October 2003

THANKS: The "Musical Coffee Morning" at Roundhouse Cottage was thoroughly enjoyed and Ł68 was raised for St Mary's Church Restoration Fund (HB). Many thanks to all the people who attended and brought "Bring and Buy" items, and prizes for the raffle, "who sang in the sing song" period.

Derek & Rosemary Munson

THANKS: David and Carol Brown would like to thank all those people who so generously supported the Coffee Morning, held at their home, on Wednesday 24th September.

THANKS: The Dance organised by Atherington & Umberleigh W.I. for the BBC Radio Devon Chestnut Appeal for a New Prostate Cancer Unit at Plymouth was a huge success raising Ł870.00. VERY many thanks to EVERYONE who helped in anyway to raise such a magnificent total. A special thanks to Wendy Waldon whose idea it was and worked so hard to make it the success it was.

St Mary’s, Atherington

The Jumble Sale held on the 6th September raised the sum of Ł214.70. Many thanks to all those who donated goods for sale, and gave generously of their time and money to make the event such a success.

Eve Butler – Treasurer, PCC

St. Mary’s Guild

Rosemary Munson

Most members were present at our September meeting. Everyone seemed to enjoy our outing to Sidmouth, it was a lovely day.

We must now think about our Christmas Fayre, time soon passes, ideas are always welcome as well as new members.

Our next meeting will be on Monday October 13th at Miss Eileen Thorne's home, the Parsonage. at 2.00p.m.

James Morrish, Torridge District Councillor, writes ....

Firstly, congratulations to High Bickington for your recent success in obtaining a grant for your project.

It is now five months since I took on the role of Torridge District Councillor and I must say that it has certainly opened my eyes to local issues. However, I am pleased to be able to inform you that I am enjoying the role and hope to be able to continue to be an active member of Torridge District Council, raising issues that concern the residents of High Bickington and the surrounding area.

You will have heard that Torridge District Council is having some serious criticism about performance and output. However, I strongly believe that the Chief Executive Officer of Torridge District Council is, rightly, chipping away at the dead wood to reach a strong foundation on which to build. This process will take a little more time yet. However, I am sure it will be for the good of Torridge District Council in the long run.

On a slightly lighter note, as from March 2004, Torridge District Council will be taking over responsibility for liquor licensing from the Magistrates!

If anyone needs to contact me about any local issue do not hesitate to call me:

James Morrish

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI

Mary Wilson

Sheila Hurst was the speaker at our September meeting. She gave an illustrated talk on "Hearing Dogs for the Deaf". It was very moving to learn how deaf people had their lives transformed in so many ways with dogs being their "ears", such as informing their owners when the 'phone or door bell was ringing, often little things that hearing people take for granted.

Refreshments were served by Beryl Troup, Petra Butcher & Christine Clemens. Speakers hostess was Wendy Waldon. The Competition for "A Hair Accessory" was won by Jean Lynch. Flower of the month winner was Judith Domleo with the Rose Compassion. Birthday plants were presented to Christine Clemens, Mary Martin Jean Blewett & Cynthia Blows. Our visitor Alan Butcher won the raffle!

The Autumn magic of Offwell Wood and Educational Centre near Honiton was thoroughly enjoyed in warm sunshine. The speakers were Stephen Lawson & Dr Barbara Corker who took us on a guided walk through the woods looking at fungus and the management of heath land. The day included pond dipping and dragonfly sightings.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday October 14th 7.30pm at Umberleigh Hall when the speaker will be Harry Clement BEM on "The Flying Squad at New Scotland Yard in the 1970s". All visitors very welcome.

High Bickington Methodist News

Hazel Pearce

Several pets and their owners arrived for the second Pet Service held in the Church on September 7th. We had guinea pigs, hamsters, cats and five dogs!, all were well behaved (including the owners!). We thank Rev Mark who led the service, also to Beccy, Livvy, and Phoebe who wrote and read their poems on pets. Tea was shared in the Schoolroom afterwards and we look forward to the next one.

Our Harvest Thanksgiving services will take place on Sunday October 5th, services: 11am led by Rev Mark, 6.30pm Rev Jim Bates. There will be a Bring and Share Supper after the Sunday evening service. The gifts of fruit, flowers etc will be placed on a table and baskets will be provided for donations – you pick up what you want and give a donation. All are welcome.

Sunday School re-started after the summer break on September 8th. All children are welcome, just turn up. The Tuesday Children’s Club re-starts after the summer on September 30th. 8 – 11 years meet from 5.15 – 6.15pm. Any offers to help on a club evening will be most welcome, or if you have a particular interest or craft to share.

From the Archives

Researched by Richard Lethbridge, MBE

10th April 1881 - ASSAULT AT ATHERINGTON

Frederick Mayne was summoned for committing an assault upon Wm. Tucker, an old man, in the Carpenters’ Arms, on 22nd October last. – Mr. Bencraft appeared for the complainant. – Complainant stated that on the night in question, about 9 o’clock, they were in the Carpenters’ Arms together, and he made a few remarks, saying “something about love,” and that in England one wife was enough for a man whatever they had in “furrin countries,” and defendant came over and struck him. He did not insult defendant, and told him he would make him pay for it, when he said he could pay, if it was half-a-sovereign, or a sovereign. – John Lang, John Richardson, and James Beer, who were present when the assault was committed, gave evidence, and defendant said that complainant had called him abusive names, and begun to “run down” his wife, when he got up and put his hand to stop plaintiff’s mouth and said, “Say what you like about me, but leave alone my wife.” Plaintiff’s lip afterwards bled a little. – The Bench considered the case proved, although defendant had great provocation, and imposed a fine of 6d and costs.

1st October 1885 - ATHERINGTON

CRICKET SUPPER. – The members of the Cricket Club partook together of a supper at the Schoolroom on Saturday evening, when there was a good attendance. The captain (Rev. W. W. Arthur) was in the chair and amongst the visitors were Messrs. Pemberthy (Swansea), Bowden (Barnstaple), Peake, Tucker and Pedler (High Bickington). After the removal of the cloth the chairman gave the “Queen,” which was followed by the National Anthem. The Secretary (Mr. C. M. Jaggard) then made a statement as to the affairs of the Club, which showed it to be in a flourishing condition. Several foreign matches played and five won. In addition, four club matches were played. – Mr. J. Milton-Scoyne then gave the toast of “The health of the captain,” which was most enthusiastically received and accompanied by musical honours. The rector responded, and Mr. Garnish gave “the Secretary,” which was also well received. Various other toasts followed, amongst which were “The visitors,” humorously responded to by Mr. Peake, “The playing members” by Mr. Lovering , and “Host and hostess” (Mr. And Mrs. Milton-Scoyne), to whom great credit is due for the excellent manner in which the supper was served up. The health of Mr. Warren, who has so generously placed a field at the disposal of the Club, was given by Mr. W. J. Lord, and capitally received. During the evening some good songs were sung by Messrs. Pemberthy, W. J. Lord, C. M. Jaggard, while Mr. Garnish’s rendering of the “Laughing Chorus” left nothing to be desired.

HIGH BICKINGTON WI

Josie Maskell

Jennifer D’Olley presided over our September meeting in the absence of Stella Burrows. She welcomed us all and a visitor after the summer break. Stella sent a message thanking all who had helped at and made cakes for the Church Fete. She also Sent thanks to all who attended her coffee morning, Ł40 was raised for the Peninsular Medical School. Several members enjoyed a lovely day out in August looking and learning about a large collection of antique chairs. This was followed by a delicious tea, the chocolate cake being a particular favourite!

We have received a letter from Bridge House thanking those who helped with cakes at the opening of the new wing. We have also received a certificate and a letter in appreciation of the Ł284 that was raised for the North Devon Hospice by the ladies ’knit-in’.

The autumn competition at St John’s Garden Centre was discussed, the theme this year is ‘Chicago’. There is plenty to keep us busy next month, the main event being our 80th birthday party. There is a heritage walk around Honiton, the group meeting at Burrington and the Council meeting.

As our speaker failed to arrive we spent the rest of the evening relaxing with a cup of tea while Jenny Gooding read us some funny stories and poems and then tested our general knowledge with a light-hearted quiz. The competition for a model sheep was won by Margaret Bolt who also won the raffle. Christine England won the flower of the month with a lovely yellow rose.

Next month we shall be having a talk on Living in Devon by Joan Thorn.

LIBBATON GOLF CLUB JUNIOR SECTION

On August 31st the AGM took place at Libbaton Golf Club at which a committee was formed and the Junior members voted James Taylor as Captain and Brian Stevens as Vice-Captain. The Junior Club Championship also took place on the same day with Brian Stevens winning the Addington Shield (82), 2nd Sam Raymont (84). Div.1: 1st Daniel Ardy (65), 2nd Brian Stevens (66). Div 2: Chris David (48) on countback from Billy Lee. 9 Hole Stableford 1st Jason Jones (14pts) on countback from Brendan Phillips.

Through the year a team of junior golfers have taken part in the North Devon Junior League finishing fifth overall – well done to everyone who took part throughout the year. Results of the Stableford Competition 6th September Div 1: 1st James Taylor (42pts), 2nd Daniel Ardy (40). Div 2: 1st Ciaron Ranson (37). Division 3: 1st Alice Alford (45), 2nd Billy Lee (40).

A Coffee Evening and Chocolate Party will take place at Libbaton Golf Club on Wednesday 29th October at 7.00pm. Please come along and support our Junior golfers and buy those early Christmas presents (Gifts from 10p each). If anyone is interested in joining our Junior section, please contact any one of the committee members.

POEM OF THE MONTH

CROCK OF GOLD

Bright misty arch, faint hued, in morning sun
Framed Hemmock Copse and spanned the meadow broad
And I, had I the will to run,
Could pluck the crock of gold from out the sward!

But, wondering at the sight, rooted I stood,
Pale sun behind my back to light the scene:
A jay screeched an alarm within the wood,
Hidden in the misty, full-leafed green.

Young buzzards' plaintive mews came through the trees;
As new-fledged swallows filled the air above,
A lark rose up, high o'er the misty seas
And trilled down to his earthbound, hidden love.

Then came the faintest breeze across the field;
The arc dispersed in sunlight's brighter shine;
All nature's beauty once again revealed,
Through sound and sight the crock of gold was mine!

Robert Domleo 25th July 2000 - (Witnessed 17th July 2000)

High Bickington Project 2000

www.highbickington.org

Major Funding Boost for Parish Plans

A two year ‘Leader+’ funding package amounting to more than Ł170,000 has now been approved by DEFRA and the European Union and means that implementation of the Parish Plan is moving forward rapidly. Cash grants of Ł37,481 from DEFRA and Ł80,072 from the European Union will be ‘matched’ by locally raised ‘In Kind’ funding amounting to more than Ł50,000. This latter sum is achieved by costing the work carried out by local volunteers and staff from partner agencies including the County, District and Parish Councils and the Wessex Reinvestment Trust/University of Salford.

The funding will enable us to appoint, for a two year period, a full time Project Development Manager and a part time administrator to work on the detailed implementation of the proposals set out in the Parish Plan. By the time you read this note advertisements will have been placed for these posts and a closing date for applications has been set for Mid October. Funding is also now available to cover our general administrative costs and to pay for external professional and legal services as the need arises.

Obtaining this initial funding marks another major milestone in taking the project forward to a successful conclusion. An Outline Planning Application for Little Bickington Farm is due to be submitted shortly and work on the setting up of a ‘High Bickington Community Land Trust’ is also being taken forward.

High Bickington Church of England Primary School

The Autumn Term got off to a terrific start with a visit from the Brekete Dance and Drum Company. Four African young people from the Company led a whole school Assembly and then taught the children African dance and drumming in smaller workshops. They were inspirational, with everyone wanting more. High Bickington throbbed to the sounds and sights of Africa!

Term continues with our own Harvest Celebrations and later on sports fixtures.

As part of a whole school maths project we want to show the children what a million looks like. We have therefore combined with a scheme to buy a wheelchair for a paraplegic child using a collection of tops from plastic milk bottles. So don’t throw those tops away – any colour will do – help us save a million milk tops and help to buy a wheelchair for a child. There will be a collecting box in the corridor at school and in the village shop.

Advance notice: This year our whole school production will take place in the Summer Term rather than at Christmas. Watch this space for more Christmas happenings at High Bickington CE School.

HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk: Mrs Di Carter, 20 Springfield, Four Seasons Village, Winkleigh, Devon EX19 8DP

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Wednesday 10 September 2003 in the Church Hall, High Bickington At 7.30 pm

Present: Peter Tucker (Chairman), David Brown, Stella Burrows (from 9 pm), Jean Checksfield, Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Stan Parker.
In attendance: Mr James Morrish, Torridge District Councillor; 10 Members of the public; Di Carter, Clerk to the Parish Council

1 Apologies for absence Stella Burrows – joined the meeting at 9 pm.

2 Minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2003 The Minutes, having been circulated and published on the noticeboards, were accepted and adopted by the Council. The Chairman signed the Minutes.

3 Matters Arising from the Minutes 9 July 2003
(i) Barton Meadow – Dog fouling signs. Jean Checksfield reported that she had met with the Dog Warden and dog fouling notices have been put up around the village. He was unable to put any on the Barton Meadow playing field as it is private property. Jean Checksfield was asked to enquire if the Dog Warden would supply the signs and the Parish Council would display them.
(ii) Standards Board Response. Myc Riggulsford reported the response from the Standards Board which had cleared Cllr Pat Ferguson of any misconduct and explained the reasoning behind the decision. He did not feel an appeal would be worthwhile. The Chairman felt the result was disappointing but stated there was no stain on Myc Riggulsford’s reputation and he had acted properly throughout. This view was supported by those present.

4 Matters Raised by the Public There were no matters raised by the public.

As Mr Tanner had kindly agreed to attend the meeting the Chairman proposed that Planning be moved forward on the Agenda. This was agreed.

5 Planning
(a) Plans received before the meeting.
(i) Development at High Bickington.
Peter Tucker declared an interest and left the meeting. Mike Leatham thanked Mr Tanner for attending the meeting, and said that as the plans were only received by the Parish Council on 9 September, it had not been possible to study them and a decision would not be possible at this meeting. The new application was for 51 homes on the site, with the affordable homes and live/work units being relocated to the Little Bickington site. A total sum of Ł525,000 has been pledged to Little Bickington if the development is approved.

A number of points were raised

(a) Surface water would appear to be drained into the existing pond. This could be a safety issue and cause flooding. Mr Tanner confirmed this was the proposal but stated that Highways would need to approve the arrangements. David Brown asked whether the water could be re-used by the properties. Mr Tanner agreed this was possible but added approximately Ł300 to the cost of each property.
(b) Sewerage – concerns were raised about the ability of the current sewerage system to cope with the increased number of dwellings. Mr Tanner said South West Water were responsible for the sewerage arrangements, but he did not feel there was a problem.
(c) The ownership of the hedge backing on to the bungalows in Wardens Close was questioned.
Residents had feared the hedge may be pulled out. Mr Tanner was not aware of the ownership of the hedge but confirmed that it will be left intact but any gaps will be replanted.
(d) In response to a question Mr Tanner said he had signed the 106 agreement and had completed the purchase of the land.
(e) Arrangements to cope with the increased traffic were queried. Mr Tanner said this was a matter for Highways.

Myc Riggulsford queried the monies on offer and at what stage they would be paid. Mr Tanner said the details of this cannot be discussed prior to the planning application being approved. Myc Riggulsford felt the Parish Council would require a guarantee that monies will be granted and when. David Brown felt the new application did comply with the Parish Plan and was a much improved option for the village. There followed a discussion on the financial implications and the number of houses proposed. The provision of a play area was queried and Mr Tanner said he felt the upkeep would be the Parish Council’s responsibility. It was agreed that a third play area was not required.

Mike Leatham summed up by saying that outline planning permission has been granted for the site and it is up to the Parish Council to negotiate to obtain the best possible outcome for the village. In view of the strong feelings within the village about any development on the site it was agreed that the plan would be on public display at the Meeting Point on Saturdays 13 and 20 September from 10am – 12 noon and from 2 – 4 pm. Stella Burrows would hold the plans in between these dates and anyone wishing to view the plans during this time should do so by arrangement with her.

The points of concern will be conveyed to Torridge District Council for their comments. A decision on the application will be deferred to the next meeting.

Mr Tanner left the meeting. Peter Tucker rejoined the meeting.

(ii) 1/1460/200327/0005 Erection of two storey extension at rear and conservatory at front. High Down Cottage, Ebberly, St Giles in the Wood. Applicant: Mr & Mrs J Beer. Decision: NO OBJECTION

(iii) 1/1646/2003/27/0005 Myc Riggulsford declared an interest and left the meeting. Dwelling and garage. 11 Fairways Drive, Libbaton, High Bickington. Mr B Eeles. Decision: NO OBJECTION

(b) Plans dealt with by Planning Sub-Committee
(i) 1/1222/2003/27/0005 Erection of garage – 7 wardens Close, High Bickington. Miss L Ford & Mr S J Wright. Decision: NO OBJECTION

(ii) 1/1277/2003/27/0046 Open fronted field shelter and agricultural storage shed. OS 859 and OS 860, High Bickington. Mr & Mrs C Huckle. Decision: NO OBJECTION

(iii) 1/1312/200327/0047 Erection of 2 stables and hay store – field off Mill Road, High Bickington. Mrs S Jones. Decision: NO OBJECTION

At the invitation of the Chairman, James Morrish gave a brief update on his work and commitments with Torridge District Council. He then left the meeting.

6 Parish Plan The Chairman reported that the launch of the plan had taken place on Saturday August 2003 and had been very successful. Torridge District Council had been fulsome in their praise for the project. David Brown said Torridge District Council had purchased 60 copies of the plan to send to each Parish Council in the area. The amended Community Directory is due to be delivered this week. Every household in the village will receive a copy together with a copy of the leaflet on the Parish Plan.
Funding of Ł170,000 over two years to allow for a full-time project manager and part-time administrative assistant has been awarded. An advertisement for the posts will appear shortly.
Neil Parrish, MEP, and two senior County Councillors visited the village on September 5th. Alun Michael is visiting High Bickington on 17 November 2003. Details to be confirmed.

The draft leaflet was approved for circulation and the Chairman thanked David Brown for organising this. He also paid tribute to all those involved in this highly successful project.

7 Matters raised by the Chairman
(i) Liz Steele, Senior Housing Enabling Officer at Torridge District Council was due to attend the meeting but in view of her many meetings and interviews in the village it was decided that her visit be cancelled. Anyone interested in applying for affordable housing can still apply. Forms are available in the Meeting Point.

(ii) A request from residents in Pound Lane for signs advising of horses in the lane had been followed up. There are strict criteria to be met before these can be installed by Highways. Mr Hill, the officer concerned, is prepared to meet residents on site to discuss this. This information will be passed to the residents concerned.

(iii) Details of applying for Quality Parish status will be studied at a later meeting.

8 Maintenance
(i) The telephone kiosk has been repainted.
(ii) Reported potholes have been repaired.
(iii) The Bus shelter is undergoing repairs. Dumping of litter in the bus shelter is a problem. Jean Checksfield reported that Keith Snell is kindly continuing to clear this up.
(iv) Alan Clemens kindly continues to cut and tidy the areas around the seats in the village.
(v) Jean Checksfield reported that she cleared the rough area alongside Barton Meadow and filled one bag of rubbish; nothing hazardous was found.
(vi) The Clerk reported that Devon County Council had advised that repair of cobblestones is the responsibility of householders. A letter will be sent asking for confirmation of this responsibility in writing.

9 Finance
(a) The financial statement as presented at 31 August 2003 was approved and accepted by the Council.
(b) The Clerk reported that the annual audit had been carried out on 7 August 2003 and there were no significant problems. A new analysis book to record payments had been purchased as requested. The Chairman thanked Myc Riggulsford for preparing the accounts for the year to 31 March 2003 and the Clerk for attending the audit.
(c) Project 2000 funding. The Chairman felt that funding for this project may need to be considered and the Finance Committee will discuss this at a meeting in the near future.

Matching Grants
Roger Keen proposed, seconded by Myc Riggulsford, that the award of grants be restricted to organisations within the Parish. This was unanimously agreed. David Brown further proposed, seconded by Roger Keen, that as from next year any organisation not applying in writing for a grant by the date stated should not be considered. This was unanimously agreed.

The following Councillors declared interests and did not take part in the allocation of grants:
Peter Tucker – HB Playing Field Association, Libbaton Junior Section, HB Play Area Group.
David Brown – the Meeting Point, Roger Keen – Parochial Church Council

Following a discussion Councillors Jean Checksfield, Myc Riggulsford, Stan Parker and Mike Leatham agreed to award Ł725 in grants as last year, this year to be equally distributed at Ł80 per organisation to the following:

Methodist Youth Club, HB Playing Field Association, HB Youth Judo Club, Libbaton Junior Section, HB Parochial Church Council, Barton Meadow Recreational Area, The Meeting Point, HB Pre School Group, HB Play Area Group. The Ł5 remaining would be carried forward.

10 Proposed Biomass Power Station at Winkleigh Airfield
The Chairman welcomed Garth Carter, a member of the Winkleigh Parish Council Working Party to the meeting. Mr Carter outlined the details of the proposed development and the main concerns regarding it, namely the size of the development, sustainability of fuel supplies, ancillary business and an estimated 138% increase in the number of heavy lorries.

The Chairman thanked Garth Carter for attending the meeting and members agreed that a letter of support should be sent to the Winkleigh Village Community Working Party with a request to be kept informed of developments. A letter would also be sent to David Pinney at Torridge District Council expressing the Council’s concerns, particularly with regard to traffic which could affect High Bickington, and asking that they be consulted when the planning application is submitted.

11 Correspondence
(i) North Devon Rural Transport Forum – notice of meeting 18 September 2003. David Brown attends.
(ii) Devon County Council – payment of accounts by BACS. The form agreeing to this arrangement will be completed when the Barclays Bank account is opened.
(iii) Torridge District Council Discretionary Rate Relief - deferred
(iv) Torridge on Show Exhibition – 17 and 18 October 2003 – noted.
(v) DAPC – Annual General Meeting 27 September 2003. Circulated to members.
(vi) Two notices of road closures – Langridgeford/Lee Cross and High Street – to be displayed on the noticeboards.
(vii) Letter from Ros Davies regarding creation of a formal right of way at Monkey Lane and Little Bickington Farm. Roger Keen read the letter to the meeting and it was felt the contents were not encouraging. The Chairman asked that this matter be deferred to a later meeting for consideration. Roger Keen reported that he will be walking the path on Monday 29 September 2003 with Ros Davies.

12 Outstanding Matters
The Clerk’s contract of employment has now been signed.

St Mary’s Atherington

It was wonderful to see so many volunteers turn up to help, picking up stones, and levelling the churchyard, grass seeds have been sown and the yew trees trimmed.
Good job, well done.

Shirley Shapland

Thought for the month...

Rev John Carvosso

Dear Friends,

Well Crunch Time has arrived for the TEAM

At the time of writing (18th Sept) we know that the Candidate Vicar, who was going to be interviewed for the vacancy in the Team, has now accepted another post in Bristol.

A disappointment to us all but what are God’s plans for us all in the Two Rivers Team? (Romans 8 v. 28.) We are having a Team meeting at Yarnscombe on Thursday 25th September with the Archdeacon and together shall find His way forward.

In some senses things may not change too much as Stephen & I have been looking after the 11 parishes since May ’01 anyway. But we are going to have to think ‘TEAM’ a lot more in the way we all work for God in these parishes.
I’m sure it will be a challenge and opportunity for us all. If you are not coming to the meeting at Yarnscombe and would like to share your thoughts please do contact me ...

Yours in His Service

John

Go to November 2003 issue