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March 2002DIAMOND WEDDING: Cliff and Christine England would like to thank family and friends for all the lovely cards and messages on this wonderful occasion and many thanks to our niece Ann and all her many helpers and to the Bell Ringers. WEDDING: Joseph Peter Morley Poore married Jaquline Rice-Jones on February 9th at Buckley, North Wales.
THANKS: Please accept so many sincere 'thank yous' from Arthur and I to all the many friends who have shown such
loving kindness to us both during the past weeks. They are just too numerous to remember individually but completely
outstanding in their anxiousness to keep us going by their ability to cheer and keep spirits from flagging. Thanking
everyone from the bottom of our hearts and hoping to thank you personally in the near future. THANKS: High Bickington Judo Club would like to thank Atherington Parish Council for the gift of £50-00. CONDOLENCES: Sincere condolences are extended to the Kingdom family on the death of Jim. Thought for the MonthHow time flies
Unbelievably, the end of February marked the end of my first six months here in the Barnstaple circuit. That also means the
end of my first six months as a probationer minister. (I’m now one quarter of the way through to ordination!) Therefore,
its time to reflect and look back, and what a six months it has been. Coming straight from college I’m sure you can
imagine what a roller coaster of new experiences it has been, not only for me but for Sarah as well. God Bless, Rev Mark Noakes High Bickington Youth Judo ClubSuccess for High Bickington Youth Judo Club at the Devon Invitation Judo Championships held at Ilfracombe on Saturday 3rd February. Three members of High Bickington Club entered and all were successful. Congratulations go to Rebecca Collingwood-Burke who was awarded a Silver medal, Tara Finn who was awarded a Bronze medal, and Olivia Finn who had to compete in a higher weight class, and was awarded a Bronze 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 the championships. High Bickington Project 2000ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Friday 22nd March at 7.30pm at The Meeting Point You are warmly invited to join us for our Annual General Meeting which will be held at 7.30pm, in The Meeting Point, on Friday 22nd March 2002. This is an open meeting and any resident of High Bickington is invited to be present and to vote in the election of a new committee. We are now moving into an exciting phase of our work on devising future plans for Developments at Little Bickington Farm. The current tenancy comes to an end on 25th March and we are continuing to work in partnership with the County, District and Parish Councils to decide how best to take matters forward. To do this we shall need extra voluntary help from local people. Do you have financial, secretarial, project planning, architectural or even plain common sense skills that could compliment those existing members of our committee who have agreed to stand for re-election? This is an exciting opportunity to help shape future developments at Little Bickington Farm. If you are willing to stand for election to the committee, or would like further information, then please talk to David Brown and/or come along to our A.G.M. on 22nd March. St Mary’s (High Bickington) Church Appeal FundOver the last two years the PCC have spent over £35,000 on repairs to the Tower Roof, subsidence inside the Church, and repairs to the Organ, which has depleted the funds considerably... There is however still much work to be done. With that in mind, the PCC would like to raise a further £25,000. The repairs that are still needed are as follows:-
These items are priority repairs. You would surely agree the Church is the heart of the village and therefore the PCC are approaching you in the hope you might wish to contribute to the appeal. Please contact any of the following members for further details:-D. Munson, E. Eyres, D. Rothwell, Rev John Carvosso. The "When we came to Week" book launch on November 22nd came and went all too quickly; an evening I will recall with pleasure for the sheer number of people there, despite many apologies, for the kind comments on the finished book and the presence of those who had helped and encouraged me to publish for so long before. There are no books left of the 500 printed. My grateful thanks to Anne and Denise at London House Stores, Burrington, to Lorraine at High Bickington Post Office to North Road Shop and Fishleigh Farms, Atherington, for so willingly agreeing to be local outlets. I must also thank those who have written, telephoned or told me how much they have enjoyed reading it and how it has revived memories for them. May I in return encourage them to record their lives - many, I am sure, far more interesting than mine. Margaret R. Bolt High Bickington Methodist NewsHazel Pearce The annual Women's World Day of Prayer will be held in the Methodist Chapel on Friday 1st March at 2.30pm. Speaker Mrs Ruth Carvosso. Everyone welcome, men included. We thank Mr Derek Summers of South Molton who led the February family service. He provided the children with a puzzle which looked easy but proved impossible, to illustrate his theme on 'how we use our hands'. Also to Robert Domleo, who at 10 am realised we didn't have a preacher for the 11 am Sunday service, and very ably stepped into the breach. David and Hazel Pearce would like to thank all those who sent cards and best wishes on the birth of their son Tom, a brother for Megan. The 5-7's Children's Club have made calendars and fir cone bird feeders, while the 8-11's Club held a games evening, played beetle drive and made calendars. The United Palm Sunday Parade, with donkey will take place on Sunday March 24th, leaving the Chapel at 2.30 pm walking through the village and ending with a short service in the parish church. Rev Mark Noakes will lead the Easter Sunday service at 11 am. All are welcome to these special celebrations. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Doris Pidler who has fractured her hip and with Betty Rouse who is still in a great deal of pain with leg ulcers. From the archivesResearched by Richard Lethbridge 1st December 1881 - HIGH BICKINGTON PIGEON SHOOTING MATCH. A pigeon shooting match was held on Monday in a field near the village kindly lent by Mr John Gill. The prizes were £2, £1, 10s. and 7s. 6d., for which there was a large number of 23 competitors. One trap only was used, the arrangement being three birds each competitor, 21 yards rise and 60 yards drop. The first prize was won by Mr. Harding, a gamekeeper; second by Mr Babbage, a well-known successful shot; the third by Mr. N. W. Parker, and the fourth by Mr. Parkhouse. There was a subsequent dispute with regard to Mr. Parker's rights. One of his birds went out of bounds, but as the drop was not 60 yards as advertised, the field not being large enough, he claims that they should shoot off again for first and second place. There was also a sweepstake in which ten competitors took part. Mr. Babbage took first prize and Mr. Harding the second. it was intended that a private match should have been shot off at the same time for £10 between Mr. George Tucker; Highbickington, and a gentleman of Instow. That however was postponed in consequence of the birds not arriving from London. A private match between two local gentlemen for £1 was shot off and won by Mr. J. Tucker. In the first match only four out of the 23 competitors shot their three birds. One of the birds which got away was fired at by an outsider, Mr. Anthony, at 60 yards, and was brought down. Mr. Anthony used a strange gun, it having been lent to him. The shot was considered to be a very good one. At the close of the shooting a dinner was held at the Golden Lion, where Mr. George Tucker put up a capital spread for about seventy guests, over whom Mr. E. Mugford, of Barnstaple, presided. There were also present Messrs. Slee (in his vice-chair), T. Bater, Manor House, Chittlehamholt, J. Davey, Hynam, May, Lugg, H. Collings, H. Parks, W. Williams, Winter, Anthony, S. Tucker, Peake, J. Tucker, M. Davis, Parker, Harding, Harris, &c. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed, after which Mr. Peake distinguished himself in a well-delivered speech on proposing the health of the Chairman, of whom he spoke in deservedly complimentary terms for his geniality and love of sport. The Chairman suitably replied. Other toasts followed, and the rest of the evening was occupied by singing, many of the company rendering some capital songs. POEM FOR MARCHChittlehampton The village of Chittle is cobbled and thatched, Wendy Waldon, February 2002 Winner of the W.I. competition for a short poem on a local theme. W.I. Rules (seen at Longdown Village Hall)
1. No snuff to be taken whilst the minutes are being read. We are a democratic institute - you can't beat us - so why not join us. ATHERINGTON PARISH COUNCILTO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN Complaints have been received regarding the behaviour of certain youths within the village. Vandalism and bad behaviour has been reported on the Conservation Area and Churchyard. In the Playing Field they have been observed on the roof of the Pavilion. Will the parents of those concerned please ensure this does not continue. HIGH BICKINGTON WIJosie Maskell Final arrangements for our annual dinner were made for February 15th at 7 pm. Several members visited the Children's Hospice last month and were greatly impressed by what they saw. We hope to have a Coffee Morning sometime to raise funds for the Hospice and their excellent work. The Resolutions meeting was well attended and nine resolutions were put forward. We have had an invitation to the Spring Group meeting at Burrington on 24th April. The theme for their competition will be 'Golden Jubilee'. We have also had a letter from Harracott WI inviting four members to their anniversary celebrations on 2nd March. Doug Eade was our speaker for the evening, his subject - Bats! He told us there are sixteen species in Devon and to disturb or destroy them is an arrestable offence and could mean a fine of up to £5,000. We lost up to 70% of our bats in this country at one time - hence they are now a protected species. Their chosen habitats are old trees, mainly in woodpecker holes or in mixed woodlands by rivers as they feed on midges and other insects. We were surprised to hear that they prefer to roost in modern new houses to old ones and we were asked to cover any water tanks in out lofts as they often fall in these and drown. We were shown several slides of various bats and he brought a young pipistrelle bat along for us to see. I think most of us were convinced that bats are undeservedly maligned and actually do some good with keeping the insects down and some pollinate some crops. Marian Halstead gave the vote of thanks. The competition - a photograph of a church was won by Jennifer D'Olley. The raffle was won by Beryl Troup. Marian Halstead and Josie Maskell tied with flower of the month with a dwarf iris reticulata and a camelia respectively. The next meeting is on 6th March when Rosemary Wedlake will be bringing her large collection of hats for us to see. We are always pleased to see any visitors and welcome new members. ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WIJudith Domleo At the February meeting Margaret Bolt told us how she came to write her book "When We came To Week". Six years ago she penned her first article in the local magazine to celebrate 50 years on the family farm of week. Her memories in the book range from school days to cider masking, from transport to funerals and from farm pets to farming skills. How she "put pen to paper" was quite a story in itself!" The competition for a short poem on a local theme was won by Wendy Waldon (see poem for March). Flower of the month winner was Jean Lynch with a pink camelia. Refreshments served by Eve Butler, Joy Bruce and Petra Butcher. Speaker's hostess Mary Wilson. Birthday plants presented to Barbara Down, Beryl Troup, Marian Howard, Mary Wilson, Ruth Thomas and Rose Peters. Ten members visited the Children's Hospice when they had their 'Open Day' - a very moving experience. Little Bridge House is a loving caring home for children and their families. There was a Trading Standards day at County Hall, Exeter. We had an introduction to the Trading Standards service and their role during the 'Foot and Mouth'. There was time for questions and a buffet lunch was served in the foyer. The meeting was held in the Council Chamber. Several members went to the 'Burns Day' at Uffculme. W were welcomed with a glass of mulled wine, then cock-a-leekie soup, followed by haggis piped in by a traditional piper. In the afternoon we were entertained by Margaret Duffy with singing, readings and amusing jokes. We had tea and Scottish shortbread before leaving for home. A most enjoyable day out. Members who went on the county trip to Italy had a reunion day at Halberton - where all the holiday photos were on display. a good 'get-together'. There was an 'Italian Day' at Longdown where we heard about Italy's history, its culture, how the country works within the European Market and how it relates to its neighbouring countries. After an Italian lunch (pity about the New Zealand butter) we had a trip, via slides, around the major cities in the centre of Italy, presented by Jennifer Gooding. The next meeting will be on March 12th, Umberleigh Hall at 7.30 pm. The speaker will be Sally Wilson on "The Lynmouth Floods" having lived in Lynmouth at the time of the floods, she will tell us of her personal experiences. Visitors always very welcome. Join the Club
Just a line to say I'm living
I've got used to my arthritis,
Sometimes I can't remember
And before the 'fridge so often
If it's not my turn to write dear
So remember that I love you
I'm standing by the post box ST. MARY'S GUILDRosemary Munson Our Guild Meeting was held on Monday 11th February with nine members present. Apologies were received from other members. We are hoping to have a spring outing to Dorchester in Dorset on Monday April 8th. Please let Miss E. Thorne or Mrs. R. Munson know if you are interested. We always seem to have an enjoyable time on our outings. You do not have to be a member of the Guild or Church to go on the outing. Our next meeting will be on Monday March 11th at 2.00 p.m. in Miss E. Thorne's home the Parsonage. HIGH BICKINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETYThank you to everybody who supported in any way our very successful launch of the Little Bickington Farm History project and the recording of the school Log books, at our recent coffee morning and exhibition at the Meeting Point. A fuller report is in the North Devon Journal under Community News. We raised £50 towards our lap top computer. Our next event is a seminar led by Jo Cox co-author of 'Devon Thatch' who will take us through the stages in construction of old buildings especially in relation to our village houses and farm buildings. Date: - Saturday 9th March, 1030 - 3.30 approx. with a pub lunch! Venue: - Meeting Point, High Bickington. New members always welcome - come and learn more about the history of your village! Stella Burrows (Secretary) A friend at WeekWith all that has happened in 2001, the 50th anniversary of the arrival at Week, in 1951, of a warm, useful, dependable friend has been overlooked. A heavy, well-built lady she came on the back of a T.H.Moor lorry from South Molton, carefully manhandled to the ground - no hoist on the lorry in those days - wheeled through the back door into the kitchen where her own personal, bespoke, tailored space awaited - a space she has occupied day in, day out ever since. I am, of course, talking of our Rayburn, installed by Palfreyman & Joint for our landlord, Col.Gracey. The arrival of this modern, cheaper version of the Aga heralded a new era at Week; a time when piped water - hot and cold - became available indoors and electric power to pump the water into tanks upstairs replaced the bucket- carrying yoke and rain water supply for the recently built downstairs toilet - and that was a great improvement on the earth closet in the orchard. The 110-volt D.C. electricity came via a row of large batteries suspended in an iron frame on the shippon wall. These were charged by an engine used twice a day to run the milking machine, from 1950. Although the batteries stored adequate power to supply any lights we wished to use in the house or buildings, a motor soon reduced that charge, so water was pumped when the engine was in use and a well-insulated freezer was switched off and unopened between milkings. Cookers, kettles, irons, fires etc. were not possible until the installation of mains electric in 1959 but what we had never had we did not miss! To be able to go from room to room or shippon to shippon without carrying an oil lamp or lantern was luxury indeed. Lights were never left on needlessly and saving the power in the batteries soon became second nature to us. Anyone who has grown up having always had the use of water laid on cannot begin to know what a difference modern plumbing makes to all our lives. On the other hand it takes little imagination to understand the improvement to our comfort made by the fitting of the Rayburn. The huge fireplace and chimney which produced far more smoke than heat and a stream of thick sooty water when it rained had been built in with concrete blocks, an asbestos and metal register plate closing the chimney, leaving only space for the flue from the top of the Rayburn. Although losing the "Country Kitchen" look with closing the open fireplace, the benefits far outweighed this. The wood and coal burning Rayburn also consumed most of our waste, giving us constant hot water, a warm kitchen day and night, a large airing cupboard and two ovens always available for slow or faster cooking. Rice puddings and casseroles cooked slowly have a flavour all their own. Wet outdoor clothes would be hung up around her and dried overnight, weakly Iambs put in a box to be revived in the warm oven - with the door open! Sickly children have been nursed better beside the Rayburn, times of bereavement and trouble made more bearable by its warmth. Mr. Dudley Squire assured me that the same model as ours, installed at Millbrook, was the first in High Bickington and with T.H.Moor possibly being the sole agency for North Devon, there was no reason to doubt this. Although modern versions are in a range of colours and white, in 1951 the choice was cream with a black top - or cream with a black top! A born again Rayburn, she was converted to oil in 1970 when oil was approximately £16 for 200 gallons. Thus ended the daily task of riddling out the ashes and emptying the ash pan, with the inevitable spread of fine ash over every surface, no matter how careful we were. After 50 years, she is beginning to show her age but a going over with a brillo pad, followed by a rub down with furniture polish, partly restores her good looks. So, apart from an occasional fit of the sulks when the wind is in the North, our friend begins her second half-century at Week still fit and able to carry out efficiently several jobs at once - dare I say it (?) - like most women! (only joking).
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