January 2004

High Bickington Church of England Primary School

Happy New Year from everyone at the school. Thank you for your support throughout 2003 and we look forward to sharing events during 2004. Hopefully sometime this year we will have a positive date for the start of the new school building. The children have presented the County Architect with some of their ideas – some whacky, some very sensible – and they have also been making a video. We continue to work with the High Bickington Project Committee to make sure the future is an exciting reality for the children of the village.

Last term saw the start of a new initiative in school as we now have French lessons on the Curriculum. Class 3 have a French teacher ‘on loan’ from Chulmleigh Community College, and the other classes have French lessons given by their class teachers.

This term swimming is on the agenda with the whole school going to Barnstaple for swimming and gymnastic lessons. Later on in the term we have our residential to St George’s House where the children will have opportunities to try out such activities as rock climbing skills, crates, archery, and abseiling.

Jackie Rudman

St. Mary’s Guild

Rosemary Munson

We would like to thank everyone who supported our Christmas Fayre in November, we will have to start and get ready for the next one!!

Our next meeting is on Monday January 12th 2004, my how the years pass. It will be at the Parsonage, Eileen Thorne's home at 2.00p.m. New friends are welcome.

I would like to wish you all a very happy and peaceful New Year.

HIGH BICKINGTON WI

Josie Maskell

Our new president Peggy Powell welcomed us all to our Christmas meeting and thanked those non-committee members who had offered to do various jobs in the coming year.

Final arrangements were made for the carol Service at Exeter Cathedral on 9th December, and our New Year’s Dinner on 16th January at Libbaton. Several members enjoyed an evening trip to Banbury’s Garden centre last week. A discount in their newly opened shop and a cup of tea were much appreciated.

Several events for January 2004 were announced including our Resolutions meeting on the 14th and bird watching on the river Exe on the 5th. It was nice to see Peggy Stinton back with us again, progressing nicely after her knee operation in September.

Peggy Blower, an image consultant, was introduced to us. She came with a vast array of scarves and promptly has us all involved in folding and tying them in various styles to give different effects. She also gave us ideas on colour and some of the latest fashion tips. Jean Checksfield gave the vote of thanks.

Time for a glass of sherry and a very nice bring and share supper. The competition for the prettiest scarf was won by Jackie Heyster. Peggy Stinton, Greta Woollacott and Rosemary Munson all tied for the flower of the month competition. The raffle was won by Peggy Powell.

Before we left Peggy Powell gave us each a gift from our “bran tub” and wished us a Happy Christmas.

Our next meeting is on January 7th at 7.15pm and will be held at the Meeting Point which is our new venue for future meetings.

We would like to wish you all a Very Happy and Peaceful New Year.

St. Mary's Church, High Bickington

Envelopes for tax-payers and non tax-payers will be prepared this month.

If you would like to give to the church through the envelope scheme, I would be delighted to hear from you.

Your support would be much appreciated.
Thank you in anticipation!

Roger Keen, Planned Giving Officer, Wards Cottage, High Bickington.

From the Archives

Researched by Richard Lethbridge, MBE

Devon Herald July 20, 1871

HIGH BICKINGTON

The EBBERLEY ARMS ANNUAL RACES TOOK PLACE ON Monday, in a spacious field belonging to Mr. Symons of Wey Barton. The race-course was in very fair condition, and was pretty well attended by the “fraternity” and peasantry from the surrounding parishes. The races were generally considered very good and passed off without a mishap. The arrangements were very well contrived and executed by Mr. James Harris, Secretary, and mine host of the Ebberley Arms, Mr. Joshua Miller. Subjoined are the “events”:-

HURDLE RACE for Ł2, over six flights of hurdles. Entrance fee 5s. Two heats of one mile each. Four horses entered.

Mr. Miller’s d b Creeping Polly - 1
Mr. Rowe’s g m Madame Linddaw - 2
Mr. Dunn’s b Pass By - 3

GALLOWAY RACE for Ł1 10s. Entrance fee 2s. 6d. Two heats of one mile each. There were 5 entries.

Mr. Tucker’s Hannah - 1
Mr. Case’s Wild Jack - 2
Mr. Down’s Creeping Polly - 3
Mr. Bater’s Little Polly - 4
Mr. Hooper’s Polly - 5

Hannah was first in both heats. In the first heat Creeping Polly was second, but in the second heat Wild Jack took second place. These horses ran again when Wild Jack came off winner. Little Polly bolted in both heats.

PONY RACE for 15s. Entrance fee 2s. Two heats of one mile each. There were four entries.

Mr. Tucker’s Hannah - 1
Mr. N. Tucker’s Little Boy - 2
Mr. S. Dunn’s Champagne Charlie - 3
Mr. Bater’s Little Polly - 4

In the first heat Little Polly again bolted, but was held in during the second one. This was the most exciting race of the day as Little Polly was expected to be more of a match for Hannah, but the latter won easily.

DONKEY RACE. This was not in the programme, but was the result of a collection on the field. There was one heat of one mile. Five entries.

Mr. J. Ware’s Black Boy - 1
Mr. Darke’s Maid of Honour - 2
Mr. Hopper’s Smasher - 3
Mr. Smale’s Fancy - 4
Mr. Wellacott’s Charity - 5

CONSOLATION RACE, for beaten horses. This was also the result of a collection on the field. Mr. Rowe’s Madame Linddaw won by several lengths. Little Polly gained second place, having, by this time, become tired of bolting.

The weather was very favourable for racing, and the day passed off very pleasantly. Skittling was indulged in at the Ebberley Arms until a late hour, while several of the young men present amused themselves by jumping hurdles and other athletic pursuits.

Poem for January

New Beginnings

New Year is nigh and I've resolved,
I am full of good intentions;
I will not penny-pinch
Nor shun those new inventions
Filling glossy catalogues,
Transported out on Sunday;
Wrapped in plastic and unstamped,
They're delivered on a Monday.

Then I wonder as I'm looking,
"Are these things I really need
Or would buying them be simply
Just another form of greed?"
I don*t want to be a sinner
Of the seven deadly sort
And I certainly won't envy those,
Who gullibly get caught
Through the advertising blurb,
Brought by those in Royal Mail livery
So into the recycling pile
Goes Monday's post delivery.

I feel I ought to try new things
But find it hard to bring
Myself to cast out old ones
(Which I mend with baler string!)
Thus instead of "jam tomorrow"
I can savour "jam today"
And I'm happily beginning
To pursue the same old way!

As you see me follow
My parsimonious sway,
Please hail my resolution
With a loud "Hip-Hip Hooray!"

Robert Domleo 27th Dec. 2000

High Bickington United Anglican & Methodist Service

The Christingle Service was held on Sunday 30th November at 6.30pm at St Mary's Church. The church was nearly full for this lovely service which was led by Rev Mark Noakes. There were readings by children Alison Down, Olivia May and Jason Jones. The Christingle song was sung when the lights were dimmed and the candles on the oranges were lit. The collection of Ł108.31 went to the Children's Society.

The next United Service will be the PLOUGH SERVICE at 6.30pm St Mary's Church on Sunday January 11th. Everyone is warmly welcome to this rural service when the PLOUGH will be blessed at the start of the farming year.

High Bickington Project 2000 and Parish Plans

Outline Planning Application: The outline Planning Application for land and buildings at Little Bickington Farm, the land to the right of the entrance lane to the farm and the proposed access arrangements on the main road out of the village were formally submitted to Torridge District Council on Friday 14th November 2003. It is understood, subject to confirmation, that the Plans Committee may consider the application on Monday 19th January 2004.

Appointment of Project Development Manager: Regrettably, in spite of inviting seven candidates for interview, it has not been possible to make an appointment to this post. As a result the Project 2000 Committee is now reviewing the proposed roles of both this post and that of part-time Administrator in order to decide how best to meet the overall needs of the Project.

Appointment of Legal Advisors: Following a formal Tendering Exercise a Selection Panel was held on Tuesday 2nd December when representatives of two firms were asked to make a formal presentation. The outcome was a unanimous decision to appoint Trowers and Hamlins, who have offices in London and Exeter, to provide Legal Advice to High Bickington Project 2000 and the proposed High Bickington Community Property Trust. The Lawyers first task, early in the New Year, will be to devise a suitable legal framework and formally register the High Bickington Community Property Trust.

Designing and Delivering the Plans: Work is in hand to produce an overall ‘Grand Design Plan’ for the Little Bickington site and it should be possible to undertake further consultation on this during February or March 2003. Alongside this important piece of work we shall be assembling an independent professional team to produce and deliver the detailed designs, plans and development procurement strategy.

Affordable and Local Needs Housing: Devon and Cornwall Housing Association are now fully represented in the planning process and, subject to final approvals from The Housing Corporation, will want to start building at Little Bickington by January 2005 at the very latest.

The next few months will be a period when a large amount of detailed and very technical work needs to be carried out. It is the success of this part of the process that will lead to a start on building works on site. There is also a good deal to be done in relation to seeking further funding for the various ‘Community Facilities’ that have been included in the overall Parish Plans. We shall be seeking new volunteers to help fully work up plans and implement these parts of the overall scheme.

David Brown
Chairman High Bickington Project 2000

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI

Judith Domleo

At the December meeting Alison Trankle gave a demonstration on arranging flowers for Christmas which were then raffled afterwards. Refreshments were served by Andrea Smith, Rita Rose and Ann White. Speakers hostess Jean Blewett.

The competition for a Christmas Decoration was won by Ann White and flower of the month winner was Jean Lynch with mahonia. Birthday plants were presented to Jennifer D'Olley and Mair Pluckwell. Jennifer Gooding had a stall selling W.I. books and goods for County.

Several members enjoyed their "sight seeing" day in Bath. Twenty members went to see "Annie" at the Queens Theatre & all said that it was one of the best shows they had seen. Many members went by coach to the W.I. Carol Service at Exeter Cathedral and took the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping.

The Autumn Group Meeting was held at Burrington with a theme "The Health Service of 55 Years". Most of us came suitably dressed as doctors, nurses, patients etc. and a good time was had by all. Unfortunately the Honiton Heritage Trail was marred by rain but there was an excellent tea provided by Honiton W.I. at the end of the walk. There was a very interesting "Africa Day" at Filleigh. Two county members spoke of their experiences of living in Zimbabwe and the wild life in Namibia. The guest speaker was Chartwell Dutiro who is a teacher at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. He played the Mbira and in 5 minutes he had us singing a Zimbabwe song accompanied by the mbira.

Our January meeting will be a Social Evening on the 13th at 7.30pm in Umberleigh Hall. There will be a "Silent Auction", so do not forget to bring something - perhaps an unwanted present!? (Not Jumble), a Quiz and a BRING & SHARE SUPPER. Friends and visitors very welcome.

We wish everyone a HAPPY, HEALTHY & PEACEFUL NEW YEAR.

Thought for the month …

Rev Mark Noakes

Dear friends…

I do hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas. Now, as we clear away the decorations, our thoughts turn to another New Year. How many resolutions will you be making this year?

In the Methodist Church January is the traditional time for our Covenant Service. In this we remember God’s promises to us and in return pledge again that with God’s help we will do our utmost to follow and serve him in the coming year. It is, in a way, our New Year’s resolution, offered with the words, “I am no longer my own but yours…”

You would be more than welcome to join us (11.00am on Jan 25th) but even if you don’t please try not to leave God (and therefore others) out of your plans for the year. For…

What use the hope if you don’t live it?
What use the love if you don’t give it?
What use the peace if you don’t share it?
What use the cross if you don’t bear it?

Every blessing
Rev Mark

HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk: Mrs Di Carter

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Thursday 11 December 2003. 7.30pm

Present: Peter Tucker (Chairman), David Brown, Stella Burrows, Jean Checksfield, Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Stan Parker, Myc Riggulsford

In attendance: 6 members of the public, Mrs Di Carter – Clerk

1 Apologies - there were no apologies

2 Minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2003 Subject to the following amendment the Minutes of the meeting were accepted and adopted by the Council:

Page 392 – 6(a) Line 2 to read “the Youth Club”. The Chairman signed the Minutes.

3 Matters arising from the Minutes

(a) Community message box. The Chairman reported that he has purchased a box and is arranging for it to be fixed to the Church Hall wall. Stella Burrows will pass on the key to the community policeman.
(b) Planted area, Barton Meadow. Highways have visited, measured the width of the roadway and determined that it does comply with regulations. Only if complaints about access are received from the emergency services can any further action be taken. The situation will be monitored.
(c) Street cleaning schedule. After numerous requests from Jean Checksfield and the Clerk a letter has been received but the attached schedule does not contain the information requested. It was agreed that all that can be done is to monitor the situation regarding street cleaning and any complaints reported.
(d) Obscured light at entrance to village from Atherington. The tree has been trimmed but still obscures the light. Councillors agreed that the safety of pedestrians must have priority and the Clerk was asked to discuss the situation with Highways.
(e) Dog bins. The Chairman asked for a decision on whether Councillors wished to purchase dog bins and where they should be sited. A discussion took place and, proposed by Myc Riggulsford, seconded by Jean Checksfield, it was unanimously agreed that two dog bins be purchased. One to be sited at Barton Meadow, the other near the Doctors’ surgery. Jean Checksfield reported that the Dog Warden has offered to advise on the most appropriate sites for the bins. It was suggested that the Playing Field Association be asked if they would consider purchasing a bin for their play area. The Clerk was asked to contact Torridge District Council to get firm quotes and conditions for two bins and possibly three.

4 Matters raised by the public:
The ground cover plant on the planted area at Barton Meadow has fruits and their safety was questioned. The Chairman reported that this has been investigated previously and the fruits are not poisonous.

5 Parish Plan:
An update from David Brown on the Little Bickington Farm project was circulated and noted.

6 Matters raised by the Chairman:
(a) Parish Council meeting July 2004. It was agreed that this meeting date be changed to 21 July 2004.
(b) Quality Parish Status. The Clerk and Mike Leatham will attend the Conference in Bristol on Monday 15 December 2003.
(c) Parking in High Bickington. The Chairman reported that there have been problems with parking in North Road but this does seem to have been resolved. Stella Burrows pointed out that parking on pavements is illegal and can be subject to Police fines. However, she has not received any complaints regarding parking recently. The Chairman asked that the situation be monitored.

7 Maintenance:
(a) Noticeboards, Barton Meadow. The Chairman reported that damage to the noticeboards has been repaired at a cost of Ł16.
(b) Jean Checksfield reported that the cover on the stopcock by the back door of Howard’s Cottage is missing and could be a hazard to pedestrians. The Clerk was asked to contact the Water Board to ask for the cover to be replaced.

8 Finance:
(a) The financial statement as at 26 November 2003 was approved and accepted by the Council.
(b) Clerk’s computer. The Chairman reported that the Clerk’s computer has been repaired. The Finance Committee recommended a monthly payment to the Clerk of Ł10 commencing 1 October 2003 for equipment maintenance. This to be paid 6 monthly in advance. Councillors accepted the Committee’s recommendation.

9 Planning:
(a) Applications received before the meeting:
(i) Application 1/2116/2003/27/0024 Retrospective creation of Sand School, Yelland Farm, High Bickington. Applicant: Mr A J Woolacott - Decision: NO OBJECTION.
(ii) Application 1/2158/2003/FUL Proposed rear and first floor extension to provide additional accommodation 3 Barton Meadow Road, High Bickington, Applicant: Mr T & Mrs D Tunbridge Decision: NO OBJECTION
(iii) Application 1/2167/2003/OUT Development to provide a new village school together with playing fields and playground, 52 dwellings, health community and retail uses and the provision of open space and a community woodland. Land at Little Bickington Farm, High Bickington. Applicant: High Bickington Parish Council Decision: As the applicant the Parish Council was unable to comment.

(b) Planning decisions:
(i) Application 1/1646/2003/FUL Dwelling & Garage, 11 Fairway Drive, Libbaton, High Bickington – REFUSED
(ii) Application 1/1780/2003/FUL Conservatory, 3 Church Meadow, High Bickington – GRANTED

(c) Mr Tanner’s amended application – land off B3217, High Bickington. The Chairman reported that the new 106 agreement required for the amended application is with the Torridge District Council Solicitors. It was agreed that the Clerk be asked to write to the Solicitor asking that the Council be consulted and be given the opportunity to comment on the 106 agreement before it is finalised.
Stella Burrows wished to record her continued concern that the trees on the land are to be removed. Chairman reported that the Council has been made aware that The Chairman reported that the Council has been made aware the land has now been sold for development to a Cornish company – Poltair. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Tanner asking for clarification of the position and asking for a meeting to be arranged between the Council, Mr Tanner and the developers.

10 Correspondence:
(a) Torridge District Council – report of independent Inquiry into bullying – for circulation.
(b) Torridge District Council – Website. The Clerk read a response from Torridge.
(c) Devon County Council: Community Computers. David Brown has completed and returned the form.
(d) Dartmoor Rescue Group – request for donation. The Clerk was asked to write saying it was not possible to consider a donation at this time.
(e) Winkleigh Parish Council: Biomass update. For circulation. The Chairman asked Councillors to consider the contents and bring any comments to the next meeting.

11 Outstanding Matters:

Roger Keen presented a quotation for proposed footpath works. He will obtain a further two quotations. The Chairman asked Roger Keen to make enquiries about applying for a grant to carry out these works.

Roger Keen reported that he has 60 trees available for planting. Following a Discussion it was agreed that these be heeled in and further consideration given to their siting when the community woodland is underway.

12 Items for information:

The Chairman reported that there had been 2-3 break-ins to garden sheds in the village and urged everyone to be vigilant.

The Chairman wished everyone a very Happy Christmas.

13 Date of next meeting:

Wednesday 14 January 2004 at 7.30pm in The Meeting Point, High Bickington

Go to February 2004 issue