May 2015 Vol. 46 No.5 40p
FOCUS MAGAZINE INFORMATION Chairman Michael Ayre, Ratcliffe Farm, Raddon. Secretary Geoff Bulley, 17 Broadlands, Thorverton. Treasurer Bob Swaffield, Schiehallion, School Lane, Thorverton. Tel. (01392) 860309 Editor Neville Lane, Stable House, 2 The Glebe, Thorverton. Tel. (01392) 861062 Email: [email protected] Back issues (courtesy of Rob Purvis): thorvertonfocus.wordpress.com Assistant editors Eileen Mason and Fiona Harrison Printers Barrie Phillips and Peter Mason At the present time Focus is produced each month except one (August) and is assembled by volunteers on the last working day of the month.
The Editor welcomes interesting news items, reports etc. for publication. Items for inclusion in Focus should be accompanied by the name of the originator, which may be withheld from print if requested. The aims of Focus are:
To produce a non-political monthly magazine serving the people of the parish of Thorverton, providing them with information on activities in the parish; For the magazine to be one that villagers are proud of; To provide a window for those outside Thorverton to see what the village has to offer; To promote local businesses through advertising; and To run at a small annual profit, but with surplus funds put to support village organisations for the benefit of Thorverton residents.
Items for publication, adverts, changes to adverts, Diary entries, changes to Thorverton Information lists should be sent to the Editor, preferably as plain text in an email, or as a Word doc file or a pdf file email attachment (to [email protected]) by the 20th of the month prior to publication please. All items received are acknowledged, so if you don’t receive an acknowledgment within a few days, please assume not received.
Computer file formats: We prefer plain text files: .ODT files, .DOC files, .RTF files and .WPS files because our team have software that can read such files. BMP and JPEG files are preferred for advertisements and pictures.
Advertisements and Notices
Poster Type Advertisements: maximum size is half an A4 page. Text for advertisements should be prepared as near as possible to how it is intended to appear. Pictures must be supplied as required on the advertisement.
COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS The following advertising charges apply:
Maximum dimensions COST per ENTRY FULL YEAR (11 entries) Half page 18.2 cm x 12.2 cm £5.00 £50.00 Quarter page 8.5 cm x 12.2 cm £2.50 £25.00 One-eighth page 8.5 cm x 5.8 cm £1.50 £15.00
LOCAL ORGANISATION and CHARITIES ADVERTISEMENTS COST per ENTRY Half page £3.00 Cheques made payable to “Focus” Quarter or one-eighth page free of charge
Front Cover: East Devon Arts Festival Poster The opinions and views expressed by contributors within the magazine are not necessarily those of Focus producers or of the Focus Committee. Focus on Thorverton 1 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Editorial be proud of. Details are on posters which can be seen on page 12 or in various places about the village. April was just a warm-up for the village; May should see us in full swing. On top of the regular events, we While not intentionally linked to the competition, I have the ever popular East Devon Arts Festival, the would like to mention that the History Society is Church Fair, Sunnymead Gas Up, the 70th intending to produce a calendar for 2016 comprising anniversary VE Street Party and the Cadbury Fun a mixture of pictures old and new. So, this could Run. And, as if that weren't enough, we also have a present a dual reason for trawling through your contested election for Thorverton Parish Councillors; collection of photos. this is the first time for a number of years we have sufficient interest in becoming a parish councillor to In April, the village and surrounding countryside generate an election. have been looking lovely this year, with trees coming into leaf or flower and with wild and garden flowers We are lucky indeed to have a flourishing Arts aplenty. I think that the hedgerows and verges look Festival in the village. I am always greatly impressed particularly good at this time of year and make by the number of exhibitors and the standard of their walking in and near the village a joy. Perhaps you work. It must be lovely to have such talent. With so will be inspired to try my walk up Raddon Hill. It much creative talent about and with so much going tempts you by getting within sight before skirting the on in the village, I was hoping to have been flooded hill-top, but it does make for a lovely walk on which by entries for the "My Thorverton" competition. to take a picnic. Best done on a good day, of course. Sadly not. The deadline was 2nd May, however, I can accept an extension to Monday 11th May. We I hope that you enjoy reading Focus and will find would love to receive entries telling us something things to interest you. I am, as always, grateful to our about your perspective of the village. We have three contributors who provide the articles and information different sections designed to accommodate pretty that fills Focus. Why don't you become a contributor much anything about "your" Thorverton. Please have of articles too? a go and let us compile a range of entries that we can Neville Lane
In this Focus Golf Society ...... 20 Editorial ...... 1 Garden Club ...... 20 Thorverton Parish Council ...... 2 Short Walks in and Around Thorverton ...... 21 Election of Parish Councillors ...... 3 Lord-Lieutenant of Devon ...... 22 Letters ...... 4 Thorverton and District History Society ...... 23 For Sale ...... 4 Wartime Supper ...... 24 Thorverton Memorial Hall Committee ...... 5 Police Report ...... 25 Elections on May 7th ...... 6 Newton St Cyres Tennis Club: ...... 25 Notice Board ...... 6 Recipe ...... 26 Church Week Refreshments ...... 11 Rainfall Record ...... 26 Parish Church Services and News ...... 14 TARTS ...... 27 Parish Letter ...... 15 Dame Margaret Steps Down ...... 27 Men’s Breakfast ...... 16 Nature Notes ...... 28 Our Church needs more cash ...... 17 The Garden in May 2015 ...... 30 Baptist Church ...... 17 Cricket Club ...... 31 Christian Aid ...... 18 Thorverton Parish Information ...... 33 Legal Eagle ...... 18 Thorverton Organisations ...... 34 Ladies’ Group ...... 19 Doctors’ Surgeries ...... 35 Women’s Institute...... 19 Waste Collection Dates for 2015 ...... 37 PTFA ...... 19 Mobile Library ...... 37 Poetry ...... 19 Flag Flying days in May ...... 37 Road works ...... 37 Bus Services ...... 37 Diary 2015 ...... 38
Focus on Thorverton 2 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Thorverton Parish Council
Listed below are some areas I hope will be of interest to you following the Parish Council meeting held on 14/04/2015. You can view a full set of the minutes on the notice board in School Lane.
Alison Marshall - Clerk to Thorverton Parish Council. T. 01392 861228 E. [email protected] …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Annual Parish Meeting – Friday 8th May, 7.30pm, WI Hut: Why not come along to the annual parish meeting to find out what local organisations have been up to over the past year and what their future plans are? This meeting is free, is open to all, and refreshments will be available.
Thorverton Parish Councillor Election – May 7th – who will get your vote? There have been 12 nominations registered for 10 parish councillor positions and so a local election will take place on the 7th May along with the general election. This is your chance to have your say and to vote in the nominees you feel will best represent you and the parish in the coming years. You will find a list of the nominees on the notice board in School Lane and on the day you will be able to vote for up to 10 names.
Planning matters – received to the date of the meeting: 1) 15/00112/LBC Way Farm, Bickleigh, listed building consent for structural remedial works to main dwelling and boundary wall. Mr & Mrs Roger Acock. Granted. 2) 15/00117/LBC Way Farm, Bickleigh, listed building consent for repairs and remedial works to barn. Mr & Mrs Roger Acock. Granted.
New local community website for Mid Devon: Streetlife is a new local social network which aims to help people make the most of where they live by connecting them with their neighbours. The website is a free and is an easy way to share news, views, recommendations and resources to enable people with busy lives or reduced mobility to keep in touch with their community. So far Streetlife has helped find lost pets, has exposed doorstep scammers, recalled local history, shared gardening tips and equipment, helped with IT advice and even dentist recommendations. You just need a postcode and e-mail address to join and it’s open to everyone. To find out more go to streetlife.com
Field gate requiring a new home! The parish council have recently replaced the gate at the entrance to the allotments and so the old twenty year old, ten foot wide, galvanised 6 bar field gate is now in need of a new home. If you are interested in owning this fine gate please get in touch – the council are inviting ‘offers’ regarding price of the item.
Reporting of Highway matters: Residents are reminded that any Highway matters, including overhanging hedges and potholes, can now be reported on-line at new.devon.gov.uk/roadandtransport/report-a-problem/ or at devon.roadworks.org/
Thorverton church grave yard extension: The parish council have been looking to purchase land from the church commissioners for some time now to enable a grave yard extension to be created. An update on the position can be found in the meeting minutes on display in School Lane.
Car parking on village pavements: The Parish Council are working with the Police to reduce the number of cars parked on pavements around the village where there is sufficient room for on-road parking such as in Silver Street. On-road parking makes pavements safer for residents and slows traffic down. Please consider this when you next go to park on a pavement.
Focus on Thorverton 3 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Election of Parish Councillors
Focus on Thorverton 4 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Letters The gentleman is a Mr Ormiston, a teacher. Evidence From Ian Marshall of Bullen Street, in memory of Lyn Marshall
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of Lyn’s friends who have sent cards and letters of sympathy following the loss of Lyn on 15th March.
I would also like to say thank you to all who joined to celebrate Lyn’s life at Thorverton Church and to the Reverend Harold Whitty for conducting a memorable and moving service on 31st March.
I would like to thank the Health Team together with Hospice Care who helped Lyn in her final days at home.
From Susanna Gilmour-White
Car needed - Garaging offered is that he also taught at Norwood School, Does anyone have a car spare for use at Pennsylvania Rd, Mount Radford School and at St weekends? Twice a month at weekends a Wilfrids School in Exeter all probably in the 1960s. London daughter visits her Thorverton dad as He and his family live for quite some while at Trood part of caring for him. House, Little Silver Lane near Matford, Exeter – now occupied by the Headquarters of Heavitree Brewery. She needs transport for short local trips. Garage space and financial contribution towards He was the son of Col. Thomas Lane Ormiston, born1867, died aged 87 in 1954. Possibly originated insurance is offered. from Teviotdale,Scotland. Married Agnes Lucy Please contact Susanna Gilmour-White on 0208 Parish on January 7th 1904, 675 5724 (has answerphone) before June if possible. There is some evidence that Mr (Jim) Ormiston had a family and that included a Son – name unknown but a Robert Taylor recalls that at some time believed From Alice Selley of Dark Lane that a J R Ormiston lived in the Thorverton Area in the early 1960s. I would like to express my thanks to all the people who planned and organised the delightful I am hopeful to contact anyone who knows or knew Palm Sunday “ Open Church “ celebration and of this person and / or can put me in touch with any also the very moving “ Stations of the Cross “ surviving relatives. service on Good Friday. Richard Holladay. [email protected] 01626 852512
From Richard Holladay For Sale I am trying to trace any living relatives of the man pictured next to my middle brother. This was taken Phone Barbara on 860878: from a Ravenswood School, Stoodleigh photograph in the very early 1950s and I am gathering archive 1. Sand Pit with cover Free material to do with this now closed school. 2. Child’s rocker Free
3. Bob the Builder trike £5
Focus on Thorverton 5 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Thorverton Memorial Hall Committee
Reg. Charity No. 203778
Forthcoming re-opening event Hall Refurbishment
The hall will celebrate its re-opening with a Village The work to refurbish the Memorial Hall is Open Day on Saturday 4th July. There will be all progressing well. The photograph shows the new day fun and entertainment for everyone. More kitchen with its roof complete and solar panels in details will be widely advertised and will appear in place. The Large Hall now has glazed doors on to the next month’s Focus. Please make a note of the date courtyard. The walls and ceilings of the Large and now. Small Halls have been insulated and plasterboarded, and new lighting and heating installed. Booking the hall after 12 June
Bookings for use of the hall after 12 June can be The roof of the Small Hall also has three Velux made at any time by contacting the events secretary: rooflights. Though the whole project is to be [email protected] completed on 12 June the hall is to be used as the village Polling Station on election day, 7 May, and Memorial Hall website therefore you will be able to catch a sneak preview of The Hall website can be found at the new appearance of the Large Hall when you go to www.thorvertonmemorialhall.co.uk cast your vote.
Focus on Thorverton 6 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Elections on May 7th Lynne Richards Labour Party Mel Stride Conservative Party Alex White Liberal Democrats We don’t see one for years and then three come along Andy Williamson Green Party on the same day. In case you hadn’t noticed, we have a General Election, District Council election th b) Mid-Devon District Council and Parish Council election all on Thursday May 7 . Vicky Crockett Conservative Party At the recent Focus AGM, the suggestion was made Elizabeth Curzon-Howe UK Independence Party that, while Focus shies away from political content, Bob Deed Independent we should at least list the candidates for each of the Janet Ann Wills Labour Party elections. So here they are: c) Thorverton Parish Council a) Member of Parliament for Central Devon See list on page 3. John Charles Conway UK Independence Party Arthur Price Independent
Notice Board Oh no it isn’t? OH YES IT IS! T A D S IS PLEASED to announce the RETURN OF
THE PANTOMIME 3rd to 5th December 2015
(enquiries to Sheena on 01392 860843)
The Welcome Café School Summer Fair on from 2.30 to 4.00pm Saturday June 6th at 2.30. At Thorverton School every Monday (except Bank Holidays) There will be a cake stall, plant stall, tombola, at the WI Hut skittles, cream teas, bouncy castle, splat the rat, book stall, find the hidden treasure, face Meet old friends …… Make new friends painting plus much more. Tea, coffee, biscuits, cakes and a warm welcome!
PTFA
Focus on Thorverton 7 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015
Thorverton Post Office & TCT newsagents/stationers Quarry Car Park, Lynch Road Thorverton 01392 860455
offering a very wide range of post office services, newspapers, magazines, stationery, posting and packing materials, laundry service, photocopying – service with a smile!
Mon–Fri 9.00–5.30 (closed 1.00-2.00) Sat 9.00-12.00 Sun: 9.00–10.30 TCT paper shop only
Focus on Thorverton 8 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015
Ratcliffe Farm EGGS
Free range, from rare breeds
£1.25p / half dozen
You'll find them outside the farm gate at all times.
Mum and Toddlers/Baby Group
Normally held every Wednesday morning, the group will be suspended temporarily due to the closure of the Memorial Hall for renovations.
If you would like any further information please call Wendy Coles on 01392 861283 (Toddler Rep.)
Thorverton Church Consort Practices (normally Thursdays at 7.45 – 9.00 pm in the Church)
May 14th June 3rd (Wednesday), 18th July 2nd, 16th, (9th is the choir party)
New members always welcome.
Thorverton Church Junior Consort Practices Mondays, usually in school, 3.30 to 4.30 pm
May Monday 11th June Monday 1st (at church) 15th and 29th , July Thursday 9th 6.30 p.m.Choir party
New members always welcome.
More information about both Consorts from Mary Thomas 01392 860730
Focus on Thorverton 9 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015
THORVERTON STREET PARTY
TO CELEBRATE THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF V.E DAY
IN BULLEN STREET
SATURDAY 9TH MAY AT 2.00 PM
EVERYONE WELCOME TO COME ALONG AND ENJOY FREE FOOD, MUSIC, AND ENTERTAINMENT
ANY DONATIONS OR HELP GRATEFULLY RECEIVED
Please contact Dors on 861434 OR Jacques on 860596
Focus on Thorverton 10 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015
14th Sunnymead Gas-Up
Sunday 10th May 2015
10am to 4pm
Vintage & Classic Cars + Tractors + Motorcycles + Stationary Engines + Miniature Steam
If you have an exhibit that you would like to display, just bring it along from 10am onwards
Russell from the Exe Valley Farm Shop is doing something he calls “Russell’s Rumble”
The event is supported by: Mid Devon Tractor, Machinery & Engine Group East Devon Tractor, Machinery & Engine Club Devon Ford & Fordson Association
There will be a Bouncy Castle, Tombola, Draw, Refreshments and Bric-a-brac Stall
Wanted : Bric-a-brac and Draw Prizes or anything you can think of to raise money
Entry is by donation, with all money Helping with East Devon Arts raised going to Thorverton Surgery Festival at Thorverton Church
...... I’m sure you know or are thinking about it but just in case you need further details, dates for this year’s Arts Festival are May 12th – 16th. Bingo We’ll be receiving art and craft goods on Sat May th 9th, setting them out on Sun 10th and Mon 11th, Saturday 9 May manning the place during the actual exhibition and then doing the big high-speed clear up on Sat 16th Don’t miss our ‘Barn Bingo’ on the late afternoon. Saturday evening at 7pm We’ll be getting the church ready from Wed May 6th Everyone welcome onwards and before that, doing the distribution and display of posters as well as other important admin How to find us: We are on the Raddon Road to and sorting jobs. the west of Thorverton Village - the first Wed 6th is the day for setting up the art display entrance on the right past the recreation field. boards and doing the ‘heavy stuff’ in preparation, so tell your strong friends and those with useful screw Enquiries: June Lee – 01392 860317 drivers, ladders, etc!! Mike Lee – 01392 861449 (after 5.30pm)
Focus on Thorverton 11 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015
Also do please consider volunteering to sell cake Help in the kitchen to serve, wash up, etc. Mary draw tickets during the exhibition. It’s a good way to Thomas is in charge of the rota for helpers. The file meet people and isn’t physically taxing! The cake will be at the back of the church so please sign up for draw raises c. £300 for the church funds so it’s well any duties that you can manage. worth the effort! Mary can be contacted on 01392 860730. We are so grateful for all the help you can give. We now have web pages for people to look at with Many hands make light work. info about the festival so please view these and point your friends that way too. Also share them on Mary does a big shop before church week to buy Facebook if you can please. sandwich fillings. coleslaw, mayonnaise, cleaning materials, water, etc. Mary is pleased to receive http://www.exeter.anglican.org/events/east-devon-arts- donations of money to pay for these items. festival We have contributions from many local businesses and people and it usually means that as soon as we http://www.netherexe.org/what-s-on/east-devon-arts- start selling on the Tuesday we are making a profit. festival-thorverton
Church week is always fun and makes a real Poster distribution lists will be in church from Easter contribution to life in the village as well as making weekend onwards. It’s really important that we much-needed money for the upkeep of our lovely old advertise well. Do sign up to distribute and display church. We look forward to another bumper year this posters if you can. year and hope that the village will rise to the occasion
and that you will be able to contribute time, money It’s always a good event so if you haven’t helped out and goods as generously as has been the case over the before, then do consider getting involved with last 40 years or so. supporting our church and community. If you’re an ‘old hand’ then you are most welcome again of Looking forward to hearing from you – and thank course, indeed vital!! - maybe you’d also like to try you for your help and generosity. some different tasks this year?? We look forward to another fun and successful festival week. Mary Thomas
With many thanks, P.S. There are still quite a few dishes left in the church from last year! If you have not collected your Heather, Royston and Jean for East Devon Arts property please will you pick it up. It is in the vestry Festival at Thorverton Church to the left of the altar behind the red curtain. Thank 01392 860419 01392 861176 you.
SILVERTON LINK UP Church Week Refreshments Voluntary Drivers Scheme for Wyndham House and Exe As before, we will be serving coffee, tea, lunches and Valley Surgeries Patients supper in the church kitchen 10.00 am to 8.30 pm (4.30 pm on the Saturday). The VOLUNTEER DRIVERS are Jean Hawkins 860849 John Kiely 861545 We always have a tremendous response from people Doreen Beer 860731 Stephen Roach 861042 in the village and nearby and we are asking you to Mary Smith 861916 Dave Sleep 860678 help us again.
We plan to simplify the menu this year and Felicity LINK UP service takes patients with medical appointments from home to surgery or hospitals in the Cashmore is in charge of coordinating the menus. area. If you require transport contact one of the drivers Please contact her – 01392 860053 – for offers of mentioned above, giving them as much notice as possible. contributions. We will be asking for quiches, lasagne If you use the service a realistic donation towards the (both including vegetarian), cakes, puddings, soup, drivers’ expenses would be appreciated. Payment is paid chicken casseroles. direct to the driver who issues a receipt. It may not always be possible to arrange a lift, as all our drivers are Please give a list of all ingredients with your dishes volunteers and cannot be expected to turn out on every and, please, no cooked rice. There are new strict rules occasion, although they will do their best. about re-heating rice, so we will cook it freshly each Roger Higman (Link Up co-ordinator) 860571 day. [email protected]
Focus on Thorverton 12 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015
MY THORVERTON This competition has three sections, each with the theme “My Thorverton”: 1. A drawing or colouring of a picture 2. A written article or poem 3. A photograph or group of up to three photographs Let your imagination run riot. There will be cash prizes totalling at least £20 for each section. Entries should be sent to the Editor (Neville Lane) at 2 The Glebe, Thorverton, Exeter, EX5 5LS, or by email to [email protected], to arrive by Monday 11th May. Entries will be judged at the Arts Festival in May.
Focus on Thorverton 13 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015
CHURCH FAIR
Saturday 16th May
Starting at 12noon and running to 2.30pm
Focus on Thorverton 14 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Parish Church Services and News MAY 2015 SERVICES & INFORMATION The Netherexe Parishes - A Mission Community in the Diocese of Exeter
Sunday 3 May 2015 Easter 5
10:00 am Service with a Smile Brampford Speke LF 09:30 am Family Service Newton St Cyres Lay Led 09:30 am Holy Communion [C] Thorverton DC 10:00 am Service of the Word Stoke Canon Lay Led 11:15 am Coffee, Cake & Company Rewe 11:15 pm Baptism Poltimore DC 05:30 pm Evening Prayer [BCP] Poltimore Canon K Parry Choral Evensong - sung by the Heritage Singers
Sunday 10 May 2015 Easter 6
09:30 am Sunday Service Brampford Speke Baptist Chapel BOF 09:30 am Holy Communion [C] Huxham DC 10:00 am Service of the Word & Baptism Cadbury SS 10:00 am Informal Gathering Stoke Canon 11:15 am Service of the Word Rewe Lay Led 11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Upton Pyne DC 06:30 pm Holy Communion [C] Newton St Cyres MSS
Sunday 17 May 2015 Ascension Sunday
08:30 am Holy Communion [C] Brampford Speke DC 09:30 am Family Service (open church 9.30am/worship 10am) Thorverton Lay Led Joint with Baptist Church 10:00 am Holy Communion [C] Cadbury DC 10:00 am Service of the Word Poltimore Lay Led 11:15 am Coffee, Cake & Company Rewe 05:00 pm Holy Communion [C] Stoke Canon DC
Sunday 24 May 2015 Pentecost
09:30 am Sunday Service Brampford Speke Baptist Chapel BOF 09:30 am Holy Communion & Baptism [C] Newton St Cyres DC 09:30 am Holy Communion [BCP] Thorverton MSS 10:00 am Informal Gathering Stoke Canon 10:00 am Service of the Word Upton Pyne Lay Led 11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Rewe DC 06:30 pm Evening Prayer [BCP] Cadbury DC 06:30 pm Evening Prayer [BCP] Huxham LF
Sunday 31 May 2015 Trinity Sunday Mission Community Service & Farewell to Dave & Dawn Carrington
11:00 am Holy Communion [C] Stoke Canon DC, SS, LF Followed by Bring & Share Lunch in the Bridge Centre
Sunday 7 June 2015 Trinity 1
10:00 am Service with a Smile Brampford Speke LF 09:30 am Family Service Newton St Cyres Lay Led 09:30 am Holy Communion [C] Thorverton SS 10:00 am Service of the Word Cadbury Lay Led 10:00 am Service of the Word Stoke Canon Lay Led 11:15 am Coffee, Cake & Company Rewe 05:30 pm Holy Communion [C] Poltimore SS
Focus on Thorverton 15 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015
Services in the Netherexe Parishes Your parish churches aim to provide a variety of service types to meet the needs of the whole community. Most Sunday services except those early in the morning include hymns and music. Everyone is welcome at all services
Service With A Smile ☺ These services are designed for all ages and with the needs of young children especially in mind. They are informal and contemporary in style often including a children’s activity at the beginning; without communion and are led by lay teams. Services usually last about 35 minutes and are followed by refreshments Family Service Family services are suitable for all ages, may be with or without Holy Communion, are contemporary in style and are often followed by refreshments Holy Communion [C] Traditional service in contemporary language [one hour] Holy Communion [BCP] Traditional service in traditional language [one hour] Morning Prayer [BCP] Traditional Morning Service [Mattins] from the Book of Common Prayer [about an hour] Evening Prayer [BCP] Traditional Evening Service from the Book of Common Prayer [about an hour] Common Worship [CW] Common Worship Service
Daily Morning & Evening Prayer in the Netherexe Parishes
For daily services the format is generally Book of Common Prayer at Thorverton and Common Worship elsewhere, and the timing is about 20-30 minutes. All are welcome. Morning Prayer is said on Mondays at 9.10pm in Stoke Canon church (during the school term, this takes the form of Collective Worship for Stoke Canon C. of E. School); on Tuesdays at 9.15am in Stoke Canon Chapel Evening Prayer is said on Thursdays at 5.00pm in Newton St Cyres church.
Variations: Mon 4 May No Collective Worship Stoke Canon Church Mon 25 May No Collective Worship Stoke Canon Church
Who’s Who …..? Abbreviations Key
Vacancy Rector SS The Revd Preb Sue Sheppard Associate Minister 01392 861022 [email protected] DC The Revd Dave Carrington Assistant Curate 01392 841672 [email protected] LF Mrs Laura Ford Reader 01392 841753 [email protected]
Associate Ministers MSS Revd’s Michael & Sharon Simpson HW Revd Harold Whitty BOF Baptist Officiant
For more information about the Netherexe Parishes please see www.netherexe.org or contact:
Mrs Margaret Lowe [Administrator] Tel: 07594 714590 - Tuesday & Thursday [08:30 – 16:30] Email: [email protected] Correspondence: The Netherexe Parishes, PO Box 734, Stoke Canon, Exeter, EX5 4WP.
Would you like a lift to church? May we offer you a lift to the parish church or to a joint service elsewhere? For transport to Sunday services from locations in Thorverton parish, please ring Steve Rendell on 01392 860780. For transport from locations in Newton St Cyres parish please contact Mrs Charlotte Dyer on 01392 851618 For transport from Rewe parish please contact Guy Sheppard on 01392 861022
Parish Letter gained a beautiful view from the back of our house across fields and the River Culm. Only I found the Where are all the people?? view unsettling - there were no houses. A city- We sadly leave these parishes at the end of May. dweller for most of my life, I had never before had a Three years ago, when we moved to Stoke Canon, we view which didn’t include houses or rooftops. This was new, strange, lonely even. Where were all the
Focus on Thorverton 16 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 people?? The towering electricity pylon 200 yards Men’s Breakfast behind our garden was the sole visible connection to urban life, and it privately became a friend! Back in 2001 a group of us got together to think about what could be done for the men of our
parishes. Foot and mouth had been devastating rural Since then I have loved the outlook, of course, and communities in Devon and although no-one locally made many more friends: the heron rising gracefully was thankfully directly affected, there were lots of from the river; the woodpecker feeding from the old worries and concerns in our communities. fence-posts (until the Environment Agency, as part of the flood-defence scheme, installed a new fence From this the Men’s Breakfasts were born, cooked by which is lovely but sadly less insect-rich); the cows men for men and with a speaker after it for about 20 migrating between the fields; the fog shrouding the minutes. Although these were organised as part of valley on a winter morning; the river itself, what the church does for these parishes, these enthusiastically (and occasionally threateningly) breakfasts have never been just for church members; spreading our way in flood; and the ever-friendly men of any church, of any faith or of no faith have guinea fowl from next door, inquisitively peering into always been very welcome and will continue to be our living-room through the patio door. so. Grace is said at the start, a short prayer may be said at the end and the speaker occasionally has a However, it is the people of these parishes who have Christian dimension to their talk, but that is the limit been the greatest joy. Whether in the pub, in the of any 'God' input; it is a great opportunity to get schools, at village social events, in Christian worship, together. when marking the seasons of people’s lives, or just in the daily round, the relationships and personal Those of you who have come regularly will have encounters have all been rewarding and enriching. realised that these breakfasts have been on hold; John I’ve seen the resilience that rural communities have, Dallen, who cooked the eggs, has left us for Sark; able to adapt and regenerate, evident in so many John Grist, who helped serve the porridge, has sadly areas of community and religious life. Since rural life passed on; Guy Sheppard has moved and cannot do moves with the cycle of the seasons, this is perhaps as much preparation as before, and the rest of the not surprising; if something dies back there is the team are all getting older. However, some new, belief that something new can spring up - given some younger people have come forward to help, although hard work! we could always do with more even if it is just occasionally.
Jesus’s ministry was mainly with rural people. His We think that these breakfasts are still valuable and stories were therefore of sheep, farmers, wheat and appreciated so we have arranged two so far for 2015: weeds, birds and flowers, finding treasure in a field. Sat 25th April when the speaker will be Richard By contrast the first churches were urban, and St Whiteside, and Sat 20th June when the speaker will Paul’s writings reflect an appropriate vocabulary and be Bud Wendover. imagery. The rural and the urban have always been distinct - and society’s powerbrokers are usually All men are very welcome at these which are held at urban. But rural life, being more attuned to nature Rewe Parish Hall (opposite the car park) and start at and having a deeply rooted sense of community, 8.30am. We finish by 10am, although if anyone can reflects a natural spirituality. ‘You are the salt of the stay behind a bit to help with the washing up and earth,’ Jesus said. putting stuff away, that is always appreciated.
We shortly move to North Devon (almost another Do come along if you can; it is open to all men from country, you might say), and will live in Appledore. anywhere, with or without any church affiliation. We will be blessed there too with a beautiful view. Cost is £3.50; we have never turned anyone away, The vicarage looks across the Torridge estuary - and but it is useful to book in advance, please, so that we also houses! But we will miss the beauty of the can make sure that we have enough to serve you. Netherexe Parishes, and we will particularly miss the David Boxall is the contact for this, his phone people. Thank you for making our time here such a number is 841355 or e mail [email protected] rich and memorable one. Hope to see some of you there.
David Carrington David Boxall, Guy Sheppard, John Stroud, (Curate, Netherexe parishes, until the end of May) Levon Stephan, Peter Colebrook, Steve Rendell
Focus on Thorverton 17 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Our Church needs more cash should go directly to the Church. In my case it’s going to be 90% (with the other 10% for the Baptist
Chapel). But not yet, I hope. This came out very clearly at the recent open-to- everybody Annual Parochial Church Meeting. Ian Stoyle
The detailed accounts show Receipts for 2014 as
£39,000 and Payments as £46,500, a deficit of £7,500. But these totals included monies paid in and Baptist Church then paid out again, particularly in relation to the Arts Festival and maintenance of the churchyard. It’s Long Walk to Freedom easier to take in a simplified breakdown of Receipts of about £27,000 and Payments of about £35,000, This is the title Nelson Mandela gave to his with the same deficit of about £8,000. autobiography. I have appropriated it to describe a certain walk which two devoted followers of Jesus We, as parishioners and well-wishers, gave £18,000 took on the afternoon of the first Easter Sunday. I directly, through standing orders, direct debits, have been saying to my congregation that collections in house, and a single legacy. £8,000 Resurrection is too good a theme to celebrate only was gained indirectly, through the profit on Church one day a year, so I make no apology for coming Week and the Arts Festival. Another £1,000 came as back to this cornerstone of the Christian faith. St fees for special services in the Church. That’s the Luke (chapter 24) is the only one of the gospel £27,000. writers to relate this story. Cleopas, a committed disciple of Jesus and probably the father of one of the Expenditure was dominated by £21,000 paid into the apostles, set out after noon on Easter Day to walk to Common Fund of the Diocese of Exeter. That is Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem, the fund which provides the clergy of Devon with or, possibly, seven miles as a round trip. His their wages, their pensions, and their travelling companion is not named and there have accommodation, as well as Diocesan support and been many conjectures as to the identity of this other services. All parishes make the payment; it’s person. Since the writing is so vivid some have really the membership fee for belonging to the larger concluded that it must be the work of an eye witness church community. And none of the money goes and so have identified Luke as the author. This is a out of the county. very intriguing theory but I think it more likely that it was Cleopas' wife Mary, one of that group of Insurance of the building cost £3000, utility bills brave women who stood at the foot of the cross, went came to £2000, general maintenance – with no major early Easter morning to anoint the body of Jesus and repairs – came to £3,500, and other payments made were the first to announce to the apostles that the up the £35,000. tomb was empty.
Households can’t go on running at a loss. The As they trudged along they were deeply engaged in Churchwardens and other members of the P.C.C. gloomy discussions of the recent events, i.e. the were clearly worried. They would presumably be arrest and execution of their Leader which had considerably cheered if people who already make brought about the end of their hopes that this regular gifts of money through their bank accounts powerful prophet would bring about the redemption increased the sum and if others took the plunge and of their nation Israel. A fellow-traveller joined them. set up a regular donation. Cheques made out to the With our hindsight we know this was Jesus. But in Thorverton Parochial Church Council would also the case of Cleopas and Mary, although they had doubtless be welcome from anyone or anywhere! known Jesus intimately, in some mysterious way they were kept from recognising him. Apparently In the not too distant past a legacy of £15,000 from a intrigued by their depressed demeanour, the late parishioner and a gift of $20,000 from a newcomer questioned them and they poured out to descendant of a Thorverton farmer of long ago did a him their tale of woe. He responded with a rebuke great deal to balance the books. More numerous for their lack of faith! Then followed what one legacies, however much smaller, would be one preacher has described as a session of the "Burning answer to the P.C.C.’s problems. It would be a Hearts Bible School" as their new companion took splendid thing if those in the parish who make wills them through a running commentary of the Hebrew include some provision for the Church. And I have Scriptures, demonstrating that he was their central hopes that it might become a tradition that some theme. specified portion of the collection at all funerals
Focus on Thorverton 18 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015
This masterly exposition was cut short when they continue the good work. If you would like to become arrived at Emmaus but as it was getting late part of the team do please get in touch with Jenny on and hospitality was and remains a sacred duty in the 860800 – we can never have too much help! Middle East the couple invited Jesus to stay the night. As they sat down to their simple evening meal a Phyllis Langdon remarkable thing happened. The Guest became the Host and it was he who distributed the bread. It was at that moment - was the gesture familiar to them or Legal Eagle did they notice the nail prints in his hands? - that the scales fell from their eyes and they recognised him. Last month we looked at the Consumer Protection Then they at once found themselves alone with their from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and in elation. "Weren't our hearts burning within us as particular, how those Regulations applied to he talked with us on the road and opened up the misleading pricing of goods. This month, the same scriptures to us?" they said excitedly to one piece of legislation but a different problem. another. Immediately rescheduling their plans, they rushed back to the city to share the good news. Most of us will, at some time or another, have been cold called by someone wishing to sell us double Their return was opportune since they came upon the glazing, solar panels, burglar alarms, asking for circle of their fellow-believers rejoicing loudly confirmation that we have been involved in a motor together. "It's true!" they were telling each other. accident in the last three years which was not our "The Lord has risen and has appeared to Peter." fault, or offering assistance in pursuing PPI claims. Cleopas and Mary added their testimony to that of the others. It had been a long day and a long walk to We might also have been approach by organisations freedom - from despair to joy in the Risen Lord. claiming, that for the payment of a fee, they can put an end to the cold calling so that we will never be The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! bothered again. This would appear to be a service which the majority of people would value, so it may Maurice Harrison come as a surprise to learn that organisations offering such a service may fall foul of the 2008 Regulations.
Christian Aid So, how did this come about? Well, a company PLT Anti-Marketing Ltd carried on a business of providing such a service to customers in return for a Do you believe in life before death? We do... £4 monthly subscription. What the company did not do, however, was to inform customers that it We are now counting down the days to our annual provided its service by registering the customer with fundraising drive in May. Christian Aid Week (10- the Telephone Preference Service and the Mail 16th May) is the time when tens of thousands of our Preference Service; nor did it advise customers that supporters take to the streets to raise the money that any consumer could register themselves with those enables us to pursue our mission of combating services free of charge. extreme poverty in poorer parts of the world. It is the biggest act of Christian witness in Britain and The Court of Appeal has recently been asked to Ireland. consider whether the commercial practice of a trader amounted to an omission which was misleading Last year, thanks to the active support of an because it omitted ‘material information’ which the incredible 20,000 churches across Britain and average consumer would need in order to take an Ireland, some £11 million was raised. This year we informed transactional decision. hope to do even better.
As you will know, I have organised this in the Regulation 6(1)(a) provides that a commercial Thorverton area for many years, and I am now practice is a misleading omission if, in its factual handing over the reins to Mrs Jenny Yendall of context, taking account of all the features and Chapel Farm. The envelopes will still be collected circumstances of the commercial practice and the and left at Ferndale in Bullen Street as in the past. limitations of the medium used to communicate that practice, the commercial practice omits material I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the information. many voluntary collectors for their energy and commitment over the years and hope that they will
Focus on Thorverton 19 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015
Lord Justice Briggs said that as a matter of there is a Barbeque planned on Thursday the 11th. interpretation of the 2008 Regulations, what was Both these meetings will take place at Beryl Grace's, ‘material information‘ for the purposes of an alleged Moss Bank, School Lane. misleading omission was to be determined by Elspeth Holmes reference to the average consumer’s need for it. Women’s Institute So, what should we look for in the ‘average consumer‘? According to Lord Justice Briggs, they will be reasonably well informed, reasonably I would like to thank everyone who came to our observant and circumspect and the critical question Easter Coffee Morning/Market. It was a very is, whether they could be said to need the information successful morning. It was good to see so many new from the trader rather than obtaining it elsewhere, for faces. example, by shopping around. Barbara O’Higgins Information, said Lord Justice Briggs, about alternative or competing products might generally be PTFA supposed to be available in the market place rather than from the trader, but an expectation that the The PTFA are organising a School Summer Fair on average consumer would therefore make their own Saturday June 6th at 2.30. There will be a cake stall, inquiries about alternative competing products could plant stall, tombola, skittles, cream teas, bouncy be no more than a general assumption or starting castle, splat the rat, book stall, find the hidden point because the 2008 Regulations emphasised the treasure, face painting plus much more. If anyone importance of context and in requiring all the features wanted to have a stall then they could please and circumstances of the commercial practice as a whole to be taken into account. contact me. . So, where a court was considering whether the Julie Davie Chair PTFA commercial practice of a trader amounted to an omission which was misleading to consumers, the court had to consider, particularly where the Poetry information omitted concerned alternative products, whether the average consumer could be said to have The following poem has also been published in the needed to obtain that information from the trader spring edition of the Evergreen magazine published rather than elsewhere. by This England.
In the present case, Secretary of State for Business, Bluebells Inovation and Skills –v- PLT Anti-Marketing Ltd As April makes her yearly bow [2015], the Court of Appeal upheld the judge’s And May comes dancing through, decision not to vary an undertaking previous given by A mist appears in copse and dell, PLT not to sell its services to new customers without A mist of heaven’s own blue. informing them that the telephone and mail preference services were available free of charge. And bells ring out, through human ears
Catch not their ding-a-ling, PLT had sought a variation of the undertaking so as For fairy folk in woodland glade to permit it to sell to new customers by informing Alone hear bluebells ring. them that they would be registered with the telephone and mail preference services , but not that those Tossed by the breeze each dainty bell services were available free of charge. Wafts sweetness on the air;
And for the wee fay’s parties Clive Hamblin Make magic music rare.
Ladies’ Group And even strange and wondrous thought That filters through my brain, At the April meeting we had a very informative talk Is fanned into reality from The Devon Air Ambulance. As I walk the bluebell lane.
The May meeting will be a Games Night on Doreen Beer Thursday 21st May at 7.30 and for the June meeting
Focus on Thorverton 20 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015
Golf Society
Sunday 22nd March The winner today was David Harlow with 20 points A nice dry day when 10 golfers went out to explore and a handicap cut of 1.5 shots. Runner up was Phil the course, some finding areas previously unknown, Beasley with 19 points and a 1 shot handicap cut and although overall the scores were higher. third with 17 points was Chris Harlow. Simon Ette brought up the rear with 7 points. The shortest drive We had joint winners today with Chris Harlow and was achieved by Sholto Moger on the 3rd hole. David Steve Gidley both coming in with 19 points earning Harlow had a two on the 7th hole and won the pot of each of them a one shot handicap cut. The runner up £50, a large part of which went over the bar in the with 18 points was Dave Whalley and bringing up Exeter Inn. the rear was David Harlow with 12 points. The shortest drive was a 20 yard effort by Jim The Donna-y trophy was awarded to David Harlow. Chappelle on the 2nd. The Donna-y was awarded to Just off the second green he used his jigger to chip on Phil Beasley who when arriving at the golf course, and having played the shot lobbed the club a few put on his shoes, set up his trolley and set off to the yards to his golf bag. Unfortunately as it landed the first tee. It was then he noticed that he had forgotten head snapped off so he had to play the rest of the to take his golf clubs out of his car and put them on round chipping properly. his trolley. The dates arranged for May are Sunday 10th (round 1 Good Friday of singles competition) and Sunday 31st . The dates Today was the GSPOT 10th birthday, so we had an for June are Sunday 14th (this will be the Pairs excellent turnout of 21 players playing a team Competition) and Sunday 28th. competition in groups of three. It was an overcast day All aspiring golfers welcome, details from the Exeter but fortunately the early morning rain cleared up. Inn. The winners were Phil Beasley, Steve Gidley and G S Potter Dave Whalley with a score of 38 points. The runners up were David Harlow, Geoff Bulley and Chris Harlow with a score of 36 points and third was the team of Jim Chappelle, Paul Richards and Colin Garden Club Anderson with 33 points. Shortest drive was Rhys
Roberts on the 3rd hole, and the Donna-y trophy was By the time this goes to press we will still be a few won by Colin Anderson who was having trolley th days away from our annual Flower Show on the 25 problems. Firstly in the car park he was setting off April so a write up will follow at a later date. and realised he had forgotten to put his battery on, Although the weather is forecast to be inclement we but the winner was when his front wheel came loose, are nevertheless remaining optimistic and are sure it his trolley toppled backwards and went off on its own will be a well-supported and enjoyable day. tipping the clubs out one by one being chased by
Colin.... th Our next talk will be on Monday 18 May when Nick
Baker will be speaking on ‘Bhutan – the Land of the We then all retired to the Exeter Inn for a spread of Thunder Dragon’ which promises to another food with thanks to Sue Harlow and Stella Barron for interesting evening. setting it all out, and finished off with a delicious birthday cake which was made by Sue Hyde. Thanks During June we hope to arrange for some gardens to to all our members and the Exeter Inn, for the food be opened for visiting and then an excursion for and prizes that were donated. July/August and details will follow later.
Sunday 19th April If anyone wishes to know more about the Garden This was a sunny day with a strong breeze. 7 golfers Club do please contact me on 861 205. We are a took part today with our list of ill and injured very informal group and new members will always members seemingly growing by the week. Particular be assured of a warm welcome. mention to John Mann, with best wishes for a speedy recovery and return to the fairways. Ros Rowlerson
Focus on Thorverton 21 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Short Walks in and Around Thorverton Short Walks in and Around Thorverton: Walk 5 (Raddon Top) I walked this route and carefully noted down every turn, only to find that it is actually very well described in a book – “Circular Walks in Central Devon” by Simone Stanbrook-Byrne and James Clancy. I can thoroughly recommend the book, having now done almost every one of the walks contained within it. Their version of the walk starts in the centre of Thorverton and walks out to Chapel Cross, but if you want to save a mile each way you may prefer to drive out on the Crediton road past Lynch Farm to Chapel Cross, park there and start walking.
Walk about 100 yards from the junction at Chapel Cross and take the footpath signposted on the right. The whole of this walk is marked by footpath signs so there should be little danger of getting lost!
Follow the field boundary and pass through the copse, crossing a small stream and then right up the hill along the right hand side of the field. Follow the field edge as it swings left, to a stile. Cross this and follow along to the left, following the signs to cross the field and eventually emerge from the top left-hand corner onto a track. There are very good views back towards the Sidmouth Gap. Walk straight ahead to a gate with a stile beside it; turn right to pass Raddon Hill Lodge on your right. Soon, with Raddon Hill Farm ahead, the track swings sharp right. Carry along this ignoring a footpath up some steps to the left, but soon follow a signed track which takes you up the next field and to a gate.
Carry along the path through woods and crossing stiles but always well marked, skirting around Raddon Hill and with excellent views to the right across towards Cadbury Church and Castle. Follow the signed path left and along a field edge before it directs you down beyond Kitlake Farm. Turn left on the lane and then after 30 yards, left back up along the edge of the field. It is uphill now to Raddon Top, with a turn to the left when you get almost to the top of the ridge.
Enjoy the views from the top.
When you have rested and taken in the wonderful views, head to the stile beyond the lone pine, cross it and bear diagonally right downhill to the far boundary of the field. Go down the steps which you passed earlier and back onto the track. Continue on the track which eventually joins the road near Raddon Court, from where it is a matter of a few hundred yards to walk back to Chapel Cross (or a further mile along the road to the village centre).
Neville Lane
Focus on Thorverton 22 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Lord-Lieutenant of Devon
David Fursdon has been appointed by the Queen as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, succeeding Sir Eric Dancer who retired in April.
David Fursdon’s career has encompassed the Gurkha Rifles, the civil service, teaching, surveying and farming. He chaired the Devon Country Land and Business Association (CLA) before becoming National CLA President. He chaired the Devon Tourism Awards for the last two years having previously served on the regional Tourist Board and chaired the NSPCC Full Stop Appeal in Devon. He chaired the SW Board for the 2012 Games (having represented Devon at cricket in the past) and runs the SW Rural and Farming Network. He is President of Devon Young Farmers. He is a Crown Estate Commissioner and, as High Sheriff of Devon, made disaffected young people a particular focus of his shrieval year.
Her Majesty the Queen appoints a Lord-Lieutenant for each county on the advice of the Prime Minister. The main office of the Lord-Lieutenant is that he is Her Majesty’s representative in his county, and it is his first and foremost duty to uphold the dignity of the Crown. The post is non-political and unpaid.
The principal duties (unpaid) of the Lord-Lieutenant are:
Arranging visits of Members of the Royal Family and escorting Royal visitors as appropriate; Participation in civic and social activity within the Lieutenancy: this includes encouragement of a wide range of voluntary activity; Liaison with local units of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force; Presentation of medals and awards on behalf of Her Majesty; Leadership of the local magistracy as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace, in liaison with the Ministry of Justice, and carrying out the duties of the Keeper of the Rolls.
In addition to the above the Lord-Lieutenant may be asked to comment on the validity of nominations for honours, submitting lists of names of those he recommends for invitations to Her Majesty’s Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace. The Lord-Lieutenant is also expected to promote a good atmosphere and spirit of co-operation by the encouragement he gives to voluntary service and benevolent organisations, and by the interest he takes in the industrial and social life of his county. He is also encouraged to take an interest in local projects funded from the National Lottery and should consider lending support to those which he feels to be of particular importance.
Competition Time We don’t want to be too prescriptive, so let your We decided at the recent Focus AGM that we would imagination run riot. We will be giving cash prizes run more competitions. This month’s has the simple totalling at least £20 for each section. title “My Thorverton”. There will be three sections, Entries should be sent to the Editor (Neville Lane) at each with the theme “My Thorverton”: 2 The Glebe, Thorverton, Exeter, EX5 5LS, or by 1. A drawing or colouring of a picture. email to [email protected], to arrive by 2. A written article or poem. Monday 11th May. 3. A photograph or group of up to three photographs. Entries will be judged at the Arts Festival in May.
Focus on Thorverton 23 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Thorverton and District History Deep mining was not used until the early 18th century. The early mines had to be relatively shallow Society because of flooding until pumps became available. Industrial Archaeology of Dartmoor – Dr Mick Gunpowder was used for blasting in the deeper mines
Atkinson and some are 400 feet deep.These deep mine shafts
are still dangerous and we were told never to go down them.
Once the tin was mined it needed processing there was a site at Hexworthy which did this and new machinery was invented to assist the process. From 1838 tin was subject to taxation. Granite was commercially quarried from 1770 although prior to this it would have been quarried and used for local buildings. The major commercial uses were for paving sets, kerb stones and buildings. There are many quarries but the major ones are at Hay Tor and King Tor (near Princetown). Granite from Hay Tor was used for London Bridge, The London museum and the Stover canal. There was a granite track way from Hay Tor to the Stover Canal for transporting the stones (a walk the local TARTs group did a few years ago). The Princetown railway line was laid on granite sleepers.
Dr Mick Atkinson. Photo: Robin Blythe-Lord At Swell Tor quarry there are 12 corbels which were carved but never used for the purpose of widening Mick developed his interest in the industrial the old London Bridge in 1902. archaeology of Dartmoor when he was an undergraduate at Exeter University. China Clay was mined and used in the production of porcelain and Wedgewood white pottery. China clay Dartmoor is made of granite and it is this that holds needed significant transportation so tramways were the minerals like tin, ball clay and iron ore – all of created for this. There was a large site at Lee Moor these have been extracted and the granite has been .The moor provided a site for the production of quarried. gunpowder, far away from villages, towns and cities.
Records show that Tin has been extracted for at least The production of gunpowder was always a 1,000 years and in the late 12th century Dartmoor was dangerous occupation. Saltpetre, charcoal and the largest extraction site in Europe because the tin sulphur were mixed together. The ingredients were was at the surface, so was easier to work. ground separately and mixed together in required proportions and blended in mixing barrels. The It was initially worked by a system known as buildings at the Gunpowder Mills near Postbridge are streaming. Over the years the tin was washed down scattered around the site and constructed with thick into streams and being heavy, settled in the stream granite wall and flimsy roofs. If there was an beds. The process was very similar to strip mining accidental explosion the force would travel upwards and evidence of the early workings can be seen in rather than outwards, reducing the risk to the site. most river valleys as heaps of rubble and waste Agricultural and mining tools were made on the moor which now has been mostly overgrown. – Sticklepath Forge is such a site and well worth a visit. Next came a form of open cast mining. This method was frequently assisted by water to remove the Mining and quarrying were always dangerous lighter waste. Early smelting was very crude until occupations and many were killed or injured in the the advent of the blowing house, probably first used processes.The mines were always marginal when in the 14th century. prices were high but foreign cheaper imports killed off the industry, although at one time there were 57 mine sites on the high moor. Robert Turner
Focus on Thorverton 24 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Wartime Supper Photos by John Spivey
Focus on Thorverton 25 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Police Report Intelligence Service who are continuously looking at crime trends and how bring these crimes down. Currently Land Rovers Defenders are being targeted, this is the vehicle, parts and documentation, and this is likely because Land Rover is ceasing production of this model.
During the day we had the opportunity to talk to other police forces to see what they are doing in their rural communities, we also had a range of exhibitors which provided a whole host of crime prevention techniques and products some of which Devon and Cornwall will be looking into implementing.
There were numerous strategies to tackle rural crime but each time it came back to communication and engagement on a local level with rural communities. Our team from Mid Devon were encouraged as we feel as though we are already implementing many of these, such as promoting Community Messaging, visiting farmers and being out in the community. We were inspired to continue our effects and also to target more specific audiences such as the Young Farmers groups.
In conclusion here in Mid Devon we are committed to giving the best service we can to those who live and work in our rural areas. PCSO Anna ROBERTS 30587 Several members of the Mid Devon rural police team attended a regional rural crime seminar in Birmingham on Wednesday 15th April, this included Inspector Jane ALFORD-MOLE, 2 sergeants and 3 Newton St Cyres Tennis Club: PCSO’s, including me (Anna). April Update
The event was sponsored by NFU Mutual and was The clocks have gone forward and warmer weather aimed at different agencies and partners working and light evenings make for enjoyable tennis together, to bring down rural crime. conditions. The courts have just been repainted, and we have a full calendar of summer league fixtures Chief Constable Simon PRINCE from Dyfed-Powys and club matches, including a new singles ladder. opened the event as the national policing lead for rural and wildlife crime. He talked about For juniors we are commencing a thirteen week understanding the needs of our rural communities coaching programme from April 15th. At present and how communicating with them is key. there are still some places available and we would welcome new applicants. If anyone would like to The independent charity Crimestoppers gave an attend a taster session please contact Laura Leigh on address about how they have been helping since 1988 01647 24259 or Viv Baber on 01392 681180. to locate criminals and solve crime. We also heard from Julia MULLIGAN, Police and Crime The club received 11 pairs of tickets in the Commissioner for North Yorkshire and Chair of the Wimbledon Ballot and these have all been allocated National Rural Crime Network. Julia herself grew up through the club draw. on a farm so knows some of the challenges facing farmers. Julia talked about the imminent National For all further information about the club please visit Rural Crime Network website and what is hoped to our website www.newtonstcyrestennisclub.co.uk be the biggest rural crime survey soon to be undertaken. We were encouraged to promote this Sally Baldwin survey to our rural communities. We also heard from NFU Mutual and the UK National Vehicle Crime
Focus on Thorverton 26 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Recipe
Refreshing Fruit Fools
450g gooseberries or rhubarb Sugar to taste 1 teaspoon cornflour 100 ml double cream 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt Locally sourced gooseberries and rhubarb make excellent fools, quick to prepare.
Gently stew the washed fruit with sugar to taste, and thicken with a little cornflour mixed to a paste with water. Puree the cooked fruit in a food processor, or by rubbing through a sieve.
Blend the cold puree with lightly whipped cream, double is best, and finish by adding a dollop of Greek yogurt.
It is really important that you vote on May 7th! Serve the fool, garnished with mint leaves, in I am sure by voting day many of you may well be individual glasses with shortbread or sponge fingers. tired of the General Election. But it is really Serves four to six. important that everyone also fully understands that, Sustainable Crediton as well as choosing our MP, we are also electing a representative for the Cadbury Ward of Mid Devon District Council and we are voting to elect new Rainfall Record members onto the Thorverton Parish Council! It has been a remarkably dry spell since I last wrote this column in April's Focus. Total This has not happened in Thorverton for a very long rainfall recorded for March 2015 was just 50mm time and it is important we also cast our Thorverton (about 2"), but since then we had a very dry spell vote as we live in a wonderful community of which we should be justly proud. But many of the services in April - until the 25th anyway! Thorverton has received over the years and now takes for granted are coming under increasing pressure and Gus Christianson recorded rainfall on only five many of these public services may just not be of the first 25 days of the month, totalling just available to us in the same format for very much 6mm (1/4"). While it has been dry, this does not longer. quite beat the dry spell in June last year when Therefore, no matter which way you vote nationally, there were 15 consecutive days without any more than ever before, your local vote could make a rainfall recorded. difference, by helping to reduce the impact of some of these current measures which are now beginning to affect rural communities like ours particularly hard.
Focus on Thorverton 27 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015
TARTS Shorter walks are usually 4 – 6 miles in length and longer walks 6 – 9 miles, however precise details of Thorverton Amblers Ramblers each walk (length, gradient, lunch information etc) and Trampers will be displayed approximately a week before the walk in the Old Post Office Window and on the village notice board.
If you would like to be included on the email list contact Caroline (01626 865465) or Graeme All walks meet opposite the church at 0930, and are (860203). suitable for dogs unless otherwise stated. Caroline Prince
Dame Margaret Steps Down
After more than 15 years as Chairman of the Thorverton Millennium Green Trust, Dame Margaret Turner- Warwick stepped down at the AGM on 22 April.
She was thanked for her dedicated hard work by all the trustees and other friends of the Millennium Green present at the meeting.
Dame Margaret was instrumental in the challenging process of establishing the Millennium Green in 2000. Together with Richard Turner- Warwick, she has organised the maintenance of the Green and ensured the continuing success of this much- loved open meadow in the heart of the village.
photo by Ros Brimacombe
Focus on Thorverton 28 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Nature Notes What a glorious month April has been and both wild and garden flowers so vibrant this month. It appears that Primroses are spreading nicely along the hedgerows, such a pretty sight. I have written about some of our beetle species and now is the time to start looking out for these interesting insects. My intention was to write just about Longhorn beetles but as you see below another type of beetle, an oil beetle has already been noted this spring. I have also written about badgers, birds and grass snake this time.
There are about sixty species of native Longhorn beetle in Britain and lots more have been accidently imported within wood and plant material. Two native longhorn species I have come across are the Four-banded longhorn Leptura quadrifasciata and Black & Yellow longhorn Rutpela maculata.
The Four-banded longhorn is black with yellow/orange horizontal stripes. It is relatively common throughout Britain and may be found nectaring on flowers between May and September. Larvae spend between 2 and 4 years feeding in dead wood, especially birch. This specimen was photographed in a garden in the centre of Thorverton in the summer of 2011. It is resting on the leaf of a small weeping willow Salix caprea pendula.
The Black & Yellow longhorn is also known as the spotted longhorn. It is similar to the Four-banded except the horizontal bands are not continuous hence ‘spotted’. It is quite an active beetle, found flying and nectaring around bramble, thistle and hogweed flowers. Its larvae also develop within damp rotting wood. This Black & Yellow longhorn was found resting on a bramble leaf in Whitestone wood, Newton St Cyres in July last year.
There was a sighting in Devon last year of one of our scarcer longhorns the Tanner beetle Prionus coriarius which also happens to be one of our largest beetle species. It is almost 4cm long and is dark red-brown with relatively short antennae for a longhorn. Its scattered population is found in deciduous woodland in Southern Britain and is quite common in the New Forest.
The Asian longhorn beetle Anoplophora glabripennis is one of the most worrying accidental imports to Britain as it is a serious threat to broadleaf trees. It is between 2.5 and 4cm long, shiny black with lots of white spots and long antennae that are black and white banded. Any sightings of this beetle should be reported to the Forestry Commission.
I have known that badgers come through our garden during their nightly wanderings for food. Several years ago during a conversation, Michael Ayre confirmed the badger sett was on his land and he saw his badgers from time to time while doing his farming work. I am a bit of a poop when it comes to going out after dark on my own and I’ve never stayed out at night to see the badgers. In March I noticed that badger activity had started once again in the garden. Small pits have been dug in the search for worms and other tasty morsels and an increase to hedge vegetation disturbance where they enter and exit the garden. I set up my trail cam and captured a rabbit, blackbird, pigeons, and pheasants and at long last a badger. Here is one of the pictures taken with my trail cam. It so happens that during April Tina Ayre saw a badger in broad daylight running across the meadow adjacent to the farmhouse garden.
Early one morning at the end of March, I heard a Blackbird kicking up a rumpus. Looking out of the bedroom window I could see a Blackbird on the hedge making a stabbing motion and moving in a small circular fashion. This activity was going on a bit so eventually I went to investigate, thinking maybe the bird was stuck and unable to get away. As I got within close proximity the Blackbird flew off and to my shock I discovered another Blackbird on the hedge, on its back with its wing outstretched and dead. It had lost the battle for a mate.
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The TARTS did a walk around Tottiford reservoir on 11th April and during the walk we spotted our first swallows of the year. I had a report that someone had seen a swallow at Rewe a few days earlier. In Thorverton I saw my first local swallow on 15th April followed by a House Martin on 19th April. These arrival dates are more or less on par with last year.
Another interesting find on the 11th April TARTS walk for those who went on to circumnavigate Kennick reservoir was an oil beetle. Oil beetles are not often found but keep a look out for them between now and June.
My first sighting of one of our resident Grass snakes was on 11th April, semi-curled up enjoying the spring sunshine. This sighting is a whole month later than last year.
Towards the end of April and into May we should have the spectacular display of bluebells and as said before in my write-ups, Northdown Wood comes highly recommended for this and it is virtually on our doorstep. Did you know that half the world’s bluebells are in the UK? Cuckoos have already been heard on Dartmoor on 13th April and a Swift seen at Kingsteignton on 15th April. Even two Hoopoes have been spotted at Portland Bill on the south coast.
Jenny Garne 01392 860875 [email protected]
Mary Thomas leads the church band on Easter Sunday.
Mary is leaving Thorverton soon for a new home near Cambridge.
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The Garden in May 2015
May can be the most beautiful month with apple develop a very sturdy root system and plenty of depth blossom, new leaves, fresh green growth of under the soil to cope with drought. Put some slug herbaceous plants and healthy vegetable growth. pellets around to protect them. Organic ones seem to Fruit bushes are setting fruit and new leaves are be as effective against the small slugs which will bright and vigorous. attack these plants.
With all this burgeoning growth, it is sometimes Evergreen trees and hedges can be planted out now if overlooked that May is called the ‘ hungry gap’ in the using plants with a root ball, i.e. in hessian sacks or vegetable gardeners’ calendar. It is the month when container grown. Evergreen plants like warm soil the winter veg have been used up but the new and do not like their growth stopped by the wrong seasonal crops are not ready. soil temperature. However, if you do plant now, use small specimens, make sure the soil and planting area One crop which can be harvested now is rhubarb. is moist and be very careful not to break up the root These lovely, sweet tasting stems should be at their ball; as little disturbance as possible. There will then prime and are a real treat as the first harvest of the be a need for careful care throughout the season to new season. Remember to be careful if your rhubarb keep them well watered in dry conditions. If you are is newly planted. Year one and two, leave it alone. not able to go ahead now, September is your next This seems very unreasonable but will allow your opportunity. plant to get big and healthy for many years of harvesting in the future. All rhubarb plants need to Similarly with roses, these can be planted out if be kept weed free and given a good feed of well- container grown. Take care to plant without rotted compost or manure. In the third year, only disturbing the soil around the rose if possible. In the take stems that are hard to the touch. If they feel case of roses, plenty of well composted manure or slightly soft and bendy, leave them on the plant garden compost can be added to the soil and keep the unmolested. Do not take too many stems this year, area clear around the plant. Remove any damaged your plant is still a youngster and needs time to stems when planting. Check the watering throughout develop. From four years onwards, they can be the season. This will go for any perennial plants put harvested hard until June. Then leave them alone to in the ground this year, as they will be vulnerable in recover and build up strength for next year’s harvest. very dry weather until they have survived a full season. May is the month in which we move from cool weather to warm, and during May there is still a Spring bulbs are now coming to an end. Remember possibility of frost damaging new growth of tender to let them die back naturally, however annoying this vegetables and plants. Beware the Franklyn frosts of might be. If you have short lived bulbs such as tulips 19th, 20th and 21st May. It is also around this time and wish to plant up the area with fresh planting, dig that the May blossom is out and a real harbinger of them out and dig them back into a plot of ground out warmer night time temperatures. So respecting the of the way to finish their seasonal cycle. Once the old sayings is a good strategy, and leave tender leaves have died, dig them up and store them in bags planting such as cucurbits, i.e. marrows, pumpkins ready for planting in October or November. Tulips and squash, also outside tomatoes and even runner can be left in the ground and will reappear for several beans, until this period. In the veg garden you will years but they are much tastier to slugs than daffodil need to watch your potatoes and earth them up bulbs and usually get eaten over time. The safest against frost damage. way to ensure their safety is to dig them up.
One plant which will not be worried by a bit of cold Grass will grow at full tilt now so that the blades of air, however, is the sweet pea and these delightful the lawn mower can be lowered throughout the plants can be planted out now. All members of the month. Keep edges clear and well cut. If time is at a pea family like rich well cultivated soil. So before premium, a manicured cut edge will give a tidy look planting, dig in huge quantities of well-rotted manure to the garden even if you will not be encouraging or garden compost. Create a frame work at this your visitors to look too far into the back of the point, easier before planting, for your sweet peas to border!! Of course, Neville, I am sure this is not the clamber and grow upwards. This is much more case in your garden. Hope these tips come in handy difficult if they have started to ‘take off’. The other and give you plenty to tackle through the month. tip to remember is to plant them deep with only a Happy Gardening couple of leaves showing. This will help them Lorraine Colebrook
Focus on Thorverton 31 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Cricket Club Chairman's welcome A warm welcome and my antipodean Kobi Griggs who needs little introduction best wishes to all for our returning as he is for his 5th visit. That said I am 2015 season which I hope delighted to extend a warm Thorverton welcome to is blessed with a summer Kobi and wish him well for a successful and of good weather and good enjoyable stay with us. Good luck. cricket. The second eleven start their season in a new league The start of any new under the experienced leadership of Jock Spry. I season brings with it that know Jock will be hoping for some consistency in sense of expectation and player availability and that winning formula of 2013 excitement and this season is no different. My 2014 rediscovered. Good luck to the 2’s. welcome message highlighted our continuing need to evolve and adapt and 2015 will be no different as we The magnificent threes are once again led by James once again continue to work with the opportunities “Jimmy” May who will again blend and develop our and changes that present themselves. maturing youngsters with that continuum of our more senior cricketers. I am delighted to welcome Jack Stirling to our General Committee and for the contribution he has Our Sunday and friendly team organiser Keith Cudby already made. It is refreshing to see a new face join will again unassumingly ensure those without a game the committee and bring some new ideas and invariably get one so please make his life less initiatives of which the continuing development of stressful with some clear communication. website with Alan Tait and social media are We have entered the Davidstow Village Knockout welcome. Jack joins a very hard working and driven Competition for 2015 core of members which our club is fortunate to have and to whom my wholehearted thanks are extended. I The junior section remains an essential and important am sure you would like to join me in thanking them part of the club with the senior section now all for the work they do in running maintaining and benefitting from this with many of our former juniors presenting the club for our enjoyment. making an impact at senior level. We continue to invest in the junior section and hopefully the growth As we strive to improve our facilities at Thorverton of our female section will continue to flourish. Please Cricket Club, we require essential funding to provide support the junior section and to all involved a big this. As part of our aim, we need your help. thank you. The club has joined Continue enjoying your cricket guys and gals. http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/thorvertoncc, My best wishes to everyone for a successful and a website which provides a donation to the club every enjoyable season. time you purchase items or services from many of the UK’s top online retailers, bookmakers, travel agents Home fixtures in May: and other organisations. This costs nothing to you and has potential to help the club progress to where it Sat 2nd Second XI v Axminster (14.00 start) aspires to be. All this requires is for you to open the Sat 9th First XI v Abbotskerswell (13.00) retailer’s website (eg. Amazon or Argos), through the Sun 10th U11s v Woodbury (10.15) Easy Fundraising website, which is listed above. Mon 11th U13s v Bradninch (18.15) Please help support your club whenever you make a Wed 13th U15s v Woodbury (18.15) purchase. It is quick and simple, yet it could Sat 16th First XI v Ivybridge (13.00) contribute to making a big difference to the club’s Mon 18th U13s v Heathcote (18.15) future. See the above link for more details. Sat 23rd Second XI v Clyst Hydon (14.00) Sun 24th U17s v Budleigh Salterton (12.00) Graham White continues as our first eleven captain for the 2015 season and will again be ably supported Sat 30th v Ipplepen (13.00) by vice-captain Dave Baldock. Our promotion efforts this year are boosted by the return of our adopted
Focus on Thorverton 32 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015
Photo by John Spivey
Garden in The Glebe - Photo by Peter Mason
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Thorverton Parish Information AIR AMBULANCE EMERGENCY - QUOTE NATIONAL GRID REFERENCE RECREATION GROUND - Sheet 192 SS 923019 MEMORIAL HALL FIELD - Sheet 192 SS 926019 Carers' Support Group Anne Higman, Wyndham House Surgery, Silverton. 860034. Meetings - 3rd Wednesday of month, Wyndham House, 2.30-4.30 p.m. Church (C of E) Revd Douglas Dettmer, The Rectory, Thorverton. 860332. [email protected] Revd Sue Sheppard, Associate Minister, 861022. [email protected] Revd Dave Carrington, Assistant Curate. 841672. [email protected] Mrs Laura Ford, Reader. 841753. [email protected] Mrs Margaret Lowe, Administration Manager, 07594 714590. [email protected] Church Wardens Edwin Greed, Fortescue, Netherexe. 841231. Royston Kershaw 25 The Glebe 860419 Consort Mary Thomas, 1 The Glebe, Thorverton. 860730. P.C.C. Treasurer Jean Brown, Rydal Cottage, Bullen Street. 861176. Friends of Thorverton Parish Church Trust Royston Kershaw 25 The Glebe 860419 Church (Baptist) The Revd Maurice Harrison, 966861. Secretary Phyllis Langdon, 860932. County Councillor Margaret Squires District Councillor Cllr. Mr. R. M. Deed. 01392 861258. Doctors: Thorverton/Silverton Dr Jon Wride & Lynne Anderson / Drs O'Brien, Ziegler & Keysell Electricity (Western Power) Report a loss of power: 0800 6783 105 (replaces 0800 365 900). edf Bill Enquiries: 0800 365 000. Street lights: 0870 556 1851. Friends of Thorverton & Silverton Surgeries Christine Walker, 881501 Gas Emergency 0800 111999 Leonard Trust Chairman: R Hughes. Secretary: Mrs. E Hughes, 3 Dinham Mews, Exeter EX4 4EH Library (Exeter Mobile) Alternate Thursdays, 16.05 to 16.55 in Quarry Car Park Member of Parliament Mel Stride By writing: Mel Stride MP House of Commons London SW1A 0AA By phone: 02072197037. By email:[email protected] Parish Council Chairman Cllr. Stuart Crang, Parish Clerk Mrs Alison Mashall, Dinneford House, Dinneford Street, Thorverton, EX5 5NU. 861228. Parish Council Meetings 2nd Tuesday of month, at The Memorial Hall, 7.30 pm. Parish Allotments Contact the Parish Clerk - 861228 Parish Council Notice Board Situated in School Lane, opposite the Thorverton Arms. Planning notification applications at http://data.gov.uk/apps/planningalerts alert via email when a planning application is published in one’s street, neighbourhood or wider area. Pension Service PO Box 93, Plymouth PL6 5WJ. 0845 60 60 265 Police Non-emergency number: 101. Post Office Portacabin (TCT Ltd) Quarry Car Park, Thorverton EX5 5NG Tel: 860455 Mon. to Fri : 9 am-1.00 pm, 2 - 5.30 pm. Sat: 9 am -12 noon, Sun: 9 - 10.30 am for newspapers only Business Manager: Jan Hamilton 07764461575 Chair and Company Secretary: Heather Kershaw, 25 The Glebe, 860419 Public Telephone Kiosk Opposite the Church, outside the former Bell Inn, Dinneford St. Thorverton C of E Primary School (Part of the Exe Valley Federation) Executive Headteacher (Exe Valley Federation): Mrs Heather Perry 01392 250821 Head of Teaching and Learning (Thorverton): Mrs Sarah Parkes 01392 860374 School Office (Thorverton): 01392 860374 Chair of Governors (Exe Valley Federation): Marian Beresford 01363 866112 Clerk to the Governors: Ms Jessica Benger: 07795 515048 School P.T.F.A. Chair: Julie Davie 1363 772309, Vice-Chair: Pippa Eyles 861767, Secretary: Annette Emanuel, Treasurer: Carol Pearn 860653. South West Water 24 Hour Emergency: 0800 169 1144. Helpline: 0800 169 1133. Thorverton Millennium Green Trust Chair: Dame Margaret Turner-Warwick, Pynes House, Silver Street, 861173. Secretary: Lin Balkwill, 860663, web address: www.thorverton.org.uk
Focus on Thorverton 34 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Thorverton Organisations Amateur Dramatic Society (TADS) Chair: Sheena Hunter-Hedges 01392 860843, Vice Chair: Bob Hyde, Treasurer: Simon Hedges, Minutes Secretary: Mary Ette. For meeting, news and forthcoming events please see Focus. Art Group Barrie Phillips, Crossmead, School Lane, Thorverton. 860529 Meet Fridays during term-time at the Memorial Hall, 9.30 am-12.00. Arts Exchange Becky Stannard, 7 The Glebe, 860737. Monthly meetings in members' homes at 8.00 pm. Association Football Club Chairman: Andy Harris, 01392 851664, Secretary: David Gregory, 2 The Orchard, Brampford Speke, 841803. Bridge Circle Graeme Culshaw, 3 The Glebe, Thorverton 860203. Meets 1st/3rd/5th Thursdays at the W.I. Hut from 7.00 p.m.. Brownies Contact Hannah 07925 981786 or Lisa 860609, Meet Fridays during term-time, 5-6.30pm Thorverton School Hall. Clarinet/Saxophone Group Contact Peter Mason 860727. Meets every Thursday morning. Cricket Club Chair: Charles Kislingbury, Secretary: M C Denford, 14 Moorlands, Tiverton EX16 6UF 01884 255076 Fixture Sec: J Meredith, Grayley, Dinneford Street. Focus Magazine Chair: Michael Ayre, Ratcliffe Farm, Thorverton. Editor: Neville Lane, 2 The Glebe, Thorverton. 861062. Secretary: Geoff Bulley, Broadlands, Thorverton. Treasurer: Bob Swaffield, Schiehallion, School Lane, Thorverton 01392 860309 Friends of Silverton & Thorverton Surgeries Coffee Mornings in the Lamb Inn, Silverton. Held at 10-12 noon on the last Thursday of every month except December Golf Society Players of Thorverton Care of Exeter Inn, 01392 860206 Guides Contact Lisa 860609, Meet Wednesdays during term-time, 7-9pm Memorial Hall History Society Chair: Barrie Phillips, Crossmead, School Lane, Thorverton. 860529 Programme Secretaries: Graham Wills 860895 & Barrie Phillips 860529. Ladies Group Meet 2nd Thursday of month, (Venue and time - see Focus Notices). Memorial Hall Committee Chair: Roger Fieldhouse, tel. 860768. [email protected] Secretary: Roseanne Benn, tel. 860768. [email protected] Events Secretary/bookings: Jeff Grace, tel 860489. [email protected] Website: thorvertonmemorialhall.co.uk Memorial Hall Market 2nd Saturday of the month, at the Memorial Hall, 9.30 - 11.00 am. Thorverton & Exe Valley Community Choir Anne Vardy 01392 861184 [email protected] Thorverton Pre-School Rachel Mildon (Chair) - 861707 / [email protected] Mon 9.00-11.45am, & 12.45-3.15pm & Lunch Club 11.45am-12.45pm, Tues/Weds 9.am-11.45am & Lunch Club 11.45am-12.45pm, Thurs 9.00-11.45am; 12.45- 3.15pm & Lunch Club 11.45am-12.45pm during term-time, at Thorverton Primary School site Thorverton Ambling, Rambling and Tramping Society (TARTS) Caroline Prince 07749 775304 or Graeme Culshaw 860203 See notices of walks in Old Post Office Window Bullen Street. Toddler Group Contact : Wendy Coles, 861283 Wednesdays at the Memorial Hall, 9.30 - 11.30am Rainbows Contact Jean 860105 or Penny 861136, Meet Tuesdays 3.45-4.45pm Thorverton School Hall Royal British Legion Chairman/Hon.Sec. P Furneaux, Hillcrest, Thorverton 860227, [email protected] Hon. Treasurer: Alex Fice Women's Institute Secretary and Bookings: Sue Maguire 01392 860631 W.I. Meeting: 1st Tuesday of the month at the W.I. Hut, 7.30 pm. Whist, 4th Tuesday of the month, at the W.I. Hut, 7.30 pm. W.I. Market & Coffee 4th Saturday of the month at the W.I. Hut. 10.00 to 11.00 am.
Focus on Thorverton 35 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Doctors’ Surgeries
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Focus on Thorverton 37 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Waste Collection Dates for 2015 Generally on Mondays unless stated
a) General refuse and recycling b) Brown bins (i.e. black sacks and black boxes) May 5th (Tues.) and 18th May 11th and 26th (Tues.) June 1st, 15th and 29th June 8th and 22nd July 13th and 27th July 6th and 20th
Mobile Library The service provided in Thorverton is monthly, in the Quarry Car Park on Thursdays between 3.35 and 4.20pm.
Next dates: May 7th June 4th
Flag Flying days in May 9th Europe Day
Road works If you want to see up to date information on road works, visit: http://roadworks.org/.
Bus Services Turner's Tours / Carmel Coaches (bus 678) Mon-Fri. 10.09 from The Berry and the Baptist Chapel. Return 13.35 from Exeter bus station, Stand 5.
Stagecoach (service 55B) Mon-Sat (except Bank Holidays) To Tiverton: 07.55, 10.10, 12.10, 14.10, 16.10, 17.29 (this is the 155 service; on Saturdays it is the 55B and runs at 17.10), 18.10 from The Berry and Broadlands. Return from Tiverton Bus Station: 07.40, 08.35, 10.45, 12.45, 14.45, 15.55 (Mondays to Fridays term-time only), 16.45, 17.45.
To Exeter: 08.05, 09.00, 11.10, 13.10, 15.10, 16.20 (Mondays to Fridays term-time only), 17.10, 18.10 from The Berry and Broadlands. Return from Exeter Bus Station: 07.30, 09.45, 11.45, 13.45, 15.45, 17.05 (this is the 155 service ; on Saturdays it is the 55B and runs at 16.45), 17.45.
Stagecoach 55 service runs pretty much every half-hour in each direction along the Exeter-Tiverton road, stopping at the Thorverton turn (the Ruffwell). Please consult Stagecoach 55 Group timetable for details of this service.
Stagecoach free service to the Co-Op, Broadclyst, from Broadlands on Tuesdays 9.20am.
Stagecoach offers a variety of concessions for regular commuters, shoppers, children, students and jobseekers as well as one-day unlimited-use Explorer tickets. Further details from Stagecoach: 01392 427711 or 01803 664500 or www.stagecoachbus.com or www.devon.gov.uk/devonbus.
Devonbus Timetable Information: call Traveline 0871 200 2233 Timetables available at the Post Office
Focus on Thorverton 38 Vol. 46 No.5 - May 2015 Diary 2015
Please notify FOCUS Editor of additions or changes. (Email: [email protected] or phone Neville Lane on 861062)
MAY Sat 2nd Coffee Morning in support of Friends of Exe Valley Practice, WI Hut, 10.00am – 12 noon Tues 5th WI meeting – AGM and Resolution, WI Hut 7.30pm Fri 8th Annual Parish meeting, WI Hut, 7.30pm Sat 9th 70th Anniversary V.E. Street Party, Bullen Street, 2.00pm Sunnymead Barn Bingo, 7.00pm Sun 10th Sunnymead Gas-Up, 10.00am-4.00pm Tues 12th Parish Council meeting, WI Hut, 7.30pm Tues 12th - 45th East Devon Arts Festival at Thorverton Parish Church Sat 16th Tuesday to Friday from 10.00am to 8.30pm, Saturday from 10.00am to 4.30pm Wed 13th Thorverton Arts Challenge 11.30am-4.30pm Thorverton Parish Church ( Part of Arts Festival) Sat 16th Cadbury Fun Run , Registration 1.30pm at Fursdon Coach Hall ,Starts at 2.30pm Fri 22nd History Society, Keith Badman, Discovery of South Australia – Part 2, 7.30pm WI Hut
JUNE Tues 2nd WI Meeting Fursdon House; talk by Catriona Fursdon WI Hut 7.30pm Sat 6th School Summer Fair at 2.20pm at Thorverton School Tues 9th Parish Council meeting, WI Hut, 7.30pm Sat 27th Coffee Morning, WI Hut, 10.00-11.00am
JULY Sat 4th Village Open Day. More information to follow Tues 7th WI Meeting Waterways of Europe WI Hut 7.30pm Tues 14th Parish Council meeting, venue tba, 7.30pm
AUGUST Tues 4th WI meeting – Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue talk on Safety in the Home WI Hut 7.30pm Tues 11th Parish Council meeting, venue tba, 7.30pm
SEPTEMBER Tues 8th Parish Council meeting, venue tba, 7.30pm Sat 19th Community Churchyard Clear-up, Parish Church, 10am-4pm