February 2000

THANKS: The family of the late Violet Parker would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of sympathy, and to all who attended the funeral service and gave donations in her memory.

THANKS: To everyone who supported the Blue Peter Bring and Buy for New Life, at Atherington Church Hall on 11th December. A total of Ł56-30 was raised. Thank you. Lizzie Cooper

THANKS: Atherington Playgroup wishes to thank all those who helped and supported their Nativity performance. A grand total of over Ł280 was raised towards the Playgroup funds. A wonderful achievement and a very enjoyable day for all. Many thanks once again.

A VALENTINE’S DISCO will be held on Friday, 11th February at Kingsnympton Parish Hall from 8.30 – 1.00 including bar. 18 years and over. R.O.A.R. Funds towards Kingsnympton Parish Hall.

Ed. Belated congratulations to Hazel and David on the birth of their daughter. I thought Hazel was a bit late sending in the Methodist news for January – but now I understand !

NATIONAL CHIP WEEK 21-27 February 2000

Fire fighters have a physical job and are known for their hearty appetites and love of chips. But now even the Fire Brigade is asking if you could use less fat.
Commenting on National Chip Week, Chief Fire Officer - Young of Devon Fire & Rescue Service said: "The chip is one of our traditional foods, most of us love freshly cooked crisp chips, there's nothing, like them. Our concern is that chip pan accidents are all too regular occurrences. Quite often all you need is an interruption like a telephone call or someone calling at your door and as you answer either the pan can be gently bubbling away and forgotten about."

CFO Young continued: "Chip pan fires are a prime example of where we can make major improvements through education. If you discover a chip pan fire call the Fire Brigade on 999 immediately."

Tackle the fire only if you feel it is safe to do so and you have a clear escape route.
Never think of moving the pan.
Turn off the source of heat, If this can be done without placing yourself at risk.
Cover the pan with a lid or a dampened tea towel, being careful to protect the hands.
The pan should be left for a minimum of thirty minutes to allow the oil to cool.
The lid or damp tea towel should NOT be removed, as this will almost certainly cause a re-ignition.
Under no circumstances use water on a chip pan, as this will cause it to explode into a fireball, spreading the fire and causing severe burns to anyone nearby.
In the first instance never have a chip pan over a third full of oil or fat.
Never be tempted to cook with a chip pan following consuming, alcohol.

In closing, Mr Young said "Repeatedly attending, fires and seeing people make the same mistakes, places a responsibility on us to communicate the risk of death and injury. We hope that by working with others at a local and national level we will start to see a reduction in these, all too preventable accidents."

High Bickington United Anglican and Methodist Services

A PLOUGH SERVICE was held on Sunday, 9th January at 6.30 pm at St Mary’s Church. Rev John Carvosso led the service and the address was given by Mark Chapple. Readers were Robert Domleo and Mark Thomas. The Plough Team was David Manning, Grahame Down, Sophie Barrett and Gemma Pert. The collection of Ł54 went to Rural Network.

The next United Service will be on February 13th, 6.30 pm at the Methodist Church when Rev John Carvosso will take the service. Everyone welcome.

Help wanted... at the last P.C.C. meeting a request was made by the Church Wardens – Betty Harpum and Eileen Thorne for more help with the cleaning of the Church.

If anyone has an hour or so free time to help keep our Church clean and tidy would they please enter their names on the cleaning rota in the Church or get in touch with a Church Council member.

Your help would be much appreciated.

Roger Keen, P.C.C. Secretary

HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

A Parish Council meeting was held on 12 January. The main matters discussed were:

Agreement has been reached with Pearce Construction over the amenity land in the Barton Meadow estate and the written agreements are with the solicitors. A public meeting will be held in the near future to explain the agreement to residents.
The Parish Council is still not happy with the traffic calming and will continue to negotiate with Devon County Council Highways Department to try and improve matters. The Council has also received complaints about the difficulty of vehicles exiting from the surgery lane onto North Road due to cars being parked too near the junction and therefore restricting visibility.
A new memorial seat to Mollie Hare to replace the one stolen last year is now being made by village craftsman Derek Herniman.
The problem of miss-connection to the surface water sewer and consequent pollution is in the hands of South West Water’s solicitors. The Parish Council will continue to monitor the situation to ensure it is rectified as soon as possible.
The recycling pavilion was again overflowing and in an unsatisfactory state and will be reported to South Molton Recycle.
Planning – The porch extension and alterations to Shuteley House and the extension and adaptations to 3 Cross Park have been approved by Torridge District Council. The Parish Council had no objections to a planning application for a domestic vehicular access at North Heale Farm.
High Bickington will again enter the “Best Kept Village” competition for 2000.

The next meeting will take place on 8 March 2000.

From the archives

Researched by Richard Lethbridge

13th December, 1888 - HIGH BICKINGTON

PIGEON-SHOOTING MATCH – The annual pigeon-match, organised by Mr M Tucker, of the Black Horse Inn, Highbickington, took place on Thursday, in a field near the village belonging to Mr Tucker. The attendance of sportsmen was fairly large, but owing to the fact that there was a hunt meet at Stevenstone on the same day the number of those present was probably not so large as it would otherwise had been. The conditions were 60 yards boundary, 21 yards rise, one trap, and the use of one barrel. There were between 25 and 30 guns on the ground, and of these 21 completed the match. The first prize of Ł2 10s was won by Mr C Hill, of Winkleigh, who shot 5 birds up. The second prize was taken by Mr Bowman, of St. Giles, with four birds, while Mr Ellis and Mr J Tucker took third and fourth respectively, the latter winning after a tie with Mr Reynolds. Several sweepstakes were got up and the first of these was divided between Mr Reynolds and Mr A Gerard. Two others were won by Mr Jones and Mr Gerard respectively. The referee was Mr J Harris, of Lee Barton. After the contest an adjournment was made to the Black Horse Inn, where host Tucker served an excellent dinner. Mr Peake occupied the chair, and the vice-chair was filled by Mr Harris. After dinner several toasts were submitted. The toast of “The Queen” having been duly honoured, the Chairman gave “The Successful Competitors”, coupling with the toast the name of Mr C Hill, who suitably acknowledged the compliment. “The Unsuccessful Competitors,” also proposed by the Chairman, was responded to by Mr Jones. The toast of “The Visitors” was put from the chair, and Mr W Molland replied. The “Host and Hostess,” was given by the Vice-Chairman and duly honoured. During the evening a number of songs were sung and time passed most enjoyably.

HIGH BICKINGTON, DEVON

TO BE LET, by Tender, with immediate possession, for a Term of 7, 11, or 14 years, determinable by the Landlord or Tenant, all that, MESSUAGE, BARTON, FARM, and LANDS, called LEE BARTON consisting of a substantially-built Farm-house, and all necessary Outbuildings, situate in Highbickington aforesaid, containing 140a. 1r. 6p., more or less, of Arable, Meadow, and Pasture Land, lately occupied by Mr James Harris; together with a LABOURERS COTTAGE, and the Outhouses and Premises thereto belonging. The premises situate about 3˝ miles from Chapelton, 4 miles from Umberleigh, and 5˝ miles from the Portsmouth Arms stations on the London and South Western Railway; and are about 5 miles from the Market Towns of Torrington, 7 miles from Bideford, and 9 miles from Barnstaple.

The Taker will have to pay all Rates, Taxes (including Land Tax), Tithe Rent-charges; and other Outgoings, and to Keep the Premises (except the walls, timber-work of roofs, slating, doors, floors, and partitions), in Repair, on being supplied with rough timber, and to execute a case of the same, to be prepared by the Landlord’s Solicitors. For viewing the premises apply, and for further particulars, to:

MESSRS. CROSSE, DAY, AND CROSS, Solicitors, Southmolton,
To Whom Tenders must be sent (post free) on or before Wednesday, the 20th day, of October next. The Lessors do not bind themselves to accept the highest or any Tender. Dated 28th Sept. 1880.

Thought for the month...

Jack Matkin

Call me old-fashioned if you want to, but I believe God is at work today in the world through the Holy Spirit. Some folks don’t see it that way, but I do. They think the “age of miracles” is over, that God has ceased working miracles in creation for a time, and at the end of time God will once again become actively involved in the world. Hogwash!! (Pardon my American). The problem is not the absence of God’s activity; the problem is humanity’s blindness.

My firm belief is that the Holy Spirit is as empowering and inspiring in our lives today as it ever was. And it’s precisely this old-fashioned streak in me that makes me love the newer songs of our faith. There’s no doubt the Holy Spirit inspired Martin Luther to write A safe stronghold our God is still in 1529, Charles Wesley to write O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (1729), and John Newton to write Amazing Grace (1779). But, there’s also no doubt the Holy Spirit inspired Stuart Hine to write How Great Thou Art in 1953, Brian Wren to write Christ Is Alive! (1968), Amy Grant to write Thy Word Is a Lamp (1984), and Graham Kendrick to write Shine, Jesus, Shine (1987). If the Holy Spirit is alive and working today, surely the Spirit is found in our music!

Throughout the Bible (and especially in the Psalms), we are called to sing, to sing new songs, to sing of God’s glory, and to sing of God’s marvellous acts -- “O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvellous things” (Ps. 98:1). And what could be more marvellous than God as Jesus teaching us, loving us, freeing us, saving us. This is the message of both the newer songs and the older songs -- all are proclamations of the good news of Jesus Christ. In this new year, this new century, this new millennium, may we all find new ways to sing new songs to God who makes all things new. When we do, we can be sure that the Holy Spirit is present in and among us. Praise the Lord!

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI

Judith Domleo

January was a social evening with readings of poetry and prose from members. We had a delicious bring and share supper and the evening was concluded with Mary Burgess playing the keyboard. Irene Sutton sang “Danny Boy” as a solo.

Judith Domleo was the competition winner for the year 1999 and was presented with the new trophy. Three members attended the Resolutions Meeting at the Roundswell Community Centre.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 8th at Umberleigh Hall when Sgt. Nevin Hunter, Devon and Cornwall Police’s Wildlife Officer will explain his work. He would like as many people as possible to learn about his work – so everyone is very welcome, come along at 8 pm.

TAW VALLEY GARDENING CLUB

Our first meeting of the new Millennium was held on January 19th, and was our AGM. The positions of chairperson and treasurer remained unchallenged and are still held by Barry Checksfield and Stan Maskell respectively.

Subscription fees are held at Ł6 for a single membership and Ł12 for a double, with the addition that non-member visitors pay Ł1 entrance fee each time they attend.

A packed programme has been arranged for us during 2000 commencing with a talk on Agapanthus by Mr Fulcher. This will take place in High Bickington Village Hall at 7.30 pm on 16th February.

Anyone who would like directions or would like to know more about our club should contact Barry Checksfield.

Judi Waring

Millennium Gospels

The churches in Atherington and High Bickington have joined together to present each home in the two parishes with a special Millennium edition of the Gospel of Mark. Several people have been involved in the task of delivering them and our thanks are due to them for their time and efforts.

If anyone has been missed out in the process of dividing the villages up into areas, we apologise. We are most anxious that everyone should have the opportunity to receive a copy. Please contact any of the names below if you would like a copy or if you would like an extra one for other members of the household and we will make sure you get it right away. Thank you.

Richard Beer; David Brown; Stella Burrows; Bob Domleo; Joe Hedges; Gillian Stevens; Mark Thomas.

St Mary’s Guild

We only had seven members at our meeting in January. I think the flu’ had taken over. It was a very good meeting (I hear).

We are planning to have an extra outing this year in April to Bath, and our usual summer one in July. If you would like to go to Bath please could you let me have your names as soon as possible. Telephone numbers:

Miss E Thorne or Mrs Rosemary Munson

April will soon be here.

We look forward to seeing all our friends and anyone who would like to join us on Monday, 14th February at the Parsonage, High Bickington, Miss Thorne’s home at 2.00 pm.

HIGH BICKINGTON WI

Josie Maskell

Our January meeting started on a sad note as we held a minutes silence in respect of Mrs Freda Squire a past President and our Treasurer for many years. Twelve members enjoyed the Carol Service at Exeter Cathedral. It was a lovely day and we had time for shopping and some lunch before the service. There will be another service at the Cathedral on March 2nd to mark the occasion of the 80th anniversary of D.I W.I.

The sponsored ‘knit-in’ for the Children’s Hospice will be on 9th February. Jane Gibson has kindly offered to host this event once again. Final arrangements for our New Year dinner at the Rising Sun were made.

Our speaker for the evening was Alan Hedges, an ex-Police Dog Handler. He told us a little about himself before introducing us to Tyson, a handsome German Shepherd who, after an initial burst of excitement settled quietly at his master’s feet with eyes only for him. Apparently Tyson who is seven years old had a bad start in life, being abused and turned out on the streets of Plymouth. He was accepted for training, taken to Middlemoor at Exeter and was unbelievably stolen from there and then left to roam the streets of Exeter!

In spite of his set backs training Tyson began for thirteen weeks. This included tracking, searching, agility and obedience, all of which produce a very fine police dog. Alan showed us how well he and Tyson worked together finishing with Tyson searching for a biscuit which had been hidden behind a stack of chairs at the end of the room.

The competition for a dog in any medium was won by Stella Burrows. The flower of the month by Betty Harpum with a beautiful Iris, and the raffle by Eva Burke.

Next month our speaker will be Maria Reay who is a chiropodist – why not come along and join us?

High Bickington Methodist News

Hazel Pearce

December, as usual, was a busy month, beginning with the first of three Advent Lunches, the profit from which was shared between the Junior Young Farmers and Meeting Point Youth Club. The last waste paper collection for the century also took place, thank you to all those who helped load the lorry and continue to save paper.

The Guild met at High Bickington on December 14th when Sheila Bolt showed slides of Austria, Italy and Cyprus, followed by a session of ringing carols on the hand chimes by some “press ganged” helpers. We were almost as good as the youngest children at the Nativity Service!

This year was no different from previous years, when the final practise gave cause for concern, but as always it “was alright on the night”. The children did very well, and a sigh of relief was given by Sunday school teachers and helpers. Robert Domleo paid tribute to them for all their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

The Sunday school party was on January 15th, eagerly awaited by all! The Children’s Clubs also restarted on January 18th; 5.15 pm for the younger group and 6.30 pm for the older children, after finishing before Christmas with a party.

We are grateful to our own local preachers Lorna Ward, Heather Bolt and Robert Domleo for arranging various sessions over the Christmas season.
The year ended the year with joys and sorrows. On December 31st Mrs Violet Parker passed away peacefully after a long time of ill health. For many years she was a regular member of our congregation, until moving to Bishops Tawton with her husband, Victor. She was always a willing helper at chapel events, and was communion steward for many years, and a great support to her husband during his long period of chapel stewardship.

We extend our sincere sympathy to Sylvia and Stanley and their families. January 1st 2000, was the day that Megan Amber Pearce finally decided to arrive, a daughter for David and Hazel of Week Farm who wish to thank people for so many enquiries before her birth and congratulations afterwards. Her age will never be forgotten!

January 2nd was sadly the day another of our long term members died – Mrs Freda Squire, also after some time of poor health. Over the years she had been organist, Sunday school teacher and overseas missions secretary. Always a willing supporter of any thing happening at chapel, she will be especially remembered for the artistic way she arranged fruit and vegetables in a basket for harvest festival. Our sympathy is extended to Clive and Stella.

Readers Letters

I would be most grateful if you would include this letter in the next issue of the Ramblings. I feel very strongly about this, as I am sure many other people do!

I am a parent and dog owner who dodges the dog muck every morning in Mill Road. As my two sons and I walk to the Primary School I am utterly disgusted at the amount of dog faeces left along this road and in this village. It is quite beyond a joke seeing a pile of dog muck beneath one of the many Torridge District Council Posters imposing fines for such fouling, as if to say who cares!

As an owner who clears up after a Labrador - a biggish dog- capable of many fair-sized deposits, I am unable to understand or accept why some. dog owners leave it for an unsuspecting child/person to step or fall in.

Are these offending dog owners unaware that dog faeces can give a child/person TOXOCARA - a worm which burrows into the eye and blinds them or even E-COLI bacteria which KILLS!

It is totally unacceptable leaving dog faeces on any areas frequented by the public in this village. To be a responsible dog owner, its quite simple, take a plastic bag and scoop the poop whilst walking the pooch!

Even the Dog Warden's presence does not appear to have improved matters, but its about time something was done in this village to address this most offensive and ever worsening problem!

Go to March 2000 issue