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October 2000THANKS: Tom Blackmore would like to thank all his friends and relatives for the many cards and gifts he received on his 90th birthday. Also, thanks to High Bickington Ringers for the peal of bells on September 7th. and to Libbaton Golf Club for an excellent meal on September 9th. THANKS: Avril Stone would like to thank all those who sent cards of sympathy, flowers and messages of goodwill following the death of her mother. During the past few months Avril and Eric have been grateful for the support of the medical staff, the Home care ladies, family and friends. A special thank-you goes to Margaret Bolt who was there with help and comfort when it was needed most. THANKS: Lisa Pidner thanks everyone for their cards, presents, sweets and best wishes. She has enjoyed the sweets whilst she has been ill but mum says it’ll be back to bananas when she gets back from hospital! THANKS: Mary Weeks and family would like to thank every one for the best wishes and cards received through her illness and looking forward to a speedy recovery. OUR LAST MILLENNIUM EVENTSadly we have come to the end of our Millennium celebrations. But we went out with a bang! The village Barn Dance at Umberleigh Village Hall on Saturday September 9th was a great success. Over 100 tickets were sold and young and old crowded on to the floor to let their hair down to the music of the Bloaterland Village Band. We also enjoyed a wonderful Fish and Chip Supper provided by Miles chip van. The raffle raised over £60 for the Play area at Barton Meadow. Our sincere and grateful thanks go especially to Sharne and Peter Worrall for all their organisation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Beverley Short and Sharne and Peter for all their hard work and support in putting on all our Millennium events. It has been a pleasure working with you all. Jane M. Gibson Light Up A LifeChristmas is a special time for remembering loved ones who are no longer with us. From now until December the North Devon Hospice and Children's Hospice South West are joining together to enable you to dedicate a light in memory of someone special through the Light Up A Life Appeal. Anyone can be remembered, including pets. As well as a light shining on the Tree of Light, the name of your loved one will be recorded in a Book of Remembrance. If you would like to support the Hospices and sponsor a light please ring Alison or Kate for more information. St. Mary's GuildRosemary Munson
We held our first meeting of the Autumn and Winter season on Monday 11th September at Miss E Thorne's home, with 11 members
present, and it was nice to welcome Mrs. Linda Rowden back again after a long absence through work. Our next meeting is on Monday 9th October at Miss Eileen Thorne's home, The Parsonage. New friends are always welcome. Christians TogetherThe next Christians together is on October 9th at 7.30pm. at the Meeting Point. We will be starting a new series of studies based on the “Fruit of the Spirit”. Copies of the booklet should be available on the night or in advance by contacting David Brown. Christians Together usually comprises a group of just over a dozen people but we would very much like to widen the circle of those who come. The meetings are quite informal and are a good way of enabling us to develop friendships between members of denominations while exploring our Christian faith together in simple Bible study and Prayer (there is quite a bit of laughter too!). Please do feel welcome to join in at any time. WINTER WARMERSWe all want to be warm 'In winter, especially at home, but we must avoid tragedy", warns Chief Fire Officer Young. "Some people end up misusing badly maintained appliances which could easily start a fire and cost lives. Dusting, off an ancient electric fire from the attic or pulling, out an old electric blanket may not be good enough if you want to be safe and warm. Each year in the U.K. over 1000 fires are caused by electric blankets and some of these result in death and injury." "When you buy an electric blanket, make sure it carries the British Electrotechnical Approvals Board (BEAB) or the British Standard BSEN 60967. Keep electric blankets dry and flat and have them serviced every two to three years by the manufacturer. If neglected, electric blankets will become a serious risk. Always follow manufacturer's instructions." "Never use an electric over-blanket under you or an under-blanket over you. Switch off the under-blanket before you get into bed and unplug it. Some over-blankets may be safety left on - check the instructions. Have your blanket inspected at least every three years by the makers or more often if they recommend it. Some local councils also provide this service free or at a nominal cost. "Heating appliances don't go on forever," he says, "they need regular maintenance and proper care to avoid becoming dangerous. Many people think that having a fire is something that won't happen to them. Unfortunately, fire fighters know differently; we see people who suffer because of house fires. We want people to take just a little more care to prevent typical winter fires involving heaters."
"Many people think that the noise of a fire and the smell of smoke will alert them, but it doesn't always work out that way. In fact, if a fire starts while you are asleep, the effects of the smoke could mean that you would never know a thing about it. Unless of course you have a smoke alarm which we would strongly recommend." The Chulmleigh and District Local History SocietyA group of local people with a keen interest in vernacular architecture founded the Society over 25 years ago and visits to historic local buildings form a key part of the summer programme. In the winter, monthly lectures entertain and educate with a wide range of topics related to local history. The Society aims to encourage members with local history projects and it has recently purchased an 18th century terrier which was donated to the Devon Record Office. The winter programme for 2000/2001 will commence on Thursday, October 19th with ‘Medieval Stained Glass’, by Dr Joe Cox. ‘Collections of the R.A.M.1, by Dr John Allan will follow on November 16th. Lectures take place at 7.30 in Chulmleigh Community College and visitors and new members are welcome. If you are interested, please contact the Hon Secretary, Penny Whicher. After many months without an instalment of “When we came to Week”, due to family commitments, maybe I need to explain to new readers of the magazine why I began this series over four years ago. We, my mother, father and I, left our grandparent’s farm at Hacknell in 1946 to live and farm at Week, also in Burrington parish. To mark the fifty years, I felt I should begin recording those times for my children, Kathleen and Hazel and grandchildren, Fiona and James. Now there is another granddaughter, Megan, born on January 1st 2000, who hopefully, might enjoy reading these memories. When we came to Week (continued)By Margaret Bolt Never having travelled further than Torrington, Ilfracombe, Exeter and Bishopsteignton before 1946, the prospect of a week's holiday in London before changing schools and being bridesmaid to Beattie and John, filled me with great excitement. During that August Granny's sister and her husband had been staying at Hacknell on holiday - which they often did - but for some reason needed to return to London for a week - a welcome respite for all at Hacknell! We set off early one morning, Uncle Billy driving his pre-war dark green Wolseley car with real walnut veneered dashboard. It had a small rear window, obscured inside when necessary by a rise and fall cloth blind, operated on a cord and pulley system by the driver from his seat. Because of petrol rationing this car had been laid up during the war in a shed at Hill Sampson, which, with the barn at the rear of it, is now converted into additional living space. Aunt Florrie, as always, occupied the front passenger seat, armed with a tin of sweets, to be unwrapped at intervals and popped into Uncle Billy's mouth - and mine occasionally when I refused to be distracted! On a long journey she passed the time with a slow, careful manicure, pushing back the cuticles and going around each nail in turn with a file then emery board, finishing off with a chamois leather buffer. This fancy nonsense was something no other lady did, in my experience! We travelled by way of Exeter, Honiton and Windwhistle, where we pulled into a gateway to have a snack (packed at Hacknell) and I was instructed to admire the view. Uncle Billy probably did the same, the other side of the car, I saw my very first combine harvester working on Salisbury Plain - another ten years before they became commonplace in Burrington - and I remember the mile after mile of straight roads up and down, hill after gentle hill. I was amazed; Morchard Road was the longest stretch of unbending road I knew before then. Stopping at Stonehenge, we were able to walk amongst the stones without, as far as I remember, any hindrance or payment. I was taken to the Zoo, Madam Tussaud's (but not the Chamber of Horrors - I might have had nightmares!), the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, I walked up the Mall to Buckingham Palace, had tea at Lyons' Corner House where an orchestra was playing, travelled by double-decker bus and on the underground - all completely new experiences for me. The car was only used for the journeys to and from Devon to conserve petrol coupons. I remember the huge areas of bomb sites all over the city but not so much in the residential area of North London where they lived. Much has been forgotten of that holiday, I wish that notes had been made or a diary kept, but one thing I vividly remember is being made to sit in the upstairs toilet until a successful result had been achieved! Aunty and Uncle were childless and, as is often the case, considered themselves experts at child rearing. Never having had anyone the least bit interested in the state of my bowels during the previous eleven years, when questioned on the first morning, I honestly replied "No". So I was ordered to sit there, supplied with copies of "Homes and Gardens", and "The Lady'. Even for such an avid reader as I was then, "The Lady" did not inspire me at all in any way. I soon learnt that well rustled stiff Harpic toilet paper and a firm pull on the chain, early in the morning, satisfied my Great Aunt and I was able to obey my own body clock later at my leisure! It was another two or three years before I ventured out of Devon again, this time to Cornwall on an outing arranged by Mrs. Webber at the Barnstaple Inn. I was fascinated by the bright blue waters of the china clay pits and the almost lunar landscape of the pure white conical spoil heaps around St. Austell. Exmoor was another discovery about the same time on a coach outing from Ilfracombe with Granny Eastman - we were staying with an aunt at Braunton for a few days. After petrol was de-rationed in 1950, we were able to "gad" about more, even to South Molton! ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WIJudith Domleo At the September meeting Mrs Edith Badham from Chittlehampton gave a most interesting and informative talk and demonstration on “Spinning”. Mrs Badham brought several items that she had knitted from spinning her own wool and a hat and scarf knitted from alpacas. Some members “had a go” on the spinning wheel. We had six visitors including two from America. The competition for “Something in Wool” was won by Mary Wilson with a shawl that she had knitted for her baby grandson. The shawl also won her a silver cup at Umberleigh Show. Well done! Flower of the month winner was Judith Domleo with a Pestemon. Delicious refreshments were served by Jean Petts, June Langer and Carole Hurst. Speaker’s hostess was Di Drummond and birthday plants were presented to Jean Petts, Mary Martin, Christine Clemens and Cynthia Blows. On a lovely sunny afternoon, High Bickington WI had arranged a delightful walk through the countryside surrounding the village and there was a very welcome cream tea at the home of Jennifer Gooding at the finish. We were joined on the walk by members from Exbourne WI. A very pleasant afternoon was enjoyed by all. Twenty-six seats have been provisionally booked for the Barnstaple Musical Comedy and Dramatic Societies production of “Scrooge” at the Queen’s Theatre for Tuesday November 21st at 7.30. Please see the secretary at the next meeting – friends and relatives welcome. The next meeting will be on Tuesday October 10th, 7.30pm, at Umberleigh Hall when Mrs Maureen Dennis will give a photographic show of the Lorna Doone Countryside on Exmoor. Visitors very welcome, just come along and join us. From the archivesResearched by Richard Lethbridge Richard writes … “With Little Bickington Farm in the news at the moment let’s look back at a sale of it on September 8th 1884. Important Sale of 46 Bullocks, 80 Sheep, 12 Horses and Colts, Pigs, Poultry, Wool, Potatoes, Pasture, Implements, Orchards of Apples, &c. LITTLE BICKINGTON FARM, HIGH BICKINGTON, DEVON.
MESSRS. SANDERS AND SON have received instructions to Sell by Auction, on Monday, September 8th, 1884, the undermentioned
Valuable LIVE STOCK, FARM IMPLEMENTS, and Other EFFECTS, the property of Mr. J. B. Gill, who is leaving the neighbourhood,
comprising:- August 29th 1912 - HIGH BICKINGTON THE Lady Pincombe Charity annual rent audit was held at the Golden Lion Inn on Monday. At 1 o’clock a capital luncheon was provided, presided over by Mr. O. R. M. Channer, of Taunton, steward of the Trust. The usual toasts were drunk – Mr. W. S. Hellyer, in reply to a toast, said he hoped that next year, in consideration of the present very bad season for the farmer, there would be a considerable reduction in the rents. Thought for the month...Rev. Marilyn Tricker It's always good to read success stories. That first Gold Medal for Britain, won by cyclist Jason Queally in record time. And the bikes used by Queally and the Olympic Team, built by designer Chris Fields in a Devon garage! People working under pressure, working as a team, meeting challenges, achieving something worthwhile. But the kind of success that for most of us is merely a dream. So it's good to hear about ordinary people responding in ordinary situations. Like 18 year-old Kimberley, newly-qualified 999 telephone operator, who uses her training to help a grandmother give the kiss of fife to her young grandson. People working under pressure, working as a team, meeting challenges, achieving something worthwhile. Human skills and resources stretched to the full. Of course, we can't live at this pace all the time. The Olympics come and go. Thankfully not all 999 calls demand the kind of response Kimberley had to make. But when the success comes, when we rejoice and celebrate, whatever the reason - let's also stop to give thanks to God for the skills of mind and body and spirit which enable so much human achievement. Let's also pray for ourselves, that in our own everyday lives we will be able to respond to the ordinary cries for human friendship and support, to the ordinary needs for a listening ear and a word of encouragement. These too, can change people's lives and give new hope. Christians TogetherThe all new web site for Christians Together for the Christian Churches of High Bickington is now up and running. Happy surfing. Find us at: www.christians-together.co.uk A POEM FOR OCTOBER...CARNIVAL Farewell to meat! Farewell to meat! R Domleo August 2000 (The word "carnival", in Italian is "carnevale" derived from the Latin for "meat farewell") High Bickington Methodist NewsHazel Pearce Congratulations to Laura Clarke, Rosie Venner, Max and Josh May on their exam passes. We remember those who have started school, moved classes or schools. Sunday School restarted, after the summer break, on September 10th. All children are welcome, just turn up at 10.40am – 12 noon on a Sunday. Children’s Club autumn run began on Tuesday, September 19th, 5 –7’s yrs. meet 5.15pm – 6.15pm, every 1st and 3rd Tuesday (sorry not every week due to lack of leaders – if you think you can help, please ‘phone Kath). 8 – 11’s yrs. 6-30pm – 7.30pm every week. The Autumn Jumble sale raised £175 for church funds, many thanks to all who helped. We are pleased that Lisa Pidner is at home after being very poorly in hospital and hope she will soon be fully fit again. HIGH BICKINGTON WIJosie Maskell For our September meeting we met at Bideford Town Hall for a guided tour of the area. Our guide was Peter Christie, a member of the Bridge Trust and author of several books on the area. We visited the Church of St Marys where Peter pointed out where it had been enlarged at the time of the arrival of the Non Conformists who built many large Chapels trying to compete with the Church. From here we wandered through many little lanes and alleys, several of them cobbled, and shown so many interesting old houses, two where water actually flows under the flagstones in their living rooms. We were taken to the site of the glove making factory and two old cinemas, then on to the tobacco drying old warehouse with an old brewery opposite. Apparently there was also a thriving pottery here at one time. There was evidence of this with several eagles adorning different houses. We were shown the spot where it is believed Charles Wesley first preached and the numerous public houses past and present around the pannier market area. There were many interesting old shop fronts with mosaic entrances and beautiful bevelled glass windows and one had a lovely art nouveau picture (now under glass) on its entrance to the shop. We shall look at Bideford with different eyes now we realise what a thriving port it once was and the connections with Sir Richard Glenville and Charles Kingsley. Just two of the many famous sons of Bideford. There was no meeting in August but we attended a very nice barbecue at the home of Rosemary and Derek Munson and were lucky with the weather! Three members went to Filleigh to meet up with other WIs and to enjoy some line dancing. We were pleased to help out at the Village Fete with teas and biscuits and were kept very busy there with the good attendance of people. On Wednesday, 13th September we have other institutes joining us on our village walks followed by a cream tea at the home of our president. Our next meeting will be back in the Hall when it will be our 77th birthday. Anyone wishing to join us will be very welcome. Atherington Parish CouncilSue Letchford Highways Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting, as yet no explanation has been received as to why The Highways Representative did not turn up. Concern was expressed by a member of the public about the lack of communication from MKI during the B3227 road closures. It was explained that this was not entirely their fault as any road closures were done under licence and should be conveyed to the Parish by County Solicitors. The recent fuel crisis had also affected the timetable of works. Neighbourhood Watch The near theft of diesel from Wixland was reported with a plea to everyone during the fuel crisis to be vigilant. A car aerial had also been stolen. Pop Concert Anger had been expressed by the residents that live closest to the site where the concert is held that their views were not taken into consideration when deciding whether to grant the licence. The Parish Council is to check this and are requesting more information from both Torridge and North Devon District Councils. St Marys, AtheringtonMany thanks to those who supported our Coffee morning on Thursday 31st August. £176 was raised towards churchyard and clock repairs. Shirley Shapland Just a quick update on the Atherington website... The most recent addition is a WAP emulator, this means you can view WAP pages via this handy gadget, (just so anyone interested can see what all the fuss is about!). We have also added a local event finder, courtesy of Virgin online. Last month we had 92 visitors, this month so far we have had 83 visitors, not bad for a village website! Simon. NOTICE RE: THE HIGH BICKINGTON BOOKIt with great pleasure that the High Bickington Historical Society can announce that they have been successful in obtaining an £3,800 grant from the 'Millennium Awards For All' fund, to finance the extra 16 pages for The Book of High Bickington. The Historical Society would like to thank the people who so kindly subscribed money towards this project. The book is now complete and with the printers. It will be available in November and if 30 more books are ordered in the next month the publishers will arrange a launch party in the village. Avril Stone will be returning photographs and other memorabilia to their owners in the very near future. From Avril Stone HIGH BICKINGTON FARM PROJECTThe meeting took place on 12 September with a full hall. A great deal of discussion took place about timescales, funding, ownership and how the opinions of everyone would be canvassed which were answered by Keith Brown of the Community Council of Devon. It was finally agreed by a unanimous vote that an appraisal would be carried out, not only by questionnaire but also by meetings and discussions, and 11 people came forward to help with this. They were Jeff Adams, David Brown, Barry Checksfield, Ian Gibson, Rachel Phillips, John Reeves, Jackie Rudman, Barbara Stewart, Avril & Eric Stone and Sally Webb. A meeting will shortly take place between the Parish Council, the above named, Keith Brown (Community Council of Devon) and Sarah Tarragon (expert in appraisals) to get the appraisal underway. If anyone else is interested would they please contact either Keith Brown or Diana Lunn. HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCILA meeting of the Council took place on Wednesday 13 September with 17 members of the public present. The main matters discussed were: Barton Meadow Amenity Land Although the Council had signed and returned the Transfers for the land, this matter had still not been completed. Councillors will make a weekly inspection of the various areas to check for potentially dangerous objects. Some work had been carried out to the play area. Traffic Calming A letter had been received from Devon County Council in which Mr Lawrence had again refused to change their policy on the traffic calming. There had only been one response to the article in Ramblings asking for residents to write and express their views. Footpaths The Parish Council signed the Parish Paths Partnership with Devon County Council which sets up criteria for the upkeep of the rights of way in the parish. All 3 of them! Best Value A draft report on the obligations of the Parish Council to deliver Best Value was considered. Neighbourhood Watch It was agreed to reimburse the Neighbourhood Watch for their damaged sign. Reports on the signs etc. was requested. Warden’s Close Garages Some of these have been let to non-residents and the clerk will investigate the matter. Best Kept Village Reported elsewhere. Finance Payments were approved, and audit arrangements discussed. Matching Grant decisions to be delayed (see report elsewhere). Planning The Council had received notification from Torridge that the following planning applications had been approved: Mr & Mrs Spears, 7 Church Meadow, Erection of PVCU Conservatory, 0154/2000 Mr D Munson, Roundhouse Cottage, Alterations to roof at Roundhouse Cottage, 0543/2000 Mr B Brown, Seckington Farmhouse, Conversion of barn to garage, domestic store and hobbies room. 0544/2000Correspondence Numerous items of correspondence were considered, among them bulky reports from the National Health Service, Torridge District Council and Devon County council which had been circulated for Councillors to read. Other Matters Complaints were received on the state of the recycling site, a defective stile, garden rubbish being dumped on the site where Pearce’s huts had been, a wall on the amenity land being damaged and a pothole at Wiermarsh House. These matters would be investigated. Next Meeting The next full meeting of the Council will be on 8 November. Meetings to discuss planning matters will be held as necessary. BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITIONBelow we have reproduced the judges remarks about Atherington... Atherington was a pleasure to visit and showed clear evidence of local commitment by the high level of maintenance, care and cleanliness of the village. St Mary’s churchyard, the Village Green and the Playingfield had been recently cut, the playground equipment was in good condition and the village was completely free of litter (and almost completely free of people on the day in question!) Almost all private buildings were well maintained, as were the commercial premises, Tea Shoppe, Salon and timberyard. Hedges and gardens were well tended, necessary shop signs and notices were well designed and unobtrusive, and public notice boards in good condition. The Church Hall/School at the crossroads seemed in a rather run-down condition, with roof slates slipping. The Baptist Chapel toiled needed some attention and window repair, but the more recent covered way and rail to the Chapel entrance were a great improvement. Field gates and signposting were good. The public footpath beyond playingfield had sacks of rubble against the hedge at the entrance, a dump of abandoned black silage plastic halfway along and some white plastic sacks at the far end. There is a rather dangerous hole in the boundary hedge of the playingfield above the road just behind the picnic tables. These small and almost hidden flaws were outweighed by examples of local initiative in enhancements by the Parish Council Amenities Sub-Committee in the provision of lighting in the churchyard and Lychgate, and plantings by the South Molton road. Efforts are in hand to repair and restore the Church bells, and a public meeting had just taken place to discuss future plans for the village. The hand-drawn map was clear and helpful. A well deserved score of 92 HIGH BICKINGTON BEST KEPT VILLAGE RESULTSCongratulations to Atherington on their win. The comments received for High Bickington were: An extremely attractive village heart, full of charm and lovely old buildings. The area around the school, village hall and church are particularly attractive and well looked after. In spite of the modern day evidence of the motor car which has to be parked somewhere High Bickington comes through almost unscathed. The two pubs and two village shops seem to be thriving and welcoming. The grass in the churchyard was due for a cut on the day visited although a good wild flower area was in evidence. Despite much new building of a different character the overall impression of High Bickington is of a village which has a true traditional character where everyone pulls together to maintain its attractive appearance and cohesive atmosphere. 84 marks This is an increase of 2 marks on the 1999 competition. Well done to everyone who worked to keep the village tidy.
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