If you have a problem with this site Please contact: webmaster@high-bickington.org.uk |
 | ||||||||||||||||
June 2003THANKS: I would like to say a big thank you to everyone that supported me for the Flora London Marathon in raising monies for the charity CLIC in memory of Graham Sanders. My Coffee Morning in March raised £303.84. In total Ben & myself raised £4,500 between us for our chosen charities. Our hearts thanked us but our feet didn't. Lorraine & Ben Beel SORRY: To those readers in Atherington because most of this issue seems to be about High Bickington. So to all of you in Atherington - send me in some articles, jokes, complaints etc. this month - and get your own back! And a personal view from the Editor ... I was very sorry to see that Maurice Ridd lost his seat on High Bickington Parish Council. Maurice served on the Parish Council over many years including a number of years as Chairman. During that time he has worked tirelessly on behalf of High Bickington. In addition, in his role as an emergency volunteer he has helped and continues to help many people with their problems and difficulties. In my opinion it's always important to have some fun and enjoyment in our lives no matter what we do. Maurice knows that and it has been a pleasure working with him whether on the Parish Council or when he was trying to teach me to mix concrete. Maurice told me that as an emergency volunteer, he was once called out in the middle of the night by a lady whose roof was leaking and dripping water onto her bed. In the dark, wet night he couldn't do anything about the leaking roof but did offer to stand next to the bed holding an umbrella until daybreak! So if it is any consolation Maurice, by getting voted out of office you stand alongside Winston Churchill, and he wasn't a bad bloke either!
|
| Noah Bird | 12 | William S. Hellyer | 15 |
| Bernard Cole | 13 | John Lang | 12 |
| Eli Harris | 11 | Dick Morrish | 12 |
| James Harris | 10 | Richard Pidler | 12 |
As a poll was not demanded the above eight were declared duly elected. Messrs. Bird, Lang and Morrish are new members of the present Council.
September 17th 1920
EBBERLEY ARMS AUCTION HIGH BICKINGTON
(4 Miles from Portsmouth Arms and 4½ Miles from Chapleton Stations)
SLEE and SONS, by request, will hold an Auction for LIVE STOCK in a field adjoining Ebberley Arms Hotel, on WEDNESDAY, 6th
October, at 11 a.m.
Present entries:- 110 Sheep, 30 Fat and Store Cattle, 4 Horses and Colts.
Further entries respectfully solicited, to be sent to the Auctioneers, Torrington, or to Mr. F. Hooper, Ebberley Arms.
Commission on Cattle and Sheep 2d in the £.
St. Mary’s Guild
Rosemary Munson
Our meeting for May was held on the 12th at Miss E. Thorne's home.
We had a short meeting as a few members were not available. Eight members were present.
We need help with gifts for the stall at the Church Summer Fete on Saturday 12th July. Please let us know if you can help in any way.
Don't forget our summer outing to Sidmouth on the 7th July, we are going to Ottery Nursery on the way and will spend time there. Names to Eileen Thorne or Rosemary Munson. We get the coach filled quite quickly.
Our next Guild meeting is on Monday June 9th at 2.00p.m. at the Parsonage, new friends are always welcome.
ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI
Judith Domleo
At the May meeting the 2003 Resolutions were discussed and voted on. Pat Shallcross took us through the 'Children's diets, exercise and health' resolution, Margaret Squire helped us with the 'Care of older people' and Mary Wilson spoke on 'Vocational Training'.
All voted for the Resolutions and we will be represented by Beaford W.I. at the Albert Hall on June 11th. Refreshments were served by Jane Kneil, Marian Howard and Melanie Kan. Birthday plants were presented to Sharyn Walker, Cheryl Barrett and Eve Butler. Eve sent a note thanking members for their good wishes after her car accident. Thankfully she is now feeling much better.
The Spring Group Meeting held at Harracott was thoroughly enjoyed. The guest speaker was Douglas Mounce from Radio Devon. Several members attended the Spring Council Meeting at Exeter University. Tania Haycocks gave her farewell speech as County Chairman and we have since learnt that Stella Fernyhough is to be our new Chairman. The guest speaker was Gyles Brandreth who titled his talk "Brief Encounters - Meetings with Remarkable People" and he was most amusing.
Twelve members went on the Malmesbury outing in Wiltshire. We went to the Abbey House Gardens which certainly had the WOW! factor in abundance! A surprise awaited us around every corner. 30,000 tulips had been planted and they were a riot of colour. There are 2000 roses, so he gardens will be breath taking in the summer. When we visited the Abbey we were interested to learn that King Athelsan was buried there, as he had strong connections with Atherington. A most enjoyable day.
Husbands, members & friends had a "Serendipity Day" at Okehampton, where some of us took the train to Meldon, some walked to the reservoir and some hired bikes and went on the cycle track. The woods along the track were a carpet of blue with bluebells giving off their heady perfume. Another good day out. The W.I. Millennium Seat is now in situ on Easter Hill, Atherington. Very many thanks to Tony and David Squire and Brian Burgess. Come and sit on it and admire the view!
The June meeting will be at Umberleigh Hall on Tuesday 10th at 7.30pm when the Speaker will be Andrew Lyle from C.H.I.C.K.S. (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids). All visitors very welcome.
High Bickington Methodist News
Hazel Pearce
Sunday School celebrations take place on Sunday, June 29th 11am and 6.30pm, when the children will lead both services. All are welcome.We plan to hold another Pets Service hopefully sometime in July, watch this space. Weather permitting, an outdoor service to include larger pets!?
Our minister Rev Mark took his first step along the way to ordination, with a moving testimonial service. The congregation of High Bickington's thoughts and prayers are with Mark, Sarah and Ethan, as they travel to North Wales on June 29th, to become a fully fledged Minister!
JOHNSON'S CHOICE
I know I drink less water
Than I manifestly oughter,
Unless, of course, you count the tea
And coffee which I drink with glee.
I have it on the table
Yet I often feel unable
To drink it when I dine
Except beside red wine;
Then I pass it round and share it
With a bottle of good claret,
Which Dr Johnson vowed,
In a message clear and loud,
Was a drink for sons and daughters
In the same league as the waters,
Which he drew up from his well,
Though why it's hard to tell,
For he also said he thought
That men should drink of port
And then he said, I think,
That a much, much stronger drink
Was the stuff for heroes and 'e
Strongly recommended brandy.
Which is why Horatio fought'er
Save the bridge but not the water!
R Domleo
HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk: Mrs Di Carter, 20 Springfield, Four Seasons Village, Winkleigh, Devon EX19 8DP
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting, Wednesday 14 May 2003 at 7.30 pm In the Church Hall, High Bickington
Present: Peter Tucker (Chairman), David Brown, Jean Checksfield, Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Stan Parker, Myc Riggulsford, 9
Members of the public
In attendance: Di Carter, Clerk to the Parish Council
1. Apologies for absence Stella Burrows and James Morrish, TDC.
2. Confirmation of the Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 8 May 2002.
The minutes, having been circulated and published on the noticeboards, were approved.
Proposed: Mike Leatham, seconded: Stan Parker.
3. Chairman’s Review of the Year Peter Tucker reported that the past year had been an extremely busy one and the attendance at meetings by members of the public had shown a high level of interest and concern regarding the future of the village.
Visitors to Council meetings included Trevor Smale, new Chief Executive of TDC, John Burnett, MP, Steve Wright, Care Direct and regular visits from John Rawlinson of DCC.
The Parish Council has worked closely with Project 2000 and plans are being developed to accommodate and address the wishes and concerns of parishioners. The Parish Plan and the Community Directory are also nearing completion.
Planning has placed a huge workload on the Council and the Clerk in particular. The Affordable Homes and Rural Workshops at Warden’s Hill has been a concern to many people. A great deal of time and effort was spent ensuring the Parish Council’s views were fairly represented at TDC. Again the Clerk, Myc Riggulsford has worked hard to achieve this. A Torridge District Councillor was reported to the Standards Commission by the Parish Council and this investigation is ongoing. The Parish Council works hard to ensure the views of the Parish are taken into account by TDC.
The Parish Council is supporting the Barton Meadow Recreational Area Group in their quest for lottery funding and it is hoped that this will be successful. Roger Keen, the Footpath Warden continues to carry out a variety of work and funds from the Parish Paths Partnership have allowed work to be carried out on the Bridleway to make it more user friendly.
Myc Riggulsford, the Clerk for the past 2 years stood down at the April 2003 meeting and the Chairman thanked him for the high standard of work he has carried out on the Council’s behalf. His hard work has been recognised by the Parish and he is now serving as a Councillor.
The Chairman thanks Tim Webb and Mike Leatham for overseeing the finances and for their help in the appointment of the new Clerk, Di Carter. James Morrish was elected to the District Council and the Council looks forward to working with him.
Tim Webb, Alan Clemens and Stan Maskell stood down as Councillors after many years of good work on behalf of the Council. David Brown, Stella Burrows, Jean Checksfield and Myc Riggulsford join the Council. Maurice Ridd was unsuccessful in the elections and the Chairman thanked him on behalf of the Council for many years of hard work and help to those in need.
4. Finance A copy of the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2003 had been circulated and published on the noticeboards. There were no questions from members of the public.
5. Matters Raised by Members of the Public A question was raised about the possible development of the land above the amenity land at Barton Meadow. The Chairman felt this would be detailed in the Parish Plan which would be available for public consultation when any comments will be considered. He felt this would be the appropriate time to deal with this matter.
6. Date of Next Meeting Wednesday 12 May 2004
Readers Letters
Ladies and gentlemen of High Bickington
Just a word stating my sincere thanks to those who helped during the recent District Council election campaign especially my own family who, as is known, live in Higher Barton Meadow.
I deeply regret not being successful at the 'count' but must accept the verdict of the electorate. High Bickington faces some big challenges and I was desperate to show the strength and experience which is badly needed at district level. I know there is 'disquiet' among some on the proposed affordable housing plans and rural workshops and I feel as a supporter of this at the full council meeting, I may have suffered because of it, however, please believe me, as long as detailed plans are satisfactory etc., it will go ahead and co-operation on all sides is highly recommended.
All the very best to you, many thanks. Bill Tanton
Editor: I've received a letter from about Reminiscence from Margaret Squire who writes ....
Recently whilst encouraging my grand-daughter to skip I found myself repeating the following words:
My mother said I never should,
Play with the gypsies in the wood,
If I should, she would say,
Naughty girl to disobey.
Margaret would love to hear of a few more rhymes - so come on readers and rise to this challenge - let's hear your rhymes.
And from the High Bickington Parish Councillors...
We would like to thank everyone who voted for us in the recent Parish Council elections. We will do our very best to fairly and honestly represent you during our term of office.
David Brown, Stella Burrows, Jean Checksfield, Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Stan Parker, Myc Riggulsford, Peter Tucker.
A letter seen in the Daily Telegraph ...
Paradise gained
Sir - Your report about junk mail being sent to the dead reminded me of a letter sent to my late father. It offered a free holiday in a competition and the envelope was adorned with the slogan "Today you could be in paradise!" My father was a vicar and it would have amused him enormously. I simply returned it to the sender marked "already there".
HIGH BICKINGTON YOUTH JUDO CLUB
Three members entered the Somerset County Championship on 10th May 2003. Scott Pert won a gold medal, Sarah Aldridge won a silver medal, Joe Warburton won a bronze medal and one of the Club's instructors, Dave Weir, won a gold medal.
This represents an outstanding achievement by the young members of the local club as Judo clubs from all over the South of England competed in these championships.
ST MARY'S HIGH BICKINGTON
The AGM of the above was held in the Church Hall on Wednesday 30th April at 7.30pm. Chairman Rev J Carvosso.
The following were elected officers:
Church Wardens: - Mrs B Harpum, Miss E Thorne
PCC Members: - Voted en-bloc with the resignation of Mrs D'Olley
Vice Chairman: - Mr I Gibson
Secretary: - Mr R Keen
Minutes Secretary: - Mrs J Gibson
Treasurer: - Mr D Rothwell
Deanery Synod Reps: - Mr E Eyres, Mr R Keen
Church Fabric Officers: - Mr I Gibson, Mr E Eyres
Sidespersons: - Mrs Harpum, Mrs England, Mrs Burrows, Mrs G Tucker, Miss Thorne, Mr E Eyres
Electoral Role Officer: - Mrs J Gibson
Planned Giving Officer: - Mr R Keen
Churchyard Committee: - Rev Carvosso, The Church Wardens, Secretary, Mrs Burrows
Finance and Standing Committee: - Rev Carvosso, The Church Wardens, Secretary, Treasurer
Church Hall Trustees: - Rev Carvosso, Mr E Eyres, Mr D Munson
There was disappointment at the lack of support by the public and electoral role members.
There was also a plea for more volunteers to help with the flowers and cleaning rota. The list for helpers is in the Church.
The meeting closed at 9.00pm.
Devon's pioneering CAREdirect helps pensioners with Council Tax
Pensioners have save saved thousands of pounds as a result of a free telephone call to a pioneering helpline for older
people hosted by Devon County Council.
CAREdirect is a partnership that provides information and help to older people about a broad range of matters - financial
benefits advice, home safety, health, care and support at home, and more.
CAREdirect Devon received 461 telephone calls last month from anxious pensioners enquiring about Council Tax benefit.
Thanks to Caredirect advice £224,515 has been saved from pensioners' bills as a direct result of their calls.
CAREdirect's freephone telephone number is 0800 444 000. The service can be contacted between 8am to 6pm on weekdays.
More details on http://www.devon.gov.uk/media/caredirect_help_with_council_tax_070403.html
An 80-year-old couple were having problems remembering things, so they decided to go to their doctor to get checked out to make sure nothing was wrong with them.
When they arrived at the doctors, they explained to the doctor about the problems they were having with their memory. After checking the couple out, the doctor told them that they were physically okay but might want to start writing things down and make notes to help them remember things. The couple thanked the doctor and left.
Later that night while watching TV, the man got up from his chair and his wife asked, "Where are you going?"
He replied, "To the kitchen."
She asked, "Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?"
He replied, "Sure."
She then asked him, "Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?"
He said, "No, I can remember that."
She then said, "Well I would also like some strawberries on top. You had better write that down because I know you'll
forget that."
He said, "I can remember that, you want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries."
She replied, "Well I also would like whipped cream on top. I know you will forget that so you better write it down."
With irritation in his voice, he said, "I don't need to write that down! I can remember that." He then fumes into the
kitchen.
After about 20 minutes he returned from the kitchen and handed her a plate of bacon and eggs. She stared at the plate for a moment and said angrily:
"I TOLD you to write it down! You forgot my toast!"
THANKS: Eve and David Butler would like to thank everyone for their cards, flowers, telephone calls, visits, good wishes and offers of help following their car accident, we are very appreciative. We are both recovering and hope to resume 'normal service' soon. Again many thanks.
High Bickington Project 2000
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Around 40 people filled The Meeting Point on a wet and cold Thursday night for our Annual General Meeting and Public Consultation held on 22nd May.
Our distinguished speaker, Bob Paterson a Torridge Resident and Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Salford gave an inspiring talk and answered questions on the possibility of forming a ‘High Bickington Community Property Trust’. He explained that, “This is a new model of common ownership where the community owns land and property in trust. It is a non-profit making organisation where people in the local community can become members of the Community Property Trust. Its members are people from all walks of life. It holds the freehold and equity in land and property in trust for the community and is charged with making sure the land and property it controls continues to be used to meet housing, employment and community needs, on terms the community can afford. It derives income from the land it controls, usually from rents, which it uses either to repay loans taken out to build homes, workshops or community facilities; or to make provision for new amenities or meet identified needs. It would also look to use its assets to meet the evolving needs of the community by undertaking new initiatives. It is possible for local people to invest in such a trust and to receive interest payments on those investments.”
Bob’s presentation was warmly received and there was general agreement that we should continue to explore this option for ensuring the aims of the Parish Plan are met including the provision of affordable housing. Bob Paterson and his colleagues have prepared a paper outlining this form of development and if you would like to receive a copy or discuss the implications in more detail then please contact David Brown.
A new committee was elected as follows: Jeff Adams, David Brown, Barry Checksfield, Tracee Cullen, Jane Gibson, Derek Herniman, John Hocking, Sandra Hocking, Ken Ockenden, Rachel Phillips, Barbara Stewart and David Venner. Thanks were expressed to retiring committee members Lesley Davis and Shirley Terry. It was agreed that Peter Tucker would continue to liaise with the Project 2000 Committee but now in his role as Chairman of the Parish Council rather than as an elected member of the committee. Two vacancies remain and if anyone wishes to become involved then please speak to any member of the committee.
The Parish Plan is nearing completion and will be put to the Parish Council for adoption as soon as it is ready. It will then be submitted to Torridge District Council as the community’s ‘blueprint’ for guiding future developments within the Parish.
HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk: Mrs Di Carter, 20 Springfield, Four Seasons Village, Winkleigh, Devon EX19 8DP
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting, Wednesday 14 May 2003 at 7.30 pm in the Church Hall, High Bickington
Present: Peter Tucker (Chairman), David Brown, Jean Checksfield, Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Stan Parker, Myc Riggulsford, 9
Members of the public
In attendance: Di Carter, Clerk to the Parish Council
1. Apologies for Absence Stella Burrows and James Morrish, TDC.
2. Election of Chairman Peter Tucker was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Parish Council, proposed Roger Keen, seconded Myc Riggulsford. There were no other nominations.
3. Election of Vice-Chairman Mike Leatham was unanimously elected as Vice-Chairman of the Parish Council, proposed Myc Riggulsford, seconded David Brown. There were no other nominations.
4. Appointment of Torridge Area Advisory Group Representative Peter Tucker was unanimously elected to represent the
Parish Council on the Torridge Area Advisory Group, proposed by Mike Leatham and seconded by Myc Riggulsford.
Jean Checksfield, was also unanimously elected as a joint representative to the Torridge Area Advisory Group, proposed
Peter Tucker, seconded Myc Riggulsford.
5. Appointment of Tree and Footpath Warden Roger Keen was unanimously elected as Tree and Footpath Warden, proposed by Peter Tucker, seconded Myc Riggulsford,.
6. Committees The Chairman felt it would be beneficial to continue to have a Finance Committee to oversee the Council’s
financial affairs, to meet as and when necessary. Peter Tucker, proposed by Mike Leatham; Mike Leatham, proposed by Peter
Tucker and Myc Riggulsford, proposed by Peter Tucker, were unanimously elected to serve on the Finance Committee.
The Chairman also felt an Amenity Committee should be considered to oversee the management of footpaths, upkeep of seats
etc, and the Barton Meadow Recreational Area. Jean Checksfield was unanimously elected to head this committee and she will
second further members when required, proposed Peter Tucker. Terms of reference will be drawn up. Alan Clemens has been
keeping an accident and incident book for Barton Meadow as required by the insurers and Jean Checksfield will liaise with
him on this.
7. Confirmation of Clerk’s Salary This was confirmed as 171 hours including holidays at £7.205 per hour = £1,232 p.a.
8. Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on 18 April 2003. The Minutes, having been circulated and published on the noticeboards were accepted and adopted by the Council, proposed by Roger Keen, seconded Mike Leatham. The Chairman signed the Minutes.
9. Parish Plans
The Parish Plans are nearing completion. A meeting with the architect is shortly to take place and will put in place the
alterations which are necessary following the exhibition. It is hoped the plans will come before the next Parish Council
meeting on 12 June 2003 for approval.
David Brown updated members on all aspects of the progress of Project 2000. DCC has made £5,000 available to enable the plans to be drawn up together with a further grant to enable administrative help to be employed. It is hoped to submit an outline planning application in summer 2003. David Brown said the project is being viewed as being of great importance at all levels of governance and members of the committee are participating in this.
A public meeting and The High Bickington Project 2000 AGM is to be held on Thursday 22 May 2003 when the speaker will be Bob Paterson – Visiting Research Fellow, University of Salford. The subject for discussion will be “A Community Property Trust for High Bickington”.
David Brown stressed the importance of Parish Council involvement and Mike Leatham agreed to remain as the link Councillor on the Project 2000 Steering Group.
Following the response by the Parish Council to the draft Section 106 Agreement for Mr Tanner's development at land off North Road Myc Riggulsford had received a reply from Stephen Mottram at TDC. The reply was not felt to be entirely satisfactory but the Parish Council had made their concerns about being free to use the £100,000 towards a community hall associated with a new school (rather than just a village hall) clear to TDC. The Section 106 Agreement is still to be agreed by Devon & Cornwall Housing Association, and signed by Mr Tanner, and it was felt that no further action could be taken until such time as it comes back to the Parish Council for signature.
Barton Meadow Recreational Area. A formal planning application is required and following discussions with TDC, the Chairman advised that it was suggested the Parish Council submit the application and obtain a 50% fee reduction. Following a discussion it was agreed unanimously that this proposal be accepted with the Barton Meadow Recreational Area acting as agents on behalf of the Parish Council.
10. Matters Raised by the Chairman The Chairman asked that if any member has an item they would like to be discussed by Council, they submit this 10 days prior to the meeting in order that it can be included on the Agenda. If not an item on the agenda a decision on the matter cannot be made. The Chairman also recommended that “Items for Information” replace “Any Other Business” on the agenda. This was agreed.
The Chairman said that courses for new Councillors are regularly held and if anyone is interested in attending, information will be obtained and funding made available. The Clerk would also be interested in attending a Clerk’s course when available.
11. Maintenance The Chairman reported that a tender has been received from Derek Jones for grass cutting and strimming at Barton Meadow as follows: Cutting of the grass - £20.00 per cut. Strimming of banks around the site - £20.00 per cut.
It was unanimously agreed that this tender be accepted, proposed Peter Tucker, seconded Myc Riggulsford.
Helen Carn asked if the Council would arrange to install 2 signs at the Barton Meadow recreational area asking people not to walk their dogs on the land. The Clerk was asked to obtain details of signs available.
Jean Checksfield will report to the next Council meeting any remedial work required to Council property.
Myc Riggulsford reported that he had received a complaint from a member of the public regarding dangerous parking behind the fish and chip van when it was parked at the entrance to the High Street. Jean Checksfield felt this was a problem and asked whether the Council would consider writing to residents asking them not to park their cars in this area. The Chairman felt it would not be appropriate to write to one resident when similar parking was a problem throughout the village. It was agreed to monitor the problem and Roger Keen agreed to speak to the owner of the Fish and Chip van to ask him to put a notice up requesting people to park considerately when visiting the van.
It was felt that a visit from the local Policeman would be beneficial when concerns about traffic could be aired. The Chairman would ask Stella Burrows as local Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator to try to arrange this as soon as possible.
Helen Carn informed the Council that following recent thefts from cars in a neighbouring village, the Police had stressed the importance of not leaving vehicle documents inside cars.
12. Finance Myc Riggulsford presented the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2003 and explained certain items of expenditure. Proposed by David Brown and seconded by Roger Keen, it was unanimously agreed that the accounts be accepted and adopted.
13. Planning
13.1 Application no: 1/0731/2003/27/0035 Erection of a double timber garage at Seckington Barn, High Bickington. For:
Franklin Spencer Decision: The Parish Council supports this application, proposed Myc Riggulsford, seconded Roger Keen.
13.3: Application no: 1/0090/2003/27/2005 Single storey garage extension, garden store and balcony on kitchen 14 Fairways
Drive, Libbaton - GRANTED
14. Correspondence
Devon County Council – Annual Training Days for the Parish Paths Partnership - noted
Devon County Council–Public Right of Way and Public Service Agreement - noted
NALC – Audit, Further Guidance – Clarification of role of Internal Auditor - noted DAPC – Audit and Accounts Regulations
2003 – noted
Community Council of Devon – New Councillors Training Days – no new Councillors present were able to attend on the
specified dates.
SLCC – Membership Application – it was agreed that the Clerk be allowed to apply for membership.
DCC – Devon Community Transport Week 2003 – Questionnaire – David Brown to complete.
Millennium Awards – Tarka Country Millennium Awards - pending
Northern Devon Rural Transport Forum – Notice of meeting & Agenda - noted
Audit Commission – Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2003 – Clerk to complete.
Application for transfer of licence – The Old George Inn, High Bickington. Transfer of Licence from Anne Chapman and
Christopher Paul Bowsley to Anne Chapman. Proposed by David Brown and seconded by Myc Riggulsford the application was
supported by the Council.
15. Outstanding Matters Millennium Boundary stones – in hand.
16. Any Other Business Ros Davis of DCC will be meeting with the people involved to discuss the footpath at Little
Bickington Farm on 19 May 2003.
Roger Keen reported that a great deal of concern was being expressed in neighbouring villages about proposed masts being
installed alongside the Tarka Trail and a meeting is being held shortly in Umberleigh to discuss the problem. He asked if
the Council felt they should support the concerns. It was agreed to keep the matter under review.
17. Date of Next Meeting Thursday 12 June 2003 at 7.30 pm in the Church Hall, High Bickington.
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!
The Captain's Parrot
A magician was working on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. The audience would be different each week, so the magician allowed himself to do the same tricks over and over again.
There was only one problem: The captain's parrot saw the shows each week and began to understand how the magician did every trick. Once he understood he started shouting in the middle of the show:
"Look, it's not the same hat."
"Look, he is hiding the flowers under the table."
"Hey, why are all the cards the Ace of Spades?"
The magician was furious but couldn't do anything; it was, after all, the captain's parrot.
One day the ship hit something and sank. The magician found himself adrift on a piece of wood in the middle of the ocean with, of course, the parrot. They stared at each other, but did not utter a word. This went on for a day, then another, and another.
After a week the parrot said: "OK, I give up. What did you do with the ship?"
Do you still remember the elephant jokes ??
A man driving over the border was stopped by the police and asked if he had anything to declare.
"No," said the man, "absolutely nothing to declare."
The policeman asked him to open his boot in which he found an elephant with a piece of bread in each ear.
"Nothing to declare," said the policeman. "What do you call this?"
The man replied. " What I choose to put in my sandwiches is none of your business."