May 2000

CONDOLENCES: Are extended to Ruby and all members of the Short family on the death of Fred.

Atherington PCC would like to offer their condolences to Ruby and members of the Short family for the sad loss of Fred. Our thoughts are with them.

THANKS: John Tucker passes on his sincere thanks to everyone who sent him get-well cards, gifts and messages while he was in Torrington Hospital and Little Silver.

THANKS: The six Lent Holy Communions and coffee mornings held in Church and Parsonage were well attended. Ł240.00 was raised; to be divided between Manpong Children’s Home in Ghana and the church organ fund. The churchwardens would like to thank everyone who supported us.

THANKS: Colin, Margaret and Paul Miller would like to thank family and friends for their support, good wishes, many cards received and to all who visited Colin in hospital and at home. Special thanks to Steve.

ATHERINGTON MILLENNIUM CELEBRATIONS

SATURDAY 13 May The Three Parishes Millennium WalkPeople from Atherington, High Bickington and Tawstock will be gathering at St Mary’s, High Bickington at 1.30 pm in readiness to walk to St Mary’s, Atherington. The walk will start at 2.00 pm and we aim to arrive at approximately 3.00 pm.There will be a blessing in the church and the exchanging of gifts, followed by a bring and share tea in the church hall.Each village will have a walker’s book for people to sign, which will be kept in the respective churches. The Village Shoppe, Atherington will hold a list of people wishing to walk with us so please let Jo know if you would like to join us so that we have an idea of numbers.You may join the walk anywhere along the route or perhaps you wish to be one of the hardy few who are going to start at Atherington and walk both ways. We will leave at 12.30 pm so if you want to work up an appetite for the tea come and join us.

St. Mary's Guild

Rosemary Munson

Our outing to Bath on Monday 10th April was a success. Fifty people enjoyed the ride and the beautiful weather (couldn't believe it). Bath is a lovely place with plenty to see. Thank you everyone who supported us on the outing.

Our next outing is to the Lost Gardens of Helligan on the 10th July, a Monday again. Names to Miss E Thorne and Mrs R Munson.

The next Guild meeting is on Monday 8th May at 2.00p.m. at the Parsonage, Miss Thorne's home. Looking forward to seeing friends there.

Christians together

After a very successful and thought-provoking Lent Course, Christians Together will be recommencing at 7.30pm on Monday 8th May at the Meeting Point. We look forward to seeing you there. If you haven’t been before, please make this an opportunity to come for the first time. The meetings are very informal and provide an excellent opportunity to cultivate the good relationship that the churches of Atherington, High Bickington and Umberleigh enjoy.

Prayer Group

For several years now a small group of ladies from the local churches have been meeting at Virginia House, High Street, home of Sheila Bolt, for prayer. We meet every Tuesday from 4-5pm to pray especially for the needs of those who live around us. Obviously, we are not aware of all those needs and so we would like to invite you to come along and pray with us, or alternatively, let us know of anything or anyone you would especially like us to pray for. Please contact Sheila Bolt, Margaret Bolt, Betty Rouse, Carol Brown or Nina Thomas. If you would prefer it to be anonymous then a note through Sheila’s letterbox would be fine.
We believe fervently that God answers prayer and that He wants to bless us as we pray. Please do not be afraid to bring anything great or small to our attention.

BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION

High Bickington has again been entered by the Parish Council in the Best Kept Village Competition run by the Council for the Protection of Rural England.

The initial judging will take place in May and June with final judging in July. We don’t know when the judges are going to come and visit so in order to get a higher mark than last year everyone needs to be vigilant about not dropping litter, clearing up after their dogs, keeping notice boards up-to-date and generally keeping everything looking tidy.

When the judges come they will be awarding marks as follows:

Absence of litter and rubbish on verges 10 marks
Condition of the playing field, school yard, public seats and notice boards 10
Condition of buildings and gardens including hedges, walls, fences and outhouses 10
Condition of the churchyard and war memorial 10
Condition of public halls and car park 10
Cleanliness of bus shelter and telephone kiosk 10
State of footpaths, stiles, signposts, ponds and streams 10
Condition of commercial and business premises, including advertisements and signs 10
Clear evidence of local commitment and initiative in the care and maintenance of the village 20

Last years mark was 82 – can it be bettered by the village this year?

Diana Lunn, Parish Clerk

Advance notice …… of a Coffee Evening at Parsonage by kind permission of Miss Eileen Thorne.

CHURCH FLOWERS... It has been made known that more people are needed for the flower rota in St Mary’s Church, High Bickington.

If you feel you can help please contact Mrs Eileen Tucker.
Perhaps each organisation in the parish could help out each month?

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI

Judith Domleo

At the April meeting Mrs Rosie Don the ‘Galloping Gourmet’ gave a ‘Food Processor’ demonstration. A good gadget that could do anything! A competition for ‘An Unusual Kitchen Utensil’ was won by Irene Sutton. Flower of the Month winner was Andrea Smith with a tulip. Refreshments were served by Barbara Down, Mair Pluckwell and Eileen Edwards. Eileen Chambers was the speaker’s hostess. Birthday plants were presented to Irene Sutton and Ruth Phillips.

The Sponsored Knit for the North Devon Hospice held at Bartridge House raised Ł95. Four members went on a Bird Watching Cruise on the river Exe starting from Exmouth Docks. Rod Lawrence was an excellent guide and pointed out over 30 different birds which included Avocets, Redshanks, Curlews, Dunlin, Sanderling, Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser. It was a lovely sunny day and a most enjoyable trip. One member went on a Computer Awareness Day at Pilton College and learnt how to use the ‘mouse’ and was able to ‘surf the net’ and see some of the things the Internet has to offer.

We went to the Resolutions Meeting art Roundswell for the Triennial General Meeting being held in London in June. The three resolutions discussed were the Funding of Children’s Hospices, Stroke Victims (treatment and therapy) and Payment of Benefits at Post Offices. We attended the Spring Annual Council Meeting at Exeter University where we heard some excellent speakers including Anthony Gibson on ‘The Future for Devon Farming and the Countryside’, Lynn Goold on the Daphne Du Maurier festival taking place in Fowey during May and Lady Rothnie who called her talk ‘Ambassadress At Large’, She had lived a great deal in the Middle East, also Spain, Russia and America. She ended her career in Switzerland where she and her husband, who was Ambassador, were members of the Royal Household for four days during the state visit of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Over 3,000 teddy bears knitted by W.I. members were handed over to the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and to the West country Ambulance Service who will give them to children involved in accidents. Our members knitted 33 bears. Four members have had their art and craftwork chosen to be displayed at an Arts and Crafts Exhibition at the Royal Albert Museum, Exeter, 6th May to 10th June. There will be over 200 items on display. Do go along to see what talent W.I. members have.

We were sad to say ‘Good-bye’ to popular member Peggy Elliot who is leaving to live in Portsmouth. She has been a cheerful and committed member and we will miss her very much.

The Resolution meeting will be held jointly with High Bickington W.I. on Wednesday, May 3rd at 7.15 pm at High Bickington. Our Annual Dinner is being held at the ‘Rising Sun’, Umberleigh on Tuesday, May 9th at 7.00 pm.

MILLENNIUM GARDEN SHOW

It is hoped to hold a Garden Show on Saturday, 2nd September 2000. Details of classes etc will be given later. The Gardening Club has agreed that this will not be a too serious event, but hopefully with more support we could arrange a more competitive event in future years.

Roger Keen

“Hopes and Dreams” ...What a wonderful show!

Very many congratulations to everyone who took part. It was great to see so many members from High Bickington Methodist Church, also the visiting American Minister. All those who did not go missed a real treat – but we understand that there may be a repeat performance in October. If you missed the show this time, make sure you get a ticket next time around!

High Bickington United Anglican and Methodist Service

The United Service on Palm Sunday, April 16th, met at the Methodist Church at 2.30 pm with Amber Rose on Cleo the donkey. The procession proceeded through the village with about 70 people following, singing and waving palms. Rev Jack Matkin led the service and mark Thomas accompanied the singing with his guitar. The collection of Ł57.16 went to the Life for the World Trust, which works with people who have drug and alcohol dependency. The next United Service will be a Rogation Service on Wednesday, May 10th at 7.00 pm starting at the “Meeting Point”, High Bickington. Everyone is welcome, do come and join us as we progress by the car load from farm to farm to ask God’s blessing on the crops and livestock.

ST MARY’S CHURCH, HIGH BICKINGTON

The Annual General Meeting was held in the church on Tuesday April 11th at 7.30 pm. A short service was led by the Rev Carvosso at 7.00 pm.

The following were elected:

Church Wardens - Mrs B Harpum, Miss E Thorne
Assistant Church Warden - Mr E Eyres
Members of the PCC Were elected en bloc with the addition of Mrs J Dolly who was elected,
PCC Secretary - Mr R Keen
PCC Treasurer - Mr D Rothwell
Deanery Synod Representatives - Mr E Eyres, Mr R Keen
Electoral Roll Officer - Mrs C England
Covenant Officer (Planned Giving Officer) - Mr R Keen

HIGH BICKINGTON WI

Josie Maskell

There was a good attendance of members and one visitor at our April meeting.

Our President thanked all members who had entered the “sponsored knit-in” which raised the excellent sum of Ł107-50 for the Children’s Hospice. She also thanked Jane Gibson for hosting the event and keeping the ladies supplied with tea and cakes.

We were asked to turn out our wardrobes and cupboards and find plenty for our forthcoming Jumble sale next month. Final discussions were held on the Spring Group Meeting at Alverdiscott and times of transport arranged.

We were then introduced to Dr Jean Tyler to entertain us with some of the many poems she has written. Her selection of poems varied from being humourous, nostalgic, thought provoking and one or two quite poignant. Eva Burke gave the vote of thanks.

Our competition for a paperweight was won by Eva Burke. Rosemary Munson won the flower of the month with a deep blue hyacinth and Jean Checksfield won the raffle.

Next month Atherington and Umberleigh W.I. will be joining us for our Resolutions Meeting. Visitors are always very welcome. Meetings start at 7.15 pm and are held in the Church Hall on the first Wednesday of each month.

SAFE BARBECUING!

Now that the warm, light evenings are with us and the smell of barbecues are sizzling across the County, a timely warning has been given by Fire Chief Officer Young: "We are currently experiencing, some delightful weather and it is instinctive to want to go outdoors and enjoy it with family and friends. Whilst there are some risks involved, by following some simple rules you can ensure your barbecue is a safe enjoyable event".

Keep young children well away from the barbecue.
Stand portable barbecues on an even surface and make sure they are away from the house, fences or shed.
Use only approved lighter fuels, never petrol.
Lighter fuels must only be applied before lighting.
Remember to light your charcoal an hour before you commence cooking.
Don't be over generous with the charcoal.
Be careful with fatty foods and never pour oil onto meat when it is cooking.
After the event seal your charcoal bag, and store in a dry place, which will make it easier to light next time.
If you are the chef, try not to drink too much whilst cooking.
Never poor petrol on any barbecue to try and re-ignite it - start the process again, properly.
After you have finished cooking, extinguish the burning coals. Then leave a period of time, 1 to 3 hours, to check that the fire is completely out.

In closing CFO Young said: "This may be a formidable list but most of these things are common sense. By far the biggest danger is the use of flammable liquids to light the barbecue. We have had a couple of occasions where people have poured petrol onto the charcoal in an effort to get It going and the reaction has, not surprisingly, been violent and highly dangerous. Prepare well in advance and light the charcoal early. Most of all enjoy yourself in safety."

A Poem for May... In The Bluebell Wood

We have been for a walk in the bluebell wood,
To that carpet of shimmering blue,
And what a delight it has been to the sight
To gaze on the scene and to drink in the view.

Yet if I were blind or were losing my sight,
Then I think I’d enjoy it as well,
For to add to the scene there’s the birdsong above
And the wonderful bluebelly smell.

And if I were deaf and could not hear the birds
In full song under the fresh leafy trees,
Then in silence I’d savour the bluebelly hues
And the bluebelly scent on the breeze.

I am, thankfully, blessed with all senses undimmed
But in death, with my frame obsolescing,
In the soft bluebell wood I could well be interred
And contribute to others a blessing.

In the quiet of the wood or in sun-dappled glade,
They might perhaps whisper my praises,
For choosing a spot to grow bluebells in shade,
Instead of just pushing up daisies!

Robert Domleo - June ’96

Computer – Is it a HE or a SHE? - A question of gender

Separate groups of men and women were asked which gender they would assign to their computer, in the way as, for example, ships are called “SHE”.

The women said masculine because:-
In order to get attention they have to turn them on
They have a lot of data but are still clueless
They are supposed to help you to solve problems but half the time they are the problem
As soon as you commit to one you realise that if you had waited a little longer you could have had a better model

The men decided that they should be feminine because:-

No one but the creator understands their logic
The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else
Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long-term memory for later retrieval
As soon as you commit to one you find yourself spending half your salary on accessories

(Seen in a National Trust newsletter)

High Bickington Methodist News

Hazel Pearce

Rev Jack Matkin led the Mothering Sunday Service. To illustrate his theme ‘Gods love is like a Mothers love, everlasting’, he recounted many amusing tales of his childhood and his mother’s wisdom.

Both Clubs closed for the Easter holidays, re-starting on May 2nd . Our thanks to all who lead and help at session. More volunteers are always welcome.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Sheila Bolt as she awaits further treatment.

Congratulations to Laura, Rosie, Becky, Sammy, Shirley, Phoebe, Harriet, Olivia, Tara, Olivia, Michael, Graham and Jack who all took part in ‘Hopes and Dreams’ at the Queens Hall Theatre, an excellent Christian musical.

Readers Letters

Ed. Remember last month’s letter about queue jumping – we thought it would bring a reply...

Dear Editor,

In answer to your “Readers Letters” in the April Ramblings. We thought it was extremely rude and in bad taste. The grammar also is appalling.

When we were young our parents taught us to respect our elders and let them get on buses etc; first. There is a student in our village who insists on standing back and letting us on first. The person who wrote the letter should “take a leaf out of his book.”

The 325 bus holds 73 passengers and usually there are never more than 12-15 people on board. The students always sit at the back anyway, so there is plenty of room.

As for queue jumping! There are only about half a dozen people using this bus in Barnstaple.

We thought you could have written something more interesting than this rude and ignorant letter.

Ed. We get so few letters we think they are all interesting but we still don’t know if there was queue jumping or not.

Atherington St Mary’s

The Coffee Morning held on Thursday 30th March raised Ł161.50 towards church funds. I would like to thank those who gave draw prizes, donations and for your support in any way.

Shirley Shapland

Go to June 2000 issue