July 1999
CONGRATULATIONS: To Brian Stevens and Gary Kingdom on being voted Sportsmen of the Year in the Torridgeside Youth
Football teams in their respective age groups.
A BAND: Has been booked for the OPEN AIR SERVICE at High Bickington on July 11th, 6.30 pm.
THANKS: From Jill Stevens to all those who supported her collection for the British Red Cross which amounted to
£121-61.
Well done Jill on a very worthwhile effort, you never know when we may have to call upon these organisations for help.
BOUNDARY STONES
We have now obtained two Boundary Stones, courtesy of Hanson Aggregates of South Molton. The question now arises - where
do we site them? Torridge District Council have given their permission providing they do not obstruct traffic in any way.
Suggestion one At Cross Park and on the grass at Barton Meadow, just inside the “traffic narrowing zone”.
Suggestion two At the bottom of the hill on the grass just before the road to Welcome farm and Weeks Cross at the top of
Kingford Hill.
PLEASE let us know what you think - all suggestions are welcome. Please ‘phone Jane Gibson. If I am unavailable please
leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Jane Gibson
HIGH BICKINGTON C of E SCHOOL
Appointment of an extra Governor
As from September the composition of the School Governors changes. We are interested to know if any member of our local
community would be interested in offering their services to the school.
Please contact the present Chairman of Governors: Hugh Pollock.
FOR HUSBANDS ONLY
Dear God, keep our wives from shopping sprees and protect them from “bargains” they don’t need or can’t afford. Lead them
not into temptation for they know not what they do!
FOR WIVES ONLY
Almighty Father, keep our husbands from looking at foreign women and comparing them to us. Save them from making fools of
themselves in cafes and nightclubs. Above all, do not forgive them their trespasses for they know exactly what they
do!
St. Mary's Guild
Rosemary Munson
Our meeting held in June was well supported, we welcomed a visitor who was very interested in all that we do. The stalls
for the Church Summer Fete and North Devon Show were discussed, all contributions for our stalls would be gratefully
received.
The plans for the Flower Festival are proceeding satisfactorily, helpers are coming forward.
Repairs to the Church Clock are due to be commenced soon.
The seats for our outing have all been taken, I am sorry if anyone has been disappointed. The places were taken very
quickly. The coach will be leaving the Bus Shelter at 9.00p.m. on Monday July 12th for those that have booked.
Mrs. Jean Tapscott has arranged a JUMBLE SALE for Friday 23rd July at 6.30p.m. in the Church Hall, proceeds for the Flower
Festival. Contributions can be left with Jean or any helpers.
Our next meeting will be on Monday September 13th at Miss Thorne's home The Parsonage, new friends are always welcome.
St Mary’s Church, Atherington
Church Wardens, P.C.C. and members of the congregation would like to thank everyone who helped in the cleaning and applying
of the protective solution to the screen and much of the other woodwork in the church, hopefully preserving it for future
generations. A grand effort and a job well done.
Taw Valley Gardening Club
Our venue for this month was a visit to The Old Mill, Blakewell, near Barnstaple. I don’t know where to start! It is 4
acres of immaculate, meandering borders and small gardens that is one of the nicest gardens I have ever seen, anywhere.
It was full of hidden treasures, every turn, every corner lead to another display of shrubs, perennials and herbaceous
plants. There were features hidden amongst them in the form of statues, seats, water and obelisks. A Japanese garden at
the top had the most vivid purple Acer along side a pale green version which contrasted beautifully. The garden has only
been there for 13 years and with even the most imaginative mind, it is hard to vision that it was merely a green field with
sheep in it just that short time ago. Amazing! It is open to public next on 14th July, if you love gardening it really is
a must.
Our next trip will be to Maytime, Littleham, which I am informed is also a little gem. Please note that the date for this
has been changed to Thursday, 22nd July at 6.45 pm. Anyone who would like directions or would like to know more about our
club should contact Barry Checksfield.
Judi Waring
From the archives - Researched by Richard Lethbridge
March 1st 1900 - OLD CARPENTERS ARMS, ATHERINGTON
SANDERS and SON have received instructions from Mr John Newcombe, to Sell by Auction on the Premises, near the Post Office,
Atherington, on Wednesday next, March 7th, the following HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE and EFFECTS, comprising:
CONTENTS OF 6 BEDROOMS - Iron and wood bedsteads, completely fitted with palliasses, feather beds, bolsters, pillows and
bedding, washstands, dressing tables, towel rails, bedroom ware, cane seat chairs, chests of drawers, dressing glasses,
pictures, ornaments, commodes, carpets, &c.
SITTING ROOMS - Mahogany folding table, fancy tables, easy and arm chairs, sitting room chairs, 2 clocks, pier glasses,
pictures, vases, ornaments, carpets, rugs, dinner, tea and breakfast ware, cut glass items, fenders, fire irons, &c. Kitchen
tables, chairs, dressers, crockery ware, washing trays, lamps, garden tools, and numerous other effects.
Sale to commence at 2 o’clock prompt.
December 12th 1940 - PRETTY ATHERINGTON WEDDING
PINCOMBE - LOOSEMORE
The wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Atherington, on Wednesday, between Mr Alfred W Pincombe, second son of Mr and
Mrs J Pincombe, of Middle Wood Farm, High Bickington, and Miss Caroline E Loosemore, only daughter of Mr and Mrs T
Loosemore of Eastacombe Farm, Atherington. The Rev H L Hustwayte officiated and Miss M Pidler, presiding at the organ
played suitable voluntaries and accompanied the singing of the hymns, ‘Love Divine, all love excelling’ and ‘Lead us,
Heavenly Father, lead us,’ and the 67th Psalm.
The bride, given away by her father, was charmingly attired in a dress of lido blue silk Moroccan, with hat and navy shoes
to match, and carried a bouquet of pink carnations, white heather and trailing fern. She was attended by her cousin, Ruby
Caroline Murch, who wore a pink floral dress with blue trimmings, and a head-dress of pale blue leaves, with blue shoes and
gloves to tone. She carried a bouquet of bronze chrysanthemums and white heather. The bride’s mother was tastefully
attired in a navy blue silk dress, with accessories to match.
A reception was held at Eastacombe Farm, after which the bride placed her bouquet and that of the bridesmaid on her
grandmother’s grave. The honey moon was spent at Honiton, the bride travelling in a clover colour dress with navy coat and
hat.
The bridegroom’s gift to the bride was a walnut china cabinet and to the bridesmaid he gave a gold signet ring. The bride
gave the bridegroom a walnut writing bureau.
On leaving the Church, the bride was presented with a silver horse-shoe by Master Michael J Robbins, of London.
Christians together in High Bickington
The July meeting is to be held on July 12th at 7:30pm in the home of Mr & Mrs R Domleo, Higher Fisherton, Atherington. We
will be continuing with our studies on the life of David for which there are still study books left if you need one.
Numbers are bound to be a little thin during the summer months so do please come and join us if you can.
HIGH BICKINGTON WI
Josie Maskell
We met at the Church Hall for our June meeting. Several forthcoming events were brought to our notice and members
wishing to partake were asked to put their names down.
Our President asked for volunteers to make cakes and help ‘man’ the cake stall at the Church Fete next month.
Three members attended the Atherington and Umberleigh Resolutions meeting and passed on our views to them. We were
reminded that anyone wishing to make napkins for the Children’s Hospice could buy their material from WI funds. Eva showed
us some she was going to donate - a lovely bright orange and a really ideal size. After studying the schedule for the North
Devon Show, we unanimously agreed it was most uninspiring so we would not enter this year.
There is to be a Tea Party at the home of our President on Wednesday 9th June at 3pm and on the 2nd July at 7pm she will be
hosting a barbecue.
The business finished, we were introduced to Wendy Kite who gave us a most interesting talk on ‘All About Tea’. Apparently
a friend gave her a book on the subject which started her ‘thirst for knowledge’. As well as going through the history of
tea from 1645 when the Dutch introduced it, she told us how it was grown, gathered, processed and transported (first of all
by the old clipper ships). I am sure most of us were surprised to hear the first tea bags were around in the USA in 1904
when growers sent out small samples of tea wrapped in paper. 1950 saw the first production of the tea bags we are now
familiar with. After her talk Wendy had a wide range of teas to show us including lemon and ginger jasmine, orange and
bergamot, Earl and Lady Grey, Darjeeling and Ceylon to name just a few.
Now it was on with the kettles, tea pots to warm and tea making in earnest. About six pots were filled with various teas
for members to taste - a most enjoyable way to end the evening!
The competition for a pretty cup and saucer was won by Joyce Underhill. The raffles by May Miller and Marian Halstead, and
the flower of the month by Eva Burke with a lovely pink rose.
At our July meeting we are having a make-up artist to give us some tips and do some ‘make overs’ on willing members. It
should be fun so why not come along and join us?
High Bickington Methodist News
Hazel Pearce
Nearly 50 children and their parents piled onto two tractors and trailers for a ride from Fishleigh to the river Taw for
a paddle. Our thanks to Robert and Judith Domleo for their organisation and providing the refreshments.
Both Clubs joined together for a family orienteering evening on June 15th, all ages enjoyed a fun and relaxing time. The
evening finished with jacket potatoes and choc ices. Our thanks to Kathleen for organising the evening. Also thanks to
our voluntary helpers throughout the year. This was the last Club activity before the summer break, re-starting again in
September.
We are holding a family picnic barbecue at Landacre Bridge (weather permitting) on Sunday August 1st, meeting outside the
Chapel after Morning Service to fill cars. Bring your own food for the barbecue which will be cooked by our willing
chefs!? and drink. All are welcome.
Many thanks also to all who supported the cream teas on a stormy afternoon. £100 was raised for Sunday School funds.
We are pleased to report that Sheila and Eric Bolt are progressing well and getting more mobile by the day, but sorry that
Mrs Parker has spent some weeks in N.D.D.H. and that Lorna Ward had to be there for some days after breaking her ankle. We
pray for a complete recovery for them all, also for Mrs Squire at Little Silver, who has not been so well recently.
Waste Paper Collection
There will be a collection to be arranged in the fairly near future - August/September - after silage and hay harvest.
Anyone needing to clear stored paper before then can do so by taking it to Fisherton Farm, High Bickington, at any time or
ring.
We thank everyone who continues to save newspaper and magazines (separately) and apologise for the lateness of the usual
early summer collection form the bus shelter.
When we came to Week (continued) - Margaret Bolt
Christmas (continued)
Poultry picking was usually at least two days: one for "rough" picked - head and feet left on and entrails left in - for
the dealer or butcher and another day for those that were ordered which had to be clean plucked and dressed off.
Tables, slabs and shelves were cleared in the dairy, the coldest room, and a large joint of meat had been cooked the day
before and potatoes skinned for boiling in the morning. Together with home-made chutneys and apple pie and cream, a quick
and easy to serve meal was provided for at least 10 - 12 people.
All available helpers were roped in to help with the picking. My mother and Granny Eastman did the drawing and trussing, a
skilled job made obvious by how clean and wholesome the birds looked afterwards. Even at this late stage there were
problems trying to match the sizes of birds to the weight range ordered. Some customers were very fussy as to the size,
others thankfully were not.
The weather was another uncertain element; a mild mucky spell was a real worry once the poultry was dressed off. Local
orders were delivered as soon as possible: some were sent by post - one could in those days! - some were packed in a large
wicker hamper for Granny's sister, Aunt Florrie, and her friends in London. Other orders were through Granny's stall in
the market.
We always had a goose for Christmas Day, in those days goose was the cheap option, with turkey being double the price per
pound.
Fifty years on I am not sure of the numbers of birds dealt with but a total of approximately one hundred seems to stick in
my memory, easier to remember is the quantity of feathers in the house at Hacknell. Something I could never understand was
why the picking took place in the back kitchen and not in an outside shed or the barn. With the pickers having their meals
around the long farmhouse table in the front kitchen, every movement swept more feathers further into the house and up the
stairs.
My task, if not at school, was to prepare the giblets by pouring boiling water over the heads and feet of the ducks and
geese before skinning and plucking the very short feathers covering the head and neck. The hard-bitten nails I had in
those days gave me no help and fingers soon became sore. A very painful whitlow developed one year. School was far more
appealing!
At Week, the picking took place in the wash-house set off from the back door, feathers still managed to get into the house
but not in the quantities that there were at Hacknell.
Mum carried on rearing poultry for several years. For her, as for many other farmers' wives, it was a little money they
could call their own. Certainly it was very hard-earned money and I was not sorry when we finished having feathers for
Christmas decorations.
ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI
Judith Domleo
At the June meeting Rev Tony Cox gave a fascinating illustrated talk on his ‘Visit to the Holy Land’. He also brought
many interesting souvenirs for us to look at.
The competition for a Bible or Prayer Book was won by Judith Domleo. Flower of the month winner was Mary Wilson with a
magnificent delphinium. Refreshments were served by Di Drummond, Bea Jones and Carole Hurst and the speaker’s hostess was
Di Drummond. Birthday plants were presented to Carole Hurst and Eileen Edwards.
Our annual Dinner was a delicious meal at the North Devon College which we all enjoyed. Two members went on the four day
trip to York visiting Chatsworth House on the way up and there was so much to see in York - a lovely city. We enjoyed a
day in the Yorkshire Dales with breath-taking scenery. On the way home we stopped at Hardwick Hall.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, July 13th, 7.30pm at Umberleigh Hall. Mr Chris Bright will give an illustrated talk
on ‘National Trust Houses and gardens’. All visitors are very welcome.
A short tribute to John Broom from the Gowers:
John roared into our lives just a few weeks after our arrival at Lemon’s Farm. I, in my usual wary way, eyed him with
caution, Peter, within seconds, not only made a grass sale, but a friend, a bestest friend, a soul mate.
All through our initiation into farming he was there for us, as were many others, but for Peter it was his companionship
which was immediately special. I always knew when John was on the other end of a ‘phone call. No one animated Peter as
he did. Their conversations roving from politics to motor racing, continually punctuated with their conspiritorial
laughter.
When Peter was waning, he came readily, though with a heavy heart, to give him cheer, and it was so good to se and hear
them together again. Now it is good to think they will be lying close in Atherington Churchyard. I like the thought that
in the privacy of a silent summers evening, we might just hear their clandestine mirth mingle with the late birdsong, or
if we were quick, watching with our minds wide open, just glimpse the tail smoke of a Harley Davidson streak over the
horizon.
THANK YOU: To all who supported the Strawberry Tea at Alwyns, gave donations, to all the ladies who helped with the
Teas, Stalls and Raffle, to Edward, Desmond and David for taking charge of the Plant Stalls, a big thank you to Sarah Payne
for donating the Cream and the loan of her crockery, and to anyone else who helped in any way.
Eileen Tucker
What is Holier than God,
Worse than the Devil,
Rich People don’t have it,
Poor people do have it,
If you eat it you die.
Answer: Nothing
Go to August 1999 issue
