January 1999

DEEPEST SYMPATHY: To Ruth Mardon on the loss of husband Wilf, known to many as Grady.

THANKS: The family of the late Wilfred Mardon would like to thank all those who sent messages of sympathy and attended his funeral. Thank you to all who gave donations in his memory, these amounted to Ł250, and will be sent to the High Bickington Surgery Fund.

THANKS: Vera and Geoff Stevens would like to thank everyone for their cards and good wishes on their Silver Wedding Anniversary.

THANKS: Anna St John would like to thank friends and neighbours for the cards, letters and telephone messages whilst she was in hospital. Thanks also to the Lace Ladies for the lovely flowers and to Rev Hugh Pollock for his visit. Wishing you all a very happy New Year.

THANKS: Maurice and Doreen Ridd would like to thank all the people of High Bickington for all the cards, flowers, and presents; we both thank you very much. Doreen is making a little progress and is better day by day. It is wonderful to know that she has a lot of friends and I also thank the doctors And nurses at our Health Centre; no-one could be kinder. Also the Roborough Ward, NDDH which did a good job and a very big thank you to the Vicar who is a great man and love to his wife.

St Mary’s Atherington and St Mary’s High Bickington in the Two Rivers Team

The Reverend Stephen Thorp, presently responsible for the parishes of Beaford, St Giles-In-The-Wood and Roborough will be the available minister for the parishes of Atherington and High Bickington.

NEW SERVICE TIME The 8.45 am service at High Bickington has been put back to 8.30 am. This will allow Stephen Thorp to take the Communion in the normal way.

HIGH BICKINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION GROUP

Readers may remember that a group was set up with an aim to carry out local environmental projects. There was some initial interest but unfortunately the group never took off as hoped. However, the project to erect nestboxes around the Parish was a success.

A bank account was set up for the group, presently with a balance of Ł3.70 and plans were made to carry out an environmental survey of the Parish. At present the only officer for the group is myself, Mike Jay, who has held the post of 'Project Co-ordinator', but as some of you may know I will be moving from the area shortly.

With this in mind I would ask if anyone wishes to take up the job of co-ordinator and perhaps resurrect the group, please would they contact me as soon as possible?

If no-one is interested in continuing the work of the group arrangements will be made to dissolve the group and the remaining balance in the bank account will be paid to the Local Wildlife Trust.

Mike Jay, Project co-ordinator, High Bickington Environmental Action Group

From the archives - Researched by Richard Lethbridge

Richard writes... “To start off the New Year I have another one of Norah Maynard’s sister’s weddings, including just some of the presents that were given”

May 1st 1919 - WEDDING AT ATHERINGTON

The wedding of Miss Ada Gwendoline Millman Hellyer, daughter of the late Mr W B Hellyer, of Atherington, and Mr Charles Down, eldest son of Mr John Down of Fisherton, Atherington, was solemnised at St Mary’s Church, Atherington, on Wednesday. Rev W W Arthur officiated, and Miss M A Snow provided at the organ and played festal voluntaries as the large congregation assembled to witness the ceremony. The bride, who was given away by her mother, wore a dainty dress of white brocade and veil of Brussels net, with sprays of orange blossom and white heather, and carried a sheaf of lilies. Misses Norah Hellyer and Emmaline Down, sisters of the bride and bridegroom, respectively, wore pretty frocks of pale blue voile, embroidered in pink, with pink hats, and wore gold and amethyst brooches, the gifts of the bridegroom. Each carried an ivory Prayer book, gifts of the bride, and bouquets of pink tulips and narcissi tied with pink ribbon. Mt J Down, the bridegroom’s brother, was best man. After the ceremony a reception was held at the residence of the bride’s mother. Later in the day the newly married couple left by motor en route for Taunton and Sandhurst, where the honeymoon will be spent. The bride travelled in a navy tailored costume and hat to match. Many peals were rung during the day. Both bride and bridegroom are well known and highly respected at Atherington and surrounding districts. They were the recipients of many useful and handsome presents, a list of which is appended:

Bridegroom to bride, gold bracelet; bride to bridegroom, oak writing desk; bride’s mother, cheque and household linen; bridegroom’s father, cheque; bridegroom’s mother, household linen; Mr and Mrs G Pidler, cake stand; Misses Elsie and Evelyn Hellyer, silver dessert spoons and forks; Miss Constance Hellyer, oak biscuit barrel; Miss Norah Hellyer, silver tablespoons and mustard spoon; Miss Emmaline Down, bread board and knife; Messrs Harry and Arthur Down, set of carvers; Mrs Gilbert, cheque; Mrs Millman, cheque; Mrs Walters and Eunice, junket set; Mr and Mrs Moss, cheque; Miss L Down, cheque; Mrs M Oatway, family Bible and dining table; Sargt S Walters, silver cake stand; Rev W W Arthur, butter dish and knife; Rev C V and Mrs Wansborough, junket set; Rev H L Pigot, cheese dish; Dr and Mrs Good, blotter; Miss Newbery, silver cake basket.

The Rectory, High Bickington

This will be my last contribution to Ramblings as Team Vicar, Vicar, Rector or that chap with the fantastic view of Exmoor.

So I simply wish to say thank you for the welcome we received and have enjoyed ever since, in both villages. We move to Newport in Barnstaple - not as far as the Jay family are moving! Michael, we wish you and the family much happiness in your move.

So to all you lovely people, neighbours and friends,

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His Hand.

Hugh, Ros and family.

ST MARY’S GUILD - Rosemary Munson

We held our Christmas Fayre in November which was a great success - we raised over Ł300. Our thanks to everyone who supported us, you never let us down.

There was no meeting in December; our next meeting will be on Monday, 18th January at 2.00pm in Church with Mrs Brenda Davidson to discuss our proposed Flower Festival in August. We would welcome anyone willing to help with Flower Arranging or in any other way.

A very happy New Year to you all.

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI - Judith Domleo

At our December meeting Ralph Rashley gave an illustrated talk on how to take better photographs. The competition for a “Photographic Bloomer” was won by Jennifer D’Olley. Flower of the month winner was Mary Wilson with Linaria. Refreshments were served by Edna Clapton, Jennifer Gooding and Cynthia Blows. Birthday plants were presented to Chris Harris, Peggy Elliott, Jennifer D’Olley and Mair Pluckwell. 22 members thoroughly enjoyed “My Fair Lady” at Barnstaple’s Queen’s Theatre. Two members went to Exeter Library to the Police Day to learn what happens when police have done their job and the offender is apprehended. Sir Peter badge spoke on the work of a magistrate. Father David Hastings explained his job as Chaplain of Exeter Prison and Anne Pigott explained her work as the National Chairman of the Prison Visitors Association. Several members went to Cheltenham - some to shop and some visited the Art Gallery and Museums.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 12th at 7.30pm at Umberleigh Hall when one of our members will give us a “Surprise Talk”. There will be a “Bring and Share” Supper. Visitors are very welcome.

We wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 1999.

High Bickington United Anglican and Methodist Churches

The Christingle Service was held on Sunday, November 29th at 6.30pm at St Mary’s Church. The church was full for this lovely service. The leaders were Rev Hugh Pollock and Rev Marilyn Tricker. The Sunday School Children also took part. The collection of Ł98.49 went to the Children’s Society.

Why Not Christmas All The Year?

Christmas time has come and gone,
Shall the memory that it weaves,
With its kindly thoughts and acts,
Perish with its holly leaves?

Said a child at Christmas time
Glad with gifts and festal cheer,
“Why not every day so bright?”
“Why not Christmas all the year?”

Child they thought should be ours, too,
Now another year is here;
Here’s a time for charity -
Christmas, Christmas all the year!

Yes! The walls on one glad day,
Deck with leaves, make glad the hearth,
But the love the master brought
Did not perish at his birth.

Though we search religion out
It can demonstrate but this,
Christ like love twixt man and man
Yields the truest happiness.

Could we always deeds of love
Practise while we sojourn here,
We in highest, noblest sense
Should have Christmas all the year.

C Ferrier - Barnstaple

HIGH BICKINGTON WI - Josie Maskell

Our December meeting was held at the Church Hall which looked quite festive with the pretty Christmas tree and all the presents underneath it. The tables were set out with Christmas decorations and one with all sorts of lovely things to eat for later!

Our President warmly welcomed us and thanked members who had taken part in the Quiz at Ashreigney. Six of us went and had a most enjoyable evening. We were quite pleased to be placed fourth - there were only seven points between us and the team who won, Chawleigh. It was fourth place again for our Skittles team who had a really good evening.

The story sacks are coming along well and will soon be presented to the school - several members have worked hard on these.

Our New Year’s dinner will be on 22nd January at the Stag’s Head, Filleigh - thanks to Leslie for arranging this.

The programme for 1999 sounds quite promising - we shall receive it on January 6th when the meeting will be at Stella Burrow’s home where she will be showing us how to make ‘perfect puds’. Meet at the bus stop at 7pm if a lift is required.

The business kept short, it was time to test our knowledge with different sorts of quizzes and word games organised by the committee.

Now for something quite different, Derek Munson kindly supplied some lovely Christmas songs and carols on his organ. We sang - we even danced and finished up with our own hilarious version of ‘The Twelve days of Christmas’ - thank you Derek for coming.

After a lovely supper we each collected a present from the tree. The competition for a Christmas decoration was won by Jenny Gooding. The flower of the month winner was Jean Checksfield with a fuscia and the raffle was won by Betty Mitchell.

We would like to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful New Year and offer a very warm welcome to anyone wishing to join our W.I.

Atherington...

Whilst we say a fond farewell to John and Avril and wish them health and happiness - John in his retirement, at least from shopkeeping, and Avril in her semi-retirement. We hope to see them from time to time back in the village.

We say hello and welcome to Chris and Jo who have taken over The Village Shoppe and Tearoom. We wish them happiness and success in their venture.

Remember folks it is up to us to help them succeed !!

They will be happy to continue with passing on any articles or notices to be included in Ramblings - and to accept your subscriptions.

Atherington reporter, Eve Hill, is in hospital. Although progressing, she will be out of action for some time as recuperation will be a slow job will be a slow job. We wish her better health and hope to see her home and well in the New Year.

When we came to Week (continued) - by Margaret Bolt

Haymaking (continued) (2)

When the hay rick was made, came the anxious time of the rick heating up, which had to happen to make good hay, but not overheating and bursting into flames. If overheating was suspected, or the rick began to twist in shape, long iron bars were driven into the rick and left there, checked at intervals for the degree of heat. Sometimes they were too hot to touch and this was a crucial time. Various remedies were tried, such as cutting out a narrow section through the hottest part or using an implement called a hayborer to make a hole in the rick - anything to try to reduce the heat. To my knowledge we never had a rick burn, but some hay was very brown, what was known as YETTED (heated) hay. At Hacknell a hay pole was bought in 1942-3, approximately. This made hay making much easier.

The process in the field was the same but the hay pole erected by the side of the rick supported a large grab which was dropped wide open onto the pile of hay, then the jaws were pushed together to engage a slip catch. It was then raised and lowered by a horse being led forward to raise and backwards to lower the grab - my job when older. Controlled by a rope held by the man on the ground, the grab could be swung over the rick and then a sharp tug released the hay within reach of the rickmaker. As time went on tractors were used instead of horses and some farmers even fixed the hay sweep to the front of their car, just reversing to leave the heap by the rick, much easier than having to tip the sweep.

However, not everyone in our family was pleased with the purchase of the “modern” invention. Granfer and Granny Eastman were away for a couple of weeks, nursing Granny’s brother in South Devon through a terminal illness. His eldest sons, my father George, Abie and John, having tried to sell Granfer the labour and time-saving merits of a hay pole for a few seasons, seized their chance during his absence. Finding the hay pole in use on his return he was in a “right old tare” (cross) and told his sons that “laziness wouldn’t get them anywhere”!

In those days and for many years after we came to Week, hay was the only grass crop - for most people at least. There was not the option of making silage or big bales. Soon after we came to Week, balers were beginning to be used in Burrington, at first stationary, then pick-up balers. I remember a conversation between my father and Jim Pincombe at Abbotsmarsh at about this time. Dad said that “hedgetrimmers were here to stay but he thought balers would end up in the river, because so much hay would be spoilt by being baled too soon”. We bought our first Welgar baler shortly after that - he had soon been converted! Bernard Eastman, his youngest brother, baled many acres for neighbouring farmers in the Burrington and High Bickington area as well as our own hay. With increased noisy mechanisation, gone were the days of good humoured conversations whilst working, the companionship of sitting down together in the field, enjoying food from a large cloth-lined basket, provided by the farmers’ womenfolk. The basket needed to be large for the hearty appetites of the men and food from the basket for us children was twice as desirable as the same food on a plate. The dogs soon learnt how to sit looking appealing for the remnants.

This basket of food was called by various names, depending on the time of day, “lunch time drinking” at 10 a.m., “dinner” at 1 p.m., and just “drinking” in the afternoon. Tea, hot or cold, was carried in a big enamel milk cans and, of course, home-made cider was provided in heavy stone jars, kept in the shade and refilled as often as needed from the barrels in the cider house at Hacknell and barn at Week. Other farms may have been different but that is how it was for us. Gone also are the days of making the hay “sweet” for young men, who with a small roll of hay to wrap around the neck of the farmer’s daughter or any young woman, claimed a kiss to “sweeten the hay”.

ATHERINGTON PLAYING FIELD COMMITTEE

Belated thanks to all those who supported on Bonfire Night - weren’t we lucky with the weather!! The committee is extremely grateful to those who supported the event and particularly for the donations made. A total of Ł291.87 was raised. Although we only aim to break even on this community event, we were left with a profit of Ł92.60.

The committee has applied for planning permission for a multi-purpose court on the evacuated site in the playing field. Once this has been granted (fingers crossed!) it will be full steam ahead with the lottery application to fund the court.

Finally, the winner of the summer balloon race was Trish Tucker of High Bickington.

High Bickington Methodist News - Hazel Pearce

A United Christingle Service was held in the Parish Church, it was lovely to welcome so many families to this special service which also included a christening. About fifty children took part in the parade with christingles and sang “Sing Christingles”. The service was led by Hugh Pollock and Marilyn Tricker. A collection was taken for the Children’s Society.

We offer Hugh and his family our blessings for the future as they move to Barnstaple and thank him for his co-operation.

The advent lunches have been very busy, many thanks to the organisers and those who have helped in any way. A concert held to raise funds for overseas missions was led by the “Magnificant” group. We thank Bob Hookins, Rosie Venner, Fiona Stewart, Laura Clarke, Fiona Manning, Kathryn Dymond and Eleanor Lunn for their time and hard work, it was lovely to see their smiling faces.

The theme of this years Annual Carol Service led by the young people was ‘Hosanna Rock’. The younger children acted out the nativity story, while the older children told the story through narration and songs. Our thanks to all who supported the children. Everyone enjoyed a cup of tea and mince pies afterwards.

Mrs Freda Squire had a successful cataract operation.

A peaceful New Year to all our readers.

Go to February 1999 issue