Musbury Diary Winter 2020 ch-Church: MUSBURY PARISH

December Sunday 6th Village Praise 10.00am Ch NEWS Sunday 13th Holy Communion BCP 11.15am Ch

Thursday 17th Carol singing around the village 4.00pm

Sunday 20th Holy Communion 11.15am Ch

Sunday 20th Carol service 4.00pm Ch

Friday 25th All Age Service 10.00am Ch

With optional communion afterwards January Sunday 3rd Village Praise 10.00am Ch

Sunday 10th Holy Communion BCP 11.15am Ch

Sunday 17th Holy Communion 11.15am Ch

Sunday 24th Evening prayer 3.30pm Ch

Sunday 31st Holy Communion 11.15am Ch

All the above subject to current regulations

Please look on village notice boards

Your Parish news The Parish news is dependent on many volunteers, allowing it to be delivered free of charge to every house in the Parish. For this issue 320 copies are collected from Axminster Printers and delivered to David Antell who coordinates and organises distribution . The 320 copies have to be broken down into smaller packages which are then delivered by David to the 15 distributors . These volunteers then deliver the news through your letterbox usually in the first weekend of the Quarter

A big thank you to the following the following people

David Antell, Ian King, Judith Rixon, Brenda Wheatley, Annie Durrant, Jill Anderson, John Pugh, Sue Irving, Joan Welch, Cherry Sargent, Stuart Heal, Mr and Mrs Boglione, and Lesley Wilson. Many of our distribution team have been doing the job for a long time, and are Winter 2020 now of a certain age so new volunteers would always be welcome If you are interested please ring David Antell 553454 Holyford Mission Community www.holyford.org 2020 (so far ) Quiz

Rector Fr Steven Martin [email protected] 553180 Church Office Administrator Emma Laughton [email protected] 552307 Well it has not all been covid this year can you remember some of the other Revd Preb John Lees (Associate Minister) 551351 News ? Linda Joy (Children and Families Worker) 07599292449 Jan Lees (Reader) 551351 1. In January who wanted to live like the common People ? Emma Laughton (Reader) 551400 2. This guitarist died in 2020 best known for the hit jump. Revd Victoria Chester 07489882824 3. Has he out trumped Trump? Charles Hill (Reader) 552141 4. The first bowler to reach 600 test wickets Sue McCoulough 552446 5. Announced his retirement in September, best known for the Pompidou Revd Canon Colin Preece (Retired Assistant clergy) 552154 centre and Millennium Dome Revd Nigel Freathy (Retired clergy) 22303 6. This Day was declared to be Palindrome Day Revd Jeremy White (Retired clergy) 32299 7. This washed up near Ballycotton in February 8. Who toppled Schumacher's record? St Michael’s Church, Musbury 9. Where did British trained pilots flying British made planes continue to Church wardens bomb Civilians ? Mrs Sue Irving, Cherry Tree House, Church Hill 552440 10. In June who changed their name to “The chicks”? Mr Michael Pritchard, Knap Orchard, Combpyne Rd 552297 11. What was discovered to be able to fly for 5 hours without flapping its wings? Treasurer 12.Who has become the worlds richest women? Mr Robin Collis, Monmouth House 551105 13.What became worth $2 Trillion in August ? 14.In July what did scientists find on Venus? 15.What theory did Elon Musk advance about the Pyramids? 16.In August this city was rocked by a huge explosion MUSBURY PARISH NEWS 17.She won the French Open women’s tennis in October Village Website: www.musburyvillage.co.uk 18.This teenager was beatified by the catholic Church 19.How much did William Shakespeare’s First Folio sell for at Auction in This magazine is published quarterly by the Parochial Church Council of St. October ? (To the nearest Million) Michael’s, and is distributed free of charge to all households in the Parish. The 20.Who Was re-elected in New Zealand ? cost is borne by the PCC but is largely offset by advertising revenue and by a 21.He was suspended from the Labour Party in October grant from the Parish Council. The Treasurer will always welcome donations 22.Word of the year according to Collins English dictionary by readers. 23.The first ever Solo Male cover star of US vogue The services provided by our advertisers are commended: when using them 24.The first woman to top the uk album chart over 5 Consecutive decades. please mention the Musbury Parish News. 25.In February Boris confirmed this will go ahead 26.Country singing legend known for the Gambler who died in March Editor 27.Whom did Rishi Sunak replace as Chancellor of the Exchequer? Jolly Sargent, Ruffles, Doatshayne Lane 552470 28.Which basketball star died in a Helicopter crash? [email protected] 29.What did “Eastenders celebrate this year”? 30.Winner of the Tour de France Distribution: Mr David Antell 553454 Answers will be posted on a village notice board in January or contact the editor Advertising: Rod Powell 552681

And Finally From The Vicarage Steven Writes

“To defend a country you need an army, but to defend a civilisation you need education” Jonathan Sacks 1948-2020 At the time of writing this, we are coming towards the end of November and I, like many, scratching my head and wondering what will happen or be possible after we emerge from the second intense period of lockdown…in “Wars are won by weapons but it takes ideas to win a peace. ” particular, what on earth we shall be able do at Christmas in terms of Jonathan Sacks 1948-2020 services and gatherings? Planning is tricky, but the aim is always to carry on as best we can, keeping “The older you get, I have to say, the funnier you find life. That's the only way to the church open during the day, and returning to having services in church go.” Diana Rigg 1938-2020 as soon as we are permitted. We also plan to hold extra events to enable people to gather outdoors, again, as regulations allow. Details of these can “I can see clearly now that the rain is gone, I can see all obstacles in my way. be found below. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind, it's gonna be a bright, bright sun Alongside services in church, we continue to offer ways in which people shining day.” Johnny Nash 1940- 2020 can join us to come together and worship online or over the telephone. Details of services and events at St Michael’s (as well as across the Thank you to all contributors and the rest of the team for allowing us to publish Mission Community) can be found on our website, www.holyford.org and/or another issue in difficult circumstances. As I write this there is a glimmer of light at our Facebook page @holyfordmission, or by telephoning our the end of the tunnel and hope for the New Year. Living in Musbury we have been churchwardens, Michael (552297) ,Sue (552440) or me (553180) to check lucky to be sheltered from the worst of the pandemic and although for many it has when services are taking place. If you wish to sign up for our weekly email been a difficult year let us hope for a return to normality . newsletter, please send an email to Dr Charles Hill I do not know what the Christmas , and the New year period will be like but I am [email protected]. sure that it will be celebrated in some way in Musbury and I am certain that the year 2020 will be one that is remembered for a long time. As you may know, we were forced to close the church for a few weeks Keep an eye on the village website and the village notice boards for up to date during summer as part of the plaster from the ceiling over the South Aisle news. After all one wouldn’t want to miss anything. and Nave fell down. With the church out-of-bounds, we held a lovely service in the churchyard. Following the architect’s visit, we have been able to open again, and have services inside, albeit with part of the church I am always looking for contribution for the Parish News , from the topical to the cordoned off, until we can repair the ceiling. controversial , and the humorous .So why not take time over the festive season It has been no mean feat to keep the church open, and my thanks go to all and write me something those who lock and unlock the church, and all who have taken on the extra cleaning required to keep our church sanitised and ‘covid safe’. Take care, mind how you go and have a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New year. Many are suffering financial difficulties during this time, and your parish church is no exception. On top of our usual expenses, we are now faced Jolly Editor with a new challenge. Repairing the fallen panels on a high ceiling in a listed building will be costly, and we are faced with the added complication of potential extra costs if, after closer inspection, there are further loose panels which need to be replaced. The PCC are currently seeking to raise Contributors please note the necessary funds in order to make progress with the work. My thanks to Ann Veit and others in the village who are fundraising in various ways at a Deadline for next Issue 12th February time when fundraising in the usual way is almost impossible.

44 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 1 Every day we are losing memories and memorabilia, even pictures that Despite global pandemics and falling plasterwork (!) the church appeared in Musbury Memories can no longer be found. Let’s hope we can community have pulled together and is in good heart; we have preserve as much as possible. Please remember I will happily store a new organist, Iain Morison, and we have met for services anything relating to our history until we have a place dedicated to displaying however we can, in church, socially-distanced, or even in the and archiving Musbury’s Heritage. churchyard. Hopefully, one day Covid-19 will be behind us and we’ll have that meeting Back in September, on St Michael’s Day, we held a special for everyone. There’s a lot to talk about! service of Choral Evensong to celebrate the village’s patronal Martin Minter / Musbury Heritage / [email protected] festival. Although congregational singing is not permitted during the current government regulations, we were able to www.musburyheritage.co.uk have a small choir who sang beautifully for us to celebrate the occasion. We also had a bagpiper … so if you could hear strains of music from the pipes wafting your way, it was to celebrate St Michael’s Day! It was lovely to Anagrams see a good number in church. Events we missed this year

Before the second lockdown, we had been holding a weekly Evensong on For example Arlington Dana (5 , 8) answer; Grand National Wednesdays at 5pm. These quiet services last about 25 minutes and will hopefully return to church when restrictions ease. All welcome. boastfully vintagers (11 , 8)

Now to Christmas! Kay short is organising a fantastic Musbury Village Advent beat greater. (4 ,7) Calendar, where people decorate and illuminate a window of their house to mark a day in advent (Kay has written an article about it in this magazine—do get below mind (9) involved). At St Michael’s we plan to have the usual services in church over Christmas, as well as a ‘pop-up’ carol service outside, held at a few venues Suffolk smith violated. (8 , 4 , 8) around the village. The Pop-Up Carol Service will take place on Thursday 17th December, meeting at Higher Doatshayne at 4pm. contentious grooviness (10, 4, 7)

On Sunday 20th December we shall have our Carol Service in church at condor powerful washed (6,3,7, 4) 4pm. The seating capacity of the church is now limited because social distancing measures, plus the fact we cannot use sections where the ceiling has fallen. If micky tole toyshop (3, 5, 8) you would like attend the Carol Service, please let Michael and Sue know so that we have an idea of numbers and can make provision for as many people to a confabbed dextrocardiogram. (6,3,9,4,4) attend as possible. Rather than a set number, seating is organised according to the number of people coming as individuals, couples, or ‘bubbles’ and Dara obits warships (7,4,6 ) households, so please let us know about anyone who may be coming with you so that we can fit everyone in safely. force whales wholes, (7,6 , 4 ) (it was available virtually) On Christmas Eve, you are welcome to a special outdoor Crib Service for families and children in the Churchyard at St Andrew’s Colyton at 4pm. There is diet emotion (2,4,2,3) no Midnight Mass at Musbury, but there will be services elsewhere in our Mission Hints Community. You are welcome to attend Midnight Mass at St Winifred’s, Answers include; A world sporting event 3 music events of which one is Branscombe at 8.30pm, or St Lawrence’s, Southleigh, at 10pm, or join us at St local , 1 local sailing event, 1 river event, 2 horticultural events one of which Andrew’s, Colyton, at 11.30pm. is local and 1 tennis event . A television event for the world of lather, and a film we have yet to see. Answers e mail me at [email protected] or will be posted on village notice board in January 2 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 43 Christmas Day 25th December there will be “an all age service” at 10.am followed by optional festive communion. Musbury Heritage Update On Sunday 27th December there will be a Mission Community service at 9.30am at St Andrew’s During this period of lockdown, I thought it might be a good time to provide Colyton. At this Eucharist we shall be saying farewell an update on how things are going with Musbury Heritage. to our Curate, the Reverend Victoria Chester who leaving us to explore a vocation to the religious life at Back in early March a few of us met to discuss progressing with research the Anglican convent at Tymawr, Monmouth. We wish into Musbury’s history and the possible formation of a Heritage Society. It her well and give thanks for the many years she has was decided, rather than forming a society at that point, we would arrange a served here as a Reader, deacon and priest. meeting for all villagers to discuss the issue and gauge enthusiasm. I am sure you appreciate this was very unfortunate timing, because a couple of At the end of January, The Reverend Prebendary John Lees will be stepping weeks later we were in the first lockdown! down from his position as Associate Priest licensed to the Holyford Mission Community. Enormous thanks go to John for his ministry within the Mission One thing we did achieve was the start of a small fund, by way of a donation Community, especially during the vacancy and in his role with us supporting from each of us, to purchase items that may come up for sale at auctions, Victoria as her training incumbent. As Victoria has finished her curacy earlier than etc. This enabled us to purchase some 19th century conveyances regarding expected, John now feels able to step back from parochial ministry to enable him the Hand and Spear Inn along the Axminster Road. These are old and very to focus on family and work, as well as his increasing responsibilities both within large documents, written in old English that will need to be transcribed the Diocese (as Bishop’s Officer for Self-Supporting Ministry) and in the national Church. With John’s changing role, Jan has also decided it is time for her to retire sometime. Any volunteers?!... Some historic postcards and a 1902 from active reader ministry. We have been hugely blessed to have both John and Musbury Coronation mug were also purchased. Jan Lees on our Ministry Team. Although they will be stepping back, this is not a The website, though not actively promoted, has continued to draw interest goodbye; John and Jan will still be around, living locally and attending worship, occasionally leading services for us. from various people. I have been contacted by two members of the Drake family, one living in the U.S.A. and the other in Guernsey, a lady from We welcome Sue McCoulough onto the Ministry Team as a Licensed Reader. Somerset whose grandparents included Oscar Gear (Rose Villa /Nursery) Before moving to Musbury, Sue was a Reader in London. This year Sue has and Charles Rockett (Mount Pleasant) and a direct descendant of Walter been leading services in Musbury and our telephone Sunday service during Wills (New House Farm / The Chapel) now living in Australia. The Musbury lockdown, and we look forward to seeing more of her within the Mission story goes far and wide! Community.

On the research front, I have been trying to digitise as much data as The beginning of December marks a new beginning in the Church’s year as we possible and trying to establish where we can find out more about our village mark the period known as Advent: it is a season of preparation and looking history. This includes census data, parish registers, tithe apportionments, forward with hope. I do hope that you will be able to join us over Christmas. electoral registers, newspaper cuttings, wills, trade directories, property Christmas offers us a new opportunity to connect with the light and peace that sales and much more. Some of this is gradually appearing on the website. has come with the incarnation of God as Jesus Christ. As we approach this The tricky part is combining all this information into presentable stories, period, I write to assure all parishioners across our six communities of our daily pictures and data. prayers for you and all your loved ones.

I have not attempted to go further back into Musbury’s history. There is so With every good wish and blessing, little we know about the period between the Iron-Age hillfort and the time of the Civil War. Will we ever discover what Mount Drake, that sat on the slope Fr Steven. about halfway between today’s village and Musbury Castle, was like?

42 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 3 From the Ministry team League of Friends Axminster Hospital

This is being written early in the second period of As with most organisations the League of Friends of Axminster Hospital lockdown this year when nothing in December can Funding Hospiscare at Home in the Axminster District, are finding fund raising look certain and in this season of Advent our efforts very restricted. preparations for Christmas will be getting underway. Christmas is a season of hospitality and However we continue to support requests for help whenever possible. for many this involves the giving and receiving of Recent requests for funding that the LOF have agreed to, are, firstly for 3 food and drink and the sharing of time with friends online places at the Annual Dementia Conference for some of our Dementia and family. nurses. Allowing them to learn of new developments and share experiences in Mary and Joseph must have been extremely their specialist field of nursing. grateful for the hospitality shown to them by the Secondly funding the purchase, at a cost of approximately £3,000, of a Innkeeper and although perhaps not meriting many continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring Machine for our wonderful Community stars the accommodation was no doubt a huge Nurses. This is invaluable when treating housebound patients. This is in improvement over any alternative. In turn, Mary addition to the large quarterly payments to H@H for care in the Axminster area. and Joseph were able to offer simple hospitality to the shepherds and wise men and possibly others not recorded. Some of you may have been wondering about the building work going on The birth of Jesus was also a sign of God’s hospitality towards each one of around the Scott Rowe Centre. The reason for this is that all therapies and us as a reminder that he invites us to be part of his family. In the Eucharist clinics are being relocated to what was the Morton Ward in the main hospital. (a celebration of Jesus hospitality to his disciples and their successors) the The existing Outpatients Department will be turned over to mainly ophthalmic following words are sometimes said in a prayer after Communion ‘Father of procedures thus increasing their capacity at Axminster. This should be a great all, we give you thanks and praise that when we were still far off you met us benefit to staff and patients and mean that all clinics are in the main building. in your Son and brought us home’. Musbury is still giving marvellous support to the LOF. During August and At the heart of hospitality is love. Love which seeks to recognise the needs September £377 was raised from the Jam Sales on the carport at Lion cottage. of others and meet those needs either through own actions or by supporting Thank you to everyone who donated fruit and vegetables from their gardens others. Such hospitality can be shown in so many ways; through the offering and allotments. and receiving of food and drink, through personal presence and presents! From the 1st November funds raised in the carport will go to the cost of Repairs But also through a kind word by phone or other means, through the carrying to the Church Ceiling. This is done via the Friends of St. Michael's Church who out of a simple errand or just a smile (face masks permitting) at the raise funds for the purpose of keeping the church in good repair. appropriate time and other possibilities may well come to mind. Through our Not only the jams and preserves will be on sale but Christmas ornaments will own acts of hospitality our own love for others and that of a loving heavenly be available. Father can become manifest. Wooden ones made and painted by Brenda and Alan, knitted ones from Pam I wish you a blessed and peaceful Christmas Season. from Axmouth and some felt ones spreading a little love for Christmas. There will not be a Christmas Craft Fair in the Village Hall this year thanks to Charles Hill Covid-19 but there will be a mini version in the Carport at Lion Cottage, Axminster Road. PS Each week on Friday or Saturday an email is sent out to about 200 Please Support these sales to help your local Church email addresses with details of what is happening on the Sunday and coming week. If you think you should be receiving this please check your FOOTNOTE May I offer my condolences to Mrs Mysie Sutherland and her Spam folder as attachments on the email could be routing the email here. If family on the passing of her much loved husband, the Rev. Alistair Sutherland, you are not receiving such updates and wish to do so, please get in touch. who, though retired, spent many years ministering to the people of Musbury. May he Rest in Peace. Ann Veit

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40 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 5 Stockers Maidenhayne Lane Musbury Axminster Devon EX13 8AG

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We publish quarterly and distribute free to 300 or so households in Musbury. Our actual readership is rather higher than this as we know our magazine is passed around friends & family in the outlying area. In addition, and although we are primarily a community magazine, through the church it also reaches our sister parishes of Coyton, Colyford, Southleigh & Branscombe. We carry a quarterly diary on the back page of each issue, and we know our readers generally don’t throw out before the next one arrives…thus ensuring all our advertisers have a constant presence amongst our readership. This year we also expect to make the magazine available online. Our magazine is in A5 format and is laser-printed in black & white and published quarterly. We discussed the proposal for a quarter-page advert (approx 50mm wide x 70mm high ‘portrait’) in each of these four issues this year at a total cost of £50

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6 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter . 2020 Musbury Parish News 39 Friends of St Michael’s Weather Watch

August began changeable and mild with a few light showers, followed by a One of the special memories of this summer was evensong one afternoon in hot spell around 10th. An abrupt change brought heavy rain on 18th and 19th early July held OUTSIDE the church on the north side – it gave a sunlit with a total of 50 mm (2 in) over the two days. Further heavy rain on 24th, perspective of the building from an angle you would normally not see, leave accompanied by a strong wind from Storm Francis, and yet more rain on alone look at for more than half an hour – a view not shown in postcards and 27th helped August as a whole to be a wet month with above-average pictures. rainfall – a total of 120.5 mm (just under 5”). September was, as a whole, a warm and dry month, with just one day of heavy rain, on 30th. The total for But this was early July, with the first lockdown just lifted, so why were we the month was 35 mm (about 1½”), about half the 16-year average of 63 outside for the service? Having been closed since March, the building mm. October began very wet, with 54 mm (over 2”) of rain in the first four should have been welcoming visitors again. But, strangely but perhaps days, accompanied by strong winds as Storm Alex moved north from fortunately, a piece of the ceiling had fallen down while the church was France, where it produced torrential rain and flooding in the south. The closed. month continued changeable with a very light grass frost on 9th and 10th (in the bottom of the valley we get frosts when others higher up escape). There Inevitably it took some time to assess the extent of the damage and the risk was further rain during the last week but not as much as further north and of allowing people inside again. So, repairs to the ceiling may be the first east, but all the same the month’s total was 134 mm (5”) in contrast to the time the Friends are asked to contribute to maintain the fabric of the church 16-year average of 102 mm. The long-term outlook is for cool weather for as a key building in our community. the rest of the year followed by wet and windy weather in early 2021. Mike Lock We wait to receive a request but already Ann Veit has set about raising funds by selling jams and pickles from outside her house in Axminster Road. To date Ann has raised £215 in this way, including the sale of knitted children’s dolls and some felt and wooden room decorations. Ann is CHURCH FLOWERS AND CLEANING running a mini craft fair outside Lion Cottage instead of the big craft fair in the village hall – so please drop in and buy! Since the end of September the Church has returned to some normality with flowers and cleaning being done weekly. It began with a wedding when The Friends are saddened by the deaths in October of two people who flowers adorned the Church in abundance and in the following week with joined from the very start and generously contributed to the funds we are Harvest arrangements. Not as many as usual due to the loose ceiling raising – Don Welch and Michael Brock. plaster areas and main porch safety restrictions. As services have continued every Sunday, flowers and cleaning have played a part again, Anyone who wants to contribute directly to funds for repair of the church can even more so in this second lockdown as the church is now open every day do so by BACS to Friends of St Michael’s Musbury, sort code 30-90-37 (for private prayer only). account no 36161468. If you would like to join the Friends, please contact From 29th November we will be entering Advent, which is flower free as we Rosie Houldsworth at [email protected] or me at await the Christmas season. [email protected] I DO hope that we can still create our traditional Christmas arrangements and have a reduced Christmas Carol Service (which will be on 20th December) and of course a Christmas Day Service. And whatever happens - WE WILL have a tree ! Andrew Kennon Thank you to everyone who has helped during these difficult times. Secretary I will shortly be preparing the rotas for 2021. Any new volunteers will be hugely appreciated ! A Happy Christmas to you all.

Sue Irving 552440. [email protected] 38 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 7 Parochial Church Council Report Diary of a Name Dropper

At our Annual Church Meeting (postponed from April) Sue Irving and Michael Another of my favourite celebrities to cross the Pritchard were re-elected Church Wardens. Caroline Doulton was elected onto threshold of the Golden Hind was Dinsdale Landen. the PCC. Ian Doulton was thanked for his contribution to the PCC over several The name may not be familiar to you, but he was a years. The Church Wardens were thanked for their leadership especially during famous West End actor who made many film and the Interregnum of 2019. Thanks were also expressed to everyone who has a television appearances. People of a certain age will role in the smooth running of the building and services. have seen him in shows such as Dr Who, The The flower arranging ladies, once again, even in these difficult times, decorated Avengers, Jason King and Jackanory to name but a the Church beautifully for Harvest. Several people came and our Rector took the few. He usually played upper crust buffoons and if service. We were encouraged to give donations to the Anglican Church in you Google him and I am sure you will recognise Melanesia this year. Father Steven had been there and seen the plight of the him. Dinsdale owned a holiday cottage in Whitford people in the wake of Cyclone Harold. Musbury sent £67.67 to be added to the Road and was a frequent visitor. One of my favourite Mission Community total. memories of him was the day he opened the annual The Remembrance Sunday Service took place outside around the War Memorial Musbury jumble sale (whatever happened to the good old rummage sales of with everyone socially distanced. Councillor Colin Corbett laid the Parish wreath long ago?). At opening time in burst Dinsdale with his friend Doug Fisher (co- and read out the names of those who fell in the two wars. We all sang the star of the then popular TV show Man About The House) both clad in old ladies National Anthem (which was allowed!) The gathering was well attended hats and coats with matching handbags and plastic pearls obviously bought for considering the restrictions. £116.00 was sent to the British Legion. a few pence at the event. They took position at the bar and stayed in character all night. They were hilarious, a bit like Hinge and Bracket on steroids! This was Usually at this time I would be encouraging you to join us in our Christmas Craft the height of the summer and the pub was filled with diners and holiday makers, Fayre but sadly this is not happening. but nobody batted an eyelid or passed comment which made it even funnier. The only remark made came from dear old Bedford James who duly noted and During this second lockdown, the church building is open for private prayer every chuckled "Tis they there actor types from London. They be silly fools, in 'em?" day but no services are being held. If you can go on the Holyford MC Website you will see details of on line opportunities to worship together virtually. By the Those of you who know me will know that my opinion on music is that if it is not time you receive this magazine things may have changed again. None of us Sinatra, it is not music. So it will come as no surprise that the names Deep really know what will be allowed from week to week. So planning ahead is quite Purple or Black Sabbath mean nothing to me. Ian Gillan, who was a member of difficult. these said heavy metal bands, had booked the village hall to rehearse his new Thankfully, no more plaster has fallen from the ceiling but some of the building is group and were weekly visitors. A very nice bunch of guys who were kind still cut off for safety. Much discussion is taking place with regards to urgent enough to provide autographed photographs for anyone who asked and even repairs not only who will do the work but when it can be done and how we are allowed a small amount of fans go and watch them at practise. I was never going to pay for it! happier to see his vintage Rolls Royce in the car park and I believe he knew I admired it because one night he jangled the keys in front of me and asked me to We fully intend, however, to celebrate Christ’s birth in some way or another drive into Axminster to get fish and chips for the group! I will never know if he despite the pandemic! We are trying to organise an Advent ‘calendar’ of was joking, but I regret to this day not calling his bluff! decorated windows on walking routes in the centre of the village. Households have kindly agreed to decorate a window facing the road with a Christmas theme God (and Boris) willing we will see you all in The Hind after the lockdown in and they will be lit up with lights in turn as December unfolds. The old post office December. Hope you all keep well. in the centre will start us off. Their lights will be on in the evenings the whole of December followed by others in turn until on the 24th when everyone’s windows Ralph will be lit!! You may like to go round at dusk trying to work out who is new that night!! A big thank you to all those taking part. You will find them in Axminster Ralph has not mentioned that Dinsdale landen was a good friend of Peter Rd, The Street, Compbyne Rd, Church Hill and Doatshayne Lane. If you are Sellers. Mr and Mrs Sellers aka Brit Ekland stayed at the house in the interested in taking part after reading this, there may be some dates free towards Whitford rd to end of Dec. Please contact me. I have this on reliable information from a previous owner of this house: ED 8 Musbury Parish News Winter. 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 37 A small carol singing group hopes to sing in different spots in the village but Hindsite not sure what will be allowed at that time. The date we have put aside for this is Thursday December 17th. We hope to sing in Doatshayne Lane, in Thanks from the Hind Northfield, opposite the pub on the green and possibly down by the old chapel in Whitford Rd. Please stand at your front doors and give us a hand with the Not quite sure what to write. It would be singing! wonderful at this point in time to have a At the time of writing we do not know if we will be allowed a Carol Service in crystal ball! Church. If we are, it will have to be by ticket only, I am afraid, as we are restricted on numbers to keep the correct distance from each other. What Firstly thanks so much to everybody who strange times we live in! Keep watching Notice Boards for further details has crossed our threshold since we re- nearer the time. The service, if it happens, will be on Sunday Dec. 20th at opened on the 4th July, we really 4pm. appreciate all of your support and your Let us look forward to this Festive Season with hope and joy as we celebrate faith in us for providing a safe COVID Jesus’ Birth praying that one day we can enjoy each other’s company safely aware environment - although we must apologise as it is probably us who and get back to that wonderful Village fellowship we experienced before this have moaned the most about mask wearing! Thank you for embracing one- pandemic took us over. way systems, track and trace and hand sanitiser! Kay Short (Secretary) 552711 [email protected] Thanks also to everyone for emails, messages and even phone calls to check on us and how we are it really did make us feel so much better that people cared about us, our business and how the girls were. In Memory of Jane Bishop

Christmas at the Hind Friends of Jane Bishop in Musbury wish to create a Memorial to Jane in recognition of all her efforts and care within the community, including Parish We will be putting our Christmas opening Council Clerk, Garden Club, community quizzes, WI and Heritage work to name a hours in the village notice board, website and few. It has been decided that a tree with a plaque be planted in Marlborough Road. on Facebook as soon as we know what the new rules are and have had time to evaluate The tree will be chosen by Jane's husband Rod Powell and purchased by way of impact, but also please just give us a call and local donations. The actual place for the tree will be in Marlborough Road in we will be happy to let you know. agreement with the Parish Council

We have a Christmas set menu complete with cracker! If you have a few If you would like to make a cash donation to honour Jane's memory the collection friends and are looking for a pre-Christmas get together why not give us a points are, Emma & Adrian c/o The Hind , Musbury Garage /Spar, or Direct to Ray try this year! The kitchen is open Thursday – Sunday. Cross - "Wagtails" Marlborough Close , 01297 551060 or Graham Durrant "Garden House" Doatshayne Lane, 01297 552387. Breakfast Club Please note that any monies left over after the cost of the tree and plaque will be This has been a wonderful success. To celebrate, anyone that comes in for donated to breakfast on January 23rd or 30th with a Musbury Parish news will receive a Exeter Hospice Care. free freshly ground cup of coffee or Cup of Clipper Tea. Your contribution is more than just a donation. It’s away of remembering Jane and We wish our Customers and Staff a very Merry Christmas and a Happy also ensuring everyone living with a terminal illness gets the support they need. 2021 Because every day matters. Thank you Emma & Adrian Ray & Graham

36 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 9 Sky at Night Axminster Food Bank Winter is closing in fast, although we have not had many clear nights yet, but A huge thank you to all of you who have supported the Food Bank hopefully this will change between December and February, throughout these months of pandemic. Your contributions have been unceasing - there's only been a handful of days when the basket has been This is a time when we have constellations which people find easier with the empty. What a caring community this is! As you can imagine numbers needing food and essential household items are increasing once again and naked eye. First we have the constellation of Taurus with the beautiful seven this will continue to be the trend as we move towards Christmas. sisters near the top, as well as the crab nebula for those with telescopes, at the end of what looks like two long arms or maybe the bull’s horns. There is also an We are distributing food not only in Axminster but also to people in open triangle of star called the Hyades, with the bright star Aldebaran. Rising surrounding villages within a four mile radius or so. For some transport is just after that is the constellation of Orion with its big red star of Betelgeuse in limited and we are so grateful to our volunteers who give up their time to the top left corner and the Orion nebula hanging off the three belt stars. Even in deliver food parcels to those unable to collect. binoculars this is a wonderful sight. For those with larger telescopes there are It's becoming evident that more of our clients are needing help towards also the flame nebula and the horsehead nebula near the belt and the bright paying for their gas and electricity and we have set up a hardship fund from blue star, Rigel in the bottom right corner. It’s a constellation of many varieties. which we can give people a one off payment. Thank you, therefore, to those who are giving us funds - they are most welcome. Around the 13th – 15th of December you can also see the Geminids meteor shower, we have a new moon this year so we should have a good view and We continue to open 3 days a week (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10.00 hopefully many meteors you’ll be able to see. This is followed in January by the a.m. to 1.00 p.m) but may have to increase this again in December. We do Quadrantids meteor shower usually around the 4th – 6th; this can be seen in the try to provide seasonal food and treats at Christmas so would be very north in the space between Ursa Major, Bootes and Hercules. Although meteor grateful for such additional contributions. showers are generally named after the constellation the radiant is in, the Thank you once again. constellation of Quadrans Muralis, no longer exists, (Mural Quadrant, created by the French astronomer Jerome Lalande in 1795.) Sheila On the 14th December there’s a total eclipse of the sun visible at the South Pacific, crossing Chile and Argentina. On the 17th of December the thin crescent Parish Records moon can be seen just to the left of Jupiter and Saturn. On the 21st of December not only do we have the winter solstice, when the sun reaches its Wedding lowest point in the sky, but Jupiter and Saturn are incredible close together. Although this is close to the horizon, grab your binoculars or telescope for the 26th September. Anthony Charles Hickman and Linda Susan Parker view.

Funerals At present the NLO is still closed as social distancing is a problem, but we are hoping that by spring we may be able to open again so keep an eye on our 7th October. Elsie Forsey Funeral and internment of Ashes website www.normanlockyer.com for more information. 12 October. Irene Parrett Internment of Sshes Have a Happy Christmas and a peaceful start to 2021, and remember to 19th November. Donald Welch Internment of Ashes keep looking up. 20th November. Rev Alistair Sutherland Funeral and Burial

10 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 35 Evershot Bakery bread Post Office in-store Fresh Fruit & Vegetables National Lottery including local growers Free to Use Cash Machine Off Licence with chilled wines, Woodland View & beers & ciders Colyton Butchers Local Newspapers & Magazines Fresh Meats Dry Cleaning & Shoe Repairs Khushi curries SHOP & OPEN MON-SAT 7.30am8.00pm SUN 8am-8pm 01297 552292

Family Funeral Directors & Monumental Masons Full range of Cars & Vans including automatic cars, Lutons with tail-lifts & 9-17 seater minibuses 01297 W. G. Potter European Travel Specialists 553700 William Potter House, West Street, Axminster 01297 34283 Special weekend rates

AND DON’T FORGET Overmass & Chapple THE WORKSHOP...... Chapple Court, Queen Street, Seaton 01297 20644 Class 4 & 7 MOT Testing Offices also at Bridport, Honiton & Ottery St. Mary

Repairs, Servicing & Diagnostic Testing to all makes of Members of the National cars & light commercial vehicles 01297 Association of Funeral Directors Julian & Karen Hussey Dip FD NAFD Tyres at VERY competitive prices 24hr Dignified, Professional & Caring Service Wheel Alignment Specialists 552292 Prepaid Funeral Plans m8 www.funeraldirectors.uk.com Recommended by The Good Funeral Guide & The National Death Centre m19

34 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 11 HELEN G BEADS

At every daym throughoue sumer The Old Reading Room Handmade GlassStudio Beads and Jewellery Installations & Repairs (Axminster Road, Musbury) at Satellite Installation !" ArtisanThe HotOld ReadingLampwork Room Jewellery Studio and UHF & VHF AxminsterSilversmithing Road, Musbury Extensions etc Demonstrations : Lessons : Commissions Workshops in glass bead!" making and silversmithing Multi Point Installation Visitors welcome but best to ring in case I am awayIndividual at a fair dates or lessons to suit you in progress !"

Please callTel: me 552482 on 07525 or 780431 07525 to 780 visit 431 the studio m23m15 Email:Or [email protected] for more information www.helengbeads.co.uk www.helengorick.com m15m15 BEER • DEVON • EX12 3NA • Tel: 1297 21542 Musbury Short Mat Bowls Club Wordsearch There has not been any action down at the Village Hall since the last Parish Magazine due to lockdowns, closure of the Hall, and of course coronavirus! 15 music memories from the seventies However, Chris Pomeroy, our Chairman, has kept in touch with everyone and made sure all are safe and well. After the first lockdown there were a few meetings in gardens of six members which were enjoyable. No bowls action on the patio though.

We are very sad to report that two stalwart members died recently - John Daly (who used to live in Musbury with his wife Nesta) and Don Welch. They both played many league games for the club and helped to win a lot of matches for us. Don was a Founder member and Chairman for a good number of years. We would have been at Manor House Hotel this week enjoying each others’ company at the Sports and Craft Hotel but of course we had to cancel. Hopefully we can go next year. Who knows when we will be able to start up Short Mat Bowls again and see friends we haven’t seen face to face since March? It is a question on everyone’s mind at the moment. While we wait, keep smiling, keep safe and stay in touch with each other.

Kay Short (Secretary)

Answers will be posted on a village notice board in January Or email me at [email protected]

Don Welch 1930-2020

32 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 13

Nature Watch

Just after Storm Alex, in early October, there was an extraordinary influx of House Martins. On 4th, all along the road to Whitford, there were several hawking The last few months have been very frustrating, with significant delays in working with for insects in the lee of every tree, and many more hunting up and down the river. As dusk fell they looked for a roosting place and virtually invaded Waterford the Planning Authority on a way forward. Thankfully, after a long hold up due to Farm, clustering under the eaves and the porch and even entering the house. It Covid-19, some good discussions were had and the project is moving forward was the same at the Wetlands, with birds gathering on the windowsills of the again. hides, and also on the walls and under the eaves of a house in Primrose Way in Seaton. Elsewhere in Devon many thousands were seen at South Brent on the By way of reminder, the objective is to restore the building back to a large family home southern fringe of Dartmoor. People remarked that many were young birds. It seems likely that the warm and dry September encouraged many pairs to raise a without any further development on the grounds. We believe this to be the most second brood and it was probably these birds that were caught by the winds and sustainable future for the house and restore it back to being a source of pride for the cold of Storm Alex and became concentrated in the southwest while, in the long village and wider Axe Valley given its outstanding heritage qualities. We remain run, heading to their wintering grounds in southern Africa. amazed by the amount of people contacting us about the house; relatives of past owners who used to live there, university students wishing to use it as a case study and Another startling sighting in Musbury was four Cattle Egrets feeding around cattle on a local farm. These egrets have recently colonised England, with first even had a request to film a music video (we politely declined!). The cost of securing breeding in England in 2008 and in Devon in 2016. Their original habitat seems the house has been and remains high, however attempted break-ins have reduced to have been in Africa and extreme southern Europe, but in the 1930s they dramatically. appeared in northern South America, having presumably flown across the Atlantic, and by 1942 they were breeding in the southern United States where Instruction to professionals; building surveyors and the like has now begun. This will they are now widespread. They have also spread northwards in Europe. In Africa they associate with large game animals, following them and catching form the basis of any submission to return the building back to a family home. grasshoppers and other insects disturbed as the beasts feed. Here they are There is still a long way to go, the original timeline given of 5 years did not include a often seen with cattle but beware: Little Egrets, which are also relatively recent global pandemic and identified the planning process as the biggest hurdle to colonists of Britain, often feed around cattle in the Axe valley. Little Egrets are overcome- this still remains the case but credit to the District Council as they do now pure white, with black beaks and legs, and yellow feet. Cattle Egrets often show appear very engaged with the project and recognised that duty of care / part to play. tinges of buff on the head and back (their old name was Buff-backed Heron), and they have yellow beaks and a jowl-like chin under the beak. Little Egrets first bred in England at Brownsea Island, in Dorset, in 1996, and in Devon in 2002. Subject to lockdowns or any other unwelcome events, we hope that a more detailed update will be ready in time for the early new year. All going well, the next All the Swallows and House Martins have now headed south, although one or update should be far more exciting! two probably winter in southern England. Likewise, the warblers and other We would like to take this opportunity to thank those well wishers for the project, your summer visitors have all gone. The winter thrushes – Fieldfares and Redwings – have now arrived although most of those in Devon are on and around Dartmoor. engagement will be key to help ‘push things along’ if other stakeholders drag their feet The berry crop is exceptionally good this year but eventually supplies will run out a little. We are sorry it has taken so long to get this far but it has not been for want of on the Moor and they will appear around here. Fieldfares are larger, with grey trying! backs and a ‘chak-a-chak’ call; Redwings are smaller and browner with a red patch under the wing and a thin ‘seeep’ call. Fieldfares in particular are attracted We wish everyone in Musbury a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to fallen apples of which there are a great many this year. Both species feed in open grass fields when the berries have been finished. Josh Dutfield

14 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 31 A sad loss to the village is the Little Owls. Ten years ago there was always a pair Village Hall around Drake’s Farm and usually another at Waterford Farm, and at least once they bred in our old barn. They are not a native species but were introduced to As we should be entering the pantomime season it would be appropriate to England in the 1870s and soon established themselves and spread widely. say that "the village hall is open again" - "oh no it isn't!" However, they are now, I think, absent from the village and the lower Axe Valley. The reasons are unclear. They seem rather clumsy birds and I have heard of three The hall trustees had carried out the necessary risk assessments and instances when they have fallen down chimneys, but they are insect eaters and it completed the purchase of appropriate Covid-19 signage and sanitising seems likely that there are fewer large insects around now, particularly those nice supplies to open again on Monday 26 October only to have to reverse this large crunchy dung beetles that have virtually disappeared. decision with news of the latest lockdown!

Bookings Secretary Sarah had undertaken a lot of work with the various Seaton Wetlands hirers to ensure that the current measures were met for a safe opening, with a professional cleaning regime in place between groups to ensure The Tower Hide, the Island Hide, the Colyford Common Hide and the Discovery Hut their safety. We hope to be able to seamlessly resume where we left off hide (but not the hut) are now open, including in the latest lockdown,. MASKS with another reopening in early December. MUST BE WORN IN THE HIDES. Bear in mind that there are no windows in the hides, so it will be very cold when the wind blows. Also, numbers are limited and Gary Knight has now been appointed as Village Hall Secretary. Gary and stays are time-limited. The TOILETS ARE OPEN and will remain so. his wife Bev moved to the village just prior to the first lockdown and are The wader passage has now finished and only the wintering species remain – one looking forward to seeing the hall being utilised as fully as possible when or two Greenshank and Common Sandpipers will stay over the winter, as well as restrictions allow. Any updates will be posted on the village website https:// between 20 and 50 Black-tailed Godwits and about 100 Redshank. Rarer species musburyvillage.co.uk/ such as Ringed Plover and Avocets may turn up in ones and twos. One of the delights of the Axe estuary winter are the huge flocks of Lapwings and there will The trustees are currently looking into the potential of installing broadband probably be 1,000 or so through the winter with more appearing if the weather gets in the hall, which could expand the type of activities on offer. snowy. The water on Black Hole Marsh will be kept deeper for ducks such as Teal, Shelduck, Shoveler and Mallard; other species like Gadwall and Pintail may appear The group of trustees are in place as a management committee to operate from time to time. Thousands of gulls will gather on the estuary each evening prior the hall and meets its obligations to the Charities Commission, it is to roosting out the bay at Seaton Hole. however very much a hall for use by the village and beyond, we recognise Smaller species will include Meadow Pipits and, for the expert, Water Pipits and its importance and the part it plays within the community. If you have any Rock Pipits, some of the latter being Scandinavian birds. Finches like Linnets and suggestions as to its use or other ideas or comments please do email Gary Goldfinches haunt Colyford Common, looking for the seeds left there by high tides. at [email protected] Predators like Kestrels, Sparrowhawks and Peregrines are regular, and rarer species like Merlins and Marsh Harriers will turn up occasionally. We look forward to reopening and bringing you more positive news in the A Crane visited the reserve on 5 November. There is a re-introduced population on Spring edition of this magazine the Somerset Levels and further birds breeding in eastern England that have arrived naturally. It is hard to say where this bird might have originated, but it was Gary Knight not ringed, so it was not one of the birds released in Somerset. One or two are seen in Devon each year. Mobile Library Subject to regulations the mobile library will be outside the school on Mike Lock Thursday Jan 14th, Thursday February 11th, Thursday March 11th and Thursday April 11th at 11.45 am

30 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 15 School report Spar and Post Office Apologies for missing the Autumn edition, this year has been very unusual and In September, school welcomed back all 46 pupils, after what was for some challenging, to say the least. And for such a strange year, it’s still flying by. Our children, a six-month absence. It has been fantastic to get all the children back feet don’t seem to have touched the ground since the first lockdown! Thank together. The children themselves have adapted brilliantly to the COVID you all very much for your support and kind words, we all appreciated it (and related changes and took very little time to get back to their learning and still do). importantly developing their friendships. At the time of writing, we have just We are still maintaining the 2-metre social distancing rule. As we are a small gone into Lockdown II and I have been thoroughly impressed with the attitude shop, we cannot implement a one-way system. So, if you are queuing for the of the children. The whole school community has adapted fantastically to all shop or post office, please respect other people’s space. We will limit the the changes and I'd like to thank staff, parents, neighbours and volunteers for number of people if we feel there are too many, so please don’t be offended if their continued support. we ask you to wait outside for a moment or two. And thank you for wearing masks or face coverings (unless you’re exempt). Who would have thought that Already this term, children in Class One have used Google Earth to learn masks would be a fashion accessory? I’m certainly looking forward to the about Musbury, created 3D junk models, replicated the artwork of Paul Klees Christmas ones. and Alma Thomas, while in science they have explored the properties of ice. In We are now gearing up for Christmas; we have some lovely boxes of Class Two, children have been learning about France and the French chocolates, advent calendars and Lyme Bay cream liqueur in four lovely Revolution, the digestive system, their teeth and like Class One are also in the flavours. I can’t choose my favourite, so I may have to sample all four! Plus, process of producing artwork based on Alma Thomas, as part of learning we have Lyme Bay Christmas pudding wine, mulled wine, mulled cider, gift about Black History Month and Black Lives Matter movement. Over the next packs from Norcott Cider, biscuits, and mince pies. Did you know that the Spar few weeks we will be working virtually with Historic England learning more Luxury Mince Pies won a Gold in the Good Food awards, beating some very about the names on Musbury's War memorial and will also be visited virtually stiff competition? At just £2 for 6, why not see if you agree with the judges? by the children's author, Claire Barker. And don’t forget the local cream to go with them. The Post Office will obviously be getting busier the nearer we get to Christmas, so please help us to help you by having your parcels ready to send when you Mr T Nield come in, with the address and postcode completed. Christmas last posting Head of School dates can be found at royalmail.com, or ask us for a leaflet. The shop and Post Office will be closed as usual on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Every other day we will be open for our normal hours. Our opening hours for each department will be displayed outside the shop and reception a bit nearer the time. At the time of writing the Exeter Trial will be going ahead as normal, but Rev’d Alistair Sutherland obviously this could change. But hopefully they will be visiting Musbury in the early hours of Saturday 9th January from around 2.30am. So, if you can’t sleep, Sadly the Rev’d Alistair Sutherland died this month in Witney, Oxfordshire, come and see what happens at ‘silly’ o’clock in Musbury. where he went to live when he left Musbury in 2006. He was much loved by everyone in the Village and took most Services in Church. People who have Well, all that’s left is to say a big Thank You for your support this year. lived in the village for many years will remember him with deep affection. His Personally, I would like to thank every member of staff at Musbury Garage for funeral took place in Musbury on November 19th and he was laid to rest in their hard work, support and the laughs (badly needed at times!). We couldn’t our Churchyard as he had always wanted to be. He had special permission have got through it without you. Have a very Happy Christmas, wherever and for this as has his wife Mysie whom it was lovely to see at the service. She however you spend it. And I’m sure we will all wish for a better 2021. was our Choir Mistress for many years. Our Rector took the Service but sadly numbers had to be low in the congregation but many watched on line - Theresa Stockman technology a wonderful thing! Spar Store Manager - Musbury Garage tel 01297 552292 Kay short

16 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 29 Musbury Parish Council and Musbury Primary School have been working The Old Post Office window with Devon Air Ambulance to establish a night landing site at the School playing field. This does not change how the field is used by the School for In a year in which many of our everyday activities or pleasures have been our children but, with careful planning, the site can also be used at night by curtailed I know I’m not the only Musbury resident whose day has been Devon Air Ambulance if they need to land in an emergency to help someone brightened by the window displays in the Old Post Office. locally.

Costs & Fundraising The Council has established costs involved and, once accounting for a grant from Devon Air Ambulance (with funding coming from the Bank LIBOR Fines), there remains £3,400 to raise in order to fully fund this project and have a small ‘rainy day’ reserve for any future maintenance.

We have already received a generous donation from Musbury Movers and Annie Stark to start off the fundraising and a £500 grant from Devon County Council’s Locality Budget, but we would love the whole village to get involved – after all, it could be a life saver to any one of us. Can you help? If any parishioners have any fabulous ideas to raise funds or generate donations, or they would like to donate to the project, please can you get in Since the early days of Lockdown in March when Sue and Ken started touch with the Parish Clerk – Jo - who will be happy to help (07923 448809 / their weekly windows we have had something of interest to look at as we [email protected]). passed by that has either given us pause for thought, brought a memory to mind or marked a special event. The Parish Council recognises these are unprecedented times with many During the height of lockdown we were able to enjoy the vicarious challenges, but we hope that you can feel able to support what we believe pleasures of Wimbledon and Glastonbury, we were encouraged to keep would be a positive asset for our community. active by the Local Walks display and, a favourite of mine, simply reminded to smile one week by a window full of cuddly toys. Goodness knows how week after week they have managed to come up The Old Dairy Kitchen with something new, on behalf of the village, a big thank you to them both for adding some much needed interest and fun to our community in 2020. We really miss going out to eat. Any outing, beach trip, journey or visit is always made better by tasting food cooked by someone else, in someone Susan Nisbet else's kitchen, with someone else's passion and interpretation. We can't wait to be let loose, to eat everything in sight. In the meantime, our Pantry is Pictures Sandie here to provide you with just that - a delicious food experience when you can't get out to dine.

The Old Dairy Kitchen Online Pantry is open and taking orders for weekly collection or local delivery on Fridays. Find delicious meals and warming soups, loaves of fresh bread, provisions, fresh organic meat and sausages, eggs, sweet treats, preserves and recipe kits available to order at the click of a button. www.olddairykitchen.co.uk

With thanks, Alex (& Chris)

28 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 17 Musbury Garden Club

Now that the gardening year is at an end it’s time to look forward to the Spring. Planning and anticipation is all part of the colder days of Winter. You might like help or inspiration from some newly published books that you can buy from your local bookshop or order from the library. If you buy via www.uk.bookshop.org, profits will benefit local independent bookshops such as Archway in Axminster. Background Devon Air Ambulance now operates until 2am every day and the Charity’s Monty Don – American gardens vision is to eventually operate 24 hours a day. With lavish photos by Derry Moore, this book is based on the TV series of Operating and landing in towns and villages in the dark is different to how the same name earlier in the year. The pair travelled across America to they operate during daylight. To support ‘night’ operations, Devon Air trace the histories of outdoor spaces which sum up or redefine the American Ambulance are working with communities to create a network of community landing sites which are pre-surveyed open spaces with either garden. existing or newly installed lighting that can be remotely operated. The development of these sites is part-funded and managed by local communities. Using sites like this when it’s dark means they can land in the Dave Goulson – The garden jungle: or gardening to save the planet heart of a community and reach patients much quicker and safer than if they had to land in a ‘dark field’. An expert look at the wildlife that lives right under our noses in our gardens and parks, between the gaps in the pavement, and in the soil beneath our There are now 158 operational community landing sites across Devon, and feet these have helped the charity carry out missions to help patients with life- changing or life-threatening injuries and illnesses during the hours of darkness. Dan Rouse – How to attract birds to your garden: foods they like, plants Why have a night landing site? they love, shelter they need Musbury Parish Council believes such a site could be of vital importance to How to make a difference to your local birdlife by creating an environment in our community, after all people don’t stop being unwell when it gets dark. which they will thrive. By having a designated night landing site in the village, we will be enabling Devon Air Ambulance to reach our community until 2am every day – that’s about 9 hours of extra service a day during the darker winter months. The R.H.S. - Complete gardener’s manual: the one stop guide to plan, sow, benefits of having the Air Ambulance arrive to a local patient is not just plant and grow your garden about being quickly taken to the nearest hospital by air – if your injury or illness means you need a specialist treatment centre, they can fly you direct Dive into this concise, practical encyclopaedia for all the advice you will ever to the hospital best meeting your needs. Also, crucially, by arriving into our need for your garden. community quickly their advanced paramedics can start treatment early and that is known to improve a patient’s outcome.

18 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 27 Avian influenza (bird flu). Poultry and other captive birds Christmas Quiz An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone has been declared across the whole of England effective from 5pm on 11 November 2020. A reminder that you have another week to grapple with the 2020 Garden Club Christmas Quiz – entries should be in by Wednesday December 16th. All poultry keepers in England (whether they have commercial flocks or just a All money raised will be divided between local charities Axminster Food few birds in a backyard flock) are required by law to take a range of Bank and ARC. You can post your entries through the door at The Post biosecurity precautions. House, Church Hill. If you haven’t yet managed to get hold of a quiz, they If you keep poultry (including game birds or pet birds) or other captive birds, cost £2 or further donation, cheques to be made out to ‘Musbury Garden you must act now to reduce the risk of disease in your flock by following the relevant biosecurity measures required within the AIPZ. Your stock needs to Club’. If you phone 553521, we will arrange safe delivery to you. A prize be feed and watered under cover to prevent contamination from wild birds. awaits the winner! Karen, Val and Sue Good biosecurity improves the overall health and productivity of your flock by helping keep out poultry diseases such as avian influenza and limiting the spread of disease in an outbreak. All bird gatherings within the AIPZ are prohibited therefore the general licence that had permitted bird gatherings has been revoked. Farewell to Trill For more guidance please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza- bird-flu The boxes have been packed, the barn doors closed, the keys handed over. If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra We are sad but appreciative of the last 13 years and excited at what is to helpline (03459 33 55 77) come.

Public Health England advises that the risk to the public’s health is very low. Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said that on the basis of the current Trill Farm is not disappearing! We have exciting ideas and plans to form scientific evidence, avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK over the winter, centred around our core values of nature, health and consumers education. We'd love for you to be involved in creating the next stage, and will be in touch over the next few months. Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19). Voluntary registration We still have stock of some of our favourite products; the online farm You can choose to register fewer than 50 birds, or birds you keep as pets. The shop will stay open until Christmas (last orders Friday 18th December) or Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) encourages you to register even if while stocks last, so don't miss out. If you have placed an order since 18th you do not have to by law. October, we've been busy packing them all up over the past week now that By registering, • APHA will be able to contact you if there’s a disease outbreak (such the stock has all moved to our new workshop, and they are on their way to as bird flu) in your area you. Thank you for your patience. • you’ll help prevent the spread of disease and protect the national poultry flock Ash and Kate are still be running Trill Farm Garden, growing their exceptional salad and vegetables, and Chris and Anna are continuing to run the Old Dairy Kitchen, cooking up delicious meals. Thomas is continuing to We look forward to seeing you at the next Parish Council meeting. Please brew his award-winning mead at the farm too. We hope you'll continue to keep your eye on the noticeboard and website for more details. support them and enjoy their produce if you live nearby. Jo Boyce (Clerk to Musbury Parish Council) Tel: 553898 Best wishes, Romy, Lara and Tamsin

26 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 19 Musbury Heritage – Stories from our village Vehicle Activated Speed Signs (VASS) Our County Councillor, Ian Hall, has been working on ideas to reduce history speeding in our communities. The vision is to purchase one or two solar powered VAS signs that will need to be strategically placed around the Four events that could have changed Musbury dramatically Division to have the maximum effect to help change the mindsets of irresponsible drivers. VAS signs are usually only sited on roads with a 1824-28 20/30/40 mph limit and roads that are within communities. Life could have been very different in Musbury if the proposed ship canal Uprights will be placed with input from the Parish Councils so the VAS signs from the North Somerset coast to the East Devon coast had gone ahead. can be placed and moved easily around the Division on an agreed Although this idea had been proposed from 1769 and involved such timetable. illustrious names as John Rennie & Thomas Telford, it was not until now that it was deemed worthy of an Act of Parliament. Sea journeys around The Parish Council has agreed to be part of this initiative and two sites for Cornwall were hazardous (about 80 lives a year were lost) and slow. A the poles have been identified. The cost of each VAS unit is around £3000, canal could be the beginning of a network of smaller canals connecting most of which will come from the Precept, therefore being part of this towns in Devon and Somerset with new markets. Initially it was thought the project is the only way small parishes like Musbury would be able to afford southern port would be at Seaton and the canal would have continued up to have this kind of solution to the problem. the Axe Valley, via Taunton to Bridgewater Bay with harbours at both ends. Perhaps we would have been divided from Whitford by a canal capable of Thank you taking 200-ton sailing vessels from the Atlantic to the Bristol Channel! In the end we were saved from this by an inability to raise funds of £1.75 million The Council would like to thank Cllr Matt Craker, Noel Jacks (£186 million today) from private investors. In addition, steamships would and Paul Chapman for kindly make negotiating Lands End less risky and, of course, railways were soon to digging the hole in preparation revolutionise the transportation of goods. for the Christmas Tree. We 1863 appreciate their efforts to provide the village with a To quote directly from the Western Times: - “An alarm of fire was raised in festive focal point in these the village on Sunday morning (27 December 1863), and it was discovered restricted times. that a house occupied by a man named Hoar, a labourer, was on fire. The council would also like to Efforts were quickly made and the fire was quickly extinguished before much thank Mr Steve Hearne and Mr damage was done. The premises of Messrs. Gillett and Co., the extensive Bob Plumridge for working tanners adjoined the cottage, being thatched, if the fire had not been together to maintain and extend fortunately put out, might have ignited and probably have caused the the grass verge walkway into destruction of the whole village.” the village all the way from Bottom Lane. The power of This was most likely the home of James Hoare, agricultural labourer, his community spirit is strong in wife and 7 children. Probably part of what we now know as Malvern House. Musbury. The newspaper report may have been overly dramatic, but imagine how different Musbury could have looked today! Just think, the village could be full of ghastly modern Victorian houses…..

20 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 25 Trees, hedges and ditches 1940 There are often questions over hedgerows, trees and ditches. The In the face of a real threat of invasion by Germany, the Taunton Stop Line information and diagram below should give an indication of responsibility was built. Very much like the proposed ship canal, over a century before, for the maintenance of drainage and vegetation on and around the this was built coast to coast from Burnham, Somerset to Axmouth. Using highway. natural features, such as the Somerset Levels and the River Axe, and • Landowners and occupiers are required, by law, to maintain and reinforced with pillboxes, anti-tank obstacles, etc., it would be used as a trim any hedge and trees to ensure growth does not obscure road defensive line to stop the advance of an invading force. What if it had signs. been required and was successfully defended? Would Cornwall and • They should give a minimum height clearance of 2.1 m over most of Devon be separated from us and under German control. Would footpaths and over the road to a height to accommodate vehicles Musbury have been part of a war zone, devoid of civilians and under which normally use the same (about 5.2m) bombardment? At the end of World War II, there would not have been • They should also trim roadside hedges to maintain visibility for road users, particularly at junctions and on the inside of bends. much of Musbury left for people to return to. Fortunately, this never • They should trim any hedge that directly abuts a road, footway, happened, but if Hitler had persisted with operation ‘Sea Lion’ (the cycleway or public right of way so that growth does not prevent invasion of Britain) things could have been very different. the passage or affect the safety of the highway user, including 1986 cyclists and pedestrians. • They should remove dead or decaying trees and other growth In 1985 a licence was issued to allow oil and gas exploration for an area that may fall across the highway. extending northwards from Seaton into Somerset. In November 1986, for • They should remove branches and other growth that may prevent the first and only time in Devon, one exploration well was drilled in the passage of high sided vehicles or obstruct light from a public lamp (street light). Musbury, in a field along the Whitford road, opposite Millands Farm. It • They should ensure the highway (including the footway and was found to be dry and the site was subsequently restored. But what if drainage features) is left clear of debris from the cutting oil or gas had been struck? Perhaps we would have fields of nodding operations (section 148). donkeys rather than sheep and cattle. Maybe Devon’s own JR Ewing would be living in Mountfield! It is recommended that hedges are cut in January or February to avoid disturbance of wildlife, allow plants to finish flowering and seeds and fruits Martin Minter / Musbury Heritage / [email protected] to be gathered.

Information regarding overgrown vegetation is available on DCC website. (https://www.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/maintaining-roads/trees- Test Your Self for Covid and-vegetation/overgrown-vegetation Take a glass and pour a decent measure of your favourite whisky (or gin , rum ) then see if you can smell it. If you can smell it then you are halfway there. Drink it and if you can taste it, it is reasonable to assume you currently free of the virus. I tested myself nine times last night and was virus free every time thank goodness. I will have to test myself again today as I have developed a headache which can be one of the symptoms. Contributed

24 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020. Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 21 Musbury Parish Council News Bins

Mountfield House Update Most of the bins in the village are emptied by East Devon District Council on a weekly basis (usually a Thursday). However, there may be occasions The Parish Council have received this update from the owners: when the collections are missed or there is more litter than usual. If this is the case, you can report a full bin by: “I am pleased to advise the Parish Council that we are looking at making a planning application, ideally before Christmas, which will see the full Telephoning: 01395 517528 OR restoration of the house and safeguard the grounds. Emailing: [email protected] OR Logging on: eastdevon.gov.uk/environmental-maintenance/litter/report-a-full- This has followed a period of huge cost to protect the house and litter-bin/ professional fees to move things forward on our part. Due to COVID-19, the The What3Word location reference is: coach.display.appealing local planning authority (East Devon District Council) have experienced The postcode is: EX13 8BA significant delays in getting back to us. However, things do appear to be moving forward after a long, detailed and protracted period of discussions. IF THE BIN IS FULL, PLEASE TAKE YOUR LITTER HOME. During the submission, I will of course come back with full details and look forward to engaging with you as a key stake-holders to make the plans Playing Field Bin work. Community involvement will be a vital aspect to make the project successful.” This bin is not currently emptied by any council. The parish relies on the Josh Dutfield willingness of volunteers to empty the bin and add the bag to their own wheelie bins. Parking Not a new issue but one worth re-iterating, With this in mind, please can we ask that if you use the Playing Field, please especially in these uncertain times – please take your rubbish home especially if it is recyclable. park responsibly. There are a number of pinch points around the village, particularly around Potholes junctions and sharp corners where inconsiderate parking can lead to problems for If a member of the public or Parish see a pothole that meet the intervention road users – bumps, scrapes and potentially levels of being over 300mm in diameter and having a vertical face (sharp prevention of access for emergency vehicles. edge) of 40mm or over, the quickest and easiest way to deal with them is to Please park as close to the kerb/verge/wall as report them online through our website using the link below. This goes you can to leave as much road space as straight to the contractor for investigation saving the time of the possible and the parish are grateful for those Neighbourhood Officer’s visit. who park a little further away from their destination than they would like in order to park All reported potholes are sent direct to our contractor which are then triaged. safely. This process enables the inspector/triage team to assess the road and identify other potential problems which may or are likely to arise.

Potholes are then processed for repair and where necessary an order placed for small works to be carried out in the forthcoming months.

https://new.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem/

22 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 23 Musbury Parish Council News Bins

Mountfield House Update Most of the bins in the village are emptied by East Devon District Council on a weekly basis (usually a Thursday). However, there may be occasions The Parish Council have received this update from the owners: when the collections are missed or there is more litter than usual. If this is the case, you can report a full bin by: “I am pleased to advise the Parish Council that we are looking at making a planning application, ideally before Christmas, which will see the full Telephoning: 01395 517528 OR restoration of the house and safeguard the grounds. Emailing: [email protected] OR Logging on: eastdevon.gov.uk/environmental-maintenance/litter/report-a-full- This has followed a period of huge cost to protect the house and litter-bin/ professional fees to move things forward on our part. Due to COVID-19, the The What3Word location reference is: coach.display.appealing local planning authority (East Devon District Council) have experienced The postcode is: EX13 8BA significant delays in getting back to us. However, things do appear to be moving forward after a long, detailed and protracted period of discussions. IF THE BIN IS FULL, PLEASE TAKE YOUR LITTER HOME. During the submission, I will of course come back with full details and look forward to engaging with you as a key stake-holders to make the plans Playing Field Bin work. Community involvement will be a vital aspect to make the project successful.” This bin is not currently emptied by any council. The parish relies on the Josh Dutfield willingness of volunteers to empty the bin and add the bag to their own wheelie bins. Parking Not a new issue but one worth re-iterating, With this in mind, please can we ask that if you use the Playing Field, please especially in these uncertain times – please take your rubbish home especially if it is recyclable. park responsibly. There are a number of pinch points around the village, particularly around Potholes junctions and sharp corners where inconsiderate parking can lead to problems for If a member of the public or Parish see a pothole that meet the intervention road users – bumps, scrapes and potentially levels of being over 300mm in diameter and having a vertical face (sharp prevention of access for emergency vehicles. edge) of 40mm or over, the quickest and easiest way to deal with them is to Please park as close to the kerb/verge/wall as report them online through our website using the link below. This goes you can to leave as much road space as straight to the contractor for investigation saving the time of the possible and the parish are grateful for those Neighbourhood Officer’s visit. who park a little further away from their destination than they would like in order to park All reported potholes are sent direct to our contractor which are then triaged. safely. This process enables the inspector/triage team to assess the road and identify other potential problems which may or are likely to arise.

Potholes are then processed for repair and where necessary an order placed for small works to be carried out in the forthcoming months.

https://new.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem/

22 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 23 Trees, hedges and ditches 1940 There are often questions over hedgerows, trees and ditches. The In the face of a real threat of invasion by Germany, the Taunton Stop Line information and diagram below should give an indication of responsibility was built. Very much like the proposed ship canal, over a century before, for the maintenance of drainage and vegetation on and around the this was built coast to coast from Burnham, Somerset to Axmouth. Using highway. natural features, such as the Somerset Levels and the River Axe, and • Landowners and occupiers are required, by law, to maintain and reinforced with pillboxes, anti-tank obstacles, etc., it would be used as a trim any hedge and trees to ensure growth does not obscure road defensive line to stop the advance of an invading force. What if it had signs. been required and was successfully defended? Would Cornwall and • They should give a minimum height clearance of 2.1 m over most of Devon be separated from us and under German control. Would footpaths and over the road to a height to accommodate vehicles Musbury have been part of a war zone, devoid of civilians and under which normally use the same (about 5.2m) bombardment? At the end of World War II, there would not have been • They should also trim roadside hedges to maintain visibility for road users, particularly at junctions and on the inside of bends. much of Musbury left for people to return to. Fortunately, this never • They should trim any hedge that directly abuts a road, footway, happened, but if Hitler had persisted with operation ‘Sea Lion’ (the cycleway or public right of way so that growth does not prevent invasion of Britain) things could have been very different. the passage or affect the safety of the highway user, including 1986 cyclists and pedestrians. • They should remove dead or decaying trees and other growth In 1985 a licence was issued to allow oil and gas exploration for an area that may fall across the highway. extending northwards from Seaton into Somerset. In November 1986, for • They should remove branches and other growth that may prevent the first and only time in Devon, one exploration well was drilled in the passage of high sided vehicles or obstruct light from a public lamp (street light). Musbury, in a field along the Whitford road, opposite Millands Farm. It • They should ensure the highway (including the footway and was found to be dry and the site was subsequently restored. But what if drainage features) is left clear of debris from the cutting oil or gas had been struck? Perhaps we would have fields of nodding operations (section 148). donkeys rather than sheep and cattle. Maybe Devon’s own JR Ewing would be living in Mountfield! It is recommended that hedges are cut in January or February to avoid disturbance of wildlife, allow plants to finish flowering and seeds and fruits Martin Minter / Musbury Heritage / [email protected] to be gathered.

Information regarding overgrown vegetation is available on DCC website. (https://www.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/maintaining-roads/trees- Test Your Self for Covid and-vegetation/overgrown-vegetation Take a glass and pour a decent measure of your favourite whisky (or gin , rum ) then see if you can smell it. If you can smell it then you are halfway there. Drink it and if you can taste it, it is reasonable to assume you currently free of the virus. I tested myself nine times last night and was virus free every time thank goodness. I will have to test myself again today as I have developed a headache which can be one of the symptoms. Contributed

24 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020. Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 21 Musbury Heritage – Stories from our village Vehicle Activated Speed Signs (VASS) Our County Councillor, Ian Hall, has been working on ideas to reduce history speeding in our communities. The vision is to purchase one or two solar powered VAS signs that will need to be strategically placed around the Four events that could have changed Musbury dramatically Division to have the maximum effect to help change the mindsets of irresponsible drivers. VAS signs are usually only sited on roads with a 1824-28 20/30/40 mph limit and roads that are within communities. Life could have been very different in Musbury if the proposed ship canal Uprights will be placed with input from the Parish Councils so the VAS signs from the North Somerset coast to the East Devon coast had gone ahead. can be placed and moved easily around the Division on an agreed Although this idea had been proposed from 1769 and involved such timetable. illustrious names as John Rennie & Thomas Telford, it was not until now that it was deemed worthy of an Act of Parliament. Sea journeys around The Parish Council has agreed to be part of this initiative and two sites for Cornwall were hazardous (about 80 lives a year were lost) and slow. A the poles have been identified. The cost of each VAS unit is around £3000, canal could be the beginning of a network of smaller canals connecting most of which will come from the Precept, therefore being part of this towns in Devon and Somerset with new markets. Initially it was thought the project is the only way small parishes like Musbury would be able to afford southern port would be at Seaton and the canal would have continued up to have this kind of solution to the problem. the Axe Valley, via Taunton to Bridgewater Bay with harbours at both ends. Perhaps we would have been divided from Whitford by a canal capable of Thank you taking 200-ton sailing vessels from the Atlantic to the Bristol Channel! In the end we were saved from this by an inability to raise funds of £1.75 million The Council would like to thank Cllr Matt Craker, Noel Jacks (£186 million today) from private investors. In addition, steamships would and Paul Chapman for kindly make negotiating Lands End less risky and, of course, railways were soon to digging the hole in preparation revolutionise the transportation of goods. for the Christmas Tree. We 1863 appreciate their efforts to provide the village with a To quote directly from the Western Times: - “An alarm of fire was raised in festive focal point in these the village on Sunday morning (27 December 1863), and it was discovered restricted times. that a house occupied by a man named Hoar, a labourer, was on fire. The council would also like to Efforts were quickly made and the fire was quickly extinguished before much thank Mr Steve Hearne and Mr damage was done. The premises of Messrs. Gillett and Co., the extensive Bob Plumridge for working tanners adjoined the cottage, being thatched, if the fire had not been together to maintain and extend fortunately put out, might have ignited and probably have caused the the grass verge walkway into destruction of the whole village.” the village all the way from Bottom Lane. The power of This was most likely the home of James Hoare, agricultural labourer, his community spirit is strong in wife and 7 children. Probably part of what we now know as Malvern House. Musbury. The newspaper report may have been overly dramatic, but imagine how different Musbury could have looked today! Just think, the village could be full of ghastly modern Victorian houses…..

20 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 25 Avian influenza (bird flu). Poultry and other captive birds Christmas Quiz An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone has been declared across the whole of England effective from 5pm on 11 November 2020. A reminder that you have another week to grapple with the 2020 Garden Club Christmas Quiz – entries should be in by Wednesday December 16th. All poultry keepers in England (whether they have commercial flocks or just a All money raised will be divided between local charities Axminster Food few birds in a backyard flock) are required by law to take a range of Bank and ARC. You can post your entries through the door at The Post biosecurity precautions. House, Church Hill. If you haven’t yet managed to get hold of a quiz, they If you keep poultry (including game birds or pet birds) or other captive birds, cost £2 or further donation, cheques to be made out to ‘Musbury Garden you must act now to reduce the risk of disease in your flock by following the relevant biosecurity measures required within the AIPZ. Your stock needs to Club’. If you phone 553521, we will arrange safe delivery to you. A prize be feed and watered under cover to prevent contamination from wild birds. awaits the winner! Karen, Val and Sue Good biosecurity improves the overall health and productivity of your flock by helping keep out poultry diseases such as avian influenza and limiting the spread of disease in an outbreak. All bird gatherings within the AIPZ are prohibited therefore the general licence that had permitted bird gatherings has been revoked. Farewell to Trill For more guidance please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza- bird-flu The boxes have been packed, the barn doors closed, the keys handed over. If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra We are sad but appreciative of the last 13 years and excited at what is to helpline (03459 33 55 77) come.

Public Health England advises that the risk to the public’s health is very low. Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said that on the basis of the current Trill Farm is not disappearing! We have exciting ideas and plans to form scientific evidence, avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK over the winter, centred around our core values of nature, health and consumers education. We'd love for you to be involved in creating the next stage, and will be in touch over the next few months. Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19). Voluntary registration We still have stock of some of our favourite products; the online farm You can choose to register fewer than 50 birds, or birds you keep as pets. The shop will stay open until Christmas (last orders Friday 18th December) or Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) encourages you to register even if while stocks last, so don't miss out. If you have placed an order since 18th you do not have to by law. October, we've been busy packing them all up over the past week now that By registering, • APHA will be able to contact you if there’s a disease outbreak (such the stock has all moved to our new workshop, and they are on their way to as bird flu) in your area you. Thank you for your patience. • you’ll help prevent the spread of disease and protect the national poultry flock Ash and Kate are still be running Trill Farm Garden, growing their exceptional salad and vegetables, and Chris and Anna are continuing to run the Old Dairy Kitchen, cooking up delicious meals. Thomas is continuing to We look forward to seeing you at the next Parish Council meeting. Please brew his award-winning mead at the farm too. We hope you'll continue to keep your eye on the noticeboard and website for more details. support them and enjoy their produce if you live nearby. Jo Boyce (Clerk to Musbury Parish Council) Tel: 553898 Best wishes, Romy, Lara and Tamsin

26 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 19 Musbury Garden Club

Now that the gardening year is at an end it’s time to look forward to the Spring. Planning and anticipation is all part of the colder days of Winter. You might like help or inspiration from some newly published books that you can buy from your local bookshop or order from the library. If you buy via www.uk.bookshop.org, profits will benefit local independent bookshops such as Archway in Axminster. Background Devon Air Ambulance now operates until 2am every day and the Charity’s Monty Don – American gardens vision is to eventually operate 24 hours a day. With lavish photos by Derry Moore, this book is based on the TV series of Operating and landing in towns and villages in the dark is different to how the same name earlier in the year. The pair travelled across America to they operate during daylight. To support ‘night’ operations, Devon Air trace the histories of outdoor spaces which sum up or redefine the American Ambulance are working with communities to create a network of community landing sites which are pre-surveyed open spaces with either garden. existing or newly installed lighting that can be remotely operated. The development of these sites is part-funded and managed by local communities. Using sites like this when it’s dark means they can land in the Dave Goulson – The garden jungle: or gardening to save the planet heart of a community and reach patients much quicker and safer than if they had to land in a ‘dark field’. An expert look at the wildlife that lives right under our noses in our gardens and parks, between the gaps in the pavement, and in the soil beneath our There are now 158 operational community landing sites across Devon, and feet these have helped the charity carry out missions to help patients with life- changing or life-threatening injuries and illnesses during the hours of darkness. Dan Rouse – How to attract birds to your garden: foods they like, plants Why have a night landing site? they love, shelter they need Musbury Parish Council believes such a site could be of vital importance to How to make a difference to your local birdlife by creating an environment in our community, after all people don’t stop being unwell when it gets dark. which they will thrive. By having a designated night landing site in the village, we will be enabling Devon Air Ambulance to reach our community until 2am every day – that’s about 9 hours of extra service a day during the darker winter months. The R.H.S. - Complete gardener’s manual: the one stop guide to plan, sow, benefits of having the Air Ambulance arrive to a local patient is not just plant and grow your garden about being quickly taken to the nearest hospital by air – if your injury or illness means you need a specialist treatment centre, they can fly you direct Dive into this concise, practical encyclopaedia for all the advice you will ever to the hospital best meeting your needs. Also, crucially, by arriving into our need for your garden. community quickly their advanced paramedics can start treatment early and that is known to improve a patient’s outcome.

18 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 27 Musbury Parish Council and Musbury Primary School have been working The Old Post Office window with Devon Air Ambulance to establish a night landing site at the School playing field. This does not change how the field is used by the School for In a year in which many of our everyday activities or pleasures have been our children but, with careful planning, the site can also be used at night by curtailed I know I’m not the only Musbury resident whose day has been Devon Air Ambulance if they need to land in an emergency to help someone brightened by the window displays in the Old Post Office. locally.

Costs & Fundraising The Council has established costs involved and, once accounting for a grant from Devon Air Ambulance (with funding coming from the Bank LIBOR Fines), there remains £3,400 to raise in order to fully fund this project and have a small ‘rainy day’ reserve for any future maintenance.

We have already received a generous donation from Musbury Movers and Annie Stark to start off the fundraising and a £500 grant from Devon County Council’s Locality Budget, but we would love the whole village to get involved – after all, it could be a life saver to any one of us. Can you help? If any parishioners have any fabulous ideas to raise funds or generate donations, or they would like to donate to the project, please can you get in Since the early days of Lockdown in March when Sue and Ken started touch with the Parish Clerk – Jo - who will be happy to help (07923 448809 / their weekly windows we have had something of interest to look at as we [email protected]). passed by that has either given us pause for thought, brought a memory to mind or marked a special event. The Parish Council recognises these are unprecedented times with many During the height of lockdown we were able to enjoy the vicarious challenges, but we hope that you can feel able to support what we believe pleasures of Wimbledon and Glastonbury, we were encouraged to keep would be a positive asset for our community. active by the Local Walks display and, a favourite of mine, simply reminded to smile one week by a window full of cuddly toys. Goodness knows how week after week they have managed to come up The Old Dairy Kitchen with something new, on behalf of the village, a big thank you to them both for adding some much needed interest and fun to our community in 2020. We really miss going out to eat. Any outing, beach trip, journey or visit is always made better by tasting food cooked by someone else, in someone Susan Nisbet else's kitchen, with someone else's passion and interpretation. We can't wait to be let loose, to eat everything in sight. In the meantime, our Pantry is Pictures Sandie here to provide you with just that - a delicious food experience when you can't get out to dine.

The Old Dairy Kitchen Online Pantry is open and taking orders for weekly collection or local delivery on Fridays. Find delicious meals and warming soups, loaves of fresh bread, provisions, fresh organic meat and sausages, eggs, sweet treats, preserves and recipe kits available to order at the click of a button. www.olddairykitchen.co.uk

With thanks, Alex (& Chris)

28 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 17 School report Spar and Post Office Apologies for missing the Autumn edition, this year has been very unusual and In September, school welcomed back all 46 pupils, after what was for some challenging, to say the least. And for such a strange year, it’s still flying by. Our children, a six-month absence. It has been fantastic to get all the children back feet don’t seem to have touched the ground since the first lockdown! Thank together. The children themselves have adapted brilliantly to the COVID you all very much for your support and kind words, we all appreciated it (and related changes and took very little time to get back to their learning and still do). importantly developing their friendships. At the time of writing, we have just We are still maintaining the 2-metre social distancing rule. As we are a small gone into Lockdown II and I have been thoroughly impressed with the attitude shop, we cannot implement a one-way system. So, if you are queuing for the of the children. The whole school community has adapted fantastically to all shop or post office, please respect other people’s space. We will limit the the changes and I'd like to thank staff, parents, neighbours and volunteers for number of people if we feel there are too many, so please don’t be offended if their continued support. we ask you to wait outside for a moment or two. And thank you for wearing masks or face coverings (unless you’re exempt). Who would have thought that Already this term, children in Class One have used Google Earth to learn masks would be a fashion accessory? I’m certainly looking forward to the about Musbury, created 3D junk models, replicated the artwork of Paul Klees Christmas ones. and Alma Thomas, while in science they have explored the properties of ice. In We are now gearing up for Christmas; we have some lovely boxes of Class Two, children have been learning about France and the French chocolates, advent calendars and Lyme Bay cream liqueur in four lovely Revolution, the digestive system, their teeth and like Class One are also in the flavours. I can’t choose my favourite, so I may have to sample all four! Plus, process of producing artwork based on Alma Thomas, as part of learning we have Lyme Bay Christmas pudding wine, mulled wine, mulled cider, gift about Black History Month and Black Lives Matter movement. Over the next packs from Norcott Cider, biscuits, and mince pies. Did you know that the Spar few weeks we will be working virtually with Historic England learning more Luxury Mince Pies won a Gold in the Good Food awards, beating some very about the names on Musbury's War memorial and will also be visited virtually stiff competition? At just £2 for 6, why not see if you agree with the judges? by the children's author, Claire Barker. And don’t forget the local cream to go with them. The Post Office will obviously be getting busier the nearer we get to Christmas, so please help us to help you by having your parcels ready to send when you Mr T Nield come in, with the address and postcode completed. Christmas last posting Head of School dates can be found at royalmail.com, or ask us for a leaflet. The shop and Post Office will be closed as usual on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Every other day we will be open for our normal hours. Our opening hours for each department will be displayed outside the shop and reception a bit nearer the time. At the time of writing the Exeter Trial will be going ahead as normal, but Rev’d Alistair Sutherland obviously this could change. But hopefully they will be visiting Musbury in the early hours of Saturday 9th January from around 2.30am. So, if you can’t sleep, Sadly the Rev’d Alistair Sutherland died this month in Witney, Oxfordshire, come and see what happens at ‘silly’ o’clock in Musbury. where he went to live when he left Musbury in 2006. He was much loved by everyone in the Village and took most Services in Church. People who have Well, all that’s left is to say a big Thank You for your support this year. lived in the village for many years will remember him with deep affection. His Personally, I would like to thank every member of staff at Musbury Garage for funeral took place in Musbury on November 19th and he was laid to rest in their hard work, support and the laughs (badly needed at times!). We couldn’t our Churchyard as he had always wanted to be. He had special permission have got through it without you. Have a very Happy Christmas, wherever and for this as has his wife Mysie whom it was lovely to see at the service. She however you spend it. And I’m sure we will all wish for a better 2021. was our Choir Mistress for many years. Our Rector took the Service but sadly numbers had to be low in the congregation but many watched on line - Theresa Stockman technology a wonderful thing! Spar Store Manager - Musbury Garage tel 01297 552292 Kay short

16 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 29 A sad loss to the village is the Little Owls. Ten years ago there was always a pair Village Hall around Drake’s Farm and usually another at Waterford Farm, and at least once they bred in our old barn. They are not a native species but were introduced to As we should be entering the pantomime season it would be appropriate to England in the 1870s and soon established themselves and spread widely. say that "the village hall is open again" - "oh no it isn't!" However, they are now, I think, absent from the village and the lower Axe Valley. The reasons are unclear. They seem rather clumsy birds and I have heard of three The hall trustees had carried out the necessary risk assessments and instances when they have fallen down chimneys, but they are insect eaters and it completed the purchase of appropriate Covid-19 signage and sanitising seems likely that there are fewer large insects around now, particularly those nice supplies to open again on Monday 26 October only to have to reverse this large crunchy dung beetles that have virtually disappeared. decision with news of the latest lockdown!

Bookings Secretary Sarah had undertaken a lot of work with the various Seaton Wetlands hirers to ensure that the current measures were met for a safe opening, with a professional cleaning regime in place between groups to ensure The Tower Hide, the Island Hide, the Colyford Common Hide and the Discovery Hut their safety. We hope to be able to seamlessly resume where we left off hide (but not the hut) are now open, including in the latest lockdown,. MASKS with another reopening in early December. MUST BE WORN IN THE HIDES. Bear in mind that there are no windows in the hides, so it will be very cold when the wind blows. Also, numbers are limited and Gary Knight has now been appointed as Village Hall Secretary. Gary and stays are time-limited. The TOILETS ARE OPEN and will remain so. his wife Bev moved to the village just prior to the first lockdown and are The wader passage has now finished and only the wintering species remain – one looking forward to seeing the hall being utilised as fully as possible when or two Greenshank and Common Sandpipers will stay over the winter, as well as restrictions allow. Any updates will be posted on the village website https:// between 20 and 50 Black-tailed Godwits and about 100 Redshank. Rarer species musburyvillage.co.uk/ such as Ringed Plover and Avocets may turn up in ones and twos. One of the delights of the Axe estuary winter are the huge flocks of Lapwings and there will The trustees are currently looking into the potential of installing broadband probably be 1,000 or so through the winter with more appearing if the weather gets in the hall, which could expand the type of activities on offer. snowy. The water on Black Hole Marsh will be kept deeper for ducks such as Teal, Shelduck, Shoveler and Mallard; other species like Gadwall and Pintail may appear The group of trustees are in place as a management committee to operate from time to time. Thousands of gulls will gather on the estuary each evening prior the hall and meets its obligations to the Charities Commission, it is to roosting out the bay at Seaton Hole. however very much a hall for use by the village and beyond, we recognise Smaller species will include Meadow Pipits and, for the expert, Water Pipits and its importance and the part it plays within the community. If you have any Rock Pipits, some of the latter being Scandinavian birds. Finches like Linnets and suggestions as to its use or other ideas or comments please do email Gary Goldfinches haunt Colyford Common, looking for the seeds left there by high tides. at [email protected] Predators like Kestrels, Sparrowhawks and Peregrines are regular, and rarer species like Merlins and Marsh Harriers will turn up occasionally. We look forward to reopening and bringing you more positive news in the A Crane visited the reserve on 5 November. There is a re-introduced population on Spring edition of this magazine the Somerset Levels and further birds breeding in eastern England that have arrived naturally. It is hard to say where this bird might have originated, but it was Gary Knight not ringed, so it was not one of the birds released in Somerset. One or two are seen in Devon each year. Mobile Library Subject to regulations the mobile library will be outside the school on Mike Lock Thursday Jan 14th, Thursday February 11th, Thursday March 11th and Thursday April 11th at 11.45 am

30 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 15

Nature Watch

Just after Storm Alex, in early October, there was an extraordinary influx of House Martins. On 4th, all along the road to Whitford, there were several hawking The last few months have been very frustrating, with significant delays in working with for insects in the lee of every tree, and many more hunting up and down the river. As dusk fell they looked for a roosting place and virtually invaded Waterford the Planning Authority on a way forward. Thankfully, after a long hold up due to Farm, clustering under the eaves and the porch and even entering the house. It Covid-19, some good discussions were had and the project is moving forward was the same at the Wetlands, with birds gathering on the windowsills of the again. hides, and also on the walls and under the eaves of a house in Primrose Way in Seaton. Elsewhere in Devon many thousands were seen at South Brent on the By way of reminder, the objective is to restore the building back to a large family home southern fringe of Dartmoor. People remarked that many were young birds. It seems likely that the warm and dry September encouraged many pairs to raise a without any further development on the grounds. We believe this to be the most second brood and it was probably these birds that were caught by the winds and sustainable future for the house and restore it back to being a source of pride for the cold of Storm Alex and became concentrated in the southwest while, in the long village and wider Axe Valley given its outstanding heritage qualities. We remain run, heading to their wintering grounds in southern Africa. amazed by the amount of people contacting us about the house; relatives of past owners who used to live there, university students wishing to use it as a case study and Another startling sighting in Musbury was four Cattle Egrets feeding around cattle on a local farm. These egrets have recently colonised England, with first even had a request to film a music video (we politely declined!). The cost of securing breeding in England in 2008 and in Devon in 2016. Their original habitat seems the house has been and remains high, however attempted break-ins have reduced to have been in Africa and extreme southern Europe, but in the 1930s they dramatically. appeared in northern South America, having presumably flown across the Atlantic, and by 1942 they were breeding in the southern United States where Instruction to professionals; building surveyors and the like has now begun. This will they are now widespread. They have also spread northwards in Europe. In Africa they associate with large game animals, following them and catching form the basis of any submission to return the building back to a family home. grasshoppers and other insects disturbed as the beasts feed. Here they are There is still a long way to go, the original timeline given of 5 years did not include a often seen with cattle but beware: Little Egrets, which are also relatively recent global pandemic and identified the planning process as the biggest hurdle to colonists of Britain, often feed around cattle in the Axe valley. Little Egrets are overcome- this still remains the case but credit to the District Council as they do now pure white, with black beaks and legs, and yellow feet. Cattle Egrets often show appear very engaged with the project and recognised that duty of care / part to play. tinges of buff on the head and back (their old name was Buff-backed Heron), and they have yellow beaks and a jowl-like chin under the beak. Little Egrets first bred in England at Brownsea Island, in Dorset, in 1996, and in Devon in 2002. Subject to lockdowns or any other unwelcome events, we hope that a more detailed update will be ready in time for the early new year. All going well, the next All the Swallows and House Martins have now headed south, although one or update should be far more exciting! two probably winter in southern England. Likewise, the warblers and other We would like to take this opportunity to thank those well wishers for the project, your summer visitors have all gone. The winter thrushes – Fieldfares and Redwings – have now arrived although most of those in Devon are on and around Dartmoor. engagement will be key to help ‘push things along’ if other stakeholders drag their feet The berry crop is exceptionally good this year but eventually supplies will run out a little. We are sorry it has taken so long to get this far but it has not been for want of on the Moor and they will appear around here. Fieldfares are larger, with grey trying! backs and a ‘chak-a-chak’ call; Redwings are smaller and browner with a red patch under the wing and a thin ‘seeep’ call. Fieldfares in particular are attracted We wish everyone in Musbury a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to fallen apples of which there are a great many this year. Both species feed in open grass fields when the berries have been finished. Josh Dutfield

14 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 31 Musbury Short Mat Bowls Club Wordsearch There has not been any action down at the Village Hall since the last Parish Magazine due to lockdowns, closure of the Hall, and of course coronavirus! 15 music memories from the seventies However, Chris Pomeroy, our Chairman, has kept in touch with everyone and made sure all are safe and well. After the first lockdown there were a few meetings in gardens of six members which were enjoyable. No bowls action on the patio though.

We are very sad to report that two stalwart members died recently - John Daly (who used to live in Musbury with his wife Nesta) and Don Welch. They both played many league games for the club and helped to win a lot of matches for us. Don was a Founder member and Chairman for a good number of years. We would have been at Manor House Hotel this week enjoying each others’ company at the Sports and Craft Hotel but of course we had to cancel. Hopefully we can go next year. Who knows when we will be able to start up Short Mat Bowls again and see friends we haven’t seen face to face since March? It is a question on everyone’s mind at the moment. While we wait, keep smiling, keep safe and stay in touch with each other.

Kay Short (Secretary)

Answers will be posted on a village notice board in January Or email me at [email protected]

Don Welch 1930-2020

32 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 13 HELEN G BEADS

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34 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 11 Sky at Night Axminster Food Bank Winter is closing in fast, although we have not had many clear nights yet, but A huge thank you to all of you who have supported the Food Bank hopefully this will change between December and February, throughout these months of pandemic. Your contributions have been unceasing - there's only been a handful of days when the basket has been This is a time when we have constellations which people find easier with the empty. What a caring community this is! As you can imagine numbers needing food and essential household items are increasing once again and naked eye. First we have the constellation of Taurus with the beautiful seven this will continue to be the trend as we move towards Christmas. sisters near the top, as well as the crab nebula for those with telescopes, at the end of what looks like two long arms or maybe the bull’s horns. There is also an We are distributing food not only in Axminster but also to people in open triangle of star called the Hyades, with the bright star Aldebaran. Rising surrounding villages within a four mile radius or so. For some transport is just after that is the constellation of Orion with its big red star of Betelgeuse in limited and we are so grateful to our volunteers who give up their time to the top left corner and the Orion nebula hanging off the three belt stars. Even in deliver food parcels to those unable to collect. binoculars this is a wonderful sight. For those with larger telescopes there are It's becoming evident that more of our clients are needing help towards also the flame nebula and the horsehead nebula near the belt and the bright paying for their gas and electricity and we have set up a hardship fund from blue star, Rigel in the bottom right corner. It’s a constellation of many varieties. which we can give people a one off payment. Thank you, therefore, to those who are giving us funds - they are most welcome. Around the 13th – 15th of December you can also see the Geminids meteor shower, we have a new moon this year so we should have a good view and We continue to open 3 days a week (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10.00 hopefully many meteors you’ll be able to see. This is followed in January by the a.m. to 1.00 p.m) but may have to increase this again in December. We do Quadrantids meteor shower usually around the 4th – 6th; this can be seen in the try to provide seasonal food and treats at Christmas so would be very north in the space between Ursa Major, Bootes and Hercules. Although meteor grateful for such additional contributions. showers are generally named after the constellation the radiant is in, the Thank you once again. constellation of Quadrans Muralis, no longer exists, (Mural Quadrant, created by the French astronomer Jerome Lalande in 1795.) Sheila On the 14th December there’s a total eclipse of the sun visible at the South Pacific, crossing Chile and Argentina. On the 17th of December the thin crescent Parish Records moon can be seen just to the left of Jupiter and Saturn. On the 21st of December not only do we have the winter solstice, when the sun reaches its Wedding lowest point in the sky, but Jupiter and Saturn are incredible close together. Although this is close to the horizon, grab your binoculars or telescope for the 26th September. Anthony Charles Hickman and Linda Susan Parker view.

Funerals At present the NLO is still closed as social distancing is a problem, but we are hoping that by spring we may be able to open again so keep an eye on our 7th October. Elsie Forsey Funeral and internment of Ashes website www.normanlockyer.com for more information. 12 October. Irene Parrett Internment of Sshes Have a Happy Christmas and a peaceful start to 2021, and remember to 19th November. Donald Welch Internment of Ashes keep looking up. 20th November. Rev Alistair Sutherland Funeral and Burial

10 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 35 A small carol singing group hopes to sing in different spots in the village but Hindsite not sure what will be allowed at that time. The date we have put aside for this is Thursday December 17th. We hope to sing in Doatshayne Lane, in Thanks from the Hind Northfield, opposite the pub on the green and possibly down by the old chapel in Whitford Rd. Please stand at your front doors and give us a hand with the Not quite sure what to write. It would be singing! wonderful at this point in time to have a At the time of writing we do not know if we will be allowed a Carol Service in crystal ball! Church. If we are, it will have to be by ticket only, I am afraid, as we are restricted on numbers to keep the correct distance from each other. What Firstly thanks so much to everybody who strange times we live in! Keep watching Notice Boards for further details has crossed our threshold since we re- nearer the time. The service, if it happens, will be on Sunday Dec. 20th at opened on the 4th July, we really 4pm. appreciate all of your support and your Let us look forward to this Festive Season with hope and joy as we celebrate faith in us for providing a safe COVID Jesus’ Birth praying that one day we can enjoy each other’s company safely aware environment - although we must apologise as it is probably us who and get back to that wonderful Village fellowship we experienced before this have moaned the most about mask wearing! Thank you for embracing one- pandemic took us over. way systems, track and trace and hand sanitiser! Kay Short (Secretary) 552711 [email protected] Thanks also to everyone for emails, messages and even phone calls to check on us and how we are it really did make us feel so much better that people cared about us, our business and how the girls were. In Memory of Jane Bishop

Christmas at the Hind Friends of Jane Bishop in Musbury wish to create a Memorial to Jane in recognition of all her efforts and care within the community, including Parish We will be putting our Christmas opening Council Clerk, Garden Club, community quizzes, WI and Heritage work to name a hours in the village notice board, website and few. It has been decided that a tree with a plaque be planted in Marlborough Road. on Facebook as soon as we know what the new rules are and have had time to evaluate The tree will be chosen by Jane's husband Rod Powell and purchased by way of impact, but also please just give us a call and local donations. The actual place for the tree will be in Marlborough Road in we will be happy to let you know. agreement with the Parish Council

We have a Christmas set menu complete with cracker! If you have a few If you would like to make a cash donation to honour Jane's memory the collection friends and are looking for a pre-Christmas get together why not give us a points are, Emma & Adrian c/o The Hind , Musbury Garage /Spar, or Direct to Ray try this year! The kitchen is open Thursday – Sunday. Cross - "Wagtails" Marlborough Close , 01297 551060 or Graham Durrant "Garden House" Doatshayne Lane, 01297 552387. Breakfast Club Please note that any monies left over after the cost of the tree and plaque will be This has been a wonderful success. To celebrate, anyone that comes in for donated to breakfast on January 23rd or 30th with a Musbury Parish news will receive a Exeter Hospice Care. free freshly ground cup of coffee or Cup of Clipper Tea. Your contribution is more than just a donation. It’s away of remembering Jane and We wish our Customers and Staff a very Merry Christmas and a Happy also ensuring everyone living with a terminal illness gets the support they need. 2021 Because every day matters. Thank you Emma & Adrian Ray & Graham

36 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 9 Parochial Church Council Report Diary of a Name Dropper

At our Annual Church Meeting (postponed from April) Sue Irving and Michael Another of my favourite celebrities to cross the Pritchard were re-elected Church Wardens. Caroline Doulton was elected onto threshold of the Golden Hind was Dinsdale Landen. the PCC. Ian Doulton was thanked for his contribution to the PCC over several The name may not be familiar to you, but he was a years. The Church Wardens were thanked for their leadership especially during famous West End actor who made many film and the Interregnum of 2019. Thanks were also expressed to everyone who has a television appearances. People of a certain age will role in the smooth running of the building and services. have seen him in shows such as Dr Who, The The flower arranging ladies, once again, even in these difficult times, decorated Avengers, Jason King and Jackanory to name but a the Church beautifully for Harvest. Several people came and our Rector took the few. He usually played upper crust buffoons and if service. We were encouraged to give donations to the Anglican Church in you Google him and I am sure you will recognise Melanesia this year. Father Steven had been there and seen the plight of the him. Dinsdale owned a holiday cottage in Whitford people in the wake of Cyclone Harold. Musbury sent £67.67 to be added to the Road and was a frequent visitor. One of my favourite Mission Community total. memories of him was the day he opened the annual The Remembrance Sunday Service took place outside around the War Memorial Musbury jumble sale (whatever happened to the good old rummage sales of with everyone socially distanced. Councillor Colin Corbett laid the Parish wreath long ago?). At opening time in burst Dinsdale with his friend Doug Fisher (co- and read out the names of those who fell in the two wars. We all sang the star of the then popular TV show Man About The House) both clad in old ladies National Anthem (which was allowed!) The gathering was well attended hats and coats with matching handbags and plastic pearls obviously bought for considering the restrictions. £116.00 was sent to the British Legion. a few pence at the event. They took position at the bar and stayed in character all night. They were hilarious, a bit like Hinge and Bracket on steroids! This was Usually at this time I would be encouraging you to join us in our Christmas Craft the height of the summer and the pub was filled with diners and holiday makers, Fayre but sadly this is not happening. but nobody batted an eyelid or passed comment which made it even funnier. The only remark made came from dear old Bedford James who duly noted and During this second lockdown, the church building is open for private prayer every chuckled "Tis they there actor types from London. They be silly fools, in 'em?" day but no services are being held. If you can go on the Holyford MC Website you will see details of on line opportunities to worship together virtually. By the Those of you who know me will know that my opinion on music is that if it is not time you receive this magazine things may have changed again. None of us Sinatra, it is not music. So it will come as no surprise that the names Deep really know what will be allowed from week to week. So planning ahead is quite Purple or Black Sabbath mean nothing to me. Ian Gillan, who was a member of difficult. these said heavy metal bands, had booked the village hall to rehearse his new Thankfully, no more plaster has fallen from the ceiling but some of the building is group and were weekly visitors. A very nice bunch of guys who were kind still cut off for safety. Much discussion is taking place with regards to urgent enough to provide autographed photographs for anyone who asked and even repairs not only who will do the work but when it can be done and how we are allowed a small amount of fans go and watch them at practise. I was never going to pay for it! happier to see his vintage Rolls Royce in the car park and I believe he knew I admired it because one night he jangled the keys in front of me and asked me to We fully intend, however, to celebrate Christ’s birth in some way or another drive into Axminster to get fish and chips for the group! I will never know if he despite the pandemic! We are trying to organise an Advent ‘calendar’ of was joking, but I regret to this day not calling his bluff! decorated windows on walking routes in the centre of the village. Households have kindly agreed to decorate a window facing the road with a Christmas theme God (and Boris) willing we will see you all in The Hind after the lockdown in and they will be lit up with lights in turn as December unfolds. The old post office December. Hope you all keep well. in the centre will start us off. Their lights will be on in the evenings the whole of December followed by others in turn until on the 24th when everyone’s windows Ralph will be lit!! You may like to go round at dusk trying to work out who is new that night!! A big thank you to all those taking part. You will find them in Axminster Ralph has not mentioned that Dinsdale landen was a good friend of Peter Rd, The Street, Compbyne Rd, Church Hill and Doatshayne Lane. If you are Sellers. Mr and Mrs Sellers aka Brit Ekland stayed at the house in the interested in taking part after reading this, there may be some dates free towards Whitford rd to end of Dec. Please contact me. I have this on reliable information from a previous owner of this house: ED 8 Musbury Parish News Winter. 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 37 Friends of St Michael’s Weather Watch

August began changeable and mild with a few light showers, followed by a One of the special memories of this summer was evensong one afternoon in hot spell around 10th. An abrupt change brought heavy rain on 18th and 19th early July held OUTSIDE the church on the north side – it gave a sunlit with a total of 50 mm (2 in) over the two days. Further heavy rain on 24th, perspective of the building from an angle you would normally not see, leave accompanied by a strong wind from Storm Francis, and yet more rain on alone look at for more than half an hour – a view not shown in postcards and 27th helped August as a whole to be a wet month with above-average pictures. rainfall – a total of 120.5 mm (just under 5”). September was, as a whole, a warm and dry month, with just one day of heavy rain, on 30th. The total for But this was early July, with the first lockdown just lifted, so why were we the month was 35 mm (about 1½”), about half the 16-year average of 63 outside for the service? Having been closed since March, the building mm. October began very wet, with 54 mm (over 2”) of rain in the first four should have been welcoming visitors again. But, strangely but perhaps days, accompanied by strong winds as Storm Alex moved north from fortunately, a piece of the ceiling had fallen down while the church was France, where it produced torrential rain and flooding in the south. The closed. month continued changeable with a very light grass frost on 9th and 10th (in the bottom of the valley we get frosts when others higher up escape). There Inevitably it took some time to assess the extent of the damage and the risk was further rain during the last week but not as much as further north and of allowing people inside again. So, repairs to the ceiling may be the first east, but all the same the month’s total was 134 mm (5”) in contrast to the time the Friends are asked to contribute to maintain the fabric of the church 16-year average of 102 mm. The long-term outlook is for cool weather for as a key building in our community. the rest of the year followed by wet and windy weather in early 2021. Mike Lock We wait to receive a request but already Ann Veit has set about raising funds by selling jams and pickles from outside her house in Axminster Road. To date Ann has raised £215 in this way, including the sale of knitted children’s dolls and some felt and wooden room decorations. Ann is CHURCH FLOWERS AND CLEANING running a mini craft fair outside Lion Cottage instead of the big craft fair in the village hall – so please drop in and buy! Since the end of September the Church has returned to some normality with flowers and cleaning being done weekly. It began with a wedding when The Friends are saddened by the deaths in October of two people who flowers adorned the Church in abundance and in the following week with joined from the very start and generously contributed to the funds we are Harvest arrangements. Not as many as usual due to the loose ceiling raising – Don Welch and Michael Brock. plaster areas and main porch safety restrictions. As services have continued every Sunday, flowers and cleaning have played a part again, Anyone who wants to contribute directly to funds for repair of the church can even more so in this second lockdown as the church is now open every day do so by BACS to Friends of St Michael’s Musbury, sort code 30-90-37 (for private prayer only). account no 36161468. If you would like to join the Friends, please contact From 29th November we will be entering Advent, which is flower free as we Rosie Houldsworth at [email protected] or me at await the Christmas season. [email protected] I DO hope that we can still create our traditional Christmas arrangements and have a reduced Christmas Carol Service (which will be on 20th December) and of course a Christmas Day Service. And whatever happens - WE WILL have a tree ! Andrew Kennon Thank you to everyone who has helped during these difficult times. Secretary I will shortly be preparing the rotas for 2021. Any new volunteers will be hugely appreciated ! A Happy Christmas to you all.

Sue Irving 552440. [email protected] 38 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 7 Stockers Maidenhayne Lane Musbury Axminster Devon EX13 8AG

27 January 2019

Dear Don,

Thanks for coming around on Friday.

We publish quarterly and distribute free to 300 or so households in Musbury. Our actual readership is rather higher than this as we know our magazine is passed around friends & family in the outlying area. In addition, and although we are primarily a community magazine, through the church it also reaches our sister parishes of Coyton, Colyford, Southleigh & Branscombe. We carry a quarterly diary on the back page of each issue, and we know our readers generally don’t throw out before the next one arrives…thus ensuring all our advertisers have a constant presence amongst our readership. This year we also expect to make the magazine available online. Our magazine is in A5 format and is laser-printed in black & white and published quarterly. We discussed the proposal for a quarter-page advert (approx 50mm wide x 70mm high ‘portrait’) in each of these four issues this year at a total cost of £50

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40 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 5 From the Ministry team League of Friends Axminster Hospital

This is being written early in the second period of As with most organisations the League of Friends of Axminster Hospital lockdown this year when nothing in December can Funding Hospiscare at Home in the Axminster District, are finding fund raising look certain and in this season of Advent our efforts very restricted. preparations for Christmas will be getting underway. Christmas is a season of hospitality and However we continue to support requests for help whenever possible. for many this involves the giving and receiving of Recent requests for funding that the LOF have agreed to, are, firstly for 3 food and drink and the sharing of time with friends online places at the Annual Dementia Conference for some of our Dementia and family. nurses. Allowing them to learn of new developments and share experiences in Mary and Joseph must have been extremely their specialist field of nursing. grateful for the hospitality shown to them by the Secondly funding the purchase, at a cost of approximately £3,000, of a Innkeeper and although perhaps not meriting many continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring Machine for our wonderful Community stars the accommodation was no doubt a huge Nurses. This is invaluable when treating housebound patients. This is in improvement over any alternative. In turn, Mary addition to the large quarterly payments to H@H for care in the Axminster area. and Joseph were able to offer simple hospitality to the shepherds and wise men and possibly others not recorded. Some of you may have been wondering about the building work going on The birth of Jesus was also a sign of God’s hospitality towards each one of around the Scott Rowe Centre. The reason for this is that all therapies and us as a reminder that he invites us to be part of his family. In the Eucharist clinics are being relocated to what was the Morton Ward in the main hospital. (a celebration of Jesus hospitality to his disciples and their successors) the The existing Outpatients Department will be turned over to mainly ophthalmic following words are sometimes said in a prayer after Communion ‘Father of procedures thus increasing their capacity at Axminster. This should be a great all, we give you thanks and praise that when we were still far off you met us benefit to staff and patients and mean that all clinics are in the main building. in your Son and brought us home’. Musbury is still giving marvellous support to the LOF. During August and At the heart of hospitality is love. Love which seeks to recognise the needs September £377 was raised from the Jam Sales on the carport at Lion cottage. of others and meet those needs either through own actions or by supporting Thank you to everyone who donated fruit and vegetables from their gardens others. Such hospitality can be shown in so many ways; through the offering and allotments. and receiving of food and drink, through personal presence and presents! From the 1st November funds raised in the carport will go to the cost of Repairs But also through a kind word by phone or other means, through the carrying to the Church Ceiling. This is done via the Friends of St. Michael's Church who out of a simple errand or just a smile (face masks permitting) at the raise funds for the purpose of keeping the church in good repair. appropriate time and other possibilities may well come to mind. Through our Not only the jams and preserves will be on sale but Christmas ornaments will own acts of hospitality our own love for others and that of a loving heavenly be available. Father can become manifest. Wooden ones made and painted by Brenda and Alan, knitted ones from Pam I wish you a blessed and peaceful Christmas Season. from Axmouth and some felt ones spreading a little love for Christmas. There will not be a Christmas Craft Fair in the Village Hall this year thanks to Charles Hill Covid-19 but there will be a mini version in the Carport at Lion Cottage, Axminster Road. PS Each week on Friday or Saturday an email is sent out to about 200 Please Support these sales to help your local Church email addresses with details of what is happening on the Sunday and coming week. If you think you should be receiving this please check your FOOTNOTE May I offer my condolences to Mrs Mysie Sutherland and her Spam folder as attachments on the email could be routing the email here. If family on the passing of her much loved husband, the Rev. Alistair Sutherland, you are not receiving such updates and wish to do so, please get in touch. who, though retired, spent many years ministering to the people of Musbury. May he Rest in Peace. Ann Veit

4 Musbury Parish News Spring 2020 Spring 2020 Musbury Parish News 41 Christmas Day 25th December there will be “an all age service” at 10.am followed by optional festive communion. Musbury Heritage Update On Sunday 27th December there will be a Mission Community service at 9.30am at St Andrew’s During this period of lockdown, I thought it might be a good time to provide Colyton. At this Eucharist we shall be saying farewell an update on how things are going with Musbury Heritage. to our Curate, the Reverend Victoria Chester who leaving us to explore a vocation to the religious life at Back in early March a few of us met to discuss progressing with research the Anglican convent at Tymawr, Monmouth. We wish into Musbury’s history and the possible formation of a Heritage Society. It her well and give thanks for the many years she has was decided, rather than forming a society at that point, we would arrange a served here as a Reader, deacon and priest. meeting for all villagers to discuss the issue and gauge enthusiasm. I am sure you appreciate this was very unfortunate timing, because a couple of At the end of January, The Reverend Prebendary John Lees will be stepping weeks later we were in the first lockdown! down from his position as Associate Priest licensed to the Holyford Mission Community. Enormous thanks go to John for his ministry within the Mission One thing we did achieve was the start of a small fund, by way of a donation Community, especially during the vacancy and in his role with us supporting from each of us, to purchase items that may come up for sale at auctions, Victoria as her training incumbent. As Victoria has finished her curacy earlier than etc. This enabled us to purchase some 19th century conveyances regarding expected, John now feels able to step back from parochial ministry to enable him the Hand and Spear Inn along the Axminster Road. These are old and very to focus on family and work, as well as his increasing responsibilities both within large documents, written in old English that will need to be transcribed the Diocese (as Bishop’s Officer for Self-Supporting Ministry) and in the national Church. With John’s changing role, Jan has also decided it is time for her to retire sometime. Any volunteers?!... Some historic postcards and a 1902 from active reader ministry. We have been hugely blessed to have both John and Musbury Coronation mug were also purchased. Jan Lees on our Ministry Team. Although they will be stepping back, this is not a The website, though not actively promoted, has continued to draw interest goodbye; John and Jan will still be around, living locally and attending worship, occasionally leading services for us. from various people. I have been contacted by two members of the Drake family, one living in the U.S.A. and the other in Guernsey, a lady from We welcome Sue McCoulough onto the Ministry Team as a Licensed Reader. Somerset whose grandparents included Oscar Gear (Rose Villa /Nursery) Before moving to Musbury, Sue was a Reader in London. This year Sue has and Charles Rockett (Mount Pleasant) and a direct descendant of Walter been leading services in Musbury and our telephone Sunday service during Wills (New House Farm / The Chapel) now living in Australia. The Musbury lockdown, and we look forward to seeing more of her within the Mission story goes far and wide! Community.

On the research front, I have been trying to digitise as much data as The beginning of December marks a new beginning in the Church’s year as we possible and trying to establish where we can find out more about our village mark the period known as Advent: it is a season of preparation and looking history. This includes census data, parish registers, tithe apportionments, forward with hope. I do hope that you will be able to join us over Christmas. electoral registers, newspaper cuttings, wills, trade directories, property Christmas offers us a new opportunity to connect with the light and peace that sales and much more. Some of this is gradually appearing on the website. has come with the incarnation of God as Jesus Christ. As we approach this The tricky part is combining all this information into presentable stories, period, I write to assure all parishioners across our six communities of our daily pictures and data. prayers for you and all your loved ones.

I have not attempted to go further back into Musbury’s history. There is so With every good wish and blessing, little we know about the period between the Iron-Age hillfort and the time of the Civil War. Will we ever discover what Mount Drake, that sat on the slope Fr Steven. about halfway between today’s village and Musbury Castle, was like?

42 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 3 Every day we are losing memories and memorabilia, even pictures that Despite global pandemics and falling plasterwork (!) the church appeared in Musbury Memories can no longer be found. Let’s hope we can community have pulled together and is in good heart; we have preserve as much as possible. Please remember I will happily store a new organist, Iain Morison, and we have met for services anything relating to our history until we have a place dedicated to displaying however we can, in church, socially-distanced, or even in the and archiving Musbury’s Heritage. churchyard. Hopefully, one day Covid-19 will be behind us and we’ll have that meeting Back in September, on St Michael’s Day, we held a special for everyone. There’s a lot to talk about! service of Choral Evensong to celebrate the village’s patronal Martin Minter / Musbury Heritage / [email protected] festival. Although congregational singing is not permitted during the current government regulations, we were able to www.musburyheritage.co.uk have a small choir who sang beautifully for us to celebrate the occasion. We also had a bagpiper … so if you could hear strains of music from the pipes wafting your way, it was to celebrate St Michael’s Day! It was lovely to Anagrams see a good number in church. Events we missed this year

Before the second lockdown, we had been holding a weekly Evensong on For example Arlington Dana (5 , 8) answer; Grand National Wednesdays at 5pm. These quiet services last about 25 minutes and will hopefully return to church when restrictions ease. All welcome. boastfully vintagers (11 , 8)

Now to Christmas! Kay short is organising a fantastic Musbury Village Advent beat greater. (4 ,7) Calendar, where people decorate and illuminate a window of their house to mark a day in advent (Kay has written an article about it in this magazine—do get below mind (9) involved). At St Michael’s we plan to have the usual services in church over Christmas, as well as a ‘pop-up’ carol service outside, held at a few venues Suffolk smith violated. (8 , 4 , 8) around the village. The Pop-Up Carol Service will take place on Thursday 17th December, meeting at Higher Doatshayne at 4pm. contentious grooviness (10, 4, 7)

On Sunday 20th December we shall have our Carol Service in church at condor powerful washed (6,3,7, 4) 4pm. The seating capacity of the church is now limited because social distancing measures, plus the fact we cannot use sections where the ceiling has fallen. If micky tole toyshop (3, 5, 8) you would like attend the Carol Service, please let Michael and Sue know so that we have an idea of numbers and can make provision for as many people to a confabbed dextrocardiogram. (6,3,9,4,4) attend as possible. Rather than a set number, seating is organised according to the number of people coming as individuals, couples, or ‘bubbles’ and Dara obits warships (7,4,6 ) households, so please let us know about anyone who may be coming with you so that we can fit everyone in safely. force whales wholes, (7,6 , 4 ) (it was available virtually) On Christmas Eve, you are welcome to a special outdoor Crib Service for families and children in the Churchyard at St Andrew’s Colyton at 4pm. There is diet emotion (2,4,2,3) no Midnight Mass at Musbury, but there will be services elsewhere in our Mission Hints Community. You are welcome to attend Midnight Mass at St Winifred’s, Answers include; A world sporting event 3 music events of which one is Branscombe at 8.30pm, or St Lawrence’s, Southleigh, at 10pm, or join us at St local , 1 local sailing event, 1 river event, 2 horticultural events one of which Andrew’s, Colyton, at 11.30pm. is local and 1 tennis event . A television event for the world of lather, and a film we have yet to see. Answers e mail me at [email protected] or will be posted on village notice board in January 2 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 43 And Finally From The Vicarage Steven Writes

“To defend a country you need an army, but to defend a civilisation you need education” Jonathan Sacks 1948-2020 At the time of writing this, we are coming towards the end of November and I, like many, scratching my head and wondering what will happen or be possible after we emerge from the second intense period of lockdown…in “Wars are won by weapons but it takes ideas to win a peace. ” particular, what on earth we shall be able do at Christmas in terms of Jonathan Sacks 1948-2020 services and gatherings? Planning is tricky, but the aim is always to carry on as best we can, keeping “The older you get, I have to say, the funnier you find life. That's the only way to the church open during the day, and returning to having services in church go.” Diana Rigg 1938-2020 as soon as we are permitted. We also plan to hold extra events to enable people to gather outdoors, again, as regulations allow. Details of these can “I can see clearly now that the rain is gone, I can see all obstacles in my way. be found below. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind, it's gonna be a bright, bright sun Alongside services in church, we continue to offer ways in which people shining day.” Johnny Nash 1940- 2020 can join us to come together and worship online or over the telephone. Details of services and events at St Michael’s (as well as across the Thank you to all contributors and the rest of the team for allowing us to publish Mission Community) can be found on our website, www.holyford.org and/or another issue in difficult circumstances. As I write this there is a glimmer of light at our Facebook page @holyfordmission, or by telephoning our the end of the tunnel and hope for the New Year. Living in Musbury we have been churchwardens, Michael (552297) ,Sue (552440) or me (553180) to check lucky to be sheltered from the worst of the pandemic and although for many it has when services are taking place. If you wish to sign up for our weekly email been a difficult year let us hope for a return to normality . newsletter, please send an email to Dr Charles Hill I do not know what the Christmas , and the New year period will be like but I am [email protected]. sure that it will be celebrated in some way in Musbury and I am certain that the year 2020 will be one that is remembered for a long time. As you may know, we were forced to close the church for a few weeks Keep an eye on the village website and the village notice boards for up to date during summer as part of the plaster from the ceiling over the South Aisle news. After all one wouldn’t want to miss anything. and Nave fell down. With the church out-of-bounds, we held a lovely service in the churchyard. Following the architect’s visit, we have been able to open again, and have services inside, albeit with part of the church I am always looking for contribution for the Parish News , from the topical to the cordoned off, until we can repair the ceiling. controversial , and the humorous .So why not take time over the festive season It has been no mean feat to keep the church open, and my thanks go to all and write me something those who lock and unlock the church, and all who have taken on the extra cleaning required to keep our church sanitised and ‘covid safe’. Take care, mind how you go and have a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New year. Many are suffering financial difficulties during this time, and your parish church is no exception. On top of our usual expenses, we are now faced Jolly Editor with a new challenge. Repairing the fallen panels on a high ceiling in a listed building will be costly, and we are faced with the added complication of potential extra costs if, after closer inspection, there are further loose panels which need to be replaced. The PCC are currently seeking to raise Contributors please note the necessary funds in order to make progress with the work. My thanks to Ann Veit and others in the village who are fundraising in various ways at a Deadline for next Issue 12th February time when fundraising in the usual way is almost impossible.

44 Musbury Parish News Winter 2020 Winter 2020 Musbury Parish News 1 Holyford Mission Community www.holyford.org 2020 (so far ) Quiz

Rector Fr Steven Martin [email protected] 553180 Church Office Administrator Emma Laughton [email protected] 552307 Well it has not all been covid this year can you remember some of the other Revd Preb John Lees (Associate Minister) 551351 News ? Linda Joy (Children and Families Worker) 07599292449 Jan Lees (Reader) 551351 1. In January who wanted to live like the common People ? Emma Laughton (Reader) 551400 2. This guitarist died in 2020 best known for the hit jump. Revd Victoria Chester 07489882824 3. Has he out trumped Trump? Charles Hill (Reader) 552141 4. The first bowler to reach 600 test wickets Sue McCoulough 552446 5. Announced his retirement in September, best known for the Pompidou Revd Canon Colin Preece (Retired Assistant clergy) 552154 centre and Millennium Dome Revd Nigel Freathy (Retired clergy) 22303 6. This Day was declared to be Palindrome Day Revd Jeremy White (Retired clergy) 32299 7. This washed up near Ballycotton in February 8. Who toppled Schumacher's record? St Michael’s Church, Musbury 9. Where did British trained pilots flying British made planes continue to Church wardens bomb Civilians ? Mrs Sue Irving, Cherry Tree House, Church Hill 552440 10. In June who changed their name to “The chicks”? Mr Michael Pritchard, Knap Orchard, Combpyne Rd 552297 11. What was discovered to be able to fly for 5 hours without flapping its wings? Treasurer 12.Who has become the worlds richest women? Mr Robin Collis, Monmouth House 551105 13.What became worth $2 Trillion in August ? 14.In July what did scientists find on Venus? 15.What theory did Elon Musk advance about the Pyramids? 16.In August this city was rocked by a huge explosion MUSBURY PARISH NEWS 17.She won the French Open women’s tennis in October Village Website: www.musburyvillage.co.uk 18.This teenager was beatified by the catholic Church 19.How much did William Shakespeare’s First Folio sell for at Auction in This magazine is published quarterly by the Parochial Church Council of St. October ? (To the nearest Million) Michael’s, and is distributed free of charge to all households in the Parish. The 20.Who Was re-elected in New Zealand ? cost is borne by the PCC but is largely offset by advertising revenue and by a 21.He was suspended from the Labour Party in October grant from the Parish Council. The Treasurer will always welcome donations 22.Word of the year according to Collins English dictionary by readers. 23.The first ever Solo Male cover star of US vogue The services provided by our advertisers are commended: when using them 24.The first woman to top the uk album chart over 5 Consecutive decades. please mention the Musbury Parish News. 25.In February Boris confirmed this will go ahead 26.Country singing legend known for the Gambler who died in March Editor 27.Whom did Rishi Sunak replace as Chancellor of the Exchequer? Jolly Sargent, Ruffles, Doatshayne Lane 552470 28.Which basketball star died in a Helicopter crash? [email protected] 29.What did “Eastenders celebrate this year”? 30.Winner of the Tour de France Distribution: Mr David Antell 553454 Answers will be posted on a village notice board in January or contact the editor Advertising: Rod Powell 552681

Musbury Diary Winter 2020 ch-Church: MUSBURY PARISH

December Sunday 6th Village Praise 10.00am Ch NEWS Sunday 13th Holy Communion BCP 11.15am Ch

Thursday 17th Carol singing around the village 4.00pm

Sunday 20th Holy Communion 11.15am Ch

Sunday 20th Carol service 4.00pm Ch

Friday 25th All Age Service 10.00am Ch

With optional communion afterwards January Sunday 3rd Village Praise 10.00am Ch

Sunday 10th Holy Communion BCP 11.15am Ch

Sunday 17th Holy Communion 11.15am Ch

Sunday 24th Evening prayer 3.30pm Ch

Sunday 31st Holy Communion 11.15am Ch

All the above subject to current regulations

Please look on village notice boards

Your Parish news The Parish news is dependent on many volunteers, allowing it to be delivered free of charge to every house in the Parish. For this issue 320 copies are collected from Axminster Printers and delivered to David Antell who coordinates and organises distribution . The 320 copies have to be broken down into smaller packages which are then delivered by David to the 15 distributors . These volunteers then deliver the news through your letterbox usually in the first weekend of the Quarter

A big thank you to the following the following people

David Antell, Ian King, Judith Rixon, Brenda Wheatley, Annie Durrant, Jill Anderson, John Pugh, Sue Irving, Joan Welch, Cherry Sargent, Stuart Heal, Mr and Mrs Boglione, and Lesley Wilson. Many of our distribution team have been doing the job for a long time, and are Winter 2020 now of a certain age so new volunteers would always be welcome If you are interested please ring David Antell 553454