October 2002
HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk: Myc Riggulsford, Dadland High Bickington Umberleigh Devon EX37 9BS
High Bickington Parish Council Meeting - Wednesday 11 September 2002
NHS Trust Merger: At the end of the Parish Council Meeting Chairman Peter Tucker opened a short public debate about the proposed merger of the NHS Health
Care Trusts and proposal to create a single Acute Healthcare NHS Trust for North & East Devon. The opinion of both the Parish Council and the members of
the public present was overwhelmingly against the proposed merger, and the results of the discussion have been sent to the Project Office, Northern Devon
Healthcare NHS Trust on behalf of the parish.
In proposals of this type it is often suggested that 'to do nothing is not an option' since circumstances and priorities change. Whilst accepting that the
provision of services by the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust could certainly be improved, the Parish Council and residents strongly believe that in
this case, 'not merging' is the best service option for local residents. A merger would inevitably see services in North Devon suffer as our local NHS
Trust will become subsumed into the Royal Devon & Exeter Healthcare Trust (due to the huge differences in scale) and therefore provision of services in
North Devon will cease to be a priority for any part of the NHS.
Arguments claiming it is only by merging that a sufficient patient base can be established to attract experienced and senior consultants into Devon may be
appropriate and favour Exeter and its hinterland, however they are flawed for the majority of Devon residents. The proposed merger must be detrimental to
people in North Devon who will be expected to travel over an hour to Exeter for even routine treatment.
Offering world class services is pointless if the people who most need them cannot access them. The majority of people in North Devon are already
disadvantaged by poor access to public transport, lower wages and therefore lower private car ownership, longer working hours though agricultural and rural
employment, a higher than average proportion of elderly residents, and more time consuming travel through the poor rural road network. These factors all
make access to the existing services difficult for our parishioners.
Better access could be provided by re-opening cottage hospitals and running more peripheral clinics and services (albeit of a lower clinical standard)
rather than further centralisation which simply favours the urban elite.
The argument for accident and emergency services is identical. Residents raised their existing concerns about poor access to emergency treatment. When an
agricultural or isolated worker suffers a serious work related injury the important factor is time to treatment - basic treatment of any sort which can
stem blood loss and stabilise their condition.
Although access to high technology and expert advice for chronic conditions is very desirable, we already have poor enough local access to minimal acute
treatment in North Devon. High Bickington Parish Council believes that any further centralisation of service administration and strategic control will
only be detrimental to residents of North Devon.
The Parish Council may reconsider its decision to oppose the merger proposal if good faith is shown by the Healthcare Trusts by first and pre-emptively
dismissing NHS administrators and appointing extra doctors and nurses in their place, and re-opening and improving our local and regional facilities.
ATHERINGTON VILLAGE AMENITIES
An open meeting was held on Thursday September 19th at 7.30pm in the church hall. Several ideas were discussed and it was decided that the first two
projects would be a second village notice board and the repair of the old milk stand under the chestnut tree. Has anyone any spare old milk churns that can
be added to the stand?
Tel: Margaret Squire
ST MARY'S GUILD
R Munson
A successful meeting was held in September with 10 members attending.
The Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 16th November. We will have to get busy on ideas for our stalls.
Our next meeting on Monday 14th October, will be at Eileen Tuckers home.
High Bickington Project 2000
Thank you to all who have responded to last month’s article in which we asked anyone who is interested in the possibility of self-build and/or affordable
housing, craft or general business workshops or retail outlets at Little Bickington Farm to let us know. A number of local people have already responded
and this will greatly assist in the development of future plans. There is still time to let us know your needs by contacting David Brown or any member of
the Project 2000 Committee.
Members of the Project 2000 Committee together with an architect and representatives from the Parish, District and County Councils are currently working on
the plans for our exhibition. This will be another opportunity for everyone in High Bickington Parish who wishes to comment on our design proposals and/or
feed in their views prior to the formal drawing up and approval of a Parish Plan. This is a vital step that needs to be taken before we can start to seek
various forms of funding and/or submit an outline planning application.
We had hoped to be able to hold the exhibition during October but the amount of preparation needing to be done is substantial and so we have now agreed to
mount the exhibition on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November. Please watch out for local posters and next month’s Ramblings for the final details and
venue(s). We look forward to seeing you there.
THE GARDEN SHOW, HIGH BICKINGTON
Thank you to everyone who supported the Village Flower Show on 7th September
Although entries were down on last year, plenty of people came and the standard was very good.
Special thanks to Mr Brian Huxtable for donating a lovely crystal bowl, to be known as the Huxtable Challenge Bowl, for most point in the show. This
year's winner was Mr Brian Huxtable and the junior winner was Miss Jessica Brailey.
Thanks too, to our judges Mrs E Martin and Mr A Buse. A total of £170 was raised to be shared equally between the Church Restoration Fund and Devon Air
Ambulance.
The Chittlehamholt Book with Warkleigh and Satterleigh by Richard Lethbridge have now, up to date, 138 subscribing to it but Halsgrove Publishing will only
go to print when they reach a total of 250. The recent flyers received through people's doors is a reminder to those who are interested in the book to
send off their orders as soon as possible as the proposed date for publishing is in November. Richard would be very grateful if you could do this.
From the Archives
Researched by Richard Lethbridge, MBE
23rd March 1866
DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS
TOWN HALL, Saturday 17th inst.
[Present: J. C. Moore Stevens, Esq., in the chair G. L. Coham, Esq.]
TRESPASS - John Tucker, of High Bickington, farmer, was charged with trespassing on certain land in the occupation of Mr Leamon, in the parish of Roborough.
On the 12th January last, with two dogs and a gun in search of game or ponies. - It appears that Dr. Hudlestone, of Ebberley, has the right of shooting
over certain lands in the above parish. On the above day Thomas Featherstone was in the employ of Dr. Hudlestone, and whilst watching, he saw the
defendant enter a brake occupied by Mr. Leamon, with two dogs and a gun, trying for game. On walking towards defendant, witness saw him take the gun to
pieces and put it in his pocket.
- Defendant denied having a gun, and said that the dogs followed him as he was going to Mr. Leamon's on business. - The Bench considered the case proved
and fined defendant £2 3s including costs.
TRANSFER OF LICENCE - The licence of the 'Black Horse Inn' in High Bickington, lately kept by Mr. Thomas Bealey, deceased, was transferred to Mr. Richard
Coats, of the above parish.
HIGH BICKINGTON, NORTH DEVON
DESIRABLE FREEHOLD ESTATES for SALE,
Affording an Excellent Opportunity for Investment
MR. HANNAFORD has received Instructions to sell by Public Auction, at the Golden Lion Inn, High Bickington, on Saturday, the 3rd day of September next at 3
for 4 o'clock punctual (subject to conditions to be then read), the following Property:-
LOT 1. - All that very desirable and compact FARM called "Southwood, Noop, and Yard Gate," consisting of a good Farmhouse, with all necessary Outbuildings,
some of which have been newly erected, and the entire premises are in excellent repair, containing 10a. 1r. 31p. of superior Orchard, Arable, Meadow, and
woodland now in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Down as a Lady day yearly tenant.
LOT 2. - All that desirable ESTATE called "Middlewood" consisting of a good Farmhouse with all necessary Outbuildings, some of which have been newly
erected, and the entire premises are in excellent repair, now in the occupation of Mr. William German as lady day tenant, containing 62a. 1r. 38p. of
superior Orchard, Arable, Meadow, and Woodland.
LOT 3. - All that plot of Land and Garden numbered 592, 593 and 596 on the Tithe Map and situate adjoining the turnpike road, containing 0a. 1r. 27p., and
now in the possession of Mr. Thomas down.
The above Estates are situated about half-a-mile from the village of High Bickington, 2 miles from the Portsmouth Arms and Umberleigh Railway Stations on
the London and South Western Railway and about 8 miles from the market town of Barnstaple.
For Viewing, apply to the respective tenants, and for all further particulars to Messrs. PITTS-TUCKER and SONS, Bridge Chambers, Barnstaple
Dated Barnstaple, 17th August, 1887.
ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI
Mary Wilson
Back into winter gear with our first meeting of the autumn. This was a home-spun affair with a talk by fellow members Mary Wilson and Carole Hurst on New
Zealand. Carole told us of her experiences living there for a year as a young bride and of the changes she had noted on her return visits over the years
and Mary gave us a whirlwind tour of the country as seen by the average tourist. We both hoped everyone enjoyed our chat and appreciated the pleasure we
both found in a lovely, unspoilt, mostly rural country with some of the friendliest people on earth.
We were very sorry to hear that one of our oldest members - Norah Maynard - had died the previous week aged 97. Edna represented us at her funeral. Mrs
Maynard was a great character and entertained us on many occasions with her very vivid memories of Atherington and High Bickington in the days of her youth
when she was village school teacher and parish organist.
Rose Peters won the competition - a holiday postcard - with a picture of a fairy-tale castle in Austria and our birthday girls were Mary Martin and
Christine Clemens.
Too late for this report we shall have our "Joe Kift" dance so more about that next month.
In October, 8th at 7.30p.m. in Umberleigh village hall, our speaker will be Penny McRoberts, well-known to many of us for her excellent Cookery Days at
Torrington school, who will demonstrate some seasonal recipes for Apples. Should be fun. Our speaker's hostess will be Jennifer Gooding and Beryl Troup,
Ruth Thomas and Cheryl Barrett will provide the refreshments.
The competition will be "An Apple Recipe". Can we beat one of Penny's?
High Bickington Methodist News
Hazel Pearce
Our Harvest Thanksgiving Services will take place on Sunday, October 6th at 11am and 6.30 pm. Mr John Hawkins of Okehampton will speak at both services.
There will be a bring and share meal after the Sunday evening service. The gifts of fruit, flowers, etc, will be placed on a table, baskets will be
provided for donations - you pick up what you want and give what you think it is worth (or more!). All are welcome.
Sunday School re-started after a summer break on September 8th. all children are welcome, just turn up at 10.45am. The Tuesday Children's Clubs are in
full swing. 5-7yrs meet from 5.15 - 6.15pm and 8-11yrs from 6.30 - 7.30pm. Any offers of help on Club evenings are welcome.
POEM OF THE MONTH
BUTTERFLIES
Your wings are affecting my stomach,
When I'm smitten with nerves or stage-fright;
You're a valve in my car's carburetter
And a nut I can screw finger tight.
You may be a fix for her earrings
Or a brooch on a lady's fine dress;
If she puts up her hair on occasion
You may be a clip for her tress.
You are used instead of a suture
To close up slight wounds to the head;
As a farm, you're a tourist attraction,
Where with sweet fruit and syrup you're fed.
You may be a whore, Painted Lady,
Or simply in charge of a boat, [1]
A high ranking communist seaman,[2]
Or a pause in the verse which I wrote. [3]
You're an orchid in moist chalky places
But when on my arm you alight,
In the warmth and the sun of late summer,
You're a colourful joy to the sight.
[1] Skipper [2] Red Admiral [3] Comma
Robert Domleo 20th August 2000
WASTE PAPER COLLECTION - (from Week Farm)
Now that many villages have green recycling boxes, I have been asked if this charity collection will continue - the answer is "yes" - with your help and
support!
It works in this way - I am a registered recycler with a permit and clearance by the planning authority for using space for storage. When a load is sent
away - newspaper for "Shred-a-bed" mixed news/magazines for cardboard etc, I send weigh bridge tickets and claim form to the council, who pay so much a ton
according to the cost of landfill space, approx. £15 a ton, (every ton collected is less in landfill).
Out of that money I pay Mike Stone for collecting, the remainder goes for charity, ours is to support a child in "Bible lands Society" school in the
Lebanon. Last year we raised just over £200 by this means.
We have three collections a year - advertised in the Ramblings - but paper may be left at any time at Week Farm (or at the top of the lane nearest Week
Cross, by the shop, or go in Jen Gooding's garage, or at Fisherton. Thank you all for the support over many years, with your help we will continue.
For more details ring Margaret Bolt.
HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk: Myc Riggulsford, Dadland High Bickington Umberleigh Devon EX37 9BS
High Bickington Parish Council Meeting - Wednesday 11 September 2002
Chairman Peter Tucker opened the meeting by requesting a minute's silence to reflect on the events of September 11 last year when the twin towers of the
USA World Trade Centre were destroyed.
Village Plans: Concerning Mr Tanner's application for 'Rural Workshops and Affordable Housing' at North Road on land next to Warden's Close, Torridge
District Council's conduct has been referred to the Local Council Ombudsman and Cllr Mrs Ferguson has been referred to the Standards Board, both complaints
are now being investigated.
Chairman Peter Tucker reported that strict conditions are being imposed on Mr Tanner's proposed development of affordable homes by Torridge District
Council's planning department. The detailed plans have not yet been submitted but the Parish Council should be involved when the development agreements
are drawn up.
The Parish Council now needs names and addresses and firm requests for rental or purchase of accommodation from the many people who expressed their wish
for self build sites, affordable houses or flats in the Parish Appraisal to pass on to Devon & Cornwall Housing. Anyone interested should register their
requirements in writing with the Parish Council (Chairman Peter Tucker or clerk) or High Bickington Project 2000 (Chairman David Brown) as soon as
possible.
Mike Leatham reported that the Devon County Council architect is drawing up draft plans for the Little Bickington Farm site, which will be open for
discussion in a village exhibition on 23 & 24 November 2002 (note - dates revised since the meeting) in the Church Hall or Meeting Point. The site will
probably be a phased development and will include self-build plots and affordable starter homes. The exhibition will give everyone the chance to influence
the layout and mix of use on the site, so it is important that everyone comes along to the exhibition and registers their opinion.
Peter Tucker said that following the last Parish Council meeting John Burnett MP has organised a meeting at County Hall in Exeter for 20 September between
representatives from the Parish Council, High Bickington Project 2000 and Devon County Council officers to help move the Little Bickington Farm development
forward.
Matters Raised by the Chairman: Chairman Peter Tucker said that the sale of the Lower Farm milking herd on the day of the Parish Council meeting was
significant as it marks the end of milking in High Bickington village, and only leaves two milking herds in the parish. We should all consider what is
happening in the countryside today, and whether people agree with some country activities or not, everyone should have a view. Chairman wished everyone
well for the Countryside Liberty & Livelihood March on 22 September in London.
Maintenance: No-one has offered to clean the bus shelter on a regular basis. It seems to be being cleaned now and again, and Chairman Peter Tucker said we
are very grateful to whoever is doing it, but it would be better if someone could come forward and the arrangement could be formalised.
Parish Council Matching Grants 2003/2004: There was considerable discussion of the merits of the applicants, and all councillors agreed that decisions are
very difficult as all the causes are worthy. Councillors decided not to award a grant to Exmoor Search & Rescue Team in spite of their excellent work as
they are not based in the parish.
Organisations applying for and awarded grants (amount to be decided at October meeting) are: Womens Royal Voluntary Service (meals on wheels); Parochial
Church Council (Church Hall & Churchyard); HB Pre-School Playgroup; HB Methodist Children's Clubs; The Meeting Point (Coffee Shop for older people, Youth
Group, Homework Clubs); Barton Meadow Recreational Area; HB Playing Field Association; HB Play Area Group; HB Youth Judo Club; If sufficient funds remain,
Libbaton Juniors (golf) may also be awarded a grant.
Planning: amongst the planning matters considered was an application to change the use of land at North Heale, Langridgeford from agriculture to an
environmental area with public access. The applicant, Mr Brown, said that an environmental assessment has been carried out. The development is a business
venture which will involve making a small leat and creating new lakes for fishing, and hides for badger and deer watching for paying members of the public
over about 20 acres of the 40 acre ground. An existing agricultural building will be converted to a reception building, and once a demand has been
established the owners intend to apply for planning permission to build holiday lodges on the site in a later development phase. The Parish Council
supported this application and the alternative use of the land.
The Parish Council also considered a planning application to change the use of Little Silver House from a residential home for the elderly to a private
dwellinghouse and variation of the conditions on planning permission to allow the former managers accommodation to be used as a dwelling. The Parish
Council supported this application. Little Silver House was built as a private property and the Parish Council wishes to see it returned to private use
so that someone can live in it, rather than see it decay. It no longer meets industry standards and is therefore unsuitable as a residential home for
reasons of safety, training, insurance and location.
Taylor's Lane: Tree & Footpath Warden Roger Keen confirmed that work at Taylor's Lane bridleway has now been completed and new gates successfully tested on
horseback.
Date of Next Meetings: Wednesday 9 October 2002, Wednesday 13 November 2002, all residents and visitors are welcome.
Myc Riggulsford, Clerk to the Parish of High Bickington
HIGH BICKINGTON WI
Josie Maskell
Our President welcomed members and two visitors to our meeting after the summer break. It was especially nice to see Margaret Bolt back with us and to
hear she is slowly improving after her traumatic eye problems.
There was no meeting in August but several members enjoyed walks around Chittlehamholt and East of Water Bideford. We also entered the North Devon Show
and came 9th out of 22 with a highly commended certificate. Many congratulations to all the ladies who entered the competition on our behalf.
We were reminded of the coffee morning and bring & buy at Stella Burrow's home on 11th September. Proceeds to go to The Peninsular Medical School and our
bursary. On 17th September there is an evening visit to Step by Step patchwork at South Molton - meet at the bus stop at 7pm.
It is hoped a lot of members will attend the Autumn Council meeting at Roundswell in October.
Our Speaker for the evening was Sylvia Mercer who came to talk on Travels in India. Sylvia saw the trip advertised in the BBC Wildlife magazine and she
and her husband (very keen on bird watching and wild life) decided to go on the 10 day trip. It turned out to be a very full and exciting 10 days,
visiting New Delhi the resting place of Ghandi's tomb with the eternal flame burning, their first stop.
This was followed by a fascinating train journey to see the white marble Taj Mahal which was amazing. They crossed the river and also saw the most
beautiful birds and a wonderful sunset. They stopped at lovely old palaces, now hotels, and had a boat trip at early dawn to catch the many different
animals visiting the water's edge to drink.
The highlight of their trip was taking an open top bus on a game drive and getting to see three tigers, a very rare occurrence! She had many souvenirs and
photos of her holiday to show us which made her talk even more interesting. Marian Halstead gave a vote of thanks.
The competition for a favourite tea pot was won by Marian. Eve Burke and Josie Maskell tied with flower of the month with an hydrangea and a dahlia
respectively. The raffle was won by Jill Haifman.
Our next meeting is on 2nd October when Muriel Moore will be talking about poetry written and read. Visitors are welcome to join us.
DCC NEWS: COUNCIL TO CONSULT PEOPLE ON NATIONAL "FAIRER CHARGING" POLICY
Devon people will be given a chance to have their say on Government plans to introduce a national framework of "fairer charging" for care services. The
likelihood is that some 3,000 people in the county would be gainers and pay lower charges. However, the authority is concerned about a smaller number of
people who will lose and will be trying help such people by providing a free Benefits "Health Check" and says it will do all it can to minimise the
impact of the new national policy on the public.
Underlining the importance that Benefit "Health Checks" could play, independent research by the Devon Welfare Rights Unit has revealed that over half of
people dependent on Social Services in the county are not claiming their full State benefit and missing out on a total of £800,000 a year of extra income.
The County Council will be looking to build on the success of its Benefit Take Up campaigns which have helped over 2,000 people across the county claim
£2.2 million in State benefits and the cumulative benefit is likely to be £7 million over the next five years.
Under the Government's plans an estimated 3,000 people in Devon who have income of less than £122 per week will pay nothing towards the cost of their
non-residential care services such as home helps and day care. The plan to abolish these charges for those on financially assessed low incomes while
welcomed by the County Council could cost the authority £1 million a year in lost income and higher costs.
Although not compulsory, most local authorities have little choice but to charge the public a subsidised fee to help fund the cost of non-residential care
services. The Government assumes in its budget calculations that councils will raise 10 per cent of the costs of non-residential care services from these
charges. For authorities such as Devon County Council which suffer the effects of national under-funding for social care, the income derived from these
charges has proved vital to keeping them going.
The public consultation paper and feedback form are online at
http://www.devon.gov.uk/socserve/fairercharging/homepage.html or ring Care Direct on freephone 0800 444 000 for further information or to register
your views.
A full report including the results of public consultation and details of any final proposal are expected to be presented to Devon County Council's
Executive Committee in the Autumn.
DCC NEWS: COUNCIL CALL 'ROUND-TABLE' SUMMIT ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Devon County Council has called for an urgent 'round-table' summit to discuss the lack of affordable housing in the county.
The call to bring together housing experts, developers and local planning authorities came from the Council's Cabinet - the Executive Committee - during a
debate on revised housing numbers within the Devon Structure Plan.
With house prices booming, the numbers of social housing properties being eroded through 'Right to Buy' and large numbers of 'second homes' and holiday
properties in the county, there is growing concern that local people are finding it increasingly difficult to enter the housing market or find affordable
rented homes.
The round-table meeting is expected to take place as soon as possible in the Autumn.
The Smartest Dog Ever
As a butcher is shooing a dog from his shop, he sees £10 and a note in his mouth, reading: "10 lamb chops, please." Amazed, he takes the money, puts a
bag of chops in the dog's mouth, and quickly closes the shop. He follows the dog and watches him wait for a green light, look both ways, and trot across
the road to a bus stop. The dog checks the timetable and sits on the bench.
When a bus arrives, he walks around to the front and looks at the number, then boards the bus. The butcher follows. As the bus travels out into the
suburbs, the dog takes in the scenery. After a while he stands on his back paws to push the "stop" button, then the butcher follows him off.
The dog runs up to a house and drops his bag on the step. He goes back down the path, takes a big run, and throws himself against the door. He does
this again and again but there is no answer. So he jumps on a wall, walks around the garden, bangs his head against a window, jumps off, and waits at the
front door.
A large man opens it and starts shouting at the dog. The butcher runs up and says to the man: "What are you doing? That dog is a genius!"
The owner responds, "Genius, my foot. It's the second time this week he's forgotten his key!"
A night under the stars
Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine they were exhausted and went to sleep.
Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend. "Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see." Watson replied, "I see millions and
millions of stars."
"What does that tell you?"
Watson pondered for a minute.
"Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.
Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo.
Timewise, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three.
Theologically, I can see that The lord is all powerful and that we are small and insignificant.
Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have, a beautiful day tomorrow.
What does it tell you?"
Holmes was silent for a minute, then spoke. "Watson, you idiot, Someone has stolen our tent."
Go to November 2002 issue
