September 2003

Launch of the High Bickington Parish Plan 2003 – 2023

On Saturday 25th August local Member of Parliament John Burnett officially launched the widely acclaimed ‘High Bickington Parish Plan’ that has already received national and international recognition. The Twenty Year Plan, adopted by the Parish Council in June 2003, is the product of a community led initiative designed to provide a blueprint for change and development that will ‘regenerate and sustain’ rural life in the Parish of High Bickington over the first two decades of the 21st century. Its principal aim is to enable the development of housing, educational, social and economic infrastructure that is sufficient to:

Ensure an ongoing supply of local affordable housing;
Build and restore economic prosperity in the locality;
Create and sustain local employment;
Provide a new primary school with integrated educational and community facilities designed for rural life in the 21st century.
Find-solutions to local parking, access and traffic issues, and
Find solutions to all of the above which meet high environmental standards

John Burnett M.P. said, “High Bickington Project 2000 is an example to the whole country of a community planning for its own future. I am delighted to continue to support this excellent initiative."

Note: The launch of the Parish Plan followed a very successful workshop at the end of July, which was attended by some 25 people. This drew together the work that had been undertaken by small development groups over the preceding months. The conclusions from the workshop are now being used to enable the submission of an Outline Planning Application, for the Little Bickington Farm site during September.

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

During the past four months or so that I have served as your representative on Torridge District Council I have had approaching 100 individual enquiries on various topics from the residents of the Two Rivers Ward. On many occasions I have been able to sort out the problem fairly quickly at either District or County level. However, one or two issues are still waiting to be resolved.

Three of the hot topics concerning Torridge at the moment are

The granting to Westward Ho! of a Blue Flag Award (quality assurance) which will involve making part of Westward Ho! beach / Northam Burrows a dog-free zone.
The internal enquiry which has been started concerning past individuals in Torridge District Council connected with alleged bullying and inappropriate action. I am a member of the panel instructed to deal with this and future grievances between staff and Council members. Please rest assured that, although there may have been many things which have gone on in the past, full investigations are taking place and will continue to take place and our best efforts will be made to ensure that there is no repetition.
A positive issue concerns the High Bickington Parish Plan. Everyone connected with this must be congratulated on such an excellent project which, it is proposed, will be rolled out to the rest of the Torridge area as an example of excellence. It has been recognised at the highest level in the County as an excellent forward-thinking project. Well done!

James Morrish

ATHERINGTON & UMBERLEIGH WI

Mary Wilson

There was no meeting in August, but there have been several events during the month, which we have attended. There was a "Rights of Way - Right to Roam" seminar at Budleigh Salterton Town Hall. We met for coffee at the Rolle Office of Clinton Devon Estates in East Budleigh then there was a guided walk around the Clinton Estate. After lunch in the Town Hall there was a forum with the following speakers Mr Tom Lewis of the Countryside Agency Southern Access Mapping Team from Bristol, Mr Michael Martyn of DCC Rights of Way Dept., Mr John Skinner Access Officer of the Ramblers Assoc., Mr Martin Hann Deputy Chaiman Devon NFU, Mr John Varley Estates Director of Clinton Devon Estates. The meeting was then open for general comments and discussion.

We had a Farm Visit to Coleton Farm in the South Hams, the home of Richard & Caroline Haddock. Six grain trailers and tractors filled with WI ladies and friends set off for a tour of the mixed farm with Richard giving us a commentary on the way. There were beautiful views of the south Devon coast, but half way around the tour the heavens opened and did it rain!! On our return we had roast pork rolls and drinks in the barn, and there was an opportunity for questions and answers from the experts who were there. In spite of the weather it was an interesting and enlightening day.

In complete contrast in very hot sunshine we set up our WI competition at the North Devon Show. The theme was "A Summer Place". There were 17 entries and we came 7th. The first three winners were Braunton Evening, Woolacombe and Buckland Brewer. Well done to all the members who put in a lot of hard work to make such an attractive entry.

Our Presidents Garden Party was held at the home of Anne Harrison George Nympton in glorious sunshine. We had a bring & buy stall, raffle, competitions, boules and putting. We made Ł164 towards funds. Our President Edna Ford thanked Anne and her helper Carole and presented them both with flowers and chocolates for their husbands who were a great help. Members NCH Boxes have been opened and the grand total for this year is Ł148-25. Very many thanks to you all.

We are having a dance on Saturday September 20th at 8pm in Umberleigh Hall with Joe Kiff. Our WI will be providing the refreshments. All the proceeds will be going to the BBC Radio Devon Chestnut Appeal for a new Prostate Cancer Unit at Plymouth. Do come along and bring your friends. There will be dancing to suit all tastes.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 9th September in Umberleigh Hall. The speaker will be Sheila Hurst on "Hearing Dogs for the Deaf". Visitors very welcome.

High Bickington United Anglican & Methodist Service

The United Service was at the Parish Church on Sunday August 10th at 6.30pm. The hymns for the Songs of Praise were chosen by members from each church and played by David Brown at the organ. Rev Mark Noakes led the service. The collection of Ł47 went to the North Devon Samaritans. In September & October we shall be sharing our Harvest Festivals. The Parish Church is on the fourth Sunday in September & the Methodist Church is on the first Sunday in October. Everyone very welcome to all services.

Poem for September

THE LANE WHERE I LIVE

Oh how these high banks obscure the scene!!
And yet, with sunlight, shade and wind protected sides,
They are enriched by such a wealth of plants and make,
For those who pass, a flank of flowers and backdrop green.

The periwinkle peeps out in drear winter days,
Ablaze in early spring with varied yellow flowers;
Stitchworts and campions, when the swallows come,
Until the scents of summer flowers hang in the evening haze.

Here hedgerow birds abound, finches of every hue and call,
While songs, mellifluous and long or brief and light
Fill the spring air, till migrant warblers add their trill
And search the leaves for things that creep and crawl.

Next time your chosen way follows "my" Devon lane,
Park up your car and walk a stretch or two;
Stop at each gate to view the distant scene,
But revel in its confines, nature's rich terrain.

Robert Domleo 11th April 2000

High Bickington Methodist News

Hazel Pearce

A group from our three chapels paid an evening visit to Richard and Rosemary Wedlake's home at Chulmleigh. After being shown around their large garden and hearing of their plans for a croquet lawn and gallery, we retired to the dining room for a sumptuous supper. Then to finish the evening Rose modelled a selection of hats from her collection of several hundred and gave us a running commentary, which had us in fits of laughter, almost drowning some of her comments.

On Sunday, September 7th at 2.30pm we are holding another Pets Service. Last year's service was enjoyed by all, and all pets were well behaved! All are welcome to this special service.

Sunday School re-starts after the summer break on Sunday September 14th at 10.45am - 12 noon. All children are welcome, just turn up.

High Bickington Village Flower and Vegetable Show

Many thanks to everyone who supported the show on Saturday 16th August.

Entries were slightly up on last year, and in some categories, of a very high standard.

Special thanks to those who donated prizes, helped with the teas and sold raffle tickets. Also to our judges, Mr Derek Matthews and Mrs Stella Burrows.

The Huxtable Challenge Bowl was won by Barry Checksfield for most points in the show, and junior winners were Jessica Brayley and Paul Stewart.

As a result of the show, the sum of Ł67 is being sent to the North Devon Hospice bed appeal.

Jean Checksfield

From the Archives

Researched by Richard Lethbridge, MBE

January 1934 - ATHERINGTON

The annual treat and prize distribution in connection with St. Mary's Sunday school and day-school took place in the Schoolroom on Thursday last, when the children were entertained to tea. Later, parents joined them, and after a very enjoyable evening of games and dancing, Mrs. Good distributed the Sunday school prizes, and the departing guests received sweets and oranges.

The New Year was heralded by the pealing of bells, and Christmas parties were the order of the week.. The children of the Baptist Sunday school were entertained, as usual, by Mr. And Mrs. Folland, of Eastacombe, and by Mr. and Mrs. J. Andrew, at Umberleigh Barton, and these eagerly anticipated annual parties were greatly enjoyed by the children an their parents. Tea and supper, sweets and fruit, games and singing in farmsteads gay with holly and garlands, the delightful ride home to the sleeping village, and so to bed - these are the delights of a country Christmas party which lasts almost the round of the clock.

28th November 1872 - HIGH BICKINGTON

THE ANNUAL HUNTING FEAST was held here on Wednesday last. Michael Tout, Esq., met at the village with his celebrated pack of harriers, about eleven o'clock a.m., and was received by a large company of farmers and rural sportsmen. James Gurnet, gamekeeper to C. Burridge Esq., who is ever ready to assist on such occasions, had several hares in view for the day. The first was turned out near the village which afforded fine sport to the inhabitants, and after an hour's run was killed in first-rate style. The second was turned out and killed after a short run, and a third was soon on foot, and after a capital chase was killed, amid cheers from the sportsmen. It now being four o'clock, the company returned to the Black Horse Inn, where they sat down to a capital dinner, served up by Mr. And Mrs. Coats, who deserve great praise for their catering. Mr. J. Mortimore (Chittlehampton) presided, Mr. R. Gill acted as vice, and among the company we noticed Messrs. Boucher (High Bickington), A. Ross (Sidmouth), T. Cooke (Burrington), J. Harris and J. Clarke (Roborough) with a large gathering of farmers and tradesmen from the parish. After the removal of the cloth the usual and loyal toasts were given from the chair and duly honoured. The Licensing Act prevented other toasts being submitted, according to the wishes of the company, and consequently they were grouped as follows: "The health and prosperity of the noble masters of the hounds in this locality," "The Trustees of the Pyncombe Charity," "C. Burridge, Esq.," (who rents the shooting over the manor), "R. Easton, Esq., the worthy steward, " "The strangers," and "Farmers of the parish," which were received with musical hips. The gentry connected with property subscribed most liberally in order to give the working classes a cheap dinner, washed down with a quantum of good old English ale, which was enjoyed by all until nearly closing time, when one wended his way home, highly satisfied with the day's amusements.

Thought for the month...

Rev Mark Noakes

Dear friends...

On Sunday 7th December, at 2.30pm, High Bickington Methodist Church will be holding a ‘Pet Service’. The most famous of these has to be the one featured in an episode of ‘The Vicar of Dibly’, yet I hope ours will once again go a little more smoothly than theirs. The service is a chance to give thanks for the gift of our furry (or scaly) friends and to remember our duty towards them.

For many through the ages creation, in all its beauty and power, has been seen as a ‘natural revelation’ of God. Although we have moved away from a watchmaker view of God that emerged at the beginning of the 18th century advances in science it is still the case that all around us can speak to us of things spiritual. For those of faith this may mean a designer or ‘craftsman’ – a creator. From the smallest, most delicate flower to the might of waves and volcano, from the majesty of the eagle to the wonder of the night sky (when its clear!!), all around we can see hints of God. It works for me. To be in creation is to be in God’s Cathedral. Therefore we must care for it.

This is where our Pet Service fits in. If you would like to join us please feel free, even if you do not have your own pet to bring. More details can be given by the usual contacts.

Every blessing

Mark

CHARITY CRICKET MATCH

The annual cricket match between High Bickington Cricket Club and the Veterans' XI took place on Wednesday 16th July.

Weather conditions were not ideal as a fine misty rain permeated the area and visibility was not good, especially for the Veterans Team, some of whom have difficulty in seeing very well at the best of times. Nevertheless a dazzling exhibition of cricketing skills was displayed and several gasps of amazement were heard from the small but dedicated crowd in the stands. The Veterans benefited from a number of new recruits this year, all of whom acquitted themselves with honour and give rise to hopes that there will be victories for the Veterans in future years. This year, however, victory belonged to High Bickington who, as ever, put on a skilful and sporting show. The match was followed by refreshments and a very good supper at the Old George.

The sum of Ł125 was raised for Torrington Hospital and enormous thanks are due to High Bickington Cricket Club and Playing Field Committee, all players and spectators, donors of draw prizes and the management and staff of the Old George.

Go to October 2003 issue