March 1998

THANK YOU: A big thank you to all you kind people of High Bickington who sent me get well cards and get well messages and for the visits during my recent stay in N.D.D.C. hospital for a knee replacement.
Thanks also to Mr Mills, his team, and the nursing staff of the orthopaedic ware for their care and devotion. But above all to my wife, Rosemary who visited me every day and is looking after me during my convalescence.
Elsewhere in the magazine is a copy of a cartoon sent to me by my grandson Joe (11yrs).
Derek Munson

PLEASE: If you have any spare Tesco Computers for Schools vouchers, please pass them to Maureen Beauchamp who is collecting them for the Atherington Under 5s Playgroup.

ST MARYS: Atherington church members very much appreciate the work done by Andrea Smith repainting and restoring the Nativity figures, a beautiful job, many thanks.

CONGRATULATIONS: To Alison and Brian Montague on the birth of their daughter, Lauren Emily. Another granddaughter for Margaret and Tony Squire. Best wishes to all.

HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
The last Parish Council meeting in January was well attended by the public. Matters discussed at the meeting included the state of the Libbaton roads and the on-going matters of traffic calming and the new community hall.
The next meeting will take place in the church hall on Wednesday 11 March. The public are welcome to attend.
Diana Lunn, Clerk

ST. MARY’S GUILD
Rosemary Munson
At our meeting in February we asked for ideas for our Summer Outing.
Our next meeting is on Monday, March 9th at 2.00pm at Miss Cole’s home, this is also our ANNUAL MEETING, new friends are welcome.

HIGH BICKINGTON YOUTH JUDO CLUB
DECEMBER AND FEBRUARY GRADINGS - EXAMINER BOB OTTO 2ND DAN

JUNIOR GRADE:

Gary KINGDOM Green belt

Toby ROSE Green belt

Natalie TUCKER Green belt

Rosie VENNER Green belt

Carl DENNIS Orange belt, 1 green stripe

Jonathan HOBBS Orange belt, 1 green stripe
Kerry HOPKINS Orange belt, 1 green stripe
Gemma PERT Yellow belt
Samantha PIDNER White belt, 2 yellow stripes
Ricky GALBALLY White belt, 1 yellow stripe

PRIMARY GRADE:

Kim SHORT White belt, 3 blue stripes

Peter SHORT White belt, 2 blue stripes

Thomas SANDERS White belt, 1 blue stripe

Sam HARPER White belt, 3 green stripes

Melanie PERT White belt, 3 green stripes

Thomas PHILLIPS White belt, 2 green stripes

Tara FINN White belt, 1 green stripe

Abby HARPER White belt, 1 green stripe

Olivia FINN White belt, 2 orange stripes

Josh PHILLIPS White belt, 2 orange stripes

Lauren REEVES White belt, 1 orange stripe

Becky DOWN White belt, 3 red stripes

Olivia MAY White belt, 3 red stripes

Lisa PIDNER White belt, 3 red stripes

Phoebe PIDNER White belt, 3 red stripes

Katharine REEVES White belt, 3 red stripes

Congratulations to Paul Kingdom who has been awarded his senior green belt by Devon’s Area Examiner - Chris Whitaker 2nd Dan.

High Bickington in Bloom
Following another successful Carol Singing Evening, the fund Raisers have Ł65 to provide flowers for the village this year. Thank you to all who gave so generously.
However, if anybody has any spare plants or containers they will be much appreciated. We hope to provide displays throughout the village. If you can help please contact either of us on the numbers below.
Sharne Worrall, Lower Green Cottage, Anne Fenge, Brewery Cottage

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
At the last Parochial Church Council meeting there was a discussion on the future of the church tower flagpole. The architects visit recently recommended that it should be removed from its’ central position on the tower as it was depressing the lead and allowing water into the tower. It was suggested that it could be attached to or near to, one of the pinnacles of the tower. The question is do we really need a flagpole as it is rarely used? What is your opinion? Please contact me or any member of the P.C.C. or write to Ramblings with your ideas. Thank you.
Roger Keen, Hon. Secretary P.C.C.

HIGH BICKINGTON UNITED METHODIST AND ANGLICAN CHURCHES
Rev Marilyn Tricker led the United Service in February at the Methodist Church. Lessons were read by Stella Burrows and Mark Thomas. The collection of Ł44-50 went to CLIC (Cancer and Leukaemia In Children).
The March United Service will be at the Methodist Church on Sunday, 8th March at 6.30pm. Rev Peter Whatton will be the speaker. A warm welcome to everyone.

LENT COURSE
There will be a United Ash Wednesday Service at ST. Mary’s Church at 7pm. Nehemia will be studied during the Monday Evening Lent Courses commencing on March 2nd at 7.30pm at Jennifer Gooding’s home (1 South View).

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI Judith Domleo
At our February meeting Pat Shallcross spoke of her work as a “School Nurse” at Primary schools in the Torrington area. A competition for a “School Momento” was won by Margaret Squire. Flower of the month winner was Carole Hurst with Snowdrops. Refreshments were served by Pearl Arscott, Petra Butcher and Sue Bickley. Members were thanked for collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, flannels and combs for an orphanage in Eastern Hungary.
Birthday plants were presented to Mary Wilson, Beryl Troup, Barbara Down and Rose Peters. Several members went to Roundswell Centre at Barnstaple to hear James Mitchell give an illustrated talk on the life and work of George Gershwin. James Mitchell is a professional singer and teacher and a superb lecturer and entertainer. He delighted us by singing songs from the shows after lunch.
At the end of January, Jennifer Gooding and Judith Domleo went to Denham College for a four day course on quilling and cheese cookery. They had a most enjoyable and instructive few days. Several other members will be going in September with the Devon Federation. Six members went on a cookery course at Torrington school and came home with some mouth watering dishes.
The next meeting will be at Umberleigh Hall on March 10th at 7.30pm when the speakers will be Mark and Nina Thomas who will give an illustrated talk on “A Trip to China”. Visitors are very welcome.

HIGH BICKINGTON METHODIST SERVICES in MARCH

1st 11.00am Mr David Worden - Family Service

8th 11.00am Rev Marilyn Tricker

6.30pm United Service - Rev Peter Whatton

15th 11.00am Miss Angela Isaac

22nd 11.00am Local arrangement

29th 11.00am Mrs Gloria Manning

The Rectory, High Bickington
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. Traditionally Lent is a time of reflection. Based on the time when Jesus, having been baptised with the Spirit in readiness for his public ministry, was driven into the wilderness. There he spent time considering the most basic questions, for anyone, “Who am I?” and “What should I be about?” You can read the account of this in the gospels of Matthew chapters 3 and 4; Mark 1; Luke 3 and 4 and John 1.
So it is good to have a fresh look at the basic questions we should always be asking. This does not mean we are without answers. Oliver Cromwell pointed out to a man who wrote to him signing himself as a Seeker, that it is important also to be a “finder”. We take his point. However, we need to be open to “finding” fresh awareness and understanding. One way to do this is to read the work of the poets. Using their insights and gifts can lead to heightened appreciation of the works of the Lord. Remembering how pleased the Lord God was with his creation of man, made in his own image. Reflecting also on how much God was willing to pay in order to rescue mankind from sin.

The Everlasting Mercy John Masefield
A ploughman’s voice, a clink of chain,
Slow hoofs, and harness under strain.
Up the slow slope a team came bowing,
Old Callow at his autumn ploughing,
Old Callow, stooped above the hales,
Ploughing the stubble into wales;
His grave eyes looking straight ahead,
Shearing a long strait furrow red;
His plough-foot high to give it earth
To bring new food for men to birth.

O wet red swathe of earth laid bare,
O truth, O strength, O gleaming share,
O patient eyes that watch the goal,
O ploughman of the sinner’s soul.
O Jesus, drive the coulter deep
To plough my living man from sleep.

FROM THE ARCHIVES Researched by Richard Lethbridge

July 3rd 1924 DESTRUCTIVE FIRE NEAR ATHERINGTON

Nearly Ł500 Worth of Damage

Langridge Cottage, near Atherington, was practically destroyed by fire on Tuesday night, most of the furniture in the house shared the same fate, the total damage being between Ł400 and Ł500. Owned by Mr. Joslin, the cottage was insured; but the elderly occupiers, Mr. Wm. Porter and Miss Ellen Porter (his sister) had made no similar provision in respect of their furniture, and much sympathy is expressed with them in their loss.
Barnstaple Rural Fire Brigade received a summons about 10.30pm, and under their captain (Mr. F. Parker) reached the scene, about eight or nine miles distant, with commendable prompitude. On arrival, the Brigade found that part of the thatched roof had fallen in, whilst the whole of the interior was burning fiercely. Water was only available a quarter of a mile distant, but as the result of strenuous and well-directed efforts, the fire was kept within the limits of the outbreak, the brigade saving all the surrounding buildings the thatched roofs of which were constantly in danger of being set alight by sparks and flames blown in all directions by a very strong wind.
The fire is attributed to a beam igniting in the chimney; and it spread with such rapidity that in spite of assistance being immediately forthcoming only a few articles of furniture downstairs could be saved.
The work of the Fire Brigade elicited the highest encomiums: whilst assistance was rendered by P.S. Kingdom, P.C.’s Conibear, Heale and Potter (Torrington police), Mr. Porter, neighbours , and friends.

April 26th 1928 ATHERINGTON WATER SUPPLY

Atherington Parish Council wrote unanimously agreeing to the Sanitary Inspector’s suggestion that Lady Well be closed and a pump fixed. As to the Medical Officer’s statement with regard to the water supply they were unanimously of the opinion that there was an ample supply of water for the parish. There were no less than ten pumps over a very small area.
Mr. Andrew said the Parish Council were surprised at the Medical Officer’s remarks; and thought there was no need for a further supply. There was a never-failing supply at Lady Well; and in the centre there were two wells with similar supplies of pure water. The Parish Council thought that if the improvement suggested by Inspector Acland was carried out it would be all that was necessary. He moved that this work be done. Mr W. T. Buckingham seconded, and it was carried.

ATHERINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH

Preachers for March 11am Flower Rota Door Stewards

1st Mr D Summers May Andrew

8th Mr P Sheperd Olwen John

15th Mr J Ley Wendy Bill

22nd Rev K Sykes Phyllis Simon

29th Mr J Presan Margaret Richard

Power Point Sunday School - 11am
Bible Study - 2nd and 4th Wednesdays - 7.30pm

WELL DONE!

On behalf of the parents and children of Atherington Under Five’s and Playgroup I would like to say a huge thank you to whoever was behind the acquisition of our ‘30’ m.p.h. signs. At long last we have a recognised speed restriction for our village, despite our size. As a parent of a child who has to walk from the Hall up the busy Torrington Road I was absolutely delighted at the arrival of these signs. The response from the Playgroup members has been a unanimous well done!
Wendy Short, Chair

High Bickington Methodist News
Hazel Pearce
During the past few weeks the 5-7’s Childrens Club have made bread rolls, collage sheep and paper frogs, while the 8-11’s Club held games, face painting and craft evenings. Thanks to Shirley, Beverly and Marilyn for their help and organisation with the 8-11’s.
The annual “Women’s World Day of Prayer” Service will be at 3pm on March 6th. The speaker, Mrs Jane Lucas is from Chulmleigh. Tea and biscuits will be available at about 4pm. Everyone is welcome - mean as well as ladies.
Dennis and Mary Stanbury spoke of the work of the Slavic Gospel Association at the Guild meeting on February 17th. Their aim is to help them to help themselves. Long term residents of High Bickington will remember Dennis’s parents, Mr and Mrs Lennard Stanbury, who once lived at Little Silver Farm.
We are glad to report that Mrs Violet Parker is now out of hospital, and is now resident at the Castle Nursing home, Torrington, we hope she will be very comfortable there.

TAW VALLEY GARDENING CLUB
The speaker at our February meeting was Don Cockman of Suttons’ Seeds. A professional gardener of great experience, he told us not only about the newest and best seeds available from Suttons’ but also how to grow them to best advantage. He showed us some wonderfully colourful slides of floral displays, many of them winners in various competitions, and explained that with well-prepared and fertilised soil at the beginning of the season we would have no need to keep pouring on fertiliser throughout the summer, except into our baskets and pots.
In March our old friend Cliff Bell of Harepie will entertain - as well as instruct - us in the best use of his lovely heathers and conifers. That meeting will be, as usual, in High Bickington hall at 7.30pm on March 18th. Further information from Sharne Worrall

HIGH BICKINGTON WI
Peggy Stinton

On Wednesday February 4th our President, Eva Burke, welcomed everyone and thanked Mr and Mrs Gibson for allowing us to hold our February meeting in their home. All business matters were attended to and we were reminded of the Spring Group meeting.
Advance notices were also given of the Jumble Sale which is to be held on Saturday March 21st at 2.30pm in the Church Hall and the sponsored “Knit In”. This is also at Jane’s house and is in aid of the Children’s Hospice.
Eva then introduced Ian Gibson who was our Guest Speaker for the evening. He proved to be a most interesting speaker as he told us the many duties a Consul has to perform. He and his wife lived in Germany for many years where he was in the shipping business. When he was approached by someone from the Foreign Office and asked if he might consider becoming Consul, he and his wife decided it was a great honour and that they would take it on if offered. After being vetted for six months, he was offered the post and had to go to be trained for a very short time!). Then they were on their own and had to help all comers if possible. They met many interesting people in their duties and various incidents were humourously described to us. He was the British Consul in Kiel for eight years from 1988 - 1996.
The highlight was the Centenary Celebrations for the Bridge, when the Royal Yacht Britannia attended with the Duke and Duchess of Kent on board. Queen Victoria had attended in 1895. He showed us some photos of Britannia dressed overall for that occasion, and we passed them around, she was certainly a beautiful ship. Jane and Ian were invited to dine aboard the yacht and met other royal family members - some foreign ones too.
Although life was very hectic as Consul, they were truly honoured to be chosen and judging by the enthusiastic way he talked about his duties, they obviously enjoyed their time in that post immensely.
Brenda Woods gave a vote of thanks and spoke for all of us when she said we had thoroughly enjoyed his interesting talk. Refreshments were then taken. The Raffle was won by Margaret and Jane and the Competition was won by Joyce with Rosemary taking second and third places.
Our next meeting is to be held at Eva Burke’s house at Libbaton on Wednesday 4th March at 7.15pm.

ATHERINGTON PLAYGROUP
Atherington Playgroup are participating in the Tesco and Sainsbury schemes through their partnership with Umberleigh School. If anyone shops at Sainsbury’s and is not already associated with a school please will you register to collect points on our behalf.
Similarly if you have any spare Tesco vouchers we would be pleased to receive them via Wendy Short at the ‘Glebe’.
We would also like Weetabix tokens of any sort. Thank you.
Wendy Short

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH - HIGH BICKINGTON
P.C. Mike Tricker has moved to another area and we are currently waiting to know the name of his replacement. Once our new P.C. is appointed we plan to call a Neighbourhood Watch meeting and invite the P.C. to the meeting.
If you do have any concerns which you wish to report then contact Ken or Stella Burrows as usual or Sgt. Ellis at Torrington.

Go to April 1998 issue