Edition 131 - April 2011
APRIL SHOWERS
It is fun to be caught in an April shower
And to run from the scattering rain,
Down the fields and over the style
Into the sheltering lane.
It is fun to be caught in an April shower
For the sun is shining anew,
Luring us back to the fields of green
Under their tent of blue.
It is fun to be caught in an April shower
For this is the promise of spring,
A portent of all that is coming our way,
The bounty sweet nature will bring.
EDITORIAL
We have 'sprung forward'! The evenings are now much longer, the daffodils, magnolias and camellias are in full bloom and the hedges greening up by the day. Spring has arrived.
The last couple of months have been busy in the village, and the next two look set to follow suit. Make a note of all the events on your calendar and take part whenever you can.
Hopefully, the lovely sunny and warmer days of late have brightened up those who are not feeling at their best, and have proved a warm welcome to all newcomers to the village. We particularly take this opportunity to welcome our new Rector, Chris Steed, and his wife Clare.
Mary's delightful February cover has received many compliments and I hope we'll be able to enjoy another before too long. Nigel's work on the covers this time, inspired by a poem by Maurice Fleming and sent in by Judith. Thank you both.
Between the covers is another extra bumper and varied edition. Thank you to all contributors. However, what a headache for your poor editor! To keep it at 48 pages [the maximum], some articles have had to appear in a slightly smaller font size. I do hope that this doesn't spoil your enjoyment or make reading too hard and apologies to those contributors whose articles have been 'doctored' in this way.
The next issue will be June, when unbelievably we'll be approaching the longest day! Articles and items for that will be needed by Monday, 16th June, at the latest, but earlier than that would be wonderful!
My best wishes to you all for a Happy Easter.
Judie - Ed
1
SPRING
Contributed by Trev
Spring, the sweet spring
Is the year's pleasant king.
Thomas Nashe
[1567-1601]
It was a lover and his lass,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
That o'er the green cornfield did pass,
In springtime, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring.
Between the acres of the rye,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
Those pretty country folks would lie,
In springtime, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring.
This carol they began that hour,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
How that a life was but a flower
In springtime, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring.
And therefore take the present time,
With a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino;
For love is crowned with the prime
In springtime, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring.
William Shakespeare
[1564-1616]
Illustrations by the late Helen Armstead
2
IN MEMORIAM
ALASTAIR JOLYON CRIGHTON
[1939-2011]
Not how did he die, but how did he live?
Not what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer?
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say.
But how many were sorry when he passed away.
Anon
It
was with sadness that those in the village who knew Alastair from the many
facets of his life - at
Alastair
moved to Berrynarbor from the
Heartfelt
thanks to everyone who attended Alastair's wonderful Thanksgiving Service and
for the cards, flowers, donations and messages of sympathy. Seeing
Alan Bacon, former Head of Ilfracombe
College, gave an inspired and uplifting eulogy which was a fitting tribute to a
gifted and vibrant man, who touched so many lives before his illness, whether
through teaching, music or sport. He
will be sorely missed by many.
Elaine
and Family
It
is with sadness we received details of the deaths of Jack Rollings and Margaret
Draper and our thoughts are with Phil and both their families.
JACK ROLLINGS
[14.4.1929-28.12.2010]
Jack was the youngest of four boys and a girl
born to William and Maud Rollings who lived on Bedminster Down in
Jack
enjoyed his time at
His
wife Margaret and his sons, John and Andy, will continue their visits to the
area Jack enjoyed so much.
MARGARET
[29.10.1926-24.1.2011]
Margaret
was one of five children born to William and Nellie Draper at Number 94
Berrynarbor [Jacobs Well] - Winnie,
Phyllis and Sheila being the other girls and the one boy, Denzil. She was the middle child and the last of
the family to survive. She went to
school at Berrynarbor and later at Combe Martin
The
family moved to Ilfracombe in 1946 and resided at
She
was a bright and intelligent person with a sense of humour and fun, who would
often have a joke to tell. Quizzes,
crosswords and puzzles also provided much enjoyment. She was also quite an accomplished poet and
had at least two poems published, particularly acrostic poems, and included
them in any birthday cards she sent.
She was a keen darts and skittles player and for many years was among
the organisers of the local leagues, serving on many committees and also
winning many trophies, individually and as a team member. Despite never marrying or having children of
her own, she adored them. Whether it
was her nephews and nieces, great nieces and nephews or the children of
friends.
She
was diagnosed with cancer three years ago and fought valiantly. However, the
struggle became too much and she died peacefully early on the morning of the
24th January. Her funeral was at
Emmanuel Church Ilfracombe on the 4th February. She is sadly missed by her nephews and
nieces who live in
Phil
Rollings
Towards Spring
The weather, at this time of year
Gives so little warmth or cheer
Day's are dull, so seldom bright
In fact! It always seems like night
The rain comes down the wind doth blow
Plus hail, sleet and sometimes snow
Although it's cold, the lambs are born
And birds sing sweetly every morn
Giving us joy and hope each day
As we go along the way
Nature is a wondrous thing
And very soon it will be spring
Margaret Draper
3
ST. PETER'S CHURCH
The
service for the Women's World Day of Prayer held in Berrynarbor on Friday, 4th
March, went smoothly and according to plan thanks to the Leader, Doreen Prater,
and all those who took part from the various churches, not forgetting our
Organist, Stuart Neale. There were 36
of us gathered together and our speaker was well received. The collection for WWDP charities amounted
to £111.
Mothering
Sunday is on the 3rd April at
Palm
Sunday will be celebrated on the 17th April, again at
- Good
Friday,
- Easter
Day,
Please look out for posters nearer the
time. The church will be decorated on
the Friday evening, 22nd April, and on Saturday. Gifts of flowers [which should be white] and
donations towards the cost of lilies may be given to Sue Neale, telephone
883893.
As
we go to press, we have heard that the Licensing of the new vicar, Yvonne
Yates, who has been appointed to live in Lynton and to be part of the North
Devon Coast Team, will take place in
Christian
Aid Week begins on the 15th May this year and there will be an envelope
collection around the village.
There
will be a Friendship Lunch at The Globe on Wednesday, 25th May; the date for April has yet to be discussed -
it should be the 27th but this would be immediately before the Royal Wedding
and may not suit everyone.
The
Annual Meeting of the Church was held on the 14th March. Attendance was low, with only 9 people
present, most of whom were
The
- Stuart Neale -
Churchwarden
- Sylvia Berry and
David Steed - Deputy Wardens
- Marion Carter -
- Mary Tucker -
- Sue Neale and Doreen Prater
We
are all available when needed - please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our new Rector can be contacted on the old
number - 883203
Mary Tucker
LICENSING SERVICE FOR CHRIS STEED
This
was a special day in this year's calendar, to celebrate the licensing of our
new Rector Chris Steed, held at
About
300 people attended the evening service presided over by Bishop Michael of
It
was very pleasing to see several school children from the parishes, and we were
delighted that
The
service and music were largely the choosing of our new Rector and as
Choirmaster it was a privilege to lead singers from Berrynarbor, Combe Martin
and Parracombe, together with other friends throughout the service. The Choir, some 22 members strong, led the
service and as a special request from Chris, performed Elgar's beautiful anthem
'Ave Verum Corpus'. A special thank you
must go to Pat Taylor who played the organ for the rehearsal and the licensing
service.
Chris
Steed showed all his warmth and jovial personality throughout the proceedings,
and the hour long service was followed by a wonderful buffet - and grateful
thanks must go to the ladies of all parishes for providing sandwiches, cakes
and other refreshments.
We,
the parishioners of Berrynarbor, welcomed Christ Steed to his first service at
St. Peter's Church on Sunday, 20th February, and together with
Stuart Neale
Churchwarden, Organist and Choirmaster
4
We are sorry to report the sad loss of Ben,
the pony, who passed away at Moules Farm on 22nd February. He was a very old boy [38] and much loved
friend. We should like to say a big
thank you to Norman, Dave and family for their help, support and friendship
over the years. Also many thanks to the
local children who befriended Ben and helped make his life a happy one.
Janet and Malcolm Knight
5
IN REMEMBRANCE
About
three years ago, we, at St. Peter's Church, were asked to provide somewhere in
the churchyard where people who had family grave scattered throughout the
country, could have a focal point to remember family and friends and leave
flowers and wreaths. At the time, we
did not have any money to comply with this request.
With
the money from the collection taken at Mum's funeral and from donations, we
have been able to purchase this cross and have it erected in our churchyard,
thanks to your generosity. A vase has
also been placed in front of the cross for those who wish to leave fresh
flowers.
I
am sure you will be pleased to know that already it is being used and we have
had some beautiful flowers left there.
Marion Carter
6
WEATHER OR NOT
The
first week of January was wetter than the whole of December, although the total
of 156mm [6 1/8"] was fairly average for a month where rainfall varies
considerably. With strong, blustery
south to south westerly winds, it was reasonably mild until the 17th, then
overnight the temperature dropped away as pressure rose. The next few days were calm, still, cold and
frosty, then on the 24th the temperature recovered before falling again to
-4.2 Deg C at the end of the month, one of the lowest temperatures this
winter. The maximum temperature for the
month was 12.5 Deg C, about average, as was the wind chill of -11 Deg C.
15.38 hours of sunshine were recorded, exceeding all previous years
apart from last year when nearly five hours more were recorded.
February
was milder; according to 'Spotlight' the
mildest since 2002, and the 9th mildest for 100 years. With a maximum temperature of 13 Deg C and a
minimum of 0.1 Deg C, it was the first month since October not to drop below
freezing. The wind picked up on the 2nd
and blew continually at strong to gale force for nearly a week, with a maximum
gust of 34 knots on the 6th. It was a
damp month, only the last day not having some precipitation, although the total
for the month was only 79mm [3 1/8"].
Sunshine hours of 34.89 were above the norm, but did not reflect the
dull month.
March
has come in 'like a lamb' - let's hope that the worst of the winter weather is
behind us and that there isn't a sting in the tail!
Simon and Sue
7
MANOR
The latest news from the Manor Hall
concerns the refurbishment of the kitchen and the opportunity to report that
this project is well advanced, but there are still some important finishing
touches needed. The wooden panelling to
the walls and ceiling have been prepared for final decorating and a
certain amount of tiling will be needed.
All should be complete by the end of March and we hope you'll be pleased
with the result. In stripping out the old
kitchen, you'd be amazed how much "clutter" we had to clear out in to
the magic wheelie bin, and in going forward, we need your help please to ensure
that there is no build up of such stuff in the future! Thank you.
A new supply of extra blue padded chairs is
in the pipeline as part 2 of the plan to phase out the plastic ones. This will take the total of this better
variety to over 70. Long may you sit
comfortably!
There
is a Health & Safety issue which I really must draw to everyone's attention. It concerns the Fire Alarm. It seems that a fault had developed on one
piece of the circuitry which probably caused a false alarm, but certainly for a
fault light to be activated on the Control Box just inside the front
door. To 'kill' the alarm,
someone switched off the mains power to the system but did not alert
anyone! The result was a period when
the Hall was without alarm cover! The
back-up batteries [there to keep the system alive should mains power ever be
interrupted] became discharged and the batteries had to be replaced, at a cost
approaching £45! I leave you to be
judge on this one but we must ask all Hall Users to be alert to
any issues arising and report any problems to myself or indeed anyone on
the Committee. An important matter like
this must never go unreported!
On a positive note, I'm pleased to advise
that Craig Hodgen and Geoff Adam have responded to my earlier requests for help
on the Hall Committee and have now joined the group. At the same time, at least one of our
long-standing Committee members has signalled intention
to step down at the next
Colin Trinder - Chairman
8
CROSSWORD CORNER
Dave Beagley
CALLING COMPILERS!
Are there any budding crossword compilers out there? The supply has now run out, so if you can help it would be wonderful to hear from you. Please give me a ring on [01271] 883544. Thanks.
Ed.
9
THE CINEMA
I
came across this advert the other day which read: 'Home Cinema System, blog sonic XYZ + Home
Theatre System, complete with 6 speakers including subwoofer £100, etc.', and
it brought to mind my time when I lived at Tiptree.
It
was not long before I met a Mr. Chick Bright who, on coming out of the services
after World War II, was determined to have his own cinema. Although
he ran a temporary cinema at a hall in Tiptree, it was not long before he
acquired a bungalow with land at the side suitable for a cinema and enough land
at the back for a car park.
Once
the plans were passed and the villagers heard about the new project, they were
interested enough to want to help with things like digging the footings and
even trundling loads of bricks from the station on hand pushed trolleys.
Illustration by: Paul Swailes
Soon
the cinema was near completion.
Materials were in short supply and a problem arose regarding how to put
a ceiling in. Mrs. Bright came up with
a great idea! She went to the local
butcher and asked for all the carcass muslin covers which were generally
disposed of. She then washed them and
sewed them all together, making one huge piece which was suspended over the
auditorium and it is still there to this day!
The
cinema was called 'The Astoria' and was run by Mr. Bright and his family -
mother would be on the ticket kiosk, father would do the projection and the
daughters would act as usherettes. Mr.
Bright had an
All
went well for a while but attendances began to drop due to television becoming
available. After a while, Mr. Bright
decided that a change had to be made.
"I'll turn it into a dance hall", he said. But this was more easily said than done
because the floor was raked and would have to be levelled, and the radiators
were all at different heights.
However,
when this was sorted there were dances on Saturday nights. But sadly, after each dance there was
trouble outside, which became a major problem, and so "I'm going to try it
as a cinema again," said Mr. Bright.
But
of course by now the floor had been levelled and the only thing to do was to
raise the screen, at the same time change the format from 4 x 3 to widescreen
[cinemascope], achieved by ropes from the projection box. On one occasion a rope dropped down and
knocked off a patron's hat!
It
was interesting to go into the projection box whilst a show was on. The clatter of the machines was like the
noise of a factory, reels were changed every ten minutes and there was a huge,
glowing valve kept in a metal box so that if it exploded it would do no harm.
Interval
music was provided by a quite ordinary record player and focus was checked by a
small pair of binoculars used through one of the projection ports.
Once
again attendances dwindled and Mr. Bright had to think again. Fortunately, the cinema had been built with
a shop at the front and so Mr. Bright opened it for selling electrical
goods. The seats were all cleared from
the cinema and it was let for functions and dancing classes.
One
day when I was chatting to Mr. Bright, he told me that the
Well,
I completely forgot all about it until one day when we had the radio on and the
announcer said: "This week,
Workers' Playtime comes from Tiptree."
Without hesitation I rushed around to the cinema where I was welcomed
with a "Quick, come in." The
stars of the show were the singer Ann Shelton and Cyril Fletcher.
Sadly,
Mr. Bright passed on and the cinema sold and the auditorium is now a large
white goods and electrical shop.
However, if you go in and go to the far end and turn and look back, you
can still see the old projection ports.
Illustration by: : Paul Swailes
Tony Beauclerk - Stowmarket.
10
NEWS FROM THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Spring
is here and we've been enjoying the sunshine.
What a difference it makes to be outside in the warm sun. Let's hope it continues.
After
a quieter term, we are gearing up for the summer.
We
took delivery of our Mystery Seeds from the Horticultural Show team on
Friday. The children will be working in
teams to sow and bring on the seeds and try and identify them. We shall be drawing, measuring and charting
the plants' progress and competing against each other to see who can identify
the plants first. The teachers were so
excited when we were planning the project that they have asked for a set of
mystery seeds for the staffroom! I'll let
you know how we get on!
We
took part in Red Nose Day last Friday - the children dressed in red and some
created wonderful outfits. Two weeks
ago we took part in Big Yellow Friday to raise money for the Children's Liver
Disease Foundation - once again the children dressed up, but this time in
yellow. A cake sale in the playground
ended each day and we raised nearly £200 for these good causes.
Our
We
are planning an Arts Week for the last week of term and hope to include puppet
making, music and dance. Class 3 will
perform their production 'The Son Flower' - a musical with an Easter theme, on
Thursday, 7th April.
Children
in Class 4 took part in a competition organised by Rotary Clubs UK. Lots of our children were very successful
and certificates will be presented on Friday, 1st April. The theme was Community Spirit. Lots of the children wrote stories or
reports. Tulsi chose to write a poem
which I have included below.
The Community Spirit Poem
by Tulsi
The spirit of the village is alive and well,
From the top of the valley to the sound of the bell.
The old and the young we all help each other,
From the children in school to Father and Mother.
Everyone enjoys the crafts at the show,
It makes us happy when we are feeling low.
Our community shop has all the vegetables and fruits,
We have jumble sales and car boots.
In our carnival we have lots of amazing floats,
And in the raft race lots of sinking boats.
Our village won the Village in Bloom prize,
Because it's so beautiful it was no surprise.
Carnival, Fete, Church and School,
We work together because we love them all.
Su Carey - Head Teacher
11
WAKE UP BERRYNARBOR!
This
is a call to everyone to wake up to what we have and what we could so easily
lose if we don't act now!
We
have a superb Shop and Post Office facility that a lot of villages would die
for, yet it is being put at risk as not enough people are giving it sufficient
support, or in some cases no support at all!
OK,
the Shop is not in imminent danger of closing, but it cannot be expected to
depend on the summer visitors for its survival. Unless it gets a higher level of support
throughout the year it could fail.
Consider the consequences if this should happen.
Wake
up to the fact that many of the regular activities that make our community so
vibrant and active, revolve around the Shop.
-
Where
do you pick up your Newsletter? The
Shop.
-
Where
do you learn about events for the School, the Church and the Village? The Shop.
-
Where
do you buy your tickets for village activities? The Shop.
-
Where
do you advertise your goods and services?
The Shop notice board.
-
Where
do you find details of goods and services you need? The Shop notice board.
-
Where
do you pick up your newspaper or buy your stamps? The Shop
-
Where
are you most likely to meet people, have a chat or whatever? The Shop.
Should the Shop go, these facilities will all go with it,
including the
Post Office.
Wake up - the supermarkets can survive
without us, but the heart of our community - the Shop and Post Office - cannot.
USE IT OR RISK LOSING IT.
The
Shop needs extra purchases from all of us, no matter what else we do for
it. Being a shareholder, a volunteer or
a Shop Committee member is a superb contribution, but that only got the shop
started - it will not keep going without sufficient sales.
Just try to spend say £10 a week in the Shop
and its future will be secure.
Tony Summers
Please note that I am only a volunteer. I have no connection with the Committee nor
does the Committee have any connection with this article or even necessarily
agree with the views expressed.
12
BERRYNARBOR OF YESTERYEAR
The
Village
- School Playground
- Bessemer Thatch [with thatch!]
- Mr. and Mrs. Baker - Shop [now Flowerdew]
- Petrol Pump [1/6d per gallon!]
- Mr. Camp - Blacksmith
- Globe Inn - Mr. Cornish
- No. 45 [Miss Muffets]
Sterridge Valley [on right]
Sheep being driven up the Valley passing Woodvale on the right, and showing Barn Cottage further on, on the left. The pictures dated about 1920 were sent by Don Thirkell, now of St. Column Major.
13
14
THE TICKING HEART OF BERRYNARBOR
The two faces of the clocks on St. Peter's
The two different faces of the clocks was the subject of an e-mail received recently, enquiring of the reason and asking if the story that one of the faces was damaged by a stone being thrown for a bet was true.
Yes, that story is true and took place about 60 years ago when one of the village lads was bet five shillings [quite a lot in those days] that he couldn't hit the clock face. He won the bet! However, it is thought that the clock face was repaired and so does not explain the reason for two different faces.
Can anyone help with this?
Following on from this e-mail, two more
have been received from Martin Hooper of
The next time you are walking down the
High Street in
John Gaydon [b. 1821], second son of
Alexander and Susannah Gaydon of Swimbridge, was apprenticed during the 1830's
to Richard Passmore, a watch and clock maker and jeweller of High Street
Barnstaple. Alexander Gaydon was the
innkeeper of the New Inn, now the
According
to an old booklet from Berrynarbor church, the clock was installed in 1852 by
Farrington of Bristol and the striking train was added in 1888 by John
Gaydon.
We normally only see the dials [or faces]
of the clock, but the ticking heart, the clock movement with its gears and
levers, is hidden away in the tower. The illustrated image below shows the
Berrynarbor clock movement.
From
this image, one can clearly see the cast iron posted
frame movement with its six [6] round
posts, all topped with acorn finials. This frame style for turret clocks was popular from about
1790 to 1850. The original four
[4] posts associated with the timekeeping train are on the left and centre
while the additional two [2] associated with the striking train are on the
right. These two trains of gear wheels
are mounted vertically as was the fashion in this frame type. The top end of the pendulum can be seen
coming from the top arbor [or axle] of the timekeeping train and disappearing
below the bottom of the image.
The
bevel gearing and the two leading off rods, which transmit movement to the
dials, are visible in the centre forefront of this image. Presumably the rod coming out of the image
goes to the west dial and the one leading off to the right goes to the south
dial. The internal setting dial would
be on the other side of the clock movement opposite to the position of the west
leading off rod. The dark black metal
framing on top of the movement was added to accommodate the two electrical
motors which now wind the timekeeping and striking sides of the clock.
The
second image shows in more detail the timekeeping train of 4 gear wheels with
the great wheel being counted as No. 1.
The Berrynarbor clock is most unusual as
it has two different dials. Two dials
are not unusual, but two different styles and sizes are. From the plaque attached to the clock, we
know that John Gaydon added a new dial as well as the striking train in
1888. The plaque reads: Striking Part
and New Dial added 1888, John Gaydon, Clock Maker,
What remains unanswered is which dial did
John Gaydon install? There are several
factors which suggest that the larger one was added in 1888. Firstly, the glazed skeleton dial is very
similar to the dials that John installed around that time at Lynton [1887] and
Landkey [1887]. Secondly, if the larger
dial already existed it seems highly unlikely that John Gaydon, with his
extensive experience in installing turret clocks, would have recommended such a
small dial [3' dia.] for so high a church tower. Finally, all the other known dials that he
installed in
The information
presented above comes from '19th Century Gaydon Clock & Watch Makers',
which is in draft form and nearing completion.
I anticipate publishing in three months' time. If anyone has more information on this
clock, I should be delighted to hear from them.
Martin Hooper [gaydon.hooper@hotmail.com.]
My sincere thanks to
Kevin Brooks for supplying the image of the Gaydon plaque.
15
CONGRATULATIONS!
ENGAGEMENT
Pat and Malcolm Sayer are delighted to announce the engagement of their
eldest daughter, Karen, to Nick Hawke from Witney in Oxfordshire. They are to marry here in the village church
on Saturday, 17th September.
Congratulations!
16
On the 3rd April, Philton House is
celebrating a very special birthday, when Cecil Hodkinson, Pip Summers' father,
will reach the grand old age of 100!
Cecil and his wife, Ina, have lived in the
annexe alongside Pip and Tony for the last ten years, just a couple of years
after finally retiring at the age of 88 from the pottery he started in Braunton
in the mid-1950's.
Prior to this he had worked as a senior
metallurgist for a company in
Many people in the village will have met
Ina on her visits to the shop for her weekly shopping, or when attending the Friendship
Lunch at The Globe or Coffee Mornings, but Cecil is not familiar to many
residents as unfortunately he is a bit unsteady on his feet these days so can
only get out and about by car, courtesy of Pip or Tony.
While not a true local, he loves the
village and is proud to be one of, if not possibly its oldest inhabitant.
Happy Birthday Cecil, and many happy
returns!
Pip, Tony and Family.
And so say all of us!
17
DIGITAL TV PROBLEMS
Following reports to you in past newsletters I've been monitoring digital TV reception in our village over the winter. Although things have markedly improved, there are still short episodes of no TV signal and picture break up. So I wrote again to Digital UK and got a very helpful and comprehensive reply which is printed below. It would seem that I can go no further with this investigation now unless the residents of Berrynarbor record the faults (date, time, length of signal interruption and TV channel affected) and let me have their findings. If many households are still affected we can prove that there is still a transmitter problem, otherwise we have to assume the current problems are due to signal interference, atmospheric conditions or poor domestic TV aerials. I did have a written response from a resident but one is not enough to continue to put pressure on Digital UK and to get their help. So it's now over to you.
Jill Massey
Tel no 01271 882445
email t.massey44@btinternet.com
Dear Mrs Massey,
Thank you for your further messages, and I'm sorry for the delay in responding to you.
Because most of the specific problems which have been reported to you relate to the BBC's services, we have been in touch with the BBC to check whether there were any transmitter faults or engineering works on the dates you mention. We understand that while engineering work may have affected services on 16 & 17 November last year, none of the other reports obviously correspond to transmitter issues.
It therefore seems likely that the problems could have more localised causes: for example local interference, or issues caused by poor aerial installations (poor aerials may cause intermittent loss of digital reception as atmospheric conditions change). I mentioned some points to consider relating to aerial installations in my previous reply, but am not sure whether residents who have reported more recent problems have had their aerial systems checked.
It is not quite clear from your message whether the incidents of poor reception affected more than one household, or whether they were isolated difficulties. Obviously, poor reception affecting a single household is likely to indicate that an interference, installation, or equipment problems may be to blame.
I also note that some reported problems affected only a single channel. Unlike analogue TV, digital TV is transmitted by combining several different channels into a single signal (technically known as a "multiplex"), therefore any reception or interference issues will affect all channels within the same multiplex equally. At transmitters such as the Berrynarbor relay, all the BBC channels are carried in one multiplex, and the commercial channels are carried in a second multiplex. A third multiplex carries the four Freeview HD channels, but can only be received by viewers with Freeview HD equipment. Therefore if problems occur in the future, it would be worth checking whether the other channels in the same multiplex are affected.
The BBC is now responsible for assessing suspected cases of local interference problems affecting all TV channels, and they can offer more specific advice on general transmission or reception difficulties affecting their own services. If problems recur, I would suggest contacting the BBC direct: an interference and reception tool is available on their website at https://faq.external.bbc.co.uk/templates/bbcfaqs/emailstatic/interferencePage.
Alternatively, the BBC's Television and Radio Investigation Service can be contacted on 03700 100 123, or emailed at interference_complaints@bbc.co.uk.
You also mention the range of channels transmitted in your area. As I mentioned above, the Berrynarbor relay transmits three Freeview multiplexes, containing 15 channels from the UK's Public Service Broadcasters (the BBC, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5) as well as four high-definition services. This represents a significant increase from the four channels formerly transmitted in analogue. In keeping with the Government's requirement that the former analogue channels should be as widely available in digital form after switchover as in analogue, all of the UK's 1154 transmitters were required to be upgraded to carry these three Public Service Broadcaster multiplexes at the time of switchover.
80 of the UK's larger transmitters, including the Huntshaw Cross and Caradon Hill transmitters in your area, do transmit a further three multiplexes and offer around 40 channels in total. However, these additional services are provided on a purely commercial basis, and it was for the operators of these services to decide whether to extend the commercial multiplexes to additional transmitters at digital switchover. Due to the high cost of extending their networks, the operators decided not to adopt more than their existing 80 transmitters. There are also insufficient transmission frequencies available for all six multiplexes to be broadcast from all transmitters.
I hope that these explanations are helpful.
Peter Madry
18
Our
circle was delighted to have a third visit from Jonathan Coulthard this
month. March hares weren't there but
there were numerous impressed mutterings and smiling faces when they sampled
his two whites, one rose and three reds!
It is unusual to enjoy all presented wines; some can be too dry, too
sweet or a preference for a red wine, for example, means that whites just
aren't appreciated. This wasn't apparent
on this occasion and we were surrounded by members who agreed with us.
Jonathan
had a successful career in civil engineering at Heathrow until the '90's when
he felt a strong desire to change direction.
Student life beckoned, at Plumpton College in East Sussex, which is the
only college in the whole of the UK offering degree-level courses in
Viticulture [the science of cultivating grapevines] and Oenology [the study of
wine]. A further two-year's practical
experience in
Which reminds me . . . unfortunately,
our year is coming to an end. April and
May's evenings will be our last until we restart in October.
Tony Summers, our enthusiastic
Secretary, will enlighten us in April as we tap into South American
tipples. Our May
meeting includes formality, but there will be brevity too!
Our
Judith
Adam -Promotional Co-ordinator
19
BERRYNABOR UPHOLSTERY GROUP
The Berrynarbor Upholstery Group continues to meet every Monday morning in the Manor Hall. We carry out personal projects to renovate and re-upholster favourite pieces of furniture, from stools to sofas, armchairs to chaise longues. If you have a well loved chair or stool that is no longer looking its best but that you hate to part with, why not bring it along and we'll help you to apply some TLC to breathe new life into it. We are a very friendly group and a very inexpensive morning out. All we pay is £3 each to cover the cost of the Hall and 50p for as many cups of tea or coffee and biscuits as you want! We have trade accounts set up so that the materials needed are available at virtually cost price.
Call in at the Hall any Monday morning or
ring Tony Summers on [01271] 883600 for more information.
20
REPORT FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL
Berrynarbor
continues to enjoy minimal crime with only one crime being reported at the
February and March Meetings. Long may it continue.
Reports
have been received from the County and District Councillors.
There are several ongoing items: repair of the War Memorial, the Play
Area where Councillors remain unsatisfied with an Inspection which is the
reason why the swings are chained back to prevent use until a quotation has
been agreed for the replacement of the top bar, as corrosion has been noticed
with the present one. The Play Area is due to be inspected by a RoSPA
Inspector during March, whose Report will follow shortly after. Many of
you will have noticed a new Play Area sign which has been fixed to the gate.
Following a request by Lee Lodge,
the leylandi trees at the Playing Field have been either felled or the branches
trimmed to let more light into the windows.
The Electricity Supply provider
for the public toilets has been changed from EDF Energy to E-On for a more
competitive tariff.
County Councillor Mrs Davis is
making arrangements for a sign to be fixed at Birdswell Lane to prevent large
lorries from accessing this who at present experience difficulty in turning.
As always, Highways feature at
Meetings and all potholes and other issues are promptly advised to DCC
Highways.
The village has once again been entered into
the Best Kept Village Competition. There are also details about the Pam
Parker Map Award for individual children aged 5-11 years, the Primary School
and Sunday School. Please contact me or a Councillor if you would like more
details.
We are in the process of revising
our Standing Orders.
Ahead of the Meeting on 8th March,
there was a Public Meeting at which Alison Smith of DCC Public Rights of Way
gave an illustrated talk regarding the Definitive Map Review.
The April Meeting will be the last
in the life of this present Council, with Parish and District Council Elections
being held on Thursday 5 May. There are 9 seats to fill and if you would
like a Nomination Pack, please let me know. Alternatively the forms can
be downloaded via the North Devon Council website: www.northdevon.gov.uk/electiontimetable
The deadline date for the return of the forms to the Electoral
Services Department is
There have been a number of
Planning Applications to consider, for which a response has been sent to North
Devon Council Planning Department.
Sue
Squire - Parish Clerk
21
PAST EVENTS
CRAFT
GROUP KNIT IN
On
the afternoon of Valentine's Day, the Manor Hall was a veritable hive of
industry with some 30 ladies clacking their needles - knitting and nattering
whilst producing colourful strips for the North Devon Hospice to have made into
blankets. These are then given to
deserving causes including Age Concern, David Rundle Rwanda Trust, Amigos and
even for our four-footed friends at the Dogs' Trust.
Knitters
joined other visitors for tea and cakes and all participated in the
raffle. £270 was taken to the Hospice,
together with 38 yards, 1 foot and 1 inch of strips - no, not all knitted that
afternoon! Thank you to everyone who
came to support this event. Since the
first Knit In, Berrynarbor Knitters have raised more than £3,000 for the
Hospice.
Don't
forget, the Craft Group meets every Monday afternoon, from
We enjoy tea on arrival, tea and chocolate
biscuits later, and great company - and all for £2.00. Why don't you come and join us?
BUMPER
JUMBLE SALE
.
. . . and what a 'bumper' one it was!
By the time the door opened, a long queue had formed outside the Manor
Hall and for the best part of the next hour and a half, the hall was a seething
mass of people from far and wide, including a group of Combe Martin Senior
Citizens who had hired Mark and his mini-bus to bring them and take them back.
Bargain
hunters picked over the large variety of clothes and fabrics, looked through
the selection of books, videos and
Congratulations
to Vi and Ann, and all their helpers, on a well-organised sale.
Many
thanks to all the helpers and people who donated to make the event such a
success. A total of £484 was raised and
has been divided between Macmillan Cancer and Devon Air Ambulance.
The
good folks of Berrynarbor, and friends from far and wide, turned up in their
masses at the Manor Hall for an evening of quizzing under the direction of
expert Quizmaster Phil Bridle and Tracy, his assistant. With many teams taking part, quizzing began
in earnest only to be put on hold during a break to enjoy a delicious supper of
cottage pie and beans. That set off a
good start to the second part of the evening and there was a general sigh of
relief when the music section was aborted - often the decider when the younger
quizzers and their iPod's know all the answers!
The
Hoi Polloi's reigned supreme, team Sterridge Bottom lived up to its name and
Better at Darts were seen leaving the hall with an enormous flower pot, their
prize for winning the Gardening section.
Congratulations to everyone involved in organising a great evening
raising over £600 for
22
FUTURE EVENTS
23
We
have got off to a really good start this year, with a very successful fund
raising quiz night at the Manor Hall in February, followed by a well attended
and helpful meeting in The Globe and at the first litter pick of the year we
had so many good folk attend that we almost ran out of roads to send them
on! It is great to know that the village is pulling
together to try and equal our win in the Best Kept Village competition last
year, and help us in our efforts to get Gold in the National R.H.S. Britain in
Bloom competition 2011, where we'll be representing the South West. Two Bloomers went all the way to
We have decided to use Streamways Nurseries again
for the hanging baskets and if you want to join in this scheme we'll be collecting
and taking the baskets over to Georgeham in the next week or so. Please ring Wendy on [01271] 882296 if you
would like to participate.
We've
also set the dates for the two Gardens Open events this year. 12th June for the Village gardens and 3rd
July for the
Wendy Applegate
24
Easter
Chocolate Cake
This
is a special cake for Easter, perhaps with a little more work and what you may
think a strange ingredient - butternut squash.
But just think how moist carrots make a carrot cake and give it a try!
- 3 medium free range eggs
- 160g caster sugar
- 200g peeled and grated butternut squash
- 120g white rice flour
- 3 tbsp good quality cocoa powder
[not drinking chocolate]
- 80g ground almonds
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 125ml buttermilk [sold in Sainsbury's]
For the icing
- 50g unsalted butter softened
- 200g icing sugar sieved
- 50g Mascarpone
- 4 tsp cocoa powder
- Small pinch of salt
- Mini Easter eggs, little chicks etc. to decorate
Preheat the oven to180 Deg /350 Deg /gas
mark 4. Line 2 sandwich tins
measuring18cm x 5cm deep with baking parchment and lightly brush base and sides
with vegetable oil.
Whisk
the eggs and caster sugar in a large bowl using electric beaters for about 4
minutes or until pale and fluffy. Beat
in the butternut squash, ground almonds, flour, baking powder, cocoa powder,
bicarbonate of soda and salt. Add the
buttermilk and beat until all the ingredients are well blended.
Pour
the mixture in to the tins evenly and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
Once
cooked, remove from the oven, turn them out of the tins and take off the lining
paper. Cool on a wire rack. Make
the icing while the cakes are cooking, but do not ice the cake until completely
cold. Beat the butter with 100g of the
icing sugar in a large bowl using the back of a wooden spoon, this may need
some patience but when you reach a lovely rich paste beat for a further 10
seconds to loosen the
butter further. Add the Mascarpone cheese, cocoa powder and salt as well as the remaining icing sugar, beat until
well combined.
Pop the icing in
the fridge for 15 minutes, then just before using beat
it again and use to ice the 2 cakes together in the middle and
top. Decorate with your Easter
decorations and enjoy a lovely tea.
Wendy Applegate
25
RURAL
REFLECTIONS - 49
I
was in the kitchen making the first pot of tea of the day, my thoughts mulling
over the subject matter for this article.
With the kettle nearing boiling point, I switched on the radio and heard
the pips for
Before
I explain, let me first complete the tale of my hideous journey home, or that's
how I saw it at the time after an evening out in
Whilst
my journey to the
Illustration by: Peter Rothwell
With
pelting raindrops lashing my windscreen, I eventually reached Wrafton, only to
meet signs reading "
I
came to a halt. In the distance I was
able to make out two white headlights of a large vehicle; lights that vanished
momentarily, only to be replaced by two red spots which then faded into the
distance. Having obviously turned round
to head back up Winsford Hill, I realized that my little vehicle stood no
chance of wading through the water. Time
to do the same - except my U-turn would be on a descending hairpin bend! No other vehicles, thankfully, came around
the corner.
So,
once again, my little car and I drove off into the rural darkness. Feelings of fear, anger and frustration began
to fill me. A fear of being alone and
stranded in the dark. Frustration that
I had not read nature's warning signs.
Anger that I had moved away from the urban life I had always been used
to - a lifestyle with people always around me and a night sky that was
permanently lit. Now all I had were the
occasional reflections of sheep's eyes and the sound of raindrops stamping upon
my car roof to keep me company.
I
was therefore relieved to see once more the lights of
A
journey that normally takes three-quarters-of-an-hour had taken nearly
four. It had been the worst rainfall I
had ever had to encounter whilst driving.
'What an ordeal!', I kept saying when I told people about it the
following week. But on the seventh day
I stopped telling my story; for one week after my ordeal, to the exact hour
almost, the true power of
water began to show its force. Whilst I
slept soundly during the early hours of Boxing Day, a Tsunami struck
Hence
the shiver that ran down my spine. As I
was contemplating this article, making that first pot of tea of the day, I
listened instead to the shocking news that was breaking of the Tsunami in
I
wish you a peaceful Easter. Let this be
a time when we are grateful for all the beauty that is coming to life in our
countryside. For that is what spring is
all about.
Stephen
McCarthy
26
27
Many
of you know Inge. She lived at
Sherrards in
It
is proving difficult for her to get back to Berrynarbor as often as she would
wish, but she would dearly love visits from her old friends and acquaintances
from the village.
If
you are in
Yvonne Davey.
28
PERSISTENCE
Have
you heard of Reverend John Brown of Haddington,
This
Bible has explanatory notes to help readers to understand the text, and some
Victorian editions had beautiful, coloured
illustrations with space to record family details.
John
Brown would today be described as a disadvantaged child. Born in 1772 to poor parents, he was
orphaned while young, and became a shepherd boy.
A
great reader, and with an astonishing talent for languages, he taught himself
Greek, Latin and Hebrew, for his dearest wish was to become a clergyman.
To
achieve his aim, John Brown earned a living as a pedlar and self-educated
school teacher, overcoming many obstacles along the way.
Rev.
John Brown, Clergyman, Theologian, Scholar and Linguist, died in 1787 in
Haddington, where he had been a much loved clergyman for 36 years.
It was Calvin Coolidge who said of him - 'Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.'
Walter
29
John O'Groats to
for
and young people
with cancer and their families in hospital and the
community
Persistence
is what Walter's son, Malcolm will need when he begins his cycle journey from
John O'Groats to
Jo
was the moving force for this cycle ride, as a colleague's son is suffering
with a tumour and she is giving up most of her holidays to achieve this. Pat has recently retired but has offered her
vehicle and herself for the trip. Married and with a close family, this is a
very generous gesture. She will carry
the kit, tents, etc. Malcolm, too, is
giving up some of his holidays to do the trip.
Donations
for their efforts can be made on-line - where you can also track their progress
- at www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/jo_gle
or there is a collecting box in our Shop and Post Office for you to make a
donation to this very worthwhile cause.
Malcolm
is planning to hold a Car Boot Sale to raise money and asks that if you have
something, in the attic or shed, that you no longer have use for, you might
donate it for this purpose. Items can
be taken to the sale or collected. Look
out for more details of the sale.
Malcolm
thanks you for your kind support and we all wish him the best of luck and good
pedalling!
30
HATCHED!
How nice to be able to give a warm welcome
to some new babies and our congratulations to all the parents and grandparents
. . .
. . . and in this case, great-grandparent
! Ron Toms is very proud and delighted
to share the news that he has a new great-grandson. Shaun Tyler Bolt arrived on the 4th
February, a second child for Darren and Jane, a little brother for Sophie and a very
welcome second grandchild for Sheila and Tony.
Jenny
and Lee Beer are pleased to announce the safe arrival of Ollie Joe Sunny, who
was born on the 20th January, weighing 6 lbs 10 1/2oz, a gorgeous little brother
for both Louis and Ben. Jenny
and Lee wish to say a huge thank you to grandparents Anne and Brian for all
their help, especially their 'meals on wheels' and we hope you enjoy your 4th
grandson.
Michael,
Alan and Anne are the very proud grandparents of new arrival Leeana Brooke
Bacon. Matthew and Gemma are delighted
to announce Leeana's arrival on the 31st January, weighing 9lbs, a little
sister for Dylan, Lola and Summer.
31
NEWS
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
First
of all, thanks go to all who have increased their shopping even a little in the
last month. It's made a
difference. And, as from the 1st April,
the Shop will remain open until
We now have a whole new range of goods
in the shop. Do look out for the Red Cow range of
prepared frozen meals such as Lamb Tagine, Chilli con Carne, Moroccan Meatballs
and a selection of vegetarian meals. This is an
Cherry's cup cakes are local and very
good; Dunstaple Farm is providing new brands
of ice cream; you can buy a pack of frozen pastries to bake at home
[delicious!]; a new selection of cakes: chocolate
muffins or a slice of lemon cake is on offer; a cheaper range of yoghurt is available
as well as Stapleton's; and bird feed is down in price as Anita and Debbie buy it in bulk and
pack it themselves.
All these new items - not bad for a two
month gap since our last News!
Don't
forget Fish
Friday. If you order your fish
by
Easter eggs and cards are now on
sale.
Berry-Bay
is proving quite an attraction, so do have a look when you are next in the
Shop. And, of course, if you have
anything new or nearly new, particularly a craft, please bring it along, ready
priced and we'll see if it will sell - 80% to you and 20% for the Shop.
You
may have noticed in the shop a leaflet about reflexology. This is now available at our shop [upstairs]
on Thursdays. For information or to
book an appointment, please 'phone Liz Lillicrap on [01271] 882179
Don't
forget our Great Plant Sale on Monday 2nd May - both to provide plants and to
buy them! Enquiries to Kath
Thorndycroft Tel: 889019.
There
will also be the usual Golf Tournament that same weekend - details later in the
shop.
And
finally, treat Mum on 3rd April.
Recipes [and ingredients] for a chicken dish, a vegetarian one and an
easy pudding are all in our shop, plus, of course, a great selection of cards.
Happy Easter from Anita, Deb and the Shop Committee
32
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
33
WALTER'S WHISPERS
Wise
Words
Wise words about when and when not to speak your thoughts came from Will Rogers, the American political sage and philosopher [cowboy, actor, comic], who died in a plane crash in 1935.
Here are two of his maxims:
- Never miss a good chance to shut up, and
- Lettin' the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back.
Think About It
If you find yourself troubled by where you
live, the people around you, or the environment you work in, hear what the
philosopher Eusebius had to say about the matter. He lived in
- Remember, a sunbeam passes through pollution, unpolluted.
Salt
Mines
Because salt mines are clean, and have a
constant temperature of 14 degrees, they are useful for storage. During the Second World War, it is believed
that the Crown Jewels were kept in Winsford Mine,
Excalibur
The bottomless Dozmary Pool, in the middle of
bleak and barren Bodmin Moor,
Walter
34
LOCAL
Three Bridges
A
walk along the River Taw in late spring, from Seven Brethren Bank to Elmpark
Copse opposite Bishops Tawton. Once
the retail park was left behind, there was blossom along the path: elderflowers and the creamy white
flower-heads of guilder rose [Viburnum opulus]. The outer row of flowers are three times the
size of the flowers at the centre, but they are sterile. It is the small florets which secrete
nectar. The guilder rose is an
attractive shrub with leaves divided into three lobes.
The
path passed under the old disused railway bridge; now a footbridge from
Soon
we came to the third bridge - the railway bridge carrying the Tarka Line. A train rumbled over it as we
approached. The ground was covered with
the mauve flowers of bush vetch. There
were also the deeper purple flowers of common vetch. A male stonechat perched on some brambles
sounding its eponymous alarm.
We
climbed the steep path which led to Elmpark Copse, full of the blue spikes of
bugle and brown and cream speckled wood butterflies. But we did not manage to get far because the
little wood was overgrown and we had to turn back. And
this turned out to be serendipitous because as we returned along the riverside
path, between the copse and the railway bridge, we heard an unfamiliar sound -
couldn't recognise it at all - a noisy chattering, a loud rattling coming from
some twiggy bushes.
We
located the strange noise. It was being
produced by what appeared at first glance to be two whitethroats. They certainly had white throats but were
slightly smaller and greyer with shorter tails and darker faces. The
tiny birds were actually lesser whitethroats [Sylvia currucua]. They are summer visitors and passage
migrants and the south-west of
The
unintentionally funny description of a lesser whitethroat, in one of my field
guides is: 'a relatively short-tailed
warbler with retiring habits'!
Sue H
Illustrated by: Paul Swailes
35
FIDO'S LAVATORIAL LAMENT
And you don't want the neighbourhood talking
Just pick up a stick
And with one little flick
It's away from the footpath - how corking!
When in the hedge bottom they're laid
They soon start to biodegrade
But it seems a bit drastic
To wrap them in plastic
And put them on poo-bag parade!
People fling them in hedges and trees
Where they flutter about in the breeze
They just hang where you toss 'em
Among the spring blossom
Shrink-wrapped, and a cause of unease!
So please, simply flick poos aside
Or bag them and BIN them with pride
For we doggies feel harassed
Ashamed and embarrassed
With our 'doings' displayed far and wide!
Debbie Cook
of Crawford Cottage
36
THAT'S A GOOD IDEA!
In
a recent Newsletter I introduced the idea of setting up an Emergency List for
those needing care of an animal in a short term emergency, for example, a
hospital visit, a visit to a relative, a need for a day out, etc. Many
people approached me and said what a good idea they thought it was, but only
two signed up to the scheme.
Since
Christmas I have been contacted twice for help and someone willing to help has
been found. The kind of help has been
for dog walking, or just letting the dog out, cat feeding or caring for
rabbits.
I
have decided that instead of having a list in the Shop, it would be simpler if
people 'phoned me on [01271] 882822, and I'll co-ordinate help.
Of
course, this will have to be a two-way scheme - we need volunteer helpers as
well as requests from those needing help. Please
give me a ring for more information if you would like to help.
Yvonne Davey
37
AT-A-GLANCE DIARY
| APRIL | |
| 8th | Parish Council Meeting, 7.00 p.m. Manor Hall |
| 3rd | Mothering Sunday St. Peter's Church: 11.00 a.m. |
| 6th | Mobile Library in Village from 10.45 a.m. |
| 8th | College & Primary School: End of Spring Term |
| 12th | Parish Council Meeting, Manor Hall, 7.00 p.m. |
| 16th | Coffee Morning, Manor Hall, 10.00 - 12.00 noon |
| 17th | Palm Sunday St. Peter's Church, 11.00 a.m. |
| 19th | Easter Coffee Morning, Nethercombe, Combe Martin, 10.30-12.30 Mobile Library in Village from 10.45 a.m. Wine Circle, 8.00 p.m., Manor Hall - South American Wines, Tony Summers |
| 22nd | Good Friday St. Peter's Church: 2.00 p.m. Quiet Hour |
| 23rd | Pancakes at Easter Barton, 2.00 to 5.00 p.m. |
| 26th | Primary School: Start of Summer Term |
| 27th | College: Start of Summer Term |
| 29th | Royal Wedding - Prince William and Catherine Middleton |
| MAY | |
| 2nd | The Great Berrynarbor Plant Sale, 2.00 p.m., Manor Hall |
| 4th | Mobile Library in Village from 10.45 am. Manor Hall AGM 7.30 pm |
| 5th | Parish and District Council Elections, Manor Hall |
| 9th | Licensing of Yvonne Yates, St. Peter's, 7.30 p.m. |
| 10th | Parish Council Meeting, Manor Hall, 7.00 p.m. |
| 12th | 'The Vanishing Horizon', Idle Motion, Manor Hall, 7.00 p.m. |
| 14th | Bikey's Bash, Berrynarbor Park, 2.00 p.m. onwards |
| 15th | St. Peter's Church: Start of Christian Aid Week |
| 16th | Deadline for items for June Newsletter |
| 18th | Mobile Library in Village from 10.45 a.m. Wine Circle, 8.00 p.m., Manor Hall: AGM, Asian Selection - Jan Tonkin |
| 25th | Friendship Lunch, The Globe, 12.00-12.15 p.m. |
| 30th | To 3rd June, inc. College & Primary School: Half Term |
| JUNE | |
| 1st | Mobile Library in Village from 10.45 a.m. |
Manor Hall Diary:
| Mondays | Upholstery, 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Craft Group, 1.30 p.m. onwards Badminton, 7.30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Tuesdays | 2nd & 4th in month: N.D.Spinners Yoga, 7.00 p.m. |
| Wednesdays | Pilates Body Workout, 9.00 a.m. |
| Thursdays | Tai Chi, Manor Hall, 11.00 a.m. |
| Fridays | Term time only: Toddlers Soft Play and Activity |
| Penn Curzon Room | Term time only: Monday - Friday
Mornings: Berrynarbor Pre-School
|
Mobile Library:
(Assistant - Jacqui Mackenzie)
| 10.45 - 11.30 a.m. | Car Park |
|---|---|
| 11.45 - 12.15 p.m. | Sterridge Valley |
38
HORTICULTURAL & CRAFT
We
are having a Coffee Morning to raise funds for the Show and
It's
time to get those cameras out and sharpen those pencils ready for the Show,
which this year will be held on Saturday, 20th August. We are pleased to announce the art and
photography categories as follows:
Photography [maximum size 8" x 5"]
- Village Life
- Beachscape
- Flowers
- The Colour Red
- Weather
- Expressions
Art [any medium, any size, but not
- Village Life
- Flowers
- Coast
We really look
forward to seeing your artwork and photographs in August!
See you all at the
Coffee Morning on 16th April.
39
MARWOOD HILL GARDENS
The Gardens, Plant Centre and Tea Room are now fully open and waiting for your visit! The camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons are looking magnificent, the Plant Centre has beautiful plants to buy - at very reasonable prices - and the Tea Room is serving delicious light lunches and cakes.
We shall be exhibiting at the Rosemoor Show on the 16th and 17th April.
There will be special attractions at Easter, especially for the young and young at heart, and on the 29th April we'll be celebrating the Royal Wedding in our own special way.
For full details of our events, please check our website: www.marwoodhillgarden.co.uk or telephone Patricia on [01271] 342528.
40
MOVERS
OCTAVIA HILL
[3rd December 1838 - 13th August 1912]
Social Reformer and Co-founder of National Trust
The women Movers and Shakers are taking over
. . . here is a Victorian philanthropist who, amongst other works, helped found
the National Trust in 1895. The other
founders were Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, but this is
Octavia Hill's story.
She
was born in Wisbech Cambridgeshire, the eighth daughter [hence her name] of
James Hill, a corn merchant and banker, and his third wife Caroline. He had
been widowed twice and had 5 daughters and a son by these marriages. Impressed
by Caroline's writings on education, in 1832 he engaged her as governess to his
children [shades of Baron von Trapp!] and married her in 1835. Both were committed to helping people in
poverty. Octavia knew about that, as two
years after her birth, the family's comfortable life ended with James being
made bankrupt and then suffering mental problems.
Octavia Hill
by John Singer Sargent (1856-1925)
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Octavia
had no formal education, her mother teaching her at home, and at the age of 13,
a cooperative guild offering employment to 'distressed gentlewomen' accepted
her for training as a glass-painter.
The guild then expanded to offer toy-making for poor children. Octavia must have been very bright because a
year later, at the age of 14, she was invited to take charge of the
workroom. Through her work, she
discovered the dreadful living standards of her poor students. A year later, in her spare time, she helped
John Ruskin in
One
of her ideas, backed by John Ruskin, was affordable housing for the working
classes. She didn't agree with council
housing, feeling that it was too impersonal.
Octavia was determined to find better homes for her students and through
Ruskin, became the landlord of 3 cottages in Marylebone, each with 6
rooms. These needed a lot of work, but
when finished they were rented to poor tenants.
Ruskin wanted a fair return for his money, which she successfully
achieved. She was put in charge of 5
more. With careful management, by 1874
she and her staff had 15 housing schemes and 3000 tenants to look after. She was a firm believer in self-reliance and
she and her staff knew all their tenants, encouraging them to try to improve
their lot. As a basis of her successful
operation, only women were employed to collect rents weekly, when a detailed
check was made of the premises. The
collectors acted as early social workers. An American admirer put it that she was
'ruling over a little kingdom of three thousand loving subjects with an iron
sceptre twined with roses'.
In
appearance she was, as her friend wrote 'small in stature with long body and
short legs. She did not dress, she only
wore clothes, which were often unnecessarily unbecoming; she had soft and abundant hair and regular
features, but the beauty of her face lay in brown and very luminous eyes . .
. her mouth was large and mobile but not
improved by laughter . . . Miss Octavia was nicest when she was made passionate
by her earnestness.'
One
thing that Octavia felt very strongly about was that her tenants should have
access to open spaces. She believed in
'the life-enhancing virtues of pure earth, clean air and blue sky'. She was instrumental in saving Hampstead
Heath and Parliament Hill Fields from being built upon, and the first person to
use the words 'Green Belt'. In 1883 she
helped fight a campaign to stop the building of railway tracks from quarries
overlooking Buttermere in the
In
1907, Parliament passed its first National Trust act, giving the trust powers
to protect properties for the benefit 'for ever, for everyone' - now its motto. Since their first acquisition of Dinas Oleu
coastline in Wales in 1895, the Trust to date now cares for approximately
612,000 acres of beautiful countryside in Britain, plus 709 miles of coastline,
215 houses and gardens, 40 castles, 12 lighthouses and 43 pubs and inns! All this is completely independent of the
government. Their finances rely solely on the generosity of its over 3.5
million subscribers and other supporters. So when next at Arlington Court,
Dunster Castle, Killerton, Knightshayes Court, Castle Drogo or further afield
remember that our annual subscription really counts!
Although
living through the beginning part of the 20th century, Octavia Hill made it clear that she was against
Female Suffrage, saying, 'Men and women help one another because they are
different, have different gifts and different spheres'. She never married, although she had a
short-lived romance with Sir Edward Bond, a famous English librarian.
She died of cancer at her home in Marylebone on the 13th August 1912
aged 73, and although famous in her day, has been largely forgotten until
recently. For the National Trust's
centenary celebration, a beautiful pink rose was named after her.
To
highlight all her work would need several volumes, but hopefully this has given
some idea of a very remarkable lady.
Oh! If you find yourself in Wisbech, it would be
worth spending some time at her Birthplace House, a handsome Georgian house
overlooking the River Nene. Part of it
was bought in 1994 and opened as a museum.
In 2007, National Trust bought the rest of the house, expanding the
museum, and adding an education centre and tearoom. This opened for the first time on 16th March
this year.
PP of DC
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NEWS FROM THE GLOBE AND SAWMILL INN
On Friday, 8th April, at the Sawmill Inn, we have a Quiz to raise money for the Herxheim Twinning Association. Everyone is welcome BUT please let us know in advance if you are coming and how many are on your team. The Quiz starts at 8.00 p.m., so please arrive at about 7.30 p.m.
The bar at The Globe is now open ALL DAY every Saturday and Sunday. We have a TV in the bar and will be showing various sporting events [ e.g. the Grand National on Saturday 9th April]. Please check the board in the bar for coming events.
Easter Weekend:
- Saturday 23rd April is also St George's Day so we are celebrating with Live Music and a Fancy Dress at The Globe. The Band is The Knowleberrys [Gary Songhurst, Mitch Warburton, Steve Tanton and Dick Valance] and the Fancy Dress Theme is "Anything English".
- Sunday 24th April - Easter Sunday is the Duck Race. Starting from Mill Park Waterfall at 4.00 p.m. Ducks can be sponsored at Mill Park Shop, The Globe and the Sawmill. 1st prize is £50.00, 2nd prize £20 and third prize £10. Proceeds from sponsorship is for Combe Martin Music Festival. There will be live music after the race from Country Rose [the Duo].
- Friday 29th, The Royal Wedding - We hope to have some evening entertainment at The Globe to follow the afternoon celebrations at the Manor Hall. There is a notice at the Shop and at The Globe for you to let us know if you are interested in a celebratory event taking place in the village [Manor Hall during the day and Globe at night], so please let us know your thoughts and ideas as soon as possible.
- Saturday 7th May: Slack Alice are playing at the Sawmill from approx 9.00 p.m.
Karen Ozelton
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OLD BERRYNARBOR VIEW 130
Opening of New Road, March 1920
In
the Newsletter of June 1991, I described the Landslip which occurred on the
coast road between Combe Martin and Ilfracombe in January 1919. As an introduction to this issue's article,
the postcards from that article and part of the article are reproduced here.
'The landslip occurred about
William Garratt took
these two photographic postcards from the new road in the 1920's. Numbered 97 and 102 they are the only
postcards I have from the new road. The formal opening of the new road took place towards the end of March 1920 and the report
in The Ilfracombe Chronicle published on the 27th of March read:
"The
formal opening of the new road, which shortens the distance between Ilfracombe
and Combe Martin by about a quarter of a mile, took place on Wednesday of last
week, Mrs. Penn-Curzon, wife of Major Penn-Curzon of
"It has taken about twelve months to
construct, and the work has been admirably carried out under the direction of
Mr. R.M.Stone,
"Mrs. Penn-Curzon gracefully served a
beflagged ribbon extending across the Combe Martin end of the road, remarking
"I have great pleasure in declaring this road open."
"Mr. Hiern said it was generally conceded
that the new road was a local improvement.
Its construction had been a very considerable expense, which in olden
days would have fallen on the Parish of Berrynarbor, but in these more
enlightened days the expense was borne by the County - a back more capable of
bearing such a burden than any one parish in the locality. Referring to the fact that in these times it
was more difficult to get a contract for work to be done, and if such could be
obtained, they were subject to all kinds of alterations which might occur. He complimented the Surveyor [Mr. Stone] on
the excellent arrangements by which the work had been done. He remarked that they were very much
indebted to the owners of the Watermouth Estate for the way in which they had
met the Devon County Council in the provision of land for the diversion. He expressed his personal thanks to Mrs.
Penn-Curzon for her services in opening the road which he thought would be a
permanent local improvement. [Applause]."
How history can repeat itself! Early in 1991, the A399 showed stress marks,
due to the weakness of the cliff, to appear on the road just below the entrance
to Greenleas, Berrynarbor. For safety
reasons, the DCC installed traffic
lights and traffic was only allowed to use the landward side of the road. On the 10th April 1991, the Planning and
Transportation Committee of Devon County Council reviewed as an emergency item,
to divert the road from Windy Ridge via the rear of Little Firs, On a Hill
Garage and then behind the succeeding properties before rejoining the main road
to Ilfracombe. It was estimated this would
cost in the region of £650,000.
Assurance was given that the work would be completed in the shortest
possible time, although a start could not be made before September with
completion hopefully by the end of March 1992.
My grateful thanks to Daphne Challacombe
of Combe Martin for her help with this article.
Tom Bartlett
Tower Cottage
e-mail: tombartlett@hotmail.com
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