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July 2000High Bickington – a Ridgeway Village by Avril Stone
Dear Sponsor, High Bickington Historical Society was formed to support Avril and now the publishers have given us the opportunity to enlarge the book as, in their opinion we have so many excellent photographs and stories. This will incur no extra cost in the purchase price. As a society we are committed to raise £800 to this end and we would be delighted to hear from anybody who would be willing to provide sponsorship in any small amount. Anyone interested in sponsoring should please contact: Mrs Avril Stone (Chairman), Rev John Carvosso (Treasurer). With thanks, High Bickington Historical Society EASTER HILL BARN – OPEN GARDEN DAY I wish to express my very sincere thanks to everyone who gave me so much practical support for my Garden Open Day. Also to all who those who braved the inclement weather to support the event (though I’m sure those in drought stricken lands, for whom we were in part, working, would be giving thanks!). The sun did, in fact, shine for us from opening to closing – does that say something for Atherington? The day’s effort realised £430.00, which has been divided equally between The Unite Nation Children’s Fund and the Atherington Millennium Fund. On behalf of these two organisations, thank you. Ann Gower
THANKS: For my 80th Birthday, one I will remember for a long Time. My thanks to family, cousins and my lovely
friends, old and new, who came to see me with good wishes and lovely cards. It was truly a lovely and memorable day. THANKS: Kathleen Down says thank you to family and friends for all the cards and kind messages received during her recent stay in hospital. She’s glad to be home and is making good progress. THANKS: Jenny Thomas and family of the Old George Inn, would like to thank everyone for their cards, letters, messages of sympathy and offers of help at this sad time. It is a great comfort to know that we have so many friends in High Bickington and Atherington and that so many were able to attend Jim’s funeral. Special thanks go to the Reverend Carvosso and Mr Pidler for making all the arrangements and to Peter, Jean, Sue, Andy and Sarah, without whose help I would not have managed to get through such a sad and difficult day. CONGRATULATIONS and BEST WISHES: To Caroline and John on their recent marriage and we wish them every happiness and God’s richest blessings for their future happiness. SORRY ! Apologies to those who asked for more space or to those who articles were not published. This is a larger than usual issue and we have to keep our costs down. Missing articles will appear in the August issue - Ed. St. Mary's GuildRosemary Munson We held our June meeting at Mrs. E. Tucker's home for which we thank her. There were 11 members present. We are all getting our crafts ready for the North Devon Show in August. There will be no meeting in July as we are going on our outing to the Lost Gardens of Helligan on the 10th. For those that have booked we will be leaving at 9.00p.m. from High Bickington Bus Shelter. I hope our summer will pick up and everyone has a pleasant time. Our next meeting is on Monday 11th September at 2.00p.m. in Miss E. Thorne's home. You can view this, and sign the visitor’s book. ‘Atherington Online’ www.atheringtonvillage.co.uk The Book of High Bickington – A Devon Ridgeway VillageAvril Stone The Book of High Bickington is progressing very well and Avril has all the photographs she needs at present. Millennium occasions will be included. Illustrated pamphlets are soon to be distributed and these must be used to order and pay for the book. The publishers need 250 orders before 1st September 2000 or printing will not take place. If 300 orders are received the publishers will give a village party to all who have subscribed – OVER TO YOU ! Readers LettersHas anyone noticed like me that children are using the churchyard as a playground these days. I believe a small amount of damage has been caused as a result. On visiting the church and churchyard recently I was confronted by a 6-7 year olds with plastic play guns hiding behind gravestones and jumping out at each other. I was brought up to treat the area inside the church gates as holy and Sacred ground; my children were brought up with the same idea. Many people like me treat the churchyard as a place to be able to spend quiet and reflective time near to God, family and dear friends no longer with us. I now hear the school is planning to use part of the churchyard as an extension to the playground, with picnic benches to be used at playtimes. What is going to happen at night, weekends and holidays, as the teachers live at least 10 miles away. I doubt they are going to supervise it at these times. I find this a very distressing idea, does anyone agree? ATHERINGTONWe are trying to save a photographic history of Atherington. This is being done by scanning and saving photographs. We realise people are reluctant to part with photographs so scanning can be done while you wait. If you have any photos you are happy for us to scan please contact Simon Beer.
The Committee would like to give a big thank-you to Ann Gower, who opened her garden to the public on Saturday, 27th May. The weather was kind and there was a steady stream of visitors all afternoon. Thank you to everyone who helped on the day and everyone who donated raffle prizes. For out next event we will be joining with the Playing Field Committee for the Millennium Fete on Saturday 22nd July on the Playing Field from 2 pm. Planned for August is a Village Tea Party to be held behind Bonds Farm by kind permission of Roy and Aileen Street. Ramblings... a correction In the June Ramblings on page 25 under ‘For Your Education’ , the punch line after AND THE FAVOURITE should have been... Better late than....pregnant and not frequent as printed ! Ed. I must have been thinking about something else at the time. ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WIJudith Domleo At the June meeting Mrs Rosemary Wedlake gave us a hilarious evening when she showed us her collection of hats, demonstrated the wearing of them and the story of how she started collecting them. Refreshments were served by Edna Ford, Jean Lynch and Eileen Edwards. Speaker’s hostess was Rose Peters. The competition for a buttonhole or corsage was won by Barbara Down. Flower of the month winner was Rose Peters with an apricot candelabra primula. Several members enjoyed a visit to Chagford to explore this very attractive town. Three members went to Vealand nature reserve at Pancrasweek to have a guided walk with a Devon Trust wildlife guide looking at the way it is managed to help wildlife. Although it poured with rain it was a very interesting visit. Two members went to see the National Craft Spectacular Exhibition at Tatton Park, Cheshire, truly a spectacular display. June Langer from our WI had one of her pieces of pottery chosen to be exhibited. There were over 800 items on display and several from other WI members in Devon. There was also an excellent exhibition of WI art and craft at the Albert Museum in Exeter. There were items from Jean Petts, Beryl Troup, Petra Butcher and June Langer. Jennifer Gooding gave us a report on the Wembley TGM meeting which everyone knows about because of the visit by our PM, Tony Blair !! The Resolutions were all passed, namely the payment of benefits at post offices, the funding of children’s hospices and treatment and therapy of stroke victims. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, July 11th at 7.30 pm at Umberleigh Hall when Susan Sherratt will provide “Music for a Summer Evening”. Visitors always very welcome. From the archivesResearched by Richard Lethbridge ATHERINGTON - 24th July 1913 BOTH the Council and Church Schools will close on Friday for the Summer holidays. The Council School, however, will be permanently closed, as the new School at Umberleigh is nearing completion. The district from which the children will be required for the new school is not yet known, but it is feared that the Church School is not large enough to accommodate all the children on the south side and in the village of Atherington. If children are required from the village general indignation will be expressed; the parents feeling very strongly on the matter. THE ringers of the Parish Church had their annual outing on Saturday. Prior to starting, a merry pearl was rung on the Church bells, the party leaving the village in a brake at 8.15 p.m. for Beaford, via High Bickington. Dolton was next visited, the party then proceeding to Iddesleigh, where dinner was partaken of at the Duke of York Hotel. The return journey was made via Ashreigney and Burrington, good pearls being rung in the various villages through which they passed. Home was reached at 9.45, a delightful day having been spent. ATHERINGTON - 31st July 1913 MISS E. J. HEATH, who has been the esteemed school mistress at the Council School for the past two years, and who is leaving the parish on account of the permanent closure of the School, was the recipient of a silver inkstand (the shape of a school bell) and a handbag, on Thursday afternoon, as tokens of appreciation of her services. During the period of Miss Heath’s headmistress-ship the School has maintained its standard of efficiency, and parents have been perfectly satisfied with the progress of their children. The children, too, admire their mistress, and expressions of regret at her departure are general in the parish. The presentation was made by Mr. J. Andrew, senr. (Chairman of the Managers), when all the children were present, with the Rev. W. W. Arthur, Mrs. C. White, Mr. F. Brownscombe (Managers), and Mr. F. Mayne. In making the presentation, Mr. Andrew referred in praiseworthy terms to Miss Heath’s work during her connection with the School and her devotion to the children, remarking how deeply the parishioners regretted her departure. The Rev. W. W. Arthur, Mr. F. Mayne, and Mr. F. Brownscombe also spoke, Miss Heath feelingly replying. The inkstand bore the inscription:- “Presented to E. J. Heath by parents, school children and friends, on leaving Atherington, July, 1913.” ATHERINGTON - 7th August 1913
MR. HENRY DOWN, of Little Hall, has given a new supply of Prayer, and Hymn-books for the Church. M. E. HELLYER has been granted a free place at the Secondary School, Barnstaple, after having successfully passed the monitresses’ examination, being placed second on the result list. M. E. Rodd has passed the entrance examination, qualifying girls to become monitresses. High Bickington United Anglican and Methodist ServiceThe United Service was held at the Parish Church on Sunday, June 11th at 6.30 pm. It was a ‘Songs of praise’ evening when members of both churches sang their favourite hymns. The service was led by Mark Thomas, and the readers were Betty Harpum and Robert Domleo. The address was given by Rev Carvosso. The collection of £35 went towards Bibles for High Bickington school leavers. Thought for the month...Don Chitty, Atherington
Planning done! Last minute preparations to complete! Tickets bought or car filled up! Now that long awaited and deserved
holiday! Hope the accommodation is good! Hope the sun shines! Jesus spent a great amount of time along the shores of Galilee. The place where people worked and relaxed. An ideal place for Jesus to meet ordinary people with ordinary needs. Do you remember that by these shores He called several fishermen to ‘follow’ Him? Another time Jesus was actually with His disciples on the boat which seemed as though it would sink in the storm. He spoke and calmed the raging wind and pounding sea.
Then the time Jesus told His disciples to “Come aside .. and rest awhile?” What concern and love He showed His weary
followers? Jesus illustrates the contrast between the natural bread, with His gift of eternal Life. The perishable with the everlasting. He knows our physical necessities but offers Life more abundantly! Why do we ‘labour’ or ‘spend’ on things that do not last? It is like making a beautiful sand castle only to see the tide break it down and wash it away. Jesus said, “I am the Living Bread which comes down from heaven.” John 6:51 Jesus calls us to “come apart” and “come to Him”. If we ‘feed’ on Him we shall “never hunger, nor thirst. We shall never die”. Meaning, trust in Him for forgiveness and salvation. That by faith in Him we have peace with God. Joy beyond words. Our future safe in His hands. This is real ‘rest’ indeed. Holidays an ideal time to read John’s gospel chapter 6 again, and discover what great things the Lord has done for you! Hope you have a very good holiday. Make time to relax and enjoy yourselves. HIGH BICKINGTON WIJosie Maskell Stella Burrows presided over our June meeting as our President was attending the WI conference at Wembley. Stella thanked everyone who helped in any way with the tea party at Little Silver and she passed on thanks from the President. We were lucky with the weather and the afternoon was very much enjoyed by all those who attended. Several cards of thanks have been received. Our Jumble Sale went well and the Coffee Morning held at our President’s home in aid of A.C.W.W. raised £65. It was good to see so many people there. A letter from MP John Burnett has been received concerning food labelling. He urged us to push for clearer labelling of food and to buy food from reliable sources. It is also up to us all to ask questions about food in the supermarkets. The Parish Walks on September 13th were discussed. Walk A will be three miles and Walk B six miles, ending with a cream tea. Elizabeth Russell was then introduced to us. She spoke on the work done by A.C.W.W. (Action for Country Women Worldwide). There are nine million members and the money raised for them from our pennies for friendship help women to have a better life with more education, better living conditions and opportunities, just to mention a few ways in which the money is spent. There are also exchange visits and penfriends, all of which add up to a better quality of life for all concerned. Jean Checksfield gave the vote of thanks. Jean Checksfield won the competition for a favourite post card. The raffle by Briony Sapsworth and the flower of the month by Josie Maskell with a pink oriental poppy. Our next meeting is on July 5th at 7.15 pm when our speakers will be Dos and Don Rogers with their hand built pottery. Everyone welcome to attend. THE HAZARDS OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS"A long hot summer is what we hope for," said Chief Fire Officer Mr Young of Devon Fire and Rescue Service. "However, like many changes in activity, it can bring risks with it. If you are intending to make ready your caravan, dust off your tent, or sort out your rucksack, before heading for the great outdoors, you should go armed with some safety advice. CARAVANS Gas cylinders:
If you suspect a leak:
Other Hazards:
CAMPING Tents:
OPEN FIRES If you must have an open fire:
If a fire should breakout:
Grass and forest fires spread rapidly:
In closing the CFO said: "It may all sound a bit daunting, but it needn't be, most of this advice is common sense. From time to time we all need reminders so enjoy the countryside and your recreation, and be safe." High Bickington Methodist NewsHazel Pearce Our thanks to Rev Jack Matkin who led the June Family Service. The theme was ‘we are all called to be witnesses’. It was good to have Jack’s wife Rhonda, son Wesley and one month old Jordan worship with us. We wish Rhonda, Wesley and Jordan a safe journey back to the USA on June 24th, we shall miss them. The Childrens’ Clubs enjoyed a family orienteering evening at Week Farm followed by hot dogs. Our thanks to Kathy Manning for organising this fun evening. The following week both groups travelled by tractor and trailers from Fishleigh to the river Taw where the children enjoyed a paddle and skimming stones before travelling back by tractor and trailer again. The Childrens’ Clubs presented Jack and his family with a High Bickington Millennium mug and plate. The clubs have closed for the summer - back in September. Many thanks to the leaders and all the volunteers for their hard work and time given. The children of the Sunday School will lead the entire services on Sunday, June 25th at 11 am and 6.30 pm. Everyone welcome to their presentation of ‘Hopes and Dreams’. At the time of writing, Sheila Bolt is a patient at Torrington Cottage Hospital, we pray that she will soon feel better, and be well enough to return home. She is very grateful for all the cards, visits and enquiries from so many people. HIGH BICKINGTON YOUTH JUDO CLUBThe result of recent gradings are as follows:
Congratulations also to Olivia Finn on achieving a gold award at the Devon Open Championship held earlier in the year! High Bickington Parochial Church CouncilAt a recent meeting of the P.C.C. following a request from High Bickington School (Mrs S Rudman) and a site visit of the Churchyard committee, it was unanimously agreed that two designated areas of the Churchyard be used by supervised, small groups of children. One area would be used for science study and the other as a quiet area. It is planned to cut the conservation area in July/August, weather permitting. A Poem for July... Tipping The Scales by Judy RoseThis morning when I weighed myself I’ve really had it with these scales The pointer stubbornly remained My last hope was the carpet I really have to face the fact And passing by the mirror But I am not perturbed at all HIGH BICKINGTON JUDO CLUBAs some people may already be aware, it is with deep regret that High Bickington Youth Judo Club have now been forced, due to safety reasons, to move to Umberleigh Village Hall on a Thursday evening. This is due to the increasing number of children wishing to join the Club and the size of the premises. It was a decision that was not taken lightly and we tried our very best to resolve the problem by other means. However, the safety of the children had to be our first priority and due to the Club’s popularity, this was becoming compromised. Umberleigh Village Hall Committee has welcomed us and is aware that this is a temporary measure until our new hall is built and we can return to the village. We have two extra instructors helping at the Club – Dave Weir (2nd Dan) and Andy Angell (Brown belt) –at present. Their help has been valuable, encouraging the children to learn new moves which they themselves have learnt whilst fighting. A women’s self-defence/judo lesson also takes place on a Thursday and at present we have three mums who partake and would welcome anyone else who is interested. We welcome new members, but at present we do have a waiting list. Anyone wishing to obtain further information should please contact any member of the Committee: John Phillips (Chairman), Sarah Reeves (Treasurer) or Bev Short (Secretary). The Strawberry Tea at Little Silver
After a week of extremely poor weather and a Saturday of torrential rain that had nothing to do with “Flaming June” you can
just imagine the sigh of relief that went through the organisers as on Sunday 4th June the clouds suddenly rolled away and
the sun came through. We removed almost the entire contents of the village hall and in convoy set off to a festively
decorated Little Silver. Then in rolled the W.I., ably organised by Stella Burrows, they got to work and an hour later
over a 100 tea plates were groaning with sandwiches, scones and cake and each plate even had its own doggy bag! As the afternoon progressed and nobody could eat another crumb, the Ashreigny Handbell Ringers entertained us and then, in contrast, Karen and Reg played us some lovely Scottish airs on the bagpipes. During the afternoon we ran a raffle to held towards the afternoons expenses and also towards our other Millennium projects. The afternoon finished with strawberries and cream, kindly donated by Barbara and Dick Winship. I hope an enjoyable day was had by all. A big thank you to Dick and Barbara Winship for allowing us to hold the Tea Party at Little Silver and also to the W.I. for the tea and everyone else who ferried passengers and moved furniture etc. We, the Millennium Committee, are very grateful. High Bickington – a Ridgeway Village by Avril Stone
Dear Sponsor, High Bickington Historical Society was formed to support Avril and now the publishers have given us the opportunity to enlarge the book as, in their opinion we have so many excellent photographs and stories. This will incur no extra cost in the purchase price. As a society we are committed to raise £800 to this end and we would be delighted to hear from anybody who would be willing to provide sponsorship in any small amount. Anyone interested in sponsoring should please contact: Mrs Avril Stone (Chairman), Rev John Carvosso (Treasurer). With thanks, High Bickington Historical Society.
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