May 2003

The City Farmer

A man from the big city decided to quit the rat race and bought himself a farm, which included a few sows. He wanted to breed the sows, but had no idea how to go about it. His neighbour offered his boars for the job, and told the city man to bring the sows over in his pickup the next day.

In the afternoon when he went to pick them up, the city man asked how he would be able to tell if the sows were impregnated. He was told to look and see where they were early in the morning. If they were up on the hill, they were pregnant; if they were in the sty, it hadn't worked.

The next morning, he leapt from his bed and looked up the hill, but alas the pigs were down in the mud. Grumbling, he loaded them back into the pickup and headed for the neighbours.

The following three mornings were just the same; he would leap from the bed, look up the hill, find the pigs down in the mud and have to return them to the neighbours to let the boars have another shot at them. On the fifth morning, he looked up the hill, and there were no pigs. He looked down in the sty; still no pigs.

He called to his wife, "Where are the pigs today?" Amid hysterical laughter, she managed to choke out, "They're down in the pickup, and the big one is honking the horn!"

THANKS: The Brayley family would like to say a big thank you to everyone for cards, gifts, offers of help in any way and for their prayers. Terry is making steady progress. Thank you so much for your support.

Village Litter Pick: Only four volunteers turned out on Saturday 12th April, probably because it was held at short notice. Anyway they picked up 12 bags of rubbish in just over an hour and for a few days High Bickington was a litter free zone. If only it could stay that way!
Thanks: to Barbara, Sarah and Rosie for giving their time and special thanks to Rosie for the refreshments, perhaps more people will be tempted to join us in the Autumn. Please look out for details nearer the time. Thanks to the village shop for providing sacks.

Sue Williamson

HIGH BICKINGTON WI

Josie Maskell

At our April meeting the President welcomed three new members and presented them with their new members packs.

Names were taken for the Spring Group meeting at Harracott on 16th April and the competition was discussed.

Eva Burke who will be leaving the area soon kindly presented us with a lovely 1000 piece jigsaw to keep us busy on our social evenings. She thanked us all for our friendship over the years.

A Jumble sale will be held on 9th May at 7.00pm in the Church Hall.

Chris and Billy McVee were then introduced, both being founder members of Rapid U.K. They showed us some amazing slides of earthquakes, mud slides and flooding in all different parts of the world. When possible British Airways will fly them and their equipment (usually a team of 15 who have had 2 years training) to their destination. Once in the country they are conveyed by any transport available to the disaster area.

Not are they very brave in searching an rescuing people, they also need the skills of tunnelling through collapsed buildings, making each section safe with wooden props as they go. Diplomacy is often needed too when dealing with some foreigners, as they are sometimes met with opposition in spite of being there to help. Unfortunately dogs are now rarely used in their searches owing to quarantine laws. Jennifer D'Olley gave the vote of thanks.

The competition for a photo of a dog was won by Ella Gooding. The flower of the month by Christine England with a camelia and the raffle by Greta Woollacott.

Next month is our Resolutions meeting. There will be a craft demonstration and visitors are always welcome.

High Bickington Anglican & Methodist United Services

PALM SUNDAY on April 13th. We gathered outside the Methodist Church at 2.30pm and led by a donkey we processed through the village, waving palms and singing hymns. The seven members of the Mission Team, who are with us for the week from Bristol, four Methodists and three Anglican, joined us and read the lessons. We then had a short service in St Mary's Church led by Rev Mark Noakes and Rev John Carvosso. The collection of Ł35.43 went to the Children's Hospice.

The next United Service will be ROGATION on Sunday May 25th at 2.30pm. Meet at St Mary's for a Blessing of farms in High Bickington and Atherington parishes. EVERYONE very welcome.

From the Archives

Researched by Richard Lethbridge, MBE

1st November 1917
ATHERINGTON, DEVON
A SUPERIOR GRASS FARM AND COTTAGES FOR SALE

SANDERS AND SON have been favoured with instructions from Rev. W. W. Arthur to Sell by Auction, at the King's Arms Hotel, Barnstaple, on Friday, November 9th, at 3.45 o'clock in the afternoon, all that FREEHOLD FARM, BUILDINGS AND COTTAGES, situate in the Village of Atherington, comprising:-

LOT 1. - An excellent Dwelling-House, convenient outbuildings, and about 29 Acres, 1 Rood, and 31 Perches of Watered Meadow, Pasture, Orchard and Arable Land, known as "LEMON'S FARM", in the Village of Atherington. The Tithe apportionment of this lot is Ł4.
LOT 2. - All those Two Freehold Cottages, Wood House, and good Garden, situated adjoining Lot 1.
Lot 1 is a good Dairy Farm, and situated in the Village of Atherington. It is within a Ring Fence, and well watered, and the Houses are in good condition. Possession will be given at Christmas next.
Lot 2 are two pleasantly situated Cottages, with large Garden, and adjoin Lot 1.

To View, and for all further Particulars of sale, apply to the Auctioneers; to MESSRS. SMYTH-RICHARDS, STAPLEDON AND FOX, Land Agents, Barnstaple or to MESSRS. HOULDITCH AND ANSTEY, Solicitors, Southernhay, Exeter.

HIGH BICKINGTON, N. DEVON

FREEHOLD SMALL FARM FOR SALE

JOHN SMALE and CO., in conjunction with HANNAFORD, WARD and SOUTHCOMBE LTD., instructed by Mr. John Carter (who is leaving due to ill health) will Sell by Auction at the Bridge Hall, Barnstaple, on FRIDAY, JULY 28th, 1939, at 3 p.m., all that desirable FREEHOLD SMALL GRASS FARM known as "COMMONS"

Situated at North Heale, comprising:- A well-constructed 6-Roomed DWELLING-HOUSE built of stone with slated roof, MODERN OUTBUILDINGS, LARGE GARDEN, WELL-WATERED PASTURE, PRODUCTIVE ARABLE and WOOD LANDS; the whole extending to about 34A., 3R., 12P.
VACANT POSSESSION will be given at Michaelmas next, or Lady-Day, 1940, as desired.
The above is situate between Langridgeford and Ebberley, about 5 miles from Torrington and 8 miles from Barnstaple.

To view, apply to Mr. John Carter on the Premises on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, or by appointment and for all further particulars to the Auctioneers, or to MESSRS. TOLLER, OERTON & BALSDON, Solicitors and Notary, Barnstaple.

St. Mary’s Guild

Rosemary Munson

Our outing on Monday 14th April to Truro was a great success, with a couple of delays on the way. The first coach had to go back to the depot, all change, travelled on to Roadford Lake for a coffee stop, great. On to Truro, lovely scenery, lorry on fire held us up for about half an hour, had to turn round and on to Truro by another route.

We arrived about 30 to 40 minutes late but it was a lovely day, no mishaps on the way back. Our driver was great.

Our next outing is on Monday 7th July not the 14th to Sidmouth, hope to see you all then. Names to Eileen Thorne or me Rosemary Munson.

The next meeting of the Guild is on Monday May 12th May at 2.00p.m. at Eileen Thorne's home the Parsonage.

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI

Judith Domleo

At the April meeting Peter Christie spoke on "Prostitution in Victorian North Devon", an excellent talk and most informative!!

The competition for a Victorian Treasure was won by Judith Domleo with a Valentine Card. Flower of the month winner was Jean Blewitt with a double headed tulip. Refreshments were served by Eve Butler, Barbara Down and Pearl Arscott. Pearl was presented with a planted flower tub for her Ruby Wedding Anniversary. Birthday plants were presented to Irene Sutton, Ann Allen and Ruth Phillips.

Members attended a Health Day at the Braunton Road Motel. An excellent day with speakers on Nutrition, the New Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS), Reducing Stroke Risk, Think Before Ordering Medication - up to Ł4million worth of medicines are wasted each year in N. Devon), Bother the Doctor! - what is the hidden agenda!, an update by the Dean of the new Peninsular Medical School at Plymouth.

During the lunch break there were Stretch and Relax Exercises, Swimming or a work out in the Gym. There was a display by Tesco on Healthy Eating. In the future we should all be a picture of health!!

Several members went to a Literary Lunch at Beaford. The guest speaker was Michael Morpurgo who spoke about his career, his books and his other great interest, Farms For City Children, giving them an opportunity to learn about life in the country. He was a superb speaker and he had us in tears with sadness and laughter. After a delicious lunch, we had a talk by a children's librarian Paula Mardo.

Three members went on a Staging & Interpretation Day at Filleigh. We were given tips & demonstrations on how to put in a good entry at our local shows. Practise makes perfect!!

At the May meeting on Tuesday 13th at 7.30pm Umberleigh Hall, the Resolutions for 2003 will be discussed and voted on. Visitors always very welcome.

POEM FOR MAY

FINAL SOLUTION

In May out comes the fly-swat once again
And they that stray inside do so o pain
Of death, dealt out by practised hands:
No sentiment of "live and let live" stands
When dipterous invasion is a threat;
Then punishment is meted out - without regret.

And any insect lighting on bare skin
Is likewise treated; such indiscipline
Is surely not something
To tolerate, when they may bite or sting:
So "wham" or "slap" and without more ado,
We're thankful just to bid hem "toodle-oo"!

And then a thought arises in the mind --
Could that have been the last one of it's kind?!?!

Robert Domleo 18th May 2001

High Bickington Methodist News

Hazel Pearce

Our sympathy is extended to Margaret Squire at the loss of her mother at the age of 91. She lived in her own house ay Brayford until a few weeks ago, when she came to Margaret to be cared for so lovingly by her family, to the very end. She always had a ready smile, and was loved by so many, which was obvious at the great number at the service to celebrate her life and lay her to rest at Brayford.

Easter day morning saw the final services of the Mission Team who had been here from the previous Sunday, when they began by joining the Palm Sunday procession around the village. A week long programme of activities they arranged for the three villages, showed us how fortunate will be the churches where they will be future vicars, curates and ministers!

We thank Mrs P Andrews for her loan of her donkey 'Cleo' at the Palm Sunday Parade, also to Alison Down who rode around the village starting at the Methodist Church and stopping at various points in the village for readings, hymns and prayers, before finishing with a short service in the Parish Church led by Rev Mark. A cold and wet afternoon didn't stop a good number joining in the procession.

Many thanks to all who helped out with the Tuesday evening Children's Club while Hazel was busy lambing! Thanks also to Stacey and Rosie, who lead a messy games night and tie-dyeing evening, both activities were a lot of fun and very successful! also to Judy Down who led an Easter Cake decorating session, all the children were able to take home their efforts.

Through the holidays children from the village enjoyed a Children's Club led by the Mission Team. The theme was Easter Week portrayed through craft activities, stories and songs.

HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk: Myc Riggulsford, Dadland High Bickington Umberleigh Devon EX37 9BS

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Thursday 10 April 2003 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall, High Bickington

Present: Peter Tucker (Chairman), Tim Webb (Vice-Chairman), Alan Clemens, Stan Maskell, Mike Leatham, Roger Keen, Maurice Ridd, Myc Riggulsford (clerk)
In Attendance: David Brown (chairman HB Project 2000), 12 members of the public

1. Apologies for Absence: Stan Parker, Dick Winship, Cllr John Rawlinson.

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting on 12 March 2003

The Minutes having previously been circulated and published on the Noticeboards were accepted, proposed by Roger Keen, seconded by Alan Clemens, and signed by the Chairman as a true record.

3. Candidates for District and Parish Council Elections 1 May 2003

The prospective candidates for the new Two Rivers ward of Torridge District Council, Patrick Adams of Yarnscombe, James Morrish of St Giles, Maurice Ridd of High Bickington and Bill Tanton of Lower Cranford were welcomed by the Chairman and invited to speak briefly about themselves. They were then questioned by Parish Councillors and members of the public about their views on threats to village life, their opinions on the proposed development by Mr Tanner at land adjoining North Road, and fairer systems for Council Tax. Chairman then invited each candidate to sum up, before thanking them for attending.

4. Care Direct

Steve Wright an advisor from Care Direct explained that the scheme is jointly funded by the Dept of Health and Dept of Work & Pensions as a pilot in the South West in six sites. Care Direct is a telephone based system which can provide advice and assistance on care and support, keeping well, and money and benefits for over 60 year olds. Mr Wright said the system is not designed with benefit advice in mind, but gave an example of a couple who needed help who were able to go from Ł140 per week to over Ł400 a week by being advised of benefits they were entitled to, but unaware of. Last month 75% of their calls were from people who have received the new Council Tax bills, and 80% of the callers were helped to benefit assistance of some sort or a reduction in their costs. The Care Direct helpline can offer advice on any aspects of care from stair lifts to befriending services. Mr Wright explained that in the current phase, the project is interviewing people over 60 years old to establish their needs and the way they would like to receive or access information. If anyone needs assistance or has an enquiry they should call Care Direct on 0800-444-000. If the system is not used, or unsuccessful it will no longer be funded.

5. Matters raised by Members of the Public - None

6. Village Plans

The draft Section 106 Agreement binding Mr Tanner to four key conditions including providing affordable housing, a contribution towards a village hall, rural workshops with infrastructure, and education contributions has now been (somewhat reluctantly) forwarded by the Torridge District Council solicitors office for consideration by the Parish Council. Mike Leatham spoke to the Solicitors Office as he was unhappy with the tone of the letter to clerk accompanying the draft, and Councillors said that Director of Planning David Pinney, John Burnett MP and Chief Executive Trevor Smale had all agreed that High Bickington should see the draft, especially as the Parish Council is due to be a signatory and accept the Ł100,000 promised. Tim Webb said that this Agreement is much clearer and easier to understand than previous agreements such as the one with Pearce.

Mike Leatham said that the Parish Council may not need to be a signatory, as under the current wording any liability incurred by High Bickington Parish Council (if the village hall is never built), for the capital sum, and any subsequent repayment or interest payments will be due to be paid by Torridge District Council.

The Parish Council has two points in the agreement it wishes to clarify: (i) Under items 5(ii) and 4(6) the draft Agreement refers to a 'village hall' whereas High Bickington Parish Council, following consultation through the Parish Appraisal and preparation of the Parish Plan under the Vital Villages scheme, is currently considering building a combined village hall and school hall which will form a community facility as part of the planned relocation of the primary school.

The Parish Council is therefore concerned that Mr Tanner's contribution should be available for use towards 'a village hall or community hall, which may or may not be associated with a school building, or any of the necessary infrastructure to support such a community hall' or whatever legal wording ensures that the contribution may be used by the Parish Council for such a purpose.

(ii) Item 7(i) requires a sum specified in clause 7(ii) as an education contribution for secondary education at Chulmleigh Community College. High Bickington Primary School is currently at capacity and therefore the Parish Council feels that there is a case for a proportion of any educational contribution as specified in items 7(i) and 7(ii) being available to High Bickington Primary School, especially since the building phase of the housing development may continue for many years. The Parish Council feels that without prejudice to Chulmleigh Community College the wording of this clause could be amended to say 'as an education contribution for primary education at High Bickington School or secondary education at Chulmleigh Community College' or whatever legal wording would ensure that the contribution could be used for either or both purposes. It will then be up to the appropriate authorities to negotiate the fair proportions of any disbursements.

The Parish Council resolved that the clerk should write to Stephen Mottram at Torridge District Council with these concerns, proposed Tim Webb, seconded Stan Maskell, carried unanimously

Community & Business Directories
The draft Community & Business Directories prepared by Rosie Venner were circulated to Councillors for comment and suggestion (by 30 April 2003) to David Brown or any member of the Project 2000 committee. Councillors to consider costs and to whom it should be distributed. Chairman said it would be preferable if everyone in the parish could have one.

Website
David Brown said that Project 2000 has now got a website at highbickington.org or highbickingtonparish.co.uk, established with funding from the Great Torrington Market & Coastal Towns Initiative.

Little Bickington Farm
Ken Ockenden and families in the Hemp Growers group have become the new tenants at Little Bickington Farm, and have contracts to process food oil and will be obtaining a licence from the Home Office for growing 2 hectares as a trial crop this year, half for seed and half for fibre production. The 3 year tenancy will allow any part of the site to be withdrawn if it is needed for the uses specified in the Parish Plan. Chairman welcomed the tenancy as occupation will stop the buildings deteriorating, and is in discussion with the tenants about providing a permissive footpath to allow safe access through the site to the Playing Field. Devon County Council Health & Safety advisors have suggested that through the farmyard itself is not a safe route and alternative routes are being investigated, perhaps starting from the Lower Farm side. Roger Keen offered to contact Ros Davies from the Footpaths Dept for advice. Clerk to check what footpaths funds are available in the Parish Council account. David Brown said that funding bids have been put in to employ a project manager to oversee the Parish Plan, planning applications for self build and affordable housing are progressing for the summer, and cycle routes, roads and safe routes to school within the plan are being considered by the Highways Dept, who are meeting tomorrow, 11 April 2003.

7. Matters Raised by the Chairman

Chairman Peter Tucker introduced everyone who has been nominated for the Parish Council elections: Stella Burrows, Stan Parker, Mike Leatham, Roger Keen, Maurice Ridd, David Brown, Jean Checksfield, Myc Riggulsford and himself, and thanked them all for standing. He said it is an increasingly demanding job, and so it is very good that we can have an election when many other parishes are having trouble finding candidates. Chairman also thanked all the Parish Councillors who are standing down for their service to the community, Tim Webb, Stan Maskell & Alan Clemens.

Chairman said that when he first saw the speed sign on North Road he thought it was in the wrong place, but it quickly became apparent from the number of times it flashed that it was the right site and many drivers were speeding, so he will be thanking Mr Wilde from the Devon County Highways Dept for lending it to the village.

Chairman also corrected a misunderstanding from the last meeting on behalf of Maurice Ridd, who was correctly reported in the Minutes, but who is not against the village school, he thinks the affordable home are most important, and a new school is important, and he wanted his position made clear.

8. Maintenance

Alan Clemens said that there were no incidents or accidents reported at Barton Meadow.
The maintenance contract for grass cutting and strimming at Barton Meadow will have to be put out for tender again as unfortunately the time period was not specified, and therefore it automatically defaults to one year. Clerk to arrange for tenders to be advertised, on noticeboards and in parish magazine, tenders to be submitted for 3 year period by 14 May 2003 for consideration at the Annual Parish Council Meeting. The tender to cover the play area only as the banks are currently being strimmed by the District Council.

Maurice Ridd reported the pothole outside Malthouse in North Road near the bus shelter (which was repaired but the new tarmac fell out on the same day). Clerk to request resurfacing of the whole of North Road. Roger Keen reported a pothole by Libbaton lay by. Chairman said he will be meeting John Wilde of DCC Highways next week and will discuss road improvement, possible bollards to protect the verge at Church Meadow (which was kindly repaired by the Company of Landscapers workmen building the wall at No 10 Church Meadow and churned up by a delivery lorry again the next day).

9. Parish Clerk

Chairman welcomed Mrs Dianne Carter who has been appointed as the new clerk and will take over from 1 May 2003. She is very experienced having previously been clerk to a much larger council.

10. Planning

10.1 Application No 1/0284/2003/27/0014
Conversion & extension to form dependent relatives’ annex. At: High Down, Ebberley, Torrington. For: Mr & Mrs F Beer, High Down, Ebberley, Torrington
The Parish Council supports this application, proposed Maurice Ridd, seconded Tim Webb, carried unanimously

10.2 Application Nos 1/0466/2003/27/0002, 1/0467/2003/27/0002, 1/0468/2003/27/0002
Erection of 2 bedroom dwellings. At: Plots 2, 4, & 5, Forest Park Lodges, High Bickington. For: Mr R D Smith, Forest Park Lodges, High Bickington EX37 9BN
The Parish Council agreed to take all these applications for approval of reserved matters together. Lodges No 1 & 3 are already built, this application covers Lodges 2, 4 & 5. They have 12 months usage, but a holiday condition, meaning they cannot be sold as housing. The Parish Council supports these applications, proposed Peter Tucker, seconded Tim Webb, carried unanimously.

10.3 Application No 1/1069/2003/27/0042
Improvements to roofs of existing outbuildings - Additional information
At: Hope Cottage, High Bickington
For: Mr & Mrs A Coxon, Hope Cottage, High Bickington
The Parish Council has no further concerns about this application, and supports it unanimously, proposed Roger Keen, seconded Maurice Ridd, carried unanimously.

10.4 Any other applications received before the meeting (none), and planning decisions: Application No 1/0165/2003/27/0011 - First floor extension for bathroom at 1 Barton Meadow - granted

NSPCC – grant appeal, filed for appropriate meeting. Slee Blackwell Solicitors – transfer of licence, The Village Shop. Barnstaple reference library re Parish Hall booking. Community Council of Devon – Rural Trends Questionnaire (completed by clerk). Torridge District Local Plan - customer survey (completed by clerk) Noticeboards: Parish Council Minutes of Meeting 12 March 2003. Notice of Candidates standing for Election: HBPC, 1 May 2003. Notice of Candidates for Election: Two Rivers Ward TDC, 1 May 2003. Devon & Cornwall Constabulary: Domestic Violence Posters. Torridge Transport Ring & Ride Timetable.

For Circulation (see pack): Devon Playing Fields Association – Newsletter; Great Torrington & District Market & Coastal Towns Initiative Steering Group; Meeting Agenda 23 April 2003, 7.30pm Plough Arts Centre & Minutes 19 March 2003; Genesis, Learn Direct @ Thomas Fowler Centre, Torrington: courses & information; CPRE Annual Report 2002, AGM 20 April, Stover School; The Barn Owl Trust: 2003 barn owl survey; North Devon & Torridge Community Safety News; Devonwide Half Fare Travel Pass; DEFRA – Quality Town & Parish Council initiative; Devon Structure Plan 2001-2016 examination in public, comments by 17 April 2003; High Bickington Playing Fields Association - minutes of 5 March 2003 meeting; Vital Villages/Little Bickington Farm project steering group - minutes of meeting 6 March 2003

12. Outstanding Matters Police liaison meeting, to be invited in June.

13. Any Other Business Roger Keen reported that Ken Burford, who has done so much work on the Barton Meadow amenity area, is going into hospital for a heart bypass operation. Council resolved to send a card.

Stan Maskell reported that the street light next to the telecom building in North Road by the path through to Barton Meadow is defective. Clerk to report it.

Chairman Peter Tucker said that he would like to take this opportunity to thank the retiring clerk Myc Riggulsford on behalf of the Parish Council and the public for all his help and hard work in what has been a particularly difficult year, and to welcome again the incoming clerk Di Carter. Chairman also thanked the retiring Councillors for their hard work on behalf of the public.

14. Date of Next Meetings: Annual Parish Meeting & Annual Parish Council Meeting: Wednesday 14 May 2003 at 7.30pm.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.17pm.

MISSING FROM THE MEETING POINT

A quantity of crockery, cutlery, tea towels and cleaning materials has ‘disappeared’ from the Meeting Point recently. This includes 5 large ‘Steelite’ dinner plates, which cost over Ł4 each to buy. We realise that people using the Meeting Point sometimes borrow crockery so that they can safely transport food and also take tea towels home to wash - so it may just be that this is what has happened to the missing items. If so then please could you return them as soon as possible? Otherwise if anyone can enlighten us as to the likely whereabouts of the missing items then David and Carol would be pleased to hear from you. The Meeting Point runs on the basis of voluntary contributions and we simply cannot afford to continually replace expensive catering equipment.

David and Carol Brown

High Bickington Project 2000

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION

‘A Community Property Trust for High Bickington’
Speaker: Bob Paterson – University of Salford

Thursday 22nd May 2003 at 7.30pm in The Meeting Point

We invite all local residents to attend the Annual General Meeting of High Bickington Project 2000 on Thursday 22nd May 2003 at 7.30pm in The Meeting Point. An election will be held for all 14 places on the Project Committee and any adult resident of High Bickington is entitled to make nominations and vote. If you wish to stand for election to the committee or you would like to propose someone else, who has given their consent to nomination, then please give details to our current Chairman, David Brown, before the meeting if at all possible.

Bob Paterson, from The University of Salford and the Wessex Reinvestment Trust, will be exploring with us the possibility of setting up a Community Property Trust for High Bickington. One of the principle aims of this Trust would be to secure the building of affordable housing for local people and for that ‘affordability’ to remain in perpetuity for the benefit of local people. It may also be possible to use the Trust in securing the early achievement of our aim to have a new school and combined community facilities at Little Bickington Farm.

Please do join us if you are able. Remember Project 2000 was set up by the Parish and is for the benefit of the Parish. It is important, therefore, that the views of all residents are heard and fully considered at every stage of the Project’s development.

David Brown – Chairman High Bickington Project 2000

Thought for the month...

Rev Mark Noakes

Holy Week saw High Bickington, Atherington and Burrington host a mission team from the Methodist and Anglican training colleges in Bristol. The team shared our Easter reflections and celebrations, and led or helped with many activities through the week, and it was a great success. A BIG thank you must go out to all who helped arrange events and accommodate the team. Without their help the mission would have been impossible.

Now that Easter and the mission are over the temptation is to sit back and return to the usual daily routines and prepare for the next holiday. As they say, ‘It’ll soon be Christmas.’ But Easter isn’t just a special week in Spring, a chocolate egg and a few fluffy bunnies. It doesn’t stop once the bank holiday has finished or the schools have reopened. As Jesus’ disciples found, Easter is a life changing event, and it continues on throughout the year, and for the rest of life. Once they realised that their buried Lord had been raised to life they had to set about living their lives for him, spreading the Good News. To do this for just one week a year would have meant failure. With the risen Christ in their midst things had to change – permanently.

In a world where there is so much bad news, we all need to be lifted by some good. Therefore let us not forget the message of Easter until next year. It can encourage and strengthen us for all the coming months, and it can change our lives today as well. In Jesus death and sin is defeated, the greatest message of hope the world has ever known. If we let ourselves pack up Easter until it is needed again we pack up our hope with it. However, if we live it every day that hope can fuel our lives forever.

God Bless, Rev Mark

Our young daughter had adopted a stray cat. To my distress, he began to use the back of our new sofa as a scratching post. "Don't worry," my husband reassured me. "I'll have him trained in no time." I watched for several days as my husband patiently "trained" our new pet. Whenever the cat scratched, my husband deposited him outdoors to teach him a lesson.
The cat learned quickly...........
For the next 16 years, whenever he wanted to go outside, he scratched the back of the sofa!!

Don't miss out, get advice on benefits .....

A champion for older people is asking people in Devon to make sure they are applying for all the benefits and help to which they are entitled.
Councillor Margaret Rogers represents older people's issues on Devon County Council and is chairman of the Community Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee. She says: "The County Council is very concerned about the impact council tax rises, resulting from government funding decisions, will have on people on low and fixed incomes. We want to make sure that people are taking advantage of all the benefits available to them."

"If you're on a low income and have less than Ł16,000 capital, you may qualify for council tax benefit. It is available to both owner-occupiers and people living in rented property. These benefits are not just for older people they apply to those on low income too. The amount of benefit payable depends on each person's circumstances and the valuation band of their property, and I urge people to contact their district council or their local Citizen's Advice Bureau."
Each year, millions of pounds worth of benefits go unclaimed and staff at the Citizens Advice Bureau can advise on whether there are any other benefits to which people may be entitled.

For those aged 60 or over, there is a new service, Care Direct, which also gives advice about the benefits available. For more information, contact Care Direct on 0800 444000.

I am a cider drinker ...

A Scotsman walks into a pub in Devon and clears his voice to the crowd of drinkers. He says, "I hear you are a bunch of hard drinkers. I'll give Ł100 to anybody in here who can drink 10 pints of cider one after the other."

The room is quiet and no one takes up the Scotsman's offer.

One man even leaves. Thirty minutes later the same gentleman who left returns and taps the Scotsman on the shoulder. "Is your bet still on?" asks the man.

The Scotsman says yes and asks the bartender to line up 10 pints of cider.

Immediately the man tears into all 10 of the pint glasses drinking them all one after the other.

The other pub patrons cheer as the Scotsman sits in amazement. He hands over the money and says, "If you don't mind me asking, where did you for that 30 minutes you were gone?"

The man replies, "Oh ... I had to go to the pub down the street to see if I could do it first."

Go to June 2003 issue