May 1998
THANKS: To everyone who attended the Coffee morning at Lee Barton. Also thanks to all for the donations received.
The total amount raised was £242 for the League of Friends, N.D.D.H. Glenda Tucker
THANKS: Linda and Jessica Brayley would like to thank everyone for their cards, gifts, prayers and get well messages
during Jessica’s stay in hospital. Linda Brayley
THANKS: Doreen Norman would like to say a big “Thank You” to my family and friends for the get well cards I received
during my stay in hospital. I am home now and doing well. Thanks to you all. Doreen Norman
CONGRATULATIONS: To David and Gillian Squire upon the birth of a daughter, Camilla, another grandaughter for Margaret
and Tony Squire.
WELL DONE: To the Lengthsman who has already started tidying up the sides of the road etc. in High Bickington.
Maurice Ridd
HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL Diana Lunn - Clerk
The next Parish Council meeting will take place in the Church Hall on Wednesday 13 May at 7.30pm. This will be the Annual
Parish Meeting at which the Parish Council gives a report of its activities over the last year. It is hoped that members
of the public will attend.
Mr Lawrence of Devon County Council attended the last meeting to discuss traffic calming and it is hoped that signs will be
forthcoming soon. Maurice Ridd (Chairman) has won the election for a vacancy on the county Committee of the Devon
Association of Parish Councils. Devon County Council is introducing a mobile lengthsman service which will carry out the
cleaning of ditches and drains etc.
The Village has again entered the BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION. Judging will take place in May and June. Everyone is
asked to contribute to the effort to improve on the marks received in last year's competition. The judges will be looking,
among other things, for the absence of litter, the condition of gardens and allotments and the cleanliness of bus shelters
etc. The largest mark goes on ‘Clear evidence of local commitment and initiative in the care and maintenance of the
village'.
ATHERINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
South West Water A member of South West Water will be present at our next Council meeting on Wednesday 13th May in
the Church Hall at 7.45pm when a question and answer session will take place.
Annual General Meeting The date for the Parish Council Annual General Meeting is 24th June at 8pm in the Church Hall
when we hope to have a speaker present who will conduct a question and answer session on a relevant subject. Fuller
details will be given next month.
We do hope as many parishioners as possible will attend these meetings.
ST MARY’S CHURCH, ATHERINGTON
The Spring Fayre, which was held on 28th March, was a great success, making a profit of £225.56. The weather was kind and
it was good to see so many people. Thank you for your support, donations and draw prizes.
OH, DIDN’T THEY DO WELL?
We had a wonderful team working together spring-cleaning the Church on 31st March. There was a lovely atmosphere and the
tower and windows were cleaned down, pews and brass polished and floors scrubbed. Well done everyone, and my thanks to
Jeff Fuller for supplying us with water.
Shirley Shapland
MEMORIES
Eve Hill
Heather Andrew asked in a recent Ramblings if anyone had any memories of the old parish church lights.
John Beer, retired farmer, of Atherington, was a child at the time (early 1920s) and living at Bond’s Farm, and clearly
remembers Jack Short lighting the church lights every Sunday. Mr Short, who lived at Easter Cottage, trimmed and filled
the lamps with paraffin every week. He was gardener to Rev W W Arthur, the rector at the time, and this appears to have
been part of his duties. The lights were on iron poles and Jack had to climb a ladder to reach them. He also attended to
the lights inside the church.
The Shorts had a family of twelve and lost three sons in the first world war, then known as the great war. Their names are
commemorated on the war memorial in the churchyard.
ATHERINGTON AND UMBERLEIGH WI
Judith Domleo
Our April speaker was unable to come due to illness - but the husband of our President very gallantly stepped into the
breach and gave us such an interesting illustrated talk on Camels - there is nothing now that we don’t know about camels!
Thank you Trevor for offering to help us out! We also enjoyed seeing some of Trevor’s collection of camels on display.
A competition for a “Musical Item” was won by Eileen Chambers. Flower of the Month winner was Judith Domleo with a red
camellia. Refreshments were served by Edna Clapton, Christine Clemens and Jennifer D’Olley. A birthday plant will be
taken to Irene Sutton who is recovering form a lip op. and a get well card has been sent to Di Drummond who is in hospital.
Several members went to the Queens Theatre to see the excellent production of “The King and I” and the Gilbert and Sullivan
concert. Most of our members enjoyed our annual dinner at The Rising Sun at Umberleigh. Six members went to the “Bread
and Yeast” cookery day in Barnstaple - several recipes were demonstrated and we tasted most of them! Six members and their
husbands went to the Norman Lockyer Observatory at Sidmouth and were fascinated by what they saw.
The Spring Group meeting at Lovacott had a lifeboat theme. Well done High Bickington for winning the competition for a
Salt Dough Lifeboat and a Painted Pebble.
The next meeting will be at Umberleigh Hall on May 12th when Michael and Doreen Cubitt will be speaking about their work at
a bird sanctuary. Visitors are very welcome.
ATHERINGTON CHILDRENS PLAYING FIELD UPDATE
Due to the efforts of the Committee and the support of the village we will be holding a balloon race on Saturday 30th
May at 2pm.
This is to compliment the official opening of a climbing frame for the under five’s on the Playing Field. We are looking
for help to install the equipment - it needs bolting together and concreting in. If you could help please ‘phone Lesley
Beer.
Balloon race tickets are available for £1.00 per ticket form the same ‘phone number.
We are also working on the Lottery bid for a multi-purpose court. We need to hear from groups or individuals who feel they
would use this facility for the bid to go ahead. There will be netball, basketball, tennis, football. We also need to
hear from people who would set up a club if the facilities were available.
IF THERE IS NO SUPPORT FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY THE COMMITTEE FEELS IT WILL BE UNABLE TO CONTINUE WITH THE BID.
In the first instance contact David Blower
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Researched by Richard Lethbridge
4th April 1875 LEAVING EMPLOYMENT
Frederick Darch, a farm boy, was charged by Thomas Down, farmer, Atherington, with absenting himself from his master’s
service on 27th March. The boy had previously been employed on the farm, and had entered into a new engagement with his
master at £6. 15s. a year, but the boy’s father not agreeing to the terms, the lad, having worked two days, suddenly left
his employment and went to another place. The facts were admitted, and the bench annulled the contract on the boy
undertaking to pay 10s. compensation to his master.
19th June 1924 ATHERINGTON
The Bishop of Exeter confirmed thirteen candidates from the parishes of Atherington and High Bickington on Monday
afternoon.
AN ATHERINGTON WEDDING
MORRISH - EASTMAN
A pretty wedding has taken place in the Parish Church, the contracting parties being Mr Richard George Morrish, of High
Bickington, and Miss Winnie Edith Rendell Eastman, elder daughter of Mr Henry Eastman, of Atherington. The bride, who was
given away by her father, was dressed in ivory crepe de chine, with over-bodice of lace, trimmed with pearls. She worth a
wreath and veil, and carried a bouquet of lilies, carnations, roses and smilax. The Rev T G Shelmerdine officiated. Mr
Ernest Loosemore carried out the duties of best man. Misses Mary and Betty Good, daughters of Dr Good, High Bickington,
were the bridesmaids, and were dressed in blue silk, with Leghorn hats trimmed with pink and blue, and carried pink
carnations. The bells of High Bickington and Atherington rang merrily during the day. The hymn, “Lead us, Heavenly
Father, lead us,” was sung. Miss N Hellyer, presided at the organ. The beautiful wedding cake was the gift of Mrs Good.
The bridegroom presented the bridesmaids with gold brooches. The happy couple left for London, where their honeymoon was
to be spent. Many beautiful and useful presents were received.
April 18th 1929 JOHN SMALE AND CO., BARNSTAPLE
ATHERINGTON PROPERTY - With a good attendance, at the bridge Hall, Barnstaple, on Friday, Messrs: John Smale and Co.
sold the freehold market garden and orchard adjoining Little Eastacombe, Atherington, to Mr White, of Atherington, for
£265. The solicitors were Messrs. Pitts-Tucker, of Barnstaple.
WHY .........
Relatives from all over the country came to a family party and all love the village and say there is no place like it to
them - but I gave them a tour and was ashamed seeing it through their eyes at the dirt, untidiness, bottles, cans and
papers everywhere.
Why? when we are so lucky to be in this village - please help to keep it tidy. Christine England
Readers Letters
The following are some extracts of a letter from our long distance subscriber Pauline Hamblin, of Surrey, to Ken
Burrows, who along with our many helpers, is the kingpin of Ramblings distribution.
....In four years I have visited the village on holiday I have come across some very interesting pieces of social history,
and have had willing and enthusiastic help from several villagers. The more I have found, the more interesting High
Bickington has become, and slowly more parts of the past have slipped into place.
Three women’s graves started my quest off. The first was Sarah Blake who from being almost lost has now been
re-established as part of the Tucker family, one of three Coates sisters. One of them was John Tuckers grandmother.
Sarah, aged about forty married William Blake in Torrington and left High Bickington to live in America at “Cooperstown”.
I have now been given a photograph of the two sisters and wonder if anyone knows which one is Sarah Blake? I would love
to know! The other piece of information which needs verifying is that she died at Portsmouth Arms....
....The second woman was Anne Cockes who died Nov. 23rd 1840 aged 86. inscribed on her tomb stone is: “The wife of john
Cockes a surgeon from Hertfordshire.” Why is she buried in the village? What was her maiden name? Did she return to be
with her family when her husband died? Does anyone know who she might be?
The third woman was Miss Lucy Amelia Hawkes from North Island New Zealand who lived in Corilis and used to be part of the
flying doctor service in New Zealand, died aged 74 in 1974 and is buried in the village. Why did she come to High
Bickington? What made her stay?....
I also enclose a leaflet about a charity I work with “Canine Partners for Independence”....My task is to raise the
awareness of the Charity and to find disabled people who might benefit from a fully trained Canine Partner....If you or
anyone would like more details please give me a ring and I will try to assist them. People who benefit apart from carers,
are those who have suffered from many of the following: stroke, arthritis, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis,
spinal injuries including head injuries, and many other conditions. Pauline Hamblin.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - ST MARY’S CHURCH, HIGH BICKINGTON
The Annual General Meeting of St Mary’s Church was held in the Church Hall on 7th April, 1998. Presentation of the
electoral roll containing thirty-four names, seven more than last year. The form is available in the church porch for
inspection.
ELECTION of OFFICERS
TWO CHURCH WARDENS: Miss B Harpum and Miss E Thorne
ASSISTANT WARDEN: Mr E Eyres
MEMBERS OF THE P.C.C: Voted en bloc with the addition of Mr I Gibson
P.C.C. SECRETARY: Mr R Keen
P.C.C. TREASURER: Mr D Rothwell
DEANERY SYNOD MEMBER: Mr R Keen
CHURCH FABRIC OFFICERS: Mr D Clapton (Mr D Pidler)
SIDESPERSONS: Mrs S Burrows, Mrs G Tucker, Mrs C England, Mr R Keen, Mr & Mrs Clapton
ELECTORAL ROLL OFFICER: Mrs C England
COVENANT OFFICER: Mr R Keen
High Bickington Methodist News
Hazel Pearce
Mothering Sunday was a ‘Do it Ourselves’ service with many of the congregation taking part, and the children returning
at the end, presenting flowers to all the ladies. Thank you to Mrs Jennifer D’Olley, our worship co-ordinator, for all
the thoughts and time she put into arranging this - a lovely service.
A group of young people travelled to Minehead to attend Spring Harvest on Good Friday. It was worth driving through snow
to meet with several thousand Christians of all ages.
A crowd of about sixty people attended the 6.15am Sunrise Service at the top of Codden Hill, Bishops Tawton, on Easter
Sunday. The short service and communion was led by Rev Alan Bing and Rev M Tricker.
Before breaking up for Easter the 5-7’s Childrens’ Club made chocolate shredded wheat nests with marzipan eggs, while the
8-11’s, led by Judy Down produced Swiss roll logs with marzipan ducks. Congratulations to Tim Rose who produced the best
ducks.
Easter Day Morning Service is always special but this year even more so, because of the confirmation of Tony Pert by Rev
marilyn Tricker during that service. This was followed by communion.
We are very pleased to welcome Tony into membership of the Church, a copy of Hymns and Psalms was presented to him by
Robert Domleo on behalf of the congregation.
OLD NOG HASH HOUSE HARRIERS FUN RUN - EASTER MONDAY
With 40+ eager fun runners outside the Old George Inn on Easter Monday, the first Old Nog fun run set off through High
Bickington at a pace Linford Christie would have been proud of! Following a trail marked by blobs of flour the `pack` made
its way cross-country via the village playing field to the woods at the northern edge of Libbaton golf course. Here in
true Hash tradition the runners met the first of many wet and muddy obstacles. It was here that Philippa May thought her
specialist `running attire` of welly boots and fleece coat would pay dividends and it did, well, at least until Laxford
Bridge where she emerged from the stream boots full of water and a rather soggy fleece - bring a wet suit and flippers
next time Philippa! With certain delaying tactics, false trails, regroups etc. we managed to keep the young, fit runners
(and John Reeves) together with the more sedate joggers/walkers and all arrived back at the Old George Inn within minutes
of each other.
With lungs full of fresh air, a chance to enjoy the local countryside and the opportunity to socialise with some equally
mad people, means that everybody is a winner on a Hash run. I would like thank the runners from the Barnstaple, Oakement
and Full Moon Hashes for making the journey to High Bickington and a special thank you to Stan Parker and Dick Martin for
allowing us to cross their land along with Jenny and Jim at the Old George Inn for their hospitality - Thank you all.
£25 was collected for The Devon Air Ambulance.
If you are interested in joining us on a Hash fun run, the next run will take place at 11 o'clock on Sunday 10th May at The
Royal Oak, Dolton. For more information contact Steve Dicksee or Simon Curtis. Steve Dicksee
HIGH BICKINGTON WI
Peggy Stinton
Our April meeting held on the 1st was in the Church Hall. Our president, Eva Burke, welcomed us and also two visitors,
Lynne Maud and Bryony Sapsford who has recently moved to High Bickington.
We were told that the Jumble Sale held in aid of the W.I. funds raised £71 which was good. Also, June managed to raise
£21 for the Meningitis Trust with her Tea Party. It wasn’t a very nice day - so well done June.
Eight members are going on the April walk to Mortehoe. Advance notice was given of the Barbecue to be held on July 9th at
Eva’s. Members going to Harracott on 6th May requiring a lift should be at the bus shelter at 7pm. Jennifer D’Olley
attended the Writers Day on March 12th and enjoyed it.
There were three entirely different speakers, Mary Stevenson, Ann Ashurst and Kathy Turner, all of whom were very good.
We then proceeded to participate in “Keep Fit with Eva”. It was enjoyed by all and was highly hilarious!
Flower of the month was won by Leslie Davis with her Hellebore, the Raffle was won by Eileen Lansley and Eileen Lansley and
Joyce Underhill both had the dubious “pleasure” of winning the Competition.
Our next meeting is on May 6th.
ATHERINGTON AMENITIES COMMITTEE
The committee would like to thank the United Churches of Atherington who kindly donated the proceeds of their Coffee
morning, amounting to £100, to help in refurbishing the Victorian lamp on the parish church wall. If traffic permits do
look when you are passing through the village. The next job is to paint it - any volunteers?
In conjunction with the Beaford Centre, the committee organised the Pinocchio puppet Show which was thoroughly enjoyed by
the children and adults in spite of the hiccups at the beginning! £21-25 was raised towards village amenities.
High Bickington United Methodist and Anglican Churches
United Service in April was on Palm Sunday. Orance the donkey led the procession through the village. About fifty
people gathered at the Methodist Church and waving palms walked to the Church singing along the way. Orance behaved
himself as he walked around the Church!
The service was led by Rev Hugh Pollock and Rev Marilyn Tricker. The reader was Rosie Venner helped by the Sunday School
children. The collection of £32-50 went to the Childrens Hospice South West.
The May United Service will be a Rogation service at 2.30pm on Sunday May 10th.
The Lent course studying the Book of Nehemiah finished with an evening
of Prayer and Praise at Old Park and a Passover Supper on Maunday Thursday evening, when a dramatised presentation of the
Passover was given before a “Bring & Share” supper was enjoyed by all.
It is intended to continue meeting on the second Monday of each month to continue the fellowships, for everyone to come as
and when able. The next meeting will be at Stella Burrows at Welcombe Farm on May 11th at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome
(not just those who came to the Lent course). Please come.
Go to June 1998 issue
