July 2003

THANKS: I would like to thank all my friends and family for the lovely flowers and cards received following my recent knee operation. I am now making a slow but sure recovery.

Freda Loosemore

THANKS: Joyce (Underhill) would like to thank all her family and friends for their help, cards and gifts received on her move to the bungalow in the village.
Thank you so much for your support.

Peru Trek in aid of Childrens' Hospice South West

Thank you to everyone who helped with, or came to the table top sale on June 13th. It raised the grand total of £250, which included some donations. I am very grateful for your support. If anyone would like a sponsor form please contact me. All the money raised will go to CHSW to further our work with children who have life-limiting conditions.

Sue Williamson

Absence. I spent the first half of my life looking for a husband, and the second half wondering where he was.

Peru Trek in aid of Children's Hospice South West

Sue Williamson who lives in High Bickington is taking part in a fundraising trek in Peru along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in September. The aim is to raise funds for Little Bridge House, the only children's hospice in the South West.

Sue has worked there for four years. She will be paying all her travelling and accommodation costs so any money raised will go directly to the help fund the work of the hospice. All the families who use Little Bridge House have children with conditions which mean that they will die in childhood. The cost of providing support to these families is £1.8 million every year.

If you would like to support this venture by sponsoring Sue please contact her. Any contribution would be gratefully received. Sponsor forms are also at the village shop. In the meantime you will no doubt see Sue in training over the next few months in order to meet the challenge!

HIGH BICKINGTON WI

Josie Maskell

We had two guests at our June meeting. Our president thanked everyone who helped with the Jumble Sale last month - £109.06 was raised.

Names were taken for various forthcoming events, one being an outing in August for a talk on Antique Chairs followed by tea. Stella Burrows is having a Coffee Morning and Bring & Buy at Welcome on 23rd July in aid of the peninsular Medical School, everyone welcome.

Doreen Stevenson was given a warm welcome, she had come to show us how to make Summer Sweets. In just under an hour Doreen produced Chocolate Ice Cream, Strawberry Brulée, Rhubarb and Almond Flan, Lemon Cheese Cake and Pecan and Chocolate Pie.

There were recipes for all the sweets as well as tasters and purchases of anything she had made. Peggy Powell gave the vote of thanks.

The competition for a favourite recipe was won by Stella Burrows. Brenda Wood won the raffle and Josie Maskell the flower of the month with a pink rose.

Next month our Speaker will be Helen King on Theatrical Costumes. Anyone wishing to join us will be most welcome.

From the Archives

Researched by Richard Lethbridge, MBE

CHANTRY, ATHERINGTON, DEVON

TO BE SOLD by Auction by Mr. J. GOULD, on the above Premises, on Wednesday, the 9th day of March, 1864, the whole of

THE FARM STOCK AND IMPLEMENTS, and part of the HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE of Mr. CAWSEY, who is about to decline Business: comprising

LIVE STOCK:- One Fat Cow; 1 Fieur Cow; 2 Heifers in Calf; 1 Heifer Yearling; 1 Steer Yearling; 2 Winter Calves; 20 Couple of Nott Ewes and Lambs; 5 Fat Sheep; 1 Mare, eight years old; 1 Bay Cob, nine years old; 1 well-bred Colt, four years old, by Firebrand, direct from the Breaker's team. A quantity of POTATOES. to be Sold by the Bag.
IMPLEMENTS:- Carts, Butts, & Wheels, 3 Ploughs, large Stone Roller, Scuffler, Hoe, Harrows, Drags, and a quantity of minor implements, Apple Engine, Cider Cask and Kieves, Ladders, Eddish Rakes.
FURNITURE:- Feather Beds, Bolsters, and Pillows:2 Bedsteads, Looking Glass, Dresser and Shelves, a quantity of Glass and earthenware, Eight-day Clock and Case, Tables and Forms, 2 salters, Dutch Oven, Iron Pots and Boilers, Fire dogs and Crooks, Roasting apparatus, and various other articles.

Refreshments at Twelve, and the sale at two o'clock to commence with the Live Stock.

Dated February 24th, 1864.

HIGHBICKINGTON, DEVON

TO INNKEEPERS AND OTHERS

TO BE LET, by Tender, from Lady-day next, 1879, for such term as may be agreed upon, all that well-established, respectable, and well-regulated PUBLIC HOUSE AND PREMISES, known as the GOLDEN LION, situated in the Village of Highbickington, containing large Dining Room, Parlour, Bar Parlour, Tap Room, Bar, Cellars, Brew House, three large Bed Rooms, Dairy, Stables, Cow Sheds, Piggeries, Yard, &c., and, if desired, about 6 Acres of good Pasture land.
The House is now and has been for many years in the occupation of Mr, Brownscombe, the Owner, where a very successful business has been carried on, and who is retiring on account of ill health.
Tenders to be sent on or before the 10th day of March next, to the Owner, who does not bind himself to accept the highest Tender.
For further particulars, apply to Mr. J. Brownscombe, Atherington; or to Mr. H. Slee, Auctioneer, Torrington.

Dated February 25th, 1879.

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI

Mary Wilson

In addition to our usual activities last month we had a raffle to raise money for C.H.I.C.K.S. (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids) which was the subject of the talk and video show by our speaker for the evening, Mr Charles Amory. Mr Amory is in charge of fund-raising for C.H.I.C.K.S. and is a most enthusiastic supporter. Our raffle raised £40. Once again we have to thank our ever helpful Richard Lethbridge for bringing along his hi-tec video player. We used to have to lug in a television set and video recorder, with the help of kind husbands, so we could peer at the films on a small screen. We really do value Richard's help.

Two of our members had visited Woodside Retreat, the organisation's holiday home near Tavistock last year and were most impressed with the work being done there, as we were when Mr Amory told us about it. The children who have holidays there are not all from the big cities: some are from North Devon. They are children whose lives are blighted in some way - by cruelty, neglect, stress, family responsibilities - in fact, all sorts of things that prevent them from having a normal childhood and C.H.I.C.K.S. gives them a chance of a week in the open in the countryside just being carefree children. They have a go at canoeing, abseiling, rambling, playing at the seaside and so on, all the things that our well-loved and well-cared for youngsters can take for granted. The video showed just how much well they could blossom in the course of a week. It was a very humbling experience.

Some of our members had visited Beer Caves and found the day very interesting. Apart from that, life had been extra-ordinarily quiet. That is set to change. We have our annual dinner coming up as well as a trip to Longleat, our President's Garden Party and our entry in the North Devon Show competition.

We made the draw for the Denman Bursary, which will allow two of our members to join in the Devon Week-end next Spring, all expenses paid. The lucky winners this year are Barbara Down and Petra Butcher. We are sure they will have a wonderful time.

Carole Hurst showed us the design she had made for the ACWW tea towel competition. It looked most attractive and we sincerely hope she wins, particularly since she was our birthday girl this month.

The competition - a children's holiday photograph - was won by Ann White and the Flower of the Month by Jean Lynch with her beautiful rose.

On July 8th we shall learn about Hearing Dogs for the Deaf from Mrs Sheila Hurst. Our hostesses that evening will be Ruth Phillips, Cheryl Barrett, and Jean Bleweitt. Next month's competition will be "A Doggie Ornament". Judith has particularly asked that everyone who has an NCH box bring it to her at that meeting.

St. Mary’s Guild

Rosemary Munson

Our meeting on 9th June was attended by 7 members, with 4 apologies.

The Church Fete was discussed, we have a stall there and if anyone has any gifts they can contribute we will be very pleased to receive them, the date is 11th July. Please do not forget our outing to Sidmouth and Ottery Gardens on the 7th July, we have places available, so please ring.

Our next meeting is on Monday September 8th at 2.00p.m. New friends are always welcome to Miss E. Thorne's home.

CHARITY CRICKET MATCH

The annual tournament for the Old George Shield between the heroes of High Bickington Cricket Club and the doughty gladiators who comprise the noble veterans' team is due to take place this year on Wednesday 16th July at High Bickington Playing Field, commencing at 6.00 p.m.

All previous members of the veterans' team are earnestly entreated to participate again this year, and anyone who feels the irresistible urge to contribute to an event filled with courage, endeavour, skill and entertainment should make a point of joining the team, where a surprise may await them!

As usual the match will be followed by a period of refined refreshment at the Old George.

This year proceeds will go to Torrington Cottage Hospital, and anyone who would like to donate a prize for the draw should contact the Old George or Joe Umpleby.

James Morrish, Torridge District Councillor, writes ....

I was very pleased to have been invited to the High Bickington Parish Council meeting in June and it was heartening to see that many members of the general public cared enough about their village to turn out on a Wednesday night to the Parish Council meeting in the village hall. It was very interesting to hear views from a lot of different angles from urban and rural-based people and young and old alike - and it was very encouraging to see the professional way in which the elected Parish Councillors were really interested to hear from the general public and were happy to respond to their concerns.

As you may well have heard, Torridge District Council is having rather a difficult time at the moment - to say the least. I gave a brief overview of my interpretation of the recent events to the Parish Council and, when something more concrete is available, I will pass it on to you through this Newsletter.

You may be interested to know that I have been elected to serve on the Environment and Leisure Committee and the Housing Committee of Torridge District Council and am the District Council representative on various community organisations such as Home-Start Torridge & Taw and the Community Council of Devon Youth Forum.

If anyone needs to speak to me about anything do contact me.

Thought for the month...

Rev Mark Noakes

June 29th was an amazing day for me as I was finally ordained. After the years of training and preparation, and two years here as a probationer, I have now left the starting blocks. It was great to be able to share this event with some of the High Bickington folk who trekked all those miles to North Wales with me.

One of the most memorable parts of the service, if not the most daunting is the part where the President asks the congregation, “Do you believe and trust that [these ordinands] are, by God’s grace, worthy to be ordained?” They answer with the cry, “They are worthy.”

In preparation for my ordination this was what I reflected upon more than anything else. Was I worthy? What made me so special? Was I ready? To answer these questions all I had was faith, and not just the faith of Mark the (potential) minister. It was simply my faith as a Christian that let me go forward to be ordained. In my self I know I am not worthy, and never will be. However, I do know that Christ himself, acting in me through the Holy Spirit does make of me and my life something that I never could under my own strength. As such the whole of the Gospel message could be applied, for God says to us in Jesus that here is one who can take control and make something worthwhile and wonderful out of the broken, scarred and sinful lives we know. This is something not just for the clergy, but for everyone. None of us could ever say, “I am worthy” but thanks to the grace of God he can make us worthy, call us to serve in a multitude of ways and then equip us with the gifts and abilities we need.

Jesus is worth a lot to us - worth life itself.

God Bless, Rev Mark

News from High Bickington Church of England School

We are nearly at the end of term. In many ways it is a sad time for the staff because we have to say ‘Goodbye’ to the year 6 pupils who go on to secondary education. This year 6 pupils have been a great bunch! They set good examples to the younger children; they have worked hard to develop a play-leader system at playtimes, have taken part in the various sporting challenges throughout the year and kept us all amused with their sense of fun. We wish them well as they leave us. We shall miss them all.

This year we have joined with other schools in Chulmleigh Academic Council to extend the sporting opportunities offered to the children. As well as football, netball, and kwick cricket games and tournaments, we have taken part in Athletic Challenges, Croyde Oceanfest, and a Sports Challenge for younger children. Our own Sports Day is on Friday 18th July (weather permitting) 2.30 pm in the playing field, so do come along and support the children.

As well as sports, music has had a high priority this term. We went to Exeter to sing with the mass children’s choirs of Devon Church Schools performing ‘Jonah Man Jazz’ in Exeter Cathedral. Quite an experience!

POEM FOR JULY

HEAVENS ABOVE

"Keep your feet on the ground" is a common behest:
It is safe, it is sound and it sets minds at rest.
Yet human ambition has long been to fly,
Upwards and onwards to reach for the sky;
That source of our air and our light, warmth and rain,
Without which terrestrial life would be vain.

With no sky the all conquering grace of the bird
Would be lost to the sight and its song go unheard.
The sky invokes wonder, its vastness portrays
Just how tiny we are as we stand and stargaze.
The sky is our guide and a chart of perfection,
Where sun, moon and stars give a sense of direction.
For perspective the artist relies on the sky
As the backdrop beneath which all landscapes lie;
But the thing I most relish is simply to lie
On the ground in the summer and gaze at the sky!

Robert Domleo - 24th April 2001

At the 1994 annual awards dinner given for Forensic Science, AAFS President, Dr. Don Harper Mills astounded his audience with the legal complications of a bizarre death.

Here is the story.

On March 23, 1994 the medical examiner viewed the body of Ronald Opus and concluded that he died from a shotgun wound to the head. Mr Opus had jumped from the top of a ten-storey building intending to commit suicide.

He left a note to the effect indicating his despondency. As he fell past the ninth floor his life was interrupted by a shotgun blast passing through a window, which killed him instantly.

Neither the shooter nor the deceased was aware that a safety net had been installed just below the eighth floor level to protect some building workers and that Ronald Opus would not have been able to complete his suicide the way he had planned.

"Ordinarily," Dr Mills continued, "A person who sets out to commit suicide and ultimately succeeds, even though the mechanism might not be what he intended, is still defined as committing suicide." That Mr Opus was shot on the way to certain death, but probably would not have been successful because of the safety net, caused the medical examiner to feel that he had a homicide on his hands.

The room on the ninth floor, where the shotgun blast emanated, was occupied by an elderly man and his wife. They were arguing vigorously and he was threatening her with a shotgun. The man was so upset that when he pulled the trigger he completely missed his wife and the pellets went through the window striking Mr Opus.

When one intends to kill subject "A" but kills subject "B" in the attempt, one is guilty of the murder of subject "B."

When confronted with the murder charge the old man and his wife were both adamant and both said that they thought the shotgun was unloaded. The old man said it was a long-standing habit to threaten his wife with the unloaded shotgun. He had no intention to murder her.

Therefore the killing of Mr Opus appeared to be an accident; that is, if the gun had been accidentally loaded.

The continuing investigation turned up a witness who saw the old couple's son loading the shotgun about six weeks prior to the fatal accident. It transpired that the old lady had cut off her son's financial support and the son, knowing the propensity of his father to use the shotgun threateningly, loaded the gun with the expectation that his father would shoot his mother.

Since the loader of the gun was aware of this, he was guilty of the murder even though he didn't actually pull the trigger. The case now becomes one of murder on the part of the son for the death of Ronald Opus.

Now comes the exquisite twist.

Further investigation revealed that the son was, in fact, Ronald Opus. He had become increasingly despondent over the failure of his attempt to engineer his mother's murder. This led him to jump off the ten-storey building on March 23rd, only to be killed by a shotgun blast passing through the ninth story window.

The son had actually murdered himself so the medical examiner closed the case as a suicide.

(A true story from Associated Press, Reported by Kurt Westervelt)

HIGH BICKINGTON PROJECT 2000 - HOUSING

As many parishioners already know a group of people from Project 2000, High Bickington Parish Council, Torridge District Council and Devon County Council have been meeting and working on the development of new affordable homes as part of the development of the Little Bickington Farm site. In addition, if the proposed development of the land beyond Warden's Close goes ahead this could also provide some affordable homes.

The Project 2000 housing group includes Liz Steele (Senior Housing Services Officer, Torridge District Council) and Lizzie Utley (Rural Housing Enabler for Devon, Devon County Council).

We would now like to move this on and so we invite anyone who is interested, including those who have already put their names forward, to read on:

ARE YOU IN NEED OF ALTERNATIVE HOUSING IN HIGH BICKINGTON

UNABLE TO AFFORD TO BUY WITH THE CURRENT PRICES?

LIVING IN RENTED ACCOMMODATION BUT FIND IT TOO SMALL OR IN POOR CONDITION?

ALREADY OWN YOUR OWN HOME BUT IT'S TOO SMALL AND YOU CAN'T FIND AN AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE?

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS LEFT THE VILLAGE BECAUSE THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND A HOME BUT WISHES TO RETURN?

COME AND TALK TO LIZZIE UTLEY, THE INDEPENDENT RURAL HOUSING ENABLER FOR DEVON IN CONFIDENCE ABOUT YOUR SITUATION AND REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR ALTERNATIVE HOUSING.

LIZZIE WILL VISITING HIGH BICKINGTON IN LATE JULY/EARLY AUGUST

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT LIZZIE.

HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk: Mrs Di Carter, 20 Springfield, Four Seasons Village, Winkleigh,Devon EX19 8DP

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Thursday 12 June 2003 at 7.30 pm in the Church Hall, High Bickington

Present: Peter Tucker (Chairman), David Brown, Stella Burrows, Jean Checksfield, Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Stan Parker, Myc Riggulsford
In attendance: James Morrish – Councillor, Torridge District Council, 25 Members of the public, Di Carter – Clerk to the Parish Council

1. Apologies for Absence There were no apologies.

The Chairman welcomed Mr James Morrish to the meeting.

2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on 14 May 2003 The Minutes, having been circulated and published on the noticeboards, were accepted and adopted by the Council. The Chairman signed the Minutes.

3. Matters Raised by the Public A request was made that some attention be given to the state of the area around Barton Meadow which is untidy and overgrown. The relevant authority will be contacted to request a clean up.

4. Village Plan The Chairman asked David Brown to present the Plan and give an update on the current situation. The Plan now incorporates comments resulting from exhibitions etc. Current village facilities are included, together with medium and long-term issues which will need to be addressed in the future. David Brown paid tribute to all those who had been involved in producing the Plan, and particularly the High Bickington Landscape Assessment. This is now being printed and will be available for purchase at £10 per copy. David Brown commended the Plan to the Parish Council. The Chairman stressed that the plan will be constantly updated and improved.
Proposed by Myc Riggulsford and seconded by Jean Checksfield Councillors unanimously adopted the Plan and expressed their gratitude to David Brown and all those involved.

5. Matters Raised by the Chairman

A letter received from a resident requesting that ground maintenance work be carried out on the Barton Meadow/Highfield Close area. The relevant authority will be contacted.

A letter from Mrs Partridge of Holly Cottage regarding the wooded copse adjoining her property. She is interested in acquiring the land to ensure it is retained as at present. The Chairman reported that he had spoken to Mrs Partridge and explained that no decision on this land will be taken at the present time.

The Chairman thanked Sue Williams and her helpers for their clean-up in the village. 15 bags of rubbish were collected. Councillors wished Sue Williams well in her trek in Peru in September.

6. Maintenance The following points were raised:

Verges at Barton Meadow

Bollards on road to surgery – a request that some be moved to improve access.

Request for a replacement village sign on the road from Winkleigh.
li>Stella Burrows expressed concern about the flimsy nature of the bollards in the Dobbs area at the bottom of the hill. With the increasing amount of traffic they need to be more substantial.
The Clerk was asked to write to the Highways Department, County Council, raising the above matters and asking that an engineer arrange to meet with the Chairman to discuss the concerns.

Jean Checksfield reported on remedial work required in the village:

Parish Council benches are all in good condition with the exception of the one in Mill Lane which has minimal damage. The benches would all benefit from a coat of varnish and strimming around the bases. Either Alan Clemens or Derek Jones to be asked to carry out the strimming work.

Bus shelter – this needs repainting and the bench inside has slats to be replaced.
A hole has recently appeared in the roof and the guttering has become dislodged. It was felt that vandalism was the most likely cause of this damage.
It was suggested that local builders be contacted to ask for quotes on an hourly rate basis to carry out minor remedial work. This was agreed and the Clerk was asked to obtain quotations.

The telephone kiosk needs attention and Jean Checksfield reported that she has been told that the Parish Council adopted it some time ago and would therefore be responsible for its upkeep. The Clerk was asked to ascertain the position.
Jean Checksfield has taken over the Barton Meadow incident book.

7. Finance: The financial position as at 27 May 2003 was presented by the Chairman and accepted and agreed by the Council.

Councillors discussed changing banking facilities. The Clerk was asked to obtain details from Banks and Building Societies and present these to the Finance Committee meeting to be held shortly. Their recommendation will be made to the next Parish Council meeting.

The Chairman invited Mr James Morrish to report to the Council on his first few weeks in office. He reported that he is now aligned to the Independents but his main priority is not politics but representing the views of the electorate. Councillors and members of the public are welcome to contact him on any issues of concern.

8. 106 Agreement – Development at Wardens Hill The Chairman read a letter received from the District Secretary and Solicitor informing the Council of his intention to proceed with the Agreement if no response is received from the Council within a week of the date of his letter. A discussion took place and the Clerk was asked to draft a response to Mr Wyatt in the first instance raising the following queries for clarification:

Does the Agreement relate to the previous planning application only or will it be carried forward to subsequent applications in its current form?

Is Devon and Cornwall Housing Association still involved in the development? Mr Tanner has informed the Council that Midas Homes Ltd, who are not mentioned in the Agreement, will ultimately have to sign it.

Who are the “other people” referred to with regard to receiving comments on the Agreement?

Councillors would appreciate an official definition of affordable housing and local needs housing and an explanation of the difference between them.

9. Planning The Chairman read a letter from Mr Tanner turning down the Parish Council’s invitation to attend the meeting.

The Chairman declared an interest in the following planning application and left the meeting.

9.1 Application no: 1/0845/2003/27/0010 Proposed erection of 55 dwellings and 10 rural live/work units together with associated highway and drainage works.

The Vice-Chairman presented the application and outlined the details.
Following a full discussion when a number of objections to the application were raised, a draft response to Torridge District Council was read to the meeting. Following minor amendments, a proposal by Myc Riggulsford, seconded by Roger Keen was made. Councillors unanimously resolved to submit the response as drafted. APPENDIX A.

The Vice-Chairman advised residents that they are entitled to object to the application as individuals. A petition raised should be widely distributed to relevant authorities.

The Chairman rejoined the meeting.

9.2 Application no: 1/0845/2003/27/0011 Ground floor extension to provide porch and WC. 1 Barton Meadow Road. Mrs J Sanders.
NO OBJECTION – the Council supported the application.

10. Correspondence

The Devon Conservation Forum - Seminar: “Delivery of Affordable Housing in a Quality Environment” - 26 June 2003. It was agreed that Mike Leatham may attend.

Torridge District Council – Supplementary Planning Guidance. Infrastructure provision in new development. Service Code of Practice: Education and Libraries – Consultation Draft. The Chairman to submit comments.

CPRE: Membership subscription. It was agreed to renew the £5 subscription.

The Countryside Agency – Draft map information for Parish Councils.
Circulated to all Councillors for comments.

Torridge Police Liaison Meeting – 24 June 2003 at Pollyfield Centre, East the Water, Bideford at 7.30 pm. Stella Burrows to attend and the poster to be placed on noticeboards.

Road Closure notice – O/S Berries Ground Farm, Little Silver Road, High Bickington – noted. Notices to be placed on noticeboards.

11. Outstanding Matters Stella Burrows reported that she had been in touch with PC Hagan and a written report on the traffic situation will be prepared. He hopes to be able to attend the next Parish Council meeting if duties allow. Councillors felt there was some uncertainty about the current policing situation in the village.

Roger Keen reported a meeting he has had with Ros Davies regarding the proposed footpath at Little Bickington. A plan was circulated to Councillors. It is for a temporary, 3-year period. The County Council will fund the work.

12. Items for Information Roger Keen reported continuing complaints about dog fouling.
James Morrish advised new staff appointments at Torridge District Council for dealing with this and the Chairman asked him to arrange with the animal welfare staff a visit to High Bickington to assess the situation.

Dog signs at Barton Meadow. The Clerk was asked to obtain prices for signs which can be clipped on.

Overgrown areas along North Road are now causing problems for pedestrians. The Chairman to speak to the residents concerned.

Queries on the regularity of street cleaning were raised. The Clerk to ascertain what arrangements are in place. David Brown suggested researching the Environment Act to see what level of street cleaning should be provided.

David Brown raised the question of printing the Community Directory. 300 copies will be required. Funding is available from Vital Villages and the Chairman asked David Brown to obtain quotations.

Rod Smith of Forest Park Lodges has asked that it be made clear he is in no way connected to the report of serious ill treatment of animals at Kingford Hill House.

The investigation of Pat Ferguson by the Standards Board is still ongoing and the Chairman felt this matter should be resolved quickly in order that the Council can move on.

Affordable housing – it is important for prospective tenants to register an interest as soon as possible. Forms are available from Liz Steele, Housing Department at Torridge District Council.

13. Date of next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 9 July 2003 at 7.30 pm in the Church Hall.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.37 pm.

High Bickington Methodist News

Hazel Pearce

The young people will lead both the 11am and 6.30pm services on Sunday 29th June, their theme will be the life of Moses. All are welcome.

Yet again the Children's Club annual tractor and trailer ride to the river Taw had to be cancelled, may be next year it will be sunny!? Instead, we held an indoor games evening. Children and adults enjoyed a tour of Barnstaple fire station, especially being able to spray water from the fire engine hose. Our thanks to Mark for arranging the evening.

For our last Club evening before the summer break we held an orienteering and barbeque evening at Week. Twenty children enjoyed the challenge and of course, the food! Thanks to Kath who arranged this fun evening. We re-open in September; many thanks to all the helpers, without your support the Club could not continue.

After a short service on Sunday, August 3rd , we are holding a picnic at Landacre Bridge (weather permitting). All are welcome - bring a picnic lunch.

Advance notice The pets service will be held on the afternoon of Sunday, September 7th. More details next month, but make a note of the date, all who took part last year, have asked for another service this year, although we are sorry to report that the hampsters who came last year, are no longer with us!

The Rude Parrot

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of this bird's mouth was very rude. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by constantly saying polite words, playing soft music, and anything he could think of to set a good example but nothing worked.

Finally, John got fed up and he yelled at the parrot and the bird yelled back. John shook the parrot, and the bird got angrier and ruder. Eventually, in a moment of desperation, John put the bird in the refrigerator freezer. For a few minutes, John heard the bird squawk and kick and scream, then suddenly there was quiet. Not a peep for over a minute.

Fearing that he'd hurt the bird, John quickly opened the door to the freezer.

The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arm and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I am truly sorry, and I will do everything to correct my poor behaviour."

John was astonished at the bird's change of attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behaviour, the bird continued, "May I ask what the chicken did?"

Go to August 2003 issue