Edition 3 - December 1989




Artwork by: Helen Armstead



Artwork: David Duncan
 

WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS AT "THE GLOBE"

  • Saturday, 23rd December: Extension to 11.30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Christmas Eve: Carols in Car Park at 7.30 p. m. Christmas Draw 10.00 p.m. Close - 11.00 p.m.
  • Christmas Day: 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
  • Boxing Day: Quiz Night to 11.30 p.m.
  • Thursday, 28th December: Dance with Free Supper
  • New Year's Eve: Fancy Dress & Pyjama Party. Free Buffet. Close 1.00 a.m.

LYNNE AND PHIL WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY CHRISTMAS
AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Some brave regulars of The Globe undertook a parachute jump in aid of charity at Eaglescott. The Tyrell Hospital received £745 as a result and the League of Friends wish to thank all those who took part. The intrepid jumpers were: Philip Bowden, David Richards, Sarah Adams, Katie Bridle, Sarah Deal, Elise Fanner, Brian Huxtable, Noel Stokes and Michael Lear. The only injury was to Philip's hand - was he trying to get back into the plane after jumping? That's what we're told!

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ILFRACOMBE COLLEGE NEWS

In his annual report, given at the Presentation Evening, the Principal, Alan Bacon, outlined the many achievements of the College during the past year. In academic terms, there was a record 86.6% pass rate by the largest Upper Sixth in the College's history. 43 students proceeded to university or polytechnic. 73 students gained sufficient high grade G.C.S.E. passes in order to proceed to full Advanced Level courses, with 142 students gaining 7 or more high grade passes. 35 students represented North Devon and Devon County in sporting events, 3 students played regularly with the Devon County Youth Orchestra, I student was a member of the Devon Dance Group and 5 students took part in the County Drama Workshop. 6 students have had their poems published in the Devon County Poetry Collection of 100 poems - "Devon 100" - quite an achievement as there were more than 120 schools competing.

Mr. Bacon emphasised in his report the need for the College to ensure the availability of both academic and social opportunities for all, thereby providing a balanced education.

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NIPPER SNIPPETS

We are delighted to learn that baby Charlotte [Mummery] is now home with mum and dad, Rob and Shirley, and is rapidly gaining weight - now well over the 9 lbs mark!

Congratulations to the Village's youngest set of twins, Kayleigh and Kirsty [Richards], who celebrated their first birthdays on the 3rd November.

Congratulations also to June and Ivan Clark on the birth of a second son, Shane [6 lbs 9 oz] - a brother for Ben on the 7th November.

[P.S. Apologies Ivan and John Clark(e) for muddling you up in the last Newsletter!]

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BERRYNARBOR YOUTH CLUB

Hallowe'en Night, 31st October 1989

Berrynarbor Youth Club - in all 39,
Lucky for us the night was fine,
Dressed up as spooks, warlocks and witches,
We had a great time without any hitches.
To those we called on thanks for the treat,
To those we missed - there'll be a repeat!

LOOK OUT NEXT YEAR

VARIETY SHOW - Tuesday, 19th December
Manor Hall, 7.00 p.m.

If you came to the Variety Show earlier this year, you will have seen what a talented bunch of children we have in our village.

These children have decided to put on a similar show for Christmas and we hope you will all support them once again. Admission will be: Adults £l, Children 50p, Tickets will include a glass of punch, tea or coffee and mince pie and a ticket for the raffle.

This show is not a profit-making event - we hope to make it a pleasurable and memorable evening for ALL.

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THE CHRISTMAS BELLS RING OUT - OR WILL THEY?

Since the bells of St. Peter's Church need repair [we are presently missing our chiming clock - see the article on pages 9 and 10], the Manor Hall Committee has decided that proceeds from this year's Christmas Card distribution in Berrynarbor should be used for this fund.

Posting boxes will be in the Manor Stores and Post Office from 11th December, and cards can be posted to any Berrynarbor address in exchange for a 10p contribution per card. Sorting and delivery will take place on Sunday, 17th December.

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Artwork: Helen Armstead
 

ST. PETER'S CHURCH

The Church Electoral Roll has to be re-written. If you wish your name to be included, please contact the Churchwarden, Mr. Leonard Bowden, Ruggaton Farm [882456] .

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

  • Sunday, 17th December: Christingle Service, 3.00 p.m.Combe Martin.
  • Monday, 18th December: Primary School Carol Service, 9.30 a.m.
  • Christmas Eve: Midnight Mass, 11.30 p.m.
  • Christmas Day: Sung Eucharist, 10.30 a.m.
  • Sunday, 31st December: Carol Service, 6.00 p.m.

The Rector, The Rev. John Williams, Preb. R. Eppingstone and members of the Parochial Church Council wish all parishioners

A MERRY BLESSED CHRISTMAS

And

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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PARISH COUNCIL

A well-meaning parishioner has written to the Parish Council regarding builder's rubble dumped on Smythen Hill.

Although the Council were given the description and number of the lorry - TCO 167 - this does not provide them with sufficient evidence to take any action.

It would, therefore, be appreciated if the writer of this letter would contact the Clerk in confidence.

Betty Davis
Clerk to the Parish Council

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PROMOTION OF SPORTS & OTHER ACTIVITIES

A meeting will be held in the Penn Curzon Room on Monday, 15th January, at 7.30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to try to promote sports and other activities within the Village. Anyone interested is asked to attend this meeting please.

Jenny Taylor

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

"My family and I should like to thank everyone for the recent kindness to Mother, especially whilst she has been so ill.

We have found all your gestures of sympathy most warming and supportive."

Graham Andrews

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HOSPICE CARE TRUST - NORTH DEVON

The Hospice Care Trust North Devon is a registered charity which, in association with the General Practitioners, provides a service to the terminally ill cancer patients and their families by providing specialist skills, controlling pain and symptoms, supporting relatives, keeping a patient's stay in hospital to the minimum

The Combe Martin and District Friends' Support Group is a fund-raising organisation. The Committee normally meets bi-monthly, on a Thursday evening, at the Combe Martin Community Centre, and would very much welcome representation from Berrynarbor.

Anyone interested is invited to contact the Chairman, Margaret Parkin, 1 Buzzacott Close [883823] or the Secretary, Una Parsons, Marine Cottage, Seaside [883513].

A Bingo Evening in aid of funds will be held at Combe Martin Town Hall on Wednesday, 17th January at 7.30 p.m. Everyone welcome!

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BERRYNARBOR W.I.

The October Meeting was well attended and I guess that they all knew what an Interesting time was in store for them, as member, Joan McCallam, took them through her "Flowers for Fun". The art of drying not only flowers, but also leaves and grasses; was fascinating. Equally so the various displays. Time went all too quickly and we look forward to another helping at a future date - perhaps the December meeting for Christmas decorations? The December meeting is programmed as a Party; with time for learning how to decorate cakes, etc. It will be on Tuesday, 5th December.

Everyone was pleased to learn that Kathleen Norman had won £200, first prize in a Devon Federation Draw; selling lots of tickets for various charities over the year - it is really nice to meet someone who has won!

November now and the General Meeting over and gone. How the year has flown! Several members of the Committee decided to step down - after long service - and a new Committee was introduced. 'Yours truly' remains as President, with Betty Turner as Secretary and Rosemary Gaydon as Treasurer, and Margaret Parkin, Kath Arscott, Margaret Kemp, Joan McCallam, Sylvia Yates, Joy Morrow and Jean Priest making up the number. May I wish them every success in the coming year, and also give grateful thanks to retiring members for their help and support, especially to me, and I know that they will always be ready to assist with their experience on W. I. matters.

It was a jolly meeting and plans were made for a shopping trip to Exeter on the 22nd November and Christmas Lunch at the Globe on the 20th December. December 5th will be party time and judging will take place for our poster competition advertising our proposed Coffee Morning, with Mince Pies, Bring and Buy Stall and Raffle - Tickets 50p on Saturday, 16th December. It is hoped that a selection of the posters will be on display in the Village to advertise the event. Members have also been asked to bring a small gift to the party, so that there can be a 'luckydip' as everyone goes home.

The meeting on 2nd January 1990 will see me as the speaker for "A Circle of Friends".

Mrs. Florence [Bobbie] Hacker - Bobbie really needs no introduction, being a much loved and respected resident of Berrynarbor, also a long-standing Committee member of the W. I. Her floral arrangements In St. Peter's Church are well known, and the President's table every month is equally graced with a colourful display even when the weather has spoilt so many flowers . "Sales" Table would be lost without her expertise and together, she and Ethel Tidbury, make an excellent team - also for tombola, for which Ethel is always appreciative of gifts. This personal tribute though is very much to our "Bobbie". Bless you always and many thanks for your support and friendship.

Never count the milestones,
As you pass them one by one.
Count your Blessings, count your Friends
And always face the sun.

May I, on behalf of the members, wish one and all "The Compliments of the Season".

Vi Kingdon

President

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FOR SALE

  • Double Drainer Stainless Steel Sink Top - £25
    Corner Vanity Unit - £30.
    Belling Double Oven Electric Cooker - £30.
    Prestcold 'Fridge, 4 cu. ft. - £35
    2 x 3' Divan Beds with Headboards - £40 each

    Telephone 882091 Bali-Hal, Sterridge Valley

  • 1 pair Chocolate Brown Curtains - as new. 76" wide by 90" drop, lined.

    Make me an offer I can't refuse! Joy Morrow [882531] Fuschia Cottage

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THE FEDERATION OF NORTH DEVON THIRD AGE GROUPS

A very successful Autumn Conference was held on Friday, 27th October, 1989, at the Pavilion Theatre, Ilfracombe, which was attended by 177 members. The North Coast Branch [that is Ilfracombe and District] was host to the three other groups in North Devon - Barnstaple, South Mol ton and Torridge. Display stands showing the activities of groups within all the Branches attracted much interest. These included stands for Travel and Globetrotters, Music Appreciation, Rambling, Local History and Literary Studies, Theatre, Flower Display, Lip Reading, Gardening, Personal Finance, Wine Appreciation, Art Appreciation, Music and Movement, Playreading and Poetry.

The North Coast Branch will be holding its Christmas Luncheon on Thursday, 14th December, at the Woolacombe Bay Hotel . Ticket holders only. Entertainment by "Ourselves".

Is the following verse - seen in a letter in The Daily Telegraph - appropriate to U3A members?

"To my dentures I am accustomed,
To my deafness I am resigned.
I can manage my bi-focals,
But how I miss my mind!"

On a more serious note, Bertrand Russell said, "I cannot imagine a life without a mind to comprehend it."

Barbara Pickup

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Artwork: Debbie Rigler Cook
 

MATCHED

Our congratulations and best wishes for the future to Michael Johns [Lower Leigh Farm] and Tina Sanger, who were married at Combe Martin Baptist Church on the 14th September.

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THE BELLS OF THE CHURCH OF ST. PETER AT BERRYNARBOR


Illustration by: Kevin McLintock

The tower of the church about 100 feet high to the pinnacles and is built of local masonry. The bells are from the ground floor which has several disadvantages - for example, the cost of the bellropes and the difference in the ropes according to the weather. The bell frame was built in 1928 by Harry Stokes of Woodbury. It is carried on five 10" x 5" steel girders running east-west, with their ends resting on the offset in the walls. The frame proper is made of cast-iron trusses, arranged to have the 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th bells swinging east-west [the way of the tower), and the 3rd and 4th swinging north-south along the east wall. The frame is in good order, but the rust must be cleaned off and preventive paint applied.

The gear all appears to be Stoke's and consists of elm headstocks, plate gudgeons, ball-bearings, traditional wheels, stays and gliders. There is a chiming hammer on the tenor bell, and the clock strikes on the 4th. All the ironwork is rusty and must be tightened. On the 3rd bell, two of the bolts securing the bell to the headstock are loose, owing to the collapse of leather washers. All pulleys are worn beyond recover and rattle in their boxes - they must be replaced to include ball races. The ringers will find a remarkable difference. The clappers of the treble [1st bell], 3rd, 4th and 5th have leather lined straps over the pins on which they swing. These have disintegrated allowing the clappers too much play to left and right which causes them to rub the bells. Although the damage to the bells is slight, the longer repairs are delayed, each year will see more damage than the last. The 2nd and 3rd bells were modernised in their clappers and crown-staple and need no repair at present in that respect.

We are going to replace some clappers; anneal and reline certain parts of headstocks; drill out and replace crownstaples and turn the bells worn by the loose clappers. Similar work was neglected in a North Devon church with the result that the whole bell cracked and had to be recast. All our framework has to be freed from rust and treated - a very long and arduous process. We are very grateful to all of you for the money spent at our Summer Fayre.

P.S. The bells were a complete six by Evan Evans and his son William of Chepstow, who worked a good deal in North Devon about the time of their casting, 1772. The tenor is 40" diameter in G, the 3rd was recast in 1893 by Taylor's of Loughborough.

Finally : the team of ringers from this and the neighbouring parishes ring one of the best peals - under their Captain of the Tower, Michael Bowden - which it is and has been my pleasure to listen to [I have been both ringer and judge in my time] .

The bells call you to church, but please remember that we have old and invalid people who look forward to the practice and service peals because it links them to those who pray for them in Church.

R. O. H. Eppingstone

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P. & J. LETHABY Family Butchers

60a The Village, BERRYNARBOR, 882361

CHRISTMAS POULTRY

We are taking orders now for our Home-reared Free-range TURKEYS, GEESE, CHICKENS, DUCKS Etc.
Also Prime Beef * Pork * Home-made Sausages and Sausage Meat


 
Illustration by: Kevin McLintock

Times of Opening

  • Saturday, 23rd December - All Day
  • 25th, 26th & 27th December - Closed
  • Thursday, 28th December - Open All Day
  • Monday, 1st January - Closed
  • Tuesday, 2nd January - Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

PAUL AND JACKIE WISH EVERYONE

A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR


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ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD

Ilfracombe College Musical Society is presenting 'Orpheus in the Underworld' in early December. This is their 9th Annual Production and follows last year's very successful 'Die Fledermaus'.

'Orpheus' is a comedy which pokes fun at the antics of the Greek gods and goddesses, performed in a modern idiom. It is full of humour and catchy tunes and includes pupils, staff and friends [many of whom come from the village].

Performances at the Pavilion Theatre, Ilfracombe, will be at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7th, 8th and 9th December. Tickets: Adults £3.00, Concessions £1.50, are available from the Main Office at the College [63427], or the Chocolate Box, High Street, Ilfracombe.

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WANTED

Lock-up Garage in the Village to rent. If you can help, please contact Guy Harding [883384].

The Spirit of Christmas - do you have it? How about a permanent Christmas Tree for the Manor Hall? Any money donations towards this would be gratefully received Drop them through Joy Morrow's door at Fuchsia Cottage.

Britain in Bloom 1990 Have you any spare cuttings of plants such as fuchsias,. geraniums, etc. , that would be suitable for baskets, tubs, etc., next spring? If so, please pot them on and contact Joy Morrow [882531] - the Committee would be most grateful.

Has anyone got Christmas Decorations [tree or wall] they no longer require? If you have, would you like to donate them to decorate the Manor Hall? Please ring Ann Davies [883837] or take them to the Hall on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings, 9.30 to 12 o'clock.

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HERITAGE HERD

When walking in the Sterridge Valley, one cannot fail to look in awe on the majestic beasts grazing on Smallacombe or the meadows below.

Sadly, the indigenous breed of North Devon cattle with their curly red coats and long horns, are becoming a rare sight in the area.

They were probably being bred at Woolscott in 1797 when Rev. Richard Polwhele wrote, "they are In many respects superior to any other breed in the kingdom... breeding bullocks are the farmers chief dependence, which they generally part with at about 4 years old, about half fat. Somersetshire graziers come down and buy them, work them for two or three years, then fat, drive them to London. Numbers of bulls are bought at a high price and sent even to Jamaica - a heifer lately sold for 30 guineas."

May this herd flourish in Berry Narbor for many years to come. They are part of our heritage.

Lorna Bowden

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REFUSE COLLECTION

Don't forget - WEDNESDAY is our collection day!

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RE-CYCLING or WASTE

The first collection was made on Wednesday, 1st November, and although not vast in quantity, South Molton Recycling were happy with the amount and all the arrangements went smoothly. Thank you for keeping the area tidy. The next collection with be on Wednesday, 6th December, between 11.00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. [The January collection will be on Wednesday, 10th January.]

START COLLECTING THOSE RECYCLABLE ITEMS NOW!

Since no permanent collecting point has come to light - if anyone has a spare, disused garage, barn or shed, please contact Judie Weedon [883544]. The Management Committee have agreed that once more items may be left on the area beside the Penn Curzon Room, but only on the Tuesday, 5th, or Wednesday itself. Items MUST NOT BE LEFT THERE EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER these dates.

If you have any queries about what is recyclable, etc. please do not hesitate to contact Judie.

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'AT A GLANCE' DIARY

Don't forget the regular events taking place in the Village given in the October issue.

December
5thW. I. Meeting [Christmas Party]
6thMobile Library in Village from 12.05 p.m.
South Molton Recycling Collection, 11.00 - 1.00 p.m.
7th - 9thI.C.M.S. Production of 'Orpheus in the Underworld' at the Pavilion Theatre, Ilfracombe 7.30 p.m.
11thPosting Boxes for "Christmas Mail" in Post Office and Manor Stores
12thParish Council Meeting, 7.15 p.m.
14thU3A Christmas Luncheon & Party, Woolacombe Bay Hotel
15thIlfracombe College Annual Carol Service, Parish Church, Ilfracombe, 7.30 p.m. Everyone welcome.
16thW.I. Christmas Coffee Morning, Manor Hall, 10.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon
17thVillage Christmas Mail delivered.
Christingle Service, Combe Martin Parish Church, 3.00 p.m.
18thPrimary School Carol Service, 9.30 a.m.
19thPrimary School and College Break Up.
Youth Club's 'Christmas Variety Show' 7.00 p.m.
20thW.I. Christmas Lunch at The Globe.
Mobile Library in the Village from 12.05 p.m.
Wine Appreciation Group - Wines for Christmas, 8.00 p.m. Manor Hall.
24thMidnight Mass, 11.30 p.m.
25thCHRISTMAS DAY
Sung Eucharist , 10.30 a.m.
26thBoxing Day
31stCarol Service, Parish Church, 6.00 p.m.
NEW YEAR'S EVE
January
2ndW.I. Meeting
3rdPrimary School and College - Start of Spring Term.
Mobile Library in Village from 12.05 p.m.
9thParish Council Meeting, 7.15 p.m.
10thSouth Molton Recycling Collection
11thU3A Meeting at Granville Hotel, Ilfracombe.
15thMeeting re. Sports, Activities, etc., Penn Curzon Room, 7.30 p.m.
17thMobile Library in Village from 12.05 p.m.
North Devon Hospice Care Trust Bingo Evening, Combe Martin Town Hall, 7.30 p.m.
31stMobile Library in Village from 12.05 p.m.
February
19th - 23rdHalf Term for Schools

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"LET ME SING MY SONG OF CHRISTMAS"

This is the title of a professionally made tape of songs made by the children of North Devon. Ten schools have taken part, and 2 of the 14 tracks are by children from Berrynarbor Primary School. On Sunday, 10th December, all the children involved in making this tape will be taking part in a Concert at the Queens Hall, Barnstaple. All monies raised from the sale of tapes [obtainable from the Primary School at £4.00 each] and the Concert are to go to the North Devon Scanner Appeal. Hopefully, they will receive support from the Village.

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FREDERICK JOHN DRAPER [UNCLE JACK]

"Uncle Jack", as he was known throughout the Village, was born during Queen Victoria's reign on 8th December, 1886, to John and Selina Draper [nee Richards] of Combe Martin. He died on the 21st February 1985, at the ripe old age of 98 in the Tyrell Hospital, Ilfracombe, his second visit - the first at the age of 5 when he lost the last 3 fingers on his left hand in a "chaffe Cutter".

"Stalagmites" of Berrynarbor.
L to R: Jock the Barber, Uncle Jack and Corny Burgess who had been deep into the caves above Broad Sands.

Jack attended school in Combe Martin, but at the age of 10, on the death of his father, he was put out to work at Girt Farm as a general labourer. He later became well known as a stone mason, general labourer and water diviner! On the 28th September, 1914, he married his first cousin, Florence May Draper, who was 21 and the daughter of William Draper of Berrynarbor. She had been in "service" at Beech Lee and their honeymoon lasted but one day, as Uncle Jack was drafted off to India with the 6th Devons, as a member of the Regimental Band playing the bombardon, and he spent the next 6 years out there.

On his return from India, he and Florrie lived in higher Combe Martin, but within a year or so, with Florrie suffering from asthma, they were advised to move and came to Berrynarbor first to Croft Lee and then "Ferndale, 94B" on 15th May, 1924. His first Driving Licence, No. D5890 [Motor Car Act 1903] was issued by D.C.C and lasted one year at a cost of 5/-! During the '20's and '30's he was a jobbing mason and also swept chimneys, taking his brushes with him in the sidecar of his belt-driven motorcycle! He was a keen member of the Church Bell Ringers and would travel with them all over the County to competitions.

During the Second World War he was in the Home Guard, and in addition to his normal work was employed as the Church Sexton, responsible for the digging and caring of the graves and maintenance of the Church, Rectory and paths. During this period, he also held a licence No. 72 from Devon Constabulary allowing him to store and use quantities of gelignite and detonators for blasting! Known locally as "Powder Monkey" he would be employed in blasting large rocks. He worked on the installation of the gas main to and in Combe Martin, built walls in Ilfracombe, and even worked on the installation of the railway engine turntable at Ilfracombe Station.

In 1955, at 65, Uncle Jack retired, giving his tools to one of his nephews. Moping at home and fed up with nothing to do, Florrie told him he should buy new tools and get back to work! He did, and continued to do so until he was 84 years young. Florrie died in 1955, shortly after his 'first' retirement. Uncle Jack smoked a pipe of 'baccy' until at the age of 84, he fell asleep with it lit and nearly set himself on fire - he hung his pipe up on the wall and never touched it again!

Uncle Jack was a very popular figure in the Village, well-liked by villagers and visitors alike. He was particularly proud of his continued maintenance of the church steps and cobbles and could often be seen making small repairs and talking to children, for whom he always had great affection.

To Jack's nephew, Ken Draper and his wife, my grateful thanks for their help with the information for this article and also for the loan of their photographs. Again I apologise for any inaccuracies. Can anyone help me with information or pictures of Miss Leaworthy?

Tom Bartlett

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Artwork: Judie Weedon
 

EDITORIAL NOTE

Thanks for all the contributions, but please keep them coming! The deadline for February's issue will be the 15th January - just pop your piece in the boxes at the Manor Stores or Post Office.

To all our Readers:

A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Artwork: Angela Bartlett
 

OLD BERRYNARBOR - VIEW NO. 2


This view, taken c1908 by the accomplished Bristol photographer, Garratt, shows just how well he was able to persuade children and villagers to pose for his lens. In this superb shot taken outside the then Tom's house- hold, 24 & 25 Hagginton Hill, are Florrie Ley & Ada Toms making the arch, with Majorie Jones & Cecil Toms underneath.

From L. to R. Albert Latham, Doris Richards, Fanny Toms, Freda Ley, Lorna Richards, Edie Toms and Polly Latham. Watching from the steps are Mrs. T. Toms and young Leonard, and Mrs. Ley, young Johnnio and Emily. For the identifications, I am indebted to sisters Lorna Price and Muriel Richards back in 1985/6, and it is Lorna who is the smallest girl seen here with her hand by her mouth.

[Inset] A delightful picture of a pretty Miss Muriel Richards c1919. Note how Hagginton Hill was still just compacted stone, although telephones had reached the village.

Tom Bartlett,
Tower Cottage, November 1989


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