Actions Speak Louder Than Words Fighting for Plastic Free Oceans by Turning Plastic Waste Into Eyewear

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Actions speak louder than words Fighting for plastic free oceans by turning plastic waste into eyewear

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hat an amazing space the a glorious tribute to small space WMatthews Hall garden is! It gardening. Caretaker Louise has hosts the al fresco Saturday morning green ﬁ ngers a plenty and lots of market, customers of the Matthews Hall café, Harry’s Kitchen (pictured), our new Monday evening ﬁ sh ‘n’ chips wagon as well as the Town Fayre dog show, sadly cancelled this year because of you know what. Can’t get much more diverse than that! Almost hiding the doorway to the

Cover: Brendan Rawlings Matthews Hall caretaker’s ﬂ at is

2 Ferry cross the Exe: at the helm for ideas. Look closely into the verdant limited periods in August was new greenery and marvel how runner ferryman John Kent, pictured. For beans, sweetcorn, fennel, tomatoes, those who don’t know, the ferry is cabbages and more thrive in perfect managed by Exeter City Council. harmony in this horticultural gem. What the future holds for this Bravo Louise! essential service to the community More of the great outdoors… is unknown at the moment but we that stunning image by Brendan sincerely hope that it will be back in Rawlings on our front cover is one service soon. of his own sculptures that make up Another community asset, the the 30 exceptional artworks to be RSPB Bowling Green Hide and enjoyed on the Darts Farm Outdoor Observation platform have now Sculpture Trail. Brilliant idea and reopened to the general public. see more on page 20. So too have Exminster Marshes – The weather, as we Brits know only “lots to see and enjoy,” says Tony too well, plays a big part in our daily Taylor, Chairman of the Topsham lives. Who would have thought Birdwatching and Naturalists Society Topsham would have basked – and (TBNS). “We’ll let you know as soon perspired – in 30C heat as it did for as we have any idea about restarting a few days last month! As a change of our meetings.” Tony can be emailed weather returns us to more seasonal at [email protected]. climes, we also have a change of An apology is due to Matt Pym, weather contributor. Please welcome captain of St Margaret’s bell tower new columnist Alex Burkhill of the and his crew for dropping an Exeter Met Ofﬁ ce who explains how editorial clanger last month. The fronts, pressure charts and more Tony winding the clock should have change our weather (see page 38). read Tony Bradford, not Raven, a A big thank you from Estuary to Dr case of mistaken identity on our part Keir Bovis whose detailed Topsham for which we are truly sorry! weather reports have graced our pages for many years. Di Trout and José Northey

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4 STfrom MARGARET’S New Beginnings here is always a sense of turning people of God had to turn around Tin September, as new terms and go face their fears in the start. Perhaps, for some, it is a new desert land once more, this time school or college, the turning of a wandering for 40 years before the page on a job, a place, a relationship time was right. even. New beginnings all round after the long summer. I am not at all intimating that we are going to be socially distancing This year we will be turning also and observing other limitations into autumn and winter. I am so on our lives for 40 years. But I do aware of the long journey we have think that this story speaks into our had through the pandemic to this understandable desire for things point and the uncertainty we face to be “over with already”, and the ahead, not knowing how the regular frustration, anxiety also, at having ﬂ u season will affect the behaviour to deal with more uncertainty on of coronavirus and the ability of our the horizon. health-care systems to cope with The Archdeacon of Exeter preached any surges. well at St Margaret’s patronal holy I am reminded of the sojourn in communion in July. He had many the desert of God’s people, led by wise words to share but the abiding Moses towards the promised land. message was of kindness. Kindness The initial race across the desert particularly when there is stress: to away from the pursuing Pharoah, ourselves, to one another in our out of Egypt, took them within families, friends, work colleagues, sight of the promised land within a school classrooms, church and month. social groups - this should be the bedrock of all that we do, wherever But as the tantalising end goal rose we wander, this autumn time. before them, so did the spectre of giants that inhabited the land. The Louise Grace

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7 Topsham Allotments – is Their Future Bright?

ow many of you lovely people have heard of the Greater Exeter Strategic HPlan (GESP)? Not too many, we suspect, and fewer still will have checked out the details at gesp@devon.gov.uk. This plan maps out perceived major housing and land development requirements up to 2040 across the greater Exeter region - Exeter, East Devon, Mid Devon and Teignbridge. An eight-week consultation on the draft policies of this important plan was due to start this autumn but that will not now happen. Why? We can thank – or not, as the case may be – the decision of East Devon Cllr Eleanor Rylance (Assistant Portfolio Holder Coast, Country and Environment), backed by Cllr Paul Arnott, leader of the East Devon Council, to withdraw their support of GESP as it stands, believing

8 it to be deeply fl awed and “a dangerous fi ction.” The Express and Echo reported East Devon Cllr Mike Howe as saying: “This document is a diatribe of mis-information, poor information and no options…In its current state, it does not do any good for anyone… and does not do a thing other than deliver housing in an unsustainable way that wrecks the environment.” Damning words indeed. One particular aspect of GESP that the Topsham Allotments & Gardens Society (TAGS) want to bring to our attention is what’s called the Topsham Option Site, one of 26 areas identifi ed for development, mainly housing. Topsham allotments, arguably a valued community resource, is in the Topsham Option Site, along with the University playing fi elds and Topsham Rugby Football Club. The details of the Topsham site can be found on pages 146 and 147 within the Draft Policies and Site Options Consultation document. Email gesp@devon. gov.uk or TAGS – [email protected] for a copy. Most people in Topsham are aware of the allotments at Butts Park but TAGS also manages allotments tucked away at Sunhill (pictured) and near Glasshouse Lane. All in all, it manages 129 plot holders. (Anyone thinking of taking over an allotment must apply to Exeter City Council via their website in the fi rst instance.) Thirty-one plot holders at the Sunhill allotments share the equivalent of 16 full- size allotments. If development of the Topsham Option Site were to go forward, 1,500 houses could be built on 95 hectares running up to Sandygate, including prime agricultural land. Permission has already been granted for 286 houses in the area, mainly on Clyst Road, which leaves over 1,200 houses to be planned for. Amenities such as the allotments would, hopefully, be preserved – indeed planning guidance states that the equivalent of 20 full-size allotments should be made available for every 1,000 homes built. Therefore, an extra 30 full-size allotments should be provided, not 16 taken away! When the consultation eventually takes place, TAGS hopes Topsham folk will lobby for the retention of existing allotments, with their established community and land which has been worked and improved for decades, as well as for additional ones to serve the new houses perhaps. Few of us would deny that caring for land, however tiny the patch may be, can bring mental and physical health benefi ts and contribute usefully to our local food resources too. The Editors

9 Q FRUIT & VEGETABLES QUIZ R The answers to Barbara Searles’ edibles quiz are on page 51. Enjoy!

1. Hail one and it may tell you how old it is ...... 2. Sounds like the start of a sentence that is the beginning of prayers in church ...... 3. Did the cooking vessel eat the foot digit? ...... 4. Headwear with the river that ﬂ ows between Wales and England missing ...... 5. Jack found one in the pie ...... 6. The forbidden fruit ...... 7. Creative but had to pull this out to get the car started ...... 8. Did Keith ﬁ nd this whist looking around someone’s abode? ...... 9. Did the vehicle go to the scrap heap after developing this? ...... 10. I will ring this bloom ...... 11. Emerge from this European country without its end ...... 12. Product of New Zealand? ...... 13. Sounds like a couple ...... 14. Change direction and pinch sharply...... 15. Tree followed by computer maker ...... 16. Can be black or white ...... 17. Redskin? ...... 18. May have initially been in distress but ended as a male relative ...... 19. Do this to the game to make it messy ...... 20. Obtain fuel from this and meet a family member ...... 21. Sweet as the moment they popped? ...... 22. Known to be chilled? ...... 23. Went ahead of the plant’s life support system to win ...... 24. Sugary blemish on the foot ...... 25. 26 mile vegetable? ......

10 Word Ladders Using the clues provided alongside each ladder, ﬁ ll in each rung of the ladder with a new word, changing one letter at a time. Answers at bottom of page. Ladder 1 FOOT Owl call

Presenter

Mail

Time gone by

Nuisance REST

Ladder 2 SOUR Decant

Sulk

Mail

Nearly all

Flagpole

MASH

Ladder 2: Sour, Pour, Pout, Post, Most, Mast, Mash. Mast, Most, Post, Pout, Pour, Sour, 2: Ladder Ladder 1: Foot, Hoot, Host, Post, Past, Pest, Rest. Pest, Past, Post, Host, Hoot, Foot, 1: Ladder

11 Special Deliveries

egular subscribers to Estuary will know there are 29 noble people Rwho deliver the community magazine every month. Two of our longest serving deliverers have recently retired and they make a remarkable story.

Jean Henderson moved to Topsham 41 years ago. She thinks she was asked to help with deliveries not long after she moved and has since been a stalwart deliverer until earlier this year.

Mary Tamlyn (pictured) has recently moved away from Topsham. She took over her mother’s round of Fore Street in 1988. It is thought her mother was one of the early deliverers in 1979/80. Mary’s mother was Mrs Winnie Weaver who moved to Topsham in 1974. Mary’s sister-in-law Meriel Tamlyn moved to Majorﬁ eld Road in late 1988 and she also was an Estuary deliverer for many years.

12 Our deliverers’ rounds range from six copies to 36 copies and cover all of Topsham, including The Chase and EX111. If you would like your copy delivered, please get in touch with the delivery organiser (see page 57) who will contact the deliverer for your area. Rachel Nichols

Where to ﬁ nd Estuary

Although the town’s daily lifestyle is back to a kind of normality, regrettably Estuary has not yet moved back into the porch of St Margaret’s Church from where it has been distributed and sold for many years.

Until it can return to base, as it were, outlets in Topsham include the Topsham Pharmacy, Estuary League of Friends shop and Hub, the Topsham Bookshop and the Coop. We can’t thank Daniel and his team at the Coop enough for helping Estuary reach out to the community and we hope our new readers will stay with us when we call a halt to free copies, as we surely will have to in the very near future. Subscriptions (see page 57) are still only £8 for the year and delivery is included as well. The Editors

------

Pat Quaife

Ill health caused Pat Quaife, organiser of the Estuary delivery team, to relinquish this role in the spring. It is with great sadness that we have to pass on the news that she has passed away. We’re sure you will join us in sending our condolences to Francis and family. The Editors

13 MarriageThree Commandments

his legend was found amongst personal possessions of a loved one Ton their passing and dates from over 100 years ago. Might it still resonate with today’s brides and grooms? Let us know! Commandment 1: Thou shalt not hide thy true feelings. Mutual love provides a bright, sunlit room where things of the heart can be discussed freely and without fear. Commandment 2: Thou shall give the marriage room to grow. Both partners should be willing to face the future together with conﬁ dence and trust. Today is a better day for them than yesterday and tomorrow will ﬁ nd them closer still. Commandment 3: Thou shall through all thy days reverence God, thy Creator, never forgetting that it is he who has made you one.

14 Caring in Topsham

erry Road stall plants Fsales: the fi nal total will be around £6,000! Thank you everyone who has donated, bought plants and helped to achieve this amazing amount! It has certainly gone a long way to make up for the lost takings due to the Covid cancellation of Open Gardens and Jazz in the Garden events. No one could have failed to enjoy the magnifi cent sunfl owers harvested from Dart’s Farm. Thank you to the Darts Farm team for once again donating all the sales proceeds to Hospiscare. Ongoing uncertainty due to social distancing compliance has sadly led to our decision not to go ahead with our Street Collection and Open Allotments event both on Saturday 5 September, together with the Open Gardens event the next day, Sunday 6 September. Thank you to all the gardeners who have worked so hard to get their gardens ready - and the allotments (pictured) have never looked better! William Thomas (01392 876378)

15 TOPSHAM MUSEUM SOCIETY

The Lockdown Fox fter seeing a fox in Topsham one night during lockdown, Phil Keen was Ainspired to paint different scenes of a fox about town. This has now developed into a charming picture book, The Lockdown Fox, written and illustrated by Phil Keen, that will appeal to both children and adults. Phil is a valued member of the Museum’s creative team and we are delighted to support this venture. The book is published by the Museum with proﬁ ts going towards Museum funds. A printed version is on sale for £4 from our new online shop via the Museum website www.topshammuseum.org.uk and at various places around town including 21 Victoria Road. If you would like to order a copy, please phone Rachel Nichols on 01392 877375. New Online Shop We are very pleased to announce our new online shop where you will be able to purchase Topsham-related gifts as well as various Topsham Museum publications. You can access the shop from the Museum website: www. topshammuseum.org.uk. Garden Tea Parties Over the summer mini tea parties were arranged in the Museum’s garden for our volunteers and proved a great success. Whilst ensuring social distancing and other guidance were followed, it was so good to gather in groups of six to enjoy a chat. It was also a great opportunity to meet and get to know some of our new volunteers.

16 Saturday Market Once the Saturday Market was up and running again in Matthews Hall, we decided it would be a wonderful opportunity to bring the Museum into town. It provides a good opportunity to chat to people about the Museum whilst it remains closed. Free Topsham Trails booklets are available as well as selected items from the Museum shop. We plan to have a stall a couple of times a month where a volunteer will be sharing one or two of favourite items selected from the Museum’s collection. Do come and say hello the next time you come to the market. Topsham Trails We are really pleased to see so many people picking up this leafl et and enjoying the trails. We have received very positive feedback from people of all ages and it has proved very popular with families visiting over the summer. Written and published by Topsham Museum and funded by Devon County Council, Topsham Trails offer two walking trails of Topsham with historical information, picture puzzles for children and an inviting pictorial map by Phil Keen. The box outside the Museum is where you can pick up a leafl et. Leafl ets are also available at several outlets in the town including The Topsham Bookshop, Rodney Spiller, Wilkinson Grant, East of Exe, Nancy Potter House and Passage House Inn. Or download the leafl et via our website at https://topshammuseum. org.uk. Shelley Miller We were very sad to hear in August that Shelley Miller had died. Shelley supplied the Tea Room with the delicious cakes enjoyed by visitors over many years. She helped to build the enviable reputation the Museum teas enjoy today. Shelley was a much-loved volunteer, and a well-known and popular member of the Topsham community. Keeping the Spark Alive The projects mentioned above are all part of our Keeping the Spark Alive initiative. We are also continuing to post on our website and social media, as well as printing information for the display box outside the Museum and around the town. We hope to share more exciting plans in the near future. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook and on our website for the latest news: https:// topshammuseum.org.uk Julie Rashbrook

17 TOPSHAM BOWLING CLUB Game on – at last! unday 2 August saw the club hold Lockdown Open Stheir fi rst internal competition, The second internal competition was the Open Pairs, of the season. And the Lockdown Open Singles. Open to a good turn-out of 16 players we had all club members, it was held under too. Names were drawn at random the usual rules for Singles, except 16 and players grouped in pairs. Each ends, rather than the normal 21, were pair were to play three matches of 10 to be played. ends and the winning pair would be A sunny, very hot and humid morning the one with the most wins. If pairs welcomed the 16 entrants. However, were level on wins, shot difference by early afternoon it was decided that would be the deciding factor. all the players had endured enough Due to the safety measures currently of the heat and play was gradually in force for social distancing, we brought to a close as each match were only able to play on four rinks. ended. However, this was suffi cient for all Mark Perrott beat Barry Carr to eight pairs to play at the same time. reach the fi nal while Maurice Daniel The fi rst round of matches at 10am beat the other semi-fi nalist Graham were played in glorious sunshine; Deykin. The fi nal, and any others everyone enjoyed being on the green outstanding, will be played on the last again and playing some meaningful day of the outdoor season, Saturday matches. 12 September. The second round of matches started at 96 Shots mid-day and, at that time, the weather This singles knockout competition began to change somewhat. Before is open to all members. Played with long, we had to come off the green three woods, the fi rst player to score twice due to short sharp showers of 96 points wins that game. A maximum rain. Returning to the green we only of 12 points are awarded for the three managed a further six ends before rain closest positions to the jack i.e. six, stopped play for the day. four and two. It’s a real shame that we were unable Standard of play was excellent and to fi nish the scheduled three matches; entertaining. Peter Gale took the but at least we made a start to some title with a convincing win over Mark meaningful games again. Perrott. Maurice Daniels

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19 Al Fresco Art Supporting Local Artists

Photo: Darts Farm Still time to walk the ﬁ rst-ever outdoor sculpture trail at Darts Farm

ith many shows and events cancelled this year and galleries still struggling Wto open, Devon artists have lost nearly all routes to market during this pandemic. But, behind the scenes, they have kept very busy, hand-crafting new wonders of art many of which can be seen – and purchased - on the Darts Farm sculpture trail. The trail opened mid-August and ends 13 September so there’s still time to enjoy the scenery and the art while maintaining social distancing as well. Wend your way, free trail leaﬂ et in hand, around the iconic Farm Trail, past the Bird hide, and discover 30 incredible creations sculpted from willow, wire, driftwood and iron and more. Michael Dart, Director of Darts Farm, commented: “Being able to support our incredible artists in this difﬁ cult time is such a brilliant feeling. They all share our passion for working sustainably with our environment, creating unique handmade sculptures out of natural or reclaimed materials that

20 complement the outdoors and enrich the natural surroundings. It’s perfect for individuals, couples and families and a great way to get outside in the fresh Devon air and reconnect with nature.” Said Sculptor Brendan Rawlings: “We’re really grateful to Darts Farm for organising this event, it’s a fantastic opportunity for the public to see our work. I’m proud to be exhibiting with such an amazing Photo: Brendan Rawlings line up of artists. We really hope the public will enjoy this unique exhibition in such a beautiful setting.” Marvel at art made by the likes of Brendan Rawlings of Woodbury Salterton, pictured above with the Darts Farm team. He is renowned for driftwood pieces ranging from the magniﬁ cent mirrored Mother Swan on our cover to the rugged Highland cow pictured here. “I love the thought of bringing discarded wood back to life,” says Brendan. “It’s hugely rewarding to collect an old piece of wood from a local beach and turn it into a beautiful statement piece for someone’s home, where it lives on.” Of the other artists, Dominic Clare works with wood, steel and sometimes slate; Victoria Westaway with willow and wire; Jane Clift specialises in wire birds and animals; Bob Budd is a member of the art.earth ecological artists; Matt Coe, also a blacksmith and forgemaster, craftss

~ ornamental iron work; Ama Manec favours wildlifee ton tures von. and historical sculptures in patinated foundry bronze and ld nd and stoneware ceramics. Self- taught Allan Poxton is y

interested in anatomy and structure, using steel and 0 wire with welded or binding techniques. SCULPTURE TRAIL Could this be the start of something new for Topsham? Our very own summer “art park” that might one day emulate established ones at Houghton Hall, near Kings Lynn in Norfolk, Jupiter Artland in the countryside outside Edinburgh and The Hepworth 13TH AUGUST - 13TH SEPTEMBER Wakeﬁ eld Garden in Yorkshire? We have the talent… AROUND OUR ICONIC FARM TRAIL & BIRD HIDE so watch this space! José Northey

21 LOSe WeIGhT aND KEEp iT oFF One-to-one support Social media support Encouragement Motivation Meal plans

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22 TOPSHAM FILM SOCIETY News

fter a few alfresco meetings the TFS committee has come up with a Aprovisional plan to screen two fi lms in October for members. Our fi rst screening will be Green Book, which was nominated for fi ve Oscars and went on to win three for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Best Screen Play. Set in 1962 the fi lm is inspired by a true story. When Tony Lip, a bouncer from the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr Don Shirley, a world-class black pianist, on a concert tour to the Deep South, they must rely on “The Green Book” to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. Confronted with racism, danger - as well as unexpected humanity and humour - they are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime. The second screening, Yesterday, is a fun musical romcom written by Richard Curtis and directed by Danny Boyle. This is a fi lm for those who still love The Beatles and all of those for whom The Beatles music was the backdrop to their lives. Jack Malik is a struggling singer/songwriter. After a freak bus accident during a mysterious global blackout, he wakes to discover The Beatles have never existed. Performing songs by the greatest band in history to a world that has never heard them, Jack becomes an overnight sensation. Please note that these are provisional plans at the time of going to press. Full details of the dates, screening times and any restrictions will be posted on the TFS website. Friday fi lms are, we realise, liked by the Topsham community so we are working with Matthews Hall staff to create a safe environment for people to feel confi dent about going out to watch a fi lm. We will adhere to government guidelines but also take into account the demographic of TFS members to make the screening as safe as possible; for example there will be a reduced capacity at Matthews Hall, so a smaller audience. If these two trial screenings go well in October, then we hope to start the new season with a fi lm just before Christmas and show the other 11 fi lms in January to April. FS Committee

23 Keeping Topsham Thriving into Autumn

t may be September but the visitor season is far from over. The perfect Itime to show off Topsham to friends and family while enjoying the shops, pubs and restaurants. So many businesses have done a heroic job opening up within the Covid-19 guidelines whilst still keeping the spirit and joie de vivre that we all love in Topsham. We’re now working out how to continue this into autumn while coping with social distancing during more difﬁ cult weather. Please check www. lovetopsham.co.uk for the latest on this and other news. In the meantime, we’re kicking off a new initiative to keep up to speed with an ever-changing landscape of wider issues, Covid-related, plus building on existing projects that have been working so well in Topsham over the last few months. Get connected. One of the next big challenges for many people is job security; it’s a huge topic but we felt there was something we could do to play our part in sup-porting the town. Several businesses and many residents are now having to refocus their professional activities because of the pandemic, looking at new areas for their companies, different avenues to explore or even alternative career paths. For this reason, the Love Topsham website is launching Topsham Connections, bringing people and businesses together who may have either job vacancies or ‘know someone who knows someone’. This will evolve over the next few months - we hope, with your help. Many Topsham people are well-connected with local enterprises of all kinds and perhaps could use those connections to help people ﬁ nd an opportunity that works for all.

24 It could be formal or informal, simply connecting two people together, an apprenticeship, shadowing someone in a job for a few days or mentoring someone towards obtaining new skills. Let’s see what we can do as a community to help our neighbours. Keep an eye on the Topsham Connections pages of the website to get involved. Keep the fl ags fl ying… We’ve dressed up Fore Street for the coming months with the colourful handmade bunting made last year by many residents and groups in Topsham. It was a hugely successful project led by the Charter Day team and we’re delighted to be able to make good use of the bunting to brighten up Topsham again this year. As the days shorten so we hope the fl ags will help to keep our spirits high and serve as a symbol to visitors that the town remains open for business. Take a break… We’ve just added more benches around the town and at the Recreation ground, pictured, in addition to those already on the Quay. They are jointly funded by Love Topsham and Cllr Andrew Leadbetter’s Devon County Council local budget. They have been immensely popular, with almost everyone ‘self-clearing’ - putting rubbish in nearby bins, returning it to takeaway cafes or taking it home. We hope for similar success at the new locations, so please use them and enjoy the late summer sunshine with food and drink from our cafes and shops. Listen out There’s still time to enjoy performances as part of our Love Topsham’s Summer of Sounds programme, with specially selected buskers invited to play at Chapel Platt and The Quay. ➧

25 The➧ aim is to make those shop queues a little more enjoyable each Saturday and encourage people to spend longer generally in town as they enjoy music between 10am and 1pm. Show your loyalty. More and more residents and businesses are signing up as sup-porters of the Love Topsham card. We were delighted to capture on video one of the town’s best known and respected residents, Mary Lambert (pictured). Do watch out for footage of Mary on our social media channels, where you’ll see her proudly explain why she feels it’s so important to show your support with a Love Topsham card. Talking of which, whether you want to use it for offers in our shops or just to show loyalty to the town we love, a Love Topsham card is a ‘must have’. A card can be yours for a minimum donation of just £3 per month. This helps fund activities like special shopping events, Christmas lights and the new benches - all our work is heavily focused on the town’s need to continue its recovery from the disruption caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Check our website for where you can get a card and become a supporter. And a reminder… as always please check www.lovetopsham.co.uk for the latest news on the town. If you’re hosting visitors, the website has useful guides to making the most of Topsham; a town calendar, information on our business supporters plus the latest offers for Love Topsham card holders. Our thanks as always to the residents, traders and volunteers who help make our activities possible, and who do so much for Topsham as a whole. See you in town!

26 Topsham Flower Club

hat an exceptional few months this has been! As Wwith so many organisations and clubs, we are still unable to hold a meeting. However, as soon as we feel confi dent we can, and subject to government guidelines prevailing at the time, we will keep everyone informed. Our fl ower arrangers love what they do and they have not been idle over “lockdown”. The Devon & Cornwall members of NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies) held an amazing virtual fl ower show in July which attracted over 120 entries. Topsham club members Barbara Hewitt, Alison Hazell and Judith Woolven entered stunning displays in categories A Dream of Things to Come, It’s Not All Green, Auction Lot and Rustic Ramble. Pictured above is the clever arrangement by Judith Woolven in the category of Rustic Ramble and below are splendid entries from Barbara and Alison. All the superb arrangements can be viewed at http://www. devonandcornwallareaofnafas.btck.co.uk/VirtualShow- July2020. Best wishes go to all our members and visitors and we Judith Woollven - Topsham hope to welcome you all again soon. Joan Payne

Barbara Hewitt - Topsham Alison Hazell - Topsham

27 ESTUARY LEAGUE OF FRIENDS

Working to improve the quality of life of those in need of care, comfort and support in our community since 1987.

e are delighted to announce that Nancy Potter House has reached the Wshortlist for Project of the Year (under £5m) at this year’s Michelmores Property Awards 2020. The winners will be announced at a Virtual Awards ceremony at 7pm on Thursday 12th November. Donations: thank you for your patience while we were sorting our current donated items. We can now resume accepting donations at Nancy Potter House (the Hub) on a Monday and Wednesday by appointment only. We are not accepting clothes, shoes, bags or large furniture. However, we will take DVDs, books, bric-a-brac and small items of furniture. If you would like to donate to us, please give us a call to book a drop-off slot. Hot meal delivery service continues even though lockdown is slowly being removed. We know how important the hot two-courses lunches are to those who order them. They are available every weekday (Monday–Friday) so just call and book your meal which will be delivered to your door. If you or anyone you know would like to help deliver meals, please call us. The laundry service in Nancy Potter House is still available for either self- use or booked service. For a pre-booked service wash, you can either drop off laundry or we can collect and deliver back to you. Or if you would like to use the machines yourself, our washing machines can now be pre-booked on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-4pm. Maize Maze: a special thank you from us to Darts Farm for supporting us in these difﬁ cult times. All proceeds from The Darts Farm Maize Maze go to us. The maze is a fun, creative activity for all ages – give it a go if you haven’t already done so. Every little helps! We all needed a little help at times to get through lockdown - and it came in a variety of forms. Many of you took to puzzles which is why we’ve decided to start a Jig Saw Puzzle Club. Choose from a catalogue of some 30 puzzles and book your choice for up to three weeks at a time for only 50p! To have a look at our catalogue, please give us a call. Our shopping trips with George, our minibus driver, enable three people at a time to go shopping in the minibus. The service runs on Mondays and

28 Thursdays and cost £6 per person. Shoppers have an hour and a half at a supermarket (either Tesco or Sainsbury’s), are picked up and dropped off with shopping at your front door, with all social distancing and Covid requirements in place. Call to book a slot for the transport a few days before you wish to go. Estuary League of Friends services and information: 01392 879009

29 The Daruma Doll Japanese Good Luck Charm

30 Traditionally a handmade (papier mâché) wishing doll, the Daruma is still the most popular good luck charm in Japan. Given as a birthday or wedding present, or as a lucky mascot or for the prosperous outcome of business ventures, Durama dolls help people to stay focused on achieving their goals. Eric Bransden, who teaches Japanese and Chinese calligraphy in Topsham, reveals the curious legend behind this lucky charm. aruma was a real person. He was an Indian teacher whose monastic Dname was Bodhidharma (bodhi - wisdom, dharma - teaching). He was the leader of the Dyana (meditation) school of Buddhism. He travelled to China where he gave lectures to the Emperor of China on the subject of Buddhism and the techniques of meditation. The Chinese people pronounced Dyana as Channa, which was later shortened to the single character Chan ⚙. In Japan that character is pronounced Zen. The Chinese also found the name Bodhidharma difﬁ cult to pronounce, so they just took the ‘dharma’ part of his name and called him Tammo. Later, when his fame spread to Japan, ‘dharma’ became Daruma. According to Chinese legend, Bodhidharma taught martial arts to the monks of Shaolin monastery, which was the origin of Shaolin Kungfu. In art he is usually shown as having round, non-Chinese eyes, wide moustaches and a ﬁ erce warrior frown. It is said that he went to a mountain cave and spent so long seated in the lotus position that he eventually lost the use of his legs. That’s why the Daruma doll, which was created to honour his warrior spirit, has no legs. He is shown sitting in meditation, his body and the top of his head covered with a red robe. His face is the most prominent feature, much larger than life size and sunk down into his chest. His head seems to have blended with➧

31 ➧

his body so that the shape of the doll looks like a red, round ball. Some Daruma dolls are weighted at the bottom so that, if pushed, they will sway then resume their upright position. When the dolls are bought, the eyes are without pupils or irises. One eye is fi lled in while making a wish; then you promise Daruma that you will fi ll in the other eye when that wish is fulfi lled. Only then will Daruma have both eyes open. Japanese parents tell their children: “Be like Daruma - seven times fall over, eight times stand up.” If children are studying for an examination, parents may buy them a Daruma to put on their desk. The parents say: “‘Mix some ink and paint in his left eye. Daruma will help you study. Then, when you pass your exam, reward him with his second eye.” On the fi rst day of construction of the Nissan car factory in Sunderland, the factory manager painted in one eye of a large Daruma. When the factory was completed in 1986, the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was invited to open the factory and to paint in the second eye. I regretted that I had not brought back a souvenir Daruma to the UK but when I saw a picture of the Nissan Daruma, I decided to copy it and make one myself. Now, every morning, he reminds me: “Seven times fall over, eight times stand up.”

32 Treatments include: exercise, manipulation, acupuncture, electrotherapy, education and support

For an appointment call: 01392 434832 Email: [email protected] Excellence, Experience, Enthusiasm

Approved Provider for Aviva, Bupa, Cigna, Healix, MDG, The Exeter, Vitality Health and WPA and more…

FEEL GOOD SHOPPING WITH HOSPISCARE Come and visit Hospiscare’s Topsham shop. We have a range of good quality clothing and accessories for men and women, homewares, books pictures and gifts. Every purchase helps raise vital funds to care for local patients and their families.

FOOD SERVED ALL DAY, EVERYDAY

Visit our website for menu

9 Fore Street, Topsham, EX3 0HF LOCALLY SOURCED MEAT 01392 876901 FISH AND SEAFOOD

33 Panache INTERIORS

Roger Webster Garden Design

16a Fore Street Topsham Bespoke Fitted Kitchens Exeter EX3 0HF Bedrooms • Home Oﬃce • Bathrooms 01392 877717 01395 239200 www.panacheinteriors.co.uk www.webstergardens.co.uk see our display at the Aga Shop Darts Farm, Topsham

34 Eat with purpose!

During this pandemic, we have been working closely with cheesemakers, brewers, cidermakers & growers to help keep them alive & ensure our local food supply chain is sustained. Picture: Patrick McCaig (Otter Brewery), Phil Ayre (Black Dog Eggs), Mary Quicke (Quicke’s Cheese), James Dart 'DUWV)DUP 0LFKDHO'DUW 'DUWV)DUP 3KLOLS6WDQVȴHOG &RUQLVK&KHHVH&R %DUQ\%XWWHUȴHOG (Sandford Orchards) at Darts Farm’s Supplier Harvest Supper Celebration Highs &Lows

Various pressure systems cause day-to-day weather changes. To start our new guide to the weather, Alex Burkhill, Senior Operational Meteorologist at the Met Ofﬁ ce, explains how.

ressure charts, or synoptic charts, quickly tell you a number of things Pabout the weather. The key thing shown on a pressure chart, like the one shown here, is the atmospheric or air pressure. Put simply, this is the force pushing down by

36 the weight of the air above. This ﬂ uctuates around the world due to several reasons including heating from the sun.

Pressure is marked on synoptic charts with solid lines called isobars, which indicate where the pressure is the same - similar to how contour lines mark equal height on an Ordinance Survey map. Areas of high and low pressure are also marked on these charts, sometimes with an H or L respectively.

This information tells us a lot as low pressure is generally associated with unsettled weather such as rain and strong winds. Conversely, high pressure indicates ﬁ ne weather due to air descending which inhibits cloud formation; this is when we get our hottest days and coldest nights.

Air ﬂ ow: we can also work out where the air heading to the UK is coming from; this helps us determine if it will be hot, cold, dry or wet. Air tries to travel from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure to equal things out.

However, due to the spinning of the earth, air actually moves in an anticlockwise direction around low pressure and in a clockwise direction around high pressure (in the Northern Hemisphere).

We can also see how strong the wind will be as the tighter the isobars are together, the steeper the pressure gradient and therefore the stronger the winds.

Fronts are also marked on pressure charts to indicate boundaries between air masses, where variables such as temperature and humidity are markedly different.

Warm fronts, red lines with solid red semi circles, show where more humid air is arriving. On the front itself it is likely to be cloudy with some rain, then dank and drizzly weather following.

Cold fronts, blue lines with solid blue triangles, mark where clearer, fresher air is moving in. On the front itself you will often get cloud and rain which could be heavy and persistent, with clearer skies and showers often following.

Occluded fronts: the direction the symbols are pointing indicates the direction the front is moving. Cold fronts move faster than warm fronts and when they catch up they become occluded fronts, purple lines with solid semi circles and triangles. These fronts often bring cloud and showery rain.

37 sustainable, eco-friendly, packaging free OPEN MON-FRI 10AM-2PM 3PM-6PM shopping in topsham SAT 10AM-5PM

56 Fore St, Topsham, Devon EX3 0HW T: 01392 75 74 77 W: www.nourishoftopsham.com @nourishoftopsham @nourishoftopsham @nourish_topsham

Family run plumbing and heating business with over 30 years experience Small jobs very welcome Friendly reliable service Advertising Works! Let this space work for you, advertise your business here Tel: 01392 877977 Telephone: José Northey Mobile: 07801 365925 on 01392 759164 or email: [email protected] [email protected] www.plumblinelocal.co.uk

38 TOPSHAM ALLOTMENTS & GARDENS SOCIETY New Website and TAGS Benefits

Our Own Website In response to the wishes of our members, we have developed our own website - topshamags.co.uk - in addition to our Facebook page. It gives a great feel for what we do and how much there is to enjoy in being a members of TAGS. Thanks to web developer Malcolm Dinsmore and our own Ralph Hare and his team for such a fi ne result. TAGS benefi ts Although trips and the Annual Show have been cancelled due to Covid restrictions, we have kept the Trading Hut open for much of the time (thanks, Nick Booth). The plot holders have also been as busy on their allotments as the rest of us have in our gardens. Now that places are open again, members have been taking advantage of the reduced price entry card for RHS Rosemoor and the discount at St Bridgets at Clyst St Mary. Garden rep Sue Parr reports her July garden was mostly wearing green…in a multitude of shades and shapes! Could it be that neither she nor her garden were much good at growing fl owers at that time of year? The saving grace was her pond – a bit wild but there was always something going on in its depths. July is the month the big green dragonfl ies emerge. Ugly bugs climb up the reeds from the mud at the bottom and from out of these monstrous creepy crawlies beautiful fairy-like creatures emerge. Wonderful! In mid-July Sue spied a new (to her) insect - the Rosemary beetle, pictured. Beautiful, shiny, dark blue green with two gold stripes on its back. This little beauty came to the UK from Southern Europe in 1995 so it is a fairly recent immigrant. Its diet includes rosemary, lavender and thyme, all of which Sue grows in abundance but noticeably without signs of damage. The little darlings are no longer in her garden and she’s not going to tell you where they are! Watch out for them and the many other wonderful insects that frequent our gardens.

39 Summer is coming! Season opens 20 April 2019 Taster sessions on Sundays 28 April & 5 May - 10.30am til 1pm & Wednesday 1 May - 6.30pm til 8.30pm. -XVWEULQJÀDWVKRHVDQGDVPLOH

TOPSHAM BOWLING CLUB A place to meet friends, enjoy convivial HOORAY! surroundings Summer is coming! and our award 66XPPHULVKHUHXPPHULVKHUH Season is now open winning garden. bbutut oourur ooutdoorutdoor sseasoneason Taster session on Competitive bar prices Wednesday 2 May - 6.30pm till 8.30pm Just Become a bowling or social member. LLVOLPLWHGWLOOIXUWKHUQRWLFHVOLPLWHGWLOOIXUWKHUQRWLFH. EULQJÀDWVKRHVDQGDVPLOH

T.B.C. The Green, Fore Street, Topsham www.topshambc.co.uk 01392 879137

Summer is coming! T H D Don’t wait TOPSHAMHAIRDESIGN to have your hearing Season is now open * Open 6 days a week checked! Taster sessions on * Late nights Free Hearing Assessments Sunday 5 May - 10.30am til 1pm & * Organic Colour Specialists Lifetime Aftercare* Payment Plans including 0% Wednesday 1 May - 6.30pm til 8.30pm. * TIGI, Bedhead & Catwalk Choice of styles and colours stockist App connectivity and control Professional service -XVWEULQJÀDWVKRHVDQGDVPLOH

* Appointment not always delivered locally *for the lifetime of the hearing aids necessary Book your free hearing test today Call 01392 873612 quoting BL EM 03

Tel: 01392 877816 in association with 20a High Street, Topsham EX3 0EA 21 High Street Topsham EX3 0ED

40 Aerial Services (Mike Cummings)

• Same Day Service Available • 7 Days A Week • Sales, Service, Installation • Repairs & Reception Problems • Digital Aerial Upgrades 01392 279513 07836 641635 www.aerial-services-mikecummings.co.uk

NO CALL OUT CHARGE - FREE ESTIMATES

C0857 ARCHITECTS BRADFORD BUILDERS

Specialists in renovations, conservation work, extensions, carpentry, plastering, traditional lime plastering, bathroom & tiling • Experienced, friendly and local RIBA All aspects considered chartered architecture practice based in Exeter. FARLEY’S COURT, • Specialising in the adaptation of listed FORE STREET, buildings, residential extensions, renovations and low energy new TOPSHAM, EXETER builds. • For a FREE consultation with please contact Luke 01392 681230 McAdam: 07984 153088 01392 459777 - [email protected] [email protected] WWW.HMAD.CO.UK

41 Blooming Marvellous!

ome beautiful photographs – here’s a taster - were submitted for the St SMargaret’s Virtual Flower Festival. It was a joy to catch a glimpse of people’s gardens. Many thanks to all who contributed and to those who made donations. If you still haven’t viewed the Festival, go to the website A Church Near You at . https://www.achurchnearyou.com. Type in Topsham. St Margaret’s will appear on the left hand side. Once on the St Margaret’s site, click on Virtual Flower Festival on the left hand side. You can then download the ﬁ le. Warning! It is a big ﬁ le and takes a while to download. I hope you enjoy it! Gill Yates

42 +,7&+(16 (9(5<7+,1*)257+( *$5'(10$.(29(5 &RPHDQGEURZVHDQGEH LQVSLUHG SAFE SECURE STORAGE <25.6721(%5,&.6 FOR CARAVANS, BOATS, *5$1,7(6(776 CARS & BIKES %RWK1HZDQG5HFODLPHG /$5*(67672&.2) ,1',$11$785$/6721( ,17+(6287+:(67 $OODW78&.(56'(327 Storage from just £7 per week (;(7(5 MXVWRIIWKH$ Collect and Return Service available LQIR#VWRQHEULFNJUDQLWHFRXN 01395 239403 ZZZVWRQHEULFNJUDQLWHFRXN E-mail: [email protected] Woodbury Business Park, Woodbury, Nr Exeter 7HO ARTHUR’S CENTRAL GARAGE Butchery & Delicatessen 70a Fore Street, Topsham, Exeter, Devon EX3 0HQ Tel: (01392) 873310 Mobile: 07779 823493 Personal Attention and All mechanical Quality Products repairs & servicing accident repairs- Finest Quality Meat and Cheeses VEHICLE TESTING STATION APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT tyres & exhausts Scottish Smoked Salmon Proprietor: P. A. Tois Freshly Baked Bread Rolls Pies, Pasties and Sausage Rolls Local Lamb and Pork Angie Pearman at 4 Paws Sandwiches Prepared Daily Qualified Dog Groomer Scotch Beef Call Angie on 07717284017 or 01404 850538 Game in Season Grooming for all breeds of dog Let us Quote for your Clipping, stripping, and bathinng Deep Freeze Requirements 2LUUPMVYK-HYT *S`Z[:[4HY`,_L[LY 67 Fore Street, Topsham ay Every Dog needs its da Telephone: Topsham 875481

43 Real Time Get-togethers Soon

reparations are underway for Topsham Slimming World groups to Preturn to in-person groups soon! Groups have been running virtually over the last ﬁ ve months and members at the Monday group have lost an incredible 21st 10lb (138kg) between April and July inclusive!

Helen Patterson, who runs the Monday group, says: “I couldn’t be prouder of my members. I’ve celebrated so many weight loss achievements over the last four months, ranging from half stone awards right up to a ﬁ ve stones award! I’ve also seen members ﬁ nding new ways to become active during the lockdown.

“Here, losing weight isn’t about going hungry and moving more doesn’t need to be running marathons – unless you want to, of course. We know support is key when it comes to managing a healthy weight and we share our highs and lows together.

“As many of the members of my groups have seen, when you lose weight you’re already doing one of the very best things you can to future-proof your health by losing weight and developing healthy habits for life.

Obesity is a huge topic in the news at the moment, with evidence showing that carrying extra weight makes it harder for the body to ﬁ ght Covid-19. The government has announced new plans to tackle obesity across the UK and as part of these plans Slimming World is a proud partner in Public

44 Health England’s Better Health initiative; this provides an opportunity for the nation to reset and introduce healthy lifestyle changes.

“It’s great that the Government has committed to helping people to lose weight and improve their health. Having been a Slimming World consultant for the past four years, and as someone who has lost over three stones myself, I know how truly life-changing a healthy weight can be for someone – and for their whole family too, because we know when people learn healthy habits around food and activity they pass them on to those around them.”

Says Helen: “We at Slimming World have always recognised that those who struggle with their weight need to be treated with compassion, understanding and care.

“As well as the tools to make changes, people need support to make those changes and to keep them up – whatever life throws their way. So we don’t force, restrict or shame our members into action. We support, we share and we care… and it works!

45 Michael J. Sidebottom B.Sc. Eng. (Hons), M.I.E.5.

COMPUTER USER SUPPORT Conﬁdentiality & Integrity

Mac Hardware/Software Integration Apple®Specialist J M S Tel.: 01392 204090 Mobile Tel.: 07835 353892 ! ! e-mail: [email protected]

EXPERIENCING ACHES AND PAINS? Chiropody You don’t have to. Vanessa Coates Podiatry

Fully HCPC registered Chiropodist and Podiatrist. Experienced For Safe and Effective Treatment practitioner in foot pain, Providing the problems and routine foot care. Best Possible Care for our local Community 134 Topsham Road, Exeter near bus stop and has off road parking. 5 North Street, Heavitree, Exeter EX1 2RH See vanessacoates.co.uk for Free Parking at rear of building details and prices or call: 01392 273243 KHDYLWUHHRVWHRSDWKVFRXN 01392 459262

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( $ "" BILL α Alpha Marine Systems Ltd. ALLWORK Alpha Yacht Surveys Plumbing Condition, Pre-purchase and Insurance Surveys Carpentry

Friendly, helpful advice General Maintenance For a Friendly and Michael Horwood BSc PhD MIMarEST CMarEng CEng Reliable Service call: www.alphamarine.co.uk 07811 Email: 400022 [email protected] No Job 01392 875558 or 07906 898533 Too ** Special rates for members of local Small sailing clubs **

47 GIRLGGIRRL GUIDING UK BrowniesBBroow (girls 7-10 years) ADDRESS StS MMargaret’s Church Rooms RosemaryRosse Farley BOOK 01392001339 430544 ExeterEExeet Trefoil Guild PPtPatsy 01392 824919 ACTIVITIES & SOCIETIES CYCLE HIRE History Group Allotments & Gardens Darts Farm Shopping Village St Nicholas Methodist Church [email protected] 01392 87820 Fore Street, Topsham Events David and Stella McLarin, Charles Duthie Route 2 Bikes Topsham 01392 877318 [email protected] Nr Topsham Quay Show secretaries Richard and 4 Amity Place EX3 0JE Heather Carson 01392 875644 Ladies Club, Topsham 01392 879160 Nelson Close Community Centre Art Group [email protected] Nelson Close, High Street Topsham School, Orchard Way Clyst Vale Shotokan Second Wednesday of each Last Tuesday of the month Karate Club month. 7.15pm. 6.30pm-9pm Marion & Chris May Linda Boysey 01392 874070 www.topshamartgroup.co.uk 01392 259545 Sec: Prof Charles Ward Line Dancing 16 Parkfi eld Road Electronic Organ Club, Exeter Matthews Hall, Fore St, Topsham Topsham EX3 0DR 01392 466227 Maureen Grinham Monday 7-10pm 01392 664027 [email protected] Estelle Shepherd 07759 797571 [email protected] [email protected] Estuary Players Badminton Club 01626 891579 Alan Caig Museum Society Matthews Hall, Fore Street [email protected] Strand, Topsham Richard Holland 01392 873244 Film Society Jan Betteridge 01392 875269 Cally Petitt [email protected] [email protected] 01392 875431 or Volunteer contact: Michael Norman Bellringers, Topsham 07702 021068 [email protected] Bell Tower, St Margaret’s Church Daron Murell Tower Captain: Matt Pym infotopshamfi [email protected] Nelson Close Bingo 07814 348751 Nelson Close Community Centre [email protected] Flower Club Nelson Close, High St, Topsham Membership secretary: Thursday 7.30pm - 9pm. Thursday afternoons Sally Rawlinson 01395 233739 John Menday 07714 447573 Birdwatching & Naturalist [email protected] Matthews Hall, Fore Street Matthews Hall, Fore Street, Rock School, Topsham David Byrne 01392 758557 Topsham St Nicholas Methodist Church [email protected] Tuesday monthly 7.30pm Monday 4-5pm & 5-6.30pm 01392 200232 Michael Thomas Bowling Club Folk Club, Topsham [email protected] The Green, Fore Street Bridge Inn Malthouse 01392 873471 Dave Hodges 01392 879137 Every Tuesday 7.45pm [email protected] Gen Secretary David Tucker (session at 7.15pm) 01392 873168 01392 875332 John Stephens Rugby F Club [email protected] [email protected] Bonfi re Field Exeter Road Bridge Club Football Club, Topsham Topsham, EX3 0LY Clubhouse 01392 873678 Topsham Bowling Club Clubhouse Manager: Chris Beagle The Green, Fore Street Globefi elds Community Centre 01392 873651 [email protected] Globefi eld, Topsham [email protected] www.bridgewebs.com/topsham Tuesday afternoons John Menday 07714 447573

48 St James Cricket Club Women on the Run Member of Parliament University of Exeter Topsham Group Simon Jupp, MP Sports Ground, Exeter Road, Lighter Inn, Topsham Quay Const. Offi ce: 01395 276 818 Topsham EX3 0LY Tuesday 6.30pm [email protected] Membership Secretary: Gill Thorne 01392 874698 PO Box 244, Exmouth EX8 9DG Sheila Harding 01392 876481 07816 665503 COMMUNITY & PUBLIC Met Offi ce, Fitzroy Road sheila@courtfi eld4.co.uk SERVICES Exeter EX1 3PB Dr Keir Bovis St Margaret’s Church Choir EXETER CITY COUNCILLORS 01392 875276 Tony Yates Next Generation Modelling Systems TOPSHAM WARD (NGMS) Programme Manager St Margaret’s Church/Church Room Cllr Rob Newby Friday 7.15-8.45pm (0330 135 1419) 514 Topsham Road keir.bovis@metoffi ce.gov.uk Sailing Club Exeter EX2 7DN www.metoffi ce.gov.uk Hawkins Quay, Ferry Road, Topsham 01392 676471 Kate Brodie 07986 461358 [email protected] Saturday Market [email protected] Cllr Keith Sparkes Matthews Hall, Fore Street 22 Fleming Way Topsham School of Dance Manager Mary Knight Vicki Lugg 01392 876556 Exeter EX2 4SE [email protected] 07786 621204 07854 301869 [email protected] [email protected] Sea Scouts www.matthewshalltopsham.co.uk (1st Topsham) Co-cars Joy Lovett - Group Scout Leader Community car club Tidy Exeter Group (Topsham) 07761464495 0345 345 2544 01392 877296 Daphne Burdick [email protected] www.co-cars.co.uk [email protected] Shotokan Karate Conservative Club Topsham & St Loyes Branch Kevin 07894 069573 29 Fore Street Labour Party Clyst St Mary Village Hall 01392 874413 Fourth Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm-8pm Thursday 7.30pm in the Council Chamber Devon Community Directory Quay Note Singers of Matthews Hall. Chris James TUE mornings, 11am-1pm, St Devon County Council [email protected] [email protected] Nicholas Methodist Church. Town Crier All welcome, no commitment Devon County Council Rogan Meadows required, friendly group. Contact Exeter representative Sarah on 01392 437792 or 07962 971410 (text only) [email protected] Cllr Andrew Leadbetter [email protected] Robin Hill, Tresillian Gardens Topsham Community Tennis Topsham EX3 0BA EMERGENCY dial 999 Cally 01392 875431 or 07702 021068 07815 967989 Crimestoppers [email protected] Topsham Pool (24hrs) 0844 770 6997 Reception: 01393 874477 LIBRARY Devon & Cornwall Police [email protected] Nancy Potter House Police Headquarters, Topsham Rotary Club Nelson Close, Topsham Middlemoor, Exeter EX2 7HQ President: Flick Evans: 01392 874955 Public non-emergency fl [email protected] [email protected] 101 or [email protected] Secretary: John Arnatt: [email protected] LOVE TOPSHAM Electricity: national power cut Lily Neal helpline: 105 Topsham Society The Topsham Bookshop 24hrs, 7 days a week President/Chair Planning Group: 01392 877895 South Wales & South West England David Burley Jo & Paul Berman Chair: Jeremy Rawlings Western Power Distribution 07967 376724 0800 052 0400 Hon Sec: José Northey [email protected] 01392 759164 Fire Station, Topsham www.topshamsociety.uk 01392 872 100 Fore Street, Topsham

49 Floodline Pilates GETTING AROUND 0845 988 1188 Dorothy Holman Youth Centre, Avocet Line Rail Users Group Ferry Road & St Margaret’s Gas: National Helpline Gerry Hurfurt, Membership Sec. 0800 111 999 Church, Leisure Area, Fore Street Brookside,The Strand, 24 hrs, 7 days a week Fran Noble Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JW 01392 682557/07823 446211 South West Water [email protected] [email protected] (24hrs) 0344 346 2020 Exeter International Airport South West Electricity Board Matthews Hall 01392 367433 0800 365 900 Adele Stickland Sea Dream Ferry 01392 244101 Trouts Boatyard, The Quay, COMMUNITY CARE [email protected] Topsham to Turf Age Concern Exeter St Nicholas Methodist Church Daily mid-May-September 01392 202092 Corine Bailey Hall, Fore Street Weekends/bank holidays from April. 07778 370582 Alcoholics Anonymous Annabel Tsouris National Helpline 01392 218203/07832 274066 Stuart Line Cruises 0800 9177 650 01395 222144 [email protected] Qigong Estuary Clinic Topsham Ferry ChildLine 19 Fore Street, Topsham Underway, Topsham 0800 1111 Penny Bayer 01392 875523 07801 203338 Mike Stevens Cruse Bereavement Care Ferry Road 01392 272406 Exeter Slimming World Daily [except Tuesdays] April-end Nancy Potter House, Nelson of October Domestic Violence Close, Topsham, EX3 0DX. Topsham - Turf 0808 2000 247 Helen Patterson 07966 871314 (Freephone 24hrs) River Exe Water Taxi Toneup2fi tness Weekend evenings only. Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital Pilates: WED Nancy Potter 07746 747595 Barrack Road, Heavitree, Exeter House 9.30am-10.20am. Turf Hotel A&E Department THU St Margaret’s Church [email protected] 01392 411611 Rooms 7pm-8pm. Exeter Canal, Exminster, Devon Samaritans Stretch Fit! THU St Margaret’s Not accessible by car; take local 10 Richmond Road, Exeter Church Rooms 6pm-6.50pm. ferries. 01392 833128 Doris: 07769 687319 or 01392 411711 VENUES FOR HIRE doris@toneup2fi tness.com HEALTH & FITNESS www.toneup2fi tness.com Dorothy Holman Youth Centre Active Fitness Ferry Road, Topsham Weightwatchers The Barn Newcourt Barton,Clyst 01392 875695 St Margaret’s Church Rooms Road, Topsham EX3 0DB Estuary League of Friends info@active-fi tness.co.uk 07845 228340 Claire Foster [email protected] Nancy Potter House Nelson Close, Topsham Dance Fun Exercise Monday 6.30-7.30pm Inna 07766 64493 offi [email protected] [email protected] Yoga 01392 879009 Matthews Hall Council Chamber, Football Club, Topsham 10am-11am Tuesday Matthews Hall, Fore Street 01392 873678 Clubhouse 07775 672 777 Jane Harris FIT Movement [email protected] Matthews Hall Women’s fi tness [online] Tuesday 6-8.45pm Fore Street, Topsham Wendy Goldthorp Bookings: Mrs Veronica Coe 07946 272615 Yoga with Sophia 01392 876865 www.thefi tmovement.co.uk Topsham School, Orchard Way TCA Administrator: Lucy Wynn 07940 960560 Herbalife Members Monday 5p -8.15pm (2 classes) & Matthew’s Hall, Fore Street [email protected] 1 Tophayes, Elm Grove Road, Saturday Market Manager: Topsham EX3 0BW Tuesday 1.30pm-3pm Mary Knight Lynne Congreve 01392 757850 Contact [email protected] [email protected] or 07962 168556 01392 400260 Caretaker: Louise Russell www.sante.org.uk 07736 735181

50 Rugby Football Club, Topsham Swimming Pool, Topsham Estuary League of Friends Bonﬁ re Field, Exeter Rd, Topsham 01392 874477 Sharon Wannell Shop 07867 840057 Topsham School 01392 876487 Rachel Gilpin Dave & Sue Tanner 01392 874498 20c High Street, Topsham Emma Pipe - Head Teacher St Margaret’s Church Rooms [email protected] Hospiscare Shop Fore Street, Topsham 01392 876901 parishadministrator@ VOLUNTEERING 9 Fore Street, Topsham stmargaretstopsham.org.uk Devon Air Ambulance Trust Topsham Friends of Hospiscare St Nicolas Methodist Church 01392 879285 01392 876378 Fore Street, Topsham Sarah Wolfenden / Linda Cain William Thomas 01392 876155 Paul Hicks 47 Fore Street, Topsham [email protected]

Fruit & Vegetables Quiz Answers 1. Cabbage. 14. Turnip. 2. Lettuce. 15. Pineapple. 3. Potato. 16. Pepper. 4. Banana. 17. Tomato. 5. Plum. 18. Damson. 6. Apple. 19. Squash. 7. Artichoke. 20. Pumpkin. 8. Lemon. 21. Peas. 9. Carrot. 22. Cucumber. 10. Cauliﬂ ower. 23. Beetroot. 11. Brussel Sprout. 24. Sweetcorn. 12. Kiwi Fruit. 25. Runner Bean 13. Pear.

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51 My Grandfather Bricknell

Photos: Topsham Museum here was a very loud knock on the front door of number 10 Higher Shaper TStreet. My grandfather answered it. “Mr Bricknell?” “Yes” “I am from the water company. According to our records you do not have mains water in the house?” “No, us don’t.” “Where do you get your water from?” “Us have got a pump in the back yard.” “Well, I am sorry but these pumps are a health hazard. We are closing them down in Topsham.” This was in the late 1940’s when this was happening all over the town. A lengthy argument ensued. My grandfather could be very argumentative. Eventually. a compromise was reached. The man from the water company would take a sample from the pump, get it analysed and when the result came back, he would get the pump shut down. About a week later the man from the water company was back again. “Mr Bricknell, we have had your water analysed. It is purer than ours.” Having won his argument, grandfather then agreed to have mains water put in!

52 illiam (Willo) Bricknell and his twin brother Jack (pictured above) were Wborn in 1868. For most of their lives they lived near each other in the same street. They died within a few months of each other in 1948. I do not know much about their early lives; by the time that I came on the scene they were both retired. On the 1896 census William’s trade was given as blacksmith but he spent most of his working life as a painter and decorator. It was as such that he got work at what was then the Exminster Asylum. He took the job for a couple of weeks until something else turned up and retired from there some 40 years later. Some years after his retirement he was sitting on a bench down Underway when some visitors came along. “Can you tell us what that big building is on the other side of the river?” “Tis the Devon County Lunatic Asylum. I was there for 40 years.” “And are you cured now?” “You bloody fool, I worked there!” To get to work in Exminster he, and others, would get the ferry across the river and walk across the marshes. After what was probably a very long working day, they returned by the same route each evening, probably six days a week. Eventually grandfather got a bicycle and went round by what became the Exeter bypass. Despite this, he and his brother, together with Doc Sandford (below), were founder members of the town band. A story he would tell was about when they played for the Exminster Carnival. No motor transport then, they took their instruments across on the ferry and walked over the marshes. After marching all the way up and down Exminster, the procession broke up at The Royal Oak. So what could be more natural than thirsty bandsmen taking advantage of this? Grandfather was teetotal but would go into the pub with them. Unfortunately, one of the band members did drink… rather too much. Going back across the marshes he saw two bridges across a dyke and tried to cross the wrong one. They ﬁ shed him out but when they got back to the river he was in such a muddy, stinking mess the ferryman would not let him into the boat. So he was towed back across the river, still in his band uniform, hanging on to the back of it.

53 Grandfather played the E fl at Bass in the band until well on into his seventies. The practice room was in the Salutation Inn. Most of his sons became bandsmen; it was almost a family affair. The other band family were the Underhills. Wilf Underhill, his father and uncles were all musicians. he brothers Willo and Jack Bricknell were also volunteer fi remen. At some Ttime or another, call bells were fi tted in the fi remen’s homes to call them to the station. One very wet and stormy night the wires at the quay kept clashing together and making the bell ring. After returning from about three wet and futile trips to the station, Grandfather lost his temper, ripped the bell off the wall and threw it into the back garden! At the start of the war the fi re service was nationalised and the non-standard Topsham fi re engine was taken away. “They got no right to, the town paid for it, it belongs to the town!” Grandfather stormed. To his delight the replacement appliance was too big for the fi re station beside the Mathews Hall and had to be housed in the garage, opposite the Coop, for the duration. Grandfather Bricknell married Maria Dunscombe, born 1861, from another Topsham family. Their fi rst home was in a small house in Trucklebed Alley (now North Street), off Higher Shapter Street. They had eight children. Amelia Kate (Kit), born 1890; William (Bill), born 1892; George, born 1893; Alfred (Alf), born 1895; Bessie, born 1897; Bert, born 1903 and Lillian, born 1909. There was also one child who died in infancy. Later the family moved to a bigger house, the fi rst one on the right as you go up Higher Shapter Street. From what I remember of what my Aunty Kit said, the house was bought with money borrowed from somebody who lived on the Strand. She said that each week she would be given money and had to go down to pay it and get a receipt. The house was where Grandfather lived for the rest of his life, just a few doors down from his twin brother. Many other members of the family also lived in the street. One last glimpse of him - a big man, fl orid and with a moustache, sitting on the seat at the bottom of Shapter Street with Bannan Voysey, both airing their views on all political and social matters fortissimo. Local boy made good Sir Harry Selly MP would sit with them when he was down from London on holiday. A few months later what Bannan and Willo had said would be regurgitated in Parliament. Sir Harry always got a good attendance for his speeches and the Right Honourable members found them very entertaining! Jim Beed

54 Your friendly local garage can look after your car with the latest equipment and trained staff ALL MAKES SERVICED & REPAIRED MOT TESTING - AIR CONDITIONING ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE GOOD SELECTION OF QUALITY USED CARS www.stationgaragetopsham.co.uk Elm Grove Road, Topsham 01392 873129 COLLINGWOODS B & B Carol & Derek welcome you to their spacious and comfortable Bed & Breakfast

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55 CHURCH NOTICES Local churches can offer limited opening times only (see below) See also online services below.

ST MARGARET’S PARISH CHURCH GOSPEL CHURCH Fore Street Fore Street For the time being, open for personal prayer only on Mr Derek Coates Fridays 9am-10am and Mondays 5.30pm-6.30pm. T: 01395 233413 The Zoom links for services are on our pages on the A Church Near You website: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/8641/ HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH (StMargaret’s) or https://www.achurchnearyou.com/ Station Road, Topsham EX3 0EE church/8688/ (St Luke’s) - see “Zoom links for http://holycrosstopsham.org on-line services” in the tabs on the left hand side of the opening page. Priest Administrator Fr Kieran Kirby If you are having trouble accessing the links, please email T: 01392 272815 Louise Grace ([email protected]) for the services [email protected] on 10 and 11 May and Tony Raven ([email protected]) for the services/events on 13, 14 and 16 May. Also, if you Sunday Mass 11am know of anyone who would like to join the Sunday service Weekday Mass: usually Monday and Thursday at via telephone link, please could you email Peter Ingerslev 10am but please check the parish newsletter or church ([email protected]). notice board Vicar Numbers at Mass will be restricted to 18 while special The Rev’d Louise Grace T: 01392 873188 measures are in force to ensure safety during the coronavirus pandemic. People attending Mass will have Churchwardens to give their names and contact details to the stewards Keir Bovis [email protected] on duty and follow the procedures in place. The T: 07495 701301 obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains suspended, Jenny Ellis [email protected] so parishioners are asked to attend a weekday Mass if T: 01392 879158 they can so that those who cannot attend during the week can come on Sunday. Bell Ringing Captain Matt Pym Mass will continue to be streamed live from Plymouth T: 07814 348751 Cathedral and other churches. Please see the Holy Cross parish website (www.holycrosstopsham.org) Church & Church Rooms Bookings for details. Roger Prowse [email protected] Registers Deaths ST NICHOLAS METHODIST CHURCH Fore Street Mar 21 Jennifer Ann Whiffen, late of Topsham. Aged 78, not 95 as previously listed. Our apologies to the family. Minister: Paul Collings T: 01392 206229 May 22 Ronald Frederick Dodsworth (Ron), 92; late of Topsham Online worship is available from St Nicholas Methodist Church YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UCtIuejNJjeNFPPZcVAHyn8w Jul 6 David Hubbick (75); late of Topsham Or search Youtube for “St Nicholas Methodist Church 18 Hazel Caine (87); late of Exeter Topsham.” 24 Jean Doris Hancock (90); late of Topsham The Rev’d Paul Collings posts a daily devotion on the St 27 Linda May Blyth (66); late of Topsham Nicholas Methodist Church website featuring his artwork 31 Ann Miller (Shelley) (72); late of Topsham and verse. These have included series on: Stations of the Cross, Locked Down But Not Out, Reﬂ ections on the Holy Spirit and, following Pentecost, the next series will be The Fruit of the Spirit. http://st-nicholas-methodist.blogspot.com/

56 ESTUARY - who to contact PUBLISHED BY ST. MARGARET’S CHURCH, TOPSHAM Editor Diana Trout: The Cottage, Shillingford St George, Exeter EX2 9QN Tel: 01392 832723 Mob: 07780 844987 [email protected] Assistant Editor/Advertising Enquiries José Northey: 3 Monmouth Hill, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0JQ Tel: 01392 759164 [email protected] Submission date for contributions/advertising: by 8th of the pre- ceding month of the issue in which you wish your item to feature.

Church contact (St Margaret’s); Funerals (St Margaret’s); Baptisms (St Margaret’s); Weddings (St Margaret’s & St Luke’s) [email protected] Organiser of Estuary deliveries (no charge) & Subscriptions (£8pa): Rachel Nichols (temporary): 21 Victoria Road, Topsham Exeter EX3 0EU Tel: 01392 877375 Email: Rachel.Nichols412@ gmail.com Our advertisers support your magazine. Please support them. Shop locally, save petrol and meet your neighbours.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by various contributors are not necessarily those of the Estuary editors. The inclusion of an article in Estuary does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, policies or methods. No responsibility can be accepted for the information disclosed by advertisements which are taken in good faith. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in Estuary. However, no liability can be accepted for any loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. The editors reserve the right to edit articles as appropriate.

Topsham Surgery and Glasshouse Medical Centre

Topsham Surgery serves the whole of Topsham as well as its surrounding villages and the community of Countess Wear. Our Team consists of male and female Doctors, Practice Nursing Team and Admin Team and we offer a full general practice service. We run specialist clinics for children, pregnant women, patients who suffer with a chronic illness such as diabetes, asthma or other long term lung condition and coronary heart disease, together with extended minor surgery. We offer an online service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week which enables patients to book GP appointments, submit a repeat prescription and amend registration details. We also offer telephone appointments. Holman Way, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0EN Tel No. 01392 874646 Email [email protected] www.topshamsurgery.gpsurgery.net

57 ‘Suzanne’ (AIR3TYLIST Friendly Atmosphere Expert Styling in Ladies and Gents Hairdressing 22a High Street, Topsham Tel.: 876274

Topsham Handyman Minor Property Services for Households and Businesses. No Job too Small ~ Free Quotes Enhanced DBS Checked Peter Tapp 07792 587308 [email protected]

58 The Clubhouse at Topsham RFC

The Perfect Venue for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an open space to host a Birthday Party, or a professional environment to hold a corporate event, we’ve got exactly what you’re looking for!

• On-Site Catering Facilities • Fully Licensed Bar • Large Free Car Park • Close to Junction 30 off the M5 • Nearby Bus and Train Stops • Outside Space Available • Wheelchair access as well as disabled parking

Main Function room – 90m2 with a large 130” Screen Member’s Bar – 16m2 with a large 65” Plasma Screen

Please make all enquiries to Chris Beagle - Clubhouse Manager - [email protected]

Topsham RFC, Bonfire Field, Exeter Road, Topsham, EX3 0LY T: 01392 873651 M: 0797 7222 289

Topsham RFC 60 19 FORE STREET ● TOPSHAM ● EX3 0HE Telephone: 01392 875770 Website: www.estuaryclinic.co.uk Email: [email protected]

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