November 2003
THANK YOU: A very sincere thank you to all who attended Auntie Doris Pidler's funeral in October and to those who sent cards and messages of support
and donations to the Dodds and Tucker Charity.
Thanks: to Rev Mark Noakes, Sylvia Pidler and Margaret Bolt for their part in the service. Thanks also to the High Bickington ringers who rang the
muffled peal after the service and to the Ladies who served the tea afterwards at the Methodist Church. From Jennifer and Graham Gooding and family also
Anne, Janet, Ian and their families.
THANKS: We would like to thank everyone for their cards and kind messages of support on the sudden loss of our son-in-law, you have all been so
thoughtful.
Derek and Rosemary Munson
Two men walking through the woods one day found a hole about three feet across, but so deep that when they dropped a stone in it, they heard no sound.
They found a larger rock and dropped it in the hole, but still heard no sound.
They went looking for something bigger and found a railway sleeper. They hauled it over to the hole, heaved it in and it too disappeared without any sound.
Then suddenly a goat rushed up to them, travelling at about sixty miles an hour and dived head first into the hole and still there was no sound.
Just then a farmer appeared and said, “Have you seen my goat anywhere?”
They said, “There was a goat that ran up to us just now and dived into this hole.”
“No,” said the farmer. That wouldn’t be my goat. My goat was tied to a railway sleeper.”
St. Mary’s Guild
Rosemary Munson
Our next meeting will be on Monday November 3rd at 2.00p.m. at Miss Thorne's home the Parsonage.
Our Christmas Fayre will be held on Saturday 22nd November at 2.15p.m.in the Church Hall. We would be pleased to receive any gifts, crafts or new items
for sale, also cakes etc. No jumble.
Everyone in High Bickington has always supported us over the years, so we look forward to another successful year.
James Morrish, Torridge District Councillor, writes ....
It was very pleasing to attend the Community Council of Devon’s conference this year and to see High Bickington’s very own Mike Leatham there, promoting
the highly successful High Bickington 2000 project at this conference at Newton Abbot Racecourse. The day was to highlight issues of rural housing and
rural life in Devon and was chaired by the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Eric Dancer; the keynote speaker was Sir Ewen Cameron, Chair of the Countryside
Agency.
Whilst writing about High Bickington, may I once again congratulate all of you who are taking an active part in the High Bickington 2000 Project and I look
forward to seeing you all in the near future when the Rt. Hon. Alun Michael comes to visit the village.
On a more local level, as some of you may well be aware, there is soon to be an application to Torridge District Council for a proposed Biomass plant to be
situated on the disused Winkleigh Aerodrome on the Dolton side of Winkleigh. This has caused a lot of discussion both at open forums as well as at
meetings behind closed doors and powerful arguments are being given both ways. Although it will not be situated within High Bickington parish, it is
expected that it would increase the road use with lorries travelling through High Bickington and Beaford to be able to access the plant. However, on a
more positive side, it is expected to generate energy for a large number of people in rural North Devon. If any of you have strong feelings either way I
do encourage you on this and any other issue that concerns Torridge District Council, to write to the Chief Executive (Trevor Smale) at Torridge District
Council or to contact me and I will be happy to do it on your behalf.
James Morrish
ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI
Mary Wilson
At the start of the meeting Ian Brass from Radio Devon came to receive the cheque from the proceeds of our Dance in September for the BBC Radio Chestnut
Appeal for a New Prostrate Cancer Unit at Plymouth. Since the last report, the grand total of £950.00 has now been raised. Again, very many thanks to
everyone who helped us to raise such a magnificent sum. There were several photo calls (thank you Robert!) before we settled down for our speaker, but he
did not arrive (on 'phoning, he had got the wrong dates, he was coming the following evening!!)
We had our refreshments served by Mary Wilson, Rose Peters & Christine Clemens and we made it a Social Evening!! The competition for a 'Badge' was won by
Wendy Waldon with an old YFC Badge. Flower of the month winner was Jean Lynch with a miniature chrysanthemum. Birthday plants were presented to Petra
Butcher, Jane Kneil and Wendy Waldon. The raffle was won by Sharyn Walker.
Members went to the 'Women Working Together in Devon' at Exeter University "From Plough To Platter" celebrating local produce. The Chairman opened the
meeting by reading a personal message from HRH the Prince of Wales. The speakers included he Very Revd. Keith Jones MA, Dean of Exeter, Mary Quicke of
Quickes Traditional Cheese & Michael Cains, renowned Chef of The Royal Clarence Hotel. Lunch was provided by the University Caters. Questions and answers
followed the speakers. A very interesting day.
Several members attended High Bickington W.I.'s 80th Birthday Party. A jolly good evening enjoyed by all. "The Conservation of Rivers and Otters in
Devon" was a day enjoyed at Lifton. Hilary Marshall an otter expert gave an interesting & informative talk, giving us good news that otters are returning
to our local rivers in increasing numbers. Lifton W.I. provided us with a delicious lunch.
Two members from the Westcountry Rivers Trust gave an illustrated talk, which was followed by a guided walk along the banks of the River Lyd, where we saw
the work done by the Trust for the river wildlife. Two members went on the W.I. trip to Prague - a beautiful city and thoroughly enjoyed with good food,
good scenery, good weather & good company!!
The next meeting will be our Annual Meeting on Tuesday November 11th 7.30pm at Umberleigh Hall with a surprise item! Look forward to seeing you all
there! Visitors welcome. We have entered the W.I. competition at the Barnstaple Horticultural Show at St John's Garden Centre on Sat. & Sun. 1st & 2nd
Nov. 10.00am to 4.30pm. Do come along and see the results!
High Bickington Methodist News
Hazel Pearce
We are thankful that our Harvest Thanksgiving was blessed by brilliantly delivered messages on the theme of ‘Sharing’ to congregations well represented by
young people, both morning and night. Rev Mark Noakes led the Morning Service during which the children presented their gifts and sang songs. Rev J Bates
took the Evening Service, which was followed by a buffet supper, and Harvest produce was laid on tables and baskets provided for donations.
The children’s gifts raised £15.00 in donations and will be sent to Children’s Hospice South west via Sue Venner. Other donations will be given to
charity. Many thanks to all those who helped to decorate the church and clean up afterwards.
The 8-11’s Club restarted after the summer break with a games evening, the following weeks children did painting by numbers and held a first aid evening.
A Special Service led by Rev Mark will take place on November 2nd at 11am, when Becky Down, Sammy and Phoebe Pidner will be received into the Methodist
Church as Members. May God bless them richly as they take this important step in their Christian faith.
The annual United Christingle Service in the Parish Church will be held on Sunday November 30th at 6.30pm. Our carol Service led by the young people will
be held on Sunday December 21st at 6.30pm. All are welcome to these special services.
Mrs Doris Pidler née Gooding
It is with sorrow we record the death of our oldest member at the age of 93. Doris was born over the shop in 1910, attended Sunday school here, helped
teach and played the organ in her younger days. She married Herbert in 1937, when she went to live at Dadlands Farm.
After the death of their only child Brian at the very young age of 32 in 1972, they retired to Claydown, where she continued to live on her own after
Herbert’s death in 1986. Becoming increasingly less mobile she had to go into Swimbridge House for nursing care two years ago. We will miss her, our
sympathy is extended to Jennifer, Graham and Heather.
From the Archives
Researched by Richard Lethbridge, MBE
Richard writes... The sinking of the Titanic in 1912 is a fascinating and sad story. One wonders if there was anyone in North Devon who went on that
fateful voyage and scouting through the papers I found a letter written by Miss Alice Phillips from Ilfracombe, which reads as follows:
THE “TITANIC” HORROR
Thrilling Description by Ilfracombe Survivor
The following letter from Miss Alice Phillips of Ilfracombe, one of the survivors of the “Titanic” disaster, has been received by Miss Williams, of 22,
Highfield, Ilfracombe:-
U.S.A.
My Dear May, -
I expect you to have read of the awful wreck of the “Titanic,” and have seen my name on the list of survivors ? I expect you have. Oh ! I cannot tell
you how dreadful it was ! My darling father has perished in the wreck, and I feel almost out of my mind with grief. You know how good he was to me, so
you can imagine just what I feel like. It seems almost too hard to bear, dear.
I cannot give you a full account of everything that happened. It would take too long to tell, but I will try and describe something of it. I had gone to
bed on the Sunday night, but was not asleep. About a quarter to twelve we felt an awful crash - when the boat struck an iceberg – and was nearly rocked
out of the bed. Soon after I heard the engines stop. I rung up the steward to enquire what had happened, and he said it was nothing serious, and that we
could go to sleep. I did not feel satisfied. Father came to my cabin, and asked me if I would care to go to go on deck with him: so I did. We had not
been there long when someone said: “All on deck with lifebelts on.” I cannot tell you dear, how I felt at that moment!
Dad and I got our belts on, and I went on deck again, and then all the women and children were put in lifeboats and lowered. I saw my father for the last
time in this world, and I almost felt as though I would have liked to die with him. To see that boat sinking, and to know that he was there was too
terrible to think of. After drifting around for nine hours, almost frozen with intense cold, we were rescued by the “Carpathia.” I cannot tell you the
joy that we felt when we were safely on the boat. We had hot coffee and brandy, which warmed us. We were sleeping in the smoke-room on the floor or
anywhere, and we were only too thankful to do so!
We reached New York on Thursday evening, and my uncle was there to meet me. I cannot tell you how pleased I was to see him. We stayed at the Strand Hotel
for the night, and the next day a lady, who is named Mrs Longstaffe, came and inquired for me, and took us to her home for the day and provided me with
some clothes. I lost everything I possessed, and had not a penny to call my own. I cannot forget the awful cries of those poor people who perished. It
was simply awful!
If ever you come to America, dear, don’t come in a big boat, as I don’t think they are as safe as the small ones. I expect you have read all about it in
the papers, haven’t you ? I am here with my aunt and uncle now, and I think, when I have got over the grief, I shall be quite happy with them. One of the
stewards on the “Carpathia” gave me a dollar to spend. It was very good of him. Please write to me soon. I am longing to hear from you. Fondest love to
you all. – I am your ever devoted friend,
ALICE.
24th February 1884 - HIGH BICKINGTON
THE annual custom of giving a ball to the farmers and tradespeople of High Bickington was again revived on Tuesday of last week, it having relapsed for
several years, and was held in the National Schoolroom, which was kindly lent by the Rector, the Rev. R. Yerburgh. The ball was announced to commence at
eight o’clock, when youthful couples full of glee, and couples of firmer growth began to arrive to enjoy an evenings entertainment of social mirth on the
light fantastic toe. The Rev. R. Yerburgh and the misses Yerburgh were in attendance, when Mr. J. Beer with Miss Yerburgh led the way, and forthwith
dancing commenced with vigour. Supper was announced at ten o’clock, when a hearty repast was partaken of, which reflected great credit on the stewardship
of Mr. J. Beer. The splendid quadrille band of the Brothers Waldon supplied the music fro the evening, there being a selection of twenty-five dances on
the programme. Upwards of ninety persons accepted the invitation to be present, amongst whom were Mr. J. Down and Mrs. Down, Mr. J. Coates and Mrs.
Coates, Mr. John Tucker and the Misses Tucker (Deptford Farm), Mr. G. Tucker (Golden Lion Inn), Mr. J. Peake and Miss Peake, Mrs. and Miss Bending, Miss
Lemon (Appledore), Mr. J. Down and Miss. A. Down (Shuttley Farm), Mr. R. Morrish and Mrs. Morrish, the Miss. Nichols (Ash Farm), Messrs. Dyer and Todd
(Bishop’s Tawton), Mr. J. Harris and Miss Harris (Prestbury Farm), Mr. R. Moore and the Misses Moore (Great Torrington), Miss Harris (Lee Farm), Mr. Squire
and the Misses Squire (Ashreigney), and others. During the evening, at intervals, the regal purple stream flowed, and several capital songs were sung by
Miss Lemon and Mr. A. Morrish. Dancing was kept until three in the morning. Altogether the ball was an entire success, and quite exceeded expectations.
GOLDEN LION HOTEL, HIGHBICKINGON
HANNAFORD & SON will SELL by AUCTION, on the PREMISES, on Wednesday, 22nd March inst., 15 Couples of Ewes and Lambs, 69 prime Fat Hogs, 5 Fat Heifers, 8
fresh Barreners, 8 Steers, 3 years old, 5 Steers, 2½ years old, 1 Heifer, and 6 Steers, coming 2 years old, Steer and heifer, 18 months old, a good Spring
Trap, Waggon and Lades, Set of harrows, Chaff Cutter. BREWING UTENSILS, including 50-gallon Copper Furnace, and Innkeeping Effects, 1 Dozen Bottles of
Port and Sherry, and HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, the property of Mr. Geo. Tucker (who is leaving).
Luncheon at 12, at 1s. each (returnable to purchasers). Sale to commence at 1.30 p.m.
Sun, Fire and Life Offices, Chulmleigh, March 10th, 1893.
Thought for the month...
Rev Mark Noakes
Dear friends...
A new chapter in the English Church is soon to begin. On November 1st, in a ceremony that will be enacted at Westminster Central Hall and Westminster
Abbey, the Methodist Church and the Church of England will sign a covenant pledging to work towards closer co-operation and ultimately some form of union.
It will be a long road, and will probably involve many more ‘chapters’ to be written, but it should help draw two of the country’s larger denominations
together in purpose, and hopefully closer to the other denominations as well.
What will this mean, especially in our towns and villages? At the moment, probably very little at first, but hopefully you may be aware of the ‘church’
and ‘chapel’ trying to do (even) more together. Of course in many places such as High Bickington there is already a good relationship with shared
activities, but one of the main emphases of the covenant is to find ways to share work that is currently duplicated. Two together is obviously stronger and
better than two apart. This doesn’t mean that one will close. It doesn’t mean that one will give over to the other. A good picture of how it should be is
the group of Apostles. Each different, with their own little ways and focuses, but working together in a common work and direction. Indeed, this is the
focus of the Kingdom of God – a world in which differences and divisions are overcome by God’s grace, drawing people together in love. Not so much
uniformity but sharing.
As I said, this will be a new chapter, and we hope that everyone can have a share in its writing.
Every blessing, Mark
HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk: Mrs Di Carter, 20 Springfield, Four Seasons Village, Winkleigh, Devon EX19 8DP
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting - Wednesday 8 October 2003 in the Church Hall, High Bickington at 7.30 pm
Present: Peter Tucker (Chairman), Stella Burrows, Jean Checksfield, Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Stan Parker, Myc Riggulsford
In attendance: 4 members of the public, Di Carter – Clerk to the Parish Council
1. - Apologies were received from David Brown.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 10 September 2003
Page 384 – Paragraph 7 to read: “David Brown felt the new application took account of the Parish Plan and was a much improved option for the village”.
Page 385 – Parish Plan paragraph 2 – to read 65 copies.
Page 387 –Correspondence (i) Delete David Brown attends.
Subject to these amendments the Minutes were accepted and adopted by the Council. The Chairman signed the Minutes.
3. - Matters Arising from the Minutes
(a) Cobblestones. The Clerk reported that a letter had been received from Devon County Council confirming that cobblestones were the responsibility of the
householder.
(b) Proposed Biomass Power Station at Winkleigh Airfield. Torridge District Council Planning Department has confirmed that the Council will be consulted
when a planning application is received.
(c) Police Reports. Stella Burrows read a written report from PC Tony Hagan covering Parking and traffic issues, the proposed development by Mr Tanner, a
community message box and crime figures. A discussion on the contents of the report followed. It was felt that a community message box should be
recommended. As the Police are unable to fund a box, the Chairman agreed to discuss the construction and cost to the Parish Council should they decide to
fund one. A polite notice asking people to park with due consideration for their neighbours will be put on the noticeboards and in Ramblings.
4 - Matters Raised by the Public
A request was made to ask Highways to shorten the planted area at the end of the Barton Meadow area to facilitate access. Accessibility for emergency
vehicles was of particular concern. This was agreed.
5 - Parish Plan
The Chairman reported the programme for the visit of Mr Alun Michael on 17 November 2003, together with the names of people to be invited to attend. It
is important that the day achieves results with so many people present able to assist in a variety of ways, and the Chairman asked Councillors to consider
any points they would like raised.
6 - Parish Plan
The Chairman reported the programme for the visit of Mr Alun Michael on 17 November 2003, together with the names of people to be invited to attend. It is
important that the day achieves results with so many people present able to assist in a variety of ways, and the Chairman asked Councillors to consider any
points they would like raised.
Mike Leatham quoted from a report from Lizzie Uttley, Rural Housing Enabler, showing that 45 adults and children making up 16 households had expressed an
interest in the affordable housing or workshops. Of these, 14 households were interested in affordable housing. A copy of the report will be submitted with
the outline planning application. The Parish Plan will take account of the likely amount of affordable housing needed by local people in the next 10-20
years. Advertisements for the Development Manager and Administrator have been published and applications have been received.
The Chairman presented the outline plans which will be submitted to Torridge District Council. The plan allows for 52 houses, comprising of affordable,
self-build and some open market units to be built on the site. Following a discussion and a number of queries, the Chairman said that it is hoped to
submit the outline planning application to Torridge District Council before Mr Tanner’s application is considered by the Planning Committee on 27 October.
The Chairman outlined the financial management of the affordable housing involving a Community Property Trust (CPT), which is non-profit making. It is
governed by an Industrial Provident Society, also non-profit making. The management Board of the CPT will consist of 7-8 people and anyone can become a
member of the Trust on payment of £1. Four legal firms have been asked to tender for the legal advice needed to set up the CPT. Funding for this will
come from the Leader+ bid.
The Chairman said plans for the project are now moving along well.
The Chairman further reported a visit from a delegation from Albania to Little Bickington Farm to inspect the hemp operation. It had been a very rewarding
day.
7 - Matters Raised by the Chairman
A list of dates for 2004 Council meetings had been circulated with the Agenda. These were accepted.
8 - Maintenance
(a) - Chairman reported that Maurice Ridd had nearly completed the work on the bus shelter.
(b) - The Finance Committee will consider what funds are available for necessary maintenance work on the seats.
(c) - Jean Checksfield reported on progress with dog signs for Barton Meadow. Following a discussion it was agreed that the Barton Meadow Committee be
allowed to install suitable signs.
(d) - Dog bins – Jean Checksfield reported on costings received from Torridge District Council. The Finance Committee will consider the cost of bins and
put a recommendation to the next Council meeting. Dog fouling continues to be a worsening problem despite signs put up around the village by the Dog
Warden.
(e) - Street cleaning is still a concern and further efforts will be made to obtain a schedule from Torridge District Council.
(f) - Jean Checksfield reported that lights on the entrance to the village from Atherington were being obscured by trees. The Clerk was asked to inform
Highways of the problem and ask that the trees be cut back.
9 - Finance
(a) - The financial statement as presented at 30 September 2003 was approved and accepted by the Council. The Chairman reported that the new banking
arrangements were in hand but were proving more complicated than expected.
(b) - The budget comparison figures at 8 October 2003 were circulated. The Finance Committee will meet to recommend the Precept required for the year
2004/05 and the figures to be submitted for the Concurrent Functions Grant. These figures to be presented to the November Council meeting.
10 - Planning
The Minutes of the Planning meeting held on 29 September 2003 were presented. These were accepted and adopted by the Council. The Vice-Chairman signed the
Minutes.
Stella Burrows reported that Roger Bickley is pursuing through the Environment Agency the concerns raised at that meeting regarding the reliability of the
present sewage system.
Planning Applications: A/1780/2003/27/0011 To erect a PVCU conservatory to rear of property. Applicant: Dr & Mrs Binns, 3 Church Meadow, High Bickington.
Decision: No Objection
11 - Correspondence
(a) - Torridge District Council:
(i) Questionnaire re new rules relating to Code of Conduct – Clerk to complete.
(ii) Vacancies for Independent Members – Standards Committee – noted.
(iii) Area Advisory Group Meetings – noted.
(b) - DAPC:
(i) Training event – Budgeting & Financial Risk Assessment – noted
(ii) Clerks’ Training – The Clerk will attend training at Okehampton Town Hall on 4 November 2003.
(iii) Ethical Framework – your chance to meet the Standards Board – noted.
(c) - Torridge District Council Discretionary Rate Relief. Letters received from Mr Roy Turner, a Parish Councillor, and Torridge District Council were
noted. The Clerk will respond to Mr Turner.
(d) Devon County Council:
(i) Mobile Lengthsmen - dates of their visits to the Parish were noted. Councillors were asked to let Jean Checksfield know of any works they would like
these gangs to undertake and she will liaise with Devon County Council.
(ii) Public Access to the Countryside – Consultation document. Roger Keen will complete.
(e) - Torridge on Show Exhibition – invitation to opening Friday 17 October 2003 – noted.
12 - Outstanding Matters
Right of Way at Little Bickington Farm. Roger Keen reported on a meeting with Ros Davies. Her report should be available for the November Council
meeting. He had informed her that the Council considered the installation of the footpath at Little Bickington Farm to be too costly.
Roger Keen reported that he had applied for 50 young trees for the amenity land.
Roger Keen will cut overhanging branches on the footpath number 3 at Windycastle if this is not done by the landowner.
13 - Items for Information
The Chairman reported that the Steering Group to oversee the Little Bickington Farm development has been dissolved and the Legal and Constitutional Group
have now taken over this role to take things forward.
14 - Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 12 November 2003 at 7.30 pm in the Church Hall, High Bickington
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.37pm.
Poem for November
For Armistice Day - Atherington
Bred, born and raised within these parish bounds,
They knew its folk, its ways and all its sights and sounds:
Youthful ambition pulsated through each mind,
When with verve to serve their country, they left it all behind.
Away they went with zest undimmed, to join the serried ranks,
To march and fight with rifle, with artillery or tanks
And some came home to glory from the fields of Flanders' mud
But others fell and perished, where the pools were tinged with blood.
Today we come to honour them for what they freely gave
And pray they traded war for peace, beyond the lowly grave
Robert Domleo November 2003
They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of he sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
"For the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon 1914
HIGH BICKINGTON WI
Josie Maskell
Our 80th Birthday Party on October 1st proved a great success. The hall decorated with balloons and flowers, we were ready for guests. Stella Burrows
welcomed our County Chairman Stella Fernyhough, some of our past presidents and all members including those from the Six Hills Group, with a sherry or
fruit Juice. Jerusalem was then sung, followed by a delicious supper of hot pasties, quiches and mixed salads. There was a wide choice of lovely sweets,
cheese and biscuits and tea or coffee to follow.
Stella Fernyhough congratulated and toasted us on our 80th anniversary and said how much fun and friendship can be gained by joining the W.I. She then
drew the bursaries, Stella burrows, Millie Finch and Greta Woollacott being the lucky winners. There was a surprise for Christine England during the
evening when she was presented with a silver W.I. brooch in honour of her being our longest serving member – over fifty years! Our birthday cake, made by
Rosemary Munson and beautifully decorated by Marian Halstead was then cut and everyone had a piece to take home.
Our Speaker Joan Thorn enjoyed supper with us and then kept us amused with her tales of moving to Devon from Kent with her husband whom she met forty years
ago on a blind date! We heard about the birth of each of her children and how, after moving from Tiverton to Bickleigh, she got a job at Bickleigh Mill
welcoming visitors with a well-practised ‘Devon’ accent. During her talk she dressed both Stellas in some of the clothes she had brought with her. One
was as a milkmaid, the other as a fairy encouraging us all to sing ‘Nobody loves a fairy when she’s forty’.
She received a good round of applause and promised to return and entertain us again before long. Stella Burrows thanked her for coming and all members of
High Bickington for their help and support which made the evening a success.
Next month will be our AGM
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary
A short report for High Bickington Parish Council
Mr Chairman, can I first offer my apologies for not being able to attend your parish council meeting tonight, I very much hope to be able to attend the
next proposed meeting.
I have spoken at length with Mrs Burrows both as a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator and recently as a parish councillor. Our last conversation raised a
number of points which I hope I can address satisfactorily in this report.
1. Parking issues I have attended Barton Meadow Road and would agree that around the entrance from the main road, it can get quite cluttered with vehicles
parking on the side road, most households these days have an average of 2½ cars, how that is possible I don’t know but that is what the average is, this
leaves the problem of which every town and village has.. ..where to park and how near can I get my vehicle to my house. Barton Meadow road with its traffic
calming does make for narrow roads, I am also conscious of members of public asking me why I don’t ticket vehicles that are parked within a certain
distance of a junction, what I can say is that if I receive a call that a vehicle is causing an obstruction or has been left in a dangerous position, I
will attend (or whoever is on duty) and assess the situation, if deemed appropriate fixed penalty ticket(s) may be issued and in severe circumstances I do
have the power to have a vehicle removed if the situation dictates, however if it is merely because a line of vehicles are parked because (a) there is no
where else to park (b) vehicles are still able to pass without any long term hindrance, then I would not issue fixed penalty tickets. What I have to do is
balance the underlying fact that to issue lots of tickets in the wrong circumstances would only annoy the motorist even more and alienate the police
service.
2. Traffic issues I am aware that the main road through High Bickington has and still suffers from speeding vehicles, I am able to say that I have finally
been trained to use a laser guided speed gun. This device cost £18000 and we have one of them to share around the rural stations in this area. At the
moment the gun is being used in Torrington and at Shebbear, the process is as follows. (1) data collection devices are placed across the affected road to
monitor road speeds, that information will give us reasonable ground to conduct physical data checks by means of an officer recording speeds through the
village using the gun.(2) if evidence is obtained to suggest that speeding is a real issue, then the location can be approved to go live, ie for a three
week period, officers in hi vis jackets can record and issue fixed penalty tickets to those who choose to break the speed limit. I have already asked for
High Bickington and Beaford to be selected for evidence gathering of which I will be responsible for collecting and for enforcing. I will advise the
council when I hope to be out in High Bickington with the gun, unfortunately even though we have the gun at the station, we are not allowed to just "use it
anywhere".
3. Housing development I have seen the plans drawn up by Mr Tanner and co (thank you Stella) at the time of writing this report I have not had a response
back from the force Architectural Liaison Officer, but I am advised that he is aware of the proposals, my apologies for not being able to provide any more
on this important issue, I know and fully understand the long term effects it could have on the village if certain issues are not addressed correctly the
traffic impact and certainly the foul water system are of concern./p>
4. The community message box Sometime ago I spoke regarding a community message box to be placed at a prominent location within your village, at that time
I was confident that I could obtain funding from the force to purchase one box for each of my villages. That funding never materialised so I am unable to
supply one, however what has happened in Dolton is that the residents/parish council have constructed their own box made out of mild steel and bolted to
the side of their village hall, the box is padlocked and the key is held by the officer responsible for that village, the box is regularly checked, already
providing us with useful information. At a recent parish council meeting in Beaford, the possibilities of purchasing or constructing a box locally will be
discussed at the next meeting, can I respectfully ask that this option also be considered by High Bickington parish council. The box does not have to be
that big, so long as it is sturdy, flame proof, has one slot only and can be padlocked and secured to a solid object.
5. Crime I am pleased to say that since 1st January 2003, there have been 15 reported crimes in the High Bickington area, of which 6 were detected and
offenders dealt with. Since 1st January 2003 in addition to the crime reports, there has only been 11 calls to the force, 6 of those to report Traffic
related matters, the others are nuisance youths (2) and 3 lost and found. I have also now issued approximately 15 Property warning letters which are raised
as a result of me noticing items in vehicles parked around the village at night, which should really have been hidden from view or removed from the
vehicle, for example .. in car CD players, handbags, cameras and on one occasion Shot gun cartridges.
I hope this report is of assistance to you at your meeting, no doubt there will be questions raised as a result, I am more than happy to answer them if I
can, should you need to contact me please get in touch, or Mrs Burrows will pass any messages on.
Thank you in advance for your time
Pc 4819 Tony Hagan
High Bickington Project 2000
www.highbickington.org
Government Minister’s Visit Postponed
A visit to High Bickington by The Right Honourable Alun Michael, Minister for Rural Affairs and Urban Quality of Life, scheduled to take place on Monday
17th November has been regrettably and unavoidably postponed. The visit would have been used by the Minister to learn, first hand, about our Parish Plans
and to identify whether what we are doing could be replicated elsewhere. It is hoped that a new date for the visit, possibly in January or February, will
be agreed shortly.
Outline Planning Application for Little Bickington Farm
At the time of writing the final touches are being put to an Outline Planning Application ready for it to be submitted to Torridge District Council. In
terms of housing the application is likely to include 15 affordable homes for rent or shared ownership that will be built by Devon and Cornwall Housing
Association, 6 homes on the privately owned land alongside the current entrance to Little Bickington Farm, 17 local needs homes and 4 ‘self-build’ homes to
be constructed under the direction of a ‘High Bickington Community Property Trust’ and a further 10 units of general housing for sale. Permission will
also be sought to install a new access to the site from the main road out of the village.
In addition to housing and road access the outline application also includes designated areas of land and/or existing buildings to allow for the
development of: a new school and community facilities; managed community woodland; recreational space; and commercial areas for things such as workshops,
general retail space, offices, health facilities and parking.
Obtaining this ‘Outline Planning Permission’ will allow us to move forward with confidence to work up detailed plans, source development finance and start
to implement many of the aspirations detailed in the High Bickington Parish Plan 2003 to 2023.
Silver Wedding
The farmer and his wife were discussing how to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary.
The wife said, “Shall I kill a chicken?”
And the farmer replied, “Why blame a poor bird for something that happened twenty-five years ago.”
Go to December 2003 issue
