April 2018 Vol. 49 No.4 50p FOCUS MAGAZINE INFORMATION Chairman Michael Ayre, Ratcliffe Farm, Raddon. Secretary Geoff Bulley, 17 Broadlands, Thorverton. Advertisements Secretary Maggie Dunlop, Kibby Yew, School Lane, Thorverton. Tel.(01392) 861185 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

Printed by Sarum Graphics

At the present time Focus is produced each month except one (August).

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.

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. Focus reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or notice at its sole discretion for any reason whatsoever.

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 £7.00 £70 Quarter page 8.5 cm x 12.2 cm £4.00 £40 One-eighth page 8.5 cm x 5.8 cm £2.00 £20

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: Thorverton by John Spivey 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 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Editorial There are plenty of events coming up over the next two months, covering a dozen pages in this month’s There is so much to report this month – I hardly Focus Notices section. If there is one event that I know where to start. must pick out – and I am biased because I have a part in this – it is the TADS production “Sherlock’s I hope that you will have picked up on the fact that Excellent Adventure”, which runs from 19th to 21st the Parish Council has - what is by Parish Council April inclusive. Do get your tickets and then have a standards - a substantial amount of money (likely to great evening out. I am looking forward to this very be around £17,000) to be spent on open space or much. recreational improvements in the parish. The Council wants to hear your ideas for how the money I hope that those of you with involvement in running should be spent. Please get your ideas in to Alison organisations will note that Focus has some funds Marshall, but also come along to the Annual Parish th which it would like to put towards helping projects Meeting on Wednesday 25 April at which ideas can for the benefit of Thorverton residents. I should be discussed further before the Council takes any point to the fifth bullet point of the list of the aims of decisions at its May Council meeting. This meeting Focus, which we reproduce on the inside front cover should be a meeting well worth attending anyway every month: because village organisations have been invited to  To run at a small annual profit, but with showcase their organisations, with stands and surplus funds put to support village displays. So, if you want to know what organisations organisations for the benefit of Thorverton have to offer – and perhaps a chance to get involved residents. with some of them – do come along to the Annual We are very pleased that we have been able to sustain Parish Meeting. a small profit over the years and so are in a position where we can offer funds again. Largely, the reason I have included a rather lengthy note on the why we are in a healthy financial position is because unglamorously titled “Sustainability Appraisal advertisers have been so loyal to us. We are most Update”. Don’t be put off by the title though: this is grateful for that and hope that villagers will where important for the village as it goes towards the Mid practicable use businesses advertising in Focus as Devon Local Plan, which covers possible much as possible. developments. You will need to get your skates on if th you do wish to comment because the deadline is 11 Neville Lane April. Focus Editor

In this Focus Sustainability Appraisal Update ...... 26 Poetry 2 ...... 27 Editorial ...... 1 TARTS News ...... 28 Letters ...... 2 The Garden in April ...... 30 Thorverton Parish Council ...... 4 Rainfall Record ...... 30 Thorverton Memorial Hall ...... 5 Nature Notes ...... 31 Notice Board ...... 5 Snow is falling….but what’s the season? ...... 32 Found ...... 9 Connecting People with the Community ...... 32 Church Services and News ...... 17 Focus at 50 ...... 33 Church Services and News ...... 18 Focus AGM ...... 33 Parish Letter ...... 19 Cricket Club ...... 34 Baptist Church ...... 20 Victims of Canadian Disaster ...... 34 Women’s Institute...... 21 Adverts ...... 35 East Devon Arts Festival ...... 21 Thorverton Organisations ...... 61 Arts Festival Refreshments ...... 21 Doctors’ Surgeries ...... 62 Thorverton School PTFA ...... 22 Waste Collection Dates for 2018 ...... 64 From the Archives ...... 22 Mobile Library ...... 64 Recipe ...... 23 Union Flag Flying days in April ...... 64 Hulk Lane in the snow ...... 23 Road works ...... 64 History Society ...... 24 Bus Services ...... 64 Legal Eagle ...... 25 Diary 2018 ...... 65 Poetry 1 ...... 26 Snowy Thorverton ...... 66

Focus on Thorverton 2 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Letters Some walked quite a distance through cold and icy From the family of the late Betty Allen, Latchmoor conditions to get to me and other elderly people - so Green good to know there are such caring folk in our Jenny, Bruce, Julie and their families wish to express community. Many thanks to all. their sincere thanks for the many kind cards of sympathy, letters and messages received from friends P.S. March 18th - more snow; but I wish to say and neighbours following Betty's death in hospital on another big thank you to Ian Mills who came and 29th January, also those attending her funeral on 19th cleared all of our paths at Bullens Close and worked February, and those donating in lieu of flowers to her so hard in falling snow and cold wind. This was such chosen cause, Hospiscare. a kind action and much appreciated.

We are also extremely grateful for the excellent From Sylv Gregory of Bullens Close healthcare Betty received for so many years from I would like to thank all those for their concern Thorverton Surgery, and more recently from the and actions during both periods of snow. This is District Nursing team, her PAs and the RD& E. one of the things that make Thorverton a special

Betty (and John) loved the village and its community, place to live. and greatly enjoyed participating in various organisations over the decades, until age and From Roy, Jean and Claire Baker poor health curtailed these activities. Bruce and I We would like to say a big Thank You to our snow were touched that she was remembered in the warden Graham Sims. Your sterling efforts in the Chairman's address at the recent History Society recent cold spell were much appreciated, making a meeting. Thorverton is a very special place. huge difference to many.

From Anne Kelly From Anne Rawlings (Greyhound Trust Volunteer Co-ordinator, Homesafe Devon Branch). I would like to thank all my friends and neighbours for their support and kindness following the death of Once again, I should like to say a huge thank you to Peter in early-February. It was very much everyone who supported our charity Coffee Morning appreciated. Many thanks. & Bring and Buy in the Memorial Hall on Saturday 17th March.

From John Williams of Broadlands Despite the bitterly cold weather and threats of snow that morning, my helpers and I were delighted to I would like to say a big thank you to Alex Fice, on discover that the event had raised £540.00! So to all Saturday morning Alex knocked on my door asking of you who braved the cold wind to come along and if we had any hot water for a cup of tea. We were in support us, thank you so much, we hope you enjoyed the throes of a power outage at the time. the hot drinks and delicious cakes, as well as the variety of different stalls. Our grateful thanks also go Not only that but later he turned up clearing our path to those of you who were kind enough to display our to the door, our son was laid low with a chest posters, as well as those who were unable to attend, infection and couldn't get out to do it for us but instead kindly donated cash or goods to sell.

So THANK YOU ALEX, you were there for us when We are already looking forward to next year's event, you were needed. and ideas and suggestions and offers of help for this will be very much welcomed.

From Doreen Beer, Bullens Close Thank you all again - the money raised will be fully allocated to the Greyhound Trust Russet Greyhound By the time this month's Focus is on sale, the snowy Sanctuary, Camborne, Cornwall, where Sandra days of early March will be hopefully just a memory. Deacon and her helpers do such a great job, and who However, I would like to express my grateful thanks rehomed 120 dogs last year. For more information to all those kind and generous hearted people who visit www.russetgreyhoundscornwall.com or go to phoned me, brought essential supplies, bread, milk, Facebook - Russet Greyhound Sanctuary. etc., flasks of hot water and newspapers. Once again, very many thanks to you all.

Focus on Thorverton 3 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Some reflections from Annette Mawson on the recent snowfalls: A house-bound friend of mine said to me “I could not go outside; I could not touch the snow; I did miss it. If you needed to drive to work this morning, I fully sympathise, but look on the bright side. Remember Hardship, drama, adventure; a bit of everything. But 1963? No, perhaps you are too young. Never mind, I three days not easily forgotten. will tell you of my experience in that February. Annette Mawson

My husband, Bill, and I and four little ones drove all the way to Liverpool Docks in an Austin 30. We virtually fled from Blandford Camp in Dorset. This to board our boat which was to take us to Freetown, Sierra Leone, where Bill was to take up his assignment. Slowly and carefully the Austin inched its way through a six-foot wall made of snow, from the Camp to the town of Blandford. I have wondered since if such a situation gave someone somewhere the idea of making bobsleigh a sport. Quite possibly.

A strong blizzard followed us all the way. I felt as though a menacing cloud tried to catch up with us and do us mischief. Scary. In Derbyshire we almost stalled on a hill. A man saw our plight and helped us. Even after so many years, I see in my mind this gentleman’s face, and I am forever thankful to him. Liverpool Docks were reached in time. Luck, my husband’s expert driving and fervent prayers got us there. We were saved. Bill’s job secure. Our worries over.

In 2018, for us in the West, the snowy conditions came and went quickly [this was written before the second dose of snow in mid-March – Ed]. In 1963 its duration was about three months.

4am: How luminous the outside appears to be. Looking out of the window all looks pristine white. Do you need some assistance with Magic. The snow has come, silently. It is so still it is as though the whole world is sleeping. funding? 8am: It is light. The roofs all have white hats, as has each needle of my spruce bonsai. I marvel at the Focus is in the fortunate position of square shaped yew tree in the front garden. It looks having some money available which the like a giant white handkerchief, its borders where the snow fell off it forming like lace. Focus Committee would like to make Saturday: I notice something is different, it’s available to help the village. decidedly colder. We have a power cut. How inconvenient! But thank goodness the Aga is on and most of my neighbours have alternative heat. The If you want to apply for funding, please cold is bitter. I’m not going to be able to have a write or email the Focus Editor. The cuppa. Dismal. A call comes from a friend – “are Committee will take into consideration you OK?” A neighbour is at the door and sprinkles the benefit to the village (although this salt on my front steps. I am helped out with bird- food. Yes, even with milk. How very nice to live in will not necessarily just be the number of a caring village. Amelia and Jemima take buckets villagers likely to be positively affected) full of snow and build a snowman. He has two very and what other sources of funding the red tomatoes for his eyes and a huge carrot for his requester might have. nose. He even graduates with arms and legs. A very handsome fellow. Passers-by smile and approve.

Focus on Thorverton 4 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Thorverton Parish Council Listed below are some points raised at the two Parish Council (PC) meetings held on 27th February and 13th March 2018. The latest meeting Minutes can be viewed on the notice board in School Lane or on the website. The next meeting will take place on 10th April at Thorverton Memorial Hall at 7.30pm and all are welcome to attend. Alison Marshall – Clerk. [email protected] www.thorvertonparishcouncil.org.uk ______

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – Wednesday April 25th 2018 How should £17,000 be spent? Why not visit the Memorial Hall on April 25th at 7.30pm to have your say on how the PC should spend approximately £17,000. on ‘open space and recreation’ within the parish. The funding has come from recent development within Thorverton and the PC wants to hear your views on how to spend it so do come along!

Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting – 27th February 2018: This meeting was called in connection with a planning application regarding the reinstatement of access and farm track along School Lane (ref. 17/01716/FUL) to which the PC objected. It was resolved that Cllr Bright should attend the MDDC Planning Committee meeting, on behalf of the PC, to put forward its views. A site meeting is now pending prior to a decision being made on the application.

Planning Applications: a) 18/00069/FULL retention of change of use from garage to studio holiday accommodation at Dipfield, Thorverton. No comment. b) 18/00310/FULL installation of solar PV panels on existing sheds rear of Pynes House, Silver Street, Thorverton. The PC resolved to rely on the observations of the Conservation Officer c) 18/00381/CAT notification of intention to fell 1 Hornbeam tree within the Conservation Area at Harefields, Jericho Street, Thorverton. It was resolved that this application be supported due to the poor state of the tree.

Planning Decisions: a) 18/00036/CAT notification of tree work at The Garden House, Thorverton. No objection. b) 17/01779/FULL erection of a one bedroomed dwelling with garage following demolition of existing garages and workshop at Dark Lane, Thorverton. Approved.

Handyman duties: Colin will be giving some focus to ‘pothole repairs’ over the next couple of months so keep an eye out for him on a road somewhere near you! Please let me know of any village maintenance you know of that needs attention.

Village tidy up day: The next tidy up day has been arranged for Saturday 7th July, meet at 10am at Leigh Gardens (next to the T.Arms).

Mid Devon Local Plan – Sustainability Appraisal 2018: Details of this appraisal can be found within Focus, on the PC website and notice board, and on Facebook and Next Door. The PC will be putting forward comments in response to the document at its April meeting. If you are interested in future development plans within the parish it would be worth a look.

Barliabins Plantation (off Dark Lane): The PC has submitted a plan to MDDC regarding the regeneration of the Barliabins Plantation in the hope that funding can be gained from future S106 monies (local development) for this project. The project includes landscaping, benches, bird boxes, bug hotel, barbeque and lots more. I will update you when I know more.

Your Parish Councillors: Nick Bright (Chairman), Stuart Crang (Vice Chairman), John Hodge, Neville Lane, Hilary Lawson, David Reygate, Graham Sims, John Spivey, Robert Turner and David Waldron.

Focus on Thorverton 5 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Thorverton Memorial Hall home craft rules can be found elsewhere in this month’s Focus. Phone Alison, 861228 for any Reg. Charity No. 203778 further information.

Other one-off events, April-June Saturday 14 April, 9.30: Saturday Market and Big Breakfast

Sunday 15 April: Car Boot Sale open 8.30 for AGM sellers, 9.00 for buyers. £3: to book space, tel. 860088 or [email protected]. Tea, WANTED: YOUR PRESENCE coffee and yummy bacon baps available. AT OUR AGM! Saturday 19 May: Pie and Quiz Evening.

Tuesday 24 April, 7.30 p.m. Saturday 23 June: Beach Party. As a charitable trust the Memorial Hall is required to hold an AGM once a year. There are certain March Saturday Market Draw results formalities that have to be dealt with but these take st 1 prize: a potted plant, Jeff Grace; no more than a few minutes. The real purpose of the AGM is to give you the opportunity to find out 2nd prize: bottle of wine, Sue Harlow; more about the hall and to tell the committee what improvements in its activities that you would like 3rd prize: a chocolate orange, Sue Maguire; to see. You will be very welcome to join us and enjoy a free th 4 prize: Belgian chocolates: Judy Bright. glass of wine after the meeting. We are also seeking www.thorvertonmemorialhall.co.uk. new members for the hall committee and representative members from other village organisations. Anyone interested please do come along to the AGM. Notice Board

BRUSH UP ON YOUR SHAKESPEARE We are very sorry that the Exeter Drama Group’s presentation on 3 March had to be cancelled because A look at Luke of the snow but we do hope that you can come to the Who do people say Jesus is? rearranged show on Saturday 28 April, 7.30 P.M Come and join the group in the If you have a ticket and cannot manage this new date Thorverton Arms you can obtain a full refund. Either phone 860088 or Fridays 13th and 27th April email [email protected] 2.15-3.15pm A joint Anglican & Baptist venture FUN DAY

HOME CRAFT CLASSES Thorverton Baptist Church The various classes for the home craft competition at the Fun Day on Saturday 14 July have now been will be holding their monthly published. The closing date for entries is 10.00 am on the day of the event but it would be helpful if Coffee Morning you could submit your entries earlier to Alison (or tea if you prefer!) Marshall, Dinneford House, Dinneford Street, Friday 6th April from 10.30 to 12 noon Thorverton EX5 5NU or [email protected]. Cash accepted or cheque payable to Thorverton A warm welcome to all Memorial Hall. A full list of all the classes and the

Focus on Thorverton 6 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______

Welcome Cafe

Every Monday, except Bank Holidays From 2.30pm

We meet in the WI Hut for tea, cake and a chat. Anyone welcome, so please come and join us.

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Wanted

Things for a LUCKY DIP...... during the Arts festival there is a lucky dip " bin" just by the Church door all week. wanted gifts (small) for girls , boys, and toddlers. anything! !! I'll wrap them, will collect. Tina 860434....

WI Soup and Pudding Evening Friday, 13th April 6.30pm for 7pm WI Hut Tickets £5 from Judy Bright 860356

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Thorverton Fun Day – Saturday 14th July 2018 at Thorverton Memorial Hall Support Your Local Village Hall

Home Craft Classes for 2018

Class Category Description Entry Fee Number 1 Under 5s A picture of a rainbow n/a 2 Under 5s Make 4 chocolate rice krispy/cornflake cakes n/a 3 Under 5s Make a model from cardboard and/or silver foil n/a

4 Age 6 – 10 Write a poem about anything you like n/a 5 Age 6 – 10 Paint/decorate a jam jar n/a 6 Age 6 – 10 Bake and decorate 4 cookies n/a

7 Age 11 – 16 Photo of a wild bird n/a 8 Age 11 – 16 Bake 3 muffins n/a 9 Age 11 – 16 Draw/paint a picture of a pet n/a

10 Flowers Single stem fragrant flower £1.00 11 Flowers Cactus or succulent plant £1.00 12 Flowers Flowers arranged in a household implement £1.00 13 Vegetables Arrangement of summer vegetables £1.00

14 Cooking Pic-nic for two £1.00 15 Cooking Bake and decorated a Birthday Cake £1.00 16 Cooking Bake a quiche – any filling £1.00 17 Cooking Bake a banana loaf cake £1.00

18 Preserves A jar of homemade marmalade £1.00 19 Preserves A jar of homemade chutney £1.00

20 Photograph ‘Thorverton in winter’ £1.00

21 Poetry An original poem linked to nature £1.00

22 Handicraft Small handmade blanket/quilt/quilt cover made £1.00 from wool or material

See rules on following page.

Focus on Thorverton 9 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Thorverton Fun Day – Saturday 14th July 2018 at Thorverton Memorial Hall Support Your Local Village Hall Home Craft Rules 1. Closing date for entries 13th July 2018 at midday 2. Children’s class numbers 1 – 9 are free to enter (ages to be shown on entry form) 3. Class numbers 10 – 22 are £1.00 each to enter per item 4. Entry fees are non-negotiable 5. The competition is open to everyone 6. All exhibits must arrive at Thorverton Memorial Hall between 8.00am and 10am on Saturday 14th July 2018 7. Judging will commence at 10.15am on Saturday 14th July 2018 8. First, second and third prize winners of children’s class numbers 1 – 9 will receive prize money of £2.00, £1.00 and 50p respectively 9. Prize money will be available from midday until 6pm on the day of the event 10. Entries achieving a first, second, or third prize in class numbers 10 – 22 will receive a Certificate of Achievement 11. All entries to be removed from the Hall after 4pm and before 6pm on the event day 12. The Memorial Hall Committee will not be held responsible for any unclaimed entries or for any loss or damage to any entries 13. All entries are left at the owner’s risk 14. The decision of the Judge is final. Cookery Class Guidelines A. All items must be covered with ‘cling film’ or similar B. Marmalade and chutney must be clearly labelled with the variety and the date made

Found Solitaire gem ring, in Ruffwell area, on Friday 16th March . Please contact me if you think it's yours. Julie Powell mob: 0781 802 5051

Focus on Thorverton 10 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______MILLENNIUM GREEN WORKING PARTY We meet at 11 am on the 4th Saturday of each SILVERTON LINK UP month, unless the weather is against us. (Incorporated with The Friends of Wyndham House. Keep an eye on the notices posted at the Charity No. 1048253 ) Millennium Green Entrance Gate for any

Voluntary Drivers Scheme for Wyndham House changes to the date. Surgery Patients We always welcome new volunteers (in VOLUNTEER DRIVERS particular, younger villagers !).

Jean Hawkins 860849 John Kiely 861545 The next meeting will be on 28th April Doreen Beer 860731 Stephen Roach 861042 - please do come and join us for an hour or so. MaryClare Smith 861916 Dave Sleep 860678 Thorverton Millennium Green Trustees Mary Hall 860532 John Pizey 861711 Dave Cole 860030 Lorraine Yarnell 861240 ***John Owen-Jones 841085 ***This driver only does surgery appointments*** Character Cottage For

LINK UP service takes patients with medical Sale appointments from home to surgery, hospitals and clinics in the area. Thorverton village centre IF YOU REQUIRE TRANSPORT CONTACT ONE New kitchen OF THE DRIVERS MENTIONED ABOVE, GIVING THEM AS MUCH NOTICE AS New bathrooms POSSIBLE. Lounge diner If you use Link Up, a voluntary donation towards the Fund for the expenses of the drivers would be Downstairs wc appreciated. Courtyard garden Donations should be given direct to the driver, who issues a receipt. On-road parking All our drivers are volunteers, willingly giving up 4 Bedrooms (one en-suite) their time to help others in the community. Although they will do their best, they cannot always be Family bathroom available, so it may not always be possible to arrange Call Colin & Alison Marshall on a lift. 01392 861228 Roger Higman (Link Up co-ordinator) 860571 [email protected] or e-mail [email protected] A date for your diary ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Please help raise funds for Thorverton Parish Council – Allotment for rent Silverton Link Up The Parish Council has an Allotment in (Charity no. 1048253) the village for rent at a cost of £10 per

DOREEN’S PLANT SALE year (plus a £25 refundable deposit) so if you are interested in extending your SILVERTON COMMUNITY garden or having a go at growing your own fruit, veg and flowers, please contact HALL the Clerk, Alison Marshall, on Thorverton

SATURDAY 26th MAY 861228 or [email protected] for more information. 09.00 – 12.00

Coffee / Tea, Cake Stall, Raffle ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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SCHEDULE OF SHOW CLASSES Please read the schedule carefully and make sure that your entries match the description. Only one entry in each class.

1. Daffodils or narcissi, 5 cut blooms in a vase, can be mixed.

2. Three tulips in a vase.

3. Collection of spring flowers in a bowl or vase.

4. One stem each of three different foliage shrubs, maximum width 18 “and height 24”.

5. One potted flowering plant – Section (a) indoor, Section (b) outdoor.

6. One flowering head of a rhododendron in a container.

7. Single camellia in a container.

8. Table centre decoration, may include non- plant material, 12” overall.

9. One stem each of three flowering shrubs, maximum width 18” and height 24”.

10. One stem or branch of a flowering shrub or climber.

11. Spray or small bunch of flowers to be judged for scent.

12. Single stem of any flower or plant, indoor or outdoor, not already in other classes.

13. Cactus or succulent.

14. Indoor foliage plant.

Upton Pyne and District 15. Miniature arrangement, maximum overall size 4.5”. Garden Club 16. Arrangement of fresh flowers in an unusual Chairman Mrs June Nicks; Show secretary Mrs container.

Chris Grundy, tel: 01392 851970 17. Miniature garden arranged on a dinner plate.

17(a). Moss and rock, etc. garden on a tray – Flower Show max 12” x 15”.

SATURDAY APRIL 28th 18. Children - Miniature garden arranged on a dinner plate.

Upton Pyne Village Hall, HOMECRAFT CLASSES

2.00 to 4.00 pm 19. Lemon drizzle cake - own recipe. 20. Gingerbread - own recipe. Free entry, teas and cakes, raffle. PHOTOGRAPHY/PICTURE CLASSES Entries to be brought in the morning between 10.00 and 12.00 Maximum size of entry for photographs A5 - approx. 6” x 8” - including mount. No framed photos please.

21. Adult - “Clouds” or “Cobwebs”. 22. Children - “Puddles”. 23. Children - Painting or drawing of a flower.

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THORVERTON CHURCH CHOIR ♫

Our choir sings regularly for fortnightly Sunday morning services and the occasional evensong , wedding, funeral or special service. We number c.20; sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. We sing a wide variety of sacred music old and new from Europe and beyond. We welcome new singers at any time so please get in touch or come to hear us one Sun or at a Thu practice.

Thursday Choir Practices at Thorverton Church 7.45 – 9.00pm Apr 12th, 26th May 3rd, 17th, 24th

Services with Choir/Choir events at Thorverton Sun Apr 1st Family Communion EASTER DAY 9.30 start Sun Apr 15th Family Service 9.30 for 10.00 service Sun Apr 29th Netherexe Mission Community service at Stoke Canon 11.00 start Sun May 6th Communion 9.30 start Sun May 20th Family Service 9.30 for 10.00 service CONTACT : Choir Director and Accompanist Heather Kershaw 01392 860419 [email protected] http://www.netherexe.org/who-we-are/the- churches/thorverton

FRIDAY APRIL 27th 2018

QUIZ NIGHT (includes supper) (Contact: Molly Luxton 01392 841270) Brampford Speke Village Hall

Silverton Memory Café This is held at St Mary Church Hall, Silverton, every Thursday afternoon between 2 and 4pm. All welcome.

Contact Annette Emmerson on 01392 860983 or [email protected] for further details.

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Silverton & Exe Valley Seniors

April 2018 Newsletter

Events & activities for the plus!

COFFEE MORNING – Tuesday 10th April St Mary’s Church Hall Silverton is the place between 1000 & 1130. An opportunity to chat, take part in our optional quiz and raffle or book an outing. Entrance charge £1:00 includes refreshments. Everyone welcome!

MONDAY WHIST – Mondays 09 & 23 APR At St Mary’s Church Hall Silverton: starts at 2:00 PM prompt. Entrance fee £2.50 includes refreshment and raffle ticket (prizes!) It’s fun, easy to learn and helps keep the brain cells active! Can’t play? – we’ll teach you!

FORTHCOMING OUTINGS (Usual Exe Valley pick-ups: check programme for times)

18th APR Plymouth: Crownhill Fort, R. Wm Yard, Harbour cruise £20 15th MAY Caerhays Castle & Gardens with a visit to Mevagissey £22 20th JUN New Forest Tour also visiting Lymington & Lyndhurst £12 24th JUL Tour of the Cotswolds & a Steam Train ride £22

Our April outing is to Plymouth beginning with a guided tour of Crownhill Fort first built to protect the Royal Naval Dockyard at Devonport and later used in both WW1 and as an anti-aircraft site in WW2. Afterwards we go to the Royal William Yard where there is free time to explore the range of shops, restaurants, bars and galleries on the massive ex-naval victualing Yard site before rounding off the day with a Dockyard & Harbour boat cruise.

In May we shall be visiting Caerhays Castle & Gardens where there will be a guided tour of the Castle and afterwards you will be free to explore the Gardens which have an international reputation. In the afternoon we will spend a little time at the nearby Cornish fishing port of Mevagissey.

If you are interested in any of the above events & would like to join the Club please contact Martin Clough Club Secretary 38 Hederman Close Silverton EX5 4HW Devon 01392 860971 or [email protected]

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SFH Supporters Club

Easter Bingo

Thorverton Village Hall

Tuesday 3rd April

Doors Open 7.15pm Eyes Down 8pm

FURSDON, CADBURY, DEVON.EX5 5JS www.fursdon.co.uk 01392 860860 Come and visit one of Devon’s oldest family homes. Stroll in grounds and lovely walled garden and sample delicious home baking in the Coach Hall tea room.

OPEN: GARDENS & TEAS: Bank Holiday Mondays, every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon from Easter to end of September from 2-5pm HOUSE TOURS at 2.30 and 3.30pm are on same days as above in June, July and August only.

ANNUAL GARDEN SEASON TICKETS £7 each Special Open Days in Apr, May and Aug celebrating the countryside. NGS charity weekends in June and September Garden open for Hospiscare Friday 1 June See website for details or contact us. See also our lovely holiday accommodation

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Thorverton Outdoor Table Tennis Association

Meet at the Rec at 7pm for an hour of social table tennis on Thursdays throughout April.

Focus on Thorverton 17 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______In aid of the Cadbury Church bell restoration:

Focus on Thorverton 18 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Church Services and News APRIL 2018 SERVICES & INFORMATION The Netherexe Parishes - A Mission Community in the Diocese of Exeter

Easter Day 1 April 09:30 am Family Holy Communion [C] Cadbury KC 09:30 am Family Holy Communion [C] Thorverton SS 09:30 am Family Holy Communion [C] Newton St Cyres MSS 10:00 am Service with a Smile  Brampford Speke Lay Led Joint with Baptist Chapel 11:15 am Family Holy Communion [C] Poltimore B Dugmore Joint with Huxham 11:15 am Family Holy Communion [C] Rewe SS 11:15 am Family Holy Communion [C] Upton Pyne KC 11:15 am Communion by Extension [C] Stoke Canon LF 03:00 pm Easter Worship Netherexe KC

Sunday 8 April Easter 2 09:30 am Family Service & Baptism Newton St Cyres KC 09:30 am OPEN Thorverton 10:00 am Informal Gathering Stoke Canon 11:15 am Morning Worship Rewe Lay Led

Sunday 15 April Easter 3 09:30 am Holy Communion [C] Cadbury SS 09:30 am OPEN Thorverton 10:00 am Family Service Thorverton Lay Led 10:00 am Service of the Word Poltimore Lay Led 11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Brampford Speke SS 11:15 am Coffee, Cake & Company Rewe 05:00 pm Holy Communion [C] Stoke Canon MSS

Sunday 22 April Easter 4 09:30 am Open Door Newton St Cyres Lay Led 10:00 am Informal Service Cadbury Lay Led & LF 10:00 am Messy Church Stoke Canon Lay Led 11:00 am Joint Service Thorverton Baptist Church BOF Joint with Parish Church 11:00 am Service of the Word & Baptism Upton Pyne KC 11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Rewe MSS 05:30 pm Evening Prayer [BCP] Huxham Lay Led

Sunday 29 April Easter 5 Mission Community Service 11:00 am Holy Communion [C] Stoke Canon KC Followed by Bring & Share Lunch

Sunday 6 May Easter 6 [Godparents Sunday] 09:30 am Holy Communion [C] Thorverton TBC 10:00 am Service with a Smile & Baptism  Brampford Speke KC 10:00am Open Door Newton St Cyres Lay Led 10:00 am Service of the Word Stoke Canon Lay Led 11:15 am Holy Communion [C] Poltimore TBC 11:15 am Coffee, Cake & Company Rewe 06:00 pm Informal Evening Service Cadbury Lay Led

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

Focus on Thorverton 19 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______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

Morning Prayer is said on Tuesdays at 9.15am in Stoke Canon Chapel Evening Prayer is said on Thursdays at 5.00pm in Newton St Cyres; contact Sue Browne on 01392 851460 for location.

Who’s Who …..? Abbreviations Key

KC Revd Katie Cross Rector 01392 759612 [email protected] SS Revd Preb Sue Sheppard Associate Minister 01392 861022 [email protected] LF Mrs Laura Ford Reader 01392 841753 [email protected] TBC To be confirmed

Associate Ministers MSS Revds Michael & Sharon Simpson 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 Rewe parish please contact Guy Sheppard on 01392 861022

Parish Letter All Change windows. During Lent we take down many of the decorations. There are often no flowers and the At last, Spring looks like it is finally arriving, with church seems very plain. We use a deep purple cloth the early flowers blooming. During March we battled to remind us that it is a time for preparation of the ‘Beast from the East’ and now we begin to see ourselves. As we come into Holy Week (the week signs of the world coming back to life. We have seen running up Easter) you may have noticed that even the clocks move once more so we can also begin to the colours disappear from the communion table, enjoy those extra hours of daylight. leaving it as bare wood.

It is also a time of change in the Church. We have We do this to remind ourselves that all is stripped moved from the preparation and reflection of Lent to back, back to the core of our Christian faith, founded the celebration of Easter on 1st April. on the immense love of God expressed through a You may notice the changes taking place in church, wooden cross. reflecting the ones you have seen out of your

Focus on Thorverton 20 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______On Easter day we witness a marvellous change, the themselves had put in place precisely to prevent such flowers and colours reappear in church. The place is an act. Nor did they ever succeed in recovering the filled with the colour and scent of a variety of body and putting it on display so that the whole of blooms. The deep purple is replaced by vivid white Jerusalem could know that what the Christians were or gold. The colours remind us of the hope and peace saying was a lie. we find in the Easter message, that the death of Jesus on the cross is not the end of the story, but God Many other arguments have been brought forward in continues to show his love through Jesus’ order to perform a demolition job on the resurrection and rising to new life. resurrection. All have been answered convincingly, often by legal minds that have been trained to sift and All change inside the church, just like we see in the evaluate evidence. They have concluded that the countryside as the bulbs push through and nesting testimony of so many reliable eye witnesses is of the birds begin to gather for their young. A new life and highest order. Any lawyer knows that if half a dozen a new start. witnesses in court come out with exactly the same story then they have pretty obviously got together in All change, an opportunity for us to consider what a plot to deceive. The apparent discrepancies in the this new season of life may offer us, whatever that gospel accounts are what we would expect from may be. Why not ask God to walk alongside side you honest men and women all telling their personal and show you his peace and hope for what is to stories. come. Revd Katie Cross Without the resurrection there is no Christian faith. The Apostle Paul recognised this vital truth very Baptist Church early on: 'If Christ has not in fact risen, then your faith is vain.' Indeed it is, or would be. But how can The Resurrection: Fact or Fable? the remarkable change in the lives of the disciples - weak, dispirited, broken men and women following "Accounts of Jesus' resurrection and ascension are the cruel public execution of their leader - be about as well-documented as 'Jack and the explained apart from what they all claimed? That he Beanstalk.'" That was really a very silly thing for had appeared to them and convinced them that he Professor Dawkins to write. Silly and unworthy. was the Lord of life and death? You do not willingly Also demonstrably false, as has been shown many give your life for a lie or a deception and that is what times over the years. Between the wars, an English many of them did. And do today, tens of thousands journalist called Frank Morison set out to prove that of them in societies where it means certain the resurrection was a myth. Tellingly, the first persecution and possible martyrdom to profess that chapter of his investigation was entitled 'The Book you belong to a risen Christ. that Refused to be Written.' For as Morison wrestled with the evidence and evaluated it as honestly as he CHRIST IS RISEN - HE IS RISEN INDEED. could he was driven to the conclusion that the claims Maurice Harrison of the New Testament that Jesus had risen from the dead were actually true. It was the fact of the empty tomb that convinced him and that is why he called his book 'Who Moved the Stone?' Thorverton Baptist Church The meticulous study of Morison has never been refuted. There was never any doubt following the Open Door crucifixion of Jesus that on what we now call the Problem? Need to share? Prayer request? morning of Easter Sunday the tomb was empty. The If you need a sympathetic listening ear, the back followers of Jesus claimed that it was. The room at the Chapel is open every Thursday authorities of the time could not deny it. Their between 10.00 and 12 noon when I will be happy to meet you. response was that the disciples of Jesus had stolen the body during the night; but they could never explain Revd Maurice Harrison 01392 966861 how such a theft could have been possible given the presence of a contingent of soldiers that they

Focus on Thorverton 21 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Women’s Institute Manning the desk, stewarding, selling cake and Grand Draw tickets from Tue 15th – Sat 19th Report for March 2018 Meeting Dismantling the exhibition, checking out art and Claire Bliss from Quay Presents joined the WI this craft, clearing up on Sat 19th from 4.00 onwards month and provided a most enjoyable evening. She brought a rack of very colourful scarves and We’d love to have you on board, indeed it won’t displayed various other items on a table. happen properly without lots of people helping.

Claire described her life journey to achieve the Royston Kershaw, Jean Brown and I are business she now has – two shops and twelve staff. masterminding the art and craft together with Paddy She gained our admiration in her perseverance as Milford and others in the art team. things never came easy for her, but it appeared to us Tina Ayre is heading the refreshments team and will that whatever problems came along, she strived and need help in advance and plenty during the week succeeded to overcome them. itself cooking, serving, washing up, cleaning etc. Ed Greed and Peter Colebrook usually manage the Claire told us about polyester and viscose materials ‘heavies’ team putting boards etc. up on the 9th and and their benefits, then she demonstrated various then dismantling it all late on Sat 19th. ways to wear a scarf. We were shown ‘Judy Dench’ style to give the impression of height, biscuit crumb Do contact me or other relevant people if you’d like style, and the Exeter knot of which there were three to know more or to reassure us that there are people variations. She also amazed us by making a cover-up out there to help us do the job! jacket for the beach using a scarf. Claire then invited us all to have a go for ourselves – fortunately she was If anyone would like to organise other fund-raising there to sort out the muddles we got into. We had a events in aid of the church either around the same most enjoyable evening and many of us are now the time or before or after, then do let Royston and Ed proud owners of new scarves and have made a note (church wardens) know. of Claire’s shop for when we next need to buy presents. We already know that the quiz at The Thorverton

rd Arms on Wed May 9th at 7.30pm will be in aid of Our next meeting will be Tuesday, 3 April at Thorverton Church funds. 7.30pm when Mid Devon Recycling will be the With very many thanks in advance. speaker. Anyone is welcome to join us. Heather Kershaw 860419

Our Soup and Puddding Evening has been re- scheduled for Friday, 13th April, 6.30 for 7pm. This Arts Festival Refreshments promises to be a good evening with plenty of food, This, I hope to be a reminder for all the regular tea and coffee will be available. Tickets from Judy helpers and contributors, and of interest to all new Bright 860356. arrivals to Thorverton Village! Judy Bright In May Thorverton Church hold an Arts Festival in East Devon Arts Festival Church and refreshments are served throughout that People have been asking about dates, what’s time from 10am-8pm. This works well with a team of happening this year, what they can help with, etc. so volunteers ( always new people wanted ) running the here they are: kitchen on a daily rota basis, and fantastic food donated by home bakers near and far. If you want to Arts Festival open from Tues May 15th – Sat 19th give, but don’t want to give time or food....you can inc. donate money ( cash / cheque ( Thorverton Church) April onwards - help needed putting up posters and leave it with Marj Maynard at 3, Bullen St locally and further afield and with preparing the 860661; this helps us purchase necessities like catalogue and labels tea/coffee etc. Art boards put up on Wed May 9th Church display areas, tables etc prepared Thu 10th Offers of any kind of help please contact me Tina and Fri 11th Ayre 860434. [email protected] for more details. A rota sheet will be left at the back of the Art and craft received on Sat 12th (setting out begun) st Art and craft hung and set out on Sun 13th Church from May 1 for you to sign in your preferred Cleaning, tidying, final tweaking Mon 14th slot. Assembling/stapling the catalogue Mon 14th Tina Ayre

Focus on Thorverton 22 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Thorverton School PTFA owner for 12 months, then we hope it will be defended again. Altogether five teams partook, We have a brand new Facebook page! giving some very good entertainment. We’ll be using it to share our plans, events and activities with all parents, friends and supporters of Tuesday – Children’s Night – This catered for 5-16 the school. year olds. Five teams joined in the fun, giving all

supporters something to enjoy, after much hard work It's still work in progress but please ‘like’ and by a splendid team of workers preparing the course. ‘follow' our page to find out what's coming up! The winners of this event were Adrian Andrews’ Search 'Thorverton School PTFA' on Facebook. team; runners-up were Michell Coombe and her

team. We would like to express a sincere thank you Rachel Mildon to those who acted as finishing judges.

Wednesday – Whist Drive – 14 tables were in play From the Archives and the top prize was a turkey. Mrs Swain acted as MC for the evening. I am sure that many villagers will have fond memories of the Thorverton Carnival, which was Thursday – 5-a-side Football – after much hard work, held in September and was a feature of village life. I again from many people who are not committee have extracted below a few Focus reports of the members (without whose help we would be lost) the Carnival, slightly edited: football got under way after the fancy dress was

judged. This was won by Cleaves Close Cavemen Thorverton Carnival and Women. The football was played in the rain,

with The Winkles coming out on top and Bet’s The report from November 1980 gives a good idea of Bathers were runners-up. Seventeen other teams the significant amounts of money involved: took part.

Receipts totalled £2,368.78 (equivalent to about Friday – Cabaret Night – which was very well £7,000 today) of which £535.10 was raised through supported by villagers who gave the entertainers a sale of draw tickets; £421.43 through collection tins; very good hand for the light-hearted entertainment £257.50 through donations; £309.04 through provided by all on stage. “Coppermine”; £25 from floats; and £349.71 through various other sources such as soup sales, Saturday – Carnival Night – what can we say? The toffee apples and Tee Shirts. weather upset all organisers, walkers and floats. The Expenses totalled about £900, giving an overall profit Carnival Committee admire all those who braved the of £1,467.66, almost all of which was donated to elements and brought out their floats; those who charity. came out to watch; or partook in walking classes.

The floats, although somewhat bedraggled by wind The Seychelles Perpetual Trophy for the Best Entry and rain, did look very good and must have taken a in the Carnival was won by Mrs Leach of Witheridge considerable time and thought to prepare. We hope with her entry of Four Seasons. your spirits weren’t washed away and we would like

to see you all next year – trusting the weather will be The report by Ken Maynard in Focus of October kinder. The dance after the procession was well 1981 gives a good idea of the activities over Carnival supported although some had to dry out before Week: getting there.

Sunday – The crowning of the Queen, Miss Lyn There then followed a list of prize winners, which Rudge, by last year’s Queen, Mrs Patricia Pay, was a included age prizes as well as the “Best Dressed very enjoyable sight to see, with our village girls as Bicycle, Pram or Pushchair” (won by Fruits of princesses attending the Queen. Harvest (Miss Alison Ganfield) and the “Best in

Carnival” (won by The Muppets Show). Monday – Inter Pub Relay – again very good support from the public and the fancy dress was very good. Jumping ahead to 1987, the report by Jacqui Scott in This was judged by Lyn with the help of Jenny October’s Focus for that year listed the prize winners Andrews and Mrs Kidd, who accompanied Lyn on for the Children’s Sports and for the Carnival many occasions. The winner of the fancy dress Procession. I will reproduce the list of winners of the (Ladybird) was Mr G James of the Exeter Inn team; Carnival Procession classes below: the winner of the Shield was the Bell Inn – a new

Focus on Thorverton 23 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______TV or Radio: Soap Sods on Holiday by S Pearn and A Todd Most Artistic: Alice in Wonderland by The Glebe Recipe Street Gang QUICK LEMON FOOL Most Humorous: Got to pick a pocket or two by Exe Valley Cubs Devonshire cream and yogurt make a delicious Children Under 15: UFO Lands in Devon by Mrs E lemon fool. For 4 portions you will require: Andrews (Under 15?) Children Walking (Under 11): Oliver Twist by The finely grated zest, and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon Kevin Lee 1 tablespoon Devon honey Children Walking (11-15): Wet and Dry House by 8 oz (250 g) natural yogurt Joanne Pearn and Sarah Dymond 125 ml double cream, lightly whipped 16+ Walking: Clown by Veda Dymond Walking Group: Ya Ba Da Ba Doo by Graham Stir the lemon juice, zest and honey together, and Simms and Ray Dymond blend with the yogurt. Gently fold in the whipped Decorated Bicycle, Pram or Pushchair: Snoopy and cream, pour into serving dishes and chill before Red Baron by Jim and Alfie Pearn serving. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf. The Seychelles Cup (Best Float) : Mrs E Andrews The little Hythe Shield (Best Walker): Graham Paul Cleave Simms and Ray Dymond sustainablecrediton.org.uk The Matten Cup (Best Walkler U15): Kevin Lee

Neville Lane

Hulk Lane in the snow photo by Lisa Price Newton St Cyres Tennis Club The Beast from the East disrupted tennis during March – it’s hard to play when the court is covered in snow! – and rain delayed play on several other occasions. However with longer evenings and the promise of warmer weather on the horizon we are all now looking forward to the summer season.

We are also all looking forward to our new clubhouse. Work is progressing well on the extension, and we are hoping that the exterior will be complete by the beginning of May. We are planning to hold an Open Day at the club on Sunday 13th May from 10 until 2, as part of the LTA’s (Lawn Tennis Association) Great British Tennis Weekend event and this will be a chance to come and have a look at our new improved facility.

It is also a great opportunity to have a go at some tennis, try out our courts, meet some members, and generally get the feel of the Club before making a decision about whether you may like to join up.

More details will be available soon but in the meantime if you have any questions please check out our website www.newtonstcyrestennisclub.co.uk, contact our membership secretary Laura Leigh on 01647 24259, or follow us on Facebook

Sally Baldwin

Focus on Thorverton 24 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______History Society Our talk looked at the service and life of Archibald Roberts because of his connection to Thorverton. John Roberts – the man with 30 grandsons in the Archie was born near Blackdog, went to school in Great War – by Paul Roberts (pictured below - by Tiverton and was a farm worker at Butterleigh before Robin Blythe-Lord) joinin the 13th Hussars in late 1915. Many people

know about the charge of the Light Brigade but few are aware of the heroic charges made by the 13th Hussars that Archie was involved in. The first was in Mesopotamia when the Hussars were involved in a charge at Lajj (near Baghdad) in March 1917. In a blinding dust storm they came under rifle and canon fire and were ordered to draw swords and charge the Turkish troops. They were outnumbered so had to withdraw and occupy captured enemy trenches. During the night the enemy withdrew although the Hussars lost several officers and other ranks. Many soldiers were wounded and many horses were lost. A few days later Baghdad was captured and the 13th Hussars were the first cavalry regiment to enter the city.

Their next great charge was in October 1918 at Hadraniya, just a few days before the armistice. The journey there was difficult and several soldiers were lost in flooded rivers. The Turks were making a last stand and the charge was made over open ground against rifle and machine gun fire. The charge was successful and on reaching enemy lines they dismounted and fixed bayonets for a hand to hand John Roberts was an ordinary man who was born, fight with the enemy. The enemy retreated after an lived and died in Devon. He was a farm worker from hour and although he Hussars were outnumbered Witheridge and died there at the age of 90 in 1919 they suffered few casualties. and is buried in an unmarked grave.

Archie was honorably discharged from the Army in Paul’s journey into the family past started 10 years late 1918 after being wounded in battle and was no ago with a chance find of a photograph in a local longer fit for active service. He was awarded the newspaper. The photo was of John Roberts sporting silver war badge along with 2 medals to show he had bushy sideburns and beard and wearing a bowler hat. done his duty in serving King and Country. The news article was about a man who had 30 In 1922 Archie married Edith Batten in Thorverton grandsons on active service fighting for King and church. He was working at Yellowford Farm for Country. All of these young men had been born in Percy Thomas and he lived at Berrysbridge. He had 6 Devon and most were farm workers. children and one of them still lives locally. Archie

died in 1968 at the age of 74. His widow Edith died Paul’s grandfather had served in the war and Paul in 1984 aged 80. had a photo of him along with buttons from his uniform but these had been put away for years until Archie’s older brother John served with the 9th his research started. Paul felt there was a similarity Devons and survived the war but died at the age of between the images and visited Witheridge to look 46. Another brother Sidney served with the Queens for a grave. Unable to find it he looked at the war Westminster Rifles but died of wounds in Belgium. memorial and found the name of A Roberts on it. He is remembered on the war memorials at Oakford This turned out to be Albert Roberts, one of the and Dulverton. grandsons who was killed in France aged 19.

In total 7 of the grandsons died in the war. Three Paul’s book “History Maker” is available from the were killed in action, three died of wounds and one Berry Dairy Stores and show the enormity of the died from heart disease. Several of them had sacrifices made during the war by ordinary families miraculous escapes and one survived despite being in Devon shot in the head. Robert Turner

Focus on Thorverton 25 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Legal Eagle the manner of the investigation of offences or the prevention of crime”. This month we return to Yorkshire and in particular to Kirkgate, a shopping street in the centre of So, how does this decision impact upon the notion of Huddersfield (birthplace of the former Prime police immunity? It would appear that the immunity Minister Harold Wilson), on a Tuesday afternoon in recognised in Hill is limited to those occasions where 2008. the police themselves were not responsible for

creating the danger which led to the harm. In Hill, Mrs Elizabeth Robinson, a relatively frail lady, then and also in Michael –v- Chief Constable of South aged 76, was knocked over by a group of men who Wales Police [2015] in which there was a failure to were struggling with one another. Two of the men respond to an emergency call in time to save the were sturdily built police officers and the third was a caller from being attacked, the police were not suspected drug dealer whom they were attempting to responsible for creating the situation which resulted arrest. As they struggled the men knocked into Mrs in the harm. It does, not, however, extend to cover Robinson and all four fell to the ground with Mrs those situations like the situation in which Mrs Robinson underneath. Robinson was injured, where the police are

responsible for creating the situation which results in Mrs Robinson brought a claim against the Chief the harm. Mrs Robinson had been injured as a result Constable of West Yorkshire Police in respect of her of being exposed to the very danger from which injuries. Two questions required to be answered, officers had been under a duty to protect her. namely whether the officers owed a duty of care to

Mrs Robinson, and, if so, whether they were in That was the position on February 8th. On February breach of that duty? 22nd The Times carried a headline: “Police lose legal

fight after failing victims of Warboys”. In what has At first instance the Recorder held that the officers been described as a “landmark ruling” the five had been negligent but that police officers engaged in justices (three of whom, Lady Hale, Lords Mance the apprehension of criminals were immune from and Hughes, had heard the Elizabeth Robinson suit. Support for this view on the issue of police appeal) ruled unanimously that victims of serious immunity can be found in Hill –v- Chief Constable crime can sue the police for failures in their of West Yorkshire [1989]. The mother of the last investigation. The claim had been brought on behalf victim of the “Yorkshire Ripper” sued the police for of two victims, not in negligence, but under Article 3 failing to arrest him before he murdered her daughter. of the European Convention on Human Rights – the It was agreed that, before the claimant’s daughter’s right not to be subjected to torture or to inhuman or death, it had been foreseeable that the murderer degrading treatment. would probably kill again. However, the House of

Lords held that it was not “fair, just and reasonable” The Supreme Court emphasised that an award of to impose on the police a duty of care towards the compensation for breach of a convention right is potential victims of crime. The conduct of police entirely different to an award of damages in a civil investigations could be restricted if officers action as a Convention claim and a civil claim have constantly needed to be aware of the possibility of an different purposes. A civil claim is to compensate the action in negligence. claimant for their loss and put them back in the

position as if the wrong had not occurred. A When Mrs Robinson’s case came before the Court of Convention claim is to award damages to Appeal the Court found that no duty of care was acknowledge an individual’s fundamental right(s) has owed and, even if the officers had owed a duty of been breached and are intended to uphold minimum care to Mrs Robinson, they had not breached it. th human rights standards. The public policy reasons, The Supreme Court (Judgment 8 February 2018, th which exempt police from a common law duty of Reported 19 February 2018) has taken a different care (see Hill and Michael above), do not extend to view. The Court held that police officers engaged in claims under the Human Rights Act 1998. The Court the apprehension of suspects were not immune from concluded that it would be wrong to consider the suit in respect of claims brought by members of the “fair, just and reasonable” test, when considering public for personal injuries caused by negligence. whether a duty to investigate under Article 3 should

exist. Under the Convention the police either have a The Court felt able to distinguish the present case duty to protect or they do not Commissioner of from Hill. Lord Hughes said “whilst there remained a Police of the Metropolis –v- DSD and another duty of care imposed on the police not by positive [2018]. action to occasion physical harm or damage to Clive Hamblin property which ought reasonably to be avoided, there was no duty towards victims, witnesses or suspects in

Focus on Thorverton 26 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Correction. In last month’s article I referred to the accused appreciated this. What I should have said ‘oblique intention’ and said (wrongly) that the jury is that the consequence must have been a virtually might find intention if a consequence was a highly certain consequence and the accused appreciated this. probable consequence of the accused’s conduct and Apologies to all who were misled.

Poetry 1 Churchill’s Portrait Graham Sutherland painted what he saw, A man aged 80 who was looking even more.

His look seems to say this is more than I can bear. His hands are busy grasping both arms of his chair,

Why, oh why, are you doing this to me? The portrait of an icon is what all want to see.

Instead my face is mottled, as wrinkled as my suit, And it’s clear this stupid artist doesn’t give a hoot.

“Burn the bloody painting,” is what we hear him say. Clemmie doesn’t like it either, so he quickly has his way. Andrew Hoellering

Sustainability Appraisal Update

Consultation by Mid Devon District Council on the adjournment of the examination hearings due to take Schedule of amendments made to the 2017 Update place in September 2017. This was so that an independent assessment of the Sustainability Unfortunately I just saw this consultation document a Appraisal work for the proposed modifications could day or two after March’s Focus had gone to print. It be undertaken. The independent assessment by may not sound very exciting, but is a consultation consultant LUC has recommendations to the Council that should be of interest to many villagers as it which have required further work to the includes options for further housing development in Sustainability Appraisal to make it clearer and easier the village. to understand.

The consultation is on the Sustainability Appraisal The Council has now published an updated work undertaken for proposed modifications made to Sustainability Appraisal report (2018), a schedule of the Mid Devon Local Plan Review. The amendments made to the previous Sustainability Sustainability Appraisal looks at the economic, social Appraisal Update report (2017), LUC consultant's and environmental effects of the Local Plan. This report, and an Executive Summary of the SA Review evidence has been used by the Council to help the process. These documents are available to see at the make sure the Local Plan will achieve sustainable Council's offices at Phoenix House, Tiverton, and development. public libraries in Mid Devon. They can also be seen on the District Council’s website The Mid Devon Local Plan Review (incorporating at https://www.middevon.gov.uk/residents/planning- proposed modifications) was submitted to the policy/local-plan-review/. Planning Inspectorate in March 2017 for its examination. However, the Council requested an

Focus on Thorverton 27 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Formal representations are invited. These must be Alternative 1 is not preferred. Although this site made in writing (by post to Forward Planning, Mid scores an identical post mitigation score as the Devon District Council, Phoenix House, Phoenix preferred site, greater mitigation would be required to Lane, Tiverton, EX16 6PP or by email enable this alternative to be acceptable and there is to [email protected]) and be greater uncertainty in the delivery of this site. The received by 11 April 2018 (midnight). When option to avoid the relocation of allotments making a representation you must include your name is preferable and the mitigation required for the road and full postal address, otherwise your comments improvements has the potential to make this cannot be registered. Your comments will be option prohibitive when compared with the proposed published on our website, including your name and access set out in the preferred approach. The address. Addresses will only be used by the Council mitigation for the road improvements for the to inform people about the new Local Plan and other alternative option would also need the garages to be planning matters. in control of the applicant, which they are currently not. The consultation invites representations on the schedule of amendments made to the Sustainability Alternative 2: No changes are proposed to the Plan. Appraisal Update (2017) only and not the Local Plan The Local Plan Review allocates sufficient land for Review (which remains unchanged) or its residential development to meet the district's housing accompanying Community Infrastructure (CIL) Draft need. The addition of this site in Thorverton could Charging Schedule. lead to a negative cumulative impact on the capacity of local schools. All representations received on the schedule will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, where they Alternative 3: No changes are proposed to the can be considered together with all other consultation Plan. The Local Plan Review allocates sufficient responses previously made on the Local Plan. It is land for residential development to meet the district's anticipated the examination hearings can then be housing need. The site is less preferred given reconvened later this year at a date that is set by the the potential impact on the capacity of the Primary Planning Inspectorate. School and impact on the listed building adjoining, although it is noted there are options for mitigation. The section which is likely to be of particular interest to villagers here follows a submission on behalf of the Church Commissioners, which offered three areas Poetry 2 for possible development. (The land behind Hazels Broadlands was in the original draft Local Plan and In the lowland copse they grow, so is not affected by these additional possibilities.) Hazels, tasselled high and low, And every breeze that whispers there 1 .The current allotment site, which adjoins the area Scatters sweet pollen on the air. identified for development to the south of Pale lemon as the primrose flower Broadlands. That nestles low within the bower; Up and down and in and out, 2. An area to of 0.35 hectares to the north-east of The artful squirrels are about, Silver Street (this is just to the west of the housing Searching for past Autumn's store, along the north side of Silver Street, beyond the Inwardly knowing there will be more Court Barton development - leaving a small gap Hazel nuts in future days, between that development and the possible new site); For here is home - a wise one stays Within this larder of the wood, 3. An area of 1.32 hectares immediately to the west Life is easy, life is good. of Cleves Close and Lynch Close; Mouse and nuthatch take their share, For hazel has so much to spare It should be noted that the Sustainability Appraisal And gladdens human kind as well, does not strongly favour any of these sites, but does Who walk within its fruitful dell, give an assessment of their possible merits and Admiring catkins and at ease, drawbacks. Nevertheless, villagers may wish to be Until deep breaths bring on a sneeze! aware that they are at least for consideration. The assessments of the Sustainability Appraisal are: Doreen Beer

Focus on Thorverton 28 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______TARTS News reached a lane by which time the snow had become a little heavier so a decision was made to head back to the village and leave the rest of the walk for better weather. We briefly visited the church and then on to the Waie Inn, where we had a drink before heading back to Thorverton before the snow settled and the rugby began. Thorverton Amblers Ramblers and Trampers

Recent walks: - Points of Interest

th Saturday 17 March Zeal Monachorum Zeal Monachorum is a mid Devon village with many traditional cottages, surrounded with farmland with Eight of us set off from the North wall of St Peter’s views of Dartmoor. The church of St. Peter is at the Church, Zeal Monachorum. The first section was top of the main street. quite muddy until the route levelled out into a sheltered valley which was once the Down St Mary The village’s Latin name translates to the ‘cell of the Vineyard that has now been planted with young Monks’ as the manor was gifted to Buckfast Abbey saplings. Here there were lovely views of the river by King Canute, who invaded Britain in 1018. The meandering in the bottom of the valley. We passed manor remained the property of Buckfast Abbey until the Old Mill towards a woodland which was the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539. welcome shelter as it was beginning to snow although it really wasn’t too cold in this lovely The parish church dates from 1235 with a late-Saxon sheltered valley. The mud returned as we continued font and a yew tree reputed to be at least 1000 years through several fields until we reached more old in the churchyard. The exterior of the tower dates woodland where, apparently, there is a good potential from the early 16th century with a 13th-century for sightings of soaring buzzards, ravens and interior still extant. It was originally one story higher. bullfinches. We detoured briefly onto a very well made wooden bridge over the river to admire the Five of the present peal of six bells were cast in 1749 views. Retracing our steps on to our track beside the and the sixth was added in 1925. The Devon river we came across a large piece of decaying quarry Association of Bellringers was founded at Zeal machinery. Monachorum in 1924. Ringing ceased in 1967 when the tower became unsafe. After strengthening and A coffee stop was taken at Tuckingmill Bridge over renovation, ringing began again in 1990. In 2005 a the river Yeo (photographed by Mike Stannard major restoration was undertaken, funded by a local below), from here we could have walked straight appeal which raised over £30,000.

Future walks:

Saturday 31st March - Led by Jean Saturday 14th April - Led by Jerry Saturday 28th April - Led by Graeme

All walks meet opposite the church at 0930, and are suitable for dogs unless otherwise stated. Shorter walks are usually 4 – 6 miles in length and longer walks 6 – 9 miles, however precise details of each walk (length, gradient, lunch information etc) 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 back to village, however, we were all in agreement to list contact Caroline (07749775304) or Graeme go on a little further. We walked on shortly passing a ruined mill building and an old water wheel on our (860203). right. After further muddy sections of the path we

Focus on Thorverton 29 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______TARTS at Tuckingmill Bridge

Photo by Mike Stannard

Dinneford Meadow in March

Focus on Thorverton 30 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______The Garden in April What a difference a year makes!! This time last year grown in a rota, brassicas should provide harvest all I was well ahead in both the veggie garden and the year round, fingers crossed, so I must sow some more flower borders. This year I have hardly started due to seed!! the adverse weather conditions. There is no point getting out into the garden if the soil conditions are If you grow your own Dahlias, bring them out of the too wet or too cold and frosty and most of March has dry and put soil around them in a pot or garden crate. been either one or the other. However, this does Put this in a glass house and begin to water. They mean that catch-up time is needed and, as soon as the cannot go out into the garden yet as they are weather warms up and the soil dries out, there will be vunerable to frost but in the green house they will a mountain of jobs to be tackled. grow away and can be planted out later next month.

The art of gardening is to prioritize when many jobs During April, the grass will need its first cut so seem to piling up. Some can wait and some need remember to cut quite high for this cut and lower the doing straight away. If you are wishing to grow your blades when the grass becomes more vigorous. If own vegetables, then this side of the garden cannot there are perrenial weeds such as dandylion, now is a be left untouched and must be tackled first. My first good time to dig them out whilst the ground is soft priority will be to plant the summer onion sets and after all this wet weather. Pack the hole firmly with shallots and quickly follow this up by planting out soil and sprinkle some grass seed over the topif the seed potaoes that have been chitting in a back necessary. bedroom from the end of January. This hasn’t taken long to write but will take a lot of time digging to Get to the back of your borders before everything prepare the ground (using a plank to work from). grows up and remove dedritus and brambles and Remember, never stand on your growing area, it carefully fork around in the gaps to bring air back causes compaction. When planting out your potaoes into the soil. Do not go too close to shrubs etc in case in a trench, a useful tip is to sprinkle in some slug of damage to adventitious roots at the soil surface. If pellets. This will protect your seed potatoes from the you have pruning still to do, make sure this is done as first generation of slugs, and the plants should be soon as possible and remove all clippings. fully grown before they become a problem again. Well, Neville, this should keep you busy this month. I like to grow peas and broad beans from seed into [I may not have time to edit Focus for next month healthy plants before planting out. Normally, the first with all this to do! – Ed]. All the best and happy batch would be growing away in the ground now but gardening. this is not the case and my first planting will be the first week of April. Successive plantings will only be Lorraine a week in between to aid the catch up. Sugar snaps, Lorraine Colebrook mangetout and sweet peas will be planted as soon as possible after this. For the root crop bed, start with your parsnips. I shall probably try to sow these at a Rainfall Record similar time to the potatoes as they like a long We might need to rename this "Snowfall Record", growing period and don’t mind cold weather or but not until the next edition of Focus, when I will be coldish soil. I also find it involves a different sort of able to report back on the whole month of March, bending to digging potatoes and it’s good to change including how our intrepid rainfall recorder assesses your back position regularly. snowfall.

After this, follow up with carrot seed, beetroot, February was snow-free (just) in Thorverton, indeed, celeriac, raddish, lettuce, swiss chard, spinach and, it was one of our less wet months with just 45mm of for something a little different, salsify, scorzonera rainfall, including a dry spell of 9 days up to the end and florence fennel. Brassicas have always been a of the month. This year's rainfall in February was problem because they are eaten by pigeons in the around half of our normal rainfall for the month. (It winter and spoiled by cabbage white butterflies in the will hardly be spoiling things for next month's report summer. This year, a movable brassica frame might to let you know that March's rainfall is already - on solve the problem and allow us to eat the vegetables! the 22nd - almost three times that which we I start brassica seed off in buckets at home and plant experienced in February. out when big enough into the correct position. If

Focus on Thorverton 31 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Nature Notes Last month I wrote about Sudden Stratospheric The Beast from the East and Storm Emma. Warming bringing ice and snow but I didn’t bargain The adverse weather conditions between the end of on it happening (if at all) so quickly and before the February and beginning of March changed the Focus I wrote it in went on sale. Birds have featured feeding habits of birds out of the necessity to find a lot in this article, not surprising because there have food. Goldcrests came into gardens and tucked into been few days when other wildlife such as cold fat balls. Redwing, Fieldfare, Brambling, Reed blooded insects can get about. That being said the Bunting, Meadow Pipit and Yellowhammer who pussy willow tree Salix caprea near our house was in normally live in the wider countryside were seen in full flower by mid March. On rare occasions when gardens. Of those Goldcrest, Redwing and Reed the sun came out the tree was positively humming to Buntings were recorded in gardens here in the sound of bumblebees, honey bees, dung flies and Thorverton. other flies taking the opportunity to gather bright yellow pollen as evidenced on their little bodies. It Lapwing, Woodcock, Snipe and Golden Plover has been a case of getting out on the odd sunny and sightings greatly increased along the coast with many mild days between the rain, snow and bitter cold for sightings well inland. Sadly, as a result of the bad humans as well as wildlife. weather and food availability many corpses of wading birds were found especially along shorelines. On 24th February Lin Balkwill and I walked a popular route from White Bridge, Budleigh Salterton A to Z Jay and Jackdaw along the coast path towards Ladram Bay. First of all Jay and Jackdaw are British members of the crow we visited the bird hide above the river Otter and family along with our Magpie, Chough, Rook, Raven watched a gull dive into the river and catch a flat and Carrion/Hooded Crow. fish. It landed the fish on a shingle beach and several times bashed the wriggling fish on the shingle. We The Jay is more often continued our walk along the coast path and spotted heard than seen, a shy but one Bloody-nosed Beetle. Although it is a slow very colourful bird. It is walker it quickly disappeared into vegetation when I mostly associated with its attempted to photograph it. Next we saw a pair of habit of carrying off Stonechat and another female further into the walk. acorns in autumn to store Not long after passing the Second World War away for winter lookout post we turned inland to the Sewage consumption. I love Treatment Works. It is hereabouts that wild birdseed finding its blue, white and is put out for birds. We stood quietly and heard black striped wing tweeting and then we were rewarded to see several feathers. It can be found as birds land to feed in a fenced off area. Chaffinches far as Japan and in and Goldfinches were resplendent in their bright different parts of its range will have a different mating plumage but a surprise was seeing a male coloured crown. In Britain its crown is streaked white Reed Bunting here as well. Stonechat, Bloody-nosed and black whereas in Japan it is ginger. When I was a Beetle and Kestrel are regular sightings along this child I would often take a walk with my siblings and walk and a Kestrel flew by as we were watching the neighbourhood friends that would pass a seed-eaters. Walking along the riverside back to gamekeepers gibbet and stop and stare at the pretty White Bridge, duck sightings included Shelduck and Jay and other animals suspended from the horizontal Mallard. A pair of Little Grebe was feeding in the pole. I looked through my old box of feathers for a river. A Little Egret landed in front of us and Jay feather and discovered all the feathery bits had proceeded to stir up the river bottom with its feet been eaten, just the quills left behind. I’m afraid little then catching and eating whatever it had disturbed. bugs had got at them, that’s life….and death. My sister just happened to have these two beauties in her My daughter and I did a walk in the woods at collection. Newton St Cyres on 15th March. My brother-in-law gave us a heads up that he’d seen newts beneath the The Jackdaw by contrast is a cheeky lively black and ice that covered water filled tyre ruts made by grey bird with a bright eye, not afraid to visit the forestry vehicles. Every year newts appear here if garden and take food put out for smaller birds. The you know where to look. Ro and I counted ten newts Jackdaw is the smallest of the crow family and is in all and there was no ice on this day. We also saw a often seen feeding in fields alongside Rooks and group of Red Deer hinds moving and blending Starlings. This is the bird that may fill up your among the gloomy tall fir trees. chimney with sticks when nest building. Its voice is often a noisy chak, chak, chak, kya or keeaw.

Focus on Thorverton 32 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______On 17th April Royal Mail is issuing a set of stamps Last Words titled ‘Reintroduced Species’ and includes the The spring migration of birds has already started. A Osprey and Large Blue butterfly, so go and buy some few House Martins were seen on 11th March from from the lovely ladies at the village Post Office. Send Morte Point heading towards Lundy. The same day someone a card and brighten their day. over a thousand incoming Meadow Pipits were seen from Portland Bill and two Sand Martins were seen Jenny Garne in the Otter estuary. Some Wheatears have already 01392 860875 reached their migratory destinations such as [email protected] Dartmoor.

Snow is falling….but what’s the tomorrow and it is extremely reassuring to know that the combination of modern technology, old fashioned season? community spirit, grit and determination plus brilliant team work will undoubtedly keep our We associate snow with mid-winter festivities, carols services going to help everyone through. It takes and times gone by – it certainly does not make us more than a bit of snow at the beginning of Spring to think of March, burst pipes and closed roads. upset that. However this is what happened and more remarkable Anthony O’Brien than the weather itself was just how accurately and Wyndham House Surgery precisely it could be predicted. No-one at the surgery had difficulty getting to work on the Thursday morning but forewarned is forearmed so we Connecting People with the immediately discussed how to keep the surgery open and get staff home safely. Jeff Solman has now Community returned to work with us permanently after finishing his GP training at Wyndham House 2 years ago. He is a dedicated team player and an excellent clinician There is increasingly strong evidence that people with an expertise in emergency medicine. Before we who develop regular social connections within their had started planning for the storm Jeff had already community, achieve an improvement in their mental booked himself a room at The Silverton Inn. Thanks and physical health and are more fulfilled. This has to Jeff and Jenny Plastow the surgery stayed open been clearly demonstrated in a recent social initiative throughout the first onslaught of ‘The Beast from the in Frome where emergency hospital admissions were East’. reduced by 17% while they increased by 29% in the rest of Somerset. Participants also felt happier and All our patients were very sensible throughout the 2 more fulfilled. (www.healthconnectionsmendip.org) days using the limited service available sensibly and (BBC Radio 4 15/03/18 The World at One) appropriately. People checked on their neighbours The Friends of Wyndham House Surgery are and 4x4 drivers volunteered to transport medicines. supporting the development of a wellbeing project to On Friday they were joined by Catherine Burkill who encourage more participation in the many and varied safely steered herself through the lanes in her social activities within Silverton and the surrounding Landrover before returning home to allow her villages. Currently this is aimed for those who are husband to go and review his patients in the hospital. “growing older” and who want to maintain their Cut off did not mean isolated and, in a lot of cases, health by doing what they can to prevent illness, completely the opposite for this short period of time. depression or becoming more socially isolated. This GP computer systems now allow remote working project is welcomed by the Surgery particularly in from home and elsewhere in Devon GPs were able to this day and age when preventative measures are so talk to patients on the phone with their notes open in important. Better health is the new wealth! front of them. Some clinicians went that extra mile (notable our amazing District Nurse Jan Hebditch To help to achieve this, I will be the wellbeing co- who walked all six of them in from Stoke Canon – ordinator for the area. My role is to help people find stopping where required for patients along the way). activities which they might enjoy, encourage them to join in and also assist in setting up new opportunities. I was about to write that it will probably be many Currently there are many local groups and activities, years until we experience such weather again but some of which have an obvious health benefit and are now on 18th March I have just looked out of the financially supported by the Friends. Others are more window and it has started to snow. I am on call social and are financed in other ways. Often people

Focus on Thorverton 33 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______who have been bereaved, have been acting as carers anyone has ideas for new activities, please let me or have been ill, or for other reasons, may have lost know. the confidence to go out and join in and may be feeling lonely or isolated. Trish Jones,Wellbeing Co ordinator Wyndham House If you, or any one you know, would like a Surgery Mobile: 0748 437 7298 email: confidential visit from me, to discuss the interests, [email protected] hobbies and activities you would like to participate in, please get in touch. If you are housebound or not so keen on group activities, I could arrange for a like minded visitor to spend some time with you. Also if

Captured by the ubiquitous John Spivey on 23rd March

Focus at 50

Next year Focus will be running its 50th volume. At businesses which advertise in Focus, so that they are the recent AGM, we agreed that we should have a encouraged to continue advertising with us. special celebration to mark this. If you would be prepared to help organise a party or such-like event We agreed that the money which we had set aside in or provide assistance to others on the day, please readiness for replacing our printer should now be contact the Chairman, Michael Ayre, or Editor, made available to people and organisations in Neville Lane. Thorverton for the benefit of villagers. A notice inviting bids for funding is at the end of the Letters section. Focus AGM We have tended to favour giving money to village organisations which benefit many villagers, however, The Focus AGM was held in early-March. The we would not rule out smaller projects involving current officers were re-elected, although the Editor fewer people if we felt that these were deserving again expressed his keenness to pass on the mantle to support and might fail without it. We prefer to someone else, so if you are interested please let me provide a proportion of funding, expecting the know. We could also do with more help as assistant requester to provide some funds themselves or editors. It is inevitable that while Focus is in a good through other sources, but again, we would not rule position financially, it is the people who make the out funding some small projects more fully. magazine and so without some new blood in the not too distant future, Focus will fold

The Treasurer was able to report a healthy financial position. We had feared that having Focus professionally printed would cause us to have to dip into our reserves, but with the solid support of advertisers sticking with us, we have been able to maintain our positive financial position. I do hope that where possible readers will support the

Focus on Thorverton 34 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Football Club Not too many matches plated again. Victims of Canadian Disaster The First Team has only played 13 In March’s Focus Ian Stoyle provided a piece on league matches all season (won 5, “Victims of the Canadian Disaster”. He has provided drawn 4, lost 4), which is about five me with the following interesting update: fewer than most teams in Division 2 of the Devon and Exeter League and an astonishing “Empress of Ireland” Victims - an old tale now ten games fewer than Axminster have played! largely confirmed.

The Second Team is jostling for promotion in Doreen Beer’s father, Leonard Mortimore, used to Division 8, with 34 points from 14 matches. This tell her that in 1914, as a ten-year-old, he with friends places Thorverton just four points behind the leaders, peered into the glass-covered coffins in which Sidmouth Town, over whom Thorverton has three Leonard and Ethel Palmer were laid out in the church games in hand; and just one point behind here after their drowning in Canada. Okehampton Argyle, over whom Thorverton has two games in hand.

Home matches scheduled for April: First Team: Mon 2nd 15.00 v Woodbury Wed 11th 18.30 v Bow AAC Wed 18th 18.30 v Bampton Sat 21st 15.00 v Axmouth United

Second Team:

Mon 9th 18.30 v Cheriton Fitzpaine Sat 14th 15.00 v Sidmouth Town Mon 16th 18.30 v Central

Cricket Club Activity will be getting under way in April at the

Cricket Club, although league matches don’t start th th until May. On 7 and 8 April the Cricket Club has a clean-up and preparation weekend for NatWest Cricket Force 2018.

Focus on Thorverton 35 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Adverts

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Dog Microchipping Done in your own home for all dogs over 8 weeks of age. £10 per dog Call Dawn on 01363 866319 or 0797 617 5943

Focus on Thorverton 46 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______

The RUFFWELL with its keen owner and team of professional staff is happy to be looking after local residents and visitors alike.

Our excellent Carvery is open every lunchtime and evening and all day on Sunday.

Our BAR FOOD MENU is fully operational and is available all day. We also serve a lovely all day Breakfast and have a fabulous SPECIALS MENU.

Our FUNCTION ROOM is fully operational and we will be pleased to quote for your special function.

Tel: 01392 860377

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BODY AND SOUL

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PROFESSIONAL, THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AIDING RELAXATION AND RELIEVING STRESS, SOOTHES ACHING MUSCLES AND IMPROVES CIRCULATION AND LYMPH DRAINAGE.

Therapeutic Full Body Massage For 1 hour £27.50. Back, Neck And Shoulders For 30 Minutes £17.50

Neck, Head And Face Massage For 30 Minutes £17.50

MO: 07514 013 313

Email

[email protected]

Member of the Complementary Therapists Association

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Kevin Sussex PAINTER AND DECORATOR Tel: 01392 881961 07919950222

Curtains and Gowns Bespoke

Curtains, Roman Blinds and Soft Furnishings Dress and gown making service Also alterations undertaken

Dressmaking and Soft Furnishing Classes

7 or 8 week blocks (some one-day classes)

Held in Silver Street, Thorverton Mondays and Thursdays 12-3pm and 7-9pm

For information call Donna on 01392 860088. Email: [email protected]

Logs For Sale

£75 for a load Also can supply bags of kindling £3 per net Contact Robert or Dawn on 01363 866319 Focus on Thorverton 56 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______

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Focus on Thorverton 60 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______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 pm Church (C of E) Mrs Margaret Lowe, Administration Manager, 07594 714590. [email protected]

Rector Rev. Katie Cross, 01392 759612 , email: [email protected]

Church Wardens Edwin Greed, Fortescue, Netherexe. 841231. Royston Kershaw 25 The Glebe. 860419

Church Choir Heather Kershaw 25 The Glebe, Thorverton 860419.

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) Minister: Revd Maurice Harrison, 966861. Secretary: Fiona Harrison, 966861.

County Councillor Margaret Squires, 01363 84337, [email protected]

District Councillor Cllr. Bob Deed. 01392 861258, [email protected]

Doctors: New Valley Practice, 03333 442 988. Wyndham House Surgery, 860034.

Electricity (Western Power) Report a loss of power: 0800 6783 105 (replaces 0800 365 900). edf Bill Enquiries: 0800 365 000. Street lights: 0800 197 6763.

Friends of Thorverton & Silverton Surgeries : Christine Walker, 881501.

Gas Emergency 0800 111999.

Leonard Trust Sec: Elspeth Holmes, Drill House, Lynch Road, Thorverton, 01392 860535

Library (Exeter Mobile) Every 4 weeks 3.35 – 4.20 Thursdays 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. Nick Bright Parish Clerk Mrs Alison Marshall, 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): Mr John Jolliffe. Head of School (Thorverton): Mrs Sarah Parkes 01392 860374. School Office (Thorverton): 01392 860374. Chair of Governors (Exe Valley Federation): Jackie Enright 01392 851859. Clerk to the Governors: Ms Jessica Benger: 07795 515048.

School P.T.F.A. Chair: Georgia Martin; Vice chair: Elaine Green; Secretary: Rachel Mildon Treasurer: Peter Stevens. : [email protected] Please contact any members of the PTFA via the school office: 860374.

South West Water 24 Hour Emergency: 0800 169 1144. Helpline: 0800 169 1133.

Thorverton Millennium Green Trust Chair: John Spivey, 01392 861324 Secretary: Maggie Dunlop, 01392 861185. www.thorverton.org.uk

Focus on Thorverton 61 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Thorverton Organisations Amateur Dramatic Society (TADS) Chair: Sheena Hunter-Hedges 01392 860843, Treasurer: Simon Hedges, Minutes Secretary: Mary Ette. Meetings: For details of meetings please contact [email protected] or by phone.

Art Group Barrie Phillips, Crossmead, School Lane, Thorverton. 860529. Meet Fridays during term-time at the Memorial Hall, 10.00 am-12.00.

Arts Exchange Becky Stannard, 7 The Glebe, 860737. Monthly meetings in members' homes at 8.00 pm.

Association Football Club Chairman and Secretary: Paul Webb, 07944533372.

Bridge Club Graeme Culshaw, tel: 860203. Meets 1st/3rd/5th Thursdays of month from 7.00pm New members always welcome, no partner needed. Contact Graeme for venue.

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. 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 C/o Exeter Inn, 01392 860206.

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: Mike Shelton, tel. 861027. [email protected] Secretary: Mike Baldwin, tel. 860853. [email protected] Bookings: [email protected] Website: www.thorvertonmemorialhall.co.uk

Memorial Hall Market 2nd Saturday of the month, at the Memorial Hall, 9.30 - 11.00 am.

Thorverton Pre-School Wendy Coles 861283 / [email protected] Mondays to Fridays during term-time at Thorverton Primary School site. 9.00 - 11.45 am, & 12.45 - 3.15 pm, & Lunch Club 11.45 am - 12.45 pm. Please contact Wendy for up-to-date changes to these times.

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 Fiona Meredith [email protected] or Amy Crebo [email protected] Thursdays at the Memorial Hall, 9.30 - 11.30 am.

Royal British Legion Chairman/Hon.Sec. : Alex Fice, Lynch Cottage, Thorverton 861136, [email protected] Hon. Treasurer: Mrs Felicity Cashmore.

Women's Institute Bookings: Sue Maguire, 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, W.I. Hut. 10.00 to 11.00 am.

Focus on Thorverton 62 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Doctors’ Surgeries New Valley Practice

Drs. J. Wride, L. Anderson, A. Hall, J. Harris, E. Saunders, G. Cameron, E. Ziegler, L. Worsley Newcombes The Surgery, The Bury Crediton EX17 2AR Thorverton EX5 5NT Main telephone: 03333 442 988 www.newvalleypractice.co.uk

Crediton GPs on Duty Thorverton GPs on Duty Monday 08.30 – 18.00 Drs. Harris, Saunders, 08.30 – 18.00 Dr. Anderson Cameron, Ziegler Tuesday 08.30 – 18.00 Drs. Saunders, Harris, 08.30 – 18.00 Dr. Anderson Hall Wednesday 08.30 – 18.00 Drs. Wride, Hall, 08.00 – 14.00 Dr. Anderson Cameron, Ziegler (morning only) Thursday 08.30 – 18.00 Drs. Anderson, Harris, 08.30 – 18.00 Dr. Ziegler Saunders, Worsley Friday 08.30 – 18.00 Drs. Hall, Saunders, 08.30 – 18.00 Dr. Wride Worsley

There are no surgeries on Saturday or Sunday, but a doctor will be on call, for emergencies only, on 111. Extended surgeries will be offered in Thorverton, late evening surgery in Crediton. Please ask at reception for details.

Repeat prescriptions (Monday-Friday) – You can request your repeat prescriptions by calling our in-house dispensary on 01392 861622 or by using our online repeat prescription request at www.newvalleypractice.co.uk Please note that 48 hours’ notice is required for all repeat prescriptions. We accept credit/debit card payments for NHS and private prescriptions. We now operate a home delivery service for housebound registered patients. Please contact us on 01392 860273 for more information.

Focus on Thorverton 63 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Wyndham House Surgery Fore Street, Silverton, EX5 4HZ Telephone: 01392 860034

www.wyndhamhousesurgery.co.uk

Sadly we said goodbye to Nurse Mags Keysell at the end of January and, happily, hello to Nurse Elaine Rolfe from the beginning of February

Currently rated as an OUTSTANDING Practice by the CQC

Day/Dr Dr Anthony O’Brien Dr Catherine Burkill Dr Jeff Solman Monday 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 15:00 – 17:30 15:00 – 17:30 Tuesday 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 14:00 – 17:30 15:00 – 17:30 Wednesday 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 15:00 – 17:30 15:00 – 17:30 Thursday 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 14:00 – 16:00 Friday 09:00 – 11:30 09:00 – 11:30 14:30 – 16:00* *emergencies only

Please note: The doctors are happy to speak to you on the phone instead of an appointment if you prefer. Please request this from reception when you telephone.

Surgery hours: Monday - Thurs. 08:30 - 18:00 Friday 08:30 - 17:00

Dispensary hours: Monday - Thurs. 08.30 - 18:00 There is no closure for lunch and prescriptions may be Friday 08.30 - 17:00 collected all through the day.

Repeat prescriptions can be ordered online via our website. We also operate a home delivery service for housebound registered patients. Please contact our reception or dispensary for more information.

On-line appointment booking Flexible appointments at beginning and end of day if required - just ask

Focus on Thorverton 64 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______

Waste Collection Dates for 2018 Collections on Mondays, unless stated otherwise (These collection dates apply to the majority of the village, but outlying parts may have different collection days)

General refuse, recycling boxes and food caddy Chargeable garden waste and food caddy April 4th (Wed.), 16th & 30th April 10th (Tues.) & 23rd May 14th & 29th (Tues.) May 8th (Tues.) & 21st

Mobile Library Every fourth Thursday in the Quarry Car Park from 15.35 to 16.20.

Dates for 2018: April 12th, May 10th, June 7th, July 5th, August 2nd and 30th, September 27th, October 25th, November 22nd, December 20th.

Union Flag Flying days in April 21 April Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen 23 April St George’s 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 No 678 Cheriton Fitzpaine – Thorverton section served on Tuesday (renumbered Service 675) 10.05 from the Berry, 10.10 from Latchmore Green. Wednesday and Friday 10.05 from The Berry and 10.09 from 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, 17.10 (Saturdays only), 17.29 (this is the 155 service), 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, 16.45 (Sats only), 17.05 (this is the 155 service), 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 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 65 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Diary 2018 Please notify FOCUS Editor of additions or changes. (Email: [email protected] or Neville Lane on 861062)

APRIL Tues 3rd WI meeting, “Mid Devon Recycling”, WI Hut, 7.30pm Tues 3rd SFH Easter Bingo, Memorial Hall, eyes down 8pm Thurs 5th Ladies Group visit to Barnfield Theatre (contact Sue Batty 860140), meet in The Bury, 6.30pm Fri 6th Coffee Morning Baptist Church, 10.30-12.00 Tues 10th Parish Council Meeting, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm Fri 13th Christianity Explored, Thorverton Arms snug, 2.15 – 3.15pm Fri 13th WI Soup and Pudding Evening, WI Hut, 6.30 for 7pm Sat 14th Saturday Market, Memorial Hall, 9.30-11.15am Sun 15th Car Boot Sale, Memorial Hall 8.30-1130 am Sun 15th Bluebell Walk, Byway Farm, 2.30pm Mon 16th Garden Club, Neil Lovesey on Plant Propagation, Upton Pyne Village Hall, 7.30pm Thurs 19th Millennium Trustees AGM 7pm Exeter Inn Thurs 19th to } TADS presents “Sherlock’s Excellent Adventure” by James Barry, Memorial Hall, 7:30pm nightly Sat 21st } Tickets from the Berry Dairy. Enquiries: 01392 860843 Tues 24th Memorial Hall AGM, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm Wed 25th Annual Parish Meeting, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm Fri 27th Christianity Explored, Thorverton Arms snug, 2.15 – 3.15pm Fri 27th History Society, Dr David Parker – Devon and the First World War, WI Hut 7:30 pm Sat 28th WI Market & Coffee Morning (with fresh vegetables, eggs, etc.), 10.00 – 11.00 am, WI Hut. Sat 28th Workshop for Singers, Thorverton Church, 10am-5pm Sat 28th Millennium Green Working Party, 11am Sat 28th Garden Club Flower Show, Upton Pyne Village Hall, 2-4pm Sat 28th “Brush up your Shakespeare” by Exeter Drama Group, Memorial Hall, 7.30pm

MAY Tues 1st WI meeting, AGM,WI Hut, 7.30pm Fri 4th Coffee Morning, Baptist Church, 10.30-12.00 Tues 8th Parish Council Meeting, WI Hut, 7.30pm Fri 11th Christianity Explored, Thorverton Arms snug, 2.15 – 3.15pm Sun 13th Sunnymead Gas-up, 10am-4pm Tues- Sat. 15th – 19th East Devon Arts Festival at Thorverton Church Sat 19th Pie and Quiz, Memorial Hall, 7pm Fri 25th Christianity Explored, Thorverton Arms snug, 2.15 – 3.15pm Fri 25th History Society, Exe Valley Railway – an evening of archive footage, WI Hut 7:30 pm Sat 26th WI Market & Coffee Morning (with fresh vegetables, eggs, etc.), 10.00 – 11.00 am, WI Hut.

JUNE Fri 1st Coffee Morning Baptist Church, 10.30-12.00 Tues 5th WI meeting, “John Smith from Tesco’s,” WI Hut, 7.30pm Sat 23rd Beach Party, Memorial Hall (time tba)

JULY Sat 14th Fun Day, Memorial Hall

Focus on Thorverton 66 Vol 49 No 4 –April 2018 ______Snowy Thorverton Photos by John Spivey