July 2002

WELL DONE INDEED: Very many congratulations to Richard Lethbridge who has been awarded the MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to Consignia (Royal Mail) and to the community in North Devon.
Ed. Richard, excellent news - do I have to bow when you bring the post?

THANKS: On behalf of everyone in Atherington I would like to congratulate Atherington Playgroup Committee and volunteers who worked extremely hard to give the Church Hall a spring clean. Well done!

THANKS: To Jane Gibson in particular, but also to everyone who helped to make the Jubilee Celebrations in High Bickington such a successful occasion.

THANKS: To Sue Venner in particular, but also to everyone who contributed to the magnificent tidy up of High Bickington.

THANKS: Garden Opening for Amnesty Thank you all for your generous help and support at Easter Hill last Saturday and I apologise if it interfered with other Atherington Garden openings. Despite the football and indifferent weather, we had a lovely day and raised just on Ł300 at the last count.
Ann Gower

JUBILEE COMMITTEE

Jane Gibson

We would like to convey our very sincere thanks to all those who contributed to our Jubilee funds. I would like to specially mention, The Parish Council and Mark Parkhouse who underwrote the mugs. Also Jenny Gooding and Ella Gooding who donated the proceeds of their splendid May lunch to the Jubilee funds, also Weirmarsh Farm Restaurant, Graham Copp and Sons, Lorraine and Tony Cummings and everyone else who gave us donations.

We would also like to thank everyone who helped in any way on all three days. In particular a very big thanks to Carol and David Brown who allowed us to hold our Cream Teas at their house.

Finally we do still have money in the kitty but we are holding this back until we see if indeed we are able to have a Jubilee Walk between the village and the Playing Fields. If so, we will use the money to mark it in some special way. Should this not come about the Committee has decided to donate the money to the Church Restoration Fund, as we believe that our Church is a very important historical building that needs to be preserved.

Thank you to everyone that came to any or all of the events, without you it would not have been a success.

Watch this space for the next event!

SONGS OF PRAISE

ST MARY’S HIGH BICKINGTON

We are delighted to report that the church was packed out on Sunday June 2nd for the Jubilee Songs of Praise and we raised the roof with our singing!
The collection for the Church Restoration Fund brought in a magnificent Ł200.00.

High Bickington Methodist News

Hazel Pearce

The young people will lead both the 11am and 6.30pm services on Sunday June 30th, their theme will be the life of Joseph.

The Chapel was full to share in the christening of Thomas Jack Pearce and to see Tony pert receive his certificate after passing a worship leaders course. May God's blessing be upon them both.

We thank all who continue to save waste paper, a lorry load was collected on 17th June. The money raised supports the education of a boy in Lebanon.

Youth Clubs' plans had to be altered because of the unseasonable weather. The annual tractor and trailer ride to the river Taw had to be cancelled because of rain and high river levels, so a joint indoor games evening followed by 'eats' was held. We managed a joint orienteering and indoor barbecue at Week Cottage. Children and adults enjoyed the exercise and challenge, our thanks to Kath Manning who arranged the evening. This was the last Club before the summer break - back in September.

Sunday School will close for a summer break on Sunday 23rd July, any children are still welcome to come to make a summer collage. Sunday School re-starts on September 8th. The date of the Sunday School trip is to be announced. We welcome Josh and Phoebe Crook to Sunday School.

ST MARY'S GUILD

Rosemary Munson

Our meeting was held on Monday 10th June, there were eleven members present. We spent time planning our stalls for the Church Fete and North Devon Show. Goods are needed for the Fete and crafts for the North Devon Show - we would be pleased to receive anything suitable for the stalls.

Our outing is on Monday 8th July leaving High Bickington at 900am. We have two or three vacancies, but these may be filled. You can ring me to see if there are seats available.

I hope the summer cheers up for us all and we all enjoy it. Our next meeting is on Monday September 9th at 2pm at the Parsonage.

ATHERINGTON PLAYING FIELD COMMITTEE

Are pleased to announce that we have formed a new committee and the Annual Fete will be held on SATURDAY 10th AUGUST from 2pm.

Further details will follow in next month's Ramblings.

For enquiries/offers of help please contact any of the committee (see rear inside cover).

High Bickington United Anglican and Methodist Services

The United Jubilee Songs of Praise was held at St Marys Church on Sunday June 2nd at 6.30pm. The Leader was Rev John Carvosso. Readers were Ian Gibson, Jennifer Gooding & Robert Domleo. Procession of Symbols - Bible for Faith Jennifer Gooding, Oil for Anointing Margaret Bolt, Towel & Bowl for Service Judith Domleo, Bell, Living in Community Heather Bolt.

The collection of Ł193.17 went towards St Marys Restoration Fund. The next United Service will be an Open Air Service with the Tarka Brass Band in the school playground a Songs of Praise on Sunday July 14th 6.30pm. In the church if wet! Everyone Very Welcome.

ADSL Update

Mike Leatham

You may remember that in a previous issue of Ramblings I asked if people could let me know if they would be interested if high-speed internet access via ADSL were available locally. About thirty people expressed an interest both for personal and business use. Unfortunately BT is installing ADSL based on population sizes and it seems unlikely it will come to rural locations such as ours for many years if ever, so this is very disappointing.

If you want to get some more information on this I suggest you have a look at the BT internet site which covers this - broadband1.bt.com/home/home.asp. There you can type in your own telephone number and read BT's comments on ADSL.

HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk: Myc Riggulsford, Dadland High Bickington Umberleigh Devon EX37 9BS

High Bickington Parish Council Meeting - Thursday 13 June 2002

Mike Leatham attended the Little Bickington Farm Estate and Parish Plan Steering Group in May on behalf of the Parish Council along with representatives from High Bickington Project 2000, District and County Councils. The proposed Parish Plans for which we have received a Vital Villages grant of Ł5,000 will look at the whole parish, not just the Little Bickington Farm site, including Barton Meadow, and cover such issues as car parking, safer access to the playing field, relocating the school, a village hall, workshops, affordable housing, and medical facilities.

The Parish Plans should be finalised by the end of the year, after the draft is discussed in parish consultations. To further develop the draft proposals a Planning Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday 3 July 2002. The project is moving forward well, Devon County Council has already carried out the site survey, and the County Education Department has asked for land on the farm site to be reserved for a new school. This does not commit them to building it, but it is a very positive sign, and a representative from the Education Department will be attending the meeting on 3 July.

Vice chairman Mr Tim Webb reported that following the motions agreed at the Annual Parish & Annual Parish Council Meetings on 8 May 2002, he had written on the Parish Council's behalf to the Chairman of Torridge District Council, Chief Executive, Chairman of Planning Committee, Director of Planning, Cllr Mrs Ferguson, Cllr Ridd and the Government Office for the South West. He expressed the Parish Council's concerns at being misrepresented, and the subsequent decision by Torridge to support Mr Tanner's planning application for housing and workshops at North Road against the wishes of the village. The only response has been an acknowledgement from the Government Office, and a letter of support from MP Mr John Burnett following a direct approach from a High Bickington parishioner. The High Bickington Parochial Church Council has also written to the Parish Council supporting the proposals at Little Bickington Farm and expressing their concerns that Mr Tanner's application could jeopardise the school's future. The lack of response is being chased and answers requested in time for consideration at the next Parish Council meeting on 10 July 2002. If no response is received the matter will be pursued through the new Standards Board.

Chairman Mr Peter Tucker said that the recent village clean-up organised by Mrs Sue Venner was a great success, not just in tidying up, but in engendering good community spirit, and the Parish Council sent her their thanks. Similarly the excellent Jubilee celebrations were organised by a small group of people in the village determined not to let it pass quietly, including some new faces, and thanks are due to Mrs Jane Gibson and the Jubilee Committee for their great effort, and also the Cricket Club for organising the games on Tuesday 4 June. The events inspired good feeling and spirit in the village, and people are already asking if it can be done again.

We have just heard that our postman Richard Lethbridge has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours for his services to the community in North Devon. Congratulations from the Chairman and Parish Councillors of High Bickington, and many thanks for all you have done for us over the years.

The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday 10 July 2002, and all residents are welcome to attend.

Myc Riggulsford, Clerk to the Parish of High Bickington

From the Archives

Researched by Richard Lethbridge, MBE

2nd July 1903
HIGH BICKINGTON

THE annual festival of the Chulmleigh branch of the Girls' Friendly Society was held here on Wednesday. There were just over a hundred girls present, and they represented the parishes of Chulmleigh, Lapford, Burrington, Eggesford, and High Bickington. A special service was held in the Parish Church at three o'clock, and an appropriate address was given by the Rev. E. G. Beckwith, Rector of Filleigh. After the service the members and their friends partook of tea in a large tent erected upon the Rectory lawn, and subsequently enjoyed themselves in various ways for a couple of hours. The Rev. C. V. and Mrs. Wansbrough made the arrangements for the festival.

THE successful sheep-shearing classes which have been carried on during the past two or three weeks were brought to a close on Tuesday, when a competition for prizes was held in a field near the village kindly lent by Mr. Wm. Harris. Mr. Wm. T. Joslin, of Atherington, whose name has often figured so prominently as a prize-winner in sheep-shearing contests in many parts of the country, has proved a most capable instructor, and the lessons have been given at Little Bickington, Weirmarsh, and Parsonage Farms. The local hon. secretary for technical instruction (Mr. Eli Harris0 and Mr. W. J. Hellyer made all the arrangements, and worked hard to make the classes a success. After the competition, all those who have in any way been connected with the classes and many others, sat down to tea at the Golden Lion Inn. Subsequently the Rev. C. V. Wansborough distributed the prizes, in accordance with the following list:-

Class 1 (over 19) - 1, E. Ellacott; 2, E. Folland; 3, F. Hellyer.
Class 2 (under 19) - 1, Charles Thomas; 2, Archie Hellyer; 3, Albert Guard.
Class 3 (boys under 16) - 1, Wm. Hopper; 2, Wm. Cox; 3, John Manning and Edgar Cole (equal).
The judges were Mr. A. Oatway, Yarnscombe and Mr. Buckingham, Way Farm, Chittlehampton.

HIGH BICKINGTON WI

Josie Maskell

Our President thanked all those who helped with teas at the Jubilee street part. It was voted a great success by everyone. Three members enjoyed a really interesting day out in Plymouth walking along the hoe, the Barbican and harbour and visiting St Andrew's Church.

A trip to Pencarrow House and its' lovely gardens was another outing enjoyed by some of our members. The North Devon Show was discussed, the theme for the competition this year is 'Our Glorious Country'. Several suggestions have been put forward and we have volunteers for most of the exhibits.

Names were taken for the Strawberry Tea at Chulmleigh on June 13th. Jane Gibson said she would like to offer special thanks to Ella Gooding and Jenny Gooding for their support and hard work over the Jubilee weekend.

Alan Coxen, (a new resident in High Bickington) and a Fire Officer was then introduced to us to speak on Fire safety in the home. He gave a very interesting talk, stressing the importance of having smoke detectors, preferably one on the landing and one at the bottom of the stairs. He advised us to check them from time to time and to never remove the batteries unless replacing them with new ones! The main causes of fire in the home are smoking and chip pans over-heating. Anyone not having a smoke detector was offered one free with fitting. Marian Halstead gave the vote of thanks.

The competition for the prettiest candlestick was won by Rosemary Munson. The raffle by Jean Checksfield and the flower of the month by Josie Maskell with an iris.

Our next meeting is on July 3rd when Sandra Huxtable will be flower arranging for us. All are welcome to join us, why not become a member?

News from High Bickington Church of England Primary School

Brylcream,

teddy boys and Elvis look-alikes,

bobby socks,

hand jive and a record player.

Celebrating the Queen’s Golden Jubilee turned into a hands-on history lesson at school as we dressed in the style of the 1950’s and ate span and mash. The memories of grandparents were invaluable as children researched the life and times of Britain in the 1950’s.

Thank you to all the village folks who came and shared what life was like 50 years ago. At the end of the day the PFA presented the children with a specially minted golden jubilee coin as a lasting reminder of the day.

The children would also like to use the Ramblings to thank the Jubilee Committees for all the events that were put on during half term. It was a never to be forgotten week.

Dear Jubilee Committees for Atherington and High Bickington
Thank you for all the hard work that went into organising the events of Jubilee Week. We had a brilliant time.
Some of us went to the Golden Jubilee Service at Atherington Church. We will always remember it because the atmosphere and feelings it created made us feel we were part of the celebration that the whole of Britain was enjoying. Some of us enjoyed the treasure hunt – it was great fun – but quite tricky!

Everyone enjoyed the yummy food and the excitement of the grand street party – we even managed to recognise people in the photograph in the Journal.
So thank you for all your hard work and effort it was very much appreciated; we shall remember all our lives just what we did on Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee – and be able to tell our grandchildren!

From the Children at High Bickington Church of England Primary School

Thought for the Month...

Dear Friends...

On 30th July, 1956, the United States of America declared its national motto would be ‘In God We Trust.’ It reinforced the idea of the nation’s leadership - that America would be ‘one nation under God’, a land of no political, religious or economic oppression and a place where all are equal. History will decide whether the ideal was just a pipe dream or reality. I suspect that the convictions of the leading few may not have been held by all, or every following generation.

What is clear is the impossibility of deciding (or imposing?) values, ideology or faith from the top of a society. This would only work if all people were totally in agreement with the leaders of the group. It only takes a few objectors to start the rot, and leaders often assume too much of their peoples thoughts anyway.

This is equally true of ‘religious societies’. This could be on a national level, denominational or local. The idea, say, that a country can be Christian, is just that – an idea. Every king or politician who has declared a nation’s faith has usually had to force the issue with power, imprisonment or murder to advance his claim.

The only way this would be possible is for the idea to come from the bottom up. When people join together with a shared vision or desire then real change can come about, and the marks of a true community can be invitation to join rather than demand, and tolerance of others. This is the way of Jesus. He came not to be a great religious ‘leader’ but to work at the bottom and draw around him an ever-growing community of those who shared his vision. This became a world-changing group that lived to its values and under a common ideal and motto of its own – “Jesus is Lord”. Despite some appearances, it is still very successful and growing.

God Bless. Rev Mark Noakes

Atherington Parish Council

The Annual Parish Meeting was held in the Church Hall on Tuesday 14th May at 7.30 p.m. in the Church Hall. The main topic on the Agenda was Atherington Children's Playing Field.

Mrs. L. Beer was acting Chairman and opened the meeting with an explanation of the position resulting from the lack of a Playing Field Committee. The Committee is required to fund raise to maintain and replace as necessary the equipment and the pavilion. Mrs. Beer asked for a show of hands from the members of the public if they would be prepared to form a committee, 7 people put their names forward, a further meeting was proposed on Monday 20th May 2002.

The elections of officers then took place.

Mrs. M. Squire proposed Mrs. L. Beer as Chairman seconded by Mrs. M. Beauchamp. Mrs. Beer accepted.
Mrs. L. Beer proposed Mrs. M. Beauchamp as Vice Chairman seconded by Mrs. M. Squire. Mrs. Beauchamp accepted.

Mrs. L. Beer gave her report as a Governor of High Bickington School.

Mrs. M. Squire agreed to continue on the Amenities Committee.

The Parish Council are waiting for nominations to fill the vacancies.

The Minutes of the previous Annual Parish Meeting were read and signed.

The Clerk presented details of the Accounts and gave an up to date statement, which showed an healthy balance.

Due to illness there was no report from the District Councillor.

County Councillor Mr. R. Hawes introduced himself and said his main concern was with Highways, he then answered questions from the floor.

Mrs. L. Beer read a report from High Bickington Judo Club on the past year's achievements.

Mrs. Squire thanked everyone for their support and said she would like the Committee's next project to be putting name signs on all the old wells in the village.

THANK YOU to all the people who gave up their time to tidy up High Bickington on Saturday May 25th. 20 adults and children braved the showers to collect several bags of rubbish from the centre of High Bickington, the lanes around the village and the playing field. Thank you also to all those folk who provided and served refreshments. We are planning another 'tidy-up' in October (date to be arranged) and would welcome any help.

Sue Williamson

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI

Judith Domleo

At the June meeting Chris Allbrook and Brigitte Palmer spoke of their work on the Baby and Children's Wards at the North Devon Hospital.
A Bring & Buy stall raised Ł78 for extra amenities on the wards.

The competition "The Things Children Say" was won by Judith Domleo. Flower of the month winner was Jean Lynch with a beautiful orange "Skegness" Lily. Refreshments were served by Margaret Squire & Jean Blewett. Birthday plants were presented to Carole Hurst and Eileen Edwards.

At our annual dinner 34 members enjoyed a delicious meal at Weirmarsh Restaurant. Members helped at the Atherington Flower Festival that had the theme "Golden Memories" and some members opened their gardens. At the time of writing the Flower Festival, he Concert, Songs of Praise and the Open Gardens have raised over Ł2,000. Very many thanks to all who helped in anyway to make the weekend such a success.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday July 9th at Umberleigh Hall at 7.30pm when Harry Juniper the Bideford Potter, will be the speaker on "The History of Pottery". All visitors very welcome.

BARTON MEADOW RECREATIONAL AREA COMMITTEE

Please join us at a Workshop and Open Evening on Saturday 6th July from 2 pm to 6 pm at High Bickington Village Hall. Two representatives from Devon@Play will be in attendance. The aim of the Workshop is:

For the children of the village to put forward their views on what play equipment they would like on the Barton Meadow site.
For the rest of the parishioners to put forward their ideas and suggestions.

By holding a Workshop, this should accurately determine what the children and parishioners wish to see on the site, so it is imperative that as many people as possible attend to voice their views.

This area of designated amenity land is not just for children’s play equipment. The Committee hopes that it will be an area that all members of the community, young and old, will use.

Over the past 3 years, we have found an immense community spirit within the village when we have held events and would like this area of land to be a focus for other community events throughout the year.

Your views are important

Remember – if you don’t have your say, your views may be overlooked!

POEM FOR JULY

TO OUR QUEEN - A JUBILEE TRIBUTE

We thank you God our father
That you from first to last,
Have spared our gracious Sovereign
As fifty years have passed:
Not all of them were glorious
And some were marked by pain
But steadfastness and wisdom
Are hallmarks of that reign.

From sadness at accession
To coronation joy,
You set a sure foundation
Your talents to deploy.
And faithfully you've led us
With moral rectitude,
Supported by Prince Philip,
You've reigned with fortitude.

Your reign has seen great changes:
The rise of the tycoon,
The highest mountain conquered
And men upon the moon.
We've listened to the Beatles,
Seen their ecstatic fans,
The mini-skirt's been sported;
We're blessed with non-stick pans.

A multicultural nation
Has gathered round your throne
And you've embraced these changes,
Yet proved a cornerstone.
God grant you may continue
To guide us and attain,
In all the years that follow,
A yet more glorious reign.

Robert Domleo 2002

Beware: Power Tools

Two men were working at a sawmill when one of them got too close to the blade and cut off his arm. His mate put the severed arm in a plastic bag and rushed it down to the hospital to get re-attached. The next day he goes to see him, and finds him playing tennis. "Incredible!" says his friend. "Medical science is amazing."

Another month goes by and the same two men are again at the sawmill working when the same man gets too close to the spinning blade and this time his leg gets cut off. Again his mate takes the leg, puts it in a plastic bag and takes it to the hospital to get re-attached. The next day, he goes down to see him and finds him outside playing football. "Incredible!" says his friend. "Medical science is amazing!"

Well another month goes by and again the same two men are at the mill cutting wood when suddenly the same man bends down too close to the blade and off comes his head. Well his mate takes the head, puts it in a plastic bag, and heads to the hospital to get it re-attached. The next day he goes to see him but can't find him. He sees the doctor walking down the hall and says, "Doctor, where is my friend? I brought him in yesterday." The doctor thinks for a minute and says, "Oh yes, some idiot put his head in a plastic bag and he suffocated."

FOOT AND MOUTH JOB LOSSES IN DEVON AS BAD AS FEARED

At least 3,000 jobs have been lost in Devon as a result of the foot and mouth disaster and early predictions by Devon County Council and Exeter University that 7,500 people would lose their livelihoods could become a reality.

A new Devon County Council report says official figures show up to 3,000 jobs have been lost in Devon. But many more people have lost seasonal and casual jobs which do not appear on the official unemployment register.

However the report also highlights the encouraging news that nearly three quarters of the proposals in the Devon Recovery Plan have been completed or are under way.

Already Ł16 million has been secured to aid communities devastated by the disease although the Recovery Plan still has over three years to run.

BUSSING AROUND NORTH DEVON - NEW GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE

Devon County Council's free 'North Devon Bus Times 2002' is now available, providing residents and visitors with comprehensive timetable information regarding the different bus operators currently serving the area, many of whom are under contract to the County Council.

Services listed in the guide include those to Exmoor, Ilfracombe, Barnstaple, Bideford, South Molton, Great Torrington, Holsworthy and Bude.

Service changes for 2002 include the reintroduction of summer services and the introduction of new Sunday and public holiday services providing a more comprehensive network and allowing residents and visitors to explore North Devon by bus every day of the week. Summer Sunday services from South Molton, Whiddon Valley and Roundswell link in Barnstaple to services to Ilfracombe, Croyde and Woolacombe.

The guide has been distributed directly to a number of outlets in the North Devon area, including libraries, post offices and tourist information centres.
For all timetable enquiries in South West England call Traveline on 0870 608 2 608.

DevonBus publications may be obtained by telephoning DevonBus on Exeter 01392 382800 or by e-mail to devonbus@devon.gov.uk or visit www.devon.gov.uk/devonbus

Go to August 2002 issue