February 2003

High Bickington United Anglican & Methodist Service

The Plough Service was held on Sunday 12th January 6.30pm at St Mary's Church. The Blessing of the Plough was led by Rev John Carvosso. The Plough Team was Peter May, Peter Tucker, David Manning & Tony Pert. The address was given by Professor Michael Winter and the lessons were read by Rev Mark Noakes. The collection of Ł48.72 was sent to RABI (The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution).

The Advent Lunches were enjoyed once again. Thank you to everyone who came and to all who helped in anyway. Ł94.38 was sent to the NCH (National Children's Home) at Victoria House Barnstaple.

The next United Service will be at the Methodist Church on Sunday February 9th at 6.30pm. The address will be given by Rev Amos Cresswell. Everyone very welcome.

THANKS: To everyone who sponsored me on my walk for CLIC a very big thank you. My total was Ł220 - thank you all.

George Crocker

THANKS: I would like to thank everyone who organised the surprise party for me at Atherington on November 30th.
It was so nice to see so many people from the village. Thank you for coming and especially for the unusual present. I shall keep it always.

Richard Beer

HIGH BICKINGTON WI

Josie Maskell

Our President welcomed a smaller gathering than usual at our January meeting due to the icy weather. Mr and Mrs Cooke bravely travelled from Barnstaple on a very cold night to entertain us with a talk and slides of Peru.
We all really enjoyed seeing their travels throughout Peru with beautiful slides of the fantastic scenery ranging from vast desert, dramatic mountains and tropical jungle. They travelled by plane, bus, train and on foot stopping at hostels (some quite primitive) and camping. Their enthusiasm on visiting remains of some of the buildings built by the Incas and spotting a great condor in the distance as well as seeing llamas and visiting very colourful markets and visiting Lake Titicaca made us feel that Peru would certainly be an exciting and most interesting country to visit.

Peggy Powell gave the vote of thanks. We had a break for tea and refreshments and finished the meeting with some business which was kept short. Final arrangements for our New year's dinner at Libbaton on 17th January were made.
Sponsorship forms for the hospice 'Knit-in' in February were given out. There were two pretty patchwork cushions on view. These were made by the ladies who visited Step by Step last year and will be raffled at a later date.

Our President reminded us that the W.I. is still campaigning to keep our small abattoirs open and how important it is to save the animals the stress of long and arduous journeys when they could be slaughtered within a few miles of their departure. Stella Burrows won the competition for a foreign postcard. Peggy Powell won the raffle and Josie Maskell won the flower of the month with mahonia.

Next month we have Alison Hunt from the North Devon Hospice as our Speaker.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.15pm at the Church Hall and welcome anyone who wishes to join us.

“THE NORTH DEVON STRINGS”

Some of the young members of the “North Devon Strings” ended our Christmas festivities with a most enjoyable flourish.

Those that attended, on Saturday January 4th in St Mary’s Church High Bickington, were treated to a wonderful concert of a variety of classical pieces, performed with great skill and musical ability. The soloists were Anisa Arslanagic and Rebecca Betambeau and guest soloist Samir Arslanagic on Flugel Horn.

A big thank you goes to Anisa, who organised the concert and to Rebecca for her support.

Jane Gibson

CLOSURE OF HIGH BICKINGTON SHOP

At the High Bickington Parish Council meeting on 8th January it was reported that some parishioners are having problems getting milk, bread and other supplies since the shop closed. It was agreed that we would try to get some more information about those who are having problems and also ask if any parishioners could offer some occasional help to those who are suffering in this way.

It was suggested that we put together a list of those who would like some occasional help and a list of those who would be prepared to offer some occasional help. Maurice Ridd for one is already involved in this and other parish councillors expressed a desire to help also.

At Ramblings we would also like to help make sure we get as comprehensive a list of people as possible. So we here are two questions for our parishioners:

Are you having difficulties getting things like bread, milk and other things? (This need not only be from the closure of the shop).
Would you consider giving occasional help to someone in the parish who is suffering in this way?

In either case please pass your name to Chairman of the Parish Council Peter Tucker, North Road Farm, High Bickington, or to Ramblings (to Mike Leatham, Broomhill, High Bickington). Give some details of your difficulties or what occasional assistance you could offer. In turn the Parish Council will follow this up to see how to best solve this problem.

In an emergency please contact any member of the Parish Council:

Chairman: - Peter Tucker
Vice-Chairman: - Tim Webb
Members:
Alan Clemens, Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Stan Maskell, Stan Parker, Maurice Ridd

A clergyman had just enjoyed a hearty chicken dinner at the home of a rural parishioner.
Gazing out the window, he remarked: "That rooster seems a mighty proud and happy bird."
"He should," the host replied. "His oldest son just entered the ministry."

High Bickington Parish Council Meeting - Wednesday 8 January 2003

Village Plans
Chairman Peter Tucker reported that High Bickington Project 2000 is producing a draft Parish Plan which will be ready for approval by the Parish Council by mid February 2003, and David Venner has produced a draft Landscape Survey and Rosie Venner's Skills booklet is coming along well. Project 2000 has proposed that local businesses outside the parish but which supply services to the village (such as A.T Motors) should be included in the Business & Skills Directory. This suggestion was supported by the Parish Council.

Mr Tanner's Planning Application amendment to build three executive homes in Phase 1 of the development on land off North Road at the rear of Warden's Close was rejected by Torridge District Council Plans Committee at its meeting on Monday 6 January 2003. Stan Maskell, who observed the meeting on behalf of the Parish Council, reported that Mr Tanner is being held to the terms of his original application for rural workshops and affordable housing, and must develop the site in the strict order required by the Section 106 Agreement. He must first build the 15 low cost homes, followed by any industrial units as required, then hand over the Ł100,000 donation towards the cost of a new Village Hall, before he will be allowed to start work on any speculative housing.

Maurice Ridd, who as District Councillor is a member of the Plans Committee, confirmed that the Ł100,000 will be passed over before a single building block is laid on the site. Placards will be going up on site shortly, advertising the affordable homes. Chairman Peter Tucker said the next step will be detailed planning applications for the development, which will come to the Parish Council for consideration.

Matters Raised by the Chairman
Peter Tucker said that High Bickington has been approached by Devon County Council to take part in a pilot scheme for a new government initiative called 'Care Direct' aimed at elderly residents. Care Direct will provide a one-stop telephone helpline for all needs such as health, social services assistance or care. The local contact is David Brown. During the development of the scheme a representative will come to speak to the Parish Council then carry out a survey to see how successful the initiative is. David Brown said that High Bickington has been chosen as a national pilot for the scheme, which will be tried at three or four different levels in different pilots - we do not yet know which format will be used in High Bickington. In some cases high levels of contact, support and advertising will be tried, in others the publicity will be minimal, to evaluate the most cost effective and successful ways of delivering the service. The helpline will be based in Exeter, but the liaison officer will come and make contact with local elderly residents through the coffee shop and other contact routes. Peter Tucker said that this was an excellent initiative and a benefit coming to the village through the Parish Appraisal.
Chairman was concerned about the fire alarm in Warden's Close which sounded over Christmas. The next door neighbour suffered it overnight, before Peter Tucker managed to get the authorities to break in and silence it. He felt it was very poor that Torridge District Council could not access a key over the Christmas Holiday period and asked Cllr Maurice Ridd to take the matter up on the parish's behalf. Maurice Ridd reported that the problem arose because staff were unable to get into the Torridge District Council headquarters at Riverbank House to get the appropriate key for Warden's Close properties. He will take the matter up at District level.

Peter Tucker said it was unfortunate that the parish owned Christmas Tree lights were not put up for the last few years when they could have been on the tree outside the school. Maurice Ridd said that some of the bulbs are not working. Chairman asked if it could be made sure that the lights are in working order before next Christmas so that if they are needed they are available.

Chairman said that he has been invited to take part in a meeting to discuss rural transport issues which researchers from Aberdeen University will be holding in the village in March. The focus group will include representatives from the Devon area as far as Okehampton and include Devon County Council and Torridge District Council officials. The meeting will be following up issues raised in the Parish Questionnaire. Maintenance
Alan Clemens reported that there were no incidents and accidents at Barton Meadow.
Councillors discussed the bad drainage and poor access to the under used parish car park by the rear of St Mary's Church. Quotations from local craftsman Derek Herniman to provide oak noticeboards for the car park and bus shelter were discussed and accepted by the Council. Signs to say 'High Bickington Parish Car Park' and 'High Bickington' respectively if possible within the price.

Publication Scheme
Mike Leatham reported the results of his investigation into the new obligations for Parish Councils to publish information under the Freedom of Information Act, and to adopt a Publication Scheme. Council decided to adopt the generally accepted clauses 1-6 covering: publication of Council's Internal Practice & Procedure (such as meeting minutes); Code of Conduct (including members registers of interest); Periodic Electoral Review; Employment Practice & Procedure; Planning Documents; and Audit & Accounts. In addition council decided to adopt clause 10 Development & Implementation of Policy (covering responses made to consultation papers and action plans). Council resolved to also include the Exclusion clause covering commercially sensitive information such as quotations and tenders during the tender process. Mike Leatham reported that councils are charging from 4p-20p per sheet for hard copies of information to cover costs. Council resolved that information would be made available by publishing Meeting Minutes on Parish Council Noticeboards (and extracts in the parish magazine as at present). Minutes and other information will be available free for inspection at the residence of the Parish Council Chairman or Parish Clerk on reasonable notice, or by hard copy at cost to the Council (at the present rate this would be 10p per sheet per photocopy plus postage, plus Ł7.12p per hour for clerical time).

Planning
Planning Application No 1/2413/2002/27/0044
Retrospective application - change of use of land to garden
At: Land at Holly Cottage, Mill Road, High Bickington
For: A.C Partridge, Holly Cottage, Mill Road, High Bickington EX37 9AZ
The Parish Council approved this application

Planning Application No 1/0681/2002/27/0005
Proposed development erection of 3 bedroom bungalow at land adjacent to 9 Warden's Close. The applicant has appealed to the Secretary of State against refusal.
Parish Council supported this application and has no further comment to add.

Any Other Business - Village Shop
Maurice Ridd said that old people in the village can no longer get milk, papers, bread or other essentials now we have lost the shop, and requested the Parish Council to send a letter to Torridge District Council asking for money. Chairman Peter Tucker said that just sending a letter or asking for money will not help, a positive alternative proposal needs to be made. Vice-Chairman Tim Webb reported that he has received a circular from Dolton Church Street Shop which offers to deliver goods weekly when ordered by telephone. Not all households have received this circular, and he will investigate the extent of the offer. Roger Keen said that Sainsbury's Supermarket offers a scheme for local shops to sell Sainbury's branded goods, but this is of little help without an outlet to sell them through.

Peter Tucker said that we all appreciate the difficulties faced by John and Juliet, and wish them every success in selling the shop rapidly as this is the best long term solution. He hoped that all parishioners will actively support any new purchasers to keep the shop viable. The Parish Council does not want to do anything to prejudice their chances of selling, but at the same time must find a temporary alternative solution to help the elderly and other villagers. If anyone can think of ways to help they should suggest them to the Parish Council.

Tim Webb said that in the short term we need to make sure that everyone has adequate supplies, and if anyone is having trouble they could contact the Parish Council, as could people willing to offer help. The Council will draw up a list of those needing help and those offering it, but people would need to state their specific needs, which if necessary he would arrange to collect himself. Chairman suggested that notices should be put up requesting names for both lists for which he will be the contact. Maurice Ridd said he already has a list of people needing help, which he will also pass to the Chairman. All Councillors offered that they could be contacted in an emergency.

Date of Next Meetings
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 12 February 2003 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall. At the following meeting on Wednesday 12 March 2003 at 7.30pm Torridge District Council's new Chairman Trevor Smale will attend to meet the Parish Council and residents. All parishioners and members of the public are invited to attend these meetings.

2000 B.C. - Here, eat this root.
1000 A.D. - That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer.
1850 A.D. - That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion.
1940 A.D. - That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.
1985 A.D. - That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic.
2003 A.D. - That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root.

High Bickington Project 2000

Thank you to all those who have provided written comments on the plans exhibited at the recent Exhibition and Parish Consultation Exercise. These, together with other comments made directly to members of the Committee, were considered at a Project Planning Day held at County Hall Exeter on Friday 10th January 2003. Those participating in the Planning Day included representatives from: Devon County Council, Torridge District Council, High Bickington Parish Council and High Bickington Project 2000. At the end of the day a representative group met with John Burnett M.P. to brief him on progress and to seek his assistance with approaches for practical and financial help from the Government Office South West and the Regional Development Agency.

The overall response, gained from the recent consultation exercises, has been extremely positive although, as we expected, a small number of people have expressed concerns about some aspects of these initial proposals. Generally the issues raised have related to site access, numbers and types of houses to be built, sightlines and loss of view, the amount and location of land to be used for community woodlands, traffic and parking. There have also been individual queries raised by people who have properties with boundaries adjoining Little Bickington Farm. All of these responses are being carefully assessed and the Project Architect has been asked, wherever possible, to make changes to the initial plans and to bring proposals back to the group for further consideration.

Alongside the work to be undertaken by the Architect a number of small ‘Project Teams’ are being set up to identify and collate:

relevant information
current, future and potential issues
resources or solutions required to address issues
employment opportunities
financial requirements and potential funding sources

The groups will include community representatives as well as ‘experts’ from the various public bodies associated with the project.

Once these groups have completed their work a further round of local consultations will take place prior to the submission, hopefully by early summer, of an outline planning application.

Please remember that this whole exercise is about local people being able to participate in deciding the future shape of our community. Accordingly, if you have any views or concerns about the project then do share them with a Member of the Project 2000 Committee or with one of our Parish Councillors.

After hearing two eyewitness accounts of the same accident, you begin to wonder about history.

St. Mary’s Guild

Rosemary Munson

At our January meeting there were 11 members present. Miss Eileen Thorne reported on the Guild Christmas Fayre and said it was a success, she thanked everyone and she was also thanked. Eileen thanked Mrs. Sally Webb for decorating the Christmas Tree which takes quite a time. We all agreed on how nice the tree and the church looked for Christmas.

The spring outing was discussed, and it was decided that we will go to Truro on the 14th April, so please put this date in your diary, it is a Monday, times to follow later.

The floodlighting for the Church is still on the Agenda.

The meeting closed, and after we had tea and biscuits provided by Eileen.

The next meeting is on Monday February 10th

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI

Judith Domleo

Our January meeting was a Social Evening. After the business Richard Lethbridge showed the videos that Jennifer Gooding had taken at the Ladies Drivers Day at Chivenor. Our President Edna Ford looked as if she had driven an old double decker bus all her life! Also our summer outing in July, a river trip from Exmouth to Topsham and then a conducted tour of the very attractive town of Topsham.

The grand finale was the video of Richard's MBE award at Buckingham Palace He seemed to be having a very long chat to the Queen, but he did not give any secrets away! The video was so detailed we almost felt that we had been there ourselves!

We also had a January Sale, which was followed by a delicious Bring & Share supper. The winner of the 2002 Competitions was Judith Domleo who was presented with the winner's trophy. Birthday plants were presented to Anne Harrison Joy Bruce Edna Ford & Margaret Maidlow.

On a cold & frosty night 5 members braved the elements to attend the Resolutions Meeting at Filleigh Village Hall which was warm and welcoming.

The next meeting will be the FIRST Tuesday (please note the date) on February 4th at Umberleigh Hall 7.30pm when Christine Allbrook will demonstrate the Do's and Don'ts of Resuscitation. Visitors always very welcome.

A celebrity is someone who works hard all his life to become known and then wears dark glasses to avoid being recognised.

POEM FOR FEBRUARY

Heartwarming

The leafless straggling thorns beside the way
Stand hoary, white webbed in the fading light,
Ghostly and threatening on their brackened bed,
As closing dusk heralds the coming night.
The day-long, night-long shroud hangs cold
And fingers freeze to every crusted gate,
The robin's cheering winter song is stilled,
The gloomy chilling morn is each man's fate

The icy chill gives way to grey, dull days,
When dawn is late and south-west setting sun,
Unseen behind the cold and driving rain,
Affirms that winter yet has time to run.
Then darkness, hated darkness, beats retreat,
From Candlemas the snowdrops light the hedge
And periwinkles mauve, midst glabrous green,
Shyly clothe the dyke's damp, murky edge.

Beneath the trees' bare wintry shapes
A brighter, stronger light warms through the earth,
Both hedge and woodland flicker into life
And sign the nearing end to winter's dearth:
The daffodil and primrose paley flame
In twos and threes and then, in time, en masse,
They warm the hearts of those who standing, gaze
And know that welcome spring is come to pass.

Robert Domleo

A victory for common sense says Devon County Council

The announcement by the European Union that the threat to red diesel fuel has been lifted has been greeted by Devon County Council as a victory for common sense and a significant victory for the lobbying carried out by Devon County Council and many organisations in the South West.

Tractors and other non-road machinery diesel will not now have to comply with new pollution control limits from the 1st January 2005. The Commission is paving the way for the full market availability of sulphur-free fuels from 1st January 2005, but the phasing in of these fuels will be completed by 1st January 2009.

High Bickington Methodist News

Hazel Pearce

Sunday School held its Christmas Party on January 18th, the children enjoying various games including eating cold baked beans! and a yummy tea. Sunday School is held each Sunday morning from 10.45am - 12 noon. All children are welcome - just turn up.

Due to lack of children we have decided to stop holding 5 - 7's Club. If there are any children in this age group interested please ring Kath, we would be pleased to hear from anyone. The 8 - 11's will carry on as normal meeting from 6.30 - 7.30pm on a Tuesday evening.

Any ideas for a Club evening or help, especially end February - March while we are busy lambing at week would be most welcome.

We are glad that Tony Squire is making such a good recovery from his knee operation, but sorry that Margaret was too poorly to visit him while in hospital, we pray for her full recovery and very soon! So many people are missing her.

Long term residents will remember Rev Ralph Yates - who always wore a flower in his buttonhole - and his wife Doris. Sadly she died on Christmas day aged 96 after suffering a stroke.

News from High Bickington Church of England Primary School

This term is an exciting one of us. It includes an Arts Week, a trip to Park Community College to watch a performance by the Multistory Theatre Company, various sporting and dance activities with other schools, and the term ends with a Residential Trip to St George's House in Georgeham for class 2 and 3. All this alongside the usual National Curriculum teaching that happens day in and day out. Topics this term include:

An Island Home - Class 1
Africa - Class 2
The Indus Valley - Class 3

As in previous terms we would love to hear from anyone who can support the children's learning, either by coming and talking to the children themselves, or by lending items of interest. It really does make a difference to the children when visitors from the locality come in to school and share experiences - it helps bring learning to life!

The term ends with an Easter Service on Friday 11th April at 2.30 pm in St Mary's Church High Bickington, and all family and friends are welcome to attend.

Jackie Rudman Headteacher

Thought for the month...

Rev John Carvosso

Dear Friends

‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ (Matthew 5 v. 9)

One of the lovely Beatitudes, or beautiful attitudes as Billy Graham calls them, that Jesus told us should be characteristic of those who belong to God’s kingdom.
The Ł million question is how can we be peacemakers, the answer is I believe, vital for each one of us, for our families and friends, for our community and for our world.
Can I quote some prophetic words from a father about his son

And you child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you
will go before the Lord to prepare his way.
To give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of all their sins
In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and
to guide our feet into the way of peace

John the Baptist, about whom these words were spoken, fulfilled his mission ‘to prepare the way for the Lord’ by encouraging the crowds and even his own disciples to follow Jesus ..the Lamb of God.
Yes Jesus was and is also the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9 v. 6) ..and the Way to God’s peace (salvation/wholeness/healing..) is to be through His death on the Cross.
To prepare the way for the Lord, the Prince of Peace, is our task too. We do it, as John did, by coming to the Lamb of God and pointing others to Him.
The worlds’ Saviour, our Saviour, my Saviour...
May our Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace, enable that peace which God alone can give to become a reality in His world, in His Church and amongst His people. Let us all pray and work for this.

Yours in His Service,
John

DAILY & SUNDAY NEWSPAPERS

In view of the closure of High Bickington shop, Lorraine is looking at the viability of making both daily and Sunday newspapers available from the Post Office. A one-month trial period is planned and so if you are interested please let Lorraine have your newspaper orders as soon as possible.

Go to March 2003 issue