonathan Curtis - White belt 2 red stripes
Sophie Jenkins - White belt 2 red stripes
Conner Wiskin - White belt 2 red stripes
Henry Finn - White belt 1 red stripe
God rest ye merry gentlemen
by Margaret Bolt
For many of us, Christmas and carol singing go hand in hand, but like many traditions of the past, dwindling numbers and enthusiasm of participants are
making carol singing around the village and parish just a fond memory.
Some I know have memories going back sixty to seventy years, when night after night from mid-December a large group walked around the whole parish, the
evening’s route planned to take advantage of offers of refreshments on certain evenings. Some were just mince pies and sherry others, such as Northcote
Manor, a full scale supper prepared by the cook and hosted by Colonel and Mrs. Gracey.
Imagine the distance covered walking and singing as far as Week and Week Park, Kingford, Portsmouth Arms, Bridge Farm, Handsford, Callard, Southdown and
Halfsbury and all the places in between, then the walk home, maybe at midnight. Living in or near the village was obviously an advantage but what if, like
Beatie and Joyce Parkhouse from Foxmeadow, how glad they were when the finish was on that side of the parish.
Many areas were arranged as a circuit but what of Hacknell lane? From Lower Hacknell except for a very rough trek through the woods to Boutchland,
backtracking to Red Post is the only option. In later years, Shorts’ lorry was a very welcome means of transporting the singers, before a convoy of cars
superseded the lorry.
What amusing memories those singers must have of those evenings, Doreen Parkhouse (nee Handford) told me of a visit to Halfsbury, where some were standing
on the slope leading to the back door, when Ida Tucker turned around, for she said she “could not sing uphill”.
By the time I joined the Burrington carollers, about twenty-five years ago, the situation was changing; we had to compete with television and the unwelcome
loss of central heating through the open door! Gone were the days of almost everyone being at home, expecting carol singers to visit, to days of security
conscious, absent householders leaving on lights and radio/television to deter burglars but only realised by us during the second rendering of a carol, and
to the days of elderly people afraid to open their doors, so we finished at 9.00 p.m. Unlike 1953 when I had recorded the 10.30 visit on Christmas Eve and
unlike Landkey where they sang all night, night after night until the parish was covered, finishing with a welcome fried breakfast at various venues. How
about reviving that tradition?
One year, having sung along the houses at Balls Corner, I took the collecting tin into “Granny” Baker – Hilda Hulland’s mother – who had known me all her
life and, of course, wanted to talk – what a fund of stories she had. When I came out there was no one to be seen! Only the sound of carols on the clear,
still evening guided me to North Park – where no one had missed me!
There are other memories of singing at High Bickington, Ebberley, Yarnscombe, Hiscott and Chapelton with our group of Methodist Chapels. Beginning thirty
years ago, as a large group of all ages, it ended with a few people growing older each year!
Besides, the satisfaction of collecting for a children’s charity, we had a happy time before sharing a generous supper wherever we sang each year. Amusing
situations occurred, such as at supper one lady sitting on a dining chair with removable seat, solidly wedged in the frame as the seat dropped out beneath
her. Some time later – after the laughter had died down – the chair was tilted so that with her feet on the ground, the chair could be pulled off her
bottom. Another place, in a courtyard of houses, a very elderly lady opened the door, gave her contribution, then retiring to her downstairs bedroom
proceeded to undress for bed, regardless of carol singers outside the uncurtained window. Cardigan, blouse, petticoat and skirt were slowly removed – not
with a flourish – but placed carefully on a chair “While Shepherds watched…….” Replacing the music of “the Stripper”. When corsets were being unlaced was
the time we decided to leave!
Another lady, on answering the door said, “I wondered what the hell is that noise”! At Little Silver nursing home, residents awaited us eagerly; no doubt
carol singing recalled earlier, happy, family Christmases. Regretfully after several years of walking around the village, after F & M disease in 2001 and
the small amount in the collecting tin, it was decided to cease carol singing in Burrington.
Now new traditions are being made with carols being sung in village squares and at Burrington around the ancient Oak, but if the proposed Licensing Bill
becomes law, all forms of live music in public will become a criminal offence unless licensed by the local authority, at a considerable cost to the
applicant, so all the would-be criminals please sing loudly this year. It may be your last time.
Poem for December
A BETTER WAY
Two thousand years since shepherds gazed in wonder,
Two thousand years since Bethlehem's royal birth,
Two thousand years of terror, war and plunder
Have plagued our lands since you, Lord, came to earth,
Two thousand years with goodwill rent asunder,
When peace has counted as of little worth.
Yet through those years of base degeneration,
Brave Christian saints have kept the faith alive
And spread good news to each and every nation,
To help the frail and downcast to survive,
Two thousands years of love and of salvation
Have lifted hearts and spirits to revive.
Grant us to make it our own affirmation
To hold to peace and turn away from strife,
May love and joy prevail in consummation,
To overcome the ills and stress of life,
And lead us all to reach in sublimation
Towards Your way, Your truth and perfect life.
Written as a Christmas / New Year Hymn
Robert Domleo January 2000
PERU TREK for Childrens' Hospice South West.
It is six weeks since we returned from Peru. It was an amazing experience and very physically challenging. There were sixteen of us in the party and three
had to turn back because of the effects of walking at such high altitude. I was relatively lucky, just breathless at times. We walked for five days
through wonderful countryside, climbing steeply through the Sacred Valley to 4,200 metres passing through cloud forest and rain forest. We eventually
arrived at the Gateway to the Sun and had our first sight of the hidden city of Machu Picchu, the view was breathtaking and will remain in my memory for
ever.
Thank you to everyone for their sponsorship and encouragement. Catherine and I raised just over £10,000 and money is still coming in. It is a huge amount
and far exceeded our expectations. Special thanks to Carol and Dougie at the Old George and to Dan at the village stores for their generous support.
Sue Williamson
Readers Letters
Although I expect many of my friends and neighbours already know, in case not, mother Dorcas Surie, died on 9th November at Beech House aged 98, and was
cremated the following Friday at Barnstaple. Her ashes will go back to the River Orwell in Suffolk where she used to live and sail.
My brother and sister, Barry and Honor, join me, with the rest of the family, in thanking all those who made mother so welcome in her new home here in
Atherington, and greatly appreciate all the cards and messages we have received on her behalf.
She was cross she wasn’t going to make the 100 as she had a Champagne breakfast lined up for it.
Ann Gower
...and from ROGER DUNN ELECTRICS
It seems hard to believe that it has been more than 16 years that I have been working as the local electrician, and over that time I have made many friends
of those who have needed my services; whether completely rewiring their house, or just replacing the lamp in a light that is difficult to reach. However,
I have reached the point where I have far too much work for just one. The quality of service and work I have strived to achieve for all these years is
suffering as a result.
Too many customers old and new have been let down or patiently waited for me to find time to do their jobs (for some of you that has been over 12 months)
that I felt something had to be sorted out. There are only so many hours a day a man can work. I have come to the conclusion that I need to join an
existing team of electricians as the way forward.
From 1st January 2004 I will be joining the Electrical Contracting team at Squires Electrical at Torrington. This should mean a quicker and more efficient
service for all, with the added benefit of back up for domestic appliance repairs and very competitive sales and service. Everybody should benefit.
Thank you to all my customers for your support in the last 16 years, and I look forward to serving you in the future. Please make a note of the new number
of Squires Electrical.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all A Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.
Roger Dunn
Condolences to Colin and Shirley Shapland and family on the death of Colin’s mum.
Condolences are offered to Ann Gower and family on the death of her mother Dorcas Surie.
HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk: Mrs Di Carter, 20 Springfield, Four Seasons Village, Winkleigh, Devon Ex19 8DP
Present: Peter Tucker (Chairman), David Brown, Stella Burrows, Jean Checksfield, Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Stan Parker, Myc Riggulsford
In attendance: 7 members of the public, Mrs Di Carter – Clerk
Apologies
There were no apologies.
Minutes of the meeting held on 8 October 2003
The Minutes of the meeting held on 8 October 2003 were accepted and adopted by the Council. The Chairman signed the Minutes.
Matters Arising from the Minutes
(a) - Community Message Box. The Chairman reported that he had spoken to Ken Povey who felt it would not be economical to make a one-off box. Metal post
boxes with a lock and key are available in DIY shops at a cost of £30-£40. Councillors agreed this would be suitable and agreed to the purchase. The
Chairman will liaise with Roger Keen to decide on a suitable place to install it. The Community Policeman will be given the key.
(b) - Planted area – Barton Meadow. A visit from the Highways engineer to discuss this matter is awaited.
(c) - Street cleaning schedule. Despite repeated requests from Jean Checksfield and the Clerk the schedule has not been received. A further request will
be made.
(d) - Obscured lighting at entrance to village from Atherington. Highways have it on their priority list to do the work.
Matters Raised by the Public
(a) - Community message box. A query was raised about the cost of installing a message box when other forms of communication are cheaper. It was pointed
out that the boxes had proved successful in other villages and gave the public the opportunity to communicate problems anonymously. Councillors felt it
would be worth the cost to test the effectiveness of a box.
(b) - The question of part of the Little Bickington Farm project including houses built on private land was raised when this land had not been successful
with previous planning applications. The Chairman was not aware of any previous planning applications. Mike Leatham explained that the approach to build
on this land came in the first place from the Planners, not the landowners, as a means of extending the village to join land at Little Bickington Farm. It
was pointed out that this application will be treated in the same way as any other application.
(c) - An assurance was requested that the affordable housing at Little Bickington Farm will be available for local residents only. Concern was expressed
about homes being made available to people with no local connection. Mike Leatham pointed out that this is an exception site, thus making it possible to
give priority to people living locally, or those with a strong local connection. The Chairman said he took on board the concerns expressed, the Council is
aware of possible problems and a lot of people have put considerable work into ensuring the needs of local people are met.
Parish Plan
David Brown gave an update on the Project 2000 progress. There will be a total of 52 homes on the site – 15 affordable houses under the management of
Devon and Cornwall Housing Association, 10 houses for private sale, 6 houses on the Gooding land, 17 houses managed by the High Bickington Property
Management Trust and 4 self-build units. There will be a new school, workshops, and a community woodland area. The planning application being made is for
outline permission only to ascertain that the land can be used for the purpose required.
Other parts of the plan include consideration of use for the current school buildings etc. All this forms part of the whole Parish Plan. There are no
plans for further development other than that on the outline application.
Following a query on landscaping, David Brown reported that when a detailed plan is produced considerable effort will be put into making the area safe and
attractive. All statutory bodies will be involved in commenting on the plan.
Myc Riggulsford proposed that the Plan be submitted as presented. This was seconded by Stella Burrows and unanimously agreed.
David Brown reported that interviews for the Development Manager post will be held on 25/26th November. Interviews for the post of Administrator will be
held following the appointment of the Manager.
The Chairman asked David Brown if he could write a short note to attach to future Council agendas to keep Councillors updated on the progress of the
project. This was agreed.
Matters Raised by the Chairman
(a) - Parish Council meetings 2004. The Chairman reported that it has been suggested that as from January 2004 Council meetings be held in the Meeting
Point to allow the Judo club to move to the larger Church Hall. This was agreed. It was agreed that meetings should be established on a regular date, ie
second Wednesday of the month and that the current list of dates stand.
(b) - Quality Parish Status – The Clerk reported on the meeting she attended on 4 November 2003 to outline the requirements of applying for Quality Parish
Status. It is quite a big undertaking, but it was felt that although voluntary at present it will eventually become a requirement that all Parish/Town
Councils apply. Proposed by David Brown and seconded by Myc Riggulsford, Councillors unanimously agreed that this matter be taken forward.
Maintenance
(a) - Jean Checksfield reported on the visit of the Mobile Lengthsmen at the end of October. She was unsure of what was expected of the Council when
asking for work to be carried out. Although grateful for the visit some concerns were raised about the work carried out. Jean Checksfield will write to
thank them for their visit and to establish what is required from the Parish Council. The next visit is scheduled for February 2004 and a list of work will
be drawn up in the new year.
Finance
(a) - The Financial Statement at 31 October 2003 was approved and accepted by the Council.
(b) - Concurrent Functions Grant – it was agreed that the grant be applied for on the basis of the actual costs incurred in the year to March 2003. The
Chairman reported that future grant payments are likely to be subject to change.
(c) - Precept 2004/05. The Clerk left the room while the following two items were discussed.
(i) - Clerk’s Salary.
Hours to be increased to 4 hours per week x 52 weeks = 208 hours p.a.
Plus 16 hours holiday = 224 hours p.a.
Estimated salary increase April 2004 of 3.5% = £7.455 per hour = £1670 p.a. Budget = £1700 p.a.
Proposed by Stan Parker and seconded by Jean Checksfield the Clerk’s revised salary was unanimously agreed.
(ii) - Clerk’s Computer
A discussion took place on the Clerk’s possible need for a new computer and it was agreed that this was an essential part of the Clerk’s equipment. The
following options were proposed:
That the Council purchase a new computer or assist the Clerk in the cost of repairing her current computer;
That the Council makes a contribution towards the Clerk’s running costs for her own computer;
That the Council offers the Clerk an interest free loan to purchase a new computer.
Proposed by David Brown and Seconded by Stella Burrows it was unanimously agreed that the Finance Committee be allowed to decide on whichever option was
felt appropriate as a matter of urgency.
The Clerk returned to the meeting.
Proposed by Jean Checksfield and seconded by David Brown the precept for the year 2004/05 was unanimously approved by the Council at £4620.
(d) - Parish Council Funding – Project 2000. A planning fee of £2,750 is required. The Chairman reported that a balance of income over expenditure for
the Vital Villages Fund monies amounted to £1,645.01. This was due to the sale of Parish Plans and was Project 2000 money.
Proposed by Myc Riggulsford and seconded by Stan Parker it was agreed that the Parish Council would contribute £1,500 towards the planning fee. The
balance of £1,250 would be paid by Project 2000 to the Parish Council who would submit the total planning fee.
It was further agreed that the balance remaining of £145.01 and any further income received from the sale of Parish Plans will be held by the Parish
Council and used solely for Project 2000 initiatives.
Planning
(a) - Planning applications:
(i) - 1/1889/2003/27/0003
Garage/Workshop and Store, Homewell Cottage, High Bickington
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Baker
Decision: No objection
(ii) - 1/1923/2003/27/0003
Listed building Consent for above application – withdrawn.
The Chairman declared an interest in the next item and did not take part in the discussion.
(iii) - 1/0893/2003/27/0010
Amended plan for Erection of 51 dwellings, road and sewers. Land off B3217, High Bickington. Applicant: Mr L Tanner
Detailed consideration was given to the amended plan being submitted for consideration by Torridge District Council at their meeting on Monday 17 November
2003. Whilst the Council was pleased to note that some of their earlier concerns had been addressed Councillors asked that the Planners be made aware of
the following continuing concerns:
That the bank and trees have been removed from the plan
That the affordable housing grant is securely available to the Little Bickington Project.
The Clerk was asked to write to Mr D Pinney expressing these views.
The Chairman rejoined the meeting
Correspondence
(a) - Letters of thanks for grants received had been received from High Bickington Methodist Youth Club, High Bickington Play Area Group, Libbaton Junior
Golf, and High Bickington Play Group.
(b) - Annual Parish Paths Partnership Survey – forms to be completed by Roger Keen.
(c) - PC Website facilitated by Torridge District Council. The Clerk to respond that at the present time the Council does not wish to participate in this,
but would like to have links from their own website.
(d) - Quality Parish Councils – Regional Conference 15 December 2003, Bristol. It was agreed that the Clerk may attend plus one Councillor if available.
(e) - Devon Fire and Rescue Service – information regarding changes to the service – circulated.
Outstanding Matters
A report on Roger Keen’s meeting with Ros Davies had been received. The Chairman said that the grant of £275 would be paid in the current financial year,
but further funding was available for any specific projects. Roger Keen agreed to obtain quotations for proposed works and report to the next Council
meeting.
Items for Information
The Chairman reported on a meeting of the Advisory Group he had attended with Jean Checksfield on 21 October 2003.
Date of Next Meeting: THURSDAY 11 December 2003 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall, High Bickington.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.56 pm.
ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI
Mary Wilson
As usual our November meeting was our Annual Business Meeting when we reviewed the activities and finances of the past year. We were once again surprised
by the extent and variety of our "extra-mural" activities listed in our secretary's report and were pleased to learn that our finances were still in a
healthy state so that we shall be able to cover the cost of our two bursaries to Denman College next spring quite easily. We were also pleased to know
that we had also raised a considerable amount for various charities during the year so that speakers could be presented with a little extra over and above
their normal fee.
The new committee for 2003-4 was elected: Edna Ford, Judith Domleo, Mary Burgess, Anne Harrison, Wendy Waldon, Jean Blewett, Mary Wilson and Rita Rose.
Rita was welcomed as a newcomer to the committee and Eileen Chambers was thanked for all the work she has done over the last five years. She found that
because of family commitments she felt she had to step down this year. Carole Hurst, who is on an extended holiday, will, we hope, rejoin the committee on
her return. Edna Ford was then re-elected President for the forthcoming year and the committee was thanked by Melanie Kan for all their work for the
Institute throughout the year. The evening finished with a sing-song and a Bring and Share supper.
There was no competition and our Birthday Girls, Margaret Squire and Andrea Smith were presented with a plant each. We also had a little raffle which was
won by Jean Lynch.
Our other big event of the month was our entry in the Barnstaple and District Horticultural Society's Show at St John's Garden Centre. The theme was
"Chicago - the Musical" and ours was the only entry. The adjudicator was kind enough, however, to say that she thought it was so good that it would
probably have won even had there been others. Margaret Squire's corsage and Jean Lynch's banoffee pie each got 8 points, Angela Horlock's headband got 10
as did the overall presentation giving us a total of 46 points out of 50.
We then added to our laurels by sending a team to represent us at a Quiz hosted by Ashreigney which we won, beating Burrington by 1 point. Next year we
have to host the competition.
In December we shall have Alison Tranckle to demonstrate for us some flower arrangements for Christmas. Our hostesses will be Margaret Maidlow, Andrea
Smith and Ann White and the competition will be "A Christmas Decoration".
LIBBATON JUNIOR GOLF SECTION
Thank you to everyone who supported our coffee evening/chocolate party. A grand total of £194.40 was raised for junior funds. A successful presentation
evening took place on October 31st. Trophies for the year’s achievements were awarded as follows:
Addington Sheild - Brian Stevens
Cecil Trophy - Chris David
Junior Matchplay - Brian Stevens
Jenny Stevenson - past junior organiser – kindly donated a trophy to award to the player/players who have achieved the most throughout the year. This year
it was presented to Alice Alford and Billy Lee.
Competition Results
An exciting club Four Sections Salver took place during September with the juniors finishing fourth.
Sat 27th Sept - 3 ball better ball
1st Sam Raymont, Jason Jones, Alexander Phillips
2nd Josh Phillips, Adam Hughes, Mark Peters
Sat 4th Oct Medal Div 1.
1st Daniel Ardy
2nd Peter Short
Stableford Div 2.
1st Jo Passmore
2nd Alice Alford
Div 3.
1st William Elworthy
2nd Adam Hughes
An enjoyable friendly match took place against Chulmleigh juniors, with the first fixture taking place at Chulmleigh where the home team took the honours.
At the return fixture, Libbaton evened the score.
Sat 18th Oct – Div 1.
1st Sam Raymont.
Div 2.
1st Mark Peters.
Div 3.
1st William Elworthy.
Sat 26th Oct – Medal Div 1.
1st Peter Short
2nd Brian Stevens
Stableford Div 2.
1st Jordan Hussell
2nd Billy Lee
On 31st October, Sam Raymont accompanied Nigel Moore - Club President - to play in the Devon County Golf Union Adult/Junior finals, finishing ninth out of
42. Sam was complimented on his behaviour and etiquette, both on and off the course. Well done Sam.
During the month of November, the junior section are running a series of 9 hole competitions which will culminate in a league - watch this space!
CHRISTMAS
When we exchange lots of things we’d like to keep for those we don’t want
When people get emotional over their family ties - especially if they have to wear them.
Merry Christmas sir, I’m the man who empties your dustbin.
Merry Christmas to you, I’m the man who fills it.
How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizza?
Deep pan, crisp and even.
Go to January 2004 issue
