January 2002

BEST WISHES: To Jean Tapscott as she recovers from a stroke.

THANKS: High Bickington Pre-School Playgroup would like to thank Rev John Carvosso for narrating their Nativity Play and all who supported them on the day. It was a great success and a grand total of Ł217.61 was raised.

THANKS: Stan Parker would like to thank everyone who voted for him in the recent Parish Council election and wishes everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.

High Bickington United Anglican & Methodist Services

The Christingle Service was held on Sunday, December 2nd at 6.30pm at St Mary's Church. The church was nearly full for this lovely service which was led by Rev Mark Noakes with readings by Rev John Carvosso. The collection of Ł87-42 was sent to the Children's Society.

The next United Service will be the Plough Service at 6.30pm at St Mary's Church on Sunday, January 13th. Everyone is warmly welcome to this rural service when the plough will be blessed at the start of the farming year.

The footpaths are now open and I am pleased to say that a new style has been erected just above Taylor's Cottage.

Roger Keen, Footpath Warden.

St, Mary's Church, High Bickington

The gift aid and farewell offerings envelopes are now being prepared for 2002. If you would like to give to the church through the envelope scheme I would be pleased to hear from you. You can also donate money by direct debit if you wish.
I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you in his name.

Roger Keen, Planned Giving Officer.

ATHERINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

At a Meeting of the above held on the 20th November 2001 the Chairman welcomed Mrs. Beauchamp's return to the Parish Council after Mr. Kneil's resignation.

After approving the new speed limits at Umberleigh the Clerk was to write to the Highways Dept. regarding the need for a bad bend sign and that the camber of the road at the top of Rock Hill needed to be addressed.

Due to problems with the development at the Old Sawmill the Chairman thought a letter should be sent to South West Water asking why the sewerage plant could not be enlarged.

The Council approved a donation of Ł10 towards an Orchard of Devon Apple Trees to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Due to the increased workload to Parish Councils it was decided that monthly meetings needed to be held commencing January 2002 on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

High Bickington Project 2000

As we enter a New Year we extend our best wishes to every resident of the Parish and look forward to working with you all, over the coming year, as we seek to work on the issues and suggestions highlighted by the Parish Appraisal.

Thank you to those who joined us at the Public Meeting in December when feedback was given on the final results from the appraisal. By now every household should have received a copy of the ‘Executive Summary’ from the report. If by any chance you have not received your copy then please contact David Brown on 01769 560873 and he will arrange for you to receive one.

There will be much work to be done if we are to achieve the best long-term results for High Bickington and we very much need additional people to help us. Our AGM will be held in February and the current committee members will all be standing down at that meeting. Whilst we are hopeful that the majority will stand for re-election there will be space for others who are willing to assist. For instance we desperately need someone with the skills to act as Secretary and others who can help shape ideas for future developments at Little Bickington Farm.

Finally, we would like to say a particular ‘thank you’ to Avril and Eric Stone who have been stalwart members of the project from its outset. Without their tireless input we could not have achieved all that we have. They will be greatly missed as they leave us, in January, for a new home in Scotland.

High Bickington Methodist News

Hazel Pearce

The annual Christingle Service took place on the first Sunday in advent. Our thanks top Rev Mark Noakes who led this special service and to all the families who filled the church, which created a lovely atmosphere. Over fifty children collected Christingle.

Both Children's Clubs have made craft items with a Christmas theme. The 5-7's coloured in stained glass windows and the 8-11's made Christmas sweets and Christmas cards. The older group has a visit from the 'Red Cross' and went through the rhesus procedure.

The Clubs held a joint Christmas Party. To say it was noisy, with over thirty children in the room was an understatement! Thanks to all who organised the games and provided food, also to all who have helped through the term. Hazel will be away on maternity leave next term. If anyone feels they have a skill or craft to share with the children or if you are willing to help, please contact. The 5-7's group is low in number so if your child wishes to come next term please let us know.

Thanks to all who have saved newspapers and magazines over the year. The last collection for 2001 took place on December 10th. This has enabled us to sponsor a Lebanese boy's education through the Bible Land Society.

We wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year.

ST. MARY'S GUILD

Rosemary Munson

The Guild had a very successful Christmas Fayre in November. A big thank you to everyone who helped with goods, crafts, dried flowers, cooking and plants.
Also thank you to everyone who came and supported us, it wouldn't happen without you.

Our next meeting is on Monday January 14th 2002 at 2.00p.m. in Miss Eileen Thorne's home the Parsonage.

A very Happy and peaceful New Year to you all.

On timetables:

Passengers in Staffordshire were angry.
The buses on the route from Hanley to Bagnall weren't stopping at the bus stops to pick them up.
A bus company official heard their complaints.
Yes, it was true, he said but he had an explanation.
If the buses stopped, the timetable wouldn't be accurate.

On tourists:

It was a damp November in 1979, and a group of tourists were sightseeing in the Palace of Westminster.
The Lord Chancellor, Lord Hailsham, was walking across the lobby of the Hose of Commons, when he spotted his friend, Member of Parliament, Neil Marten. Remembering that it was Marten's birthday, Hailsham waved to his friend and yelled out, 'Neil!'
At that command, the entire group of tourists immediately fell to their knees in prayer.

On Bookshops:

Whenever anyone says that literacy isn't declining, consider this story from a woman who went into a bookshop to find a copy of Mein Kampf.
The bookseller asked: "Is that the author?"
The woman answered: "No, it's German for My Struggle. It's by Hitler."
The bookseller: "Hitler who?"
The woman: "Are you serious?"
The bookseller (raising eyes in pained look): "Look, I don't know every author in the world."

Go to February 2002 issue